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.
dimanche 1 octobre 2017
This Is What Solved My Extreme Bloating Problem That 4 Doctors Couldn't Figure Out
A lot of things changed when I moved to San Francisco. I was much colder. I bought my first real jacket. I tried Philz Coffee for the first time. I started a new job. And, out of nowhere, my stomach started ballooning arbitrarily throughout the week making me look three-to-six-months pregnant at any given moment, for no apparent reason.
Things that didn't change: my diet, my exercise routine (OK, I started doing a lot more SoulCycle), and my overall health. I wasn't eating more food or less healthy food, so I knew it wasn't weight gain . . . especially when my pregnant-looking belly would mysteriously disappear by morning, and I was back to a flat stomach. But sometime during the day, I'd eat a peach or go to a cardio workout, and BAM: back to bloat. Biiiig bloat. I would snap photos to send to my mom (as you'll see below) because I couldn't believe what was happening to me, and I was horrified.
For 11 months, I wasn't comfortable with my body. I couldn't wear fitted clothing (aka, ALL of my activewear), because I knew at some point, my lower abdomen would jet out, and anyone who didn't know me would assume I was with child. I've been so afraid to eat, because I knew that anything could trigger my stomach, from a piece of fruit to a sip of sports drink. Yet then there would be days when I said "eff it!" and ate Cinnamon Toast Crunch and milk, and nothing happened. It made absolutely no sense.
I've never felt more more ashamed of my appearance, or more uncomfortable in my own skin . . . and I'm even ashamed to admit that! My body simply didn't feel like mine. And the worst part was that it didn't seem like there was an explanation or end in sight.
I saw so many doctors and went through so many labs; my initial appointment was to see if it was hormonal. It wasn't. I saw an OB-GYN. I had two ultrasounds. I tried the low-FODMAPS diet (it didn't go well). I had my blood tested for a thyroid imbalance. My doctors were stumped, and I was frustrated to the point of many angry tears.
"For 11 months, I wasn't comfortable with my body . . . I've never felt more more ashamed of my appearance."
Two glimmers of hope seemed to come at once: my doctor referred me to a phenomenal GI, and one of my close friends referred me to an acupuncturist and naturopathic doctor here in the city. Although I had been through so many appointments and tests already with no results, I tried to remain optimistic. And these were still two avenues I hadn't tried!
First up was my acupuncture visit with Dr. Magnolia Ng of Advance Health SF, and then my GI appointment with gastroenterologist, Dr. Daniel Conlin. Two very different doctors from very different backgrounds seemed to know the source immediately: stress. It was the first time anyone had brought up the idea that something mental could trigger such a strong physical reaction, but they both seemed certain. Stress was the one factor that did come into play when I moved. Long-distance move to a new city, new job, new everything equals one stressed out me. I didn't even notice because everything has been so go-go-go.
Dr. Conlin didn't cut any corners in his approach, and he didn't just write me off saying, "you're stressed, just calm down!" and send me on my way after collecting a copay. He tested my blood and breath for celiac, SIBO, h. pylori, IBD, and post-infection bacterial overgrowth (everything came back negative). He asked me to eliminate dairy, despite the fact that he didn't really think I was lactose intolerant. He went through so many avenues, but kept coming back to the idea that it was probably stress-induced. I asked him if I was a "freak case" or if he had seen this in other patients, and he said, "You're definitely not alone; I see this in many young women your age, typically high-achieving, A-type college grads who work here [in San Francisco] in some kind of fast-paced tech or startup company." It was like he read my bio. He knew. I knew. It was stress.
What I appreciated most about Dr. Conlin was his approach to treatment. He said if it was a celiac or SIBO case, he'd have different recommendations, but for me, he thought acupuncture, charcoal tablets, ginger root, and ginger tea, and specifically Align probiotics would be helpful in my treatment (he noted that it's the only brand he recommends, so I went with it). His openness to natural treatment despite coming from a Western background increased my trust in him and made me more comfortable in my health journey.
It was hard to explain to family and friends that stress was causing arbitrary abdominal distention, so I wanted to learn more. Apparently, an influx of stress can upset the microbiome (the ecosystem of good and bad bacteria in your gut, which can influence nearly all areas of your health). I spoke with Amie Valpone, nutritionist and founder of TheHealthyApple.com, who gave me some incredible insight as to what has been happening in my body. "Having too much non-beneficial bacteria in your gut has been linked to many health issues such as heart disease, fibromyalgia, eczema, asthma, depression, cancer, autoimmunity, allergies, obesity, autism, and allergies," she said . . . and in my case, inexplicable abdominal distention.
"We are so caught up in our busy lives that we don't realize how stressed out we are - that's when the health issues start to appear out of nowhere."
"When our microbiome is out of balance from stress, we get an imbalance of non-beneficial bacteria such as yeasts, parasites, and bad bacteria that take over and make us feel bloated, tired, and bring along a host of unwanted symptoms that range from person to person."
She went on to say that "change in diet, travel, processed foods, and stress from work, our family, friends, and so forth," can trigger this imbalance, but "we are so caught up in our busy lives that we don't realize how stressed out we are - that's when the health issues start to appear out of nowhere." It was amazing to hear those words of affirmation, because that's exactly what I had experienced. It was totally out of nowhere, and I truly had been so caught up in my busy life.
My gut was off thanks to stress, which caused the inexplicable bloating (that couldn't be attributed to anything I was eating) and the mission now was to use different natural remedies together to restore balance and get me out of a place of stress (that's a work in progress, honestly). "The goal is to address the underlying root cause of why your gut is imbalanced in the first place, instead of covering up your symptoms with a Band-Aid approach," said Amie. "That's where food, stress, mind-body practices, and probiotics come into play."
Dr. Ng had an additional approach to pair with my acupuncture treatments for both stress and energy blockages in my abdomen: Chinese herbs. She prescribed and gave me a bottle of Mu Xiang Shun Qi Pian, or "BloatEase," to take three times a day. "Emotional upset such as frustrations or worry, overwork, and a constitutional or genetic weakness can make a person prone to digestive disorders," she told me. The herbs and the acupuncture were intended to set things right again. She also mentioned to me the importance of using both traditional Eastern medicine in combination with Western medicine - and my recovery has been a testament to that.
The combination of treatment has been absolutely life changing for me. The Chinese herbs, probiotics, and acupuncture treatment (along with continuing to eat a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and staying on my workout schedule) has helped restore my body to its natural shape. The bloating is going away, even though I still have to work on de-stressing. When it does happen, the bloating has decreased in size, severity, discomfort, and frequency, and I'm finally starting to feel comfortable with my body again.
What did I learn from all this? For one, Western and Eastern medicine aren't mutually exclusive, and in fact, when they're used together, they've got a symbiotic, 360 approach that can be even more effective than if either were used on their own.
I've also learned to advocate for my health. If you're not getting answers, don't give up. Make another appointment. Bug your doctor. Ask for another referral. Don't take no for an answer. The world of healthcare is freaking nuts, and if you don't advocate for yourself, no one else will. I got pretty lucky in the way that my doctors were really helpful and responsive when I pushed, but I still had to jump through a lot of hoops to get the treatment I needed. Don't be intimidated, don't give up, and most of all, don't stress. A solution is out there for you, too.
This post was originally published on October 26, 2016.
24 Beloved Shows That Are Ending in 2017
While it would be lovely if all our favorite shows lasted until the end of time (just kidding, remember the last season of Lost?), all good things must come to an end. In this case, some of our favorite TV shows are already scheduled to finish up in 2017. Not quite canceled but not quite renewed, these shows were given a gift from the network gods: a forewarning of their inevitable demise. So that you can plan out your emotions accordingly, here's a list of the shows that we know are airing their final episode in 2017. As you read, please hum the lyrics to Green Day's "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)." Thank you.
500 Pop Culture Halloween Costume Ideas
Are you searching for that perfect Halloween costume idea? We've combined all our pop culture ideas from recent years along with classic, timeless suggestions to bring you the complete guide to pop culture Halloween costumes. This collection features options for girls, guys, couples, and best friends - including everything from movie stars to TV characters to real-life Hollywood icons. Check out our favorite options, then tell us: who will you be dressing as for Halloween this year?
