Issuu

F ITN E S S

PRESS PL AY ' S PAU L H ERM AN WILL M OTIVATE YOU TO M OV E IN TH E N EW YE AR!

Health + Wellness JA N UA RY 2 02 4

JACLYN PICARILLO UNIQUE & LUXURY PROPERTIES Distinctive Real Estate Services throughout Fairfield County, CT.

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Retreat, Renewal & Rejuvenation Read about our adventures, see what we are up to and learn more about how you can plan your own events and vacations here with us or allow us to do all the planning for you! We do our best to include the lessons that we’ve learned along the way, as well as tips on how to build unforgettable memories while Giving Back at the same time.

475.449.3221 | GRACEISLAND.US

With all Best Wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year Karl Babikian 203.233.6112

William Bodine Tim Dailey 203.610.7229 203.209.1205

Walter Dobosz Victoria Fingelly Catherine Fingelly Granneberg 203.610.0647 203.610.0648 203.258.5304

Nicholas Granneberg Sharon Henry Harder Rick Higgins 203.581.0602 203.209.1036 203.520.6778 Melissa Mack 203.803.8637

Kevin Moore Patricia Prenderville 203.258.5073 203.984.9423

Annie Klyver Matt Lahey 203.520.9913 203.767.4190

Eric Sundman Timothy Smith 203.255.0101 203.258.5944

656 Harbor Road, Southport CT 06890 Licensed in CT & NY Higgins Group Private Brokerage is an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Forbes® is a registered trademark used under license.

Recently Listed and Sold by Victoria Fingelly victoriafingelly@gmail.com | 203.610.0647

SPECTACULAR ROCK POINT ON LONG ISLAND SOUND

Sold at $7,000,000

To arrange a confidential appointment to discuss your real estate needs, please contact me at any time.

LIFESTYLE LETTER

January 2024 Publisher's Letter Welcome to the first issue of Fairfield LIfestyle Magazine in 2024, the issue dedicated to health and wellness. No matter what the state of our physical and mental health, there is always room for improvement. The new year is the perfect time to reflect on our well being and to make reasonable, attainable and meaningful changes to improve our physical and mental health. To help you get started, we have a wonderful breakfast wrap recipe from The Granola Bar. We know you are going to love making this healthier upgrade to a breakfast sandwich. We are also introducing you to Alyssa Lavy, a nutritionist who started her own practice in town focusing on gut health. You are also going to love reading about Paul Herman, a talented choreographer whose dance fitness classes have a devoted following. Fairfield is fortunate to have Dr. Ben Bonte bringing his practice of pain management to Fairfield this spring. Please head over to Pain Relief to read all about Dr. Bonte and his approach to acute and chronic pain. We hope this month’s issue inspires you to reflect upon your own health and wellness Fairfield. We wish all of you a very happy and healthy new year. B R U C E B E R N S T E I N & M I N D Y K AT Z , P U B L I S H E R S @ FA I R F I E L D L I F E S T Y L E M AG A Z I N E

January 2024 PUBLISHERS

Bruce Bernstein | bruce.bernstein@citylifestyle.com Mindy Katz | mindy.katz@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Samantha Beranbom samantha.beranbom@citylifestyle.com AC C O U N T M AN AG E R

Pam Antonacchio | pam.antonacchio@citylifestyle.com C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Heidi Curran Photography Dariusz Terepka Photography

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

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

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/FAIRFIELD

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

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 Fairfield Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

It's a new year, new YOU!

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inside the issue JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

20 30

Featured

20 30 36 44 8

A Motivating Vibe

Paul Herman of Press Play talks movement and motivation

44 On the Cover

Departments

The dynamic and talented Paul Herman of Press Play.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Get Active FITNESS

Expert Help WELLNESS

Eat Right HEALTH + WELLNESS

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Events

Pain Relief

State-of-the-Art Bonte Medical Coming Soon to Southport

Gut Feelings

Navigating Digestive Health with Wellness Expert Alyssa Lavy

Great Food. Great Friends.

The Granola Bar is Fairfield’s Go-To for Healthy Food

Photography: Heidi Curran Photography

HELLO 2024

2023 WAS OUR BEST YEAR TO DATE AND WE ARE EXCITED FOR 2024 FOR OUR CLIENTS. LISTED AND CLOSED OVER $185M IN 2023

901 FAIRFIELD BEACH ROAD SOLD

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SASCO POINT SOLD

JANUARY 2024

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

7 6

ConnectFairfield 80’s Dance Party to Benefit Norma Pfriem Breast Center at Park City Music Hall 1: Paul Herman and Steph Webster 2: Becca and John Torres, Brandon and Brooke Clarke 3: Ebbe Manczuk and Anna Perillo 4: Caroline Serniak, Nicole Palmer and Sarah Cope 5: Jodi Kostbar and Marie Lilieka 6: Gayle Lautenschlager, Leila Hahn, Trish Howells, Aukje Lamonic, Amy Seitel, Lisa Tambini and Alex Agosta 7: Ivette Cabrera, Jennifer Jennings and Janet Gomes Photography provided by ConnectFairfield

C I T Y SC E N E

Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ F A I R F I E L D L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

14 13

Private Dinner Hosted by On The Harbor in The Hadley at Rooms With A View 8: Mark Connolly, Julie Ernst Connelly, and Libby McKinney Tritschler 9: Andrew Whiteley, Sophia Warner, Mark Lovett and Alan Schmerzler 10: Kerry Wilson and Aly Lovet 11: Sarah Wolfe, Richard Mervis and Jeff Rosen 12: Zoe Cruz, Seth Loughlin, Bob Stanton, and Andrew Whiteley 13: Mandy Stanton, Dan Wilson, Wendy Ryan and Kerry Wilson 14: Aly Lovett, Mark Connolly and Julie Ernst Connelly Photography by Dariusz Terepka Photography

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / FA I R F I E L D

The Right Care. Right Now. Make AFC Urgent Care Your Go-To Destination

6 Locations To Serve You. For Seasonal Flu Shots & Treatment This Winter AFC Fairfield 1918 Blackrock Tpk. Fairfield, CT 203-583-8400 AFC Trumbull 57 Monroe Turnpike Trumbull, CT 203-590-6330 AFC Shelton 389 Bridgeport Avenue Shelton, CT 203-567-4171

We can also provide treatment if you get sick with the flu. Whether it’s time for your annual flu shot, you have a lingering cough, or if you’re in need of a school or sports physical, AFC Urgent Care has you covered this season for your healthcare needs Our walk-in clinic provides seasonal care services seven days a week, and you’ll never have to worry about making an appointment to be seen by one of our providers.

AFC Bridgeport (Main St) 4200 Main St. Bridgeport, CT 203-916-5151 AFC Bridgeport (Boston Ave) 161 Boston Avenue Bridgeport, CT 203-333-4400 AFC New Haven 527 Elm St. New Haven, CT 475-321-5150

FULL SERVICE INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM Kitchen & Bath Design Furniture & Styling Space Planning Home Remodels

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JANUARY 2024

business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Aesthetic Dentistry of Fairfield Aesthetic Dentistry of Fairfield and Dr. Christine Lee are excited to welcome Dr. Bethany Horbal to the community! Dr. Horbal's philosophy for practicing individualized dentistry, her warm personality, and her meticulous technical skills meet the high standards and boutique experience that the practice is known for. In addition, we now offer a wider range of services with Dr. Bethany’s expertise in procedures like root canals, emergency oral surgery, and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures including Invisalign. adfct.com Photography by Sal Figueroa

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Darine's Super Cleaning Cleaning is our superpower. Our mission is to improve the lives of the people we

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

serve and our excellent cleaning staff. We are centered on delivering happiness to every home. Our Techs take pride in their work and are appropriately compensated so that they can elevate their lives as well. We are a proud partner of Cleaning For A Reason and are currently donating cleaning services to women undergoing cancer treatment. Photography Provided by Darine’s Super Cleaning

