The Daily Chomp

chompians March 14, 2022

Chompian of the Month: Nikkya Hargrove

  We’re excited to share that our Chompian of the Month for Month is a longtime friend of the Chomps’ team, Nikkya Hargrove, who we were introduced through via her work at Harboring Hearts. Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.? I am the Vice President of Operations & Programs at Harboring Hearts. Since 2018, I've worked alongside a female-led organization which is incredibly empowering. At Harboring Hearts, we provide financial and emotional support to cardiac surgery and transplant patients and their families so they can focus on their health. As a Black woman, I am intimately familiar with the importance of heart health. In the African American community, heart disease is the #1 cause of death. My mother, at the age of 42, died from heart disease. I am incredibly proud of the work I do each and every day, getting to help families when they need it the most. What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? I firmly believe that having hope will get you very far. For me, having hope is one of the greatests gifts. What’s your workout routine? I recently started going back to the gym after a very long hiatus. I love spin and in the summer, I love spending as much time as I can outside from hiking with my family every weekend to heading to the beach to bike riding around my neighborhood. Staying active is good for my soul, mental, and physical health. How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation! For me, being a "game changer" means to push past adversity no matter the odds. I live by the belief that we are not defined by our past and we are the only ones who can change our present and future. What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? I write. I am a freelance writer and I have a book (a memoir) coming out called "A Black, Queer Woman's Journey to Motherhood" from Algonquin Books. What is your favorite Chomps product? The Original Beef Stick How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? I am a mom of 6yo twin daughters, one of whom is an incredibly picky eater, and a 15 year old son. When we head to Whole Foods or Trader Joe's, we always pick up a few beef sticks. It gives me great relief to know that when I can give her a healthy snack, like a Chomps beef stick, that I am doing something good for her little body which invariably makes my life easier - no arguments when it comes to eating a Chomps Beef Stick.   READ MORE

chompians February 10, 2022

Chompian of the Month: Hannah Bonham Blackwell

Our February Chompian of the Month this year is a new friend of ours and Chicago local, Hannah Bonham Blackwell, who we recently met and had participate in our Valentine's Day bouquet video with Southside Blooms. Southside Blooms is a farm-to-vase florist on the Southside of Chicago, providing unique floral arrangements, while maintaining an uncompromising dedication to the environment and surrounding communities. They're a non-profit organization so every single bouquet purchased directly contributes to job creation for at-risk youth and adults in some of Chicago's toughest neighborhoods. During our video production at Southside Blooms, we met Hannah, and knew we had to learn more about her story and connection to this wonderful organization. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?   I’m the Creative Lead and Head Florist for Southside Blooms, a project of Chicago Eco House, that has the mission to alleviate poverty through sustainability. I’m in charge of the look of our brand and all of the new products that we roll out as well as helping to create floral designs for customers and planning out the flowers that are grown on our farms here in Chicago. My Chicago story actually started when I was 15. As a Kansas native, I came up to the southside with my church youth group for a week and was deeply touched by the experience. Many teens my age that I met were living in dire conditions in the infamous Robert Taylor homes and it impacted me in ways I wouldn’t forget. Eight years later I would move to Chicago and would eventually find my life’s call only miles away from that first place where I was so moved. Moving to Englewood and starting Chicago Eco House and Southside Blooms with my husband, Quilen, is a dream come true that took years of hard work and prayer. To see our goal realized of at-risk teens being pulled away from the streets and given a job is a feeling like no other.   What's your best tip on how to stay positive?   Forgive! Don’t hold grudges, and find ways to let things go.   What's your workout routine?   Running after my 3 toddlers :) Twin 4 year olds and a 2 year old - they have crazy energy! Other than that, I love going on walks and hikes with my husband in the many forest preserves around Chicago.   How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation!   Anytime one of our youth is at work and kept out of trouble or saved from the violence of the street it is literally changing the trajectory of their life. If my work can do that, I’d consider that being a change maker.     What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? Starting my day with prayer! It helps me set my mind on what matters and helps me face the day, no matter the obstacles.     What is your favorite Chomps product? Jalapeño Turkey all the way!! How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? I’m an avid label reader and stay away from anything packaged that has too much junk in it, so Chomps is the perfect snack for a busy day when I need something quick and easy that will keep me going.   Learn more about Southside Blooms, their story and purchase some of their beautiful bouquets. READ MORE

chompians January 24, 2022

Chompian of the Month: Jeana Anderson Cohen

We're kicking off the new year with a new Chompian of the Month for January, our friend and local Chicagoan, Jeana Anderson Cohen. As the founder and CEO of aSweatLife, a company that hosts wonderful wellness related events throughout Chicago and beyond, she shows us what it truly means to be a Chompian every day by inspiring others to get out, live mindfully, lean into gratitude and find the fun in fitness.   Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.?   I'm the founder and CEO of aSweatLife, a wellness media company. Before founding health-focused companies I earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison - and fresh out of college I worked on the '08 Obama campaign in Michigan. From there, I created and executed social media strategies for brands. aSweatLife fuses my experience in building community and her passion for wellness. You can find me leading the team at aSweatLife, trying to join a book club, and walking my dog Maverick.   What’s your best tip on how to stay positive?   Lean into gratitude - even on the harder days there's always something to be grateful for. If it starts raining on you when you're walking, remember how lucky you are to be walking in the first place.   What’s your workout routine?   I like to mix strength, HIIT, and steady state cardio. Currently, I'm working on my swimming skills and I'm feeling so much more confident getting into a lap pool.   How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation!   I'm a game changer because I like to question the rules - if the status quo doesn't fit any more, why not change it?   What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)?   I look at the things I do to take care of my body as feeding it and fueling it. So, viewing my wellness routine as additive, instead of trying to shrink or get smaller, is the best thing I do for myself.   What is your favorite Chomps product? Original Turkey!   How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle?   I'm gluten free (I had part of my colon removed last summer and have to be to avoid *pain*) and I love real food that I can throw into a bag to avoid the hangries. Chomps is that for me. READ MORE

