HEALTHY HABITS 101

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When we end and begin a new year, we’re always looking at how we can be our best selves! Although 2020 was a year that was filled with the unexpected, we’re all looking forward to what 2021 will bring. We chatted with Jamie Hess, a finess and lifestyle expert whose mom, Joan Lunden encouraged others to live in a healthy way in addition to being an iconic TV journalist. Via @NYCFitFam, Jamie and her husband George continue that ethos by sharing tips on fitness, nutrition, mindfulness and conscious parenting. We wanted to get her thoughts on healthy habits.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Let’s start with the basics – what should we all be thinking about, in regards to our family’s nutrition choices in this new year.

JAMIE HESS: The one thing I always tell people is don’t get your calories from sugar-filled sodas and energy drinks.

I love Zevia. It’s a brand of delicious zero-sugar, zero-calorie beverages for the whole family, including soda, energy, mixers, kidz sparkling beverage and USDA Organic and Fair-Trade Certified tea. So it's great for parents looking to make better choices in the new year and for helping their kids do the same.

All Zevia drinks are full of flavor and variety so those looking to cut sugar or calories in the new year don't have to compromise on taste or sweetness.  For those following a doctor recommended or low sugar meal plan - Zevia beverages are naturally-sweetened with Stevia and do not raise blood sugar levels. Zevia products are also free from artificial ingredients, colors or preservatives, they are also Non-GMO and gluten-free.

I have to tell you, Zevia was my savior when I was pregnant with my second child. A carbonated beverage is always a good way to combat the nausea that comes with pregnancy. During my first pregnancy, I always had traditional ginger ale handy. With my second pregnancy I looked for a “better for you” alternative and Zevia was my favorite, by far.  Especially since it does not have artificial sweeteners.

The energy drinks are a great way to get my day started and get ready for my daily work out, or when I need an extra boost in the afternoon.

AM: What other tips do you have that will help with full-body wellness?

JH: People everywhere are looking for new ways to boost their immune systems. In fact, Google Trends showed the term “immune boost” as one of the most heavily searched in 2020. That’s why a product line on my radar this year is Bee & You.

Bee & You is a line of products derived from bees. You can put the water-soluble drops in your juice, carry the throat spray in your purse or take it in a tablet form to boost your immunity and energy.

All of these products are made from Propolis extract, which is a natural resin-like product that bees collect from the trees, to protect the bee colony and the hive from harmful bacteria, viruses, fungus and parasites. And it has the same effects for humans too.

It’s super high antioxidant and is an immune-booster which is something we could all use during cold & flu season.

Bee & You products are 100% Natural, purity tested and do not not contain any GMOs, chemicals, artificial colors, sweeteners, gluten, soy or dairy.

AM: Aside from dietary choices, what should we be thinking about in terms of daily activity?

JH: I don’t like “resolutions” - I’m all about a daily exercise practice that’s attainable & sustainable

Do it for your mental health as much as your physical health - physically active people have up to a 30% reduced risk of becoming depressed. You don’t have to go crazy trying to become a workout pro overnight (it’s also not realistic!). Simply walking has actually been proven to improve self-esteem, mood, sleep quality, and it reduces stress, anxiety, and fatigue.

Jogging, or even just brisk walking are always the easiest, most basic way to get our bodies moving. A 60 minute walk can burn about 250 calories, while 60 minutes of jogging can torch about double that. Embrace the sunshine (even if it's chilly) and get outside!

Anchor your day with a workout plan, even if it’s just 30 minutes - put it on your calendar

OUR MENTAL HEALTH IN 2021

 

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With a new year, we think about how we can optimize ourselves in a number of ways. Although many think about fitness, there is also a need to focus on our mental health. We took some time to chat with Dr. Desreen N. Dudley, PsyD. She is a mental health quality consultant and clinical psychologist at Teladoc. We wanted to find out how we can manage our Mental Health in general and even moreso due to a number of events that we have been living in from social justice, the pandemic, an insane election period and more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We utilize a lot of terms within the wellness space from mental health, anxiety, self-care – can you define these terms as a baseline?

DR. DESREEN N. DUDLEY, PSYD: Mental health refers to one’s emotional and psychological well-being. Anxiety refers to worry, nervousness, or feeling of doom about a future event and/or a situation in which the outcome is uncertain, often considered uncontrolled worry. Self-care refers to engaging in activities aimed at improving or promoting one’s health and whole being, including physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. In my role at Teladoc, I help people address their mental health and anxiety concerns and encourage them to engage in self-care – especially at times like these.

