Live Chat
Sign In/Register
Reorder

Category: Stories

Sharing our own voices and experiences helps us all live healthier, more fulfilled lives. Here, check out success stories and tips from people with similar goals and interests. We’ve got honest product reviews, weight loss stories, inspiring health transformations, and more!

What It’s Like To Do A 6-Week Self-Improvement Challenge

My mind has always been on-the-go. I’m the person who prefers to brainstorm ideas during a long walk, or who would rather dance through the house while on a phone call than sit in one spot.

From time to time I’d considered finding ways to practice mindfulness—which is the practice of being aware of the present moment—but I would always end up talking myself out of it. I’d download an app at the suggestion of a friend but wind up using it once and then forgetting about it.

After a couple of rough years dealing with a disability called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which is a grouping of disorders that affects the skin, joints, and blood vessels, I decided that I needed to give self-care a serious try. I was having a lot of symptoms and was open to anything that might provide relief.

I knew I needed to bridge the gap between how I wanted to feel about my body and how I actually felt. Because I wasn’t getting anywhere with mindfulness on my own, I signed up for a personal coaching program, which included weekly webinars, warm-up videos, workouts, cool downs, and meditations.

Featured Products

self-improvement challenge: The Program

Each week, I dedicated 40 minutes to the webinars, which guided me deeply through numerous weekly themes, like mastering your subconscious mind, creating a healing mindset, ending self-sabotage, letting go of destructive relationships, and forgiveness. (You know, pretty light stuff.)

I also dedicated time to the workouts and meditations, committing to get outside in nature—free from modern-day distraction—and move my body at least once a day.

That first week, I admit that I felt a little silly sitting in front of my laptop, listening to the webinar. Would I really, actually feel transformed? But as I listened, closed my eyes, and felt the energy travel through my body, I knew: I’ve been hiding behind my own busyness. I haven’t been taking the time to work through my own emotions and listen to what they’re telling me. I’ve been unable to find true peace, especially when it comes to my disability or wellness, because I’ve been refusing to be vulnerable and raw about the situation, even with myself.

I realized, if I want to make authentic peace with my life and my body, I needed to really feel my feelings.

The webinars talked a lot about how we connect to ourselves (and to something deeper) when we move our bodies—not only at the gym, but also if we’re doing simple workouts in our own homes or getting outside in nature. I hadn’t been making as much time for these things in the last few years. Instead, I’d been keeping myself busy and not taking the time to honor my emotions.

How The Self-Improvement Challenge Changed Me

It’s become more and more difficult to stay totally present as I’ve gotten older, advanced in my career, taken on new responsibilities at work and at home, and dedicated myself to more passion projects. Not to mention social media! Being present in the moment is so important—even though it’s easy to lose sight of.

After doing the six-week coaching, I committed to incorporating some of it into my wellness regular practice. Now, every day after work, I take at least 30 minutes to be with myself and in nature, mostly through daily walks on the beach or in the park. On the weekends, I spend at least two hours a day doing this; sometimes with others, but at least once each weekend I do it alone. Walking on the sand, with the waves crashing next to me, I’m able to be in tune with what’s going on in my life and what I’ve been ignoring.

Related: Mindfulness Tips From A Former Stress Junkie

Mindfulness is about so much more than just sitting still. I’m finding that mindfulness works best for me when my body is physically moving (like during a slow walk break), but I still really need to be present in the moment. That’s the hardest work for me: not taking out my phone to scroll through Instagram while I’m in the grocery checkout line, paying attention to how my body feels when I’m running, and listening to my breathing when I’m alone at the park, looking up at the sky.

I realized throughout my six-week coaching program that I’d been actively avoiding being completely present in the moment for a while now, especially since my disability has caused more pain and fatigue in my body. I didn’t want to listen to what my body had to tell me or how I felt about it—I just wanted to escape it.

The other day, I was feeling a lot of pain. Instead of turning on the TV to drown it out, I laid down on my heating pad on my living room floor, closed my eyes, and visualized my life the way I want to live it. I visualized being a little closer to living pain-free, not feeling fatigued, and doing everything I can to respect my body’s needs, including accepting it as it is. I would have never tried this before my six-week coaching; it turns out opening your mind really can lead to calming your body and spirit.

Diggin’ What’s Good? For more essential health facts, tips, and inspiration, join our Facebook communities, Eating Healthy and Staying Fit, today!

Alaina Leary

I Tried Pegan—The ‘World’s Healthiest Diet’—For 30 Days

I love testing the latest diet trends in order to figure out what works for me—and which crazes may actually stand the test of time. So when I read about the paleo-vegan, or pegan, diet—which not only seems impossible but also claims to be the healthiest diet out there—I figured I had to give it a shot.

Hold Up, What Is Pegan?

If you’re wondering how a pegan diet is even possible, you’re justified.

At first, I just didn’t comprehend how paleo and vegan could possibly fuse together. The paleo ‘caveman’ diet emphasizes lots of proteins like meat and fish, but vegans completely avoid animal products—even eggs!

Bear with me, though—the diet actually makes a lot more sense than you might think. The brainchild of Mark Hyman, M.D., founder of The Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine and one of the most prominent functional medicine experts in the country, the pegan diet combines the best of the paleo and vegan philosophies.

First, you cut out dairy, processed foods, vegetable oils, and added sugar, and carefully limit grains, legumes, starches, and alcohol. Instead, you fill your plate with plants—mostly vegetables, some healthy fats, and a little fruit. You can have meat and eggs, but instead of making them the focal point of your meal, think of them more as condiments. (Hyman also recommends they’re organic and sustainably raised.)

