Lifestyle
The Truth About Your Health Habits
We are constantly being bombarded with news that praises some health habits one day, and disregards them the next. However, there are some health habits that industries desperately want you to believe are healthy, but have a negative overall effect on your wellbeing.
Drinking diet soda
Multinational corporations like Coca Cola and Pepsi launch ad campaigns that promote diet sodas as zero calorie sugar free alternatives to traditional soda. However, the artificial sweeteners in diet soda like aspartame and sucralose have been shown to trigger the same insulin response that sugar triggers in the body. Recently, diet soda has also been shown in increase the risk of dementia and stroke. Instead of using sugary soda to satisfy your fizzy and sweet cravings, choose drinks like Kombucha, a fermented, sweet-sour fizzy drink filled with probiotics that are great for gut health.
Taking a daily multivitamin “just in case”
Over 50% of Americans take a multivitamin supplement daily. Yet, many studies have shown that a daily multivitamin is useless, and even harmful, for healthy individuals. If you eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains, a multivitamin has not been shown to prevent disease risk or extend your life. In fact, high doses of some supplements, like beta carotene, can increase cancer risk. However, taking specific supplements to plug nutritional gaps in your diet has proven beneficial. For example, people living in cold climates should take a vitamin D supplement since their skin cannot produce it without adequate sun exposure.
Consuming dairy
Humans are the only animal on earth that regularly consume the milk of another mammal, and the only mammals that consume milk after infancy. Humans in central Europe began drinking milk only around 7,500 years ago. Because it is such a recent adaptation, over two thirds of the world is lactose intolerant. Europeans may be more adapted to drink milk than people from certain parts of Africa and Asia, where nearly 100% of people are lactose intolerant, but they still suffer health consequences. Milk comes from a pregnant or recently pregnant cow, so it is filled with mammalian estrogen, in addition to antibiotics, steroids, and pus (yes, really!). Instead, choose dairy free alternatives like almond, soy, oat, or rice milk.
Eating meat
Did you know that calorie for calorie, broccoli has more protein than beef? Many people are surprised to hear that, since the meat industry spends millions of dollars on ad campaigns that try to change people’s health habits to believe that meat is a normal, natural, and healthy part of our diet. However, with the World Health Organization classifying processed meats as type 1 carcinogens (cancer causing substances), and blockbuster documentaries like “What the Health” making even the most dedicated meat eaters go plant based, the meat industry’s claims look more and more dubious by the day. The truth is that meat contains antibiotics, steroids, saturated fat, cholesterol, and hormones that wreak havoc on our gut bacteria, inflammation, and overall health. Organic meat sidesteps some of these health risks, but is not much better. Additionally, animal protein has been shown to raise IGF-1 levels in our body leading to accelerated tumor and cancer growth. Plant based sources of protein like beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, and seitan pack as much or more protein than meat without the harmful side effects of animal protein on our bodies, the environment, and the animals.
Avoiding carbohydrates
Bread, pasta, and rice get a bad rep for being high in carbohydrates which people fear will make them gain weight. It’s true that refined carbohydrates have been shown to spike insulin levels, but brown rice, and whole wheat bread and pasta are a great source of fiber and have been shown to stabilize blood sugar levels. Whole grains can even boost the levels of good bacteria in our gut.
Eating gluten free processed foods
The recent ‘gluten free’ craze is just that, a craze. It’s one of those health habits that got out of control. Gluten is a protein found in wheat and a few other grains that gives bread its stretchy, chewy qualities. A small percentage of the population has celiac disease where avoiding gluten is essential to their health. Some double blind studies have demonstrated the existence of ‘non celiac gluten sensitivity’, but the majority of people do not suffer from it. That means that hopping on this bandwagon, if you do not have a diagnosed disease or sensitivity, is pointless and could even be harmful. Avoiding gluten in and of itself is not unhealthy if instead of wheat, you center your meals around gluten free grains like; amaranth, buckwheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, sorghum, legumes, and vegetables. Instead, many people start buying gluten free versions of their favorite processed foods which often compensate for their lack of gluten by increasing their sugar and fat content.
Juicing your fruits and veggies
A refreshing juice of fruits and vegetables every morning seems like the pinnacle of a healthy diet. However, most juice machines separate the fiber from the juice of the produce. By removing the bulk of the fiber, the sugars from fruits hit your bloodstream more directly and cause a high and a crash that does not happen when you consume whole plant foods. The cell walls of fruits and vegetables slow down the release of sugars into your bloodstream keeping insulin more steady. Juicing does provide your body with vitamins and minerals, so there is no reason to cut it out entirely. Aim for moderation and instead of juicing your produce, try consuming it whole. If you must drink your veggies, try using a blender instead to preserve the fiber in the produce.
