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.
samedi 23 janvier 2016
Double Down With This Legs and Abs Bodyweight Workout
This workout is short and focused, with bodyweight exercises that target either the abs, the legs, or both.
Directions: Warm up with five minutes of light cardio, then perform this five-exercise circuit three times. Cool down with three minutes of stretching.
Bookmark This Page For When You Forget to Take Your Birth Control
Accidentally skipping a birth control pill, or two, can leave you beyond worried. We turned to a board certified physician to offer advice on when you've missed a dose, or two, or three, of birth control pills. Keep reading to hear what she has to say on the matter.
I have receives countless questions from women who have inadvertently skipped a birth control pill, so I will be giving a general overview on what to do when you realize you have missed a dose. While this column will have general information on oral contraceptives and how to manage missing doses, I stress that it is best to talk with your health care provider who prescribed the pills about what to do. Different brands of pills have varying hormonal formulations and thus different potential effects when pills are missed. In some cases, you may be able to simply resume taking pills at your regular time the day after missing a pill and move on with life. In other cases, skipping even one pill (or extending the placebo week) could result in a serious threat to effective pregnancy prevention; it really depends on the type of pill you take. An additional factor to be aware of is that some brands of pills are multiphasic, meaning that pills in a single pack of birth control have differing levels of hormones. Depending on which pill you missed (or which "phase" pill it was), your health care provider may have different recommendations about how to proceed. This column will provide information from Planned Parenthood on the most common type of birth control pills, the combination pill.
Depending on when you miss pills and how many pills you miss, you could become pregnant. Planned Parenthood reports that there is a highly increased risk of pregnancy if you go without taking the pill for seven or more days in a row. This could happen if you forget to start a new pack on time (i.e. right after the seven days of placebo you take during your period) or if you forget to take the last few pills in your pack. Planned Parenthood has a great chart on the general directions of what to do if you have missed pills.
- If you miss the first one to two pills at the beginning of the pack, then you should take a pill as soon as you remember and take the next pill at the usual time. If this happens you will need a seven-day backup method of birth control.
- If you miss one to two pills from day three through day 21 of your pack, then take a pill as soon as you remember and take the next pill at the usual time. If this happens, Planned Parenthood reports you do not need a backup method of birth control.
- If you miss three or more pills in the first two weeks of the pack, take a pill as soon as you remember and take the next pill at the usual time. Seven-day backup birth control will be necessary in this situation.
- If you miss three or more pills in the third week of the pack, do not finish the pack and throw it away. Start a new pack and use seven-day backup birth control.
While you need specific information from your health care provider about what to do, you may not actually need to have an in-office visit. If you can provide enough information to your provider (or one of her or his staff) over the phone, s/he may be able to give you an answer that way. You could also look for the explanatory pamphlet that comes with each pack of pills (usually a small, folded piece of paper), which may have some guidance about the brand's formulation and what to do in the case of a missed pill. If pregnancy is a concern, you could consider taking emergency contraception (EC).
Hopefully this information is helpful; however, I urge anyone who misses birth control pills to contact their health care provider for specific instructions based on what type of birth control you are taking in order to be certain that you are doing the right things to help prevent pregnancy!
DrSugar posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.
The Simple Technique That Will Help You Run Longer
Ever wonder why some days you feel like you can keep running and running while on others you have zero stamina? Certainly the amount of sleep you got the night before, stress levels, and diet play a role in how you perform during your runs, but how you regulate your breath during your jogging session also affects your energy levels. Here's how to power your muscles with fresh oxygen on each stride.
Learn to breathe deeply: Your lungs are just a bit smaller than your rib cage, but most people tend to use just the top third of this powerful organ. When you take a deep breath, you are expanding the lungs, pressing down the diaphragm, and causing your abdomen to expand as your lungs fill with air. Learning to breathe this way while running helps you take in a lot of oxygen, preventing dizziness and nausea. With a little training and some stretching, you can breathe to your full potential and increase your endurance. Cross-training with yoga and Pilates can also help you learn to breathe from your diaphragm. Here are some tips for how to conquer diaphragmatic breathing.
