Empire Podcast - Build a Powerful Existence
There are no shortcuts, it's all about the long game. Every day you have a choice of what you put in your body, directly resulting in how you show up in the world. Check out this interview I did with Bedros Keuilian to hear more about LIFEAID, how to avoid the "victim" role and recognize your own power.
How Exercise Affects your Appetite
Does exercising regularly make us hungrier or does it help curb our appetites? The answer - Both. This article is an interesting read, discussing research on the relationship between burning calories and consuming them.
“Wherever you are, be all there."
- Jim Elliot
Mentor Nation - Chase your Impossible Dream
Last month, I sat down with John Abbas, host of the Mentor Nation Podcast, to discuss how we started LIFEAID with no money and no experience. Listen to find out how being creative gave us our edge to compete with giants like Red Bull and find success in an industry with a 99% failure rate. This is the story of how we chased our impossible dream.
Are Energy Drinks Really that Bad?
Not all energy drinks are created equal. This article discusses everything you should look out for when purchasing caffeinated drinks, including sweeteners, added coloring and flavoring, and heavy amounts of caffeine. Fortunately, all of LIFEAID’s blends are made with the highest attention to wellness, with natural caffeine from green tea, vitamins, and zero added colors or flavors.
Your Next Five Moves - Master the Art of Business Strategy
This Wallstreet Journal Bestseller by Patrick Bet-David focuses on improving our clarity, so we can better analyze our situation and where we would like to improve. Patrick Bet-David discusses strategies for improvement and growth, as well as how to build the perfect team. Finally, this book offers insight into the power of leverage and its different applications.
Empire Podcast – Build a Powerful Existence There are no shortcuts, it’s all about the long game. Every day you have a choice of what you put in your body, directly resulting in how you show up in the world. Check out this interview I did with Bedros Keuilian to hear more about LIFEAID, how […]
Life of the Beverage Industry
In a market as crowded as the beverage industry, creating a brand new company from scratch involves a whole lot of creativity, strategic planning, and a little bit of luck. LIFEAID started with an idea that has turned into not only a great product, but an opportunity to impact thousands of lives. Learn more in this conversation between myself and Matt Beaudreau.
The 10 Healthiest New Year's Resolutions You Can Make
It's almost that time! A fresh year, a fresh start and a chance to set new intentions. As with any habit, it's essential to start small and be realistic. Wake up 10 minutes earlier, go for a daily 10 minute walk, or just picking up a book before bed instead of your phone. What are your 2022 New Year's Resolutions? Let me know on Instagram @aaronhinde
“All problems are illusions of the mind."
- Eckhart Tolle
Does High Intensity Exercise Affect Our Hearts? Minds? Life Spans? Waistlines?
Exercising is definitely not a one-size-fits-all. And at the end of the day, moving your body in a way that works for you is most important. But how does our body tend to respond to different types of workouts? In this article, Gretchen Reynolds analyzes how effective High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is and how it impacts our health.
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking
While my day job revolves around developing high-quality beverages, after hours I've been known to spend some time in the kitchen. At LIFEAID we know how essential it is to put good stuff in your body, and cooking food yourself is a great way to start. In this book, Samin Nosrat teaches us how to cook healthy and flavorful meals from instinct, instead of following a recipe step by step.
Life of the Beverage Industry In a market as crowded as the beverage industry, creating a brand new company from scratch involves a whole lot of creativity, strategic planning, and a little bit of luck. LIFEAID started with an idea that has turned into not only a great product, but an opportunity to impact thousands […]
Glam & Grow Podcast
How do you bring an idea to life? Especially when that idea is entering an already overcrowded beverage space? Find out how we created the functional beverage concept, with Takara Sewitt.
The Emotional Push-Up
Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness. But how can we make the two work together? Olivia Bowser founded Liberate, a program that “takes what we love from fitness classes and uses it to focus on strengthening the mind”.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit.”
—Aristotle
7 Surprising Benefits of Exercise
We all know exercise is good for us, but why? This article goes through seven key benefits of exercise. Read on for some motivation to break a sweat!
The Gifts of Imperfection
The world would be too boring if people could attain perfection. Brene Brown, Research Professor at the University of Houston, celebrates our imperfections in her most recent book. Brown helps us learn how to change the things we can, and accept the things we can’t.
