By Nicklaus Weinheimer

A new community smoothie bar and nutrition center, Moxie Nutrition, has just opened up at 5443 Ballard Ave. More than just a smoothie place, it promises to become a center and resource for those want to become healthier.

Co-owners Marjorie Miller, Anna Littlejohn, Iris Carrera and Jaqueline Nelson call themselves “Personal Wellness Coaches” and they envision the smoothie bar as a gathering place for health-conscious individuals in the Ballard area. They offer services related to developing weight loss strategies, becoming more physically fit and choosing healthier snacks. Smoothies can be ordered based on employee blends or customers can make their own. They are designed to be high in protein and vitamins and low in calories.

The smoothie bar also has a guest book, and customers can leave an email address if they want to receive the newsletter and notices for community events, such as the "Gladiator Rock ’n’ Run." The walls are decorated with before and after pictures, including ones of the hostesses, as well as nutrition information. The most unusual decoration is the Wall of Shame. The Wall of Shame is, in fact, a cubbyhole — one that displays unhealthy foods and a five pound lump of, well, something that looks like human fat (thankfully it isn't).

For those who want to step it up, customers can join the smoothie bar’s Weight Loss Challenge. After pitching in $45 to a pool that will be distributed to the top weight losers of the group (measured by percentage), participants can pick a personal goal. This may be running a certain distance or fitting into an article of clothing that has long since been outgrown. The purpose of picking a goal, says Miller, is to “build a fire in your belly” — a psychological incentive that your peers can remind you of in trying times.

The eight week process is structured and led by the fitness coaches. First participants are weighed. Then each participant has a one-on-one talk with one of the fitness coaches, discussing current nutritional habits and personal goals. The result is a personalized diet and exercise plan for the duration of the challenge. Weight loss groups meet once per week to check their progress and learn more about health and nutrition.

There are also opportunities for people who are unable or unwilling to make a major long-term commitment. Run club, a free and open program paced for the folks present and led by triathlete Littlejohn, meets Mon., Wed., Fri., from 6:00-7:00 a.m. and Tues, Thurs. from 5:30-6:30 p.m. There is also BeneFIT, a donation-based boot camp run by burly rugby player Carrera, which meets Monday at 7:00 p.m. They also do a healthy happy hour every Friday at 5:00 p.m. that includes activities such as game night, parents’ night, and movie night. For the weekend warrior, licensed massage practitioner Jana Kearns (http://absolutecwc.com/meet_kearns.html) will be available Saturday and Sunday by appointment.

The smoothie bar is also kid-friendly. There is a play area with books and food-themed toys, all of which are “green friendly.”

Everyone is invited to participate in the grand opening of the smoothie bar on August 31st, starting at 5:00 p.m., which will have entertainment and a raffle with prizes.