LifeMinute Podcast: Health and Wellness

To celebrate National Nutrition Month this March, we’ve got the skinny on convenient, nutrient, and protein-packed go-tos to help you stay on track with your health and wellness goals. When you’re on the run it can be hard to eat right. So, whether looking to manage your weight, boost your energy, recover after a tough workout, or simply make better choices, Samantha Cassetty, MS, RD joins us from Smoothie King headquarters in Dallas with advice on the foods to fuel your journey. Smoothie King is on a mission to inspire people to live a healthy and active lifestyle by offering a one-stop shop for on-the-go smoothies that match every lifestyle need and goal with nutrient-packed, delicious blends that support your health goals—from keto-friendly, high-protein, vegan, and even immune-boosting options. Whether you're recovering from a workout, looking to manage weight, looking for a meal replacement, or just craving a nutritious treat, Smoothie King smoothies are designed to support your wellness journey and, in general, help you make better nutritional choices. They're also the only one with a “no-no” list of 75+ ingredients they’ll never use in their smoothies, such as artificial flavors, colors, aspartame, saccharine, soy, parabens, and high-fructose corn syrup. They are fueled with clean, purposeful ingredients like almonds, whole fruits, and protein-packed smoothies. Nearly 70% of Smoothie King smoothies have zero grams of added sugar, like their brand-new dark chocolate banana metabolism boost smoothie. Plus, this month, they are giving $3 off your entire purchase for new Healthy Rewards loyalty members. To make things even better, they’ve partnered with California Almonds. Almonds are filled with essential nutrients like protein and fiber and may help your muscles recover from exercise. Eating just 2 oz, which is 46 almonds a day, may help with muscle soreness and reduce muscle damage. Add almonds, even almond milk or almond butter, to your smoothie. Check out smoothieking.com for more info and to find one near you.

We’ve made it to February after what seemed like an endless January. For many, New Year’s resolutions may already feel like a distant memory, but with February being Heart Health Month, it’s still important to stay on track and focus on your fitness goals. It’s never too late in the year to prioritize your health—this is your sign to get moving. Heart Health Month is especially a great time to focus on your health. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly to maintain heart health. Exercise strengthens your heart, boosts the oxygen your body uses, supports healthy blood pressure, and helps regulate glucose levels. This Heart Health Month, it’s important to focus on strength training and cardio to keep your heart healthy and your body strong. Planet Fitness is now offering new plate-loaded strength equipment in more than 1,700 locations—with plans to expand to all 2,700+ clubs by the end of 2025—to further meet consumers' evolving needs. The introduction of these new machines, such as the Magnum Supine Bench Press, Magnum Hack Squat, and Seated Calf, ensures members can focus on building strength and achieving their fitness goals. Here are some simple tips Planet Fitness’ National Lead Trainer Teddy Savage often shares with members new to the gym or looking to get back into working out. First up, bring a workout buddy. Having someone to work out with makes exercise more fun and keeps you both accountable. Another great tip is to start slow and steady. Fitness is a marathon, not a sprint. At Planet Fitness, all fitness levels can get stronger together in their welcoming community. Planet Fitness offers a high-value membership with thousands of convenient locations and best-in-class equipment, and many are open 24 hours a day. Finally, to keep things fresh, change up your workout playlist. Music can significantly boost your energy and motivation, whether stretching to relaxing tunes or running to high-energy beats. It can make a big difference in keeping you going. If you want to join Planet Fitness, the Classic Card membership starts at only $15 monthly. The PF Black Card membership includes additional amenities, such as bringing a guest every day at no additional charge, access to the Black Card Spa, and access to 2,700+ Planet Fitness locations across all 50 states, among other benefits. Visit PlanetFitness.com for nearby clubs, or download the free Planet Fitness app to learn more about the Judgement Free Zone.

As the new year kicks off, the focus is usually on improving our physical health, but our brain health needs attention too. Pharmacist and educator Dr. Suzanne Soliman joins us with simple tips and a regimen we can follow every day for our memory, learning, focus, and more. What are some tips for supporting brain health? For starters, get enough sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Next, a brain-healthy diet. Consume plenty of fruits (berries), vegetables (leafy greens), and healthy fats (avocado, fish, and nuts); limit processed foods, especially sugary drinks, fast food, and processed snacks. Exercise—move your body because you love yourself not because you have to; movement is key. Also, keep stress at bay. Manage it with meditation, deep breathing, exercise or yoga, hobbies, and other activities. The doctor also always recommends a good supplement. Neuriva is a favorite of hers. Unlike some supplements, she says, such as Prevagen, which she notes said it "improved memory," but can’t support the claim—Neuriva Plus actually supports up to six brain health indicators, including memory when taken regularly. Plus, she adds, you can find Neuriva right over the counter. What else should we be doing? Cognitive stimulation, such as reading, puzzles, learning a language playing an instrument, or taking a class, social activities that include conversing with others. Don’t smoke and limit alcohol and certain medications that can impact cognition negatively. For more information, visit neuriva.com.

