Wonder Woman Gal Gadot has added a third daughter to her crew! The actress announced the news on Instagram today with the first shared photo of the family of five. She and husband Jaron Varsano welcome daughter Daniella, who joins Alma and Maya.
Accompanying the candid snapshot, Gadot wrote, “My sweet family 🖐🏼 I couldn’t be more grateful and happy (and tired 🤪) we are all so excited to welcome Daniella into our family. I’m sending all of you love and health. GG ♥️🖐🏼🖐🏼🖐🏼🖐🏼🖐🏼”
Varsano posted the same photo to his account with the caption “And now we are 🖐🏼 So happy and grateful. My dear wife is a lioness! So thankful and humbled by your powers.”
The 36-year-old Gadot married Varsano, an Israeli real estate developer and businessman, in 2008. Oldest daughter Alma was born in 2011 and Maya joined the family in 2017. In an earlier post this year, Gadot praised her husband as “the greatest dad in the world!”
Congratulations to the happy family! No doubt Gadot’s powerful superhero will be an inspiration to all three daughters for years to come.
—Sarah Shebek
Featured image courtesy of Tinseltown/Shutterstock
Whether you’re looking for brand new ways to improve your family’s health or you’re already a healthy bunch, it’s never too early or too late to add some new ideas into your repertoire. Health is a journey, and different techniques will work for different people and families better than others. Whether you have little ones who are hardly old enough to toddle or you’re chasing after growing tweens and teens, getting healthy is all about finding the methods that work for all of you.
There are so many health hacks out there for those interested in living a more conscious life, whatever that looks like in your household. While of course, if you find yourself or any of your kids in a medical quandary or serious emergency, you should head to the doctor’s office or hospital immediately, there’s no reason why you can’t use little tips and tricks to improve your health before that happens! If you’re on the hunt for the best hacks around, here are some amazing ways you can make room for a little more healthy living in your family.
1. Go On Walks Together
Going on walks is one of the best ways to get in a bit of exercise while you spend quality time together. Since it’s a fun and leisurely activity, you almost don’t think of it as exercise, even though it definitely is. While you give your mind a break, you can also move your body and get some sunlight.
2. Always Eat Breakfast
It can sometimes be tempting to skip breakfast, especially if you tend to be busy often and the whole family is running out the door in the mornings. However, eating breakfast can be more beneficial than meets the eye—in fact, eating a healthy breakfast encourages more balanced choices throughout the rest of the day. So even if you eat something small, this one is a hack that can go far.
3. Freeze Your Fruits & Veggies
For another money-saving and waste-cutting hack, this food trick is one of the best out there! If your family doesn’t always finish the foods you bring into the house, you don’t need to let them go to waste. In fact, you can simply save fresh produce for later by sticking them in the freezer. Simply cook up those veggies later and blend up the fruit for smoothies, and you can save both money and food!
4. Always Bring Snacks
Sometimes you don’t know when hunger is going to hit you, and that especially goes for kids! Rather than searching for junk food when you’re out and chowing down on snacks with sugar and preservatives, you can pack snacks to keep on you when you go out so you—and the kids—don’t go hungry or looking for junk food snacks.
5. Stay Hydrated
Just like keeping snacks on you so you and the kids don’t need to worry about finding junk food when you’re out, it’s also important to keep a water bottle on you so you can stay hydrated throughout the day. Water keeps you energized and feeling good in your body, so you shouldn’t forget to drink your water every day!
6. Make Time for Meditation
Meditation is a great way to take care of your mental health as a family. While some people do not realize that kids can meditate and benefit greatly from the process, teaching kids to meditate early on can aid in emotional development, communication and mental health—notably, the same benefits that most adults see, too. Even if you just carve out five minutes each day, meditating can be a great habit for your family.
8. Get On a Sleep Schedule
If you have kids in your house, you’re likely well aware of the kind of sleep that they need to grow and function. But everybody needs sleep—parents, kids and teens alike. Ideally, you should be getting at least eight hours of sleep each night, and one of the best ways to do that is by getting on a sleep schedule. Yes, a set bedtime for you and the kids!
