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.
mardi 3 octobre 2017
These 10 Tips Will Make Going to the Gym Easier
As we all strive to live healthier, getting fit is often a top priority. Whether you're heading back to the gym after a long hiatus or are new to the fitness scene, here are a handful of tips for making things easier. Hopefully they will help you maintain your fitness enthusiasm for months to come.
Get Major Booty Gains and Toned Arms With This Dumbbell Workout
While lifting heavy definitely builds your booty and tones your upper body, don't underestimate the power of the dumbbell. Jade Jenny, CrossFit coach and owner of Champlain Valley CrossFit, told POPSUGAR, "Heavy low volume and light high volume elicit two very different effects." So even though you love lifting a barbell, your muscles will also benefit from doing higher reps with moderate to low weight.
This six-move workout involves multitasking exercises that focus on the butt and legs, but also work the upper body simultaneously. Since some moves use just one dumbbell, have two sets on hand to adjust the amount of weight per exercise. Push yourself to use weights that take you out of your comfort zone a little - that's where the magic happens!
Directions: Set the timer for six minutes. Do each move for 40 seconds, and then take a 20-second rest before moving onto the next one.
The Workout
- Dumbbell thrusters
- Side lunge to curtsy squat (20 seconds per side)
- Deadlift to front row
- Dumbbell alternating forward lunges
- Sumo squats with dumbbells
- Single leg deadlift with row (20 seconds per side)
Descriptions for each move are ahead. For a longer workout, repeat this six-minute circuit two to four times.
Why You Should Wash Your Leggings After Every Single Workout
Doing laundry sucks, especially if you work out. If you're like us, your leggings, sports bras, and sweat-wicking tops far outnumber anything else in your life that needs cleaning (or anything in your life, tbh). The idea of washing a mountain of activewear may inspire you to wear the same leggings once, twice, maybe even three (!!!) times in a row. Don't, just don't. For the love of your fellow classmates and the health of your vagina, just back away from the idea of wearing yesterday's Spin leggings in today's yoga class.
We get it, leggings can seem deceptively clean the next day. They dry quickly, often without odor, and if the leggings are black, it can seem like they were never worn at all. Don't let this magic fool you. They may look clean, they may even feel clean, but they are definitely not clean - in fact, they are teeming with bacteria leftover from your previous sweat session. When you decide to recycle, reuse, and abuse those same pair of pants in a second workout, the heat and sweat from your body is going to give second life to that bacteria in a very disgusting way. If you've ever been in a class and smelled a disgusting, foul stench, you know what I'm talking about here: that is the smell of someone who thought it was OK to wear those workout clothes one more time.
Beyond a nasty stench, wearing unwashed leggings isn't great for the health of your vulva. If you wear your leggings without underwear, like a lot of us do, you're now exposing your nether regions to day-old sweat and bacteria, which can lead to uncomfortable conditions like vaginitis and yeast infections. No one wants to be itchy vagina in class, especially when clipped into a Spin bike.
If we still haven't convinced you of this one-time-wear rule, consider how much you spend on your gear. Leggings are definitely not cheap, and the best way to make them last - and keep all of their technical properties - is to care for them in the right way. Don't let sweat and bacteria build up from not washing them - this can break down the material and in some cases bring on mold. While it's insane to think you can wash you gear immediately after a workout, we recommend rinsing your clothing out with water, allowing it to air dry before you throw it in your hamper, or putting it in a bag and tossing it in the freezer. All of these methods will help kill the bacteria and calm down foul odors until your next wash.
Michelle Obama's 26 Best Moments as First Lady
As first lady, Michelle Obama has charmed our hearts and left an admirable legacy. Championing health and the empowerment of girls, Michelle launched initiatives like Let's Move and Let Girls Learn that will undoubtedly improve the lives of many young Americans.
On top of advocating for women's education, Michelle has also become a style icon and somehow found the time to be a devoted mother. While we reminisce about Barack Obama's achievements and smile at his best moments as president, we are moved to miss Michelle as well. Join us as we laugh, grin, and perhaps shed a tear as we look at Michelle's best moments as first lady.
The Real Reason I'm Wary of the PTA
When my daughter started kindergarten last year, I couldn't have been more excited, both for her and for myself. She got to attend a fantastic school with a dedicated and loving teacher and a classroom full of adorable friends, both old and new. I got seven guilt-free hours a day with one less child. What could go wrong with this scenario? Well, one little thing, and it's called the PTA (or at our school, the PTO).
Listen, I am extremely grateful for the intense amount of hard work all the women who run our school's parent-teacher organization put in. They are like little ninjas, fundraising, soliciting donations from local businesses, making sure our children all have the most enriched, positive education experiences possible and that we parents are always informed on the goings on of our school community. It's a big job, and they do it well.
I have yet to meet one woman in our school's PTO program that's anything less than lovely and gracious. There's not a Bad Moms clone in the bunch. They didn't volunteer for power or prestige, but instead to truly better the school and, subsequently, all of our children's lives. Noble, right? The only problem: they are always on the lookout for recruits and they've set their sights on me.
The only problem: they are always on the lookout for recruits and they've set their sights on me.
See, the thing about the women who are super involved with PTO is that they know it's a lot of work and they are constantly sniffing out innocent mothers who might have a little time on their hands and a desire to, you know, be a good mom. They might hear that you only work part time (even better if, like me, it's from home) or maybe not at all, and they figure you surely want to fill your hours by calling local businesses to ask for free $10 gift cards for raffle baskets and/or by organizing the school-wide ice cream social. It's for the kids, after all.
And at first, you'll think, well, yeah, I probably do have a few extra hours in my week and it might be kind of fun to pass out Dilly bars to my kids' classmates or help make the booze-filled, parents-only Spring fundraiser a great party. And so you, you naive woman, you say "yes" when they ask you to add your name to that SignUp Genius page. And then they've got you.
You've branded yourself a PTO mom, and once you're in, they expect you to go all the way in. Soon, you'll be asked to join every committee with a vacant seat, to recruit other mom friends who aren't doing their part, and to chair a fundraiser or two. You'll realize that you're in too deep with no way out, and while a little PTA is a good thing, a lot of it might make you go a little crazy.
It's a situation I've heard from so many friends, and one I'm looking to avoid. I always have my excuses for not volunteering for the big stuff at the ready (my toddler, my job, and my desire to do more "in-classroom" work are my go-tos). I have learned to fight against my tendency to say "yes" to everything, that "no" is just as acceptable an answer, and the only one I should give when asked to do something I truly don't want to or don't have the time to do. I respect the moms who dedicate so much of their time to the PTA; I just don't have the energy to be one of them.
If You're Running and Aren't Losing Weight, Try This
You've been eating right and exercising for a while, but that stubborn belly fat just won't budge! Along with incorporating foods that fight fat into your diet, here are some ways to burn that pooch away while you are out on a run.
