We are always looking for ways to look and feel better. What is Greenwich abuzz about this spring? Here are some of my thoughts on the current health trends that keep popping up in conversation:
OZEMPIC
Ozempic is trending! A once weekly injection and originally developed as a Type 2 Diabetes drug, Ozempic is sweeping Greenwich for weight loss. One of the ways Ozempic works is to slow the transit time of your food from your stomach into the intestine, thereby increasing your feeling of fullness and satiety. This causes people to eat less and lose weight. Some people cannot tolerate Ozempic – it can cause stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting. If you can stand it and if you are considering gastric surgery to lose large amounts of weight, Ozempic could be a very good, less invasive alternative. It’s probably not great for people who just want to lose a few pounds – it’s a serious drug, expensive, requires consistent use, and currently in short supply for Diabetics. If you are someone who has already lost a lot of weight using Ozempic – focus on finding a healthy regimen that works for you NOW – 3 nutritious meals with extra hydration and daily exercise. Ultimately the side effects of sustained Ozempic usage and the challenges of getting off of it are not well understood. However, I have a feeling this drug isn’t going anywhere and with a doctor’s supervision, and for the right person, it can be a very promising option.
CALIFORNIA SOBER
California Sober is a term used to describe people who quit alcohol and most drugs BUT with a few major exceptions. People who adopt this lifestyle interpret it differently, but marijuana use is the most acceptable for someone who identifies as California sober. Microdosing psilocybin (magic mushrooms) is also allowable for some – another “natural” way to feel high and possibly increase creativity, calm anxiety and reduce depression. Also hitting the market are all kinds of Adaptogen cocktails – claiming to help you unwind without the hangover the next morning. These include herbal and plant-based ingredients from ginseng to mushrooms to CBD. Could be an interesting trend to get into. Only time and use will tell.
THE COLD PLUNGE
The Cold Plunge has become more mainstream. It seems that plunging into icy cold water and staying there for around 3 minutes 2-4 times a week can be highly beneficial to your health. The cold plunge is majorly anti-inflammatory, great for sore muscles post workout, may strengthen the immune system and improve overall cardiovascular health and blood sugar regulation. To install one is an investment that may not be worth it for all, not to mention that not everyone wants a “bathtub” in their backyard. But it’s pretty cool in my opinion – if you and your family will actually use it.
SPIRITUAL WELL BEING
Spiritual Well-Being is on the top of my list. Expanding your sense of self and the meaning of your life. Getting grateful and more positive and optimistic. Understanding and accepting and appreciating the ups and downs of life. Feeling a sense of belonging and connectedness. Now more than ever, post COVID and in our online universe, these feel important and worth focus and exploration. A personal Meditation or Gratitude Practice or a Group Healing Circle for support and connectedness are ways to get started.
MOUTH TAPING
Mouth Taping encourages you to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth while you sleep. Nose breathing slows your breath which activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing anxiety, signaling the body to calm down and therefore supporting a deeper and longer sleep – similar to the benefits of yoga breathing. Mouth Taping can also ease snoring. (I can vouch for this first hand – my husband has been doing it for a while). You can purchase Hostage Tape specifically for mouth taping (hostagetape.com) or use regular old white athletic tape cut into a large postage stamp size. Try it – you might like it.
As with all new health trends, proceed with caution and enjoy the benefits now. Who knows what is next. Here’s to living in the wellness moment!!
Try one of Hala’s AaHa awesome and easy weeknight recipes:
Roasted Halibut with Tomato, Zucchini, and Olives
Ingredients:
- 2 halibut filets (preferably wild caught)
- 2 zucchinis, cubed into small pieces
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup pitted black nicoise olives, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tsp salt/pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
Method:
- Preheat oven to 400
- Arrange halibut in baking dish
- Place cut zucchini tomatoes and olives around the fish
- Season the dish by spreading the basil and salt/pepper evenly over all ingredients, and drizzling the olive oil also evenly over the fish and vegetables
- Squeeze 1⁄2 the lemon over the dish before cooking
- Bake at 400 for about 12-15 minutes depending on thickness of fish (should flake easily when done)
*Sign up to spend a week eating clean with our AaHa team –
Monday May 22nd – Friday May 26th:
www.AaHaRestart.com/sign-up
