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.
mercredi 4 octobre 2017
This Is the Stupidest Mistake You Can Make at Trader Joe's
It's hard to go wrong at Trader Joe's with so many solid and affordable options, but there is one mistake you could be making without even realizing it. If you're not asking to try products before you buy them, you could end up wasting a lot of money on groceries in the long run. Yep, that's right - Trader Joe's has a "try before you buy" policy! In addition to its generous return policy, the store has a policy that allows customers to try just about anything that they're unsure about buying. This includes snacks, produce, and ready-made foods like salads, sushi, and cheese.
I spoke to an employee at my local store and he confirmed that the only foods not included are raw or frozen foods (that require cooking) and alcohol (of course). This is not to say that you should be the annoying person who asks to try 20 things every time you shop there, but it means you should totally ask an employee to open up any new Trader Joe's products you're eyeing, like canned matcha tea or sweet sriracha bacon jerky. It's not likely that your bill will be superhigh anyway, but this is another way to save money at Trader Joe's, and honestly, it's just another reason to love the store.
It's Oct. 3 - What Is the Mean Girls Cast up to Now?
Mean Girls know that Oct. 3 is a special day, so we thought it was high time that we checked in with the cast, 13 years after they put out their hit movie. Sure, we all kinda know what Lindsay Lohan and Tina Fey are up to, but what about the minor-but-memorable characters, like Kevin G or the famous Glen Coco? We've tracked down your favorite characters to see what the actors are doing now.
20 Things You've Been Doing Wrong in the Kitchen Your Entire Life
Are you scrambling eggs, making chocolate chip cookies, and measuring pasta the right way? It might not seem obvious, but there are plenty of basic things you could be doing the "wrong" way in the kitchen. These 20 hacks will make you a serious cooking pro if you're not already. Keep reading to learn every cooking shortcut and tip that will save you time, stress, and sanity in the kitchen.
12 Things You Don't Know About Giada De Laurentiis
As a certified Italian-food addict and Food Network enthusiast, I've been a fan of Giada De Laurentiis since I started watching Everyday Italian years ago. If you're like me, you know that the chef has five-star Italian recipes, a very charismatic on-camera presence, and an adorable daughter named Jade. But there's a lot you probably didn't know, like the fact that she was discovered after her family was featured in a Food & Wine article. Intrigued? Read on to learn 12 facts you didn't know about the ultrasuccessful Italian guru.
19 Iconic Tom Petty Songs to Listen to Right Now
When reports that Tom Petty had died this week began circulating on Monday, the first thing we wanted to do was hear his music. The 66-year-old singer-songwriter was a legend, and whether he was solo or with his band, The Heartbreakers, his songs made us feel free, sing along, and rock out. With hits like "Free Fallin'" and "American Girl," here's a playlist of the most iconic Petty songs.
6 Very Important Pictures From Stranger Things Season 2
Season two of Stranger Things isn't hitting Netflix until October, but we already have a handful of pictures. The first trailer premiered during the Super Bowl (talk about making a splash), but the new photos provide even more looks at the cast. Hopper and his flashlight are back, Grace is as paranoid-looking as ever, and Jonathan and Natalie may or may not be running from a monster. Take a look!
Why Outlander Cut Basically Everything About Lord John's Lover
Outlander fans who haven't read the book series may have been wondering a bit about Lord John Grey, a character we briefly met in season two who reappears as the governor of Jamie's prison after he gives himself up for treason to spare his family at Lallybroch. In episode three, "All Debts Paid," Lord John realizes he needs to work together with Jamie, who has essentially been named the leader of the prisoners, and the two develop an unlikely friendship. Lord John even confides in Jamie about his former lover, something non-book readers were wondering about, so author Diana Gabaldon kindly pointed them in the right direction with a Facebook post instructing them to Google "Outlander Lord John Hector" so that they may read up on Lord John's backstory.
On the show, Lord John tells Jamie that he "lost a particular friend at Culloden."
