December 17, 2018 at 02:00AM Most of us would never dream of going an entire season without washing our go-to jeans or favorite white T-shirts. So why is it that winter outerwear—which gets just as much play as those other wardrobe staples, if not more—is so often left out of the fluff-and-fold fun? Okay, so your coat isn’t directly exposed to your bod in most cases. But even if it doesn’t touch your skin or sweat, it’s actually making contact with lots of far grosser things during the course of a day—car exhaust, polluted precipitation, latte drips, and energy-bar crumbs from your a.m. commute. (Oh, and fun fact: On the east coast of the U.S., at least, air quality is at its worst in the winter months. So that’s a whole lot of gross particulate matter latching on to your wool trench.) Cleaning your winter coat on the reg isn’t just a matter of good hygiene, say Gwen Whiting and Lindsey Boyd, co-founders of eco-friendly fabric care brand The Laundress. It’s also a win for sustainability, helping you get more wear out of your outerwear wardrobe. “Down coats will look deflated and lose their warmth [if not cared for properly],” Boyd says. “Wool coats are also important to wash in order to preserve the natural lanolin of the fibers. Add rain, snow, and slush to the mix, and your coat will begin to look dingy after seasons without a proper wash. Caring for winter coats will increase their longevity for
Category: 2019 Health
2019 is the Year of the Homebody—And We’re So Here for It
December 16, 2018 at 06:30PM Are you noticing the seismic shift of what used to be weekends spent out sipping wine and munching on apps has turned into eating cauliflower pizza while soaking in a bubble bath? It’s official: Being a card-carrying homebody is now more acceptable than ever. Call it the JOMO effect—but what ups the ante from a standard night on the couch to a true moment to recharge your batteries is the little touches. Like, for example, the clean-home essentials from Caldrea, which transform your living room (or kitchen, or bathroom) into a fragrant oasis you might never want to leave again. On that note—and a decidedly festive one, as well—we hosted a cozy evening of manis, make-your-own flower bouquets, and gift wrapping at New York City’s tenoverten salon celebrating the power of scent and serious relaxation. For a play-by-play on how to recreate the magic (and some last-minute gifting ideas, to boot), take a peek inside. Scroll down for some homebody inspo on how to make your space feel like a sanctuary for self care. Photo: Tim Gibson for Well+Good The nail polish wall of our dreams is real and lives at tenoverten in the Financial District—complete with Caldrea’s soaps, room sprays, and candles to match. (And yes, this is total vanity/bathroom/everything inspo for organizing your own home.) Guests were greeted by this cheery sight before heading into a room full of plush chairs and magical aromas. Photo: Tim Gibson for Well+Good As attendees filtered in, they sipped on pink
Is avocado toast actually just “mushy”? I don’t know anything anymore after watching these kids try it
December 16, 2018 at 02:21PM Who doesn’t like avocado toast? You might not like handing over a stack of dollar bills for your toast. You might not like the “toast” part—and choose to eat the keto-friendly “breadless” variety instead. But most people, if they’re handed a plate of the stuff, are going to be pretty excited about it. But kids? That’s a different story, as this video from the Kids Try series on YouTube shows. And the most shocking thing I learned: There is a future coming where avocado toast is something that “old people” like. Let that sink in. In the video, several baby foodies did a tasting of the prized go-to dish among millennials,who the host explained are people born between 1981 and 1996. “Those are old times,” one boy says. Ouch, kid. You really never know what kids are going to say—which is one of the most delightful things about them—or what they’ll like. I mean, have you seen that adorable video where the little girl wants Alexa to play “Baby Shark” right now? And she’s hardly the only one. How can anyone like “Baby Shark” at that level of intensity? Also, Frozen was good. It was fine. But the “Let It Go” hysteria gave me Children of the Corn vibes. (That’s a reference you’ll get if you were around well before the old times of 1996.) So I was really interested to see how these kids would react to avocado, that healthy fat fave with entire restaurants dedicated to it.
