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Health & Wellness LI F E + C U LTU R E

M EET DR. AN N IE DAV IS: CEO, TRIATH LETE, RO CK-N-RO LLER, AN D SU RVIVO R CO NTESTANT JA N UA RY 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Relax, reset, and renew in 2026 As we step into a new year, I find myself thinking about the small, intentional choices that keep us grounded, especially when life pulls us in every direction. This month’s Health & Wellness issue is a reminder that caring for ourselves isn’t a luxury — it’s a form of community care. We spent time with people who are redefining what well-being looks like in Austin. Dr. Kimberly "Annie" Davis shows us how movement can be medicine, whether you meet her at Run Lab, watch her on this season of Survivor, or catch her onstage with her rock band, Trashy Annie. Casa de Luz invites us to slow down, breathe, and experience food as nourishment for both body and spirit. BelVer Studio and European Wax Center remind us that confidence and routine matter, too. Those small acts of tending to ourselves often ripple outward in the most meaningful ways. We also explore approaches that help us understand the “why” behind how we feel, from whole-body nutrition with AnnMarie Kocher of Humann to the root-cause philosophy at 100% Chiropractic. And we meet Dr. Kyle Gillett, who highlights what so many of us are learning: health isn’t just data points; it’s connection — sleep, stress, sunlight, and the communities that support us. And if you're looking for that perfect, light meal or snack that's packed full of nutrition, check out the recipe by local chef, Michelle Reynoso. Here’s to a year of taking care of ourselves and each other.

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Zack Fogelman | zack.fogelman@citylifestyle.com M AN AG I N G E D I TO R

Julie Royce | julie.royce@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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

24 18

Featured

12 14 18

24 6

14 On the Cover

Nourishing Wholeness

Casa de Luz builds community through plant-based meals

Fearless in Motion

RunLab’s CEO brings Austin a movement-first approach to wellness and rock-n-roll

The Smoothest Start to Self-Care

Why European Wax Center remains Austin’s trusted destination for expert waxing

Aligned for the New Year

How 100% Chiropractic helps Austinites move beyond pain

Introducing Dr. Annie Davis. CEO of Austin's RunLab, front woman of the rock band, Trashy Annie, and a contestant on this season of Survivor. Stylist: Susie Von Slaughter Creative direction: InSync Communications Photography: David Schulman

Departments 4

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Eat Right HEALTH + WELLNESS

Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE

Self Care BEAUTY

Mental Wellbeing HEALTH + WELLNESS

Expert Help HEALTH + WELLNESS

Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS

Skin Care BEAUTY

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Events

JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

JULIE ROYCE

DAEMMRICH PHOTOGRAPHY

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BIG THIRST

5 DAGNY PIASECKI

7 CHISOS BOOTS

BATALLION PR

1: Fashion designer Jeffrey Banks with Austin Fashion Week CEO, Matt Swinney, at the AFW opening reception. 2: Paul McDonald and Kelly Green (Madam Radar) perform at the Soccer Assist Fundraiser organized by @undertherockatx 3: Designer Katie Kime (left) and attendees at the Wicked: For Good launch party. 4: Matt McGinnis, Chad Auler, and Sergio Cuadra at the H-E-B exclusive Carlos Arriba wine launch. 5: Book lovers unite at the 2025 Texas Book Festival. 6: Friends of Chisos Boots celebrated the company's six-year anniversary. 7: Breitling and Loreal Sarkisian hosted an intimate Austin event blending luxury timepieces with meaningful support for SAFE.

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JANUARY 2026

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Texas Children’s Ambassadors rally behind Kangaroo Crew Texas Children’s Hospital has announced its 2026 Ambassadors program, inviting community members to support world-class care for women and children. This year’s beneficiary is the Kangaroo Crew, the hospital’s renowned medical transport team. Ambassador contributions will fund key innovations, including a simulation truck for hands-on training, an isolette for infant transfers, upgraded WiFi on the transport plane, and enhanced systems that help teams reach critical patients faster and more safely.

