Think fast

Welcome back to Wellworthy. This week, we’re covering:

• How Cure Hydration’s CEO Lauren Picasso balances work, training, and recovery

• The strongest predictor of happiness and how to train your brain

• New drops from Bloom Nutrition, On, MILLER RUNNING, and more

— Let’s go
Ash Read, co-founder, Wellworthy

Health Stack: Lauren Picasso

Each week, we tap our network of health and fitness experts to offer personal insights and recommendations.

This week: Lauren Picasso, CEO and founder of Cure Hydration. Lauren’s day begins with meditation and walking her dog around Brooklyn's McCarren Park before diving into deep work. 

Afternoons are reserved for meetings, and evenings are a mix of cardio, strength, and stretching, followed by dinner with her husband and reading before bed.

Currently recovering from a torn plantar plate ligament, Lauren is back to running three miles, aiming to complete a triathlon by year’s end.

Here’s Lauren to share her Health Stack: 

• Apple Watch: “I use my Apple Watch to track daily movement, workouts, and overall health metrics.”

• Calm App: “I start each morning with a short meditation on the Calm app, which helps me feel grounded and ready for the day.”

• Peloton: “Whether it’s a quick 20-minute ride or a longer endurance session, Peloton makes it easy to get in a great workout at home.”

• Cure Hydration: “I drink Cure every afternoon to keep me hydrated ahead of my workout. It helps replenish electrolytes without added sugar, keeping me energized and feeling my best.”

• Orangetheory: “I love the structured, high-intensity workouts at Orangetheory.”

• Hyperice Hypervolt: “I use this massage gun after workouts to reduce soreness and improve muscle recovery.”

• NYT Cooking: “I use the NYT Cooking App for easy, healthy recipe ideas.”

On Our Radar 

Interesting stories we spotted this week → 

Connection > achievement. More than wealth or status, a century of research shows social ties are the strongest predictor of long-term happiness. "95 percent of what makes people happier works because it fosters connection,” said researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky. 

Train your brain. A meta analysis of 37 studies revealed the optimal exercise types for brain health. Resistance training had the strongest impact on cognition and impulse control. Aerobic workouts were most effective for improving memory. And activities like Tai Chi delivered the greatest benefits for working memory and multitasking.

Plastics & heart disease. A new study linked a chemical found in PVC, vinyl flooring, and food packaging to 356,000 cardiovascular deaths worldwide. The researchers estimate that plastic-related chemicals are responsible for 10.4 million years of life lost annually. Reducing contact with harmful phthalates like DEHP, including avoiding heated plastic containers, could meaningfully lower cardiovascular risk.

Grip strength = longevity. Research shows grip strength — how forcefully you can squeeze — reflects total-body strength and predicts earlier mortality risk. As it declines with age (starting in your 40s), training with pull-ups, hangs, and heavy carries can slow the drop and boost overall health.

No, creatine doesn’t cause hair loss. The first study directly examining hair follicles after creatine supplementation found no evidence linking the supplement to balding. A 12-week randomized trial comparing men taking 5g daily creatine versus placebo showed no differences in DHT levels, hormone ratios, or any hair growth markers between groups.

Just Dropped: Next gen AG1

AG1 reformulated its flagship greens for the first time since 2016, launching AG1 Next Gen with enhanced vitamins, minerals, and probiotics backed by four human clinical trials. The company is also committing $20 million to R&D with no price increase. Get your greens here.

More drops perfect for:

• Women's wellness. Bloom Nutrition partnered with hormone expert Lacey Dunn to launch its Hormone Health Collection, featuring the Detox formula for liver function and the Balance formula for PMS relief and menstrual health. Shop here.

• City running. MILER RUNNING's Spring 2025 Collection draws inspiration from NYC architecture with Bluestone and Limestone colorways. The line features shorts, tees, and singlets crafted from Swiss-sourced Coolmax® mesh for superior breathability. Drops today on MILLER’s website.

• Metabolic insights. Oura introduced AI-powered Meals and Glucose features that allow users to snap food photos for instant nutrition breakdowns and track glucose levels through an integration with Stelo by Dexcom's wearable biosensor. Get the details here.

• Morning protein. Legion entered the functional breakfast space with Protein Cereal, packing 17g of milk concentrate protein and just 8g net carbs into a 170-calorie serving. The grain-free, gluten-free puffs come in Cinnamon, Fruity, and Chocolate Crunch flavors. Shop here.

• Nutrition tracking. Alma's latest update lets you monitor specific micronutrients like fiber, iron, and added sugars, or choose from targeted bundles such as Bone Health, Immune System, and Heart Health — identifying which nutrients support your specific goals. Use code ALMAWORTHY for a 6-month FREE trial. Download now.

• Natural relief. Wonderbelly launched a dye-free, Non-GMO Project Verified alternative to Pepto-Bismol at Walmart stores nationwide. Their Multi-Symptom Relief chewable tablets combat upset stomach in three flavors while skipping artificial dyes, sweeteners, talc, and titanium dioxide. Find it in the medicine aisle.

• Street style. On partnered with Los Angeles streetwear brand PLEASURES and Austin-based running collective The Loop for a limited-edition capsule. The collaboration includes reimagined Cloudmonster sneakers and Pace apparel, fusing technical performance with bold aesthetics. Available online and at select retailers, with community events in London, Austin, and Los Angeles. Discover the collection.

• Full-body workouts. Copenhagen-born fitness concept Nordic Strong is making its U.S. debut with a summer pop-up in the Hamptons' Sag Harbor, followed by a permanent flagship studio opening in New York City's Flatiron District this fall. Learn more here.

• Digital detox. Kip opened up pre-orders for its disconnect tag, a physical tool that blocks distracting apps when tapped and placed out of reach, helping users regain control of their screen time and mental space. Pre-order now.

Today’s newsletter was brought to you by Joe Niehaus and Ash Read.

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