Did you know that E&C’s Snacks launched a Brand Ambassador program? Our Hunk Squad is a group of passionate Heavenly Hunks lovers who are excited to share their love for these ridiculously amazing treats.
May is Celiac Awareness Month, and we take pride in being able to provide our gluten-free snacks to those are have Celiac disease and deserve to be able to have healthy, indulgent options in their diet. To spread further awareness this month, we’d like to introduce you to one of our new Brand Ambassadors, who just happens to be an expert on all things diet and nutrition! Get to know her in our Hunk Squad Member Spotlight below.
1. What’s your name?
Alyssa Lavy
2. What’s your Instagram handle?
@alyssalavyrd (I also have a smaller account @impact.full, which focuses on sports nutrition)
3. Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m a registered dietitian and I love to cook and share my recipes! I’m also a personal trainer and I offer both services in my practice, Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness LLC. In my practice, I focus on digestive health and sports nutrition. When I’m not counseling or training clients, I can usually be found hanging out with my pup, Eloise.
4. What got you interested in the relationship between the body and food?
I’ve always loved food, but I became very interested in the relationship with food and the body when I was diagnosed with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) when I was about 12 years old. I became fascinated with the way that diet affected my symptoms. However, I did not plan on entering the nutrition field until partway through college, after I took a very interesting Biology of Human Nutrition course. I realized that my love for food and my interest in the relationship between food and the body could be my career and I instantly changed my major and made a plan to earn my RD (registered dietitian) credential.
5. Any advice you would give to other busy moms interested in making healthier diet choices for themselves and family?
My number one tip is to make sure that you don’t allow food rules to stress you out! There is so much misinformation out there and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and confused. If you or someone in your family requires dietary restrictions (due to allergies, celiac disease or other GI conditions), meet with a registered dietitian who can provide you with education, resources and support so you can take the guesswork out of it!
And, while it’s difficult to give general health/nutrition advice, my one tip for making healthier choices is to consider adding vegetables to your meals more often. For example, adding veggies to eggs or smoothies, sandwiches, or other meals that may have neglected veggies. I always like to consider how we can add nutrition into the diet (rather than restricting and taking it out of the diet), so adding veggies more often is a good place to start! Making healthy changes does not necessarily mean a major diet overhaul.
6. What does a typical day look like for you?
With my business, it is difficult to describe a “typical” day, because so many days are different! If I’m working in the office (a few days per week), I usually have a packed, long day working with clients and this may mean that I don’t schedule a workout or much free time on those days. When I work from home, I usually start my day at a barre class and then I get home and either meet with clients via telehealth or work on visit summaries for clients in the office from the previous day. If it’s nice outside, I try to take a long walk with my pup (Eloise) at some point. I also use these days to do media work and some business organization. Whether I’m working at the office or at home, I usually cook during the week and enjoy dinner at home with my husband. Then, I’ll sometimes have a Heavenly Hunk for dessert!
7. What’s the most important thing our readers should know about gluten?
I think it is important to know that for those with Celiac, it is so important to minimize your risk of cross-contact, as very small amounts of gluten can potentially cause a reaction. I always tell my clients that YOU are in charge of your health and it is up to you to ask questions when dining out. A dish that is free from gluten-containing ingredients (as listed on the menu) may be cooked in pasta water or used in the same deep fryer that fries breadcrumbs. Never feel like you are a burden when it comes to your health and staying safe – it can never hurt to ask!
8. What’s one tip you would give someone who is struggling with Celiac disease?
I would recommend that you meet with a dietitian at least once in order to get thorough recommendations regarding foods that are safe for you to consume. Many people do not realize that gluten can be found in foods that are not your typical “bread” sources, such as cream sauces or gravy (as flour is often added). Meeting with a dietitian can help you to feel more confident and less stressed regarding food choices, while also improving your health and decreasing your risk of cross-contact with gluten.
9. How long have you been crushing on Heavenly Hunks?
I first found Heavenly Hunks at the Costco near me this past fall and I have been hooked ever since!
10. How did you learn about E&C’s Snacks? What drew you to our snacks?
I saw the package at the Costco near me and I was intrigued. When I looked at the ingredients and the picture on the front, I knew I had to try them! I love having a small, sweet treat after dinner most nights and Heavenly Hunks are the perfect dessert!
11. What’s your favorite Hunk flavor?
Oatmeal chocolate chip!! <3
12. What’s your favorite way to snack on Hunks?
I eat them straight out of the bag! Although this question is making me think that perhaps I should get more creative and use them in a recipe!
13. What’s the best thing about being a member of the Hunk Squad?
I love the ability to reach more people (like through this interview) and connect with people who may feel overwhelmed while navigating dietary restrictions. I also loved my recent care package filled with Heavenly Hunks ☺
14. Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about you?
I’m a foodie, so I absolutely love helping people to find satisfying, delicious foods that they can tolerate, especially when they need to consider certain dietary restrictions!