Important Notice
Dear ELITE Member,
For years I have been fielding requests from you, my valued clientele, to recommend particular products that I have selected for use in my own life and for my own family, and that I recommend to loved ones, based on the years of on-going research that I have done.
As a response to this demand I am in the process of curating many of these products here, in one place, specifically for your convenience. Please bear with me as I build this resource for you.
These products may, or may not, be the best for you. All I can tell you is that I tend to research all of my options to a fair extent prior to purchasing a product. My priorities are to get the most value for something that I need, that I will use, that it will work well, and that it will do so for as long as possible.
You won't be surprised that I also apply my "make S.E.N.S.E." criteria when making purchases! So in my research I ensure that it will be Safe, Effective, as Natural (or have a low environmental impact as reasonably possible), that it will be Sustainable (long-lasting), and that it will be something I will Enjoy using (ergonomic, pleasant, or even fun). I do not mind spending more for something if it will fulfill more of these criteria. However, I do avoid paying premiums merely for brand names if it doesn't translate into noticeably higher quality of materials or performance. If this sounds like the factors you take into consideration when shopping for high-quality products to serve you for a long time then read on, perhaps I can offer you some useful leads on your search!
Please note that I do not receive any form of compensation, commission, or 'kick backs', and that there are no affiliate links on this page. I believe doing so would be unethical. Any links shown are there merely for your convenience. For more on this please scroll down to the bottom of this page to read about why I don't accept commissions for recommending products and services.
I am committed to providing you with my unbiased, experience, expertise and opinion.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Peña-Araujo
For years I have been fielding requests from you, my valued clientele, to recommend particular products that I have selected for use in my own life and for my own family, and that I recommend to loved ones, based on the years of on-going research that I have done.
As a response to this demand I am in the process of curating many of these products here, in one place, specifically for your convenience. Please bear with me as I build this resource for you.
These products may, or may not, be the best for you. All I can tell you is that I tend to research all of my options to a fair extent prior to purchasing a product. My priorities are to get the most value for something that I need, that I will use, that it will work well, and that it will do so for as long as possible.
You won't be surprised that I also apply my "make S.E.N.S.E." criteria when making purchases! So in my research I ensure that it will be Safe, Effective, as Natural (or have a low environmental impact as reasonably possible), that it will be Sustainable (long-lasting), and that it will be something I will Enjoy using (ergonomic, pleasant, or even fun). I do not mind spending more for something if it will fulfill more of these criteria. However, I do avoid paying premiums merely for brand names if it doesn't translate into noticeably higher quality of materials or performance. If this sounds like the factors you take into consideration when shopping for high-quality products to serve you for a long time then read on, perhaps I can offer you some useful leads on your search!
Please note that I do not receive any form of compensation, commission, or 'kick backs', and that there are no affiliate links on this page. I believe doing so would be unethical. Any links shown are there merely for your convenience. For more on this please scroll down to the bottom of this page to read about why I don't accept commissions for recommending products and services.
I am committed to providing you with my unbiased, experience, expertise and opinion.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Peña-Araujo
Air Purification
DYSON PURE COOL PURIFYING FAN TP04
Features & Pros
- Arguably the best performing room air purifier
- Excellent, high-performance and build
- Uses high-performing HEPA and carbon filters
- Detects a wide variety of air pollutants in and reports this in real-time
- Quiet operation
- Automatic, daytime and nighttime modes
- User-friendly and convenient remote control
- User-friendly, convenient and informative mobile app with real-time, local air quality information
- Beautiful design
Cons
- High price. However, this is a case of getting what you pay for
- Requires the replacement of both types of filters about once a year
Website
Hydration
BERKEY WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM
Features & Pros
- Simplest and most reliable & versatile water filtration system.
- Best design for everyday use and proven performance in emergency situations
- It is a simple and effective design with few parts. It is gravity fed, requires no electricity and doesn't depend on complex components
- In emergencies it will filter the dirtiest water and make it drinkable including water from swimming pools, rivers, and puddles
- Excellent high-performance (fully documented by third-party testers)
- Most affordable operation per gallon of filtered water
- BPA-free, FDA approved
- High-capacity
- Very sturdy steel build and it nests for more compact travel
- Beautiful polished stainless steel finish
- I recommend getting the stainless steel spigot for best performance, longevity and an enhanced appearance
- A variety of sizes available and customizable to filter fluoride
- Our two filters have not required replacement after filtering all the water for our family of four, for four years!
Cons
- Moderately high initial cost
- Bulky when assembled (only relevant if kitchen space is limited
- Filter elements are somewhat fragile and should be handled with care
Website
- berkeyfilters.com
ALMOND COW - PLANT-BASED MILK MAKER
Features & Pros
- Conveniently makes any plant-based, nut/seed milk.
- All-stainless steel internal construction.
- Simple, one-touch operation.
- Possible ingredients include any nuts and/or seeds, including almonds, oats, cashews, chia, flax, coconut shreds, etc.
