Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mardi 28 février 2017
Kate and Pippa Are Sisters in Style, but Who Wore It First?
Since Kate Middleton became the Duchess of Cambridge, she has won numerous accolades for her style choices, and everything she wears immediately sells out - so much so that it's even been given a name: the Kate Effect. However, close to home is another glossy brunette beauty who has often worn something very similar - her little sister, Pippa. It seems that more often than not, it's the younger Middleton who wore the look first, and sometimes long before Kate put her spin on it . . .
Send Help, I Can't Stop Watching This Mesmerizing "Shape of You" Cover
Think guitars are overrated? Boy, do I have the "Shape of You" cover for you! Walk Off the Earth is a five-member group that primarily works with things that aren't instruments to make beautiful music, and their new Ed Sheeran single is goddamn hypnotizing. It doesn't matter how many versions you've heard of this song - this one wins. (Says me, a Very Important Entertainment Reporting Person.) Before you watch this cover, I feel like it's important for you to know that I only saw it because Russell Crowe tweeted it. Yes, Gladiator Russell Crowe.
PSA: Watch until the end of the song. There's a surprise that involves a bowl of popcorn and the splits.
Every Movie and TV Show Expiring on Netflix in March
The time has come to say goodbye to some of your favorite movies and shows on Netflix. While there are plenty of titles in store for next month, classics like Jaws and romantic comedies like The Nanny Diaries are about to disappear forever. You better start watching now before they're gone!
Expiring March 1
Jaws
Justice League: War
Jaws 2
Jaws 3
Jaws: The Revenge
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox
Keeping Up Appearances
Monarch of the Glen, Seasons 1-7
National Lampoon's Animal House
Robin Hood, Seasons 1-3
Survivors, Series 1-2
Expiring March 2
Black or White
Sweetwater
Expiring March 3
Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey
Misfire
Web Junkie
Expiring March 4
Entertainment
I Dream of Wires
Otto the Rhino
Seashore
The Discoverers
The Nanny Diaries
Expiring March 5
Food Chains
Jail Caesar
The Days to Come
Two Hundred Thousand Dirty
Expiring March 6
Pit Stop
Rigor Mortis
Expiring March 7
Hansel vs. Gretel
Expiring March 8
Love at First Fight
The Starving Games
Expiring March 15
Boy
B For Boy
My Girlfriend's Boyfriend
Sushi: The Global Catch
Expiring March 16
American Dreamz
Expiring March 23
Love Me
The Invincible Iron Man
Expiring March 25
All Stars
Pup
The Perfect Wedding
Expiring March 27
Dragonwolf
Expiring March 28
Erasing Hate
The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness
Expiring March 29
6 Guns
Detropia
I Melt With You
Mega Shark vs. Mecha Shark
The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne
21 Books to Read Before They're 2017 Movies
As the new year has begun, we've been looking forward to a fresh new year of films. And, like any other year, many of the big releases will be based on books. To start thinking about what should be on your reading list - or to see books you've already read up on the big screen - take a look at all the adaptations coming in 2017!
Warren Beatty Wants the Academy President to "Publicly Clarify What Happened" at the Oscars
Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway committed a massive flub on Sunday night when they announced the wrong winner at the Oscars. PricewaterhouseCoopers - the accounting firm that partners with the Academy and counts the votes - released not one, but two statements about the snafu on Monday, but Warren says Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs should "publicly" address the fiasco. While Warren didn't comment any further on the mistake, he did release a statement to The Associated Press on Tuesday, stating, "I feel it would be more appropriate for the president of the Academy, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, to publicly clarify what happened as soon as possible." The Academy has yet to comment.
22 Reasons You Should Reread the Harry Potter Series RIGHT Now
First of all, no, you do not need a reason to reread the Harry Potter series. However, if you'd like a reason other than "because I love it so much it hurts," then these are extra justifications for plowing through the seven books. Again. Do they get old after the 27th read? I can tell you from personal experience that no, they do not. Here's more fuel for your (Goblet of) fire.
You'll Sing and Dance Like Lumiere With This Beauty and the Beast Le Creuset Pot
One of the most iconic scenes in Beauty and the Beast is the enormous feast prepared for Belle by the dancing dishes, cups, and spoons as they sing "Be Our Guest." All of us wish we could have a meal as magical as that one, and now we can come one step closer thanks to Le Creuset. The cookware brand created a stunning limited-edition Beauty and the Beast soup pot ($280) as an ode to the new Disney film.
The cobalt blue, cast-iron pot includes a lid with a hand-applied appliqué: roses and a vine outlined in gold. The stainless-steel gold knob is engraved with the words "Be Our Guest," which is sure to make any Disney-lover swoon.
The product is definitely an investment at nearly $300, but it would be the perfect wedding present for any Belle-obsessed bride or sophisticated Disney collector.
10 Kitchen Organization Tips to Steal From Chip and Joanna Gaines
Not everyone is lucky enough to get a Fixer Upper home makeover from Chip and Joanna Gaines, but what everyone can do is steal a few tips from the experts themselves. If anyone knows how to create an organized kitchen, it's Joanna Gaines, and she often shares behind-the-scenes snaps of her home life and HGTV projects with her millions of fans on Instagram. With the following ideas in mind, you can create a clean and inspiring kitchen space that's both Gaines family- and Marie Kondo-approved.
Watch Emma Watson Give Life Advice to Strangers For $2
Need some advice? Cover star @EmmaWatson is here to help. http://pic.twitter.com/agunsFMPfW
- VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) February 28, 2017
Emma Watson is back in the spotlight in a huge way thanks to the live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast that is about to hit theaters. The extremely private star, who opened up about being famous in the March issue of Vanity Fair, has always had an extremely level head in Hollywood. She decided to spread her knowledge of all things when she gave life advice to strangers at New York's Grand Central Station in exchange for $2. While Emma wasn't actually there in person, she was on video chat and happily answered people's questions. In addition to a man asking what he should get his girlfriend for Valentine's Day, a little boy asked her how he can be a good boyfriend. "You should dance with her!" she replied. Watched the adorable video above.
See Even More Photos From Beyoncé and Jay Z's Fun-Filled Oscars Weekend
It was date night for Beyoncé and Jay Z at the annual Weinstein Company Oscars preparty in Beverly Hills on Feb. 25. The pair, who is expecting twins later this year, appeared to have a blast as they danced in their seats and enjoyed some dessert. At one point, the duo held hands and Jay Z was even spotted stroking his wife's back. On Tuesday, the Beyoncé gave us an inside look at her night when she uploaded a handful of photos on her website. Not only does she show off her baby bump, but she also gave us another peek at her three dots tattoo on her ring finger.
Beyoncé's fun weekend comes on the heels of her Coachella cancellation announcement. "Following the advice of her doctors to keep a less rigorous schedule in the coming months," the post said, "Beyoncé has made the decision to forgo performing at the 2017 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival." On the bright side, Goldenvoice and Parkwood confirmed that she would instead headline the 2018 festival.
