The post 7 Steps to Reach Your Happy Weight (+ Recipe) appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.
]]>What’s your Happy Weight?
Happy weight is a term we use to describe how you look your best when you feel your best. It’s that feeling when your body is strong, healthy, and full of energy. Your mind is clear, positive, and not weighed down with insecurities, anxieties, or fears. Finding your happy weight is a process that occurs when you make healthy choices that keep you happy and at peace.Step 1: Love yourself + accept where you are
The first step toward finding your happy weight is loving and accepting where you are in this moment. Rather than obsessing over calories, comparing your progress to others, or daily weigh-ins, achieving your happy weight begins with feeling good about the goals you have for your personal health and beauty. Make sure these goals are defined solely by you and for you!
Step 2: Find your happy workout
What’s a happy workout? It’s all about accepting what brings you joy and doing more of those things. It’s not forcing yourself to be someone you’re not or doing something that brings you down. Hate the isolation of a treadmill? Try a social-sports league so you can chat up a cutie while getting some movement. Don’t like waking up at 6 a.m. for a high-intensity workout? Find a yoga routine on YouTube to practice after work in the comfort of your own house. Start small, try new things, and find what feels right for you! Get moving in the way that brings you happiness. Make sure you see this time as a priority for yourself, rather than a chore.Step 3: Reset your system with a cleanse
Feeling your best begins with nourishing your body. Treat yourself to a vacation from the processed foods and chemicals that weigh your body down. Cleansing herbs such as dandelion root, artichoke, and green algae can be beneficial in supporting your body’s organs in removing harmful toxins. See these five tips for a natural detox by a registered dietitian for more on resetting your system.Step 4: Turn your snacking habit into a healthy one
A snacking habit doesn’t have to be bad for your waistline. In fact, it can actually be a great way to keep you energized throughout the day and prevent overeating at night. It’s primarily when snacking means sugary or salty foods that the extra calories and zero nutritional value begin to add up. Turn this habit into an opportunity to nourish yourself. Choose snacks that help fight fatigue and keep you feeling fuller, longer. Try an energizing superfood smoothie like our Raw Beauty Ego-Booster (with skin-nourishing extras). Or, add these body-beautifying foods to your morning smoothie that pairs perfectly with Skinny Bird, our happy-weight-supporting formula.
Step 5: Eat mindfully
Mindful eating means slowing down and paying attention. Ditch scrolling through Instagram or flipping through Netflix while sitting down to eat. Instead, pay attention to each bite, eating smaller portions more slowly. Not only will it motivate you to choose healthier foods, but studies have shown that multitasking while eating can lead to consuming extra calories. It takes time for your stomach to realize it’s full, so eating slowly helps you eat less.Step 6: Choose real foods
Real food is food in its most natural state, aka fruits, veggies, and organic and unprocessed foods. In addition, less is more. Choose less packaging and look for shorter ingredient lists. You can follow us on Instagram @humnutrition for real-food recipes by our nutritionists and amazing followers alike!Step 7: Charge up with good vibes
Finally, feeling your very best in the skin you’re in is what reaching your happy weight is all about. Getting into a positive mindset is essential. So charge up some good vibes, blast your favorite tunes, and have a dance party with your favorite people.
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]]>The post How We Make Supplements that Work: 5 Steps appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.
]]>How We Make Supplements That Work
We know firsthand that making the right food, drink, and supplemental choices is very powerful. The combination of all three has a long-term impact on your beauty, health, and happiness. That’s why we make beauty supplements that address your specific concerns based on cutting-edge research.Step 1: Understand consumer problems using lots of data
To help address the confusion of navigating the supplement aisle, we developed the HUM quiz. It was designed to understand your food and drink habits and health and beauty concerns. The quiz provides our nutritionists with information that enables them to recommend the best products and nutritional insights based on your lifestyle. This specialization is important to finding the nutrients that are uniquely right for you.
Additionally, we’re able to analyze data from the quiz to truly understand the needs, concerns, and wants of our consumers. For instance, this feedback showed us that bloating is a key concern for women and men across the board. We analyzed the data and lifestyles of 7,000 women to develop a formula blend of digestive enzymes designed specifically to address bloating by breaking down foods from protein, fat, carbs, and fiber.
Step 2: Use clinical studies to formulate products with our partners at leading universities in California
During R&D, we collaborate with the best nutritionists and researchers in the country to identify the right micronutrients. Our partners—all registered dietitians—are the best in their field, have undergone intensive certification processes, and have many years of experience. Along with researchers at leading universities in California, we review the latest clinical studies, double-blind trials, and experiential research to narrow down our list of rigorously selected ingredients.