chompians December 10, 2021

Chompian of the Month: Tina Loizzi

It's the final month of 2021 and to wrap up our Chompian of the Month series where we highlight people in our community doing beneficial things for their community, our December Chompian of the Month is Tina Loizzi.   For the past three years she has taken on the project of "stockings for soldiers". Her daughter went into the Air Force two years ago so this was something Tina came up with to give back to her community. Two years ago she knit 200 stockings and sent them to FE Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This past year, with the help of a few wonderful women, she was able to send 350 stockings to the Great Lakes Navel Base here in Chicago, IL and this year she will be sending stockings to send to Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois.   Check out our interview with Tina below to learn a little bit more about her!     Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.? I am a server at Biaggi's in Illinois. I took on the project of Tina‘s Stockings for Soldiers when my daughter Katie went into the Air Force three years ago. For three years I have sent homemade Christmas stockings to different military bases. I spend half of a year Collecting donations to fill the stockings and then my mother and I fill them. So many military personnel are very lonely during the holidays and I just hope that it makes them feel a little of the appreciation that I feel for them.   What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? Just appreciate all that you have!   How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation! I like to make things happen.   What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? Smiling at people.   What is your favorite Chomps product?The Original Turkey Sticks   How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? I am pre-diabetic so eating these makes me feel like I’m putting something good in my body.     Thank you Tina for all that you've done and continue to do this holiday season!   READ MORE

chompians November 21, 2021

Chompian of the Month: John Furniss

  We're excited to highlight John Furniss as our November Chompian of the Month. John is known as "The Blind Woodsman", an entrepreneur and inspiration to the Chomps community. Read a bit more about who John is and his incredible journey below. Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.?I am a blind woodworker living in the Pacific Northwest. I lost my sight at age 16 from a suicide attempt and struggled with drug addiction for many years. When I found woodworking in my early 20’s, my entire life changed. My teacher was also blind and taught me adaptive skills in the wood shop. For a few years I rebuilt pianos and moved onto woodworking professionally about five years ago. I met my wife Anni and now business partner nine years ago and we live with our fur kid, Pickle, in SW Washington. Anni is also an artist and we love collaborating on projects. I use my experiences and struggles with mental health and addiction to advocate on social media. I have over 1.1 million followers on social media and love sharing my life with my online community!     What’s your best tip on how to stay positive?The knowledge that change is inevitable can be a relief; if something upsets you know that it’s just temporary. Also, try to laugh at yourself instead of getting frustrated. What's your workout routine?I don’t have one outside the wood shop, it is a very physical job. I’m stronger now than I’ve ever been. I even wear weights on my arms while using the lathe to help build muscle. How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation!Because of my stubborn nature, giving up is just not in me. I hope that inspires others to not give up as well. You can always find a way. What's the best thing you do for your personal health every day (mental or physical)?Woodworking is great for me both mentally and physically. I get out to my wood shop, turn on my music and my lathe and I’m in my “creation cocoon.” There is nothing like it! What is your favorite Chomps product?Salt and Pepper Venison and Sea Salt Beef How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? I eat one everyday in the wood shop and have a good supply of them out there at all times. You can follow The Blind Woodsman on Instagram. READ MORE

chompians October 21, 2021

Chompians of the Month: Kim Hannay and Jan Claibourne

We're excited to highlight Kim Hannay, co-founder of Digs with Dignity (a Chicago-based non-profit organization) as October's Chompian of the Month, along with her partner and Digs' other co-founder, Jan Claiborne. You can follow Digs with Dignity on Instagram here.   Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.? Digs was founded in October of 2019. The organization was built around the idea of collecting furniture and home goods from the community, and using these donations to furnish homes for families transitioning from homelessness, while keeping these items out of landfills. Over the past 2 years, with the help of our incredible staff and volunteers, we have created safe, dignified homes for over 50 families! Our process is simple. We meet with families, learn about their interests, needs, and what it takes to make their space feel like home. Then, we collaborate with our designer, Beth to create a custom space for each client, selecting gently used and refurbished furniture from our warehouse. Led by our in-house repair guy, Jan, we sand, paint, change knobs, and upcycle donated furniture from the community. After we are staged and ready to go, we begin the DIGS “move-in” Day. With a crew of passionate volunteers, we clean, lift a lot of heavy stuff, and decorate every room of the space, creating a personalized, fully outfitted home for each family! What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? When things get tough, a deep breath, a reminder of why we do what we do, and a good laugh help us stay positive! What’s your workout routine? Lifting heavy furniture up 3 winding flights of stairs on our DIGS Days is the ultimate cardio/strength workout! How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation! Our work at Digs is significantly impacting families' lives. Imagine getting your first place, your first job, with 3 little mouths to feed. You come home after a hard day’s work, eat on the floor with paper plates, and then, put your kids to bed on an air mattress that you all share. Now, imagine walking into a home with a desk where your kids do their homework, a fully stocked kitchen, bedrooms with cozy pillows to sleep on at night, and a table to gather for dinner. We turn a house into a home that will foster self worth, and instill stability into the family’s life. And, as self worth grows, dreams are built, goals are set, potential is realized. What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? We have the BEST crew. We laugh together, support each other, and all are truly so invested in seeing our organization and our families succeed. Laughter is the best medicine, and we have a lot of it. From the occasional dance break, boomerangs galore, and celebrating the small wins we have along the way, we are all grounded in the work we do to impact lives every day! What is your favorite Chomps product? Jalapeño Beef, cause we like it hot! How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? Chomps snacks get us through long days at the warehouse, giving us the power we need to accomplish great things! READ MORE

