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5 Mistakes I Made at the Natural Products East Expo

I was given tickets to Natural Product Expo East in exchange for press coverage for the event. All my opinions are my own. My Full Disclosure Policy.

Natural Products Expo East

For the last three years, I have been told that I needed to attend Natural Products Expo West and East.  Every year I make in excuse but this year I finally did it all wrong.  I covered the Natural Expo East as a blogger. I have covered other events over the years. Attending very large expos like Idea World Convention and smaller expos like the Gluten-Free and Allergy Friendly expo which is now known as the Nourish Festival.  So I thought I knew what I was doing from what I have learned over the years.  Like go in with very little and bring a jacket.  Usually, that’s all I really need because I am in and out within a day.

Now, the same friends have shared the enormity of the expo but I still went in unprepared.  I was god smacked walking into the four floors Baltimore Convention Center of Vendors sharing Natural wellness goods, services, and products.  It was overwhelming from the beginning.  I marched in my super cute boots ready to take on the expo and make connections with the brands.  That was the first of many mistakes.

5 Mistakes I made at the Natural Products Expo East

1. Come Prepared and have a game plan

I allowed myself two days to tackle the entire event and that was not enough time. If I was better prepared it might have been more feasible but I was naive. If you plan on attending the Natural Products Expo East which will be hosted in the nearby metro area Philadelphia for 2020. Save the date.  I would make a game plan of the important vendors you want to connect with first.  You can easily get distracted and sidetracked with all of the options that are there I would make the list of the important brands and start there.

For me, I am an ambassador and affiliate for a few of the brands who attended.  Prior to my attendance, I had spoken with a few via email and we were supposed to connect at Expo East. Some of them I was unable to connect with because it was hard to find them and along the way, I got distracted by many distractions.  Next year, I will visit my friends first and then wander around.

2. Wear proper attire.

I work in a gym Mon-Thurs and rarely get to wear “real clothes” so when it was time to get dressed for the Natural Products Expo East. My plan was to look cute.  Completing my outfit with some leopard boots I got last year after the winter season. I have been dying to wear them but breaking in my new boots and the Natural Product Expo East was the wrong idea.  About Mid Day in my feet were tired, blistered and sore. Lesson learn, opt for comfy foot attire at a massive expo.

3. Give yourself time

I thought it would only take two days to check out the expo but there is a reason it is four days long.  I think it would have been a much more enjoyable experience if I didn’t feel rushed and could take my time.  When it comes to Philly I will make sure that I go at least three days and I will take my time with my game plan and comfortable shoes.  I won’t leave feeling so overwhelmed.

4. Use the resources

Natural Products Expo East was great about sending emails about the schedule daily as well as the Expo Booklet was informative.  At the beginning of my day, I utilized the maps but by the end, I had misplaced my book and was lost often. I get lost in a circle so next time I will keep my booklet available to me at all times.

5. Bring more business cards.

I usually don’t give out my business cards unless I make a really meaningful connection. They cost money and most people throw them away. I brought about 50 business cards without realizing how many companies that I was going to connect.  I handed out 47 business cards at the Expo.  There is the ability to scan your badge but my business cards are memorable.  Towards the end of the stack, I became stingy with my cards but if I had brought more I would not have worried about running out.

Learning from my Mistakes

Natural Products Expo East was so much more than I expected.  The people were amazing with their passion for their products, goods or service. It was well organized and it was a great opportunity for me to get from behind my computer and make connections.  I am so excited about the opportunities that have already started coming to my inbox and I can’t wait to attend next year better prepared and open for opportunity.

I got to experience so many amazing brands, products, and services.  It was great to actually touch, try and also hear the stories behind the product development. I have heard Natural Products Expo West is triple the size and passion.  One day I will get there but I don’t think it will be this year.  It’s also nice to know that there are people who have dietary issues, supplemental needs like me and there are companies that are serving them.  It’s almost taboo to be Natural so at the Natural Product Expo East, I found that I am not alone.  It was a great experience and I hope I learn from my mistakes for the next one.

Have you ever attended an expo? Are you interested in Natural Products?

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Wellness

2019 The Nourish Festival New York is Back

I received tickets to the Nourish Festival in exchange for a review and event coverage. My Full Disclosure Policy 

The Nourish Festival will be in town

I love summer, but there is something to be said about Fall! For me, it’s my opportunity to attend events that educate me on all things wellness. Over the next few months, I will be attending several expos. For the last four years, I have been attending the Gluten-Free and Allergy Friendly Expo.

