7 Healthy Ways to Celebrate Fall (So It's Not All PSLs and Cider Donuts)

This article was created in partnership with BUSH’S® Beans as part of Cooking for Healthyish People: Beans 101.

Fall is the best season ever (we don't even care if that makes us basic). But let's be real: With apple cider donuts, pumpkin spice everything, leftover Halloween candy, and comfort food galore, it's not always the healthiest time of year.

We teamed up with BUSH’S® Beans to make autumn more than just a nosedive into the holidays. Here are seven fun but healthy ways to celebrate the best season of all. Now get out there and grab fall by the leaves.

1. Get in the game.

No one's here to tell you that posting up on the couch with a plate of nachos to watch your favorite team isn't one of life's greatest pleasures. But it's also pretty easy to squeeze in some activity while you cheer 'em on.

"I incorporate a ton of movement while watching football games," Rob Sulaver, Rumble founding trainer and founder of Bandana Training, says. "I'll do my own touchdown dances and things like that. The more you participate in the game, the more calories you’re burning."

It could be as simple as actually jumping up and celebrating each first down or doing push-ups every time your team scores, mascot style. Up for a challenge? Try this halftime workout.

2. Add this one ingredient to traditional fall dishes.

Beans may seem humble, but they're powerful little guys: Not only are they high in protein and fiber, but they also leave you feeling full and satisfied. And while beans are delicious any time of year, they pair particularly well with fall flavors and are an easy way to make any dish more nutritious.

If you don't normally put beans in your chili, now's the time to start. Whether you go full vegetarian or simply add them to your favorite chili con carne, try using BUSH’S® Chili Pinto Beans or BUSH’S® Chili Kidney Beans to speed up prep time. They're preseasoned and slow-simmered in a secret blend of spices, so you get all that chili flavor without any of the hard work (plus, you can take full credit when everyone loves it).

Chili isn't the only thing you can make with beans. Try this white-bean caramel dip (don't knock it 'til you try it) for a potassium and fiber boost. Or any of these other flavorful recipes!

3. Go all in on fall activities.

If you think pumpkin patches and corn mazes are just for kids, think again. Traditional fall activities are a great way to celebrate the season because they usually take place outside, require you to move around a bit, and are better with friends—all things that are good for both your mental and physical health.

Embrace the corniness and find the fall-iest festivities you can. Pick apples at a nearby orchard. Go to a local festival and jump in a bounce house, dance the polka, paint a pumpkin, or just enjoy the autumn produce. Round up the fam for a fall race or Turkey Trot. Or simply go for a walk and leaf peep.

4. Roast a pumpkin instead of carving one.

Instead of setting your jack-o'-lantern outside to rot, take advantage of its health benefits. Pumpkin is low in calories but packed with nutrients, especially beta-carotene, which can boost your immune system (a real win during cold and flu season!), is good for your eyes, and may help prevent heart disease.

While there's nothing wrong with canned, it'll taste better if you bake it yourself—and you get the added benefit of having seeds to snack on (BTW they're also pretty freakin' good for ya). Roasting pumpkin is super similar to what you probably already do with spaghetti or butternut squash, but here's a visual step-by-step. Not sure what to do with it after it's baked? We've got 29 ideas right here.

5. Don't wait until November 22 to be thankful.

Starting today, write down five things you're grateful for each night—and be specific (e.g., "that kind stranger who held the door open for me at the post office," not "my family"). It may sound a little woo-woo, but practicing gratitude regularly is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Yep, yourself. It can actually make you physically and mentally healthier, strengthen your relationships, and make you less angry toward others. One study even showed that writing in a gratitude journal for 15 minutes helped participants worry less and sleep better.

6. Think outside the mashed-potato box.

Getting creative with mashed veggies is one of Megan Templeman's, B.S., N.T.P., and R.W.P., favorite fall activities.

"I call them 'mashers,' since they're not strictly potatoes," she says. "You can mash just about anything for a healthy treat. My favorites are mashed rutabaga and carrots."

Even better if you reach for something orange (ahem, like that pumpkin above). Veggies with a deep, rich orange color contain more phytonutrients, which have been linked to disease prevention, Templeman says.

