December 26, 2019 at 01:00PM by CWC Do you know how much money your friends make? What about how much their rent is or how much is in their bank accounts right now? I’m guessing no. Even in a world where questions about menstrual cups and the ins and outs of sex are completely (and blessedly) normal to ask, somehow the ever-ubiquitous use of money remains a touchy subject for many. People want to live their healthiest life ever, but—#realtalk—it can add up. Have you ever wondered how your colleague who makes less than you do (or so you think) can afford to buy a $5 matcha and a $12 chopped salad every day? Or how your friend is able to hit up $34 fitness classes three times a week? It’s enough to make anyone want to ask, “Ummm, excuse me. How can you afford that?!?” That’s where Well+Good’s monthly series Checks+Balanced comes in. By lifting the thick, tightly drawn curtain to expose how much women of varying income brackets spend on wellness, we’re spreading transparency and hopefully providing some inspo that’s possible to copy. Because no matter how much you make, it’s possible to cultivate healthy habits that work within your budget. This month, meet *Leslie, a 37-year-old living in Hawaii with her husband and two kids. Leslie and her husband have a shared goal of early retirement, in 10 years. Leslie loves to eat healthy and work out, but because saving is her family’s main goal, she’s prioritized living simply. Keep reading to see how
Category: Your Healthiest Relationship
5 plant-based proteins that won’t mess with your digestion
December 26, 2019 at 12:00PM by CWC In the healthy food space, 2019 was dominated by all things plant-based. Alt-meat brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible spawned countless imitators from other companies as more and more people became interested in cutting back on their consumption of animal products for better health and the environment. But there’s one surprising, occasional hazard when consuming plant-based protein options. “Unfortunately, when introducing more plant-based protein sources, our digestion can take a hit. That’s because animal proteins tend to be more easily digested by our bodies, and plant proteins can be harder to digest and are absorbed more slowly by our bodies,” says Gabrielle McGrath, MS, RD, LDN, dietitian for Baze. Still you can ease discomfort, especially during the initial transition, by choosing the best plant-based protein sources, reading labels, and being patient with your body during the adjustment. Here are a few tips to keep in mind. Why some plant-based protein sources can impact the gut Certain ingredients common in plant-based protein sources—particularly the processed kind—can be trickier on the gut. “Soy—like tofu—can be hard to digest and cause gas, bloating, and discomfort for some people. Some people do better with fermented soy products, tempeh being one example,” McGrath says. You’ll also find soy protein isolate (a processed derivative of soy) in fake meat products, as well as preservatives, additives, and emulsifiers. “Your body might not react well to each one of these and the more ingredients listed, the harder it can be to
Horsetail herb is one of the oldest remedies on Earth—here’s exactly how to use it
December 26, 2019 at 12:00AM by CWC After overindulging in stress, unhealthy stress-coping mechanisms (read: wine), and blood-pressure raising political discussions with climate change-denying relatives, I’m looking forward to January, my favorite month of the year and also prime time for optimizing personal wellness. To prep, I’ve begun to entertain the side of myself that’s always wanted to be a potion-concocting witch. (So much so that in elementary school, I painstakingly crafted an entire book of spells, only to later destroy it out of Catholic guilt.) My modern-day version of this early art project is to stock my pantry full of plant medicine I can utilize to heal all that ails me in the aftermath of the year that was way, way too much. One such nature-based remedy I’m looking forward to incorporating into my arsenal is horsetail herb. While its origins in witchcraft are unknown (at least to me), herbalist Rachelle Robinett says it’s one of the oldest-used medicinal plants on the planet. In Ayurveda, it’s used to treat inflammation, and it was also used by Native Americans as a kidney aid, dysuria (read: painful pee) treatment, and diuretic. The latter benefits are born of the plant’s flavonoid (read: antioxidant) and saponin (read: anti-cancer) constituents, Lang explains. These aren’t only healing properties of horsetail herb. “It’s rich in naturally occurring calcium, magnesium, potassium, and bioavailable silica,” Robinett tells me, noting that it’s actually higher in silica than any other herb. “Silica is an essential trace mineral that restores weak
There are 38 million power yoga videos—these are the 9 best you can do in 10 minutes or less