Match your breathing to your steps: For an easy-paced run, inhale for three or four steps, then exhale for the same amount. Count the steps in your head while you adjust to breathing on tempo. If you are running more intensely, your breathing tempo will increase to support your increased energy output and become faster - a breath in for one to two steps and out for one to two steps. If you can't match your steps to your breathing tempo, then you are trying to run too fast; slow down, and get back into your rhythm.
Breathe differently in cooler temps: It's important to breathe through your nose while running in chillier weather, because cold air is dry and breathing through your mouth increases the dryness while decreasing the temperature of the air. Since your lungs do not like dry air, you can experience asthma-like symptoms, like wheezing and coughing, when breathing cold air in through your mouth. Breathing through your nose not only filters out air impurities but also warms cool air to body temperature, creating less shock for the lungs to decrease those asthma-like symptoms.
Learn to breathe through your nose: If nose breathing is difficult for you, start experimenting with the technique now before the temperature drops drastically. Breathing through the nose helps you breathe more deeply and efficiently, which will ultimately help your running no matter what the temperature is. If you plan to run in cold temps and have yet to master nose breathing, you can try wearing a bandana (or a shirt that can be pulled up far) over your nose and mouth to help trap the moisture of your breath and humidity in the air before it reaches your lungs.
49 New Snacks That Will Make Grocery Shopping a Taste-Bud Trip
Snacks, snacks, and more snacks: that's what goes down at San Francisco's Winter Fancy Food Show, and we tried all the new products that will hit shelves this year. We're happy to report back that there's a ton of new stuff to be excited about in 2016, from sriracha kale chips to Oreo popcorn (yep, that's really happening). These are the top 49 snacks that will actually make you look forward to grocery shopping this year.
- Additional reporting by Erin Cullum
Forget Snack Bars! 2016 Is All About the Jerky
Hundreds upon hundreds of new food products filled the aisles at San Francisco's Winter Fancy Food Show, but one thing stood out like no other: jerky. Beef jerky, salmon jerky, turkey jerky, bacon jerky - you name it, someone's making it. We braced ourselves and tried every jerky we could find (it's a hard job, but someone's gotta do it), and these are the seven new products that made the cut for our favorites (spoiler: maple bourbon churro filet mignon jerky is on this list). Keep reading to find out the best new jerky snacks you need to pick up in stores or online this year.
The Number 1 Morning-Exercise Mistake Preventing Weight Loss
Skipping breakfast to save calories? The idea seems logical - the less you eat, the faster you'll lose weight. But it's not as simple as that.
There are recent studies that show working out on an empty stomach offers benefits. It can increase insulin sensitivity, which makes it easier to lose fat, and can also increase the growth hormone, which helps build muscle tissue. Running on empty can also make your body more efficient at using up its energy stores, and helps your body absorb the carbs and protein you eat after a workout instead of being stored on your butt.
But other studies show that doing fasted workouts can impair performance. Since you have no fuel in your body, you won't have the energy to exercise as long or as intensely as you would if you had eaten, which can translate to less overall calories burned. You won't lose any weight if you bonk out of a workout within five minutes of starting it.
It's good to remember that everyone is different, and the best thing you can do is check in with your body during morning workouts. You might find that you are more than fine going for a run in the morning without grabbing a bite to eat first. But if you can't push yourself as hard, your energy levels start to wane halfway through your workout, or you feel insanely tired afterward, that's your cue to have a small snack before heading out. Choose one that focuses on simple carbs rather than protein to offer your body fuel.
An hour before a workout, eat around 45 grams of carbs with a small amount of protein:
- Half a slice of whole wheat bread with one tablespoon crunchy peanut butter
- Some crackers with an ounce of cheese
- Quarter cup of sliced grapes mixed into half a cup of cottage cheese
- Fruit smoothie made with soy milk
- Quarter cup of blueberries mixed with half a cup of yogurt
If you have less time, 15 to 30 minutes before your workout, eat about 25 grams of carbs:
- Small banana
- A few crackers
- Handful of raisins
- Applesauce
If you skip out on a snack altogether, be sure to at least hydrate with some water.