Take a look at last expos.

 

 

This year isn’t any different other than the name. The Gluten-Free and Allergy Friendly Expo is growing up y’all, and I love the new name- Nourish Festival.

America recognizes food allergies

For so long, there has been some embarrassment. For being “that girl who has to ask all the questions when dining.” Within the last few years. Menu’s, Brands and Restaurants are adapting to the fact that not everyone can eat gluten. Food allergies and intolerances are real, and they affect people’s wellness. With all these adaptations its makes it much easier to nourish my body.

I attend these events to educate myself

It has literally taken me years to get to the point I am now with food. It’s actually kind of liberating to know what I can and cannot eat. As longs as I don’t eat things with gluten, dairy, and too much sugar, my stomach is happy. When I do, my gut suffers, and it affects me.

People who digest well don’t get it

I often get pushback from my food restrictions.  Honestly, since I have eliminated particular food and have no desire to eat them. I have found making food decisions less cumbersome and easy, and I don’t feel sick anymore. If food doesn’t affect you, then you just don’t get it. So it annoys me when people and influencers say you can eat anything because I cant. So, that’s why I share and accept my food limitations and offer great brands and recipes that are tasty for those who have food restrictions. 

No Longer Food Fixated

I used to suffer from food fixation mostly because I had no idea what I could, couldn’t and shouldn’t eat. I have a susceptible digestive system as well as food allergies. On this weight loss journey and through opportunities, I have been able to explore “alternative diets” and adopt things that have become a  lifestyle instead of a diet for me.

The Nourish Festival

If you have food allergies, intolerances her prefer a special diet, come join me! Finding foods that make me thrive and not suffer has been vital for my food freedom, and I hope I can help yours.  Since attending the GFAF Expo now known as the Nourish Festival four years ago. It was an eye-opening experience. That one: I am not alone and Two: there are options. I want to give someone else the same experience to explore the world of food that is “free” of allergens. There is so much stigma these days on things people do not know. Experiencing them first hand in person is so different than a google search.  Some of my favorite companies will be there too. I either have tried and loved Against the Grain, Aleias, BraziBItes, Chebe, EnjoyLife, GardenLites , GoMacro, GeeFree, and MadeGood, to name a few!

I am looking forward to checking out companies I’ve never experienced as well.  

 

The Nourish Festival Has Expanded

I am really excited about the expanded new sections to explore.  Before the GFAF Expo now know as the Nourish Festival had gluten-free & nut-free sections. This year they have expanded to include some paleo, keto, and plant-based products. Although, they have expanded, everything is still gluten-free.  I can’t wait to try and see what they have added.  So, Why don’t you join me? I’ll be there again with my Baby Sis, and I would love to meet up with you and try some gluten-free foods.  If you are exploring the world of Allergy-Friendly food and would like a ticket to this event.  Email me and let me know how many tickets you need. I am giving them away.  Also, please check out details of the Nourish Festival and see when one will be in your area if you’re not in the New Jersey, New York Area.  Lots of events this fall you should definitely attend this one?

Do you know someone with food allergies?

 

 

 

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Fitness and Health Weightloss Journey Wellness

Are you getting the most out of your protein?

I was compensated by Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes through Kitchen PLAY. 

Have you heard of ProHydrolase?

Since I began my fitness journey, I have been on the search for a functional protein. I never knew the power of digestive enzymes like ProHydrolase.  I have found some protein powders that I really like. Recently, I discovered that I needed more from my protein powder. Protein powders aren’t all made the same, so it makes it hard. I also have many digestive issues, so that makes it even harder to find the right one.  Early on my journey, I realized that whey protein was not for me. Switching to plant-based protein seemed to help my digestion, but I still had issues like gas and bloating.  

My protein shake could be better. 

I have continued to search for the protein that won’t leave me gassy because protein supplements are a great way to help you reach your goal. Especially if you choose the correct one with a critical ingredient.

Why use protein powder? 

Most people use protein powder for pre- or post-workout. Protein powder is helpful to rebuild muscle and recover.  Some people drink protein shakes to find a source of low calorie, carb, and fat protein source. You can find many protein powders that fit those criteria, but it may be hard digesting them.  If you’re consuming one to two shakes a day, it can be very uncomfortable.

