Our 12 Favorite Healthy Picks For August

"I just started going to CrossFit two months ago, and since I come from a running background, I started wearing running shoes. The high heels made me feel a little shaky when lifting barbells, but after trying these new Reebok CrossFit Nano 6.0 ($130), the lower heel makes me feel much more stable. These shoes are comfortable, lightweight, and have an all-around great fit. Choose form five colors including white, blue, turquoise, and maroon." — Jenny Sugar, editor, Fitness

"So this one is not just my personal must have — Susi and Michele love these too! We got to try the new CLIF Nut Butter Filled Bars ($2), and they were an instant hit. This is a pretty big deal, because honestly, I don't really like bars to begin with . . . but the game changed with these, especially the peanut butter one (although coconut almond butter was a close rival). You can't go wrong with any of the flavors, they're organic and non-GMO, they've got 7 grams of plant-based protein, and they're available at most grocery stores. Win, win, win, win." — Dominique Astorino, assistant editor, Fitness

"Craving a curated camping adventure? Look no further than the REI Outessa Summit ($800 for three-day pass, $224 for one-day pass), a three-day women's weekend of outdoorsy fun and wholesome food so you can sow your wild oats before Summer ends. You create your own adventure from a wide range of 200 classes — including rock climbing, backpacking, kayaking, yoga, trail running, and wildflower photography. It's going to be hard to choose. All the classes are lead by the best female instructors REI Outdoor School has to offer. So learn some new skills and go deeper into your current fitness passion. You can even choose between two locations; the Summit will be happening at Kirkwood Resort near Lake Tahoe, CA, from Aug. 19-21, and at Powder Mountain near Salt Lake City, UT, from Sept. 9-11." — Susi May, senior director, Fitness

"I've been on the hunt for a sneaker that's chic enough to wear to work but practical and supportive enough to wear to a workout class . . . but also isn't the same pair of shoes every other girl is wearing. I have found it in the UnderArmour SpeedForm AMP ($120). I'm also obsessed with the sleek black and white design that looks great with leggings or skinny jeans. The logo is black-on-black, which I think makes the shoe appear dressier. The shoe is comfortable and flexible for a variety of moves." — Genevieve Farrell, producer, Fitness and Beauty

"Bursting with flavor, fiber, and in an ideal snackable size (the bars clock in at around 100-130 calories), Pressed by Kind Bars ($2 each) are a great option for a mid-hike nibble, or to keep in your bag for on-the-go fuel. My favorites are Cherry Apple Chia and Mango Apple Chia." — Nicole Perry, contributing writer

"So, I ran the San Francisco (half) Marathon yesterday, and my quads . . . and calves, and IT bands, and hamstrings . . . have yet to forgive me. This morning, I sprayed my bare, achy legs with CVS Ultra Strength Muscle Rub Spray ($9), which did two things: one, made me smell like toothpaste/mouthwash on my train commute to work. Two, helped (slightly) numb my sore muscles, alleviated some pain, and added a soothing tingling sensation to the affected areas. For a topical, over-the-counter remedy, it's pretty fantastic. I wish I could fill my bathtub with this stuff and just soak." — DA

"I'm just going to say it: I don't like high-rise leggings. Yes, they hold in your tummy, but I just can't get past how strange it is to look in the mirror and not have a belly button! So, I have been on the hunt for a new pair of not-too-low, not-too-high leggings and I have found them in Vimmia's pants ($140). They are mid-rise and hit perfectly below your belly button (and not in the weird spot that creates a muffin top). The leggings are super flattering with a spandex material that gives your butt a nice lift." — GF

"If you've ever wanted to join a CSA but have been deterred by the commitment or the potential for oddball items (sunchokes and kohlrabi aren't for everyone!), Farmbox Direct (from $39 per box) is a great alternative. There's no commitment, the produce selection is a bit more mainstream — think mangoes, tomatoes, carrots, apples, and avocados — and you can opt to omit items you don't care for (Farmbox will send you extra of another item). It's one of the easiest ways to amp up the amount of produce in your diet." — NP

"I'm always on the hunt for tasty unsweetened drinks, and Sound Sparkling Teas ($30 for 12) are my latest obsession. Delightfully fizzy, this is iced tea like you've never had before. All three flavors — white tea with peach and ginger, chamomile with vanilla and elderflower, and yerba mate with citrus and hibiscus — are great, but if I had to choose a favorite, it'd be the chamomile, as it reminds me of an unsweetened, gently floral cream soda." — NP

"It's all too easy to get into a salad rut; Williams-Sonoma Salad of the Day Cookbook ($35) solves this problem and then some. A rerelease, it includes 100 new recipes, as well as 265 favorites. Wide-ranging both in terms of complexity, ingredients (as the title implies, this cookbook's organized seasonally), and heartiness, there's something for everyone. A few recipes that caught my eye: black bean, corn, and quinoa salad; shaved zucchini with lemon, mint, and feta; Japanese cucumber salad; and shredded kale salad with tahini dressing and crispy chickpeas." — NP

"I first experienced the Lagree Method at the Studio (MDR) in Los Angeles, and since have tried — and loved! — classes at BodyROK and Core40 (locations in San Diego and San Francisco, class prices vary). Something I love about the Lagree Method is that the machine is easy to get used to, even for beginners to this style of fitness (I had never taken a Reformer Pilates class prior to my first Megaformer experience). It also activates muscles that are typically untouched in many of my other classes, and provides a true full-body workout. My favorite part? Even though it's a really challenging class and I get a tough workout, I don't feel like I'm dying or that I'm going to collapse on the Megaformer and never get up again (read: it's hard but doable!)." — DA

"Bananas are one of THE perfect snacks, but it's not always practical to bring along a piece of fresh fruit, and sometimes you end up with a bruised, smooshed mess. These Barnana ($5) snacks are the perfect alternative. Made with dried bananas, they offers quick carbs and fiber to fuel you whenever you need it. They come in a few flavors — the original, coconut, and peanut butter are my faves." — JS

"My addiction to SoulCycle indicated that getting a pair of my own cycling shoes was in order. I was able to test these Pearl Izumi X-Road Fuel IV shoes ($100) while "conducting my research" at Equinox and Soul, and they worked beautifully at each location. Besides being incredibly comfortable, what I love about these is that they don't look like cycling shoes! I get so many compliments, as well as MANY confused looks (since they look like sneakers) — but these minty fresh beauties have a spot for SPD clips on the bottom, meaning I can wear them to studio and gym classes, as well as on a road bike if that opportunity arises." — DA

"If you're a loose-leaf-tea-lover, prepare to meet the travel mug of your dreams. Not only does this DavidsTea Travel Mug ($34) contain a built-in infuser for your tea, it also keeps your beverages hot. My favorite part is that it contains a lock top eliminating your chance of spilling. I've thrown this mug, filled with piping-hot tea, in my gym bag many times and not a drop has ever escaped." — GF