Estrogen is a steroid hormone that’s well known for its role in sexual and reproductive development, but it’s also important to lots of other bodily processes. Your body makes estrogen naturally, adjusting its production with the other hormones in your bod.
If your estrogen levels get unbalanced, it can cause symptoms and even potentially serious health concerns. Some folks claim that certain foods can lower estrogen levels, but is that legit? Here’s what you need to know about how your diet can and can’t affect your estrogen levels.
Estrogen and your health
Estrogen’s a hormone that’s found in everyone’s body, but estrogen levels are much higher in people with ovaries.
When you have too much of this hormone relative to other sex hormones — known as estrogen dominance — it can lead to abnormal menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain. It’s also been linked to medical conditions like ovarian cancer and certain types of breast cancer.
FYI: Any type of hormonal imbalance should be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional.
How your diet impacts your estrogen levels
Estrogen’s involved in human reproduction, immune response, skeletal health, heart health, and more. It exists in a balance with other sex hormones, like progesterone and testosterone.
Diet and lifestyle can impact hormonal health, and studies show that certain dietary patterns are linked with healthy estrogen levels, while others have been linked with elevated estrogen levels. This is because your diet can influence how your body metabolizes and excretes estrogen. Also, certain dietary patterns are linked with higher body fat levels and obesity.
Fat tissue produces estrogen and can contribute to elevated estrogen in the body, so maintaining moderate body fat levels is essential to maintaining healthy levels of estrogen.
Diet-related causes of elevated estrogen levels
Your overall diet can impact your hormone levels. Research shows that Western-type diets high in ultra-processed foods, added sugar, and animal foods (like red meat and eggs) are associated with high estrogen levels.
A small research review of 32 studies found that this type of Western diet was associated with an 18 percent increased risk of estrogen-mediated and/or progesterone-mediated breast cancers.
Scientists believe that one of the reasons Western dietary patterns may cause high estrogen levels is that animal foods like red meat and eggs contain high levels of cholesterol. Cholesterol is a precursor to estrogen, so following a high cholesterol diet may lead to elevated estrogen levels in your body.
A research review found that both diet and body weight play important roles in maintaining healthy estrogen levels. It showed that treatments that helped folks lose body fat through changes in their diet and exercise also successfully reduced estrogen levels.
Overconsuming alcohol is another risk factor of high estrogen levels, which can put you at a higher risk of developing estrogen-related breast cancer.
Which diet changes can lower your estrogen levels?
Following a diet high in processed foods and having high body fat levels could lead to elevated estrogen levels. Changing your diet and lifestyle may help reduce high estrogen levels. The swaps below may improve many other aspects of your health as well.
Eat plenty of fiber
In general, diets rich in fibrous plant foods like fruits, vegetables, and beans and low in ultra-processed foods and red and processed meats have been associated with healthy estrogen levels.
Fiber is super important for maintaining healthy estrogen levels because it helps reduce levels of cholesterol, a precursor to estrogen.
A high fiber diet also alters your gut bacteria and helps decrease estrogen reabsorption in your gastrointestinal tract. It also increases the amount of estrogen you get rid of through your poop.
Prioritize plant-based eats
The added fiber may be why plant-based diets, like vegetarian diets, are linked to a decreased risk of estrogen-related health conditions.
Plant-centric dietary patterns also tend to be lower in fat than Western-type diets, which are rich in animal products like meat and dairy. A small study showed that low fat diets tend to decrease estrogen levels, but a larger study showed that high fat diets, especially those rich in animal fats, tend to increase estrogen levels.
One 2013 study also suggested that women who follow vegetarian-like dietary patterns tend to have lower blood estrogen levels than women who eat lots of meat. Plus, diets high in red meat and animal fat have been associated with an increased risk of estrogen-dependent health conditions like endometriosis.
Keep in mind, we need a lot more research in this area
Even though some dietary patterns have been associated with healthy estrogen levels while others have been linked with elevated estrogen levels, there’s still a lot to learn about how diet impacts estrogen in the bod.
Research on dietary impact on estrogen is pretty limited at this time and researchers are still investigating how food choices influence estrogen levels and the risk of estrogen-dependent health conditions.
Diet and lifestyle tips for healthy estrogen levels
Even though certain factors like diet and physical activity can help support healthy estrogen levels, there are certain things that can influence estrogen that are out of your control.
These include your age and certain medical diagnoses. It’s impossible to know whether or not your hormone levels are considered healthy without appropriate testing.
Talk with your doctor if you suspect you have high estrogen levels
You should never self-diagnose a hormone imbalance. Certain symptoms that you may associate with high estrogen levels like pelvic pain or irregular periods may be caused by something completely unrelated. And that something could be serious.
If you suspect you may have high estrogen or another type of hormonal condition, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and concerns.
Create hormone-healthy habits
In addition to getting the right medical care, maintaining a balanced diet and active lifestyle can be a good way to support overall health, including hormonal health.