Step 3: Formulations using clinical amounts in their most absorbable form
Using the most rigorously researched ingredients also mandates the ability to encapsulate clinical amounts in a form that the body can absorb and benefit from. Once we’ve narrowed down our list of studied ingredients, we ensure we can provide the clinically researched amounts in the most effective form that our consumers can enjoy. For example, not all fish oils are equal. Smaller fish (such as anchovies, mackerels, and sardines) are lower on the food chain, meaning they don’t absorb the toxins and metals the way larger fish can. Purity and quality are essential in selecting a nutrient’s best form.
It’s also important to identify the plant that delivers the ingredient in the best way. For instance, there are three sources of ALA and GLA: borage (starflower), evening primrose, and black currant seed oil. In our Red Carpet formula for glowing skin, we selected black currant as the best source because it has a higher concentration of GLA and ALA than primrose. It also hasn’t shown side effects like those from borage.
Step 4: Natural, sustainable, pure & potent sourcing
Once we know how much we want of what, we scout the world for sustainable manufacturers of these ingredients. We test every component for authenticity and purity, and only then do they make it to the HUM high-tech facility in California. Early on, we made a commitment to providing the purest, most potent ingredients with the least environmental impact. As often as possible, we make our supplements vegan friendly. In cases where there’s a lack of a plant-based alternative (like our fish oil), we work actively with suppliers on using sustainable methods (e.g., wild seas with regulatory quotas).
We also committed early on to providing non-GMO vitamins, meaning we avoid ingredients that have been genetically modified and artificially manipulated. The GMO debate is clouded with uncertainty at the moment, but there simply remains too many unknowns regarding safety.
Step 5: Listen to consumer feedback to innovate again!
Even once our products are produced, the process isn’t over! We pay great attention to and actively seek feedback from you on how a product is working and what can be improved. Whether it’s adding additional flavors to our popular energizing green superfood or reformulating a product when research breaks on a new, powerful ingredient to protect your skin (meet polypodium leucotomos), we’re constantly listening and innovating. Provide us with your feedback and you could have direct involvement in the format, flavor, or ingredients of our next formula!
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]]>The post Expert Beauty Hacks to Survive Wedding Season appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.
]]>Wedding Beauty Hacks by the Experts
Whether you’re prepping for your own big day or have your calendar filled with the summer nuptials of friends and family, these beauty hacks will get you ready for a HUMming wedding season.Achieve a flawless complexion
Flawless skin on the wedding day begins with consistent care. So we reached out to Liv Lundelius, professional wedding stylist and expert in natural beauty, for her natural skin-care tips. “Start a good skin-care regimen as early before the wedding as possible. Incorporate a gentle exfoliant into your routine in the month leading up to the wedding to get a really lovely glow. Look for natural, toxin-free products with some lactic acid or natural fruit enzymes.”
Exfoliating is important to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores, which then leads to breakouts. Introducing the right face mask for your skin type into your bridal beauty routine is also a great way to keep skin hydrated. According to Lundelius, “Oily skin can get balanced with a clay mask, while dry skin needs to be nourished with a rich mask containing deeply restoring oils like macadamia, almond, or avocado.”
Megan Robinson, professional stylist with the NYC-based bridal beauty agency White Rose Collective, agrees. “Up your facial regimen and try to mask once a week; GLAMGLOW makes great ones! Plus, HUM’s Red Carpet pills are great twice a day for beauty from the inside out.”
Get glamorous bridal hair
Again, pre-wedding hair-care begins well in advance of the big day. “It’s important to use a sulfate-free shampoo,” says Lundelius. “Conventional shampoos are too harsh on the scalp and hair, and will make it dry and brittle over time. My favorite hair treatment is pure organic coconut oil. You can apply it as a deep conditioning treatment. Do it on your day off and sit in the sun, which will activate and heat up the oil. The trick to washing out oil treatments? Apply shampoo before wetting your hair, rinse with water, and then use a second shampoo. Lather and rinse well. Then use your regular conditioner.”
Pop the question: Up or down?
