Emmy Hayes Condon
Your daily guide to feeling, looking, and living your best.
On Fibermaxxing and Proteinmogging
In continuation of our most recent column, On Nonnamaxxing, I bring you fibermaxxing and proteinmogging. That is, consuming large quantities of fiber and protein. Did I learn these terms from Bento, a viral pug (@bentothebug)? Well, yes. Am I rather convinced “fibermaxxing” and “proteinmogging” will soon be added to our wellness lexicon? Well, yes!
Let’s back up a bit, why might fiber and protein consumption complement each other?
Here’s a circuitous answer, so I might reference Heated Rivalry (re: Wednesday's column!) just once more: In an interview, Hudson Williams remarked that, to bulk for the role of Shane Hollander, he increased his consumption of both protein and fiber.
Protein, generally, is a bit more complex to digest. As such, supplementing high(er)-protein diets with an increased consumption of fiber can ease digestion. To do so, fiber interacts with protein in slowing digestion, increasing satiation, and regulating blood sugar.
Too much protein and too little fiber, in turn, may induce bloating, inflammation, and constipation.
Moreover, Northwestern Gastroenterologist Olufemi Kassim said, “people who eat high-fiber diets have a more diverse, rich microbiome, which is associated with a lower risk of gastrointestinal (GI) issues.”
All of which is to write, just as much as you’d like to proteinmog, be sure to fibermaxx as well!
Photo Source: Nick Kimel on Unsplash
On Nonnamaxxing
I have a bit that I do for my friends that goes “my family’s so Italian,” and then I’ll insert a quirk of my family’s that’s particularly Italian — an Italian-ism, if you will. (I promise, I have a point.)
A favorite of mine is, “my family’s so Italian, we know this guy, Ronny, who supplies us with sausages every Christmas.” Or, “my family’s so Italian, my grandfather made Sunday Sauce just about every weekend to share with his children and grandchildren.”
All of which is to write, if anyone knows a thing or two about “Nonnamaxxing,” it’s me.
Well, not really — as The Guardian article I stumbled upon articulates, there’s a bit more to Nonnamaxxing than regularly consuming pasta. (Alas!)
Rather, Nonnamaxxing consists of all that Nonnas do to ensure their longevity and contentment — such as, “walking everywhere, cooking for others, spending time with family and getting all up in everyone’s business.”
Moreover, Nonnamaxxing is emblematic of a “Blue Zone lifestyle.”
Globally, there are five Blue Zones — one of which is in Sardinia, Italy, hence Nonnamaxxing — and each is marked for its sheer number of centenarians in residence. Per Dan Buetter, an explorer (self-described) at the helm of Blue Zone research, the longevity of those living in Blue Zones can be attributed to their dietary habits, regular movement, and prioritization of family.
So maybe there is something to consuming a healthy dose of carbs… mangia bene!
Photo Source: Entertainment Weekly
Ask Clara:
"What eating habits best promote longevity?"
That Peloton Ad. (Yes, That One.)
Hudson Williams x Peloton. That’s it. That’s the column.
I kid, I kid (mostly), though I received a message from a friend the morning the ad was released that read, “Hudson Williams in a Peloton ad? A crossover made just for Chloe!”
She could not be more right.
If you’ve been in my vicinity these last few months (so sorry!), you’d know that Heated Rivalry (really, Williams and Connor Storrie, the series’ leads) is all I care to talk about.
And, if you’ve been in my vicinity these last seven or so years (yes, really!), you’d know Peloton is the sole fitness platform I care to use.
As such, their collaboration, set to David Bowie’s “Fame,” just about made my morning.
Now, you may be thinking, “Chloe, how is the (in)decent exposure of William’s abs and ass related to wellness?”
I’d argue that the sight of a beautiful (feminist!) man induces a bit of serotonin rush; however, to assuage concerns that The Wellness Edit may be in questionable hands, I’ll cite their intended message, “movement sets you free.”
However you choose to move, movement is meant to be liberating, expressive, and a moment to get out of your head and into your body, as Peloton’s Emma Lovewell might say. A former athlete and uber-medicated girly, I could not agree more.
Wishing you all a moment or two to get in a bit of movement this week!
Photo Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Hi Again, I'm Chloe!
Hiii, Rescripters!
