December 03, 2019 at 01:00AM by CWC Your grocery shopping list might soon include an Orangetheory class right after the reminder to pick up spinach, milk, and eggs. The popular boutique fitness company is partnering with Hy-Vee to anchor studios right next to the grocery stores. How’s that for convenient? So far, two food-fitness Orangetheory locations have opened near Hy-Vee stores, setting the tone for what could be a larger movement. In fact, Hy-Vee CEO Randy Edeker says he’s hoping to open 50 or 60 more Orangetheory locations. The first Orangetheory locations near Hy-Vee opened last year in Shakopee, Minnesota, and West Des Moines, Iowa. And the partnership is making the two brands more than just next door neighbors. Hy-Vee’s in-store dietitians are also offering up their services to Orangetheory members. “We know many of our customers are looking to live healthier lifestyles while also having more convenience, so they can spend time on the things they truly enjoy,” says Tina Potthoff, vice president of communications at Hy-Vee. “We’re getting a lot of feedback from customers who appreciate that they can now meet their health and wellness needs in one stop versus multiple stops to a grocery store, health store, and gym.” Now, if only your doctor, your hairstylist, and your dry cleaner rented space across the street, you’d really be set. How a dietitian spends $30 at Trader Joe’s: [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xXMWc_GKiI] Here’s how to start working out, if it’s not part of your normal routine yet. Plus, tips on
Month: December 2019
Feeling holiday-cheer burnout? Here’s how to unwind, according to your zodiac sign
December 03, 2019 at 12:00AM by CWC The year is officially coming to a close…but not before a bunch of holly, jolly holiday stressors come at you like merry little freight train. From festive work parties and tense family dinners to enough social obligations to make you want crawl into bed until 2020, you might be 110 percent over this season already. Yet, given that it’s not yet 2020, how are you supposed to make it through? According to astrologer Carolyne Faulkner, author of The Signs: Decode the Stars, Reframe your Life, some secrets for weathering the supposedly most wonderful time of the year involves gleaning secrets from your star sign. find how the planets are bringing on this unique strain of um…strain. Below, she shares what each zodiac sign can expect in terms of yuletide burnout, plus her best practices maximizing self care among all the holiday craziness. How to unwind from holiday stressors, according to your zodiac sign Aries Fiery Aries is a go-getter who will probably push themselves to crush every Q4 goal and then some. Nonetheless, it’s crucial that you don’t run yourself into the ground. Though you’re usually energized and now is no exception, the burst of motivation you’re experiencing won’t fuel you forever. “Your ruler, Mars, just left your opposite sign, Libra, which boosted your energy,” Faulkner says. “It’s wise not to keep the foot on the pedal until the very last day of work, or you’re likely to become unwell. Tip for holiday stressors: Slow
What to know about acupuncture-adjacent ear seeds and how they work
December 02, 2019 at 10:31PM by CWC [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmKyTPk_NtQ] Ever wonder what ear seeds are all about? Watch the video to find out, here. Raise your hand if you’ve ever done a double take while admiring someone’s earrings only to notice that they’re not studs but ear seeds. These almost earrings have been adorning the ears of wellness enthusiasts and acupuncture acolytes lately—but what the heck are they, exactly? In our latest episode of What the Wellness, Well+Good’s YouTube series in which we investigate the most out-there treatments in the wellness world to find out if they’re worth it (subscribe if you haven’t yet), senior video producer Ella Dove experiences the ear seeding trend for herself during a visit to Vie Healing spa in Los Angeles. Although they look like teeny-tiny gold studs, ear seeds are actually seeds (or sometimes they’re metal balls) that are strategically placed on pressure points within the ear, and they’re meant to help you relax and chill out. “We place [ear seeds] on pressure points that send signals to the reflex centers of the brain to relax the nervous system,” says Mona Dan, acupuncturist and founder of Vie Healing. Dan then applies the seeds to Dove’s ear (the spa sells gold ones for $34 per 20-pack). And then Dove tries it for herself on her other ear, placing them on five key areas that Dan says they can help the body find balance. Watch the full video to see how easy it is to apply ear seeds
I’m a pharmacist, and you shouldn’t have to ask me for the morning-after pill