When it comes to hair, the big question is whether to wear it up or down. We met a big consensus on this point: “Wear it in the way that makes you feel the most beautiful and confident!” Lundelius says. “It’s your call. Never(!) let anyone tell you how to wear your hair. Sales assistants in wedding-dress shops often want to advise a hairstyle to go with the dress, but remember: Your wedding day is not an advertisement for the dress designer. A good stylist will ask you many questions about your style, the wedding, and your personal preferences to help you find the perfect hair style for your wedding.” Robinson agrees. “It’s such a personal thing. At White Rose, we want every bride to feel like the best version of herself. Do you wear your hair up often? If you don’t, why wear it up on your wedding day? Pumping up your hair down looks amazing. But at the end of the day, whatever you want to do and how you feel comfortable is key.”Maintain your beauty look all day long
If you’re getting your makeup done, work with your stylists to maintain your beauty look all day long. Robinson says, “Have your makeup artist really build the skin. Start with less, let it settle for a little, then build a little more. Always have your lip color on hand for touch ups.” If you’re applying your own makeup, try these lasting beauty hacks from Lundelius: “It’s all about the correct prepping, priming, and setting. First, hydrate the skin according to your skin type and then use a good primer for the longevity of your makeup. If you have oily or combination skin, use a mattifying primer on the T-zone. If you have dry skin, make sure to really hydrate and smooth any dry patches with a rich primer. Always remember less is more. If you use good-quality products, you’ll only need a very small amount. Use a setting spray to hold everything in place afterwards; it’ll ensure your makeup will last beautifully through the day.
When it comes to hair, Robinson advises: “Make sure your stylist is prepared with the proper products for your hair type and that your hair is properly prepped. A simple blowout won’t last. But a blowout, curling iron, and another blowout on top of that will be sure to last all day. We use extensions as well—not always for length, but for body. They react to heat really well, and when seamlessly blended with your natural hair, it’s almost sure to last. Also, don’t use a lot of conditioner that day. Use just a little on the ends, if any at all. Too much will weigh your hair down and make it slippery.”
Own that camera
For bridal beauty hacks to be camera-ready, we turned to model and actress Molly Sims. “On the day of the wedding, it’s all about how you prep your skin. Always, always, always moisturize before putting on your makeup, followed by a primer. (I love Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.) It makes the makeup sit better and last. Avoid shimmer at all costs; it’ll show up in photos as a disco ball. If you normally use powder, switch to translucent. It’ll keep your makeup from feeling greasy. And, lastly, use a great, long-wear lip color. I wore a rose color on my wedding day to keep my look soft and romantic.”Bridal Foods: What to Eat
When it comes to looking and feeling your very best, taking time to plan your nutrition beforehand is key. Take this advice from Molly Sims: “A week before any event, especially my wedding, I cut out all salt… even sushi. No one wants to look bloated on their wedding day! As for my diet, I’ll eat mostly lean meats and veggies. Since they’re both fiber-rich, it helps keep me full and less likely to indulge. I also increase my water intake. Water is the best beauty secret out there; the more you drink, the more you’ll glow.”The “Day Of” Diet
With how fast the day of a wedding moves, having a food plan for the day of is essential. For this, we turned to registered dietitian Jessica Nelson, RD, to help stay energized and full but keep the bloating away. “It’s important to eat on your wedding day. Believe me; you’re going to need the energy! Skipping meals is never a good idea, and definitely not on your wedding day. Try to eat frequent mini meals the day of. Think simple when it comes to meal planning: protein, fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water. Some great options are a handful of almonds, sliced apples, or carrots with hummus. Other food pairings that’ll pack a punch and not slow you down are low-sodium dried fruit and nut trail mix, low-fat string cheese and grapes, peanut butter and banana, granola with Greek yogurt, or a small sandwich on 100% whole-wheat bread with lean turkey, lettuce, and tomato. The consistent intake of good energy will help you stay level-headed to take on any wedding-day drama while still looking your best. To ensure your tummy is feeling and looking its best, try a digestive enzyme supplement. A natural formula can help you digest foods, optimize absorption, and reduce symptoms of indigestion and bloat.”Bridal Booty: 6 Moves to Work Your Glutes
With skin-care, hair, makeup, and nutrition set, we checked in with fitness instructor and NPC bikini competitor Michelle Sroda for the best moves to tone that booty in time for the wedding. Do the routine below in four sets starting with 12 reps each, three to five times a week in preparation for the big day.
Romanian Deadlifts
Hold weights or a weighted ball at hip level with your shoulders back and knees slightly bent. Look forward and lower weights just below the knee as you move your butt back as far as you can. Reverse to the starting position and repeat.Banded KickBacks (each leg)
Place a resistance band just below your knees. Distribute weight in your left leg as you kick your right leg back and to the side, squeezing your glutes and activating your core in the process. Return to the starting position, continue reps, and repeat on the other side.Banded Sumo Squats
Place a resistance band just below your knees and place your feet a little wider than hips’ distance. Distribute weight evenly in your feet as you come down to a squat while activating your outer thighs. Make sure that your butt doesn’t drop below hip level. Return to the starting position by pushing up through your feet and repeat.Stiff Leg Deadlifts (each leg)
Hold weights or a weighted ball at hip level with your shoulders back. Distribute weight in your left leg as you bend your upper body down and lift your right leg back. Keep your spine flat as your body makes a T-shape. Activate your core to rise and reverse to the starting position. Continue reps and repeat on the other side.Lunges (each side)
Step your right leg in front of you and rise to the ball of your back foot. Slowly bend both knees. Your front leg should make a 90-degree angle and your knee shouldn’t go beyond your ankle. Your back knee should barely graze the ground. Rise and reverse to the starting position. Continue reps and repeat on the other side.Squats
Hold weights or a weighted ball at hip level with your legs as wide as your hips. Bend your knees and bring your butt back, making sure it doesn’t go below your hips. Rise and reverse by rooting through your feet and repeat.
