DOUBLING DOWN ON THE TRACK | TAI WOFFINDEN

We love when worlds collide and this month's cover does just that. Tai Woffinden is a 5x Speedway World Champion and an open format DJ/Producer. We wanted to know more about Speedway racing and how he got into the sport, how he stays in shape for it, his passion for music, and why he became a DJ.

Since signing onto Armada Music, he released Body, a collaboration with Grammy nominated Gabry Ponte and vocalist Yasmin Jane. This was followed up by Feeling Super Naughty with CERES which just dropped recently. With all of this movement, we took some time find out more and to see what we should keep an eye out for.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We're excited to be able to talk with you as your background as an athlete as well as a DJ and a producer is such a great mix! When did you fall in love with being a Speedway Rider?

TAI WOFFINDEN: I first got into Speedway way way back in 2002. I went to my Dad’s mate’s house to ride on their private track and there was a speedway bike tucked away in the corner. I said to my dad at 12 years old, “I wanna try that” so we sold my MX gear and went all in from that day on.

AM: You are a 3X World Champion in this sport. What do you love about racing?

TW: It’s hard to explain but there is a feeling when you’re railing the fence on a nice little dirt line as fast as the bike will go and you’re on the complete limit of what you’re able to do on these bikes and you either make it around the corner or bury it into the wall. There is no better feeling in the world (not that I have found yet anyway) and I chase that feeling every time I race.

AM: Can you tell us about Speedway racing from what the bike is like and what races are like?

TW: They’re a one-of-a-kind motorcycle, built to only go left, 500cc, methanol-burning bulls with no breaks!

The races are super short and fast averaging about 1min per heat (4 laps). In a Grand Prix, we do 5 heats and the top eight go to the semi-finals and the 1st and 2nd place from each semi qualify for the final. It’s a wild sport! In Poland it’s huge in Warsaw we race in front of 55,000 inside the national stadium.

AM: To optimize yourself as a racer, what kinds of workouts do you do to stay in shape and meet the goals you need to be a champion rider?

TW: I won’t bore you with this too much but 5 days a week strength work, 6 days a week running or cycling, and a good nutritional plan to get through the workload and recovery.

AM: Your season is over this year. Are there any races that you are preparing for in 2025?

TW: Yes, it’s all done now so full focus on 2025 prep. Next year I will race most weekends in Poland, most Mondays and Thursdays in the UK, and some in races in Sweden on Tuesdays. Plus, four qualification rounds for the Grand Prix and possibly the European championship.

AM: What was the first song that you heard that made you fall in love with music?

TW: I can’t remember exactly, but it would have been something my mum had on in the car when I was a kid. My first hook on EDM specifically would have to be the Old EDM. Specifically it would have to be the Old Skitz Mix CDs back in the day.

AM: What led to you becoming a DJ and a producer?

TW: I went to watch Fisher headline his own show in Perth, Western Australia, and as Fisher was a surfer before he became a DJ, I was just watching him thinking well if he can do that, so can I. So, the week after I started my DJ course with Lab Six.

AM: How would you describe the Tai Woffinden sound?

TW: It’s been varied as I navigate and find my sound, I started out with some Tech House, but I’m a Techno guy so I want to focus on that Mainstage vibe after my first release on Armada Music with Gabry Ponte. But, my current track with CERES and my next single are still slightly different in sound so I’ll continue to play around with it all and see where it takes me.

AM: What would you say are the similarities between racing in front of large crowds and being able to DJ in front of them?

TW: For now, the biggest crowd I’ve played to as a DJ has been 12,000 people at Forestland Festival. It’s hard to say if it’s the same level of intensity as when I race, but from my history, the bigger the crowd, and the more pressure, is exactly where I thrive.

AM: How do you get inspiration for your music?

TW: Same as most people I would guess. Hearing a track I like that sparks an idea, or an individual sound. In the world that we live in today with everything at our fingertips it shouldn’t take too long to be inspired by something.

AM: Tell us about Body and what it was like to collaborate with Gabry Ponte and vocalist Yasmin Jane?

