PRESENTING SUNSHINE IN A BOX, a luxury holistic wellness box

We are so excited to be interviewing several brands who are contributing to the box.

Here we have interviewed Monica Martini, founder of Be100%, an amazing Nutrition Bar local business that goes above and beyond when it comes to offering nutrition in delicious premium snack bars!

1) What made you decide to start this brand of nutrition bars? 2) Please tell us a bit about your background and what got you to create the brand

The narrative of my life has been profoundly shaped by personal struggles and experiences. The years spent wrestling with the often overlooked symptoms of thyroid disease, coupled with the heart-wrenching loss of dear family members to cancer, served as pivotal turning points in my life's trajectory. These experiences steered me towards a transformative path, wherein I immersed myself in the study of nutrition and honed my culinary skills as a vegan chef.

With an awakened understanding of the integral role of food and lifestyle in shaping our health, I anchored my studies around the profound philosophy of 'food as medicine.' Delving deep into the realms of nutrigenomics and mitochondrial health - which forms the crux of disease and aging - I began to discover and get fascinated with secrets to our wellbeing.

Bringing together my love for cooking, the wisdom of Ayurveda inherited from my Indian roots, and the scientific knowledge I gathered, I started to craft functional foods. These nourishing creations soon found favor with my family and friends, who reveled in their delicious taste and health-boosting properties.

I recognized that snacking, a common habit for many, was often limited to foods chosen to satiate cravings or hunger, a reflection of the limited mainstream understanding of functional nutrition and the narrow range of healthful on-the-go snacks available in the market. I saw a tremendous opportunity to not only raise awareness about the power of food as a tool for disease prevention but also to promote health and longevity by infusing the simple act of snacking with delicious, functional benefits.

And thus, the seeds of BE 100% were sown—an endeavor born out of love for health, passion for food, and a deep commitment to sharing what I learnt and nourishing people.

3) Can you tell us a bit about some of the key ingredients in these bars for example, broccoli sprouts and why you have featured them in one of the chocolate fudge bars?

In my pursuit to curate truly nutritious products that are both beneficial and enjoyable, I find myself drawn to the exploration of ingredients that overshadow conventional superfoods in their exceptional qualities. Among such gems is the lesser-known broccoli sprouts, typically absent from supermarket shelves, yet teeming with unparalleled nutritional richness.

The challenge, however, lies in unearthing ingredients that, despite their modest quantity, pack an impressive punch of nutrients. And indeed, broccoli sprouts rise admirably to this challenge. Consuming a mere quarter cup of these sprouts delivers the same amount of sulforaphane—a potent compound that makes cruciferous vegetables superbly nutritious—as that found in an entire head of mature broccoli.

And so, came about an idea  - why not marry these sprouts with chocolate? Concealing the beneficial broccoli sprouts within the irresistible allure of chocolate could be the perfect strategy to reach those who might ordinarily shy away from broccoli. After all, who could possibly resist the captivating charm of chocolate fudge? This approach offers a delightful and indulgent way to enjoy the incredible health benefits of these powerful sprouts. I want to try and increase the amount of sprouts actually and perhaps offer a more potent version to some customers…

By spotlighting such underrated ingredients, I hope to broaden horizons and enrich diets, one healthful bite at a time.

4) What are your favourite ingredients to work with and why?

The versatility of amaranth truly captivates my culinary senses. Despite being a pseudo-grain, it mirrors the appearance and cooking attributes of traditional grains, and at the same is unique in its nutrient density. Its a champion of gluten-free and grain-free diets, aligning perfectly with the philosophy behind all my products. Its effortlessly adaptable to a vibrant range of recipes, from the savory to the sweet. Indeed, such is the breadth of amaranth that I could easily pen an entire cookbook with it as the star ingredient!

5) What role can these bars ie: the broccoli sprouts or amaranth bar play in recovery from illness
Amaranth is a nutritional powerhouse that carries immense health benefits.  It is a rich source of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its high protein content, including a set of essential amino acids, supports muscle growth and repair. The abundant fiber improves digestion and aids in managing weight, while its significant amount of iron and calcium bolster blood health and bone strength. Additionally, its unique peptides and phytonutrients have shown potential for anti-inflammatory effects and may support heart health. Thus, integrating amaranth into your diet contributes to overall well-being and health.

Broccoli sprouts are a veritable fount of health benefits. They are extraordinarily high in glucoraphanin (primarily found in cruciferous vegetables) which converts to sulforaphane in the gut, a compound that boasts potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps combat oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Emerging research suggests that sulforaphane may also play a role in cancer prevention and cardiovascular health. Furthermore, broccoli sprouts are a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and calcium, which support immune function, eye health, and bone strength, respectively. Incorporating broccoli sprouts into your diet can therefore significantly contribute to your overall wellness and health.

6) Is there anything you’d like to add or any other ?s you’d like to answer - please do so here.
 I wholeheartedly believe that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, holds the power within them to take command of their health. The breadth and depth of nutritional knowledge that surrounds us today is immense, and readily accessible to one and all.

As a self-taught enthusiast, my own journey of knowledge has been paved by the wisdom held in countless books, intricate research papers, and enlightening podcasts. Such resources, rich in value yet economical, are available to anyone with a thirst for learning.

However, the true inception of this journey, I believe, resides in the spark of self-ownership and taking responsibility. It lies in the intrinsic desire to foster well-being, to age gracefully, independently, unfettered by the chains of ill-health. It is this empowering sense of autonomy that drives us to cultivate healthier habits and make informed decisions.

For me, it is this undying pursuit of health autonomy that has served as my guiding light, my motivation. I encourage you to ignite this flame within you, to seize control of your health, for this power is, without a doubt, within your grasp.

Find out more about Be100% and be sure to order your box over at the Yes to Life Wellness shop