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Health x Body Wellbeing

The Candida Diet: Can You Eat Your Way To Better Gut Health?

So you’ve got yourself a problem with yeast. Perhaps you were diagnosed with oral thrush or a vaginal yeast infection—conditions that are typically cleared up with anti-fungal medications from the pharmacy. But the drug store isn’t the only place to find potential solutions to yeast-related health issues.
Some people have started looking at natural remedies from the grocery store to address this common problem. Enter the candida diet—an eating plan specifically designed to rebalance your digestive bacteria after a candida overgrowth.
Candida overgrowth is often believed to be the result of an imbalance in gut flora, so it makes sense that dietary changes could help ease the problem. But does the candida diet actually work?
According to Kendra Becker, a naturopathic doctor and author of A Delicious Way to Heal the Gut, the candida diet can be an effective treatment for a yeast overgrowth in the body. She says that cutting out the foods that feed the bacteria can kill off candida overgrowth and alleviate a range of conditions that some people associate with candida, including urinary tract infections, joint pain, and skin infections.
As Becker explains, the candida diet is “also sometimes prescribed after chemotherapy,” because chemo can cause susceptibility to fungal infections or even systemic candidiasis.
A number of people also credit the candida diet with helping ease an array of other issues, including brain fog and chronic fatigue. But there’s limited research about whether those particular symptoms are actually related to yeast overgrowth, making the candida diet a controversial treatment option for a controversial diagnosis.
Eating your way to better gut health sounds great, but it’s important to look at the research before using any diet to heal specific symptoms. To learn more, we asked Becker why she prescribes the candida diet to patients, how the eating plan works, and whether it’s safe to cut out major food groups for the long term.

What’s the deal with candida?

Our bodies have a variety of bacteria and fungi that help keep us healthy. One such fungus is Candida albicans, which is normally found in the digestive tract and other areas of the body, such as on the skin and mucous membranes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While candida yeast doesn’t typically harm us, an overgrowth of the organisms can cause infections in parts of our bodies, most typically in the mouth and vagina. The most severe infection, known as invasive candidiasis, can affect the blood, heart, and other critical body parts. Although it could land you in the hospital, invasive candidiasis is a pretty rare condition.
Some medical professionals also attribute candida overgrowth to tiredness, fatigue, mood swings, and other neurological issues. Science has yet to demonstrate whether there is a connection, although one study from 1995 found a possible link between chronic intestinal candidiasis and a weakened immune system, which in turn is a potential reason for fatigue. On the flip side, another study found no relation between chronic fatigue syndrome and yeast overgrowth.
One thing is clear: There is considerable debate about whether a diagnosis of candida overgrowth is based on solid science. We’ll need to wait for researchers to conduct more studies on the effects of candida overgrowth before the medical community can come to an agreement on the controversial side of candidiasis.  

What causes candida overgrowth?

When your candida levels are in check, your body is probably functioning normally and you’d never even know the yeast was there. So what causes candida levels to go out of whack?
“A number of things can cause candida overgrowth. The person might have taken a lot of antibiotics or pharmaceuticals … [or be] eating too much sugar or drinking too much alcohol,” says Becker.
Some healthcare practitioners will test for a candida overgrowth by looking at the levels of specific antibodies in your blood, using a comprehensive stool test, or checking for candida waste in your urine. If you suspect that you have a candida infection, make an appointment with your physician, who can help you decide whether a candida diet can treat your condition.

Trying the Candida Diet

So you think you might have a candida overgrowth and want to eat your way out of it. What’s on your plate if you decide to try the candida diet?
Fundamentally, the candida diet is rooted in three main eating principles: reduction of sugar (to cut off the food supply to candida), introduction of probiotics (which fill the gut with good bacteria), and consumption of fermented foods (which have anti-fungal properties that can kill candida).
The Candida Diet website, which is run by Lisa Richards, co-author of The Ultimate Candida Diet Program, explains that the eating plan can be divided into three phases.
The first step is an optional “cleansing phase,” during which followers eat a very strict diet of mostly raw salads, steamed vegetables, and some herbs, oils, and spices, along with lots of water and what the website calls “some detox drinks.”
Some people start at phase two, which is less restrictive than the cleanse. You stop eating foods with added sugar, many fruits and starchy veggies, and caffeine, as these can cause the candida to continue to grow. Grains (like buckwheat and quinoa), fresh salmon, healthy oils (like olive and coconut), some artificial sweeteners, and herbal tea are permitted during this phase.
You’re encouraged to eat anti-fungal foods, like onion, garlic, cayenne pepper, and seaweed. This stage of the candida diet also recommends eating probiotics like yogurt and kefir.
What’s not allowed on the candida diet? There’s a long list of foods you should avoid. You’ll need to stay away from high-sugar fruits (like bananas and mango), glutinous grains (like wheat), “toxic meats and fish” (such as pork and tuna), most condiments, alcohol, and a range of other foods you probably have in your pantry right now. The idea is to switch to a diet that promotes good gut health and creates an environment that kills off bad bacteria.
After your candida levels are in check, you’ll move on to stage three, which involves reintroducing previously eliminated foods. You’ll start with low-sugar fruits, like berries, and some beans. If your candida symptoms are still under control, you’ll slowly start eating a wider variety of foods. Generally, you’re encouraged to maintain a relatively low-sugar diet with limited junk foods going forward.
[pullquote align=”center”]“If you do the candida diet for a couple of weeks and then go back to eating a bunch of junk, you’ll get a lot of inflammation.”
—Kendra Becker, ND[/pullquote]
“If you do the candida diet for a couple of weeks and then go back to eating a bunch of junk, you’ll get a lot of inflammation,” says Becker.
How long each stage lasts—or whether you move through stages at all—really depends on your specific health profile and your healthcare provider’s recommendations. Keep in mind that the candida diet is a short-term change—not a lifelong eating plan. Becker prescribes it for it anywhere from two weeks to nine months, depending on her patients’ health goals.
“If someone’s really sick or resistant to the diet, you can offer it in stages,” explains Becker. “Most people will start feeling much better after following the diet for three to five days, but you generally need to do it longer than that if you want to feel better for the long term.”
The diet plan can be a pretty big change from what you’re eating now. As you make the transition, you might feel lousy, kind of like you have the flu. Between the physical effects and the severe restrictions, the candida diet might not be right for everyone.
“The candida diet is very limiting. You won’t be able to easily eat in restaurants, so it gets difficult for people who are social around food. If you work a high-stress job or can’t eat in regular intervals, it can also be a challenge. Also, not everybody has the flexibility to feel like crap for a few days. You might not be able to work or care for children, and that can be a hard pill to swallow,” says Becker.
If a patient’s lifestyle prevents them from following the traditional candida diet, Becker makes modifications. Even just adding anti-candida foods to whatever you’re eating now can help reduce a candida overgrowth, she says.
“You have to meet patients where they’re at,” she says. “It can be a useful diet, but it’s incredibly restrictive.”

Giving Candida the One–Two Punch

The candida diet is just one potential way to address yeast issues. Depending on how a yeast infection is affecting your health, your doctor may also prescribe antifungal ointments, topical antiseptics, and dietary supplements to kill off unwanted candida. In conjunction, your healthcare provider may also recommend trying an anti-itch cream, throat lozenge, or other remedies to relieve candida-related symptoms.
[pullquote align=”center”]“I tend to believe that food is medicine, so I’d rather heal patients through diet and give opportunities to add certain foods to their diet than to focus on supplements.”
—Kendra Becker, ND[/pullquote]
“I tend to believe that food is medicine, so I’d rather heal patients through diet and give opportunities to add certain foods to their diet than to focus on supplements,” says Becker.
Before trying any diet or treatment plan, it’s worth working with a qualified health professional to make sure it’s right for you. Start by making an appointment with your doctor to discuss your concerns and your health goals.
Whenever you’re cutting out major food groups, you should also consider consulting with a registered dietitian to ensure that you’re still getting all the essential vitamins and nutrients.

Categories
Nosh Nutrition x Advice

Are The Benefits Of Tart Cherry Juice Too Good To Be True?

From weight loss to muscle recovery, the benefits of tart cherry juice have been a hot topic in health—but what do the facts really say?
Tart cherry juice has been making headlines in the world of food and nutrition lately. Articles have been praising the juice for its miraculous ability to speed up weight loss, help you with insomnia, prevent and treat certain autoimmune diseases, and relieve sore muscles after an intense workout. However, the difference between online claims and the actual research-based benefits of tart cherry juice is substantial.
We took a closer look at tart cherry juice and its perceived health benefits while also debunking some common misconceptions about it along the way. But first, the basics: What is tart cherry juice, and why is it being touted as a miracle dietary supplement?

What is tart cherry juice?

Tart cherry juice—not to be confused with the super sweet black cherry concentrate you can buy in the frozen juice section of the grocery store—can be found on the shelves of natural food stores, specialty supplement stores, and online.
As its name suggests, this type of cherry juice can be so tart it will make your mouth pucker, which is why experts suggest drinking 1 ounce of juice diluted with water (using ½ cup of tart cherry juice to 3½ cups of water). Avoid eating whole tart cherries; they have an unpleasantly sour taste and firm texture that can cause seriously uncomfortable stomach aches.

Why drink tart cherry juice in the first place?

The biggest nutritional boon that tart cherry juice has to offer comes in the form of anthocyanins. As Toby Amidor, registered dietitian, nutrition expert, columnist for Today’s Dietitian magazine, and author of the upcoming book Smart Meal Prep for Beginners, explains, “tart cherries (in juice or dried form) do provide a great deal of nutrients including anthocyanins, a natural plant chemical found in tart cherries that is responsible for many of its health benefits.” 
Anthocyanins are found in red, blue, and purple fruits and vegetables such as cherries, beets, raspberries, strawberries, radishes, and purple cabbage. According to an article in Today’s Dietitian by registered dietitian Densie Webb, PhD, anthocyanins have been successfully studied for their positive impact on cognitive function, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.
Andrew Hall, sports and performance dietitian at Apple to Zucchini Sports Nutrition, makes an important distinction between drinking tart cherry juice and snacking on cherries: 

Unfortunately, we can’t just eat the cherries for the same benefit. Normally, a whole foods and real food approach is best. In this instance, however, the supplement contains a concentrated amount of the hundreds of cherries compressed into one drink/product. We wouldn’t be able to eat enough cherries to get the equivalent concentration.

Are there any harmful side effects to drinking tart cherry juice?

Tart cherries and tart cherry juice contain sorbitol, a naturally occurring sweetener that is very difficult for your digestive system to break down. Consuming tart cherry juice and whole cherries can lead to uncomfortable gas, flatulence, and diarrhea (especially if you’re sensitive to other products containing sorbitol such as chewing gum and “sugar-free” candy). If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, it’s recommended that you try to avoid all food and drink containing sorbitol.

Tart Cherry Juice and Weight Loss

Some of the more exciting recent headlines about the benefits of tart cherry juice are about its potential effect on weight loss. Sadly, there haven’t been any conclusive studies that have shown a link between weight loss and tart cherry juice. Despite a lack of evidence to support this claim, there’s no reason to stop drinking tart cherry juice if it’s something you enjoy.
Amidor says, “There is no current research supporting that tart cherry juice can help with weight loss. Drinking tart cherry juice or eating dried tart cherries, however, can be part of a well-balanced weight loss plan.”
Hall agrees with Amidor when it comes to tart cherry juice and weight loss: “There is no evidence that tart cherry juice has weight loss benefits. Very few foods/compounds do in isolation. An overall approach to creating a negative energy balance is the primary method of weight loss. All the other stuff is essentially just marketing.”

