Its your IUD

The gynecologist says: Hormonal IUDs, like Mirena, Jaydess, or the newest product in Canada called Kyleena (a low-dose hormonal IUD that can be used for five years) control bleeding in part by thinning the lining of the uterus. Progestins keep the lining of the uterus from growing out of controlbut it can do too good a job, so the lining is a bit unstable and sheds. This can translate to a period that is so light it is perceived as spotting. Tracking your cycle will help.For some women, particularly those who have heavy flow prior to an IUD, they will experience irregular spotting instead of the heavy period, or spotting with lighter flow. Women should weigh the pros and cons of spotting against what periods were like beforeespecially if they were heavy or painful.(Related: 10 Doctor-Recommended Ways to Make Getting an IUD Less Painful)

It’s all the exercise you’re doing

The gynecologist says: Women who spot after intercourse or intense exercise may do so simply because the friction of the cervix is causing some irritation. Women who are taking up new rigorous exercise routines and who lose weight rapidly may also experience spotting owing to changes in hormones. Burning fat cells and weight loss can release estrogen into the body. And, because fat cells help produce some sex hormones, sustained weight loss can cause a lower level of estrogen in the body. If a woman loses too much weight, her periods may stop and spotting may result. If that’s the case, you should visit your doctor.(Related: Demonizing Food? Its a Sign of Orthorexia)

Youre stressed

The gynecologist says: Stress plays a complex role in spotting and cycle changes. Likely the increase in cortisol affects the bodys signaling system and the change in hormones causes spotting to occur.(Related: A Bath Is the Stress-Melter You Need Right Now)

You have ectropion or polyps

The gynecologist says: “If you have significant or bothersome spotting, a trip to the doctor is warranted. Polyps are small growths on the cervix that can bleed on contact. They are benign but can be removed if bothersome. Ectropion is a normal condition where the glandular cellsthe ones that look like the lining of the uterusare prominent on the cervix. This can bleed easily if poked. In some [medical] centres, liquid nitrogen can be used to freeze the ectropion to prevent further bleeding.(Related: Everything You Need to Know About Vaginal Discharge)

Your levels of progesterone and estrogen are off-balance

The gynecologist says: Spotting can be a sign that hormone levels are off, but in most cases. It is normal for a small amount of spotting around ovulationtwo weeks before a period is duerelated to hormone changes. Women who find spotting to be a nuisance can talk to their doctor about options. The most common option is to try a birth control pill, which is progestin-dominant and will help stabilize the lining. Numerous studies have looked at supplements that can help control [hormone-related] spotting. Unfortunately, while small studies show promise, most large scale studies do not show benefit for vitamin B supplementation, vitamin C or iron.”(Related: Are Your Hormones Out of Control? Heres How to Deal)

Its your birth control pills

The gynecologist says: In any case where a woman experiences spotting on the pill, an IUD, either copper or hormonal, such as a Mirena, Kyleena of Jaydess, is a reasonable next option.(Related: Everything You Need to Know About the Arm Implant for Birth Control)

Youre pregnant

The gynecologist says: Some women may experience an implantation bleed once a pregnancy has taken hold. Any irregular period or bleeding warrants a pregnancy test. Implantation bleeds are also a common culprit when a woman finds out she is further along in her pregnancy than expectedthat bleed can be confused for a period.(Related: What You Need to Know if Youre Delaying Pregnancy During Covid)

You’re close to menopause

The gynecologist says: Menopause is a time of transition, which can start five to 10 years prior to periods stopping. Some women experience spotting because they arent releasing an egg each month, and so the body isnt going to have a normal period. Other women, as their hormone levels drop, may experience very light flow or spotting, as the lining of the uterus becomes dormant. In a healthy young woman, spotting is not a warning sign of menopause.”(Related: 9 Questions About Menopause Youve Been too Embarrassed to Ask)

So, now what?

If spotting is rare, and there are no red flags, then a visit to the doctor is probably not necessary,” says Costescu. “The occasional irregular period or episode of spotting is normalbut there are a few conditions associated with spotting that your doctor will want to rule out if you go.His advice? Look for patternswhen it happens and at what point in the cycle it occurs. Make note if you changed sexual partners, are taking new medication, or anything else in your lifestyle that is different and might affect what’s going on down there.

In summary:

1. In most cases, the occasional episode of spotting is nothing to worry about.
2. It is normal for some women to experience spotting at the beginning or tail end of a period.
3. Spotting is common in the first few months of use of any birth control, including pills and IUDs.
4. Beware of spotting that can be a warning sign for an STD, cervical cancer (spotting comes with pain), an infection (accompanied with fever or discharge), pregnancy, miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
5. Smoking increases the rate of spotting.

Next: The Honest, Expert-Backed Truth About Having Sex While on Your Period

The post Wondering Why You’re Spotting? A Doctor Weighs In appeared first on Best Health.

Turkey and Black Bean Enchiladas

Flavourful ingredients wrapped in a corn tortilla and covered in cheese.Recipe: Turkey and Black Bean Enchiladas

Sopa Azteca

This spicy, broth-based Mexican soup is great because your guests can customize their soup right at the table.Recipe: Sopa Azteca

Turkey and Pomegranate Salad

Just add some basic fresh ingredients and dinner is on the table.Recipe: Turkey and Pomegranate Salad

Moroccan-Inspired Turkey Kebabs

Seasoning lean turkey meat with flavourful Moroccan spices makes for a winning combination.Recipe: Moroccan-Inspired Turkey Kebabs

Moroccan Turkey Fry-up

This quick-to-make Moroccan dish is sure to please turkey lovers.Recipe: Moroccan Turkey Fry-up

Soupa de Lima

This delicious soup is the perfect lunch-time meal.Recipe: Soupa de Lima

Healthier Chicken and Turkey Nuggets

Satisfy your cravings for takeout with this homemade nugget recipe.Recipe: Healthier Chicken and Turkey Nuggets

Two-Cheese Turkey and Kale Frittata

Have eggs on hand? If so, you’ve got yourself a quick and easy meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner.Recipe: Two-Cheese Turkey & Kale Frittata

Vegetable and Turkey-Bacon Soup

Your leftovers won’t go to waste with this hearty soup recipe.Recipe: Vegetable and Turkey-Bacon Soup

Roast Turkey with Lemon Couscous

A unique and delicious way to use up your turkey leftovers.Recipe: Roast Turkey with Lemon Couscous

Nut-Free Pad Thai

Flaxseeds make the perfect substitute for peanuts in this allergy-friendly pad thai recipe.Recipe: Nut-Free Pad Thai

Ultimate Leftover Turkey Sandwich

This sandwich may just be the tastiest way to use those turkey leftovers.Recipe: Ultimate Leftover Turkey SandwichNext: 11 Carrot Recipes We’re Making on Repeat This Fall

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Classic Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

A crowd-pleasing dish that will be remembered for years to come.Recipe: Classic Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

Rustic Honey-Roasted Carrots

For a beautiful presentation, cut the carrots in long pieces and arrange on bed of parsley.Recipe: Rustic Honey-Roasted Carrots

Wild Blueberry Cornbread Stuffing

Whether you stuff the turkey or serve the stuffing alongside, it is an accompaniment that cannot be forgotten.Recipe: Wild Blueberry Cornbread Stuffing

Roast Root Vegetables

This side dish pairs wonderfully with any Thanksgiving meal.Recipe: Roast Root Vegetables

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes are a healthy, crowd-pleasing side.Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Golden Autumn Soup

Using the freshest autumn produce makes all the difference in this savoury soup.Recipe: Golden Autumn Soup

Pumpkin Pie

This pumpkin pie is healthier than the traditional version. The recipe calls for canned pumpkin pure rather than standard pie filling, and fat-free condensed milk instead of heavy cream.Recipe: Pumpkin Pie

Fancy Mashed Potatoes

These fancy mashed potatoes are flavoured three different ways: sweet potatoes, spinach, and beets.Recipe: Fancy Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Pumpkin and Brussels Sprouts

Revamp your signature roasted Brussels sprouts side dish by adding pumpkin.Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin and Brussels Sprouts

Apple Stuffing Balls

These tasty little vegetarian bites may just become a holiday tradition.Recipe: Apple Stuffing Balls

Roasted Carrot and Radish Salad with Crispy Chickpeas

Since every salad needs a good crunch factor, skip the butter-soaked croutons, and look to pulses, instead.Recipe: Roasted Carrot and Radish Salad with Crispy Chickpeas

Scented Rice in Baked Pumpkin

This easy, delicious and healthy side is a showpiece that always delights.Recipe: Scented Rice in Baked Pumpkin

Pumpkin Salad with Walnuts and Blue Cheese

Bring pumpkin to the forefront with this unique and lovely side dish that will garner you recipe requests.Recipe: Pumpkin Salad with Walnuts and Blue Cheese

Old-Fashioned Apple Pie

This classic dessert is so easy to bake (almost too easy!).Recipe: Old-Fashioned Apple Pie

Pumpkin and Cauliflower Garlic Mash

Pumpkin, cauliflower and thyme combined makes a flavourful dish.Recipe: Pumpkin and Cauliflower Garlic MashNext: 25 Unbelievably Delicious Apple Recipes to Make this Fall

The post 15 Healthy Recipes to Add to Your Menu for the Holiday Feast appeared first on Best Health.

Stop spinning your wheels

It turns out making mistakes in spin class can be pretty common. So we talked to Cydney Lebovitz, the co-lead instructor and performance coach at Cyclebar Leaside in Toronto, about how to optimize each class. Read on to learn about the five most common spinning mistakes.(Related: 5 Common Exercise Mistakes Everyone MakesAnd How To Fix Them)

Spinning Mistake #1: Your bike isnt set up properly

If your bike isnt adjusted for you, you wont be able to get the most out of your cycling class: you wont be able to keep up with the class, you wont be able to challenge yourself enough and, worse, you stand a chance of injury. Heres how Lebovitz says to adjust your bike.

• The seat should be at the same height as the hipbone. That creates a slight bend in the knee when the bum is on the seat and the leg is fully extended. Check both legs. If a bike seat is too high, you will not be able to use your leg muscles correctly to push out of the saddle, and can possibly cause a knee injury, says Lebovitz. And if the seat is too low, your knees may become strained in the seated position, particularly during a heavy climb, she adds.
• The distance between the handlebars and the seat should be about the length of your forearm. Another good way to check this is to sit on the bike and make sure that your knee does not go ahead of your foot when you pedal. You can adjust this by moving either the handlebars, the seat or both. The knee should not be bent more than 90 degrees during rotation, says Lebovitz. And, handlebars should be approximately one to two inches higher than the seat. The higher handlebars, the easier the ride will be on your core and back.

