Issuu

Health and Wellness JA N UA RY 2 02 6

WE’RE MOVING! YOU’RE SAVING! Clearing the Vault for Our New Chapter! Before we settle into our beautiful new store, we’re holding a spectacular moving sale. Take advantage of our need for space with Storewide Savings up to 70% OFF! It’s the perfect chance to treat yourself or find that special gift. Come celebrate our transition with exceptional value.

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1Offer not available in all areas. Discount applied by retailer representative at time of contract execution and applies to purchase of 6 or more windows and/or doors. Cannot be combined with other offers. Buy one window or door, get the second window or door of equal or lesser value 40% off. Discount applied to lowest-priced window and/or door products in purchase. To qualify for discount offer, initial contact for a free Window and Door Diagnosis must be made and documented on or before 1/31/2026, with the appointment then occurring no more than 10 days after the initial contact. Subject to credit approval. 18-month Promo Period when no payments are due and interest accrues but is waived if balance is paid in full before Promo Period expires. Any unpaid balance owed after Promo Period plus accrued interest will be paid in installments based on terms disclosed in the financing agreement. Financing is provided by various financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. All loans are unsecured personal loans subject to credit review and approval by the lender. Renewal by Andersen retailers do not assist with, counsel or negotiate financing, other than providing customers an introduction to lenders interested in financing. This Renewal by Andersen location is independently owned and operated. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2026 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Here's to a great 2026! As 2026 approaches, the world stands on the threshold of a fresh chapter—one filled with possibility, renewal, and motivation to create meaningful change. A new year always inspires reflection, but the transition into 2026 feels especially significant as people continue to adapt, grow, and redefine what matters most in their lives. It’s a moment to look back on the challenges overcome, the lessons learned, and the progress made, while also embracing the clean slate that a new calendar year offers. Looking forward to 2026 invites us to set new intentions with clarity and purpose. Whether focusing on personal growth, career ambitions, health improvements, or deeper connections with others, the new year serves as a powerful reminder that growth is always possible. It is a time to re-evaluate routines, realign priorities, and imagine how life could look with greater balance, joy, and resilience. The spirit of renewal encourages individuals and communities alike to dream bigger, act bravely, and build habits that support long-term fulfillment. Beyond personal goals, 2026 holds the promise of technological innovation, evolving opportunities, and continued global collaboration. People are increasingly motivated to approach the year with optimism, seeking ways to contribute positively to their environments—whether through sustainability efforts, community involvement, or simply spreading kindness in everyday interactions. Ultimately, the arrival of 2026 is more than just the turning of a page; it is an invitation to start fresh with hope and determination. As the new year dawns, many will find inspiration in its blank spaces, ready to write a story that reflects their aspirations, values, and dreams. With renewed commitment and an open heart, 2026 offers the chance to build a brighter, more intentional future. Best wishes for a wonderful 2026!

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Rich Ringrose | rich.ringrose@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Richard Lakin | richard.lakin@citylifestyle.com AC C O U N T M AN AG E R

Jackson Ringrose | jackson.ringrose@citylifestyle.com STAF F W R I T E R S

Jill Robbins, Regan Bervar, Rudy Carrillo STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Autumn Oglesby CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rudy Carrillo, Jill Robbins, Regan Bervar, Richard Lakin C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Autumn Oglesby, Oscar Ortiz, Hilton Los Cabos, Los Cabos Tourism, NEST Baja, Pueblo Bonito

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

RICH RINGROSE, PUBLISHER @ABQCITYLIFESTYLE

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Albuquerque City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Albuquerque area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Albuquerque City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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Th e C o l l e c t i ve S a n t a Fe. c o m

inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

28 38

Featured

16 20 28 38 8

Althera Alternative Care A holistic approach to primary care

20 On the Cover

Departments

Flying south for the winter to Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Lifestyle Letter

Expert Help HEALTH + WELLNESS

Must See HEALTH + WELLNESS

Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS

Travel Journal HEALTH + WELLNESS

Get Active HEALTH + WELLNESS

Education Corner HEALTH + WELLNESS

Eat Right FOOD + BEVERAGE

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Mental Wellbeing HEALTH + WELLNESS

Chef ’s Selection FOOD + BEVERAGE

Happy Hour FOOD + BEVERAGE

Crown Studios Dentistry goes digital

Baja California Sur Fly south for the winter

Running the High Desert

Albuquerque Community Built a Training Destination

Photography: Los Cabos Tourism

UPSCALE EXPERIENCE. MESMERIZING VIEWS.

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HE A LT H C A R E IN NE W ME X IC O AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. NATHANIEL ROYBAL

ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUTUMN OGLESBY

Albuquerque City Lifestyle recently talked to Dr. Nathaniel Roybal, a prominent local ophthalmologist/ retina surgeon, about his efforts to bring more healthcare workers to New Mexico. He is very involved with various professional and citizen groups that are working to bring more medical professionals to the state through legislative changes that would encourage doctors, nurses, and medical technicians to move to New Mexico. He feels that litigation without settlement caps discourages a lot of doctors and medical facilities from providing services in the state. CONTINUED >

EXP E RT H E LP | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A L BUQ UE R Q UE

