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.
vendredi 30 décembre 2016
Prince William's 33 Sweetest Dad Moments
Prince William has shared plenty of photo-worthy snaps with his son, Prince George, and now that he's also a dad to daughter Charlotte Elizabeth, there are even more precious moments. Once you're done aww-ing at Prince William with his cute kids, take a look at Kate Middleton's best mom moments and see even more celebrities with their dads.
Download the POPSUGAR Active App For a Healthy Start to 2017
Gear up for those healthy New Year's resolutions in the best way possible: with unlimited access to free workouts (and adorable stickers for your keyboard) on the POPSUGAR Active app. Here are all the kickass ways that PS Active will help you crush your goals and live your healthiest life in 2017.
Workout Challenges and Fitness Plans
- You can now participate in our popular POPSUGAR Fitness challenges on your phone or iPad!
- Conquer the New Year with our two-week January Jump-Start plan, which is also available on the app. The workout videos can be done in your living room, and meals and recipes are all laid out with grocery lists, meal-prep tips, and more.
- Join the Flat-Belly Challenge or the Bodyweight Workout Challenge, and we will help you meet your goals with daily reminders to work out.
- New challenges are added regularly to keep your fitness life from getting stale.
Stickers For iMessage
Obsessed with stickers? Ready to tackle new healthy challenges with friends? Our keyboard stickers for iMessage will keep you and your fitness buddies encouraging each other throughout the January Jump-Start and beyond.
Customizable Workout Routines
- Take our workouts and create your own routines by mixing and matching different videos, cardio routines, yoga sequences, and more.
- We've preloaded the app with some of our favorite routines, so you can get started right away.
- Search the workouts by length of time or body part worked so you can find something to suit your fitness needs.
Flexibility in Your Fitness Life
- Schedule workouts, and we'll send you a reminder so you don't skip your sweat session.
- Download and play our videos wherever you may roam, whether offline or online; if you're in a jam because your hotel has no WiFi, work out with your previously downloaded video playlist.
- New workouts are added weekly!
Download the POPSUGAR Active App For a Healthy Start to 2017
Gear up for those healthy New Year's resolutions in the best way possible: with unlimited access to free workouts (and adorable stickers for your keyboard) on the POPSUGAR Active app. Here are all the kickass ways that PS Active will help you crush your goals and live your healthiest life in 2017.
Workout Challenges and Fitness Plans
- You can now participate in our popular POPSUGAR Fitness challenges on your phone or iPad!
- Conquer the New Year with our two-week January Jump-Start plan, which is also available on the app. The workout videos can be done in your living room, and meals and recipes are all laid out with grocery lists, meal-prep tips, and more.
- Join the Flat-Belly Challenge or the Bodyweight Workout Challenge, and we will help you meet your goals with daily reminders to work out.
- New challenges are added regularly to keep your fitness life from getting stale.
Stickers For iMessage
Obsessed with stickers? Ready to tackle new healthy challenges with friends? Our keyboard stickers for iMessage will keep you and your fitness buddies encouraging each other throughout the January Jump-Start and beyond.
Customizable Workout Routines
- Take our workouts and create your own routines by mixing and matching different videos, cardio routines, yoga sequences, and more.
- We've preloaded the app with some of our favorite routines, so you can get started right away.
- Search the workouts by length of time or body part worked so you can find something to suit your fitness needs.
Flexibility in Your Fitness Life
- Schedule workouts, and we'll send you a reminder so you don't skip your sweat session.
- Download and play our videos wherever you may roam, whether offline or online; if you're in a jam because your hotel has no WiFi, work out with your previously downloaded video playlist.
- New workouts are added weekly!
39 of the Sweetest, Steamiest PDA Moments of the Year
There were plenty of PDA moments to behold to his, and we've rounded up the best ones right here for your viewing pleasure. If these snaps don't happen to be steamy enough for you, be sure to check out 2015's crop of kisses and hugs and stars getting busy on the beach.
12 Truly Tasty Sauces to Toss in a Pound of Spaghetti
Wondering what to do with a pound of spaghetti? Here are some sauce ideas to keep those noodles saturated in tomatoey, olive oily, cheesy, garlicky good stuff.
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth Make a Joint Visit to the Children's Hospital
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth are making the most out of their holiday season together! On Thursday, the pair stopped by the Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego as a special promotion of Miley's Happy Hippie Foundation. "Queen Warrior!!!! Yes you are!!!!!" Miley exclaimed in one snap with a patient, while in another she remarked on the "beautiful children everywhere." Liam Hemsworth first linked up with Miley and her family just before Christmas, and shortly thereafter, they showed off their holiday sweaters and shared a sweet kiss. With all this end-of-year magic between the too, it looks like we might be in for a bright 2017.
These 16 Pictures Confirm Diego Luna Gets Better With Age
Now that Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is everywhere, Diego Luna is officially an international megastar (he was always one in our hearts, of course), and it's time to look back.
Though you've probably known Diego since he was just a little boy appearing in telenovelas like El Premio Mayor, it was really 2001's Y Tu Mamá También, in which he starred with BFF Gael García Bernal, that put him on everyone else's radar. Since then, Diego's red carpet appearances have only gotten more handsome and rugged, and the throwback photos ahead are pure proof of that. Take a peek.
Forget Plates, This Upscale Restaurant Serves Jaw-Dropping Meals on iPads - Yes, iPads
Technology is rapidly changing the way we function in everyday encounters, including how we dine at restaurants. Quince, an upscale French restaurant in San Francisco, has found a way to bridge the gap between fine dining and technology by serving up a signature dish on top of an iPad instead of plates. You're probably wondering how this all works without overheating and destroying the iPad screen, but luckily one of the restaurant chefs, Michael Tusk, revealed the magic behind the high-tech service in a recent Facebook post.
"The iPad and the custom walnut box it rests in combine a little bit of gastronomy, technology, education and whimsy," Tusk wrote. "As to the construction and design of the box we commissioned local wood worker and friend Luke Bartels to create a housing for the IPad - a simple frame with a plexi glass cover that protects the screen. The food does not directly sit on top of the iPad," Tusk assured, adding, "The removable plexi sheath is washed and sanitized after every use in keeping with all other plate ware."
The iPad experience comes with a dish called "A Dog in Search of Gold" which is essentially a video that plays on the screen showing a Romagnolo dog in search of truffle underneath the meal.
"The idea was simply about taking the guest on a voyage to being out truffle hunting and then having a moment when the truffle is dug from the ground," Tusk said in a statement to Thrillist. Keep reading to see what the unusual yet creative iPad dish looks like ahead.
