August 03, 2019 at 10:00AM by CWC They say that the only two certain things are death and taxes, but I’d argue that “accidentally wears a sports bra that isn’t supportive enough” also belongs on that list. Basically every person with breasts that I’ve talked to has had some sort of sports bra horror story. Mine is my boob popping out during a Crossfit workout (why do I keep bringing this up?). Not to be dramatic, but buying a sports bra is an activity that can have real world consequences. And this is where Amazon comes in. The great thing about Amazon is that there are thousands of options for virtually anything you want to buy. The terrible thing about Amazon is, well, the same. Decision fatigue is real! Luckily, Amazon is filled with a passionate trove of reviewers, which makes the decision-making process easier (and also, at times, hilarious). I scoured the site—and the reviews—to find the best sports bras on Amazon, according to reviewers. Each of the below bras have four stars or higher, and have been reviewed by over 1,000 people. Keep scrolling to shop the picks, from an $8 three-pack perfect for yoga to a super-comfy high impact sports bra. ad_intervals[‘412336_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘412336_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’);}); } }, 100); Image: Amazon Champion Women’s Spot Comfort Full Support Bra, $23.50 “Great exercise bra…hate taking it off! Supportive and provides adequate coverage with just the right amount of padding. Love being able to fasten
Category: 2019 Health
10 super easy vegan recipes to try using your air fryer
August 03, 2019 at 08:00AM by CWC If you own an air fryer—the kitchen tool of the moment that everyone from your neighbor to mother-in-law can’t stop talking about—and have spent any time Googling recipes, you know that the majority of them fall into two categories: healthier chips and crispy chicken. While it certainly does work its magic to amp up these two food categories, for a vegan eater looking to use the air fryer to make a plant-forward meal, the recipes take a bit more digging to find. And chances are, you don’t really have time to do a deep dive—which is partially why you invested in an air fryer in the first place. Here, the hard work is all done for you. (Except for, you know, the cooking part.) Below are 10 air fryer-based recipes that are 100-percent vegan—and 100-percent easy. ad_intervals[‘411698_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘411698_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’);}); } }, 100); Scroll down for 10 vegan air fryer recipes. Photo: Sweet Peas and Saffron 1. Cauliflower chickpea tacos All vegans have experienced a well-meaning friend cocking an eyebrow and asking, “But, do you get enough protein?” Spoiler alert: Chicken isn’t the only way to ensure your taco dinner helps you reach your daily needs. In this recipes, chickpeas are the protein source, and is paired with cauliflower for fiber (this is the part where the air fryer comes in handy) and avocado for some good healthy fats. Balanced and delicious. Photo: Vegetarian Mamma 2. Green
A relationship therapist’s take on 3 possible reasons cheaters cheat
August 03, 2019 at 06:00AM by CWC Unpopular opinion: I feel bad for Betty Draper whenever I re-watch episodes of Mad Men. I understand that she’s hardly up for any mother-of-the-year-esque awards and doesn’t have the best-ever personality, but I don’t understand how she’s supposed to be a villain. I mean, it’s her philandering husband who holds court all over New York (and sometimes California) while she’s unhappily trapped in a veritable suburban cage. No wonder she’s blasé at best, right? But still, the plot lines of that show—a master class in infidelity—have always made me wonder, Why do people cheat? Because if you have a wandering eye, and you’re unhappy in your partnership, it would be better to break up, right? The truth is, there’s no singular one-size-fits-all reason for cheating, largely because cheaters revel in the broad category of deception. And that fact alone makes trying to pinpoint any kind of catalyzing reason nearly impossible, says sex and relationship therapist Tammy Nelson, PhD, author of When You’re the One Who Cheats. “Infidelity, by its nature, is based on dishonesty, so cheaters aren’t honest about why they cheat—they even lie to infidelity researchers.” As someone who wrote literally the book on cheating, she would know. ad_intervals[‘410041_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘410041_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); “Infidelity, by its nature, is based on dishonesty, so cheaters aren’t honest about why they cheat—they even lie to infidelity researchers.” —sex and relationship therapist Tammy Nelson, PhD Still, she has
The surprising reason why you might want to wash your feet before bed
