Category Archives: Organic

Dirty Dozen, Clean Fifteen: Your 2026 Organic Cheat Sheet!

Posted on August 26, 2026 by The GEM and currently has Comments Off on Dirty Dozen, Clean Fifteen: Your 2026 Organic Cheat Sheet!

You want to eat clean. You want to buy organic, always. But real life doesn’t always cooperate. — sometimes the organic strawberries are sold out. Sometimes you’re staring down a gas station snack aisle with zero glowing options. When 100% organic isn’t in the cards (unless, of course, you are at The GEM), you need to know exactly what to prioritize the second it is. (We’ve written about navigating real life while staying #HonestlyOrganic before, because we get it.)

Shine brighter. Shop organic. Order The GEM now!

That’s where the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen come in. Each year, EWG analyzes pesticide residue data from thousands of produce samples and turns it into two simple shopping lists.

Think of them as your produce-aisle cheat sheet: Where organic matters most — and where you can relax a little.

Meet the 2026 Dirty Dozen (Buy These Organic, No Excuses)

Spinach takes the number-one spot, with more pesticide residue by weight than any other produce tested. It’s followed by kale, collard and mustard greens, then strawberries — still holding strong near the top of the charts.

One surprise this year, potatoes, one of America’s most-eaten veggies, ranked number 11. Rule of thumb: If it’s leafy, or it’s got soft thin skin, treat organic like a non-negotiable.

The Full List of The Most Pesticide Heavy Fruits & Vegetables

Spinach
Kale/collard/mustard greens
Strawberries
Grapes
Nectarines
Peaches
Cherries
Apples
Blackberries
Pears
Potatoes
Blueberries

What About the 2026 Clean Fifteen

At the GEM we’re always Honestly Organic. But we know sometimes you have to make compromises. You can choose conventional fruits and vegetables when you need to. No surprise that produce with thick skin that you have to peel are on this list — like pineapples or avocados — but so are cauliflower and cabbage.

The Most Pesticide-Free Produce

Pineapple
Sweet corn
Avocados
Papaya
Onions
Frozen sweet peas
Asparagus
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Watermelon
Mangoes
Bananas
Carrots
Mushrooms
Kiwi
(Quick disclaimer straight from EWG: sweet corn, papaya and summer squash sometimes come from GMO seed in the U.S., so grab organic there too if that matters to you.)

Okay, But WHY Does Avoiding Pesticides Even Matter?

Pesticides aren’t just chilling harmlessly on the surface of your produce. Research links pesticide exposure to hormone (endocrine) disruption, neurological effects and increased cancer risk (more from EWG, and kids are especially vulnerable because their bodies are still developing. A Harvard-led study following over 160,000 people for decades found that eating high-pesticide-residue produce was linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular death compared to low-pesticide-residue produce. And a 2025 peer-reviewed study found that switching to organic for even a short window measurably lowered pesticide levels in people’s bodies. This isn’t just a trend, it’s backed by actual science.

Top 3 Offenders, Solved: GEM Products That’ve Got You Covered

Good news — you don’t have to choose between convenience and consciousness, we already built the trifecta into the menu:

Spinach: Our Emerald City smoothie (celery, cucumber, spinach, basil, ginger, apple, lemon) or the 24 Karat Magic juice — both organic spinach, zero guesswork.
Kale, Collard & Mustard Greens: Green Glow juice is basically kale’s greatest-hits album. Or go full super-green with Disco (collard greens, dandelion greens, spinach, bok choy + more) — a party for your cells.
Strawberries: Sip the Strawberry Kiss Cooler, Strawberry Matcha Latte or Strawberry Cashew Milk all organic top to bottom.

Want the overachiever move? Order a Cameo smoothie — spinach, kale AND strawberry in one cup. All three Dirty Dozen headliners, handled.

Shine Brighter, One Choice at a Time

Screenshot this. Tape it to the fridge. Whatever gets it in front of your eyeballs at the store! And everything inside The GEM? Always Honestly Organic, always dancing to that disco beat of clean, green goodness.

Fight Back Against Cold and Flu With Boosted Immunity

Posted on February 4, 2026 by The GEM and currently has Comments Off on Fight Back Against Cold and Flu With Boosted Immunity

The cold weather took a while to arrive this year, but something else was right on time: cold and flu season! Sniffles and fevers are running rampant, especially after the chaos of the holidays and kids back to school, but we’re here to help!

