Conroe, TX January 2026

DRIVING TOWARD A HEALTHY, HAPPY NEW YEAR! TO P SECRETS FRO M H E ALTH GU RUS

JA N UA RY 2 02 6

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Happy, Healthy New Year !!!

January arrives not just with the flipping of a calendar page, but with the profound promise of a brand new year and a clean slate. After we look back at 2025 to celebrate what we accomplished and take a moment to consider where we could improve, we then look forward to plotting out our new future in 2026.

This exciting feeling of a fresh start with renewed optimism for personal growth is palpable. It’s the perfect moment to dust off those deferred dreams, commit to healthier habits, and approach life with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose. To help you we have assembled a few champions of change in our January health and wellness issue. Mo Cooper, one of my favorite mentors stops by to help us on our journey towards a healthier 2026. The mother-daughter duo demystify the secrets of classic vs contemporary pilates. And we tip our cap to a leader who saved The Woodlands Christian Academy from going under with a little divine intervention.

That spirit of renewal holds a particularly vibrant resonance for the City of Conroe. The building moratorium has been lifted and Conroe is back on track to becoming one of the fastest growing cities in America. This January, as you embark on your own clean slate, take inspiration from the powerful, collective renewal happening in Conroe. The momentum is here, built on a foundation of proactive planning and a community ready to grow. Embrace your fresh start, knowing that the city around you is growing right along with you, building toward a future full of exciting new possibilities.

Personally, I plan to scour the Conroe area to find cool people and interesting stories to keep you entertained and informed. I also seek to find only the best businesses in the area to help you with your new 2026 Goals. I challenge you to let me know if a business in the area that does an exceptional job, so I can tell your neighbors about them and help them reach their goals. Or if you have a local story to tell that you think your fellow readers would like to hear, please, reach out as well.

I hope each one of you has your best year ever in 2026. Enjoy the friends and family who cross your path this holiday season and have a happy and healthy new year !!!

K E V I N B R AT T O N , P U B L I S H E R @CONROECITYLIFESTYLE

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Kevin Bratton | kevin.bratton@citylifestyle.com M AN AG I N G E D I TO R

Chris Staples | chris.staples@citylifestyle.com M AR K E T S U P P O RT C O O R D I N ATO R

Margie Taylor | margie@taylorizedpr.com STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Melanie Hall-Fisher | melanheadphoto@yahoo.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dawn Allen, Maureen "Mo" Cooper

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Mary Albers LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Conroe City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Conroe area’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/CONROE

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Conroe City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

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Featured

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22 26 32 6

26 On the Cover

Strength, Community, Confidence at BODYBAR Woodforest

Mother daughter duo brings Pilates, personal connection, and community to Pine Market.

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership A legacy of wellbeing at The Woodlands Christian Academy

Diet Myths Busted

5 Diet Myths Busted, Plus a simple, sustainable path to feeling healthier

Montgomery Lifestyle Home Show Returns

Your dream home starts here February 14th & 15th, Free Tickets & Parking!

A BODYBAR Woodforest member focuses through a core strength sequence with the Pilates ring, capturing the studio’s blend of control, athleticism, and contemporary movement in the bright Pine Market space.

Photography: BODYBAR Woodforest

Departments 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

City Scene

10

Business Monthly

14

Happy Hour FOOD + BEVERAGE

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Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS

22

Education Corner EDUCATION

26

How To STYLE + BEAUTY

30

Expert Help LIFE + CULTURE

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Local’s Choice HOME + DESIGN

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Events

THEIR ADVANCED TREATMENTS BEAT MY CANCER From diagnosis to treatment to recovery, your dedicated Houston Methodist cancer center team uses leading research, cutting-edge technology and the latest treatments to create a personalized care plan for you. At eight cancer center locations throughout the Greater Houston area, you’ll find the cancer expertise to help you feel whole again.

The Woodlands

Cypress

Willowbrook

Katy-West Houston Baytown

That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it. For you.

houstonmethodist.org/cancer 713.790.2700

Texas Medical Center Clear Lake Sugar Land

JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1

STAFF

2

JUDI LANZA

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STAFF

1: Plouvier Art ribbon cutting at the chamber with Lilly, her husband, daughter and team. 2: Vickie Mc Millian’s bench she created by the Crighton.

