The Stir By CafeMom: Healthy Living

Jenelle Evans Shouldn’t Smoke if She Wants to Beat Bronchitis

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:09:00 EDT

Post by Emily Abbate

By now it's clear that Jenelle Evans isn't exactly the best decision maker. I mean, come on, I don't know what's worse -- her getting mixed up in those drugs or being involved with husband and poor decision-maker extraordinaire Courtland Rogers. Either way, the Teen Mom star has another bad call to add to her record: Smoking. Yeah yeah, we've known the girl to smoke for a while now. She tells her Twitter followers that she "only" smokes one to three cigarettes a day. But hello, Jenelle Evans was just diagnosed bronchitis.

Smoking AND bronchitis? Even the poorest of decision makers know that these two things don't go well together. Seems to me like Ms. Evans needs a little lesson on how to get better, appropriately. Here, let me help. Check out these 6 dos and don'ts to beating bronchitis quickly:

1. Get some rest: The cause of bronchitis is usually a virus, which means that antibiotics will not help. However, rest will. Squeezing in more down time and some extra zzz's will help your body defeat the sickness.

2. Avoid cough suppressants if possible: Yeah it can be a hassle, but coughing is the body's way of getting rid of excess mucus. However, if it keeps you from sleeping or truly causes you pain, caving into cough medicine is fine but only if your doctor prescribes it.

3. Eat right: With your body already stressed out from the sickness, the last thing it needs is "bad" foods that are high in fat and calories. Eat a healthier diet and avoid putting more strain on your heart.

4. Drink lots of fluids: Just like any other day, you need extra fluids to help clean your body out. Upping your water intake helps flush the toxins from your system.

DON'T

1. Drink alcohol: When you're intoxicated, your urges to cough and sneeze are lessened. The problem? Because of your sickness, you NEED to get the excess mucus out. Not to mention, alcohol causes your body to lose necessary fluids. NOT a good thing when you're trying to flush out mucus.

2. Smoke or surround yourself with aerosol products: You need to avoid chemicals, fumes, and dust -- period. All of these things will irritate the lungs.

Have you ever had bronchitis? If so, how long did it take you to get rid of it?

Image via Twitter

‘RHONJ’ Star Melissa Gorga’s Brilliant Diet Secret Helps Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth Without the Calories (VIDEO)

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:43:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

Say what you will about Real Housewives of New Jersey cast member Melissa Gorga, but the mom of three is in incredible shape. While I would have assumed it's all the stress, the physical fights, and the running from her problems that keep her in tip-top form, the reality star has told Us Weekly that it's her dedicated workout regimen and her diet secrets that do the trick.

Secrets? Tell me more.

Melissa admits that working out, and working out a lot, and really hard, is what keeps her from having an inch to pinch.

She says she works out three times a week (which, for the record, I think is a bold-face lie. I'd wager she works out seven days a week, if not twice on some days) and will hit up a spin-class or lift weights with that tiny husband of hers, Joe.

Melissa does have a complaint, though. She wishes her booty was bigger. To give it some umph, she does lunges with 12- or even 20-pound weights, and does a lot of squats.

And when it comes to dieting, the mom of Antonia, 7, Gino, 5, and Joey, 3, doesn't like to restrict herself too much. The workouts allow her to indulge in Sunday Italian dinners, and when that sweet tooth kicks in, Melissa goes for it ... kind of.

To curb that craving, she'll eat some berries instead of pouncing on a pint of ice cream. Not only does that trick help her satisfy that need for sweetness, but it sets a healthy example for her children.

So there you have it -- work out super hard and eat berries when you're on the hunt for something sweet. In no time you could be in great shape just like Melissa, and you too could be strong and fast enough to run far, far away from your in-laws.

Teresa Giudice, eat our dust.

Watch Melissa explain her diet and exercise routine.

What healthy tips do you have for satisfying a sweet tooth?

Photo via bravotv.com

5 Simple Tips for Losing Weight in Just 1 Day

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:14:00 EDT

Post by Emily Abbate

Let's be real: There is no easy way to drop those pesky 10 pounds you've been trying to get rid of overnight. If there were some magical medical fix, it would cost a freakin' fortune! With summer on the horizon, so many of us are looking for ways to trim down if only a little with the promise of tank tops, bathing suits, and shorts in our immediate future. Plain and simple: It ain't easy.

With that said, there are a few ways you can look better by the end of the day. I know, it sounds outlandish. But hey, we'll take all the tips we can get right? Check out 5 ways to trim down and beat the bloat by the end of today:

1. Skip the salt: A diet high in sodium is never a good idea. The extra salt makes you feel bloated because of fluid buildup, increasing your blood volume, and causing your heart to work extra hard. Lower your sodium intake, and BAM, you'll feel instantly better.

2. Get up off the couch: There are many, many studies that say that being active increases bowel movements, which is obviously good for weight loss and a healthy digestive system. Even better news? Bowels are even more consistent when you're exercising at the same time each day. Morning run, anyone?

3. Up your water intake: Plain and simple -- upping your water ups your fluids, and upping your fluids helps flush waste out of your system and reduces water retention.

4. Eat smaller meals more often: Research has found that people who eat two or three big meals a day consume way more calories than those who eat smaller, more frequent meals. Smaller, healthier meals will keep you satisfied and reduce the risk of binge eating come dinnertime.

5. Skip happy hour: Of course skipping any unnecessary meals is a dead give-in. However, having a few cocktails while you eat a meal stops your body from processing the good nutrients in the food you're eating. Instead, your body burns empty calories and stores the others, which are otherwise healthy, as fat.

Do you have any tricks to slim down quickly?

Image via osseous/Flickr

What It Feels Like to Be Inside a Tornado (PHOTOS)

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:00:00 EDT

Post by Kiri Blakeley

Being inside of a tornado is one of the most dangerous and scary things you can imagine. Unfortunately thousands of people in and around Oklahoma City, Oklahoma know what that is like now and 24 of them didn't survive it. Since that area is prone to tornadoes, some of them had even already known what it felt like. There are people who actually make it their business to chase after tornadoes and get in the middle of them. But most of us will, thankfully, never know what it's like. We can only use our imagination. If you're lucky enough to survive one, you've got a hell of a story. Here's what happens when you're inside this deadly force of nature from those who experienced it.

Image via Paz Leonel/Flickr

I'm a Former Bulimic Desperately Trying to Lose Weight Without Throwing Up

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:12:00 EDT

Post by Jeanne Sager

I don't usually tell people I'm afraid of losing weight. I know what they'd think. Another fatty making excuses about not getting her act together. But I'm not just another fatty. I'm a recovering bulimic.

