25 Ways to Try Aquafaba - Brit + Co

Paige Johnson
May 21, 2016

If you haven't acquainted yourself with aquafaba yet, get ready for the quick and dirty low-down: Aquafaba is one of the healthy food trends of 2016 and is probably blowing up all over your Pinterest as we speak. It's most commonly taken from chickpeas, but it's essentially the liquid that comes in a can of beans. It can be used as a thickener, oil alternative or egg replacement. Mostly it's used in vegan dishes, but you *definitely* don't have to be vegan to reap its benefits. Plus, it's great for using in bean dessert recipes without actually having to use beans. The best part is that its flavor is completely undetectable, and you're using an ingredient that otherwise would have been wasted. Crack open that can and reserve the liquid gold inside, because these 25 Pinterest-worthy recipes will give you plenty of ways to use it.

1. Aquafaba French Toast: This breakfast and brunch staple is a must for any household. It’s made vegan by subbing aquafaba for the eggs, and the result is exactly like the original. (via Vegan Mother Hubbard)

2. Vegan Aquafaba Butter: If you’re a classic butter eater, you may be very skeptical about this vegan version, but trust us — if you try it, you won’t be disappointed. Even if you do consume animal products, you’ll love this healthier take on butter. (via Plante Pusherne)

3. Vegan Gluten-Free Churros With Cinnamon Aquafaba Frosting: Carnival food that’s vegan and you can easily make at home is an automatic winner in our book. Heads up — you might just want to slather that frosting on everything. (via So Delicious Dairy Free)

4. Earl Grey and Lemon Vegan French Macarons: You may be thinking that macarons are hard enough to make without introducing a whole new ingredient to the mix. Wrong. The preparation is actually exactly the same, save for swapping the egg whites for aquafaba. They may actually be more fool-proof than you think. (via Morsels and Moonshine)

5. Fudgy Vegan Brownies: What makes these brownies so decadent and fudgy? A balanced mix of fruity olive oil, dark chocolate and aquafaba take them from ordinary to extraordinary. Your bake-sale buyers wouldn’t even know they’re vegan. (via Lazy Cat Kitchen)

6. Galaxy Macarons: Gone are the days when vegans didn’t have the same food options as the rest of the population. These macarons are so close to the original, they even have the “feet” that macarons are known for. Fill these with vegan buttercream or keep it simple with a smear of your favorite jam. (via Avocados and Ales)

7. Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake With Cheesecake Frosting and Cookie Crumble: Birthdays and holidays will never be the same now that you’ve discovered this masterpiece of a cake. You can also make 12 cupcakes with this recipe; that way you can switch it up, since you’ll be making it over and over again. (via The Plant Philosophy)

8. Fluffy Vegan Oatmeal Pancakes With Aquafaba: They key to fluffy vegan pancakes isn’t the way you prepare them — it’s the chickpea juice. Whipping the aquafaba before mixing it into the batter means you get a light and airy pancake that will impress everyone. (via Serious Eats)

9. Vegan Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Mousse: Anyone who’s familiar with the airy texture of mousse can take one look at that photo and see that it’s spot on. Whipped aquafaba is the perfect addition to any recipe that calls for whipped egg whites. The proof is in the pudding — err, mousse. (via Tinned Tomatoes)

10. One Hour Cinnamon Rolls: Did you know that aquafaba can easily be frozen? The next time you make hummus, pour out the chickpea liquid into ice trays. Then, when you want to make quick vegan cinnamon rolls, you can pop out a couple cubes and you’re ready to rock. (via Vegan Richa)

11. Aquafabulous Chocolate Mousse: Three ingredients are all that stand between you and this light and airy dessert. Plus, you can’t turn down a treat with a name as great as “aquafabulous.” (via Following Breadcrumbs)

12. Chocolate Chip Cookies: This is a great base recipe for a vegan cookie that you can easily adapt according to what you have in your pantry. Chocolate chips are *obviously* a must, but you can add raisins and nuts, or even peanut butter if you wish. (via Begin With Nutrition)

