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 5 mai 2017
This Is What It's Like to Live With Birth Marks Covering Your Face and Body
"Ugh, what happened to you?" "You're not pretty like the other girls." "No one likes you. You look like you're covered in dirt." "No one is ever going to like you."
These remarks were the norm for me when I was growing up. Every comment hurt a little bit more than the last. I subconsciously hoarded them until they started to become the very things I was telling myself. I have a rare epidermal nevus condition called Phacomatosis pigmentokeratotica, which affects about 1 in 2,000 people. A nevus is the scientific term for birthmark or mole. My case is caused by a genetic mutation, although the specific gene remains unknown. It isn't something you'd see everyday, which was why I garnered this kind of attention.
I might've only been 7 or 8 years old, but I could still understand the magnitude of disgust behind every mean comment. I was constantly bullied in school by my peers. They would make fun of me for looking different. During sixth grade lunch hour, a boy threw food at me and crumpled notes with mean things written on them such as, "You're ugly." The harassment didn't stop with my classmates.
Parents of these kids would tell my mom and dad that I should have surgery to remove them, because I wasn't attractive. Adults walking past me would sneer at the sight of me and take pictures to laugh at. My sixth grade Spanish teacher even publically bullied me in front of class and said, "Why don't you go and connect the dots on your face?" You could imagine the amount of emotional trauma this caused to my self-esteem. I received positive comments here and there, but it was always the negative ones that held more weight to me.
My mom would take many measures to cover me up as best as she could to protect me from the world. I was always outfitted in turtlenecks and long pants. When it got hot, my mom would slather on foundation that was five times too light and too sheer for my skin. I was always running around so the makeup melted off anyway. It was not ideal.
I was taught was to hide and to cover my skin so people wouldn't say anything. But no matter how hard I tried, every negative comment and experience felt like the weight of the world. I hated what I looked like and soon I embodied everything that hurt. I believed that I wasn't beautiful and that I never could be. I briefly contemplated suicide around the end of middle school. If I just stopped everything, I wouldn't have to hurt anymore. I could stop my parents from tirelessly trying to find the best medical care for me, since at the time, most dermatologists didn't know what to do with my case. "Maybe I could stop my parents from having to take the emotional abuse. It would be so easy to end my emotional suffering," I thought to myself. [Editor's note: if you or a loved one feels suicidal, find help here.]
I am now 24 years old, and all I can say is that I am grateful I chose otherwise. It was a painfully slow but steady journey to attain self-acceptance. To this day, I feel like I still have a lot to work on. There are days when I'll cry, but I'm only human, and I need to allow myself to feel emotion. Regardless of those bad days, I know that I will always pick myself up and continue on with my life.
Today, I can't help but tell you how much I love my life and how much I am appreciative for my birthmarks. Not only have they given me confidence in my appearance, but they have also given me the strength and drive to pursue my dreams. I grew up with a lot of negativity, but slowly, I learned to stand up against it. I kept telling myself that they were wrong and that what they said meant nothing to me. I began to apply the mindset of "never taking no for an answer" to all aspects of my life.
Being bullied when I was young made me sensitive. I used to hate that I didn't have tough skin but now, I feel fortunate that I don't. My sensitivity allows me to be compassionate towards people who are hurting and it allows me to pick up on subtle hints that they are in pain. My birthmarks also taught me to be positive for myself and for other people around me. There is enough hate in this world and enough people telling us that we can't do something.
I didn't want to add to that, and instead, I chose to have a positive outlook on my life and to lift up the people around me. When I see the people around me reach success, it's a chain reaction for more great things to come. So I can't help but continue to be positive. I can't express the amount of emotional suffering I went through to get to the confidence level I am at now. I came up with things to remind myself when things were especially difficult, and I hope these tips empower you to believe in your worth and your beauty. You have so much to offer in this world! Without further ado:
1. You have to love you.
This was the most difficult, but most important idea to grasp in my journey to accepting myself. My family and friends were always encouraging about my appearance and say that it's what they love about me. It is what makes me different. What I came to realize was that although the support was strong, I could not accept it until I came to accept myself. Strength at its paramount comes from within. People can be strong for you, but it is meaningless until you truly believe you are beautiful. Once you are confident that you are strong, no one can take that away from you.
What is even more important is that once you love yourself, the negative comments you receive become so irrelevant to you that you barely even notice they exist. You can create your reality. If you bottle up those negative comments and make them a part of you, then they will overcome you. But, if you believe that you are strong and beautiful, then that will in and of itself become your reality.
Something I do to feel strong inside and out is that I go to the gym! I love lifting weights and circuit training. I make sure to work out each muscle group throughout the week. I also rarely eat out, because I love to cook healthy. The combinations of both working out and eating clean make me feel great both physically and mentally.
2. When times get tough, get tougher.
There were many situations in which I found myself behind closed doors by myself, crying because I didn't know what I did to garner such negative attention. I would just sit there and feel so bad for myself. It came to a point when I would be sitting in an ocean of used tissues, dizzy from hyperventilating and unable to squeeze any more tears out of my eyes. I realized that life goes on. It's not going to sit and wait for you to feel bad for yourself. There are things out there to be done. Goals to be reached. Empowerment to be gained. Success to be earned. I bit my bottom lip and redirected my energy into the things I felt made my life worth living.
I channeled this energy into becoming a doctor. I had been exposed to dermatology my entire life and have been fortunate to meet some incredible and inspirational physicians who changed me forever. I also have had over 60 major and minor surgeries, so I have also been exposed to the field of plastic surgery. It's something I want to dedicate my life to because I want to help people through what I am currently going through. Because of my birthmarks and the arduous journey with having them, I feel I am able to relate to my patients and lead them to a physically and mentally healthy life.
So, my lesson for you is that you need to take life by the balls and own it. Find something worth being tough about and run with it. The world is yours. You have to choose to take it.
3. Stop trying to hide it - own it!
My mom insisted that I use makeup to cover my skin when I was younger, but now, all I want to do is show the world that I am proud to be me. I tried to use foundation once, but I looked so silly. The coverage was too sheer and the amount I had to use was ridiculous. I honestly didn't feel authentic. If people look, I say let them look! Let them admire your beauty. In a world where people are dying to stand out, we are lucky to already have that trait.
Though I decided to forgo cosmetics for coverage, I still have products to protect my skin from damaging UV rays. My beauty secret is to use a broad-spectrum SPF moisturizer and body lotion. It'll also prevent premature aging, an added bonus. My favorites include: Jergens Natural Glow SPF 20 ($11) for the face and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock ($7 each), SPF 45 and SPF 100 for my body. I encourage everyone, even to those who do not have birthmarks, to use SPF. I love Jergens Natural Glow for its smell and its self-tanning product. Since I can't go out and tan, this my way of getting some color. Neutrogena's Dry Touch line is amazing because it doesn't feel heavy. I've gone through too many greasy sunblocks and am glad to say that this product line definitely does not disappoint.
4. Be compassionate.
The comments that people make must never define you. Sometimes, people will say mean things that will hurt you to the very core. It's an uncomfortable situation, especially if the topic of your appearance is an extremely sensitive subject. It's important to keep in mind that people are curious. Sometimes they are ignorant. If they are mean to you, it is because they still have more to learn about life. They just don't understand how to process your beauty. Continue to be kind, for they are simply naive.
As I get older, less mean things are said to me, but I still get asked about them. I realize that the questions come from curiosity. It's harder to understand this when it's a sensitive topic, but it's important to be compassionate and to not be defensive to those who question. I get asked all the time if I wanted to get them removed and my answer was, is, and will continue to be: no. My birthmarks made me the person I am today. They gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams in more ways than one. They have given me the confidence and grit to continue my goals of being a doctor. They made me compassionate and optimistic.
I want people out there who are going through what I went through to understand that it's OK to be a little insecure sometimes. I want you to know that you are beautiful and that you are loved, even if you can't see it. You don't have to prove your worth to anyone but yourself. You are already great. You have the potential to be even greater and you have it within you to never stop until you reach success. Believe that your differences make you unique. Be confident that they can change your life once you accept them and love them for what they are and who you can be.