7. Cozy up with a fall drink at home.

There's nothing wrong with indulging in a yearly PSL or the occasional caramel apple cider, but most coffee-shop drinks are loaded with sugar, whipped cream (more sugar), and weird artificial flavors and preservatives. By making your own festive drink at home, you'll know exactly what goes into it—and may even savor it more since you won't be chugging on the go.

If you're a traditionalist, try this better-for-you pumpkin spice latte, made with actual pumpkin purée and maple syrup. Ready to branch out? Whip up a tahini hot chocolate, almond milk chai latte, or honey and miso latte.

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Not to Freak You Out, but... STIs Are on the Rise

A recent report from the Center for Disease Control found that a record number of STIs—more than 2.3 million cases of gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia—were diagnosed across the U.S. in 2017.

Shocked? You might be, considering the conflicting reports that more people are refraining from sex. How are people getting STIs if they're not having sex? Not to mention that we know more about the dangers of STIs and have a better understanding of taking preventive measures to avoid them than ever before. But if you ask sexual health care professionals, they're not too surprised.

EDITOR'S PICK

"This is the fourth consecutive year of increases in the rates of syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea," says Gillian Dean, M.D., senior director of medical services at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. "Which makes it clear that too many people aren't getting the health care and education they need to keep themselves healthy."

While there could be tons of factors contributing to the spike, sexual health professionals believe that where you live matters. If you don't live in an area with proper sexual health facilities, you might not be getting tested—therefore, you probably don't even know you have one. "Some communities are more negatively affected by STIs, due to historical and structural oppression that lead to barriers to education and health care," Dean says.

Take, for example, Alaska: the state with the highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea in the country.

Tanya Pasternack, M.D., the Alaska state medical director for Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands, notices a striking difference between the areas of Alaska where Planned Parenthood is accessible versus the rural areas where clinics are scarce. According to her, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and Norton Sound (both regions in Alaska) saw the highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea in 2017.

"The closest hospitals in these areas are Bethel and Nome, respectively, which means that many people need to travel significant distances by boat, air, or even snow machine to get basic health care," Pasternack says. In contrast, southeast Alaska and the Anchorage area have some of the lowest STI rates due to easier access to educational resources and health centers."

While not having the resources to get tested and learn about STIs is one thing, having access to these amenities and not taking advantage of them is another. The CDC found high STI rates in states like California (No. 1 in syphilis!) and New York—two states that both have big metropolitan cities with plentiful resources. "The access to health clinics is definitely easier and more affordable here," says Adeeti Gupta, M.D., founder of Walk In GYN Care in New York. "It's the awareness of the need to be tested that is lacking."

Gupta finds that people are hesitant to get tested for two reasons: They assume they don't have an STI because they're not showing symptoms, and they're reluctant to have the dreaded talk with their partners.

Women, in particular, avoid getting tested. In fact, a report from Quest Diagnostics found that 27 percent of women don't feel comfortable talking to their doctors about STIs.

"Even at our centers, sometimes it's impossible to track down some patients with positive results," Gupta says. "I don't think people understand how serious this is and what long-term implications STIs can have on a woman's body and future."

But the scary thing is, just because you don't feel like you have an STI doesn't mean you don't have one—often the symptoms are hidden.

The only way to find out if you've contracted one is to get tested. The CDC recommends getting tested once a year. "STI tests are generally quick, simple, and painless—and completely confidential," Dean says. "Rapid HIV tests can provide results in as fast as 20 minutes from just a swab inside the mouth." And if you happened test positive for gonorrhea, syphilis, or chlamydia, they're treatable with antibiotics.

Lastly, be honest about your sexual history with your partners—before you get in the sheets. While birth control methods such as the pill and IUDs are great for preventing pregnancy, only condoms can stop STIs from transferring (fun fact: that same Quest study found that 39 percent of participants don't use condoms—eek!).

"Part of combatting STI rates is helping people get comfortable with talking about STIs with partners, using protection, and getting tested as a normal, healthy part of a good sex life," Dean says.

Bianca Mendez is a writer in New York covering health, sex, relationships, and beauty. Follow her on Instagram @biancammendez and Twitter @biancamendezz.

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Not Giving 100 Percent Can Actually Help You Get Fitter

It took years of having a torrid, on-again-off-again relationship with working out to finally discover a deep and abiding love for fitness—and a six-pack. My secret? I gave myself a break and stopped asking myself to be so hardcore. Seriously, rarely do I give more than 70 percent of my max effort.