"He was the reason I joined the army," says Lord John. "He inspired me . . . My brother was there when I found him dying. I didn't even have the chance to say a proper goodbye. Hal dragged me away. He was embarrassed, you see. He said I would overcome it. Come to terms with it, in time. Hal is generally right, but not always. Some people, you grieve over forever."
In Voyager, this is a slightly bigger deal for Lord John. Readers learn that the man Lord John had loved was Hector Dalrymple, a lieutenant in Hal's regiment whom Lord John describes as "twenty, tall and muscular and fearless . . . dark-haired and blue-eyed, tender-mouthed, always smiling."
"It had been ten years since Hector had died at Culloden, hacked to pieces by a Highland broadsword, and still John woke in the dawn sometimes, body arched in clutching spasms, feeling Hector's touch."
Also in the book, Lord John reveals that Hal had made him go look at Hector's body.
"He said that I must; that unless I saw him dead, I should never really believe it. That unless I knew Hector - my friend - was really gone, I would grieve forever. If I saw, and knew, I would grieve, but then I should heal - and forget. Hal is generally right, but not always."
In her Facebook post, Gabaldon reveals that they actually shot that scene for the TV series, but it had to be cut for time.
"Fwiw [For what it's worth], the original script had Hector's death scene, including Lord John's being dragged away by his brother," she wrote. "It was filmed, but cut for lack of time, something that often happens in TV, alas."
Executive producer Maril Davis also told us in an interview at the 2017 Summer TCA press tour that they very much wanted to include more between Lord John and Jamie, but they just didn't have time.
"That's the trouble with taking a parallel storyline, doing a Claire story and a Jamie story - we did have to truncate [Lord John and Jamie] and that is one of my great regrets, because that is one of my favorite parts of the book, seeing that relationship unfold," Davis revealed. "It's even more heartbreaking when John reaches out and grabs Jamie's hand and the heartbreak in Jamie to be like I opened up and I trusted you and I haven't done that in so long. But I still think that scene really works. Sam [Heughan] is heartbreaking in that scene and so is David Berry; he's a fabulous addition to our cast."
Also, if you think Jamie saying goodbye to Lord John and William at Helwater is the last we've seen of Lord John (or William), think again. There's plenty more to come with that particular character, even if his dramatic scene of finding Hector slain in battle was cut for time.
9 DIY Cheap and Original Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera Halloween Costumes
Mexican painter Frida Kahlo would have turned 110 years old this year, and over a century after her death, she's still a timeless and widely recognized icon. It's no surprise then that the world-renowned artist is a popular pick to channel with a DIY Halloween costume year after year, and lucky for you, the costume doesn't have to be a solo affair.
This Halloween, take it up a notch and enlist your significant other or friend to be the Diego Rivera to your Frida Kahlo. Here are nine beyond easy ways to honor these two artists.
74 Pop Culture Halloween Costume Ideas For Couples
If you and your other half are struggling to come up with fun, creative Halloween costumes, and have exhausted ideas just for her or just for him, we've rounded up some of the best pop culture couples for you two to channel. Our selections include everyone from iconic TV couples to recent movie duos, plus essential tips to help you channel each look. Check out some of our favorite pop culture costumes for twosomes!
The 12 Most Underrated Horror Movies of All Time
As a kid, I always gravitated toward horror comic books and movies - the darker, the better. I'm sure my parents never thought it would be something I would one day base a career on, curating for film festivals and now Shudder! I love finding films and sharing them with others; it's kind of like a spooky "show and tell." There are lots of different flavors and nuances of horror, but here is a wide range of underrated or overlooked films, from comedic ones like Murder Party and Mr. Vampire, to downright terrifying ones like Evil Dead Trap, to sinister and cerebral ones like Pulse (the original, not the lame remake).