$15 For a Milkshake?! Why This Trendy Dessert Is Turning Heads
New York eatery Black Tap seems to be what every foodie's dreams are made of: over-the-top craft burgers, craft burger salads (yep), and milkshakes like you've never seen before. By the looks of its Instagram page, Black Tap goes big on everything - and we mean everything.
It's hard to choose which standout items really put this restaurant on the map, but everyone with a sweet tooth would agree hands down that Black Tap's special shakes are the star of this joint. The only caveat of these confectionary masterpieces is the $15 price point - about the same cost of the burgers. But before you shut down the idea of paying that amount, take a look at some of the most unbelievable milkshakes ahead and then let us know what you think!
New to Running? This Treadmill Workout Is For You
If you're new to running, I'm a firm believer in easing into your relationship with running to give your body time to adjust to the physical demands - you don't want to get so sore that you never want to run again. Mixing walking and running is a great way to get your heart rate up while priming your body for distance and speed. Here's a 40-minute walking/running workout perfect for beginners - or for seasoned runners in the mood for a lighter workout.
Click here for a printable version of this workout. As always, if this workout is too hard or too easy, feel free to decrease or increase the speed. I would keep the incline set to 1.0 because this helps prevent shin splints, which can be a common problem for new runners. Try to do this workout three times in one week. The following week, after warming up for the first 10 minutes, run for three minutes and walk for three minutes, keeping the last two segments at two minutes each, then cool down with walking. Try it. You just might get hooked on running.
You're Definitely Going to Want to Wash Your Water Bottle After Reading This
The beauty of the reusable water bottle is that it's just that - reusable. You can repeatedly head to the water cooler or faucet to fill it up, but when your bottle continually stays wet, it doesn't have the chance to get a proper cleaning. Since bacteria love a moist, dark environment, it's good to get in the habit of cleaning your bottle every night - or at least every few days. Here are some ways you can get rid of the germs and grime.
Throw it in the dishwasher: Some bottles are dishwasher safe, so check the bottom of your bottle or the brand's website to make sure. Kleen Kanteen Classic stainless-steel bottles and glass bottles like those from Lifefactory and bkr are dishwasher safe, as well as some products from Nalgene and Camelbak.
Wash it with warm soapy water: Pour out any leftover liquid, add a few drops of dishwashing soap and some warm water, screw on the top, and shake for a minute or so. It's smart to invest in a bottle brush like this so you can scrub deep inside your bottle, especially if it has a narrow mouth. Thoroughly clean the cap and straw as well and allow to air-dry overnight.
Use vinegar: This all-natural cleaner is great for killing certain germs and bacteria, but it isn't effective at killing everything such as the flu virus. If you're OK with that, use this method: after washing with soapy water, rinse well, and fill your bottle one fifth of the way with white vinegar. Fill the rest with water, let it stand overnight, and in the morning thoroughly rinse it out.
Use a weak bleach solution: If you're really worried about germs, nothing stands a chance against a little bleach. It's perfectly safe to drink from a bottle that's been cleaned with a weak bleach solution - it can even be used to sanitize baby toys and bottles. Make a bleach solution using one tablespoon of bleach per one quart of water. Fill your bottle, screw on the top, and allow to sit for two minutes. Pour out the solution and allow it to dry out completely.
Use water bottle cleansing tablets: Many companies make this type of product, including Camelbak ($12 for eight), or you can also get away with using effervescent denture cleaning tablets such as Efferdent. Just fill your bottle with water, drop the tablet in, and allow to dissolve and sit for 15 to 30 minutes (depending on the product's directions). Then rinse and enjoy your clean bottle.
Burn 200 Calories in 20 Minutes With This Quick Workout
If your schedule is feeling tight, don't skip your workout. We have made a quick calorie-burning workout just for you. In only 20 minutes, you can burn up to 200 calories. So grab a set of five-pound dumbbells if you have them, press play, and work it.
9 Trader Joe's Facts That Are More Fascinating Than the Fearless Flyer
If Trader Joe's is your go-to grocery destination, you probably know it pretty well. But there are little-known facts that even dedicated shoppers might be unaware of, and they could make your trip way better. Did you know you can return anything you don't like . . . including that $3 bottle of wine? Read on to learn more fascinating food facts about this favorite budget-friendly retail store.
