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Despite best-laid plans, the reality is that almost all of us rely on fast food on days when there isn’t enough time to prepare a meal from scratch. We’re in good company. According to a Gallup poll conducted in 2013, 28 percent of Americans reported eating fast food at least once a week, while 16 percent reported having fast food several times a week.
The good news? Fast food chains have more healthy options than ever, and a nutritious and filling meal is now just a quick drive-thru trip away.
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If you were to go by the lunches seen on social media and food blogs, you’d think that everyone else is going to open up picture-perfect Mason jar salads and intricately composed bento boxes once noon rolls around. As idyllic as this seems, the reality is that people—particularly millennials—are working longer hours and spending more money than ever on food outside the home.
Fast food chains are scrambling to benefit from this trend, and we can leverage that to the advantage of our schedules and our bodies.
Studying the effects of fast food consumption has traditionally produced some grim statistics; a study conducted over a period of 15 years by researchers at the University of Minnesota found a correlation between fast food consumption, weight gain, and insulin resistance leading to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes and obesity. That same study also concluded that people who ate fast food two or more times a week were at a higher risk than those who didn’t eat fast food.
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But eating fast food isn’t all bad news. In fact, this is the time to be seeking out healthy menu items. Popular chains that were once thought of as entirely unhealthy are introducing menu items that cater to a more health-conscious audience.
The New Yorker article “Freedom From Fries” describes how consumer trends such as the demand for food transparency and quality ingredients have been driving the fast food industry’s shift toward healthier food options.
Gone are the days when being health conscious while eating fast food meant a small order of fries and a sad side salad made of limp lettuce and slimy cucumber slices. But it is still important to do some research before buying what you think is healthy. What appears safe in terms of calories and fat can often be the complete opposite.
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So how do you choose the healthiest option at your favorite fast food restaurant? Registered dietician Lindsay Pleskot specializes in teaching and inspiring her clients to make healthy choices and was able to offer us some practical advice on how to get the most nutritional bang for your buck from fast food menu items.
Pleskot explains that ironically, some of of the most deceptive items on fast food menus are salads. Fast food entrée salads are notorious for being marketed as healthy choices when in reality they often have sky-high calorie counts and large amounts of saturated fat and sodium.
The problem, Pleskot says, is that “we seem to automatically associate salads with health and nutrition but often they are loaded with tons of dressing and toppings that will add up quickly; think cheese, nuts, croutons, and bacon, to name a few.”
Pleskot also gives a few general rules for keeping your fast food on the healthy side. She advises keeping a close eye on sauces and condiments when possible, seeking out grilled instead of deep-fried items, and asking for the dressing on the side. A spritz of lemon juice on a salad is a calorie-free way to stretch out the dressing so that you aren’t stuck using the whole packet.
Whether you’re a Starbucks kinda gal or a devoted fan of Taco Bell, there’s something at every major fast food chain for anyone in need of a healthy meal in minutes.
Here we break it down by some of our favorite big names in the fast food game.
Starbucks
There are some mornings when your alarm clock fights a losing battle against a few extra precious moments of sleep. When even a bowl of cold cereal takes too much time, the food menu at Starbucks includes healthy options that will leave you feeling satisfied and full until lunchtime. Pleskot advises skipping the lemon loaf and ordering the Spinach, Feta, and Cage Free Egg White Breakfast Wrap to start your day.
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With only 280 calories per serving, this savory wrap contains a very filling 20 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. Still feeling hungry? Pleskot suggests adding a fruit cup or veggies and dip to round out the meal.
Not all of Starbucks’ breakfast sandwiches are equally as healthy though. Be wary of their Sausage, Cheddar, and Egg Breakfast Sandwich, which has 480 calories and 29 grams of fat per serving.
McDonald’s
Although entrée salads from fast food restaurants have a bad reputation for being full of empty calories and saturated fat, there are definitely healthier options to be found if you do your research
For example, McDonald’s Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad contains an impressive 330 calories, 11 grams of fat, 33 grams of protein, and 6 grams of fiber, which, as a whole, should keep you feeling satisfied for hours.
Compare the grilled chicken salad to McDonald’s Southwest Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Salad for an eye-opening example of how food preparation and high calorie salad toppers can make a huge difference.
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Thanks to the deep fried chicken, shredded cheese, and fried chili-lime tortilla strips, this salad comes in at 500 calories and 25 grams of fat.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell has been a vegetarian staple for generations, but today, the chain quietly offers all diners an easy, tasty way to cut calories. It’s called “Fresco style,” and it replaces high-calorie sauces and toppings with a bright, healthy pico de gallo.
Even the Taco Bell Bean Burrito, a classic for low-budget vegetarians in a hurry, is available Fresco style…although the pico de gallo substitution only shaves 20 calories off this already-minimal dish.
With 350 calories, 9 grams of fat, 13 grams of protein, and a whopping 11 grams of dietary fiber, even the non-Fresco Bean Burrito packs a filling and nutritious punch for those days when you have no time to stop and eat.
While Fresco-style food from Taco Bell offers several healthy options, be wary of their regular menu items, as they can contain astronomical amounts of calories, fat, and sodium.
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For example, the Cheesy Gordita Crunch contains 500 calories and fully half of the recommended daily intake of saturated fat.
Wendy’s
As many health-conscious Wendy’s customers will know, this fast food chain has had quite a few diet-friendly side options for a while now. Their side salads, baked potatoes, and chili are all smart choices even if you’re aiming for a complete meal.
Ordering an entrée, however, takes a little bit of research. Pleskot advises always “looking out for anything deep fried and breaded. For example, opt for sandwiches made with grilled chicken breast instead of a crispy chicken sandwich … it offers just as much protein without all of the extra fat, calories, and salt.”
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Wendy’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich fits the bill perfectly, with 370 calories per serving, 10 grams of fat, and 34 grams of protein.
Compare this grilled chicken sandwich to the restaurant’s Homestyle Asiago Ranch Chicken Club. This deep-fried chicken breast sandwich is smothered in a creamy ranch dressing and Asiago cheese with a topping of bacon. The damage? 650 calories, 34 grams of fat, and almost double the sodium compared to the Grilled Chicken Sandwich.
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In need of something more? Add a side salad or a plain baked potato for extra energy without a ton of calories.
Dunkin’ Donuts
The key to eating a healthy meal at Dunkin’ Donuts is to make a healthy food selection and then stick to drip coffee, an Americano, or a cappuccino made with skim milk as an accompanying beverage.
The Turkey Sausage Wake Up Wrap contains a satisfying 240 calories and 11 grams of protein to get your day started.
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Looking for a meatless but still filling alternative? Dunkin’ Donuts’ Egg White Veggie Flatbread is a vegetarian option that still contains plenty of protein with very little fat.
Speaking of the Veggie Egg White Flatbread, it’s part of Dunkin’ Donuts’ DDSMART collection. Look for the DDSMART logo to find choices that contain a quarter less fat, sodium, sugar, or calories than the restaurant’s typical fare.
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If you don’t spot the DDSMART logo, be careful ordering off the Dunkin’ Donuts menu. There are some real calorie bombs here. For instance, the Sausage Egg & Cheese Croissant is an example of a nutritionally catastrophic breakfast menu item. With 720 calories per serving, 100 percent of the recommended daily intake of saturated fat, and sky-high sodium levels, this is one breakfast sandwich to steer clear of.
Burger King
Are you craving a burger but worry it will hinder your healthy eating goals? Believe it or not, a classic cheeseburger from Burger King is a relatively healthy choice when the need for a burger strikes. A single cheeseburger contains 280 calories and is fairly low in fat and sodium.
If you want to be even more virtuous and skip the cheese, a plain Burger King hamburger has only 240 calories and 10 grams of fat. It’s also comparatively low in sodium.
Feeling like a splurge? Pair a Burger King hamburger with a small order of onion rings to complete your traditional fast food meal with gusto.
While a Burger King cheeseburger may be relatively healthy option, beware the Bacon & Cheese Whopper. Unlike a regular cheeseburger, this sandwich weighs in with 790 calories per serving and 51 grams of fat per serving.
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No discussion of health and Burger King is complete without a look at the famous Impossible Whopper, which features a high-tech plant-based patty that’s virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. Does the lack of animal protein make the Impossible Whopper any healthier, though?
Sadly, the answer is “not really.” An Impossible Whopper contains 630 calories, compared to the beef Whopper’s 660. Not much difference there. The same goes for fat; the Impossible Whopper contains just 6 fewer grams than the real thing, which has 40 grams of fat. Both burgers are catastrophically high in sodium. The traditional Whopper contains 980 milligrams of the stuff, and the Impossible version has 1,080 milligrams.
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For context, the American Heart Association recommends a hard limit of 2,300 milligrams of sodium for most adults, and they’d really prefer we limit ourselves to less than 1,500.
Subway
Subway has a reputation as a healthier alternative to the fried-and-greasy fast food model. Surely you can’t crash your diet on a fresh deli sub, right? Well, that depends.
If you’re satisfied with a 6-inch Veggie Delite on 9-grain wheat bread—without cheese and substituting a splash of vinegar for calorie-rich mayonnaise—you can eat pretty healthy. Such a sandwich build (with lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, red onions, green peppers, and cucumbers as your only toppings) weighs in at just 200 calories and only 2 grams of fat, none of it saturated.
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Not bad. This sandwich also has a relatively low share of sodium, with just 280 milligrams and a not-negligible amount of dietary fiber with 5 grams. If a sub like that sounds good, feel free to eat fresh all you want.
If you’re more of an Ultimate Meatball Marinara kind of gal, watch out. Subway recommends ordering this sandwich on their Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread, which is a calorie-packed powerhouse.
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A 6-inch Ultimate Meatball Marinara with that bread option contains 730 calories—and that’s without any toppings whatsoever. Load on the melted mozzarella, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles, and you’re up to 830 calories for a 6-inch sub. This build also contains 52 grams of fat and more sodium than the American Heart Association recommends all day (1,720 milligrams).
KFC
Eaters on a strict caloric budget aren’t likely to seek out fried chicken, but sometimes you just have to eat. If KFC is all you see, that’s where you’ll end up. And the truth is that the calorie counts on certain KFC menu items might surprise you (in a good way).
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The trick here is to avoid the breading. Stick with Kentucky Grilled Chicken, which, yes, is actually what it’s called. A single drumstick, grilled, only contains 90 calories, 4 grams of fat, and 290 milligrams of sodium.
If you can’t resist the temptation of KFC Original Recipe fried chicken, you actually don’t have that much to worry about as long as you exercise portion control. A single Original Recipe drumstick contains 120 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 380 grams of sodium.
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Even the sandwiches at KFC aren’t out of control, calorie-wise. A Crispy Colonol’s Sandwich contains 470 calories—which isn’t great, but won’t put you over the top in a single sitting. You do have to watch out for sodium with KFC sandwiches, though. The above example contains 1,170 milligrams of the stuff, which is more than half of the American Heart Association’s absolute hard ceiling of 2,300 milligrams.
Jack in the Box
Typically, a late-night dinner at Jack in the Box means you’ve made a bad decision somewhere along the way. But you don’t have to pile mistake on mistake with your order; Jack in the Box has a few items that will fill you up without breaking your diet goals.
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You might have noticed a grilled-chicken trend here. Jack in the Box keeps up the streak. Check out their Chicken Fajita Pita, which makes a decent meal with 340 calories, 12 grams of fat, and a whopping 23 grams of protein.
Unfortunately, the Chicken Fajita Pita wasn’t created with heart health in mind. It contains 1,000 milligrams of sodium—and that doesn’t include the side of salsa that comes with each order.
Even better is the Jack in the Box Side Salad, although it won’t make a very satisfying meal on its own. With just 20 calories (or 45 with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette), this dish probably isn’t enough to beat the hunger pangs. Still, it makes a smart addition to one of the outlet’s grilled chicken dishes.
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Stay away from the Bacon Ultimate Cheeseburger, though. This grease bomb packs 930 calories, 65(!) grams of fat, and almost 1,600 milligrams of sodium. When you absolutely must have a burger, stick with the plain Jack in the Box hamburger, which weighs in at 340 calories and 18 grams of fat.
Sonic Drive-In
For healthy eating at your neighborhood Sonic, the word to remember is “wraps.” More specifically, the Grilled Chicken Wrap. It isn’t exactly low in calories—it has 480 of them—but it’s among the lighter options on this particularly heavy menu.
A word of warning to sodium-conscious eaters, though: The Sonic Grilled Chicken Wrap is salty. It contains 1,720 milligrams of sodium, which is a lot.
A less sodium-packed option is the Jr. Burger. This is a better choice for the health-conscious among us, with 330 calories, 16 grams of fat, and 610 milligrams of sodium. The trade-off, of course, is that this is a small sandwich with just 15 grams of protein. You may be more satisfied by the Grilled Chicken Wrap, which offers 31 grams of protein.
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As for menu items to avoid, where do we start? The SuperSONIC Bacon Double Cheeseburger with mayonnaise is loaded with 1,030 calories, 65 grams of fat, and 1,880 milligrams of sodium. A Chicken Club Toaster Sandwich, which sounds healthy enough, contains 770 calories and 43 grams of fat. And, if you can resist the temptation, you probably want to avoid the Footlong Quarter Pound Coney Hot Dog. This beast has 790 calories, 49 grams of fat, and 2,300 milligrams of sodium. Oof.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle famously only uses 51 ingredients in all their dishes. But how healthy are those 51 ingredients in their various combinations?
As with Subway, that all depends on you. Fast food restaurants that give their customers wide leeway in constructing their own dishes complicate the attempt to eat healthy—but they also give you more power over what you’re putting into your own body. All in all, it’s a beneficial trend, we’d say.
Anyway, for a healthy, satisfying meal at Chipotle, start with a burrito bowl. A single burrito-sized flour tortilla contains 320 calories, all of which could be spent on tastier, healthier ingredients.
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Likewise, it’s a good move to skip the rice. Black beans provide plenty of starch on their own. As for what to include, start with the veggie burrito bowl with black beans. Add an extra serving of fajita vegetables if you’d like, and don’t skimp on the guacamole. This condiment (if you can call it that) is relatively calorie-dense, with 230 calories per serving, but the heart-healthy fats of avocados tip the scale in guacamole’s favor.
Choose tomatillo green-chili salsa to round out your lunch. A burrito bowl like this only carries 395 calories and 23.5 grams of fat. More importantly, it’s loaded with vitamin C and helps to keep you feeling full with 14 grams of dietary fiber.
If you’re counting calories, you probably don’t want to build a carnitas burrito with white rice, pinto beans, and guacamole. A meal like that carries an incredible 1,100 calories, with 48.5 grams of fat and nearly 2,000 milligrams of sodium. They may be real ingredients, but they’re not necessarily diet food.
Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr.
Hardee’s (or Carl’s Jr., depending on where you live) may not seem like a healthy-eating mainstay, and that criticism is fair. However, you can’t credibly accuse the chain of failing to serve more health-conscious customers.
The restaurant’s menu offers a selection of “better for you” options, including designations like “Low Carb It,” “Trim It,” and “Gluten-Sensitive.” Yep, this is a fast food restaurant where you can order a Thickburger in a whole-leaf lettuce wrap instead of a bun.
For breakfast, try the “Trim It”-branded Frisco Breakfast Sandwich. It’s an eggy, meaty meal that will satisfy well into your lunch hour. This product contains 360 calories, 11 grams of fat, and 19 grams of protein.
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Low-sodium eaters should steer clear, though; the Frisco Breakfast Sandwich is loaded with 1,100 milligrams of sodium.
The “Trim It” collection’s Charbroiled BBQ Chicken Sandwich is Hardee’s original low-fat menu item, and it remains a decent choice for the hungry health enthusiast.
The Charbroiled BBQ Chicken Sandwich provides 18 grams of protein, which is a lot for a lunch item that only contains 190 calories. It’s also low in fat, with just 3.5 grams. And while the Charbroiled BBQ Chicken Sandwich’s sodium content is a bit high at 910 milligrams, it won’t put you over the limit as long as you plan the rest of the day’s meals carefully.
Avoid the ⅓-pound Bacon Cheese Thickburger, except as a very occasional treat. This sandwich is certainly hearty, with 850 calories and 42 grams of protein. However, the 54 grams of fat, 130 milligrams of cholesterol, and 1,700 milligrams of sodium make this item a no-go for those of us who are trying to eat healthier.
Steak ‘n Shake
If there’s a healthy milkshake out there in the world, we have not met it (though we’d like to). So we’re afraid we’ll have to stick to the “steak” side of the menu here. As you might have guessed, the healthiest lunch and dinner option on the Steak ‘n Shake menu is probably its Grilled Chicken Sandwich. It’s got 360 calories and just 7 grams of fat, but it provides a belly-filling 28 grams of protein.
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If you’re in the mood for a burger, you can’t go wrong with the Steak n’ Shake Single. This no-frills steakburger contains 320 calories, 14 grams of fat, and 15 grams of protein.
Maybe stay away from the Bacon ‘n Cheese Triple if you’re watching what you eat. Three burger patties is a lot, as reflected by this sandwich’s calorie count of 1,030. Add in the 74 grams of fat and 170 milligrams of cholesterol, and you’ve got a meal that bites back, health-wise.
Hungry yet?
We don’t mean to suggest that eating fast food is always damaging to your health. Just pull up this handy guide next time you find yourself in the drive-thru and choose carefully; there’s plenty out there that will fit into your eating plan.
Also, it’s important to recognize that the problem with fast food isn’t that it’s fast; the issue is with how the food is prepared and the extra ingredients that are piled on for extra flavor. If fast food is a regular part of your diet, then stick to the tips in this article.
But, if it isn’t, take Pleskot’s advice about occasionally treating yourself to the real, greasy deal: “I think the first thing to consider when eating fast food or eating out in general is whether or not this is something you do all the time or is this a once in a while treat? If it really is just once in a while, enjoy your favorite and eat it mindfully!”
You probably recall this scenario well: You spend hours looking at about a bajillion shades of foundation, dabbing some on your chin and hoping it won’t cause a breakout hours later. Or maybe you fall in love with the perfect shade of maroon for your lips, only to find that it dries into a shriveled mess once you sip your chai tea. Sigh. There’s nothing sadder than a deceptively gorgeous lipstick you can’t use.
We get it. When it comes to buying makeup, the biggest question is whether it will deliver what it promises. We’re not expecting miracles here, but we wouldn’t mind getting pretty close.
It’s quite simple. Whether you’re shopping luxury or picking out items from the drugstore, you want beauty products that will go the distance and won’t mess you up. And if you can save a little money while you’re at it, even better.
Demystifying which products aren’t worth the hype can get tricky (and pricey) when you’re staring down an array of options. From glittery primers and liquid eyeliners to shade-transforming lipsticks, choosing the right product ain’t for the weak of heart.
That’s why we’ve taken on the challenge for you. Since we know information overload is overwhelming, we’ve narrowed down items ranging from budget-friendly treasures to higher-end products that are actually worth their salt.
Enjoy our roundup of exclusively quality picks, and get shopping!
1. SUNDAY RILEY Luna Sleeping Night Oil
As a rule, you’ll want to use a lightweight night treatment that regulates your skin’s oil production and won’t clog your pores. And if you’re blemish-prone or have less-than-lustrous skin, you’re better offer with a lightweight formula. Some folks swear by Luna, but we find that its oil base is a bit heavier than retinol products that contain more water.
Try Instead: Retinol Fusion PM by Peter Thomas Roth
This serum’s potent retinol formula improves your skin’s overall texture and appearance with minimal irritation. Plus, the results are cumulative; the longer you use it, the better your complexion will look. It’s also WAY friendlier on your pocketbook compared to Sunday Riley’s $105 per bottle.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Peter-Thomas-Roth-Retinol-Fusion/dp/B002VJSGO0″]Retinol Fusion PM by Peter Thomas Roth, $35 on Amazon[/link-button]
2. Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder
It’s undeniable that a simple and foolproof setting powder is essential in any makeup arsenal, but you also don’t want to overspend when you can easily opt for a lower-priced option compared to Mercier’s $38 powder.
Try Instead: NYX Studio Finishing Powder
In addition to smoothing over textured skin, NYX mattes over greasy spots without looking cakey. The finishing powder is made with 100 percent pure mineral silica and works on all skin tones.
Use lightly and blend with your concealer for an even, flawless look!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/NYX-Professional-Makeup-Finishing-Translucent/dp/B009GLQG6Q”]NYX Studio Finishing Powder, $6.99 on Amazon[/link-button]
3. MAC Lipsticks
Finding the right beauty product for our lips means looking at the entire picture: color, shine, staying power, and of course, affordable price. While there are a ton of options out there, some aren’t so great on your budget. Case in point: MAC lipsticks will run you $18.50 per tube.
Try Instead: NYX Lip Lingerie
This lush liquid lipstick will cost you less than half the price of MAC’s alternative and give your lips a stunning matte finish. Not only does NYX offer a variety of luscious, natural-looking colors, you don’t have to reapply their lipstick every 30 minutes.
Dab some on before going out and look fresh for the rest of the day.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/NYX-PROFESSIONAL-MAKEUP-Lingerie-Embellishment/dp/B01APX1TLK”]NYX Lip Lingerie, $4.99 on Amazon[/link-button]
4. Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer
You know how photo-editing filters give your skin that smooth, flattering look? That’s what a good foundation primer will do for you—create the perfect base for your makeup. Whether you’re looking to minimize the appearance of pores or conceal uneven skin tone, we’ve nailed down the best primer for your budget, and it isn’t this one from Smashbox.
Try Instead: NYX Professional Makeup Studio Perfect Trimmer
If you struggle with foundation “melting” on your skin, try applying a thin layer of this silky formula beforehand for a smooth matte finish.
Compared to Smashbox’s $36, NYX offers a flawless alternative.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/NYX-Studio-Perfect-Primer-Clear/dp/B004RC4S3M”]NYX Professional Makeup Studio Perfect Primer, $8.73 on Amazon[/link-button]
5. GLAMGLOW YOUTHMUD Tinglexfoliate Treatment
A good face mask is the foundation of any good skincare regimen, and while GLAMGLOW’s aroma is enticing, there are more cost-friendly alternatives to their $69 treatment.
Try Instead: Freeman’s Feeling Beautiful Gel Mask and Scrub
What you want is a silky formula that isn’t abrasive and allows your skin to breathe. Freeman’s polishing mask not only helps absorb oil from your skin without overdrying, it also gently exfoliates impurities away.
Black sugar gets rid of dull skin cells for extra smoothness and works for all skin types (especially sensitive). We recommend using twice a week for a dewy, glowing complexion.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Freeman-Feeling-Beautiful-Charcoal-6-Ounce/dp/B01N3SNHAZ/”]Feeling Beautiful Gel Mask and Scrub, $12.06 for 2 on Amazon[/link-button]
6. Too Faced Mascara
We love a good mascara. We might even go overboard with our paycheck if it involves a long-lasting, clump-free formula. Luckily, a budget-friendly option exists to achieve that dramatic lash.
Try Instead: Butter London Double Decker Mascara
While both bottles are similarly priced (Double Decker goes for $20 compared to the Too Faced Mascara’s $24), Butter London gives better value with its lightweight liquid and extreme curl technology.
Get extra length and definition by applying in a zigzag motion from root to the tip of your lash.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/butter-LONDON-Double-Mascara-Stacked/dp/B01DQG3G1Y”]Butter London Double Decker Mascara, $20 on Amazon[/link-button]
7. Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette
The right blend of eyeshadow can look downright magical. Whether you go for neutral or dramatic colors, there’s nothing more flattering than a shade that stands out, lasts the entire day, and won’t won’t smudge into creases. But a good palette no longer means a $54 dent in your budget.
“The naked palette from Urban Decay—which I do like—seems to be the only pallet most [people] seem to think is available,” says New York celebrity makeup artist, Chris Lanston, who’s worked with James Van Der Beek and Robin Thicke. As it turns out, though, there are many others to choose from.
Try Instead: NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Packet
Going out for the night? The 16 rich shades in this set range from mattes and metallics to shimmers and satins for a mesmerizing finish.
Create a sultry, bold look for under $20!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/NYX-PROFESSIONAL-Ultimate-Palette-Neutrals/dp/B01IW02HX2″]NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette, $15.48 on Amazon[/link-button]
8. Marc Jacobs Re(Marc)Able Full Cover Foundation Concentrate
The first rule about wearing foundation: You never want to feel it on you. And this is especially true if you’re acne-prone or have an oily complexion. While Marc Jacobs is widely buzzed about, its formula doesn’t fare well on all skin types.
Try Instead: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Foundation
Wear it in hot or humid weather for coverage that goes above and beyond. Just a few dabs go a long way, and unlike other foundations, this one is definitely worth the cost.
Wear it for flawless matte coverage that’s both lightweight and comfortable to wear all day. Perfect when traveling or those all-day meetings.
[link-button href=”https://www.sephora.com/product/double-wear-stay-in-place-makeup-P378284″]Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Foundation, $42 from Sephora[/link-button]
9. Charlotte Tilbury Instant Hollywood False-Lash Effect Mascara
Rather than pay $32 for a tube that might smudge under your eyes in a matter of hours, switch over to a mascara that costs less than your daily latte and leaves virtually no flakes.
Try Instead: L’Oréal Volume-Building Mascara
Rest easy knowing your dramatic look won’t end in a clumpy disaster by smoothing out lashes with this allergy-tested formula.
This mascara is also fragrance-free and recommended for sensitive eyes or contact-lens wearers.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BCXAM8″]L’Oréal Volume-Building Mascara, $5.55 on Amazon[/link-button]
10. BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter
If you’re not a fan of the glittery Twilight look, Becca’s shimmering pressed highlighter may not be for you. But that shouldn’t stop you from having lush, luminous skin.
Try Instead: NARS Illuminator
This light reflecting liquid casts quite the spell with its ultra-weightless texture. The subtle formula will make any winter skin look alive.
Wear it as a highlighter, or mix it in with your favorite foundation for a gorgeous touch of shimmer that won’t startle your friends.
[link-button href=”https://www.sephora.com/product/illuminator-P284301″]NARS Illuminator, $30 from Sephora[/link-button]
11. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Here’s a truth: I can’t live without my concealer. If I had to choose one and only one item to take with me on a trip, the right concealer is a close tie with my faithful eyeliner. There’s nothing a good concealer can’t do—hide dark circles, even out skin tone, and, more importantly, give you that elusive well-rested look. For this reason, you want a formula that gives you coverage without looking too obvious.
Try Instead: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
While pricier than Tarte’s Shape Tape, this long-wearing and crease-proof formula layers easily without caking.
And unlike other overhyped concealers, this one won’t make your skin break out.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/NARS-Radiant-Creamy-Concealer-Vanilla/dp/B00BM1WKT0″]NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, from $38.07 on Amazon[/link-button]
12. Lipstick Queen Frog Prince Lipstick
If shade-transforming lipstick is your thing, why not opt for one that won’t cost you $25? Queen Frog Prince gets a lot of buzz, but there are more budget-friendly alternatives that have the exact same concept.
Try Instead: Barry M Genie Color Change Lip Paint
For less than half the price, watch your lips magically turn from green to a long-lasting shade of pink.
Aside from getting your shade-changing fix, this lip paint actually stays on for a solid eight hours!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Barry-Cosmetics-Genie-Colour-Change/dp/B00KOOXCNY”]Barry M Genie Color Change Lip Paint, $5.99 on Amazon[/link-button]
13. Handy Mixture Nylon & Boar Bristle Hair Brush by Mason Pearson
Finding the right hairbrush for your texture can give you a completely new look and also protect your hair’s health. But fear not; you don’t have to spend $150 to tame your unruly mane.
Try Instead: Wigo Cushion 100 Percent Boar Bristle Brush
Whatever your hair length (but especially for longer hair), WIGO’s bristles will give you that added smoothness.
Try it for an extra-sleek blowout on medium to thin strands.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Wigo-Cushion-100-Bristle-Brush/dp/B0089WSAFI”]Wigo Cushion 100% Boar Bristle Brush, $19.95 on Amazon[/link-button]
14. Clinique Almost Lipstick – Black Honey
There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a lipstick shade only to have it end up chapping your lips—it’s almost perfect, but not good enough. If you’re not thrilled with Clinique’s formula (or price, at around $20 per tube), we’ve found a smoother-looking alternative.
Try Instead: Oh Sugar! Tinted Lip Balm Soda
The name alone sounds yummy. Infused with grapeseed oil and avocado butter, it’s like therapy for your lips (no, not that kind—whatcha thinkin’?).
Get your favorite shade in a nourishing balm for only a fraction of the cost!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/COVERGIRL-Colorlicious-Sugar-Tinted-packaging/dp/B01CS5WCNM”]Oh Sugar! Tinted Lip Balm Soda, $5.39 on Amazon[/link-button]
15. Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade
Obsessed with those ultra-defined brows you see all over social media? We feel you. A good pomade can give you that dramatic flair, but make sure the texture doesn’t dry out.
Try Instead: Milani Stay Put Brow Color
Compared to DIPBROW’S $18 pomade, with Milani you get a creamy, waterproof texture that stays moist for longer.
Pro tip: Try it in dark brown for a more natural finish.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Milani-Color-Brunette-Ounce-Packaging/dp/B00ZTFXF8K”]Milani Stay Put Brow Color, $6.47 on Amazon[/link-button]
16. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner Liquid Eyeliner
When it comes to liquid liners, you want a pencil that’s not going to smudge or fade after applying. While Kat Von D works great for many, others have found it streakier than they’d like.
Try Instead: Rimmel London Color Precise Eyeliner
Create precise lines or thick dramatic looks with Rimmel’s sweat and humidity-proof pencil. The liner glides on smoothly and gives you a flawless look that won’t budge.
Pro tip: For smoldering, smokey eyes, Lanston suggests using an old black pencil liner after burning the pencil wax for three seconds.
“Let it cool and apply,” Langston says. “It stays on all day and [is] super dark.”
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/RIMMEL-LONDON-Color-Precise-Eyeliner/dp/B01N8PNE41″]Rimmel London Color Precise Eyeliner, $23.84 on Amazon[/link-button]
17. Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
We get it. You’ve heard the hype and find yourself tempted by the allure of avoiding makeup meltdown. But as it turns out, you can get the exact same value as All Nighter without dishing out $32.
Try Instead: Elf Makeup Mist & Set Spray
With just a few sprays, Elf’s refreshing formula (made with aloe, green tea, and cucumber) will give your makeup staying power and hydrate your skin. Just hold the bottle at arm’s length and lightly mist over your makeup.
Bonus: Elf’s cosmetics are all cruelty-free and vegan—so you can also feel good about wearing them.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/l-f-Makeup-Mist-Clear-Ounce/dp/B004X1QY20″]Elf Makeup Mist & Set Spray, from $7.99 on Amazon[/link-button]
18. Too Faced Born This Way Liquid Foundation
Unless you have ultra-dry skin, you might find Born This Way on the greasier (and orangey) side. No worries, though. If you’re on the hunt for a long-wear foundation that will give you more value for your buck, we’ve got you covered.
Try Instead: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15
More than anything, what you want is your skin to breathe and for any foundation to feel weightless or “barely there.” This ultra-silky formula will not only stay on for an astounding 16 hours, it won’t crease, and it will withstand humidity.
The foundation is also formulated without parabens or sulfates, and is ideal for normal to oily skin types. Well, I’m sold.
[link-button href=”https://www.sephora.com/product/skin-long-wear-weightless-foundation-spf-15-P427430?icid2%3Dproducts%2520grid:p427430:product”]Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Weightless Foundation, $46 from Sephora[/link-button]
19. Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kit
“Anything Kylie Jenner is a bit overrated,” Lanston says, “but I give her credit for living her best life.”
We agree! Lanston adds that we can easily find the same value (and a similar formula) while also paying less.
Try Instead: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick
Weightless and highly pigmented, this creamy lipstick gives you intense color without drying out your lips.
It’s also enriched with vitamin and avocado oil for added softness and hydration. We recommend pairing your smokey eyes with Stila’s nude Angelo shade.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/stila-Stay-Liquid-Lipstick-Patina/dp/B06W9F6PCX?th%3D1″]Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick, $22 on Amazon[/link-button]
20. Physicians Formula Powder Palette Mineral Glow Pearls
“Certain highlighting products with extreme high-beam power, like Physicians Formula Pearl—I believe—can make you look like a landing strip at night at an airport,” says Lanston. He recommends using more subtle highlighters you can build on, with lots of options for shades.
Try Instead: NYX Highlight & Contour Palette
After putting on your foundation, use the palette to enhance features like your cheekbones, nose, and jawline. First, apply the deeper (darker) powders to any spot you’d like to shade and define, and then add the lighter highlighting colors on areas to emphasize.
Pro tip: Use it for perfecting a dramatic brow.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/NYX-Professional-Highlight-Contour-Palette/dp/B00TKJO1RK”]NYX Highlight & Contour Palette, $17.39 on Amazon[/link-button]
Necessity is the mother of all invention, they say. Get ready to meet some of those inventions.
You know all those little annoyances that trip you up on a daily basis? In the kitchen, for example, you might struggle to cut up a pineapple. Next, you might realize that your dish sponge needs replacing. Later on, you might take a shower and notice that the soap bar has disintegrated into a slimy mess in your shower caddy.
These small problems can cause major issues. Say you have a great idea for a work project during that shower; that soap scum might drive it right out of your head for good. Small inconveniences like this add up, and they can become particularly paralyzing if you’re sick, injured, or tired.
Whether you want to buy a gift for a loved one or just make your own life a little easier, take a look at these small-time lifesavers. They aim to fix the small stuff before it turns into bigger stuff.
1. Wear your favorite stilettos without sinking into grass or getting stuck in cracks.
If you’ve ever worn heels to a garden party or an outdoor wedding, you’ll know that it’s tough to keep your shoes from sinking deep into the turf. These nifty inventions solve that problem by adding a wide base to the heel.
They’re made from clear rubber, so they’re totally invisible, and they fit on most stiletto heels. They protect your heels, too, preventing them from chipping on uneven sidewalks or cobblestones. Also, because these products increase the base of the heel, your shoes will become more stable—and thus much easier to walk in.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KGFOTMS”]GoGoHeel Stoppers Heel Protectors, $9.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
2. Replace your regular dish sponge with the power of pure silicone.
This silicone alternative to a standard dish sponge is textured so you can scrub cookware without scratching it. These “sponges” last longer than regular dish sponges, they won’t scratch non-stick cookware, and they can be cleaned easily.
Because silicone sponges don’t retain moisture, they don’t get smelly like their regular counterparts, and they’re also way more hygienic. Simply clean them every so often, then let them dry off.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076P3QZBD/”]KKTICK Silicone Sponges, $9.99 for 4 from Amazon[/link-button]
3. An adjustable rolling pin makes sure your dough will never be too thick or too thin again.
If you make pizzas or pastries with any frequency, you know it isn’t easy to accurately estimate the thickness of your dough. Many times, we’ve tried to measure cookie dough with a ruler only to discover that the dough was inconsistently thick or thin in some places.
This adjustable rolling pin has removable thickness rings, which means you can roll dough that is just thick enough and perfectly consistent. This set also comes with a pastry mat. Happy rolling!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079N462JL/”]Adjustable Rolling Pin With Thickness Rings, $15.95 from Amazon[/link-button]
4. Hold a book open with only one hand.
Cozying up with a book and a hot cup of tea sounds great—until you try to hold a big, heavy hardback open with a single hand. This handmade, wooden “personal book assistant” solves this problem once and for all.
It’s a great gift for book lovers. The PagePal allows you to hold a book wide open with only one hand. Slip it on your thumb and grasp the book at the spine. It’s a nifty tool if one hand is injured, or if you need to keep a hand free for that all-important hot chocolate.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014JTFHIW/”]PagePal Page Holder, $26.95 from Amazon[/link-button]
5. Never forget to pack essentials for a weekend away again.
This notepad has a checklist of everything you’d typically need to pack when you travel. It’s much easier than writing out your own list, and it can even be fun (if you’re the type of person who enjoys checking items off lists).