You Will Never Look at Bell Peppers the Same Way After Learning This Fact
Some bell peppers have four lobes (or bumps) while others have three. Have you ever noticed that? While some claim it reveals the gender of the bell pepper, Facebook user Mouthwatering Vegan wants to set the record straight. Bell peppers don't have a gender, but the number of lobes will help you determine the best use of the bell pepper. According to this Facebook user, bell peppers with four lobes are sweeter and best eaten raw. They also contain more seeds so they are better for harvesting seeds to plant in a garden. Bell peppers with three lobes are best cooked or grilled, and they also contain less seeds. I haven't experimented with this, so I can't know for sure if it's true. One thing's for certain, though: I'll never look at bell peppers the same way again!
Use This 1 At-Home Move to Banish Lower Belly Fat
Let's talk about lower belly fat. It's OK. Really. Let it out. While it is impossible to spot-reduce a certain area of the body, adding muscle and exercising can be very effective in reducing overall body fat - especially in the lower belly. The more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn naturally, even while at rest. Doing moves that target your lower abs may sometimes prove difficult and time-consuming, but not if you pick the right one. Here's the move you need in your flat-belly arsenal today!
About the Lower Trunk Twist
The lower trunk twist is arguably the greatest abdominal exercise not only for the lower belly region, but it also targets the obliques (the muscles that run up and down the sides of the stomach), lower back, and hip flexors. Want more reason to try it? The lower trunk twist also engages the quads and groin and is great for flexibility, so there are many benefits to doing this exercise. But we know the main reason you're here is to lose those last couple inches off the bottom of your gut, so here's how to do the move to get a flat belly ASAP!
How to Perform the Lower Trunk Twist
- Step 1: Lie on your back and place your arms to the sides with your palms down.
- Step 2: Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor.
- Step 3: Raise your knees up to a 90 degree angle.
- Step 4: Engage your core and slowly rotate your knees towards the right until they are just a few inches above the floor (but don't let them hit the floor on the way down - that will lessen the contraction of your muscles).
- Step 5: Keeping your core engaged, rotate your knees to the left the same way as above. That is one full rep.
Make sure that your back is straight and both your shoulder blades are touching the floor the entire time. According to Kendall Wood, NASM CPT, and author of Core Fitness Solution, "Use your hands as anchors to keep your knees from falling to the floor, but remember that your abs should be doing most of the work - so don't hold your breath!" If you want to kick up the intensity a notch, use ankle weights or hold a medicine ball between your knees.
With this move in your routine, you're sure to see results soon. Make sure to incorporate this exercise into your normal abdominal routine by doing 3 sets of 10-12 reps with a rest of up to 60 seconds in between each set. Have fun with it and be sure to try the more challenging variations as you advance.
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.
Can You Tell Which of These Items Is Actually a Drawing?
It doesn't matter if you wear glasses or have 20/20 vision, this Playbuzz quiz will still play tricks on your eyes. The images below, which are taken from artist Howard Lee's Instagram, show two items side by side. While both look exactly the same, they are not. One of them - you can't even tell which one - is actually a drawing! Known for his optical illusion work, Howard has created a series of drawings involving the juxtaposition of real and fake items, ranging from hot dogs to matchsticks, and now, the Big Ideas Network has turned his art pieces into an addicting test. Take it to see if you can decode what's real and what's not.
20 Reasons to Get Digital This Halloween With Pixelated Face Makeup
Whoever came up with pixelated face makeup earns a million cookies from us (get it?) because this trend is downright insane! It's like someone stepped out of a 1980s computer game and right into 2017, ready to party. We love that this look can take on a million different forms, from ultraglam pixelization to funky to eerie and beyond. Sift through these makeup looks from supertalented Insta MUAs, roll out your cosmetic brushes, and cue the music and robot dance!
Warning: This 5-Move, 5-Minute Workout May Destroy You
One of my favorite local San Francisco studios has to be Salt. The women-owned studio offers a variety of classes, some that incorporate barre and kickboxing, and others that are hardcore HIIT classes that will leave you dripping in salty sweat. I love the community aspect and that each and every workout leaves me the perfect amount of sore.
