Cassey Ho's Blog, page 40

Feeling Gloomy? Try These Tips to Get Ahead of Seasonal Depression

Daylight Savings Time ended for many of us this weekend, which means the sun will be setting an hour earlier. The extra darkness is not only a major wake up call that the seasons are changing, but also a change that triggers some to feel more dreary and sad.

If you feel this mood shift every year around this time, it may be more than just the winter blues. It could actually be a type of seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

 

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What are the main causes of seasonal depression?

SAD is a kind of depression that’s typically caused by changes in the seasons, most often during the fall and winter when the weather gets colder and the days get shorter. However, for some, this can happen during the spring and summer months — every person is different, but in each case, it has to do with the change of seasons. 

“This is a disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety and depression around the same time each year,” says Dr. Bethany Cook the author of For What It’s Worth – A Perspective on How to Thrive and Survive Parenting Ages 0 – 2.”

While you’ll want to visit a mental health professional to receive a formal diagnosis, there are some common symptoms that people with SAD usually demonstrate according to Cook: decreased pleasure in activities that usually bring joy, decreased energy levels, sleeping too much, overeating, weight gain, trouble concentrating, feeling hopeless, and suicidal ideation. 

People with SAD typically notice the change in seasons more than others and as a result experience correlated mental health symptoms that can impact overall well being and functioning. 

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), SAD affects 15 million adults and is equally common among men and women. 

 

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Treatment option for seasonal depression

There are a handful of ways to manage and cope with seasonal depression that springs up towards the latter part of the year. It’s safe to say there is no “best” treatment option, but a few that different people tend to find helpful. 

Verilux HappyLight 

Light Therapy

Cook suggests light therapy for those who struggle with the lack of sunlight caused by the shift in seasons. 

There are many companies that have light therapy devices created for those with seasonal depression and they can be helpful when you’re in need of some sunlight. They work to mimic outdoor light so you can reap the benefits you’d get from natural light in your home which is perfect for those rainy and snowy days. 

Although light therapy isn’t a cure for SAD, it has been shown to help reduce depressive symptoms, improve sleep cycles, and enhance energy levels. 

Verilux is one of the most popular brands that specialize in these “happy lights” known to help those suffering with SAD and they are available in different styles and price points to suit your needs.

“Light therapy seems to work consistently for many individuals but if it doesn’t work for you keep looking until you find something that does,” says Cook.

Therapy and/or Antidepressants

After you’ve tried light therapy, you may want to go the more traditional route with psychotherapy and/or medication (antidepressants). In therapy, you’ll be able to come up with a list of coping strategies catered to your specific symptoms and work through feelings of sadness with a trained professional like Cook. 

Practice Self-Care

You’ll want to continue your self-care routine into the colder seasons. Some ideas include journaling, bathing with essential oils, and exercising. Stay in touch with how your feeling and provide your body with the TLC it needs when those negative thoughts and feelings start to arise. 

 

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Holistic Remedies

Interested in more holistic remedies and treatment options? First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure you have enough Vitamin D in your diet. It’s very common for people to become deficient during winter months, due to less exposure to sunlight.

Increasing your intake of Vitamin D-rich foods like salmon and fortified orange juice can maintain healthy vitamin D levels, but you can also take a supplement to ensure you’re getting enough. This can help decrease depressive symptoms and sleep difficulties frequently associated with SAD.

Arielle Simone, a holistic nutritionist and wellness writer, shared some other tips on her Instagram about holistic options you may want to consider:

Add ginger to your diet
Whether that’s a ginger shot or ginger tea, it could increase serotonin levels. Simone recommends adding black pepper and turmeric too, likely to combat inflammation. 

More root vegetables and dark leafy greens
Collard greens, beets, brussels sprouts, etc. These are full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Plus, many are seasonally available.

Take supplements
We talked about vitamin D, but other potentially helpful supplements include magnesium (an estimated 50% of Americans don’t get enough, and low intake has been linked with depression), iron (if you’re prone to deficiency) and probiotics (gut health is linked to depression and other mental health issues).

Use herbs
Lavender, chamomile, and bergamot are a few that Simone recommends. 

Add movement
Hot yoga, boxing, or an indoor hot girl walk – whatever makes you feel warm inside and of course, brings you joy.