18 Churro Recipes Guaranteed to Make Your Mouth Water
Calling all churro-lovers! Nothing beats biting into that indulgent cinnamon sugar flavor, right? It's undeniably delicious, especially when you bite into one that's warm and freshly made - are you drooling yet?
In honor of the light and simple dessert that took over 2016, we've rounded up a bunch of takes on the classic you can easily whip up at home. From heart shaped to peanut dusted and even beer infused, these are some of the tastiest and unique churro recipes the Internet has to offer.
25 Telenovelas to Add to Your Netflix Queue Right Now
Gone are the days when you had to remember to put a blank tape in your VHS player to record your nightly novelas. Now you can DVR them and, even better, stream some of your favorites on Netflix - with English subtitles.
Whether you're in the mood for an oldie but goodie (Thalia's María la del Barrio, perhaps?) or a relatively recent drama (Kate del Castillo's Dueños del Paraíso), Netflix has a surprising amount of Spanish-language TV at your binge-watching disposal.
Ready to set up camp? Prepare your queue, and keep scrolling for a list of shows you should add ASAP.
Prepare to Obsess Over Kat Von D's New Everlasting Liquid Lipstick Shades
If you're looking for bold lipstick shades to try in 2017, Kat Von D has you covered. The makeup guru teased 25 new Everlasting Liquid Lipstick colors on her personal Instagram account, including a range of vibrant hues from cement gray to deep chocolate.
Kat says each of the new shades will have individual launch dates, so follow @katvondbeauty to find out when each color will be available. You'll be able to purchase the first six nude shades - Muñeca, Ophelia, Ludwig, Sanctuary, Hawkwind, and Crucifix - by the end of next week, and also in February as part of an affordable nude-bundle set to be sold exclusively at Sephora.
Keep reading to see all of the new Everlasting Liquid Lipstick shades by Kat Von D you'll be obsessing over in the new year.
You've Seen These Earrings Before - Because They're Going Viral on Instagram
You've probably spotted these pom-pom earrings while scrolling through your Instagram feed, or maybe on celebrities like Lupita Nyong'o and Lily Aldridge. They're pretty unmissable after all, four colorful circles connected by a thread, dripping from each ear. Though they appear glamorous as diamonds, especially when worn with a floor-length gown, the earrings are actually featherweight and they're hand-embroidered in India.
Created by fashion industry vet Rebecca de Ravenel (who studied at Parsons School of Design and worked for Oscar de la Renta and Tory Burch), these became It pieces as soon as they launched last Winter. Soon, they were sold out everywhere. But thanks to a new holiday collection and plenty of excited bloggers and stars, they're not going anywhere now. In fact, girls are coming up with plenty of ways to style them: with swimsuits on the beach, with a breezy maxi dress for a wedding, or even arranged on the coffee table as room decor.
Read on for a look at the earrings you'll want to show off to the world, then shop some of our favorite varieties available now.
10 Times Selena Gomez Got Real About Body Positivity - and We Loved It
Selena Gomez is no stranger to the sometimes-harsh criticism that comes with fame; however, the "Kill Em With Kindness" singer is known for her keen ability to rise above it, stay true to herself, and recognize when she needs a break from the limelight.
Following a hiatus earlier in 2016, Selena re-emerged at the American Music Awards with an even stronger message of self-love and acceptance that reminded us just how much we've idolized her body positivity over the years. Ahead, find 10 times she has inspired us with a few simple words!
14 Emerging Fashion Brands You Need to Add to Your Follow List
We all have our favorite designers, but that doesn't mean we're not constantly searching for fresh brands to follow. As we begin to hear about rising new talent in the industry, it's our duty to let you know right away. That way, you can lust after (and later shop) their creations.
Thanks to the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards, we're already acquainted with some of the need-to-know designers of the year, but we've also compiled a few others every girl should keep her eyes on. Scroll through to see which designers you recognize, and if you don't already stalk them on the 'gram, make sure to hit that follow button immediately.
The Most Popular Latin Recipes of 2016 Are Surprisingly Healthy
What do you do when you have to find something to make for dinner? You probably turn to Pinterest (or maybe one of our many roundups of ideas). The recipes that get pinned and repinned on boards galore are the most foolproof and delicious, which is why we've put together a list of our most popular dishes of the year.
These recipes are surprisingly easy to make and shockingly healthy - with a few indulgent exceptions, of course; it's really all about balance. Scroll ahead for the 2016 winning meals you'll want on your table right away.
J.K. Rowling Says This Theory About Draco Malfoy Isn't True but We're Skeptical
Most Harry Potter fans can agree that Draco Malfoy is a bully who deserves zero sympathy from anyone. While most of his behavior is inexcusable, one theory about the sixth and seventh books might make you reconsider your thoughts on Draco and the Malfoy family. The theory suggests that as a form of punishment ordered by Voldemort, Draco was bitten and became a werewolf.
This isn't a new theory, but recently resurfaced in an Imgur post and still exists on the website Draco Malfoy Is a Werewolf. It states that Draco was bitten by Fenrir Greyback after Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix takes place because of Lucius' mistakes. Lucius failed to retrieve the prophecy and previously let one of Voldemort's horcruxes get destroyed in the second book. As Remus Lupin shares in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Greyback is often used by Voldemort to punish his enemies by letting him bite children and turn them into werewolves. In the same book, Harry starts to notice how pale and different Draco acts. He presumes to think it's because Draco is now a death eater, but with the theory in mind, it's actually because he's a werewolf. It's also why Draco has a close relationship with Severus Snape, as only he could brew the Wolfsbane potion for Draco.
Since Draco was no longer a true pure-blood, it also explains why the Malfoy's end up betraying Voldemort in the last book and leaving him behind. They could no longer abide by and fight for pure-bloods because of Draco, so they saw no reason to continue supporting Voldemort.
Though this theory is severely convincing, J.K. Rowling took to Twitter to dispel it in 2015. Someone tweeted at Rowling the question of whether Draco was a werewolf and Rowling said she hadn't seen it - and that it wasn't true. You can see it below.
I've never seen that one before. Draco definitely isn't a werewolf (and Snape's not a vampire). https://t.co/TSliADJvyi
- J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) October 2, 2015
Even though Rowling has essentially shut down this theory, we're still hoping it was true. It would make up for Draco's attitude towards Harry and everyone else.