Tart Cherry Juice and Muscle Recovery

Athletes who experience soreness after an intense workout might benefit from drinking tart cherry juice. Studies have shown that sustained consumption of tart cherries, in both juice and supplement form, has helped to minimize pain after an intense workout. As studies were conducted specifically on athletes, however, it is unknown whether tart cherry juice has benefits for muscle recovery in non-athletes, but Amidor says it doesn’t hurt to try.
For the average gym-goer or casual runner, Amidor recommends the following tart cherry juice regimen: “10 fluid ounces of [diluted] tart cherry juice pre-workout and an additional 10 fluid ounces or eating dried tart cherries within 30 minutes post-workout.”

[pullquote align=”center”] Studies have shown that sustained consumption of tart cherries, in both juice and supplement form, has helped to minimize pain after an intense workout. [/pullquote]

Tart Cherry Juice and Inflammatory Arthritis

A review of several pilot studies examining the effects of tart cherry juice on gout shows some promise in using anthocyanins as a potential treatment option. Hall likes to recommend tart cherry juice to his clients who suffer from gout.
“Anthocyanins possess natural, anti-inflammatory properties that can help joint pain caused by gout and arthritis,” says Hall. “Anthocyanins help to maintain healthy levels of uric acid and joint mobility.”
Tart cherry juice is also currently being studied for its effect on inflammatory osteoarthritis. The results have been mixed to positive; one study published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage gave participants two 8-ounce bottles of tart cherry juice per day (or a placebo) and researchers then examined the impact tart cherry juice had on osteoarthritis of the knee. Participants who drank the tart cherry juice experienced a net positive effect on their mild to moderate arthritis, although the relief wasn’t significantly different from that of the control group.

Tart Cherry Juice and Insomnia

Tart cherry juice contains melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep in humans and animals. A pilot study that examined the effects of tart cherry juice on insomnia in older adults found that the juice had no effect on the participants’ sleeping habits. However, another study that used tart Montmorency cherries found that regular consumption of the cherries before bedtime had a beneficial effect on melatonin levels and sleep efficiency.

Tart Cherry Juice Options for Every Preference

You don’t have to drink tart cherry juice to reap the benefits of this antioxidant-rich supplement (although you might fall in love with it if you’re a fan of sour and slightly bitter flavors). Here are some of our favorite ways to include more tart cherries in our lives:
Dynamic Health 100% Pure Organic Certified Tart Cherry Concentrate: Dilute with water and add a slice of lime for a refreshing and healthy summer beverage!
Tart Cherry Concentrate: A great option if you’re not a fan of tart cherry juice. Take one or two of these softgel capsules every day.
Naturevibe Botanicals Tart Cherry Extract: Add a scoop of this tart cherry powder to plain or sparkling water or try mixing it with your favorite smoothie.
Although the benefits of tart cherry juice may be slightly inflated by media exaggeration and weight-loss hype, it does offer some health benefits that are backed by research. As Amidor says, just because tart cherry juice won’t cause you to lose weight or instantly reduce inflammation, that doesn’t mean it can’t be a nutritious and enjoyable part of your eating plan.

Categories
Health x Body Wellbeing

Menstrual Cup 101: All Of Your Awkward Questions—Answered

A mere decade ago, most people thought they only had two options when it came to menstrual hygiene: disposable pads or tampons. It was hard to imagine another way to capture and dispose of period blood.
Over the past few years, another period product has become very popular: menstrual cups. But what are menstrual cups? Why do people prefer them to pads and tampons? And how exactly do you use a menstrual cup?
HealthyWay spoke to some experts to find out all you need to know about using menstrual cups.

What is a menstrual cup?

Made from medical-grade silicone, a menstrual cup is placed inside the vagina to collect period blood. The user can empty the cup and give it a wash every few hours, reusing it every month for years.
What makes menstrual cups different to traditional tampons and pads is that it’s reusable. “In the U.S. alone, 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are thrown into our waterways and landfills every year,” says Amanda Wilson, the founder of VOXAPOD, a menstrual cup. The average menstruating person has periods for 38 years. That means they’ll dispose of roughly 12,000 used disposables in their lifetime, which is a huge environmental concern, Wilson adds.
Because you can reuse the same menstrual cup for roughly three to five years, depending on the brand, you cut down on waste significantly. Menstrual cups are particularly popular among the zero-waste community—that is, those who try to reuse and recycle all their waste.
People prefer menstrual cups for reasons other than eco-friendliness, too. For one, they save you money in the long-run. The first menstrual cup I had was around $25, which was roughly the same amount of money I spent on tampons and pads for a four-month period. My menstrual cup lasted five years, which means I saved a great deal of money.
Many of us have heard of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), which is often caused by tampons. With menstrual cups, you’re less likely to get TSS if you keep your cup clean, says OB-GYN Carolyn DeLucia, MD. “The risk for TSS is extremely minimal with menstrual cups. The one or two reported cases were due to wearing the menstrual cup for over 24 hours,” Wilson says.
However, there is something that puts many people off using menstrual cups: They don’t know how to use them or how to keep them clean.

How to Use a Menstrual Cup

If it’s your first time using a menstrual cup, you might feel a little intimidated. I know I was. When I saw the size of the menstrual cup, I didn’t quite know how it would fit.
The key is to fold the cup when you put it into your vagina. Once it’s inside, the cup will unfold and fit to your vagina, where it will sit and collect the blood.
Here’s the easiest way to insert a menstrual cup:

  1. Relax. As with inserting tampons, it’s easier when your vaginal muscles aren’t too tense!
  2. Wash your hands and the cup thoroughly.
  3. This is optional, but you might want to wet the cup or add some water-based lubricant to make it easier.
  4. Fold the cup so that it’s easy to insert. There are a number of different ways to do this, Wilson says. She recommends the following methods:
    C-Fold: Flatten the menstrual cup and bring the two folded ends together to form a C shape, rolling it to the size of a tampon.
    Punch Down Fold: Push one side of the lip of the cup into the center of the cup, folding in sides.
    7 Fold: Flatten the cup and fold one corner diagonally toward the center of the cup.
    VOXAPOD, Inc./Brittany Lang
  5. Insert it. You might find it easiest to insert it while standing with one leg up on a stool or step, as you would insert a tampon, DeLucia says. When you insert it, push it toward your back. “You want to make sure the cup sits above the pubic bone, not up against the cervix,” explains Cathy Chapman, the President of Lunette North America. The cup should be inside the vagina, and the base should not be exposed.
  6. Once it’s in your vagina, you might want to wiggle the cup around a little until it feels more comfortable. You might dislike the feeling of the “stem” that most menstrual cups have. The stem is meant to help you grip the cup, but if it’s uncomfortable, you can always snip it with scissors to make it shorter.

While wearing a menstrual cup, you can bathe, exercise, and swim. It can also be used if you have an IUD. “It does not interfere with the IUD. You just need to be careful not to catch the IUD string with the cup when you pull it out,” notes DeLucia.
Chapman says that having penetrative sex while wearing a menstrual cup isn’t advisable. “It could dislodge the suction, and then you would have a menstrual mess on your hands,” she says. “But feel free to enjoy all the oral sex you want!”
Once you’ve worn the cup for a few hours, you might want to remove it. “Your menstrual cup should be emptied every 2 to 12 hours depending on your menstrual flow,” Wilson says. If you have a heavy flow and the cup is left in for quite some time, it might overflow and leak slightly. If your flow isn’t too heavy, it can be worn overnight.
Here are the steps for removal:

  1. Again, wash your hands thoroughly, and relax.
  2. You might want to stand with your leg on a stool or chair again, or you might want to sit on the toilet. Bear in mind that you might spill some blood as you remove the cup, so don’t stand over a bath mat (take it from someone who made this mistake!).
  3. Grip the base of the menstrual cup tightly and release the suction of the cup. “You can do this by slightly bearing down and then pinch the bottom of the menstrual cup to release the suction,” Chapman says. “You may need to slightly rock your cup back forth if you’ve got some really good suction going on.”
  4. Pull the cup out slowly.
  5. Empty the contents and clean the cup.

Does your cup feel stuck? Don’t panic. “Sometimes the cup can form a pretty strong suction to the vaginal wall,” DeLucia says. “The best way to deal with this is to use your finger to break the suction. Once that is accomplished, it should not be a problem to remove it,” she explains. If that doesn’t work, you can pinch the cup a little higher up and give it a gentle twist.

How to Keep Your Menstrual Cup Clean

Keeping your menstrual cup clean is essential, especially since you’ll probably want to use it for many years.
After removing it and emptying the contents, you’ll want to wash the menstrual cup with water and a little non-antibacterial soap. The DivaCup website lists cleansers that should never be used to clean a menstrual cup including antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, and dish soap.
Make sure you rinse your cup thoroughly after washing, as putting a soapy cup in your vagina can cause an infection. Personally, I use boiling water and soap to clean the cup in between each insertion.
When your period is over, boil your menstrual cup for about twenty minutes, says Chapman. Dry it off and store it in a clean, dry place. I keep mine in a cotton drawstring bag in between cycles.
If you’re in public, cleaning a menstrual cup might be tricky. Consider bringing a water bottle into the stall with you and using water and toilet paper to clean it off. Many companies, including Lunette, make wipes and washes specifically for menstrual cups. This can be helpful in keeping the cup clean when you’re in a public setting.
Since a menstrual cup collects blood instead of absorbing it, as a pad or tampon would, you might spill some blood on your clothing, towels, or mats. Simply rinse the area with cold water as soon as you can before popping it into the laundry.
[related article_ids=1001505]

Which menstrual cup should I buy?

If you buy a jacket online and find it doesn’t fit, you can return it. With intimate items like menstrual cups, you can’t exactly take it back, so you’ll want to do some research first to make sure the menstrual cup you buy is right for you. Here are some criteria to consider.

Material

When buying a menstrual cup, make sure it’s made of quality material. “Consumers should be attentive to the quality of materials being used on the menstrual cup they purchase,” Wilson says. “Some menstrual cups are made with compromising material that has not been tested internally on humans, such as ‘food-grade silicone,’” Wilson says.

Size

Different companies often offer different sized cups. Larger cups are intended for users with larger cervixes, usually people who’ve given birth vaginally. Smaller cups are intended for those with smaller cervixes. Different sizes can hold different amounts of blood, so if you have a heavy flow, there might be a large one suitable for you. Many websites have sizing guides to help you choose the best menstrual cup for you.

Other Benefits

Even when made from the same material and size, not all cups are the same. Some are thicker than others, making them harder to bend. Some, like VOXAPOD, have specific shapes designed to be more comfortable to wear and insert. Please keep in mind that not all menstrual cups last up to five years; lifespans may vary, so be sure to check the product information for each individual cup.
Don’t be afraid to explore your options, ask friends for recommendations, and read reviews online before buying a menstrual cup.
If you try one and it doesn’t feel right for you, don’t be put off menstrual cups altogether—try another. “Sometimes women need to find the right fit of menstrual cup, like they would a tampon or pad. So, if they try one brand shape and size, and it doesn’t work or isn’t quite right, they may need to try another,” Wilson says.

