Your Daily Banana

*Watch the video of Dave’s story*

I wanted to take a minute to post for Meatless Monday, but I also wanted to do a quick spotlight on one of the most inspiring and uplifting individuals I’ve met in a long time; Dave Dahl. I normally don’t push products on this blog, but this is different. I had the pleasure of meeting Dave just last week after a co-worker of mine turned me on to what she referred to as, “some really good bread”. I was able to try the bread on my lunch break and she was absolutely right about it being “really good,” it made a ridiculous peanut butter and jelly sandwich ;-) - but there was something more to the bread that captivated me. There was a story of a man’s journey of how he changed his life, printed right there on the package! I thought this was really bizarre and overly personal and I honestly just couldn’t stop thinking about it.

On my way home I decided to actually stop at the store and pick up a loaf of that bread. I walked into the store, located the bread, placed it in my cart and turned the corner to go to the register and to my surprise - ran smack dab into the man himself (he happened to be there doing a demo). In the most un-graceful way possible, I shouted “OH whoa! Hey, you’re the dude!” *while holding my loaf of bread in front of his face*. 
He laughed very warmheartedly, said yes while nodding to affirm, then extended his hand to me and asked me my name.

Dave invited me over to his demo stand where I helped him demo his bread and we chatted for quite some time about his journey, 15 years of prison, family, health and nutrition. I told Dave that I would keep up with him and that it was a pleasure to have met him. After wishing him a blessed & fulfilled life he wished me the same and packed a bag of goodies for me before I left that included a “Dave’s Killer Bread” t-shirt and some coloring books for my nieces and nephews. I left the store that evening overwhelmingly inspired/moved by Dave’s story and his pursuit to now change other people’s lives by way of something that he loves doing. He is on a mission to help people reclaim their lives and make a difference. Hopefully you all will catch him while he’s on the road. To hear about his journey please check out the video link above! And if you spot a loaf of bread at a supermarket near you, put it in your cart :)

Today’s “Meatless Monday” entree, comes from Dave’s website:
“Black Bean Sliders w/ Spicy Mango Sauce and Guacamole”