10 New Netflix Shows That Have Blown Us Away This Year
Netflix's wide array of original programming proves year after year that the streaming network is a veritable force to be reckoned with. In 2015, we were blessed with nuanced, unique series like Jessica Jones and Master of None, and this year, Netflix somehow managed to double down on its incredible collection of content with a variety of brilliant new shows. Among other things, there were options for Marvel fans, comedy aficionados, and anyone who needed a heavy dose of '90s nostalgia. Although there are still a few weeks until the Gilmore Girls reboot premieres, we're taking this time to give a shout-out to all of our favorite new Netflix shows that premiered this year.
2015's Overalls Got Nothing on This Season's Modern Update
When overalls became "trendy" again last year, we were hesitant to try them out. When we did, we kept it classic and asked our friends about a billion and one times if they looked flattering. Now we're well versed in overalls, wearing them to lounge around the house with lingerie just as often as we do for a night out, styled with heels.
The freshest looks include corduroy dresses, fitted flares in bright colorways, and plenty of distressing. These days, we're treating overalls like jeans. They're easy to slip into, effortless, and ridiculously chic. Read on to see 14 of our favorite takes on the silhouette, then shop a variety of designs to add to your closet.
Give federal health accord cash to First Nations, say chiefs
First Nations should get a direct injection of mental health money now if the provinces and federal government can't reach a deal, say chiefs.
10 Famous New Year's Eve Movie Kisses That Left You Weak in the Knees
As a holiday, New Year's Eve hinges almost entirely around two things: drinking a dangerous amount of Champagne and sharing an insanely romantic kiss with someone at midnight. While getting an Instagram-worthy smooch doesn't always happen in real life, Hollywood definitely knows how to nail it. Keep reading to see every New Year's Eve kiss on the big screen that never fails to leave us swooning, and check out the best movie kisses of 2015!
Give federal health accord cash to First Nations, say chiefs
First Nations should get a direct injection of mental health money now if the provinces and federal government can't reach a deal, say chiefs.
13 Photos of Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal's Adorable Bromance Through the Years
The friendship between Mexican actors Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal goes way, way back - to two or three days after Diego was born and Gael was just over 1-year-old. The pair, whose moms were close friends, had an instant connection that only grew stronger as they starred together in world-renowned Y Tu Mamá También.
From the moment these two hit a red carpet together to promote the 2001 film, it was clear they were basically brothers, teasing each other for the cameras, smiling wide as they joked around, and always hugging in photos. As their careers grow - Gael won a Golden Globe for Mozart in the Jungle in 2016 and Diego stars in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story premiering on Dec. 16 - let's take a look back at how it all started for these two. See their best photos together through the years, then check out another unbreakable friendship.
19 Ways to Look as Stylish as Amal Clooney - No Matter Where You're Headed
If you're the type who arrives at a party, the office, or even the movies dressed to impress, you're not alone - that's just how us fashion girls roll. But while statement shoes and furry jackets will surely make jaws drop, it might be time to take some tips from a star who's got classic, elevated style down pat: Amal Clooney.
No matter where she's headed, from court to the red carpet, Amal's outfits always stand out in the crowd. It's not so much that what she wears is so different or out-there; it's that she doesn't overdo it, knows how to accessorize, and always keeps things classy (no revealing dresses here).
Read on for 19 tips we'll be borrowing from Mrs. Clooney, then check out the Spring '16 trends you should start wearing now, guaranteeing you'll show up in style every time.
The Best New Trader Joe's Products From 2016
We've tried every new product that Trader Joe's has come out with this year to bring you only the best. Now, if a few of these products are no longer offered at your TJ's, you know what to do. Head on over to customer service and ask the manager to fill out a form to bring that product back! It's the most effective way for the store to listen to its customers. In the meantime, take a look at the most delicious new offerings from 2016 thus far!
- Additional reporting by Anna Monette Roberts
Did You Know Netflix Has Secret Movie Categories? Here's How to Find Them
Your Netflix hunting just got so much better. Turns out, there are a ton of secret movie categories on Netflix, and there's an easy hack for finding them. To access one of the hidden categories, you'll just need to type out the following in your browser:
http://ift.tt/2hSdKdR
So, for instance, 67673 is the code for Disney, so to see all the movies in that category, you'd type:
Cool, right? What's on Netflix has all the categories, which include very specific genres such as sci-fi thrillers (11014), foreign films from places like Scandinavia (9292), and even for children's age ranges from 0 to 2 (6796) and 11 to 12 (6962). Check out some of the ones that grabbed our interest here!
- 10118 - Comic Book and Superhero Movies
- 10702 - Spy Action and Adventure
- 11146 - Anime Fantasy
- 26 - Mockumentaries
- 10944 - Cult Horror Movies
- 1159 - Travel and Adventure Documentaries
- 6384 - Tearjerkers
- 29764 - Art House Movies
- 8646 - Slasher and Serial Killer Movies
- 75405 - Zombie Horror Movies
- 36103 - Quirky Romance
- 972 - Steamy Thrillers
- 1164 - British Crime Dramas Based on Books
- 2077 - Witty Independent Movies
- 502 - Gritty Political Thrillers
- 394 - Critically-Acclaimed Coming-of-Age Movies
jeudi 29 décembre 2016
Sprint Through Security With These 5 Tech-Packing Tricks
If the thought of flying and standing in long TSA lines before reaching your travel destination triggers a migraine, these tips from the TSA will show you how to properly pack your gadgets, accessories, and chargers, and speed through the security line like a frequent flyer. A foolproof way to get everything in your bag, the best way to wrap cords, and the most TSA-friendly bags await in these five tips.
1. Pack in layers:
Layer clothes, electronics, then clothes again inside a carry-on so the TSA agent can quickly see what's in there. This strategy also works better than the cram-everything-in-your-bag strategy once you unpack at your destination.
2. Wrap the cords:
A tangle of cords could look like something potentially harmful if it's viewed a certain way, which could mean a more thorough and time-consuming bag check. Wrap cords around their devices, pack chargers together in one bag (ziplocks work!), and take advantage of rubber bands and twist ties to keep them tangle-free.
3. Keep big items in your carry-on:
Not in checked bags. Laptops and DVD players have to come out of your bags at screening checkpoints, but they won't fare well in checked bags unless you're down with a TSA agent potentially digging them out.
4. But know what can stay inside:
Don't forget: tablets, ereaders, laptops, and gadgets smaller than a 13-inch laptop can stay in your carry-on. All other electronic devices need to come out.
