The downside of diet soda
You know how you always seem to spend more when in the midst of retail therapy sale shopping? “I can’t afford not to buy this!” is my favourite budget-breaking justification.

The same (skewed) logic may unconsciously apply to your diet pop fix. According to new research, people who gulp down diet drinks are more likely to binge on junk food. The theory from the science bods at the University of Illinois is we may feel justified eating more because of the saved beverage calories. We’ve all pulled this move – like ordering a giant cheeseburger with a Diet Coke and joking with your pals about how good you’re being.

Please don’t. Better yet, just stop drinking diet pop all together. In previous studies, this beverage has been linked to higher belly fat and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. #notworthit

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Anti-bacterial soap: over-rated?   
I’ve seen it all on my morning subway commute to the office. Grown men and women not-so-subtly picking their noses (for realz). People sneezing without covering their mouths. And then touching EVERYTHING. It’s enough to make me run for the hand sanitizer as soon as I get into the office. So when I read that about a new study that says some chemicals in anti-bacterial soaps are no more effective than those in regular soaps, I was intrigued.

Here’s what researchers in Korea found. Yes, triclosan (one of the go-to antibacterial agents in liquid soaps) will kill more bacteria than traditional soaps, but only when it’s in a steeped in a lab setting over the course of a several hours. And when’s the last time you washed your hands for several hours? Also, the concentrations allowed in these prods are restricted.

Turns out, even Health Canada agrees antibacterial soap isn’t necessary. It does however, recommend washing hands with soap for at least 15 seconds. FYI, that’s about the amount of time it takes to practice 5 future selfie poses in the mirror.

Gimme a break

Photo courtesy of giphy.com

Avoid your own Office Space printer-bashing breakdown by going for a daily coffee break. Taking time out of your workday to do something you enjoy – whether it’s a short walk, window shopping or even a snooze in your car (been there) – results in higher job satisfaction and less stress for office workers, according to new research from Baylor University. Duh.

A walk in Binx Walton’s shoes?
We wish. (We’re serious modelizers here at ELLE Canada.) At least we can content ourselves with the model’s upcoming collabo with Italian sneaker brand Superga. Check out the collabo here: superga.co.uk

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