It's hard to believe that you don't have to torture yourself to be fit, especially when every ripped-AF person you meet at a coffee shop is raving about the CrossFit class that just made their eyes bleed (... awesome!). Besides, conventional bro wisdom and even scientific studies declare that the harder you work out, the better results you get. (Failure, bro!!! You gotta get to failure, BRO!!!) Yep, I swallowed that blue pill too.

It's just that hardcore workouts NEVER worked for me.

People thought I was fit because I had the highest PT score in my battalion—as a former medic, I could run 20 miles at the drop of a hat and knock out 130 push-ups in a minute. But despite being able to perform under pressure, I never felt fit.

That might've had something to do with the fact that I always had some sort of catastrophic injury that kept me from being consistent and gaining muscle. And truthfully, injury was okay with me because I hated working out. It was a high-stress, low-fun thing for me, and I'd take any excuse to avoid it.

So I settled for being "skinny fat" and semi-sedentary throughout my early- to mid-20s, only reverting to binges of hardcore exercise when I got fed up with the way my body looked and felt, and always burning out or getting injured. I was basically a bulimic exerciser.

That you could enjoy your workouts and essentially be a balanced human being hadn't occurred to me yet (failure, bro, failure!!!). But shortly after I turned 28, I came across one of those YouTube videos that just happens to resonate with you in a satori-like moment from God (is there an algorithm for that?). And it had me drinking a new flavor of Kool-Aid within 24 hours.

EDITOR'S PICK

Firas Zahabi, head coach at Tristar Gym, was featured on the Joe Rogan Show, where he talked about reducing exercise intensity for more consistency, better form, and more gains. That's where I learned about the 70 percent principle: Only on rare occasions, Zahabi says, should you extend yourself past 70 percent of your perceived maximum effort. Basically that means fewer hardcore workouts and more "softcore" workouts.

Certified personal trainer Shawn Mynar agrees, saying that workouts for overall fitness should primarily be full body and low intensity, with your exertion level somewhere between 60-70 percent of your perceived max.

The idea is never to be fatigued so that you can do high-quality reps all throughout the day—we're talking anywhere from five to seven 3-5 minute mini-workouts—that way, you can continue working out the next day (when hardcore lifters can barely get off the pot). It was good enough for elite marathoners and weightlifters, so I gave it a shot.

I was hooked after the first day.

The first thing I noticed was that I actually enjoyed the workouts. Instead of going cross-eyed and crying in a corner (OK... maybe it was never that bad), my "softcore" mini-workouts were no longer than a coffee break—and just as energizing.

I did my first 5 sets of 10 push-ups at 9 a.m. and was ready for the second round by 10, then repeated the cycle every hour or two until sunset—either hitting the floor right next to my writing desk or sauntering to a park five minutes from my house.

The best part was that instead of looking to the clock and thinking, Ugh… I've gotta go work out, I actually couldn't wait to break away from work to use my body and feel like a human being again. It was totally stress-free and fun, which is the exact opposite of what working out had always been for me.

And yeah, I work from home—so you might be thinking, um, this sounds super inaccessible, but I know a guy who used a conference room in his office for the same type of training. Where there's a will (and a decently flexible work environment), there's a way.

I ended up finishing the day with about 300 push-ups total, which was more than I would normally do in my hardcore days, and I felt awesome—no strains, no DOMS, no crying in dark corners. I did pull-ups the next day (each round was 3 sets of 7), and the same thing happened—I just wanted to go back to my bar and do more and more, because now that I wasn't killing myself, I could actually enjoy the movement and feel energized.

I worked in days of burpees, just five at a time, short sprints of 40 yards, squats, planks, weight training—rarely going over 70 percent max. And it was the same story for each: I fell more in love with fitness after each set. No injuries, no burnout. Just more energy and results.

Friends and family were commenting on my changing physique within the first month.

My (admittedly kinda weird) family members started talking about my "nice tummy." By month two, I had a defined six-pack for the first time in my life, and my notoriously hollow upper chest was finally starting to fill out. The fact that I was still working out by the third month was a testament to how well the 70 percent rule had worked for me because I'd never stuck with anything for that long.