During my most recent class, we were tasked with a pretty grueling HIIT circuit after an already intense 45 minutes of class. I won't lie; there was a moment during the 50th burpee when I actually felt like I might throw up. Dramatic, maybe, but it was that hard. The beauty of this little circuit is that it lasts all of five minutes, yet you feel like a total badass once it's over. It requires no equipment, and you can do it just about anywhere. For days when you want to add an extra little something to an existing workout or you just want to fit in something quick but effective, I highly recommend adding this to your rotation.
The Workout
This is a ladder workout, consisting of three rounds. During round one, perform each move for 30 seconds without taking any breaks between exercises. During round two, perform each move for 20 seconds. During your last and final round, perform each move for 10 seconds. To make the workout most effective, you should challenge yourself to go hard and fast during each round. Between each set, allow yourself a quick break to take a sip of water and towel off, but limit your breaks to 30 seconds.
The Moves
- Fast feet
- Side skaters
- Squat jumps
- High knees
- Burpees
Keep reading to see more detailed instructions on each of the moves.
There's 1 Clear Difference in Jennifer Lopez's Style This Year
Jennifer Lopez isn't wasting any time - she's hitting every red carpet and stepping out to run errands in outfits worthy of your attention.
We're only a few days into the year, and she's already giving us plenty to think about. For example, has her style gotten more demure? No, seriously, is this the year J Lo chooses high necklines and classic items like pussy-bow blouses instead of lots of cleavage? Only time will tell, but it looks like so far the singer, actress, and producer is switching things up and keeping us on our toes. Scroll ahead to see her best outfits this year so far.
Why Outlander's Producers Completely Changed Jamie and Geneva's Sex Scene
Outlander season three arrived at a pivotal moment from the book in Sunday's episode when Jamie is blackmailed by Geneva Dunsany into sleeping with her, which leads to the birth of Jamie's illegitimate son, William, a plot point that resonates throughout the book series.
But in the books, the scene between Jamie and Geneva is controversial because she tells him to stop and he doesn't, which puts readers into the uncomfortable position of wondering if their hero has just raped someone. Fans have argued about it all over various message boards, with some flat-out saying it was rape, others arguing he couldn't have stopped and Geneva blackmailed him into it, and still others saying we shouldn't thrust our 21st-century ideas of consent onto an 18th-century man, much the way Claire objects so fiercely to Jamie laying his hands on her in season one but comes to realize he had to punish her for running off and endangering his men.
Author Diana Gabaldon addressed this scene in a 2016 Facebook post, saying that Geneva's blackmail (which threatens the lives of Jamie's entire family) actually makes Geneva the rapist.
By the mores of the early 21st century . . . plainly Geneva is a sexual predator, and Jamie is the one who very clearly says "No." ("No means no," right? Right? More about that in a moment . . .)
Geneva is blackmailing an innocent person, and a man who is a captive, without power or resources, coercing him into committing a serious crime (fornication with an unmarried young woman being technically a crime, even if consensual) as well as an immoral act - as well as something he patently, clearly, totally doesn't want to do and has so stated in the baldest of terms. It's obvious that it's Geneva who's committing rape, not Jamie.
Gabaldon goes on to say that "no means no" is a construct of the last 50 years and not an "immutable law of physics, true throughout all times and places." She also says that Geneva is "panicked" at the pain she experiences because it is her first time having sex, and that Jamie knows if he doesn't just do it, this encounter is going to drag on all night, so that's why he just goes ahead and gets it over with. Gabaldon also cites the facts that Geneva asks Jamie to have sex with her again after their first time and tells him she loves him as evidence that he did not rape her.
Some fans found Gabaldon's explanation satisfactory, but others argued that if you use modern standards to call Geneva a rapist, then you must apply those standards to Jamie as well - either they're both rapists or neither one of them is a rapist. As you can see, it's a complicated issue, which is why the show's creators wanted no part of it, choosing instead to make the scene sexy, intimate, and tender.
"We were aware of the controversy," executive producer Maril Davis told us at the 2017 summer TCA press tour. "In the books, at some point she says no - although he does say, 'Listen, once we start, I won't be able to stop.' That doesn't make it any better, but . . . we didn't really want to tackle that. It didn't seem like such an important part of the scene. The real important part of the scene is that Jamie is forced to go to someone else's bed."
