October 30, 2018 at 02:02PM Halloween is upon us, which means you’ve probably been getting your healthy candy stash ready for Trick-or-Treaters (or, you know, just for yourself!) and preparing your list of scary flicks for a movie marathon. But while the holiday is certainly spooky (oooOOOOooo), not all horror stories make you jump. In fact, when it comes to wellness gone wrong, some are more likely to make you LOL. After polling Well+Good readers on Instagram about their wellness-related scary stories—if you’re not already following us, you’re missing out!—plenty of awful-slash-hilarious situations came piling in. And, TBH, most of them are things you’ll totally relate to, which is a beautiful reminder that we’re all in this crazy world together—and you’re hardly the first to suffer from a bout of flatulence in yoga class or a face mask that doubles as a pumpkin costume. These 10 reader-submitted wellness gaffes will make you shriek…with laughter. Yogi dominos “After attempting to do a headstand after a few month hiatus to yoga in a packed room, I gracefully toppling over, dominoing my entire row. I literally knocked over 7 people…” Going green “I’ve always dyed my own hair, except one time it turned out green—it was supposed to be blonde.” Treadmill topple “I fell off a treadmill in a fully-crowded gym. And no one helped me!” Oompa loompa “I turned my face orange with a DIY turmeric face mask.” Namaste here until the shame passes “I queefed…in yoga class.” S**ts and giggles “During my
Day: October 30, 2018
This (adorable!) $11 kitchen tool will help you take your meals to the next level
October 30, 2018 at 12:13PM Let’s be real. Some of those kitchen gadgets jammed in the back of your drawers are totally useless. (Like does anyone really need a banana slicer?) But every once in a while, you actually stumble upon a for-one-purpose-only tool that can totally take your meals to the next level. Case in point: A garlic baker. Certainly, a garlic baker falls into the the category of “things I didn’t know I needed.” Maybe a garlic press or a garlic keeper—but a baker? Totally unfamiliar territory. Here’s the deal, though: When you roast garlic, it becomes milder than in raw form—plus, it’s also sweeter and somehow more savory as well. While many people just use aluminum foil to get the job done, on Swearby—a site that features #nonsponsored product recs from real women—user Emily Lael Aumiller (who also happens to be a chef!) found an $11 terra-cotta option from Whisk that’s quickly become her favorite way to bake whole garlic. The reusable and eco-friendly tool can fit a few medium to large heads of garlic at a time, and it’s incredibly easy to use: You just fill it up, add any spices you want, and pop it in the oven or microwave. The reusable and eco-friendly tool can fit a few medium-to-large heads of garlic at a time, and it’s incredibly easy to use: Simply fill it up, add any spices you want, and pop it in the oven or microwave. There are so many ways you can use your
The real reason I don’t wear makeup
October 30, 2018 at 10:49AM It’s no secret that one of the perks of working for a women’s lifestyle publication is having access to the “beauty closet.” This could be an actual closet, or a space the size of an entire New York City studio apartment, or just a bunch of shelves fully stocked with samples of the newest makeup and skin-care products that you’re able to try…for free. The beauty closet is a lot of little girls’ and boys’ dreams, and I get it. I grew up in a family predominately of women, each of whom possesses her own form of Midwest glamour. One thing they all share, though, is an affinity for lipsticks, blushes, foundations, concealers, and eyeshadows. Let’s put it this way: I have more than one Mary Kay consultant in my family tree. Yet, I’ve never really worn makeup myself. And until recently, I believed it was for the reason most people are quick to offer: “You don’t need it.” A compliment? Sure. A cop-out? Most definitely. The real reason I don’t wear makeup is that, until now, it’s never existed in my skin tone. You see, I’m mixed race—just like Tracee Ellis Ross, Rashida Jones, Nicole Richie, and so many other people. In fact, the number of Americans who identify as being two or more races grew by 32 percent in 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s a larger increase than those who identify as a single race, and in all likelihood that ratio will only continue
Kroger has gone full wellness with its 2019 trends—and we’re totally here for it
