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 4 août 2017
We Are Obsessing Over These Topshop Jeans - and They're All Under $80
Denim is the type of closet staple that's always there for you. Whether you're going to a romantic dinner or just meeting friends for a rooftop brunch, jeans are versatile and can easily be styled to suit your needs. Wear them with flat mules for something casual, or cuff the bottoms and slip on sky-high heels. Since you can never acquire too many, we turned to Topshop to see what they had for the season. Up ahead, see our favorite picks - all under $80.
The Cast of Disney's Aladdin Reboot Has Been Revealed
Disney is showing no signs of slowing down with its live-action reboots, and now we know who will be voicing the three main characters in the upcoming Aladdin reboot. The 1992 animated film starred Scott Weinger as the title character and the incomparable Robin Williams as Genie, but Disney has tapped a few newcomers - and one Hollywood star - for the live-action version. Keep reading to find out which actors have signed on so far, and then see who made our top picks for Aladdin.
Coerced sterilizations of Indigenous women in Saskatoon troubling: Bennett
Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett says she's troubled by reports of Indigenous women in and around Saskatoon being coerced into tubal ligation procedures.
6 Fascinating and Haunting Facts About the JonBenét Ramsey Murder Case
This year marks 21 years since 6-year-old beauty queen JonBenét Ramsey was found murdered in her family home, and the cold case is still just as captivating as it was in December 1996. JonBenét's father, John, was the one who found her body on Christmas Day in the basement of their Boulder, CO, home roughly eight hours after her parents reported her missing after they found a ransom note. An autopsy of JonBenét's body later revealed that she was struck in the head and strangled to death.
Because the 20-year anniversary recently passed, interest in the case is once again picking up steam. A number of TV specials aired, including The Killing of JonBenét: The Truth Uncovered, JonBenét: An American Murder Mystery, The Case Of: JonBenét Ramsey, and Who Killed JonBenét? Netflix picked up a documentary called Casting JonBenét, which is available to stream now. Here are six facts about one of the most haunting and heartbreaking murders in recent history:
1. JonBenét suffered a horrific death.
The stunning little girl was found wrapped in her white blanket with a nylon cord around her neck, her wrists tied above her head, and duct tape over her mouth. Evidence later showed that she was hit over the head with a blunt object, which knocked her unconscious. Sometime between 45 minutes to two hours after she was knocked out, she was strangled to death with a piece of cord and the handle from a broken paintbrush. Police also later confirmed that she had been sexually assaulted.
2. The ransom note posed more questions than answers.
JonBenét's mother, Patsy, told police that she realized her daughter was missing after she found a two-and-a-half-page ransom note in their home. The letter demanded the Ramseys pay $118,000 for their daughter's safe return, which was also almost the exact amount her father, John, had recently received as a work bonus. Police later determined that the note was written on a piece of paper from a notebook inside the Ramsey home. Both John and Patsy then underwent handwriting tests, and while police were able to say that John didn't write it, Patsy's test results were labeled "inconclusive."
3. There was no sign of a break-in.
Police found no signs of forced entry in or around the Ramsey home. The only people known to have been in the house on the night of the murder were Patsy, John, and JonBenét's older brother, Burke, who was 9 years old at the time.
4. Police were criticized for making crucial mistakes.
Shortly after police arrived, they failed to completely seal off the crime scene, allowing family members and friends to enter and leave the house. Critics of the case also claim that investigators failed to gather sufficient forensic evidence before and after JonBenét's body was found. Many people believe this is because they had already made up their minds that the Ramseys were guilty and didn't feel the need to gather evidence proving otherwise.
5. Both of JonBenét's parents as well as her older brother, Burke, were considered suspects.
Because it seemed so unlikely that kidnappers would kill their victim, leave the body in their own home, and still leave behind a ransom note, police were quick to turn their suspicions to John, Patsy, and Burke. Boulder police believed for many years that on the night of the murder, Patsy injured JonBenét in a fit of rage and either killed her while still angry or killed her to cover up the injury. In 1999, a Colorado grand jury voted to indict Patsy and John because they believed they were abusive toward their daughter, which eventually led to murder. In 2008, two years after Patsy died of ovarian cancer, prosecutors officially cleared the family of any wrongdoing. Burke also recently sat down for an interview with Dr. Phil about the case, which will air in mid-September.
6. There is still unexplained DNA evidence.
In December 2003, investigators retested a blood sample found on JonBenét's underwear, which was revealed to belong to an unidentified male who was not related to the Ramsey family. To this day, investigators have not been able to identify who the DNA belongs to, and the case remains open.
100 Easy Outfits to Try When You Have Zero Clue What to Wear
If you've ever promised yourself you'd wake up early only to snooze five different alarms and stumble out of bed last minute, we feel you. Waking up can be rough - but not quite as rough as getting dressed on mornings like these. Nothing looks right (were you insane when you bought that top?!), clothes are everywhere, and you're about a nanosecond away from sobbing and pretending you're sick. ("Sorry, can't adult today.")
But rather than give up, what you need is a little direction. The key is not to overthink it: instead of channeling your inner runway model, opt for basics and style them around one statement-making piece. Read on for more inspiration as a few of our favorite bloggers show you how it's done. And just remember to breathe!
Why Deadlifts Are the Best Exercise For Weight Loss
Losing weight can often feel like a full-time job. You have to eat (mostly) healthy and also make sure you're getting a healthy mix of strength training and cardio. But there are a few shortcuts you can take, which come down to picking the right kinds of exercise to maximize your efforts. Why do a bicep curl when you can work even more of the body by doing a squat with overhead press? And if you only have time to fit in one move today, don't you want it to be THE move? When it comes to toning up, encouraging weight loss, and working your entire body in one swoop, few moves can beat a deadlift, trainer Holly Rillinger told POPSUGAR. And Holly should know, besides being a Nike Master Trainer and Flywheel Sports Master Trainer, she also used to play professional basketball.
"It's such a great move because it uses the biggest muscles in your body: your legs - [and] the more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism," said Holly. "Anytime we use our hips, our body releases testosterone and growth hormones, which can be scary words for women, but all you have to think of is 'lean' when you hear those words. So being able to work your hips and your lower body in one movement really ends up challenging your core and your shoulders so it turns this one move into this total full-body workout."
Single moves that do so much are a rarity, so incorporating deadlifts into your routine means you can sculpt the upper and lower body simultaneously, freeing up more time for you to get on with other things in your life. Just keep in mind that while a deadlift may look simple, it's not. Doing the move incorrectly could result in you not getting the full benefit of the exercise, or worse, injury. Holly, who is also a spokesperson for BIC Soleil Shine, attributes the difficulty of the move to the fact that "there's so much going on" when you perform the exercise, and given that it's such a powerhouse, it makes total sense. "I think it's totally worth having a trainer look at you when you start deadlifting or at least film yourself to make sure you're doing it correctly," she said.
Ready to get started?
- Stand holding dumbbells in each hand, arms at your sides, with your knees slightly bent. If you don't have dumbbells, you can also use a weighted bar.