More Than Just Menstrual Cups

Of course, menstrual cups aren’t for everyone. Many people struggle to use them. “For some folks, mastering the menstrual cup can take a few tries, even a few cycles,” Chapman says. “We get it, though; some people aren’t into the ‘menstrual cup gospel’ but are ready to ditch the old-school disposables for a healthier, reusable period care solution,” she adds.
If you love the environment but hate menstrual cups, there are other eco-friendly hygiene products for you.

Sea Sponges

Want to feel like a mermaid throughout your period? Sea sponges, as in, the kind that naturally comes from the ocean, are a great alternative to tampons. They absorb blood and can be washed out and reused.

Period Panties

If you’re not a fan of inserting things into your vagina, there are options for you. Panties like THINX absorb period blood without spillage. Comfortable and absorbent, you simply need to rinse them out before placing them in the wash. They can be used by themselves or along with a cup or sponge to soak up potential spillage.

Reusable Pads

Washable, reusable pads are great if you like pads but don’t want to create unnecessary waste. As with absorbent underwear, these pads can also be used along with menstrual cups and sponges as they absorb any extra blood if there’s a leak. Lunapads is another great cloth pad company.
Whatever menstrual product you choose, make sure that you practice hygiene to prevent TSS and any other infections. Many companies will provide you with care instructions for their products. These instructions should be followed to ensure that your products last and stay clean.
It’s comforting to know that period products like disposable pads and tampons are not our only options anymore. Don’t be embarrassed or nervous about experimenting with different products, like menstrual cups, until you find the one that makes menstruation more comfortable and convenient for you.

Categories
Lifestyle Well-Traveled

How Solo Travelers Meet New People And Make Friends Around the World

Where’s the weirdest place to meet new people? For me, it was in bed in Mexico (and involved exactly zero margaritas).
I had woken up in my hotel room in Playa del Carmen, turned to my left, and there was a woman in the queen bed next to mine. While a stranger in my room would typically cue a freakout, this situation was different. I was on the inaugural Vaera Journeys women’s entrepreneurial retreat, and my roommate was scheduled to arrive late that first night.
“Good morning,” I squeaked out, unsure if I was ready to make a good impression, let alone make a new friend, so early in the day.
“Good morning! This is the first time I’ve ever met someone in bed before!” replied the stranger, who I’d later learn was Debbie Arcangeles, host of the podcast The Offbeat Life. Anyone who can crack a joke that actually makes me laugh before my first cup of coffee gets fast-tracked to my friends list, and we spent the rest of the retreat bonding (in bed, and out of it!), attending entrepreneurial mastermind sessions, chilling out on the beach, and brainstorming creative ideas for our businesses. It was a match made in roomie heaven.
And lucky for me, I didn’t leave the friendship behind in Mexico. We still chat online and get together when we can in New York. She’s one of countless people I’ve connected with on the road—arguably one of my favorite places to meet new people.
If you thought that loneliness is a way of life for solo adventurers, think again. Travel catalyzes friendship. Few experiences offer the opportunity to connect deeply with others like overcoming language barriers, getting around a foreign country, stepping totally outside your element, and taking in a different culture.
Traveling is the best way to meet new people—if you’re open to it.

Why should you meet new people on vacation?

So you finally took the plunge and booked a trip, with absolutely no idea who your seatmate will be on your flight. It takes a lot of guts to travel solo—why would you want to ruin that by trying to meet new people on your journey?
Think about why you were inspired to travel to begin with. You probably had an interest in changing the way you see the world. That shift in perspective gets even more dynamic when you throw a variety of new connections into the mix, says Molly Cowen, frequent traveler and editor at TravelPirates.
“Not only have I had eye-opening discussions, but I’ve also had countless interesting conversations and genuinely fun adventures with friends of as little as a few hours,” she says.
For me, visiting a Hindu temple in India alongside a British scholar, a Finnish taxi driver, and a couple of Aussie creatives was a much different experience than if I had gone alone. It made it more fun and more interesting to see it from a multicultural point of view. Plus, when we got lost, it felt adventurous—not stressful. We could laugh about it together as we found our way.
[related article_ids=1002621]
Meeting new people abroad shouldn’t only consist of other foreigners, though. Befriending locals has its own advantages—you get an authentic glimpse at what it’s actually like to live in a particular place, and you learn cultural nuances you might otherwise miss as an outsider. When I lived and traveled in Indonesia, building tight-knit relationships with local women allowed me to ask otherwise taboo questions I had, such as why some chose to wear the hijab while others didn’t. Plus, the sleepovers we had were an instant cure for my homesickness.
Finally, there are a lot of practical advantages to finding friends when you’re far from home. You can save money (and travel on a budget) by sharing hotel rooms, transportation, and meals. You’ll also build a support network in the country.
Going somewhere a little sketchy, or trying out a daring activity (like bungee-jumping)? If your new pals don’t want to join you, they’ll at least take note of where you’re going and look out for your safe return.

If you want to make friends on vacation, you have to plan ahead.

The planning stage is the best time to increase your chances of meeting new people on vacation, and it starts with where you stay. Look for accommodations that foster a sense of community among their transient residents.
“Hostels are a great way to meet new people,” says Viktoria Altman, travel blogger at Traveltipster. “Many people who stay in hostels tend to be more outgoing. Although hostels used to be only for young people, there are more and more older travelers who choose to stay in them, not in small part for the company.”
Hostels aren’t for everyone, though. If you’re looking for more upscale lodging, skip the big chains in favor of small, family-owned guest houses, bed and breakfasts, and hotels. Charming, one-of-a-kind places mentioned in popular guidebooks (such as the Lonely Planet series) attract friendly travelers from all over the world, and often host events (like movie screenings, family dinners, and board game nights) that create atmospheres for budding friendships—even if you’re just staying a couple of nights.

Meet new people through the art of conversation.

When’s the last time you approached a perfect stranger for a casual conversation? That’s exactly what you’ll need to get comfortable doing if you want to meet new people on a trip. It might seem uncomfortable at first, but trust me when I say that the person on the receiving end of your greeting will probably be receptive.
“Be friendly and read the situation. Don’t be afraid to chat up strangers and ask questions about the area,” says Nicole Faith, founder of the Digital Nomad Business Directory. “You can ask ‘Are you a local?’ and tell them you’re visiting. Ask for their recommendations and opinions—people love giving them! It’s a quick way to break the ice.”
Every great friendship starts with a simple conversation. Fear of rejection is real, but try to suppress it for the few moments it takes to open up to someone. You never know where it might lead.

Meet new people in a class or group activity.

Shared experiences instantly give strangers something they can both relate to—and hopefully bond over. Trying out a new activity or signing up for an interesting class present ample opportunities to meet new people when you don’t know anyone.
“I met a friend while on a haunted house tour in Scotland and another friend on a four-hour swimming cruise in Greece. If you are looking to meet people, join all kinds of activities. You can find some really fun ones on Groupon and Viator,” says Altman.
Taking a local cooking class is a travel ritual for me; I sign up for one on nearly every trip I take. Not only do I get to learn new recipes, but I also get to connect with others over a mutual love of culture and cuisine. And sometimes, the classes come with surprises—like the time my Turkish cooking teacher helped me crash a wedding in Istanbul…but that’s another story.

Meet new people while traveling? There’s an app for that.

Technology has made it easier than ever to meet new people, especially while traveling. Social media helps digital nomad and travel vlogger Andrea Valeria find friends in every city she calls home.
“There’s a misconception that you’re bound to get lonely when you’re traveling full time, but I haven’t experienced that yet,” she says. “That’s mostly thanks to social media. When used with purpose, it helps you connect to people you wouldn’t otherwise meet in your vicinity.”
She’s had the most luck with Instagram and Twitter, as those platforms facilitate connections based on mutual interests. It often starts with exchanges of likes and comments, before moving into private messages, and eventually over to chat and text, says Valeria. When you’re both at the destination, set up a time to meet in person, perhaps over coffee or lunch.
“This year, I traveled to an island in Mexico with two girls I met on Instagram that I had been talking to for over a year, and it was one of the greatest trips I’ve done in a while,” she says. “If you’re careful and strategic, social media can lead you to your next best friend.”
Traditional social media isn’t the only way to meet new people with digital tools, though. Travel writer Tracy Kaler recommends trying Bungee Girl, an app that helps solo female travelers find gal pals wherever they go. Try out a few platforms to see what works for you—and who you happen to come across.

A retreat or group tour is a great way to meet new people.

All the planning required while you’re on a trip can preoccupy you, consuming precious time you might otherwise spend meeting new people. Wellness retreats and organized group tours take care of that structure for you, leaving you free to get to know other travelers, says Jill Bowdery, travel blogger at Reading the Book.
“I always make friends on these tours, even the shorter ones,” she says. “My Facebook friends list is littered with people from all over the world who I connected with. Some are people I shared two weeks of intense experiences with, while others are people I only knew for a day but hit it off with well enough to want to keep that connection. All of them make life more interesting!”
Plus, the shared itinerary will give you tons of opportunities to socialize during exciting experiences.

Meet new people by learning a language.

Every traveler has struggled with a language barrier. But building a language bridge might be the easiest way to meet new people around the world, says Stephanie Montague, travel blogger at Poppin’ Smoke.
“If you’re in a foreign country, chances are there’s someone who wants to learn English and would love to meet you for coffee. If you are interested in learning the local language, all the better,” she says. “Try posting a message on bulletin boards at local universities or through organizations serving foreigners. Online classifieds are also a good resource to find a local with which to practice the language.”
It’ll pay off with some helpful vocabulary, and hopefully a new amiga.

Stay in touch with the new people you meet.

Success! You found a companion and spent days wandering around an exotic place together. But now it’s time to part ways—how can you keep the relationship alive when you live far away?
Whenever you meet new people, get their details right away, says Goldie Chan, a frequent traveler and founder of Warm Robots, a social media strategy agency.
“Add them immediately into your phone, WhatsApp, or on to your favorite social network and send them a picture of the two of you. This ensures that you have their contact and not just a scrap of paper,” she says.
Then, use the info! Budding friendships aren’t as resilient as your long-term buddies back at home—they require regular attention to blossom. When you meet new people, continue to connect with them over social media and email. Sending them a postcard, snail-mail style, will show special care. Growing the relationship ensures that it’ll be there for the long term.
Who knows? Maybe you’ll even plan your next trip together.

A Word of Caution: Be safe when you’re meeting new people.

No matter how lonely you get while traveling solo, don’t let your desire to meet new people put your safety at risk. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when you’re trying to meet new people on vacation:
Meet new people only in public places. There’s little to no reason to go into the private room or car of someone you’ve only known for a short while.
Tell someone you trust where you’re going and who you’re meeting. Zap an email to your friends and family back home, and let the staff at your hotel or hostel know what you’re up to.
Secure your valuables. Carry no more than the amount of cash you need for a day, put locks on your bags, and definitely stash your passport in a safe place.
Know your own limits. That goes for alcohol and physical activity. Pushing yourself to the point of insobriety or exhaustion leaves you vulnerable.
Always trust your instincts. They can save you from a lot of trouble.
Taking a few basic safety precautions gives you the peace of mind you need to meet new people. Go ahead, traveler, mingle your way around the world. Let us know how it goes!