Jenna Lee is currently workong on completing a Masters Degree in biomedical sciences; follow her on Instagram here!
Another Day, Another Photo of a Bunch of Men Celebrating an Assault on Women's Health
The House passed the American Health Care Act on May 4, producing yet another totally unsurprising and objectively clueless gallery of photographs. You don't have to be a Where's Waldo? aficionado to see what is missing from the GOP's Rose Garden celebration after the vote on May 4.
Surprise! Where are the women who pushed for the passing of a bill that deems sexual assault, depression, and C-sections preexisting conditions? According to a wide shot of the press conference, there were about five women (who seem to have been pushed to the front for visibility) present at President Donald Trump's press conference announcing the bill's passage through the House. Men, in fact, made up about 92 percent of the 217 "yes" votes to approve the GOP bill. It's also worth noting that everyone in the photo appears to not have a disability, a particularly cruel reminder that people with disabilities would no longer be covered by Medicaid expansions permitted by Obamacare.
Despite never actually experiencing foreign phenomena like pregnancy, periods, and breast exams, the men of the GOP seem to consider themselves experts in deciding which women's health issues constitute necessary coverage. In fact, it's quite apparent that the House Republicans' only priority is repealing Obamacare, no matter if they have actually read the proposed bill, if they know how many people will lose coverage with its passing, or how much the Congressional Budget Office predicts it will cost. Nope, that doesn't matter.
Needless to say, if the American Health Care Act does make it through the upper chamber (thankfully, it's likely to encounter some pushback from Republican Senators), the House Republicans have one thing to look forward to: getting unseated. Just 24 hours after the bill officially went to vote, Democratic activist group Swing Left raised $400,000 for whoever elects to run against vulnerable Republican representatives who voted in favor of the proposal.
World Class Hypocrite Jason Chaffetz Wants to Rescind Obama's Pension Over Speaking Fees
When a president leaves office, it's pretty standard practice that they get paid to give speeches. Whether they donate the money or keep it depends on the president: while President Jimmy Carter rarely accepted compensation for speaking engagements, President Barack Obama recently made headlines for accepting a $400,000 fee to address Cantor Fitzgerald, a Wall Street institution he once criticized.
Ex-presidents also get paid a pension by the federal government, which varies depending on the president's postoffice income. Now, Chairman of the House Oversight Committee Jason Chaffetz has decided to use Obama's Cantor Fitzgerald gig as a reason to go after his presidential pension. Chaffetz decided to chime in on a USA Today editorial, which argued that Obama's speaking fees might incite Congress to target his pension. "Yes, it will," Chaffetz wrote in a tweet sharing the article on May 3.
Obama's $400,000 speech could prompt Congress to go after his pension https://t.co/h17muKPMmE via @USATODAY Yes, it will
- Jason Chaffetz (@jasoninthehouse) May 4, 2017
Here's the problem with Chaffetz's moral outrage: presidents from both sides of the aisle have long amassed mini fortunes from private speaking gigs. Politico reported that George W. Bush has been paid between $100,000 and $175,000 per speech for the roughly 200 speeches he's given since leaving office in 2009. Former president Ronald Reagan was famously paid $2 million to visit Japan and open a trade dialogue with the country less than a year after leaving office.
Hillary Clinton's speaking fees, which were of much debate during the primaries, exceed W.'s: from 2001 until May 2016, Clinton gave 729 speeches and made roughly $210,795 for each. Collectively, former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton raked in a whopping $153 million in speeches between 2001 and when Clinton announced her candidacy for president.
This is not the first time Chaffetz has attempted to limit former presidents' pensions to $200,000. A bill that would restrict presidential pensions to $200,000 if their income exceeded $400,000 reached President Obama's office in July of 2016, but he vetoed the proposed law. With this in mind, it's hard not to see Chaffetz's commitment to going after Obama's pension as a ploy to bash a political foe.
15 Ways to Get More Out of Your Gym Time
Whether you're a first-time gym-goer or a dedicated gym rat, chances are there are a few ways you can make your gym time even more effective and efficient. Ready to take your workouts to the next level? Here are 15 tips to help you make the most of your time at the gym.
15 Ways to Get More Out of Your Gym Time
Whether you're a first-time gym-goer or a dedicated gym rat, chances are there are a few ways you can make your gym time even more effective and efficient. Ready to take your workouts to the next level? Here are 15 tips to help you make the most of your time at the gym.
8 Basic Moves Any Gym Rat Should Know
Some of the most effective moves are the simplest or the ones that build on the basics. Here are eight beginner strength-training moves you should master, along with tips and variations to make your workout even better!
8 Basic Moves Any Gym Rat Should Know
Some of the most effective moves are the simplest or the ones that build on the basics. Here are eight beginner strength-training moves you should master, along with tips and variations to make your workout even better!
A Restaurant Offered Liam Neeson Free Food . . . and He Actually Showed Up
Liam Neeson may be a huge Hollywood star, but even he can't resist a little free food once in a while. After Big Star Sandwich Co. in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, got wind that the actor was in town filming his new movie Hard Powder, they decided to try to entice him to stop by with the promise of free food. Employees Kyle Gus and Serge Patoka put two signs outside of their shop on Tuesday morning, one that read "Liam Neeson eats here for free" and the other that read "Come in and get Taken by our sandwiches." After hearing about their hilarious promise, the father of two decided to casually drop in that afternoon. Big Star's director of operations, Alex Johrden, said the employees couldn't believe it when they saw the actor walk through the door. And even though he didn't end up getting a sandwich, he did pose for an epic photo with Kyle and Serge with one of the signs. "Holy f**k, it worked! #LiamNeeson," Big Star captioned it on its Facebook page. "As you can see in the photo, they're about as stoked as they've ever been in their lives," Alex continued. Um, we would be too.
Awaken the Force With These 40 Epic Star Wars Nails
As true Star Wars and beauty fans, we've taken to Instagram to bring you (and our nails) the best out-of-this-world nail art. From intergalactic talons to Boba Fett claws and BB-8 droids popping up on pinkies, these nails are undeniably cool. We can imagine space babe Daisy "Rey" Ridley rocking some of this nail art.
If You Just Want to Spoil Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 For Yourself, Read This
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is loaded with a ton of stuff that you loved about the first film (laughing Drax, dancing Baby Groot, etc.), but there's a whole new plot to unfold. The spoiler-free synopsis is that Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is trying to uncover his true identity. When his father (Kurt Russell) unexpectedly comes flying into his life, he reluctantly seizes the opportunity to get to the bottom of his heritage. This just isn't a movie about a beautiful family reunion, so Peter and co. face some challenges along the way. If you're wondering exactly what goes down, read on.
Ego (Russell) tracks down Peter and his crew, telling them that he is overjoyed to have finally found his son. Peter is initially skeptical about Ego's intentions, but, at Gamora's (Zoe Saldana) urging, he agrees to go to Ego's home planet. Peter, Gamora, and Drax take off with Ego and his alien associate, Mantis (Pom Klementieff), and land on the most beautiful, lush planet you've ever seen. It turns out that Ego isn't a person at all - he is a planet. He has the power to create whatever he desires and appear in whatever form he dreams up. He explains to Peter than he's been searching everywhere for him, but something doesn't add up; Ego can't give a straight answer about why he never returned to Earth to visit Peter and his mother.
Meanwhile, Rocket and Baby Groot are captured by Yondu's (Michael Rooker) crew. Yondu had been commissioned by an alien race to take out Peter and his pals, but when Yondu refuses to hurt Peter, his crew (headed by Taserface, LOL) turns on him. They imprison Yondu, Rocket, and Baby Groot aboard their ship. Anarchy reigns, until Kraglin (Sean Gunn) double-crosses Taserface and the good guys are able to destroy Yondu's old crew and depart from the fiery spacecraft in a smaller ship.