5. Get a TSA-friendly bag:
Of course, you could just get a TSA-friendly bag for your laptop, which will glide right through the checkpoint without a problem. TSA-approved bags provide a clear and unobstructed view of the device inside through the X-ray scanner. These can be one of three styles: sleeve style, butterfly style, or trifold style. They won't have pockets, metal zippers, snaps, logos, emblems, or other branding that can obstruct the view of the laptop in the X-ray scanner, and they can only house the laptop. Other items like chargers, cables, and accessories should be packed separately.
Kendall Jenner's Airport Pants Will Replace Your Favorite Pair of Sweats
When deciding on a travel outfit, comfort typically comes first, and Kendall Jenner's latest jet-setting look - a Vetements pullover paired with silky, striped track pants from Morgan Lane - fits right into that category. The model was spotted rocking the ensemble at LAX, keeping accessories to a minimum and finishing her look with a pair of white sneakers.
Kendall may be onto something with her on-the-go look, as Hailee Steinfeld - who was at LAX the very same day - wore a pair of Adidas track pants with a crop top for her own flight. The coincidence definitely left us wondering: are these bottoms the new, more stylish airport sweats? Scroll through for proof that this might be the case, then shop some track pants ahead to nail the look.
The Best 40 Disney World Tips From Moms Who Go All the Time - Floridians!
There are a lot of great tips for visiting Disney World floating around that everyone should investigate, but there are some extraspecial tips that only come with experience - and who has more experience than the mamas who go all the time? The Florida moms! See, one of the perks about living in Florida, aside from the fact that you get to laugh at the rest of the country all Winter, is that you also get to visit Disney World. All the time. Floridian mamas typically make the trip at least once a year (if not a lot more), which means they have perfected the process over time. So avoid the Disney hangover by checking out these tips directly from Florida's veteran Disney vacationers for making any trip to the happiest place on earth go as smoothly as possible (or at least as smoothly as it can with small children in tow).
And for more Disney tips, be sure to check out:
15 Disney World Tips You Need to Know Before Your Next Vacation
25 Shockingly Easy Ways For Families to Save Money on Disney Trips
13 Things to Know While Planning a Trip to Disney World With a Baby
How to Do Disney in a Day
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!
Ring the Fire Alarm Because These Joan Smalls's Bikinigrams Are Smoking
Of course Joan Small's Instagram feed would be filled with sexy bikini photos. Whether she's beachside for a hot shoot for Victoria's Secret, vacationing by a pool with fellow supermodels, or enjoying time back home in Puerto Rico, Joan knows exactly how to show off her toned body in the skimpiest bikinis we have seen. She poses for sexy topless (and bottomless) snaps, and in angles that highlight her, ahem, curves. Keep scrolling to see all her hotness in its full glory.
Serena Williams Is Bound to Score When It Comes to Choosing a Wedding Dress
Serena Williams's name may be synonymous with tennis, but that's not the only major achievement on this woman's résumé. The sports icon happens to be a designer and Vogue cover star, too, and if that doesn't qualify her as a true-blue fashion girl? Perhaps the fact that she's close pals with Anna Wintour will.
Between putting on her own runway shows, sitting front row at Fashion Week, slaying red carpet style, and mastering the mirror selfie, there are plenty of reasons why Serena Williams is way more than just a tennis pro - she's a fashion pro, too. Scroll through for 39 reasons every style-lover should be following this star, who just announced her engagement on Reddit, and stay tuned for the glorious wedding dress she's bound to wear.
The Moment This Bride Turns Around, You'll Fall Deeply in Love With Her Dress
There are plenty of things to take into account when choosing a wedding dress: fit, silhouette, whether you'd like it to be simple or statement-making, etc. For her big day, model Sun Wei likely looked for something that would wow from all angles, so she turned to Galia Lahav, a fashion house known for dresses with long, poufy trains - aka something fit for a princess or even a Barbie. As she said "I do" to Satoru Mizuno at the Aoyama St. Grace Cathedral in Tokyo, Japan, Sun had her back to the crowd, thus creating a view that took our breath away. Scroll through to see her flawless look in full, since the front's pretty spectacular as well. Then, see which trends will be big for brides in Fall 2017.
15 Ways Breastfeeding Completely Messes With Your Sanity
We're happy to present this article by Elizabeth Broadbent from one of our favorite sites, YourTango.
Everyone knows that postpartum moms are a little bit nuts. There's the hormones, the sleep deprivation, and the I-just-popped-a-baby-from-my-vagina-or-got-one-cut-out-of-me thing.
She has shared charge of an actual human being, who will expire if left sitting on the middle of the floor for too long. This would make anyone crazy.
Then, add breastfeeding into the mix. Breastfeeding moms are no more or less crazy than formula-feeding moms, but breastfeeding makes you crazy in ways formula feeding doesn't. I know - I've full-term-nursed three kids.
I loved mostly every minute of it, but I know I seemed downright insane to most of the non-nursing world. Here's why:
- You see your nipples as merely another bodily appendage.
No more are they special, secret places you keep under wraps at all times. No way. Your nipples are now food delivery devices.
Your baby will turn his head and stretch them in ways you never thought possible. And if you pump, what happens to your nipples will look like something from a fetish video. You won't care about any of these things. - You become proud of your boob size.
Big or small, medium or in between, you're proud of those hooters, because they're keeping a human being alive. Your bras may range into the middle end of the alphabet - and more properly be termed "harness" - but dammit, they're feeding little Braylynn. High-five, boobies! - You develop a nickname for your boobs.
You'll ask your baby if they want ta-ta, or milkies, or na-nas, possibly even boobie. When other people overhear you, they'll look at you like you just shouted the word "penis" in a crowded hallway. - You plan your wardrobe around your boobs and access thereof.
You can't go to the mall in that dress, because even if it does fit you from your postpartum days, you can't get to the ladies. Your husband in particular will not understand this.
When you don't do the two-shirt trick (one up, one down), you'll mostly settle for V-necks you can pull over. - At first, you worry endlessly about who can see your breasts.
You use a nursing cover. You pull and tug and do everything in your power to make sure no one sees so much as a millimeter of skin, you dirty, dirty girl.
Nipples are private, and nursing is private, and you're terrified someone might see what you're doing. - Then, you stop caring who sees, in a radical way.
Take a good long look, Trucker Man. Baby has to eat, and I need to feed him, so you're going to see some titty along the way. Get over it - it's a human breast, and you see more of that on a Victoria's Secret model than you do on nursing mother, anyway. - You fantasize about getting yelled at for nursing.
