The Lanby's Wellness Advisor's Monthly Roundup

Welcome to our latest roundup of Wellness Advisor, Taylor Fazio’s, favorite products, articles, podcasts, books, and recipes. Taylor brings you a curated selection of recs and resources that promote holistic well-being and nourish your body and mind. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the latest and greatest recommendations that she has in store for you this month!

Product: Crown Affair Dry Shampoo

Aerosols are out, this dry shampoo is in. As someone who pushes wash day as long as possible, this is the best dry shampoo that not only works, smells good, but doesn’t require 45 minutes to blend into hair. I love the brush application. 

Article: Why many ultra-processed foods are unhealthy

The article discusses the concept of ultra-processed foods and their effects on health. These foods, which undergo extensive industrial processing and contain additives, are essentially predigested and can alter the body's response to food, leading to appetite disruption, weight gain, and chronic diseases. These foods make up a significant portion of calorie intake in the US. The article also explains the manufacturing technique of extrusion cooking, which breaks down the food and accelerates nutrient absorption, resulting in higher blood sugar levels. Not scare tactics, just the more you know!

Listen: Armchair Expert: Woo-Kyoung Ahn

An absolute must listen to become a better thinker and understand different ways we confirm our own bias, how people speak differently to their out-groups than their in-groups, what the allure of fluency is, and how we are overconfident in thinking we can do or understand tasks (example: most people think they can explain how a toilet works...but can you really?). The most fun part is when Dr. Ahn plays this 2-4-6 Task Game with the hosts. Will blow your mind! 

Book: Biography of X

Admittedly, I get annoyed by simple beach reads, corny dialogue, and overdone plots. This book is  the exact opposite. A masterpiece of literary skill, Biography of X follows a grieving wife seeking to understand the woman she married, an acclaimed and complex artist with a confusing past. The author creates an alternate reality where major historical events went in different directions while touching on cornerstone cultural moments and people. This book is a wild ride. 

Food: Peach Corn Salad

Summer produce is a gift. This salad combines summer stars: peach, corn and arugula. It's delish. 

Ingredients:

• 1 ear of corn
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1 peach sliced
• 4 oz. arugula
• 1/4 cup vegan feta crumbled
• 1 cup lentils*
• Dressing
• 2 tbsp vegan mayo
• 2 tbsp dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup ACV
• Juice of 1/2 lemon 
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped basil

Instructions:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil then drop in corn. Boil for 7 to 8 min, then carefully remove corn from water and set aside to cool. Once cooled enough to handle, chop off corn kernels from the cob.
• Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts by heating a small pan on medium heat. Add pine nuts and toss frequently until lightly golden brown. Depending on how hot your pan is, you may need to wait 30-60 seconds before the nuts begin to toast, but watch them carefully. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool.
• Whisk together all Dressing ingredients in a bowl until creamy and smooth.
• Top arugula with sliced peaches, lentils, corn, vegan feta, toasted pine nuts and about 3/4 of the dressing. Toss and taste for seasoning. Add more salt/pepper/dressing as desired.

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