This post was sponsored by NOW as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
I'm sure that most moms want to make the best decisions for their families. I know I do. But, with all the natural products popping up on the market, it can be hard to figure out which products are best and which brands you can trust. That's why I was eager to participate in an immersion event with NOW Foods.
NOW is a trusted manufacturer of natural products that has been around since 1968. Yes, 1968! They've been making natural products before making natural products was even a thing. It all started with Elwood Richard, a pioneer and legend in the industry. As an athlete, Elwood was committed to living a healthy lifestyle and using natural products. He opened his first natural health food store in 1962 and founded NOW Foods, purchasing healthy foods and supplements in bulk quantities and maintaining a low overhead, so he could compete with grocery chain prices. It wasn't long before other health food stores saw the value in the high-quality products NOW Foods was manufacturing, so they began to providing their goods to other stores and expanding their lines. Almost 50 years later, the brand is still owned by the Richard family and NOW continues to provide value in products and services that empower people to lead healthier lives.
After reading more about the brand, I couldn't wait to travel to Chicago for the #HealthyFamNOW immersion event. I was completely ready to soak up all I could about NOW and their product lines.
Getting to Know NOW Foods
The first activity planned was a welcome dinner with a twist; we were going to compete in an "Iron Chef" competition. As soon as we entered the event space, we shook hands with Jim Emme, the CEO of NOW. He was so down to earth that you'd never know that he manages such a large operation. I've been to a few brand events in the past and it said so much that Mr. Emme took the time to personally introduce himself and get to know us better. After being around him for a little while you could tell that he values each and every one of his team members. He certainly made me feel like a member of the NOW Family.
Back to that Iron Chef competition. After an overview from Dave Rosenberg, Foods Category Manager, and Bryan Morin, Foods Marketing & Sales Specialist, we were given a little cooking lesson from R&D Chef Suzy Singh. I feel like I'm a pretty good judge of character, and let me tell you, these people were passionate about the products they were telling us about. Not only did they have pride in them (they did create most of them, so of course they'd be proud), but you could tell they genuinely wanted to create food that would help people live better, healthier lives.
Have you ever made your own ketchup or barbecue sauce? I hadn't, but Suzy showed us how easy it is to make food that we can feel good feeding our children. She also showed us how to make our own chicken nuggets. I've tried making these from scratch before, but for some reason, my kids really like the frozen ones. By the end of the day I'm usually too flustered and mentally tired to fight them on it, so I relent.
My fabulous teammate, Danielle Faust of Ok, Dani
Suzy gave us a quick recipe that I know my kids would actually eat and enjoy. Plus, I can make them ahead of time and then reheat as needed. Brilliant! These are exactly the kinds of simple solutions I'm trying to fit into our lifestyle.
Photo courtesy of the incredibly talented Elisabeth McKnight
Then, it was time to take it outside for a major showdown. The influencers were split into teams to create our own unique recipes utilizing fresh ingredients and NOW Food products. This was my favorite part of the entire event. Our small group worked together to create a yummy chicken dish with a side of quinoa (by the way, you NEED the Q Cups from NOW in your life; they're so, so good and insanely convenient). This gave us the chance to truly experience the NOW products in a hands-on way.
While our team didn't score a prize or bragging rights, I felt like I walked away with some very do-able mealtime ideas. That's a win in my book! After a yummy dinner featuring even more of NOW Foods, we headed to bed for a bright and early start.
PiYo! That's how the second day of the NOW immersion event started. 7 AM Pilates + Yoga on a rooftop right outside of Chicago was pretty fantastic. I have to admit that I'm not in the best shape of my life, but this workout rekindled a little something inside of me. This event has inspired me to make an action plan. Once my little ones start school in a few weeks I plan to start working out again regularly. I'm also planning a bit of a dietary overhaul, with the addition of NOW Sports Nutrition supplements.
After hearing from John Urban, the NOW Sports Brand Manager, I really think that protein powder may be exactly what I need for better weight management. Replacing a lot of the empty calories I eat with high-quality protein powder is something I plan to test in the months to come. Athletes from around the globe trust NOW Sports since they offer only natural, unadulterated nutritional supplements that you can trust to be pure, safe, and effective. If it's good enough for Olympians, it's probably good enough for me... this is where I'd insert a winking emoji if WordPress had that option.
Another fun, hands-on part of the event was the "Keep It Clean! DIY Natural Health & Beauty Recipes for Your Daily Routine" segment. Tina Tews, the NOW Solutions Brand Manager told us that most women end up using over 200 chemicals in their daily beauty routines. OVER 200?! I felt like I could really reevaluate a lot of the products I'm using. The great thing about the NOW brand is that they carry so much more than just food and supplements. Among their 1,400 high-quality, natural and affordable product are also health and beauty products and essential oils.