Health Hacks for Your Family
There are so many ways to feel a bit healthier in your household, and it’s all about finding the ones that work with you and running with them. From freezing fruits and veggies to developing healthy sleep habits, there are so many choices for turning your home into a healthy space for everyone there. Do you have any favorite health tips you swear by?
Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine. A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures. She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time.
Even with the arrival of vaccines, you need to safeguard your family’s immune health. Children under the age of 12 aren’t yet eligible for a shot, although manufacturers hope to win FDA approval for this use by the end of this year.
What can you do to help keep your loved ones from getting sick? Here are five proven and smart ways to boost your family’s immune system and keep them safer from all varieties of nasty germs.
1. Improve Everyone’s Diets
The foods your loved ones eat influence their immune function. Even if you aren’t Catholic, it’s wise to embrace fish Fridays—and extend them an extra day a week. Seafood is rich in vitamins, minerals and Omega-3 fatty acids, all of which benefit your immunity.
Furthermore, eating more fish can prevent the number one killer, heart disease. Research performed by the Harvard School of Public Health reveals that two 3-ounce servings weekly slash your heart disease risk by 36%.
Likewise, increasing your family’s intake of whole, plant-based foods helps. These provide rich sources of antioxidants, which fight against damaging free radicals. Free radicals cause cellular damage and disease, stressing your immune system. Antioxidants neutralize these damaging molecules by adding missing electrons. The wider variety of plants you eat, the better your chances of getting what you need most.
Certain items can increase inflammation, making your body think it is sick when it isn’t. As a result, you tax your immune system—minimize your family’s intake of processed meat, refined carbohydrates and oils with a preponderance of omega-6 fatty acids, like canola and soybean.
2. Get Everyone Moving
Exercise may help to boost immune function through several mechanisms. One is by temporarily raising core temperature, killing bacteria and viruses. It’s similar to what your body does when you run a fever.
Research also indicates that exercise increases activity levels in white blood cells. The more of these disease-fighting cells you have seeking out and destroying germs, the lower your chances of getting sick.
Get your family moving by taking a walk together after dinner. You might have better luck getting your kids to open up about problems at school or with friends than you do around the table. Head to the playground as often as you can. You can also sneak in a workout by doing picnic-table pushups and monkey-bar pullups—or merely chasing your little ones.
3. Go Outside
People in Japan live longer, lead healthier lives, and having access to superior health care isn’t their only longevity secret. They also practice shinrin-yoku, or forest-bathing, a healthy habit that your family can adopt to boost their immune health.
Researchers studied people who participated in the practice and discovered an increased number and activity in natural killer cells, a type of white blood cell that eradicates germs. The secret lies in phytoncides, chemicals that plants exude for defense. When humans breathe them in, it bolsters their immune function.
Best of all, the effects last for up to 30 days after a stint in the forest. If you haven’t decided on a family summer vacation yet, why not pack up your tent and go camping? You’ll save money and boost your family’s immune health at the same time.
4. Mitigate Stress
While you need some stress, too much of it can wreak havoc on your overall health. Prolonged time under tension contributes to excess cortisol production, a hormone that can spell trouble in several ways.
One is that it prompts you to crave foods high in fat and calories. From an evolutionary standpoint, this mechanism helped you have sufficient energy to outrun hungry lions—but it backfires in increased obesity levels in modern times.
Excess cortisol also alters your immune and digestive functions. The problem is, you’re more likely to encounter nasty germs than angry bears in today’s world.
The solution? Practice healthy stress-management techniques yourself and share them with your family. One method is getting organized. Teach your children how to use a planner to stay on top of school assignments and use family calendar apps to make sure everyone shows up for their soccer matches on time.
Encourage your kids to engage in activities like yoga and arts. Foster positive friendships that give them a support system outside of the home.
5. Adhere to a Regular Bedtime
Your body needs sleep to maintain a healthy immune system. During slumber, your body produces cytokines, proteins that play a vital role in fighting germs. Inadequate shuteye throws off your levels, leaving you or your family at risk of infection.
