The Produce Moms Podcast

"Joy Bauer is passionate about inspiring children and people of all ages to eat the healthiest foods and live their best lives."Lori Taylor (7:24 - 7:37)

Joy Bauer is one of America's leading health authorities. She's a New York Times number 1 best-selling author and the health and nutrition expert for NBC's Today show.

Joy is also the host of the TV show Health and Happiness with Mayo Clinic. She's a mother, and the author of Yummy Yoga, a new children's book that promotes wellness, exercise, and glorifies fresh produce in a fun and artful way.

Fresh Produce: The Pinnacle of Living Your Best Life

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is essential to healthy living. They give us nutrients that include vitamins, minerals, fiber, phytonutrients, and antioxidants.

"Fruits and vegetables are high in volume and low in calories. They fill you up without filling you out." - Joy Bauer (8:08 - 8:15)

Health and Wellness is a Lifestyle Shift

Weight loss, health, and wellness require a lifestyle shift. You can maximize your results by setting goals and following a plan you can stick to long-term. Plan for choices that fit your lifestyle. Set short-term goals while creating a long-term vision of where you want your health to be.

Don't beat yourself up about making mistakes, because they're a necessary part of the journey. The key is to get back on track with your healthy lifestyle right away.

Inspiring Children to Make Healthy Choices

As a mother, Joy Bauer understands the importance of making healthy choices for children. Every parent wants their child to be comfortable, happy, healthy, and thriving.

"Yummy Yoga makes health education fun. It gets kids engaged and excited about making healthy choices." - Joy Bauer (18:54 - 19:01)

But it can be hard to get kids to try new vegetables or go outside and move. This is especially true in today's world of technology and over-stimulation from smartphones, tablets, and video games.

That's what inspired Joy to write Yummy Yoga, a children's book that makes health fun and engaging. It encourages kids to try things like yoga and new vegetables through interactive and innovative strategies.

Exercise has been shown to boost the immune system, enhance confidence, and improve general health. Yoga can help with focus and stress-reduction, which can improve a child's quality of life.

The choices your family makes today will have a lasting impact on your health and wellness for years to come.

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here.
• Check out JoyBauer.com for delicious produce recipes.
• Find out more about the children's book Yummy Yoga.

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

"Part of the obesity problem is that health care providers aren't sufficiently trained to give the information patients need to make healthy choices." -Dr. Amanda Velazquez

Dr. Amanda Velazquez is an obesity medicine doctor and a nutrition specialist, and she is board certified as an internal medicine doctor. Dr. Velazquez helps her patients with weight loss so they can improve their health and address medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

"Let food be thy medicine." - Hippocrates (The Father of Medicine)

The concept of food as medicine was first presented by Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician who is considered by some to be the father of medicine. But the topic of food doesn't come up as often as it should when doctors are advising patients on treatment plans. The good news is that nutrition is becoming more mainstream in medicine. But there is still a long way to go.

"Be cautious how you take in media coverage of diet and weight loss programs. You need the support from your doctor and a trained professional." - Lori Taylor

For some doctors like Dr. Velazquez, nutrition is a critical component of health. She gives food equal power as the medicines she prescribes when it comes to treating various ailments. She emphasizes the value of food in conversations with patients, so they can realize the power of nutrition in health.

What we eat plays a critical role in treating a wide range of ailments such as arthritis, diabetes, and excess body weight, among many others. The issue often is that many doctors are not well equipped with nutrition knowledge through their medical training.

An effective nutrition plan has to be unique and customized to each patient's unique circumstances, taking into account various factors such as schedule, family life, budget, and other factors.

Obesity is not about body image, it's a health crisis.

Carrying extra weight over a certain amount can be harmful to health. It can contribute to cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, joint health issues like arthritis, and other ailments.

Weight is still a taboo topic, and many people who suffer from it don't get to have the right conversation with their medical provider. With extra body weight, hormonal balance is disrupted, which can alter how the body functions.

You might experience changes in blood sugar. This can contribute to diabetes, prediabetes, and blood pressure issues. If left unchecked, things can progress to a point where organ systems are affected by the extra weight.

People who have gained a certain amount of weight can find it almost impossible to lose because their body doesn't burn fat like it used to.

Obesity isn't about body image, it's a health crisis. We're not trying to conform to unrealistic body image standards often portrayed in the media. We're trying to maintain optimal health so we can be happy and energetic. You don't need to lose 100 pounds. Just losing 10 percent of body weight can go a long way for people that are suffering from obesity.

