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 17 août 2017
7 Myths Nutritionists Wish You'd Stop Believing
There's a lot of misinformation out there, but dietitian Julie Upton, MS, RD, of Appetite For Health, is here to shed light on seven nutritional myths that could mess with your weight-loss efforts and your health.
The Internet is like the Wild West when it comes to nutrition information: anything goes. Websites are rife with less-than-accurate nutrition facts, which only fuels food myths and adds to consumers' confusion about which picks are the healthiest. At best, you can hope there's a kernel of truth in what you're reading, but more often than not, there's no scientific basis for these myths. Below are seven of the most popular nutrition myths and the real deal on each.
Myth 1: You need to detox your body with a juice cleanse.
Fact: From celebrities to personal trainers, there's no shortage of so-called experts advocating fasts or juice cleanses to detox. If you Google "detox," you'll get nearly 64 million results for diet programs and treatments that are supposed to help "flush out your system," "remove toxic substances from the body," "give your GI tract a rest," or "speed up your metabolism" and "enhance your overall health." But despite all the hype and popularity, there's little proof that fasting or following a deprivation diet for several days actually delivers on any of the above promises.
While an occasional short fast or a day of following a "juice diet" won't cause harm for most healthy people, it will likely leave you feeling cranky and hungry. If you really want to be and feel your best, eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, get adequate sleep, and don't drink more than one alcoholic beverage per day.
Myth 2: Diet sodas make you gain weight.
Fact: While you may have read that diet beverages make you gain weight, a recent clinical trial found just the opposite. In the 12-week study, published in the journal Obesity, dieters who drank diet beverages lost 13 pounds on average - 44 percent more than subjects drinking water only, who lost an average of nine pounds. What's more, the diet-soda drinkers reported feeling more satisfied. This study adds to a substantial body of research demonstrating that low-calorie sweeteners and the diet beverages that contain them do not hinder but can in fact help with weight loss. Two peer-reviewed studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition by researchers from the University of North Carolina in 2012 and 2013 randomly assigned subjects to drink either water or diet beverages (without making any other changes to their diet). After six months, the diet-beverage group had a greater likelihood of reaching a meaningful amount of weight loss - five percent of one's body weight - compared to the control group. These studies reinforce that if you're trying to lose weight, diet beverages may help you peel off pounds, as they can help you achieve and maintain a lower-calorie eating plan.
Myth 3: Canola oil is made from rapeseed plants, which are toxic.
Fact: Canola oil comes from the crushed seeds of canola plants - not rapeseed plants, which are, in fact, harmful. Rapeseed oil contains high levels of erucic acid, which is linked to heart disease and therefore is not allowed to be sold in the US. While the two plants are cousins, they're distinctly different in their composition. In the 1960s, farmers used breeding methods to help eliminate the erucic acid from canola plants, and canola oil is now regulated to contain negligible amounts of the compound, ensuring that canola oil is 100 percent safe. In fact, it also happens to be one of the healthiest oils (behind olive oil) because it has less saturated fat and more heart-protective omega-3s than other vegetable oils. Canola oil is just seven percent saturated fat compared to olive oil, which is 15 percent saturated fat.
Myth 4: Sea salt has less sodium than table salt and is mineral-rich.
Fact: Run-of-the-mill Morton table salt and gourmet Himalayan sea salt contain essentially the same amount of sodium per teaspoon - 2,300 milligrams. As for minerals, neither contains enough of any mineral to make it a clear winner over the other. For instance, a teaspoon of table salt has just 1 mg calcium compared to 12 mg in sea salt. Since 12 mg is just one percent of your daily needs, it's not a very healthy way to get calcium into your diet.
Most people believe that sea salt tastes better and, in some cases, you may be able to use less of it (and therefore reduce your sodium intake), but it is by no means a lower-sodium and more mineral-rich option. Keep in mind, sea salt lacks iodine - and not getting enough of this compound can lead to goiter, intellectual impairments, growth retardation, and much more. In fact, iodine deficiency is a serious health threat, especially among pregnant women, according to Boston University researchers, so don't use sea salt exclusively in your diet.
Myth 5: Some foods, like celery, have negative calories.
Fact: When something sounds too good to be true, well, it probably is. Take "negative-calorie foods" as an example. The notion is that digesting certain foods burns more calories than those foods provide. The faulty logic of this urban legend is based on the scientifically proven thermic effect of food (TEF), which simply means the amount of energy the body uses to digest a food. The thinking goes, if you were to eat a very low-calorie food - common examples include celery, apples, and limes - then you'd actually create a calorie deficit. In other words, these foods would end up costing less-than-zero calories.
Sadly, there are no negative-calorie foods. The TEF generally ranges from 10 percent to 20 percent of the calories in a food. So let's say a celery stalk has seven calories. Even if you assume a 20 percent TEF, that means you're still left with about five and a half calories.
Myth 6: It takes 21 days to break a bad habit (or form a new one).
Fact: Popular self-help gurus and many diet plans claim that it will take 21 days to form a new healthy habit - or break a bad one. The truth is, there is no magical time frame for breaking bad habits. One study that evaluated behavior change found that creating a new habit, like eating a piece of fruit daily, took an average of 66 days. However, there were wide variations - anywhere from 18 days to 254 days. The authors found the adaptation time was a function of how hard the new behavior is as well as the individual. If you're trying something new, like daily exercise, give yourself time to make it a routine. It may not happen overnight - or even in 21 days!
Myth 7: Muscle can turn to fat ( . . . and vice versa).
Fact: You'll often hear someone at the gym say something like, "Since my injury, my muscles have turned to mush." But this isn't the case because muscle and fat tissues are entirely different, and therefore they can never transform from one to the other. It's the equivalent of saying you can turn water into wine or lead into gold.
What really happens when you stop exercising is that your muscle mass declines. And how you gain fat tissue is when you eat more calories than you burn off, which is much easier to do when you're not exercising. And likewise, when you up your exercise routine, you'll add lean tissue and might start burning excess body fat, but your fat didn't turn into muscle.
Tom Cruise Breaks His Ankle During Stunt on the Set of Mission: Impossible 6
Tom Cruise has been injured on the set of Mission: Impossible 6. The actor, who was performing his own stunt while filming scenes for the popular franchise's latest installment in London last weekend, was attempting to jump between buildings while wearing a harness. In a video posted by TMZ, Tom's jump comes up short, and he appears to slam into the building. After climbing up near the camera crew, the star, who is known for his action-packed blockbusters, walks around the roof with a limp. While he was able to get back on his feet, the studio confirmed that he broke his ankle.
"During production on the latest Mission: Impossible film, Tom Cruise broke his ankle while performing a stunt," Paramount Pictures said in a statement to Deadline on Wednesday. "Production will go on hiatus while Tom makes a full recovery, and the film remains on schedule to open July 27, 2018. Tom wants to thank you all for your concern and support and can't wait to share the film with everyone next Summer."
The Government Is Seeking Information on Anti-Trump Website Visitors - and People Are Concerned
If you weren't already concerned enough with the abnormal trickle-down effects of the Donald Trump White House, there's something else you should worry about: the government potentially tracking you down because you visited an anti-Trump website.
The United States Department of Justice is trying to obtain visitor logs and IP addresses of anyone who visited DisruptJ20.org, a web resource for various resistance-based activities associated with January's inauguration. The DOJ is hoping to get information on more than 1.3 million IP addresses connected to the website from Dreamhost, the company that hosts the J20 website, in the hopes of connecting them to more than 200 people arrested during inaugural protests.
News of the measure comes in advance of a hearing to be held this Friday by the Washington DC Superior Court - one that could shape how the government gains access to supposedly private First Amendment-protected free speech via online interactions. The move has been denounced by many in the digital rights community: the Electronic Frontier Foundation stated "no plausible explanation exists" for such an overreaching measure and it is monitoring the situation; digital advocacy blog Popehat called the matter "chilling" as the administration carries "overt hostility to protesters;" net neutrality nonprofit Fight For the Future simply stated that the issue is "outrageous government overreach;" and the ACLU wrote that there is a "vast danger" in letting the government target political speech in this way.
