KIND Blog & News

This past week, our founder and CEO, Daniel Lubetzky, was honored to have the opportunity to be the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony of his Alma Mater, Trinity University.

Looking out amongst the audience of young eager minds about to embark on the next chapter of their lives, Daniel urged graduates to “Make the explicit point to TALK WITH YOURSELF. To ask yourself questions. TO UNDERSTAND YOURSELF.  To figure out what it is that you are most passionate about.” Daniel reminded us all that knowing what makes you happy and gives you meaning is among the most important things – and posed the question “why is it that so many go their entire lives without considering it?” Good question!

As someone who has followed his passion and founded companies like KIND that strive to change the world for the better – Daniel can attest to the truth that “once you find and do what you love, your success is guaranteed – because every day pursuing that which you care about will provide you the fulfillment.”

Please watch the video below for Daniel’s full speech and we hope you’ll be inspired to talk to yourself! You may just be the next nut out there that changes this world for the better…

Daniel Lubetzky Trinity Commencement Speech 2011

This month, Alicia is back with some good news for anyone with a sweet tooth…

Chocolate is good for you …no, really – it is!  More specifically, dark chocolate imparts a whole host of health benefits, because it contains an abundance of plant phenols – or cocoa phenols, that can help increase blood flow and decrease blood pressure.

It has also been proven to be more satisfying than its cousin (milk chocolate), which means that it keeps you fuller longer – and when consumed wisely, can even help you lose weight! It still contains calories though, so it should be added to the healthy diet within reason.  A great place to start would be with one of my favorites, KIND’s Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew + Antioxidants bar.  At only 180 calories, you get the benefit of dark chocolate, delicious cashews and cherries, all combined to provide a healthy treat, without blowing your diet!

-          KIND Nutrition Correspondent, Alicia Gilmore, MS, RD, CSO, LD

As a cancer–survivor of nine years and proud grandmother, Marcie Marsh shares how being a KINDAHOLIC helps her to stay young and KIND at heart.

Q: Tell us about your first experience with KIND and what was so special about it.
A: I first discovered KIND bars when my son’s girlfriend brought them to my house as a gift. I have tried so many bars over the years, but none like these…they were so fresh and natural tasting, without the chemical aftertaste, and I could pronounce all the ingredients! I have since tried and shared most of the flavors and love them!

Q: How do you try to make the world a little bit kinder?
A: By trying to be the best person to others that I can be. I am also a big believer in blood donation and do that several times a year.

Q: How has KIND been KIND to your body by helping you achieve your wellness goals?
A: As a cancer survivor, I appreciate the antioxidant properties of these bars, as well as knowing they are all natural. They are a great, healthy way to curb appetite and a great alternative to chips or candy bars!

Q: What is your favorite way and time of day to enjoy KIND?
A: I have KIND bars in my car, in my gym bag, in my office and in my handbag. I love having one mid-morning, mid-afternoon, before a workout, pretty much anytime hunger strikes! I also take them with me on planes as a healthy snack and even on vacation – they are much healthier than anything I could order from room service!

Share your KINDAHOLIC story (and score some KIND goodies) by emailing KINDAHOLICS@KINDsnacks.com!

We are excited to introduce our KIND Nutrition Correspondent, Alicia Gilmore MS, RD, CSO, LD, who will be your expert source for nutritious news and information throughout 2011! Alicia has been a Registered Dietitian for 11 years in Dallas, Texas, helping more than 100 patients each month find healing through nutrition.

Each month, Alicia will be discussing here on our KIND Blog some of the hottest topics and trends in the nutrition world – all the while helping YOU to make healthier and more informed eating choices. So without further ado, a word from Alicia…

The first month of the New Year has many people creating goals for healthier eating and increased exercise; yet, by the time February rolls around, some of these resolutions have already been bumped down our list of priorities. Fortunately for us, the American Heart Association has proclaimed February National Heart Month! It’s a little reminder that our New Year’s resolutions are not lost – no, they can be reprioritized! Think healthy heart this month!

Food choices that can help keep our heart functioning at top speed include lean meats and low fat dairy products. Fruits and Vegetables will help increase your fiber intake, which can help lower your total cholesterol. Whole grains like Quinoa are also good choices, as they are high in fiber and contain natural antioxidants that may help decrease inflammation.

Nuts are another heart healthy choice, as they provide a rich source of poly and monounsaturated fats. These fats can help lower our total cholesterol, our LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase our good cholesterol (HDL). Check out KIND’s Almond Cashew +Flax (Omega-3) bar – it’s loaded with heart healthy almonds, has 4 grams of fiber and contains ALA – alpha linoleic acid, which may decrease our risk of heart disease.

As you begin this second month of 2011, think about those resolutions, and how, with a little tweaking, they can be kept!

-Alicia Gilmore, KIND Nutrition Correspondent

At Banana Dang Café in the surf town of Rincon, Puerto Rico*, it’s always cool to be a KINDAHOLIC. Shop owners, Thanh-Thanh Dang and Mario Jimenez, are here to tell us why…

Q: Describe your first encounter with KIND.

