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The Daily Chomp
The latest from Chomps, including recipes, community stories, lifestyle tips, and conversations with business leaders.
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Chompian of the Month: Becca Davis
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Chompian of the Month: Shannon Bahrke
For our Chompian of the Month, we have 2X Olympic medalist Shannon Bahrke! Shannon lead the Chomps team in a team building activity during our team retreat in Park City, Utah and we were all inspired by her journey and tips to stay positive. We couldn't wait to feature her and share her perspectives! Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.? I am a 2X Olympic medalist in the sport of freestyle mogul skiing, a wife, a mom of two young kiddos, I own my own team building & leadership development company Team Empower Hour, I keynote speak all over the globe, and I still get to ski every day as a Ski Champion/ Ambassador for Deer Valley Resort. What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? One of the ways I like to stay positive is to reframe my perspective when I'm feeling negative or overwhelmed. For instance, I change in my mind I "have" to do this _____ to I "get" to do this _____. We all live extraordinary lives that we should be so grateful for yet sometimes we get caught up in the slump of our every day routines and mounting problems. All we need is a little reframe and a dose of gratitude to realize how great our lives really are. What’s your workout routine? I workout in a gym 3 days a week doing a bootcamp style workout, I ride my bike two days a week, and I try to squeak in yoga once or twice a week. I also take my dog out for a hike every evening. If I'm not doing one of those things we are outside all the time and love sports and trying to do as much as possible! How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” I consider myself a game changer because I'm never afraid to fail and I always bring 100% of my energy to everything I do. I've found a really powerful combination for me is both my mental and emotional toughness, that beats physical toughness 99% of the time! What’s the best thing you do for your personal health? One of the healthiest things I do for me is to put our family fun first. My kiddos are only young once so I make it a priority (over everything else) to do whatever activities we can together as a family out in the sunshine. I also need to be active so getting in at least 60 mins of physical activity a day keeps my mind, body, and soul happy! And sleep, I'm an 8 hour sleeper minimum!! What is your favorite Chomps product? Salt & Pepper Venison How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? We are always on the go. Whether it's biking or skiing in the mountains, going to cheer on our kids at their sporting events, camping in our RV, or just enjoying life, Chomps sticks are an easy, healthy snack to keep us from getting hangry. Also, we can literally throw them in any backpack or bag we own so they're always there when we need them! READ MORE
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Chompian of the Month: Colleen Mallon
For our Chompian of the Month, we have the ever positive and inspiring Colleen Mallon! Colleen is the mother of Haley Clements, a previous Chompian of the Month herself and employee, so the Chompian spirit must run in the family. Colleen is a true Chomps brand advocate, a consistent cheerleader for her family, and a positive force for everyone who interacts with her. Meet Colleen! Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.? I am a wife, mother of three beautiful daughters, grandmother (CeCe), sister & friend. I am the youngest of 11 children! In my free time, I enjoy playing golf with my husband, participating in my monthly book club and going on walks with my granddaughter Mia. What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? Always find the good in every day regardless of the ups and downs that the day may bring! By doing this, I am able to set a positive tone for my family. A Chomps advocate: Colleen volunteered at one of our Chomps demos at her local Costco! What’s your workout routine? I attend club pilates every morning! I also enjoy playing golf and walking with my friends. How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” The way I’m a game changer is being a cheerleader for my family in the happy and hard times. Two of my daughters have had major surgeries early on in their lives and during those challenging times, I poured my energy into being a bright light for my family. Sometimes it was me doing silly cheers in the hospital room and other times it was a phone call to remind them to have the best day! What’s the best thing you do for your personal health? Every night I make a tangible to-do list. It allows me to focus on what I need to accomplish each day. Also, I try to eat healthy when I can. If I find myself feeling a little sluggish, I try to double my efforts to get back to feeling energized. Extra Pilates classes, longer walks etc. What is your favorite Chomps product? Jalapeño is my favorite stick but the new taco flavor is a close second! How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? Chomps gives me the protein and midday energy boost whether I am on the golf course or on the road! READ MORE
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Chompian of the Month: Meg Farley
As our Chompian of the Month, we have healthy living adventurer Meg Farley! Meg loves to hike, camp, kayak, backpack, ski, snowshoe, and take her workouts outdoors anywhere she's traveling and inspire others to do the same. Plus she's a huge Chomps fan and brings Chomps along for all of her adventures. Meet Meg! Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.? I am a wellness and adventure coach! I help women get fit for life adventures- through movement, mindset, and outdoor fun! What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? Invest into yourself daily- mindset and movement! You become who you surround yourself with, so make sure you're working with people who want the best for you! What’s your workout routine? Everyday I workout around 5:30 am- I start with some clean pre workout, my ice face roller, and a glass of water! I love to lift heavy! How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” I think that a lot of people struggle with the mindset game and I believe that getting outdoors every single day and moving your body can help you avoid those issues. I feel that I'm making a difference by staying consistent with my routine and sharing it with others in hopes to motivate them to do the same! What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? I workout daily- whether it's a walk outdoors, a lifting workout, or riding my bike! I also listen or read personal development daily! What is your favorite Chomps product? I love the Original Beef sticks or Sea Salt Beef sticks! How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? I take the Chomps sticks on every adventure! Whether I'm riding my bike, backpacking, camping, or hiking! The perfect snack for the summit or pick me up for some fuel! READ MORE
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Chompian of the Month: Nicolette McCary
For the month of May, we're highlighting a new Chompian of the Month, Nicolette McCary. Nicole inspired us when we met her this past March at a Shoptalk conference back in March and heard about her story. Back in 2021, Nicole experienced a brain injury that resulted in her having to eat a specific high protein diet which is how she came to find Chomps. Read below to learn more about this inspiring Chompian! Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.? I am one of those rare Seattleites, born and raised! I grew up with the Puget Sound as my backyard, which unsurprisingly led me into oceanographic research science at the University of Washington. I quickly found that my extroverted soul had a hard time sitting at a lab bench 90% of the time, regardless of how cool the research was. I made a 180 turn after my research was published, and spun my natural talents into marketing - building up a small marketing agency over the course of 7 years. I had a great time helping solo professionals, scaling tech companies, and real estate agents stand out with their brands. Then I sustained a mild brain injury in February 2021. I found myself suddenly unable to work for months, sleeping most the day and struggling with basic daily habits like cooking meals. As I recovered, my doctors recommended a very clean, high fat and high protein diet. This was hard to accomplish, when even the soft sounds of cooking felt too stimulating! Enter: Chomps. I was so grateful to have an easy snack to reach for that gave me adequate protein and fat, without the sugar. That is so hard to find! I'm two years into my recovery, and I still reach for one as an easy snack between meetings. It's relieving to know that I'm eating quality meat, without having to read the label for added ingredients. Overall I am grateful for the brain injury, as it allowed me to slow down and reconsider how my husband & I were running our lives. After a few months of rest, I made my second large career pivot and took one of my favorite clients up on a full time position. I now run Growth and Partnerships at Future Commerce, a retail media startup famous for our flagship podcast. I was grateful to meet some lovely members of the Chomps marketing team at the last retail industry trade show! I told them this story, and here we are. What's your best tip on how to stay positive during hard times? Self talk. Address the hard events and feelings you are experiencing, and then let them sit back so you can focus on your day to day needs. Your difficult times are not who you are. They do not define you. Continue on with your normal routines, give yourself healthy food, stay hydrated, and do things that normally bring you joy even if you don't feel like it. What's your workout routine or favorite way to move your body? I'll be honest, I really hate working out! So hands down anything to do with the beach or water helps get me motivated. This can look like swimming, kayaking, paddle board yoga, or simply taking a walk by the shore. I'm a water soul, and being out in nature adds something particularly powerful to moving my body. How do you consider yourself a "game changer"? I aim to bring positive energy to every situation. I do NOT always succeed! But I've found if I aim to bring energy and light to a conversation, work event, etc...it can change the experience for all involved. Regardless of your knowledge of a topic, you can bring positivity. What is your favorite thing to do every day for your mental/physical health? Taking even a short walk outside, and doing a few stretches in the fresh air. Sometimes I'll listen to a podcast or call a friend to catchup, but more often I just enjoy a chance to rest my mind and not consume content. Because I have a brain injury, mental health is particularly important to me. I highly recommend staying overly hydrated by adding electrolytes to your water! Such a simple thing, but done consistently you'd be shocked how it impacts your brain. I often drink 2-3 Nuun or LMNT drinks a day! What does a usual day in your life look like? I live the "East Coast hours, West Coast life" schedule. So my initial morning routine tends to be quick in favor of early meetings. I take time in the late morning to eat a good breakfast and take a walk. I am definitely still healing, so I tend to work 2-3 hours and then take a break. Which spreads my day out, but works well for me. Every schedule is different, and you have to do what works for you! What is one goal on your bucket list that you're trying to achieve this year? I'd love to say sky diving - but I'll be a bit more boring. My husband & I bought a sustainably focused landscaping company in October 2022. He works in it full time, while I serve as our Head of Marketing on nights and weekends. Our goal is to double the company this year, and we are on track! My bucket list item is to see that come to fruition for not only us, but the larger team that has run with us on this crazy journey since day one! What's your favorite way to eat Chomps (solo, with an apple, on-the-go, on a pizza, etc.)? My FAVORITE way to eat Chomps has to be straight from the package when on an adventure: hiking, biking, kayaking, long drives to a new place! What's your favorite flavor Chomps and if you could have ANY flavor exist, what would it be? Jalapeño Beef & Original Turkey! Not too spicy, but adds delicious flavor. Would it be gross to have a salt & vinegar flavor? Probably. But I'd try it! READ MORE
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Chompian of the Month: Ari Karl
For the month of April, our Chompian of the Month is our friend Ari Karl who runs a fitness company called Kamps, that teaches bootcamp fitness classes. Ari reached out to us recently and we were inspired by his story and wanted to share more of who he is and how he got started on his fitness journey. Read below to learn more about Ari, our April Chompian of the Month. Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.? I run a fitness company called Kamps with my brother (Sam). We offer HIIT classes and have several locations around the country. If you told me I'd be in the fitness industry 7 years ago I would've laughed at you, but after taking my brother's classes at a previous company for years, we decided to start our own company. It's been an incredible experience creating these communities around the country, and even more special being able to build it with my brother. What's your best tip on how to stay positive during hard times? Life is short and we're always going to have ups and downs. Don't sweat the small stuff. Work hard. Play hard. When things don't go your way, take a deep breath, work out, eat a Chomps, and stay positive! What's your workout routine or favorite way to move your body? I have a new passion for running. About 2 months ago I randomly decided I wanted to challenge myself to complete a half marathon. Immediately after this decision, I overheard my brother say "there's just no way he does it." That was enough motivation for me to run 175 miles over the last 2 months in preparation for the race. I'll never get a tattoo but if i did it would probably say "There's just no way he does it" -Sam (my brother) Why did you start Kamps and how did you decide on the charity to donate to? I was working in real estate development at the time and taking my brothers classes a few times a week. Until that time, I hated working out. I loved his classes and figured if I could be that into HIIT classes then everyone would be. I saw his passion for fitness and it inspired me to start Kamps together. After seeing the devastation caused by the earthquake on the Turkish / Syrian border this month, and especially the many children who have lost their entire families to this natural disaster, I looked for a foundation working to help. The Children’s Emergency Fund is helping to meet the urgent need these children have for food, shelter and warm clothing. How are you preparing for the marathon and what does your diet/schedule look like? RUNNING. and then I run. Followed by more running. 4-5 x per week. I have the best dietitian that has helped me throughout the last couple of months. She has me eating a ton of vegetables. But the most important part of my diet has been Chomps. I eat one after every run. What does a usual day in your life look like? Wake up at 5:30 am, run 4-6 miles. Eat a Chomps. Drive to Kamps until about 11 am. Work until about 6:00pm. Eat. Watch a movie/show. Repeat. What's your favorite way to eat Chomps? Solo always but on a pizza sounds incredible. READ MORE
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Chompian of the Month: Claire Rudden, RDN
Chompian of the Month: Claire Rudden, RDN In honor of National Nutrition Month, we’re thrilled to highlight Claire Rudden, RDN. Claire has been a Retail Dietitian as part of the Zallie Family Markets family since 2020. Her services are offered as part of the Zallie Community Foundation commitment to health and nutrition insecurity. She specializes in heart health, budget shopping, oncology care, in addition to general healthful nutrition. She brings a food first approach to her clients and focuses on empowering for change. As a Retail Dietitian, she meets with shoppers and helps them find products for various dietary needs, with a strong understanding of ingredients and overall nutrition benefits. She has a very important role in merchandising products as well. Claire has been a supporter of Chomps in her stores for several years and we’re excited to showcase her as our Chompian of the Month. Can you tell us a bit about yourself? I am a registered dietitian working with the non-profit Zallie Community Foundation and 11 ShopRite stores owned by Zallie Family Markets. I have always loved food and sharing food with others so becoming a dietitian was a no brainer! In my current role, I am working on sharing healthful nutrition tips and education with our shoppers and community at large while also making better-for-you products more available. Each day is different and keeps me on my toes! Retail is an expanding field for dietitians and I am excited to see what the future brings. What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? Positivity is definitely a mindset and something that takes effort to maintain. My personal favorite way to stay positive is to write in a gratitude journal in the morning and evening. This helps me take a good look at all the wonderful things in my life and set realistic goals for the days ahead. What’s your workout routine? This has changed so much over the past 3 years! I always tell my clients movement in any way is a great addition to your health and to not force certain workouts. That being said, during the pandemic I was a HIIT at home girl and now I need a more intentional practice, like Pilates, hot yoga, and walking. I still sprinkle in the HIIT workouts because I do enjoy them but that love has definitely changed and that’s okay! How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” I consider myself a game changer because I am passionate about sharing evidenced based nutrition tips in a fun, understandable way. Communicating how to live a healthier life is my jam and I am so fortunate I get to do it on a daily basis. Follow along with our Healthy Communities e-newsletter as newsletter as we expand our platform and resources and on Instagram. What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? I eat! It sounds so simple and cliché but I love to eat and I do it everyday with intention. I listen to my body and what meals and snacks will nourish and energize to accomplish all the things I want to do. I see so many people reduce food intake under the guise of health and I am not on board. Food is your friend and needs to be apart of your personal health daily. What is your favorite Chomps product? Italian Style Beef Stick! How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? Chomps makes it easy to have protein on the go! READ MORE
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Chompians of the Month: Abby Green and Amy Kiefer
As our Chompian(s) of the Month for February, we have two women who are not only huge fans of Chomps but host the HERself Podcast, a podcast about all things women experience from tackling motherhood, dealing with mental health, why adult friendships are so hard, feeling overwhelmed, decluttering your house and more. Meet Abby Green and Amy Kiefer! Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.? We are podcasters, moms of three kids each, business owners and best friends. We met in college and were acquaintances for years until our life paths started to cross in multiple ways. When we both wanted to start a podcast with a similar goal and audience, we jumped at the opportunity to work together! Almost three years and 3 million downloads later, we are loving what we do! What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? Amy: Life is short, and there is going to be ups and downs. Just understand that! Abby: At the end of my life I want to look back on a life well lived. A full life where I took the opportunities that served me and didn't let negativity stop me from stepping into my potential. What’s your workout routine? Amy: I lift 3 days a week and 1-2 cardio sessions. Abby: I lift 2 days a week and 1-2 cardio sessions. We both walk everyday! How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” Amy: When I show up as my most authentic self it gives other women the permission to do the same! This is a game changer. Abby: I work as a mindset coach to help women reframe from the inside out. When we can be at peace with ourselves, the whole world changes for the better! What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? We walk as much as we can! We take business meetings on a pretty trail near our office and the mid day movement makes us more productive, positive, and brighter in our roles. What is your favorite Chomps product? Amy: Jalapeño Beef Abby: Sea Salt Beef How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? We both grab a Chomps in the afternoon along with fruit for the perfect snack! We love adding Chomps to the diaper bag or car so that we can make healthy decisions even in a pinch. It helps that our kids all love Chomps too! READ MORE