More benches next month, stay tuned. 3: Students created a veteran family members “Wall of Fame” at The Woodlands Christian Academy

Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a life you’re proud of.

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.

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C I T Y SC E N E

Markets available nationwide.

Learn more at future.citylifestyle.com

We didn’t invent happiness, we just created the best place for it.

MargaritavilleResortLakeConroe.com | 936-448-4400

JANUARY 2026

business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Salvation Army Conroe's, ribbon cutting at their new facility Minister Amanda Johns of the Salvation Army, Conroe hosts the ribbon cutting at their new facility at 15102 HWY 45 Conroe. On Thanksgiving they feed over 3000 people with a drive through or sit down meal. They provide youth programs like brass instruments, drama, dance and piano in addition to the Toys for Toys and bell ringers. Their center for hope provides meals at 11am and some shelter at 301 Ave E Conroe.

Live Life. Pain-Free.

Schedule your appointment today.

Harper's Preserve

10354 TX-242 Suite 900, Conroe, TX 77385 (936) 207-2527

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Vintage Marketplace 10927 Louetta Road, Suite B200, Houston, TX 77070

Creekside

24345 Gosling Road Suite 110, Spring, TX 77389

Photography by staff

Conroe Economic Development Council Expands Business Retention Services The Conroe Economic Development Council has expanded its retention and expansion visits for 2026. Local companies can now access support for workforce needs, site planning, and incentives as Conroe’s business community continues to grow.

Conroe Chamber Launches 2026 Professional Development Calendar The Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber released its 2026 program calendar, including Leadership Conroe, networking events, and small business development workshops.

Businesses can register now and plan their training and community engagement for the year.

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business monthly CONTINUED

Texas Renaissance Festival, a huge success 500,000+ Barbarians Invaded The 50th Annual Texas Renaissance Festival (TRF) evoked the magic of Scotland for its annual Highland Fling Weekend. Highland Fling is a lively celebration of all things Scottish, with patrons immersing themselves in the rich and boisterous culture of the Highlands, with traditional music, dancing, and cultural performances happening all weekend long.

The festival surpassed over 500,000 patrons during this jubilee season. It ended with a Celtic Christmas on the last weekend of November.

Photography provided

Scan to read more

Want to be featured?

G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/CONROE

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

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A He a lt h ier M a rg a r it a DISCOVER TH E DELICIOUS FRESH TASTE OF A CL ASSIC MARGARITA MADE WITHOUT SUGARY M IXERS ARTICLE BY ANA MEYER

Whether you’re hosting a pool party or simply enjoy sipping the sweet and tartness of an amazing Margarita, this healthier version with these natural ingredients is sure to make your palate happy. This is all fresh ingredients, no mixers.

It’s just as easy, much cleaner and better for you!

INGR EDIENTS • 2 oz. Casamigos Reposado or Blanco Tequila • 1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice • .25 oz. Fresh Orange Juice • .5 oz. Agave Nectar • .5 oz. Orange Liqueur • Garnish with a lime wheel through a skewer

I N S T RU C T I O N S • Combine all ingredients into a tin shaker.

• Add ice, shake vigorously and strain into rocks glass.

• Add fresh ice and garnish.

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H AP PY H OU R | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

HOPE FOR NEUROPATHY

Help for Peripheral Neuropathy For years, Dawn R. lived with unbearable Peripheral Neuropathy — burning, stabbing pain that felt like walking on glass. Her doctor said there was nothing more to do.

Then Dawn found Clear Choice Acupuncture Through Neuropuncture, Alyson Bayer focuses on restoring nerve function — without surgery or harsh medications.

“The burning is gone. I can wear socks and shoes again. It’s life-altering.”

Today, Dawn has her life back.

clearchoiceacupuncture.com 936-703-5040 21105 Eva St. Montgomery TX 77356

Left to right: Natalie Luquette and Jennifer Rubino the daughtermother duo powering the BODYBAR Woodforest.

A mother-daughter duo brings contemporary Pilates, personal connection, and a locally centered approach to wellness in Pine Market.

ARTICLE BY CHRIS STAPLES PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Strength, Community, Confidence at BODYBAR Woodforest 16

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

A BODYBAR Woodforest member works through a standing resistance sequence on the reformer.

The retail boutique at BODYBAR Woodforest features high quality athleisure and accessories curated for members.