(Related: 10 Reasons You Should Always Exercise with Music)

Spinning Mistake #2: Your posture is wrong

Now that your bike is adjusted, ask yourself how you feel on the bike. Are you comfortable? Is the movement smooth as you push the pedals? If you said no to any of those questions, check out this riding posture checklist and adjust your form.

• Are your sit bones (the ischial tuberosity, which you feel in your bum when you sit down) planted evenly and balanced on the saddle (spin talk for bike seat)? When youre standing on the pedals, is your body hovering over the middle of the bike?
• Are your flat feet on the pedals?
• Do you have a slight bend in your elbows and a light grip on the handlebars?
• Is your core engaged? If someone were to come and poke you in the side, would you keep your balance on the bike?

Balance is key, says Lebovitz. It helps you engage the glutes and quads properly (and get a better workout). You will be able to focus more on specific muscle groups and increase their power output or watts.(Related: Why Exercise Can Be the Most Effective Way to Relieve Stress)

Spinning Mistake #3: Taking it easy

With spin, you have full control over how intense a class will be. From person to person, gear 10, at a given cadence, can feel very different, says Lebovitz. Even day-to-day, a persons energy and ability may fluctuate. So how heavy the tension you put on your bike (by turning that knob which is typically below the handlebars) is personal, says Lebovitz.A good sweat, raised heart rate and breathlessness are generally pretty good indications of hard work in a given ride, says Lebovitz. If it’s feeling easy, turn the knob until you’re feeling it in your legs.Lebovitz says to compare your workouts tooremember where on the dial you worked. As a general rule, if the power average does not seem to be improving over say 10 or more rides, the rider is probably not using enough power.(Related: Why You Should Buy Cycling Shoes if You Use an Exercise Bike at Home)

Spinning Mistake #4: You’re spending too much energy too early

Good spin instructors make sure that the class is paced effectively. This includes a good warm-up, intense cardio, sufficient strength conditioning and a much-deserved cool-down and stretch. Lebovitz says: “We tell new riders to keep it very easy for the first half of a class in order to ensure they have enough ‘left in the tank’ for the whole ride. With experience, riders get a feel for how hard they should start off in order to finish the class.” Use the structure of the class to get the most out of it, and use your warm-ups as that, not a gunfire sign to take off.(Related: 5 Ways to Stretch Your Ankles so You Can Move Easier)

Spinning Mistake #5: You’re not drinking enough water

When it comes to spin class, taking small water breaks are always worth it. “If you’re not hydrated enough, the body cant properly do its job to cool itself down. In extreme cases, lightheadedness can occur if a rider is dehydrated,” says Lebovitz. First, make sure you’re hydrated before class by going to the bathroom.Lebovitz says to look at the colour of your urine: Too yellow, under hydrated; too clear, over how hydrated; and somewhere in the middle is just right.You’re going to feel thirsty during class, so drink when you do feel parched. You should be drinking somewhere between a half to a full litre of water. “Take more frequent, smaller sips of water to avoid stomach discomfort.”(Related: Should You be Drinking Chlorophyll Water?)

Spinning Mistake #6: You’re counting on spinning for everything

Exercise doesn’t go as far if you have unhealthy habits in other areas of your life. “Like any high-intensity workout, performance is enhanced by a healthy diet, enough sleep, a positive attitude and lots of practice. There is a very high learning curve for the new rider and it can be exciting to see [progress] after just a few weeks of sweating it out on the bike.”Next: 11 Exercises That Help Build Stronger Lungs

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Oh, fig! Not sure how to eat this sensual fruit? Try these fig recipes.

The fig has a long-standing history as a symbol of female sexuality. Its pink flesh and little seeds are suggestive reminders of reproductive lady parts, and its been titled the unofficial understudy of the apple in the classic Adam and Eve tale. Even without its romantic past, a ripe fig is undeniable food porn. Plus, if you add figs to pretty much any recipe it makes your dish look profesh.Fresh figs are loaded with a sweet, jammy flavour and tiny seeds that crackle like Pop Rocks on the tongue, with their flesh surrounded by a thin, edible skin. And you can boost a basic piece of toast with some ricotta, herbs and beautifully sliced figs.With an impressive three grams of fibre and only 74 calories in two medium figs, theyre a satisfying way to promote healthy regularity and manage your weight.

But wait, the nutritional news gets better:

One serving of figs provides seven percent of your daily heart-healthy potassium needs, plus powerful phenolic antioxidants that may help reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease.While were all about fresh when figs are in season between early summer and early fall, dried figs shouldnt be overlooked. Dried figs may be higher in calories and natural sugars, but early research suggests that they may beat their fresh counterparts in the antioxidant department.To up your game with your food insta posts, we’ve rounded up our favourite fig recipes.(Related: 11 In-Season Fruits to Enjoy This Summer)

Panna Cotta with Spiced Vanilla Figs

Panna cotta is cool and creamy and makes the perfect canvas to show off spiced figs.Recipe:Panna Cotta with Spiced Vanilla Figs

Low-Cal Fig Chia Pudding

Healthy and totally Instagrammable, this fig chia pudding is #healthfoodgoals. It’s actually easy to make if you have the time to chill.Recipe:Fig Chia Pudding Breakfast Bowl

Caramelized Onion and Fig Pita Pizza

Skip the pepperoni and triple cheese. Up your pizza game by choosing unexpected ingredients, like fig and chvre.Recipe:Onion, Arugula and Fig Pizza

Walnut, Prosciutto and Fig Amuse-Bouche

For a simple amuse-bouche, these walnut, prosciutto and fig apps are delicious and look stunning on a platter.Recipe:Walnut, Prosciutto and Fig Amuse-Bouche

Fig and Prosciutto Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

This salad goes perfectly with buttered hazelnut or walnut bread, or other dense breads.Recipe:Fig and Prosciutto Salad

Honey-Roasted Ricotta with Figs and Grapes

This is ideal as an antipasto or an alternative to a rich dessert; serve it with flatbread crackers. It’s so fresh and flavourful you don’t need a large helping.Recipe:Honey Roasted Ricotta with Figs and Grapes Appetizer

Grape & Fig Wine-Soaked Compote

Sweet, boozy and herbaceous, this simple wine-soaked compote is a perfect accompaniment to a melty brie or a sharp Parm.Recipe:Grape, Marsala & Fig CompoteNext: 19 Meals and Treats to Make Before Summer Ends

The post 7 Fig Recipes to Make the Most of Summer’s Favourite Fruit appeared first on Best Health.

What happens if you stop having sex?

A dry spell doesnt just change your relationship; there are ways not having sex changes your health, too. Your brain releases fewer feel-good chemicals (such as dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins) when you stop having sex. So in short, all of that pent-up anger might have something to do with your hormones.Research has also shown a link between satisfaction with our sex lives and how we view our relationships stability, according to Amanda Gesselman, a social psychologist and research scientist at The Kinsey Institute. In other words, we might be quick to jump to negative conclusions if our partner says no to sex. A person may interpret this decline as a signal that their partner no longer finds them attractive, no longer enjoys sex with them, or no longer wants to be with them, even if none of these are true, Gesselman told VICE.Feeling rejected can spark insecurity, annoyance, and yes, anger; hence, the constant bickering. And once one partner loses their temper, that tension can turn the other partner offand its all a downward spiral from there.(Related: 9 Things That Happen to Your Body If You Stop Having Sex)

The solution?

Talk it out. Although it may not be easy to express your feelings of rejection at first, understanding and processing those emotions with your partner allows the both of you to be more honest about your desires and fantasies. That, in turn, means fewer arguments.Now that youve aired out your dirty laundry, its time to get down and dirtyin the bedroom, that is. Feel free to experiment, too! A lot of couples tend to default to intercourse, says Vanessa Marin, a Los Angeles-based therapist, told VICE. You have to create a bigger menu. Theres a lot of different ways to have sex, but we lose our creativity and think that weve got to do the same old, same old.Next,steal these tricks to spark up your sex life again.

The post This Common Thing Happens When a Couple Stops Having Sex appeared first on Best Health.

Bite Beauty

Toronto-based lippy brand Bite Beauty is known for its literally good-enough-to-eat (theyre made with superfood ingredients) sugar scrubs and agave lip masks. But it’s also known on the beauty scene for its high-pigment liners and lipsticks in shades you never thought possible for a natural company.Because most of us tend to be dressing up our eyes more than our lips right now, the brand has recently released its first mascara (the Upswing Full-Volume Mascara) and eyeliner (Upswing Extreme Longwear Eyeliner).Yaysayer Plumping Lip Gloss, $33 each, bitebeauty.com(Related: What Does Your Lipstick Shape Say About Your Personality?)

Graydon

Luxury skin- and hair-care line Graydon produces cruelty-free, homemade beauty goodies made with organic, Canadian ingredients whenever possible. The Matcha Mint Hair Smoothie is perfect for detangling stubborn knots while conditioning strands with erucic acid found in Canadian-grown broccoli seed oil.Graydon Matcha Mint Hair Smoothie, $24, graydonskincare.ca(Related: 7 Dry Hair Tips to Keep Your Locks Happy All Winter Long)

namour

Quebec-made mama-and-baby skincare line namour is now available across Canada with their natural, multi-use products. The line is carefully curated and includes items such as gentle baby soap for skin and hair, protection balm that helps with dry skin and eczema, and sleep oil made with with lavender, chamomile and orange essential oils.namour The Starter Kit (with massage oil, diaper rash pomade and pure baby soap), $56, enamour.co.

Ilia

Looking for a makeup brand with a range of high-performance products? Vancouvers Ilia, which started off with six tinted lip conditioners in 2011, now offers everything you need to create a glowy complexion, smoky eye or colour-kissed lip. The brands eye shadows are talc-free and contain shea butter, olive fruit and jojoba seed oil. And the brightening eye primerwhich prevents shadow creasingis rich in antioxidants and contains arnica to reduce puffiness.Ilia Essential Shadow Palettes, $38 each, iliabeauty.com, and Natural Brightening Eye Primer, $24, iliabeauty.com(Related: An Easy, Glitzy Eye to Wear Over Your Mask When You Need a Pick-Me-Up)

Sappho New Paradigm Essential Foundation

Created by Emmy-nominated makeup artist JoAnn Fowler, Sappho New Paradigm is a vegan, largely organic makeup line with completely transparent use of ingredients. Try the Essential Foundation made with organic ingredients and coming in 14 shades.Sappho New Paradigm Essential Foundation, $58, mysappho.ca(Related: The Best Way to Apply Foundation, According to Your Skin Type)

Consonant Skincare

A Canadian fave, Consonant Skincare has been producing good-for-you sunscreens, eye creams and scrubs since 2007. Try HydrExtreme, a cult fave hydration serum. We also love the brands new biodegradable cleansing cloths that control breakouts with ginseng and niacinamide.Consonant Skincare Come Clean 100% Natural Bamboo Cleansing Cloths, $9/pack of 10, consonantskincare.com.