Back on Ego's planet, the real story is slowly revealed. Ego doesn't just want to be a father to Peter - he wants to use Peter's inherited powers to help him take over the universe. Ego has been slowly attempting to conquer millions of planets by burying tiny versions of himself into the ground on each planet. Once he gets enough energy (which he can only do with an heir), he can fuel the plants to grow and rapidly turn each planet into his own ecosystem. Because he is the planet, he will technically be everywhere. Does that make sense? It's confusing.
The worst part is that Peter isn't Ego's only son, not by a long shot. Gamora and Nebula (Karen Gillan) discover an entire cave full of bones, the bones of Ego's slain children. He's impregnated species all over the universe, and he had been employing Yondu to collect his kids and bring them back to his planet in hopes that they'll have inherited his power. They all failed him, so he just murdered them and kept looking. When Yondu realized that Ego was killing the kids, he stopped working for him and raised Peter as his own.
Poor Peter had finally allowed himself to feel happy about his biological planet of a father, and Ego is just one big fraud. Baby Groot, Rocket, and Yondu find Peter and his crew in the nick of time, and they're able to save the day. There's some mild interference from the secondary villains (a race of genetically perfect aliens), but Peter destroys Ego. Yondu dies saving Peter, and he gets the Ravager funeral he's always desired. In the end, Peter loses two fathers. Are you crying?
That's the meat of it - unless, of course, you want to know about the five end-credits scenes!
Just How Much Coffee Is Too Much?
There are many benefits to drinking coffee every day - from disease-fighting antioxidants to improved memory and longevity - but when it comes to your caffeine habit, there really can be too much of a good thing.
Just how much caffeine is too much? For the average person, up to 300 mg of coffee a day, or two to four cups of the average brewed coffee, is a moderate amount that isn't harmful. But once you hit more than four cups, you may experience less-than-desirable side effects. Drinking more than 500 mg every day, in fact, can induce anxiety, insomnia, and muscle tremors and can even lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, headaches, or digestion issues.
If you want to stay away from the caffeine jitters, then limiting yourself to under four cups of coffee per day is a perfectly reasonable plan. However, you may be surprised by how much caffeine is in your favorite caffeinated beverage; it can be much more than you think!
See how much caffeine is in your favorite drink.
| Drink | Amount of caffeine |
|---|---|
| Average 8-ounce cup of coffee | 95 mg |
| 8-ounce Short Starbucks coffee | 180 mg |
| 12-ounce Tall Starbucks coffee | 260 mg |
| 16-ounce Grande Starbucks coffee | 330 mg |
| 20-ounce Venti Starbucks coffee | 415 mg |
| 10-ounce small Dunkin' Donuts coffee | 105 mg |
| 14-ounce medium Dunkin' Donuts coffee | 178 mg |
| 20-ounce large Dunkin' Donuts coffee with Turbo Shot | 436 mg |
| 16-ounce large McDonald's coffee | 133 mg |
| Average 1-ounce espresso shot | 64 mg |
| 1-ounce Starbucks espresso shot | 75 mg |
| Average teaspoon of instant coffee | 31 mg |
| Average 8-ounce cup of black tea | 26 mg |
| Average 6-ounce cup of green tea | 20-30 mg |
Use this chart as a guide to see how much caffeine you're really consuming every day. Even if you enjoy two eight-ounce cups at Starbucks, for example, that's 360 mg of caffeine - 60 mg over the recommended limit. Also, remember that even though espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos contain less caffeine than brewed coffee, many drinks are made with at least two espresso shots, not one.
If You Just Want to Spoil Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 For Yourself, Read This
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is loaded with a ton of stuff that you loved about the first film (laughing Drax, dancing Baby Groot, etc.), but there's a whole new plot to unfold. The spoiler-free synopsis is that Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is trying to uncover his true identity. When his father (Kurt Russell) unexpectedly comes flying into his life, he reluctantly seizes the opportunity to get to the bottom of his heritage. This just isn't a movie about a beautiful family reunion, so Peter and co. face some challenges along the way. If you're wondering exactly what goes down, read on.
Ego (Russell) tracks down Peter and his crew, telling them that he is overjoyed to have finally found his son. Peter is initially skeptical about Ego's intentions, but, at Gamora's (Zoe Saldana) urging, he agrees to go to Ego's home planet. Peter, Gamora, and Drax take off with Ego and his alien associate, Mantis (Pom Klementieff), and land on the most beautiful, lush planet you've ever seen. It turns out that Ego isn't a person at all - he is a planet. He has the power to create whatever he desires and appear in whatever form he dreams up. He explains to Peter than he's been searching everywhere for him, but something doesn't add up; Ego can't give a straight answer about why he never returned to Earth to visit Peter and his mother.
Meanwhile, Rocket and Baby Groot are captured by Yondu's (Michael Rooker) crew. Yondu had been commissioned by an alien race to take out Peter and his pals, but when Yondu refuses to hurt Peter, his crew (headed by Taserface, LOL) turns on him. They imprison Yondu, Rocket, and Baby Groot aboard their ship. Anarchy reigns, until Kraglin (Sean Gunn) double-crosses Taserface and the good guys are able to destroy Yondu's old crew and depart from the fiery spacecraft in a smaller ship.
Back on Ego's planet, the real story is slowly revealed. Ego doesn't just want to be a father to Peter - he wants to use Peter's inherited powers to help him take over the universe. Ego has been slowly attempting to conquer millions of planets by burying tiny versions of himself into the ground on each planet. Once he gets enough energy (which he can only do with an heir), he can fuel the plants to grow and rapidly turn each planet into his own ecosystem. Because he is the planet, he will technically be everywhere. Does that make sense? It's confusing.
The worst part is that Peter isn't Ego's only son, not by a long shot. Gamora and Nebula (Karen Gillan) discover an entire cave full of bones, the bones of Ego's slain children. He's impregnated species all over the universe, and he had been employing Yondu to collect his kids and bring them back to his planet in hopes that they'll have inherited his power. They all failed him, so he just murdered them and kept looking. When Yondu realized that Ego was killing the kids, he stopped working for him and raised Peter as his own.
Poor Peter had finally allowed himself to feel happy about his biological planet of a father, and Ego is just one big fraud. Baby Groot, Rocket, and Yondu find Peter and his crew in the nick of time, and they're able to save the day. There's some mild interference from the secondary villains (a race of genetically perfect aliens), but Peter destroys Ego. Yondu dies saving Peter, and he gets the Ravager funeral he's always desired. In the end, Peter loses two fathers. Are you crying?
That's the meat of it - unless, of course, you want to know about the five end-credits scenes!
Miley Cyrus Is Thankful For Her Breakup With Liam Hemsworth: "We Had to Refall in Love"
Miley Cyrus is going back to her roots. The singer, who has stayed relatively out of the spotlight in recent months aside from being a judge on The Voice, recently opened up to Billboard magazine about her ever-evolving music, her romance with Liam Hemsworth, and why she's glad she's no longer in her wild phase. And the star, who has also quit smoking weed, revealed that new music is coming very soon. Miley's song "Malibu," which will drop next week, is inspired by her life with the Independence Day: Resurgence actor (they share a home in the California town). See her best quotes from the interview ahead.
13 Reasons Why: The Cast Is Talking Like Season 2 Is Coming
We're on the edge of our seats waiting for Netflix to tell us if season two of 13 Reasons Why is confirmed, but nothing official has been announced. It usually takes the streaming service a few weeks after a premiere to renew a series, but 13 Reasons Why is somewhat of a special case. The show is based on a book by Jay Asher and was conceived as a miniseries. If Netflix locks down a second season, they would be going far beyond what was in the book. Of course, the writers already expanded on a number of characters (Hannah's parents aren't even in the book) and the season ends with several cliffhangers, so it kind of feels like they're already setting up season two. Until we know for sure, let's take our cues from what the cast and production team have said about the possibility of continuing the story.
- Producer Selena Gomez is being coy, but her comments sound hopeful. "I would get in trouble for saying something, but I hope so," she told Entertainment Tonight at the premiere. "I hope people enjoy the first season." After the show became available on Netflix, Gomez spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about the possibility of more episodes: "We don't know what is going to go beyond it, but we know there are so many stories that lie beneath each character. That's why it became a series in the first place. So we'll see."