The DOJ's move appears to put many online dissenters in potential danger, and experts like Bennet Kelley, founder of the Internet Law Center, are concerned. Kelley believes people should be worried about the government requesting this kind of private data. "What's striking about this request is that they're seeking anyone who went to the site without limitation to day," Kelley tells POPSUGAR, explaining that DisruptJ20.org offered information on everything from the Women's March to maps of inaugural events.
Kelley contrasts a sweeping request like this to a "vacuum cleaner search," one that hones down what information is needed instead of demanding it all, as the former "burdens free speech" by giving the DOJ too much information. As Dreamhost noted in a statement that resists the request and supports users, using a site like DisruptJ20.org is protected by the First Amendment as a means to "exercise and express political speech."
Yet this situation isn't entirely surprising. As Kelley points out, the leading web platforms have seen increasing numbers of government requests which have been shared in public reports. Facebook alone saw a nine percent increase in requests for user account data in the latter half of 2016. Moreover, technology users are mostly not protecting themselves, ignoring Edward Snowden's distrust of US cloud services as they risk NSA spying and rarely reading terms and conditions. People are not protecting their free speech accordingly and, as the DisruptJ20.org situation proves, tech users should be more vigilant in their online interactions.
At the heart of the issue is protecting online anonymity. Akin to Apple's opposing the unlocking of the San Bernardino shooter's phone, "Our success depends on our ability for people to feel secure on these platforms," Kelley says. "[Anonymous speech] has a long history in our constitutional republic. It's very highly regarded as a key element of speech."
Beyond encrypting everything, people should feel empowered in another way: reach out to your congressperson and similar representatives to express concern. "If you are concerned about this, talk to your congressman or senator," Kelley says. "Tell them you want to hold a hearing and that you want to restrict the Justice Department."
Unfollow a Friend on Facebook Without Them Knowing
I know you know what I'm talking about. Everyone has one, that Facebook friend who will not stop with the constant stream of Facebook status updates. Maybe you accepted a friend request from a girl you knew in high school to be nice, only to be bombarded about her child's every giggle, coo, and poop. Or there's the friend who's bored at work and needs to let you know whenever he desires a soy latte.
Creating groups is one way to keep updates from showing up in your news feed, but my best friends for sanity on Facebook are the "Hide" and "Unfollow" buttons. To use them, just hover over the chatty offender's status update. Click the arrow on the top right corner, and you can choose to hide that particular story or unfollow from their updates altogether.
If you long for more options (of course you do), click through the gallery to find out how to selectively unsubscribe from certain kinds of updates, like those from pages.
Is Diet or Exercise More Important For Weight Loss?
I've always been active, but weight loss was never top of mind for me until I was a freshman in college. My first months away from home, I packed on some serious weight, but instead of cleaning up my diet, I started doing two-a-day cardio workouts, barely ate a bite all day, and binged on a calorie bomb late at night. The results? General exhaustion and minor, unsustainable weight loss. I wish I could say that I did my research, talked to a doctor, and changed my ways, but this vicious cycle continued for many, many years. Years later, I would kick my ass with an insane workout four or five times a week, and while I was stronger, I would not see any results on the scale or in my clothes. Things only changed when I was able to fully digest this fitness adage: "Abs are made in the kitchen."
There's data to back up this claim. In meta-analysis from Behavioural Weight Management Review Group, researchers determined that over the course of a year, the combination of diet with exercise leads to sustainable weight loss, but over a six-month period, adding exercise made no difference to participants' weight-loss success. Trainer Sam Kelman can vouch for this study's efficacy. Despite her intense workout schedule, she couldn't manage to shed the last 15 pounds she'd be holding on to. Without making any shifts to her workout routine, she let go of the weight she hadn't been able to lose in just a few months by changing her diet, specifically in terms of portion control.
Weight loss is not my primary fitness goal right now, but for many years, it absolutely was. It was only when I got honest about my propensity to emotionally eat that I was able to take off weight, keep it off, and refocus my workout goals to improved energy and strength. I only wish I had gotten the memo sooner, so I could have saved myself from years of miserable yo-yo dieting and self-doubt about my ability to achieve my goal. It was celebrity trainer Anna Kaiser who helped me make the shift with a dose of tough love: "Put down the fork. No one needs to be eating five bowls of pasta a week and think that they're going to get rid of saddlebags if they're doing 500 leg raises. It's just not going to happen." A little harsh? Yes. But true? Unfortunately.
"We're All Queens in Our Own Queendoms" - Noomi Rapace on Women Kicking Ass at the Movies
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - days of the week, sure, but also cinema's latest female ass-kickers du jour in What Happened to Monday, Netflix's brutal, bloody sci-fi romp starring Noomi Rapace.
The Swedish actress stars in the streaming network's dystopian action flick, out Aug. 18, as identical septuplets named after each day of the week. All seven sisters have grown up living in hiding thanks to the government's law restricting families to one child only due to overpopulation, so their grandfather (Willem Dafoe) allows them out of the house only on the day corresponding with their name. They're able to maintain one public identity through adulthood, until a government agency led by the steely Glenn Close picks up on the scam. Monday doesn't return home after her day out, and soon enough her sisters savagely work their way through a long line of agents (and end up getting picked off in gory fashion themselves) in an effort to save her.
Signing on to play a character who flings herself out of second story windows and chops off fingers is not an unusual choice for Rapace, who has steadily built her career around projects that allow the slight, 5'4" star to fully embrace her physicality after a childhood spent practicing martial arts. "I don't really go and chase [those roles]," Rapace tells me during a recent phone call. "I'm very drawn to physical parts because I like doing all of that and it's always a fun ride, but it always needs to be coming out of a character and be character driven. When it's just pure action, that doesn't really do much for me. I like an action movie with real drama."
After hypnotizing audiences with her raw, gritty performance as Lisbeth Salander in the 2009 adaptation of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Rapace racked up action-heavy roles in films like Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and Prometheus. She carries the latter film on her shoulders, enduring a stomach-churning, self-induced alienectomy that rivals Alien's iconic chest-burster scene and cemented her as one of Hollywood's most gifted action stars. Though she might not have consciously sought out parts to showcase her combat-ready skills since then, her choices did not go unnoticed by What Happened to Monday director Tommy Wirkola, who made a massive change to the script so that Rapace could star after multiple attempts to cast her in some of his previous projects.
"I was terrified. It was like, 'If this doesn't work, it's all on me.' I stepped into this knowing that I had to do something I've never done before and no one's done before."
"He called me up and said, 'So, Noomi, I have this project, I want you to read it. It's actually seven brothers, but if you want to want to do it with me, because I can only imagine you doing this, I want to change it into women, to seven sisters.' Then he sent me the script and I read it, and I called the next day saying, 'OK. Absolutely, yes.' But I was terrified," she recalls. "It was like, 'If this doesn't work, it's all on me.' I stepped into this knowing that I had to do something I've never done before and no one's done before, because it's not seven clones. It's not a person with multiple personalities. It's actually seven different people."
Rapace immediately began working closely with What Happened to Monday's screenwriter to fully flesh out each of the sisters so that they felt "real and solid, like a real person." As she began the journey to make Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday feel more like women you know rather than shallow caricatures, she was surprised to find pieces of her own past staring back at her.
"What was kind of amazing was I realized that they are all me," she says, laughing. "It's like seven versions of me at different times in my life. There was a time in my life when I was more like Wednesday, when I was only training all the time, doing kung fu and Thai boxing, a complete tomboy. And then I was more rebellious, a punk rocker, more like Thursday, kind of angry and explosive. It's been interesting to realize that it's all in me. I have them all."
Now, more than ever, female characters in action movies are getting to be more than Just One Thing: the sexy sidekick, the scientist, a secretary.