This isn't to say there isn't a type of person that can get energized by crazy-intense workouts. It's just that I was never that person, try as I did. The best part of it all? After years of dreading exercise, working out this way finally sparked my love for fitness. And that's something everyone can use.

Dan Dowling is a writer and coach in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Got some fitness or career goals you're putting off? Swing by his blog, Millennial Success.

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The Food Additives You Should Definitely Avoid (and 3 You Don't Actually Need to Worry About)

The nutrition label reading mantra "if you can't pronounce it, don't eat it" has long been passed around as good advice for how to fill your grocery cart. Most of us have learned to regard unintelligible, chemical-sounding ingredients as a major red flag in our foods.

But the reality of which additives are dangerous (and which are safe) is actually more complicated than just avoiding ingredients with more than a couple of syllables. Some common additives, whether used to increase shelf life, add texture, or enhance flavor, are actually harmless—even if their names sound like gobbledygook.

So how do you know which is which? Though you’d have to dig into some serious science to filter through all the thousands of additives in our food supply, here’s the lowdown on three common ones to steer clear of and three that are a-OK.

Stay Far, Far Away

Partially Hydrogenated Oils

First, some good news: As of June 2018, the FDA has banned the use of partially hydrogenated oils in American foods. These chemically altered oils contain the harmful trans fats definitively linked with cancer, heart disease, and obesity—so it’s about time we stopped eating them altogether. Still, it could take a while for them to cycle out of our food supply entirely, as they may lurk in canned or frozen foods around your home.

Even if a nutrition label claims a food contains zero grams of trans fat, look for the words “partially hydrogenated” on the ingredient list for the real truth. Prior to the FDA’s new ruling, a loophole allowed food manufacturers to claim their products were “trans-fat free” if a single serving contained less than 0.5 grams of the stuff. Considering the fact that we’re only supposed to have up to two grams of trans fat per day, even a half a gram is significant.

Red Dye

OK, we’ll admit that for a food additive, “red dye” is surprisingly pronounceable. But that doesn’t mean this bad boy gets a pass. Researchers have been investigating its safety for decades, with unflattering results. The commonly used Red 40 contains a chemical called p-Cresidine, which reports have “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” And though red dye has not been proven to cause ADHD or hyperactivity in children or adults, it may aggravate symptoms.

Of the several varieties of red food colorings, Red 3 is the most controversial, with evidence linking it to damage of human liver cells (comparable to the damage caused by certain chemotherapy drugs). While banned in numerous countries, it continues to show up on American grocery shelves.

Though you might expect to see it in M&M’s or maraschino cherries, red dye can show up in surprising places. Keep an eye out on salad dressings, flavored yogurts, and cereals. (Thankfully, it’s easy to recognize since it’s just the word “red” with a number after it.)

Potassium Bromate

Most commercially prepared breads require a little something besides flour, water, and yeast to keep their chewy, springy texture and to rise up nice and tall. Potassium bromate has been used in the U.S. for more than a hundred years as a “flour improver” that helps strengthen bread dough.

But this chemical agent may have some scary drawbacks. It’s been associated with an increased risk of cancer as far back as 1990. Like red dye, potassium bromate is illegal in many countries around the world, including India, China, and the entire European Union. The Center for Science in the Public Interest places it in their “avoid” category, defined as anything “unsafe in amounts consumed or is very poorly tested and not worth any risk.” Next time you shop the bakery aisle, check bread labels carefully.

You Can Stop Freaking Out About These

Acetic Acid

When you think of acid, you may picture a devastating liquid that could bore holes through your stomach—but in the scientific sense, all foods contain some balance of acidic and basic flavors. So the word “acid” on a label doesn’t mean it’s anything to avoid. Acetic acid is a component of vinegar that, when added to other foods, imparts a signature tartness. Condiments like mustard and ketchup, and pickled products like sauerkraut get a dose of acetic acid for added bite.

Tocopherols

You may have spotted this multi-syllabic mystery word on cereal boxes or peanut butter, often in the form of “alpha” or “mixed” tocopherols. Sound like a poisonous cocktail? It’s actually nothing of the kind. Tocopherols are a form of vitamin E, a critical nutrient that serves numerous functions in the body, from maintaining healthy skin to boosting the immune system. As an antioxidant, vitamin E also helps combat aging by keep cells “clean” of damaging free radicals.

