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Season with salt and pepper. Salt your cooking water. Season to taste. If you’ve ever encountered a written recipe, you’re probably somewhat familiar with these phrases. Salt is omnipresent in cooking, and in food at large as well. Though it’s everywhere, there’s also a ton of conflicting advice when it comes to how much salt to use, which salt is best, and how much salt you should *actually* be having daily. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. This equates to about one teaspoon of table salt (or iodized salt). But here’s the thing: Table salt is just one of many salts Americans use on a daily basis to flavor their foods, and those salts all vary on crystal size and how “salty” they taste. For example, coarse Kosher salt has 1,920 milligrams of…

In a world increasingly focused on external appearance, the notion of 'hotness' has historically been defined by societal standards and cultural benchmarks. However, a new social media sensation, the '75 Hotter' challenge, seeks to redefine this term by shifting the focus to self-care and personal well-being. This innovative challenge encourages participants to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional health, encompassing a broader understanding of what it means to feel attractive.Originally inspired by the rigorous 75 Hard challenge that emphasizes strict dieting and intense physical workouts, the '75 Hotter' initiative, crafted by Austin-based content creator Jade Brandt, was launched in Fall 2023. Brandt’s reimagined approach embraces daily goals involving hydration, exercise, nutritious food intake, and positive self-talk, all aimed at fostering a healthier self-image.What is the 75 Hotter Challenge?The '75 Hotter' challenge encourages participants to adopt a series of wellness habits rather than a…

If you're going through menopause, you're likely well aware of the physical changes this time of life can bring. As your estrogen hormone levels dip, your weight, mood, sleep patterns, and even your cognitive function can also wax and wane. While brain fog is typically the most commonly reported cognitive symptom, menopause and brain health issues may have an even deeper and impactful relationship. New research published in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society, found a possible link between severe menopause symptoms (including hot flashes and depression) and cognitive function in postmenopausal individuals. The study's authors say their findings may help illustrate the complicated relationship between hormonal, lifestyle, and other factors involved in brain health as we age. Read on to learn more about the study findings, the relationships between menopause and brain health, and how to keep your brain in tip-top…

Do you have a way with words? Maybe you’ve always considered yourself a poet, dressing up words in a pretty bow and making even the most mundane conversations interesting. Or, perhaps you’re less concerned about being engaging and have a practical, straight-to-the-point approach when conveying ideas. If you’ve ever wondered what makes you the communicator you are, look to the third house in astrology, which discerns how you process information, share your ideas, and interact with your environment. You don’t have to be an expert in astrology to know that planets impact your birth chart. Beyond sun signs, your personality is contingent on many astrological elements, including the 12 astrological houses—the 12 sections in your birth chart associated with different areas of life: your emotional temperament, self-esteem, and even your worldview. The third house is the house that rules your mind, dictating how…

The planets have something in store this winter: On January 21, the sun will meet up with Pluto for the first time in our lifetime. And it is bound to be big. Big as in you might feel it on a collective level. When any planet connects closely with the sun, it’s what we call a “cazimi” in astrology, and we here on Earth will be impacted in numerous ways. “This is a very special moment for the planet because it is temporarily purified by the Sun's rays and is able to shine in its purest form,” says professional astrologer and tarot reader Erin River Sunday.If you’re wondering if it’s a coincidence that the sun is meeting up around the same time as the presidential inauguration, it’s not. On a collective level, the sun’s connection with Pluto influences institutions and society at large,…

Acrylic nails can be a lifesaver for those who find themselves in a nail-biting phase, serving as a chic and effective way to hide any shame while allowing natural nails to grow. However, the aspect many dread is the removal process. In the past, attempts at DIY removal can lead to damage, leaving natural nails in need of recovery for months. While professional nail artists typically advise against at-home removals, there are instances when they become necessary. For those determined to tackle this task at home, here’s a guide based on insights from nail artist Casey Herman and dermatologist Dana Stern, MD. Necessary Supplies for At-Home Acrylic Removal Before you start the removal process, it’s crucial to have the right supplies. Here’s a list recommended by Casey Herman: 100-150 grit nail file 100% acetone-based nail polish remover Cuticle oil Cotton pads or balls…

When it comes to our nails, we love a fun print, but we can admit that (depending on the pattern) some of them can be too loud. But then there are also times when a solid swipe of nail polish feels too plain. That’s where designs like tortoise shell nails come in. Tortoise shell nails are a form of nail art that mimic the turtle shell pattern we see in nature. It mixes several layers of color to create this timeless and classic look. Tortoise shell manis are the perfect in-between; not too simple but not too overwhelming, and always in style. If you’re heading to the salon, “You should call in advance to ask if someone knows how to do it,” celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec suggests. “It is a skill that not everyone knows how to do, requiring very specific colors.” While…

If you’ve ever run up a steep hill, attempted to run a longer distance than you’ve trained for, or done a handful of 200-meter repeats, you know that running can feel like a leg workout just as much as it is a cardiovascular exercise. But does going for a run “count” as leg day? Before you’re tempted to skip your squats and lunges in favor of a few miles, it’s worth knowing how running actually stacks up against strength training. Here’s what fitness experts have to say about whether running can make your legs stronger. Which muscles does running work? Running is truly a full-body exercise, with even the core and arms getting in on the action to help stabilize us and propel us forward. But “the greatest contributors to running are the muscles of the lower leg and ankle—the calves, soleus, hamstrings,…

You’ve likely heard by now about a new report that detected higher-than-acceptable levels of heavy metals lead and cadmium in many popular protein powders. (If not, consider this your heads up.) The analysis and report, which was conducted by the nonprofit organization Clean Label Project, discovered that chocolate-flavored powders contained some of the largest amounts of these toxic metals in the study. For the study, researchers took 160 products from 70 of the most popular protein powder brands. They then shipped samples of each protein powder to an independent laboratory, where they were analyzed for several heavy metals, along with other potential contaminants. The researchers found that 47 percent of the samples had levels of lead and cadmium that exceeded guidelines set by California’s Proposition 65, a law that requires companies to warn consumers about significant exposures to chemicals that could cause birth…

If you’re hitting the trails, there are a couple of things you have to have, like a solid pair of hiking boots and a trail-mapping app that keeps you from accidentally starring in your own survival story. Enter AllTrails, the go-to navigation app for outdoorsy folks, whether you’re an urban hiker, a weekend warrior, or practically live outdoors. Think of it as your trusty sidekick for exploring new paths and staying on track (literally). Lucky us—an annual membership of AllTrails+, the souped-up premium version of the beloved app, is now 50 percent off, discounted to just $18/year. If you do the math, that’s about $1.50 per month—a steal compared to the normal price of $35/year. If you have a big adventure planned for 2025 (or a few!), this upgrade is totally worth it. Just use the promo code NEWYEAR2025 to save. AllTrails+ —…