13. Cranberry Orange Clafoutis: This French custard-based dessert is an elegant addition to any table. In order to mimic the classic texture that eggs traditionally provide this dish, you need a protein-rich substitute like aquafaba. The similarity is undeniable and the flavor is to die for. (via Fettle Vegan)

14. Melt in Your Mouth Vegan Cornbread: This is not the dry and crumbly cornbread you may have had in the past. Between the vegan butter, chickpea juice and almond milk, this bread is super moist and almost cake-like. You’ll want to top every bowl of chili with it from here on out. (via Cheftographer)

15. Hazelnut and Almond Dacquoise With Espresso Buttercream and Chocolate Ganache: If you need a vegan dessert that will please the eyes and palates of the masses, look no further. This fancy French sweet is going to impress even the most critical of foodies. (via Avocados and Ales)

16. Vegan White Chocolate Mousse: This is an absolute must-try recipe. All you need is the liquid from one can of chickpeas and white chocolate to create this creamy and delicious dessert that’s perfect for date night. (via Green Evi)

17. Homemade Eggless Mayonnaise: Making vegan mayo that rivals the flavor of the eggy version wasn’t an easy task until someone decided to make it using aquafaba. The similarities are uncanny, especially once you refrigerate it for a while to allow it to thicken. Your vegan sandwich won’t be the same after you make this mayo. (via Ruchi’s Kitchen)

18. Vegan Hawaiian Bread: Because Hawaiian bread calls for a very eggy dough, it’s hard to find a vegan alternative. Thankfully, aquafaba gives you the option of making a pretty good duplicate at home, so you can enjoy that sweet and fluffy bread once again. (via Seitan Beats Your Meat)

19. Vegan Lemon Meringue Cupcakes: Nothing will impress your non-vegan friends like a cupcake with meringue frosting. Little do they know, this spot-on meringue is made with little more than chickpea water, powdered sugar, cream of tartar and vanilla. (via Wallflower Kitchen)

20. Vegan Marshmallow Fluff Stuffed PB Cookies: Vegan marshmallow cream is a staple recipe you can take in endless directions. Start with the filling for these peanut butter cookies, and then perhaps a vegan s’mores bar after that. (via Ecorazzi)

21. Vegan and Gluten-Free Strawberries and Cream Scones: These scones are bursting with sweet and juicy strawberries and filled with creamy coconut flavor. A batch of these may last you through the end of the week, but you may want to double it… just in case. (via Cheftographer)

22. Chocolate Sheet Cake: There are a few recipes everyone needs in their collection, regardless of their dietary preference — biscuits, mashed potatoes and chocolate sheet cake, just to name a few. Even if you’re not vegan, a recipe like this one is great to have on hand when celebrating a dairy-free friend’s birthday. (via Begin With Nutrition)

23. Whole Grain Aquafaba Waffles: Waffles need a good bit of volume to keep their light and fluffy texture intact. Whipping chickpea water into the batter does just that without imparting any extra flavor on the waffles, and you can add whatever mix-ins you want. Vegan chocolate chips, perhaps? (via The Pancake Princess)

24. Vegan Meringues: This is NOT a drill. Non-vegans may actually prefer these babies to the egg meringues they’re used to. They’re less dry than the traditional treat, which means they’re less messy and more fun to eat. (via Cooking Is Messy)

25. Vegan and Gluten-Free Banana Bread: No matter what diet you adhere to, this banana bread will rock your world. We’re not saying you should let your bananas go brown, but you may want to accidentally set a few aside for this recipe. (via Free Range Cookies)

Now you see why aquafaba is all the rage? Follow us on Pinterest for more easy + delicious recipe ideas.

20 Gluten-Free Pasta Dishes

Pasta is a go-to dish when you’re in a hurry to put dinner on the table, but if you’re trying to eat gluten-free you may be wondering what to do? Never fear, the list of pasta replacements is full of delicious and healthy options that will completely satisfy those noodle cravings. Fromzucchini and carrot noodles to quinoa andblack bean fettuccinie, check out all these healthy, gluten-free pasta dishes for some quick dinner inspiration.

