Have you guys been on Instagram lately?
That’s a rhetorical question.
Last week my feed was filled with peeks inside my trip to the NOW Foods headquarters in a Chicago suburb.  I was one of 7 lucky FitFluential bloggers that spend 2 days immersed in NOW, getting an insider look at the company and their passion for providing high-quality, affordable products.
But first, schwag:
At the end of this post, there is an opportunity for YOU to win ALL of these goodies too. It’s filled with supplements, gluten free-pasta, sugar-free sweetener, and even an oil diffuser!
After checking in, we were treated to a private dinner at Glen Prairie with NOW’s CEO, Jim Emme.  I was lucky enough to sit right next to him while we dined.
I spent years in consulting, meeting with leaders of various companies and hearing all about their problems. Â I’m pretty jaded with corporate America, to say the least. Â Jim is NOT that guy. Â I’ve never met a more genuine leader, or one who cares so much about the people that work for him. It’s amazing how he – and everyone I met – are truly committed to providing high quality supplements and healthy ingredients to people that are actually AFFORDABLE.
More fun facts about Jim:
- He is tall. Â Like really tall… maybe 6’3?!
- He plays basketball twice a week, does Crossfit and follows a paleo diet (he did not have a brownie).
- He meets with any employee that is about to be let go to see if there’s a personal issue that might be impacting performance.
- He started at NOW as a plant manager.
- He can milk a goat.
The food at dinner was excellent.  I had the Golden Beet Arugula Salad with goat cheese toasts, followed by pan-seared Skuna Bay Salmon with sautéed snap peas, fingerling potatoes, and orange beurre blanc.  Homemade gluten-free brownie for dessert with french vanilla ice cream.  Pretty sure I’m the only girl that finished hers, but mah gainz and all… mwhahaha!  There was also red wine involved.
After dinner we went right to bed because there was a 6 AM fitness class the next day.  Central time.  Which means I got up at 3:15 PT.  Soooooo tired.  Suzy was there for me to capture the moment.  (She is amazing, btw.  Another perk to this trip was meeting or reuniting with friends!)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGMbHk1mjal/
The workout turned out to be a HIIT session at Life Time Fitness.  It was a tough 45 minute workout (I felt like a total wuss with my stupid ACL), and I was actually GLAD to end it with 15 mins of yoga.  I almost fell asleep.
I woke up rallied in time for a group picture.
The NOW crew never let us go hungry! Â We fueled up before the workout with various energy bites (click each for recipe) – French Vanilla Coconut, Cashew Butter &Â Berries, and Pom-Berry Nut.
Post-workout we were gifted with a protein shakes in the coolest blender bottle I’ve ever seen. Â It had a separate compartment for powder on the bottom and two compartments for pills on the top.
We had breakfast looking out on the golf course of the hotel before returning to our rooms to shower for the day’s activities.
First up was a private plant tour. Â We were given a short presentation about the company before donning some super-sexy hair nets, glasses, and lab coats for the tour.
It was great to learn so much about NOW.  I’d purchased a few of their products in the past, but never put much thought into the particular brand.  Over and over again I realized how much care is put into each one of the nearly 1,500 high quality, natural, and affordable products ranging from vitamins and supplements to hair and skincare products to snacks and olive oils.  I had no idea that 75% of their supplements are non-GMO!  That’s really really hard to do when you’re sourcing so many ingredients from around the world.
Now Foods is a family owned company, founded in in 1968. Â You can tell that each employee is treated like family – everyone was smiling and waving at us as we walked through the plant!
As we walked through the plant, we saw firsthand that NOW Foods doesn’t just test the final product for quality, they test each individual ingredient that goes into a product.
Our definition of value is the best quality product at best possible price.” – Jim Emme, CEO
There was so much high-tech equipment in there… it was like nerd heaven!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGMxNiPGjWl/
After the plant tour, we were off to their headquarters for lunch and a wellness presentation by NOW Spokesperson, Dr. Wendy Bazilian.  When I saw that the lunch was catered by Whole Foods, I was over the moon happy.  You guys know how I feel about Whole Foods. 😉
Wendy’s presentation was fantastic.  She talked about Food Tribes, which was a new concept to me.  A Food Tribe is a social group connected by a common set of beliefs that shape their food and lifestyle choices.  Makes total sense, right?Â
I was really interested in the research she shared on gluten-free diets and performance.  People often go gluten-free because they think for some reason it’s healthier, but that’s not necessarily the case (allergies and sensitivities aside).  There are studies testing athletic performance that determined there is no benefit to going gluten-free if you don’t truly have a medical reason.
