2022 Wellness, Gratitude, and Detox Tips from Natural Force
Our #forceofnaturefam is tenacious, talented, and on a mission to lead a healthy lifestyle, so we cannot wait for you to get to know them. Scroll down for a proper intro, and stay tuned for recipes and wellness tips from this tribe on both Instagram and the blog throughout the fall and beyond!
- Alyssa Kalams (@alyssakalams)
- Jana Parks (@southernketogirl)
- Mayo Sosa (@mr_sosa27)
- Jen Chavarria (@learningfrombalance)
- Cori Finglass (@matcha_and_margs)
Alyssa Kalams (@alyssakalams)
Alyssa is a nutrition coach, recipe developer, and healthy living advocate based in Nashville, TN. She's constantly making the tastiest, prettiest healthy treats and sharing valuable nutrition tips!
What prompted your wellness journey?
I’ve been passionate about health and wellness from a young age, I studied sustainable nutrition and exercise physiology in college, and then decided to continue my education by becoming a certified nutrition coach. I believe nutrition and healthy living isn’t just what you eat or how often you workout. It's an evolving mindset, and it looks different for all of us. It’s about being self-aware—being in-tune with our thoughts, bodies, emotions, and passions. It’s knowing what food and lifestyle choices benefit and energize us as unique individuals, and what don’t.
What is the first thing you do every morning?
Practice gratitude by writing down 3 things I'm grateful for!
What is your favorite superfood ingredient of all time and why?
CHIA SEEDS. I've been making so much chia pudding lately—it's so easy to switch up, tastes amazing, and is full of so many incredible benefits.
What is your favorite Natural Force product and why?
MCT Oil—I love adding it to my smoothies in the morning for an extra burst of energy! I like that it doesn't add a weird taste or texture, but I can still feel the benefits like mental clarity and added energy.
What is one thing you think we can all do to positively impact the planet?
Eliminating single-use plastic: bringing reusable bags to the grocery store, investing in a BPA-free water bottle, using glass straws, etc.
How do you #GoBeyond in your daily life? Tell us what you do to cultivate a positive, healthy lifestyle.
By listening to my body—whether that means saying no to drinks or dinner and having a night in instead, or taking a rest day when I need it! Sometimes you need that time to recharge—so you can be your best self.
Jana Parks (@southernketogirl)
Jana has been a total inspiration over the past 2 years, having lost 120 pounds on her keto journey. We love her inspirational and down-to-earth nature and know you will, too!
What prompted your wellness journey?
I started a ketogenic diet because I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's. I decided it was finally time to get my health under control and live a life that I love.
What is the first thing you do every morning?
The first thing I do each and every morning is spend 10 minutes or so with my thoughts. I feel that starting your day in a positive and mindful way sets the tone for the day. I think about what my goals for the day are and how I can accomplish them.
What are 3 “fun facts” we wouldn’t guess about you?
- I can play the violin.
- Traveling is my passion, I would much rather have experiences over things in life.
- Nature is my happy place! There is nothing better than standing on the top of a mountain and looking out in awe of this beautiful world.
What is your favorite Natural force product and why?
My favorite product is Collagen Peptides. Since starting a ketogenic diet I have experienced some hair loss. Adding the collagen to my coffee each morning has been a game changer for me, I have noticed huge growth with my hair and nails. I love that it’s tasteless but the benefits are huge!
What is one thing you think we can all do to positively impact the planet?
Practice love and kindness always. You never know you just a bit of kindness can change someone’s day.
How do you #GoBeyond in your daily life? Tell us what you do to cultivate a positive, healthy lifestyle.
I love to spread positive energy to others. I want to be a source of light and encouragement for others. I try to use my health journey as a testament that you are capable of living the life of your dreams.
Mayo Sosa (@mr_sosa27)
Mayo is a calisthenics trainer in Los Angeles. He's a big believer in butter coffees and avocados, so naturally, he fits right into our family. Also, he's ridiculously strong and motivates us to work out daily!
What prompted your wellness journey?
I’ve grown up playing baseball from a very young age so I think that’s played a major role in my continuing passion for sports/fitness which led me to calisthenics which in itself pushed me to see what my body is capable of doing.
What is the first thing you do every morning?
First thing I do is drink a glass of lukewarm water followed by some nootropic infused bulletproof coffee.
What are 3 “fun facts” we wouldn’t guess about you?
- I’m a lefty
- I can make different animal noises/ voices.