- Keeping your arms straight and knees slightly bent, slowly bend at your hip joint, not your waist, and lower the weights as far as possible without rounding your back, which should remain straight. Looking forward, not at the ground, will help you avoid rounding your back. Keep the weights close to, almost touching, your legs.
- Squeeze your glutes to slowly pull yourself up. Be sure not to use your back or round your spine! Beginners should aim to take four seconds to bend down and two seconds to pull up.
- Do three sets of 12 reps.
40 Tiny Tattoos For Travel-Lovers
For travel-lovers, the next adventure is always just around the corner. Sometimes that adventure involves hopping on a plane and flying to your next destination, but other times it means doing something a little more permanent. If you are a true travel-lover, these tiny travel tattoo ideas will help fuel your wanderlust and commemorate the experiences you've already had.
Joanna Gaines's Furniture at Pier 1 Is Straight Out of Your Design Dreams
Joanna Gaines doesn't put her name on anything she doesn't pour her talent into, as proof by her thoughtful paint collection and the stunning assortment of Magnolia Home pillows and area rugs she began selling at Pier 1 this Spring. And now, Joanna is back at Pier 1 with her stunning furniture.
We'd seen glimpses of the upcoming modern farmhouse style pieces on her Instagram at industry events like High Point Market, but this is the first time we've seen some of these large-scale home items for sale. And they live up to the hype. From shiplap bed frames to Brompton leather love seats, this collection is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Like most well-made furniture, these pieces from Magnolia Home come with a hefty price tag. But once you see the quality and style, you'll understand why. Check out some of our favorites ahead, then visit Pier 1 to shop your way to a Fixer Upper dream home.
Mariah Carey Has Been Working the Cameras Since 1992
Mariah Carey has been in the spotlight for quite some time now, but one thing has remained constant over the years: she loves all things glamour. Whether she's wearing a luxurious shawl on the red carpet or she's belting out her signature high notes on stage in a glittery unitard, the "We Belong Together" singer has proven time and time again that she's a true diva, and we love her for it. Look back at her most over-the-top gorgeous moments over the years ahead.
18 Selena Gomez Bikinigrams That Prove She's Definitely a 10
If there's one thing we love about Selena Gomez, it's that she's always game to show off her stylish swimsuits. After all, she's hot and she knows it. In fact, when the star called the TJ Show and was asked to rate her hotness on a scale from one to 10, she said, "On a good day, I would say - like a premiere day - I would be a good nine. And then, on my every day, I feel like a six. Gosh, that sounds so bad! I feel like a six or a seven."
But from the look of Selena's sun-kissed bikinigrams, for which she changes her style based on the prints, colors, and cuts of her suit, we'd say she's a definite 10 - even when she's on the beach with no makeup on. Scroll to find 18 times Selena proved she can work a swimsuit like it's nobody's business.
9 Stylish Outfits From Selena Gomez's Music Videos You Can Wear on Halloween
If Selena Gomez is your ultimate girl crush and style icon, you probably want to dress like her. And you can - on Halloween, that is. From re-creating her most iconic looks to crafting outfits based on her music lyrics, you have endless options to channel your favorite It girl. There's no doubt that this year, however, the focus has been on her music videos. To celebrate her success, we picked out nine stylish outfits she's worn in the videos for you to re-create IRL. It was hard nailing down the looks, but consider the ones here easily achievable on Halloween.
37 Weekend Outfits to Have on Hand - Till the End of Time
So, it's the weekend. What's on deck? A 'grammable brunch, quick shopping trip, and night out - whether romantic or festive - all sound good to us. But hey, these are your days off, and it's time to unwind. While you'll want to stay chic, there's no denying that comfort's still a goal.
We've taken all occasions into account, along with the changing season, and come up with 37 outfits you'll absolutely need for a successful end to the week. Read on to make sure you've got the essentials to work this two-day wardrobe, and be sure to digest our styling tips.
33 Designer-Worthy DIYs For a Polished Home
There are few things that are as satisfying as pulling off a successful DIY project, especially when a guest asks where you purchased it. We've rounded up 50+ of our favorite tutorials that show you how to organize, entertain, and decorate with style, without spending a fortune. So, roll up your sleeves and get cracking! You can do it.
Game of Thrones: How Lady Olenna and Jaime Lannister Really Felt About That Scene
The following contains spoilers for Game of Thrones season seven.
There have been more than a few memorable deaths on Game of Thrones, but leave it to Lady Olenna to be a badass in her final moments. Right after Jaime Lannister pours some poison into a glass of wine for her to drink, Lady Olenna reveals that she killed his son, Joffrey, leaving him speechless. Her shocking speech is the cherry on top of a truly incredible scene, and actors Diana Rigg and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau spoke to People about filming that moment together.
Rigg said she's happy viewers don't actually see her last moments. "It's a beautiful scene, and Nikolaj is wonderful," she said. "When it's well-written, it's a joy to do. And you don't get an awful a lot of always-brilliant writing on television, do you?"
Meanwhile, Coster-Waldau called it a "great scene." Of the plot, he said, "It's such a great surprise that suddenly they go there and the Lannisters actually were smarter than Tyrion, which was really cool." He added that it was an "honor" to be part of that scene with Rigg. "She's given so much to the show with the character, just amazing," he said. "And of course both on and off set, she's wonderful and she's so smart and so clever and she's just a brilliant actress. I was very lucky to be there."
According to Rigg, it was business as usual on set after they filmed her death scene. She joked, "No sooner as I die then it was on to the next scene! It's pretty pell‑mell on the set. They have a huge schedule and they have to get a move on."
12 Healthy Snacks That Are Perfect For the Midnight Munchies
While late-night eating may not be as bad for your waistline as you think, that doesn't mean that all snacks are created equal. The best late-night snacks are easy to digest so you don't lie awake from feeling too full. Carbs are good, but it's a good idea to avoid too much fiber, protein, or fat. If your late-night eating includes buttery grilled cheese, ice cream, or gobs of peanut butter, here are a few healthier options for you. Make these low-calorie options ahead of time for quick snacking when the mood strikes!
12 Moves Celebrity Trainer David Kirsch Says Every Woman Should Do
They call David Kirsch "the sculpt master," and after training one-on-one in the last few weeks leading up to my wedding, I understood why. At my last wedding dress fitting, my arms and upper back were spilling out over my strapless dress.
"Oh well," I admitted to myself, "I guess I'll be a little chubby in my dress."
Then David stepped in, training me about four times per week for the two weeks leading up to the big day. In addition to doing his full-body workouts - which were always different and truly challenging - I followed his low-carb, low-fat, high-protein diet. Like any great makeover story with a happy ending, on the day of my wedding, my dress was actually a bit roomy and I felt totally confident with my shape. You can see me after my final workout (with David) in the photo above.
David is a body sculpter and also a master trainer. His résumé is quite honestly too long to list. But here are some highlights: He founded Madison Square Club, which is one of the nicest gyms I've been to in New York City. He has written five books, including the bestseller The Ultimate New York Body Plan; launched his own line of protein powders and supplements (my favorite is the A.M. Daily Detox); and trained celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Heidi Klum, and Liv Tyler. So getting my ass kicked by him was honestly a dream! And his regimen worked.