I say recovering because, like alcoholism, there is no cure to bulimia. Yes, I've stopped throwing up, but the urge is always there. Eat a bowl of ice cream, think about going to the bathroom. Stand in front of the Xbox to work out and wonder if it wouldn't just be easier to stick my finger down my throat.

The truth is, I have never lost weight without throwing up.

And I know it's time I change that.

A few years ago I got a job that changed my life. I could work -- full-time -- from home. It was wonderful. Is wonderful. I put my kid on the bus, I sit down in front of my laptop, and I bang on my keyboard all day long.

Only that's the problem. I sit. All day long. Except when I stand up and walk to do something exciting like pee or let the dog out. Except when I wander into my kitchen because it is always there, tempting me. I am not just a recovering bulimic. I am an overeater who feeds her emotions with food.

In three years at this job, I have gained roughly 30 pounds.

And you can tell. My face is puffy. I've officially moved into "plus size" clothing. I feel tired doing the sort of things I used to do on a daily basis.

I know I need to change things for me and also for my daughter, who needs to have a healthy mom.

But I'm terrified. I'm terrified of trying to lose weight without my crutch.

I'm terrified that if I try to lose weight, I will fall victim to the evil monsters that I've never completely silenced.

Just throw up.

You know you want to.

It's so easy.

When I was in college, I sometimes threw up six times a night and more during the day. It petered out as I got older, stronger, took medicine to help keep the monsters at bay.

When I got pregnant, I had what's known as hyperemisis gravidarum, essentially extreme morning sickness. I threw up not because I wanted to or even tried. I couldn't hold any food down without the help of medicines. I landed in the emergency room twice.

I felt like it was my body's payback for years of purging. And so, after I had my daughter, I refused to diet. I told myself that it took nine months to put that weight on, and it would take at least that to take it off.

It did, more or less. I happened to work a job that required a lot of movement -- I worked in a 100-plus-year-old building, and my office was on the second floor, so I ran stairs literally all day long. That and running around working several jobs to make ends meet helped take the weight off -- although I was left with weakened stomach muscles and loose, baggy skin. Some core workouts probably would have helped, but I was afraid.

Now, here I am, nearly eight years after my daughter's birth, working an at-home job that doesn't let me run around. I've put on weight that needs to come off.

Again I'm afraid.

But I'm pushing through it. I've started counting calories. I've cut all alcohol out of my diet. I've begun working out at least three times a week right here at home in front of my Xbox 360.

It's been about a month since I started, and I have one giant bit of news to report: I haven't thrown up. Not once.

I've wanted to. I've stared at the toilet, and I've cried myself to sleep.

But I have vowed I'm going to do this the healthy way, and I will -- even if I have to do it with fear sitting on my shoulder, along for the ride.

Have you tried to lose weight since beating an eating disorder? How did you do it?

Image by Jeanne Sager

Your Purse Carries So Many Germs That It's Probably Dirtier Than a Public Toilet

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:29:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

Hey you, with the cesspool of nasty germs on your shoulder, listen up. A new study has discovered that a woman's purse has more germs than a public toilet seat. Furthermore, 1 in 5 handbags has enough bacteria on it to be a risk to human health.

You better think twice before handing your kid a napkin from your purse to wipe his nose -- I mean, why don't you just hand him a grenade, why dontcha? Jeez.

The researchers, Initial Washroom Hygiene, concluded that those bottles of hand-cream and moisturizers we carry around in our bags hold on to the most and grossest of germs. Mascara and tubes of lipstick came in second.

There is good news, though. If you're cheap like me, you've been inadvertently doing yourself a favor: leather handbags carry more germs than those made out of synthetics. I've never appreciated my faux-leather bag more.

If you think about it, a woman's bag goes any and everywhere. It hangs on the bathroom door when we need to pee, it finds its way to the bar floor when a hook is unavailable, it brushes up against people on our commute, it acts as home-base during a game of tag, it carries shoes, apples, used tissues, old receipts, makeup, kid toys, dog toys, husband toys, and everything else under the sun.

No wonder they're piles of nastiness!

To keep our bags clean, experts suggest wiping them down every now and again with an anti-bacterial wipe. I don't see why a little Lysol would hurt, either.

I can't wait to spray down my bag (and yours) -- I can almost hear the high-pitched screams of all the germs I'm about to kill. Ah, sweet satisfaction.

Have you ever disinfected your purse?

Photo via l.baily.beverly/Flickr

Military Wife Surprises Husband With Astonishing 100-Pound Weight Loss (VIDEO)

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:38:00 EDT

Post by Emily Abbate

No matter if it's 10 pounds or 100 pounds, losing weight is never an easy task. Losing weight while your husband is deployed overseas is most definitely not an easy task. Usually when deployed spouses come back from their time overseas, it's not uncommon for a wife to surprise 'em with their favorite meal that night or something thoughtful like a new couch for the man cave. Misty Shaffer surprised her husband Larry, who was just deployed for a year in Afghanistan, in a different way. She surprised him by losing more than 100 pounds. One. Hundred. Pounds. Holy, wow.

His reaction? Absolutely priceless.

First things first, let's watch the clip:

Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com

I know. So sweet, right? And the house!? That is just ... this woman is good.

As someone who has been in a relationship with a deployed soldier, I'll be the first to say that it's very hard to focus on other things knowing that they're in harm's way. It's so so easy to just sit by your phone, work on putting together care packages, and live and breathe every day thinking about that day they'll come back.

I'm so impressed with Misty who found it within herself not only to focus on something else, but focus on herself -- something so many more military spouses should take the time to do. Heck, I'd even go as far as saying that Misty chose the BEST time to work on herself. The mother of one was able to hone her stressed energy in on a good cause, on making healthy choices to better herself. Now, she and her husband Larry can enjoy a happy life together in their new home with their daughter Navaeh.

How fantastic is Misty's story?

Image via Fox

My 10-Day Detox Diet Did Something to My Body I Didn't Expect

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:16:00 EDT

Post by Mary Fischer

So, remember a couple weeks ago when I told you about the 10-day detox I decided to start in an effort to clean out my system, hopefully shed a few pounds, and restore my energy?

Yeah, well I'm all done with that now. Actually, I finished it last week, but then we went on vacation for a few days, so I haven't had time to talk about it.

To refresh your memory, this was a food-based detox from Whole Health Designs, which meant I got to eat three meals a day plus two snacks.

Of course, I had to give up caffeine, alcohol, sugar, meat, wheat, dairy, and processed food -- but OH MY GOD was it worth it.