chompians September 22, 2021

Chompians of the Month: Ameena Soliman & Catherine Raiche

  We're excited to highlight Ameena Soliman and Catherine Raiche as our September Chompians of the Month! Both Ameena and Catherine work for the Philadelphia Eagles and started a group last year to connect all of the women who work in football operations in the NFL - coaches, scouts, athletic trainers, nutritionists, etc. It started as an informal platform to share resources and stay connected, and now they have been able to host virtual events with front-office executives, former players, and female leaders in other industries. They hope to grow the group and continue to push each other to get better.   You can follow their journey - @meen_mill & @cat_raiche   Q&A with Ameena: What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? We are pretty busy in our line of work, and it can be tough to manage work-life balance, especially during the season. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I have a REALLY cool job, and there are a lot of people who are trying to break into this industry every day. When I look at my workday as "what I GET to do" instead of "what I HAVE to do," it helps me to not lose sight of the big picture. Even though we can get caught up in the daily grind, I am lucky to be able to do something that I love each day and call it work. What’s your workout routine? I typically do 15-20 minutes of cardio, then 30-40 minutes of lifting, focusing on a different muscle group each day. I'll do a Peloton workout here and there to switch up the cardio! How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation! Because there aren't a ton of women in our industry, especially in scouting, we have the opportunity to make the path easier for women after us by doing our jobs at a high level. The better we do, the more likely it is that teams will be willing and open to hire other women in similar positions. What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? Work out! I always feel better when I get my daily workout in, and it gives me more energy for my day. I am also using Duolingo to learn Spanish - even if it's a small lesson each day, it keeps me in a routine and keeps my mind sharp (I have a 548-day streak going!). What is your favorite Chomps product?   Original Beef and Jalapeno Beef are my favorites! How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? I am a big snacker, and I love to have healthy options on hand to make sure I get my protein in and eat healthy throughout the day. They're easy to take when I'm on the go and need a fix! "When I look at my workday as "what I GET to do" instead of "what I HAVE to do," it helps me to not lose sight of the big picture." - Ameena Soliman Catherine is a French Canadian currently working in football operations for the Philadelphia Eagles. Previously a corporate and tax attorney, she started her career in professional football in the Canadian Football League (Montreal Alouettes and Toronto Argonauts). Catherine then worked briefly with the Tampa franchise of the XFL before joining the Eagles. She is entering her third season with the organization.   Q&A with Catherine: What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? Block the noise and focus on what you can control! What’s your workout routine? I like to workout in the morning, before work. I also like to diversify my workouts, they vary from weight lifting, boxing to interval training. How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation! I enjoy helping others. My coworker, Ameena Soliman, and I started an informal platform for the women of the NFL working in football operations to connect, share and help each other. We try to get together periodically, virtually, and invite guest speakers to address our group on a variety of topics. What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? From a physical standpoint, staying active and sticking to my workout routine. From a mental standpoint, read a book or an article which is not directly related to football. What is your favorite Chomps product?   Original Beef Stick How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? Chomps fuels my lifestyle by providing a convenient and healthy snack that I can easily grab during my busy days! "Block the noise and focus on what you can control!" - Catherine Raiche Meet Our Past Chompians of the Month! Discover the inspiring stories and achievements of our previous Chompians. Chompian of the Month: Haley Clements Chompian of the Month: Tina Loizzi Chompian of the Month: Jamie Schoepke Chompian of the Month: Natalie Gruendl Chompian of the Month: Matt Finelli Chompian of the Month: Meg Farley READ MORE

chompians August 11, 2021

Chompian of the Month: Kelsey Lynch

We're excited to highlight Kelsey Lynch as our August Chompian of the Month! Kelsey is the creator of Trader Joe's Food Reviews on both Instagram and TikTok where she reviews every Trader Joe's item and helps followers find their new favorite item (and know which ones to avoid adding to their shopping cart). She is also the author and chef behind the Cooking Through Trader Joe's Cookbook sold on Amazon. This cookbook takes you through the aisles of TJ's showcasing the very best products and gives you amazing recipes using these items. Kelsey is a game changer in the social media world, growing a following of over 1.2 million across both IG and TikTok in less than 2 years. Kelsey shared, "Leading with positivity and passion has created the most amazing Trader Joe's Food Reviews community that I am so thankful for." Follow her on IG for more TJ reviews - @traderjoesfoodreviews What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? Know yourself as a person and be okay with strangers not seeing you how you are. I grew up thinking that everyone had to like me and I made decisions I thought other people would respect like never quitting anything and never saying no. This year I made a leap my past self would not of and that was to focus full time on Trader Joe's Food Reviews and writing a second cookbook and I could not be happier. I stay positive by doing the things that make myself happy and surrounding myself with family and friends who push me to be a better person. What’s your workout routine? Working out is what keeps me so motivated in my day to day life and allows me to really destress. I workout at Orangetheory 4-6 times a week and also love going on walks with my golden retriever puppy, Rue. How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation! My mantra I am constantly repeating to myself is "relentless forward motion". Whenever I begin something that I am truly passionate about, I tell myself, I will not let this fail. I think my follow through and ability to be extremely consistent has allowed me to be a game changer in the social media world and grow a following of over 1.2 million across both IG and Tiktok in less than two years. Leading with positivity and passion has created the most amazing Trader Joe's Food Reviews community that I am so thankful for. What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? I take time to do the things I love. Whether its an early morning workout to start my day off right or an evening bubble bath with a glass or wine and netflix, I never feel guilty resting at any time during the week to recharge. Learning to set boundaries and only saying yes to things that serve me and my family has been a game changer in bettering my mental health. Understanding that I don't have to say yes to everything and I can protect my energy from running low has been one of the best lessons I've learned this past year. What is your favorite Chomps product? The Original Turkey Stick How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? Adding Chomps to my diet has really opened my eyes to focusing more on fueling my body with clean healthy and high protein food. I love how convenient Chomps are to throw in my bag for a hike in the Colorado mountains, to pack on trips with me, or to have as a post workout refuel. I know I'm doing something good for my body when I have Chomps! Our pantry is always stocked. "Stay positive by doing the things that make yourself happy and surrounding yourself with family and friends who push you to be a better person." - Kelsey Lynch READ MORE