Switch Up Your Pace
Intervals are proven to reduce belly fat and rev up metabolism; instead of running at the same pace for the entire workout, try alternating between periods of pushing your body to the max and periods of recovery. Here's a list of interval workouts for you to try:
- 45-minute fat-burning treadmill workout
- 300-calorie-burning walking-jogging workout
- 30-minute pyramid intervals
- Swimming interval workout
- 45-minute walk-run-sprint workout
- 45-minute elliptical interval workout
Go a Little Longer
Unfortunately you can't spot treat when it comes to weight loss, which is one reason solely doing crunches won't whittle your waistline. The key is to decrease overall body fat, and the one way to do that is to burn calories. Lengthening your workout will do just that. Every five minutes of running at a 10-minute-per-mile pace burns about 45 calories. Think about that on your next run, and it'll motivate you to keep going!
High Knees
You're working hard to diminish your overall body weight, which will slim down your belly so you can reveal toned abs underneath. Here's one way to strengthen your core. Do one-minute intervals in which you run with high knees (like in this cardio workout you can do in your living room). Concentrate on using your abs rather than your leg muscles to kick your knees up as high as you can.
Try This Killer Treadmill Move
Here's another core killer if you're using a treadmill. Set the pace to 1.0 mph. Place your feet on a Plyo Box that's set up about two feet behind the back of the treadmill. Come into plank position with your hands straddling the treadmill belt. Step your hands on the belt and start walking, keeping your torso in one straight line. Do this for one minute, pulling your belly in toward your spine. Watch the above shredmill move in action here!
9 Dose of Colors Products That Will Be Your New Faves
In a market that's completely saturated with endless product launches, it's easy to become makeup fatigued. It takes a lot to make hearts skip a beat these days - unless of course it's Fenty anything. But when Insta-famous is as earned a term for makeup brands as it is for the faces behind them, you have to make good products in order to get noticed - and Dose of Colors is good.
The four-year-old brand is not only cruelty-free but has celeb cred and a color range that just makes sense and works on a range of skin tones. And on the never-ending quest for the perfect nude lip, Dose of Colors has managed to perfect a palette of browns and flesh-toned shades that really do live up to the often overused word "nude." Everything from the brand is pretty heart-stopping, but here are nine items that could easily make their way into your top five.
The Best Frozen Items From Costco
Here's looking at you, Costco freezer section. Yes, the items come in bulk, but since they're frozen, they'll last for practically forever. These are our favorites and go-to items, from staples like smoothie packets and ground beef to indulgences like mochi ice cream and frozen burritos. Go ahead and be that savvy, smart Costco grocery shopper we know you are.
44 Quote Tattoos That Will Change Your Life
Words change your perspective and inspire you to do amazing things. Nothing is more moving than a perfect quote that encapsulates a sentiment that means something special to you. We've rounded up some of the most beautiful and motivational quote tattoos that will change your life for the better.
Exactly When to Plant Pumpkin Seeds If You Want Your Own Patch by Halloween
Having your own little pumpkin garden can be really satisfying, especially if you're pumpkin-obsessed or love anything to do with Fall. Whether you have children or not, you can skip the trip to the pumpkin patch in the Fall and have your very own personal supply of pumpkins for eating, carving, and decorating. Before you rush out and plant pumpkin seeds just weeks before Halloween, consider some of our tips for planting pumpkins below.
Determine Your Pumpkin Needs
When you plant your pumpkins largely depends on what you plan on using them for. If you want to use your pumpkins for carving and pies, you can plant them in the late Spring and after the last frost. If your goal is to grow the biggest pumpkin possible, opt for planting your seeds indoors two weeks before the last frost.
Consider Your Climate
Pumpkins generally need to be planted outside after the last chance of frost has passed. However, pumpkins grow more quickly in warm weather, so if you live in a warmer climate, you can plant pumpkin seeds as late as mid-July. People in cooler climates should plant them in late May.
Plant From Seed When Possible
Although it's possible to transplant your pumpkin seedlings after starting them indoors, the best way to ensure healthy pumpkin plants is to plant them directly into the ground. Pumpkin seedlings can be a bit picky, but if you really have to start them indoors, if you harden them off before planting them in the ground, they should adjust better to the change when it comes to planting them.
Pay Attention to Soil Temperature
Pumpkins are sensitive to the cold and grow faster in warmer conditions, so it's worth your while to make sure they're planted in the warmest soil possible. If you can, wait until the soil is at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit and plant the seeds in mounds of soil. Having the soil raised will help the soil get warmer as well as help with drainage and pests.
Keep Your Pumpkins Well Fed
Pumpkins need rich soil, full sun, and lots of space to grow. Make sure that in addition to a good-quality soil, you add a mixture of compost and manure to the ground before planting. Feed them regularly by topping up the compost. Pumpkins also do well with regular fertilizing, especially when the plants are about a foot tall and just before they bloom.
Focus Your Plants
Like with other vine plants, pumpkin plants will continue to put out vines and get longer and longer if you don't cut them back. Cutting them back won't just help keep your plant contained, but it will also help your pumpkin plant focused on producing fruits. Instead of wasting energy growing the vines, it will concentrate its energy on the vines it has left and the pumpkins themselves. You can encourage this even further by removing all but a couple of pumpkin fruits if your goal is size.
Don’t Have a Child Until You Can Honestly Answer These 9 Questions
Deciding to have a child is one of the biggest decisions a person can make. Although having a baby is a wonderful experience that results in a mini human who kind of looks and acts like you (which is pretty awesome), kids come with an enormous amount of responsibility and they require you to change a lot of little - and big - things about your lifestyle. Some people know their whole lives whether or not they want to have kids, but if you're on the fence, there's plenty to consider before making your decision.
Read through and answer the following nine questions honestly. Talk to your partner about your responses, especially the questions you answered differently, and decide if those spark any sort of deal breakers.
1. Do you enjoy spending time with children?
Do you happily hang out with the kids of friends and family members? Answering "yes" doesn't necessarily mean you're ready to have a baby, and it's totally OK if your answer to this is "no" – some people don't fall for kids until they have one of their own. Regardless, think about why you answered the way you did before committing to having a child of your own.
2. Do you have the means to support a child financially?
No one likes talking money - it's awkward and uncomfortable. But be honest with yourself about your income and if you have enough money coming in for all the things a baby needs. Be prepared to consider a few financial sacrifices here and there as well, like not taking expensive vacations or eating meals at home more often than not.
3. Do you have a good network of people around for emotional support?
An important thing to consider before having a kiddo is the people you surround yourself with. Sometimes moms and dads just need to vent about their kids, or conversely, they want to talk about something completely unrelated to kids to feel like their old selves for a minute. Make sure you have friends and family who can emotionally be there for you when things get tough - you're going to need them.
4. Are you considering a child to save a relationship?
Hey, sometimes kids can save a failing relationship, but most of the time, they won't. If you're trying to salvage the love between you and your partner, that's something you should do well before deciding to have a child together.
5. If you ever babysat, did you enjoy it?
Did you babysit purely for the 20 bucks, free snacks, and to watch movies after the kids were asleep, or did you babysit for the experience and because you love looking after little ones? If it's the former, did you actually like the time you spent with the kids before bed, and do you think you handled all of your caregiving tasks well? Just something to consider . . . parenting is 24/7 and you most certainly do not get paid for it.
