KALONA

(This story was published in The News on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023.)

Need a healthy meal in a pinch? Harvest Nutrition located at 305 5th street in Kalona is the choice for you. Harvest Nutrition offers things like tea bombs, protein shakes, protein coffee, caffeine; gluten and sugar free items among other drinks on a refreshing menu.

Harvest Nutrition changed ownership in June. The new owner, Blake Shebek, was a part-time employee before he took over.

Shebek swears by the products sold at Harvest Nutrition as they have positively affected his life.

“[I] kind of embarked on a health and wellness journey myself in 2020 and got introduced to the products,” Shebek said. “I’ve used the products every day, for the last two years, [and] I’ve lost 150 pounds. I managed to keep it off just by using the products along with moderate exercise. So that’s a huge benefit of it.”

As a father of three, Shebek saw Harvest Nutrition as a way to earn cash on the side of his full-time job as a nurse at the University of Iowa. When opportunity knocked with a larger role at Harvest Nutrition, Shebek took it.

Shebek is an independent vendor of Herbalife, the main supplier for Harvest Nutrition. These products can be bought online though Harvest Nutrition’s Facebook page. Shebek recommends people come into Harvest Nutrition for a consult first as he and staff members can direct people to the best possible products tailored for them.

“You can come in and chat with us and we can help you purchase things, and get you set up with a program. Sometimes, it’s best to come and talk to us as well first, just because we can kind of set you up with the right products,” Shebek said. “I would highly recommend talking to one of the coaches or anybody in the club first before you just go buy the products because you don’t want to waste your money. We can kind of help you out with that.”

Harvest Nutrition offers one-on-one coaching to help those who want to embark on a health and wellness journey but struggle to rally motivation.

“[The] biggest thing I took away with Harvest Nutrition [is] to be able to focus on my health, my wellness as well, and be able to share that with others,” Shebek said. “I’ve had really good luck with these products, it’s changed my life. If I can help somebody else start their health and wellness journey, and share with them, that’s the best thing I can do.”

Being in the heart of Kalona’s downtown district, they welcome residents, visitors and tourists alike to stop in, say hi, order a tea bomb and get advice on their health journey.

“I mean, we’re [an] open book when it comes to that. So, if you have any questions, feel free to stop in and ask,” Shebek said. “We’re always willing to answer questions, and we’re here to help you no matter what, whether it be body, mind, soul, we’re here for you.”

Shebek would like to continue to grow Harvest Nutrition, though he’s not sure in what way since being owner is still a new experience. But the menu at Harvest Nutrition is always inspired by things like “National Blueberry Day” and keeps things fresh. Harvest Nutrition is surely a place to keep a watchful eye on.