Final thoughts: Getting ahead of seasonal depression

With all of this said, you’ll want to check in with your treatment team to come up with a plan catered to your specific symptoms and needs — maybe even bring up some of these ideas in session to see how you can best incorporate them. 

Super Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Fall Veggies

We love an easy sheet pan meal! This Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Fall Veggies recipe is a healthy dinner staple. Only 3 ingredients, one sheet pan and about 20 minutes required!

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a simple, fall-inspired sheet pan recipe with only a few items? You’re in luck! One trip to Trader Joe’s, five minutes of prep and around 20 minutes of roasting yields you a 3-ingredient nutritious dinner the whole family will love.

Hello, Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Fall Veggies

This one is definitely going to earn a spot in your family’s meal rotation. Here’s the ingredient lineup!

These 3 ingredients require zero effort and make the easiest and yummiest sheet pan recipe that screams “fall flavors!” Oh, and it’s a super affordable meal clocking in around $4 per serving.

Between the shaved Brussels sprouts, tender squash and sweet apple sausage, this meal is a flavor and texture explosion.

The Brussels kit is a staple in our house this time of year (yes, like many TJ items, it’s seasonal) and contains shredded Brussels, a dressing, shaved parmesan and toasted chopped hazelnuts. It’s meant to be sautéed, but I chose to separate the components and roast the Brussels, use the dressing to coat the veggies, and finish it with a broil to use the included hazelnuts and shaved parmesan.

The result is a veggie-forward super healthy meal with a nice balance of protein, fat and carbs (AKA-your macros). It’s full of fiber and with a nice dose of protein from the chicken sausage.

The flavors are sweet and savory with a hit of salt from the parmesan, and rich toasted hazelnut goodness. It’s amazing how well all of the flavors come together!

Don’t worry if you don’t live near TJ’s!

You can find similar ingredients at basically any grocery store. If you can’t find the Brussels sprouts kit, just use plain Brussels, parmesan cheese and hazelnuts, and whip up a simple lemon garlic vinaigrette (promise it’s easy!) Any shape of butternut squash will work too, just be aware that the roasting time may vary slightly.

Ready to see the recipe?! You won’t believe how easy this is.

PrintSheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Fall Veggies#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #343434; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66 stop { stop-color: #343434; }A quick and easy 3-ingredient sheet pan meal bursting with fall flavors.Course Appetizer, Side Dish, dinner, lunchKeyword trader joe's, veggie sides, Sheet Pan, Easy Dinner, Healthy Meal, Healthy Dinner, Brussels Sprouts, 3 Ingredient, Easy Lunch, 30 Minute Meal, Quick DinnerPrep Time 5 minutesTotal Time 30 minutesServings 3Ingredients1 Bag Trader Joe's Brussels Sauté Kit1 Bag Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Zig Zags (or any small-cut butternut squash)1 Pkg Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage cut into 1/4" slicesInstructionsHeat your oven to 400°FAdd the Brussels to a large bowl. Remove any hard stems.Add the butternut squash and sliced sausage and toss with the kit's dressing.Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray and spread the mixture in one layer across the pan.Bake for 18 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with the parmesan and hazelnuts. Set the oven to low broil and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the sausage and pieces of Brussels get crispy and browned.NotesIf you can't find the Brussels Sauté kit, it's okay to use regular Brussels sprouts! You can whip up your own lemon-garlic vinaigrette and still top with Parmesan and hazelnuts to achieve the same flavor. Apple sausage is my favorite flavor for this sheet pan meal, but other flavors could work too!Sheet pan dinners are life!

I love that they require little to no prep – especially this Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage with Fall Veggies! Everything is just ready to dump on a pan and throw in the oven. The end result is a perfectly roasted, hearty, flavorful meal that is sure to earn a spot on your meal rotation.

Looking for more simple Trader Joe’s recipes? Give these Air Fryer Pickle Chicken Bites,  Pumpkin Brownies or Vegan Cream Cheese recipes a try.

What kinds of recipes do you want to see next? Comment below!

A Hack for the $17 Hailey Bieber Skin Glaze Smoothie?!

I can’t believe there’s a smoothie that costs $17. Only in LA right!??

I got it, tried it, and then Sam challenged me to make it.

I got to work on creating my own version of this smoothie literally as soon as we got home from trying the real thing at Erewhon. I didn’t want to risk forgetting what it tasted like! It was actually easier to recreate than I thought.