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Higgins Group Southport Harbor Brokerage Higgins Group Southport Harbor Brokerage is pleased to welcome several distinguished real agents to our beautiful Southport Harbor location. The office warmly welcomes Walt Dobosz, Melissa Mack, Kevin Moore, and Pat Prenderville to the organization. Higgins Group Southport Harbor Brokerage offers boutique real estate services specializing in the Southport, Fairfield, Westport, Weston, and Fairfield County markets. The office is known for its expertise and will work diligently on the purchase or sale of your home. @higginsgroupsouthport

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JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / FA I R F I E L D

business monthly CONTINUED

Kasson Jewelers Kasson Jewelers is a trusted third generation family run jewelry store owned and operated by Alan & Susan Rona Kasson. We have a unique selection of designer and fashion jewelry. Specializing in custom design, estate jewelry, engagement and bridal. Our highly skilled, talented jewelers and goldsmiths on staff also offer appraisals, repair & restoration services. Come visit our family jewelry store in Southport, CT. kassonjewelers.com Photography Provided by Kasson Jewelers

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Lantern Point Taverna Meet Jimmy Karageorge, life-long Fairfield resident and proud owner/ head chef of Lantern Point Taverna located at 1612 Post Road in downtown Fairfield. His culinary talents are rooted in his family's restaurant lineage. You will enjoy traditional, homemade Greek dishes with a few

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

new twists. From souvlaki to fresh char-grilled fish latholemeno, brushed with olive oil, lemon and oregano. Lantern Point’s traditional dishes and wines will leave you with a true taste of Greece! lanternpointtaverna.com Photography by @fairfieldhamlethub

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AFC Urgent Care AFC Urgent Care Fairfield, located at 1918 Black Rock Turnpike, is your go-to urgent care center in Fairfield, CT. Specializing in non-life-threatening emergencies for patients aged 3 months and older, our state-of-theart facility provides comprehensive services. With extended hours 7 days a week, no appointments needed, and accepting most major insurances, we offer accessible healthcare. Bridging the gap between primary care and the emergency room, contact us at (203) 583-8400 for prompt, quality care. afcurgentcare.com/fairfield Photography Provided by AFC Urgent Care

s v p pa rt n e r s | c o m m u n i c at i o n s d e s i g n

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Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ FAIRFIELD

Annual & ESG Reports | Corporate Identity | Digital Media Exhibits | Sales & Marketing Collateral 27 1 Hillcrest Road, Fairfield, Connecticut 06824 203.761.0397 | www.svppartners.com Bob Vitale | rev@svppartners.com GDUSA’s 60th Anniversary Issue, “People to Watch in 2023”

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The ideal spot for small plates and curated cocktails during happy hour or your dinner destination. www.southbayct.com | 203-955-1178 | 55 Miller Street, Fairfield, CT JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / FA I R F I E L D

PAUL HERMAN OF PRESS PLAY TALKS MOVEMENT AND MOTIVATION.

A Motivating Vibe

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA SCHOENGOLD BERANBOM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEIDI CURRAN PHOTOGRAPHY

G E T AC T IV E | F IT N E SS

“

I ’m m ot i vat e d by m a ny t h i n g s , a n d my d r i ve c o nt i nue s t o g row w it h t h e h e l p of my c o m mu n it y.”

The lights dim as the music rises in the packed studio for Paul Herman’s infamous Grooves class. His infectious energy fills the room as the happy crowd starts to follow his lead, moving their bodies to the beat, all clearly having a great time amid the sweat. The force behind Press Play has attracted a loyal local following of all ages due to his warm and welcoming personality and encouraging ‘everybody is a dancer’ attitude. His classes are truly ‘a vibe’.

Q: HOW DID YOUR DANCING LIFE START AND ULTIMATELY BECOME A CAREER?

