February 12, 2020 at 11:30PM by CWC While a refrigerator stocked with fresh produce from the farmers’ market is always nice, it never hurts to keep some healthy canned vegetables in the pantry. Canned goods are inexpensive, shelf stable, and easy to use in a variety of recipes. Of course not all canned produce is created equal. “When buying canned vegetables, something to keep in mind is they may have sodium added, as sodium helps preserve the vegetables so they last longer and prevent microbial growth,” says Erica Ingraham, RDN. “If you have a condition where you are watching your sodium intake, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, you may want to rinse the veggies or opt for a low sodium option.” Keeping that tip in mind, Ingraham and Casey Means, MD, a practicing physician specializing in nutrition and disease prevention, shared the canned vegetables they like to keep on hand for fast and easy weeknight cooking. Healthy canned vegetables for easy weeknight cooking 1. Tomatoes “Canned tomatoes are convenient to have on hand and make an easy addition to pasta, burritos, and soup,” says Ingraham. She likes to vary the flavors of the ones she buys, sometimes opting for fire-roasted instead of just plain. Dr. Means is into this one too, often buying tomato paste to use in vegetable stir-fries to add a bit of tang. “It’s packed with tons of lycopene, a potent antioxidant,” she says. 2. corn Ingraham likes canned corn because it has a
Day: February 12, 2020
I have dry skin, and this three-in-one body product I use in the shower has *officially* saved it
February 12, 2020 at 11:00PM by CWC For years, dermatologists have been telling me that the best thing I can do for the dry skin that plagues my entire body during this time of year is slather it with shower oil. In theory, this is good advice, but there’s one problem: I hate it. I’ve tried dozens of these oils in pursuit of softer skin (including the ones that everyone else on the internet seems to swear by), and they all leave me feeling slick, greasy, and gross. Considering that the bare minimum I’ve come to expect from my body cleanser is that it leaves me feeling clean, this just isn’t something I’ve ever been able to get on board with. But then—but then!— I discovered L’Occitane Cleansing And Softening Shower Oil With Almond Oil ($25). Someone actually gave me a bottle of the stuff for Hanukkah in 2018, but it sat unopened under my sink for a year because, like I said, I hate shower oil. But when I ran out of my usual body wash a few weeks ago and my only choice was to either make a grab for the L’Occitane shower oil or trek to CVS naked and sopping wet, I decided to give it a try. (What can I say, I’m about that can-do attitude.) And let me tell you, it was unlike any product I have ever used in my life. What starts as an oil somehow turns into a frothy foam as you
The surprising health benefit of being in a relationship with an optimist
February 12, 2020 at 08:05PM by CWC In news I hope my boyfriend doesn’t read, it turns out that having an optimistic partner can lead to better health outcomes. New research out of Michigan State University, published in the Journal of Personality, found that being in a relationship with an optimist might actually help to decrease the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This isn’t some Jedi mind trick but rather the probable result of the optimist setting a good example in terms of leading a healthy lifestyle while encouraging their partner to follow suit. “We spend a lot of time with our partners,” said William Chopik, co-author of the study, which followed nearly 4,500 heterosexual couples for up to eight years. Behaviors such as healthy weight maintenance and regular exercise are good at staving off cognitive disease and decline, and those with happy, positive partners tend to be better at enacting them. “There’s a sense where optimists lead by example, and their partners follow their lead,” Chopik said. “While there’s some research on people being jealous of their partner’s good qualities or on having bad reactions to someone trying to control you, it is balanced with other research that shows being optimistic is associated with perceiving your relationship in a positive light.” Yes, pessimism is inherited to some degree, but you can skew more optimistic with some effort. According to Deepika Chopra, PsyD, a happiness researcher and founder of Things Are Looking Up—A place for Optimism, starting with a few
Better shoulder mobility isn’t a pipe dream—here’s why trainers never start a workout without the PVC
