February 22, 2019 at 08:00AM by CWC Around the country, but especially in New York City, there’s a never-ending supply of hip and trendy workouts and studios to sample. And that’s great…for some people. Don’t get me wrong, I like to work up a sweat, but I make it my mission to stay away from fitness that doubles as an Instagram opportunity. That adds a level of social anxiety that I work out to actively escape from. So after flirting with a number of workouts and studios over the years, I’ve decided to stick with the first one I ever crossed paths with: Sal Anthony’s Movement Salon. Sal Anthony’s first opened its doors in 1998, when Pilates was still a workout you had to spell out for people. To this day, the studio remains wildly untrendy. Its decor has a noticeable lack of the Pantone color of the year. There’s not a stitch of Shibori-dyed fabrics. And, for heaven’s sake, don’t expect to see whatever the plant du jour is anywhere near here. Despite all of this, the studio remains a looker, with its high ceilings and iconic stained-glass skylight. The decoration, and the studio itself, is organized chaos, and I can’t get enough. The walls (and really all of the surfaces) are covered in a random assortment of photos, posters, and artwork. I am particularly fond of the photo of Gandhi that I stare at while on the Reformer. In direct contrast to its clutterbitch aesthetic, the quiet classes at Sal Anthony’s could double as meditation.
Category: 2019 Health
How to master the Mediterranean diet when you don’t eat meat
February 22, 2019 at 07:35AM by CWC Everyone and their Italian grandmother seem to be following the Mediterranean diet right now. (Before it was just the grandmas.) Unlike some other eating plans, this one is tried-and-true, beloved by doctors for its cardiovascular benefits. High in fruits and veggies, healthy fats, protein, the occasional glass of wine…it really does seem to have it all. The guidelines surrounding the Mediterranean diet emphasize foods high in omega-3s and healthy fats—and of course lots of fruits and vegetables. However, when you start Googling around for recipes, you’ll often be directed to ideas for grilled salmon, couscous with shrimp and veggies, or big salad bowls topped with chicken, olives, and feta cheese. Which all sounds great—unless you don’t eat meat. It’s enough to make you wonder if it’s possible to meet the requirements of the Mediterranean diet (and reap those health benefits) while sticking to a vegetarian or vegan diet? “Part of what makes the Mediterranean diet so great is that it’s so adaptable, so it’s actually an easy one to follow even if you don’t eat meat or animal products,” says registered dietitian Marisa Moore, RD. Here, she gives tips on how to get your fill of the Med diet, the vegan or vegetarian way. She also points out some common mistakes many non-meat eaters make when trying this eating plan for the first time. Keep reading for everything you need to know. Are there any Mediterranean diet-friendly proteins? “Regardless of what eating plan they’re
The 6 healthiest items on Drew Barrymore’s wellness résumé
February 22, 2019 at 07:15AM by CWC Drew Barrymore’s wellness journey doesn’t come with filters. Growing up as a child star in one of the most iconic movies of all time, she’s been very candid about the struggles she had with fame in her early years—especially those that impacted her health. But today, it’s hard to believe the life of America’s sweetheart was ever filled with anything but green smoothies and Pilates. After making it her mission to make her health a priority, she’s stuck with it. And it shows: The girl is glowing. And what better way to celebrate her birthday than going through some of the healthiest items on her wellness résumé? From her love of natural beauty to the healthy foods she can’t get enough of, we can all learn a thing or two from Barrymore. Here are 6 of the healthiest items on Drew’s wellness résumé 1. She always keeps digestive enzymes in her purse Most people have crinkled-up receipts in the bottom of their bag—and Barrymore probably does, too. But you’ll also find some digestive enzymes floating around, which she keeps on hand to help her break down food more easily after eating so she’s not left with a stomach ache. “This way, when you eat, your stomach is saying, ‘Oh, thank you. You’re helping me,’” she says. 2. She’s a fan of going makeup-free Despite having a popular makeup line, Barrymore also loves ditching it all and going bare-faced whenever she gets the chance. Not just because it’s easier,
Ever tell a harmless white lie just to keep a conversation going? Here’s why
