July 17, 2019 at 11:06AM by CWC As an adolescent, I had a recurring nightmare that the green villain from Scooby Doo known as The Creeper was chasing me through a roller skating rink. I’ve since outgrown this terrifying (and, yes, comical) edition of “What is my mind?” But now that New York City—and much of the East Coast, apparently—is in the thick of a record-breaking heat wave, The Creeper’s lackeys have returned to haunt my dreams. Unsurprisingly, in fact, since balmy summer evenings have been linked with less-than-serene dreams. Neil Stanley, PhD, ex-chairman of the British Sleep Society, told Daily Mail that warmer rooms are basically a pressure cooker for nightmares. “In order for us to get a good night’s sleep, we need to lose around 1°C of our internal body temperature, which sits at around 37°C (99°F),” Dr. Stanley said. While that heat typically escapes via our head, which isn’t tucked under the duvet, that’s not the case when your bedroom feels more like a sauna. “If you’re sleeping in a room which is too warm, your body’s core temperature is unable to lose that heat and your sleep will be disturbed,” said the doc. As a result you’re more likely to experience rapid eye movement, and your dreams will be vivid, easier to recall in the a.m., and yes—way more frightening than usual. ad_intervals[‘408738_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘408738_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); “If you’re sleeping in a room which is too warm, your body’s
Year: 2019
Make your salad dressing extra beneficial for your gut and immunity with this secret ingredient
July 17, 2019 at 11:00AM by CWC [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3up3ZMVPJ0] Sorry, mushroom coffee, but this salad dressing makes eating medicinal mushrooms way tastier. Watch the video. When we think mushrooms, we think of the delicious ones that we love on pizzas and in stir fries…and the psychedelic ones that just got decriminalized in Denver. But fun fact: There are over 270 varieties of medicinal mushrooms, and, as herbalist and holistic health practitioner Rachelle Robinett explains in the latest episode of Plant Based, they’re great for immunity and gut health. “Medicinal mushrooms are immunomodulators, so that means that they help our immune system to function at an appropriate level,” Robinett says—basically, they can help balance your immune system to potentially prevent it from over- or under-reacting. This is achieved thanks in part to compounds called beta-glucans, which are in the cell walls of many medicinal mushrooms. “When we eat [beta-glucan], it travels into our lower intestine and binds to a certain receptor,” she says. There, the beta-glucans tell our immune system to activiate itself with the “appropriate tools,” Robinett says, like T cells, to stay healthy. ad_intervals[‘408682_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘408682_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’);}); } }, 100); She adds that medicinal mushrooms are also fantastic prebiotics—meaning that they’re rich in the starches and fiber that gut bacteria feed on in order to thrive. The downside of medicinal mushrooms…they don’t taste very good, Robinett says. “It can be really tough to eat medicinal mushrooms in large quantities,” she admits. “So having it
Urban Outfitters is a secret skin-care paradise—here’s what you can buy for under $20
July 17, 2019 at 10:47AM by CWC I never really felt cool when I was growing up until I discovered Urban Outfitters. Once I waltzed through the store’s collection of boho-slash-vintage-looking clothes (like the vintage renewal baseball jersey that I still have) and cute AF jewelry, I finally felt like I could dress up the way I always wanted to but never could. So I’m happy to report that my OG favorite store still kills it with its beauty selection, which is actually really good. I don’t remember Urban Outfitters having skin-care products when I went there as a teen (which is quite some time ago, mind you), but they’ve been slowly curating their shelves with some actual top-notch finds. Like, they have everything. Prefer slathering on indie beauty serums? Check. Like to stock up on cult-favorites and buzzy ingredients? Check and check. Wanna discover new brands to get your skin glowy? Yup, got that too. ad_intervals[‘408770_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘408770_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’);}); } }, 100); Urban’s skin-care section is so chock-full of beauty gems that it’s kind of overwhelming. But I challenged myself to pick out the best of the best… that you can get for under 20 bucks (ya know, so you have more money to spend on those clothes, too). So I’ve rounded up the true steals you can score at Urban Outfitters, from active serums to pimple patches, cult beauty favorites (they’ve got Mario Badescu!), and really unique products that I’ve never even seen
Sophia Roe loves this gluten-free condiment so much, she brings it with her to restaurants
July 17, 2019 at 10:37AM by CWC Once in a while, I bring my own salad dressing and vegan cheese slices to restaurants—a girl’s gotta go what a girl’s gotta do. And I’m not alone. Chef and wellness expert Sophia Roe doesn’t run the risk of not having the right condiment on hand either—especially when she hits up her favorite sushi spots. Because of that, her “what’s in my bag” would most definitely include a bottle of coconut aminos. Coconut aminos have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. Brands such as Coconut Secret and Bragg continue to fly off the shelves, but even Trader Joe’s sells its own version in stores and on Amazon. Touted as a healthy alternative to soy sauce, it’s made of fermented coconut blossom nectar from coconut palms. Even though it still has that beloved umami flavor, coconut aminos contain about 70 percent less sodium than traditional soy sauces, depending on the brand you buy. ad_intervals[‘408691_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘408691_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’);}); } }, 100); “I love coconut aminos for so many reasons. Firstly, it’s a great soy-free soy sauce option, but also wonderful for those who are avoiding gluten as well,” Roe says. “It’s also a less salty, perfectly balanced soy sauce in terms of flavor. I use it on everything. It’s probably my favorite on steamed veggies, salad, or any protein—and of course sushi. A little goes a long way.” Roe also says coconut aminos make for an excellent alternative to
What the heck are Kegels, and are they ever truly useful?
