I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to be a blogger at the Nourished Festival last weekend, February 9 and 10th at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The Nourished Festival, formerly known as the Gluten Free and Allergen Friendly Expo, also covers specialty diets such as paleo, keto, and plant-based products.

I love the opportunity I had as a blogger to interact with the the exhibitors, sample and learn about their products. The speakers’ lectures were very informative.

 

Speakers

Dr. Peter Kan of Integrated Wellness Center, is a Functional Medicine practitioner. Dr. Kan spoke about the Ultimate Autoimmune Road Map. He mentioned that there are three foundations: 1) Fuel delivery, 2) Immune System, and 3) Detoxification.

Fuel delivery system consists of oxygen, glucose, and digestion. Fuel delivery is the most important foundation. Some symptoms include low blood pressure, circulation problems, and low blood sugar.

Immune system – Dr. Kan mentioned that leaky gut, due to inflammation, is an example of an immune system problem and indicates an underlying digestive problem such as candida, bacteria, or parasite.

Detoxification – Dr. Kan mentioned that detoxification includes detoxing the liver and gall bladder. Toxins are eliminated through the kidney and skin.

Note: Inflammation is the root cause of disease. You want to ask yourself: what is causing my inflammation?

If you’re interested in information on your thyroid, pick up the book, “Why do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms?”

 

Desiree Nielsen is a Registered Dietician from Vancouver, BC, Canada. Desiree’s lecture was about Your Gut and You. She spoke about the gut-brain connection, supplements – omega 3, vitamin D, and a few others; fermented foods, and probiotics. She suggested eating anti-inflammatory foods i.e. using Dr. Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid.

Desiree recommended taking an integrated holistic approach: 1) Eat plant-based foods, 2) Take a quality probiotic, 3) Don’t just manage stress, take steps to neutralize it.

 

Elizabeth Gronert – Your Comfort for Life

Elizabeth lectures on bone broth meals, toxic-free chemicals for your home, and Survival for Sensitive and Autoimmune Skin.

 

Karen Masterson Koch, CN, Founder of Aloe Life

Aloe Life’s aloe vera juice is very good for digestive health. A must read is Beyond Gluten! Karen’s Face & Body Lotion is a must-have for your skin!

 

Exhibitors

 

Rise Buddy

Rise Buddy are healthy snacks for kids. They are available on Amazon. Rise Buddy will be at Natural Expo West.

Soozy’s

Soozy’s muffins are soy free, grain free, dairy free, gluten free, peanut free, has no hydrogenated oil, no fillers, and no sugar. The muffins have coconut sugar or maple syrup in their muffins. The muffins are already baked and very moist. The muffins are also paleo friendly. Some flavors are wild blueberry, double chocolate, and sweet potato. Soozys is available at Ralphs in the frozen section or buy online on their website.

 

The Real Coconut

The Real Coconut by Daniella Hunter are grain, gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and corn free. Their products are vegan and paleo.

 

Superfood Bowls

Their products are perfect for your smoothies and smoothie bowls.

 

Jovial

You have to check out Jovial’s pastas!  They are gluten free and made with brown rice.

 

Mikey’s Healthy Hot Pockets

If you are a hot pocket lover, you will love Mikey’s hot pockets! They are available in three flavors:  plant-based cheese alternative, uncured pepperoni, and cauliflower. Their cheese alternative is their most popular flavor. They are paleo friendly and gluten-free. Mikey’s is available at Target, Ralphs, Whole Foods, and Sprouts.

 

Aleias

Aleias’ products are gluten-free, dairy-free, and non-gmo.

 

Urban Remedy

Urban Remedy has bars, snacks, cold pressed juices, meal plans, cleanses, and more. Their Cacao Chip bars are very good and vegan! Their cold pressed juices are amazing!

 

Brazi Bites

If you love cheese, you will love Brazi Bites! Their little cheese balls are delicious and make the perfect snack! You can find them at your local grocer.

 

Briannas

Brianna’s has tasty, healthy salad dressings!

 

Hearthy Foods

 

Hearthy Foods is known for the collagen and gelatin.

 

Explore Cuisine

 

Kobayashi

If you are a ramen lover, you will love this healthy alternative! This ramen or instant rice noodle by Kobayashi (Gluten Free Meister Kobayashi Noodle) is the perfect healthy substitute. Their ramen is available in three flavors: Tonkotsu, Shoyu, and Miso. The ramen has no msg and is vegetarian. It is available on Amazon and sells out fast!

 

On the Go

On the Go is just like it’s name implies: You can take their products on the go i.e. smoothies and snacks.

 

Simply Delish

Simply Delish has sugar free, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, and GMO free desserts.

 

Here is the complete festival exhibitor list.

 

Sponsors

 

 

 

 

 

The Blogger Zone

Bloggers getting the red carpet treatment!

 

 

Thank you #NourishedFestival!  It was awesome being able to meet other bloggers and networking with the exhibitors and speakers! And thank you sponsors for the blogger goodies and breakfast! Looking forward to seeing you at next year’s festival!