Welcome to Mayesa’s BlogPosts Tagged ‘healthy chocolate’February: American Heart MonthFebruary 12, 2016 February is a very busy month for celebrating the heart. For most of us, we immediately think of Valentine’s Day. Have you ever wondered how the connection of the heart and love came to be? Scientifically speaking, here’s how it works: The brain sends signals to the adrenal gland, which secretes hormones such as adrenaline, epinephrine and norepinephrine. They flow through the blood and cause the heart to beat faster and stronger. But what if you aren’t taking care of your heart, scientifically speaking? We would like to take a step away from celebrating candy and chocolates to highlighting the importance of a strong heart and, more specifically, the strong heart of women. (more…)
Categories Healthy Lifestyle
Spring into Action: Four Ways to Spruce Up Your Healthy HabitsApril 16, 2015
Categories Active Lifestyle, Being Active Outdoors, Dark Chocolate, Health, Health and Fitness, Healthy Chocolate, Healthy Eating, Healthy Family Eating, Healthy Foods, Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Snacks, Kids Eating Right, Natural Energy Boost, Organic Cacao, Pea Protein, Spring Cleaning, Springtime
Life Changing Tips From Nike and Glenn Matanza – Health and Fitness Coaches AND Mayesa Fans!January 13, 2015
Categories Active Lifestyle, Athletes, Glenn and Nike Matanza, Health, Health and Fitness, Healthy Chocolate, Healthy Eating, Healthy Family Eating, Healthy Foods, Healthy Lifestyle, Nutrition, Pea Protein, Staying Healthy While Busy
Healthy Chocolate Mayesa and Athletes – Lacy Lynn, Ultra-MarathonerDecember 26, 2014
Mayesa: Tell us a little about yourself, Lacy. Lacy Lynn: I grew up as a typical farm girl in central Wisconsin and right after high school went to obtain my Bachelor’s Degree in Human Biology at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. After college, I moved to Tanzania, East Africa, to serve in the Peace Corps. When I returned to the states I bounced back-and-forth between San Diego, California, and central Wisconsin. After 10 years of living what many have called a gypsy-lifestyle, I gave birth to my beautiful daughter and decided it was time to finally settle in one place. For the past two years now I’ve been living in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and am working at a local bank as a systems operator. As a now 30-year-old with a darling 3-year old, I feel like my crazy beautiful life is just getting started. M: What kind of athletic endeavors do you participate in? LL: I am a trail ultra-runner, a tire dragger, an endurance planker, and a toddler chaser. This year I will be defending my title as “Last Runner Standing” at Bop ‘til You Drop, a 12-hour race on a 1.25-mile loop course, and returning to Superior 50, a 52.1 mile trail ultra-marathon with a net elevation change of 25,000 feet. I have never returned to a race before this year but am excited to further define my training for these two events, especially Superior as I fell in love with that trail during that race. M: How did you become interested in being an athlete? LL: This is where my stubbornness really shined for me. While serving in the Peace Corps someone mentioned other volunteers participating in the Kilimanjaro Marathon, and I thought it sounded like fun so I said I would like to join in. I was laughed at and told I would not be able to train for a marathon in 6 months. Being laughed at burned deep and it fueled my desire to cross that finish line. I went from not being able to run one mile to crossing the finish line at the 2008 Kilimanjaro Marathon in 4:36:00. My love for running took off and hasn’t slowed down.