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ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CASA DE LUZ

Nourishing Wholeness Casa de Luz builds community through plant-based meals that feed body, mind and spirit Tucked beneath the canopy of Barton Springs Road, Casa de Luz has quietly nourished Austinites for more than three decades. The nonprofit community center and macrobiotic restaurant isn’t simply a place to eat — it’s a living experiment in how food, environment, and connection can sustain collective wellbeing. The daily menu at Casa de Luz adheres to a simple principle: whole, seasonal, plant-based ingredients, prepared with care and intention. Each meal includes soup, grains, legumes, vegetables, sauces made from local nuts or seeds, and pickled elements for balance. There are no processed oils or refined sugars, and everything, from sea salt harvested from Utah’s Great Salt Lake to produce grown by small organic farms, is chosen for its vitality. The result is humble food designed to heal rather than indulge. At the center of its mission, the Ayurvedic Proverb is key: “When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.” Founder Eduardo “Wayo” LongoriaKowalski describes Casa de Luz as a “church of connection,” a place where nourishment begins long before the first bite. “We’re connecting with the microbiome, the soil, and one another,” he said.

EAT R IGH T | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

“Wholly — or holy — plant nutrition is about honoring that relationship.” Guests dine communally at long and circular wooden tables, often beside strangers who soon become friends. The dining hall hums with quiet conversation, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a family gathering than a restaurant. That sense of connection extends beyond the kitchen. The Casa de Luz Village includes yoga and movement studios, an apothecary, holistic practitioners, and classrooms that host cooking classes, mindfulness workshops, and community gatherings. Many of Austin’s wellness leaders and schools trace their origins to this compound, which operates entirely as a nonprofit to preserve its mission rather than for profit motives. For many visitors, the experience is transformative. Meals are nutrient-dense yet deceptively simple — an intentional harmony of flavors and textures that encourages mindfulness and gratitude. “We’re not here to advertise or convince anyone,” Longoria-Kowalski said. “When people are ready, they find us.” Regulars describe renewed energy, improved health, and a deeper sense of peace that comes from eating clean, balanced meals prepared without excess or ego.

Casa de Luz

“ We’re not here to adver tise or convince anyone. When people are ready, they f ind us.”

“I love their motto that they are a beacon for connection to food, community, and ourselves," shared a recent guest. “They derive their essential fatty acids from freshly ground seeds and nuts, creating sauces and dressings that not only nourish the body but also honor the wholeness of the plants themselves. I like the communal dining experience that fosters human connection.”

Casa de Luz’s model proves that nourishment is as much about community and consciousness as it is about ingredients. By embracing whole-plant nutrition and mindful eating, this Austin landmark invites guests to rediscover the simple truth that health, connection, and gratitude grow from the same soil.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STY L E . C O M / AT X

Triathlete and Ironman competitor, Dr. Annie Davis.

ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID SCHULMAN

RunLab’s founder brings Austin a movement-first approach to wellness — and still finds time for Survivor and rock ’n’ roll

Fearless in Motion

Dr. Kimberly “Annie” Davis, DC, built her career on refusing to accept “stop doing what you love” as a medical plan. As a young triathlete in her 20s, she kept getting hurt, went to a doctor who specialized in athletes, and was told to give up running. “To tell somebody who’s trying to get healthy for the first time in their life, you just need to stop doing this thing you love, felt like a pretty bad answer to me,” she said.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

“A lot of times what we see are these common patterns of weakness somewhere up the kinetic chain creating problems that are manifesting down somewhere south of that,” she said. Austin, she said, is the perfect place to do this work. The city has year-round training weather, Town Lake Trail, a strong marathon culture, and running groups “of every shape and size.” “We’ve sort of built this from within to say we celebrate running as a sport in this city in a way that a lot of cities don’t,” she said. When someone comes in saying another doctor told them they’d never run again, her team loves watching them finish a race and come back for a hug. CONTINUED >

So she threw away his card, delved deeply into biomechanics, earned her doctorate, and eventually founded RunLab in 2013, so that other active people wouldn’t fall through the cracks of the traditional medical model. “People who are active and who don’t need surgery or drugs to fix their problems, there’s no place for them in the traditional medical paradigm,” she said. “So that’s the need that I’m trying to fill for this community.” Today, Annie Davis’ Austin clinic works with everyone from elite runners to 80-year-olds who “just want to play with their grandkids and not hurt.” What began as a resource for triathletes has become a movement lab that studies how people are built and teaches them to move in ways that don’t overload their weak spots.

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“I THINK THAT NOT BEING AFRAID OF FEAR IS PROBABLY MY BIGGEST SUPERPOWER. AND I ALWAYS AM ENCOURAGING PEOPLE, JUST DON’T BE SCARED OF STUFF. GET OUT THERE AND TRY IT. WE ONLY HAVE THIS ONE LIFE.”