- I’ve traveled the world in the last 2 years than I ever have in my life.
What is your favorite superfood ingredient of all time and why?
Avocado! For all its benefits.
What is your favorite Natural Force product and why?
I’ve only tried the MCT Creamer at the moment but I picked it because of its health benefits and ease of use. I literally put it in everything: coffee, shakes, smoothie, frozen yogurt, cereal etc. I like the ingredients, taste, and the fact it mixes easily in my coffee. I felt a bit sharper and more energy with having it in my coffee in the mornings. Everyone should be taking MCT oil for all its benefits.
How do you #GoBeyond in your daily life? Tell us what you do to cultivate a positive, healthy lifestyle.
I try to motivate and inspire the people around me and wake up with a positive attitude/ outlook on life every day.
Jen Chavarria (@learningfrombalance)
Jen makes drool-worthy overnight oats. She's a fantastic role model for her college-aged peers, an early riser, and a lover of matcha!
What prompted your wellness journey?
I never learned the importance of taking care of yourself, which really hit me during a long period of lows during my junior year of high school. What started as just a goal to lose weight turned into a lifelong journey, learning how my body works in and out of the gym, and what nutrients fuel it the best.
What is the first thing you do every morning?
I start off with a huge glass of lemon water, go through my skincare routine, then typically hit the gym before class or work.
What is your favorite superfood ingredient of all time and why?
Matcha! I used to be a huge coffee addict, matcha gives me sustained energy to tackle my day!
What is your favorite Natural Force product and why did you select this product?
Organic Grass Fed Whey Vanilla. It's the ONLY clean and grass-fed whey protein I've tried that tastes delicious and is affordable! I love adding a scoop of protein into my daily oats! It mixes so well, adds flavor, and keeps me full throughout the morning. I recommend it to anyone who struggles to get in their protein intake for the day! It's seriously the best I've ever had, and I've tried A LOT of different proteins from all different price ranges. This is so worth the price for the quality protein you are getting.
What is one thing you think we can all do to positively impact the planet?
Practicing sustainability and support the brands/companies who do!
How do you #GoBeyond in your daily life? Tell us what you do to cultivate a positive, healthy lifestyle.
I fuel my body with as many clean, unprocessed foods as I can. I also live an active lifestyle, so I strength train 4-5x a week, and I try to walk and bike as much as I can! This lets my body perform at its best, and I feel great every day.
Cori Finglass (@matcha_and_margs)
Her favorite mantra is "Have an attitude of gratitude," and we absolutely love that! Cori is a health and wellness blogger, a huge lover of collagen and cordyceps, and you can find her selling Georgia Grinders nut butters at the farmer's market on the weekends!
What prompted your wellness journey?
I was always raised healthy - my parents generally ate really healthy and kept a variety of nourishing food options in our house. When I went off to college, I completely lost sight of the values I was raised on. I was not listening to my body - I was listening to what everyone around me was doing and eating. I generally did not feel good when I got home from my freshman year. I decided to make a change - I started working out and eating healthier - or what I thought to be healthier. My goal was really focused on losing weight. Over time, I realized the importance of ingredients, food quality, healthy fats, etc. and have taught myself to live a lot more of a balanced life with the focus now on nourishing my body and listening to its cues.
What is the first thing you do every morning?
Brush my teeth and get dressed to try and keep me busy and distracted from scrolling on my phone. It definitely happens though and I am not proud of this!
What are 3 “fun facts” we wouldn’t guess about you?
- I work at the farmer's markets most weekends selling Georgia Grinders nut butters - it's so fun!
- I quit my corporate job back in April 2018 and am now focusing on a career in the field of health and wellness.
- French fries are my weakness. Hands down.
What is your favorite Natural Force product and why?
Collagen. I use it in my matcha lattes, coffee, baking, etc. I like it because you cannot taste it and it has so much protein along with so many benefits! You can add it to almost any recipe without noticing. It helps my hair, skin, and nails, and gut health so much.
What is one thing you think we can all do to positively impact the planet?
Reduce our plastic use! Use metal straws, glass containers, etc. Recycle more and take care of the environment in general.
How do you #GoBeyond in your daily life? Tell us what you do to cultivate a positive, healthy lifestyle.
I make sure to be consistent with all of the supplements and superfoods that I take, and on top of that, I always make sure to plan some time for myself - whether it be a work-out, some downtime, etc. It always makes my day better when I dedicate this time to myself, even if it is difficult to schedule.
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