He tells us, “I'm a physician in New Mexico, born and raised in New Mexico, and I'm on a mission to make the lives better for our fellow New Mexicans, and in order to do that we really have to reset our vision for healthcare here in the state and so myself and some great New Mexicans have been really working to organize New Mexican physicians and citizens who want to advocate for healthcare.” He proposes that our state could attract world-class physicians despite only having a few large metropolitan areas. Dr. Roybal says, “If you think about places like Rochester, MN, home to the Mayo Clinic and a town of only 121,000 people, or you think about Iowa City, home to hospitals that have multiple top ten rated programs within the country and a population of only about 77,000 people. The reason I bring up these two cities and these hospitals is that these are world-recognized hospitals and they're in small rural areas, and so the idea that New Mexico is mostly rural and therefore cannot have outstanding health care, that's something that needs to be challenged.” Dr. Roybal sees legislative changes as a means to bring more medical professionals to our state. “The first step is to take some legislative action to make New Mexico a safe place to practice medicine, and once we can do that... once we can build that medical community...we will change the lives of New Mexicans and give a foundation for amazing economic development, not just for our big cities but for our smaller towns as well. I look at this as something

EXP E RT H E LP | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

that is just fundamental to the future of New Mexico. If we're going to make the lives better for our fellow New Mexicans, make them healthier, make them more prosperous, we need to address healthcare.” He sees the possibility of an economic boom from such legislation. “When you think about health care in this country, it's a $4.9 trillion industry, and New Mexico would be really well served by taking advantage of emerging opportunities. That goes on the healthcare side...doctors and hospitals and making this a healthcare destination, but also working to lead in the areas of healthcare manufacturing...but it all starts with building a community of medicine here in New Mexico.” “I think the question is really pretty simple, and that's...Why not a world-class healthcare system here in our hometown? I believe that every New Mexican deserves access to a doctor, and I believe that New Mexico can be a leader in healthcare.” Dr. Roybal can be reached at Retina Consultants of New Mexico. 505-847-7000

“I have been a patient of Academy Dental Care for 8 years. The team is incredibly kind, welcoming, and genuinely dedicated to ensuring patient satisfaction. I am grateful to have found such an exceptional dental office I can trust.” - Allie M.

Actual Patient Allie Thompson Moore Thompson Construction

505.828.2020 | AcademyDentalCareNM.com 6425 Holly Ave NE, Albuquerque,

ALTHERA Alternative Care A holistic approach to primary care

Todd LeCesne, MPAS, MBA, PA-C

ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ALTHERA ALTERNATIVE CARE

Althera Alternative Care is a membership-based primary care clinic that features services not typically offered at standard primary care medical practices. Operated by Todd and Raquel LeCesne, the clinic focuses on lifestyle change, herbal remedies, and nutraceuticals. Todd tells us, “We are really endeavoring to redefine primary care. We're providing a level of diagnostic assessment that is well beyond what others in primary care are doing. I was trained at the University of Utah, and some of the analysis procedures that I learned there in 1996 are still being used in 2026. In many cases, Western Medicine has been slow to implement newer diagnostics.”

M UST SE E | HEALTH + W ELLN E SS

Morpheus-8 from InBody. A microneedle device that delivers radiofrequency current beneath the skin

Raquel LeCesne

Todd says, “One of the things that I've done at my clinic is to really try to distinguish us in the market by offering a bevy of diagnostic tests and services that you can't get at your regular primary care doctor's office. We are very much founded and rooted in the concept of salutogenesis, which is the science that keeps us well, as opposed to reacting to the problem and trying to put a Band-Aid on it once it shows up. That is the pathogenic model of care.” CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A L BUQ UE R Q UE

“One of the things that I’ve done at my clinic is to really try to distinguish us in the market by offering a bevy of diagnostic tests and services that you can’t get at your regular primary care doctor’s office...” — TODD LECESNE

Todd has been practicing medicine in Albuquerque for 30 years. He taught medical students at UNM and has also worked in urgent care facilities and emergency rooms. His wife, Raquel, directs operations at the clinic. Todd tells us, “I met her at the university where she was a vice president of the UNM foundation board, so she did policy and governance for the foundation. After leaving the foundation, she was the general manager of a wealth management firm out of Beverly Hills, California. She was basically the general manager for a group that did wealth management for pro-athletes and entertainers. She decided that instead of providing all of the operational expertise for that system, she should focus her light and her attention on our clinic. Now she's directing operations here full-time and really trying to provide some view of scale and growth for us and really reining in some of our supply chain issues. She’s also managing our marketing and our social media approach, as well as AI technology. I'm really grateful to have her knowledge and expertise.” Althera Alternative Care gets a lot of excellent Google reviews. They have gone to great lengths to create a warm and relaxing environment for medical care, eliminating what is commonly known as “white coat syndrome,” i.e., hypertension where blood pressure is higher than normal due to anxiety in a medical setting.

M UST SE E | HEALTH + W ELLN E SS

Todd characterizes the clinic as having an ambience similar to an Apple store. Todd’s approach to patients is getting to know their concerns and goals. He tells us, “We are not bound by the limitations of the volume-based system that is regular Western medical care. Instead, we practice a value-based system where we're not necessarily beholden to seeing a patient in a 15-minute slot, but we can actually take as much time as needed to really dig deep and analyze all of these tools and come up with a well-defined treatment plan or program that is in alignment with whatever the patient’s goals and aspirations are. It takes some time to talk with the patient...what are you trying to accomplish here and what can we do to help move you in that direction?” The clinic’s methodology is creating a healthy lifestyle for the patient. As Todd tells us, “We use alternative treatment and therapeutics...something different than the current toolbox of therapies. Those are the kind of things that sometimes don't take place in the doctor's office. Is the patient eating right and exercising, and getting outside in the sunlight, as well as having self-help, healthy social relationships, and some spirituality? A holistic approach.” Althera Alternative Care is at 1100 San Mateo Boulevard NE, Building 4. Their phone number is 505.322.2411. Their website is https://altheraclinic.com/.

