This post is sponsored by Trumi.
I'm always on the look out for snacks that are easy to keep in the handbag when I'm out and about, and that are healthy and fit into my Almighty Nutrition Plan. Trumi are a new range of nutritious snacks especially designed for active women and they fit the bill very nicely indeed!
Trumi was founded by personal trainer and trained actor Camille Meskill, who has been coaching clients in fitness and nutrition for eight years. The inspiration behind Trumi was to create a delicious and nutritionally rich product with active women in mind. They contain one of my very favourite things in the world....chia seeds!! Chia seeds, as you know from me spouting on about them, are one of the richest plant sources of protein and omega 3 fatty acid, not to mention absolutely delicious and easy to digest.
Each Trumi bar contains around 4.5g of protein and over 4g of fibre, along with essential nutrients such as magnesium and iron. They're filling too, and a great way to get some protein in. I've been nibbling on some mid morning after a run if I need a snack - and I've got one stashed in the handbag for those emergency waves of hunger that tend to come out of nowhere when you're training for a big event :)
The bars come in two flavours - Hazelnut Berry and Raspberry Cacao. They are both packed with chia seeds and almond butter and lots of yummy natural things. Of the two, and it was a tough call, my favourite is the Hazelnut Berry. Very moreish, with a lovely Nutella-esque aftertaste (always a good thing!), if you want a yummy but super healthy snack on the go, look no further! The Hazelnut Berry bars contain dried blueberries, hemp seeds and maca too. I love maca and use it in just about everything - smoothies, hot chocolate, soups. Camille's certainly managed to pack heaps of super foods into this little bars!
The bars are also vegan and wheat free. You can order them online or find them at your local independent health store or yoga studio.
I'm always fascinated to hear what sets people on the path of health, fitness and turning their passion into a business, so I asked Camille to answer a few questions about Trumi and her own journey....
Can you please tell us a little about how you got started on the path of fitness and nutrition?
I actually graduated in performing arts and started working on stage in London. I really felt under pressure to be a certain size and shape but decided that being healthy and fit was more important to me. I started to work with a personal trainer which ultimately made me realise how much I wanted his job! Within 6 months I left London for Bristol to study fitness and nutrition.
You seem to have a very holistic approach to training and fitness. Can you tell us a bit about this, and has it been successful with your clients and in your own life?
I don't believe in diets and am always upfront when clients about this. I think many women, whatever age they are, get themselves into a vicious circle of yo-yo dieting instead of improving their relationship with food. Focusing on lifestyle changes has not only made a difference in my life but with the clients I've worked with too. Many of us want to give up because it is easier which is why I always encourage clients to look at the bigger picture but also to take each day as it comes.
How did the idea for Trumi come about?
When I moved back to Wales I knew that I wanted to set up a brand to help and inspire women. It was in 2011 while taking a short break in the Cotswolds that I decided I would start by making my own natural protein bars.
What has been the process of turning the Trumi idea into a reality? How have you found it?
Hard work! But whatever you want to do in life you have to start somewhere and believe in yourself. It has been a long journey but if you are passionate about something you will always find a way.
What are the plans for Trumi in the future? Are more exciting flavours planned? :)
I have so many exciting plans! Some I cannot say, but this month I am hoping to launch the new boutique gift box. I am also currently working on some new t-shirts and tops in time for the yoga show at the end of October.
Do you have a favourite Trumi flavour?
Raspberry Cacao! I keep them in the car for when I am out and about.
What advice would you give to others wanting to turn their passion into a business? (or what do you wish you had known at the outset?)
Get some advice first from your local authority or business support team and find out what grants are available to you. And something I wish I had known before I launched Trumi is to take my time, as it is so easy to rush into things when you are so passionate and excited about something!
Apart from Trumi of course (!), what are you most excited about?
When I am not working I love spending time away. I have a thing about caravans, I love them! I have a huge passion for film and music and continue to do some acting work too. I also love animals and it's my dream to work with elephants one day.
Do you have a mantra or motto that you live by?
Be happy, healthy and true to myself.
*****
And now it's give-away time!
Camille has very generously offered one lucky Skinny Latte Strikes Back reader a whole box (containing 30 bars) of her Trumi bars. You'll be sorted for a while! Here's all you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this great prize:
- Like the Trumi Facebook page and
- Like the Skinny Latte Strikes Back Facebook page and
- Leave a comment on this post on the SLSB Facebook page telling us which Trumi flavour you most like the sound of!
The give-away is open to UK readers only (sorry Oz/NZ/everyone else! I hope to have an international give-away soon!) Entries close 12am UK time, Saturday 1st September 2012. I will then draw a winner at random!
Good luck to all, and thanks Camille for being a part of SLSB today! :D