As a licensed nutritionist, I always tell my clients, it’s neither just about diet or exercise, it’s both. You can’t just exercise more than you eat, to achieve your fitness goals, because you simply can’t outrun a bad diet. What we put into our bodies will actually leave a lasting mark in our bodies more than we think.
I’m glad more and more healthy concept stores and restaurants are opening up in Manila and even in Cebu. Having been here in Manila for 6 months now, I can say it’s much easier to live a healthy lifestyle here than in Cebu, in the sense that a lot of healthy concept stores with certified organic products are available. You’re bound to find at least one in your neighborhood. This is a sign that there is a growing awareness and demand for all natural, organic food. And my dream would be for this real kind of food to someday be affordable and easily accessible for most.
Fortunately, more brands and companies are learning to believe in the same idea, that real food should be available for everyone. And Arla is one of them.
If you’re not familiar with Arla Foods, it is an international dairy company owned by 12,700 dairy farmers form Denmark, Sweden, the UK, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Well-known brands like Arla, Cocio, Lurpak and Castello belong to the Arla family. It is also the world’s largest manufacturer of organic dairy products.We know how eating healthy can be quite a challenge when at the malls, and not to mention, expensive.
Arla has recently installed a pop-up cafe at SM Aura—the Arla Goodness Station.
The Arla Goodness Station serves a 3-course set meal of freshly made soup, a bowl of succulent salad, and a hearty sandwich that will definitely fill you up with goodness while being good to your wallet, too. The sets range from P250-350.
With everything made from scratch and all-natural ingredients, you’ll even learn about how to #LetInTheGoodness in your own home everyday. The dishes feature the different varieties of Arla cheeses and the station will also be serving up tidbits of information on how to eat “clean” at home.
You can choose from 3 set combos or you can also mix and match to create your own set:
Set A:P250Soup: Roasted Tomato SoupSalad: Greek SaladSandwich: Three Cheese Panini
This classic combo of grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup is made more nutritious with a serving of the refreshing Greek Salad.
I love how the salad is made from marinated cucumber strips and features Apetina feta cheese. This is my choice of feta cheese when I purchase from the grocery.
Interestingly, the soup is also topped with Arla cheesy spread which adds to the richness of the soup.
The cheese sandwich was a tasty indulgence in Arla’s Mozarella, Gouda and sharp Cheddar. Oh so good!
Set B: P300Soup: Brown Rice and Caramelized Mushroom Salad: Garden Salad with Seasonal FruitSandwich: All Natural PB&J
The brown rice and caramelized mushroom soup actually took me by surprise and I’d have to say it was my favorite among everything. The play of textures from the rice were so interesting and the depth of flavors from the mushroom were definitely a winning match.
Fruits, are always welcome in my salads, thank you!
And boy, is this is one jam-packed sandwich. The Arla cheesy spread balances the richness and richness of this sandwich. Definitely a kid’s favorite.
Set C: P350Soup: Chili Con Carne Salad: Caprese Sandwich: Corned Beef Sandwich
The chili con carne was a nice, hefty heartwarming soup. And I’m not normally a chili bean soup fan but this was actually pleasant, with spices all toned down to the right mildness and topped off with some nice gooey cheddar cheese. Before you call out the corned beef sandwich, this is definitely not chucked out of the can. This sandwich uses only real and authentic corned beef made from scratch. The flavorful and tender meat is paired with Arla’s Emmental cheese and some tangy horseradish cream.
If you ask me, the Arla Goodness Station is a perfect lunch stop for when you need something light yet substantial, quick and most importantly, nutritious. You just know it’s good for you.
The salads are tasty and fresh, the soups hearty, and the sandwiches are more filling than they look! Nutritious food can definitely be delicious! The set meals are actually a great way to have at least two servings of vegetables in one meal, which I highly encourage my clients to do.
And of course, Arla and Cocio beverages are also served at the station. I loved the Cocio dark chocolate milk with the set meal. If I go back, I think I’d create my own set, having the Brown Rice and Caramelized Mushroom Soup, Greek Salad and Corned Beef Panini.
The Babe with Marco Lobregat of Geiser Maclang
Thank you so much, Marco and Arla for having me at the launch of the pop-up station! And for this haul of Arla goodness to bring home! :)
Do yourself some good. Drop by the Arla Goodness Station when you’re at SM Aura to fuel up on goodness! They’re only available until February!
Don’t forget to share your Arla Goodness Station experience with the hashtags:#LetInTheGoodness #GetReal
Arla Goodness Station2nd floor, SM Aura (outside Toy Kingdom)Bonifacio Global City, Taguig 1634 Philippines
www.arla.phFacebook: facebook.com/ArlaPHInstagram: @arla_ph