This is either your worst nightmare (see lady with the cover), or you're ready to go toe to toe with management over your right to nurse in any establishment you have the right to be in.
But you think about it on a regular basis, plan what you would say, and what you'd tell your girlfriends afterwards. - You taste your own breastmilk.
Anyone who says they haven't is a liar, liar, pants on fire. At some point in your nursing career, you absolutely have to see what it tastes like. Just once. For the record: vanilla ice cream. - You obsess about your "supply."
For those not in the know, "supply" means how much breastmilk you're producing at any one time. You might worry you have oversupply and that's why baby's throwing up. Or that you have low supply, and baby isn't peeing enough.
While worries about supply will fade as baby gets older, they never quite go away. You'll find yourself wondering if your growing toddler needs extra milkies when it's hot outside. - All of a sudden, you can imagine nursing a toddler.
Before you said uh-uh, no way, supergross . . . once they can ask for it, they should be cut off. Or once they have teeth, they should be finished.
But as your baby gets bigger, you slowly realize that when you make the decision to keep nursing every single day, you're eventually nursing a toddler. And your toddler is still such a baby. Full-term nursing for the win. - Unless you're a saint, you go through a phase where you judge formula-feeding moms.
Thinking your choice is far superior to theirs is a way for you to validate your own choice and feel that you're raising your child the right way. Insecure new moms need that validation, so they take it out on formula-feeders, a superconvenient target.
Luckily, the vast majority of nursing moms grow out of their judgy phase. Most of them. - You get excited about growing an actual person.
These hooters, right here, are the reason the baby gained three pounds. Boobs, I wish I could high-five you. Other people might think this is weird, but they've never grown a person with their own body. - You give "the look" to other nursing moms.
When you see another mom nursing in public, you at least give her a nod. Depending on your level of obsession, you may say hi or even thank her for nursing where other people can see her.
When you reach this level, you're what people call a "lactivist," and that's not a bad thing. - You covet normal sleep.
Oh, you sleep. If you cosleep, you sleep as much as any person with a baby possibly can (i.e. a lot). But you're constantly half-woken by a tiny person demanding to switch sides.
This pattern of half-waking can make you insanely covetous of the days when you slept without touching another person for hours on end. If you don't cosleep, you're awake all the time and probably exist in a delirious state of sleep deprivation. - You start viewing breastmilk as a miracle cure-all.
Got a cut? The stem cells in breastmilk will take care of that. Eye infection? Put on milk on it. If Bob Costas had known a lactating woman, he would've been back to commentating in a day.
Breastmilk cures all the things. Your insistence on this will make your household crazy.
Seriously, how do you think breastfeeding women go f*cking crazy?
More great reads from YourTango:
9 Things I'd Do Differently If I Had a Parenting Do-Over
11 Insane Things That Become Totally "Normal" When You're a Mom
9 Crazy Cool Facts About Breastfeeding No One Ever Told You
I Breastfed My Best Friend's Baby - and I Have Zero Regrets
Breastfeeding My Baby Literally Saved My Boobs - and My Life
This Woman Shot Down Mean Comments About Her Looks With This Heartwarming Story
At 31-years old, The Stay At Home Chef usually shares recipes, but after receiving a comment about her gray hair, saying, "you look like you're 70 with your gray hairs. You really should consider dyeing them for TV so you don't look like such an old hag," she felt compelled to respond. She explains that she suffers from a rare autoimmune disease that most likely means she will never live until she's 70 years old, so she actually welcomes any signs of old age because it's a sign that she's still alive (just a sec, grabbing tissues). Her beautiful message is to stop wasting time criticizing yourself as well as others, and to love yourself fully. "The world needs more women to rock their bodies exactly the way God made them. Be that person."
5 Health-Focused New Year’s Resolutions You Should NOT Be Making
It's crunch time. New Year's Eve is just around the corner and, inevitably, you've been thinking more about your outfit than your resolutions. Many people make goals focused on a healthier body - whether that means eating better or working out more, or both! While you brainstorm on how you want to better yourself in this upcoming year, consider these five things off of the list.
Bring On the Bubbly With These Sparkling Cocktails
Champagne or sparkling wine is wonderful enjoyed on its own, but why not step it up a notch? Take a look at our recipes for cocktails that have just the right amount of effervescence to them.
- Additional reporting by Emily Bibb
This Woman Shot Down Mean Comments About Her Looks With This Heartwarming Story
At 31-years old, The Stay At Home Chef usually shares recipes, but after receiving a comment about her gray hair, saying, "you look like you're 70 with your gray hairs. You really should consider dyeing them for TV so you don't look like such an old hag," she felt compelled to respond. She explains that she suffers from a rare autoimmune disease that most likely means she will never live until she's 70 years old, so she actually welcomes any signs of old age because it's a sign that she's still alive (just a sec, grabbing tissues). Her beautiful message is to stop wasting time criticizing yourself as well as others, and to love yourself fully. "The world needs more women to rock their bodies exactly the way God made them. Be that person."
5 Health-Focused New Year’s Resolutions You Should NOT Be Making
It's crunch time. New Year's Eve is just around the corner and, inevitably, you've been thinking more about your outfit than your resolutions. Many people make goals focused on a healthier body - whether that means eating better or working out more, or both! While you brainstorm on how you want to better yourself in this upcoming year, consider these five things off of the list.
You'll Want to Bookmark This List of 2016's Best Beauty Tutorials
For beauty-lovers, 2016 has been quite the fun year. With multiple exciting makeup launches like the coveted Selena x MAC collection, crazy trends (scorpion manicures, anyone?), and silly challenges on YouTube, your favorite Latino vloggers have been busy supplying all kinds of dreamy content.
That's why it was hard to narrow down our favorites, but we think we've compiled a pretty solid list of some of the best beauty tutorials this year had to offer. Curious to browse our picks? Keep reading to see them all - yes, Desi Perkins's downright accurate Selena Quintanilla look made the cut. Then, brush up on the nail trends you'll be trying in 2017.
Introducing the Cast of Feud, Ryan Murphy's Next Big TV Show
When it comes to TV shows, Ryan Murphy has plenty to juggle. He's got the many worlds of American Horror Story, and he's already planning a second and third season of American Crime Story. And then there's Feud, another anthology series focused on some of the most dramatic behind-the-scenes altercations in Hollywood. For the first season, Murphy will tackle an infamous industry rivalry: that of Joan Crawford and Bette Davis. In the months since the announcement, a whole barrage of casting news has come our way, complete with familiar faces and brand-new additions. Let's review the major players.
