Disclosure: As a NOW Foods Influencer NOW Foods invited me to Chicago to visit their headquarters. All expenses were paid by NOW Foods. As always all opinions are my own.
Day 2 of the NOW Foods Immersion began with cashew energy bites and a group yoga session. We all met in the lobby and then walked the strange winding hallways of the resort to a conference room where NOW had yoga mats and towels all set up for us.
I picked a spot right in front, because I am a nerd like that. While I hadn’t been regularly practicing yoga I think I did pretty well during the class.
The class was pretty awesome except for the very end when the instructor asked us to lay in Savasana. While I enjoy Savasana pose for a few minutes at a time, it felt like she left us there for like fifteen minutes. It is unfortunate that a pose that is supposed to be relaxing can make me feel so anxious. I was glad once it was finally over and we got to enjoy our NOW Foods blueberry protein shakes!!!! I really love their protein powders and I am picky.
Right after yoga Tina, NOW’s Personal Care International Sales Assistant, led us through a DIY NOW® Solutions Demo. She not only talked about all of NOW’s amazing beauty products, she also showed us how to make soap and a yoga mat cleanser from NOW’s essential oils.
I personally use NOW’s Essential Oils on a regular basis in my diffuser, but have never made anything from them. It was so easy to make an all natural yoga mat spray and soap that I will probably be doing it much more often. What I love about NOW’s essential oils is that I can trust that they are made of the purest ingredients because NOW assures it by using state-of-the-art testing and analysis and by adhering to the strictest quality standards. These are oils you can trust!!!!
After the DIY demo I had breakfast, showered and packed. We met in the lobby so that a shuttle could take us to the NOW operations facility. The facility was about 20 minutes away and when we arrived we were asked to don a lab coat, goggles and a hairnet. It almost felt like I was going to work, with the exception of the hairnet.
Prior to entering the actual plant we were given a presentation on the history of NOW Foods. It still amazes me that this company in 1968 and is still a privately owned, family business. You can read all about NOW’s history here.
The actual plant tour took about an hour. We got to see so much including how they store, package and test their products to ensure that the consumer is getting the best product possible. I will save the details for another post, but I have to say that their plant is pretty amazing!
After out tour of the operating plant we headed to the corporate offices for lunch, my presentation, a Facebook Live presentation with Maria Bailey and a natural foods overview and tasting.
I am honored that NOW Foods asked me to present and I was truly excited to share my experience with their products. I presented during lunch and I was definitely nervous, but after a few minutes I got into my groove. It helped that I got to know these women over the past couple of days, plus I love NOW products so much that it is super easy to talk about them. I will share my power point in another post.
After my presentation we participated in a Facebook Live led by Maria Bailey, BSM Media Founder & CEO. This was my very first experience with Facebook Live so make sure you head to the link above and check it out.
After the Facebook Live session we headed downstairs for my favorite part-the food!
I have used almost all their products. I honestly haven’t find anything I do not like. I am usually not even a big fan of stevia, but their stevia is not so bad because the extraction technique they use minimizes the bitterness and aftertaste!!! It was great to learn even more about their products during the presentation.
As someone who is trying her best to give her family non-GMO and organic food as much as possible it is nice to know that 100 percent of NOW’s family of food brands are non-GMO; and 88 percent of NOW’s supplements are non-GMO Assured. Just another reason to love NOW!
After the NOW Foods presentation Kelly from Nosh and Nourish demonstrated her healthy snack for us.
After her demo we got to try it out for ourselves. My team was too busy eating the mozzarella skewers to make a pretty presentation pic, so I “stole” a pic from our neighbors!
After our snack we headed back to the other room for oil tasting. I had never participated in an oil tasting before and even though I had tried most of the Ellyndale oils I was interested to learn more about them through the oil tasting.
Last but not least NOW was nice enough to set up a “make your own” salad in a mason jar to take on the plane with us.
And that is all folks!!! After making the salads, NOW gave us a mini lunch box to put it in along with some brownies. We then headed to the airport. Thankfully once again my flight was not delayed and it was actually one of the best flights I ever had because of the people sitting next to me!!!
I want to thank NOW Foods for hosting me and for providing me with this amazing opportunity. They are truly company I have grown to love and respect. When I use their products I know I am getting the best of the best!!!!!
Have you tried NOW products? What would you like to know about them?
Oh man, I could lay is Savasana for days haha. I’m so glad you enjoyed the whole immersion. I had a blast when I went, but the food was definitely my favorite part, too hehe!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted..Wantable August Fitness Edit
I get a little stressed when savasana lasts too long too. When your mind starts thinking, is it over yet? You know it’s time to get up! Loved reading about your adventures at NOW Foods. They sound like such a great company!
Debbie recently posted..Friday Favorites: Seen on the Run, Fun Deliveries, Great Service and a Birthday!
Wow what an interesting product! I’ll have to check it out.
Looks like a fun time how cool to see everything in person. I love the Savasana
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted..Friday Fitness Finds on Groupon- Retail Therapy Anyone?
how wonderful to be included in this event. I quite often fall asleep during Savasannah!
Elle recently posted..PlantFusion Vegan Protein Review and Giveaway
Oh gosh…..the Savasana pose is freaky in a class! I always fear I’m gonna fall asleep LOL And, it does seem like forever before the instructor coaxes you out of it. Yes, I agree…it’s hard to relax and let go…
Kimberly Hatting recently posted..Five Random Runfessions for Friday
Love the make your own jars!!
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