Glam & Grow Podcast How do you bring an idea to life? Especially when that idea is entering an already overcrowded beverage space? Find out how we created the functional beverage concept, with Takara Sewitt. Listen now… The Emotional Push-Up Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness. But how can we make the […]
As we are less than a week away from Christmas, it is only right to truly get into the holiday spirit. The LIFEAID team has made a list of their favorite holiday songs and best believe they are checking it twice. If you are in charge of the aux this year at your company's Christmas party or the family holiday party, the LIFEAID team has you covered. Christmas songs last forever and the list below is proof of that. Christmas hits of the 50’s and 60’s can still be played this week at your holiday parties - everyone loves a classic! So sit back, relax, and enjoy these holiday tunes that will sure enough get you in the holiday spirit.
“White Christmas” (1954) - The Drifters
“Dominick The Donkey” (1960) - Lou Monte
“Last Christmas” (1984) - Wham
“Baby It’s Cold Outside feat. Sofia Reyes” (2016) - Brett Elredge
“This Christmas” (1998) - NSYNC
“Christmas Don’t Be Late” (1959) - The Chipmunks
“Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas feat. Michael Bublé” (2020) - Dolly Parton
“Won’t Be Home For Christmas” (2005) - Blink 182
“White Christmas” (2019) - A.Skillz
“This Christmas” (2007) - Chris Brown
“Have yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (2020) - Sam Smith
“Mistletoe” (2011) - Justin Bieber
“Little Saint Nick” (1964) - The Beach Boys
“Don't Shoot Me Santa” (2016) - The Killers
“Feliz Navidad” (1970) - José Feliciano
“Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer”
As we are less than a week away from Christmas, it is only right to truly get into the holiday spirit. The LIFEAID team has made a list of their favorite holiday songs and best believe they are checking it twice. If you are in charge of the aux this year at your company’s Christmas […]
Christmas is a time to spend with family and friends. A time when those family traditions come together. More importantly, Christmas is a time to sit back, relax, and unwrap those presents. However, have you ever thought about what those CrossFit athletes are up to on this holiday? Do they have their own traditions? And…do CrossFit athletes workout on Christmas day?! All year, these athletes are so dialed in on training and keeping their bodies in shape, that you may sometimes forget that CrossFit athletes are no different than you and me. Our friends over at Morning Chalk Up sat down with 6 of our LIFEAID athletes and found out what they are up to on Christmas.
Neal Maddox, Laura Horvath, Jacob Heppner, Cassidy Lance-McWherter, Gabi Migala, and Ellie Turner gave insight to what their Christmas day generally looks like. From spending time with family, to cooking all the family meals, and getting a training session in, all of these CrossFit athletes have their own special traditions that they do during the holidays. To read more about these traditions and their details, head over to the Morning Chalk Up. The url for this specific article will be linked below.
For everything CrossFit, make sure you are following Morning Chalk Up. Become a member of the site so you do not miss out on the fittest news in CrossFit around the world!
Christmas is a time to spend with family and friends. A time when those family traditions come together. More importantly, Christmas is a time to sit back, relax, and unwrap those presents. However, have you ever thought about what those CrossFit athletes are up to on this holiday? Do they have their own traditions? And…do […]
YAY! Those two pink lines have arrived, and you are so excited and anxious about the journey ahead. You start planning how to announce your pregnancy to your family and friends, start thinking about names, and then out of nowhere - all of those dreaded first trimester symptoms hit. With my first pregnancy, I was exactly 6 weeks when I got hit with my first wave of nausea - and to be honest, I was excited! I couldn’t believe I had life (well, lives, since it was twins) growing inside me, and the nausea felt like some reassurance that we were indeed pregnant. Within a week, I no longer was excited by the constant fatigue and nausea, and couldn’t wait for it to be over. Thankfully as many had told me - when the second trimester started, my symptoms eased up, and life got a little easier again.
When we got pregnant with our third baby earlier this year, I was prepared for that wave of gnarly pregnancy symptoms. What I was NOT prepared for, was just how soon they would start this time, and how much stronger they would be! I was getting sick right at the start of the 4-week mark, and I knew I was going to be in for a ride that first trimester.
Luckily - I felt like I had learned some tips and tricks that first time around, and really got to apply them this pregnancy. While there is nothing that’s going to magically make the nausea and fatigue disappear, there certainly are things that can help you feel just a bit more energized and like your normal self. Take a look at my 5 tips on surviving the first trimester of pregnancy!