Consuming oils
Many people believe that ‘healthy oils’ like coconut and olive oil are an essential part of a healthy diet. However, they are calorie dense and lack a robust nutritional profile. While it’s true that olive oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart health, the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fats is more indicative of the health of fat sources, and this is where olive oil, and most oils, fail. A diet that is high in Omega-6 fatty acids but low in Omega-3 fatty acids promotes inflammation. Oils should be used sparingly, and you should adjust your health habits to consume more nuts, and seeds for your omega 3. Flaxseed are an especially high source of omega 3 fatty acids, and do not have the same health risks that animal based sources do like fish.
The buzz on the headlines these past few years makes it impossible not to notice: “Only 21 lesbian bars remain in America,” or “The rise and fall of America’s lesbian bars,” and “Why lesbian bars are disappearing.”
The once-thriving niche of lesbian bars has indeed dwindled. The ones that remain have become clandestine tourist destinations littered around the heartland. These last bastions of the lesbian community are now few and far between.
However, we see a glimmer of hope with recent developments. It could be that grassroots campaigns are poised to save lesbian bars from the brink.
Let’s back up a little.
The origin of lesbian bars
If you’re a fan of Moulin Rouge (or French history, I guess), you might know a bit about the inception of the modern lesbian bar. Artist Toulouse Lautrec often chronicled the lesbian nightlife in turn-of-the-century France. Bars like Le Rat Mort were owned and frequented by lesbians.
This phenomenon spread to other areas of high society in the early 20th century. In Weimar Germany, lesbian entrepreneur Elsa Conrad owned multiple such bars. Bars for women were a rarity in the US at the time, but the upper-crust Cafe des Beaux-Arts, which operated in New York from 1911 to 1921, is cited as an early example.
Prohibition and its aftermath
When we talk about the modern history of lesbian bars, the clock usually starts after Prohibition’s repeal in 1933. Bars like Roselle Inn in Chicago and Mona’s in San Francisco opened shortly thereafter.
It’s worth noting, however, that lesbian bars truly started to pop up during Prohibition. Where women had previously been legally discouraged from drinking, the total prohibition of alcohol was ironically an expanding force. Women could drink freely in speakeasies, and even own them.
The lesbian bars that sprang up after Prohibition were the offspring of the lesbian speakeasies that came before, such as Eve’s Hangout, which was shut down after a 1926 police raid.
The golden age of lesbian bars
Lesbian bars and communities continued to grow, aided by the growth of cities and economic prosperity that followed World War II. Bars of this era still faced plenty of threats. Gay activity was still criminalized, organized crime was eager to capitalize, and internal debates split the community in twain.
In the ‘50s, de facto segregation and economic inequality kept many Black lesbians out of major lesbian bars. So did rigid attitudes about lesbian coupling built around butch/femme (or stud/femme) binaries.
Gay rights!
The first lesbian political organization, the Daughters of Bilitis, was formed in 1955. This was an early motion in the broader LGBTQ+ rights movement, which shone a national spotlight on lesbian and gay communities.
As the movement grew throughout the ‘60s, so did identification with/interest in lesbianism. As lesbian feminism developed in the ‘70s, lesbian bars became activist spaces in addition to social ones. By the ‘80s, there were over 200 lesbian bars nationwide.
There’s just one problem, and it’s a problem that emerges any time social spaces become political ones: politics create conflict. Divisions bubbled over who should and shouldn’t be included in lesbian spaces, from trans women to straight “political lesbians.” This fed into the damaging notion that “lesbian” itself was an exclusionary term.
The slow, painful fall
These divisions persisted, but lesbian bars remained fairly prevalent throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s. New movements led to new expansions. The Combahee River Collective helped open doors for lesbians of color. The community was ravaged by the AIDS crisis, but activism on that front helped bring the broader LGBT community together. By the mid-’90s, the Lesbian Avengers were bringing lesbian issues to the forefront of the community.
So, what did kill the lesbian bar? 9/11? The recession? Is it somehow Ellen’s fault?
The truth is, there was no one incident that sent lesbian bars into freefall. The more society as a whole accepted lesbians, the more patronage for these tight-knit neighborhood bars dwindled.
Meanwhile, over the course of the ‘00s, people kind of stopped meeting each other in person. The social role that lesbian bars once played could now be fulfilled much more accessibly by online forums, and later social media.
