May 10, 2019 at 10:01AM by CWC I think I peaked in terms of hair as a toddler. A look back at family photos reveals coiffed ringlets that look straight out of a shampoo commercial. No frizz, split ends, or dryness in sight. (Ah, the good old days!) As an adult, I’ve found that a proper curly hair routine calls for a certain level of finesse, one the L.O.C. method offers in spades. As YouTuber LaPorcha Tanzale explains, everyone with curly and wavy hair needs to memorize the technique to lock in moisture and control frizz. The routine works on both wet and dry strands, so you can use it fresh out of the shower or anytime your curls need some extra shine. Learn the 3-step L.O.C. curly hair routine [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ug-Id93tR4] One of the strengths of the L.O.C. curtly hair routine is that you can reorder the steps as you see fit. For example, some folks (like Tanzale) find applying the cream first to be a more effective option. So give it a whirl, and see what works best for your curls. L: Liquid or Leave-In Conditioner Separate your hair into sections and carefully spritz each one with your choice of water (Tanzale adds lavender for a dreamy scent), or a leave-in conditioner. Well+Good beauty editors recommend: Aquis Restorative Leave-In Conditioner($26) or The Good Stuff Intensive Nourish Cream ($8) O: Oil Pour a dime-sized amount of oil into your hand and run it through each section. Well+Good beauty editors
Category: 2019 Health
8 iconic candles that will really light your fire this spring
May 10, 2019 at 10:00AM by CWC Whenever I walk into a friend’s house and see a fancy candle, I always have the same two thoughts in rapid secession: 1) OMG, I hope we get to light it and 2) This is what heaven smells like. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t once legitimately seduced by the simple act of a dude lighting the wick of a Cire Trudon, and that the first time I ever truly felt like I was adulting was when I sparked up a Diptyque Baies candle in my own apartment. Yes, I do see the irony in the fact that for some people, that moment comes when they get their first paycheck, and for me it came when I used 65 hard-earned dollars on a candle. It was worth it. But what is it that makes these glowy pillars of wax feel like such a luxury? In part, it’s because one whiff of their aromatic blends will mentally transport you to a spa or a vacation. And yet, on the other hand, candles can become ritualistic reminders to pause, find your center, and breathe deeply (which I for one, need to be reminded of now and then) and remember that you’re home. So we rounded up nine of the most iconic flames that envelop you with their all-encompassing scent, so that when you walk in the door, no matter what kind of a day you have, with the flick of a candle you
These shower sheets give you a full-body cleanse in just 30 seconds
May 10, 2019 at 09:13AM by CWC I’m just going to say it: When you’ve got approximately two hundred zillion things to check off of your to-do list in the course of a given day, personal hygiene can kinda, sorta take a backseat. Whether you’re motoring from a workout class to a meeting and just can’t be bothered by the miles-long line for the bathroom, or you’ve gotta go straight from your desk to a date, taking the time for a full-blown shower isn’t always an option. And while I’ve certainly been guilty of running straight from an SLT class into my office smelling like hot garbage (…sorry, coworkers!), I recently discovered a product that fixed this stinky problem within 30 seconds flat. Yuni Beauty Shower Sheets ($15) entered my life a few months ago, and completely revolutionized the way that I—and the rest of the Well+Good beauty and fitness team—stay fresh. They’re made with natural ingredients and are biodegradable and compostable (+1 for sustainability, fam), and work to remove dirt and bacteria from your skin while leaving it smelling like the sweet combo of neem, peppermint, and citrus. And, unlike the usual, dinky wipes that you probably started envisioning the moment you read the word “shower sheets,” Yuni Beauty’s version is big enough to clean your whole body, and not just, like, your left pinkie toe. At 1.50 bucks a pop (or 15 dollars for a box of 12), they’re not necessarily inexpensive, but in my personal opinion it’s
The crucial step we’re all missing in our battle against stress
