As I mentioned in “12 Ways To the Healthiest You,” this past year I’ve been on a quest to become the healthiest me I can be, and I’m still a #workinprogress.

Appearance is a driver for me, as with most people, but I’m also keenly aware of the diabetes risk that took my dad at the too-young age of 69. My hope is that you again feel inspired by this article and find more things to help you on the journey to Healthiest You.

Solidcore started in Washington, DC and has recently come to Texas (there are over 36 locations). With its pilates-style solid workouts for your core, the 50-minute session will have you a sweaty mess of muscles. I enjoy their personable trainers who are there to push you to your max with every lunge, oblique crunch and plank. They turn the lights down and the music up for a club vibe of the highest intensity. SOLID! Single class $32 or save with a multi-pack.

Admit it, you’re a little jealous of those celebs who get to dance with beautiful pros on “Dancing with the Stars.” Three of those perfectly-formed male dancers have started Dance with Me studios. For the group classes, there is no need to schedule in advance as they are all on a drop-in basis. The 45-minute group classes are $25/class. I took two friends to the Social Party at Austin’s Domain on Wednesday night ($15/person including party snacks). We had fun learning several different types of dances in an informal setting– think hula and limbo, along with partner dances. If you’re looking for a more structured class, the American Style Technique class teaches ballroom dances (smooth and rhythm), that are usually meant to be more competitive.

We all know yoga is good for the body and mind; but so is getting a great new yoga outfit. Check out Hyde Yoga for earth-friendly activewear that’s all organic and made in the USA. Plus, some people don’t like wild prints on their yoga pants and Hyde offers great solid options, and even yoga pants with pockets. I love the block coloring with black, grey and maroon, matched with a solid black tank top. Get your stretch on! Bottoms start at $62, tops start at $49

For eye health, you need to make sure you’re wearing your sunglasses outside. Little known fact: you can get melanoma in your eye! SmartBuyGlasses.com is one of the largest eyewear e-retailers worldwide, with famous brands like Gucci, Ray-Ban, Prada and many more. Check them out for fun and glamorous styles. Prices vary

TRAMPS Compression Hosiery offers knee-high, thigh-high, open-toe and even waist-high compression socks to avoid uncomfortable rolling and cinching. Their socks help to increase healthy blood and oxygen flow to the heart, keeping your legs looking and feeling better. If you’re looking for more of a plain sock (solid color), especially for guys, this is a good option. From $58

They say it’s 80% nutrition/ 20% exercise–and some even say it’s 90% nutrition. Another option to assist in your healthy eating, because we’re all busy, is Sun Basket, a healthy cooking service which delivers organic, pre-measured ingredients and easy-to-cook, delicious recipes weekly to your door. No need to plan or shop to enjoy a healthy meal. Personalized for your lifestyle and diet, Sun Basket provides a seasonally inspired Chef’s Basket, along with gluten-free, paleo and vegetarian options. But my fave is the  Diabetes-Friendly Meal Plan which includes organic produce, lean meats and seafood. It also includes nutritional information to fit right in to your needs. Price per serving $11.99

How do these sound?

One-pan Mediterranean stuffed sole with olives and pine nuts

Easy lamb gyros with tomatoes and cucumber tzatziki

Fresh pappardelle with cremini mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta

Gluten allergies are commonplace these days. Mom’s Place is a gluten-free online shop, offering a variety of foods, ranging from breakfast to desserts to seasonings. I loved using the dry soup mix as a seasoning on my slow cooker roast, but the soup packets by themselves are ideal for a cool fall day– and you can add veggies in. Try the carrot cake mix or, if you’re willing to put in a little extra time, try their GF cinnamon rolls. Prices vary

Started by a veteran, Tough Mother (based in the Round Rock area) is a shot of goodness! Two teaspoons a day can boost your immune system, reduce acid in your stomach, increase your metabolism and improve overall health. There are specific benefits that various organic whole roots deliver. Tough Mother ferments these for six weeks, with anti-inflammatory being at the top of the list of benefits. Used by performance athletes and “regular folk,” if you can’t stomach the shot, you can add to hot tea with honey.

20% of all fruits and vegetables grown in the U.S. don’t adhere to the strict cosmetic standards of grocery stores, creating billions of pounds of wasted produce every year. Imperfect Produce buys the “ugly” produce directly from farms and ships directly to customers’ doors at a cost that is 30%-50% less than grocery store prices.They have successfully recovered 30 million pounds since the company’s start. With Austin and San Antonio already on their growing list of cities, Imperfect Produce aims to one day deliver ugly produce all over the country and be a force for good in the food industry by both reducing food waste and making healthy food more accessible for everyone. In Austin, use code ATX5 to receive $5 off your first weekly or bi-weekly shipment (normally $12-$18).  

Here’s a better-for-you brand that you might not realize you need. Lemi Shine is the maker of non-toxic household cleaning products powered by citric extracts, which make it easy and effortless to clean your appliances and home. Eleven of Lemi Shine’s signature products have been awarded the EPA’s Safer Choice certification, including: Dish Detergent Booster, Dishwasher Cleaner Single Use, Washing Machine Cleaner Single Use, Liquid Dish Soap – Concentrated, Glass & Surface Cleaner. Available on Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Target.com and in-store at H-E-B and Target.

Marika Flatt is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine.