I spent last Thursday and Friday in Bloomingdale, Illinois (in the suburbs of Chicago) for the NOW Foods Immersion! Come along for the festivities and enter to win your own NOW swag bag.
I'd like to thank NOW Foods for sponsoring my trip, this post and the giveaway! As always, I only write about companies I believe in and all thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting posts like this that allow me to publish Running in a Skirt daily.
Hi guys!
Blessings come in so many forms, and getting invited to go to the NOW Foods Immersion was a big one for me. When I was invited to go earlier this year, I jumped at the chance to learn more about a health food brand that's been around since the 60's AND connect with other like minded bloggers. I am one lucky girl!
If you aren't familiar with NOW, they are a health and wellness brand that focuses on selling high quality, natural products at affordable prices. Their extensive product catalog covers everything from supplements, beauty & health products, essential oils, sports nutrition, natural foods and even pet health. You might have seen their vitamins, protein powder, probiotics and even nutrient dense food on store shelves already. I honestly think it's a company you guys will love as well... so keep on readin'!
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"]How much fun! NOW Foods Immersion Recap from Running in a Skirt. Share on X
NOW Foods Immersion Day 1
After my morning flight to Chicago, and a quick car ride to Bloomingdale I was greeted at my hotel with some friendly faces from NOW. They gave me some introduction materials and sent me on to my room where I found two amazing goodie bags of swag including a personal blender, diffuser, food and health essentials!
(Stick with me because I'm sharing the love! One of you will be winning all of this stuff in my GIVEAWAY!)
After going ga-ga over my two giant bags of stuff, I went to the hotel restaurant to get a late lunch. I got a salad with pears and a cup of tomato soup. It was a lot colder in Chicago than in the Abacos so the soup tasted good.
I ended up running into Lauren from Lauren Frost Fit and we ate together. Liz from The Clean Eating Couple joined us a few minutes later. Eventually our table filled up with bloggers and fitness enthusiasts from across the country all in town for the event. I really enjoyed speaking to everyone about their paths and how they ended up blogging.
By late afternoon, we all went our separate ways to get ready for the official events.
The festivities started that evening with dinner at Glen Prairie Restaurant. It was a four course feast! My favorites were this Golden Beet Salad...
... and salmon dish! It was incredible.
We also got to listen to NOW's CEO Jim Emme speak about the company. I was intrigued by his passion for the business and dedication to offering high quality products at great prices. You guys know I love a good bargain, and NOW offers lots of them. I was also touched by his belief in treating employees with the same respect that the high level managers get!
We also heard from Dan Richard, who is the son of the company's founder. NOW is actually still at it's heart a family run company and you could tell those values ran deep.
After official business, I got to chat with these lovelies during dinner... Desiree from StyleFox, Fitfluential Founder Kelly from KellyOlexa.com and Ari from Love Peace Mommy.
(Sorry for the bad lighting... it was super dark in the restaurant!)
After dinner we all went to bed because we had a jam packed day scheduled for day 2!
NOW Foods Immersion Day 2
Day 2 at the NOW Foods Immersion started like all good days should... with a workout!
NOW arranged for a class just for the group. It was a mixture of cardio, dance, weights and boxing. The perfect sweaty way to start the day.
After our workout, we refueled with a Mango Chili Protein Shake courtesy of NOW Foods! It was delish.
While sipping our shakes, we went straight into essential oil class where we learned about how NOW produces and makes their essential oils to be practically half the cost of other brands. They shared with us their strict testing methods and how they are able to use the exact same base products as other brands. I was truly impressed.
We all got to make our own DIY essential oils Gym Equipment Cleansing Spray and Massage Oil. It's so easy to do and so much better for you and the environment!
After essential oil class, we had a few minutes to get a shower and get a quick breakfast (I got an unphotogenic bowl of oatmeal at the breakfast bar) before heading to the plant for a tour.
We were briefed a little on NOW History (They've been around since 1968!) and got special gear to be able to tour the factory where they make, test and package everything from those essential oils, supplements and even beauty products!
I'm not a big fan of hair nets (who is,) but I made it work.
A smile makes everything better... see!
The tour was fascinating because not only did we get to see how the products are bottled and packaged, but we toured the extensive labs and equipment that test, double test and triple check the quality of the products.
I was blown away at how they go above and beyond what is legally required to ensure quality.
CEO Jim Emme also stopped by and assisted on our tour. Once again, I was impressed at how he knew and cared for his employees! I don't know many CEO's who know the names of folks working the line, but he did.
After our tour, we went to the NOW corporate offices where we had an excellent lunch.
