If you think fitness is hard enough, try adding motherhood!
This Mother's Day, LIFEAID is launching Mothers of Fitness, a docuseries and an inclusive online community to help support, inspire and motivate moms worldwide to lead healthy, active lifestyles.
Join us as we experience fit moms tackling motherhood—from the laughter to the tears, juggling workouts between feedings & diapers, and everything in between! You'll get an inside look at the daily lives of women who have taken on the biggest job of all: being a mom. Mothers of Fitness (MoF) proves that being a strong mom is so much more than just fitness.
"Here's to strong women.
May we know them.
May we be them.
May we raise them."
Watch for top athletes and everyday mamas featured in upcoming episodes of the Mothers of Fitness docuseries, with new episodes airing each week. Some of the Mothers of Fitness currently featured include:
- Former NPC competitor turned CrossFit athlete, fitness model, SG Training Zone owner & proud toddler mom Sarah Grace
Mothers everywhere are now invited to join the online MoF community on Facebook, a place for moms to come together, support and build each other up. After all, we are stronger as women when we stand united. So tell a mom you love and come get inspired, share advice with fellow moms, find fitness tips, discover healthy recipes, workout virtually together, laugh or cry—we're here for it all.
The Mothers of Fitness Facebook group will also feature partnerships with brands moms love, giveaways, online events, live Q&A sessions, discounts for MoF members, fresh content, and other fun ways to get involved.
“As a mother, it is often hard to find time to dedicate to yourself. With MoF, we want to provide an inclusive community that will be a platform of inspiration and motivation for busy moms,” says Emily Sommariva, LIFEAID CMO and mother of one-and-a-half-year-old daughter Luna. “We are excited to be bringing top notch, heartfelt content through articles, amazing moderators and our MoF docuseries. We've gotta stick together!”
Here's a sneak peek of our upcoming Mothers of Fitness docuseries, launching this Mother's Day!
Interested in submitting content or becoming a moderator for Mothers of Fitness? Please email us at: mothers@lifeaidbevco.com
Not a mom? Share this with a mother who inspires you.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
Proudly brought to you by LIFEAID Beverage Company
> > > Stay strong, mamas.
If you think fitness is hard enough, try adding motherhood! This Mother’s Day, LIFEAID is launching Mothers of Fitness, a docuseries and an inclusive online community to help support, inspire and motivate moms worldwide to lead healthy, active lifestyles. Join us as we experience fit moms tackling motherhood—from the laughter to the tears, juggling workouts […]
Amidst the current COVID-19 crisis, it is our health care heroes who have helped sustain us, the brave women and men who are tirelessly battling on the front lines of this pandemic with smiles under their masked faces. To each and every one of you, for your sacrifice and your bravery, we say THANK YOU.
This month, LIFEAID has donated over 30 pallets of FITAID ZERO to more than 150 hospitals worldwide to help fuel the dedicated paramedics, nurses and doctors on their rounds. Here are just a few of the many heroes who wear masks. We could not get through this time without you!
WPB Medical Center in Virginia
Loma Linda University Medical Center in California
Covenant/Fort Sanders Regional Hospital in Tennessee
Columbia Memorial Health in New York
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla in California
Trident Hospital in South Carolina
Gilbert Fire Department in Arizona
Bellevue Pharmacy in New York
St. Luke’s Health System in Wisconsin
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR HEALTH CARE HEROES!
> > > Stay well.
Amidst the current COVID-19 crisis, it is our health care heroes who have helped sustain us, the brave women and men who are tirelessly battling on the front lines of this pandemic with smiles under their masked faces. To each and every one of you, for your sacrifice and your bravery, we say THANK YOU. […]
In honor of Earth Day, we sat down for a quick Q&A with Theza, the Director of Operations at LIFEAID Beverage Co., to discover what environmentally friendly practices are used by the local Santa Cruz company.
Q: How long have you worked for LIFEAID, and what is your role?
A: I'm Theza. I have been with the company since 2012, and am currently the Director or Operations; though, I also work in Research & Development and love my job(s).
