Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mardi 4 avril 2017
5 Latina Fitness Influencers You Should Be Following on Instagram
Now that social media has such a firm grasp on pop culture, health and fitness content has blossomed into its own fitspirational category, especially on Instagram.
Personal trainers, health coaches, and nutritionists are using the photo-sharing app to share their healthy living content with the masses, creating virtual communities of people looking to stay motivated, and some of the most popular influencers in this space just so happen to be Latina. Read on to discover the gurus you need to follow to stay motivated through your workout routine, and then get pumped up with our energizing workout playlist.
The 1 Thing I Focus on For Weight Watchers Success
When I joined Weight Watchers last Fall, I went into it with a positive attitude, which is something I'm sad to admit I didn't do any of the other times I tried to lose weight. My biggest downfall with diets is getting too caught up in these huge numbers I want to see with regard to weight loss, which turns everything into a daunting task. But this go round is different.
I did Weight Watchers back in high school and had minor success. I lost about 15 pounds but kept telling myself it wasn't enough, and then I gave up because the results weren't quick enough. A few years later, I did a doctor-monitored protein shake diet that, long story short, puts your body into ketosis so that the weight just melts off. Yeah, it's pretty much as bad as it sounds, so needless to say, I lost a lot of weight very quickly and then gained it all back. But what I liked about that diet is that I had a big number in my head that I wanted to lose, and I got there quickly, so it didn't feel like I had to work very hard.
Obvious side note: I tend to be a bit lazy and a lot impatient.
Knowing my hang-up about focusing on the numbers going into Weight Watchers this time has helped me to move past it. At the last meeting of the year in 2016, my meeting leader, Julianne, asked us to really think about what is driving our successes. And that was when I realized that above tracking my food, above my positive attitude, and above the accountability of the meetings, was my focus on the small goals. I no longer think about the 50 pounds I'd like to lose. I go into each weigh-in every week with one thought: "My goal for today is a loss." I don't let myself get caught up in the numbers too much, and I celebrate every single loss I have - whether it's 2 pounds or .2 pounds - because it's all a step in the right direction.
This time on Weight Watchers, I don't even have a goal in mind; I just want to be healthier and change my attitude toward eating. So far it seems to be working, as I'm nearing 30 pounds lost in five months. The success is definitely a combination of things, but Julianne, as well as several other women at my meeting, agreed that not getting caught up in numbers is huge. It's not always easy to let go of a big, beautiful goal number, but doing so might just push you toward success in a healthier way.
The 1 Thing I Focus on For Weight Watchers Success
When I joined Weight Watchers last Fall, I went into it with a positive attitude, which is something I'm sad to admit I didn't do any of the other times I tried to lose weight. My biggest downfall with diets is getting too caught up in these huge numbers I want to see with regard to weight loss, which turns everything into a daunting task. But this go round is different.
I did Weight Watchers back in high school and had minor success. I lost about 15 pounds but kept telling myself it wasn't enough, and then I gave up because the results weren't quick enough. A few years later, I did a doctor-monitored protein shake diet that, long story short, puts your body into ketosis so that the weight just melts off. Yeah, it's pretty much as bad as it sounds, so needless to say, I lost a lot of weight very quickly and then gained it all back. But what I liked about that diet is that I had a big number in my head that I wanted to lose, and I got there quickly, so it didn't feel like I had to work very hard.
Obvious side note: I tend to be a bit lazy and a lot impatient.
Knowing my hang-up about focusing on the numbers going into Weight Watchers this time has helped me to move past it. At the last meeting of the year in 2016, my meeting leader, Julianne, asked us to really think about what is driving our successes. And that was when I realized that above tracking my food, above my positive attitude, and above the accountability of the meetings, was my focus on the small goals. I no longer think about the 50 pounds I'd like to lose. I go into each weigh-in every week with one thought: "My goal for today is a loss." I don't let myself get caught up in the numbers too much, and I celebrate every single loss I have - whether it's 2 pounds or .2 pounds - because it's all a step in the right direction.
This time on Weight Watchers, I don't even have a goal in mind; I just want to be healthier and change my attitude toward eating. So far it seems to be working, as I'm nearing 30 pounds lost in five months. The success is definitely a combination of things, but Julianne, as well as several other women at my meeting, agreed that not getting caught up in numbers is huge. It's not always easy to let go of a big, beautiful goal number, but doing so might just push you toward success in a healthier way.
This Hack Will Forever Change the Way You Cut and Juice a Lime
If you're struggling to get a decent amount of liquid out of a lime, turns out you might be cutting it all wrong. Here's an easy hack to get almost triple the amount of juice. Instead of cutting the lime in half, you can make cuts on all four sides of the lime, leaving the center untouched, and you'll be able to squeeze so much more juice out of the sides, according to an image posted by Reddit user regularoldballoon. I wanted to see if it really worked, and spoiler: it 100 percent does. I'm never going back to the old way. Here's how to perfectly cut a lime to get the maximum amount of juice every time, because limes are expensive.
Stand the lime up vertically on a cutting board. You might want to carefully cut off the bottom tip to make this easier (and safer!). In a similar way that you would slice around the core of an apple, use a sharp knife to cut all four sides (or cheeks) of the lime, coming close to the stem. You'll be able to squeeze out all the juice from the cheeks with little effort, and you can even get a few more drops from the core.
You can clearly see the difference! When I sliced a lime in half, I got less than a tablespoon of juice, and the other lime yielded more than double that amount. Your guac and margaritas are about to be better than ever.
You Might Stop Buying Greek Yogurt After Reading This
We've been fans of Greek yogurt for a long time - it's a high-protein, low-sugar, satisfying snack that can be blended into smoothies or even savory dishes like chicken salad. But then, we met someone new . . . or something new, rather. We met skyr, and things changed forever.
In case you haven't made its acquaintance yet, skyr is Icelandic yogurt, a food that we think will be a refrigerator mainstay this year. You've probably seen brands like Icelandic Provisions, Smari, and Siggi's at the grocery store and even at Starbucks.
Skyr is Icelandic yogurt. Well, technically it's a cheese, but it feels, looks, and tastes like yogurt. Nutritionally, Icelandic yogurt and Greek yogurt are pretty identical - but skyr has more protein and less sugar. Comparatively, for a 150 gram serving of skyr versus Greek yogurt, skyr has 17 grams of protein to Greek yogurt's 15, with three grams of sugar versus four.
Not only is it more nutritionally dense than Greek yogurt but it honestly just tastes better. It's creamier, milder (less "sharp" or tart tasting than its Greek cousin), and decidedly more decadent. It's got a thicker, even smoother and silkier texture. We've tried a handful of blends in both plain and fruit-flavored varieties, and they're exceptionally satisfying.
What we're trying to say is, there's a new yogurt in town, it has stolen the spotlight, and we're not at all mad about it. Skyr is having a moment, and we're here for it.
You Might Stop Buying Greek Yogurt After Reading This
We've been fans of Greek yogurt for a long time - it's a high-protein, low-sugar, satisfying snack that can be blended into smoothies or even savory dishes like chicken salad. But then, we met someone new . . . or something new, rather. We met skyr, and things changed forever.