August 03, 2019 at 04:00AM by CWC People all have their own rules when it comes to the world of “washing.” I, for one, will never, ever wash my face in the shower (derms back me up on this). There are also those (including moi), who wash their hands before washing their face. Then, there are those who insist on washing their feet before they get into bed. While I’m diligent about the two former practices, I’ve never quite been a wash-my-feet-before-bed kinda gal. Apparently, it’s not just for hygienic purposes—it can also be the quickest way to cool the F off (which we all probably need in this extra-humid weather). In Ayurveda, washing your feet is one of the staples of keeping your body temperature down, because the feet are associated with the elements of fire, according to Erin Casperson, dean of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda. You know how you take off your sneakers after a long hot day and feel instant relief? “This is because you are releasing excess fire from the body,” she explains. ad_intervals[‘407848_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘407848_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’);}); } }, 100); So when you wash your feet, you’re essentially throwing water onto the fire. “The theory behind washing your feet is that you are then cooling the fire element in the body,” says Casperson. “If you’re basking in sun by a body of water, place a chair close to the water’s edge and soak your feet. You’ll be amazed at
Shimmy on into ‘legs up the wall’ yoga pose for the restorative break your body (and mind) craves
August 03, 2019 at 02:00AM by CWC “Legs up the wall” yoga pose, or viparita karani in Sanskrit, may not be part of your standard sun salutation. But if you’re always on the go, go, go, it’s well worth adding to your flow. According to Jessica Matthews, yoga educator, assistant professor of integrative wellness at Point Loma Nazarene University, and author of Stretching to Stay Young, legs up the wall “is a seemingly simple, yet surprisingly beneficial, pose because it provides a physical reprieve for the lower extremities, countering the amount of time spent sitting, standing, and physically moving on your feet.” What’s more, it’s all about “not doing,” she says, and this kind of resting with intention can help offset all the rise-and-grind busyness you’ve become accustomed to. Sticking your legs straight up in the air and just being might feel weird at first, but trust me, you’re going to want to put your phone down and take this self-care op. ad_intervals[‘412726_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘412726_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’);}); } }, 100); [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OQEIiZLY-0] Cool, cool—and how exactly do I do this glorious pose? Legs up the wall is an inverted pose, meaning it’s in the same family as headstands and handstands. But considering you get into the pose by lying on your back, scooching your butt towards the wall, and positioning your legs vertically up the surface to form an L-shape with your torso, the risk of falling on your face is much, much lower. If
Well, this bites: Mosquitoes are more likely to target some people more than others
August 02, 2019 at 04:00PM by CWC Picture it: You’re having a perfect summer night, sitting around the campfire and laughing with friends. But while you spend the evening slapping away endless swaths of bloodthirsty pests, your pals, for some reason, are able to enjoy themselves unscathed by the unwanted party crashers. Okay, confession: The “you” in this vignette is actually me, and this very summertime scenario is one that’s repeated itself in my life every single year. For the life of me, I’ve never been able to figure out why I’m so much more susceptible to bug bites than other people I know. Is it me? Is it them? How can I put an end to it so I can stop calling summer “the season of itchiness?” And, seriously, why are mosquitoes attracted to me more than everyone else I know? If you’re anything like me, good news: You’re not crazy. There are some specific science-backed reasons to explain why bugs can’t get enough of you—and ways to make them mind their own business a bit more effectively. ad_intervals[‘409338_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘409338_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); Why, exactly, the bugs bite “The response to any insect bite varies from one person to the next,” says Delaware-based dermatologist Gina Caputo, DO. “Insect venoms and saliva cause immediate and delayed type reactions.” Meaning, just because I’m itchy basically as soon as I see a mosquito and am left with veritable welts as soon as one gives
Can fruits and veggies ever really be bad for you? Why one healthy eating expert says we need to chill
August 02, 2019 at 03:00PM by CWC Before I was immersed in the wellness world, I believed all fruits and vegetables were good for you, end of story. Oh, how I miss those simple times. Now that I’m a food writer and health coach, I hear from people on a regular basis about why they steer clear of nightshades—a group of fruits and veggies that includes eggplants, tomatoes, red peppers, and white potatoes—or fruits high in sugar. Triple board-certified functional medicine nutritionist, cognitive behavioral therapist, and The Archetype Diet Dana James, MS, CNS, CDN, is not here for it. “Women are becoming much more scared of foods: fruit, nightshades, grains…I’m personally frustrated,” she says. Inflammatory articles (pun intended) about foods she is trying to actually get her clients to eat, she says, are getting in the way of people living their best, healthiest lives. How did we get here? One reason, James argues, is that diets created for people with specific illnesses are being applied to the general public, including the rise of the Plant Paradox Diet. The eating plan was popularized by heart surgeon and cardiologist Steven R. Gundry, MD, when his book titled The Plant Paradox became a number-one best seller shortly after it was released in 2017. (Dr. Gundry has gone on to write several other books, including the most recent title The Longevity Paradox.) ad_intervals[‘410893_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘410893_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’);}); } }, 100); The crux of Dr. Gundry’s advice comes down to avoiding