Redefining Primary Care With over 30 years of experience, Todd LeCesne, MBA, PA-C, leads Althera Alternative Care, a direct primary care practice transforming wellness. Beyond standard primary care—prescriptions, imaging, and referrals—patients receive the most comprehensive baseline evaluation: functional exams for strength, balance, flexibility and body composition. Physiologic assessments including VO₂, metabolic rate and 100+ blood and biomarker assessments. The data is feverishly reviewed and AI-informed resulting in personalized longevity plans rooted in salutogenesis, the science of what keeps us well. Regenerative therapies once reserved for elite athletes—peptides, stem cells, and biologic joint injections—are paired with hormone and testosterone optimization, IV infusions, non-surgical liposuction, skin tightening, scar revision, and sexual wellness treatments to guide individuals toward the goals they aspire to achieve.

DIRECT PRIMARY CARE | INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE | ADVANCED WELLNESS

Personalized performance and vitality— for everyone, not just athletes.

Todd LeCesne, MBA, PA-C 1100 San Mateo NE, Building 4 Albuquerque, NM 87110 505-322-2411 | www.altheraclinic.com

CROWN

Studios

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

DENTISTRY GOES DIGITAL

Patrick and wife Carissa

ARTICLE BY RUDY CARRILLO

Dr. Patrick McQuitty is a dentist. He specializes in crowns and veneers. Using a radical new approach that involves precise specialization and digital imaging, he is able to serve a wide client base in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. His approach is different, fresh, and patient-centered. Those facts have contributed to the success of Dr. McQuitty and his clinics, named Crown Studios. Above and beyond all of this, McQuitty is personable, with a manner that is clear and focused. He is centered on serving the needs of his patients, the people of this city, as well as those who live up north in our capital city. Albuquerque City Lifestyle Magazine interviewed the good doctor to find out more about his stunning success with his dental clinics, as well as his plans to change and improve the way dentistry is performed, both here and nationwide. Here's a quick glimpse into the man behind Crown Studios. ALBUQUERQUE CITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE: PATRICK, WHAT’S YOUR STORY? WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND CROWN STUDIOS? Dr. Patrick McQuitty: Well, I’ve been a dentist since 2003. They teach you in school to do everything, all kinds of dentistry, from extractions to root canals. You can also train in several specialties, like oral surgery and periodontics. So, when I first got out, I was doing everything. However, in 2007, I became involved in a form of digital dentistry called CEREC. COULD YOU PLEASE TELL OUR READERS ABOUT CEREC? CEREC digital dentistry is a system that uses computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing to create dental restorations like crowns, veneers, and bridges in a single visit. The process involves a dentist using an intraoral camera to take a digital scan of the teeth, which is then used to design the restoration on a computer. The design is sent to a milling unit that carves the restoration from a ceramic block. When we used to make dental crowns, we had to make an impression of the tooth, provide the patient with a temporary crown, which is a very invasive procedure. The results are sent to a lab, and a couple of weeks later, the patient gets a crown. In addition, there’s a lab bill involved, and CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A L BUQ UE R Q UE

Milling machines

sometimes the crown works, sometimes it doesn’t. But technology started changing that game. Instead of the physical impressions, now we can take a digital scan of the tooth to be repaired and restored. HOW DID DIGITAL DENTISTRY CHANGE THINGS FOR YOUR PRACTICE? I was intrigued. But I was still doing everything else at the practice; root canals, extractions, everything I could. But I purchased a digital scanner and also a milling machine. We had these small computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing machines that could mill out a porcelain crown. As the technology improved over the years, the quality of the crowns vastly improved. This all started me thinking about whether I was doing the best I could for my patients. Long story short, I decided to eliminate other procedures from my practice to focus on digital crowns. I started taking courses on digital dentistry, and I became really, really good at that. THAT EDUCATION, THAT REVELATION, LED TO YOU FOUNDING CROWN STUDIOS, RIGHT? Yes. During this process, I noted that dental prices were going up. A lot of my patients complained that they couldn’t afford the various dental procedures being offered, and rightfully so, dentistry is expensive. They’d tell me they were going to go to places like Mexico to get their dental work done. I understood that, but I also knew that there had to be a better way. I wondered if there was any way that I could do what I love, which is making excellent dental crowns and veneers, for a lower price. First, I asked myself, what would I want, as a patient? WHAT DID YOU COME UP WITH? I wouldn’t want physical impressions. I would want as fast and simple a service as possible. And I would want the lowest cost and