Artifact Skin Co.

If you believe product packaging is as important as efficacy, Artifact Skin Cos natural masques need a place on your vanity. Each is formulated for everything from detoxification to nourishment. The Bali Papaya Rice Masque uses papaya extracts, rice and vitamin C to dissolve skin cells and brighten the skin, while coconut oil and honey nourish and hydrate.Artifact Skin Co. Bali Papaya Rice Masque, $52, artifactskinco.com

Sahajan

Canadian beauty brand Sahajans core products are all made with plant-based ingredients and the use of Ayurvedic science from India. Use the Sahajan Nurture Hair Oil as a treatment for dry, over-processed hair by running five to six pumps from roots to ends and leaving it to penetrate for several hours.Sahajan Nurture Hair Oil, $50, sahajan.ca(Related: Should You Choose Vegan Skin Care Products? Heres What You Should Know)

Lovefresh

Treat your body to the all-natural goodness of Lovefresh washes, body butters and lotions. They all have delectable scents such as Lemon Verbena, Water Lily and Pear. Exfoliate with the brands sugar scrub and increase circulation, eliminate body toxins and banish dry patches for soft, touchable skin.Lovefresh Key Lime Coconut Scrub, $28, lovefresh.com(Related: The Skin-Care Ingredients You Should Be Using All Over Your Body)

Province Apothecary

Crafted for sensitive skin, Province Apothecarys range of serums, balms and oilsfirst blended by founder Julie Clark during her off hours as a costume designer and stylistpromises to meet even the crankiest skins needs. The Rejuvenating and Hydrating Face Serum, for example, uses neroli and frankincense to reduce fine lines and improve skin tone. The brand also offers facials at its clinic in Toronto.Province Apothecary Rejuvenating and Hydrating Face Serum, $26, provinceapothecary.com(Related: Province Apothecary’s Facial Cups Will De-Puff Your Face)

Mellow Bath & Body

Made north of Toronto, Mellow Bath & Body produces bath soaks, soaps, face scrubs and body scrubs for an uplifting bathing experience. Choose the Solstice Bath Soak to detoxify with pink Himalayan salt, dead sea salt and Epsom salts and breathe in the smell of lemongrass and sweet orange.Mellow Bath & Body Solstice Bath Soak, $22, mellowbathandbody.com(Related: A Bath Is the Stress-Melter You Need Right Now)

Plume

With 100-percent natural ingredients, Plumes single producta lash and brow serumpromotes longevity and fullness of eyebrows and eyelashes. Simply swipe the product on brows and over lashes like eyeliner and expect to see results in 17 days.Plume Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum, $95, plumescience.com(Related: What Is An Eyelash Serum And Do I Need One?)

Wildcraft

The Wildcraft philosophy involves creating skin care thats simple, natural, local and handmade. Based in Toronto, the brand has gorgeous minimalist packaging and is completely transparent about its use of organic and non-organic ingredients. Try the Chamomile Honey Makeup Remover, which is 92-percent organic and can also be used as a cleanser.Wildcraft Chamomile Honey Makeup Remover, $18, wildcraftcare.ca

Eventide Botanic Alchemy

Vancouver-based Eventide founder Kathryn Sawers first concocted skincare products for her facial clinic Collective Skin Care. Then she decided to make two versions of her Everything Masks more widely available when her friends and clients praised the formulations. Use Tea Tree & Juniper Berry for oiliness and blemishes and Palmarosa & Carrot Seed for everything else.Eventide Botanic Alchemy Everything Mask, $30, eventidebotanicalchemy.com(Related: DIY Face Masks You Can Make and Apply Tonight)

Zorah Biocosmtiques

Quebec-based Zorah Biocosmtiques uses the goodness of fair-trade Moroccan argan oil, which is known for its reparative benefits. Try the Maeva body cream to restore your skins elasticity and hydrate with argan, chia and kendi oils.Zorah Biocosmtiques Maeva Body Cream, $41, zorahbiocosmetiques.comNext: The Best Sustainable Beauty Tools For Every Step of Your Routine

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What is a “sexless marriage” exactly?

Some experts define sexless as falling anywhere between having no sex at all, to fewer than 10 sexual encounters per year. Researchers estimate that 10 to 20 percent of North American marriages are completely sexless. In truth, its difficult to estimate exactly how many happy lowor nosex relationships are out there because, as Bianca Rucker, a sex therapist in Vancouver, points out, experts hear only from dissatisfied people. In my practice, I have treated couples of all ages who havent had sex in a year, several years or even decades.Lets face it: We’re in a culture where we want it all and we want it now (or, ideally, yesterday): love, sex, great kids, and meaningful work. Society nags us with sexualized imagery, subconsciously convincing us that everyone else is doing it like rabbits, and we are failures if we are not. But it’s actually normal for sex to become less important to a relationship over time.The couples who seek help for a sexless marriage believe they want sexual passion together. But some of them seek passion only because they believe they feel they are “supposed to” want it. If you have little or no sex in your marriage, do you even want to do something about it? Maybe not. I often see patients who are relieved to be told that their low level of sexual activity together may not indicate any problem.Married or single, some people just have a low sex driveand they may wish to change it, or they may be at ease with it. But is low sex drive a psychological disorder that needs to be fixed? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists hypoactive (low) sexual desire as, well, a disorder. However, according to experts in the field, this should be seen as a disorder only if it is causing distress or dysfunction. In other words, if your low desire doesnt trouble you, and you are single or partnered with someone who is okay with it, you dont have a problem. Most people who forgo sex still have typical and healthy human needs for touch, cuddling and intimate emotional connectionthey just dont equate sex with happiness.(Related: Your Vibrator Shopping Guide)

If your marriage lacks sex, you fall into one of three categories:

1. Both of you want sex back in the relationship

If you both want sex to be part of your relationship again, you can reawaken passion, sometimes with the help of a therapist. Its important for both of you to realize that it will be difficult to rekindle passion after a long time without it, but it can be done.You can start by committing to your sexual life the same way that you would a hobby, and make time to make love. Sometimes the answer can be an easy one (a couple I worked with put a lock on their bedroom door and found that they were far friskier when they were comfortable that their kids could not walk in on them), and sometimes it can take a year of explorations for you to get the passion back.

2. Only one of you misses having sex

Even if you are content with your sexless marriage, its important that you clarify that your spouse feels the same way. Broach the topic gently. Once you have acknowledged the elephant in the roomand if you are both willing to keep things as they arethe elephant can stay, and even be befriended. While one of you might miss sex sometimes, you also realize that you gain many things from your marriage.In other words, having sex and having a great relationship do not need to go together, and you may choose little or no sex as a trade-off for an otherwise deeply fulfilling partnership.If, however, one of you admits that you would like more intimate contact, you need to figure out whether you can meet that need in ways other than sexual. For example, do you seek connection and physical pleasure? I worked with one sexless couple who gave each other massages as a way to physically connect.(Related: How to Embrace Your Sexuality After a Diagnosis)

3. Both of you are fine with being sexless

If the sexless state of your marriage is not a big deal for either of you, you fall into the third category. Your previous level of sex drive may have waned naturally, or perhaps you never were sexually motivated by your spouse. After all, people marry for multiple and complex reasons, not just for sex.Of course, its okay to not have sex,” says Rucker. “Couples can have a lot of closeness and affection and not be sexual.In the end, love is a personal thing. All that really matters is that you are both happy, whether you are passionately hot, gently warm, or snuggly and sexless.Next: Samantha Bitty Knows Good Sex (and Wants You to Know It, Too)

The post Should You Be Worried About Your Sexless Marriage? appeared first on Best Health.

How to Strengthen Your Core and Get Abs

There’s a lot of misinformation when it comes to how to build core strength, says Roydian Chan, a tier 3+ personal trainer at Equinox in Toronto. Here’s what he says are the biggest misconceptions about strengthening your core.(Related: The Best Streaming Workouts for Women)

You have to work out at maximum intensity, all the time

It is not about working out hard. It should be a mixture of intensities, says Chan. He uses a training method called undulating periodization, which is essentially characterized by up and down variations of intensity. The lower your intensity, the more your reps you should be doing. The lower your reps, the harder your intensity should be. This strategy allows for optimal recovery weekly, which is important for sustainability.(Related: Grab your training shoes.Here is your complete ab kettlebell workout.)

Your heart rate has nothing to do with building core strength

Your heart rate can help you determine how intensely you are working out. According to the Mayo Clinic, you can determine the intensity you should be working out at by figuring out your maximum heart rate (HR). Generally speaking, that is 220 minus your age. And moderate exercise would be about 50 to 75 percent of that. But again, that is just a general guideline. The more you work out with a HR monitor or HR tracker, the more you will be in tune with your HR targets for intensity.With [HR] ranges, it comes down to the fitness of the individual. Someone who is new to exercise, or who hasnt exercised in a long time may be starting with a lower level of fitness, says Chan. Whereas someone who is physically active in the gym or play sports four to five times a week might be at a higher level of fitness.(Related: 8 Ways to Use Your New Fitness Tracker to Get Fit)

Tracking your HR is the only way to track intensity

No HR tracker? No problem. Get in touch with how you feel when you are working out. And be honest. Focus on a low-medium self-perceived intensities so you can last up to 40 minutes of steady state cardio exercise, says Chan.(Related: 10 Pieces of Exercise Equipment to Buy for At-Home Workouts)

Core training is all about sit-ups, sit-ups, sit-ups

“The abs are a small section of the core, says Chan. The core covers everything from the pelvis up to the neck. Core stabilizing and strength training is more important than focusing on sit-ups. Working on the entire core as opposed to a subsection of the core” is more effective, he says.(Related: Best Ab Exercises For a Stronger Core, Without a Sit-Up in Sight)

There’s one workout plan, and one only

Revisit your workout plan after four weeks to have your program fine-tuned to match your new level of fitness otherwise you will plateau, says Chan. And that is where asking yourself how you feel during your workouts will also come into play. As your fitness level increases, so should your workouts. A personal trainer can help, and so can your HR tracker.(Related: Looking to Improve Your Workout Performance? Change Your Music)

No pain, no gain

Pain from a workout can signal a problem, not progress. Pay attention to pain, says Chan. Pain and soreness are different. Soreness can turn into pain if youre not mindful. Pain can lead to more debilitating injuries that will stop you from exercising entirely. When you encounter pain, it means your body is telling you to leave it alone. Respect that signal, and rest that area for 24 to 48 hours.(Related: 13 Post-Workout Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Progress)Next: Need some fitness inspo? Here are a few Canadian women to follow on Instagram now.

The post 6 Myths About How to Strengthen Your Core appeared first on Best Health.