- Additional reporting by Shannon Vestal and Maggie Pehanick
How a Nipple Dilemma Created a Cult Beauty Brand - and Devoted Fans
Do you know the story behind Benefit Cosmetics? It's one I love to tell. I'll never forget when I first heard it. It wasn't at a one on one with Annie or Maggie Ford Danielson, the heirs to the Benefit bevy. It was at Generation Beauty, Michelle Phan's beauty convention, around four years ago.
The story was written out over a huge display depicting a giant stripper. It was very Benefit: bright, girlie, head-turning, and hilarious. Jean and Jane Ford, twins from the Midwest, had opened a shop in San Francisco in the '70s. It was there that an exotic dancer by the name of Rosie came in, looking for a particular solution to a titillating problem: she worried her areolas weren't noticeable from the seats in the back.
An exotic dancer by the name of Rosie came in, looking for a particular solution to a titillating problem: she worried her areolas weren't noticeable from the seats in the back.
Jean and Jane let her know that they had just run out of the product she absolutely needed and to come back the next day - a product they didn't have but decided to create that evening by boiling rose petals. That product was their first: Benetint. (Perhaps it's not a coincidence that "tint" sounds curiously similar to "tit" if you say it fast enough.) And yes, this is 100 percent true.
This was the only history I knew about Benefit Cosmetics, besides that it gives good face. The first product I bought as a teen was a pineapple face polish. (It has since been discontinued and that breaks my heart immensely.) I also invested in Dr. Feelgood, a matte blotting wax that kept my teenage skin looking silky and smooth back in the days when I didn't need a drop of makeup. And now, I gift They're Real out to anyone looking for a mascara, wear Hoola daily, and fill in the bald areas of my microbladed brows with precision-tipped eyeliner pencil. I'm not alone: these products are mainstays for many beauty obsessers and editors around the world as well. According to Tribe Dynamics, Benefit Cosmetics generated $48 million in earned media value - a metric used to describe publicity and engagement through digital media - landing it in the top 10 cosmetics companies for July 2017.
Benefit Cosmetics generated $48 million in earned media value for July 2017, landing it as one of the top 10 cosmetics companies.
Anyone who adores this brand loves the whimsy of it: the packaging, the hilarious and catchy names, and how buying the products makes them feel. This isn't an accident. There's a rich history and a reason for every tube and name it shares with the world. Over two days in the Santa Cruz mountains, I learned about what makes Benefit the company it is today. Yeah, I was surprised, too: I spent 60 hours going undercover with a group of women and men from all walks of life at the company - corporate managers, in-store team leaders, marketing experts, and IT gurus - on a camping ground. Not the usual destination for a cosmetics company, which is the point. This employee bonding and training experience is called Camp I'm a Hottie. (Of course!)
"These indie brands are on the rise, but the don't have the culture or history. We have our history." - Annie Ford Danielson
Turns out, that big display featuring Rosie and her nipple conundrum has everything to do with how this company operates. First, it's a great story, right? The company's tagline is "Laughter is the best cosmetic," after all.
Here are a few things you should know about the brand's colorful history.
Benefit aims to problem-solve.
One of the pillars of the company is what it likes to call the Fake-It Instant Beauty Solutions. Benetint happens to be the first - a product that was meant to look undetectable but which helped Rosie out with her nips. Benefit's cosmetics are just as much about being approachable and easy to use as they are about making your feel good. A major part of the feel-good message comes from a no-judgments point of view, which the Rosie story depicts perfectly. The company aims to take a "no" and turn it into a "now." Some of your favorite products, like The Porefessional and Gimme Brow, fall into this category.
San Francisco pays homage to its feminist roots.
Jane and Jean created The Face Place in San Francisco at the hand of a coin toss. (Had it landed on the other side, it would have been a casserole store!) San Francisco lays an important foundation for the company. The company is still headquartered there, and Benefit's free spirit is a direct result of this.
As a beauty reporter, I've never considered San Francisco a leader in the beauty space, unless it's technology-based. But being born in San Francisco during the '70s was important. The women's liberation movement was in full swing, where females embraced their own passions and independence. The timing was perfect for the Ford sisters to create a sense of community, like a female-centric locker room, in their storefront. The essence of the '70s ultimately lead to the creative packaging and sassy product names as well.
If you're laughing at the product names, that's the point.
Ultimately, Benefit wants to be remembered, and it wants to be different. It does this a few ways, like utilizing the strength of being both bold and girlie. For example, They're Real is a witty and cheeky take on mascara. It's ultra femme, but it's still fun - and the joke creates a connection from the consumer with the brand. When you get someone to laugh, chances are they'll stick around. Laughter is another way it breaks the beauty "rules." Cosmetics can be intimidating; in the past, there were several rules to follow when it came to applying your makeup. For the company, making its clients and consumers laugh makes it more approachable.
Another element of its rule breaking comes from the Brow Bar, a cornerstone of the company. Usually, waxing services take place in a back room of a salon. Benefit moved them to the front window to encourage women to stop in.
It's rare that a company can look back and say, "It all started with a nipple," but for Benefit Cosmetics, everything it does is a result of it.
10 Exercises That Burn 200 Calories in Under 3 Minutes
If you find it hard to lose weight with your busy schedule, the news keeps getting better. First, just 20 minutes of exercise was proven to help increase your metabolism. A related study has found that working out intensely for just 2.5 minutes can spur calorie burn throughout the day - an extra 200 calories' worth.
In the 2012 study, five healthy men performed sprint interval training on a stationary bicycle (five 30-second intense intervals with four minutes of easy cycling in between). Although the men were sedentary the rest of the day, they ended up burning 200 more calories during the days they did the short bout of exercise than the days they didn't exercise at all.
Even though this was a small study, the encouraging results are reason enough to add intense intervals into your workout routine. It's also good news for those of you who can never seem to fit a full workout into your day. Here are 10 intense exercises you can do anywhere for 2.5 minutes so you too can reap the afterburn benefits. Perform these at maximum intensity; you can break them into 30-second or one-minute intervals to make it more manageable. Stick with one, or choose five to do for 30 seconds each!
The All-Time Best Celebrities in Pop Culture Halloween Costumes
We have no doubt that your Halloween costume was awesome this year, but some of our favorite celebrities also knocked it out of the park. Stars like Bette Midler, Beyoncé, and more have nailed their pop culture outfits in years past, especially when it comes to channeling their favorite characters from TV and movies. Take a look at all the pop-culture-inspired costumes that stars have sported throughout the years. These are the best of the best, so take stock and start compiling ideas for next year!
The Definitive Ranking of Halo Top Ice Cream, From Worst to Best
There is a special kind of love for Halo Top at POPSUGAR. People here go wild for the low-calorie, high-protein ice cream and can barely believe it's not laden with fat and sugar. How can something that tastes so damn good only result in 300 calories for an entire pint?!
Since its release last year, we've had the hard job of tasting each one of Halo Top's 25 flavors. We've endured spoon after spoon of flavors like Pancakes and Waffles, Vanilla Bean, and Mochi Green Tea - hard life, I know. At this point, it's safe to say that POPSUGAR editors are true experts in all things Halo Top, helping you decide the flavors that deserve room in your freezer. Here's our definitive ranking of Halo Top ice cream from worst to best.
- Additional reporting by Dominique Astorino
The Definitive Ranking of LaCroix Flavors
There's sparkling water, and then there's LaCroix, the nectar of gods. Boldly flavored but completely unsweetened, this Midwestern-flavored seltzer brand has captured the hearts of millennials and moms alike. With kitschy Miami Beach vibes, zesty flavors, and the whole no-guilt soda thing going for it, it's hardly surprising that this sparkling beverage has gained such a devoted following. It pains us to say this, but for all the hits - and there are many - there are some serious flavor flops as well. In other words, for every Pamplemousse, there's a Cran-Raspberry. Because I care, and at least partially because I wanted an excuse to try every single flavor, I've ranked all 20 flavors for you here. Without further ado, here's our the definitive ranking of LaCroix flavors.
