The White House’s New Dietary Guidelines Are Here, and It’s Time to Give Up Sugar

1. Hot peppers

Hot peppers like jalapeños, serranos, habaneros, and more contain capsaicin, which lends them their spicy heat. Though capsaicin can totally enhance the flavors of certain dishes, it can also irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, causing pains, cramps, upset bowel movements, acid reflux, or heartburn.

2. Curry spices

Many common curry spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder tend to stimulate stomach acid production. While they can aid digestion when eaten in small amounts, they can be harmful if you're simply sensitive to them or eat ‘em in large doses. If you have a sensitive stomach, you could experience indigestion, bloating, or a burning sensation from certain spices.

3. Milk

Ah, yes – the ol’ lactose intolerance! Milk obviously contains lactose, which is commonly hard to digest. If you’re lactose intolerant or have a sensitive stomach, consuming milk can lead to gas, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea as undigested lactose ferments in the gut.

4. Cheese

Just like milk, cheese contains lactose – though typically in smaller amounts. Nonetheless, it can trigger plenty of tummy problems. Aged cheese in particular can also be high in fat, slowing digestion.

5. Coffee

Coffee is not only naturally acidic on its own, but it also encourages the stomach to produce more acid. This can irritate the stomach lining and contribute to acid reflux, heartburn, or gastritis (AKA inflammation of the stomach lining). On the contrary, it can also speed up digestion, leading to cramping or less-than-ideal bowel movements.

6. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are another naturally acidic food and can trigger acid reflux or heartburn easily. These symptoms are especially prevalent in people with sensitive stomachs or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The acidity can also irritate the esophagus and cause a burning sensation or indigestion after eating.

1. It Can Help You Examine Your Relationship With Social Media & The News

Do you have a healthy relationship with social media and the news, or have you been doom scrolling? I'll be the first to say I've had to set strict limits for myself because it's been too easy to stay glued to gossip sites and what's happening in the world. While it's always great to be informed, there is a such thing as information overload that can affect us mentally and emotionally.

Make an effort to find activities to occupy your time sans scrolling endlessly on Instagram, TikTok, or other news platforms.

2. It Allows You To Be Honest With Yourself If You're An Overthinker

Have you been allowing overthinking to make you feel stressed? If so, you should try writing down or repeating a few phrases to help you calm down. They're such a big help if you have anxiety because they remind you that you can be present in the moment instead of existing solely in your head.

3. It Opens You Up To Asking For Help

This should be in all caps, but I don't want you to think I'm yelling at you. It's just, I know what it's like to be hyper-independent while embodying the traits of a "strong woman." But, there's some things you can't #GirlBoss or #LuckyGirlSyndrome your way out, and it can be devastating if you don't like asking for help maneuvering a tough event.

I'm still processing an emergency situation I was in after what was supposed to be a routine doctor's visit, so I've been out of my element whenever I lean on my family and friends for emotional support. I usually like to deal with sad or scary situations by myself, but not all things are meant to be shouldered by ourselves.

What I can tell you is that asking for help and receiving it makes life a little more peaceful because there's no extra burden of hurting while trying to portray a role society claims it loves.

4. You'll Become Comfortable Journaling Your Thoughts

I sound like a broken record, but I feel strongly about journaling your thoughts. It's a way of processing things that have happened and how you feel about them. Also, it can be a place where you create lists of goals, books you want to read, hobbies you want to try, and more!

5. You'll Give Yourself Permission To Rest

If you can, push the pause button on being available to everyone for a couple of days. Even if you're an extrovert, it never hurts to occasionally stay in bed and do nothing. Take it from someone who has a hard time resting: you're not "lazy" if you're not always going somewhere or talking to someone.

It's completely fine to reset your mind, body, and soul.

6. You'll Begin To Do Nice Things For Yourself 

Buying myself flowers is one of my favorite things to do in my soft girl era. Instead of waiting for a man to surprise me with a bouquet outside of Valentine's Day, I regularly adorn my home with tulips or sunflowers. They bring a touch of beauty and greenery to my space which helps on WFH days that feel challenging.

7. It's A Great Way To Rediscover Your Love Of Reading 

Can you think of the one book that makes you laugh, smile, and cry tears of joy? If so, that's the book you'll want to keep near your nightstand. It'll help you break up with your dependence on screen time while also giving you a chance to let your imagination fly. The added bonus is that you'll fall back in love with reading!