A: Born and raised in the South Bronx in a Caribbean household, music and dance have always been a part of my life. Listening to various genres of music such as soca, dancehall, hip hop, salsa, and so much more helped me grow a strong connection to music. Evolving into a dancer was like second nature. I first started performing at the Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, and local school talent shows in the early stages of my journey. With a strong passion for dance and the gift instilled in me, those local opportunities turned into performing on stages across the United States. My first big break as a commercial dancer came to me in 2007 when I did a music video, “Whine Up,” alongside my brother Brian Herman for the artist Kat Deluna, featuring well-known Jamaican artist Elephant Man. Soon after, my dance career took me to stages worldwide, including Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Europe, performing alongside prominent artists such as Alicia Keys, Chris Brown, Sean Paul, Lil Wayne, Eve, and Ciara. I was also a featured artist in Reebok’s “Your Move,” “A Tribute to Motown” at Carnegie Hall, Good Morning America with Flo Rida, and Nick Cannon’s Red Nose Danceathon on NBC.

Q: YOUR GROUP FITNESS CLASSES ARE WILDLY POPULAR WITH A DEDICATED FOLLOWING. CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND THEM AND YOUR POINT OF VIEW ON FITNESS?

A: Throughout my 20-plus years of experience teaching in the commercial dance and group fitness industries, I have traveled to some of the leading gyms, private clubs, dance studios, and academic institutions around the world. With an intense background in dance, a passion for teaching, a deep love of entertainment, and a keen ear for music, I quickly excelled as a group fitness instructor. As one of the leading dance fitness instructors at Equinox New England Region, I have grown a solid following and significantly impacted the group fitness community at my studio, Press Play Studio & Events. This success led me to handcraft one of my signature classes, Grooves -The Ultimate Dance and Fitness Experience! With a fun mixture of dance and fitness, Grooves quickly caught the eyes and hearts of this community due to its positive vibes and eclectic playlist. Focusing on genres such as hip-hop, dancehall, Latin, and R&B, Grooves utilizes a high-energy playlist, all while helping movers learn steps from the 60s to the 2000s! Dance is a universal language everyone can express, and Grooves serves as a channel to help promote diversity through music and movement while getting a full-body workout.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE JOINING A CLASS FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME? HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CLASSES?

A: At Press Play Studio & Events, there is a class for everyone! If you want to get back into the groove, CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / FA I R F I E L D

Paul and his loyal community

“

W it h a f u n m i x t u re o f d a n c e a n d f it n e s s , G ro ove s q u i c k l y c a u g h t t h e eye s a n d h e a r t s o f t h i s c o m m u n it y d u e t o it s p o s it i ve v i b e s a n d e c l e c t i c p l ay l i s t .

G E T ACT IV E | FI TNES S

”

Paul Herman in the studio

brush up on your skills, or you are working on getting ready for an audition, we have a class for you. Each class is taught by myself or by one of my trusted, experienced dance instructors. With a core value rooted in training and a passion for educating movers of all ages, Press Play Studio & Events is also one of CT’s most reliable sources for kids and adult dance classes.

Q: DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN WELLNESS ROUTINE?

A: My wellness routine consists of four main things: movement, organization, reflection, & intention. These

four things keep me grounded, centered, and connected to my purpose. Each day, I dance, run, or, at the very least, take a few moments to stretch and move my body. My life can be hectic, so I have learned to develop systems I am constantly checking in with and returning to. Reflection and intention are imperative to moving through my life in a way that I can truly serve others and be sure that I am connecting with myself. I take time to check in each day to acknowledge what has gone well, what things need improvement, and what to be grateful for and celebrated. Each day, I take time to remember my purpose and goals so that I can show up with intentionality and clarity. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / FA I R F I E L D

Q: YOU’RE KNOWN AS THE PRINCE OF MOTIVATION. WHERE DID THAT COME FROM AND HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE YOUR CLIENTS?

