Pilar Gomes Ferraz first came to the United States from Vila Velha in Brazil – a distance of over 4,000 miles away. (In Brazil, people have two last names. Gomez is from her mother and Ferraz is from her father.)
“I moved here when I was 16 years old alone to do an international student exchange program in Pasco County that was supposed to last one year during high school. But I got a scholarship to finish high school here and college after, which allowed me to stay,” she said.
While in school, Gomes Ferraz soon discovered she had a problem – the American fast food caused her to quickly pack on the weight.
Gomes Ferraz decided to completely change her eating habits and lost 50 lbs. This achievement eventually prompted her – together with her boyfriend, Aaron Smith – to open up a healthy dining establishment in Clearwater called The Healthy Hive.
The Healthy Hive offers all kinds of delicious goodies that at first glance don’t seem all that healthy. Smoothies with flavors of cakes and pies (coconut cream, blueberry cheesecake, Bananas Foster, birthday cake), peanut butter selections (peanut butter and jelly or chocolate peanut butter and banana – admittedly my favorite), cookies such as oatmeal raisin or frosted animal), candy (Snickers, Butterfinger, and Reese’s), fruit options (banana split, Aloha delight and tropical fruit) and cereal choices (Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Fruity Pebbles and Captain Crunch), to name just a few. But yet…they’re all healthy and packed with protein and healthy fats.
A medium smoothie has just 270 calories and a large smoothie, 335 calories – great for supplementing your diet or to use as meal replacements. Vegan and gluten-free options are available as well. Customizable toppings add zing to whatever you order, which is popular for both kids and adults!
The Healthy Hive promotes clean eating and living. Planet Fitness is right next door and the fitness aficionados pop in to The Healthy Hive both before and after workouts. There are pre- and post-workout options.
Protein smoothies are not the only offerings however. Gomes Ferraz and Smith also offer energizing teas, waffles, iced coffee, smoothie bowls and delicious puddings that are between 235 and 290 calories – all of them delicious and healthy. Now eating well doesn’t have to be boring and depressing.
The Healthy Hive has specials every day. For instance, on Saturday there are free samples on orders over $10.
The Healthy Hive has both a Facebook page and Instagram page so you can look at pictures of the delicious goodies for yourself.
In addition, Gomes Ferraz does online coaching to people all over the world to teach them how to eat healthy. She won’t tell you this unless you ask however. I most definitely asked.
“It’s a good way to coach someone,” she says. “I can help them personally without being right there face-to-face with them.”
Check out the menu of yummy goodies at https://linktr.ee/theHealthyHive or visit them in person to ‘bee’ fit too!
The Healthy Hive, 1891 N Highland Ave, Clearwater
(727) 237-0814
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