AM: How important is it to be aware of mental health and to manage it?

DR. DND PSYD: It is extremely important for all of us to have mental health awareness; that is, understanding that mental health is important by talking openly about what is needed in order to take care of it, and accepting the state of one’s mental health (in other words, understanding what aspects of one’s mental health is good, and what areas may need improvement). Without an awareness of mental health, one will have difficulty understanding what is needed in order to manage it. Managing mental health is easier than ever now with telemedicine, which enables people to take care of their mental health from the convenience of their home. Teladoc allows parents to care for their own mental well-being – and the overall health of their family – while at home with school-age children who may be remote learning. The danger of not managing mental health appropriately is that poor management is reflected in poor coping strategies and self-destructive behaviors, which place a person at risk for chronic medical conditions due to poor lifestyle choices, or overall decline in functioning.

AM: What would you suggest are the basic things people need in order to have good mental health?

DR. DND PSYD: 1. Talking about your feelings, instead of stuffing or ignoring them.

2. Take care of your physical well-being! Get good sleep, eat healthy, and fit in physical activity regularly. Physical activity alone has been shown to have positive impacts on depressed mood.

3. Stay connected with family, friends, and loved ones. Social isolation and withdrawal exacerbate depression, and people feel more fulfilled when they feel connected to others.

4. Avoid excessive consumption of news and social media, which can increase general levels of stress due to focus on things outside one’s control.

5. Seek help in the form of therapy. Engaging in mental health treatment, such as through telemedicine, IS taking care of your mental health, and can offer ways to challenge negative patterns of thinking and behaviors and learn to replace them with more adaptive ways. Of course, telehealth also offers the benefit of being done in the comfort of your own home, and on your own time.

6. Help others. Doing so increases sense of gratitude, appreciation, and sense of worth.

7. Do things that are enjoyable to you. If you are struggling to find something of interest, research something new.

AM: What are the signs when you or someone you may know is struggling with mental health?

DR. DND PSYD:  While an evaluation with a licensed mental health professional is the best way to know if someone is struggling with a mental health condition, there are some signs that can be indicative of this. Mental health of yourself and your loved ones should be a top priority. It’s important to get yourself – or someone you know – help right away – without worries of health coverage. Teladoc, for example, provides mental health services to individuals regardless of insurance.

1. Change in one’s typical mood (a generally content person becoming sad or irritable most to all of the time)

2. Odd or bizarre unusual behavior, such as suspiciousness, irritability and argumentativeness

3. Problems with cognition, including concentrating, poor focus and difficulty staying on task, lack of attention, forgetting

4. Disruption in sleep pattern and changes in appetite, increase or decrease

5. Social withdrawal- disconnecting from family or friends, loss of interest in activities typically enjoyed

6. Decline in functioning- decreased performance at work, dropping grades in school, not tending to daily activities one usually manages well

AM: In times like navigating a pandemic, the election and the continued activities around this, the fight for social justice and then the issues that people have personally – how much harder is it for those that are struggling with mental health and are feeling overwhelmed?

DR. DND PSYD: What I’ve seen is that those who have been struggling to manage mental health prior to these world-wide traumatic events -- the pandemic, presidential election of 2020, and racial tensions and the fight for social justice -- have indeed shown an increase in negative mood symptoms. But the pandemic will have lasting effects on everyone. Telehealth and virtual care are great ways to manage mental health, the pandemic, and everything else that happened in 2020. At Teladoc, we’ve seen many people seeking counseling and therapy as a form of self-care. The mandate for social distancing, while necessary for health, has been a major struggle for those with depression, given that staying socially connected and not isolating at home has been the main recommendation to combat depression. Financial stress, witnessing mass deaths and the loss of loved ones due to COVID-19, and overall uncertainty about the future has been emotionally traumatic for many of us. The fight for social justice has triggered reminders of personal experiences with social injustice. What I’ve seen is that the social justice movement has empowered some, giving voice to those who have felt helpless in their personal experiences. 

AM: Many of us have been staying at home from working, starting or maintaining our businesses, not being able to interact with people in person, what’s a great way to create a sense of a schedule while also bringing in people that we are not bubbling with?

DR. DND PSYD: This pandemic and the call for physical distancing have really drawn attention to the power of technology – all ages and generations of people have been moved to learn to use it! A great way to stay connected to others is through social media, joining virtual community groups which may allow for making new connections. While working from home, it is crucial for adults to create and maintain a schedule similar to what they had when working in office. Ending work at a reasonable time is key, so that social and enjoyable activities can be scheduled into the routine.