Velcro sneakers are the latest “so uncool, they’re cool” footwear craze
December 16, 2018 at 08:00AM Remember back in the day, when velcro sneakers were worn out of necessity rather than style? Well, get ready to channel your childhood because the laceless footwear trend is back with a vengeance. A new addition to the “so uncool, they’re cool again” footwear craze (hello, dad sneakers), velcro sneaks aren’t just stylish, but practical too. No more dealing with untied laces, tripping while in the midst of a killer catwalk-like commute to work, or trying to achieve that perfectly imperfect bow. Plus, as Jennifer Bandier, founder of the upscale active fashion boutique Bandier, puts it: “Who wants to spend time lacing up a sneaker?” Who, indeed. And while chunky sneakers are a decidedly tricky trend to pull off (and a divisive trend at that), you can’t deny the effortlessly chic appeal of laceless shoes. They are sleek, hassle-free, and comfortable. Better still? Brands from Vans and Adidas to Stella McCartney and Isabel Marant are getting in on the action, so you can try out this style no matter your budget. Scroll down to see 11 velcro sneakers to help you embrace your inner child—but still look like an actual adult. Photo: Veja Veja 3-Lock Sneakers, $130 Photo: Isabel Marant Isabel Marant Beth Suede-Trimmed Color-Block Leather Sneakers, $267 Photo: Vans Vans Ward V Sneaker, $70 Photo: Adidas Adidas Originals Stan Smith Vulc Running Shoe, $80 Photo: Greats Greats Royale Low Top Sneaker, $289 Photo: Sperry Sperry Top-Sider Crest Vibe Creeper Sneaker, $40 Photo: Veja Veja V-12
Microgreens are your ticket to becoming the Barefoot Contessa of plant ladies
December 16, 2018 at 07:12AM If you’ve always wanted to become a plant lady of the kitchen—the kind who casually plucks basil and rosemary leaves from her kitchen garden to make everything taste delicious and look homespun—here’s the perfect project to get you started. Microgreens are tiny, delicate plants that pack a strong nutritional punch of vitamins, antioxidants, and enzymes. And best of all, you can grow a crop from start to finish in a couple weeks. Dubbed “vegetable confetti” because of their itty-bitty leaves, microgreens are also highly flavorful and aromatic, working well as colorful, nutrient-dense garnishes on everything from simple soups and sandwiches to gourmet meals. These tiny but powerful plants are the ultimate trifecta of quick, easy, and inexpensive to harvest in your own home—or even your tiny apartment. And since they get top-dollar at the farmers’ market, your labor of veggie love could pay off financially as well. So, what are microgreens exactly? Think of them like vegetables and herbs that haven’t hit puberty yet, explains registered dietitian Leah Silberman, RDN, founder of Tovita Nutrition. “They’re the teeny-tiny versions of your favorite veggies and herbs like broccoli, kale, arugula, cabbage, watercress, basil, and cilantro, which are harvested after just seven to 14 days, when the first little shoots sprout,” she says. And, bonus: Studies show that microgreens have higher nutrient content than their full-grown counterparts—and it’s 100 percent bioavailable, meaning your body can easily absorb the vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant goodness. Though some people confuse microgreens with
Why this winter solstice could give you the best sleep of the whole year
December 16, 2018 at 03:00AM The winter solstice, AKA the shortest day of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere), is a major astronomical event. And astrologically speaking, that long winter’s night holds the promise of some extra-special manifesting magic, says Lunar Logic founder Jennifer Racioppi. Here’s her day-by-day advice for making the most of the cosmic conditions all week—no matter what your sun sign is. Monday, December 17 With just one week left before Christmas, year-end pressure looms. Thankfully, Mars, the planet of action, makes a harmonious and helpful angle to powerhouse Pluto, supporting drive, determination, and the capacity to get things done. Combine this with the moon waxing in Aries, and you may feel an energy surge. However, before you go full throttle to tackle your to-do list, ask yourself this; “Where can I create more space in my day to simply breathe and be?” Mars, the planet that pushes action, travels in Pisces, one of the most spiritual signs of the zodiac, inviting you to feel and flow, as opposed to pushing. Couple this with a limited planetary emphasis in any air signs, and the cosmos call for temperance. Remember, success isn’t a race, it’s a rhythm. Let your day flow. Tuesday, December 18 Yesterday’s fiery Aries moon transitions into grounded and sensual Taurus. With the moon now waxing gibbous in Venus-ruled Taurus, your cravings for sweet and luscious foods may feel amplified. It’s the holidays, after all, meaning there’s no shortage of sugar-laden snacks to choose from. However, rather
No joke, this funny sounding fruit has some serious anti-inflammatory properties
December 16, 2018 at 02:00AM If you’ve never heard of a funny sounding fruit called soursop, join the club. But given all its good-for-you benefits, it’s time to get familiar. The green, heart-shaped fruit of the Graviola (or annona muricata) tree can weigh up to 15 pounds and grows in tropical regions of North and South America. Besides tasting great (its extract is often consumed as a dessert in Guyana, Brazil, Haiti), soursop has a pretty stellar nutrition profile, too. “Soursop contains more than 200 chemical compounds in its pulp, leaves, and stems that contribute to its many health benefits,” explains nutritionist Tamar Samuels. “[It’s] particularly rich in alkaloids, phenols, and acetogenins.” The average soursop fruit is 66 calories and includes 1 gram of protein, 16.8 grams of carbohydrates, 3.3 grams of fiber, and is full of vitamins and minerals like magnesium, vitamin C, potassium, thiamine (or vitamin B1), and more. In the U.S., it’s available at most grocery stores—and you’re likely to find it in markets that have a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, like Whole Foods. So, what are some of the main benefits of all these chemical compounds found in soursop, and why should you consider incorporating this buzzy ingredient into your diet? Let’s take a closer look. 1. Soursop is anti-inflammatory Looking for a new way to fight inflammation? Soursop can help with that. “[It’s] been found to decrease the expression of several inflammatory compounds, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta protein expression,” says Samuels.