In just 10 days, I lost about 5 pounds, went down a dress size, and flipped the switch on my motivation back on -- to the point where I feel so amazing and have so much energy I even worked out while I was traveling. (Did I mention I was at Disney World? Who works out at Disney World? This girl.)

And while the physical changes the detox brought on were definitely welcome, the effect it had on my emotional and mental state may prove to be the most beneficial part of the whole deal. When you are putting good, clean, healthy things into your body, it's like it fills you up with positivity, peace, and clarity. In contrast, when you're eating junk, there's nothing fueling your mind and body but fluff, which makes you feel depressed, lethargic, and totally unmotivated.

To put it plain and simple, this detox gave me the kick in the ass I needed to get back into a healthy lifestyle -- and I only wish I'd done it months ago instead of waiting for spring to roll around. Instead of wanting to crawl into bed at the end of the day, I want to go for a long walk. And in lieu of craving a fat glass of wine, I'm ready to curl up on the couch with a cup of herbal tea at the end of the night. (Who am I?) Most importantly, I'm feeling confident and sure of myself again instead of wallowing in my own exhaustion and misery.

On that note, if you've ever considered doing a detox yourself, I can't recommended it highly enough. I won't lie, it's not easy. Making it through 10 days without your vices is hard, and it's tough to resist temptation along the way. But the refreshment and nourishment your mind, body, and soul receive in return is absolutely worth it -- 100 percent.

Are you ready to give detoxing a shot?

Image via Mary Fischer

Get Nina Dobrev's Flat Stomach With These 3 Simple Moves (VIDEO)

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:39:00 EDT

Post by Emily Abbate

When it comes to celeb bodies that I would LOVE to have, I'll be honest -- Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev has got it goin' on. If the fact that she dated Ian Somerhalder for what felt like forever wasn't enough to be jealous of, her flat stomach is the kind of thing dreams are made of. Nina Dobrev's workout routine isn't a secret: the star recently dished about her fitness style to Us, saying that she works out four days a week and includes everything from spin to running and yoga.

Sure, all those activities can contribute to a toned bod -- but there's more. Lucky for us, Nina's trainer Steve Moyer recently caught up with Fit Sugar revealing her three favorite ab moves to strengthen that perfect midsection. Even better news? They are NO where as hard as we anticipated and only involve a stability ball and a light weight. Check out Nina's tummy toning workout, here:

So just to recap, Nina's ab workout consists of these three tummy-toning moves:

1. A plank reach with a light weight

2. Stability ball reverse crunch

3. Side plank with a dip

Looks easy enough, right? My favorite thing about this workout is that it is totally something that we can all do on our own at home with relatively cheap materials. And heck, if I could get a slimmer-looking tummy in only 15 to 20 reps, then yes -- please!

Would you attempt Nina's ab workout? Do you have any of your own tips?

Image via jjduncan_80/Flickr

Angelina Jolie May Have Been Fooled Into Thinking She Needed to Have Her Breasts Removed

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:48:00 EDT

Post by Kiri Blakeley

Was Angelina Jolie duped into an unnecessary double mastectomy by greedy surgeons who just wanted to mutilate her for no other reason than to cash in on the expensive procedure? Such is the theory going around naturalistic circles. There are plenty of people who sincerely believe that cancer -- even if you are genetically predisposed to certain types of it -- can readily be prevented by certain foods, vitamins, and a healthy lifestyle. If only it were so.

By now, the whole world knows that Angelina Jolie opted for a double mastectomy -- and will likely opt to remove her ovaries -- due to the fact that she carries the gene that makes breast and ovarian cancer much more likely. Her mother also died of ovarian cancer. Angelina wrote movingly of her decision to remove her breast tissue in The New York Times, saying:

My chances of developing breast cancer have dropped from 87 percent to under 5 percent. I can tell my children that they don’t need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer.

But the editor of NaturalNews.com, Mike Adams, totally disagrees. He feels that Angelina was "duped" into having major surgery to get rid of a disease she didn't even have. He says:

Angelina was lied to ... The very idea that breast cancer is a 'percent risk' is a lie ... When a doctor says you have a 'chance' of getting cancer, what he's implying is that you have no control over cancer, and that's an outright lie.

Adams says that Jolie and others with the gene could follow a lifestyle and dietary plan that "suppresses BRCA1 gene expression." He suggests a diet that includes raw citrus, grapes or red wine, raw cruciferous vegetables, and omega-3 oils. He rails:

... you don't hear cancer doctors telling women to 'eat more cabbage' because that doesn't make the cancer industry any money.

The medical industry is certainly not saying that a healthy diet and lifestyle (no smoking, little drinking, exercise, destressing, etc.) wouldn't contribute to lowering your chances of getting cancer. There are scads of articles written by doctors that recommend healthy choices for lowering your risk. (And correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the "healthy lifestyle" industry ALSO making money?)

But since Adams thinks that the whole "the whole 'chance' argument is pure quackery," he's not saying that a healthy lifestyle will decrease your chances of getting cancer. He's saying it will guarantee you don't get it. But this is quakery.

Paul McCartney's late wife, Linda, was a fanatic health nut and world famous vegetarian who was one of the first people to tout the value of organic foods. She died of breast cancer at age 56. My niece, who was breastfed until she could walk and was raised by a health nut mom, died of brain cancer at age 7. One of my former roommates, one of the healthiest people I know, a woman who doesn't drink, smoke, eats her veggies, and runs her marathons, got breast cancer in her early 30s. So when Mike Adams says:

You are either living a pro-cancer lifestyle and therefore growing cancer, or you're living an anti-cancer lifestyle and keeping cancer in check so that it never becomes a problem.

He is insulting everyone, like my niece, who died of cancer and did nothing WRONG. The idea that people "deserve" their cancer because they were living a "pro-cancer" lifestyle is outrageous!

It's wonderful to think we can "control" cancer ... but we can't. Some people, however, will stick to diet, exercise, homeopathic remedies, chanting, whatever. And their cancer will go into remission. But we won't really know what caused the cancer to go into remission. There's no scientifically proven causation. Maybe it was the cabbage. Maybe not. Maybe it was the body's own immune system. Maybe the cabbage helped. Maybe chemo would have helped too. Maybe preventative surgery like Angelina had would have helped as well.

What to do when faced with a medical issue is an extremely difficult and personal decision. Mike Adams does not have Angelina Jolie's six children. He was not told he had a ticking cancer bomb in his body. Angelina is a very smart woman who routinely pores over complex case files on war-torn countries and displaced refugees for her work as global humanitarian. Do you think she didn't bother to get several opinions and to do her own research and come to her own conclusions about what was right for her?