Know when its allergies

Its not uncommon to think youve caught a cold when you actually have allergies, says Susan Waserman, professor of medicine, division of clinical immunology and allergy at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. “Typical symptoms of an allergy are a runny nose and eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy throat, and asthma, says Dr. Waserman. Other signs are: eczema, recurrence of symptoms at certain times of year, positive response to allergy medications, and exposure to indoor allergens such as pets.

Arm yourself with the right meds

Medications are often necessary for complete relief of symptoms, says Dr. Waserman. If you find that over-the-counter allergy medications dont help, see your doctor and ask to see an allergist. Allergy Skin testing is an important way to identify the allergen. (Also, here’s everything you need to know about allergy medications.)

Medication isnt the only way to deal with allergies

Limiting your exposure to your allergen can also help. Wasserman recommends the following tips:

• Keep windows and doors closed in the house and car during pollen season. Air conditioning can help keep the temperature comfortable. If you have a window air conditioner, keep the vent closed to the outside.
• Pollen counts are high on dry, windy days and are lower after a rainfall or at night. Though not always practical, consider doing your outdoor activity during times when counts are lower.
• Get someone else to take care of your lawn. Avoid grass cutting if you are allergic to grass pollen and/or outdoor mould.


Be prepared to talk to your doctor

Youll want to make a few notes before you head to an appointment with your doctor or allergist. Know your symptoms, the timing of them, what medication you have tried and for how long, your response to medication, family history, and environmental exposures, says Dr. Waserman. Your doctor will be watching out for these: fever, unilateral nasal symptoms, purulent nasal secretions, as well as severe headaches. Your doctor will diagnose if something else is going on, such as sinusitis.This story was originally published in June, 2017.Next, learn which Canadian cities are troublesome for allergy sufferers.

The post How to Survive Allergy Season in Canada appeared first on Best Health.

The Problem

Its not a realistic or healthy way to negotiate relationships and comes at a great cost to yourself, saysTeri Sota, MD, a clinical psychologist in Toronto. If youre not balancing your own needs, whether its rest, taking time for yourself or pursuing things you actually want to do, youll usually feel distress, lack balance and experience strain in relationships with others.

A Case of Supermom Syndrome

Dr. Sota says that its especially easy to lose sight of your own needs during the holidays, when youre trying to meet all the additional demands and obligations that come with the season.Inappropriate guilt that can lead to shame comes from the shoulds we have for ourselves and how we live in the minds of others.When we experience shame, we create a story about ourselves that were not good enough, or not worthy but what we need to do is have a little more self-compassion. (Here’s how guilt from the supermom syndrome can affect your health.)

You Can’t Please Everyone

Sometimes, she says, you need to be OK with the fact that you cant always come through and accept that sometimes youre going to disappoint other people. Come to terms with the fact that you wont always be able to tie it all up with a bow and that everyone is going to be happy, she says. Try staying calm and practicing mindfulness to keep stressful thoughts at bay.

Show Yourself Compassion

To make it easier to step back and connect with feelings of compassion for yourself, it might help to turn things around and look at the situation from a completely different perspective, says Dr. Sota. If your dearest friend was in this position, how would you help and advise her? What would she need? The rules we have for ourselves are sometimes so rigid compared to our rules for others. It helps to step out of your own experience once in a while. Then, take the understanding and compassion youd show to your friend and try to offer some to yourself with the same warmth and caring. And dont feel guilty about that.Next, don’t miss these feng shui tricks to help you beat stress this holiday season.

The post Holiday Expectations Stressing You Out? Here’s What To Do appeared first on Best Health.

You deserve to have happier holidaysa happier Christmas, a happierHanukkah, a happier 2019

I grew up in a family that took pride in lavish Christmas preparations, but our attempts to make each year a happier Christmas than the last always failed. At our house, the joy never lasted very long. Every year my father led us in a quest for our loveliest tree ever, which he reshaped to perfection with garden shears and wire. Then hed start to stagger and slur his words.At our house, his drinking was as much a part of the festive season as turkey and twinkling lights. With his Christmas tree obsession, he distracted us all from the open secret of his alcoholism. Andy Williams holiday song It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year used to fill me with jealous longing.Why was Christmas so wonderful for everyone else, when for me it was the season of disappointment?In even the happiest family, theres bound to be a holiday season when real life comes nowhere close to soaring expectations that date back to earliest childhood. Not to mention, there’s the stress of the season, too. Maybe youre missing someone, mourning someone or bracing yourself for bad blood at the holiday table. And the seasonal call to rejoice becomes the heaviest of obligations. The first Christmas after my father died, I forgot that the holiday wasnt all about me. The very thought of a Christmas tree brought back so many painful memories that I wouldnt have one in our housenever mind the disappointment this caused my son, Ben.I’ve since found that even in the saddest of Decembers, theres always something to celebrate: A homemade card from my son, a snowshoeing trip with my husband in the first snowfall of the year, a visit from a long-lost friend who happens to be in town. Pausing to honour these moments brings comfortand a measure of joy. Heres what Ive learned from role models who know how to brighten the dark times.

Focus on what you have, not what you wish could be

Ill never forget an essay in The New York Times by a Holocaust survivor. Judith Mandel Novack was in a concentration camp when she and her sisters celebrated their last Hanukkah together. The three teens improvised a menorah with half a potato, some margarine and bits of wool from a blanket. Then they sang their hearts out. Watching our little candle burn, we were gradually elevated from our misery, Mandel Novack wrote. …Whenever I think of that Hanukkah…my heart is filled with joy. (This might be a great time to start your gratitude journal.)

Keep it simple

My divorced friend Donna* was mourning her fathers death when she realized this was no time to fuss with a fresh-cut Christmas tree. Artificial trees had never passed muster with her dad, but her kids would be just as happy with a fake one. No sooner had they trimmed it with homemade decorations than the lights burned out. Twice Donna bought replacement lights, and twice they too burned out. Contemplating their quiet tree, she and the kids decided they liked it just fine leading to one of the happier Christmas holidays. So began a new family tradition.

Its okay to say nobut do it gently

I used to know a woman Ill call Betsy, who spent every Christmas with her fault-finding, domineering sister. By mutual consent, the two avoided each other 364 days a year. At last Betsy gathered the courage to decline her sisters Christmas invitation. Over coffee, she told a group of friends what she planned to tell her sister: You make me feel so worthless, Im sick at the thought of another Christmas with you. I was about to cheer Betsy on when the oldest woman in the group proposed a better way to break the news: Just tell your sister youve made other plans. Of course. Standing up for yourself does not mean crushing someone else.(Have a toxic relationship in your life? Here’s how to cut the ties with that person.)

Let your childhood illusions go

In his tragicomic memoir Who Killed Mom?,Vancouver writer Steve Burgess explores his primal, lifelong need to spend the holidays at his childhood home. When his loved and loving parents began their slow descent toward death, he had to give up the illusion that theyd always be around to light the Santa candles. He concludes that the holidays are all about enjoying your loved ones while you can. He writes, …we can only seize the day, and the next, and the next, as long as theyre still on offer. That sentiment may never end up on a festive card, coming from a wisecracking reindeer. But if you need a reason to have yourself a merry little Christmas, its the best one I can think of. Some times the only way to have a happier Christmas is to let go of what makes the holidays so perfect.Always trying to be perfect is exhausting. Here is how to relax, especially in the morning.

Be fair even when it hurts

My friend Margaret had three children under the age of four when she ended her marriage to their father. For the sake of the kids, she and her ex made a formal agreement that they would have them on alternating Christmases. When they went to their dads, Margaret held her celebration in advance. The date never seemed to matter until 1999, the year of the millennium festivities. Margaret longed to ring in 2000 with the children, but it wasnt her turn to have them. I was close to devastated, she recalls. Tempted to press for an exception to the agreement that had worked so well, she instead decided to toast the millennium in her own way. She and her partner cooked an unforgettable dinner featuring foie gras and lobster, which her children wouldnt have touched. It wasnt what Margaret originally had in mind. But in its own way, it was one way to enjoy a happier Christmas.Now that you know how to have a happier Christmas, learn how to be happier in life in general.

The post 5 Ways to Ensure You Have a Happier Holiday than Last Year’s appeared first on Best Health.

Who couldnt use a social media break? Turns out, celebslike Gigi Hadidare just like us

Model Gigi Hadid announced that she was taking a week-long social media break, because, she said, its good for the soulll.Not only is social media incredibly addictive (youve probably been on at least one network in the past 30 minutes), but science says it can make us feel inadequate, sad, jealous and more isolated. (Plus, it can affect our sleep.) What’s more, users can mistake social interaction on a network for real-life interaction, making time alone feel more satisfying.Being in the limelight, whether youre an actress, model, singer or professional athlete, can weigh heavily on the human psyche. Some have said its made them feel like theyre being constantly judged (which they are) and like they have no privacy. Social media just adds another layer, with fans and trolls able to communicate with stars whenever they feel like itand not always in a positive manner.

Daisy Ridley has decided to do a social media break for her mental health

Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley agrees. In an interview with BBCs Radio Times, she said she thinks social media is highly unhealthy for peoples mental health and that she took herself off last year and will never get back on.While Ridleys absence seems to be permanent so far, most celebrities (like Hadid) take breaks every now and then, citing their mental health. (Psst: Did you know social media has the power to harm your self-worth?)

Tay-Tay saysLook what you made me do!

Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian West and her hubby, Kanye, have all taken breaks from their social accounts for various reasons.Taylor famously went silent on social media following a feud with Kim and Kanye. While she didnt make a formal announcement, she stopped posting, only breaking it to promote friends album releases or send birthday wishes to someone in her famous squad. She eventually returned after a year-long hiatus to promote her new album, but what she shares and how often she shares now is definitely different than it was before. (See the surprising way social media is promoting social isolation.)

Selena Gomez didn’t mind going on-again, off-again with Insta

Selena Gomez also took a break after she became the most-followed person on Instagram. In an interview with Vogue, she said she kind of freaked out when it happened, and that she always ended up feeling like sh*t when she would look at Instagram.

A couple who takes a social media break together, stays together

Kim Kardashian West, who at one point would have been classified as an oversharer on social media, took a three-month break from all her networks after she was robbed in Paris. In interviews, she revealed that she had thought the terrifying incident may have been caused by her need to share all details of her life on social media. Her sister Khloe told Ellen DeGeneres that Kim took the break, just [to] make sure [shes] protected as well as possible.Kims husband Kanye didnt cite any reasons for his social media hiatus, but his strange behaviour over the years (rants at concerts, skipping the MET gala) indicates it was probably a decision that was made to benefit his mental health. The only social media platform you’ll find him active on these days is Twitter.

Is it time for you to take a social media break?

As Ferris Bueller once famously said, Life moves pretty fast. If you dont stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it, and life certainly doesnt happen on our phones.Now that you’ve learned which celebs have taken a social media break, next check out the sign that you’re oversharing on social media.

The post These Celebs Took a Social Media Break—And Maybe You Should, Too appeared first on Best Health.