AM: For many, they have been quarantining with a significant other and they have been with that person for constant interaction, what is the healthy way that they can share highs and lows together and to be able to engage one another without feeling fatigued?

DR. DND PSYD: Instead of focusing on frustration with social isolation from others, couples can take the opportunity to strengthen their bond. Explore and engage in new activities with each other, communicate more to stay connected, including sharing joys, aspirations and fears. Couples quarantining should have a routine in place that supports and helps each other carve out time for self-care and avoid fatigue. Couples with children can really strengthen their relationship by functioning even more so as a well-orchestrated team, giving each other “breaks” and taking turns when it comes to child care duties.

AM: How does the holiday season add another layer to potential mental health issues?

DR. DND PSYD: Holidays tend to trigger increase in depressive and anxiety symptoms for those who struggle with mental health, as I’ve seen it often is a time of year that triggers reminders of loss or absences of loved ones -- and it increases sadness. The pandemic and call to be physically distant from close family and friends during the holidays have created stress for all of us, regardless of pre-existing mental health issues. At a time when we all are even more aware of mortality -- and that our loved ones may not survive if afflicted with COVID-19 -- it has been stressful to not do what is the natural inclination, which is to spend as much time as possible with our loved ones.

AM: Is it important to be able to “step away” and take time for yourself even though you may be within the same area and around the same person?

DR. DND PSYD: Yes, I believe so. Staying connected to others in a healthy way is possible when one feels they also have time to themselves to reflect. Couples and families quarantining together should seek to strike a balance – find activities to do with each other, and also schedule time to keep for yourself. Within families, this can help parents feel that they are getting a break, especially with most young children remote learning while parents are working.

AM: Seasonal Affective Disorder is something that a number of people navigate even during a normal year, how is this impacted further as we continue to ride out staying in to lower the curve?

DR. DND PSYD: Seasonal affective disorder impacts many during this time of year. I see increased depressive symptoms as the daytime hours decrease, and a sign of increased depression is social withdrawal. While the recommendation for patients who struggle with seasonal affective patterns of depression is to avoid social isolation by going outside the home, spending time with friends or family or engaging in a social activity, the need to physically distance to stay safe really presents a barrier. Sometimes people just really need to talk to another person or hear an outside perspective. One recommendation could be to use telemedicine to talk to a licensed clinical psychologist from their own homes.

AM: Can you tell me about Blue Monday which is on Jan 18th. Why is this a day of note and what can be done to alleviate this?

DR. DND PSYD: Blue Monday, which is the 3rd Monday of January, has been referred to as such based on the theory that many people struggle with overwhelming self-disappointment that they are not accomplishing or not making progress on their New Year’s resolutions. Common resolutions include to start actively working out, improving money management, maybe abstaining from a guilty pleasure or alcohol or other substances. I think this day reflects expectations that may have either been too lofty or have unrealistic timeframes. Ways to manage this may be to set more realistic timeframes toward New Year’s resolutions that change expectations of what should be accomplished three weeks after the new year. Also, given that we would have all survived the first year of a pandemic, perhaps that should be the celebration of January 2021 -- focus on gratitude for making it through a very challenging and traumatic year.

AM: How can we maintain positive mental health as we continue through this time and eventually begin the transition as vaccines become more available?

DR. DND PSYD: 1. Practice self-care: Engage in regular physical activity, even as simple as taking a walk. This can be done with another while physically distant.

2. Telemedicine is here to stay. In fact, telephone and video visits for mental health are as effective as in-person treatment. I encourage people to use telemedicine as a convenient option to care for their own mental health needs -- as well as their family’s health needs – at a moment’s notice. Telehealth covers everything from the everyday illness to specialty concerns, including dermatology.

3. Limit exposure to news and social media, if needed. While informational, these can be major trigger of heightened stress.

4. Maintain a regular routine, but be flexible and anticipate that changes may occur. Have back up activities that you may be able to do if there are changes to your expected schedule.

5. Talk to someone you trust about your feelings, either mental health professional or confidant. Don’t stuff emotions, releasing them increases your ability to manage them.   

BINGELY BOOKS

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TACO! TACO! TACO! THE ULTIMATE TACO COOKBOOK

Hatherleigh Press

Sara Haas

How can you not enjoy amazing tacos and pair it with your beverage of choice? We're loving this cookbook which has over 100 recipes so that you can take Taco Tuesday to the next level! This dish is very versatile and in that vein, you'll find recipes that include your classics as well as twists that include: Chicken Shawarma Tacos, Italian Meatball Tacos, BBQ Skirt Steak Tacos, Grilled Coriander Shrimp Tacos, Cumin Chickpea Tacos, Mediterranean Veggie Tacos, Pork Tinga Slow Cooker Tacos, Sesame Bok Choy Tacos, Cinnamon French Toast Tacos, S'mores Tacos, Yogurt Flatbreads, and many more that will keep your tastebuds guessing.

