Kroma Conversations Q&A with Kroma Founder: Lisa Odenweller
Name three non-negotiables in your life.
- Exercise - moving my body every day
- Quality time with friends and family (and laughing as much as possible)
- Self care - doing things that I love, eating clean (most of the time), taking time to introspect and evolve
What’s one way you take care of your mental health every day?
Exercise is the best meditation for me. Whether it’s hiking, dancing, playing tennis, yoga, beach walks and bootcamps, biking or an intense Peloton ride, I get the most clarity when I move my body and it immediately ignites creativity and positive energy. It is especially powerful if I am stressed or processing something that I am trying to work through.
What’s your strategy for managing stress in real time?
Remembering to breathe is probably number one and keeping perspective. Everything is a moment in time and I am (usually) really good at compartmentalizing stressful situations knowing it’s the only way to have clear thinking. It takes a lot to really stress me out and when it does get the best of me, I take moments throughout the day to breathe and / or dance or take a walk - anything to shake it off. Moving the stagnant energy through me is always extremely helpful in managing stress.
Can you share your best no-cost wellness tip?
A beach walk or hike or pretty much anything in nature. I think being in nature is our most powerful tool for healing, decompressing, gaining clarity and raising our vibration.
What's one wellness myth you'd love to debunk for good?
That our genetic disposition dictates our overall health. While your genes do have influence, you actually can control about 80% of your health through better lifestyle choices:
- Eating healthy foods (most of the time - 80 / 20 rule)
- Moving your body every day for at least 20 minutes
- Getting 7-8 hours of sleep
- Managing stress through breath and meditation
- Working with a functional (or alternative) doctor that does bi-yearly blood tests to help make sure you are balanced and optimized and can make adjustments as needed through natural supplementation
- Doing the things you love and surrounding yourself with positive people and energy
What helps you stay consistent with your healthy habits or routines?
Knowing how good I feel when I do take care of myself. Even when I am not in the mood to exercise, I always know I will feel better. Same with making healthy food choices - not that I am perfect and I do love french fries and tequila every once in a while :) - I make every choice thinking about how I want to feel tomorrow.
Do you believe in "cheat days" or is there a better way to look at indulgence?
I don’t deprive myself so I don’t ever feel like I need a “cheat day”. Instead, I eat healthy most of the time (which includes consuming a lot of Kroma foods and beverages throughout the day) and allow myself to indulge here and there without feeling shame. Every moment is a choice and when I do decide to indulge, it’s because I make the choice that it is worth it and I enjoy every minute of it.
What's your go-to meal when you're short on time but need nourishment?
Kroma fuels me throughout the day - especially given how busy my life is running the company and traveling nearly every week. My fast go-to meals are almost always something we make including our Super Porridge, Bone Broth and new Super Ramen. I feel so good and nourished when I have any of these and they do truly fuel me throughout the day no matter where I am.
Snack you pack when you’re on the go or traveling?
Kroma OMG Cookie Butter, Salt & Honey bars (they are really delicious), Archer beef jerky, Kroma Super Porridge and our bone broth are my top go-tos when traveling. And of course I start every day no matter where I am in the world with our Beauty Matcha.
Simple smoothie recipe?
I love our new Plant Based Protein powder not only because it tastes delicious but we added coconut milk and coconut water so you only need water for a quick, 10g protein, low calorie smoothie on-the-go. If I have more time or want a more dense smoothie, I love mixing our protein powder with some almond milk or coconut water (or both), 1/4 avocado, handful of spinach, 1/2 frozen banana and 1/2 cup of frozen blueberries. And if I really want to get fancy, I will top it with hemp seeds or our Super Granola.
If you think you're getting sick you immediately...
I rarely am sick but if I do feel a cold coming on, I will immediately get an immunity IV. I make sure to drink extra water / fluids including our cranberry hydration elixir and our bone broth. I also get extra sleep and will often incorporate some of the immunity sprays from Beekeepers Natural.
What's your favorite form of movement (+ why)?
If I had my way, I would dance every day with Kristin Sudeikis at Forward Space in NYC. That is my ultimate happy place for not only a great workout but the best release. I always walk out of class feeling incredible — inspired, energized and ready for anything the day may bring.
What's something you're never giving up even though it's "unhealthy"?
French fries. I love them.
How do you incorporate rest and recovery into your week?
I am really good about going to sleep no later than 11pm and making sure I get at least 7 hours sleep almost every night. I am not great at taking baths or sitting and reading a book which feels quite indulgent — but I am working on it. Especially now that my kids are off on their own now and I have (a little) more me time.
What’s the last thing you do before you go to bed and first thing in the morning?
I ask my guides / angels / God to help give me guidance and show me what they want me to know or ask for help with something I am processing. When I wake up, I immediately drink a ton of water with some salt.
Have any bedtime rituals for ensuring a good night's sleep?
Reading, lighting a candle, spraying a beautiful lavender spray on my pillow. Turning “off” any issues knowing that there is nothing I can do about them while I am sleeping.
Most important thing to work on healthwise as we age?
Mindset and movement. I truly believe aging is a mindset and whatever we tell ourselves we believe. I feel and act like I am 28 (I am 53) and my biological age recently came back as 28. Because I ‘believe’ I am 28 :). And while I may not look 28, my body cooperates as if it is 28. And I believe we under-estimate the power of moving our bodies and self care. I have been exercising since I was a little girl and no matter how busy I am, I have always made time to exercise. I know this has helped me stay extremely strong as I have gotten older and also maintained the energy I have.
Instant mood booster?
Kroma Beauty Matcha. I swear it is the best mood enhancing hack there is - it makes me so happy!. And a simple gratitude practice :)
Wellness travel essentials? (1-3 items)
Kroma Beauty Matcha, my Visp frother and Kroma Bone Broth.
Favorite wellness account on social media?
Loving the content right now from Casey Means and Dr. Mary Claire.
Do you have a mantra or affirmation that you use regularly?
I get to do this.
What’s one piece of wellness advice you give to others but sometimes struggle to follow yourself?
To take time to slow down. I am the worst. Lol
How would you define living a life of radical aliveness?
Doing what you love, surrounding yourself with people that you love who light you up and laughing a lot.
Your daily morning ritual?
My new daily ritual is a 10 minute guided meditation followed by reading a chapter in A Course in Miracles and journaling.
Coffee or matcha? How do you take it?
Duh, Kroma Beauty Matcha. Always. 3 scoops in a huge mug with 1/2 almond milk and 1/2 water. Best start of my day!
Favorite wellness hack?
Kroma Beauty Matcha. This truly is liquid gold. Makes me feel energized but not jittery, incredible for my skin (18g of collagen protein with my 3 scoops :), my mind is clear, I am never sick, it tastes amazing and it 100% boosts my mood. Not to mention that it helps manage stress and has a ton of antioxidants.
What brings you the greatest joy?
Quality time with my family and dear friends.
Beauty Matcha Latte
24K Chicken Bone Broth
Vanilla Cinnamon Plant-Based Protein