It gets better. The tocopherols used in foods are typically derived from plant oils, so they act as a natural—as opposed to a synthetic—preservative that increases shelf life. Sounds like a win-win for food manufacturers and consumers alike.

Maltodextrin

Though it’s another long word that conjures up images of lab coats and test tubes, don’t be scared off by maltodextrin. This additive is a white powder derived from any of several starches, including potato, wheat, corn, or rice. It helps thicken or increase volume in foods like puddings and muffins and can add a touch of extra sweetness to canned fruits.

Because it comes from starch, it’s really just another simple carbohydrate—not necessarily great for your blood sugar, but not dangerous, either. Maltodextrin has been recognized as safe by the FDA and the Center for Science in the Public Interest, and (tellingly) is approved in countries all around the world.

The Takeaway

As always, fresh, whole foods are the best way to go when it comes to eating a healthy diet—but since we’re only human, and processed, prepared foods find their place in even the healthiest diets (who has time to make every single meal and snack from scratch?!), knowing what to look for when you read labels can help you choose which additives you do and don’t want to put in your body.

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Forget Candy Apples. These Healthy Baked Apples Are What Fall Dreams Are Made Of

Every Monday on our Instagram stories, we share a super-easy, 7-ingredients-or-less recipe. Follow us for a new episode each week!

'Tis the season to go apple picking and bring home way more apples than you could possibly eat. So what are you supposed to do with all those leftovers? Bake 'em, of course!

While we love traditional candied apples, we can't deny that they're pretty bad for us (and our teeth). Instead, we're putting all those apples to good use with this healthy baked apples recipe. They're basically little apple bowls that we stuffed with a delicious, healthyish filling.

Share a photo of your own healthy baked apples on Instagram and tag us @greatist.

Healthy Baked Apples

Recipe adapted from: Making Thyme for Health
Makes: 4 apples
Ready in: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS

4 apples, stems removed
3/4 cup oats
1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice or cinnamon
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1/3 cup shredded coconut
Pinch of salt
2 teaspoons coconut oil, melted
Greek yogurt, for topping

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Using a knife, cut the top 1/2 inch layer off of each apple. If necessary, slice a thin sliver off of the bottom so the apples sit flat on the baking sheet.

3. From the top of the apple, cut down and around the center of the core, leaving about 1-inch of flesh at the bottom. The apple needs to be hollow enough to hold the filling but not so hollow that it breaks or collapses. Use a spoon to scoop out the core and seeds.

4. Combine oats, chopped mixed nuts, pumpkin spice or cinnamon, maple syrup, and shredded coconut in a small bowl.

5. Divide mixture evenly among the apples, so they're all relatively full but not overflowing. Top each apple with 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil to help the filling crisp up.

6. Bake apples for 30 minutes or until tender. Top with Greek yogurt and serve!

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Constipated? These Are the 8 Best Ways to Keep Things Moving

When it comes to your health, nothing's taboo—including poo—and for good reason.

But while constipation might not seem like a major problem, it's usually a sign that there's something else going on in your body, says Kristin Koskinen, RDN, LD, CD. And while turning to medication like laxatives may be an easy solution, it's important to figure out why you're suffering from constipation, both so you can treat it and avoid uncomfortable bouts in the future.

EDITOR'S PICK

"I like to get to the root issue and resolve it," says Koskinen. "What's causing the constipation? Diet? Lack of exercise? Chronic dehydration? Could it be a medical condition like irritable bowel syndrome?"

If you're dealing with chronic constipation without relief, try talking to your doctor—it may be a sign of an underlying condition. But if you're like most adults who deal with constipation here and there, it could just be a sign that it's time for a lifestyle change.

As it turns out, the best treatments for constipation are also great practices to prevent it from recurring. So, if you're feeling stuck (heh, literally), here are a few of the best ways to get things moving again.

1. Eat a kiwi (yes, way).

If you're dealing with constipation, what you eat (or don't eat) matters. Bryan Tran, D.O., recommends you avoid processed foods—which are often stripped of fiber—and opt for unprocessed snacks instead. Not only will this help treat and prevent constipation, but it will also leave you feeling full longer since dietary fiber has a positive impact on satiety.

Another great way to treat constipation?

"Onions can also have a laxative effect," Koskinen says. "Eating a sautéed onion can get things moving right along."