Q: Why are all LIFEAID blends produced in cans (instead of glass or plastic)?
A: Plastic can only be recycled a couple of times before it deteriorates and is no longer usable, then it hits the landfill or enters the soil in the form of pollutive microplastics. While both glass and aluminum are much more earth-friendly due to being infinitely recyclable, aluminum is lightweight yet strong, as well as being light-proof to help keep our products tasting fresh.
Q: What’s the production process for an aluminum LIFEAID can?
A: Here's a short video of the can production process:
Q: What is the impact of cans and how can consumers help reduce protect our environment?
A: Americans throw away more than $700 million worth of aluminum cans every year, and only 55% of aluminum cans are recycled. Plus, only 11 states have a recycling program. Please encourage yourself and others to use the recycling bin versus a garbage can, whether at home or out in public.
Q: What’s one fun aspect of your job that most people don’t know about?
A: The fact that I get to help create the flavors of all of our products. Fun super-nerd fact: I love seeing what my palate tastes and how it's translated into chemistry formulas. Adjective words like sweet, punchy and tangy all have an actual chemical reaction by which they are created.
Q: What do you love most about working for an eco-conscious company like LIFEAID?
A: As a start up, all of us were from different industries not related to manufacturing or beverages/dietary supplements. I think this is also what makes us great! Each of us at LIFEAID is constantly learning and sharing with each other based on our past experiences and education beyond just the beverage industry.
Please remember to reduce, reuse, recycle and stay healthy, everyone!
> > > Stay well.
In honor of Earth Day, we sat down for a quick Q&A with Theza, the Director of Operations at LIFEAID Beverage Co., to discover what environmentally friendly practices are used by the local Santa Cruz company. Q: How long have you worked for LIFEAID, and what is your role? A: I’m Theza. I have been […]
The universal language of music has been used in almost every culture for centuries to stir emotions, transmit stories and connect with others. While its healing powers are renown around the globe, what can music actually do for your well-being?
Here are 3 powerful health benefits of music along with a handful of fresh playlists created by our LIFEAID crew & FITAID athletes to help you vibrate higher and rule the day!
1. MUSIC ENHANCES ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
FACT: Some studies suggest that music can increase overall exercise performance by boosting physical and mental stimulation.
Here are some of our favorite athletes' playlists to help you crush your next workout.
Alex Michael Turner, bodybuilder:
Jacob Heppner, 4x CrossFit Games athlete :
Reneé Pickett, Strong Nation master trainer:
2. MUSIC IMPROVES COGNITIVE FUNCTION
FACT: Research has shown that listening to certain types of music — ones with repetitive elements in rhythm and melody — help warm up the brain, increase cognitive function and boost memory.
Here are a few playlists that our LIFEAID employees use to help them get in the zone while working.
Tamar, national events manager at LIFEAID:
Theza, director of operations at LIFEAID:
Cari, PR manager at LIFEAID:
3. MUSIC IS A MOOD BOOSTER
FACT. Studies have shown that whenever you listen to music, your brain releases dopamine, the 'feel good' hormone. Music has the power to influence a listener’s emotions and—according to some researchers—can even improve one’s overall well-being, reduce stress and anxiety, and create feelings of happiness.
Enjoy the following playlists to help curate good vibes and bring joy to your daily life.
Ashley Kidd, pro wake surfer:
Greg, logistics coordinator at LIFEAID:
Ana, national marketing manager at LIFEAID:
BONUS: Here are two epic DJ sets from our very own LIFEAID co-founders Orion Melehan and Aaron Hinde to help pump you up during quarantine!
LIFEAID CEO Orion Melehan on SoundCloud:
LIFEAID president Aaron Hinde on SoundCloud:
To listen to more of these kinds of playlists, please visit our FITAID and LIFEAID channels on Spotify.
Music heals. Stay well and keep dancing out there, everyone!
> > > Stay well.
