Our wellness rituals change from season to season, and that's especially true when it comes to summer. Whether it's including more greens in our diets or adding a workout or two to our calendars, summer's longer days and warmer temps tend to push us to incorporate more restorative habits into our routines. Now, as the season is winding down, we've begun to think about the wellness products and services that have helped us take care of ourselves for the past few months. Read on for the rundown on all the wellness favorites that gave us some much-needed relief.
Jess Teves, Head of Content
Ready-to-Eat Meals
Truth: I've hit a bit of a rut with cooking this summer. I love the process of preparing lovely, organic (mostly plant-based) meals—particularly with my family—but every now and then I need a little time away from the kitchen. Enter Splendid Spoon's new ready-to-eat high-protein meal plans that are an absolute game changer! Not only are they customizable, delicious, and delivered straight to your door, they're also really affordable. There are tons of options, so I will most definitely be turning to this female-founded brand's meals again and again.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Is this a summer wellness staple? Um, yeah. I was recently served an ad for FitVine and sort of chuckled a bit, but whatever, I ordered, and oh gosh, there is no turning back. So delicious and crisp, and the fact that it contains less than one gram of sugar per liter is pretty incredible. Super pro wellness tip: I serve mine chilled in the summer and sip while soaking in the hot tub.
Jalapeno Sauerkraut
Not sure what food would be like without Hawthorne Farm sauerkraut—I literally eat it with every meal these days (including eggs!). They have several flavors, all of which are delicious, but lately I've been gravitating towards their jalapeno version—it packs a little punch but is so clean and vibrant. Plus, y'all know I love to talk about how fermented foods help with gut health and can promote positive brain and mood functions. If you're not hip to this company, definitely give them a Google—they're also a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to social and cultural renewal through the integration of education, agriculture, research, and art.
Ama Kwarteng, Beauty Editor
High CBD Formula Body Oil
For most of the year, I haven't had an actual desk in my apartment, which, in short, means that I carry a lot of tension in my back between my neck and my shoulders. This roller-ball applicator comes in handy for a targeted massage, and the body oil dries quickly so I don't have to worry about making a mess. Plus, the formula is filled with soothing 100 mg broad-spectrum CBD and a moisturizing blend of avocado, jojoba, and safflower oils.
Amalfi Lemon & Mint Reed Diffuser
I love reed diffusers—it's a simple way to transform and refresh a room without decorating your apartment. This one has notes of lemon, orange, and mint that instantly fill my space with an energizing and intoxicating scent that brightens and soothes my mood. Bonus: It's long-lasting without being overwhelming.
Online Studio
I started doing Tracy Anderson Method streaming workouts towards the beginning of quarantine, and I'm not sure if I'm ever going back to a fitness studio. The online program consists of different body-movement sequences that target specific areas using arm and ankle weights to help create balance in the body. The sessions run a little over an hour long, and not only are the workouts a physical challenge, but they're a much-needed mental break before I start my day.
Caroline Dunn, Affiliate Coordinator
IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike
I purchased this bike at the beginning of COVID, and we've been through a lot together. While I will always love running outside, sometimes I'm simply not trying to melt, and using this bike while streaming the Peloton app on my TV (AC on blast, of course) is perfection. I've been to many different gyms and tried many, many different spin bikes in the past, so I was super picky when shopping for my own, but trusted the Schwinn name and haven't been disappointed! Pairs well with the cutest spin shoes on the market, the Tiem Slipstream.
Power Couple Kit
Honestly, if you market any product with the word detox in its name, chances are I'm probably sold. Having said that, this serum is jam-packed with ingredients that can actually detox your skin and prevent signs of aging, making it the real deal. The Detox Serum is paired with the Instant Smoothing Serum (another name that has me immediately throwing my money) in this Power Couple Kit, and it's actually a crazy-good deal.
Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars
While Dove Dark Chocolates will always be my number one, I recently tried these Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars from Unreal, and they also got the job done and satiated my sugar craving. Low in sugar, vegan, gluten-free, Fair Trade certified, and more, these will give you a chocolate fix that you can feel good about.
Leya Kaufman, Head of Sales
Postnatal Multivitamin
I'm four months postpartum, running after two kids under three, and still nursing around my work schedule. While I wish that I could dedicate more time to ensure that I'm getting the proper nutrients from my diet, I love that these postnatal vitamins take the guesswork out of that equation. This Ritual vitamin is my ultimate summer wellness staple of 2021–I don't go a day without it.
Neon Weighted Bangles
I've been known to follow a trend or two, but I also love to stand out. These Bala Bangles are everywhere, but I haven't seen anyone else rock the neon rainbow version. I also have a feeling that I'll be able to extend my endless summer vibes through to the fall with colors like this woven into my workout routine.
Brownie Batter
I just discovered this mindful snack that doubles as a mom hack. I love having one before a long workout myself, but also trick my toddler into thinking that these "brownie bites" are unhealthy treats. PS: There's a romantic brand story behind these, too—a breast cancer survivor's husband set out to create a clean alternative to preservative-packed protein bars for her.
Nick Papa, Brand Partnerships Manager
Ultra Digestive Food Enzymes
A highlight of summer for me are the regular cookouts that include a spread of different foods—grilled vegetables, burgers, charcuterie, salads, ice cream, etc. As someone with a sensitive stomach, the last thing I want to do is limit myself when there are so many freshly prepared dishes in front of me, so this pill has been a game changer. I usually take one ahead of a big meal or day of grazing, and it keeps everything in balance.
Lemon Ginger Sparkling Probiotic (Pack of 6)
Sometimes I find kombucha to be overpowering, but I still want the benefits of probiotics with a touch of flavor. Insert KeVita's sparkling probiotic line! These drinks are the perfect balance for me, with a crisp and refreshing taste that is lightly carbonated. The sparkling probiotic drinks are fermented with their proprietary water kefir culture, which gives the drink billions of live probiotics.
Adaptogenic Mushroom Powder
Not only is this powder the perfect, subtly sweet addition to just about anything, it also has the incredible benefits of adaptogens that work to counteract the effects of stresses on the body. I am constantly adding a small spoonful of this to smoothies, afternoon coffees, yogurt bowls, and more. The story behind the brand is incredible, and if you have ever been curious about ancient remedies, I highly recommend you check out the wide range of products Anima Mundi offers.
Top photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@bala
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