Attending the FitExpo is like being thrust into a world that is only concerned with health & wellness, fitness, diet, recovery methods, and pretty much anything that can benefit/enhance the human body. It was our paradise, except for the products containing cow hooves and artificial colors/flavors, of course. Amid the hundreds of exhibitors, fitness classes, and competitions, we were able to find fascinating products and information that could be useful to our customers.
We felt like cool kids with backstage passes when we showed up to the Los Angeles Convention Center. Flashing our press passes to security, we were able to skip the massive line that wrapped around half of the exhibition hall. We began combing the maze of exhibitor booths, snagging free swag and tasting plant-based products whenever we could. This was all for you, Dherbs customers! We filled up on protein and electrolytes for you!
Since our last coverage of the LA FitExpo in 2017, we were amazed to see how many plant-based products, supplements, and food exhibitors there were. In 2017, we estimated that about 20% of the exhibitors had to do with plant-based nutrition. 2019 told a different story, with about 50% of the exhibitors selling items related to plant-based living. How cool is that?!
NutraMilk
If you don’t know by now, we are huge fans of homemade nut milks and nut butters. We came across a company called NutraMilk, which has created a special blender that is designed to make nut butters and nut milks. While this pricey machine ($450!!!) was magical, we believe a high-speed blender or food processor could do the job. Nevertheless, the NutraMilk creates nut butters in minutes. After talking to the representatives at the booth, they said that the nut butters never go above 108º F during the blending process, making them 100% raw. It is a specialty appliance, but it doesn’t require you to strain blended nuts through cheesecloths in order to get nut milk. Easy to use and easy to clean too!
Kinesiology Tape
This is not new, but my goodness was there a lot of kinesiology tape at the FitExpo. With the nickname “magic tape,” it’s no wonder that kinesiology tape has become one of the most-widely used recovery/therapeutic tools for athletes or the average person with muscle or joint pain. The tape does not contain any topical substances; rather, the tape lifts the skin to reduce pressure or pain in that area. It also works to reduce pressure on lymphatic drainage, which aids the removal of fluids that collect in an injured area. The enhanced circulation improves oxygen and nutrient supply, helping you to avoid cramps or spasms.
CBD Everything
We lost count of how many CBD-infused products were at the FitExpo this year. Within the past decade, laws have changed and more research has been conducted about the benefits and treatment options of new CBD products. It is important to note that cannabidiol (CBD) is a component of the hemp plant, but it does not contain THC, which is the widely known counterpart that induces psychoactive effects. CBD does not have psychoactive effects and has many medicinal properties. We saw a great many CBD-infused salves and creams, which can help reduce muscle & joint pain and improve skin elasticity and tone. According to research, the pain-relieving properties of CBD are attributed to the interaction of CBD with CB2 receptors on the skin. This provides localized pain relief because it does not get absorbed into the bloodstream. There are other CBD products (vape pens, oils, and snacks) that may provide full body therapeutic pain relief.
Our Takeaway
CBD products and plant-based supplements, foods, and products are on the rise and are predicted to line the shelves of a lot more stores across the country in the near future. Don’t be afraid of experimenting with a healthier way of life. Think about the things you could be doing for your health, instead of the things you aren’t doing. Act now and live healthy!