The universal language of music has been used in almost every culture for centuries to stir emotions, transmit stories and connect with others. While its healing powers are renown around the globe, what can music actually do for your well-being? Here are 3 powerful health benefits of music along with a handful of fresh playlists created […]
THE IMPORTANCE OF VITAMIN C
Long gone may be the days when our biggest concern was getting scurvy from severe lack of vitamin C; However, our immunity health and wellness in general is more important now than ever.
Did you know? Vitamin C is a water-soluable vitamin that must be obtained from your diet or supplements. It can be found naturally in a variety of fruits and vegetables including oranges, strawberries, kiwis, spinach, broccoli, bell peppers and kale. The recommended daily intake of vitamin C for women is 75mg and 90mg for men.
TIP: A vitamin C supplement is a great, easy way to help boost your vitamin C intake if you struggle to reach your daily recommended amount.
Luckily for you, nearly* all of our LIFEAID products contain vitamin C (in the form of ascorbic acid, one of the most bioavailable & readily absorbed forms of vitamin C). Fun fact: IMMUNITYAID actually contains 20x the amount of vitamin C in one orange!
Each blend also offers additional clean ingredients and nutrients for your mind and body, plus the refreshing taste of vitamins you'll actually enjoy drinking! Discover them all and shop online at LIFEAIDbevco.com. (We'll ship your order right to your doorstep.)
*Note: LIFEAID HEMP Balance Blend is currently the only product in the full family of LIFEAID functional beverages which does not contain Vitamin C.
C O N C L U S I O N
During a time when all of our systems could use a little added immunity boost, it's important to include vitamin C in your daily nutritional goals. With the numerous benefits of vitamin C that we now know, this powerhouse vitamin is clearly no longer just a pirate's cure for scurvy! So whether the foods you eat naturally provide you with enough vitamin C or you need to supplement, be sure to keep vitamin-C-packed foods and/or supplements stocked in your home as a healthy part of your daily diet.
All images courtesy of LIFEAID and UnSplash | Additional sources: Healthline.com & VitaVibes.com
Please note: LIFAID products and this information is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any disease.
> > > Stay well.
THE IMPORTANCE OF VITAMIN C Long gone may be the days when our biggest concern was getting scurvy from severe lack of vitamin C; However, our immunity health and wellness in general is more important now than ever. Did you know? Vitamin C is a water-soluable vitamin that must be obtained from your diet or […]
Now more than ever, we all need simple ways to unplug and escape the stress of daily life.
Here are our top tips for creating more zen moments while at home:
♦ JOURNAL:
The act of writing your thoughts down on paper can be very therapeutic, freeing your mind from carrying all those things around. Challenge yourself to also write down something you’re grateful for each day. Positive, calm thoughts will help frame your daily words & actions.
♦ SLEEP:
A lot of people are having trouble sleeping right now, causing our minds, bodies & immune systems to suffer. Getting daily exercise, unplugging before bedtime and creating a calm sleeping environment (try adding lavender to your oil diffuser) have been shown helpful for obtaining 6-8 hours of quality rest each night.
♦ MEDITATE:
Starting a daily habit of meditation can help decrease stress. If you’re finding getting started difficult, set a timer for two minutes, count your breaths and don’t get caught up in whether you’re doing it ‘right’. Simply allow yourself to slow down & focus on your body, any feelings that arise, and release stressful thoughts before smiling and continuing with your day.
♦ UNPLUG:
Set aside ‘screen-free’ times during the day to help give your mind & eyes a break (from texts, social media, work or other online distractions). Don’t bring your phone into the bedroom—morning or night, your mind will benefit from escaping the unnecessary stress a phone screen can bring to start and end your days.
♦ DIET:
What you put into your body is key, especially during times of elevated stress. Eating whole foods, drinking plenty of water, getting your daily vitamins and natural remedies like hemp can help balance the nutrients your body needs daily to feel calmer. Click here to learn more about LIFEAID HEMP Balance Blend.
C O N C L U S I O N
Life's stressful enough right now. Hopefully these tips will be helpful reminders for you to take moments during your day to pause, breathe more deeply and appreciate the good things in your life. We all could use more moments of zen. Be well, everyone.
