Featuring: LesserEvil Interstellar Cheddar Space Balls
Makes 12 servings
Ingredients:
Directions:
Featuring: LesserEvil Sweetheart Pop
Ingredients:
Coconut Whipped Cream:
Strawberries & Cream Jars:
Directions:
Coconut Whipped Cream:
Strawberries & Cream Jars:
Notes:
Featuring: LesserEvil Sweetheart Pop
Ingredients:
Directions:
We’re in the depths of winter with a few more weeks to go, and many of us might be so over the cold by now. So what if we were to tell you that taking cold plunges / baths during this time of year is actually a GOOD thing? We probably sound crazy, but this form of therapy is gaining some traction with celebrities and athletes alike and is proving to offer amazing benefits. We wanted to look into it, because let’s face it: we love finding comfort in the discomfort! Let’s dive in.
DISCLAIMER: We aren’t doctors, but you should speak with one if you are considering experimenting with cold plunges or other forms of cold therapy, as there could be risks. Listen to your body and do what’s right for YOU.
Have you ever heard of Wim Hof? He’s like the grandfather of cold water immersion. Nicknamed “The Iceman,” this Dutch daredevil has defied all odds, from running a half marathon above the Arctic Circle, wearing ONLY shorts (that’s right, not even sneakers or socks!), swimming 66 meters underneath ice, and climbing some of the highest mountains in the world with minimal clothing. In fact, his craziness has earned him 21 Guinness World Records. He’s made scientists’ heads spin with the level of authority he has over his body. By controlling his breathing and exposing himself to harsh conditions, he’s been able to sustain ultimate health as it relates to weight, immunity, sleep, and more.
Cold plunges are a daily occurrence for him (the same way snacking is for us). He says that “breathing and using cold, through cold showers and experiences, provides a boost of performance compared to anything that would be possible if the person had not done that.” His full devotion to cold plunges is reasonable considering the many benefits it provides to the mind and body. Some of the benefits include:
Cold plunges have a deep history, with humans as far back as 3500 BC using this type of healing for therapeutic purposes, relaxation, and even socialization. Hippocrates was a huge advocate for cold therapy, dedicating a sufficient section to thermal water in his work “De is, a quiz at loci”, saying that changes of habits and environment including bathing, perspiration, walking, and massages help to lower inflammation in the body.
So how does it work exactly? The idea is that a cold plunge allows blood vessels to expand, directing blood to your vital organs and tissues to help remove waste products, such as lactic acid, and lower inflammation. Furthermore, “proper blood flow leads to a healthy heart, strong immune system, solid mental health, and high levels of energy.”
But maybe cold plunging just seems too much of a jump. If that’s the case, you could also try cryotherapy. It only lasts 2-4 minutes and just as much, if not more, effectiveness than the cold plunge in a short amount of time. Beginning with bundling up your extremities with gloves, socks, and a face covering in order to avoid frostbite, cryotherapy involves sitting or standing in an enclosed chamber that’s been cooled (we’re talking between −100° C and −140° C cool) with liquid nitrogen. Your body will create a defensive response to the frigid cold, even though the body isn’t in danger, and will in turn produce phenomenal benefits like reduced inflammation and pain and increased collagen production.
At LesserEvil, we’re always looking for ways to help build our bodies to their greatest potential. We’re embracing new and innovative methods to make us stronger than we were yesterday from the inside out. We understand that not every extreme concept is fit for everybody, and we celebrate the small wins just as much as the big ones!
Question is: are you ready to take the plunge?
It’s that time when a new year brings on a new set of goals we are looking to achieve. From health and nutrition goals to financial and educational goals, the new year is a great time to zone in on an area of needed improvement with the expectations of making it a habit that we keep throughout (and more importantly beyond) the year.
We asked LesserEvil employees what inspiring goals they’re setting for themselves this year, and this is what they said!
Chris Martino – Supply Chain Manager – Complete at least 3 certificate courses this year and get back into working out at least 3-4 times a week.
Annalee Johnson – Sales Marketing Specialist – My New Year resolution is to “unhurry” my life. I read this book about a month ago called The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer, which has seriously changed my life (let me know if you read it because I love to talk about it). The synopsis is that hurrying has a direct negative impact not only on our physical and mental states but on our souls. SOOO GOOD! 10/10!!
Amanda – Art Director – My New Year’s resolution is to bring my lunch from home more often.
Ryan Barrios – Director of Sales, East – My New Year’s resolution is to dedicate more time to myself for self-reflecting/meditating! I also want to set aside more time to read in 2023.
Marcus Bala – VP of Operations – I am going to make a larger effort to bring a more holistic mind, body, and soul approach to maintaining my health. We have so many great benefits here at LesserEvil to help support this.
Jess Westerfield – HR Manager – To create a daily journaling practice!
Corey Baker – Director of National, Alt Channel – To make time for recovery – stretching, yoga, theragun, massages, a good cry. Whatever helps heal and strengthen my body and soul.
Caitlin Mack – Director, Digital + Brand Marketing – To read 23 books in 2023 and run a half marathon in the fall (after welcoming baby #3 this spring!)
