LIVING WITH IVEY

LIVING WITH IVEY All About Adaptogens

What are they and do they live up to THE HYPE?

By Ivey Leidy Photography by Jerry Rabinowitz

»THE MAIN ADAPTOGENS

You’ve seen them on smoothie and coffee menus, as an ingredient in snack bars and gummies, and even in specialty cocktails promising to reduce stress and anxiety, boost immunity and energy, fight inflammation, and improve sleep. While they may seem like yet another wellness trend, adaptogens have actually been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

Coined by Dr. Nikolai V. Lazarev, the term “adaptogen” refers to “a substance that increases nonspecific resistance against multiple stressors.” This powerful group (primarily plants, herbs, and mushrooms) interacts with your brain and nervous system to regulate physiological responses to stress, ensuring your body functions as it should. Adaptogens do for your adrenal glands what exercise does for muscles and bones, strengthening them to protect and defend. As a result, cortisol levels decrease, serotonin (the happy hormone) and melatonin (the sleep hormone) increase, and everything else falls into place: pain relief, improved digestion, cognitive function, and increased immunity. Weeding through the noise and making sure you’re getting real adaptogenic herbs is the main hurdle. Because the FDA classifies these products as dietary supplements, manufacturers may exaggerate how well they work. Avoid packaged snacks and look for the whole form, powder, or liquid versions of the adaptogen itself.

Adaptogens are not something you can sprinkle on your coffee every so often and expect results; they need to be a part of your daily routine to really reap the benefits. There are many ways to accomplish this and numerous adaptogens to choose from. Incorporate them into your teas, coffees, or smoothies, or cook adaptogenic mushrooms as a hearty side or entrée. Consume stimulating adaptogens, like maca and ginseng, earlier in the day, before 2 p.m. Calming adaptogens, including holy basil and ashwagandha, are great for the late afternoon or evening.

Read on to discover more adaptogens and how to add them to your diet.

PROPS AND DISHWARE COURTESY OF HIVE HOME, GIFT & GARDEN. FARM RIO DRESS COURTESY OF HIVE FOR HER.

Holy Basil: By reducing cortisol production, this plant can alleviate stress and anxiety. It can also balance blood sugar and hormones and promote fertility.

Ginseng:

This root boosts energy and cognitive function. Ashwagandha: Also known as Indian ginseng, this herb can purportedly reduce stress and anxiety.

Cordyceps:

These mushrooms boost stamina, increase exercise performance, and reduce inflammation. Maca: A Peruvian root used by ancient warriors to boost stamina and energy, maca has been found to increase libido, balance hormones, and benefit immunity.

Maitake: These mushrooms support healthy blood sugar levels and regulate insulin. Goji Berries: These berries can boost energy and physical performance and improve sleep.

Matcha: This popular plant/tea supports a healthy glucose response, balances hormones, and reduces inflammation. Turmeric: This root decreases inflammation and regulates glucose and cholesterol.

Reishi: In addition to supporting immunity, reishi mushrooms can lower blood pressure and improve sleep.

Rhodiola Rosea:

Incorporate this plant to reduce physical and mental fatigue. Astragalus also targets fatigue.

Lion’s Mane: Consume these mushrooms to reduce anxiety and depression and boost brain health.

SAUTÉED Maitake and Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. lion’s mane mushrooms 1 lb. maitake mushrooms 3 tbsp. olive oil, divided 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 tbsp. white wine vinegar 2 tbsp. chopped parsley 2 tbsp. lemon juice (half a lemon) Flaked sea salt 1 1/2 frozen bananas 1/2 cup kale 1 tbsp. chia seeds 1 tbsp. hemp seeds 1 pitted date 1 tsp. matcha powder 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 cup almond milk 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp. ground ginger 1/2 tsp. raw honey

»MATCHA SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS

»Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until thick and creamy.

»Cut mushrooms lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick “steaks.” Add 2 tbsp. of olive oil to a cast-iron pan and coat the pan using a paper towel. » Over medium heat, cook mushroom steaks for 4 minutes on each side, pressing down with a metal spatula every few minutes to release moisture. » Bring heat to low and add the remaining 1 tbsp. of olive oil as well as the minced garlic in the center of the pan. Cook until garlic is fragrant and lightly browned and all mushrooms are golden brown (approximately 1 minute). Finish with white wine vinegar and toss to combine. » Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley, squeezed lemon, and flaked sea salt. » In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients. Transfer to a small pot on the stove and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from stove, transfer to a mug, and whisk or froth contents. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

CHOCOLATE MUSHROOM COFFEE

INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup coffee 1 tsp. cordyceps mushroom powder (or a mushroom powder blend) 1/2 tsp. cacao powder 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. maple syrup 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, warmed and frothed (if desired)

»In a coffee cup, combine all ingredients, adding almond milk last. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cacao powder.

