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    NEWS Trader Joe's New Limone Alfredo Sauce Has Us Dreaming of Spring (and Pasta) Trader Joe's New Limone Alfredo Sauce Has Us Dreaming of Spring (and Pasta)

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    Trader Joe's Limone Alfredo Sauce in a jar with a bowl of pasta with shrimp
    TRADER JOE'S
    There are few meals more comforting than a big bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta, and it's become a mainstay of our weeknight dinners this season. As winter drags on and we are dreaming of spring's warmer temperatures and vibrant produce, Trader Joe's has the perfect new product to help our palates transition into the next season.
    The grocer's new Limone Alfredo Sauce brings the zesty, bright flavors of lemon to a creamy base of Parmesan, butter and cream. What more could you want in a pasta sauce? This new product was inspired by a favorite dish at Angelini Osteria, a famous Italian restaurant in Los Angeles (Trader Joe's is headquartered in nearby Monrovia), so now you can experience this lemony, creamy pasta sauce in your own home.
    Trader Joe's Limone Alfredo Sauce has 190 calories, 8 grams of saturated fat, 540 milligrams of sodium, 2 grams of fiber, 3 grams of sugar and 4 grams of protein per ½ cup serving. It would pair perfectly with shrimp or chicken, greens and whole-wheat noodles for a cozy pasta dinner. You can find a 15-ounce jar for $3.49.
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    Science Says Hugging Loved Ones Can Make You Healthier and Happier

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    4 science-backed reasons why giving (and receiving) more hugs could make you a healthier, happier person.
    Lauren Wicks 
    February 13, 2020

    Hugs are a great way to show someone you care in times of grief and celebration. Turns out, hugs aren't just a sweet sign of affection—they also have some serious health benefits. Hugs not only physically draw us closer to people, but they can help us develop stronger emotional attachments. They also offer other social, physical and psychological benefits. Find out why we love hugs so much and then go give someone you love a big squeeze—ya know, for your health.
    4 friends with arms around each other as they look at a sunset
    WESTEND61/GETTY IMAGES

    1. Hugs Help Reduce Stress

    The comfort of a hug can last much longer than the hug itself. A 2018 study out of Carnegie Mellon University's Department of Psychology found we can continue to reap the stress-reducing benefits of hugs up to 24 hours later.
    The researchers discovered hugs buffer against feelings of stress by reducing cortisol levels and the activation of our brain's regions associated with emotional and behavioral threats. Their research showed hugs could even help you reduce the stress of a conflict before it starts.

    2. Hugs Could Protect Against Illness

    This may seem contradictory, but a different study out of Carnegie Mellon University also discovered engaging in more hugs could keep you from getting sick. More than 406 individuals recorded how many hugs they received in a day for two weeks and were then exposed to a virus that causes the common cold, where they were quarantined and monitored for signs of illness. The more hugs and perceived support a participant recorded, the less severe signs of infection they experienced.
    The researchers say hugs could buffer the effects of stress on physical health and reduce the effects of stress on early biomarkers indicative of disease. Not only were more hugs associated with less infection, but fewer illness-related symptoms (think: a stuffy nose) overall. One caveat: You just might want to avoid hugging your family member with the flu (and wash your hands).

    3. Hugs Help Us Have Deeper Relationships

    Oxytocin is our body's "love hormone," and it is released in greatest amounts when we make physical contact with another person. The hormone is also released when petting your furry friend. Oxytocin helps us create stronger bonds with others and plays an essential role in pre- and postnatal health. Besides helping to foster that special mother-child bond, oxytocin helps us develop trust in our relationships—and arousal in our romantic ones.

    4. Hugs Can Ease Social and Emotional Anxiety

    Whether you get nervous before attending events or live with a social anxiety disorder, hugs can help tamper the intensity of those feelings. Oxytocin not only helps us develop healthier relationships, but it can also eliminate fear and anxiety surrounding social occasions. Research from the University of Miami found administration of this hormone has been proven effective in treating those living with autism, schizophrenia and anorexia, among other disorders.
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    Airbnb is offering a "wolf encounter" in the Pacific Northwest and OMG I need to go.

    Jaime Milan 
    February 13, 2020
    Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
    Wolf Hike Airbnb
    GETTY / EDUARDO GMEZ / EYEEM
    When it comes to vacations, my husband would be perfectly fine parking himself in a beach chair with a cooler full of beer. However, I'm more into the fast-paced and adventurous vacay style. When I'm in a new place, I prefer to see the sights, eat at the best local restaurants and walk around until my feet ache.
    Since it's cold right now where I live I thought I wanted to go somewhere sunny on my next vacation—until I read about how you can hike with wolves in the Pacific Northwest. Well, *technically* they're wolf dogs, and they live in a wildlife refuge in Anacortes, Washington (about an hour and a half north of Seattle) with other animals such as sloths, cougars and foxes.
    When I told my husband I wanted to do this, he thought I was nuts. "But wolves are mean," he said. I thought he may have a point, so I did a little research. Turns out, there have only been 80 human-wolf "interactions" (that includes things like attacks and non-aggressive interactions) in the last 60 years, according to wolf.org. So, while wolves aren't exactly a threat, the Airbnb experience still takes extra measures for safety (like not allowing children under 18 years old to participate and educating tour-goers about wolf behavior before they meet the animals).
    According to the Airbnb experience listing, these wolf dogs were either abandoned, rescued from the exotic pet trade or needed a forever home to live peacefully. Dave Coleburn, founder of nonprofit organization Predators of the Heart, recognized this need and now has 26 wolf dogs living on his property (some of which have even been featured in movies and music videos!).
    The two-hour tour costs $200 per person and includes a leash-free hangout with two wolf dogs, a guided trail walk and a meet-and-greet with all of the other exotic animals. You'll also get to pet the wolf dogs, learn how to howl and even take the perfect Instagram photo. (Are you booking your trip yet?!)
    The cool part (other than getting to hang with wolf babies) is that 100% of the proceeds go to Predators of the Heart. The money will help the sanctuary care for and feed the animals (which, according to the Airbnb description, is quite the undertaking, since the wolves and cougars at the sanctuary eat 6,000 pounds of meat per month!).
    Hurry up and book your wolf encounter, since spots are filling up quickly! (Book it on Airbnb).
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    4 Reasons Your Workout Isn't Giving You the Results You Want, According to a Celebrity Trainer