> > > Stay well.
Now more than ever, we all need simple ways to unplug and escape the stress of daily life. Here are our top tips for creating more zen moments while at home: ♦ JOURNAL: The act of writing your thoughts down on paper can be very therapeutic, freeing your mind from carrying all those things around. […]
What we feed our bodies affects its ability to resist and fight-off disease. Inadequate nutrition can compromise our body’s defense and its response to foreign invaders, while conscious dieting can optimize its ability to resist disease. It’s therefore important we be mindful of our diet to ensure that our bodies have the tools needed to heal and recover.
Diet can be broken up into several basic categories. The following food groups and types are excellent sources of nutrients that directly support the immune system.
Water
As simple as it sounds, water is an essential part of our well-being. Sticking to water as opposed to diuretic beverages like alcohol, coffee, and sugary drinks is ideal. Hydration is especially important during winter and early spring, as colder and drier weather can leave the respiratory lining susceptible to infection.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables offer countless benefits to our body. These are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that our body needs to function and keep our organs healthy. They are nutrient dense, meaning that they offer more nutrients per calorie than most other foods.
Fiber from fruits and vegetables promotes a healthy digestive tract, where they act as prebiotics. This is extremely important! Our gut plays a key role in the absorption of nutrients and in supporting the immune system. A healthy gut allows the body to reap the full benefits of the nutrients consumed.
Berries
Berries are packed with antioxidants that protect our body from all sorts of wear and tear. Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, reactive molecules that would otherwise react with important micro-biological structures and render them useless.
Berries are also abundant in phytochemicals (“plant-” chemicals), which are becoming more and more recognized as important to our health. Examples of phytochemicals includes flavonoids, carotenoids, anthocyanins, sulfides, thiols, and many many more. Phytochemicals are the most effective when consumed in their natural form, not as a supplement.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are a good source of healthy (poly-unsaturated and mono-unsaturated) fats. Examples include plant-based oils (liquid at room temperature), omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to immune support and function, eliciting a supporting effect on phagocytic cells like neutrophils and macrophages. Nuts and seeds are also packing with energy and are phytochemicals, making them a no-brainer when it comes to immune support.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is a miracle worker when it comes to immunity. Adequate levels of vitamin D ensure that we have strong bones and a strong immune system. Supplementing with vitamin D has been found to lower the likelihood of upper respiratory tract infections as well as shorten the illness. Vitamin D also has antioxidant properties that protect with oxidative damage and has a stabilizing effect on mood.
>>> Stay well.
Original post by Santa Cruz Core on March 26, 2020 ⋅ Written by Jaimi Jansen What we feed our bodies affects its ability to resist and fight-off disease. Inadequate nutrition can compromise our body’s defense and its response to foreign invaders, while conscious dieting can optimize its ability to resist disease. It’s therefore important we be mindful […]
While this has been a time of uncertainty around the world, one thing is certain: social distancing is leading many of us to a revolutionary time as a society, we're witnessing a 'closening' of relationships. People are reflecting on what matters most in their lives, surrounding themselves with the people they love (even if only via FaceTime), appreciating nature, embracing new hobbies, making time for healthy habits, and just taking life at a slower pace in general. The LIFEAID team shares how they are practicing social distancing and embracing all the good things that have come out of this otherwise difficult time.
Wishing everyone health & calm.
—Your LIFEAID family
Aaron (President & co-founder)
- How do you start your day at home?
Keeping the same morning ritual I always have to start my day on the right trajectory has been key: 20 minutes of yoga, my 5-minute journal, Wim Hof breathing, cold shower, Keto coffee, short prayer, 5 minutes of meditation, then off to the virtual office.
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- What does your home fitness routine look like?
Morning yoga and a lot of bodyweight exercises like burpees, air squats and push-ups.
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- What are some staples in your daily nutrition?
I drink lots of IMMUNITYAID, take extra Vitamin C and D daily, and eat clean proteins and veggies.
