Everything you need to know about cholesterol in the year 2019

May 08, 2019 at 12:01PM by CWC In the nutrition world, few things get people more riled up (besides keto, that is) than the subject of dietary cholesterol. Is it good for you, is it bad, will it totally screw up your health if you eat it. And it doesn’t help that the science behind cholesterol itself is very complicated. At its most basic, “cholesterol in your blood is a fatty substance,” says Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in the New York City area. While it’s long had a bad rep in the health community, cholesterol in moderate amounts is important for healthy cell growth, protecting your brain’s neurons, and producing hormones like estrogen. However, having high cholesterol levels puts you at risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular health issues—which is why it’s long been a health bugaboo. (Remember how we all hated eggs and butter for a while?) If you’ve ever been confused about the role that cholesterol plays in your diet (and your health), this one’s for you. Is cholesterol bad for you? Not necessarily. Again, your body needs some amount of cholesterol to function properly. There are two main types of cholesterol: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein), Gorin says. LDLs carry cholesterol from the liver to the rest of the body, while HDLs clean up cholesterol from the blood. “HDL is typically thought of as a ‘good’ cholesterol, and LDL as a ‘bad’ cholesterol, because HDL cholesterol prevents build-up

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The healthiest things to order at the sushi bar, according to a registered dietitian

May 07, 2019 at 01:00PM by CWC [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icSqwrDvyN4] While hitting up your fave sushi bar can be v enjoyable, it’s also low-key overwhelming. Salmon or tuna? White rice or brown? To keep your meal healthy, you have to order strategically—and we’re here to help. In our latest installment of You Versus Food, Well+Good’s video series on all things nutrition, registered dietitian Tracy Lockwood Beckerman shares her healthy take on the best sushi order. Read this, bookmark this, and then definitely text your friend about getting sushi for dinner tonight. Because if this doesn’t make you hungry, I don’t know what will. The best sushi appetizers “Before you even touch your sushi roll, I recommend starting strong with some apps,” Beckerman says. Here are her favorites: 1. Edamame. Beckerman says this filling option is low in fat, high in fiber, and contains all nine essential amino acids (a bonus if you’re on a plant-based diet). Thanks to edamame’s tough outer pod, Beckerman says eating this dish also helps you slow down a little bit while munching—which can be “a peaceful and calming way to kick off the meal.” 2. Miso soup. Beckerman also recommends miso soup as part of your sushi order. The tofu and seaweed it contains add more antioxidants and nutrients to your meal, she says. (FYI: The broth can be a bit high in sodium, so have a smaller portion if you’re sensitive to salt.) 3. Seaweed or house salad. Both will give you a hearty does

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The definitive ranking of every alt-pasta at Trader Joe’s because #carbs

May 07, 2019 at 10:23AM by CWC Pasta has been my favorite food since childhood, and my love of carbs has only gotten stronger now that I’m a grown-up. I spend an inordinate amount of time scanning the Trader Joe’s pasta section, thinking about all the meals I can make throughout the week. The only thing that’s changed since my days of smashing spaghetti in a high-chair while sporting a bib covered in sauce is the wide variety of protein-packed alt-pastas. They says if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Well, lucky me, I spent a whole week eating every alt-pasta from Trader Joe’s. Alt-pastas have taken the food industry by storm. White or wheat has turned into a long list of healthier options that utilize mostly gluten-free ingredients to get that same beloved taste and texture. While brands like Banza and Explore Cuisine were at the forefront of the trend, with chickpea penne and edamame spaghetti, traditional companies like Barilla now sells a line of legume pastas. But when it comes to price and taste, it’s hard to beat Trader Joe’s, which offers high-quality products made from organic ingredients. Here’s exactly what to expect from the alt-pasta section before your next trip to the Trader Joe’s: The definitive ranking of all 10 Trader Joe’s pasta alternatives Photo: Trader Joe’s 10. Organic brown rice spaghetti pasta I love spaghetti, so I wasn’t sure what I would think of this brown rice Trader Joe’s

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Torn on where to go for vacay? Try this unexpected hotspot that has a little bit of everything

May 05, 2019 at 06:30PM by CWC Everyone’s definition of vacay mode is different, from the poolside sunbather (with cute floppy hat and piña colada in tow, of course) to the can’t-sit-still-for-five-minutes adventure lover. Having those contrasting personalities on the same trip can cause headaches for your itinerary—unless you pick a destination that has something for everyone, like Panama City Beach. The beachfront town on Florida’s gulf coast beckons year-round with an abundance of activities for every travel personality (plus white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, and who doesn’t love those?). Here, we break down some of the highlights of Panama City Beach activities for each type of traveler to help you make your spring and summer vacation plans, no matter who your travel companions are. Scroll down for Panama City Beach activities and itinerary ideas for 6 different types of travelers. 1. Fun-loving families Panama City Beach, PCB to the locals, is the textbook definition of every kid’s dream. At Lagoon Pontoons (visualize giant pontoon boats with slides that send you directly into the water), your fam can swim with real-life dolphins, rent jet-skis for more water exploration, and embark on snorkeling tours. Park day more your thing? No problem. Visit Shipwreck Island Waterpark for one of the biggest wave pools you’ve ever seen. Seriously, it’s giant. And if you’d rather have a break from the sun and surf, try Cobra Adventure Park. It’s chock-full of fun with roller coasters, go-karts, and more arcade games than the kiddos will

