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Parents are always their kid’s number one cheerleaders, and one awesome way to help your child out from the sidelines is building them lunches that set them up for success.

By providing a nutritious and delicious school lunch that fuels their bodies and minds throughout the day, your kids can thrive academically, stay energized, and develop healthy eating habits that will benefit them for a lifetime. In this article, we'll explore four valuable tips on how to make your kids a bomb school lunch that they will love and benefit from.

1. Ditch the Plastic Bags and Invest in a Reusable Bento Box

The first step to creating a fantastic school lunch is to opt for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging. Say goodbye to single-use plastic bags and embrace the versatility of reusable bento boxes. These multi-compartment lunch containers help separate different food items without the need for wasteful bags. Additionally, they present an excellent opportunity to educate your kids about essential food groups.

By using a bento box, children can visually see their proteins, whole grains, and fruits/vegetables, which makes learning about balanced nutrition more engaging. Moreover, this small change in packaging will significantly reduce plastic waste, contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.

2. Keep Hot Foods Hot and Cold Foods Cold

Nobody enjoys a lukewarm meal, especially when it comes to school lunches. To ensure your kids' lunches are as appetizing as possible, invest in the proper equipment to maintain the right temperature. High-quality thermoses are essential for preserving the warmth of soups, pasta dishes, or other hot items. Similarly, ice packs will keep sandwiches and perishable snacks fresh and cool until lunchtime.

Use this opportunity to teach your children about which foods are most perishable or temperature sensitive. Understanding food safety will help them make informed choices in the future and avoid consuming anything potentially harmful.

3. Give Your Child Input on Their Lunchbox (Within Reason)

Empowering your children to have some say in their lunchbox choices can lead to more enthusiasm about their meals. While you still want to ensure they're getting a nutritious meal, offering them a degree of creative license can make a significant difference. Allow them to choose between healthy options, like a PROBAR PEAK bar or carrots and hummus for a snack.

When kids feel involved in the decision-making process, they are more likely to enjoy their meals and develop a positive relationship with food. Remember to strike a balance between their preferences and the nutritional value of the items they choose.

4. Incorporate Energy and Brain-Boosting Foods

To keep your kids energized and focused throughout the school day, incorporate foods that boost brain function and provide sustained energy. Brain-boosting foods like dark chocolate, nuts, seeds, and berries are rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients that support cognitive function. Energy-boosting options like bananas, yogurt, and beans provide a steady source of fuel to keep them going.

A perfect addition to their lunchbox is the PROBAR PEAK bar, which combines nuts, seeds, and a delightful burst of chocolate in three delicious flavors: chocolate coconut, peanut butter chocolate, and frosted sea salt caramel. These bars are not only nutritious but also a treat that your kids will love!

Making a great school lunch for your kids doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. By investing in reusable bento boxes, using the right equipment to maintain food temperatures, involving your child in the decision-making process, and incorporating energy and brain-boosting foods, you can create lunches that are both nutritious and exciting.

Remember that a well-balanced school lunch plays a crucial role in your child's overall health and development. By following these tips and getting creative with their favorite foods, you can ensure that your kids are set up for success both inside and outside the classroom!

Running with Ed is a relay run hosted in Park City, Utah that raises money for teachers, students, and schools within Park City. This event has been voted Park City’s favorite fundraiser for the last nine years, and this year made it clear that they have no intention of giving up their streak. Their 2023 race occurred on the 20th of May, and it was an absolute blast! PROBAR has been a long-term sponsor of this event, providing snacks for runners as they tackle each leg.

PROBAR was lucky enough to have our own team in the running this year and we were able to experience the awesome work of Park City’s students and teachers firsthand!

One of the many perks of working in the food and outdoor industry, is the ability to experience eventual overlap between your work and your hobbies.

I was fortunate enough to have that happen here at PROBAR last month.

Our GM casually asked if I’d be interested in participating in one of the endurance mountain bike events in Costa Rica that our Central American distributors were sponsoring this spring.

Mmmmm yes please!

Having never been to Costa Rica, this was an amazing opportunity to travel, race my bike and make new friends throughout the whole trip.

