Healthy Chicks

I was recently approached by one of the lovely gals from Chunks of Energy to see if I’d be interested in sampling their products. I’m always up for trying new healthy foods on the market, so of course I said yes!

One bite of the rich, tasty chunk of heaven and I was sold! Made with nutritious ingredients your body knows & can trust, Chunks of Energy makes healthy snacking delicious, fun and convenient. Even better, most of their products are raw, vegan & organic, and made with very little sodium and fat.

I especially like that the company uses superfoods, like cacao, goji berries and spirulina, to add an extra boost to the already healthified bites! My all-time favorite? The Raw Cacao Gogi which, not surprisingly, is also their best seller!

While I could rave about these delicious bite-size chunks of goodness all day long, I figured I’d go directly to the source for expert advice and insights. The other day, I spoke with the Founder Michael to get the 411 on how the company transpired, the health benefits of superfoods, and his personal philosophy for living & being well.

Not only is he knowledgeable about nutrition, but he’s such a down-to-earth guy with a passion like no other. I’ll let Michael take it from here!

HC: Where was the idea to create chunks of energy born?

MG: I worked for Bread & Circus and was in California buying almonds, cashews, figs, etc. I happened to connect to a small company who was making the products for months.

I had been making maple syrup for years, and took spirulina to keep me up all night to make sap. So I asked the company to make a carob spirulina blend for me and that’s how it got started!

HC: I know your daughters are involved in the company too. That’s great!

MG:  Yes.  For some reason I really connect with female energy; I have 3 girls and most of  my friends are women. And almost all the relationships I have last for years and years; I truly believe in really good relationships and try to be really responsive. If someone contacts us, we contact them right away.

HC: Can you tell me a bit more about the ingredients you use?

MG: I have a small company in California that makes the product.We’re in the process of getting them certified non-GMO. Me personally, I like to do as much organic as I can so the last 5 or 6 flavors are both organic and vegan ,which reflects my lifestyle.

All the ingredients in our products are gluten free, but we are in the process of putting “Certified Gluten-free” on the label. The majority of them are vegan but some have honey and many are organic & raw. All the new flavors are free from soy, and only sweetened with dates. I also try to buy whenever I can from smaller farms.

HC: Superfoods are extremely powerful & offer a number of health benefits. Can you talk about some of their health benefits?

MG: My philosophy is that you should try to put as many superfoods and healthy foods into your diet all the time. I have them every day, in my smoothie and my garden is filled with kale. There are so many health benefits – antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and different trace minerals — so every day I eat as many as I can!

HC: Which flavor do you find most popular among customers? What’s your favorite blend?

MG: Raw Cacao Gogi is our best seller. The cacao comes from Ecuador, Peru and the Dominican Republic, and we try to source whenever we can from small farms. My favorites? Raw Cacao & Chocolate Almond Chip!

HC: What are some other ways you maintain a healthy lifestyle?

MG: One part is mental — I travel every other 5 weeks, visit the stores, and go searching for vegan restaurants to see what’s happening there. I also like to connect with people. Once a week I’ll go out with someone who has something to say, and try to connect with creative people. On weekends, I’ll go to The Cape and bring my bike, or go for a hike, swim or spend time in the garden.

HC: What’s one thing you want other Healthy Chicks to know?

MG: The main reason women buy it is because they’re trying to lose weight so what they’ll do is just snack on a few Chunks of Energy instead to fill them up and feel satisfied. The main thing is the nutritional profile: the fat is very reasonable (about 6 or 7 grams), there are about 7 grams of sugar but it’s complex sugar, and all are salt-free or low salt. Plus they are really satisfying and tasty!

What’s so interesting about product is it totally connects with women – 80% of our clients are women! It’s a funny thing because when I travel to our stores, women will come up to me and say “These got me through college!”

HC: Any last words of wisdom?

MC: Start one day at a time, and don’t get too fanatical. Do a little bit at a time. I’ve been living this lifestyle for 30 years, and feel really lucky. I’m on zero drugs, and even cut my vitamins down to 1 or 2 a day. Just put as many superfoods in your body as you can, and get to know them all!

Chunks Of Energy is sold in 50 states, and can also be purchased online. Feel free to browse their site to learn more! Also if you’re looking to start your own business or live a healthier lifestyle, Michael is more than happy to connect with you. Reach him by email here!