by Danielle Bussone

Nothing gives me more pleasure than introducing a new company with a healthy heart. At the heart of MixMyOwn are the quintessential entrepreneurs, Klara Charvatova and her fiancé, David Filipi.  From the Czech Republic, the couple felt unfulfilled working for large companies, David in web and internet application development and Klara in marketing. They wanted to make a complete change from corporate culture to a lifestyle that was more satisfying and personally rewarding. Klara and David first looked at what they considered to be most important element in their own lives, which was connecting with people through a healthy lifestyle.

David Filipi and Klara Charvatova

The young couple left their jobs and bravely moved to the United States with their little long-haired Chihuahua, Canto, to begin anew. They began with a new country, a new idea and dream for a better life.  You just can’t get more American than that! From this nascent beginning, a company called MixMyOwn was born!

David and Klara
In the Valley of Fire

It is built on the notion that breakfast, arguably the most important meal of the day, should be delicious fuel to energize the body for the day’s work ahead. MixMyOwn’s whole cereals are naturally packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and omega-three fatty acids which provide the body with energy as well as cellular and nervous system support. They also provide satiety, thereby reducing cravings for donuts or other calorie-dense, health-sapping foods. Why begin your day with brain fog?

Muesli and Granola are both mixtures of oats, whole grains, nuts, seeds and dried fruit. They differ in that Muesli is served raw and unprocessed while Granola is typically toasted with honey and oil, which imbues it with a crisp texture and sweet glaze.

MixMyOwn

MixMyOwn is based in Nevada and is an internet mail-order company. A customer can go on-line and create their own breakfast blend of muesli or granola made from healthy, organic, and low or non-sugar ingredients. Most of their products are certified organic and NON-GMO, which I can’t stress strongly enough! Klara and David purchase organic whenever possible and the organic items are clearly labeled.

When you buy pre-packaged muesli or granola you are stuck with the choices someone else has made for you. Here you are not paying for ingredients you don’t want and can even create a name for your own special blend, which makes it the perfect unique Christmas gift for the person who has everything. Gift certificates are also available.

Create A Healthy Breakfast with MixMyOwn

Shoppers can choose from over 100 ingredients, including a variety of whole grains, dried fruits, nuts and seeds. If you can’t find it here, chances are it can’t be found.

Many grocers have some of the ingredients they offer but none of them offer all the healthy ingredients one can find at MixMyOwn. The price is comparable to Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and EarthFare’s bulk items, the selection is far greater and the convenience is unparalleled. Shipping is a flat rate of $4.99 for the first bag and $1 for each additional purchase, which makes buying from MixMyOwn affordable as well.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

First you log on to the website, http://www.mixmyown.com, click on My Mix, and select one of the many options for the Base for your creation, such as five grain bircher muesli base, for example. Then you add your Base Ingredients from a wide selection including quinoa, triticale and spelt flakes. Next you choose your Dried Fruits, then Nuts and Seeds.

Finally, there are the Extras which include cacao nibs, bee pollen and any number of nutritious powders like goji berri, soy protein and some exotic names I’ve never heard of but am itching to try!  A complete explanation of the ingredient is provided next to each entry.

You are charged for each item as you order it and can personalize it to your taste and nutritional needs. MixMyOwn also has a real-time nutrition calculator, so you can watch numbers changing when you add each ingredient.

Then, you give it a name and go to check out! It’s that simple and it’s fun!

For the timid, there is a nice selection of ready-mixed choices, which makes it that much easier for the busy shopper.

Classic Muesli, Antioxidant Mix and Very Berry

Klara and David are committed to offering a healthy selection of ingredients to their customers. They use only the finest ingredients available. They select fruits which achieve their sweetness through the freeze-drying process depending little on sugar or other sweeteners.

“They are wonderful for personalized gifts.” says Klara. “We see that our customers aren’t just buying it for themselves but are also naming it for their wives and children. Our customers are very creative with the names.”

If you interested in giving the gift of health to a loved one for Christmas, look no further than MixMyOwn. I’m going on-line right now to order a “Festivus” gift certificate for my sister-in-law, Cindy.  Shhhhhhh….. don’t tell.  It’s a surprise!

Co-founder and editor of Veggin’ Out and About, Danielle writes restaurant reviews, profiles and interviews of people making a difference in the plant-based community. She is currently writing a cookbook for vegans called, “Time For Change: Whole Foods For Whole Health.”

Danielle’s region is SW Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina and anywhere she happens to stop for sustenance along the road. Contact Danielle  directly to share your restaurant finds, to make comments or just to say hello.