Since we can't all pay the big bucks or make it to NYC, he rounded up his favorite total-body toning moves for you to try at home! You can bet I'll be doing them on my own at the gym.
Thank the '90s For These Beauty Trends That Are Here to Stay
After the 1980s when everyone wore bright, inexpensive makeup, there was a slow burnout on cosmetics. Models like Kate Moss hit the scene with seemingly nothing on their faces, and Jennifer Aniston had the new hot hairstyle. After years of doing a full face of makeup and spraying their hair all day with Aqua Net, women were ready for something simple.
We all threw out our hot pink lipsticks and our neon green and pastel blue shadows. Our hair flattened out a bit, and Cyndi Lauper and Pat Benatar were no longer our fashion idols. They had been replaced by Gwyneth Paltrow and Alicia Silverstone, women who were classically beautiful with very little makeup in neutral tones.
Yet nobody really knew how to create a classic look on their face. We all wanted that perfect no-makeup look. Enter the makeup artists. Suddenly, makeup artists were gods and goddesses. Three leaders in this industry: Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier and Trish McEvoy hit the cosmetics scene in the '90s, and everyone became obsessed.
These were real live people. They were on The Today Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show, and they had celebrity-like appearances in Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Nordstrom. Women lined up in droves to meet these artists and possibly have them touch their faces.
There was no Instagram or Facebook, there was no beauty blogger to tell us what to do. The makeup artist was the master of our universe, and we listened to them religiously. Some of them even published books, and women would pore through them looking at the different looks and trying to figure out how to do their makeup following the instructions found in the gorgeous pages.
Kevyn Aucoin, a self-made celebrity makeup artist turned industry God, wrote three books featuring celebrities like Demi Moore and Janet Jackson, who he made them into beauty icons using makeup. He was the first person that seemed to be able to transform someone's face with makeup, and everyone "in the know" was obsessed. I read those books over and over again – just staring at the beautiful pictures. I once stood in line for hours at Henri Bendel for a chance to meet Kevyn at the debut of his makeup line in 2001.
It was a great time for the makeup junkie. The makeup artist would show us how to use the products that they created. Nowadays the makeup star is the user; we look to the beauty blogger who "beats her own face" all day and shows us how she does it, as the modern-day "expert." I feel especially connected to this, since I am a working makeup artist!
While you are perusing those new aisles in Sephora or your local department store – take a trip down memory lane and rediscover the amazing lasting products of the 1990s that are here to stay.
23 Cool Home Gifts Your Friends Will Be Thrilled to Receive
Whether you're headed to a housewarming party, your friend is redecorating a space, or it's someone's birthday, a home-related gift is a thoughtful choice because people enjoy adding new touches to their home - there are so many unique odds and ends that are both useful and pretty to look at. If you need to pick something up, we found the coolest gifts you can snag for your pal - we're talking gilded candles, cozy throw blankets, colorful cocktail glasses, and more.
We're Crushing Hard on These 16 Velvet Mules, and You Will Too
At one point in time, many considered velvet to be one of those materials solely reserved for Fall and Winter. But with velvet swimsuits being a big hit this Summer (yes, you read that right), we've seen this fun texture on a bunch of our favorite warm-weather staples. One such example? Mules. From a crushed-velvet style to ones that feature a star embellishment, have a look at 16 of our top picks.
Prince William Is Younger Than Kate Middleton by This Much
Prince William was just 15 years old when his mother, Princess Diana, died in a horrific car accident in August 1997. Despite the hardship, William has grown into a responsible and giving man who we're sure Diana would be proud of. So, just how old is the royal? Well, William was born on June 21, 1982 at exactly 9:03 p.m., which makes him 35 years old. He is five and a half months younger than wife Kate Middleton and two years older than his brother, Prince Harry.
Exactly What to Eat 2 Weeks Before Your Wedding to Lose Weight
When it came to starting a wedding diet, I procastinated. Hard. In fact, a month before the big day I went on a work trip to Morocco and Paris where I ate all of the bread, butter, and chocolate my appetite desired (as one does). Which is all part of the how I found myself muffin-topping over the sides of my strapless Reem Acra gown (pictured, top left) at my last fitting, just two weeks before I was supposed to walk down the aisle.
I'll admit, I was bloated at the time from my period, so when it ended a few days before my wedding, my body tightened. But, I was also up a few pounds. Instead of accepting it, I took about four private workout sessions per week with celebrity trainer David Kirsch. The pro is responsible for sculpting the bodies of celebrities (like Jennifer Lopez and Heidi Klum) and has a wealth of fitness and health knowledge (to recap, he's written five books, has his own line of shakes and supplements, and owns a top-notch NYC gym). He put me on a routine that was a mix of cardio, strength training, HIIT, and TRX. Every time we met up, the moves and sequences were different, which kept my body guessing and metabolism revved.
But anyone who has successfully lost weight knows diet is more than half of the battle. And pre-getting "Kirsched," I had been working out almost every day anyways. So I do credit his eating plan for partly pushing those five extra pounds off of my body.
Here, I am going to share exactly what I ate - and most importantly, did not eat! - to shed the lbs, so my dress fit perfectly (top right). Note, the dress was not taken in or out between the two images, but my body actually transformed in two weeks!
"In my experience working with a bride-to-be, the last couple of weeks leading up to the wedding is uber stressful," Kirsch told me. "As you can attest to personally (Lauren), slight tweaking of your diet will go a long way to keeping you optimally energized, fueled, and looking your very best on the big day!"
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lauren Levinson
Let's start with the hard part, things to avoid according to Kirsch:
Say goodbye to pizza, because you will not be eating processed carbs (bread, pasta, crackers, etc.) or dairy. "I have found that dairy can cause bloating, and who wants to be bloated on their day?" Kirsch said. And no whole grains or potatoes either.
I have personally eliminated both gluten and dairy for weeks and added them back to reveal that I am not intolerant to either. I can have a slice of pizza and feel like a peach, but kicking them out of my diet definitely made my belly flatter. After three days of no carbs, I was craving them! So I texted Kirsch asking if I could have a sweet potato. He told me to crunch on celery instead. It took willpower to follow his advice, but it was worth it. I surely enjoyed sliding into my bathing suit when I arrived at my tropical honeymoon a few days after my wedding.
You'll also need to revamp your drinking game. That means, no alcohol (NONE!). While this meant sitting through events, family dinners, and bar nights totally sober, I enjoyed the mental clarity and increased energy in the mornings. "Save the glass of champagne for after you walk down the aisle!" he said. And yes, I got to enjoy a few flutes of well-earned bubbly at my affair . . . and a margarita!
I also had to limit the amount of coffee I drank. Kirsch recommends having one espresso in the morning. While I stuck to brewed coffee beans, I drank it black. I didn't even add almond milk, and I swear it makes a difference in better digestion.