Saturday, the most complex and feminine of the bunch, was Rapace's personal favorite, however. She enjoyed exploring the character's "flirty, sexual humor" and sincerity, and prepared to embody the character by listening to a lot of Rihanna and Beyoncé. Though Saturday isn't the toughest sister or the one who gets to go to town on a high-tech punching bag, she's closer to the recent spate of feminist heroes leading the movies this Summer. Women have certainly been holding their own in action-heavy films for a while now (Rapace is proof), but now, more than ever, female characters in action movies are getting to be more than Just One Thing: the sexy sidekick, the scientist, a secretary. Instead, women are taking over as action stars in their own right. Characters like Wonder Woman's Diana Prince and Atomic Blonde's Lorraine Broughton have refreshingly frank (and positive) approaches to sex, and never once falter or pause to question their own self-worth all while saving the entire damn world. It's a welcome trend, to be sure, and it's not surprising in the least to Rapace.
"It feels like I've been doing these kind of parts - running, fighting, surviving - for many, many years. I can totally see the wave of films coming out now with really strong women doing parts that men normally do," she says. "Just the fact that they changed What Happened to Monday from being seven brothers into seven sisters for me, I think that is something that's happening more and more, and it's amazing. Obviously it's time for a change, because it's been too many years of women being simply something to light up and spice up male-dominated films. That era is totally over."
For a woman who grew up watching Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis paint the town red in Thelma and Louise and who cites the moment in True Romance when Patricia Arquette and James Gandolfini fight to the death as one of her "favorite scenes, ever," it's no wonder she became the actress she is today (and why Wirkola bent over backwards to make sure she was a part of his film). Fortunately for all of us who adore watching Rapace kick ass on the regular, there's plenty more on the way. After What Happened to Monday premieres, she has a role in the CIA thriller Unlocked alongside Orlando Bloom and Toni Collette, and then Netflix's big-budget fantasy-crime flick Bright in November (in which she plays an elf who beats up Will Smith, naturally).
"I think it's amazing that things are changing," she adds. "It's a strong, good message to girls today. Women are not objects. We are not here to be judged and looked at as just sex symbols or cute, nice girlfriends. We are who we are. We're all queens in our own queendoms."
Doctors Found a Piece of a Woman's Braces in Her Stomach 10 Years Later!
Prepare to expand your list of medical nightmares after you learn what happened to a 30-year-old woman in Australia. After undergoing a CAT scan for abdominal pain, doctors discovered that an old dental wire was attached to the woman's small intestine. The craziest part? She hadn't worn braces for 10 years.
The ordeal, published in the journal BMJ Case Reports on Aug. 7, detailed the woman's harrowing journey. At first, the woman came to the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital's emergency room with some pain. She was sent home but came back two days later with even more discomfort. The doctors then performed a CAT scan, spotted the dental wire, and realized it had "penetrated" in different parts of the small intestine. They also discovered that her small intestine was experiencing volvulus, a condition in which the small intestine can twist itself.
Thankfully, the doctors were able to perform an emergency surgery and remove the dental wire. The woman had no recollection of ever swallowing or missing a part of her braces. The lesson here for everyone according to the study? If you're complaining about pain in your abdomen, it might because you accidentally swallowed a "foreign object." Or, if you're thinking of getting braces, maybe try Invisaligninstead?
15 Celebrity Halloween Costumes That Came From Your Nightmares
Over the years, Hollywood has pulled out all the stops when it comes to Halloween, giving us hundreds of spectacular looks to appreciate and imitate. Plenty of stars have gone the sexy route - we're looking at you, Paris Hilton - while others opt for dialing down the sex appeal. And of course, we can always expect the industry's hottest couples to pair up and shut it down. But perhaps the most fun costumes have been those that dial up the horror, just enough to give you the creeps.
Literally Just a Bunch of Sexy Jason Momoa GIFs to Brighten Your Day
Everybody needs a bit of cheering up sometimes, and there's nothing better to brighten your spirits (and get you hot and bothered) than literally just a massive roundup of sexy Jason Momoa GIFs. The burly Aquaman actor has no shortage of tantalizing photo moments, whether it's droolworthy shirtless snaps or his wardrobe of tight t-shirts, but there's something special about seeing him in action. From Jason's film projects to standout moments from his Instagram, sit back and enjoy these ridiculously hot GIFs. There's no need to thank us . . . we just want to spread the good word.
15 Things You Didn't Know About Flip or Flop's Tarek and Christina
Tarek and Christina El Moussa gained fame with their wildly popular HGTV house-flipping series, Flip or Flop. The show follows along as Tarek and Christina buy distressed homes at discount prices, manage a renovation, and then stage the home in the hopes of selling it at a major profit. After seven successful seasons and seven years of marriage, the couple shocked fans last December when they announced plans to separate. While it looks like Tarek and Christina plan to finish filming season 8 of Flip or Flop, it's too early to tell whether a ninth season will ever happen. For fans who are eagerly awaiting the season eight premiere, here are some fascinating facts about the hosts that you likely didn't know.
How to Clean Everything in Your Home and Beyond
Every room in your apartment or house comes with its own cleaning challenges. From air vents to rusty cooking ware, we've rounded up a cleaning guide for every room and item you could ever want to clean! And check out DIY cleaning products here!
- Additional reporting by Tara Block
Game of Thrones: What Is the Vale and Why Is Littlefinger in Charge of It?
Let's be real: if you're the sort of Game of Thrones fan who feels confused about the show all the damn time, then you might have some questions about a phrase that's tossed around a lot. Especially in seasons six and seven, Sansa and Littlefinger often mention "the Vale" in conversation, which obviously might prove confusing if you have no idea WTF that even is. Is it a hair accessory? A location? A group of people? Don't worry - we have all the answers you need about the Vale, except what its leader's fate might be.
The Vale of Arryn is a northeastern kingdom in Westeros historically ruled by house Arryn . . . or, as you might remember them, Catelyn Stark's crazy sister, Lysa Arryn, and her creepy mama's-boy son, Robin. The capital of the Vale is the Eyrie, the skyscraper of a castle where Tyrion is held prisoner in a wall-less cell back in season one and where Littlefinger eventually pushes Lysa to her death through the "moon door." As you might recall, the region is surrounded by mountains and "hill tribes" of savages, who Catelyn Stark and Tyrion scuffle with when Tyrion is still Stark's hostage. Also contained within the Vale is Littlefinger's home territory of the barely habitable rocky islands, The Fingers.
Why Does the Vale Matter?
The Vale has maintained strong forces through remaining neutral, staying out of conflicts thanks to Lysa Arryn's isolationist tactics.
Who Are the Knights of the Vale?
The most important facet of Littlefinger's newfound control is his access to the Knights of the Vale, a legendary force of soldiers from the region. The Knights of the Vale are a particularly formidable force because of their experience in nontraditional battle scenarios - they often fight the mountain clans surrounding the Eyrie - and their sheer numbers. You see, while other noble houses in Westeros have suffered massive losses in the War of the Five Kings, the Vale has maintained strong forces through remaining neutral and staying out of battles thanks to Lysa Arryn's isolationist tactics.
These Knights of the Vale are known for their loyalty and are legendary as fearsome fighters, so when Littlefinger finally decides it's time for the Vale to declare for House Stark, his armies swoop in at the last minute to easily help Jon Snow and win the Battle of the Bastards.
So, What's Next For the Vale?
This is particularly important to note when watching Littlefinger's dealings with Sansa. If he were to marry her - as he so clearly wishes to do - she would become Lady of the Vale, gaining access to this fearsome army. If she were to scorn Littlefinger instead, he could revoke the Vale's support for Jon Snow, returning to the Eyrie with his knights and leaving the North woefully ill-prepared for the Great War.
Littlefinger is clearly plotting something, but we'll have to wait and see how the Knights of the Vale play into it. In the meantime, read up on the best Game of Thrones theories to predict what's next!
I Still Can't Believe How Much the Whole30 Impacted My Life For the Better
If someone asked me at the beginning of the year to give up alcohol, dairy, gluten, and sugar for 30 days straight, I would have rolled my eyes and reached for a bottle of wine and the bread basket. No toast for my avocado? No margaritas at happy hour? No post-dinner cookies?! No thank you!