December 25, 2019 at 10:00PM by CWC When you want a feel-good, low-impact workout that also makes you work up a sweat in minimal time, there’s one answer: power yoga. Unlike your traditional calming flow, it’s basically a high-intensity form of yoga that focuses on cardio and strength-building. Hello, full-body burn. Maybe a 45-minute class is fine for a typical class, but all you need is 10 minutes or less when you’re doing power yoga. And while there are 38.5 million videos to choose from, these are the best options you can do in 10 minutes or less. Prepare to get sweaty… and grab the foam roller, because you’re going to be sore. The best power yoga workouts you can do in 10 minutes or less [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNMFPjdUmNY] 1. Rebecca Louise 10-minute full-body power yoga workout The nice thing about this power yoga circuit is you can make it as easy or as hard as you want. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oar85e9GdLw] 2. Deliciously Ella sweaty 10-minute fire flow You’ll definitely get your cardio in with this fun—yet challenging!—flow. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoLq9c2SnIE] 3. Five Parks Yoga 10-minute power yoga class This power yoga video isn’t for newbies. If you’re still working on your balance, you might want to start with another option. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZhltdpDiNE] 4. Yoga With Bird 5-minute morning yoga power flow Only have 5 minutes? Then this morning yoga power flow is the perfect way to start your day. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpiCU1VMfDs] 5. PsycheTruth 10-minute power yoga workout If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly
The ‘strip, stack, and roll’ method for chopping kale like a professional chef
December 25, 2019 at 08:00PM by CWC Everyone has their method of how to chop kale, and I feel like I’ve tried them all. But if you haven’t found a method that makes your salads on par with what you’ll find on the menu at your favorite restaurant, it’s probably just because you haven’t attempted to “strip, stack, and roll” yet. James Beard Award-winning chef Zach Engel recently shared a kale preparation technique with Feedfeed that allows you to make pro-level salads right at home. In the video, he went over the three parts, starting with stripping the kale by holding the top of the stem with one hand and pulling your fingers along the stem with the other as you remove the leaves. Next comes the final two components that make your greens restaurant-worthy: stacking and rolling. With the stems removed, stack the kale leaves on top of each other then roll the leaves like you’re rolling up your yoga mat. Then, chop it into thin strips. “You can get a totally different experience based on little things here and there. It’s all about the bite—cutting the kale up thin but not too thin,” Engel says. Instead of chunky, hard-to-eat pieces, you’ll have fine bite-sized kale that has an unbeatable texture. It might not seem like switching up the way you prepare your kale would make that big of a difference in the finished product, but it really does. Once you take your first bite, you’ll never make it
I’m a health coach—this is the herbal tonic I drink anytime I feel bloated
December 25, 2019 at 07:00PM by CWC I spent the majority of my 20s toting Tums in my purse, popping ’em like candy any time I felt a bout of bloat come my way. Eating healthy was not really on my radar then. My pantry was stocked with food that had an expiration date 10 years into the future and I stayed well-hydrated on an alternating beverage schedule of coffee (during the day) and vodka tonics (from happy hour ’til midnight). I didn’t know the importance of fiber, had no idea what probiotics where, and definitely didn’t drink enough water. It’s no wonder I felt bloated so often. Eventually, I got sick of constantly being exhausted and started making small steps to take better care of myself. I started eating healthier, going to bed at a decent hour, and even pivoted my career to become a holistic health coach and a wellness reporter. While I’m nowhere near done learning—something I love most about my job is that I’m constantly educating myself—but four years into my job covering the healthy food scene, I’ve discovered a lot, and my health is better because of it. One perk of my job is getting the inside scoop on soon-to-be launched wellness companies and getting to try the goods first-hand. I’m not going to lie: some are nothing more than pretty packaging and a mediocre product; a wolf in sheep’s clothing. So many times, I’ve discovered a new brand claiming to be healthy only to
Sweat-friendly headbands that majorly reduce the need to wash your hair after a workout
December 25, 2019 at 05:00PM by CWC Your hair has a natural wash cycle that starts at “squeaky clean” and ends at “no dry shampoo could hide this grease.” For those who begin or finish their days at the gym, the time in between those two events can feel painfully abbreviated. So, on days when you can’t be bothered with a blow-out, I’m happy to report that the hair accessories of the moment are not only maximal enough to hide the grease, they’re actually sweat friendly, too. Made with fabrics such as jersey and neoprene, these headbands can be added ahead of a workout to keep flyaways at bay, while taming grease. “Headbands lay down the hairline to soak up sweat, and keep styled hair from getting in your face while you workout,” says Giovanni Vaccaro, Artistic Director of Glamsquad. He suggests looking for a soft material that’s at least two-inches thick to best absorb the sweat. Post-workout, Vaccaro says to remove the headband, spritz dry shampoo onto mildly damp (read: sweaty) hair, which will help it to dry looking less greasy than it otherwise would, and then reposition it on your head. I know what you’re thinking: Zoe, there is no way I’m wearing a sweaty gym headband out into the world. However, allow me to reassure you that the days of pushing hair back with a ratty old sweatband are gone. Now, workout headbands have gotten such a makeover that you’d never be able to tell them apart