TW: So my A&R at Armada sent over the vocals, I then made a little demo and we sent it to Gabry’s team to shoot our shot. Four days later he said he loved it and wanted to work on it and a week later got it back, we were all stoked with his influence on the production! From my side, one, it was huge to have my first release secured with Armada, and for that track to then be a collaborative with Gabry Ponte was just amazing!

AM: Feeling Super Naughty is your latest with CERES - what is the meaning behind this song?

TW: Again, I heard the vocals and just immediately thought there was something about it. The track was a bit more Techno originally, but I was listening to some track at that time from Indira Paganotto and starting to play with that sound myself so that’s how it came to the final song you hear now. I’m super happy with it. I guess the track is just about having a great time!

AM: You were at ADE this month - what was that like?

TW: ADE was wild…it was my first one and I really made the most of it. I met some great people, made lots of new connections, and did a lot of partying. I already can’t wait until next year and hopefully I can get a few DJ sets locked in as well.

AM: You will be at You&Me Fest, a multi-day NYE fest in Australia. How excited are you to be performing there?

TW: Yes, I am! I’m super grateful that Bailey and Isaac called me up! I’m in Australia all summer and I’m ready to build my presence in this part of the world so why not kick things off there with the local boys. They’re killing it over here in West Australia, I mean you only have to look at this year’s huge line-up to see!

AM: Who are 3 people that are on your bucket list that you would like to work with?

TW: Timmy Trumpet would be one. We have chatted about a track and getting him on one of my race bikes which would be wild!

Also Maddix for sure. I love his sound. Finally, Will Sparks, I'm just a fan of Will. I met him in Newcastle UK this year and we chatted for ages backstage. He is a great guy and a beast at what he does. I also love his DJ performances. Anyway, enough fanboying haha!

AM: Do you have any upcoming festivals or tours that we should know about?

TW: Not right now. I’m in the studio and You&Me is my next big one. However, I have an important meeting coming up which I hope brings big opportunities and parties into 2025.

AM: You do a lot of traveling. What are 3 things that you like to have with you when you're on the road?

TW: I'm a simple man! As long as I have my passport, phone and USB, I can do everything I want…

AM: Whether you're racing or hitting the stage, are there routines you do?

TW: Maybe this comes as a surprise, but I have no routines, pre or post events. I literally just live in the moment and enjoy whatever is surrounding me, be it the stage or the racetrack, I soak it all up and enjoy the process.

AM: Are there any upcoming projects that you would like to share?

TW: I have one track that’s just come back from clearance, and I think could be my biggest yet but can’t say much right now. I plan to host my own event again in the UK next year. I threw a one-off this summer and we sold 12,000 tickets in just 11 days and it was fully sold-out which was insane.

My full focus now is on getting ready for the 2025 season ahead.

IG @twoffinden

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Front/Back Cover + PG 16 - 21 Tai Woffiden| PG 22 Tai Woffiden Press |

Read the OCT ISSUE #106 of Athleisure Mag and see DOUBLING DOWN ON THE TRACK | Tai Woffinden in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | BURKE WILLIAMS SPA

We enjoy beauty treatments tailored to our needs! Burke Williams' Chief of Treatments, Diane Hibbard talked with us about this spa. Although they launched in 1984, the origin of spa culture traces back to the healing properties of water. They embrace this tradition by offering a range of spa amenities designed to promote healing and wellness through water immersion. Their facilities boast an array of options, including showers, saunas, steam rooms, and jacuzzis, each meticulously crafted to enhance your journey to rejuvenation. Whether it's the simple relief of icing sore joints or the profound relaxation of submersion, water holds the power to soothe, heal, and restore your body, mind, and spirit. Across their 11 locations in California, Burke Williams integrates water experiences seamlessly into their serene settings, inviting you to embark on a transformative experience.

Guests can expect a sanctuary-like ambiance where their need for rest and rejuvenation is met with care. Each location offers a unique atmosphere and decor, providing a distinct and memorable experience. Quiet rooms offer tranquil spaces for relaxation, while the healing properties of water infuse the air, enhancing the sensory experience. From the soothing sounds of running water to the calming aroma of essential oils, every detail is meticulously curated to create a serene environment conducive to healing and renewal, enveloping guests in a cocoon of tranquility from the moment they arrive.

