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Day: December 16, 2018

2019 Health Fashion

Velcro sneakers are the latest “so uncool, they’re cool” footwear craze

2 min read

December 16, 2018 at 08:00AM Remember back in the day, when velcro sneakers were worn out of necessity rather than style? Well, get ready to channel your childhood because the laceless footwear trend is back with a vengeance. A new addition to the “so uncool, they’re cool again” footwear craze (hello, dad sneakers), velcro sneaks aren’t just stylish, but practical too. No more dealing with untied laces, tripping while in the midst of a killer catwalk-like commute to work, or trying to achieve that perfectly imperfect bow. Plus, as Jennifer Bandier, founder of the upscale active fashion boutique Bandier, puts it: “Who wants to spend time lacing up a sneaker?” Who, indeed. And while chunky sneakers are a decidedly tricky trend to pull off (and a divisive trend at that), you can’t deny the effortlessly chic appeal of laceless shoes. They are sleek, hassle-free, and comfortable. Better still? Brands from Vans and Adidas to Stella McCartney and Isabel Marant are getting in on the action, so you can try out this style no matter your budget. Scroll down to see 11 velcro sneakers to help you embrace your inner child—but still look like an actual adult. Photo: Veja Veja 3-Lock Sneakers, $130 Photo: Isabel Marant Isabel Marant Beth Suede-Trimmed Color-Block Leather Sneakers, $267 Photo: Vans Vans Ward V Sneaker, $70 Photo: Adidas Adidas Originals Stan Smith Vulc Running Shoe, $80 Photo: Greats Greats Royale Low Top Sneaker, $289 Photo: Sperry Sperry Top-Sider Crest Vibe Creeper Sneaker, $40 Photo: Veja Veja V-12

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2019 Health Vegetarians

Microgreens are your ticket to becoming the Barefoot Contessa of plant ladies

5 min read

December 16, 2018 at 07:12AM If you’ve always wanted to become a plant lady of the kitchen—the kind who casually plucks basil and rosemary leaves from her kitchen garden to make everything taste delicious and look homespun—here’s the perfect project to get you started. Microgreens are tiny, delicate plants that pack a strong nutritional punch of vitamins, antioxidants, and enzymes. And best of all, you can grow a crop from start to finish in a couple weeks. Dubbed “vegetable confetti”  because of their itty-bitty leaves, microgreens are also highly flavorful and aromatic, working well as colorful, nutrient-dense garnishes on everything from simple soups and sandwiches to gourmet meals. These tiny but powerful plants are the ultimate trifecta of quick, easy, and inexpensive to harvest in your own home—or even your tiny apartment. And since they get top-dollar at the farmers’ market, your labor of veggie love could pay off financially as well. So, what are microgreens exactly? Think of them like vegetables and herbs that haven’t hit puberty yet, explains registered dietitian Leah Silberman, RDN, founder of Tovita Nutrition. “They’re the teeny-tiny versions of your favorite veggies and herbs like broccoli, kale, arugula, cabbage, watercress, basil, and cilantro, which are harvested after just seven to 14 days, when the first little shoots sprout,” she says. And, bonus: Studies show that microgreens have higher nutrient content than their full-grown counterparts—and it’s 100 percent bioavailable, meaning your body can easily absorb the vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant goodness. Though some people confuse microgreens with

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2019 Health

Why this winter solstice could give you the best sleep of the whole year

8 min read

December 16, 2018 at 03:00AM The winter solstice, AKA the shortest day of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere), is a major astronomical event. And astrologically speaking, that long winter’s night holds the promise of some extra-special manifesting magic, says Lunar Logic founder Jennifer Racioppi. Here’s her day-by-day advice for making the most of the cosmic conditions all week—no matter what your sun sign is. Monday, December 17 With just one week left before Christmas, year-end pressure looms. Thankfully, Mars, the planet of action, makes a harmonious and helpful angle to powerhouse Pluto, supporting drive, determination, and the capacity to get things done. Combine this with the moon waxing in Aries, and you may feel an energy surge. However, before you go full throttle to tackle your to-do list, ask yourself this; “Where can I create more space in my day to simply breathe and be?” Mars, the planet that pushes action, travels in Pisces, one of the most spiritual signs of the zodiac, inviting you to feel and flow, as opposed to pushing. Couple this with a limited planetary emphasis in any air signs, and the cosmos call for temperance. Remember, success isn’t a race, it’s a rhythm. Let your day flow. Tuesday, December 18 Yesterday’s fiery Aries moon transitions into grounded and sensual Taurus. With the moon now waxing gibbous in Venus-ruled Taurus, your cravings for sweet and luscious foods may feel amplified. It’s the holidays, after all, meaning there’s no shortage of sugar-laden snacks to choose from. However, rather

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2019 Health

No joke, this funny sounding fruit has some serious anti-inflammatory properties

4 min read

December 16, 2018 at 02:00AM If you’ve never heard of a funny sounding fruit called soursop, join the club. But given all its good-for-you benefits, it’s time to get familiar. The green, heart-shaped fruit of the Graviola (or annona muricata) tree can weigh up to 15 pounds and grows in tropical regions of North and South America. Besides tasting great (its extract is often consumed as a dessert in Guyana, Brazil, Haiti), soursop has a pretty stellar nutrition profile, too. “Soursop contains more than 200 chemical compounds in its pulp, leaves, and stems that contribute to its many health benefits,” explains nutritionist Tamar Samuels. “[It’s] particularly rich in alkaloids, phenols, and acetogenins.” The average soursop fruit is 66 calories and includes 1 gram of protein, 16.8 grams of carbohydrates, 3.3 grams of fiber, and is full of vitamins and minerals like magnesium, vitamin C, potassium, thiamine (or vitamin B1), and more. In the U.S., it’s available at most grocery stores—and you’re likely to find it in markets that have a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, like Whole Foods. So, what are some of the main benefits of all these chemical compounds found in soursop, and why should you consider incorporating this buzzy ingredient into your diet? Let’s take a closer look. 1. Soursop is anti-inflammatory Looking for a new way to fight inflammation? Soursop can help with that. “[It’s] been found to decrease the expression of several inflammatory compounds, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta protein expression,” says Samuels.

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