text: Over the last couple of years, the juicing trend has grown from being embraced by body builders and health enthusiasts, to being experimented with by all types of people. Juicing may seem like a crazy idea—I was skeptical of the trend after seeing my friend's failed attempt at it—but it actually has some uncanny health benefits. Let's take a deeper look.
  The main reason people decide to incorporate juice into their diet is to have a healthy, vitamin rich diet—either to lose weight, to feel healthier, or to even cleanse themselves. However, not everybody is convinced that juicing is a good idea. So I did some research to learn more about the health benefits of juicing. And after learning more about it, I'm committed to incorporating juice into my diet.
  I began reading about other people's experiences doing juice cleanses, and how their bodies were affected. Various Spoon writers have written about their experiences doing a juice cleanse. None of them dramatically lost weight or were completely changed by the experience, but they did benefit from it.
  Not only did they feel healthier and renewed, but they also became more conscious of their diet. It challenged their self-control, as well as made them aware of how food impacts their bodies. They gained nutritional and personal benefit, which is definitely a win-win.
  So, after reading about their positive experiences, I decided to do more digging and find out if there are any actual health benefits. I was curious if the idea of drinking something green just makes us think we're healthier, rather than actually be healthier.
  I found a study done at UCLA that had subjects undergo a 3-day juice cleanse. They recorded the weight, BMI, and levels of certain fats of each subject. The researchers found that there was persistent weight loss among participants, as well as a reduction of fatty acids in the blood stream—even after the initial 3-day cleanse.
  Less fatty acids means less fat in your blood, and a lower likelihood of building up gunk in your body. The study shows that going on a 3-day juice diet of fruits and vegetables can help control weight and digestion.
  This study confirms for me that juice cleanses can actually help you and aren't just a marketing hoax. However, I don't know about you, but only drinking fruits and vegetables still seems kind of intense—so I did more research about incorporating juice into a daily diet.
  I found another study that has subjects increase their fruit and vegetable intake in the form of juice. Results show that antioxidant levels increased in participants over time. This correlates juicing to better health in certain body systems, which is always a good thing considering how often college students get sick.
  The study even had a theory saying stress would be reduced through juicing, but alas, nothing definite was found. Even though juicing may not be a stress reliever, this study shows me that you don't have to go on an all out juice cleanse to lose weight. All you have to do is incorporate a blend of fruits and vegetables as your breakfast or midday snack.
  After reading these two studies, I was pretty convinced juicing would improve my diet and my health, but I was curious if there were certain foods I should incorporate in my juices. I went on another hunt for information and found another study
  This study compares the vitamin and nutritional content of various fruits juiced with and without their "skins." Now this may seem trivial, but I would have never known to keep the skin on certain fruits when blending.
  The study tests different fruits (apple, pear, and mandarin orange) and the nutritional values in the juice after blending, and after juicing—which are indeed different. Then they compared keeping the skin on versus keeping the skin off. The results find that blending and keeping the skin on the fruits gives you the most bang for your buck, vitamin and mineral wise.
  This research proves to me that this crazy idea of juicing isn't actually all that crazy. There are real, scientific reasons behind why body builders (and health nuts, in general) commit to juicing. From immune health to weight loss, juicing has more benefits than I could have imagined.
  The promise of a new year marks the opportunity to try new things. Some people make serious lifestyle resolutions, like working out or drinking more water. Others look to make the new year more exciting by trying new things.
  This year, for me, is going to be the year of the liquid lip. I love makeup—especially lipstick—but I often find myself in a lipstick rut. Over and over again, I choose the same colours. Luckily, I found a way to try out new lipsticks by finding a similarity between makeup and my other hobby: food.
  I've rounded up eight liquid lipsticks from eight different brands that are all named after a food or beverage. Makeup-lovers and foodies rejoice, because your lipstick game is about to get ten times stronger.
  With the holiday season coming to an end, I'm left dreaming of the delicious homemade pumpkin pies that made their annual appearance across the nation. Luckily, the sweet and savoury magic lives on in Jeffree Star's Pumpkin Pie velour liquid lipstick.
  Released as part of Star's holiday collection, Pumpkin Pie is a dusty orange lipstick with a twist. What makes it stand out amongst other orange lipsticks is the formula's addition of small micas of glitter. The glitter starts out subtle, making Pumpkin Pie a wearable colour for everyday looks, but you can make it more noticeable by rubbing your finger against your lips.
  Soft, frothy, and nostalgic, milkshakes are indulgent and delightful. Nothing beats the look of a classic, diner-inspired milkshake, but Anastasia Beverly Hills' liquid lipstick comes close.
  The shade Milkshake is described on the Anastasia Beverly Hills website as milk with a hint of peach. The creamy shade stays true to its name with a colour just like a light strawberry milkshake.
  Donuts are some of the most versatile baked goods. Savoury or sweet, topped with icing or filled with jelly—no matter how you like them, they make for a tasty treat. Colourpop's liquid lipstick in Donut is just as whimsical as the world's favourite dessert.
