While at the CrossFit Games in July, I had the opportunity to sit down with John Wooley to talk about LIFEAID's history with CrossFit and the importance of eliminating "soft talk" from your vocabulary. Check out our conversation starting at 42:55.
As the tide ebbs and flows in the labor market, a new wave of entrepreneurship is on the way. Check out the stats in this recent INC. article about the percentage of people quitting their jobs to start their own businesses. Any guesses on the figure? Click to see if you were close...
Purpose-driven organizations are rarer than you might think. Leaders and CEOs may fly the flag of mission, yet how much translates into the actual processes and actions of an organization? Whether your team is large or small, there is a little tidbit of knowledge to be gained in this short conversation.
It has been almost a year since the tragic passing of Tony Hsieh, the venture capitalist, internet entrepreneur, and former Zappos CEO. His disruption of the way online brands interacted with consumers set the new standard for e-retailers and echoed in an entirely new paradigm for how all brands view customers’ happiness.
NFL regular season is back in action. Be on the lookout for FITAID talent Brandon Aiyuk in San Francisco, Derwin James in Los Angeles and Budda Baker in Arizona.
Are you a football fan? DM me your team on Instagram! You can find me at @aaronhinde, as long as you’re not a fan of that one team…
Kettlebells & Cocktails While at the CrossFit Games in July, I had the opportunity to sit down with John Wooley to talk about LIFEAID’s history with CrossFit and the importance of eliminating “soft talk” from your vocabulary. Check out our conversation starting at 42:55. Listen Now… The Entrepreneurs are Coming! As the tide ebbs and flows […]
Very exciting news for LIFEAID Bev Co these last few weeks. As our company expands both domestically and internationally, our sights are set on continuing to up-level our business model and find new ways to get our cans in consumer hands.
Our COO, Andy Halliday, is not only incredible at what he does from a business standpoint, but he is also a dear friend of mine. In this podcast interview, Andy discusses his personal career history, as well as the pivot we made as a company during the COVID-19 pandemic.
― Oprah Winfrey
A lot of us know by now the importance that our gut health has on our overall well-being. While there is still a lot of research to be done, a recent study found that eating fermented foods may have a beneficial impact on the makeup of your gut.
This title speaks for itself. In Mark Manson's book, he dives into the concept of learning to live through the unavoidable, negative aspects of life and focusing only on things really worth caring about.
FITAID Strawberry Lemonade is back in stock! Get yours now before it's gone.
Cambridge Companies SPG Sets Sights On The Future Of Functional Beverages Very exciting news for LIFEAID Bev Co these last few weeks. As our company expands both domestically and internationally, our sights are set on continuing to up-level our business model and find new ways to get our cans in consumer hands. Read More… Second […]
Hiking is an outdoor activity where packing less is better. You are naturally going to burn A LOT of calories while on the trails so it is best to pack snacks that will keep you energized on your hike. For the vegan hikers out there, there are plenty of snacks that you can pack in your backpack that are delicious and will keep you fueled up. All these snacks are a good combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates that will give you long-lasting energy for your next hike or outdoor adventure.
These snacks are ideal to keep you energized while hitting the trails, and even better, most can be made at home! Did we miss any? Tag us on Instagram with your favorite vegan snack! @fitaid
Hiking is an outdoor activity where packing less is better. You are naturally going to burn A LOT of calories while on the trails so it is best to pack snacks that will keep you energized on your hike. For the vegan hikers out there, there are plenty of snacks that you can pack in […]
Veganism, like several other diets, comes with several misconceptions. Whether you see these myths and stereotypes on social media or hear them at work or with friends, doing your own research is the best way to truly understand veganism and how achievable the diet can be for any lifestyle!
“Being Vegan Is Expensive”
When you consider the fact that vegans do not eat meat, one of the more expensive items on your grocery list, you'll realize that veganism is actually very budget-friendly. Some of the staples of a vegan diet are whole grains, rice, legumes, pasta, veggies, and fruits. All of these are some of the cheapest ingredients on Earth. Veganism is actually pretty easy, even on a college student’s budget. Play around with recipes and ingredients - experimenting can lead to some new favorite dishes!
“You don’t get enough protein on a vegan diet”
The idea that you can only get protein from animal products is false. In fact, these animals are fed a plant-based diet. So you are basically already consuming plant-based protein just through dead tissue. There are actually several plant-based protein sources that you can get on a vegan diet. These include oats, quinoa, beans, spinach, tofu, lentils, broccoli, nuts, seeds, and many more. Also, you can get plenty of protein from organic plant-based protein powders. As with any other diet, it depends entirely on what you’re consuming.