Pine Market in Woodforest has become one of the most energetic corners of the area. Each morning, long before the shops begin to buzz, members of BODYBAR Woodforest are already arriving. Many of them have driven thirty minutes or more.

They come from Conroe, Montgomery, Willis, Magnolia, and the Woodlands, drawn by a unique blend of classic & contemporary Pilates, warm community, and a sense of belonging that keeps them returning week after week.

This sense of connection begins with the mother-daughter duo behind BODYBAR Pilates Woodforest, Jennifer Rubino and her daughter, Natalie Luquette. They opened the studio with a clear vision of what they wanted to bring to the community. They selected Pine Market for its central location and its ability to reach residents across the growing northern corridor. From the moment the doors opened, they became known not only for their instruction, but for the atmosphere they curate.

For Natalie, the studio is more than a business. She explains that working alongside her mother is part of what sets the tone. She describes BODYBAR Woodforest as a place shaped by trust, care, and a shared rhythm that members feel the moment they walk in. That connection between Jennifer and Natalie becomes the studio’s emotional anchor, influencing the way they greet new members, how they design classes, and how they build a culture that emphasizes personal attention.

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A member practices controlled leg work in straps during a reformer session at BODYBAR Woodforest.

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“Strength built from the inside out, she explains, is one of the most overlooked benefits of Pilates.”

That welcoming approach helps remove the intimidation that often accompanies a first Pilates class. Many newcomers arrive unsure of what to expect, and the team is ready for them. They walk new members through the equipment, provide clear guidance, and explain how movements can be adjusted for comfort or challenge. The goal is not perfection.

The goal is progress. At BODYBAR Pilates Woodforest, every person is met exactly where they are.

A key part of the appeal is the studio’s contemporary Pilates approach. Pilates varies widely from one studio to the next.

BODYBAR Woodforest builds its foundation on classical methods, but blends them with athleticism, muscular endurance, and creative blocks that make the workout feel modern without losing its roots. Movements are controlled, intentional, and grounded in breath. The work is often more challenging than newcomers expect. What surprises many is that Pilates does not need heavy cardio to be intense. Members discover quickly that shaking muscles signal deep engagement. It is one of the reasons the phrase “embrace the shake” has become part of the studio’s character.

The class lineup reflects this thoughtful structure. Classic offers a medium intensity experience suitable for nearly all beginners. Reformer is a more athletic sequence with supersets that stay on one muscle group until fatigue. Power Tower creates stability focused resistance work. Stretch and Balance

uses slower ranges of motion to develop core control. The instructors at BODYBAR Pilates Woodforest are trained to offer regressions and progressions simultaneously within the same class. A twenty five year old and a seventy year old can share a workout and both receive exactly what they need.

This attention to detail is especially important because so many members come with physical considerations. Some are navigating postpartum recovery. Some are working through chronic joint discomfort. Others are rebuilding strength after surgery or injury. The instructors track modifications for each person and maintain awareness of who needs guidance as the class flows. Members often share that they feel seen, supported, and guided rather than lost in a crowd.

The results speak for themselves. BODYBAR Woodforest has collected transformation stories that are both physical and emotional. One member joined after already losing 175 pounds, then lost another 75 to 100 at the studio and is now training to become an instructor. Another mother discovered she could get down on the floor and play with her children again. An attorney who trains at 5 a.m. describes Pilates as the way she has learned to manage her stress and “control my chaos.” Several women have shared that during pregnancy their labor, delivery and recovery were much easier because of the core strength gained in class. The changes are practical, meaningful, and often life altering.

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Natalie adds an important perspective, especially for younger adults. She hopes more people in their twenties and thirties understand that Pilates is not a slow or passive workout. It is a strength builder and a confidence builder. She believes Pilates helps develop a quiet kind of power that comes from understanding what the body can do. It improves posture, balance, movement patterns, and the ability to stay grounded in a fast paced world. Strength built from the inside out, she explains, is one of the most overlooked benefits of Pilates.

Community involvement is another defining trait of BODYBAR Pilates Woodforest. The studio regularly partners with local vendors, participates in Woodforest neighborhood events, supports nearby businesses, sponsors high school teams, and responds to community needs with generosity. Earlier this year, the studio raised and donated 2500 dollars to the Kerr County Relief Foundation.

They also participate in pop up events, seasonal gatherings, and wellness collaborations.