Kiwi is another great source of extra fiber—which can help get things moving. Studies suggest that green kiwifruit is especially good at increasing frequency, stool volume, and softness—as well as making it easier to, well, go—thanks to a handy little enzyme that stimulates your upper gastrointestinal tract.

2. Consider using psyllium.

This is a soluble fiber that can pass right through your digestive system, and it's been shown to increase stool frequency. You can get it in pill or powder form—but it can also block some fat-soluble vitamins, so avoid taking it too close to mealtimes (and maybe avoid taking it regularly too). And be sure to drink plenty of water with it—which leads us to the next note.

3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate...

"We hear that you should drink more water all the time, but here's a very valid reason why hydration is important: The water from the colon is pulled back into the bloodstream when the body isn't getting enough fluid from external sources. This leads to hard, slow-moving stools," Koskinen says. She recommends trying warm lemon water if you need a little flavor in your H2O.

Not sure how much water you should be drinking? Here's a good guide.

4. ... but conversely, drink some coffee.

Need an extra boost? Studies suggest that drinking coffee (even decaf) can help get things moving again, but make sure you aren't drinking too much since caffeine is a diuretic and can actually leave you dehydrated. Koskinen recommends steering clear of other caffeinated drinks if coffee isn't your thing.

5. Jump on the probiotics bandwagon.

Are they controversial? Yup. But repeated studies have shown that probiotics can help your gut (and your constipation) out too. The jury may be out, but we think probiotics may well be worth it.

6. Up your fiber intake (but not too high).

"Your grandparents may have called it roughage; the technical term is dietary fiber. Insoluble fiber (meaning it doesn't dissolve in water) provides bulk to stool, which helps to speed it along to a timely exit. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and helps to draw water in, which makes stool soft," Koskinen says.

While studies show that dietary fiber does help ease constipation, the amount recommended daily varies. Try incorporating some high-fiber foods into your diet—especially fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—and make sure you don't overdo it. Research suggests too much fiber can have the opposite effect, so you'll want to aim for 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams for men.

7. Do your breathing and get a massage.

It might sound weird, but there's some evidence that doing breathing exercises, exercising, and getting massaged may help increase frequency (but you'll still need to change your diet to see more change).

8. Hit the gym.

As it turns out, exercise is good for *all* kinds of health—especially digestive. "Walking, running, and strength training are all excellent promoters of bowel movements," Tran says. "Exercise aids with mechanical digestion and breakdown of food, helping you to pass stools."

One study showed that adding 60 minutes of exercise just three times a week was enough to significantly improve digestion over a 12-week period, meaning it might be time to get moving if you want to get things, erm, moving.

Bottom line? Dealing with constipation isn't fun, which is why prevention is also a great cure. It may sound repetitive, but—when it comes to your digestion—the same things that get things moving again are also what keep it going over the long term.

"To prevent constipation, aim to eat at least 35 grams of dietary fiber per day," Koskinen says. "Drink more water (aim for half your body weight in ounces as a general rule) and move more."

Jandra Sutton is an author, historian, and public speaker. She lives in Nashville with her husband and their two dogs, and Pluto is still a planet in her heart. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

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Are You Mistaking This Serious Problem for a Yeast Infection?

If you have a vagina, chances are you've experienced feeling like it's on fire—not in the sexy way, but in the make-you-want-to-straddle-a-slab-of-ice-naked way. When the burning sensation is accompanied by an itch that won't quit, many of us will self-diagnose a yeast infection and head to the pharmacy. But your vaginal flora might not actually be to blame.

If you use condoms and are experiencing the aforementioned symptoms you, like 4 percent of the general population, may have a latex allergy.

EDITOR'S PICK

Latex sensitivity comes in three flavors: life-threatening, misunderstood, and bearable. The first, Type 1, is a true allergy to the protein found in rubber trees that latex is made from. This serious allergy can lead to trouble breathing, hives, and even anaphylactic shock.

The second isn't an allergy to the latex protein but a sensitivity to one of the chemicals or adhesives used in the production of latex products. The final category, "irritant dermatitis," shows up as a rash or patch of dry skin that's usually not itchy and is typically caused by repeat contact with latex. (Think nurses who wear surgical gloves every day or cafeteria employees). However, this kind of irritant dermatitis can lead to a full-blown latex allergy.