the highest quality. I would want a happy dentist and dental office. That’s what I would want, and that’s what we offer our clients. I sat there, and I dreamed up what a high-production, high-tech office would look like, what it was capable of doing. After about four years, I realized that we could make the dream a reality. As I continued to look at this model, in order to make it the best possible for our patients, I realized we had to focus on crowns and veneers and eliminate the rest of the practice. WHAT ELSE DID YOU DO TO CREATE CROWN STUDIOS? We decided to eliminate dental insurance from our Albuquerque practice. We were also saving money by eliminating other services, and so, combined with the digital technology, we were able to significantly reduce prices for a crown and for veneers, and we were able to buy eight of the scanners and milling devices for the practice. Because of this, we were able to lower the cost of a dental crown from $2000 per tooth to as low as $599 per tooth. That low price is still about what your co-pay would be if you used dental insurance! WHAT KIND OF RESULTS HAVE YOU SEEN WITH THIS NEW DENTAL SERVICE MODEL? It’s been astounding. We didn’t even have to advertise at first, although we are now getting into that framework as well. We are excellent, elite at what we do, and we refer our patients out for their cleanings and other necessary dental procedures. The benefit there is that all these other [dental] practices in Albuquerque are gaining patients. It’s a win-win for everyone involved. What I’m finding is that if you pull dentistry apart, you become really good at one thing, the prices get reduced, and most importantly, the patient gets the best care possible. We are endeavoring to bring excellent dentistry to more people. CONTINUED >

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

Dental scanner

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A L BUQ UE R Q UE

HOW DO OUR READERS GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR PRACTICE IN ORDER TO START SAVING MONEY TO BEGIN GETTING EXCELLENT DENTAL SERVICES HERE IN ALBUQUERQUE? It’s as easy as calling our office at 505.588.7000 or emailing us at hello@dentalcrowns599.com to make an appointment. You can also find us on the web to learn more about what we do. Crown Studios is at 5400 Central Ave, NE, Unit 101C, A lbuquerque.

Dr.

“What I’m finding is that if you pull dentistry apart, you become really good at one thing, the prices get reduced, and most importantly, the patient gets the best care possible. We are endeavoring to bring excellent dentistry to more people.”

McQuitt y Patrick

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H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

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BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR Pueblo Bonito Pacifico

Fly south for the winter

ARTICLE BY JILL ROBBINS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY OSCAR ORTIZ, HILTON LOS CABOS, LOS CABOS TOURISM, NEST BAJA, PUEBLO BONITO

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | HEA LT H + WE LLN E SS

If you’re craving a winter escape that blends wellness with eco-adventure, Baja California Sur Mexico is calling - and the time to answer is now.

“If you’re craving a winter escape that blends wellness with eco-adventure,

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Baja California Sur, Mexico is calling - and the time to answer is now.” Set at the meeting point of the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez, Los Cabos offers peak whale-watching and a variety of other wellness options. You’ll see whales in Cabo mid-December through mid-April, but prime time viewing happens in January and February. The San Jose del Cabo airport is an easy hop from Albuquerque. Both American and Southwest offer convenient Phoenix connections with minimal time zone shift.

WHERE TO SEE WHALES

Wellness isn’t just spa robes and beach yoga. Sometimes it looks like a 40-ton humpback erupting from the deep in a shimmering spray. The moment a whale breaks the surface in an explosion of sparkling salt water is pure, breathtaking zen, the kind that makes the noise of everyday life fall away, even if just for a heartbeat. The water off the coast is deep, allowing whales to get close to beachfront resorts with spaces designed for optimal gazing.

PUEBLO BONITA RESORTS

Located within Quivira Los Cabos, Pueblo Bonita Pacifica and Pueblo Bonita Sunset Beach offer a plethora of whale-watching options. Pacifica, an all-inclusive ocean-facing resort for adults, has luxury tower suites with butler service and access to the exclusive Whale Watching Lounge that lives up to its name, with a sweeping terrace for breakfast or sunset cocktails. Guests can also spot whales from the golf course, beachfront cabanas, or during beach yoga sessions.

At the heart of our family-owned business lies a passion for transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary retreats. We create luxurious bathrooms that blend comfort, style, and functionality. Every detail is thoughtfully designed and built with care — because when it comes to your home, only the best will do.

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CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A L BUQ UE R Q UE

Fancy an up-close view? Pueblo Bonita can arrange for a variety of eco tours with Cabo Adventures, including luxury whale watching on board a catamaran, complete with champagne and appetizers.

HILTON LOS CABOS

The resort’s design is conducive to whale watching. Guests have stellar ocean views from multiple spots on the property, including the infinity pool and adjacent beach. The property sits on one of Los Cabos’ rare cove-protected beaches, where typically aggressive waves may be a bit gentler. You may even find a ropedoff area safe for ocean swimming, a rarity in this area. The patio at Talavera, the onsite restaurant where the epic daily breakfast buffet is laid out, and guest room balconies are also top whale-peeping spots. Tip: Book one of Hilton Los Cabos’ AltaMar suites. Among the many amenities are spacious ocean view balconies and priority poolside seating.

OTHER LOS CABOS WELLNESS OPTIONS

From golf and yoga with dramatic ocean views to off-the-grid desert escapes, Los Cabos has almost endless options for nurturing the body and spirit.

QUIVIRA GOLF CLUB

The jaw-dropping panoramic views of this Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course are so intense that it might be difficult to concentrate on your swing. The course is considered challenging yet playable for all skill levels and if you don’t have a stellar golf day, chances are you’re probably not going to mind. The views are that dreamy.

WELLNESS DAYS AT HILTON LOS CABOS

Available on select Saturdays, this newly-launched range of immersive, longevity-focused offerings includes breathwork, energy cleanses, and cold therapy ice baths. For something truly different, experience Full Moon Floating Sound Healing, a guided meditation session held by moonlight.

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | HEA LT H + WE LLN E SS

“...Los Cabos has almost endless options for nurturing the body and spirit.”