Categories
Mindful Parenting Motherhood

Yes, The Fourth Trimester Is Real—And It's Not Easy

There were plenty of sweet newborn snuggles when we brought our son home from the hospital, but there were also so many moments when my husband and I, baby books in hand, stared down at our crying newborn wondering, WTF do we do now?!
Contrary to what we started to think, we weren’t the world’s worst first-time parents. It turns out there’s a reason our baby—and most newborns!—are so fussy. It’s called the fourth trimester, it affects both mom and newborn baby, and no one really tells you about it.
swaddled baby making fussy face
But understanding the fourth trimester—a phrase that pediatrician and baby whisperer Harvey Karp, MD, coined to describe the first three months of a baby’s life—is crucial to getting through those tough first weeks at home with baby.
We spoke to Karp, along with OB-GYN Heather Bartos, MD, to learn exactly what the fourth trimester is, how it affects newborns, and tips for surviving this tricky time at home with a new baby.

My OB-GYN didn’t tell me there was a fourth trimester! What is it?

If you are pregnant or have been pregnant, you know that pregnancy is broken into three trimesters, with the third one lasting twice as long as the first two (okay, so that’s not true, but it sure feels like it does). So why did your OB-GYN not mention this mysterious fourth trimester?
Karp, who is the author of the Happiest Baby on the Block, uses this phrase to describe the first three months outside the womb, during which a baby goes through an intense period of change and development.
newborn feet with hospital band
According to the baby geniuses who developed the Wonder Weeks theory, in the first three months outside the womb, your baby will experience several mental leaps, and their little bodies rapidly mature, which is why your baby is extremely cranky during the fourth trimester. It’s hard work doing all that growing!
[pullquote align=”center”]“Babies have an innate neurological response called the calming reflex … that gets triggered by rocking, shushing, etc.”
—Harvey Karp, MD[/pullquote]
Because of this rapid mental and physical development, Karp believes that babies are born too soon, even if they make it right up to their due date. Babies have to be born at 9 months because otherwise they’d be too big to pass through the birth canal. But if it were up to them, says Karp, they’d prefer a few more weeks inside the womb.
“The fourth trimester is a metaphorical term, but it is absolutely a real thing!” Karp tells HealthyWay. “It is the few-month window following birth when babies are almost magically calmed and soothed by rhythmic sensations that remind them of being in the womb. It’s not just a theory, it’s biology. Babies have an innate neurological response called the calming reflex—a virtual off-switch for crying an on-switch for sleep—that gets triggered by rocking, shushing, etc.”

baby in their fourth trimester being rocked by mom and dad
iStock.com/AleksandarNakic

Typically, babies who are having a tough time adjusting to life outside the womb constantly cry, especially toward the end of the day. They’re not trying to torture you, I promise. They’re simply trying to communicate their desire to be back in the cozy confines of the womb.
Since that’s obviously not an option, Karp suggests the next best thing: Recreate the womb experience for your baby using certain soothing techniques.

How to Handle the Fourth Trimester: The 5 S’s will save your sanity.

Is the fourth trimester preventing you from bonding with your new baby as much as you’d like? Are you frantically googling phrases like “how to stop baby crying in the middle of the night” or “how to make it look like you got a full eight hours when you really only got two”? If that sounds like your situation, stop what you’re doing right now and memorize what I’m about to share with you. (You can thank me later, when your baby is sleeping peacefully in his crib.)

happy baby with white blanket is smiling
iStock.com/NataliaDeriabina

Actually, you can thank Karp, who swears that his techniques for soothing baby are the next best thing to coming up with a highly realistic uterus impersonation.
Says Karp, “In my work researching colicky babies, I’ve observed five womb-mimicking techniques—used throughout time and across cultures—that effectively calm babies. To make it simple for parents, I called them the 5 S’s: swaddling, side/stomach position, shushing, swinging, and sucking. Each one of these steps triggers the calming reflex and sends babies into a peaceful bliss.”

The First S: Learn to make a baby burrito.

Karp’s first S stands for swaddle. By the third trimester, baby was tucked tightly in the womb with little room to wiggle about. Outside the womb, they’re still not in control of their movements, so when they accidentally move their arm or kick a leg, it can be startling and scary.
feet of baby lying down
That’s where swaddling comes in. Swaddling your baby tightly recreates that snug, womb-like feeling and usually has an immediate calming effect on newborns.

The Second S: Sometimes side or tummy is okay.

But never to sleep! The only safe sleeping position for a baby is flat on their back, with no loose blankets or toys in the crib. If you’re holding a fussy baby, though, try holding her on her side or even her tummy. It should have a calming effect, especially if you’re swinging at the same time. When baby is calm or has drifted to sleep, then lay her flat on her back.

The Third S: Shhhhh!

Placing a baby in a totally silent room for sleep is kind of the worst idea ever. The womb was a pretty loud place, and babies calm more quickly when there’s some ambient noise in the background. You can either learn to shush like a pro (tip: way louder than you think you need to) or pick up a white noise machine to mimic those womb-like sounds.

The Fourth S: Swing, swang, swung?

According to Karp, babies bounce around in the womb a lot, which makes sense. Every time mom moved, baby moved too. Instead of rocking slowly in a chair to calm a crying baby, use a shorter, faster, swinging motion.

mom is rocking and swaying baby to sleep
iStock.com/Halfpoint

Note that this is in no way the same as shaking your baby. It’s easy to get frustrated with a constantly crying baby. If you get angry or frustrated, hand the baby to your partner or another caregiver and take a break to calm down before returning to baby.

The Fifth S: Suck it, mom.

A lot of parents don’t want to give baby a pacifier because they’re afraid of nipple confusion early on. But if you have a crying baby, a pacifier might be just the trick to calming them down. That’s because babies are born with the urge to suck, even if they aren’t hungry.

I need more! What are some other calming techniques I can use in the fourth trimester?

“Things like babywearing and white noise machines are in fact 5 S’s techniques,” says Karp. “When you wear your baby, to her, it’s hardly different than being in your belly—she’s warm, snug, and constantly in motion. Swaddling works so well for sleep because, like babywearing, it reminds your baby of the womb’s embrace.”
Looking for a good swaddle? I recommend the Karp’s Happiest Baby Sleepea Swaddle (hey, he is the expert!) or an Ergo Swaddler for easy wrapping. Both are moderately priced at around $25 and are waaaaaay easier than trying to snugly wrap your baby in a regular blanket.
As for carriers, there are so many babywearing options, it’s kind of mind boggling. I loved my Sakura Bloom Sling when my son was a newborn, but he quickly outgrew it for daily use. To find a baby carrier that’s right for you, I suggest speaking to a certified babywearing expert (yes, they exist), who you can find through Babywearing International.

mom holding baby in sling
iStock.com/Halfpoint

“Whether you shush or use white noise, a hair dryer, or a vacuum cleaner, these are all loud, continuous womb-like sounds. As I’m sure you know, the rhythmic motion of car rides (and stroller rides) make babies deliciously drowsy,” says Karp. One mom I know absolutely swears by the Shusher, while another has a taped recording of the hair dryer that she can’t leave home without.
And a word of advice from a mom who’s been there: Make sure you’re sufficiently alert when going for a car ride or using a device like the hair dryer to soothe your baby to sleep. Falling asleep at the wheel (or with a running hair dryer in your hand) is obviously dangerous. Once little one falls asleep, take a nap too if you need one.

The fourth trimester affects mom too.

I, like everyone else in the world, saw the photos of Kate Middleton looking oh-so-glam mere hours after giving birth to her third child. But I’d be willing to bet my whole stash of frozen breastmilk that the minute Kate and Will arrived home at Kensington Palace, Kate ran straight to the freezer, grabbed a bag of frozen peas, and placed them right on her ah, royal assets.
How do I know this?
[pullquote align=”center”]“The biggest thing no one tells you about the fourth trimester is how hard it is trying to take care of yourself … when you are up all night and constantly caring for a helpless baby.” 
—Heather Bartos, MD[/pullquote]
Because the fourth trimester doesn’t just affect babies. All moms, even duchesses, experience the fourth trimester, though in a different way from baby. After I gave birth, I didn’t even recognize myself. I felt like I had lost control of my own body. I sat on an ice pack for days and then cried when I needed that ice pack for my engorged breasts as my milk came in.

mom holding her baby looking out window
iStock.com/ljubaphoto

“The biggest thing no one tells you about the fourth trimester is how hard it is trying to take care of yourself (showering, sleeping, quiet time) when you are up all night and constantly caring for a helpless baby,” says OB-GYN Heather Bartos.
Bartos says that things like stretch marks and linea nigra don’t just magically disappear after giving birth. It’s hard to embrace these changes, so Bartos shared her favorite self-care tips for dealing with a postpartum body during the fourth trimester.

Stretch Marks

Even if you didn’t get stretch marks during pregnancy, you may get them postpartum.
“[Postpartum stretch marks] happen when skin rapidly changes (like shrinking after that 9-pound kid!)—so keep moisturizing after bathing, and also using something like a belly band can help,” says Bartos.

Linea Nigra

Linea nigra is the name for that dark vertical line some women get on their belly during pregnancy. Bartos says that the melanin changes in your skin do take a while to fade, but eventually the linea nigra will go away. In the meantime, try to keep your tummy out of the sun.

Engorged Breasts

Engorged breasts are the worst. Typically, you’ll experience engorgement three to five days after baby is born as your milk comes in or sometimes if it’s been a while since a nursing session. To reduce the likelihood of engorgement, Bartos says, “pump or feed as soon as possible. If you’re in a pinch, try hand expressing milk to ‘get the edge off.’”

baby being fed by bottle
iStock.com/stock_colors

If you don’t have a breast pump yet, get one! They’re usually free or fairly inexpensive through your insurance. I’ll be honest though, my insurance-supplied breast pump did not work for me. Instead, I purchased a cheapie battery-operated travel pump, and it worked like a charm. All this is to say that if pumping isn’t working out, it may be the pump, so don’t be afraid to try a different kind.

Self-Care During the Fourth Trimester

While it can be hard for mom to find a free moment to relax, Bartos recommends taking time to complete daily meditation and low-impact exercises that can really help reduce stress. Here are her favorite practices (and you only need about 15 minutes to complete them!):

  • Alternate nostril breathing (1 minute): This premise is simple. Sit somewhere. You can sit up straight and cross your legs to look cooler. Take your index finger and put it to the side of your nose. Plug one nostril and take a deep breath in through the one that’s not plugged. Exhale through the same nostril. Repeat using the other finger and other nostril. The benefits of this exercise? Scientifically, it can reduce blood pressure but it also balances out your energy and does relax you.
  • Legs up the wall (5 minutes). Also known as Inverted Lake, this mild inverted yoga pose is known for a wide range of health benefits—improved digestion, brain function, relaxation, and sleep—and for its anti-aging effects. Ancient Hindu scriptures claim that this pose hides wrinkles in addition to banishing old age and death. While true yogis can do this pose from 30 minutes to several hours, we everyday gals can benefit from just 5 minutes of this a day.
  • Meditation (10 minutes) When I think of meditation, I think of a long, dreamy process, but in truth, you can do a beneficial mindful meditation in less than 10 minutes. (Heck, you can do it in just one!) If you’re new to the practice, there are guided meditations to take you through the steps. Try this 7-minute loving kindness meditation by meditation mama Megan Winkler. Apps like Calm (iOS and Android) and Headspace (iOS and Android) and hypnotherapy apps by Andrew Johnson are other options that provide a short respite from everyday stresses.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help during the fourth trimester.

