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.
jeudi 6 juillet 2017
How This 1 Natural Luxury Hair Care Line Is Empowering Global Women
The making of Kérastase's new natural range took blood, sweat, tears, and countless trials, but when you boil down the science of the formula, it all started with just two nuts: coconut and argan. (OK, technically a coconut is a stone fruit, but it's pretty similar.) Individually, these delicious ingredients produce outstanding oils that have been used in hair care for centuries. What's new in 2017? The Kérastase pros have brought them together in the perfect balance and blend, creating what is personally my dream hair care line. Meet Aura Botanica, a recently launched four-part range from Kérastase that's 96 percent natural.
This is unheard of for luxury hair care. Last year, we struggled to write a story about natural hair brands to recommend for readers. While there are countless skin, makeup, and even nail ranges made of organic, sustainable ingredients, the same can't be said for hair products. There is a big hole in the market but a high demand for it. People are getting smarter about what they put in and on their body, with "clean beauty" being a buzzword.
So the fact that a giant, upscale brand like Kérastase (which is owned by L'Oréal) took on the challenge of creating natural beauty products that actually work is a BFD. The range includes a shampoo, conditioner, treatment serum, and oil spray. The mission of these products is to make hair healthier, glossier, and frizz-free. Now you may be wondering: Is it actually natural? Is it really better for the environment? And does it work?
I have answers. Not only did I travel to Agadir, Morocco (where the ingredients are sourced), and Paris (where the packaging is done), but I've also been testing the formulas in diverse climates (both air-drying and using in tandem with hot tools). I can confirm Aura Botanica delivers the results it promises and has found a home in my stash.
Follow me on this journey across the globe and back to my shower to see why Aura Botanica is worth all the hype.
How to Keep Your Swimsuit in Mint Condition All Summer Long
Finding a swimsuit that makes a statement and actually looks flattering is one thing. But you're only halfway there. Even if your style's next-level chic, fabric that's pilling or faded is not ideal when you hit the beach. Since we're pretty sure you want to be the girl with the cool suit that appears to be in mint condition, we tapped J.Crew swimwear designer Amy Romanowsky for a few quick tips. As it turns out, it takes some effort to prolong the life of your bikini or one-piece. But when you find one you really love that you plan to wear forever, maintaining its saturation and silhouette is key. Read on to find out how it's done.
15 of the Easiest Pioneer Woman Recipes on the Planet
When you're looking for fast, easy, and reliable recipes, the Pioneer Woman is the ultimate go-to source. You can always count on Ree Drummond's recipes to be doable, flavorful, and incredibly comforting, no matter what you're in the mood for. Ahead, we've curated some of the Food Network host and Pioneer Woman magazine author's best and easiest recipes you'd be crazy not to try for yourself, like lemon-blueberry pancakes and butternut squash mac and cheese.
17 Gifts Frida Kahlo Fans Will Love
Frida Kahlo is one of the most iconic and recognizable figures in Latinx culture. Fans of the late Mexican artist continue to be influenced by her unconventional beauty and self-portraits. Those thick and bold eyebrows and the very idea of flower crowns are symbols that bring to mind the powerful artist. Thankfully, there's no shortage of Frida-inspired merchandise out there. Ahead, find 17 gifts - from books to home décor - that will certainly please anyone who's obsessed with the icon. Once you've scrolled through them all, check out this DIY alternative.
5 Easy Weeknight Meals to Make From 1 Roast Chicken
Besides being delicious on its own, roast chicken is the meal that keeps on giving, making it a perfect dish during a busy week. While generally considered the main attraction of a dinner spread, roast chicken should also be your go-to when time is short. Start with our recipe for this easy-to-make dish - or if you're feeling lazy, buy a rotisserie chicken - and after enjoying some for tonight's dinner, use the leftover meat to whip up these easy meals throughout the week. Less time spent on figuring out your meals means more time for all the holiday happenings you have on your calendar!
We'll Bet You Didn't Notice Spider-Man's Very Subtle Cameo in Iron Man 2
Iron Man 2 has classic Tony Stark one-liners, some unforgettable dance moves courtesy of Justin Hammer, and oh, yeah, a super-sneaky cameo from Spider-Man. While Spider-Man: Homecoming's director, Jon Watts, recently sat down with UPROXX, he revealed that the boy Tony Stark saves in the finale of the film is actually a young Peter Parker (which you can watch above).
"I was watching all these other movies and being like, 'What if that little kid at the Stark Expo was Peter Parker? In the Iron Man mask,'" he said. "Like, he'd be about the right age for that. And he loves Tony Stark. 'Oh, what about after the Avengers battle, who would clean that stuff up?' Because they mention damage control at one point in the movie. So it's this thing where, because it's not completely figured out, that you can just go back and basically write fan fiction for those movies, then the fan fiction becomes reality."
The latter reference to damage control is a call-out to Michael Keaton's Vulture character in Homecoming, whose clean-up crew is hired to help clear some of the debris left behind by the Avengers' Battle of New York. "A lot of the Easter eggs in [Homecoming] just started by rewatching the movies," Watts added. "I mean, I remember watching that [Iron Man 2 scene] with [President of Marvel Studios] Kevin Feige and everyone and being like, 'Does the math work on that?' He was like, 'It might, maybe.' Then I found out that was Jon Favreau's kid." So really, we all have Max Favreau to thank for Marvel's latest Easter egg.
Why Toddlers Are Basically Every Horror Movie Villain Ever
Has this ever happened to you?
You wake up in the middle of the night, drenched with sweat, your heart thumping in your throat, and find someone standing over the side of your bed, hair matted in front of their eyes, breathing heavily through their mouth, and reaching out to grab you.
If you answered yes, you are either:
A vixen from a horror film . . .
OR
You have young children.
It turns out that the plot of almost every scary movie ever written could easily be mistaken for just your average Tuesday with a toddler.
Remember the iconic scene in the movie Psycho where the attractive young woman lavishly washes her hair, completely unaware that a crazy person wielding a butcher knife is about to burst through the curtain? Replace the butcher knife with your not-at-all-waterproof cell phone, and make the crazy person completely naked apart from his socks, and that's how I get ready pretty much every morning.
Or that scene in Halloween where the killer calls the babysitter on the phone and just breathes into the receiver until she panics and runs shrieking from the house. Think that's creepy? My toddler has accidentally dialed my ex-boyfriend from the toilet while I enthusiastically coax number twos from the background. If that doesn't make you scream, I don't know what will.
As a parent, if you've ever sneaked away to the bathroom for some peace and quiet, you'll know that the iconic scene from The Shining where an ax-wielding Jack Nicholson forces his way through the bathroom door is not only a piece of cinematic history but also every mom's nightmare. Except instead of "Here's Johnny," it's more like "Where's Mommy?" But that's close enough.
And it's not just movies about stalkers and serial killers that are based on life with little kids. Remember Gremlins? You think a story about fuzzy little creatures who hate bright lights, beg for food after midnight, wet the bed, and then turn into evil monsters is entirely fictional? You should see the videos of our most recent family vacation.
Last week I walked into the kitchen to discover my 3-year-old had scaled the fridge and was hanging from the top of the handle by one hand. With the other hand he was batting away balls that the older one was throwing at him. And you thought King Kong was just a movie about a giant ape . . .
I can remember watching The Exorcist as a kid and hiding under my blankets during half the scenes, too afraid to look. I couldn't figure out how that girl's mother doesn't run from the house screaming the moment she projectile vomits, pees on the floor, and rotates her head 360 degrees. Now, of course, I realize that's because by the time our kids are Regan's age, we're just glad the puke didn't land in our mouths, they managed to avoid the rug when they peed, and the neck specialist is covered under our health insurance policy.
