February 06, 2019 at 12:03PM by CWC Typically when food packaging mentions GMOs it’s to call attention to the fact that their products are devoid of genetically modified organisms. Brands go to great lengths to prove GMO-free status, boldly displaying a “non-GMO” label with a colorful butterfly. Companies whose products do contain genetically modified ingredients tend to keep that detail to themselves. There was a time you’d be hard-pressed to find a brand advertising the inclusion of GMOs. But a new line of chocolate bars, Ethos Chocolate, has just launched with a loud-and-proud “pro-GMO” label. Ethos Chocolate is backed by a coalition of more than 1,600 farmers who are part of A Fresh Look, an organization committed to educating consumers about GMO agriculture. By arming the public with more information, the organization hope to change the public’s perception of the crops. And nothing sweetens a teaching moment quite like chocolate, right? “Ethos Chocolate was designed to help share the ‘sweet’ truth about GMO farming,” Rebecca Larson, Ph.D., a lead scientist for A Fresh Look told Well+Good on Wednesday. “New research has found that the people who hold the most extreme views opposing genetically modified foods think they know most about GM food science, but actually know the least. In an effort to combat misperceptions, A Fresh Look has created a product to illustrate the many benefits of a technology that is too often misunderstood.” The Environmental Working Group, which is historically skeptical of GMOs, declined to comment for this story. Similarly, the Non-GMO
Category: 2019 Health
6 pairs of minimalist running shoes you’ll actually want to lace up
February 06, 2019 at 12:00PM by CWC As a kid, light-up sneakers were all the rage. The more glitz, glamour, and glitter on your feet at recess, the better. As adults, though, the criteria about what makes a good running shoe has a lot more to do with function than flare. Enter: The best minimalist running shoes out there, which have all of the stuff you need and none of what you don’t. So, uh, first and foremost, what the heck is a minimalist running shoe, other than one that doesn’t have flashing lights on the heel? The Journal of Foot and Ankle Research defines minimalist running shoes as “footwear providing minimal interference with the natural movement of the foot, due to its high flexibility, low heel-to-toe drop, weight-and-stack height, and the absence of motion control and stability devices.” So basically, they’re the shoes that make it feel like you’re running barefoot. The idea is that the less shoe you’ve got between you and the ground, the better the experience. “Minimalist shoes provide little to no support in the arch, heel, and ankle and often are very light in weight,” Rich Velazquez, Coach and COO at Mile High Run Club explains. “‘Regular’ shoes will provide the support to these areas in varying degrees and can be designed to offset, prevent pre-existing injuries and/or imbalances the runner may have in their landing.” The principle behind using these no-frills sneaks is sort of a less-is-more situation. “Shoes with too much cushioning or too much ankle support
Well+Good TALKS: Let’s Talk About Sex…
February 06, 2019 at 11:17AM by CWC How women are leading the conversation. The way we are talking about (and having!) sex has totally transformed—and women are leading the conversation. With self-love and equality a new non-negotiable in our intimate relationships, and society finally waking up to the fact that female desire is powerful and important, our experts will unpack the ideas inspiring a newly emerging consciousness around sexuality and how it all ties back to better wellness. EVENT DETAILS Thursday, February 21, 2019 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Location: Made by We | 920 Broadway, New York, NY 10010 THE PANEL Erin Hanafy | Well+Good Editor-at-Large A former editor at the Associated Press and current Well+Good editor-at-large, Erin has a deep background in journalism as well as expertise in meditation, reiki, and Ayurveda. She regularly writes about women’s empowerment, body positivity, and self love through a wellness lens, speaks on panels on topics across the wellness spectrum, and preaches positivity daily. Meika Hollender | Co-Founder + CEO of Sustain Natural Meika is a leading voice in the sexual health space, co-founding natural and vagina-friendly brand Sustain Natural, which works closely with Planned Parenthood and Women’s Voices for the Earth through its 10%4Women initiative. She’s been listed on Forbes 30 under 30 and Fast Company’s Most Creative People and Inc. 30 under 30, and her second book Get On Top was released in March 2018. Meika has her MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business. Bethany C.