6. Do you value your social life above all else?
If you're the type of person to pack a million events and people into your days to get the most out of your social life, think about whether that's something you're prepared to give up. Your social life will probably take a huge hit after a baby, so if that's one of the most important aspects of your life, you may want to wait a bit longer.
7. Will it bother you to be the first of your friends to have a baby?
You don't need to have kids just because your friends do, but if you are the first person out of your group to have kids, bear in mind that you may not have as much time to be around them - or as much in common with them - once the baby comes. If you think you're going to be missing out on too much, that's a valid feeling to consider.
8. Is getting tons of sleep extremely important to you?
If you prioritize your love of going to sleep early, sleeping in on weekends, and taking naps, you may be in for a reality check. It's one thing if you're getting sleep now because you know you won't once you have a baby, but if you really value sleep and aren't willing to live some of your days on empty, a kiddo schedule may not be for you.
9. Are you easily irritated by children crying and misbehaving in public?
It's easy to respond to this by saying, "Yes, I get aggravated when kids are brats in public, but my kids will never do that." Spoiler alert: your kid probably will be a brat in public at some point regardless of your parenting skills. It's natural not to love the sound of a screaming baby while you're trying to enjoy a meal or fly cross-country, but if every time you witness this behavior it sends you into a hostile tailspin, it's better to know now if this alone is a true deal breaker for you.
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.
You'll Never Carve a Jack-O'-Lantern Again After Seeing These Chic Succulent Pumpkins
Carving spooky jack-o'-lanterns is fun and all, but sometimes whittling away to perfect your pumpkin's wicked, toothy smile is a tad exhausting. If carved pumpkins are a little too basic for your taste and you want a more elevated way to decorate your front porch this Halloween, I have just the DIY you've been dreaming of: succulent-filled pumpkins! I'm, admittedly, a tad (OK, extremely) obsessed with succulents, and these Fall-inspired arrangements just might be my new favorite way to style the trendy plant (Yes, even more than those charming succulent birdcages).
Making these Instagram-worthy succulent pumpkins is as easy as Cool Whip-topped pecan pie. Simply cut a hole in the top of your gourd, scoop out the seeds, fill it with some potting soil, plant a few varied succulents, and voila - the picturesque Fall decoration of your dreams is done! And if you're feeling extra fancy, you can even paint your pumpkin a different color like white or gold. Ready to roll up your sleeves and get down to DIY business? Below is a handful of inspiring examples to get your creative juices flowing.
31 DIY Stranger Things Costumes That Will Knock You Upside Down
Stranger Things has become a cultural obsession. The perfect combination of '80s nostalgia, science fiction, and witty kids make for some killer costume ideas. If you're as huge of a fan as we are, you'll love these awesome costumes inspired by the show. They're easy to DIY and so good they would stop any Demogorgon in its tracks.
This Boy Ate 20 Laxative Brownies - Here's What Happened Next
A boy who is being referred to as "BG" got together with his friends and decided to play a dangerous game together. They dared each other to eat as many laxative brownies as possible, and whoever pooped first was considered to be the loser. Each one contained two doses of laxatives, which is the maximum you're supposed to eat in a single day.
In an attempt to show off to his friends, BG ate a whopping 20 brownies. Even after seeing his friends doubled over in pain and running to the bathroom, he kept eating more and more, making fun of his buddies who couldn't hold in their poop any longer.
According to the story here, BG suffered some serious consequences. He started slurring his words and tripping over his feet; he had a splitting headache, his heart was racing, and his right calf muscle was cramping. When he finally went to the bathroom, he had severe diarrhea, and the eighth time he went to relieve himself he collapsed on the floor, where he was found an hour later unconscious.
It turns out he was suffering from hypokalemia, which is a low potassium presence in the blood. This condition causes all your muscles to dangerously contract, including your heart, which is the most important muscle in the body. BG's heart was beating irregularly because the body didn't have the resources needed for it to relax normally. This, in turn, decreased the amount of oxygen to his brain, which is why he passed out.
BG also contracted rhabdomyolysis, a rapid breakdown of skeletal tissue that results in waste building up in your kidneys. His kidneys suffered some serious harm from all the built-up toxins, and the damage could potentially result in chronic kidney disease for the rest of his life.
Luckily, BG was hospitalized and stabilized, and he's going to be OK. But this harmful game could have lasting results on his body. Although the source for this particular video is anonymous, there are plenty of reliable sources out there that insist overusing laxatives can be quite dangerous.
While it's unclear who BG is or where the event happened, overdosing from laxatives is a real - and scary - thing. The FDA reported in 2014 that there were 13 deaths due to misuse of laxatives, also adding that your kidneys could be damaged in the long run if you aren't careful about how many you take in a day. Overusing laxatives can also rob your bowels of the chance to contract naturally, which means you won't be able to go to the bathroom normally on your own.
Earlier this year, it was reported that a student in Idaho handed out laxatives brownies at school without telling his peers what was in them. Many of these students came forward and said they felt sick and experienced terrible headaches. The student was suspended from school for five days and may face additional charges.
What's the takeaway here? Don't mess around with laxatives of any kind, no matter how tasty those brownies may be. If you take laxatives and experience dry mouth, thirst, reduced urine output, swelling of the legs or feet, or lightheadedness, speak to your doctor immediately.
This Is How I've Been Curbing a Sweet Tooth - For 0 Calories
I'm someone who is fully guilty of having emotional cravings - as in, I'm not necessarily hungry, but I feel like I *need* something sweet for dessert, even if it's just a taste.
Though I've tried to completely cut out sugar, I subsequently decided that said lifestyle choice was not for me and have continued to find ways to moderate and balance my sugar intake while curbing cravings in healthy ways. My recent go-to for this task? Tea!
Tea already boasts incredible health benefits (from weight loss to stress relief!), but when I discovered the world beyond traditional herbal tea varieties (read: fun flavors and dessert tea), my whole world changed. Don't get me wrong - I love me some classic green tea or an Earl Grey, but it's not necessarily what I envision for an after-dinner treat.
Our POPSUGAR Food editors Erin and Anna introduced me to David's Tea, and I dove head first into herbal tisanes and tinctures, as well as their insanely delicious dessert-inspired lineup. Some teas are in the 10-calorie range due to little additions like dried fruit or sprinkles (yes, sprinkles), but most are calorie-free. I've been brewing up pots of Cotton Candy, Birthday Cake, and Crème Caramel rooibos teas, Coconut Cream Pie and Lemon Pound Cake oolongs, and Jasmine Crème Brûlée and Pura Vida (essentially piña colada flavor) green teas.
Sipping a nice iced or hot tea at the end of a day after a meal is a surprisingly nice ritual for winding down - but I still will make these teas morning, noon, and night, because they're so delicious (and I'm fully obsessed). And it actually stops my cravings; I don't feel like I'm depriving myself, and I feel completely sated (emotionally and otherwise!) after I have my post-dinner cup. There are hundreds of flavors to choose from so I won't get bored, and I'm reaping the healthy benefits of different types of tea while avoiding excess processed sugar, calories, and anything else my body doesn't really need.
If I really want dessert and I'm actually hungry, sure - I'll eat dessert. But 90 percent of the time, when it's just an emotional craving or habit, these teas have helped me find better balance and keep my body healthier.