“Vegans need to drink milk to get calcium”
If all you watch is “Got Milk?” ads then yes, you would believe milk is the only place you can get a solid source of calcium. However, on a vegan diet, you can rely on several foods that offer high amounts of calcium. For example, dark leafy greens (collard greens and kale), soy-based foods, lentils, beans, and seeds (tahini, chia, and flax), are all great sources of calcium to add to your vegan diet.
“Being vegan is too hard and too restrictive”
Making any kind of lifestyle change can be difficult at first but once you get into the groove of things they become second nature. The same can be said for starting a vegan diet. It may be uncomfortable at first but once you have a plan in place, following a vegan diet is actually very easy. Instead of focusing on what you can’t have, focus on what you can have. You will come to realize that a vegan diet actually has many options and substitutes that will open your taste buds to new flavors, spices, and cooking methods.
MYTHS = DEBUNKED
Do your research, find what works for you, and give a vegan diet a try!
Veganism, like several other diets, comes with several misconceptions. Whether you see these myths and stereotypes on social media or hear them at work or with friends, doing your own research is the best way to truly understand veganism and how achievable the diet can be for any lifestyle! “Being Vegan Is Expensive” When […]
Summer may be over but that does not mean the flavors of summer went anywhere. LIFEAID’s latest innovation, FITAID Strawberry Lemonade, hit the ground running and racked up $250,000 in sales in its first week. “As our first flavor extension, FITAID Strawberry Lemonade checks off all the boxes for a refreshing finish to a hard workout. Stacked with anti-inflammatory goodness and great taste, this is my new favorite in our roster,” said LIFEAID’s president and co-founder Aaron Hinde. LIFEAID’s other co-founder, Orion Melehan, followed suit with Hinde’s statement, saying “With our latest innovation, we wanted to be both strategic and flavor-forward in what we brought to the market.”
Ice-cold FITAID Strawberry Lemonade was enjoyed all summer at the finish lines of Spartan Races, during the 2021 NOBULL CrossFit Games, and ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (which took place in 2021), at USA Weightlifting events. With the winter season upon us, do not hesitate to crack open an ice-cold FITAID Strawberry Lemonade to bring back memories of warmth and sunshine.
“Cans-in-hands is how we build this business and is an integral component to our brand. FITAID Strawberry Lemonade is our first flavor variation of our most popular blend, FITAID, which is specially formulated for athletic recovery,” says LIFEAID’s chief marketing officer, Emily Sommariva. With 2022 Q1 around the corner, LIFEAID is preparing for some very exciting innovations that are for sure to be in the hands of all consumers, new and old.
Summer may be over but that does not mean the flavors of summer went anywhere. LIFEAID’s latest innovation, FITAID Strawberry Lemonade, hit the ground running and racked up $250,000 in sales in its first week. “As our first flavor extension, FITAID Strawberry Lemonade checks off all the boxes for a refreshing finish to a […]
Caring about what you put in your body is what LIFEAID is all about. Living a healthy lifestyle is at the core of our brand. LIFEAID was built on the notion that people wanted more out of their fitness drinks. Whether you are vegan, or thinking of switching to a plant-based diet, it's important for LIFEAID to be accommodating to all health-conscious consumers. We offer an alternative to high-sugar, high-caffeine, and artificial mass-marketed drinks. Additionally, we are proud to be a vegan beverage company. LIFEAID will continue to encourage people to live healthier lifestyles.
Health Conscious Consumers Leading The Change
Over the past 15 years, the number of Americans who identify as vegan has increased by 3,245%. A new study has estimated that at least 15.5 million people in the U.S. currently eat plant-based diets. These numbers are not just prevalent in the states, but across the globe. In the U.K. 42% of vegans are aged 15-34. And in Canada, young people are going vegan to help combat climate change. With those numbers growing, it is important for our brand to be conscious of the consumers of our products. What matters to our customers is important to us. Those switching to vegan diets are reducing their risk of type 2 diabetes, lower cholesterol levels, and lower blood pressure.
To learn more about the latest statistics and information on veganism, we encourage you to check out this article from the World Animal Foundation.
Veganism and the Environment
Consumers are becoming more aware of their environmental impact. Together, we are attempting to make the world a better place. As a vegan-certified brand, we are lowering carbon emissions and greenhouse gases, reducing agriculture farming, and making a positive impact on climate change. Now, people are being affected by chronic and infectious diseases, i.e Covid-19, and it is becoming ever more important that we are consuming goods that benefit us. Collectively, we need products that strengthen our immune systems and support health. This is why LIFEAID uses purely clean ingredients and vitamins.