Treatments focus on 3 distinct intentions: Rest, Awaken, and Heal and you can choose the desired treatment that focuses on these categories.

For those seeking Rest, the Tranquility Massage incorporates sound bowls and can be followed by a Nourishing Facial and Luxe Pedicure. These treatments include extended massages and essential elements to help you escape the stresses of everyday life.

For those looking to Awaken their bodies, we suggest their Regenerate Facial which has cutting-edge technology in anti-aging treatment to awaken collagen production and promote skin renewal. Their Vitality Massage offers a transdermal delivery of Vitamin B12.

To Heal, their Deep Tissue Massage targets muscle recovery and repair, while the Rescue Facial addresses breakouts and blemishes, delivering powerful results for pain relief, skin damage, and other concerns.

Their co-ed lounge is a serene space designed for relaxation and enjoyment. Guests can unwind, socialize, and sip on tea while indulging in their spa experience.

BURKE WILLIAMS SPA

450 N. Oak St

Inglewood, CA 90302

Click the link to find your nearest location in California

burkewilliams.com

IG @burke_williams

PHOTOGRAPHY | Burke Williams Spa

Read the APR ISSUE #100 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Burke Williams Spa in mag.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | GETTING STRONG WITH EMILY SKYE

One of our favorite Celebrity Fitness Experts, Emily Skye is always showcasing how she focuses on being strong through her fitness journey. She has graced a number of covers, provided countless advice and juggles it all while being a mom. She is currently pregnant with her second child and took some time to share some advice that she has as we continue to add new favorites into our routines. We also talk about her role as an ambassador with Women's Best and why this brand is synergistic with her platform.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell the readers of Athleisure Mag how you found your interest in fitness?

EMILY SKYE: I spent most of my life up until I was almost 25 years old being unhappy & unhealthy. I suffered from depression, anxiety, and self-worth issues. I couldn’t imagine living my life like that forever, so I decided I had to do something about it and make changes. I used to think someone was going to come along and save me, but I had to save myself.

I heard that healthy eating and exercising had an impact on mental health, so I started eating healthy food and exercising and also changed my attitude to be more positive. Fitness changed my life, it made me feel incredible and I loved the way the exercising influenced other areas of my life. Working out and healthy eating, made me feel more confident like I could do anything, kind of like a superhero! I felt on top of the world and I’d never felt like that before in my life and I wanted everyone around me to feel the same way. So, I’d tell my friends and family to come and train with me, but it wasn’t enough. I just wanted to get out there and share with the world how good it is makes you feel! I still do this over 10 years later!

AM: As many people find their modality of choice, there seems to be a new awareness, especially for women, that there is an interest that in addition to being toned, that they want to be strong. How important is that for you?

ES: Strength is more important to me than being “toned’. People often don’t realize that in order to get “toned” you need to do resistance training and have a good diet. Feeling strong is the best feeling in the world to me and I’d pick that over being lean any day. I have been educating women (and men for that matter) on the benefits of lifting weight for women. I have seen a huge shift over the years and women are more open to lifting weights, but there are still a lot of women afraid of getting “bulky”.

AM: What is your modality of choice and what does a week of working out look like for you?

ES: As previously spoken about, I love strength training and being strong so I usually base my workouts around lifting as heavy as I can with good technique. I do mix it up sometimes though and will do some sprints, or circuit training. That’s the key to staying motivated I believe, change it up and make it exciting and different if you’re getting bored.

AM: Are there any challenges or fitness programs that you are currently sharing with your followers?

ES: I have a 30-day free trial on my FIT Program which has home workouts so it’s perfect for all the people currently stuck at home. It also has gym workouts and a Booty Challenge as well as a customizable meal plan that members get access to.

AM: Tell us about being a Women's Best brand ambassador. Why do this partnership between you and the brand make sense and what do you love about them?