Statistics show that interest in the “lesbian” label itself may have declined in the ‘00s and ‘10s as well. Post-lesbian discourse has tended to frame the label as too exclusive. While the broader LGBTQ+ community experienced substantial growth in the 21st century, the lesbian community didn’t share in the majority of those gains.
The ravages of COVID-19
Articles about the dramatic decline in lesbian bars started to pop up in the late ‘10s. In 2019, it was estimated that only 15 such bars remained; in fact, there were 21. A string of closings occurred throughout the 2010s as business dwindled and rents increased.
When COVID hit, activists like Erica Rose and Elina Street sounded the alarm. Rose and Street initiated the Lesbian Bar Project, a fundraising campaign aimed at preserving the remaining bars.
Lincoln, NE’s Panic Bar closed in November 2020. In Philly, Toasted Walnut shuttered in February 2021. Even as the Lesbian Bar Project and other campaigns shone a national light on the issue, it seemed like the institution was quickly becoming a thing of the past.
But wait, there’s more?
A confluence of factors led to increasingly dire conditions for the country’s remaining lesbian bars. Pandemic-era restrictions were the final straw for many. But then, something shifted.
See, the pandemic may have kept us apart from each other, but it also reminded us how much we miss sharing a space. As restrictions were lifted, grassroots movements started to form dedicated to providing new, in-person social spaces for lesbians.
The lesbian bar revival
As the tireless work of the Lesbian Bar Project kept the remaining bars afloat, social groups and pop-ups started to form across the country. Lesbian Social Detroit. SHELiFE in Miami. Sip City Mixer here in Philly.
These groups coordinate regular events that go beyond the narrow scope of a bar: picnics, beach parties, sporting events. At the same time, they reflect a growing, vibrant, and (contrary to the popular stereotype) inclusive lesbian community nationwide.
As You Are in DC began as a pop-up series, but has now set up a permanent home. The Sports Bra, the first women’s sports bar, is now open in Portland, where another lesbian bar (Doc Marie’s) is opening just this week.
You can thank Lesbian Bar Project for their tireless work keeping remaining lesbian bars alive. You can also thank the internet which, once thought a detriment to the lesbian label, has now invited a new generation of lesbians to flourish.
Looking ahead, more of these pop-ups are trying to set up brick-and-mortar locations. Dave’s Lesbian Bar in Queens is fundraising at its monthly events; so is Hot Donna’s in LA.
Thanks to a renewed focus on community organizing and mutual aid, things are finally looking up for the humble lesbian bar.
Coffee enthusiasts come in all shapes and sizes. Data in the U.S. alone shows that coffee consumption remains high. A 2024 report shows about 73 percent of Americans drink coffee daily. There’s something for everyone, from cappuccino lovers and bean enthusiasts to those craving a quick, affordable caffeine fix. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, partner, or your own home coffee bar, you’re bound to find something great from our list!
1. Airscape Coffee Canister
Photo Credit: Amazon
Airtight canisters are best for storing coffee to maintain its quality. If your loved one appreciates the quality of their coffee, the Airscape coffee canister is an excellent choice.
Made from food-grade stainless steel, the airtight canister is durable and stylish. The patented inner plunger lid with a two-way valve forces excess oxygen out of the canister and locks out excess humidity. Plus, it is available in various sizes. It’s perfect for storing coffee, as well as other dry goods like tea, sugar, flour, and spices.
The Airscape Coffee Canister is available in medium and large sizes and six colors.
2. Cuisinart GK-1 Digital Gooseneck Kettle
Photo Credit: Amazon
This is our top pick for electric gooseneck kettles. Its precise, angled spout is perfect for making pour-over coffee, perhaps with the Kalita Wave Dripper or the Chemex. Its technical details are fine-tuned: The temperature control is adjustable by five-degree increments, and its rounded handle is easy to maneuver. It has a matte black finish, so it doesn’t pick up fingerprints like stainless steel. And with its shapely design and small footprint, it looks lovely sitting on a kitchen counter.
3. Hario V60 Dripper
Photo Credit: Amazon
Brewing with a pour-over is a beloved ritual for coffee lovers. The Hario V60 Ceramic Dripper is one of the most affordable and reliable options and is my favorite.
The ceramic model costs $26.53, but there are also copper, glass, stainless steel, and plastic versions. The affordable filters ensure a clean and delicious brew. While the V60 requires some skill and precision, it’s not too difficult to master. The process encourages mindfulness, making each cup worth the effort.
