I’ll be up in Anaheim from March 10-12 making new discoveries at the Natural Products Expo West. This year there will be over 3,000 exhibitors! I’m hoping to be able to cover ALL of the show floors in the three days that I’m there.
This is my first time to this particular show, but I have been to the PMA Fresh Summit which was equally as large, so at least I have an understanding of the big task at hand! I know the days are going to be long and I’ll be spending a LOT of time on my feet. First and foremost, I’ll arm myself with water, comfy shoes and the world’s biggest backpack. I also have a photographer coming to take product pics (with given permission), which will take a lot of stress off of me. I can focus on taking notes, and match up photos to info via booth number later. The app that the Natural Products Expo people have provided is really useful and will allow me to make notes directly per exhibitor.
Although I’m going in with an open mind to everything that the natural product world has to offer, this is what I’m specifically looking for:
Vegetarian/Vegan Products
Meat replacements/plant protein – I’m not only looking for new meat-free products, but new ideas in cooking as well. I often come up with my own recipes, so adding some inspiration to my creations is a plus.
ANY Anti-Aging Products
From the inside out! Supplements, Foods with anti-aging properties and Skincare/Beauty products. I’m getting older and so are my friends! We will fight aging every step of the way and want to stop the clock as naturally as possible.
Probiotics
I am a super huge fan of probiotics. My overall health DEPENDS on a healthy gut! If the balance is off, I feel tired or worse, get sick. For those just learning about probiotics, they can help move food through your gut. Researchers are still trying to figure out which are best for certain health problems. Some common conditions they treat are:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Infectious diarrhea (caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites)
- Antibiotic-related diarrhea
There is also some research to show they help with problems in other parts of your body. For example, some people say they have helped with:
- Skin conditions, like eczema
- Urinary and vaginal health
- Preventing allergies and colds
- Oral health