July 17, 2019 at 08:52AM by CWC As far as incognito exercises go, nothing flies under the radar quite like Kegels. At any given moment, someone in direct proximity of you might be flexing their pelvic floor muscles and you wouldn’t even know. it. If you ask any OB/GYN, they’ll tell you the benefits of the subtle muscle contraction known as Kegel exercises are the fitness equivalent of a fire emoji for your nether regions. First, the basics: What are Kegels, anyway? Developed in the 1940s as a non-surgical method to prevent urinary incontinence by—you guessed it—American gynecologist Arnold H. Kegel, MD, the exercise has long been embraced by the medical community for its effectiveness in strengthening the pelvic floor. “Many people are taught that the strength is gained through contracting these muscles only—or doing high repetitions of contractions—but in order to do them properly, the contraction must also be followed by a full release,” says OB/GYN Adeeti Gupta, MD, founder of Walk In GYN Care in New York City. Like performing a perfect abdominal crunch, contracting the muscles on the way up is just as important as slowly releasing them on the way down. Only, in this case, I’m talking about the muscles from your pubic bone to your tailbone—not your abs. ad_intervals[‘408607_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘408607_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); The reasons to exercise your pelvic floor are plenty. “This network of muscles is responsible for holding all the organs of the pelvis bowl
How long does it take to get a passport renewed? Now just 24 hours, so don’t panic
July 17, 2019 at 08:39AM by CWC A surefire ways to enter panic-mode is realizing your dust-covered passport is expired—and you’re leaving for Paris, like, tomorrow. In the past, you had two choices: Taking your chances with a sketchy online expedited passport service, or praying to the passport gods that some miracle would save you from having to cancel your vacation. But now, thanks to FedEx, you can renew it safely within 24 hours. Typically, a passport renewal takes 6 to 8 weeks to process—not the best option for last-minute emergencies. According to Afar, FedEx is giving panicked travelers some peace of mind through a new partnership with the expedited passport service RushMyPassport. Whether you need to renew your passport—or get a completely new one—you can do so by popping by one of 2,000 FedEx Office locations across the country. You can even get your passport photos taken right then and there. But it’ll cost ya. ad_intervals[‘408722_div-gpt-ad-6934292-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘408722_div-gpt-ad-6934292-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-6934292-3’);}); } }, 100); To get a passport within 11 to 14 days, the service runs $99. Prices escalate dramatically from there depending on the time frame, topping out at $449 for same-day, 24-hour service. Add to that the U.S. State Department’s separate service fee of $170 for rush orders, and your bank account balance might be hurting by the time you have your passport in your hand… but at least you’ll make that flight! Aside from getting your passport situation figured out, here are
How secret Facebook groups became an underground community for women’s health
July 17, 2019 at 08:13AM by CWC For as long as I can remember, seeking alternative outlets for health-care information has been a part of my sexual-wellness routine. As a queer, cisgender, white, able-bodied woman, the reason is two-fold: First, the in-school sex education I received is best explained with the face-palm emoji. And second, most doctor offices are no better. A physician once looked at me with equal parts incredulity and suspicion when I asked if very viscous discharge is normal (BTW, it is)—and don’t get me started on the awkward stammering I heard after asking another doc how to have safe queer sex. These examples may be specific to me, but unfortunately, instances of inadequate baseline education in school, compounded by lacking treatment, information, and advice given in the doctor’s office is a too-common experience. According to a 2016 study from consultancy Prophet and GE Healthcare Camden Group of 3,000 consumers, 81 percent report being unsatisfied with their health-care experience. ad_intervals[‘408586_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘408586_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); If that sounds grim, it’s because it is, and perhaps it’s that very lack of patient satisfaction that’s giving way to alternative outlets for information currently gaining popularity. Below, learn more about several problems with current health-care offerings, and why the shortcomings have allowed room for Instagram and, more recently secret Facebook groups, to provide a forum and community for sharing knowledge, gaining power, and claiming personal agency. What’s going on with our country’s sex