Make sense? Here are the Spark Notes:

  • No dairy, processed foods, sugar, or gluten
  • 75 percent plant-based
  • Lower in carbs, higher in healthy fats
  • Limited use of quality animal proteins

Getting Started on Pegan

I’ve eaten mostly whole, unprocessed foods for years now, I felt confident that I could eat like Dr. Mark Hyman for a month without much issue and decided to put pegan to the test.

However, there were certainly a few non-pegan-friendly indulgences—like milk in my coffee—I groaned about having to give up. I also worried that cutting down on animal protein would leave me unsatisfied and hungry. Not to mention, I expected nixing most packaged foods would force me to spend more time grocery shopping and cooking than usual.

On day one, I walked into my kitchen pouting that I would have to put coconut milk in my coffee instead of the real stuff. However, after adding a few tablespoons straight from the can and taking a sip, I was very pleasantly surprised by the hint of coconut flavor and slight sweetness of my coffee!

Unsure how to make creative meals that also happened to be made up of at least 75 percent plants, though, my joy didn’t last. For the first few days, I ate pretty much nothing but salads. I visited the farmers’ market for fresh greens and swapped in different nuts and seeds, but grew bored quickly. I missed Greek yogurt with nuts and berries and took the loss of cheese—my favorite snack—pretty hard.

My overall protein and calorie intake had definitely taken a hit, and I felt generally hungry and unsatisfied.

On the verge of going salad mad on day three, I hopped onto Pinterest to search for inspiration and found plenty of fresh ideas, like egg salad made with cream avocado, homemade veggie burgers, and easy grill packets of protein and veggies. Finally excited, I hit the grocery store and stocked up on staples like veggies, burgers, eggs, tons of fresh fruits and veggies, and buckets of avocados and nuts.

Pegan Progress

Within just a few days of turning it all around, I woke up feeling lighter and more focused, and noticed less achiness in my joints. I think cutting out dairy really did the trick here. I had regularly used butter, milk, cheese, and yogurt, and my pegan experience was the first time I’d truly given them the boot.

To combat my initial hunger, I ramped up the healthy fats, drizzling everything with olive oil and adding avocado, nuts, or seeds to every meal I could.

After a week or so, I found a vegan protein shake recipe for breakfast that was a total game-changer.

The Perfect Pegan Morning Shake:

The combination of the fat in the almond butter, the fiber and nutrients in the berries and greens, and—of course—the protein, kept me well-fueled all morning long.

As I shifted my snacks away from cheese to veggies, I fell in love with flavored hummus from Hope Brand and Lantana, and paired it with jicama sticks or endive ‘chips.’ I also made lots of guacamole.

Yes, I did continue to eat salads often, but I started making my own dressings with fresh herbs (like basil and chives), lemon, garlic, and even Dijon mustard to keep things interesting.

The more creative I got with my meals, the more I enjoyed myself. I threw foil packets of shrimp and summer squash on the grill for quick meals and experimented with a dozen different varieties of cauliflower rice. As the weeks continued, just two ounces of grilled chicken became really satiating—and I couldn’t believe I used to eat six ounces at a time.

The Pegan Verdict

The weeks flew by, and suddenly I found myself a month into living the pegan life. And I felt really good. My stomach? Noticeably flatter. My skin? Bright and clear. My cravings for cheese—and even my desire to have a glass of wine—diminished. I also noticed I had a real clarity of mind and much more energy than usual.

I had always been intrigued by the idea of being vegetarian or vegan, but the seeming difficulty of the task always scared me off. Without feeling extreme, the pegan diet helped me realize that I could eat a delicious, satisfying diet that incorporated plenty of veggies without having to shun meat all together.

Thing is, though, I really didn’t miss eating a lot of meat after I cut back. In fact, I came to think I’d been overeating animal protein before going pegan. Without having to spend so much effort breaking down animal proteins all day, my body felt energized.

Related: 7 Tips For Doing A Plant-Based Diet Right

I also really enjoyed finding new plant-based snacks and yummy recipes. Sugar snap peas with hummus, macadamia nuts with baby carrots, and mini eggplant ‘pizzas’ have become go-to’s.

Oh, and did I mention I lost about six pounds without even trying in those 30 days? I couldn’t believe how different I looked after such a short period of time. But as great as the added perk of weight loss, was, how I felt remained the true prize.

Though I often return to my usual eating habits (hi, cheese) and staple recipes after completing different diet experiments, I’m going to continue eating pegan-style from here on out.

Liz Josefsberg is a weight loss and wellness expert with over 15 years in the industry, as well as a member of The Vitamin Shoppe’s Wellness Council. A mom, author, fitness enthusiast, and weight loss success story herself (65 pounds lost!), Liz consults all over the world. She loves testing every diet, exercise regimen, device, and piece of gear she can get her hands on. 

 

Diggin’ What’s Good? For more essential health facts, tips, and inspiration, join our Facebook communities, Eating Healthy and Staying Fit, today!

Liz Josefsberg, C.P.T., N.E.S.

I Tested 10 Different Pump Supps In One Month—Here Are My Top Picks

I’ve been an avid lifter for over 10 years, and in that time I’ve tried just about every pre-workout supplement on the market—from high-stim energy drinks to caffeine-free nitric oxide-boosters.

When I started to lift in the evening after work a few years back, I cut back out caffeinated pre-workouts and fell head-over-heels for stim-free pump supplements. I mean, who doesn’t want jitter-free energy, focus, endurance, and—of course—veins that really pop?