The studio’s Book the Bar program has also gained popularity. Groups can reserve the space for birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties, staff retreats, or date nights. Each event includes a private class led by an instructor, giving newcomers a low pressure way to experience Pilates.

These gatherings create connection inside and outside the studio walls, turning fitness into something shared.

Looking ahead, Natalie sees a clear role for herself in the growth of BODYBAR Woodforest.

She hopes to continue building on the foundation she and Jennifer created together. She wants the studio to feel like an extension of family, a place where people feel welcomed and cared for, and where progress is celebrated steadily over time.

Growing this space and future studios alongside her mother is something she values deeply, and she hopes to carry that partnership forward as the studio continues to evolve.

For Jennifer and Natalie, BODYBAR Pilates Woodforest is more than a set of classes. It is a space for steady strength, lasting confidence, and community that grows stronger with each visit.

A BODYBAR Woodforest member works through a balance and strength sequence on the reformer platform.

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H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

Members gather during a BODYBAR Woodforest community event featuring gifts and social time in the studio.

An instructor at BODYBAR Woodforest guides a member through a supported squat variation on the reformer.

“...embrace the shake” has become part of the studio’s character.

A fun group class stops for a picture JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

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T HR I V ING AT 20 INSIDE TWO DECADES OF LEADERSHIP AT THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

ARTICLE BY DAWN ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Ambler connecting with students at TWCA.

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EDU CAT ION COR N E R | ED U CAT ION

Few leaders begin their journey staring at a million-dollar deficit. But that’s exactly where Julie Ambler found herself in 2006, when she stepped in as interim head of The Woodlands Christian Academy.

Asked to keep the school afloat for just six to nine months, she would go on to lead it for two decades—and transform it in every way.

“I came in with a background in investment banking,” Ambler recalls.

“The goal was to fix the finances and keep the school running.”

Determined to keep the doors open, Ambler and the board gathered in prayer.

“We literally got on our faces in the library and said, ‘Lord, if You want us to close, we’ll close. But if You want this school to survive, You’ll have to lead it.’”

That night, they placed The Woodlands Christian Academy back into the care of its rightful head: Jesus Christ.

BUILDING ON A FIRM FOUNDATION

From that moment, Ambler relied on both her faith and financial acumen to rebuild the school, focusing not just on stability but on cultivating a place where students and staff could thrive. The school ended that year in the black and has remained there ever since.

When TWCA launched a capital campaign in 2007 for a high school facility, Ambler insisted on staying debt-free. “We built what we could with what we had—and paid for it in cash.”

Today, TWCA remains debt-free, with more than $40 million in new facilities—all accomplished through faith and good stewardship.

RAISING THE BAR

One of Ambler’s first initiatives was to revisit the school’s mission and align every program with its purpose: to build warriors for Christ: spiritually, intellectually, creatively, physically, and socially.

“God gave us minds to use for His glory,” she says. “There’s no reason our students can’t have the best education and a deeply rooted Christian worldview.”

With enrollment near 900 students, TWCA’s graduates attend the nation’s top universities and military academies, equipped with confidence, compassion, and conviction.

A SPIRIT OF CARE

Wellbeing is woven throughout campus life, from classroom environment to extracurriculars, and is reflected in TWCA’s counseling program, where licensed counselors teach lessons on kindness, support teachers and parents, and help students navigate the pressures of a digital world.

A spirit of care extends to faculty, too. Before each school year, teachers walk the campus in prayer, lifting up every student and staff member by name.

Monthly worship gatherings and weekly prayer circles deepen their sense of unity and purpose.

A LASTING FAITH LEGACY

Looking back, Ambler laughs at the irony of her title as “interim head of school.”

“They were looking for the real head of school,” she says with a smile. “I guess they found her—maintaining at 20 years!”

“I always tell people, our students are polite, kind, and grounded because they’ve grown up in a culture centered on Christ,” Ambler says. “Parents tell us their children are transformed here. And when those graduates go off to college and the first thing they do is find a church—that’s when I know we’ve done our job.”

Sharing a fun moment with students and staff.

Ambler shares a story with eager learners.