Here’s my at-home copycat recipe if you want to try making Hailey Bieber’s $17 Skin Glaze Smoothie from Erewhon.

 

@blogilates I can’t believe there’s a smoothie that costs $17. Only in LA right!?? I got it, tried it, and then Sam challenged me to make it. Here’s my at-home copycat recipe if you want to try making Hailey Bieber’s $17 Skin Glaze Smoothie from Erewhon. Smoothie – 1 c almond milk – 1 c frozen strawberries – 1/2 banana – 3 pitted dates – 1/2 avocado – 2 scoops Blogilates collagen with keratin (for skin and hair health) – you can find this at Target right now Blend until smooth Strawberry “glaze” – 1 c strawberries – 2 TBS monk fruit sugar Microwave and stir till it creates a syrupy jam. I think next time I’ll sauté it on a pan to get it a bit drier so it can stick to the sides of the cup better. You’ll need about 2 TBS of coconut cream and 2 TBS of glaze to decorate the cup. Changes and reasons: I omitted the sea moss because c’mon. Where does one even find sea moss!? I wanted to make this recipe more accessible. I also took out the maple syrup and stevia to make it a little less sweet. The banana and dates are plenty sweet already. I seriously love how creative Erewhon got with this smoothie. I don’t love the price tag but I like that it inspired me to try new combinations. Try it and let me know what you think! Cassey #erewhon #haileybiebersmoothie #skinsmoothie #collagendrink ♬ Say So (Instrumental Version) [Originally Performed by Doja Cat] – Elliot Van Coup

My version of the Hailey Bieber Smoothie

Some things I changed in my version:

I omitted the sea moss because c’mon. Where does one even find sea moss!? I wanted to make this recipe more accessible. I also took out the maple syrup and stevia to make it a little less sweet. The banana and dates are plenty sweet already.

And of course I also used Beauty Collagen Peptides with Keratin! This can be optional, but I love that it adds some extra protein and other nutrients to support hair and skin health.

I seriously love how creative Erewhon got with this smoothie. I don’t love the price tag but I like that it inspired me to try new combinations.

PrintSkin Glaze Smoothie Hack#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #343434; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66 stop { stop-color: #343434; }Sam challenged me to make my own version of Hailey Bieber's Skin Glaze Smoothie from Erewhon. Prep Time 10 minutesTotal Time 8 minutesIngredientsSmoothie1 cup almond milk1 cup frozen strawberries1/2 banana3 dates, pitted1/2 avocado2 scoops Blogilates Beauty CollagenStrawberry "Glaze" 1 cup strawberries2 tbsp monk fruit sugarCoconut Cream Drizzle2-4 tbsp coconut cream, chilledInstructions1. Add smoothie ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Set aside while you make the strawberry glaze. 2. Strawberry glaze! Combine strawberries and monk fruit sweetener (or sweetener of choice) in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30 second increments until it creates a syrupy jam. Mash it up a bit with a fork to create a glaze-like texture.3. Pour your strawberry glaze through a strainer to remove the chunks4. Grab your glass or jar! This is the fun part. Using a long spoon, coat the inside of your glass with strawberry glaze and chilled coconut cream. Pour a little in the bottom too! 5. Pour in your smoothie, take a pic (it's so pretty omg), and ENJOY!

Let me know if you try this hack for the Hailey Bieber Skin Glaze Smoothie! I must know what you think! You should also check out this Coconut Matcha Cloud Smoothie, which is a spin on another popular Erewhon smoothie!

What other foods and drinks should I try to “Cassify”?!

 

Can You Become Friends With Your Therapist?

As someone who has been in therapy for over 6 years, there’s no denying that the bond formed with a therapist is unique.

This individual knows more about you than anyone else so there’s an added element of trust and safety. With that said, I’ve definitely had instances where I wondered whether or not I was in therapy because I wanted to work on myself or was fond of the rapport that had been established.

In my case, I realized I didn’t really want to be friends with my therapist. I was comfortable with the emotional validation and support from her that I didn’t receive from others in my immediate circle. Now, I’m super open in therapy so I brought this to her attention at the time and she said it made sense considering my trauma history and current relationships.

This issue went away on its own because I was forced to stop seeing her for other reasons. While it was difficult, I think it was beneficial for me because otherwise I’m not sure how long I would have stayed with her. It’s worth noting I do feel she definitely would have taken considerable action to create more of a “working distance” in our therapeutic relationship so it was healthy and helpful. 

