Hi friends! I have a new podcast episode live and am so excited to have Dr. Liz Lyster on the show today.

167: Menopause, bioidentical hormones, and women’s health with Dr. Liz Lyster

Here’s what we talk about in today’s episode:

– Why is menopause happening earlier and earlier?

– What are some signs that you’re in perimenopause

– Should women with cancer in their family be scared about hormone replacement?

– Her thoughts on bio-identical hormones, including pellet therapy

and so.much.more

Here’s more about Dr. Lyster and her background:

Dr. Liz Lyster is an OB/GYN medical doctor, best-selling author and speaker, and an expert in perimenopause and menopause. In her private practice in the San Francisco Bay area, she helps women and men in midlife and beyond lose weight, have more energy, increase their motivation and drive, and generally feel great.

She graduated from Cornell University, went to medical school at UC Irvine, and got her Masters degree at UCLA in Community Health Education.

Dr. Liz walks her own talk – when she turned 50 a few years ago, she celebrated by climbing to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa.
Dr. Liz has two awesome young adult sons, and enjoys hiking and Argentine tango with her amazing husband.

Connect with her on her website and on Instagram.

Partners:

I’ve been using Nutrisense on and off for a couple of years now. I love being able to see how my blood sugar responds to my diet and habits, and run experiments. You can try out Nutrisense here

We’re headed off on a little adventure, so I figured this was a perfect post topic for today: weird things I bring on vacation.

Hi friends! How are you? I hope you’re enjoying the day so far! We’re living it up in Hawaii 🙂 It felt like a good time for this post topic.

When it comes to vacation packing, we all have our essentials: clothes, toiletries, and maybe a good book. But if you’re like me, your suitcase is also filled with a few unconventional items that make your trip not just enjoyable, but downright fabulous. Today, I’m sharing the weird things I bring on vacation that keep me feeling my best, no matter where I am. 😉

Weird things I bring on vacation

EquiLife Daily Nutritional Support

Travel can throw off your usual diet, so I always pack my EquiLife Daily Nutritional Support. This all-in-one powder ensures I get my essential vitamins and minerals, even when my meals are less nutrient-dense than usual. It’s a comprehensive blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and digestive enzymes. A quick shake in the morning and I’m set for the day. I have this every.single.day and it makes me feel amazing, so there’s no way I’m traveling without it.

EquiLife Daily Nutritional Support is particularly handy when you’re dealing with irregular meal schedules or limited healthy options. It helps me maintain my energy levels and keeps my immune system strong.

Supplements

Speaking of nutrition, I don’t leave home without my daily supplements. From magnesium to omega-3s, vitamin C, and herbal supplements, I have a little pill organizer that travels everywhere with me. Magnesium helps with relaxation and muscle recovery, especially after long days of sightseeing. Omega-3s support brain health and reduce inflammation, while vitamin C boosts the immune system, keeping me resilient against travel-related stress and exposure to new environments.

Herbal supplements tailored to my needs add an extra layer of support, but it’s important to note that what works for me might not work for everyone. This is where functional testing comes into play. By understanding my unique body requirements t

Juicy fresh peaches are matched up with spicy jalapenos, fragrant red onions, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime in this utterly irresistible peach salsa. I guarantee you can’t stop at one bite of this beautiful dip!

Peach Salsa

What can you serve this peach salsa with? I think it’s more of a question of what it doesn’t go with.

I could polish off an entire batch of this by myself with a bag of chips (or even by the spoonful), but that’s not all it’s good for.

Spoon it over Pulled Pork Tacos or Sweet and Tangy Pulled Pork on sliders for some serious wow factor. Serve grilled or air-fried salmon over a bed of peach jalapeno salsa.

Or -and this may sound crazy at first, but stick with me- try it scooped over a little of The Best (and Easiest) Ice Cream You’ll Ever Make for a sweet and savory end to a summer meal.

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Greek Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad

Orzo pasta salad made with all the traditional Greek flavors you love and is a super easy side dish that you can make ahead of time for your next potluck!

Juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, red onions, roasted chickpeas and black olives all coated in a homemade salad dressing made with fresh lemon juice. This pasta salad is so bright and fresh!

