December 22, 2019 at 08:00PM by CWC High heels give you a few inches of extra height, but a night out in your favorite pair often results in sore feet the next day—or as one expert perfectly puts it, a total high heel hangover. According to Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, a New York City-based podiatrist and Vionic Innovation Lab member, your feet are in need of some serious TLC after wearing heels. “The next day, there are certain things you must to reverse the effects of wearing high heels, and that involves doing some high heel rehab,” she says. And one of the most important parts of that self-care routine is stretching—something that helps with in-the-moment pain, as well as long-term damage. “When you wear heels, the Achilles tendon—which is attached to the calf muscle and heel bone—tightens up over time. This tightening can be permanent and long-term, and the Achilles will actually shorten,” Dr. Sutera says. “Stretches can restore the length and improve tightness and soreness in the legs and feet.” The next time you need to help your body recover from a high heel hangover, do these podiatrist-approved stretches. Dr. Sutera’s stretches for sore feet before and after wearing heels 1. Yoga band stretch With your legs together in front of you, wrap a yoga band (or towel) around one foot. Gently pull your toes back and your foot up while keeping your leg straight. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds and switch sides. 2. Downward dog Get into
Year: 2019
9 controversies and scandals that changed the trajectory of wellness in 2019
December 22, 2019 at 03:00PM by CWC Jade eggs in 2017, the great 2018 celery juice craze—every year brings a few wellness-related topics that divide the nation. But in 2019, the most buzz-worthy wellness news had a sense of gravity and urgency that sparked people to take action beyond a casual retweet. Some marched in the streets to support a strike organized by teen climate activists. Others sent donations to Planned Parenthood after the organization withdrew from the Title X grant program, or boycotted their favorite fitness studios to make a political statement. And then there were the stories that were just flat-out scandalous, like the one accusing a high-level Nike trainer of mental and physical abuse. Here, we look back on the most controversial news items to hit the wellness scene in 2019, all of which are sure to reverberate into the new decade. One thing’s for sure: If this year were a season of The Bachelor, Chris Harrison would definitely be calling it the most dramatic one yet. 1. Celebs and influencers called for a boycott against SoulCycle and Equinox In August, news broke that Stephen Ross, an investor in SoulCycle and Equinox, would be hosting a fundraiser for Donald Trump’s 2020 reelection bid. Although both brands issued statements saying they had no involvement with the event, celebrities like Chrissy Teigen and Billy Eichner still urged their social media followers to boycott. Equinox later responded by pledging to donate $1 million to several charities, while SoulCycle’s then-CEO, Melanie
The 10 skin-care rules dermatologists live by will seriously change your skin
December 22, 2019 at 02:00PM by CWC In 2019, skin-care was as important a part of our cultural conversation as the Hot Priest and whether or not Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper were in love. Here at Well+Good, we talked about it a lot—with dermatologists, facialists, product formulators, and even Dr. Pimple Popper herself. We’ve spent the better part of this year collecting skin-care tips and advice on everything from how to treat acne scars to how to keep your skin moisturized all day long and used the intel to publish hundreds of skin-care stories over the last 365. Considering how many good skin-care tips we’ve gotten this year (seriously—there have been thousands of them) it was nearly impossible to narrow things down to just the top 10. But we dipped into the archives to round up the best of the best pieces of advice we got this year, many of which changed our editors’ own routines for the better. Scroll through and check out the best skin-care tips of 2019 in order to make 2020 your most radiant—and healthy-skinned—year yet. A good skin-care routine starts with a cleanser Cleanser may not seem like the most exciting element of a skin regimen, but it is one of the most important. In addition to getting rid of the dirt, oil, and debris that can clog pores, it helps turn your complexion into a clean slate so that the rest of your products can do their jobs properly. Once you’ve found something that
Why trainers say doing your cardio in the morning is the ultimate key to success