Those who opt not to get surgery and choose alternative methods should have their choice respected. Those, like Angelina, who want to remove their breast tissue should have that option respected. If we knew exactly what prevents cancer, we'd all be doing it.

The last thing cancer victims need is blame for their own cancer.

Do you think Angelina made the wrong decision?

Image via Splash News

Angelina Jolie's Mastectomy Sparks Hateful Jokes About Breasts and Brad Pitt

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 EDT

Post by Kiri Blakeley

The world was shocked yesterday when Angelina Jolie revealed that she had had a double mastectomy because she had an 87 percent chance of getting cancer due to being a carrier of the BRCA1 gene. Her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, died at age 56 of ovarian cancer, and Angelina will likely have her ovaries removed next. She's said she wants to make sure that she is around for her six children and they don't need to fear losing her within the next decade or so. You would think that any woman going through such a thing would bring out people's compassionate side, and it did in many. But there was the sadly predictable cawings from the haterade crowd. They are the ones who immediately began making breast jokes. Who actually blamed Angelina's cancer on her affair with Brad Pitt.

When someone posted the news on Facebook and another person made the comment, "And they were sooooooo magnificent!!! ... they will be missed," that person got an earful from others in the thread. But the person seemed to think that his (I can't imagine it was a her) joke was just fine.

Many reactions on Twitter were just as crass, seeing Angelina as nothing more than a beautiful woman who had lost her beautiful boobs. "Please tell me they didn't throw away Angelina's old boobs. PLEASE," wrote one.

Others were convinced her mastectomy was the result of payback for her affair with Brad Pitt. Wrote one: "Angelina had to remove her boobs. I call that karma hoe!"

And Howard Stern supposedly asked on air if Jen Aniston had texted a picture of her boobs to Brad Pitt.

I guess tending to orphans and refugees all over the world doesn't erase the idea that Angelina may have hooked up with Brad Pitt while he was married. And certainly having the cancer gene won't. As if Brad Pitt had nothing to do with anything. You can be sure if he had had his penis removed, no one would be calling karma on him for destroying his own marriage.

Not to mention that Jen's man, Justin Theroux, had been living with a woman for 14 years when he hooked up with Jen? Hmm. No one seems to care about that. Anyway, back to Angelina ...

The haters are obviously sad, miserable people who will get their due when sickness hits them, as it inevitably does. Sorry, no one gets out of here alive.

As for the ones focused on Angelina's surgically removed breasts, most of us know what Brad Pitt knows. Angelina, a woman who cares about the plight of unfortunate women and children all over the world, who puts herself in war zones (while Jen is grabbing a latte), and who brings attention to the starving, and who adopts the abandoned, doesn't need her breasts to be the magnificent person she already is.

Why do you think people would make fun of Angelina now?

Image via Splash News

10 Things You Should NEVER Say to Someone Trying to Lose Weight

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:25:00 EDT

Post by Emily Abbate

Weight loss isn't exactly the easiest thing. It's annoying. You have to come to terms with the fact that you're fat (it sucks, believe me, I know) and then you have to put all this effort forward making changes to your comfortable, luscious lifestyle so you can live a healthier, better one. For instance, you have to swap out your double-decker peanut butter and jelly lunch sandwich (what, was that just me?) for some sort of grilled chicken salad concoction. Seriously, where's the fun in that?

Clearly, losing weight is a taxing struggle as it is. However there are ALWAYS people that make it harder. You know, the people that think that they're helping when they're absolutely not? Those naggers who think they have your best interest in mind, but everything they're saying makes you want to strangle them?

Here, let me give a few words to the wise. Check out the 10 things NEVER to say to someone trying losing weight:

1. "One tiny piece won't hurt!" You're right. It won't hurt. In fact, it'll probably taste absolutely fantabulous. But what you don't seem to understand is I'm AVOIDING this food because I cannot just eat ONE PIECE. Stop peer pressuring me, clown.

2. "You don't need to do this, you look fine!" Thanks. That's sweet. I am doing this though because I want to feel fine. So please be a dear and pass me a bottle of water and a Crystal Light packet and help me fill my daily water quotient, will ya?

3. "So-and-so lost weight last month and she said dieting was HORRIBLE." I. Know. It's. Horrible. Stop. Telling. Me.

4. "Well where can you go out to dinner?" Why friend, that's awfully nice of you to ask. I am physically capable of going ANYWHERE for dinner tonight -- I just can't eat the same quarter-pounder with cheese as you. PLEASE, don't attempt to make special arrangements for me if I don't say I need them.

5. "You're not going to eat that, right?" Right -- me putting a piece of chocolate in my mouth is one huge joke. You have NO idea that I saved up just enough calories by opting for an afternoon salad to savor this moment and now you're ruining it for me. YES I'M EATING IT. LOOK, IT'S ON MY TONGUE.

6. "Just don't lose too much weight, OK?" Let's focus on the here and now, OK?

7. "I hate that you're limiting yourself so much." Can we just, like, talk about something that isn't food? Let's go see a movie.

8. "You look so skinny today!" Thank you! That's an awesome compliment! But now I'm going to wonder what in the world I was wearing yesterday and why it made me look fat.

9. "What size are you now?" No. Just no.

10. "How much more do you have to go?" I'm sorry, I thought I was done? Cue feelings of nervousness, anxiousness, and who did I think I was kidding? syndrome.

What's the most annoying thing someone's ever said to you while you were trying to lose weight?

Image via Alan Cleaver/Flickr

Zoe Saldana's 'Shocking' Weight Published on Magazine Cover and Everyone Freaks Out

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:20:00 EDT

Post by Emily Abbate

People don't really talk numbers when it comes to weight, especially to one another. In our society, numbers on a scale are a scary, scary thing. It's just a way of life. But for Allure, weight is a way to grab attention. Which is why the magazine published Zoe Saldana's weight on their cover in a caption reading, "Zoe Saldana: 115 pounds of grit and heartache."

Okay, so I'm gonna take a stab at interpreting the mindset behind this. Obviously 115 pounds is NOT heavy. In fact, for someone like Zoe who is 5'7", 115 pounds is VERY small. The magazine is trying to convey, if I had to guess, that you can be tiny but tough. OK, point taken. But while some people are seeing red over the mag's weighty decision to publish the actress's weight on their front cover, I see it more positively.

I think at 115 pounds, Zoe sets an example.