Mrs. Julie Ambler JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

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DIET MYTHS BUSTED ARTICLE BY MO COOPER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

5 DIET MYTHS BUSTED, PLUS A SIMPLE, SUSTAINABLE PATH TO FEELING HEALTHIER

Swap unrealistic expectations for simple, doable habits

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H OW TO | STYL E + BEAUT Y

Mo Cooper Wellness Coach

Why does being “healthy” feel so hard?!! It’s not you, it’s them!

A REALISTIC PLAN FOR WOMEN WHO DON’T HAVE TIME FOR DIETS

Why does being “healthy” feel so hard?!! It’s not you, it’s them! Most women don’t struggle because they’re “not disciplined.” They struggle because diets weren’t designed for real life. “Diets” want you dependent on an unrealistic way of living that gives you temporary “feel good” results and then leaves you in the dust when you go back to normal life. Nobody’s got time for that!

Here’s what the diet industry won’t tell you: healthy living only feels hard when you’re trying to follow THEIR rules; rules never meant for women with real responsibilities and real schedules. When you swap unrealistic expectations for simple, doable habits, everything shifts. You feel more in control. Your energy changes. Your confidence climbs. That’s a plan you can live with!

Here are 5 simple actions the diet industry doesn’t want you to know about because they will free you from needing diets at all.

DIET MYTH #1: “YOU NEED MASSIVE WILLPOWER AND A TOTAL OVERHAUL.”

Reality: Your brain hates overhauls. It LOVES simple pairings. James Clear calls them anchor habits: attaching one small action to something you already do.

Try this: • Making coffee? Drink 8 oz of water first.

• Want to read more? Put the remote in another room.

• Walking the dog? Lace up your runners and make it intentional.

Anchor habits remove decision fatigue. You’re not forcing change, you’re folding it into what already exists.

Drink a glass of water before you drink your coffee.

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DIET MYTH #2: “EAT LESS, CUT CARBS, SHRINK YOUR PORTIONS.”

Reality: Most women aren’t overeating, they’re under-fueling. Many still only get around 50–70g of protein a day: enough to scrape by, but not enough to stabilize hunger, support muscle, and curb cravings.

Simple rule: Aim for 25–35g of protein per meal, especially breakfast.

Targets: • 90–120g/day for most women • 0.7–1g per pound of ideal body weight if active When protein leads the plate, cravings drop, energy rises, blood sugar stabilizes, and weight loss gets easier. This isn’t a “diet hack”; it’s simply how a woman’s body functions best!

DIET MYTH #3: “YOU NEED LONG WORKOUTS AND PERFECTION.”

Mo working out.

Reality: Movement is more powerful than workouts. Many adults sit 7 – 9 hours a day and long sitting time is linked to worse blood sugar, weight, and heart health, even if you exercise.

Try the Pomodoro method: • 25 minutes working > 5 minutes moving • 55 minutes working > 10 minutes moving

Most women are... under-fueled.

Short sleep... increases appetite by 20-30%

Movement is more powerful than workouts.

Movement is more important than workouts

Benefits: better circulation, more oxygen to the brain, improved metabolism, less stiffness, and a quick mood lift.

This is realistic fitness and it works!

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H OW TO | STYL E + BEAUTY

DIET MYTH #4: “JUST EAT LESS AND MOVE MORE.”

Reality: Even a few nights of short sleep (4–5 hours) can raise hunger by 20-30% and push you toward higher-calorie foods. Over time, sleep loss slows metabolism and hurts weight-loss results.

Benefits: steadier energy, fewer cravings, better mood, lower stress, improved immunity, easier weight loss.

Sleep isn’t a luxury, it’s a strategy.

DIET MYTH #5: “IF YOU CAN’T FOLLOW THE PLAN PERFECTLY, YOU’VE FAILED.”

Reality: All-or-nothing thinking is the dream-killer! Women who think this way are far more likely to give up after a setback and slide back into old patterns.

Daily practice: Ask yourself: “What’s one win I had today?” Not what you didn’t do, just the win.

This builds confidence, momentum, identity, and healthier decision-making.

It’s the mindset of a woman building a lifestyle, not chasing a diet.

When we stop overthinking and start eating, moving, resting, and thinking intuitively, that’s when real health begins!

You do NOT need another diet. Small, simple actions create big, sustainable change. You are the leader of your health, your choices, and your life and that leadership starts with one small step today!

If you want support creating a health plan you can actually live with, book a quick call at timewithcoachmo.com.