3 Ways Apples Can Help You Lose Weight
An apple a day may or may not keep the doctor away, but it sure can help you see results on the scale. Make these apple-inspired choices throughout your day and see how this fruit can help you slim down.
Breakfast: Low-Calorie Swap
Oatmeal for breakfast is an excellent choice. You can sweeten your bowl of oats with maple syrup (one eighth of a cup is 100 calories) or pour on four times as much unsweetened applesauce instead (half a cup contains 51 calories). Make this switch for a whole week of breakfasts, and you'll not only save 343 calories, but you'll also gain 9.1 grams of filling fiber.
Morning or Afternoon Snack: Fill Up on Fiber to Prevent Mindless Snacking
Full of flavor, apples are also great sources of hunger-satiating fiber. Snack on one large apple (with the skin) for 120 calories, and you'll consume 5.5 grams of fiber. The high water content and amazing amount of fiber will keep you full until your next meal, curbing hunger and preventing the temptation to reach for a high-calorie nibble.
Dessert: Skip the Calorie Bombs
Half a cup of chocolate ice cream contains 250 calories.
Two homemade chocolate chip cookies contain 178 calories.
Half a Green & Black's Organic Dark Chocolate Bar contains 300 calories.
Holy calories! After-dinner treats can really add up if you make a habit of indulging every night, so save your calories and enjoy a naturally sweet treat instead. Slice a small apple (80 calories), drizzle it with one tablespoon of honey (64 calories), and sprinkle on cinnamon for a total of 144 calories. Or, remove the core from a raw apple, stuff it with a few chopped walnuts and raisins, drizzle with a touch of maple syrup, pop it in the oven, and enjoy an even more decadent dessert.
The 10 Top Oreo Recipes You HAVE to Make in This Lifetime
If your love of Oreo cookies is extreme, we feel you, which is why we're constantly coming up with new desserts starring the American classic. If you're looking to drool or want some intensely Oreo-flavored recipes to whip up, watch the video and find links to the recipes below:
64 Snacks to Satisfy Hunger, All Under 150 Calories
There's so much more to snacking than cheese and crackers! Here are 64 different mouthwatering, hunger-curbing snacks to enjoy every day of the month (and then some!) - all at 150 calories or fewer.
vendredi 22 janvier 2016
10 Facts Superfans Should Know About Ree Drummond of The Pioneer Woman
Ree Drummond of The Pioneer Woman has made us all feel like we're part of the family with her ultracomforting recipes. If you're a huge fan, you probably already know she's the mother of four and a city girl who's completely in love with her country life. But do you know what she studied in college (hint: it's not culinary arts) or what her first Food Network appearance was? These questions and more are answered right here.
3 Treadmill Tricks For a Perky Butt
Running on a treadmill is a great way to help your heart and whittle your waist, but it can also be a great tool to get a perky butt.
- Hilly workouts: The next time you hop on the treadmill, don't do your regular flat workout - add rolling hills into the mix. Adding inclines will both keep your workout interesting and target your glute muscles. Try this treadmill workout with hills to work your backside.
- Walking lunges: Adding lunges to your treadmill workout helps you warm up before a run. Walking lunges also have the distinction of helping you shape a perky, lifted backside. "It's a great way for women to tone the butt, to get that kind of shelf butt," says Jennifer Pattee, owner of Basic Training. "Normally you can't really spot reduce, and it's hard to really tone specific muscle groups, but that one works." To do walking lunges on the treadmill, slow the speed down to 2.5 or 3 miles per hour, and up the incline to 15 percent. Hold on to the handrails if you need help balancing.
- Go backward: Don't lower that incline just yet: you can work your backside even further by walking backward on the treadmill. Turning around helps strengthen your glutes as well as calves and quads. Lower the speed to a very slow walking pace (2.5 miles per hour) and grab on to the handrails before you turn around.
Related: The Best Exercises For a Better Butt
Which Beer Has the Fewest Calories?