LL: Diet – The majority of my diet is home-cooked meals made from whole (or minimally processed), local foods. Common finds around my house include nut mylk, almond-pulp tuna salad, cauliflower-crusted pizza, millet tabbouleh, granola and my own energy bars. Training – My training is low-mileage, high-effort because of life as a single, working parent, and consists of stroller running, tire dragging, hiking while child-wearing, and core work. Mental/emotional exercises – Daily meditation/mindfulness, Yoga practice, visualization, and journaling. These things need to go hand-in-hand with my training otherwise I feel very “off.” Running is often times a form of “moving meditation” for me. M: How did you first learn about Mayesa? LL: I met one of the founders during my instructor training for Stroller Strides in San Diego and was hooked on the product from first sip. To this day I credit Mayesa for helping me finish my first 50K and 50 mile races while not experiencing any dip in milk production as a breastfeeding runner. M: Tell us how Mayesa fits into your training. LL: Consuming calories is vital when I go long so tucking some Mayesa into my pack gives me a much needed energy boost when the miles start wearing me down. I’ve also enjoyed Mayesa ice-cold after a hard training session as an uplifting recovery drink. M: What would you like to say to other athletes about Mayesa? LL: As a runner with a sensitive GI tract who can’t handle very many of the supplemented, manufactured drinks out on the market, Mayesa has stood the test of miles and has not caused any GI issues for me. I am also crazy excited about plant based proteins! One of the best things about Mayesa is that it’s not only great for me – it’s also great for my daughter (who goes ga-ga for it, by the way!) As far as the new flavors, they are a wonderful addition to the lineup. The Mixed Berry is pretty sweet, almost dessert sweet, which I think makes it a perfect recovery flavor. The Banana is downright phenomenal. I was blown away by that flavor and excited that it didn’t have that fakebanana taste. It’s my new fave flavor! I love your product and the new look.
 Comments Off on Healthy Chocolate Mayesa and Athletes – Lacy Lynn, Ultra-Marathoner5 Ways to Celebrate National Nutrition MonthDecember 17, 2014
It’s easy to enjoy foods in a healthy way, especially with Mayesa – a delicious healthy-chocolate drink that is chocked full of good nutrition. Being aware of good nutrition is important because it is about how we nourish our bodies. Our bodies require healthy food to create and repair cells. The science of nutrition also focuses on how diseases, conditions, and problems can be prevented or lessened with a healthy diet. Here are five ways to celebrate National Nutrition Month: 1. Make a Plan If you create a weekly menu plan and coordinate it with your shopping list you will eat healthier, waste less food and time, and there’s less stress at dinner time. You will find that a plan minimizes the last-minute dinner scramble, and helps you stick to healthier foods. 2. Fit in Those Fruits and Vegetables It’s often easier to buy fruits and vegetables than it is to actually use up them before they become shriveled and brown. Here are some suggestions on how to make sure you eat those fruits and vegetables: (a) toss a variety of vegetables in olive oil, roast and then refrigerate, allowing you to have ready-made side dishes, snacks, or a meatless entree; (b) keep apples and oranges in the car for an after-gym snack, or when you get the munchies (you don’t want your car to automatically turn into that fast-food place); and (c) cut up salad fixings and keep prepared in the refrigerator, then just spoon out and serve. Keeping Mayesa in the car is another sure way of sticking to a healthy snack when you’re on the go. 3. Eat More Earlier, Less Later The more of your daily calories you eat earlier in the day the better. Instead of a light breakfast, or even no breakfast at all, and a heavy dinner in the evening, have a hearty breakfast and a good lunch, both of which will keep you fueled through the day. A light supper will keep you from sleeping on a load of calories. If you are rushed for breakfast, Mayesa is a good way to start your day, then have a hearty lunch. 4. De-stress Dinner Don’t give in to the frantic question “What’s for dinner?” every night. That just begs for a quick answer – which might be easy but often not healthy. Instead, try these tricks: (a) keep a menu plan; (b) organize dinner ingredients before you leave for work; (c) freeze homemade soups, homemade pasta dishes, etc., ahead of time, then take out and defrost while you’re at work. Having salad ingredients already chopped and mixed and ready to go is another big help. 5. Earn your calories In addition to planning meals, cooking with healthy ingredients, and practicing portion control, a healthy lifestyle includes physical activity. Keeping physically active assists your body in properly utilizing all of that good nutrition. There are many options to keeping physically fit, including: walking, running, going to a gym, playing a team sports, and using fitness apps or videos. You can also burn calories by taking stairs and parking farther from your destinations. Good nutrition can: give you vitality and energy, boost your immune system, help beat tiredness and fatigue, and ward off serious illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. Celebrate National Nutrition Month – for your life!