Here are a few ways you can try to take care of your hormonal health and support healthy estrogen levels.
Eat plenty of plant foods. Plant-centric diets tend to be high in fiber and low in cholesterol, two dietary factors that have been linked with healthy estrogen levels.
Consider cutting back on certain animal foods. Diets high in red and processed meats may increase estrogen in the body. If your diet’s currently high in these foods, consider subbing in other protein sources like beans or fish.
Maintain moderate body fat levels. Because fat tissue produces estrogen, losing excess body fat could help reduce estrogen levels. Plus, having excessive amounts of body fat may put you at risk for a number of health conditions, from heart disease to type 2 diabetes.
Stay active. Leading an active lifestyle could help support healthy estrogen levels. Engaging in regular physical activity is also important for weight maintenance and the health of your entire body.
Choose fiber-rich carbs over refined carbs. Fiber-rich carbs like whole grains, fruits, veggies, and beans make a much better choice than refined carbs like white bread. Not only are these foods more nutritious, but they may help support healthy estrogen regulation.
Taking good care of your bod through following a nutritious diet high in plant foods, maintaining moderate body fat levels, and getting plenty of movement daily is the best way to support your hormonal health.
Bottom line
Estrogen has some very important roles to play in your overall health, but if levels get too high, it could negatively impact your bod in the short term and the long term. But maintaining a nutritious diet and active lifestyle helps support healthy hormone levels.
Just remember, the only way to tell if your hormones are off is to undergo appropriate testing. Therefore, it’s important to discuss any hormonal concerns with a trusted healthcare professional.
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Believe it or not: Your body wash just might be your ultimate beauty tool to help ease dry skin. Nourishing and luxurious, the right body wash for your skin type can help you deal with some of the trickiest symptoms of dry skin.
We chatted with the experts, scoured the internet, and dug into the latest scientific research to come up with a roundup of body washes for dry skin that suits every skin type and price point.
What to look for when buying body wash for dry skin
We know you’re (literally) itching to know what makes a good body wash for dry skin. We got you.
The key is in the ingredients, so we dug into the latest research and chatted with Dr. Mary Ramirez, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin, Texas, to figure out which ingredients are the sh*t for dry skin.
Ingredients to look for
Vitamin E
According to experts, when shopping for a product that’ll hydrate your skin, you should consider a formula that has natural oils, like vitamin E. These oils can help protect your skin from damage and can even help it heal.
Hyaluronic acid
Naturally found in the skin, hyaluronic acid (HA) helps hold on to water in the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump. HA‘s hydration and plumping skills are so good that it’s commonly used on the face to help reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Glycerin
Also naturally found in the skin, glycerin draws water to the surface of the skin from the atmosphere and from the deeper layers of the skin. Like HA, it also helps strengthen your skin’s barrier to lock that moisture in.
Ingredients to avoid (or use cautiously)
Ramirez gave us this handy little cheat sheet of ish to avoid if you can:
All three of these are chemical exfoliants and can make your skin even drier — and that’s what we’re trying to avoid.
OTOH, these ingredients can be helpful for removing top layers of dead skin cells, revealing newer skin that’s fresh ‘n ready for hydrating, but you should only use them sparingly — like once or twice a week — rather than daily.
Ramirez says to make sure that if you want to use a body wash with these ingredients, make sure that they’re paired with hydrating ingredients (like glycerin or hyaluronic acid) in order to counteract the chemical exfoliants.
Although these are powerful and proven for reducing acne and signs of premature aging, they have to be paired with a thick cream after each use in order to counteract the dryness.
Ramirez does not recommend this ingredient in body washes unless you have acne. She adds that you should always apply moisturizer after each use.
Benzoyl peroxide, alcohol, and antibacterial soaps
Benzoyl peroxide, alcohol, and antibacterial soaps can def decrease bacteria on skin (great for acne), but can strip your skin of much-needed oils, making
Fragrance and deodorant soaps
If you have eczema or your skin is particularly sensitive, you already know the drill: No fragrances allowed. And according to the American Academy of Dermatology, if you have dry skin or atopic dermatitis it’s best to choose a body wash that’s not just “unscented” but “fragrance-free.” You should also avoid deodorant soaps that are designed to mask any bodily smells.
How we chose the best body wash for dry skin
Wondering how we sifted through the mass market to find our fave body washes for dry skin? Here’s the deal:
Ingredients come first. We chatted with a derm and busted open research to learn which ingredients can actually help with dry skin and which are just not it. With that in mind, we gave extra love to washes with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E and we swerved away from ones with fragrance, alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, AHAs (like glycolic acid), BHAs (like salicylic acid), and retinol/retinoid.
Formula faves. Formulas that stick to just the good stuff made it to our priority list. Meaning we picked ones free of parabens, perfumes, and animal products when possible. Though not all on this list are considered perfectly “clean,” so keep that in mind when you shop ‘em.
