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Author: markdegrasse@gmail.com

Top 5 Hotspots for Healthy People in Austin

Top 5 Hotspots for Healthy People in Austin

 

According to a report from WalletHub, Austin is number 11 on the list of healthiest places to live in America! The study looked at factors like cost of medical visits to fruit and vegetable consumption to fitness clubs per capita. But that isn’t the only thing that makes Austin healthy, our health conscious businesses and outdoor activities are held in high regard.

 

#1 – Zilker Park

Zilker Park, while technically a dog park, is a huge hotspot for a plethora of healthy living events. On any given day, when the weather is nice, you will find people being active: there are yoga classes, soccer practices, dance parties, workout groups, ultimate frisbee, and more. Zilker is a hub for activity. Most events are shared in Facebook groups or on social media, like this yoga class: https://www.facebook.com/groups/697899387576178/, and are free or donation based.

 

#2 – Ladybird Lake

Ladybird Lake has become a quarantine favorite. When the weather allows, you’ll find a large group of people congregating on the sandbar and partying (safely distanced). OceanLab has created a floating stage and curated some great live music events on the lake. You can rent kayaks or stand up paddle boards from Texas Rowing Center (https://www.texasrowingcenter.com/) and join in on the fun. Or take your floatation devices on an adventure of your own! Pack up some healthy snacks, and spend your day on the water!

 

#3 – The Beer Plant

The Beer Plant is a locally owned all vegan restaurant with a plethora of craft beers on tap! The menu has a focus on fermentation, including house-made breads, pickled vegetables, and cultured vegan cheeses and butters. With indoor or outdoor seating, this is a great choice in any weather. Located to the west of downtown, this is a hotspot for health and fun!

 

#4 – SquareRut Kava Bar

SquareRut Kava Bar is a family owned kava bar in the heart of Austin. SquareRut’s main location is just a short walk from Zilker Park and Barton Springs. Kava is derived from the root of the kava plant and is made into beverages, candies, and more. Kava is proven to relax your body similar to alcohol, but with no hangover and no intoxication. SquareRut kava bar is the most family friendly alcohol free bar in Austin!

 

#5 – Barton Creek Greenbelt

The Greenbelt is a 7.25 mile running trail that goes from Zilker park into the Westlake subdivision area. The Barton Creek Greenbelt consists of three areas: the Lower Greenbelt, the Upper Greenbelt, and the Barton Creek Wilderness Park and is characterized by large limestone cliffs, dense foliage, and shallow bodies of water. It is rated the most fun trail head in Austin!

 

The healthy fun in Austin sure is centralized. It sounds to us like you need to have a picnic at Zilker, hop in Ladybird lake (waterfront access located at the end of the park by the gazebo), and end your day relaxing with a cup of kava at SquareRut!

Kava Ingredients and Effects

Main Ingredient: Kava

Kava, Kava Kava, or Piper Methysticum.

Kava has a lot of names! But no matter what you call it, Kava has a long history of use and is considered a safe beverage or supplement. It has been used for hundreds of years by the natives of the South Pacific islands. Traditionally the roots are chewed and spit out into water to create a paste, but for obvious health coding reasons the Kava you’re drinking has been cut and ground up into a fine powder!

Kava Benefits

We have learned from the islanders that Kava has many benefits. While many of the side effects of Kava mimic alcohol, it leaves you with no hangover and better sleep than ever before. The Kava root relaxes the nervous system, decreases anxiety, and minimizes sleep disturbances.

#1 Relaxation

Kava relaxes the nervous system, creating a calming effect in the entire body. The active ingredient in Kava, kavalactones, affect the neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that allow your nerves to communicate with each other, meaning these kavalactones help your nerves communicate relaxing chemicals to further relax the body.

#2 Decrease Anxiety

The first long-term study investigating the effects of kava extract in people with anxiety was published in 1997. In comparison to the placebo, it significantly decreased the severity of participants’ anxiety. Since then 11 other studies have demonstrated the anti-anxiety benefits of Kava, and the positive response of no addiction or withdrawal side effects which are commonly seen in other anti-anxiety pharmaceuticals.

#3 Minimizes Sleep Disturbances

In response to numbers 1 and 2, it comes as no surprise that Kava aides in sleep quality! When your body and brain are more relaxed, you sleep easier. Stress-induced insomnia is common in those with anxiety, leaving Kava to kill two birds with one stone. Like alcohol, Kava causes some drowsiness, helping you fall asleep. The relaxing effect of the kavalactones on the nervous system helps you stay asleep all night long.


Squarerut Kava Bar Austin Texas

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