Lately, I’ve just been taking free-form amino acids that have been shown to ramp up the body’s production of nitric oxide (the magical chemical that dilates blood vessels so you look swole and can lift until it’s time to hit the hay). My go-to concoction: three grams of l-arginine, 500 milligrams of agmatine sulfate, and four grams of l-citrulline, mixed with some flavored BCAA powder and water.

To minimize my pre-workout chemistry, I decided to test 10 of the most popular nitric oxide-boosting products, which combine pump-friendly ingredients like the ones I already love.

Post-Pump Verdict

After a long, thorough, and incredibly veiny experiment, I’ve got plenty to say about which products I loved—and which I didn’t. One thing I noticed right off the bat: The pill-form pump supplements just didn’t do it for me. While I noticed instant pump, energy, and endurance after slugging back the powdered supplements (or just chewing on the powders straight), I waited and waited for the pills to kick in.

If you want to crank out those extra reps and watch your muscles literally blow up in the weight room mirror, here are the powdered pump products that now hold a special place in my gym bag.

4th Place: PEScience High Volume

A combo of citrulline, arginine nitrate, and agmatine sulfate (my go-to’s!), High Volume’s formula immediately caught my attention.

I tried the Cotton Candy, which is arguably the most popular flavor (and will blow your mind if you have a sweet tooth). Though it was slightly grainy, the flavor knocked my socks off so much that I didn’t care.

The pump kicked in gradually and peaked about 20 minutes into my workout. Once it kicked in, that sweet nitric oxide boost lasted throughout my entire gym session.

3rd Place: MAN Sports Pump Powder

I have to say, I’m a huge fan of MAN Sports’ Sour Batch-flavored anything, and the Sour Batch Pump Powder did not disappoint. Like High Volume, this one didn’t mix as well some of the other pump supplements out there, but I’d take the ‘meh’ mixability for the taste (and results) any day.

Related: 3 Quick Ways To Level Up Your Pre-Workout

Pump Powder gets its power from agmatine sulfate, glycerol monstearate, and citrulline malate, and contains more of them than any of the other supplements I tested.

That higher dose definitely made a difference, and I felt an insane pump by the last set of my very first exercise. By my third exercise, the veins in my upper chest bulged—something I’m always working for.

At one point, I thought my arms (forearms, biceps, and triceps, all included) were literally going to pop. It was awesome. Seriously, my pump was so strong that I could barely finish some reps because my muscles were getting in the way.

2nd Place: BodyTech Nitrulline Powder

A big fan of BodyTech products (like the liquid Raspberry Carnipure L-Carnitine and Birthday Cake-flavored Whey Tech Pro 24), I had high expectations for their recently-launched Nitrulline Powder.

This pump supp is a muscle-friendly fiesta of l-citrulline, l-arginine HCL, taurine, glycerol, and l-norvaline. I loved that the watermelon flavor was nice and sour—not overly sweet.

My pumps kicked in during the second set of my first exercise (weighted dips). The horseshoe in my tricep was really poppin’, and I loved it. I held onto a solid pump throughout my workout and looked much more vascular than usual. It was like I had road maps of veins all over my arms!

After trying this just once, I was sold. Not only did I look and feel great, but I powered through my workout with intense focus. (I also wanted to pop another scoop in my shaker cup after the gym, just to savor that sweet-sour watermelon goodness.) A new favorite, for sure.

1st Place: iForce Nutrition Hemavol

If I could have only one supplement for the rest of my life, it would be Hemavol. I love the tanginess of the lemon flavor, how perfectly the powder mixes into water, and the transparency of the ingredients label.

Agmatine sulfate and citrulline malate are the real all-stars here. Hemavol packs 500 milligrams of agmatine and 2,500 milligrams of cittruline malate, which is more than all over the other supps, except MAN Sports’ Pump Powder.

This product is no joke. After just one set of bicep curls, a tight pump filled my arms, and I was incredibly swole throughout every single exercise that followed. It was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. I truly thought my arms were going to pop, and by the time I finished my workout, I could barely move them.

Maybe the mirrors were playing games with me, but I also looked way bigger than usual. The pump was REAL. And guess what? It lasted long after I left the gym.

To me, Hemavol is a 10 out of 10. Sign me up for auto-delivery now!

Diggin’ What’s Good? For more essential health facts, tips, and inspiration, join our Facebook communities, Eating Healthy and Staying Fit, today!

Carl Borman

Why Personal Training Is So Worth The Expense To Me

The summer before I started college, one of my closest friends and I got student memberships at a fancy new fitness center in town. Like most gym memberships, ours came with a complimentary personal training session, which we were told would be the speediest, most efficient way to hit our goals. Our goal, at the time, was plain and simple: lose weight. Both of us had been overweight since we were kids and tried all manner of dicey diet techniques. As young adults, we were ready to go the pragmatic route: regular fitness and counting calories!

But there’s only so much you’re going to get out of a one-hour, introductory pow-wow. The gym’s management obviously hoped we’d be so convinced of our need to work with our trainers that we would end up buying a full package. As penny-pinching 18-year-olds, though, there was simply no way we were dropping even a few hundred bucks on personal training—no matter how much weight we wanted to lose that summer. 

Featured Products

We thanked the trainers and considered their suggestions, which mostly revolved around adding strength training to our routines. In the end, though, we opted to be one another’s workout buddy, holding each other accountable by heading to the gym together at least three times a week and hopping on side-by-side ellipticals.

I remember dialing the resistance on the machine to seven. Every. Single. Time. And we did 30 minutes. Every. Single. Time. Who needed weights? Who needed a trainer? We were getting to the gym! Three times a week! Better yet, according to the digital screens on our elliptical machines, we were burning 300 calories in 30 minutes. 

