Hey, stink happens.
So you’re thinking about making the switch to natural deodorant. There are a few things you should know before you take the leap. Here’s a list of pro-tips and other info to make your transition easier and less smelly.
Aluminum isn’t as bad as we think
Back in 1999, an anonymous emailbegan circulating claiming that aluminum in antiperspirants causes breast cancer. Since then, aluminum’s had a bad rap, and has falsely been linked to cancer, Alzheimer’s, and kidney disease. Researchers from the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the National Kidney Association have all stated that they have not been able to prove any toxic or carcinogenic effects of aluminum and other ingredients in antiperspirants and deodorants. Studies that show otherwise, like this one, have either been debunked or have not been able to be recreated. Likewise, no direct causal link has been found between parabens (preservatives in cosmetics) and cancer. Though they do have the ability to mimic estrogen, there’s not enough evidence to prove that they pose any health risks. Research is still ongoing, so if you prefer to err on the side of caution, your best bet is to limit your exposure.
You’re going to sweat more than you’re used to
Read MoreAcai, Goji, Maca, Spirulina, Moringa, Camu Camu…the list keeps growing of foods we’ve never heard of that we’re told we must eat to be healthy. Where did these come from? Are these foods actually super? Do they have superpowers to reduce my crow’s feet, because I’ll Amazon subscription that shit. right. now.
These superfoods are trending big time and not just on Twitter. Every juice bar and froyo joint has acai plastered all over its menu. But what makes superfoods worthy of the SUPER title? Health experts define superfoods as a food that is highly nutrient dense. Meaning, these food provides a substantial amount of nutrients in very few calories. Example, you’d have to eat like ten oranges to get the amount of vitamin C in one teaspoon of camu camu powder. So, it’s superpowered, sure.
Read MoreThe scale sucks. It’s triggering. It’s uncooperative. No matter how much I eat right and exercise the scale stares back at me with the same shitty number. I do everything I’m supposed to be doing. I eat zoodles for god’s sake. But the ultimate judge-y metric - the bathroom scale - continues to represent my failure.
The ultimate goal is not to imbue the scale with any special powers. I’m not there yet. The scale still messes with my head and can prompt me into unhealthy behaviors out of spite.
I realized I needed a break from the scale when all we did was fight. I needed a few health wins that didn’t depend on weight. So, I went to my doctor, Dr. Kristen Bodine-Zeller, for advice. I point blank asked her, what numbers I could focus on instead?
She gave me a boatload.
Read MoreWe’re an overweight, sick and depressed society. We spend inordinate amounts of money on prescriptions that may or may not really help, therapy to work through all our baggage, and repeatedly jump on the latest and greatest diet schemes—keto, anyone? Yet here we remain, physical and emotional messes.
Here’s an idea that might set us all free: hiring a personal trainer.
It sounds terribly indulgent, doesn’t it? A personal trainer is something for J.Lo, not you! You have kids, a job, a partner, bills, debt, college funds. You can’t be spending on such frivolity!
Read MoreWe like treats. It’s science. The human brain has reward systems. When it gets a treat, it produces the neurotransmitter, dopamine. Dopamine feels great.
So, although water can be gloriously quenching and treat-like after an intense workout, or at 3 am after a salt-riddled Indian feast, typically drinking the recommended daily amount of water, about 2 liters, is a taxing, annoying, endless, non-treat chore.
So, I hacked it.
The typical “water glass” is wide mouthed and drinking from it feels like homework. Don’t ask me why. A wide mouthed glass with water just feels like someone is punishing you for something you didn’t even do. Whereas a frosty cup of something icy and refreshing from a coffee shop while enjoyed with a straw, feels exciting. Like anything is possible. Like you’re finally the hero of your own story.
Read More