My experience in therapy led me to wonder whether other people might only be staying in therapy because they feel like they’ve become friends with their therapist, or because they’ve developed an unhealthy dependence.

Although I’ve been in therapy for years and consider myself a mental health advocate, I’m not a therapist so I can’t speak on this matter with certainty. To understand this concept more, I spoke with Melani Afshar, Psy. D, and owner of FemmeDeBloom, and she shared some insights on why a therapeutic relationship might start to feel more like a friendship and what you can do about it. 

@dr.tthetherapist For these reasons, & more, it’s against our code of ethics. #psychologist #tiktoktherapist #therapytiktok #therapytok #mentalhealth #boundaries #fyp ♬ original sound – Dr. T – Psychologist

 

You Can’t Become Friends With Your Therapist

I can definitely attest to the importance of having a strong bond with your therapist. From my experience, when I had a close connection with my therapist, that’s when the most progress was made and I was able to heal in a meaningful way. 

“A person continuing in therapy is definitely dependent on a strong and positive therapeutic relationship,” says Afshar. “It is always important for a client to feel connected with their therapist as it promotes healing and safety.” 

However, this positive therapeutic relationship can sometimes be misunderstood by either one or both parties and lead to more of a friendship.

u ever get excited for therapy because you know you have good gossip for your therapist like just wait til u hear what they did Hannah! just wait!!

— ellie schnitt (@holy_schnitt) September 22, 2020

What You Might Notice In Session

If you feel your sessions are starting to feel more like personal gossip meetings and catching up with an old friend, then you might want to bring this up to your therapist. 

“It may look like a therapist asking a client for advice or for inserting themselves excessively in sessions, rather than focusing on the client,” she says. “It could also be happening if the conversation in every session is very surface-level and does not address the client’s goals or focus on the client’s progress.”

 

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Your Therapist is Responsible for Boundaries

However, when you start feeling like you want to become friends with your therapist, that’s most likely due to the practitioner’s lack of professional boundaries. 

“It is the therapist’s responsibility as a health care provider to maintain ethical boundaries to protect the client,” says Afshar.

In therapy, the main focus is on the client and their needs. It’s not a reciprocal relationship like a friendship is.

In some instances, if a therapist over shares about their personal life, it can blur the line between a therapeutic relationship and a friendship making it hard for patients to separate the two.  

“These professional boundaries can often be compromised when a therapist is taking on too many clients or if they lack their own sufficient social support system.” 

It’s important to understand that you (as a client) can’t control how your therapist sets and maintains boundaries. Ethically, they are aware that becoming friends isn’t possible. The attachment is not your fault.

What You Can Do

One of the great parts about therapy is that it’s typically a safe space to bring up concerns like this.

Afshar encourages patients to do this if they feel comfortable because sometimes that’s the easiest way to let your therapist know something isn’t working for you. At the end of the day, you are paying them to help you heal and provide objective information. If they aren’t doing that, then what’s the point? 

“You have every right to terminate therapy and look for another therapist,” she says. “Sometimes it can take some time to find the right one for you, so don’t be afraid to shop around!”

 

The Blogilates November 2022 Workout Calendar!

Hey guys!

Sooo it’s time to start planning and prepping for the holidays. Can you believe it?! I have a busy few weeks ahead so I know it’s all going to sneak up on me. I should probably start thinking about shopping but…we’ll see!

My motivation lately has been on another level – I think because a lot of projects I’ve put a TON of time and focus into with the team are finally coming to life (like the 2023 Fit Planner!) but ALSO because sooo many amazing things are in the works

You know I love to hit the ground running, and that’s translated into more motivation and consistency with LITERALLY running. I’m putting in almost 25 miles per week now, and it feels amazing! TBH though, I totally owe some credit for the motivation boost to Taylor Swift because I’ve been playing ‘Midnights’ on repeat and it has me alllll in my feels. Did you see I even recreated the 100 Ab Challenge with a ‘Midnights’ aesthetic?!

Anyways, I have a little motivation boost for YOU, too: The November Workout Calendar!!! 

YAY!!

Download JPEG

How To Follow The November Workout Calendar

Check the Blogilates YouTube playlists to find all of the videos you need for this month’s calendar!!