Anyone who's ever witnessed a toddler watching television will immediately relate to Poltergeist. I'm pretty sure the second most common phrase uttered in my house - behind "No, don't stick that in there" - is the only slightly less used "Step away from the TV." I can't tell you the number of times I've caught my toddler with his nose pressed against the screen muttering unintelligibly to the voices only he can hear. So far he hasn't been sucked inside, but I'm just hoping if it happens, it's not during an episode of Peppa Pig or Caillou. Because I'm not sure if I'd actually go in after him.
So the next time your toddler asks if they can watch you pee, strokes your arm obsessively while talking to you, wears your makeup, or steals your underwear to use like a hat, just remember that they're not necessarily budding psychopaths. They might just be the next generation of highly successful movie makers.
Just keep following that red carpet all the way to the cuckoo's nest . . . which, by the way, is another place toddlers fit right in.
The Absolute Best Way to Cook Zucchini Noodles
Congrats! You've successfully made zoodles in a spiralizer. Now, onto the important question: how do you actually cook them? Unlike pasta, you fortunately don't need to wait around for a pot of water to boil. Instead, you treat the veggie "noodles" as vegetables you'd normally sauté on the stovetop.
The best way to cook a batch of zoodles is to heat one or two tablespoons of oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the noodles with a generous pinch of salt and a little pepper. After about five minutes, the zoodles will be slightly softened but not mushy, which is what you're after. They'll be similar to the al dente texture of traditional pasta.
And that's it! You can turn off the heat and turn your zucchini noodles into a full meal catered to your preference. You could add homemade bolognese sauce, basil pesto and parmesan cheese, lemon butter shrimp and red pepper flakes, or even more of your favorite satueed veggies to the mix. After trying out this healthy alternative to carb-heavy pasta a few times, you might convince yourself you like it almost as much as the real thing.
Ready to get cooking? Here are some more zucchini noodle recipes to get you started.
The 1 Way Queen Elizabeth II Can Make or Break a Royal Marriage
Image Source: Getty / Pool
Prince Harry's relationship with Suits actress Meghan Markle has many people pining for another royal wedding, but zero bells will be ringing for the couple until Meghan impresses his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II - and gets it in writing. Due to the Royal Marriages Act 1772, the monarch has the right to veto the marriage of a member of his or her family and is required to give formal consent to any family marriages in order to guard against those that could "diminish the status of the royal house." The fact that Meghan is a divorcée - she was married to Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2013 - has been widely speculated to hurt her chances, but it actually won't. Not only have modern royal marriage rules become more lax than in previous years, but the queen has technically dealt with that kind of drama before.
Image Source: Hugo Burnand / AFP / Getty Images
While the Royal Marriages Act originally meant that all royal family members needed consent from Queen Elizabeth in order to marry, a change in the law in 2013 now only applies to the six people closest in line to the throne - Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Harry, and Prince Andrew - who need to seek out the queen's permission before popping the question. With the birth of Charlotte in May 2015, Princess Beatrice of York became seventh in line and her sister Eugenie slid down to eighth, so they can essentially marry whoever they want without checking with their grandmother first.
Before proposing to Kate Middleton in October 2010, Prince William had to get the thumbs up from Queen Elizabeth, and according to BBC News, she "readily gave her consent." Elizabeth signed an detailed notice of approval to the union of "Our Most Dearly Beloved Grandson Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales, K.G. and Our Trusty and Well-beloved Catherine Elizabeth Middleton." The notice was dated Feb. 9, 2011, just two months before Kate and William tied the knot.
Though it's been reported that Harry is "besotted" with Meghan and that she's met his father, brother, and sister-in-law so far, she has yet to meet the queen. If Harry is looking to propose, he'll likely need to earn the queen's blessing sometime soon; and if she objects to Meghan as a worthy wife or feels that she isn't a good addition to the family, she has the right to rule their marriage "invalid." That's right - Harry's grandma could literally say "Nah" and his plans to tie the knot could come crashing down.
Contrary to popular belief, there are no rules that require a prince to marry someone of royal or aristocratic blood, or even a British citizen - but religion is where it gets dicey.
Image Source: Odd Anderson / AFP / Getty Images
Where her divorce is concerned, Harry's girlfriend shouldn't be too worried. There have been a handful of royal family members who have past marriages and those who have carried on relationships with divorcées. Perhaps most famous was Elizabeth's uncle, Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry his divorced American socialite mistress Wallis Simpson, which resulted in Elizabeth's father George VI becoming king. In the '50s, the queen's sister, Princess Margaret, ended her relationship with divorced Group Captain Peter Townsend in favor of her royal status (and went on to get divorced some 30 years later). And as we all know, the queen's eldest son Prince Charles split from Princess Diana and went on to marry his mistress, Camilla Parker Bowles. It was Elizabeth who, likely fed up with doing damage control for Charles and Diana's extramarital affairs, urged the couple to divorce. In December 1995, Buckingham Palace announced that the queen had written separate letters to the couple advising them that "an early divorce is desirable" - an unprecedented move at the time. Their divorce was finalized in August 1996, but as the mother of heirs to the throne, Diana remained an official member of the royal family until her death the following year.
Prince Charles sought the approval of his mother before proposing to Camilla, and their engagement was announced in February 2005. The following month, the queen released her official letter of consent to their union, and the two were married at Windsor Guildhall in England on April 9, followed by a Church of England Service of Prayer and Dedication at St. George's Chapel. Charles is the first member of the royal family to have a civil ceremony rather than a religious wedding, and his parents were not in attendance for their town hall event. It was reported that because the queen "does take her role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England very seriously," she felt it would "be inappropriate to attend that particular part of the wedding." She and Philip were there for the prayer and dedication service and also held a reception for the newlyweds in Windsor Castle.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are still quite a new couple by most relationship standards, but should they start talking marriage, she'll likely have a pretty easy time becoming a princess - because while marrying into the royal family isn't exactly a piece of cake, there are fewer hoops to jump through than most would think.
Have a Craving For Cute Baby Names? Try 1 of These 62 Food-Inspired Picks
If you're hungry for ideas about what to name your baby-to-be, then there's no better place to turn than your pantry. Before you say "What? No way," consider these 62 deliciously adorable names inspired by your favorite dishes, ingredients, and drinks - you're sure to find one that's the apple of your eye!
Gender-Neutral Names
- Colby
- Sage
- Reese
- Clove
- Devon
- Anise
Girls' Names
- Julienne
- Blanche
- Sherry
- Shirley
- Lavender
- Clementine
- Margherita (or Margarita!)
- Honey
- Sugar
- Rosemary
- Apple
- Brie
- Olive
- Pepper
- Absinthe
- Saffron
- Ambrosia
- Coco
- Brandy
- Ginger
- Madeleine
- Syrah
- Saffron
- Peaches
- Maple
- Patty
- Nori
- Candy
Boys' Names
- Heath
- Alfredo
- Graham
- Bartlett
- Basil
- Angus
- Mac
- Cobb
- Foster
- Reuben
- Benedict
- Rye
- Cane
- Dijon
- Jack
- Kale
- Caesar
- Frank
- Chuck
- Monte
- Kobe
- Wellington
- Louie
- Joe
- Herb
- Shepherd
- Chip
- Ale
10 Soothing After-Sun Solutions That Are All Under $10
Even with SPF, sometimes sunburn happens, or the blaring sun can leave you with parched skin from overexposure. Fear not. Just in time for the holiday weekend, we're helping you care to your tender spots with soothing drugstore finds that are $10 or less. Quick tip: pop any of these beauty buys in the fridge for an instant shot of cooling relief.
