June 23, 2019 at 10:00AM by CWC Yes, yes, we get it: Gut health is essential for overall health, and feeding your gut foods that promote digestive health—probiotics, prebiotics, fermented foods, and fiber—is an important part of healthy eating. So why is it that I feel like a bloated, burpy monster after a bottle of kombucha or a serving of kimchi? Of course, this isn’t the case for everyone. Otherwise, why would people recommend eating them in the first place? But for some people (myself included), certain “gut-friendly” foods can sometimes feel anything but. I talked to two registered dietitians to get to the bottom of why that can happen, and how to deal with it. 1. You might be going all-in too quickly “While fermented foods are great for gut health, too much too soon can definitely upset your digestive system,” says Sam Presicci, MCN, RD, LD, CPT, Lead Registered Dietitian at Snap Kitchen. “For someone new to fermented, probiotic-rich foods, I always recommend they start slow, having less than the recommended serving and working their way up.” ad_intervals[‘402995_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘402995_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’);}); } }, 100); For sauerkraut, for instance, you might start with one tablespoon to get used to it—treat it like a condiment rather than dunking it on or eating with a fork. If you want to try kombucha, she suggests starting with half a bottle per day and see how you feel. Your system needs to get used to new ingredients
Category: 2019 Health
How a meditation teacher and CEO shops Ikea with wellness in mind
June 23, 2019 at 08:01AM by CWC For design-minded people, I imagine that walking into Ikea is akin to stumbling upon Wonderland. But for many of us (me, I’m talking about me), the home-topia makes me feel like Alice right after the descent down the rabbit hole. I’m lost, disoriented, and looking for a guiding light to show me how to shop the store like a total pro. That’s why I asked Ellie Burrows, founder and CEO of New York City’s MNDFL (whose good taste is more than evident the moment you walk into one of her meditation studios in NYC) for some much-needed advice when it comes to navigating Ikea’s website. The resulting shopping list is what could only be described as wellness-chic. “About 80 percent of doctor’s visits in America are caused by stress,” says Burrows. “Creating a relaxing environment at home—an environment that we have a reasonable amount of control over—is important.” Equally important, she adds, is furnishing your living space with Mama Earth in mind. “Just like stress can be put upon us, we can also put stress on our planet, so I try to bring things into the home that not on help me relax, but also give our planet a break too,” she says. ad_intervals[‘402602_div-gpt-ad-5443410-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘402602_div-gpt-ad-5443410-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-5443410-3’);}); } }, 100); Below, Burrows shares Ikea design picks for a home that’s as good for you as it is for the planet. All Images: Ikea Carafe with stopper, $5
It’s possible to date while introverted without it feeling like a punishable crime
June 23, 2019 at 06:00AM by CWC I don’t discriminate, so first things first: Dating for, like, everyone can be excruciatingly terrible. But dating for introverts? That may just take the cake for being the worst-case scenario at nearly every level of the courtship process. How do you make the initial first move? Trick question! You never make the first move. And since you’d rather eat glass than ask “So, do you have any siblings?” how are you supposed to make conversation? And, oh, what if your nightmares comes true and they take you to a party on your first date? I ran into this problem a lot when I was on the dating scene. It’s a Herculean task to be someone’s plus-one at a party when you’re both firmly attached, but when you’re still in that getting-to-know you phase? Yikes. One of my worst nights ever involved my date abandoning me to answer a phone call (and really, who actually answers phone calls these days?) and I almost straight-up bailed after what felt like a thousand years on a rooftop by myself. ad_intervals[‘400650_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘400650_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); “If your date takes you to parties, you can mention you are more of an introvert and prefer to get to know them, one on one,” says relationship expert Paulette Sherman, PsyD. “Or, you can give it a chance and practice conversational skills as a way to become more comfortable in groups. Remind yourself you
Yoga teachers see the same mistake every day—because forward fold is so easy to mess up