The new year brings new opportunities to improve our health and wellness regimen, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming or cost a fortune. Whether you are looking for help to reach your weight loss goals or looking for blood sugar support, Dr. Stephanie Redmond, PharmD, CDE, BC-ADM is here with the latest innovation in natural, prescription-free supplement options for hormone and metabolic health, including a natural GLP-1 option. With the current craze about GLP-1 products such as Ozempic, what exactly is GLP-1? GLP-1 as a hormone target has been a breakthrough in the weight loss industry, and there is incredible research about how this gut hormone is crucial in regulating body weight. What does GLP-1 do? When we eat food, our intestinal cells make GLP-1 as a signal to our brain and body that we are full, to stop eating, and to stop being hungry. But our body’s ability to make GLP-1 can naturally decline as we get older and be impacted at even a young age by our environment full of processed food and exposure to chemicals—leaving us feeling hungrier than we were designed to feel. Dr. Stephanie, as a Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified in advanced diabetes management, and founder of Dr. Stephanie’s supplements, is excited to share her new product: GLP-Wonder. Unlike a medication that gives your body high amounts of synthetic GLP-1 hormone, this is a natural formula that is clinically proven to help your body make more of its own GLP-1. Take one simple little capsule every day to reduce cravings, suppress your appetite, and feel fuller and more satisfied when you eat, so you find yourself eating less and find it easier to make healthier food choices. GLP-1 is key in optimizing metabolic health, weight, blood sugar, heart health, brain health, and more. GLP-Wonder is a natural and gentle approach to boost GLP-1 without side effects. The whole foundation of Dr. Stephanie’s company is making natural supplement options that not only use science-backed ingredients but clinically studied doses—meaning you are getting high enough amounts of these natural ingredients to give you results—because it is the dose that makes the difference. All her products are clean, sourced from the highest quality, every batch is third-party tested for safety, and made in the USA. Like GLP-Wonder, Dr. Stephanie’s products are all about targeting hormone health. We talked about GLP-1 gut hormone, but she also offers products for insulin health—the main hormone in maintaining blood sugar balance. Natural ingredients can have very powerful and meaningful blood sugar benefits. Her Blood Sugar 24 Hour uses a custom blend of six vitamins and herbs to optimize insulin function to support healthy blood sugar levels around the clock. Pair this with her Carb & Sugar Blocker, which has premium grade Berberine, to help block carbohydrate absorption from food but also to fight insulin spikes —as insulin is a fat-storing hormone. Learn more or purchase GLP-Wonder and Blood Sugar support products at DrStephanies.com. GLP-Wonder is in stores at Walmart, and all her products are available nationwide in CVS and Walgreens—you can find them near the pharmacy.

Are you a parent who struggles to get their kids to brush their teeth—and brush them properly daily? Dr. Christina Carter, a highly skilled pediatric dentist and orthodontist with more than 9 years of advanced training, joined us to share an easy way to get kids to brush. One of the biggest challenges Dr. Carter says she sees is ensuring that kids brush their teeth properly and consistently. It can be difficult for kids to develop the right technique or stay engaged long enough to do a thorough job. That’s why she’s excited about the Willo AutoFlo+. It takes the guesswork out of brushing, making it easier for kids to brush effectively while giving parents peace of mind that their child’s teeth are being properly cared for. Willo AutoFlo+ is also super intuitive. Unlike traditional toothbrushes or automated brushes that require kids to control the brushing motion, the Willo AutoFlo+ does it for them. The brush head moves automatically in a side-to-side motion, clinically proven to remove 7x more plaque. The Willo AutoFlo+ comes with an app, which allows parents to track their child’s brushing habits. The app provides reminders, keeps a record of brushing times, and even offers rewards to keep kids motivated. It’s a great way for parents to stay involved and ensure their child is brushing regularly and effectively. The Willo AutoFlo+ is available on Willo.com and will also be available on Amazon starting in the spring.