February 22, 2019 at 06:58AM by CWC “You’ve watched Paris, Texas, right?” “Did you see the latest Cardi B rant?” “Can you even believe what’s going on in Washington today?” Flash back to the last conversation you had with an acquaintance who referenced something about which you really have no idea and certainly can’t offer intelligent opinions regarding. There’s a good chance you still cosigned the thought, though—because fake it till you make it, right? This is the agreeable fib, AKA a knee-jerk harmless little white lie that’s probably the most innocuous, unnecessary, and weirdly embarrassing strain of deception. So why do we do it? Why risk getting into a deep, 10-minute conversation hole where the only way out is to admit you don’t even know who Cardi B is? Despite the negative connotation of deceit, the reason is surprisingly wholesome: feeling insecure and just wanting just to fit in. “Given that we’re gregarious creatures who crave to be liked and included, we often provide a ‘white-lie’ response as a primitive response designed to increase a sense of safety,” says clinical psychologist and author of Joy From Fear Carla Marie Manly, PhD. “Although a white-lie response isn’t generally ideal, such instinctive replies often stem from an often-unconscious desire for inclusion.” “Although a white-lie response isn’t generally ideal, such instinctive replies often stem from an often-unconscious desire for inclusion.” —clinical psychologist Carla Marie Manly, PhD Yeah, this checks out, especially when you consider that the agreeable fib is generally called upon when we’re
Two words to blow your workout wide open: HIIT weightlifting
February 22, 2019 at 06:00AM by CWC As a person who gets quite bored in workouts, I’ve definitely hopped on the HIIT train over the past year. At the gym, you can catch me either doing a HIIT running workout, or alternating (swiftly!) between bursts of burpees and strength training and cardio movements for the biggest bang for my sweaty buck. Despite being such a devotee, though, I’ve never come across HIIT weightlifting as an option…until now. If you’re not such a fan of cardio machines or plyometrics, you can still get your HIIT on using weights and only weights. “High-intensity interval training workouts burn more calories beyond the workout itself because your body is working 24 to 36 hours after the workout,” says Angela Leigh, trainer and director of talent and fitness at Aaptiv. “To create that same EPOC—excess post-exercise oxygen consumption—effect of traditional HIIT workouts with just weights, you need to combine certain movement patterns, big bang exercises for reps and times. The goal is to complete movements with as little rest as possible to maximize the output.” So just as you’d take up the intensity of a regular run in order to make it HIIT-worthy, you’d essentially do the same to your weightlifting routine. How, exactly, can you do that? According to celebrity trainer Lacey Stone, you just have to lift heavy and incorporate little plyometric-type cardio spikes to lift your heart rate and tone your muscles at the same time. “In my opinion, incorporating HIIT training to weightlifting
The more-is-more, high-tech facials to bookmark (for your complexion’s sake)
February 22, 2019 at 04:00AM by CWC When I first started booking facials, they were pretty straightforward: The esthetician would essentially slather my skin with a bunch of decadent beauty products, perhaps do some extractions, and voila—I’d be left with a glowy, hydrated, refreshed complexion. Lately, though? Facials have become multi-hyphenate experiences wherein the face is poked and needled and lit with LED lights to get a complexion boost. “By combining multiple modalities into one treatment, practitioners can enhance their clinical results and help their clients take the stress out of self care by maximizing their time,” says Stefanie DiLibero, founder of Gotham Wellness, a center that offers cosmetic acupuncture with add-ons like facial cupping, LED light treatment, and microcurrent stimulation. Facialist Ildi Pekar agrees, noting that “by utilizing effective natural techniques along with modern technology, we can provide results for common skin concerns and repair your glow with a customized nurturing experience.” I must admit I’ve had the thought during regular facials that I could mimic the same thing at home in my own bathroom—but because high-tech facials accelerate the the results you’re looking for (which isn’t exactly something you can do at home) I really feel like they’re a good way to get bang for your buck. “Adding on extra high-tech machines can help you achieve an accelerated and more long-lasting result,” says Pekar, who uses a plethora of add-ons from microcurrent machines (to tone) to oxygen therapy (to revitalize) and radio frequency (to tighten). “Adding on extra high-tech
It’s totally normal that you can’t move on from an ex—even if you don’t want to be together
February 22, 2019 at 03:00AM by CWC Sometimes I feel as if I’m always trying to get over an ex, no matter how grandiosely responsible they were for the relationship’s demise. I’ve lost sleep over the attention I pay to these formerly significant people in my life, wrestling with the question: Is it normal to still love my ex, or am I—you know—wildly defective and completely devoid of more interesting things to occupy my mind? According one kind, anxiety-assuaging expert, I’m totally normal (phew). But since I deserve happiness (and some rest), it’s important that I learn tools for moving on completely. “When it comes to dealing with past relationships, there is no right and wrong,” says Erika Ettin, relationship expert and founder of A Little Nudge, a coaching service for online dating. “I do, however, contend that if you are still feeling so connected to your ex, it is worth a clean break—no talking, texting, social media-stalking. Out of sight, somewhat out of mind. That is necessary in order for the mourning and healing process to begin.” “I recommend figuring out the things that make you happy on your own. Then do those things. Don’t search for other people to date as a Band-Aid. Take the time needed, perhaps with a good therapist, to sort out your feelings. Gradually you’ll be able to look at things more objectively.” —Erica Ettin, relationship expert And to be clear, it will be a process—not something that you’ll just be over after sleeping on
