LUNA: Dedicated to Women and Encouraging Positive Snacking

When LUNA first invited me to their headquarters in Berkeley, California to learn and experience the products and programs of the brand, I immediately accepted and then congratulated them on finding their number one fan. LUNA bars make up a significant part of my diet, both as a healthy snack supplement and I won’t lie, sometimes as a quick meal on-the-go.

We spent two days visiting with the LUNA team, using the headquarters as our base to try new samples (of which, I’m sworn to secrecy but helped vote for my favorite flavor), learn about their principals of commitment to the community, their employees (lunch-time yoga anyone?), and the environment. What I didn’t realize about the brand was just how nicely they tie-in all of their programs and initiatives to their core principals.

We saw this dedication in our ride out to Napa Valley to visit the Clif family-owned and operated farm and winery. During our tour of the farm, I understood where their commitment to sustainability and using organic products fit in. And, a good bottle of wine to boot during a gorgeously set dinner at one of the family’s private properties boosted my spirits as I was fading fast from jet lag.

During our intimate dinner, we heard from Jeanne Rizzo of The Breast Cancer Fund and her impressive and deeply informative story about how LUNA supports the prevention of breast cancer with over $3.5 million raised from various brand-sponsored programs. In addition, The Breast Cancer Fund, supported by LUNA, is working to put forth legislation that regulates the chemicals in women's makeup, water bottles, and other consumer products where harmful chemicals are proven to lead to cancer. This message was so strongly delivered and resonated highly with me. To wind down the night before heading out of Napa, we viewed a few short films that will be featured in Lunafest, their annual film festival.

Day two at LUNA

Our second and last day was spent at the LUNA headquarters having breakfast with the brand team and loosening the limbs from the previous day’s journey at a gentle yoga class with an on-site instructor. We were then ready for our last gatherings both with the Manager of Nutrition and LUNA Chix team. Tara Dellolacono Thies, R.D., reminded us how the core principals of LUNA are incorporated into the ingredients found in their products. The idea of the “Power of Positive Snacking” comes from an educated look at the social structures and conventions that inform women’s diets and aims to guide them on a course to a healthier lifestyle that leads to “eating with deeper enjoyment.” What woman doesn’t want to eat with pleasure?! LUNA encourages women to be mindful of eating choices, to snack healthier and creatively, and to get into a routine that will promote a balanced diet that steers clear of binges and unhealthy habits.

I left LUNA totally fired up after our last gathering as a group with members of the local LUNA Chix mountain bike team. Hearing from three of the ladies, some of whom are Moms, and range in experience from newly competitive to kamikaze racer, gave me a feeling of empowerment that I too can carve out time to become more dedicated to a personal, healthy passion and that the support of wonderful women can make all the difference. LUNA supports local teams that you can be part of as well from mountain biking, road biking, running, or triathlon training. Check out teamlunachix.com/teams to find one near you and for more information on the pro team.

Overall, I thank LUNA for a wonderful trip and for the opportunity to meet some inspirational women. Head to www.lunabar.com for more information on the brand and their products.

Allison received an expenses-paid trip on behalf of Mom Central Consulting to California to visit the LUNA headquarters.