And the fastest growing fitness trend is…
February 06, 2019 at 10:58AM by CWC If you trotted it out during a treadmill class at any point during 2018, congratulations: You were part of the year’s fastest growing trend in fitness. According to ClassPass‘s recently released year-end data from 2018, there was an 82 percent increase in classes that incorporate treadmills in the past year, and they don’t expect to see those numbers slowing down any time soon. “Treadmill classes” can be exclusively running-based, a la Mile High Run Club, but can also incorporate running as a component of a more varied workout, the way Barry’s Bootcamp does with it’ half-floor, half-tread format. “As studio fitness continues to rise year after year, it’s not surprising that we’re seeing more classes incorporating treadmills,” says Shari Castelli, Director of Empowerment Funding and Expansion at ClassPass, who also points to new treadmill technology as one of the reasons why they’re becoming increasingly in-demand among class goers. “Running has always been a popular form of exercise and combining that with the same team atmosphere, awesome playlists and motivating instructors we love in cycling and HIIT classes, has made running inside more appealing than ever.” For its part, Equinox has seemed to take notice of the “running revolution,” as they call it. The fitness chain recently announced that they would be launching stand-alone Precision Running Labs, aka studios that will exclusively offer the Precision Running classes that have become so popular in its gyms. The first locations are open now in Santa Monica, California,
The retinol sandwich is the easiest way to start using the active ingredient
February 06, 2019 at 09:43AM by CWC Traditionally, retinol and sensitive skin have been frenemies in the skin-care world—but as formulas get more advanced, they’re now able to enter BFF territory. When they’re getting along, they’ll give you mirror-finish skin. And when they’re not, well, let’s just say the words “red” and “dry” come to mind. While pairing your retinol with other products certainly works, a dermatologist recently introduced me to a retinol regimen hack that you can try using things that are already in your beauty cabinet—namely, your everyday moisturizer. Enter: the retinol sandwich method. This essentially, involves making a “sandwich” on your skin using moisturizer (the bread!) and retinol (the meat!). I know, it sounds weird, so allow dermatologist Dr. Shari Marchbein of Downtown Dermatology to explain: “After washing your face, apply a layer of moisturizing cream,” she says, calling out Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer ($10) and Dove Dermaseries Overnight Face Cream ($15) as two of her fave soothing topicals. “Then apply a pea-sized amount of retinoid, and then another layer of moisturizer on top.” Et voila: a retinol sandwich perfect for sensitive skin. Or any skin, for that matter. “Studies have shown that this base layer of moisturizer does not dilute or reduce the efficacy of the retinoid and helps with tolerability,” says Dr. Marchbein. “Look for ingredients such as glycerin to help hydrate and protect the skin from the drying [effects] of a retinoid.” Even if you don’t use the sandwich technique (I love using the phrase “sandwich technique” so
We’re all rooting for Tyra Banks’ empowering theme park, Modelland
February 06, 2019 at 08:53AM by CWC The majority of America’s Next Top Model fans agree that the makeovers—known on the show as “Ty-overs”— are the crown jewels of each season. Without fail, at least one model with a hip-length mane ends up crying over a fresh pixie cut. Otherworldly contacts and face weaves (yes, really!) are part of the physical transformations as well, too. It’s high-quality entertainment IMO, and soon you’ll be able to get in on the action. Coming to Santa Monica, California, in late 2019, a new theme park dubbed Modelland is part of Tyra Banks’ creative vision to make the everyone smize with delight. “I’ve always been insanely inspired by attractions like Disneyland and Universal Studios and have wanted to bring that spirit of adventure and storytelling to the world of modeling,” Banks told Variety. “But not the exclusive modeling industry. I’m talking about modeling for the masses.” Banks says the project is 10 years in the making. Of course models will be welcome to strut through the gates of this 21,000-square-foot high-fashion hub, but Modelland is for the general public, too. “Modelland is going to be a place where the modeling world meets fantasy, meets entertainment, meets technology, meets retail, meets dining, meets…your fiercest best self you could ever imagine,” says the supermodel. A ticket to theme park doesn’t necessarily guarantee a whole new #lewk, but you might get a figurative makeover at Modelland, right? While Banks won’t spill all the details just yet, she tells Variety that Modelland promises
Raise your very available hand if you always claim to be busy when you’re in a relationship