100km with just under 9k ft of climbing is usually the type of events I look forward to the most as it suits my abilities as a cyclist well, but, for all of us who have experienced this snowfall record-breaking winter here in Utah, I was a bit nervous about the lack of outdoor training time before the event.

Coming from mid 40’s to 50’s to high 90’s and humid was a bit of a shock to the body when I landed in San Jose. I knew the best thing I could do was to stay hydrated, snack on some BOLT, apply plenty of sunscreen and let the body get used to the heat before racing the next day!

I met the Costa Rican PROBAR team, Marijose and her husband, as well as two local PROBAR ambassadors for a shakeout ride the day before. It was fun chatting with Eunice and Guido, picking their brain on what it’s like training and competing in Costa Rica. It was really cool to see how passionate the locals are about endurance mountain sports!

After our ride, I had dinner with Marijose and a group of her friends at a local restaurant and made my way back to my hotel for an early bedtime as the race started the next day at 6 AM which would mean an early wake up to have breakfast and getting ready. 

I rode over from the hotel to the start of the event which was very close by and was immediately surprised by the number of riders who where already there and getting ready for the day. I’ve been to many races across the US, in terms of number of participant this one definitely surpassed everything else by quite a bit!

It got a bit chaotic trying to stage near the front of the field, I stood there with 10min to go as the race promoter was sharing some last minute course briefing in Spanish, none of which I understood. The race finally got started and with a 10min or so ‘neutral’ roll out, I just tried to stay near the front without wasting too much energy. As soon as the flag dropped and the race was on, it was ON! People where attacking nonstop and the pack started gradually picking up the pace as no one wanted to let groups up the road. It was my first time experiencing a mass start race WITH E-bikes, which made it interesting as some of them started buzzing by us incredibly fast with their motor assisted bikes.

Soon enough, we got to the base of a very steep road climb and that was a nice way to start splitting up the group a bit. As this was still only 5miles in a 60mile race, I didn’t want to go TOO hard but also wanted to find myself with a group not far off the lead. I caught on the back wheel of a group of 3 other riders after a front group of 4 had gone up the road.

To my surprise, there would be no single track at all during the event. I suppose the tropical-jungle environment probably makes it too difficult to maintain trails. The race was on a mix of paved road and fire roads, both, extremely steep uphill and downhill. This made the race very fast which would make working in groups much more efficient than riding by yourself.

Being the only foreigner in my group, I could tell the other riders all knew each other and a bit of a coalition to try and get rid of me was starting to form. I would try and keep the pace up during some of the downhill and flatter section, only to be fully attacked by their surges anytime the road tilted upwards. I would lose their wheel and gradually work my way back to them, knowing my abilities and not wanting to go unnecessarily hard on the steeper climbs. I yo-yo’d with the group on during the next hour or so of the race before some of them started to fall off of their own pace setting. My tactic of riding within myself was starting to pay off.

When I was at the start line, I noticed I was the only rider with a hydration pack. Everyone else was running a very lean setup with only a small water bottle. It had me a bit worried as I figured they probably all had support crew at the aid stations to hand them extra bottles while I would have to stop, not to mention, carry an extra 3 pounds or so on my back. I felt that extra weight on all those steep climbs but it eventually paid off as I didn’t have to stop at the last aid station while the other riders momentarily did.

I was able to pass them and push it on the next descent. I got clear of the riders I was riding with and soon saw the front 2 riders in the distance. With only 6 miles, to go I pushed as hard as I could on this last long climb knowing there would only be a long descent and a quick climb towards the finish left. I was hoping to catch them right before the top of the descent, which I had pre-ridden the day before.

Knowing a section of trail is a huge advantage as you can start really pushing the pace with confidence. I was able to just latch on as we crested the climb, sprinted by one of the riders and found myself following the lead rider. Halfway through the descent, I made the second pass and used the the trail knowledge to my advantage to try and create some separation. We got to the bottom of the descent without crashing despite ripping through the loose and steep turns. I saw the other rider on my wheel, and rode a hard tempo on the final false flat uphill, gradually riding harder and harder until one of us would blow up.