Underwear With Yoga Pants? It's Apparently a Controversial Topic
Much like politics and religion, a person's preference for panties (or lack thereof) under yoga pants is quite polarizing. You'll get commando enthusiasts who are disgusted by thongs that trap sweat for hours and those who are horrified by the idea of going bare under a thin layer of activewear.
No matter which side you're on, it's likely you've heard "Ew, gross!" from the opposition. But what's actually the deal? Should you wear underwear with yoga pants? According to experts, there's no black and white answer.
In terms of health considerations, we talked to Dr. Stephanie Long, MD, women's health expert at One Medical. "I think the biggest considerations around health are what you wear and do before and after a workout too," she told POPSUGAR. "If you wear tighter, synthetic materials for long times before or after a workout, that may be irritating for the vaginal and genital areas due to the increased moisture and decreased breathability. So, going commando may be fine as long as you're changing into clothes [before] and out of them around a workout."
Similarly, opting for panties could also be irritating. "Wearing a thong or underwear for a long time before or after a workout without changing could also be an issue," she said. "Ultimately, women have to experiment about what's comfortable for a workout, what isn't irritating, etc., and be sure to change out of wet/damp undergarments promptly."
Aside from health considerations, it also comes down to circumstance and personal preference. We're not going to tell you how to choose, but here are some things to think about before donning your beloved leggings and heading out the door for a good sweat.
When you might want to wear underwear:
- You're not doing a supersweaty workout (think barre, yoga, Pilates)
- You're wearing white pants or sheer pants
- You've done a supersweaty class, but you have the option to change and shower immediately
- You have incontinence issues
- You're on your period
- You feel more comfortable with underwear
When you might want to go commando:
- You're going to a supersweaty workout (cycling, boot camp, hot yoga)
- You don't have the option to shower for a while, and you've done a really sweaty class
- You're not dealing with incontinence and you're not on your period
- You feel more comfortable without underwear
36 Reasons You Should Stay FAR AWAY From Disneyland During Halloween Time
Disneyland will officially open its park for Halloween Time on Sept. 15! That means bewitching and spooky festivities will go into full effect. It may seem like an exciting time, but do you really want to go? Check out our reasons going to Disneyland during Halloween Time is a terrible idea, and decide for yourself.
Relive Jimmy Kimmel's Halloween Prank Like It's the First Time
For Jimmy Kimmel, Halloween is all tricks and no treats. As per tradition, the late night host dared parents to tell their children that they ate all of their candy and film it for millions to see. While some youngsters were more forgiving of their parents' Halloween faux pas, others had a harder time handling the news - one little girl even threw a chair midtantrum. From the hilarious to the uncomfortable, these children's reactions will make you think twice before grabbing one of your tot's coveted chocolate bars.
What Type Of Workout You Should Do Based On Your Zodiac Sign
Of course, any workout beats no workout, but if you could actually maximize your performance somehow, you'd be into it, right? Well, turns out, there are certain exercises that are better suited to your body's needs based on your zodiac sign.
Sounds strange, but stay with us, here. Some signs are believed to enjoy low-intensity workouts, while others prefer high-intensity, fast-paced workouts. And, while some signs can easily exercise solo, others might need some outside motivation, perhaps in the form of a sports league or class.
So, before booking your next class online, think about trying a new workout that's aligned with the stars. We got the details from Rachel Lang, Astrological Consultant and Healer, as well as Jolie Manza, fitness expert and founder of Surfin2Yoga.
Sprint to Your Grocery Store For Daiya's Vegan, Gluten-Free, Pumpkin Cheesecake
Pumpkin lovers of all dietary restrictions shall rejoice upon hearing this glorious news: Daiya's (absolutely delicious) Pumpkin Spice "Cheezcake" is dairy-free, gluten-free, peanut-free, vegan, coconut-based, and 1,000 percent delectable.
The creamy, decadent texture and uncanny resemblance to its dairy-laden inspiration (i.e., an actual cheesecake) earned this vegan variety exceptionally high marks from our taste testers, and not one single bite of Pumpkin Spice was left over from our taste test (read: we polished off an entire cheesecake in under 30 minutes). Here's what people had to say:
- OMG, YES.
- This is real!!
- F*ck yes!!!
- Delicious!
- Tastes like pumpkin pie!
- Wow, wow, wow.
Strong Abs Start With This 7-Minute Workout
Get the printable version of this seven-minute HIIT workout here!
When it comes to high-intensity interval training (HIIT), the pros definitely outweigh the cons. While it may feel unpleasant to push your body to go faster and harder for that short time period, the rewards are worth it: HIIT helps you blast more belly fat, save time, and burn way more calories (even after your workout is long over) than a lower-intensity workout alone. A 2013 study published in the American College of Sports Medicine's Health and Fitness Journal found that a few minutes of training at almost your max can accomplish all of this in way less time than a traditional workout. How much less? Try just seven minutes total.
The ACSM's interval workout consists of 12 exercises, which should be done at an intensity of eight on a scale of 10; each exercise lasts 30 seconds, with a 10-second rest in between. Repeat the circuit if you'd like a longer workout. Keeping the intensity up - and the rest periods short - is key, so keep reading to learn the moves and then get going! You'll need a mat and a chair or bench.
How to Stay Fit During the Holidays, From an Expert Who Trains Victoria's Secret Models
The holidays are just around the corner, which means there are going to be endless cocktails, homemade pies, and long dinners that last well into the night. It can be a struggle to maintain your level of fitness and stay healthy with all the festivities going on.
That's why POPSUGAR spoke to celebrity trainer Michael Blauner, who has worked with countless Victoria's Secret models, and he gave some pretty useful tips for staying in shape during this busy time of year.
When Michael works with the VS Angels, who were both blessed with supermodel genes and work hard to keep their physiques, he makes sure he mixes up the workouts to keep their bodies guessing. But staying healthy isn't all about working out; it's about eating well and having the right mindset.
Which is exactly why Michael gives this advice for getting through the holidays: "Stay focused, use visualization, keeping your ideal feeling and thoughts of self, to stay on track." Positive thought goes a long, long way when you're trying to lose weight or just maintain your health, and Michael recommends tapping into that power. "Create a positive mantra to repeat to yourself that keeps you on track," he told POPSUGAR.
"But remember, it's totally cool to indulge - it's the holidays after all!" Michael said. "You may eat and drink more during the holidays, and if so, push yourself harder and a little longer during your workouts." Although it's much easier, especially during this time of year, to eat more calories than you burn, that doesn't mean you won't get any benefit from sticking to your fitness routine.
Enjoy yourself, but "put in the extra time at the gym to stay on top of your game," Michael suggested.
Are Egg Whites Healthier Than Egg Yolks?