In case you haven't made its acquaintance yet, skyr is Icelandic yogurt, a food that we think will be a refrigerator mainstay this year. You've probably seen brands like Icelandic Provisions, Smari, and Siggi's at the grocery store and even at Starbucks.
Skyr is Icelandic yogurt. Well, technically it's a cheese, but it feels, looks, and tastes like yogurt. Nutritionally, Icelandic yogurt and Greek yogurt are pretty identical - but skyr has more protein and less sugar. Comparatively, for a 150 gram serving of skyr versus Greek yogurt, skyr has 17 grams of protein to Greek yogurt's 15, with three grams of sugar versus four.
Not only is it more nutritionally dense than Greek yogurt but it honestly just tastes better. It's creamier, milder (less "sharp" or tart tasting than its Greek cousin), and decidedly more decadent. It's got a thicker, even smoother and silkier texture. We've tried a handful of blends in both plain and fruit-flavored varieties, and they're exceptionally satisfying.
What we're trying to say is, there's a new yogurt in town, it has stolen the spotlight, and we're not at all mad about it. Skyr is having a moment, and we're here for it.
Starbucks's New Coconut Cold Brew Will Have You Dreaming of the Beach
Is it Summer yet? Starbucks's new Toasted Coconut Cold Brew has us feeling like it is. The brand's new summery cold brew is lightly sweetened with a new toasted coconut syrup and finished with a float of coconut milk, which provides for a fancy marbling effect in your cup and will have you dreaming of the beach.
On its own, Starbucks's Nariño 70 Cold Brew is a bit strong for my liking, but with the addition of the coconut flavors, it's quickly climbing to the top of my favorites list. The syrup adds the subtle sweetness, and the coconut milk, which I'm not generally a fan of, cuts through the coffee to add a layer of creaminess. I'm not kidding when I say this drink makes me think of the beach. It's all the coconut vibes!
This latest addition to the cold brew menu is officially in stores now, so don't hesitate to pick one up.
Trump administration, as expected, to stop funding UN Population Fund
The Trump administration said Monday it was cutting off U.S. funding to the United Nations agency for reproductive health, accusing the agency of supporting population control programs in China that include coercive abortion.
Trump administration, as expected, to stop funding UN Population Fund
The Trump administration said Monday it was cutting off U.S. funding to the United Nations agency for reproductive health, accusing the agency of supporting population control programs in China that include coercive abortion.
Every Shocking, Tumultuous Moment From Prince Charles and Princess Diana's Marriage
Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
Although season one of Ryan Murphy's Feud is just barely upon us, FX has already renewed the drama for a second season, and it's going to be a doozy. Titled Feud: Charles and Diana, season two will follow the tumultuous marriage of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, who were married from 1981 to 1996. Diana - whose legacy still lives on in her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry - died in a tragic car accident in August 1997 with her partner, Dodi Fayed, whom she began dating after the end of her and Charles's 15-year marriage. Before their divorce, however, their troubled relationship was the subject of plenty of tabloid speculation.
The Early Years
On Feb. 24, 1981, Diana and Charles announced they were engaged after meeting four years earlier while Charles dated Diana's older sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale. It seemed that their union was off to a shaky start from the get-go. There were reports that Sarah was deeply unhappy that the prince had decided to marry Diana instead, but Diana's biographer Andrew Morton later refuted the claim, saying the sisters remained quite close. On top of that, Charles had a puzzling response to the question of whether or not they were truly in love during a postengagement interview with reporters. "Of course!" Diana responded, before Charles said, "Whatever 'in love' means." Many thought Charles appeared rigid and stuck-up during the segment, clearly not thrilled to be there.
In July of that same year, the two wed in an elaborate ceremony at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. The event saw more than 600,000 people flooding the streets to get a glimpse of the 20-year-old "People's Princess," who was the first commoner to marry into the British royal family for 300 years. Sadly, a fairy-tale wedding does not equal a fairy-tale ending. After the couple welcomed their first son, Prince William, in 1982 and then Prince Harry two years later, their relationship began to fall apart.
Image Source: Getty / Tom Wargacki
The Affairs
By the early '90s, rumors of infidelity began popping up in tabloids across the world. Charles and Diana went on their last official trip together in October 1991 to Ontario, Canada, accompanied by their sons, and a few months later, Morton's book Diana: Her True Story was released. It was immediately clear that Diana and her family had worked with the author directly, contributing not only family photographs but also deeply personal revelations. Diana opened up about her five suicide attempts (one of which happened during her pregnancy with William, after she suspected Charles was cheating on her) and Charles's longstanding extramarital affair with Camilla Parker Bowles.
On Aug. 23, 1992, "Squidgygate" erupted. The Sun published a front-page article about the contents of a secretly recorded audio tape of a conversation Diana had with childhood friend James Gilbey (whose nickname for her was "Squidgy") on New Year's Eve 1989. Their chat included confessions about how miserable she was with Charles ("He makes my life real torture, I've decided") and about her strained relationship with Queen Elizabeth II. A few months later, British tabloids leaked a tape of a flirty recorded phone conversation between Charles and Camilla that confirmed their affair. Dubbed "Camillagate" by the press, the tapes included statements from Charles like "Oh god. I'll just live inside your trousers or something. It would be much easier!" and a joke about him wanting to be Camilla's "Tampax" (which is why the situation is also referred to as "Tampongate").
By December 1992, the royal family could no longer hide the fact that Diana and Charles's marriage was in shambles. Prime Minister John Major publicly announced the pair's "amicable separation" at the House of Commons, reading off an official statement from the royal family. A year later, Charles was rumored to be having an affair with personal assistant Tiggy Legge-Bourke, and Diana faced down reports of a relationship with former cavalry officer James Hewitt, whom she'd hired as a horseback riding instructor for her, William, and Harry.
Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
Damage Control
With his public image tarnished by "Camillagate," Prince Charles agreed to an interview with Jonathan Dimbleby in June 1994. He readily admitted that Camilla was his mistress but said they only entered into an extramarital relationship after his marriage to Diana had "irretrievably broken down, us both having tried" in 1986. By January 1995, Camilla had split from husband Andrew Parker Bowles, and in March, their divorce was finalized.
In November 1995, Diana chose to tell her side of things in her first solo interview. While sitting down with the BBC's Martin Bashir, she didn't mince words when asked about Charles and Camilla: "There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded." On top of that (as well as an acknowledgment of her struggle with bulimia), Diana also copped to her own infidelity, which "plunged the monarchy into the greatest crisis since the abdication" (a reference to King Edward VIII's choice to abandon the throne in 1936 so he could marry divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson). She confirmed her five-year romance with James Hewitt - who at that point had released a tell-all book about their relationship called Princess in Love - saying, "Yes, I adored him. Yes, I was in love with him. But I was very let down."
The Divorce
Needless to say, the royal family was not pleased with Diana airing all of their dirty laundry to the public. Not even a month passed after Diana's interview before her press secretary resigned and Queen Elizabeth II sent her and Charles a letter requesting that they divorce immediately, a move unprecedented at the time. On Aug. 28, 1996, Charles and Diana's divorce was finalized. Sadly, the paparazzi's interest in 36-year-old Diana only grew with each scandal, an obsession that eventually led to her fatal car crash in 1997 (the car's driver was attempting to elude photographers in Paris when he crashed the vehicle).