TURMERIC LATTE

INGREDIENTS

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STYLE

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Pump IT UP

Elevate your HOME GYM with luxury designer essentials

By Katherine Lande

1. Nohrd indoor exercise bike ($3,000), WaterRower, waterrower.com | 2. Dumbbells ($2,860), Louis Vuitton, louisvuitton.com | 3. Odyssee Eau silver flask ($7,450), Hermès, hermes.com | 4. White neoprene and leather low-top trainers with crystals ($2,125), Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com | 5. Fuseaux Moon leggings ($391) and Second Skin Moon top ($288), Marine Serre, marine serre.com | 6. Mademoiselle’s gym beauty essentials with N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Serum-in-Mist ($95), UV Essentiel ($55), and Le Volume Stretch De Chanel ($35), Chanel, chanel.com | 7. Rive Droite x Everlast boxing gloves ($540), Saint Laurent, ysl.com | 8. Technogym for Dior set with My Run, ball, and bench (price upon request), Dior, dior.com

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THE LOOK Get into the Groove

ELEVATE ATHLEISURE WITH PIECES THAT CAN GO FROM THE GYM TO THE BEACH

By Katherine Lande

FRUIT PUNCH Pineapple GG Supreme belt bag ($1,200), Gucci, multiple locations, gucci.com

SLIDE INTO HOME

45 studded suede slides ($1,090), Alaia, netaporter.com

DOUBLE CROSS

RLX crossbody bag ($168), Ralph Lauren, multiple locations, ralphlauren.com

STELLA MCCARTNEY SPRING/SUMMER 2022

Energetic punches of color mixed with neutrals add instant vibrancy to an athletic-inspired look.

BUCKLE UP Black slide Trekky strass buckle sandals ($1,295), Roger Vivier, rogervivier.com SAY OM Exercise mat ($2,390),

Louis Vuitton,

multiple locations, louisvuitton.com HATS OFF Baseball cap ($395), Saint Laurent, Palm Beach, ysl.com

STYLE NOTES

FUNCTION FIRST: Go hands-free with crossbody and belt bags. ULTRA UNIFORM: Opt for accessories with utilitarian details. TREK CHIC: Update your look with sporty sandals.

CURTAIN RISES

Act 1 sandals ($1,500), Chanel, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, chanel.com

BRACE YOURSELF

Kinetic Impact sandals with lightweight leather and mesh ($140), Sorel, sorel.com

LOVELY LAYERS

Nike Air Force 1 Shadow ($120), Nike, nike.com Bold and beautiful, the Nike Air Force 1 Shadow elevates the coveted AF1 silhouette (literally) with an exaggerated, lifted sole and doubled design elements for a playful shadow effect. Ridiculously comfortable and easy to style, these are a must. —Abigail Duffy, web editor

THE EDIT Cool KICKS

PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD IN OUR EDITORS’ FAVORITE SNEAKERS

By Melissa Puppo

NO SCHOOL LIKE THE OLD SKOOL

Chunky Glitter Old Skool ($75), Vans, vans.com When I need a little shimmer in my step (but the occasion isn’t high-heel-friendly), I always opt for these Vans. The original side-stripe skater shoe looks even better with a bit of bling, and this neutral metallic goes with everything in my closet—from daytime to dress-up. —Kristen Desmond LeFevre, senior editor

PLAY TIME

Multi Heart low-top canvas sneakers ($150), Comme des Garçons Play x Converse, saksfifthavenue.com My longtime favorite kicks are the result of an all-star collab between two iconic brands—the minimalist chic of Comme des Garçons combined with the classic street style of Converse Chuck Taylors. Sporting the heart logos never gets old. Pro tip: They run large, so order one size down. —Allison Wolfe Reckson, managing editor

SAKS.COM

FLY AWAY HOME

The Cardinal sneakers ($140 each), Birdies, birdies.com For the ultimate marriage of style and comfort, you can’t beat Birdies—a shoe company founded by two moms who wanted a chic alternative to house slippers. Their collection now includes everything from slides to flats to sneakers like this brand-new Cardinal design. —Mary Murray, executive editor

ECO-CHIC

Campo metallic low-top sneakers ($145), Veja, saksfifthavenue.com My go-to sneaker this season is the Veja Campo in metallic silver. I’m a huge fan of this brand’s sustainable styles (and they also happen to be a fashion cult favorite). The metallic silver allows me to style up with day dresses or style down with leggings and jeans. —Katherine Lande, fashion editor

TIMELESS CLASSIC

Superstar Shoe ($95), Adidas, adidas.com When it comes to playing (sneaker) favorites, I always opt for Adidas. This signature black-andwhite pair never goes out of style and has become a street wear staple in my wardrobe. —Melissa Puppo, contributing editor