Welcome to The Vital Life where we spotlight Vital Proteins® employees. This week, our Senior Manager of Product Development & Commercialization, Brittany Towers, gives us a look inside her remote workday.
LIVELY: THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR DAY WITH US! TO KICK THINGS OFF, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOU DO AT VITAL PROTEINS AND WHAT YOU ENJOY ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
Brittany Towers: I am the Sr. Manager of Product Development and Commercialization leading the innovation & renovation of all of our products we sell in the United States. I love working on new products for Vital that will help people with their overall wellness giving our consumers great tasting products as well. It is fun going into the office and getting to taste so many different product types and flavors that we work on.
L: WALK US THROUGH YOUR MORNING ROUTINE – HOW HAS IT CHANGED (OR NOT) SINCE STAYING HOME?
BT: Since me and my team do have to work in the lab often I go into the office most days each week so my morning routine slightly varies if I go into the office vs. working from home. I always start out my morning taking a long walkwith my husband and our dog (yes, even in the winter!) and if I stay at home I usually make something fairly quick for breakfast (like a smoothie or oatmeal) and a morning beverage (usually coffee, matcha or tea). If I am going into the office I usually wait until I get in to eat, usually a bar, and still have my morning beverage.
L: WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN GETTING INSPIRATION FOR PROJECTS OR TASKS YOU MIGHT BE WORKING ON THROUGHOUT THE DAY?
BT: One of the main reasons I work in food and got into food science is because I LOVE food and also love to eat. I get inspiration through many facets of food whether it be going (or ordering take out) to new restaurants in Chicago, going to grocery stores and seeing what new products have come and new trending flavors and reading a lot on new food companies or new areas of food that are emerging.
L: LUNCHTIME! WHAT’S YOUR PLAN?
BT: I normally make my own lunch and usually eat leftovers I have made previously, especially when I am in the office. I usually make at least two items for lunch at the beginning of the week and eat throughout the week so I ensure I have something nutritious and delicious to eat. Today I have a delicious vegetable soup I made with some added orzo. I love making vegetable soups & chili, bowls packed with grains, veggies & beans or salads with lots of delicious toppings.
L: YOU’RE HITTING YOUR MID-AFTERNOON SLUMP. HOW DO YOU RE-ENERGIZE YOUR AFTERNOON?
BT: Walking! Just getting up and walking around for a few minutes helps re-energize me to keep me going throughout the day, especially when I have been at my desk majority of the day. Sometimes I will make a tea or have a Collagen Water™ to give me some hydration that is most likely much-needed.
L: HOW HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTICING #WELLNESSFROMHOME THESE DAYS?
BT: I find it a point to make time for fitness. For me working out not only gives me an outlet for my physical wellness but my mental wellness too. Taking about an hour out of my day just for me to focus on whatever I want to focus on for that day helps tremendously for me both physically and mentally.
RAPID-FIRE ROUND
Favorite Podcast: Crime Junkie
Favorite Workout: Running and Barre (I’m a Barre instructor!)
Binge-Worthy Show: Stranger Things (excited for season 4!)
Favorite Vital Proteins Product: Matcha Collagen. In the summertime I love making iced matcha lattes. It’s one of my favorite summertime treats.
