Category Archives: WELLNESS

LEK FIT in Larchmont/Hancock Park

June 9, 2017

I finally made it to the private-in-home (ok, behind home) fitness class of Laren Kleban – LEKfit .

I have been trying my hardest to get my ass there and because I don’t Bounce ( her signature class) – I had to coordinate the best time to take her lower impact class.

Lauren Kleban is known for her trampoline and dance-inspired workouts that she hosts out of her tricked-out garage. She has a major cult following amongst LA’s most influential bloggers and celeb moms (just go to her Instagram).

Lauren recently launched her streaming service  for those of us who can’t make it to sweet studio. There you can find loads of effective videos that can be mix and matched, to customize your own workouts from anywhere. 

First of all, I’m sore AF. In a way I can only dream of. I love being sore because it means I’m working overlooked muscle groups. In this case, all of them. Lauren is delightful. Sweet, cool, weighs around 50 pounds of solid muscle. Let’s say – she’s inspiring (for a mom of two – WTF?!)

The studio is cozy and chic. The class was a perfect mix of med-high impact dance aerobics (think classic old school – the kind your mom did – which is me, cause I’m old). It’s all very easy to follow. Thank god. No cray cray choreo or long-ass routines which make my head spin.  I have enough on my mind – I don’t need to go to a fitness class to learn a routine, thank you. This was easy peasy to follow and even me with my bilateral metallic hips fared well. The sculpting was mostly arms and floor work lower body for butt and legs. Abs were addressed mostly with a little plank routine thrown in. I was dripping. I got a great hit of cardio and this is a perfect class to add to your weekly routine if you are addicted to spinning, like myself. The music is poppy and fun and the vibe is concentrated, focused and fun.

MONK BOTANICALS WITH AND WITHOUT CANNABIS

June 8, 2017

By now we know the healing and medicinal benefits of CDB. And brands and marketing are catching on. All things CBG are becoming more sophisticated and accessible to everyone. MONK PROVISIONS has debuted an exquisite line of drinking botanicals, infused with all sorts of goodies in the fruits, herbs and flavoring department, as well as the CBD and low-level THC.

Of course I was first taken with the stunning branding and packaging. Yes, I lost my mind over it, even before trying it.

The delicious glass-bottled botanicals come in a variety of divine flavors and all have various ‘prescriptions’.

I finally was able to try one last night. Not knowing how I would respond, I waited for the perfect evening. It says it’s fast acting and mild. I was a little nervous as I had never tried any liquid like this and had no idea what to expect. I for sure do not like feeling ‘out of it’ or ‘out of control’ so I sipped my concoction very slowly. I figured it can’t be more disorienting than a Margarita or glass of wine, and at least this has proven medicinal qualities. The great news (for me) is, I almost felt nothing. The other news (for some) is that I almost felt nothing. The best news is, you can easily monitor your experience because it truly is mild. I felt good, excited to take a walk and go out for dinner, but unaltered in any way. Frankly, I was relieved. If I decide I want to get a little more ‘feeling’ – I would say, try another one. For the most part, it was a yummy fun experience and if you are looking for a summer house warming gift – THIS IS IT.

Monk will surely impress anyone and everyone. Forget the bottle of wine this year and grab the assortment box. I guarantee that whoever receives this gift will be over the moon and them some. It’s perfect for a little dinner party or weekend BBQ.     

Some more info pulled from their gorgeous website.

THIS IS THE HIT RIGHT HERE!! The sampler.

Adrenal Fatigue and The Perils of Running on Empty

May 21, 2017

Dr. Chad Larson, NMD, DC, CCN, CSCS, Advisor and Consultant on Clinical Consulting Team for Cyrex Laboratories weighs in…

We all have those moments of feeling like we’re running on empty. It’s all too common in these fast-paced times, and generally we’re pretty good at finding ways to recharge—whether it’s going for a walk, relaxing with friends, planning a vacation, or taking a nap. But if that feeling of fatigue or exhaustion just won’t subside, no matter how much rest you are getting, there could be a deeper issue. You may be suffering from adrenal insufficiency, more commonly known as “adrenal fatigue.”