If you’re a forgetful person, relying on your own memory can be risky. This notepad has your back. It contains 60 pages per pad, and it makes a great gift for your jet-setting loved ones.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/1601061560/”]Knock Knock Pack This! Pad, $7.00 from Amazon[/link-button]
6. Save money by getting every last drop from that bottle of your favorite moisturizer.
We all try to get our money’s worth out of our favorite foundation and day cream by harvesting every last drop—but the bottles tend to have small necks, and most makeup brushes can’t reach the bottom.
That’s why this genius product is a must-have for all beauty products. It’s a little spatula that’s designed to get into your makeup bottles and scrape all of the contents out. It has a flexible handle, which allows you to use it on all sorts of small bottles.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0069VYSFM/”]Every Drop Beauty Spatula, $5.82 from Amazon[/link-button]
7. Remove stubborn odors from your hands with this stainless steel “soap.”
This sounds like a total gimmick, but for some reason, stainless steel “soap” is excellent at removing food odors from your hands. Rub it on your hands with or without warm water to get rid of stubborn smells.
This product is particularly good at removing the smell of garlic or onion from your hands, so it’s an excellent gift for the garlic-lover in your life. The magic has something to do with the chemical interaction between sulfur molecules and stainless steel, but if you ask us, it’s just a miracle!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H1AGCT4/”]Newness Stainless Steel Hand Odor Eliminator, $7.98 from Amazon[/link-button]
8. Sort through your bag easily, day or night.
Searching for the lip balm or your keys at the bottom of a large bag is an everyday struggle for some of us. You could always use the flashlight function on your phone to help you find the pen, change, or library card that you’re looking for, but that takes a surprising toll on your phone battery.
The solution? An attachable bag light. This one attaches to your bag strap and can be turned on and thrown in whenever you need it. Never get stuck rooting around in your purse again.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UBOPBO0/”]Kikkerland FL38 Silicone Purse Light, $2.94 from Amazon[/link-button]
9. Clean your makeup brushes thoroughly in half the time.
If you want healthy, clear skin, you’ve got to clean your makeup brushes properly. Unfortunately, though, it’s a time-consuming process. This hand-held electric makeup brush cleaner makes the job a breeze.
It attaches to your makeup brush and spins it around in a bowl of water, which means your brushes will be thoroughly clean in a few seconds. Even better, the same spinning action dries brushes quickly. No more waiting around for hours for your brushes to dry? We’ll take it.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Cleaner-Wloomm-Electric-Seconds-Cleaning/dp/B075GK4249/”]Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner, $13.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
10. Replace your cling wrap with a reusable alternative.
Cling wrap can be frustrating; it’s easy to tear, and it sticks to itself more often than it sticks to your leftovers dish. Even worse, the constant use of plastic to cover food isn’t great for the environment. Fortunately, a reusable, less-clingy alternative is available.
The wraps are made from cotton and covered with a mixture of beeswax and jojoba oil, which are natural antibacterial agents. They soften with the heat of your hands, so they’re easy to press into a nice seal over your jars and dishes. These reusable wraps are long-lasting and biodegradable, so they’re handy and environmentally-friendly.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CML8JKQ/”]Honeybee Organic Beeswax Wrap, $16.47 from Amazon[/link-button]
11. Keep your bag from rolling off the backseat with these headrest hooks.
If you don’t want your handbag or groceries to roll all over the back seat while you’re busy driving, invest in these hooks. These sturdy little devices attach to the headrest of a car and hold your bag up, making grocery runs a little easier.
This is a nifty gadget for road trips, too. It’s good for more than just groceries; try hanging snacks from them to keep the kids happy during long drives.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRSWW9V/”]Car Headrest Hooks, $7.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
12. Save space in your bag with a collapsible water bottle.
An ever-present water bottle makes a great reminder to stay hydrated, but when the bottle is empty, it simply takes up space in your bag.
Simply fold up these cleverly designed water bottles to save space. BPA-free and leak-proof, they’re perfect for avid hikers, students with overfull backpacks, or anyone who wants to increase their water intake.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Collapsible-Bottle-Sports-Outdoor/dp/B07CTFTYZX/”]Portable Collapsible Water Bottle, $6.89 from Amazon[/link-button]
13. Soothe your feet with this mini foot hammock.
If your feet tend to swell or if you’re nursing an injury, this product is a must-have for your office. It’s a miniature foot hammock that you attach to the bottom of your desk.
Because this hammock is adjustable, you can ensure that it’s just the right height for your feet. That’s perfect for those of us who are too short to reach most footrests. Buy one, put your feet up, and get some work done in style!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Geekfactory-Office-Stand-Hammock-Orange/dp/B00UAFH6HU/”]Geekfactory Mini Office Foot Rest, $8.96 from Amazon[/link-button]
14. Prevent your glasses from sliding down your nose.
As many glasses-wearers can attest, re-adjusting your glasses every two minutes is annoying AF. Here comes Nerdwax, a chapstick-like product that stops your glasses from slipping off your nose.
Clean your frames thoroughly, add wax to the nose rests, and stop messing with your spectacles for good. It’s a lifesaver if you have oily skin, if you live in a hot climate, or if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Nerdwax-Stop-Slipping-Glasses-Shark/dp/B00O0CK2UM/”]Nerdwax: The Original Glasses Wax, $10.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
15. Use this citrus spray gadget to make your own lemon or lime mist.
Lemon is a fantastic cleaning agent and a versatile addition to many meals, making this citrus sprayer a super useful tool. Instead of squeezing the citrus, harvesting the juice, and then adding it to a spray bottle, simply push this device into a lemon, squeeze the fruit a little, and get spraying!
You can use lemon spray to clean surfaces, add flavor to chicken, and give salads a refreshing kick. The sprayers can also be attached to oranges, limes, and grapefruit.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/sprayer-Extractor-Vegetables-Fashionable-BLUETOP/dp/B00QT758AK/”]2-Piece Lemon Sprayer Gadget Set, $5.89 from Amazon[/link-button]
16. Cut your pineapple perfectly with this nifty gadget.
Pineapples are a delicious snack, but cutting them is super labor-intensive. This kitchen gadget peels and cores the pineapple for you.
Just cut off the top of the pineapple, stick the slicer in the middle, and twist the end. This device is also rust-proof and easy to clean. No need to buy overpriced pre-cut pineapples for your next fruit salad!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Yesker-Silver-Stainless-Pineapple-Remover/dp/B00NU7YB1E/”]Yesker Silver Stainless Steel Pineapple Corer Peeler, $7.90 from Amazon[/link-button]
17. Never forget another one of your brilliant shower ideas.
The shower can be a great place to come up with new ideas, possibly because it’s such a relaxing, invigorating space. However, once you’ve toweled off and gotten dressed, you might find that you’ve totally forgotten your brilliant idea.
This waterproof notepad is specifically made to stick in your shower so that you can scribble away while you scrub up.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Notes-Water-Proof-Note/dp/B01AS5I0ZS/”]Aqua Notes Water Proof Note Pad, $8.80 from Amazon[/link-button]
18. Use notched kitchen tools that drip into the pot, not on the countertop.
If you’re cooking a big meal, mess is inevitable—but with these silicone utensils, you can avoid creating extra spillage.
These “lazy tools” can rest against the side of the pot without falling in. This is a great gift for those of us who hate the thought of dirtying yet another side plate.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Rachael-Ray-Piece-Silicone-Tools/dp/B01H3ERL7K/”]Rachael Ray 3 Piece Silicone Lazy Tools Set, $23.95 from Amazon[/link-button]
19. Drain chickpeas easily with this mini-colander.
When recipes call for you to rinse and drain canned goods, whip this cool invention out. It’s a tiny colander that fits over a can so that you can drain and rinse your ingredients without spilling anything—or dirtying more dishes.
Pro tip: The liquid in chickpea cans, known as aquafaba, is a versatile vegan ingredient, so don’t throw it away!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00448JNH0/”]Prepworks by Progressive Can Colander, $3.49 from Amazon[/link-button]
20. Use this space-saving clip-on colander for bigger dishes.
This silicone strainer is a must-have for people with limited shelf space. Since it’s made of silicone, it’s flexible enough to attach to large and small pots alike.
The strainer even works with pots that have a lip. It’s totally dishwasher safe, and it’s made from super-durable materials.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018W9JII0/”]Kitchen Gizmo Snap ‘N Strain Strainer, $8.10 from Amazon[/link-button]
21. Wake up with the sun thanks to a sunrise-simulating alarm clock.
Being woken up by a shrill alarm can get your day off to a bad start. This nifty alternative uses lighting and ambient noise to help you wake up on the right side of the bed.
The alarm clock simulates the sunrise, triggering your body’s built-in clock to help you feel awake. It can also wake you up with various ambient noises and natural sounds, and you can use it as a mood light with a whole range of colors. Never before has the thought of using an alarm clock been so exciting!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Sunrise-Alarm-Clock-Bedrooms-Simulation/dp/B07G2YH8MJ/”]Sunrise Alarm Clock, $38.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
22. Keep your toilet fresh with this ingenious spray.
Sharing a bathroom isn’t fun. Neither is using a public toilet. Many people rave about this spray’s abilities to mask smells before they even happen.
As the name suggests, you simply use the toilet spray before you, er, go, and relax knowing that no one else will even suspect you were in there.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Poo-Pourri-Before-You-Go-Toilet-Tropical-Hibiscus/dp/B01BVWUQ7W/ref=asc_df_B01BVWUQ7W/”]Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray, $11.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
23. Create extra space in your room with these bed risers.
If you’re looking to maximize the space in your bedroom, storing items underneath the bed is the way to go. If your bed is too low to fit anything under it, though, you’ve got a problem. These bed risers are the solution.
These nifty little things lift your bed up enough for you to fit boxes, suitcases, and any unsightly clutter underneath it. They’re made out of durable plastic, so you don’t have to worry about your bed collapsing in the middle of the night.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073T79CBC/”]DuraCasa Bed Risers, $29.97 for a set of 8 from Amazon[/link-button]
24. Give yourself a glorious scalp massage with this nifty brush.
The best part of going to the hair salon is having someone massage your scalp while they shampoo your hair. This cleverly designed brush lets you give yourself a soothing massage from the comfort of your own shower.
The device fits comfortably in your own hand and gently vibrates as you massage your scalp. It’s designed so that it doesn’t tangle and break your hair. Pure bliss.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O5VOOHU/”]Vitagoods Scalp Massaging Shampoo Brush, $15.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
25. Never spill nail polish again.
Painting your nails without using a flat surface is an extreme sport. This smart nail polish bottle holder fits like a ring over your fingers and keeps the nail polish bottle upright, freeing up your hands for painting.
This container fits any average-sized nail polish bottle. This means you can easily paint your nails while sitting on the couch or even sitting passenger in a car, if you’re extra-brave.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/tweexy-Original-Wearable-Polish-Bottle/dp/B0779K4PTH/”]Tweexy Wearable Nail Polish Bottle Holder, $14.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
26. Clean your blinds with this fantastic gadget.
Any tool that makes spring cleaning easier is worth it in our not-so-humble opinion! This duster is designed to clean Venetian blinds. It’s also great for getting into those hard-to-reach air conditioner slats.
Included microfiber sleeves can be removed for cleaning. It also comes with four extra sleeves for when you want to replace them.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Hiware-Window-Cleaner-Microfiber-Sleeves/dp/B076SLXGNF/”]Hiware Window Blind Cleaner Duster Brush, $7.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
27. Use a gadget to gently remove bugs from your home without hurting them.
With the possible exception of mosquitos, many of us want to avoid hurting bugs as much as possible. That said, we’re not exactly keen on scooping them into our own hands to take them outside.
This is a clever alternative. It’s an insect catcher that gently picks up little critters while letting you maintain a safe distance from them. It holds the bugs and lets you release them outside, so they won’t be hurt and you won’t be terrified. Win-win!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/My-Critter-Catcher-Spider-Insect/dp/B0192MB5RS/”]My Critter Catcher Spider & Insect Catcher, $19.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
28. Fold your clothes neatly with a handy-dandy folding board.
Folding your shirts properly is a great way to save space in your closet and increase the longevity of your clothes. Use this simple shirt-folding board to help you fold garments quickly and neatly.
This device could be particularly useful for helping messy kids and teenagers sort out their closets. No more rummaging through untidy shelves and drawers!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075ZR46D2/”]BoxLegend V3 Shirt Folding Board, $25.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
29. Make meal prep easier by using a sandwich bag rack.
Have you ever tried to hold a Ziploc bag open and pour liquid from a heavy pot at the same time? If so, you know what a mess that can make.