How can fresh produce be the solution to the obesity crisis?

Consuming fresh fruits and veggies is a crucial component to addressing obesity. It's one of the healthiest ways we can get macronutrients and micronutrients in our diet in a natural way. The body receives all the nutrition from food to nourish itself. This can affect our hormones, cardiovascular health, and metabolism.

"Don't strive for a perfect body image. Instead, focus on improving your health." - Amanda Velazquez

Talk to a medical provider who can guide you with a nutrition and exercise plan that will work for you. Taking small steps towards a healthier lifestyle can go a long way in developing sustainable habits and a healthy life for you and your family.

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here.
• Connect with Dr. Amanda Velazquez on Instagram.

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

"The Coconut Coalition of the Americas was founded in order to fight the negative perceptions of coconuts resulting from false reports."Traci Kantowski (2:35 - 2:45)

Traci Kantowski, of the Coconut Coalition of the Americas (CCA), has over eighteen years of marketing communications experience in corporate and non-profit sectors. She's leading the CCA's communication efforts to develop educational materials, promote the organization throughout social media, conduct media outreach.

The Coconut Coalition of the Americas

The Coconut Coalition of the Americas (CCA) consists of coconut manufacturers, growers, and various other stakeholders. Its purpose is to combat the negative perceptions that result from false reports about health risks. The CCA is currently focused on removing coconuts from the FDA's list of major food allergens.

They educate the public about the numerous health benefits of coconuts and coconut oil. Coconut water is delicious, and it's rich in electrolytes needed for hydration. Coconut oil is a healthy source of dietary fat, low in calories, and can add flavor to most of your meals.

What's So Great About Coconuts?

Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which can kill harmful bacteria and viruses. Coconut also promotes healthy cholesterol levels, and it might support brain health. If that wasn't enough, you could use it topically for healthy, supple skin. So, why does the CCA need to fight negative perceptions about coconuts?

The FDA's Major Food Allergens List and FALCPA

The FDA identified the foods that are responsible for 90 percent of the food allergies that people have. Things like milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and others.

In August 2004, they enacted the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) to help consumers avoid these foods.

"The biggest thing hurting the produce industry is a perpetual state of consumer confusion. Sometimes, we can't even get the labeling right to identify food items correctly." - Lori Taylor (8:14 - 8:42)

The FALCPA is a critical resource for many people that live with food allergies because they have no cure, and the health consequences can be severe.

Coconuts have been wrongly classified as tree nuts. In fact, they're in a similar category as cherries, plums, and many others.

This has had a cascading effect on consumers and manufacturers of coconut products. Even if a coconut product doesn't contain tree nuts, manufacturers of products that contain coconut still have to mention that it includes tree nuts in the labeling. As a result, people with tree nut allergies avoid coconuts.

Manufacturers may avoid using coconuts so they don't have to avoid mentioning tree nuts on their labels. They might use palm oil, which has more calories and is less beneficial to health than coconut oil.

There may be some individuals who have minor allergic reactions to coconuts, but that's no different from other fruits. Some people have allergies strawberries, watermelons, bananas, and other common fruits. But, most people who have tree nut allergies can safely consume coconuts and enjoy the health benefits they provide.

What the CCA is Doing to Update the FALCPA

The CCA is focused on spreading the message that coconuts aren't tree nuts. They're working with allergen advocacy groups to set the record straight about coconuts.

But, the most significant project they've undertaken is the Allergen project. It's a citizen petition to remove coconuts from the FDA list of allergens. It's also one of the best ways to get the FDA's attention because they're legally required to respond to citizen petitions.

"People with food allergies already have to limit what they can consume. It's a shame if they have to miss out on the beneficial nutrients available in coconuts." - Traci Kantowski (12:31 - 12:43)

If you're interested in being a part of correcting a mistake that's preventing countless people from enjoying the benefits of coconuts, please take the time to visit the CCA and support their efforts today.

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here.
• For more information about coconuts, and to support the Allergen Project citizen's petition, visit the Coconut Coalition of the Americas.

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

"We're transforming agriculture by enabling local production within farms in major cities...where the people are."Marc Oshima (2:07 - 2:13)

Marc Oshima is the co-founder and CMO of AeroFarms, one of the most innovative companies in the world, according to Fast Company. They were selected as a winner in Environment for the 2018 World Technology Awards.

AeroFarms disrupts traditional supply chains by building farms on major distribution routes and near population centers.

What is AeroFarms all about?