Next up was a DIY Post-Workout Bath Tea and a gym equipment spray led by Tina Tews, Personal Care International Sales Assistant.  That bath tea smells so good with the lavander and chamomile – my luggage smelled fantastic when I got home. Â
Lastly, we were off to the test kitchen for a NOW® Natural Foods Overview by Dave Rosenberg, Foods Brand Director and an Ellyndale Foodsâ„¢ premium oil tasting led by Suzy Singh, R&D Chef.  FYI – all of their food products are non-GMO.
Chef Suzy is basically living my dream.  After a stint in Neural Engineering (NOT part of my dream… holy mother of smart), she decided to follow her passion and go back to school at Le Cordon Bleu to be a chef. She was on season 2 of MasterChef, finishing in the top 5. Then she went on to have a successful samosa food truck, the first South Asian food truck in Chicago.  She missed the science side of the world, which is what led her to R&D for NOW Foods.  Isn’t that an amazing story?!
On to the oil tasting, lead by Chef Suzy herself.
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know that I love wine. Â In, fact, Vegas and I just took a level two certification. Â It was really cool to learn that you taste oils much like you taste wine. Â You give it a swirl to let the air in, smell it, and suck it through your teeth, holding it on our tongue to get the full effect.
They were all really good, but the coconut infusions were my favorite.  I wanted to roll around in the butter infusion and the garlic… well, I could have eaten enough of it to scare off a family of vampires.
I was so sad when it was time to leave.  Always thoughtful, the NOW crew had a make your own salad in a jar bar set up for us.  We got to use the oils we just tasted to make our own salad dressing too.  Wouldn’t this be a fun party idea?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGNJ4asGjWC/
It was great to meet so many new friends, and to reunite with friends I haven’t seen in a while (like the marvelous Katie!). Â And KELLY OLEXA! Â I finally got to meet FitFluential’s leader and she is every bit as amazing as she comes across online. Â You can fluff my hair any time, friend.
Special thanks to Alana, NOW’s Senior Public Relations Specialist.  She was the force behind organizing this amazing event.  She even memorized our bios and greeted us by name as we arrived!
[Tweet “Check out this amazing 2-day immersion @nowfoods! #giveaway”]
Giveaway
Whew. Â That was a lot. Â Thanks for sticking with me. Â NOW (<– see what I did there?)Â it’s Giveaway time!
Don’t miss the Fitfluential Twitter chat on Thursday, June 16 2016 at 9pm ET!  All the bloggers that attended will be there chatting and using the hashtag #NOWGetFit.  Come say hi!
Check out NOW Foods on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.  They’ll be showing a video from our time there!
This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of NOW Foods.
***
I got home and crashed hard… but only after following the trail of notes and peanut M&Ms that Vegas left for me. <3
What NOW brands products do you use?
Did you know how to taste oil properly?
Tara @ Sweat like a Pig says
I’m highly suspicious of people that don’t finish their desserts. Looks like a fun trip, even with the early wake up call – yikes!
Laura says
HA! Good life policy.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
It was a fun trip and it felt like it went too fast. I didn’t have time to see everyone!
Liz S. says
My favorite NOW Foods product is the Avocado Oil.
judith says
i’d love to try their coconut oil
Stephanie says
I love NOW products. And now even more so after reading this post. I use a ton of them…MCT oil, shave cream, various supplements, etc. I probably have no clue how to properly taste oils. I want to have a make-your-own-salad party after seeing this. That would be a fun wedding thing, huh?
Laura says
That would be awesome at a wedding! I hate when the pre-made salads at events get all soggy from the dressing.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
Wow. Looks like an absolutely amazing trip! So many cool experiences and what a great opportunity to go behind the scenes! PS How’s your ACL healing?
Laura says
Thanks! It’s getting there – jumping, going downhill, and side to side movement is uncomfortable, but at the 3 month mark it *should* be ok…
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
COME BACK TO ME
Laura says
COME TO SAN DIEGO!
Kimber Weissert says
This seems like an awesome experience. I have used a few of there vitamins but now I want to try more of there products like there pro towns and oils!
manda says
I would like to get some vitamins.
Dietitian Jess says
Sounds like a really amazing trip- so cool to see the inner workings of a company! I do not know how to taste oil properly but I’m looking forward to tasting some at an Italian vineyard in a couple weeks- teach me your ways!
Laura says
Ahhhhhh… lucky duck! My trip is September 28th. Woot!
Deb says
I love their Stevia!