9 Ways Prince William Is Keeping His Mother's Memory Alive Within His Own Family
Prince William was just 15 years old when his mother, Princess Diana, was tragically killed in a car accident in August 1997. Now that he and his brother Harry are adults, they've been opening up more and more about how their mother's death has impacted their lives. Recently, William revealed that what perhaps upsets him most about her absence is that she never got to meet his wife, Kate Middleton, or their kids, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. "I would love her to have met Catherine and to have seen the children grow up," he told British GQ. "It makes me sad that she won't, that they will never know her."
In addition to more modern parenting traditions like bringing his children on royal engagements, sharing official birthday portraits, and making sure George and Charlotte lead lives that are as normal as possible, William has also made sure to honor his mother's legacy in other, smaller ways, from where he lives to the services he uses to his choice of gifts for Kate Middleton. Keep reading to see nine of them now.
17 Things You Didn't Know About Feminist Icon Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo is undoubtedly a Latina icon. The Mexican surrealist painter is well known around the world for her stunning autobiographical art, including heart-wrenching paintings depicting her physical ailments, miscarriages, and identity struggles. You know her as a revolutionary, one of the first women to fully express herself through art, a feminist putting women's issues at the forefront of her work. But while Frida's impact and reach seems to grow by the minute - there's now a beauty line inspired by her at CVS and even an amazing action figure - there is more to Frida you should know. Straight ahead find 17 interesting tidbits about your idol.
- Her full name was a little longer: Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón.
- She was born at La Caza Azul in Mexico City on July 6, 1907, the same place where she passed away on July 13, 1954.
- Her father was a German photographer.
- She had three sisters: Matilde, Adriana, and Cristina.
- When she was 6, she contracted polio.
- On September 17, 1925, while on a bus with her then boyfriend Alejandro Gómez Arias, she was in an accident. A steel pole went through her hip and she was left with multiple broken bones, including her pelvis, ribs, spinal column, and collarbone.
- She started painting in 1925 after the accident.
- Frida was part of the Young Communist League and the Mexican Communist Party.
- Mexican painter Diego Rivera, 20 years older than Frida, left his second wife for her and the two married in 1929.
- Frida's parents called the couple "the elephant and the dove."
- Frida lived in San Francisco for a year, while Diego worked on a project.
- When Soviet communist Leon Trotsky moved to Mexico with political asylum, he stayed with Frida and Diego at La Casa Azul.
- While living in Paris in 1939, she befriended Pablo Picasso.
- Though Frida and Diego were supportive of each other's art, their fights and Diego's infidelity (including an affair with Frida's sister, Cristina) led to their divorce in 1939. One year later, they remarried, though they led pretty separate lives from then on.
- In 1950, she spent nine months in the hospital because of gangrene on her left foot.
- Three years later, while bed-ridden, she took an ambulance to one of her exhibits. She spent the night in a four-poster bed in the middle of the gallery.
- Sadly, her physical pain led Frida to depression and suicidal thoughts. It is rumored her death was a suicide, though official word says the cause of death was pulmonary embolism.
The Ultimate Checklist For Tattoo Virgins
Thinking about getting your first tattoo? Any ink enthusiast will tell you that there are a lot of rules to consider - it's not something you do on a whim. Getting the exact artwork you want is a process that starts long before you arrive at the parlor. So we've created this comprehensive calendar. It includes everything you need to know: tips for finding the right artist, safety measures to follow, and aftercare instructions. Once you've studied this time line, browse some of our endless photos for tattoo inspiration.
8 Ingredients That Help With Weight Loss
There are a lot of foods commonly known to help with weight loss, but in the last year there's been a slew of new superfoods that we can add to this list. While you might not be able to find all of these in your local grocery store, they are definitely worth making the extra trip to your local health food store for.
Pink eye needs 'to run its course,' say ophthalmologists advising against antibiotics
Antibiotic eye drops are often prescribed for pink eye, but a new study warns that's usually the wrong way to go.
Ads aim to dispel myth that driving on cannabis is acceptable
The Liberal government is preparing an ad campaign warning young Canadians that marijuana and driving don't mix.
Know Your Macros: White vs. Dark Meat Turkey
Is white meat turkey healthier? That depends on how you look at it. Let's first look at the macros: compared to dark meat, it's essentially identical in protein, and both have zero carbohydrates. White meat is lower in fat, with less than one gram per serving in the skinless variety, while dark meat has three to four more grams of fat per serving. It's a small difference but more noticeable if you're watching your fat intake or limiting your calories (as you'll see below). Slight differences, but they can add up if you're eating a lot of turkey!
| TYPE OF MEAT | CALORIES | FAT (G) | CARBS (G) | PROTEIN (G) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White meat, no skin | 135 | <1 | 0 | 30 |
| White meat, with skin | 153 | 3 | 0 | 29 |
| Dark meat, no skin | 162 | 4 | 0 | 29 |
| Dark meat, with skin | 193 | 7 | 0 | 29 |
In terms of micronutrients, dark meat has a bit of an edge. It's got two and a half times as many omega-3s and three times as many omega-6s. It has more calcium, iron, folate, and riboflavin, but light meat has more niacin, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
So which is healthier? It really depends on your goals and your own diet. If you prefer the taste of dark meat, go for it! It's rich in nutrients and mood-boosting omega-3s that'll help you feel good. Cutting calories and watching fat? Opt for white meat. You'll get a little more muscle-relieving, calming magnesium. Either way you look at it, it's a great (and delicious) source of protein.
*Nutrition facts reflect a standard 3.5-ounce serving.
Kate Middleton Has Something That No Other British Royal Bride Does
Image Source: Getty / Handout
We've learned quite a bit about Kate Middleton since she officially joined the royal family in 2011, and getting to see her many milestones as the Duchess of Cambridge has been a real delight. Even though her new life as a duchess has afforded her the same opulent jewels, lavish living quarters, and frequent public appearances as everyone else, there's one thing Kate has that none of the other women in the family do: a college education.
When Kate and William met in 2001, they were both students at University of St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland. They graduated in 2005, William with a master's in geography and Kate with a master's degree (with honors) in art history - making her the UK's first royal bride with a university degree. If Kate becomes queen, she will also be the first ever to have attended college.
Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein / ROTA
Though she didn't attend college, current monarch Queen Elizabeth II's education is nothing to sneeze at. She was essentially homeschooled but had the cream of the crop when it came to teachers. After she became heir to the throne in 1936, she studied constitutional history and law with Eton College Vice Provost Henry Marten. She also learned French, music, and literature from a personal governess and took lessons in religion from the Archbishop of Canterbury. When she was 18, she joined the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II, training as a mechanic and driver.
Dark Circles Don't Stand a Chance With These Concealers Under $10
Ladies, it's time to fess up: a good concealer is the cornerstone of your makeup regimen. It visibly reduces blemishes, masks under-eye circles, and generally helps your complexion look its best. But while these miracle workers are super helpful, we don't always want to break the bank on them. Ahead, we've rounded up 10 rock-star concealers that cost $10 or less.
5 Notable "Heirs and Spares" in the British Royal Family
Not only does the adorable Princess Charlotte have the the most adorable uncle ever in Prince Harry, but on a deeper level, she also has someone who will always understand what it feels like to play backup to an older sibling who will one day be king. The royal family has always been keen to produce a "spare" to the heir so that if - heaven forbid - anything should happen to the elder sibling, the future of the monarchy can continue with the younger.