Kirsch believes that "too much coffee can lead to belly bloat!" Think about it, coffee dehydrates you, so you retain water to hold on to it. Instead, switch over to green tea, which has both caffeine and antioxidants. Every morning, I also had one of his A.M. Detox Drinks (it's yummy and fantastic for your skin!). You can see it in the mason jar above.
Finally, the hardest (for me, since I have a sweet tooth): no sugar. Even dark chocolate. OK, I may have had a handful of dark chocolate-covered almonds one rough night, but for the most part (like 95 percent) I kissed my beloved cookies, ice cream, and cupcakes goodbye. In fact, my husband hid the chocolate on a very high shelf so I could not reach or find it in our apartment. Do what you need to do to survive, brides!
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lauren Levinson
Now onto what you can eat. Disclaimer, this was not Kirsch's exact plan but one loosely based off his advice and what I know works best for my body.
For breakfast I stuck to two options. The first, two eggs and sauteed spinach, all cooked in EVOO. Earlier in my wedding prep, I enjoyed that dish with a side of avocado, but the last two weeks I cut it based on Kirsch's recommendation to limit my fat intake (even healthy ones!). Otherwise, I had an antioxidant-rich bowl of unsweetened coconut yogurt with a handful of raw almonds, chia seeds, flax seeds, cacao nibs, and blueberries. While Kirsch recommended no fruit (remember, no sugar!), I know blueberries are good for eliminating belly fat and making skin glow, so I had some anyways. If you're going to have sugar, eat it in the morning so you can burn it off throughout the day.
When it came to snacks, I sipped on dark green pressed juice (the kind without fruit) and crunchy veggies (Kirsch likes celery, red peppers, and jicama sticks). I also ate GoMacro bars, which were referred to me by another trainer I'd been working out with, Steve Pasterino. I bent the rules a little since these are made with brown rice syrup, but it ensured that I had an option when I was on-the-go.
Dinner and lunch were pretty similar. I'd either have what I dubbed a "Sad Salad" of spinach, crunchy water veggies (cucumber and snow peas), and lean protein (homemade chicken or salmon with no sauces) - all drizzled with EVOO and a lemon squeeze. Snooze. Otherwise, I would cook veggies (such as steamed green beans or asparagus) and have it with the aforementioned lean meat or fish. Sometimes, I would even have the eggs (see: breakfast!) for dinner, which I found very easy to digest. Occasionally, I'd enjoy a green smoothie (kale, spinach, blueberries, almond milk) with pea protein powder.
Image Source: Bruce Plotkin Photography
And for our grand finale, what to eat during your actual wedding weekend:
By then being a bride had taken over my identity (it happens to the best and most chill of us ladies in white). So I brought my own food to the weekend destination, including unsweetened coconut yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, green juice, nuts, seeds, bars, etc. I made sure my hotel room had a fridge to store it in.
"The day before is a day that you want to make sure to put the finishing touches," said Kirsch. "You have planned hard, sweated hard, and stayed away from the obvious no-nos. What else can you do? I suggest a relaxing massage, sauna, and steam. Eating foods like asparagus and celery will help keep you full and debloat you."
So I couldn't resist a taste of homemade pasta during our rehearsal dinner at a delicious Italian restaurant, but by 7 a.m. the next day, I was back on it.
"The day of, I would have a couple of eggs in the morning and oatmeal as you will need the energy and fuel for the rest of the day," Kirsch recommended. "A protein shake for lunch and water for the rest of the day. Save the drinking and eating for after the ceremony, or better yet, for the honeymoon!"
Here's what I consumed for breakfast on my wedding day: I had the antioxidant yogurt and seed bowl as well as black coffee; for lunch I ate a simple salad with grilled chicken provided by my venue; and for snack, I went with a GoMacro bar. After the ceremony, my husband and I sat in a separate room and ate every single appetizer (including pork buns, pulled BBQ chicken, mini grilled cheese sandwiches, and more!) and drank champagne. Diet. Over. As the evening went on, I enjoyed the goat cheese salad (CHEESE!), the short rib and sweet potato entree, wedding cake, homemade cookies, and apple cider donuts. There was pizza at our afterparty. I ate that, too.
Was dieting fun? No. Was it satisfying? Absolutely not. Was it worth it? Hell yes! For two weeks, you can do this! And you likely will lose inches, but you have to stick to it almost perfectly. We all have our handful of dark chocolate almonds here and there, but make sure you get right back on track. The best part in addition to your tight bod? You can pig out on your honeymoon! (On mine, I sure did my job consuming all of the noodles and dumplings Southeast Asia had to offer . . . and that is another story. Next up: How to get back your hot wedding bod of yesteryear.)
Workout sessions for the author were provided by David Kirsch for the purpose of writing this story.
22 Crochet Braid Hairstyles You'll Want to Rock All Summer
Whether you're transitioning or giving your natural tresses much-needed relief from everyday styling, crochet braids are a win all around. The process begins with a stylist braiding natural hair into cornrows, then using a latch or crochet hook to attach synthetic hair extensions.
The styles you can achieve with crochet braids are endless; you can sport anything from a bob with tight curls to a long and straight hairstyle, twists, or even faux locs. Beyond the impressive styling choices, crochet braids typically remain in good shape for up to eight weeks. Plus, the installation process, which is usually under three hours, isn't nearly as time-consuming as other protective styles like box braids.
Crochet braids first gained popularity in the '90s, and more and more naturalistas have grown to love their realistic look. But there's one thing to keep in mind: moisture is key. As with any protective style, it's important to keep showing love to your natural hair underneath. Apply a lightweight oil to your natural hair regularly, and don't forget to sleep with a satin bonnet or pillowcase to keep frizz at bay.
Mom's Message to the Flight Attendant Who Intervened When "All Hell Broke Loose"
After a vacation in Palm Springs, Whitney Poyntz and her family were returning to Calgary when she boarded her flight with her husband and sleeping 4-month-old. Considering that the little one was already snoozing, the new parents relaxed a bit thinking that it would be an easy flight but quickly realized just how wrong they were.
Once the captain came on the intercom, the infant woke up but was able to be nursed back to sleep. "About 30 minutes later all hell broke loose. [I'm] not sure if it was gas or maybe pressure but we did not have a happy baby, and unfortunately those seats aren't made for rocking or trying to put a baby back to sleep," Whitney wrote on Facebook. "Eyes glaring, sweat dripping down our foreheads trying to get her back to sleep, in comes the hero of the day... a flight attendant named Ashley."
Ashley approached the anxious parents and asked not only if she could hold the agitated baby but also if she could take her for a walk. "The first thought in my head was 'Um, a stranger wants to walk my screaming child up and down the aisle?!?!' But she did and got her calmed down," Whitney wrote. "The experience was amazing. Never would I ever think someone would ever do that, volunteer to take your screaming child, but she did."
Whitney knows that to some, this might not seem like a big deal, but she wants everyone to understand how much this act of kindness meant to a stressed new mom just trying to keep it all together. "WestJet (Ashley), I would like to thank you for the over and above customer service (baby whispering) that you gave, truly the greatest airline," she wrote.