NEST BAJA BY NAMRON HOSPITALITY

Located on Cabo's serene eastern cape, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Mexican desert, this is an off-the-grid retreat composed of 14 low-impact design private villas. The onsite spa offers everything from sacred herbal treatments to energy rituals and ocean-facing yoga. The rooms are a blend of modern minimal, rustic, and luxe - the result is completely swoonworthy.

MEZCAL-THEMED SPA TREATMENTS? ¡SÍ!

Agave spirits go beyond the bar at the Armonia Spa at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort with a brand-new, exclusive experience. • The Armonía y Mezcal Ritual combines gentle rebozo stretches (a traditional technique using a woven scarf) with smooth, rhythmic massage strokes enhanced by artisanal mezcal oil. • The intentional movements help ease muscle tension, boost circulation, and realign energy.

LAST-MINUTE BOOKINGS

Expect to pay premium rates in January and February, when people book months in advance to stay during whale watching season. Flexibility on dates and booking directly with the resort may increase your chances of getting the room you want. In addition to Sunset Beach and Pacifica, Pueblo Bonito also has two properties near livelier downtown Cabo San Lucas, as well as luxury villas, Montecristo Estates, in Quivira.

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CONTINUED >

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RU N N I NG T H E HIGH DESERT ARTICLE BY REGAN BERVAR | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE RUN CLUBS

G E T ACT IV E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

THE ALBUQUERQUE COMMUNITY HAS BUILT A TRAINING DESTINATION

Native Women Run

As the first light spills across the mountains, washing the Sandias in their signature pink glow, Albuquerque awakens with a quiet rhythm all its own. With its mix of rugged trails, dusty desert paths, and altitude-rich training grounds, the city is fast earning a reputation as one of the nation’s most dynamic running hubs. Here, terrain and elevation converge, and so do people. Elite athletes and everyday runners share the same sunlit miles, building a community rooted in high-desert spirit. With trails woven through downtown Albuquerque and stretching from foothill to summit across the Sandias, chances are you’ll spot Kyle Stepp out running. Stepp, an elite para-triathlete, found his way back to Albuquerque in 2019 after spending two years moving through 16 different states. No matter where he went, something kept pulling him home to New Mexico. It wasn’t until he returned that he realized what he was searching for: community. Stepp races for Team USA and is now ranked seventh in the world in the triathlon category. Because of the community in Albuquerque, where everyday runners and elite athletes are intertwined, he started being exposed to the culture, and other athletes who soon became friends like Josh Kerr and Alicja Konieczek. “I absolutely just love living here because I found a community,” Stepp said. “In the matter of a year and a half, we went from one run club in the city to seven. The unique thing about Albuquerque is that each of them has a very unique identity that really resembles the diversity of the city. Whether you're a runner from a marginalized group, you're a beginning runner, you're an elite runner, you're a Masters runner, or you're just a weekend warrior, you can find one of these groups." CONTINUED >

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Some of the run clubs local to Albuquerque that Stepp likes to train with include Dukes Track Club, Vivo Collective, Rosie’s Run Club SW, Native Women’s Run, and Albuquerque Run Club Collective. Whether you’re looking to find a community to make new friends or trying to train at the elite level, Stepp promises that you will find something here. It’s the community that drew Stepp back to New Mexico, and the community that keeps him here and inspires him every day to continue training. “I feel so lucky that no matter what training session I have, I could have a group of friends to go do it with,” Stepp said of the many running clubs now present in Albuquerque. “I get to fall in love with the process of chasing the highest level of sport, and I'm so grounded in community because of the people here; there's not a day that goes by that I don't actually get excited to train.” With 19 different native pueblo communities surrounding Albuquerque, all of their unique identities are woven together to give it its own unique sense of self. With the blending of native and Hispanic cultures, Stepp says that the diversity is embraced in its own modest way. “New Mexico is very humble,” Stepp said. “And New Mexico really sucks at selling itself, because New Mexico doesn't like to talk about how good it is here. But there's something beautiful about this land; if you embrace it, it embraces you. This place does not care if you are on Team USA or you're a world champion; it cares if you're a good person.” Aside from its local culture, the climate and landscape of Albuquerque aren’t too bad for running either. With over 300 days of sunshine and altitude levels that can reach above 7,000 feet, it’s the perfect place for training of any kind. With magical mornings, mild winters, and temperate days, the New Mexico climate is very welcoming and quite easy on the eyes. “The land here is breathtaking, and the diversity of the land, whether it is from the summit of the Sandia Mountains to the foothills,” Stepp said. “All these connected paths are great for running and biking, even down to experiencing our urban forest.” With its world-class community of elite athletes and everyday local runners, Albuquerque is on par with other training cities across the country. What sets it apart isn’t just the altitude, sunny days, or accessible trails, but the community that is formed by the unique identity that the high desert landscape brings with it. “My thing is, it's an invitation for anyone to come experience how great it is here,” Stepp said. “My hope is, if you do come here, you're welcome to build, you're welcome to co-create alongside us, and this is a place you can do that.” CONTINUED >

G E T ACT IV E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

Kyle Stepp

Run Club ABQ

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U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H E “WHY” BEHIND WELLNESS ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES AND PROVIDED

The New Frontier of Health AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. KYLE GILLETT

Why do so many people feel exhausted, foggy, or unwell, even when their medical tests insist everything is “fine”? Why are we prescribed quick fixes instead of being given real answers? Across modern medicine, a shift is happening. More patients are demanding real explanations, and more clinicians are rethinking what “healthcare” should actually mean. Leading that shift is Dr. Kyle Gillett, a dual board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine and an expert in metabolic, hormonal, and preventive health. Through his clinic, research, and The Gillett Health Podcast, he’s become a trusted voice for people seeking science-based, root-cause solutions rather than symptom-based band-aids. “Functional medicine is really ‘root cause medicine,’” Dr. Gillett often says. “It’s about asking why the problem exists and not just quieting the noise.” In this Q&A, Dr. Gillett breaks down the most common questions he hears from patients and offers simple, actionable guidance anyone can begin using today.

