January 26, 2020 at 04:00PM by CWC I’m a perpetually-single-but-never-actually-single individual who alternately uses my therapist as a professional psychologist, best girlfriend, oracle, dating profile evaluator, horoscope reader, and more when it comes to navigating the dating world. Though I’m ostensibly in therapy to work through past trauma and navigate the anxieties that cripple my work life, sometimes I feel like I pay money for her to tell me what I should be doing about this or that boy. Of course, I’m doubtful alone. Whether we’re propelled to therapy by a broken heart, a desire to meet “the one” who somehow seems to always elude us, or by a simple, primordial fear of dying alone, many of us seek professional insight into how to achieve the holy grail that is a healthy relationship. If you’re among this group, you might benefit from the free advice offered by four relationship therapists below, where they respond to the questions they hear most often from single folks at various stages along the journey to coupledom (or not). 4 questions single people always ask their therapists and the pros’ answers 1. Why am I failing miserably at using the dating apps? Laurel Steinberg, PhD, a relationship expert and professor of clinical sexology, tells me this is the question she hears most frequently from single people. “Most often, the reason is that people have unrealistic expectations for the number of efforts it will take to find someone great using the apps,” she says. “When people
Year: 2020
Target is now stocking a $12 shampoo that we’d pay well over double for, TBH
January 26, 2020 at 02:00PM by CWC Even though the drugstore beauty aisle has gotten a serious upgrade over the past couple of years, stocking dermatologist-backed, better-for-your-skin options, the hair selection has been slower to change. Last year, Herbal Essences partnered with the EWG to launch a truly game-changing clean shampoo. And now, Odele, a brand-new clean hair-care brand making its debut at Target today, is here to chic the whole category up a bit. One look at the brand and you’ll fall in love, but you’ll stay in love thanks to the minimally-scented, hair-nourishing formulas that make the wash-and-go a cinch. And not to bury the lede, but everything in the line is $12. “Odele was born out of a want (slash need) for a high-quality, clean formula that didn’t break the bank, and of course, we wanted it to be chic and something you’re proud to display,” says co-founder Lindsay Holden. Her goal with Odele? To create a product “that met our high expectations for performance, but we felt good about sharing with those who shared our showers,” she says. Photo: Odele Within Odele’s line are there are three different shampoo-conditioner collections meant, each meant to either volumize, smooth, or help define curls. Out of the shower, there are also three stylers: an air-dry crème, a leave-in conditioner, and a texturizing salt spray. While the line is relatively edited, from what we’ve tested, the products are able to achieve results on their own, so you don’t have to
What to put in your oatmeal if you can’t do another day of raisins and cinnamon without falling asleep into your bowl
January 26, 2020 at 12:00PM by CWC Confession: I’ve been eating oatmeal for breakfast (almost) every single day for years. Overnight oats, in particular, are my fave because I can prep them at night, pop them in the fridge, and ta da! Breakfast is ready for me in the morning. That said, I won’t say no to a warm bowl of goodness either. Oatmeal is a habit I can’t seem to quit, but I’m not mad at it for a few reasons. Numbers one and two: It’s healthy and filling. Dietitians swear by it—as Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, RD, previously told Well+Good, “Oats contain a unique form of soluble fiber known as beta-glucan which helps you stay satiated for hours.” Three, it’s so easy and quick to make, especially if you’re like me and can’t be bothered to cook every morning. And four, the possibilities for flavor combinations are endless. The oatmeal itself is really just a blank canvas for whatever toppings you want to add. Need some inspo for what to put in oatmeal? Check out these 11 RD-recommended toppings to jazz up your bowl and elevate its nutritional value. 1. Date syrup Bored of honey and agave? Shake things up by sweetening your oatmeal with date syrup instead. “Date syrup is made from the superfruit dates, so it’s naturally rich in stress-relieving magnesium and potassium,” says Beckerman, who’s also the author of The Better Period Food Solution and host of Well+Good’s You Versus Food. “There are a lot of fun brands to
Already ace Yale’s famous happiness course? Try another (free!) Ivy League online class on positivity
January 25, 2020 at 10:00PM by CWC The Yale online course in happiness (“The Science of Well-Being“) has earned its spot as the online version of the university’s most popular course in its centuries-long history. It seems many of us are on a quest to live a life that’s filled with joy, and now, there’s another class, or rather slate of classes, you can take to build on those foundational basics. To enroll, simply transfer schools—er, websites—and sign up for the University of Pennsylvania’s “Foundations of Positive Psychology Specialization.” The online specialization includes five full courses: “Martin E. P. Seligman’s Visionary Science,” “Applications and Interventions,” “Character, Grit and Research Methods,” “Resilience Skills,” and “Design Your Life for Well-being.” And, the whole positive psychology program will cost you exactly zero dollars—that’s right, no pricey textbooks necessary. If you work your way through seven hours of coursework per week, you’ll finish in exactly 7 months, but you can set your own pace to work through the class slower or more quickly. The online specialization includes five full courses: “Martin E. P. Seligman’s Visionary Science,” “Applications and Interventions,” “Character, Grit and Research Methods,” “Resilience Skills,” and “Design Your Life for Well-being. If the component of the positive psychology program you’re most interested in is fostering your own wellness rituals, you can skip right ahead to the final installment: “Design Your Life for Well-being.” That said, it’s highly suggested that you take the four preceding courses before you turn your knowledge on yourself. (So