Feud: Charles and Diana is set to air sometime in 2018, so hopefully Ryan Murphy uses this time to make sure they nail every detail.
An Expert Says This Is the Number 1 Way to Work Your Core
Don't waste your time just doing crunches that only work one part of your belly. If you want to look down and see a six-pack, you need to do exercises that challenge your entire core.
Kristina Marcussen, a neuromuscular physical therapist who specializes in working with athletes of all ages, has an easy tip. "If you want to work your core, put your hands on the floor." We're talking plank, up-down plank, elbow plank, elbow plank with knee drive, side plank, side plank with a leg lift, push-ups, creepy crawly, and mountain climbers.
These are examples of closed kinetic chain exercises, where one or both feet or hands remains in constant contact with a surface, usually the ground. These exercises are typically bodyweight moves that use more than one joint and that create some instability in order to "activate more muscles and engage more muscle fibers." These types of exercises also work the muscles that you use in everyday life or sports, so they'll not only strengthen your midsection but they'll also "help prevent injury" when doing daily activities like carrying groceries or picking up your kid.
Kristina recommends incorporating these hands-on-the-ground core exercises into your workouts at least three times a week.
An Expert Says This Is the Number 1 Way to Work Your Core
Don't waste your time just doing crunches that only work one part of your belly. If you want to look down and see a six-pack, you need to do exercises that challenge your entire core.
Kristina Marcussen, a neuromuscular physical therapist who specializes in working with athletes of all ages, has an easy tip. "If you want to work your core, put your hands on the floor." We're talking plank, up-down plank, elbow plank, elbow plank with knee drive, side plank, side plank with a leg lift, push-ups, creepy crawly, and mountain climbers.
These are examples of closed kinetic chain exercises, where one or both feet or hands remains in constant contact with a surface, usually the ground. These exercises are typically bodyweight moves that use more than one joint and that create some instability in order to "activate more muscles and engage more muscle fibers." These types of exercises also work the muscles that you use in everyday life or sports, so they'll not only strengthen your midsection but they'll also "help prevent injury" when doing daily activities like carrying groceries or picking up your kid.
Kristina recommends incorporating these hands-on-the-ground core exercises into your workouts at least three times a week.
Every Shocking, Tumultuous Moment From Prince Charles and Princess Diana's Marriage
Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
Although season one of Ryan Murphy's Feud is just barely upon us, FX has already renewed the drama for a second season, and it's going to be a doozy. Titled Feud: Charles and Diana, season two will follow the tumultuous marriage of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, who were married from 1981 to 1996. Diana - whose legacy still lives on in her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry - died in a tragic car accident in August 1997 with her partner, Dodi Fayed, whom she began dating after the end of her and Charles's 15-year marriage. Before their divorce, however, their troubled relationship was the subject of plenty of tabloid speculation.
The Early Years
On Feb. 24, 1981, Diana and Charles announced they were engaged after meeting four years earlier while Charles dated Diana's older sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale. It seemed that their union was off to a shaky start from the get-go. There were reports that Sarah was deeply unhappy that the prince had decided to marry Diana instead, but Diana's biographer Andrew Morton later refuted the claim, saying the sisters remained quite close. On top of that, Charles had a puzzling response to the question of whether or not they were truly in love during a postengagement interview with reporters. "Of course!" Diana responded, before Charles said, "Whatever 'in love' means." Many thought Charles appeared rigid and stuck-up during the segment, clearly not thrilled to be there.
In July of that same year, the two wed in an elaborate ceremony at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. The event saw more than 600,000 people flooding the streets to get a glimpse of the 20-year-old "People's Princess," who was the first commoner to marry into the British royal family for 300 years. Sadly, a fairy-tale wedding does not equal a fairy-tale ending. After the couple welcomed their first son, Prince William, in 1982 and then Prince Harry two years later, their relationship began to fall apart.
Image Source: Getty / Tom Wargacki
The Affairs
By the early '90s, rumors of infidelity began popping up in tabloids across the world. Charles and Diana went on their last official trip together in October 1991 to Ontario, Canada, accompanied by their sons, and a few months later, Morton's book Diana: Her True Story was released. It was immediately clear that Diana and her family had worked with the author directly, contributing not only family photographs but also deeply personal revelations. Diana opened up about her five suicide attempts (one of which happened during her pregnancy with William, after she suspected Charles was cheating on her) and Charles's longstanding extramarital affair with Camilla Parker Bowles.
On Aug. 23, 1992, "Squidgygate" erupted. The Sun published a front-page article about the contents of a secretly recorded audio tape of a conversation Diana had with childhood friend James Gilbey (whose nickname for her was "Squidgy") on New Year's Eve 1989. Their chat included confessions about how miserable she was with Charles ("He makes my life real torture, I've decided") and about her strained relationship with Queen Elizabeth II. A few months later, British tabloids leaked a tape of a flirty recorded phone conversation between Charles and Camilla that confirmed their affair. Dubbed "Camillagate" by the press, the tapes included statements from Charles like "Oh god. I'll just live inside your trousers or something. It would be much easier!" and a joke about him wanting to be Camilla's "Tampax" (which is why the situation is also referred to as "Tampongate").
By December 1992, the royal family could no longer hide the fact that Diana and Charles's marriage was in shambles. Prime Minister John Major publicly announced the pair's "amicable separation" at the House of Commons, reading off an official statement from the royal family. A year later, Charles was rumored to be having an affair with personal assistant Tiggy Legge-Bourke, and Diana faced down reports of a relationship with former cavalry officer James Hewitt, whom she'd hired as a horseback riding instructor for her, William, and Harry.
Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
Damage Control
With his public image tarnished by "Camillagate," Prince Charles agreed to an interview with Jonathan Dimbleby in June 1994. He readily admitted that Camilla was his mistress but said they only entered into an extramarital relationship after his marriage to Diana had "irretrievably broken down, us both having tried" in 1986. By January 1995, Camilla had split from husband Andrew Parker Bowles, and in March, their divorce was finalized.
In November 1995, Diana chose to tell her side of things in her first solo interview. While sitting down with the BBC's Martin Bashir, she didn't mince words when asked about Charles and Camilla: "There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded." On top of that (as well as an acknowledgment of her struggle with bulimia), Diana also copped to her own infidelity, which "plunged the monarchy into the greatest crisis since the abdication" (a reference to King Edward VIII's choice to abandon the throne in 1936 so he could marry divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson). She confirmed her five-year romance with James Hewitt - who at that point had released a tell-all book about their relationship called Princess in Love - saying, "Yes, I adored him. Yes, I was in love with him. But I was very let down."
The Divorce
Needless to say, the royal family was not pleased with Diana airing all of their dirty laundry to the public. Not even a month passed after Diana's interview before her press secretary resigned and Queen Elizabeth II sent her and Charles a letter requesting that they divorce immediately, a move unprecedented at the time. On Aug. 28, 1996, Charles and Diana's divorce was finalized. Sadly, the paparazzi's interest in 36-year-old Diana only grew with each scandal, an obsession that eventually led to her fatal car crash in 1997 (the car's driver was attempting to elude photographers in Paris when he crashed the vehicle).