June 23, 2019 at 04:02AM by CWC Nobody feels neutral about a forward fold. You either crave the the release it gives your hamstrings and low back, or tense up just thinking about reaching for your toes. And while the pose (also known as uttanasana), seems self-explanatory in name, it’s one that’s so easy to mess up. “Whether seated or standing, a forward fold incorporates forward flexion of the spine which decreases the space between your belly and thighs,” says Kat Sand, PhD, senior Director of operations at CorePower Yoga. “A forward fold is a forward tilt of your pelvis meaning your hip bones rotate and tip slightly forward and down.” A forward fold also combines flexibility and range of motion in your hamstrings, says Jeffrey Villanueva, a New York City-based instructor at Yoga Vida. ad_intervals[‘402696_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘402696_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’);}); } }, 100); With a combined 20 years of experience, these yoga teachers always see the same mistakes with uttanasana, or forward fold. Rounding your shoulders “There should never be a rounding of the shoulders,” says Villanueva. “We want to relax the shoulders and draw them away form the ears, hence relieve space in the neck and shoulder area.” A forward fold misconception is that your head has to touch your shins, he explains “If that was the goal, one may be more inclined to round in the spine, which we would not want to encourage,” Villanueva says. “Rather, we lead from the heart center,
The best way to avoid post-workout neck and back pain? Nail scapula stability
June 22, 2019 at 02:00PM by CWC Typically, a Barry’s Bootcamp class is 60 minutes of nonstop (very, very) intense movement. From running to sprinting to the weight training (and back and forth between them over and over again), you don’t get much of a chance to stop and breathe. But this morning, instructor Sarah Otey had the part of the class on the floor take a couple of minutes to focus on scapula stability—because if you’re working with your shoulder area incorrectly, you’re going to mess up a whole lot of things. Your scapula plays a pretty major role in your workouts, particularly when doing upper body stuff. “It’s your shoulder blades, where all the back muscles connect,” Otey tells me. “So scapula stability is all about stabilizing the shoulder blade for us to do planks or overhead pressing—or basically solidifying it in a range of motion where we need our shoulder joint to be stable.” ad_intervals[‘402277_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘402277_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’);}); } }, 100); When you’re doing rows, for example, and you don’t push and press with your shoulder correctly, you can really mess with your neck and upper back area… which is already screwed over when you’re sitting at your desk all day. “When we row, we’re working to retract and depress the scapula to its greatest range of motion, which is different for everyone,” says Otey. “Unfortunately if people aren’t aware of how to do this—most raise their shoulders up to their ears
Four things a facialist would never, ever do before a skin-care treatment
June 22, 2019 at 12:00PM by CWC There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of going in to get a facial. If you’re anything like me, you spend the hours leading up to the big event staring into your selfie camera like a parakeet in front of a mirror, imaging how positively radiant you’re going to look when your treatment is over. But in addition to checking yourself out and imagining all of the ways a facial is going to better your skin, there are a few other things you need to do—or more importantly not do—before you hop on the table and get your glow on. “With the rise of technology, facial treatments have gotten so much more advanced—gone are the days of simple step treatments where you just, ‘lay back and relax,’” says Saime Demirovic, founder of GLO Spa NY, adding that the days leading up to your facial are just as important as the treatment itself. “When you’re getting a facial at a high tech spa, what you do in the days before can have an affect on your skin.” ad_intervals[‘402238_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘402238_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’);}); } }, 100); Here, she lays out four things you should never, ever do before a facial. But snapping a “before” photo (to compare with the after shot, natch), is highly encouraged. 1. Get injections: If injectables like Botox and filler are a part of your beauty routine (#itme!), it’s important that you space out the appointment with your
A relationship expert reveals the 6 big questions to ask your partner before getting married
June 22, 2019 at 10:00AM by CWC Wedding planning is inevitably stressful, “chill bride” vibes be damned. Obsessively checking your weather app, double-checking with the caterer that your vegan/keto/Whole30 friends all have at least something to eat at the reception, remembering cute flats for when you can’t bear your heels anymore…there are a lot of potential anxiety triggers. But hopefully, wondering if the person at the other end of the aisle is truly right for you isn’t one of them. Whether you’re in the beginning stages of dating or are in a relationship with someone you believe (or at least, hope!) you will end up marrying, licensed clinical psychologist, author, and eHarmony dating expert Seth Meyers, Ph.D, says there are some important questions you should get to the bottom of before the big day. Some of the questions you can ask in the early dating stages while others are best asked when marriage is more closely in sight. Here, Dr. Meyers explains what and when to ask six important questions before marrying someone. Keep reading for his intel. ad_intervals[‘402143_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘402143_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); What are the most important questions before marriage people should ask? Keep reading for intel. 1. How do you like to spend your free time? The whole “what do you do for fun” question is one that comes up in those very early dates, but Dr. Meyers says it holds important clues for long-term compatibility. “If someone says that
