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Wellness

Your March 2020 Horoscopes

While January put us through cosmic boot camp and February left us hanging, March is here to help us clarify the plan and level up. That is, if we’re ready for the challenge.

On the 4th, Venus moves into Taurus, one of the love planet’s home signs. This is the time to have our cake and eat it under a weighted blanket too. On the 9th, there’s both a full moon in Virgo and Mercury stations direct (insert cosmic sigh of relief). Full moons are a time of culmination and catharsis, and with the communication planet finally moving forward again, we’re ready to receive some needed clarity.

Aries season arrives on the 19th (happy birthday to our rams!) with the spring Equinox. And on the 21st, Saturn moves into Aquarius. In Aquarius, the planet of limits and structure gives a firm voice to the progress we’d like to see in the world. Saturn remains in Aquarius through the end of June before briefly retrograding back into Capricorn through the end of 2020. But the next three months are a preview of what’s to come this year.

There’s a new moon in Aries—our most confident sign—on the 24th to remind us that our greatest achievements can start as very tiny ideas. We can do it!

(Horoscopes follow for each sign. If you know your rising sign, reading for that will provide further insight.)

Related: Quiz What Zodiac Sign Are You Actually (Like Really Truly Deeply)?

As the month begins, work is busier than ever, but your time is best spent at a remove. Through the 19th, while the sun is still in Pisces, try to focus on rest, meditation and staying off your phone as much as possible. On the 8th, you might be in for a particularly spiritual experience if you’re ready for it. But on the 9th, you’re pushed back into reality as the full moon has you taking care of both your own and everyone else’s chores.

The sun moves into your sign on the 19th, and it’s officially your season! This is a time to really focus on your image and self-care. Problems at work reach a stressful climax on the 20th, but by the 23rd, you are able to process what happened. Use what you learned to make changes that benefit everyone. Though things are tense with your colleagues until the 31st, better rapport is on the way next month.

At the new moon on the 24th, spend some time looking through your closet and thinking about the message your style sends to the world. How do you want to be seen? Get yourself the birthday gift of a functional yet stylish pair of shoes or a bag that is 100 percent you.

This month begins on a note of sweetness as Venus glides into your sign on the 4th. This is *the* day to set goals for your beauty and health. On the 8th, you are inspired to revamp your makeup bag with clean and green products. You want to save your face and save the earth. By the 28th, you are teaching your friends about the best natural toners and exfoliants.

The full moon on the 9th highlights your creativity and romance sector. Is it time to get back on the apps? Maybe someone you started dating around the new moon in Virgo last August resurfaces and shows you a good time. Or maybe he doesn’t. Either way, make sure that whatever you do on this day, it makes you happy.

Saturn moves into Aquarius on the 21st, and all of a sudden, things get serious at work or for your public image. Whether you’re getting a promotion, switching industries or just facing the difficulties of your new position, the next few months are about taking yourself seriously as a leader. At the new moon on the 24th, though, take a break from the hustle. Go on a solo trip or make a commitment to meditate.

As March begins, you find yourself reconsidering your role in the workplace. You’re not crazy—your boss is giving you confusing advice. On the 8th especially, be mindful not to follow someone else’s suggestion into the void. Trust your gut. At the full moon on the 9th, though, you are thrilled to spend some time at home. Invite some friends for a Sunday brunch or just watch TV on the couch all day with your boo.

On the 16th, as communication planet Mercury heads back into Pisces, instead of your usual impromptu banter, you’re finding that you need to get more formal about speaking in public. Whether it’s your maid-of-honor speech at your best friend’s wedding or a talk for the interns at work, get creative but stick to the script.

Saturn’s entrance into Aquarius on the 21st is very welcome as all the stress over debt, taxes and other people’s money that has been plaguing you for the past year finally calms down—perhaps with a big tax return? At the new moon on the 24th, take a moment to sit down and consider your RSVPs to upcoming social engagements. Unfortunately, you have too many friends to make it to every birthday party. Choose wisely.

On the 9th, the full moon falls in the part of your chart that represents all the things that surround you: your neighborhood, your oldest friends and also your emails. Did you make a promise to a friend at the new moon last August that needs to be fulfilled now? Use this energy to create a supportive environment.

As Aries season begins on the 19th, your focus shifts to your reputation and public image. And on the 20th, an argument with your business partner or work wife makes you second-guess a joint venture. Don’t throw in the towel, though. By the 23rd, you have reconciled and are ready to face the next phase together. With Saturn’s shift into Aquarius on the 21st, be prepared to think more strategically about money that you’ve borrowed.

At the new moon on the 24th, spend some time in quiet reflection, listing out your personal goals for your career. Not what your mom wants, what your best friend thinks or what your boyfriend wishes, but how do you want to be seen? Six months from now, what will you have accomplished? Write it all down.

Whether you’re presenting paintings at a group art show, getting the band back together or just showing off some A+ selfies on Instagram, you’re sharing lots of beauty in public these days. On the 8th, you’re unexpectedly gifted an appointment at the salon. Don’t miss out on the chance to switch up your style.

The full moon on the 9th is all about your money. An expenditure arises out of the blue that would have destroyed your cash flow last year. But because you’ve been saving, you can handle it with grace. This is the moment to upgrade your couch or invest in a new look for the impending wedding season. Buy something that will last.

