A former ER nurse who also worked as a registered sports nutritionist, Cristie Besu was passionate about fitness and consulting on nutrition for clients. Her clients were struggling with late night cravings for sweets, so in 2013, Besu launched Eat Me Guilt Free—a line of protein-packed, low-carbohydrate brownies and snacks, bread, and tortilla wraps that are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional snacks.

Eat Me Guilt Free’s brownies are available in a wide range of fun flavors ranging from Cotton Candy to Birthday Cake, feature simple ingredients, and are made by a team of highly skilled bakers. In addition, offerings include high-protein tortilla wraps and bread that help to satiate hunger and are the perfect addition to any meal.

“My clients were constantly looking for “better for you” options so, as a nurse, I was a natural problem-solver and took to the kitchen to help them,” says Besu. “I swapped my syringes for spatulas, shared my journey on social and my business took off.”

We chatted with Besu, who shared the inspiration behind her innovative products, future plans, and more.

When was Eat Me Guilt Free founded and what’s the meaning behind the name?

Eat Me Guilt Free was founded in 2013. At the time, I was working as a nurse in the ER and was a registered sports nutritionist, and my hobby was fitness and consulting on nutrition for clients. During my work with clients, there were constant requests for comfort foods that were “better for you” and would not completely derail them from their goals.

As a nurse in the ER, I was a natural problem solver, so I took to the kitchen to create something for my clients: protein-packed brownies. The business took off and, thus, Eat Me Guilt Free was born. As for the name, it means that you get to enjoy your favorite comfort foods and not have to feel “bad” because you are choosing options that are better for you. Win-win!

Tell us more about your products and what makes them special.

Aside from tasting downright sinfully delicious, all of our products boast added protein, decreased refined sugars, low-carbohydrates, and quality ingredients.

Do you have a hero product?

Originally, the hero product was the Original Chocolate Brownie, but the bread and tortilla lines are catching up in the race. With this said, the latter two items are gaining traction because, let’s face it, who wants to pass on the bread basket?

What’s your favorite product?

My favorite is my OG product, the Original Chocolate Brownie, because it satisfies my sweet cravings minus the guilt!

Where are your products sold?

Eat Me Guilt Free is sold at our online shop and on Amazon, as well as at The Vitamin Shoppe, GNC, and 4,000 independent grocers and retailers. Cool fact: Our brownies were the most-purchased items during their first week in-store at The Vitamin Shoppe nationwide!

What's next for the brand?

We have officially launched the “You Glow Girl” Grant Program in an effort to support women entrepreneurs. This opportunity is a milestone for the brand, highlighting our authentic commitment to helping women entrepreneurs propel their visions forward and thrive while also paying tribute to personal journey. Through this program, one lucky boss babe will receive $10,000 to help her business flourish; a one-year supply of Eat Me Guilt Free products to stay fueled; a Peloton bike to maintain fitness goals; and a one-year mentorship with me. To apply by Aug. 1, click here.

We are always innovating and because our bread is doing so well, we are also working on other items in that category such as baguettes, which we are really excited to bring to the market!

For more information, visit eatmeguiltfree.com and follow on Instagram: @eatmeguiltfree

[Images courtesy of Eat Me Guilt Free]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk