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Mindful Chef meets Inés Hermida, founder of Macacha plant-based protein
By Olivia Parker
This September we caught up with Macacha founder Inés Hermida, to find out all about her organic plant protein blends and what it takes to start your own business in Health and Wellness. Plus find an exclusive savoury (!) protein smoothie recipe below.
Tell us about you, and how MACACHA started?
The idea for MACACHA came from my experience of trying to find a natural protein shake to drink after my morning run before going into the office. I was head of Health and Beauty at Whole Foods UK and couldn't find a protein powder that met our quality standards. When I made my shakes at home I’d take plant proteins and add in my favourite superfoods and botanicals - and that’s exactly what MACACHA is!
Our blends are the best plant proteins with specifically chosen ingredients - botanicals, superfoods, adaptogens - to support each system in the body in balance. We don’t believe in putting everything into your protein shake or smoothie, but the best and most complementary ingredients. MACACHA's ingredients are organic, raw and vegan and free from GMO, soy, yeast, gluten and dairy.
How do you create your recipes?
We include ingredients that are powerhouses in terms of nutrition, but you probably don't have in your daily meals. Maca, Kelp Seaweed, Baobab, Cranberry, Flaxseed and Ginger. We call them our Signature 6! And you'll find them in every blend. Each blend then has a specific benefit from a chosen botanical: ENERGY with Yerba Mate for a lift, PEACE with Holy Basil and Lavender for serenity and relaxation, BEAUTY with Rose Hip and Raw Cacao for skin health from the inside out.
What does Organic mean to you?
It's how I want to live! I love to support organic agriculture by choosing organic foods and organic beauty products as often as possible. I want to avoid pesticides and genetically modified ingredients and to support sustainable farming.
As an organic company, we undergo some serious scrutiny, but it's totally worth it as our ingredients specifications are of the highest quality.
Do you have a favourite blend?
My favourite is PEACE. It helps counterbalance startup life and all the stresses that come with it! I have just started my Iyengar yoga course in the evenings and I have a shake afterwards. It has been designed to wind down with the adaptogen Holy Basil (Tulsi in Hindi) and Lavender extract. I do feel so peaceful afterwards!
Your favourite way to shake MACACHA up?
I love a savoury smoothie! Here’s one of my favourites:
Ingredients
- 1 large handful of kale or spinach
- 1 bunch fresh parsley
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/2 courgette
- 1/2 cucumber
- juice of 1/2 lemon or lime
- 1 tablespoon tahini or organic houmous
- 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen MACACHA plant protein
Tell us about your new BEAUTY blend!
The beauty blend is designed for active people looking to support skin health from the inside out. It includes one of my favourite ingredients, Rose Hip, which is known to be a hero in natural beauty. For me, it's a staple when it comes to natural skin care, so it's great to be able to celebrate it. The blend also includes organic raw cacao which gives it a deliciously rich chocolatey flavour. We're loving seeing all the ways people are enjoying it!
Being a wellness warrior, what are your top tips for keeping healthy whilst setting up your own company?
I feel that everyone copes in a different way. If I had to give my top 4 tips to keep my head in a good place they would be:- Natural light and spending time outside, either with a run in the morning or walking to work when I can.
- Editing and curating the media I consume. For example, I choose to follow Instagram accounts that are uplifting and inspirational. Lots of nature, art and beautiful food!!
- Having nourishing meals, and only using plant-based beauty products.
- A supportive team, friends and family that I can talk to about any obstacles; it's my way to keep sane and to keep going!
This September we are featuring Macacha samples in our Mindful Chef recipe boxes and we would love to hear any feedback from our customers!
Mindful Chef healthy recipe boxes provide you with the tools to cook delicious nutritious meals, in under 30 minutes. Each box contains recipe cards, pre-portioned ingredients and fresh meat, fish and produce sourced from small award-winning British farms.
Get £20 off Mindful Chef - split across your first two recipe boxes - by entering code BLOG20 at checkout.