This has been the case with some incredibly notable monarchs - Henry VIII was actually the "spare" - but in modern times it has thankfully been less necessary, and so the younger sibling nudges further down the line of succession with every niece and nephew born. However the nature of a "spare" can create all sorts of issues; they are a vital cog in the royal machine as they grow up, but as soon as the the elder sibling starts having children of their own, their official role becomes less defined, with (as we have seen in the last five generations of the royal family) very mixed results.
5 Barre Workouts You Can Do at Home
Barre workouts promise you a ballerina figure by working small supportive muscles throughout your body, with a style of exercise called isometrics. These workouts may not seem hard when you watch other people do them, but just wait until you're holding onto the barre, one leg up, trying to move past the burn. If you're ready to try, then here are five ways to work your arms, legs, thighs, and butt on the barre!
1. Barre Moves For Your Backside
Barre moves are great for targeting all aspects of your lower body. Incorporate any of these barre butt exercises into your workout routine in order to target your glutes (and help lift your backside).
2. 10-Minute Arms and Legs Workout
Sadie Lincoln, founder of Barre3, helps us get our limbs in shape with this 10-minute arms and legs workout. Click on the video above to get moving!
3. Barre Chair Workout
Tone your trouble zones to look good from all angles with this at-home barre workout with trainer Tracey Mallett - all you need is a chair! Press play and get ready to feel your booty burn as you tone your entire lower body and abs.
4. Barre Mat Workout
These two complementary barre moves will strengthen and sculpt your butt by working the different layers of your glutes, toning the muscles from multiple angles. Plus, these strengthening exercises are great cross-training for runners.
5. Inner-Thigh Exercise
A few minutes a day of this effective inner-thigh move - which you can do holding a chair or countertop - will help you sculpt strong inner thighs. You'll feel the burn when you try this Pure Barre exercise.
These Are the Earrings That Kate Middleton Wears With Everything
Looking back at standout royal outfits, we noticed a little something: these power women love a good drop earring. It's that statement-making extra that'll turn any shift or suit special, and Kate Middleton's got a go-to pair she wears with pretty much everything.
Combining Annoushka pearls with hoops from Kiki McDonough earrings, Kate's custom-made creation is perfect for everyday wear. The duchess has worn these babies with colorful coats, floor-length dresses, and even casual looks. Scroll through to see the accessory this stylish royal's been wearing since 2012. Then, check out the one shoe every royal owns.
30 of the Hottest Songs From the Early '00s
Back in the early 2000s, we found out about the latest music from MTV's TRL, posted whatever song we were listening to on our AIM away message, and would spend hours trying to re-create the latest looks from Britney Spears's or Christina Aguilera's music videos. Of course, no party in those days was complete without someone bringing over a burned CD of pop and hip-hop jams that they may or may not have downloaded via Napster. Just because we're feeling nostalgic for the early days of the 2000s, we've rounded up some of the biggest party songs from 1999 to 2004. Keep scrolling for the full list, and click the videos to listen!
14 Microwaveable Mug Recipes That Make Life Easier
There's no shame in resorting to your microwave on busy days, but freezer-section meals can get old real fast. With minimal effort, you can make upgraded microwaveable food that's actually good and food-editor approved - all in a mug! From breakfast (avocado omelet) to dessert (chocolate cake), there's a microwaveable recipe for every craving. Keep reading for 14 recipes that'll make your life a whole lot easier.
Whether You're a Beginner or a Pro, This Workout Will Tone Your Entire Body
This strength-training workout will increase heart rate and tone your entire body. Each exercise is 25 reps, so take breaks as needed and know that you can build up to it! Be sure to wear a supportive sports bra (the Class FitSugar girls are wearing the Vanity Fair® Underwire Sport Bra), grab some water, and get ready to work!
10 Food-Editor-Approved Store-Bought Meal Shortcuts
While we're not exactly prescribing a semi-homemade lifestyle, à la Sandra Lee, sometimes a little dinner head start, in the form of canned beans, a jar of really good tomato sauce, or some roasted beets is the difference between a home-cooked meal and Chinese takeout. These pantry, freezer, and fridge staples are items we actually keep on hand and use on busy nights, when a meal made completely from scratch is just not going to happen.
More Than 50 Tips to Help You Lose Weight
Losing weight is not easy, and whoever tells you differently is lying. It takes commitment, hard work, and, for many, a complete lifestyle makeover. But armed with these 56 techniques, losing weight suddenly becomes easier.
If you're looking for quick fixes or a lose-10-pounds-in-10-days kind of promise, then you've come to the wrong place. But if you want an insider's guide on how to lose weight and keep it off for good, keep reading. From basic weight-loss fundamentals to weird tricks proven to melt away that muffin top, you're only 10 pounds away from your new self.
The Top 25 Reasons You Aren't Losing Weight
Even if you follow a fitness routine and you often choose healthier foods, you may not be seeing the weight come off the way you hope. While there are plenty of other healthy accomplishments to celebrate on this journey, it can be frustrating to not see results when you step on the scale. Sound familiar? Chances are, one of these reasons is all that's standing in the way of your weight-loss goals.
- Additional reporting by Jenny Sugar, Michele Foley, and Leta Shy
40 No-Bake Treats You'll Want to Make All Summer Long
The last thing anyone wants to do on a hot day is bake - cranking on the oven when it's already sweltering outside sounds so unappealing. That's where no-bake desserts come in; they easily satisfy a sweet tooth, no oven required. And because there's no baking involved, they usually take minutes to make and omit the need for overly processed ingredients. Whether you follow a raw, vegan, or gluten-free diet, one of these desserts will surely satisfy. And many of these treats are healthy to boot!
KFC Might Break Your Hodor-Loving Heart With This GOT-Inspired Commercial
Brace yourself, Game of Thrones fans. KFC recently debuted a "Lunchtime is coming . . . " commercial with Hodor that will tug at your heartstrings. The epic parody stars Kristian Nairn reprising his role, only this time as a KFC worker struggling to keep up with the swarm of customers ordering "chicken and fries." Wait until you see what happens as he continues to call out the order, which may or may not remind you of that one scene you just can't bring yourself to watch again. Watch the full commercial, which has been viewed over eight million times at press time, above.
47 Frida Kahlo Tattoos That'll Finally Convince You to Get Some Ink
Getting inked is no small thing. You want to make sure that whatever design you choose to forever etch on your body is worth it. Well, we can't think of a better icon to honor with a tattoo (or two) than Mexican feminist Frida Kahlo.
The internet obviously agrees, with thousands of images popping up under the #FridaKahloTattoo hashtag. We combed through that long list of tattoos inspired by Frida and compiled a list that is sure to inspire your own. Scroll ahead to find our picks.
You'll Never Eat Another Gummy Bear or Marshmallow Again After Hearing What It's Made From
If you look at the ingredients on a package of gummy bears - even organic ones - you'll see expected things like corn or brown rice syrup and sugar. But you'll also see something called gelatin. Seems innocent enough, but its source might surprise you. Gelatin is a yellowish, odorless, and nearly tasteless substance that is made by prolonged boiling of skin, cartilage, and bones from animals. It's made primarily from the stuff meat industries have left over - we're talking about pork skins, horns, and cattle bones. Ugh.
I guess if you're into the philosophy of using the whole animal, you'll be psyched about this. Plus gelatin contains 18 amino acids, so it does offer some nutritional benefits. But if you're vegan, you'll definitely want to skip the chewy candies and your great-aunt's Jell-O mold - it's made with gelatin, too. This animal-derived ingredient can also be found in some vitamins and medications, marshmallows (not Trader Joe's - they're vegan!), cheeses, yogurts, soups, salad dressings, jams and jellies, fruit snacks, and canned hams. If this tidbit of info grosses you out, you'll want to pay closer attention to these products' food labels.