Are we doing too much?Between Instagram and Pinterest oh, yeah, and our favourite blogsare we ruining our goals for life balance in the name of perfectionism?When it comes to our obsessive need to do (and post) everything, its not always the technology that allows us to do both that is to blame but rather the way were using it, says Dr. Katy Kamkar, a clinical psychologist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto.Her biggest concern is that people are using DIY technology to the extremeand at the expense of other things.If youre doing these things to the point where youre feeling overwhelmed, step back and think about your goals and what youre trying to achieve, says Dr. Kamkar. Ask yourself, Is this really making me more productive or improving my well-being and quality of life? Chances are it’s not. In fact, your social media habit could be more detrimental to your health and happiness than you may thinkit could even be affecting your sleep.

Who is to blame? Rather, what is to blame?

Blaming technology for our troubles takes the onus off learning to act responsibly, says Dr. Pamela Rutledge, director of the Media Psychology Research Center in Newport Beach, CA.Our devices, apps and social media platforms are simply tools, she says, in the same way that hammers are. She recommends doing a tech audit to evaluate why you turn to these tools so often: Is it to be informed? To connect? To relax? To procrastinate? To be motivated or inspired? And how does it make you feel? Happy, energized and calmer or agitated, annoyed and resentful?Evaluate how youre using each tool against the criteria that will best support your goals, says Dr. Rutledge.And think about balance, too, says Dr. Kristin Buhr, a registered psychologist and director of the North Shore Stress & Anxiety Clinic in North Vancouver.Thanks to all our devices, were never really off duty anymore. Theres never a chance to regroup, she says.Whats worse, she says, is that we have a horrible tendency to use multiple devices at once. Ill be watching TV, my laptop is open, Im texting with a friend and I feel like Im getting lots done, but Im not doing anything mindfully.”Weve lost our sense of balance around technology altogether. And we’re living in social isolation.On that note, learn how social media is making us lonely.

The post On the Pursuit of Perfection: Are Our Social Media Habits Harming Our Self-Worth? appeared first on Best Health.

Mixed into our desire to do it all is our need to share our successes on social media. And sometimes, it can lead to oversharing.Were hardwired to care what people think, saysDr. Pamela Rutledge, director of the Media Psychology Research Center in Newport Beach, CA. However, she doesnt see it as a bad thing.Were continually navigating social environments, and its destructive not to acknowledge that thats normal, she says. We shouldnt feel guilty about caring what others think.

When does it become a problem?

The danger is that were starting to do things not for our own enjoyment but for some new social media fodder and any recognition it may foster. That is when it becomes oversharing.While social media can be empowering and liberating, Katrina Onstad, author ofThe Weekend Effect: The Life-Changing Benefits of Taking Time Off and Challenging the Cult of Overwork, says it can also be oppressive. After writing her book, she felt overwhelmed and exhausted by the pressure to post and promote it.Were so hooked to our devices that our whole sense of accomplishment and the need to put it on Instagram become a vicious cycle, she says. You see that your friends are doing it and then you have to keep up.Its all part of the distorted reality that is social media, where constant comparison breeds a whole new level of competition.

Who are we oversharing for, ahem, competing against?

Even just trying to be more active isnt enough on its own. You cant just do CrossFit anymore the whole world has to know you do CrossFit, saysTimothy Caulfield, a Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy and a law professor at the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta.By wearing a Fitbit, you can tweet your results and be part of a community thats also monitoring themselves, says Caulfield.For some, the competition can be motivating, but for others it can have the opposite effect.We make unfair comparisons, and it can make us feel negatively toward ourselves, says Dr. KristinBuhr, a registered psychologist and director of the North Shore Stress & Anxiety Clinic in North Vancouver.The solution, she says, is to rethink how and why you use social media and adjust accordingly.Next, learn about the surprising waysocial media is harming your health.

The post The Sign You Are Oversharing On Social Media appeared first on Best Health.

No matter how many people you’re hosting this Thanksgiving, your long weekend doesn’t have to be stressful. After many years of hosting family and friends, I’ve managed to keep my Thanksgiving budget a fraction of what it used to be since I reformed my own issues with overspending and under-saving. Hosting guests and decorating can add up to hundreds of dollars, but it doesn’t have to. This year, save your budget, and your sanity, with these three Thanksgiving hosting tips.

Serve Effortless, Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers

When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, there’s no need to run out at the last minute and spend lots of money on ingredients you wouldn’t normally buy, only to take hours trying to perfect what you saw on the Food Network. Instead, keep your appetizers simple but impressive.Try an easy appetizer that’s a throwback to the days of Mad Men: Serve shrimp cocktails in a martini glass. Arrange some large cooked shrimp around the edges of the glass and fill it with marinara dipping sauce. In fact, try any type of cocktail glass for serving cubed cheeses, olives or antipasto like pickled eggplant, chili peppers and mini mozzarella balls.Looking for another no-stress appetizer idea? A charcuterie board filled with a verity of cured meats, olives, nuts and an assortment of cheese is a crowd-favorite that always presents itself beautifully.

Make a Signature Cocktail

Don’t bother buying a ‘holiday supply’ of pricey wines you wouldn’t normally splurge on. A 750 ml bottle of wine pours five or six glasses, whereas the same-sized bottle of rum, vodka or gin will make at least 16 drinks if mixed as a cocktail.

In our house, I keep our cocktail offerings simple but pretty. One of my favourites is a Raspberry Collins. It’s an easy and inexpensive recipe: In a tall glass, stir together 1 shot glasses of gin, a shot glass of lemon juice, half a shot glass of simple syrup or fine sugar, and 12 frozen raspberries or a couple of spoonfuls of raspberry pure. Add ice cubes and some club soda. (Bonus: This drink is full of antioxidants.)

For an extra special touch, slide your favourite assortment of berries onto toothpicks as a pretty garnish for a fruity cocktail. Try a row of the same berries or mix up different types, alternating with a folded leaf of fresh mint.

Decorate On A Budget

Chances are, you have a supply of fall decorations that you feel tired of, and it can be tempting to buy new stuff each year. If you’re looking to switch up your dcor, wait until after Thanksgiving passes, when stock will be from 50 to 70 percent off. This way, you’ll have an inexpensive, brand-new look for next year.For now, use what you have, but in some new ways. Use gold spray-paint to elevate mini orange pumpkins, fill a glass candle holder with acorns, and trade an old table runner for some rustic burlap . For even more ideas, Pinterest has some great online inspiration for free and easy holiday decorating using elements from the outdoors.

Hire A Cleaning Service

It may seem counterintuitive if you are looking to save money, but think of the stress, time and energy it takes to keep the house clean before and after events throughout the Thanksgiving long weekend. To my mind, though it is a luxury, smart spending is worth the investment. Many cleaning companies will have promotions over the holidays; plus, online group buying sites such as Groupon.com and Tiktok.com may offer cleaning service deals when you sign up.I’ve found that I can get these for as little as $15 per hour, leaving me extra time to organize things, enjoy a friend’s company or just relax during an already hectic holiday season. This is a well-worth investment for my mental health.

The post 4 Hosting Secrets For A Stress-Free Thanksgiving appeared first on Best Health.

Stars and breast cancer in the public eye

Julia Louis-Dreyfus recently shared the news that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer on social media.

One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, I am the one, tweeted the star of Veep. She went on to say she is surrounded by supportive friends and family and has fantastic insurance through her union. The bad news is that not all women are so lucky, so lets fight all cancers and make universal health care a reality, said the 56-year-old actress.

Shes just one of the many stars who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. This month being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, raising awareness and funds for the cause is the focus–too many of us who have been touched personally in some way by this cancer. Louis-Dreyfus is just one of the celebrities who’ve been diagnosed with it; so many have inspired us with their strength and resilience.

Angelina Jolie

Diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36, Jolie revealed in 2013 that she has undergone a double mastectomy a couple of months prior. Two years later, the star had her fallopian tubes and ovaries removed after her doctor found signs of early cancer. Jolie has a family history of breast cancer; she lost her mother, aunt and grandmother to the disease.

Shannen Doherty

photo credit: shutterstock

The Beverly Hills 90210 star revealed in 2015 at the age of 44 that shes been diagnosed with breast cancer. Currently undergoing treatment, Doherty has said she is exercising, eating healthy and keeping a positive outlook. Throughout her treatment, she’s been very open about her battle, sharing her journey on social media and fighting like a girl.

Rita Wilson

Wilson was diagnosed at the age of 58 in 2015 only after seeking a second opinion. She’s since had a bilateral mastectomy and encourages people to seek out a second opinion since you don’t have anything to lose in doing so.

Wanda Sykes

As a comedienne, she’s used to performing and making people laugh. But when it came to her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, the star was frank with friends, family and her fans about dealing with the disease.

Sheryl Crow

The songstress was diagnosed with breast cancer not long after splitting with longtime beau, Lance Armstrong. Crow had lumpectomy and radiation treatment. She’s been quoted as saying her breast cancer brought a lot of clarity when it came to her perspective on life.

Christina Applegate

photo credit: shutterstock

Applegate was 36 years old when she got her diagnosis. With her mom having had to fight cancer twice, Applegate opted to have a double mastectomy even though cancer was only found in one breast.

Cynthia Nixon

It was after a routine mammogram that the Sex and the City alum learned she had breast cancer. The mom of three was 40 years old at the time and later became an ambassador for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Later on, in 2012, she played a cancer patient and shaved her head for the role for the Broadway show Wit.

Kylie Minogue

In 2005 at the age of 36, Minogue was diagnosed with breast cancer. This was after an initial misdiagnosis that she only spoke about a few years after; she chose to speak about her initial misdiagnosis in order to stress the importance of early detection and encourage getting second opinions. She’s spoken about how the experience of having to grow your hair and eyelashes back deeply shifted her perspective.

Giuliana Rancic

Her treatment for breast cancer was very much in the public eye. Then in her 30s, the fashion and entertainment reporter was very vocal in her struggle with fertility and other post-op issues. She had a son with her husband via surrogate.

The post 10 Stars Who’ve Inspired Us With Their Strength In Dealing With Breast Cancer appeared first on Best Health.

Stay motivated in the summer

Keeping up with workouts is hard. Keeping up with workouts in the summer is beyond hard it is a test of how truly dedicated you are to your fitness. Taking off a week here or there is NBD (think: week-long vacations or winter holidays). But two to three months of not working out, and getting back into it can be tough to stay motivated in the summer.It’s actually a lot easier to just stay on track, be creative with your workouts, and smash your excuses. Thankfully, Maureen Hagan, vice president of Program Innovation and Fitness Development for canfitpro, the body that certifies trainers in Canada and runs the World Fitness Expo, is here to help turn your excuses into motivation.

Summer is when I go to the cottage and spend time with my family.

