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Wednesday, February 5, 2020

050: Supplements and the importance of Omega-3s with Julie Sawaya and Ryan Woodbury


Today, I’m so excited to be chatting with the founders of Needed all about supplements, Omega-3s and tips for getting maximum nutrition from our diets.

Here’s what we talk about:

Journey of starting Needed through their own nutrient testing forays

Key nutrients (Omega-3 and choline) that OBGYNs overlook for before, during, and after pregnancy

Why women aren’t getting enough through diet alone

How deficiency creates long-lasting impact for women’s health long after baby arrives

How to optimally nourish (setting women up for ideal pregnancy and postpartum recovery) vs meeting RDAs (minimum nutrient requirements to avoid birth defects and diseases)

What to look for in supplement

Favorite healthy meals

and so.much.more!

Download the full transcript here.

Here’s a little bit about Ryan and Julie:

Ryan Woodbury and Julie Sawaya, co-founders and co-CEOs of Needed, met as next neighbors at Stanford’s graduate business school. They became fast friends and quickly realized their shared passion for nutrition. During this time, the two realized through nutritional testing that they were both hugely deficient in Omega-3, a critical nutrient for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. They dug into the research and learned they were far from alone—up to 95% of women are deficient in Omega-3, and yet, it’s missing from most prenatal vitamins. Ryan and Julie started Needed to meet their own nutritional needs and that of every mama-to-be.

Needed’s mission is to empower women to experience optimal nourishment through better identification of their nutrition needs, supplements that truly work in meeting those needs, and a supportive community of like-minded mamas and trusted health practitioners. Needed’s first products include an Omega-3 supplement that’s optimally tailored for a mama-to-be, and an at-home Omega-3 nutrient testing kit that helps women better understand their levels.

Ryan

Ryan’s Nutrition Journey:

My interest in nutrition and health grew out of my interest in the environment. As a young girl in California, I started volunteering at a local aquarium, leading educational tours to teach kids about marine science and environmental advocacy. It was clear to me, even then, that our health as humans is directly connected to the health of our environment. Advocating for broader awareness of the human and environmental health connection has carried through much of my life. I believe fundamentally that nourishing mamas will directly support nourished communities and a nourished planet.

Julie’s Nutrition Journey: 

I discovered my passion for nutrition around my family dinner table. My dad (an MD) was diagnosed with diabetes when I was just 5 years old. His illness has had a profound effect on me, leading me to research, experience firsthand, and advocate for the connection between our health, our families and communities, and how we choose to nourish ourselves. My passion for nutrition only grew as I began my journey to motherhood, as the quality of our nourishment as mamas-to-be and new mamas quite literally impacts the health and wellbeing of our entire family.

Julie

You can connect with them on Instagram here and check out their site here.

If you haven’t tested your Omega-3 levels, it’s really important and also really easy to do. Go to thisisneeded.com, and visit the nutrient testing page. You’ll get your test for free when you start a subscription to Needed’s Omega-3 powdered supplement. Use code OMEGATESTING at checkout. You can also save 15% off your first month of Needed’s Omega-3 supplement by using code FITNESSISTA. I have my test kit here and I’m so interested to learn more about my personal levels. I’ve used their Omega-3 supplement many times and am excited to use it as part of my regular routine, especially after listening to this episode.

Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you’ll get a little “thank you” gift from me to you.

You can listen and subscribe to the podcast on iTunesStitcher, and Google Play.

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Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Frida Kahlo salad


Hi friends! How’s the day going? I hope you’re having a great one so far. I’m off to take Livi to her first orthodontist appointment (what?) and meeting with a business partner later today. I’m hoping to catch an Orangetheory class in between editing the podcast episode for tomorrrow. I’d love to hear what you’re up to!

Today, I thought I’d share some pics and adventures from lately because it’s been a non-stop party over here.

This weekend was Kyle’s birthday! We went over to Kyle and Meg’s house for bean burritos and Mexican donuts. They set up a jumping castle for the kiddos, so the cousins and friends ran around and had the best time, while the adults all hung out and chatted. It’s funny because I feel like as we get older, birthday parties become so much more wonderful and low-key. Family time and good food is all ya really need.

After Kyle’s party, we met our babysitter at home and the Pilot and I took off to see La Bohéme at Arizona opera.

 

First time wearing this Everlane dress (on sale right now):

(the fabric is a dream come true. Shoes are here!)

I was familiar with a couple of songs from La Bohéme but had never seen it live.

It’s funny because after about 10 minutes, when Mimi comes over for Rodolfo to light her candle and loses her key, I was like “WAIT. This is so much like Rent!” Turns out that Rent was crafted to be a more modern day La Bohéme. I’m a giant nerd and had no clue. Anyway, it was breathtaking. The performances were incredible and we had a great time.

I like date nights with this guy 🙂

Sunday morning, I took the sweatiest hot yoga class and later that afternoon, the fam came over for Super Bowl fun. We made Frito chili pies, which is kind of an inside joke.

(I’d try to explain why it’s hilarious, but inside jokes are never funny when you spell them out.)

Basically it’s Fritos with chili on top, and then toppings like cheese, green onion, sour cream, avocado, whatever you like. In high school, we’d call these Traveling Tacos. You’d get a bag of Fritos, they’d pour chili and nacho cheese on top, and hand you a fork. 