Haley says
What a super fun trip that was for you! I love the NOW lavender oil.. I use it in my diffuser. I would love to try the coconut infused oils… and quinoa macaroni, because pasta.
🙂
Laura says
Lavender is one of the ones they sent up home with. I can’t WAIT To try it out!
Morgan says
Uhm, those coconut infusions though!? They sound amazing
Emily says
This looks like an amazing way to spend a weekend! Glad you had so much fun! Loved your recap post!!
Laura says
Thanks! It was a fantastic 2 days!
Christine @I Hate Running says
Looks like it was an amazing trip! Tasting the oils must have been so fun. There’s a cool spot near me in Brooklyn that is just all different infused oils and vinegars and it’s so fun to go in and taste all the different combinations.
Laura says
We have a few spots like that here too. Now I want togo in them and practice my fancy new tasting skills. 😉
Kristina says
I always finish dessert.
my FAVORITE Now product? really? hmmm, of all the things in my kitchen right now – I use their turmeric bromelain, 5HTP and more aminos than I can count, maca powder, plant protein… I’ll choose their spirulina as my favorite because it is the last thing I used today. ha! I’d love to try the liquid coconut oil…
me me ME, pick ME.
Laura says
You are my people. <3
I just got 5HTP! I'm on day two.
Kanoelani says
I currently don’t use any NOW products lol but I have in the past & now will use more haha!! And I have done oil tasting. It was olive oil & it was interesting. Looks like an amazing trip! So jealous!
Laura says
I legit thought I didn’t… then I looked around and I have several NOW supplements. Those oils though… that’s going to be a game changer!
D says
That trip looks so fun! I’m curious about the sugar free sweetener!
Amanda says
This is the first time I have even heard about NOW foods—I’m very impressed! The quinoa macaroni sounds absolutely delicious! The coconut infusions sound like they would be a lot of fun! Thank you so much for sharing and helping me learn about such new and healthy options!
Laura says
Thanks! I’m really excited to try the pasta and oils too. I need an Italian night!
DJ says
I would love to try the Macadamia Nut Oil.
Hannah @CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I want to try their butter flavored coconut oil!
Hollie says
I’ve heard a lot of great things about NOW foods! Whoever wins the giveaway will be lucky! Thanks for sharing about your trip! Sounds like a lot of fun!
Kim says
Looks like a great tour! I will be meeting with Jim next week. Such a nice guy!
Laura says
Really?! Tell him I said hi! And ask him to tell you about the time he milked a goat. 😉
lindsay Cotter says
they took my balls… bitter. Kidding. I love it! and wish I could have gone. But quick question. What did the trail of m&m’s lead to? ahem.. wink wink
Laura says
Mwhahahaha! It’s all fun and game until someone takes yer balls.
There was actually a green M&M on the bed. But Vegas was at a ball game, so I passed right out! 😉
Christina Bauer says
Their Crunchy Clusters sound fab! I’m always looking for healthy snacks for on the go. Looks like you had an incredible time!!
Christina Bauer says
OMG I didn’t even realize it, but I had just ordered a bottle of essential oils from NOW Foods YESTERDAY. Hahaha. Guess I *have* heard of them 🙂
Laura says
Hahaha! I did the SAME thing with their supplements.
Becki @ Fighting for Wellness says
I use NOW nutritional yeast all the time, but I have my eye on that quinoa macaroni! This looks like it was such a fun experience.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
I saw all the fun pics on Suzy’s page. Looks like a fun time was had by all!
Heather McClees says
I’m so glad that you had a good time! NOW is one of the only supplement companies I will buy from. In fact, over 75% of my supplements have that classic orange, purple, and white logo! 🙂 They truly are a great company, and I think it’s so great you got to go to such a cool company HQ! 🙂
Laura says
That’s so great to hear! I’m a little embarrassed I didn’t pay much attention to the source of my supplements before… but I will now! (Hee hee… now…)
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness says
The trip looks like SO MUCH FUN!!! Loved checking out your recap lady!
I totally want to try NOW Foods quinoa macaroni. I’ve been all about unconventional pasta lately, and my favorite so far has been a chickpea one from a company I met at Natural Products Expo.
Laura says
I’ll let you know how it is! I want to try the chickpea. I have done black bean a few times and liked it. Definitely not like “real” pasta though.
Kate says
It’s fascinating what you see when companies let you “behind the scenes. “
Hollie says
I’ve heard nothing but great things about NOW. This looks amazing….since I’m prediabetic love to try the sugar free sweeteners.