1. Find a balance between movement and rest.
During my first pregnancy, I was so determined to keep my 5x/week workouts. Looking back, I wish I had been more easy on myself! I was exhausted, but I wanted to have a “fit pregnancy” and was so paranoid that I was going to get lazy and let myself go if I immediately started skipping workouts the minute I found out I was pregnant. However, I have also found that getting some light movement in DOES help with the fatigue and nausea. For me, this pregnancy - it has been all about finding balance. Lots of days, it means rest, other days, it may mean some strength training and cardio. And other days, it may mean a walk, riding the stationary bike, or doing some yard work! Movement doesn’t have to be defined as a 60 minute, high intensity workout class. It’s listening to your body, tuning in to what it needs THAT day, and honoring that.
2. Get dressed.
Photo courtesy of caroldavidson.com
I learned this while working from home as well, but getting up, showering, and changing out of PJs can absolutely change your perspective on the day. On so many of the days where I was super nauseous and sick - that hot shower and fresh clothes felt like just the reset I needed.
3. Drink lots of water.
This is definitely a major point not to skip, especially if you’re regularly throwing up during the first trimester. It is so easy to get dehydrated, and more than ever, your body needs that water. While pregnant and nauseous I definitely got sick of “drinking my water” (especially just to throw it up), but I tried to find creative ways to make it more appealing. Carbonated water, adding cut-up fruit, drinking warm decaf teas, electrolyte drinks, etc, made staying hydrated much easier.
4. Finding safe foods and keeping them handy.
Both pregnancies, my first-trimester food aversions were INTENSE. Paired with the extreme nausea, it was so hard to find “safe” things to eat. Once I started to find some things that sounded okay and that I could actually keep down (lots of carbs - bagels, toast, crackers, etc), I made sure to stock up! Remember, the first trimester won’t last forever. Do what you can to make it easier on yourself, even if it is not the way you would normally eat or live. I am typically not a big bagel eater… but in the first trimester, I had at least one, if not two, bagels a day. If I knew I was going to be away from the house for a while, I made sure to pack some crackers or granola bars (another “safe food” for me), and of course lots of water, to help keep me feeling balanced while out. I made sure to keep a stash of the less perishable items near my bed (for when that morning sickness hit before even really getting up for the day), in my purse, in my car, and in my kids’ playroom.
5. Give yourself grace.
Photo courtesy of justmommies.com
Growing a human is hard work! Learning to listen to your body’s cues and giving it what it needs can help turn your day around. Maybe it's getting outside for some sunshine and fresh air, or maybe it’s sneaking in a nap when possible. It may be getting a workout in, or it may be just decompressing in the shower before cuddling up in a soft blanket to binge watch your favorite show. Give yourself grace if you are living differently than you “normally” would - that's what you SHOULD be doing. Life is changing (in a miraculous way) and adapting to the constant flow of newness you’ll be experiencing in the coming months and years will become one of your new superpowers. It starts now! So take care of yourself and that growing peanut, and give yourself grace in this completely new season you have just entered.
What other things helped you feel a bit more like “you” during your first trimester? I’d love for you to share below!
YAY! Those two pink lines have arrived, and you are so excited and anxious about the journey ahead. You start planning how to announce your pregnancy to your family and friends, start thinking about names, and then out of nowhere – all of those dreaded first trimester symptoms hit. With my first pregnancy, I was […]
Hailing from Canada, we are very excited to introduce the newest member of Team FITAID. At just 16 years old, Emma Lawson is taking the CrossFit community by storm. Growing up, Emma was a competitive dancer and acro which has been a positive influence for her in terms of athletics, work ethic, flexibility, strength, and teamwork. However, coming from a family of CrossFitters, Emma decided to follow in the footsteps of her parents. She’s been involved in CrossFit since she was 7 years old and began competing during the summer of 2018.
In 2019, Emma competed in the girls 14-15 division finishing 5th worldwide and 1st in Canada. The following year in 2020, Emma competed again in the girls 14-15 division and finished 1st worldwide and ranked number 1 in Canada. After very strong performances in 2019 and 2020, it was only fitting that Emma would continue to impress during the 2021 16-17 Girls division and she did exactly that.
At the CrossFit games in Madison, WI, Emma came out the gates hot. She finished first in Events 1 and 2, and a second place finish in Event 3. She is just one of two 16-year olds to ever win the 16-17 girls division, and the first since 2017. Emma was crowned the “Fittest on Earth” after claiming the top spot in the Girls 16-17 division. The FITAID family looks forward to working with Emma as she continues her growth in CrossFit and her rise to the top!