“I think you should seek help any time you’re worried about your baby,” emphasizes Karp. “The 5 S’s soothe most colicky babies, so it’s really the first thing to try. There could be a medical concern if you’re confident you’ve mastered the precise techniques and your baby is still fussing a lot. …It’s always smart to get your pediatrician’s opinion.”

HealthyWay
iStock.com/GeorgeRudy

That goes for mamas too. If you feel that something isn’t right with your body, don’t be afraid to reach out to your OB-GYN for postpartum care—postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety are more common than you’d think.
If you just need a little TLC, you know what I’ve found? Sometimes the 5 S’s work on adults too. So if you’re feeling tired or down, grab that ratty blanket, swaddle yourself on the couch with a white noise machine, and take a nap to recharge.
[related article_ids=1001371]

Categories
Favorite Finds Sweat

Best Yoga Mats For Everyday Use—No Matter Where Your Practice Takes You

Having a trusted yoga mat that you absolutely love is essential for any yogi who is looking to connect deeply to their practice on a daily basis. As a 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher, when I’m looking for the perfect, everyday yoga mat, I want to make sure that the mat is a good fit for both my studio practice and my home practice.

Criteria I Considered While Testing Everyday Yoga Mats

Prior to stepping onto each mat for the first time, I noted its mat thickness, grip, and weight. In addition to these factors, I look for a yoga mat that provides enough support and cushion for my joints, stays put while I’m in Downward-Facing Dog, and isn’t going to move across the floor while I’m transitioning through my poses. One final factor that’s important to me personally is whether or not my mat is made from eco-friendly materials.
best-yoga-mats-for-everyday-use
To determine which mat was the best for daily use, I tested each yoga mat during three flows: one at home, one in a non-heated studio space, and one in a hot studio.
Before I share my honest thoughts on these popular yoga mats, I think it’s important to note that what is written below is simply a snippet of my experience, so it could look quite different from person to person based on individual preferences and needs. Yoga is all about your personal experience, and that is exactly what I am sharing with you in the hopes of guiding you in the purchase of your new yoga companion.
[sol title=”Manduka ProLite + Towel Set” subheader=”Dimensions: 71”L × 24”W × 4.7mm | Weight 4 lb”]
The quality of the Manduka ProLite stood out from the other two yoga mats I reviewed for everyday use. I could tell simply by the feel of the mat under my hands and feet that Manduka’s lifetime guarantee is well worth the investment. In addition to a high-quality mat, this set also comes with a towel in one of two available sizes: standard, which is 72”L × 26.5”W, and extra long, which is 86”L × 26.5”W.

Pros

The Manduka ProLite is the lightest of the three mats I reviewed, weighing in at 4 pounds. What I love about Manduka over lululemon is that they’ve managed to keep the comfort and quality of their Manduka Pro while making the ProLite a bit lighter to transport to and from class. Not only is the quality of this mat in a league of its own, but it’s also very comfortable. It has a thickness of nearly 5mm, making it comparable to lululemon’s Reversible Mat (more on this product later), and for me, the amount of cushion was perfect since I prefer a thicker mat to protect my joints and make seated postures more comfortable. This Manduka ProLite yoga mat provided me with more than enough support.
best-everyday-yoga-mat-manduka
The Manduka towel is almost like a mat in its own right. The grip is superb, especially when it gets wet. The towel stayed firmly in place through an extremely hot class and provided more grip than the mat itself, making this mat towel a worthwhile investment (especially for hot yoga).

Cons

Speaking of the towel, this naturally brings me to my next point: the slip and grip (or lack thereof) of the Manduka ProLite. I first used this mat in a warm class where the temperature was at 85 degrees, and I slid everywhere. It didn’t matter what pose I was in, I was moving constantly—to the point that it became a huge distraction. About halfway through my class, I put my towel on top of the mat and it was a game changer. The towel absorbed sweat, dried quickly, and was just as comfortable as the mat.
Wondering if I was the only one to experience this slipping issue, I did some research and found that this was a common problem found all across the board with Manduka mats. Fortunately, I found a video made by Manduka that explains how to break in the yoga mat and why doing so is a must before you start practicing with this mat.

Considerations

I ran through the process that Manduka recommends for breaking the ProLite in and I must admit, it’s well worth the time it takes. I experienced a huge difference in the grip of the mat and can now practice freely without any distractions. If you’re willing to put in the time to break it in, the Manduka ProLite is well worth the investment and comes with a lifetime guarantee. If you’re looking for a mat that you can roll out and use immediately in heated and non-heated settings, this may not be the best fit for your practice.
[link-button href=”https://amzn.to/2tC8HGx”] Get it from Amazon here [/link-button]
 
[sol title=”lululemon Reversible 5mm Mat” subheader=”Dimensions: 71”L × 26”W × 5mm | Weight: 5.24 lb”]
On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the most durable for everyday use), I would give the lululemon Reversible 5mm Mat an 8. It’s made from polyurethane, which makes it extremely durable for both home practice and studio classes. The mat also has a natural rubber base that provides extra cushion and a strong grip.

Pros

This yoga mat had the best grip out of the three that I tested for everyday use. I also would consider this mat to be the most durable out of the three.
Did I mention that the grip on this mat is insanely impressive? I felt comfortable and confident being fully planted in my Downward-Facing Dog knowing that I’m not going to slip or slide anywhere—in both hot classes and non-heated classes. Before you fully break this mat in, the grip is almost so intense that transitions can be a little rough, but this will wear off with time and use (or by placing a yoga mat towel on top).
If you plan on using this mat solely for hot classes, I would suggest getting The Towel from lululemon to prevent extra moisture from getting directly onto the mat since this can result in staining.
best-everyday-yoga-mat-lululemon
This mat also features an antimicrobial additive that prevents mold and mildew from forming, which really comes in handy during the times where you’re not able to clean the mat with warm water and soap after every practice. This is definitely a feature that I would look for if I was going to use this mat solely for hot yoga classes.

Cons

When you first purchase this mat you will likely notice a strong rubber-like smell. I recommend rolling this mat out once you return home and leaving it to air out for several days prior to your first use. This smell will go away over time, even if it stays rolled up (but it may take slightly longer than if the mat is completely rolled out).
The care instructions for this yoga mat recommend cleaning with warm, soapy water. Seeing that this isn’t always an option when you’re practicing at a studio, this mat is a little more difficult to clean and take care of. A lot of studios will provide their own cleaner and I’ve noticed that any kind of mat cleaner with an oil base will stain this mat and compromise the grip over time. If you decide to purchase this mat, you’ll want to make sure you dedicate the time to washing and caring for it properly to extend the life of your yoga mat.
In addition to oil-based cleaners threatening the integrity and appearance of the mat, I’ve noticed that the sticky rubber side will wear down over time if you’re not protecting it with a towel and taking the extra time to clean the mat with warm, soapy water on a regular basis.

Considerations

One other thing to mention about this mat is its weight. Unlike the Jade Harmony, this lululemon mat is very heavy. I would recommend purchasing the Loop It Up Mat Strap or The Yoga Bag for carrying it to and from the studio. The Yoga Bag is my top pick because I can fit my towel, car keys, and other small items in the pockets. Lululemon does also have a reversible 3mm mat option if you’re after a yoga mat that is more portable and lightweight.
Out of the three yoga mats I reviewed for this category, I would say lululemon’s Reversible 5mm Mat performed the best in terms of cushion and comfort due to the natural rubber base that provides an extra bit of support in poses where your knees and wrists are bearing weight. With that being said, there was one yoga mat that outperformed the lululemon reversible mat.
[link-button href=”https://fave.co/2IzTuKw”] Get it from lululemon here [/link-button]
 
[sol title=”Jade Harmony Mat” subheader=”Dimensions: 68”, 71”, or 74”L × 24”W × 4.76mm | Weight: About 5 lb”]
Jade mats are tapped from rubber trees that are a natural and renewable resource. They are free from PVC, EVA, and any other synthetic materials. Jade takes pride in their mats being the first ever “green” and non-toxic yoga mats of their kind. As an added bonus, Jade also plants a tree for every mat they sell and has planted over one million trees thus far!

Pros

The rubber material provided a soft but durable feel for my hands and feet in every pose. I never felt the need to prop up on a blanket for extra cushion since my wrists and knees were fully supported and comfortable. This yoga mat is the perfect balance of non-slip with just a little bit of give that enables easy transitions when you’re moving through a Vinyasa-style practice. The grip on the Jade Harmony mat provided me with the exact amount of non-slip resistance I look for when doing my everyday practice.
For my hot class, I chose not to use a mat towel. The rubber material has a great way of absorbing any extra moisture from sweat while still maintaining its grip. I did have a towel handy throughout my practice but did not feel the need to lay it down on the mat while I was moving through my flow. Practicing on this mat, I felt completely distraction-free both at home and throughout both of my studio classes.
best-everyday-yoga-mat-jade-harmony
One factor that sets the Jade Harmony Mat apart from the other higher priced, non-slip mats is its lightweight feel and ease of travel. I can easily roll up this mat and don’t have to worry about lugging it in a bag or using a strap due to it being too heavy. This feature makes this mat a great travel companion since it can easily fit into your carry-on or suitcase.

Cons

If I were to name one downfall of this mat it would be the length. If you’re purchasing the Jade Harmony Mat for $74.95, which is the cheapest of the three lengths available, you’re getting a mat that’s only 68 inches long. I found myself adjusting my body up and down so that my hands and feet wouldn’t wind up on the bare floor. That being said, Jade does offer a variety of lengths for the Harmony mat, but as the length increases, so does the price.

Considerations

Just like any other yoga mat, the Jade Harmony Mat will wear down over time with consistent use. I have also noticed that the grip gets a little more slippery with time (I’ve had mine for years—proving that it is a worthy investment!). The material itself, however, is still holding up beautifully—no flakes or rips at all.
The grip of the Jade Harmony mat is exactly what I need to stay in place in Downward Dog but has enough give that I can transition smoothly through my flow. It’s extremely lightweight and easy to transport in and out of the studio. It’s also a great travel companion that packs nicely without taking up too much space. Last but not least, Jade believes in something bigger and gives back to the community in such a meaningful way, which really resonates with me.
Out of the three mats reviewed for best everyday mat, the Jade Harmony is my winner. I would say that this product is 100 percent worth the value if you have a regular yoga practice. It’s something that you’re going to use all the time, and I have to say, having a Jade mat makes me want to practice more! I get genuinely excited to roll this mat out every single time I’m ready to greet my practice.
[link-button href=”https://amzn.to/2z1RStR”] Get it from Amazon here [/link-button]

Categories
Healthy Pregnancy Motherhood

13 Pregnancy Apps To Get You Through The Next Nine Months

You’re pregnant! Woohoo! Congrats, mama. As you’re quickly finding out, there is so much to keep track of—your symptoms, your appointments, the baby’s size. How can you stay on top of all the never-ending things to keep track of? With apps, of course!
But the apps don’t start (or end) when you conceive. There are myriad apps that can help you get pregnant (hello, timed sex!), and keep you sane during early motherhood.
Here are our top picks.