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]]>The post Superfood Q&A with Plant-Based Guru Rawvana appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.
]]>Superfood Q&A with Rawvana
It was a busy day shooting our #Rawsome video with Rawvana. But luckily, we got a chance to sit down and get the scoop on what it means to live a super plant-based, raw-foods lifestyle!
How did your interest in health and nutrition begin?
I always grew up eating healthily and was never a junk food eater. When I first discovered and tried a raw vegan diet, I became more energetic, less anxious, and way more confident. Plus, the food is delicious!What are the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle?
The greatest benefits I’ve gained from living a raw, vegan lifestyle are abundant energy, clear mindedness, clear skin, and better health and vitality!What’s your go-to Raw Beauty superfood recipe?
Raw Beauty superfood powder, two bananas, two cups of coconut milk, and dates. What I enjoy most about Raw Beauty is knowing I’m drinking something that’ll benefit me both internally and externally. And of course, it tastes delicious. I really like the mix of mint and chocolate!
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]]>The post How to Use Facial Mapping to Reduce Breakouts appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.
]]>
Map Your Breakouts to Find the Best Vitamins for Acne
You can learn how to improve your health and skin by paying attention to and reading facial cues. If you find the cause of your breakouts is related to the function of correlating organs, here are some of the best vitamins for acne based on skin mapping!A. Forehead: Digestion
In Chinese Medicine, the forehead is linked to digestion. As we’ve previously discussed, the microbes in the digestive tract play a large role skin health and well-being. Growing research indicates how a diverse and healthy gut flora helps skin concerns including eczema and inflammation. Essentially, some of the best vitamins for forehead breakouts are those that boost your digestive health. Probiotic supplements can help healthy bacteria in your gut flourish. You can even see the best probiotic strains to take for your breakouts here.B. T-Zone: Liver
Breakouts in the T-zone area between your eyebrows and upper nose might be linked to the liver. Stress on your liver, which filters foreign toxins, might be due to an abundance of alcohol consumption, over-processed foods, caffeine, or even chemicals like pesticides. To address breakouts showing up in relation to your liver, try going for more whole foods. (Think less packaging, shorter ingredient lists, and organic foods.) Some of the best vitamins for acne in your T-zone are those with cleansing functions. These include milk thistle, dandelion, and botanicals such as the algae chlorella—the key detoxing herbs in HUM’s Daily Cleanse!C. Nose: Blood Pressure
The nose links to the heart, meaning blemishes around your nose might relate back to high blood pressure. If this is the case for you, look to ways you can relieve stress in your life. Try meditation, breathing exercises, or any of our 17 tips to de-stress and fight fatigue. In addition, adding healthy essential fats in the form of avocado, chia seeds, flaxseeds, or olive oil and removing saturated fats from your diet can be helpful. A high-quality fish-oil supplement can also support a healthy heart and reduce inflammation throughout the skin.D. Cheeks: Lungs
The rosy tops of your cheeks connect to your lungs. Toxins from air pollution and smoking might play a role here. Both can clog pores along with the dirt and oil on your skin’s surface and exacerbate acne. If this is the case, vitamins C, A, and E are some of the best clearing vitamins for acne. Vitamin A can be beneficial in preventing infections. Next, vitamin C helps regulate the immune system and collagen production. Lastly, vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation.E. Chin: Hormones
Breakouts in the chin region typically relate to fluctuating hormones, often in accordance with your menstrual cycle. This sort of hormonal imbalance can also arise from stress, so finding ways to manage stress through exercise, meditation, and restful sleep will again be helpful. Hormone-balancing herbs such as ashwagandha, maca root, and chasteberry can be helpful for breakouts around your chin in relation to PMS.
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]]>The post I Stood in a Cryotherapy Subzero Ice Tank for Beauty appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.
]]>What is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is the trend of fully immersing yourself into a chamber of subzero temperatures, from 238 to 274 degrees Fahrenheit below zero, for up to three minutes. Athletes and celebrities—including Jessica Alba, Daniel Craig, Alicia Keys, and Cristiano Ronaldo—have reportedly benefited from the practice. Reported advantages include softer and younger-looking skin, muscle recovery, and even weight loss.