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    Ngo Okafor, a NYC-based trainer who has worked with J.Lo, shares his tips for making the most of your workouts outside of the gym.
    Lauren Wicks 
    February 13, 2020

     

    Ngo Okafor is a two-time Golden Gloves champion for boxing, a partner with Nike's Nike+NYC Training Program and the founder of Iconoclast Fitness in Manhattan. Okafor's impressive resume has earned him an A-list client roster, including Jennifer Lopez and Brooke Shields. He shared his top tips for getting his clients ready for the red carpet, and how we might be going about getting in shape the wrong way.

    You're Eating Until You're Stuffed, Not Satisfied

    "When you're satisfied, the body has consumed enough nutrients to work efficiently," Okafor says. "Feeling full is an emotional feeling. It is vital to know the difference between the two and adjust."
    Eating until one is satisfied is common practice among people living in the blue zone regions—the areas of the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives. The blue zone region of Okinawa, Japan, has a term called hara hachi bu, which means one eats until they are 80% full. This shifts the focus to no longer feeling hungry, instead of feeling full.
    He also advises slowing down during meals to be able to check in with your hunger and fullness cues. It might take some time to discover your personal feelings of satisfaction when eating, but eating slowly—and undistracted—should help. You might find this simple lifestyle change will help you consume fewer calories and enjoy your meals more.

    You're Counting Calories, Macros, or Following a Restrictive Diet Plan

    Okafor doesn't buy into the crazy diet plans, and you should definitely be wary of restricting your caloric intake if you engage in regular exercise. Becoming too preoccupied with your diet can make you stressed and even lead to cravings for food that is "off-limits."
    Okafor makes sure his clients prioritize lean protein sources and vegetables at meal times, as they help keep you full for hours. It's also important to utilize complex carbohydrates, like whole grains and fruit, for long-lasting energy.

    You're Not Drinking Enough Water

    It's just as important to get a post-workout beverage in as a snack or meal. Okafor skips the sports drinks and opts for water. He also advises sticking to low-calorie beverages throughout the day if you get bored with water (think: seltzer or unsweetened coffee and tea). Sugary beverages like soda and fancy coffee drinks can make you feel sluggish and keep you from seeing the results you want.
    It's worth investing in a reusable water bottle, so you can stay hydrated all day long. Thankfully, your favorite bubbly water fix counts towards your daily water consumption, as seltzer still hydrates the body.

    You Need a Booze Break

    Dry January may be over, but there's never a bad time to cut back on alcohol. While we believe alcohol can be part of a healthy diet, Okafor says it can hurt your progress towards getting in shape. Drinking alcohol can leave you feeling dehydrated, sluggish and can even lead to cravings if you've had too much. Okafor prefers his clients obtain most or all of their calories from food, and some alcoholic beverages are high in sugar. J.Lo follows this rule, and it certainly works for her!
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    Easy Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles

    Rating: Unrated
    Enjoy classic shrimp scampi lightened up with a white wine-butter sauce and zucchini noodles in place of pasta. The tomatoes add some sweetness and color, while the cheese contributes nuttiness and richness. Source: 400 Calorie Recipes

    Ingredients

    Directions

    • Heat butter and 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high until butter melts, about 1 minute. Add shallot; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Add wine and stock; cook, undisturbed, until liquid reduces by half, about 2 minutes. Add shrimp, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt; cook until shrimp are just cooked through, about 3 minutes, turning shrimp once halfway through cook time. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside. (Reserve shallot sauce in skillet.)
    • Add tomatoes and remaining 2 tablespoons oil to skillet. Cook over medium-high, undisturbed, until tomatoes just soften, about 1 minute. Add zucchini and remaining 3/8 teaspoon salt; toss to combine. Return shrimp to skillet; cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is heated through, about 1 minute. Remove from heat; add 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan and toss to combine. Divide mixture evenly among 4 bowls; sprinkle with parsley and remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Serve immediately.

    Nutrition Facts

    Serving Size: 1 1/2 Cups
    Per Serving:
    349 calories; 27 g total fat; 7 g saturated fat; 620 mg sodium. 6 g carbohydrates; 1 g fiber; 3 g sugar; 19 g protein;
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