A: The Prince of Motivation [laughs]: that’s a good one! The name grew on me once I realized that a lot of what I do every day is to motivate adults and kids of all ages. Whether I MC a party, host an event, mentor an artist, teach a dance class, or lead one of my seminars at a university, the word motivation travels with me everywhere I go. I motivate my clients daily through music and movement and by helping them get more grounded with their unique talents.

Q: WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION AND GET YOUR DRIVE FROM?

A: Good question, I think I get my motivation mainly from my community. I’m blessed to wake up every day with a community of people from all walks of life, colors, shapes, sizes, cultures, and denominations. It is so

G E T AC T IV E | F IT N E SS

beautiful to witness, and I am honored to know I play a small part in helping to bring people together. I’m motivated by many things, and my drive continues to grow with the help of my community.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR PRESS PLAY?

A: I have a few things lined up in the new year, but my main focus is rebuilding something I lost in 2022, a studio space that would house my many endeavors and my community. I look forward to traveling more as an MC and host while inspiring communities around the world through my motivational seminars and dance workshops. I know I have impacted so many lives throughout my journey, so I can only imagine what the future holds for me as I continue to Press Play. For an updated class schedule and more information on events visit pressplaymotivation.com and follow @pressplaystudioandevents and @pressplaymotivation on Instagram.

Paul lead’s his popular Grooves class.

“

I ’m b le s s e d t o wa ke u p eve r y d ay w it h a c o m mu n it y of p e o p le f ro m a l l wa l k s of l i fe ,

c o lo rs , s h a p e s , s i z e s , c u lt u re s , a n d d e n o m i n at io n s .

”

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / FA I R F I E L D

“

D a n c e i s a u n i ve r s a l l a n g u a ge eve r yo n e c a n ex p re s s , a n d G ro ove s s e r ve s a s a c h a n n e l t o h e l p p ro m ot e d i ve r s it y t h ro u g h m u s i c a n d m ove m e n t w h i l e ge t t i n g a f u l l- b o d y wo r ko u t .

G E T ACT IV E | FI TNES S

”

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Pain Relief STATE-OF-THE-ART BONTE MEDICAL COMING SOON TO SOUTHPORT

Dr. Ben Bonte

Relief is on the way, Fairfield. Prominent Westchester pain specialist Dr Bonte is coming to Southport. Known for his compassionate perspective, Dr. Bonte treats acute and chronic pain with a personalized touch to help restore his patients’ well-being.

Dr. Bonte Q: TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND. A: I grew up in New England in the suburbs of Boston, and first became interested in biomechanics and orthopedics at Johns Hopkins University while competing as a Division III athlete on the swim team. I moved to New York City in 2009 to start medical school at NYU School of Medicine, where I also had the opportunity to work with leaders in pain management while in private practice for four years. In 2021 I started my practice in Westchester County. Q: WHAT IS YOUR SPECIALITY? A: I am a double board-certified physiatrist and interventional pain management specialist. I specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of nonoperative management of orthopedic muscle and nerve problems, as well as conditions that may result in chronic pain such as fibromyalgia or migraines. Q: WHO IS YOUR TYPICAL PATIENT? A: I treat patients 18 and older with any pain concerns. This could be younger patients with migraine or chronic pain syndromes or older patients experiencing pain in the neck, back, hip, elbow or any joint pain.

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA SCHOENGOLD BERANBOM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCAS ZHAO