As a fitness instructor, I always thought of myself as more or less a healthy eater. I lived by the "everything in moderation" rule and dispelled food guilt with thoughts of I'm worth it, Treat yourself girl! and Hey, I worked out twice today. I packed my lunches (when I remembered), tried to only eat out a few times a week, and blended as many fruits and veggies I could into smoothie bowls.
But in reality, as clean as my diet appeared, my lifestyle wasn't working. I was sick.
For as long as I can remember I have suffered from digestive issues, migraines, acne, and ovarian cysts. I tried a myriad of medications over the years to no avail, often seeing only short-term relief - or feeling even sicker than before. I continued to try to eat healthy and work out religiously, but something wasn't working. There were lifestyle changes I needed to make to bring my mind and body back to full health.
After thumbing through the Whole30 Cookbook at a friend's home one night, I felt the conviction hard and swift: I needed a challenge and some discipline to get back on track. This would be my reset. A few long, sugarless-breadless-wineless weeks later, this is what I noticed.
It Was Hard - but Not Impossible
I won't sugarcoat it: the Whole30 is hard. Meals took more time to plan and prepare than I thought. The days I didn't want to stick to my grocery schedule or tried to wing it for dinner were the days that left me feeling miserable, deprived, and almost ready to give up.
When my coworker brought in homemade banana bread, when I was sipping sparkling water instead of a cocktail at a party, when staring down at my boyfriend's cheesy pizza on a date, I wanted to go ham on whatever rule-breaking food or beverage was before me. Giving up alcohol, even as only a moderate drinker, is a challenge in itself. I missed my dang margaritas!
It Gets Worse Before It Gets Better
I kicked off my first week bursting with excitement and daydreaming of the finish-line results. But once the newness wore off, I felt the the true challenge set in. I was previously warned by the book that days 8-14 could bring about a few not-so-pleasant side effects as your body adjusted. Everything I read was right. Since my body was no longer receiving the sugar and simple carbohydrates it had been trained to get fuel from, I found myself more tired and irritable as the day wore on. The hanger was real.
The Whole30 guide explained this part of the journey as a literal withdrawal from my old ways of eating, and that's exactly what it felt like. I battled headaches and stomachaches, and my bowel movements were few and far between. I even dreamt of biting into a fresh, warm donut! Thankfully, most of this cleared up in week three, and I started seeing results.
I Slept Better
I have always been an "early to bed early to rise" kind of gal (I sure do love my morning workouts) but waking up around 5:30 every morning didn't always come easy. About 12 days into my Whole30 journey, everything changed. Suddenly I was falling asleep soon after I snuggled under my covers and waking up refreshed and ready to go in the morning.
Gone was the morning fog and bleary-eyed stumble to the coffee maker - instead I was rising in conjunction with my alarm feeling recharged and ready to jump on the Spin bike. The best part? No more 2:30 p.m. why can't I just crawl under my desk and nap? moments either.
I Lost Belly Fat
I'm an active person; much of my job requires me to work out on a daily basis. But no matter how much I tried to tone my midsection, there was always an extra layer of fat making itself at home around my waistline. Three weeks into my Whole30 I saw it noticeably disappear. As in, inches.
Though my main goal of the month wasn't centered around weight loss, seeing the soft lines of my abs - which I have never been able to see before - was an exciting transformation. Losing belly fat was a sign my body was finally balancing as it let go of pounds it had clung to for years.
My Workouts Were Stronger
I won't lie. In the beginning of my Whole30 journey, there was solid week of complete and utter exhaustion. My eyes would droop in meetings, my legs felt heavy when I walked, and heading into the Spin studio brought me more dread than my usual joy. I could hardly do anything more than a light walk.
Once I got over the halfway point, something shifted. My energy bounced back. I noticed more stamina on the Spin bike and power in my weightlifting as my body relearned how to be more efficient with its fuel.
My Acne – and Cysts! – Cleared
I was first diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) at the age of 15. Since then, routine ultrasounds revealed numerous cysts dotting each of my ovaries. With PCOS, my hormones weren't as balanced, and I continued to struggle with hormonal acne on my chin well into my mid-20s. But about two weeks into the Whole30, my skin was glowing. No new breakouts emerged around my period like I was so used to. I even stopped wearing makeup!
After another check-up with my doctor, she recommended I get an ultrasound to see how the inside of my body was responding as well. The results? Only one cyst appeared to be hanging out on my ovaries. ONE! I cried with relief when I heard back from my doctor. Knowing this food lifestyle could potentially impact my fertility later in life gave me a new respect for the power of food and our bodies.
I Decided to Keep Going
When starting out, I told myself I could do anything for one month. I envisioned toasting to my success with a glass of wine and maybe even a bowl of pasta on day 31. But when the official end of the Whole30 came and went in all of its difficulties and glory, I felt so great, the last thing I wanted was that bowl of pasta. I wanted to keep going. Instead of rushing back into my old ways, I slowly introduced the eliminated food groups.
The reintroduction process of the Whole30 is just as important as the elimination phase. Slowly bringing back gluten, dairy, soy, and other potentially intolerance-triggering foods back into your diet helps you discover what your body doesn't respond well to. I already knew dairy was 100 percent out; I've been lactose-intolerant my whole life. I decided to continue sans-gluten and soy to see if it helped stabilize my mood swings.
After my 30 days were over, I continued focusing on eating more veggies, healthy fats, and protein, and imbibed alcohol and sweet treats on special occasions rather than several times per week. They best part is, the more I stuck to the Whole30 guidelines, the less I craved my usual afterdinner sweet and bread on the side of everything.
It wasn't always easy, but feeling as good as I did was motivation in itself. And just like that, the takeout Pad Thai, green juice lunches, and afternoon candy jar raids were that much less appealing - and I felt unstoppable.
Jon Snow Runs For His Freakin' Life in the Preview For Next Week's Game of Thrones
We really weren't prepared for Game of Thrones season seven. The season's fiery fourth episode was followed by "Eastwatch," which basically dropped a major bombshell in every scene. Season seven's sixth episode looks just as insane, with the preview containing glimpses of Beric Dondarrion's flaming sword (AHHHH!), serious drama at Winterfell (AHHHH!), and Jon Snow running like hell from the Night King (AHHHHHHH!). Check it out above.
"We're All Queens in Our Own Queendoms" - Noomi Rapace on Women Kicking Ass at the Movies
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - days of the week, sure, but also cinema's latest female ass-kickers du jour in What Happened to Monday, Netflix's brutal, bloody sci-fi romp starring Noomi Rapace.
The Swedish actress stars in the streaming network's dystopian action flick, out Aug. 18, as identical septuplets named after each day of the week. All seven sisters have grown up living in hiding thanks to the government's law restricting families to one child only due to overpopulation, so their grandfather (Willem Dafoe) allows them out of the house only on the day corresponding with their name. They're able to maintain one public identity through adulthood, until a government agency led by the steely Glenn Close picks up on the scam. Monday doesn't return home after her day out, and soon enough her sisters savagely work their way through a long line of agents (and end up getting picked off in gory fashion themselves) in an effort to save her.
Signing on to play a character who flings herself out of second story windows and chops off fingers is not an unusual choice for Rapace, who has steadily built her career around projects that allow the slight, 5'4" star to fully embrace her physicality after a childhood spent practicing martial arts. "I don't really go and chase [those roles]," Rapace tells me during a recent phone call. "I'm very drawn to physical parts because I like doing all of that and it's always a fun ride, but it always needs to be coming out of a character and be character driven. When it's just pure action, that doesn't really do much for me. I like an action movie with real drama."
After hypnotizing audiences with her raw, gritty performance as Lisbeth Salander in the 2009 adaptation of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Rapace racked up action-heavy roles in films like Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and Prometheus. She carries the latter film on her shoulders, enduring a stomach-churning, self-induced alienectomy that rivals Alien's iconic chest-burster scene and cemented her as one of Hollywood's most gifted action stars. Though she might not have consciously sought out parts to showcase her combat-ready skills since then, her choices did not go unnoticed by What Happened to Monday director Tommy Wirkola, who made a massive change to the script so that Rapace could star after multiple attempts to cast her in some of his previous projects.