14 travel journal ideas so you can access vacation brain after the trip’s over
June 22, 2019 at 08:00AM by CWC The joy that comes from exploring new places might be the best thing ever. Often, special moments while traveling are the ones you wish you could bottle up and save forever. Unfortunately, that’s not possible, but keeping a stellar record comes close. And good news: Great travel journal ideas abound. For the uninitiated, keeping a travel journal allows you to record your thoughts, feelings, and things you’ve learned from your travels, and since you can revisit what you write, it’s kind of the best DIY souvenir, as far as your memory is concerned. And, bonus: It may even give your mental health a boost every time you thumb through it after the trip is over, says clinical psychologist John Mayer, PhD. “Open it up frequently and relive the experiences as an escape from the doldrums of everyday stress,” Mayer says. While you’re free to create this tool in any way or form that speaks to you, some travel journal ideas may provide ample inspiration to get you started. With that in mind, check out 14 travel journal ideas below to help max out your experience. ad_intervals[‘398612_div-gpt-ad-6934292-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘398612_div-gpt-ad-6934292-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-6934292-3’);}); } }, 100); 1. Create a checklist before you leave Sure, you can just wing it, but since you probably have at least a few things in mind that you want to experience while you’re away and remembering things in real time is tough, do yourself a favor.
Exactly how often you should replace your mattress for maximum zzzs, according to a sleep expert
June 22, 2019 at 07:00AM by CWC We spend roughly eight hours per night snoozing (if we’re lucky). Multiply that by a few years and you’ve got some serious wear on your bed. After some time, the springs won’t be as springy and supportive as they once were. The foam won’t be quite as soft and cloud-like as it was in its prime. But how often should you replace your mattress, exactly? Doing so costs quite a bit more than changing your sheets. There’s no hard and fast rule, but experts such as John Breese, certified sleep science coach and founder of Happysleepyhead, recommend splurging on a new mattress every seven to 10 years, which is the typical life expectancy of a mattress. That said, comfort and sleep quality are the most important elements when it comes to deciding whether it’s time to invest in a new mattress. So even if your mattress hasn’t hit the decade milestone, if it’s putting a damper on your zzzs, it’s got to go. ad_intervals[‘402464_div-gpt-ad-5443410-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘402464_div-gpt-ad-5443410-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-5443410-3’);}); } }, 100); Not quite sold? Below Breese explains why it’s important to replace your mattress once it’s hit its expiration date, signs to look out for, and what types of mattresses give you the most bang for your buck. So really, why is it important to replace your mattress every seven to 10 years? Like mentioned before, the most important reason you should replace your mattress is for
Find your balance with 3 full-body coordination exercises
June 22, 2019 at 06:03AM by CWC Even though some of the exercises I perform during my workouts aren’t as coordinated as I’d like them to be (every lunge ever?), I do my best. At this point, I’ve pretty much just accepted that all the years of dance training I had in my youth didn’t stick with me into my adult years. But maybe putting a little more focus on coordination could be beneficial in more ways than one. Coordination is what helps you move efficiently throughout your life, whether you’re exercising or going about your daily routine, says Nike master trainer Joe Holder. “Coordination is an under-appreciated component of training,” he writes on Instagram. “The more coordinated an individual, you often notice a correlation with aesthetics naturally following as the body seems to be in tune with itself a bit more. It doesn’t always have to be overly complicated and nonsensical, but setting up environments where the athlete has to learn and control themselves often goes a long way.” ad_intervals[‘401435_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘401435_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’);}); } }, 100); That’s exactly why he has many of his clients try different exercises with a coordination component. Working on coordination in your own life will help you get more out of your workouts as well. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joe Holder (@ochosystem) on Apr 24, 2019 at 12:19pm PDT //www.instagram.com/embed.js 3 full-body coordination exercises a master trainer swears by 1. Rear