As we enter the new year, many of us are making health a top priority. With obesity rates tripling over the past 60 years, GLP-1 medications dominated the conversation in 2024 as an effective solution for this pervasive issue. But are they a one-shot deal? While the health benefits of GLP-1 medications are positive, it's important to remember they are one tool in a journey to a healthier life. Lasting weight loss can often be overwhelming to navigate on your own. That’s why having a coach is important in staying on track toward your goals and achieving long-term success. Independent coach Deanna Asencio from OPTAVIA, the habit-based, coach-guided lifestyle solution, and her client and friend, Sharon Reine, joined us at the LifeMinute Studios to share how to reach your healthy goals throughout your weight loss journey. This time of year, many people are starting a weight loss journey, and it can feel very daunting, especially if you’re trying to figure it out on your own. That is why OPTAVIA was designed for real life and simplifies things for busy people like you. It’s all about making small, manageable changes that fit into your daily routine. Millions of Americans are taking GLP-1 medications. It can be tough to get healthy, whether on GLP-1s or not. However, for those on GLP-1s, reduced appetite can make things trickier—eating less often can mean eating less of the same foods that contributed to unhealthy habits in the first place. Let’s be real—being on GLP-1s can be frustrating when you're trying to figure out what to eat, how often, and how to lose fat without losing muscle. It’s not easy to navigate alone. That’s where a coach and OPTAVIA’s simple, structured plans come in. GLP-1s can give you a great start but combining them with the right nutrition and personal support is what creates lasting change. Muscle loss is a real concern on GLP-1 medications—up to 50% of the weight lost with GLP-1s can come from muscle. In just 12–18 months, the muscle loss on a GLP-1 could equal a decade’s worth of naturally occurring muscle decline*. Muscle is crucial for health, energy, and longevity, not just for looking toned. OPTAVIA created the ASCEND line to support people on GLP-1s with simple, protein-rich products. Packed with protein, fiber, and key nutrients like calcium, this program offers a science-backed plan, tools for healthy habits, and a personal coach to guide you every step of the way. If you’re curious to learn more or explore your options, you can check out OPTAVIA.com/results.

As we start the new year, we’re looking for ways to look and feel our best from the inside out and make some positive changes to our routines. How do we resolve to be healthier this new year? Here’s the scoop on the best ways to do it. Well, starting a health journey in the new year can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to. It’s all about finding ways to make it easy and enjoyable and help you stay the course to keep the momentum going. Protein shakes are an easy, delicious way to add satisfying protein to your daily routine, whether it’s a part of breakfast or lunch or drinking one for a post-workout boost. It's even good in coffee or tea or adding it to pancakes for added protein. Premier Protein is our favorite because they’re delicious with 12 different flavors to choose from, plus filled with good, easy-to-understand nutrition and 30g of high-quality protein in each serving. And they’re ringing in the new year with some delicious and nutritious deals. To help you start the year on the right foot, select Premier Protein shakes and powder, on sale at Amazon for up to 30% off on January 8th and 9th. When it comes to eating healthy, having something healthy and ready at all times is half the battle. That’s why we love Fresh Express. They have more than 100 varieties of prepacked salads each filled with good nutritious things. They have a ton of great recipes on their website too, like citrus spring mix salad and Italian-crusted salmon with twisted creamy truffle Caesar salad. They’re also doing something fun called the Fresh Start Challenge, a 31-day campaign to inspire healthier habits—from tips like how to get more greens in your diet and stay hydrated to tips on how to stay active. You can share your progress using #freshstartchallenge. They’ll post daily challenges online and on social media. It’s a great way to keep yourself accountable and stay on track. You can win weekly prizes, and 5 grand prize winners will get a wellness-themed prize package with a walking pad, meditation app subscription, pickleball set, gift cards, and more. The campaign runs through February 5. Learn more and join in at freshexpress.com. Now, according to the CDC, 43% of adults said they felt more stressed than the year before. More than ⅓ of Americans don’t get as much sleep as they need. We all know the recommendations—the average person needs at least 7 hours. Between hormones and stress, that’s a joke for most women, so Vidaful is a brand-new company with botanical supplements made for women by women. Their first line is centered on Kanna, a botanical succulent used for ages in South Africa to elevate mood, reduce stress, and alleviate tension. Vidaful works directly with South African farmers to ensure the highest quality and effectiveness. Their KannaVida Dream is blended with other sleep-inducing herbs, chamomile, hops, and valerian—to calm the mind, promote relaxation, and get the body ready for sleep. It's formulated intentionally without the hormone melatonin, so it naturally helps you fall asleep and stay asleep with all-natural plant-based ingredients. Wake feeling rested and refreshed and not groggy. Now, if you are one of the lucky ones who already sleeps like a baby every night but would like some support dealing with stress during the day, try KannaVida Balance. It is designed to combat daily stress and help elevate mood, so you can focus on what matters to you. You can find these and their whole line at wearevidaful.com. We are also huge fans of probiotics because a healthy gut is everything to feeling your best from the inside out. Your gut is unique and Florastor Probiotics offers the #1 selling probiotic worldwide that works differently with your unique gut. What’s so special is that these work to restore your natural gut flora to give you just what you need, flushing out the bad bacteria, boosting the good bacteria, strengthening your digestive health, and supporting your own immune system. They’re different from other probiotics that claim billions of CFUs and multiple strains of bacteria because Florastor probiotics survive and thrive where other probiotics struggle. Check out the Florastor Dual Action formula and FlorastorKids Dual Action Probiotic Supplement this new year to keep you and your family’s gut happy and healthy. You can find them in the digestive health aisle.