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Chompian of the Month: JC Aragone
When professional tennis player, JC Aragone, reached out to us on social media sharing with us that Chomps is one of his favorite snacks as someone who is a diabetic, we wanted to learn more about his story right away. For the month of January, JC Aragone is our Chompian of the Month. Read below to learn more about his story! Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.? I am a professional tennis player who is living with type one diabetes. I was diagnosed at 16, resulting from a series of unfortunate health issues. Shortly after being diagnosed, I went to the University of Virginia and joined the tennis team, where I had to learn how to manage the hardships of living with type one diabetes while playing high-level competitive tennis. At UVA, I helped my team win three consecutive NCAA championships. Post college, I immediately became a professional tennis player. On top of being a professional athlete, I am a motivational speaker at diabetes conferences to encourage others with type one to overcome the difficulties they face from type one and pursue their dreams. What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? Focus on being present and surrounding yourself with people who lift you up and believe in you. What’s your workout routine? My main workout is tennis, but a lot goes into staying healthy and fit to compete at the level I want, from daily gym workouts to preventative rehab sessions, ensuring that my body can take the strain of tennis. While making sure I am getting the necessary cardio workouts required to stay fit to run three-plus hours on a tennis court. How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” I love using my platform to inspire others to achieve their dreams and not let diabetes hold us back. I hope I am changing the game for a kid with diabetes and encouraging them to play sports, stay active and ultimately have fun. What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? I love taking my dog for a walk. It helps clear my head and do something stress-free yet peaceful. What is your favorite Chomps product? I love the Jalapeño Beef flavor, it has the perfect amount of kick to it. How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? Living with type one diabetes, you learn to make intelligent choices including the snacks you eat. I am fueling my lifestyle with healthy, sugar-free, tasty snacks. To follow JC Aragone on social to see what he's up to next, head over to Instagram. READ MORE
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Chompian of the Month: Constance Weissmuller, MS, RDN
For the month of December, we're highlighting a new Chompian of the Month who inspires us through her work as a dietitian helping those who are recovering from eating disorders. This month you'll meet Constance Weissmuller (we call her Connie!) who we hope leaves you a bit inspired going into the holiday season. Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.? I'm a Registered Dietitian located in Denver, Colorado. I have a few parts of my job that all bring me joy in different ways. I teach Human Nutrition from a weight-neutral lens to Pre-Nursing Students at a local community college, own a private practice supporting mainly those in eating disorder recovery, and spend some time at Recovery Rack located at the Eating Disorder Foundation (EDF) of Denver. I started Recovery Rack - a weight inclusive, no cost boutique for those in eating disorder recovery- with the support of EDF earlier this fall. I saw a large need for a supportive space where individuals could find clothing that fits their here and now body and sense of style as they navigate recovery and the body changes that may come with it. Shopping is overwhelming, it's also costly. I wanted to break down a few barriers to make this experience even just a little easier. I hope to be able to expand Recovery Rack to other cities and states in the coming years! What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? Oh gosh. I think this is a loaded question! In the most basic sense, I believe gratitude helps with positivity. I love stopping and smelling the roses, feeling the breeze on my face, being aware of the safe and warm bed I have in my home, appreciating how my body works etc. I also am firmly against "toxic positivity". You know- the " time heals all wounds" or "it could be so much worse!" type of comments? I'm a big fan of allowing space for all our feelings whether they are negative or positive because that's real life. I work in a space where life is very hard for many of my clients and it's taught me a lot about holding space for it all. I'm also a deeply feeling human. I've learned to honor my feelings so I can actually process them and grow rather than just squish the hard feelings down and avoid them. Thanks therapy! What’s your workout routine? I absolutely adore my yoga studio and go to about 2 classes a week on average. I walk daily and ski and hike when I can- usually once a week depending on the season. Depending on what I'm feeling I may also take a dance class at a local studio - that always put a huge smile on my face! Living in Colorado is such a gift. Being outdoors is so helpful for my mental health. How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” I think I'm a game changer in the way I teach my students. I have two health science degrees and while teaching, I emulate the professors and clinicians I respected the most and learned the most from in my own education journey while also providing nutrition education from a weight neutral lens that I've learned/continue to learn in my clinical practice. Unfortunately, my class will likely be the only class in their entire education where my students hear about eating disorders, mental health, weight stigma (and how to provide ethical weight neutral care as future nurses), social determinants of health, and the issues we have in the US health system. It's a huge bummer to think about this but because of that, I provide my students with as many resources as I can for their continued education. I make sure they have links to the Association for Size Diversity and Health website, peer reviewed articles to share with clinical supervisors or colleagues, and mental health resources of their own. I know my students walk into the room with their own life experiences and they've maybe never had a professor validate their feelings, let them know that therapy is available on campus or help them connect to a local clinician for themselves or their children for nutrition counseling. I'm always a human before I'm a teacher or clinician and I believe that's a game changer. What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? Get outside! No matter the weather, I'm outside for a walk. It drastically improves my mental health and is great for feeling physically good too. I also make sure to eat enough. You can't expect your body and mind to work well if you aren't nourishing your body regularly and adequately. What is your favorite Chomps product? The Original Beef Stick! How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? I always have one in my hiking backpack for a snack during or after my hike. It's nice to have a savory option amidst so many sweet options like granola bars, fruit, etc that are shelf-stable to have in a backpack. READ MORE