Comments Off on 5 Ways to Celebrate National Nutrition MonthHealthy Chocolate Mayesa and Athletes – Golfer Brian MoggDecember 14, 2014
Brian participated in competitive golf for 9 years and was on the PGA Tour for 3 years. He has been teaching golf for 23 years and now has 8 Golf Academies throughout the world. Brian has an impressive 26 wins by Tour players that he has instructed. He has been listed as one of the top 50 instructors by Golf Digest and in the top 100 instructors by Golf Magazine. Brian was introduced to Mayesa by Jeff Hill, Mayesa CEO. Brian stated he is not a big chocolate fan so at first he was not sure how he would like the beverage. To his surprise he found that “Mayesa is really refreshing and tastes great!” Brian was also excited to learn that not only is Mayesa a delicious chocolate drink, but is also good for you. Brian likes that Mayesa is a healthy alternative using only organic and natural ingredients. Brian often drinks Mayesa during his busy work day which satisfies his hunger and provide a great pick-me-up. He enjoys recommending Mayesa to others so they too can make healthier choices on the foods they eat. For more information on Brian please visit www.moggacademy.com. Jane Adolph, Mayesa Co-Founder Comments Off on Healthy Chocolate Mayesa and Athletes – Golfer Brian MoggHeart-Healthy Chocolate for Valentine’s DayDecember 12, 2014
Hearts, chocolate, and Valentine’s Day have gone together like hands in gloves for decades. But it’s just recently that science has been putting its stamp of approval on dark chocolate as a true benefit of a healthy heart. Cacao is being studied more and more, and the findings are exciting for chocolate lovers. It turns out that “Healthy Chocolate” is a real concept. In fact, dark chocolate, the same type that is in Mayesa drinks, has been recently cited by some top health professionals and researchers as the single most exciting health food. In universities and research labs across the U.S. and around the world scientifically-designed medical studies are showing that there is a positive correlation between organic cacao and a reduction in the risk of developing heart disease. The flavanols contained in cacao have been found to act as “cardio-protective” agents. Benefits of consuming dark chocolate like that found in Mayesa: 1. Effect on Arteries and Veins In a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, results showed 47% improvement in how much the arteries dilated. There was also indication that an increase in cells occurred that are produced in the bone marrow and that can develop into the structural cells that line and repair the arteries and veins. In another study with a sample of over 2200 patients, the more cacao that was eaten, the fewer clogged arteries were found. Cacao consumption has also been found to improve arterial flow in smokers. 2. Effect on Cholesterol It appears that the antioxidants in cacao can prevent the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol relating to the mechanism of protection in heart disease. Studies have shown that people with both normal and elevated cholesterol levels, who ingested cacao powder mixed with hot water lowered LDL (bad cholesterol) and increased HDL (good cholesterol). All three doses of high-flavanol cacao powder – 13, 19.5, and 26 g/day – proved beneficial. If you’re wondering, 26 grams of powder is about a quarter cup. 3. Effect on Blood Pressure Research pretty consistently shows that dark chocolate consumption is related to lower blood pressure readings. For example, one study found that fifteen days of eating dark chocolate lowered blood pressure in healthy subjects. Another study used flavanol-rich cacao to increase nitric oxide production in healthy humans which dilated the blood vessels thus lowering blood pressure. Still another study found that eating dark chocolate improved circulation directly to the heart. Valentine’s Day Super Food Cacao is a superfood for all seasons, and especially for Valentine’s Day. Valentine chocolates are generally presented in a heart-shaped box, or are created in the shape of a heart. And now science is telling us that dark chocolate – is actually “heart-healthy!” It’s important to note that it is cacao (dark chocolate) that is indicated as an element that helps reduce heart disease. The more sugars and fats that are added to chocolate as it is refined and used to manufacture chocolate products used in candy and other chocolate sweets, the further away you get from the health benefits of cacao. Both the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association recommend eating a moderate amount of dark chocolate every day to contribute to maintaining a healthy heart. So, enjoy your Valentine’s Day chocolate – just make sure it is quality dark chocolate.