On the 21st, Saturn enters Aquarius and your partnership sector, welcoming an era of building boundaries in your most intimate relationships. Are you ready to make a big commitment? Is it time to let go of a partnership that just isn’t working? The first test of your current relationships comes on the 31st, so evaluate from there. But first, at the new moon on the 24th, book a vacation or sign up for that French class you’ve wanted to try. Give yourself the gift of new horizons.

You’re feeling very sweet and romantic at the top of the month, dear Virgo. And on the 8th, your partner surprises you with a dream you always fantasized about but never thought in a million years would actually come true. Be sure to take pictures, because it might seem unbelievable even after the fact.

Everything shifts gears a bit the next day on the 9th when a full moon in your sign brings the focus entirely on you. Everyone is noticing your glow. And it’s not just your commitment to hyaluronic acid, it’s your attitude. You’ve done a lot of work since August to shift your mindset and it shows. With Mercury leaving retrograde on the same day, you’re no longer wasting all of your energy on problem solving. Just look out for a possible misunderstanding with your partner around the 16th.

The new moon on the 24th is all about shared resources for you. Are you looking to sign a lease? Buy a house? Renegotiate your car insurance? Use the energy of this lunation to do some research on upcoming financial ventures. You may not have to borrow as much cash as you think you do. Trust that what you need will come.

Related: 26 Astrology Memes That Were Basically Written in the Stars

As Venus enters Taurus on the 4th, you get some wonderful news about your tax refund, a personal loan or a farfetched collaborative project. It seems that people really do want to work with you! At the full moon on the 9th, though, you find yourself alone on a self-guided writing or meditation retreat. You’ve long needed this break, so don’t feel guilty about being unavailable. Keep your phone on airplane mode for at least an afternoon.

On the 21st, Saturn enters Aquarius and you finally get some relief from all the trouble that has been brewing in your home and family since December 2017. For the next three months, your mission is to think about the structures you want to bring to your creative or romantic life. Challenge yourself to go on a date or share something close your heart with a new friend by the 31st.

Speaking of romance, the new moon on the 24th falls in your partnership sector. Set aside time to get clear with yourself about what you bring to relationships and what you need. If you’re taken, have a cute dinner with your boo. If you’re single, grab drinks with your BFF. Either way, make sure you talk about all the things you want to accomplish together.

 

As Venus enters Taurus on the 4th, you are getting lots of attention from your work spouse…or your real one. You’re getting gourmet lunches prepared at home, your back massaged and fresh flowers at your desk. Later in the month, on the 28th, you find a similar sweetness when you team up with your sister or childhood friend on a project.

The full moon on the 9th is a culmination of all the ways you’ve been putting yourself out there for the past six months. Finally, you are a beloved member of the team, and despite yourself you’ve found that you’re really good at networking. Celebrate by attending a happy hour that actually sounds fun.

As Saturn enters Aquarius on the 21st, you can no longer ignore the need to clean up your house or get real with your family. You’ve been functioning well despite underlying chaos, but it’s time to start building the foundations that you need. At the new moon in Aries on the 24th, start that ritual you’ve long avoided incorporating. Set your alarm 15 minutes earlier, start your day with lemon water or read every night before bed. You flow better when there’s a plan.

You are as much a homebody as it gets as the month begins. So much so that on the 8th it’s best for you not to make a single plan. Enjoy the luxury of your couch and absolutely nothing to do. The full moon on the 9th is a huge moment for your career as a project you began last August comes to its fruition. Get some rest while you still can.

On the 20th, you realize that you’ve saved up the money for something you really need way ahead of schedule. The question is, do you go ahead and buy it or do you wait for a sale? Either way, get yourself a little treat for getting the job done. By the 23rd, your sights are already set on new financial goals.

The new moon on the 24th plants the seed for a budding romance or creative project. Pull out your pastels and start sketching. Etch that poem into your Moleskine. Ask that friend you’ve always had a crush on to grab a drink. It’s not a big deal now, but it could be in the future.

You’ve been doing so much work this year to change your image—not for anyone else but for yourself. It’s a lot of effort, but you’re doing it. On the 4th, as Venus moves into Taurus, you are blessed with a respite to have some fun. Plan an adventure for your kids—or for your inner child—on the 8th. Go somewhere unexpected that brings you joy.

At the full moon on the 9th, you are starting a new course of study. And whether it’s a Spanish class at the local bookstore or a Reiki training at the crystal shop downtown, you are finally doing the thing you said you would do back in August. It’s scary to do something like this alone, but remember that it’s your mission after all.

Saturn, your ruling planet, leaves your sign for Aquarius on the 21st and relieves some of the black clouds that have been hanging over the past year. Your assignment until June is to renovate your financial structures—or at least assess what needs rejuvenation. At the new moon on the 24th, get in touch with a family member you haven’t seen in a long time. It’s time to retrace your roots.

As the month begins, you’re happily spending ample time at home with your family. Whether you’re a new mother enjoying a shift in the rhythms of life or finally getting along with your roommates, do something creative as a family on the 8th. At the full moon on the 9th, your gears shift to business: You’re applying for a loan or filing paperwork to establish that LLC. This is a commitment, so take your time.

On the 21st, Saturn, your ruling planet, makes its grand entrance into your sign. From now until June, you are being tasked with taking better care of your body and health. If, on the 31st, there comes a moment when you have to choose who gets your attention, choose yourself.