I saw him struggling and then standing up to try and accelerate to stay in the wheel and in the process he started cramping and had to sit back down. Must've not packed some BOLT's with him. I was relieved to not have to sprint to the finish line and rode my own pace for the last 2km.

I was happily surprised and excited for my performance, despite the heat and the course challenges, I knew my previous racing experience would help me navigate a new style of racing against competitors I didn’t know.

At the race venue, Mariana and Marijose were very excited and we started sharing stories when Guido and Eunice finished their races as well. Costa Rica has such a thriving endurance sports competition scene! It was also really cool to see a much better-balanced men to women ratio there than we have unfortunately in the US.

I had 24hrs to pack my bike, do some sightseeing (jungle & sloth tours!) and work my way back to the airport before flying back, tired, slightly sunburnt, and with many great memories!

Eunice Rojas:

“Arenal Epic is one of the most beautiful races I’ve participated in, very nice views and many miles with good climbing.

Favorite Product: MEAL Chocolate Coconut

Next goal: La Ruta de los Conquistadores.”

Guido Fernandez:

"My name is Guido Fernández, I am an ambassador for PROBAR Costa Rica and I do different adventure sports such as Ultra Trail Running, Mountain Bike, Long Mountain Trekking.

I recently competed in Toyota Arenal Epic, a MTB event in the 45K category, I obtained a Top 10 in the general classification, which was very disputed because it is a very fast and explosive category. It is a spectacular event because you border the largest lake in Costa Rica and its views, ascents and places are unique.

During the competition I used my two favorite PROBAR products which are the Pink Lemonade BOLT Gummies and the Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip MEAL Bars.

My next event is a Trail Running 50k in Rincón de la Vieja, Costa Rica in June, followed by the Volcano 100 on Mountain Bike in September where I will compete in the 100 miles!”

Come take a look at how we make PROTEIN bars in our manufacturing facility.

Sustainability has become an increasingly important issue in recent years, as we face the reality of climate change and environmental degradation.

While it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the problem, the good news is that there are plenty of small steps we can all take in our everyday lives to live more sustainably.

In this article we will share a few tips that you can work into your day-to-day life to help produce a greener planet so that we can all enjoy the outdoors!

1. Reduce, reuse, and recycle

One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your environmental impact is to follow the three R's: reduce, reuse, and recycle. This means buying less, using what you have for longer, and recycling as much as possible.

For example, consider using a reusable water bottle instead of buying single-use plastic bottles, or using cloth bags instead of plastic bags at the grocery store.

2. Conserve energy

Reducing your energy use can have a big impact on your carbon footprint.

Some simple ways to conserve energy include turning off lights and electronics when they're not in use, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and setting your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and higher in the summer.

3. Choose sustainable transportation

Transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Whenever possible, choose sustainable transportation options such as walking, biking, or taking public transportation.

If you need to drive, consider carpooling or using a hybrid or electric vehicle.

4. Eat sustainably

The food we eat can have a significant impact on the environment. Consider choosing foods that are locally sourced and in season, which can reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

Eating less meat and dairy can also have a big impact, as the production of animal products is often resource-intensive and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. 

Recent increases in meat consumption worldwide really have had huge effects on our environment. Concerned about getting enough protein? Our PROBAR PROTEIN bars pack 20g of plant-based protein!

The MEAL bar is a great example; plant-based food, produced locally!

5. Reduce waste

Reducing the amount of waste you produce is an important part of living sustainably. This can include using reusable containers instead of single-use plastic, composting food waste, and avoiding products with excessive packaging.

When possible, choose products made from recycled materials.

6. Support sustainable businesses

When you choose to support businesses that prioritize sustainability, you help drive demand for environmentally friendly practices. Look for companies that use renewable energy, minimize waste, and prioritize sustainable sourcing. Ask other businesses what their sustainability plan is.

A little bit of homework can go a long way in supporting the planet.

7. Educate yourself and others

One of the most important things you can do for sustainability is to educate yourself and others about the issues. Stay informed about environmental news and research, and share what you learn with your friends and family. Encourage others to make small changes in their own lives, and work together to make a bigger impact.