ES: It’s such an honour, all the Women's Best team and other ambassadors are the loveliest people - they truly are like a family. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet up with some of these amazing women in New York City for the Women’s Best launch in the U.S. through a partnership with The Vitamin Shoppe and had the most amazing time connecting with them! They’re passionate, supportive and genuine and that’s what I’m all about and I love being surrounded by likeminded people. We all want the best for others and want to see them happy, healthy and fit. Women’s Best has an amazing line of supplements, now exclusively available in the U.S. at The Vitamin Shoppe, to suit everyone and the flavours are all delicious and help keep me on track with my training. My personal favourites are all of the BCAA AMINO flavours - they honestly are all SO GOOD - I have them before and while I exercise. I love their Vegan Protein, it’s the only protein I have ever had that doesn’t upset my tummy and make me bloated and crampy. The Cookies and Cream is amazing and a current favourite of mine, but I also love the vanilla and chocolate flavours. I like to have one after my workout, if I’m craving a late-night snack and love to make pancakes, muffins and smoothies using the protein. My two year old daughter also likes sipping on my smoothies! The Women’s Best Wear is the most flattering and comfortable sportswear I have ever worn - even while pregnant!! I’m really grateful to be in partnership with such an amazing brand.

AM: What are 3 go-to foods that you enjoy eating to assist your workouts?

ES: When I’m not pregnant I love eating high fat and lower carbs and feel my best eating that way - it also keeps my sensitive tummy happy. I usually have chicken or fish with veggies or salad and for dessert, I love an açai bowl with my partner Declan’s special homemade caveman crunch on top! It’s delicious!

AM: With the summer coming up, what are 3 workouts that we should incorporate into our routine for our arms, legs and butt?

ES: LEGS & BUTT - Lift as heavy as you can while maintaining good technique. Rest for 2 mins in between sets.

Front or Back Squat 4 x 10-12 reps - tight tummy with core engaged, back straight, shoulders back & down, chest out push through the glutes. Make sure your knees push “out” and don’t come “in.” Maintain a straight back and tight core throughout.

Deadlifts 4 x 10-12 reps - pick a weight you can comfortably life, if you’re not an experienced lifter ask someone to help you with technique - especially before upping the weight. Start by bracing your core and a straight back, pull up on bar without moving it off the ground to set yourself up into a strong starting position and hold that while lifting the weight off the ground but driving through your legs and glutes. Think about pushing the floor away from you in a fluid motion to stand up straight. Squeeze glutes at the top and keep your tummy tight and back straight. Don’t hyper extend by arching your back and pulling your shoulders back past where your hips are. You want to finish with your body as straight as possible before lowering the weight to the ground to complete the rep. Remember to BREATHE!

Walking Lunges 4 x 10-12 reps - lunge forward as if you’re on train tracks so you’re stepping out in front and not crossing over your body. Try not to let your knee go past your toes, push through your glutes, keep tummy tight and back straight with shoulder back and chest out.

Hip Thrust 4 x 10-20 reps or until failure (make sure you have a decent weight for these) - Keep back straight, core tight and push through gutes, don’t let your back arch too much, the movement is all about the glutes doing the work.

BACK & BICEPS - Lift as heavy as you can while maintaining good technique. Rest for 2 mins in between sets.

Lat pulldown 4 x 10-12 reps - keep core switched on, back slightly arched & don’t use momentum for the movement. Slow and controlled reps.

Single arm bent over row 4 x 10-12 reps - Core “on”, back straight, chest out, head neutral and in line with spine. Slow controlled reps.

Seated Row 4 x 10-12 reps - Back straight, tummy tight and no rocking. Slow controlled movements.

Bicep curls 4 x 10-12 reps - standing or seated - no swinging, keep elbows close to body & stable - slow, controlled reps.

SHOULDERS & TRICEPS - Lift as heavy as you can while maintaining good technique. Rest for 2 mins in between sets.

Seated shoulder press 4 x 10-12 reps - core tight, back straight - slow and controlled reps.