The 8 Best Ways to Whiten Teeth - Under $50
If there's one beauty category that has become a lot more democratic and attainable (no matter what your budget), it's the vast and varied world of teeth whitening. There was a time when only a professional could whiten and brighten your chompers, and you can bet it was going to cost you a pretty penny. You would make an appointment weeks ahead of time and might consider whitening your teeth a once-in-a-while indulgent beauty treatment - something you'd save for your own wedding and then cancel when you realized, again, that it cost a small fortune.
But, oh, aren't progress and technology great? You're now able to hit the drugstore, go online, or even get ahold of a few cheap materials at your local health food store and whip up your very own teeth whitening treatment in the privacy of your bathroom. Better still: you can score cheap teeth whitening products that have already been tested by many happy beauty-lovers, have been proven effective at safely whitening teeth, and cost less than $50.
Seriously - a brand-new set of pearly whites for less than some luxury-brand eye shadow palettes - that's money well-spent!
Here are eight highly rated and regarded teeth whitening products that won't break the bank.
Blink Once, and You'll Mistake This Dutch Supermodel For Gigi Hadid
Iza Ijzerman is a 22-year-old Netherlands-based model who's driving the internet crazy, mostly because she bears an uncanny resemblance to Gigi and Bella Hadid. But it's not just her sultry pout, blond hair, and electrifying eyes that remind us of the duo. In our opinion, Iza has very similar style to both Gigi and Bella. She loves a sporty track pant just as much as an outfit complete with trendy statement sunglasses, and these are looks both Bella and Gigi can get behind.
Iza told Refinery29 she's been compared to Gigi plenty of times before. "The first time someone mentioned it was on Instagram. When I signed with Milk Studios, they posted a picture with the caption 'The new curvy Gigi Hadid,' so that's the moment I realized it might be true! I think I look more like Bella," she said.
Read on to compare photos and allow yourself to decide if Iza's more of a Gigi or a Bella. As far as we're concerned, though, Iza's an Iza - and she just happens to have a really great handle on fashion.
These Are the Top 10 Summer Haircut Trends According to Pros
If you're ready for a Summer refresh, start with your hair. From statement-making crops to tousled bobs to long layers, we're covering some of the hottest Summer haircuts for 2017. With the help of celebrity stylists, you'll learn how to ask for each of the featured cuts at your go-to salon, as well as how to style the look once you've got it. We've also included expert commentary on which types of hair and face shapes these cuts suit best. Get ready for some serious warm-weather haircut inspiration!
Why a 7-Year-Old Girl Got in Trouble For Writing Her Name in Cursive
When a teacher reprimands a student, you can safely assume the kid in question did something wrong. Maybe she pushed a classmate in line, or perhaps he called out an answer without raising his hand. Or maybe she wrote her name in cursive.
After turning in a homework assignment focusing on vowels, a 7-year-old girl named Alyssa received some harsh words from her teacher. In red pen at the top of the lesson sheet, her teacher wrote:
Stop writing your name in cursive. You have had several warnings.
Turns out, Alyssa's mom - based in Kansas - had taken the time to teach her daughter to write in cursive and likely never imagined she'd get in trouble for it. After the photo was shared by a friend on Facebook, commenters were outraged, like one who said, "Best of luck to any teacher who writes this on my children's papers!"
We're not sure what this particular teacher's philosophy is on cursive handwriting, but it's a skill still taught in most elementary schools, despite rumblings that there's less need for it with the ubiquitous nature of keyboards and digital communication. And there's good reason all children should learn cursive penmanship:
- Studies show that printing letters and writing in cursive use different parts of the brain, with the latter helping to develop a child's fine motor skills. Not only that, in one study, people who wrote in cursive showed more brain activity than those who printed or typed - and they also generated more words and ideas.
- Kids who learn cursive have been seen to score higher on reading and spelling tests and have a better ability to retain information.
- Some people with learning disabilities, like dyslexia, or severe brain injuries can understand cursive better than print.
- There are plenty of important historical documents that are written in cursive, and children who can't decipher cursive words won't be able to read them. It'd be as if the Declaration of Independence was written in another language.
- As infrequently as adults need to write in cursive these days, they still need to sign plenty of paperwork, from lease agreements to marriage certificates to receipts.
That Game of Thrones Brush Set You've Been Hearing About Is on Sale!
There's a makeup brush set for every fandom out there: Harry Potter, Beauty and the Beast, even Mean Girls. After seven seasons Game of Thrones, the show finally got its own brush collection, too. And my, was it worth the wait.
Created by British makeup brand The Catch 96, the Thrones-inspired set comes with eight brushes each adorned with one of the emblems from the family houses: Baratheon, Lannister, Stark, Targaryen, Martell, Greyjoy, Tully, and the symbol for the Hand of the King. They also feature each family's respective sayings, from the Lannisters'"hear me roar" to the Starks' "winter is coming."
The brushes come finished in silver, gold, rose gold, and copper, and sets include five shadow brushes, a fluffy powder brush, a brow and lash comb, and a liner brush.
On top of that, they are now on sale. Formerly $80, the set is now half off at $40. We haven't been this happy about anything since Jon Snow and Ygritte's infamous cave scene.
Get a closer look at the makeup brushes, ahead.
18 Times President Obama Was Unequivocally You
Over the past eight years, Barack Obama has risen to fame not only as the former president of the United States, but also as one cool, relatable dude. His hilarious, candid facial expressions have become memes, and with VP Joe Biden by his side, he's been at the center of many moments that most of us would call "normal." Among these occurrences is when President Obama gets up close and personal with everyday Americans, shares sweet moments with kids, or looks totally, completely over it. Basically, he's more like you than you probably realize. PS. We miss you, man!
You're 100% Vertical Throughout Parts of This Crazy Colorado Climb
If you love heights, you should consider doing Colorado's Via Ferrata near Telluride, a combination of hiking and climbing. These climbing routes, also called Iron Ways, are mostly known for their access to incredible scenic views on steep mountain walls. The only way to pass from point A to point B is through steel cables and rungs that are secured to the rock with heavy-duty expansion bolts.
Parts of this climb are 100 percent vertical, and you are only stepping from steel rung to steel rung. I personally have never been a big fan of heights but started climbing about two years ago, on and off. I knew I was physically fit enough to do the Via Ferrata, but it was mentally quite challenging. On the exposed steel rung sections, you are only secured with your climbing harness, a rope that is pulled through your belay loop, and screw-gate locking carabiners. Oh, and don't forget the helmet! The way to move forward is to unclip one carabiner at a time and move it along the steel cable and past security points, making sure that you're always secured along the cable with at least one carabiner.
The hike starts with a bunch of switchbacks, a beautiful waterfall, and some more switchbacks that lead toward the base of the mountain itself. Once you've started the adventure, it's quite difficult to return, as other climbers will pass the mountain in the same direction as you do. Crossing another climber on the vertical mountain wall is incredibly dangerous and therefore pretty much impossible by choice. Making sure that you have reliable equipment is the most important thing. This isn't really a route for complete beginners or those who haven't been exposed to climbing prior. If you are, go with a guide! Understanding the risks of such adventures should be very high on your list, higher than wanting to satisfy your adventure spirit. Take a peek at the photos from Telluride's Via Ferrata ahead!