1. Veggie Pasta: Not only is this a delicious way to make use of all those fresh summer veggies, but these colorful noodles are gluten-free and simple as can be. (via Brit + Co)

2. Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti: Spaghetti squash is in season and it’s a great low-carb, low-calorie, and gluten-free alternative to pasta. (via Brit + Co)

3. Bangkok Peanut Mango Pasta: This easy recipe is basically no cleanup and only takes 15 minutes! For if you want thai with an Italian twist. We love this gluten-free easy meal! (via Half Baked Harvest)

4. Garlicky Greens With Buckwheat Noodles: Seaweed, kale and sesame seeds make this a true super meal full of antioxidants. (via Begin With Nutrition)

5. Roasted Pepper Zucchini Pasta: Noodles made out of zucchini are topped with balsamic roasted baby tomatoes, baby arugula and toasted pine nuts for a vegetarian, gluten free delight. (via Inspiralized)

6. Gluten-Free Fettuccine Pasta With Tomatoes and Lemon: Check your health food stores for fresh gluten-free pasta to make this dish extra delicious. (via The Organic Kitchen)

7. Zucchini Noodles With Avocado Penne: Healthy, hearty zucchini noodles are combined with smooth, creamy, zesty, cheesy avocado pesto with baby tomatoes for a little extra freshness. (via Better With Cake)

8. Brown Rice Penne With Lamb and Mint Pesto: The pesto is filled with mint, sprouts and pistachios and pairs perfectly with the ground lamb while the rice pasta holds up to a perfect al dente texture. (via Running To The Kitchen)

9. Brussel Sprouts and Prosciutto Spagetti: This delicious meal will have you thinking it's not gluten-free! It has delicious manchego brussel sprouts with prosciutto, sage, and kale. Sounds healthy and still delicious! (via Half Baked Harvest)

10. Vegan Pasta with Mushrooms and Miso: An amazing creamy meal that will have you thinking you're being deceived by its healthiness. It's so creamy and so delicious! An amazing vegan/gluten free meal to try out! (via The First Mess)

11. Roasted Summer Squash Pasta With Cilantro Pesto: Quinoa pasta and cilantro-lime pesto make this pasta dish a quick weeknight dinner you can enjoy all summer long. (via Dishing Up The Dirt)

12. Black Bean Spaghetti With Avocado Crema: Noodles made out of black beans lend an ideal flavor for this Southwestern dish that is simultaneously spicy, fresh and cool. (via Snixy Kitchen)

13. Vegan Butternut Squash Zuppa Toscana: This Italian-inspired dish is sure to meet all of our gluten-free requirements while also being creamy and delicious! I can't wait to try this yummy dish. (via The First Mess)

14. Sesame Ginger Cucumber Noodles With Mint and Edamame: Cucumbers are so good during the summer; instead of chopping them up in salad, let them shine in this noodle dish! (via Inspiralized)

15. Zucchini Pasta With Poached Eggs and Tomato Basil Sauce: This dish will only take 15 minutes to throw together, but the flavors will blow you away. (via Half Baked Harvest)

16. Vegetable Noodle Pad Thai: This dish incorporates vegetable noodles mixed with some shredded cabbage and bell pepper, plus some fresh herbs and a deliciously creamy sauce. (via To Her Core)

17. Red Curry Stew and Vegetable Noodles: This bright vegan dish is filled with mixed vegetable noodles and topped with a light red curry stew. (via Healthy Nibbles And Bits)

18. Zucchini Pasta With Quinoa Meatballs: These vegetarian meatballs are easy to make and are a super healthy way to get some extra protein with your vegetable noodles. (via Keepin’ It Kind)

19. Lobster Tail Diavolo With Zucchini Noodles: Treat yourself with this mildly spicy lobster pasta. (via Inspiralized)


20. Corn, Tomato and Avocado Salad: Treat yourself with this delicious and refreshing vegetable salad that also happens to be gluten free. (via The First Mess)

Will you be trying any of these healthy noodle dishes? Let us know in the comments below!

This post has been updated.