- The Almond Cow website also provides high-quality ingredients that are organic, non-GMO, bee-friendly and free of glyphosate residue.
- A monthly, nut supply subscription is available to ensure you always have the nuts you need for your milk.
- The best and purest quality nut milk you can have, with no fillers or thickeners, tailored to your taste.
- Removable power cord makes pouring safe and easy.
- Easy cleaning of all parts.
- Recommended if you regularly consume nut milks.
- Free recipe e-book includes not only milk recipes but also great ideas on what to make with the remnant nut pulp. These include pancakes, granola, hummus, cashew cream cheese, cookies, peppermint patties and a lot more.
- Website also has a very useful Nutrition Calculator to help plan the dietary value of your milk dishes.
- Good looking countertop appliance.
- Amazing customer support, instantly responsive and highly professional.
- The left-over pulp makes a great ingredient to add to breads, cookies, but the easiest (and my favorite) is to blend it with greek yogurt, cinnamon, cocoa nibs, and a touch of maple syrup (or honey) as an instant dessert.
Cons
- High, up-front price.
- An appliance for a single function (making nut milk). However, the recipe book promises to make it a much more versatile tool for your kitchen.
- Consuming fresh, high-quality ingredients free of additives is an investment in your health which may or may not be affordable.
Website
FLAIR ESPRESSO MACHINE
Features & Pros
Cons
Website
Nutrition
AEROGARDEN FARM (Home hydroponics system)
Features & Pros
- This complete & automated system allows you to grow fresh, safe produce for your family, all-year-round, in only three square feet
- Some studies have shown markedly higher levels of nutrients in hydroponically-grown produce
- AeroGarden seed pods contain non-genetically modified seeds and are pesticide and herbicide-free
- A great addition to a home with children. Our two girls have enjoyed tracking the growth of their assigned halves.
- Grows plants up to 12" in height.
- Automatic 60W LED Lighting System
- Fits 24 seed pods to grow a variety of leafy greens, herbs, as well as flowers
- User-friendly LCD touch screen, Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile app for remote control & monitoring
- Very quiet water pump
- We currently have the plant selection shown in the image above: Lettuce and a hand-picked selection of herbs on the left and tomatoes on the right. This provides us with all the fresh basil we need for our Caprese salads, mint for teas and water infusions, and a nice addition of lettuce to our salads.
Cons
- Has a high up-front price
- Mainly depends on purchasing seeds in 'pods' from the company, although you can also choose to grow your own seeds
- Works best when using the AeroGarden 'Plant Food' nutrient liquid
- Depends on electricity to run
Website
- aerogarden.com
NAVITAS Foods
Pros
Cons
Website
DAFERO Date Spread
Features & Pros
- An excellent, natural & nutritious store-bought sweetener.
- This is a new line of totally natural, delicious date spreads.
- Date paste is an ideal sweetener because it is natural, nutritious, and minimally-processed.
- Dafero is an ethical company with a wonderful story and cause. It helps vulnerable women, in part by directly employing former refugees and trafficking victims. It also developed an educational app to help these women with real-world skills.
- I know the founder and owner and have advised her on probono.
Cons
- Using this product is a way to add sugar to one's diet, which isn't ideal. In a perfect world we'd are better off not using any kind of sweeteners in our diet, including granulated sugar, sugar substitutes, or any artificial sweeteners, and instead simply limiting ourselves to consuming the natural sugars found in whole foods. However, if you choose to add a sweetener to your diet then making date paste is the best compromise because it still contains all the great nutrients and fiber of the fruit. And you don't feel like making date paste at home, then this minimally-processed dry fruit product is the best compromise.
- It's more expensive than making your own date paste at home.
Website
Cooking
ALL-CLAD Cooking Utensils
Features & Pros
Cons
Website
Organic Nut-Milk Bag
Features & Pros
Cons
Website
PYREX Glass Measuring Cup with Cover
Features & Pros
Cons
Website
MAUVIEL 1830 M'Cook Pots & Pans
Features & Pros
Cons
Website
VITAMIX Blender
Features & Pros
Cons
Website
Personal Hygiene
WATERPIK Cordless Advanced Water Flosser
Features & Pros
- The best flossing solution for home that I have found thus far.
- In a matter of 90 seconds it cleans one's mouth of all detectable food debris, leaving it feeling truly refreshed, all before even brushing! It *literally* makes me look forward to brushing my teeth three times a day!
- Removes 99.9% of plaque
- 50% more effective in improving gum health when compared to strong flossing
- Included: 4 different tips and a storage case for them
- Convenient, magnetic, 4-hour rapid charging system
- Three pressure settings, 360-degree tip rotation
- Waterproof design
- Global voltage and travel bag
- Beautiful, ergonomic and non-slip design.
- 2-year warranty.
- I have owned four Waterpiks in the past 12 years. They have dramatically improved both the function and design of their products.