Mo, on the move

MO COOPER Mo Cooper is a locally-based Healthy Lifestyle & Weight Loss Coach who helps busy women ditch the diet cycle and feel good in their bodies again. After losing 65 pounds herself, she now teaches simple, sustainable habits that boost confidence, energy, and long-term health. Mo believes your best health is closer than you think—one small step at a time.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

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The New Frontier of Health U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H E “WHY” BEHIND WELLNESS ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES AND PROVIDED like ferritin or SHBG—which binds testosterone and estrogen—are completely missed. Beyond lab work, there are other factors: mitochondrial health, sleep quality, mental health, and even how sensitive your dopamine and serotonin receptors are. “Normal” labs do not always equal normal physiology for you.

AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. KYLE GILLETT

Why do so many people feel exhausted, foggy, or unwell, even when their medical tests insist everything is “fine”? Why are we prescribed quick fixes instead of being given real answers?

Across modern medicine, a shift is happening. More patients are demanding real explanations, and more clinicians are rethinking what “healthcare” should actually mean. Leading that shift is Dr. Kyle Gillett, a dual board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine and an expert in metabolic, hormonal, and preventive health. Through his clinic, research, and The Gillett Health Podcast, he’s become a trusted voice for people seeking science-based, root-cause solutions rather than symptom-based band-aids.

“Functional medicine is really ‘root cause medicine,’” Dr. Gillett often says. “It’s about asking why the problem exists and not just quieting the noise.”

In this Q&A, Dr. Gillett breaks down the most common questions he hears from patients and offers simple, actionable guidance anyone can begin using today.

1. “WHY DO I FEEL AWFUL EVEN THOUGH MY LABS ARE ‘NORMAL’?”

Dr. Gillett: I like to say, “There is no such thing as ‘we’ve done everything.’” We can always dig deeper. Often, the labs ordered are the wrong type of assay, or important markers

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EXP E RT H E LP | L I FE + C ULT U RE

2. “HOW DO I FIX MY ENERGY, BRAIN FOG, OR SLEEP WITHOUT 20 MEDICATIONS?”

Dr. Gillett: Start with a good, comprehensive lab panel to assess nutrients and hormones. Then build the foundation with sleep. My favorite tool is the 10/3/2/1/0 rule: • 10 hours before bed: No caffeine • 3 hours: Avoid large meals and alcohol • 2 hours: No vigorous exercise • 1 hour: No bright blue or white light • 0: No snoozing and no inconsistent sleep/wake times Aim for 7+ hours of high-quality sleep. When sleep improves, energy almost always follows.

3. “IS MY GUT ACTUALLY CAUSING ALL THESE OTHER PROBLEMS?”

Dr. Gillett: Gut health influences most major health issues, but it’s rarely the only problem. Diet is my second pillar of health for a reason. Exercise, sleep, and stress reduction all improve gut function too. Even simple tools like self-hypnotherapy apps can reduce gut-related symptoms.

4. “WHAT CAN I DO RIGHT NOW, TODAY, TO START FEELING BETTER?”

Dr. Gillett: Focus on the pillars of health: diet, exercise, sleep, stress, sunlight, social connection, and spiritual

Jim Fredricks

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“I believe that true innovation requires a commitment to constructive self-criticism to continuously raise the standard of care.” health. Treat them like habits and find ways to make them enjoyable or easy to start. Supplements and medications are supportive tools, not substitutes. Think of them like turbo chargers: they enhance a system that’s already functioning.

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A FINAL WORD FROM DR. GILLETT

“The goal isn’t to tell people what to do, rather it’s to give them the information they need to decide what’s best for themselves.”

By understanding the why behind your symptoms, labs, and lifestyle choices, you become the driver, not the passenger, of your health journey.

To hear the extended conversation with Dr. Kyle Gillett, scan the QR code for an exclusive podcast episode.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

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Montgomery Lifestyle Home Show Returns ARTICLE BY KEVIN BRATTON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

IDEAS & EXPERTS GALORE

A vendor at the home show selling decks and patio pagodas

The show boasts a wide range of exhibits designed to inspire and inform. Explore the latest in roofing, solar, generators, swimming pools, landscapers, lighting and outdoor grills for the exterior. Inside, you’ll find the best in interior decorators, carpeting, and flooring to elevate your living spaces. Bring your project list and prepare to meet the local contractors who are the “best of the best” in the community.