LIFEAID Culture
Veganism is a lifestyle choice and LIFEAID is all about supporting healthy lifestyles. Just like the ideas behind being vegan, LIFEAID is for your health, for the environment, and for the people.
“Following a plant-based diet has a plethora of health benefits including reducing post-workout inflammation. At LIFEAID we remain committed to providing our community the highest quality plant-based functional ingredients with low to no sugar and free from artificial flavors and sweeteners.” - Aaron Hinde, Co-Founder and President of LIFEAID Beverage Company
LIFEAID strives to continue being a forward-thinking brand that caters to health-conscious consumers and those who put good in their bodies, to get good out.
Caring about what you put in your body is what LIFEAID is all about. Living a healthy lifestyle is at the core of our brand. LIFEAID was built on the notion that people wanted more out of their fitness drinks. Whether you are vegan, or thinking of switching to a plant-based diet, it’s important for […]
I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a quality slice of pizza - or two, or three. Easily one of the best comfort foods out there. A slice of pizza can be enjoyed virtually anywhere, whether at a family party, your local pizzeria, or even by yourself with your favorite movie, a slice of pizza (or a whole pie) is never a bad idea.
Just because following a vegan diet means you must avoid dairy, does not mean you have to avoid pizza all together. These recipes are so full of flavor, you won’t even notice it’s not there! Here are some of the best and easy vegan pizza recipes we’ve tried (warning: you’ll be craving a fresh slice after this!).
Grilled Veggie Pizza with Yeast-Free Crust
Ingredients
Yeast-Free Pizza Crust
Pizza Sauce
Toppings
Instructions
Vegan Pepperoni Pizza
Ingredients
For the Crust
For the Topping
Instructions
Prepare the Zucchini “Pepperoni”
For the Crust
To Make the Pizza
Spinach Artichoke Pizza
Ingredients
Instructions
Vegan Caprese Pizza
Ingredients
Instructions
If you try any of our delicious (and easy) vegan pizza recipes, we would love to see your creation on Instagram - tag us at @FITAID !
I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a quality slice of pizza – or two, or three. Easily one of the best comfort foods out there. A slice of pizza can be enjoyed virtually anywhere, whether at a family party, your local pizzeria, or even by yourself with your favorite movie, a slice of pizza (or a […]
Pumpkin spice, flannels, cold weather… FALL is here! And there is no better way to celebrate the crisp air and falling leaves than with everyone’s favorite...pumpkins! Pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, even pumpkin risotto. Read on for some great (and easy!) pumpkin recipes.
Keto Pumpkin Cookies
These cookies are autumn in a bite. The perfect consistency with a crisp and sugary outside and a soft inside gives you the perfect pumpkin-y fall flavor. These cookies are keto and vegan! Here’s how to make them.
Ingredients:
2 cups almond flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon flax seed powder
3 tablespoon water
½ cup unsweetened pumpkin puree
¼ cup coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup brown erythritol
2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 teaspoon brown erythritol (to sprinkle on top)
Instructions:
Vegan Pumpkin Curry
This dish has all the well-developed flavors of curry but with a fraction of the effort and time! The spices and pumpkin flavors melt together to give you a taste of the autumn season. And, it's vegan! Here is how to make vegan pumpkin curry.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 Tbsp Coconut oil
1 Large sweet potato cut into 1/2 inch cubes (about 370g)
1 Medium onion, roughly chopped
1/2 Tbsp Garlic, minced
1/2 Tbsp Ginger, minced
4 tsps Curry powder
3 tsps Cumin
1 tsp Salt
1 1/2 Cups Canned Pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling!
1 cup Light coconut milk
1/2 Cup Low-sodium vegetable broth
1 tsp Sriracha
1/2 Cup Cilantro roughly chopped
Instructions:
Keto Pumpkin Pie
Everybody loves pumpkin pie. Whether it's the last thing you eat on Thanksgiving or just a treat to get you through these fall months, this keto pumpkin pie will have you dying for more. Instructions below!
Ingredients:
Crust
Filling
Instructions:
To make crust
Place almond flour, butter, and swerve in food processor and pulse until combined, about 10 times. Dough will stay formed if you scoop a little between your fingers when ready.
Press dough evenly into 9-inch pan, including up the sides.
To make filling
In a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, erythritol, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir often until a slight brown, thick sweetened condensed milk forms
Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes
To assemble
Pour pumpkin pie filling into prepared pie crust. Check intermittently through baking to ensure crust isn't browning too much. If they begin to get too dark, cover the edges with foil. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick placed in the center of the pie comes out clean. Cool completely before serving.
