Gift Guide for the Hard-to-Buy-For

 

Health Bear’s Guide for the Hard-to-Buy-For

Think of the details that describe your friend and you will find the perfect gift.

Health Bear is made just for them!

 

Your Female Friend Owns her Own Business: Women love supporting women in business. Health Bear is woman founded and owned. Grab Health Bear as a gift and feel good you are supporting a female entrepreneur!

Photo Credit: Unsplash Mateus Campos Felipe

Your Friend is a Meat-Head:  Your friend is working their physique on the daily. Protein is his/her BFF. With 10-12 G of plant based protein and no added sugar, they will love to have Health Bear stocked in the pantry!

 

Photo Credit Hayley Kim Studios

Your Friend is a Tree Hugging Vegan: Your buddy is defiantly looking for breakfast options. Most of the other oatmeal on the shelf do not have added plant protein, are packed with sugar and skipped out on the superfoods. Show your friend you care by bringing them Health Bear, a perfectly balanced vegan breakfast!

 

Your Friend is Always in a Hurry: A mom/dad struggling to get the kids to school before the bell? A busy professional who has a nasty habit of hitting the snooze?  Health Bear is packaged in a single serve cup, ready to prep quickly and head out the door in a minute.

Photo Credit: Norbert Braun

Your Friend’s Poop Gets Stuck:  Show your friend you care about the painful reality they struggle with. Health Bear Original Superfood Oatmeal is highest in fiber with 12 grams of fiber per cup. This is 20% of daily recommended fiber. Don’t be a prude: upwards of 1/3 of Americans suffer from painful constipation, so let’s get real. Dietary fiber moves the poop!

Your Friend is Obsessed with the Environment: Factory farms processing animal protein are playing a large role in adding carbon to the atmosphere. Acknowledge your friend’s efforts by bringing them a thoughtful gift of Health Bear.

Photo Credit: Li An Lim

 

Good luck out there for your holiday shopping! Remember, you are a thoughtful and loving human and you will indeed find the perfect gifts this holiday season. Enjoy the journey and remember, the destination is giving! If you want to give Health Bear, find us in store or shop online: healthbearfood.com

 

 

 

 

African Farmers Seeking Assistance for Climate Resilience

Global warming is top of mind as of late, as we see reports of record breaking temperatures dot the globe. The sad truth is, the population emitting the least and destroying the land the least are rural farmers who are attempting to farm the land as their ancestors had before them and sadly realize our planet is becoming too broken farm.

At Health Bear, our vision is ‘To make the world a more sustainable and equitable planet for all living things through plant based food’. Disadvantaged and impoverished farmers are experiencing life in the exact opposite way as our vision states! That is why we give to Opportunity International‘s Agricultural Finance Fund to find ways to assist in developing solutions.

Beginning in August 2023, 2,500 families in Southern Malawi will receive assistance and training to build resilience against climate change with Opportunity International guiding the way. Reducing vulnerability begins with irrigation projects, financial management, regenerative farming and gender equity training. Regenerative Agricultural practices on depleted soil and irrigation, along with implementing contemporary agricultural technologies such as Light Detection ad Radar technologies (LiDAR) will equip farmers with the tools they need to manage the challenge of a changing climate. Next, Opportunity will continue to fortify the farmers by organizing a Village Savings and Loan Association, which offers them financial literacy training and organizes group purchase agreements to further strengthen their positions.

Opportunity has mapped out a multi-year plan to continue to offer lasting change and resilience to climate change for impoverished rural farmers.  This is precisely why Health Bear supports their Agricultural Finance Fund with special events fundraising, speaking engagements and an option for customers to give at checkout at HealthBearFood.com 

There are ways for you to get involved. Fill out the form below and we will be in touch. Or if you’d prefer, contact Health Bear’s Philanthropic Advisor Johana Mahal at jmahal@opportunity.org

 

 

 

Healthy Eating for those on the Spectrum

Health Bear was recently asked to supply our Protein Oatmeal cups in a Children’s Autism care center in Indiana.  Why does a nutritionist select Health Bear to be available in a cafeteria whose mission it is to care for Autism patients and their families?

Photo by Carolina Marinelli on Unsplash

According to Cross River Therapy, Eating a balanced and healthy breakfast is especially important for those with Autism. They define ‘healthy breakfast’ as including protein, fat, and fiber. This trifecta of healthy eating will keep your child fuller longer and prevent a spike in blood sugar and a crash that can disrupt behavior.  Pea Protein and healthy seeds and grains are a great way to check all the boxes.  12g protein, 6g fat, and 7g fiber are loaded into one cup of Omega Superfood Oatmeal. 