A mild allergic reaction to latex condoms can feel similar to a yeast infection: There's the itching and burning, maybe some swelling. This is why a latex allergy is often left untreated (my vagina and I suffered for years before my doctor and I finally made the connection).

"People who have a latex allergy or sensitivity are often misdiagnosed and treated for recurrent infections instead," says Jessica Shepherd, M.D., an OB/GYN and founder of Her Viewpoint.

How to Tell If It's Really a Latex Allergy

If you suspect an allergy, there are additional symptoms to pay attention to: Look for cross-reactions with other latex products, such as gloves, balloons, and rubber bands. In my case, I discovered a scaly patch of skin on my hand after wearing latex gloves at work and a rash between my toes after wearing my gym shoes.

Sensitivity to certain foods is common as well. "I've often seen a cross-reaction to kiwi, chestnut, banana, and avocado," says Cliff Bassett, M.D., author of The New Allergy Solution. These foods contain a protein similar to the one found in natural latex and can provoke an allergic reaction.

Another giveaway is timing. "Symptoms occur during or soon after intercourse," Shepherd says. It can take another day or two for delayed symptoms like a rash to show up, but, unlike with a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis, the trigger will always be contact with latex.

However, sometimes the problem isn't with the condom itself, but with what comes on it: If you're using pre-lubricated condoms, especially those that use a spermicidal lube, the lubrication may be the culprit. Try using non-lubricated condoms (and a bottle of lube that you know you're not allergic to).

But if you're experiencing severe allergy symptoms, like trouble breathing, you should go straight to a hospital—possibly inside an ambulance. "Symptoms may be mild and quickly advance to more life-threatening forms, including wheezing, trouble breathing, and anaphylaxis," cautions Basset. If you find yourself in that kind of a state, it's not time to mess around.

What to Do About It

And if the problem persists, you'll have to stop by your gynecologist's office. The only way to truly rule out either a stubborn yeast infection or a latex allergy is to test for it. "You'll need to see a specialist in vulvovaginal disorders or an allergist to get to the bottom of the situation, once your doctor has ruled out other causes," Shepherd says. If it turns out that latex is the culprit, you have a few options (other than abstinence, which… nope).

"Polyurethane condoms are thinner but stronger than latex, and they transfer heat more efficiently, which may enhance sensation," Shephard says. And there are newer polyisoprene condoms, which are a more flexible option that many find to be a comfortable fit (and don't make a potentially distracting crinkling sound the way polyurethane ones do).

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6 Tips for Getting Back Into Running (When You Just Really Don't Wanna)

A few years ago, I would have told you that running was kind of my "thing." From 2011 to 2016, as Forrest Gump so eloquently put it, "if I was going somewhere, I was running." In those years, I racked up an impressive amount of miles, including a full marathon, about a dozen half marathons, countless 10ks and 5ks, and a Ragnar Relay.

And I loved it. Like head-over-heels, butterflies-in-the-stomach loved it.

But that's not the way I feel today. Somewhere between the major life changes I've experienced over the past few years (including buying a house, moving to a new state, launching a business, getting engaged, planning a wedding, and tying the knot), I have officially fallen off the running bandwagon—and fallen out of love with running.

The thought of a popping in my headphones and running a 10k just doesn't fill me with the same excitement it used to, and there's something about that that makes me really sad. But just because running and I are going through a rough patch doesn't mean I'm ready to throw in the towel on this relationship. I'm determined to fall back in love with running—and what better time to do it than fall, with all its perfect weather, gorgeous foliage, and promises of a post-run pumpkin spice latte?

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I know I'm not the only runner whose relationship with running has hit the skids, so I asked the experts how to reignite the spark in my relationship with running—and how to not only lace up my shoes and hit the pavement, but to actually enjoy it again.

1. Remember what it's like at the finish line.

One of the most swoon-worthy parts of being a runner? That feeling you get when you cross the finish line of a big race. When you've been out of the game for a little while (or, in my case, a long while), it can be easy to forget just how amazing that post-race feeling is. So why not hang out at a finish line to remind yourself?

"Volunteer at a local race ASAP—and then sign up for one a few months down the line," says Jessica Sebor, 10-time marathon finisher and current partner at Day/Won.