chompians July 20, 2021

Chompians of the Month: Brad Ryan and Grandma Joy

  We’re thrilled to feature Brad Ryan and Grandma Joy as our July Chompians of the Month! Brad and his Grandma Joy have traveled together since she was 85 years old in 2015. They've driven over 40,000 miles together on the open roads of America on a quest to visit all 63 US National Parks. So far, they’ve visited 53 of 63 parks! Brad and Grandma Joy are game changers as they break the rules when it comes to intergenerational travel and age-defying adventure. Brad has devoted time to help his grandmother experience the world in ways she wasn’t able to before and has touched so many hearts along the way!You can follow their journey - @grandmajoysroadtrip.   What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? Look around and be honest. There are always people in worse shape than you. Make time to do the things you love! What’s your workout routine? Hike, hike, hike! How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation! We break rules when it comes to intergenerational travel and age-defying adventure. Watch the video of Grandma Joy rolling down a sand dune in Colorado if you don’t believe me. What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? We spend a little time in nature each day. What is your favorite Chomps product? I like all of them, but my favs are the original beef, jalapeno beef, sea salt beef and Italian style beef. How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? We all need sustenance. "Make time to do the things you love!" - Brad Ryan Meet Our Past Chompians of the Month! Discover the inspiring stories and achievements of our previous Chompians. Chompians of the Month: Abby Green and Amy Kiefer Chompians of the Month: Thomas Silvera & Ondina Hawthorn-Silvera Chompians of the Month: Kim Hannay and Jan Claibourne Chompians of the Month: Ameena Soliman & Catherine Raiche Chompians of the Month: Natalie Marshall of Corporate Natalie and Ross Pomerantz of Corporate Bro!   READ MORE

chompians July 13, 2021

Q&A: David Taylor, World Champion Wrestler

Interview by Samantha Leffler Watch: David Taylor, World Champion Wrestler x Chomps Meat Sticks Freestyle wrestler David Taylor is headed to the International Games which kicks off in Japan on July 23rd. He is among the favorites to take home a gold medal in his weight class. Like many talented athletes, David has been honing and perfecting his skills for years. In fact, he began wrestling when he was just five years old and hasn’t stopped. Now 30 and preparing for his trip to Japan, David has only one thing on his mind — winning a gold medal. However, David’s path to Japan wasn’t easy. His early childhood wrestling career included many losses, and even as his skills vastly improved, he was met with many obstacles along the way. Still, David has never given up on his dream and is ready and willing to work hard to (hopefully!) make that dream a reality in a few weeks. This talented CHOMPIAN relies on Chomps to fuel himself between workouts, and even plans to take Chomps overseas with him while he competes. Keep reading to find out what David’s training regimen looks like, how Chomps has helped him achieve his goals, and how he defines a successful trip to Japan. Tell me a little bit about your background. How did you first discover your wrestling talent? I started wrestling when I was five years old. We lived in Evanston, Wyoming, and I was one of those energetic kids that had done the youth sports circuit. My mom saw an ad in the paper for the Red Devil Wrestling Club and I started going to practice. I don’t really remember a lot from when I first started, but from a success standpoint I didn’t have very much. I went through the youth circuit and I didn’t win very many matches, but I did win my last tournament. I remember I just fell in love with [wrestling] at that point.  I won my first national championship when I was eight years old. My parents have made a lot of sacrifices to provide as many opportunities as they possibly could [for me] to continue to reach my goals. We moved from Wyoming to Ohio when I was in 6th fifth grade. My dad was a Delta airlines pilot, so his job was pretty mobile, but we moved to give myself more wrestling opportunities. I finished my high school career as a four-time state champion, I wrestled at Penn State University and I’m a four-time National Finalist, 2x three-time National Champion, and a two-time Hodge Trophy Award winner, which is basically wrestling’s equivalent of a Heisman Trophy. I graduated in 2014, and then I made my first world team in 2018 — I was the 2018 World Champion. In 2019 I tore my ACL and was out for a year, in 2020 we had the COVID year, and then this year I’m [going to Japan.] How does it feel to finally be heading to Japan after the COVID-19 crisis? It feels really good. It’s interesting because, being at the point that I am in my career, my expectation for Japan isn’t just to compete. It’s an amazing accomplishment and an amazing feat, but my goal has never been to just be an athlete, it’s to win a gold medal. But the number one thing you have to do is make the team. Going into 2021 this year for the trials, I’d been through the process and knew what to expect. After the trials I just felt really relieved to know that I checked that box and now I really have the opportunity to compete in Japan and fulfill that lifelong goal. How are you preparing for Japan? Are you training just as you would for any other competition? Has your diet changed? This is something that you learn over years of competing, dating back to when I first wrestled at the highest level when I was 8 six years old. What you learn is that you just find a recipe for success and repeat that over and over again, and that’s molded over 22 years of competing at a high level. You figure out what works and what doesn’t work. My diet is consistent all the time, that’s part of being a professional athlete because it’s a variable that you can control. In terms of approaching the competition, the event in Japan is the biggest competition I’ll ever wrestle in in my entire life, but I’ve wrestled in really big competitions at other points in my life that were the biggest at that time. The experiences are so valuable. In terms of preparation, for me it’s just putting in the work and putting in the time, and believing. I think at that level everybody is skilled and everybody wants to win. There’s a reason they’re representing their country. But I believe people who put in the work and believe in the preparation, and believe in their abilities, are ultimately going to be successful. I think that’s been part of this learning process.I feel great about where I am in the training, and the work and the preparation that I’ve put in, and now I get to go and enjoy that labor and wrestle with a smile on my face. Weight is obviously a big part of wrestling since you’re classified into weight classes, so what are some of the biggest challenges you face in terms of your diet and how do you overcome them? I’ve always gone up in weight class. When I was younger I was smaller, and from 2015 to 2016 I made the weight class jump from 74 kilos to 86 kilos. In Men’s Freestyle we only have six weight classes, and that was a 26-pound jump from 163 pounds to 189 pounds. I was kind of stuck right in the middle, and I was really having a hard time, so when I made that transition it was a much better transition for my career. I knew in 2016 that [the jump to a different weight class] was really for the 2020 competition. It was definitely the right thing. Weight management isn’t really much of an issue for me now, which is nice. I train around 200 pounds and I wrestle 189 pounds, but I try to limit those variables we talked about earlier with my nutrition preparation. What does your day-to-day schedule look like as you prepare for the event Japan? My day-to-day varies in terms of intensity and the frequency of the workouts, but I would say as I’ve gotten a little bit older I train less. But I make sure that when I’m training, I’m putting 100 percent into those training sessions and then focusing on my recovery. I think that’s a formula that’s different for each individual. A lot of people, especially in wrestling, feel like you have to constantly work hard and train every single day, but times have changed in terms of how we now value our nutrition and incorporate our recovery. I think there’s definitely sometimes a smarter way to do it, and that’s just believing in my coaching staff and listening to their guidance. Are there certain foods you eat to fuel your body and stay lean? Or foods you eat during that recovery process? I follow a modified keto diet, so I eliminate as much refined sugars and refined grains [as I can.] I focus on good quality protein, fats, and I try to eat as much organic or locally sourced products as possible. I think that’s something that has really helped with eliminating inflammation in my body and helped me perform at that level. What are some of your favorite protein sources? I just try and eliminate as many things that have antibiotics, or pesticides, or things like that. For my meat, I try to find grass-fed and finished good quality red meat, chicken, or turkey.  Eating things that are natural and not artificially grown or altered is a good thing, whether you’re training at the highest level or just trying to live a healthy diet. I think that’s one thing that I identify with in Chomps — it’s grass fed, grass finished, and there’s nothing added to it. That was one thing that I was really drawn towards. It’s really easy to implement into my diet, whether I’m on-the-go grabbing an easy snack, or traveling across the world. Chomps is something that I can rely on that I know is good and good for me. You mentioned that Chomps is great to have on-the-go. Is that something that is especially appealing to you? Definitely. I think convenience is so important, especially from a training standpoint. I might leave the house at eight in the morning and have multiple training sessions, or maybe I’m traveling on an airplane. For example, going to Japan is a 14-hour flight. I think having that preparation and knowing that you’re bringing food you can rely on that is easy and convenient to pack into a bag, that’s a good recipe for success.  Do you have a preferred flavor of Chomps? I definitely like the variety pack. I like the venison, I like the beef sticks, and the turkey. These are the kind of [protein] sources that I’m already sourcing in my diet on a regular basis. Chomps are obviously smaller than a big meal, but it’s definitely a viable snack. I like the variety, considering that I eat so much. It's nice to have options. How do you feel Chomps has helped you achieve your goals or made life easier? Hopefully you can ask me in about three weeks and I can tell you! I think it helps you live a healthy lifestyle. That’s one of the most important things. Me and my family — my wife and my daughter — we focus on trying to live a good, healthy lifestyle. I’m very passionate about trying to help other people live a healthy lifestyle because I’ve seen a big difference in how it can make you feel from a competitor’s standpoint and how it can increase your energy on a daily basis.  I feel like incorporating things in your lifestyle that make you feel good and you can feel good consuming is really positive.  What does a successful trip to Japan look like to you? At this point in my career, it’s winning a gold medal. [I’m not coming from] an overconfident standpoint, but it’s what I’ve dreamt about my entire life. I’ve never dreamt about being an athlete. I’ve never dreamt about winning a medal. Would it be great to be a medalist and to [win] bronze or silver? That would be an amazing feat, and [going to Japan] is an amazing opportunity … To be one of the 11,000 athletes is an amazing accomplishment, but my goal is set on winning a gold medal. That’s what I’ve dreamt about and that’s what I’ve been training for every single day. It’s no easy feat and I know I have to earn every step of the way, but that’s what success will be for me. READ MORE