The fitness expert says: While summertime may be busier, with vacation and family time outings, it really comes down to Whats Important Now, says Hagan, breaking that last part down into the WIN acronym. To help clients stay motivated in the summer, I always encourage people to begin with the end in mind when setting any goal and to ask the WIN question. She says that if exercising every day of the week is important, for all the benefits it brings, then it is almost guaranteed that people will make daily exercise a priority in their calendar whether youre on vacation or not. From there you can tweak your fitness schedule. That might mean doing an early morning run before the kids are out of bed, doing a shorter workout like HIIT, or choosing family time that is all about being active. Some people, Hagan suggests, will even plan their holidays to be fit vacations, like eco-adventures. To squeeze in a workout, she recommends checking out the The Top 10 most Effective Fitness Trends to Try in 2017.

When its this hot, my energy levels drop.

The fitness expert says: Here is Hagans three-step strategy to handling the tired, dog days of summer:1.Ease into your new activity especially, if you are exercising outdoors, in the sun and during the warmer time of the day [when the sun is out]. Start with shorter, less frequent training sessions and gradually build up to a full training regime. This usually takes only a couple of weeks however that will depend on your present fitness and the goals that you have for outdoor exercise.2. Hydrate before, during and after your workouts. Watch for symptoms of over-heating and dehydration, which include energy crashes. Headaches, muscle cramping, lack of body sweating are signs of dehydration, just to name a few. Keep extra fluids and healthy snacks on hand such asa piece of fruit or protein/energy bar when needed.3. Exercise earlier in the day when you energy is at its highest and when the air or room temperatures are at their coolest. Not only will this help you have the most energy to exercise but exercising early in the morning will give your more energy throughout the day.

The heat is so demotivating.

The fitness expert says: To stay motivated in the summer with your fitness, Hagan suggests finding inspiration in your workout environment and bring your workout outside. But it’s not for everyone. While there are unlimited physical, mental and emotional benefits to working out in the heat, especially outdoors, says Hagan,find a gym, studio or place indoors that has great air conditioning and good air circulation. Gyms and studios can provide you with everything you need to exercise while beating the heat. Exercising indoors, within air-conditioning is especially good and highly recommended for anyone who has any health issues such as asthma, high blood pressure or type-2 diabetes.

In the summer, I become weekend warrior, playing soccer and baseball. That is where I get fit in the summer.

The fitness expert says: Although playing in a sports league or being a weekend warrior will keep you active and fit, nothing replaces a regular workout in the gym, says Hagan, about using sports to stay motivated in the summer. Fitness professionals will recommend to all that you need to get into the gym, or continue with your regular strength training routine at least two times a week, to remain strong and injury free. But thats not the only reason! It is important to keep engaged in a regular fitness routine at least one to two times a week so that you do not lose the habit of working out. This will make returning to the gym and back into your fitness routine easier, come fall.

The summer class schedule just doesnt work for me.

The fitness expert says: Stop allowing something out of your control take control. Instead, take the opportunity to change up your summer fitness schedule to accommodate the changes in schedules around you, says Hagan. You might just find out something that you didnt know about yourself when you are open to trying new things. Outdoor boot camps and personal training are very popular this time of year, so you will have more options to stay motivated in the summer.

I refuse to work out in air conditioning.

The fitness expert says: So take your sneaks and go outside. Air conditioning or not, you have to make sure that your workouts include the following four points on this checklist, according to Hagan.1. Make sure you are doing body-weight moves, like squats, lunges, push-ups (both wide for chest and narrow for arms), a plank or hover and hip bridges. These are the primal strength moves that can easily be incorporated into an outdoor power walk or run in a interval-style routine. You can do this style of cardio and strength training virtually anywhere a park, the playground, your back yard. You only need some stairs or a hill, a park bench, a trail or path and a flat surface, such as grass.2.Increasing the number of repetitions and sets to make up for the resistance you are missing if you are not using weights or gym equipment. Complete 3 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions of each exercise and hold your plank/hover for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat two to four times.3. Mix up your intensity levels to ensure you are still challenging yourself by cross-training. Find a space to train where there is a set of stairs or a hill that you can incorporate into your workout. Changing your environment will help you stay motivated in the summer.4. Incorporate some dumbbells or a resistance tube in your outdoor workout. These are examples of small equipment that is inexpensive and easy to pack. Watch strength based, body-weight training workout online to guide you through some examples of body-weight training and create your own workouts.

Summer means lean, barbecued meats and lots of salads. Its not as important to exercise in the summer.

The fitness expert says: Stay as active as you would during any other time of the year, says Hagan. In fact, summer is the best time to ramp up your physical activity.And do not use a clean summer diet as an excuse. Why? Hagan says summer foods have sneaky calories that do add up, such as patio drinks, sauces, dips, condiments, larger meat portions and more.

But the patio is calling. And friends who we normally work out with just want to chill.

The fitness expert says: It is so simple to quash this excuse to stay motivated in the summer. Use the patio as a reward for a fit date with friends, says Hagan. And if you get shamed about your workouts, brush it off and remind yourself how important staying fit is to you. True friends will always be there at the gym with you or to meet up with you after.

Im swimming in a backyard pool, and thats pretty much the same as a workout.

The fitness expert says: There is no doubt that swimming is a great workout. It takes place in a non-impact environment with resistance all around to contribute to heart fitness and overall muscle strength, says Hagan. But to up the intensity of your pool workout comparable to a land-based workout, Hagan offers these tips: Submerge your body under water to chest level. You must keep your arms and legs moving for 10 minutes bouts at a time by pushing and pulling the water vigorously, creating water turbulence. Once you are breathing heavy, that will be an indicator that your heart rate is elevated and you are working hard enough. It is difficult to notice whether or not you are sweating in water, and while your heart rate may be lower, that is typically a normal property of training in the water. Swimming laps, performing water based fitness workouts, or playing a water-based sport, like water polo, are all fabulous ways to train in the water.

My workout schedule just got eaten up by working longer days to have summer Fridays.

The fitness expert says: Its all about priorities, says Hagan, to stay motivated in the summer. If you know that you have to work longer hours, then change your workout time to accommodate your new work schedule. Block your lunch hour as out of office and go to the gym or outdoors for a yoga workout or a run. Take advantage of early mornings and longer day time hours to fit your workout in before work or later in the evening. Both early mornings and evenings are beneficial times of the day to exercise to amp up energy or de-stress from a long day. Make no excuses.To manage your time, you must begin by managing your priorities. Begin with the end in mind. Then decide what, how, when and who will help make this happen for you.

The post How To Stay Motivated To Your Workouts In The Summer appeared first on Best Health.

 

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A post shared by Rachel Goodwin (@rachelgoodwinmakeup) on Jan 8, 2017 at 1:32pm PST

But before I go into what everyone thought, here’s some info on Rodial lip masks:

1. These are part of the Dragon’s Blood line from Rodial. But before you start worrying about the dragons harmed in making this product, know that dragon’s blood comes from a plant and isknownto be protective for skin cells. It’s the red sap from the Croton Lechleri tree.
2. The Rodiallip masks are much like sheet masks, except smaller and pout-shaped. The material is made of bio-cellulose fibre. These aren’t the pink, jelly-like ones that celebs post on Instagram (looking at you, Emma Stone). But the idea is similar in treating the skin on the lips.
3. Theselip maskspromise to hydrate and tone, as well as plump. They are infused with the hydrating ingredient hyaluronic acid, which helps toget”smoother, younger looking lips.”
4. When you open the Rodial lip mask sachet, there are three layers to the mask. The outer two can be tossed, but it’s the middle one that you use. You wear it for 15 minutes. There’s a slit to open your mouth while wearing it, but you can’t really talk, eat or drink (unless with a straw).
5. These are not insta-friendly. So, sorry. No pics. (No one would agree to it. But a fewdid post selfies on Snapchat.) It’slike asheet mask, so you’ll be constantly smoothing the mask with your fingers so itadheres to your mouth.

What did I think? I had low expectations. I didn’t think I’d getKylie Jenner-like results. But these made my lips feel smoother than any lip balm ever could.I also got a compliment on my lipcolour. (The person thought I was wearing a pink lipstick.)If you don’t want to take my word for it, here are some reviews on the Rodial lip masks from my office mates.After I used it, my lips felt firmer and look slightly more symmetrical. Theyre also super moisturized. AlessandraThe mask felt like a wet Kleenex, yet it was surprisingly easy to forget about it for the15-minute wait. My lips immediately felt more hydrated and look less chapped than they have all winter. Plus, it makes for a wacky Snapchat story. CourtneyIt was very difficult to apply for a guy with facial hair. I have the same problem with sheet face masks itrefuses to stay put over stubble.Although I didn’t notice any plumping I have quite thin lips to begin with I felt that lip lines were indeed smoothed over, so there was obviously some volume added. BrettThis is a great mask that produces noticeable results. I found it very easy to apply, with results lasting for at least sixhours. Highly recommend for using before a night out or on any day your lips need a moisture boost. IrenaIt felt cool and tingly at first, but only a few minutes in and my lips felt refreshed, hydrated, and plumper. KimberleyI’ll definitely use this lip mask before a big night out. My lips are pretty small and the mask gave them some temporary ooomph that I haven’t seen before. I’m glad I discovered them just before wedding season. AngelaRodial Dragon’s Blood Lip Mask, $45 at Murale locations; individual for $7, shoppersdrugmart.ca.Next, learn how to make your face mask work harder.

The post Do Lip Masks Really Work? appeared first on Best Health.

Who doesnt want to be healthier? Thankfully, its the baby steps that really count.

Its not rocket science, this business of wellness. In fact, all you need is 15 minutes a day and youll be well on your way. Best Health caught up with naturopathic doctorSara Celik(also a spokesperson for Renew Life) for her top tips on how to maximize those daily moments for a healthier 2019.

What three things are dragging us away from good health and our goals to be healthier?

Number one is our addiction to our digital devices. The more connected we are to our devices, the more disconnected we are to ourselves. Fundamentally, good health starts with being connected to your own body. Your body communicates with you every single day. When theres bloating, your body is telling you something. When your skin is itchy, your body is telling you something. When youre not as sharp and your memory isnt what it used to be, your body is telling you something. But were not paying attention because were too plugged in. We have our devices with us all day, from our morning bathroom call to our dinner table.Number two is our food. Our food is so different today than it was 100 years ago. Researchers have sampled soil from 100 years ago and compared it to todays soil and its completely different in terms of nutritional and mineral value because of pesticides, herbicides and pollution. As a result, our food has changed. Also, a lot of people are overeating, consuming the wrong things or not paying attention to nutritional value. Were trained to eat what tastes good, not what does good, and theres a big difference.Number three is a combination of our stressful, modern, chemical lifestyle. Everything is artificial. Our bodies arent designed to meet todays demands, and were not honouring the simple things we need, such as getting enough sleep, drinking enough water and sitting down when its time to eat. Find out how many glasses of H2O can help boost your metabolism.