Our Favorite Ways to Boost Immunity

Drink water! We can’t say it enough! When you wake up, before you’ve eaten anything else, reach for a large glass of water! Drink as much water as you can, with a goal of about 32 ounces to start the day.. Hydration enhances metabolism, promotes glowy skin, flushes your organs, boosts energy and keeps you strong and healthy to fight back against viruses and bacteria. Some other ways to maintain maximum hydration? Keep a refillable water bottle in your car, and drink a cup or two of herbal, caffeine-free tea before bed!

Eat clean. It might seem obvious, but you are what you eat! A diet high in fruits and vegetables (especially organic!) supports a healthy and thriving immune system. And some foods are truly SUPER foods that can really boost your system! Double down on these immunity boosters during these cold & flu months:

Pack in citrus fruits and leafy greens! Packed with vitamin C, citrus fruits and greens increase your white blood cells and have anti-inflammatory properties. Start adding a daily green smoothie or green juice into your routine (The Emerald City smoothie and Disco juice are some of our favorites!) The Maui GEM smoothie is packed with Vitamin C, and makes you think you are on a beach somewhere warm. Secret hack: add an Immunity Shot and Spinach for a triple threat boost!
Heat up some bone broth. Bone broth (like our delicious Immunity Broth) is packed with amino acids and nutrients that reduce inflammation, support gut health and assist in producing infection-fighting white blood cells. Plus it’s easy to work into your regimen by using the nourishing broth to make soups, rice and other grains. Try freezing it in small batches to make it last longer.
Try turmeric and ginger. Everyone knows these powerhouses! And for good reason. Turmeric and ginger are anti-inflammatory and have antioxidants that support overall wellness, fight inflammation and aid digestion! Plus, we have PLENTY of options at the GEM! Make our Hot Immuni-Tea with local raw honey your morning ritual, or the ever popular Immunity Shot with lemon, ginger and turmeric combined. Keep a large bulk bottle of our Immunity Mix and add it to your own tea or juices at home. It’s a quick and easy daily fix!

Get plenty of GOOD sleep. Sleep is so important to maintain and strengthen your immunity! It might be the NUMBER ONE way to stay healthy. Pick a decent bedtime hour to get at least 7 to 9 HOURS and stick to it! Don’t forget to practice good sleep hygiene. You’ll notice a difference right away in energy, and underneath, you’ll be building up a strong immunity to keep you happy and dancing all winter long!

Fighting back against cold and flu has never been easier with the GEM! Drink water, get lots of sleep, and order one (or a few!) of these GEM favs for pickup today to feel the full effect that a healthy immune system can make! Wishing you the coziest, sickness-free winter GEMs!

Are you Vegan-curious? Your Questions Answered

Posted on May 15, 2024 by The GEM and currently has Comments Off on Are you Vegan-curious? Your Questions Answered

What exactly is veganism? Could it be for you? With so much talk — and noise — around the term, you may be a little unsure. So we’re here to shine a light on this vibrant way of eating.

What is Veganism?

Veganism is essentially a type of vegetarianism. While the terms are often used interchangeably, vegetarianism is a diet that doesn’t include animals, like meat or fish. Veganism, on the other hand, excludes all animal-derived products including meat, fish, dairy, eggs and even honey! A vegan diet is 100 percent plant-based and consists of grains, beans, nuts, tofu, fruits and vegetables.

Should You Go Vegan?

We can’t answer that question for you. But if you decide to go vegan, you should be clear on your “why.” That will keep you motivated when that dairy-based cheese is calling your name. There are a number of reasons to go vegan, but some of the big ones include

1. Animal ethics
2. Environmental concerns
3. Health benefits

At The GEM, the health benefits are the primary reason we stick with vegan products, but environmental concerns and animal ethics also motivate our choices as well. If you’re thinking about going vegan, you may be wondering how best to do so.

Is a Vegan Diet Healthy?

When implemented properly, a vegan diet CAN be very healthy. However, one must be conscious to strictly follow the rules of a diet with non-processed, protein rich food sources. Junk food is out. Thoughtful, well-prepared foods are in.

Covering Your Essential (Vitamin) Bases

Plant-based foods are rich in anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting, and metabolism-boosting components. And while a strict vegan diet provides an abundance of essential vitamins and minerals, you may want to consider adding some supplements. For instance, incorporating vitamin B12 supplements helps bridge the nutritional gap typically filled by animal products. At The GEM, you also always have the option to enhance your plant-based smoothies boosts like spirulina or E3 Live for that extra nutritional punch!

How Do You Get Your Protein When Vegan?