The therapeutic properties of ice and cold for health have been acknowledged for a long time, with reports dating back to the 17th century. However, as is often the case with Hollywood trends, research isn’t nearly so adamant about the promises of full-body subzero immersion. At any rate, here are a few of the advantages that proponents of cryotherapy report.
Cryotherapy Benefits
Skin Rejuvenation
Great Earth Sports Performance (GESP), a facility in Los Angeles, describes that during a session of cryotherapy, “the outer skin is briefly frozen, activating increased production of collagen in deeper layers of the skin. The skin regains elasticity and becomes smoother and even-toned, significantly improving conditions such as cellulite and skin aging.”
Muscle Recovery
When it comes to muscle injury or inflammation, RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is a well-respected recovery method. Applying ice can reduce swelling (which is tied to pain) and reduce sensitivity to pain, according to Vanderbilt University Health. However, whereas studies acknowledge the analgesic (pain-relieving) effect of cold exposure, less is known about the physical recovery of muscles with exposure.
Mood and Stress
Hydrotherapy (aka water therapy) offers how “applying water of different temperatures to our skin can change our physiology and mood.” According to naturopath Dr. Peter Bongiorno, ND, some studies have found water bathing was linked to decreases in the stress hormone cortisol while balancing the “happy chemical” serotonin, particularly when it comes to cold. [2]
GESP states that cryotherapy can improve the function of the immune system and decrease stress levels. The release of endorphins is a “survival reaction” to subzero temperatures. It can benefit mood along with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of the big chill.
Weight Loss
In 2008, Ray Cronise championed the idea that cold can actually spur weight loss. He came to this conclusion upon learning that Michael Phelps consumed 12,000 calories a day while training for the Olympics. Cronise set out on a weight-loss journey consisting of cool showers, light clothing, and three-mile “shiver walks” in 30-degree weather. In six weeks, he shed 27 pounds with no reported changes to his caloric intake. After Cronise documented his experience with the help of Tim Ferriss, Hollywood’s newest weight-loss trend took off. “Thermal dieting” and 20-minute ice baths became widespread in celebrity circles. [3] (If you’re interested in other weight-loss tactics, we put together an infographic showing 45 habits linked to having a smaller waist!)
When it comes to cryotherapy, GESP reports that the extreme-cold exposure causes the body to turn up its metabolic rate in order to produce heat. It lasts for five to eight hours and burns 500 to 800 calories in the period following the three-minute session.
My 3 Minutes at Subzero
To test this growing fascination with extreme cold therapy, I visited LA’s Great Earth Sports Performances. The three-minute, full-body session is meant to “decrease inflammation, increase cellular survival, decrease pain and spasms, and promote overall health.”
To start, I walked into a small room where energizing music instantly got my heart racing. (However, this spike might also have been due to the imposing tank already frosting in the corner.)
Then the performance specialist took my blood pressure. I received pair of cozy socks, gloves, and big fluffy slippers—the only articles of clothing I’d wear inside the tank.
I was relieved to see the temperature inside the tank began at a mere (mere!) -98 degrees rather than starting at -200. Over the course of two-and-a-half minutes, it dropped gradually so my body had time—albeit not much—to get accustomed to it.
The tank was cold upon stepping in, but my endorphins were kicking. As an icy fog rose around me, I distracted myself by peppering the performance specialist, who stays in the room for the full session, with questions about the process and how the proposed benefits could be true.
Nearing -240 degrees with 30 seconds remaining, a numbing pain began to set in. But just as quickly, the fog disappeared and the session ended.
Immediately after, I was buzzing with adrenaline. The greater HUM office can vouch for my high energy levels for the remainder of the day. In terms of recovery, I had twisted my knee the previous week. It became sore and inflamed, making it the perfect guinea pig for the promises of an icy redemption. In the hours afterward, I realized my knee was no longer hurting. However, this relief subsided throughout the day. The specialist had mentioned it would take more frequent sessions for recovery, so it was expected. She also described that in order for the skin to really reap benefits, multiple sessions per week would be necessary.
After just one time, I can’t speak to the long-term effects of the practice championed by its supporters: younger skin, boosted metabolism, and faster recovery. I’ll just leave you with this quote with which I unabashedly agree. It was originally published in the Washington Post by Joseph Costello, an exercise physiologist at the University of Portsmouth in the UK: “When you strip down… and put on two pairs of gloves and a pair of socks and go into a chamber that’s set colder than the coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth and stand there for three minutes, that’s a massive opportunity for someone to sustain a placebo effect.”
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]]>The post Q&A with Eden Sassoon, Owner of EDEN Pilates appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.