Chock-full of protein, eggs are a quick and easy way to get this essential nutrient anytime of the day. From omelets in the morning to quiche at night, you may be shying away from the yolks to save calories and cholesterol. The yolk may contain all the fat, but it also contains most of the vitamins and nutrients. Take a look at the comparison below to see what you may be missing when you only eat the whites.
| 1 egg white | 1 egg yolk | 1 whole egg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 16 | 54 | 71 |
| Total fat (g) | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Saturated fat (g) | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Cholesterol (mg) | 0 | 211 | 211 |
| Sodium (mg) | 55 | 8 | 70 |
| Carbs (g) | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fiber (g) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sugars (g) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Protein (g) | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 0 | 244 | 244 |
| Vitamin B12 (mcg) | 0 | 0.3 | 0.6 |
| Vitamin D (IU) | 0 | 18.2 | 17.5 |
| Calcium (mg) | 2.3 | 21.9 | 26.5 |
| Folate (mcg) | 1.3 | 24.8 | 23.5 |
| Potassium (g) | 53.8 | 18.5 | 67 |
| Selenium (mcg) | 6.6 | 9.5 | 15.8 |
| Omega-3s (mg) | 0 | 38.8 | 37 |
The yolks are where it's at if you're looking to up your intake of vitamins A, B12, and D, as well as your daily calcium, folate, and omega-3s. If it's cholesterol you're worried about, the recommended limit is about 300 mg a day. That means you could enjoy an egg a day if you wanted to, but it's important to be mindful about how much meat, cheese, and other dairy products you eat during the rest of the day.
The 12 Best Store-Bought Popcorns in the World
Popcorn and I are in a pretty serious long-term relationship. It has always been and will always be my favorite snack, and I have consumed more bags of the stuff (in flavors of all kinds) than I'd like to admit. But that officially qualifies me - along with a few other popcorn-loving coworkers - to declare the absolute best store-bought popcorns in the world, so that you know what's worth picking up the next time you're looking for a movie-night snack. While I do have a strong preference for one flavor in particular - white cheddar for life - there's a lot of variety that deserves to be praised in the popcorn aisle, from kettle corn to truffle popcorn and good-old movie theater butter popcorn that leaves your fingers with a satisfyingly yellow glow. Satisfy your popcorn cravings with the following 12 best-ever picks.
Kids Ranked Their Favorite Halloween Candy - and We're Horrified
When it comes to shopping for Halloween candy, most adults reach for the bags of candy they'd like to eat, and who can blame us? I'm proud of myself if I'm able to abstain from dipping into the candy stash before the first trick-or-treater reaches my door. More often, I'm ripping a bag of candy open before I even leave the grocery store parking lot. Luckily, there's an easy hack for everyone handing out candy this year who wants to avoid a candy binge: buy the candy kids like. A recent poll conducted by Jet.com found that there's a huge difference between the most popular Halloween candy according to kids and adults, and the results might surprise you. While chocolate-focused favorites like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Hershey's Kisses made the list of favorite adult candies, neither appeared on the list of candies kids actually want to get. In fact, only one candy made it onto both lists. Take a peek at the top eight candies kids are praying you'll dish out this holiday!
You'll Get Plenty of Costume Ideas From These 20 Halloween-Obsessed Celebs
We're convinced only two kinds of people exist: those who avoid Halloween like the plague and the ones who obsess over it for months, preparing their costumes (yes, plural) with detail and going all out on Oct. 31. Ahead, you'll find 20 stars who very clearly belong to that second group. From Alessandra Ambrosio - who we're naming the queen of this spooky night - and Bella Thorne to Mario Lopez and Jennifer Lopez, you'll find much costume inspiration from the most Halloween-obsessed stars.
Start Planning Your Trip to Disney For Día de los Muertos, Like, Yesterday
Disney knows how to do Halloween. Every year, Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and the various international incarnations celebrate the holiday in a way that is festive and fun while also still being kid-appropriate. So it's about time that the park took all that fanfare and put it behind another important holiday - Día de los Muertos, celebrated by its Mexican visitors around the same date.
In the past, Disney has honored the traditional Mexican holiday (which, to be clear, is not the same as Halloween in any way) with a few seasonal desserts. Available only at Disneyland, the various sweet treats resembled the Mexican holiday's signature sugar skulls.
This year, Disney is expanding its celebration to include live entertainment, interactive activities, and even more limited-edition menu items.
At Disneyland, there will be new themed treats - like pumpkin flan, available at the Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante in Frontierland. The park will also be offering Calaveras-style face painting. At California Adventure, there will be musical performances, Coco-inspired decorations, and activities centered around traditional Mexican folk art. The festivities will begin on Sept. 15 and run through Nov. 2. Ahead, we've rounded up some treats from this year's celebration, as well as last year's offerings.
Ariana Grande Has a Beautiful, Raw Message to Anyone Struggling With Insecurities
For some Hollywood stars, the pressure of being a role model can be crushing. That's not the case for Ariana Grande, who handles it with grace. I saw this firsthand when I met up with the star in Hong Kong. Ariana had launched an event to celebrate her new partnership with Reebok and was also on her Dangerous Woman tour. Upon meeting her, I immediately noticed how deeply she cared about her fans, especially the young ones.
"I feel a maternal responsibility towards them," she said to a small group of editors. "Obviously they're not my children, but I feel a motherly attachment to them."
The singer was sitting cross-legged in a chair, hugging a fluffy Reebok pillow. For a fleeting moment, she herself embodied a childlike innocence. That image didn't last long, however, when I realized the scope of her reach (she has 114 million on Instagram alone) and her ability to be so self-assured at 24. It was her inner confidence that drew me - well, everyone - in as she continued to talk about her young fans.
When asked what advice she would give to those who struggle to love their own skin and bodies, Ariana didn't hesitate in saying:
"I feel a strong relationship to my fans and the thought of them self-deprecating is so heartbreaking to me. I think the thing I want to instill in them the most is the message of you are loved. There are so many different kinds of beautiful. You're beautiful today if you have 10 cupcakes and you're beautiful tomorrow if you do a juice cleanse. I don't care. You're beautiful because of who you are."
This thoughtful, body-positive answer didn't come from thin air. Ariana credits her mother for teaching her to self-love and to appreciate what she has in her life, such as health and happiness. It's clear the values that were instilled in Ariana as a young girl carried into her 20s, where she now has a strong platform to spread those same messages. Ariana is, in two words, a dangerous woman.
Travel and accommodations were provided by Reebok for the purpose of writing this post.
You'll Want This Star Wars Line of Fitness Gear to Use the Force on Your Core
Whether you're on the dark side or the light, you'll find something to love in Onnit's new line of Star Wars-inspired fitness gear. With a yoga mat, a slam ball, and a set of different kettlebell weights, the line includes everything you need for an engaging workout. Good in both hot outdoor settings like Tatooine and indoor spaces like the Jedi Temple, the Onnit line has an all-black aesthetic that would make Kylo Ren jealous.
The intergalactic workout goodies are available for preorder right now, so you can start using the Force to tone your physique as soon as the products become available. In the meantime, check out the products and descriptions from the line. You'll immediately grab your wallet . . . and that's no Jedi mind trick!
The Surprising Truth About Refrigerating Eggs
Eggs in the US are sold under refrigeration, but that's not the case in many other countries. People who have their own chickens also sometimes leave the eggs outside of the refrigerator until they're ready to cook with them. What's the deal? Do we really need to refrigerate eggs? Here's the breakdown.