9 bloat-banishing salt swaps you probably have in your pantry right now
December 15, 2018 at 02:09PM Unlike added sugar, salt is something you do need in your diet—it’s actually a crucial electrolyte for the body. So yes, sodium is a good thing, in moderation. But if you’re ordering takeout several times a week or eating processed foods (even the ones from the “healthy” aisle), you’re probably getting way too much. “The average US adult takes in almost three times [the recommended] amount,” says integrative nutritionist Karina Heinrich. According to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthy adults should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day—but Americans are eating 3,400 milligrams a day, on average. That’s more than twice the amount Heinrich considers an ideal daily amount—she advises sticking to 1,500 milligrams. “Eating too much salt can potentially raise blood pressure, increase the risk of heart disease, stroke. and stomach cancer, and cause major water retention.” The problem with too much salt intake is that your kidneys have to work extra hard to keep up with the excess sodium you put in your bloodstream. “The body holds onto water in an effort to dilute the sodium out,” says Heinrich. Not only does this lead to bloating, the added fluids and blood volume cause your heart to have to work even harder, she says. That’s the bad news. The good news? Most of the time when we overdo it with salt, it’s because of sodium-packed processed foods or restaurant foods, not necessarily from the salt shaker. If you’re willing
The TMI reason I’ll never throw away radish greens again
December 15, 2018 at 11:02AM Let me start by saying that this is probably the most sex-positive story about food waste you’ll ever read. Probably not a high bar there, but fair warning: There will be TMI. All in the name of wellness. Let’s talk about radish greens. As in, the leaves you probably toss in the trash before slicing the bright red bulbs and adding them to salads, tacos, and pretty much any other dish that needs a crisp, astringent burst of flavor and a shock of color. (If you regularly eat them the French way—giving each slice a swipe of butter and a sprinkling of salt—invite me over. I want to learn all your ways.) But here’s the thing: As delicious and nutritious as radishes are, you’re missing the healthy boat if you ignore their greens. Eating sauteed radish greens (or, if I’m feeling lazy, using the leaves to brew a quick tea) is the most effective way I’ve found to get my skin, my gut health, and (here comes the TMI) my vaginal situation back in perfect balance. I discovered this when a veggie-savvy friend brewed up some radish greens tea for me when I had a stomachache and felt generally off—like, either I’d eaten some bad takeout or a full-blown flu was on the way. After drinking the peppery, earthy tea (consider it a medicinal sip, not a culinary experience), I was feeling better within a couple of hours. Fantastic! But the most surprising thing came later that evening,
Esther Perel nails exactly why relationships seem harder right now
December 15, 2018 at 07:39AM If you’ve ever listened to Esther Perel’s podcast Where Should We Begin?, you know that the psychotherapist and TED Talk star practices a form of almost radical compassion that gets results, in the most surprising ways. No matter how locked-in-battle the couple seems to be, by the end there’s new light on the situation. Prime example: Season one, episode three, where the Mating in Captivity author leads a young couple to talk honestly about a sexual impasse for the first time by encouraging the husband to adopt his French-speaking role-play persona—to talk about his feelings, not his libido. It sounds like light comedy, a farce. But it’s intense. (Prepare to sob.) In every episode, Perel at some point will offer up an insight or guide the conversation in a way that seems wrong, and even off-topic. Why are we talking about this when it’s clear that he/she is an entitled a-hole who needs to change?! But usually, it leads to an “a-ha” you never expected. So it’s no surprise that as she trains her expert eye on the state of current relationships in general, she has diagnosed exactly what’s ailing us: And it’s a good news-bad news kind of thing. The (very, very) good news is that we’re no longer in an era of marriage where, as Perel said recently at The New Yorker Festival, “The couple could be miserable for 30 years, you were stuck for life, you married once—and, if you didn’t like it, you could hope