1. “WHY DO I FEEL AWFUL EVEN THOUGH MY LABS ARE ‘NORMAL’?”

Dr. Gillett: I like to say, “There is no such thing as ‘we’ve done everything.’” We can always dig deeper. Often, the labs ordered are the wrong type of assay, or important markers like ferritin or SHBG—which binds testosterone and estrogen—are completely missed. Beyond lab work, there are other factors: mitochondrial health, sleep quality, mental health, and even how sensitive your dopamine and serotonin receptors are. “Normal” labs do not always equal normal physiology for you.

EDU CAT ION C OR N E R | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

2. “HOW DO I FIX MY ENERGY, BRAIN FOG, OR SLEEP WITHOUT 20 MEDICATIONS?”

Dr. Gillett: Start with a good, comprehensive lab panel to assess nutrients and hormones. Then build the foundation with sleep. My favorite tool is the 10/3/2/1/0 rule: • 10 hours before bed: No caffeine • 3 hours: Avoid large meals and alcohol • 2 hours: No vigorous exercise • 1 hour: No bright blue or white light • 0: No snoozing and no inconsistent sleep/wake times Aim for 7+ hours of high-quality sleep. When sleep improves, energy almost always follows. CONTINUED >

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3. “IS MY GUT ACTUALLY CAUSING ALL THESE OTHER PROBLEMS?”

Dr. Gillett: Gut health influences most major health issues, but it’s rarely the only problem. Diet is my second pillar of health for a reason. Exercise, sleep, and stress reduction all improve gut function too. Even simple tools like self-hypnotherapy apps can reduce gut-related symptoms.

4. “WHAT CAN I DO RIGHT NOW, TODAY, TO START FEELING BETTER?”

Dr. Gillett: Focus on the pillars of health: diet, exercise, sleep, stress, sunlight, social connection, and spiritual health. Treat them like habits and find ways to make them enjoyable or easy to start. Supplements and medications are supportive tools, not substitutes. Think of them like turbo chargers: they enhance a system that’s already functioning.

5. “WHAT DOES FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE ACTUALLY DO DIFFERENTLY?”

Dr. Gillett: True functional medicine is root-cause medicine, not cookie-cutter supplement regimens. Imagine an older adult with cognitive symptoms who receives multiple prescriptions from a conventional doctor. A functional approach might uncover something entirely different: B12 deficiency, hearing loss, and vision impairment. Fix those, and cognition often improves dramatically with no medications required.

6. “WHEN SHOULD SOMEONE TEST THEIR HORMONES, AND WHICH TESTS MATTER MOST?”

Dr. Gillett: Most adults should get a baseline hormone panel between ages 18 and 28, or earlier if they have symptoms like poor sleep, unexplained fatigue, or changes in heart rate. A proper panel includes testosterone, estradiol, fasting insulin, CMP, lipids (including Lp(a)), A1C, morning cortisol, IGF-1,

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EDU CAT ION C OR N E R | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

“I believe that true innovation requires a commitment to constructive self-criticism to continuously raise the standard of care.” DHEA-S, vitamin D, and ferritin. These markers catch metabolic and hormonal issues long before symptoms become severe.

7. “WHAT LONG-TERM TESTS ACTUALLY HELP PREVENT DISEASE, NOT JUST DIAGNOSE IT?”

Dr. Gillett: Preventive care is evolving rapidly. For heart health, I recommend Coronary Artery CT Angiography (CCTA) because it detects soft plaque that calcium scores miss. Knowing this data early informs you what is needed to prevent a heart attack. Instead of asking your doctor “Do I need cholesterol medication?” ask “Do I have plaque in my arteries?”. Full-body MRIs can be useful too, but they often find harmless abnormalities, which can lead to unnecessary stress or testing. Always weigh the pros and cons with a clinician who understands your goals.

A FINAL WORD FROM DR. GILLETT

“The goal isn’t to tell people what to do, rather it’s to give them the information they need to decide what’s best for themselves.” By understanding the why behind your symptoms, labs, and lifestyle choices, you become the driver, not the passenger, of your health journey.

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ARTICLE BY ANA MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

HAVE A FRESH NEW YEAR! NUTRITIOUS AND DELICIOUS FLAVORED WATER INFUSED

WITH ANTIOXIDANTS AND VITAMINS FOR A HEALTHIER YOU!

If there is one change you can make for your overall health, it is to drink more water! Our bodies need water. Water helps fuel every cell, tissue, and organ, keeps you hydrated, and helps with weight loss, healthy skin, bone health, and digestion. Take it to the next level and create infusion beverages by mixing and adding these ingredients to your water. Fruits, vegetables, and herbs are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. You will love the flavors and the added health benefits!