If you have your own backyard chickens and can confirm the health of the chickens and the cleanliness of the coop, your unwashed eggs should be OK to leave out for several days. The reason is that eggs have a "bloom," or natural coating, that keeps out air and bacteria. Once eggs are washed, that coating is removed and it becomes easier for bacteria to penetrate the inside of the egg, and thus refrigeration is necessary to keep them fresh.
As for store-bought eggs in the US, you need to refrigerate them. American egg producers wash eggs to make sure the shells are clean and that there's a decreased risk of salmonella. Thus the protective coating is removed before the eggs arrive in grocery stores. "The USDA requires that eggs destined for supermarket shelves - called graded eggs - are washed and sprayed with a chemical sanitizer before they are sold to the public to reduce the risk of salmonella infection," Business Insider reports. Other countries do not wash their eggs, which is why you'll see them for sale near other unrefrigerated items.
Of course, to be safe, you can always choose to refrigerate your eggs no matter what. If an egg sits out at room temperature for a day, that's roughly the equivalent of seven days in the fridge, so you have to eat them more quickly. But as always, the fresher the eggs, the better they'll taste.
The Clear Soda of Your Childhood Is Back on Store Shelves
What '90s kid didn't grow up sipping Clearly Canadian fruit-flavored sodas? Though discontinued in 2009, the sweetened sparkling waters are back on shelves in Blackberry, Wild Cherry, Orchard Peach, and Raspberry, thanks to a crowdfunding campaign. Currently, the glass bottles are stocked at Hy-Vee grocery stores or online at Cost-Plus World Market for $2 each. Unsweetened La Croix has become the choice fizzy water of this decade, but we wouldn't mind picking up a bottle or two of Clearly Canadian, at least for nostalgia's sake.
This Is the Best Diet to Go On (According to Harvard Researchers)
If you want to lose weight, what's on your plate is often more important than the minutes you spend in the gym. And if you want to see the most change, a 2015 study from Harvard says you should be cutting carbs, not fat.
For the study, published in PLoS One, researchers from Harvard and Brigham and Women's Hospital reviewed 53 randomized trials of over 68,000 patients who had been assigned to either low-fat or low-carb diets. They found that low-carb diets were consistently better at helping patients lose weight than low-fat diets; the participants on the low-carb diets lost 2.5 pounds more than those on low-fat diets, with the average weight loss among all groups at about six pounds.
This latest study on the weight-loss benefits of a low-carb diet adds further evidence that if you want to lose weight, ditching bread - not olive oil - can help you see success. Another recent study, for example, showed that dieters who ate fewer than 40 grams of carbohydrates per day lost about eight pounds more than dieters who were put on a low-fat diet. Other studies have shown that high-carb diets may be the real heart-disease culprit, not saturated fat. All in all, this new review is a good reminder that if you want to lose weight, you should choose a diet rich in healthy fats, lean proteins, and fresh produce. Of course, not all fats are created equal - find out which healthy fats you should be incorporating into your diet here.
It's Illegal to Cross America's Second Tallest Bridge For Good Reason (but People Still Do)
Almost 350 feet above the Skokomish River stands the Vance Creek Bridge, the second tallest trestle bridge in the country. There are no guard rails and no safety nets, and the decaying wood of the structure isn't exactly reassuring. Still, the views from the stunning bridge have made it a popular destination for adventurers and Instagrammers alike, and looking at the images, it's easy to see why.
Less than a two-hour drive from Seattle and situated along the Vance Creek Viaduct Trail, the Vance Creek Railway Bridge - which was built in 1929 - spans 422 feet across. It was built originally so trains and timber companies could access Washington's forests but fell into disuse in the 1970s. Though it's on private property - and potentially dangerous considering its age and state of disrepair - hikers flock to the man-made wonder to marvel at both the bridge and the incredible views from it. On a clear day, you can even see Mt. Rainier if you're brave enough to make it to the center.
While undoubtedly breathtaking, it may be better to view the bridge from afar to ensure your safety, and also because in the past, tickets have been given for trespassing.
Check out the photos ahead!
49 Free Templates For the Coolest Jack-o'-Lantern on the Block
Locate your nearest pumpkin patch immediately, because we have jack-o'-lanterns to carve! We're obsessed with the pumpkin templates from ThinkGeek's website - the online shop for everything nerd culture holds an annual Great Geeky Pumpkin Template Contest and the submissions are always pouring in to help readers carve clever and crafty pumpkins for Halloween.
We've gathered our favorite submissions from 2012, 2013, and 2014 that are a little bit sweet (Hello Kitty), a little bit retro (Super Mario Bros.), frighteningly hilarious (Overly Attached Girlfriend), and that even make us want to dance ("Gangnam Style"). And if you want even more pumpkin goodness, check out the emoji templates we created ourselves just for you!
For more Halloween inspiration, feast your eyes on costumed dogs and cats, the ultimate geeky costumes for humans, party decor suggestions, and the apps that'll help you turn friends into monsters or scare yourself silly.
How Old Is the Cast of Riverdale in Real Life? Let's Break It Down
Since Riverdale premiered on The CW, its undeniably attractive cast has kept our eyes glued to our screens as angsty teenage relationships have formed and mind-blowing plot twists have dropped. Though the show's characters are meant to be high school sophomores between the ages of 15 and 16 (except Cheryl, who is 17 years old), the actors are actually much older in real life. Spoiler alert: learning KJ Apa's real age may or may not make you feel slightly creepy for having such a passionate obsession with him (and his mesmerizing abs). As we not-so-patiently await season two, read on to learn more about the stars behind your favorite Riverdale characters.
Have Yourself a Boozy Little Christmas With This Glorious Tequila Advent Calendar
Don't get us wrong - we love indulging in a daily chocolate treat from traditional Advent calendars, but sometimes we're craving something a bit, er, stronger to aid in our Christmas countdown. Enter boozy Advent calendars, the answer to our wildest holiday dreams. We recently discovered Drinks by the Dram, a glorious company that makes all the spirit-filled calendars our Christmas-loving hearts could ever desire, and perhaps the best option of them all is its 2017 Tequila Advent Calendar. Just writing the words "tequila Advent calendar" in succession is getting us psyched!
This festive calendar is jam-packed with 24 different 30-milliliter bottles of tequila from both boutique and widely known producers all over Mexico, including Don Julio 1942 Tequila and Casa Noble Anejo, to name a few. Each day leading up to Christmas is like a different boozy surprise, allowing you to sip your way through the holidays. Who needs to light the fireplace when you've got some smooth tequila to warm you to your core, am I right?
The tequila-filled Advent calendar is now available for purchase for $166. We suggest placing your order ASAP, because agave-lovers everywhere are sure to snatch up this boozy box quicker than you can say, "Shots, anyone?"
Do These 8 Things at Night to Transform Yourself Into a Morning Person
Listen, not everyone is a morning person, but there are some things you can do to improve the quality of your sleep so you can condition yourself to get up earlier, feeling more refreshed and rejuvenated than ever. Martin Rawls-Meehan, CEO of sleep technology company Reverie, shared some insight on how to get better sleep every night so you can transform yourself into an energizer bunny in the morning.