Laura says
I’m excited to try them too! They say they’re not as bitter on the end as regular Stevia.
debbie says
Wow! What an amazing time! #jealous! 😉 I would love to try some of the Now Foods protein Powder
,
glenneth says
looks like everyone had such fun. i never knew there was a right way to taste oil. thanks for sharing.
Caitlin A. says
I love the NOW cacao nibs and almond meal for baking
Devin Self says
I looooove this brand! I haven’t tried many of these products though..they are not at the store I typically buy their other products but have been dying to try them! I’m not quite sure I could pick just one of their products because from what I use, they’re all pretty dang amazing and can’t go wrong!:) I would absolutely love to win this!
Laura says
I’m sorry you didn’t win! I definitely recommend trying out more of their products though – if you see that infused coconut oil GRAB IT! 😉
Allyssa says
I have been trying to incorporate more plant based protein into my diet so I’d love to try the NOW brand! Looks like such a fun trip!
Laura says
Protein powder is a great way to get a boost! I like to make a protein smoothie bowl post-workout in this summer heat!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
I would have finished my brownie too so you would have been in good company. It sounds like a blast. Next time you’re in Chicago you better make a side trip to Cleveland.
Laura says
I planned so poorly… I don’t know why I didn’t stay the weekend!
Pat says
I’d like to try their 2 in 1 Correcting Eye Cream
Cassie @ Rural Running Redhead says
What a cool trip!! I’ve never tried any NOW stuff, but I want to. The oils sound fun!
jill conyers says
Looks like so much fun. I love live blogging events.
Cheryl says
I’d like to try the Real Food Roasted, Salted Pistachios.
Farrah says
That looks like so much fun! I hope to get to go to an event like that someday! 😛
I’d love to try their macadamia nut oil! (Totally not being influenced by being in Hawai’i or anything…)
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen says
Awesome recap and it was so nice meeting you! It really makes such a difference connecting with people in person every once in a while compared to just online. Nothing like face-to-face interaction, especially with such amazing and inspiring individuals!
Laura says
Thank you!!! It was great meeting you too, and I totally agree on the face-to-face. I wish we could do it more often!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
What a fun trip! I didn’t realize NOW had so many types of food!
Lisa @ RunWiki says
Do you and your girl want to adopt a grown, quickly aging old lady? It was amazing to get to know you. Love all of your interesting stories– what a beautiful person you are Laura. Love your confidence, humor and powerful by laid back energy. Wrapping my arms around you!
Laura says
Sure! The more the merrier. 😉
You are too kind. I love talking with you. You always blow me away! I wish we were a little closer, but let’s do get together again sooner rather than later.
GiGi Eats says
My friend made me download snap chat again. I saw all the behind the scenes of this trip. The menus for meals looks friggin’ bomb!! I would be most excited about meeting fellow bloggers though. It’s awesome to meet the faces behind the words – which is what we plan on FINALLY doing next week yo!
Laura says
YAY!!! I refuse to get snap chat… I have too many things to keep up with already! But you can snap our adventures and show me all the reasons I should stop resisting. LOL!
Julie says
That is a lot of swag. I haven’t tried any of these products but some look really good.
I don’t know how to taste oil properly and sometimes shy away from different varieties.
Laura says
The oils were so cool! Branching out is fun… I recommend the macadamia!
DAWN BRADLEY says
I would like to try Now probiotics er essential oils
Maria C. says
I love the Pea Protein Shake as well as the Lightly Salted Almond Nuts
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
Sounds like a super fun trip, it would be great to meet up with some FFAs. I would love to try some of their healthier oils to cook with.
Cheryl Mason says
I would love to try the Avocado Oil!
Marsha says
That sounds like such a neat experience. I haven’t tried any of the oils. I believe I’ve used some supplements before. I don’t know that i have any of these products currently. Lucky you for this opportunity! Looks like fun!
Laura says
I can’t wait to hear how you like it all! 🙂
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says
Sounds like a great trip! I have not used NOW products, but will look for them. Thank you for sharing this 🙂
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie says
Would love to try their oils!
Nicole says
This looked SO fun!! I followed along on snapchat!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Such a fun trip! I can’t way tot get all our swag! And I want more of those cashew balls – nom!
Laura says
I got mine yesterday!!! Vegas was like WHOA! Hahaha!
Brittany @ Barr & Table says
Loved your recap! This looks like such a fun trip. Can I choose the cashew butter & berry balls as my product I want to try? 🙂
Laura says
YES! They were so good. I could have eaten two packages!