Kettlebells That Look Like Animals Are the Gym Gear We Never Knew We Needed
You may have thought you were in beast mode at the gym before, but have you ever really been in beast mode without iron kettlebells that have been sculpted into the faces of wild animals? Apparently animal kettlebells are a thing, and there are several to choose from! Whether the friendly-looking bear is more your style or the howler monkey that looks like it will straight up eat your children better suits you, these kettlebells will certainly make an eye-catching addition to your home gym.
M&M's Has SO Many Flavors - but Which Is the Best?
M&M's keeps coming and going with the changing seasons, but thankfully some of the best flavor creations are here to stay for good. We've already checked out some of the core M&M's flavors and ranked them in order (shout-out to our number-one Peanut Butter M&M's), but since so many new options have come out, we decided to rank those as well. We rounded them all up and put a lot of thought and effort into really examining the flavor. (We ate a boat load of M&M's, is what I mean by that.) You'll be pleased to know that our favorite shouldn't be disappearing from shelves any time soon, so you can easily get your hands on them . . .
10 Ways to Help Kids Feel Safer Every Day
If you find yourself feeling more nervous than usual in light of the darkness in our world right now, imagine how your children may be feeling. Seeing other people's worry, fear, and anxiety has a tendency to breed more worry, fear, and anxiety, making it difficult - especially for little ones who may not understand the gravity of events occurring around the world - to continue to feel safe even in the most familiar of environments.
Here are 10 quick tips to ensure your kids feel secure, protected, and safe every day.
- Meet their basic needs. Kids who are happy, full, and well-rested are more likely to feel secure in their environment, especially when they are leaving the safety of home.
- Keep a routine. Even in the hardest of times, sticking to a routine as much as possible will keep things feeling familiar and secure.
- Encourage responsibility. Within your routine, enforce chores, rules, and expectations. Kids in chaotic, rule-free homes may feel more frustrated and insecure.
- Work it out. Help your kids release tension and anxiety through physical activity. Run around, play games outside, get energy out, then unwind with relaxing activities.
- Be mindful of the media. Beware of exposing kids to news that might be too upsetting to them, but be prepared to discuss tragedies they learn about calmly.
- Remind them they're not alone. When they express fear or worry, remind them that it's normal to be scared at times and talk to them about how you handle your fears.
- Let them know you're there. It never hurts to remind your kids constantly that you're there for them no matter what and that they can talk to you about anything.
- Dole out the hugs. Though it seems like a small thing, a hug or two a day to show your love can help a stressed-out child immediately feel more secure.
- Give them helpful tools. Help them memorize important information in case of emergency (and program helpful numbers into their phones).
- Encourage comforting items. Loveys elicit safe feelings, so encourage your child to snuggle up to theirs when they're feeling scared or worried.
17 Impossibly Accurate Trader Joe's Tweets That Speak to Your Soul
Dedicated Trader Joe's shoppers know the struggles all too well. Whether you're a hopeless sucker for the well-stocked cheese aisle, you hate yourself every time you enter the doors on a busy Sunday afternoon, or you have that one Trader Joe's product you just can't quit, you'll relate all too well to these 17 tweets from people who feel the exact same way.
You Can Scare the Sh*t Out of Your Friends With This Clown Doughnut Delivery
Did you see the It remake and have dreams of Pennywise showing up at your door with . . . doughnuts? No? Well, thanks to a doughnut shop called Hurts Donut, people were able to deliver doughnuts from a person dressed as a creepy-ass clown to their friends - or their enemies, perhaps.
"Wanna scare the sh . . . Shprinkles out of your friends!?" The Frisco, TX, doughnut shop wrote on its Facebook page. And from the looks of the videos the company shared, some people did indeed take advantage of the opportunity. Watch the two videos below to see what happened when the clown delivered doughnuts to unsuspecting employees at work. One surprised employee finds the clown waiting for him by the front desk and says, "I don't know what to think right now. Am I awake right now?" Another woman got the quiet delivery while sitting in her office, and all it took was a scream from the clown to make her jump.
While the special "scary clown deliveries" were only available for a couple of days in September, the Texas shop noted on Facebook that it "may pick a day for out of town clown deliveries as well" if there was enough interest in surrounding communities. TBH, this is probably the only time we'd refuse a box of doughnuts, and it's gonna be a hard pass from us.
30 Comforting Recipes From Giada De Laurentiis to Make This Fall
Giada De Laurentiis has already blessed us with her tips for top-notch Italian cooking, but if you're still searching for some culinary inspiration this Fall, look no further than Giadzy, Giada's own lifestyle website where she shares her best recipes. With 30 of her best (and coziest) recipes, you can keep your cooking fresh all season long no matter what you're craving, from dinners to drinks and dessert.
I Cut This Out of My Diet to Lose Weight and, No, It's Not Carbs
I'd always believed that things like coconut oil and olive oil were part of a healthy diet. I ate them regularly with just about every meal - I cooked with olive oil, spread coconut oil on my toast, and drizzled avocado oil on my hummus. A few months ago, though, I learned that oil is technically not part of a whole-foods, plant-based diet. I was shocked to learn that there was virtually no nutritional value to the oils that we're so used to eating on a daily basis.
Julieanna Hever, MS, RD, CPT, a plant-based dietician and health and fitness expert, confirmed that this is true. "Oils are a processed food," Hever told POPSUGAR. "Basically, the fat is stripped out of the intact food (be it an olive, coconut, or avocado), leaving behind the fiber and many other nutrients."
Hever also reminded us that oil "contains 120 calories per tablespoon, almost 2,000 calories per cup!" But even worse than that, there isn't any satiating fiber in oil, so eating oil regularly is an easy way to consume way more calories than your body needs - and that can quickly lead to weight gain.
This was hard for me to believe at first, but I decided to go cold turkey and cut out all oil from my diet. It was strange at the beginning. I thought I wouldn't be able to roast vegetables or even sauté an onion. You'd be surprised, though, to find that lots of foods release their own natural water or oil, so you don't even need something like olive oil to cook most things. For example, onion naturally contains oil that's responsible for its smell and taste, and you can see it being slightly released when you sauté it in a pan with nothing else. Besides, if I felt like some foods were sticking too much to the pan while I was cooking, I would simply add a little bit of water.
After two months of eating no oil at home and very little oil while eating out, I noticed my belly was a bit flatter than it was before. It was a small change, but it was a gradual one that became more noticeable over time.
That being said, healthy fats are an important part of our diet, and Hever says we shouldn't ignore them completely. "The best food sources of healthy, disease-fighting fats are nuts and seeds," she said. "We only need about one to two ounces a day to meet our essential fatty acid requirements." You can also opt in for some avocado in your dish rather than cooking with oil.
I upped my intake of avocado after I gave up oil, while also logging in all my food to the macros app on my phone to make sure I was getting enough healthy fats. Between avocado, almonds, and chia and flaxseeds, I was getting more than enough of what I needed.
"Because of their high caloric density, I recommend minimizing intake of oils," Hever said. It could save you a lot of empty calories that you really don't need.
9 Winona Ryder Characters That Make Amazing Halloween Costumes
Winona Ryder was one of the '80s and '90s most popular It girls thanks to a collection of iconic roles in movies like Heathers and Beetlejuice, so if you're in need of a Halloween costume idea, the Stranger Things actress has you covered. Whether you prefer Lydia Deetz's gothic style or Jo March's Civil War-era bonnet, we've rounded up all of her most well-known characters to ensure you're looking your best this October.
8 Things That Annoy Starbucks Baristas and 1 Thing That Doesn't
Everyone knows that annoying customer in the line at Starbucks. But could it actually be you? These are the things that are driving your barista crazy - and something that's not - according to Reddit, where Starbucks baristas don't hold back their honest opinions.
It's annoying when you . . .
- Say there's too much ice in your drink without asking for light ice.
- Ask for extra in a separate cup. Some drinks, like Frappuccinos, tend to leave leftovers in the bottom of the blender. But your barista is probably annoyed if you ask for extra in a separate cup. One confessed, "When people ask for extra in a separate cup I usually ignore them."
- Ask for extra ice and extra milk. One barista explained the frustration with one particular customer who would always order an iced tall nonfat caramel macchiato "with extra ice and extra milk," and the barista would always tell her that's essentially impossible.