AeroFarms is on a mission to transform agriculture by building and operating environmentally responsible farms throughout the world. They enable local production at scale to nourish our communities with safe, nutritious, and delicious food.

They're a global leader when it comes to local, delicious, and nutritious produce grown indoors without sun or soil. AeroFarms is headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, and they've built nine indoor farms to date.

"Our primary focus should be to develop delicious food products. At the end of the day, it's not nutrition until it's eaten, and no one is going to choose food that doesn't taste good."

- Lori Taylor (7:45 - 7:59)

AeroFarms is a mission-driven organization that aims to grow the best produce possible for the benefit of humanity. They've developed patented and award-winning aeroponic technology (the process of growing plants in the air without the use of soil) that provides the perfect environment for plants to grow.

They're all about celebrating flavorful food and having a beneficial impact on people and the planet. AeroFarms isn't just focused on the United States. They want to reach the entire world.

What is AeroFarms growing?

AeroFarms produces over 700 types of plants, including short-stem leafy greens, herbs, and microgreens. Growing indoors focuses on identifying where the business opportunities are and where AeroFarms can add value to the consumer.

A hundred years ago, there were almost five hundred varieties of lettuce available for people to consume. Now, that number is somewhere around forty. Having full control over the production process allows AeroFarms to re-introduce many of those varieties back to the market, adding richness in variety, flavor, and nutrition.

AeroFarms can grow short-stem leafy greens in less than fifteen days. They do this by having a deep understanding of plant biology and giving the plant what it needs with extreme precision.

They do all this with 95 percent less water than what's required in a field farm. They don't have to use pesticides since they're growing indoors, minimizing the environmental impact and improving the health of the produce.

A global mission with a local focus.

An increase in production can go a long way in ensuring that there is enough food produced for the masses, which is one of the components of the mission. The world population is expected to hit nine billion by 2050, and traditional farming resources are declining.

"Buying local is the number one trend in retail. It's even bigger than organic. People want to have a connection with their food. They want to know where it's coming from."

- Marc Oshima (12:52 - 13:01)

Even as they aim to feed the entire world, AeroFarms maintains a focus on the local community where they serve consumers. Being able to grow in cities where people live, they can provide consumers food that is sourced locally, while at the same time benefiting the local economy.

People want to buy local food even more than organic. And through their retail brand Dream Greens, AeroFarms hopes that you'll soon be able to enjoy locally grown, pesticide-free, flavorful, and nutritious produce all year round.

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here.
• Learn more about AeroFarms.

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

"Onions are in every home and restaurant. They're a part of everyone's recipes, whether it's a gourmet restaurant or grandma's family recipe."

Lori Taylor (4:13 - 4:26)

Jessica Peri is a fourth-generation farmer at Peri & Sons Farms, one of the leading onion growers in the country. Starting with only 100-acres in 1979, Peri & Sons Farms has experienced incredible growth while maintaining the company's reputation as one of the most well respected family-owned onion farms in the industry.

"When people get a recipe that requires onions, they often go for yellow onions simply because that's what their grandma used."

- Jessica Peri (5:06 - 5:14)

Looking Beyond Yellow Onions

Whether it's a chef at a fancy restaurant, or your grandma making her signature pasta dish, onions are a staple in most recipes. But American consumers often miss out on the variety of onions available on the market and their unique characteristics. Yellow onions may be your go-to choice because that's what was used in your family growing up. Or, you might have never given it too much thought, and you just pick the yellow onions because they typically occupy the most shelf space at the store.

If that sounds familiar, then you may be missing out. There is a wide array of onions for you to choose from, including red onions, white onions, sweet ones, and others. But white onions are one of the most underrated onions available.

Why You Should Be Using More White Onions

White onions are one of the best types of onions for cooking. They're flavorful, cook better, and don't taste bitter. They can also add a crispy texture to the meal. The market for white onions is mostly untapped, and there's a big opportunity to introduce white onions to consumers to broaden their cooking and taste horizons. White onions are widely used in Mexican, French, and Italian cuisines, which are known for their exceptional flavor.

"White onions are truly an untapped market. They cook better than yellow onions, have no bitter taste, and maintain a crispy texture."

- Jessica Peri (5:20 - 5:32)

Consumers might not be using more white onions because they're typically given a small section on grocery store shelves. But don't let that stop you. Next time you're at the store, choose some white onions and give them a try. You might be surprised by what you discover.