Do you think stress is the biggest issue that women come to you with as patients? Is that sort of the crux of everything?

That and hormones the two go together. Womens hormones go out of whack due to stress. Take menopause, for example: Were meant to go through menopause its a natural part of life. But when women have a lot of symptoms or difficulty dealing with menopause, nine times out of 10 its because theyre also leading high-stress lives.

We kind of ignore the stress or feel like Well, thats just my life. Its stressful whatever. I can deal with it. But we really should be paying attention to it, right?

We should be paying attention, and I ask my patients, Do you have 15 minutes a day? Were not asking for five hours a day; were looking at those small steps you can take every single day that trust me will have a huge impact at the end of a year.

What are you suggesting that people do in those 15 minutes?

Use those minutes to get connected and be present. Put away your phone, find a room or space where you can be on your own and just try to connect. When people get connected, they understand their symptoms a little more because theyre in tune. We often ignore symptoms until they get louder and are screaming at us, but if people pay attention to the subtle, small signs, they can address an issue before it becomes a big, chronic issue.

Detoxing fits into this idea of reconnecting with yourself and listening to your body to be healthier. You advocate for total body cleansing versus colon cleansing. Why is that important?

We often associate cleansing with the colon, but we need to recognize that there are other pathways of elimination beyond the colon. In fact, there are seven pathways of elimination: liver, lungs, lymphatic system, blood, colon, kidneys and skin. We eliminate through all those pathways, so our cleanses are total body cleanses. Also, Renew Life is a digestive care company, which means we honour the digestive system. We recognize that the digestive system is the engine in a persons body. If your engine isnt working, you wont absorb nutrients, youll feel lousy and your body will tell you. It doesnt necessarily have to be with your digestive system either. Your skin is also a reflection of whats happening inside.

So, eczema?

As naturopathic doctors, we treat eczema, acne, psoriasis, rashes, redness and rosacea on the inside. Even if we give a topical coagulant to soothe irritation, we always look at gut health because toxicity in the gut is the reason why skin shows symptoms its an indicator of whats happening on the inside. Here’s how to prevent an eczema flare-up this winter.

Can you start a cleanse without seeing a doctor first?

Yes, most people know when they need a cleanse. Their body cues them: They feel tired or sluggish or their digestion is off. Even if somebody doesnt necessarily have symptoms, we have to recognize our exposure to toxins and acknowledge that every single person needs a cleanse. There are some people who shouldnt cleanse those who are pregnant or nursing, take certain medications or have autoimmune diseases but most people will generally feel when its time for a cleanse. (There are even many foods that cleanse your body naturally.)

How often should you do a cleanse to be healthier?

At least twice a year, and some people will do it seasonally. It doesnt always have to be a 30-day cleanse some will do a seven-day cleanse. It depends on the individual, but at least twice a year. Before you start a detox, make sure you read up on these six things first.

The post Be Healthier in 2019 — It Just Takes A 15-Minute Commitment appeared first on Best Health.

Step 1: Mix it up!

Include three cheeses on your cheese platter, and make sure that the textures and flavours are varied. And you must have one thats creamy and mild, such as Brie or Camembert; one thats rich and pungent, such as mild blue cheese or ripe tomme; and one thats sharp and salty, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Step 2: Get garnishing

Creamy cheeses will pair well with nearly everything on your cheese platter, pungent cheeses pair well with sweet grape tomatoes and ripe strawberries, and salty cheeses offer a perfect contrast to sweet wines and fruits. But you can also deck out your cheeseboard with pickles (anything from classic gherkins to pickled onions) the sweet, sour flavour and crunch will contrast nicely with the cheeses. Spiced nuts will add even more crunch to the board and bring out the nutty undertones that are part of the flavour profile for most cheeses, so use these as a finishing touch.

Step 3: Meat the board

Add some charcuterie-style meats to your cheese platter their saltiness and richness will help stimulate your appetite. Prosciutto, salami and capicollo are go-to choices. Want salami, too? Try a game-based version it is often denser and has a more complex flavour than other varieties.

Step 4: Bring on the bread

A freshly sliced baguette never disappoints. If youd rather prep ahead, you can make crostini the morning of your soire: Thinly slice a baguette, drizzle with olive oil and toast it in the oven. Include rice crackers, extra veggies and fruit, too. Dont shy away from flavoured crackers but avoid ones that are too overwhelming let cheese be the star. Try rosemary or savoury cranberry pecan crackers instead.

Step 5: Add the liquid assets

Go for sweet chutneys, such as fig and rhubarb. Theyre sweet, tangy, a bit spicy and boldly familiar, which makes them the perfect partner for many styles of cheese. Balsamic-infused honey is a choice accompaniment as well. Savoury and spicy jams, such as caramelized onion, work, too. Keep small ramekins at the end of your cheese platter rather than drizzling them on top. Next, check out our best tips for eating healthy during the holidays.Jay Nutt is the executive chef at Viamede Resort in Woodview, ON.

The post Chef Shares His Secrets On Building A Drool-Worthy Cheese Platter appeared first on Best Health.

1. Take a step back

Put things in perspective, says Dr. Teri Sota, a clinical psychologist in Toronto. Its important to recognize the psychological impact of feeling guilty and to stop the cycle of rumination and self-criticism over it, she says. Feeling badly because you had to turn down a friends party invite, or forgot that youd promised to bake cookies for your sons class party and opened the fridge at midnight only to discover youre out of butter? Cue the guilt! Thesetwo experts weigh in on whether you should decline a party invite or not.But Dr. Sota says you need to address those feelings with mindfulness and self-compassion. Its helpful to ask yourself, Is it reasonable or appropriate for me to stress about this? Is it helpful to me or helpful to others? Have I actually done anything wrong? Then send your son off with a box of sprinkled doughnuts in the morning the kids will be every bit as ecstatic as they would be over your trademark holiday shortbreads.

2. Talk about your feelings, and then see if you can compromise

When I work with clients, I advise them to check in on whats going on internally and let the people involved know what theyre feeling conflicted about, says Dr. Sota. You have the right to say whats happening for you emotionally, and it actually creates an opportunity for authenticity and emotional intimacy with the people you care about.When asked to host a family dinner for the third year in a row, Dr. Sota suggests letting your family know you really want to do it but that it comes at a cost for you. And encourage them to share their feelings, too. (Have a know-it-all cousin, a nosy aunt, or an uncle that over drinks? Check out our holiday survival guide for your family dinners.) Its important not to do all the emotional work for others, like assuming their needs or protecting them from feeling bad; they need to participate in the dialogue. She recommends suggesting compromises, such as alternating homes every year, or finding other ways to divide responsibilities more evenly.

Dr. Nancy Hurst, a registered psychologist in Edmonton, agrees, although she admits that holiday negotiations can be especially fraught with frustration. She suggests dealing with your own emotions of feeling negative first, especially if youre angry or frustrated, so that youre better able to approach other people from a caring place with the intention of expressing how you are feeling negative, not judging behaviour. It would be nice if people always accepted our decisions to create boundaries, but that doesnt always happen, she says. If someone tries to send you on a guilt trip, it doesnt mean you have to take it. Sometimes people are going to be upset with you and thats their choice and their responsibility, not yours.

3. Plan ahead to manage your time

Before you even have a chance to accept any invitations or agree to a hundred extra requests, Dr. Sota recommends taking a moment to consider what its going to take to create a healthy balance during the holidays. Do not beat yourself up you will just end up feeling negative about the whole thing. Go into the season thinking, OK, whats this going to look like? If I say yes to this event, how can I do something self-restorative for me? What will my downtime be, and how can I ensure that I give myself a chance to do the things I want to do? Making this intention and acting on it sends a message to yourself that youre important, too.She suggests adding moments of respite to your to-do list to care for and reward yourself, without feeling guilty about doing so. When you start to feel burdened and resentful, its a sign that youre saying yes to more than youre comfortable with, says Dr. Hurst. Self-managing is about setting priorities and asking yourself, Do I have the time and energy to do this? Is it worth the extra effort?When your calendar starts to look out of control, she suggests booking things for after the holidays. I personally plan all my work get-togethers for after Christmas, she says. Why not make a plan to celebrate the new year or spring?

4. Remember what matters most

Holiday gift giving is a perfect breeding ground for feeling negative, including sentiments of guilt and inadequacy. A friend arrives at your door with a big, beautifully wrapped box and you quickly discover that she spent far more than you did or the horror you didnt get her anything at all. Its the stuff of nightmares, but it doesnt have to be.We often take far too much stock in gift giving, says Dr. Hurst. Sometimes you just need to be practical about it: Maybe you dont have the budget to go overboard, and maybe there are other ways you can show people you care about them. Gifts arent necessarily an accurate indicator of how you feel, she says. If someone gives you a gift and you have nothing to exchange in return, accept it graciously. You could then give the person a kind, loving thought instead or put it in a thank-you card after the fact.She also suggests making a plan to do something nice for them another time and to remember that people often just enjoy gift giving and dont actually expect anything from you at all.The most important thing is to hold on to the intention of the season, she says. That includes expressing care for the people you love, and there are many ways to show that.

5. Finally, embrace the imperfection

In todays society, people are taking on a lot of extra responsibilities all year long, not just over the holidays, says Dr. Jessica Tracy, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and author of Take Pride:Why the Deadliest Sin Holds the Secret to Human Success.When they inevitably fall short, some people may feel guilty. Some of us want to do everything, but obviously thats impossible, she says. If our sense of self is based on the feeling that we need to accomplish everything, then we will never be satisfied.The solution, she says, is to focus on the things that are most important to you and to do those things well. Decide that its OK to not be the perfect chef, she says. Instead, youll be the parent who plays games with her kids. Then dont feel guilty about not being the perfect chef. Look at this other great thing you did thats more important for the kind of person you want to be. Dr. Hurst agrees. It doesnt have to be perfect; it can just be good enough, she says. Perfection doesnt exist.And feeling negative about yourself will not help you.She says that saying no to some things and recognizing that, even then, not everything will go according to plan is a good strategy to survive the holidays.You cant do everything for everyone or youll be depleted and unable to help anyone anyway. Sometimes this may mean letting go of holiday traditions and recognizing that the perfect Christmas from your past may no longer be feasible, especially once you have a family of your own.Dr. Hurst says that so many families struggle to fit in everyones traditions and feel guilty about even the thought of omitting one of them. But priorities change, she says. You have to be flexible with traditions, she says. If it feels like theres a good reason to stop, then theres no rule that says that everything has to be the same every year. Next, read up on thefive ways to ensure you’ll have a happier holiday than last year.

The post 5 Ways To Stop Feeling Negative During The Holidays appeared first on Best Health.