A head ease roll-on blend made from NOW products.
I've only just begun to dabble in essential oils, but I know one thing from checking out the popular brands: multi-level marketing companies are charging a LOT for their products. Most oils are packaged as 0.5 liquid ounces (15mL) and can cost anywhere from $13-$48. For example, one brand's 15mL bottle of Lavender retails for $28. You can get 60 mL of NOW's Lavender Oil for a fraction of the price. I'm talking 4 times as much oil for less than half the price of a tiny bottle from other brands. The value here cannot be beaten. Especially for oils that are Non-GMO Project verified.
If you're thinking that maybe there's a difference in quality to explain the price difference, I'm not really sure there is. NOW is committed to offering the purest and most potent natural essential oils available, and that comes from sourcing the very best natural ingredients for its products (and not only for their oils, this is true for every single item they produce). They've got a suite of in-house laboratories that are equipped with the latest instruments and technology so their technicians can accurately assess each essential oil's identity, purity, and safety. I had the opportunity to tour the NOW manufacturing plant and got to see everything from the product packaging lines to the behind-the-scenes laboratories.
I had the opportunity to tour the NOW manufacturing plant later that day and got to see everything from the unloading docks to product packaging lines to the testing laboratories. I spent almost a decade in the medical field at a large university hospital and let me tell you, the sophistication and sheer amount of the lab equipment they have is incredible. Neil Levin, NOW's Nutrition Education Manager guided our and joked that their labs were the stuff that researchers dreams are made of. He commented that when chemists and other researchers have visited their facility that they remarked they'd never got to see many of these machines in person.
CEO Jim Emme also joined us at the manufacturing plant and I noticed in the fringes of the tour he'd make small talk with almost every employee he saw. Again, I felt that sense of family and it seemed like the employees really enjoyed working at NOW.
One thing I noticed over and over during our tour was NOW’s Quality Control and Quality Assurance programs. Mr. Levin explained that trucks don't simply drop off the raw materials for NOW's products then leave. Testing is done on all products that are received, from ensuring there is no contamination in the packaging to testing the purity of the product themselves.
Check out this video to see everything that goes into making quality NOW products:
Another theme I took away from our plant tour and the event, in general, is NOW's transparency. I know that's a buzz-word and might be overused, but NOW has been transparent since before being transparent was cool. They want you to know what you're putting in or on your body. For example, John Urban showed us a comparison of labeling between a popular protein powder and a NOW protein powder. Whereas the popular brand listed a "blend" of some sort, they didn't really tell you the ingredients IN the blend. NOW lists every single thing that's in their supplements on the label so there's no confusion about what you're consuming.
From food products to their variety of over 900 supplements to beauty products, NOW offers a comprehensive approach to personal and family wellness that most people can actually afford. I feel like I could go on and on about how much I enjoyed my time at the NOW immersion event and how excited I am to explore their products. And, speaking of their products, NOW sent me home with over $500 worth of items and I'm excited that I can also give away a product pack to one of you!
One lucky person will receive a NOW product pack worth $500! Please note, contest entrants are only eligible to win once per sweepstake, per household as part of a campaign sponsored by Influence Central.
Open to the US only, ages 18 and up. Ends 8/19/17 at 11:59 PM EST.
Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below. Good Luck!
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of NOW. All opinions are my own. One winner will be randomly selected using the Giveaway Tools random selector and notified via email. Once notified, the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Google. Void where prohibited.
Amanda Alvarado says
I'd like to try their essential oils! I've seen them in our grocery store but was unsure if they were really any good!
Victoria Scott says
I really want to try the Passion Flower capsules. I've been reading a lot about how it helps with anxiety!
barbg says
Their website has some amazing looking products. I would like to try the huge bottle of protein powder and the organice almonds to start with. What a nice giveaway this is!
Tara says
I want to try the Cheer Up Buttercup Essential Oil!
Amy Norg says
I would love to try the Detox Support capsules. We are going "clean" in our house, and detoxing the bodies' systems is so important to feel better!
Kelley H says
I would love to try the Lavilin Underarm Deodorant Cream.
Vikki Billings says
I would also like to try the Garlic Sesame Sticks
Ann Cluck says
I would love to try the Sugarless Sugar
Rust says
I am interested in trying the MAGNESIUM FLAKES and the MAGNESIUM INOSITOL RELAX POWDER.
Angela W says
The essential oils and also the shea butter look like wonderful items to use for health benefits!
Rla says
I'd like to try the q cups. Looks delicious but also easy!