As Aries season begins on the 19th, you feel called to spend more time in your own neighborhood. Why go downtown for an adventure when there’s so much to explore within a three-block radius? At the new moon on the 24th, call an old friend who always reminds you of a very specific time in your life. A quick dip into the archives is the refresh you need.

It’s still your season, Pisces! And at the top of the month, you are feeling even more dreamy and fantastical than usual. If you’re not careful, on the 8th, you may follow a feeling too far down the wrong path, so plan something grounding instead—a Reiki session or staying home to roast a chicken.

At the full moon on the 9th, a relationship or freelance contract that has been brewing since last August is finally made or broken. With Mercury stationing direct on the same day, you luckily don’t have to worry about too many details getting lost in translation, but it may feel like a landslide of events. Remember that you have been thinking about this for a long time. Embrace the change. By the 16th, you’re finally able to articulate your thoughts and ideas on the matter.

Aries season begins on the 19th and, at the new moon on the 24th, you’re gently reminded of what’s really valuable. Wear a piece of your grandmother’s costume jewelry. Make your mom’s “famous” salmon. Delight in your own creature comforts. On the 31st, you even find a family heirloom that everyone thought was lost forever. Put it away somewhere safe this time.

Jaime Wright is an astrologer based in New York. You can follow her on Instagram , @jaimeallycewright, or subscribe to her newsletter.

Related: 20 Famous Scorpios That All Scorpions Can Relate to

Categories
Tech

7 Trends That Will Be Huge in March

We could have focused on St. Patrick’s Day, Super Tuesday (March 3) or the official arrival of spring. But our list of hot topics leans more toward Hollywood hamsters, fierce fashion and revolutionary french fries. Here, the conversation starters that will be cropping up like tulips as winter finally melts away.

Chrissy Teigen’s Hamster

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We were first introduced to Peanut Butter, hamster of Luna, daughter of Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, one year ago, when she was adopted by the professionally sexy, social-savvy family—though with some reluctance on Legend’s part. On Twitter, Teigen has documented her transformation into a hamster mommy, from her puzzlement over what to feed Peanut Butter (“not rice”) to the nail biter that was the day she got lost for 12 hours in their house. The supermodel solicited hamster-locating tips from her followers and reported the search results in real time: “We are doing your peanut butter on a plate trick to find peanut butter. I swear to god if other critters come out of the woodwork for it, john will vomit and die.” Then, for those who haven’t been following this saga, just last week, Teigen was forced to defend her hamster parenting skills against commenters, who said such shockingly offensive things as “@chrissyteigen seems like she would be too drunk, high or slothful to clean the hamster cage. I’d bet John cleans it.” Unwilling to tolerate such critter-cism (sorry), Teigen clapped back with this sick burn: “U guys are so annoying and complain about every f–king thing in the world. Can you hear yourselves? Please listen to yourselves. This hamster is rich and thriving and performing opera.” More serious minds may be consumed with politics and pandemics. We’ll be over here, waiting to see what Peanut Butter does next.

Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Airbnb

Haute Potato

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Not since they were questionably renamed “freedom fries” has this fast-food staple so dominated the headlines. To put it simply, we are entering the golden age of the french fry. Scientists at Minnesota food-tech company Calyxt have developed a soybean-based frying oil called Calyno that reportedly has all the health benefits of olive oil with the neutral taste and heat-friendliness of vegetable oil. Potato slivers fried in Calyno are reportedly just as delicious as the full-fat OG fry. In related news, Burger Kings in New Zealand are now offering the “Chip Butty”—which is simply french fries, mayo and ketchup on a bun, bacon optional. For now a Kiwi exclusive, reports CNN, “it’s unclear if [the all-fry sandwich] will make its way to other markets in the future.” Thankfully, Americans are also busy reinventing this classic. Food blogger Sarah Gim (@thedelicious) debuted a “#friesboard” as an alternative to a cheese board or charcuterie platter. Composed of several varietals of fried potato (waffle, tot) and a rainbow array of dips, the spread swiftly became a social media sensation. In short, when it comes to international fry fandom, we are not talking small potatoes.

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Celebrity Scouts

Well, that’s one way to sling Samoas. Celebrity moms like Jennifer Garner and Reese Witherspoon are taking to social media to declare their love for Thin Mints and Tagalongs. Garner even set up a Gmail address (jenhasextra@gmail.com) to fill orders (presumably for free) for people in cookie-deprived areas of the country. Fitness influencer KetoGalSara debuted the delectable “Momoa”—a Girl Scout cookie box featuring Jason Momoa’s ripped torso. And feast your eyes on this list of all the celebs who grew up as Girl Scouts. It includes Dakota Fanning awash in badges. Sweet.

Diana Nostalgia

Robert Kamau/GC Images/Getty Images

We must give credit to Hailey Bieber for kicking off the Princess Diana fashion homage trend in the pages of Vogue Paris. The award for cheeky ingenuity goes to Harry Styles, who reinterpreted Lady Di’s iconic sheep jumper as a daring sweater vest. Now Kate Middleton is sporting more than just her late mother-in-law’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring; she has brought back the pie crust collar with aplomb—somehow making the frilliest and fussiest of shirt silhouettes seem fresh and pretty. As for the next time the Princess of Wales’s style will be revisited, we’ll have to wait for the fourth season of The Crown to debut at the end of 2020. That’s when she’ll be portrayed—pink fascinator and all—by luminous British actress Emma Corrin.