Healthy slow cooker recipes

Comfort food can have a bad rap. Too often we might venture into fatty meats and rich-with-fat stews. But your Crock Pot offers lots of opportunities to create healthy slow cooker recipes. The only issue is having to fight off cravings while you wait for it to cook. Here are more comfort food recipes.

Creamy Red Lentil Soup

Thanks to its warm spices, this soup makes for the perfect dinner to cozy up to.Get the slow-cooker recipe.

Barley and Mushroom Whole Grain Risotto

Barley makes a delicious, satisfying whole-grain risotto, and the slow cooker makes it effortless.Get the slow-cooker recipe.

Creamy Vegan Coconut and Chickpea Soup

Nothing quite says comfort like a bowl full of soup. This easy-to-serve, slow cooker meal is the perfect recipe to whip up any day of the week.Get the slow-cooker recipe.

Lentil and Mushroom Vegetarian Bolognese

With a little prep, this bolognese can be on the table in just 20 minutes!Get the slow-cooker recipe.

Pulled Pork Tacos

Bring a little comfort to your kitchen by adding our slow-cooker pulled pork tacos to the menu. This is the perfect dish for casual entertaining.Get the slow-cooker recipe.

Super Simple Tomato Sauce

Make this slow cooker sauce ahead of time, so you have it ready to go for the week. Let it simmer in the slow cooker on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.Get the slow-cooker recipe.

Beef Chili For A Cold Night In

Cool nights are warmer with this hearty, slow cooker beef chili. This make-ahead recipe is perfect for those busy weeknight dinners.Get the slow-cooker recipe.

Quinoa Cabbage Rolls

Makeover dinner with the healthiest cabbage rolls you can make. This slow-cooker recipe updates a comfort-food classic by swapping white rice for protein-packed quinoa.Get the slow-cooker recipe.

Burgundy Lamb Shanks

Some cuts of meat are meant to be grilled fast; others are best simmered for hours. In this recipe, lamb shanks, wine, vegetables, and herbs simmer for eight hours to reach a level of taste and tenderness that will please everyone.Get the slow-cooker recipe.

Make-Your-Own Ketchup

Store-bought ketchup can be laden with sugar and sodium, so we like to make a batch of our own to control the amount we consume.Get the slow-cooker recipe.

Immune Boosting Bone Broth

Boost your health with this easy-to-make bone broth recipe. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge in portable, single-serve containers.Get the slow-cooker recipe.

Lamb, Vegetable & Beer Stew

The delicious, complex flavours of lamb marinate beautifully in this filling stew.Get this hearty slow-cooker recipe.

Moroccan Vegetable Stew

This is an easy dish to prepare in a slow cooker ahead of time, or you can have it simmer in a heavy-bottomed pot on the stove. The chickpeas add plenty of fibre, and dried apricots add an exotic twist. If you don’t have couscous on hand to serve with this stew, cook rice or potatoes.Get the slow-cooker recipe.

Asian Turkey Meatballs

These two-bite meatballs are the perfect make-ahead appetizer. They’re simple to make and require very little prep.Get the slow-cooker recipe.

Easy Vegetarian Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a traditional Israeli dish that’s so versatile; It’s served morning, noon and night in its homeland.Get the slow-cooker recipe.

Chicken, Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Curry

This one-pot sweet potato curry makes dinner prep and cleanup quick and easy.Get the slow-cooker recipe.

Vegetable and Pork Coconut Curry

A pinch of chili flakes to give it a bit of a kick but leave it out if you aren’t a fan of heat. The beauty of a curry dish is that it’s versatile and will work with just about any meat or vegetables you have available.Get the slow-cooker recipe.

Lightened-up Chicken Stew

The broth in this recipe lightens the dish and allows the healthy vegetables to take a leading role. In fact, if you want to make it a soup instead, increase the broth. The saffron adds an interesting flavour.Get the slow-cooker chicken recipe.

The post 18 Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes That Are Worth The Wait appeared first on Best Health.

Meet a healthier coffee barista

Some days you just need a coffee. But you know that the syrup, sugar and caffeine arent doing your body any favours. So, what do you do? Have your coffee, says Brian Leonard, East Coast-bred, Toronto-based celebrity latte artist and resident barista artist at Calii Love.Affectionately known as Barista Brian, he tells Best Health about the latest trends in coffee are all about making a healthier coffee. (You need to check out @baristabrian on Instagram, too!)Specialty coffee has come a long way in the past few years, he says. People care more about where their coffee is coming from. And they also care where their dairy is coming from, too.He mentions upcoming coffee trends include direct-trade coffee and dairy, where the money goes straight to the farmers to produce higher quality coffee ingredients. (Leonard loves Rolling Meadow grass-fed milk, and he finds he is able to better digest it than regular milk.)Actually, coffee has loads of health benefits. But if you want to order a healthier coffee or make yourself home brew that is better for you, check out his tips.

Healthier coffee tip #1: Add a bit of turmeric to your cup

We always think of cinnamon as the spice of choice, but dont limit yourself.The coffee expert says: Turmeric is really good for the immune system, says Leonard. It has anti-inflammatory properties. That is one that people order for their healthy, but it also tastes really good. It tastes like a ginger latte.Barista Brians tip: Add a touch of black pepper to activate the turmerics healthy qualities.If you are wondering about why turmeric would be good for you, wonder no more. We have 20 ways the spice does a body good.

Healthier coffee tip #2: Dont burn your milk

Milk and milk alternatives have sugar, so they can burn easily. And you know what burning does to the body.The coffee expert says: When you are heating milk, you dont want to burn the milk but you also want it to be as hot as possible, says Leonard.Barista Brians tip: Most baristas suggest heating milk until it gets to about 60 to 70 degrees Celcius. But Leonard says you can touch the bottom of the frothing cup, not the sides. That shows you its heated all the way through.Not into milk? Here are eight signs you might be lactose intolerant.

Healthier coffee tip #3: Drop the syrup

Its a waste of calories and there are more nutritious ways to flavour your coffee or milk.The coffee expert says: Ill never make a salted caramel cappuccino, says Leondard. I use alternatives. For something sweet and no-cal to replace chocolate flavouring, Barista Brian adds cardamom.Should you give up sugar for good? Here are nine signs you are eating too much of the sweet stuff.

Healthier coffee tip #4: Think of your coffee as a supplement

You can add nutrients to your coffee, as long as they can tolerate heat.The coffee expert says: Leonard is loving blue lattes made with blue green algae powder. Its filled with B vitamins, he says. B vitamins are sometimes tough to get in your diet. It works really well in lattes.Barista Brians tip: Dont add sugar. You dont need it. It naturally sweetens your coffee.Want to know more algae powder? Here is the 411 on this supplement.

Healthier coffee tip #5: Dont get jittery from your coffee

This is a matcha made in heaven. You can still enjoy caffeine in your latte by making it with matcha but without the jitters.The coffee expert says: Matcha does have caffeine, but it has l-theanine, which slows the delivery of caffeine, says Leonard. Its not the same jolt you would get from, say, espresso, he adds.Best Health insider tip: The people behind Calii Love opened a new coffee shop/social spot, Love Child. That direct-trade coffee Leonard was talking about, Barocco will be served there too.Find out exactly how matcha works and why it is so good for you. Plus: Matcha recipes!

The post Some Pretty Unexpected Ways To Make Yourself A Healthier Coffee appeared first on Best Health.

Bikini Wax Tip No. 1 Stop trimming and cutting your body hair.

The ideal length of hair for a flawless wax is the length of a grain of rice, says Miles. Although with some of our waxes, we can remove hair as short as one millimetre, it is important to get your hair on a growth schedule. That means getting a wax hair removal treatment about every four to six weeks. That will give you the least amount of pain, she adds. Dont over trim! While we’re talking about secrets, here are 8 secrets you should disclose to your gynecologist.

Bikini Wax Tip No. 2 She wishes youd do this one thing before your waxing appointment.

Exfoliate, exclaims Miles. Always prepare hair and skin for removal by sloughing away dead skin cells. We recommend exfoliating against the direction of hair growth with an all-natural exfoliant ideally containing sugar or salt 12-24 hours before your appointment. Try our On the Rocks body scrub. Plus, exfoliating is one of the ways to prevent ingrown hairs.

Bikini Wax Tip No. 3 Dont cancel because you are on your period.

You dont need to cancel last minute because of an unexpected visit from Aunt Flo. Absolutely not, says Miles. Just let your waxologist know before she starts. You may be a bit more sensitive depending on where you are at in your cycle so we recommend taking a pain killer if youre super sensitive, she says. Wear a tampon with the string tucked in. You might also want to avoid any painful procedures (like waxing) during another sensitive time in your cycle.

Bikini Wax Tip No. 4 Do shower the day of your appointment.

Its not because youre being judged or because you smell down there. Its because you need to exfoliate, says Miles. But its not that big of a deal if you dont shower before your appointment. However, if in a pinch, dont worry about it as we do supply a refreshing wipe for below the belt waxing.

Bikini Wax Tip No. 5 Take a painkiller if you need to.

If you wince even before the strip is pulled, then its a good idea to take an ibuprofen or acetaminophen about a half-hour before your appointment. Miles also adds that our hormones can make waxing more painful than usual. So, if youre near or on your period, it might help to take an over-the-counter pain med. And pregnancy can make you sensitive too, so tell your waxer, and she might be able to find ways to ease the feeling.

Bikini Wax Tip No. 6 Its not normal to bleed from a waxing.

When asked if bleeding is to be expected, Miles responds: Absolutely not. But that said, there are some situations when skin canthin, including anti-aging and acne medications, she says. Threading can be a good alternative for thin or sensitive skin.

Bikini Wax Tip No. 7 You are not too hairy.

Everybody thinks they are the hairiest, but in reality, no two people are alike, says Miles. But dont worry your waxologist will never judge [you], and its our goal to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

Bikini Wax Tip No. 8 Yes, she’s waxed that spot on someone else before.

Toes? Yup. Back? Yup. Bum. Yup? No surprises, says Miles. Weve seen it all and wax it all. A waxers job is to wax. Thats what shes there for. Thats what shes been trained to do. Building relationships with clients and meeting new exciting people every day [is] never a dull moment. Our business is about wellness and making people feel their best and most comfortable. We love being able to provide a superior service that leaves clients healthy and happy.

Bikini Wax Tip No. 9 Tipping is always appreciated.

You had a great experience, so a tip is appropriate. How much should you leave inside that teeny manila envelope at the spa reception desk? Just like any service-based industry, 15 to 20 percent is normal.

Bikini Wax Tip No. 10 Don’t have sex (and do a few other things) after your appointment.

After care is everything, says Miles. And that means no sex, no working out and no super tight clothing for at least 12 hours after your waxing. Youll get a better experience from your waxing and appreciate your waxer more.Next, don’t miss these places you usually ignore when checking for skin cancer.

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