January 12, 2020 at 04:00PM by CWC When “hanger” sets in mid-afternoon, we’re often left with no other choice than to hit up the vending machine or make our way down to the corporate cafeteria for some overpriced, processed fuel. But if you remember to leave a stash of super healthy desk snacks in a drawer, you’ll save money while boosting your energy levels, focus, and productivity during the 9-to-5 grind. Not sure what to keep on hand? Try these delicious snacks that nutrition pros rely on to make it through the day. Healthy desk snacks nutritionists eat at work 1. KIND bars “I never leave home without a KIND bar in my purse or in the glove compartment of my car, and they can easily squeeze into a desk drawer,” says Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, author of Read It Before You Eat It. What she appreciates most is that transparent wrappers allows you to see the whole ingredients clearly, like nuts, seeds, oats, and dried fruit. “The decadent taste and sweetness from chocolate surprisingly only brings five grams of sugar, and it also gives six grams of protein and a whopping seven grams of fiber to help you feel fuller longer,” she says. She adds that if you’re only slightly hungry, KIND mini bars are a great lower-calorie option that delivers equally on taste. 2. Almonds When Taub-Dix needs an afternoon energy boost, her snack of choice is a handful of Blue Diamond whole natural almonds that provide six grams of
Category: Travel
These are the Trader Joe’s snacks nutritionists buy for themselves
January 11, 2020 at 01:00AM by CWC Trader Joe’s inspires a kind of unbridled devotion. There are entire Instagram accounts devoted to scouting the newest product launches. My stocking may have been filled with nothing but Everything But The Bagel seasoning this past Christmas. Even my dad, a grump, was delighted by their inexpensive Trader Joe’s snacks when I forced him to take me there during my last trip back home. He bought eight bags of dried fruit that fateful day. I think I converted him. It can be easy to lose yourself among the array of appealing foods lining the hallowed halls of a Trader Joe’s store. Between the kale gnocchi, dark chocolate almond butter bites, and Cruciferous Crunch, welp, better just buy everything to save time instead of making decisions, right? If only my wallet would allow. Since you already know the best salads to buy at TJ’s and the definitive ranking of all the alt-pastas the retailer sells, let’s talk about Trader Joe’s snacks, baby. I asked three nutritionists to share their favorites. Nutritionists love these Trader Joe’s snacks 1. JERK STYLE PLANTAIN CHIPS “These sweet and savory chips provide the perfect combo of fiber, flavor, and crunch to satisfy those midday munchies,” says Whitney English Tabaie, RDN. (Can confirm, these are delicious.) 2. RANCH SEASONED CRISPY CHICKPEAS “These savory little bites provide a major boost of fiber and plant-protein with the added bonus of tasting like Cool Ranch Doritos,” says Tabaie. 3. JUST A HANDFUL OF
Get your finances on track with our 28-day financial wellness challenge
January 01, 2020 at 10:30AM by CWC The end of the year is rough on the money front. Budgets are blown traveling to see loved ones for the holidays, buying gifts, and indulging in holiday sales shopping. All worth it? Sure. But now that it’s January, you’re paying for it (literally and figuratively). The good news is, this is the time to get back on track, and we’re here (armed with some of the best budgeting experts in the biz) to help. This four-week-long money challenge is thoughtfully constructed to set you up for financial success by taking inventory of your spending and making realistic-yet-impactful changes that will help you meet your goals. We know the idea of tackling your finances can sound overwhelming, which is why the challenge is broken down into daily “mini” tips, all of which are totally quick and manageable. You’ll first start the 28-day challenge by taking stock of all of your finances—your income, spending habits, debts, the whole nine yards—before moving into ways to optimize your spending, boost your savings, and get smarter about investing. No matter your money knowledge, there’s something that you can benefit from. The challenge kicks off on January 5; join us by signing up for our special email that will deliver all the plans to your inbox* (in the box below) and downloading the tasks onto your personal calendar. By the end of the month, you’ll not only be a lot more organized, you’ll also be more on track
The one product a dermatologist won’t get on an airplane without