Feud: Charles and Diana is set to air sometime in 2018, so hopefully Ryan Murphy uses this time to make sure they nail every detail.
2017 Is Off to a Great Start For These Engaged Celebrity Couples
Now that Amanda Seyfried and Thomas Sadoski have tied the knot, the world is waiting with bated breath for another celebrity wedding. Will Serena Williams be making the trek down the aisle soon, or will it be Sam Hunt? Perhaps it might even be Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons. Regardless of who it is, it's refreshing to see stars take the next step in their relationships given all the celebrity breakups we had last year.
2017 Is Off to a Great Start For These Engaged Celebrity Couples
Now that Amanda Seyfried and Thomas Sadoski have tied the knot, the world is waiting with bated breath for another celebrity wedding. Will Serena Williams be making the trek down the aisle soon, or will it be Sam Hunt? Perhaps it might even be Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons. Regardless of who it is, it's refreshing to see stars take the next step in their relationships given all the celebrity breakups we had last year.
Vampire Fang Nails Are the New Grunge Trend You'll Want to Try
When you think of grunge, you probably associate the trend with the '90s, but the popular style is making a comeback for all the right reasons. Take, for instance, these razor sharp claws, which we're officially calling "vampire fang nails." Not only are they sleek and moody, but they're also a fun and fashion-forward way to switch up your go-to nail shapes the next time you visit the nail salon. Apply a burgundy matte lipstick and a dramatic smoky eye, and you should be ready to try any of the vampy nail art designs ahead.
Gwyneth Paltrow Sizzles in a Bikini During a Getaway With Brad Falchuk
Gwyneth Paltrow is taking full advantage of Spring break. The actress recently jetted off to Mexico for a tropical getaway with her boyfriend, Brad Falchuk, and we're officially jealous. On Sunday, the couple - who made their romance Instagram official in early March - hit the beach wearing coordinating bathing suits and smiles. While Gwyneth looked amazing in a navy blue bikini, Brad, a TV writer behind hit shows like American Horror Story and Glee, rocked dark swimming trunks. The two chatted while lying in the sand before Gwyneth took a dip in the ocean.
The couple has been quietly dating since Gwyneth split from Chris Martin in 2014, and certain sources think they could be headed down the aisle soon. "They speak about marriage all the time and know it'll happen," a source told Us Weekly in March. "Her kids love him and think he's the best." Gwyneth shares daughter Apple and son Moses with Chris, who also reportedly "totally approves" of Brad.
Gwyneth Paltrow Sizzles in a Bikini During a Getaway With Brad Falchuk
Gwyneth Paltrow is taking full advantage of Spring break. The actress recently jetted off to Mexico for a tropical getaway with her boyfriend, Brad Falchuk, and we're officially jealous. On Sunday, the couple - who made their romance Instagram official in early March - hit the beach wearing coordinating bathing suits and smiles. While Gwyneth looked amazing in a navy blue bikini, Brad, a TV writer behind hit shows like American Horror Story and Glee, rocked dark swimming trunks. The two chatted while lying in the sand before Gwyneth took a dip in the ocean.
The couple has been quietly dating since Gwyneth split from Chris Martin in 2014, and certain sources think they could be headed down the aisle soon. "They speak about marriage all the time and know it'll happen," a source told Us Weekly in March. "Her kids love him and think he's the best." Gwyneth shares daughter Apple and son Moses with Chris, who also reportedly "totally approves" of Brad.
13 Words in Spanish That Don't Have an English Equivalent - So Frustrating!
If you're a Spanish speaker, you probably find yourself at a literal loss for words often. There are just so many times when you know a Spanish term (just a few letters put together) can perfectly describe what you're feeling, but no matter how much you rack your brain to find the English version, you come out with nothing - or a very long and complicated sentence that simply doesn't feel right. It's not your fault! We've come up with just 13 commonly used Spanish terms that don't quite translate into English, making for frustration and the need for Spanglish. Scroll ahead to find our list.
31 Taco Recipes That Prove You Can Eat Tacos For a Month Without Getting Bored
"Don't you ever get bored of eating tacos? You eat them every day." If this is something you have heard and promptly answered with a big resounding no, then this "challenge" is just for you. Straight ahead you'll find a month-worth of taco recipes - chicken, steak, pork, fish, and vegetarian - that show you could actually have the delicious Mexican dish for dinner every night without repeating a preparation. Some people take 31-day fitness challenges, some people eat tacos instead.
8 Must-Try Spring Recipes From Giada De Laurentiis
If you're in the mood to freshen up your cooking routine with a new batch of Spring recipes, look no further than Giada De Laurentiis's recommendations. On her new lifestyle and entertaining site, Giadzy, Giada shares her best recipes that you'd be crazy not to try. Currently, we're bookmarking the following eight recipes that you'll surely want to work into your rotation, whether you're in the mood for cheesy pasta or a fruity breakfast. Read on to discover Giada's foolproof recipes for baked lemon ziti, roasted chicken with potatoes and leeks, and more.
Every Disney Fan Should Complete This Incredible, Edible Bucket List
If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, the abundance of food options across all four parks can be overwhelming, but rest assured, these 28 foods have been well-researched and reviewed in person so you know everything here is 100% worth your money (and the calories). While a few iconic treats have made the list (like the Mickey pretzel and Dole Whip), some are a little more obscure (pork nacho fries). Expect this list to be a little sweet, partially covered in gooey cheese, and just a tad bit spiked - for those partaking.
Canada tops list of countries with most crybabies
New research has found that babies cry the most in Canada, the U.K., Italy and the Netherlands.
Canada tops list of countries with most crybabies
New research has found that babies cry the most in Canada, the U.K., Italy and the Netherlands.
Toronto boy's DNA reveals mysterious new disease — and possible cure
Daniel Nevins-Selvadurai's painful symptoms baffled doctors at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children for years.
Toronto boy's DNA reveals mysterious new disease — and possible cure
Daniel Nevins-Selvadurai's painful symptoms baffled doctors at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children for years.
Nikki Bella's Engagement Ring Is So Massive You Can Practically Ice-Skate on It
John Cena popped the question to longtime love Nikki Bella in front of 75,245 fans at Wrestlemania 33, and if his proposal didn't blow you away, Nikki's engagement ring sure will. The WWE superstar presented Nikki with a massive sparkler featuring a round-cut center stone set in a thick, diamond-studded band of either platinum or white gold. According to diamond expert Michael O'Connor, it's "approximately 4 carats, which would put the value of this dazzler around $85,000."
John and Nikki began dating in 2012 after meeting through the WWE. Their relationship started out as a friendship, but quickly turned into romance after John asked Nikki to have dinner with him. During an interview with the Today show on Monday, Nikki explained why John's Wrestlemania proposal was a dream come true. "I never would have thought that he would have proposed in front of all those people. But that's home for us," she explained "WWE is our home. It's where we met. It's our passion and our life. For me, it's like, he is my Prince Charming. And he's saying, I want her to be my queen, at our home in front of our family. And honestly, I couldn't have asked for it to be any other way. It was perfect."