The Major Signs (by Age!) That Your Kid Is Becoming a Brat
Not only can Elaine Rose Glickman spot a bratty kid, but she also knows how to stop the bad behavior every step of the way. In her new book, Your Kid's a Brat and It's All Your Fault, the mother-turned-author breaks down the warning signs, by age, that parents should be aware of if they want to prevent their little ones from turning into full-blown brats. Whether you're concerned that you might be dealing with a budding brat or are pretty positive that you officially have a spoiled tween, check out Glickman's checklist and add her book to your reading list ASAP for insightful help with what to do - before it's too late.
People Are Crying Their Hearts Out After Seeing What This Class Bought For Their Teacher
If you need a reason to prove that not everything in 2016 was a hot mess, then you need to watch this heartwarming video of a class giving their teacher a pair of vans. The viral video shows the teacher's genuine touched reaction and it might make you emotional as well.
Earlier this year, psychology teacher Taylor Kerby at Edgewood High School in California, commented to his class that he liked one student's red Vans. The entire class chipped in and bought Kerby his own red pair of Vans, and student, Dyani Heredia, filmed his reaction. Watch the video below.
He said he liked our classmate's Vans on the first day of school, so we pitched in and bought him his own pair❤ http://pic.twitter.com/a7ynwdzeGx
- Ophelia (@itsdeeyanee) December 20, 2016
In the video, you can see Kerby surprised by the gift but immediately put them on. The class of 25 students each donated $2 to buy the shoes, Heredia told BuzzFeed. Kerby, who was surprised that the video went so viral, is glad plenty of people are watching it. ". . . If it inspires teachers to be better teachers and people to be better people, then I'm excited that it's happening," he said to BuzzFeed. Another student posted a photo of Kerby posing with the shoes.
WHO IS HE??? http://pic.twitter.com/UNF8WS0WxX
- Olivia (@livvyyzz) December 20, 2016
Kerby is not the only one who was touched by his student's heartwarming gesture. Other people reacted to the video with how much they loved it.
@itsdeeyanee is that your teacher?? it's the cutest video (without puppies) that i've ever seen haha
- Lou 🏳️🌈 21:21 (@dunjosephalycia) December 20, 2016
@itsdeeyanee I've been smiling at this all day
- tay♡ (@Taylenlowery) December 21, 2016
@itsdeeyanee "I'm the coolest kid on the block" YES YOU ARE http://pic.twitter.com/GewtIjAOOV
- M (@extraharrie) December 20, 2016
Even Vans saw the video and commented on the video!
@itsdeeyanee Whoa...that's epic!
- Vans (@VANS_66) December 21, 2016
The tweet, posted on Dec. 19, has already more than 1350,000 likes and 48,00 retweets. Hopefully, it'll warm your heart up.
4 Ways to Get More Sleep in 2017
Is getting more sleep on your priority list for 2017? Maybe it's your resolution? More sleep means more weight loss, more energy for workouts, less getting sick, and lowered stress levels. Sounds good, right? We had an expert give us tips on how to achieve our goal of extra snoozing in the New Year.
Sleep expert Dr. Sujay Kansagra is the director of Duke University's Sleep Medicine Program and Mattress Firm's sleep health consultant - he shared four tips on how you can get more zzz's, starting tonight.
- Think about staying awake. "It sounds counterintuitive," he said, "but for those that find it difficult to sleep because they keep worrying about not falling asleep, do the opposite. Instead of worrying about falling asleep, think about staying awake instead. This often lessens anxiety and gives your mind a chance to relax enough to fall asleep." He told POPSUGAR "It's a technique known as paradoxical intent."
- The To-Do List. "This technique is for those that mentally work through their list of pending responsibilities before bed." Sound familiar? "In our fast-paced world, sometimes lying in bed is the first time you have to actually think about what's on this list." A-types will love this tip: "By creating a list of tasks (and even writing down your worries), you can prevent yourself from thinking about it excessively just before bed."
- The hot nighttime shower. Dr. Kansagra gave us a solid circadian rhythm hack: "The body temperature drops when we fall asleep. Taking a hot nighttime shower just before bedtime artificially raises the body temperature. The subsequent fast drop can make it easier to fall asleep."
- Lights out. That means no phones; sorry, guys. "Avoiding bright lights from TVs, smartphones, and computers prior to bed is difficult, but important. The brain decreases its natural sleep hormone, melatonin, when exposed to bright light at night. Try to unplug for an hour before bed."
4 Ways to Get More Sleep in 2017
Is getting more sleep on your priority list for 2017? Maybe it's your resolution? More sleep means more weight loss, more energy for workouts, less getting sick, and lowered stress levels. Sounds good, right? We had an expert give us tips on how to achieve our goal of extra snoozing in the New Year.
Sleep expert Dr. Sujay Kansagra is the director of Duke University's Sleep Medicine Program and Mattress Firm's sleep health consultant - he shared four tips on how you can get more zzz's, starting tonight.
- Think about staying awake. "It sounds counterintuitive," he said, "but for those that find it difficult to sleep because they keep worrying about not falling asleep, do the opposite. Instead of worrying about falling asleep, think about staying awake instead. This often lessens anxiety and gives your mind a chance to relax enough to fall asleep." He told POPSUGAR "It's a technique known as paradoxical intent."
- The To-Do List. "This technique is for those that mentally work through their list of pending responsibilities before bed." Sound familiar? "In our fast-paced world, sometimes lying in bed is the first time you have to actually think about what's on this list." A-types will love this tip: "By creating a list of tasks (and even writing down your worries), you can prevent yourself from thinking about it excessively just before bed."
- The hot nighttime shower. Dr. Kansagra gave us a solid circadian rhythm hack: "The body temperature drops when we fall asleep. Taking a hot nighttime shower just before bedtime artificially raises the body temperature. The subsequent fast drop can make it easier to fall asleep."
- Lights out. That means no phones; sorry, guys. "Avoiding bright lights from TVs, smartphones, and computers prior to bed is difficult, but important. The brain decreases its natural sleep hormone, melatonin, when exposed to bright light at night. Try to unplug for an hour before bed."
Fashion's Top Designers Weigh In on Dressing Melania Trump
Michelle Obama paid close attention to fashion throughout her time in the White House, and that was something we didn't ignore. This year, we spent plenty of time writing about and analyzing her outfits, applauding her support for new designers and her ability to stay true to her signature style. In 2016, fashion and politics collided a number of times, and not only when Michelle was in the room.