J. Stotler says
I'd love to try their essential oils.
Marti Tabora says
I would also love to try some of the essential oils that they offer, especially the good morning sunshine oil blend. It seems like a really nice scent that I would like.
Dandi D says
I'd love to try their honey roasted pecans.
Darlene Owen says
I would also like to try Coconut Oil
Kristina Leezer says
I'd love to try the 2 in 1 Correcting Eye Cream
Stephanie Landeros says
I would also love to try the almond oil!
Mary West says
I'd love to to try their hair skin and nails supplements!
Eva Mack says
Want some rice and beans
Stephanie H. says
There are so many of their products that I would love to try like: teas, green banana flour, q-cups, and their essential oils.
Logann Risher says
I'd like to try some of their beauty and health products. The Berry Full shampoo would be where I'd start!
Lesly f says
The herbal revival shampoo
Jennifer Zucchero Aikens says
I'd like to try the cheer up buttercup blend essential oil.
Deborah D says
Peppermint Tea, Organic
Jo-Ann Brightman says
I would love to try the Anti-aging 2-in-1 correcting eye cream.
Niurka says
Avocado oil
Lenae Schwartz says
I found it in Home / Essential Oils - Atlas Cedar Oil. I want to refresh my cedar closet lining.
Linda Madden says
I would like to try the 100%Lavender
maureen says
I would like to have the Whole Psyllium Husks for my family.
Steven Epstein says
Lutein & Zeaxanthin. have to keep strong eyes!!
chrissy c says
I would love to try the sugarless sugar!
Sarah Bihms says
The sprouted brown rice looks great!
Christina A. says
I would love to try the Ginger Wasabi Cashew Butter! Sounds really interesting!
Amy C. says
I would love to get some of their Melatonin for my husband to try. He doesn't sleep well.
Ann Fantom says
I would like to try the MCT Oil 1000 mg Softgels
Melissa Storms says
So far I have only tried eos from Now foods. I would really like to try their Wrinkle Rescue capsules. I am all about a good beauty regime but have been looking into supplements for my skin, hair and nails.
Shawna O. says
I would love to try the Turmeric & Bromelain Veg Capsules to help me maintain healthy joint tissues!
Richard Brandt says
I'd like to try the Quinoa Penne.
Michelle Castagne says
I would like to try the Apricot Kernel Oil.
lisa kay says
I would love to try their
Almonds, Organic & Raw
Nancy C says
I'd like to try the Agave Nectar, Light & Organic. I love Agave!
Sapana V says
It's the first time I am reading something about this product. I am amazed to see so many products. Surely, they are having some good products.
Sandy Klocinski says
I would like to try the Krill & CoQ10 Softgels
Elena says
I want to try their Biotin supplements
Gary Emes says
Love patchouli oil but never tried NOW's brand. Love to try it though.
Mia says
I would like to try the Cajun Sesame Sticks.
Emily N. says
I'd like to try the avocado oil.
Kathy Ross says
I'd love to try the Dandelion Cleansing Herbal Tea, Organic.
HilLesha says
I'd love to try their avocado oil . 🙂
Wendy R. says
I would like to try the NOW L-Tyrosine. It's important for brain function.
Sarah Oswald says
I would love to try the Eggwhite Protein Powder in rich chocolate or vanilla creme flavor.
Mandy hammons says
I'd like to try the quinoa pasta
Amy B says
Their Q cups and sprouting jar
Carrie says
I would also love to try their Joint Support Chewables for Dogs & Cats with my 13 year old bassett hound.
Marsha C says
So much I would like try from them. I'd like to get the glucomannan powder for myself because I've read that it can be a good supplement for diabetics. I'd also like to get their pets' joint supplement for our golden retrievers.
Jackie says
I'd like to try the Citrus Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner.
Thank you!
Patty wright says
Firming serum
Bill G says
The essential oils look awesome
latanya says
the brazil nut oil
Amber Ludwig says
Im super interested in the CurcuFRESH™ Curcumin Veg Capsules! I have been taking turmeric for a while now for the immune support and anti-imflammation benefits. Id love to see if this is more effective!
Stephanie Shipley says
I would love to try the Rhodiola supplement.
Laurie Nykaza says
Probiotics & Digestive Enzymes sounds great love to try there brand
Jenelly says
I would love to try the bcaa 8 and the pea protein omg looks so good.
Steve Weber says
I want to try some of the cooking and essential oils.
Leela says
Cacao Powder, Raw & Organic.
Sarah L says
I like their lavender essential oil.
Thanks for the contest.
Darlene Carbajal says
I want to try the Hair, Skin & Nails Capsules.