December 31, 2019 at 07:30PM by CWC Airplane cabins are notorious for sucking all the moisture out of your skin, leading to dryness, breakouts, and other woes you definitely don’t want to deal with after arriving to your final destination. The lack of humidity in the cabin wreaks havoc without proper airplane skin-care products. “Cabin air is often less than 20 percent humidity, whereas at home, humidity is 30 percent or more,” says Gretchen Frieling, MD, a board-certified dermatopathologist. “That means that skin will lack moisture and dry out faster.” While there are plenty of ways you can help combat the issue—like in-flight masking (looks weird, works amazing), post-flight exfoliation, drinking tons of water, and “staying away from drinks that dehydrate the skin, such as alcohol,” Dr. Frieling says—one of the quickest and easiest tactics is having a hydrating facial mist on hand. Photo: Tatcha “To keep my face hydrated, I love my Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist Mini,” says Dr. Frieling. “It has natural oils, algae, hyaluronic acid, and is appropriate for every skin type. It’s also non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and cruelty-free. Bonus: You can even use it on hair to give it extra sheen.” To keep your skin moisturized, Dr. Frieling recommends shaking the mist gently and spritzing it on your face two to three times from about six inches away. “When inflight, use it anytime your face feels dry, or upon landing when you want to look and feel refreshed,” she says. You can also use it before applying
I’m a massage therapist, and this pre-bed bodywork melts tension for better sleep
December 31, 2019 at 06:00PM by CWC Next to my bed, there are three different bottles of CBD tinctures, two types of sleep-inducing gummies, some lavender essential oil, plus an eye mask and a pair of ear plugs. In other words, I have tried everything—including sleep apps, meditation, putting my phone in another room, and good old fashioned counting sheep—in pursuit of better sleep. One method worth adding to the arsenal that won’t take up any added space on the nightstand? A cranial sacral massage for sleep, which pros say can help you drift off to dreamland more easily. Cranial sacral massage, which can be done on your own or at the hands of a massage therapist, is a “non-invasive hands-on therapy that aims to enhance the body’s [own ability] to help relieve pain and dysfunction,” says Jelena Capkunovic, licensed massage and cranial sacral therapist at Exhale Spa, explaining that the method uses gentle, small touches to manipulate the joints and soft tissues in the skull and spine. “The therapist is trying to affect the pressure and circulation, or ‘balance the flow,’ of cerebrospinal fluids.” This helps the areas that frequently get tense as stress occurs throughout the day (the neck, shoulders, and head) to relax and return to a point of normalcy so you can sleep better at night. Small studies have found that cranial sacral therapy, was helpful in treating chronic neck pain, and while more research needs to be done to prove it an ironclad solution, many
How to push yourself from your comfort zone, according to your Myers-Briggs personality
December 31, 2019 at 05:00PM by CWC We all face personal challenges that make us feel deeply uncomfortable, and if these issues, habits, and traits go unidentified and unaddressed, they stand to stunt our emotional growth. Each Myers-Briggs type has its own unique pain points and areas for improvement. (Yep, even ENTPs, ESTPs, and ESFPs, who tend to act like they have none at all.) So, it’s certainly worth introspecting about your personality background as a strategy for pinpointing the most effective way to get out of your comfort zone. And, what better time than now to create new goals and eliminate the road blocks holding you back? So check out how to get out of your comfort zone based on your personality type. (Don’t know what your MBTI is? Read this first!) Below, find the best way to get out of your comfort zone, according to your Myers-Briggs personality type. Graphic: Well+Good Creative ISFJ: Ask for what you want You’re sensitive to being ignored or not heard, which often means you avoid speaking up for what you really want—whether it’s a raise at work, a change to your home life, or a commitment. Get out of your comfort zone and use your voice. You have a lot to say and a right to ask. ESFJ: Put yourself first You are comfortable putting the needs of others in front of your own. So, figure out what you need before investing more externally: Are you focusing so much on your friends
I wore a chic vibrator ring in public so I could experience pleasure…anywhere
December 31, 2019 at 03:00PM by CWC This fall, a number of my friends were gifted engagement rings in celebration of lifelong love and commitment. As a super-single person, that was simply not in the cards for me, so I decided to buy myself a different kind of ring in celebration of self love. Or more accurately, solo lovin’. That’s right: While my pals were getting fitted for their wedding bands, I got a ring perfectly fit for public play: the Palma by Unbound, a ring that doubles as a vibrator. Two inches long, a centimeter wide, and plated in gold, the Palma, which launched in 2019, looks like your average statement ring. But press the button on the underbelly of this functional jewelry item, and it transforms into a bullet vibrator. (And, don’t worry, you won’t turn it on by accident—promise). View this post on Instagram MEET PALMA. The ultimate piece of statement jewelry. Palma is a multi-speed, waterproof vibrator ring with 3 speeds and two customizable modes. Put the power of your pleasure in your own hands. Palma is made with surgical grade stainless steel and available in silver and electroplated 14k gold. Shop now for $128 via link in bio! Models: @drizzythekitty @the_meli_show; photog: @savannarruedy; MUA: @jackgreenermakeup; stylist: @meganmcdearman; set: @c.f.x.x; hair: @stylebysergio #HeyPalma A post shared by Unbound (@unboundbabes) on Apr 9, 2019 at 1:04pm PDT //www.instagram.com/embed.js While most bullet vibrators only offer one or maybe two intensity settings, the Palma caters to gals who like