I’m an RD and this is why I never recommend coconut oil
January 25, 2020 at 08:00PM by CWC It’s a common misconception that just because something is natural, it’s inherently good for you. Case in point: cane sugar. While most healthy eaters know to keep sugar in moderation, there’s one all-natural food that is still commonly misunderstood: coconut oil. Coconut oil has many amazing benefits on the beauty front; it can do everything from fight frizz to moisturize skin. But as far as nutritional benefits go, registered dietitian and You Versus Food host Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, RD, says its track record is way overblown. “Nope, it isn’t as great as you think,” she recently proclaimed on Instagram about coconut oil. Then, she proceeded to debunk several myths about the wellness world darling, drawn in large part from a new review of studies published in the journal Circulation. One: Coconut oil isn’t high in antioxidants, as many believe. “Coconut oil consumption has no anti-inflammatory or blood sugar benefits,” Beckerman writes in her post. This was backed up in the Circulation review, which looked at 16 studies and concluded that “coconut oil consumption did not significantly affect markers of glycemia, inflammation, and adiposity [aka severe obesity] as compared with nontropical vegetable oils.” Translation: Eating coconut oil didn’t do much to help improve blood sugar levels, inflammation, or weight issues. Want to know more about coconut oil’s impact on health? Check out this episode of You Versus Food: [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdxvxtgwn4w] Most concerning, she writes, is its saturated fat content. Yes, coconut oil comes from
4 all-star astrologer’s predictions for each of the astrological elements
January 25, 2020 at 06:00PM by CWC Let’s be real, astrology can be so confusing. Aspects! Jupiter Return! Trying to decrypt if Oscar Isaac and I are compatible based on our birth charts! That’s why I love the simplicity of astrological elements. Fire, Earth, Air, and Water define the temperament overall energy of a person. So what should each cosmic clique expect as we barrel into the new year? Well, we have some intel! At a panel led by astrologer, Ophira Edut, one half of the AstroTwins’ and co-author of The AstroTwins 2020 Horoscope, four of the cosmic greats predicted what each of the astrological elements should expect for 2020. And the star-cast should help each sign rise to whatever challenge the universe—particularly evil Mercury—might throw at you. Fire Signs Astrologer Mecca Woods is co-host of the aptly named Stars on Fire and a Double Fire (Sagittarius sun, Leo rising), so in true Flame Child form took the lead on what’ll define the element’s 2020 energy. It would seem that Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are working to avoid burnout by saving your fuel for the missions that matter. “I would definitely say that this is a year for us to really conserve our energy and make sure that whatever we’re putting our energy into are things that are really worth it,” says Woods. “Because as Fire signs we have a ton of energy. You know, we can do all kinds of things, or at least we think we can, right?” Yes, yes, yes! Fire signs are
Dissolve years of tension in your upper back with this physical therapist-approved stretch
January 25, 2020 at 04:00PM by CWC When it comes to postural issues, your shoulders carry a lot of weight—they can be rounded, your weight distribution in the shoulders can be off-center, or they can simply be tight, which can throw off the rest of your body’s alignment. But, according to a physical therapist, strengthening and foam rolling the upper back can help melt away a lot of those shoulder issues. “The upper spine is likely to cause the most problems in the shoulder area,” says Corinne Croce, physical therapist and co-founder of Bodyevolved, who notes it’s tricky to mobilize your shoulders themselves without professional guidance. “Mobilizing around the shoulder will not only keep other areas of the body mobile, but will also help prevent shoulder injuries.” Simply lying down on a foam roller that’s aligned with your spine can decompress your back, but it’s also useful to roll in certain spots along the spine (obviously check with your doc first to make sure this kind of a routine is a good idea for you). Croce recommends doing a couple of rolling exercises along the upper back specifically, which will help with rounded or tight shoulders, but note that you should avoid foam rolling the lower back since it can mess with your mobility. Keep scrolling for Croce’s foam rolling and strength training combo for a more fluid, limber upper back. Foam rolling and strengthening your upper back 1. Position the foam roller horizontally and sit in front of it.