During lunch we heard from Chris who worked in the NOW Sports division. He spoke about the supplements they carry specifically to help athletes. There are a couple I'm itching to try! He also talked about their extensive line of high quality protein powders.
Our next stop was the NOW Foods Culinary Innovation Center, where we got to see a small spread of the natural foods NOW makes. The entire line is non-GMO and many are organic and kosher. They also have a big emphasis on allergy-friendly and gluten free meals.
Next, we got to sample the newest product out of the NOW shelves... Nutty Infusions Mango Chili and Ginger Wasabi Cashew Butter. The entire line is simply roasted without additives or stuff you don't want to eat.
Holy yum guys!
They were both amazing but the Mango Chili Cashew Butter won me over. It has a flavorful kick with just enough mango to make my heart happy.
Next on the agenda was an oil tasting lead by the NOW Foods chef, Suzy Singh. Suzy was so delightful and shared her passion for food and cooking with us! Her energy was infectious.
The oils were all flavorful and of the highest quality. She told us how she rejects any products that don't meet their strict standards and flavor profiles.
I can be an olive oil snob... and I was definitely a fan of theirs. They actually chemically test it to make sure it's actually olive oil! Apparently a lot of the stuff you buy these days is a blend.
As the day was winding down, we all packed up Quinoa Cups for the road with piles of healthy toppings!
I left for the airport feeling blessed and honored to be a part of this company, even if just for a day. Everyone we met was passionate and loved their jobs, which is hard to find these days. I was also blown away with the extent they go to ensure they have a quality product at a good price. NOW believes that a high price should not prevent someone from getting healthy products, and I could not agree more.
I am now a fan.
Blogging has brought so many amazing opportunities into my life, and being a part of this event ranks at the top!
6 NOW Foods Products to Try
6 @NowFoods Products to Try! #NowGetFit Share on XI know that my roundup of the event was a lot of information, so I wanted to break it down for you a little. Here are a few NOW products to try if you are just starting out with them.
Nutty Infusions Mango Chili Cashew Butter
It's insanely good...
NOW Rose Hips Oil
I use this on my face and love it!
Better Stevia
Stevia that's better... not bitter.
NOW Eve Softgels
A great women's multi-vitamin. They also make a men's version.
Now Sports BCAA Big 6
I haven't tried this yet, but I'm curious! I am sensitive to caffeine and I like that this endurance and recovery drink doesn't have it.
NOW Organic Essential Oils
Lavender to help you sleep!
All of these are available on the NOW site.
Pin this to find these products later!
Now Foods Giveaway
Now for the fun part! One of you will WIN the incredible array of swag NOW gave me at the immersion! It includes everything you see below including a personal blender and diffuser. You'll even get the try the Mango Chili Cashew Butter and BCAA Big 6 I mentioned above. It's honestly an epic collection of goodies and I am beyond stoked to share it with one of you.
The giveaway will run until May 24th and I will announce a winner on May 26th. To enter follow the directions below.
Love this epic @NowFoods Swag Bag Giveaway from Running in a Skirt! #NowGetFit #Giveaway Share on X
Thanks for stopping by today! Come back tomorrow for my famous Avocado Dressing.
Your turn!
Head to NOW's site and let me know which products you'd like to try!
I’m linking this post with Marvelous Monday, Jill Conyers for Fitness Friday & Inspired to be Fit, Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday, Coaches Corner, and Annmarie for Wild Workout Wednesday.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
top gold and silver ira says
I got what you mean, thank you for posting. I'm blissful to find
this website via google.
Brandon Sparks says
I would really love to try out the Shea Butter..
amanda whitley says
i really wanna try the Quinoa Macaroni Pasta
Jamie says
Would love to try all products. Been looking for a great product.
carol clark says
id like to try there essential oils
Sonya Morris says
I would love to try the Avocado Cooking Oil.
kimmythevegan says
Oh my gosh girl! What an amazing experience. And what a swag bag! I have never heard of such an epic swag bag before. I love hearing that they treat their employees well, I think that's really important and wish all companies would do that.
And how great was it that you got to catch up with some friends and meet some cool, new people? And the fitness class? Awesome!
What a great time you had =)
ps. I'm totally going to be on the lookout for their nutbutters!!!
Katy G says
Would love to try the Q cups and the avo oil!
Robin E. says
Great selection of goodies! I have used NOW essential oils and would love to try their other products, as well!!!
DealinDiva says
I would like to try the almond oil.