4. Workhorse Grinder
Photo Credit: NY Times
The lightweight Timemore Chestnut C2 Manual Coffee Grinder is our favorite model under $100. Our testers appreciated its impressively smooth and speedy grinding action. The handle comes off, so this grinder is easy to store or travel with—excellent for outdoorsy coffee devotees who don’t want to sacrifice fresh grounds. They can dial in the coarseness and chop through about three tablespoons of coffee at a time.
5. Moka Express – Squid Game
Photo Credit: Bialetti
Bialetti and Netflix team up to launch a unique, brightly colored Capsule Collection that celebrates the popularity of the Korean series Squid Game. The vibrant, playful colors, geometric details, and “Game Over” writing enhance the iconic coffee maker, making it an essential companion throughout the game to achieve victory and win the prize.
So, what are you waiting for? Surprise your friend who’s crazy about Squid Game with the limited-edition Moka Express coffee maker.
6. East Fork Ceramic Mug
Photo Credit: East Fork Pottery
This sturdy, thoughtfully crafted ceramic mug has been my morning companion for a couple of years now, and I couldn’t love it any more than I already do. It went through a phase of viral popularity a while back, but they’re easier to find now. You might have to hop between the available colors, though, because they still do sell out.
The mug is made from robust ceramic that feels sturdy. It has a gently sloping grip big enough for most hands and feels smooth and balanced when you pick it up. Warmed by fresh coffee, the glaze kind of soothes your palm. It’s magical.
7. Instant Pot Milk Frother
Photo Credit: Instant Pot
Here’s another gift suggestion: The Instant Pot Milk Frother swiftly heats milk for lattes or creamy macchiatos with a spout designed for latte art. This versatile frother can also produce hot milk, which is made of two types: hot milk foam and trendy cold foam.
8. Snow Peak Ti-Double 450 Anodize Mug
Photo Credit: Snow Peak
This gift is perfect for friends or loved ones who enjoy camping adventures. Japanese outfitter Snow Peak offers a dizzying array of high-end outdoor apparel that’s popular with bougie car campers and dirtbag climbers alike. Still, the titanium cookware that first propelled the brand’s popularity in the U.S. remains the jewel in its crown.
Enter the Snow Peak Ti-Double 450 mug, which packs timeless style and durability into a double-walled mug that weighs only 115 grams. A pair of foldable handles welded onto the exterior provide extra protection from scalding hot liquids and a new selection of colors.
9. Ratio Six Coffee Maker
Photo Credit: Ratio
The Ratio Six Coffee Maker is the best SCA-certified option. It’s a dream machine for any pour-over enthusiast!
Crafted from durable materials like stainless steel and borosilicate glass, the Ratio Six is visually appealing and incredibly well-made. Its insulated carafe keeps coffee hot for up to an hour after brewing. Moreover, the filter basket features a heat shield to maintain the coffee’s temperature at around 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius) during brewing. The heat shield and the professional-quality spray head ensure even and consistent extraction every time.
10. Coffeeness Very Own Espresso Blend
Photo Credit: Amazon
Last but not the least, good coffee is the easiest gift to get for any coffee aficionado. This premium blend of direct-trade Brazilian coffee beans produces rich, bold, and complex espresso that’s ideal straight or paired with milk. Featuring notes of chocolate and hazelnut, our Espresso Blend is particularly low in acidity, making it easy on the stomach.
Conclusion
Our curated list is just a portion of unlimited gift ideas for your coffee-loving pal. From stylish storage solutions and precise brewing tools to unique and thoughtful gifts, you’ll find everything you need to satisfy your coffee cravings and those of your loved ones. So, explore our recommendations and discover the perfect additions to your coffee routine. Cheers to the perfect brew!
The rise of remote work has paved the way for many to gain freedom to live and work from anywhere in the world. But for many work-from-home advocates, the right destination can also mean gaining financial benefits aside from having their dream lifestyle. This is where tax-free cities for digital nomads come in. Maximize your earnings, reduce business expenses, and enjoy a high-quality lifestyle when you relocate to the ten best tax-free cities:
The Benefits of Living in a Tax-Free City
If you are a digital nomad looking for a change of scenery, you’ll get the following benefits when you move to these destinations:
- Tax Savings: For entrepreneurs and remote workers, you’ll save on taxes when you move to any of the cities included in this list. Without paying income taxes, you can keep more of your earnings.
- Business-Friendly Incentives: Many tax-free cities offer favorable corporate policies, residency programs, and economic incentives. Not only will you have the opportunity to work in a setting that suits your lifestyle, but you’ll also reap financial benefits.