February 12, 2020 at 06:25PM by CWC When you’re typing, cooking, or going about your usual business, most of your body’s joints won’t be moving in a full 360-degree range of motion. And that’s okay. Before you start any workout, though, trainers say that warming up your joints using a handful of PVC pipe mobility exercises gives you the greatest chance at performing every move—from kettlebell swings to alligator walks—safely. “The PVC pipe can be a modality that adds a grip for the hands and allows the shoulders to increase mobility before working out,” says trainer Katrina Pilkington, NASM-CPT, with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. The pipe—which is normally used in construction—also creates the muscle memory you need to hold a barbell safely overhead or get your deadlifting form down pat before adding the weight. Even when you’re not within the four walls of the gym, your body will thank you for taking the time to work on your mobility. “A lack of mobility can affect how we walk, how we sit, and if we can move through our day pain free,” Emily Kiberd, DC, a doctor of chiropractic at Urban Wellness Clinic, previously told Well+Good. So, yes, we’ve come full circle (360-degrees, you might say) back to you answering your emails, sautéing veggies, and just generally living your best life. PVC pipe mobility exercises for 360-degree mobility 365 days of the year (If you don’t have a PVC pipe on hand, a towel will do!) 1. Overhead partial
99 things to do after a breakup that are actually healthy and healing
February 12, 2020 at 05:00PM by CWC The morning after my most recent breakup from a serious relationship, I woke up, wiped off my mascara-stained face and wrote out advice for myself in list form. Item one read: “Breakups are excruciating as a default, you can’t escape that.” While that bummer of a truism isn’t the most empowering, I charged on with my list and ended up with a huge document of ideas of things to do after a breakup. And I found it to be hugely helpful as I navigated the healing process. Since my personal list included items I wouldn’t recommend to others (though I do contend that whatever your version of “have too many gimlets,” “Facebook messages different exes” and “wake up in last night’s dress” is part of the process.), I asked experts what they thought. So below, find an expert-informed list of actually healthy and healing things to do after a breakup that allow you to feel your feelings and evolve into a better version of you. 99 things to do after a breakup to become a happier and healthier you 1. Remember that you are human. “Heartbreak causes major physiological and neurochemical changes, and knowing that these changes are normal and expected will help you feel less alone in how you feel.” —Elle Huerta, founder and CEO of the break-up app Mend 2. Be sure to unfollow your ex. “If you are tempted to internet-stalk your ex late, turn off your phone and hide
Your skin is the driest during *this* time of month. Here’s how to quench it, according to derms
February 12, 2020 at 04:33PM by CWC I’m sorry, but the expression “dry as the desert” needs to be rewritten to “dry as winter 2020.” Because, if the moans and groans of the Well+Good office, all of my friends, and you—dear reader—are too be believed, the start of the new year has been thirsty. But what if I told you that dryness may be an issue that goes beyond skin-deep (like, all the way to your hormones)? Derms say that specific phases of your menstrual cycle may be causing—sigh—facial hormonal dryness. “Your estrogen and progesterone levels are lowest when your period starts. It is during this time that your skin is most susceptible to dryness,” says Mamina Turegano, MD, a dermatologist with Apostrophe. And all the flaky fun doesn’t stop once your period is over. New York City-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, says that since low hormone levels linger into the week following your period, you may find yourself jonesing for extra moisturizer then, too. “Your skin is likely the driest in the week after your period, when your hormone levels are low,” he says. But, what goes down must, um… come up? Dr. Zeichner says that for hormones at least, that rings true. “Hormones start to rise in the second week of your menstrual cycle, culminating in ovulation mid-cycle,” explains the doctor. Meaning, your skin will retrieve some of its dewiness once you’ve reached the seven-day post-period mark. Until then, Dr. Zeichner says you can tweak your normal skin-care regimen
7 on-sale sex toys that’ll make you feel loved on Valentine’s Day (and every day)
February 12, 2020 at 03:00PM by CWC In Hustlers, Cardi B’s character says she has a boyfriend—her pink vibrator. She then notes that this boyfriend doesn’t nag her, get jealous, and only ever complains when his batteries need changing. And, no matter your own relationship status, this mood is a great one to co-opt for Valentine’s Day. With so many luxe vibrators discounted for the holiday, why not treat yourself to some well-deserved pleasure with any number of on-sale Valentine’s Day sex toys? Below, check out our favorite highlights of all the A+ sex toy sales happening in honor of the holiday of love. 7 Valentine’s Day sex toys on sale that are ready to love you every day of the year 1. Le Wand Point, $93 Photo: Le Wand The palm-sized Le Wand Point vibrator is nothing short of incredible for hands-free clitoral stimulation and can also be looped into a harness for strap-on or pegging sex. This is great if you once fell in love with a wand-style massager but weren’t into the size of it. Whether you want something like the Point that’ll fit into a carry-on or are committed to the still-lovely Le Wand classic, the brand is offering 25 percent off through Valentines Day with the code “VDAYVIBES.” 2. Womanizer Pro40, $79 Photo: Womanizer If you haven’t been introduced to the wild and wonderful world of clitoral-suction sex toys, meet Womanizer Pro40, now for $79 instead of $129, or the smaller, more advanced W500, now