A few months back I did a weight loss challenge (with myself) to drop 10 pounds of winter weight with the start of the New Year. I posted pictures of my progress, and one thing I was able to learn from the commenters was that my ending weight (in the low 130s) looks VERY different on different body types. Whereas I was happy at that weight, other commenters certainly had their opinions that I wasn't AS good as I could be. At the end of the day, though -- I was happy that I stepped up to be an example of what we ALL can do if we're determined and focused.

It's no secret that Zoe is slender. I mean, let's be honest, no one expected her to weigh more than 120 pounds. In my eyes, though, Zoe looks healthy at this weight. She's proud of her weight. She's setting an example by allowing them to publish it. If you check out Zoe's other Allure photos -- her stomach isn't concave. She says she's happy. And oh, she also says she would date a woman.

Is she average? Heck no. But she's not on some crazy diet trying to drop unnecessary weight because, heck, she's in Hollywood. Zoe is just doing her, and I think that the her that she's doing is beautiful.

Do you think Allure made a mistake publishing Zoe's weight on their cover? Do you think she's too skinny?

Image via Allure

Angelina Jolie's Plan to Have Her Ovaries Removed Is More Controversial Than It Seems

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:13:00 EDT

Post by Maressa Brown

Angelina Jolie's story of her decision to undergo a prophylactic double mastectomy has captured the attention of the entire country, and she's being applauded for her bravery and candor. Most would agree it seems as though she's been through enough, but there's another challenge ahead ... People reports she is also planning to undergo surgery to remove her ovaries.

She's made the difficult decision for the same reason she chose to have her breast surgery: As she's a carrier of the BRCA1 gene, her doctors say she still faces a high risk of developing ovarian cancer, which her doctors estimate at 50 percent.

And yet, as brave and wise and inspiring as her decision appears to be, it's also a controversial one.

Doctors like Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Lissa Rankin, author of Mind Over Medicine: Scientific Proof That You Can Heal Yourself, explain that these kinds of statistics -- "you have 50 percent chance of developing this illness" or "87 percent of that one" -- is called "medical hexing." That's when a doc gives patients a poor prognosis and then they have negative outcomes. Dr. Rankin asks, "Do we really want to poison our minds with such fear-based thoughts that then force us to make decisions about whether or not we will electively cut off perfectly healthy body parts?" What's more, she notes, "Few diseases result from a single gene mutation. Only about 5 percent of cancer patients can attribute their diseases to heredity."

That said, as Dr. Rankin says, and I couldn't agree more, that Angelina still deserves a lot of credit for trusting her intuition, going with her gut, making a medical decision -- or "writing The Prescription" -- that she felt was right for her.

One of my biggest gripes with conventional docs in general is that they are all too often second guessing the patient, telling us what to do instead of the other way around when we are the ones who know our bodies the best. Her mother, Marcheline, lost her life way too young to ovarian cancer. Who could blame Angelina for being afraid of following in her footsteps?

While it's unclear when Angie will actually undergo the procedure, some doctors recommend patients have it by age 40 or when a woman is done having children ... That's because getting pregnant after an oophorectomy is medically impossible. Of course, there's always IVF with a donor egg, surrogacy, or adoption, but I'd venture to say it's doubtful Brangelina will have any more kids of their own. Hey, at least that means no more tabloid tongue-wagging about how she's pregnant again! Then again, stopping at six seems like a wise choice anyway.

What's your take on Angelina's elective surgeries?

Image via People

The 5 Most Obese Professions: Is Yours on the List?

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:00:00 EDT

Post by Emily Abbate

I don't know about you, but sitting at a desk job is the perfect platform for me to be the ultimate fatty no friends. OK, I'll be more specific: I feel like half of the time I'm at work, I'm eating. Which is why I was surprised that when it comes to worker-obesity statistics, blogger is not topping the list of most obese workers in America.

Who would have thought that there are statistics depicting what workers are the heaviest, eh? Indeed -- according to the new Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, all jobs are not created equal. In fact, the jobs that required less education and paid little are also the ones that have the highest rates of obesity in the U.S.

Hey, I guess it makes sense. Being less educated means you're less aware of the health risks associated with obesity, including high blood pressure, gallstones, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea, among other conditions.

Click through to see what the top 5 most obese professions are:

Do any of these jobs surprise you?

Image via Tobyotter/Flickr

Here’s What a Juice Cleanse Diet REALLY Does to You (It Isn’t Pretty!)

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:55:00 EDT

Post by Ericka Sóuter

I try to lead a healthy lifestyle. "Try" being the operative word. I exercise. I eat right ... well, most of the time. I just can't seem to resist pizza day at work or the occasional burger from Shake Shack (arguably the best burger joint in New York City). Problem is, all those indulgences have left me feeling run down, bloated, and have wreaked havoc on my high blood pressure (a lingering vestige of preeclampsia during pregnancy).

So what's a busy mom to do? Oh, I know, deny myself any and all food. But not in the model-munching-on-tissue-paper-to-stay-skinny-for-the-catwalk kind of way (yes, they do that!). I opted for a juice cleanse. I wanted to detox. Rid my system of all those impurities and preservatives caked in every delicious morsel of yummy treats like microwave popcorn (my daily 4 p.m. snack). So I signed up for a four-day fast from American Yogini, which provided me six juices per day. Here is my detox diet survival story.

Thursday, May 9

8:45 a.m.: Crack open first juice. A delicious concoction with beets, celery, apple, lime, ginger. I am giddily excited as I drop my son off at pre-school. Just think, in four days, I will be a totally new, healthier person! Wait, is that Starbucks I smell.

10:45: Still nursing juice, already thinking about food. Obsessively thinking about food. Getting more agitated with every sip.

11:30: I'm already planning to cheat. Go to American Yogini website and look for "Cheat Foods" section. Yes!!! I can have lettuce, tomatoes, and half an avocado.

1:30 p.m.: After wolfing down said salad, I try not to feel guilty for barely lasting four hours. It's the first day after all.

3:30: Ugh. Caffeine withdrawal headache. Super tired as I sit through meeting. Feel like taking a nap under the table. Maybe no one will notice. Hunger is making time go SO SLOW!

4:00: Going head to head with pregnant coworker for most bathroom trips in a day!

7:00: Get home and can't wait to indulge in another cheat food -- quinoa. A quarter cup tastes better than filet mignon at this point. Has it really only been one day 12 hours on this fast? It's official -- I would never survive the Zombie Apocalypse.

11:30: Nurse one last juice and brush teeth, swallow toothpaste on purpose, and boy, Crest never tasted so good.

Friday, May 10

8:00 a.m.: No work today, which is a good thing since I can barely get out of bed. SOOOOO tired but MUST. DO. SCHOOL. DROP-OFF.