- Improved Financial Freedom: Lower tax burdens offer greater financial flexibility. This enables you to enjoy a higher standard of living, travel for leisure, and invest in your future without excessive government deductions.
Top 10 Amazing Tax-Free Cities for Digital Nomads
1. Dubai, UAE
Photo Credit: Aleksandar Pasaric on Pexels
Emerging as one of the most attractive destinations for digital nomads, Dubai has a zero personal income tax policy and a thriving business environment. As part of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai offers a state-of-the-art infrastructure, fast internet, and a well-connected global hub with flights to the world’s major cities. The city’s Virtual Working Program grants digital nomads a one-year residency visa that lets them live in Dubai while working for an overseas company.
2. Bermuda
Famous for its stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, the British Territory of Bermuda makes working remotely even better as it doesn’t impose income taxes. Its digital nomad visa has no income requirement but will ask to see your financial status. This is to prove that you can support yourself on the island without having a job there. It also allows foreign workers to live and work for up to one year. The abundance of outdoor activities, reliable internet, and plenty of co-working spaces provide an excellent balance of work and play.
3. Croatia
An increasingly popular destination for digital nomads, Croatia is a favorite destination for digital nomads. While it isn’t entirely tax-free, its tax policies and dedicated digital nomad visa exempt you from income tax on foreign-earned income. Remote workers who qualify for this country’s Digital Nomad Residence Permit can enjoy this benefit. In addition, Croatia’s low cost of living allows you to enjoy a Mediterranean lifestyle while working remotely.
4. Antigua and Barbuda
Photo Credit: Julia Volk on Pexels
A beautiful Caribbean nation, Antigua and Barbuda offers zero personal income tax for digital nomads. This twin-island nation has stunning beaches, warm weather, and a welcoming expat community that makes it an ideal place if you’re looking to embrace the island life. It introduced the Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) visa to attract more remote workers. This allows you to live and work for up to two years without paying local income taxes.
5. Panama
Thanks to its territorial tax system, Panama is now a popular destination for digital nomads and entrepreneurs looking to enjoy foreign-earned income that isn’t taxed. Its various visa options include the Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers, which lets you live and work for up to 18 months. It requires proof of employment or self-employment with a minimum income of $36,000. This nation offers modern infrastructure, high-speed internet, and an active expat community.
6. Grenada
Earning the moniker “Spice Isle” of the Caribbean, Grenada offers zero personal income tax for digital nomads. It has business-friendly policies, breath-taking landscapes, and a relaxed lifestyle, ideal for remote workers looking for financial and individual freedom. In lieu of a dedicated digital nomad visa, you can take advantage of its long-stay visa options or explore its Citizenship by Investment Program, which gives you the chance to obtain permanent residency.
7. Montserrat
Another tax-free Caribbean hideaway, Montserrat, is a favorite of many digital nomads thanks to its zero personal income tax. Its lush landscape, volcanic scenery, and friendly local community offer superb work-life balance away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its digital nomad visa, the Montserrat Remote Work Stamp, lets you live and work in Montserrat for up to 12 months. All you need to do is provide proof of employment with an annual income of at least $70,000.
8. Barbados
Photo Credit: Blue Ox Studio on Pexels
Having positioned itself as a top destination for remote workers, Barbados offers zero personal income tax by introducing its Barbados Welcome Stamp. This visa lets you live and work in Barbados for up to 12 months, making it an excellent option for those looking for financial and lifestyle benefits. To qualify for the Welcome Stamp, you must earn at least $50,000 annually and provide proof of remote employment or self-employment. Its hassle-free application process lets you enjoy the duty-free import of personal belongings and many other benefits.
9. Anguilla
A dream destination for many digital nomads, Anguilla is another tax-free Caribbean paradise. It offers no personal income, capital gains, or corporate tax for individuals. It introduced the Work From Anguilla program to attract more location-independent professionals. This grants them a 12-month remote work visa and access to high-speed internet, modern infrastructure, and a relaxed, safe environment. Its pristine beaches, low population density, and welcoming community make it the perfect place for productivity and leisure.
10. Uruguay
Another South American hub for digital nomads, Uruguay offers a territorial tax system that does not impose a tax on foreign-earned income. In addition to letting you enjoy a stable and high-quality lifestyle, Uruguay provides a five-year tax holiday on foreign income, an appealing offer for long-term stays. Uruguay’s excellent infrastructure, reliable internet, and active expat community let you establish legal residency via the country’s Straightforward Residency Program.
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