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here.
• Connect with Peri & Sons Farms on their website, on LinkedIn, or on Instagram.
• Learn more about Peri and Sons Farm's famous white onions.

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

"Companies like Hazel Tech are a part of the solution to the global food waste crisis."Lori Taylor (17:26 - 17:33)

Aiden Mouat is the CEO and co-founder of Hazel Technologies, a company passionate about saving resources and reducing global food waste, and they're doing it in an eco-friendly way.

Food Waste is a Global Crisis

How can we produce enough food to give everyone around the world enough calories and adequate nutrition? With advancements in technology and agriculture, it's still troubling to hear that there are people who don't have access to enough food.

"Even though agriculture touches everyone on the planet, hasn't been much progress in reducing pollution and waste when compared to other industries."

- Aiden Mouat (2:02 - 2:26)

But did you know we already produce enough food to give everyone enough nutrition? The issue isn't production, it's the amount of food goes to waste. Approximately one-third of all the produce that's harvested perishes before reaching the local market, the grocery store, or your dinner table.

Hazel Technologies Offers a Solution

Hazel Technologies is a Chicago-based company developing biotechnology for reducing waste in the agricultural supply chain. This extends the shelf life of perishable produce. The company is dedicated to solving the problem of food waste in an eco-friendly and sustainable way. Hazel Technologies is funded by the USDA, and they're growing fast.

Hazel Technologies creates active packaging inserts that can be inserted into standard commercial packaging for produce. They're placed in big produce storage units as they're transported through the supply chain from the growers to the retail stores. While in the box, the insert time releases active materials into the atmosphere to increase the shelf life of the produce, significantly reducing the amount of food that is unnecessarily wasted each day.

The technology works with items like apples, pears, cherries, melons, okra, leafy greens, herbs, and even avocados. Hazel Tech plans to bring their products all the way to your kitchen countertops and refrigerators. How awesome would it be if you could eat half an avocado and store the rest with a tiny sachet and keep it fresh for days?

That's precisely what they're working on. Hazel Technologies recognizes that if they want to spread their technology through every level of the supply chain to extend shelf life for perishables, then they need to have a product that works at every level, from the grower to the consumer.

"If we want to reduce waste throughout the supply chain, from the growers to the consumers, then we need to have a product that works at every part of that chain." - Aiden Mouat (15:17 - 15:30)

Food waste is a global crisis. Millions of people around the globe don't have access to adequate nutrition, causing significant harm to the economy. Hazel

Technologies wants to bring waste down to zero through innovative solutions, and we can only hope more companies will follow their lead.

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here.
• Check out Hazel Tech!

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

Eating Healthy on the Go With Alison Velázquez

"Fresh produce is not only a cornerstone of my brand. It's a cornerstone to my own diet as well."Alison Velázquez (6:45 - 6:53)

Drinkable soup is the newest food trend you definitely want to get in on. When you're in a hurry for your eight o'clock meeting but haven't eaten breakfast yet - what do you reach for? A thick Clif bar? Strawberry Pop-tarts?

Alison Velázquez is raising the bar for grab and go meals. The Chicagoan is the Founder and CEO of Skinny Souping, a line of drinkable plant-based soups designed for deliciousness hot or chilled. You can feed your body the real food it needs for optimum health.

"Most people struggle to survive on protein shakes and bars stashed in their cars. But what they really want are real veggies and real nutrition." - Alison Velázquez (3:47-3:54)

Alison was born in Mexico City. When her family relocated to Chicago, they brought with them their traditional dishes. "Soup was always at the center of our table," Alison remembers. Every meal was fresh and made from scratch.

As life got busier, Alison found it challenging to stick to her healthy values. There had to be a better alternative to protein smoothies for a quick grab and go meal.

Your Body Needs Real Food

Soup is filling and nutrient-dense. But it's hardly been the first choice for a mess-free grab-and-go meal. Now you can enjoy it anywhere and anytime. Skinny Souping makes it easy for you to grab and go with their single-serve bottles (BPA-free of course). There are plenty of unique flavors for you to choose from like Lemon Broccoli Arugula and Red Pepper Chickpea Basil. Or you get your chef's hat on and try out Alison's personal recipes from her latest book.

Real food means fresh produce and veggies.

Skinny Souping only uses all-natural and simple ingredients. "The majority of the product in these soups are all fresh," Alison states, "We're really working to get as much local produce as possible." The nutrition label doesn't read like hieroglyphics. That's because the Skinny Souping flavors are simple, vegan and gluten-free with no preservatives. A single-serve holds no more than 300 calories with less sodium than most soups on the market.