Trashy Annie on stage at the Pershing. Photo by Julie Royce.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

Her own routine is the backbone of it all. Davis ran every single day in 2024, a minimum of three miles, just to see if she could. “I just wanted to know at 48 if I could do it,” she said. Daily movement, even on tour, is non-negotiable. “If I don’t do that and take care of myself every single day, nothing else is going to work,” she said. “My body has to feel good, my brain has to feel good before I can be creative or a good CEO.” That balance is the part most people don’t expect from a biomechanics expert: she fronts a high-energy rock band called Trashy Annie. She’d set music aside years ago, but at the beginning of COVID, she picked it back up, started writing again, and is now touring, sometimes leapfrogging cities to make shows and flying back to grab the van, all while appearing this season on Survivor. Her workdays often run from dawn until late at night, but she says music and medicine complement one another. “When business gets stressful, I turn to music. When music gets chaotic, I dive back into the science,” she said. “Running and fitness keep me centered between the two.” Trashy Annie’s sound, she said, is “raw and real… Equal parts outlaw country and punk rock.” Their songs channel attitude and vulnerability in equal measure, built for small stages and big emotions. “Music is therapy,” she said. “It’s the emotional counterpart to everything I do at RunLab. One keeps my mind sharp, and the other keeps my heart open.”

That willingness to try the next big, scary thing — start a clinic, race an Ironman, go on national TV, launch a touring band at 50 — is, to Davis, the real story. “I think that not being afraid of fear is probably my biggest superpower,” she said. “And I always am encouraging people, just don’t be scared of stuff. Get out there and try it. We only have this one life.” Her attitude toward wellness is refreshingly practical. She admits she doesn’t always sleep enough on tour and sometimes eats “ice cream for breakfast, champagne for lunch and a sensible dinner.” But she listens to her body, chooses real food, and believes sustainable habits beat fad diets. “If you’re not taking care of your body first, nothing else is really going to matter,” she said. Competing on Survivor tested her in new ways, both physically and mentally. “It’s a total mind game,” she said. “But years of endurance sports prepared me for it. Survivor was just another kind of marathon.” Between RunLab, Trashy Annie, and her time on Survivor, Annie Davis is modeling something Austin understands well: a wellness life that isn’t about perfection… It's about movement, courage, and momentum. “We only get this one shot to do it — be fearless."

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STY L E . C O M / AT X

The Smoothest Start

to Self-Care European Wax Center has long been known for expertise, consistency, and a guest-first philosophy — a reputation owner Darin LaFon credits to the company’s foundational values. “We care about each other; we delight our guests; we do the right thing; and we have fun while being awesome,” he said. “These values help us stay focused on our guests, who are our main concern, while also helping us build our culture.” That culture starts with quality. EWC’s signature hard wax is truly European, infused with a proprietary Comfort Blend of chamomile, cucumber, sea kelp, vitamin E, and aloe. Combined with an alcohol-free formula and strict hygiene standards, it creates a smoother, more comfortable experience.

“New gloves every service, disinfected tools, fresh paper for each bed, and no double-dipping ever,” LaFon said. “Our standards have always been high.” Training is another differentiator. Every wax specialist is licensed and completes in-house education considered among the most advanced in the industry. Most services take 15 minutes or less — a nod to both comfort and efficiency. And that commitment shows. One longtime client praised Maddison at EWC Arbor Walk as “absolutely the best,” noting her professionalism, warmth, and informative approach. “Her vibrant energy has made these appointments something I look forward to rather than dread,” the guest shared, also commending the front-desk staff for their kindness and the center’s consistent cleanliness. That sense of comfort is intentional. “We treat every guest with respect while making them feel welcome,” LaFon said. EWC encourages clients to ask questions, understand the waxing process, and feel empowered throughout their visit. As the idea of self-care continues to expand, LaFon believes waxing plays a meaningful role. “Everyone loves smooth, silky skin. Our slogan is ‘Walk in — Strut out,’” he said. “When we leave our guests with healthy, smooth skin, they feel better about themselves and more confident.” To help guests maintain results year-round, EWC offers cost-saving Wax Passes, student programs, referral rewards, and a first-time guest promotion that allows newcomers to try select services at no cost. With eight Austin-area locations, EWC also invests locally by employing roughly 15 associates per center and partnering with the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Looking ahead to 2026, LaFon says EWC is ready for anyone seeking confidence and comfort. “We hope every guest takes advantage of our savings and stays smooth all year round,” he said. To book your next salon service, visit https:// waxcenter.com/.

Why European Wax Center remains Austin’s trusted destination for expert waxing and confidence-boosting wellness routines ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE

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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.