May 10, 2019 at 07:47AM by CWC You’re likely familiar with the oft-recommended tips for managing stress: Work out! Meditate! Take up a hobby! While each of these techniques are linked to increased happiness and decreased stress, finding the time to get it done can feel daunting. Which is… stressful. But what if there was a way to fight stress simply by harnessing the health benefits of hugging another person? In an interview with NPR, sisters and Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle co-authors Emily Nagoski, PhD, and Amelia Nagoski, DMA, revealed one of their favorite ways to manage stress in less than half a minute. “Affection is really powerful. One of our favorite recommendations is the 20 second hug,” Emily says. “If you hold someone that long, it communicates to your body that you have a person in your life whom you love and trust enough and who loves and trusts you enough to stand this close together. And your chemistry shifts into a state of I have come home, which is the end of the stress response cycle.” Science proves that hugging has mental and physical health benefits. One study found that a hug can help negate a bad mood. Another found that people who were hugged more frequently had less severe signs of illness when exposed to the common cold (a form of physical, bodily stress). Beyond hugs, social connection is an important pillar of wellness. “It’s a basic human need, just like water or food,” Jeremy
How to hack your workout routine for more cost-effective classes
May 10, 2019 at 07:00AM by CWC There’s nothing like hopping off a spin bike drenched and proud of your killer workout, but those spin and dance cardio classes at your favorite studios can definitely add up. And as the group fitness craze keeps picking up, with new trendy classes like aerial yoga, HIIT, Pilates, barre, and more, it’s no wonder you’re eager to try them all. Beyond the endorphin-boosting, there’s so much positive energy in these classes, where you become part of a community and never feel bored or burned out. The only problem? They’re pretty damn expensive. And if you’re taking two or more classes a week, they’ll really add up. The good news is you can save on workout classes with a few simple tips, so you can still enjoy your favorite workouts but pay less money each visit or month. Here are a few hacks to try out now. Look for promo deals “If you’re on the fence about what workout craze is right for you, plenty of studios and fitness memberships offer free trials or sign-up promos, so you can test different classes and studios to find the right fit for you,” says Keri Danielski, consumer finance expert at Mint and Turbo. What’s more, many studios offer rewards or credits for referring friends, so be on the lookout for eager friends wanting a promo deal, too. “With friends, for example, ClassPass offers a free month trial for friend referrals and money off your membership fee,”
Here’s how to eat healthy at Taco Bell, according to nutritionists
May 10, 2019 at 03:00AM by CWC Let’s be real: Even if you’re a person who eats green smoothies for breakfast and keeps a spare yoga mat in their trunk, you’re still probably going to be at a Taco Bell at some point in your life. Sometimes it’s because a Quesarito craving strikes out of nowhere. Other times, you may be looking for something a bit more health-friendly. And that’s when ordering fast food gets tricky. The key, of course, is being prepared. Knowing the healthy (or at least healthy-ish) options available before you go means less anxiety at the drive-through window. Here, two registered dietitians—Jessica Cording, RD, and Carissa Galloway, RD, give their advice on what to order if you’re vegan or vegetarian, keto, or Paleo. Keep reading for their top healthy options at Taco Bell. Vegan or vegetarian Menu picks: Vegetarian Crunchwrap Surpreme; Veggie Power Bowl What the RDs say: Both experts preferred the Veggie Power Bowl because it’s customizable. (This especially matters if you’re vegan, because popular add-ins such as sour cream and avocado ranch sauce have dairy and will need to be left off.) “I’m a huge fan of anything customizable because it puts you in control,” Galloway says. Her recs for building your bowl: take the fiber- and protein- rich black beans, add as much lettuce and pico de gallo as you can, and one sauce. “The sauces are high in sodium, so it’s best to pick one, preferably the guac,” she says. There may
Tried-and-true tips for a good morning from people who wake up super early
May 10, 2019 at 02:00AM by CWC As an aspirational morning person, who dreams of becoming an early bird catching the worm—literally, dreams about it while the real early birds get the job done—I’m open to tips for making it happen. Because while I’m still fast asleep, others have already had their coffee, worked out, gotten ready for work, and are sitting down for a healthy breakfast. In fact, some are up during most people’s definition of “the middle of the night,” taking full advantage of some me-time before all the emails, texts, and notifications start coming in. Okay, now say it with me: But, how? Well, rounded up below are secrets from real-life roosters who get up and at ’em every single day. Because if anyone knows how to have a good morning, it’s them. Need tips for how to wake up early? Here are 11 tips from some Olympic-medal-worthy early birds. 1. Light some incense and meditate Name: Hilary Hinrichs Age: 28 Profession: Holistic health coach and founder of Holistic Hilary Wake-up time: 6 a.m. “When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is light my sandalwood incense and prepare for gratitude. I’ve found that taking about 30 minutes of my morning routine to reflect with meditation and saying positive affirmations completely changes how my day goes. It also reminds me to slow down and breathe before my crazy day in New York City begins. A lot of my career as a health coach