February 06, 2019 at 08:46AM by CWC When my recent plans got canceled on account of a polar vortex, I hesitated when my friend texted to reschedule for the following Friday. “I might be free on the 8th, but I’ll let you know,” I answered. I knew that the space on my Google Cal was wide open, but these days, Friday and Saturday are automatically reserved for my relationship. Friendship meetings are for weekday, after-work drinks and the occasional witchy, new moon cauliflower pizza party—and nothing else. But that reality of mine doesn’t exempt me from a cold, hard truth: I regularly lie to friends in order to stay totally available for my boyfriend, Luke. Cue: self-loathing panic leading me to wonder whether I seriously and monumentally suck. Indeed I might when it comes to ditching my friends in favor of spending yet another consecutive night with Luke. But I know in my bones that other people do it do it too. (Which—I know, I know—doesn’t make it right, but it does pique my curiosity.) Only confirming my suspicion is a chat I recently had with psychologist and Loving Bravely author Alexandra Solomon, PhD, who was was able to share insight on why so many people seem to do this. It’s how our brain works It’s not you, it’s the chemicals. According to Dr. Solomon, the neurophysiology that comes when you fall in romantic love is simply more powerful than any friendship, especially during that beautiful honeymoon phase. With neurochemicals like norepinephrine (a source adrenaline
OK, TMI: I have way too much ear wax and IDK what to do about it
February 06, 2019 at 08:24AM by CWC Ear wax is about as appealing to think about as boogers, which is why I try not to bring up the topic that often. But it’s hard not to be top of mind when you suspect you have a wax problem…you know, when your Air Pods are crusted with yellowish goo and you start having trouble hearing out of one of your ears? [Shudders] First of all: Everyone has ear wax, and as icky as it looks, it’s 1000 percent normal (and necessary). “People think of ear wax as something dirty, but it isn’t,” says Linda Dahl, MD, an otolaryngologist in private practice in midtown Manhattan, and author of Tooth and Nail: The Making of a Female Fight Doctor. Dr. Dahl says that ear wax (or scientifically speaking, cerumen) is a combination of sebum, sloughed-off skin cells from inside of the ear, and secretions from glands in the outer ear canal. It’s designed to seal the very delicate skin that sits above the bone in your ear and act as an antiseptic, says Dr. Dahl. “There’s not a lot of cushioning [in the ear canal],” says Dr. Dahl. “You should aim to have a bit in there at all times,” she says, to ward off infection and keep the area healthy. It’s something your body naturally makes for a reason—although it can still feel excessive at times. “No one knows why some people produce more than others,” she says. (So, some of us are just
The expert-approved reasons why you should literally cheer yourself on during your workout
February 06, 2019 at 07:53AM by CWC I was in the middle of a particularly grueling HIIT workout the other day when—seemingly out of nowhere—my instructor told the class to vocally cheer. “Let’s hear it, you guys—make some noise!” they exclaimed, hoping everyone would enthusiastically shriek out words of encouragement as they’re dying through some dreaded jump squats. (This is of course the point where one person yells “Wahoo!” and then the trainer has to ask the class again to really yell.) I actually tried it—as in, I yelped out a solid “Woo!” while tackling a series of explosive lunges—and I’ve got to tell you that it was cathartic. Typically, I’m the silent sufferer in a workout. I am pouring sweat and undoubtedly grimacing, but I don’t say anything out loud or make noises, save for the occasional curse word in moments of serious need (which, by the way, science backs up by saying swearing during a workout boosts performance). I’ve always chocked the cheering exercisers up as a rare breed—a person who is finding way too much joy in brutal workout moves than normal. But apparently, there’s actual an psychological reason to let out a little “woot woot” when you’re suffering through your squat routine. “Using motivational cues, validation statements, and high energy cheers can be beneficial during high intensity group training,” says Hillary Cauthen, Psy.D., CMPC and Association for Applied Sport Psychology representative. “Encouraging statements are great during group exercises to help change the momentum and energy in the room. The endorphins are flowing,
The 2-product solution for covering up acne scars—if that’s your thing
February 06, 2019 at 07:31AM by CWC Despite what your Instagram Discover page may have you believe, hardly anyone on the planet has a perfectly even skin tone (without the use of FaceTune or a filter, that is). Whether it’s old acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, sun spots, or something else entirely, most all of us have got a little somethin’ somethin’ going on when it comes to discoloration on our faces. For me personally, it’s the acne scars that have been on my cheeks since middle school, when I didn’t realize that ignoring my mom’s pleas to “STOP PICKING” really would have the lasting impact that she’d promised. I’ve tried multiple different lasers and pretty much every skin-care product on the planet to get them to go away, and while they’ve certainly faded over time, I’ve learned to accept the fact that we’re probably a package deal by this point. Most days I’m fine with it. Some days, though, I look in the mirror and feel horribly self conscious about them, and that’s when the full-coverage foundation comes out. While there are a number of skin-care solutions that can help you to actually treat pigmentation, if you want them to disappear this very moment (which tends to be how I feel about them), that’s a task for makeup. To find out how, exactly, to get the most out using makeup to cover dark spots, I turned to celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic, who has hereby changed the way I conceal those frustrating acne scars for, well,