OR you can download the BODY By Blogilates app if you don’t already have it! Seriously, it will make your life so much easier when you follow this calendar. You can access not only the calendar, but all of the videos in one place! Find challenges and free programs like the Glow up Sessions and the 200 Ab Challenge there too!

Now that you know where to find your workouts, here’s what you can expect each day of the November Workout Calendar. You ready?!!!

SUNDAY: Recovery
MONDAY: Total Body
TUESDAY: Abs
WEDNESDAY: Booty
THURSDAY: Total Body
FRIDAY: Arms
SATURDAY: Legs & Thighs

Do each video once (unless otherwise stated) and check off as you go! Most days will be around 45 min of exercise.

REMEMBER! If you download the BODY By Blogilates app (on Apple or Android devices), you’ll have the calendar and workout videos in one place! Omg can we also talk about how motivating that “workout complete” check mark is?!

If you’re just getting started or want to ease into working out, my Beginner’s Calendar is a great place to start! It’s a free 4-week program to get you stronger so that you can join in on the monthlies when you are ready.

Have you started holiday shopping yet?! 

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The Best Trader Joe’s Seasonings (and What to do With Them)

How much time do you spend in the Trader Joe’s seasoning and spice aisle? If you’re not devoting at least a minute or two checking out their fun, interesting and flavorful options, you’re missing out!

We bought and tried a whole bunch and chose our favorites to experiment with. The results were amazing! The elevation of flavor and myriad of uses makes mealtime much simpler, because with just a few shakes, your food will scream with robust flavors.

Hopefully each spice saves you time and money when creating your recipes. Read to the end to hear about all of the creative ways we’re using them.

Multipurpose Umami Seasoning

First up is my absolute favorite: Trader Joe’s Mushroom Umami Seasoning. If you’ve passed this one by because you don’t know what umami is, it’s often referred to as “the fifth taste.” What are the four other tastes? Sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. Umami is kind of a “universal” flavor.

The flavor has notes of salt, slight spice and an overall savory essence. Don’t let the word “mushroom” scare you. It doesn’t taste like mushrooms.

I personally use it on everything, from egg whites and avocado to fish, chicken, turkey and beef. I add it to homemade salad dressings, sprinkle it on cucumbers and tomatoes, and shake it on top of pizza.

It simply elevates everything you use it on. I love sautéing mushrooms in a little olive oil with garlic and a splash of vinegar and then dousing it all with a hefty shake of the umami seasoning.

Chili Lime Seasoning

Next is the Chili Lime Seasoning. It tastes just like the seasoning name. The notes of citrus give you a tiny hit of acid, which marries nicely with the mild to medium spice.

This isn’t overly hot. On the spice-o-meter, I’d give it a 5. My kids, who don’t like things too spicy, happily use a shake or two on our homemade “burrito bowls,” and they’ll gladly eat any Instant Pot shredded chicken or ground turkey I make with it.

This Trader Joe’s seasoning definitely lends itself to Mexican dishes, like taco salad, guacamole, tacos and quesadillas. One of our favorite uses is on corn on the cob rubbed with fresh lime.

Ranch Seasoning Blend

From fiesta to basic American, Trader Joe’s Ranch Seasoning Blend comes in to delight everyone for whom the classic dressing is a favorite. I find this one a little less versatile, in that I use it less frequently than some of the others in my pantry. However, that’s not to detract from its delicious flavor. This blend is the perfect mixture of dill, salt, pepper and the buttermilk essence that makes a great ranch dressing.

Shake it on popcorn for a savory treat, or coat chicken breast strips in it with a little panko and air fry for some flavorful chicken tenders the kids will love. It’s also delicious on sliced turkey with thinly sliced cucumbers inside of a tortilla or egg wrap (also a delicious find at TJs).

On the back of the jar there’s a recipe for ranch dressing, or, you can try our DIY Ranch Dressing recipe below. It only takes a few ingredients and a blender to make this *almost* vegan version (the Ranch Seasoning does contain milk!) that’s delicious on any salad (or, if you’re one of those pizza dipped in ranch people- this recipe will satisfy you to no end!).

