South Florida is home to some of the most beautiful people in the world and they maintain these sleek physiques with healthy exercise and diets. With all of the South Florida events during the busy season, it is easy to pack on pounds while enjoying the decadent lifestyle and events that make this region famous. A classic example of this is The Food and Wine Festival in South Beach and it is often synonymous with over indulging in rich foods and wine. Maintaining your figure during this event does not mean that you should not attend, on the contrary there are certain events that are incredibly healthy. This week I am giving you some of my recommendations during this festival that are figure friendly and health conscious, so you can enjoy the festivities without the guilt! For more information and tickets, please go to, http://2012.sobefest.com/.

Thursday February 23, 2012:

Conscious Bite Out with Geoffrey Zacharian

The Sacred Space, 100 Northeast 25th Street, Miami

Veronica Menin and Marcela Llodra began a movement called Conscious Bite devoted to awareness of food preparation, local ingredients, and organic products. This dinner is in the spirit of dining from the earth to the table and is socially conscious and geared towards those looking to change the world one bite at a time.

Friday, February 24, 2012:

Restaurant Diners: The Next Generation

Hotel Victor, 1144 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach

This event is focused on the emerging class of diners. A distinguished panel of chefs, Michael Solomonov, Marc Murphy, Michelle Bernstein, Tony Maws, and John Kunkel, will be discussing the future of the restaurant landscape and the question of who determines rules this space, chef or diner. The taste-makers of the future are discriminating and are increasingly health conscious. Sure to be a scintillating conversation on the future of food, this is not to be missed!

Saturday, February 25, 2012:

Farm to Table Brunch hosted by Michael Schwartz by Whole Foods Market

Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach

Michaels Genuine Food and Drink is a landmark dining destination in South Florida since its inception and naming in The New York Times Best Restaurant list. Owner and Chef Michael Schwartz has long been dedicated to supporting local agriculture and sustainable farming practices from Farm to Table and this brunch and panel discussion is devoted to these practices. Each course is locally sourced and is sure to wow your senses and ease your conscience. Courses are also offered by sustainable devotees from around the county including, Tim Cushman of o ya restaurant in Boston, Tony Maws of Craigie on Main in Boston, and Andrea Reusing of Lantern restaurant in Chapel Hill.

Sunday, February 26, 2012:

Florida Blue Presents Fun and Fit as a Family Sponsored by Carnival Featuring Kellogs Kidz Kitchen

Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami Beach

This two day event starting Saturday February 25 and extending to Sunday February 26 is a display of culinary super stars getting interactive over a wonderful cause, families cooking healthy and fun recipes. Parents and children will be instructed in the basics of healthy cooking from the likes of Andrew Zimmern, Michelle Bernstein, Sunny Anderson, Adrianne Calvo, Rocco DiSpirito, and Reed Alexander. Children will have an opportunity to visit a food garden, play sports, and learn the basics of nutritious cooking. This is an excellent addition to the Food and Wine Festival for families.