  Released in June 2015, Donut was part of the first collection of liquid lipsticks Colourpop created. A year and a half later, Donut has stood its ground as a unique, bright salmon shade. At only $6, Donut makes for both the ultimate pop of colour and a style steal.
  Brown sugar is a kitchen staple. Whether you're using it in baked goods or glazes, the combination of refined sugar and molasses makes for irresistible dishes. For lips that look just a good as brown sugar tastes, try Kylie Jenner's liquid lipstick in Brown Sugar.
  With nude lipsticks being on trend, the shade Brown Sugar is a baby step into filling the void of nude shades for people with deeper skin tones. This shade looks stunning on all skin tones and shows a step in the right direction for inclusivity—now that's what I call sweeter than sugar.
  Toast is the basis of many good meals. Brown, white, multigrain, or rye, your avocado is sure to taste delicious slathered on all kinds of bread. If you haven't been living under a rock your entire life, you know that everything is bigger (and better) in Texas. Texas Toast, double the thickness of your average sliced bread, serves as the inspiration behind this lip paint by Tarte.
  This limited edition liquid lipstick was made in collaboration with YouTube content creator Grav3yardgirl. The colour is described as nude, but it's more of a muted mauve with grey undertones.
  Candy canes are an iconic signifier of the holiday season. The swirls of red and white and the taste of peppermint signal that the countdown to Christmas is on. For the 2016 holiday season, Too Faced released a limited edition melted matte lipstick that definitely does the holiday staple justice.
  Candy Cane comes in what Too Faced calls "the perfect holiday red." As if that wasn't festive enough, the lipstick itself smells like a peppermint mocha. The formula includes a non-stinging plumper, so if you're looking for the right red to give you the perfect pout all year long, this is the lipstick for you.
  Whether you hate them or love them, you have to admit that beets are gorgeous in colour. Verging on deep magenta, they're an absolute standout in a sea of vegetables. Lime Crime's matte velvetine lipstick in Beet It is equally as outstanding as its namesake.
  Beet It is has a berry red hue, making it a bold yet wearable pop of colour for all seasons. Whether you want to rock it through the winter months or need the perfect lip colour for a summer outside, Beet It is bound to look great.
  There are many foods that spark good memories for people, and one of those things for me is a good cup of tea. There's a feeling of warmth and familiarity that comes with tea; it's gentle, much like the colour of NYX's liquid suede lipstick in the colour Tea & Cookies.
  Tea & Cookies is described as a muted tea rose pink. It's a soft, wearable colour that's perfect for any occasion. For a gentle lip look that even grandma will approve of, be sure to give Tea & Cookies a try.
  Although these are all great lipsticks, this list isn't exhaustive. There are many amazing brands that create incredible liquid lipsticks (whether they're named after food or not).
  Take this year to get out of your comfort zone, try new food, and try new lipsticks. The best things happen to those who take risks.
  Recently, I began eating gluten-free due to health complications. Cutting gluten out of my diet has allowed me to go off all my previous medications and I barely have any symptoms anymore. Bless.
  Although some are skeptical about gluten-free products tasting good, I swear there are some that are even better than those with gluten. It's taken me a while to admit that, but I say it now being proud of my GF diet.
  They only offer two GF pastas and they aren't so great. I find that they're sticky and don't have the best taste. I do love Glutino crackers, but their pasta just hasn't been mastered yet.
  It's made with quality corn and rice from Italy which gives it some good flavor, but it's not amazing. It's definitely one of the better GF corn-based pastas though.
  Barilla is made with a delicious blend of corn and rice. Thank your lucky starts the Italian pasta company finally noticed they needed to make their own GF rendition of their famous pasta. They offer a wide range of pasta including GF elbows, penne, spaghetti, and rotini.
  This pasta definitely essential for those GF fettuccine lovers who can't eat gluten anymore (aka me). RP's saves the day with their delicious fettuccine made from eggs, potatoes, and brown rice flour. Just douse with your favorite cream sauce or pesto, yum!
  A naturally grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly pasta. It's a pasta that tastes fresh and is almond based. They also make cookie doughs and pizza crust which are definitely worth a taste.
  Banza is quite different from any other pasta because it's made from chickpeas. Protein packed and extremely tasty, what more could you ask for? And, they just came out with a mac n' cheese—a must try. This is definitely #2.
  Trader Joe's has the most amazing flavor. I've made it a 100,000 times at school and it never fails to please me. You can make it so many delicious ways. I've had it simply with butter and parmesan and loved it. I've also made this recipe from Hunter’s Healthy Kitchen which is delicious. Any way you make it, you'll be sure to love it.
  Any GF brand you try, be sure to keep in the mind the different ways that gluten free pastas and products are made. There's quite a difference when using corn vs. quinoa, or brown rice. Although Trader Joe's ranks as my ultimate fave, there are SO many other brands that are packed with flavor. Happy GF eating!