December 02, 2019 at 08:30PM by CWC A new report from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in London, an organization of professionals in women’s reproductive health, recommends that the so-called morning-after pill (aka emergency contraception) be sold in the aisles of the pharmacy rather than behind the counter. In other words, access should’t require a conversation with a stranger. In the United States, the morning-after pill is already classified by the Food and Drug Administration as an over-the-counter medication yet many pharmacies still keep it behind the counter. Requiring women to speak to a pharmacist in order to obtain the pill adds yet another barrier to care, dissuading some women from taking this step to prevent unwanted pregnancy altogether, according to the report. If your local pharmacy is holding it behind their counter, it’s because it has chosen to do so, says founder of Birth Control Pharmacist Sally Rafie, PharmD, BCPS, APh, NCMP. Legally, any pharmacy can stock the morning-after pill in the store aisles, but some keep it guarded like, say, Sudafed, which must be held back there because people use it to make crystal meth. The morning-after pill is likely kept behind the pharmacy counter instead of on the shelf to prevent theft—it’s expensive, says Rafie. (Plan B One-Step, for example, costs about $40.) But this explanation falls apart given that I have to walk past shelves stocked with 23andMe test kits priced at $100 to reach the pharmacist’s window. Rafie insists the morning-after pill should
These eggs stay fresher than ordinary ones—here’s why
December 02, 2019 at 07:30PM by CWC When you’re shopping for groceries, you’ve got no time for browned apples and weirdly squishy peppers. But when it comes to figuring out how fresh eggs are, the most you can do in-store is open up a few cartons and double check that half the lot isn’t cracked. Considering that an egg’s freshness can dictate its quality, taste, and longevity, though (love you, gorgeously golden yolks), there’s got to be a better way. Right? Actually, there is. Enter Eggland’s Best, which uses specific feeding and processing practices and performs over 30,000 tests annually to ensure freshness. True life: The result of all that extra attention to detail means EB’s eggs have boosted nutritional value compared to ordinary eggs, a fact backed up by the USDA label on the carton. “The improved oxidative stability in the eggs protects taste, nutrients, and yolk color,” says Bart Slaugh, PhD, director of quality assurance for Eggland’s Best. “Additionally, nutrient levels are maintained more consistently during storage. All of these indicators lead to plumper yolks, less watery whites, richer yolk colors, and better tasting eggs.” How to improve your next Instagram food photo: Add an egg on it. Ready to get crackin’? Keep scrolling to learn how these eggs up the freshness level compared to ordinary eggs on the shelves. You try to nourish your body with real, whole ingredients—and EB hens have the same prerogative (okay, their farmers do, but how cute is it to imagine a
11 last-minute Cyber Monday deals you can score on Amazon today
December 02, 2019 at 05:38PM by CWC After scoring Black Friday deals all weekend long, it’ll probably be a while until you willingly hit up another packed shopping mall. Totally understandable. But you can still shop ’til you drop today in the comfort of your own home or office because there are some last-minute Cyber Monday deals on Amazon that are pretty hard to pass up. Whether you’ve had your eye on an Instant Pot or you’re hoping to give your home gym an upgrade, these are the best savings you’ll find today. Just hit that “add to cart” button before they’re gone. 11 last-minute Cyber Monday deals to score right now 1. Jane Iredale PurePressed Blush, $24 (originally $30) This natural blush will give you a hint of color for glowy, flushed cheeks. No chemical dyes needed. 2. Instant Pot Duo 80 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, $65 (originally $140) You can save about $75 (!!!) on this Instant Pot if you order it today. The healthy home-cooked meal options are endless. 3. Weighted Idea Adult Weighted Blanket, $55 (normally $90) This highly-rated weighted blanket will keep you comforted and cozy all winter long. (Psst: When you use the coupon, you get an additional 20 percent—or $11—off!) 4. LORAC PRO Palette 3 Eyeshadow Kit, $26 (originally $44) When you buy this eye shadow palette filled with soft, earthy shades, you’ll get a free mini eye primer. Score. 5. CONFU Professional Ionic Salon Hair Dryer, $22 (originally $33) This extremely powerful
‘Going with your gut’ has taken on a whole new meaning in the past decade
December 02, 2019 at 05:00PM by CWC Here’s a fun party fact for you: The term “microbiome” was first coined in 2001 by microbiologist Joshua Lederberg to describe the collective organisms of bacteria species living in the gut. At the time, MDs had no idea all the secrets these bacteria families kept about each individual’s overall health; now, it’s safe to say that the scientific and medical communities are infatuated with the topic. As of 2018 (the most recent data available), over 2,400 clinical trials were testing therapies on microbiome science. The focus has also birthed a slew of gut-testing apps and at-home tests, including microbiome testing company Viome (worth an estimated $45.5 million), microbiome medicine company Second Genome (which has raised over $42.6 million in funding), and microbiome engineering company Finch (which has raised over $77 million in funding). Science has advanced so much in this area that the gut is now commonly referred to as the second brain by doctors and scientists. Clearly nothing has rocked the health world in the past decade quite like advances in gut health. The most major gut-health findings of the past decade To sum up 10 years of research, we’ve essentially learned that the health and functioning ability of your gastrointestinal system can impact the health of your entire body. “Through research, we have learned a lot about how gut health relates to a wide array of health conditions. It turns out that microorganisms can actually counteract the harmful effects of food, drugs,