EXP E RT H E LP | WEL L NESS

Q: WHAT MAKES YOUR APPROACH UNIQUE? A: I actually experienced pain during treatment for testicular cancer in 2016. This gave me a personal perspective on the effects that pain has on someone’s life. This shaped the way I envisioned my practice. I built a practice that focuses on a high-quality patient experience, with high levels of communication and responsiveness, a restorative environment, and a personalized focus. An aspect of pain medicine is that pain is a unique experience for each individual and not measured by any lab test. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. I think about a patient’s comfort, longevity, and functional goals and personalize the treatment based on my patients’ lifestyle. Q: WHAT SETS YOU AND YOUR TEAM APART? A: Delivering high-quality medical care is absolutely dependent on having the highest quality team members and I feel fortunate to have found amazing staff members who treat our patients like they were their own family. Our team opened our practice during a pandemic, so we understand the importance of how disruptions in your daily routine due to illness or pain can have profound and cascading effects. A headache, back problem or a knee problem isn’t the whole story or an isolated problem, but rather the fact that this problem can lead to sleep problems, difficulty exercising, and possibly interfering with work or family life. We see our mission as to not only treat pain but also to allow our patients to get back to their routines and improve the quality of their lives. Q: WHAT CAN PATIENTS EXPECT DURING THEIR INITIAL VISIT? A: We will discuss their symptoms and concerns and whether additional diagnostic testing is needed. Most importantly, we will focus on their treatment goals as the best treatment option requires a thorough understanding of a patient’s goals. CONTINUED >

“I built a practice that focuses on a high quality patient experience, with high levels of communication and responsiveness, a restorative environment, and a personalized focus.” JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / FA I R F I E L D

“I am excited to bring these innovative treatments in pain medicine and physiatry closer to home in Southport, and to provide the highest quality of care to every patient I see.”

Q: WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING? A: It is a big responsibility to be entrusted with people at a very vulnerable point in their lives, perhaps when people are feeling at their worst. I value making these relationships with my patients because understanding how their illness impacts their lives makes me focus my treatment on what their goals are. I love being able to help patients return to the activities they enjoy. Q: WHAT LED YOU TO FAIRFIELD AND WHAT WILL YOU OFFER? A: My husband and I moved to Westport and fell in love with the area. I am excited to bring Bonte Medical to Fairfield County. My practice offers advanced, cutting-edge interventional treatments including regenerative medicine and IV infusions for chronic pain. I design a personalized treatment plan to help people recover from injury, reach their goals, and enjoy life to its fullest potential. I am excited to bring these innovative treatments in pain medicine and physiatry closer to home in Southport and to provide the highest quality of care to every patient I see. bontemedical.com @bonte.medical

EXP E RT H E LP | WEL L NESS

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Could your dog use a little more exercise with some new friends? Come explore all that the pack life has to offer! Located on our private trails, our off-leash group nature hikes are the perfect activity for your pup!

DOOR TO DOOR TRANSPORTATION EXERCISE AND SOCIALIZATION PHOTOS / VIDEOS OF EACH HIKE

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / FA I R F I E L D

G u t Fe e l i n g s NAVIGATING DIGESTIVE HEALTH WITH WELLNESS EXPERT ALYSSA LAVY

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA SCHOENGOLD BERANBOM PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAITLYN CASSO CREATIONS

EAT R IGH T | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

Digestive disorders are pervasive. They include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and excess gas are among the most common symptoms and can impact work, relationships, and quality of life. Managing these issues can be overwhelming on one’s own. Finding a specialist can be just as overwhelming. Alyssa Lavy, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer, is not only a wellness and nutrition expert - she specializes in gut health. After years of working as a corporate nutritionist and in large gastroenterology groups, Alyssa decided to narrow her focus and open her own private practice. “I was able to take all of my previous experience and work with the populations I loved working with most, those with digestive health disorders and those looking to improve their relationship with food,” Alyssa explains. She has cultivated a space where she can thoughtfully help patients on their health journey. “I describe myself as a non-scale focused, HAES (Health at Every Size) aligned, weight inclusive dietitian. I practice with an all-foods-fit-astolerated philosophy. I work with clients to embrace a positive relationship with food and their body, whether we are working together to improve general health-related habits, manage their IBS symptoms or any other reason.” Since no two patients are alike, results come from her customized personal approach. “I aim to provide clients with the least restrictive diet for their personal symptom management and ultimately liberalize