Lauren Conrad Gives Birth to a Baby Boy!
Lauren Conrad has given birth to her first child, son Liam James Tell, with husband William Tell on Wednesday, July 5. Lauren first announced her pregnancy in January on Instagram, writing, "Happy New Year! I have a feeling 2017 is going to be the best year yet . . ." The first-time parents, who wed in September 2014, told People magazine, "We are thrilled to share that we welcomed our son Liam James Tell into our family. Mom, Dad and baby are doing well. We're already in love!" The publication also confirmed little Liam weighed in at 6 pounds, 14 ounces. We can't wait to get a glimpse of the tiny tot when the time arrives. Congrats to Lauren and William!
4 Trader Joe's Knockoff Products You Need to Try and 2 You Should Skip
Part of what makes Trader Joe's so awesome is the huge variety of affordable products. And the widely known reason that a whopping 80 percent of Trader Joe's products are the company's own is that TJ's sells other brands' products under its own name at a discounted price. Sometimes TJ's sells the exact same product, and other times it makes its own version of a popular pantry item, such as sriracha sauce. This policy inevitably leaves us with the questions: which knockoff products are worth buying at Trader Joe's and which ones are better off as the original?
Thankfully, we've tried hundreds of Trader Joe's products over the years and have a pretty good idea about which ones are totally worth the purchase and which ones you might want to skip in favor of a different brand. Ahead, discover some of our picks for Trader Joe's store-brand products versus the brands that we think might have inspired the knockoffs. Full disclosure: this information is not based on confirmation from the company - Trader Joe's has declined comment in the past - but rather from our own taste-test investigations.
These 13 Handbags Are So Chic, You Won't Believe They're Vegan
My fashion-forward, once-leather-loving best friend just became a vegan. It was a lifestyle and diet choice, and she's loving it, but she keeps asking me, "What faux-leather bag or jacket can I wear?" This got me thinking about vegan-friendly pieces that everyone can enjoy. With so many cruelty-free brands, no one should ever have to sacrifice their style.
So how can you spot a vegan leather handbag? Look at the bag. It can be made from several different kinds of materials, such as cork, barkcloth, glazed cotton, waxed cotton, paper, and, most commonly used, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane. These all have different looks, glosses, and textures, but they give off the appearance of leather. Feel good about your fashion choices and try one of these stylish picks.
How Well Do the Queen and Kate Middleton Really Get Along?
Although we're unlikely to read a heartfelt interview with Her Majesty on the subject any time soon, actions speak louder than words, as is often the case with the queen. While William and Kate were working out the first five years of their on-off relationship, the queen steered clear of meeting her grandson's girlfriend. Although they were in the same room on at least three occasions, there was zero interaction between the two women.
There has never been an exact date revealed for when William and Kate started dating, but it's thought that around the time of William's 21st birthday party in June 2003 there was something going on between to the two, though it wasn't serious. No need to get Granny involved at this point! By the time they graduated from St. Andrews two years later, they had been through their first breakup and the relationship was on firmer ground, but the queen believed that the day should be about William celebrating with his friends, and she felt the same when it came to his passing out parade from Sandhurst Military Academy in 2006.
After the couple's short-lived breakup four months later, and another year down the line, the time was finally right for Kate to meet the queen. Five years after they first started seeing each other, William and Kate were sure they had a future together, and in their engagement interview Kate revealed, "I first met [the queen] at Peter Phillips and Autumn [Philipps]'s wedding . . . it was in amongst a lot of other guests and she was very friendly." William added of his grandmother, "She had wanted to meet Kate for a while."
Kate must have made a good first impression, because the following month she was invited to Windsor Castle when William was inducted into the Royal Order of the Garter. Kate was the surprise addition to the day, as it was the first royal engagement she had attended, and her arrival in a car with Prince Harry spoke volumes.
Over the years, the relationship between the queen and Kate has become stronger and stronger. When Kate's wedding dress was displayed in July 2011, the monarch accompanied her new granddaughter-in-law on an official viewing, and the following year she invited Kate to accompany her on three more engagements - two of which were without William. Kate later said in the documentary Our Queen at Ninety about her grandmother-in-law, "The most memorable engagement for me was an away-day to Leicester. I went without William, so I was rather apprehensive about that . . . . She was very supportive. The fact she took the time to make sure that I was happy and looked after for that particular occasion, which probably in everything that she's doing is a very small element, it shows just how caring she is really." The queen has also revealed her fondness for her granddaughter-in-law in her hospitality to Kate's parents. Not only did she invite them to Royal Ascot in 2011 and 2012 when they rode in her carriage procession, but she also invited them to ride on a boat in her Diamond Jubilee River Pageant.
With the arrival of Prince George and Princess Charlotte, the queen and Kate have become even closer, and on Sept. 9, 2015, when the queen quietly marked the day she surpassed Queen Victoria to become the longest-serving monarch of all time, she chose to spend it privately in Balmoral with Prince Philip, William, and Kate.
Nope, You're Not Crazy - Your Bitmoji on Snapchat's Snap Map Do Change
If you can't stop opening up Snapchat and checking in on Snap Map, we don't blame you. The feature, which offers a fun, instant way to check in on what your friends are up to, is quickly becoming addictive. And with Bitmoji on the map, it's hard not to check back often. The Bitmoji (now called Actionmoji,) on the map will change and show up riding in cars and airplanes or taking part in activities like building a sandcastle on the beach.
The Actionmoji change depending on a variety of factors like your location, time of day, and how fast you're traveling. Most of the time, you'll see your Actionmoji simply standing wherever you are. But, if you're near an airport, you might see yourself in a plane. Driving? You'll suddenly be in a car on Snap Map as well.
Ahead, see some of the Actionmoji we've spotted so far and then try to get them yourself. And remember, you can control who can and cannot see your location on Snap Map, and if you don't open the app for a few hours, your Actionmoji will disappear off the map.
Dear Andrew Garfield: You Can't Be Gay "Without the Physical Act"
Andrew Garfield is in hot water this week after making some rather interesting comments about his sexuality. The actor is currently starring in a new revival of Angels in America, which has been timed perfectly with the play's 25th anniversary. It's not hard to see why the show is already garnering great reviews; in addition to Andrew, the star-studded cast also features openly gay actors Nathan Lane and Russell Tovey. But with such an emotionally charged and historic show comes a rightfully skeptical conversation: is it OK for Andrew Garfield to portray a gay man?
The topic is admittedly a minefield; Hollywood has a history of casting straight actors in homosexual roles and, even more worryingly, casting cisgender actors in transgender roles. Whether or not you feel OK about Andrew playing a gay character, it's the way he discusses it that might be a bit problematic. The question recently came up (in so many words) during a platform discussion at the National Theater in London when an audience member asked how Andrew had researched the role of Prior Walter.
"The preparation had begun before [rehearsals began] with a lot of my friends," Andrew said. "[The play is] as much devoted to my friends in the gay community as it is those that passed during the epidemic." He also revealed that the show's writer, Tony Kushner, had asked him to step into the role. "A big concern was what right do I have to play this wonderful gay role? I had to trust that it was the right thing and Tony had asked me and maybe if he'd asked me, it was the right thing. It was as about doing honor, doing justice, and knowing my herstory." This all seems fine enough. The show's writer had asked Andrew to do the part. He had consulted friends in researching the role. Even his insistence that "every single series of RuPaul's Drag Race" helped his research is a little much, but who am I to deny someone's appreciation for such a spectacular show? It's not until we get to Andrew's cavalier treatment of sexuality that you sense there might be a problem.