Rave reviews. We did a deep dive into reviews, checking carefully that the washes are *for real* loved by actual customers.
Nice price. We keep price in mind, OFC. You’ll see washes with teeny price tags and the ones with a little more heft to ‘em.
Very vetted. Our list goes through a detailed vetting process, checking that brands aren’t making any bogus health claims or are involved in any sketchy business practices.
Pricing guide
$ = under $10
$$ = $10–$20
$$$ = over $20
The 11 best body washes for dry skin
Byeee dry. These products all passed our test to join this list of the best body wash for dry skin.
This wash slays away dirt and grime (and sweat!) without drying you out. We love that it can double as a shampoo if you’re into that (and if you are, it’s supposed make your hair hella soft). OFC, this is fragrance-free too.
Ramirez points out this body wash contains aloe which hydrates and soothes inflamed dry skin. “The gel texture body wash makes the skin feel clean without feeling stripped of oils and nutrients.”
It also contains panthenol (aka vitamin B5), an ingredient that helps soothe irritated skin, moisturize, and repair your skin barrier. We love a triple threat.
Though this body wash as marketed “for men,” anyone can use it — some reviewers even say they steal it from their hubbies because they love it so much. But if you have longer hair, you might want to skip using this as a shampoo. A few say it doesn’t quite get the job done.
As the name suggests, this body wash contains yogurt powder, which makes it one of the creamiest products on this list. It also has soothing oat flour to moisturize and reduce itching and inflammation.
Ramirez says that the combo of soothing oat and yogurt provides an emollient (aka skin softener) and probiotic component, helping maintain the skin’s natural flora.
One drawback is that it contains sulfates, which can be too harsh for people with sensitive skin. Ramirez also notes that it contains a vanilla fragrance, which can be irritating to people with eczema or sensitive skin — so if that’s you, keep scrolling.
This dermatologist-tested body wash is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, so it’s a perfect choice if you have dry, sensitive skin. It also contains aloe vera and vitamin B5, both of which help keep your skin smooth and hydrated.
Ramirez reminds us that glycerin hydrates the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum) and provides protection against irritants: “Glycerin is a humectant, which pulls water into the outer layer of the skin to hydrate. I recommend this product to my pediatric patients with eczema.” Good to know!
Reviewers love how gentle this body wash is, but it does contain sulfates, so it may not be the best fit if your skin is extra sensitive.
P.S. This one is also paraben-free and shouldn’t clog your pores.
OK, this one has fragrance. But if you happen to have dry skin and know that your particular skin type is fine with fragrance, this one could be for you.
Ramirez is obsessed with the smell of this body wash, actually giving it a *chef’s kiss* moment.
It also has petrolatum, niacinamide, and shea butter as its main ingredients, making it a powerful moisturizer —which is obvi our point here.
Petrolatum (think: Vaseline) helps repair your skin’s barrier, niacinamide helps hydrate and lock in moisture, and shea butter hits hard with a big dose of moisture.
Some reviewers note that the scent is strong, BTW. So, it may not be the best option if you have eczema or very sensitive skin.
Pros: contains multiple hydrating ingredients, no fragrance, sulfates, or parabens
Cons: thick formula
Here’s your dermatologist-recommended pick.
This foaming wash has two of our derm-recommend ingredients: glycerin and hyaluronic acid. It also has ceramides, another skin barrier-restoring moisturizer that can work wonders for folks with dry skin.
Bonus after bonus: It’s free of fragrances, parabens, sulfates, annnd it has the National Eczema Association seal of approval, so it’s a good pick for eczema-prone skin.
Call out: Some reviewers say this one is hella thick, making squeezing it out a little bit of a workout.
Pros: no fragrance, parabens, dyes, or harsh soaps
Cons: doesn’t have a great lather
We mentioned we love brands that leave the garbage out — and this gentle wash really gets that.
Ready for the long list of stuff this wash doesn’t f*ck with?
To name the biggies:
fragrance
dyes
parabens
gluten
sulfates
harsh soaps
It also has glycerin and vitamin B5 to lock in moisture and reduce any irritation you might be having. And reviewers are loving it. They say it has a pretty good smell despite there being no added fragrance and helps keep irritation at bay. But some wish it lathered a bit more.
This pick is formulated for extra dry, sensitive skin. It’s accepted by the National Eczema Association and is supposed to be foaming and soothing.
In addition to glycerin and shea butter, this one has niacinamide — that hydrating and skin barrier-restoring ingredient we mentioned earlier. It also goes to work on acne, brightens your skin, and helps reduce hyperpigmentation (bonus!). That’s why this is our pick for gettin’ that glowing skin.
We also appreciate that it’s noncomedogenic and free of fragrance and parabens.
This one is suitable for babies too (2 weeks old and up), so you know it’s super gentle.