chompians July 13, 2021

Q&A: Jon Jay, MLB

Interview by Tzvi Twersky Very few baseball players ever get to grace a Major League Baseball diamond. Even fewer can say that they got to do so for 10-plus years. Outfielder Jon Jay has done just that, though, despite the odds and a legion of doubters.  “Hard work and good habits,” says the native of Miami, FL, “are what have kept me here for so long.”  Jay, who won a World Series ring in 2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals, is currently in the Los Angeles Angeles system. In the ten years between STL and LA, Jay was a regular for the San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Chicago White Sox.  The one constant in all those stops: a disciplined diet, a good workout regimen, and an old-school mentality that made him both a clubhouse and fan favorite.  In an exclusive interview, the member of the University of Miami Hall of Fame sat down with Chomps to talk about his love for the product, time in baseball, and more.  Q: The Pandemic led to a lot of restrictions in baseball. How did that impact your self-care on the road? A: That’s a good question. One of the biggest adjustments was the need to stay in our rooms, from a food and workout perspective. Normally, you could go out to different restaurants, meal plan, all of that—instead you had to rely on room service and whatever the hotel had available. I ended up supplementing, and sometimes replacing, meals with Chomps.  Q: How does Chomps fit in to that equation?  A: Chomps is a great way to consume protein, to consume grass-fed beef, and to do it in a convenient way. I snack on it after workouts, after games, and whenever I need a quick hit on the road. Q: What are your nutrition goals?  A: Everything I do I do to be the best athlete and player—and family man—that I can be. Part of that is how I work out and recover, and part of that process is being mindful of what I put in my body. I don’t ever step on a scale, but I do listen to my body as it tells me what it needs more of. That might not work for everyone, but it’s worked pretty well for me.  Q: What about your workout regimen—what does that look like?  A: Well, it’s very different in the off-season and in the season. I always wake up early, like 4:30 or 5. In the off-season, I wake up then and work pretty much straight through until lunch with a steady mix of performance training, yoga, field work and cage work. The goal then is to get in peak condition for the season. During the season itself, the goal is to stay sharp and stay ready for when my number is called. Whether that means showing up to the field early or staying late after games, I do whatever I need to do to field prepared to do my job.  Q: Do you feel like people ever overlook you, overlook that work because you’re only 5-10 and not, say, 6-4?  A: It’s hard to overlook 10 years in the majors, haha. But in all seriousness, yeah, I’ve had to work for everything I’ve accomplished. I’ve sacrificed. My wife, my kids—we’ve sacrificed a lot so that I could always focus on being the best baseball player that I could be. Sacrificed so that I could always perform at the highest level. I look forward, when it’s time to hang my spikes up, to be able to pay them back for everything they’ve done for me.  Q: You’re not only a long-time pro, but you’re also in the Hall of Fame at The U. What does that mean to you?  A: That’s one of the greatest honors of my life. When you think of The U, think of all the great athletes who’ve gone through there—from Ed Reed to Frank Gore to Sean Taylor, RIP, to all of the baseball and basketball greats—it’s a privilege to be listed among them and a testament to what hard work, training, and a good diet can earn you.  READ MORE