Keep things cool
Sleeping in a cooler environment is good for a number of reasons. "When your core temperature drops, it's a signal to your body to start shutting things down for the day," said Martin. "To help ease yourself into the resting process, without feeling like an icicle of course, the ideal room temperature for sleep is about 65 degrees."
Diffuse your worries
"Aromatherapy uses the healing powers of scents to balance your mind, body and spirit," said Martin. "Pure essential oils are diffused into the air or rubbed on pressure points to help you relax, relieve stress, and promote better sleep. Some popular scents with calming effects include lavender, chamomile, ylang-ylang, and jasmine." We couldn't agree with this more - we keep a diffuser by our beds to send ourselves off into a peaceful, deep, stress-free slumber.
Go dark
You don't have to paint your walls black, but it's a good idea to shut out as much light as possible. "Dark rooms not only help you fall asleep, but also improve overall sleep quality," said Martin. "So try to make your bedroom as dark as possible, whether that means buying blackout shades, wearing an eye mask, or putting a cloth over any electronics or blinking lights that can't be removed."
But also white
"White noise, that is," he said. "Noise pollution can be as detrimental to your sleep quality as sound pollution, so it's important to take action to keep things quiet." Do you live with roommates? Noisy neighbors? In a bustling city environment? "If you can't control the ambient sound in your sleeping environment, then cover any excess noise with a fan, white noise machine, or even a white noise app."
Find your perfect pillow
The comfort of your bed, sheets, and pillow can make a significant difference in the way you sleep - and the type of pillow matters depending on how you sleep. Spinal alignment is key in this. "When sleeping on your back or side, a medium height and slightly firm pillow works best to support your neck and head," said Martin. "On your stomach, a soft, flat pillow is best. Quality pillows are designed to keep your spine aligned while you sleep, which can mean more comfort and more sleep. He suggested an adjustable pillow so you can find what's most comfortable for you.
Be a creature of habit
Your best bet at becoming an early riser is to be as habitual as possible while you condition your body to get up earlier (and become a better sleeper). "As much as possible, your bedtime and waking time should be [consistent]," said Martin. "Going to bed and waking up at the same times each day helps regulate your body's circadian rhythms, which in turn makes it easier for you to fall asleep and wake up naturally." He also noted that "there's even evidence that doing so may have a help with weight loss!" His suggestion: try setting a "sleep alarm" for your bedtime "to remind yourself that it's time to turn in," - you can do this on your phone, or with a Fitbit.
No night noshing
It might be a better idea to taper your eating when it gets closer to bedtime, according to Martin. "Eating a big meal right before bed can make it difficult to fall asleep, and make your sleep less restful once you do doze off," he said. "For optimal rest, aim to stop eating at least two hours before bed, and be sure to avoid all caffeine and alcohol as bedtime approaches as both are stimulants." Feeling the grumbles in your belly? Don't deprive yourself if you're really hungry! "If you feel a twinge of hunger come on after hours, opt for foods like cherries, tomatoes, walnuts, olives, barley, strawberries, and milk which contain melatonin, and can help you fall asleep."
Say no to the screen
We've said this before, but it's worth reiterating. "Scrolling through your Instagram feed right before bed is a recipe for a restless night," he said. And it's no way to become a morning person! "The blue light from our phones - and other screens, like TVs, laptops, and tablets - tells our body's internal rhythms that it's time to wake up, and start revving our body up right when it's time to wind down." So there's no way around it - just turn it off. Still need something to wind down? "Try reading an old-fashioned book, or doing some meditating or another relaxing activity, and if possible keep all electronics out of the bedroom - try using an old-fashioned alarm clock near your bed and charging your phone in the kitchen." Sounds challenging, but we didn't say becoming a morning person would be easy, did we?
12 VapoRub Memes That Will Make You Feel So Understood
Growing up, you probably heard two things often: 1. "Don't walk barefoot without socks on." 2. "Ponte VapoRub." Regardless of the ailment - stomachache, headache, heartache - the response was always the same: a bit of Vicks VapoRub and you'd be good to go in no time. Call it placebo effect, but the truth is that you actually did feel exponentially better after rubbing on the powerfully scented ointment, which is why you can't help but still stock a couple of jars in your medicine cabinet.
In the age of the internet, where everything that's important also happens to be a meme, it's only right that Latinx's love and devotion to VapoRub has its moment in the limelight. These 12 memes will make you feel so understood.
This Is the Most Surprising Side Effect I Experienced After Going Vegan
Clearer skin, more energy, better digestion, and a flatter tummy - these were the promises that were made to me when I went vegan in 2011. I was skeptical of every last one of them, but after sticking with the diet for a couple of weeks, I started to notice all of these changes, and things just got better and better the longer I ate plant-based foods.
There was one strange side effect of going vegan, though, that really took me by surprise. After being on a whole-foods, plant-based diet for several months, I realized that my body odor completely changed. It first occurred to me when I forgot to put on deodorant before an endurance running class, a place where I'm guaranteed to sweat my ass off. I left the class drenched as usual, but when I lifted my arms to take off my sports bra, I realized that there was no aroma whatsoever coming from my armpit.
To make sure it wasn't just a happy coincidence, I deliberately left my deodorant in the medicine cabinet over the next couple of days and did all my workouts sans armpit coverage. Much to my surprise, there wasn't a single day when I noticed a gross smell coming from my body.
I had heard from various people before I went vegan that this was a common side effect of adopting this kind of diet, but I usually brushed it off as plant-based propaganda. But there seems to be some evidence out there suggesting that this is to be expected.
Researchers at Charles University in Prague, for example, conducted a study on a group of participants, giving them meals with meat for two weeks and vegetarian meals for another two weeks. They gathered the body odor from participating men and let women smell it and give their feedback. They discovered that women found men's scents to be much more sexually attractive and pleasant in general when they were eating meals without any meat. Clearly, body odor is affected by what you put into your body, especially when it comes to animal products.
This doesn't surprise me at all, because my boyfriend, who has been vegan for two years, is a marathon runner, and every time he comes back from a distance run covered in sweat, I never smell anything off-putting from him. In fact, I've never smelled any body odor from him that has made me wrinkle my nose. I think that's a better indicator than my own scents, because sometimes you don't really know what you smell like until someone else gives you feedback.
There are a lot of days when I still forget to put on my natural deodorant, and I never worry that I'm going to stink up the room, even if I'm at the gym. It might be a very unexpected side effect of veganism, but it's one I'm happy to accept.
7 Moves to Burn 400 Calories in 20 Minutes
Kettlebell fans love the heavy, round-shaped weights for a reason - kettlebell exercises combine cardio and strength training for a time-saving calorie burn. The amount of calories you can burn using kettlebells can be amazingly high: a study by the American Council on Exercise found that the average person burns 400 calories in 20 minutes when doing kettlebell exercises. More research has found that regularly exercising with kettlebells significantly reduces back, neck, and shoulder pain by strengthening core and upper body muscles.
Does all that convince you to add more kettlebell to your life? Read on for tips on choosing the right kettlebell and a few calorie-torching exercises to try. And do check out this kettlebell tutorial and workout to learn the basics.