 

Why are protein powders hard to digest?

Many factors contribute to the poor digestion of protein. Seven factors you may have never considered that make it hard to digest your shake are:

1. Air Bubbles

are caused by too much air when you mix your protein.  The air bubbles sit in your stomach, causing bloating, cramping, and gas.  I usually shake my protein in a blender bottle. I like to drink my shakes in between my personal training clients or post-workout.  Something I never considered but all that shaking is adding air bubbles to your deliciously smooth shake. Those little air bubbles get released in your stomach and cause bloating and gas.  

 

2. Sugar Alcohols

is another reason your shake may be causing digestive issues.  Personally, I have an adverse reaction to sugar alcohol that causes my stomach to swell and bloat.  Most sugar-free proteins contain this alcohol and aggravate my stomach.

 

3. Slow Absorption.

It takes hours to absorb the protein shake. Meanwhile, the “shake” is sitting in your stomach without the presence of digestive enzymes like ProHydrolase to speed the process. Protein is sitting in your stomach, creating digestive issues. ProHydrolase has been in vitro studies and human clinical studies. The studies concluded:  that the capacity to quickly break down protein and increase the available amino acids in the blood will, in turn, lower C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and decrease the large peptides associated with digestive issues when consuming protein. Meaning, it makes it much easier for you to absorb more protein.

4.Optimal Protein Absorption.

Most proteins are not entirely absorbed in the body within 90 minutes.  If the protein has not been broken down to the smallest form what is remaining is excreted.  When you drink your protein shake, you are not receiving all of the protein that is labeled. You may only receive 30-85% of the protein that you consume — all dependent on the type of protein and ingredients. 

5. Lactose Intolerance.

Some people who are lactose intolerant don’t realize that their favorite whey protein contains dairy.  I explored the difference between Whey and Plant-based protein before, but dairy is called many other things, and Casein is one of them.  Sometimes you are consuming dairy when you don’t even realize it, causing havoc in your gut and digestive discomfort.  Casein is also an extremely slow-digesting protein. 

6.Too much protein, not enough carbs.

I look for a protein that is low in carbohydrates. It was one of my criteria when searching a protein powder to use. I didn’t realize that without the carbs, the protein remains in my stomach longer.  Holding the protein in your stomach for an extended amount of time can contribute to gas and bloating. Having a proportional amount of carbs in your shake helps you to eliminate it faster from your stomach and reduces the cause of digestive irritations. 

7. Protein Intolerance and Allergy.

Protein Intolerance and protein allergies may be another reason why you’re not getting the most out of your protein. You are protein intolerant or have an allergy that causes an excessive inflammatory immune response.  If this is your issue, you would want a doctor to diagnose you and seek their advice for a protein source.

How do I digest my protein?

Digestive issues can be embarrassing and inconvenient.  I know I have experienced digestive mishaps due to protein.  Recently, I heard of a digestive enzyme that helps you effectively and efficiently digest protein. 

Have you ever heard of ProHydrolase? 

I tried a protein powder with ProHydrolase for over a week, and honestly, I didn’t realize the difference until I tried it. While I consumed my protein with ProHydrolase, I immediately notice the lack of belly bloat. The plant-based protein powder I used also tasted amazing. It’s hard to find the right tasting plant-based protein. Although I prefer plant-based protein, ProHydrolase also helps you digest other forms of protein, including whey, soy, egg, casein, hemp, and pea protein. 

Better Protein Absorption 

It seems odd, but I also felt satiated longer. My protein shake usually leaves me needing something more within an hour. It’s more to hold me over until I can get some food. Perhaps this is because ProHydrolase has been proven to maximize the absorption of protein instead of excreting it, allowing you to get the optimal benefits. 

Find ProHydrolase 

I didn’t realize the difference in my protein until I tried a protein with ProHydrolase and now I make sure to check my protein to see if it includes ProHydrolase as an ingredient. It’s got everything I need. It’s even Non-GMO Project Verified, and Star-K Kosher certified.  When choosing your protein, look for ProHydrolase. 

Are you looking for better, digestible protein?

I was paid and compensated byDeerland Probiotics & Enzymes all the opinions are my own. My Full Disclosure policy 

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Wellness

Medterra CBD

I use CBD 

Yes! I use CBD Oil! 