Watch Emma Watson Give Life Advice to Strangers For $2
Need some advice? Cover star @EmmaWatson is here to help. http://pic.twitter.com/agunsFMPfW
- VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) February 28, 2017
Emma Watson is back in the spotlight in a huge way thanks to the live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast that is about to hit theaters. The extremely private star, who opened up about being famous in the March issue of Vanity Fair, has always had an extremely level head in Hollywood. She decided to spread her knowledge of all things when she gave life advice to strangers at New York's Grand Central Station in exchange for $2. While Emma wasn't actually there in person, she was on video chat and happily answered people's questions. In addition to a man asking what he should get his girlfriend for Valentine's Day, a little boy asked her how he can be a good boyfriend. "You should dance with her!" she replied. Watched the adorable video above.
See Even More Photos From Beyoncé and Jay Z's Fun-Filled Oscars Weekend
It was date night for Beyoncé and Jay Z at the annual Weinstein Company Oscars preparty in Beverly Hills on Feb. 25. The pair, who is expecting twins later this year, appeared to have a blast as they danced in their seats and enjoyed some dessert. At one point, the duo held hands and Jay Z was even spotted stroking his wife's back. On Tuesday, the Beyoncé gave us an inside look at her night when she uploaded a handful of photos on her website. Not only does she show off her baby bump, but she also gave us another peek at her three dots tattoo on her ring finger.
Beyoncé's fun weekend comes on the heels of her Coachella cancellation announcement. "Following the advice of her doctors to keep a less rigorous schedule in the coming months," the post said, "Beyoncé has made the decision to forgo performing at the 2017 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival." On the bright side, Goldenvoice and Parkwood confirmed that she would instead headline the 2018 festival.
'Strong evidence' of link between obesity and some major cancers, new study finds
Researchers used a new statistical technique to conclude there is "strong evidence" that obesity is associated with 11 cancers.
'Strong evidence' of link between obesity and some major cancers, new study finds
Researchers used a new statistical technique to conclude there is "strong evidence" that obesity is associated with 11 cancers.
12 Sad Songs From 2017 That Will Turn You Into an Emotional Wreck
If you're going through a breakup or just in need of a good cry, we have the ultimate lineup for you. We may only be a few months into the year, but lucky for you, we've already been treated to some really amazing sad songs. From Noah Cyrus's "Make Me (Cry)" to Kygo and Selena Gomez's "It Ain't Me," these tracks will have you bawling your eyes out all year long.
The Vampire Diaries: Caroline and Stefan's Wedding Pictures Have Us in Panic Mode
With just a handful of precious scenes left on The Vampire Diaries, it's clear the CW show is pulling out all the stops. Nina Dobrev is set to make her triumphant return as Elena, Kai Parker is also back in the game, and we're pretty sure someone will die in the series finale on March 10. Oh, and Stefan and Caroline are getting married. We finally have pictures of the penultimate episode of the series, and the snaps of the impending nuptials already have us tearing up. Damon is the officiant, no less! What could/will go wrong?! It's safe to say we'll be in meltdown mode when the moment comes to life.
30 Clever Ideas For Outdoor Play!
Now that Summer is officially under way, you may find yourself sounding like a broken record of "Go play outside!" But what exactly do you expect them to do out there? Once your crew has exhausted their go-to activities for outdoor action, check out our list of 30 ways to have more fun in your own backyard (and beyond). From the tried-and-true classics of hopscotch and hula hoop to some new additions sure to up your toy collection's ante, we've got ideas for every age and every stage.
Source: Thinkstock / Bec Parsons
Dwayne Johnson Was Ready to “Take Down an Oscars Producer” After That Best Picture Mistake
The Academy Awards are usually one of the most prestigious and esteemed award shows in existence, but one of the craziest moments in Oscars history went down on Sunday night. This year, La La Land was crowned best picture, when in reality, it should have been Moonlight. Fortunately, the mistake was quickly rectified, but a few stars with prime seats just couldn't believe their eyes. One of the stars in question was Dwayne Johnson. Dwayne - who attended the ceremony with longtime girlfriend Lauren Hashian - shared a photo of himself sitting in the audience on Instagram and penned his reaction to the entire fiasco in a lengthy post that reads as follows:
"😂 You can literally see my wheels spinnin' on whether or not I should hit the stage and take down an Oscars producer who I thought went rogue and was trying to sabotage our final moment of the night as La La Land was accepting for Best Picture. Seconds before this I saw out of the corner of my eye, the producer saying loudly, 'NO IT'S MOONLIGHT, the winner is MOONLIGHT!' as he walked up onto the stage. When he walked on stage, I remember sitting up and saying to @laurenhashianofficial, 'What the f*cks he doing?'. She grabbed my arm and said, 'Oh my God, they made a mistake'. The rest was history. In crazy moments like that, we need leaders to step up and take charge... I give La La Land producer, Jordan Horowitz much respect for stepping up to the mic and calling the Moonlight filmmakers and actors to the stage to accept their award. Thankfully, Jordan gave us the clarity we needed, because as much as I love and adore Meryl, I was willing to rumble over her to take down the producer going rogue. 😂 No business like show business. #Oscars #ThatLook #MattDamonWasReadyToGoBourne #IWasReadyToGoHobbs #LetsDoThis"
We're just glad he didn't lay the smackdown on anybody.
Dwayne Johnson Was Ready to “Take Down an Oscars Producer” After That Best Picture Mistake
The Academy Awards are usually one of the most prestigious and esteemed award shows in existence, but one of the craziest moments in Oscars history went down on Sunday night. This year, La La Land was crowned best picture, when in reality, it should have been Moonlight. Fortunately, the mistake was quickly rectified, but a few stars with prime seats just couldn't believe their eyes. One of the stars in question was Dwayne Johnson. Dwayne - who attended the ceremony with longtime girlfriend Lauren Hashian - shared a photo of himself sitting in the audience on Instagram and penned his reaction to the entire fiasco in a lengthy post that reads as follows:
"😂 You can literally see my wheels spinnin' on whether or not I should hit the stage and take down an Oscars producer who I thought went rogue and was trying to sabotage our final moment of the night as La La Land was accepting for Best Picture. Seconds before this I saw out of the corner of my eye, the producer saying loudly, 'NO IT'S MOONLIGHT, the winner is MOONLIGHT!' as he walked up onto the stage. When he walked on stage, I remember sitting up and saying to @laurenhashianofficial, 'What the f*cks he doing?'. She grabbed my arm and said, 'Oh my God, they made a mistake'. The rest was history. In crazy moments like that, we need leaders to step up and take charge... I give La La Land producer, Jordan Horowitz much respect for stepping up to the mic and calling the Moonlight filmmakers and actors to the stage to accept their award. Thankfully, Jordan gave us the clarity we needed, because as much as I love and adore Meryl, I was willing to rumble over her to take down the producer going rogue. 😂 No business like show business. #Oscars #ThatLook #MattDamonWasReadyToGoBourne #IWasReadyToGoHobbs #LetsDoThis"
We're just glad he didn't lay the smackdown on anybody.
Saint Laurent Is Both Radical and Womanly For Fall '17
A fierce kind of femininity pervaded at Anthony Vaccarello's Fall '17 collection for Saint Laurent. The second collection under Vaccarello's creative direction was both strong and sensual, with nods to Saint Laurent's brand of womanly dressing - think ruffles, minis, and strong shoulders. It was part homage to the '80s and also a dramatic step into the future, where leather minidresses come with sculptural sleeves and a shearling-lined shrug.
Vaccarello's at the helm of a blockbuster brand. The 100-plus-look show, comprising womenswear, menswear, and eveningwear, was a testament to that much. But it's not quantity we're judging. The content was just as compelling as the sheer size of the lineup, giving us wearability and fantasy - tailored trousers, denim, suiting in one vein, party dresses covered in silver sparkle for the Hollywood star. It's those finale dresses that will become the collection's poster child, symbols of Vaccarello's cool and the strong, stylish women who wear it. The dresses - and the boots. The ruched leather, velvet, and embellished boots will likely be big hits for the brand, taking the streets next Fall on the heels of It girls and influencers everywhere, making them feel a little like rock stars.
8 Grocery Store Policies You Should Be Taking Advantage Of
Grocery shopping on a budget isn't always fun, but these store policies make it easier. Did you know that your favorite stores like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Costco have company-wide rules that will help you save money? Before you head out for your next grocery shopping spree, read ahead for eight of the best store policies you can (and should) take advantage of, from return policies to coupon-filled apps.
Alton Brown Spills the Real Reason the Good Eats Reboot Is Taking So Long
Alton Brown answered fan questions on Facebook Live last Saturday, and he divulged more details about his Good Eats reboot, which he is calling A Cooking Show, for all you fanatics, thirsty for more info.
Fans requested he share the release date, and here's what Alton had to say: "I'm working on that. . . . I'm making a follow-up. The digital stepchild. . . . No, it'd actually be the spiritual, digital child of Good Eats for the internet. I'm working on that this year, but I've got to get through this tour first, OK? I'm touring from March 13 to May 7. . . . And then after that, I'm going to have some time."
Alton then reminded fans that he has another TV show in the works. "I also have this new Iron Chef Gauntlet project that's going to premiere on April 16. Mark your calendars, kids. It's only six episodes long, but you're not going to want to miss this. I'm very, very proud of it, and I'm hoping that it might become more, but I've gotta see what happens with that."
As for the content in the reboot, Alton will continue to focus on food science. "Trust me; there's going to be science aplenty in my new venture, just as there was in Good Eats. It's kind of the way I plug into things," Alton assured fans. Alton has already informed fans that he plans on writing the recipes in grams and other metric measurements, requiring viewers to purchase a kitchen scale and instant read thermometer. Seasoned cooks knows the importance of measuring ingredients by weight, not volume, and it will be revolutionary for Alton to pull this off for an American audience.
In addition, the show topics may be as timely as ever. With the resurgence of pressure cookers like the Instant Pot, Alton teased pressure cookers will make an appearance in A Cooking Show along with sous vide. Alton added, "I absolutely, positively will be picking Good Eats up where it left off. It just won't be called Good Eats and it won't be on Food Network."
Though Alton has called the new venture A Cooking Show since the beginning, fans are still confused! Alton clarified, "Everyone is saying, 'Good Eats is coming back?' No! But something a heck of a lot like it, because you guys have told me in no uncertain terms that you're going to run me out of the country if I don't do that. And I think it's been long enough. I took a break, and now, we're back to that."
The Good Eats reboot is taking him longer than expected for one simple reason. Alton told Facebook fans, "Here's my challenge for those of you who want to know. The reason it's taken me a long time to get this worked out is monetization. Shows don't just happen. You've got to figure out a way to pay for it. Now, I've never monetized any digital stuff. My podcasts . . . all of that has always been free, but I'm going to have to pay for it."
Alton then asked fans to weigh in on how he should monetize the new show. He continues:
"Would you rather have a subscription show where you actually have to pay a little bit of money to get at it? Kind of a Louis C.K. model? Would you rather that I get sponsors and get a placement of product? Or do you want me to do it all through advertising? Or some combination? 'Cause in the end, it's not going to happen if it's free. I gotta pay people. I gotta make the show happen. I'm not, you know, independently wealthy or anything. And I don't do, haven't done, endorsement deals, except for maybe Welch's and that's been a while. Give that some thought and give me some feedback, because I'd really love to know what you guys would be willing to put up with."
As a personal fan, I'd prefer to pay for a subscription on his website and so would my colleague. Ultimately, Alton and his team will sort out comments and see what the general consensus is. Fans suggested YouTube and Kickstarter as other options, and while Alton seemed iffy about both, he did express how "important" it is for him to hear from fans. Their concerns and preferences will help him make the ultimate decision. So, what's your vote? Sound off and let Alton hear you loud and clear! Then, be sure to watch the full Q&A - Alton mentions many more juicy projects, including wanting to do a full-length film (food-related, of course) after the Good Eats reboot.
Ed Sheeran Has Already Gifted Us With a Live Performance of His New Song
Ed Sheeran has been steadily releasing new music since the start of the year with no signs of slowing down. On Tuesday, the musician dropped "Eraser" in a new live performance video on SBTV: Music's YouTube channel. "This is 10 years to the day that SBTV uploaded their first video," Sheeran says before he begins the song, "and seven years to the day that SBTV uploaded my first video . . . and that started my career properly." The new song comes after "Castle on a Hill" and "Shape of You" were released in early January and after "How Would You Feel" dropped in mid-February. His next album, Divide, will arrive on March 3. It's safe to say none of us are ready.
Here’s Why the Internet Basically Went Down Today
Chances are you might've seen something dubious happening on the internet today. Maybe Slack wasn't working at your job or images weren't loading on your favorite website. That's because Amazon Web Services went down for about four hours, breaking websites and their ability to load images and other information properly.
Amazon Web Services (AWS), which is owned by Amazon, is a cloud storage service that many companies and websites use. It lets you store data on Amazon's servers for a fee. Many of your favorite companies like Netflix and Pinterest use AWS. A lot of companies also use S3, a tool offered by AWS to store images (as well as entire websites) - and it's the particular tool that went down. It left websites without the ability to use or send any images and, essentially, took down the internet.
After a few hours, AWS finally announced that S3 "is operating normally." But not before the internet freaked out about it.
Amazon S3 is down and the internet is burning http://pic.twitter.com/PZ6sU54UK6
- Donovan McDabb (@govinbhai) February 28, 2017
List of things that go down when AWS S3 goes down:
1. Your app
2. Alerting for your app
3. The support tool you use
4. Your faith in the web- Fernando (@fmc_sea) February 28, 2017
Today I learned that #AWS runs the internet.
- Jared Rauh (@JaredRauh) February 28, 2017
Outages like today show just how many companies depend on AWS for their data and storage needs and what happens when it goes down.
Furious Mom Recounts Being Denied a Flight Home Because of Her Toddler's Tantrum
Every parent knows that once a toddler meltdown begins, it can be near impossible to defuse the situation quickly or efficiently. For Laura Kimber, her twin son's toddler tantrum began midflight to Hamilton Island, Australia, where her family was to have a fun-filled vacation before returning home 10 days later. However, because of Matteo's previous tantrum, the mom says her family was denied boarding on the return flight they booked with Jetstar.