Nikki Bella's Engagement Ring Is So Massive You Can Practically Ice-Skate on It
John Cena popped the question to longtime love Nikki Bella in front of 75,245 fans at Wrestlemania 33, and if his proposal didn't blow you away, Nikki's engagement ring sure will. The WWE superstar presented Nikki with a massive sparkler featuring a round-cut center stone set in a thick, diamond-studded band of either platinum or white gold. According to diamond expert Michael O'Connor, it's "approximately 4 carats, which would put the value of this dazzler around $85,000."
John and Nikki began dating in 2012 after meeting through the WWE. Their relationship started out as a friendship, but quickly turned into romance after John asked Nikki to have dinner with him. During an interview with the Today show on Monday, Nikki explained why John's Wrestlemania proposal was a dream come true. "I never would have thought that he would have proposed in front of all those people. But that's home for us," she explained "WWE is our home. It's where we met. It's our passion and our life. For me, it's like, he is my Prince Charming. And he's saying, I want her to be my queen, at our home in front of our family. And honestly, I couldn't have asked for it to be any other way. It was perfect."
Here's What to Do When Your Weight Loss Stalls
Losing weight is a journey, and we firmly believe you're more likely to keep the weight off by making healthy lifestyle changes. The problem is that many of us like the weight to come off fast, but even with the best intentions, weight loss can stall. When this happens, it's time to reassess and tweak your plan of action.
What's Up With Your Workouts
- If you are just doing cardio, it is time to add strength training - at least twice weekly. When you lose weight, you're losing both muscle and fat, and you need to build the muscle back up. Muscles burn more calories at rest than fat, so increasing your muscle mass will improve your metabolism.
- It's time to add some intensity to your workouts. HIIT workouts, mixing vigorous intervals with rest periods, burn more calories both during and after the workout. Also, HIIT workouts target fat and that is what you want to lose, NOT muscle.
Are You Paying Attention to Your Food Choices
- A weight-loss plateau is often a sign that you need to review your best practices around eating. When you started changing your eating habits, you likely did one or all of these: measured out your portions, tracked your calories, read labels. It's time to start all those practices again.
- Are you eating enough fiber? Successful dieters eat high-fiber diets, because fiber is filling and helps prevent overeating. Add chickpeas, broccoli, and whole grains into your diet.
Remember that you might be building muscle during this plateau, and muscle is denser than fat. Even though you weigh the same, you may actually be in better shape; trust how your clothes feel rather than the scale. And keep maintaining! Your weight loss has stalled, but focus on not gaining back those hard-lost pounds and hopefully rebooting your efforts will get everything going again.
How Amal Clooney's Upbringing Inspires the Important Work She Does Today
Amal Clooney (née Alamuddin) made a name for herself as a human rights lawyer long before she married George Clooney in September 2014. She's used her newfound fame to help publicize certain issues happening all over the world, including international crimes in Iraq and Syria and women's rights. Her work has been published in multiple books, including The Law and Practice of the Special Tribunal For Lebanon, but you're probably wondering where Amal is from.
Amal was born in Beirut, Lebanon, to parents Ramzi and Baria Alamuddin. She and her family left for London during the height of the Lebanese Civil War when she was 2 years old. Her mom, Baria, is a foreign affairs editor at Al Hayat (a Lebanese newspaper), while her dad is a retired business professor from the American University in Beirut. Amal is fluent in English, Arabic, and French. It's likely that Amal's upbringing inspires the work she does with refugees today. In 2016, Amal and George sat down with German chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss Germany's plan to help with Europe's refugee crisis, and the lawyer is currently working with Nobel Peace Prize nominee Nadia Murad to convince UN officials to investigate ISIS, an issue Amal is very passionate about. George has also never been one to shy away from being a political activist for causes close to his heart - he even started a charity with Brad Pitt and Matt Damon dedicated to protecting human rights, called Not on Our Watch, in 2008.
Here's What to Do When Your Weight Loss Stalls
Losing weight is a journey, and we firmly believe you're more likely to keep the weight off by making healthy lifestyle changes. The problem is that many of us like the weight to come off fast, but even with the best intentions, weight loss can stall. When this happens, it's time to reassess and tweak your plan of action.
What's Up With Your Workouts
- If you are just doing cardio, it is time to add strength training - at least twice weekly. When you lose weight, you're losing both muscle and fat, and you need to build the muscle back up. Muscles burn more calories at rest than fat, so increasing your muscle mass will improve your metabolism.
- It's time to add some intensity to your workouts. HIIT workouts, mixing vigorous intervals with rest periods, burn more calories both during and after the workout. Also, HIIT workouts target fat and that is what you want to lose, NOT muscle.
Are You Paying Attention to Your Food Choices
- A weight-loss plateau is often a sign that you need to review your best practices around eating. When you started changing your eating habits, you likely did one or all of these: measured out your portions, tracked your calories, read labels. It's time to start all those practices again.
- Are you eating enough fiber? Successful dieters eat high-fiber diets, because fiber is filling and helps prevent overeating. Add chickpeas, broccoli, and whole grains into your diet.
Remember that you might be building muscle during this plateau, and muscle is denser than fat. Even though you weigh the same, you may actually be in better shape; trust how your clothes feel rather than the scale. And keep maintaining! Your weight loss has stalled, but focus on not gaining back those hard-lost pounds and hopefully rebooting your efforts will get everything going again.
How Amal Clooney's Upbringing Inspires the Important Work She Does Today
Amal Clooney (née Alamuddin) made a name for herself as a human rights lawyer long before she married George Clooney in September 2014. She's used her newfound fame to help publicize certain issues happening all over the world, including international crimes in Iraq and Syria and women's rights. Her work has been published in multiple books, including The Law and Practice of the Special Tribunal For Lebanon, but you're probably wondering where Amal is from.
Amal was born in Beirut, Lebanon, to parents Ramzi and Baria Alamuddin. She and her family left for London during the height of the Lebanese Civil War when she was 2 years old. Her mom, Baria, is a foreign affairs editor at Al Hayat (a Lebanese newspaper), while her dad is a retired business professor from the American University in Beirut. Amal is fluent in English, Arabic, and French. It's likely that Amal's upbringing inspires the work she does with refugees today. In 2016, Amal and George sat down with German chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss Germany's plan to help with Europe's refugee crisis, and the lawyer is currently working with Nobel Peace Prize nominee Nadia Murad to convince UN officials to investigate ISIS, an issue Amal is very passionate about. George has also never been one to shy away from being a political activist for causes close to his heart - he even started a charity with Brad Pitt and Matt Damon dedicated to protecting human rights, called Not on Our Watch, in 2008.
This High School Student Is Fighting to Take His Grandma to Prom
"Every woman deserves to go to prom once in their life. Doesn't matter what age you are."
This High School Student Is Fighting to Take His Grandma to Prom
"Every woman deserves to go to prom once in their life. Doesn't matter what age you are."
Jennifer and Lynda Lopez, and Other Celebrity Siblings You Need to Know
What's better than your favorite celebrity? Your favorite celebrity and their siblings! From Nicole and Sofia Richie to J Lo and Lynda, these brothers and sisters prove that talent does run in the family.