]]>Eden Sassoon & The Family Legacy
Eden Sassoon is often known first as the daughter of beauty pioneer Vidal Sassoon. The legendary stylist, businessman, and philanthropist revolutionized the beauty industry with the short, bold cut, and later the extensive line of hair care products that are now a household name. Eden, now with the two Pilates studios and one finishing studio across LA, is carrying on the legacy of beauty and wellness. In describing how she got here, she says she reached a turning point after she had her two children. Her father sat her down and asked, “What are you going to do with your life?” “What am I going to do with my life? I’m a mom!”Changing Her Life
It was then that Eden, unhappily married, unhappy with her body after two children, and charged with the task of figuring out “what to do with her life,” revisited a lost love: Pilates. Just one visit to the studio was all it took: She was hooked. “Being at the studio changed my life,” she says now. She decided then she wanted to open her own studio and share her passion with others. Within three months, her first studio was open and buzzing. One day while in Australia, Eden took a Pilates class at a studio by the water. With wood floors, sleek Reformers, and ocean views, Eden thought, this is heaven. She returned to LA and though her studio was doing well, she thought it was lacking the peaceful atmosphere she’d found abroad. Stuck in a contract, she thought, I have to get out of this location. Just a few weeks after that, she was given notice of eminent domain. Not only was she released from her lease and able to start over in a new location, but she would be paid to do so! And just a few weeks after that, she recreated the exact studio she’d fallen in love with in Australia, complete with wooden floors and natural lighting for a peaceful sanctuary. “I put it all out there in the universe, and it all came back,” she says. The second studio, which opened this past March, came about just as miraculously, unexpectedly, and perfectly. Eden was taking her kids to school in Beverly Glen when two women who’d visited her Beverly Hills studio called her over. They said she had to bring her studio to the area, and they knew the perfect spot.” Eden met with the property owner that day. Despite its super competitive location in the peaceful hills of Beverly Glen, she was offered the lease that day. Now, the new studio is buzzing with satisfied clients who no longer have to bear LA traffic for a taste of sanctuary.
Fitness
How did you develop a passion for health and fitness?
I was raised in a very health-conscious environment. Mom and Dad always did Bikram yoga and made juices, way before both were trendy and popular. They were always willing to offer me any resources around education and health, so I took advantage of that as a young adult.When did you decide to open a studio?
After having my children, I was unhappily married and unhappy with my body. My dad sat me down and asked, “What are you going to do with your life?” I thought, what am I going to do with my life? I’m a mom! But I thought about what I love and who I am. I can’t ever do something I don’t love… that’s not the type of person I am. I went to a Pilates class, and after just one, I was hooked. My dad had always told me, “If you’re going to do something, be the best at it.” So I knew if I was going to be a studio owner, I needed to be the best and truly practice what I preach.What inspires you about Pilates?
I am an exercise junkie; I’ve done it all. But nothing gives your the body what these machines give you. It’s so internal to the core. I always say if you don’t know your core, you don’t know who you are. Pilates is a place that connects you to your core so you can really tune into yourself.Beauty
Any exciting beauty plans in the making?
I’m so glad you asked that! I was getting a peel and they have these head wraps, and I’m thinking, if only this came in black. Then I realized I’m the perfect person to make that happen—to make it black and cool, to try it in different styles and colors.You have five minutes to get ready. what do you do?
I’d put on my skinny jeans (Levi’s), nude heels (Jimmy Choo), a leather jacket, and pull my hair back. I’ll throw on some Chanel foundation, lip gloss, and mascara, and finally take a few deep breaths to center myself before stepping out the door.What’s your skincare routine?
Getting older, skin is definitely on my mind: how I can keep it hydrated, and what products to use. Also now I know my hormones play a huge role in my daily life. With my mood and cravings, I can tell it always relates back to my cycle. I’ve been on an Obagi binge; it’s tough but it helps 100 percent.
Nutrition
What’s your beauty nutrition secret?
I’m four years sober, so I’m never not me. I also don’t smoke and I exercise daily. I’ve always been intuitive, but it wasn’t until I became sober that things began to really come together. I realized that it’s so powerful when you’re living in your true self. People just gravitate toward you.What are your favorite beauty foods?
Full greens, juices, colored veggies, and just a little bit of protein like from nuts.What’s your daily diet like?
My diet is clean. I avoid gluten because it bloats me and makes me tired, and try to avoid cheese and dairy. The thing is, I have to be awake and aware enough to make those choices.
Extras
Do you have a spiritual practice?
Exercise is my meditation. Spiritually, there’s been a lot of healing and release, especially through Bikram where there’s just 90 minutes of breathing.How has being a mother influenced your outlook? Do you have any advice for other busy moms?