Vegan Pumpkin Bread
Mmm! This vegan pumpkin bread has the perfect amount of sweetness, moistness, and pumpkin flavor. It is easy to make and will have your kitchen smelling like an Autumn wonderland. Here’s how to make vegan pumpkin bread.
Ingredients:
1 cup pumpkin puree (make sure not to use pumpkin pie FILLING)
1 cup brown sugar, light or dark, firmly packed
1/2 cup oil canola or vegetable oil work well
3 tbsp maple syrup (agave syrup can also be used)
3 tbsp apple juice (water or apple cider can also be used)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (white whole wheat flour can also be used)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (individual spices can also be used)
Instructions:
Vegan Pumpkin “Cheddar” Risotto
This vegan pumpkin “cheddar” risotto is everything you love about Fall. It uses cauliflower instead of risotto so you can feel good eating this low carb dish and enjoy it, too! Instructions to make this delicious vegan pumpkin “cheddar” risotto below!
Ingredients:
1/4 cup sliced leek
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
12 ounces (about 3 cups) of riced cauliflower
1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
1/4 nutritional yeast
1/4 cup of veggie broth (or dry wine, or nondairy milk)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
Instructions:
If you find yourself bookmarking endless fall pumpkin vegan and keto recipes, now you have them all in one place. If you try any of our favorite fall recipes, we would love to see your master chef skills on Instagram - tag us at @FITAID !
Pumpkin spice, flannels, cold weather… FALL is here! And there is no better way to celebrate the crisp air and falling leaves than with everyone’s favorite…pumpkins! Pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, even pumpkin risotto. Read on for some great (and easy!) pumpkin recipes. Keto Pumpkin Cookies These cookies are autumn in a bite. The perfect […]
Meet The Newest Team FITAID Athlete, Guilherme Malheiros
Q&A with Crossfit Star Guilherme Malheiros
Guilherme Malheiros, also known as Gui, is the 21 year old Crossfit Phenom from Brazil who is quickly becoming a star in the CrossFit world. He was first introduced to CrossFit in 2016 at the age of 16. That year, he ranked 45th in the world and second in Brazil. The following year, in 2017, Guilherme took 2nd in the CrossFit boys division (16-17) and was crowned the 2nd Fittest Teenager on Earth.
Fast-forward to 2019 and Guilherme, 19 years old, is the Fittest Man in Brazil and is competing in the CrossFit Games in the men’s division. He would go on and place 48th at the 2019 CrossFit Games. In 2020, Malheiros finished atop the rankings of Fittest Man in Brazil again. However, due to COVID-19, he did not compete in the 2020 games.
After a year of not competing at the 2020 CrossFit Games, Guilherme was determined to make a statement during the 2021 Games and that is exactly what he did. Guilherme would go on to win three events, the 550 yard sprint, the sprint and heavy clean ladder, and the one-rep max snatch event. Guilherme was one of two competitors to take home first place in at least three events. As the youngest competitor at this year's Madison Games, Guilherme would go on to place 7th overall at the 2021 CrossFit Games. Also, Guilherme would be crowned Most Improved Athlete at the CrossFit games for his efforts.
Guilherme has the potential to carry the sport for the country of Brazil and bring more fans and competitors from all countries within South America. While some believe Guilherme is the future star this sport needs, Guilherme believes the future is now.
We sat down with the future star of CrossFit to learn more about him, his love for CrossFit, and the biggest differences between his home country of Brazil and America.
Q: When do you first become aware of FITAID?
So I knew FITAID in 2017. I was in Puerto Rico. I loved it. The shirts and all of their apparel, obviously the drink, the recovery drink. So I wanted to be sponsored by FITAID but at that time I did not have the contact to talk to someone. So I just waited and was like ‘man one day I’m going to be sponsored by FITAID.’ And then in 2021 after the games, Aaron Hinde (Co-Founder and President of LIFEAID) just stopped his car in the middle of a crowd of people and said “Hey Bro! I want to sponsor you!’ And I was like ‘Yeah! Let's go!’
Q: Why do you love working out?
Because it makes me feel better with myself and improves my self confidence. Working out improves my mental game and my mentality towards life. I love working out because it makes me feel better, lighter, strong, and self confident.
Q: What is your favorite workout song?
I don’t have only one. I have maybe a type of music. Hip Hop and Electronics but between those two, Electronics.
Q: What is your favorite part about competing?
My favorite part is getting the crowd on their feet.
Q: What is your favorite post workout meal?
Acai, for sure, I love it.
Q: What does your morning routine look like?
Wake up, wash my face, scrape my tongue, brush my teeth, go to the kitchen, drink water, say good morning to my girlfriend, make a coffee, and make some plain waffles with honey on top.