their diet as best as possible while we work on diet and non-diet behavior changes to improve gut health. For some people, this may mean pursuing an elimination diet with strategic reintroduction of foods so we can identify dietary triggers. For others, an elimination-style diet may not be appropriate at all, in which case we could potentially pursue a highly modified version or focus solely on non-diet strategies for symptom management. No matter what, I always focus on adding nutrition in rather than taking it out and restricting the diet. We need to nourish ourselves and our gut bugs!” While running an already busy practice with a growing waitlist, Alyssa is also always innovating. In order to reduce those wait times to start working within her practice and to have a greater impact on the IBS community, Alyssa has launched an online group course called Trust Your Gut. This virtual course is a deep dive into Alyssa’s five pillars of IBS management: meal hygiene/ meal spacing and the components of a balanced plate, stress management, sleep hygiene, movement, and diet. With a mix of live office hours for personalized support and video lessons, individuals will ultimately develop their own long-term toolkit to manage their IBS. For Alyssa, the best part has been building a robust online community of fellow IBS-ers who just get it. It’s a private community where members can share their support and experiences. “I am excited to see this community continue to grow, and I am constantly blown away by the positive feedback from course participants. It truly feels like I have found my calling, and I love facilitating this community while helping people to feel better and more confident in their bodies.” CONTINUED >

“I love facilitating this community while helping people to feel better and more confident in their bodies.”

JANUARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / FA I R F I E L D

“I am excited to see this community continue to grow, and I am constantly blown away by the positive feedback from course participants.”

EAT R IGH T | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

ALYSSA’S TOP 10 TIPS: Rooted in the basic foundations of health, Alyssa shares her top 10 tips to jumpstart your own wellness journey for overall gut health in the new year: 1. Swap the word exercise for movement. Engage in mindful movement daily for any amount of time that works for you, even if it’s just 5-10 minutes some days. Find movement that you genuinely enjoy and look forward to doing and incorporate it regularly. The ultimate goal is to reduce sedentary time and form a healthy, positive relationship with movement. 2. Shifting your mindset. If your goal each January has been weight loss - focus less on the number on the scale, which tells us nothing about your health, and more on improving health-related habits that can have an impact on things like your lab values, your energy levels and how you feel. Shifting your mindset around health and wellness is one of the best things you can do to begin to improve your relationship with food, movement and your body. 3. Take time to chew your food thoroughly and eat slowly. Many people forget that digestion actually begins in the mouth. Chewing your food thoroughly allows you to break down the food into smaller pieces and mix it with enzymes found in your saliva, which begin the digestive process. Allow yourself to tune in and notice your hunger, fullness and satiety cues. Many of us shovel food into our mouths as we work or run from one activity to the next and simply changing this behavior can improve bloating, as well as many other GI symptoms, and allow us to eat more mindfully. 4. Make this the year that you curate a healthcare team that prioritizes you! If you suffer from GI symptoms, consider meeting with a registered dietitian before you start eliminating food groups from your diet. This tends to initiate a vicious cycle of dietary restrictions, anxiety surrounding food, worsening symptoms and worsening food relationships. I always say that your health is not the right project to DIY. 5. Get enough sleep – most of us should aim for 7-8 hours per night. I recommend cutting off screen time (TV,

tablet, phone, computer) at least 1 hour before bed and creating a nighttime routine to help you to unwind. 6. Try to set a consistent bed time and wake time, especially if you have IBS. I always tell clients that IBS loves routine, so a simple change like focusing on sleep hygiene and improving circadian rhythm can be so helpful in managing symptoms – and may give you a better baseline so you can tolerate more foods. 7. Get some time outside each day, even if it is just for a few minutes. Being in nature can help to improve mental and physical health – and even improve our gut health. 8. Focus on adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet. Remember – it is not about what we take out, but rather, what we can add into our diet! Start with simple changes, like adding a handful of spinach to your sandwich or adding fruit to your breakfast. These seemingly small additions can mean big-time increases in fiber and nutrient intake each day. 9. Set boundaries! It is impossible to focus on your own health and wellness when you’re constantly overcommitted and feeling burnt out – and as well intentioned as you may be, you will likely not be able to be the best version of yourself (for you or anyone else) if you do not set clear boundaries. Prioritize your energy accordingly. 10. Don’t make too many changes at once! It can feel overwhelming to set a super lofty goal (like going from not cooking to cooking every night of the week or going from 5 hours of sleep each night to 8) or to set too many goals. Keep goals attainable, clear, and meet yourself where you are, prioritizing no more than one or a few changes at each time. Then, gradually build on these goals as they became habits that are part of your regular routine. Visit alyssalavy.com to learn more and follow @alyssalavyrd on Instagram

All tips are provided for general information only and do not constitute individual health advice or recommendations. As always, please discuss with your personal healthcare team before making any changes.