To nail mountain climbers, repeat after me: planks but make ’em cardio
July 17, 2019 at 08:10AM by CWC [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnyTQDSE884] Fire up your core and shoulders with mountain climbers—watch how to do them correctly, here. Mountain climbers are one of those workout moves—much like burpees and jumping lunges—that I could actually write full-fledged hate mail to. Seriously. I can never seem to do them for 30 seconds straight without struggling or falling flat onto the floor in utter despair. But, that’s all about to be a thing of the past. Superstar trainer Charlee Atkins is here to show us how they’re done like a pro in our latest episode of Well+Good’s video series The Right Way. “Oftentimes, what we do is have our butt up in the air, which causes our shoulders to come away from our wrists,” she explains of the common mistake that she sees people make with the move. “Then, I have no room to bring my knees into my chest—so then I’m not even really working my core.” That makes going up that mountain that much more difficult, not to mention pointless if you’re not working your abs. ad_intervals[‘408629_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘408629_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’);}); } }, 100); To nail mountain climbers, Atkins says you’ve gotta keep three main things in mind: 1. Stay flat and straight: From your plank position, you should have a straight line from your head to your heels with your back completely flat. 2. Keep your shoulders in line with your wrists: To truly work your core and your arms, Atkins says
Scandinavian beauty believes your skin-care routine should be 3 steps max
July 17, 2019 at 08:01AM by CWC When I studied abroad in Copenhagen during my junior year of college, there was a lot to get used to: There were approximately four hours of daylight, sandwiches only had one piece of bread, and everyone looked like straight-up supermodels. Seriously: In the six months I spent living in Scandinavia—which encompasses Denmark, Sweden, and Norway—nearly every person I came across looked healthy, happy, (it is the happiest country in the world), and more than that, their skin was just so good. We’re talking the type of all-over, inside-out glow that’s enough to make you want to stop someone in their tracks and ask them what products they use. But as I learned, the answer for most Scandinavians is: “not that many.” While maximalism and the 10-step skin care routine has dominated the conversation over the past few years thanks to the rise of K-Beauty in the United States, Scandinavians do things differently. In fact, it’s rare to find anyone in Scandinavia using more than three (maybe four) products on their face in a given day. “S-beauty takes a holistic approach to beauty. It’s about finding balance in all the important aspects of health: what to eat, how to exercise, what to apply to the skin and hair,” explains Christinah Nicolaisen, co-founder of Swedish beauty brand Eleni & Chris. “Overall, it’s about how to live our best, happiest lives.” ad_intervals[‘408152_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘408152_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’);}); } }, 100); Sounds pretty good,
How to eat healthy at the Whole Foods hot bar, according to a registered dietitian
July 17, 2019 at 06:00AM by CWC The siren call of the Whole Foods hot bar can be strong. (Specifically, the smell of the jalapeno mac-and-cheese.) Maybe it lures you in on days when you want to treat yourself to a lunch you didn’t have to meal prep. Or maybe it calls to you on nights when you’re getting home late and don’t have the mental energy to figure out what to make for dinner. What’s certain about the hot bar—and the adjoining salad bar for that matter—is that it’s reliable, fast, and at least somewhat satisfying. However, hot food bars (even the healthy Whole Foods kind) can be tricky to navigate. There’s no menu, so it’s up to you to create your own meal that’s somewhat balanced, delicious, and not so physically heavy that you end up shelling out $25 dollars by accident for dinner. An impossible feat? Hardly. “My advice to anyone building a meal at a hot foods bar is to keep it simple,” says Isabel Smith, RD. “Choose one option that looks decadent and maybe a little more saucy. Otherwise, keep it simple and stick to plainer veggies—and also keep it mostly veggies.” ad_intervals[‘405597_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘405597_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’);}); } }, 100); The Whole Foods hot bar and salad bar varies by location and day of the week, but representatives from the brand did me a list of their most popular items to share with Smith for the purpose of this article,