"I was terrified. It was like, 'If this doesn't work, it's all on me.' I stepped into this knowing that I had to do something I've never done before and no one's done before."
"He called me up and said, 'So, Noomi, I have this project, I want you to read it. It's actually seven brothers, but if you want to want to do it with me, because I can only imagine you doing this, I want to change it into women, to seven sisters.' Then he sent me the script and I read it, and I called the next day saying, 'OK. Absolutely, yes.' But I was terrified," she recalls. "It was like, 'If this doesn't work, it's all on me.' I stepped into this knowing that I had to do something I've never done before and no one's done before, because it's not seven clones. It's not a person with multiple personalities. It's actually seven different people."
Rapace immediately began working closely with What Happened to Monday's screenwriter to fully flesh out each of the sisters so that they felt "real and solid, like a real person." As she began the journey to make Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday feel more like women you know rather than shallow caricatures, she was surprised to find pieces of her own past staring back at her.
"What was kind of amazing was I realized that they are all me," she says, laughing. "It's like seven versions of me at different times in my life. There was a time in my life when I was more like Wednesday, when I was only training all the time, doing kung fu and Thai boxing, a complete tomboy. And then I was more rebellious, a punk rocker, more like Thursday, kind of angry and explosive. It's been interesting to realize that it's all in me. I have them all."
Now, more than ever, female characters in action movies are getting to be more than Just One Thing: the sexy sidekick, the scientist, a secretary.
Saturday, the most complex and feminine of the bunch, was Rapace's personal favorite, however. She enjoyed exploring the character's "flirty, sexual humor" and sincerity, and prepared to embody the character by listening to a lot of Rihanna and Beyoncé. Though Saturday isn't the toughest sister or the one who gets to go to town on a high-tech punching bag, she's closer to the recent spate of feminist heroes leading the movies this Summer. Women have certainly been holding their own in action-heavy films for a while now (Rapace is proof), but now, more than ever, female characters in action movies are getting to be more than Just One Thing: the sexy sidekick, the scientist, a secretary. Instead, women are taking over as action stars in their own right. Characters like Wonder Woman's Diana Prince and Atomic Blonde's Lorraine Broughton have refreshingly frank (and positive) approaches to sex, and never once falter or pause to question their own self-worth all while saving the entire damn world. It's a welcome trend, to be sure, and it's not surprising in the least to Rapace.
"It feels like I've been doing these kind of parts - running, fighting, surviving - for many, many years. I can totally see the wave of films coming out now with really strong women doing parts that men normally do," she says. "Just the fact that they changed What Happened to Monday from being seven brothers into seven sisters for me, I think that is something that's happening more and more, and it's amazing. Obviously it's time for a change, because it's been too many years of women being simply something to light up and spice up male-dominated films. That era is totally over."
For a woman who grew up watching Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis paint the town red in Thelma and Louise and who cites the moment in True Romance when Patricia Arquette and James Gandolfini fight to the death as one of her "favorite scenes, ever," it's no wonder she became the actress she is today (and why Wirkola bent over backwards to make sure she was a part of his film). Fortunately for all of us who adore watching Rapace kick ass on the regular, there's plenty more on the way. After What Happened to Monday premieres, she has a role in the CIA thriller Unlocked alongside Orlando Bloom and Toni Collette, and then Netflix's big-budget fantasy-crime flick Bright in November (in which she plays an elf who beats up Will Smith, naturally).
"I think it's amazing that things are changing," she adds. "It's a strong, good message to girls today. Women are not objects. We are not here to be judged and looked at as just sex symbols or cute, nice girlfriends. We are who we are. We're all queens in our own queendoms."
An Expert in the Science of Happiness Reveals 8 Secrets to Achieving It
Without sadness, we couldn't know true happiness either. You've probably heard someone along these lines before, but if you think about it, it makes sense - and science backs up the theory as well. Emiliana R. Simon-Thomas, Ph.D., is the science director of the Greater Good Science Center and co-instructor of a "Science of Happiness" online course. She earned her doctorate in cognition brain and behavior at UC Berkeley, and the expert recently did an IAmA on Reddit where she discussed - you guessed it - happiness. Simon-Thomas answered questions we can all relate to with science-backed secrets that reveal why happiness is important and how we can work to achieve it.
1. What was your journey to being a scientific expert on happiness?
"Great question. So, the earliest moment where I thought studying happiness was a good idea came during a debate with my parents about the meaning of life. My parents were both raised strict Italian Catholic, and came to Buddhism as their philosophical/spiritual outlook as young adults. I was complaining (nine or 10 yrs old) that we didn't have enough fun, or dessert. They were saying something complex that I heard as 'life is suffering' . . . and I thought . . . 'no its not - we're meant to be happy' . . . and I wanted to understand how to best arrive at happiness. After that, I went on to study psychology and neuroscience and emotions and thinking . . . and eventually worked my way back to studying the origins, sources, and biological systems that foster happiness."
2. What is something small that everyone can do that people might not be aware might be beneficial?
"Make and keep a list of words that reflect the values and aspirations that you find meaningful, that you know pertain to strengthening your social connections, predilection towards kindness, and sense of belonging in your community. Write one down each day on a post it - right where you can see it - and let it be a source of inspiration for the day.
"My grandmother used to keep little 1 x 4 inch slips of card stock with such words written on them in her purse - and whenever we saw her - she'd invite us to pick one: jubilant, fabulous, gracious, marvelous, peaceful, spunky, generous, forgiving, kind, tenacious, appreciative, wholehearted, etc. It's inspiring, fun, and surprisingly uplifting!"
3. My spouse has been really stressed out lately, what's the best way to help him be happier?
"Part of this depends on whether he aspires to do anything about being stressed out, and how open he is to suggestions or advice from you. If he is, inviting him to share time doing relaxing things together - a walk outdoors, a conversation about something relaxing with a warm comforting beverage, or if you're feeling more adventurous, doing a guided meditation practice together. There are some great, free MP3s on UCLA's MARC website you can draw from. Other simple steps? Avoid checking email/work obligations outside of normal work hours (e.g. in the evening before bed), reflect on ways that people's actions in the world lead to goodness in your lives (gratitude), and indulge in some good comedy/humor."
4. Can I be happy and lonely at the same time?
"Tricky question. In general, loneliness is a barrier to overarching happiness in life. Loneliness is also associated with increased risk of physical illness through its influence on the cardiovascular system, the immune system, and endocrine function. Lack of social support is said to be as much of a health risk as a lifetime of smoking, or being morbidly obese. There is research that ties the current opioid epidemic to loneliness. Early research on happiness found that lonely people never fall into the category of 'very happy.'
"That said, loneliness is a subjective characteristic - that is - studies have shown that if you feel lonely, you suffer these risks, but if you simply live in a solitary way and are not distraught by it, there are few complications. Often people think having social connections means having 1 million+ friends in life and on social media, but really, social connection can be realized when you have just one person you can count on to support you in times of need, and perhaps who would also turn to you for support when they need it. So it's not about being gregarious, it's about being able to form and maintain trusting, safe, and mutually benevolent connections, and believe it or not, most people can hone and develop the skills to be good at that."
5. Do you have any thoughts or tips about how my partner and I can do our best to remain happy and connected in our new roles as parents?
"Congratulations! The most interesting research on happiness in parenting seems to center upon mindfulness - that is - cultivating a better sense of awareness of your habits of thinking, interpreting, and judging feelings and thoughts within yourself and others, and developing a stronger capacity to attend to the present moment in real time as it is occurring. Babies live primarily in the present moment, and the more you can align your awareness with theirs, the easier it will be to understand their signals and in turn, form deep, trusting, meaningful connection. These early life connections shape lifelong patterns of behavior, health, and mental well-being - trust your impulse to care and nurture, and indulge in being awashed in oxytocin! And, don't hesitate to ask for help and support from your community - it does, indeed, take a village."