- Order a cappuccino with no foam. Foam is what makes a cappuccino a cappuccino! Yet people still order Starbucks cappuccinos with no foam.
- Pour your hot coffee in the trash can. Be sure to ask for room in your coffee instead of pouring out extra in the garbage. If it's hot enough, it can melt the plastic trash bag.
- Order espresso over ice and then fill your cup with milk from the bar. Starbucks baristas have a name for this: the "Hobo Latte." Baristas see right through you when you order iced espresso in a Venti cup and then fill the rest of your cup with free milk. Just order a latte, they ask, since that's what you're making anyway.
- Order a third of a pump of syrup. Half pumps of syrup are OK, but if you get more precise than that, there's a good chance your pump will be rounded up or down.
- Call it a "Frappe." It's a Frappuccino, and your barista might cringe if you call it a Frappe.
It's not annoying when you . . .
- Stay all day! Starbucks was founded on the idea of being the "third place" between work and home, and the employees still uphold that promise. If you're someone who spends all day at Starbucks after ordering one drink and staying for hours to study or chill, you shouldn't feel like you're overstaying your welcome. One barista's response to a customer's question about this was, "You're good. Just clean up after yourself on the way out and your baristas should basically love you." Another barista let us in on a pro tip: "If you haven't already, get a gold card and you'll be able to get free refills on that coffee for the entirety of your stay."
12 Scary Movies From Your Childhood That Probably Made You Wet the Bed
We love reminiscing about movies from our childhood. From summertime favorites like The Sandlot and Now and Then to unforgettable classics like Mrs. Doubtfire and The Little Rascals, we could watch those nostalgic films anytime, anywhere. But in addition to all of those gems, we also got a few, well, darker ones. Most of them are also classics that we have grown to love (with all the lights on), but there was a time with certain "kid-friendly" movies just scared the sh*t out of us. In between Gremlins invading our innocent dreams and Don't Look Under the Bed affecting our ability to turn on the Disney Channel, our trust in those PG ratings was well and truly tested. Now that we've grown up (for the most part) and are able to appreciate these movies for what they are, we can look back on the terrifying moments with fondness. Keep scrolling if you dare.
Got Cravings? These Creamy Smoothies Taste Like Milkshakes
Sometimes you want a refreshing, tangy, fruity smoothie - and other times you're just really craving a chocolate milkshake. We know this because, honestly, we get these milkshake cravings all the time too. Fortunately, there are lightened-up ways to have a delicious, creamy, decadent treat without sabotaging your digestive tract or making your stomach feel like it's filled with cement. If you're in the mood for a frothy treat but hoping for something a little healthier, then we have the happiest of news for you: 25 nutritious blends, from thick vanilla shakes to Creamsicle-style sips to all the chocolate your heart desires (that can fit into a blender).
I'm a Veteran Vegan and I Can't Get Enough of These 2 Dairy-Free Halo Top Flavors
I've been waiting for this day for what seems like forever. After watching everyone and their mother taste all the Halo Top flavors and rave about them, I couldn't help but feel left out, a feeling I rarely ever experience as a vegan. I've struggled with a lactose intolerance for a long time, so it wasn't hard for me to nix ice cream from my diet when I went vegan. But I'd be lying if I said the green monster didn't ignite inside of me while watching people eat Halo Top.
Luckily, there is still good left in this world - Halo Top is releasing seven new dairy-free variations of their creamy, protein-rich ice cream. And I was lucky enough to try six of them.
I tried Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate, Oatmeal Cookie, Sea Salt Caramel, Cinnamon Roll, and Chocolate Covered Banana (all of which will be released in mid-October). Cinnamon Roll and Peanut Butter Cup absolutely blew my mind. (I have yet to try Caramel Macchiato.)
I have to start by saying that I've never like peanut butter ice cream before. It usually feels too heavy and I don't like the aftertaste of it. But the Peanut Butter Cup flavor has swirls of creamy peanut butter, and the vanilla ice cream base is to die for. It's got a big taste, but it's not overwhelming. Plus, the entire pint is only 320 calories!
The other flavor that brought tears to my eyes was Cinnamon Roll. I immediately fell in love with the divine chunks of cinnamony, doughy goodness. And there was the perfect hint of salt tossed in there, which balances out the sweetness. It reminds me of lazy Sunday mornings when my mom used to bake goodies as soon as I woke up. This pint is 360 calories, and, just like the Peanut Butter Cup, you get about 12 grams of protein.
The best part was that I didn't feel sick after stuffing my face with both flavors. It didn't leave a heavy feeling in my stomach, and I wasn't left with a food coma. These vegan Halo Top ice creams are made with coconut milk, so it packs a big flavor without leaving you with all the negative side effects of eating dairy.
I'll be stocking my freezer with these treats as soon as they're released. I highly recommend you do the same, no matter what your diet may be.
Should You Get a Flu Shot? A Doctor Breaks It Down
Have you gotten your flu shot this year? The time is nigh to vaccinate yourself and prevent a miserable, painful bout of influenza for you, your loved ones, your colleagues, your neighbors, and even people you don't like that much. Please don't spread the flu.
Dr. Stephanie Long, a physician at One Medical, explains who needs a flu shot, who should skip it, and how often you need one. Here's the breakdown:
Who should get a flu shot?
Dr. Long's response was an enthusiastic one, to say the least. As in, an all-caps "EVERYONE." She told POPSUGAR that there are a few groups of people who should prioritize getting the flu shot: "Especially young [patients], immunocompromised patients, pregnant women, or those over 65 years of age."
There's a reason behind her urgency. She noted, "If we did a better job with vaccine coverage, we would be better able to control flu and reduce sickness as well as hospitalization."
She says it doesn't matter how healthy you are - you still need one, and healthy patients have ended up in the hospital from a bad bout of influenza. In short, even if you eat kale every day and run half marathons for fun on the weekends, you need a flu shot.
Should anyone *not* get the flu shot?
"Anyone over six months of age can get the flu shot," she said. But Dr. Long did note that there actually are certain people who have to skip:
- If you have severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine
- If you have an allergy to eggs
- If you ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome (a severe paralyzing illness)
- If you currently have an illness with fever or are unwell
In all of those cases, Dr. Long urges you to "speak with a physician" to see what you can do to keep yourself (and those around you) healthy.
Do you need one every year?
Short answer, yes. "The flu shot changes each year to cover the most common flu strains that are anticipated to be circulating in a given year," she said.
Do You Really Poop More on Your Period or Is It All in Your Head? A Doctor's Answer
You don't have to admit it out loud, but you might find that you take more frequent trips to the bathroom when you're on your period. For some reason, it seems like our digestive system gets thrown a little out of whack every time we menstruate. Which means you probably poop way more often than usual.
If this sounds familiar, you're certainly not alone. Jennifer Wider, MD, nationally renowned women's health expert, told POPSUGAR that this happens to many women during their period, and there's a scientific explanation for it.
"Our bodies produce prostaglandins, compounds that have hormone-like effects, including causing the uterus to contract," Dr. Wider said. "They also act on the digestive tract, making the bowel contract, triggering more frequent bowel movements."
So it's not all in our heads. What a relief. "Many women frequent the bathroom more than during a regular week of the month," Dr. Wider said. "Prostaglandins can also make the bowel movement looser than normal." Which is exactly why your poops even look different during your period.
Although you don't need to worry if your poops look slightly different during menstruation, Dr. Wider recommends you see a doctor if your bowel movements suddenly change in the weeks when you're not on your period. If there's blood in your stool or if the color and texture suddenly change, for example, you might want to see if there's something else going on.
11 Adorable Halloween Decorating Ideas You Should Steal From Disney ASAP
If you are looking for some new ways to decorate your home this Halloween season, Disney parks are a great source of inspiration for festive decor ideas. Around this time every year, the Disney grounds are magically transformed into a dazzling Halloween display for park-goers to admire and enjoy in the weeks leading up to the Fall holiday. While we wish we could be there ourselves, we have scoured Instagram for the next best thing: amazing visitor snapshots proving that a Disney Halloween is truly a one-of-a-kind decor experience. Read on to see more of this beautifully embellished space with 12 of the most influential images.