If you're watching your waistline and enjoying an ice-cold brew, then you'll probably want to see how beers compare. The numbers may surprise you. Here's the nutritional info for one glass, can, or bottle of beer (about 12 ounces). Keep in mind that even though there may be health benefits associated with drinking alcohol, they only come with drinking in moderation. For women, that means one drink a day.
| Beer Brand | Calories | Carbs (g) | Alcohol Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amstel Light | 95 | 5 | 3.5 |
| Anchor Steam | 158 | 14.2 | 4.9 |
| Anheuser-Busch Ice Pale Lager | 171 | 12.5 | 5.9 |
| Anheuser-Busch Light Pale Lager | 95 | 3.2 | 4.1 |
| Beck's Pilsner | 138 | 9 | 5 |
| Beck's Premier Light | 63 | 3.8 | 2.3 |
| Budweiser | 145 | 10.6 | 5 |
| Bud Light | 110 | 6.6 | 4.2 |
| Budweiser Select | 99 | 3.1 | 4.3 |
| Budweiser Select 55 | 55 | 1.8 | 2.4 |
| Colt 45 | 157 | 10.8 | 5.6 |
| Coors | 149 | 12.2 | 5 |
| Coors Light | 102 | 5 | 4.2 |
| Corona Extra | 148 | 14 | 4.6 |
| Corona Light | 99 | 5 | 3.2 |
| Foster's Premium Ale | 160 | 12.5 | 5.5 |
| Guinness Extra Stout | 176 | 14 | 6 |
| Guinness Draught | 126 | 10 | 4 |
| Harpoon IPA | 170 | 15 | 5.9 |
| Heineken | 148 | 11.3 | 5 |
| Heineken Light | 99 | 6.8 | 3.5 |
| Killian's Irish Red | 162 | 14.8 | 5 |
| Labatt Blue | 153 | 5 | 5 |
| Labatt Blue Light | 111 | 8 | 4 |
| Long Trail | 163 | 18.5 | 4.6 |
| Magic Hat #9 | 165 | 14.6 | 5.1 |
| Michelob Dark Lager | 152 | 11.8 | 5.1 |
| Michelob Ultra | 95 | 2.6 | 4.2 |
| Miller Genuine Draft | 143 | 13.1 | 4.7 |
| Miller MGD 64 | 64 | 2.4 | 2.8 |
| Milwaukee's Best Ice | 144 | 7.3 | 5.9 |
| Molson Ice | 160 | 11.6 | 5.6 |
| Molson Light | 113 | 9.9 | 3.9 |
| Natural Light | 95 | 3.2 | 4.2 |
| Newcastle Brown Ale | 138 | 12.8 | 4.7 |
| O'Doul's | 65 | 13.3 | .4 |
| Pabst Blue Ribbon | 145 | 12 | 4.7 |
| Pabst Blue Ribbon Light | 113 | 8.3 | 3.9 |
| Pete's Wicked Ale | 172 | 17.5 | 5.3 |
| Red Stripe | 151 | 13.8 | 5 |
| Rolling Rock Extra Pale Lager | 132 | 10 | 4.5 |
| Sam Adams Boston Lager | 180 | 18.8 | 4.9 |
| Sam Adams Light | 119 | 9.6 | 4 |
| Sierra Nevada Bigfoot | 330 | 30.3 | 9.6 |
| Sierra Nevada Pale Ale | 176 | 14.1 | 5.6 |
| Stella Artois | 154 | 12.8 | 5.2 |
Updated! Start Your Year (and Wallet) Off Right With the Best New Trader Joe's Items
New year, new products at Trader Joe's - but that doesn't mean you'll want to put all of them in your cart. As always, we've already done that for you and reviewed them all, so you can rest assured the new products you're putting in your cart are winning as far as your taste buds are concerned.
Rachel Bilson Reveals the 1 Lip Product You Need For a Kissable Pout
Image Source: Getty/Jonathan Leibson
You may know Rachel Bilson as Summer Roberts from The O.C. or Dr. Zoe Hart on Hart of Dixie, in either case she's always had a great sense of style - both in the fashion and beauty departments. When it comes to her skin and hair, Rachel gives off the fresh-faced California-girl vibe, a look we've always envied (and tried to copy with products like Bumble and Bumble's Surf Spray). A quick glance at her Instagram account even reveals that she's a master of the #nomakeupselfies and prefers a natural, minimalist look, which is actually quite refreshing to see amid trends like heavy contouring and bubble nail art.