Pros: multiple moisturizing ingredients, gentle enough for private parts, vegan
Cons: not as widely available
Looking for something safe for your nether regions? We’ve got you covered with this vegan wash.
In addition to some familiar faves like glycerin, aloe, and panthenol, this unscented pick contains kakadu plum extract, pomegranate extract, and coffee seed extract. The brand says this trio softens, soothes, cleans, and energizes the skin. It’s also supposed to be pH balanced, which is what makes it a better choice for cleaning intimate areas than other body washes.
This one is fragrance-free, soap-free, sulfate-free, and cruelty-free.
Since it’s made using natural extracts, make sure you aren’t allergic before applying it all over the place (especially your privates!). This means doing a patch test first.
If you live for multi-tasking and would love a body wash that also works at shampoo AND can help tackle intense dandruff, check this one out.
Yes, it’s marketed for children but the brand says this works just as effectively on adult skin. It fights flaking, redness, itching, scaling, and scalp irritation.
This vegan pick is fragrance-free and is supposed to be that girl for dryness, redness, and irritation.
This foaming option is sulfate-free and is made with sensitive skin in mind (that includes eczema-prone skin). It’s loaded with basically every soothing, hydrating ingredient we’ve talked about so far — plus another skin smoother called squalene.
Reviewers call this a life-saver, many pointing out how well it works on their eczema. But a couple of reviewers mention a smell they don’t care for.
Ramirez says this one has a crisp and refreshing scent, and it makes the skin feel smooth and sleek with vitamin-rich ingredients including niacinamide (the acne-fighter) and green tea extract (the inflammation-fighter).
Reviewers looove this stuff, saying it has a luxurious feel and gently clears up body acne. Just be sure to opt for the fragrance-free version if you have sensitive skin (it’s also available with a eucalyptus scent).
This product is free of sulfates, silicones, parabens, and PEGs (polyethylene glycols). So, we’d like an “amen” for that. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and noncomedogenic — v v nice of them.
How to (properly) use body wash to get rid of dry skin
This is easy breezy. Ramirez suggest taking a lukewarm shower or bath (we repeat: not hella hot) using your choice of body wash. (Generally speaking, it’s probs best to use your hands instead of a loofah, to prevent dry skin from becoming too irritated).
Afterward, gently pat yourself dry so that there’s still dampness on your skin.
Lastly, she says to trap this water in with a thick moisturizer, to lock up that hydration.
Pro tip: Skip hot showers
“I love a scorchingly hot shower but it dehydrates the skin and leads to inflammation,” Ramirez says. So stick to shorter showers with lukewarm water and slather on the moisturizer afterward.
But, Ramirez adds, if you can’t live without hot showers, make sure they’re 5 minutes or less.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best body wash for dry skin?
The best washes for dry skin contain: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E.
The worst washes for dry skin contain: fragrance, alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and retinol/retinoid.
What body wash do dermatologists recommend for dry skin?
What are the benefits of body washes for dry skin?
According to Ramirez, a body wash made for dry skin helps clean the skin without stripping essential nutrients and oils.
BUT just because a brand labels its body wash as “good for dry skin” or “organic” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s free of irritating ingredients — so always check that the product’s ingredient list is free of fragrance, essential oils (if you know those are irritating to you), alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, retinols/retinoids, and alcohol.
Which is better for dry skin: shower gel or body wash?
Ramirez says gels often contain alcohol, so she recommends body washes.
But again, check the product’s ingredient list to get the real picture — some brands might label a product a gel that’s actually perfectly suitable for dry skin.
Why does body wash dry my skin?
The most common cause of dry skin from a body wash, Ramirez says, is ingredients in the body wash like alcohol or alpha/beta hydroxy acids, or an irritating ingredient such as benzoyl peroxide or retinol.
The bottom line
It might take some time to find the right body wash for your dry skin, but fear not! By being aware of your skin type and knowing what ingredients are most likely to harm your skin, you’ll be more informed when shopping for your next body wash.
If you’ve tried a lot of body washes and still can’t get rid of that dry skin, it’s a good idea to check in with a dermatologist who can help uncover if something more serious is going on (like a thyroid disorder, kidney disease, or atopic dermatitis) and develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific symptoms.
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Whether you want to build muscle, get a better night’s sleep, or have a healthier relationship with food, there’s an app for that. Actually, there are thousands of apps for that.
But don’t worry! We scoured the app store to find the really good ones so you wouldn’t have to. Here are the 13 app-solute best health and fitness apps available.
Pros: You can design your own workouts and skip tasks that aren’t your vibe. The video demonstrations are easy to follow, and you can listen to your own music.
Cons: A few reviewers note that the transition time between activities is a tad too short.
Tell Sworkit the type of workout you’re looking for (strength, cardio, yoga, or stretching) and the amount of time you’ve got (anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour) and the app delivers the moves to fit your sweat sesh.