Modern electronic devices rob more folks of sleep than ever, thanks to the blue light from screens impacting circadian rhythms and melatonin. Please create a family charging station in the kitchen or living area so that your kids or spouse don’t lie awake scrolling until 1 a.m.
The novel coronavirus isn’t the only nasty germ you have to worry about today. Boost your family’s immune system these five simple ways and prepare for any cold or flu bug you or your loved ones encounter.
Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine. A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures. She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time.
Whether your little one has a bump, scrape or break, or something more serious, keeping your kids healthy and happy is a challenge every parent faces. Luckily, when your child does need more serious care, healthcare experts specializing in tiny humans are there to save the day. We talked to five physicians from top-ranked Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. to hear the things they wish all parents knew about their child’s healthcare—from prevention to how to make hospital visits less stressful.
Your doctors are there to help your family, which means helping you understand exactly what's going on. “Ask questions and don't be afraid to say when you don't understand,” says Children’s National Hospital Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist Elizabeth Sherwin. “Medicine has its own language and vocabulary, and it is important to ask for clarification if something doesn't sound familiar or make sense. We want you to feel heard, and we want you to understand what is being discussed.”
Check in With Your Doctor
If you're not sure whether or not that owie, rash or cough warrants a trip to the doctor, you can always reach out before making the trip. “Do not delay in seeing a medical professional for any worrisome condition. Many visits qualify for an initial telehealth appointment. You can ask your provider if that’s an option,” says Timothy Kane, Chief, Division of General & Thoracic Surgery.
This year, Children’s National Hospital is celebrating 150 years of pediatric care, research and commitment to community! Learn more and help your loved ones grow up strong with Children’s National Hospital.
Sometimes There's Not An Easy Answer
As much as your child's doctor wants to give you an answer quickly, it's not always feasible. Associate Division Chief of Oncology Eugene Hwang shares: “Sometimes, there isn't a perfect test to diagnose a problem, and it may take time, careful observation and repeated visits in order to make the best decisions regarding diagnostic or treatment procedures.”
Give Your Doctors Details
When it comes to your child's health, there's no such thing as oversharing. Cardiologist Niti Dham says: “We want parents to feel empowered and advocate for their child. We want to hear from them. The parents’ perspective and observations at home are just as, if not more, important than what we see in the office. We want to hear how the child is doing at home: Are symptoms improving or worsening? Are they tolerating the medicines? Are there any other concerns?”
Children’s National is ranked number 1 for newborn care for the fourth straight year and as one of the top 10 pediatric hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Learn more and help your loved ones grow up strong with Children’s National Hospital.
Trading in snowshoes for flip-flops, Aimee moved from the east coast to southern California in 2004 and instantly fell in love with the surf and sand lifestyle. Aimee worked in marketing and communications for more than a decade, sharpening her branding skills and leading marketing campaigns for companies in the health and wellness industry. In an effort to spend more time with her two young kids and overactive puppy, Aimee branched off on her own and began freelancing when her youngest was 4. She wrote her first article for Red Tricycle in 2014 and has been sharing her favorite things about America's Finest City ever since. She’s thrilled to join the team as the San Diego editor.
Do you have a go-to restaurant you like to take the kids: Buona Forchetta. We love Italian food and it’s one of the most authentic restaurants we’ve found in Southern California AND it’s family-friendly.
Favorite thing to do on a rainy day: Rain? This is San Diego! I’m kidding, but we really don’t get a lot of rainy days here, so when we do we “soak” them in by staying home and drinking lots of hot chocolate.
Favorite spot for an afternoon of fun: Balboa Park is a go-to spot. It’s fun for all ages so the kids can explore and engage in different activities as they grow and enter new stages.
Can’t-live-without mom product: Snacks. They’re good for the whole family; including mom and dad!
Favorite thing about raising kids in San Diego: As much as I love being close to the beach and the stellar weather, I’m going to say my favorite thing about raising kids in San Diego is the community. People are friendly, easy-going and always open to new adventures.
Most unique (or daring) thing you’ve ever done with your kids locally: Being part of an Improv show in Old Town.