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Chompian of the Month: Kaitlyn Kobida
For the month of November, we're highlighting one of our fellow employees, Kaitlyn Kobida, as Chompian of the Month. Kaitlyn was featured on Chompast Ep. 10 where she spoke about her role here at Chomps as the Director of E-Commerce working with our clients like Amazon, Thrive Market, Instacart and more. Beyond her work on our e-commerce channel and helping build Chomps as a DTC brand, she is an inspiring athlete and recent dog mom. You can read more about Kaitlyn and what fuels her as a #chompian below. Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.? Hi, I am Kaitlyn! After starting my career in e-commerce, I quickly adapted a passion for all things digital. I am a veteran Chompian of nearly 4 years and have loved every second of my time here building the Chomps brand online. From managing retailer websites, to paid advertising, digital shelf optimization and our own D2C initiatives, I thrive on constantly innovating and improving our e-commerce experience. We hear you're quite the athlete and always get the Chomps team inspired to get up and get moving. Have you always been super active? Coming from a big family and being the middle of four siblings, I have a *very* competitive side. Growing up my mom let me play every sport under the sun, and I eventually landed on swimming as my specialty as I got older. After college, I pivoted to training for endurance races in my free time. Now my specialty is triathlons and I love training for the Chicago Triathlon every summer on the lakefront. My brother and I race together every August and it is always my favorite day of the year. I even have a huge group of friends involved now too! There is something about a race day that gets me pumped up. My brother and I joke - we hope to be still out there racing in our 70s! What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? This sounds cliché, but I live by the motto: good vibes only. Everyday when we wake up, we have a chance to make progress towards our goals and I work best on teams that spread positive energy. At Chomps, we always have a lot going on so it is important to keep the larger perspective on what we are working towards. This is what keeps me going. What’s your workout routine? Right now I am off season so I am concentrating on strength training mixed with some days of either HIIT or endurance cardio. My husband and I like to strength train together! For cardio, I love the Peloton Power Zone Program. It has helped me shave minutes off my bike leg of my races. When in Triathalon training season, find me at Ohio street beach open water swimming, and biking and running on the lakefront path! How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” Never accepting anything less than "better". If something isn't going right, having the gut intuition to reevaluate and pivot. Working in such an everchanging industry, we never want to be left behind. Always challenging myself and teammates to stay one set ahead! If something within the business is not working? Evaluate new solutions to fix it. Set a new PR on Peloton, what is my next step to beat that PR? What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? Get outside! Fresh air is so important - even if its just a mile walk. My puppy, Windy, joins me. What is your favorite Chomps product? Original Beef, hands down. How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? Fueling myself with enough protein is so important while training, but can be challenging at times. Chomps is the solution. I can bring it anywhere and have a snack ready to go whenever I need it - literally while I am on a long bike ride sometimes! Truly is a lifesaver! To listen to Kaitlyn on our podcast, Chompcast, to learn more about her + her experience on our team. READ MORE
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Chompian of the Month: Haley Clements
For the month of October and for the first time ever, we're highlighting one of our own employees as our Chompian of the Month. Haley Clements, our Sales Operations and Category Manager here at Chomps, always goes above and beyond in not only her work here at Chomps but outside (literally!) too. She is a powerhouse when it comes to all things baking, cooking and staying active. She doesn't let anything get in her way, even a heart condition she was born with (which you can learn more about below). Read below to learn more about our inspiring Chompian, Haley. Meet Haley! Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.? HI, I'm Haley Clements and I'm the Sales Operations / Category Manager here at Chomps. My passion for healthy food & a healthy life style stem from my childhood where I was born with a congenital heart defect. Because of this, I had 3 open heart surgeries by the time I was in Kindergarten and 5 open heart surgeries by the time I graduated college. It hasn't been easy, but I have an incredible team of doctors who never put limitations on what I can achieve and my family who are my biggest cheerleaders! My motto has always been, you can only control what you can control. And since I couldn't control this part, I decided to learn how to fuel my body with nourishing foods and constantly live an active lifestyle. This lifestyle has allowed me to play varsity tennis, travel the world, climb mountains, paraglide etc. I also became a speaker for the Saving tiny Hearts Foundation where I have been able to share my story, inspire young kids, and reassure parents throughout difficult times. What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? Celebrate the little things both personally & professionally. Personally, growing up we celebrated everything! A celebration that I have continued on in my adult life is my Heartiversary. This is an annual celebration to commemorate the number of years since my last open heart surgery. Every year I like to challenge myself and see what my heart & body can do. 1 year after my 5th open heart surgery I ran a half marathon and this year I hiked my first 14er mountain in Colorado. At work, it's the same! We are each others biggest cheerleaders! From small daily wins to landing a new retailer, we celebrate it all! What’s your workout routine? Anything outside! I love walking, hiking or biking and try to do one of them every single day. How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” After each surgery it is like hitting a reset button for my body. I cannot open doors, get dressed, lift anything, and funny enough sneezing become the most painful thing. But, after 5 open heart surgeries I'm the strongest I've ever been. I have found that I can do everything I want to do, I just might have to do it the "Haley" way. This might be as simple as taking extra breaks on a hike, or wearing a hocky chest protector on the soccer field. But, also might be as big as having to quit my summer internship to