*Almost* Vegan Ranch Dressing

 

Ingredients:

– 1/2 cup salted macadamia nuts
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– Heaping tablespoon Ranch Seasoning
– 1 teaspoon powdered monk fruit sweetener
– Salt & pepper, to taste

Method:

Blend everything together in a small high-powered blender until smooth. Use as a dip or dressing.Cheesy Seasoning Blend

For all you cheese lovers out there, TJ’s Cheesy Seasoning Blend gives you a parmesan-type punch with just a few shakes. I don’t eat much dairy, yet I love the flavor of just about every cheese out there (minus blue cheese- because, well, yuck). But if you like the salty, savory flavors in a good, hard cheese, you’ll probably enjoy this blend.

Now, it contains rosemary powder as one of the ingredients, which I do find quite prevalent in the flavor profile. So if you hate rosemary, know you’ll detect a hint of it.

I’ve bought other “cheese” powders off Amazon that are definitely “cheesier” than TJ’s version. But this one tastes fantastic on eggs, popcorn, on top of pizza, or on any Italian dish.

Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend

Onto Cassey’s personal favorite: Trader Joe’s Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend. Once again, this little gem lends itself to Mexican fare thanks to the cumin, chili pepper, cheese and chipotle. It kicks up the spice and simply adds that traditional smoky-savory punch you expect from Mexican food. Try several shakes on rice cakes with guacamole and shredded chicken like Cassey did during her 90-Day Journey.

It’s great to flavor up TJ’s plain cauliflower rice if you plan to top it with some shredded or ground chicken. It’s also delicious in an omelet made with onions, bell peppers, jalapenos and cheese. Or, try is on this yummy cauliflower pancake!

Black Garlic

Last but not least is the tiny jar of Black Garlic! Comment below if you’ve ever come across this seasoning, or anything like it, because before I discovered it at TJ’s, I hadn’t (and boy, was I missing out).

I add a few shakes of this to elevate an Asian dishes I make, like cauli-fried rice, stir fry or coated over chicken that I sauté in coconut aminos. It adds a little crunch and a slightly sweet-savory-garlicky essence without being overwhelming. Oh- and there’s a zero garlic breath-effect here, so it’s date-night-friendly.

Perhaps my favorite way to use it is on my sautéed broccolini, which I’m #obsessed over.

Here’s the recipe I make at least twice a week:

 

Ingredients:

– Olive oil cooking spray
– 1 bunch broccolini, ling stems trimmed
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Juice of 1/2 a lemon
– 1/2 teaspoon Black Garlic
– Salt & pepper, to taste
– Shake of Umami Seasoning (optional)

Method:

Heat a small skillet over medium-high heat. Coat with cooking spray. Add the broccolini and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and continue sautéing for 1 minute, or until the garlic starts to brown a touch.Squeeze the lemon juice over the broccolini and cook for 1 more minute, or until the broccolini edges start to crisp up and brown. Season with the Black Garlic, salt, pepper and Umami, if using. Remove from the pan, and serve.Oh, and did you notice the prices on these Trader Joe’s Seasonings?

 

There’s nowhere on the planet that sells high-quality seasoning for for $1.99-$2.99. So load up and shake em’ until your heart’s content, because Trader Joe’s has the best flavors at the lowest cost!

Comment below which ones you love the most!

 

Head and Shoulders Shampoo Clears Acne: True or False?

I love fads and trends, especially in the beauty genre. In fact, as a young writer just starting out in NYC, I volunteered myself to get all sorts of crazy facials (including a caviar facial) for a local magazine. Those were the days!

So, when I heard that dandruff shampoo (specifically Head and Shoulders, according to TikTok) can help clear up acne, I was shocked, confused, and totally intrigued. Was this true?

@elysemyersyou ever look at a word so long it starts to look like a made up word? my brain started convincing me ‘zinc’ wasn’t the right spelling by the end of editing this. ♬ original sound – Elyse Myers

Here’s the back story. Social media personality Elyse Myers posted a video to her TikTok and Instagram about her skincare routine. She’s struggled with adult acne and—according to Myers—a dermatologist once told her to wash her face with Head and Shoulders dandruff shampoo because the zinc in it can clear up your skin. 

Myers insisted it worked for her, and even when she tried fancy, name-brand skincare products, they weren’t as effective as Head and Shoulders.

Asking the pros: dandruff shampoo for acne?

To me, Head and Shoulders smells quite chemically—however, I’ve always known zinc is great for the skin, which is why it’s the active ingredient in sunscreen. 

Ok—the question of all questions. Can you really wash your face with this blue dandruff shampoo—or does this only work miracles for Myers?

