There is one reliable rule when it comes to living well: eat healthily. Schezelle Fleming, rugby coach at the South East Port of Spain Secondary School in Trinidad and Tobago has ingested that lesson and now wants others to do the same.
In addition to teaching the basics of the fast-paced sport, Fleming enlightens the boys and girls of the benefits of healthy eating during rugby training. Giving health advise to children between the ages of 11 and 17 can promote lifelong healthy habits.
Talking about eating healthy is good but Fleming also wants to put it into practice and her food company 'Happy Oat' will make that possible after every training session.
"I plan on providing them with 'Happy Oat minis' when we start back training next year, as well as embark on some nutritional food projects with them," she said.
Fleming started the 'Happy Oat' in 2017. Happy Oat is a company that manufactures healthy treats. However, in 2018, Fleming went on a hiatus and the business stalled.
"The load was too overwhelming. It was challenging to manage my job, my son, rugby, and a business in all aspects," she admitted.
With all the downtime provided by the Covid-19 pandemic, Fleming revisited the venture but "this time in a much more organised manner."
The oatmeal muffins offered by the Happy Oat have an impressive selection of flavours, namely Banana Chocolate Chip, Cranberry Walnut, Cranberry, Mixed Nuts (Pecans, Brazil Nuts, Walnuts, and Almonds), Carrot Raisin and Coconut.
In addition, "Happy Oat muffins do not have any wheat, dairy, eggs or added refined sugar. They are also extremely moist and filling, but not heavy," said Fleming.
Recently, customers were given the option of adding agave, a plant-based sweetener, to their muffins for extra sweetness.
"As research shows, it [agave] is low on the glycemic index (which means it’s diabetic friendly)."
"I liked the agave because I didn’t have to use as much to sweeten unlike honey," she noted.
The general feedback from customers is positive.
Fleming says customers are blown away by how moist and tasty the muffins are for 'healthy food'.
She describes it as "the most precious feedback" because she loves being able to provide quality options, especially because she is the only person running the operation.
"Currently, the Happy Oat team is just me - the happy baker, social media marketing/content creator, manager etc," Fleming said.
Nevertheless, Happy Oat is growing. So much so that Fleming expects it to become one of the official sponsors of the South East Port of Spain Secondary School rugby team.
Happy Oat's delicious muffins are available at the recently opened Fitt Street Market. The Fitt Street Market supports local food businesses and is located at the corner of Fitt Street and Ariapita Avenue in Port of Spain.
Wanting more people to opt for healthy snacks is one thing but producing healthy snacks that put people in a good mood, rather than leaving a bad aftertaste is another and Fleming is glad she found the recipe.