have emergency surgery or having my mom come to college with me because I was too weak after said surgery. It's not always easy creating your own path but it has allowed me to approach problems / situations from a different perspective and feel confident that I can achieve so much in this lifetime. What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? A 5 mile walk / hike in the mountains. This year we moved to Golden, CO and I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by mountains. This walk has become a mental and physical reset for me. I aim to walk around 5:30am and love the peace and quiet the morning brings. What is your favorite Chomps product? Its tough to chose a favorite but I think Jalapeño Beef. How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? Chomps fuels my outdoor lifestyle in a big way! Any hike, bike ride, or camping trip you can always find 1 or 10 Chomps in my backpack. They are the perfect snack for me and my husband and keep us full during our outdoor adventures. To learn more about Haley beyond this, watch her on our podcast, Chompcast, below: READ MORE
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Chompian of the Month: Andrew Gambino
For the month of September we are highlighting a new Chompian of the Month, Andrew Gambino. A friend and fellow fan of the brand, Andrew shares how aside from working as a digital marketing consultant, he's also passionate about volunteering for the organization, Mychal's Learning Place, as a fitness instructor. Read more below to learn more about Andrew and why we picked him as our Chompian this month. Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.? I am a digital marketing consultant that works with numerous brands online(including Chomps) to help them build and scale their email & SMS marketing programs. I've worked in digital marketing since I graduated from Chico State in 2007. At Chico State I was part of the S.A.A.C (Student Athletic Advisory Committee) and a few years after graduating the named an award after me called The Gambino Award (you can read the article on page 7). Prior to starting my career, I grew up loving sports and being active in general. To this day I continue to love playing sports and staying active in just about any way I can. I volunteer at Mychal's Learning Place as a fitness instructor and have been doing so for over 7 years. Mychal's is near and dear to my heart and will always be a very special place. What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? Be grateful for what you do have and don't focus on the things that you don't have. You can't always control your circumstances but you can control how you react to them. So if you're reading this today that means you've been given another opportunity to go out and make the life you wish to live. Don't take that for granted because nobody knows how much time they have left, so go out and give it your all every single day and create the life you truly want to live. What’s your workout routine? I enjoy going to the gym 5-6 days a week and focus on, dynamic warm-ups, free weights and outdoor circuits that I often make up as I go. I also walk/jog 3-5 miles a day outdoors for fitness and in addition I walk my dogs 2-3 times a day for 30-45 mins per walk. How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” I truly believe that we all have the ability to make the world a better place with the decisions that we make on a daily basis. There are so many things that we can do to help others and in my opinion if you're helping others then you are making this world a better place. What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? I make a concerted effort to stay positive no matter the circumstances and try to get in some sort of physical activity on a daily basis. What is your favorite Chomps product? Please don't make me choose! I love them ALL! :) How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? I enjoy snacking on CHOMPS pre and/or post workouts. I also am fortunate enough to help with their email & SMS marketing strategy as a consultant, so I am being fueled in multiple ways. READ MORE
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Chompian of the Month: Christina Chu
For the month of August, we're highlighting a special woman we met this year who instantly inspired us by how she wants everyone to feel their personal best through nutrition and performance. Christina Chu is a performance dietitian right here in Chicago and is going to tell you a little bit more about her story including her clientele, her favorite Chomps flavor and what inspires HER. What is your name? Christina Chu Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.? I am a performance dietitian based out of Chicago, IL, who works with athletes/other high performers to optimize their fueling. My clientele includes youth baseball players to professional combat athletes, cyclists, corporate executives, creative producers, and more. I grew up in the Chicago suburbs as a tennis player, and always had a love for food as a Taiwanese-American (give me all the braised pork over rice, mango shaved rice, and cold noodles)! I loved marrying food, science, and health so much that I earned my Bachelor's and Master's degree in Clinical Nutrition at Boston University and passed my Registered Dietitian board exam shortly after. I started my private practice and consulting business in the height of the pandemic, knowing that I have athletes to serve and people who need help with their nutrition. My philosophy is based around evidence-based practices applied in a practical manner to maximize my client's potential. Food is so much more than just fuel - it's nourishment, joy, culture, and community. What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? Something that has helped me is to talk about what I'm grateful for (almost) every night. Even if I've had a bad day, there is something to be grateful for, even if it just the roof over my head or the clothes on my body. What’s your workout routine? I love lifting weights (fun fact: I was a personal trainer in college!), and I teach cycling classes at Equinox! I am always down for a long walk along the Chicago River or tossing the football around in the park. How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” Throughout the plethora of nutrition information, marketing, social opinions, unsolicited advice that athletes have exposure to, there is one thing that remains true to my practice - it's all about the athlete. In my practice, I don't try to sell my athletes on products they don't need, make them feel a certain way, etc. I know I am one voice in this athlete's life, and they have the autonomy to make the choices that they want to make. It is my job to try and convince them that the evidence-based route (even though it may not be as glamorous!) is the way to go. I want my athletes to be happy, healthy, and confident in their nutrition. It's not about me, it's about them - and eventually it's my job to not be needed anymore because they are highly competent in their fueling. This may not be the best business advice, but I'm not pulling teeth trying to maximize profits, I'm trying to authentically help people - that's what athlete healthcare is all about. What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? Something that I'm working on is reminding myself that life is a journey, and wins/challenges are just pit stops along the way! This is definitely out of my comfort zone as a Type A individual, but it's about progress, not perfection! What is your favorite Chomps product? Jalapeño Beef Sticks, no doubt. How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? Chomps fuels my lifestyle because it is such an easy, savory grab & go protein option. I actually don't have a big sweet tooth, but I LOVE savory foods. I am also on-the-go quite often, and so having a fuel source I can just throw in my backpack (paired with a carb/fruit for an optimal snack composition) that I actually enjoy is a lifesaver! Follow Christina and social media. READ MORE
