January 04, 2019 at 08:56AM Mushrooms boast an impressive number of health benefits, so it’s no wonder they’re popping up in everything from lattes to skincare products. And now they’ve been dried and bottled by Trader Joe’s for the brand’s Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend. A mix of porcini and white button mushroom powder, as well as salt, dried onion powder, ground mustard seed, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and dried thyme, the new seasoning is a healthier alternative to monosodium glutamate (MSG) without sacrificing flavor. Known as the “fifth taste,” “umami is basically glutamate, a nonessential amino acid found in an abundance of foods. Natural sources include seaweed, parmesan cheese, mushrooms, and even tomatoes,” founder of Eleat Sports Nutrition Angie Asche, RD, wrote on Instagram of the spice blend. “Because mushrooms are a natural source of glutamate, this umami mushroom powder will enhance the flavors of any savory dish.” The Umami Seasoning Blend is so good that it threatens to replace Everything but the Bagel as Trader Joe’s cult-favorite du jour. Now, Everything but the Bagel goes with everything, so you don’t want to give it up completely, but you might want to clear some space in your pantry. People are already so obsessed with the new blend that it’s currently being offered on eBay at more than triple its in-store cost of $3. So, which dishes might benefit from the addition of natural umami flavor? We tried it on a salad. (Yum.) We tried it on avocado toast. (Delicious.) We tried it on our fingertip. (More,
Category: 2019 Health
If you love pimple popping videos, you’ll want to tune in for this gunk-sucking facial
January 04, 2019 at 08:51AM There’s something incredibly satisfying about clearing out your pores. Whether it’s using one of those classic nose strips for blackheads, an at-home pore vacuum tool, or a clay mask, the end result is an amazingly gunk-free complexion. So when Well+Good video editor Ella Dove went off to try a dermalinfusion facial—which essentially uses a machine to suck dirt and grime straight our of your pores—she was poised to see some skin-clearing magic. In the second episode of What the Wellness—Well+Good’s new YouTube series that takes an inside look at all kinds of buzzy wellness treatments—Dove hits up New York’s Envy Medical to test out dermalinfusion, which is said to be a “professional exfoliation treatment.” It does this via a vacuum-like device that sucks out skin debris while infusing a hydrating serum into the complexion at the same time. “We’re exfoliating at a controlled depth, we’re extracting, and we’re also infusing the skin all at the same time,” explains Sona Tolani, Envy Medical’s chief marketing officer. The perks of this? An advanced skin resurfacing treatment that supposedly eliminates fine lines, resurfaces the skin’s texture, and basically make you look brand new. And here’s arguably the best part about it: At the end of your vacuuming treatment, you get to see the jar full of all the crap that came out of your skin. Yes, really. “It’s what we call the waste jar,” Tolani says. “We call it a very disgustingly satisfying feeling. Everybody will usually see some
The only instruction manual you need to slide into someone’s DMs the right way
January 04, 2019 at 08:32AM A successful DM slide seems is like an urban myth. Many have attempted it, but few of us have pulled it off flawlessly. It’s the triple Lutz of flirting—a move so difficult, only a true pro could nail it. Because if you proceed too quietly or cautiously, there’s a good chance you’ll get lost in the Instagram shuffle. But slide into a stranger’s DMs too aggressively, and—bam!—you’re bordering on predatory behavior. Yet, I’m constantly hearing of folks (or maybe more like folklore) whose DM game is incredibly strong. They use a good opener, get to chatting, and voilà! A relationship begins to flourish. Seemingly, there’s a right way to go about this—and an instruction manual sure would be nice. So, I tapped an expert. “First of all, you have to prepare yourself for the situation where the person you’re DM-ing doesn’t respond,” says sexologist and relationship expert Megan Stubbs, EdD. “That chance decreases significantly if they have a huge following.” Alternatively, the chances increase if you two follow each other and are connected in some other way—like through mutual friends. Then, take note of whether your social profiles are private, since that may affect whether or not a person responds to your DMs. “If a person you’re messaging can’t see who you are and what you’re about, they may think ‘stranger danger,’” Dr. Stubbs says. Whatever you do, make sure you know when to back off. If your first message goes unanswered, accept defeat, move
10 winter-proof boots that’ll keep you seriously warm (while still looking cool)
