Are there foods that make you happier? According to dietitian Elizabeth Somer on the Today Show YES! She has studied the link between food and emotion for over 15 years and is the author of Eat Your Way to Happiness.

When she says “happier” she is not talking about the feeling you get when you bite into a piece of birthday cake but an actual emotional boost from select foods that release serotonin, fuel the brain, and increase energy.

We are not surprised Seneca Farms’ Oatmeal and Fruit cups were part of her recommendations for a healthy morning routine.

Studies have shown people who eat breakfast are happier, perform better in work and school, and have an easier time managing their weight. “But I am not talking about donuts and coffee here”, says Somer.

She suggests to have what she calls a “1, 2, 3 breakfast”. One with whole grain to fuel the brain, protein to keep your blood sugar levels even, and at least one or two fruits or vegetables. A warm Seneca Oatmeal and Fruit cup with a glass of milk is just that! Don’t have time in the morning? Good news. Seneca Oatmeal and Fruit cups are ready in just 45 seconds.

Check out the video below for more mood-boosting munchies.

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Package Design Award

Nishihara/Wilkinson Design Inc. was selected by Graphic Design USA to receive the 2011 American Package Design Award for their work on Green Valley Organics’ lactose-free yogurt and kefir packages.

More than 1,500 pieces of design work were submitted from across the country covering categories from health and beauty, music and entertainment, sports and children. The spectrum reflects the products of design we touch, use and buy everyday.

Nishihara/Wilkinson’s design was selected out of hundreds of food and beverage packages for our custom illustrations and subtle organic farming undertones. The images for each flavor were carefully created to be easy to identify as well as unique. We feel we have successfully bridging a contemporary organic lactose free product with a look that is familiar and peaceful.

Through creative construction, this recognizable food package is seen in Whole Foods and other specialty food stores across the nation.

The packaging and award is featured in Graphic Design USA magazine and website.

Graphic Design USA magazine is the leading design publication providing trade news, trends, ideas and products since 1963.

 

 

Recharge with Redesign

Photo courtesy of starbucks.com

We are proud to introduce the new look for Nishihara/Wilkinson Design’s website. Our new easy-to-navigate website features our latest work, along with a glimpse into the minds of the “madmen” behind the magic.

We are no strangers to redesigns. We have redesigned logos and packaging for an array of clients. It’s a delicate process to keep the essence of the company intact while still producing a relevant and contemporary image for the brand. A good redesign is subtle but noticed, like Starbucks' new look. But a bad one can leave you in the Gap.

We think the new website reflects our simple and clean sensibilities. It sheds light on our passion for good foods as the catalyst for good design. And it reveals how our farm, and the hard work we put into it, keeps us grounded.

Flip through our portfolio and check out what we have done for the good folks at Seneca and Stewart & Jasper. Our new gallery of past work has big colorful displays. Click through new brands we helped develop such as 5th Street Grill, or see our on-site photography from Harvestland’s family farms.

Best of all, look forward to blog posts about what’s new at NWD including trends in food design, client news and how things are growing on our farm.

Nishihara/Wilkinson Design welcomes you to join us in the clean food revolution. Together we can energize lives, communities and products. Feel free to shoot us an e-mail anytime.