If you opt for premium, the app lets you personalize even more by setting the number of reps and the areas of the body you want to focus on.
Pros: It’s a beginner-friendly app that has dope features like audio coaching and calorie tracking. It also gives you easy-to-follow guides for how to kick-start your fitness routine.
Cons: Some folks say the app is a bit too intense for absolute beginners. But keep in mind that you can customize the training and increase your stamina over time.
If you’ve wanted to try running but never known where to start, Couch to 5K should be the next app you download. It’s a great way to transition into #FitFam life. All you need is 30 to 40 minutes a day, 3 times a week, for 8 weeks. Each workout includes a 5-minute warmup and 5-minute cooldown.
Pros: It’s a great way to track your running without a GPS watch. It can also help you find new running routes and lets you connect with friends.
Cons: Strava’s sharing features can be a little intimidating. Some folks feel insecure about posting their shorter or slower runs.
If you’re a serious runner or cyclist, you need one place to keep track of your most recent runs and rides. No other app comes close to the capabilities of Strava. The app can track distance, speed, elevation, calories burned, heart rate, power, and cadence. Then it synthesizes all this data into easy-to-understand graphics.
Pros: This inclusive app is great for lifters of all skill levels. You can use it in the gym, at home, or on the go. It has hundreds of built-in exercises with video instructions.
Cons: The free version offers only three custom routines. You’ll have to pay for an upgraded membership to access more workouts. Also, it’s currently available only on iOS.
Tracking your lifts can be the perfect encouragement to keep on keepin’ on. With an intuitive interface, the Strong Workout Tracker Gym Log lets you track all the details of your strength workouts, from PRs to day-to-day sets and reps. There’s also an in-app timer and a note section so you can write about your ~feelings~.
Pros: Pear is the perfect personal training app for tech fans. It offers real-time coaching for a personalized and engaging experience. It also uses artificial intelligence to customize your workouts.
Cons: The app is strictly fitness-focused, so don’t expect diet or nutrition advice.
Strength training can become monotonous (squats again?). That’s where Pear comes in. The app lets you pick from a roster of personal trainers who will zhuzh up your routine and walk you through the exercises. But you can also tackle the workouts on your own.
Bonus: If you have a wearable fitness tracker, the app will also give you feedback about estimated heart rate and VO2max.
Pros: Foodility is straightforward, elegantly designed, and super easy to use. It has a clean design and a user-friendly interface. You also get access to a statistics tab to chart your water intake and weight loss.
Cons: It doesn’t let you view all your content on one screen. This might be a bummer if you like to analyze your data by day, week, or month.
If you’re looking for an effective way to keep track of diet and exercise but could do without all the bells and whistles, here’s one for you. This food and fitness journal app is a minimalist’s dream in both form and function. Record your meals, physical activities, water intake, and weight by posting customizable sticky note-style entries on your calendar.
Push notifications keep you on track, multiple viewing options give you different perspectives, and new updates allow you to export your monthly diary as a PDF, so sharing your progress is a breeze. Clean and simple.
Pros: The calorie counter is basically an online food diary. This can make you more conscious of your nutrition and eating patterns. There’s also a top-notch community aspect that lets users share tips and personal experiences.
Cons: It’s not ideal for tracking strength training exercises such as lifting or resistance workouts.
There’s a reason MyFitnessPal continues to dominate the health and fitness app landscape after 13 long years on the market. The app’s database contains more than 6 million foods, so you can log just about everything you put in your body, from fast food to homemade vegan lasagna, thanks to a nifty recipe calculator.
You can also set exercise and diet goals and tap into MyFitnessPal’s vast online community for support, tips, and motivation.
Pros: In addition to nutrition, you can track your sleep, exercise, calorie and macro intake, mood, and hunger levels. The app then analyzes the data and gives you feedback to help you reach and maintain your goals.
Cons: You’ll need to pay extra if you want to add nutrient info like carbs, protein, and fat.
This colorful, engaging app seriously ups your grocery game. Scan barcodes or search manually for any item for instant access to plain-spoken nutritional information, a personalized letter grade detailing each item’s value, and suggestions for healthier alternatives.
Pros: This sleek, intuitive system connects you straight to your healthcare team. This can help you stay on top of nutrition goals and habits, mental health, daily activity, and meal planning.
Cons: Some users say the design and interface are a bit outdated.
This app is especially helpful if you’re dealing with food-related health concerns such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and GI issues. The approach is holistic — no calorie counts here — and focuses just as much on emotional well-being as on the physical aspect.
The coolest part is that you can receive safe and secure support from your dietitian, psychologist, doctor, personal trainer, or whoever else you’ve got in your corner, right there in the app.
Pros: You’ll get hundreds of guided meditations, visual aids, and stress-reducing games. The app also offers daily routines to help you reduce stress and increase happiness.
Cons: While there is a free trial period, the monthly and annual costs are a bit steep.