Laura says Matteo's meltdown began as a result of exhaustion - it was way past the 2-year-old's nap time and he was cranky. Right before landing, he began throwing himself onto the floor in front of his seat as Laura attempted to calm him down.
"At this stage I had a really rude air hostess come up and sternly say to me, 'You really need to get him off the floor or we're going to have to circle the plane because of you,'" Laura told the Daily Mail. "That sort of shocked me, I told her I was trying. She got an extender belt so I could put him on my lap - which took three people to set up. Eventually he sat on my lap, and after about two minutes he had calmed down and by the time the plane landed he was asleep on my lap."
Despite the situation successfully being defused and the plane landing with no issue, Laura's husband, Jae, was approached at the baggage claim and told that someone complained about his child. When Jae got upset and reminded the man that his son was only 2 years old, he said, "I'm just passing on a message - don't be surprised if you get refused your flight home."
The family thought nothing of it until they returned to the airport for their scheduled return flight. Laura had some trouble checking in for the flight but was assured by airline customer service that they would be able to fly with no issue. The family got as far as the boarding gate when an employee told Laura that they couldn't get on the plane just yet, as a staff member was checking with the captain to see if they were permitted to fly following Matteo's tantrum over a week earlier.
"We asked again if we were going to get on and the lady said, 'At this stage you've been refused and you're not going to get on the plane,'" Laura recalled. "We were pretty shocked and upset, we were saying, 'How can you do this, it's a 2-year-old, is this even allowed?'" The family's bags were removed from the plane, and they were taken to the baggage area to wait for answers for two hours.
Finally, Laura was told that they were being denied not because of Matteo's tantrum but because of her reaction to the situation. Although Jetstar refutes this claim, there's a video clip from the heated exchange between the family and airline staff in which you can hear the employee say, "It's not over the 2-year-old kid, it is the way you guys reacted over the 2-year-old kid."
"They told me I hadn't handled his behavior correctly - I'm not sure what else I could have done with a screaming, 15-kilo, tantrum-throwing kid," Laura said. "We continued to argue a bit, they refused to help us out with accommodation. They also gave us a 24-hour fly ban, so we couldn't fly the next day either."
After being told they could either get on a return flight a few days later or accept a full refund, the family accepted the refund, as none of the staff could guarantee they'd be allowed to board the promised future flight. However, Laura says she has not yet received the full refund, and due to unplanned accommodations and new flight bookings, they're out over $6,000.
An airline spokesperson for Jetstar denied the family's claims and says they were denied boarding due to the adult's behaviors at the boarding gate.
On February 22 our crew reported disruptive behavior by adult passengers at the boarding gate at Hamilton Island Airport. Due to the disruptive behavior, the group of travelers was not accepted for boarding and advised they would be able to travel on the next available flight instead. Thousands of infants and children fly with us every day and we do not ban a passenger from flying due to a child's behavior.
This 4-Year-Old Just Blew Us Out of the Water With Her Moana Duet
Four-year-old Claire Ryann is about to steal your heart yet again. The talented tiny tot has made us tear up for her beautiful renditions of popular songs from movies like Tangled and The Little Mermaid. And now, we have another reason to cheer on this cutie as she rises to superstardom.
Ellen DeGeneres loved Claire and her dad so much that she invited them to perform a song alongside Moana character actress Auli'i Cravalho. Claire's dad played the guitar while she and Auli'i sang "How Far I'll Go" from the cute Disney movie. The rendition is the purest form of perfection, and our Disney-loving hearts can barely handle it.
Watch the adorable video above, and you'll immediately see why it has more than 25 million views already.
10 Too-Real Struggles Latinas Trying to Lose Weight Will Understand
Let me preface this by saying that, in general, losing weight is no easy feat. Add Latin culture - deliciously salty and carb-filled food, family members who don't understand dieting, often unrealistic body and beauty standards - into the mix, and it can feel like an uphill battle that arroz con pollo and asados are endlessly trying to derail.
Know the feeling? Read on for the totally real struggles I've faced in my own personal weight loss/maintenance/just-trying-to-be-healthier journey as a Panamanian American with very persistent relatives, and a deep love for tacos. Then, take a scroll through some delightful guilt-free recipes.
13 Reasons You Need to Give Your Child a Sibling
While growing up an only child definitely had its perks - think undivided attention, the entire back seat during car trips, forced independence and maturity, and strong imagination development - I always felt like there was something missing, and I still do today.
Growing up, I listened as my close circle of girlfriends - all of whom have older brothers three years our senior - would complain about fighting with their brother over something like having to sit in the undesirable seat in the car (the one behind Dad with less leg room) or that they got pummeled to the floor over whose turn it was to play with the one Game Boy in the house (another perk: I had my own; it was see-through purple and amazing) - and it would make me jealous that they even had someone to fight with.
The times I really felt the jealousy, though, were when I'd be over at one of their houses, and I'd see the tender moments between siblings. How fun it was for them to always have someone to play with and bounce ideas off of. I spent Summer afternoons at the pool with my cousins, praying that someone would mistake us all for siblings so that I could feel part of something, and I would write stories in my head about the most amazing big brother or the cutest little sister and all of our adventures together.
Needless to say, the cons well outweighed the pros for me when it came to being an only child, and these 13 things are just a few of the reasons.
- There was no one to ever blame anything I did wrong on, like forgetting to unload the dishwasher or letting my markers leak through white paper into the wood table (sorry, Mom).
- I had no one who would truly understand to complain to about my parents. Yeah, all parents are alike, but I wanted to talk about my parents with someone else who shared them with me - our parents.
- An older sibling would have carved a path in life that I could have either emulated or learned from.
- A sibling's friends would mean new friends for me, and who doesn't like new friends?
- Even when I could finally get an adult to agree to play with me, their imagination was the worst. I needed a little mind like mine to dream up magic worlds and new games with.
- There would never have been a dull moment in the house. You can only pretend your stuffed animals are alive and talking to you for so long.
- A brother would have been a protector, someone to give me insight into the other half of the world, someone to beat up all of my ex-boyfriends.
- A sister would have been a partner in crime, someone to share clothes with (and fight about said clothes with), to talk about boys late at night with when we thought our parents weren't listening (they would have been).
- I think I would be a much more patient person if I had to deal with sharing and fighting with a sibling. Alas, I am kind of impatient.
- Some of the pressure to be successful and intelligent would have been shaved off the surface and shared with others, which would have made things go a little smoother for me on report-card day.
- I constantly make fun of the characters that are my parents, and let's just say my comments and sarcasm don't always go over so well. It would have been nice to call in for backup once in a while.
- When the unthinkable happens and I need to say goodbye to my parents, I will carry the burden and sadness on my own.
- Friends come and go, but a sibling is tied to you forever - they have to put up with your crap; it's part of the deal.
I think a part of me will always long for the versions of siblings I've created in my head, people who look and act a little like me. I have grown to accept that the closest I might ever get to being called someone's sister is if my future husband has a sibling, but it makes me truly sad to know that I'll never have the real thing. A sibling is like a built-in best friend, so if you have one, tell them what they mean to you, because maybe not everyone would agree with me, but I think you were given one of life's greatest gifts.
