Chloe Van Dyke and Florence Van Dyke in an 'activated nutshell'
Chloe and Florence Van Dyke are passionate about adventure, the outdoors, good food, and living a balanced sustainable lifestyle.
They are the creators of the nutritious and delicious CHIA drink which has won the Health Category of the New Zealand Food Awards and the New Zealand Functional Beverage of the Year.
What is your food philosophy?
We feel best eating non-processed, nutrient-dense and mainly vegan foods. In saying that we don't believe anyone should be sticking to a strict diet. We always have room for dessert in the evenings and coffee in the mornings!
We also think it is important to take time to think about the source of the foods we eat, especially where they were farmed, the chemicals that may have been used and the impact on the environment.
What are 3 foods you can't live without?
Avocado, Hydrated chia seeds and Chocolate.
What is your number one tip for vitality?
Start the day with a routine that brings out your vitality - whether that's 20 minutes of mediation with a cup of team or a 2 hour bike ride followed by a hot brekkie and a protein smoothie. Starting the day full of vitality is important for overall well-being no matter what your health and fitness goals.
What are some of your tips for people starting out on their healthy journey?
1.Consistency is key! Making small changes and sticking with them is far better than making life changes and buckling after one month.
2. Listen to your body. Everyone has a different path to health and your one is unique. Do the exercise and eat the foods that will make you feel best long-term.
3. Encourage others around you to take on some of the healthy living goals that you are implementing. Eating and exercising with others on a similar page to you will make your healthy journey so much easier. What inspired you to create CHIA?
We were disappointed with the range of health drinks on the market in New Zealand. Beverages marketed as "energy drinks" are filled with chemicals, colours, preservatives, flavours and tonnes of sugar and even healthy juices usually have a high sugar content.
We wanted to create a drink that had true health benefits. After trialing goji berry juice, kombucha and lots of other failed ideas we came up with CHIA - it is 100% natural with no added sugar, artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and is the most nutrient dense natural bottled beverage in New Zealand.
What are some fun facts about CHIA readers might like to know?
CHIA is 90% hydrated chia seeds and each bottle contains over 1000 seeds.
CHIA contains more omega 3 than 100grams of salmon and 25% of the recommended daily intake of magnesium as well as iron, complete protein, natural electrolytes, antioxidants and fibre.
The Tarahumara Indians of Northern and Central Mexico used the hydrated chia seed to assist in their 100 kilometre runs through desert mountains. The formula works so we have kept it the same.
Chia is one of the easiest plants in the world to grow. It takes almost no water and needs no chemicals or fertiliser. Sprinkle the seeds in your yard and watch your chia garden grow
The CHIA team want to know which cafes or stores you would like to see CHIA in. I have one $100 voucher to a cafe of your choice in Taranaki and two packs of the three CHIA drink flavours to give away. To go into the draw you must share this post to your timeline and comment on up to three of your favourite cafes or stores under this announcement on the Revitalizeme Laura Warren fb page. Three winners will be announced Wednesday 12th October.