No Doubt, Pier 1 Imports Has the Coolest Halloween Decor of 2017 - See Our 21 Favorites
Halloween-lovers, you're going to need to sit down for this one. Pier 1 Imports just released its collection for the holiday, and it's incredible. These decorations feed our October-obsessed souls without being tacky or obnoxious. They're cool Halloween items you're going to get tons of compliments on. We're talking light-up pillows, jewel-encrusted skulls, and glittery pumpkins. We're so impressed by these goodies that we just might have to start decorating now. Be smart and snatch up these pieces soon - they're going to disappear ridiculously fast. Remember, it's never too early to get excited for All Hallows' Eve.
This Creepy, Clever Taylor Swift Costume Is Absolutely Perfect For Halloween
Is there any Taylor Swift moment more suitable for Halloween than Zombie Taylor Swift? The singer returned to the music scene with a bang in August when she dropped "Look What You Made Me Do," the first single off her upcoming album Reputation. The record-smashing music video opens with a look at her "Out of the Woods" self as a zombie who quite literally buries "old Taylor." With the creepy makeup and the muddy dress, it's the perfect way to channel Taylor Swift for Halloween.
How to Create It Yourself
Hoping to bring Taylor Swift to life - er, death - for Halloween? Here's what you'll need:
- Light blue dress
- Zombie face makeup
- Dark lipstick
- A short blond wig
Slip on your blue dress, and while you're busy perfecting your zombie-inspired makeup look, brush some darker shades across your arms and into your blond wig for that crawling-through-the-mud effect. Of course, you'll need the perfect soundtrack while you get ready, so bonus points if you can blast "Look What You Made Me Do" to really channel Taylor.
Check out the rest of our Top 10 Halloween Costumes For 2017!
Designers to Follow on Instagram If You Love Joanna Gaines
Can't get enough of Joanna Gaines of HGTV's Fixer Upper? We know - neither can we! If you've binge-watched (and then rewatched) every episode and still want more amazing Joanna Gaines style, check out some of these great Instagram accounts!
This Secret Indian Hair-Growth Formula May Finally Give You a Mermaid Mane
Anyone who has unsuccessfully tried to get their hair to grow may roll their eyes at this video in which Prachi (the vlogger behind Super Wow Style) shares a family recipe for lengthier locks. Could a simple mix of natural ingredients really make hair grow up to 30-40 percent as Prachi claims? We were a bit skeptical, too, and while we have not tried this remedy, a look at Prachi's long shiny mane and reading the reviewers' testimonials is making us reconsider. Perhaps this is the holistic answer to getting the mermaid mane of your dreams. In fact, Prachi challenges viewers to take before and after images when they test the treatment.
"People ask, 'How does you hair grow?' and I give them the same answer," she says in the video. "I learned it from my mom, and she learned is from her mother. It's an old Indian secret."
To DIY it, you'll need: coconut oil, castor oil, vitamin E, aloe vera leaves, and two bowls (one small and one large). Start by cutting up the aloe vera leaves, and then scratch it with a knife or fork to scrape out more gel. Rub the leaf on your scalp and massage the aloe gel into your roots. Use your fingers to make sure it's all over your head.
Then, in a small bowl, combine one tablespoon of castor oil with 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Pierce the vitamin E capsule with needle, extract the oil, and add it to the formula. Place the small bowl with the three oils in a larger one containing hot water. Warning: do not place the oil directly on a fire (including a stove) or in microwaves, since it can catch fire immediately.
After five minutes, the hot oil should be ready. Use your fingertips to apply it onto your scalp. Lay down on a sofa or the like and gently massage it into your scalp for two to three minutes. "This is very important to increase blood circulation for hair growth," she explains.
Once you're done, weave your hair in tight braid and sleep on it. Wash you hair in the morning. According to Prachi, you will start seeing a difference in your hair length "very, very soon."
While she does not specify how often to do the treatment, reviewers offer their successful trials.
"I tried this method exactly as she explained to and it WORKED!" one commenter said. "My hair grew about 4 to 5 inches in about 3 months! I did it 2 x per week for a month. Then 1 x per week for the next 2 months. It made my hair so healthy and strong. Everyone kept commenting on how fast my hair grew and how long it is. Before I started my hair was bra strap length. Now it is to my hips! I don't have photos to post, because I seriously hate taking photos of myself since I have gained weight (next thing to work on) but I will consider it."
Another commenter said, "I watched your video and used these products! And it works like MAGIC. I don't know how but my hair grew in a week. I used it two times a week though aloe vera was not available! But castor oil is super! Hats off!"
A third remarked, "It's amazing . . . I've seen results in just 2 wash[es] . . . My hair [ha]s became more silky and the best part it made my hair 2.5 cm longer."
So, what do you think? Is this a hoax or the most genius hair hack ever?
This Pumpkin(!) Kat Von D Glimmer Veil Color Is Only Available for 48 Hours
Beauty junkies, you know the drill by now: the first week of every month, Kat Von D holds an "Everlasting Flash Sale." For 48 hours only, the brand majorly discounts a beloved product. In the past, it's been a great chance to stock up on new additions to Kat Von D's line, or limited edition sets you can't score anywhere else.
This October, you have the opportunity to get your hands on a never-before-seen metallic pumpkin shade of Glimmer Veil. Yes, PUMPKIN. Before we go off and celebrate this news Fall harvest party-style, we'll give you the deets.
Image Source: NBC
This new hue is called Super Sonic, and it's a metallic, orange-y gold with specks of blue and green for added oomph. On Wednesday, Oct. 4, this beauty will drop at Sephora. You'll only have two days to scoop it up for $22.
Only People With Nerves of Steel Will Be Able to Watch Every Horror Movie on This List
If your idea of a horror movie is a tense, psychological thriller, then we suggest you stop reading, because we're here to discuss the scariest, goriest, most in-your-face horror movies currently streaming on Netflix. From blood-soaked slashers to horror anthology movies that might scar you forever, we combed through all the scary movies Netflix has to offer to unearth the best and the bloodiest.
15 of Laura Sanchez's Terrifying Halloween Makeup Tutorials That'll Make Your Skin Crawl
When it's time to choose a terrifying makeup look to show off your skills on Oct. 31, you already know to turn to YouTube's best beauty vloggers. A new standout star, Laura Sanchez, the winner of NYX's Face Awards Vlogger of the Year title in 2016, might have the scariest Halloween makeup ideas on the internet.
Follow her channel, LauraMakeup25, and you'll learn how to create some of the most popular costumes, like Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad, a creepy clown (so on-trend this year with American Horror Story and It), or a bewitched mermaid. Scroll ahead for 15 of her best ideas, and then check out the Madre Monte tutorial she exclusively created for POPSUGAR Latina.
- Additional reporting by Celia Fernandez
Win Halloween With These 13 Unexpected Latin Treats
If you're tired of eating and serving the typical pumpkin recipes and candy corn creations at every Halloween party, this is for you. These Latin-inspired recipes, from pumpkin tamales to dulce de leche cupcakes, go above and beyond the usual spooky bites, guaranteeing your house and party get the "most original" label from the neighborhood trick-or-treaters. Keep scrolling for the fun recipes, and then check out spooky drinks to try this Oct. 31.
- Additional reporting by Alessandra Foresto
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