These bag racks cleverly hold sandwich bags open and upright, freeing up your hands so you can pour soup or sauce without spilling any liquid. This gadget also makes it easier to transfer shredded cheese, legumes, or small snacks into sandwich bags.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073BN31G5/”]Sandwich Bag Racks, $4.99 for 6 from Amazon[/link-button]
30. Prevent soap from getting all soggy with this soap saver.
Most soap holders turn into a soggy scum bath after a few uses. Yuck.
Increase the longevity of your soap by using this soap holder, which is cleverly designed so that excess water will run out and into the sink. This can also be used for solid shampoos and conditioners.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Idea-Works-Waterfall-Soap-Saver/dp/B004MYF7XU/”]Idea Works Waterfall Soap Saver, $6.00 from Amazon[/link-button]
31. Clean your microwave without scrubbing it.
The inside of your microwave can accumulate gunk unbelievably quickly, and cleaning it can be, in a word, nasty. This microwave cleaner uses the power of steam to loosen up food splatters.
Simply add water and vinegar to this little gadget, pop it in your microwave for about seven minutes, and wipe the inside of the microwave. That’s effortless cleaning!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Angry-Mama-Microwave-Minutes%E2%80%A2Kitchen-Tool%E2%80%A2Vinegar/dp/B01MZ9GLVL/”]Angry Mama Steam Microwave Cleaner, $9.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
32. Protect your skin from dry winter air.
The cold winter air can dry out your skin, hair, and sinuses. When the weather starts to turn, invest in an air humidifier to counteract the drying effects of cold air and heaters alike.
This air humidifier is small enough to take it to the office or on holiday, and it’s ideal for humidifying small spaces. It attaches to the top of any water bottle, making it super convenient to use. It’s a total lifesaver if you have hayfever or if you tend to have sinus problems in the winter.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/DZT1968%C2%AE-Portable-Humidifier-Essential-Aromatherapy/dp/B0171J0JQ2/”]DZT1968® Cowboy Cap USB Mini Portable Humidifier, $6.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
33. Extend the life of your veggies by using a refrigerator liner.
Food waste is bad for the environment and your budget, but it’s not always easy to plan meals around the shelf life of your vegetables. This liner fits neatly into your veggie drawer or on a shelf in the fridge, giving your greens a bit of extra time.
This device allows air to circulate around the veggie drawer and prevents moisture from pooling in your refrigerator. This keeps your fruits and vegetables fresher for longer. Never deal with the disappointment of a soggy, smelly carrot again!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076T3RLJ6/”]Dualplex Fruit & Veggie Life Extender Liner, $8.99 for 6 from Amazon[/link-button]
34. Fall asleep with these comfortable headphones.
If you like falling asleep while listening to music or ASMR videos, you probably know sleep and conventional earphones are a bad combination. Your earphones might fall out, and the cord might tickle you awake.
These headphones are designed to be comfortable enough to fall asleep with them in. It’s basically a headband and ear cozy with built-in speakers. They can also be used during exercise or meditation.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HYJ8Z9M/”]CozyPhones Sleep Headphones, $17.97 from Amazon[/link-button]
35. Remove all your makeup with just one wipe.
If you have sensitive skin, you probably know that makeup removal can leave you all red and blotchy. Of course, removing your makeup is essential for keeping your skin healthy and blemish-free. You have to do it.
This makeup-removing cloth has become quite popular with makeup artists, beauty vloggers, and cosmetic enthusiasts alike—and for good reason. It removes makeup effectively and quickly without harming your skin. You only need to add water—no cleansers—so it’s ideal for sensitive skin. The texture of the cloth is also super soft, so it won’t irritate your face.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Makeup-Eraser-602003976353-Pink/dp/B012TVK2RI/”]The MakeUp Eraser, $33.20 from Amazon[/link-button]
36. Keep soda fresher for longer.
If you seldom finish a can of soda in one sitting, these can lids are fantastic. When you leave an open can in the fridge, your soda will go flat or absorb smells from other foods, which is gross.
These lids can be fitted onto open soda cans to prevent contents from losing fizz. They’re also useful for picnics, as they prevent bugs from getting inside the soda cans.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Soda-Can-Lids-Assorted/dp/B01CUNJ3U2/”]Premium Soda Can Lids, $10.95 for 8 from Amazon[/link-button]
37. Indulge in avocado toast without hurting yourself.
Avocado hand is a legitimate injury that’s all too common among us avocado fanatics. You’re trying to remove the pit, and you miss, cutting yourself in the process. Instead of digging around for the stone with a knife, play it safe and invest in this handy tool.
This nifty avocado slicer allows you to remove the stone and slice the flesh perfectly—and safely. After all, guacamole is best served with a squeeze of lemon, not a spritz of blood.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Avocado-Slicer-Green/dp/B0088LR592/”]OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer, $9.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
38. Keep your phone germ- and smudge-free.
We know our phones are full of germs: We put them on all sorts of dirty surfaces, constantly touch them, and keep them in our dirty handbags. Even so, we still put them on our faces when we make calls. Gross.
This liquid-free cleaner offers a solution. It removes dirt, oil, and other substances (gross) from your phone’s surface without damaging your screen. It’s reusable, easy to clean, and simple to use.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/iROLLER-Touchscreen-Smartphones-Immediately-Incredibly/dp/B00BX1AOVA/”]iRoller Reusable Liquid Free Touchscreen Cleaner, $19.70 from Amazon[/link-button]
39. Use non-slip velvet hangers to keep your wardrobe tidy.
What’s the point of adding velvet to your clothes hangers? Well, ask yourself this: Have you ever reached for your favorite shirt only to realize that it’s resting somewhere at the bottom of your closet?
Velvet grips your clothing to keep it in place, and because these hangers are relatively thin, you can easily fit more clothing into a small amount of space. Nobody needs a floordrobe; pick up a pack of these, and you’re well on your way to a more organized closet.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Velvet-Suit-Hangers-50-Pack/dp/B00FXNABPI/”]AmazonBasics Velvet Suit Hangers (30-Pack), $14.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
40. Up your taco game with these useful taco stands.
These taco stands by California Home Goods hold your shells for easy, quick filling. You’ll be making tacos like a pro—whatever that means—and since the stands hold your food upright, you’ll keep your hands clean in the process. These stainless steel stands are dishwasher friendly and oven safe; each piece holds three tacos.
They’re ideal for the grill, and if you make your own homemade tortillas, they’re pretty much essential. These will serve you well next Taco Tuesday (and Wednesday, and Thursday, and Friday).
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Stylish-Stainless-Dishwasher-California/dp/B072PT5LP7/”]Stylish Stainless Steel Taco Holder Stand, $23.95[/link-button]
41. Keep your coffee or tea warmer for longer.
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a hot mug of your favorite coffee (or tea, or hot chocolate, or whatever else you prefer to savor when the seasons start to change). Unfortunately, hot drinks tend to cool down rather quickly, particularly when your boss calls a surprise meeting right after you’ve returned from the break room.
Fortunately for us, some genius invented a mug warmer, which keeps your beverage moderately toasty until you’re ready to drink it again. Granted, it’s not perfect—eventually, your cup will still cool off—but it should give you a few extra minutes of satisfying warmth on those chilly autumn mornings.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Bellemain-Desktop-Mug-Warmer-Scented/dp/B06X6BZH1Q/”]Bellemain Desktop Mug Warmer, $10.00 from Amazon[/link-button]
Out of Office is a regular feature of brands we love—and we think you will too! Each of the brands we highlight must meet three criteria: 1) have a woman in charge; 2) create sustainably, responsibly, and thoughtfully; and 3) fit in with the lives we’re actually living. Read on to find out more about this week’s brand, the lady behind it all, and the advice she has for women everywhere.
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It happens all the time. You walk into a store and it just doesn’t seem like anything is your style, so you leave empty-handed. And if your style or size doesn’t happen to fit into the neat little boxes of women’s fashion (as deemed by the glossies), you likely struggle even more.
That’s exactly what happened in 2010 when Emma Mcilroy, co-founder and CEO of Wildfang, was on the hunt for a bold graphic tee. When nothing in the women’s department was working, she headed to the men’s section, where she found a great shirt with a suggestive pic of Kate Moss on it. She was in love! And then she realized it wouldn’t fit her.
“Ems, why don’t they make this shit for us?” her friend implored. And Emma said, “Jules, why don’t we start a clothing company that allows women to wear whatever the hell they want?” And her friend said, “Yeah, maybe,” which was enough. So they decided to make that shit for them (them meaning all women). And they called it Wildfang.
Wildfang is German for “tomboy.” In an interview with Racked when Wildfang first started, Emma explained that for herself and co-founders Julia Parsley and Taralyn Thuot, tomboy “stands for a real fun-loving, cheeky, carefree, positive, bold girl that I think many of us aspire to be when we’re at our best,” and “sums up, loosely, that menswear-inspired vibe that we’re going after.” Wildfang wants to empower women by “smashing gender roles” through the clothing they sell.
With the recent widespread resurgence of feminist sentiment the internet over, Wildfang has continued to ride the wave and do what they’ve always done: design cool shit for women. Wildfang makes their own clothing and also acts as a boutique for other badass brands. They’re inclusive in their sizing too, making sure that their stuff isn’t just for the slimmer figures of the world.
Their presence in the space has given them a political voice as well. Emma said in a Forbes article: “I never intended Wildfang to be political—but then I also never intended it to be political to be a woman.” Wildfang doesn’t just make statement tees and yell into an echo chamber; they also make tangible change by donating to causes they feel passionate about.
They made major headlines when they produced the “I Really Care, Don’t U?” jacket in response to Melania Trump’s jacket fiasco. Rather than just criticize Melania’s (ridiculous) choice to wear her “I Really Don’t Care, Do U?” jacket while visiting detained immigrant children, Wildfang created their own spin as a t-shirt with the goal to raise $100,000 for RAICES, a non-profit that provides immigrants and refugees with legal aid and services. (In the end, they raised $250K.)
In addition, Wildfang has donated $100,000 to save the last abortion clinic in South Dakota and $75,000 to Planned Parenthood, ACLU, and Tegan and Sara Foundation, among others. Proceeds from their “Wild Feminist” collection also give back to a different charity each month. That’s some serious coin going to those incredibly important causes.
Wildfang is about more than selling a style of clothing missing from the mainstream fashion market. They empower women with clothing to feel their best, most confident, most authentic self, and they use their pieces to make statements. As Emma said in one interview, “Fashion has been historically a very political way to express our views.” It’s clear that Wildfang takes that seriously.
HealthyWay’s Picks From Wildfang
Where to even begin? (Seriously, they have a ton of stuff and it’s all so frickin’ cool. So picking out my faves was a toughy.) I decided to limit myself to things just made by Wildfang, but they also sell pieces from brands like RVCA, Hips & Hair, and Bridge & Burn.
I’m pretty reserved when it comes to fashion: I tend to dress in neutrals with clean lines and few patterns. And yet this shirt exists. The Ultimate WF Cat Button Up is truly incredible and I only lament that I didn’t find it sooner.
And now I’m back to my regularly scheduled programming with this black on black Wild Feminist tee. I love how it’s subtle but still carries a strong message for those who choose to pay attention. That’s probably a metaphor for something.
The Wild Feminist crop pants are too damn cool. I didn’t realize until I inspected closely that the grid print is actually made up of text that says “Wild Feminist” over and over. Brilliant! That’s a pattern I can get down with.
You better believe that I’ll be outfitting my daughter in this kids tee. She’s all about girl power, so this is the perfect shirt for her to wear as she heads into first grade this fall.
And finally, I had to include these Wild Feminist sparkle pens. (I’m a pen and planner addict.) When something as simple as a pen can share a message and it has sparkles, I am all over it.
Q+A With Emma Mcilroy
What’s your why behind the brand? What inspired you to start your company?
My best friend and I were shopping in the men’s department at a local clothing store—I was shopping for a bold, provocative graphic tee—which you never find in women’s section. Everything there is always floral and bohemian. My best friend wanted a cool blazer and found one she loved in the men’s department but it was way too big for her. That got us thinking—why are there certain styles you aren’t allowed to wear because of your gender? Why are women restricted from buying certain styles? So we decided to change that. We decided to start a company that allows women to express themselves however the hell they want.