Ryan Murphy Now Says the Election-Themed Season of AHS Won't Feature Trump or Clinton
Ryan Murphy Reveals the Theme for Season 7 of American Horror Story http://pic.twitter.com/ZsGW0PmOql
- AmericanHorrorStory (@fyeahahs) February 16, 2017
The theme of each season of American Horror Story is usually teased out over the course of a few months, but creator Ryan Murphy seemed happy to share the season seven theme a little early on a recent episode of Watch What Happens Live! "I don't have a title, but the season that we begin shooting in June is going to be about the election that we just went through," he told host Andy Cohen. "I think that will be interesting for a lot of people." So does that mean one of Murphy's small pool of favorite actors will appear as Donald Trump? "Maybe," he said at the time.
Flash forward a few weeks, and now it appears that Murphy is reneging on his big reveal. Well, sort of. Blaming his loose lips on drinking "three martinis in 20 minutes" on WWHL!, the showrunner has clarified that although the season will still tackle the 2016 presidential election, it won't feature Hillary Clinton or Trump. "The themes of American Horror Story have always been allegories. You will not see Trump and Clinton as characters on the show," he said at the Publicists Guild Awards on Friday, before mentioning that he could envision friend and frequent collaborator Sarah Paulson (who presented him with an award at the event) as Kellyanne Conway. "Now as I look over at Sarah Paulson, I think of Kellyanne Conway. I don't know! I might be rewriting!"
At this point only Paulson and Peters have been confirmed for season seven, so we'll just have to wait and see how it all shakes out when the show returns in Fall 2017.
Everything We Know About the Sons of Anarchy Spinoff Series
Brace yourselves, Sons of Anarchy fans, because new details have been released on the spinoff series! It's been months since FX ordered a pilot from Kurt Sutter, and now there's major casting news. Titled Mayans MC, the spinoff "is set in a post Jax Teller world, where EZ Reyes, a prospect in the Mayan MC charter on the Cali/Mexi border, struggles with his desire for vengeance against the cartel and his need for respect from the women he loves." The series will begin shooting in March in Los Angeles; here's what we know!
- Several people have been cast. JD Pardo (The Messengers) will play EZ, while Edward James Olmos is taking on the role of his father. John Ortiz and Clayton Cardenas are also appearing as series regulars.
- The same team is behind it. The Sons of Anarchy co-creators, Sutter and Elgin James, are developing the spinoff series together. Sutter will direct the pilot episode and serve as an executive producer, with James will be the co-executive producer.
- It will have the "same spirit" as Sons of Anarchy. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mayans MC has been described as "a dark, visceral family drama that takes a new look at the most American of icons, the one percent outlaw, this time, reflected through a Latino lens."
- The tone will be different. In a series of tweets last year, Sutter said, "Although the Mayan Project may intersect with SOA charters, it will be a very different show. Tone, pace, storytelling, will be unique."
- We may see some familiar faces. "Mayan Project won't take place in NoCal. That steps on SOA mythology," Sutter tweeted last year, adding, "Although I'd love to find a way to use my brother, @EmilioRivera48."
As we await more Mayans MC news, check out five shows to watch if you love Sons of Anarchy and relive the hands-down hottest Jax Teller moments from the show.
Justin Timberlake Kicked Off the Oscars With a Rousing Performance of "Can't Stop the Feeling"
A performance from Justin Timberlake is maybe the best way the Oscars have ever started. Timberlake, nominated for Trolls anthem "Can't Stop the Feeling," is a pro at getting the crowd worked up, and every A-lister in the room was on their feet for his number, just before Jimmy Kimmel's scathing monologue. In case you missed it, he and wife Jessica Biel dazzled on the red carpet!
Wondering What Corinne From The Bachelor Does For a Living?
Corinne Olympios took the latest season of The Bachelor by storm. Of all the ladies competing for Nick Viall's heart, she is by far the most memorable for her one-liners and love for her nanny. While the contestants usually have some unique job titles, Corinne has mentioned her family's "multimillion-dollar" business quite a few times on the show. Even though she doesn't specify what type of business she manages, Romper discovered a company called Armor Garage, which supplies epoxy coatings and flooring products to the U.S. military, Fortune 500 companies, shops, and home owners. Olympios has seemingly confirmed that this is indeed the family business; in an interview with Glamour, she said, "I run my family's online business, doing epoxy floorings and roof coatings."
The 24-year-old also has profiles up on ExploreTalent and Model Mayhem. On ExploreTalent, she details her past experience in modeling, acting, and singing, calling it her "dream," while her Model Mayhem profile echoes that same zealous attitude, adding that she is willing to "do whatever it takes to fulfill my dreams and goals."
All of the Queen's Most Amazing Necklaces
They are worth millions of pounds, and kept secure in the vaults under Buckingham Palace. They represent love, power, and intrigue. Their beauty is famed and their history is unique - one was nearly lost to a royal mistress, one was the subject of investigation, and another has links to ancient history. They are the queen's most impressive and important necklaces, and we have rounded up the top 17 in her majesty's personal collection . . .
Princess Beatrice of York Hangs With Kate Middleton, but Her Style's on Another Level
You might have heard Princess Beatrice's name with ties to Uber executive Dave Clark. The longtime couple made headlines recently with news of their split, but we're here to prove the Royal Highness of York can hold her own. Not only does the princess regularly attend family events alongside her younger sister, Eugenie; her grandmother Queen Elizabeth II; and Kate Middleton, but she also participates in charity work and is developing a career in business.
From a fashion perspective, Beatrice is a natural. Her wardrobe consists of key pieces that turn heads on the red carpet, at fashion shows, and on the street, but it's the way she wears them that counts. While the princess favors Peter Pan collars, avant-garde fascinators, and all sorts of embellishments, every outfit includes an element of surprise. Read on for 73 lessons you can learn just by studying her style.
The Truth Behind the Chicken From Subway
If you order a chicken sandwich at Subway, you're not eating exactly what you think you're eating. In a shocking investigation, a CBC Marketplace analysis of poultry from six popular grilled chicken and sandwich wraps found that the chicken at Subway isn't entirely made of chicken. A DNA researcher at Trent University Wildlife Forensic DNA Laboratory tested the meat and found that the "oven-roasted chicken" was only 57 percent chicken, while the "chicken strips" contained only 43 percent chicken. The rest of the meat was made up of mostly soy.
When you buy chicken from the grocery store, you're most likely eating a product with 100 percent chicken DNA. According to the study, that percentage decreases when the meat is processed, seasoned, or marinated, making it likely that most fast food chicken contain a lower percentage of chicken DNA. However, other fast food chains' chicken offerings scored significantly higher on the tests than Subway. McDonald's Country Chicken scored 85 percent, A&W's Chicken Grill Deluxe 89 percent, Tim Horton's Chipotle Chicken Grilled Wrap 87 percent, and Wendy's Grilled Chicken sandwich 89 percent.
Subway responded to the investigation disagreeing with the findings and claiming that the company's chicken recipe "calls for one percent of less of soy protein." The popular chain has assured customers that they will "look into this again with our supplier to ensure the chicken is meeting the high standard we set for all our menu items and ingredients."