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7 surf vacation destinations all around the world that are perfect for beginners

May 05, 2019 at 06:00AM by CWC Surfing is hard enough without adding in the stress of feeling like a nuisance just for being a beginner in the water among seasoned vets in the art of hanging ten. There’s so much to remember, like the gear, to keep your mouth closed in the water, and how to stand the heck up on a board, to name a few things. So, for newbie surfers, picking a beach with beginner-friendly waves and a welcoming vibe is key. “Most beginners prefer to learn in places with calm waves that break over sand, and where they can touch the bottom,” says Amy Schwartz, co-founder of Unleash Surf, a surf-retreat company for remote workers. “In general, spots that are popular with longboarders are more appropriate for beginners, as longboarders tend to prefer more chill waves,” says Schwartz. Furthermore, beginners should look for larger beaches that allow for “plenty of space” between surfers, says professional surfer Ben Bourgeois, adding that before paddling out, it’s a good idea to ask a lifeguard of fellow surfer for details to expect, like rocks or riptides. And since surf guidebooks are often written by experienced surfers, who cater to folks seeking out powerful waves rather than avoiding them, we asked the experts for beginner-friendly surf destinations. Because not being able to stand upright on a board yet doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a vacation. Read on for seven welcoming options for newbies. Below, find 7 surf destinations perfect for beginners

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A healthy 4-ingredient sauce for grown-ups who won’t eat their vegetables

May 05, 2019 at 04:00AM by CWC I’m still patiently awaiting the day when I get excited about vegetables. Sure, I can get down with asparagus and mushrooms. Sometimes broccoli even makes the cut. Do I get as excited about plants as I do a bowl of spaghetti? Nope. At least not yet. But a healthy sauce for vegetables might be enough to convert even the pickiest eaters—myself included. During this week’s food-focused Well+Good Talks, Lauren Toyota—the cookbook author behind the popular blog Hot for Food—made it very clear I’m not the only full-grown adult who won’t eat her vegetables. “Even though I’m vegan, I have a hard time eating greens so I have to get them all done at once and have them in a big container,” she says. And her secret sauce to getting herself to actually eat them is literally a secret sauce. “My favorite sauce—because I need creaminess and fat, like vegan Ranch—is to combine tahini with miso, soy sauce, or tamari for the umaminess, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce. You can make as much or as little as you want and add some warm water to get it smooth, because the tahini will thicken,” she says. “I just put it all over my vegetables, then I can eat them no problem. If I have no time, that’s all I need. You can kind of live off that if you add some brown rice, pumpkin seeds, and hemp hearts.” Toyota t says

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8 healthy vegan Instant Pot recipes that will make meal prep a breeze

May 04, 2019 at 08:00AM by CWC The Instant Pot, beloved kitchen staple and maker of super-fast meals, has one big apparent flaw: it seems to be mostly a thing for cooking meat. Just look at most of the recipes out there: shredded pork, beef stews, whole barbecue-flavored chickens. It’s enough for any plant-based eater to just assume the device isn’t for them. But au contraire, dear vegans. The countertop pressure cooker has as much potential for your cooking as it does for omnivores, thanks to its ability to cook vegetarian staples like dried beans, rice, and lentils in mere minutes. Need convincing? Not sure where to start? These eight vegan Instant Pot recipes are a case study in why every non-meat-eater should consider trying the pressure cooker for themselves. They’re so easy that it doesn’t even feel like you’re really cooking. Keep reading for eight healthy vegan Instant Pot recipes you’ll want in your rotation. Photo: A Virtual Vegan 1. Potato curry  The current anti-carb movement has given potatoes a bad rap, but in actuality, the spud is full of fiber and potassium. One way to get your fill is with this recipe from A Virtual Vegan. Add veggies, coconut milk, and chili peppers for heat (and longevity) and you’ve got yourself a cheap, easy, and satisfying healthy dinner. Photo: Delish Knowledge 2. Burrito bowl Rice and beans are central to many Mexican dishes—which is great news for vegans. This recipe from Delish Knowledge utilizes the Instant Pot to

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And I’ll have the jiggly Japanese soufflé pancakes for breakfast, please

May 04, 2019 at 05:00AM by CWC I’ve always thought of pancakes as fluffy and golden brown. But Japanese pancakes are more like a jiggly soufflé. It’s like eating a cloud! The trendy breakfast treat has gained popularity in the U.S. recently, with hot spots like Taiyaki NYC drawing ridiculously long lines of people wanting to dig their forks into the airy breakfast food. But there’s no need to wait around. You can make a healthier version right at home. Skyler Bouchard, a Food Network host and the creator of the popular Instagram account @diningwithskyler, is known for creating lightened-up dishes of popular restaurant faves. In her most recent quest, she figured out how to make a batch of Japanese pancakes in only 10 minutes by using the microwave. “I’ve seen these soufflé pancakes explode all over the Internet, and I realized the main component for that fluffiness is really the egg whites, which are good for you,” Bouchard says. “I wanted to maintain that fluffiness while taking out the refined flour and sugar, which I swapped for oat flour (already a great breakfast food!) and coconut sugar. This recipe is basically just a fun way to get your oats, pancakes, and matcha in the morning.” In her Healthy Oat Flour Soufflé Pancakes recipe, Bouchard created her own oat flour by grinding up oats, ditched the egg yolks for egg whites, and used almond milk instead of dairy milk. For an antioxidant boost and a pretty green hue, she also added

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