With its simple to read style, it will encourage you to think outside of the box as your create these dishes and allows you to get a bit inventive as well.

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BETWEEN HARLEM AND HEAVEN: AFRO-ASIAN-AMERICAN COOKING FOR BIG NIGHTS, WEEKNIGHTS, AND EVERY DAY

Flatiron Books

Alexander Smalls, JJ Johnson, Veronica Chamber

Between Harlem and Heaven showcases the cuisine of Afro-Asian-American cuisine which has a major influence by the African Diaspora which has impacted global dishes. By illustrating that food transcends borders from a culinary period of time400 years ago, surviving the Middle Passage and its ability to be influences by Asian fare.

With over 100 recipes in this book, the authors showcase how African, African American and Asian foods have culinary intersectionality. This con-fluence of flavors found its way to Harlem. Recipes include mains, sides, sauces, marinades, punches and more than can be enjoyed every day.

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LOVE & LEMONS EVERY DAY: MORE THAN 100 BRIGHT, PLANT FORWARD RECIPES FOR EVERY MEAL: A COOKBOOK

Avery

Jeanine Donofrio

Jeanine is known for her flavorful vegetable recipes and has compiled them in a book of more than 100 options that you can include in your next meal. She shares how they can be used in any meal starting with breakfast and ending in dessert.

With an approachable way to work with these ingredients, you'll also learn about eating healthier and being happy doing so. In terms of not wasting what you're working with, you'll learn how you can incorporate cauliflower cores, corn cobs and broccoli stalks.

You'll also find go to additions into your weekly meals like learning how to make essential vegetable broths. You'll also be able to navigate your meals with cooking tips that become your go-to, checking out alternatives for dietary restrictions and is a great bridge between those that are herbivores and omnivores.

Read Athleisure Mag Dec Issue #60 and see Bingely Books in mag.

BINGELY STREAMING

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MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM

Netflix Originals

Netflix

Netflix Originals brings the story of the Mother of the Blues, Ma Rainey, to showcase how she trailblazed in the industry. Based on the play written by August Wilson. The film where Viola Davis stars as Ma Rainey as well as Chad Boseman's final film as Levee Green, the band's trumpeter. The film tackles artistic control, commercial exploitation, and racism in various forms from systematic to violent.

Most of the scenes take place in a recording studio in Chicago in 1927 where the band shares stories that lets you know about their journey, the lies, truths and how their decisions led them to where they ended up.

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FROM NOW

QCode

Apple Podcast

We've been fans of QCode's podcast for awhile now so when we heard that Richard Madden (Bodyguard) and Brian Cox (HBO's Succession) would be starring in this scripted sci-fi podcast, we made sure to add this to our list. The first episode introduces us to the USS Hope a spaceship that vanished for 35 years and then came back to earth. The lone survivor leaves the carrier and is the same age as when he left! His brother, voiced by Cox and is his twin and has a one-on-one meeting with them.

The meeting allows them to reconcile and although it was a pleasant exchange, it turn a bit dark as they uncover information that can threaten their relationship from sibling rivalry, family loyalty, technological advances, the future of space exploration, climate change, human adaptation and how we process time individually.

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CATFISH

Wondery + MTV

Spotify

We enjoy seeing Catfish where Nev Schulman brings interested parties together to find out if they are who they say they are, if they are compatible to stay together or if they have other issues that they need to figure out. Nev has also shown us how we can go about protecting our digital spaces and interactions so that we can safeguard ourselves from those that may not have our best interests as heart. If you've enjoyed seeing the movie that started it all and the weekly TV show, you can now listen to some of the most shocking episodes on this podcast.

MTV partnered with Wondery to take some of the best episodes from the TV show and to make it an auditory experience as we navigate those being catfished. As this show just began, we love that Max is in these episodes. In listening to the first few episodes, you can hear the best of the actual show as well as voiceovers to connect portions of the episode in terms of describing the person that they are working with so that you have a full picture on what's taking place.

Read the Athleisure Mag Dec Issue #60 and see Bingely Streaming in mag.