I made a giant batch of chili – wish I would have measured everything but it came out AMAZING – and we had all of the toppings ready to go. We also set up our 3-bowl slow cooker with buffalo chicken dip (recipe coming soon!), spinach and artichoke dip, and Rotel. Lots of chips and veggies for dipping, and the best chocolate chip cookies. Mom brought over shredded meat and tortillas, and Kyle brought over salsa and rice. It was a feast!

The Frito chili pies ended up being huge hit. Liv misunderstood the title and when she asked for seconds, she requested more “Frida Kahlo… salad.” 😉

We LOVED the halftime show – say what you will but I think J. Lo and Shakira SLAYED – and called it a night.

Last night, I taught bootcamp and went to my first official choir rehearsal.

Here’s shortened version of what we did for bootcamp:

total body bootcamp workout

As far as choir goes, my first rehearsal was so challenging and so, so enjoyable. It feels really good to use my brain in a different way. We’re doing Mahler’s 2nd (which, according to the Pilot is in “the key of super sad”) and the finale is haunting, magnificent, and unlike anything I’ve worked on previously. (I’ve sang in German quite a few times, but the tempo changes and dynamics of this one are on another planet.) I’m really looking forward to seeing it come together.

I hope you have a beautiful morning and I’ll see ya tomorrow with a new podcast episode!

xoxo

Gina

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Monday, February 3, 2020

Valentine’s gift guide


This post is packed with great gift ideas for him and her this Valentine’s Day!

Hi friends! How’s the morning going? I hope you’re enjoying the day. Today I’m knee deep in creating workouts for the book, but I wanted to re-share this post with Valentine’s Day gift ideas. I’ve updated the links and added some new faves if you’re shopping it up this week.

Valentine’s Day is such a sweet holiday and chance to show those we care about how much we love them. I always look forward to putting together some gifts for the Pilot and for the girls. I’d love to hear any awesome ideas you have!

Fitnessista s Valentine Gift Guide 2019

Here’s a little gift guide I put together if you’re brainstorming ideas this week!

For him header

For her:

Gorgeous Kendra Scott pendant. These are so delicate and lovely. I got one for my MIL as part of her bday gift and she loved it. <3

The best sleep mask ever. I sleep SO much better with this thing and even travel with it. It’s a lifesaver.

Fresh lips set. It’s on sale right now, too.

Kate Spade studs that look expensive but aren’t.

Custom name necklace.

Super high-tech hair dryer.

These adorable hearts pajamas.

A Barefoot Dreams throw. These throws have a cult-like following for a great reason. They’re insanely soft and dreamy.

This gorgeous aromatherapy diffuser.

Beautycounter palette. These colors are gorgeous, neutral and versatile for everyday or nights out.

A PHLUR sample set and candle. We all know this is my latest fragrance and candle obsession. They’re nontoxic and the scents are GORGEOUS. I didn’t wear perfume for a long time because of the harmful ingredients and love that I have some that smell amazing (Améline and Hamani are my very faves) and I can feel good about using them on my skin.

For her header

For him:

The comfiest slippers.

A Garmin or everyday watch.

His new favorite polo. The Pilot wears one of these almost every day.

The most ridiculously hilarious boxers I’ve ever seen.

A custom couple portrait.

Counterman. The travel set is a perfect place to start! The Pilot has a skincare regimen now. He uses the cleanser, shave cream, toning pads, and moisturizer.

Noise canceling headphones. 

Kiddos header

For the kiddos:

Super cute heart sweater.

An animal print robe.

Pete the Cat book.

Valentine’s LEGO set.

Heart hoodie.

A blabla doll or Jellycat.

Fitness header

Fitness gifts:

Fitbit. The pink color is gorgeous!

Bose wireless headphones. These are our all-time favorites. The Pilot and I always have them with us.

The prettiest pink water bottle.

Sporty sunglasses.

Qalo band. Love these for workouts when you don’t want to worry about denting or scratching your ring.. but still want to look married. (You know guys are checking me out with my inside-out shorts haha.)

New gym bag or backpack.

The best leggings. I wear these all the time for workouts and for life. 😉

Zip-up or lightweight hoodie.

New APL sneakers. They have kids’ shoes now, too!

Fitness header 1

Foodie gifts:

A copper fondue set (on sale).

A heart dutch oven.

Kerber’s farm pie.

A pickle bouquet!

Make a Milk bar cake…or just order one online 😉

Man Crate. Nothing says, “I love you” like a Jerky Heart or Salami Bouquet.

Experience gifts:

Zeel massages. We’re huge fans of Zeel massages, either after the kiddos are asleep or when you’re traveling. A licensed massage therapist comes to your house and brings all of the supplies; all you need is a couple of sheets. It’s a great way to get in a massage without the commute time.

Meal delivery kit. Try out Blue Apron, Sunbasket, or another meal delivery kit you’ve had your eye on. They make great date nights at home!

Plan a hike and picnic.

Get tickets to an event or show you know they’d love. Find out if their favorite team is playing anytime soon (yay, college basketball!) or grab tickets to a concert or comedian you know they’d enjoy.

So, tell me friends: what are you doing for Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day this year? Any fun traditions? I’m definitely looking forward to spending the day with our little fam and then going out on a date night another night (to skip all of the crazy crowds).

xoxo

Gina

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Sunday, February 2, 2020