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 >

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

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STY L E . C O M / AT X

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

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

proper panel includes testosterone, estradiol, fasting insulin, CMP, lipids (including Lp(a)), A1C, morning cortisol, IGF-1, 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.

To hear the extended conversation with Dr. Kyle Gillett, scan the QR code for an exclusive podcast episode.

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Dr. Nicolas Kellerman, D.C. Image courtesy of 100% Chiropractic.

ALIGNED FOR THE NEW YEAR As Austinites set new health goals for 2026, Dr. Nicolas Kellerman, D.C. of 100% Chiropractic in Rosedale, is reminding locals that feeling good isn’t just about resolutions — it’s about alignment. With over two decades of experience, Kellerman helps patients move beyond temporary pain relief toward lasting wellness and optimal performance. “Less than ten percent of the world sees a chiropractor,” he said. “Imagine how many people are walking around not realizing they could feel better.” A graduate of Logan College of Chiropractic, Kellerman joined 100% Chiropractic in early 2024 after running a successful private practice in Round Rock. His approach blends precision diagnostics with personal connection. Every new patient begins with X-rays and a motion analysis before any adjustments take place. “I tell every patient the truth and deliver on the truth,” he said. “We find the stress inside your body, remove it, and your body does the healing.”

How 100% Chiropractic helps locals move beyond pain toward lasting wellness, balance, and peak performance in 2026 ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE

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

That process, known as corrective care, restores proper motion to the spine, relieves pressure, and enhances overall body mechanics. Kellerman says the benefits extend far beyond back pain. “Most injuries happen because your body’s out of balance,” he noted. “When your spine moves the way it’s supposed to, you don’t just heal faster, you perform better.” One patient captured that transformation in a heartfelt review: “After ten years of knee pain from a soccer injury, 100% Chiropractic has been a game-changer. My knee hasn’t felt this good or flexible since before the injury. Every visit has improved my quality of life.” For Kellerman, stories like that are why he practices. He recalls a patient who returned home to Mexico for the holidays and brought back a bottle of tequila with a handwritten note attached: “For the first time in 25 years, I danced with my wife.” Kellerman recalled with a grateful smile. “That’s what chiropractic care is really about… Helping people get their lives back.” According to the American Chiropractic Association, more than 35 million Americans receive chiropractic care each year — a number steadily rising as people seek safe, drugfree ways to manage pain and stay active. “Your body is the most amazing machine,” Kellerman added. “When it works right, everything else in life gets better.” For Austinites returning to the gym, recovering from old injuries, or simply sitting straighter at their desks, 100% Chiropractic offers a clear message for 2026: healing begins when you start to align your life — one adjustment at a time.

100% Chiropractic- Rosedale.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STY L E . C O M / AT X

THE AUSTIN BRAND REVOLUTIONIZING Everyday Cardiovascular Wellness Nationwide

SCIENCE-BACKED NUTRITION DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN HEART HEALTH ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HUMANN

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

For AnnMarie Kocher, co-founder and president of Humann, heart health isn’t just a professional mission — it’s personal history, family legacy, and scientific purpose fused together. The Austin-based functional nutrition company she built alongside her husband, Joel, has become one of the country’s most trusted names in circulatory and cardiovascular support. But its roots reach back to unlikely beginnings: a childhood shaped by immigrant grit, homegrown produce, and the simple act of boiling beets. Kocher grew up in a low-income, first-generation household where food came from the garden, not the grocery store. Her family fished for protein, harvested citrus from the backyard, and used whatever they had to nourish themselves. “My mom boiled beets not because of any known health benefit, but because they were affordable,” she said. “That beet water became my version of Gatorade during my tennis tournaments. I didn’t understand the science at the time, but it gave me energy and stamina.” Today, that memory reads like an early blueprint for what Humann would eventually become: functional nutrition grounded in real food and measurable impact. CONTINUED >