I consulted with Dr. Karan Lal, DO, MS, FAAD, a double-board certified celebrity dermatologist, about this dandruff shampoo on-your-face trend.

“Head and Shoulders, along with many other dandruff shampoos, contain zinc as the active ingredient, which has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce oiliness of the skin.”

According to Dr. Lal, this blue shampoo is particularly helpful for those with pityrosporum folliculitis (itchy rashes/splotches on the face and body). “Those splotches are actually due to a yeast–the same yeast that causes dandruff.”

Bottom line? “Head and Shoulders works great for dandruff since zinc is antimicrobial against yeast — and thus also works great for those with acne,” says Dr. Lal.

Who knew?! I’m so thrilled Myers shared this beauty secret with the world.

Before jumping in, run all this all by your dermatologist, and remember, says Dr. Lal: “Head and Shoulders can be super drying, cause irritant reactions, and also cause significant redness.”

Also note: prolonged application of dandruff shampoo on the face can even lead to a burn-like reaction. Adds Dr. Lal: “I recommend people use it 2 to 3 times per week, alternating with a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide wash. My go-to face washes are PanOxyl and Cerave Renewing SA Cleanser. Alternating reduces the risk of developing irritation, as well as resistance.” 

Your skin situation is unique

Long Island, NY-based Physician’s Assistant Angie Seelal, PA-C of Advanced Dermatology PC wants to clarify the use of Head and Shoulders on the face. While the shampoo can combat acne, and worked for Myers and others, it’s NOT a treatment for everyone.

“I can’t stress this enough, especially with trends on social media—a dandruff shampoo is only going to work if you’re dealing with fungal acne specifically. This isn’t something to try if you’re simply dealing with a few blackheads or cyst,” says Seelal.

Fungal acne, she explains, usually manifests as pus-filled pimples and red bumps, which can be easily confused, with the same symptoms as typical bacteria-induced acne, therefore it can be difficult to self-diagnose without a professional.”

Adds Seelal: “So only if the patient comes in and meets this criteria would be when I recommend Head and Shoulders.”

Channel Your Inner Pop Princess With This Y2K Workout Playlist

Need some extra motivation for the gym? Say less!

Whether you’re strutting your stuff on the treadmill or maxing out on your reps, this Y2K Workout Playlist is the perfect soundtrack for your workout, from warmup to cooldown.

This playlist will push you through Cassey’s latest workout, or you can totally use it to switch things up if you’re repeating your go-to challenge.

So get out there and channel your inner pop princess with these throwback songs… because who wouldn’t want to work out to some Britney?

 

 

Love a good throwback playlist?

 

Check this one out too!

Olivia Wilde’s Vinaigrette Has Nothing on These Fall-Inspired Salad Dressings

ICYMI, Olivia Wilde had the internet in a chokehold this week, trying to figure out her coveted vinaigrette salad dressing recipe that allegedly sparked major drama in the Wilde-Sudeikis household.

 

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Without getting too dramatic, it was enticing to look up the recipe that started the buzz and examine the ingredients to see just how AH-MAZING it must have been to garner all the newsworthy attention. As it turns out, it’s pretty underwhelming.

But what did seem fun—and way more delicious—was creating my own buzzworthy fall salad dressing.

I ended up coming up with three, and I’m sharing them all because I just couldn’t pick one fave.

Dare I say these are recipes that are ACTUALLY good enough to fight over? Well, maybe just fight with your family over which one to serve first

Anatomy of a Winning Fall Dressing

It’s important to consider seasonal ingredients when creating recipes. In the fall, stores are full of squashes, Brussels sprouts, beets (and more) which make for much heartier salads this time of year.

The dressings that lend themselves to fall tend to be on the sweeter side because they pair well with things like sweet potatoes, fall fruits, quinoa, nuts and tangy cheeses. That’s why sweetening with honey or maple syrup works so well.

Fall salads often combine heavier, roasted ingredients, versus, say summer salads where light things like corn, cucumbers and tomatoes steal the show. In the fall, you literally have a cornucopia of colors, textures, sweet, savory and earthy all mixed together.

Scroll on to find 3 incredibly tasty and satisfying dressing recipes, and some salad inspo to pour them over.