9 Jobs Bookworms Will Love
If you're addicted to books, then you're probably always on the lookout for ways to incorporate reading into your daily grind. Read on for nine awesome careers bookworms will find extremely fulfilling.
15 Halloween Party Games That Will Spook Your Guests, Not Your Wallet
There's no denying Halloween was meant for parties. From the costumes and candy to the thrills, chills, and squeals, this ghostly holiday is the perfect excuse to tap into your wild side, get a little crazy, and have some hair-raising fun.
So if you're looking to celebrate with your own spook-tacular soirée, ahead are 15 party game ideas that will guarantee an eerie good time. And the best part? They're all supercheap - if not free - so you can spook your guests without scaring your wallet!
What 100 Calories Looks Like: Veggie Edition
Veggies are always prized as being low in calories, but do you ever wonder exactly what that means? Check out the chart below to see what 100 calories of your favorite veggies looks like. You won't believe how many cherry tomatoes you'd have to eat to reach 100 calories!
| Food | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | 33 spears | 109 |
| Avocado | 1/3 of the fruit | 107 |
| Beet (sliced) | 2 3/4 cups | 103 |
| Bell pepper (green) | 4 1/2 medium peppers | 104 |
| Bell pepper (red) | 3 1/2 medium peppers | 106 |
| Broccoli (raw) | 3 1/2 cups (chopped) | 105 |
| Brussels sprouts | 14 sprouts | 106 |
| Carrot (baby) | 29 | 102 |
| Cauliflower (raw) | 3 3/4 cups (chopped) | 100 |
| Celery | 18 (7-inch stalks) | 101 |
| Corn (sweet white) | 1 3/4 ears | 104 |
| Cucumber | 2 1/4 cucumbers | 102 |
| Green beans | 2 1/4 cups | 98 |
| Kale (cooked) | 3 cups | 109 |
| Lettuce (romaine) | 1 head | 106 |
| Mushroom (chopped) | 6 1/2 cups | 98 |
| Onion (raw) | 2 medium | 97 |
| Peas (cooked) | 3/4 cup | 94 |
| Potato (russet) | 3/4 small | 100 |
| Potato (sweet) | 1 medium | 100 |
| Radish (raw) | 70 large | 101 |
| Spinach (raw) | 15 cups | 104 |
| Summer squash (raw) | 2 3/4 cups (sliced) | 99 |
| Tomato (cherry) | 33 | 101 |
| Tomato (roma) | 9 | 100 |
| Zucchini | 3 medium | 100 |
You Can't Help but Gush at These Gourd-eous Pumpkin Cakes
When it comes to Fall treats, nothing quite beats the comforting welcome of pumpkin-flavored anything, and cakes are no exception. While this vegetable does have a good reputation for being healthy, we encourage you to indulge when it comes to using it to prepare desserts. Here, we've rounded up 17 comforting recipes, from fluffy bundt cakes with creamy icing to lighter spice cakes with little or no frosting, to help you embrace the season.
Mercedes Wants You to Know That Behind Those Instagram Photos Is - Drumroll - Cellulite!
Mercedes is a Toronto-based fitness influencer, and she's getting real about something we so rarely see on social media: cellulite. She recently took to Instagram to share two side-by-side photos that reveal exactly what goes on behind those perfectly posed photos that take over our feeds, and it's something we all need to be reminded of. Mercedes knows how much photos like the one on the left can impact some people's feelings about themselves, so the "squeezed bum" on the right is a breath of fresh air.
"90% of the photos you see on Instagram, that you compare yourself to are posed, photoshopped versions of people's lives," she captioned the photo above. "OMG CELLULITE - guess what ladies we all have it (well about 99% of us). Even fit chicks who work out all the time - it's completely normal."
It's a healthy reminder that no one is perfect, and cellulite is completely normal . . . remember, you can't spell cellulite without "u lit."
Mercedes told POPSUGAR about how detrimental it can be to compare yourself to someone else you see on social media. "In the age of constant comparison, we all need to be careful to only compare OURSELVES to ourselves," she explained. "Look in the mirror and tell yourself you are beautiful, imperfections and all. You are capable enough. You are beautiful enough. Because at the end of the day, self-love is the best love."
We're so grateful for people like Mercedes and other influencers who are honest about cellulite, because revealing this unfiltered side on social media can work wonders for our body image.
Look Up the Definition of Rape in This Textbook, and You'll See Brock Turner's Face - Literally
In June 2016, after a widely publicized trial, Brock Turner was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault against an unidentified 23-year-old woman at Stanford University. Turner was sentenced to a widely decried and horrendously lenient term of six months behind bars and only served 92 days of his sentence before being released. For many, the outrage is still fresh and the example still poignant - so much so that one criminal-justice textbook went so far as to include the former student's mugshot under the definition of "rape."
Hannah Kendall Shuman posted a photo of the textbook to Facebook on Sept. 7, adding, "He may have been able to get out of prison time but in my Criminal Justice 101 textbook, Brock Turner is the definition of rape, so he's got that goin for him."
The textbook itself, Introduction to Criminal Justice: Systems, Diversity, and Change, is available to preview on Amazon. Midway through page 20, after providing context about the Stanford rape case itself, there's a prompt. "Others who are more familiar with the way sexual violence has been handled in the criminal justice system are shocked that he was found guilty and served time at all," it reads. "What do you think?"
It would seem that despite the leniency of the courts, Turner will have to deal with the fact that criminal-justice classes across the country will be discussing his heinous acts for the near future, at least.
18 Terrifying Movies That Are Slated For 2017
Beware: there's fresh horror on the horizon. With the weather getting cooler, there's always time to turn to the darker side of the cinematic universe. It's been a good year for horror, and there are some seriously frightening titles still on their way to theaters. The year started strong with the release of Split and Get Out, and now the remake of Stephen King's It has blown us away (and scared our pants off). We figured it's high time to give you a rundown of what's in store as the year rolls on.
41 Cheap Things to Do Alone
Having company's great and all, but sometimes you just need some time to yourself. It gives you the freedom to do whatever you want, you gain a sense of independence, and most importantly, it allows you to take a break and recharge. Spending time alone can also save you some cash - if you do it right. See 41 cheap and fun things to do by yourself below!
- Listen to music.
- Binge-watch a series or have an all-day movie marathon.
- Plan your next vacation.
- People watch.
- Make yourself a romantic dinner at home.
- Rearrange your room.
- Go sightseeing in your own city.
- Give yourself a makeover.
- Make a bucket list.
- Pick up a new hobby like calligraphy or beer-brewing.
- Get lost in your neighborhood bookstore.
- Experiment in the kitchen.
- Tour a museum on free admission days.
- Work out.
- Take a long nap.
- Start a DIY project on your Pinterest board.
- Sing and dance in your underwear.
- Soak in a long, hot bath.
- Have a picnic at your local park.
- Go geocaching.
- Take a hike.
- Have a photo session around your city.
- Start a passion project or blog.
- Practice yoga at home.
- Reread your favorite book.
- Check out a free concert or festival.
- Write thank-you cards.
- Go for a long drive.
- Volunteer.
- Reorganize your closet, drawers, or bookshelf.
- Get work done (or just hang out) at your favorite coffee shop.
- Go window shopping.
- Shamelessly pig out in bed.
- Write all your thoughts and goals into a journal.
- Experiment with different beauty looks and styles.
- Watch music videos.
- Do a mind-challenging activity like Sudoku.
- Blast music and go on a cleaning spree.
- Get nostalgic and look through old photos.
- Stargaze.
- Do absolutely nothing at all.
This Year's Harvest Moon Is a Little Peculiar, and You Won't Want to Miss It
It's a lucky year for gazing into the sky and seeing something spectacular. While we'll need to wait till 2024 for the next solar eclipse, if you look up on Oct. 5, you'll see the full moon come out earlier than usual after sunset. Called the harvest moon, it's an annual treat that basks the Earth in a little extra light, giving us one last taste of Summer.
The harvest moon is the name given to the full moon that's closest to the Autumn equinox on Sept. 22. Usually, the full moon falls close to the equinox in late September, but this year, it happened on Sept. 6 - hence the later date. Harvest moons tend to look bigger, brighter, and orange in color because they rise close to the horizon.