Alicia @Bridges Through Life says
I'd love to try the Nutty infusion nut butters. Those sound amazing. Also the essential oils. I love how much I have learned about NOW foods through bloggers.
Marilyn says
Lavender essential oil looks awesome!
Kristen M says
I'd love to try their essential oils. The "spicy" scents appeal to me the most.
Jen says
I'd like to try the Pure Cocoa butter and the multivitamins. I really like their brand.
Agness of Run Agness Run says
These dishes are so palatable! I would love to try each one of them, Julie!
Kelly D says
I would like to try the peppermint tea and shea butter.
Anne says
I would love to try rose hip oil... and their stevia... and the roasted soybeans... Wow. Thanks for showing us just how much they have!
Carolsue says
I would like to try their pet products, such as the Immune Support Chewables for Dogs & Cats
Sarah Oswald says
I would love to try the Eggwhite Protein Powder, Rich Chocolate Flavor because Im on a low carb diet and this sounds yummy!
Mita says
the quinoa pasta
Vunda V says
i want to try the quinoa pasta!
Tara Pittman says
I would love to try the sprouted brown rice.
Vera K says
I would love to try some of the essential oils.
kelly m. says
I'd love to try sprouting seeds in their sprouting jar!
CJ says
I definitely would most like to try the infused coconut oils from Ellendale, and the stevia!
CJ
Edye says
What a lovely giveaway, Julie! I would like to try their quinoa penne! 🙂
sheila Austin says
Krill Oil
sheila Austin says
Would love to try these items!
Christine Davis says
What a cool experience! I have tried some Now products in the past but had no idea they have such a variety of products.
Toughcookiemommy says
I love that you got to check out the factory. I'm so glad that they have gluten free options.
paige c says
I want to try the nutty infusions
Christine says
I'd love to try all the Better Stevia products. I use the pea protein almost daily.
Briann says
What a great amazing experience!!!!
GiGi Eats says
I remember when a bunch of people went on this excursion last year! I am envious! I wanna wear a hair net and explore NOW FOODS! haha!
jacquie says
the roasted almond butter infusion.
Kristina @ Love & Zest says
What a great time it looks you had! Sounds like an amazing experience!
Jess says
Nut butters are always my go-to, but seeing NOW's Ginger Wasabi Cashew Butter makes me want to try it. It seems so interesting and right up my alley!
Kerri Olkjer says
Looks like a great event! I love NOW Foods. They just have such a huge variety of things that I use regularly. I can't say that for a lot of companies.
Julie FIelds says
I want to try the Cheer up Buttercup
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Looks like you had a fantastic time! I wish I was there to attend the NOW Foods Immersion too. However, I live so far and that alone is my major setback. Anyway, thanks for sharing your experience. I will have to look for their products when I shop. I am very interested in their essential oils.
Carrie@thelavenderhytta says
This sounds like such an amazingly cool and wonderful experience. I used to love buying NOW products in the states however they are virtually impossible to get over here in Norway.
Adriana Lopez says
How cool many great products and I love Bloomingdales nice store. It is nice to attend events like his because it is a rue opportunity to learn new things, eating yummy stuff is a plus too =)
Farrah says
Ahhh! Looks like such an awesome event! :]! + yay for meeting up with other bloggers! That beet salad and the yay for salmon!
I have some of their essential oils and they're awesome! I'd love to try their green tea + pomegranate day cream...or their hyaluronic acid creme!
Carmy says
You still look super cute in a hairnet!
Taylor Kiser says
Looks like so much fun! Loved reading this recap of your experience at the NOW Foods Immersion! And what an amazing giveaway!
Rachel says
I would like to try the Frankincense oil blend and avocado oil.
Tara @ A Daily Dose of Fit says
So great! I was so bummed I had to back out. Looks like a blast of a time. They were gracious enough to send me the goodies, and I just got them today. Can't wait to dive in to them!
Mikki says
How fun!!! I love NOW products and the company. Such awesome stuff!
Emily | EmPowered Nutrition says
That salad looks amazing. Sounds like a great & delish time!
Neely Moldovan says
What a cool opportunity! Looks so interesting. I love hearing about the different products!
Glenda says
Looks like you had a great time. The food giveaway looks amazing. I would love to try out the Mango Chili Cashew Butter.
Lindsay Cotter says
Looks and sounds like you had an amazing time at the NOW Foods Immersion! Love all the many wonderful products they offer! Enjoy all your swag!!
Blane Sherer says
Looks like a great fit for you.
Glad you had such a great experience.
dixya says
this is every foodies heaven..so many new products to look out for.
dixya @food, pleasure, and health says
this is every foodies heaven..so many new products to look out for.