It's fitting then that ChapStick recently named the actress as its newest spokesperson for its Total Hydration lip product. In an interview, Rachel opened up to us about why she loves this no-fuss Winter beauty staple and explained how her skin care routine has changed since becoming a mom to daughter Briar Rose. Make no mistake, though - this mama is also equally knowledgable about beauty hacks and shared some easy makeup tips with us.
POPSUGAR: Which Total Hydration ChapStick is your favorite? Is there a flavor you would recommend people to try?
Rachel Bilson: I love the vanilla. I'm a vanilla kind of girl and it really keeps your lips hydrated and moisturized, especially for Valentine's Day.
PS: Speaking of Valentine's Day, do you have any date-night style advice for those celebrating?
RB: All of my things include a little person now. We're a little more cozy than glammed up you can say. I think for Valentine's Day, less is more. Some girls might like to break out lingerie. That would be nice for the men, but as far as getting ready for a date, low-key is my go-to.
PS: What's your beauty routine like and has that changed drastically since having your daughter?
RB: I've always been low-key and it's gotten even lower since having a child. I am definitely the ChapStick and mascara kind of girl. When I pull both of those together, it's quite an achievement.
PS: Do you have any makeup or skin care staples you can't live without?
RB: The ChapStick Total Hydration is a staple for me and also the Chanel mascara. They used to make it in this blue color - it didn't really look blue, only in a certain light - but they discontinued it, which is a bummer. Now I am using the Chanel mascara in black and what's little left of the blue.
PS: The ingredients in the Total Hydration line are 100 percent natural. Is that something you look for in your products?
RB: Yes, especially since becoming a mom, you're just way more aware of what you put on your body and what you're exposing your baby to. I love that the product is 100 percent natural.
Image Source: Everett Collection
PS: Throwing it back to the O.C. days, did you learn any fun beauty hacks from the girls or makeup artists?
RB: It's funny, my makeup artist [Joni Powell] on Hart of Dixie was the head of makeup on The O.C. It's like a big family of us that have been together forever. For me, what I've learned is that when you load ChapStick on and then brush your lips with a toothbrush it acts like an exfoliator, which is great. I had to do that a lot because I used to apply lipstick on all the time. And, if you have individual lashes on or false ones, after a while you can curl them as a little pick-me-up since you can't really put mascara on them.
PS: Are you the skin care or makeup type of girl?
RB: I would lean more towards skin care. I am low-maintenance in both areas, so I don't go much further than washing my face and putting on some cream after. Then ChapStick, mascara, and a little blush.
PS: When it comes to your hair, what types of products do you use? As a California native, you have great beach waves.
RB: I am a wash-and-go girl because I don't do my own hair often. It's pretty natural when I am in charge of it. I love the Living Proof line, especially the shampoo and condition antifrizz one.
PS: Describe your beauty look in one word.
RB: Definitely simple comes to mind. And minimalist.
This Woman's Skin Turned Flamingo Pink After Taking a Shower
Image Source: Lush
Oftentimes we use a body or tanning product and anxiously await results that may never happen. However, Abi Shenton from the UK experienced the total opposite after taking a bath with a Lush bath oil.
She recently tweeted a selfie at the brand showing off her skin after using the Razzle Dazzle oil in the shower. But there was just one problem: her skin was dyed bright pink - literally. The fuchsia bath oil was actually mistaken for body soap by Abi. See, it comes packaged in a round ball shape that is meant to be diluted and added to your bath. But the product can easily be mistaken for a body bomb or soap bar if you don't carefully read the usage instructions. After rigorously rubbing the oil into her face and body, the magenta dye ended up leaving her skin flamingo pink.
The good news is that the stain was removed after many baths and a trusty at-home DIY. "A very helpful friend of mine works at Lush and helped me remove all the pink stain with lemon juice, olive oil + a gritty face wash!" she told Pretty 52. LUSH, also shocked by her pink skin, reach out to Abi via Twitter to further help her out.
