This year’s BlogHer conference was at the San Diego Convention Center and the San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina. I’ve been attending BlogHer since 2006 when there were only 600 women in attendance. This summer there were over 4,100 attendees!
Many told me they felt that this year’s conference was positive, fun and mellow. Maybe it was the gorgeous San Diego weather and the lovely breezes coming off San Diego Bay. It could have been the beautiful views of the Coronado Bridge. Or maybe we were just energized by working out with Bob Harper from The Biggest Loser, Quaker’s new spokesperson.
The hunt for stevia
This year, I was thrilled to be sponsored by the Global Stevia Institute to talk to other attendees about stevia and to find stevia-sweetened products at BlogHer 2011.
Sadly, there was no Pure Via presence at BlogHer 2011 even though PepsiCo has been a longtime sponsor of the conference. However, they did have a booth where attendees could sample Trop50, which is sweetened with stevia. They featured the Lemonade and the Raspberry Lemonade flavors, which are delicious. However, my favorite is still the Pomegranate Blueberry.
There was only one other stevia sweetened product on the expo floor – nimble by Balance Bar. It’s sweetened with stevia and brown rice syrup, and made especially for women and moms.
There were no stevia packets available at the coffee and tea service areas – just the usual pink, blue, yellow and white stuff. It was the same at the parties and in the local restaurants and coffee houses. This was surprising as the conference offered a variety of healthy, vegan and gluten free meals.
Let’s talk about stevia
While I’m beginning to find stevia packets here in Colorado at hotels, restaurants and coffee houses, I don’t see it in other places I visit. That’s why I always carry packets of stevia in my purse. It’s a great way to start a conversation about the benefits of stevia as a zero calorie, natural sweetener.
When talking with other attendees about stevia, many were very knowledgeable about it, loved using stevia in their coffee and cooking, and even told me their favorite brand. Usually they mentioned Truvia, as the company has done several campaigns with bloggers through various public relation and marketing agencies.
All in all, I can’t wait for BlogHer 2012 in NYC and have already bought my ticket. Hope to see you there! I'll be the one digging the stevia packets out of my purse.
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Disclosure: the Global Stevia Institute sponsored my time at the Blogher 2011 conference.
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Answer my stevia survey for a chance to win $100!
Going to BlogHer 2010 with my sponsor, SOYJOY
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I was on the look out for Stevia-sweetened products as well and I enjoyed the Trop50 products. I’d like to try that Blueberry Pomegranate.
Last year I grew my own stevia to sweeten our drinks. I love it.
I love Stevia! I use it every morning in my coffee.
It’s great to see stevia fans out there!
I use Stevia instead of Splenda now, it’s so much better tasting!
Dump hotdish.
Ingredients
1 pound Hamburger, raw
5oz Box Creamettes /noodles
1can Condensed tomato soup
1 can Condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 t Minced onion
1 can Water
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Dump all ingredients in 1.5 qt. or larger pan. Stir well and place in 350 degree oven for 1 hour. May top with shredded cheese last few minutes.
“Ice cream” sandwiches.
Ingredients
Fat Free Cool Whip
Low-fat graham crackers
Preparation
Break graham crackers in half to form two squares. Spoon 1/4 c fat free cool whip onto one half and spread to cover. Place second half of cracker on top of cool whip and wrap “sandwich” in plastic wrap. Place in freezer for at least 2 hours.
Apple pie in a glass milk
Ingredients
1 cup Lowfat milk
1/2 cup Mott’s Apple Sauce
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1-1/2 tsp Sugar
Preparation
Shake all ingredients in container with tight-fitting lid or stir in glass until well blended.
Banana split.
Ingredients
1 Small banana, split lengthwise
1 Small container strawberry yogurt
1/4 cup Teddy Grahams (cinnamon)
1/4 cup Fresh blueberries
Preparation
Place split banana in sundae dish or cereal bowl. Top evenly with yogurt, blueberries, and teddy grahams.
Serve immediately.
15 minute cheesy rice with ham and broccoli.
Ingredients
2 cups Cooked ham strips
2 cups Fresh or frozen broccoli flowerets , thawed
1 cup Water
1-1/2 cups MINUTE White Rice , uncooked
1/2 lb. (8 oz.) VELVEETA Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product , cut
Preparation
Bring ham, broccoli and water to boil in large skillet. Cover. Cook on medium heat 3 minutes.
Stir in rice and VELVEETA; cover. Remove from heat. Let stand 7 minutes. Stir until VELVEETA is melted.
15 minute chili cheeseburger skillet.
Ingredients
1 lb. Lean ground beef
2 cups Water
1 pkg. (7 1/4 oz.) macaroni & cheese dinner
1 tsp. Chili powder
3 cups Chopped broccoli
1/4 cup Ketchup
Preparation
Brown meat in large skillet; drain. Stir in water, macaroni and chili powder. Bring to boil; cover. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes, stirring twice. Add broccoli; simmer 5 minutes or until macaroni is tender. Stir in cheese sauce mix and ketchup until blended.