Q: What do you miss most about Brazil?
From Brazil I miss the food, my family, my friends, the beach, and my dogs
Q: What is the biggest difference between Brazil and America?
People here are not used to hugging each other. When you get to the gym, it's just waves and ‘sup’, ‘morning’, ‘what's up.’ In Brazil it's more like ‘come here bro, how's the day? How was your night? How did you sleep? Come here, hugs, kisses, all that stuff.
Q: What is your favorite food here in America?
Tex Mex... Rice, chicken, cheese, cheese (yes double cheese) lettuce, tomato, in wrap. Like a Burrito.
Q: What are some of your hobbies outside of CrossFit?
Sleep, eat frosted flakes, play video games, watch Netflix, and sleep.
Make sure to follow Gui on Instagram!
Meet The Newest Team FITAID Athlete, Guilherme Malheiros Q&A with Crossfit Star Guilherme Malheiros Guilherme Malheiros, also known as Gui, is the 21 year old Crossfit Phenom from Brazil who is quickly becoming a star in the CrossFit world. He was first introduced to CrossFit in 2016 at the age of 16. That year, he […]
The failure rate for new companies in the beverage industry is 95% in the first year and 99% in the first five years. Now a global company with 100 employees, LIFEAID Beverage Co. is going strong and on the trajectory to earn a revenue of $100 million. Aaron spoke with Iron Sights’ host Scott Howell to discuss the upbringing of LIFEAID and how the company has achieved its success.
How it all started...
Aaron Hinde and Orion Melehan met at CrossFit box in Santa Cruz, California in 2009 and soon became good family friends. Aaron, a sports chiropractor, and Orion, a Certified Financial Planner, first came up with the idea for LIFEAID from their time in the party and rave scene.
At these events, they would hand out compounds that can help your body stay resilient and feeling good when partying. This gave them the idea to put the compounds together in a “party pill”, each one containing 5-HTP, milk thistle, B complex, and electrolytes.
The party pill concept soon turned into a beverage, and Aaron explains that “if supplements in pill form were the way to go, NoDoze would be a billion dollar company and Redbull wouldn’t exist”, meaning that people are more likely to consume the compounds if they were in a drink. This was the start of RaverAid, which soon was renamed PartyAid.
Aaron and Orion developed their concept of the functional beverage. Instead of flavor variations, they focused on having functional variations. PartyAid would be a hangover remedy, FITAID would be for pre and post workout, FOCUSAID would help busy professionals and students, and GolferAid would appeal to, of course, golfers.
GolferAid was launched first because there was no drink for golf at the time, and they figured this market would have the most space for their new product. GolferAid was first picked up by Santa Cruz golf course De Laveaga, and slowly more and more courses were ordering the functional beverages. With GolferAid gaining traction, Aaron and Orion knew it was time to go all in and sell their own businesses to focus on LIFEAID.
Scarcity versus Abundance Mindset
Aaron sold his chiropractic practice to an individual who made payments, but within months, the new owner went bankrupt and Aaron only earned a fraction of what the practice was worth. With two kids, living on an undeveloped property, and everything invested in a start up in a tricky industry, Aaron was feeling the pressure.
Having dealt with financial difficulties in the past, Aaron knew he needed to consider where he went wrong before in order for this new endeavor to be successful. He says in the interview that “the decisions I was making were yielding a result that I wasn’t happy with”, and he realized through copious amounts of research that he was “in full scarcity mode”.
The scarcity mindset means that you feel there is a finite amount of success to be had, and any success earned by someone else takes away from the success you could achieve. On the contrary, the abundance mindset believes that there is enough success for everyone, and that there is value in every step of the way to success.
“It took me being completely broke but in abundance mode to actually start building real wealth, where before I was a high income earner in scarcity mode but always broke.” Aaron explains that he started going on hikes on his property, practiced being present, and started keeping a gratitude journal.
He explains that any success in life comes from making the right decisions over and over again. Aaron says he asks himself, “if I keep making these decisions over time, where will I be, where will I end up?” And if the result is somewhere he doesn’t want to be then he will refrain from making that choice. “Everything is a choice and the more endurance we have to suffer in the short term the less pain we will have in the long term.”
So what is the key to starting a successful business? Hard work. Aaron says that “There's no guarantees, you got to keep innovating, you’ve got to keep grinding, and you’ve got to keep doing good work”.
The failure rate for new companies in the beverage industry is 95% in the first year and 99% in the first five years. Now a global company with 100 employees, LIFEAID Beverage Co. is going strong and on the trajectory to earn a revenue of $100 million. Aaron spoke with Iron Sights’ host Scott Howell […]