6. Do you think artists need to feel unhappiness to create art?
"Happiness, overarching happiness in life, is not the consequence of a perpetual string of enthusiastic joy. Rather, when people's lives are emotionally diverse, and they are skilled at channeling those negative emotions (which we are biologically built to experience) into creative endeavors (or some other means of recovering from life's inevitable difficult moments) - this is an advantage. So yes, unhappy states (which is not the same as being an overall unhappy person) are instrumental to happiness, and can be a very important element of artistic sublimation!"
7. Do you have any wisdom that you could share about the science on "bittersweet" happiness?
"Yep. My son is starting kindergarten in two weeks, so I'm there right now. Sadness is a fundamental dimension of the human experience, and it manifests in a way that enables us to respond to challenging situations (e.g. irrevocable loss) adaptively, like crying - which draws supportive others close. Being supported and supporting others are experiences that activate reward circuits in our brains, and that strengthen social relationships, and strong social connections are essential to a happy life. So feeling blue is OK! Cry! Hug! Then move on, because persistent, enduring states of bittersweet, that is, not being able to recover, really does get in the way of happiness."
8. What role should "happiness" play in ones life?
"Well, happier people are healthier, have more satisfying relationships, live longer, are more creative, productive, and successful professionally, earn higher salaries, and . . . well, pretty much enjoy greater quality of life however you look . . . The pursuit of happiness, at individual and collective levels, should be baked into other important endeavors that stand to shape the course of life for all of us."
McDonald's Is Updating the Happy Meal in a Major Way as the School Year Starts
McDonald's is introducing a special change that might make you more inclined to stop by with your kids. In honor of National Literacy Month this September, the fast food company will be replacing the toys in its Happy Meals with classic children's books. The meaningful update is born out of a partnership with HarperCollins Publishers, as McDonald's will be offering four books from the storied publishing company.
According to a press statement, McDonald's plans on distributing a whopping 20 million books for the nearly month-long promotion. The four titles being offered are Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School, Pete the Cat's Got Class, Just A School Project, and If You Take a Mouse to School. It should come as no surprise that all of these books are also thematically tied to the start of the school year.
McDonald's and HarperCollins have previously partnered in the past on similar Happy Meals. In a statement, the president and publisher of HarperCollins Children's Books, Suzanne Murphy, said, "HarperCollins is pleased to be part of McDonald's Happy Meal Books promotion again this year to place beloved books in the hands of millions of children." She added, "We hope to make book ownership for children more accessible."
McDonald's will be offering the literary Happy Meals from Sept. 5 until Sept. 18. Most books will be available in English, however, select locations will offer versions in Spanish.
Game of Thrones: What Is the Vale and Why Is Littlefinger in Charge of It?
Let's be real: if you're the sort of Game of Thrones fan who feels confused about the show all the damn time, then you might have some questions about a phrase that's tossed around a lot. Especially in seasons six and seven, Sansa and Littlefinger often mention "the Vale" in conversation, which obviously might prove confusing if you have no idea WTF that even is. Is it a hair accessory? A location? A group of people? Don't worry - we have all the answers you need about the Vale, except what its leader's fate might be.
The Vale of Arryn is a northeastern kingdom in Westeros historically ruled by house Arryn . . . or, as you might remember them, Catelyn Stark's crazy sister, Lysa Arryn, and her creepy mama's-boy son, Robin. The capital of the Vale is the Eyrie, the skyscraper of a castle where Tyrion is held prisoner in a wall-less cell back in season one and where Littlefinger eventually pushes Lysa to her death through the "moon door." As you might recall, the region is surrounded by mountains and "hill tribes" of savages, who Catelyn Stark and Tyrion scuffle with when Tyrion is still Stark's hostage. Also contained within the Vale is Littlefinger's home territory of the barely habitable rocky islands, The Fingers.
Why Does the Vale Matter?
The Vale has maintained strong forces through remaining neutral, staying out of conflicts thanks to Lysa Arryn's isolationist tactics.
Who Are the Knights of the Vale?
The most important facet of Littlefinger's newfound control is his access to the Knights of the Vale, a legendary force of soldiers from the region. The Knights of the Vale are a particularly formidable force because of their experience in nontraditional battle scenarios - they often fight the mountain clans surrounding the Eyrie - and their sheer numbers. You see, while other noble houses in Westeros have suffered massive losses in the War of the Five Kings, the Vale has maintained strong forces through remaining neutral and staying out of battles thanks to Lysa Arryn's isolationist tactics.
These Knights of the Vale are known for their loyalty and are legendary as fearsome fighters, so when Littlefinger finally decides it's time for the Vale to declare for House Stark, his armies swoop in at the last minute to easily help Jon Snow and win the Battle of the Bastards.
So, What's Next For the Vale?
This is particularly important to note when watching Littlefinger's dealings with Sansa. If he were to marry her - as he so clearly wishes to do - she would become Lady of the Vale, gaining access to this fearsome army. If she were to scorn Littlefinger instead, he could revoke the Vale's support for Jon Snow, returning to the Eyrie with his knights and leaving the North woefully ill-prepared for the Great War.
Littlefinger is clearly plotting something, but we'll have to wait and see how the Knights of the Vale play into it. In the meantime, read up on the best Game of Thrones theories to predict what's next!
It's Time We Took a Look at What John Legend's Been Hiding Under His Shirt
When we think of John Legend, the first two things that come to mind are his beautifully soulful voice and his enviable relationship with wife Chrissy Teigen. But what often goes unnoticed is that hiding under all those shirts that John wears are a great set of biceps and tight pecs. Thankfully, we have Chrissy, who often reminds us of this on Instagram. We've rounded up some of John's sexiest shirtless snaps for your enjoyment.
1 Week to the Beach? Here's How to Look and Feel Your Best Fast
It's T-minus seven days to your swimsuit-clad vacation, and you haven't accomplished any of the healthy goals you had in mind when you booked. We've all been there. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to sustainable weight loss, but that doesn't mean you should give up completely! You can absolutely feel a difference in your energy and how your clothes fit in just seven days. Follow these healthy rules when you're one week out from the fun, and get ready to rock your favorite crop tops, shorts, and swimsuits with a little extra confidence.
21 Subtle Ways Kate Middleton Has Switched Up Her Style This Year
We're only halfway through 2017, but the Duchess of Cambridge has rocked some major new looks already. She has introduced a clutch of new designers - Chanel! - to her repertoire, experimented with different shapes and styles, gone big and bold with a stash of new jewels, and pulled out all the stops with some stunning new looks from her favorite names. We can't wait to see what's still to come from Kate's closet . . .
Miley Cyrus Will Win You Over With Her Wedding Dress
I don't know when or if Miley Cyrus is getting married. While Billy Ray Cyrus posted a photo that suggests she and Liam Hemsworth tied the knot, it hasn't been confirmed. Maybe Miley isn't even thinking about marriage. But in my imaginary world, she walks down the aisle in a pretty spectacular wedding dress. You see, ever since I was young, I looked at Miley as someone who represented versatility. She played two different characters on Hannah Montana, and my younger sister plastered posters of Miley all over her walls, some in which she was dressed up like Hannah, others in which she was just herself in jeans and a three-quarter-sleeved tee. But even when she was just being Miley, the actress and singer looked unique and a little bit quirky.
She's gone through many stages, but there has never been a time when Miley's paid attention to trends. During her rise to fame, she wore flares and cowboy boots, maybe because they were representative of where she came from: Franklin, TN. Post-breakup with Liam Hemsworth (the two have rekindled their relationship and Liam has even been spotted wearing what looks like a wedding band on that finger), Miley kind of went HAM with her wardrobe. And I liked it. What she wore, or didn't wear, was all a part of her personal revolution.
Miley's style at this point could basically be described as costume like. She dressed as a twerking teddy bear and supported LGBT rights in rainbows and big, furry coats. Then, at the 2015 Met Gala, the industry's elite gathered on the red carpet, but Miley stood alone in a cutout Alexander Wang gown. It ended up on some "worst dressed" lists, but I think it was my favorite outfit of the night. It didn't seem like Miley was trying to appear sexy or edgy but just to look like herself.