9:00: Feel wine-sleepy, like I've been downing chardonnay. Get back into bed.

11:30: Nanny says she's glad it's the weekend because she didn’t want be around when I turned into a crazed, cranky, hungry woman ... Too late.

12:00 p.m.: Co-chairing my son's school auction that night, so must leave to prep venue. I won't be back home until late so I pack my juices and a little quinoa along with a change of clothes for the event.

4:30: Damn! The caterers arrive and that Mediterranean buffet smells like ambrosia from the Gods!

12:00: Somehow make it through day, starving, yet noticeably less bloated and have recouped some energy. Check blood pressure and lowest it's been in five years without medication! Woohoo!

Saturday, May 11

8:00 a.m.: Best hubby ever lets me sleep in!

9:00: Ugh, is that coffee I smell. My son gives me a hug and my eyes lock on that strip of bacon he has clutched in one hand.

10:00: Sipping juice while daydreaming of curry lamb and rice, though feeling of hunger not as severe as before. Keeping busy so as not to be tempted by the food that seems to be at every turn. Damn you pretzel cart man!

8:00 p.m.: Day almost done. On juice #5 and I feel good. I feel healthy.

Sunday, May 12

8:00 a.m.: Rarely do I wake up energized, but today I feel like I could climb Everest. Okay, maybe not Everest. But could definitely a few flights of stairs.

9:00: Son is eating waffles and turkey bacon. Husband is knocking back a white chocolate latte. Not even tempted as I sip away.

11:00: Sneak a few swigs of juice during communion at church to calm my grumbling tummy.

12:30 p.m.: Mother's Day brunch! I thought I could get by with ordering a simple salad but one look at my son's bacon and I think I better order something before I go crazy and snatch the food right off his plate. My fast is supposed to go until end of day, but I indulge in an egg white omelette and mixed greens. C'mon, it's Mother's Day!!!

7:00: I have one last juice for dinner. Still feel proud, even through I ate a chewable meal earlier. I have done my body a great service. The proof: my BP is still normal and I haven't felt this good in years!

* I chose to do this particular juice cleanse brand on my own without any solicitation from the company. If you are interested in trying one yourself, there are many to choose from.

Have you ever done a juice cleanse? What was your experience like?

Image via American Yogini

Angelina Jolie Had Secret Mastectomy That May Save Her Life

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:28:00 EDT

Post by Maressa Brown

While Angelina Jolie's health has often been the focal point of tabloid tongue-clucking, the superficial stories have never delved into how her mother Marcheline Bertrand fought cancer for almost a decade and died at 56. Or the fact that she has wondered about her own risk of the disease. But Angelina's moving op-ed in The New York Times entitled "My Medical Choice" is a game-changer.

The famous mother of six has revealed that she is a carrier of the "faulty"/mutant gene, BRCA1, which significantly increases a woman's risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. And as a result, she chose to have a double mastectomy, which she managed to keep a secret -- until now.

And why now?

Because the actress-turned-director says she hopes other women can benefit from her experience. She says that while "cancer is still a word that strikes fear into people’s hearts," she hopes her story reminds us that we're NOT powerless. She wants women to know that through a blood test, they can find out if they're "highly susceptible to breast and ovarian cancer, and then take action."

Angelina then goes on to explain what action she's taken ... How the whole process began on February 2, with "a procedure known as a 'nipple delay,' which rules out disease in the breast ducts behind the nipple, draws extra blood flow to the area, and increases the chance of saving the nipple." Then, how two weeks later, she had the major surgery, where the breast tissue is removed and temporary fillers are put in place. She shares:

You wake up with drain tubes and expanders in your breasts. It does feel like a scene out of a science-fiction film. But days after surgery, you can be back to a normal life.

Nine weeks after that, the final surgery was completed with the reconstruction of the breasts with an implant. She reassures, "There have been many advances in this procedure in the last few years, and the results can be beautiful."

So, piece of cake, right? No way. Angelina openly admits that her decision wasn't an easy one, but it's one she's "very happy" to have made. Especially because now, her chances of getting breast cancer have gone from 87 percent to under 5. She says, "I can tell my children that they don’t need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer." Talk about being empowered, being brave, and being an inspiration.

We've always had reason to admire Angelina Jolie. She's always put herself out there, made no apologies for who she is or how she wants to live her life, but this latest move is on a whole new level. Thanks to her candor, there's no doubt: More women will be inspired to know more about where they stand, to be proactive, and to feel even more empowered to make a bold move, if necessary, to minimize their risk. And for that reason alone, Angelina deserves a standing ovation.

What's your reaction to Angelina's news? Have you been tested for your genetic risk of breast and ovarian cancer?

Image via Georges Biard/Wikimedia

Shakira Reveals Her Simple Secrets for Losing Baby Weight for 'The Voice'

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:10:00 EDT

Post by Emily Abbate

Sure, we all heard of Shakira before she joined The Voice as a judge. Heck, I loved her "Hips Don't Lie" back in the day and couldn't understand HOW she got her hips to do all that swiveling. But these days as a judge on the hit show, the Latina is making some serious waves and her name is absolutely everywhere. Personally, I can't get enough of her bubbly personality and, shoot, for a 36-year-old mother of one, the lady looks amazeballs. Seriously, how she lost all that baby weight for her gig on The Voice within five months of giving birth to her beautiful boy is BEYOND me!

Lucky for us, we have the inside scoop on Shakira's three biggest secrets for weight loss. Getting in shape never sounded so fun!

Shakira's trainer Anna Kaiser recently caught up with E! Online and confessed that the singer's go-to workout is dancing. Dancing involves three key things: Cardio, flexibility, and strength training. "Dance is not only fun, but it can be an incredibly difficult and effective option for cardio," said Kaiser. "When combined with an effective strength and flexibility program, you get a fantastic well-rounded program with amazing results."

Well YES, the proof is in the pudding! And to be real, it sounds like any workout that involves all three of those key components is going to be a lot more fun, too. As a runner, I long to get into something that's more multidimensional. Shakira is smart to opt for a workout plan that is active but enjoyable.

In order to tone up and stick to a routine, you can't just do the same thing all of the time. Dancing involves all different sorts of movements, and those three key components will build muscle tone while effectively burning fat and boosting your metabolism. Now, who's in for a class, eh?

What's your go-to workout? How do you think Shakira looks these days?