Be sure to give Emma a follow on Instagram @emma.lawson5 and check out her intro video!
Hailing from Canada, we are very excited to introduce the newest member of Team FITAID. At just 16 years old, Emma Lawson is taking the CrossFit community by storm. Growing up, Emma was a competitive dancer and acro which has been a positive influence for her in terms of athletics, work ethic, flexibility, strength, and […]
As we get closer to the holidays of December, our athletes and ambassadors will be sharing their favorite holiday recipes. Professional skateboarder Greg Lutzka wants everybody to try out his Root Beer Glazed Ham! A staple for the holiday season, ham makes a delicious entree for a holiday meal or a family gathering this time of year.
Throughout these next couple weeks, pay close attention to the blog because you never know, you may need to make something for the family holiday party coming up!
Seasonal Recipe - Root Beer- Glazed Ham
1 Fully cooked Bone In Half ham
1 12 ounce can of root beer
1 1/2 Plum Jelly
1/2 Spicy brown mustard
3 sobs apple cider vinegar
1.Preheat the oven to 325˚. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/8 inch deep. Place the ham on a rack in a large roasting pan, tent it with foil and bake for 2 hours.
- Meanwhile, heat the root beer, jelly, mustard and vinegar in a small saucepan until bubbly. Cook until reduced and a bit thicker, about 30 minutes.
- After 2 hours of baking time, remove the foil from the ham and brush with the root beer glaze. Continue baking, uncovered and brushing with more glaze every 20 minutes, until nice and glossy, about 1 more hour. Remove from the oven and let rest 15 to 20 minutes before carving.
What are you cooking up this holiday season? Tag us on Instagram with your master chef skills!
As we get closer to the holidays of December, our athletes and ambassadors will be sharing their favorite holiday recipes. Professional skateboarder Greg Lutzka wants everybody to try out his Root Beer Glazed Ham! A staple for the holiday season, ham makes a delicious entree for a holiday meal or a family gathering this time […]
Don’t worry, we’ve got the east coast covered as well. From Boston to Miami, these top tier vegan restaurants are all worth trying. So next time you are down in Miami on South Beach, or taking in the sights and sounds of the world famous Big Apple, add one of these restaurants as a place to eat on your itinerary.
- Atlanta - Chi Chi Vegan
1 Moreland Ave SE Ste F, Atlanta, GA 30316
This ultra-Instagramable bright pink plant-based taco shop brings all the goodness of Mexican cuisine guilt-free through mimicking the texture of real meat through proteins such as soy and seitan. Their street fare and nachos, complete with lettuce, black beans, corn salad, pico, guacamole, vegan queso and a protein of your choice, are fan-favorites.
- Boston - Forage
5 Craigie Cir, Cambridge, MA 02138
This neighborhood bistro near Harvard’s campus partners with local farmers, fisherman and foragers to offer seasonal and ingredient-driven dishes.
- The Hamptons - Yama Q
2393 Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
Do not fret about the lack of options if your friends want to do a sushi night since fish is no longer your friend. Not only does Yama Q have a strong sushi game, but it's dinner entrees are off the charts. The Vegan Tofu Lasagna, topped with tofu, cashew, shitake, broccoli and marinara sauce is both gluten free, vegan and delicious.
- Miami - Plant Miami
105 NE 24th St, Miami, FL 33137
Experience modern plant-based cuisine at Plant Miami. Not only does this spot specialize in certified vegan and kosher dishes, it also places an added emphasis on conscious cookery. With much of the produce sourced from a local resource known as Paradise Farms, only the most vibrant, pure and organic make it onto your plate.
- New York City - ABCV
38 E 19th St, New York, NY 10003
Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten elevates plant-based cuisine at this Gramercy neighborhood eatery. Located just above Union Square, ABCV prides itself on utilizing the finest seasonal ingredients from family farms as well as non-GMO artisanal and organic goods whenever possible.
- Palm Beach - Planta
Rosemary Square, 700 S Rosemary Ave Suite 142, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
At PLANTA, the 100% plant-based cuisine leaves quite the impression with its locally sourced ingredients, heart-healthy flavors and sustainable packaging. Fulfilling its mission of giving power to the plants, PLANTA features a variety of vegan favorites such as the shareable bang bang broccoli or the signature PLANTA burger.