 

Not to say this is true for all autistic people, but commonly, experts have noticed two foods contributing to negative behaviors and stomach issues. High sugar and dairy foods should be avoided. Its tough to beat the delicious flavor of sugar; even tougher to eat oatmeal without a sweet note. Instead of sugar, Health Bear is sweetened with all natural and plant based Monk Fruit. This means, zero added sugar. Oftentimes protein packed foods are fortified with whey protein, or protein from dairy. Health Bear uses pea protein instead of the typical whey to help people who are avoiding dairy but need some good quality protein.

Monk Fruit
Pea protein

Gastrointestinal issues are common for those on the spectrum. This is why the experts at Aeroflow Urology  recommend the Gluten-Free and Casein Free Diet (GFCF). Breaking down wheat and dairy can be hard on a child’s gut enzymes. Health Bear Food Company sources 100% certified Gluten Free ingredients and are entirely plant based.

Health Bear is flattered and wonderfully surprised to learn we are being welcomed into the cafeteria at an autism center. Our vision is ‘To make the world a more sustainable and equitable planet for all living things through plant based food’. This vision is being realized when we are able to help people struggling with Autism find food that helps them along on their journey.

 

If you have an on-campus dining facility and would like to get information on wholesale pricing for your services, please let us know and we will get in touch with all of the information you need.

 

Summer Festival Season is HERE

 

Festival Season is Here!

Events that support our mission:

“To make the world a more sustainable and equitable planet for all living things through plant based food”.

 

Health Bear LOVES summer! This is our time to get in front of people who are on the hunt for plant based, convenient, sugar free, high protein and delicious breakfast/ snack foods.  It is awesome to have the chance to introduce people to Protein Oatmeal in their hometowns where grocery stores nearby stock us year round.

Over the next couple of months, we plan on hitting the road and showing up at festival events all throughout the state of California. You will find us sharing our amazing plant based convenience foods at the following locations:

June 3, June 4th: Sacramento Vegan Food Festival

June 18th: Juneteenth in Berkeley

September 3, September 4: Bizerkeley Food Festival

September 9, September 10th: Mountain View Art and Wine Festival

It has been easy for us to find events in California’s Bay Area but want to stretch our arms across the whole state. If you know of an annual event in your area where you can picture Health Bear presenting and selling Protein Oatmeal, fill out the form below and we will look into joining you!! Meanwhile, keep an eye on our Instagram for festival additions and updates.

 

 

 

25 Female African Farmers to Receive Life-Changing Funding

 

$2,500 Raised to Offer Equitable & Sustainable Change

 

Health Bear Food Company has a mission. “To make the world a more sustainable and equitable planet for all living things through plant-based food”. With the help of our philanthropic advisor Johanna Mahal, Health Bear was able to facilitate a fundraising event in May 2023 that amassed in $2,500 in donations to be gifted to Opportunity International’s Agricultural Finance Fund. This gift will give 25 women and their families financial services and savings, farming support and access to fair market prices in Africa.

Stefanie Beasley, Chris Laughlin, Lisa Matar, Johanna Mahal
Panel Discussion ‘Local, National & International Women in Food’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How did we do it?! A suggested donation of $50 from each attendee was collected. The first $1,000 was matched by corporate sponsor Synopsys. At the end, $2,500 will be given to the Agricultural Finance Fund!

 

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, it is awe inspiring to think of the gifts we were able to give to mothers other side of the globe. Hard-working farmers will be given the chance to take their families out of extraordinary poverty into a life of prosperity and hope.

Our mission at Health Bear is coming to fruition and for that, we say THANK YOU to all who contributed during our event. If you would like to join us in contributing to Opportunity International’s Agricultural Finance Fund, follow the link below and give on our website at checkout.

Overnight Protein Oats: Health Bear
Lavender Scones: Sea to Sky
Tea Sandwiches: Sea to Sky
Tea Sandwiches: Sea to Sky

https://healthbearfood.com/donations/

ReUse Pollution Into Art

Turning Pollution into Art


Part of Health Bear’s mission is to bring awareness around environmentally conscious work. We have found the ultimate “RE-USE” effort to share with you this Earth Day. Health Bear applauds Ocean Sole, a non profit organization employing Kenyan artists who gather discarded flip-flops and plastic off African beaches to create cool, contemporary animal sculptures. These artisans are re-using in a way that combines both clean up and repurposing in a most creative and spectacular way.