A 107-year-old woman says the secret to long life is being single forever
August 02, 2019 at 12:21PM by CWC Is the key to living a long life… solitude? Bronx resident Louise Signore, 107, credits her longevity to the fact that she’s held on to her status as an independent woman. “I think the secret of 107: I never got married. I think that’s the secret,” she told CNN affiliate WBCS. I’m getting some serious Cher-circa-1996 vibes right now (a man is like dessert—not necessary). Signore is an icon. Basically, the centenarian’s relationship advice: don’t. Signore also exercises regularly, eats healthy, and plays Bingo, which obviously factors into her overall health. But I’m choosing to narrow the focus to the benefits of being single. There’s actually research to suggest myriad advantages to a life of solitude. (I swear I’m not just saying this to make myself feel better.) One study found that marital stress can be a precursor to depression. Unsociability can also help you be more creative, as you have more time to be introspective. I’m taking this as permission to retreat to my couch and watch Netflix instead of going on a date. Also, as I’ve previously discussed, sleeping alone is simply the best. (Though the science is a little torn on whether or not people who sleep alone sleep better—to which I say, you do you.) However, if being alone scares you, you’re not… well, alone. A recent study found that people would rather give themselves an electric shock than be alone with their thoughts. ad_intervals[‘412763_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if
Who we leave out when we talk about periods as being a ‘woman thing’
August 02, 2019 at 11:30AM by CWC Since becoming a health editor for publications that cater to a largely female-identifying audience, I’ve spent a lot of time editing stories about reproductive health, periods, and hormones. It’s kind of the bread and butter of my job. And I’ve become super aware of one particular thing when editing stories on these topics: the tendency to use very gendered language. Think, calling vaginas and vulvas “lady bits” instead of using their actual names, or saying that periods are something “that makes you a woman.” This might seem harmless to some (and it’s certainly been normalized in American culture), but linking periods to womanhood is problematic and, in some cases, dangerous. This isn’t just because many people don’t have periods due to PCOS, birth control, a hysterectomy, or menopause. It’s also because many transgender women without uteruses may not get periods, while trans men or gender non-conforming folks who have uteruses may. To put it simply: Not every woman has a period, and not all people who have periods are women. ad_intervals[‘411917_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘411917_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); This isn’t a niche concern. While exact statistics on the transgender and gender non-conforming population are hard to come by, experts estimate that there are at least one million transgender adults in the U.S. According to a 2012 Human Rights Campaign survey of LGBTQ youth, nearly 10 percent of respondents identified themselves as “transgender” or “other gender.” (And you likely
This at-home dancer workout will give you Swan Lake-strong legs
August 02, 2019 at 11:16AM by CWC [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-kPo9o-PvQ] Take one look at a ballerina‘s leg muscles—or put yourself through 50 minutes of a barre class—and you’ll know one thing for sure: dancer workouts are no joke. Dancers are serious, strong athletes, and their bodies are able to perform at levels that the rest of us can only begin to imagine. While performing at the American Ballet Theater might be a pipe dream for most of us, we can take notes from their workouts… without having to invest in installing a barre in our living rooms. The result? A stronger core, and some seriously burning inner thighs. Here, trainer Rahel Ghebremichael shares her version of a dancer workout—complete with a series of plies that are no joke—and will make you feel Swan Lake-strong right from your living room. Five-pound weights and tutu, optional. ad_intervals[‘412579_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘412579_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’);}); } }, 100); 1. Plié arm extension: Start with your legs wider than your hips—as far as you can go—keeping your chest open. Be sure to hold your spine neutral with your shoulders back, and don’t let your weight pull forward. Hook your elbows in towards your sides (with your dumbbells in hand, if you’ve got ‘em), and squat down low while extending your arms straight out to the side. Keep your core engaged, and pull back up to standing while bringing your elbows back to your sides. 2. Plié with right heel lifted: Holding your plié position, lift