Many of us know and love New York-based wellness brand Sakara Life for its incredible organic, ready-to-eat meals that harness the power of food as medicine. But did you know that Sakara’s plant-powered supplements are just as life-changing? From metabolism super powders to organic protein powder, Sakara’s supplements provide system-wide vitality that will make you look and feel your very best. Most recent in the powerhouse lineup are the recently launched Energy Effervescents, which provide a revitalized mind and body sans caffeine.
We connected with Sakara Life co-founder and co-CEO Danielle DuBoise to learn more about how the brand came to be, why NYC is the perfect home for Sakara and how to incorporate Energy Effervescents into your routine.
See also: Where to Celebrate National Wellness Month in NYC
Tell me about your background in nutrition and what inspired you to found Sakara Life.
Eating this way changed my life and my body. It was so transformative that I made it my mission to help as many people experience a similar transformation grounded in the foundation of food as medicine. I did my undergrad in Pre-Med, then studied nutrition with IIN and am now pursuing my Masters of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. Throughout all of my studies, one thing remains clear in the literature – that eating enough diverse and organic plants every day is critical in creating a healthy body. Sakara is so much more than meal delivery, we deliver nutritionally-designed, organic, fresh and delicious meals that help our clients achieve real results– we’re your personal chef and nutritionist in one.
What makes NYC the right home for Sakara Life?
We started in NYC because we knew how much this incredibly busy population, which places a high value on time, could benefit from eating this way. We knew New Yorkers would be on board to sign up for something that would make them feel good and save time. Whitney and I started by cooking and delivering the meals ourselves, and delivering by bike in NYC is easier than anywhere else, so that helped too :)!
New York's fast pace can make it difficult to create a sustainably healthy lifestyle. What advice can you give to New Yorkers seeking long-term health?
My advice for New Yorkers seeking a healthy lifestyle is to make it as easy as possible. New York is one of the most fast-paced cities in the world, and every person here deals with an overwhelming amount of decisions each day. Meanwhile, every time you sit down to eat is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for yourself. Having food taken care of and waiting in the fridge brings such a sense of ease and peace knowing that I’m nourishing myself every single day.
What daily wellness rituals do you perform?
I drink 20 oz of water first thing in the morning and add in our Sakara Beauty Water Drops. Skincare truly starts with what we put into our bodies. Beauty Water Drops contain ionic trace minerals that you need to allow your body to utilize the water you drink, leading to better and longer-lasting hydration. I take our Sakara Complete Probiotic Formula to support optimal gut health, I can’t live without it right now! Plus a minimum of 1 Sakara meal per day (I think of it as my multivitamin).
As a mom of two young children, I often don’t have time for many rituals, but I’ve been working on what I call a “living meditation”-- I find chapters of my day where I focus on dropping in, being 101% present to whatever it is that I’m doing and relishing in that kind of joy. Sometimes it’s playing with my kids, sometimes it’s family dinner, sometimes it’s walking to work, and on good days it’s all of those. I find it helps me ground myself in gratitude and wonder at the miracle of it all.
What is Sakara Life's philosophy surrounding wellness?
We believe that a well life is one full of love, joy and wonder. Your food is a tool to help you feel your best. There is no wagon to fall off of, no list of foods you can never eat again. We believe in balance and know joy is a nutrient too – so build a body you love living in and then go out and enjoy it!
What are your favorite wellness businesses in NYC?
I have so many - I take private pilates sessions with Annie Venier of Le Petit Studio. Plus, I’m a fan of JTAV Clinical Skincare, IMD Beauty Spa, Higher Dose, Ever/body, and JECT. And of course Bonberi Mart, and Spring Cafe Aspen for snacks for me and the kids when we are on the go!
What should consumers look for on nutritional labels?
Short ingredient lists with names you can pronounce, and always organic to support nutrient benefits and sustainable farming practices. Sneaky added sugars are included on nutrition labels under over 100 names and counting!
What inspired you to create the new Energy Effervescents?
We created Energy Effervescents to provide a nourishing energy source without caffeine to add to your health toolkit because energy is born out of your cells having the right inputs available to them on a daily basis. Energy Effervescents feature clean sources of Vitamin B12 to increase oxygen flow and prevent fatigue, organic Maca to improve mood and inspire energy, and L-Theanine to support focus and help improve mental clarity.
How should customers integrate Energy Effervescents into their routine?
Anytime you want a refreshing, delicious, and hydrating energy boost. Since there’s no caffeine, it truly works any time of day.
Photography by: courtesy of Sakara Life