chompians June 09, 2021

Chompian of the Month: Peter O'Neill

  We're excited to feature Peter O'Neill as our June Chompian of the Month! Peter is a Media and Entertainment Consultant in Los Angeles, CA who has made an incredible impact on the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation through Take Steps, a fundraising campaign designed to raise funds to cure IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer-fueled organization dedicated to finding the cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improving the quality of life of children and adults affected by IBD. Peter's efforts were notable through the Take Steps Leadership Committee in 2020 and 2021 – both very challenging years. He went above and beyond and fundraised thousands of dollars for the Foundation, has inspired countless friends of the Foundation, and has developed many relationships with companies to help fund cures for IBD. His goal is to help improve the life of IBD patients - making an impact on these individuals, raising awareness, and getting closer to finding a cure.   What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? The best way to stay positive is to focus on all the blessings and opportunities we have. We should redirect our focus on the ability to do something rather than the stresses that may come along the way. When stress or negativity builds in my life, I find it helpful to think of the problem or stress as a challenge to overcome rather than something I have to deal with. As an IBD patient with a chronic illness, I notice that a positive attitude has a direct relationship with my overall well-being. What’s your workout routine? I definitely enjoy running as my main form of exercise. In a general week, I typically run 4-5 times. Lately, I will run to the gym for strength workouts, and then run back home. Additionally, I will also use my exercise bike to get in some miles on days I choose to not run. Most importantly, I stretch every day to improve flexibility and prevent injuries and choose to give my body at least one day per week to rest. How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation! I consider myself a game changer given my dedication to help improve the life of IBD patients. If I can make an impact on these individuals, raise awareness, and get closer to finding a cure, I believe I have changed the game. What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? The best thing I do for my health every day is getting some form of workout in every day. This is how I best disconnect from work, my devices, and let my mind relax and wonder. I highly recommend finding out what is best for you as your form of personal health to give your body and brain time to just be in the moment. What is your favorite Chomps product? Original Turkey How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? Jalapeno Beef! Grass fed beef with 10g of protein and no inflammatory ingredients - can't beat it! "The best way to stay positive is to focus on all the blessings and opportunities we have." - Peter O'Neill READ MORE

chompians May 17, 2021

Chompians of the Month: Thomas Silvera & Ondina Hawthorn-Silvera

We're excited to feature Thomas Silvera and Ondina Hawthorn-Silvera as our May Chompians of the month! This husband and wife team are incredible game changers in the food allergy community who started a not-for-profit organization after the tragic passing of their son, Elijah-Alavi. Soon after, they launched the Elijah-Alavi Foundation - advocating and working on legislations state by state to establish guidelines protecting and mandating childcare facilities to follow food allergy preparedness plans in the event of emergencies. They passed a historical piece of legislation in NYS, the very first of it kind and are in the process on passing a law in Illinois and Pennsylvania. These bills will put policies in place to save and protect children who are the most vulnerable to food allergies. To us, Thomas and Ondina are true Chompians and we're honored to highlight their story. What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? Sometimes you just have to stop and watch the beauty in everything even though there is pain and sorrow. What’s your workout routine? My wife Dina created a routine that we do every morning. It's a 12 min routine that incorporates mind body and spiritual wellness. This routine is something we do every morning as a family. How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation! My wife mentioned to me at one point when I felt discouraged. She said, "Change is a challenge but a challenge is need for change." From that moment I knew I had to do something about advocating for so many young children who suffer with food allergies and asthma. My wife and I started advocating more and working on legislations state by state so we can establish guidelines to protect and mandate childcare facilities to follow food allergies preparedness plans in the event of emergencies. We have passed a historical piece of legislation in NYS the very first of it kind and we are in the process on passing a law in Illinois and Pennsylvania. We are also in talks with other states to have Elijah's Law in their hometown. These bills will put policies in place to save and protect children who are the most vulnerable to food allergies. What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? Every morning for our mental health, we take time to meditate, utilize positive affirmation to help shift any negative energy. We also take walks (weather permitting) and talk with each other about our day. What is your favorite Chomps product? Original Turkey How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? My wife and son are vegan but I love to dabble in some Chomps products from time to time. When I am either on the road or in the process of studying or working late and I want that quick snack, I grab a Chomps Original Turkey. It satisfies those cravings and fuels me to keep going.   "Change is a challenge but a challenge is need for change." - Ondina Hawthorn Silvera READ MORE