If you happen to miss the harvest moon's rise at 2:40 p.m. ET on Oct. 5, keep your eyes peeled the next few nights after that. Because the moon rises almost right after sunset, you'll see it waning but still looking like a full moon. While this year's harvest moon is not a supermoon like last year's, it's still a stunning sight to see to mark the beginning of Autumn.
ICYMI, There's a Finnish Word For Getting Drunk at Home in Your Underwear
Did you know there is a Finish word for drinking at home in your underwear? Indeed, Finland's Tourism Board put together a dictionary (complete with accompanying emojis you can download) of "hard-to-describe Finnish emotions, words, and customs." Included in the list of 56 phrases is kalsarikännit (pronounced cal-sar-y-cuhn-eet). It describes the "feeling when you are going to get drunk home alone in your underwear - with no intention of going out. A drink. At home. In your underwear. And there is a word for it."
If only we knew how to casually use kalsarikännit into a sentence. The Chicago Tribune questions what part of speech is kalsarikännit? Frankly, I don't know either. Until I cross paths with a Finnish person who can correct me, I guess I'll just use it as an ambiguous verb-noun-adjective. "Sorry, friends. Tonight calls for a kalsarikännit. I literally cannot wear pants a minute longer. I have only the physical strength to hold a glass of wine. You can find me on my couch. Bye." Thank you Finland for legitimizing this awesome, totally relaxing custom.
12 Cheap Amazon Prime Gems For Foodies
Amazon is really stepping up its game with its new Interesting Finds section. I've admittedly gotten lost in the beautiful stream of retro, hipster goodies, especially those that every food-lovin' person needs (or, you know, wants desperately). A few cheap but awesome items worth mentioning? I can't say no to the pipe tea diffuser. Then there's also the multipurpose stovetop/coffee maker/toaster oven appliance that I wish I had during my college days. All of these items are available through Amazon Prime for speedy delivery, so look ahead and prepare to swoon.
63 Insanely Cheap DIY Sexy Halloween Costumes
Halloween is the one holiday when you can get away with "less is more." Looking sexy has never been easier (or cheaper) because most of the materials are already in your closet! That white button-down you never wore? Perfect for re-creating the Risky Business look. Have a Victoria's Secret bra and panty set? Just add wings and be an angel. Whether you decide to strut your sexiness alone, with your partner, or with your BFF, just remember there are no rules for the night.
12 Impeccable Details You'll Notice at The Shining House at Halloween Horror Nights
Universal's Halloween Horror Nights is back for another blood-curdling year at the Hollywood and Orlando parks, and it really brought its A game. In addition to the multiple scare zones (if you hate The Purge, we suggest you sit this one out), there are a whopping nine haunted houses, four of which are totally original. One of the houses brings to life The Shining, one of the most iconic and terrifying movies ever made (based on Stephen King's bestselling book).
And the coolest thing about horror when it's in the hands of Universal is that it makes the experience extremely lifelike. Not only do you get to enter the Overlook Hotel through the hedge maze, but you also have to make your way through the lobby, down those creepy hallways, through Room 237, and back out through the frozen maze again. The attention to detail is insane, and it makes Universal's haunted houses untouchable.
The Unexpected Way I Stopped Breaking Out After My Workouts
I've had acne my entire life. I've tried every treatment imaginable and have been to more dermatologists and estheticians than I can remember. In my 20s, I accepted that this was the way of my skin and sort of gave up. Everything was fine until my workouts started increasing - the more I worked out, the more I broke out. My face was in a constant cycle of acne; adding sweat plus a makeup-free face to the mix also began to give me horrible insecurity when I went to classes.
In my mind, I was doing everything right. I removed my makeup before stepping into a class and was quick to wash my face once the workout was over. The increase in breakouts was enough to make me quit my gym and throw out my spandex forever, but then I met Kimmy Pigliucci, founder of AES Beauty. It's an understatement to say that Kimmy has a changed my life for the better.
Often referred to as a boot camp for skin, AES Beauty only treats people who suffer from acne. Kimmy's holistic approach helps you understand that because there's no single trigger for acne, there's also no single treatment. She helped me transform my diet for better skin health, introduce the right kind of products into my regimen, and understand the role stress plays in acne. When I told Kimmy that my breakouts started to increase around the same time I was working out, she wasn't surprised.
Kimmy's approach to skin comes from the idea that the vast majority of products on the market are made with acne-causing ingredients (see the list here) - from our skin care products to our makeup and even our laundry detergent. The biggest step we can take in clearing our skin is to stop using these products. As it turned out, the more time I spent washing my face at the gym, the more time I was exposing my skin to these ingredients.
"Acne is not caused by dirt or dirty skin, and even if it was, it wouldn't matter because sweat is not made of dirt," Kimmy told POPSUGAR. "The acne process begins well beneath the surface of the skin, so a random soap at the gym may wash off sweat and residue on the surface, but just one comedogenic ingredient from the same soap can clog the inside of the follicle and contribute to the formation of acne."
In fact, Kimmy said I was better leaving on "acne-safe" makeup during a workout than washing my face with products containing these comedogenic, inflammatory ingredients. So that's what I started doing. I overhauled my entire makeup and skin care line to only include products with "safe" ingredients, and on those days where I forgot to bring my own products, I skipped using whatever wash was in the studio or the gym. More often than not, I ended up exercising with my makeup on. I also stopped using the towels provided since I had no idea what sort of laundry detergent they used.
It's been over a year now, and my skin is the best it's been in my entire life. When I do have breakouts, I can almost always trace it back to that random towel I used in SoulCycle, the facial cleanser I mindlessly used after yoga, or the piece of cheese I can't live without.
Why It's Important to Stop Drinking Shots of ACV
There's a lot to love about apple cider vinegar. Several studies support the claims that ACV helps the body lose weight and debloat. It also doesn't hurt that it's been shown to up energy levels either. And did we mention you can use it to wash your hair?! Before you start guzzling the bottle of ACV in your pantry, keep in mind that there's a right and a wrong way to drink the elixir.
First things first: while straight shots are a popular way to drink ACV - don't. Because it's highly acidic, over time ACV has the potential to do real damage to both the esophagus and tooth enamel. Instead, dilute ACV with water. In general, one to two tablespoons mixed into eight ounces of water is the sweet spot (like you'll find in this delicious ACV honey drink).
Now that you have the formula down, you need to know exactly when to drink it if you're looking to reap any weight-loss benefits. Carol S. Johnston, PhD, directs Arizona State University's nutrition program and has been studying ACV for more than 10 years. Johnston recommends drinking an ACV drink once or twice a day and always right before you eat; you want the ACV to be in your stomach before any food makes its way there.
Johnston told The Washington Post that ACV helps to block some starch digestion whenever you eat. Since less starch (and fewer calories, essentially) is being digested by the body, the spike in blood sugar is lessened. Adding to this benefit is that the good-for-you bacteria in your gut happily feeds on this undigested starch, which can lead to less bloating and a healthier digestive system. If you drink ACV without food, there won't be anything for it to work off of, which probably defeats the whole purpose of drinking vinegar in the first place.
After Years of Exercising, This Is the Workout That Changed My Body
When I started working out with a trainer a few months ago, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but if there's one thing I am certain of, a barbell was never part of the equation. Yet here I was, standing in front of one with my trainer off to the side asking me to do deadlifts. I was equal parts perplexed, scared, and thrilled. In all my years of working out, heavy lifting was something I had never done. Like everyone else in my life, I hopped from trendy studio to trendy studio for my workouts, and though there was a weight room at my gym, the idea of picking up a barbell on my own seemed terrifying.
I looked down at the 65-pound steel bar and then looked up at my trainer Austin (a few times in a lame attempt to stall). With no knowledge of or prior exposure to lifting, I was also dealing with the real fear that I would possibly drop this thing, along with myself, in the process. Sensing my fear, he talked me through the steps repeatedly with the right amount of encouragement, until I grabbed the damn thing and remarkably pulled it off - "with ease and perfect form," he would later tell me. I surprised myself; I was stronger than I gave myself credit for. Austin added weight to the bar at a quick pace, which I think even surprised him.