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- How do you de-stress?
I take time to de-stress by taking walks, breathing, practicing yoga, meditation and grounding.
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- What in your home helps bring you calm?
Going out on my deck, looking out over the woods towards the ocean.
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- What keeps you motivated?
I’ve always been self motivated so don’t need anything extra to stay that way.
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- How do you stay focused with distractions at home?
FOCUSAID and making sure I get through my top priority every day.
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Aaron & his family
Destiny (Email marketing)
- How do you start your day at home?
I wake up a little later (hooray for sleep!), make coffee, open up the windows and start my day.
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- What does your home fitness routine look like?
I have two small dumbbells and my body weight which is all I need! Stretch, do a few circuits of simple exercises (sit-ups, push-ups, squats & burpees) and I’m feeling good.
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- What are some staples in your daily nutrition?
I love snacking on fruits, veggies, whole grains and IMMUNITYAID.
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- How do you de-stress?
Stepping out onto my porch and taking a few deep breathes helps me de-stress ... I turn on some music and forget the world for a minute.
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- What in your home helps bring you calm?
I keep all the lights off in the house and allow only natural lighting in during the day. Something about it is really calming. I also try and keep my space as tidy as possible. A clean house + sunlight coming through the windows = bliss.
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- What keeps you motivated?
Keeping in contact with my LIFEAID family helps. A little midday impromptu dance party never hurts either!
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- What book(s) are you reading right now?
Just grabbed a copy of Call Me By Your Name from the bookstore.
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- What’s your favorite part of this experience so far?
The opportunity to grow as a human being and to be able to really evaluate what’s important to me at the end of the day: my health, my people and humanity.
Sabine (Accounting)
- How do you start your day at home?
I take my dog for a walk down to the beach and check the waves/surf.
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- What does your home fitness routine look like?
I have a small home gym that is taking the temporary place of the FITAID gym at HQ right now. I also use 'Ready State,' an online mobility app, every evening. I still get out in the ocean for my paddle & surf sessions; I have a coach for my racing and we intend to stick to my training plan (even if all the races are cancelled). Sticking to the plan will give me some sense of structure and 'normalcy.'
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What are some staples in your daily nutrition?
My husband and I are doing the 800 gram challenge and plan to keep doing it through this. Fortunately, my Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is still running. I fill in the gaps with items from the Farmer’s Market. My pantry is stocked with IMMUNITYAID and FOCUSAID right now. I do rely on protein powder and bars, too, and am happy there is still plenty of that in the stores right now.
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How do you de-stress?
I walk the dog, tend to my little garden, dance or skate around the kitchen, and look at TikTok.
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- What keeps you motivated?
Living in Santa Cruz is motivating. I also love my job, so it's easy to stay motivated to do my work.
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- What is in your home helps bring you calm?
I work by a window where I can see out to our busy street. Watching neighbors and others walk by the house calms me. We are also trying to keep the house tidy. (We already aren't doing a great job of that.)
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- What activities are you enjoying most during this time?
I get to have lunch with my husband and take the dog for a walk. Really loving that.
Hannah (Graphic design)
- How do you start your day at home?
I try to set an alarm every morning and begin each day with some yoga. It helps me wake up and get into 'productive' mode. Practicing yoga puts my mind in a great place, allowing me to stay positive throughout the day.
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- What does your home fitness routine look like?
After I start my day with yoga, I try to do a short circuit workout (at least 10 minutes) around lunch time to get my blood moving. I’ve really enjoyed doing AMRAPs with bodyweight exercises such as squats, burpees, sit-ups, push-ups and lunges. I also invested in some sliders, resistance bands, a kettlebell, and a pair of dumbbells (which are on the way) so I can add some weight to the mix.
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- What are some staples in your daily nutrition?
Lots of eggs, greens (spinach, kale, arugula), bananas, oatmeal, frozen vegetables (they keep much longer), nuts (great for snacking/topping salads) and ground turkey (which I can use in just about anything).
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- How do you de-stress?