Living sustainably doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. By making small changes in your everyday life, you can help reduce your environmental impact and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

PROBAR’s Commitment to Sustainability

At PROBAR we are proud of our commitment to sustainability and supporting the planet – here are some of the stats on our sustainability efforts:

100% of cardboard and plastics are recycled at PROBAR, this is over 100,000 lbs annually.

All of our Bars are produced, packaged and shipped locally in Salt Lake City, UT.

All batteries and lightbulbs are recycled 55% landfill diversion rate at PROBAR, that’s 5 football fields of garbage diverted.

PROBAR switched from foreign rotogravure to domestic digital for bar wrappers in 2022.

This is ~80% reduction in global warming contribution.
~85% ozone creation reduction
~70% energy demand reduction….equivalent to over 800 light bulbs
~60% water depletion reduction

PROBAR removed excess material from its PROTEIN bar cartons, resulting in 3 tons of less paper material being used in 2022, with this number being >10 tons saved in 2023.

Our carbon footprint impact is constantly at the forefront of our minds when planning new product launches, events and other partnerships we are involved with. If you have any questions about our process, please reach out!

We would love to see and hear what our PROBAR fans are doing on a daily basis to reduce their own carbon footprints! Tag us on social with your best tips so that we can share them with others!

#FUELEDBYPROBAR

As part of that mission, we also share core values that inspire our actions every day.

Treat Business Like Your Family

Let Your Actions Define You

Big Steps, Small Footprint

We Love Real Food & We Love What We Do. What Else Is There?

We Don’t Run From Our Karma & Why Would We Want To?

PROBAR is proud to give back to causes that resonate with our core values listed above.

One cause that we’ve been proud to contribute to for the last 9 years in our local community is the Utah Food Bank.

“At PROBAR’s inception we committed to contributing 5 percent of our profits to benefit others, with our main philanthropic focus on nutrition and, specifically, helping children,” said PROBAR CEO Jeff Coleman.

“Utah Food Bank’s mission of ‘fighting hunger statewide’ is very much aligned with our charitable focus, and when we learned that one in nine Utah kids are unsure where their next meal is coming from, we realized the critical nature of this work.

We are delighted to be able to make an impact to help children at risk by providing convenient, delicious and healthy food to Utah children.” 

Did you know: 1 in 9 Utah Kids Face Hunger? The Utah Food Bank works to feed them all.

We wanted to take a moment and share some information on the Utah Food Bank, to highlight their organization and the efforts they are making in the community.

Fighting Hunger Statewide

For over 118 years, Utah Food Bank has stayed true to our objective of serving those in need throughout our state. We work tirelessly with community partners and volunteers to continue making an impact and fulfilling our mission of Fighting Hunger Statewide.

Last year, Utah Food Bank distributed 56.1 million meals via a statewide network of 230 partner agencies located in all 29 counties. In addition to being one of only a handful of food banks that distributes food free of charge to partner agencies, we also offer several direct service programs to help the most vulnerable populations in our state — children and seniors. By combining these direct service programs with our emergency food assistance services, we can truly impact the lives of Utahns who live in a world of food insecurity.

One specific program that PROBAR actively sponsors, is the Utah Food Bank’s Kids Cafe.

Utah Food Bank’s Kids Cafe is offered in partnership with educational after-school sites at local elementary schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, and community centers. Last year alone, this program provided 477,703 meals to children at risk of hunger. Kids Cafe meals provide the kind of nutrition that grows healthy, resilient bodies and minds. It helps fill the nutrition gap that often exists during out-of-school hours for many children who rely on free or reduced-price meal programs during the school day. The objectives of the program are twofold: first, to ensure that the children most vulnerable to hunger receive an evening meal, and second, to provide balanced nutrition in each meal served.

Last year, our Kids Cafe kitchen staff prepared an average of 1,837 meals each weekday. These meals were packed and transported to 108 sites where at least 50% of the children qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches. Participating sites offer not only a way to satiate hunger, but also a safe place where children can participate in educational, recreational, and social activities under the supervision of trustworthy staff.