There's Still Time to Turn These Underrated Bops Into Songs of the Summer
When you got word that "Despacito" had topped the list of most-streamed songs of all time, you weren't exactly surprised, were you? After all, it's been played ad nauseam on every radio station, blared from every Spotify playlist, and sung at high volumes by almost every drunk person at the beach. Along with Bruno Mars's "That's What I Like," and Miley Cyrus's "Malibu," the Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee megahit has topped the Summer jams charts - but there are a handful of underrated tunes that are just as addictive to listen to.
Even though it's already August (how did that happen?!), we're not letting the season slip away without highlighting some of the bops that deserve more shine on your party playlists. Whether you're cruising down the freeway, or tying up the loose ends on that Summer fling, there's still time to turn these 11 tracks into songs of the Summer.
This Is What It'd Look Like If the Little Mermaid Breastfed in Real Life
Fairy tales are just that . . . but what if the subjects of our favorite stories were a bit more realistic? That's what photographer Tara Ruby is aiming to showcase with her first image in an eventual series of Disney princesses breastfeeding.
"I love Disney movies, but I wish that we were told more about their lives after the princess marries her prince," Ruby said. "Marriage is just the beginning, and there is so much after they say their vows."
For The Little Mermaid's Princess Ariel, she opted to set the scene with her on the fateful canoe, sans fishtail. And instead of Prince Eric along for the ride, the mother – in that classic blue dress designed by Sew Trendy – is alone with her happily nursing child. Now that's magical.
The Ultimate Guide to Blond Hair Conditioners for Every Platinum Girl
I'm a natural blonde who's guilty of bleaching, highlighting, and torturing my hair. Over time, though, I learned how important it is to condition my hair to fight against breakage. I even discovered that some conditioners for blondes have made my hair brighter and brought out some of the lighter hues.
If you're like me, you know most blondes have thin and delicate hair that damages easily, so it's important to give your hair the love it needs. Check out some of these blond hair boosters and find the one that gives you the benefits you're looking for.
What You Should Be Eating If You Want to Lose Weight
As we age and our metabolisms slow, it's easy to pack on a few pounds without realizing it. But a study has found that making consistent changes to your eating habits can lead to big weight-loss results over time.
The 2015 study, first published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, followed the dietary habits of over 120,000 people for 16 years and found that those who ate foods that had a high glycemic load (which includes refined grains, starches, and sugars) gained more weight than those who ate foods with a low glycemic load (foods such as nuts, dairy, and certain fruits and vegetables). This isn't surprising or new; other research has shown that going lower on the glycemic index (GI) scale will help you lose weight. What is interesting in the new study, however, is that other key habits can mean the difference between pounds on the scale. Check out what else the researchers found about weight gain and loss:
- Those who ate more yogurt, seafood, skinless chicken, and nuts lost the most weight; in fact, the more people ate of these foods, the less weight they gained.
- The researchers found, however, no difference in weight gain in those who ate low-fat vs full-fat dairy.
- Diets with more red and processed meat intake were associated with weight gain, especially when meat was paired with refined grains or starches.
- Eating meat paired with low-GI foods, however (like vegetables), helped reduce weight gain.
- Eating foods like eggs and cheese along with high-GI foods was linked to weight gain, while eating these foods with low-GI foods led to weight loss.
In general, the researchers found that the best diets for weight loss were high in protein-rich foods like fish, nuts, and yogurt, which helped prevent weight gain. Avoiding refined grains, starches, and sugars further helped, as did replacing red meat consumption with other protein-rich foods like eggs and cheese. It may seem like common sense, but taking the time to fill your plate with lean proteins and vegetables and other low-GI foods will help you lose or maintain weight throughout the years. Learn more about the glycemic load and how foods rank on the glycemic index here.
New Studies Suggest Yoga Can Ease Depression and Minimize Emotional Eating
Several new studies have found that yoga may lower depression and emotional eating, if done on a consistent basis. At the 125th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, four separate studies were presented that pointed to similar positive findings about the benefits of yoga.
Lindsey Hopkins at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center primarily examined the effects of Hatha yoga on 23 male veterans. After taking yoga classes twice a week for eight weeks, the subjects noted a decrease in depression and negative thoughts.
Alliant International University's Sarah Shallit found similar results in subjects who tried Bikram yoga, commonly known as hot yoga. For her study, Shallit examined two separate groups of women. In the first, 52 women between the ages of 25 and 45 attended yoga classes twice a week for eight weeks. Half of those women, however, were wait-listed and were not able to take the yoga classes. As you can imagine, the participants who were able to attend yoga saw their depression reduce significantly, while the other group did not.
Her findings didn't end there. When Shallit conducted a similar experiment using a separate group of women, she also noticed an increase in mindfulness and self-compassion among the participants. Not only that, but the subjects found that they were able to control the disordered or emotional eating that had been bothering them before.
Two additional studies, conducted by Maren Nyer and Nina Vollbehr from Massachusetts General Hospital, arrived at similar conclusions using entirely different groups of adults. Ultimately, all of the researchers found that the positive benefits of yoga extend beyond the physical.
Though yoga should not entirely replace treatments for depression prescribed by a doctor, it can certainly help. "At this time, we can only recommend yoga as a complementary approach, likely most effective in conjunction with standard approaches delivered by a licensed therapist," Hopkins explained. "Clearly, yoga is not a cure-all. However, based on empirical evidence, there seems to be a lot of potential."
Nars Takes a Dark Turn (Literally) With Its Fall Collection
One of our favorite things about Fall is getting to bust our tried-and-true leather jacket out of storage. So luckily for us, Nars just released a rocker-chic collection that is made to match said old faithful jacket, broken-in Converse, and ripped jeans.
The line of six products includes three Kohliners, two eye shadows, and one blush. Cue (on-brand Rolling Stones or The Strokes) record scratch: yup, there's only one blush in this collection.
Considering that Nars' rouge-game is renowned far and wide, this news may seem strange. But we're anything from disappointed, because the showstopping, metallic raspberry-mauve shade "Blissful" is like the line's mic drop. It's all we need.
Besides, like any badass rocker chic, we all know the VIP grunge look is all about the eyes. The liners come in two shades of metallic bronze and one blue that's more electric than an amplified guitar. But this isn't your standard, seen-it-before, smoky-eye fare. The powders' metallic finish lightens up its dark color for a funky, nontraditional look.
Read on to see each product in this collection, which we're taking as an excuse to buy more concert tickets.
14 Stunning Interior Design Details Anyone Can Copy From the SF Decorator Showcase House
Every room in the 2016 San Francisco Decorator Showcase House is a mini masterpiece, completed by a different top-notch interior designer. We were wowed every time we turned the corner, and while the house is brimming with design ideas, not all of them are wallet-friendly. Even if a $10 million mansion in San Francisco's Telegraph Hill neighborhood isn't in your budget, we found 14 ingenious design hacks that everyone can afford. Check them out in the slideshow here.