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Mandy Teefey’s Go-To Hack Will Make Social Media Suck Less

We all have big feelings. And thanks to social media and rising levels of anxiety, those feelings, well, feel bigger than ever. That’s exactly where resources like Wondermind come in. The self-proclaimed “mental health ecosystem” is all about exploring, discussing, and navigating our emotions together. This Mental Health Awareness Month, Wondermind wants you to live your mental health journey in community because Mandy Teefey, who co-founded the company with daughter Selena Gomez, knows what it’s like to walk that journey alone.

Image via Wondermind

“As I went through a very long journey of finding I did have a mental health diagnosis — and then I was misdiagnosed and then I had to go through that — I was blessed to have the resources to do that,” Teefey, who received an ADHD and trauma diagnosis after a 20-year bipolar misdiagnosis, says. “Whenever I started my journey of discovering what mental condition I had…I didn't have anybody to lean into or explain the way I was feeling.”

While these personal experiences helped Teefey better understand mental health, it wasn’t until she produced Netflix’s 2017 series 13 Reasons Whythat she saw just how far the mental health conversation goes. The hit show went viral almost as soon as it aired because of its realistic depiction of mental health and all the aftershocks of trauma.

“After we did 13 Reasons Why and saw the reaction and the need for that support, me and Selena were trying to really figure out what could be next,” Teefey says. “Everybody was releasing things [at] different times. It's like you have to have 12 apps to have a program, and then remember to use them all. So that's when we decided to create a mental fitness ecosystem. So it's all-encompassing, but there's something for everyone.”

“We're not a medicinal company [but] we do have an advisory committee that oversees everything that we do,” Teefey continues. “We're technically not doctors, but we are for everyone when it comes to feelings. Everybody has feelings and they can go to our content hub and just kind of explore that for a while.”

Image via Brit + Co

Admittedly, that exploration bit is pretty fun. The articles are inspiring, and the worksheets (which are each created by an expert) are incredibly helpful. Seeing every program, article, and podcast episode feels like an opportunity to start fresh, but once you have all the ideas in front of you, what do you actually do? Teefey recommends journaling, even if it’s just a sentence every day. (She also loves watching journaling videos from Planning Annie: “Anytime I'm feeling sad or like a little unmotivated, I put her on.”)

Journaling every day, even if your entries are short, allows you to track your mood over an extended period of time. If you notice a consistent sadness, for example, it could be a sign it’s time to check in with your doctor. Plus, journaling can help prepare you for the conversations mental health appointments bring up.

“Sometimes if you go into a therapy session and you're not really settled or concrete in who you are and what may be going on, you might go through what I went through, which is being misdiagnosed,” Teefey says. “It's more important for you to know who you are and what you need prior to going in. So you can give that to them instead of them guessing and working around that process with you.”

Image via Brit + Co

Establishing a consistent routine can help decrease your stress, whether you’re eating the same breakfast every day, or you stick to a tried and true skincare regimen like Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie does on Euphoria. I immediately thought of this teen drama when Mandy Teefey mentioned how important her 4 a.m. routine is. But while Cassie spends time doing her skincare and makeup, Teefey spends time nurturing her soul.

“If I don't have [that routine], I'm usually really off kilter,” she says. “So I get up at 4 when everyone's still asleep, and I found that time could be about me, and I'm not taking it away from anybody. And so that's really what helped me be more grounded throughout the day.”

I can attest that my own quiet time in the morning is vital for a successful day — as is knowing what my boundaries need to be. Because honestly, boundaries can change daily! Teefey and I both acknowledge we have to stay away from sad music to protect our mental health, and she also recommends staying off social media when you feel your mental health struggling.

“I can go three days without looking at social media and then when I go on there, I start having anxiety because I'm like, ‘Oh my gosh, I haven't liked this person. I haven't even liked our own pictures [for] Wondermind.’ And then I start feeling guilty,” she says. “There's just some kind of [expectation] to do social media and you really don't. Not everybody needs to know everything, you know? There's beauty in privacy.”

Even Selena Gomez admitted at the 2024 Time100 Summit that taking time off Instagram "was the most rewarding gift I gave myself."

Image via Brit + Co

The idea of staying off social media is way easier said than done (speaking from first hand experience here). If you feel like you’re drowning in engagement announcements, anxiety-inducing news, and FOMO, Teefey recommends keeping tabs on your reactions to gauge when it’s time to take a serious break.

