5 days ago
Stop drowsy driving, embrace ‘Sardine Summer' and put orange juice in your eggs — plus 7 more health tips to help you have a great week
Hello, health and wellness enthusiasts! My name is Kaitlin Reilly, and I'm here to share this week's best tips for living your most awesome life.
Summer is right around the corner, which means you're likely putting some R&R on your calendar. This week, writer Amelia Edelman wrote about why you should take a staycation or use your time off to enjoy activities closer to home. You'll skip the stress (and cost) associated with planning a big trip while still experiencing new things (that just so happen to be in your neck of the woods).
For the most feel-good benefits, psychiatrist Dr. Jessica Reddy recommends prioritizing 'novelty, nature and a little bit of wonder' during your staycation rather than just using the time to catch up on laundry or watch TV. Consider planning a picnic at a park on the other side of town or trying a new hiking trail. Check out a museum or art gallery you've never been to before. And don't rule out booking a hotel room for the night (or even just buying a day pass so you can chill out by the pool).
While you're dreaming about all the things you can do with your time off, look at the local weather forecast and peek at your horoscope to see what you can expect this Gemini season. Then check out the small steps you can take to make the week ahead great.
If you're not going the staycation route, be wary of 'drowsy drowning' when you get back from your travels, BuzzFeed warns. Jet-lagged (or just worn-out) travelers are getting behind the wheel when they're too exhausted to drive safely, putting themselves and others at risk. While it's tempting to drive yourself home from the airport after a trip, it could be deadly: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving contributed to crashes resulting in 633 deaths in 2023. Sleep expert Jeff Kahn points to the danger of nodding off for a few seconds while on the road. These 'microsleeps,' he tells BuzzFeed, 'might not seem like much, [but] on a highway traveling at 65 mph, those seconds can mean the difference between life and death.' If you're getting in late, coming back from a long journey or just feel sluggish (whether you've traveled or not), ask a friend to give you a ride home or order an Uber.
Fashion is getting fishy. While sardine-inspired prints are having a moment right now, the best way to jump on the Sardine Summer trend in our book is to pop some tinned fish in your pantry. Sardines are packed with protein and heart-healthy omega-3s, plus calcium and vitamin D. They also make a flavor-packed addition to any basic dish, from pizza to pasta. Try sneaking them into your pasta salad or add a few to your next charcuterie board.
Eggs and orange juice are a part of the classic American breakfast. But did you know you can use OJ to make your scrambled eggs extra fluffy too? Our friends at the Takeout say that whisking eggs with a splash of juice before cooking kicks off a chemical reaction: The acid loosens the proteins, helping them trap more air. The result? Light, airy scrambled eggs. Just keep in mind that these eggs will be a bit sweeter than average. If you want a more savory taste, try adding lemon juice instead.
Is your junk drawer full of wired headphones you're not sure what to do with? Store them in your carry-on suitcase, a pro-organizer tells House Beautiful. That way, you'll be ready to tune in on your next flight, saving you the hassle and expense of buying a new pair.
Many Americans do not get enough magnesium, which should be about 400 to 420 mg daily for adult men and 310 to 320 mg for adult women, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. That's a problem, because magnesium supports your immune system, helps regulate your muscle and bone function, and maintains heart health. One solution is to snack on nuts and seeds or focus on eating more magnesium-rich foods, which include spinach, black beans, avocado, bananas and dark chocolate.
Wondering if you really need to eat before hitting the weights? The short answer: Probably. While fasted lifting might work for early risers or those with extra-sensitive stomachs, most people will feel and perform better with some fuel. That means working out when you've had a meal in the last three to four hours or a snack in the last hour, dietitian Jason Machowsky tells Women's Health.
Confused about what to eat? Avoid fatty foods right before your workout. And according to dietitian Mallory Aldred, it's best to skip 'new foods, spicy foods, high-fiber foods that produce gas and anything that you're intolerant to'; you don't want to run to the restroom while at the squat rack. Try something like an egg and a piece of toast or string cheese and a cracker.
Tomatoes are in season. Do you know the right way to clean them to get rid of any potential dirt, pesticides and bacteria residue? Simply Recipes breaks it down: Start by rinsing them thoroughly under cool running water, then use clean hands to gently rub the surface of each tomato before drying them with a clean cloth or paper towel. Just make sure you skip any soap or detergent, as tomatoes can absorb them.
Want to ensure you're getting a deeper clean? Soak tomatoes in a solution of one teaspoon of baking soda for every two cups of water for 12 to 15 minutes. After soaking, rinse them well under running water and pat dry. Now you're ready for your pico de gallo or BLT.
Packing can be overwhelming, especially if you're trying to travel light. One easy way to make sure that all the clothes you pack will get multiple wears? Stick to a color palette so everything matches and you can get several outfit combos out of just a few items, style editor Joseph Cheatham writes in Men's Health. Neutrals like gray, black and tan are a safe bet, and you can jazz your clothes up with lightweight items like scarves, headbands or jewelry.
Why would you possibly need a spatula in the bedroom? Some people are using the kitchen tool to help them make the bed, per House Digest. A spatula's flat, sturdy shape makes it ideal for sliding between the mattress and frame. The result? Crisp, hotel-style tucks.
You brush your teeth. You even floss! Now, consider adding another step to your oral hygiene routine: scraping your tongue. Dentists tell Women's Health that tongue scraping removes bad bacteria from your mouth, improving your breath and even enhancing your sense of taste. 'Without enough saliva to naturally cleanse the mouth, debris lingers and accumulates on the tongue's surface,' dentist Dr. Chloe Tsang tells the outlet. Get started by brushing and flossing, then using a tongue scraper until you notice the film on your tongue is gone. Just make sure to be gentle; as with brushing and flossing, going too hard can cause trauma to the mouth.