Comments Off on Heart-Healthy Chocolate for Valentine’s DayMayesa Demo Schedule: June 11-30, 2014December 11, 2014
Comments Off on Mayesa Demo Schedule: June 11-30, 2014Mayesa Chocolate Drinks – A Good Source of Vitamin DDecember 31, 2013
Why is that important? Globally over a billion people are Vitamin D deficient and 77% of American adults have insufficient levels of Vitamin D. What is Vitamin D Vitamin D is more commonly known as the “sunshine vitamin.” It is actually a fat-soluble hormone that the body can synthesize naturally from the sun when your skin is exposed to UVB rays. Why is vitamin D necessary? Vitamin D assists in the absorption of calcium and promotes bone mineralization. It also helps to strengthen the immune system and protect against a number of serious diseases, including rickets. Recent research even suggests that Vitamin D may also provide protection from hypertension, psoriasis, and several autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, growing evidence has demonstrated an important role in the body’s defense against cancer. Studies link a deficiency of Vitamin D to as many as 18 different types of cancers. What are the signs of Vitamin D deficiency? Deficiencies of Vitamin D are common, especially in countries in northern latitudes, where sun exposure is typically lower. Studies indicate that another cause of low levels of Vitamin D is the prevalent use of sun screens that block UV rays. Vitamin D deficiency is indicated by porous bones, weak muscles and easy fracturing. However, as mentioned above, a deficiency can also cause other problems in the body that are not as easily diagnosed as a Vitamin D deficiency. How do you get enough vitamin D from foods? Good dietary sources include fortified foods, eggs, salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines. Since sunlight causes our bodies to make vitamin D, daily exposure is helpful. However, you’ll need to check with your doctor on how much exposure to the sun without sunscreen he or she recommends. Health care providers are becoming more aware of the role Vitamin D has to our over-all health. The next time you see your physician be sure to discuss Vitamin D and its links to health risks. You’ll want to know his or her suggestions on Vitamin D-rich foods, supplements, and foods fortified with Vitamin D. Getting Vitamin D is one of the many benefits of Mayesa, a healthy chocolate drink.
Comments Off on Mayesa Chocolate Drinks – A Good Source of Vitamin DWhat is "Fair Trade" in the Chocolate Industry?December 26, 2013
A trading partnership, based on respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers. What exactly does this mean and why is this a big deal? In 2000 journalists began documenting the continued practice of forced child labor in the West African cacao trade, a source of 70% of the world’s chocolate. Since the Ivory Coast in West Africa alone produces 40% of the planet’s raw cacao, its beans are mixed into almost every brand of mass-produced chocolate. Large global corporations such as Hershey and Nestle have historically done little to address the problem of slave labor, and most cocoa on the world market is bought “blind,” through importers and brokers. Besides the slave labor issue, cacao farmers are often forced to sell their harvest to middlemen who rig scales and misrepresent prices. Fairly traded cacao is monitored by independent, non-profit, certifying organizations that guarantee that the chocolate was produced and traded in a socially responsible manner, specifically that: 1. International Labor Organization Conventions on child labor and forced labor are adhered to. 2. The cacao beans were bought directly from a democratically controlled co-operative of small scale farmers, which helps them gain more control of their livelihoods and ensures farmers a higher percentage of cocoa export revenues. Organic cacao has a built-in aspect that makes it somewhat automatically a fair trade product. Organic farms are subject to their own independent monitoring system that checks labor practices. Also, as of now, cacao beans are not organically grown in the Ivory Coast, which is where the vast majority of the reports about exploitation and slavery in the chocolate trade are centered. Mayesa purchases its organic cacao beans through Fair Trade from farmer co-operatives in Peru. Knowing this you can enjoy your delicious healthy chocolate drink feeling as good about the way the chocolate was grown and harvested as you do about the way it tastes.
Photo Credit: telegraph.co.uk
Source: Fairtradeusa.org Vision.UCSD.edu
Comments Off on What is "Fair Trade" in the Chocolate Industry?
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