Giselle Rochford says
Love reading about all of the fun y’all had at the event! I wish I could do something like this and meet up with other bloggers one day.
paige c says
I would love to try their essential oils! I use some of their vitamins already!
Annamarie V says
I would like to try the Now Vanilla Toffee pea protein powder.
aliah says
Now that’s some swag! I love reading about your experience and your behind the scenes sneak peek! TOO MUCH FUN!
Noelle Carroll says
I love their Avocado Oil! Also, well, I love all their oils… I use them all the time while cooking
Laura says
I actually have had that one before – it’s really good!
Jordan D. says
I’d like to try the dark chocolate stevia from Better Stevia, or Now Foods’ vanilla toffee pea protein or the toffee caramel fudge whey protein!
Laura says
I want to try that Stevia too!!! Kelly Olexa kept raving about it!
Lea says
I really want to try the oil diffuser! I’ve heard so many good things about them. The supplements would also really come in handy.
Rosie says
I’m always going through coconut oil so would love to try their brand.
Lindsey @livinglovingrunner says
This looks like an amazing experience! I want to try the oil diffuser!
erica scheutzow says
I’d like to try the pea protein
Emily says
How did I miss this? I love your face getting up at 3:15 PT. I might have not even looked goofy. I might have just been a monster. That oil tasting looks seriously so good, although I think I might get the flavors mixed up after trying a bunch. It was fun seeing all the gals’ salads on Instagram after they finished. NOW is so much of a bigger company than I realized, and I NOW have a bigger appreciation for them! Ok, and that study to going gluten free if you don’t have to is really interesting. I think we often think things because of popular advertising without doing the actual research. I would really love to try that Quinoa macaroni, because I’m all about trying new pastas.
Laura says
Thanks for following along! NOW is way bigger than I realized too. And YES on the gluten-free thing… for some reason people associate it with “healthy” and that’s not the case!
Emily says
Oh, for some reason your Instagram link is broken, but I’m going to go find you on Instagram! 🙂
Laura says
Thanks for letting me know… I fixed it. Doh.
Megan (The Lyons' Share) says
Happy to learn more about Now- thanks for sharing the post and giveaway!
Kelly D says
Their coconut oil is my favorite.
Maggie says
I have heard great things about NOW’s sugarless sugar… I’d love to try it!
Jen says
I like the oat fiber for baking
Laura says
Ohhhhh… good call! I totally forgot I had some of that!
Amy P says
I’ve tried their vitamins before, but would love to try more products!
Emily says
Seriously–what a rad trip!!
I’d love to try the sugar free sweetener!!
Sabrina Fan says
I love ALL Now products! They are such a trustable brand with quality products! I have a bunch in my house, from creatine for helping my workouts to vegan and whey protein to even bulk nuts and seeds! I especially love their fiber products such as xanthan and guar gum and organic psyllium husk! I’m really hoping to try some of the giveaway products too!
Laura says
Ah! It’s good to hear you’re such a fan. after touring the facility, I’m definitely going to be making an effort to try more of their products. You’re right – it’s fantastic to have a brand you can trust!
Kait says
I’ve always been a fan of Now’s sweet almond oil- but everything here looks like so much fun- quinoa pasta? Yes, please.
Jennifer Lattin says
Awesome swag!!!
Dani @ Dani California Cooks says
Wow!! What a trip! I’ve got a window with NOW foods open to look more into the company.
sarah s says
I’m interested in trying the Dried Tropical Fruit Dices and Sugarless Sugar.
Laura says
They had those fruit things out as snacks – they are like crack. In a delicious way. 🙂
GiGi Eats says
I do believe you and I are in the same FOOD TRIBE. HA! We are just in the same LIFE TRIBE in general.
I saw a bunch of photos of this NOW FOODS exploration and the thing tha tpopped out the most to me was the AMAZING salmon they served you! LMFAO – god I am so addicted to that shit, it’s stupid.
Oh and Jim ain’t that tall – Landon (fiance) is 6’6″! LMFAO!
Laura says
HA! Let’s do a TRIBAL dance on Tuesday!
P.S. 6’6?! Aren’t you like… pocket sized?!
GiGi Eats says
Well you’re going to see first hand on Tuesday just how big/small I am! haha!
masala girl says
wow that looks like an nAWESOME trip!! but ooph thats early. looks like you had fun! 😀 jealous ;D
Smitha @ Runningw ith SD Mom says
Okay. I am ready to meet in person. NOW. See what I did there?
Laura says
HAHAHA! Love it. And YES! 🙂