Looking back, I am not sure why I stayed away from a barbell for so many years. Sure, I wasn't exposed to it, but I also never allowed myself to even explore the idea. When I heard SoulCycle was coming to my city, I was in the very first class. When the new TRX studio moved in down the block, I couldn't wait to try it! But lifting? Nope. Despite my firm belief that women are strong AF, there was a part of me that thought of lifting as a man's world, or at least the kind of world where you go when you want biceps as big as your head. And if I am being totally honest, huge 'ceps weren't what I was looking for.
The kicker here is that it has has changed my body in a way that I never could have anticipated. I have lost more weight over these last three months than I have in the last few years. I am stronger and faster in just about every other workout in my life. And most recently, during a beach vacation, my partner commented on my butt. It was higher! Perkier! Lifted! Rounded! I went into heavy lifting with the very wrong idea that it would add bulk, yet here I am feeling my absolute best and more confident than I have in a long time. Even more importantly is the understanding that this confidence had less to do with how I look and everything to do with how I feel.
The thrill of doing something new mixed with a real sense of accomplishment has given me an exercise high that I have not felt in a very long time. Instead of being terrified of a barbell, I now give my trainer grief when we aren't lifting. Through this process, I have come face to face with my physicality in a way that has never happened. There's also a real sense of pride from seeing more weight being racked up on the bar and learning what my body is capable of handling. But more than anything, the inner confidence that I have built from this latest step in my fitness journey has helped me in all facets of my life and continues to surprise me on an almost daily basis.
Why Millennial Women Are Embracing Atheism
Danielle Schacter never thought she would become an un-Christian. "I slowly became more and more disgusted by the way I saw people treating others," says the 32-year-old, who was raised Baptist. "I didn't want to be associated with a religion that preached so much hate."
Danielle Schacter, who identifies as agnostic, is one of a growing number of people who identify with no religion. Photo courtesy of Danielle Schacter.
Schacter, like so many millennials, has chosen a secular life, and she's not alone: according to the Pew Research Center, only four in 10 millennials say that religion is very important to them, compared with six in 10 Baby Boomers.
The numbers of religiously unaffiliated support this, too: 23 percent of the population identifies with no religion. This number is up from 2007, when it was only 16 percent. Of older millennials, 35 percent are religiously unaffiliated - and they're driving the overall growth of the nonreligiously affiliated in America.
"I didn't want to be associated with a religion that preached so much hate."
Kayley Whalen, a queer transgender Latinx woman who identifies as "a humanist and an existentialist and an atheist." Photo courtesy of Kayley Whalen.
What's fascinating is that while millennials are moving away from religion, they are moving toward spirituality. This demographic considers itself just as spiritual as older demographics, even as they represent an exodus out of organized religion and into the throes of secularism. When you consider the issues facing young people today, the reasons for the exodus are easy to understand. In rejecting religion, millennials are asserting their progressive attitudes and passion for social justice. They're committed to the idea that they don't need religion to know the difference between right and wrong.
Perhaps no one represents this cultural shift better than millennial atheist women. While they may sit at the most extreme side of the nonreligious spectrum, atheist women are fueled by the same concerns plaguing millennials in general: a quest for independence and a rejection of the status quo.
The Atheism and Feminism Connection
Lauryn Seering, 27, has never been religious, but she found atheism in high school in reaction to mainstream fundamentalist Christian ideas that condemn her lesbian mother. "Millennial women want autonomy over their own bodies," says Seering, communications coordinator for the Freedom From Religion Foundation, which is dedicated to protecting the separation of church and state.
"They recognize that all the arguments against this autonomy (contraception, birth control, marriage) are religiously fueled," Seering continued. "Women aren't being pressured by society anymore to get married at a young age, have children right away, and tend house while their husbands work."
Lauryn Seering, an atheist who works for the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Photo courtesy of Lauryn Seering.
Schacter identifies as agnostic. She's based in Kansas City, MO, where she founded a digital marketing agency called Boxer & Mutt. To her, growing secularism is a sign of independent women. "It's becoming more socially acceptable for women to think for themselves and really question why things are the way they are rather than blindly accepting them," she says.
Kayley Whalen, 31, is a queer transgender Latinx woman who identifies as "a humanist and an existentialist and an atheist." These different identities certainly influence how she approaches the world. "We have ethical values without the need for the supernatural," Whalen says. "We believe in social justice, that we can live a life with meaning, purpose, and dedication to social justice without the need for supernatural guidance." Unsurprisingly, Whalen's beliefs are tied up in her activist work: she's the digital strategy and social media manager for the National LGBT Task Force and is on the board of directors for both the Secular Student Alliance and the Trans United Fund.
As Whalen epitomizes, many young women who do not believe in God share a point of view that goes beyond just being atheist or just being a woman. The two are intertwined identities oppressed similarly in the United States.
"We have ethical values without the need for the supernatural."
Blackwolf's concerns hint at societal assumptions about atheist women, which every woman we spoke with touched on: being a woman who isn't religious breaks away from the social norms that frame femininity. Emily Greene, an artist and activist working in promotional marketing in Augusta, summed it up best. "You're probably seen as less feminine," the 32-year-old said. "You're definitely judged, looked at more harshly. It's an assumption that it's a negative thing."
Ironically, being atheist can mirror being religious, as it plays a role in many aspects of young life. "That was very important to me in choosing a partner," says Katherine, a 32-year-old HR manager in California. "I have gotten into some debate with friends before where they're like, 'If you're an atheist, why do you care if the other person is of faith?' I'm like, 'You - as, say, a Christian person - would not want to marry a non-Christian person."
Why Are Young Women Interested in Atheism?
Phil Zuckerman, professor of sociology and secular studies at Pitzer College, believes that young people are turning away from religion as a result of how closed-minded and conservative many congregations can be, particularly when they are responsible for enabling xenophobic and queerphobic mindsets. For instance, many churches reject the idea of same-sex marriage, while 71 percent of millennials support it (in comparison with only 46 percent of Baby Boomers).
"A lot of young people are being turned off of by that brand of Christianity," he explains. "They're just seeing religion as an institution and saying, 'Ah, screw it.' Even though that brand of Christianity is not the majority - most Christians are decent, kind people who aren't anti-gay and aren't racist and aren't anti-Islamic. But they don't make the headlines. They're not dominating the news."
Emily Greene, an artist, activist, and atheist. Photo courtesy of Emily Greene.
The internet is also serving as a conduit for less religion. As technology occupies more of our time, says Zuckerman, it chips away at "religion's ability to maintain a monopoly on truth . . . It's really corroding religion's ability to dominate our culture and dominate people's lives."
While there have always been religious skeptics - the farthest back is believed to be the Charvaka movement in 7th century BC - the present shift away from religion is notable because the numbers of religiously unaffiliated and atheists are way up. Although the movement is still predominately male and white, more women are stepping forward as religion reveals itself to be optional in their lives - and sometimes to stand in the way of their independence.
Zuckerman believes this has to do with traditional organized religions' male-centrism: teaching women that they're second class, must remain virginal, and must stay out of leadership positions. Pair this with the amount of women in the workplace rivaling men, and the group doesn't need to turn to a church for social or financial support that churches typically offer.
Being an Atheist Is a Political Act
Molly Hanson grew up in a Catholic household but has always been skeptical of the "invisible man in the sky" who tells people what to do. The 23-year-old Hanson, like many atheists, finds that questioning faith and religion makes people wonder if something is wrong with her womanness.
"If a woman doesn't bow down to this god and lord, she must have an issue with that god or lord," says Hanson, an editorial assistant at the Freedom For Religion Foundation. "She must have been damaged. There's a reason why she decided to leave that god. She might have been morally corrupted by another man or might have - I don't know - been wronged."
This issue isn't confined to religious communities. One woman - a 30-year-old Indian American writer in New York who declined to give her name - finds this flaw in atheist leaders, too.
"The movement itself is really alienating toward women," she says. "Leaders like Richard Dawkins are pretty sexist and condescending and talk down to women. Women have been left out in those major discussions of atheism."
The nonreligious believe that, once the church is taken out of the state, equality can be achieved.