Melania Trump, who will take the reins as FLOTUS in January, has already sparked controversy and made statements through her clothing on the campaign trail. And now labels are taking a firm stance against dressing her, while some designers are all for it. Before the election, celebrities endorsed presidential candidates with small accessories or tees, but they announced their pride in a big way on Instagram. You can bet the internet had a response.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Theresa May was criticized for her looks, and designers at Fashion Week tapped into politics, too. Read up on the 13 most important moments that happened around the world.
11 Classic Italian Sauces Everyone Should Learn How to Make
Few things are more comforting than a good bowl of pasta, and what makes it even better is a killer homemade sauce. If you've yet to master classic Italian sauces like basic tomato sauce, bolognese, and vodka sauce, now's the time! You'll thank yourself for learning these recipes that you'll turn to again and again.
This Cute Panda Is Enjoying the Snow Way More Than We Do
To celebrate the giant panda coming off the endangered list and officially transitioning to vulnerable status, we're presenting you with this adorable video of a panda at the Toronto Zoo having a jolly good time in the city's recent snowfall. This adorable ball of fluff rolls around in the snow and just generally has a blast. The best part is that the zoo's Twitter page has more videos of the pandas, so you can occupy your time with them. We wouldn't blame you at all.
At least someone was happy to wake up to 15cm of snow this morning... ❄️#TOPandas http://pic.twitter.com/t3GQi1XzKK
- The Toronto Zoo (@TheTorontoZoo) December 12, 2016
How to Transform Squash Into a Killer Spaghetti Substitute
Never worked with spaghetti squash before? Don't even be a little afraid: cooking with one is more intuitive than you'd think. And with a texture reminiscent of pasta, this vegetable is the perfect vehicle for a light olive oil and cheese dressing or any traditional pasta sauce. Watch the video to enjoy a "spaghetti" dish that's nutritious, wholesome, and gluten-free.
24 Movies That Are Definitely Turning 20 Years Old Next Year
Now that 2016 is (thankfully) coming to an end, it's time to look forward to what lies ahead in 2017. But how can we look forward without getting a little nostalgic about where we've been? Once the New Year hits, a whole new selection of movies will officially be two decades old. All of Brendan Fraser's shirtless glory in George of the Jungle? One of Robin Williams's most iconic roles in Good Will Hunting? All that heartbreak from Titanic? It's all turning 20 next year. And that's just the tip of the iceberg . . . pun intended.
You Need to See These Shirtless Photos of Jason Derulo For Good Luck in 2017
If 2016 wasn't a great year for you, let these 20 photos of Jason Derulo's chiseled abs be your good luck charm for the New Year. The 27-year-old entertainer is known for his stellar dance moves and his catchy hit songs, so it's only fitting that he could be the one to help make your 2017 just as fun (and sexy!) as you want it to be. Keep reading to see all of Jason's sexiest shirtless photos ahead.
My Husband Dressed Me For a Week, and It Changed the Way I Dress Myself
As a woman admittedly preoccupied with fashion for as long as I can remember, surrendering a week of outfits to my husband's whims for a styling experiment sounded like torture. Let me preface this by saying that my husband, Thomas, is pretty stylish. He grew up with a fashion-savvy mother and two sisters, so he really does get fashion, or at the very least, has been exposed to great style for much of his life. Add to that that we've been together for 11 years, so he knows me and my taste.
Still, like most men he has some strong feelings about what he thinks I should be wearing and most of the time it skews a whole lot sexier than I'm comfortable with. I assumed inappropriately tight silhouettes and revealing necklines would feature prominently in the week to come, and I immediately resolved to wear a sign at the office with the disclaimer: "My husband dressed me today." Read on to see how the week evolved with my husband playing stylist.
Which Is Worse: Dessert or Alcohol? (We Asked the Expert)
Would you rather have a chocolate truffle or glass of wine? How about a warm cookie out of the oven, or a zesty margarita?
Let's talk about sugar and alcohol: two things that have been somewhat demonized in the wellness world yet are still big parts of many of our favorite indulgences. A good glass of wine or a delicious piece of cake is a part of a balanced, well-rounded diet; they can contribute to your overall sanity when you're eating clean! But sugar and alcohol themselves - generally speaking - are not really healthy substances you want in your diet. So is there a lesser of two evils?
We noticed that there's a bit of controversy over which is worse. Sugar can be like a drug and create an addiction that can lead to major health problems. The same can be said for alcohol - it's a toxin and is difficult for the liver to metabolize. Both can significantly contribute to weight gain.
While some trainers suggest eradicating alcohol from the diet entirely, we've also noticed many diet plans allow an occasional glass of wine during the week while forbidding dessert. Is one worse than the other?
Why No Desserts?
Among many reasons, sweets can be more addictive than alcohol. RD and MPH Lisa Eberly explained it to us.
- Fewer calories, less sugar. "First, a glass of wine, though it has calories and sugar, has less calories and sugar on average than a standard dessert." She also mentioned that "alcohol has less fat than dessert, and this is a lingering trend from when low-fat diets were 'in.'"
- Portion control. "Most people can easily have one glass of wine, whereas one brownie leads to two . . . and three . . . and oh God, where'd all the brownies go?" Makes sense to us.
- Social stigma. "It's easier to avoid sweets than alcohol," Lisa said. "For instance, at a party or dinner, if you're skipping alcohol, people would either notice, or you'd think people are noticing." If you've ever felt the awkward social pressure from not drinking, you can relate to this. "Within minutes, Aunt Sue or your bestie might be questioning if you were pregnant!" she said. "However, skipping dessert is less noticeable and more 'mainstream,' as most would understand avoiding unhealthy food choices."
How Does Your Body Process Alcohol and Sugar?
Lisa noted that there are entire textbooks devoted to this topic, but gave us a somewhat brief rundown.
"The liver has a strict 'to-do list' - first, process out any chemicals or toxins in the body (everything from hard drugs to Splenda and artificial ingredients), then, process alcohol, and last, fat. So, if you have toxins or alcohol in your system, your liver will take care of those before getting to fat." This is a key reason why alcohol can contribute to weight gain, especially if it's not moderated.
But as noted, artificial ingredients have that same effect - they're a toxin! "A highly processed and refined dessert, with a long list of ingredients you don't understand, would have a similar effect on the liver's ability to process fat than a single glass of wine." What kind of dessert are you opting for? As Lisa explained, not all desserts are created equal.
"A more natural or homemade [dessert] option with whole ingredients would not have that effect," she said. That kind of dessert "is a much healthier option" than both alcohol and a processed dessert.