11 Things You Didn't Know About Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's Royal Relationship
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in July 2015. Image Source: Getty / Max Mumby
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip will be celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary this year, which is a pretty amazing feat regardless of the fact that they're royalty. Whether you think you know a lot about the couple or are hankering for more details about their decades-long marriage, we've got a handful of facts about the royal couple that might surprise you.
- For starters, they're related. That's right: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are actually second cousins once removed through King Christian IX of Denmark, and third cousins through their great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria. Interestingly enough, Victoria married her first cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, in 1840.
- They met when Elizabeth was just a little girl. The future couple were first introduced in 1934, at the wedding of Philip's cousin Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark to Prince George, Duke of Kent (Elizabeth's uncle). At the time, she was just 8 years old. They saw each other again three years later, but it was during a meeting at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth in July 1939 - Elizabeth was 13 and Philip was 18 - that they fell in love and began to exchange letters.
- Elizabeth's dad gave his blessing for their marriage (on one condition). Philip asked King George VI for his daughter's hand in marriage in 1946, and the king granted his permission under the condition that a formal engagement was delayed until Elizabeth turned 21 the following April; both he and his wife, Queen Elizabeth, felt that their daughter was "too young," and were disappointed that she wanted to marry the first man she met.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on their wedding day in November 1947. Image Source: Getty / Hulton Archive
- Their betrothal came with a bit of controversy. Philip and Elizabeth's engagement was officially announced in July 1947. The British public largely dismissed him as "a German" and the queen mother reportedly referred to him as "the Hun." Many of the king's advisors "did not think him good enough" for Elizabeth; he was foreign-born, didn't have money, and his three sisters all married German princes (some with Nazi ties).
- Philip abandoned his royal titles before marrying Elizabeth. Born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, Philip renounced those titles in 1957 in an attempt to gain favorable media coverage and blend a bit more seamlessly into his fiancée's family. He took on the style of Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, adopting the surname of his mother's British family. He also converted from Greek Orthodoxy to Anglicanism.
- Some of their family members were not allowed at the wedding. Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II tied the knot at Westminster Abbey on Nov. 20, 1947. Being that it was just two years after World War II ended, it was not cool for Philip's German family members (including his sisters) to be invited to the wedding. Also not invited was Elizabeth's uncle, the former King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne in December 1936.
- Elizabeth originally took her husband's name. On the morning of their wedding, Philip was made the Duke of Edinburgh. Upon tying the knot, Elizabeth took Philip's title and became Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh.
- They started a family pretty quickly. Elizabeth gave birth to the couple's first child, Prince Charles, on Nov. 14, 1948, almost a year to the day of their wedding. Their welcomed a daughter, Princess Anne, two years later.
Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II with their children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne in July 1951. Image Source: Getty / Ullstein Bild
- They didn't always live with their kids. Between 1949 and 1951, Philip was stationed in Malta while serving as a Royal Navy officer. He and Elizabeth lived at Villa Guardamangia, the rented home of his uncle Lord Mountbatten, for several months at a time. Their two young children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne, stayed in Britain.
- Philip was the bearer of bad news upon King George VI's death. When Elizabeth's father passed away after a long illness in 1952, she and Philip had just embarked on a royal tour of Australia and New Zealand with a stop in Kenya. They were at their Kenyan home, Sagana Lodge, when the news of George's death reached them. It was Philip who told Elizabeth that her father had died - and that she was now queen.
- Philip didn't deal well with Elizabeth's rise to power. After King George's death, Philip gave up his career as a naval officer to support his wife's new royal duties and was known to butt heads with the Buckingham Palace staff. There were arguments about whether or not Elizabeth would keep his surname after she took the throne, but both the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Elizabeth's grandmother, Queen Mary, voted in favor to keep the family name as House of Windsor (rather than House of Mountbatten). This was also likely due to the fact that in the days after George's death, Philip's uncle, Louis "Dickie" Mountbatten, was overheard triumphantly declaring that "the House of Mountbatten now reigned," which understandably angered Queen Mary.
In April 1952, the queen mother issued a declaration that Windsor would continue to be the royal name. Philip, meanwhile, was pissed: he privately complained of being "nothing but a bloody amoeba," and railed against being "the only man in the country not allowed to give his name to his own children." But after both Queen Mary's death in 1953 and Churchill's resignation in 1955, the queen mother reversed the decision, aware of both Philip's frustration and the impending birth of their second son. In 1960, she issued an Order of Council stating that Elizabeth and Philip had adopted the surname Mountbatten-Windsor for their male-line descendants, saying, "The Queen has had this in mind for a long time and it is close to her heart." Their baby boy, Prince Andrew, was born just a week later. Today, it acts as a sort of optional last name for those in the family.
11 Things You Didn't Know About Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's Royal Relationship
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in July 2015. Image Source: Getty / Max Mumby
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip will be celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary this year, which is a pretty amazing feat regardless of the fact that they're royalty. Whether you think you know a lot about the couple or are hankering for more details about their decades-long marriage, we've got a handful of facts about the royal couple that might surprise you.
- For starters, they're related. That's right: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are actually second cousins once removed through King Christian IX of Denmark, and third cousins through their great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria. Interestingly enough, Victoria married her first cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, in 1840.
- They met when Elizabeth was just a little girl. The future couple were first introduced in 1934, at the wedding of Philip's cousin Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark to Prince George, Duke of Kent (Elizabeth's uncle). At the time, she was just 8 years old. They saw each other again three years later, but it was during a meeting at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth in July 1939 - Elizabeth was 13 and Philip was 18 - that they fell in love and began to exchange letters.
- Elizabeth's dad gave his blessing for their marriage (on one condition). Philip asked King George VI for his daughter's hand in marriage in 1946, and the king granted his permission under the condition that a formal engagement was delayed until Elizabeth turned 21 the following April; both he and his wife, Queen Elizabeth, felt that their daughter was "too young," and were disappointed that she wanted to marry the first man she met.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on their wedding day in November 1947. Image Source: Getty / Hulton Archive
- Their betrothal came with a bit of controversy. Philip and Elizabeth's engagement was officially announced in July 1947. The British public largely dismissed him as "a German" and the queen mother reportedly referred to him as "the Hun." Many of the king's advisors "did not think him good enough" for Elizabeth; he was foreign-born, didn't have money, and his three sisters all married German princes (some with Nazi ties).
- Philip abandoned his royal titles before marrying Elizabeth. Born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, Philip renounced those titles in 1957 in an attempt to gain favorable media coverage and blend a bit more seamlessly into his fiancée's family. He took on the style of Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, adopting the surname of his mother's British family. He also converted from Greek Orthodoxy to Anglicanism.
- Some of their family members were not allowed at the wedding. Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II tied the knot at Westminster Abbey on Nov. 20, 1947. Being that it was just two years after World War II ended, it was not cool for Philip's German family members (including his sisters) to be invited to the wedding. Also not invited was Elizabeth's uncle, the former King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne in December 1936.
- Elizabeth originally took her husband's name. On the morning of their wedding, Philip was made the Duke of Edinburgh. Upon tying the knot, Elizabeth took Philip's title and became Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh.
