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Content warning: This story contains references to disordered eating and extreme weight-loss strategies, which may be upsetting or triggering for some readers. At her very first powerlifting meet, Brittainy Chown had already noticed a pressure to “weigh in” as light as possible in order to nab the top spot. A former collegiate track athlete, Chown turned to powerlifting—a sport that involves lifting as much weight as possible for one single rep—to tap into her recent appreciation for strength training while satisfying her need to compete. But it took her about a year to finally commit to a meet. Her years of running five-plus hours a day had made her body small and lean. It was hard to shake the nagging feeling that she needed to be “this super thin, skinny” athlete. “I was kind of embarrassed about what my weight had gotten up…

Your daily horoscope is nothing short of intense this Chrismukkah. The stars will deck the halls with relentless passion thanks to the moon’s passage through sultry Scorpio in conversation with Pluto and Mars—the two planets that rule Scorpio. In short, your feelings may be loud, and you may be unable to turn the volume down. Emotional intimacy could feel really good right now, but only if you trust your company. If you feel overwhelmed by obsessive thoughts, start by taking a few deep cleansing breaths, and if you can briefly slip away from family obligations, consider taking a privacy break to meditate, punch a pillow, or simply lie down and rest your eyes. Aries March 21–April 19 As the moon moves through your eighth house of transformation, your desires are deeper than deep, Aries. You might even encounter feelings that scare you merely…

As a child, walking through the aisles of Staples ahead of the first day of school—cart full of highlighters, notecards, binder dividers, and other supplies for my blank canvas of a year—always felt exciting. I couldn’t know what the year would bring, but I sure as heck would be prepared with the right gear. The same goes for planners in adulthood. Entering a fresh year with the right paper planner to help you take charge of your time, tasks, schedule, and goals stands to help you lead a more efficient, productive, and ultimately happy life.“It’s very helpful to offload your mental load so your brain can focus on what you’re trying to do and not on remembering everything you need to do,” says Alexis Haselberger, productivity and time-management coach, explaining why planners are so essential. Additionally, using a planner can enhance your memory,…

Probiotics—aka, good bacteria—have been shown to have many health benefits. Mainly, they can help with a variety of gut health issues, including easing colic in babies, preventing antibiotics-associated diarrhea, or treating constipation. Sure, they can help you feel more regular, but can probiotics help with bloating? If you’re often bloated by the end of the day (which is totally normal, BTW), you’re not alone. "About 50 percent of the general Western population frequently experiences issues related to gut health, like bloating, gas, rumbling, or discomfort," says Miguel Freitas, PhD, one of the world’s leading experts on the complex interactions between probiotics, the gut, and the microbiota and vice president of health and scientific affairs at Danone North America. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution—bloating and digestive issues can be caused by many different things—there’s growing interest in the use of probiotics for bloating. But,…

Having a smile you love can quite literally transform your life. Countless studies have shown that a beautiful smile can enhance your confidence and improve your social interactions. This explains the growing popularity of dental veneers: custom and permanent coverings for the front surfaces of your teeth that can turn crooked, discolored, or damaged teeth into a gleaming-white smile in just a few hours. However, veneers sometimes get a bad rap. We've all seen individuals with artificial-looking teeth that seem worse than their original smiles. While this can happen with any aesthetic procedure, it highlights the importance of skill in execution. When done right, veneers should look natural and enhance one’s appearance rather than detract from it. What are Veneers? Veneers are essentially thin, artificial surfaces that cover the visible part of the teeth. Dr. Jon Marashi, a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles,…

It's Christmas Eve, and your daily horoscope is both festive and fragile, like a sparkly ornament made of glass. Bold Jupiter is in a challenging angle to stoic Saturn, setting up a push-pull dynamic between our positivity and our need to set limits. This is the planet of optimism in a pitched battle with the planet of reality-checks. Loneliness is a big issue for many people during the holiday season, and this astrology asks us to look closely at our relationship with solitude. You might have big plans to gather with family, friends, or chosen family and get temporarily thwarted from arriving or greeting guests. It could be bad weather, traffic, or a late/canceled flight. Find something to look forward to, even if what you planned to do doesn’t work out exactly as you hoped it would. Aries March 21–April 19 With jovial…

As we approach 2025, the landscape of non-alcoholic (NA) drinks is rapidly evolving. Gone are the days when NA options meant settling for a basic Diet Coke with a slice of lemon. During the festive season, it’s only natural to seek out something a little more elaborate, regardless of your drinking preferences. Enter the world of sparkling, non-alcoholic cocktails—perfect for adding a touch of cheer to any gathering. In recent years, a plethora of creative NA beverages has emerged, transforming the once sparse drink menus into vibrant selections that cater specifically to those seeking alternatives to traditional cocktails. Emily Saladino, a contributing editor at Imbibe and Wine Enthusiast writer-at-large, highlights that just as vegetarian and vegan options have flourished in the culinary realm, the beverage industry is also elevating its non-alcoholic offerings. "A non-alcoholic beverage should be a choice, not an exception," Saladino…

Zooey Deschanel's career continues to shine through a variety of roles, from her recent performance in the 2024 adaptation of Harold and The Purple Crayon to her memorable stint as Jovie in the holiday classic Elf. As we approach the festive season, we caught up with Deschanel to discover how she spends her holiday mornings, characterized by a comforting blend of family warmth and cherished traditions. Early Riser: A Consistent Morning Routine Starting her day at the crack of dawn, usually by 5 a.m., Zooey values the quiet time before her children wake up. "I like getting up and getting some stuff done before they wake up. During that window, I’d definitely have some coffee, catch up on the news, send a few emails, or write in my journal, which I do daily," she shares. This early start is not just about productivity;…

Want to get even closer to your partner? Consider the lotus position, also known as the “lotus blossom” in the Kama Sutra, the ancient Indian text on erotic pleasure. The lotus blossom is one of the most intimate and advanced sex positions: you face your partner and look into each other’s eyes, all while wrapping your legs around one another. (Intense!) It’s a tried-and-true tantric position—at least 2,000 years old—that is sure to connect you with your significant other. Ahead are some tips and tricks to spice up your sex life with this iconic position: What is the lotus sex position? The position is also known as “yab yum” in the tantric tradition for the union of the male deity (“yab”) and female deity (“yum”), or father and mother. It’s similar to the lotus position in yoga (but for two) since, traditionally, one…

Most people start noticing physical and emotional changes about a week before their period starts. For some, bloating, cramping, and pimples are signs that Aunt Flo is coming to town. But another hallmark symptom of being on your period is pain. While it’s common to experience pain in your stomach, pelvic region, and back, some individuals also find themselves grappling with aching legs. “Period pain is caused by many factors, and everyone experiences it differently,” says Neha Thawani, MD, an OB/GYN resident physician at Stanford Medicine. “Some people experience leg aches and pain during their period.” A little mild leg pain during your period is normal. However, in some cases, the pain can be indicative of an underlying condition. Here are seven reasons why you might be experiencing leg pain during your menstrual cycle. 1. Higher levels of prostaglandins Your period leg pain…