8. You'll Genuinely Find Ways To Nourish Your Body.

Being a soft girl isn't just about looking good or reaching for fun things, it's also about nourishing your body with healthy meals. Sometimes we eat and drink things that our digestive system doesn't like, so I'm recommending that you make small changes to your meals.

You can create your own Mediterranean bowl à la Cava or aim to eat more fruits and veggies during the week. Whatever you choose, just remember to start small!

9. You May Even Adopt A Sober Lifestyle

Whether you know it or not, there's great joy in grabbing a non-alcoholic beverage with your bestie in the city. You can catch up about life, share your dreams or whatever's troubling you, and sip the greenest beverage that beats the idea of eating green eggs and ham. That's right — I'm talking about matcha.

Is it the pretty green hue we can't stop staring at or does it really taste that good? Let's compromise and say it's both!

10. Solo Activities Won't Feel Daunting

You don't have to be the next Frida Kahlo to enjoy a paint class! I personally like to engage in coloring or painting because it helps me find something else to focus on. Though it seems simple, the art of having a fun hobby you're not trying to perfect or gain profit from sparks your inner kid's joy.

11. The Beach Will Actually Feel Relaxing For Once

You deserve a mini vacation that includes putting beach towel down on hot sand near the ocean so you can read your newest TBR pick. It's soothing feeling the sun on your skin while a gentle breeze blows which is why I recommend everyone try to experience it a few times per month.

V-Neck Twist Godet Mini Dress

This polka-dotted mini dress has the cutest twisted straps for added flair, plus that v-neckline is always going to be flattering and oh-so femme. The skirt itself has some slight pleats to it, making you look put-together no matter how you style it!

Ruched Tie-Front Top

This would make the perfect picnic top for a day spent outside! The tiered design paired with the tiny little bows is super unique and shaping to make your look stand out and feel good.

High Rise Loose Jean

High-waisted jeans often come with the sacrifice of comfort around your hips and waist, but this pair from A&F totally eliminates any restriction on your bod with an early 2000's-inspired silhouette that's both comfy and flattering. They're shoppable in tons of washes and styles, though we admit we really love this wear-with-everything medium wash paired with edgy (but still tasteful) knee holes.

The A&F Madeline Lemon Crew Sweater Tee

This tee crafted from a soft cotton yarn sustains a great amount of breathability so you can sport it cozily, even in warm weather. The lemon motif on this cutie would wear super well with a butter yellow maxi skirt!

Off-The-Shoulder Knit Skort

This off-the-shoulder mini dress secretly flaunts some built-in shorts so that you can walk and twirl around comfortably, knowing you've got some good coverage. The drop waist and side ruching work together flawlessly to flatter your waistline even further!

Crochet-Style Tie-Back Tank

This lightweight tank with a luxe-looking crochet pattern is very 'business in the front, party in the back,' thanks to the tie-back design that crosses tastefully behind you. It's the ultimate vacation top, especially if you're headed somewhere beachy and tropical!

Long-Sleeve Oversized Tie-Front Gauzy Shirt

Another vacay-ready top, this gauzy shirt is like a more casual take on a button-up. We adore that it supplies some good coverage from the spring and summer sun around the arms and shoulders, but still lets your look breathe, thanks to the tie-front design and cutting v-neck!

Linen-Blend Pull-On Pant

There's nothing easier for spring than a good linen pant! This sleek white pair is comfy and super streamlined to wear, thanks to the pull-on elastic waistband and drawstrings to help you adjust your look. We'd wear these with some comfy spring sneakers and a baby tee for a reliable spring outfit formula.

The A&F Mara Strapless Denim Mini Dress

Denim dresses FTW! This strapless number screams luxe fashion. While it certainly carries some western vibes if you wore it with cowgirl boots, you can rock it with some flats or Mary Janes for a French girl-approved ensemble.

High Rise Cropped Wide Leg Jean

With just the right amount of flared flair, these high-rise, wide-leg jeans are instantly versatile for a number of occasions, whether it's running to happy hour or hitting up the farmer's market.

Dipped-Waist Smocked Midi Dress

Smocked up top for a nice body-hugging fit but flowy on the bottom for a comfy wear every time, this butter yellow midi dress is such a stylish one-and-done for any spring and summer event.