Here’s what kind of ambitious Capricorn you are, according to your moon sign
December 25, 2019 at 04:00PM by CWC If you find yourself deep in goal-setting mode at this time of year, the cosmos might have a little something to do with it: The sun is currently making its annual pilgrimage through the zodiac sign of Capricorn, which is associated with all things related to ambition and getting stuff done. Those born between December 21 and January 21 are said to channel this vibe all year round—and especially during their birthday month—but not every Capricorn is as driven and grounded as the next. See, every planet in a person’s zodiac chart helps paint the unique picture of their personality traits, and for Capricorn, moon signs are an illuminating indicator of inner life and emotional expression. Learning about a Capricorn moon sign (the sign the moon was in when they were born) is especially revealing because this is a sign that doesn’t tend to be very open about their feelings. “The moon has a more subtle impact on Capricorns simply because they are more about reality, facts, and how they’re moving through life day to day,” says astrologer and women’s empowerment coach Natalia Benson. “I wouldn’t say that emotions are something they naturally traverse. Capricorn may have more of an ability to compartmentalize their emotions and look at them objectively.” A Capricorn’s moon sign can indicate how they naturally process these behind-the-scenes feelings, which can be useful intel for both them and the people around them. A Capricorn’s moon sign can indicate how
The plastic products (besides straws) we said goodbye to in 2019
December 25, 2019 at 03:00PM by CWC First, here’s some bad news: By 2050, research estimates there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean. Now for the good news: We still have about 30 years left to do our part to stop the planet from becoming one big trash shore by reducing plastic waste and prioritizing other sustainable-living habits. One cause many have jumped on the bandwagon to support? The widespread canceling (and in some places outlawing) of plastic straws. Sure, the complete lack of plastic straws alone won’t fix the global crisis, but every bit of progress certainly counts when it comes to sustainable living. To that end, rounded up below are the single-use plastics (other than straws) we kissed goodbye in 2019. 7 products we canceled in 2019 in favor of reducing plastic waste. 1. Plastic grocery bags Following in the footsteps of California, New York is instituting a ban on plastic-bag output as of March 2020. I’ve collected quite a few canvas totes throughout my tenure as an event-hopper, so I’m good. But even if you’re not living in one of these states, you still hold the power to do your part and commit to reducing plastic. Consider it an excuse to order yourself a power tote. 2. Plastic cutlery for the first big barbecue of the summer Do yourself a favor and preemptively stock up on plant-based, compostable tableware products, like those from the eco-conscious organization World Centric. Yes, compostable. The collection features cutlery and cold-liquid cups made
Ready your cart: These are the absolute best beauty launches of 2019
December 25, 2019 at 02:00PM by CWC In June 2019, the global beauty market was valued at $532 billion dollars—and it’s growing faster than ever. That means that this year, there were a lot of new launches worth checking out, from new-to-market brands to innovative products that have the power to change your life—or at the very least, change your skin and hair. Over the course of the last 12 months, Well+Good’s beauty team has tested hundreds (possibly thousands—I lost count somewhere around July) of these new launches. In addition to making our desks very messy, this gave us a chance to determine, for sure, what the best of the best have been. Below, our picks from 2019 that you’ll be using in 2020 and beyond. Hair: Garnier Fructis Hydrating Treat with Aloe Extracts, $6 Aloe is stacked with 75 actives, including antioxidants like vitamin A and vitamin E, and will leave hair clean, strong, and silky. It’s also ultra-moisturizing, which means hair won’t suffer during even the coldest, driest, most blowdryer-friendly times of the year thanks to this product line. Photo: Garnier Pantene Pro-V Intense Rescue Shots, $5 These hair booster serum shots will rehab dry, drab strands in a minute flat, leaving them looking shiny. Slather them through strands before hopping in the shower, then rinse them out and watch dryness become a problem of the past. Photo: Pantene Tresemmé Colour ShinePlex Sulphate Free Mask, $7 If you’re spending big bucks on a dye job, you want it to