Orange Pomegranate Dressing

Yield: about 1 cup

Serves 8

Ingredients:

1-5.3 oz container of pomegranate seeds, divided1 clementine or cutie, peeled and seeds removed1/4 cup olive oil3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar2 tablespoons honeySalt and pepper, to taste

 

Instructions:

Remove and reserve 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds.Place remaining seeds and the clementine in a mini blender and process for 10 seconds. Strain in a fine mesh sieve into a measuring cup or Mason jar.Whisk in the oil, vinegar, honey, salt and pepper. Add in the reserved pomegranate seeds and serve.

This dressing pairs well with a fall salad comprised of mixed greens, roasted sweet potato or butternut squash, chopped apples, green onions and pecans with more pomegranates sprinkled on top.

Curried Yogurt Tahini Dressing

Yield: about 1 cup

Serves 8

Ingredients:

1/2 cup fat-free Greek yogurt3 tablespoons tahiniJuice of 2 lemons2 tablespoons Lakanto Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener1 tablespoon olive oil1 tablespoon honey1/2 teaspoon curry powderSalt and pepper, to taste

 

Instructions:
1. Whisk everything together in a medium bowl until smooth.

This dressing lends itself to a roasted vegetable salad made with roasted and curried cauliflower, quinoa, green onions and golden raisins. Alternatively, toss with salad greens and some roasted onions and squash.

Maple Dijon Dressing

Yield: about 2/3 cup

Serves 6

Ingredients:

1/3 cup olive oil3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar2 tablespoons maple syrup1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard1 small green onion, choppedSmall clove of garlic, mincedSalt and pepper, to taste

 

Instructions:

Add everything to a Mason jar and shake vigorously to combine.

This dressing is tangy, yet sweet and goes well with mixed greens, apples, nuts and goat cheese. It’s also an amazing glaze for roasted Brussels sprouts, beets, carrots and squash, tossed with nuts and cranberries.

Get Creative With Your Fall Salad Dressing!

Walk the produce aisle of your local store for veggie options. The big tip-off for seasonal ingredients is to check the section where “cut” veggies have been packaged in containers. Stores like to make things easy and pre-peel, cut and store things like butternut squash cubes, shredded Brussels sprouts, and chopped beets. There are several chopped medleys just waiting to be thrown on a baking sheet and roasted, making fall salad prep super quick and easy.

Remember to balance out your flavors by adding some acid/citrus and savory ingredients in with sweeter items. You don’t want sweet, on sweet, on sweet. A hit of lemon or a tangy cheese works wonders to add depth to salads which contain fruits and sweeter root vegetables.

Comment below which fall salad dressing you want to try first!

Oh, and I have to know – did you try the Olivia Wilde vinaigrette?!

If you’re looking for more fall-inspired recipes, you have to try these Pumpkin Spice Roasted Pumpkin Seeds and these 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Brownies!

I Made A ‘Midnights’ Version of my 100 Ab Challenge!

Omg Taylor Swift’s new album Midnights is hereee!! Have you listened yet?! I heard Spotify crashed when it launched!!

I’m listening right now and every time I think “YES this one is my favorite,” the next song plays and immediately becomes my favorite?! I’ll have to report back on my true fave after I listen allll weekend.

So I wanted to do something to channel my excitement and really celebrate Midnights, because have we EVER anticipated a new album this much? And then it hit me.

Taylor loved the 100 Ab Challenge, so let’s make a Midnights version!!

I died when this happened. 

And if you remember, this isn’t the first time I’ve celebrated one of Taylor’s new albums! A month before 1989 dropped, I was invited to attend a private listening session AT HER HOUSE.

Umm I still can’t believe that really happened when I think about it. But I mean, I have photos to prove it wasn’t a dream, right?!

At the listening session, Taylor told me she had been watching my videos on YouTube for awhile! The feelings I had when she told me that are impossible to describe, but it felt like a dream. I literally felt like I was floating. Taylor had gotten me through some tough times in my life. She had real impact on me, and honestly I can only say that about her and like one other artist (MJ, in case you’re wondering!)

So let’s do the 100 Ab Challenge, but make it Midnights

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30 days, with 100 reps of a new move every day! But Taylor’s gonna motivate us all the way through. Oh and I can confirm that these moves go PERFECTLY to the beat of every song on the album.

So…are you in?!

Let me know in the comments! OH and tell me your favorite song from Midnights so far!