Don’t feel bad about being selfish with these things…Sure, you should always give to others whenever you can. But sometimes, you’ve just gotta do you. And research backs that up: Studies have shown that being a little selfish can actually make you a happier person. Olga Levancuka, author of How to be Selfish (And Other…
Feeling like you need a healthy living revamp? Here are 10 ways to make this week your healthiest yet. Exercise for 150 minutes this week. Whether you work out for 50 minutes three times a week or exercise every weekday for 30 minutes, 150 minutes is the bare minimum experts recommend to maintain heart and…
Congestion is one of the more annoying manifestations of catching a cold, and the stuffy nose and sinus pain that result from it can make other cold symptoms even more unbearable. Instead of loading up on an over-the-counter decongestant, which may make you drowsy and foggy-headed, here are four natural ways you can relieve congestion.…
Every so-called healthy snack has had its time in the spotlight-remember rice cakes? Even though they tasted like cardboard, they were the “it” healthy snack for a while. But are rice cakes and other similar munchies actually good for you-or are they more like treats? Strictly speaking, a snack should be a mini-meal that offers…
If the last time you ate fried anything was at the state fair three years ago, we have news for you. No, funnel cake hasn’t become the diet food du jour. But fried foods — as well as burgers and beer — can have a place in a healthy diet. Surprised? No wonder. “With all…
Barre pro Kate Albarelli leads a Figure 4 class at Pure YogaIf you think you’d like to try a barre fitness class, be ready for a workout that will push your muscles to their limit. “Barre classes include components of pilates, yoga, and ballet,” explains Kate Albarelli, the creator of the Figure 4 barre class…
It’s been a crazy-busy couple of weeks. You step on the scale one morning and, yikes, you’ve gained five pounds. How the heck did that happen? New research shows that what you weigh isn’t just the result of eating too much and exercising too little; it’s also linked to your feelings, your experiences, even where…
What are probiotics anyway? The microbes or healthy bacteria, which are found in certain foods, live in your gut and help with digestion, regulate metabolism, and boost your immune system. “It’s like you have your own Amazon rainforest in your belly,” says Elizabeth Lipski, Ph.D, C.N.N., author of Digestive Wellness. “Your gut has three-and-a-half to…
Chocolate…in Many Forms: Everyone’s favorite dessert contains compounds called flavonoids, whose antioxidant activity help to protect the heart. Keep in mind, though, the more cacao your chocolate contains the better the benefits are; aim for 70% cocoa or more. Bored of the bar? Add even more heart-health benefits to your next treat by mixing pure…
Gluten-free: trendy diet or something more serious?The gluten-free diet has become a popular trend, not in its original incarnation as a recourse for gluten-intolerant people with Celiac Disease, but as solution for people with the murkily defined “gluten sensitivity,” or those who want to lose weight. And now some experts are saying that in fact,…
Eat your big meal early, new research says.Now you’re not only what you eat, but when you eat. That’s according to a new study that says eating lunch as your main meal of the day, early–before 3pm, in fact–could help you lose weight. More on Shine: Gluten-Free Diet or Veiled Eating Disorder? The study, just…
Feeling stressed? Consider yourself blessed. Stress is essential to a happy, healthy life. Really! Recent research has shown that there’s an “anxiety sweet spot,” in which short bursts of stress are actually good for us. “The adrenaline our bodies produce when we feel threatened makes our brain function better, sharpening our focus, improving our mental…