- Philadelphia - Vedge
1221 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Since 2011, Chefs Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby have offered exquisite vegetable dining experiences to city goers. The fine dining establishment is located in a restored 19th century mansion fit with grand fireplaces and wonderful walnut wainscoting.
What is your favorite vegan restaurant? Tag us on Instagram next time you’re out and about so we can add it to our list!
Don’t worry, we’ve got the east coast covered as well. From Boston to Miami, these top tier vegan restaurants are all worth trying. So next time you are down in Miami on South Beach, or taking in the sights and sounds of the world famous Big Apple, add one of these restaurants as a place […]
Many people say the hardest part of starting a vegan diet is deciding what to eat or what exactly classifies as vegan - and where to find a hot spot to eat that offers vegan options. Well, let us guide you to the best vegan restaurants on the west coast. Whether you are in Los Angeles, Up north in the bay area, or on vacation in Hawaii, listed below are some of the top recommended vegan restaurants on the west coast. Each spot offers a different cuisine but all follow the guidelines of being vegan. So hop in the car, get going up and down the west coast and make sure to stop at these vegan spots!
Get ready to add to those frequent flyer miles as we drop our favorite east coast vegan restaurants in our next blog!
- Los Angeles - Gacias Madre
8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Inspired by a love for Mother Earth and all of her creations, dishes like ceviche, flautas, tacos, and gorditas get a plant-based twist at this vegan spot. Traditional Mexican cuisine is served alongside a stellar drink menu centered around ethical agave-based spirits like mezcal and tequila.
- San Francisco - Wildseed
2000 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Wildseed serves diverse creative plates, all plant-based. Chef Alejandro Morgan uses seasonal produce to create high-quality dishes influenced by global flavors.
- San Diego - Kindred
1503 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102
Start your evening with housemade snacks, from garlic and chili “cologne” popcorn to hearts of palm farinata flatbread. Get your hands dirty with Memphis barbecue jackfruit paired with pulled soy curls or venture out with the Soul Crush, cornmeal crusted gardein fish with parsnip potato mash.
- Las Vegas - Chef Kenny’s Vegan Dim Sum
5570 W Flamingo Rd ste 110, Las Vegas, NV 89103
Dumplings and sushi have never been tastier—even when they’re 100% animal free. Chef Kenny Chye is crafting umami delights ranging from spicy vegan crispy beef to jackfruit hand rolls. Make sure to try the tofu specialties complete with stir-fried veggies and delectable sauces.
- Orange County - Café Gratitude
1617 Westcliff Dr Suite 112, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels and that’s exactly how diners feel after eating at Cafe Gratitude in Newport Beach. Executive chef Seizan Dreux Ellis’ commitment to being grateful for food, the earth and human company is illustrated through his food made with only the freshest ingredients.
- Scottsdale - Clever Koi
4236 N Central Ave #100, Phoenix, AZ 85012
With woks blazing and the wood-fired grill ignited, this Asian-inspired spot is not just a savory vegan eatery, but a sensory affair. The best seats in the house are court-side to the kitchen, where Clever Koi is opening up their dining experience so that guests can watch their food being prepared in anticipation, before digging into a choice of steam-buns, noodles, dumplings and more, on the ever-changing plant-based menu.
- Silicon Valley - Craft Roots
17230 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
If you're looking for a plant-based meal that still feels hearty, Craft Roots is the place for you. Based in Morgan Hill, Craft Roots is a family-run vegan bar and grill with an artisanal touch. The menu features classic greens like the strawberry summer salad with pickled beets, toasted almonds, vegan feta and strawberry vinaigrette as well as more substantial offerings like the chili with pumpkin seeds, chili lime corn nuts and cashew-lime crema.
- Hawai’i - Arvo
324 Coral St Suite 1A-104b, Honolulu, HI 96813
The lunch spot of your dreams—ARVO offers a selection of light and crunchy small plates that are the perfect complement to a caffeinated creation. From variations of toast ranging from a loaded avocado piece to one topped with ricotta and honey, ARVO pulls out all the stops when it comes to your favorite midday snacks and coffee pick-me-ups.
Many people say the hardest part of starting a vegan diet is deciding what to eat or what exactly classifies as vegan – and where to find a hot spot to eat that offers vegan options. Well, let us guide you to the best vegan restaurants on the west coast. Whether you are in Los […]