So . . . Which Should You Choose?
There's not a definitive answer. "It really depends," she said. "Is the dessert a homemade, natural one? Does the alcohol have a high-sugar mixer? There are so many variables."
"A natural, homemade dessert in a reasonable portion size is better than alcohol. A simple glass of wine is better than a highly processed or large portion of dessert. It is all about making the most whole, real food and drink choices," she said.
Some guidelines she suggests all come down to more conscious choices. "Think to yourself: does this have ingredients that I can't read? is this going to make my body feel good afterward? Is this a good portion?"
She said to remember the golden rule: everything in moderation. "For those who drink alcohol, recommending a glass of wine every few days isn't the same as drinking three whiskey gingers every day. If you're having a reasonable portion of a natural-ingredient dessert, that's great in moderation. If you're having a Sno Ball at a gas station, it isn't as great. Just because you're not drinking at a New Year's party doesn't mean you can then have six chocolate-covered Oreos with no effects."
Feel free to modify whatever plan you're following. If you don't drink, and you're on a nutrition plan that allows alcohol but not sweets, consider what you can swap. The registered dietitian behind the Tone It Up plan, Lori Zanini, encourages clients to not have desserts too often, but says a "healthy indulgence" like "an ounce of dark chocolate (that is more than 70 percent cocoa) or half a cup of chia pudding" is totally suitable.
Do you prefer wine to sweets? Are you on a program that forbids booze? Talk with your trainer, nutritionist, or coach about what you can add into your diet and exercise plan to stay in line with your healthy goals yet still stay sane.
Which Is Worse: Dessert or Alcohol? (We Asked the Expert)
Would you rather have a chocolate truffle or glass of wine? How about a warm cookie out of the oven, or a zesty margarita?
Let's talk about sugar and alcohol: two things that have been somewhat demonized in the wellness world yet are still big parts of many of our favorite indulgences. A good glass of wine or a delicious piece of cake is a part of a balanced, well-rounded diet; they can contribute to your overall sanity when you're eating clean! But sugar and alcohol themselves - generally speaking - are not really healthy substances you want in your diet. So is there a lesser of two evils?
We noticed that there's a bit of controversy over which is worse. Sugar can be like a drug and create an addiction that can lead to major health problems. The same can be said for alcohol - it's a toxin and is difficult for the liver to metabolize. Both can significantly contribute to weight gain.
While some trainers suggest eradicating alcohol from the diet entirely, we've also noticed many diet plans allow an occasional glass of wine during the week while forbidding dessert. Is one worse than the other?
Why No Desserts?
Among many reasons, sweets can be more addictive than alcohol. RD and MPH Lisa Eberly explained it to us.
- Fewer calories, less sugar. "First, a glass of wine, though it has calories and sugar, has less calories and sugar on average than a standard dessert." She also mentioned that "alcohol has less fat than dessert, and this is a lingering trend from when low-fat diets were 'in.'"
- Portion control. "Most people can easily have one glass of wine, whereas one brownie leads to two . . . and three . . . and oh God, where'd all the brownies go?" Makes sense to us.
- Social stigma. "It's easier to avoid sweets than alcohol," Lisa said. "For instance, at a party or dinner, if you're skipping alcohol, people would either notice, or you'd think people are noticing." If you've ever felt the awkward social pressure from not drinking, you can relate to this. "Within minutes, Aunt Sue or your bestie might be questioning if you were pregnant!" she said. "However, skipping dessert is less noticeable and more 'mainstream,' as most would understand avoiding unhealthy food choices."
How Does Your Body Process Alcohol and Sugar?
Lisa noted that there are entire textbooks devoted to this topic, but gave us a somewhat brief rundown.
"The liver has a strict 'to-do list' - first, process out any chemicals or toxins in the body (everything from hard drugs to Splenda and artificial ingredients), then, process alcohol, and last, fat. So, if you have toxins or alcohol in your system, your liver will take care of those before getting to fat." This is a key reason why alcohol can contribute to weight gain, especially if it's not moderated.
But as noted, artificial ingredients have that same effect - they're a toxin! "A highly processed and refined dessert, with a long list of ingredients you don't understand, would have a similar effect on the liver's ability to process fat than a single glass of wine." What kind of dessert are you opting for? As Lisa explained, not all desserts are created equal.
"A more natural or homemade [dessert] option with whole ingredients would not have that effect," she said. That kind of dessert "is a much healthier option" than both alcohol and a processed dessert.
So . . . Which Should You Choose?
There's not a definitive answer. "It really depends," she said. "Is the dessert a homemade, natural one? Does the alcohol have a high-sugar mixer? There are so many variables."
"A natural, homemade dessert in a reasonable portion size is better than alcohol. A simple glass of wine is better than a highly processed or large portion of dessert. It is all about making the most whole, real food and drink choices," she said.
Some guidelines she suggests all come down to more conscious choices. "Think to yourself: does this have ingredients that I can't read? is this going to make my body feel good afterward? Is this a good portion?"
She said to remember the golden rule: everything in moderation. "For those who drink alcohol, recommending a glass of wine every few days isn't the same as drinking three whiskey gingers every day. If you're having a reasonable portion of a natural-ingredient dessert, that's great in moderation. If you're having a Sno Ball at a gas station, it isn't as great. Just because you're not drinking at a New Year's party doesn't mean you can then have six chocolate-covered Oreos with no effects."
Feel free to modify whatever plan you're following. If you don't drink, and you're on a nutrition plan that allows alcohol but not sweets, consider what you can swap. The registered dietitian behind the Tone It Up plan, Lori Zanini, encourages clients to not have desserts too often, but says a "healthy indulgence" like "an ounce of dark chocolate (that is more than 70 percent cocoa) or half a cup of chia pudding" is totally suitable.
Do you prefer wine to sweets? Are you on a program that forbids booze? Talk with your trainer, nutritionist, or coach about what you can add into your diet and exercise plan to stay in line with your healthy goals yet still stay sane.
All the Skin in Sofia Vergara's Sexiest Looks Won't Surprise You, but It'll Leave You Flushed
It will come as no surprise that Sofia Vergara has worn a fair share of revealing outfits on the red carpet, but the level of sexiness she oozes while posing in those looks is what will get you. Whether she's showing off just a little bit of leg with a high slit or wearing cutouts and see-through material all at once, she knows just how to flirt with the cameras to make everyone looking flush and overheat immediately. So grab a cold drink and keep reading to check out our ranking of Sofia's hottest red carpet looks.
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