Breathe, drink tea and put on a good playlist.
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- What keeps you motivated?
Lists!
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- What in your home helps bring you calm?
It’s not something in my space, but rather it's getting up and taking a lap around my house every 30 minutes or so, to help keep my productivity up and help me re-focus.
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- What activities are you enjoying most during this time?
- Playing Farkle and board games. (If you don’t know what Farkle is, look it up. It’s a lot of fun.)
- Also, cooking with my sister and her girlfriend. I haven’t spent this much time at home with my family in a long time, and we’re growing much closer and our relationships are getting much stronger.
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- What books are you reading right now?
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- Big Magic By Elizabeth Gilbert
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- What’s your favorite part of this experience so far?
- Being able to get creative with my workouts. I’ve always relied on the gym for exercise (I never realized just how much I relied on it until now). This time has allowed me to re-discover my love of running, hiking, yoga and volleyball.
- I’ve been spending quality time with my sister. We were never that close before, so I’m extremely thankful for this time with her.
Hannah, practicing yoga at home
Karis (Field marketing & social media)
- How do you start your day at home?
Once the alarm goes off, I lay in bed for 15 minutes with my pups, then I get up and stretch, make myself some tea and set up my area so I'm ready to tackle work.
- What does your home fitness routine look like?
With my gym closing I’ve been able to do daily strength training workouts with the weights and resistance bands at home. I’ve been able to get my cardio and steps in by walking my dogs. I like to walk them on my lunch time so I can also get some fresh air—it gives me the chance to tackle the rest of my work day with a fresh mind.
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- How do you de-stress?
At home, I'm able to de-stress by going outside for some fresh air or listening to music.
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- What keeps you motivated?
Setting small daily goals so that I can accomplish bigger goals.
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- What activities are you enjoying most during this time?
I’ve been able to spend more time with my dogs, giving them lots of extra cuddles. Also, in our home we’re enjoying classic board games as a family.
Karis & fur friends
Claudia (Operations)
- How do you start your day at home?
My son Damien usually wakes up around 8 or 9am, so I get up around 6 or 7am, drink one full glass of water, turn on my diffuser downstairs in the living room/kitchen area with essential oils in it and go for a run around 6 or 7am. After my run it is nice to come home and smell the essential oils. Once I am home I turn on some music and make breakfast for my husband, my son and myself. My son and I both love starting our day with some good music and doing some fun dancing before we eat breakfast.
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What does your home fitness routine look like?
I go for a run in the morning before my son wakes up. I also try to go for a run with my son (in the stroller) around noon, whenever it's not raining. I received my booty bands just in time (before the in-shelter rule was announced) and now I do some home workouts with my booty bands and some 'mommy & son' workouts. Our family enjoys going outside for a walk together in our neighborhood whenever it is sunny, to get some fresh air and to enjoy Mother Nature.
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What are some staples in your daily nutrition?
- Scrambled eggs with kale, oatmeal mixed with fruit; Chicken, fish, salads, rice, potatoes or other veggies and fruits (mango, strawberries, raspberries, banana)
- Nuts are a great in-between-meals snack.
- Daily Harvest has a variety of smoothies that are packed with a lot of greens: kale, spinach, avocado, cucumber and some other good ingredients like hemp, chia seeds, different fruits, etc.
- I drink a lot of water during the day as well as IMMUNITYAID Wellness Blend to help boost my immune system. Plus, I take a multi-vitamin pill.
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How do you de-stress at home?
I love listening to music and dancing with my son—makes me forget about anything else in that moment.
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- What keeps you motivated?
My son is my biggest motivation since the day he was born. Watching him grow & explore the world while learning new things is a daily reminder to myself to never give up no matter how the circumstances are. He motivates me daily to make the best out of any situation and to enjoy the little things in life. I see the world through his eyes as well and it is nice to forget for a moment all the negative events that happen daily in our world. My son motivates me to keep going and be healthy for myself and him, as well.
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- What in your home helps bring you calm?