December 22, 2019 at 12:00PM by CWC While any time is a good time to work up a sweat, there might be some perks to getting your cardio done first thing in the morning. If you know anything about your biological clock, it’s probably that your cortisol levels are higher early in the day. It’s what helps your body wake up and feel alert. Neuroscientist Allison Brager, PhD, told the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) that the morning a great time to do your cardio. “Cortisol allows for the recruitment of energy reserves, glucose, and especially fats, making cardio much easier to complete and making it much easier to push to a higher level of performance aerobically,” she said. Working out according to your biological clock isn’t just something neuroscientists know is a great plan—it’s also something trainers recommend. “Our bodies tell us how we feel and when we function at our best. The idea of being an early bird or night owl is not a just a phrase. Our biological clocks influence when we feel most prepared to perform,” says Ash Wilking, Nike master trainer and Rumble instructor. If you can wake up and head to the gym after waking up in the morning, you’ll do your body good and start your day on a high note because of it. If you want to clock your cardio in the morning, Wilking says you’ll want to start by spending some time preparing your tired, groggy body. Then you can
How breakfast by candlelight brightens my dark mornings
December 22, 2019 at 12:00AM by CWC So many ancient traditions center around lighting candles at this time of year, as the days grow darker and then darker still before the winter solstice on December 21. There’s Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, Advent, which I celebrated as a child, and Hanukkah, too. There is nothing as prettily cozy as the glow of candles on a dark night. That famously soothing glow can heighten romance or help us into a meditative state, and is an intriguing part of the human legacy. But while so many of us these days know about the physiological effects of blue light and the benefits of good sleep hygiene, and while some might have already introduced warmer wavelengths, and even candles, into our end-of-day routines, my own favorite winter ritual is breakfast by candlelight. It started one cold winter here in dark Maine, an extra dim season during which I tracked my daughter’s mounting anxiety, which seemed to have no discernible source. She was in first grade and would wake up full of worry about anything—everything—from her first breath, a pattern that set the rest of the day spinning in all the wrong directions. I read books. I made adjustments—vitamin D, dietary shifts (more avocado), bedtime rituals. But speaking on the phone one night with a friend, who is also a very wise pediatrician, it suddenly became clear. “That transition between being awake and asleep is really dramatic for some people,” she explained. “It’s not
These are the healthiest foods to eat during winter, according to a dietitian
December 21, 2019 at 10:00PM by CWC If you plan on leaving your home anytime in the next three months, chances are, you’re going to cross paths with some pretty nasty germs. Even when they know better, the truth is, the majority of people under the weather still go to work sick. (And to the grocery store sick. And the gym sick. And on and on and on.) Given that we’re in prime flu season right now, it’s no surprise that one of the first questions that came up during a recent Ask Me Anything in Well+Good’s Facebook group Cook With Us with registered dietitian Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, RD, was how to use healthy winter foods to keep from getting sick. Given that a high proportion of the body’s immune system is actually located in the gut, it’s a very good question; the food-immune system connection is real! “While everyone is coughing on you, you can protect yourself with food,” Beckerman answered in response to the question. “Your gut plays a role in protecting your immune system.” How exactly? These are the top foods she recommends for keeping your immune system in top shape all winter long. Winter foods to keep you healthy 1. probiotic-rich foods Yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut all land on Beckerman’s list of foods to add to your grocery haul during winter. “It’s important to have plenty of probiotics to support the gut,” she says. The three listed above are all high in the good bacteria that
Our leggings drawers are stacked but the best 2019 launches had us making more room
December 21, 2019 at 08:00PM by CWC “What’s one more pair of leggings?” Those will probably be my last words as my dresser bursts open because it can’t take one more piece of athleisure stuffed inside of it. The excuses to buy more always seem so legit. Because you can wear leggings anywhere you go, you can never have too many (regardless of whether your dresser begs to differ). The best leggings of 2019 gave us so many reasons to have drawers stacked with spandex and when you look at the most covetable launches from the past year, you’ll definitely agree with me that your collection could use some additions (trust). In honor of this, we’re rounding up the best leggings of 2019. They include everything from Insta-worthy prints to utilitarian pocket placement, sweat-wicking materials, and sustainable fabrics. There’s even a pair of leggings that make your workout even harder. Keep scrolling for our faves, and, y’know… make room in that leggings drawer. 1. Gaiam Om Mesh Yoga Leggings, $37 If you’re on a quest to find leggings that will never, ever show crotch sweat, we’ve got you. This pair by Gaiam will keep the perspiration of your nether-regions a secret, no matter how hard your workout is. Photo: Gaiam 2. Alternative Apparel Cotton Modal Printed Legging, $54 Sustainable everything is taking over (thank goodness), and so the time has come for more eco-friendly activewear… which includes your leggings. Alternative Apparel adheres to the fair labor association guidelines and uses