Linda Szymoniak says
I'd really like to try some of their essential oils. I really like the Let There Be Peace & Quiet Oil Kit
Chris L says
I like their essential oils. Sweet Orange is one of my favs.
Vera K says
I would like to try the beet sugar.
Nancy says
I would also like to try their Put Some Pep in Your Step Oil Kit.
Rija says
i would like try the Hair, Skin & Nails capsules !
Ani W says
I would like to try the essential oils.
cyndi br says
I would like to try the honey roasted pecans
chickie brewer says
I would like to try the green banana flour.
Sheila Vives says
I would love to try NOW Real Food® Organic Sprouted Brown Rice as rice is so nutritious and I love to cook with it. Thank you for your review. I thought Now Foods only sold a few vitamin supplements. I have always wanted to learn more about their company. Now I have to go shopping on Now!
Kristen M says
I'd love to try NOW essential oils. I'd start with the uplifting essential oils kit in order to sample.
sarah k says
I would like to try the Crunchy Clusters™ Cran-Blueberry.
Cheryl Chervitz says
I would love to try their essential oils. I have been doing aromatherapy for about 2 months.
Donna Clifford says
cheer me up buttercup essential oil!:)
Danielle S says
I would like to try their Calcium-Magnesium capsules
kelly m. says
Passed I love that they are so regulated!
Lisa D. says
I would love to try the Hyaluronic Acid Firming Serum
dana says
I love the NOW essential oils
Christopher Beaubouef says
We lov trying new essential oils. Who does not need an occasional detox as well.
denise low says
I would love to try out the essential oils.
Karen D says
I;d like to try their gluten free all purpose flour
polly says
I would like to try their Organic Clove oil
kathy Persons says
roasted and salted cashews
Laurie Nykaza says
Omega-3 Support Softgels for Dogs & Cats love to try there products for my pets
Sandra Watts says
I would love to try their Nutty Infusions™ Nut Butters.
Alicia Webster says
I would love to try the Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Mix.
Ashley C says
I would love to try the 2 in 1 Correcting Eye Cream from Now!
Nicole Danzy says
Any essential oil. I love oils.
Jodi Kershuk says
I would like to try their tea tree essential oil.
desiree says
i like the pet therapy
Lauren says
I would like to try the essential oils.
Richard Brandt says
By the way, these combine two of my favorite words: "Food" and "Now"
Brenda Elsner says
I want to try the essential oils line!!
beverly harrold says
Glucosamine '1000' Veg Capsules sounds like they would work wonders with dhs shoulder
Shane A says
I'd like to try the Jojoba Oil from their beauty and health section.
Richard Hicks says
I want to try their Acai Liquid Concentrate
Alyce Poalillo says
Would love to try their CurcuFRESH™ Curcumin Veg Capsules as I am trying to get more Curcumin in my diet.
Jennifer Reed says
I would also love to try the T-Lean™ Extreme Veg Capsules from Now Foods.
BusyWorkingMama says
I'd like to try their organic oregano oil.
Kathy Pease says
I would love to try the Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate, Dutch Chocolate Powder
Bekki Lindner says
Any of their essential oils! I always have my diffuser running. =)
Jennifer H. says
I would like to try the Almonds, Organic & Raw.
Samantha says
I would love to try their Almonds, Organic & Raw!
Jill Jeffrey says
I love any kind or rice or quinoa!
Eileen Boyce says
Probiotic 10 I'd like to try.
Sue E says
They ALL look mighty tasty! I am a huge snacker!
The Garlic Sesame Sticks. The rices caught my eyes also.
Kevin Puls says
I would try the lemon eucalyptus oil.
Kerry p says
I would love to try the cheer up buttercup! I could use an uplift in my joy.
Hesper Fry says
I would like to try the Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix, Organic & Gluten-Free.
Sarah Mayer says
I want to try some of the cooking oils and the women's probiotic.
Nicole Lancaster says
I would love to try the Now Foods Aloe Soothing Gel.
Sabrina Templin says
I'd love to try their Cajun or Galic Sesame sticks
Jessica Lodge says
I would love to try and desperately need the 2 in 1 Correcting Eye Cream.
Christian Alejandro says
Omega-3 Support Softgels for Dogs & Cats would be good for our dog.
Chrissy says
I have already tried quite a few of their foods so I would love to try their essential oils!
Deanna says
I would love to try the Weight Management Chewable Tablets for Dogs {for my dog of course - LOL!}.
Terry says
I would love to try their Lemon Eucalyptus Oil along with some of the other oils.
BRIAN E. says
We would like to try the Elderberry & Zinc Lozenges !
Trisha McKee says
I would love to try the Chamomile Oil for relaxation.