- They started a family pretty quickly. Elizabeth gave birth to the couple's first child, Prince Charles, on Nov. 14, 1948, almost a year to the day of their wedding. Their welcomed a daughter, Princess Anne, two years later.
Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II with their children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne in July 1951. Image Source: Getty / Ullstein Bild
- They didn't always live with their kids. Between 1949 and 1951, Philip was stationed in Malta while serving as a Royal Navy officer. He and Elizabeth lived at Villa Guardamangia, the rented home of his uncle Lord Mountbatten, for several months at a time. Their two young children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne, stayed in Britain.
- Philip was the bearer of bad news upon King George VI's death. When Elizabeth's father passed away after a long illness in 1952, she and Philip had just embarked on a royal tour of Australia and New Zealand with a stop in Kenya. They were at their Kenyan home, Sagana Lodge, when the news of George's death reached them. It was Philip who told Elizabeth that her father had died - and that she was now queen.
- Philip didn't deal well with Elizabeth's rise to power. After King George's death, Philip gave up his career as a naval officer to support his wife's new royal duties and was known to butt heads with the Buckingham Palace staff. There were arguments about whether or not Elizabeth would keep his surname after she took the throne, but both the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Elizabeth's grandmother, Queen Mary, voted in favor to keep the family name as House of Windsor (rather than House of Mountbatten). This was also likely due to the fact that in the days after George's death, Philip's uncle, Louis "Dickie" Mountbatten, was overheard triumphantly declaring that "the House of Mountbatten now reigned," which understandably angered Queen Mary.
In April 1952, the queen mother issued a declaration that Windsor would continue to be the royal name. Philip, meanwhile, was pissed: he privately complained of being "nothing but a bloody amoeba," and railed against being "the only man in the country not allowed to give his name to his own children." But after both Queen Mary's death in 1953 and Churchill's resignation in 1955, the queen mother reversed the decision, aware of both Philip's frustration and the impending birth of their second son. In 1960, she issued an Order of Council stating that Elizabeth and Philip had adopted the surname Mountbatten-Windsor for their male-line descendants, saying, "The Queen has had this in mind for a long time and it is close to her heart." Their baby boy, Prince Andrew, was born just a week later. Today, it acts as a sort of optional last name for those in the family.
APL Sneakers Are Expensive - but Target Knocked Them Off For Way Less
We came across these C9 Champion training sneakers at Target and did a double take - those look familiar!
If you're thinking the same thing, it's because they're strikingly similar to APL's popular TechLoom Pro; it's essentially a direct knockoff, for less than one quarter of the price. C9 Champion's Focus sneaker comes in at $37 (with a sale style in blue at $18), compared to the $160 price tag at APL.
While we cant vouch for comfort or quality (we've only tried the APL style), if you're looking for an everyday streetwear style, these will do the trick . . . and save you a whole lot of cash.
APL Sneakers Are Expensive - but Target Knocked Them Off For Way Less
We came across these C9 Champion training sneakers at Target and did a double take - those look familiar!
If you're thinking the same thing, it's because they're strikingly similar to APL's popular TechLoom Pro; it's essentially a direct knockoff, for less than one quarter of the price. C9 Champion's Focus sneaker comes in at $37 (with a sale style in blue at $18), compared to the $160 price tag at APL.
While we cant vouch for comfort or quality (we've only tried the APL style), if you're looking for an everyday streetwear style, these will do the trick . . . and save you a whole lot of cash.
This Sexy Power Yoga Playlist Will Heat Up Your Practice
Our team at POPSUGAR got to try "the SoulCycle of yoga" at Ritual Hot Yoga in San Francisco. The high-powered class was one of my favorite yoga practices to date for a number of reasons.
For one, the heated class is set in the dark, so even if your face is a faucet of sweat, you're not worried about it. Mats were rolled out for us, as well as full-size and face towels. Instructors were in different parts of the room so you could have visual cues, while one instructor guided us through the flow verbally. During Savasana, instructors give neck and shoulder massages, while placing cold lavender towels over your eyes and face (yes, I'm serious).
But that's not even the best part! My favorite part of the class, and where the SoulCycle association comes from, is the beat of the flow. Or rather, how you flow to the beat. Each breath and movement is rhythmically timed, making it feel like a fusion of dance and yoga (I was really into it). This high-energy mix of songs was fun, intense, and decidedly sexy. It really helped us stay in tune with our bodies.
You start the practice with seated meditation, which is reflected in the playlist for a little over four minutes. Then the music immediately picks up, and you're ready to roll into a challenging, steamy hot practice. The practice ends with a cooldown song and a Savasana track. If you want to get the full experience, chill a lavender-soaked towel in your refrigerator to have on hand for your final rest.
You're going to love this playlist - try using it to set the tone for your at-home practice. Dim the lights, light some candles, get your towels ready, turn up the heat a little bit, and sweat to the beat!
If this mix isn't your speed or style, check out all our workout playlists here to find something that suits your needs and taste.
Remember, you will need to download the free Spotify software or app to listen to our playlists.
This Sexy Power Yoga Playlist Will Heat Up Your Practice
Our team at POPSUGAR got to try "the SoulCycle of yoga" at Ritual Hot Yoga in San Francisco. The high-powered class was one of my favorite yoga practices to date for a number of reasons.
For one, the heated class is set in the dark, so even if your face is a faucet of sweat, you're not worried about it. Mats were rolled out for us, as well as full-size and face towels. Instructors were in different parts of the room so you could have visual cues, while one instructor guided us through the flow verbally. During Savasana, instructors give neck and shoulder massages, while placing cold lavender towels over your eyes and face (yes, I'm serious).
But that's not even the best part! My favorite part of the class, and where the SoulCycle association comes from, is the beat of the flow. Or rather, how you flow to the beat. Each breath and movement is rhythmically timed, making it feel like a fusion of dance and yoga (I was really into it). This high-energy mix of songs was fun, intense, and decidedly sexy. It really helped us stay in tune with our bodies.
You start the practice with seated meditation, which is reflected in the playlist for a little over four minutes. Then the music immediately picks up, and you're ready to roll into a challenging, steamy hot practice. The practice ends with a cooldown song and a Savasana track. If you want to get the full experience, chill a lavender-soaked towel in your refrigerator to have on hand for your final rest.
You're going to love this playlist - try using it to set the tone for your at-home practice. Dim the lights, light some candles, get your towels ready, turn up the heat a little bit, and sweat to the beat!
If this mix isn't your speed or style, check out all our workout playlists here to find something that suits your needs and taste.
Remember, you will need to download the free Spotify software or app to listen to our playlists.
We Just Found Out These $20,000 Sneakers Are Not an April Fools' Joke
We knew APL sneakers were on the expensive side, with our beloved rose gold running shoes coming in hot at $185 . . . but that's just the tip of the luxury-footwear iceberg.
Painted in literal 24K gold on "Nile crocodile skin," these "handmade in Italy" sneakers are the footwear equivalent of printing your bank statement and taping it to your feet like wrapping paper - but classier (maybe).