"Look for natural ingredients you know in your food products. The Spicy Super Greens soup has tons of fresh produce. I love it!"

- Lori Taylor (4:54 - 5:00)

You can find Skinny Souping at select stores. If you don't see a store near you, then head to your local store and make a product request. Don't underestimate the change you can make. The consumer's voice is powerful. Ditch the sugary and unfilling meals. Drink fresh today to look and feel your best.

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here.
• If you love soup, then follow Alison Velázquez on her website here.

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

"A third to a half of all the food we produce is wasted. There's a food supply gap that we can begin to close and make an impact on if we just waste less."Natalie Shuman - (4:58-5:12)

Apeel Sciences is one of the most buzz-worthy brands and products in the produce industry, agriculture, and the entire world. Natalie Shuman paved her path in the fresh produce industry. She's the director of marketing for Apeel Sciences, a company developing a product line of solutions made from the materials found in the fruit we eat. They've created a peel that can increase the shelf life of the produce you find in your local grocery store, benefiting the entire supply chain all the way to consumers' homes.

Apeel Sciences is making a tremendous impact on our global food supply chain and mitigating food waste. The demand on the global food supply is expected to increase by 70% between now and 2050, and we currently waste a third to a half of all the food we produce.

"You'll never feel bad about inspiring and encouraging people to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables." - Natalie Shuman (8:23-8:29)

The company has some of the smartest and innovative scientists and business people behind it. They love food and want to protect their families as they face threats to our global food system. They're applying their knowledge and skills in the mission to find solutions that work with nature, not against it.

Apeel Sciences is elevating the produce industry and every human being that lives on this earth with a product that extends the shelf life of foods. The product is applied to produce in the post-harvest stage of the supply chain. This minimizes food waste from the time that the produce is packed and transported. It's been tested and shown that it can double or triple the shelf life of foods.

"We can't take a bad piece of fruit and make it better. What we can do is take a great piece of fruit and extend the length of time that fruit can be consumed." - Natalie Shuman (12:27-12:38)

Apeel Sciences is partnering with top growers and suppliers in the country and around the world to extend quality and freshness in foods. It's helping increase sales for retailers who reduce the amount of food they have to throw out. This also indicates how consumers are responding, showing an even greater demand for produce solutions. The product is made from the materials that you can already find in the peels, seeds, and pulp of fresh fruits and vegetables. The product is a solution that uses food to protect food. Apeel Sciences products are making their way into many popular grocery stores. Their brand is proving to be an important one for agriculture and the world.

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here.

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

"People love CBD because it doesn't get you high but has all the benefits of cannabis, including pain relief and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression."

Emily Kyle (5:04 - 5:20)

Emily Kyle is a registered dietician and holistic cannabis practitioner. She offers a compassionate, understanding holistic healthcare approach designed to fit each individual and their circumstances. Emily has a Master's of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from SUNY Oneonta and a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nutrition Management from Rochester Institute of Technology. She helps others understand cannabis and CBD while giving them the resources they need to make decisions that support their health and wellbeing.

What is CBD, and how is it different from cannabis and marijuana?

Cannabis is a plant from which we get marijuana, hemp, and CBD. Marijuana and hemp are different strains of the cannabis plant, and they have different levels of THC in them. THC is the substance responsible for the high that people experience with marijuana. Hemp contains less than 0.3 percent of THC, and products derived from it are non-psychoactive, so they won't get you high. Just like THC, CBD is another compound in the cannabis plant. CBD is the second-most abundant cannabinoid found in cannabis and is non-psychoactive when derived from hemp.

"Cannabis is the name of the plant from which we get marijuana, CBD, and hemp." - Emily Kyle (3:27 - 3:39)

CBD has gained a lot of attention recently due to its potential health benefits. In 2018, Congress passed a law that lifted several federal restrictions on the cultivation and sale of hemp-derived products, including CBD. The biggest difference between CBD and marijuana is that CBD is non-psychoactive and won't get you high. However, you can still get a lot of the health benefits of the cannabis plant.

How does CBD work, and what are its benefits?

CBD influences the endocannabinoid system, the human body's own endogenous cannabinoids that regulate various critical functions like mood, sleep, pain, appetite, immune response, and others. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of endocannabinoids, which are cannabis-like compounds produced by the human body, and the cannabinoid receptors that are present throughout the nervous and immune system.