Cleaning the house brings me calm. Our household is always clean, but since I have more free-time now, I get to clean more often.
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- What activities are you enjoying most during this time?
We just love nature and walks, listening to music and playing with lego, or making music with my son and his music instruments.
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- What books or music are you reading/listening to currently?
We listen to calming meditation music to relax and find peace during these difficult times. A book that I personally like is Whale Done. (It teaches the reader how to communicate with others to get positive results.)
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- What’s your favorite part of this experience so far?
- The fact that almost everyone gets a break from our hectic daily routine. It is nice to take a break for a moment from everything and focus on what is really important: health and well-being.
- I like that I am able to work from home and be present for my son at the same time.
- I love being able to spend time with my family.
- I love that we have to get creative again in order to not get bored while being stuck in the house.
- This is the time that gives us all a chance to change our view of life and to choose what really matters in life.
Ashley (Sales)
- How do you start your day at home?
I always turn on my Keurig coffee maker right when I wake up, then (weather permitting) I take my pup for his morning walk, stretch and get ready for the day!
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- What does your home fitness routine look like?
With my gym being closed, I purchased some free weights and resistance bands so I can continue to do strength-training workouts. Now my cardio just really includes walking (TRYING to run) with my pup. He’s slowly getting better at the whole running part.
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- How do you de-stress at home?
With my oil diffuser, bubble baths and sometimes some yoga. Oh yeah, also ... WINE!
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- What keeps you motivated?
I just always look at the overall goal. It's crucial around this time to not lose focus on the big picture.
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- What activities are you enjoying most during this time?
Well, it is just me and my pup, so we get a lot more cuddles in. But when I am social distancing with family and friends, we are playing old-school board games and enjoying some adult beverages.
Katie (Social media)
- How do you start your day at home?
I wake up at my usual time, light a candle and get a ROMWOD® in, then I get ready for my day and make some breakfast. Also, I completely stay away from my phone for the first hour of my day.
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- What does your home fitness routine look like?
Honestly, it’s been tough being a weightlifter yet not able to lift weights right now. The great part of it, however, is that it's forcing me back to my CrossFit® roots and making me work on my endurance. I’ve found that taking my workouts outside has been a game changer.
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- What are some staples in your daily nutrition?
I eat a lot of ground turkey, chicken and lean proteins. One thing I'm enjoying eating more of is greens! I’ve also been eating a lot more fruits lately.
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- How do you de-stress?
I use the app 'Calm' for meditations, read a good book, run a lap around the block, or talk with friends on the phone.
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- What keeps you motivated?
I remember the greater goal, especially when it comes to work. Also, remaining grateful for the fact that I still have a job.
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- How do you stay focused with distractions at home?
One of the main reasons why I chose my apartment was all of the natural light. I open up my blinds first thing in the morning and let the sunshine pour in.
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- What activities are you enjoying most during this time?
Unfortunately, my family is spread out across the United States, but my parents, who live right outside of Nashville, just got an adorable little Corgi/Blue Heeler puppy named Hank and they send me videos of him constantly which makes me smile.
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- What books are you reading currently?
This is a loaded question—I LOVE to read! Some of the books that have inspired me the most are Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, Shoe Dog by Phil Knight and Artisan’s Soul by Erwin McManus. (My favorite authors are Jodi Picoult, Elin Hilderbrand and Emily Giffin.)
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- What’s your favorite part of this experience so far?
Not taking human connection for granted.
Katie, in her home office
Orion (CEO and co-founder)
Orion & daughters in Santa Cruz
The biggest blessing for me during this crazy time of uncertainty has been how much quality time I get to spend with my two beautiful daughters. It's a perfect reminder to us all—never take these moments for granted, they are just waiting to shine through amidst all the chaos.
—Orion Melehan, LIFEAID CEO and co-founder
> > > Stay healthy.