The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and manufacture and secrete steroid and catecholamine (adrenaline) hormones, including cortisol, DHEA and epinephrine, the three main stress hormones. These hormones are essential for life, health and vitality; they modulate the functioning of every tissue, organ and gland in your body to keep you alive and maintain balance from different sources of stress. They also have effects on the way you think and feel.

Adrenal fatigue is a term used to describe adrenal gland exhaustion causing insufficient production and secretion of hormones. Abnormal adrenal function can be influenced by mental/emotional, biochemical and physical stressors, which affect many functions of the body. While we cannot control the occurrences of all of life’s stressors, we can control our diet and nutrition, which—if poor—can cause biochemical stress. Adrenal fatigue can then present itself through some of the common symptoms of hormone imbalance including:

  • Alcohol intolerance
  • Blood sugar imbalances
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Craving for sweets
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Food allergies and sensitivities
  • Headaches
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability

Many of these symptoms are interrelated. For example, although each of our bodies reacts differently to different foods, many people suffer from adrenal fatigue as a result of blood sugar imbalances due to gluten sensitivity. In this case, gluten acts as a toxin, prohibiting the absorption of vital nutrients and causing instable blood sugar levels. This can then trigger headaches, excessive fatigue, cravings for sweets and so on.

But it is important to recognize that adrenal fatigue can be the cause or effect of more serious conditions. When adrenal gland function is compromised, your body’s ability to respond to illness can weaken, making you more susceptible to developing other conditions, such as autoimmune-related diseases. Conversely, adrenal fatigue can be the effect of preexisting diseases due to excessive adrenal response. In the instance of gluten sensitivity leading to adrenal fatigue, blood sugar imbalances can cause hypoglycemia or even diabetes, whereas adrenal fatigue could also be the effect of a poorly managed, preexisting case of diabetes.

While the adrenal glands assist our bodies in managing stress, we can return the favor and support our adrenals by maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. For those who may be suffering from adrenal fatigue, an optimal diet would consist of high-quality protein, healthy fats and organic whole foods, while avoiding sugars, caffeine, grains and alcohol. For targeted nutritional supplementation, Vitamins C and B-Complex, herbal adaptogens and adrenal gland extract can also be of benefit. But as each one of us is unique, it is important to listen to your body and observe your response to different foods.

If you are suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned or suspect that diet might be affecting consistency in your body’s energy level or overall function, testing for food sensitivities is a great place to start. Cyrex Laboratories, a clinical laboratory specializing in functional immunology and autoimmunity, offers advanced, innovative tests designed to detect and monitor autoimmune reactivities and their possible triggers. The Array 3 – Wheat/Gluten Proteome Reactivity & Autoimmunity Screen™ and the Array 4 – Gluten-Associated Cross-Reactive Foods and Foods Sensitivity Screen™ are recommended.

It is important to stay current on wellness exams and seek professional medical attention if you are feeling like you don’t have any gas in the tank and can’t seem to shake it. There are many things you can do to manage stress and improve quality of life on your own as well. Keeping your diet and nutrition in check is essential for achieving optimal health, enjoying life—and one of the easiest ways to balance your adrenal function.

Dr. Chad Larson, NMD, DC, CCN, CSCS, Advisor and Consultant on Clinical Consulting Team for Cyrex Laboratories. Dr. Larson holds a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Southern California University of Health Sciences. He is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He particularly pursues advanced developments in the fields of endocrinology, orthopedics, sports medicine, and environmentally-induced chronic disease.