Here's What We Know About Black America, Amazon's Answer to HBO's Confederate
On Sunday night, Twitter was not only abuzz with Game of Thrones spoilers but also with hundreds of people tweeting the hashtag #NoConfederate. The social media movement was sparked by HBO's announcement that Game of Thrones showrunners D.B. Weiss and David Benioff are working on a new drama, Confederate, which takes place in an alternate reality where slavery still exists. Although HBO is refusing to pull the show, there is a silver lining: Amazon has teamed up with producer Will Packer for their own alt-history series, and it sounds much more promising.
The Story
The drama, titled Black America, takes place in an alternate history where African-Americans newly freed from the tyranny of Southern slave owners take over the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama as reparation for slavery. With land of their own, which they dub New Colonia, they're free to live in the sovereign nation and shape their own destiny. However, 150 years later, the tumultuous relationship they've maintained with their northern neighbor, the United States, faces the ultimate test when America begins to rapidly fall apart, while New Colonia reaches new heights on the world stage.
In Deadline's recent interview with Packer, he emphasized that it's still too early to say exactly what Black America's message will be but that it will answer the questions of "what if reparations were given, what would this country and that alternate country look like today, how would Americans look, our communities, relations, I think that there definitely is a message about how we co-exist today where that didn't happen, there weren't reparations, and you still have black Americans who are suffering from the effects of slavery in various ways." According to Packer, the show will also "speak to where we are now and the mistakes this country has made and things we should do going forward."
The Production Team
Packer - who's produced Girls Trip, Roots, and Straight Outta Compton, among many, many others - is developing the drama for Amazon together with Peabody Award-winning The Boondocks creator and Black Jesus cocreator Aaron McGruder. Their involvement in the project was initially announced via Deadline back in February, but at the time, the producers were keeping almost all of the details about Black America's storyline under wraps; the only thing they let slip is that it would be similar to Amazon's other alternate-history series, The Man in the High Castle (which takes place in a world where Hitler won World War II).
The Release Date
A solid release date hasn't been locked down just yet, but following HBO's Confederate reveal, Packer hinted that Black America is further along than we might think. "It felt this was the appropriate time to make sure that audiences and the creative community knew that there was a project that preexisted, and we are pretty far down the road with it," he recently told Deadline, noting that the show is in "very, very active development" with McGruder "off and writing."
Bacon-and-Pineapple-Lovers Will Flip the F*ck Out Over This New Food Hybrid
Listen up, bacon-and-pineapple-lovers: swineapples are taking over on social media, and the trendy food hybrid has your name written all over it. If you aren't sold on the name just yet (I mean, c'mon, swineapples is golden), then maybe the mouthwatering recipe will do it for you. In order to make this glorious pineapple-pork combo, you'll have to stuff pulled pork into a juicy pineapple, then wrap the pineapple in slabs of bacon and grill for about an hour or until fully cooked.
Josh Bush from La Porte, TX, is believed to be the originator of the swineapple recipe, according to HuffPost. And we're just thankful that we now know it exists. Read on to see more salivating photos that will surely inspire you to make a swineapple of your own this Summer.
15 Drool-Worthy Photos of Jay Ellis That Will Make Him Your New Man Crush
Jay Ellis makes fans drool in his breakout role as Lawrence: the drop-dead-sexy, yet not-so-perfect love interest of the brilliant Issa Rae on HBO's hit comedy series, Insecure. Besides the fact that he has kissable lips, (and a glorious backside), the 35-year-old South Carolina native has a certain sweetness about him that's hard to resist. Keep reading to see 15 photos of Jay Ellis that will make him your new man crush if he isn't already.
Yes, Barack Obama and Joe Biden Are Still BFFs, and They Even Play Golf Together
In the midst of all of the chaos of Trump's administration, we do have some good news to report: Barack Obama and Joe Biden's epic bromance is still going strong. Since leaving the White House, the political duo have remained in touch and often play a "few rounds of golf" together, according to a recent report from People.
"The bromance continues. It's not ended," Anita Decker Breckenridge, Obama's former chief of staff, told the publication. "That's one of the things I would say, you know . . . What does he miss about the White House? I mean, they had lunch every single week for eight years." Ummm, talk about BFF goals!
As for Obama's relationship with Hillary Clinton, things aren't so peachy. According to sources, the former president hasn't spoken to Clinton since the two attended President Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony in January. Ouch.
But, if you want to look on the bright side, the mere fact that Obama and Biden are still close friends means we may get more hilarious memes from the two of them in the near future. Now that's something we can all look forward to during these bleak times.
This Healthy Ice Cream Hack Using Kite Hill's New Yogurt Tubes Is Just 70 Calories!
If yogurt was one of things that was insanely hard for you to give up when you went dairy-free, Kite Hill came to the rescue with its Artisan Almond Milk yogurt. The brand is now launching a new product for yogurt-lovers - dairy-free yogurt tubes! Hitting stores this September, these 70-calorie fruity on-the-go snacks are also soy-free and gluten-free.
Aside from making a healthy and quick snack for you (and your kiddos!), I've discovered a simple way to use these Kite Hill yogurt tubes to satisfy ice cream cravings. Just pop them in the freezer for at least two hours. When ice cream cravings strike, take one out, run it under warm water for 30 seconds or so, cut off the top, squeeze it up, and cold, creamy bites of fruity goodness are perfectly portioned at your fingertips - no spoon needed!
For just 70 calories, six grams of sugar, and seven grams of carbs, each tube offers two grams of protein and live active cultures to keep your belly happy. And the flavor is so fruity, it's honestly more satisfying that ice cream, if you can believe it. And because it's dairy-free you can avoid that common post-ice cream belly bloat and discomfort.
Another practical option is to throw a frozen tube in your gym bag for a cold and creamy postworkout snack. Or add a frozen tube to your lunchbox, and it'll act as an ice pack, keeping your lunch cold until you're ready to eat it. The yogurt will be thawed by the afternoon to enjoy as a sweet snack.
Out of the two flavors available, the Strawberry Banana was my favorite, but they are equally delicious (Wild Berry, I've got love for you, too!). Yep. I'll be first in line to stock up once they hit stores this Fall.
This Little Bikini Is So Hot, a Princess and Kendall Jenner Both Bought It For Summer
Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece and Denmark first landed on our radar thanks to her stylish ways, and she hasn't disappointed since. The royal proved she's right on trend with the season's hottest swimsuits by slipping into a red bikini by Lisa Marie Fernandez. If you haven't heard, everyone is wearing this brand lately, including Kendall Jenner. The model wore the same swimsuit in a bubbly pink color to Cannes only a few months ago.
It seems the two stars share a love for the ruffle high-waist style, which is superflattering and feminine. Luckily, the bikini also comes in a variety of colors so you too can shop it before Summer ends.