It’s important to know where to get proper nutrition from plants. Otherwise, you will be hungry, even unhealthy! Protein and fat are critical. If you don’t get enough of both in your diet, you’ll crave sugars that will put your diet in a tailspin. Nourish your body with intention and focus.

Plant foods can be surprisingly rich in protein. The best sources include lentils, chickpeas and tofu. Whole grains such as oats, whole wheat pasta and quinoa can also be great sources of protein. Nuts and seeds will provide the high-fat content your body needs, helping with brain functioning and keeping your belly full!

It’s important to remember that there is a learning curve when deciding to go vegan. (And that’s perfectly normal!) Be smart about it.

What is the GEM POV?

Almost all of the GEM’s options are vegan — the exception being our exclusive organic bone broth crafted by our friends at Stocks & Bondy. After co-owner Leslie’s cancer diagnosis, she followed a vegan diet and remained mostly vegan for several years afterwards. Finding a source of authentic organic vegan food was nearly impossible. Hence the GEM was born! While not strictly vegan today, the GEM remains a safe haven for those searching for the cleanest, organic, nutrient-dense soups, salads and smoothies.

Together our founders Leslie & MK embrace the 80/20 lifestyle, filling 80% of their diet with the good stuff—vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. The remaining 20%? That’s the clean, organic, responsibly-sourced animal product foods (and a few naughty snacks on occasion)! It’s all about balance at The GEM, where every aspect of healthy eating is celebrated.

If you decide to go vegan, you may see incredible results from a vegan diet. And you may want to stick with it for a lifetime — or for shorter periods of time. Our bodies change, thus our needs do too.

Vegan doesn’t have to be a scary word! A proper vegan diet can bring vibrant transformation into your life. Whether you choose to dive fully into veganism or not, there are undeniable benefits to adding abundant plant-based foods to your diet.

Order your favorite vegan snacks online for pick-up now!

Why You Should Care if Your Juice is Made with High Pressure Processing

Posted on October 10, 2022 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has 1 Comment on Why You Should Care if Your Juice is Made with High Pressure Processing

Wonder why our juice tastes fresh and best? Well, we believe in the highest standards in what we do. Down to the disco ball and Honestly Organic ingredients. And our juice is never made with high-pressure processing.

Craving some super-fresh juice? Order for pick up now!

What is High-Pressure Processing?

It’s important to know when, where, how and with what your juice is made. Our cold-pressed juice is made fresh daily, bottled on site and then placed right on the shelf (and never processed). Most of our juice only lasts three days — and you GEMs snatch them up and gulp away before the expiration date comes and goes. Yet, you can find dozens of “fresh,” cold-pressed juices that are good for 30 or more days? That seems strange, doesn’t it? Those long-lasting juices are made using high-pressure processing (HPP), a pasteurization process that preserves and sterilizes food by applying very, very high pressure, instead of heat.

The Advantages of HPP

There are advantages, of course: It reduces the level of possible pathogens in the juice — which were there from the beginning but not all of the enzymes and nutrients, like heat pasteurization. The high pressure kills certain microorganisms and enzymes in the food, thereby slowing the food’s deterioration. And it’s the only way juice can be made and sold wholesale (like to a grocery store). Sounds like the perfect solution to having juice last longer, right? We thought so. Unfortunately, we found a few things we didn’t like about the process.

Why We Said No to High-Pressure Processing

The juice has to be more acidic. First off, our precious juice recipes that we hold so dear would have to be formulated differently for high-pressure processing. WTF. No way. Many of our super green juices would have to change to be more acidic. We didn’t like being told that. How could we face our GEMs if we had to change the recipes to their favorite organic juice or, worse still, as one consultant recommended, we add minute quantities of citric acid??
The taste worsens. Over time, taste changes. And not for the better we decided. Don’t agree? Try some juice that has a shelf-life of 30 days or more. Then try some GEM juice. The last thing we want is the taste of our Radiant Glow not to be, well, radiant.
It’s not honest. HPP juice really isn’t “freshly” made or “raw”. It’s pressed and sent to a giant HPP plant, which then treats the juice, dates it and sends it back. In fact, plenty of juice companies have gotten in trouble for calling their juices “fresh” and “raw.” It doesn’t even have to be identified as HPP. So how do you even know if your juice has been processed or it’s truly fresh? By checking the expiration date. HPP can have a shelf life of 30 to 50 days days, 10 to 15 times longer than juice the way nature intended. We think that’s just deceiving. AND, who wants to drink 30-day-old juice?
Benefits change. The good bacteria is destroyed. Along with the bad bacteria (that’s a good thing), the process kills good probiotic bacteria that play a role in good nutrition. Plus, enzymes only live for five to seven days, and HPP can’t change that. The important enzymes that are still alive may be altered and thereby denatured.

