October 01, 2018 at 03:30AM Clean-living guru Sophia Gushée is the queen of healthy-home vibes—and she’s full of easy-to-implement ideas for detoxing your living environment. Here, the Well+Good Council member and toxic-exposure expert shares some smart, simple ways to create fresher air, a calmer vibe, and an all-around healthier place to live. Since I detoxed my home, I’ve never felt better. When people ask me how to do it for themselves, there are a few things I recommend. Replacing typical cleaning products with healthier ones is a good place to start, since you can quickly swap toxic chemicals for inexpensive DIY formulas. (Get some of my “recipes” here.) I also advise banning shoes inside the home, since they can track in pesticides and lead. And when you can leave the windows open, please do—it lets fresh air circulate. If you’re already doing that, though, here are five next-level tweaks that will help make your home as clean and healthy as it can be. Photo: Alto Images / Stocksy Freshen the air…naturally Home odors happen to all of us, but I don’t use traditional air fresheners. First, they’re filled with chemicals—many of which may be harmful to human health. Furthermore, all they do is mask odor with a synthetic scent. I think it’s better to figure out the source of a bad smell, and once you’ve eliminated the cause, try this method for clearing the air. Get two Mason jars. Fill one with baking soda to absorb odors, and fill the
Tag: Well+Good
How this one bra could make a difference for breast cancer survivors, according to a cancer surgeon
September 30, 2018 at 06:30PM If you (or someone you know) has gone through the experience of a breast-cancer diagnosis and surgery, the last thing you want to worry about—really, the very last thing—is finding a bra that fits comfortably after the procedure, so you’re not delayed even a hot minute from getting back to the things you love. “It’s disruptive enough to have your whole life turned upside down after finding out you have breast cancer,” says Anne Peled, MD, a San Francisco-based plastic surgeon who specializes in cancer surgery. “To then also have to struggle with finding a well-fitting bra after surgery can feel like the last straw in terms of trying to get back to your pre-cancer life and routine.” Dr. Peled knows that struggle firsthand because she’s a survivor, too. After years of studying breast cancer and performing lumpectomies and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Peled found herself on the patients’ side of the desk. And once she went shopping for her own post-surgery bra that would hold up to her beloved HIIT workouts, she knew she had some valuable input to share. “The Empower Bra represents a true commitment to women’s health, and to getting women feeling whole again.” That’s when Athleta tapped her to consult on the creation of the second Empower Bra, a sports bra first introduced in 2017 designed specifically for women pushing through breast-cancer recovery and to help them stay active after surgery. According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women in the U.S
The key to making your indoor at-home workouts not boring—for real
September 30, 2018 at 06:30PM Between beach runs, rooftop yoga, and park HIIT sessions, the options for switching up your workouts over the summer are endless. But once the temperature drops, the array dwindles to studio classes (pricey) and doing jumping jacks in your living room (yawn). If you’ve ever tried to muster the motivation to get off your couch and knock out a quick bodyweight workout, you know what we’re talking about. That’s why we tapped iFit trainer Becca Capell, NASM CPT, to share her tips on how to get as hyped for a DIY sweat sesh as you do for your favorite spin class. Her number one tip for keeping things interesting? Find accountability. Her number one piece of advice to keep things interesting? Find accountability. Whether that means inviting a friend to work out with you or downloading a training app like iFit Coach, outside inspiration is key. “People often lack motivation since there is little buy-in needed. When you have to get dressed and drive somewhere, you commit,” she says. “To make home workouts more fun and effective, I recommend always having a plan. With iFit Coach, we have hundreds of workouts you can do at home that are all created by certified trainers, so you’re sure to get the results you’re working toward.” Ready to get moving? Scroll down to get the exact workout she recommends for taking your summer motivation inside. Photo: iFit Move 1: Plank Pike Reps: Aim for 10-15 per set, building up as you
How to give yourself a yoni massage for serious sexual empowerment
September 30, 2018 at 08:27AM Spa menus are looking a lot different than they used to, with new massage modalities ranging from the woo-woo to the downright weird—think CBD-infused rub downs, high-vibe crystal massages, and celebrity-approved treatments that involve biting. (Yes, that’s a thing apparently.) But there’s one type of out-there massage that you definitely won’t be seeing at your favorite day spa any time soon: yoni massage. Basically, a yoni massage is a tantric massage for your vagina, and its roots go way back. “The word ‘yoni’ comes from the ancient Sanskrit language,” says advanced certified tantra educator Mare Simone, who learned about yoni massage from Charles Muir, aka the godfather of tantra. “It means the sacred space where life comes from.” Although a yoni massage can definitely lead to climax, an orgasm is actually not the intention. “The main goal [of a yoni massage] is really about healing and awakening pleasure,” Simone says. It’s meant to be an incredibly powerful, transformational experience more than anything else. (But if the Big O does happen, who’s going to complain?) One of the benefits of a yoni massage is education. Most women are familiar with the external parts of the vagina, like the clitoris, but a lot of a woman’s erogenous zones are hidden, Simone says. Learning how to connect more with what’s inside the vaginal canal—hello, G spot!—can be super eye-opening. The other major benefit of a yoni massage, Simone says, is to release tension and emotions that women tend to hold
Sure, flaxseed is full of fiber—but how exactly do you use it?