The wellness trends we want to say goodbye to in 2019 for a happier, healthier 365 days ahead
December 30, 2019 at 03:00PM by CWC We’re about to close the chapter on another decade, and there’s no denying it: wellness ruled in 2010-2019 (see: the $4.5 trillion global wellness industry). As we say “see ya!” to 10 years characterized by self-care as a commodity, “going with your gut” taking on a very physical meaning, and wellness travel becoming synonymous with “travel”, there are few trends we’re ready to part with, too. From detox teas to hot yoga to antidepressant stigma, here are the seven trends Well+Good staffers will be showing the door before the shiny, new year ahead. So long, farewell, plastic AND paper straws “We have got to say a huge goodbye to paper straws. I am all for greener options, especially for the people who need to sip their beverages through a thin tube—but do we really enjoy the way it makes your coffee (Or matcha! Tea! Boba!) tastes like dirt? Or disintegrates? I promise you the market has a beautiful reusable glass or metal options—not to mention that they’re way better overall for the environment.” —Ems McCarthy, Well+Good digital designer The Boston Tea Party: Detox tea edition “They don’t work, they’re dangerous, and they promote a very warped idea of what bodies should look and behave like.” —Jessie Van Amburg, senior food and health editor Why detox teas don’t work: [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JfDth-RNmY] Antidepressant shaming needs to be silenced “I’d love to see antidepressant shame disappear in 2020. Yes, ‘big pharma’ is problematic and yes, mental health
Infuse your 2020 travel itinerary with these 7 transformative experiences
December 29, 2019 at 02:00PM by CWC For many, travel experiences exemplify the reward portion of the “work hard, play hard” continuum—and evidence abounds to support the notion: Both solo travel and soloish travel are growing in popularity; engaged couples are opting for honeymoon funds as part of or even in place of more traditional registries; and celecations aren’t going away any time soon. Even if a sense of wanderlust isn’t currently nipping at you, perhaps that’ll change upon learning about the meaningful travel experiences so many had in 2019. Allow them to spark some inspiration—and don’t worry, these are far more exciting than hearing your friend drone on about her study-abroad experience in Denmark. (It’s been 10 years, Jessica, we’ve gotta move past it). So, allow the seven transformative travel experiences rounded up to inform your 2020 itinerary. Photo: Getty Images/Allard Schager 1. Why the most magical way to see a Greek Island is to run on top of it If for some reason you weren’t already drooling over the cerulean waters of Greece on Pinterest, that’s about to change, thanks to Hydra Island, an authentic off-the-mainland paradise where one writer weaved through the small fruit markets and white stone houses on a grand runner’s tour. True to Greece’s mythical reputation, she even spotted a unicorn…well, okay, kind of. Photo: Stocksy/Juri Pozzi 2. How crying cathartic tears of joy in an Australian Koala sanctuary set me free Not all of us are professional public criers (ahem) and thus can only find
Zodiac intel that basically turned us into human Co-Star apps this year
December 28, 2019 at 04:00PM by CWC At the beginning of the 2019, I knew I was a Taurus, and that meant I’m “stubborn” and beauty listicles would always recommend that I buy brown lipstick because I’m Earthy. But now—after learning about astrology a lot in the past 12 months—as the year comes to a close, I also know I have my Mars in Cancer, a genius aspect in my chart, and that I prefer to eat my eggs hard-boiled (lies, I already knew that last bit). It seems we were all learning about astrology (and other types of personality indicators) in 2019, more than ever before, at least. Maybe it’s due the the app-ification of horoscopes, or maybe it’s due to the overall focus on holistic birth charts over star signs alone. Whatever it is, I don’t see this astro-obsession slowing down in the new decade. With that in mind, you’d be wise to refresh your memory on some out-of-this-world astrological revelations we had in the past year, so you can use them for a more comically aligned 2020 and beyond. Check it out below. Learning about astrology? Bookmark 7 out-of-this world pieces of intel below: 1. Your moon sign is as important as your sun sign when it comes to your astro-identity This year, we really dove deep into our charts and got friendly with a whole bunch of planets. (your Mars sign can uncover sex and fitness preferences—who knew?) But your moon sign really speaks to your inner,