Our raw, organic, health-mentoring pledge: We provide the best juices to alkalize the blood and neutralize toxins in the body. That’s also why we never use high-pressure processing and only use 100-percent organic ingredients — a lot of other “organic” juice makers only do organic when it’s convenient; most don’t even try. And being 100 percent Honestly Organic and non-HPP comes at a price to us. But so does our health!

It is our philosophy that truly raw juice can be our medicine, our energizer. BUT: it must be left unprocessed and in its purest (and tastiest) form. We will guide our GEMs daily through an accessible pathway to optimal health. Therefore, we will NOT use processing of any kind on our juices or produce. We WILL continue to raise the bar at every turn, maintain our organic pledge and continue to create more amazingly healthy and tasty juices, smoothies and green bites. Just. for. you.

How To Eat Clean At Home with Original G·E·M·S Life

Posted on June 1, 2021 by The GEM and currently has Comments Off on How To Eat Clean At Home with Original G·E·M·S Life

Of course we love EVERYTHING we do here inside the GEM — but we can’t eat here for every meal! And that means some serious at-home recipe innovation to check off our daily EAT CLEAN practice!

START. COMMIT. GROW. JOIN ORIGINAL G·E·M·S LIFE!

Eat Clean is our second Original G·E·M·S Life category, which includes our tried-and-true, easy-to-follow food rules that keep your body at its best. By selecting one practice that resonates with you from one or all of all of the four Original G·E·M·S categories (Gratitude, Eat Clean, Move, and Shine), and committing to doing it daily for a week, then a month (and eventually forever), you’ll be well on your way to Shining Brighter in all areas of your life!

Keep your body looking and feeling great with these quick-n-easy, healthy snacks for days you just can’t make it in to see us.

9 Easy Ways to Eat Clean at Home

VEGGIE DIP SNACK PLATE. Appetizer plate with a dip trio of hummus, vegan spicy ranch, and jalapeño pesto. Serve with cut veggies and gf chips.

SCRAMBLE À LA GEM. Add a touch of olive oil and sauté our Arugula Quinoa Salad with a couple of scrambled eggs. *Chef’s Kiss* delicious!

DINNER, QUICK! Our version of beans and rice: serve our Lentil Soup on a bed of our Classic Quinoa.

STUFFED AVOCADO. Fill half of an avocado with our Pico de Gallo and a vegan ranch dressing of your choice. Shazam!

TACO BOUT HEALTHY! Make your tacos even better and even go further by adding our Quinoa to cooked ground beef or turkey, taco seasoning and POW — you’ve got a healthy AND TASTY boost!!!

SPARKLING WATER HACK. Pour our Immunity Mix into ice cube trays for an added boost to your tea or sparkling water. Plus, it extends the life of your precious Immunity Shots!

AT-HOME CASHEW MILK LATTE. Take home our cold brew coffee and a cashew milk, then pour in a heating frother for an incredible latte on Sunday mornings!

SUB BONE BROTH FOR WATER. Make the most incredible rice with our Bone Broth. Use it in place of water — as much or as little as you like. I make mine with half broth, half water. For an exotic flair, use our Immunity Bone broth and add an extra teaspoon of turmeric. It is AWESOME!

ORDER AHEAD AT THE GEM. You can use our to-go snacks for meals. Just hit us up on our app!

But of course, if you’re too busy to cook at home or just prefer our in-store menu, pay us a visit for all of your #HonestlyOrganic smoothie, juice and green bites needs! See you in soon.

5 Eat Clean Practices for a Holiday GLOW (Original G·E·M·S Life)

Posted on December 9, 2020 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has Comments Off on 5 Eat Clean Practices for a Holiday GLOW (Original G·E·M·S Life)

Gingerbread cookies and reindeer treats and holiday pies, OH, MY! With the fun traditions of the holidays comes the inevitably tempting seasonal sweet treats and sugary goodies. But our new program, Original G·E·M·S Life, is designed to help you stay on track through the holidays and every day.

ORDER OUR ORGANIC JUICES, SMOOTHIES & GREEN BITES FOR PICKUP OR DELIVERY!