Image via oouinouin/Flickr

7 Funny Things That (Supposedly) Happen to You When You're Ovulating

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:53:00 EDT

Post by Kiri Blakeley

Have you noticed that everything goes totally kooky at certain times of the month? Like THAT time of the month? You know that time -- the time you're ovulating. It's like suddenly you drop down a rabbit hole and into Alice's surreal wonderland. Everyone you make eye contact with starts macking on you. You're suddenly attracted to bearded guys who wear leather, have tattoos, and carry brass knuckles. Oh, and you begin voting strangely. Like you were all set to vote for Romney up until your egg dropped and then it was like, Obama will save the world! I know. SO WEIRD. But it's alllll backed up by science, people. Here are 7 things that (supposedly) happen while you're ovulating.

Image via hello-julie/Flickr

5 Mother's Day Gifts Stressed-Out Moms Will LOVE

Sat, 11 May 2013 12:45:46 EDT

Post by Jacqueline Burt

Are you a stressed-out mom? HA!! As if there were any other kind. Or perhaps you have a stressed-out mom in your life (again, if you have a mom in your life at all, then YES, you have a stressed-out mom in your life). One more question: Are you a last-minute shopper? (I'm just gonna go out on a limb here and guess the answer is "yes" yet again.)

Anyway. Whether you're still on need of the perfect Mother's Day gift for a certain stressed-out someone or you're looking to drop a few hints, we've got a few suggestions guaranteed to save the day. Because you know what they say: If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. NOBODY. You got that?!

Image via Eamon Curry/Flickr

How Many Calories Moms Burn in a Day -- Just By Being Moms!

Fri, 10 May 2013 19:14:00 EDT

Post by Cynthia Dermody

You probably don't realize that all the things you do every day, getting the kids ready for school, shopping, playing scary blanket monster, are helping you burn some serious calories! So no more complaining you don't have time for the gym, K? Check out some typical mom activities and the amazing caloric payoff:

Are you surprised you are burning THIS many calories?

Photo via USACE Europe District/Flickr

Graphic via BodyMedia

Giveaway: Year-Long Planet Fitness Gym Membership

Fri, 10 May 2013 14:43:00 EDT

Post by The Stir Bloggers

Mother's Day is just around the corner and you KNOW that we're celebrating here at The Stir. In honor of some of the best women we know, we're hosting a few fun giveaways to give back to the women who make playdates, Sunday night dinners, and everything else in between seem almost effortless.

What better way to take care of yourself than getting in some solo mom time at the gym? We're giving two lucky Stir readers a one-year membership to Planet Fitness.

We love Planet Fitness because of its cheap prices, wide range of equipment, and the wonderful massage chairs. Plus until May 15, they're donating the $10 enrollment fee to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

To enter to win, simply tell me:

What do you do when you go to the gym? Do you have a favorite workout?

The “Giveaway: Year-Long Planet Fitness Gym Membership” starts on May 10, 2013 at 2:43 p.m. (ET) and ends at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on May 17, 2013 (the “Sweepstakes Period”).

Enter by replying to this post with an appropriate comment during the Sweepstakes Period. Limit one entry per day during the Sweepstakes Period. Two (2) winners will be selected in a random drawing of all eligible entries on or around May 18, 2013 to recieve a year-long membership to the Planet Fitness of their choice (total value $130*).

*No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 18 years and older. Void where prohibited. Click here for the rest of the Official Rules.

5 Amazing Lessons I Learned From My Own Beautiful Mother

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:01:00 EDT

Post by The Stir Bloggers

Jody Meltzer is a blogger from Boston who has the unique talent of making you both laugh and cry in the same post. Her blog Mommy Dish is the kind of blog that really makes you connect.

She shared one of her already published posts with us at The Stir in honor of Mother's Day. See below:

I had to celebrate Mother’s Day early this year. I wish I could say it was solely because my Mom deserves a week of festivities for putting up with my antics for 39 years, but that’s not the case. Cancer–the rudest, most obtrusive, unkind, unrelenting, and unwelcome S.O.B disease ever created–dictated the terms.

My Mom signing on the dotted line for poison she's allergic to. She's amazing. And inspiring. And determined.

She’s getting chemom(my word for chemotherapy) she’s allergic to this time around. How brave is my Mom signing up for poison that could put her in anaphylactic shock if the IV drip that tricks her body into accepting it isn’t slow enough? The infusion–start-to-finish with our commute–takes twelve hours, and we have to do it every three weeks. Grueling. Despite her strength–I swear she has more stamina than any gym rat after tirelessly fighting ovarian cancer for ten years–the treatment knocks her out for days. As her daughter, it’s incredibly hard to watch.

So, Alex joined me for a special lunch to celebrate the woman who gave me life earlier this week, and taught me lessons I will never forget. Tonight, I reflect on just a few of them.

Laughter: My Mom is known for her jokes. I envy her ability to start telling a joke flawlessly during conversations (me, I have to announce I am about to tell a joke, inevitably flub the set-up, and hesitate before delivering the punch line to ensure I get it right). But I do know how to give in to a deep belly laughing fit that doesn’t stop until I hyperventilate and tears are streaming down my face. I have her laugh. I knew I reached adulthood when she delivered a dirty joke in front of me after shooing me away for years (teachers, coaches, and friends’ parents always swarmed around her growing up, anxious to hear her comedy routine, and I remember watching them break into hysterics following her raunchy material). It’s a gift to be in on her jokes. It’s a gift to laugh at life when it’s so serious at times.

Fun: My Mom also built a reputation on her legendary haunted houses every Halloween. Her cackle puts the evil witch in The Wizard of Oz to shame; her creepy costumes, handmade and authentic, screamed scary with every stitch. She rigged a ghost to fly across our living room if a child mustered up the courage to reach into the smoky caldron of candy. Pure brilliance. Even now, random people on Facebook will write on her wall about it. Even now, I am known for her spooktacular haunted houses.

My Mother started this! And of course my son thought it was beyond funny wearing lettuce as a hat in public!

Even though she converted to Judaism, it looks like Santa Claus regurgitated the North Pole at her house every year at Christmas. She’s the type who embraces any holiday, encourages jumping in the ocean fully-clothed if you don’t have a bathing suit, using P.F. Chang’s lettuce wraps as yarmulkes if the mood strikes, eating cake first thing on your birthday, and singing in the car with the sunroof open at a stoplight. You get the idea. She enjoys life. It was her philosophy BC (Before Cancer), and even more so AC (After Cancer).