Created by scientists, cognitive behavioral therapists, and breathing specialists, these quick exercises help ease anxiety and refresh your mind.
But our favorite feature? A space to write your crappier thoughts and burn them! Watching those limiting beliefs burn in the digital flames is oddly satisfying. And don’t worry, your phone won’t go up in smoke.
Pros: You get access to expert resources and structured meditations. This is great if you’re new to meditating.
Cons: You have to use it on the reg to reap the rewards.
A lot more than just breathing exercises and pictures of peaceful mountains, this app has courses, guided meditations, and music to help you find a greater sense of calm in your life.
The true standout feature is the wide variety of bedtime stories to get you snoozing with ease. Let Stephen Fry, Bob Ross, or Bronn from “Game of Thrones” lull you to sleep. Then wake up and take a creativity class from Elizabeth Gilbert!
Pros: The non-contact sleep tracking technology means you don’t have to wear a smartwatch while you sleep. Folks also like how detailed the sleep reports are compared to other apps.
Cons: The initial setup can take a while.
It’s like having a bat in your bed! OK, that might not sound like a selling point, but this app uses sonar technology to monitor your sleep. So say “sayonara” to feeling groggy in the morning.
In addition to scoring the quality of your sleep, the app offers an alarm that wakes you during your lightest sleep cycle (within 30 minutes of when you need to get up). Not only will you know exactly how well you’re sleeping, but the app also gives daily recommendations to improve your snooze.
Pros: You can record your moods, activity, caffeine and alcohol intake, and sex drive to see how they all impact your cycle (or how your cycle impacts them).
Cons: It doesn’t let you sync with other devices.
Whether you want to track your fertility or just have tampons and pain relievers at the ready, this app takes all the mystery out of menstruation. Let Flo know when you’ve had your period and the app will track your cycle, tell you when you’re ovulating, and let you know when the red menace is coming again.
Bottom line: Apps are a great way to stay on top of your health and fitness goals. And these 13 options offer something for everyone.
Pro tip: Try to sign up for a free trial before pulling the trigger on a paid app.
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Whether you’re fueling up for a workout, breakfast-ing on the go, or just battling some midafternoon hunger pains, protein bars can be a lifesaver for the health-savvy snacker.
But if we’re being honest, they’re not always the most appealing option. Either overly gelatinous or as dry and dense as a brick of old Play-Doh, many bars have a synthetic sweetness and an ingredient list longer than the last book you read. It’s enough to drive you back into the arms of a trusty Snickers.
Thankfully for you and your fitness goals, we scoured the internet for the best protein bars on the market — made with high quality protein (at least 7 grams per package), natural sweeteners, and wholesome ingredients.
Here are our fave protein bars to stash in your pantry, car, or office.
Available flavors: maple sea salt, blueberry, chocolate chip, chocolate raspberry, coconut chocolate, mint chocolate, mixed berry, peanut butter, peanut butter and berries
Protein source: egg whites, cashews, pecans
Sweetener: dates
Calories: 220
Fat: 9 grams (g)
Protein: 12 g
Carbs: 22 g
Fiber: 4 g
The only thing more satisfying than RXBAR’s sleek, streamlined package design is the heavenly bar you’ll find inside that pretty wrapper. The maple sea salt variety has all that earthy, burnt-sugar-esque maple goodness with the perfect amount of sea salt sprinkled on top.
The pliable texture is pleasantly interrupted by pecan and cashew pieces. And with 12 g of protein, this bar is a no-brainer, especially if you’re tired of chocolate- or fruit-flavored bars.
Nothing says “protein” quite like meat, and this protein bar has got it in spades. It’s made simply from grass-fed bison, bacon, dried cranberries, and spices.
It’s got the whole salty-sweet thing down, too, and provides 7 g of protein per serving. Thanks to its simple, whole ingredients, it’s also paleo-friendly.
Available flavors: chocolate chip peanut butter, dark chocolate sea salt
Protein source: peanuts, pea protein, sunflower seeds
Sweetener: allulose, dates, cane sugar, monk fruit
Calories: 170
Fat: 12 g
Protein: 7 g
Carbs: 17 g total (but fewer once you subtract the sugar alcohols, allulose, and fiber)
Fiber: 7 g
If you’re following a keto diet, you know how difficult it can be find something keto-friendly that really satisfies that “sweet” craving. But you’re in luck, because this delish bar can do just that while providing a little extra protein (with only 3 g of net carbs).
Note: These bars do need to be refrigerated to stay fresh (but one should be fine stashed in your gym bag for an hour or so).
Available flavors: Fudge Yah, Almond Crunch, Peanut Butta
Protein source: peanuts, hazelnut butter
Sweetener: coconut sugar, yacon syrup, maple syrup, prune juice, date syrup
Calories: 340
Fat: 24 g
Protein: 12 g
Carbs: 24 g
Fiber: 8 g
Mid-Day Squares pride themselves on being the best of both worlds: candy bar and protein bar. (And TBH, they do a pretty good job.) Their Peanut Butta squares are grown-up peanut butter cups that taste just as good as a Reese’s (with waaaaay less sugar).