The APL Lusso Supreme in Black/Pure Gold has a return policy of "you can't" and takes 12 weeks to make, via special order. What does one do in $20,000 24K gold Nile crocodile handmade Italian training shoes? Play basketball from a helicopter? Do HIIT on a yacht's rooftop off the coast of St. Barts? Try antigravity calisthenics in outer space because you probably can afford to leisurely participate in NASA field trips if you can also afford $20,000 sneakers?
It's a two-for-one deal, sort of, as "each order will include a complimentary pair of leather Lussos," which retail for $350 (basically Payless prices compared to the gold ones).
Perhaps they're an investment, like a Birkin, that will appreciate in value over time. Who can say? Regardless, you're not going to get a discount on these bad boys because APL lets it be known that "This item excluded from all coupon codes."
Will 2 Workouts a Day Help Me Lose Weight Faster?
Is there anything exercise can't do? It helps people lose weight and sleep better, as well as aids in the prevention of colds and disease. And aside from the endorphins it creates to uplift moods and energy levels, hitting the gym can also reduce stress. With all these benefits, it would seem that more is better - but is that really the case?
To stay healthy, experts recommend about 30 minutes per day of moderately intense exercise five days a week. If you're trying to lose weight, 50 to 60 minutes a day, five to six times a week is the goal, and we're talking three days of heart-pumping, calorie-burning cardio, two days of moderate exercise, and one light day.
With that said, it's not always possible to fit in an hour-long workout just about every day of the week, so doubling up in one day is a great way to balance a tight schedule. When doing two daily workouts, make sure they're different from one another so you can include a balance of cardio, strength training, and stretching over the course of a day. Go for a run in the morning and take an evening yoga class, or hit up that lunchtime SoulCycle class and do some strength training before dinner. Be conscious of which muscles you're targeting each time you exercise, because solely working your legs twice in one day could not only cause a muscular imbalance that leads to pain or injury, but you'll also get bored. And don't skip those rest days! It's important to allow your muscles a chance to heal and strengthen.
Of course, if you're training for a race, tackling a daylong hike or snowshoe, or attending a fitness event, you'll be exceeding the two hours of exercise two basic workouts would entail. For big fitness bursts like this, pace yourself throughout the day and be mindful of pushing yourself too far. If you're feeling extremely lethargic, dizzy, nauseous, or painfully sore, stop immediately to rest, and the next time scale down the intensity a bit. If two regular daily workouts is something you'd like to make a habit of, it's a good idea to stick to 30 to 90 minutes per session, and make one high-intensity cardio and the other lower intensity.
Also keep in mind that exercising twice in one day will cause you to burn more calories, so make sure you're nourishing yourself with enough protein and healthy carbs. And as long as getting in your two workouts doesn't have a negative effect on your life or prevent you from getting enough sleep, then there's nothing wrong with sweating it out twice (as long as you're OK with taking two showers!).
We Just Found Out These $20,000 Sneakers Are Not an April Fools' Joke
We knew APL sneakers were on the expensive side, with our beloved rose gold running shoes coming in hot at $185 . . . but that's just the tip of the luxury-footwear iceberg.
Painted in literal 24K gold on "Nile crocodile skin," these "handmade in Italy" sneakers are the footwear equivalent of printing your bank statement and taping it to your feet like wrapping paper - but classier (maybe).
The APL Lusso Supreme in Black/Pure Gold has a return policy of "you can't" and takes 12 weeks to make, via special order. What does one do in $20,000 24K gold Nile crocodile handmade Italian training shoes? Play basketball from a helicopter? Do HIIT on a yacht's rooftop off the coast of St. Barts? Try antigravity calisthenics in outer space because you probably can afford to leisurely participate in NASA field trips if you can also afford $20,000 sneakers?
It's a two-for-one deal, sort of, as "each order will include a complimentary pair of leather Lussos," which retail for $350 (basically Payless prices compared to the gold ones).
Perhaps they're an investment, like a Birkin, that will appreciate in value over time. Who can say? Regardless, you're not going to get a discount on these bad boys because APL lets it be known that "This item excluded from all coupon codes."
Will 2 Workouts a Day Help Me Lose Weight Faster?
Is there anything exercise can't do? It helps people lose weight and sleep better, as well as aids in the prevention of colds and disease. And aside from the endorphins it creates to uplift moods and energy levels, hitting the gym can also reduce stress. With all these benefits, it would seem that more is better - but is that really the case?
To stay healthy, experts recommend about 30 minutes per day of moderately intense exercise five days a week. If you're trying to lose weight, 50 to 60 minutes a day, five to six times a week is the goal, and we're talking three days of heart-pumping, calorie-burning cardio, two days of moderate exercise, and one light day.
With that said, it's not always possible to fit in an hour-long workout just about every day of the week, so doubling up in one day is a great way to balance a tight schedule. When doing two daily workouts, make sure they're different from one another so you can include a balance of cardio, strength training, and stretching over the course of a day. Go for a run in the morning and take an evening yoga class, or hit up that lunchtime SoulCycle class and do some strength training before dinner. Be conscious of which muscles you're targeting each time you exercise, because solely working your legs twice in one day could not only cause a muscular imbalance that leads to pain or injury, but you'll also get bored. And don't skip those rest days! It's important to allow your muscles a chance to heal and strengthen.
Of course, if you're training for a race, tackling a daylong hike or snowshoe, or attending a fitness event, you'll be exceeding the two hours of exercise two basic workouts would entail. For big fitness bursts like this, pace yourself throughout the day and be mindful of pushing yourself too far. If you're feeling extremely lethargic, dizzy, nauseous, or painfully sore, stop immediately to rest, and the next time scale down the intensity a bit. If two regular daily workouts is something you'd like to make a habit of, it's a good idea to stick to 30 to 90 minutes per session, and make one high-intensity cardio and the other lower intensity.
Also keep in mind that exercising twice in one day will cause you to burn more calories, so make sure you're nourishing yourself with enough protein and healthy carbs. And as long as getting in your two workouts doesn't have a negative effect on your life or prevent you from getting enough sleep, then there's nothing wrong with sweating it out twice (as long as you're OK with taking two showers!).
10 of the Most Underrated Movies About True Crime
Though often tragic, true crimes are fascinating. Shows such as American Crime Story and Making a Murderer have made the topic more popular than ever. Movies are one of the best ways to get your true crime fix, but have you seen all the ones worth watching? Take a look to get our picks for some underrated true crime movies that you'll definitely want to add to your must-watch list.
Warm Up Before a Run With These 4 Mesmerizing Yoga Moves
While static stretching before a run is a big no-no, yoga is a whole different ballgame because it involves movement-based stretching. These four exercises will get your blood circulating throughout your bod. Slowly loosen up typically tight areas such as the hips, hamstrings, and lower back with these dynamic stretches. They just feel so darn good and prep your body for a great run.
Make Easter Desserts Sunny Side Up With These Cadbury Creme Eggs Recipes
Cadbury Creme Eggs have been an Easter candy classic since the '60s when they were first introduced in the UK. The chocolate is shaped like an egg and filled with gooey fondant resembling egg whites and yolk. Over the years, Cadbury Eggs have maintained their popularity and are often included in Easter-themed recipes, such as the ones included in this list! These 20 recipes put a twist on an Easter candy classic and are the perfect treat to whip up this Spring.
Articles