12 wellness gifts under $25 so you can win gifting without the sticker shock
December 02, 2019 at 04:42PM by CWC From your work wife to your IRL bestie to your favorite spin instructor, you’ve got a long list to shop for this season, which means finding high-quality, budget-friendly gifts is a must. To help you spread the wellness vibes without breaking the bank, we rounded up our 12 picks that are all under $25. Grab a rose quartz gua sha skin-care tool (that looks way more expensive than it is), a matcha-lover’s dream kit, or a luxe snail gel facial serum from Dr.Organic®, and no one will believe how little you paid for everything (so snag something for yourself while you’re at it). Scroll down for the wellness-inspired, budget-friendly gifts to add to your holiday shopping list. Avocado Huggers, $11 How many times has an avocado died because you wanted to save half for later, but it turned too brown before you could eat it? Too many times. These avocado saviors are designed to fit tightly to the green fruit (the pits push in or out depending on which side you’re saving) to keep them fresher longer. Your giftee will love you almost as much as she loves avocados. Dr.Organic Rose Restoring Day Cream, $18 Who needs over-priced skin treatments when you can score products that are effective and affordable? Skip the gift card for an expensive facial, and instead treat your friend (and yourself, while you’re at it) to a luxurious, moisturizing facial experience with this delicately scented, ultra-softening day cream. It’s
The only 7 spices you need to create a million flavor combinations
December 02, 2019 at 04:40PM by CWC Salt and pepper are irreplaceable—but as creativity goes, we can do better. If you build a small kit of top spices designed for fast, healthy, and flavorful meals, you can expand your repertoire in the kitchen without buying so many that you end up tossing them before they expire. (Yes! Spices go bad!) Kate Jenkins, MScN, blogger and home chef behind VeguKate, knows first hand what’s it’s like to try to whittle down a spice cabinet to the bare necessities. “I have so many spices. It’s a bit embarrassing, but there are a few I return to again and again and again,” she says, noting that she uses just seven often enough to merit buying in bulk. The 7 top spices for healthy, tasty weeknight meals 1. CINNAMON “Cinnamon is my favorite spice of all time,” says Jenkins. “I love cinnamon because it’s considered a warming spice in Ayurvedic medicine and helps to boost circulation and improve digestion. I also am a fan of cinnamon for it’s blood-sugar stabilizing abilities; so many studies have shown that consuming cinnamon with a high-insulin meal can help stabilize intense spikes and crashes.” She sprinkles the aromatic spice in smoothies, in the batter of sweets, in oatmeal, and on top of sweet potatoes. 2. TURMERIC “Well, everyone and their mom now stocks turmeric in their kitchen—but for good reason! Turmeric is another warming spice in Ayurveda and is clinically studied to possess anti-inflammatory abilities. I love turmeric
Video killed the radio star, but digital won’t end the reign of boutique fitness
December 02, 2019 at 04:00PM by CWC Cheers had the bar, Friends, the coffee shop, and Seinfeld put diners squarely on the map. None of these ’90s shows have been rebooted, but if they had been at some point in the last decade, it’s likely their crews would’ve been popping in and out of a spin shop or yoga studio (or at least hitting the smoothie bar) instead of their OG signature haunts. In the last 10 years, boutique fitness studios have become the place to work out and hangout, and as early-morning wake-up calls to sweat have become integral to spiritual, mental, and physical health, there has been a boutique fitness boom. Because of this, fitness enthusiasts have shifted away from big box gyms to boutique studios like Orangetheory, SLT, and Y7, where they can do hyper-targeted workouts as part of a community that believes in the same core pillar of sweat. When Well+Good launched in 2010, SoulCycle and Barry’s Bootcamp (which were founded in 2006 and 1998, respectively) were the only mainstream options to speak of, but as wellness became the gospel of the decade, the number of studios quickly started to grow. In fact, in the five-year span from 2012 to 2017, boutique fitness membership increased by 70 percent, according to the International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association. The rise of wellness certainly propelled the adoption of boutique fitness forward, but community and convenience were core to studios’ staying power. Boutique fitness studios became the place everyone