All the Times Selena Gomez Has Been a Victim of Ellen DeGeneres's Scares
If you're going on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, you're going to get a good scare. Selena Gomez is one of the many celebrities who can attest to that. She's been terrified by Ellen's antics four times in the past few years (most recently twice in one day). And even though Selena claims she loves to be scared, the singer and actress utters a legitimate scream every time someone jumps behind her or from a box. Keep scrolling to see all the times she's hilariously been a victim of Ellen's scares, and then check out her performance of "Same Old Love" and discussion of lupus on the show.
Every Single Naked Dress Jennifer Lopez Has Worn Since 1997
You might think that Jennifer Lopez's streak of dresses with necklines down to her belly button and slits up to her thighs started with that famous Versace green dress she wore to the Grammys in the '90s, but let us tell you that after intense research, we've come to the conclusion the naked dress trend was started by J Lo much, much earlier.
The singer and actress was truly the pioneer of the barely there dress that has now invaded the red carpet, starting with no backs in 1997 and ending most recently with sheer gowns and jumpsuits that leave little to the imagination. Here, for your viewing pleasure, is every single naked dress (yes, every single one!) that J Lo has graced us with.
20 Vegetarian Chili Recipes That'll Keep You Warm Through the Lenten Season
Nothing says comfort food quite like a piping hot bowl of chili, are we right? Just thinking about the spicy flavors and filling sensation we have while enjoying the Tex-Mex dish makes our bellies happy.
During the Lenten season, you have the perfect added excuse to scoop spoonful after spoonful of the soup: beans are a great replacement for animal protein. So scroll ahead for 20 meatless chili recipes that won't have you thinking twice about going back for seconds.
8 Up-and-Coming Brazilian Fashion Designers You Need to Know and Shop
Come Fashion Month every year, Instagram feeds are dominated by the looks in New York, London, Paris, and Milan, but it's São Paulo, Brazil's fashion scene that we should be following closely. The large South American country is home to some of the most innovative designers, marrying traditional and clean designs with postmodern cuts and patterns. This cohort of up-and-coming designers have already landed huge collaborations and impressed both Instagram style stars and fashion editors around the globe.
If You've Struggled With Body-Image Issues, This Is a Must Read
Curvy. Thick. Voluptuous. These are all words I've been hearing people call me for most of my life, and in my younger years, they all felt like an insult every single time.
For as long as I can remember, I've been just a little bit chubby. I was a chubby kid and a thick teenager, and now I'm a curvy woman.
In high school, I was incredibly healthy. I was too busy to eat too much and didn't have any interest in crappy food. I was a year-round cheerleader, so I had practice (which included running, weight-lifting, and tumbling) two hours a day, five days a week, in addition to basketball games, football games, and cheerleading competitions. I was strong, I was in shape, and I was still thick.
After one of my last cheerleading competitions my senior year in high school, a mom of a young girl on a different squad pulled me aside and thanked me. I asked her what she was thanking me for, and she told me I was a role model for her daughter who thought she was too heavy to be a successful cheerleader. She told me that when her daughter saw me out there, tumbling with my squad, she felt like she could grow up to do the same, despite what she weighed. At the time, I didn't know how to take that. At 18, I felt like she was telling me I was the fat cheerleader, and let's be honest, I already felt like I was. But thinking about it now, I realize how amazing it was to show that little girl that you don't have to be skinny to do the things you want to do. I flipped my fat ass over my head better than half the girls in that gym, and that little girl knew it.
Once I left high school and my daily activities shifted away from constant exercise and more toward TiVo and nap time (I was a really lazy college student), I realized I needed to make some serious changes to keep healthy. I started going to the university gym at least five times a week and tried not to eat anything stupid, but nothing worked. I started down a dangerous path that I nearly didn't pull myself out of.
But then I tried a doctor-monitored diet a few years later and lost about 50 pounds, still placing me on the "overweight" side of normal for my height by about five pounds. Maintaining that weight was not even close to manageable. I had a resting energy expenditure test done at the end of the weight-loss journey and found out that I literally have a metabolism slower than that of a middle-aged woman. With no activity, I barely burn a thousand calories a day, which surprised even the nutritionist who did the test for me. We tried the test twice to make sure there were no errors, and nope, I just have a really, really crappy metabolism.
I tried maintaining that weight. I was eating the healthiest (and littlest amount) I've ever eaten in my life, and I was exercising an average of an hour a day, seven days a week. No matter what I did, the weight crept back on. But I didn't really mind, because I was still really healthy and active.
But then I had a backslide. Just like always. Just like after every other diet I'd tried in my life - and I'd tried them all. I went back to living how I was used to and how I was comfortable, which included mostly healthy eating with treats here and there and exercise a few times a week. I was happy, I was healthy, and I was still thick.
I've come to realize that what's great about the world we live in today is that, even though it seems like models are getting thinner and thinner, society seems to be getting more and more comfortable with highly visible people who aren't stick-thin. I've got people from every angle preaching at me to love myself and be comfortable with who I am, but my brain just wouldn't accept that. My brain still wanted me to be skinny. It has been an unbelievably frustrating battle for virtually my whole life.
And now today, I'm what doctors would consider to be overweight, but you know what? I'm also really healthy. I've run half-marathons. I eat right, I exercise regularly, but my genes just don't want me to be skinny. No one in my family is skinny. It's just not going to happen. But if I'm healthy, does being skinny really matter? Sure, I'd love for shopping trips to be less stressful. I'd love to look in the mirror and not think my arms look terrible. I'd love for people to stop telling me that blaming my genes is an excuse. But I'm coming up on 30 now, and I've decided it's time to stop being mad at myself. It's time to stop constantly agonizing over the number on the scale and the number on the tag in my pants. It's time to embrace being thick. It's time to embrace being curvy.
It's time to love me.
Strong Abs Start With This 7-Minute Workout
Get the printable version of this seven-minute HIIT workout here!
When it comes to high-intensity interval training (HIIT), the pros definitely outweigh the cons. While it may feel unpleasant to push your body to go faster and harder for that short time period, the rewards are worth it: HIIT helps you blast more belly fat, save time, and burn way more calories (even after your workout is long over) than a lower-intensity workout alone. A 2013 study published in the American College of Sports Medicine's Health and Fitness Journal found that a few minutes of training at almost your max can accomplish all of this in way less time than a traditional workout. How much less? Try just seven minutes total.
The ACSM's interval workout consists of 12 exercises, which should be done at an intensity of eight on a scale of 10; each exercise lasts 30 seconds, with a 10-second rest in between. Repeat the circuit if you'd like a longer workout. Keeping the intensity up - and the rest periods short - is key, so keep reading to learn the moves and then get going! You'll need a mat and a chair or bench.
This post was originally published on May 21, 2013.
The Top 4 Workouts to Avoid If You're Trying to Lose Weight
We encourage all types of fitness, for more reasons than just weight loss. While weight loss is an awesome side effect of working out and living a healthier lifestyle, exercise can benefit your brain, your mood, your sleep, and your overall health, too!