“If it invokes any emotion that is a negative emotion, I [know] it's not worth being angry about, it's not worth losing sleep about,” she says. “It just feels like there's an unintentional taunting on social media and, ‘Wait a minute, is that about me?’ You don't know this person and then you start running with all this stuff in your mind.”

Like every area of life, social media is all about balance, and if you’re looking to unplug while still staying informed, Mandy Teefey recommends bringing a journal with you when doing your morning news scroll — that way, you can process emotions while keeping tabs on what’s happening. “If anything evokes emotion, I'm meditating during the quiet time,” she says.

Studies have found journaling can help decrease your anxiety, and that it can help you break obsessive thought cycles. And while you’re the only one who can process your thoughts and emotions, it’s important not to isolate yourself from your community — especially when you’re struggling. “You gotta build trust and you gotta build the boundary of who you volunteer [your] help to,” she says.

When it comes to her own daughters, Mandy Teefey knows it’s a process. “You have to work with them and meet them where they're at, and then see the help they need and don't assume [they’re going through] what you went through,” she says. “You've got to really understand them to be able to give that advice.”

Image via Natalie Rhea

In her own life, Mandy Teefey got to experience building that trust first-hand with Selena Gomez! “One time it was very, very cold in California and me and Selena were on the opposite sides of the pool,” she says. “We were in sweats and she says, ‘Do you trust me?’ And I went, ‘Yeah.’ And she goes ‘Okay, if you trust me, on three, we're gonna jump in this ice cold pool.’”

While Teefey wasn’t convinced, she trusted Gomez, and they both ended up in the freezing cold water! Which is both a funny story and a fond memory: “We couldn't get out of the pool because [our clothes were] so heavy. It was madness!”

“There's a lot of things I know my daughters don't tell me and that's their right,” she continues. “It's so sensitive between teenagers — especially teenagers — and their parents. They're going through that phase and they don't want to be around them and they don't wanna tell them things. It's definitely not easy but maybe put some feelers out there and just make sure that they know you're there and make it okay to have these conversations.”

Thanks to all this actionable advice, we know that Mental Health Awareness month isn’t limited to TikTok videos or Instagram posts we can reshare. There are real tips we can use to take care of ourselves — and a place to go when we need a boost.

Watch Our Full Interview With Mandy Teefey Here!

youtu.be

Wondermind Co-Founder Mandy Teefey Helps Us Navigate Big Feelings For Mental Health Awareness Month

If you're struggling with your mental health, check in with your doctor or check out the mental health resources Wondermind offers. You can also use Psychology Today to find a therapist near you.

Lead image via Getty

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Everything You Can And Can’t Eat On A Vegan Diet

Navigating any new diet can be a challenge, but luckily, figuring out what you can (and can’t) eat on a vegan meal plan isn’t that hard. You’ll have to say goodbye to meat, eggs, honey, and dairy, and you’ll definitely need to hone your label-reading skills. Other than that, though, there’s a world of vegan recipes just waiting for you! Every fruit, vegetable, bean, nut, and grain is included, and there are tons of vegan foods and snacks you can get in stores these days. Use this guide on vegan diet foods the next time you’re at the supermarket to pick up all the plant-powered food you need.

What do vegans eat?

Photo by Pixabay / PEXELS

Vegans eat any food that's not derived from animals. Nuts, legumes, fruits, vegetables, tofu, lentils, soy beans, leafy greens, seeds, and more plant-based foods are all part of the vegan diet.

Can vegans eat eggs?

Photo by Rusiru Bhagya / PEXELS

Vegans cannot eat eggs since eggs are an animal product.

Foods You CAN'T Eat On A Vegan Diet

Meat, Eggs, Seafood

Meat, eggs, seafood, and any products derived from them (like gelatin and collagen) are not part of a vegan diet. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up all of your favorite foods!

These substitutions will sate your cravings without breaking your plant-based diet.

Dairy

Traditional dairy is a no-go when you’re a vegan. But that doesn't mean mean milk, cheese, yogurt, and even ice cream have to be off the table. Luckily, there are plenty of nut-, grain-, and soy-based substitutes for you to enjoy!