Taking part in Original G·E·M·S Life just requires doing four daily practices, one in each of these categories: Gratitude, Eat Clean, Movement, Shine. Eat Clean practices include our tried-and-true food rules that keep your body at its best.

By adding one of these EAT CLEAN practices to your Original G·E·M·S Life you can rest assured you’re doing right by your body AND enjoy your holidays at the same time.

5 Eat Clean Practices for a Holiday GLOW

STAY HYDRATED. Drink 32 ounces of water upon waking every day. Then remember to drink a big glass of water an hour before you sit down to dinner. (If you drink it too close to eating, it dilutes your gastric juices and impedes digestion.) Oftentimes we mistake hunger for thirst. In reality, our bodies are simply dehydrated.
DRINK YOUR DAILY JUICE. You can pick your favorite juice, but make sure you drink it every day. I crave my celery juice in the mornings—and I add parsley and kale for a bigger chlorophyll punch). This ensures I stay hydrated, but also boosts immunity, manages blood sugar levels, and reduces cravings.
EXTRA GREENS AT EVERY MEAL. Put in the effort to add some in every meal, every day. Pack them onto your plate or blend them in! Add them to your morning smoothies, blend into sauces, soups and even rice (blend garlic, cilantro, and spinach in your Vitamix with a cup of bone broth, then use it to cook your rice or quinoa!).
EAT BEFORE YOU GO-GO. Have a healthy snack before you leave the house every day. Keep nutrient dense foods on hand, like our MVP soup. It is super satisfying and is loaded with veggies and satisfying fiber. It’s a secret weapon for hunger cravings!
ENJOY A DAILY INDULGENCE. Don’t deprive yourself. Whatever your treat is, treat yourself every day. Keep your portion small, and don’t eat other indulgences, especially just because they’re there! Make your splurge worth it.

Don’t let holiday eating take control of your diet. You can take control with these EAT CLEAN practices from Original G·E·M·S Life and come out of the holidays with habits that you keep for a lifetime!

Jump Into Original G·E·M·S Life!

Shine Brighter all the time with an Original G·E·M·S Life, a daily playbook based on The GEM’s founding principles. Jump on our disco train and commit daily to just one practice in each of the categories, Gratitude, Eat Clean, Move, and Shine. Add in more practices and grow with the program when you’re ready and create your own Original G·E·M·S Life! Get started today!

Let us know what practices you love, and share your ideas for other practices on our social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook!

Inside Our Ingredients (And Why ORGANIC Matters!)

Posted on October 22, 2020 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has Comments Off on Inside Our Ingredients (And Why ORGANIC Matters!)

Here’s our hot take, GEMs; Living an #HonestlyOrganic lifestyle means choosing only the BEST for your body. No pesticides, no GMOs, no kidding.

ORDER HONESTLY ORGANIC GREEN BITES, JUICES & SMOOTHIES FOR PICKUP & DELIVERY !

Being conscious of where our food comes from offers long-term benefits for both body and mind. When you choose organic, you unleash the superpowers of clean, whole foods that produce a positive environment on our insides AND on our earth.

We’re committed to providing you with Honestly Organic ingredients to help you on your path toward healthier living. Here’s the lowdown on each of our ingredients inside The GEM.

THE HEALTHY SCOOP ON OUR HONESTLY ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