Discarded flip flops are turned into expressive animal sculptures by a force of over 900 staff and artists living along the African coastline. It is incredible to realize this phenomenal practice is cleaning up plastic debris, bringing awareness around ocean pollution, preserving the seas and employing creatives in Kenya. The nonprofit is removing over 2,000 tons of flip flops a week out of the Oceans!

Are you shopping for a meaningful gift for an animal lover, environmentalist or art collector? Support this incredible effort by shopping at Ocean Sole.

 

Recycle For Earth Day

As we celebrate Earth Day, Health Bear Food Co. wants to remind you of the ways we can each make a difference by taking a moment to recycle and teaching others in our lives to do the same. Health Bear’s mission is to make the world a more sustainable and equitable planet for all living things through plant based food. That is why we have brought on Mike Acker, Sustainability Advisor to Health Bear to help the company make good, earth friendly choices.

 

Here are 4 household recycling tips from our Sustainability Coordinator, Mike Acker to help you make a positive impact on our planet, and have some fun at the same time!

1 . Know your city’s recycling rules!

Take a minute to post the guide from your city’s recycling service so that your family knows what can and cannot be recycled. Many, like San Diego, allow for materials (glass, metal, rigid plastic, paper & cardboard) to be mixed while others require some sorting.  It’s important to avoid recycling items such as plastic bags, plastic straws, styrofoam, and food-contaminated items, as they can contaminate the recycling stream and hinder the recycling process.

 

2. Set Up a Home Recycling Station.

Creating a designated recycling station at home can make recycling more fun and convenient. If your city does not allow mixed recycling, set up bins or containers labeled for different types of recyclables, such as paper & cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal, in a central location in your home. Educate your family members about the importance of recycling and the items that can be recycled, and make it a habit to properly sort and dispose of recyclables in the designated bins.

 

3. Practice Proper Recycling Preparation:

Paper products must be free of food waste, pet waste, oil or excessive dirt. If your pizza box is greasy inside, for example, you can still recycle the top of the box. Rinse out containers to remove any food residue, and remove caps and lids, as they are often made from different materials that may not be recyclable. Flatten cardboard boxes to save space If you bag up your recycling, don’t make the mistake of using a non-recyclable plastic bag that will clog the sorting machine!

4. Reduce, Reuse, and Repurpose:


Recycling is just one part of reducing waste. Before tossing items into the recycling bin, consider if they can be reused or repurposed. For example, your Health Bear cups can be used to plant and grow an herb garden, your glass jars can be used for storage, your old t-shirts can be turned into rags.

 

Reduce for Earth Day

Reduce for Earth Day

Health Bear embraces Earth Day with a wide-open bear hug. Our mission is To make the world a more sustainable and equitable planet for all living things through plant based food. SO… Earth Day is a big day for us. Health Bear is made of 100% plant ingredients- which is easy for your body and the planet to digest.

You know the slogan: Reduce Reuse and Recycle.  As a consumer, overwhelmed thinking of going as package-free as possible until I talked to Meredith, a Low Waste Specialist and owner of Ethos in Santa Cruz, CA and Downtown Los Gatos, CA.

I felt overwhelmed when I began to think of going as ‘low waste’ as possible… so I asked Meredith,  “When the journey of going low waste begins, many  feel overwhelmed. What is your advice for getting started living a low waste lifestyle?”

Meredith replies, “Start small.  It’s easy to start viewing your household through a low-waste lens and begin to see just how much may needs to be changed. In order to make these sustainable changes, you have to take it one small step at a time. You may also find that there is some trial and error involved in finding what works for you or your family. That’s ok. Go easy on yourself and know that even if you make small changes that these add up to create a big impact”.

 

Out of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, our new favorite is REDUCE thanks to small business operations like Ethos who can help us take one small step at a time to reduce waste and add new earth-friendly habits into daily life.  For me, I started simply with a no waste toothpaste and compostable, refillable dental floss. Second step was buying my laundry detergent from Ethos. I have the zero waste detergent in a coffee mug in my laundry room!

This Earth Day, head to Ethos if you are in the South Bay Area or find a low-waste store near you. Not many options?  Visit https://www.ethossantacruz.com

Meet Meredith: Owner of Ethos Santa Cruz & Los Gatos.