We are thrilled to have Aimee join our Red Tricycle/Tinybeans team! You can reach her at aimee.dellabitta at tinybeans.com.
Kid’s yoga is a great idea in theory, but in practice it can be a predicament. Maneuvering your own body into Warrior Two is an adjustment, let alone expecting a squirmy three-year-old to pull it off. That’s where the Chi Universe Yoga mat comes in!
This ingenious mat is designed with universal symbols that help kids move their body into the correct poses: rain drops, hearts, stars, triangles and a couple fun twists. Each product comes with a game poster, free videos, a yoga game app and colorful style. It’s currently available in a kid’s size, as well as an adult size for family yoga sessions.
Chi Yoga makes yoga more playful, using the symbol system as a universal language. The company also plans to offer a free class on June 12 at 11 a.m. PT, in celebration of Global Wellness Day. Get your kids excited about moving their bodies all summer long!
Mother’s Day 2021 is right around the corner, and this year, instead of the flowers and mugs, what better way to celebrate the mother figure in your life than gifting something moms need at every stage—support. How can you do that? By making a donation in honor of mom to an organization that dedicates itself to helping women and mothers everywhere, but especially those living in diverse communities. From the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to Every Mother Counts, these groups are vital to making real change that will help all parents and kids get through life safely and healthy. We’ve highlighted our top charities to give to below, so keep reading, and get ready to be inspired!
For many women, pregnancy and childbirth aren’t joyful experiences. There are many reasons for this including lack of quality health care and discrimination. Every Mother Counts is dedicated to ensuring that women have access to quality maternal care by investing in organizations that make quality, respectful and equitable care possible.
The National Birth Equity Collaborative focuses on creating solutions to issues in Black maternal and infant health. They do that through various efforts, including training and advocating for policy change. Their work helps to create the conditions for the assurance of optimal births for all people.
Mamatoto Village aims to offer creative solutions to combat health disparities for moms and their babies. That could look like anything from creating a path to careers in maternal health to providing access to services so moms can make informed decisions. The core values of the village include advocacy, equity and being inclusive.
Black Mamas Matter Alliance champions rights, respect and resources for mothers. Their mission is to advocate for Black mothers. They push for research and policy changes when it comes to maternal health, rights and justice.
Moms Rising educates the public about issues facing women and mothers. They work by starting grassroots efforts to bring awareness to issues, amplifying the voices of millions of women and pursueing policy changes.
Shades of Blue Project is dedicated to breaking cultural barriers in maternal health mental health. They are a presence for women before, during and after giving birth. They are committed to changing the way healthcare systems engage with patients.
LottoLove aims to make moms feel good while helping women around the world. LottoLove is the first-ever scratch-off card with a social mission. For every scratch card purchased, the organization donates to charities they’ve partnered with. Those charities provide clean water and literacy tools, among other things, to people in over 60 countries.
The Finley Project is very personal for the founder, Noelle Moore, who tragically lost her newborn daughter. The organization was started to help mothers after the heartbreaking loss of an infant. It supports mothers physically, mentally and spiritually—at no cost to them.
The Homeless Prenatal Program has the goal to break the cycle of childhood poverty. How do they do this? Most people are extra motivated to create a better way of life when they are pregnant. The program uses that motivation to help families discover their strengths and trust in their ability to change their lives.
Commonsense Childbirth is dedicated to better birthing experiences for women and families. They focus on safety and quality in their quest for equitable maternal care. They also never turn a mom away—regardless of ability to pay.
When you have a baby or toddler at home, the thought of adding a pet to the mix might seem overwhelming. After all, owning a pet means having another living creature to feed and clean up after. But, trust us on this one, the responsibilities associated with having a pet will dim in comparison to the joy of watching your little one grow up alongside a furry best friend. Read on for a list of light-hearted benefits you can expect from welcoming a pet into your home.
As a parent, you know that having your little one give you a hug, cling tight to your leg, or sit on your lap can be the sweetest feeling in the world…but it can also lead to feeling touched out. You know, that cringe-y feeling you get when you’ve been cuddled with, laid on, stepped on or whacked by your toddler 389,752 times in the last 60 seconds. Well, good news! If you’re suffering from touched-too-much syndrome, there is an antidote. The right family pet—a particularly affable dog or unflappable cat or guinea pig—will not only take over a fair share of cuddles from your little one, they will love every minute of it. And, bonus: Your brain will get a blast of feel-good dopamine from watching the two cutest creatures in your house snuggle together.
