#snacktivism

#shopblackowned Content & images via the IG and website of @eatpowerbites A Dad on a Mission Power Bites were created by accident. As a busy father, business owner and chef, Sharif Rasheed wanted to create a soft granola bar that his teething son could enjoy. Sharif aimed for healthy ingredients that would actually taste good. As he was making his first batch, they naturally broke into squares. And his son Malcolm, devoured them in a heartbeat. After eating the leftovers, Sharif realized he was onto something. He started implementing the Power Bites into his former juice business and customers loved them. He knew then that this was the product he wanted to focus on. A Cause to Believe In There was a time when you would see Sharif on the front lines with his megaphone screaming for social change in the world. He was fueled by a hunger for equality and his passion for social justice. For years he lectured, wrote articles and sat on panels discussing equality. He lived and breathed for positive change. We believe that snack time should fuel you nutritionally so you can change the world. That’s why we call eating Power Bites “snacktivism.” A percentage of all sales received will be donated to a public school teacher. It is a great honor to bring #snacktivism to life! The Importance of Flavor Flavor has always been important. The snacks we eat should be enjoyable. Making flavorful Power Bites is all about the balance of ingredients. These bites are the perfect balance of Fair Trade dark chocolate, dates, maple syrup, cacao, oats, almonds, sea salt and almond butter. Consistency is Key We make sure every batch tastes the same as the last. We do not cut corners or sacrifice flavor for speed. The bites are made in reasonable sized batches that do not compromise the flavor. (at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/CA-T4WYjHJ4/?igshid=t0bhfce2xzc6

The Earth doesn’t need us to thrive, but we need the Earth to survive. We can do better to take care of our planet, and that means making more conscious decisions about what we put in our bodies and what we purchase. Here’s a few easy things you can do to make a small difference: 🌎 Eat local and find ways to buy at zero waste, bulk stores when you can. 🌎 Reuse packaging as many times as possible. These @pranasnacks bags are resealable and allow me to use the bags for leftovers and snacks. 🌎 Donate or sell used clothes and gear to give it a second chance. 🌎 Create less waste overall. Recycling isn’t the solution. It’s easy to think that by having less trash and more recycling, we’re being more waste efficient. However, a lot of what you recycles ends up going into the landfill because it’s not actually recyclable or it’s mixed with items that are not recyclable. Buying less packaged items will reduce that effect. 🌎 Hold companies accountable for their sustainability initiatives. Engage in conversations with the brands you work with and buy from to see how they can reduce and offset their environmental impact. When I asked @pranasnacks, I found that the bulk of their impact came from agricultural, and by choosing ingredients that were 100% organic, they were able to reduce greenhouse emissions and the impact of fertilizers and pesticides. We’re not perfect, but we can try each day to do something small in our routine that can shift our actions. Let’s keep the dialogue open and educate each other about how we can be better environmental stewards for our planet. #ad #fueledbyprana #madewithprana #snacktivism https://www.instagram.com/p/B2fD3aoHPsO/?igshid=bemcgla9ovtz

We might not speak the same language, but we often communicate in other ways...like kisses. Sometimes we’re howling together in a gibberish that is our way of having an engaging conversation. I’ve learned a lot about myself from owning a dog, especially one that has wild eyes and a beautiful gift of compassion. Perhaps the greatest thing in life is to have an adventure companion to help you see things beneath the surface. And in those in between moments, when you’re having a @pranasnacks or listening to nature’s playlist, give that love of yours all your kisses. (Thank you to @pranasnacks for fueling this adventure with their 100% organic healthy trail mixes.) 📷 @dirtsedona #ad #fueledbyprana #madewithprana #snacktivism https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Y13lyH7om/?igshid=1qm8l3pf9kpzx

This one has driven me wild, while also fueling my adventurous soul. A few weekends ago, we hit a local backpacking trail, crossing over raging rivers and trudging through snow. It felt good to know that we kept going though, finding solitude in the trees to spread out, hang a hammock and journal. The reward for making it to camp before dark? @pranasnacks, along with energy bars and backpacking meals. Having wholesome, organic snacks helps me feel good on the trail and the resealable bags keep them fresh in my pack while I log new miles. Recently, I’ve been cutting down on meat, fish and dairy consumption (unless it’s local) to help reduce my environmental footprint. Visit my Instagram stories to learn more about plant-based foods like @pranasnacks. 📷 @allisonmayor #ad #fueledbyprana #madewithprana #snacktivism https://www.instagram.com/p/BzMJzPXHOqn/?igshid=1fgdc07632gb8

Reality -> Instagram. The secret to any good snack? Your dog will go after it. (swipe for Peaches’ reaction) Before @pranasnacks, it was difficult to find organic snacks made from plant-based ingredients on road trips, and especially ones that weren’t packaged in single-use plastic. On a recent snowy backpacking trip, I used PRANA’s resealable bags instead of tupperware to store Peaches’ kibble. And just the other day, I poured a tablespoon of whole black chia seeds into a blender with some frozen fruit to make a smoothie for breakfast. As a B Corp certified company, PRANA is held to the highest social and environmental standards in the world. They became carbon-neutral in 2017 and are even working toward becoming carbon positive in 2020. Environmental sustainability is something you can practice whether or not you live in a van. I’ve been taking shorter trips in my rig, letting it rest between long stretches and reducing my carbon emissions. In between, I’ve been staying at my homebase, a cabin in the Colorado foothills. For me, this is the perfect balance. Thanks to @pranasnacks for keeping me fueled on both my weekday adventures and weekend road trips. (link in bio to learn more about PRANA’s sustainability practices). #ad #fueledbyprana #madewithprana #snacktivism https://www.instagram.com/p/BxvkGWCHhXG/?igshid=1qmryim1kocuk

#ad One of the common questions I get is about food in my van. To be honest, I don’t carry much as I’m always looking for local finds at farmer’s markets and natural food stores. But I always seem to make room in my van for snacks. My friends @pranasnacks sent me some almonds and chocolate bark, and I ate all of them except the one in this photo (which is now gone as well). These snacks come in plastic packaging, but learned that the packaging accounts for 5% of their impact. 81% of their impact comes from agriculture, even though it is vegan and organic. They are currently working to reduce this impact at source, and minimize food waste. They also have a B Corp Certification, meaning they meet highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. I believe that if we’re going to snack, we should feel good (and healthy) doing it. So I’ve been trading my chip bags for dried fruit and seeds. And I’ve been reusing the resealable packaging for storing cold items. So far, so good. What snacks do you make sure to never go without on road trips? #fueledbyprana #madewithprana #snacktivism https://www.instagram.com/p/BwAT6j5H5Id/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=p227c7z4s0si

Halloween is the arch nemesis of any parent trying to raise a child outside of sugar’s deadly grasp.  With my little one, I “buy” pieces of candy from her in exchange for a gift or an organic treat or a combo of both.  Depending on how much candy she collects!  So I am always looking for ways to make this holiday fun and dare I say, healthy!  Here are some interesting recipes to make “healthy” exciting for them and to hopefully lower the chances of them feeling deprived. Do you try to reduce your kid’s sugar intake during Halloween?  What are some of your tricks?