Memorize this move to automatically engage your core when you work out
February 12, 2020 at 02:00PM by CWC On arms day, your biceps and triceps are top of mind. But in order to get the most out of those curls and dips, there’s actually another muscle that’s critical in every move you make: your core. Whether you’re in a spin class, on top of a Megaformer, or just doing some strength training, there’s a reason why trainers constantly tell you to “engage your abs” while you’re working your arms with weights. “Engaging your core is extremely important during all upper body workouts, because it ensures that you are putting less tension in your lower body and using your core stabilizers to assist you,” says Katie Hayes, owner of Urban Lagree Megaformer Studio in Austin, Texas. She explains that pulling your navel in toward your spine keeps your body in one straight line and will prevent you from falling forward, particularly when you’re doing moves on an unstable surface (like the aforementioned spin bike and Megaformer). Not only that, but if you’re not working your core enough, it can lead to back pain down the road. To create your own unstable surface during an upper body workout—and really put your core strength to the test—Obé fitness trainer Peter Tucci suggests challenging yourself with a “flamingo arms” series. This means you’re doing the exercises while standing on one leg, flamingo style. The benefit of this, he explains, is that your core is getting more engagement, since you’re balancing at the same time as
The case for *not* cutting your narcissistic best friend out of your life
February 12, 2020 at 01:00PM by CWC I understand the reasoning for cutting toxic people out of your life, yet I often worry that ridding my contacts list of those who suffer from nuanced personality disorders like narcissism isn’t morally sound. After all, developing a personality disorder isn’t a choice, and while people who suffer from them can sometimes work to alter their behavior patterns, they can’t necessarily change who they are. That reality does not make them inherently bad or unworthy of human relationships so much as complex and complicated. And I’m staunch in my opinion about this, largely because of my experience of being friends with a narcissist whom I refuse to cut out of my life. For background knowledge, “a narcissist is a person who lacks empathy, is deeply entitled, grandiose, often quite superficial, chronically seeks external validation and admiration, has difficulty managing things like disappointment, and will often—when frustrated or disappointed or stressed—manifest those emotions with rage they can’t manage,” says clinical psychologist Ramani Durvasula, PhD, author of Should I Stay or Should I Go: Surviving a Relationship with a Narcissist. “At the core, they’re deeply insecure.” Narcissists tend to have a lot of difficulty with situations wherein they feel unimportant, less than, or ordinary, adds clinical psychologist Aimee Daramus, PysD. “They have to feel like the most special person in the room, however they define that,” she says. In short, they can be energy vampires and difficult to be around—let alone depend on for any
You only need 3 ingredients to make the best, healthiest stir-fry sauce ever
February 12, 2020 at 12:00PM by CWC [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfK9aDhqU_8] Want to transform your cauliflower rice from basic to unforgettable? Watch Chef Dale Talde get it done. When the work week draws to a close and the contents of your fridge can best be described as “this and that,” an easy stir-fry can transform that rando bell pepper, quarter onion, single lonesome egg, and bag of sad carrots into a dinner miracle. Of course, though, one component of your dish will make or break the entire meal: the sauce. Rest assured you never have to be satisfied with the pre-bottled sauces again, because we learned the easiest, best stir-fry sauce ever from celebrity chef Dale Talde on the premiere episode of Well+Good’s new video series, Cook With Us. The series, which launches today, invites some of our favorite chefs and foodies into the kitchen to, well, cook with us. Literally. In the episode, Well+Good senior food and health editor Jessie Van Amburg challenges Talde—a three-time contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef and co-founder of Food Crush Hospitality—to whip up a 30-minute healthy fried rice recipe. The catch: it has to be high in protein, vegetarian, and rice-free. However, before adding anything to the pan, the cuisinier immediately pulls out the ingredients he needs for a shockingly easy and flavorful sauce: 1/2 cup tamari sauce (aka gluten-free soy sauce, although you can use soy sauce too 1/4 cup rice vinegar 1 Tbsp sesame oil According to Talde, the tamari acts as the base