I hope the start of the year is finding you grateful and full of hope for what 2021 will bring. Over the past year, we have been tirelessly updating our Ladera brand to better reflect who we are and what we stand for. After 10 years in business, we are no longer kids – we remain dedicated to making the best granola in the world and have expanded our mission to inspire us all to become better versions of ourselves. Encouraging us all to Climb Higher with everyone at Ladera Foods!
NEW BEGINNINGS FOR LADERA
Keeping on the note of better versions of ourselves, we thought it would be a great time to start a blog. We are hoping this blog will not only bolster your Ladera cravings but provides some fun reading while inspiring you to explore, create, and push yourself to experience the pleasure of progress.
MEET HEATHER, A MEMBER OF OUR TEAM
Hi, this is Heather. I am part of the amazing team of dedicated humans that make up Ladera Foods. I am a mother, athlete, professional and lover of quality food that fuels my athletic lifestyle. The team at Ladera truly believes that with proper exercise, sleep, food, and relationships you can reach unlimited potentials. I could not agree more.
FOOD TO FUEL PASSION
Since I was a little girl, I have always had this habit that needed to be fed. I loved moving, the freedom of getting outside and just going. I always would push the limits on everything. The bicycle became my passion. I started racing when I was 13 years old. It was fun for me to find freedom in the woods, the way the trail would come at me and then flow past. I loved the speed, the bruises, the blood. I loved the equipment.
HEALTHY DIETS & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
As a past professional cyclist, I understand the value of a healthy diet and how what you put in your system pays you dividends in return.
As a past professional cyclist, I understand the value of a healthy diet and how what you put in your system pays you dividends in return. Food is fuel. This was very clear as a pro-24-hour endurance mountain biker. I would monitor everything on and off the bike. I researched the negative effects of sugar and worked hard to create a diet that was pure and simple.
My professional career combined my passions of fitness and a healthy lifestyle with quality food. I studied culinary arts and would focus on how I could combine the simplest ingredients to create the most amazing meals; without the sugar and added fats. As my cycling passion flourished, weekends were reserved for traveling to races and my time in the kitchen diminished. I needed to find prepared foods that met all my demands. I began to travel with my food and look for vegan, gluten-free and organic options.
PARENTING AND A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Fast forward a few years later, as a mother, athlete and President of a National Bicycle organization, my push for a healthy lifestyle is even more front and center. I continue to share my passion and belief that a healthy lifestyle truly sets you up to achieve more. My parents raised me to see the value in each choice I make, and I continue to set that example for my children and loved ones. Make time for yourself. Make conscious choices.
This past year has had many challenges. Many that pushed my patience and took me outside of my comfort zone. Working from home while the kids homeschooled, zoom meetings and mail order everything amounted to a lot less time to get everything done. I chose to prioritize the important things, like health and fitness. I pushed my children and myself to try new sports and new foods. Then, I simplified where possible.
RISING TO THE OCCASION
When life throws challenges at you, it is the best time to rise. Adapt. Get stronger. Climb higher. Even though the demands of life kept coming, I decided to chase after some of my goals even harder. I took my bike and set out to ride the 20 ski summits of Vermont. Then, I accomplished another goal when I published a book recounting the experience firsthand. I joined forces with the bicycle industry to create a nationwide women’s cycling program. I grew professionally and began a new career. I went alone.
SUPPORTING EACH OTHER DURING COVID-19
This year taught me many things; like how much we can support one another, even from afar and the importance of rest, and family. The most profound take away from this past year was how capable we are when we set our focus on a goal. We are all capable of pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone and achieving more. We just need to believe it to see it.
That’s is why I love working with Ladera.
At Ladera, our conversations center around where we are going and then how we can plan to get there. It’s taking the strengths of each one of us and highlighting those to help us achieve more. At Ladera, we listen and then share our stories. That’s how we help each other accomplish amazing things. I believe that sharing my story might help to fuel yours.
We hope our food can make a healthy diet incredibly satisfying. We hope our granola and protein bites give you the fuel to power you through another amazing day, no matter what the challenges.
I love cycling. We love cycling. Find what you love and go after it with all of you.
– Heather