Shoulder fly 4 x 10-12 reps - standing with a tight tummy, straight back, slightly bend knees, shoulders back and down, head neutral raise dumbbells to just lower that shoulder height - slow and controlled.

Dumbbell kickback - 4 x 12 reps - tight tummy, back straight, keep elbow in tight to the body and try not to move it. Squeeze through the tricep.

Tricep pulldown 4 x 12-15 reps _ straight back, tight tummy, slight bend in knees, pull the ropes down by straightening your arms and keeping your elbows in close to the body and try not to move them.

AM: How do you balance your life as a wife, mother?

ES: It’s hard to be honest. I have had to let go of the idea of getting EVERYTHING done and done perfectly. There is no such thing. I’m not as hard on myself now that I’m a mother and my priority is always my family. I try to allocate hours where I work and most of my work is either on the computer or phone so I try to do it away from my daughter Mia so she doesn’t see me ignoring her. I break up my work by taking time out to play with her and go outdoors if I can. Things are about to get harder with a new baby, but I have a wonderful supportive partner who is a fantastic father. I’m very blessed. The worse thing a parent can do I think is beat themselves up for not doing everything. We just do the best we can and love our kids. :)

AM: Can you share with us any upcoming projects that you have coming up?

ES: I’m so excited that my new app is launching in a couple of months.

IG @EmilySkyeFit

Read the May Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Something You Should Know | Getting Strong with Emily Skye in mag.

ACHIEVEING OPTIMAL HEALTH BY DETOXING YOUR BODY AND MIND

Are you ready to achieve the optimal health your deserve and rightfully deserve? Here's how to detox your body and mind in a few, simple steps.

Less than 3% of Americans live a healthy lifestyle. Now that most of us are cooped up at home, more people are choosing to prioritize healthy habits. A total body detox can clear your body and mind, giving you the chance for a fresh start!

Eager to detoxify and achieve your optimal health? Here are the five tips that can help!

With these tips for a quick detox, you can soothe your body and mind for a happier, healthier life. Keep reading to learn how to complete a total body detox straight from the comforts of your own home!

1. Kick Bad Habits

The first step toward a full-body cleanse is to clear out the clutter. Remove any bad habits from your life that can cause your mind and body to lag.

For example, try limiting your alcohol intake. Excessive drinking can cause liver damage, making it difficult for your body to filter waste and toxins from your body. Your liver is really the thing you need to detox your body--keep it healthy.

Next, reduce your sugar intake.

Consuming excessive sugar and processed foods can lead to:

• Obesity

• Cancer

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

Sugar may also hinder your body's ability to detoxify itself.

Try decreasing your salt intake, too. Consuming too much salt can cause your body to retain fluid. If you have trouble urinating, your body will fail to detox.

Kicking these bad habits can help start you on the road to optimal health.

2. Catch Up on Sleep

Your body needs rest to support your natural detoxification system. Sleep helps remove toxic waste byproducts like beta-amyloid, which can contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Failing to get enough sleep can lead to:

• Stress

• Anxiety

• High blood pressure

• Heart disease

• Type 2 diabetes

• Obesity

Try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night.

3. Stay Hydrated

If you want to learn how to remove toxicity from your body, water is essential. Water:

• Regulates your body temperature

• Aids digestion

• Supports nutrient absorption

• Detoxifies the body by removing waste

• Lubricates your joints

Water removes waste products from your body when you breathe, urinate, or sweat. If you're dehydrated, your body could fail to heal and break down the nutrients it needs.

4. Add Antioxidants

Replace bad eating habits with good ones. Antioxidants can protect your cells from harmful free radicals. Free radicals can lead to:

• Dementia

• Heart disease

• Cancer

• Asthma

• Liver disease

Eating a diet that's rich in antioxidants can help your body fight oxidative stress and reduce the risk of these conditions. You can also try these Microbe Formulas as you prepare for your total-body detox.

5. Consume Prebiotics

In order to complete your total body detox, try to improve your gut health as well. The cells in your intestines have their own detoxification and excretion system.

This system will protect your gut and body from harmful toxins. Try eating tomatoes, bananas, garlic, and onions to improve your gut health.