Hundreds of new healthy foods and drinks came out in 2019—these are our 10 favorites
December 21, 2019 at 06:00PM by CWC One of the biggest perks of being a healthy food reporter is without a doubt being one of the first to know what’s about to hit grocery stores. Every day, soon-to-be released healthy foods and drinks are sent to the Well+Good offices for us to try and potentially write about. I can’t promise you that everything we is particularly exciting or delicious, but sometimes, we are legit wowed. (And suddenly very popular with hungry colleagues asking to get in on the snacking.) Rounded up here are the 10 new foods and drinks Team Food at Well+Good (myself and our senior food and health editor, Jessie Van Amburg) became obsessed with this year. Scroll down to see the 10 best healthy food and drink launches of 2019. Photo: Minna 1. Minna sparkling tea, $36 for 12 “Sorry seltzer, but I can say with authority that this is one of the favorite drinks of the Well+Good offices,” Van Amburg says of her favorite drink launch of the year. “Think of it as the best possible marriage between iced tea and your favorite sparkling water. The brand makes three different flavors of sparkling tea with lots of flavor, quality ingredients, and no sugar.” Plus, they’re pretty. Photo: Hippeas 2. Hippeas tortilla chips Chickpeas are seriously taking over the healthy food scene, so get ready to see them being used in downright genius ways in 2020—like in the new tortilla chips from Hippeas, which just launched on
3 tips to get out of your own way and stop self-sabotage in its tracks
December 21, 2019 at 04:00PM by CWC Have you ever set a goal that you’re unable to reach, regardless of how hard you try? Or, perhaps you do achieve it, but something adjacent to the goal gets messed up, which, in turn, compromises all of your progress? That’s self-sabotage rearing its ugly head. Judy Ho, PhD, clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, author of Stop Self Sabotage, and co-host of The Doctors, defines self-sabotage as “thoughts and/or behaviors that undermine our best interests and conscious intentions.” Self-sabotage can show up in many different ways and spill into all areas of life, including relationships, career, health, and even finances. Maybe you stayed up all night binge-watching Friends (again), and now you’re stressed out about missing a work deadline you’re too tired to meet. No matter the specifics of the scenario, though, self-sabotage can hold us back from achieving our goals, feeling our best, and living the life we want to be living. Ready to recognize signs of self-sabotage in practice so you can put a stop to it once and for all? Below, get expert tips so you can live a life free of self-sabotage. Signs you’re self-sabotaging To be clear, self-sabotage looks different for everyone, says transformational life coach, mindfulness expert, and host of The Soulpreneur Show podcast Jenay Rose. While the existence of the habit does depend on the subconscious stories and beliefs people tell themselves, she does share common signs of self-sabotage we can all look for: The same pattern
Drop the contour: This highlighter hack will sculpt your face like none other
December 21, 2019 at 02:00PM by CWC Highlighter is one of those beauty products, like red lipstick and liquid eyeliner, that can backfire really quickly. With one accidental sweep of a brush, what started as a way to add a little radiance can easily become what looks like a glitter bomb exploded all over your face, and not quite the “natural, inside-out glow” you were going for. The best way to avoid looking like you’re heading to Coachella all year-round, according to makeup artists, is to apply product only to the parts of your face where the light would normally hit. When you think about what highlighter is, this theory makes sense: Highlighter should highlight areas where the light shines. But if you’re anything like me, you could wind up twisting in front of a makeup mirror with your phone flashlight trying to figure out what the heck that means. A far, far easier way to think of it? Use your facial bones as a guide. “You always want to hit [highlighter] on the bones—that’s ideally where you want the light to reflect really nicely,” says Covergirl makeup artist Brittany Whittfield. Think: your temples, cheek bones, brow bones, and nose, otherwise known as the “high points” of your face. If you want some glow on your body, too, the same method applies—look to your clavicle and breastbone, for example. For best results, Whittfield suggests pulling the skin tight, which “forces the skin to hit that bone that you want to hit,”