“I’m a registered dietitian and I would never, ever recommend the keto diet”
February 22, 2019 at 02:15AM by CWC Even though the Mediterranean diet is once again basking in the sunny spotlight, plenty of people are Team Keto. The low-carb/high-fat ketogenic diet was the buzziest eating plan of 2018, with advocates raving about how they experienced weight loss, fewer sugar cravings, and even reduced anxiety. Even brands have caught on, crowding the market with “keto-friendly” products that make sticking to the eating plan easier. Not among the legions of keto fans: registered dietitian Brigitte Zeitlin, MPH, RD, owner of BZ Nutrition. “The keto diet was created by doctors to help treat children with seizure disorders, like epilepsy, from whom medication was no longer working and it was monitored under medical supervision,” she says. “This diet was not intended for generally healthy people to use—and it wasn’t intended for weight loss. The fact that the children were under medical supervision is a pretty good indictor that this diet was not created for the general public to adapt. I was actually really surprised that this form of medical nutrition therapy has become the latest in fad dieting.” Yet here we all are. While many do say the keto diet has been beneficial for them, Zietlin is wary of anyone sticking to it long-term. Unlike the Mediterranean diet, for example, the ketogenic diet is so new (at least in terms of how people are using it as adults) that scientists haven’t been able to study what the effects are of keeping up with it for a longer period of time.
Waking up at 3 a.m.? Your energy meridians might be triggering that alarm
February 21, 2019 at 02:15PM by CWC Real talk: My body clock has not been working with me and my Eastern Standard Time way of life lately. I’ve been sending out middle-of-the-night texts like I’m in college again, just searching for a soul to communicate with and help me pass the time. Not even my trustiest sleep hacks (4-7-8 technique and ASMR vids, looking at you) are, well, trustworthy for getting me through a night. So, I’ve made a mission find out, once and for all, why I’m waking up at 3 a.m. every night (and no, it’s not to pee). The most intriguing possibility? My energy meridians may be super effed up. First a quick refresher on energy meridians: According to traditional Chinese medicine, your chi (or qi) is your energy current that flows through your body via energetic pathways. Those pathways are referred to as meridians, and TCM recognizes 20 of them. Energy meridians come into play here because sleep issues can indicate an imbalance of your chi. Your body’s internal clock syncs with different hours of the day, and a different organ (12 of the energy meridians are associated with a specific organ) works its hardest during the different shifts. So it’s best if you work with your organs so they can perform energetically efficiently when they’re meant to. Tl;dr: Time intervals relate to organs; catering to organs helps energy meridians; balanced energy meridians theoretically mean we all sleep better. So in an effort to prioritize turning off my
Kayla Itsines says *this* is the most common mistake people make during HIIT
February 21, 2019 at 01:31PM by CWC Having spent many a gym sesh in the last few years sweating through Kayla Itsines’ BBG workouts, I would estimate that I have done upwards of 5,000 squats. And there’s a reason why the move—in its various iterations—is featured so heavily in her routines: Because it really, really works. Those seemingly simple up-and-down motions will make you feel the burn in your quads and thighs, and leave you with a seriously perky peach. But according to Itsines, though squats are one of the most common moves in any workout, they’re also one of the easiest to do incorrectly, which you may not even realize while you’re doing them. “The biggest mistake that women make when they’re squatting is that their knees will fall in,” says Itsines. “Women get pain in their hips and don’t even realize that the right leg might be coming in.” So, when you wake up the next day, that’s why you might wonder what you’ve done to your left leg to make it more sore. The easiest fix? Add a resistance band into the mix. She suggests placing a small resistance band around your thighs in order to keep your knees pointing in the right direction. “What you’ll do is push against the band, so it focuses more on your glutes, and you’re engaging your muscles more,” she explains. “If you’re looking to engage or warm up your muscles, a resistance band is a great thing to add in. With this