Best Apps for Ovulation Tracking

Glow Ovulation

The Glow team has several apps for various women’s health needs, from ovulation to fertility and pregnancy to baby’s first year. Glow Ovulation is their app designed to help you get pregnant (or not get pregnant). Its super easy navigation system can help you get on top of your cycle. Glow Ovulation allows you to track your cycle and set medication, ovulation, contraception, and period tracker reminders. “It was really helpful to be able to keep track of temps while trying to conceive,” says L.A. mom Rosemary Dardick. “After a few months of trying on our own, we got pregnant after a month of using the app.”
Download Glow Ovulation free for iOS and Android.

Ovia Fertility

For a mama-to-be who wants to infuse a little science into this project of conceiving: Ovia Fertility teaches you to track your cycle and moods, cervical fluid, nutrition, weight, exercise, blood pressure, sleep, sex, and fitness routines (it syncs with other apps, like your FitBit)—all information you can then bring to your doctor. With a staff of physicians behind it, this app has it all.
Download Ovia Fertility free for iOS and Android.

Fertility Friend

I used this one and found it super easy (and empowering!) to navigate. Fertility Friend helps you keep track of your cycle and all sorts of other things—cervical fluid, mood, cravings, and basal body temperature. With graphs to watch (of your temp going up and down, mostly) and online tutorials, you’ll easily know which days to “aim” for.  
Download Fertility Friend free for iOS and Android.

Best Pregnancy Apps for Week-by-Week Tracking

Glow Nurture

Glow Nuture is beloved by mamas-to-be because it is so comprehensive and easy to navigate. Plus, unlike some apps that only focus on you or baby, you can track your little one’s growth while also keeping track of your own symptoms. You can also socialize with other expectant mamas and track your appointments all in one place!
“I used Glow Nurture to track my baby’s growth and track all my symptoms, which was so helpful,” says Mindy Melgar of L.A.
Glow even has a feature in case you miscarry, allowing you to track your symptoms and stay on top of your emotional well-being.
Download Glow Nurture free for iOS and Android.

Ovia Pregnancy

What’s great about the Ovia Pregnancy app (other than that it was founded by a doctor) is that it actually remembers mom! So no more of the whole, “Your baby is the size of a peanut this week, the end.” Ovia puts the focus back on you. You get real-time alerts about your own symptoms (is it serious or not?), it helps you track your own wellness (food, sleep, exercise), and has a feature that allows you to look up whether certain foods and medications are safe. It can also sync up with your FitBit.
Download Ovia Pregnancy free for iOS and Android.

Babybump Pregnancy Pro

Are you a documentarian? This is the app for you. With wonderful photo-sharing capabilities and plenty of mommy groups to join, this is a do-it-all app.
Bonus features: It keeps you up to date on baby’s growth, helps you write a birth plan (with prompting questions like: Do I want my partner in the room with me all times?), and allows you to time contractions when the time comes.
Download BabyBump Pregnancy Pro free for iOS and Android.

Best Apps for Raising a Newborn

Glow Baby

Glow Baby is massively popular because of all it allows you to do—which is basically stay on top of everything. “I used Glow Baby to keep track of feedings, sleep, and diapers. Can’t say enough good things about this app, especially for the type A mama,” says L.A. mom Mindy Melgar.
Glow Baby also allows you to track doctor visits and baby’s height and weight, and it has sharing capabilities that are great for partners, grandparents, and nannies.
Download Glow Baby free for iOS and Android.

The Wonder Weeks

Why is my baby crying? Experts on baby development created the Wonder Weeks theory to help you decode the crying and fussing (hooray!). When you’re stumped (and exhausted), their app can step in, helping you understand how your baby is changing week to week—and why the soothing you did last week may not be working anymore.
Download The Wonder Weeks for $2.99 for iOS and Android.

Baby Connect

Baby Connect is an app for those obsessed with data. (I was personally addicted to this one.) Having a newborn can feel like throwing your life into total chaos, so having a place to keep track of everything—feeding, sleeping, activities, diaper changes—gave me some semblance of control. You can detect patterns and plan accordingly. It can also sync with other phones, so your partner, nanny, and other caregivers can share info (no iPhone needed).
Download Baby Connect free for iOS and Android.

Best Pregnancy App for Timing Contractions

Full Term Pregnancy

Count your baby’s kicks, time your contractions, and see graphs of your progress! This is the most popular contraction counter on the market.
Download Full Term Pregnancy free for iOS and Android.

Best App for Mom’s Mental Health

Headspace

So this isn’t a pregnancy-specific app, but Headspace is so very helpful in calming your mind and body. With guided meditations of all sorts of subjects—self-esteem, stress, compassion—you can start feeling supported wherever you are.
Download Headspace free for iOS and Android (various subscription packages available, $7.99–$12.99/month).

Best Pregnancy Apps for Baby Names

BabyName

Dubbed the Tinder of baby name apps, BabyName works—you guessed it—like Tinder. Sync the app with your partner’s, then swipe right for the names you love and left for the rejects. The names you both love appear with their meaning and origin, so no extra research is required. The winners are filed on a shared list you can revisit later (and argue over).
Download BabyName free for iOS and Android.

Baby Names

This wildly popular baby naming app has it all: 60,000 names you can sort by origin, meaning, country, and popularity. It will tell you (by year!) what your desired name was ranked. You can create and change your list as many times as you like and narrow it down based on your preferences and predilections!
Download Baby Names free for iOS.

Categories
Lifestyle Well-Traveled

How To Overcome Travel Anxiety And Actually Enjoy Your Vacation

Vacations are supposed to be just that: a vacation—from daily stress, from daily anxiety, from daily life. But let’s be honest, getting to the actual relaxation part can be just the opposite: both entirely stressful and fraught with travel anxiety.
Inevitably, when it comes to travel snafus, anything that can go wrong will go wrong. It’s not enough that your Uber Pool is stuck in traffic. Once you get to the airport, TSA seems to constantly be changing its rules (Laptop in or out: Which one is it?). Then there are flight delays, dealing with your fear of flying, and, ultimately, stepping off the plane—and into someplace new.
When we look at the big picture, actually enjoying a vacation takes quite a bit of work, especially if you’re already working to overcome a substantial amount of travel anxiety.
In the 2015 study “Exploring the Fear of Travel” published in the International Journal of Scientific Management and Tourism, researchers wrote, “Although millions of people travel from one to another point of the globe in quest of other landscapes, customs and cultures, there are many others who are restrained due to psychological impediments. Leisure travel is for them a real nightmare.”
In some scenarios, travelers might not even know they suffer from travel anxiety. “While travel anxiety isn’t actually a diagnosis, situational phobias are,” says Heidi McBain, a licensed professional counselor and therapist, and author of Life Transitions: Personal Stories of Hope Through Life’s Most Difficult Challenges and Changes. “These phobias can include fear of airplanes, fear of enclosed spaces, or other anxieties relating to travel.”
If this sounds like you, rest assured you are not alone. Travel anxiety is something that many Americans struggle with. (A 2015 survey from The Economist and YouGov showed that about 15 percent of Americans are afraid of flying.) The good news is is that there are steps you can take to minimize travel anxiety, which can get you on the road to a relaxing vacation a whole lot sooner.

What is travel anxiety?

The cause of travel anxiety can be difficult to determine, but it’s typically related to some other form of anxiety. Unlike other forms of anxiety, though, travel anxiety can be triggered by anything related to any aspect of traveling: from worrying about getting to the airport to not wanting to leave your comfort zone or an actual fear of flying itself.
“Anxiety is fear of the future and the possibility of something negative happening,” explains McBain. “A delayed flight, an oversold plane, a long line at check-in, and a host of other possible scenarios may trigger stress in certain people.”
[pullquote align=”center”]“Leisure travel is for them a real nightmare.”[/pullquote]
Additionally, according to McBain, travel anxiety can be something learned from family members who suffer from it, or it can develop because of negative experiences with flying in the past, or from something someone saw on TV or in a movie.
Travel anxiety is not necessarily irrational. “Travel can be stressful whether it’s a one-night trip with a nonstop flight or a month-long trek through Europe,” says Anna Thelen, a travel consultant with Dream Come True Vacations. “There’s always this feeling of the unknown and helplessness when it comes to relying on airlines, transportation, [and] the kindness of strangers.”
Interestingly, if your travel anxiety doesn’t present as typical anxiety does, you might not even know that it’s something you struggle with.

Signs of Travel Anxiety

Anxiety in daily life is normal and we all deal with a certain amount of it. If you’re wondering if you have travel anxiety, look out for these common symptoms. (But to know whether or not it is something more than naturally occurring worries, speak to a professional who can help you with a diagnosis and treatment plan.)
“Physical symptoms of anxiety are fight-or-flight responses. They are natural responses to stressors,” says Tania Elliott, MD, Chief Medical Officer of preventative health company EHE. “[These] physical symptoms include increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and high blood pressure.”
[related article_ids=1002802]
To determine how problematic your travel anxiety is, note if there is immediate fear or fear that is out of proportion with reality, which can result in active avoidance according to McBain.
Becoming aware of whether or not you have travel anxiety is a great first step. But the goal then should be to minimize it so that the overall vacation experience doesn’t become a negative association.
Luckily, there are several practical things that travelers can do before and during a trip that can help to lessen the stress associated with travel anxiety.

How to Overcome Travel Anxiety: Plan Before the Plane

“For many people, the more experience they have with travel, the overall less anxiety [they] feel,” says Thelen. Planning ahead is key when it comes to trying to minimize the anxiety, she says.
Learning about your destination, airline, resort, and airport ahead of time is one of the best ways to stay calm. Thelen recommends sharing your itinerary with friends and family as well as keeping both electronic and paper backups of all important documents. Additionally, look up all the information for nearby hospitals and embassies in case of illness or emergency.
One of the best ways to overcome your anxiety before traveling is by purchasing travel insurance. This may give you peace of mind, knowing that both your health and travel investment are protected.
Still feeling anxious? “I also like to play a game of What If? where I discuss all the potentials that could go wrong during the trip and have a plan for how to work through for fix those problems before they happen,” Thelen shares.
Another option is to consider using a travel agent. Travel agents take a lot of the planning legwork out of the vacation, meaning you have fewer opportunities to fret over every little choice. Plus, should anything go wrong, you’ll have a professional back home whom you can contact to help you solve any issue.

How to Overcome Travel Anxiety When You’re En Route

As for dealing with anxiety that comes with being on the plane itself, Elliott recommends her patients consider guided meditation. She points them to the HeadSpace app; their short, guided meditations are ideal for when you’re feeling anxious out in public.
“The fight-or-flight response is how the body reacts when it senses a predator. It results in a lot of pent-up energy,” says Elliott. “Walk it off. Stand up. Do a mini sun-salutation, if you will.” Elliott stresses the importance of opening up your body when you feel anxious, rather than shrinking in.
Her most-recommended breathing technique for helping to overcome travel anxiety is called alternate nostril breathing. Place one thumb on one nostril and your ring finger on the other. Push in with your thumb, and breathe in, then alternate and do the same with the other nostril. Do this for 30 seconds, she says, and make sure that your exhale is twice as long as your inhale.