October 30, 2018 at 09:58AM Whether you grew up with a neighborhood Kroger or not, the grocery store chain’s 2019 food trend predictions are serving up major inspo for filling your cart with wellness-approved eats. According to the chain (which has 2,782 locations across the U.S.), its team of product developers, chefs, and innovators have named regional flavors, plant-based foods, eating styles (like ketogenic or vegan), gut healthy foods, and low-sugar and natural sweeteners as the top five crazes that will reign supreme next year. 1. Regional flavors: Kroger’s experts say, “Foods influenced by regions across the country are bringing flavor and fun to any meal. From tried-and-true barbecue sauces and flavorful potato chips with a twist—inspiration is coming from Nashville hot chicken, Southern Appalachian pimento cheese and other geographies.” Take next year as your excuse to explore the nutritious gastronomy of your local scene. (Healthified soul food, here I come!) 2. Plant-based foods: Citing Mintel’s US protein report, Kroger remarks that 31 percent of consumers went meat-free at least once per week during 2017. “Our consumers are finding it is easier than ever before to incorporate more plant-based fare into their daily diets. By choosing to go meat- or dairy-free, whether for a meal, a Meatless Monday, Flexitarian Friday, or every day of the week, there will be more plant-based options available to power through the day,” says the company. 3. Eating styles: Whether you’re vegetarian, ketogenic, Paleo, or adhering to another popular diet, the grocery chain fully intends on accommodating whatever eating style
This smart headband takes the ‘am I doing it right?’ dilemma out of your meditation practice
October 30, 2018 at 09:57AM Whether you’re brand-new to the cushion or consider yourself a meditation pro, one thought has likely dominated at some point along your quest for a more peaceful mind: Am I even doing this right? Because unlike with your workouts, for which there are trainers and instructors available to evaluate your form on the spot, meditation technique can feel like a tricky skill to master. Well now, with Muse 2 ($249)—the second edition of the buzzy meditation headband—your at-home mindfulness practice is getting that same instant-feedback treatment you enjoy in boutique fitness classes. The first version of Muse ($199), which launched in 2014, features a singular “Mind” exercise, which uses EEG (a measurement of the ionic currents within the neurons of the brain) technology to reflect a user’s state of mind with emulative weather sounds. For instance, when your thoughts veer from your breath toward what to whip up for dinner, Muse’s rainforest soundscape sends winds whipping through the trees. And, in turn, when you manage to focus on the breath, the weather becomes calm. If you’re extra Zen, a bird might even tweet in a nearby tree (ahhh). Today, Muse 2 introduces three additional offerings in conjunction with the “Mind” feature: “Heart,” “Breath,” and “Body.” “We learned a lot with our first product,” says Nadia Kumentas, the company’s director of brand marketing. “There are a lot of other facets that play into a holistic meditation practice. And several of those are obviously posture (finding stillness and physical relaxation), being able to follow and
9 stretches for better sex top trainers swear by
October 30, 2018 at 09:44AM Stretching does a whole lot of good for your body. It helps you avoid injuries, minimizes post-workout soreness, and can even improve your athletic performance. In fact, it’s so important that there are now entire boutique classes dedicated to it. But its benefits don’t just stop at your fitness routine—it can also majorly improve your sex life. When you’re having fun between the sheets, you want to feel your best—and that means not dealing with cramps from being too tight during new positions or, you know, pulling a muscle. Plus, aside from being able to make your way through your Kama Sutra book pain-free to figure out what works best for you and your partner, you’ll also be able to strengthen your bond since increased flexibility can bring you closer together literally and figuratively. If anyone knows how to improve your sex life through stretches alone, it’s some of your favorite fitness pros. And these are the best ones to start with. Try these 9 stretches for better sex from 3 buzzy boutique fitness instructors. Katia Pryce, founder of DanceBody View this post on Instagram G R E E N W I C H I’m coming for you this Wednesday, 9:30-11am @allegradancegreenwich xxx KP. A post shared by Katia Pryce (@katia_dancebody) on Sep 24, 2018 at 6:01pm PDT //www.instagram.com/embed.js 1. Heart opener “This is great to prepare the spine for an increase in range of motion, and maybe a hair whip or two. While standing, arch your
We’ve reached peak DIY and it’s officially gone too far