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The company’s defining moment came years later when Joel attended an investor event and learned about nitric oxide — a tiny, essential molecule tied to blood flow and cardiovascular function. The science sparked a fire that the couple couldn’t ignore. “We realized we had the opportunity to crack the code on something much larger,” Kocher said. “Cardiovascular health affects everyone, and we wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives.” Since then, Humann has built its reputation on a promise that’s harder to keep than it sounds: uncompromising ingredient integrity. While many supplement companies rely on inexpensive blends or underdosed formulas, Humann insists on clinically meaningful quantities and premium components. It’s a commitment that has only grown stronger as the company has grown. “What good are these products if they are not effective?” Kocher said. “As we continue to scale, refusing to compromise on quality is non-negotiable.” That commitment extends far beyond the label. Clinical research shapes every product from conception to launch, guided by a Science Advisory Board and a chief cardiologist who ensures each formula aligns with current data and medical insight. Multiple peer-reviewed studies and university partnerships support the brand’s flagship innovations, including SuperBeets and newer daily cardiovascular products. “Most supplement companies don’t invest in clinical trials,” Kocher said. “If we’re developing

products that support cardiovascular health, we have a responsibility to make sure they’re based on credible science.” Inside the company, culture moves at the same pace as innovation. Humann is built on three pillars — growth, adaptability, and humanity — with adaptability serving as the engine. Hypergrowth, Kocher acknowledges, isn’t for everyone. But the right team can turn rapid evolution into momentum. “Hiring the right people is everything,” she said. “Change isn’t just expected here — it’s constant.” Even as Humann expands its product categories and introduces new cardiovascular, cholesterol, and metabolic offerings, it remains anchored in Austin, a city Kocher credits for believing in the mission early. “Austin had a deep commitment to functional wellness long before it was mainstream,” she said. “This city was ahead of its time, and we’re proud to have grown up here.” As readers step into a new year of wellness goals, Kocher wants them to think differently about heart health. Cardiovascular care, she notes, isn’t just for later in life. “By the time most people feel a problem, it’s already developed,” she said. “Healthy circulation, balanced cholesterol, and endurance impact your energy and overall wellness now.” The message is simple: start early, start small, and put heart health at the top of the list, especially for those who tend to put themselves last.

“Cardiovascular health affects everyone, and we wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

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

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Khayutin providing services to a client.

BelVer Spa owner, Katya Khayutin.

BelVer Spa’s expert insight on keeping your complexion strong all year round

BEAUTY THAT OUTLASTS TEXAS WEATHER ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BELVER ESTHETIC STUDIO Texas’ unpredictable climate can be brutal on the skin. From scorching, humid summers to sudden winter cold snaps, the shifts often leave faces inflamed, dull, or dry. BelVer Esthetic Studio owner and esthetician Katya Khayutin says adapting to these extremes begins with professional guidance and seasonal awareness. “In summer, clients often see more breakouts because of heat, humidity, and heavy sunscreens,” Khayutin said. “Then winter arrives with its own issues — dryness, sensitivity, and dullness.” She recommends seeing an esthetician at least once a season to analyze what’s happening beneath the surface and adjust treatments accordingly. Khayutin notes that Texas’s high allergy levels also play a major role. “The skin always reacts,” she said. “During allergy season, we focus on calming sensitivity, rebuilding the barrier, and supporting the skin’s microbiome.” Cryotherapy and facial massage, she added, help relieve inflammation and sinus pressure while restoring a healthy glow. Many of her new clients, she said, unknowingly make matters worse by over-exfoliating or using harsh cleansers and heavy

S KIN CA R E | BEAUTY

oils that clog pores. “More exfoliation doesn’t always mean more glow,” she said. “It can actually damage the skin barrier.” Instead, she suggests using antioxidant serums, lightweight SPF year-round, and texture-appropriate moisturizers that adapt to the seasons — lighter in summer and richer in winter. Among BelVer’s most popular treatments are the HydroDiamond facial and ProCell microchanneling, both designed to gently resurface and renew. Khayutin also swears by the buccal massage — a tension-releasing facial that, in one client’s case, even eased chronic migraines. Client Kaitlyn Miller moved to Austin three years ago and soon faced adult acne for the first time. “BelVer gave me a personalized protocol that cleared my skin and restored my confidence,” she said. “It’s a small, women-owned studio that feels personal and consistent — and the results speak for themselves.” Khayutin’s final advice for Texans: “Don’t underestimate your skin. It’s the only outfit you wear every day — treat it with care, consistency, and professional support.”

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STY L E . C O M / AT X

Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice

CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS WITH KIMCHI CAULIFLOWER FRIED RICE Ingredients For the Chicken Filling:

CRISP, COLORFUL & CRAVE-WORTHY A gut-loving, anti-inflammatory twist on a takeout favorite ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE REYNOSO Start your year with a dish that’s as vibrant, energizing, and intentional as you want to feel. Fresh, probiotic-rich, and naturally gluten-free, these wraps offer a burst of flavor and a refreshing balance that keeps your gut and your taste buds equally happy. Built around simple ingredients and bold textures, they’re a vibrant weeknight favorite that proves healthy eating never has to feel restrictive. Enjoy them as a light dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a nutrient-packed meal prep option that holds up beautifully throughout the week. Bright, satisfying, and endlessly versatile, this dish is delicious proof that comfort food can also be deeply nourishing.