Each package contains two squares, so you could have both for a meal on the go or one for a really delectable (but still nutritious) dessert.
Available flavors: carob coconut, lemon cashew, sunflower cinnamon
Protein source: pea protein, sunflower butter
Sweetener: coconut nectar
Calories: 280
Fat: 15 g
Protein: 15 g
Carbs: 21 g
Fiber: 2 g
This plant-based, nut-free option definitely stands out from the overwhelmingly chocolaty and nutty energy bar crowd. Organic sunflower butter, organic coconut nectar, pea protein, organic cinnamon, and organic vanilla extract come together in this chewy, easily crushable 280-calorie nosher, which also manages to pack in 15 g of protein.
For the nonvegans out there, Rise also has a line of whey-based bars in a variety of flavors with very simple ingredients.
Sugars are on the higher end in this particular bar, but if you’re looking for something that doesn’t taste like just another protein bar and will take the edge off between meals or before a workout, look no further.
Protein source: collagen, pea protein, almond protein, cashew butter
Sweetener: honey, dates
Calories: 120
Fat: 5 g
Protein: 8 g
Carbs: 10 g
Fiber: 1 g
Need a perfect post-workout pick-me-up? Try one of these mini bars packed with 8 g of protein from collagen, pea protein, and almonds. They also contain antioxidant-rich 100 percent cacao chocolate chips, so they’re ideal for recovery.
Vegans, take note: These bites contain bovine and marine collagen, so they’re not a good fit for those following a vegan diet.
Carbs: 11 g (11 g carbs – 8 g fiber = 3 g net carbs)
Fiber: 8 g
This bar is plant-based and vegan-friendly. IQBars come in a whole bunch of delicious-sounding flavors, but our fave is the almond butter chip. It’s chewy and sweet (but sweetened with stevia instead of sugar, which makes it keto-friendly).
It gets its “IQ” moniker from brain-boosting ingredients like lion’s mane mushroom, omega-3s (found in flax), MCTs (found in coconut), and phytophenols (found in cocoa).
It’s also loaded with protein — each snack-size bar contains a hefty 12 g.
Wanna protein up like a pro (on the go)? A protein bar is the most convenient way to get a little extra in. Some protein bars are loaded with iffy ingredients, but the bars above are made with natural sweeteners and wholesome ingredients, and many contain at least 12 g of protein per serving, which is the recommended amount for a good snack.
Time to start your career as an amateur (un)wrapper!
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Even though you can’t get pregnant from anal itself, it’s still possible that sperm can enter your vagina by another means and cause pregnancy (say what?).
All genders, identities, and sexual orientations can enjoy anal play (which can involve a penis, dildo, other sex toys, or fingers… get creative). But, when it comes to the possibility of pregnancy, we’re talking about penis to anus located near a vagina. No one has magic baby-making fingers.
Going through the backdoor is a pretty common item on the sexual menu for women. One study, found more than a third of U.S. women said they’d had anal with a male partner in the past 3 months. Another study found that 13 percent of women had anal in the past 12 months, while 36 percent of women had done so in their lifetime.
These stats may vary (and depend pretty heavily on self-reporting), but one thing is certain: People are out there plundering the booty. So here’s what you need to know when it comes to pregnancy risk and anal sex.
So, can you get pregnant through anal sex?
No, you can’t get pregnant from anal sex directly. The vagina and the anus are neighbors, but they aren’t connected.
The big “IF” comes from unprotected anal sex when sperm spills outside of the vulva and makes its way inside the vagina by various means. According to Planned Parenthood, this is unlikely but totally possible.
There are a few, low risk possibilities to get pregnant via anal:
During unprotected anal sex, the ejaculate might spill out of the anus and leak onto the vulva. The semen would then have to get from the vulva (outside) to the vagina (inside).
During protected anal sex, the condom breaks and the semen drips on the vulva, making its way into vagina.
Before or after unprotected anal sex, the penis ejaculates close to the vagina and it drips/leaks into the vulva. Again, the semen would have to make its way inside the vagina.
With any of these scenarios, it’s unlikely the semen would find a way into the vagina without being brought there by something with semen on it (like fingers, toys, or a penis).
Again, all these scenarios are very unlikely. One study of U.S. women found that 0.5 percent of women self-reported a “virgin pregnancy,” or pregnancy without vaginal intercourse.
In these scenarios, it’s possible semen made its way into the vagina one of the ways we just described — or that the self-reporting wasn’t totally honest.
Baby making 101
Let’s recap how natural conception works real quick.
During a typical menstrual cycle, an ovary releases an egg that travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus. If a penis ejaculates inside the vagina, sperm make their way through the cervix to meet the egg.