January 04, 2019 at 08:30AM Picture this: You just put together the cutest outfit of new holiday picks—sleek leather leggings, an oversized cashmere turtleneck, and your fabulous gold hoops—when you remember the icy tundra that awaits outside of your front door. Um, your old snow boots will definitely cramp this “new year, new you” outfit you’re rocking. Luckily, there are an endless amount of chic, cold weather-approved options that can add to your outfit, not take away from it, thanks to the fact that hiking boots are having a serious moment this season. And, contrary to popular belief, you can even still rock snow-approved heels. “Most feet feel better in a low heel, rather than a very flat shoe,” says Dr. Ernest Isaacson, a New York City-based podiatrist. “A one-and-a-half- to two-inch heel is generally the sweet spot to relieve the pressure under the arch and heel and provide stability for the back of the foot.” Of course, Isaacson says, it’s never a good idea to sacrifice toe comfort for the heel, so make sure there’s a generous amount of room in the front for the toes to spread out, busting out a pair of barre socks, and when in doubt, go with what feels best overall. So if flat is your preferred, by all means, stay grounded. Ready to get outside? Here are 10 pairs of the best winter hiking boots to keep you warm and stylish. Photo: & Other Stories & Other Stories Patent Leather Snow Boots, $195 Remember
Proud new owner of an air fryer? Try it out with these 6 healthy recipes
January 04, 2019 at 08:23AM Of all the kitchen appliances I’ve collected over the years, there’s nothing I love more than my air fryer. Sure, my juicer can provide me with a tall glass of green juice—but can it create sweet potato fries in 15 minutes and give my tofu a seriously crispy upgrade? I don’t think so. If you’re also a sucker for all things fried, using an air fryer lets you create the same beloved texture without all that oil, which can wreak havoc on both your digestive system and sleep schedule. Instead of submerging your food in those bubbles, air fryers circulate hot air in the enclosed space to get the same effect. Itching to put the new gadget you unwrapped this holiday season to use but not sure what to make? These recipes are a great place to start. Put your air fryer to work with these 6 healthy recipes. Photo: From My Bowl 1. Vegan onion rings Neither eggs nor oil are needed to make these melt-in-your-mouth onion rings. Using your flour of choice, some plant-based milk, bread crumbs, and seasoning, they’ll be ready to devour in just eight minutes. Photo: Keepin’ It Kind 2. Popcorn tofu Both vegan and gluten-free, this popcorn tofu tastes even better than the beloved chicken version (IMO, at least). And the secret to keeping the crispy crust in place? The magic of aquafaba. Photo: One Arab Vegan 3. Garlic and herb chickpeas You can absolutely bake your chickpeas in the oven for
5 women share what they wish they’d known about the IUD before getting one
January 04, 2019 at 07:26AM One of the most empowering things I’ve ever done was taking control of my reproductive health—which for me meant finding a birth control option that I actually liked. I tried many different kinds of birth control—including several types of the pill and Nuvaring—before making the decision to get an IUD. This was brought on in part by concern over the future of women’s healthcare in this country, and in part by my hatred of tracking when my Nuvaring needed to be put in and taken out. (Plus, not to be TMI, but it loved to fall out at the most inconvenient times…) IUDs are considered one of the most effective forms of birth control—over 99 percent effective, to be exact. Once it’s properly inserted into your uterus, you’re protected from pregnancy for up to 10 years, depending on what type you get. You don’t have to remember to take it every day, like the pill, or put it in every month, like the Nuvaring. (Just remember, it will not protect you from STIs!) But still, IUDs are a far cry from the arm gel contraceptive that’s currently being tested for men. (I have thoughts about that.) As with any form of BC, it comes with its own potential side effects that can be different for everyone. Some people can get worse acne after going on a hormonal IUD (fun!), while some people either “enjoy” heavier periods or stop getting them altogether. And the whole insertion process
Take nude photos of yourself, for yourself to feel great and powerful—bloated or not
January 04, 2019 at 06:00AM While recently scrolling through my Twitter feed, absorbing the usual mix of anxiety memes and Chrissy Teigen having opinions about foods, I came across an incredible set of photos. They were of the singer Lizzo, totally naked, and looking totally fantastic. Her caption: “I was feeling bloated so I took some nudes…. I feel great now bitch.” Suddenly a light clicked on in my brain. As counterintuitive as it may seem, could the cure for feeling self-conscious about your body actually be as simple as snapping a few naked selfies? Lizzo, first of all, is an incredible person to follow on social media for many reasons. Her songs are all bops (you’ve probably heard “Good As Hell” on movie soundtracks or blasting from some cool person’s car windows) and her tweets and Instagrams provide a constant stream of body-positive affirmations and inspirational memoranda. (Sample: “All this time I been waiting on the game to change….when I’m the game changer.”) Also, you’ll never see anyone play the flute quite like her. Basically, I cannot help but smile whenever I see her do anything, whether it’s singing Ursula songs from The Little Mermaid or twerking in a Sailor Moon costume. So after seeing her tweet about taking nude pictures when feeling bloated, I knew I had to try it for myself. When my body looks and feels puffy, my response is usually to hide, shrink, and do whatever I can to shut it down. (My to-do list