Robert Kamau/GC Images/Getty Images

Musical Memoirs

Flatiron Books

On the heels of Jessica Simpson’s soul-baring best seller, we have two new page-turners by women musicians to look forward to this month. Alicia Keys, whose hit song “Underdog” has already taken over the airwaves, will release not only a new album on March 20 (Alicia), but also a much-anticipated memoir called More Myself: A Journey on March 31. In it, according to Amazon, Keys will detail, “the challenging and complex relationship with her father, the people-pleasing nature that characterized her early career, the loss of privacy surrounding her romantic relationships, and the oppressive expectations of female perfection.” Carrie Underwood’s life will also be an open book starting March 3, as she releases her health and fitness guide Find Your Path. Though it is an advice book, Underwood doesn’t shy away from discussing “the pressure to look perfect and fit the mold as she launched her career after winning American Idol.” Clear your bedside tables.

Flatiron Books

Janina Gavankar

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She first caught our attention with a small but dynamic role on The Morning Show. And later made headlines by snapping the Sussexes’s holiday card (oh yeah, she just happens to be one of Meghan Markle’s best friends). But on March 6, the Chicago-trained actress and singer is poised to achieve household-name status as she plays Ben Affleck’s long-suffering ex-wife and the mother of his son in his alcoholism redemption movie The Way Back. One pivotal scene opposite Affleck is getting lots of attention, thanks to its apparent similarities to his real-life divorce. Toward the end of the movie, reports The New York Times, Affleck’s character “has a powerful interaction with his ex-wife [played by Gavankar]. He is in rehab at this point, and, when she comes to see how he is doing, he offers her an unflinching apology. ‘I failed you,’ he says. ‘I failed our marriage.’” Director Gavin O’Connor told the Times that Affleck had a “total breakdown” on set after filming this interaction. Don’t sleep on his leading lady.

Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Vanity Fair

Natural Beauties

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Goop hosted a No Makeup dinner party. A single #nomakeupmonday selfie from Demi Lovato just garnered over 3 million likes. Legends like Jane Fonda, debuting enviably low-maintenance hair-color transformations, have declared silver is the new blond. The world has officially fallen in love with gray-hair icon, artist Alexandra Grant (but Keanu Reeves did first). Whether all this is the natural evolution of the “no-makeup makeup” look or a bold next step toward truly clean beauty, “IDGAF” is a style statement we can happily get behind.

Related: 20 Celebrities Without Makeup On (Warning They All Look Gorgeous)

Richard Harbaugh – Handout/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images
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Wellness

We Asked 3 Nutritionists for Their Best Healthy Gut Tip…and They All Said the Same Thing

If you’re at all checked in to the world of wellness, you know that gut health is a very buzzy topic right now. Keeping up with your microbiome is all the rage, so I decided to check in with a few nutritionists for their must-have tips for a healthier gut.

I was expecting a variety of advice, including prioritizing sleep, exercising more, taking probiotic supplements and eating, like, miso.

Instead, all three nutritionists I talked to had the exact same tip: Eat more probiotic foods.

Clinical nutritionist Sharon Brown explained, “Many people with digestive issues want to run to supplements and powders, but the first and most powerful step you can take toward healing and supporting your gut is to start with a diet that is based on eating foods that support gut health.” What kinds of probiotic foods? Brown told us some of her favorites are fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchee, yogurt and bone broth—they contain nutrients like collagen and glutamine, which support the integrity of the gut lining.

Nicolette Pace, a registered dietitian, chef and nutritionist, added that since the specific health benefits of different probiotic strains are still being researched, it’s important to eat a wide variety of probiotic foods to cover all your bases. “Not any one single food contains all strains of probiotic bacteria for a healthy gut microbiome,” she told us. Still, it’s OK to play favorites when it comes to probiotic-packed snacks. For Hillary Cecere, a registered dietitian and the nutritionist for the meal delivery service Eat Clean Bro, that means eating lots of kefir, a fermented milk drink that’s kind of like a thin yogurt.

And it’s not just probiotic foods that could help promote a healthy gut. Prebiotics, types of dietary fiber that feed the friendly bacteria in your gut, are also crucial. A 2018 study conducted by researchers at King’s College London found that prebiotic fibers in certain foods might be more beneficial for the gut than others. Among those foods is garlic, which is naturally high in inulin, a type of nondigestible carbohydrate or “functional fiber” that feeds the good bacteria in your digestive system. Per a study in Food Science and Human Wellness, garlic actually promotes the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut and prevents disease-promoting bacteria from growing at the same time.

It’s time to stock up on kimchi, friends.   

Related: What Is a Microbiome (and Why Should You Care About Yours)?

Categories
News

Chris Elliott Had a Running Prank on the ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Set, According to Emily Hampshire

Emily Hampshire has confirmed that being on the Schitt’s Creek set was just as delightful as it sounds.

The 38-year-old actress (who plays Stevie Budd on the sitcom) recently sat down for an exclusive interview with PureWow and revealed what it was really like working with the cast of Schitt’s Creek. When asked if there was a definitive prankster on set, Hampshire immediately replied, “That would be Chris Elliott.”

She went on to say that Elliott had a running prank that persisted until the very last episode. Hampshire explained that the actor developed a catchphrase for every time the crew started rolling the cameras.