- Katherine Langford (aka Hannah) thinks "there's more stories to tell." She also spoke to ET at the premiere, saying, "We definitely have a lot more dialogue that we continue from the story we've already told. I'd love to do it, but we'll see." Langford also spoke to THR about what may come next: "It would be cool to continue the dialogue of this story. There are so many cliffhangers at the end of the season. At the end of the season, I had to sit back. I didn't think about what happens next. It's more of this feeling like, 'Oh my God, that's the story that needed to be told.'"
- Dylan Minnette (Clay) definitely wants to do another season. "I think that everyone would love to do another one, if we're given the opportunity," he told ET. "I think when people see where it leaves off, people are going to want to know more about these characters and what's next for them. There is a possibility."
- Creator Brian Yorkey is open to the idea. "I think we'd very much like to have that opportunity," he told ET. "We're not done with these characters. We love them and I want to know what happens next. . . . We absolutely talked about what could happen next . . . I would love to learn more about who these kids are, why they did what they did and also, Hannah made 13 tapes and told us 13 very specific stories, but there's a lot she didn't and I want to know more about that. I want to know what her secrets are." He also confirmed that "Hannah's story is still very much not finished. She's an integral part of whatever the next chapter of the story is, and she's very much still at the center of it."
- Devin Druid is ready to take Tyler over the edge. The final episode of season one shows Tyler adding to his arsenal of weapons, suggesting that he's planning a school shooting. Druid confirmed this when speaking with The Hollywood Reporter: "This is a really logical step for this character to go toward. I definitely think there's more of a story to tell. That helps dive into a bigger conversation of mental illness and bullying and harassment and how a person can react when they're pushed to the end of their rope."
- Miles Heizer basically confirmed that Alex survives. "It was interesting to see similarities between Alex and Hannah, because there are a lot of warning signs throughout the season," he told THR. He went on to talk about what will happen after Alex's suicide attempt. "That's another subject that's very rarely shown onscreen and is probably a lot more common than people think it is. People attempting to take their lives and it not happening, I'm sure that will bring a crazy set of issues. It would be interesting to go into that."
- Justin Prentice would like to see Bryce go to prison. "There's a f*cing rapist at this high school that hasn't been brought to any justice," he said, speaking with THR. "And one of the victims, that we know of, is still living and just beginning to confront the realities of being a rape survivor, which is another hugely important story to tell."
Just How Much Coffee Is Too Much?
There are many benefits to drinking coffee every day - from disease-fighting antioxidants to improved memory and longevity - but when it comes to your caffeine habit, there really can be too much of a good thing.
Just how much caffeine is too much? For the average person, up to 300 mg of coffee a day, or two to four cups of the average brewed coffee, is a moderate amount that isn't harmful. But once you hit more than four cups, you may experience less-than-desirable side effects. Drinking more than 500 mg every day, in fact, can induce anxiety, insomnia, and muscle tremors and can even lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, headaches, or digestion issues.
If you want to stay away from the caffeine jitters, then limiting yourself to under four cups of coffee per day is a perfectly reasonable plan. However, you may be surprised by how much caffeine is in your favorite caffeinated beverage; it can be much more than you think!
See how much caffeine is in your favorite drink.
| Drink | Amount of caffeine |
|---|---|
| Average 8-ounce cup of coffee | 95 mg |
| 8-ounce Short Starbucks coffee | 180 mg |
| 12-ounce Tall Starbucks coffee | 260 mg |
| 16-ounce Grande Starbucks coffee | 330 mg |
| 20-ounce Venti Starbucks coffee | 415 mg |
| 10-ounce small Dunkin' Donuts coffee | 105 mg |
| 14-ounce medium Dunkin' Donuts coffee | 178 mg |
| 20-ounce large Dunkin' Donuts coffee with Turbo Shot | 436 mg |
| 16-ounce large McDonald's coffee | 133 mg |
| Average 1-ounce espresso shot | 64 mg |
| 1-ounce Starbucks espresso shot | 75 mg |
| Average teaspoon of instant coffee | 31 mg |
| Average 8-ounce cup of black tea | 26 mg |
| Average 6-ounce cup of green tea | 20-30 mg |
Use this chart as a guide to see how much caffeine you're really consuming every day. Even if you enjoy two eight-ounce cups at Starbucks, for example, that's 360 mg of caffeine - 60 mg over the recommended limit. Also, remember that even though espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos contain less caffeine than brewed coffee, many drinks are made with at least two espresso shots, not one.
Pippa Middleton Might Be the Bride, but She Just Wore the Perfect Wedding Guest Dress
shpWhether you're attending a friend's wedding, Pippa Middleton's wedding (lucky you), or just a really fancy dinner, there's no denying Pippa's Erdem dress is appropriate. The sleeveless jacquard design, slightly muted in color but jazzed up thanks to embellishments at the waist and neckline, is really quite a dream.
The bride-to-be stepped out on her way to the ParaSnowBall fundraiser in London wearing the midi with a glittering clutch and suede caged heels. Her engagement ring and tiny drop earrings added some extra sparkle and ensured party guests would look her way (in case they forgot May is her special month). Scroll for another look, then shop the exact Erdem number along with similar options.
Riverdale: Jason Blossom's Murderer Is Revealed
Warning: This post contains major spoilers from Thursday night's episode of Riverdale.
After formulating countless theories about who killed Jason Blossom all season long, we finally got an answer on Thursday's episode of Riverdale, and we're still recuperating. While FP Jones is originally arrested for the murder, it is later revealed that Jason's own father, Clifford Blossom, is actually the killer.
Turns out, the Blossoms have a pretty complicated past with the Coopers. Earlier this season, Hal Cooper reveals to Betty that their feud stems from a Blossom murdering their great-grandfather, but that is only half of the truth. Their great-grandfather was actually a Blossom, too! Yes, that means Polly Cooper and Jason Blossom are blood relatives and their relationship - and unborn twins - are a form of incest. We definitely had our suspicions about the elite family, but this is pretty insane. After learning that the two are planning to run off together and get married, Clifford loses it and kills his own son in cold blood.
The shocking news breaks when Betty finds a USB hidden in Jason's letterman jacket containing an incriminating video of Clifford taking a gun, pointing it at his son, and shooting him in the head. Betty immediately calls Cheryl and warns her to get out of the house. After shedding a few tears, Cheryl heads downstairs and confronts her father for his wrongdoing, but that's just the beginning. Moments before his arrest, the police find him hanging from a noose in the barn, surrounded by barrels and barrels of drugs. Looks like the Blossoms weren't just known for their sweet syrup after all. While the end result is definitely shocking, we should have seen it coming. Mädchen Amick (who plays Alice Cooper) hinted that there were several breadcrumbs about the killer's identity placed throughout the season.
Kurt and Goldie Are Hollywood Royalty, and Now They Have the Stars to Prove It
Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn brought their star power to the Hollywood Walk of Fame in LA on Thursday. The longtime couple were honored for their extensive careers by Reese Witherspoon, Quentin Tarantino, and their daughter, Kate Hudson, as they received stars on the legendary memorial walk and shared a sweet kiss before taking turns to speak at the podium. This week, Goldie's Snatched costar Amy Schumer shared a heart-melting video of her father being brought to tears while meeting Goldie, who is the "love of his life." The movie comes out on Mother's Day, and Kurt's new film, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, is released on Friday.
23 Celebrity Couples Who Have Already Broken Up This Year
It hasn't been very long since the start of 2017, but the year has already been peppered with sad celebrity breakups. It's still early, so we haven't reached 2016 levels yet, but here's hoping we won't have to mourn the end of many more high-profile pairs. Scroll through to see the couples who have already called it quits this year.
23 Celebrity Couples Who Have Already Broken Up This Year
It hasn't been very long since the start of 2017, but the year has already been peppered with sad celebrity breakups. It's still early, so we haven't reached 2016 levels yet, but here's hoping we won't have to mourn the end of many more high-profile pairs. Scroll through to see the couples who have already called it quits this year.