Don’t forget who you are! Moms often think “I’m a mom” and become comfortable with taking care of others. But they forget to think about themselves as a person, or their relationship with their husband. After my two kids, I had to get my body back in shape and start eating well. As soon as I began looking after myself, everything began to fall into place. My advice is to really dig deep, ask yourself who you are, and go on your own journey.What have have you learned from your obstacles?
I’ve learned that life is a challenge; it’s a learning experience and a chance to grow. I’ve always been different; I vibrate at a different level. But I’ve realized this isn’t a bad thing. I can bring other people to my level and help them wake up too!Why did you build your brand in Los Angeles?
LA is a stronghold because of family. Sometimes I want to get out of LA where no one knows me, but LA is home. It’s home to being my dad’s daughter, to everything I’ve known. I have roots here.Favorite restaurant in LA?
Pace, in the Canyon!What does your supplement routine look like?
HUM’s Runway Ready is great, especially for my nails. Also, vitamin D, fish oil, and the B’s! B12 is especially important. Photography provided by Eden Sassoon
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Thanks to Beauty By Benz for sharing this delicious recipe with us!
Beautiful Energy Smoothie Bowl Recipe
PREP
5
5
COOK
1
1
SERVES
1
1
INGREDIENTS
- 1 scoop Raw Beauty
- 1 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)
- 1 banana (reserve a few slices to garnish)
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1/2 tbsp cacao nibs (+ more to sprinkle on top)
- 1/2 cup organic oats
SUPPLIES
- Blender
INSTRUCTIONS
- Blend until smooth.
- Top with cacao nibs, banana slices, and some slivered almonds. Drizzle with agave or coconut cream for an energizing, beautifying vegan treat!
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]]>The post For Mother’s Day: Anti-Aging Supplements (+ Recipe) appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.
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Antioxidants and hydrating nutrients help keep skin cells healthy and strong. With that said, here are the best anti-aging supplements for a youthful, vibrant skin tone.Vitamin E
Vitamin E is one of the most important anti-aging vitamins to protect the skin cell membrane. In addition to vitamin C, vitamin E protects your skin from UV damage to help skin retain moisture. Hydration is critical for reducing wrinkles and fine lines.Green Tea
Free radicals and oxidative stress damage skin cells and tissues. Antioxidants are compounds that fight off oxidant radicals by binding and neutralizing them to protect the skin from this damage. Green tea is packed with powerful antioxidants called catechins, which are form of polyphenols shown to have antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. In sum, these nutrients help protect skin to keep it smooth and soft.Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps prevent cell damage from sun, stress, and time. It provides essential support to produce collagen, which keeps skin firm and elastic. Collagen production slows as we age, so its role in synthesis makes it a key nutrient in skin cell health.Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) protects the body from oxidative stress and keeps body cells functioning properly. It’s considered the “universal antioxidant” due to the fact that it’s both fat- and water-soluble, making it readily absorbable by skin topically as well as from within as a free-radical fighter.Hyaluronic Acid
A natural component of the skin and connective tissue in the body, hyaluronic acid supports skin hydration. Skin aging is highly associated with a loss of skin moisture, and hyaluronic acid has the unique capacity to bind and retain water molecules. By benefiting your skin’s moisture retention, hyaluronic acid is a beneficial ingredient in anti-aging supplements for supple, soft and plump skin.Turmeric
One of our favorite nutrients for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric helps protect skin from free-radical damage, allowing it to appear younger and more radiant. Furthermore, curcumin is the antioxidant in turmeric that has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties to reduce inflammation for brighter, smoother skin.Lutein
This powerful antioxidant is found in egg yolks and dark leafy vegetables. In anti-aging supplements, lutein derives from the Mexican marigold flower. It’s thought to help slow the aging process. Moreover, it’s particularly beneficial for eye health. Researchers found that people who consumed the highest levels of carotenoids including lutein had a 40% lower risk of an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration, one of the most common causes of vision loss related to aging.Polypodium Leucotomos (PL)
It’s estimated that UV rays contribute up to 80% of all the extrinsic skin damage factors, including ionizing radiation, physical and psychological stress, alcohol, poor nutrition, and environmental pollution. Exciting research surrounds a Central and South American fern shown to help protect the skin against UV rays and sun damage. This review of the relevant literature showed that PL, “in addition to preventing many harmful effects associated with sunlight exposure,” may also be beneficial in reducing skin inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Therefore, combine PL with your daily lightweight SPF for ultimate photo-protection.Treat Mom with this Recipe
Truth be told, Mom wants nothing more than to spend some time with you this Mother’s Day. Surprise her with this delicious home-cooked meal, or even take it outdoors for a picnic! Packed with antioxidants and other anti-aging nutrients, she’ll be glowing from the inside out.