13 Awesome Foods You Didn't Know You Could Get at Costco
There's always something new to discover at Costco. Besides the fact that there are so many ways to save money at Costco beyond the free samples, there are tons of products that you might not even realize are hiding within the packed shelves of the store. These are 13 unexpected, customer-approved groceries you'll want to keep your eye out for the next time you take a trip to Costco.
7 Things You Never Knew About Chick-fil-A, Straight From an Employee
When you think of Chick-fil-A, the first thing that comes to mind is how all locations are closed on Sundays, and of course that drool-worthy sauce, but there are a lot of things we don't know about the fast-food joint. One employee just revealed tons of secrets about what it's like to work at Chick-fil-A in a Reddit AMA, and we're impressed. During the "Ask Me Anything" conversation, this teenage employee dished where the delicious chicken comes from, their thoughts on the chain being anti-LGBTQ, and why they always say "my pleasure" instead of "you're welcome." Read on for all of the Chick-fil-A insider secrets, straight from someone who knows best.
How "fresh" is the chicken?
It seems like fast-food chains are constantly competing with each other and saying that another chain's food comes frozen, but this employee is setting the record straight about Chick-fil-A's chicken. When asked if the chicken comes prebreaded and is frozen on site, the employee shut that down. "The chicken is FRESH and hand-breaded then fried on site," they said. "We're not lying to you."
The company has changed its anti-LGBTQ ways.
It's no secret that Chick-fil-A has been against LGBTQ rights and has even donated to anti-LGBTQ causes in the past, but this employee is explaining how the chain has changed and why it doesn't bother the employee at all. "As of late, they've actually made a turnaround and stopped donating to anti-LGBTQ corporations and apologized to the community," the employee said. "It's all about keeping a good name. I'm transgender and I know a gay guy who works there. I feel fine."
About that employee discount . . .
The employee said, "We get a free meal for 5 1/2 hours of work." This employee's favorite meal? "I'm a fan of the #1 (Just the chicken sandwich)," the employee shared. "CFA sauce and the mayonnaise they have is soooo tasty! Everything about the sandwich is perfect from the toasty buttery bun to the pickles. My location also serves mac and cheese and it's the bomb!!"
There's a reason they always say, "My pleasure."
Anyone who's been to Chick-fil-A can recognize within seconds that the employees don't say "you're welcome" and instead say "my pleasure." WHY?! "It's a courtesy thing," the employee said. "'You're welcome' seems too indifferent and we're told to use elevated language. Besides, we could get in trouble if we don't say it. Also, did you know that saying 'my pleasure' is not mentioned in the official training at all? It's a learned behavior."
The fries are highly ranked, but here's the truth behind them.
One Reddit user asked the employee how he or she feels about the fries and the fact that the crisped-to-perfection waffle fries just won the number one spot on The Ringer's best fast-food items list. "I'm very proud," the employee shared. "We don't make them in house though, they come in a box. Honestly, I think the Wendy's fries are better." OUCH!
The employees are legitimately trained to be super friendly.
When someone asked if friendliness was part of training because they "get diabetes every time I go to the local one because everyone is super sweet," the employee said yes! "We are literally told in training and reminded constantly to be 'aggressively courteous' there are literal steps on how to do it," the employee shared. "I won't tell you those steps so the sweetness remains genuine."
Fun fact: you can order Oreo pieces in any drink you want!
Yup! The employee shared that a big pet peeve is "people who order too quickly and then they MUMBLE. Also, if you have a huge milkshake order please please please call ahead!" But the most important thing here: "you can order Oreo pieces in whatever beverage you want."
Gordon Ramsay Reveals the 1 Place You Should Never Eat
Sure, Gordon Ramsay has high standards, but is there really anything he would never eat? Turns out it's more of a place where he would never eat rather than one specific food - and that's on a plane. In an interview with Refinery29, Gordon revealed his feelings about airplane food and why those feelings might be justified. "There's no f*cking way I eat on planes," he said. "I worked for airlines for 10 years, so I know where this food's been and where it goes, and how long it took before it got on board." Yikes. The man has a point - there's no denying that airplane food is not the best.
So what's a traveler to do to avoid midflight hunger, according to the world-renowned chef? If you're like him, you'll make time to stop at a nice Italian restaurant for a little meat and cheese. "A nice selection of Italian meats, a little glass of red wine, some sliced apples or pears with some parmesan cheese," Gordon says of his ideal airport snack.
Alternatively, of course, you could eat at Gordon Ramsay's very own Plane Food, a restaurant in Terminal 5 of the London Heathrow Airport. There, you'll find truffle mac and cheese, Szechuan squid, and spicy tuna tartare . . . certainly nothing that's reheated in convection ovens on an airplane.
9 Airports Where You Can Find Therapy Animals to Ease Your Travel Anxiety
Traveling is amazing and life-changing and has the ability to change your entire perspective. But sometimes getting to your destination is stressful and can cause anxiety. Many airports have implemented therapy dog programs to help make your travels a little easier and filled with more soft cuddles. Check out these airports across the country that have furry friends walking around to make your trip smoother.
Cole and Dylan Sprouse Still Have a "Suite" Sibling Bond After All These Years
You're probably pretty familiar with Cole and Dylan Sprouse if you grew up in the '90s. The 25-year-old twins started acting when they were only 8 months old and haven't stopped since. They got their big break playing Ross Geller's son, Ben, on Friends and the adorable Julian in Adam Sandler's Big Daddy but gained a huge following with their Disney Channel show The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and its spinoff series, The Suite Life on Deck. Even though they took some time off to attend NYU, Cole has recently returned to acting with his role as Jughead on Riverdale. They might not share the screen together anymore, but their sibling bond is still as "suite" as ever.
Vegan Twinkies to Rock Your Sweet Tooth
Twinkies taste like nostalgia, but unfortunately the number of ingredients involved in creating this cream-filled sponge cake is overwhelming. And it includes beef fat. We've created a vegan version of the treat that we think you're going to love. Watch this video and see how to make them, then whip yourself up a batch to share with all your friends.
Selena Gomez Has an LBD Icon From the '90s, and It May Surprise You
As the face of Coach, Selena Gomez has quickly transformed her reputation from a talented singer to a major style icon who can do it all. Whether it's her yellow dresses in the "Fetish" music video or her adorable floral Coachella dress, we've always got an eye on her outfits. But Selena just revealed one of her own style icons, and all we have to say is "same."
While on set for her September InStyle cover, the 25-year-old star hopped in the pool to answer some questions on camera, including about the one accessory that gives her instant confidence. "Surprisingly, like a nice little black dress," Selena said. "Just a simple, Jen Aniston type of dress. Classy."
Jennifer Aniston made the LBD her go-to look in the '90s, and even decades later, she continues on her reign as the LBD queen. It's no surprise that Selena is inspired by Jennifer's timeless, formfitting style, as the silhouette could send anyone's confidence through the roof.
Watch the video above, then read on to see some of Selena and Jennifer's similar LBD styles throughout the years. After, check out the 22 best black dresses of 2017 if you want to copy their looks.
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