Tag Archives: expo west

Beyond Meat: 100% Plant Protein Meat Alternatives Review

June 1, 2015 runonorganic 1 Comment

Beyond Meat

Overall Rating:

About Beyond Meat:

“We believe there is a better way to feed the planet. Our mission is to create mass-market solutions that perfectly replace animal protein with plant protein. We are dedicated to improving human health, positively impacting climate change, conserving natural resources and respecting animal welfare. At Beyond Meat, we want to make the world a better place and we’re starting one delicious meal at a time.”

Here are a few ways I’ve used the Beyond Meat products:

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My Thoughts:

I don’t believe I’ve ever given a product a rating of more than 3 stars without a single organic ingredient. Let me explain.

I believe that what Beyond Meat is doing here with these products is pretty profound. They are not the first brand to introduce meat-free alternatives, but they are one of the first to make several 100% plant based meat alternatives that taste excellent. Even my husband says that he could eat the Beyond Meat “Beef” Crumble for the foreseeable future without missing beef.

I can wrap my mind around the idea that perhaps organic ingredients are not used in this case because Beyond Meat has even stated that their GOAL is to “create mass-market solutions.” To me, this means that they are wishing to be very far reaching from the very beginning. Organic sourcing is more difficult (and often more expensive) to nail down, so, it doesn’t surprise me that I don’t see a boat load of organic ingredients in their products. I did, however, try them and enjoy them because they are non-gmo (which is a must).

I am in no way making excuses for why it’s acceptable to not boast a single organic ingredient–simply trying to paint the whole picture. I very much wish I could rave about these products, say how great the organic ingredients are and recommend them in a screaming voice from the rooftops. I can’t do that, though, However, I can applaud them for the flavor of what they’ve created and their commendable efforts: ” improving human health, positively impacting climate change, conserving natural resources and respecting animal welfare.” I have to say, though, I do believe that a true dedication to that mission includes sourcing organic ingredients and making that have the utmost priority (over profit and expansion).

I was lucky enough to meet the enthusiastic dude behind these products, Brian Kincaid, at Expo West this year. (Pictured below). His passion was infectious. I know he is on the right track and I’m sure that Beyond Meat will only continue to grow, improve and nourish bodies.

I see these products as a good non-gmo, more-alkaline option of plant-based protein that satisfies the taste buds.

Essentia Alkaline Water Review

April 15, 2015 runonorganic 1 Comment

Essentia Water

Alkaline water has been all the rage lately, with benefits like bringing your body‘s pH to a healthier level, improving detox pathways and aiding overall wellness.

Overall Rating:

About Essentia Water:

“It takes hydration to the next level.

We created Essentia to help you get the most out of the water you drink. Proper hydration is essential to good health. When your body is dehydrated, your joints get stiff, your muscles get sore, your concentration and performance fade – just to name a few. Drinking sufficient water every day will keep you hydrated and give your body energy to function at its best. Essentia’s hydrating qualities come from our proprietary electrolyte formula, ionization process resulting in a alkaline pH of 9.5.

It gives you more of what you need.
Electrolytes facilitate communication within and between your body’s cells and are critical to maintaining normal blood pressure, restful sleep, concentration and focus, proper cardiac rhythm, muscle strength, endocrine balance, intestinal function and more. Essentia is infused with trace amounts of essential minerals which emulate the naturally occurring minerals in your body.

Make Every Ounce Count
Most bottled waters offer purity but no additional benefits. Essentia’s proprietary process adds the perfect blend of electrolytes to purified water and then is ionized, creating a distinctive alkaline 9.5pH water to help your body stay properly hydrated.

And, it tastes great.
With Essentia, you get a clean & smooth tasting water without the added sugar, artificial flavoring and calories found in many sports drinks. Plus, it tastes pure, natural and delicious!”

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My Thoughts:

I’ll start by saying this, I am and having always been very apprehensive about bottled water. Ultimately, I think that the best way to consume water everyday (with a conscious, mindful effort to conserve) is to invest in a high quality filter at home and fill up a glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic bottle for consumption thoughout the day.

That said, I’m in touch with reality enough to realize that on-the-go options are sometimes needed. That’s where Essentia comes in. Their bottles are BPA-free, recyclable and come in a few different sizes depending on how much hydration you wish to take with you.

We all know that hydration is important. But how we hydrate is something we should tune into. Is our water full of contaminants? Is it in a safe bottle? Is the water improving or hindering our health?

Alongside the fact that hydration is vital to health is the concept of alkalinity. An alkaline body is more able to ward off illness disease, maintain a balanced state (hormones, energy levels, etc.) as well as keep excess weight off. I love that Essentia’s water has a high pH (9.5). I actually make my own high pH drink every day and take a shot of it at night (you can achieve this by adding sodium bicarbonate–or baking soda–along with pink Himalayan sea salt with water). Essentia essentially gives me the ability to bring this type of alkalizing boost on the road with me, on my commute or to the gym when I’m in a pinch.

All in all, this bottled water brand stands high and firmly above most others. It’s not just water. It’s healthy, alkalizing, super powered water. Not all bottled waters are created equal!

I had the pleasure of meeting part of Team Essentia at Natural Products Expo West this year and was so impressed by their knowledge and generosity. Matthew from Essentia has been especially helpful & inspiring with his enthusiasm for health & fitness! My experience with Essentia has been nothing short of excellent.