Pan-Seared Salmon
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which offers powerful hydration for supple skin. Sear the salmon, cooking for three minutes on each side with a bit of olive oil, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and lime.
Kale + Spinach Salad
These cruciferous veggies contain lutein and beta carotene. These phytonutrients improve skin elasticity for firming effects. Combine your raw greens with some almonds for protein, tomatoes and bell peppers for extra antioxidants, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette.2 glasses of red wine
Red wine contains resveratrol, an antioxidant that’s amazing for anti-aging. It can also help activate genes that slow cellular aging. Cheers to that!
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7 Ways We Source Sustainably
Here’s a look at some of the things HUM does to minimize our environmental footprint while maintaining high-quality standards for our natural vitamins.1. California manufacturers
Leading scientists and researchers in California are behind the creation of all of our supplements. Because all manufacturing happens in GMP-certified, California-based facilities, greenhouse gas emissions from transporting products to and from our LA office is kept to a minimum.2. Reduced packaging
The long-time pledge to “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” has always placed the emphasis on Reduce first. At HUM, we made the decision to cut down on our packaging significantly. For example, all orders ship out in durable HUM boxes designed without the need for outer protection, cutting cardboard by at least 50 percent during the shipping process.3. Recyclable materials
When reduction isn’t possible, using recyclable materials is important, especially regarding plastic. HUM bottles are made out of PET. Ecostar describes it as “globally recognized as a safe, non-toxic, strong, lightweight, flexible material that is 100 percent recyclable.” While non-biodegradable, it’s the most widely recycled plastic in the world, with all parts of it being recyclable. In fact, researchers have just recently found a bacterium that lives off of PET, making significant strides in the effort to break down this material! See the ‘1’ inside the universal recycling symbol on the bottom of all HUM bottles.4. Plant-based sources
The majority of our products are vegan and derived from plant-based sources. This decision is conscious, as cow-derived gelatin capsulation is so common. Animal agriculture is responsible for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and accounts for 55 percent of water consumed in the U.S. It’s also the leading cause of species extinction, ocean dead zones, water pollution, and habitat destruction according to numerous sources cited by the documentary Cowspiracy. We do have a few exceptions to our range of vegan supplements including our fish oil, collagen capsule, and vitamin D3 softgel.5. Sustainable methods
We’re proud to use sustainable methods for sourcing high-quality ingredients. For instance, when it comes to producing a fish oil, there are many choices that can have a negative impact. Harmful fish-farming practices include the abundance of wild fish needed to feed stock, escape from fish hatcheries which can damage local species, and the significant use of antibiotics. At HUM, we source only tiny fish (mackerel, anchovy, and sardine) with the least impact on population and the fewest toxins. The tiny fish that supply our OMG! Omega the Great fish oil are from wild Peruvian seas. They’re regulated with quotas for purity and quality, and to prevent overfishing from depleting quantities.6. Non-GMO ingredients
Studies suggest cultivation of GMOs can be a risk to the environment and biodiversity. There are still numerous unknowns when it comes to the use of genetically modified organisms. As such, the potential for GMOs to escape fields and cause major disruptions to entire ecosystems exists.7. Rigorous selection for natural vitamins
We go through a rigorous selection of the ingredients we use for formulating our natural vitamins. We take into account efficacy, clinical studies, consensus of scientific research, consumer insights, and bioavailability. Additionally, we ensure each ingredient is in its most natural form, grows without pesticides or antibiotics, and is formulated without artificial colors or preservatives. Although we’re simply unable to source each ingredient certified organic while maintaining affordability for our consumers, our rigorous selection of ingredients and strict standards of testing are key to quality and purity.3 Ways We Can Improve Sustainable Practices
Although we make great efforts to practice sustainable methods, we want to open up the discussion on ways we can improve! Here are a few of our goals as we grow as a brand.1. Transparency
We made an early commitment to our nutrients’ purity and potency while sourcing with the most sustainable methods. However, we believe we can do better at discussing how our practices align with our values. We always seek your feedback about what you expect of us. We love hearing about and sharing the ways you implement sustainable practices into your daily lives.2. Deeper relationships with our suppliers
As a young brand, we put a real effort into connecting with the suppliers in line with our vision and values. With a great array of products and formulations, we aim to grow these relationships to deepen trust and well being on both ends. As we grow, we also have greater leverage with our suppliers. We aim to put this leverage to good use in spreading the use of sustainable practices!3. Giving Back
As we grow as a brand and as a community, we strive to give back. We look to build partnerships with organizations that are also committed to promoting sustainability, protecting our environment, and benefiting the rich biodiversity of our planet.The post 7 Ways HUM Sustainably Sources Vitamins appeared first on HUM Nutrition Blog.
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