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RESERVE — DJ and Megan Carpenter recently returned home to South Louisiana after living in the Virgin Islands for the past eight years. With toddler son Lisle in tow, DJ and Megan are embarking on a new adventure as the owners of Black & Gold Nutrition at 3919 W. Airline Highway Suite C in Reserve.

The tea shop formerly known as Nutrition 61 is under new ownership. The revamped store opened to the public on February 5, and gift cards sold by the former owners will be honored for a limited time.

No matter where DJ and Megan have lived, they have always made it a priority to fully immerse themselves in the community. Prior to moving to the Virgin Islands, they lived in Hammond and worked as educators. They fell in love with island life after taking a cruise and went on to work in hospitality for eight years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic greatly altered the face of tourism, and shutdowns made it difficult to visit family.

Their son had just celebrated his first birthday when COVID-19 struck. DJ and Megan decided to return home so Lisle could spend time with his grandparents in person and not just through video chats.

The Carpenters are passionate about Herbalife Nutrition products. They have the support of Megan’s stepmother, who is experienced in the business and will soon open Pelican Nutrition at 3025 Highway 51 Suite A in LaPlace.

Those who loved Nutrition 61 will be happy to learn Black & Gold Nutrition will feature many of the same products and flavors.

“We’ve changed the menu up, and there are 1,000 combinations you can do for flavors. We’ve also kept the previous owner’s recipes, so if folks had a favorite, there’s a really good chance we’re able to make it for them,” DJ said.

The world of loaded teas and meal replacement shakes can be a lot to take in, so the Carpenters have organized plaques on the wall to help new customers order with confidence.

At only 24 calories, loaded teas are packed with 200 mg of caffeine and vitamins C and B without any added sugar. According to Megan, loaded teas help boost metabolism, energy and focus, and they come in a variety of delicious flavors.

“The teas have no sugar, but they taste so good. They are really great for elderly people and people who cannot have sugar,” Megan said.

“Beauties” include biotin and collagen to promote healthy skin, hair and nails. They have 35 calories, six grams of carbs, two grams of protein and no sugar, and they are infused with vitamins A, B, C and E.

“Specialties” control hunger and are worth two points on a Weight Watchers diet. These teas have 115 mg of caffeine, 105 to 109 calories, nine carbs, 17 grams of protein and no sugar. They also contain vitamins A, B, C and E.

“Boosts” increase energy and support immunity and overall health. According to Megan, these drinks are a new offering that came about in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At 65 calories, they are worth two points for Weight Watches and have no caffeine or sugar. Benefits include probiotics, L-arginine and L-citrulline and vitamins C and zinc.

Black & Gold Nutrition shakes are healthy and delicious meal replacements. They have 200 to 250 calories, 24 grams of protein and are worth 4 to 5 points for Weight Watchers. They are low in carbs and sugar and have 24 vitamins and minerals.

“They really do fill you up,” Megan said. “You also get the vitamins and minerals, and we have such great flavors. I’ve been drinking protein shakes for years and you kind of get used to that chalky blandness, but these are like a Sonic shake that is good for you. They are so much more flavorful and enjoyable that your standard protein drinks.”

DJ joked that he has such a serious sweet tooth, there was a point in his life when he would add sugar to Coke.

“When I tried this, it was three times better than I thought the best tasting protein shake could be. If I enjoy it, anyone could,” he said.

In addition to popular flavors like wedding cake, Black & Gold Nutrition has seasonal flavors including Mardi Gras king cake and dark chocolate strawberry/white chocolate raspberry truffle shakes for Valentine’s Day.

DJ has spent the last eight years bartending, and he looks forward to mixing different flavor creations.

Visitors can sign up as preferred customers to receive recipes to make at home.

Business hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Black & Gold Nutrition is closed on Sundays. For more information, email blackandgoldnutrition@gmail.com or visit blackandgold.goherbalife.com/.