“You know on set when they say, ‘Speed. Rolling,’” Hampshire told PureWow. “Every time they would say ‘Rolling,’ he would be like, ‘Roland?!’”

Elliott is obviously referring to his character, Roland Schitt. Pretty funny, right? Well, it was the first few times. But Hampshire confirmed that it got old after six seasons of Elliott yelling, “Roland?!”

“Imagine six years of every time they say, ‘Rolling,’” she added with a laugh.

Hampshire also revealed that Eugene Levy (who plays Johnny Rose) had a hard time keeping his composure anytime Elliott was on set.

“Eugene cannot keep it together around Chris,” Hampshire told PureWow. “Like most of us can kind of handle it. But Eugene… There was this one scene where Roland was teaching Mr. Rose, how to play golf, except from behind. They got in trouble from the director because Eugene kept laughing.”

BRB, re-watching every season of Schitt’s Creek on Netflix.

Related: Emily Hampshire Reveals She Took a Major Piece of the ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Set Home with Her

Categories
Wellness

Prebiotic Foods List: 7 Foods to Eat for a Healthier Gut

You always make sure to include probiotics like yogurt and kimchi in your diet. But what about prebiotics? These types of dietary fiber feed the good bacteria in your gut and are an important part of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome (which has been linked to your overall health). We’ve put together a handy prebiotic foods list, highlighting seven foods to eat for a healthier gut. 

HOW TO GIVE YOURSELF A COMPLETE GUT MAKEOVER

1. Garlic

Salt & Wind

Rich in prebiotics, the best way to reap the gut-boosting benefits of this fragrant allium is to eat it raw. Crush or mince a clove and add it to salad dressings, dips and spreads for an extra kick. Garlic also boasts antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, so don’t skimp on this punchy ingredient. (Maybe just keep some breath mints nearby?)

What to make: Charred Cauliflower with Garlic Tahini Sauce

Salt & Wind

2. Jicama

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Pronounced HEE-kah-ma, this crunchy tuber is high in vitamin C and inulin, a prebiotic fiber that helps keep your gut health in check. Sweet and starchy, jicama has a taste that’s somewhere between an apple and a potato. We like to eat it shredded raw into salads or added to stir-frys for texture.

What to make: Shrimp Fajita Salad with Jicama and Avocado Cilantro Dressing

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3. Jerusalem Artichoke

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

These aren’t the green veggies you use to make your favorite spinach and artichoke dip (although they do taste like traditional artichokes when cooked). Also known as sunchokes, these tasty tubers belong to the sunflower family and have brownish skin and white flesh—sort of like a lumpy potato. Eat these guys raw or cook them like you would a regular tater (steamed, boiled, baked or sautéed) to help increase the amount of beneficial bacteria in your gut.

What to make: Creamy Root Vegetable Gratin

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

4. Apples

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

An apple a day keeps the bad bacteria away. Here’s how: The pectin in apples increases butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that increases friendly gut bacteria and decreases harmful bacteria. Just go easy on the apple pie—sugar is actually bad for your gut health (sorry).

What to make: Pistachio-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Escarole Salad

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

5. Asparagus

AMY NEUNSINGER/MAGNOLIA TABLE

Our favorite stalky vegetable is an inulin powerhouse, which promotes healthy bacteria and also eases inflammation. But don’t leave these guys under the broiler for too long. Overcooking asparagus can break down some of the good stuff—lightly steamed or sautéed is best.

What to make: Asparagus and Fontina Quiche

AMY NEUNSINGER/MAGNOLIA TABLE

6. Onions

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Chances are, this flavor-enhancer is already a staple in your diet. But now you can feel extra smug as you slurp your French onion soup. That’s because onions are a great source of inulin and fructooligosaccharides (a ridiculously long word for naturally occurring prebiotics), helping to strengthen your gut flora.

What to make: French Onion Cups

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

7. Bananas

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

High in fiber, vitamins and minerals, bananas also contain a small amount of inulin (which, as you know, helps boost your gut). But here’s the kicker: Unripe (green) bananas are even better for your gut, thanks to high levels of resistant starch which can increase good-for-you bacteria and reduce bloating. Permission to go bananas on, um, bananas.

What to make: Overnight Oats with Peanut Butter and Banana

I Took a Microbiome Test to Check My Gut Health and the Results Were Fascinating

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Categories
Wellness

Is Garlic Good for Your Stomach & Gut Health?

You’ve been feeling bloated lately (and it’s not just the salty takeout you had for dinner last night). Or things in your midsection are feeling funky, but you just can’t pin down why. Your gut microbiome is sending out a cry for help—but short of loading up on probiotics, you’re at a loss.

Don’t worry, friend—relief might be as simple as tweaking your diet. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a 2018 study conducted by researchers at Kings College London found that prebiotic fibers found in certain foods might be more beneficial for the gut than others. Among those foods? Garlic.

Really? Pungent, spicy garlic for stomach woes?

Why Garlic is Good for Gut Health

Garlic is naturally high in inulin, a type of non-digestible carbohydrate or “functional fiber” that feeds the good bacteria in your digestive system. Basically, it acts as fuel for those bacteria to do their job better, which makes your gut function better overall. And per a study in Food Science and Human Wellness, garlic actually promotes the growth of friendly bacteria (bifidobacteria, specifically) in the gut, and prevents disease-promoting bacteria from growing at the same time.