To preface his comments about "playing gay" and doing his research, Andrew made a couple interesting comments about his sexuality. "As far as I know, I am not a gay man," he said. "Maybe I'll have an awakening later in my life, which I'm sure will be wonderful and I'll get to explore that part of the garden, but right now I'm secluded to my area, which is wonderful as well." He went on: "I am a gay man right now, just without the physical act - that's all." These sentences in particular show a fundamental misunderstanding of what being gay actually is. It's a sexual identity that's always inside a person. It is woven into the fabric of a person. And term itself literally defines as a sexual attraction (and sexual interaction) with a person of the same gender.
Andrew's quotes can easily be taken out of context, as evidenced by Attitude's article, which is titled, "Andrew Garfield: 'I'm a Gay Man Now Because I Watch RuPaul's Drag Race.'" And while this is a false representation of Andrew's actual quote, it applies to his sentiment: that you can be a gay man without having sex with men. That his Sunday activity between rehearsals - he said, "Every Sunday I would have eight friends over and we would just watch Ru" - is the lifestyle you need to live to identify as gay. Forget the sex. Have I, a gay man, watched RuPaul's Drag Race on a Sunday with eight friends? Of course. But without the sex part, it doesn't matter. The logic contradicts itself.
11 Cami Bras For Small-Busted Girls Who Don't Even Really Need One
As a small-busted girl, I haven't worn an underwire bra in years. I used to wear those trendy, extra-padded push bras, until I realized they didn't do much for me in the end. So, I started wearing cami bras years ago and haven't looked back since. They provide just enough coverage and support to get me through day while still feeling like I'm wearing nothing. The best part, there are endless amounts of colors and styles to choose from. If you're also on the smaller side, check out some of these cozy picks, perfect for everyday.
A Quick-Start Guide to Supporting Someone Who Has Serious Anxiety
Do you ever struggle with what to say to someone with bad anxiety? Our friends at YourTango have created tips on how to support our loved ones with bad anxiety.
What they might not be able to ask for, but wish you knew.
Most of us who know or love someone who is anxious intend to be supportive, even helpful, in our interactions.
We know to listen and not judge. To be patient when it's hard to talk about issues. We even know to keep our own feelings in check so we don't rev up an already tense situation.
That said, this is OUR experience of loving them.
What it's like to be the person experiencing the anxiety is something very different.
It isn't always easy to know their loved ones are walking on eggshells or biting their tongues to prevent things from going from bad to worse.
Feelings like this can be very hard to manage because they inspire a mix of gratitude and shame at the same time.
It's hard enough to be anxious, but worrying about its impact can escalate anxiety, thanks to secondary anxiety.
It can feel good to be cared about, but it can also be shameful to think about the impact of their anxiety on others, or even articulate what they really need.
How does someone tell you that the love you're offering is good, but not GREAT? That there are things you could do that would be better than what you're doing now?
That's pretty hard to say. Sometimes, it's downright impossible.
For a second, just imagine if your anxious friend could freely speak their mind . . . say the true words in their heart to help you see the very BEST way to support them.
If you were a mind-reader, you might hear these 7 truths from your anxious friend:
1. There are certain phrases that only make it worse.
Please avoid these phrases: calm down, there's no reason to be anxious, there's nothing to be afraid of, you don't have to be afraid.
These phrases all share a dismissal of the person's feelings, which only adds to their shame and confusion. Feelings, unfortunately, can't be changed or turned off, only our thoughts about them.
Try instead to say: I know you are uncomfortable and scared, but you will get through this; As inconvenient as they are, these are your feelings and you will figure them out; I know you are scared, and I am standing with you; We'll get through this together.
2. Know that your questions or helpful suggestions can feel like judgment and pressure, even if you don't mean it that way.
You may be tempted to make suggestions, say something positive, or simply ask for more information.
But if you aren't careful, your attempts to understand can be interpreted as judgment or pressure, and highlight her own self-frustrations about not understanding for herself how she is feeling and what she needs from you.
Your anxious friend is most likely besieged by her own unmet expectations of herself and is feeling so much pressure already that not being able to answer your question or implement your suggestion could leave her feeling worse.
Read more by Dr. Alicia Clark: 7 Ways To STOP Fighting Anxiety (So You Can Finally Find Some Peace)
3. Avoid giving too much "space."
An anxious person can misinterpret this as abandonment, and abandonment, or the fear of it, can be an escalator to anxious feelings.
Even though your loved one may tell you she wants to be alone, she wishes she could say, "Stay with me. PLEASE. Don't add abandonment or hurting your feelings to my list of worries."
4. Be friends first - share and listen.
Remember that feeling normal matters. If every conversation is about their anxiety, it won't feel like a genuine friendship.
Friends and loves ones both share, so remember to not make it about them all the time.
When you do speak about their anxiety, ask questions about how they are feeling or what can they tell you about what's worrying them or scaring them
Naming their experience will not only help, but it will also better illustrate what they need from you.
Likewise, telling them what you are hearing and that you are there can help reassure them.
5. Gentle distraction and humor are helpful.
What do you and your loved one enjoy doing? Or how could you get your loved one laughing?
Research shows that humor can be an effective tool for coping with acute anxiety.
Sharing some funny news, or even watching a favorite comedy on Netflix can help lighten the mood, and distract.
Read more by Dr. Alicia Clark: 9 Ways To Deal With Your PTSD (When It Feels TOTALLY Overwhelming)
6. Remember, that your friend may not know what they need.
In a confused space, it's easy to feel scared and overwhelmed. Your loved one isn't trying to be difficult or frustrate you.
They want to understand and explain things to you, they just might not be able to, or might be afraid to be honest.
Sometimes all they really need is you to let them know you are there.
You don't have to solve it for them - being a calming influence can be powerful.
7. Recognize you may be anxious too.
Anxiety can be contagious and it isn't hard to get activated when someone you love gets scared.
You care about them and don't want to see them suffer, and you may even share some of their anxiety. Know that your own anxiety can escalate your feelings, and you could get angry.
Try not to.
Their anxiety may be impacting you, but it isn't personal. Containing your own frustration, fears, and irritation can be tough but can pay off in boosting your empathy, which can, in turn, deescalate a loved one's anxiety.
No matter what you say or do, the most important thing an anxious person needs to know is that they are loved and not alone.
Standing with them, and bearing witness to their experience, conveys the critical message that you can handle it, and most importantly, that they can too.
For more help with coping with anxiety effectively, check out Dr. Clark's anxiety blog, download her free ebook, or sign up for her newsletter.
Check out more great stories from YourTango:
All the Cheesy Recipes You Could Ever Need in Your Life
The following recipes have one very important thing in common: they star the world's greatest ingredient, also known as cheese. It's time to rightfully celebrate the gooey perfection it lends to our lives on a regular basis, so here are more than 120 recipes that star cheese, including appetizers, dinners, and game-day eats. You'll find recipes filled with cheddar, brie (that's baked brie with candied bacon), feta, mozzarella, and many more cheeses, some of which you might not have had before (Humboldt Fog grilled cheese, anyone?). You're about to have a new goal for 2016: try every one of these cheesy, drool-worthy recipes.