Cara Delevingne: It's "Exhausting" to Deal With Society's Beauty Standards
ICYMI, Cara Delevingne debuted a drastic hair change on the Met Gala red carpet this year: a shaved (and silver!) head. And now that the Gala hype has settled, she's using her new 'do as a platform to address society's outdated standards for beauty.
Over the past few weeks, the model-actress has been snipping her strands little by little to prepare for her role in the upcoming film Life in a Year. But when she arrived at the Costume Institute Gala on May 1, our jaws dropped at her bald head, which she bedazzled and painted silver to match her sexy pantsuit. And damn, did she rock it!
To elaborate on her new appearance, Cara recently took to Instagram to post two powerful photos; in the first, she's all dolled up in head-to-toe silver, and in the second, she's makeup-less and wearing a sweatshirt. Though the stark contrast between the two photos is certainly noticeable, it's her captions that really speak volumes, as she perfectly sums up exactly why society's definition for beauty is so darn f*cked up.
In the first snapshot, she speaks of how empowering it is to find beauty from within, writing, "The more we embrace who we are as people and rely less on our physical attributes, the more empowered we become." She then explained how there's no singular definition for beauty, which we couldn't agree more with. "Beauty shouldn't be so easily defined. It is limitless," she wrote.
In her second post, Cara got real and opened up about how it's "exhausting to be told what beauty should look like." Again, she challenged readers to look inwardly, not outwardly, to find true beauty. "Strip away the clothes, Wipe Off the make up, cut off the hair. Remove all the material possessions. Who are we? How are we defining beauty? What do we see as beautiful?" she wrote in the photo's caption. We thought it wasn't possible to love Cara anymore than we already do, but these eloquent words of wisdom just made our obsession grow even more.
K-Beauty Has Done It Again! You're Going to NEED This Snoopy Beauty Collection
Snoopy stole our hearts with his dance skills, Red Baron fantasies, and big, wet, kisses. So being enormous Peanuts fans, when we saw the Limited Edition Snoopy x SkinFood Collaboration, we almost got on a plane and flew straight to Korea. The adorable collection is filled with skin and nail goodies adorned with our favorite Beagle and his friends Woodstock and Charlie Brown.
The collection, which was released in November 2016, included a Royal Honey Essential Mist and the Royal Honey Moisturizing Cream. It also came with three scented marshmallow hand creams, a hydrating honey mask, and a whipped body cream. If you're a nail junkie, you'll love that the company also released seven nail polish shades and two sets of nail decals.
Unfortunately, adding these cuties to your beauty collection will be tough. They were never sold stateside, but you can scour for one on eBay and Amazon. Until Korean beauty brands respond to our pleas for more cute products, we will have to admire them from afar or deal with searching for them online. Read on to see all of the sweet products.
10 Things Every Woman Should Do to Help Prevent Breast Cancer
There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing breast cancer. And while the risk increases as we age, there are certain preventative measures every women should do, whether she's in her 20s or in her mammogram years, to help reduce her risk of getting the disease. Read on for 10 things every women should do to help prevent breast cancer.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese has been shown to be a risk factor in developing certain types of breast cancer.
- Check up on your family history. How many people in your family have had breast cancer? If you don't know, now's the time to check. Having close family members who developed breast cancer increases your risk as well since certain risk factors are genetic.
- Don't be a stranger to your girls. Self breast exams may not have been given a ringing endorsement from the medical community, but you should still be familiar with how your breasts feel and look so you'll notice any changes.
- Drink in moderation. While that glass of red is good for you, excessive alcohol drinking has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Stick to a one-a-day mantra if you want to reduce your risk.
- Keep exercising. Not only will working out help you maintain a healthy weight, exercising itself has been shown to reduce your risk of developing cancer. The American Cancer Society notes that as little as 1.5 to 2.5 hours of walking a week has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Make it your mission to walk or exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week.
- Support the cause. Everyone goes pink for the month of October, so pick a trustworthy organization and show your support. By donating time or money or dropping a few bucks on a cute product for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you'll be supporting breast cancer research that will help millions.
- Know the facts about birth control. Taking oral contraceptives is one risk factor for developing breast cancer, but the risk decreases to normal levels the longer you are off them (women who took birth control pills more than 10 years ago, for example, have the same risks as women who never took the pill). Weigh the pros and cons of taking birth control and talk to your doctor if you want to know more.
- Assess your risk. It always helps to be informed. Know all the risks of breast cancer - even ones that can't always be avoided, like starting your period at an early age, having a child after 35, or never breastfeeding - so you know what choices you have. Check the National Cancer Institute or The American Cancer Society for comprehensive lists of lifestyle, genetic, and environment risk factors.
- Don't be shy at the doctor's. Your doctor isn't just there to admonish you when you admit you have a sugar addiction, she's also there to make sure you are knowledgeable about why and how lifestyle choices affect your health. Make sure you ask questions about anything that's unclear to you.
- Relax. Just because you have certain risk factors for developing the disease doesn't mean you'll get breast cancer, or that you should spend your life worrying about getting it. After all, the biggest risk factors for getting breast cancer - being female and aging - aren't exactly something you can change. Instead of worrying, just do what you can to live a healthy lifestyle - you'll not only reduce your risk, but will also feel better overall.
10 Things Every Woman Should Do to Help Prevent Breast Cancer
There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing breast cancer. And while the risk increases as we age, there are certain preventative measures every women should do, whether she's in her 20s or in her mammogram years, to help reduce her risk of getting the disease. Read on for 10 things every women should do to help prevent breast cancer.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese has been shown to be a risk factor in developing certain types of breast cancer.
- Check up on your family history. How many people in your family have had breast cancer? If you don't know, now's the time to check. Having close family members who developed breast cancer increases your risk as well since certain risk factors are genetic.
- Don't be a stranger to your girls. Self breast exams may not have been given a ringing endorsement from the medical community, but you should still be familiar with how your breasts feel and look so you'll notice any changes.
- Drink in moderation. While that glass of red is good for you, excessive alcohol drinking has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Stick to a one-a-day mantra if you want to reduce your risk.
- Keep exercising. Not only will working out help you maintain a healthy weight, exercising itself has been shown to reduce your risk of developing cancer. The American Cancer Society notes that as little as 1.5 to 2.5 hours of walking a week has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Make it your mission to walk or exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week.
- Support the cause. Everyone goes pink for the month of October, so pick a trustworthy organization and show your support. By donating time or money or dropping a few bucks on a cute product for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you'll be supporting breast cancer research that will help millions.
- Know the facts about birth control. Taking oral contraceptives is one risk factor for developing breast cancer, but the risk decreases to normal levels the longer you are off them (women who took birth control pills more than 10 years ago, for example, have the same risks as women who never took the pill). Weigh the pros and cons of taking birth control and talk to your doctor if you want to know more.
- Assess your risk. It always helps to be informed. Know all the risks of breast cancer - even ones that can't always be avoided, like starting your period at an early age, having a child after 35, or never breastfeeding - so you know what choices you have. Check the National Cancer Institute or The American Cancer Society for comprehensive lists of lifestyle, genetic, and environment risk factors.
- Don't be shy at the doctor's. Your doctor isn't just there to admonish you when you admit you have a sugar addiction, she's also there to make sure you are knowledgeable about why and how lifestyle choices affect your health. Make sure you ask questions about anything that's unclear to you.
- Relax. Just because you have certain risk factors for developing the disease doesn't mean you'll get breast cancer, or that you should spend your life worrying about getting it. After all, the biggest risk factors for getting breast cancer - being female and aging - aren't exactly something you can change. Instead of worrying, just do what you can to live a healthy lifestyle - you'll not only reduce your risk, but will also feel better overall.
Riverdale: Jason Blossom's Murderer Is Revealed
Warning: This post contains major spoilers from Thursday night's episode of Riverdale.
After formulating countless theories about who killed Jason Blossom all season long, we finally got an answer on Thursday's episode of Riverdale, and we're still recuperating. While FP Jones is originally arrested for the murder, it is later revealed that his own father, Clifford Blossom, is actually the killer.