IMMORDL is Slaying the Nitro-Infused Coffee Game With Their Super Food Elixir

May 10, 2017

SUPER FOODS, SUPER HERBS, ANCIENT BOTANICALS, SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL HARMONY, UNIQUE TRIPLE DISTILLED INFUSION, 100% ORGANIC CHIA PROTEIN, WILD HARVESTED ROSEA (adaptogenic herb) 

Another reason to run across the street to EREWHON.

Scott Holmes. I LOVE YOU AND YOUR TEAM for making the sickest, best, most divine coffee elixir on the market.

Scott, who along with his veteran health and wellness team introduced IMMORDL to world and it’s a better place now.

WHAT:  The world’s first nitro-infused super coffee supplement elixir. They recently walked away winning VegWorld Magazine’s prestigious “Best of Show” Award, and was named leading “Standout” product by super food chef and New York Time best-selling author Julie Morris, who wrote “This stuff is liquid luxury. Seriously.” 

To me it tastes like velvet. 

IMMORDL Nitro Super Coffee Energy Supplement is designed to give clean, stable and sustained energy and vitality, without the spike or crash.

They are disrupting the market by defining a new superfood supplement category all their own that incorporates energy, coffee and functional supplements.

IMMORDL recipe and formula is remarkably unique and hitting the shelves this spring only in Southern California. 

One botlle has two servings with 180 calories each so plan accordingly and share with a friend. The fat is the GOOD coconut oil. This is a SUPERFOOD. That tastes like I’m licking the gates of heaven. It’s retailing for $7.99 which is less than you’re paying for the fancy juice and just as valuable to your system (if not more?).

IMMORDL begins with a labor intensive, triple-distillation process of their organic, Arabica coffee, and infuses organic and wild-harvested superfoods into a smooth coconut base. The added benefit of the coconut, beyond tasting amazing, is to help facilitate the functional herbal supplements into the body. IMMORDL sources organic Maca, from the high elevations of Peru; wild-harvested Rhodiola Rosea; and organic Guarana, used by ancient Aztecs for energy.

Crafted in California, IMMORDL is a conscious and mindful approach to living a good life, and have already established themselves in leading West Coast healthy grocers and juice bars. They are currently served fresh on tap from Downtown Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, including Erewhon Market, Juice Ranch, Sunlife Organics, Organic Muscle and Romancing the Bean.  

IMMORDL brings their one of a kind multicultural blend of herbal supplements and plant based ingredients together, creating a full-spectrum energy solution. While doing so, they are committed to produce products that ensure positive environmental impact and both solution-based and sustainable, by their commitment to no plastic bottles, and make every effort to work in harmony with farmers who supply IMMORDL ingredients. This paleo and vegan-friendly energy elixir supplement is non GMO and Gluten free.

SeabuckWonders – The Hot Omega On The Block

May 8, 2017

Ultimate Hair, Skin & Nails–the only product of its kind that contains Omega-7 AND Biotin. 

Why SeabuckWonders for your skin?  

Antioxidants, vitamins A, E, beta-carotene, phytonutrients, and, of course, the all important omega fatty acids, such as Omega 3, 6, 9, and the rare 7 are all crucial components for beauty from the inside out.

Sea buckthorn oil is a treasure chest of these nutrients and has been used as a secret beauty aid in Eastern Asia for over 1000 years. Taken internally or applied topically (or both!), sea buckthorn oil provides the necessary elements for ever-lasting beauty.

SeabuckWonders Sea Buckthorn Oils, Supplements and Skin Care Products

SeabuckWonders is proud to offer the first and ONLY full line of products made with 100% USDA Certified Organic Himalayan Sea Buckthorn. We’ve been the Sea Buckthorn experts for 20 years, offering supplements and personal care products with the highest concentration of sea buckthorn and Omega-7 for better results.

The SeabuckWonders Difference – What separates their products from other brands?

SeabuckWonders products contain the highest amount of sea buckthorn oil compared to competitors.

SeabuckWonders products are available at select retailers or online at:  http://www.seabuckwonders.com/products/ or on Amazon!