chompians April 28, 2021

Featured Chompian: Marc Megna

In order to be an NCAA All-American, NFL Athlete, and owner of one of the top fitness clubs in Miami you have to be a truly unique individual. After interviewing Marc Megna, it is safe to say that he is indeed a special person. Marc has an amazing story about working hard and never quitting to achieve a dream. As a child, Marc was out of shape, lazy and not very athletic. He was never picked to play on any teams and lacked self-esteem. One summer this all changed when his grandfather took him to a local boys & girls club to teach him how to weight train. After that he was hooked. Fitness became a top priority and his ultimate escape. By his freshman year of high school his body finally caught up with his work ethic. Marc quickly developed athleticism and confidence. Marc ended up getting a football scholarship from the University of Richmond and continued to carry the same work ethic throughout the rest of his football career. Marc made it to the top of his sport playing in the NFL for years and receiving coaching by NFL greats like Bill Parcels, Bill Belichick, Pete Carroll and Dick Lebeu. Marc then transitioned his NFL career & work ethic to the gym full-time. He provided free sessions for 10-15 new clients per day to prove himself. He worked so hard he even broke his foot from excessive standing. In 2014, Marc became the co-owner of Anatomy Fitness, a state-of-the-art fitness facility in Miami, Florida. Anatomy Fitness now has 4 fitness facilities including a facility inside the 1 Hotel South Beach. Megna has trained people from all walks of life including notable athletes Alex Rodriguez, Vernon Davis, Rob Gronkowski, Chris Jones, Alex Galchenyuk, celebrities Gabrielle Anwar, Noah Centineo, Kevin Spacey, and industry titans like Hollywood Film Director Adam Shankman and CEO of the Starwood Capital Group Barry Sternlicht. Megna also frequently contributes to fitness publications including Men’s Fitness and Bodybuilding.com, and became a recognized fitness model even gracing the cover of Muscle & Fitness Magazine in 2012. Marc is a tried and true CHOMPIAN so we wanted to sit down with him to learn more about his thoughts on fitness and nutrition. We hope you enjoy this interview. Q: Marc, tell us about your view on nutrition as a part of overall health & fitness? A: I believe there are 3 pillars to optimal health: Nutrition, Sleep, & Training. It’s important that you give each pillar the proper attention to make sure you are always looking and feeling your best. Q: What type of nutritional goals do you have? A: My nutritional goal really aligns with my overall health goal. I want to feel good and have a great quality of life in both the short & long-term. To do this, I have to make sure that I fuel my body with high-quality foods everyday and avoid all garbage foods. I try to avoid foods that have added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and artificial preservatives. Q: What types of challenges do you face when trying to achieve your nutritional goals? A: As the Co-Owner & Chief Body Architect at Anatomy, my job can be very demanding. It is my job to develop the Anatomy culture and ensure that our standards are being upheld. Between training clients, training members of our team, and managing backend work my days fly by pretty quickly which can make getting the proper nourishment quite challenging. Q: How have you overcome these challenges? A: The best thing you can do is be prepared. Set your schedule in advance, know what you have to do each day, and make sure you are ready for any curveballs that might arise. I always prepare my schedule and my meals ahead of time so that I never have to sacrifice when it comes to proper nutrition. Q: What types of things do your clients struggle with when it comes to nutrition? A: I would say the biggest challenge my clients face is getting enough nutrient dense foods and eating right consistently. It can be tough to eat right all the time especially now when it’s so easy to just order fast food from an online delivery service. I try to recommend brands to my clients that are nutritious and convenient (like Chomps) so that they can stay on track. Q: We heard you love Chomps? What is it that you love about the brand? A: Chomps are great because I know that I’m getting the protein I need without having to feel bad about it. I love that they have grass fed and finished beef and that all of their products are hormone and antibiotic free. I avoid artificial ingredients at all costs so I love that Chomps products never contain these. Q: Do you have a favorite flavor of Chomps? A: They are all so good but if I had to pick one I would probably go with the Sea Salt Beef. READ MORE

chompians April 28, 2021

Featured Chompian: Coach Shack and Staying Fueled During March Madness 2021

The NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Tournament aka March Madness is one of the most popular and electrifying events in the United States. This 68 team single elimination tournament generates billions of dollars in revenue for the NCAA and is often referred to as the “pinnacle of sports in March”. In 2020, this tournament was completely canceled due to the outbreak of COVID-19. This year, the show was back on. However, things were much different this year than from years past as the teams had to deal with a number of different COVID protocols. The Chomps team wanted to explore what it looked like to train and stay fueled during March Madness this year so we sat down with the Head Performance Coach for Villanova’s Mens Basketball Team & CHOMPIAN, Coach John Shackleton, to get the inside scoop. Check out the interview below: Q: Coach Shack, tell us about the tournament in the past vs. the tournament this year. What were some of the biggest differences? A: The biggest difference about the tournament this year was the logistics of everything. This year the entire tournament was operated at one site in Indianapolis. In a normal year, we would go from the Big East tournament back to Philadelphia to train at Villanova and then head to wherever the next location was. This year, after the Big East tournament, we had to quarantine for 2 weeks and then headed directly to Indianapolis and entered into a “bubble” there with all of the other teams. Q: So how did this new style affect or restrict your training? A: The first week was pretty difficult to get our normal training in because every team was in one location. They only had about 6 rooms that were curtained off for all 64 teams to use for training. Each team was only allotted about 45 minutes for training and you had to sign up through a mobile app to reserve the training space. Q: How did you adjust your training due to these restrictions? A: Personally, I wasn’t concerned about intensity or maximizing my training sessions. I was really just happy to get up everyday and move. You get stiff being locked up in a hotel room for the Big East tournament and then again for March Madness so a lot of my training was focused on mobility and full body maintenance workouts. I didn’t really push the limits too much during this time. I did spend a lot of this time really trying to focus on nutrition and hydration. The bubble is challenging mentally, so if you’re not eating right it can intensify any mental issue you might be dealing with. Q: Were there any obstacles or for maintaining a healthy diet during the tournament? A: Yes, there definitely were. I usually have the ability to chat with the chefs and get whatever we need for meals and nutrition. I always ask for grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon, and organic veggies. This year we were kind of stuck to a set menu. Also, there was a lot of sitting around and lag time compared to years passed. Because we were in this bubble with all of the teams the logistics became more complicated. We were often waiting for a bus or the police escort and it would throw off our schedule for eating. Luckily, I had plenty of Chomps to snack on during these intermediary periods. Another challenge was some games weren’t until 10 pm so we wouldn’t be back at the hotel until 1 am. We do our pre-game meals 4 hours before the game so by the time you get back your body is starving for some fuel. This was another instance where you really need a convenient healthy snack that is packed with protein. Chomps came in clutch once again in this instance. Q: So what types of things were you eating during the tournament? A: So, like I said, there was a set menu but the chefs did do a pretty good job providing us with high-quality foods. Most of the meals had chicken and fish (a lot of salmon). All of the meals had rice, potatoes, and veggies included as well. When I travel I always bring almonds, cashews and of course Chomps. Because I wasn’t working out as hard and was burning less calories I wanted to try to keep my sugars low. Having sugar free snacks like Chomps made this much easier. Q: So, obviously, you’re a big fan of Chomps. Tell us about what you like about Chomps? Do you have a favorite flavor? A: Of course! So I had first come across Chomps when one of our athletic trainers started the Whole 30 diet. He would bring in the Chomps and would always tell me about how they are the only meat sticks he could find that were Whole 30 approved. So I checked them out and loved them. I’m always looking for grass-fed and free-range foods that don’t have any GMOs, added sugars, or artificial ingredients. Chomps has all the bases covered there. They are my go-to healthy snack for post-workout or in-between meals when I need some protein. I like all of the different flavors but the Habanero is probably my favorite. My boys love the Sea Salt Beef! I like adding them into omelettes for them to replace the sausage or other meats I’d normally use. READ MORE