41 Easy Work Lunches That Aren't Salads or Sandwiches
If you've resolved to take more lunches to work, you've likely resorted to salads and sandwiches most of the time. And that's fine! But if we're being honest, you can only take so many leafy greens and cold turkey sandwiches before you've fallen into a rut and begun dreading lunchtime instead of looking forward to it. If that sounds like you, you need one of these hot lunch recipes in your life. From pastas to soups and more, these 41 recipes can be made ahead of time and make for the perfect lunch - one that you'll actually look forward to heating up and eating at your desk.
14 Things Food Editors Are Shopping For This July
Summer entertaining and cookouts peak in July, which is why you need the appropriate equipment to keep you cool and collected. We've curated some of the best new products in food this month so you're prepared for anything.
Weightlifting, MyFitnessPal, and a Great Coach: Chelsea's Key to Weight Loss Success
24-year-old Chelsea Martin of Colorado Springs, CO had dreams of getting in figure-competitor shape, but "life got in the way," and she fell off the wagon.
Chelsea: Before
Fortunately, she had the drive to pick herself back up and equip herself with the necessary tools to get strong and followe her dreams. Her secrets to success? Weightlifting, MyFitnessPal for macro tracking, and a fantastic coach at Gold's Gym. Chelsea treated finding the perfect gym like finding the perfect college, and found the right fit with a personal trainer who she meshed with immediately. Here's more on Chelsea's amazing story of hard work and determination, with incredibly simple tips you can apply to your own healthy journey.
POPSUGAR: What made you decide to start your weight-loss journey?
Chelsea Martin: I have always been intrigued by fitness and the human body - the limits it can both withstand and break through. My fascination with exercise began in high school. I was never the skinniest or most athletic, (although Lord knows I tried!). I would watch figure competitions on TV or on the internet and wonder what it must be like to look like those women on stage. Not only did I envy their physical beauty, but the confidence that these women portrayed. It was a delicate finesse between total badass and radiant beauty.
Self-confidence is something I feel everyone struggles with at some point or another, and I had been struggling for years. I was investing my time in the perceptions of others and their approval of my actions. When I took a job across country where I had no family or friends, I realized that I could be anyone I wanted to be. I got to choose how I wanted to start my new life, and that's when I put my focus on what my heart desired for myself. Being a figure competitor was always a dream, but I decided I was going to make it a reality. I wanted to be someone for girls to look up to. I wanted people to see me and see that same strong, confident beauty that I had so badly wanted for so many years.
I hate to say that "life happened," but essentially that's what it came down to. Going through college, I was so wrapped up in school, work, family and trying to balance a social life that I let exercise and diet fall off the grid. I aimlessly fueled my body with whatever I could find. I also sought food for comfort; I'm very much a stress eater. Working 12-hour night shifts, going through nursing school, and many many late nights with very few hours of sleep certainly didn't help that.
PS: What drew you to Gold's Gym specifically?
CM: Picking a gym is like picking a college. A lot of people will tell you "It just felt right," or "it just feels like home." Initially, I thought to myself: "where can I go that will provide me the greatest opportunity at being successful in my journey to competing?" There are many commercial gyms near my neighborhood, but Gold's was the only gym that made me FEEL like I was in the right place. As I surveyed all the different barbell and dumbbell options, cable machines, cardio equipment, and other amenities, I was impressed.
However, it wasn't WHAT Gold's gym offered, it was WHO. From the front desk workers, to my coach, to the other members working out every day bettering themselves. Gold's offers an environment that makes me want to come back every day so I can share my journey with others and they can continue to motivate me with theirs. Gold's has honestly become my family out here and going to work out is the best part of my day because I get to spend time with people who genuinely invest in helping others better themselves and reach goals that may have seemed unattainable.
"Lifting weights consistently and being mindful of my diet by tracking macros has been the most effective for my body."
Before Gold's, I feel like I had tried just about everything! I have tried DVDs, YouTube exercise videos, different diet fads, detoxes and cleanses, diet pills, hours of cardio - you name it. Lifting weights consistently and being mindful of my diet by tracking macros has been the most effective for my body. Everyone's body reacts differently to different methods, but this has been the longest lasting and most rewarding. I have energy and it has given me a healthier relationship with nutrition and how I am fueling my body.
PS: What's your favorite way to work out?
CM: Weightlifting, hands down. Dumbbells, barbells . . . get me to a rack and I'm one happy girl.
PS: What's your weekly exercise schedule?
CM: I usually train my big muscle groups (back, shoulders, and legs) twice a week. I will sometimes supplement those muscle groups with more targeted accessory muscles. For example, since I lift shoulders twice a week, one day may be shoulders and chest, and the other day may be shoulders and arms. I will typically do cardio three to four times a week, either fasted in the morning or post-workout to keep my metabolism revved after I leave the gym. I try to mix it up between HIIT and steady state to help keep my workouts fresh.
Chelsea: After
PS: How do you keep workouts exciting?
CM: When it comes to weights, I like to vary the volume and intensity. For example, one of my leg days during the week may focus more on heavier weight with less reps, and then my second day will focus on a higher volume of reps with lighter weight to help burn that muscle that has already been fatigued earlier in the week. I also don't just lift. I like to add in resistance bands, plyometric exercises, and various bodyweight exercises to help keep my muscles confused. Each of these methods helps target different muscle fibers, again keeping my body confused and helping to burn fat.
PS: How much weight have you lost?
CM: Since I started exercising regularly (October 2016 to June 2017), I've lost 26 pounds.
PS: What was the first big difference, other than the number on the scale, that really made you feel proud and excited?
CM: When people I looked up to in the gym approached me and told me that I was motivation for them. Talk about a totally surreal feeling!
PS: How do you track your weight loss?
CM: I don't like to rely on the scale to measure my weight loss. I take a lot of progress pictures. Although it feels awkward, it is super validating to look back after a month or even a week or two and watch how your body is changing and adapting to your lifestyle choices. I also feel it is the healthiest way to track progress because you see YOU, not a number. I love when people guess my weight now, because nine times out of 10 they are wayyyy under.
PS: Do you count calories? What's the range of calories you eat per day?
CM: I don't count calories, but I do count macros. This has helped me identify what my body responds to the best as a fuel source, and has taught me to be extremely mindful of what is in the food that I'm putting into my body.
"Taking progress pictures is the healthiest way to track progress because you see YOU, not a number."
I like to use the MyFitnessPal app on my iPhone. It's totally free and it's super easy to use. It even has restaurant menus programmed so I can plan my meals ahead of time if I know where my friends and I are going for dinner. It was kind of tedious at first to track everything, but it helps give you an idea of where you're starting at and how you can manipulate your total carbs and fats and proteins for the day to make sure the food you are putting in your body is both delicious and beneficial for your fitness journey.
Chelsea: Before and After
PS: What are the healthy staples that are always in your fridge?
CM: Oikos Triple Zero yogurt, Quest or Oh Yeah! ONE protein bars, Kodiak Cakes (protein flapjacks), salted caramel rice cakes with honey, peanut butter with apples, SmartPop! popcorn, and pickles.
PS: How do you strategize for meals out?
CM: MyFitnessPal app. Love it!! I seriously use it every time I must go out with family or friends to dinner. It is a lifeline for staying on track with my fitness journey.
PS: What role did Gold's Gym play in your journey? Would you recommend it?
CM: Gold's played a HUGE part in where I'm at today. Without Gold's, I would have never been connected with my amazing coach, Max, who has been my compass through this crazy fitness journey, helping me navigate macros and workouts. He's also been a huge support system, both in and out of the gym. I can honestly say that without Max's help and genuine passion to help me crush this seemingly impossible fitness goal, I would not have been successful. I would highly recommend personal training and classes at Gold's. The staff are encouraging, upbeat, and real. They invest in you and want to see you succeed. As a client, that makes me want to work harder because I don't want to let them down. It's a healthy motivator.