Even if there is no P-in-V intercourse, there’s a chance sperm can make its way into the vagina if sperm enters the vaginal opening (from toys, fingers, etc.). It doesn’t have to be a penis that transports sperm into the vagina.
Since sperm can live up to 5 days in the vagina, the meet-up might not happen immediately. But, sperm has to fertilize an egg, and that fertilized egg has to implant inside the uterus for pregnancy to happen.
Natural pregnancy isn’t possible if sperm doesn’t get inside the vagina. However, sperm reaching the vagina isn’t always a necessity for pregnancy to occur. For example, in other conception methods such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), the egg is already fertilized and transferred directly to the uterus.
Risks and safe anal sex: Should you wear a condom?
It’s a good idea to wear condoms during anal sex — and for reasons that go beyond a (pretty low) risk of pregnancy. Practicing anal carries higher risks for tears, injuries, and infections.
There’s always a risk the person receiving can get tears in the skin around the anus (ouch). These tears not only hurt but can also make you vulnerable to STIs and infections.
STIs and injury are actually more likely during unprotected anal sex than vaginal sex. In fact, anal is the highest risk sexual behavior for an HIV-negative person to contract the virus. So please, please, wrap it up!
Using plenty of lube can also help prevent tearing and bleeding, but it might also increase your risk of infection. And, if you’re using lube and a condom, make sure you avoid anything oil-based, as it can affect the integrity of the condom.
If STIs aren’t a concern for you and your partner, lube can still help make things more comfortable — but be sure not to bounce straight from anal to vaginal sex. Any feces in the vaginal area is a one-way ticket to infections like UTIs.
What about precum?
Semen or ejaculate (or whatever you want to call it) is that white, sticky baby-making liquid that comes out of a penis after an orgasm. And it’s typically filled with millions of sperm.
Precum (aka pre-ejaculate) as the name suggests, comes out of the penis before cum and is a clear fluid that acts as a natural lubricant (thanks, Mother Nature). It doesn’t contain sperm. But that doesn’t rule out sperm entering precum (wait, not again!).
Sperm can leak into precum (since it’s all coming out of the same tube, aka the urethra). A precum sperm-gate can get you pregnant. In fact, one study found that 11 out of 27 participants had sperm in their pre-ejaculate.
So, if your sexual partner(s) are using the pull-out method in the vagina and “finishing” in the back door, you can technically still get pregnant.
Uhhh, can foreplay get you pregnant?
Kissing, caressing, licking, massaging, spanking, and their like are unlikely to cause pregnancy. During foreplay, keep any precum or ejaculate away from the vulva, and there’s zero chance you’ll get pregnant.
Can oral sex get you pregnant?
No, you can’t get pregnant from oral sex alone.
The only potential risk would be if sperm on the lips or mouth gets inside the vulva. If you’re concerned there’s sperm on your partner before they go downtown, have them wash it off first!
What if you’re the one performing the oral?
No, you can’t get pregnant from swallowing semen, either.
No, you can’t get pregnant from being fingered alone.
The only potential risk would be if sperm on the fingers gets inside the vagina. If your partner has recently masturbated and sperm might be present, have them wash up after the act (not just wipe their hands off).
Can you get pregnant from using a sex toy?
No, you can’t get pregnant from using a sex toy alone. The only potential risk would be if there’s sperm on the sex toy and it enters the vagina (seeing a pattern, here?). Again: no sperm, no problem.
Keep your toys clean (which you should be doing anyway), and you’re good.
Does douching after sex prevent pregnancy?
Douching doesn’t prevent pregnancy and won’t work as birth control. And, honestly, douching your vag isn’t the best idea in the first place. It can throw the delicate pH balance of the vagina out of whack and can lead to bacterial vaginosis, vaginal irritation, and other hella uncomfortable conditions.
If sperm got into the vagina accidentally, follow these tips and consider if you should also use emergency contraception like Plan B, a copper IUD, or Ella.
Other methods to help prevent pregnancy
Pregnancy is always possible when it comes to P-in-V sex or any type of sexual activity where sperm is near the V.
If you’re trying to avoid a bébé in 9 months, you have options for birth control beyond the pull-out method, including:
condoms or other barrier methods like a diaphragm, cervical cap, or sponge
fertility awareness method (FAM) and symptothermal method
The bottom line
If you have a uterus, you can’t get pregnant from anal sex alone.
There’s a remote risk that sperm could travel into the vagina from a sex toy, fingers, or a partner’s mouth (in which case, you could get pregnant). However, this is very unlikely.
Pre-ejaculate, sometimes has sperm in it. Therefore, starting sex in the vagina (but ejaculating in the anus) won’t necessarily prevent pregnancy.
Always use condoms during anal sex to prevent the spread of STIs. And use lots (and lots) of lube to prevent tearing.
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