Not to mention, garlic is also known for its antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer properties and might be able to prevent heart disease. And it tastes *kisses hands like a chef.*

Know that garlic will start to lose its prebiotic benefits the more you cook it (and raw is best for gut health), so try rubbing it on toast or adding it to guac or salad dressing instead of cooking it. On the other hand, too much of a good thing can have adverse effects, so start out slow (i.e., don’t just down whole cloves out of the blue).

One more important thing to note: If your bloating and digestion issues are caused by IBS, or if you subscribe to a low FODMAP diet (which eliminates a lot of those non-digestible carbs), garlic could be a trigger for stomach issues. Studies have found that eliminating foods like garlic can actually help clear up those issues, so it’s worth talking to your doctor if you think IBS could be in the picture. (After all, they’re the experts.)

Related: This Is How to Make the Most of Your Probiotic Supplement, According to Science

Categories
Food

17 Savory Oatmeal Recipes for Chilly Mornings

Oatmeal is the ultimate breakfast for chilly mornings…but is it just us or is the old brown-sugar cinnamon getting a little stale? Enter savory oatmeal. It’s a fresh take on your go-to porridge, with hearty, nourishing ingredients that’ll keep you satisfied. (We’re talking to you, avocado.) Here are 17 savory oatmeal recipes to get you started.

Related: 14 Clean-Eating Breakfasts to Jump-start Your Day

Savory Oatmeal With Garlicky Kale

https://naturallyella.com/savory-oatmeal-garlicky-kale/#_a5y_p=5729743
Naturally Ella
https://naturallyella.com/savory-oatmeal-garlicky-kale/#_a5y_p=5729743

A little garlic will wake you up, for sure.

Naturally Ella
https://naturallyella.com/savory-oatmeal-garlicky-kale/#_a5y_p=5729743

Cheesy Savory Oatmeal With Crispy Potatoes And Pesto

https://www.snixykitchen.com/2017/07/05/cheesy-savory-oatmeal-with-crispy-potatoes-pesto/
Snixy Kitchen
https://www.snixykitchen.com/2017/07/05/cheesy-savory-oatmeal-with-crispy-potatoes-pesto/

We’d even eat this for dinner.

Snixy Kitchen
https://www.snixykitchen.com/2017/07/05/cheesy-savory-oatmeal-with-crispy-potatoes-pesto/

Savory Spanish Oatmeal

http://www.destinationdelish.com/savory-spanish-oatmeal/
Destination Delish
http://www.destinationdelish.com/savory-spanish-oatmeal/

It’s all about the romesco sauce.

Destination Delish
http://www.destinationdelish.com/savory-spanish-oatmeal/

Savory Oatmeal With Squash And Soft-boiled Eggs

Yummy Beet

Like a warm hug in a bowl.

Get the recipe

Yummy Beet

Savory Steel Cut Oatmeal

https://cookieandkate.com/2016/savory-steel-cut-oatmeal-recipe/
Cookie and Kate
https://cookieandkate.com/2016/savory-steel-cut-oatmeal-recipe/

Nothing like peppery arugula to lift that morning fog.

Cookie and Kate
https://cookieandkate.com/2016/savory-steel-cut-oatmeal-recipe/

Savory Oatmeal With Roasted Butternut Squash And Sage-walnut Pesto

http://www.whatscookinggoodlooking.com/whats-cooking-good-looking/2016/1/27/savory-oatmeal-with-roasted-butternut-squash-sage-and-walnut-pesto
What’s Cooking Good Looking
http://www.whatscookinggoodlooking.com/whats-cooking-good-looking/2016/1/27/savory-oatmeal-with-roasted-butternut-squash-sage-and-walnut-pesto

Nutritious and delicious, courtesy of Coterie member Jodi Moreno.

What’s Cooking Good Looking
http://www.whatscookinggoodlooking.com/whats-cooking-good-looking/2016/1/27/savory-oatmeal-with-roasted-butternut-squash-sage-and-walnut-pesto

Indian Savory Oatmeal

https://www.hithaonthego.com/indian-savory-oatmeal/
Hitha on the Go
https://www.hithaonthego.com/indian-savory-oatmeal/

With ghee and turmeric for a health boost.

Hitha on the Go
https://www.hithaonthego.com/indian-savory-oatmeal/

Savory Oatmeal With Bone Broth

https://www.theworktop.com/breakfast-brunch-recipes/savory-oatmeal/
The Worktop
https://www.theworktop.com/breakfast-brunch-recipes/savory-oatmeal/

We might never go back to sweet.

The Worktop
https://www.theworktop.com/breakfast-brunch-recipes/savory-oatmeal/

Savory Garlic Oats With Masala Fried Egg

https://myfoodstory.com/garlicky-oats-with-masala-fried-egg-recipe/
My Food Story
https://myfoodstory.com/garlicky-oats-with-masala-fried-egg-recipe/

The spicy egg topper changes everything.

My Food Story
https://myfoodstory.com/garlicky-oats-with-masala-fried-egg-recipe/

Savory Turmeric Chickpea Oats

https://www.thefullhelping.com/savory-turmeric-chickpea-oats/
The Full Helping
https://www.thefullhelping.com/savory-turmeric-chickpea-oats/

Chickpeas for breakfast? Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it. (Thanks, Gena Hamshaw.)