Nicole – Digital Community and Content Coordinator – Eat more mindful and healthier foods and get back into reading at least 1 book a month!
Allen – Warehouse Ops Manager – Practice yoga 4-5 times per week and be “in the moment” more.
When you can’t seem to kick the brrr out of your body, drinking a hot cup of tea will surely do the trick (not to mention all of the amazing health benefits teas provide, like lowering bad cholesterol, fighting off various cancers, relieving headaches, soothing digestion, and more). We’re all used to the regular teas from green tea to chamomile, so we’re here to switch up your collection with these FUNctional teas you may not have heard of but will definitely want to try.
Teas are the perfect way to stay warm and hydrated this winter season while providing your system with herbal supplements that will enhance your immunity, mood, and overall health. Pick up some of these unique teas to try at your next tea party, book club, or night in.
Featuring: LesserEvil Dark Chocolate + Himalayan Pink Salt Popcorn
Time:
Make: 45+ minutes
Cool: 30+ minutes
Ingredients:
Popcorn Crispy Treats:
Peanut Butter Caramel:
Chocolate Topping:
Directions:
Popcorn Crispy Treats:
Peanut Butter Caramel:
*** If you over boil the caramel it could produce a yellow/golden foamy liquid. If this happens, remove the pot from the heat, continue to stir, then strain out the liquid using a strainer. If this happens, the caramel itself will still be delicious, just be sure to remove all of the liquid. If you like a thicker caramel, you may want to actually proceed with this step anyway as it makes for a super chewy and thick finish.
Featuring: LesserEvil Dark Chocolate + Himalayan Pink Salt Popcorn
Makes 6 balls
INGREDIENTS:
INSTRUCTIONS
Featuring: LesserEvil White Chocolate + Matcha Popcorn
INGREDIENTS:
INSTRUCTIONS:
November is National Inspirational Role Models Month, a time to reflect on those individuals who encourage us to be our best and reach for the stars. We checked in with LesserEvil’s motivated staff to see who is the inspiration behind their drive, purpose, and passions.
Marylup M. – Field Marketing Specialist |
“I know it’s cliché, but my mom has been a great role model in my life. She has always taught me to be confident, to be honest, and to be happy.
I always call her when I am having a bad day. She reminds me that what seems to be the end of the world truly is not. Life has a way of working itself out, and everything will be ok. Her words instantly ground me.
She holds her head up high, knows her worth, and does not fall into social constructs. She is a perfect example of someone who can be a mother and a business owner. She is an even better example of someone who has accomplished the American Dream.
Mom, you are my strength and my hero!”
Chris M. – Supply Chain Manager
“Tough to pick just one role model for me. Out of my professional career, I’ve been lucky to be able to call just about all of my supervisors role models. I was just out of high school, and the CEO of the company I was an intern with gave me a shot to do something more, and I haven’t stopped since then. In doing that, I’ve learned the value of hard work, persistence, and to stay surrounded by people that can help you grow in all areas of your life. The best lesson they’ve taught me is that sometimes you’ll fail and it’s ok, but how you recover and learn from that failure is more important than anything else to help you grow as a person.”
Chris M. – Supply Chain Manager
Tough to pick just one role model for me. Out of my professional career, I’ve been lucky to be able to call just about all of my supervisors role models. I was just out of high school, and the CEO of the company I was an intern with gave me a shot to do something more, and I haven’t stopped since then. In doing that, I’ve learned the value of hard work, persistence, and to stay surrounded by people that can help you grow in all areas of your life. The best lesson they’ve taught me is that sometimes you’ll fail and it’s ok, but how you recover and learn from that failure is more important than anything else to help you grow as a person.
Jennifer P. – ERP Data Entry Clerk
Undoubtedly, my best inspiration is my mom. She has taught me that in life you don’t have to give up on anything, that dreams come true as long as you work for them, and that you learn from your mistakes. She has achieved many things in her life to this day, and that is why she is my greatest inspiration. I am far from my family, in a different country from mine, fighting for my dreams. I thank God because every day I am achieving small things, which for me are great. I am in an excellent company in which I have grown both in my personal and professional life, and I know that it does not end here. I have many things to give, and I will continue working to meet my goals.
Ryan B. – Director of Sales, East
My parents! They both have always shown hard work and dedication throughout my life that has motivated me to be like them in the things I do on a daily basis!
Carmine I. – Manufacturing Manager
My PaPa (or as some would say, grandfather). He was a tough military man who jumped out of planes in the Army. The thing I am happy he taught me was if you are gonna do something you give 100%, or you don’t even bother. His motto was, “Hard work and preparation beats skill anytime.”
Corey B. – General Manager
My dad was a role model to me for his amazing work ethic. He instilled from a very early age that hard work and dedication can pay off. He built several successful businesses and showed me that anything was possible.
Katherine A. – Product Quality
Amanda Moline, our R&D and QA Specialist, is my role model. She has taught me what I know and what can be improved upon. I met her when she was a machine operator and now she is in a higher position, which is so amazing. From her, I’ve learned that one can accomplish what one sets out to do.