So now, as outsiders speculate on whether Miley and Liam got hitched, I can't help but to imagine her would-be bridal look. I doubt Miley Cyrus's wedding dress will be all white. It might be neon, a mix of colors, or come with an inflatable skirt. Miley might not wear a wedding dress at all, should she get married. Maybe she'll go naked. She did reveal on the Today show that she prefers to stay out of the fashion conversation: "I don't want people to talk about what I'm wearing. That's usually why I don't wear too much," she said.
One thing's for sure: if Miley Cyrus gets married, her look won't include a ballgown so glamorous that everyone focuses on the pretty (or crazy!) details. They won't be talking about The Dress, because god knows it won't be wearing her. It'll be all about Miley. Read on to see why we know Miley will hit it out of the park on her special day.
Why the Menstrual Cup Makes It So Much Easier to Work Out on My Period
Working out on my period used to be such a hassle that I would find any excuse to take the whole week off from exercising. On my heavier days, I was too afraid to go anywhere near the gym for fear that I would leak all over my shorts or leggings (or worse, the treadmill!). Additionally, there were some days when working out while using a tampon was simply too uncomfortable. It was like I couldn't move around normally.
I switched over to a menstrual cup four years ago, and it was the best period-related decision I've ever made. It was definitely an adjustment in the beginning, but once I got used to the cup, I found that it made a huge difference in my fitness routine during my period each month.
The best part about using my menstrual cup is that I can take it in and out as many times as I need to. On the other hand, removing a tampon before it was fully used caused me cringing discomfort. Now I can remove my menstrual cup right before my workout, regardless of how long ago I inserted it, just so I can empty it out right before I walk into the gym. This leaves me feeling confident that no leakage will take place during my workout.
Additionally, I just feel more comfortable moving around when I use a menstrual cup. It's flexible, so it forms to my body much better and it never feels like it's going to fall out of place. Whether I'm running, lifting weights, or doing yoga when I'm on my period, I know the cup will hold in everything I need it to do.
Another small reason to love the menstrual cup is the fact that you don't have to carry around extra tampons. I can't imagine a more anxiety-inducing situation than being at the gym and realizing mid-workout that I don't have an extra tampon. That's happened to me before, and I've had to cut my workout short as a precautionary measure.
Working out on my period is still not an activity I look forward to every month, but it's infinitely easier now that I have my menstrual cup by my side. I never feel like my workout is being interfered with, and I don't worry about an accident waiting to happen. Now I have no reason not to get to the gym, period or not.
10 Kids You Meet in Every High School Class
School is an amazing time in a kid's life where they get to learn all kinds of new information that will serve them well later in life. Part of being a student is interacting with your peers, whether you want to or not. It doesn't matter what classroom you've stumbled in to, or what grade you're in, there are always a few tried-and-true personality types sitting at the desks.
These groupings, formed early on in school, seem to get stronger and stronger with each passing year. As a teacher, I've seen my fair share of personalities in my classroom. The real questions are, which one were you, and which one is your kid?
11 People in Kate Middleton's Top-Secret Squad
When the Duchess of Cambridge isn't running after Prince George and Princess Charlotte, enjoying a quiet night in with Prince William, or catching up with her family, who does she choose to spend her time with? So much of her life is up for public consumption, but her friends are usually kept firmly out of the spotlight. Glossier than the posters in a hair salon window, more fiercely protective than big cats with cubs, and more interwoven than 1,000-thread-count Egyptian cotton - we bring you the lowdown on Kate's top-secret friendship group.
The Reason Princess Diana Wore 2 Watches Is So Sweet, It Hurts
Even after all these years, we're still obsessed with dissecting every look Princess Diana's ever worn. While we know her engagement ring was a special piece - it now belongs to Kate Middleton - there's something to be said for her watches. The princess was spotted at a polo match in 1981 wearing two on one arm, and it was more than just a style statement. It was a symbol of love.
According to Marie Claire, the gold watch Princess Diana wore was her own while the larger watch with the leather strap belonged to Prince Charles. The royal wore this second accessory to wish him luck in the polo match, a small nod to the then-love of her life. The reason was so simple and so sweet, it might make you want to read up on their relationship (just in case you missed out on the details).
The Mini Version of Your Favorite Designer Bag Is Calling Your Name
I've always been a fan of small bags (shout out to my Givenchy Antigona mini!). I'm aware most of them can only hold the essentials: phone, wallet, keys, and, if I'm lucky, a water bottle. It's a challenge to downsize, for sure, but for the most part I love miniature bags because I don't feel like I'm dragging a dead weight around. Plus, my shoulder needs a break every now and then from my work tote.
But these pint-size designer offerings aren't just practical, they have another perk too: they're usually a few hundred dollars cheaper. For those on a budget, investing in the mini version of your dream bag is not only smart but efficient. You're basically getting the same style for less, and mini bags are infinitely cuter. Don't believe us? Just check out some of the micro options ahead.
The Story of Harry Potter's Invisibility Cloak May Be WAY Darker Than We Thought
For many Harry Potter fans, one of the most iconic parts of the entire series is the "Tale of the 3 Brothers," a supposed legend from The Tales of Beedle the Bard that has very real implications for Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The tale of Cadmus, Ignotus, and Antioch Peverell's quest to defy death turns out to be real, inspiring Lord Voldemort to seek out their famed possessions: three gifts from Death called the Deathly Hallows. Luckily for Harry, he already owns one (the invisibility cloak) as a distant descendant of the Peverell clan.
As intriguing as the story is, one Reddit user's dark theory about the Deathly Hallows adds another element of mystery to the Peverell legend.
The theory - which purports that perhaps the three brothers were necromancers summoning the dead - establishes the idea that the three hallows are bits of Death's own arsenal, intended to curse the men who strove to bridge the gap between life and death. The Elder Wand is a bit of Death itself, which can summon immediate death through the killing curse. The Resurrection Stone is part of the arch that holds the veil of Death. And the Cloak of Invisibility is a bit of the veil itself, the gateway through which the dead pass. Sound familiar?
Harry himself sees this archway of death with his own eyes, theorizes the Redditor, in the Department of Mysteries during Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. He hears the whispers of the dead through the arch and witnesses his godfather Sirius pass from the side of the living over to the side of the dead. His possession of the invisibility cloak could explain why he is able to hear these whispers at all and why he is so intently drawn to the Veil of Death during his time in the Department of Mysteries. If he truly bridges the gap between life and death, it means that Harry isn't fully alive.
What do you think about this theory? Could Harry's ownership of the cloak mean that he bridges the gap between death and life? Let us know in the comments!
It's Almost That Time! 17 Awesome Backpacks Your Kids Will Be Begging For
For kids, choosing your back-to-school backpack is a huge deal. Parents know that it can be quite an overwhelming situation when children are presented with a wall of options to choose from. That's why we curated a list of the hottest and most popular choices out there. If your kid loves Wonder Woman, Minecraft, Star Wars, and more, they will be thrilled with these selections. Get them before they all disappear!
20+ Food Hacks to Make You a Jedi in the Kitchen
It's time to stop wasting energy, effort, and food. The old-fashioned ways of doing things don't always cut it when you're baking, cooking, or just plain trying to eat! These 20+ tips step up your game in the kitchen, so you can basically be a jedi cook.
We Might Have Unlocked the Secret of Jennifer Lawrence's New Horror Film, Mother!
This week, the full trailer for Mother! was released, leaving us more intrigued by Darren Aronofsky's mysterious new film than ever. While the trailer does hint at the dangers to come, and we do have plenty of extra details, it's safe to say we have more questions than answers at this point. I decided to take matters into my own hands. With just the posters and the trailer at my disposal, I embarked on a quest that no one really asked for to discern what exactly the movie is about. Surprisingly, I actually unearthed some fascinating stuff. Take my hand and descend into this confusing labyrinth, won't ye?