Davis went on to say that this encounter is an important part of Jamie's time without Claire, both because of his son and also because it shows what kind of man he is. That's what they wanted to convey with the onscreen version of the scene.
"Obviously, Jamie doesn't feel the way about Geneva the way he felt about Claire, but he does have a tenderness for this spoiled child, despite himself, because Jamie is a really caring person," said Davis. "And he knows what it's like to lose his virginity with someone more experienced, and he wants it to be a good experience for her, even if he feels like he was coerced into her bed. We wanted it not to take anything away from Jamie-Claire, but we wanted it not to feel like 'was it rape or not rape?' That wasn't the point. It was trying to show Jamie as a very feeling, caring gentleman at the end of the day. Even though he doesn't want to be there, he's going to try to make it the best experience for her possible."
24 Galaxy Looks That'll Make You the Star of the Party
Why limit yourself to earthly Halloween costumes when there's an entire universe to explore? These galaxy-inspired makeup looks are out-of-this-world stunning and are sure to create a gravitational pull for compliments wherever you drift on Halloween night. From abstract visions of the Milky Way to intergalactic glam to cosmic skeletons, let yourself get inspired by these fiercely talented Instagram makeup pros.
The Low-Carb Breakfast I Always Eat Before My Workouts
Part of the new habits I had to develop to lose weight included revamping my breakfast routine. Though I thought the standard breakfasts I had eaten for years were pretty healthy - a bowl of Cheerios, avocado toast, greek yogurt with fruit - I learned that they contained lots of carbs and sugar that slowly translated to my pants not fitting. When I worked out with a trainer, the first question she always asked me before our early am weight training sessions was, "What did you eat for breakfast?" She and I worked together to come up with this breakfast that I could quickly assemble and consume at the crack of dawn before hitting the gym.
To this day, the combo we created is still my go-to. High in protein and healthy fats and low in sugar and carbs, this breakfast keeps me full for hours and best of all, fuels me for a strong workout with minimal DOMS. When eating this exact breakfast three days a week (on my weight-training days), I could lift more almost every session and yet never felt so sore that I needed to resort to Advil. Talk about a win-win!
- Tea: I kicked my coffee habit entirely. I transitioned from regular to decaf and then turned to loose-leaf jasmine green tea. I tend to be anxious-prone and coffee tends to leave jittery, but I find that drinking green tea (one bag, re-seeped several times for about two to three cups total) regularly in the morning helps give me calming energy. When I'm on my cycle, I kick caffeine entirely and drink roasted dandelion tea, a digestion and weight-loss aid.
- 4 ounces of smoked salmon: My absolute favorite source of protein in the morning is smoked salmon. The saltiness offers a much-needed boost in electrolytes pre workout and bonus, I load up on essential omega-3 fats.
- Four strawberries: My trainer told me I can't exceed 5 grams of sugar at any meal, and fruit is one of those secret, sugary foods. Believe it or not, each large strawberry contains about 1 gram of sugar. That said, she encouraged me to surround my carb intake around my workouts, but I personally felt stronger if I limited myself prior and instead saved the bowl of oatmeal for after my workout.
- Half an avocado: Rich in cholesterol-fighting monosaturated fats, avocados are said to help combat belly flat. A typical serving of avocado is half of the whole fruit, though some nutritionists say it's OK to have half an avocado per day if you're subbing it out for carbs. Since I'm doing just that, my trainer OKed that portion.
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.
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.
7 Things You Need to Pick Up at Trader Joe's This October
A new month means new Trader Joe's items to stash in your cart, and now that it's October, it's looking a lot like Fall in each aisle! We've scouted out all the best new foods available this month and have reported back on all the ones you've got to try, including an Apple Cider Jam that will instantly transport you to a crisp Autumn afternoon. The next time you plan on making a trip to your closest TJ's, here's what you should pick up - along with all of Trader Joe's pumpkin foods, of course.
This It-Themed Candle Makes Your House Smell Like Demonic Clown . . . and Apples?
Ah, Fall. It's that wonderful time of year when you can brew yourself a nice pumpkin-spice coffee, wrap up in a blanket, and light a candle . . . that smells like a terrifying, child-devouring clown monster. OK, maybe this isn't exactly the typical autumnal activity, but for horror fans who can't get enough of It, Get Fictional's Pennywise-scented candle ($16) is a perfect find.
Contrary to what you might expect, the candle doesn't actually smell like an ancient creature who feasts on fear. Instead, it has notes of rain - like the movie's opening scene with the S.S. Georgie - along with red apples, salted caramel, and cloves. Bizarrely, it's actually a scent we'd be happy to have floating around our houses while watching scary movies this Halloween; this must be how Pennywise lures us in.
The company also offers some other iconic horror-themed candles, like Dracula, Sleepy Hollow, and Frankenstein. Forget regular old candles that smell like clean laundry or citrus - you'll want to stock up on candles that scare you from now on.
7 Things You Don't Know About Panera Bread, Straight From an Employee
If you've ever wondered what it's like behind the counter at Panera Bread, you'll enjoy the insider secrets from this employee's Reddit AMA. During the "Ask Me Anything" conversation online, a person who works at Panera Bread answered questions about the truth about the crazy-delicious mac and cheese, the one thing you should avoid ordering, and what the company does with all its unsold bread at the end of the day. Here are the answers to some of your burning Panera Bread questions, straight from someone who knows best.
The reason the mac and cheese is SO good is . . . calories.
When asked why the mac and cheese is "so f*cking good," the Panera employee said, "It's very good because it isn't that healthy for you. It has a lot of calories tbh."
Also, it arrives at the store frozen.
"They aren't lying when they say that all their food is 100 percent clean so nothing is bad for you. However, that doesn't mean that all the food is good for you. The mac and cheese, for example, comes into the store premade and frozen in a bag and it is heated either in boiling water or the microwave if need be."
There are two things customers do that drive employees CRAZY.
"Two things. The first is when we make a small mistake and they completely lose their minds. If we make a mistake of any kind, we'll do everything that we can to fix it and make it up to you, no need to cause a scene just because we forgot to give you a fork. The second is when customers come in 10 minutes before close and order a ton of food then eat in store."
The one thing you should never order past lunchtime? Avocado.
"Avacados usually sit out open for a number of hours. They are fine around lunchtime but as the day goes on, they get older."
The employee discount is really good.
"I honestly would never eat at Panera if I didn't have an employee discount (70 percent)."
Your soup could possibly get sneezed in if you annoy the employees . . .
When asked, "How many sneezes per soup?" the employee responded, "Depends on how annoying the customer is." Hopefully, that's a joke!
Panera donates all of its extra bread at the end of the day.
"Yes, at the end of the day we donate all our unused bread to a homeless shelter."
20 Modern Disney Songs That Your Kids Will Love
If can be challenging to keep up with what the coolest new music your kids are listening to is, but if your elementary schoolers are big Disney fans, we're here to help you with a specially curated list of the best Disney hits from the past five years.
From hit TV movies like Descendants and Teen Beach Movie to the live-action Beauty and the Beast, there's a little something here for every Disney kid in your house.