The Full Helping
https://www.thefullhelping.com/savory-turmeric-chickpea-oats/

Savory Oatmeal With Fried Eggs, Asparagus And Tomatoes

https://ohmyveggies.com/savory-oatmeal-with-fried-eggs-asparagus-and-tomatoes/
Oh My Veggies
https://ohmyveggies.com/savory-oatmeal-with-fried-eggs-asparagus-and-tomatoes/

Eating your veggies has never been easier.

Oh My Veggies
https://ohmyveggies.com/savory-oatmeal-with-fried-eggs-asparagus-and-tomatoes/

Cheesy Savory Steel Cut Oatmeal With Avocado And Fried Eggs

http://zenandspice.com/savory-steel-cut-oatmeal-avocado/
Zen and Spice
http://zenandspice.com/savory-steel-cut-oatmeal-avocado/

It’s packed with good-for-you protein, thanks to the addition of cottage cheese.

Zen and Spice
http://zenandspice.com/savory-steel-cut-oatmeal-avocado/

Savory Steel Cut Oats

https://www.thefullhelping.com/my-favorite-savory-steel-cut-oats/
The Full Helping
https://www.thefullhelping.com/my-favorite-savory-steel-cut-oats/

Gena Hamshaw does it again; this time, with mushrooms.

The Full Helping
https://www.thefullhelping.com/my-favorite-savory-steel-cut-oats/

Savory Oatmeal Breakfast Bowls

https://rootandrevel.com/savory-oatmeal-breakfast-bowls/
Root + Revel
https://rootandrevel.com/

All the flavors of an omelet, without the whole “making an omelet” thing.

Root + Revel
https://rootandrevel.com/

Savory Slow Cooker Oatmeal With Crispy Bacon

https://www.cottercrunch.com/savory-slow-cooker-oatmeal/
Cotter Crunch
https://www.cottercrunch.com/savory-slow-cooker-oatmeal/

You had us at slow cooker (and again at bacon).

Cotter Crunch
https://www.cottercrunch.com/savory-slow-cooker-oatmeal/

Avocado And Kale Savory Oat Bowls

https://www.platingsandpairings.com/avocado-kale-savory-oat-bowl/
Platings and Pairings
https://www.platingsandpairings.com/avocado-kale-savory-oat-bowl/

We see you, hummus.

Platings and Pairings
https://www.platingsandpairings.com/avocado-kale-savory-oat-bowl/

Savory Oatmeal With Garlicky Greens And Bacon

https://heartbeetkitchen.com/2015/recipes/type/breakfast/savory-oatmeal-with-garlicky-greens-and-bacon/
Heartbeet Kitchen
https://heartbeetkitchen.com/2015/recipes/type/breakfast/savory-oatmeal-with-garlicky-greens-and-bacon/
Heartbeet Kitchen
https://heartbeetkitchen.com/2015/recipes/type/breakfast/savory-oatmeal-with-garlicky-greens-and-bacon/
Categories
Beauty

Lululemon’s Basic Balm Cured My Chronic Chapped Lips

Every winter I gear up, beauty-wise, for the elements: I upgrade my face moisturizer, stuff an extra-luxe hand cream into my purse and prepare to exfoliate, buff and protect my lips from the cool and dry weather at all costs. But this year, I was blown away by a single product: Basic Balm from Lululemon. Here’s why.

Tell me more about this miracle balm. Lululemon actually created Basic Balm to treat a super niche problem: dealing with the aftermath of high-intensity breathing when you’re running, playing soccer or doing any kind of workout, really. It’s made from rich butters and natural oils that hydrate and protect your pout. (Think organic beeswax, shea butter and jojoba oil.) The leggings brand suggests applying this balm before, during or after a workout, which sounds like a lot of multitasking during cardio.

How does it handle chapped lips? Before my first application, I had low expectations. Most products of its kind (like Carmex or even just regular ChapStick) feel tacky or waxy. But as I applied Lululemon’s balm using the soft-touch applicator, the formula went on in a smooth layer and felt like it was really sinking in to the thin, vulnerable skin around my mouth. It worked quickly to soothe flaky spots and calm down any red, angry areas. After an hour of wear, my lips felt pillowy and supersoft, a rarity in the middle of February. Plus, the Basic Balm goes on with a natural finish with just a little shine and is not at all gloppy.

Is it really better than other lip balms? This Lululemon lip balm is the one I keep coming back to. Prior to discovery, I was a Blistex devotee, reaching for a tube anytime my lips needed extra help. I’m also a huge fan of Beauty Counter’s Lip Conditioner—still number two in my book—but the Basic Balm provides a slightly faster fix. I’ve even applied a light layer over lipstick and found it reduces the drying effect that often goes hand in hand with deeply pigmented lip color. I love that this balm moisturizes without reminding me that I haven’t exfoliated night after night.

Final verdict: Five stars. For the winter, I officially keep it on my person (or in my purse) at all times. And that dry, uncomfortable flakiness I tend to suffer from November until April? I haven’t seen a hint of it since I started using this product at least once a day. I credit the Basic Balm.

Related: This Top Derm Says You Should Never Exfoliate Your Lips

Categories
Wellness

Is Orange Juice Good for You? A Nutritionist Peels It Back

Orange juice is a staple in most refrigerators. It’s how our moms taught us to start our day off right—with a boost of vitamin C. But is OJ as healthy as we grew up thinking it was? We investigate once and for all: Is orange juice good for you? Yes…and no. Don’t worry, we’ll explain.