Try these when you get a craving for something creamy.

Butter, Ghee, Lard, or Schmaltz

You can eat almost any fat on a vegan diet, such as extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil. One gray area is palm oil. While palm oil doesn’t come directly from an animal source, many vegans are concerned about how areas are deforested in order to plant palm oil plantations, leading to habitat loss for millions of animals. The problem is especially affecting fragile orangutan populations.

Try cooking with these vegan butters and recipes:

Foods You CAN Eat On A Vegan Diet

Vegetables

Eat all the vegetables you want, vegan babes! Beans, nuts, and peas are especially rich in protein, but you may be surprised to learn that even the humble white potato contains 3 to 7 grams of protein, depending on its size! Try to eat a rainbow of veggies every day to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.
This is one food category you can embrace with joy. Peep this list of veggie-packed vegan recipes to whip up:

Fruit

Ripe, juicy fruit is like vegan candy. Eat on its own (raw) or turn some into gorgeous smoothie bowls, but anyway you slice it, fruit’s definitely on the menu.

Some recipe inspo:

Whole Grains

The fiber you get from grains will help keep you full and satisfied when eating vegan. Don’t get stuck eating just white bread, pasta, and rice. Instead, branch out and experiment with whole grains like bulgur, millet, amaranth, steel cut oats, and more.

Get your grains in with these vegan recipes:

Vegan Snacks

We think snacks are important no matter what your diet. Healthy snacks will keep you energized between meals and liven up any movie night, party, or lazy Netflix-marathon weekend. Thankfully, these days there are tons of vegan snack options for you to munch on.

Liked our guide on vegan diet foods? Check out our handy guide to vegan protein sources and follow us on Pinterest for all of your special diet needs.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Photos via Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

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Ryan Gosling Is The Ultimate Girl Dad

After The Gray Man and a year full of Barbie and Ken, The Fall Guy (plus the upcoming Ocean's 11 prequelwith Margot Robbie) continues to prove Ryan Gosling is THE definition of a star. And between his friendship with Emma Stone and his relationship with Eva Mendes,Ryan seems like the kind of guy we'd all want to be best friends with — and not just because of his endless #Kenergy.

Not only is Ryan the sweetest partner, he's also the ultimate girl dad to daughters Esmeralda and Amada. Their "interest in Barbie and disinterest in Ken," as Ryan tells People, get him to Barbieland in the first place, but he also just revealed they "asked specifically" he avoid one The Fall Guy stunt. “My kids didn't want me to be set on fire,” he says. “Even though I said, ‘Well, it's actually, technically the safer thing to do because there's a lot of protective stuff involved, [they] were like, ‘No. No fire.’ So I didn't do it.”

It's clear that Ryan Gosling's children are spitfires and I love to see it! Here's everything you need to know about Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's kids.

How many children do Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have?

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have two children, Esmerelda Amada and Amada Lee. Amada was named after Eva's grandmother — both my sister and I have family names and I love seeing the way different families carry on that tradition!

How old are Ryan Gosling's kids?

Image via Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

Esmerelda was born in September 2014, meaning she'll turn 10 this fall. Amada just turned 8 at the end of April!

How does Ryan Gosling prioritize his kids?

Image via Lionsgate

In his recent profile with WSJ, Ryan Gosling revealed he only picks roles that will benefit his whole family. "I don't really take roles that are going to put me in some kind of dark place," Ryan says. "The decisions I make, I make them with Eva and we make them with our family in mind first."

"I think La La Landwas the first," he continues. "It was sort of like, 'Oh this will be fun for them too, because even though they're not coming to set, we're practicing piano every day or we're dancing or we're singing.'"

Every couple needs to figure out what prioritizing their kids looks like for them, and considering how much I love all Ryan's recent roles, I'd say this is a shift that benefits everyone ;).

When did Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have their daughters?

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Eva Mendes gave birth to Esmerelda on September 12, 2014 and later had Amada on April 29, 2016.

Are Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes still together?