October 30, 2018 at 09:34AM Well+Good is all about some DIY action. If you can grab two ingredients from your pantry and whip up a fabric softener, dry shampoo, or face mask without schlepping to a store and spending your well-earned money, all the power to you. Plus, what’s more rewarding than knowing you’re totally capable of creating a product with your very own precious hands? But I digress. I’ve waxed poetic before about why making your own things is a cool feat-slash-something fun and productive to add to your list of hygge activities. Despite this, there’s always a point where it can be taken too far. Case in point? This DIY video in which a girl makes a makeup brush out of her own hair and a pencil. this is the worst DIY i’ve ever watched pic.twitter.com/wWywzyXtlV — yeah (@malicioustaurus) October 29, 2018 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Let me attempt to explain the totally bizarre stunt: First of all—and I’m shuddering even thinking about this—the DIY aficionado literally chops off a chunk of her hair. This isn’t minor—it’s a hefty portion of her strands, and they’re not even pulled from the back of her head or underneath her front layers in a discrete manner. Nope, she just went for it right in the very front. That’s gonna leave a mark (I mean half an inch takes a full month of growth). But hey, what’s the small annoyance of absolutely ruining your perfect hair when it’s for the do-good purpose of creating a single makeup brush?
This is why running gives you, well, the runs…
October 30, 2018 at 06:15AM Nothing ruins a great run quicker than having to stop mid-stride to hit the bathroom. If you’re lucky enough (shall we say) to get the urge during an actual race, your gut and your time can suffer. The good news? Find a little comfort that you’re certainly not the only one who’s having this internal ahem struggle on the course. The fact is that whether it’s running or a HIIT workout, most physical activity prompts the body to have the same response, says Rich Velazquez, COO and coach at Mile High Run Club, a treadmill studio in New York City. “Movement of the body impacts the gut, and will ‘loosen’ things up,” he says. “The colon also becomes stimulated as it tries to both absorb the nutrients you’ll need while exercising and expel waste efficiently.” So what’s a gal to do if she’s hoping to avoid the Porta Potty mid-run (that is, if there’s one around)? Here, Velazquez offers up his better-gut tips for a great workout, no dropping of the Spandex required. Photo: Stocksy/Studio Firma How to train your gut as you’re training for a run 1. Eat right ahead of time Especially if you’re gearing up for a race, you want to make sure you’re putting your fueling strategy to the test far in advance of the big day so you don’t get any surprises along the way. Generally speaking, this means avoiding high-fiber foods in the hours leading up to a workout, as they
These 4 Starbucks drinks *seem* healthy, but are they really?
October 30, 2018 at 04:30AM Frappuccinos topped with thick mountains of whipped cream, caramel macchiatos drizzled with amber syrup, chocolatey mochas—these are the gateway drinks to a lifelong Starbucks addiction. The collision of a caffeine buzz and a sugar rush is how many sleep-deprived high-school and college students get through the day. But as you grow up, so do your tastebuds. That’s just as well, since instead of being blissfully unaware of the never-ending evils of sugar, you find out it’s essentially the worst thing you can put into your body. Thankfully, Starbucks has a giant menu and customization is its thing. So your drink order evolves into matcha, almond milk, and low-sugar bevvies—all of which allow you to keep on living your healthiest life, right? As someone who is just as much a latte-aholic as a health food reporter, I decided to dig a little deeper into the healthy-sounding options I routinely pat myself on the back for ordering. Armed with the ingredient lists laid out on Starbucks’ site, I called up naturopathic doctor Nicole McCarter, ND, to find out exactly what’s in four of the coffee chain’s most popular teas and low-cal coffee drinks. While you might be surprised by what she learned, there’s a bright side: Starbucks is the mecca of customizable drinks. That means you can absolutely get something healthy to sip on. It may just take a little more investigating than simply ordering something “skinny.” Find out what’s in Starbucks’ lower-sugar drinks—and if they are actually
The Fertility Treatment Couples Are Using To Stop Cancer
October 28, 2018 at 11:00PM Read more to learn about preventing inheritable cancers with IVF. Continue Reading… Author | Life by Daily Burn Selected by iversue