Surprise, surprise: Neither of us hit our goals that summer. Sure, we lost a couple of pounds. We felt a bit more energetic. We were also proud of ourselves. After all, getting regular physical activity was better than—well, nothing. That said, any fitness professional will tell you that the body adapts fairly rapidly to an exercise routine. Cross-training throughout the week and constantly challenging yourself is a must if you don’t want to plateau.

Back then, the idea of plateauing wasn’t something I understood—or even wanted to understand. I was juggling schoolwork and a social life while trying to eat healthfully and get enough sleep. I felt like it was enough that I was getting a 30-minute elliptical or treadmill workout in regularly—until it became clear that it wasn’t enough. Not even close. 

My weight loss had stalled and I wasn’t really feeling those other benefits, like extra energy or confidence, anymore. That’s when I decided to apply for a desk job at a fancy fitness center. The job came with a free gym membership and discounted personal training sessions, and I immediately put those perks to use. 

My trainer at that gym would be the first of a few personal trainers I’ve worked with over the past 14 years. Each relationship began with a slightly different goal in mind. In college, I wanted someone to teach me about strength training and hold me accountable for doing it. And that’s exactly what she did. She kept me laughing and smiling through even the toughest sessions. 

Later on, after I moved to a different state, I wanted a workout buddy who I could learn from and have fun with, but also would be my rock—a sense of stability and familiarity—in a new city. My second trainer became exactly that, as well as a lifelong friend who opened my eyes to the connections between my mental, emotional, and physical wellness. 

Later, when I was preparing to walk down the aisle (and again in a new city), I wanted a trainer to challenge me in a way that delivered concrete, noticeable results. (Unconsciously, I also needed someone to talk to about my anxieties, stress, and fears.) My third trainer became much more like an older sister who would push me through sprints, guide me through corrective exercises when my discomfort flared, and offer a shoulder when I opened up about my at-times thrilling and other times heartbreaking personal life.  

When I moved yet again, as part of the separation from my spouse, I hoped a trainer could help me shed the weight and sadness that had piled on from several years of heavy emotional labor. I wanted her to tell me what to do so I could return to feeling strong, empowered, and comfortable in my own skin—a process that’s just as emotional as it is physical. In the past year that I’ve known and worked with this trainer, she’s managed to fulfill that need and become my role model, coach, and dear friend.

Every time I started working with a personal trainer, I would cite my desire to amp up my fitness level, maximize my gains, and be held accountable. Personal training definitely met those goals—and more. Ultimately, I’ve received so much more than inches off, sizes down, or pounds benched. 

By working out with these trainers, I’ve also received priceless guidance and friendship (this is probably because I tend to make my workout routine into a holistic experience involving my mind, body, and heart—and they were always along for the ride).

Though it can be pricey, having a personal trainer has always felt like I’ve had someone in my corner, cheering me on, making me feel supported in my endeavors in and outside of the gym. And I’ll never end up bored and plateauing on the elliptical ever again. That’s a win-win. 

Diggin’ What’s Good? For more essential health facts, tips, and inspiration, join our Facebook communities, Eating Healthy and Staying Fit, today!

Maressa Brown

Why I NEVER Miss A Workout—No Matter How Busy I Get

I work as a writer, professor, model, fortune teller, dancer, and yoga teacher (yep—seriously!), so as you can probably imagine, my schedule is chaotic. It can be hard to pin down a solid fitness routine, never mind a time to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

On top of that, I’m super-fussy about where I exercise (no gyms or groups—I’d rather sweat alone!), when I work out (no early mornings), and how I work out (no high-impact moves—I have fibromyalgia).

All of my quirks, needs, and preferences considered, you would think I’d never work out. However, in the spirit of my contrary nature, I actually prioritize it. My one-hour daily workout, no matter what it is or when it is, is a crucial part of my wellness routine these days.

When I was younger, I was very active as a gymnast. I felt strong, energetic, and light. But when injuries prevented me from going further with my gymnastics practice, I fell off the exercise wagon and quickly succumbed to fatigue, depression, and weight gain that didn’t feel right for my frame.

Featured Products

Years later, when I started exercising again, I began to shake off that fog of exhaustion, and felt my muscles and energy returning. The benefits of movement were just too good to ignore, and because I wanted to feel better (and manage my fibromyalgia), I really needed to make sure I was taking care of myself. I wanted to feel strong and capable in my everyday life.

To start prioritizing exercise again, it came down to figuring out what worked for me (while using some creative problem-solving to satisfy my complications and demands). I decided to go for things I liked that didn’t aggravate my nerve pain. My go-to workouts became pretty adventurous and eclectic: I now practice yoga, go biking and walking, dance (pole or barre), and do Pilates. I also sometimes utilize small weights and resistance bands to build strength and tone, and I try to balance my workouts between flexibility and strength. I use my arms as much as my legs so that I’m getting a full-body workout, and I always engage my core as much as possible.

And then there’s the rebounder trampoline I recently bought, which was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made. It provides a source of fun, low-impact cardio that improves (rather than aggravates) my health conditions.

For me, this diversity is key, because it keeps me from getting bored (since I am often working out at home and distractions do abound). Regularity is also important. Once I began carving out one single hour for myself—every single day, no matter the time—it became second nature. I started looking forward to that hour that’s just for me—no emails or social media or work. Deciding to create time for yourself is a powerful move.