Almonds: A good source of manganese and copper, and high in health-promoting fats associated with reduced risk of heart disease.
Apples: High in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and soluble fiber. An apple a day…
Bananas: Rich in Vitamin B6 and C, plus a good source of fiber, magnesium and potassium. They make our GEM smoothies super rich and creamy!
Beets: supports healing and detoxification of the liver and kidneys, and helps stimulate the lymph system, flushing out fatty deposits.
Blueberries: An incredible antioxidant cancer-fighting, cardiovascular health-promoting super fruit.
Carrots: High in vitamin A, offering optimal immune support and healing properties. stimulates a fat-flushing reaction in your system.
Cashews: Great source for healthy dairy alternative, provides a wide array of health benefits and is high in B vitamins, magnesium and copper.
Cayenne: This anti-inflammatory spice stimulates circulation, increases metabolism and neutralizes acidity in the body,
Celery: This anti-inflammatory heals the gut, purifies the blood, strengthens the bones, and lowers blood pressure.
Chia Seeds: high in iron, calcium, antioxidants and omega-3s.
Chlorophyll: Boosts the immune system, cleanses the digestive tract, the liver and the blood. Found in all leafy greens. An amazing natural defense against the effects of stress.
Cinnamon: Regulates the body’s blood sugar levels, and rich in trace minerals, iron, calcium, and quality dietary fiber.
Cucumber: A natural diuretic that aids in kidney, liver and pancreatic detoxification, helps regulate blood pressure. Incredibly alkalizing!
Coconut Butter: Contains healthy, healing, MCT fats–considered a rare and important building block of every cell in the human body. Boosts immunity, kills bacteria and viruses, protects against cancer, heart disease and promotes calcium absorption. Great for skin radiance.
Dates: High in fiber, Vitamin A, magnesium, and antioxidants.
Ginger: aids digestion and circulation while reducing inflammation and nausea. It is the ultimate ally in fighting nasty cold and flu symptoms. Also considered to have anti-cancer properties.
Hemp: rich in protein and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins A, E, B-12 and folic acid, and is rich in magnesium, potassium, iron and magnesium.
Kale: contains more readily absorbed calcium than milk. Rich in lutein and beta-carotene, major anti-cancer phytochemicals playing a role against cancer, heart disease, and certain age-related chronic diseases. The detox benefits of chlorophyll alone make this one of the MVPs of kale nutrients.
Lemon: stimulates the digestive system, purifies the liver and clears out toxins. a natural antiseptic—clearing bad bacteria out of the system. Incredibly alkalizing.
Maca: Nutritionally dense super-food rich in B vitamins (energy),Beneficial for hormonal problems including PMS, menopause, and hot flashes. Best known for improving libido and sexual function, especially in men. For this reason, it’s earned the nickname “nature’s Viagra.”
Mango: Rich in dietary fiber, potassium and antioxidant compounds, and has been found to protect against colon, breast, leukemia and prostate cancers.
Maple Syrup: contains 54 different antioxidants.
Orange: rich in Vitamin C, plus plenty of fiber!
Pomegranate: rich phytochemicals that fight certain cancers
Sea Salt: Naturally alkalizing with many essential trace minerals your body needs.
Spinach: This chlorophyll-rich green is loaded with Calcium, Lutein, Folic Acid, Vitamin K and Iron. Spinach is also rich in Vitamin C, fiber and carotenoids. Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse.
Turmeric: Fights infection, reduces joint inflammation, and treats digestive problems like bloating and gas. Also provides super protection against breast, prostate, skin and colon cancer.

Living an #HonestlyOrganic lifestyle means choosing only the BEST for your body. No pesticides, no GMOs, no kidding. Going organic is your best weapon against disease, and the key to living a healthier, happier life. We’re living proof! Questions about our ingredients? Come visit today!

Eight Years In, We’re Shining Brighter Than Ever (And GROWING)!

Posted on February 5, 2020 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has 7 Comments on Eight Years In, We’re Shining Brighter Than Ever (And GROWING)!

As we kick off this month celebrating EIGHT AMAZING YEARS of partying under the GEM disco ball, it is so gratifying to reflect on our journey. What started as a simple idea to spread our passion for health has grown and transformed into a powerful GEM community, who are just as excited about sharing the Peace, Happy and the JUICE as we are! We are grateful for each of you who have been part of our journey, and excited to share our plans for growth in the new year.

IN A HURRY? ORDER YOUR DAILY ORGANIC JUICES, SMOOTHIES AND GREEN BITES ON OUR APP!

Celebrating 8 Groovy Years of Peace, Happy, and JUICE!

After my cancer diagnosis years ago, I became obsessed with everything related to food and healthy living. This newfound passion and powerful health discovery was the blueprint that became part of our GEM manifesto. MK and I were convinced that our new, intentional lifestyle was an incredible way to not only heal, but stay healthy for a lifetime. But we wanted to create something bigger than just us massaging kale in my kitchen. How would we do that?

Where We’ve Been: As we looked for places to support our newfound lifestyle, we realized there weren’t any that authentically provided the quality or an environment that we loved. So we put our heads together and laid out what we wanted our dream to look like. This channeling of our creativity and passion together is how The Gem came to be—a place to find “Diamonds on Your Inside.” We set out to create a healthy “Cheers,” and a place to share our passion for a GEM-my life with others.

The GEM is a physical manifestation of who we are—a place to share the habits we’ve lived and learned through our GEM-my journey, where you can change the way you feel, and in doing so change the course of your life as it relates to health (and happiness)! And we’ve LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!