PROBAR is proud to continue giving back to the Utah Food Bank. In 2022 we were able to contribute over 22,000 Meal Bars to the food bank, which help support kids and adults alike.

We look forward to our continued relationship with this admirable organization in 2023 and beyond!

If you are interested in learning more about how you can help out, please visit:

https://www.utahfoodbank.org/

This past week, our PROBAR team had the pleasure of sponsoring the nutrition for the golfers, caddies, and volunteers at the Farmers Insurance Open PGA golf event at Torrey Pines golf course in La Jolla, California.

Below is a quick summary of the event for our audience to explore and enjoy all the beauty Torrey Pines has to offer.

The Course:

Torrey Pines is a beautiful golf course featuring two 18-hole courses, the South Course and the North Course, both designed by William F. Bell. The South Course is notorious for its challenging layout and breathtaking ocean views.

The North Course is shorter and less challenging than the South, but still provides a good test for even the highest level of golfers.

Torrey Pines is also well known for its large driving range and putting greens, making it a popular destination for tourists and local golfers alike.

#FUELEDBYPROBAR:

While we enjoyed some great golf at Torrey, we also had the pleasure of fueling the athletes with our selection of PROBAR product.

We offered our full selection of MEAL, PROTEIN, BOLT, PEAK, and THINS to keep the golfers energized for four days straight.

At the event, the MEAL Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip was the clear winner.

If you haven’t tried any PROBAR product yet, the Starter Pack is an ideal product to get started with. All products are plant-based and responsibly sourced.

The Results:

Max Homa finished play with an incredible -13 under par, to close out the tournament in first place. Homa accomplished a rare feat this season becoming only the second golfer this tour to win 2 PGA TOUR events, joining Jon Rahm in elite company. Homa was able to overcome a 5-shot deficit heading into the final day of play to secure his sixth major title. Homa is no stranger to performing on the California greens, as four of his six major titles were won in the Golden State.

Keegan Bradley and Colin Morikawa finished closely behind in second and third place respectively. While the steady favorite, Jon Rahm closed out the event tied for seventh place.

Utah native Tony Finau also put on an impressive performance finishing in the top 10. Tony is a fan favorite at PROBAR for his roots and dedication to the local Utah community. Hats off to Tony!

Summary:

This is the second PGA event we have had the pleasure of sponsoring on this tour, and surely will not be the last. Golf is an incredibly difficult sport that requires a tremendous amount of focus, coordination, patience, stamina, and precision.

Naturally, this lends itself extremely well to our product which provides sustained energy for those long days on the golf course.

We greatly appreciate Torrey Pines for hosting such an incredible event, and the Farmers Insurance Open team for being great partners to work with on this event.

 

Which PGA stop would you like to see PROBAR at next?

Follow us on social media and share your adventures with us using the hashtag #FUELEDBYPROBAR.

We are always on the look out for amazing stories to share with the community!

A plant-based diet is a diet which primarily consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts; offering a wide range of health benefits.

A plant-based diet is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients help to protect against chronic diseases and studies have shown that individuals who follow a plant-based diet have a lower risk of developing these conditions and could even help combat them.

Additionally, a plant-based diet can be beneficial for weight management. Plant-based foods are typically lower in calories and fat than animal-based foods, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight. A plant-based diet can also improve gut health.

Whole plant foods are high in fiber, which helps to keep the digestive system running smoothly and promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Furthermore, a plant-based diet is good for the environment.

Animal agriculture is a leading cause of deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing to eat more plant-based foods, individuals can reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future!

A plant-based diet offers a wide range of health benefits, including a lower risk of chronic diseases, healthy weight management, improved gut health and an overall more sustainable future.

It is a diet that can be beneficial for both individual and the planet!


Plant-Based Diet Options:
There are a variety of foods that can be included in a plant-based diet daily. It’s important to have a variety of food choices so that you get a balance of all essential nutrients that your body needs, and to diversify you options so that you don’t get burnt out!