Turns out, the Blossoms have a pretty complicated past with the Coopers. Earlier this season, Hal Cooper reveals to Betty that their feud stems from a Blossom murdering their great-grandfather, but that is only half of the truth. Their great-grandfather was actually a Blossom, too! Yes, that means Polly Cooper and Jason Blossom are blood relatives and their relationship - and unborn twins - are a form of incest. We definitely had our suspicions about the elite family, but this is pretty insane. After learning that the two are planning to run off together and get married, Clifford loses it and kills his own son in cold blood.
The shocking news breaks when Betty finds a USB hidden in Jason's letterman jacket containing an incriminating video of Clifford taking a gun, pointing it to his son, and shooting him in the head. Betty immediately calls Cheryl and warns her to get out of the house. After shedding a few tears, Cheryl heads downstairs and confronts her father for his wrongdoing, but that's just the beginning. Moments before his arrest, the police find him hanging from noose in the barn, surrounded by barrels and barrels of drugs. Looks like the Blossoms weren't just known for their sweet syrup after all. While the end result is definitely shocking, we should have seen it coming. Mädchen Amick (who plays Alice Cooper) hinted that there were several breadcrumbs about the killer's identity placed throughout the season.
Can Sweet Potatoes Help You Lose Weight?
If your exposure to sweet potatoes is limited to the Thanksgiving table or your favorite diner's healthier french fry option, now's the time to open your eyes to the weight-loss wonders of the tuber. Here are three reasons sweet potatoes help you drop pounds.
They're naturally sweet: No refined sugar overload here - sweet potatoes make for a healthy, lower-calorie treat. Satisfy any morning sweet/salty cravings with these sweet potato apple pancakes, and get your healthy dessert fill with these sweet potato desserts.
They regulate blood sugar: Sweet potatoes may have their fair share of carbs (about 33 grams per cup), but they contain a compound that increases levels of adiponectin, the blood-sugar regulating hormone, in the body. Sweet potatoes have a relatively low glycemic index rating (50), which can also help prevent blood sugar spikes after you eat. Regulated blood sugar levels can help get rid of those sugary cravings you get when your levels dip. And while studies have been conflicting, some research has shown that low-glycemic foods stay in your digestive tract longer, helping you control your appetite. To maintain sweet potatoes' low-glycemic properties, boil or steam them instead of roasting them (which destroys some of these properties).
They contain fiber: High-fiber foods are another foolproof way to control hunger. Fiber helps you feel fuller for longer, and one medium sweet potato (about one cup) contains four grams of the nutrient.
Sweet potatoes don't just help you trim your waistline, however. They're powerful sources of vitamin A, which helps boost immunity and promotes good eye, skin, and bone health, as well as high levels of anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Regardless of whether you're trying to lose weight or not, sweet potatoes' seemingly superfood status isn't a license to order all the sweet potato fries you want - a 2011 study found that those deep-fried sweet potato fries may not be as healthy as you think!
10 Signs You're Obsessed With Nordstrom Beauty, as Told in GIFs
You've signed up for the newsletters. You've set up Google alerts. And that's just the beginning. That's what happens when you discover the vast world that is Nordstrom Beauty, where exclusive (often money-saving) shades and bundles, as well as gifts with purchase, are par for the course. From skipping lunch hour to check out the latest arrivals to ditching friends to attend Nordstrom's in-store events (the tips! the samples!), read on to see just how bad you have it.
If You Don't Run but Want to, This Guide Is For You
Running is a great way to get in shape since you can do it almost anywhere, and signing up for a 5K is one of the best ways to ensure you stick to your new workout goals. If you're new to running, however, there's nothing worse than slipping on your brand-new sneakers and setting out full speed, only to be out of breath a mere minute later. Staying motivated and encouraged is an important part of learning to love your new hobby, so whether you're more used to the couch than the treadmill or you've been on a long running hiatus, use these tips to help you run continuously and with confidence.
- Check with your doc: If you've never run before, it's important to make sure that there aren't any underlying conditions that will make it unsafe for you to start. Schedule a physical and go over your plans for running with your doctor so she can sign off or give you any recommendations regarding exercise.
- Don't just buy any shoe: There are tons of cute sneakers out there, but just because a pair has your favorite color combination doesn't mean it's right for your foot. Instead of blindly shopping online for what looks the best, take time to go to a specialty running-shoe store to get your gait analyzed. They'll also measure your foot to get the right size, since sometimes running-shoe sizes need to be bigger than your normal shoe size. Even if you don't buy from the shoe store, you'll know which brands and what kind of shoe to look for elsewhere.
- Sign up for a short race: If you're new to running, you should find a beginner-friendly race that'll keep you accountable and help you chart your progress. Fun runs like The Color Run and 5Ks are perfect ways to get excited about running and having a good time while you're at it.
- Have a plan: If you've signed up for a 5K, be sure to also find a beginner's 5K plan (like the our six-week 5K training plan) that will ease you into running. If you just want to be able to run for 30 minutes straight, this eight-week beginner running plan is made for you.
- Walk it out: If you've never run or it's been awhile, you're going to have to work your way up to a sustained jog. So instead of overexerting yourself straining to run a mile, start out with smaller goals, like running nonstop for one to five minutes and then walking a little until you catch your breath.
- Stick to a schedule: If you're serious about becoming a runner, practice makes perfect. Running won't get easier unless you are consistent. Try to fit in at least three runs a week to see improvements before you know it.
- Go with a friend: A friend with a similar or slightly faster pace can help you push yourself as you get better at your hobby. Plus, starting a new exercise routine with someone who's similarly motivated will keep you accountable on those days you just want to skip. If your friends aren't as enthusiastic about running as you are, keep an eye out for beginner running clubs at shoe stores, gyms, or your local community center.
- Stretch after every run: Many aches and pains can be prevented with a little prehab. To keep your muscles from being tight, make sure you stretch after every run with these cooldown stretches in order to help with muscle soreness and to loosen tight areas that can pull your joints and cause injury.
Here's When You'll Be Able to See Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway
Time to pack your bags, Harry Potter fans! Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is heading to NYC. The two-part play, which first opened at London's Palace Theatre in July 2016, is set to make its Broadway premiere on April 22, 2018, at the Lyric Theatre. The news is even more exciting seeing that J.K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them sequel, which is coincidentally set in the Big Apple, will premiere later that year. While it's unclear whether or not the play's original cast will reprise their roles, the Ambassador Theatre Group revealed that the iconic theater, which is the second largest house on Broadway, will include major renovations to meet the specifications of the show. Tickets for the show will go on sale this Fall.
Ashley Graham Bares All in a Stunning, NSFW Photo Shoot
Ashley Graham has been an advocate for body positivity since breaking onto the scene in Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issues and hasn't shied away from showing off her gorgeous figure in bikinis, lingerie, and skin-baring red carpet looks - so it seemed only natural that the 29-year-old model would take things a step further and pose nude for a stunning spread in V Magazine's Summer issue. Scroll through for the beautiful, NSFW shots.
SNL Alum Says Working With "Moron" Host Donald Trump Was "Not Fun"
Way back when Donald Trump was a presidential hopeful in 2015, he hosted Saturday Night Live - exactly one year before Election Day. Taran Killam, who once impersonated Trump and later joined him on stage when he hosted, was stunningly candid about the now president in a recent interview with Brooklyn magazine.
Killam responded to a host of questions about his post-SNL career and joining the cast of Hamilton right after Mike Pence famously attended the show (and heard a compassionate message from the cast). President Trump was especially incensed by the incident, to which Killam replied with the utmost honesty. "Yeah, well the president is a moron," Killam told the magazine.
Later in the interview, Killam elaborated on what it was like to work with Trump on the show, and you might not be surprised by how difficult he said it was. "It was not fun, and most of the cast and writers were not excited to have him there," Killam said. "I didn't get the feeling that he was excited to be there, and it felt like a move for ratings from both sides."
Perhaps most unsurprising of all, Killam revealed how the president . . . struggled to read his lines. "What you see is what you get with him, really. I mean, there was no big reveal," Killam added. "He struggled to read at the table read, which did not give many of us great confidence. Didn't get the jokes, really. He's just a man who seems to be powered by bluster."