I’d write “allow me to reintroduce myself,” but I’m Gen Z (alas!) and don’t quite understand the lyric’s cultural significance (so sorry!) — anywho, my name is Chloe Mintz, a fourth-year at Northwestern University and former Rescripted intern!
You may have read an article (or two!) of mine — re: How to Talk to Your Daughter About Her Period Without Making It Weird — but I’ll be switching gears a bit and manning Emmy’s column, The Wellness Edit, while she’s on maternity leave. (Best of luck, Emmy!)
A bit about me! I’m an IVF twin, romance novel fiend, peanut butter (and dip!) enthusiast, and Aquarius — oh, and a reproductive health and wellness advocate!
Though Gwenyth Paltrow I am not, I am twenty-two (yikes!), chronically online (double yikes!), and precisely the demographic wellness influencers seek to, well, influence — and, I’ll admit, I’m an easily-influenced girly (promises of clear and supple skin get me nearly every time).
That said, my tendency to hop on the bandwagon has provided me with a bit of a BS detector — are TikTok trends credible (scientifically-backed, maybe) or, more or less, a consumerist scheme?
But vetting every trend you happen across can be time-consuming — enter The Wellness Edit (me!). While you have me (!!), I’ll break down the wellness trends we just can’t seem to escape and provide an answer to the ever-asked question: is this real?
(Again, I am chronically online, but if there’s a particular trend you’d like to see broken down, please LMK at chloe@rescripted.com!)
I’m so glad you’re here,
Chloe
Photo Source: Twitter
Unexpected Ways You May Be Damaging Your Skin Barrier
Your skin might be crying out for help, and you don't even know it. If your moisturizer has been randomly stinging lately, or your go-to products suddenly feel irritating, that's your skin barrier waving a little white flag. When the skin barrier is healthy, skin looks smooth and hydrated — when it's damaged, skin becomes dry and inflamed. And the culprits? They're sneakier than you'd think.
Sure, you've heard about not over-exfoliating, but what about your beloved steamy shower? Research has shown that continuous hot water use damages the skin barrier, leading to water loss and increased dehydration. Think of your skin barrier like butter, hot water melts it right away.
Then there's the viral 60-second cleansing rule. Sounds thorough, right? Not so fast. There's no benefit to massaging your cleanser in longer, and in fact, you may do damage because the fatty layer of your skin barrier can begin to break down.
Your product-stacking habit might also be working against you. Layering too many active ingredients — like retinoids, acids, and benzoyl peroxide — can overwhelm the skin. More is definitely not more here.
And don't sleep on stress — literally. Research has shown that stress disrupts skin barrier function, likely by exacerbating inflammation.
The fix? Simplify your routine, turn down the shower temp, and give your skin some grace.
Trouble falling asleep? Here are some tricks to help you fall asleep faster
You're lying in bed, phone down (good job!), eyes closed, and yet your brain has fully decided this is the perfect time to replay every mildly embarrassing thing you've ever said. Same, honestly.
If falling asleep feels like a nightly battle, you're not alone. About one in three adults struggles with sleep at some point, and the frustration of being tired but wired is so real. The good news? There are some genuinely helpful, science-backed tricks that can make a difference.
First up: try the 4-7-8 breathing method — inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. It activates your parasympathetic nervous system and helps slow your heart rate, signaling to your body that it's safe to wind down.
Next, check your room temperature. The National Sleep Foundation recommends keeping your bedroom between 60–67°F. A slightly cool environment helps your core body temperature drop, which is actually a cue your body uses to initiate sleep.
Also, ditch the doom-scrolling at least 30 minutes before bed. Blue light from screens suppresses melatonin production, making it harder for your body to recognize it's nighttime.
Finally, try progressive muscle relaxation — slowly tensing and releasing each muscle group from your toes up. It sounds a little silly, but it works.
You deserve rest, let's get you there.
Ask Clara:
"How much sleep should I get at night?"
Trendspotting: What’s Up With “Milk” In Fragrance?
Have you noticed that everything in beauty smells like milk right now? Your hair mist, your body lotion, your new perfume... It's all giving creamy, warm, cozy vibes. So what's actually going on?
The "milk" moment is very real. In the past two years, searches for "milk perfumes" have tripled according to Google Trends, and the trend has officially spilled (pun intended) from fine fragrance into your entire beauty routine. Brands like Ilia, DedCool, Phlur, and NOYZ all leaned into milky scents and textures, and they weren't wrong to do it.