Walk us through your typical work day.
There is no typical day! I’ll give you an example of how yesterday went—started at 8:30 a.m. with a four-hour offsite with my eCommerce team to do a SWOT analysis of our website and plan our web development roadmap for fall 2018. Immediately after that, I had an HR meeting with a staff member about promoting them into a new role. Next I did a quick interview for a radio station. I then met with our Amazon consultant to brainstorm ways to grow our Amazon business and set sales forecast for rest of 2018.
My day in the office ended with a review of the creative direction for H1 2019—reviewing the key trends, colors, materials for the spring and summer seasons. I finally got an hour to do emails and grab food before I headed over to our Free Speech event at our store. I’m the host and the event is phenomenal. I got home around 10 p.m.
What’s up next for your company?
We’re actually getting ready to open an LA location this fall, are giving back TONS of money ($250K) to RAICES from our “I Really Care” collection in response to Melania Trump’s “I Really Don’t Care Jacket,” and getting ready to release some killer suits for fall.
We are also working really hard on our product right now to improve the fit and the quality but also expand the sizing range so more women can access it. Our new suiting goes up to size 20 and we’re psyched about how awesome it looks. The long-term goal is to be her favorite brand and make a huge impact on our community.
If you had to pick just one of your pieces as your favorite, which would it be and why?
It would be the Wild Feminist tee. That shirt always makes me feel bolder and braver. I wear it when I need a little confidence boost.
Five-Minute Mentor Session
What’s your best advice for our readers?
Surround yourself with only the best people who 100 percent share your vision. If you can build great teams with shared vision you will ALWAYS win. You need a #yeahmaybe crew.
What’s your favorite way to practice self-care?
By turning off my phone. Emails and social media create stress and distraction. When my phone is off, my mind clears.
Balance or harmony?
Balance.
How do you define wellness?
Wellness applies to body, mind, and emotional health. All three have to work together. When one is damaged they all suffer. Wellness is connected to balance and regeneration for me. I try to make room for both.
What book do you think all women need to read?
I don’t know if there’s one book, but The Untethered Soul really helped me. It’s all about letting go. I also loved Peace Pilgrim. Both changed my life.
Pick your fuel of choice: Coffee, tea, or something else?
Black tea, ideally an Assam
What’s your ideal day off of work?
Going to the Oregon Coast with my wife. I love the sea so much.
What was your first job?
I had two: working in my dad’s shop and also being a bartender at local social club.
What has been your biggest obstacle in building your company and how did you overcome it?
People. It’s always about motivating and identifying a team. I never settle for anything less than the best for a role. And I never settle for someone who is not a cultural fit. Get the people right and you get everything else right.
How do you stay motivated?
Our mission and our customers keep me motivated. They are why we get up every day and work hard.
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Shop Wildfang on their website and check out their Instagram.
This week’s Healthy Her Way feature needs no introduction—but we’re going to try our best to put into words just how incredible this woman truly is. With 1.3 million followers (and counting) on Instagram, Kelsey Wells definitely knows how to inspire and empower people across the world—and we can’t help but fangirl over this talented mama.
When our editorial team first sat down at HealthyWay HQ to discuss who our biggest sources of motivation were in the fitness scene, one name was spoken by almost every single woman in the room. “Kelsey Wells! I follow her workouts all the time!” and “I love her posts on Instagram, she keeps it so real!” were some of the excited comments shared amongst our team.
One can’t help but wonder if Kelsey ever envisioned just how much her postpartum fitness journey would motivate people she’s never met. But that’s exactly what has transpired since Kelsey began to share her story just a few years ago.
Shortly after giving birth to her son, Anderson, about four years ago, Kelsey’s doctor recommended exercise to help her combat postpartum anxiety. Prior to this point in time, proper nutrition and regular exercise were not priorities in Kelsey’s daily life, but she knew she needed to make changes in order to learn to love herself again and appreciate her body.
In an Instagram post, Kelsey shared that she struggled with her fitness journey at first and fell off track a few times (it happens to the best of us), but she didn’t let that stop her hustle.
“There is no secret to my transformation. There is simply four years of hard work and consistency. Of trying and failing and learning and pushing forward. You don’t need hours in a gym or extreme diets. You need a healthy mindset and to never give up on yourself,” she wrote.
Kelsey’s message of perseverance and self-love is so important, and we admire how she uses her platform to share these motivational messages with those who may need to hear these words the most.
With her family, friends, and husband Ryan in her corner, Kelsey has created an extremely supportive community of women who want to prioritize exercise and a positive mindset in their daily lives. As a SWEAT trainer and the creator of the PWR workout programs, Kelsey provides something for everyone, regardless of where you are on your fitness journey. She even has crafted workouts for fellow mothers in all stages of pregnancy and postpartum fitness.
The more we get to know the woman behind the workouts, the more we’re in awe of all that Kelsey has accomplished in such a short amount of time. We couldn’t be more honored to share this feature with our readers and can’t wait to see what else Kelsey will accomplish in the years to come.
A Day in the Life
What does your daily routine look like?
Anderson wakes me up at 6 a.m. ready to start the day. He’s the best alarm clock.
Then meditation: Five minutes of focus or inspirational talks every morning. This helps me to center myself and mentally prepare for the day ahead.
Skin care: I wash my face every morning and hydrate my skin with moisturiser. I make sure I moisturise my entire body.
Breakfast: Usually scrambled egg whites and vegetables or greek yogurt with honey and berries.
Get dressed for the day ahead: I liked to get dressed for the day pretty early on; this helps to set the tone of the day
11:30 to 12:30 p.m.: This is my time to get my workout in.
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.: I create all of my social content while at the gym.
1:30 to 5 p.m.: Afternoons are my hours to work on program development, creating more content, writing posts, responding to emails, and meetings with my team.
What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?
I take a very holistic approach to self-care. I always try and view my body from a place of positivity and appreciation. This helps me to prioritize my exercise and incorporate the right foods into my day—because I deserve to take care of my body.
The ways in which I practice self-care are through:
- Daily exercise, whether it be my PWR program, a hike, or chasing Anderson around the house. Being active and taking care of my body is important for not only my physical health but, more importantly, my mental health.
- Consuming a balanced diet: Fueling my body with nutrient-rich foods gives me the energy to take on my day.
- Meditation: Daily meditation helps me to center myself and mentally prepare myself to achieve everything I need to throughout the day.
How do you stay inspired?
I practice what I preach—I want to be happy and healthy and have a quality life with my family.
The women in my community also inspire me every day. They are the reason I do what I do. I found my true passion in fitness and truly have my dream job!
Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.
Loving Lately…
What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?
- Recently I’ve discovered freezing my grapes. It makes for a great summer time snack.
- APLs: They are an excellent cross training shoe and perfect for my PWR workouts.
- Starbucks’ reusable iced coffee tumbler with double insulation: They’ve changed my life!
What are your favorite apps?
- Sweat app
- Bedtime function within the clock app on Apple phones
Whose Instagram is on your radar? #squadgoals #gramlove #hashtag
I love following the journeys of my community by looking at the #PWR, #PWRprogram and #KelseyWellsPWR hashtags. Their achievements inspire me to continue to work hard as a SWEAT trainer.
What’s your go-to healthy snack?
For me, one of the biggest keys to eating healthy is making sure that I never let myself get too hungry. I try to eat every two to three hours. I have a few go-to snacks that I keep on hand, which include homemade protein balls and raw veggies and fresh fruit.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to?
I’m currently re-reading You are a Badass by Jen Sincero. I love listening to or reading anything motivational. My favorite movie is The Greatest Showman—I also love the soundtrack.
Kelsey IRL
What is your bucket list travel destination?
Tahiti
What woman in history would you love to take to brunch?
I would love to go to brunch with Rosa Parks!
What are you really great at (that might embarrass you to admit)?
My dancing skills aren’t too shabby. You may have recently seen an Instagram story where I was attempting to “floss”—pretty successfully if I might add 😉
What piece of advice has impacted you the most?
A good friend told me that what people think of you is none of your business, meaning you can’t control how you are perceived so live true to yourself, be a genuine person, and don’t let the opinions of others tear you down!
To follow along with Kelsey as she navigates motherhood and continues to change lives with her fitness content, be sure to follow her on Instagram and download the SWEAT app.
Thanks to the infamous “freshman 15” and living away from home for the first time, college can be a hard place to eat healthy and stay fit. But that’s not the case for 18-year-old food and wellness blogger Kira Bernhard, and her accomplishments in the health and wellness world are a solid source of fitness inspo.
Kira’s relationship with food and fitness has never been perfect. During her sophomore year of high school, her eating and exercise tendencies slowly morphed into obsessions. By the time she started visiting the United States (from Thailand, where she grew up) for college visits, her fixations on food had turned into orthorexia—an obsession with healthy eating. Her parents got her the help she needed, and thankfully, she took it, knowing she needed guidance to get back on track toward a healthy body and mind.
But she never cowered in the face of her struggles. In fact, the loneliness of her experience is what inspired her to turn her hobby of healthy food blogging into a supportive community for people in the same boat. “Being able to connect with people became my mission. I want to make people feel like they are not alone,” she said during an interview for Brains Behind the Brand podcast.
Kira recently moved to Florida from Thailand to study biochemistry, and she’s currently doing an internship in Boston. On Instagram, she shared that the transition to the United States was a tough one filled with culture shock, loss of confidence, and loneliness. And with all of her family back home in Bangkok, Kira definitely feels homesick. But she battles that loneliness with the comfort she gets from her followers and the community that she has built: “It’s honestly hard to see everyone with their families and know that I can’t be with mine, but they and this community make me feel loved on the daily … so I’m focusing on that to make today positive,” she said in a post in April.
Kira’s social accounts are filled with beautiful photos of the delicious meals she’s made and those she’s discovered while exploring new cafes in new cities. (Not all of her meals are green, though—she makes sure to balance the savory with the sweet!) Plus, each post is accompanied by uplifting advice and tidbits about her day, giving us all the feeling that we’re a lot more similar to this healthy food guru than we’d initially think.
In addition to sharing posts with the 18,000 followers she’s amassed on Instagram, Kira also turns to her blog, Spoonful Delight, to share more in-depth stories, advice, tips, and recipes that just don’t fit on the ’gram. Almost every one of her posts captures the joy Kira finds in her passion for food. Her words, perfect usage of emojis 💖, and her ear-to-ear grin in her selfies all underscore the love she has for what she does.
It’s truly inspiring to see that kind of fire in someone so young. Keep that fire burning, Kira—not only for us, but for yourself as well. We can’t wait to see where you go in life.
A Day in the Life
What does your daily routine look like?
My routine changes with the season, so I’ll share my current daily routine as an intern who works remotely on most days of the week.
My mornings start off by waking up and downing a warm glass of water. Then I check any notifications on my phone before heading to a workout. As I’m interning in a new city, Boston, I’ve been finding free classes to join for workouts—HIIT, yoga, barre, boxing—or I’ll go to one of Boston’s many scenic running routes. I follow up my workouts with my favorite breakfast, CCE—collagen, cauliflower, egg white—oats, and then start my work for two hours. Lunch is either something homemade, or I like to scout healthy restaurants in Boston. Afternoons vary, but I’ve been enjoying walking around Boston and seeing what the city has to offer. I then come home for dinner before another two hours of work. Once that’s done, I wind down by getting my stuff ready for the next day, and then I head to bed.
What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?
I practice self-care in the simplest ways: reading, unplugging from social media, sleeping, and taking walks. If I were back home in Thailand, getting a massage would’ve definitely been in the mix!
Self-care really doesn’t have to be as expensive, complicated, or fancy as it can come across.
How do you stay inspired?
I stay inspired by traveling. I believe that the more you see the world, the more you experience, and the more ideas you get.
Loving Lately…
What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?
Montezuma’s 100% Cocoa Solids Dark Chocolate Absolute Black with Cocoa Nibs, Qrunch Organics’ Quinoa Burgers
What are your favorite apps?
Reminders, Maps, Google Calendar, Snapseed
Whose Instagram is on your radar?
Alexis Joseph (@hummusapien)! Everything from food, lifestyle, business, to fashion!