Within the last year, as predicted in the previous year. CBD has exploded and its in everything. Some people know why you need CBD. Others have fear for the unknown, and there are those like me who are curious about an alternative to prescription drugs.

Skepticism of CBD

Some people coin it as the “miracle oil” while others are skeptical. I know for me it has helped with several ailments and something I am discovering more and more to benefit. With the rise of Cannabinoid Oil in the market and the testimonies of people who use CBD. I get asked all the time in a quiet secret voice, “Have you heard about CBD?” And when I reply, “Yes! I use it every day!” A bottle of Medterra CBD tincture contains 30 servings per bottle.

Where can you get CBD?

My next question is, where do you get it? For a while, various CBD companies sent me products to try. There are so many products, but I only share what I believe. So, I had to find a Cannabinoid source that was reputable, and I would trust to share with people I know and my Bible and Bootcamps Beauties!

Reputable CBD

I believe that Medterra is a reputable brand I can recommend to my family and friends.  It was started by a group of people who are passionate about Cannabboid. Medterra believes that quality trustworthy CBD should be accessible to everyone. So, I am unashamed in my use of Cannabinoid. It has helped my family and I. Although; the Cannabboid industry does have a bad reputation for unregulated and poorly produced products that don’t work. 

What is CBD?

Last fall, I discovered Cannabidiol or CBD. Cannabidiol is a phytocannabinoid found in agricultural hemp. Daily is gaining attention and popularity because people are finding many benefits for both human and animal health. In research, it is found to be affecting almost every biological process.CBD is non-psychotoxic, non-hallucinogenic meaning it doesn’t give you euphoric feelings. Medterra has 0% THC. 

Your Endocannabinoid System

Our bodies contain an (Endocannabinoid System) ECS. The ECS includes multiple cannabinoid receptors “that are endogenous to the human brain.” Cannabinoid receptors play a critical role in how our body processes mood, memory, pain, and appetite.

What is so magical about CBD? 

It helps keep “healthy people healthy.” Cannabinoid simulates ECS (endocannabinoid system-a “central regulatory system” recently found in the body). Your ECS produces “homeostasis” in your body wherever it is needed — giving people relief for their ailments. Depending on the issue almost immediately reaction upon application of Cannabinoid.
It helps the body maintain internal homeostasis despite changes externally. There are over 100 derivatives of cannabinoid that specifically affects specific body organs. 

Plants are changing people’s lives

All I know that there are plant derivatives that are changing people’s lives. Healing their pains, relieving ailments both physically and mentally. Thousands of products and brands are growing daily. There are also different dosages and potency that people should be aware of.

CBD Quality

I always say do your research, check your information sources. Make sure you get Cannobboid from a reputable source. Without regulation, there are no guarantees you are buying what’s labeled on the bottle. Medterra is grown in the United States and is fully compliant under the Kentucky Department of Agricultural Industrial Hemp Pilot Program. Medterra is also contains 0% THC. Every bottle that leaves Medterra’s manufacturing is tested by an outside company that checks for consistency and quality.

Medterra CBD

Daily I have found relief from Medterra CBD tincture. They hooked me up with a variety of supplements to help me sleep with their CBD Melatonin and Cannaboid Energy. Using their products has helped with many ailments. It’s the new “cure-all” in my house. I am jumping on the Cannabboid train and recommending it as alternative holistic care.

Dosage

Medterra Cannaboid Oil Tincture is made with Medterra’s 99%+ Cannabboid and MCT oil in strengths of 500 mg, 1000 mg, and 3000 mg. The dosage depends on the person and the need, but there is no correct or specific dosage. It’s unique to the person. Medterra carries several different products that you can choose from:  tincture, Good Morning, Melatonin,  Topical Cooling Cream, and Monthly Wellness. 

What have you heard about Cannobboid Oil?

 

My blog is in partnership with Medterra.  I am being compensated for this post but that does not affect my opinion. I chose these brands because I believe in the product and what they stand for. My Full Disclosure Policy

 

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Product Review Product Reviews Wellness

Water Quality Awareness Month

August is Water Quality Awareness Month

Not only is it my Birthday month. It’s Water Quality Awareness Month!  That’s right August is all about “me”-just kidding it’s all about the importance of water! Let’s be real! If you’re honoring your temple every month, you should be too.  If your water is a problem, my friends at ZeroWater make it easy to have high quality filtered, great-tasting water. ZeroWater gives me the confidence I need when I am looking for the best source of hydration, not only for myself but for my family.  Since I have been drinking ZeroWater, I have the confidence that we are drinking the purest tasting, and virtually free of all dissolved solids. We have always hydrated adequately with ZeroWater. I have actually become a water snob.