Image via Sonia Recchia/Getty Images

Yes, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes are still going strong, and thank goodness. Eva just revealed that Ryan provides a ton of support for her. "When I was 40, it was a big deal for people when I was pregnant, and it wasn't for me," she tells People. "And then I was 42 and I was pregnant with my second one and people were like, 'Oh my God, you're going to be so tired. That's why people have kids in their 20s.' I was like, that's the most sorry, asinine thing I've ever heard."

"[Ryan supports me] in all the ways I need to be supported," she continues. "He's got me in all the ways."

How has fatherhood affected Ryan Gosling?

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Considering Ryan Gosling's daughters are such a huge part of his life now, it's hard to believe that earlier in life, he wasn't sure he wanted kids. "After I met Eva, I realized that I just didn’t want to have kids without her," he tells GQ. "And there were moments on The Place Beyond the Pines where we were pretending to be a family, and I didn’t really want it to be pretend anymore." Now, I'm going to need you to pause and reread that quote because I can't believe that's a real sentence. I'm obsessed!

A source also told People in 2023 that "Ryan is such a fun dad. He is goofy and his girls love it."

Via WSJ, we also know that since Ryan Gosling's kids have started learning Spanish, they now call him Papi. "It kills me every time," he says. "There's just nothing, nothing better than that."

What has Eva Mendes said about their daughters?

Image via Eva Mendes/Instagram

Eva Mendes is just as obsessed with her and Ryan Gosling's children as he is, and she's talked about how they make life so much better. "Oh April…I have such a complicated relationship with you," she says on Instagram. "[April 2] would have been my brother’s birthday…..in a couple of weeks from now is the day we lost him…but then, the end of April we got the biggest blessing of all, my little girl was born 8 years ago. I hate you April. But I love you more."

Check out our email newsletter for the latest celebrity news and trending content, and check back here for the latest news on Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's kids!

Lead image via Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

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Dealing With Stubborn Bloating? An Expert Shares How To Banish It

Bloating is a common digestive issue that can make you feel sluggish, uncomfortable, and self-conscious. While bloating is often caused by overeating, there are other factors that can contribute to this uncomfortable sensation, such as consuming gas-producing foods or experiencing hormonal changes.

The thing is that bloating happens to the best of us so it doesn't mean you're weird if you haven't figured out what's causing your tummy issues. Between weight fluctuations and hormonal changes post-birth, I still haven't cracked the 'happy digestive system' code. But, that lack of knowledge is no match for the expertise of Dr. Brynna Connor, MD — a Healthcare Ambassador at NorthWest Pharmacy.

Based in Austin, Texas where she has her own private practice, Dr. Connor is a member of the Texas Academy of Family Practice, the American Academy of Family Practice, and the Texas Medical Association. In other words, she has nearly two decades worth of medical experience that makes her the right person to answer all our "How to get rid of bloating" questions.

Whether you're dealing with the occasional bloat or chronic digestive issues, Dr. Connor has expert tips to help you find relief and get back to enjoying healthy meals that your body loves.

How can I tell if I'm bloated?

Image via Polina Zimmerman/Pexels

Before I became a mom, it was easy for me to recognize the immediate signs of bloating. I only experienced it during PMS and the week of my cycle, but it always went away for a few weeks. Not only that, I used to be able to pinpoint which foods were the culprit of horrific period cramps and the inevitable gassiness that seemed to make my cycles 10x worse. Now, things are up in the air and I'm joining the ranks of other curious women who want to know what's considered bloating.

Dr. Connor says, "There are various symptoms a woman may experience if she’s bloated. Bloating may make you feel like your stomach is tight or full and can cause abdominal pain, swollen/distended stomach, flatulence, belching, and/or stomach cramps. It’s not uncommon to experience multiple symptoms of bloating at once."

I don't think I need to mention just how uncomfortable things can feel when experiencing multiple bloating symptoms.

What triggers bloating symptoms?

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I mentioned my daily cycle as one of the reasons I knew I used to experience bloating, but there are more things that can trigger it. "Bloating occurs when your gastrointestinal or digestive system(s) are filled with gas or liquid and there are six common potential causes," says Dr. Connor.