Detoxify Your Body and Mind: 5 Tips for Achieving Your Optimal Health

It's time to detoxify! With these five tips, you can achieve your optimal health straight from home. Live happier and healthier with these tips.

Remember to consult your doctor before making any drastic lifestyle changes.

Don't wait to make a positive change! Explore the Lifestyle section of the blog today.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

HOW CBD WORKS IN YOUR BODY TO ALLEVIATE PAIN

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the most popular components of cannabis, hemp, or marijuana plant. This is a non-psychoactive part of the plant, hence you can be sure that when using CBD, you don't get intoxicated. Because this compound doesn’t give you that high feeling, all that's left for you to feel are the positive benefits that it can bring to your body.  

While CBD oil may seem like a new trend, it's already been in use hundreds of years ago as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat and alleviate pain. It's only recently that it's gained widespread talk and acceptance because it's already been legalized for medical, and even recreation purposes, in some states and nations.

Of the many benefits that it brings to the human body, this article focuses on pain management. This piece gives you everything you need to know about using CBD oil to alleviate pain.

What Causes Pain In The Body?

Once the body starts to manifest pain, this can generally be a symptom of a disease or a physical injury. Pain can either be internal or external. With external pain, this starts during a bout of  inflammation or any tissue injury. It can also happen temporarily after going through some external treatments of the body. Internal pain, on the other hand, can be a sign of an impending disease.

When pain starts to be experienced, the common recourse is to take pain relievers. While these are generally harmless for the short-term, in the long run, using these medications may result in dependence. Then, all the other adverse side effects of dependence on synthetic medication will also start to manifest.

This fact is precisely why those who regularly experience pain are now looking for healthier alternatives, such as CBD oil.

How Does CBD Work For Pain In The Body?

To get things straight, yes, CBD does work successfully for pain in the body. This is made possible through the components of CBD, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. It is responsible for translating and receiving information from the cannabinoids.

The endocannabinoid receptors of the human body are responsible for controlling functions, such as sleep, pain, and how the immune system reacts to diseases. These receptors are also referred to as the small proteins that are attached to the surface of cells that get chemical signals from CBD.

Thanks to technology, there are many ways to take in CBD oil. You don’t have to limit yourself only to pills. There are now CBD edibles, such as gummies for pain, tinctures, and topical creams, among others.

What Kinds Of Pain Can CBD Help Manage?

The human body experiences many different types of pain. Each one has its respective symptoms that need to be treated before it’s too late. CBD oil is found to be successful in treating conditions, such as cancer pain, arthritic pain, and chronic pain, among others.

1. Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis refers to an autoimmune disease that affects the entire body, through the brain and the nerves. Muscle spasms, which can be painful, are a common symptom of this ailment.

2. Arthritic Pain

Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints of the human body. For patients who have arthritis, excruciating pain can generally be experienced in the toes, knees, and hips. It has been found that when CBD is applied topically, it is successful not just in alleviating pain, but inflammation as well.

3. Cancer Pain

It is important to note that CBD does not cure cancer. At the moment, there's no cure yet for cancer. But, CBD oil can help cancer patients in alleviating the pain they’re feeling,  as well as the symptoms of cancer treatments, such as nausea and vomiting. As a result, the quality of life of the patients undergoing cancer treatments is improved.

4. Chronic Pain

CBD oil is also an effective treatment form for chronic pain, which refers to the bodily pain that generally lasts for around three to six months. This usually happens after the patient has recently gone through a physical injury; after healing, the pain persists.

Some of the symptoms of chronic pain include lack of energy, throbbing, depression, burning, and stiffness.

Now, you may ask, “How long does it take for CBD oil to work?”  Generally, this is dependent on the kind of CBD oil that you use, as well as the dosage and concentration. This is precisely the reason why it’s better for first-timers to try out CBD oil in the evening, when it’s easier for the body to cope with the effects.

