Latest news with #LisaSchultz
Los Angeles Times
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Costa Mesa's Concerts in the Park series returns to Fairview Tuesday evenings in July
Locals converged this week upon Costa Mesa's Fairview Park for an evening of summertime fun and a live musical performance set against the backdrop of a setting sun — hallmarks of the annual Concerts in the Park Series. Presented by the nonprofit Costa Mesa Foundation, and with help from the city's Parks and Community Services department, the series runs Tuesday evenings throughout this month, with festivities beginning at 5 p.m. and concerts going live at 6 p.m. In addition to the tunes, participants can enjoy food trucks, activity stations for kids and a no-host beer and wine garden curated by Hi-Time Wine Cellars of Costa Mesa featuring beers from Irvine's Left Coast Brewing and Firestone Walker Brewing Co. 'It's kind of grassroots, somewhere between a festival and an outdoor concert,' said Lisa Schultz, a foundation board member and one organizer of the event, which faithfully draws legions of fans together in a giant backyard party vibe. 'Our appeal is we are on a weeknight that the [county] fair isn't open, so it's something to do during the summer. It's a park party for sure and just really fun.' Tuesday's first installment of the series featured the musical talents of South Orange County-based blues, soul and rock band Family Style, which had attendees at Fairview Park on their feet and dancing. The series continues on July 15 with a performance by 1980s-era cover band Flashback Heart Attack, followed by high-energy Huntington Beach-based group Tijuana Dogs on July 22. Following on the heels of the series, the Pacific Symphony will hold a free 'Symphony in the Cities' concert on July 29. Although the turnout is large, the annual series is organized by the Costa Mesa Foundation board, which currently comprises eight members, to raise funds for a grant program that serves local schools and community organizations, according to Schultz. School groups, such as the Estancia High School football team, and nonprofits like Huntington Beach's Robyne's Nest, apply throughout the year for grants to supplement trips or programming that helps keep them going. The Foundation raises funds through a beer and wine garden at each concert and by partnering with sponsors KASE Real Estate and the Stirdivant Group, C.J. Segerstrom and Sons, Mesa Water District, Cla-Val, the office of Supervisor Katrina Foley, the Toll Roads OC and more. 'We're a volunteer board, not a big swanky nonprofit,' said Schultz. 'We're just a little board made of volunteers that love Costa Mesa, and this is what we do.'
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Could This Diet Help With Your Hot Flashes?
Hot flashes, night sweats and unexpected weight gain—for many women navigating menopause, these symptoms are more than just uncomfortable. They can be disruptive, frustrating and isolating. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other medications are a go-to for some, new research suggests a powerful alternative: a vegan diet. And notably, it works even when processed foods are still on the plate. In a recent study conducted by The Menopause Society and published in the journal Menopause, experts researched how plant-based eating can benefit women in midlife. 'This study highlights the potential positive effects of a plant-based diet rich in soy, regardless of the level of processing, in terms of both hot flash and weight management,' Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for the Menopause Society, said in a statement. More from Flow Space The Surprising Risk Factor for Alzheimer's All Menopausal Women Need to Know Ahead, learn more about how a vegan diet can help manage menopause symptoms and improve your overall health. According to Lisa Schultz, a certified nutritionist, personal trainer and weight loss expert, a vegan diet can support menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and weight gain. Vegan diets are effective because they exclude heavily saturated fats like red and processed meats, deli meats and dairy, which are known contributors to inflammation and are high in calories. Schultz explains that highly inflammatory foods can add to menopause symptoms. 'With that said, the quality of the diet definitely matters,' she adds. 'While even a processed vegan diet may offer some relief due to the absence of animal fats and the inclusion of soy, whole food-based vegan diets are more effective for symptom management and overall health.' Participants in the study were challenged to follow either a vegan diet supplemented with soybeans or an omnivorous diet, and both groups found success in mitigating hot flashes. Should soybeans be a topic of conversation when discussing options for soothing midlife symptoms? 'Soy deserves a redemption arc in the menopause conversation,' says Yaa Boakye, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), personal trainer, nutrition consultant and body data practitioner. 'Despite years of unfounded fears, current research shows that traditional soy foods—think tempeh, tofu, edamame and miso—can be powerful allies during menopause.' Boakye also explains that isoflavones in soy (specifically genistein and daidzein) act as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). This means they can provide estrogenic effects where beneficial (such as reducing hot flashes) while blocking more potent estrogens where protective, like in breast tissue. But there is a crucial distinction when deciding what version of soy to implement into your diet: Whole soy foods versus isolated soy proteins and ultra-processed soy products. Traditional fermented soy (tempeh, miso, natto) offers enhanced bioavailability—your body can actually use more of the beneficial compounds. While 'soy protein isolates in bars and shakes lack the full spectrum of nutrients and may not provide the same benefits,' Boakye says. Schultz also argues that soy is incredibly beneficial for those experiencing menopause symptoms since it provides a source of protein, calcium and isoflavones without the added sugars, oils or preservatives. But it's not just the vegan aspect of the diet that makes it effective; it's that it's nutrient-dense and balanced. 'When combined with vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and starches, it's a well rounded diet,' Shultz explains. 'Just like with everything, nothing should be overdone.' Start by adding one to two whole soy foods per day in place of processed meats like deli meat, bacon or sausage. From there, increase intake of fiber-rich vegetables, legumes and whole grains. According to Schultz, you should build meals with protein, complex carbs and some healthy fats. 'Gradually reduce highly processed vegan items and read labels carefully to prevent adding high sodium, oily condiments and processed snack foods,' she continues. 'A well-planned, plant-based diet during menopause is like hiring a multitasking assistant —it addresses multiple concerns simultaneously,' Boakye says. 'Plant-based diets can help reduce heart disease risk.' Plant compounds can improve also sleep architecture. 'Tryptophan from seeds and nuts are a precursor to the sleep hormone melatonin,' Boakye shares. Additionally, she notes that prebiotic fibers feed beneficial bacteria, which produce mood-regulating neurotransmitters, such as serotonin (which is 90% produced in the gut). 'B-vitamins from whole grains support cognitive function, especially B6, B12 and folate,' she adds. And stable blood sugar from complex carbs helps emotional regulation. Always work with a healthcare provider familiar with plant-based nutrition during menopause—ideally, a team including your doctor, a registered dietitian and possibly a menopause specialist. 'They can help you navigate potential drug-nutrient interactions, ensure you're meeting all nutritional needs and adjust recommendations based on your individual health markers,' Boakye notes.