But why milk? It turns out there's actual psychology behind it. Smell is the most developed sense we have as children, making childhood the most influential period for the smells we'll love throughout our lives — and milk is basically the universal comfort scent. It hits different when you're stressed.
Milky perfumes sit right between two other massive fragrance trends: super-sweet gourmands that smell like desserts and clean, minimal "skin scents" that smell like your own skin, but better, which is probably why they feel so wearable.
Now, the trend has evolved beyond just spritzing. Fragrance milks have the consistency of a serum with the potency of a traditional eau de parfum: lightweight, no tackiness, and unlike alcohol-based fragrances, they project even more on your skin. The same goes for haircare: milky hair mists and creamy scented treatments are everywhere.
Bottom line? Milk isn't just for your cereal anymore. It's your whole vibe.
The Best 2026 Spring Drugstore Beauty and Wellness Finds
Can we talk about how good the drugstore is right now? Because honestly, your local CVS or Walgreens is lowkey having a major moment, and your wallet is about to thank you.
Let's start with skin, because spring means it's officially time to ditch that heavy winter routine. Cetaphil's new daily serum is packing hyaluronic acid to hydrate, niacinamide to minimize pores and boost radiance, plus gallic acid and vitamin E to protect against environmental damage — all at a price point that won't make you wince. And if you want that lit-from-within glow without spending a fortune, Olay's Regenerist Resurfacing Peel Night Treatment uses lactic acid and salicylic acid to gently exfoliate, improve texture, and even out skin tone. Yes, please!
Other Springtime Editor Favorites:
The bottom line? You don't need a luxury budget for a glowy, healthy spring routine. The drugstore aisle has everything you need — you just have to know where to look. Happy shopping!
How Much Does a Wellness Routine Actually Cost in 2026 — And What Should You Budget For It?
let's have an honest conversation about something we don't talk about enough: the real price tag of "taking care of yourself." Because wellness is everywhere right now — and so are the costs that come with it.
Here's the honest breakdown: Americans spend an average of $110 per month on beauty, fitness, and wellness combined, but that number can creep up fast depending on your priorities.
When it comes to skincare specifically, the average American spends about $492 per year on skincare products, with women averaging $600 annually. Add in gym memberships, supplements, and the occasional facial or wellness class, and your "self-care" budget can balloon before you even realize it.
So what should you be budgeting? Honestly, it depends on your goals — but smart choices and consistent habits can redefine wellness without sacrificing joy. You don't need a flashy gym or expensive gadgets to make meaningful progress. Experts suggest prioritizing the basics first: movement (even free outdoor workouts count!), sleep, hydration, and a solid skincare foundation.
A realistic starting wellness budget for 2026? Aim for $100–$150/month and scale from there. Your health is worth investing in — just make sure the investment is working for you, not stressing you out. Because sis, that defeats the whole purpose.
Ask Clara:
"How can I budget for healthier routines?"
Thrift Therapy: Why Browsing Secondhand Stores Might Be the Self-Care You Didn't Know You Needed
When was the last time you walked into a thrift store and walked out feeling worse? Exactly. There's something genuinely magical about the thrift store experience, and it turns out, science (and your gut feeling) is onto something.
First, the treasure hunt aspect is everything. That slow, purposeful browsing activates a sense of mindfulness — you're present, you're curious, and your brain gets a little dopamine hit every time you uncover something amazing. It's basically a meditation session with better accessories.
Thrifting also gives you a serious creativity boost. Styling a look from mismatched finds forces your brain to think differently, and creative expression is one of the most underrated mood lifters out there. No art degree required: just a good eye and a $4 over-sized blazer.
Here are a few ways to make your thrift trips feel like true self-care:
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Go solo sometimes. No pressure, no rushing — just you and the racks.
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Set a small budget. The constraint actually makes the wins feel sweeter.
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Thrift with intention. Looking for something specific? It gives the outing purpose and direction.
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Donate before you go. Letting go of old things before bringing in new ones is *chef's kiss* for mental clarity.
At the end of the day, thrifting is slow, joyful, and budget-friendly, which honestly sounds like the perfect mental health break to us.
Ask Clara:
"What are easy ways to boost my mood?"