The Healthy Man's Guide to Living Well in Houston
If you follow the health and wellness space to any degree, you have probably noticed the increase in awareness around microplastics, particularly in clothing. While regulations and clothing labels lag largely behind, a 2024 study published in The Toxicological Sciences found microplastics in 100% of the human testicle samples it tested (and in their blood too).
While scientists continue to research the impact of microplastics on our overall health, native Houstonian, Thomas, and his wife Nicole decided to be part of the solution. Together, they have created Mellow Mile, a non-toxic lifestyle and athletic clothing brand.
“I think of this like the great smoking debate of our grandparents’ generation. They smoked constantly - in restaurants, offices, living rooms, and no one thought twice about it until decades of research forced the issue,” says Thomas. “The way I see it is that we can keep doing what we’ve been doing and watch our health and fertility further decline, or we can transition to natural fibers we know to be safe and that have been worn by people long before the development of these newer synthetic products.”
Every decision comes back to the question that started it all: "How can we make healthier choices without sacrificing the life we want to live?" Their take is refreshingly realistic. "We don't believe health has to be extreme or perfect," Thomas says. "It's built through thousands of small decisions - what we eat, how we move, what we put on our skin, and what we wear."
That thinking shapes the brand's simple mission: adventure at your own pace. "We believe everyone is on a different journey toward better health," he adds, "and we're here to make one of those choices a little easier."
Meet Mellow Mile
As an active person, Thomas has tried nearly every men's workout shirt, primarily made from polyester or nylon; both plastics. Once he started reading about how those fabrics are made and what gets applied to them to create that sweat-wicking feel, he couldn't unsee it. He explains, “Synthetic fabrics shed microplastics every time you wash or dry them. Some finishes contain PFAS, "forever chemicals" that are linked to hormone disruption with long-term exposure. And a handful of studies have connected long-term polyester underwear use to lower sperm count and motility.”
Mellow Mile makes three things, and only three things on purpose: athletic tees crafted with 95% bamboo viscose, organic cotton boxers, and performance hats soon to fully produced without any synthetic materials.
Every dye meets OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, with no hidden chemical finishes. If you're only trying one thing, Thomas says start with the boxers, “it's the fabric touching the most sensitive part of your body, in the exact conditions (hot, wet, moving) where synthetic fibers shed the most.”
Mellow Mile is offering Woo readers 25% off their purchase. Use code WOO25 —> Shop Mellow Mile
Thomas' Picks for the Healthy Houston Man
1. Start Your Day With a Consistent Routine
Thomas' non-negotiables are the simple, free ones. "I prioritize sleeping eight hours a night. Outdoor workouts at least twice a week and a walk during the workday to clear my head and get some sun." Staying off his phone to start the day is also a habit he’s started for a solid start to the day.
“I always start my day with sunlight, warm water with ginger, cayenne, honey, and lemon. Then comes the coffee,” says Thomas. He has recently ditched protein shakes and creatine. “They have plenty of benefits, but I’m trying to primarily get my nutrition from whole foods.”
Another fun way he approaches wellness is through connection with his co-founder and wife, Nicole, at Pilates classes.
2. Find Community at a Local Park
While Thomas does plenty of workouts from his home gym, he also enjoys working out with other people. “I meet a group of guys at Memorial Park every Thursday for a run and bodyweight workout. And every other week, I meet another group there for a Murph: one mile run, 100 pull ups, 200 push ups, 300 squats, and closed out with another mile.”
Thomas’ suggestion if you’re a new guy in Houston is to “Start at Memorial Park, the community aspect is half of the workout.”
3. Get Your Adrenaline Fix at the Houston Spartan Race
“If you want a bigger challenge but don't want to train for a marathon,” Thomas recommends the Houston Spartan Race. “It's a way to push yourself and have fun doing it, without months of long runs on the calendar.”
4. Eat Clean Without Making It a Whole Thing
A true foodie, Thomas looks for restaurants that already care about what goes into the food, like real ingredients, better oils and quality meat, so he can just enjoy the meal. It's the same small-choices thinking behind Mellow Mile: pick good places and let the rest take care of itself.
For watching football: On the Kirb
“The wings and burgers are made with organic, non-GMO meat, and they'll fry them in beef tallow if you ask.”Overall Favorite Houston Restaurant: Baso and Gypsy Poet
For a special night out: True Food Kitchen or Tiny Boxwoods
Before an early morning meeting: Adair Kitchen
“... they’ve gone completely seed oil free.”When he’s on his routine: Leaf & Grain and HS Green
When he’s off his routine: Moontower Inn
“I’m a hot dog fanatic, but most hot dogs are packed with cheap fillers. Moontower hot dogs are made from 100% beef, wild boar, rabbit, pheasant or bison instead of filler.”
5. Make the Weekend Count
“When I’m in the city I love to play tennis to scratch my competitive itch. I also love the Urban Harvest Farmers Market. I value being able to talk directly with the people producing my food.”
When Thomas is looking to get out of the city he loves to fish in Galveston or Rockport. “I grew up fishing and it’s always been a big part of my life. It puts clean food on the table, and no two trips are ever the same.”
When he’s not out adventuring, he’s prioritizing his health in other ways. “I really enjoy the acupuncture at TR Acupuncture & Herb Clinic. They are very knowledgeable. Massages are essential to maintaining a healthy body. The practice is ancient and I try to go monthly to keep the routine.”
A Few More Things To Love in Houston
Barber Shop: Michael Saldana Barber Shop
Groceries: HEB and farmers markets
Day off in the city: East River 9
To learn more about Mellow Mile’s mission, visit their website at www.mellow-mile.com. Woo readers receive 25% off their purchase with code WOO25.
*This is a sponsored placement. Paid partnerships help support Woo Houston's independent editorial work, and we only feature brands we believe in.
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