Risk/Reward: My Mom struck out on her own at age 18 with no safety net. She made it–through all of life’s trials, tribulations, and dinners consisting of a measly can of beans. I was living in NYC for years when I got a call from a news station in Burlington, Vermont, on a Friday afternoon, offering me a job as a reporter and anchor of the cut-ins during Good Morning America. The only catch was that I had to start on the following Monday, giving me two days to make my decision, pack my belongings, and move to a place I never visited my whole life. What do you think I did? I went for it, with her full support, and the confidence needed to embrace drastic change. Quick. As my Mother’s daughter, I learned early on it’s okay to take risks, because she is, and has always been, my safety net.

Kindness: If there’s a frog hopping across the road, she will stop her car and make sure it crosses safely. She will offer her seat to an older or pregnant woman, even if she isn’t feeling well herself. She understands the value of writing a card and mailing it the old-fashioned way, and will send one, unexpectedly, to conjure up a smile from a distance. She’s stayed up all night making homemade desserts for bake sales that supported all of my teams, taught me the value of volunteering, and always made sure I approached people with both an open heart and an open mind. At her core, she is genuinely kind, and she expects nothing less from her children and grandchildren.

Perseverance: I have only gotten through her surgeries and chemotherapy treatments (plus my own heartaches, and, believe me, there have been plenty of them) without being a crying mess because of her leadership. She perseveres, so I persevere. She adjusts to the “new normal” living with a deadly disease, so I adjust. She finds enjoyment through the pain, and I do, too.

Love: Her love is fierce, unwavering, telling, true, unparalleled, eternal. In my life, she has been my one source of unconditional love. I have always felt my Mother’s love, even if I didn’t deserve it (I was a b*tch when I was 16-years-old!). I know she loves me, the real me, flaws and all.

He has learned so much from his Grammy Mimi already!

This Mother’s Day, Interrupted, I pause to reflect on the values instilled in me by my beloved Mom. Although she’s not with me celebrating tonight, she will soon recover, and we will be back to our giddy selves. Until then, Mom, I promise you, I remember everything you’ve taught me and am paying it forward every day. You are the north on the compass of my motherhood journey. I love you. Give me a click below, please. It’s still Mother’s Day, even though it’s Interrupted!

Popular Store Makes It Clear Fat Women Shouldn’t Wear Its Clothes

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:56:00 EDT

Post by Deborah Cruz

If you’ve ever shopped at Abercrombie & Fitch, you know that they do not cater to the plus-sized adult. I don’t care how cool you think you are, ladies, if you wear over a size 10, Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries does not want your business or even want you in his stores. You fat girls are bad for business. Simply stated, Jeffries doesn’t want overweight women wearing his label.

According to some comments he made recently about the brand, fat women will never be part of the "in" crowd. It’s not subtle and it’s fat-shaming, and Jeffries' comments are completely discriminatory and sizist. The kicker is that they do, in fact, offer XL sizes for the boys because a boy can wear a larger size and be athletically built -- like a football player -- but not girls. If you are over a size 10, you are obviously obese, end of story. I’m thinking a chubby girl may have dumped him sometime in the past.

Mr. Jeffries and Abercrombie & Fitch have every right to make their target market thin, beautiful, popular people. My gut reaction to this situation was to be completely outraged. How dare he be so bold as to say this horrible thing out loud? But that’s the thing. He only said what many retailers think. I worked in retail for my entire high school and college career and I remember how it usually went. We hired attractive people to attract other attractive people who wanted to be like them, wear the clothes they wore, be popular, be thin. Bottom line, you are not selling just a product or a brand, you are selling a lifestyle. Abercrombie & Fitch is selling a status.

My issue is how in-your-face he is about the whole thing, like he had no regard for those he was alienating because they are not his people. In his mind, they are worthless losers because if they weren’t, they would be thin, cool, and shopping in his store. This is discrimination, and worse, there is some "heavier" teen girl out there who wants to be popular and pretty and fit in, and his statements make that girl feel worthless.

His way of thinking is perpetuating the myth that happiness and thinness go hand in hand. They do not. If you are overweight to start with and slim down later, that only solves the issue of being overweight. It will not magically make you cool, popular, or pretty. You will still be who you were when you were overweight, only in new clothes. Wearing Abercrombie & Fitch of any size does not make you more attractive or better than everyone else. It just means you fit the clothes and your parents could afford them. And maybe, just maybe, you base your worth on the label in your clothing and not who you are -- and that is just plain sad.

What do you think about Mike Jeffries not wanting overweight women to shop at Abercrombie and Fitch?

Image via Abercrombie & Fitch

14 Things You Didn’t Know Had Gluten in Them

Thu, 09 May 2013 17:35:00 EDT

Post by Adriana Velez

I've been reading the new book, Gluten Is My Bitch: Rants, Recipes, and Ridiculousness for the Gluten-Free by April Peveteaux (a former Stir contributor!). Even for the totally gluten-friendly, the book is informative and an unexpected kness-slapper. You wouldn't think there's anything funny about celiac, but there is. Oh yes, there is. Anyway, I'm actually learning a few things I didn't know about gluten before. Like -- all of the things in the world that have gluten in them. And they're not even all food! Gluten is so not just about bread and pasta. Here are several places April says gluten hides.

Beer. I think the word is getting out, but just in case you hadn't put two and two together yet (HINT: IT'S MADE FROM WHEAT). Beer has gluten. Mustard. Which means mustard made with ale (beer) also contain gluten. Communion wafers. Oh. My. God. Dextrin. Not that you should be taking it anyway. Finger paints. Surprise, surprise, most brands of finger paints are made with wheat! Who knew? Licorice. But it's candy! Lunch meat. Often these are made with fillers which means you know what: Gluten. Malt. Yo, it's made from barley -- usually. Oats. Some rolled oats are processed at plants that also process wheat. Play-Doh. Arts and crafts are kind of a headache for parents of gluten-free kids. The commercial and most homemade dough has gluten. Some modeling clays also have gluten. Soy sauce. Yes, most commercially made soy sauce has gluten. Good luck eating out at a Chinese restaurant now. However, some naturally fermented soy sauces can be extremely low in gluten. Otherwise, there's gluten-free tamari sauce. Soups, sauces, dressings. Yes, even innocent little salad dressings. All of these foods may be thickened with gluten. Stamps and envelopes. Crazy! Don't lick 'em. Vitamins and medication. It seems cruel and unfair, doesn't it? Always check with your pharmacists to make sure your meds won't make you sick. And watch those generics, which may contain starch.

April says, "Your takeaway is this: Anything that comes with a label or in a package must be treated as suspect." When in doubt (even after reading the label), call the manufacturer. But hey, at least now you know about the stamps!

Did you know gluten could hide in these foods and substances?

Images via The Knowles Gallery/Flickr, Gluten Is My Bitch/Stewart Tabori & Chang