Emily says
I would absolutely love to try their nut butters. 🙂
Will G says
I would like to try the essential oils.
Divya says
This looks like an awesome giveaway! And what a great experience to attend an event like this!
Jennifer says
Lots of great choices! I would love to try the macadamia nut oil.
Rachel says
The roasted cashew butter looks so good! I would love to try that and all the other goodies!
Liz Mays says
Getting an inside look at the factory must have been really cool. Tasting and learning about their oils sounded fun too!
Abbey Sharp says
Sounds like such a fun trip! Awesome pictures 🙂
Jo says
I'd love to try their essential oils. I smelled them in a health food store recently and they were DIVINE!!!
Christina Bauer says
Looks like you had a great time! Welcome to the midwest - where it's colder than it ought to be 🙂 I'd love to try those Nutty Infusions and the Quinoa pasta varieties! I have several NOW essential oils, which I love.
Ange // Cowgirl Runs says
I love NOW! Not all of their products are available in Canada yet, but I'm really hoping they'll expand more so I can enjoy all their amazing goodies!
I have the rose hip seed oil and it's done wonders for my face - especially during the super dry winters.
Jessica @Nutritioulicious says
Sounds like a fabulous time Julie! Not to mention all the good looking food you got to try! 😀
Emily @Sinful Nutrition says
Sounds like an amazing experience! Those nut butters definitely need to happen 😀
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
It sounds like you had an awesome time at the NOW faciltiies and they certainly rolled out the red carpet. I've never tried their products but the nutty infusions look delicious!
DJ says
I would love to try the Macadamia Nut Oil.
Crystal Johnson says
I love NOW essential oils! I'd love to try their nut butters! What an awesome experience!!! So jealous!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
NOW Foods is THE BEST!! The Honey Roasted Pecans are addictive.
Emily says
We love the NOW essential oils; they're a lot cheaper than most, and yet you know that it's still a good product. It's pretty neat to follow my blogger friends who have visited their place this year, and I saw a blogger trip last year too, because it really boosts the company's reputation in my opinion. It's wonderful that they're so transparent and so hospitable with bringing bloggers in to share their new products. That mango chili nut butter sounds pretty interesting!
Michelle says
Cocoa powder, Avocado oil, The pasta line, The Nutty line as well. So much that Sparks my interest.
Jen @ pretty little grub says
What an amazing experience! So glad you were able to attend and thanks for sharing.
Lisa Collins says
I didn't realize NOW Foods offered SO many products! What a great experience for you as well!
Carla says
I had no clue about the extensive product list either. I have lots of the now oilsbut that's it. And even more than that I will now look for them deliberately because I'm all about the passion and the quality control!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
My son and I just love NOW Pea Protein for our smoothies! Glad you got to experience this.
Patricia @Sweet and Strong says
I've seen Now foods but have yet to actually try any of their products. So good to hear you're a fan. And I would love to try any nut butter or cooking oil!
Audrey Perry says
I'll look for some of these products from NOW. So glad you had a great Midwest experience. Thanks for the post
Kimberly G says
What an awesome experience! I love NOW products and hope I can attend one of their events one day!
I would love to try those new nut butters! I'm also a big fan of their essential oils.
Kim K says
I intend to try the nut butter (mango chili) & to make my own spray with the essential oils to clean my yoga mat! Will also look at the multivitamin & olive oil! Thanks for this introduction & I love making your recipes!?
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
All of those nut infusions look fantastic! Looks like you all had so much fun and learned a lot
Nancy says
I'm always looking for healthy alternatives. Can't wait to find out more about this company.
Gail Bell says
Thanks for the info. I'm most interested in olive oil and butters without peanuts.
Mary Beth Jackson says
WOW! What an experience! I have seen some posts about this brand but have yet to try it. The essential oils have me curious and I love nut butters! Then there is that endurance drink .........I could go on! Great giveaway!
heather @Lunging Through Life says
I need a new protein powder but I've been really interested in trying essential oils!
Beth Ann Chiles says
I definitely want to try those Nutty Infusions! The combinations sound amazing and I have never heard of the product line so am excited to explore it more. Thanks for a fun giveaway!
Paula Ponder says
These products look and sound amazing---Thanks for the opportunity Julie and NOW products!
debbie m. says
Would live to try the olive oil and the nut butters
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie says
Would <3 to try some essential oils!
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
I loved my time at NOW foods last year, and I am so glad that you had a similarly stellar experience! So many of our friends were there as well!
ashley says
essential oils