chompians April 05, 2021

Chompian of the Month: Tara Martinez

Meet Tara, our April Chompian of the month! We discovered Tara's incredible story through an inspiring feature on Women's Health and knew we had to share with you. Tara changed her life when she found a realistic way to lose 100lbs and keep the weight off naturally. Tara is an entrepreneur, a creative, and a true inspiration to all of us over at Chomps. What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? Staying positive takes some mindful practice. Not every thought we are going to have is positive, but finding a way to turn it into something positive is key. What’s your workout routine? I’m currently in prep for my second body building show, so my current workout routine is... Running/Walking cardio 4x a week LISS cardio 2x a week Back 2x a week Shoulders Chest/Arms Legs 2x a week How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation! I consider myself a game changer due to the fact I don’t conform to the dieting norms. I worked so hard to change my mindset and my body to naturally lose 101lbs and keep it off. What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? The biggest thing I do for my mental and physical health is to move my body. It truly makes me happy and I know it’s great for my body. On my lifting days I’ll lift and my day off I’ll be mindful to just move my body, cleaning is a big one for me. What is your favorite Chomps product? Original Turkey sticks 😍 The besttttt!!! How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? Chomps has been a big part of my lifestyle, this company has made my favorite snack (beef jerky) more delicious and macro-friendly! 💓   Read more on what Tara eat's in a day in her feature on Women's Health and follow her on Instagram: READ MORE

chompians March 09, 2021

Chompian of the Month: Maggie Michalczyk, RDN

March is National Nutrition Month, so we wanted to feature one of our favorite registered dietitians as our Chompian of the month! Meet Maggie Michalczyk. Maggie is a Chicago-based RD, and she runs a blog called Once Upon a Pumpkin, where she shares easy, seasonal recipes and more. Through her platform, Maggie inspires women everywhere to love their bodies and be confident in their nutrition choices. Maggie has been a Chompian game changer for a while now, and we're excited to share more about her with you! What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? Keep a gratitude journal! It's hard to stay positive every single day, so I find that by keeping a gratitude journal it's easy to remind myself of everything I have to be thankful for and that's positive in my life during those gray days. Also having little things to look forward to during the day and for the week help keep me feeling positive at times when it feels hard to be. Simply taking time to enjoy the little things in life always brings a lot of positivity to my day as well. What’s your workout routine? I love doing a mix of HIIT style workouts and lower impact barre and sculpt. I really try to honor how I'm feeling that day and let that dictate what type of movement I'm in the mood to do. How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation! I consider myself a game changer because of the way in which I strive to share nutrition information. My goal with everything I do is to show people that healthy living can be simple, stress-free, affordable, attainable and FUN for their lifestyle. I like to think outside the box when it comes to sharing nutrition information that will hopefully resonate with people and help them feel their best!  What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? A couple things I think are great for our mental and physical health on daily basis are disconnecting from our devices for a little while on a daily basis, getting some movement in whatever that may look like for you, taking the time to enjoy a meal versus rushing through it and spending time outside. What is your favorite Chomps product? Turkey Jalapeno! How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? Chomps fuels my lifestyle because it fuels me up in moments when I need it most. The perfect snack between meetings, when I'm on the go, after a workout and more. I know I can count on Chomps for good nutrition that fuels my busy, entrepreneurial lifestyle! READ MORE

chompians January 28, 2021

Chompian of the month: Octavia Thompson

    Meet Octavia Thompson - Our February Chompian of the Month! Octavia is a recent heart transplant patient. Although she has faced hardships in her life, she believes happiness is a personal responsibility. A "game changer" to Octavia is someone who is not afraid to take risks, test limits, and make difficult changes to improve themselves and the lives of others around them. We couldn't agree more! Octavia embodies all the characteristics of a very brave and honorable game changer! If you want to help us support more brave patients like Octavia, don't miss the opportunity to donate this month! What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? We can stay positive if we understand this one concept: Happiness is a personal responsibility. We decide whether or not happiness is a part of our lives. If we look to other things or people, we’ll be disappointed every time. However, if we make the decision to choose happiness everyday, then we’ll always have a positive outlook on life. It does not mean you won’t have troubles, but it means that the few bad things that happen do not have the power to dictate who you are and what you are capable of. What’s your workout routine? I work out 5 times a week for 30 minutes. Although I’ve been working out consistently for awhile now, I still consider myself a beginner. I do walking exercises 3x a week with Leslie Sansone on YouTube. I also do strengthening exercises for my core, arms, legs, and glutes. How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation! A game changer is someone who is not afraid to take a risk, test the limits, and make difficult changes to improve their lives and the lives of others around them. A game changer is not ruled by fear or consumed by doubt. I believe I embody each of these characteristics. Every day I push myself to go further than what I think I can handle. Throughout my life, I’ve faced many challenges, but pushing past what I see in front of me to get to something greater has always benefitted me. I am always in pursuit of learning new ways to uplift, build, and empower others. I am certainly not afraid to take risks in the process. I took the biggest risk last year by starting a tutoring service “I Can Tutoring Services LLC” in the MIDDLE of a pandemic. It was risky BUT it was worth it. I did not allow doubt, fear, or insecurity to stop me from pursuing what I love to do. That’s what game changing is all about. What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? Every day, I pray to God and read my Bible. It’s my form of meditation, yoga, affirmation, and therapy. I’m also an avid writer so starting the day off with praying, reading the Bible, and writing helps me to get ready to take on the day! What is your favorite Chomps product? I love the chomps original (turkey). How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? Chomps allows me to enjoy a great snack while also being healthy. It’s VERY hard to find snacks that taste delicious AND are healthy. Not only that, but I can take it out and eat it anywhere. LITERALLY. I love that it’s small enough to fit in my purse and whenever I’m feeling hungry, I can take it out and chomp on it. READ MORE