When you volunteer at a local race, you get to see and experience the pride runners feel when they cross the finish line and remind yourself that you can feel that way again too. "There's nothing like seeing other people experience that finish-line feeling. Volunteering will give you those warm-fuzzies and motivate you to reach your own goals," Sebor says.

2. Enlist an accountabilibuddy.

"When you fall out of love with something, it's usually either because it's gone stale or you've gotten jaded! Accountability partners give you a new, fresh reason to get out the door and perceive running through a different lens," says Nicole DeBoom, founder of Skirt Sports and president of the nonprofit Running Start.

If you're struggling to find joy in running, find strength in numbers. Having a running buddy will not only help you stay committed to your running schedule, but it'll also make the process a lot more fun (is there anything that makes a long run go by quicker than some good, old-fashioned gossip?).

"Multiple studies have shown that people with accountability partners are more likely to stick with an exercise routine than those who go it alone," Sebor says. "But beyond simply getting the job done, a buddy makes running much more fun. Running with a friend makes the workout feel more like a social meetup than a solo chore."

3. Put some skin in the game.

If you're the competitive type (guilty as charged), there's no quicker way to spark motivation toward something you're dreading than turning it into a contest.

"Strike a deal with a 'run reward jar.' Put 30 one-dollar bills in a jar, and every time you skip a planned workout, take $1 out," says Stamford, CT-based personal trainer Lauren Seib. "At the end of the month, use the extra cash for something that makes you shine, like a massage or dinner at your favorite restaurant."

Because you won't want to take money out of the jar (and "lose" against yourself), you're more likely to get up and run even when you don't want to—and because you get to spend the money on something fun at the end of the month, it gives you something positive to look forward to.

Want to up the competition? Loop in someone else and raise the stakes. "For a little twist, try this with your best friend or significant other," Seib says. "The runner who skipped more workouts throughout the month buys the other dinner!"

4. Make your run fun.

After taking some time off from the running game, running can feel long, monotonous, and kind of boring. Not so fun, right? By consciously looking for ways to make your runs more entertaining, you can push through early training and make it out to the other side (where a long run might actually sound like your idea of a good time).

So how, exactly, do you make your runs more fun?

EDITOR'S PICK

First, you can break up some of the monotony with strength training. "Add in strength moves at certain markers, like five push-ups every stop sign or tricep dips on every other park bench," Seib says. "Your legs will get a breather, and the rest of your body will get some attention. Win, win."

You can also make things more fun by switching up your route. "Try a new loop you've been wanting to sweat-test or take it to the trails," Seib says. And if you're not sure where the most fun runs are hiding? Hit up your social media feed. "Still feeling 'blah?' Blast an Insta story asking your followers for their favorite local paths for fitspo," Seib says.

5. Start slow.

In your quest to fall head over heels with running again, you might be tempted to hit the ground running (literally), but nothing will kill your rekindled love affair quicker than an injury. So make sure to start slow.

"Engaging in any athletic activity in a high-strain or vigorous manner without proper acclimatization can ultimately lead to injury," says Michael Ryan, orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center. "Returning to running requires consistent and graduated training to allow the body to respond."

If you want to avoid injury, ease your way back into a regular running routine and increase your mileage slowly. "In general, it's recommended not to increase activity or mileage by more than 20-30 percent per week," says Miho J. Tanaka, M.D., director of the women's sports medicine program at Johns Hopkins.

6. Make running a practice in gratitude.

Practicing gratitude has been shown to have positive benefits, including improvements in mental and physical health—and according to Sebor, it could rekindle your running flame.

"Up your mental game by practicing gratitude before, during, and after every workout. Whenever I don't feel like getting out the door, I remind myself how lucky I am to be able to move my body and work up a sweat," Sebor says. "Also, this sounds cheesy, but physically smiling during a run can make everything feel better. Meb Khelfezi does this during races, and as an Olympic medalist, he's probably on to something! After the run, thank yourself for doing something good for your mind and body."

Reminding yourself of how grateful you are for running (even when you don't feel like it) can make it easier to lace up your shoes and get moving. "It's normal to dread the first few steps, but it's rare to finish a run and say 'I wish I didn't do that,'" DeBoom says. "You're almost always more grateful, clear in mind, and healthy in body after a run."

Deanna deBara is a freelance writer and accidental marathon runner living in Portland, OR. Keep up with her running adventures on Instagram @deannadebara.

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