A: A local organic food store was carrying the bars and we were immediately attracted to the nice packaging. Tried it, loved it. And the KIND affair continues…

Q: How does KIND inspire you to make the world a little kinder?

A: We support brands that are friendly to the environment and to our stomachs. We vote with our dollar and the KIND name says it all.

Q: In your opinion, what makes KIND so special?

A: The fact that we understand what all the ingredients are — without having to “Google” them!

Q: Which KIND flavor is your favorite?

A: Fruit & Nut Delight, because it goes great with coffee.

Share your KINDAHOLIC story (and score some KIND goodies) by emailing KINDAHOLICS@KINDsnacks.com!

* Please note this correction from our KIND Newsletter.

KINDAHOLIC, Noelle Bonhomme, is model and actress living in Los Angeles. She works part-time at a fitness center in LA, where she loves to promote KIND bars to all her clients!

Q: How often do you eat KIND?

A: I eat KIND bars after my daily workout at the gym.

Q: What makes KIND unlike any other bar or snack food?

A: KIND bars are a natural, healthy snack. And they are made with REAL food! Most protein bars have unnatural, chemically processed ingredients. With KIND bars, it’s like eating out of a garden. I feel good about putting healthy food in my body.

Q: Which KIND flavor is your favorite?

A: I’m a huge fan of the KIND Plus bars. The Almond Cashew with Flex is YUMMY! Plus you get the added Omega 3 fats… it’s a win win!!

Q: How do you aspire to make the world a bit kinder?

A: I volunteer for several non-profit organizations.

Q: What’s your favorite way to have your KIND eat it too?

A: KIND bars are perfect on their own. They’re the perfect blend of sweet and nutty!

Does Noelle’s story sound similar to yours?  Remember, you can share your KINDAHOLIC story by emailing KINDAHOLICS@KINDsnacks.com!

Q: How do you keep KIND handy for when hunger strikes?

A: I keep KIND on me at all times! I’ve got KIND stashed in the cupboards, cars, purses, and at the office.
 
Q: What is an unexpected KIND act you’ve recently done for someone else?
  
A: Instead of talking about a KIND act that I’ve done, I want to turn the tables a little and talk about what KIND has done for us. My son attends a new public school and unfortunately, the school didn’t have the funds for classroom assistants. We held our first fundraiser, a walkathon for the kids, and KIND was kind enough to donate enough snacks for all the students to enjoy after they ran/walked up to 5 miles. We were able to raise over $17,000 to help pay for in–class tutors and enrichment activities. KIND was the perfect combination of taste and nutrition for K‐5 students who needed to fuel up after the walkathon.
 
Q: In your opinion, what is it that makes KIND so special?
  
A: KIND is not only healthy, but also yummy, and you can actually see what you are eating. KIND offers a wide variety of flavors and health benefits, including the fact that it’s a low GI bar – which is so awesome for our son who is type I diabetic!
 
Do you share Grace’s love for KIND? You can share your KINDAHOLIC story (and score some KIND goodies) by emailing KINDAHOLICS@KINDsnacks.com!

As the Customer Experience Manager at KIND, it’s hard not to post all of our wonderful customer emails, but I couldn’t help but share this amazing email from one of our KINDAHOLICS, Jamison Combs:

 Comment: Dear Awesome People at KIND:

 I just wanted to take a minute to write and share my story with you and my undying love for your products. The morning of June 4th 2010 hit me like a heart attack… literally. At age 27 I found myself lying in a hospital bed, doctors surrounding me, nurses poking me, and myself, well, I was praying my ticker would keep on ticking!

Thankfully, I made it through (thus hints this e-mail). But it was an amazing time of realization that my fitness and eating habits must change. I’m taking deliberate steps toward getting healthy: a new eating plan and workout routine are in place. In four months I have lost over 60lbs and gone from a size 44 pants to a 35! I now can wake up each morning and say that today I am in the best shape of my life. Last week I even started training to run my first 5K.

I wanted to let you guys know what a joy it has been to have you guys (well, not really you- but your KIND Bars) on this journey. Since discovering KIND Bars at Earth Fare a few months ago I’ve been HOOKED! I now eat one every morning. My absolute favorite is the Almond Walnut Macadamia +Protein. (I love the fact they’re an easy way to get the protein I need plus they’re lower in sugar.)  Being that I limit my dairy and carb intake, I appreciate the thought and hard work you guys have put into keeping the bars nutritionally balanced. I’ve even convinced my friends and family to try different KIND products. My vegan friend at work is now in love with your products too.

Thanks for making amazing products that are helping me achieve my health and fitness goals!

 Thanks again, Jamison, for sharing your wonderful story!

One bite is all it seems to take to make an instant KIND fan. New customer, P.A. Sugano, writes:

Dear KIND Snacks;

I ate one of your Apricot Macadamia bars at my Body Builders Gym in Los Angeles last night and was awestruck by how healthy & delicious it was; Hence, I ordered a case of 72 from you today to share with my friends & myself.

AMAZING product and am happy to hear it’s Made in the USA! I highly support this and my Country.

-Tony, KIND Customer Experience Manager