Hints From the Title
Let's start with the most basic analysis. Mother! must have some sort of matriarchal structure to it. We just have to figure out who the "mother" is. Is Jennifer Lawrence an aspiring mother who wants to bring new life into the world? If this is the case, then perhaps all the events revolve around her attempts to get pregnant. Given the slight resemblance between Lawrence and Michelle Pfeiffer, it's not too far a jump to wonder if Pfeiffer plays Lawrence's mother. This could be a good twist if Lawrence was abandoned as a child.
The final theory will bring us deeper into the film: maybe the "mother" is some kind of entity. Could this mysterious group of people be trying to summon some sort of goddess or creature? This would explain some of the more disturbing things that appear in the posters and the trailer.
Hints From the Posters
Before we were able to see any footage of Mother!, two arresting and unsettling posters were released. The first shows Jennifer Lawrence with a gaping wound in her own chest. In her hands, she holds her own heart. Her expression is almost completely blank, but there's almost a sort of wonder or tranquility laced into it. There are other strange things to note. On the left side, one flower seems to house an octagonal door knob. Once you watch the trailer, you'll notice this shape appears in many different ways (windows, wallpapers, etc.) throughout the house.
On the right side, things get even weirder. Near Lawrence's shoulder is some sort of roughly cut crystal. Further down, you'll notice a frog, which could mean any number of things. If you want to go Biblical, the frog would have to be associated with the plagues. A frog could also signify some sort of transformation, since the amphibians have their own metamorphosis after being born as tadpoles. Also, if you zoom in on Lawrence's eyes, you can actually see the reflection of another person (Bardem?).
The poster featuring Javier Bardem is even stranger. The chair he's sitting on is breaking apart. He's bathed in flames that have hidden faces in them. If you zoom in on the mirrored ball he's holding, you can just barely make out the image of a baby. This again, would reaffirm that maybe this whole thing is about Jennifer Lawrence trying to get pregnant.
Then, we get to my favorite part of the poster(s): the little object with the strange symbol on it. I'm inclined to call it a lighter, since the shape seems to fit. The lighter actually also appears on Lawrence's poster, deep down on the bottom right side. After some serious internet digging, I discovered that the symbol is actually some sort of ancient rune called a Wendehorn. Are you ready to put on that tinfoil hat and strap the f*ck in? Here's where sh*t gets crazy.
Diving Into the Wendehorn
Before we dive into everything, let me explain runes. Runes were basically a set of letters in an ancient alphabet. (Kind of like how Russian uses its own alphabet.) They were used for Germanic languages before the Latin alphabet was adopted. That's why we're looking toward German history to understand this symbol. Actually, and more specifically, this ancient rune can be traced back to Nazi Germany.
Occultism has been loosely associated with Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. A book called Hitler's Elite explains how they used runes in some of their documentation. In this diagram, you might recognize the symbol we're looking for. It has been split in two: The "Leben-Rune" and the "Toten-Rune," or in English, the "life rune" and "death rune." I'm not suggesting Mother! involves Nazis in any way (hey, though, never say never). I'm saying that, if you use the runes as a jumping off point, you get somewhere pretty wild.
I discovered that, when you combine the life rune and death rune, it's called the Wendehorn. The nature of the symbol has been explored in plenty of different texts. The Wendehorn was thought to have been developed by an acclaimed occultist known as Guido Von List. It's said to be a "complex and yet austere symbol that symbolises the uniting and bonding of contrasts and disparities - 'life and death,' 'order and chaos,' . . . 'good and bad,' 'fire and ice,' 'mind and body,' 'light and dark.'"
Get this: the rune is also, according to List, associated with Freyja, the Norse goddess of "love, fertility, battle, and death." If we're thinking fertility, this brings us right back to Mother!, doesn't it? Perhaps this group of crazies is praying to Freyja to help Jennifer Lawrence bring a child into this world. Or, take it one step further - maybe they're trying to summon the goddess herself.
Hints From the Trailer
This brings us to the last piece of the puzzle: the trailer, which we have to pretty much take at face value for the time being. Here's what I know for certain: Lawrence and Bardem have built some kind of idyllic life in the countryside together. Lawrence has painstakingly put together the home of her dreams, and suddenly, two strangers show up: a man and his wife.
Bardem professes not to know them, but they have pictures of him. Then, more people show up. Lots and lots of people. Lawrence finds some f*cked up sh*t in the basement. A light bulb bleeds. Domhnall Gleeson inexplicably shows up. Kristen Wiig allegedly is in the cast, but she's nowhere to be seen. (Freyja, amiright?) By the end, it seems pretty clear that, in some kind of Rosemary's Baby twist, everyone is in on it except for Lawrence, and she's just trying to make it out of the whole thing in one piece.
That's all we have at this point. I do really think the Wendehorn might be the key to all of it. After all, in her new Vogue profile as part of the publication's September issue, Lawrence teased that "the themes are just huge." And what greater themes are there than life and death, light and dark, order and chaos? As a parting gift, consider this shot of the trailer. Could that be a half-painted Wendehorn? Maybe I'm just overthinking it. But, I mean, this is Darren Aronofsky. Anything goes.
23 Great Gift Ideas For 1-Year-Olds
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Amal Clooney's Biggest Style Secret Is Decades Old
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She secures a handful of them from William Vintage and styles them with seasonal It bags, power pumps, and dark sunglasses. If we had to guess, we'd say Amal's goal isn't to mix high and low but to mix the new with the old. The outcome is a signature look that lands Amal on best dressed lists but also serves up inspiration for business women on the go. Scroll to find Amal's most memorable vintage ensembles yet.
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The Most Expensive-Looking Ikea Hack We've Ever Seen
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Given this reality, you can imagine our excitement when we stumbled upon this custom built-ins hack from The Makerista. With tasteful crown molding and a sliding library ladder, this sleek built-in has all the tell-tale signs of a big-budget project, except for the steep price tag; it's made up of three Ikea Billy bookcases ranging from $40 to $60 a piece, some add-on trim, and the handiwork of a carpenter! How mind-blowingly resourceful is that?
Check out a few of the awe-inspiring pictures from the project here, and head to The Makerista for the full tutorial. Want even more inspiration? Check out our favorite Ikea hacks here.
What Genius Do You Have to Thank For the Root Beer Float?
The root beer float, a simultaneously sweet and refreshing dessert beverage made of fizzy root beer and thick vanilla ice cream, is a dessert people have enjoyed for decades. Whom do you have to thank for the blissful invention? His name was Frank Wisner, the owner of Cripple Creek Cow Mountain Gold Mining Company in Colorado.
It's said that on an August night in 1893, Wisner gazed out of a window as he thought about the root beer sodas he was inventing. When he noticed the full moon shining over the snow-capped Cow Mountain, he was instantly reminded of a scoop of ice cream. The next day, he dropped scoops of vanilla ice cream into Myers Avenue Red Root Beer. The result was a frothy, creamy beverage tasting strongly of honey, bourbon vanilla, and cloves, softened by sweet ice cream. It was a hit that locals called the "Black Cow," and today it's enjoyed nationwide as the root beer float.
You may not be able to personally thank Wisner for his creativity today, but you can definitely show appreciation by whipping up a root beer float of your own.
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To top off her boss résumé, the princess has also earned her stripes as a street style star to watch at Fashion Week, often wearing her trademark poufy skirts. Her style is refined, like that of any royal, but she's also one of the most fashion-forward of the ladies, often wearing bold prints and silhouettes you wouldn't see on Kate Middleton or even Queen Rania. With an eye for style - she was a fashion editor after all - and the wardrobe to match, it's time Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz lands on your radar. Scroll on for her best outfit tricks and tips, because once you set eyes on these looks, you'll never forget them.
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The singer has totally embraced Zumba, too. He surprised us when he released an amazing choreography video to his hit single "Hula Hoop" with the brand and even released a song exclusively with them that we are hoping to hear on his upcoming album, El Disco Duro.
It goes without saying then that based on what Yankee has said about his work with Zumba and its founder Beto Perez, there is much more to come, and we can't wait to find out. In the meantime, work out to the videos ahead.
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