Hydration is essential to active people

I have mentioned the benefits of hydration several times on my blog. Whether its for muscle recovery, performance enhancement, weight loss, or just proper fuel.  Hydration is key to any active or non-active person. Because of the state of our environment, not all water is the best to fuel your body. We need to take into account what is in our water.

Not all water is made equal

So here’s the problem.  The United States is currently in a crisis when it comes to its water distribution.  Many states are relying on aging infrastructure. Daily there are reports of water contamination.  Water in many cities is showing higher than normal levels of lead, radium, PFOAS, and Teflon. It’s becoming more common than not, and the Flint Water Crisis in 2014 was just the beginning. There is so much more discovered and undiscovered in so many more states and cities.  The best way to avoid contamination is a better filtration system.

4 Reasons I am a Water Snob

There are four reasons why I have become Water Snob. It all started when I attended the Well Summit last year.  I thought drinking water was a good thing until I realized all of the Total dissolved Solids I was drinking and learned about the Quality of American Water.  After more research, I realized the water that my family was free but was not adequate to properly hydrate us for several reasons:

1. Water does have a flavor.

I remember a time when I hated water. It didn’t have a flavor. Here I am 4 years later, and I mostly drink water. I can tell you what comes from the tap, what is purified, and now that I have been drinking ZeroWater, even the purified water tastes different. That’s because unlike purified water.  ZeroWater eliminates virtually all of the total dissolved solids in your drinking water. Total dissolved solids are “inorganic and organic compounds like salts, minerals and heavy metals such as lead can hide in your water.

2. Water filters aren’t removing everything.

ZeroWater has a 5 stage filtration process that has been tested to remove 99% of TDS in your water. Compared to the Brita Standard 2 Stage filter that only removes 50% of the TDS in your tap water.  ZeroWater has NSF certifications to reduce Lead, Chromium (Hexavalent), Chlorine and Mercury. It also has third-party lab testing to reduce many other contaminants such as Radium, Chromium (trivalent), Fluoride, Arsenic and so much more! These third-party tests found that a standard Brita filter does NOT reduce nearly the same amount of percentage of these contaminants when compared to ZeroWater.

3. My Tap Water is Contaminated

ZeroWater has a “How Clean is your water” application on their site to find out your TDS amounts in your Tap Water.  When I entered my zip code in the simple app, it gave me a score of 156. It’s on the higher side of the spectrum but falls into the typical contaminant level of USA water.  Areas like Maine, South Carolina, and Wyoming have very low impurities levels, and cities like Texas, Nevada, Arizona, North Dakota, and California have the highest TDS levels in the nation.  If you live in these states you probably already filter but know that your water filtration needs to be replaced more frequently than others.

4. I have so many options to filter my water.

I think the biggest reason I am a water snob is that ZeroWater has so many options to filter my water. There is no reason I should be drinking anything but water with 000 TDS.  They have a variety from Tumbler on the go to 6,7,8,9,10,11,12,20,23 and even up to 40-gallon filtration dispensers. They also have a Bottle water distribution. There is absolutely no reason why my water can’t be filtered for the entire family.

Using ZeroWater has also saved me from buying bottled water, which although I know it is terrible of the environment. Was a regular purchase out of convenience.  My Brita filtered way too slow and was just an annoyance. I never trusted the one on the tap either. I have been using ZeroWater for over three months, and it has been an easy solution to bottled water. We have the 20 cup container, and it keeps my family hydrated. We are active and continuously filling up water bottles, cooking, and even use it for our ice.

So, if you see me walking around with my ZeroWater tumbler, sorry, once you go Zero, you can’t go back! I would definitely take a look at the water filtration system you are using for your family.

 

Does your family use Water Filtration? Have you tested the TDS in your drinking water?

My blog is in partnership with ZeroWater.  I am being compensated for this post but that does not affect my opinion. I chose these brands because I believe in the product and what they stand for. My Full Disclosure Policy

 

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