People can experience the benefits of CBD when addressing pain management, anxiety, and depression. It can aid in the treatment of autoimmune disorders due to the endocannabinoid system's role in regulating immune response and inflammation.

What's the best way to take CBD?

One of the best ways to take CBD to ensure maximum absorption is through a tincture. You simply place a desired amount of CBD underneath the tongue, and it gets absorbed into the body. It's estimated that CBD has a 30 percent bioavailability through tinctures. Other common ways people take CBD is by eating CBD products, taking capsules, or applying it topically as a cream or lotion.

How do I know if my CBD is high in quality?

Here are four things you can look for to ensure that you're getting high-quality CBD.

1. Made in America - Look for CBD that is sourced from organic hemp grown in the USA.
2. Extraction Method - Supercritical CO2 is currently the gold standard in extraction methods.
3. Ingredients - It is ok for the CBD to be blended with carrier oils like MCT oil and hemp oil, but avoid CBD products with fillers or other artificial additives.
4. Third-Party Tested - Look for third-party verified lab tests that verify the potency and purity of your CBD.

"There's a lot of gray area when it comes to CBD regulation. People need to do their own research to make sure that what they're buying is legal, safe, and effective." - Lori Taylor (10:44 - 10:52)

Although hemp-derived CBD is legal to purchase at a federal level, the laws regulating CBD vary from state to state. Please be sure to check your local state laws before purchasing CBD. Knowing what to look for and getting the best quality CBD products can help you get the health benefits that CBD has to offer.

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here.
• For more information about CBD, as well as learning resources and community, check out Emily's website.

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!

"Krissy Farms brand is about putting together food, fun, families, and farms. It's a lifestyle brand that promotes health and wellness from the very first bite."Kristyn Lawson (7:58-8:15)

The food mothers feed their babies lays the foundation for long-term health. Organic food products sourced from high-quality produce are essential to their development. Kristyn Lawson is the founder and CEO of Krissy Farms, an organic food line for babies that parents will soon find in their local grocery stores. Products like these are disrupting the baby food market and improving the ways parents can connect their children with delicious and healthy produce.

"My whole produce career has been about engaging shoppers and people in the produce industry and doing things that make food more accessible, easy, and flavorful." - Kristyn Lawson (4:52-5:03)

The birth of Krissy Farms.

The idea for Krissy Farms came about 10 years ago when Kristyn saw a void in the baby food market. Working in the food industry, Kristyn saw new products being introduced while always expecting someone to develop amazing baby puree products. But those products never appeared. So Kristyn took it upon herself to develop and market foods that focus on delivering fresh fruits and vegetables for everyone at every age. Kristyn's grandparents owned a farm, giving her the ideal environment for learning the value of fresh produce.

Kristyn's work in the produce industry guided her towards developing her own organic food line for babies. Kristyn knew that many food products fell short in delivering the nutrition babies need and the flavors that influence healthy eating. Some products had soapy or strange flavors. Knowing that a person's taste buds develop early in life, Kristyn saw the importance of delivering the foods babies would enjoy.

Great tasting food starts with vegetables and fruit.

Over 4 million babies are born each year, leading to a tremendous opportunity for Krissy Farms to make a positive impact on their future. Their organic baby food line is just one example of how today's food companies can support the relationship people have with the foods they eat. Mothers want to know that the foods they put in their babies' mouths are responsibly sourced. Kristyn's experience in the food industry taught her the importance of food sourcing. She learned how the growth and harvesting process can impact a food's flavor. So when it came time to create Krissy Farms line of baby food products, she knew that great tasting food starts with fresh vegetables and fruit. Krissy Farms is launching six flavors consisting of three sweet and three savory options. This gives parents the flexibility they need to ensure that their children have the variety and great taste they need to grow up healthy.

"If you're going to spend your money anywhere in the grocery store, make sure you're spending your money in the produce department first." - Lori Taylor (12:34-12:38)

Organic baby food products support mothers who are making an effort to provide delicious and nutritious foods to their families. There's not always enough time to prepare food from scratch. So choosing organic food products offers a convenience that helps parents deliver the nutrients their children need. Health-conscious moms know that if we're going to spend money on groceries, we need to spend the majority of it in the produce department. Krissy Farms will make its way to grocery store shelves by the end of this year with coast-to-coast distribution on the horizon in 2020! Having a brand like Krissy Farms provides the perfect option to feeding our children, giving us security and confidence that our little ones are getting the best foods available.

How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!
• Reach out to us - we'd love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here.

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!