While this has been a time of uncertainty around the world, one thing is certain: social distancing is leading many of us to a revolutionary time as a society, we’re witnessing a ‘closening’ of relationships. People are reflecting on what matters most in their lives, surrounding themselves with the people they love (even if only […]
Featuring Dr. Nick of @thefittestdoc and Aaron Hinde, co-founder and president of LIFEAID®
What’s stress got to do with it? Can’t I just double up on vitamins to stay healthy? With the expertise of Dr. Nick, MD, also known as “The Fittest Doc,” alongside co-founder and president of LIFEAID® Aaron Hinde, we are debunking some of the top immunity myths while providing health tips that will actually help keep your immune system firing on all cylinders.
1. STRESS IS UNRELATED TO IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTH
“It is important to try to reduce anxiety in order to keep your immune system working at maximum capacity. Chronic stressors like a stressful job or home life or even persistent non-transient states of anxiety...tend to cause an inflammatory state physiologically and a persistent depression of our own ability to fight off infection,” says Dr. Nick.
TIP: If you are feeling anxious, try meditating or practicing breathwork exercises to help reduce stress. Dr. Aaron Hinde, says “My daily life at LIFEAID can be hectic, so I’ve created a morning routine practicing breathwork and meditation to help me stay calm and grounded throughout the day.”
BONUS: Here is a simple breathwork exercise that you can do anywhere:
- Get into a comfortable position
- Place your hand on your chest and your other hand on your belly
- Take a deep (belly) breath in while counting to five in your head.
- Pause, then slowly and fully exhale your breath.
- Repeat for a few minutes, until you feel calm & relaxed.
2. MYTH: EXERCISE LOWERS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
“From the research that I’ve seen, exercise is no different than any other stressor,” says Dr. Nick. “Transient stressors involving family, work and even exercise have been shown to be associated with strengthening the immune system.” Moving the body will release endorphins — the ‘feel good hormone’ — which reduces cortisol levels and thus improves your immunity response.
TIP #1: Go for a 15-minute walk outside to release endorphins and reduce stress. (You will also be getting the added benefit of absorbing Vitamin D from the sun.)
TIP #2: If you are not feeling well, skip the gym. “Self isolate to keep others safe,” says Dr. Nick. “Even though you may know what health issues you have, you have no idea what other people at the gym have.”
3. MYTH: HAND SOAP IS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN HAND SANITIZER
“If hand sanitizer has 60 percent of alcohol or higher, then it can be just as effective as washing your hands with soap, if applied properly,” according to Dr. Nick.
TIP #1: Make sure to wash hands for at least 20 seconds. Many germs live underneath the fingernails, Dr. Nick recommends putting soap on the palm of one hand and cleaning your nails of the opposite hand by lighting scratching the soapy palm.
TIP #2: For maximum effectiveness, coat your entire hand (front and back) when using hand sanitizer, then let it air dry.
4. MYTH: THE MORE VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS THE BETTER
There is no proof of the added benefits from consuming extra vitamins and supplements (above & beyond the daily recommended amounts), unless your body is nutrient deficient. However, if you aren’t consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables, you may need to look for an extra immune boost from supplementation
Dr. Nick also adds, “There is no solid evidence that vitamins like echinacea, zinc and vitamin C effectively treat the common cold; However, there is absolutely some data showing there is a significant decrease in illness duration if taken before onset of symptoms.”
TIP: Need a boost? Try IMMUNITYAID. The IMMUNITYAID Wellness Blend delivers key vitamins and nutrients to naturally help boost your immune system, with 20x more Vitamin C than one orange, plus other natural ingredients like Echinacea, Zinc & Astragalus Root in every can. IMMUNITYAID is the simple and delicious way to get your vitamins and stay defended, with only 40 calories and a refreshing Orange Burst flavor kids & adults love!
> > > Be well.
Featuring Dr. Nick of @thefittestdoc and Aaron Hinde, co-founder and president of LIFEAID® What’s stress got to do with it? Can’t I just double up on vitamins to stay healthy? With the expertise of Dr. Nick, MD, also known as “The Fittest Doc,” alongside co-founder and president of LIFEAID® Aaron Hinde, we are debunking some […]