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Chompian of the Month: Jasmine Henry
For the month of July, we're highlighting a new Chompian and this time a fan of fitness, a woman in wellness and one of Chomps' biggest fans and consumers, our friend, Jasmine Henry. Learn more about Jasmine and why she inspires us as a true Chompian in her area below! Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.? I'm a health and fitness professional focused primarily on corporate professionals since that's the world I joined after college. I've always been into fitness (my parents opened a gym when I was five and I started teaching Zumba at 18) but I really got into health holistically in 2017 after attending Natural Products Expo West. After that I got certified as a group fitness instructor, integrative nutrition health coach, personal trainer, and yoga teacher. I have one on one clients, host corporate wellness programs and events, teach pop up classes, and give back to communities via free nonprofit and scholastic wellness workshops. What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? I always tap into gratitude whenever I feel a need for a positivity boost. Every single day there are countless things to be grateful for and if you struggle to find some I promise they're all around us. Take the news for example - you could easily find some gratitude there for your own safety or that a situation was resolved, etc. What’s your workout routine? My workout routine varies all the time! I love HIIT, dancing, and yoga, but I've recently done a couple of runs including the NYC Half Marathon, and I've been getting into boxing classes as well. I am a big full-body workout kind-of person, but it really depends on what I've got going on in terms of events or specific goals I'm training toward. I've got down my headstand and right now I'm also working on my handstand in yoga. I love so many different forms of movement it's honestly hard for me to fit all the different modalities into each week. Sometimes I don't do anything at all either! I listen to my body each and every day. I love just going outside for a walk to get some fresh air and sometimes that's all you need! How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation! I consider myself a game changer by always making sure to approach health from a holistic and inclusive standpoint so that everyone can feel like their optimal health is attainable - because it is! Also knowing and teaching that is no magic formula to health and happiness but that we’re all truly on our own journeys. What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? I have a few, but bringing myself to the present when I'm feeling overwhelmed via breathing exercises and mindfulness has been really key. It usually puts the cause of the overwhelm into perspective and helps me get through the moment and back into a state of calm. What is your favorite Chomps product? Classic but a goodie... the Original Beef stick! How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? Chomps is such an incredibly convenient, yummy, and nutritious product to snack on or incorporate into a meal. It fuels my lifestyle by being a readily available form of protein that I can have on me at any time. You can follow Jasmine here on Instagram to see more of her travel adventures, favorite recipes, workouts and more! Get inspired by our Chompians of the Month! Dive into their stories and see how they embody health, wellness, and community, celebrating their achievements and finding your own path to success. READ MORE
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Chompian of the Month: Blake Sorenson
For the month of June, we're highlighting a friend of the Chomps' team, Blake Sorenson. Blake is the CEO and founder of Blake's Seed Based, an allergy-friendly brand that makes better-for-you snacks made with seeds (instead of nuts). Last month we worked with Blake's Seed Based on a fun social media collaboration so we knew we had to highlight him this month as a true Chompian when it comes to helping those with food allergies. To learn more about Blake and his journey to start this incredible brand, you can read more below! Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.? I currently live in Chicago and I'm the founder of Blake's Seed Based, which I launched in 2018. We make better-for-you snacks made with seeds that are allergy-friendly. I started the company because I have a nut allergy and I was frustrated with the allergy-friendly snacks in the market. The company originated out of an entrepreneurship class when I was getting my MBA at Indiana University from 2016-2018. A class project turned into a full on business that I decided to pursue. Fast forward to today, our Snack Bars, Crispy Treats and Sunflower Seeds are in retailers like Wegmans, Sprouts, Sam's Club, Kroger, Central Market, Thrive Market and Jewel-Osco. It's been really rewarding to take a concept and bring it to life. I've been super fortunate to have a great team behind me and have such wonderful support from my family and friends growing up. I'm excited to see where the business goes in the future! What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? I think an underrated part of staying positive is who you surround yourself with. I think there is a lot of truth to the quote, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with". It's important to be around optimistic people! The other aspect is setting goals and working towards them. I'm always happiest when I'm working towards goals I set. What’s your workout routine? Living in Chicago, my workout routine really varies by season. In the spring and summer, I spend a lot of time biking and running on the lakeshore path. In the fall and winter, I'll do more yoga and HIIT workouts. I also really enjoy taking saunas and ice baths. It's a great recovery method and keeps me sane! How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” I admire anyone that is passionate about what they do and works towards a worthy cause. Mine just happens to be better-for-you, allergy-friendly snacks since it's something that I'm personally affected by. Life is too short to not go after your goals and work on projects that can inspire others. What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? I'm big on making a daily checklist everyday. I usually make it before I go to bed so I know exactly what I have to accomplish the next day. I have everything I need to get done on the checklist that includes my schedule and all of my work and personal tasks. I also use this checklist to schedule workouts and anything else I want to get done. When I write everything down I feel a lot better. Then I just have to execute the plan each day. What is your favorite Chomps product? I love spicy foods so the Jalapeño Beef stick is my favorite! How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? Chomps offers some of the cleanest protein options on the market. Their products are nutritious, they taste great and they make me feel good afterwards. Chomps products are a key part of my diet and lifestyle! READ MORE
