Here are a few highlights from the podcast:
Ashleigh Van Houten: Everyone enjoys a nice dessert now and then, especially one that is delicious and satisfying but still has decent ingredients that don't leave you feeling awful. That's why Paleo Power Balls were created. Unlike many of the healthy paleo, gluten-free treats of today, these are a lot more delicious than your average coconut fat bomb. The texture is amazing; they are chewy and fresh and dense, and they don't crumble and fall apart as soon as you pick them up. They come in a variety of flavors like Carob Fudge Cake, Chocolate Brownie, Lemon Cream Pie, Matcha Green Tea Latte, Orange Cranberry, Snickerdoodle, and Vanilla Cupcake. They are absolutely delicious!
Amy Ma: A Little Background
In 2013, I was working as a trial lawyer and my health was deteriorating. Having suffered from autoimmune issues since childhood, I was tired and rundown. At this point, I was basically eating anything I wanted. If I grabbed a sandwich and it was on wheat bread, I thought that was a good thing; I was eating healthy. I didn't realize that there was a connection between the food I ate and how I felt.
Then a colleague told me about paleo and it sounded terrible to me. What she was describing didn't sound like something I could or wanted to do; I thought I was already eating healthy. But, every day I was feeling tired while she looked vibrant and energetic. I finally gave in and decided to read up on paleo. I gave it a try, and it was amazing for me and my health.
After doing paleo for a little while, I found AIP. I learned more about it and it was huge for me as it started to fix some of my issues. It was life-changing.
A Business is Born
I always loved baking; it was something I did with my mom as a kid. I looked at the recipes I found and tried to make some of my own. I made Power Balls for fun, although they weren't called Power Balls yet, and started bringing them to work. My coworkers loved them, even those who weren't trying to eat healthy or paleo. With encouragement and help, I set up a website. Next, I passed out samples at the CrossFit games in California, and they were very well-received. I continued on with the website and it just took off from there. About four or five months later, I left my law firm to pursue this full time.
Power Balls - AIP as well as Paleo
AIP is similar to paleo, but you cut out more foods that are problems. Power Balls are gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. We were able to create a snack that holds together without the use of nut butter. They are not baked, but dehydrated, and we use only the best ingredients. We source our ingredients as clean as possible from companies we trust who are transparent about their sourcing. Also, they are made in small batches by hand. That way we have a lot of control in production. I can guarantee that the Power Balls are completely AIP with no cross-contamination. What you get is a moist and cakey product with a perfect texture.
New Products on the Horizon
We are currently working with a food scientist to develop a product that is lower in sugar that would help those who follow the keto diet. Also, I have an amazing recipe for an AIP cookie. This will be more of a treat than the Power Balls.
To learn more about Power Balls, or to order them online, contact us or go to www.paleoangel.com; they are also available on Amazon. Power Balls can be found in a few select stores in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York City.