However, if you're focusing on dropping pounds, are there types of exercises you should flat-out avoid? We asked certified personal trainer John Rowley - International Sports Science Association (ISSA) director of wellness and founder of UX3 Nutrition - for his opinion on the matter. While we still encourage anyone to give these workouts a shot (in fact, we love all of them!), these four may not give you the results you're looking for if weight loss is your top priority.
- CrossFit: "CrossFit is number one on the hit list," Rowley said in an email. "The risk-to-results ratio just isn't there." If you're just beginning your weight-loss journey, you likely won't have the strength to get an effective workout without injuring yourself. "It's very popular, and I can see how fun and challenging it is," he noted. "But the way the exercises are done is very dangerous, especially for someone not in tiptop shape."
- Yoga: Rowley explained that yoga "has a lot of benefits, but losing weight is not one of them." Although you'll gain strength and tone up, if you're aiming to shed pounds, "you want to work as much of your body as possible to lose weight and to stimulate your metabolism," and Rowley said yoga is not the most effective way to do so.
- Indoor Cycling: While indoor cycling classes are great for exercise veterans, Rowley said, "they can get out of control as well," and the format of the classes can put you at risk for injury. "The rooms can get too hot, the movements can be too aggressive for some, and any vigorous exercise will make you hungry." More on that hunger in the next point . . .
- Cardio-Only Routines: Rowley said these should be avoided if your only goal is weight loss. Why? The munchies. "Cardio will help burn calories but can often make you hungry, leading to excessive calorie-consuming after workouts," putting you at a higher risk for undoing your progress. Additionally, if you're only doing cardio and not balancing with strength training, it can lead to muscle loss. "The loss of muscle destroys your metabolism; if you are going to do cardio, do it in conjunction with a well thought-out weight training workout."
Again, we love (and do) each of these workouts - and you absolutely can lose weight doing any of them. But if your number one goal is weight loss, Rowley warned, you might want to reprioritize your workout schedule.
So what should you do? "The only way for lasting, healthy weight loss that will change your body composition is through resistance training," Rowley said. "Lifting weights stimulates your muscles; your muscles burn calories even when you are eating and resting." We encourage you to be open to all types of workouts - get comfortable with movement of all types! But start with a good, healthy balance of strength training (as recommended by this trainer) and a bit of cardio to help build up your endurance so you can keep shedding pounds and crush your goals.
I Gave Up These 6 Things to Be Truly Healthy For Life
The following post was originally featured on Fit Bottomed Girls and written by Alison, a contributor to Jenn, who is part of POPSUGAR Select Fitness.
Losing 70 pounds is tough. Keeping it off for more than a decade is even tougher. Trust me, I tried everything. Once I lost the weight, I thought I'd feel relieved and proud all the time, but what I didn't expect were the feelings of panic and fear.
I was constantly afraid that I'd end up back where I started and keeping the weight off became an obsession. When I overindulged or wasn't able to work out, my first thought was that I was going to gain the weight back. It was exhausting and nerve-racking.
But somehow I've managed to keep it off and eventually found a way to do it that's effective, effortless and doesn't mean living in fear. Here's what I've learned about what it takes.
1. Workouts that I dread.
I used to assign value to workouts purely on the number of calories that they burn so I stuck to brutal, high-intensity workouts that sorta made me miserable and ultimately got me injured and left me feeling burned out. Then, it occurred to me that I'm more than just muscle and fat. So I started only doing workouts that felt good in my body and contributed to the overall well-being of my body, mind and spirit. Now, I actually look forward to my workouts, which means I've got no problem getting them in regularly.
2. Eliminating entire categories of food.
Legit food sensitivities and allergies aside, cutting out a whole classification of food is not sustainable, making it a one-way ticket to Frustration City. Our bodies were designed to take in quality fats, protein and carbs (in moderation of course) and each plays a vital role in proper bodily function. Now, over time, I've learned that there are certain foods that don't make me feel the greatest - for example, gummy candies cause my skin to break out, cereal makes me gassy and fried foods make me sluggish - but will an order of fries, a few celebratory cocktails or a birthday cupcake (or two) derail my inner peace and send me into a downward spiral of self-loathing and guilt? Absolutely not. I don't give food that much power over me anymore.
3. Thinking in terms of calories.
Calories get far too much attention considering that they only tell a small part of the story. So many other things have a direct effect on your body weight and overall health and well-being - for example, hydration, sleep and stress levels all affect how well your body's internal processes work, including digestion and metabolism. When we focus on calories, we learn that low-calorie means better … but it doesn't. Many of the most nutritious foods on the planet are calorie dense and many very low-calorie foods have little or no nutritional value. Remember that food is fuel, so quality and nutrition definitely matter.
4. Punishing myself for "slipping up."
Workouts aren't punishment and deprivation is cruel. Think of it this way: if your child or pet screwed up, is it okay to run them into the ground or withhold a meal from them? No. So why, oh why, it is okay for us to do it to ourselves?
5. Ignoring the need for recovery.
I used to wear my perpetual muscle soreness like a badge of honor and told myself that I had to work out every day in order to "earn" my calories for that day. Honestly, I wish I could get back all that time I wasted - it didn't make me stronger, leaner or happier. Our bodies can self-heal, but only if we give them the time to do so. Pushing yourself to the limit every day may seem bad-ass, but it's robbing your body of the chance to rebuild, adapt and grow stronger.
6. Choosing my workouts based on what I want to look like.
My current workout routine reflects how I want my body to function so that I can do all the things that make my life fun and enjoyable - like teaching yoga, running ultra marathons, playing with my 3-year-old niece and carrying all my groceries in one shot. Here's the thing: I've been a size 18 and I've been a size 0 - and everything in between - and it didn't change how I felt about myself. Losing 70 pounds didn't make me any less self-conscious about my body. You know what did make a difference? Learning what my body is capable of and developing my strengths. The shape and size of my body don't define me or affect my overall quality of life.
Have you successfully maintained weight-loss long term? Tell us what you've learned. -Alison
If You've Struggled With Body-Image Issues, This Is a Must Read
Curvy. Thick. Voluptuous. These are all words I've been hearing people call me for most of my life, and in my younger years, they all felt like an insult every single time.
For as long as I can remember, I've been just a little bit chubby. I was a chubby kid and a thick teenager, and now I'm a curvy woman.
In high school, I was incredibly healthy. I was too busy to eat too much and didn't have any interest in crappy food. I was a year-round cheerleader, so I had practice (which included running, weight-lifting, and tumbling) two hours a day, five days a week, in addition to basketball games, football games, and cheerleading competitions. I was strong, I was in shape, and I was still thick.
After one of my last cheerleading competitions my senior year in high school, a mom of a young girl on a different squad pulled me aside and thanked me. I asked her what she was thanking me for, and she told me I was a role model for her daughter who thought she was too heavy to be a successful cheerleader. She told me that when her daughter saw me out there, tumbling with my squad, she felt like she could grow up to do the same, despite what she weighed. At the time, I didn't know how to take that. At 18, I felt like she was telling me I was the fat cheerleader, and let's be honest, I already felt like I was. But thinking about it now, I realize how amazing it was to show that little girl that you don't have to be skinny to do the things you want to do. I flipped my fat ass over my head better than half the girls in that gym, and that little girl knew it.