- Excellent customer service.
Cons
- High initial price (about $70 to $99)
- Reservoir requires to be refilled more than once during a single use
- Somewhat questionable durability. Two out of three have stopped working after one or two years. One stopped after one year and after emailing them a new replacement reached my front door in four days. Their customer service was excellent.
- Requires electricity.
Website
BITE Toothpaste Tablets
Features & Pros
- This is the most environmentally friendly toothpaste brand I know of and the one that has the fewest and best proven ingredients.
- Ingredients include: Xylitol (inhibits bacteria), erythritol (inhibits bacteria), natural mint flavor, calcium carbonate (mild abrasive to polish teeth), sodium cocoyl glutamate (foaming agent), sodium carbonate (for pH balance), +/-activated charcoal (for fighting stains) and NHAP (Nano-hydroxyapatite), a substance widely used in dentistry, periodontology and maxillofacial surgery as a remineralizing agent on initial enamel lesions.
- No sulfates, parabens or preservatives.
- All packaging is reusable and recyclable (metal, glass, cardboard).
- Subscription delivers supply for 248 tablets every 4 months for $30
- TSA-friendly since it doesn't count as a liquid.
- Also offer natural dental floss, mouthwash tablets, toothbrushes, travel tins and more.
- No animal testing.
- A carbon-neutral company since 2020.
- Health, ethics, social and environmentally-conscious company.
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than store-bought toothpaste in plastic tubes.
- May need two subscriptions if you intend to have enough for a family of four.
Website
NATIVE Deodorant
Features & Pros
- Effective odor protection
- Aluminum-free
- Vegan & Animal Cruelty-free
- Plastic-free models available
- Free Shipping & Returns on U.S. orders
- Pleasant scents, suitable for any member of the family
- No visible residue or sticky sensation. No detectable staining on clothing.
Cons
- Expensive: Each deodorant (in order of three deodorants) will cost $13.
- As we are currently testing this product we are tracking how long they last. This will determine the final value of this product.
Website
Movement
FITBIT Versa
Features & Pros
Cons
Website
Home Cleaning
FORCE OF NATURE Multi-use Cleaner
Features & Pros
- Safe. Listed among the EPA's disinfectants for use in hospitals and around children and pets.
- Effective. Proven to kill viruses, bacteria. Easily removes all kinds of everyday grime.
- Natural. Active ingredient is hypochlorous acid, which is produced in our own bodies to combat bacteria. It is free of all additives, including colorants & fragrances.
- Environmentally friendly. It requires you to purchase small, recyclable vials containing vinegar and salt, for you to mix with water in the presence of electricity, thus dramatically cutting down your use and disposal of plastic bottles.
- Versatile: Excellent around the kitchen, bathroom, toilet, bathtub and shower.
- Certifications: Cruelty Free International, Green Seal, and 100% Skinsafe for sensitive skin by Mayo Clinic SkinSAFE Approved
Cons
- Requires electricity
- Solution loses it effectiveness after 2 weeks, however, this has not been a problem for us because we finish it well before that.
- Requires you to continue to buy the vials, at a little less than $0.90/vial.
Website
DYSON Multi-Floor Vacuum Cleaner
Features & Pros
- Excellent, high-performance.
- Versatile design allows easy reach to all places around the home.
- HEPA air filters improve your home's air quality as you clean.
- Lifetime, washable filters means no need to replace them under normal use.
Cons
- High price. As with most Dyson products, you get what you pay for.
Website
Why We Do Not Accept Any Compensation For Recommending These Products
Dear ELITE Member,
I firmly believe that avoiding conflicts of interest is a crucial component of any ethical, health-related practice or service.
As many of you know, I have been leading the effort at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine for greater ethical standards in health and wellness, particularly in the area of regulating the unscrupulous promotion of unproven products and services by healthcare and wellness providers who stand to benefit financially from these recommendations. In other words, I don't think it is right for your doctor, chiropractor, dietitian, trainer or health coach to sell you stuff because this represents a conflict of interest that is likely to not benefit you.
Thus, in an effort to maintain our collaborative relationship as clear and uncorrupted as possible, I continue to offer you my unbiased expertise, time, and intentions.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Victor Peña-Araujo
Founder, ELITE Personalized Health
I firmly believe that avoiding conflicts of interest is a crucial component of any ethical, health-related practice or service.
As many of you know, I have been leading the effort at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine for greater ethical standards in health and wellness, particularly in the area of regulating the unscrupulous promotion of unproven products and services by healthcare and wellness providers who stand to benefit financially from these recommendations. In other words, I don't think it is right for your doctor, chiropractor, dietitian, trainer or health coach to sell you stuff because this represents a conflict of interest that is likely to not benefit you.
Thus, in an effort to maintain our collaborative relationship as clear and uncorrupted as possible, I continue to offer you my unbiased expertise, time, and intentions.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Victor Peña-Araujo
Founder, ELITE Personalized Health