THE NEWEST LAS VEGAS CASINO RESORTS REVEALED

Planning your first trip to Las Vegas in 2021? Good choice. The bright lights of “Sin City” in the heart of the Nevada desert attract tens of millions worldwide each year. It’s not just a place to sit down and play cards anymore. It’s become an all-out entertainment paradise.

If you are unsure of where to stay on the Strip – or ‘Downtown’ on Fremont Street – read on as we outline the newest casino resorts to use as a stylish, contemporary base for your stay.

PHOTO COURTESY | Pisqels

PHOTO COURTESY | Pisqels

Many of these resorts now specialize in extensive dining and retail experiences too. As we explored at https://www.athleisuremag.com, where else on the planet can you dine indoors looking out to an ancient Romanesque replica of the Trevi Fountain like the hugely popular? That’s before we even mention the city’s state-of-the-art entertainment, spanning comedy, theatre shows and live music performances. However, most first-time visitors to Las Vegas also want to sample the thrill of playing casino games. The new casino resorts listed below contain tens of thousands of square feet of casino floor space, spanning table games like blackjack and roulette, as well as hundreds of low and high-limit slots.

If you are new to playing slot machines, it’s always recommended to get a feel for slot dynamics before you travel by playing online first. https://www.vegasslotsonline.com/ is a reliable starting point. This portal lists thousands of free slots available to try without having to pay a cent using ‘play money’. Many of which are iconic slots still played on the casino floors of resorts on the Vegas Strip, including Aristocrat’s Buffalo and Bally’s Quick Hit slots. This site even offers a FAQ for those who want to look into this more.

The following five casino resorts are the newest kids on the Las Vegas block, bringing contemporary style and sophistication to your casino gaming, nightlife and all-round entertainment on vacation:

Waldorf Astoria (opened in 2018)

PHOTO COURTESY | Pisqels

PHOTO COURTESY | Pisqels

Set back on its mid-Strip location beside The Cosmopolitan, the Waldorf Astoria is one of the most extravagant resorts for anyone with deep pockets. Formerly known as the Mandarin Oriental, this resort has undergone a significant transformation. The jewel in the crown for the resort is its 23rd-floor Sky Bar, which affords panoramic views of the Strip day and night. It’s easy to tell how ‘upscale’ this resort is by revealing that guests can make use of the Moet & Chandon champagne vending machines on-demand. Can you get any more decadent?!

Park MGM (opened in 2018)

The former Monte Carlo casino resort dates back to 1996 and 20 years on, it already desperately needed a revamp. Fortunately, the Park MGM renovations have transformed it into a warmer, more rustic resort, with entertainment oozing out of its every pore. A stone’s throw from the hotel is the new Park Theater, which plays host to some of the world’s biggest pop stars including Lady Gaga. Meanwhile, the T-Mobile Arena is also just around the corner, playing host to the Los Angeles Golden Knights NHL ice hockey team. The Eataly food court is also well-received, spanning cheap eats and delectable delights in equal measure.

Sahara (opened in 2019)

Located at the north end of the Las Vegas Strip, the Sahara, formerly known as the SLS, opened its doors in 2019. It is a 21st-century rebuild of the classic Sahara casino, which was one of the oldest on the Strip when it was closed due to its lack of viability as a commercial concern in 2011. The recent renovation was completed by Meruelo and the hotel was rebranded as Sahara Las Vegas in August 2019. Although it’s slightly off the beaten track of the Strip, this hotel boasts its own station on the Las Vegas Monorail, taking you up and down the four-mile-long network in a matter of minutes.

Circa Resort (opened in 2020)

If you are someone that would prefer to stay in the old-school ‘Downtown’ district of Las Vegas’ Fremont Street, the region recently welcomed the new Circa Resort with open arms. Overlooking classic casinos like the Golden Gate, Circa Resort opened at the end of October 2020. It’s the first brand-new casino resort in the Downtown area for over 40 years. With 44 stories and 777 rooms, it’s a major boost for the area. Its most striking area is the outdoor pool area, which boasts a magnificent viewing area of all the best live sports. Imagine taking a dip in the pool and kicking back watching the big game, with the desert sun on your back – bliss!

Resorts World Las Vegas (opening in 2021)

The next big opening is due to occur in summer 2021 with the much-anticipated Resorts World Las Vegas. Constructed at $4 billion, this Asian-inspired resort will become the next big mega-resort after the launch of Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in 2010. It will comprise the trio of Hilton’s premium accommodation brands under one roof – LXR, Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Conrad.

Hopefully one of these casino resorts will whet your appetite for your Vegas adventure but, if not, rest assured there’s at least another 30 resorts to peruse on the Strip alone!