We have a traditional Greek pasta salad on the blog, but I’m pretty obsessed with this orzo version. Just like I’m obsessed with our lemon orzo with parmesan and peas! Orzo is just so fun and so versatile!

What is Orzo?

Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that can be traditionally prepared as pasta or cooked and served in much the same way as rice.

Ingredients Needed to Make Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

In most grocery stores, you walk in and you’re in the produce section. So grab a few plastic produce bags and knock off half this list right there:

Chickpeas

• Chickpeas: roasting chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, adds a great crunchy texture to the salad and is high in plant-based protein
• Olive Oil: helps roast the chickpeas
• Cumin: adds flavor
• Smoked Paprika: adds flavor and smokiness
• Salt: adds flavor

Dressing

• Olive Oil: the base of the dressing, extra virgin olive oil is preferred
• Garlic: adds flavor
• Red Wine Vinegar: adds acid and tanginess to the dressing
• Lemon Zest and Juice: adds freshness, acidity and flavor
• Dijon Mustard: adds zesty flavor and acts as an emulsifier for the oil and vinegar
• Oregano: fresh is highly recommended but if you want to use dried oregano, go with 1 teaspoon
• Dill: fresh dill is best, but if you must use dried, go with 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt and Black Pepper: adds flavor and enhances all the ingredients

Salad

• Red Onion: adds flavor and crunchy texture
• Red Wine Vinegar: helps pickle the onions
• Orzo: You’ll find orzo right next to all your other pastas, and remember that you’re looking for a pasta that looks like rice.
• Olive Oil: helps toast the orzo and sauté the garlic
• Garlic: adds flavor
• Chicken Broth: cooks the orzo
• Lemon Zest and Juice: adds freshness and flavor
• Cracked Pepper: adds a little heat
• Salt: adds flavor
• Feta: I like to buy a block of feta and then crumble it up myself.
• Grape Tomatoes: sliced in half
• Sun Dried Tomatoes: drained from their oil and roughly chopped
• Spinach: fresh and roughly chopped
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Sharing my thoughts on rebounding and why it’s a fun addition to my wellness routine.

Hi friends! Hope you’re having a lovely morning! We’re headed to Hawaii for a bit! I’ll share more of the fun in upcoming posts and you can always find me on IG stories.

Today, I wanted to chat about rebounding since quite a few friends have asked me about it.

Rebounding is one of my absolute favorite ways to stay active and have fun while working out. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a treat. Today, I wanted to chat about rebounding, explore its potential benefits, and share some ways to incorporate it into your routine.

(My rebounder is here!)

Why I love rebounding

What is Rebounding?

Rebounding involves bouncing on a mini-trampoline, also known as a rebounder. It’s a low-impact exercise that can be done at home or in a fitness class. The up-and-down motion of bouncing is not only fun but also effective in working out various muscle groups, improving balance, and boosting cardiovascular health.

Rebounding can be traced back to NASA, where astronauts used it to regain bone density and muscle mass after returning from space. The unique gravitational force experienced during rebounding is said to be 68% more effective than jogging, making it an efficient workout option. Plus, it’s accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.

Potential Benefits of Rebounding

Cardiovascular Health:

Rebounding gets your heart rate up, which helps improve cardiovascular health. This aerobic exercise strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and helps lower blood pressure. Regular rebounding sessions can enhance overall cardiovascular endurance, making everyday activities easier and more enjoyable.

Lymphatic System Support:

The bouncing motion stimulates lymphatic flow, aiding in detoxification and immune function. Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump. Rebounding helps move lymphatic fluid through your body, flushing out toxins and waste products, which can boost your immune response and overall health.

Low-Impact Exercise:

It’s gentle on the joints, making it a great option for those with joint concerns or recovering from injuries. The trampoline mat absorbs much of the impact, reducing stress on the knees, hips, and spine. This makes it a safe and effective exercise for individuals with arthritis or those recovering from surgery.

Improved Balance and Coordination:

Regular rebounding helps enhance balance and coordination. The unstable surface of the rebounder challenges your body to maintain stability, improving proprioception and neuromuscular coordination. This can help prevent falls and imp