What it’s really like to spend 24 hours at an Ayurvedic wellness retreat
January 25, 2020 at 02:00PM by CWC After a particularly busy month, I deemed myself in need of some deep pampering. I’d been burning the candle at both ends, doing extra work during the day, and attending events in the evenings. I was getting a lot done and having a lot of fun, but I was overextending myself, much to the chagrin of my newly blotchy skin and fatigued body. A two-pronged approach—healing my mind and body—seemed to be the best restorative measure I could take. So, I booked a stay at New York’s Ayurvedic retreat center, YO1, in the Catskills. Having previously visited Ayurvedic spas in both California and India and also completed a panchakarma cleanse (an Ayurvedic detox for the five senses), I thought I generally knew what to expect during my stay at YO1. Based on those experiences and a recent consultation with Ayurveda practitioner Ananta Ripa Ajmera, director of Ayurveda at wellness center The Well, I anticipated I’d be on a caffeine and alcohol-free nutrition plan full of kitchari and other warming vegetarian foods. I also expected to be situated in a cozy environment where healers perform traditional practices, like shirodhara (the practice of drizzling oil over the scalp to stimulate melatonin production) and herbal massages tailored to each dosha (or Ayurvedic energy type). As it turned out, my expectations didn’t match up with what actually happened. Here’s what happened at the Ayurvedic YO1 Catskills wellness center When I first arrived at YO1, the gate attendant
I went to India and got the perfect inflammation-fighting winter recipe—and it’s 100% vegan
January 25, 2020 at 12:00PM by CWC When I was invited on a a 10-day tour of India, the thing I was most excited about was the food. In the weeks leading up to the trip, I dreamt of the curries and masalas I would sample, and made a lengthy mental list of the spices I would smuggle back to the U.S. when my journey was over. While I certainly ate my weight in naan and butter chicken (and daal and aloo matar) my favorite food takeaway from the trip was actually one I could replicate right here at home in New York. At a cooking class with Gita Jaishankar of Gita’s Kitchen, between teaching us how best to sauté potatoes and organize spices, our teacher revealed that the best inflammation-fighting food combination, particularly during the winter months is spinach and green lentils. The fiber- and protein-packed ingredients are superfoods on their own, but when you put them together, some real magic happens. “The vitamin C from the spinach helps to power on the mighty iron compounds, known as non-heme iron, hiding in the green lentils,” says Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, RD. Since inflammation happens when there is poor circulation or lack of oxygen in your red blood cells, this flux of iron helps soothe inflammation, promote circulation, and boost energy. Finding a recipe that uses both of these powerhouse ingredients is as easy as one, stew two, three. “By throwing spinach—or even kale, swiss chard or collard greens—into a stock
These 10 recipes will make you want to eat protein-packed tempeh every day
January 25, 2020 at 02:00AM by CWC With all the different types of plant-based protein you can choose from, tempeh might not be your first choice… mostly because it can be hard to know what the heck to do with it. Made from fermented soybeans, it’s not only a gut-friendly staple, but also one that’s loaded with protein. One cup contains a whopping 31 grams. So instead of brushing it aside, it’s time to let these tempeh recipes shine center stage. Like tofu, there are about a billion and one different ways you can transform tempeh into the plant-based meal of your dreams. With a quick crumble, it becomes taco meat. When you cut it into strips, it becomes bacon for your BLTs or chicken tenders. You can even turn it into falafel and meatballs. To get you started, here are 10 recipes that will make you want to eat the high-protein food every single day. These 10 recipes will make you fall in love with tempeh Photo: Food With Feeling 1. Tempeh taco “meat” When you crumble tempeh, you get a super-meaty texture that’s similar to ground beef, making it perfect to season and add to your tacos and burrito bowls. Photo: Veggiekins 2. Rainbow tempeh rolls Sushi who? These pretty rainbow rolls can be made in minutes using thinly-sliced tempeh, zucchini wraps, veggies, and a tasty peanut sauce. Photo: The First Mess 3. Sesame garlic noodles with tempeh This warm and cozy tempeh noodle dish is super flavorful