It’s rhubarb season, so take advantage of its surprising health benefits in your cooking
May 09, 2019 at 04:00PM by CWC If you hear “rhubarb” and think “pie,” you’re not alone. In fact, the spring vegetable is sometimes referred to as “the pie plant,” thanks to how often it is paired with sugar, butter, flour and a flaky crust. There’s actually a lot more to rhubarb beyond desserts, including the fact that it boasts some serious nutritional benefits. (Also, it’s kind of related to buckwheat? Who knew.) Here’s everything you need to know about the vibrant vegetable and the recipe inspiration you need to put it to work in the kitchen. It’s only in season for a short period of time (April through June) so we promise to make this quick! What are main rhubarb health benefits I should know about? Before we dive in to the benefits of rhubarb, it’s worth taking a peek at its nutritional properties. Nora Minno, a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer in New York City, says one cup of the colorful vegetable contains the following: Calories: 26 Fat: Less than 1 gram Fiber: 2 grams Protein: 1 gram Carbohydrates: 6 grams Sugar: 1 gram Beyond the nutrition label-type stuff, here are a few more healthy reasons why you should make rhubarb a part of your regular diet if you can: 1. It’s a good source of fiber. Like many fruits and vegetables, rhubarb has a decent amount of fiber—about 2 grams per cup, chopped. Fiber, of course, is great for your digestive health and can help lower
Getting a tattoo affirmed that my body is a dictatorship, not a democracy—and I’m the HBIC
May 09, 2019 at 03:00PM by CWC In June 2018, I got my first tattoo—at age 41. Less than a year later, I now have 10. After spending months agonizing about the right font, the proper placement, and the perfect size, I got my first design from rock-star artist JonBoy—four tiny, block-lettered words in Spanish behind my left elbow: “Que no me manques.” It translates to “that you shouldn’t be missing to me,” a phrase my great aunt Fortuna used to utter reflexively like a mantra at the end of phone calls. I’ve always loved it for its brokenness and the way it sounds like it could be the title of a short story or an indie film. I got my second tattoo a month later. This time, I went for a semi-abstract piece of flash art by Sarah Gaugler of Snow Tattoo that sort of resembles an evil eye surrounded by a heart surrounded by haphazard swirls and dots. Where I’d thought about every detail of my first tattoo endlessly, I picked my second on a whim—pointed to it in a portfolio booklet and surrendered my forearm without blinking. I’ve fallen in love with tattoos because they are the physical reminder that my body is not a democracy, it’s a dictatorship, and I am the one in charge. Since then, I’ve made trips to downtown Manhattan celeb hot spot Bang Bang (where artist Eva Karabudak planted roses behind my right elbow and Dragon left some more on my right
The 6 skills of everyday kitchen wizards who cook “without recipes”
May 09, 2019 at 11:56AM by CWC As the Disney movie Ratatouille illustrates in a striking allegory about a rodent, there are two types of cooks in the world. Those who eat grapes and move on with their lives, and those who bite into the juicy fruit and imagine an infinite number of flavor combinations. I’m pretty confused about food myself, so I decided to ask an expert how to cook. Or, more specifically, how to accomplish the breezy ease in the kitchen that warrants phrases like, “Oh, this? I just threw it together!” One glance at the Instagram feed of plant-based dietitian Catherine Perez, MS, RD, explains why I reached out to her for help. With an endless reel of dishes that look just as delicious as they are easy, I’m lucky she spilled all her secrets to me. “If you think of your plate like a pie, I’m generally aiming for at least half of that pie to be filled with fruits or veggies,” she tells me. “That’s trying to make sure you get your fiber and your nutrients.” Next, she adds one quarter of lean protein and another of whole grains or starch. Now that you have a general idea of how your meal might look, let’s get down to the hot tips of a dietitian who keeps her cool composure in the face of dinnertime. Here’s how to cook by just “throwing a few things together” in the kitchen View this post on Instagram Brown rice