Ingredients For the Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice: • • • • • • • • • • •

1 Tbsp avocado oil 1 cup carrots, diced 1 cup celery, diced 1 cup onion, diced 1 cup kimchi, chopped 1 cup cooked white rice 1 cup riced cauliflower 2 eggs, lightly beaten 2–3 Tbsp coconut aminos 1 tsp sesame oil Sea salt + pepper, to taste

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

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 Tbsp avocado oil 1 lb ground chicken thigh 3 cloves garlic, minced 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1 cup white onion, diced 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, chopped 1 cup celery, diced 1 cup carrots, diced ¼ c coconut aminos 1 Tbsp honey 1 tsp toasted sesame oil 1 can water chestnuts, diced Sea salt + black pepper Butter lettuce or Romaine leaves, for serving Sliced green onions + sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions: Chicken Filling 1. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium/high heat. 2. Add in the onion, celery, carrot, and mushrooms. Sauté until fragrant and tender. 3. Add garlic, ginger, and chicken and cook until lightly browned. 4. Stir in coconut aminos, honey, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. 5. Simmer until the liquid reduces and the sauce becomes sticky. 6. Finish by mixing in water chestnuts, green onions, and sesame seeds to garnish. 7. Spoon warm chicken mixture into crisp butter lettuce leaves. Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice 1. In a separate skillet, heat avocado oil. Add onion, celery, and carrot, and cook until slightly softened. 2. Stir in cauliflower rice + cooked rice. Sauté 3–4 minutes, then push the mixture to one side and pour in the eggs. Scramble until just set, then fold into the rice. 3. Season with coconut aminos, sesame oil, salt, and pepper 4. Add in kimchi and green onions right before serving. Michelle Reynoso is a local chef whose recipes and services are featured on www.nourishandfeast.com.

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JANUARY 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

JA NUA RY 1 ST

A Christmas Carol live on stage Zach Scott Theater Running through January 3, Zach Theater presents A Christmas Carol on the Topfer Theater stage. Check out the classic play at https:// www.zachtheater.org/. JA NUA RY 9 T H

Free Week Red River Cultural District The Red River Cultural District is proud to announce the highly anticipated return of the local nonprofit’s multi-genre, multi-venue, and admission-free winter music festival, Free Week, to downtown Austin on January 9-10, 2026. Austinites are encouraged to kick off the new year with two back-to-back nights with free performances from dozens of local music acts. JA NUA RY 9 T H

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ The Moody Center Buckle up, Austin! Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™: Glow-N-Fire™ is roaring into Moody Center for 3 epic performances, Jan. 9-10, 2026! Take advantage of SPECIAL PRICING ON KIDS TICKETS for affordable, family-friendly fun and thrills! SHOWTIMES: January 9 at 7:30pm (Pre-Show Party at 5pm), January 10 at 12:30pm (Pre-Show Party at 10am), January 10 at 7:30pm (Pre-Show Party at 5pm) JA NUA RY 1 8T H

Spurs Austin International Half Downtown Austin Formerly the 3M Half Marathon, the Austin International Half boasts one of the fastest half-marathon courses in the country. Enjoy a mostly downhill course that takes you past some of Austin’s finest locations and finishes downtown near the Texas State Capitol. JA NUA RY 2 3 RD

Hi, How Are You Day Paramount Theater | 7:00 PM Hi, How Are You Day 2026 returns to The Paramount Theatre on Jan. 23 for its eighth year, celebrating Daniel Johnston and mental health awareness. Presented by American Campus Communities, this year’s benefit concert features Nathaniel Rateliff in a soul-stirring tribute that inspires connection through music while raising funds for youth mental health programs worldwide. JA NUA RY 3 0 T H

Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short Bass Concert Hall Comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short bring their signature wit and charm to Bass Concert Hall for The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short. Expect rapid-fire jokes, hilarious roasts, and heartfelt camaraderie from two icons whose friendship spans decades. A laugh-filled night celebrating the best in comedy, storytelling, and timeless chemistry. Tickets bought at Texas Performing Arts.

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EVE N TS

2026:

The Year You Finally End Back & Neck Pain — Without Drugs or Surgery.