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Chompian of the Month: Susie Hultquist
For the month of May, which just so happens to be Celiac Awareness Month (and this week is Food Allergy Awareness Week), we're highlighting a friend of Chomps, Susie Hultquist. This month we're honored to share Susie as our Chompian of the Month. Susie is the CEO and founder of Spokin, a food allergy app and lifestyle platform on a mission to make managing food allergies and celiac easier. Chomps is proud to be a sponsor on the Spokin app as we are free of the top 9 allergens including dairy, gluten, soy and more. To learn more about Susie and her journey to creating Spokin, read more below! Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.? First and foremost, I am a mom to 3 teenagers and I am also the Founder of Spokin, an app that connects the food allergy community to safe foods, places and each other. My oldest daughter Natalie has life threatening food allergies and it was the experience of trying to figure out if Girl Scout cookies were safe for her that made me realize how time consuming managing food allergies was to check every food, restaurant, birthday cake, travel, personal care product, and more to see if it is safe. It adds up to a full year over a lifetime. I left my Wall Street career to build Spokin that not only made it faster but also fun to manage food allergies. Spokin is now the largest and fastest growing food allergy platform and we live for those magic moments to share allergy friendly finds, like Chomps, with Spokin app users! What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? I am definitely optimistic by nature, but as I share with my girls, especially during the lockdown, I think the key to life is to focus on what you have and not on what you don't. You can always find something to be grateful for, and it's a great way to shift your thinking. What’s your workout routine? Finding the time to workout is so challenging as a Founder and Mother of 3 teens but Peloton has been an absolute lifesaver. It eliminates any excuse I can come up with, too far, cold, dark, etc. and it's so fun. During the week I ride before the work day starts and on the weekends I get up early, have coffee and ride longer rides before my kids get up. How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” I believed that there should be an easier and even fun way to manage food allergies. Once I get a hold of an idea, I have to see it come to life. As one of my daughter's says, a goal without a plan is a wish and REALLY like to plan! What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? As Founder and mother you are in constant give mode, so finding even a little time to restore yourself is key. A Peloton ride for me is as much a physical outlet as it is a mental one and just setting a boundary for 20 minutes for myself helps me reset. As a working mom, I also need to feel very connected to my girls and while we have dinner together as a family almost every night, we are a talkative bunch so it can get very animated and loud and I make sure to sneak in one on one time to talk with each of them every day. What is your favorite Chomps product? I'm going to share my daughter's since she is a huge Chomps fan due to her allergies... her favorite is Chomps Original Beef Jerky. How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? Half of the job responsibility of being an allergy mom is having safe snacks with you at all times, especially when traveling, and finding safe protein options is really tough. Discovering Chomps was a game-changer. My daughter is heading to college in the fall and I will definitely plan to send her with her favorite Chomps! :) Learn more about the Spokin app. READ MORE
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Chompian of the Month: Vickie Segar
For the month of April, we're highlighting Vickie Segar, the CEO and founder of Village Marketing, as our Chompian of the Month. Here at Chomps we work with Village Marketing, a woman-only company, to create impactful influencer campaigns that drive brand awareness. We chose to have Vickie as our Chompian this month because she inspires us to hustle whether you're a mom, entrepreneur, business owner or all of the above, and to never give up on your goals, whether small or large. You can learn more about Vickie below! Can you tell us about yourself - what you do, a bit about your story, etc.? I'm the founder of Village Marketing - an all female influencer agency that pairs brands with performing influencers. I started the company to first and foremost create a better work environment for women as I saw challenges working in the startup space as a young female going through different life stages. Secondly, I have a passion for innovation tactics in marketing and influencer marketing was a clear path for the future of how consumers would make purchase decisions. We now have a great company with 170+ female leaders strong that is continuing to lead and innovate in the social space. What’s your best tip on how to stay positive? Perspective. I feel so incredibly fortunate for every aspect of my life and am acutely aware of how and where things could be worse. And when I have moments of negativity, no matter how great things are around me, I know that with time everything always gets figured out. What’s your workout routine? I'm a power consumer - so I try everything. P.Volve, Melissa Wood Health, Ergatta Rowing, SoulCycle - I do a little bit of everything. But mostly, I chase my little kids around the house - which is my daily cardio. How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation! I have always been attracted to doing things differently and doing them first. That's what gets me up in the morning. I love to sit on the cutting edge of innovation - its where I feel the happiest. What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)? Picking my kids up from school :) What is your favorite Chomps product? The Original Beef sticks no question! How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle? I'm a busy mom, I eat my lunch in the car on the way to pick up my kids, if I eat lunch at all. Chomps is my grab and go, protein snack, keeps me in happy, patient mom state - which is where I like to be! READ MOREEven More for you to Chew On
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