Related: 6 Keto Taco Bell Menu Hacks that Won’t Mess Up Your Diet

Sofia Kraushaar

What are the health benefits of orange juice?

One cup of OJ is packed with the good stuff. In fact, one serving (an eight-ounce glass) of orange juice has all the vitamin C you need in an entire day. It’s got a little bit of protein (about two grams) and an alright amount of calcium (4 percent of what we need each day, unless you’re drinking a calcium-enhanced OJ, which you should only do if your doctor says so since there are several downsides to having too much calcium in your system, but that’s a horse of a different color) and it’s virtually fat-free. Orange juice is high in potassium and is an excellent source of two B-complex vitamins—folate and thiamine—the building blocks of good health. It also boosts your immune system, and it might even prevent cancer, but more research is needed on that front. 

What makes orange juice unhealthy?

It was looking good for orange juice until we got to three key lines on the Department of Agriculture’s nutrition facts chart: 110 calories, more than 11 grams of carbs (sorry, keto dieters) and a whopping 20 grams of sugar per serving. Juicing an orange also gets rid of the fiber you’d otherwise benefit from if you just ate an orange instead, thanks to the concentration process, says nutritionist Lisa Young, Ph.D, author of Finally Full, Finally Slim. And all orange juices are concentrated to one degree or another—meaning the fiber and water have been nearly eliminated from those cartons on your grocery store shelf. This isn’t necessarily a reason to avoid OJ, Young says, but don’t forget to add more fiber to your diet, from foods like broccoli, beans and whole grains. So OJ isn’t the worst thing to consume, but drinking several glasses a day probably isn’t the best idea.

Is orange juice with pulp healthier?

Speaking of fiber, Young tells us that orange juice with pulp will give you a little bit of that extra fiber you need, but it’s still not nearly enough. Since it’s more of a preference than an actual health benefit, don’t force yourself to buy full pulp if you think it’s gross. (It is. Don’t @ me.) Orange you glad we’re not insisting you drink the pulp?

Can I drink orange juice every day?

If you gotta have your juice, Young suggests keeping it to one glass a day. And if you’re worried about the sugar and calories, “dilute four ounces of juice with four ounces of water to cut back on both,” she says. Young would also tell anyone keeping an eye on their weight not to have more than one four-ounce glass of OJ in a day because of how easy it is to overdo it with calories and sugar—specifically when you’re drinking them.

Which orange juice brands are healthiest?

Any brand that can guarantee its OJ is 100 percent real orange juice is a healthy option—full stop. 

What orange juice brands should I avoid?

Avoid products that market themselves as OJ but are more like neon-orange sugar water hidden in plain sight. Look for words on the packaging like orange juice cocktailorange drink and orangeade. These typically mean that the product contains a bunch of added sugar instead of real juice.

Related: Is Chipotle Healthy? A Nutritionist Weighs In

Sofia Kraushaar

Healthy Orange Juice Brands

Simply Orange
https://www.amazon.com/Simply-Orange-Pulp-Juice-Drink/dp/B078TT2ZKM/ref=sr_1_1?fpw=fresh&keywords=simply+orange&qid=1582671557&sr=8-1
4
Buy Now
Tropicana
https://www.amazon.com/Tropicana-Orange-Juice-No-Pulp/dp/B07F8Z7QBQ/ref=sr_1_7?fpw=fresh&keywords=tropicana&qid=1582753551&sr=8-7
3
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Minute Maid
https://www.amazon.com/Minute-Maid-Orange-Juice-bottles/dp/B000VA2WAA/ref=sr_1_15?fpw=fresh&keywords=minute+maid+orange+juice&qid=1582753673&sr=8-15
3.50
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Florida’s Natural
https://www.amazon.com/Floridas-Natural-Orange-Juice-Pulp/dp/B017KQS6Y8/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2M5YLEH3SHHDZ&fpw=fresh&keywords=florida%27s+natural+orange+juice&qid=1582753763&s=amazonfresh&sprefix=florida%27s+%2Camazonfresh%2C130&sr=1-2
5
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Categories
News

We Have All the Details on Kate Middleton’s Latest Little Black Dress from Eponine

No one pays attention to detail quite like Kate Middleton.  

On Tuesday, Middleton and Prince William attended a special performance of Dear Evan Hansen at the Noël Coward Theatre in London. For the occasion, the duchess opted to wear an Eponine dress and a pair of Romy Glitter Degrade Jimmy Choo pumps. She topped off her ensemble with an equally glittery clutch and a pair of Queen Elizabeth’s diamond chandelier earrings. 

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According to People, there’s more to this LBD than meets the eye. While the 1950s-style bouclé frock featured a pleated skirt and sparkly buttons from the vintage-inspired British couture label, it also included a hidden floral lining and a discreet button swap (the original buttons were crown motifs).

“The inside of that dress is just spectacular,” said founder and creative director of the brand, Jet Shenkman. “I think a dress needs to be as luxurious inside as it is on the outside—and hers featured a lovely cow parsley print, just in bloom.”

Mark Cuthbert / Getty Images

Shenkman also hinted that the duchess took part in the design process on the piece. Although, she still remained tight-lipped about what exactly that meant.

“I would rather remain discreet about the specifics, but I can say that she is incredibly nice, very warm and very kind, really just how she comes across in public,” she continued.

Now if only we have more details on the duchess’s involvement. 

Mark Cuthbert / Getty Images