BLUEBERRY & ORANGE STRAWBERRY & ORANGE INFUSED WATER: INFUSED WATER: INGREDIENTS • 1 ½ cups of blueberries • ½ cup sliced thin orange rounds • 8 cups filtered water

INGREDIENTS • 1 ½ cups of diced strawberries • ½ cup sliced thin orange rounds • 8 cups filtered water

DIRECTIONS Pour ingredients into a pitcher. Refrigerate for 3 hours.

EAT R IGH T | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

ORANGE, LEMON & LIME INFUSED WATER: INGREDIENTS • ¼ cup sliced thin lemon rounds • ¼ cup sliced thin lime rounds • ½ cup sliced thin orange rounds • 8 cups filtered water

BENEFITS:

DIRECTIONS Pour ingredients into a pitcher. Refrigerate for 3 hours.

CUCUMBER, LEMON, AND MINT INFUSED WATER: INGREDIENTS • 1 cup of sliced thin cucumber rounds • ½ cup sliced thin lemon or lime rounds • 10 mint leaves • 8 cups filtered water DIRECTIONS Pour ingredients into a pitcher. Refrigerate for 3 hours. Make it a healthy New Year!

• Blueberries: Low in sugar and high in antioxidants, blueberries are very nutrient-dense and contain fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and Manganese. They can help with bones, skin, and blood pressure health. • Cucumbers: Cucumbers are about 95 percent water, have antioxidants that help lower blood pressure, contain vitamin A and are high in vitamin K. • Lemon/limes: Both are high in vitamin C, an antioxidant, which can benefit your skin, blood pressure and immune system. • Mint leaves: Mint’s anti-inflammatory properties can help your digestion, fresh breath and are rich in nutrients and antioxidants. • Oranges: Loaded with vitamin C, which can help your skin and immune system. They are anti-inflammatory and have potassium which can help with blood pressure levels and calcium for healthy bones. • Strawberries: Are loaded with antioxidants, low in sugar, may help improve blood sugar and cholesterol, and inflammation. Strawberries are rich in phytochemicals, vitamin C, vitamin A and Potassium. Try these delicious and healthy recipes or choose your ingredients and create your own!

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CHEERS cherries TO CELEBRATE HEALTH, WELLNESS & DRY JANUARY WITH THIS SUPERFOOD MOCKTAIL It’s been said that “life is just a bowl of cherries,” and it just so happens that cherries might improve your life. This nutrient-dense, heart-healthy fruit may lower blood pressure and cholesterol, combat inflammation, help the body manage stress, speed recovery after exercise, balance your mood and help you sleep. To say it is a superfood may be an understatement. So it’s only fitting that we include a mocktail recipe with cherries as the star ingredient this month. Let’s drink to health, wellness and a wonderful year ahead! Cheers!

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

S O CHERRY

fizz :

INGREDIENTS: • • • • • •

¼ cup Frozen cherries ¼ cup Tart cherry juice 1 tsp Honey, optional 1 Lime wedge Sparkling water Mint leaves

DIRECTIONS: 1. Place cherries and honey in glass and muddle together. 2. Add cherry juice and top with sparkling water or ginger ale. (If adding ginger ale, do not add honey.) 3. Squeeze lime juice and add lime wedge. 4. Garnish with mint leaf.

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ARTICLE BY APRIL SCHULTE-BARCLAY

Values Is the most important key to living a full and healthy life hiding from you? There are many factors to consider when thinking about what constitutes health. The food we eat, exercise, environmental influences, our emotions, and our spiritual awareness are all pillars of health. However, there is one factor that tops the list which often goes unspoken; living in alignment with your value system. Defining values helps a person to structure their life based on personal belief systems by determining what is most meaningful and important to them. From there, a sense of purpose is derived and defined values become tenets from which to live. There are plentiful examples of values, and they vary from person to person. Some examples of values include family, humility, benevolence, leadership, kindness, independence, creativity, and adventure. Our emotions serve to guide us to understanding whether our actions are in alignment with our values. When we live incongruently with our value system, we are betraying ourselves and delivering a subconscious message that we do not matter. Emotions that can come from not living in accordance with our values are based in fear and include anxiety, depression, anger, resentment,

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

Health

and jealousy. Living from a place of fear tends to foster bad habits such as addictive behavior, poor dietary choices, negative sleep habits, and unhealthy relationships. Physiologically, the natural flow of energy in the body becomes stuck, wreaking havoc in the body physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. From there, symptoms and illness ensue. However, when we love and respect ourselves enough, we will spend our time and energy according to our values and emotions where love becomes more prevalent. Those emotions include gratitude, joy, peace, comfort, connection, trust, and happiness. Living from love leads to a desire, willingness and commitment to engage in activities that fulfill our sense of purpose. By doing so, our body’s energy moves with ease. When our energy flows freely, we feel vital, healthy, purposeful, and joyful. Identifying our values becomes easier when we create space in our lives to understand what brings us meaning in life. Here are five steps to create space to aid in identifying your values:

5. Speak your values out loud

1. Grounding/Earthing I have experienced it myself and I hear so many others share a similar experience, that being in nature is healing. Getting our hands into the earth with gardening, walking along the beach, taking a hike, or even lying in the grass brings an almost indescribable sense of well-being. Connecting with the earth’s electrical charge is thought to aid in pain reduction, modulate the immune system, and reduce inflammation. It also can lead to feeling more centered, allowing us to focus on what is most important to us.