CONTINUED >

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Alyssa Lavy

EAT R IGH T | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

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Great

Food. THE GRANOLA BAR IS FAIRFIELD’S GO-TO FOR HEALTHY FOOD.

Fairfield favorite The Granola Bar recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. It’s impressively grown from just two friends baking granola in their home kitchens after meeting at a child’s birthday party - to what is now known as the TGB Hospitality Group juggernaut. With six locations (and counting!) open seven days a week for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, plus catering and a food truck, there have been many milestones to celebrate over the last decade. Self-described as ‘good food obsessed‘, owners and CT residents Dana Noorily and Julie Mountain believe food is good for you when it is prepared with high-quality ingredients and deeply flavorful. Whether running in before work to grab that perfect cup of coffee or stopping by with friends for one of their popular nutrient-dense bowls for lunch, the favorites are endless. Julie and Dana agree, “We like to say our menu is customer-driven, rather than chef-driven, and we believe that’s really what has resonated.” Although their own wellness philosophy includes the quintessential loads of veggies and hydration they are quick to point out what is at their core, “Wellness for us isn’t just about food and exercise – but it is about laughing, and we do a lot of it!” They also end most meals with a little dark chocolate. Customers can genuinely feel that joyful, laidback approach in the space and reflected on the menu. They’ve created an atmosphere best described as fresh, fun, and unexpected, where everything is made with the utmost care, making it one of Fairfield’s go-tos for delicious healthy options. This entrepreneur duo has significant plans to keep on going and growing. Those little kids at that long-ago birthday party that started it all are now teenagers, whom they credit as their inspiration. “They are amazing sounding boards and our most honest critics when it comes to R&D’ing new menu items.” Julie and Dana will expand into NYC and beyond, first with the opening of their newest location on the Upper West Side. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements coming soon, with many more milestone celebrations to come!

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA SCHOENGOLD BERANBOM PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARIUSZ TEREPKA PHOTOGRAPHY

Great 44

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

Friends.

Dana Noorily and Julie Mountain of The Granola Bar

CONTINUED >

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THE GRANOLA BAR 1876 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield CT thegranolabar.com @thegranolabar

DANA BREAKFAST WRAP This January, make The Granola Bar your first stop on your New Year’s get healthier list. After indulging all holiday season, try this good-foryou fan favorite at home. INGREDIENTS • 3 egg whites • 3 oz mashed avocado • 2 slices of premium Turkey bacon • 1 cup fresh spinach • Pinch of high-quality sea salt and freshly ground black pepper INSTRUCTIONS 1. Begin by carefully separating 3 egg whites into a bowl. 2. Heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat and cook the egg whites for approximately 40 seconds until they form a cohesive, solid white scramble. Transfer the cooked eggs to a separate bowl. 3. In the same pan, place 2 slices of superior-quality Turkey bacon. Cook over medium to high heat until the edges develop a delightful crust. Remove the turkey bacon from the pan. 4. In the residual heat of the pan, add a generous handful of fresh spinach. Splash a bit of water to facilitate wilting, and once the spinach is tender, remove it from the heat A S S E M B LI N G 1. Place a whole wheat wrap on a clean cutting board. Spread 3 oz of meticulously mashed avocado in the center of the wrap. 2. Arrange the cooked egg whites, premium Turkey bacon, and sautéed spinach over the avocado. Finish the assembly with a pinch of high-quality Maldon sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

The Dana Wrap

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

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