Related: 6 Life-Changing Things I Learned When I Started Working Out Regularly

To combat boredom—and to prevent myself from feeling like my workouts are a chore—I came up with a simple (and helpful!) rule: If I haven’t gotten my workout in and I want to binge on Netflix or listen to a podcast, then I need to be doing something—anything!—while I enjoy it. I might bounce on the trampoline or do some yoga while I watch a documentary, or do some jumping jacks while watching Star Trek (which ends up feeling like I’m flying through space). When I’m watching or listening to something funny, juicy, or riveting, I’m more likely to work out for an even longer period of time—without noticing! Plus, doing this is like a double-whammy of awesome endorphins.

In the end, I’ve found that it’s not so much about having a specific routine, but knowing what will work for me and my schedule—even if it’s not entirely ideal—and making it happen. The most important thing is that I’m trying every day, and feeling stronger, lighter, and more determined to care for my body.

Jezmina Von Thiele

How My Nightly Epsom Salt Baths Make Everything Better

When I first learned about the magical powers of Epsom salt baths, I thought: This is too good to be true. For starters, Epsom salt (also known as magnesium sulfate) relaxes your muscles like nobody’s business.

Because of its many health benefits, I decided to start incorporating Epsom salt into my nightly ritual. I already loved taking long, sudsy baths, but adding Epsom salt to the tub kicked the experience up a whole lotta notches. Bath time became not only relaxing, but purposeful.

Featured Products

Here’s what regularly soaking in Epsom salt baths does for me.

Chills Me Out

Magnesium tends to be used up when we’re stressed out (leading to all sorts of bad news, like irritability, high blood pressure, and digestive issues), so sitting in a magnesium bath actually helps replenish those stores. I’m not certain of whether a single bath can do the trick, but taking a good 10 minutes before bed each night helps me drift off to sleep in a more peaceful way. The worries and anxieties of the day sort of just vanish. Whether it’s the effect of ritualizing self-care or the magnesium alone (or some combo of both), I have felt so much more relaxed after incorporating this into my routine.

soothes My Aches & Pains

My muscles are often tight, which, like most of us, comes from a combo of hunching over a desk and not getting enough movement in during the day. I’ve also got an autoimmune issue that causes chronic pain in my back and neck. Magnesium is said to relieve muscle and tissue aches, which makes sense because magnesium is found in our bones, muscles, and tissues. Spending  just 10 minutes in a magnesium bath helps me feel more ready for bed—I’m way more limber and the aches and pains sort of fall into the background.

Related: 4 Easy Ways To Use Aromatherapy Blends For Self-Care

Eases my Stomach

I’ve always had digestive issues. They stem from autoimmune issues, as well as a deep love of cheese and carbs. Whenever I have dairy or gluten, I end up bloated, in pain, or constipated. Not a fun time! Short of trying to exercise control over some of my bad eating habits (“I’ll pass on the cheese” is a concept I don’t understand), I take probiotics and sit in my Epsom salt baths.

Some people drink magnesium or take magnesium supplements, but I find a bath to be helpful in helping me stay regular and debloating a puffy belly.

Softens My Skin

Every single time I leave an Epsom bath, my skin feels smooth, exfoliated, and soft. I tend to have pretty rough skin: I probably don’t drink enough water, and swimming in chlorinated water certainly doesn’t help! Thankfully, Epsom salt counterbalances all of those effects. I always apply a bit of coconut oil (Shea Moisture’s Virgin Coconut Oil is my favorite) after the bath to double down on the results.

All in all, making regular time for an Epsom bath has worked wonders for my body and my psyche. I like to know that I’m taking care of myself—and there’s certainly plenty of undeniable benefits to magnesium. Plus, it’s just so easy!

Diggin’ What’s Good? For more essential health facts, tips, and inspiration, join our Facebook communities, Eating Healthy and Staying Fit, today!

Lisa M. Basile

I’m A Poison Ivy Magnet—Here’s How I Relieve My Rashes Naturally

As an only child for almost a decade, I spent a lot of time playing by myself outdoors, making up games and jumping into the brush and plucking flowers. I’d run around in fields until sunset and climb trees and dream up stories of faerie rings.

One summer, I came home with a red rash that was rapidly spreading from my arms down my side. I was rushed to the emergency room when it spread inside my throat. Large brownish-red masses swallowed up my face and my eyes were swelled shut and covered in lumpy welts. It was the start of a lifelong relationship I’d go on to have with poison ivy. 

At least once per summer I’d get a serious reaction to poison ivy, and during the healing process I would have to stay home from school (mostly because I was contagious, but also because I looked like an alien).

My mother would cleanse and gently apply both calamine and medicated lotion to my whole body. I was also given steroids. It was frustrating, painful, itchy, embarrassing, and exhausting. Imagine being itchy ALL DAY LONG. It’s torturous, and it usually lasts—unless there’s quick intervention—around two to three weeks.

So what’s responsible for the rash? Urushiol, the compound inside of poison ivy (and poison sumac and oak, and even parts of the mango tree) causes the skin irritation. Depending on the amount of urushiol oil you get on your skin (and whether or not you touch other parts of your body or take a shower after being near or in a heavily poison ivy-filled area), you may experience a massive rash outbreak or just a small patch or two. My brother, for example, would catch poison ivy from me—but he’d only experience a few small lumps. You could say I was jealous.