What’s your go-to healthy snack?
Lightly salted brown rice cakes with avocado, egg, alfalfa sprouts, and Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning.
Kira IRL
What is your bucket list travel destination?
Australia, Greece, Spain, France, Hawaii, (back to) Bali, (back to) Italy, (back to) Japan
What superpower would you like to have?
I’d want to be able to stop and fast forward time, so I can have more hours in a day and get through any dreaded ones.
Would you rather explore space or the ocean? Why?
The ocean. I would feel too lonely being alone in empty space with not much to look at, and I’d feel cramped and restricted in an astronaut suit.
What’s your coffee order?
I don’t drink coffee, but I like matcha! Although I usually get plain, hot matcha, I’ve been loving iced matcha lattes with oat or coconut milk from Cha Cha Matcha in NYC!
To become a part of Kira’s loving community, check out her Instagram and Spoonful Delight.
If you want to know why we’re crushing on Jessica “Jess” Pack, look no further than her book title: Planking for Pizza: The No BS Guide to Getting Fit and Reaching Your Body Goals. Here at HealthyWay HQ, we do love pizza. More importantly, we love to prioritize fitness, reaching goals, and, of course, a BS-free life.
Jess’ health and fitness journey all started with her self-diagnosed “quarter-life crisis,” and girl…we’ve all been there (some of us more than once). For Jess, this quarter-life crisis soon led to what she calls her “butterfly moment,” when she took ownership of her life and began actively working toward transforming herself for the better.
You’re probably wondering how exactly she did that. Jess experimented with different exercise routines and diets to find what made her feel good inside and also made the decision to go to therapy to work on her mental health. This period of self-reflection led to lifestyle changes that resulted in a new life filled with self-discovery. Lucky for her social media followers, Jess began to document her journey, and thus, Planking For Pizza was born. Since then, Jess and her brand have grown and evolved, and her followers have gotten to see it all—from the struggles to the successes. It’s an ongoing journey, but Jess has recognized that you have to approach health from all angles: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Jess’ huge following is no surprise. She’s incredibly relatable and knows how to speak to the average woman. She works a nine-to-five job. So do we. She’s had moments of doubt. Same. She rushes to get out the door in the morning. We don’t all get up with sun. She’s gotten stuck in a rut. Everyone’s got to switch it up once in a while. She orders a trenta at Starbucks. Uh, we have a cold brew keg at HealthyWay HQ.
We could go on, but you get the idea.
Most importantly though, Jess helps others find the same self-love and confidence she once struggled to find herself. She wants women to feel good in their bodies, no matter where they are in their wellness journey, and she is proud to embody the belief that you don’t have to look a certain way to find happiness and health. Nourish—that’s Jess’ advice for success. Nourish your body, but also your mind, heart, and soul. Jess recognizes that’s not always easy. Her Instagram posts are very open about the natural ups and downs of finding health, happiness, and self-confidence. She’s not shy when she’s struggling, but she’s learned how to put things in perspective and tries to help her followers do the same. Currently Jess has been getting into weightlifting and has even created an 8-week program for beginners. She’s “empowering women to build confidence in the weight room,” and we’re here for it!
In the social media world, where filters and strategic posing often blur reality, Jess’ candor provides a much-needed breath of fresh air on the ’gram. She might not have intended to become a #fitspo influencer, but we’re sure glad she did.
A Day in the Life
What does your daily routine look like?
A typical day for me starts at 8 a.m. as I am rushing out of bed to get ready, take care of my dog and cat, and be out the door by 8:20 a.m. so I can be at work by 8:30 a.m. I work a desk job and am there from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Spending 40+ hours in a sedentary state always has me craving a good sweat sesh. So after work, I go to the gym for my powerlifting training and am there for about an hour to hour and a half. I get home around 8 to 8:30 p.m., shower, eat, play with the fur babies, and then hustle until about midnight working on my passion projects. Go to sleep. Wake up. Repeat.
What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?
I am currently working really hard on some passion projects that occupy all my free time. It can be hard, and I don’t always feel like I have a good life balance, but I know it will be worth it for the reward of living my dream life. So self-care for me is being gentle on myself when I don’t accomplish all that’s on my to-do list. It is allowing myself flexibility to go with the flow and not always be in hustle mode. It is allowing time with friends or giving myself a Saturday to do absolutely nothing.
How do you stay inspired?
We live in a content-consumer world, so I find when I consume too much content from others, it bogs me down and makes me feel inadequate. So for me, inspiration comes from shutting down from social media and allowing myself to get lost in my own thoughts and inviting space to just be with myself. I often do a lot of brain dumps and brainstorm ideas with good friends and just let all my thoughts and ideas flow. Sometimes they become something, or other times I leave them to come back to at a later time when I am ready to invest more time and energy into developing an idea.
Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.
Loving Lately…
What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?
I recently got into essential oils! I love diffusing them at night to help me unwind and relax.
What are your favorite apps?
Instagram, Audible, Asana, Over, Unfold
Whose Instagram is on your radar? #squadgoals #gramlove #hashtag
Katie Crewe will forever and always be someone I look up to for her drive, dedication, inner and outer strength, and beauty!
What’s your go-to healthy snack?
I love just-cut-up veggies and hummus or plain Fage yogurt with fruit and almond butter.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to?
Reading: Crushing It, Unfu*k Yourself, The War of Art
Listening: Novo Amor, The Receiving End of Sirens, Freya Ridings, Rob Bailey & the Hustle Standard, Breaking Benjamin, SMYL, “Everything is Love” by the Carters
Jess IRL
What is your bucket list travel destination?
Bali!
What woman in history would you love to take to brunch?
My great grandma! She was locally famous for her hellion nature—always fighting for what was right—and everything I have heard about her is everything I aspire to be!
What’s your coffee order?
Trenta iced coffee with toffee nut 🖤
Sometimes I add cream, but most of the time I drink it black.
What piece of advice has impacted you the most?
“Treat others the way you want to be treated,” and “Say what you mean, but don’t say it mean.”
Whether you’re interested in learning how to lift or just looking for some down-to-earth words of encouragement, we recommend taking a look at Jess’ website and Instagram.
“Maybe she’s born with it.”
That’s the tagline of a popular cosmetic line, which we won’t mention here—okay, fine, it’s Maybelline—and a reference to the timeless appeal of beautiful, natural skin. Dig a little deeper, though, and there’s an assumption within the tagline: Our genes control our skin’s appearance.
That’s partly true, but of course, it’s a lot more complicated than that. We decided to look into the science of skin genetics—with special attention to products that claim to leverage the power of genetics to slow down the aging process.
When people discuss “aging” and “skin,” they’re really talking about something else.
Admit it: When you think about aging and skin, you think about wrinkles. They’re arguably aging’s most visible sign, and for the most part, wrinkling is inevitable. However, we wondered what actually causes wrinkles to form and whether there’s a way to slow down or reverse the process.
As we age, we produce less collagen, the structural protein that gives our skin its strength. We produce about 1 percent less collagen every year, so over time, the skin becomes more susceptible to wrinkling and sagging. That’s a simplified version of the aging process—we also become worse at sweating (which sounds way more awesome than it actually is), and we produce less elastin, another protein that acts as a connective tissue.
While everyone ages, the process is certainly more pronounced for some people. That’s partially due to genetic differences.
“One of the bigger factors is how your parents have aged, how your grandparents aged,” says Suzanne Friedler, MD, a board-certified fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. “If you look at that, you’ll probably get a good idea of how you’ll age.”
However, external factors play an enormous role, and it’s difficult to completely isolate the genetic factors from those external factors. UV radiation is an especially significant problem; while our bodies have some built-in protection from sunlight, sunlight can cause extraordinary damage to the skin in a fairly short amount of time. That’s why sunscreen and sun avoidance are crucial to slowing the skin’s aging process. Unfortunately, people typically apply sunscreen at under 25 percent of the recommended dose.
If you’ve got lighter eyes and hair, you’re probably more susceptible to getting wrinkles.
That brings us to one of the key ways that genetics affect skin aging.
“In general, darker-skinned individuals skin will age more gracefully as there is more melanin in the skin which protects the skin from sun exposure,” says Jerome Potozkin, MD, a California dermatologist.
@bglhonline I love my dark skin!!! It is even and beautiful with no wrinkles.
— Barbara Felton-Wilso (@Sajada11) November 8, 2015
This is the reasoning behind the saying that’s now the title for Viola Davis’ possibly-upcoming comedy, Black Don’t Crack. Research backs that up. A 2016 paper found that “individuals with darker skin are overall thought to have firmer and smoother skin than individuals with lighter skin of the same age.”
The authors also noted that cultural ideas of beauty differ quite a bit, and that all types of skin age, albeit in different ways. Nevertheless, darker skin tends to show fewer wrinkles due to the melanin difference.
That brings us back to one of those external factors, because…
UV light—the light from the sun—ages the skin.
“UV light is probably one of the biggest factors in skin aging,” says Friedler. “To put it simply, the more sun exposure you’ve had, the worse your skin ages. Darker skin tones have more natural protection against UV, so they tend to age a lot better.”
Do you drive for a living? This is an image of a truck driver's sun damaged skin. Sunscreen & Shades! #KnowYourSkinNI pic.twitter.com/QchzdaWBUG
— Know Your Skin NI (@KnowYourSkin_NI) August 10, 2015
With that said, people with darker skin can still get skin cancer, so sunscreen is important for everyone. Don’t assume that your skin’s natural defenses are enough to keep you safe.
“The two most common forms of ultraviolet exposure are exposure to sunlight and tanning beds,” Potozkin says. “To decrease the acceleration of skin aging, it is prudent to protect the skin from the sun through the use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.”
[pullquote align=”center”]”There’s no such thing as a healthy tan.”
—Suzanne Friedler, MD[/pullquote]
Granted, you’ll want to get some sunshine, since vitamin D is a crucial nutrient, and your body creates vitamin D when prompted by sunlight. Still, high levels of vitamin D have also been associated with premature skin aging in mice, so moderation is key.
Never assume that your skin is healthy simply because you didn’t get a sunburn.
Friedler says that’s a common mistake.
“There’s no such thing as a healthy tan,” she says. “A tan is a sign of skin damage, period.”
Tanning occurs when your body is exposed to relatively high levels of UV radiation, typically from sunlight or a tanning bed. Your body responds to the threat by increasing melatonin production. That sounds like a healthy response, but the FDA notes that suntanning is associated with higher levels of skin cancer. Even if you don’t tan or burn, you shouldn’t step into the sunlight without adequate protection.
“All kinds of UV affect skin aging,” Friedler explains. “Not only UV-B, which we associate with sunburns and suntans, but UV-A, which is more of an invisible radiation—it also affects your skin aging.”
Are you addicted to tanning? Make every effort to break this habit. Tanning is dangerous for your health and skin. Use a self-tanner.
— Renée Rouleau Skin Care (@ReneeRouleau) June 22, 2016
“For example, the windows on a car block out UV-B. In Australia, there have been studies that look at people and compares the driver’s side—which is hit with a lot of UV-A rays—versus the passenger’s seat, which is on the shadier side of the car. And in the studies, the side that was exposed to UV-A had a lot of solar elastosis, which means a breakdown of the collagen, breakdown of the elastin, and a lot of fine wrinkling. That’s just from those UV-A rays.”
[related article_ids=1001303]
Moral of the story: Wear your sunscreen, even if you don’t think it’s necessary.
[Editorial note: We think that Friedler is referring to this study, performed by a team led by Matthias Moehrle, MD.]
If you have thicker skin, you might also age more gracefully.
As Friedler explains, thicker skin contains more collagen, that fun structural protein we’d referenced earlier.
“The more collagen you have, the better your skin will look [as it ages],” she says. “That’s if you naturally have more fullness or thickness to the skin. But I don’t know if that’s a main factor in skin aging—it’s just one of the factors that has a genetic basis.”
Once again, darker-skinned people tend to benefit in this department, specifically because they have smaller collagen-fiber bundles than lighter-skinned people.
“People with darker skin naturally have a little bit more collagen and a different kind of collagen, and your skin might age a little better along the way,” Friedler says.
Still, our experts agreed that, over time, external factors tend to play a much bigger role than genetic factors. That’s not a bad deal—external factors are controllable, but genetic factors obviously aren’t.