We're pretty sure Trump would write off Killam's account of his time on the show as "fake news."
Your Sweet Tooth Will Say "Yes, Please" to These Brigadeiro Treats
We've all got our sweet vices or go-to desserts, whether it's alfajores, tres leches, or straight-up dulce de leche from a jar. But what if we introduced you to Brazilian brigadeiro truffles? Whether you eat them on their own or use them to liven up a whole different treat, we've got you covered with 13 delicious homemade recipes. We know you won't say no to these irresistible treats - it's not possible.
Can Sweet Potatoes Help You Lose Weight?
If your exposure to sweet potatoes is limited to the Thanksgiving table or your favorite diner's healthier french fry option, now's the time to open your eyes to the weight-loss wonders of the tuber. Here are three reasons sweet potatoes help you drop pounds.
They're naturally sweet: No refined sugar overload here - sweet potatoes make for a healthy, lower-calorie treat. Satisfy any morning sweet/salty cravings with these sweet potato apple pancakes, and get your healthy dessert fill with these sweet potato desserts.
They regulate blood sugar: Sweet potatoes may have their fair share of carbs (about 33 grams per cup), but they contain a compound that increases levels of adiponectin, the blood-sugar regulating hormone, in the body. Sweet potatoes have a relatively low glycemic index rating (50), which can also help prevent blood sugar spikes after you eat. Regulated blood sugar levels can help get rid of those sugary cravings you get when your levels dip. And while studies have been conflicting, some research has shown that low-glycemic foods stay in your digestive tract longer, helping you control your appetite. To maintain sweet potatoes' low-glycemic properties, boil or steam them instead of roasting them (which destroys some of these properties).
They contain fiber: High-fiber foods are another foolproof way to control hunger. Fiber helps you feel fuller for longer, and one medium sweet potato (about one cup) contains four grams of the nutrient.
Sweet potatoes don't just help you trim your waistline, however. They're powerful sources of vitamin A, which helps boost immunity and promotes good eye, skin, and bone health, as well as high levels of anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Regardless of whether you're trying to lose weight or not, sweet potatoes' seemingly superfood status isn't a license to order all the sweet potato fries you want - a 2011 study found that those deep-fried sweet potato fries may not be as healthy as you think!
If You Don't Run but Want to, This Guide Is For You
Running is a great way to get in shape since you can do it almost anywhere, and signing up for a 5K is one of the best ways to ensure you stick to your new workout goals. If you're new to running, however, there's nothing worse than slipping on your brand-new sneakers and setting out full speed, only to be out of breath a mere minute later. Staying motivated and encouraged is an important part of learning to love your new hobby, so whether you're more used to the couch than the treadmill or you've been on a long running hiatus, use these tips to help you run continuously and with confidence.
- Check with your doc: If you've never run before, it's important to make sure that there aren't any underlying conditions that will make it unsafe for you to start. Schedule a physical and go over your plans for running with your doctor so she can sign off or give you any recommendations regarding exercise.
- Don't just buy any shoe: There are tons of cute sneakers out there, but just because a pair has your favorite color combination doesn't mean it's right for your foot. Instead of blindly shopping online for what looks the best, take time to go to a specialty running-shoe store to get your gait analyzed. They'll also measure your foot to get the right size, since sometimes running-shoe sizes need to be bigger than your normal shoe size. Even if you don't buy from the shoe store, you'll know which brands and what kind of shoe to look for elsewhere.
- Sign up for a short race: If you're new to running, you should find a beginner-friendly race that'll keep you accountable and help you chart your progress. Fun runs like The Color Run and 5Ks are perfect ways to get excited about running and having a good time while you're at it.
- Have a plan: If you've signed up for a 5K, be sure to also find a beginner's 5K plan (like the our six-week 5K training plan) that will ease you into running. If you just want to be able to run for 30 minutes straight, this eight-week beginner running plan is made for you.
- Walk it out: If you've never run or it's been awhile, you're going to have to work your way up to a sustained jog. So instead of overexerting yourself straining to run a mile, start out with smaller goals, like running nonstop for one to five minutes and then walking a little until you catch your breath.
- Stick to a schedule: If you're serious about becoming a runner, practice makes perfect. Running won't get easier unless you are consistent. Try to fit in at least three runs a week to see improvements before you know it.
- Go with a friend: A friend with a similar or slightly faster pace can help you push yourself as you get better at your hobby. Plus, starting a new exercise routine with someone who's similarly motivated will keep you accountable on those days you just want to skip. If your friends aren't as enthusiastic about running as you are, keep an eye out for beginner running clubs at shoe stores, gyms, or your local community center.
- Stretch after every run: Many aches and pains can be prevented with a little prehab. To keep your muscles from being tight, make sure you stretch after every run with these cooldown stretches in order to help with muscle soreness and to loosen tight areas that can pull your joints and cause injury.
SNL Alum Says Working With "Moron" Host Donald Trump Was "Not Fun"
Way back when Donald Trump was a presidential hopeful in 2015, he hosted Saturday Night Live - exactly one year before Election Day. Taran Killam, who once impersonated Trump and later joined him on stage when he hosted, was stunningly candid about the now president in a recent interview with Brooklyn magazine.
Killam responded to a host of questions about his post-SNL career and joining the cast of Hamilton right after Mike Pence famously attended the show (and heard a compassionate message from the cast). President Trump was especially incensed by the incident, to which Killam replied with the utmost honesty. "Yeah, well the president is a moron," Killam told the magazine.
Later in the interview, Killam elaborated on what it was like to work with Trump on the show, and you might not be surprised by how difficult he said it was. "It was not fun, and most of the cast and writers were not excited to have him there," Killam said. "I didn't get the feeling that he was excited to be there, and it felt like a move for ratings from both sides."
Perhaps most unsurprising of all, Killam revealed how the president . . . struggled to read his lines. "What you see is what you get with him, really. I mean, there was no big reveal," Killam added. "He struggled to read at the table read, which did not give many of us great confidence. Didn't get the jokes, really. He's just a man who seems to be powered by bluster."
We're pretty sure Trump would write off Killam's account of his time on the show as "fake news."
Your Sweet Tooth Will Say "Yes, Please" to These Brigadeiro Treats
We've all got our sweet vices or go-to desserts, whether it's alfajores, tres leches, or straight-up dulce de leche from a jar. But what if we introduced you to Brazilian brigadeiro truffles? Whether you eat them on their own or use them to liven up a whole different treat, we've got you covered with 13 delicious homemade recipes. We know you won't say no to these irresistible treats - it's not possible.
Reese Witherspoon Chokes Back Tears During Emotional Speech Honoring "Idol" Goldie Hawn
Did you know Reese Witherspoon's first email address was Overboard@AOL.com? That's how much she loves Goldie Hawn, and why she was the perfect person to honor the 71-year-old Snatched actress at her joint Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony with longtime partner Kurt Russell on Thursday. While holding back tears, Reese - proudly wearing an 'I Love Goldie' button - reflected on the first time she fell in love with Goldie onscreen, and commended her for changing the possibilities of what women can do in film. "So thank you for inspiring all of us," she said, choked up. "Thank you for inspiring women and actresses to control their own destinies and for inspiring women to demand respect. Thank you for making us laugh and thank you for making us happy."
5 Ways the Healthcare Bill Is Especially Bad For Women
The American Health Care Act would make surviving rape or having a C-section "preexisting conditions." And it just passed the House.
If You Love Your Mom, Buy Her This Doughnut Bouquet on Mother's Day
Traditional flowers are so last year. This year, show your mother just how much you love her with this yummy doughnut bouquet from Tim Hortons. The best part is you won't have to break the bank for this sweet treat. The edible bouquet will be available at select Tim Hortons locations in the US on Mother's Day for just $8. That means you should buy your loving mama more than one, because she deserves it!