September 30, 2018 at 07:00AM Shiny-object syndrome is real in the wellness world—it seems like every day, there’s a new “must-have” superfood or supplement gunning for a spot in your pantry. A jar of lucuma here, some turmeric root there, and the next thing you know, your grocery budget’s been cannibalized by ingredients no one really knows how to pronounce. Yet no matter how many new-to-us potions and powders may be hitting the shelves of Whole Foods, there’s something to be said for the basics. Flaxseed, for one, is a kitchen staple that should never be bumped from your grocery list, says health coach and digestive expert Robyn Youkilis. “I consider flaxseed to be one of the OG superfoods—before bone broth, matcha, and collagen were all popular, us health nuts were shopping for flaxseed at the health foods stores,” she says. There’s a reason these tiny, blonde-colored seeds have been a dietary staple for the past 6,000 years, Youkilis adds. “They’re packed with magnesium, thiamine, omega-3 fatty acids, and lignans, to name a few,” she says. These superstar nutrients have been linked with better sleep, brain health, mood regulation, and hormonal balance, respectively. Suddenly, flaxseed seems a little more exciting, doesn’t it? Keep reading for more on the health benefits of flaxseed and how to use it. Photo: Getty Images/SolStock Flaxseed: An unsung digestive hero In addition to the potential benefits mentioned above, there’s another major perk associated with flaxseed: It’s known to be amazing for your gut. For one thing, it can help keep you regular. “Flax is
This is the week astrologically to connect to your fierce feminine power
September 30, 2018 at 03:00AM Astrologer Jennifer Racioppi is here with her weekly celestial weather report (from a wellness perspective), with the daily nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle choices to keep you in tune with the cosmos—no matter what your sun sign is. This week: Feminine energy takes center stage (AKA look out, world). October 1 Ready to rumble? The month and week begin on the heels of Pluto stationing direct. Tiny but mighty Pluto is waking up from its multi-month retrograde journey at 18 degrees of Capricorn, instigating the day with a jolt of passion, and maybe even a wee bit of chaos, too. Like an airplane experiencing some turbulence, don’t get thrown off course with a couple of bumps. Instead, stay grounded and connected to your truth. Consider starting the day with a body scan meditation, taking note of what you need physically. Then make a promise to yourself and give your body what it needs. More water? Meditation? A massage? Even though Pluto technically stationed direct last night, Monday feels extra charged. Channel your focus productively. October 2 Mercury, the planet of communication, makes an awkward angle known as a square to Pluto today, meaning communication could present challenges. If you don’t get the news you want today, do not fret. Instead, allow for piercing insights to guide you forward. With the waning quarter moon marking the halfway point between the last full moon and upcoming new moon, now’s the time to consider what you no longer need and let
“Nappily Ever After” shows black women need safer hair care
September 30, 2018 at 02:00AM Netflix’s new original film Nappily Ever After is a tale as old as time for women of color. The movie centers on the complicated intersection between hair and identity—in particular, the idea that a black woman’s social acceptance is dependent upon the condition of her hair. Doesn’t sound like much of a fairy tale, does it? It’s a straight-up impossible standard to live up to, beauty or otherwise. And the movie’s main character, Violet (played by actress Sanaa Lathan), struggled with it from an early age. Vi’s mother came from an era before the feminist and Civil Rights movements, and she impressed upon her daughter that straight, smooth locks attract Prince Charmings and perfect endings. But achieving such tresses often involves painful, pre-dawn hair appointments with hot tools and harsh chemicals—not to mention that this beauty ideal left Vi with a paranoia about having a hair out of place, preventing her from living her best life. No swimming or running in sprinklers as a kid. As an adult, it means being an obsessive weather watcher and never having “sweatin’ out my blowout” sex with her hot doc boyfriend, Clint, played by British actor Ricky Whittle. It’s definitely not glamorous, which could be why black women’s hair isn’t often a storyline mainstream media embraces. For that reason alone, Nappily Ever After is worth watching. (If we want more diversity in our entertainment, we have to show the industry there’s a demand for it.) [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xh9XFxo2Hg?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281] I’ve watched the
Liver cleanses are trending, but are the side effects worth it?