What We’ve Learned: We knew next to nothing about the restaurant business when we started back in 2012, but we never let that hold us back. We dug in deep—learning, growing, and dancing as we went along. We’ve learned so much about the importance of community. And you, our GEMs, are more health-savvy than ever before! You’ve discovered firsthand the amazing power of clean food, a plant based, anti-inflammatory and an anti-cancer diet. You are as passionate about health and clean eating as we are, and we couldn’t be happier. You feel better and look better, too! Let’s face it—addicted to feeling better is a great addiction to have.

Our Future Is Looking BRIGHT! We have been learning and growing so much these past eight years, and we want to keep spreading our GEM lifestyle to more corners of Dallas. That’s why we are excited to announce that The GEM will be opening a third location in the coming year! Keep up with our news and subscribe to our email list for more updates and to keep up with our progress.

Our ultimate goal has always been to make people feel better leaving the GEM than when they walked in. And most days, I think we far exceed our goal to make that happen. The quote by Hippocrates on the wall inside The Gem says, “Let Food Be Thy Medicine”. We live by this mantra daily. We never tell you a certain diet to follow, because each of your beautiful bodies are different. We encourage you to know your bodies, applying certain broad GEM principles to your life to open the path towards more health, happiness and healing. That intuitive eating has made you more confident in your health and your choices, and you still choose to come see us each day. This is our story. You’ve made it all possible.

Much much gratitude and admiration,

Leslie & MK

The Gratitude of 10 Years Cancer-Free

Posted on November 1, 2019 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has 16 Comments on The Gratitude of 10 Years Cancer-Free

Today was graduation day for me. At my 16th boob check-up, I got the news: another beautifully clear, cancer-free scan — marking 10 years cancer free. Complete remission.

My oncology surgeon — the truly brilliant, and amazingly badass Dr. Marilyn Leitch, announced, “This is your 10 YEAR anniversary. This is a big deal, and a long time coming! How are you going to celebrate?”

The truth is, I won’t. Not in a typical way with balloons and confetti anyway.

What I will do is celebrate this anniversary with intense gratitude for what the disease brought into my life, just as I celebrate every day. I am thankful for the beauty that emerged in the darkness. The disease revealed an amazing community of GEMs. AND, above all else, it brought me humility for the beauty of Life. For better or worse, I learned I am not ultimately in control of what life brings my way.

These three things are gifts that take my breath away each day.

Gratitude. An appreciation for my health and a better perspective on life are at the forefront of the gifts I am forever grateful for. Survival brought me the ability to see my children grow into amazing teenagers. I’ve taken breathtaking trips with my husband. I’ve learned how to be a better friend, parent, human. I’m grateful for the gift of a new career path that allows us to help others by sharing a positive lifestyle — inside and out. Without my cancer journey, I would not have known the POWER of food on my physical and mental health. The disease propelled me into the GEM — the manifestation of my new view on all that nourishes me — and into this amazing community of GEM-my people.

A GEM-my Community. Little did my soul-sister Mary Kathryn and I know, our new-found passion rooted in this journey would evolve into a community of GEM lovers. You whole-heartedly dove into this GEM-inspired life, turning it into a disco-filled movement I couldn’t even have dreamt of.

Humility. The greatest gift I received from this journey is humility. Yes, I worked hard to get myself cancer-free, but so many others have done the same work with a far different outcome. What’s humbling and so very apparent, is that ultimately, I wasn’t in charge of what disease did or didn’t do. My remission was decided not just by medical treatments and lifestyle changes, it was also decided by something much more powerful than you or me. A Higher Power. While I did everything within my control to get healthy, ultimately, it was in the hands of something greater.

Celebrate Others

So, in “celebration” of my 10 year cancer-versary, I humbly commit to honor my beautiful friends who are no longer with us by spreading authentic goodness and healing opportunities, inside and outside the GEM each day. Sadly, there are many. For my sweet friend Kristin, for Charlotte, Chris, Chad, Brandice, Chuck, Bobby, Michael, Genia, Polly: We know your stories. We miss your life forces. Your smiles.

And to those who are still fighting. Jennifer, Jessica, Marjorie, Padgett, Andrea, Sally, and so many others…keep your eye on the prize of healing. You have amazing support teams around you — and all of us at The GEM are part of that band of warriors.

The beauty of your life is humbling — look for it. I hope you’ll share this gratitude with someone else: a friend, a family member or a stranger. You never know how much your kindness could turn the dark into the dawn.

“Even in darkness, blossoms will bloom.”

