The Well Code

I Tried Acupuncture For the First Time & Here’s What I Learned

My First Visit Proved It Won't Be My Last
May 15, 2016
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Health & Wellness

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I suffer from terrible tension headaches every month.  I also recently had a temporary lower back injury from a workout class gone wrong (I don’t want to talk about it).  But it was the headaches and the back pain, and my new curiosity about natural medicine and wellness, that prompted me to try acupuncture two weeks ago.  

I have obviously seen buzz about acupuncture (especially in the beauty world) and I know some people swear by it.  I read this piece on the basics and then this piece on why you should ditch your derm for acupuncture sure got my attention.  But it was only after talking to a few friends at a recent happy hour that made me consider trying acupuncture myself. My friends shared their experiences of turning to acupuncture to treat their anxiety, back pain and migraines, so I knew it was finally time to try it for myself. Click through the slideshow to find out what I learned as a newbie (and new fan).  Cheers, Kat

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It Doesn't Hurt

It Doesn't Hurt

The needles are nothing like hypodermic needles. They're extremely thin and solid, causing you to feel little to no sensation upon insertion. I felt a very faint and fleeting pinch from only one or two needles during my first acupuncture visit, and the acupuncturist was really helpful in explaining the process. Should any needles cause too much discomfort, they will simply remove the needle.

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VIA BYRDIE
It's Not Invasive

It's Not Invasive

Contrary to what I imagined, and all of the images I've ever seen of acupuncture, it was not invasive. Meaning, I didn't have to take my clothes off. I scheduled an appointment at a local clinic and opted for "community acupuncture" which meant I was in a room with a handful of others. I stretched out on my recliner, put my eye mask on, and was (almost) lulled to sleep by the soothing music overhead.

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VIA HELLO GLOW
It's Tailored To You

It's Tailored To You

I appreciated the private consultation I had before sitting down for my first acupuncture session. I was able to share my current ailments and symptoms that I hoped to address with the acupuncture. I learned that the needles are placed strategically on different pressure points throughout the body, dependent on what healing responses you're hoping to achieve. Since I was interested in helping my back pain and hormonal headaches, I had several needles placed on my feet and some inside my wrists.

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VIA BYRDIE, BY IMAXTREE
It Can Be Affordable

It Can Be Affordable

I had always assumed acupuncture would be something I wouldn't need or even afford if I had wanted to try it. Fortunately, there is a growing movement for affordable acupuncture throughout the country, and many clinics offer a "community" option along with their private sessions. I really appreciated being able to try acupuncture this way as a first-timer, and only paid $30.

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VIA MARIE CLAIRE
It Was Incredibly Relaxing

It Was Incredibly Relaxing

The visit lasted a little over a half hour, and the entire experience was incredibly relaxing and soothing. Sure, the atmosphere was very zen, but I walked out of there feeling more balanced and appreciative that I could turn to an ancient, natural practice to help my body.

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VIA HELLO GLOW

Featured image by Sascha Oda via Byrdie 

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Tips to Staying Motivated with Your Workout Routine

Because We All Need a Little Push Now & Then
May 8, 2016
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Health & Wellness

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I’m one of those people that really does enjoy working out.  I feel great after doing it, and when I’m in the swing of it, I can keep up a consistent routine.  But when I fall out of that routine?  That’s a different story.  Whether that’s traveling to Atlanta for work, going out of town with friends, catching a cold or nursing an injury…these hurdles completely derail me and have me feeling like I’m all the way back at square one.  I know the importance of sweating every day, but I’m guilty of making excuses when stress—and basically just life in general—get in the way. 

Luckily, I have a very active set of friends, all just as obsessed with ClassPass like I am.  We always share our schedules of classes around town that we plan to attend that week, helping that workout motivation whenever it wanes, as well as offering time to catch up as we’re racing through our busy days.  But lately I’ve found it goes even a bit further than sharing schedules, and I’ve included a few of these tricks that have proven to help me recently in the slideshow above. Click on through, but please tell me any other tips you have, too!  Cheers, Kat

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Dress the Part

Dress the Part

There's no denying that new workout gear can get you a little more excited to head to the gym or studio. Find pieces that make you feel good and get you excited about moving.

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BY KATHRYN MCCRARY FOR WAITING ON MARTHA
Lay Out Your Clothes Ahead of Time

Lay Out Your Clothes Ahead of Time

Every time I schedule a morning workout class, I make sure to lay my clothes out the night before. This way, I can't make as many excuses about getting out of bed so early. It takes the guessing out of it when you're still feeling groggy!

