A new health club across the street from UNM is shaking up meal time.
Dan Barrera, one of the club’s owners, said 2112 Nutrition offers a unique program that substitutes shakes for regular meals. He said it is an inexpensive but healthy alternative to junk food.
“We have products for people from the womb to the tomb,” he said. “It’s fast food for intelligent people.”
An electrical fire last month set back the grand opening of 2112 Nutrition, located next to the Mint Tulip Café on Central Avenue, but the store is back in business.
Barrera said he designed the club to have a restaurant-style vibe with tables, chairs and Wi-Fi so customers can sit down and relax while they drink their meals.
The $5 course begins with a shot of aloe rich with antioxidants, which he said promotes a strong digestive system. Next, customers are given their choice of energy-boosting raspberry or lemon herbal tea. The final course is a shake packed with vitamins, nutrients and 16.5 grams of protein per serving, Barrera said. The shakes come in flavors such as strawberry, chocolate and cookies and cream.
Barrera said the program is designed to promote weight loss and health, but it can also benefit those looking to gain muscle or who have problems sleeping.
Stella Olivas, co-owner of 2112 Nutrition, said that since she began drinking the health shakes three years ago, she has shed 35 pounds. She recommends replacing breakfast and lunch with a shake, then eating a healthy dinner.
Shelley Rael, a licensed dietician and health education consultant for UNM, said meal replacement might not be for everyone.
“In general, I don’t recommend people going with a shake, or juice or any type of replacement of any meals a day,” she said. “I’m not picking on (2112 Nutrition) in particular, but meal replacement is generally not healthy.”
Rael said the absolute minimum amount of protein humans need is 75 – 80 grams per day. She said the 16.5 grams of protein 2112 Nutrition’s shakes offer is not enough.
“Its also not even quality protein, unless they’re throwing in an egg or beans,” she said. “You need more protein than that.”
Barrera said he doesn’t agree with Rael.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
“She (Rael) hasn’t even tasted the products, has never been in the club,” he said. “She doesn’t know and needs to come in.”
2112 Nutrition
2112 Central Ave.
Open Monday through Friday
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturdays
7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