2. Pets Provide Entertainment
It’s no secret we all love watching cute animals. There’s a reason why cat videos rule the internet! But while observing animals online is fun for a while, getting a dose of the warm and fuzzies from the real thing is even better—especially for babies and toddlers, who are supposed to avoid screens until after age 2, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. If not yet mobile, your little one will enjoy watching the movements of your pet from the safety of a bouncy seat or exersaucer. Once crawling and walking, your mini-me will squeal at the fun of chasing (and catching!) their four-legged family member. Plus, with all of the adorable entertainment in real life, you’ll be less likely to get sucked into an endless loop of Internet cat videos the next time you log on to "check email really quick."
3. Pets Teach Responsibility
While your child may not be old enough to solely manage pet care, even the youngest toddlers can contribute. Young children love to deliver treats to thankful pets, brush their fur (also develops fine motor skills!), and toss a toy or ball for a game of fetch. Bonus: They don’t even seem to mind the slobbery ball, probably a result of recently having been prone to drool themselves.
4. Pets Are Good for Your Health
If you need another reason to welcome an animal into the fam, consider this: Household pets can have a real, measurable impact on your child’s health. Studies show that playing with a dog releases oxytocin, which lowers cortisol, the stress hormone. As a result, children who live with a dog are less likely to suffer from anxiety. In addition, children who are exposed to a dog in the first year of life have reduced rates of asthma and allergies.
5. Pets Make Great BFFs
We've all heard the story of the little boy who, when asked by his parents whether he wanted a baby brother or a baby sister, responds with, “I want a puppy.” Well, it looks like he was on to something, after all. A University of Cambridge study found that children reported having higher levels of satisfaction and lower levels of conflict in their relationships with their pets than with their siblings. They may say “a dog is a man’s best friend,” but as it turns out, a pet really is a child’s best friend.
Growing up, I was significantly influenced by the diet culture of the 80s. The message was to eat a low-fat diet and exercise like crazy, so I mostly followed this advice. Like so many women, I had a conflicting relationship with food, especially around how much I should be eating. I had stomach issues as a child, specifically an undiagnosed overabundance of H. pylori bacteria, and never seemed to get proper help. As I got older, I realized that I was being given a band-aid solution to my problems and took the initiative by booking a health coach.
My Healthy Healing Journey
I started my journey with my health coach at 23 and began cooking more for myself. Every couple of weeks, I would talk to her about what kinds of foods I should be experimenting with within the kitchen. Our conversations together launched me into genuine interest and curiosity for nutrition and that is where my career journey began. Through my health coach, my nutrition studies at Bauman College, and my apprenticeship at Three Stone Hearth; I learned so much—about blood sugar regulation, the importance of combining macronutrients for blood sugar balance, the bioavailability of nutrients, the world of food sensitivities and so much more. I even found out that I had food sensitivities that were utterly new to me! I also learned fun tricks like how to soak nuts and grains, make fantastic bone broth, and build beautiful meals. After this experience, I came out feeling more confident and open to new ways of cooking and healing. I thought, “Wow!,” having a job where you can advise people about living a healthy life was real. Most importantly, I realized that healthy food is delicious, nourishing, and a priority for healthy living.
Nutrition & TTC
The process of trying to conceive (TTC) and get pregnant has been really interesting; it made me dive deeper into my own hormones and my menstrual cycle and remember that our bodies are HUNGRY. It needs nutrients and healthy habits to function correctly. Hormones are quite sensitive, and many things can throw them off. It was helpful to learn what my menstrual cycle should be doing and how to track my cycle beyond just counting days.
I learned I had to support my luteal phase (the phase after ovulation), which was too short. For me, that means that it was likely my progesterone was low, which may hinder my chance of maintaining pregnancy if I happened to conceive. Fertility is a sign of health, and your body needs everything to be healthy. Eating a variety of whole foods and eating with the seasons can help.
