Topic: Your Body

Shopping, Dressing Trampy, And Other Things You Supposedly Do When Ovulating

This week, I mentioned offhandedly to a friend that I was thinking of doing some shopping. “You must be ovulating!!” she exclaimed, telling me about an article she read in which Science proved that women like to shop when their ovaries are squeezing out potential babies. Which reminded me of all the other things I’ve ever heard attributed to ovulation. Because, apparently, the steering wheel of a woman’s body is located squarely in her egg nest. More »

7 Small Sins That Can Totally Ruin Your Skin

There are no shortage of freaky, pseudo-scientific procedures and treatments women will line up for in the hopes of getting clear, healthy skin. From chemical peels to celebrity-endorsed acne treatments, we spend billions of dollars each year on stuff to fix our skin–and most of the time, they don’t work (remember Tyra Banks‘ $200 cream rage?). But healthy, pretty isn’t so much about what do to it, it’s more about what you don’t do. Curbing a few bad habits can dramatically improve your skin–and doesn’t cost anything. More »

It’s For Real: Jack-In-The-Box Bacon Milkshake Is A Big F-You To Our Health

It is official: fast food manufacturers are actively trying to kill you. What other explanation is there a limited-time offering that is sure to cause a coronary like the new bacon milkshake by Jack-in-the-Box? Yup. It’s real…though the secret to the bacon-ness itself is not. More »

Heart Disease Kills; These 5 Great Organizations Are Trying To End It

This week, every drug store, super-market, and restaurant is covered in hearts to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Which means it’s a good time to remember your own, and to remember that heart disease is still the number 1 killer in America. Maybe, instead of giving unhealthy candy or not-very-eco-friendly roses, consider giving the gift of heart health, by donating to one of these ultra-worthy charities. More »

Don’t Fool Yourself: Kraft Whipped Peanut Butter Has Fewer Calories Per Serving, But It’s Still Junk

In the U.S., we don’t get eat a lot of Kraft peanut butter. But the teddy-bear-swaddled product is a Canadian staple, whose success the food manufacturer is hoping to re-create with a new, gross-sounding twist on the old standard: whipped peanut butter. But don’t be tricked by Kraft’s crafty marketing: this isn’t a low-calorie solution to your protein needs. This is junk food. More »

7 Body-Healthy, Eco-Friendly Vibrators For Valentine’s Day

Let’s be honest. Whether you’re flying solo on Valentine’s Day, or you like to introduce a little buzz into your boudoir, a well-designed, solidly-constructed vibrator can’t be beat, as a gift for a loved one, or a treat for yourself. But not all toys are created equally–some are as good for the earth as they are for you. More »

Chelsea Handler Gets Real About Her Teen Abortion

As the battle rages on over access to birth control and funding for Planned Parenthood, women’s bodies have become a political minefield. So it’s refreshing to see comedian and host Chelsea Handler being upfront about her own body–and abortion. Regardless of where you stand on a woman’s right to choose, putting a face on the otherwise hypothetical discussion is a brave choice, and one for which I applaud her. More »

Why Gawking At Ioana Spangenberg’s 20-Inch Waist Isn’t Body Positive

Ioana Spangenberg is a Romanian model with a 20-inch waist. According to various accounts on the internet, her body ranges anywhere from “natural” and “healthy” to “scary” to “freakish.” But regardless of what anyone has decided about her (based on one now-famous tabloid interview and some photos), no one can seem to stop staring–and it’s not healthy. Not for her or those who are gawking at her. More »

Walmart’s “Great For You” Health Label; I Am Unconvinced But Hopeful

As a leader in obesity that’s frequently accused of wage violations, Walmart doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to contributing to a happier, healthier America. They’re trying to change, though–if only because it might be better for business–by carrying more local produce, filling in food deserts, and now, labeling select food options as “Great For You,” to help consumers make smarter choices. Walmart, I want to believe. I really, really do. But you’re not making it easy. More »

What We're Reading:

The Homeless Need Better Than Canned Food Castoffs

Could you live on a diet of donated cookies, pumpkin pie filling, and expired condensed milk? Neither can the hundreds of thousands of homeless and needy individuals and families in our country. And yet, the prevailing mentality in America is that any food should be good enough for those in need. When we donate to canned food drives, we’re encouraged to clean out our own cupboards of old food–without regard for which items provide the best nutrition for those who need it most. The homeless need better than our canned food castoffs; thankfully, there are other ways to help. More »

These Gross Causes Of Bad Breath Will Make You Want To Start Flossing

Do you floss? Brush twice a day? Drink enough water? It’s ok, you’re not at the dentist–you don’t have to lie. But if you, like at least a quarter of the population, suffer from halitosis (or, as it’s more commonly know, just plain old bad breath) you may want to stop at the store to get some Reach on your way home. Because bad breath isn’t just a bummer–its causes are pretty repulsive. More »

Lactose Intolerant? You Can Still Eat These Dairy Products

One big misconception about milk and dairy in general is that if you are lactose intolerant, you can eat no cheese, no yogurt, no anything that came from a cow. But the fact is, that’s not really how lactose works. In fact, if you love dairy products (but your digestive tract doesn’t), there are still plenty of ways to incorporate them into your diet without being left in an uncomfortable state. More »

Here’s Another Reason Not To Eat Frozen Diet Food: It’s Nasty

It’s lunch time on the East Coast, and if you’re getting ready to unwrap and zap a Lean Cuisine or Healthy Choice, you may not want to read this article. Today, Jezebel ran a totally disturbing gallery of images of actual frozen diet food. It’s a bit disturbing, and may make you consider your next lunch break. More »

Poll: Should The CDC Stop Protecting Companies That Spread Salmonella?

Between October of 2011 and last week, at least 68 consumers across 10 states were infected with Salmonella as the direct result of eating at a national fast food restaurant chain, according to a report released by the Center for Disease Control a few weeks ago. And while the CDC won’t tell you which restaurant (so that, you know, you can choose not to eat there), they will give you a hint: it’s a “Mexican-style fast food restaurant chain.” Beyond that, you’ll just have to guess–because that’s just how the CDC does it.

Sorry! This poll is now closed.

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