Last week I had the privilege and honor of attending the 3rd annual #NOWGetFit Influencer Immersion event created by NOW® Foods with 17 other bloggers at the NOW® Foods Headquarters in Bloomingdale, IL. I’ve been super excited about this event especially since I already use many of their awesome products. As you probably know I have IBS and am limited to certain foods and products since I follow a low FODMAP diet. That said, NOW® Foods has many products that fit into my specialized needs, but I guess that shouldn’t be any surprise as NOW® Foods’ mission is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives.
When I was first invited to this event, I didn’t realize the extent of products NOW® provides. NOW has four distinct product categories – supplements, sports nutrition, foods, personal care and also pet supplements (great for me to know as I have a Toy Poodle)! You can read more about these categories and the 1,400 natural products they offer here.
A FEW FACTS:
Founded in 1968 by Elwood Richard on the belief that natural is better, NOW is still family-owned by the Richard family.
NOW’s products are created using non-GMO, non-irradiated and organic ingredients whenever possible.
100 percent of NOW’s family of food brands are non-GMO; and 90 percent of NOW’s supplements are non-GMO assured. For more information on NOW’s non-GMO commitment, click here.
NOW® Sports is one of the few natural sports product brands that does not use any artificial ingredients, including artificial sweeteners, colors or flavors. It is also constantly tested to be free of heavy metals, while also assuring the quality and quantity that’s stated on al of their products.
NOW® Solutions is a line of superior personal care products (skincare, haircare, general hygiene) derived from pure, natural ingredients free of harsh preservatives, phthalates, and parabens to support a variety of individual needs.
The ~36 hours we were in Chicago included staying at the world class Eaglewood Resort & Spa in Itasca, Illinois! When I entered the resort I was embraced by the NOW® GetFit Influencer Immersion staff who made me feel like family immediately. When I entered my room I was amazed at how generous their welcoming gifts were in which a premium personal blender and a personal oil diffuser (which I had no idea NOW® Foods even made) among dozens of other goodies, from supplements, protein powder, aminos and quinoa pasta was also included! The hospitality at Eaglewood Resorts was impeccable too as they delivered a beautiful thank you gift of dried fruits and chocolates just for mentioning them in social media (hint for future influencers 😉).
That same evening we were taken to an awesome gem of a restaurant in Glen Ellyn, Chicago called Glenn Prairie which was nominated as Chicago’s Best Viewers Choice. We had a delicious dinner and met the other fellow bloggers as well as the CEO, Jim Emme, program managers and other key leaders within the company.
The next morning we had an early 7 am R.I.P.P.E.D. class given by Vanessa Mackay at the Eaglewood Resort and Spa which woke us all up! After our class we were given protein shakes and had a DIY NOW® solutions demo where we made our very own massage oil and a sanitary spray for gym equipment using all natural ingredients including essential oils that NOW® produces.
One of 8 labs where their raw products are tested to ensure quality assurance. NOW® has pioneered and set the standard for many supplements and how they’re tested.
After having some breakfast at the resort with some NOW® employees and fellow bogger we were off to the headquarters and the manufacturing plants of NOW®. Seeing how products are tested when they enter the plant, to how they are stored, accounted for, created, labeled, packaged and sent off for delivery was quite a learning experience and definitely a loyalty builder for me. Seeing how meticulous, accountable and precise their procedures and equipment are, gives me faith in all of their products! NOW® is doing everything possible to ensure that their products have the best quality at the lowest price for their customers.
Meeting and interacting with the positive and dedicated NOW® employees – from the CEO, Jim Emme (who, by the way, knew my name from day one!), to the product managers to their head chef to the members of their production lines. It was clear that the employees within NOW® believe in the product they are creating and selling.
Dave Rosenberg, Foods Category Manager & Suzy Singh, R&D Chef
I know some people find Google or Apple products compelling and their people seem to love their products, but employees at NOW® all seem to know the backstory and people behind their company and they see how important their products and mission are to individuals and families across the globe. I’m excited that I have found a company that I trust and believe in and I feel like I am a part of their family! That said, I plan to start utilizing and sharing a lot more of the NOW® products with my family, friends, and clientele!
———
Twitter Chat
If you want the chance to learn more about the company, come join our Twitter chat on Thursday, May 11th @ 9pm EST. Use the hashtag #NOWGetFit to ask any questions you may have about the company and/or products! The theme is #NOWGetFit for summer!
Date: Tuesday, May 11, 2017
Time: 9 pm Eastern
Hashtag: #NOWGetFit