1. Fruits: Berries, bananas, apples, oranges, grapes,

2. Vegetables: Leafy greens such as spinach and kale, broccoli, bell peppers, tomatoes, cauliflower

3. Whole grains: Quinoa, brown rice, oats, barley

4. Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas

5. Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds

6. Plant-based protein sources: PROBAR PROTEIN 😊, Tofu, tempeh, seitan, plant-based meat alternatives

7. Healthy fats: Avocado, olive oil, coconut oil

8. Plant-based milks: Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk It's important to note that a plant-based diet does not necessarily mean a vegan diet, which means you can include eggs and dairy in a plant-based diet, if you don't have any personal restrictions.

"It feels good to put attention into what I'm eating, and in 30 years I haven’t looked back or missed anything. I try and encourage folks to think about what they’re putting into their body " - Jason S.

Potential Health Benefits:

1. Lower risk of chronic diseases: Studies have shown that individuals who follow a plant-based diet have a lower risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.*

2. Weight management: Plant-based foods are typically lower in calories and fat than animal-based foods, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.

3. Improved gut health: Whole plant foods are high in fiber, which helps to keep the digestive system running smoothly and promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut.

4. Lower blood pressure: Plant-based diets are rich in potassium, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.

5. Improved kidney function: A plant-based diet has been shown to improve kidney function in individuals with kidney disease.

6. Lower cholesterol: A plant-based diet is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, which helps to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart problems.

7. Improved immune function: The high levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals found in plant-based foods can help to improve the function of the immune system.

8. Better bone health: Plant-based diets are rich in calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that are essential for bone health.

" I have a plant-based diet to help recover from a long days of rowing and training." -Ian C 

Here at PROBAR we provide a one-stop shop for plant-based nutrition to help keep you tackling all challenges life throws your way.

Not familiar with our products? Give our Starter Pack a go and see what product line you enjoy most! We recommend BOLT for bursts of energy throughout the day, MEAL for times where you just can’t get a nutritious meal in, and PROTEIN for a high-protein snack following any workout or just to get in that extra boost of plant-based protein throughout your day.

Head on over to our socials below and check out some more awesome plant-based recipes and content that will inspire you to take the next step on your plant-based diet journey!

Tag us with #fueledbyprobar to share your adventures with us.

 

Still searching for that New Year motivation? Don’t worry – there’s still time!

In this article we will seek to provide you with all the best tips to help fuel your everyday adventures!

The first part of this blog will be giving tips on forming healthy habits, while the second part will provide tips on effective goal setting. Our hope is that with the combination of these 10 tips, you will be better equipped to tackle the New Year ahead.

Part 1: Forming Healthy Habits

The beginning of a new year is an excellent time to reflect on the previous year and work towards positive change in your life. We believe the foundation that fuels this momentum is forming healthy habits, which are actions that we perform consistently and automatically. Although we believe healthy habits can be formed at any time of the year, the new year provides a ‘clean slate’ to give you the extra motivation to push through any obstacles in front of you.

So how can you form healthy habits in the new year? Here are 5 tips to help get your new year started strong:

1. Start small: It's important to start with a small, achievable behavior and gradually increase the difficulty or frequency as the habit becomes more automatic. For example, if you want to start exercising regularly, begin by committing to a short 10 minute walk every day for a week, and then gradually increase the distance or intensity as it becomes easier. Over time, this will allow you to build upon your previous successes and start stacking momentum.


"The hardest part is getting out the door. Something is better than nothing."

-Virginia Solomon, PCBR Team


2. Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to forming habits. Choose a behavior that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine and make a commitment to stick with it consistently for a period of time, such as one month. As hard as it may be, allow yourself to commit to this period of time, before making any decisions on giving up!

3. Create a supportive environment: Surround yourself with people who will encourage and motivate you, and make sure that you have the resources and tools that you need to succeed. For example, if you want to eat healthier, stock your pantry with healthy food options and join a support group or hire a coach to help you stay on track.

"Something that I heard a while back that’s been helping me is- you can’t wait to be motivated, you have to start and the motivation will come.
For parents with twins it’s been helpful to have partners that support each other to get our exercise or training in. I’m finally starting to find some kind of rhythm and automaticity to it within my schedule."