Once I left high school and my daily activities shifted away from constant exercise and more toward TiVo and nap time (I was a really lazy college student), I realized I needed to make some serious changes to keep healthy. I started going to the university gym at least five times a week and tried not to eat anything stupid, but nothing worked. I started down a dangerous path that I nearly didn't pull myself out of.
But then I tried a doctor-monitored diet a few years later and lost about 50 pounds, still placing me on the "overweight" side of normal for my height by about five pounds. Maintaining that weight was not even close to manageable. I had a resting energy expenditure test done at the end of the weight-loss journey and found out that I literally have a metabolism slower than that of a middle-aged woman. With no activity, I barely burn a thousand calories a day, which surprised even the nutritionist who did the test for me. We tried the test twice to make sure there were no errors, and nope, I just have a really, really crappy metabolism.
I tried maintaining that weight. I was eating the healthiest (and littlest amount) I've ever eaten in my life, and I was exercising an average of an hour a day, seven days a week. No matter what I did, the weight crept back on. But I didn't really mind, because I was still really healthy and active.
But then I had a backslide. Just like always. Just like after every other diet I'd tried in my life - and I'd tried them all. I went back to living how I was used to and how I was comfortable, which included mostly healthy eating with treats here and there and exercise a few times a week. I was happy, I was healthy, and I was still thick.
I've come to realize that what's great about the world we live in today is that, even though it seems like models are getting thinner and thinner, society seems to be getting more and more comfortable with highly visible people who aren't stick-thin. I've got people from every angle preaching at me to love myself and be comfortable with who I am, but my brain just wouldn't accept that. My brain still wanted me to be skinny. It has been an unbelievably frustrating battle for virtually my whole life.
And now today, I'm what doctors would consider to be overweight, but you know what? I'm also really healthy. I've run half-marathons. I eat right, I exercise regularly, but my genes just don't want me to be skinny. No one in my family is skinny. It's just not going to happen. But if I'm healthy, does being skinny really matter? Sure, I'd love for shopping trips to be less stressful. I'd love to look in the mirror and not think my arms look terrible. I'd love for people to stop telling me that blaming my genes is an excuse. But I'm coming up on 30 now, and I've decided it's time to stop being mad at myself. It's time to stop constantly agonizing over the number on the scale and the number on the tag in my pants. It's time to embrace being thick. It's time to embrace being curvy.
It's time to love me.
Sneaky Cat Gets Caught Stealing a Cinnamon Bun on Camera, Becomes Twitter Hero
Watch your plates around this infamous criminal! Percy the cat was caught breaking the rules red-handed when his human's camera snapped him in the midst of swiping a freshly-baked cinnamon roll off the table.
The incriminating shot has already been making the rounds on Twitter, with over 140,000 retweets and counting. It's going to be a real uphill battle to prove his innocence here.
merry Christmas here's my cat getting busted for taking a cinnamon roll 2 seconds after we told him no http://pic.twitter.com/f0AAAx65O5
- jinky slip (@_sophocles_) December 25, 2016
Just look at this guilty, adorable idiot.
We're guessing his humans won't stay mad for long. Here's hoping you get all the cinnamon rolls of your dreams, Percy!
Strong Abs Start With This 7-Minute Workout
Get the printable version of this seven-minute HIIT workout here!
When it comes to high-intensity interval training (HIIT), the pros definitely outweigh the cons. While it may feel unpleasant to push your body to go faster and harder for that short time period, the rewards are worth it: HIIT helps you blast more belly fat, save time, and burn way more calories (even after your workout is long over) than a lower-intensity workout alone. A 2013 study published in the American College of Sports Medicine's Health and Fitness Journal found that a few minutes of training at almost your max can accomplish all of this in way less time than a traditional workout. How much less? Try just seven minutes total.
The ACSM's interval workout consists of 12 exercises, which should be done at an intensity of eight on a scale of 10; each exercise lasts 30 seconds, with a 10-second rest in between. Repeat the circuit if you'd like a longer workout. Keeping the intensity up - and the rest periods short - is key, so keep reading to learn the moves and then get going! You'll need a mat and a chair or bench.
This post was originally published on May 21, 2013.
The Truth Behind Costco’s $5 Rotisserie Chicken
Image Source: Flickr user terren in Virginia
We can always count on Dr. Oz to expose the truth about our favorite foods. He recently investigated the hidden ingredients in rotisserie chicken, and now we finally know why it's so addictive. He teamed up with award-winning writer Mark Schatzker to figure out why Americans can't get enough of the stuff, especially Costco's $5 rotisserie chicken.
The first shocking piece of information is that rotisserie chicken is often processed, in other words, "pre-seasoned in factories," and then shipped to supermarkets, where "an employee can put it on the skewer and cook it." You may already know part of what makes store-bought rotisserie chickens so tasty is that they're on the salty side, but the skin is also flavored with MSG and sugar, among other natural flavors. Similar to potato chips, this combination helps explain why we can never have too much rotisserie chicken. Despite the seemingly scariness of it all, Dr. Oz says it may be "one of the healthiest processed foods out there." And in similar Dr. Oz. fashion, he suggests taking off the skin to keep it healthier. But if that sounds like insanity, add other sides to your plate to avoid overeating.
Image Source: The Dr. Oz. ShowWatch the full video: Dr. Oz on rotisserie chicken
7 Things You Don't Know About Panera Bread, Straight From an Employee
If you've ever wondered what it's like behind the counter at Panera Bread, you'll enjoy the insider secrets from this employee's Reddit AMA. During the "Ask Me Anything" conversation online, a person who works at Panera Bread answered questions about the truth about the crazy-delicious mac and cheese, the one thing you should avoid ordering, and what the company does with all its unsold bread at the end of the day. Here are the answers to some of your burning Panera Bread questions, straight from someone who knows best.
The reason the mac and cheese is SO good is . . . calories.
When asked why the mac and cheese is "so f*cking good," the Panera employee said, "It's very good because it isn't that healthy for you. It has a lot of calories tbh."
Also, it arrives at the store frozen.
"They aren't lying when they say that all their food is 100 percent clean so nothing is bad for you. However, that doesn't mean that all the food is good for you. The mac and cheese, for example, comes into the store premade and frozen in a bag and it is heated either in boiling water or the microwave if need be."
There are two things customers do that drive employees CRAZY.
"Two things. The first is when we make a small mistake and they completely lose their minds. If we make a mistake of any kind, we'll do everything that we can to fix it and make it up to you, no need to cause a scene just because we forgot to give you a fork. The second is when customers come in 10 minutes before close and order a ton of food then eat in store."
The one thing you should never order past lunchtime? Avocado.
"Avacados usually sit out open for a number of hours. They are fine around lunchtime but as the day goes on, they get older."
The employee discount is really good.
"I honestly would never eat at Panera if I didn't have an employee discount (70 percent)."
Your soup could possibly get sneezed in if you annoy the employees . . .
When asked, "How many sneezes per soup?" the employee responded, "Depends on how annoying the customer is." Hopefully, that's a joke!
Panera donates all of its extra bread at the end of the day.
"Yes, at the end of the day we donate all our unused bread to a homeless shelter."
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