This beauty faux pax is a great reminder to always thoroughly read package instructions before slathering products on your body - no matter how tempting they look or smell. Keep on reading to see her flamingo-pink selfie (that required absolutely #NoFilter).
Skate Dancing Is the Must-Try Workout of 2016
As its title suggests, skate dancing is a fusion of dance techniques with roller skating moves. Skate dancing seemingly peaked in popularity during the 1970s, but it has recently reemerged as a fun workout trend with just the right hint of nostalgia. We caught up with Cecile Klaus, a skate dance instructor with The Brooklyn Zoo, to learn what makes skate dancing so appealing for newbies and workout buffs alike.
Here's Why You Should Stay Far, Far Away From Restaurants on Valentine's Day
Scoring a reservation at a buzzy new spot or one of your favorite restaurants may seem like a major Valentine's Day coup, but proceed with caution. Here's a piece of insider knowledge that those in the restaurant industry might hesitate to tell you: Valentine's Day is the worst possible night of the year to dine out. Having dined out on this holiday, I've firsthand witnessed these pitfalls.
The fundamental reason: you won't get a true taste for what the restaurant has to offer. With a high demand for reservations, many restaurants choose to serve a prix-fixe menu in lieu of the establishment's greatest hits. Not because it makes for a better meal, but because a prix-fixe menu reduces cost and complication. The problem: it can be unfamiliar to both the cooks and wait staff, inviting more opportunity for mistakes both in the kitchen and in terms of wine pairings and menu choices.
Contributing to the chaos, tables get shuffled around and squeezed in to accommodate an increased head count. You might end up in a subpar location (near the dishwasher) or seated at a wobbly, rented table, as has happened to me. More significantly, the arrangement alters the flow of service. An increased number of tables means more orders for waiters to manage, which spells trouble even for veteran teams. Add these factors to the pressure of making this night memorable for the moony-eyed couples, and blunders are bound to happen.
I find it much more romantic to stay in and instead treat my boyfriend and myself to a bottle of Champagne (or Barolo) and a simple but special cheese and charcuterie plate, something hands-off that keeps the cleanup to a minimum. (A mountain of dirty dishes can be quite the mood killer.) Typically, we make a Valentine's Day dinner out of baguette, our favorite cheeses, charcuterie, and luxe accoutrements, like membrillo, cornichons, and marcona almonds. Pair with a couple glasses of wine and a sweet treat sourced from a favorite bakery or a choice assortment of chocolates, and you have the makings of an ideal meal to linger over.
Ultimately, the decision to dine out or stay in is up to you and what feels right to where you are in your relationship, but I wholeheartedly suggest choosing an intimate evening in and instead booking a prime reservation on a less-loaded night.
A Guide to the Best Ab Exercises
According to celeb trainer Gunnar Peterson, the secret to awesome abs is "working consistently, working in different planes of motion, and adding weights to your abdominal work." Take this advice to heart - here are a handful of exercises that put these principles into action using a set of dumbbells or a medicine ball. Incorporate a few of these exercises into your next workout to really kick your abs into action.
Learn How to Work the Wok With This Printable Stir-Fry Guide
Whether you're a master of the wok or just a lover of stir-fry, this ultimate cheat sheet from Cook Smarts will remove takeout from your weekly dinner options. Quick, healthy, and mouthwatering, stir-fry recipes luckily aren't difficult to tackle, but the right techniques and ingredients can take your dish to the next level. This handy infographic guides you every step of the way, from tenderizing and preparing sauces, to throwing it all together in the wok. So print out this chart with over 20 recipe combos and say goodbye to weeknight dinner woes.
25 1-Pot and -Pan Italian Recipes to Solve All Your Dinner Problems
Cooking on a weeknight always sounds like a great idea until the pile of dirty dishes is staring you in the face. The good news is there are tons of one-pot and -pan recipes to save us all from the dreaded dish-duty woes, and in particular, Italian recipes. For those nights when all you want is a comforting pasta, lasagna, or chicken dish - without the hassle of cleanup - turn to one of these 25 recipes.
Articles