A post shared by EVA NAPP (@eva_napp) on


Don’t forget to take care of yourself in other ways, too. “When you’re on an airplane, one of the things you can do is get a good night sleep before. Stay hydrated as well. If you feel crummy during travel, it will trigger anxiety,” says Elliott.
Finally, if the fear of flying is still holding you back, you might be calmed by some cold, hard statistics. As you go through the motions of flying, quell your worries with the fact that 2.5 million passengers fly in and out of American airports every single day. Air travel is also supremely safe. David Ropeik, a risk communication instructor at Harvard University, says your odds of dying in a car accident are about 1 in 5,000 while the odds of dying in a plane crash are about 1 in 11 million.
You’re more likely to be struck by lightning in your lifetime with a 1 in 13,000 chance, and you hardly ever hear stories about that. It seems that we hear about plane crashes so often because they are so rare. Trying to remind yourself of these safety statistics while traveling can definitely help you stay calm.

Dealing With Travel Anxiety on Vacation

Hopefully once you reach your destination, the travel anxiety wears off and you’re able to relax and enjoy a beautiful vacation. Still, many people find that the constant periods of transition during a travel experience cause anxiety.
“Most people experience anxiety right before they leave for a trip and right when they get there. Transitions are difficult,” Elliott says. She recommends trying as best you can to be present and in the moment.
Her best advice? Make it a cellphone-free trip. “Disconnect from technology and immerse yourself in your surroundings,” she says. “This is a [linkbuilder id=”6580″ text=”life hack”] that I try to do when I’m on vacation. I put my phone in the safe. The first six hours I feel the technology withdrawal, but after that I find myself feeling totally free.”

Understanding Travel Anxiety Post-Vacation

Ideally, tackling your travel anxiety before you leave and while you’re on vacation will show you that your fears are unfounded—and it might just motivate you to travel again in the future. Not feeling so sure? There are a few things you can do after a trip in order to debrief and learn from the past so that the next time around the idea of travel is less daunting.
Give yourself some downtime before you return to work and your everyday life if possible. McBain suggests using this time to reflect on what went well and what didn’t. Journaling is a great way to take note of how you felt during each stage of the trip to see what changes you would make in the future.
[pullquote align=”center”]“The fight-or-flight response is how the body reacts when it senses a predator. It results in a lot of pent-up energy. Walk it off. Stand up. Do a mini sun-salutation, if you will.”
—Tania Elliott, MD[/pullquote]
“Take stock of the trip,” says Thelen. “Note anything that went wrong, or that you would improve on the next one and take note of that.” For example, if you find that you became anxious while checking in for a flight because you couldn’t locate all of your documents, make a note of that. Before your next trip, make sure to have everything you need for check-in printed and in an easy-to-access spot.
“I also like to keep a master packing list,” Thelen says. “Packing lists can vary from trip to trip depending on climate, time of year, et cetera, but some things remain the same and as you go through your travels, make note of items that would have made your trip easier and add that to your master packing list.”

Overcoming Travel Anxiety: Medication and Therapy

Anxiety is a normal part of life. It is okay to feel a little bit anxious from time to time. And travel is certainly stressful, so feeling travel anxiety is not uncommon and can certainly be overcome. But how do you know when it is more than just a little bit of stress?
If the pre-planning and post-planning techniques mentioned above don’t seem to assuage your anxiety at all, that is something to take note of. If the fear of travel is so debilitating that it makes you not want to go, that is another sign to pay attention to.
“If these problems are pervasive and keeping you from seeing and doing things that you enjoy and experiencing life the way you would like, then medication may be an option that you’d like to explore with your doctor,” says McBain. “Therapy is another great place to get support for anxiety and learn new, healthier ways of coping with life stresses.”
Xanax and Ativan are common prescriptions for situational anxiety, but for those who don’t necessarily want to take medication, or whose doctors feel that prescriptions might not be right for them, try melatonin, a supplement you can get over the counter.
“I recommend adjusting to the time zone you’re flying to in advance by taking melatonin a few days beforehand,” says Elliott. This allows the melatonin to be most effective in flight and allows travelers to adjust more quickly once they land.
And always remember that you are not alone in dealing with travel anxiety. Talking to someone is incredibly effective and can go a long way in determining what is the right method for you.
[related article_ids=1003493]

Categories
Lifestyle Well-Traveled

Let's Go Glamping: Get Outdoors In Style At These 11 Glamping Destinations

Love nature, but not quite enough to tolerate the bugs, the backache from sleeping on the ground, and the whole peeing without a real toilet thing? Me too. But fortunately there’s a way to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing the creature comforts you need: glamping. Glamping—a portmanteau of glam and camping (yes, really)—has been one of the hottest travel trends of the last few years.
Picture this: You get out to the woods, and there’s already a gorgeous safari-style tent set up, complete with a queen-size bed and luxury linens, an en-suite bathroom chock-full of lavish amenities, and the most Instagram-worthy decor (plus wifi to post those pics!). That’s just the start of what you can expect when you’re glamping.
So grab your girls, stock up on rosé, and get ready for a glorious way to experience nature. Here are the best glamping destinations in America and beyond. (And since we love ya, we’ve added some bonus tips on making traditional camping a little more luxe for women who want to stay true to their Girl Scout roots.)

HealthyWay’s Picks for Glamping Destinations in the U.S.

Looking for an outdoorsy getaway that’s not too far from home? The top glamping sites in America have got you covered. Here are a few of the chicest spots from coast to coast.

Eastwind Hotel & Bar (Upstate New York)

Take on the Catskills in style at one of the area’s newest places to stay, Eastwind Hotel & Bar. Originally a 1920s-era bunkhouse for outdoor enthusiasts, the hotel has recently undergone a modern makeover with rustic designs, Frette linens, and private fireplaces. But the real draw of this property, located in Windham, New York, is its Scandinavian-style glamping sites called Lushna cabins.

Eastwind Hotel & Bar

Minimalists, eat your hearts out: These A-frame structures are simple in design without skimping on the comforts you’d expect from glamping. You’ll have access to a private bathroom, sauna, wireless speaker, barbecue kits, and (of course) wifi—essential for sharing your picture-perfect view of the mountains.
Price: Starts at $159/night per room + $179/night per Lushna cabin

Collective Yellowstone (Big Sky, Montana)

The perfect marriage of rustic and sumptuous, Collective Yellowstone’s luxury camping accommodations in the shadow of Lone Mountain are the perfect home base to find respite after exploring Yellowstone National Park, without giving up the hotel-style experience. The tents look like heirloom cabins under canvas, complete with over-the-bed chandeliers, high thread-count linens, snuggly Pendleton wool blankets, and wood-burning stoves.

Collective Retreats

When it comes to amenities, this glamping destination has pulled out all the stops: A library of books, board games, coffee and tea, Turkish bathrobes and towels, and even homemade snacks are available in every tent—just in case Yellowstone didn’t have enough to nourish your mind, body, and soul.
Price: $500–700/night

Asheville Glamping (Asheville, North Carolina)

Think tents have to be triangles? Think again—staying true to the creative spirit of the local community, Asheville Glamping has turned dome structures into fun and funky glamping experiences. Each of the three glamping domes comes with its own personality.

Asheville Glamping

Dome 1 features an overhead skylight for premium stargazing opportunities that match its celestial-printed bed linens. Dome 2 is an interior design lover’s glamping dream come true, with a muted color palette, paper lanterns draped from the ceiling, air plants, a cowhide carpet, and accents that echo the shape of the geometric structure—no clutter, all sleek. And the whopping 1,300-square-foot Dome 3 has a 9-foot slide to take you through the bilevel structure in style. Your inner child will love it.
Price: Starts at $135/night

Urban Glamping at The Gwen Hotel (Chicago, Illinois)

Long left to the great outdoors, now glamping’s gone urban with an ultra-luxury tent on the 16th floor of The Gwen Hotel, right on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The picturesque tent exudes an “eclectic bohemian aesthetic” you might expect to see at your independently wealthy, hippy-ish aunt’s home in California.

Collin Pierson Photography/The Gwen Hotel

Think drum side tables, macramé seat cushions, braided Indian jute rugs, and lanterns galore, all on a one-of-a-kind site that overlooks the Chicago skyline. You might not have a campfire, but the staff will bring you s’mores at turndown, and that trade-off is A-OK with us.
Price: Starts at $5,500/night

Mendocino Grove (Mendocino, California)

With its crashing ocean coastline, humbling old-growth redwoods, and fern canyons fit for fairies, Northern California offers experiences in nature like no other place in the world. The best way to take it all in: Mendocino Grove’s glamping sites.

Mendocino Grove

The property features 60 spacious tents with lavish beds, indoor plants, private porches, and romantic twinkle lights. In the morning, fuel up at the complimentary outdoor breakfast bar—then hit the trails. Let us know if you make it to the rare pygmy forest.
Price: Starts at $120/night

HealthyWay’s Picks for Glamping Your Way Around the World

Luxury camping is far from a strictly American trend. If you’re looking to add some stamps to your passport, check out these glamping sites in far-flung locales.

Wadi Rum Night Camp (Jordan)

Set deep within the bright orange Wadi Rum desert, you’ll feel like you’re in another world at Wadi Rum Night Camp. The private Bedouin-style tents look like retreats for Princess Jasmine herself, with crisp white cloth draped from the ceilings, plush beds with royal red throw pillows, ornate mirrors, and even genie lamps.

Wadi Rum Night Camp

Take a private Jeep tour of the desert at sunset, then settle in and enjoy tea around the campfire with your fellow glampers.
Price: Starts around $211/night

Lofoten Summer Glamping Experience (Norway)

Glamping is often all about the tent. Not the case with the Lofoten Summer Glamping Experience (although its traditional Sami tents do look charming). Here, it’s all about the spectacular views of the mountains across the fjords. The company’s two-night, three-day luxury camping itineraries are perfect for people who want to see nature with a little bit of structure.

Lofoten Summer Glamping Experience

You’ll observe wildlife by cruise (fingers crossed you’ll spot white-tailed sea eagles or a whale!), take a wilderness cooking class (you’ll fish for your own dinner!), hike to the area’s best viewing spots, and visit a local goat farm. You’ll also have the chance to help with a beach clean-up—perfect for travelers who want to give back to the destinations they fall in love with.
Price: Starts around $1,990 for two nights/three days

Cabañas CuatroCuatros (Mexico)

This company has given 19 classic Mexican “yurts” near the Valle de Guadalupe wine region the royal treatment with luxurious queen- and king-size beds, fireplaces and air conditioning, minibars, indoor-outdoor wooden showers, and private decks.

Cabanas CuatroCuatros

The vineyard setting overlooking the sea makes it the perfect spot to sip wine and watch the sun set. If that’s not glamping glory, we’re not sure what is.
Price: Starts at $160/night

Clifton Glamping (New Zealand)

Travel to New Zealand is all about the landscape, and Clifton Glamping in Hawke’s Bay is the perfect place to immerse yourself in it. You’ll stay in safari tents that fall somewhere between cozy cabin and a heavenly bed-and-breakfast, each appointed with a super king bed, feather duvets, and vintage-style kitchens.

Clifton Glamping

And while you could rent a bike or take a dip in the clean river, we recommend saving plenty of free time to soak in the private outdoor tub. Talk about a way to unwind!
Price: Around $200/night

John’s Camp at Robin Pope Safaris (Zimbabwe)

There are safari tents…and then there are tents on safari. The latter is exactly what you’ll experience at John’s Camp, an intimate glamping haven from Robin Pope Safaris in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park. Even though all of the six Meru-style safari tents have simple, cozy beds, en-suite bathrooms, and uninterrupted views of the landscape, we doubt you’ll only hang out there.