As I got older and learned how to differentiate between certain flowers and plants (poison ivy tends to have little hair-like follicles at the base or red or yellow patches or lines on the leaves), I was affected less often. However, at least once every few years, I still get a nice reminder of poison ivy by waking up with a patch—usually on my neck, hands, upper arms, or back. It’s contagious, can knock you out, and can spread easily—so by now I have an arsenal of natural ways to treat it:

Apple Cider Vinegar

According to the journal MedGenMed, poison ivy rash irritation can be reduced by using Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)—my favorite go-to for all sorts of ailments, including shingles (yep, I can speak to that as well). I soak a rag in cool water and ACV (you want to dilute the ACV so it’s not too acidic, though I tend to prefer a little less water and little more ACV), and then apply it as a compress against the rash. You can put two parts water to one part ACV as a start.

Oatmeal Baths

I’ve got more memories of soaking in an oatmeal bath than I’d like to admit! The stuff works, but it might turn you off of oatmeal for breakfast for life. According to the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, oatmeal has long been a key player (as in, for centuries) in skin-soothing remedies. It’s believed to relieve itchiness and irritation—mostly due to its starch and beta-glucan, which are skin-protective compounds. It also contains phenols, which deliver antioxidant powers. To use, grind oatmeal into a fine powder (most blenders will do this for you) and pour about two-three cups into a half-filled bath.

Related: I Thought I Was Too Young To Get Shingles

I prefer to use cool or lukewarm water (since hot water can majorly aggravate itchiness). Sitting for about a half an hour, making sure to immerse myself, really helps. I also like to pat the oatmeal directly onto my poison ivy-covered skin to let it work its magic. Rinse off, pat dry, clean the tub, and throw out the residue. (Oh, and be sure to quarantine the towel you use, as the poison ivy oils can stick to fabric.)

Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is an incredible wellness tool—it can be used as a cleansing agent, and is painless when applied to irritated or wounded skin. Because witch hazel is an astringent, it promotes the skin’s process of healing. I like to use it (especially for very small patches of poison ivy) by pouring it onto a small towel, applying it directly to the area for a few minutes. This is especially helpful when the skin is weeping or feeling super-aggravated. 

Baking Soda

I swear by this remedy—and it’s always served me well! When my poison ivy blisters are open or weeping, I’ll mix about four tablespoons of baking soda into a small glass of water. When it becomes a thick, gooey consistency, I’ll apply it (like a paste) right over the skin. I tend to do this several times a day, especially in the early stages of poison ivy. I also cover the area with a light wrap or gauze to keep the paste intact.

And, just like the oatmeal bath, it’s a good idea to pour a little baking soda into the tub and let the concoction do its magic. You may want to mix the baking soda and the oatmeal together for an ultra-powerful blend of poison ivy-fighting goodness.

Lisa M. Basile

The Different Teas I Drink For Allergies, Anxiety, Tummy Issues, And More

Often, we’re reactive and not proactive about our health, and we overlook holistic remedies because we’ve been told they won’t be effective. Over the past few years, I’ve struggled with a few different health issues—anxiety, insomnia, indigestion, allergies, and acne. I wasn’t getting answers from my doctor, so I started seeking out holistic practitioners, who are more focused on the cause than simply treating the illness.

First, I wanted to feel heard about my head-to-toe health, since a body and the human inhabiting it add up to more than a set of symptoms. There’s a whole ecosystem inside each of us that needs to be tended to and treated as an interdependent network! I wanted to be looked at as a whole.

Second, I wanted to see if there were preventative (and not reactive) treatments. After all, who wants to wait until 2 a.m. on a work night—after they’ve been tossing and turning and letting their thoughts spin for several hours—before taking medicine to induce sleep? Who wants to wait for that big zit to appear on their forehead to glob some goo on it? Wouldn’t it work better to take care of your body before the issues occur?

When I asked my holistic practitioner about natural ways to treat or prevent some of my issues, she suggested experimenting with herbal teas. My interest (and certainly a healthy dose of skepticism) was piqued—after all, how could some dried herbs and flowers steeped in hot water help me? In time, I found my answer.

Featured Products

My Allergies

I have dealt with environmental allergies since the spring of my seventh grade year. When I say allergies, I mean horrific hay fever, complete with sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and a throat that felt like it was on fire. I still take over-the-counter or prescription medication for allergies (due to the sheer severity of the problem), but I will say with utmost certainty that a morning cup of tea has been helping me manage these symptoms for several years now.

I often wake up feeling congested and sneezy, so I now start my day with just a bit of caffeine in the form of green tea, to which I add a teaspoon of local honey (which my doctor suggested because it’s said to have a positive impact on allergy symptoms). Just sipping on the hot liquid from a mug—and basking in the steam that comes from it—helps slow mucus production and improves nasal drainage. It also feels great on an inflamed, sore nose.

The science around green tea is there, too: According to a study abstract in Allergology International, green tea has been found to be beneficial in improving allergy issues.

After my morning tea ritual, I always feel clearer in my ears, nose, lungs, and throat.

Related: Can Drinking Lemon Water Really Help You Lose Weight?

My Skin

Later on in my day, I tend to move onto herbal (non-caffeinated) teas. Part of my proactive health agenda is to take measures to stop acne and blemishes before they show up.

I’ve dealt with oily, spotty skin since I was 10 years old. In my experience, using too many masks, creams, pills, and potions tend to aggravate my skin issues. I like to stick to mindful hydration when it comes to my skin—and that’s definitely where rosehip tea enters the picture. It’s packed with antioxidants, as well as vitamin C, which is not just good for your immunity, but a key player in skin health. I believe it helps keep my skin clear and hydrated. There are still fluctuations here and there, but it’s much rarer for me to wake up with a dreaded unicorn zit when I drink rosehip tea on the regular.

My anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues

My anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues are all tangled—and that’s because my mental health impacts my digestion, and vice versa. For example, stress during the day has caused me to experience stomach upset. This, in turn, keeps me up at night. With racing thoughts and a gurgling gut, I don’t get much sleep. Because of a lack of sleep, I’ll have shaky fingers, a lack of focus, forgetfulness, and nervousness to the point of stammering (in entirely normal social situations).

For stomach issues, I’ll sip on peppermint tea throughout the day or with my lunch (to help prevent digestive issues like bloating and heartburn) or when I feel stomach problems set in.

If my stomach is more stressed than usual, I’ll drink a cup or two of ginger tea, which is known for soothing an upset gut. I don’t particularly love the flavor of ginger, so it’s not something I drink for the experience. However, a cup of this stuff always calms my belly.

Related: How I Kicked My Coffee Habit For Tea—And Lived Happily Ever After

For sleeplessness or as a sleep-inspiring nighttime ritual, I turn to chamomile, which is said to relax and sooth the body. Chamomile tea eases me into my nighttime routine, helps me relax before I get into bed, and doesn’t have any nasty side effects in the morning.

Drinking tea slowly is ritualistic, which is self-care at its finest: You’re boiling the water, steeping the concoction, waiting for it to cool down, and then drinking it. It engages each of our senses simultaneously while we take our time contemplatively sipping. A big part of its curative qualities, aside from the evidence that it works, is that I’m doing something I know is good for me.

Since I started drinking herbal tea on a daily basis nearly three years ago, it’s helped me lessen my medicine intake, maintain a healthy routine, and ease many of my problematic symptoms.

Andrea Talarico

Who’s Good: A Q&A With Orgain Founder Dr. Andrew Abraham

Whether you’re looking to bolster your wellness routine, learn more about healthy eating, or find an inspiring Fitstagram account, look no further than Who’s Good, a regular interview series from the editors of What’s Good that catches up with the best, brightest, and boldest the wellness world has to offer.

In 2008, Dr. Andrew Abraham founded Orgain—the go-to brand for clean organic shakes, nutritional powders, and more. We caught up with Abraham to learn about his inspiring journey from teenage cancer patient to medical doctor to entrepreneur, as well as the genesis of Orgain.

Thanks for joining us for Who’s Good, Dr, Abraham! To start off, can you tell us a little about your background as a doctor and wellness enthusiast?

I come from a family of physicians. Nearly everyone in my family is in the medical field, so it was instilled in me from a young age that I would also practice medicine. As a child, I enjoyed going along with my dad to see his patients, and as I grew up I continued to be intrigued by medicine, so after college, I went to medical school to become a physician.

Because of a serious battle with cancer as a teen, I started medical school with an unique interest and focus on holistic wellness and nutrition—focusing on preventative measures over simply treating an illness.

How exactly did your battle with cancer reshape your perspective of health and nutrition?

When I was 17, I found a small lump in my abdomen. I went from playing sports and feeling great to being diagnosed with aggressive sarcoma. We were praying that it was localized, but the cancer spread to my lymph nodes. I had radiation, chemotherapy, and even surgery. 

I was in and out of the hospital and my body was really getting tested. I got down to less than 100 pounds, and at that point, my doctor explained that while the cancer was dangerous, malnutrition might be the thing that would kill me. He handed me a conventional nutritional drink, and told me to drink as much as I could. My mom—God bless her—bought 14 cases of the stuff.

I drank these shakes every single day under the assumption that they were good for me. They tasted horrid, so naturally, I thought, whatever is inside of this…if it tastes this bad it has to be good for me.

In an effort to pass the time while on bed rest, I started to read all about nutrition. One book turned into five, and then 20, and then 100. I think I read about 150 books about nutrition in total. 

As I read and learned about nutrition, I came across a page in a book that listed ingredients one should never put in their body. So I checked what I’d been drinking—and was horrified to see that it contained all of those bad ingredients: high fructose corn syrup, genetically modified soy protein, artificial flavors, and preservatives.

It read more like a synthetic lab experiment than a food, which was horrifying. Because of this, I started to blend my own nutritional drinks at home, replacing those ingredients with organic whey, pea protein, and fresh fruits and veggies. Pretty soon, I was better tolerating treatments, gaining weight, and my energy improved. Essentially, I taught myself all about nutrition and wellness, and I learned along the way that treating yourself as a whole (rather than just treating the issue) is really powerful.

Related: Shop all of Orgain’s healthy products

That’s incredible! So there was absolutely nothing like what you’d made out there already?

There was nothing like it! I asked around, “Does anyone make an organic ready-to-drink shake?” The answer was no. So I decided to make one, and it caught on. 

Down the road, I was supposed to take over my dad’s family practice, but I was sure I wanted to focus on Orgain. I felt strongly that I could help many more people through Orgain than as a doctor.

Your story is so inspiring. What should people take from it, and what should they know about the intersection of nutrition and wellness?

Most people don’t know how good their body is actually designed to feel. When our bodies are properly taken care, we can really feel it. We have more energy, we can heal, we can avoid disease, and we feel better overall.

Even small changes in the right direction can improve our health. Invest in yourself and your body today, because it will pay dividends in the future. We live in a time when everything is moving more quickly and the body gets bombarded by pollution and stress. We have to do our best to counteract that. Nutrition is one major way.

Yes! Even small victories count! Now, who would benefit the most from your range of products?

A vast majority of our consumers are people who lead an active, busy lifestyle. Orgain products are for someone who wants convenience post-workout or a quick and easy breakfast or snack on the go.

