This Is the Goop-Approved Way to Stay Healthy on Vacation

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.

1. House of David

House of David is as much a family drama as it is a historical epic. You might know the story of David and Goliath, but this Prime Video show dives into the relationships between David, Jonathan, and Michal — and their families — like you've never seen. The cinematography is beautiful, the scripts are tight, and you'll be on the edge of your seat the whole time. The House of David season finale just dropped, so catch up now before season 2!

2. Fallout

Based on the beloved video game series, this show centers on Lucy MacLean, played by Ella Purnell, a young woman who has spent her life in the safety of an underground vault. Well, that's until her father gets kidnapped, and she's forced to venture above ground into the violent, post-apocalyptic wasteland of Los Angeles.

In addition to Ella, viewers can look forward to seeing stars such as Walton Goggins, Aaron Moten, Moisés Arias, Zach Cherry, and Leslie Uggams.

3. Moonlighting

Moonlighting was a groundbreaking series that blended comedy, drama, and a lot of chemistry between its leads, Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis. The show, which premiered in 1985, follows Madelyn "Maddie" Hayes, a former model who's inspired to launch a new career as a private detective.

The series is revered for its witty banter and sharp dialogue, making it a favorite among fans in the '80s. However, Moonlighting is still just as enjoyable today and available for streaming on Prime Video.

4. The Expanse

The Expanse, which debuted in 2015 and has six seasons, offers an interesting take on the future of humanity, where human conflict and political intrigue are still an issue, even in the solar system.

It's set in a world where Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt are on the brink of war, and centers on a crew of survivors from a mining ship, James Holden, Naomi Nagata, Amos Burton, and Alex Kamal, who uncover a big conspiracy. The crew is played by Steven Strait, Dominique Tipper, Wes Chatham, and Cas Anvar, respectively.

5. House

House has redefined the medical genre, thanks in part to the title character, Dr. Gregory House. Played by Hugh Laurie, Dr. House is modeled after Sherlock Holmes and solves medical mysteries that no one else can at the fictional Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital in New Jersey.

Aside from Hugh's iconic performance, the show is driven by a powerful cast of supporting actors, including Robert Sean Leonard, Lisa Edelstein, Omar Epps, Jennifer Morrison, Olivia Wilde, Jesse Spencer, and Kal Penn.

6. Monk

This show offers a unique twist on the detective genre by blending comedy with mystery in a wonderful way. Monk follows Adrian Monk, played by Tony Shalhoub, who is a brilliant but neurotic detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

His phobias and quirks often lead to complications and plenty of hijinks at work. Nonetheless, his unrivaled detective skills still make Adrian one of the best in the business. Monk ran for a total of eight seasons and paved the way for Mr Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie, which came out in 2023.

7. Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan

Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan brings the iconic character to the TV screen for the first time. Played by John Krasinski, who's most well-known for his role as Jim in The Office, Jack Ryan is a CIA analyst who finds himself thrust into the field and uncovers a complex pattern in terrorist communications that sets off a high-stakes chain of events.

The series takes the action-packed essence of Clancy's novels and adapts it for television, just in case you prefer to watch instead of read.

8. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel centers around Miriam "Midge" Maisel, a 1950s housewife who decides to pursue a career in stand-up comedy after discovering she's quite talented at it.

The series is set in New York and follows Miriam, played by Rachel Brosnahan, as she transforms into a confident and successful comic who winds up on the Tonight Show.

9. Fleabag

Fleabag is the adaptation of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's one-woman stage show. As the unnamed protagonist, known only as Fleabag, she plays a dry-witted and emotionally scarred woman who shields herself from pain with sharp humor and unfiltered commentary.

Viewers follow along as she navigates the chaos of life, love, and loss in London. Fleabag is obviously driven by Phoebe Waller-Bridge's outstanding performance, but it also has great supporting actors, including Andrew Scott, Sian Clifford, Brett Gelman, Olivia Colman, Jenny Rainsford, and Bill Patterson.

10. Upload

Last but not least is Upload, a series that definitely deserves more attention. It debuted in 2020, has three seasons, and takes place in 2033, where technology actually allows people to upload their consciousness into a digital afterlife.

So, after the character Nathan, played by Robbie Amell, unexpectedly dies, he's uploaded to the virtual paradise of Lakeview. Upload has a knack for balancing quirkiness with social satire and is sure to keep you hooked.