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Chickpeas have become synonymous with plant-based and vegetarian diets, largely driven by initiatives like “veganuary,” a month-long plant-based eating challenge originating in the UK and gaining traction worldwide. However, it's time to recognize that leaving chickpeas solely for vegan diets or only acknowledging them during efforts to reduce meat consumption is a disservice to this remarkable legume. Chickpeas are not only a delicious addition to any dish but are also a fiber and protein powerhouse beneficial for anyone looking to enhance their meal rotation. Dallas-based dietitian Stephanie Wells, MS, RD, LD, ACSM-CPT, emphasizes their nutrient density, saying, "As a legume, chickpeas are incredibly nutrient-dense." Their versatility means you can enjoy them as crispy snacks, in savory sauces, or blended into creamy dips. If you're not sure where to begin, let’s dive into a comprehensive overview of chickpeas, including their nutritional benefits, how they…

Let’s talk about your hip abductors—those sneaky muscles on the sides of your hips that you probably ignore until they’re tight, sore, or messing with your mobility. Whether you’re a gym rat, a runner, or just someone who spends way too much time glued to a chair (hey, no judgment), your hip abductors deserve some TLC. They’re the muscles that help you move your legs out to the side and stabilize your pelvis, which is kind of a big deal for everything from walking to crushing leg day. When these muscles get tight, you might feel it as stiffness in your hips, pain in your lower back, or even strain in your knees. Basically, tight hip abductors don’t just make you uncomfortable—they can mess up your movement. That’s where stretching comes in. The right stretches can loosen up those muscles, improve your hip…

Resistance training—whether it be with dumbbells, barbells, or just your body weight—seems clearcut. You lift things up. You put them down. Repeat. But take a closer look at your body under a microscope, and you’ll see that your working muscles are actually contracting in completely different ways depending on the phase of the exercise you’re in—and if you’re even moving at all. The key players: concentric, eccentric, and isometric muscle contractions. Most exercises and everyday actions (think: walking, picking up and holding your groceries) involve a mixture of contraction types. However, some movements favor one type of contraction over the others. You can even tweak an exercise to emphasize one flavor—and that comes with a unique slew of fitness benefits. So what’s the difference between these three types of muscle contractions, and is it really worth factoring into your training plan? Read on…

Los Angeles, California has been reeling from the devastating impact of multiple wildfires since the morning of January 7th, with many areas still burning more than a week later. As of Tuesday, January 21, the two deadliest fires, Palisades (currently at 23,713 acres) and Eaton (currently at 14,021 acres), are 63% and 89% contained, respectively. According to NBC News, the fires have claimed the lives of 27 people and destroyed over 12,000 structures. While containment efforts are underway, the sheer scale of devastation has left many without shelter and deeply affected the mental health of many LA-area residents.Santa Monica resident, Vanessa Powell, recalls the terrifying moment she received her evacuation notice. “Everything felt so apocalyptic. Winds were beyond anything I’d ever seen, neighbors were spraying water on their homes with hoses, there was no power, cars were driving in the opposite direction, and…

There’s something undeniably luxurious about having a spin bike parked in your living room—or, for some, squeezed into the corner of your bedroom. No commute to the gym, no fighting for a spot in a sweaty spin class, no excuse not to move your body. It’s convenience at its finest, and when it comes to health perks, the benefits are almost too good to list: low-impact cardio that’s easy on your joints, improved heart health, boosted endurance, and a solid way to shake off the stress of a long day. As someone who wants all those things, I jumped at the chance to test Aviron’s new stationary bike: the Aviron Fit Bike ($2,399). After testing (and loving) the brand’s Strong Series rowing machine a few years ago, I was eager to give the bike a spin… pun intended. From set-up to first ride,…

There are so many benefits of building endurance, and increasing your cardio can help you get there. When you hear “cardio” or aerobic exercise, what’s the first workout that comes to your mind? For many, it’s running. But there are so many other exercises that challenge your cardiovascular system—many of which are considered low-impact movements. Whether you’re a long-distance runner looking to swap mileage for cross-training or a recreational hiker searching for different ways to train indoors, your options for improving endurance are vast. Why is cardio essential for building endurance? According to George Eldayrie, MD, a sports medicine physician at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute, improving your cardiovascular fitness is essential for building endurance. That’s because doing cardio regularly promotes positive physical adaptations in your muscles as well as your cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, which can boost your athletic performance, he says.…

Picture this: You and your partner are finally getting in some sexy time (or you’re having a solo session) when all of a sudden, you feel an intense pain that can only be described as a stabbing feeling up inside your vagina. What gives? You don't have your period, you’re not ovulating, and you don’t typically have pain during sex. Turns out, it’s quite possible that some rough sex caused you to bruise your cervix—the narrow, lower part of the uterus. A "bruised cervix" refers to an injury to that part of your reproductive system, though the name itself isn’t entirely accurate. “When you think of a bruise, you see this visible, bluish mark after some kind of hit or trauma,” says Dr. Rebecca Keith, a board-certified OB/GYN with Pediatrix Medical Group in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. “The cervix doesn’t necessarily bruise, but it can…

Around mile 10 of the Every Woman’s Marathon (EWM) in Savannah, Georgia, in November, my goal shifted from racing to the finish line to racing to the nearest porta potty. And then the next porta potty. It was the third marathon I’ve recently run where my stomach rebelled on me. But instead of stressing over the demise of my race pace—like I had the previous two times—I found myself embracing “party pace.” I high-fived as many kids as I could. I pulled out some dance moves at a neighborhood DJ station. I might have even downed a shot of beer in the final mile. (Hey, carbonation can soothe an upset tummy, right?) What made the difference this time around: I had a luxurious 7 hours and 45 minutes to get to the end and still be counted as an official finisher. Even if…

Welcome to the age of Aquarius. From January 19 to February 18, our lovably eccentric air signs are in the limelight. If you’re blessed to have an Aquarian in your life, you probably know that the sign of the water bearer beats to the rhythms of their own drum, whether it be with their desire to challenge the status quo or their futuristic style. Difficult as it might be to fully understand their unique vibe, thinking like the sign (or, in other words, outside the box) is a solid starting point as you shop for gifts for Aquarius. Known for being the most forward-minded zodiac sign, Aquarians look toward the future and have a keen eye for the next big thing. (They’re natural-born trendsetters!) Aquarians embrace innovation, thanks to their ruling planet Uranus, aka the planet of surprises and sudden changes. Uranus is…

Your daily horoscope brings a unique vibe. The sun just entered rebellious Aquarius and the moon is in charming Libra today, putting intellectual air signs in charge of the cosmos. When we put our thinking caps on and deal with problems through the lens of reason (rather than raw emotion), we can better navigate challenging changes. Socializing could feel edgy and enlightening at the same moment, as the people around us introduce new ideas that might help us see the world and our role in it in a whole new way. It’s empowering AF, and can show us what we’re truly capable of. Looking for even more astrology insights? Read your January 2025 horoscope and your full 2025 romance horoscope. Aries March 21–April 19 Relationships take center stage with the moon hanging out in your seventh house of partnership, Aries; you’re feeling quite…