Conclusion

From reading this article, perhaps, all your confusion about CBD oil has finally been laid to rest. But, one essential thing for you to remember is that whenever you're unsure, always seek the advice of a health or medical professional. Moreover, never go beyond the dosage that’s been set for you.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

DOES LOSING WEIGHT MEAN HAVING TO GO HUNGRY?

For many people losing weight is synonymous with restriction and sacrifice. In an effort to acquire the body of their dreams, patients obsess over every calorie and cut too many corners, leaving their body starved and tired. Dr. Niket Sonpal, an NYC Internist and Gastroenterologist, tells us malnourishment is not the key to a healthy lifestyle and could be the “gateway into difficult health problems.”

Dr. Sonpal, who is an Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Associate Director of Brookdale Hospital's Residency Program, says, “Starving yourself is a technique that quickly backfires on patients. It can cause ma ss to be stored, water to accumulate, and hormone imbalances, among other things. If we aren’t careful about our nutrition and our weight loss, we can end up worse than when we started.”

Hunger is defined by bodily sensations ranging from mild pains in the abdominal region, headaches, mood changes, a decline in energy or light-headedness. These sensations signal the body’s instinct that it needs to replenish energy by consuming food. Biological cues arising from hunger inform the body of what to how to operate some of its essential functions to adapt to your circumstance. Remember though society has evolved tenfold since the first Neanderthals roamed the earth, our biological instincts are still quite similar, and hunger is at the center of how our body assesses its ability to survive. Simply put, if our body is not receiving the energy it needs, it will adapt its functions to survive what it perceives as hard times. During this adapting period, we can undergo mild to serious health implications that run contrary to our overall goals of losing weight and improving our health.

Here are 6 Major Reasons to Refrain from Starving Yourself and what to do instead:

Your Metabolism

Prolonging your body’s state of hunger regularly and for extended periods can cause your system to slow down your energy expenditure during periods of rest. Your Basal Metabolical Rate dictates how much energy your body burns in order to fuel your essential bodily functions while at rest. In the absence of regular and consistent nourishment, your body may begin to store energy, often in the form of fat.

Many people get caught up in an unhealthy obsession with calories. While calorie counting is sometimes necessary to get rid of stubborn fat and techniques like intermittent fasting can help people jumpstart their metabolism. Studies show that for people who are already obese or lack muscle while packing excess body fat, extended periods of hunger can worsen their situation.

To avoid going down the path of starvation and fat storage, start to slowly and sustainably build a schedule and regiment that has you eating high volumes of low calorie and low carb foods. Vegetables and lean proteins are your friends. Instead of eating two or three huge meals, space them out throughout the day with space for small healthy snacks that keep your energy up throughout the day.

Stress and Bingeing

Hunger and stress have an interesting relationship. People come in a great many varieties, and they react to stress differently. However, it is common for stress, in short doses, to decrease appetite. Prolonged stress, on the other hand, can lead people to binge-eat, especially if someone has developed the habit of food-for-comfort over time. Hunger, prolonged periods of fasting, and eating disorders can increase the body’s production of cortisol, known as the stress hormone. This can make you moody, anxious, and uncontrolled. Stress also inhibits our ability to control our appetite, often leading to overconsumption of calories. Once your system becomes overwhelmed with stress, you break, and the result may very well be binge eating.

Instead, focus on eating as healthily as possible without sacrificing the fulfillment of feeling nourished. If you have a craving for sweets or some treat, navigate the situation reasonably. For example, if you are a fan of chocolate, as many of us are, treat yourself to a piece of dark chocolate after dinner. Dark chocolate is an excellent way to get a taste of cocoa without overdoing the sugar. As for your cortisol production, don’t revolve your entire life around dieting and counting calories. Take time to run outside and feel the sun. Working out is a natural stimulant of endorphins, the hormones that help us feel good. Endorphins are also helpful in helping relieve stress and pain.

Your Calorie Intake Helps Dictate Your Calorie Output

As previously mentioned, our bodies burn calories daily to cover our essential bodily functions while at rest. Reducing calories in an extreme way can reduce the number of calories you regularly burn in an extreme way also. This makes it more difficult over time to lose weight, maintain weight, and remain lean. This is especially true for people who are predisposed to having a hard time shedding pounds, such as postmenopausal women and people with a family history of high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity.