For women who are atheists, discrimination is complicated further by the many ways their identities intersect. Gender as it relates to religious affiliation is complex, and it's even more complicated as it relates to black female atheists, as Blackwolf can attest. "A lot of black atheist men are often heard saying, 'Black women sure do love them some church!'" she says. "When we start having a discussion, there are implications about where my place in the community should be, and that's behind the man."
Atheist Women Want a Future of Equality
In speaking with young atheist and secular women, some through lines appear, among them a hope for equality that could be stymied by religion's grasp on society. There is a desire to normalize differing points of view, from LGBTQ people to atheists.
Katherine sees public events like the inauguration of President Donald Trump as a perfect example. "I was really struck by so much praying happening," she says. "I'd like to see us move kind of away from that and use logic and science and that holistic definition of freedom."
The nonreligious believe that, once the church is taken out of the state, equality can be achieved. Hanson believes these roadblocks arise as the result of unequal representation. "Women understand what it's like to be oppressed by laws that are rooted in religious ideas that oppress women and their sexuality," she explains. "To get more women in government positions is going to be a challenge, especially right now."
When women hold elected office, it inspires more women to run - and more women in government has a powerful trickle-down effect on women as a whole.
But what if these women leaders were atheists? Would they still succeed?
Surveys have shown that atheism is one of the traits in a leader that Americans are most biased against. "I cannot imagine a president who identifies as an atheist," says the Indian-American writer in New York. "I'm a woman and a person of color: a female person of color who is an atheist could never be the president of the United States. It feels like another barrier."
Others, like Whalen, see these many layers as vital to change: "I want a woman politician to run and say that she's an atheist and that she's for reproductive justice, that she's for transgender rights, and win. I want a transgender woman to be able to do that."
Ultimately, for atheist women (and atheists in general) to succeed at changing society, they need to continue on the path they are on and not settle for being silenced. Zuckerman draws parallels to the LGBT community. "Coming out does have an effect," he says. "More and more people feeling comfortable saying 'I'm not that religious' has an effect." Atheists just want to be seen as starting from the same place as any other decent American.
Greene sums it up nicely: "We want to get up, go to work, and enjoy our friends and families and our lifestyles just the same way as the person who gets up on Sunday and goes to church. We have our own ways of self-care. A lot of people find religion and that's how they take care of themselves - and that's great. We just do things a different way and that's OK."
8 Up-and-Coming Latinx Romance Writers Who Should Be on Your Radar
There's never a bad time to shine a spotlight on the next crop of Latinx writers hungry for their share of the romance genre's pie. There's plenty of variety on this list, ranging from authors who write sweet tales about love and family to those who devote a plethora of pages to steamy encounters in the bedroom - and elsewhere (ahem). The unifying theme? These women are proud Latinas whose books offer happily-ever-afters that will make you laugh, swoon, and fan yourself.
Get to Know the Man Ricky Martin Is Playing in American Crime Story
When news broke the upcoming season of American Crime Story was going to be about the murder of famous designer Gianni Versace, we couldn't wait to see who was going to be part of it and play all the fashionable characters who played a role in the story. Édgar Ramírez is playing Gianni Versace, Penélope Cruz signed on to be Donatella Versace, Darren Criss is Andrew Cunanan, and Ricky Martin is starring as Antonio D'Amico, Versace's partner.
The 45-year-old Puerto Rican singer is playing Versace's longtime lover. The two met in 1982 and were in a relationship for more than a decade and until Versace's murder in 1997. D'Amico was actually the one who found Gianni's body after he was shot by Cunanan. In the Italian designer's will, he left Antonio a $31,000 monthly pension for life, plus the right to any of the Versace homes in Italy and the United States. Unfortunately for D'Amico, the homes Versace left him actually belonged to the fashion company, so they were immediately given to Donatella; his brother, Santo; and his niece, Allegra. D'Amico was able to come to an agreement with the family and received a portion of his pension and restricted rights to the houses.
"It's a story that needs to be told," Martin told Entertainment Weekly. "We're going to go mainstream with a story that talks about homophobia, that talks about hate, that talks about indifference. I feel humbled. It's so raw and honest and so dramatic and sad. But at the same time, you show the love of Versace and D'Amico and 15 years of struggling, fighting. It's something that I really wanted to be loud about."
We will probably get to see the strained dynamic between Gianni's partner and Gianni's sister. "My relationship with Antonio is exactly as it was when Gianni was alive. I respected him as the boyfriend of my brother, but I never liked him as a person. So the relationship stayed the same," Donatella told The New York Times in 1999.
These 130+ DIY Nostalgic Costumes Will Make You Feel Like a Kid Again
Being an adult is sometimes kind of the worst, so relive your best childhood memories with nostalgic costumes that will take you back in time to the '80s, '90s, and early 2000s. These DIY costumes - from Nickelodeon characters to Jane Fonda, Cory and Topanga, and the whole Seinfeld crew - are easy to make and will have you reminiscing about the good old days.
25+ Slow-Cooker Pasta Recipes That Define Easy Comfort Food
We've found over 25 recipes to combine our love of pasta with the ease of the slow cooker - including mac and cheese and lasagna! With this many options, it's going to be hard to choose which recipe to make first.
9 Reasons Universal's Halloween Horror Nights Should Be on Your Bloody Bucket List
Halloween is in the air (seriously, can't you smell it?), which means Halloween Horror Nights is back at Universal Studios's Hollywood and Orlando parks. Since I survived last year, I thought I would attend again this year, and to be honest, I'm still recovering. I consider myself a moderate wimp, but I love to push myself to see just how scared I can get, and Halloween Horror Nights reallllly pushed me this year.
In addition to actually entering the Overlook Hotel from The Shining, I was chased around the park by multiple clowns with chainsaws, narrowly escaped being a part of America's annual tradition of The Purge, and had to feel my way around a pitch-black room filled with dead (but alive) scarecrows. If you've been to Halloween Horror Nights before and are considering going again, or if you've been wanting to go for years, here are all the reasons it's an absolute must.
This 4-Week Challenge Will Help You Finally Conquer Push-Ups
If you struggle with doing push-ups, I feel your pain. It wasn't until a few months ago that I could actually complete a full set of push-ups on my toes. I was fit and more active than most, but I found out from my trainer that I wasn't conditioning my body in the right way to cross push-ups off of my fitness bucket list. Fast forward four months and I am proud to say that I've completed over 50 push-ups in a single circuit.
Chances are it's the same for you. What seems like an impossible exercise is probably closer to your grasp than you think, and that's where this push-up progression plan will help. Designed by Austin Lopez, CSCS and trainer at DIAKADI, the four-week plan hones in on the muscles and movement needed to work when you do a push-up.
"Push-ups require all sorts of general muscle strength, a decent amount of shoulder mobility, and a surprising amount of shoulder and core stability," Austin told POPSUGAR. "The approach of this plan focuses on all of those things. While just working on one move like a dumbbell chest press definitely has its benefits and could maybe get you there at some point, working all of the muscles at once will help you get there more efficiently."
Besides commitment, the only requirement to complete this plan successfully is that you should already be able to do the prescribed exercises without modifications. If you're unable to, expect this to take longer as you build up your strength.
Push-Up Progression Plan: The four-week schedule consists of weekly workouts that should be done three times per week. It's laid out here in text, but continue reading for photos and detailed directions of each move. For weighted moves, be sure to pick dumbbells that challenge you without sacrificing your form; think medium to heavy weights.
Week 1 / Perform 3x Week
- Dumbbell rows, 8-10 reps
- Incline push-ups, 10-12 reps
- Elbow plank, hold for 20 seconds
- Run through the above circuit three times
Week 2 / Perform 3x Week
- Dumbbell rows, 8 reps
- Up-down plank, as many reps as possible
- V-crunch, 15 reps
- Run through the above circuit four times
Week 3 / Perform 3x Week
- Incline push-ups (performed closer to the ground than in week one), 6 reps
- Elbow plank with reach, 12-16 reps
- Run through the above circuit four times
Week 4 / Perform 3x Week
- Negative push-ups (as slow as possible), 6 reps
- Side plank with hip dips, 8-12 reps on each side
- Run through the above circuit four times
Week 5
- Watch all that work come together! At this point, you should be able to do a set of three to five push-ups on your toes.
Articles