It’s 2025, and with the craziness of the holiday season behind us, many of us are looking for ways to regain our strength and tap into that New Year energy. As we look ahead, it's crucial to focus on both physical and mental well-being, which includes prioritizing exercise to start the year strong, and Planet Fitness is here to help. Industry trends have shown that people are looking to do more strength training. Not only does it help develop muscle, but it also helps preserve muscle mass that naturally declines as we age. Stronger muscles also help with bone density and injury prevention, as they provide better joint support and overall physical stability. To help members get stronger together, Planet Fitness is starting to roll out plate-loaded equipment, including Supine Bench Presses, Hack Squats, and Seated Calf machines. They’re already in 1,700 clubs nationwide and will be in all clubs by the end of the year. If you are looking to get back to the gym after stepping away from exercising, there are a few things to keep in mind. Start every workout with a dynamic stretching routine. That will get your blood flowing to the muscles and joints to offset injury and prepare for movements such as arm circles, leg swings, or caterpillars. It’s also important to get a complete total body workout with a strength circuit that targets various muscle groups. Lastly, finish your workout with a cardio blast to help maximize calorie burn and improve overall cardiovascular health and endurance. For more information, visit PlanetFitness.com to find the nearest club to you. From now through January 10, join for $1 down, then $15 a month. You can cancel anytime.

‘Tis the season for holiday travel, and we know how stressful it can be, especially if you suffer from nerve discomfort. Driving to your holiday destination, walking through the airport with your luggage, the cold weather, and even wrapping presents can cause you to feel it. We have some tips from podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Dana Brems-Figura to help manage nerve discomfort. Occasional nerve discomfort impacts many people. As we age, natural changes in nerve health may lead to occasional aches, weakness, and discomfort in our hands and feet, even a feeling of burning and stabbing. Many don’t know they are experiencing occasional nerve discomfort. People often normalize their discomfort and don’t know how to articulate the feeling. For starters, Dr. Dana encourages her patients to talk about it. And to know they don’t have to suffer. She also recommends using Nervive Nerve Relief to help reduce occasional nerve discomfort. Nervive Nerve Relief contains neurotropic B vitamins to nourish nerves, build nerve insulation, and enhance nerve communication. It also has a clinically studied amount of Alpha-Lipoic Acid based on a double-blind, placebo-controlled (DBPC) trial, which can reduce nerve discomfort by over 50% in 4 weeks and starts working in as little as 7 days. What else can you do? The doctor says to get your body moving. Whether it's aerobic exercise like jogging or even walking, she says, it will enhance blood flow and circulation to help get nutrients to your nerves. Also, make sure to eat a balanced and healthy diet. Lastly, stay up to date on doctor visits and manage any underlying conditions you may have. To learn more, go to Nervive’s website. You can also find it at your local retailer or wherever you usually buy your supplements.

Planet Fitness’ National Trainer Teddy Savage is here with tips and tricks for improving physical and mental health so we can do more enjoying and less stressing this holiday season. Plus, he’s sharing all about Planet Fitness’ PerksFest and how members can save on popular brands like HelloFresh, Hotels.com, Ninja, SeatGeek, and more through December 6, just in time for the holidays. This year, PF Perks have saved members more than $7.6M, and PerksFest will continue that momentum throughout the holiday season.