It’s for anyone who wants to replace an entire meal, as well, since our shakes are a complete organic meal in a bottle. They contain protein, fat, and complex carbs. In fact, we receive lots of heartfelt letters from people who couldn’t tolerate conventional shakes and use Orgain products as a sole source of nutrition.

What sort of ingredients will customers find in your products?

We’ve got strict standards and are relentless about clean nutrition and great taste. Nearly all of our products are certified organic. We never use artificial ingredients or flavors or preservatives, and avoid sourcing proteins that have pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones. We encourage consumers to look at the label, too!

Can you tell us about your partnership with WhyHunger, and why it’s important to you?

We believe so deeply in the importance of quality nutrition, and see good nutrition as something everyone should have access to. So, we’ve partnered with NY-based nonprofit WhyHunger on a campaign called Shake Hunger, to help change the way food banks work, and increase access to healthy food. (You can support this initiative by here.)

Diggin’ Who’s Good? For more essential health facts, tips, and inspiration, join our Facebook communities, Eating Healthy and Staying Fit, today!

Lisa M. Basile

How I Learned To De-stress, Gained Energy, & Lost Belly Fat

I lead a pretty busy life: I’m a real estate agent in New York City (which means I’m constantly on the phone or running around or filling out paperwork), my social life is important to me, and I travel often to see family and friends in different states and countries.

Some people thrive emotionally, and even lose weight, from always being on-the-go. For me, though, leading a busy life means carrying around a good deal of stress. I find it virtually impossible to regulate my worrying and just turn off, which my doctor says is a recipe for all sorts of problems, like high blood pressure and insomnia and cortisol overload.

Did you know that cortisol contributes to belly fat? Yeah, I didn’t either—until my gut started getting out of hand when my stress levels grew. The science doesn’t lie: An extract from a study published in Obesity Research found a direct correlation between both stress and cortisol levels and “greater abdominal fat depots.” According to Harvard Health, belly fat isn’t just an aesthetic issue, either—it’s linked to high blood pressure, cardiac disease, and problematic blood sugar levels.

I genuinely wasn’t aware of the terrible lifestyle habits that were linked to my stress until recently. For one, I was too busy to care. Secondly, I wasn’t brought up in a healthy family. I wasn’t raised to eat healthfully, nor was I raised to exercise or be mindful of my body. These just weren’t things my family prioritized, and that sort of thinking stuck in my adult life. Long day? Fried chicken. Lots of paperwork? Sit hunched over at my desk, totally sedentary. Bedtime? Stay up late stress-binging Netflix until 3 a.m. It all contributed to a giant, overbearing sense of disconnection, feeling crappy, exhaustion, and yes, weight gain.

I was clued into needing a change when I realized I was literally living for my job and ignoring everything else. A friend pointed out how stressed I seemed, and how much I’d changed, which was the wakeup call I needed.

Featured Products

I decided to see both a doctor and a therapist. I needed someone to tell me exactly how bad things were getting—and how to fix the issues. My doctor urged me to eat better, and to eat more frequent, smaller meals. So, I complied.

Instead of eating a burger or pizza or fried chicken whenever I was feeling super-stressed or hungry, I grabbed a fruit shake or smoothie every few hours when I was feeling an energy dip. I won’t lie: I’ll never be in love with nutritious eating, but paying attention to what I’m eating (and when) allowed me to keep my energy levels up and not experience inevitable sugar crashes and stomach distress. I also started adding daily multivitamins to make up for gaps in my diet.

The nutrition aspect was only one part of the whole, however. My therapist suggested I try to “live in the moment” every once in a while. When I had a good day or experienced something pleasant, she suggested I close my eyes and let that thought wash over me. (She also suggested I take that approach every so often with food: sit down with my food instead of inhaling it, being more mindful of the food itself, as well as the experience of eating.)

When it came to managing and de-escalating feelings of overwhelm or stress, she recommended that I take a few deep breaths, acknowledge the stress, and break down my tasks into organized steps. The result? Instead of feeling like I was drowning in a million phone calls or emails or appointments, I was able to separate myself from the moment and then tackle my to-do list with a clear mind.

The last thing I did was disconnect from physical objects, like my phone and my computer. I’d take strategic breaks throughout my busy day. No social media. No news. No emails. I’d let my mind dissolve and I’d just be in the moment. I’m no Zen guru, and I’ll never be “good” at disconnecting (mostly because my job requires me to be connected), but giving myself a few moments to turn off has helped immensely with my stress levels.

Related: 3 Physical Signs You’re Way Too Stressed

Armed with my newfound ability to live in the moment, I didn’t want to disrupt or take away from my efforts by going and throwing it all away at some fast food joint. I even started adding a few workouts to my week. It’s amazing how a new perspective and set of coping tools can refresh your definition of “living well.”

There were many tangible things I noticed after about four weeks of practicing mindfulness. For one, I had more energy throughout the day. At night, I fell asleep at a reasonable hour, instead of letting my thoughts race through my mind, and I slept more soundly. Plus, my gut had actually gotten smaller! I was able to fit into my favorite pairs of jeans and trousers without my belly bulging over the top, and I felt more confident in my workwear. As a real estate agent, you’ve got to look polished and smart, so this was a real win for me.

Before learning (both from my doctor and from my own experiences) that there is a legitimate connection between our bodies and our psyches, I was really risking it with my own sanity and health: Eating what I wanted, whenever I wanted, never stopping to take a moment for myself, and neglecting my body’s needs could never be sustainable, and I’m so glad I made the effort to improve my lifestyle before I put my health at even greater risk.

Ben Vancliffe