- Erin Sweetser, PCBR Team


4. Track your progress: It can be helpful to track your progress and celebrate your successes along the way. This can go a long way in helping you to stay hungry and actually visualize the progress that you are making, that you might not have noticed at a glance.

5. Be patient: Forming new habits takes time! So be patient with yourself. It's normal to have setbacks and obstacles along the way, so don't get discouraged if you have a hard time sticking to your new habit at first.

Keep putting in the effort and over time these will become easier to tackle!

"Drastic changes are hard to keep up, making lots of small changes over time will eventually get you to your goal without risking burnout."

- Veronica Paulsen, Professional Skier


"You can do all the above but if you are not having fun, you are not likely to continue the behavior. So, have fun with your squad and find that love for your bike! This makes working out not seem like a chore but an overall benefit to the mind, body and soul."

- Sol Squad, Womens MTB Team

Bonus Tip:

Fuel Accordingly: Your body needs regular fuel to help keep your mind sharp and focused throughout the day. Here at PROBAR we provide a one-stop shop for plant-based nutrition to help keep you tackling all challenges life throws your way. Not familiar with our products? Give our Starter Pack a go and see what product line you enjoy most!

We recommend BOLT for bursts of energy throughout the day, MEAL for times where you just can’t get a nutritious meal in, and PROTEIN for a high-protein snack following any workout or just to get in that extra boost of plant-based protein throughout your day.

By starting small, being consistent, creating a supportive environment, tracking your progress, and being patient with yourself, you are well on your way to developing sustainable, healthy habits that will support your long-term success and growth in 2023 and on.

 

 

Part 2: Effective Goal Setting


Now that we’ve given some tips on the foundation of forming these healthy habits, you can expand upon the impact by setting goals to pair with them. Setting goals is an integral part of personal and professional development, as it helps us to focus our efforts and continue to stay motivated. By setting goals, we can also measure our progress and make adjustments as needed to ensure that we are on track to achieve our desired outcomes.

However, not all goals are created equal. In order for goals to be effective, they must be well-defined and aligned with our own values and priorities. Here are 5 tips below for setting effective goals:

1. Make your goals SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This means that your goals should be clear and specific, with a measurable outcome, and be achievable within a certain time frame.
For example, if you want to run your first marathon, detail out a specific event you would like to attend, and then set specific and measurable steps to guide your training; such as running 3 miles week A, 6 miles week B, and so on.

2. Set goals that are aligned with your values: Make sure that your goals are in line with your personal values and priorities. This will help you actually enjoy and commit to these tasks, even when motivation is running low some days!
Ask yourself; what do I really want to achieve – and more important WHY?

3. Break your goals down into smaller, more manageable tasks: Large, long-term goals can seem overwhelming and difficult to ever achieve. By breaking your goals down into smaller, more manageable tasks, you can count your wins as you move along, which will help reduce burnout.

4. Set deadlines: Deadlines can help you stay on track and ensure that you are making progress towards your goals.
We recommend writing these deadlines down and checking in regularly to ensure you’re holding yourself accountable for your daily actions.

5. Review and adjust your goals regularly: It is important to regularly review and adjust your goals as needed to ensure that you are still on track to achieve them.
We’re all human and sometimes life can get in the way of what we originally had planned. What’s important is that you’re being realistic and acknowledging areas where you need to pivot!

"Once spring comes around and the count down to summer backpacking trips starts, it’s time to make some goals! We usually want to be hiking 15mi/25km and carrying 20-30lbs by late June/early July, so we gradually increase our walking distance and load weight.


I’ve made the mistake of increasing too much too soon, so it’s important to give yourself time to reach the goal without injury."

-Brigid Scott, Hiker & Photographer

We hope that you enjoyed these tips and continue to use them as inspiration to fuel your everyday adventures! We would love to hear all about the progress you’re making in 2023 by sharing with us on social media using the hashtag #fueledbyprobar.

So what are you waiting for? Your next adventure starts now!