Instead, focus on the quality of your calories. 200 calories of broccoli will not affect your body the same way as 200 calories of ice cream. Giving our bodies an appropriate amount of food at an appropriate amount of calories is key to our metabolic health. The best way to cover our bases on the calorie front and on the hunger front, meaning fulfilling our energy needs while still satisfying our hunger is to eat foods that are high on nutrients, fiber and vitamins.

Hydration is key to your health

In their incessant battle for an “Instagram-worthy” body, people concentrate overwhelmingly on the solid foods they eat and very little on the liquids they drink. Needless to say, our bodies are dependent on water to help keep them regulated, hydrated and refreshed. If we are dieting like madmen while drinking sugary drinks, dairy products, and alcohol all the time, we are essentially counteracting everything we have accomplished at the gym and the dinner table. In other instances, people forget to drink water leading to dehydration and water retention.

Drinking ample amounts of water is also an effective way to send signals to the brain, informing it that you are not on an empty stomach. Drinking water before a meal has been shown to effectively decrease the amount of a person consumes once they sit down to eat.

Keep in mind water is extremely useful in keeping your digestion working properly.

Fiber is your friend

Fiber is a useful tool for staying regulated and healthy. Fiber is interesting because, though it is a carbohydrate, the body is unable to dismantle the nutrient to convert it to a simple sugar molecule. This results in Fiber passing through our gastrointestinal tract accomplishing many beneficial tasks to help us with our diet and health goals. Fiber is a healthy way to increase fullness hormones in the body. For many people who have built up resistance to this hormone, called leptin, this becomes more beneficial as your body becomes leaner and you become healthier. Fiber also helps to keep you full and it shows up in a variety of foods from fruits to vegetables to grains. The versatility of fiber means it is easy to work it into your diet without a lot of stress. Fiber helps fill you up as well without the risk of it staying and accumulating in your body to be processed into fat.

Opt for healthier choices that are rich in fiber, as opposed to processed and sugary drinks with little nutritional value. Because of where fiber is found, odds are the foods you eat to incorporate it into your diet will be full of many other vitamins and nutrients that will help keep your body healthy.

Fat Storage

The term “starvation mode” is incredibly common and if you confess your fasting weight loss methods to a caring friend or family member, odds are they will mention starvation mode as a reason against going hungry.  You may be tempted to roll your eyes and ignore the advice, but your loved one may be right. When we are constantly hungry, skipping meals and only feeding our bodies with one or two big meals a day, even if the meals are mostly healthy the body will do everything it can to store as much fat and nutrients as it can. This is especially true if you eat at inconsistent times of the day. Why? Because the body’s biological clock does not know when its next meal will come and how big that meal will be. So while you go hungry, your body grows anxious and looks for ways to compensate for the insufficient and inconsistent way with which it is fed.

To avoid starvation mode, make sure you are eating consistently and snacking on something natural and healthy between meals. Make sure to never skip breakfast as it jumpstarts your metabolism. Breakfast is also a signal to the body that its overnight fast is now over. It helps to keep track of the times you eat and make an effort to stay relatively consistent when it comes to your eating schedule. This will help alleviate some of the body’s anxieties about being left without food until further notice.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

IN OUR BAG | THE "FIX IT" TOTE

Our bags hold so many things, and if you ask your friends, we always seem to have a series
of must haves in case we need to clean something, hydrate our lips, fight skin chafing,
clean our jewelry and of course nourish our cuticles. Here's what we're carrying this
month!

| KUR BY LONDONTOWN Nourishing Cuticle Oil | BOOT RESCUE Sneaker Rescue + Sandal
Rescue | ANDI NEW YORK Diamond Charcoal | C.O. BIGELOW No. 13 Lavender Save | BODY
GLIDE The Original Anit-Chafing Anti-Blister Balm | BAUBLRELLA Bling Brush Natural Jewelry
Cleaner |

Read more from the June Issue and see In Our Bag | The "Fix It" Tote in mag.