She lists having gas as one of the first reasons. "It’s normal to experience symptoms of excess gas, especially after eating and/or drinking as you may have also swallowed small amounts of air. Certain factors may increase the likelihood that you experience bloating after eating, such as chewing gum, drinking carbonated beverages, and/or eating or drinking too fast."

Hearing this reminds me of the moments I was told to slow down when eating my food as a little girl.

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There's also the chance that you have a food intolerance. I only speak for myself when I say that I'm only able to consume dairy in small increments and tomato sauce? Well, I can just forget that because lately my stomach skips bloating and heads right to nausea. What gives, you ask?

Dr. Connor says, "You can experience bloating if your digestive system has trouble breaking down certain foods. Common food intolerances that can lead to bloating include lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, and/or fructose intolerance." Feeling mind-blown about possibly having a fructose intolerance? Same here, but Dr. Connor explains what happens when our body breaks down certain foods.

"There are also chemicals found in particular foods that can increase the chances of bloating after they’re ingested, including histamine (found in wine and cheese), caffeine, alcohol, sulfites (found in beer and wine), and monosodium glutamate (MSG – found in ripe fruit and cured meat)," she says.

If you're hearing someone play the world's smallest violin, it's me mourning the fact that my two greatest loves — wine and cheese — may not be the best things to consume together.

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I can say it's been a while since I've been constipated, but only because my doctor all but demanded that I start taking probiotics and eating more probiotic-rich foods. Still, it always sucks when constipation happens which explains the bloating that tends to follow.

"When your large intestine absorbs too much water from your stool, it becomes harder and more difficult to pass. The resulting buildup of stool in your colon can lead to bloating, swelling, and stomach/abdominal pain, and you’re particularly susceptible to constipation if you’re not getting enough fiber, water, or exercise. Changes to your daily routine or an increased level of stress can also contribute to constipation and bloating," says Dr. Connor.

Somehow this is oddly comforting to know that stress can also be a culprit.

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Like I mentioned before, starting your period is one of the reasons you can experience bloat. What Dr. Connor says next will occupy a space in your mind if you're never considered what happens during that special time of the month.

"Certain hormones, like estrogen, can cause your body to hold onto water, which can cause swelling in the abdomen. Estrogen can also interact with progesterone in your digestive system, leading to increased gas in your intestines. Bloating prior to your period may also be caused by the increase in volume in your uterus just before your period starts," she says.

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I've been prescribed different medications after two of my surgeries and found that I experienced unusual bloating that led to horrific cycles. Dr. Connor says there's a reason why certain medications or supplements can cause this to happen.

"...fiber supplements can cause bloating or constipation when the supplement isn’t taken with enough water. Other medications that can lead to bloating and/or constipation include opioids like hydrocodone or oxycodone, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, iron supplements, and antihistamines like Benadryl," she offers.

Although I no longer take Benadryl, I can confirm I experienced a ton of bloating when trying to combat my allergies.

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Lastly, Dr. Connor says there could be underlying medical reason you're experiencing bloating. "People living with gastrointestinal diseases like Celiac Disease, an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome are more likely to experience bloating, excess gas, and constipation."

She also says, "Underlying liver disease or cancers can also cause bloating in the abdomen, which is why you should talk to your doctor if you are experiencing prolonged symptoms associated with bloating, or if you’re having any additional symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, or pelvic pain, blood in your stool, difficulty swallowing, or any excess fatigue or unexplained weight loss."

What are some ways to reduce bloating in general and during PMS/menstrual cycles?

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Dr. Connor says managing bloating can depend on what's triggering your symptoms. It's always best to schedule an appointment with your doctor if you concerned about your digestive health, but there are things you can do at home to provide some relief.

"At-home solutions include over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Gas-X or antacids that can be taken together or separately. Probiotics can also help reduce gas and restore the balance of bacteria in your digestive tract. Herbal remedies like peppermint, chamomile tea, or turmeric, can aid digestion, and peppermint oil can help relax muscles in the stomach that aid in the passing of gas."

She also suggests that you increase your fiber intake, incorporate exercise in your routine, and stay hydrated.

By taking steps to reduce bloating, you can improve your overall health and feel more comfortable in your daily life.

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This post has been updated.

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