There are many benefits to literally speaking our truths and discussing our values out loud with a trusted confidant. Bouncing ideas and having meaningful discussions can help us determine our framework and organize our thinking. Sometimes friends and family may not provide the most objective perspectives and professional counseling or life coaching may be more appropriate, while at other times a friend or family member is the most perfect fit! When we live in alignment with our values, we are honoring ourselves in the most self-loving way. From there, our vibrancy shines to our loved ones, our neighbors and even strangers we see out and about. It becomes not only the best gift you can give yourself, but that of our community. So cheers to 2026, let’s make this the best year yet!

2. Meditation/prayer Setting your intentions in quiet solitude using meditation or prayer provides clarity. Meditation may seem overwhelming, but you can make it simple by not expecting perfection in the process. I suggest finding guided meditations online that grab your attention. Try various guided meditations until you find one that feels right.

3. Exercise In addition to the more obvious benefits of exercise, it temporarily unblocks stagnation thereby creating space for objectivity.

4. Journaling Getting thoughts on paper helps clarify intentions.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A L BUQ UE R Q UE

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Grades 6 - 12 • Tour Campus sandiaprep.org

A New Year of Comfort and Companionship Support that’s thoughtful, personal, and never rushed.

Let’s make the year ahead feel easier at home. Compassionate in-home care can bring comfort, dignity, and peace of mind to your loved one—right where they’re most comfortable. www.FootPrintsHomeCare.com

(505) 828-3918

A Trusted Name SINCE 1947 Rader Awning & Upholstering, Inc. specializes in providing shade solutions tailored for New Mexicans, offering the best awnings under the sun. Schedule a courtesy consultation today—no pressure,just expert advice to help you stay cool and comfortable. Rader Awning can also re-upholster patio furniture, manufacture custom cushions, canvas repairs and custom shade sails.

WINTER SPECIAL Our primary goal at Rader Awning & Upholstering, Inc. is to deliver value added solutions to your home or business while ensuring we meet and exceed your customer expectations.

Call today for a FREE design consultation & estimate!

$150 OFF installation (Orders over $1500.00) RaderAwning.com | 505-856-2000 4100 S. Paseo Del Norte Frtg. Rd., NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113

GET INSPIRED EAT & DRINK SHOP LOCAL

YO U R D I G I TA L D E S T I N AT I O N FOR LOCAL LIVING

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A L BUQ UE R Q UE

eat kind

EM BR ACING A PARTN ERSH IP WITH YOUR BODY Wellness isn’t about restricting — it’s really about giving. Giving to yourself and to your body in a way that allows them both to thrive. The cool part? The things that give to your body naturally give to your mind, your hormones, your earth, your relationships, and so on — it’s all beautifully interconnected in that way. Eat your greens, cook at home, choose local produce and quality meats, don’t be scared of healthy fats — but also support local farmers, move in a way that makes your body and mind feel good, prioritize times of mindfulness and stillness.

INGREDIENTS: • • • • • •

2 6 oz. filets of wild caught salmon 1 Tbsp. avocado oil 1 Tbsp. coconut aminos Zest and juice from one lemon 1 Tbsp. stone ground mustard 1 4 oz. container coconut yogurt, unsweetened • 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, minced • 2 Tbsp. capers, drained and minced • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS: 1. Marinate the salmon in the lemon juice, coconut aminos, and stone ground mustard for up to two hours. 2. Drizzle salmon with avocado oil, sprinkle with salt and ground pepper, and broil on high for five to seven minutes, until cooked to desired temperature. 3. Mix coconut cream, lemon zest, dill, capers, and ground pepper together. 4. Top salmon with coconut cream, serve with roasted or sautéed veggies, brown or cauliflower rice, or fresh greens. Enjoy!

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

simple roasted salmon with dill coconut cream

Real estate shaped around how New Mexicans live.

Healthy Home, Healthy Life From everyday living to elevated estates, Realty One of New Mexico represents the many ways New Mexicans live — including our luxury division, The R1 Reserve Collection.

Ready to explore what’s possible? Let’s find the space that fits you — let’s find where you feel at home.

Realty1NewMexico.com 505-883-9400 9674-3 Eagle Ranch Road NW Albuquerque

M I X IN G H E A LT H A ND F L AV O R A Delicious Mocktail to Savor Without the Alcohol.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

H AP PY H OU R | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

ROSEMARY PEAR MOCK TAIL

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

ROSEMARY SIMPLE SYRUP • 1 cup cane sugar • 1 cup water • 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary ROSEMARY PEAR MOCKTAIL • 5 tablespoons pear juice • 1 tablespoon rosemary simple syrup • 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice • Sparkling water to taste

HOW TO MAKE ROSEMARY SIMPLE SYRUP Combine sugar and water in a pot and cook over medium heat. Cook until sugar is completely dissolved. Turn off heat and toss in rosemary sprigs. Cool completely. HOW TO MAKE ROSEMARY PEAR MOCKTAIL Pour pear juice, rosemary simple syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling water into a glass. Add ice and garnish if desired. JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A L BUQ UE R Q UE

FLOORSCAPES

New Mexico's most recommended floor & more store! www.floorscapesnm.com

8515 Paseo Alameda NE Albuquerque, NM 87113 505-857-0438

*As low as $599 + tax

WARMING UP WALLS Since 2000 At Tesuque Stucco Co., we’ve been turning New Mexico homes into works of art for 26 years. Our craftsmen take the time to stucco every home to perfection. And with a palette of stunning shades to choose from, we’ll turn your home into a masterpiece.

Visit TesuqueStucco.com or call 505.275.7874 for a FREE estimate.

est. 2000