To support my luteal phase, I wanted to make sure that I could detox any excess estrogen. This means lots of fiber! I eat lots of long-cooked beans and lentils made with bone broth, which also doubles as providing folate. I drink liver-supportive teas with burdock, dandelion root, and chicory since excess estrogen is eliminated through the liver. I’m also eating healthy fats, including olive oil, fish, and avocado. Additionally, I’m eating lots of veggies, both for fiber and antioxidants. For all of my meals, I aim to have vegetables on half of my plate, even for breakfast! I have also been taking a whole foods-based prenatal vitamin to make sure my bases are covered.
Recently I had blood labs that tested my thyroid, and there was evidence that my thyroid hormones were low functioning, and I tested positive, although low, for thyroid antibodies. That means that my body is creating antibodies to my thyroid tissue, and I’m at risk for hypothyroidism in the future. As a result, I’ve gone gluten-free for the last six months and have seen my thyroid antibodies decrease. Thyroid hormones and sex hormones are intricately linked. Progesterone enhances thyroid hormone sensitivity while estrogen blunts it. Going gluten-free forced me to start eating more nutrient-dense foods, which was a great repercussion. Not having bread forces me to eat more nutrient-dense carbohydrates, like brown rice, legumes, or sweet potatoes. To eat less sugar, I try to substitute with more fruits or dried fruits, but there’s also nothing wrong with a treat now and then! We want to keep an eye on sugar, partly because overeating sugary foods will crowd out more healthful ones.
Be Kind to Yourself
Stress has been a major factor in this pandemic, and TTC can add another layer. One way that we can help counteract the effects of stress and aid our absorption of nutrients is to eat mindfully. The more we blast through our meals while we are distracted, the worse we digest, the less we absorb, and the worse we feel. We want to chew our food carefully to absorb all our nutrients and be relaxed when we eat to be able to digest properly. Making sure we tap into our parasympathetic mode (the rest and digest mode) throughout the day is helpful not only for digesting but also for conceiving. It’s great practice.
Sleep is another aspect of my life that has changed, partly due to the pandemic. I fall asleep and rise much earlier than in the past, and it’s been fantastic. Sleep is so incredibly vital. I have also found that acupuncture has been beneficial for my stress levels and I’ve enjoyed going on a weekly basis. I have been working with an acupuncturist who specializes in fertility since it has been recently documented as helpful for fertility.
TTC can be an emotional roller coaster, and it’s hard not to want more from your own body. Being compassionate and gentle is helpful, and it’s important to remind yourself that this year has been especially challenging. I encourage women everywhere to truly listen to their bodies and most importantly, be kind to it.
Tammy Chang, Certified Nutrition Consultant, Author, and Founder of The Nourished Belly (https://www.thenourishedbelly.com/), holistic health coaching, and Agni Medical Advisory Board Member. Tammy supports her clients with a comprehensive approach to health that emphasizes food, cooking, movement, and other lifestyle behaviors.
We all know just how much work goes into being a mom, but now there’s a study that can actually confirm it in case anyone ever dares to question how you spend your day. According to research being a mom is the equivalent of working 2.5 full-time jobs.
A study conducted by Welch’s of 2,000 moms found that they spent an average of 98 hours per week doing mom duties. Most moms “clocked in” for the day around 6:23 a.m. and “clocked out” again around 8:31 p.m. for a 14-hour day. The opt-in survey respondents had kids ranging in age from 5 to 12. Had they included moms of babies still waking in the middle of the night, it could very well be a 24-hour “work” day.
The survey showed that, on average, moms got just over one hour to themselves every day. Four out of every 10 moms surveyed said that their week felt like a never-ending list of tasks.
“The results of the survey highlight just how demanding the role of mom can be and the non-stop barrage of tasks it consists of,” said Casey Lewis, MS, RD and Health & Nutrition Lead at Welch’s.
The survey also asked what moms relied on most to help them survive the long work week. The most popular responses included coffee, wine, Netflix, wet wipes, iPads, and toys.
