My idea for B.T.R. NATION came at an unlikely time in an unlikely place: standing in front of a hospital vending machine. My parents were both diagnosed with rare forms of cancer (my mom with a leiomyosarcoma, my dad with appendeceal cancer). I became their primary caretaker, and we were constantly on-the-go between their chemo appointments, radiation, and doctors. --- We ate out of hospital vending machines and cafeteria food for over 3 years. My nutrition began to suffer. I was disgusted by the so-called "better-for-you options, high in sugar with ingredients I could barely pronounce. I craved a snack with a clean, transparent ingredient profile that was also low in sugar. I was done with sacrificing something. Low sugar but junk ingredients. Real ingredients, but absurdly high in sugar that spiked my blood glucose levels. No, thank you. I craved a snack that served a purpose. Not just better-for-you, ACTUALLY good-for-you, for your mind, body, and tastebuds.