Arm Yourself Against Cancer: The #HonestlyOrganic Way

Posted on October 16, 2019 by diamondsonyourinside and currently has 1 Comment on Arm Yourself Against Cancer: The #HonestlyOrganic Way

This one’s for you, Cancer. My fight against cancer for the REAL family jewels (the breasts) led MK and me to create the ONLY organic juice bar in Dallas. My multi-prong, cancer-free plan of attack included eating only whole, CLEAN, organic foods — pesticides, toxins and processed artificial ingredients HAD TO GO.

At the GEM, we know firsthand: This nasty disease is no joke. One more cancer sufferer is one too many. So we’ve made it our mission to provide only the BEST organic juices, smoothies and green bites with no compromise to help protect YOUR family jewels (prostate, breast, and colon) — and give you diamonds on the inside, too!

Order your #HonestlyOrganic green bites and juices, on our app!

From the first diagnosis of breast cancer, I made a conscious decision to learn and do everything within my power to keep me cancer free. One of the first things I changed? My diet. Being scared into EATING straight is a real thing, people! This meant whole, CLEAN (organic) foods — no more artificial or processed junk, and absolutely no more pesticide-ridden fruits and veggies.

But eating organic is only the first step to living a cancer-free life. Keep the treasures safe with these essential lifestyle changes:

10 Ways to Keep Your Family Jewels Cancer Free

MOVE TO A WHOLE FOODS, PLANT-BASED DIET. Eat fewer things that have feet (ie, animal protein) and eat more green plants. Read The China Study. Mind-blowing research about cancer and animal protein.
ELIMINATE PRESERVATIVES AND CHEMICALS from your food. We can’t say it enough! That includes artificial sweeteners, flavorings and colors, nitrates, MSG, and more. And while we’re at it, replace those vegetable based oils (like canola, corn and soy) with healthier and whole avocado, olive and coconut oil. Fats are good for you, but only when they come from healthy, clean sources. By the way, did you know, there are no vegetables in vegetable oil? True story.
FIGHT THE SUGAR DRAGON: Not only is this ingredient highly addictive, it’s also known to increase cancer-causing inflammation! You can find added sugar snuck into almost everything: Corn syrup, rice syrup, dextrose, sucrose, lactose…the list goes on.
READ YOUR INGREDIENTS: You’d be surprised at what you’ll find in some foods — even an innocent bottle of salad dressing. Hydrogenated oils, corn syrup, nitrates, artificial colors and more.
DRINK YOUR GREEN TEA. The active ingredient in green tea – antioxidant compounds called catechins – reduces cancer occurrences. Our Forever Young Green Tea and Matcha Latte hit it head on!
RELAX. Daily breathing exercises, meditation, and more decrease stress hormones released into your system, preventing cancer-causing inflammation. This stuff WORKS.
ORGANIC BERRIES. Delicious, delicious berries contain significant antioxidants that help reduce cancer risk AND contain ellagic acid, which has been shown to slow the growth of some tumors (insert twig and berries joke here!).
#SHINEBRIGHT WITH VITAMIN D. From safe exposure to sunshine, D3 supplements and leafy greens, Vitamin D suppresses the formation of new blood vessels that nourish the growth of tumors. The rates of breast, prostate, and colon cancer are lower in climates that have the most sunshine. Bring on the Hawaiian Tropic!
TURMERIC & SELENIUM. Curcumin (active component) has been shown to interrupt the normal progression of cancer cells. Also great for arthritis/joint pain. Turmeric Lattes or straight shots of pressed turmeric — just do it. Selenium is a potent antioxidant or scavenger of carcinogenic free radicals. It is HUGE as an anti-prostate cancer warrior. Our GEM Remix has you covered.
GET PHYSICAL. By adding energizing, stress-busting exercise to your daily routine, you can lower the levels of estrogen and insulin in your body — hormones which can increase cancer development and progression if left unchecked.
STAY BOOZE-FREE. Women who had 4-5 drinks per WEEK had a 38% percent higher risk of breast cancer recurrence. THIS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS. Leave the competitive drinking games in college where they belong! NO EXCUSES! Try replacing your daily glass of wine with meditation, exercise, a dose of Natural Calm or a cozy Turmeric Latte. Alcohol is full of sugar and calories as empty as a Big Mac.

Wearing pink, purchasing yogurt with a ribbon on it and regular screening just won’t cut it anymore. TAKE CONTROL. We are the sum of all of our tiny little decisions — good and bad.

Go on, be a GEM and give a big squeeze of love to your family and your family jewels. But above all else, remember to surround yourself with shiny, happy people and places that lift you up. See you inside The GEM!

The Official Blog of The GEM.