Not to mention must have handyman gadgets.

SPECIAL GUEST: SKIP RICHTER Get ready to ignite your home improvement vision!

The highly anticipated Montgomery Lifestyle Home Show is set to open its doors on February 14th and 15th at the stunning Hyatt Regency in Conroe. The show has a new “killer location” right off the I-45 at the Grand Central Park exit. This insures better access for homeowners across the Conroe, Spring, Woodlands, and Montgomery areas. Bobby Castro, a 25 year home show veteran, creates this home show to introduce area homeowners to a broad variety of skilled local craftsman and products to help them create their perfect dream home.

This two-day event is your ultimate destination for everything related to your home and outdoor life. Forget endless browsing online—this is where you can meet real business owners, compare, and get exclusive, on-the-spot show only deals from a vast array of trusted local experts. Whether you’re planning a massive renovation or a simple weekend upgrade, you’ll find solutions for every corner of your property.

Yo u r D r e a m Ho m e S t a r t s a t t h e H ya t t i n C o n r o e ! Fe b r u a r y 14 t h & 1 5 t h , F r e e T i c ke t s & P a r k i n g

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LOCA L’S CH OICE | HO M E + D E SIGN

FROM GARDEN LINE A major highlight of the weekend is the appearance of garden guru Skip Richter, the popular host of the Garden Line on 740 a.m. radio. Skip will be at the show on Saturday to host engaging seminars, offering his expert gardening tips and advice to help you cultivate a beautiful and bountiful yard this spring.

It’s the perfect opportunity to get personalized counsel from one of the region’s top horticulturists!

Best of all, the show is focused on making home improvement accessible: Admission and parking are FREE! Show Details: • What: Spring Home Show • When: Saturday (10 am – 6 pm) and Sunday (11 am – 5 pm), February 14th and 15th • Where: Hyatt Regency Conroe (off I-45 at the Grand Central Park exit) • Website: QualityHomeShows.com Are you a vendor looking to connect with thousands of local homeowners? Join the show that’s rapidly becoming a premier spring event in Montgomery County! For vendor and exhibitor information, please call Bobby at 832-265-2001.

See What You've Been Missing What Are You Waiting For? Let Us Be The "Key" To Your Dream Home We are a local Real Estate company; we are a husband and wife team. We can help you whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced investor. We would love the opportunity to help you with your real estate dreams and goals. Please giving us a call and let us help you find your new home.

713.498.9016 | 2111 Barton Woods Blvd, Conroe, TX 77301

V sawyer_realty_ | B thesawyerrealty | thesawyerrealtygroup@gmail.com

GET INSPIRED E AT & D R I N K

YO U R D I G I TA L D E S T I N AT I O N FOR LOCAL LIVING

SHOP LOCAL JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

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JANUARY 2026

events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S

EVERY SATUR DAY

Live on the Lawn at Margaritaville Lake Resort The Margaritaville Lake Resort in Conroe | 6:00 PM Enjoy live acoustic sets on the lakeside lawn at Margaritaville Lake Resort. This relaxed, open-air evening features rotating local musicians, easy parking, and plenty of space to bring friends or family. A simple way to add fresh air and live music to your weekend.

JANUARY 11TH

Conroe KidFish at Carl Barton Jr. Park Carl Barton Jr. Park 2500 South Loop 336 East, Conroe | 9:00 AM

YOUR DOG CAN BE "A GOOD BOY,” TOO!

KidFish is a free annual catch and release fishing event for children ages 16 and under. The lake is stocked in advance so young anglers can experience plenty of activity. Families can expect easy parking, onsite volunteers, and a relaxed morning outdoors. A simple way to start the year with fresh air and community.

FEBR UARY 14 TH

OFFICE@SITMEANSSITTX.COM

SITMEANSSIT.COM

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EVE N TS

13813 MCCOMB RD CONROE, TX 77302

281-984-5102

Montgomery County Lifestyle Home Show returns Feb. 14th and 15th The Hyatt Regency Conroe at Grand Central Park | 10:00 AM Bobby Castro brings us the spring edition of the Montgomery Lifestyle Home Show on February 14th and 15th at the Hyatt Regency Conroe at Grand Central Park. Everything you need to fix up your castle will be on display. It is a beautiful venue as well for a staycation.