High-impact sports bras that can stand up to your most intense workouts
January 04, 2019 at 05:31AM Finding a sports bra you love is practically a workout in and of itself. But, throw in a high-impact class or sprint? Pfft—consider it a full-fledged Olympic sport. Between searching for something sleek yet supportive, full-coverage, but still comfortable, and somehow still affordable, it makes sense that you may sacrifice one—or more—specs in favor of another. (Or, worse, settle for doubling up on your support efforts by squeezing on *two* bras.) But settle no more, for there are actually bras out there that stand up to all of your sprints, burpees, and bootcamps. Don’t believe us? These high-impact sports bras are approved by the real MVPs: thousands of reviewers. From adjustable straps to uniquely constructed underwire cups, these options have been vetted by real women who loved them so much they just had to leave a five-star review. Ready to sweat? Here are 9 high-impact sports bras that can stand up to your most intense workouts. Photo: Champion Champion Women’s Spot Comfort Full-Support Sport Bra, $48 Nearly 3,000 women agree—this bra is a no-frills answer to comfort and zero bounce. Breathable mesh, molded cups, and gel-infused adjustable straps (plus over 30 colors) are why this classic tops the list. Photo: Zella Zella Body Fusion Sports Bra, $35 Not into underwire or heavy-duty straps? This seamless bra from Zella features a thick compressive band and high-neck for bounce control and an open halter back to keep you cool mid-workout. Photo: Danskin Danskin High Impact Convertible Seamless
These gluten-free thumbprint cookies are wildly delicious
January 04, 2019 at 03:30AM Well+Good Council member McKel Hill is the master of recipes that taste so decadent, you’ll be surprised to find out how nutritious they can be. And while cookies aren’t exactly a health food, her recipe for gluten-free thumbprint cookies means you can satisfy your sweet tooth without the serious sugar rush. The best part? Whipping up a batch is quick and easy—so enjoy! These cookies can be (and should be) enjoyed year ’round, but they’re also the best cookie to start your year off with a sweet, healthy treat. Inspired by traditional thumbprint cookies, these cookies are thin but pillowy soft, with a sweet, raspberry jam filling in the center. They’re are gluten-free, so simple to make, and a delicious, healthier alternative to your traditional thumbprint cookie recipe. If you’re not a fan of raspberries or don’t have time to make your own jam, not to worry! You can use any store-bought organic jam you enjoy and don’t be afraid to get creative with the flavor—apricot, orange, blackberry, or even strawberry fillings would all be equally as delicious. Be mindful that while these are a healthier cookie, they are still cookies and should be enjoyed with that in mind… because these are very easy to overeat. Healthier, gluten-free thumbprint cookies Ingredients: Cookie: 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp coconut oil 1/2 cup honey 1 egg, beaten (can use vegan egg replacer) 1/2 tsp sea salt 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups Bob’s Red
Goodbye, Juice Cleanses—Here’s Why a Food Cleanse Might be Right For You
January 03, 2019 at 06:30PM The November-to-December rush to meet deadlines, get gifts, and make your rounds at holiday parties always leaves you feeling spent. But there actually is a way to do all of that and still run into January feeling your best (because #goals). The trick could be doing a quickie food cleanse (you know, a cleanse where you still get to eat). When women see health coach Maria Marlowe for symptoms like fatigue and brain fog, she often suggests a food reboot. Why? “A short-term cleanse can offer big results in terms of how you feel in just a few days or weeks,” says Marlowe, author of The Real Food Grocery Guide. To get the scoop on how to do it, we teamed up with Flora Health and tapped into Marlowe’s wisdom on doing a total-body reset in the name of optimized health. “A short-term cleanse can offer big results in terms of how you feel.” Here’s the gist: By subbing nutrient-dense foods for processed foods that can negatively impact your gut and mood, you’re helping to support your body’s natural ability to flush out toxins—with no juices or hunger pangs in sight. “You can still eat three wholesome, nourishing meals a day that’ll fill you up and leave you satisfied,” Marlowe says. From rainbow veggie bowls for lunch to seared salmon with broccoli rice for dinner, the feel-good possibilities are endless. Scroll down for the nutrition pro’s pointers on successfully completing a food cleanse so you can take the new