What about skincare products that claim to use genetics in order to provide better results?
We’re talking about products that claim to use a “genetic profile” to create an optimized skincare routine for every consumer. Basically, these products claim to be the 23andme of dermatology. Orig3n, a Boston-based company, offers a “skin health and appearance” test for ~$38, along with a more comprehensive “beauty DNA test” for ~$47.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh_3oZknoDv/?taken-by=orig3n_inc
“It sounds a little hokey to me,” Friedler says. “I don’t know too much about it. But I think the things that determine a skincare routine have more to do with oils.”
Friedler notes that oilier skin tends to have fewer wrinkles. There’s a big caveat to keep in mind: Some wrinkles seem to pop up regardless of your oil levels or skin type, according to recent research in Clinical Anatomy. Crow’s feet (the little lines around your eyes) are a notable example.
Still, oilier skin tends to prevent forehead wrinkles, per the Clinical Anatomy research, and forehead wrinkles are obviously pretty notable. If you’re not dealing with issues like acne, oily skin might actually be a good thing. Unfortunately, it’s also unpredictable.
“If you’re younger, your skin may produce more oils,” Friedler says. “But there are patients and people who age and their skin stays so oily, which is unusual. Typically, skin gets drier as you age, but there are people who actually get oilier skin as they get older. And oil levels also vary depending on the time of year.”
If you use a skincare routine optimized to your “genetic profile,” you’re probably going to be disappointed, simply because genetics are far too complicated for a single test to reveal anything useful.
#DidYouKnow: Oily skin means that your skin has lesser tendency to develop early wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration. #Amazing
— AcneSkinSite (@AcneSkinSite) October 26, 2017
“I don’t think a genetic test is really going to give you the answer to that. It can’t tell you how oily your skin will be at a certain point in your life,” Friedler says. “It’s not going to tell you what to expect in that department.”
To put it another way, products that claim to offer some sort of advantage thanks to genetic science might not be worth the money, simply because genetics are, well, complex.
“While everything ultimately has a ‘genetic’ origin, it’s a very different line,” says Ranella Hirsch, MD, a Boston dermatologist. “[The line is] straight, say, for eye color or a condition like xeroderma pigmentosum (a genetic skin condition). How you wrinkle has a much more indirect connection [to genetics].”
Regardless of your skin type, effective dermatological maintenance makes a difference in aging.
We consulted with a few dermatologists for this story, and they all gave us the same advice: Wear sunscreen. If you skipped over that section of this article, that’s the big takeaway. UV radiation can age the skin, so if you’re spending a decent amount of time in the sunlight, make sure that you’re adequately protected.
Another good tip for staying young: Put your phone away at the end of the night. Melatonin production seems to have a beneficial effect on the skin aging process, per a 2012 paper published in the journal Dermatoendocrinology. And your body naturally produces melatonin, a hormone, at night.
The hormone plays a critical role in healthy sleep, and various factors can influence its production. If you regularly look at your phone at night, your body will produce less melatonin, since your body interprets the electronic light as sunlight.
While genetics play a big role in skin aging, researchers are just starting to understand that effect. Ultimately, if you want to preserve your youthful looks, your best bet is to think about the factors that you can control—for instance, skin moisturization, sleep health, and sun exposure—and leave those miracle, “genetically optimized” products behind.
We’re all the subjects of our genetics, but the good news is that we can control some of the factors that drive aging. Pass the sunscreen.
Caroline Malatesta is a mother of four who lives in Alabama.
For her fourth child, she had a very specific birth plan in place. She wanted a natural birth—a departure for Malatesta, who had epidurals and episiotomies while delivering her three other children.
The mother decided she wanted to give birth in a more natural way; she wanted to forgo the medicine and avoid laying on her back. Her birth plan was unconventional by modern standards, so she chose to have the baby at Brookwood Health Center, which explicitly advertised that they would follow any birth plan.
“They were using phrases like ‘personalized birth plan,’ ‘It’s about that birthing plan…whatever you want out of your birthing plan,'” Malatesta wrote later for the advocacy blog BirthMonopoly.
“No other hospital in town so much as mentioned such progressive concepts (and it should be noted that assisted out-of-hospital births aren’t legal here in Alabama).”
The Brookwood facility offered “autonomy,” according to advertisements, and even had birthing tubs on hand to accommodate mothers’ wishes. Malatesta spoke to the doctors at the medical facility who assured her that they would do everything possible to meet her needs. It seemed like the perfect place to bring a new child into the world.
Malatesta’s out-of-state friends introduced her to the concept of natural birth, and she was fascinated by the idea of being able to move about the room during labor, avoid drugs during the birth, and use a traditional birthing position rather than lying on her back with her feet in stirrups.
She made up her mind: She’d switch hospitals and give birth in a more natural way.
“I carefully made a birth plan based on best medical research, approved by my doctor,” Malatesta wrote in her BirthMonopoly piece. “I was ready!”
But when the time came to deliver the baby, the experience was a nightmare, Malatesta said.
Nurses immediately put her in a hospital gown and forced her onto her back, contrary to her wishes, she said; she’d wanted to walk around during her contractions, wearing her own clothes. When she tried to change positions, one nurse physically restrained her, according to a blog post by Malatesta’s lawyers.
“Caroline had no freedom of movement,” the post reads. “Instead, she was restrained, sometimes forcibly. Caroline was offered no choice; it was the nurses’ way or no way.”
When Malatesta voiced her concerns or objections, she alleged that the nurses simply ignored her. She claimed the nurses actually seemed annoyed that she would object to their instructions, despite the fact that she’d gone over a specific birth plan with her doctor.
Then, the situation somehow got worse; the baby began crowning, but the doctor wasn’t there. The nurses reportedly began physically holding the baby in place, preventing Malatesta from pushing the baby out. This struggle lasted for six minutes until the doctor finally arrived.
The medical records showed Malatesta’s struggle.
“Unfortunately, the patient was not able to [behave] in a controlled manner,” the records read, as reported in Malatesta’s piece on BirthMonopoly. “She was pretty much all over the bed.”
The baby’s head immediately came out and her son, Jack, was born a minute later. Fortunately, Jack was perfectly healthy, but Malatesta certainly doesn’t credit the medical staff for that positive outcome.
“I kept asking, “Why? Why?” but the nurse wasn’t answering me,” Malatesta wrote. “She ignored me, acting almost annoyed with me. As we went back and forth—me asking questions and telling her this was more painful for me, and her getting increasingly irritated—it became very clear that this wasn’t about health or safety. It was a power struggle.”
But unfortunately, Malatesta continued to suffer. She says that the ordeal left her permanently injured, suffering from a chronic pain condition called pudendal neuralgia. The main symptom of this condition is permanent pelvic pain, which she says ruined her family life.
About eight months after giving birth, Malatesta tried to work with the hospital for compensation for this painful condition. The hospital wasn’t interested in negotiating, Malatesta claimed. In fact, they didn’t even provide the answers that she asked for.
“I grew up in a medical family,” she wrote in a piece published by Cosmopolitan. “My dad is a doctor; my granddad was a doctor. Litigation, medical malpractice—it’s not something we take lightly. When the nerve injury really revealed itself, I wasn’t planning to file a lawsuit. I just wanted answers.”
Soon, however, Malatesta was reconsidering that stance. She filed a lawsuit against the hospital, and two years after filing, she went to court. Even during the lawsuit, Malatesta’s pain affected her; she wasn’t able to sit for more than a few hours a day, so she couldn’t spend much time in the courtroom.
But something incredible happened: Other women began to come forward with other stories of obstetric violence.
#BirthRights and the hidden threat of #ObstetricViolence.
Right to informed consent/refusal of tests treatments & procedures & #BodilyAutonomy are key. Sadly, relevant in #IrishMatExp as well.#8thref#repealthe8th #everypregnancy #repeal4betterbirth https://t.co/WJDiMDcpii pic.twitter.com/nxmaabl6KD
— Meghan Rice Cunningham (@MeghanJRice) March 14, 2018
“I became acutely aware that this wasn’t just about me,” Malatesta wrote in Cosmopolitan. “This became a cause for me, almost. To bring the truth out on behalf of so many other women. I was surprised how much it meant to these other women that I was filing a lawsuit.”
The suit, filed in 2014, took two years to litigate. A jury deliberated for nine hours, then returned a stunning verdict, awarding the Malatesta family $10 million in compensatory damages, $5 million in punitive damages for “reckless fraud,” and $1 million for loss of consortium.
While the jury’s decision will go a long way towards holding the perpetrators of obstetric violence accountable, Malatesta says that she’ll likely live with horrific pain for her entire life. She hopes that her struggle will help to prevent this type of scenario from playing out the same way in the future. The good news? Malatesta is not alone in this mission.
Taking on Obstetric Violence
Obstetric violence, which took such a terrible toll on Malatesta’s health, lies at the intersection of institutional violence and violence against women, says the advocacy group Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights. The mistreatment affects women who are pregnant, in labor, actively giving birth, or in the postpartum stage. Women may be denied treatments, have their requests ignored, endure verbal humiliation, and receive forced, coerced medical treatments. They may even experience physical violence, invasive practices, and other dehumanizing, humiliating treatments.
Women face this abuse at the hands of the healthcare industry far too often, says Jamie Yates, a seasoned New York City doula and childbirth educator.
“Unfortunately, these types of situations are all too common in hospitals,” she tells HealthyWay. “Most incidents of dissatisfaction go unreported because women are guilted into believing that because they have a healthy baby, that they should be happy, even thankful, that unnecessary procedures were performed on them.”
[pullquote align=”center”]“The absolute most important decision every pregnant person must make is who they choose to be their care provider.”
—Jamie Yates[/pullquote]
This seems to be a uniquely American problem, Yates explains.
“Our current maternal care system ranges from the deeply flawed to downright dangerous for moms and babies,” she says. “The U.S. has one of the worst maternal mortality rates in the developed world, and the maternal mortality rate is four times higher for black women.”
(Actually, Yates is the slightest bit off here. The U.S. doesn’t have one of the worst maternal mortality rates in the developed world—it has the absolute worst, by a wide margin. She’s close enough on the racial disparity though; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracked a mortality rate of 12.7 perI a 100,000 live births among white women in the years 2011 through 2013. During that same period, black mothers passed away during childbirth at a rate of 43.5 per 100,000.)
Ending the Epidemic of Violence
The solution to obstetric violence isn’t simple, but it starts with women being in charge of their bodies and their choices during pregnancy, says Yates.
“The absolute most important decision every pregnant person must make is who they choose to be their care provider,” she says. “Most low-risk women would be better served by a midwife. Midwives, on average, spend more time with their patients and have a greater understanding and acceptance of a pregnant person’s ability to birth their own babies. If, for whatever reason, a midwife isn’t an option, it’s important to choose an obstetrician who listens and is willing to answer questions from the beginning.”
[pullquote align=”center”]Plans can change, but there should be one constant throughout the experience—respect. Birthing people deserve to be participants in their own labor and, most of all, deserve all of the information so they can have true informed consent or refusal of intervention.”
—Jamie Yates[/pullquote]
Of course, the luxury of multiple health care options isn’t always possible. Regardless, women should be on the lookout for red flags. Some doctors won’t even discuss birth questions until the last trimester—that’s not good, says Yates.
“If your doctor is unwilling to have conversations about options and provide clear evidence-based information at your appointments, switch providers,” she advises. “If they are unwilling to listen prenatally, they are unlikely to respect your needs during labor.”
Even with a supportive doctor or partner, navigating hospital policies can be overwhelming. This is where Yates suggests enlisting the help of a doula.
“While a doula can’t ‘save’ a person’s birth, a good doula can help them get the information they need in order to make informed choices about their birth,” she says. “Doulas can be the eyes and ears in the labor room along with helping the laboring person and their partner feel supported.”
It’s also important to realize while having a great support system and a rock solid plan is a great start, anything can change in an instant once labor begins. Being flexible is just as important.
“Plans can change, but there should be one constant throughout the experience—respect,” says Yates. “Birthing people deserve to be participants in their own labor and, most of all, deserve all of the information so they can have true informed consent or refusal of intervention.”
Malatesta, it’s clear, paid the price for an unresponsive health care team. By speaking out, she’s helping to ensure that the next mother won’t face the same tragic experience.