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VIA LULULEMON
Prep the Playlist

Prep the Playlist

I don't know many people that can workout without music. Sometimes I'm lazy and rely on a Spotify playlist, but whenever I prep a playlist beforehand, I know I'm in for a treat because all of the tunes are tailored to my current mood. #GameChanger

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VIA CRYSTALIN MARIE, BY CHRISTINE SARGOLOGOS
Get Social With It

Get Social With It

Approaching fitness as a chance to get social helps me a ton. We schedule classes together as friends, using it as a chance to catch up even on a busy day. Having a designated workout buddy for the gym and beyond is great too; you can push each other when that morning alarm sounds!

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VIA LULULEMON
Practice Positive Self Talk

Practice Positive Self Talk

I struggle with negative self talk when it comes to my fitness routine sometimes. I beat myself up for skipping a class, for pressing snooze, for avoiding the bootcamp I know I should probably try.

I'm working on practicing positivity instead; by owning my decisions if I do choose to skip a class, by letting myself sleep if I'm exhausted, and by understanding that my routine is in my control and I am strong enough to push harder than I give myself credit for.

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BY KATHRYN MCCRARY FOR WAITING ON MARTHA
Track Your Progress

Track Your Progress

Tracking progress can remind you how far you've come, and can be uplifting if you ever find yourself struggling to get back at it. I enjoy how much stronger I feel, along with of course the physical signs in the mirror. Consider keeping a traditional log or use easy apps that show your consistent commitment to staying in shape. Progress can mean a new yoga pose you finally nailed, seeing new definition on your arms, a faster pace on your neighborhood run, etc. (or all of the above!).

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VIA PINTEREST VIA LUCY ACTIVEWEAR
Branch Out With Your Workouts

Branch Out With Your Workouts

I've found that I definitely go in phases with workouts that resonate with me. Luckily, I can sample countless studios around town to keep a variety with my routine with ClassPass.

By branching out with workouts, you can find alternative ways to get those endorphins, even if you're not a "runner" or would never find yourself in a spin class.

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VIA THE EVERYGIRL, BY KINA WICKS
Have a "Lazy" Back-Up Plan

Have a "Lazy" Back-Up Plan

On the days you just know it's not happening, have a "lazy" plan in mind. This could mean a 30-minute walk around the neighborhood, an easy dumbbell routine while watching the news, or a few rounds of stairs in your apartment complex. By doing a "lazy" workout, you're still better off than doing nothing.

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VIA CRYSTALIN MARIE, BY CHRISTINE SARGOLOGOS
Stay Hydrated

Stay Hydrated

We all know to drink H2o during a workout, but what about throughout the day, too? I'm always amazed by how staying hydrated affects my motivation to even get to the gym, and how I can feel it during the workout if I haven't had enough water that day. Think pale yellow urine (sorry, had to go there!).

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VIA LULULEMON
Consider Rewards

Consider Rewards

I'm including this one because it works, friends! Consider setting goals and giving yourself rewards like new clothing, fresh flowers (always), or maybe even a vacation after reaching a significant milestone. Personally, I wouldn't want to include food as rewards since it's counterproductive here, but do what works for you.

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VIA LOVELY LIFE

Featured image, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha

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Grilled Peach Salad with Sugar Snap Peas, Candied Pecans, Herbed Goat Cheese & Fig Balsamic

A Delightful, Seasonal Salad to Serve on Mother's Day & All Summer Long
May 5, 2016
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > 30 Minute Meals

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Grilled peach salad recipe by Waiting on Martha Grilled peach salad recipe by Waiting on Martha

When menu planning for a day like Mother’s Day, I often go back and forth about what to serve that’s just as tasty as it is beautiful.  And there’s one thing I know for sure: I’m serving this Grilled Georgia Peach Salad again this year (and all summer long).  While Mama K and I shot our Mother’s Day brunch inspiration with J.McLaughlin, we were the most excited about devouring this salad, along with all the cheese, once the shoot was wrapped! 

Fitting of any Georgia gal, I love pretty much peach-anything, and grilled peaches take that love to a whole new level, let me tell you. There’s something about the way the juicy fruit softens, sweetens and turns golden brown, exploding with the taste of summer in each bite. Grilling the peaches gives the fruit a new dimension to its sweetness, and paired with tangy fig balsamic, bitter arugula, herbed goat cheese, sweet snap peas and candied pecans…it’s just all a little unreal and has me excited about salads again.

And of course you know (or at least if you follow along) how I always talk about texture with my dishes, and this grilled peach salad hits the mark. The tender grilled peaches + fresh pop of snap peas + crunch of the candied pecans makes for one wonderful bite every time.  Tell me, have you fired up the grill this season yet?!  Truly, MKR

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Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

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