John’s Camp at Robin Pope Safaris

You’ll be at the only national park in the world that allows visitors to walk freely among exotic animals. The up-close action you’ll get with lions, hippos, African bull elephants, and buffalo would make Eliza Thornberry herself seethe with jealousy. (Don’t worry, you’ll have a guide to protect you.)
Price: Starts at $680/night

Enchanting Luxury Tents in the Agafay Desert (Morocco)

Travelers can escape from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech into this picturesque glamping site in the Agafay Desert. Surrounded by an endless expanse of golden sand, these elegant tents (lit only by wrought-iron lanterns) feature everything you need to relax in this intense environment: king-size beds, outdoor lounge cushions, en-suite bathrooms, and big tubs.

Agafay Desert Luxury Camp

With no electricity, you’ll be on a digital detox and able to take in even more of this incredible landscape. Dinners come with three courses of French-Moroccan fusion cuisine, followed by stargazing to your heart’s content.
Price: Starts at $100/night

DIY Glamping: Still want to rough it? Glamp up your campsite!

Maybe you’re craving a camping experience that’s a tad more authentic than glamping—more power to you! Here are some luxe touches you can put on your campsite to infuse it with just a little bit of glam:

Your bed is everything if you’re experimenting with glamping.

Inflate an air mattress in your tent (this is a must!), then cover it with your favorite sheets, a fluffy duvet, a throw blanket, and at least half a dozen pillows. The goal of glamping is to sleep outside without feeling like you slept outside.

You can also liven up your overall tent decor.

Start by draping a few strands of solar-powered twinkle lights around the entrance of your abode. Position a few chairs around an outdoor mat just outside your tent to create a deck-like feature. Then, add some glamping-inspired decorations, like streamers, party flags, lanterns, and wind chimes.

Do yourself a favor and set the table up nicely.

The five minutes it takes to place a checkered tablecloth, candles, Mason jars, and real flatware will pay off tenfold in upscale(ish) dinners, breezy breakfasts, and unforgettable dining experiences.

Get your camp food on point.

Whether you’re cooking over the fire or using your portable burner, camp food can be one of the most memorable parts of spending a night outdoors. Up your breakfast game by whipping up a glamping-style brunch. Mountain Standard makes it easy with its new carrot cake pancake mix. Just add water and fry for a few minutes to get gluten-free, golden-brown pancakes studded with apple chunks, raisins, and coconut. (Pro tip: They get even better with a generous pour of maple syrup and a mimosa to wash them down.)
Speaking of food, you’ll need to plan for s’mores. Epic, epic s’mores. Leave your cheap chocolate at home and instead treat yourself to gourmet dark chocolate, cinnamon churro marshmallows, and the fanciest honey-kissed graham crackers you can find. Voilà! The perfect glamping treat before snuggling into your sleeping bag.

Shower in style.

If possible, set yourself up with an outdoor shower in a secluded place (trust us: it beats the coin-op showers in the communal restrooms). You can hang sarongs around the area for a little more privacy. Then, stock it with mini bottles of luxury shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and other amenities that you might find in the en-suite bathrooms at glamping sites. And go ahead and bring along a nice towel. Tiny self-care treats can go a long way toward helping you enjoy your outdoor adventure to its fullest potential.

Give your bar a little attention.

Plan to make a few glamping-themed cocktails and bring along mini bottles of your favorite spirits, tasty mixers, and some fresh garnishes to doll up the Mason jars you’ll use as cocktail glasses. Don’t forget your shaker!
Whether you’re a die-hard camper who’d never even think of letting someone else set up your tent or you’ve got your heart set on a stunning glamping experience with your gal pals this summer, just getting outside and away from it all is the most important thing. You’ll come home refreshed and invigorated—with a newfound appreciation for your own four walls.

Categories
Conscious Beauty Lifestyle

I Tried Magnetic Eyelashes To See If They're Worth The Hype

I am pretty much the target marketing audience for stores like Sephora; show me a trendy product that promises the perfect pink pout; delivers a sunkissed, supermodel glow; or plumps my woefully stubby lash line, and I will purchase it.
Until I had my son, that is. All that extra cash I used to spend on questionable beauty trends now goes toward diapers. (So. Many. Diapers.) But occasionally, I’ll come across a beauty trend so intriguing, I just have to try it anyway.
[pullquote align=”center”]Nothing helps me unleash my inner Liz Taylor like a good pair of fake lashes.[/pullquote]
Enter magnetic lashes.
I have to admit, nothing helps me unleash my inner Liz Taylor like a good pair of fake lashes, so I was immediately smitten by the idea of magnetic lashes (they had me hooked at “glue free”). Think you’re ready to splurge on this beauty trend? Read on to find out if magnetic lashes live up to the hype.

What are magnetic lashes?

Do glue-free fake lashes sound too good to be true? Well, hold on to your hats, ladies, because magnetic lashes are exactly what they sound like: fake lashes that attach to your lash line using teeny-tiny magnets.
Plus, magnetic lashes come in a variety of styles, so whether you’re using full strip lashes for a glam effect or simply using accent lashes to complement your real lashes, you can probably find a look for you.

Why use magnetic lashes?

So why bother with magnetic lashes?
Well, for one thing, they’re eco-friendly. Yes, really. As long as you take care of them, magnetic lashes will last indefinitely with minimal care, unlike fake lashes that use glue, which will need to be gently cleaned after each use if you want to wear them again.
You might not think twice about tossing a pair of fake lashes in the trash at the end of the night, but over time, those wispy little lashes can really add up to a lot of trash that ends up in landfills.
And if you’re trying to build up a nest egg, think of all the cash you’ll save by purchasing a couple different sets of magnetic lashes (a work-appropriate pair of accent lashes for day and a pair of come-hither bombshell lashes for night) instead of hitting up the drugstore every time you need a new pair of lashes.
Finally, magnetic lashes may be a better option than fake lashes that use glue if you have super sensitive skin or allergies, since no abrasive glue is needed. Some medications that promise to lengthen lashes can actually change your eye pigmentation permanently (yikes!), so magnetic lashes can be a low-risk alternative without damaging your baby blues.

How do you apply magnetic lashes?

Just like applying any type of strip lashes, there’s a bit of a learning curve when applying magnetic lashes. But unlike applying other fake lashes, the stakes are pretty low. If you mess up, all you have to do is pull the magnetic strips apart and reposition your lashes. No risk of gluing your finger to your eyeball with these bad boys!
The directions for most magnetic lashes are simple enough. A set comes with a top and bottom lash for each eye. To apply magnetic lashes, take the top lash and line it up with your natural lash line, gently pressing it into place. With your eye open, take the bottom lash (which will usually be marked by a dot or other indicator) and line it up underneath the top magnetic lash along your lash line. When both lashes are lined up, the magnets will lock together.
Voila! Luscious, fake lashes.

My Honest Review of Magnetic Eyelashes

I have to be completely honest: Initially I found magnetic lashes very difficult to apply. I purchased a cheapie set from the drugstore to try, and it was impossible to keep the top lash in place as I adjusted the bottom lash.
I contacted Ardell, one of the biggest names in fake lashes (and incidentally, makers of the magnetic lashes I chose to try), to see if they had any tips to make applying the lashes easier.
Jasmyn, a helpful customer service rep, told me to apply one coat of good mascara to my natural lashes prior to putting on the magnetic lashes. The mascara bulks up your lash line, giving the magnetic top lash something to stick to, so they don’t wiggle around as much while you’re positioning the bottom lash.
In addition, I found that I didn’t need a whole lash strip to get the glam effect I was going for. Using Jasmyn’s advice, I cut each lash in half and used them at the outside corner of my eye.
My lashes were still noticeably fuller, and the magnetic lashes were much easier to apply when there was only one magnet to lock in place, as opposed to three. Thanks, Jasmyn!

Best (And Worst) Magnetic Lashes: Splurge, Steal, Skip

Wondering which magnetic lashes are worth purchasing? I got you, girl. Here are my splurge, steal, and skip picks for magnetic lashes.

Splurge: One Two Cosmetics Magnetic Lashes

Magnetic lashes from One Two Cosmetics aren’t cheap, starting at around $70 (which, tbh, is why I didn’t try them out—Mama has to buy diapers!). But they do have the best reviews online (compared to other brands) and have pretty much set the standard for magnetic lashes.
One Two Cosmetics lashes come in both half and full lash sets in one size, and according to the FAQ section of their website, they should fit any eye shape because they’re applied to the outer edge of the eye only. In addition, they’re made of synthetic fibers, so they’re vegan and cruelty free.
If you’re ready to splurge on a set of magnetic lashes, you can order One Two Cosmetics lashes through their website or on Amazon.

Steal: Ardell Magnetic Lashes

Ardell has been helping give natural lashes a boost since 1971 with a wide range of beloved, affordable, fake lashes. For around $15, you can purchase Ardell’s magnetic lashes in almost any makeup or drugstore. (I got mine at Target!) Ardell’s magnetic lashes come in two styles, the Double 110 for a more natural-looking lash line, or the Double Wispies, for extra length and volume.
You’ll read mixed reviews about Ardell’s magnetic lashes online. For my own research, I tried the Double 110 magnetic lashes out at home. As I mentioned, it took a minute to figure out how the heck to put the magnetic lashes on. But once I got them locked in place, I have to admit, I liked the results—especially compared to the last time I got false lashes and ended up looking like a Kim Kardashian/Dolly Parton hybrid (two of my personal style icons, but those lashes were OUT OF CONTROL).

Skip: Almost any brand of magnetic lashes on Amazon (or purchase with extremely low expectations)

I don’t mean to be down on Amazon, really. I love Amazon. Aside from One Two Cosmetics and Ardell magnetic lashes (both of which can be purchased on Amazon), though, the reviews of most magnetic lashes sold through the online retailer are not great. On the other hand, most of Amazon’s magnetic lash brands are way less expensive than One Two Cosmetics or even Ardell magnetic lashes. If you’re looking to save big, go ahead and take a gamble on magnetic lashes purchased through Amazon, but buyer (and lash line) beware.

Protect your natural lashes from magnetic eyelashes.

Although magnetic lashes are pretty safe to use, there are few things you should do to care for your magnetic lashes and your eye health.
As with anything that goes near your eyes, magnetic eyelashes should always be applied with clean, dry hands to prevent bacteria from getting in your eye and causing an infection. In addition, after using magnetic lashes, you can gently wipe them down with a damp cotton ball to remove any mascara/eye makeup residue before wearing again.
Even the cheapie magnetic lashes come with a little storage case, so after using magnetic lashes, make sure to return them to the case to keep them from getting crumpled in a drawer or lost.

Final question: Are magnetic lashes really worth it?

To be totally honest, magnetic lashes get mixed reviews. Some beauty buffs absolutely love the look of magnetic lashes, while others aren’t impressed.
Personally, I think magnetic lashes are a lot of fun…after the initial trial and error (lots of error) of learning to put them on correctly. Would I spend $70 on a pair of magnetic lashes? Probably not.
But would I wear them for a fun night out or to trick my kid into thinking I’m the Janice the Muppet? Absolutely!