Today we’d like to introduce you to Raul Cardenas.
Hi Raul, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
QO story
It all started with a book…
In 2013 I read the inspiring National Best Seller “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall, which would later lay the foundation and birth of QO Nutrition! Let me explain…
Meeting the Tarahumaras
While on a sabbatical in Mexico and training for the Caballo Blanco Ultra, I made friends with the Tarahumaras. Who, you ask??? Well, the Tarahumaras are a group of Middle American indigenous people from the Copper Canyon region in northern Mexico.
The tribe is known for their ability and propensity to run long distances through extreme terrain (without any gadgets, gels, or even running shoes!) A.K.A Badasses!
As a coach and triathlon shop owner for years, I was intrigued….
The rundown
They say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” – So while I was in the Copper Canyon, I ate and drank like the Tarahumaras.
What did that look like? Mostly a diet of beans, corn, squash, and other leafy greens. A traditional Tarahumara diet is mostly plant-based, which is believed to be one of the key factors contributing to their health and athletic abilities. (Nature’s fuel & lots of healthy carbs!)
So, what happened next?
Health markers improved
Almost immediately, I saw improvements in performance, weight loss, appearance, and lower body fat percentage– plus, I had more energy than ever! And I didn’t experience any indigestion or stomach distress, which would always get me on long endurance events.
I thought to myself, “Could this be the best way to fuel endurance workouts and even as a whole?”
And “What if I could create something similar not just for all athletes but for EVERYONE?”
Just like that, the seed for QO was planted! (Literally!)
QO was born
So, I got to work right away creating a Tarahumara superfood accessible to all, not just those kicking it with the tribe, like me – but everyone! And just like that: QO Fuel was born.
I created QO powder with the highest quality ingredients from 100% whole foods to keep you full and properly nourished (just like the Tarahumaras!)
QO has no sugar, sweeteners, artificial flavors, preservatives, or additives. (No-BS ingredients)
Three powerful QO ingredients you won’t find in other endurance fuels:
– Amaranth to help stabilize blood glucose
– Anise to promote gut health
– Cinnamon to fight inflammation
Plus, the macronutrient percentages (85% carb, 10% protein, and 5% fat) enable you to use your own body fat for energy giving a consistent stream of energy without the crash!
Taking it to the U.S
I believe so strongly in the nutrient profile and benefits of the Tarahumara diet that I spent the last few years perfecting it into meal & sport nutrition powders. I knew nothing was as clean or worked as well available to my US-based family and friends to the north. Bringing it home was complicated process full of challenges and obstacles, but we overcame.
Try QO
Today, I’m thrilled to offer QO powder and nutrition, providing superhuman fuel to everyone, regardless of location!
Ready to give QO a try and take yourself to new levels? I promise you won’t regret it!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My main obstacle is being able to get the word out on a tight budget. To say I’m bootstrapping it is an understatement.
We’ve been impressed with QO Nutrition, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
QO Nutrition makes natural nutrition products for health-conscious individuals. The business has a unique story; after closing Tri Shop (triathlon shop) in Plano, my previous business of ten years, I decided to take a sabbatical.
During the sabbatical I went deep into the Copper Canyon a remote area in northern Mexico to get away from it all. This area is the home of the Tarahumaras, indigenous people who are well known for being amazing endurance athletes and having unbelievable running abilities. They can run for days barefoot through extreme terrain on just a few calories.
After arriving, I loved the area so much that I ended up staying for three months, during which I made friends with the tribe. I ran with them on a daily basis and learned about their ways. I started fueling the way they do and saw many benefits in my health, energy levels, appearance, and running performance. I knew the powder we were using to fuel was special and better than any product I had used in my fifteen years as a triathlete and ultra runner. This is when I decided my next business was going to be to bring this product to the US and make it available to everyone.
We make the only 100% natural nutrition powder on the market which is a fresh breath of air when we are currently inundated with ultra-processed sugar filled products full of preservatives, additives, and artificial flavors disguised as “healthy” products.
I’m most proud of going against the grain and introducing something new and totally different. It’s a huge undertaking and challenge in many way but some I’m willing to take in order to make a difference. I believe it’s something that is desperately needed with the health crisis we find ourselves in and know someday my products will help many.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I consider myself a risk taker, I think anyone who decides to do a start-up has to be one knowing well the chances of failing are big. It doesn’t matter how great your idea is; there are so many factors that can take you out when you are starting out. I have an admiration for business owners, especially ones that are innovative and create something that didn’t exist before while overcoming all the challenges they faced.
Pricing:
- Superfood cookie packets start at $2
Contact Info:
- Website: www.QO-nutrition.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qonutrition/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qonutrition/