PS: What advice do you have for anyone starting out on a weight-loss journey?
CM: The hardest part is starting. Make a goal. Write it down. And when you wake up every morning, remind yourself of that goal and envision it happening. I'm a firm believer that we are magnets - what we put into the universe, we attract to ourselves. Put out positive energy and good vibes, you will get it right back. Be encouraging and motivating to others, and they will encourage and motivate you. Envision your dreams as a reality, and if you work hard enough, they soon will be.
Curvy Women, These 11 Cute Plus-Size Leggings Will Step Up Your Workout Game
Finding stylish, comfortable workout leggings in plus sizes isn't always easy. They can often be too baggy, too tight, or just not cute enough. Luckily, we found some great options that will show off your curves and stay in place while you exercise. You'll love them so much you'll want to rock them long after the gym. Take a look at our favorite picks and score a pair for yourself. You'll be glad you invested in them.
All the Ladies Who Have Been Romanced by Brad Pitt
Before Brad Pitt's divorce from Angelina Jolie, the father of six seemed to have left his past as one of Hollywood's hottest bachelors behind him. Throughout the late '80s and '90s, Brad pretty much changed his girlfriend as often as he changed his famous hair and was linked to nearly all of his famous costars. Whether or not Brad actually had a serious relationship with these leading ladies is something only he could tell you, but regardless, take a look inside the Allied actor's little black book to see who has been lucky enough to have (supposedly) fallen under his spell.
Why It's OK to Care About Celebrity News and "Real Issues" at the Same Time
We've all been there - you scroll through Facebook, you stumble upon an article, and before you can even click in to read and judge it for yourself, you spot it: the inevitable "Who cares?" sitting atop the list of comments like a harbinger of hostility. It's typically followed by an effusive reply: "You, since you took time to comment!," which feels like vindication but really just opens a whole new can of worms. This trifecta of passive aggression is finally rounded out with some variation of "This is news?," "Focus on the real issues!," or "There are more important things going on in the world right now."
This bothers me for a few reasons, none of which involve the fact that it's literally my job to care about and cover those so-called "unimportant" things. It is, of course, entirely possible to care about more than one thing at the same time. Our brains can process, store, and maintain an incredible amount of information; that's why you can walk and chew gum at the same time, or worry about world hunger while also wondering what you're going to eat for lunch that day. But this sentiment also implies that only hard, serious news is "important," and ignores the reality: that it's just really, really exhausting to be focused on the "real issues" all the time.
It implies that only hard, serious news is "important" and ignores the reality: that it's just really, really exhausting to be focused on the "real issues" all the time.
The past two years have been pretty rough, both mentally and emotionally, where the news is concerned: I personally am simultaneously stressed out about everyday life things like succeeding at work, paying bills on time, and maintaining personal relationships while also dealing with the added anxiety of mass shootings, police brutality, rape culture, climate change, and Donald Trump being president. On top of dealing with street harassment and the possibility of being hit by a Muni bus while walking in the city, I also have to consider the chances of my family members being racially profiled by police and my friends traveling abroad being caught in a terrorist attack. There are "real issues" that plague us every day in our families, our friend groups, our romantic relationships, and our neighborhoods. I'm well aware of the "real issues." I'm fully caught up on the "actual news." And like many other people, I'm f*cking drained.
That is precisely why, when a famous couple gets engaged or divorced, a superhot actor goes shirtless on the beach, or Beyoncé gives birth to twins, we should let ourselves care about it. We should give ourselves (and each other) the freedom and space to get excited and express enthusiasm about celebrity news, because it offers a respite from all the completely depressing things going on - at least until another completely depressing thing happens.
As Cheryl Strayed once wrote: "There are so many things to be tortured about, sweet pea. So many torturous things in this life." Life isn't easy, and we all need something to help us through it. For some people, it's yoga and meditation; for others it's reading about all the women Leonardo DiCaprio has dated, poring over photos of Prince George, or watching the drama unfold between Kim Kardashian and Taylor Swift. The best part is that there's room for all of it; you can support the Black Lives Matter movement while also hoping that Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner get back together, and you can follow this trash fire that is a Trump presidency with the same fervor as you follow Chrissy Teigen's Instagram account.
The next time somebody tries to make you feel bad for essentially taking a break from the "more important things going on in the world," calmly remind them that as a living, breathing, human person, you are fully capable of grasping both world news and pop culture headlines. When it comes to what you turn to for self-care (especially in trying times), you just need to do you. At the end of the day: who cares?
22 Decadent Treats That Are Actually Healthy
Even though we all have the best intentions of eating healthy, we all know that baking creative and yummy desserts is such a fun thing to do, whether it's a fun batch of cookies or various rich and creamy treats. Luckily, you don't always have to sacrifice health for flavor and decadence. We've rounded up 22 delicious treats, many of them vegan, for you to have your pick from. Enjoy!
19 Starbucks Drinks, All Under 200 Calories
Raise your hand if you've ever fallen into a habit of mindlessly ordering your regular Starbucks drink, only to later realize that it's a total calorie or sugar bomb? While a vanilla breve latte is delicious now and then, it's typically not wise to drink your calories. You're left feeling not-so-full (thanks to no fiber), but you're still taking in tons of excess calories from sugar and fat. Fortunately, there are still plenty of options that will give you a caffeine boost and charge up your morning, but they won't set you back tons of calories.
Tip: With any of the sweetened options, you can save huge amounts of calories by reducing the number of pumps of sweetener. A sweetened Tall-size beverage comes with three pumps of syrup standard, but you'd be surprised by how sweet it still tastes with just one (or even half of one!) pump. Keep that in mind when you see the grams of sugar on these sweetened drinks.
These Starbucks orders are all set to the Tall (12 ounce) size with nonfat milk. Feel free to reduce sugar or swap in a plant-based milk in place of dairy. Coconut milk has the same amount of calories (with no protein, however); almond milk has five fewer calories than nonfat milk (also no protein); soy milk has five more calories than nonfat milk (same protein, more carbs).
| Drink Name | Calories | Fat | Sugar | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brewed Tea | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Teavana Shaken Iced Passion Tango Tea (unsweetened) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brewed Coffee | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Caffe Americano | 10 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Iced Coffee With Nonfat Milk | 20 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Iced Coffee With Classic Syrup | 60 | 0 | 15 | 15 | 0 |
| Nonfat Cappuccino | 60 | 0 | 8 | 9 | 6 |
| Iced Skinny Latte | 60 | 0 | 8 | 9 | 6 |
| Skinny Vanilla Latte | 60 | 0 | 8 | 9 | 6 |
| Shaken Teavana Iced Black Tea Lemonade | 70 | 0 | 16 | 17 | 0 |
| Nonfat Caffe Latte | 100 | 0 | 14 | 15 | 10 |
| Caramel Frappuccino Light | 100 | 0 | 22 | 22 | 3 |
| Nonfat Iced Vanilla Latte | 120 | 0 | 22 | 24 | 6 |
| Nonfat Iced Caramel Macchiato | 140 | 1.5 | 24 | 26 | 7 |
| Nonfat Caramel Macchiato (Hot) | 140 | 1.5 | 25 | 27 | 8 |
| Nonfat Coffee Frappuccino | 160 | 2.5 | 36 | 36 | 3 |
| Nonfat Chai Latte | 160 | 0 | 32 | 34 | 6 |
| Nonfat Caffe Mocha (no whip) | 190 | 2 | 27 | 32 | 10 |
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