- "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?," Kristen Bell, Agatha Lee Monn, and Katie Lopez (Frozen)
- "How Far I'll Go," Auli'i Cravalho, (Moana)
- "Once Upon a Dream," Lana Del Rey (Maleficent)
- "Gaston," Josh Gad, Luke Evans and Ensemble (Beauty and the Beast, 2017)
- "Take On the World," Rowan Blanchard and Sabrina Carpenter (Girl Meets World)
- "Better in Stereo," Dove Cameron (Liv and Maddie)
- "Keep It Undercover," Zendaya (K.C. Undercover)
- "Tidal Wave," Kevin Quinn (Bunk'd)
- "Love the Haters," Madison Hu and Olivia Rodrigo, (Bizaardvark)
- "Shine Like You Mean It," Clooney (Andi Mack)
- "The Magic Within You," Aimee Carrero (Elena of Avalor)
- "Sister Time," Aimee Carrero and Jenna Ortega (Elena of Avalor)
- "More of Me," Natasha Bedingfield (Tangled: The Series)
- "Cruisin' For a Bruisin'," Austin Moon, Jason Evigan, and Grace Phipps (Teen Beach Movie)
- "Gotta Be Me," Ensemble (Teen Beach Movie 2)
- "If Only," Dove Cameron (Descendants)
- "Rotten to the Core," Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Booboo Stewart, and Sofia Carson (Descendants)
- "Ways to Be Wicked," Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Booboo Stewart, and Sofia Carson (Descendants 2)
- "What's My Name," China Anne McClain, Thomas Doherty, and Dylan Playfair (Descendants 2)
- "Wildside," Sabrina Carpenter and Sofia Carson (Adventures in Babysitting)
To listen to the playlist below, download the free Spotify software or app.
13 Books Becoming Movies in 2018
2018 is not so far off, friends - and when you're making movies, you're well aware of that fact. 2018 is the release year for a lot of book-to-movie adaptations, and there are a ton of novels we loved that will make it onto the big screen. Highly anticipated films include Where'd You Go, Bernadette, A Wrinkle in Time, and, of course, Fifty Shades Freed! Until these are out, check out what books are getting adapted in 2017. For now, you have plenty of time to read the following books before they're big movies!
American Horror Story: This 1 Hint Could Mean Ally Is the Real Cult Leader
While watching this season of American Horror Story, one thing about Ally (Sarah Paulson) has continued to stick out to me - you know, in between her blood-curdling screams.
It's interesting that Ally's name is spelled the same way as a word you'd use to describe a close friend or associate; "ally" is usually the word of choice when you're referring to a partner in crime (ahem) or a supporter (hmmm), as well as in the world of politics ("political allies"). Over the past few years, we've also been seeing the term assigned to a person who has aligned themselves with a marginalized group - i.e., a straight ally to the LGBTQ+ community, a male ally to women's rights, or a white ally to the Black Lives Matter movement. The spelling of Ally's name definitely fits with the character - she's a gay liberal who loves Barack Obama and seems to align herself with causes that support people of color and minority groups - but it could be a major hint at her potential involvement with the creepy clown cult that is currently terrorizing her. Will she become one of their allies?
There have been few theories about Ally possibly joining up with Kai and his cult, and others positing that she might even become the real leader. Evan Peters confirmed as much in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, saying, "Ally is very special to Kai because she is terrified of a lot and has phobia, the worst kind of fear. It's a challenge for Kai to maybe take her in and make her the queen, his right-hand woman." Peters added, "There's something special and bewitching about her, where he sees her as an integral part of his master plan. Almost a heaven-sent figure."
Seeing as the main cult members are connected by nature-inspired names, it wouldn't be too far-fetched to assume that show creator Ryan Murphy would give a hefty dose of extra thought to his main character's name as well.
The 1 Habit That Will Help You Stick to Your Workout Plan
You want to exercise. Or at the very least, you want to want to exercise. You know the myriad benefits - weight loss, stress reduction, improved sleep, to name just a few. When you're honest with yourself, you know you could find the time to squeeze in a couple workouts a week. You've even read enough fitness articles or followed enough #FitChicks on social media to know where to find a workout that checks your boxes, whether that's with free weights in your garage or with girlfriends at the track. Yet the habit remains elusive. Despite your best intentions, your spark of desire, and enough knowledge to get started, every Monday you find yourself vowing that this will actually be the week you stick to a workout plan.
I think we're making it harder than it has to be, and I think there's one habit that can change that: at the end of every workout, write down one positive takeaway.