Experts Agree- Health Bear Protein Oatmeal Packed with Nutrition



Experts Agree- Health Bear Protein Oatmeal Packed with Nutrition


 


I get the question a lot, “Don’t you need to eat meat, dairy and eggs to get enough nutrition in your diet?” If you are ‘junk food vegan”, the answer could easily be ‘yes’. However if you are doing a plant based diet property, you are going to not only get enough nutrition, you will thrive! I created Health Bear Protein Oatmeal to help plant based eaters find a nutritionally sound breakfast that was fast and simple to prepare. We have found both plant eaters and omnivores alike love a healthy oatmeal. Each up of Protein Oatmeal contains the superfood ingredients below. We located expert comment on each ingredient to remind you just how healthy Health Bear is.


“A bowl of oatmeal a day keeps the doctor away” – Health Bear


Pea Protein according to Laura Vetter, R.D.N., C.D.C.E.S.


Organic Pea Protein


“On average, two tablespoons of high-quality pea [protein] powder can contain between 15-20 g of protein,” explains Laura Vetter, R.D.N., C.D.C.E.S., an outpatient dietitian at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, N.J. “For healthy individuals, the general rule for protein is 0.8 grams per kg or 0.35 g per pound [of body weight].” And, pea protein is full of important amino acids that are easily digestible, Vetter notes.


 


 


Chia Seeds according to Dr Axe 


Organic Chia Seeds


Ounce for ounce, chia contains the most grams of fiber and is especially rich in soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce appetite and promote digestive regularity.


 










Hemp according to Dr Axe 


Organic Hemp Hearts


Compared to chia and flax, hemp seeds pack in the highest amount of plant-based protein per serving. They’re also rich in magnesium, zinc and iron.


The experts at WebMD explain, The vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in hemp seeds can provide some significant health benefits. For example, hemp oil is rich in vitamin E, which is useful for helping keep your immune system functioning. It also acts as an antioxidant, helping reduce free radicals that can cause cell damage in your body.


 




Flax according to Mayo Clinic and Jared Meacham


Organic Flax (Health Bear uses Ground Flax)


Flaxseed’s health benefits come from the fact that it’s high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as phytochemicals called lignans.


One serving of flaxseed provides a good amount of protein, fiber, and omega 3 fatty acids. It may help lower the risk of some cancers, help maintain a health weight, and reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.


 


Oats According to National Library of Medicine


Certified GF and Organic Oats


Many studies have shown that the beta-glucan fiber in oats is effective at reducing both total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Whole oats are high in antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols. Most notable is a unique group of antioxidants called avenanthramides, which are almost solely found in oats.


 


 


 


 


 










	






	






	






	

	

				
		
		
	






Trendy Grocery
Health Bear is finding its way onto grocery store shelves in California. Because we study the grocery industry so closely, here are some cool grocery store trends you should know about.




                            Dining IN?


2023 is predicted to be a year where Americans are spending more money in the grocery stores than at restaurants.  Combatting record increases in food prices with more in-home dining …sounds like a welcomed idea… if you enjoy cooking and find yourself in pleasant company! Grocery store buyers are searching for emerging and exciting brands to stock on their shelves for your at-home enjoyment. Keep a watchful eye at your favorite grocery store for new additions.


Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash


Convenience is King


Another expected trend to continue to grow in 2023 is the continued growth of ‘convenience foods’. Health Bear Fits the category to a T. It was not longer than a decade or two ago we equated  ‘convenience food’ with funky frozen TV dinners and questionable canned meats.  Gone are the days people are making sauces from scratch when we have authentic Italian Marinara ready with the twist of a lid. Thank you grocery executives for bringing us awesome, healthy conveniences!


              Modernizing Savings


The third grocery trend to watch for is the return to coupon. If you are interested in cutting grocery costs, don’t forget this time-tested technique. We all remember our Grandmothers cutting coupons out of the newspaper on the kitchen table growing up, right?! Now-A-Days, check out your grocery store’s website to find coupons before you head out.


Photo by Dillon Wanner on Unsplash


No scissors required – download and save. For Health Bear friends living in the Bay Area: Check out https://www.lunardis.com/ to find great deals AND you will find Health Bear on the shelf!


 


 


 


 


 


 


Fun Fact: According to Credit Donkey, 57% of female shoppers collect coupons compared to 41% of men. Come on guys! Get to saving with your gal pals!