Each bite-size doughnut comes in a one of 24 flavors and is slid onto a skewer to give the appearance of an actual flower bouquet. There's also ribbon, tissue paper, and a special Mother's Day gift box that will make your mother feel like the special lady she is. Sounds like the perfect Mother's Day gift, if you ask us!
Reese Witherspoon Chokes Back Tears During Emotional Speech Honoring "Idol" Goldie Hawn
Did you know Reese Witherspoon's first email address was Overboard@AOL.com? That's how much she loves Goldie Hawn, and why she was the perfect person to honor the 71-year-old Snatched actress at her joint Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony with longtime partner Kurt Russell on Thursday. While holding back tears, Reese - proudly wearing an 'I Love Goldie' button - reflected on the first time she fell in love with Goldie onscreen, and commended her for changing the possibilities of what women can do in film. "So thank you for inspiring all of us," she said, choked up. "Thank you for inspiring women and actresses to control their own destinies and for inspiring women to demand respect. Thank you for making us laugh and thank you for making us happy."
If You Love Your Mom, Buy Her This Doughnut Bouquet on Mother's Day
Traditional flowers are so last year. This year, show your mother just how much you love her with this yummy doughnut bouquet from Tim Hortons. The best part is you won't have to break the bank for this sweet treat. The edible bouquet will be available at select Tim Hortons locations in the US on Mother's Day for just $8. That means you should buy your loving mama more than one, because she deserves it!
Each bite-size doughnut comes in a one of 24 flavors and is slid onto a skewer to give the appearance of an actual flower bouquet. There's also ribbon, tissue paper, and a special Mother's Day gift box that will make your mother feel like the special lady she is. Sounds like the perfect Mother's Day gift, if you ask us!
5 Ways the Healthcare Bill Is Especially Bad For Women
The American Health Care Act would make surviving rape or having a C-section "preexisting conditions." And it just passed the House.
How to Do Holographic Highlight IRL - According to a Beauty Pro
Taylor Frankel launched the successful makeup brand Nudestix with her sister Ally. We are thrilled to share this exclusive contributing creative post from her. Then, learn more about how she started Nudestix here.
Hey, it's me, your girl Tay! Serious question, how many times have you seen an Instagram trend that looks super cool in pictures, but not-at-all wearable IRL? (TBT to clown contouring, haha.) The beauty community has done it again, by feeding our inner unicorn obsession. Meet the holographic highlighting trend! Not that I need to tell you, because you've probably heard all the rage about the "holographic" trend, and probably thought to yourself, "Well, that's cool but I could never wear (or pull that off) to work, school, or for a casual brunch with girlfriends." For this very relatable reason, I have created the ultimate (not to brag!) step-by-step how-to guide for creating the perfect wearable holographic highlight for real life. Thank me later, ladies!
Meet Cheyenne Woods, the Other Woods Making Golf History
Tiger Woods's niece, Cheyenne, is proving there's room for more than one Woods in golf history.
Why the New Healthcare Bill Is a Slap in the Face to Sexual Assault Survivors
The House voted on May 4 to repeal Obamacare with the American Health Care Act (AHCA). The bill would leave 24 million people without insurance, and among some of its most infuriating and antiwoman provisions, it would allow insurance carriers to consider sexual assault a "preexisting condition."
The bill contains the MacArthur-Meadows amendment, which would allow insurance companies to review your medical history and decide whether or not you qualify for coverage. It would eliminate the current protection for preexisting conditions under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). While that's upsetting on its own, the new bill also includes language that would make sexual assault, postpartum depression, and even C-sections "preexisting conditions." The amendment is a blatant attack on women's right and is laughable considering the White House made April "Sexual Assault Awareness Month." That same administration is now turning its back against the same women it once claimed to support.
If the AHCA does become law, it could force people who are sexually assaulted to make a choice no one should have to make: whether to report the crime and risk their insurance coverage or stay silent to protect it.
Under the AHCA, you'll have to decide if reporting a sexual assault is worth losing your health insurance. KEEP CALLING. #VoteNoAHCA
- Ross Johnson (@Rosserford) May 4, 2017
Ultraviolet, an organization dedicated to fighting sexism, released a statement on the vote, calling it a "declaration of war on women." The group continued with, "Today's vote by Republicans sends a cynical message to survivors of rape and gender-based violence: 'You're on your own.'" It also called the vote "the beginnings of a serious national healthcare crisis - one which will cut off millions of Americans from health insurance coverage."
Two hundred and seventeen Republicans voted yes for the AHCA, while 20 voted no and one abstained. Every single Democrat voted no. The bill will now head to the Senate, where it is expected to be met with resistance. However, that doesn't mean citizens can rest easy. Call your senators to let them know what you think of the AHCA.
Meet Cheyenne Woods, the Other Woods Making Golf History
Tiger Woods's niece, Cheyenne, is proving there's room for more than one Woods in golf history.
If You Grew Up in the '90s, You Still Know Every Lyric to These 18 Songs
Listening to Latin radio in the '90s was like going on a roller coaster. One minute you were singing along to Shakira's lyrics filled with teen angst, then the next you were getting down to the "Macarena," and a few later you were weeping uncontrollably about your breakup to Ricardo Montaner.
Even with our emotions on edge, there was no better time for music. The proof? The best '90s songs still resonate in 2017. Here are 18 tunes that will take you down memory lane.
Hannah Is "Very Much at the Center" of 13 Reasons Why Season 2
Now that Netflix is negotiating a second season of 13 Reasons Why, we need to know everything about it. We have some theories for what it could be about, but who will be in it? We're campaigning for executive producer Selena Gomez to appear, but we'll also need to catch up with some existing characters. One of our biggest questions, though, is about Hannah. Will she be involved, given that the entire first season revolves around her suicide? According to the show's creator, Brian Yorkey, Hannah will definitely be a part of season two.
"One of the things that is a fundamental element of our show is the weaving of past and the present," Yorkey told The Hollywood Reporter. "Hannah's story is still very much not finished. She's an integral part of whatever the next chapter of the story is, and she's very much still at the center of it."
OK, so we can gather two very important things from this:
- At least part of season two will take place in the past.
- We will see more of Hannah's story.
Does this mean there's more to Hannah's story than what we see in the first season? Will season two add to the existing narrative around her suicide, or will it delve deeper into her past, maybe showing what life was like for her before her family moved? While we wait to find out, dig into what the cast has said about season two.
Why 1 French Doctor Says You Should Sleep Naked
Sweating during a workout is one thing, but sweating while you're asleep feels icky. It's also bad for your sleep hygiene, according to French cardiologist and nutritionist Dr. Frédéric Saldmann.
I heard Dr. Saldmann speak on a recent trip to France with skin care brand Vichy Laboratories. The author of several books, including You Are Your Own Best Medicine, offers several science-backed tips for better sleep, focused on creating the perfect conditions for deep snoozing. First, Dr. Saldmann says, make sure your room is completely dark (buy a sleep mask if you must) and cool - he recommends a room temperature of around 64° Fahrenheit. For an even better night's sleep, Dr. Saldmann says you should sleep completely naked.
According to Dr. Saldmann, lowering your skin's temperature increases the depth of your sleep and reduces the number of times you'll wake up in the night. If you cover up with too many layers of pajamas and duvets, you interfere with your body's ability to regulate its temperature. For better sleep, try sleeping completely naked under a light duvet or blanket.
Sleeping naked in a cool room may also have an affect on your metabolism. A sleep study conducted with five men in 2014 found that participants who slept in a mildly cool room (75° Fahrenheit) underneath a sheet saw a 42 percent increase in their brown fat volume. Brown fat (as opposed to white fat, which contributes to obesity) is responsible for burning energy in order to create heat and maintain body temperature. According to the study, "The findings suggest that humans may acclimate to cool temperature by increasing brown fat, which in turn may lead to improvements in glucose metabolism."
If sleeping in a room between 64° and 75° Fahrenheit isn't possible, Dr. Saldmann has a few other chilly solutions: "Take a cold shower before going to bed, or place your pillow in the fridge in the morning. Just lowering your body temperature by less than half a degree will help you fall asleep."
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by Vichy Laboratories for the purpose of writing this story.
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