September 29, 2018 at 10:45AM “The liver is one of the hardest working organs in the body,” says holistic nutritionist and lifestyle cleanse expert Elissa Goodman. Indeed, its job description is a long one: It helps us break down and digest food, it stores essential vitamins and minerals, and it removes toxins from the system, among other things. So it’s no wonder that “liver cleanses” have become so popular in holistic wellness circles—they’re believed to improve this vitally important organ’s function and, in turn, our overall health and wellbeing. Before we dive any further, though, let’s first clarify what exactly a liver cleanse is and what it isn’t. “When we talk about liver cleansing, we need to talk about body cleansing,” says The Detox Diet author Elson Haas, MD. “You don’t individually detoxify or cleanse any particular organ.” So the phrase “liver cleanse” is kind of a misnomer—it’s not just about the liver. But does cleansing in general actually work? Not everyone’s in agreement about this, but Goodman believes it absolutely can be beneficial when done the right way. She recommends staying away from over-the-counter liver cleanse supplements, as they are not regulated by the FDA and many haven’t been clinically tested for effectiveness. Instead, she believes the best and healthiest way to give your liver some love is the good old-fashioned way: living a healthy lifestyle. It’s not about doing a super intense, one-time cleanse. The goal is to make small tweaks to your diet and lifestyle that support
Cranberry season’s here, and that’s excellent news for your gut health, your immunity, and more
September 29, 2018 at 09:00AM It’s no secret that berries are good for us. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries—they’re all packed with antioxidants, fiber, and many other all-star nutrients. However, there’s one often-overlooked berry that’s also oozing with health benefits: cranberries. And no, they’re not just great in your mom’s delicious Thanksgiving sauce. Cranberries are actually higher in antioxidants than other fruits and berries, says nutritionist Jenna Gorham, RDN. They’re also lower in sugar than many other fruits, with only four grams of natural sugar per cup. (Hence, their tart flavor.) Not too shabby. What are the health benefits of cranberries? 1. Cranberries can help prevent urinary tract infections When you think of cranberry juice, the first thing that comes to mind is that it’s said to help with urinary tract infections, which board-certified family medicine physician and The 10-Day Total Body Transformation author Shilpi Agarwal, MD, confirms. That’s because cranberries are loaded with an antioxidant called proanthocyanidins, or PACs for short. “PACs reduce the ability for bacteria to stick to the wall of the urinary tract and thus reduce chances of developing urinary tract infections,” she says. So if you’re prone to getting UTIs, cranberries are your BFF. (As is drinking a lot of water.) 2. They can improve your digestion Fiber is great for overall gut health, and cranberries are packed with it—one cup has about 4.6 grams of fiber, Graham says. “This is important because we need fiber for a healthy digestive system and to maintain regular bowel movements,” Dr.
Dating in your 30s just feels different—here’s how to find what you’re looking for
September 29, 2018 at 07:39AM Dating in your 20s is totally different than dating in your 30s. When you’re a twenty-something, it’s all about having fun. You’re more carefree; you’re not really looking for anything serious. In your 30s, however, everything changes. You’re not about dating just for the sake of dating—who has time for that? You might want to settle down, maybe even get married and start a family. But even if a longterm monogamous relationship isn’t your endgame, you’re likely sick of the wishy-washiness and tomfoolery you once let slide. But as frustrating as it can feel to watch the people around you get hitched and have babies while you’re spending your Friday nights going on a string of lackluster dates, there are a lot of benefits to dating in your 30s. There’s just something about your third decade that makes you feel way more grounded and secure in who you are. Plus, you have lots of wisdom and life experience under your belt, which means you know exactly what you want and don’t want in life and in a partner. (Well, mostly.) To help you navigate the dating scene in your 30s, we enlisted the help of two dating pros—Julie Spira, online dating expert and digital matchmaker, and offline dating coach Camille Virginia of Master Offline Dating—with different perspectives on playing the field. Keep reading for their tips for dating in your 30s. Photo: Getty Images/Hero Images 1. Get clear about what you want Not in the