It can be anything. Maybe you went for a run in your neighborhood and you noticed the leaves changing color in a way that made you grateful to live where you live. Maybe a song came on your playlist that reminded you of that crazy night with that one friend, which made you smile. Maybe your workout gave you the chance to think through something in your mind that's been hanging you up lately - a challenge at work or a conflict with someone you love. Maybe you were able to use the 10-pound weights instead of the eight-pound weights for the first time today, or maybe you ran for two extra minutes or did one more push-up, and maybe that made you feel really strong. Find the emotional high point of the workout - whether it had anything to do with the actual workout or not - and write it down. The writing-down part can be in the notes section of your phone, or in an actual notebook, or shared with the whole world on your Instagram, or maybe you have an accountability partner like I do and you text it to each other. However you choose to do it, write it down. Every damn time.
Are you waiting for me to tell you where to start? What workout to do? What exact regimen or plan to follow? You know what I think? It doesn't really matter. When people ask me what workouts they should be doing, I always respond by asking them what they like to do. Start there. It can be running, or yoga, or walking, or weightlifting, or cardio dance, or whatever online video strikes your fancy. Find something that gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat, and don't worry too much about what exactly that thing is. You can worry about that later if you want, but here, at the beginning, start by following desire.
By starting with something that has some genuine appeal to you, and forcing yourself to find a positive takeaway every time you do it, you train yourself to enjoy it, to crave it, even. You don't need to be reminded to eat three meals a day, because eating feels good; it pays you back. Rather than thinking of exercise as a necessary evil or as punishment for an occasional indulgence, what if exercise could feel like something that paid you back? Something that left you feeling better afterward than you did before? Happier, stronger, calmer, more focused, more alive. What if the trick to making it feel that way is simply to train yourself to see how it's already doing that?
So pick an exercise that makes you happy or makes you feel strong. Do it with enough intensity that you get a little breathless and a little sweaty. When you're done, write down the best part, whatever that may be on any given day, in any given mood, during any given exercise. Set your own goals; maybe it's three times a week, maybe more. And when you feel discouraged or tempted to skip a workout or quit early, go back and read what you've written down. Sometimes the scale takes a long time to budge. Sometimes new exercises take tons of repetitions to master. It's normal to feel frustrated or tired or intimidated. But if you can focus on the good stuff, if you take the time to notice it and record it, you might be amazed to discover a different side of working out - one that can outlast a scale plateau and survive a learning curve and power through intimidation.
You might discover that you can, in fact, stick to a workout plan. And you might discover that you even like it.
7 Things You Never Knew About Red Lobster, Straight From an Employee
If Red Lobster is your seafood restaurant of choice, you'll love these surprising facts straight from an insider employee. POPSUGAR spoke to a Red Lobster spokesperson who let us in on little-known facts about the restaurant's history, the truth about how many Cheddar Bay Biscuits people eat every day (spoiler: a lot), and how you can save money on your next meal. Read ahead for all the intel, and if your Red Lobster cravings must be satisfied immediately try making your own Cheddar Bay Biscuits at home.
Red Lobster has been around since the '60s.
"Red Lobster first opened in landlocked Lakeland, Florida, in 1968, creating an entirely new restaurant category at a time when non-coastal communities did not have access to seafood. Since then, Red Lobster has given many people their first tastes of lobster, snow crab, jumbo shrimp, tilapia, calamari, and other seafood."
Hushpuppies used to be served instead of Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
Can you imagine a Red Lobster meal without those cheesy biscuits? Up until the '90s, Red Lobster served hushpuppies at the start of every meal. Cheddar Bay Biscuits were introduced in 1992 under the name "freshly baked, hot cheese garlic bread," and the current name was coined in 1997.
And now, Red Lobster serves a TON of the famous biscuits every day.
If you could easily eat three Cheddar Bay Biscuits before your dinner, you're not alone. "The number of Cheddar Bay Biscuits served in one day equals about 13 times the weight of an average elephant," the spokesperson said. That's over 958,000 a day! All Cheddar Bay Biscuits are mixed by hand in each restaurant, and they're baked approximately every 15 minutes. Fun fact: "If you stacked the number of Cheddar Bay Biscuits served in one day it would be 203 times the height of the Eiffel tower, 137 times the height of the Empire State Building, and six times the height of Mount Everest."
There's also a sneaky Cheddar Bay Biscuits policy.
According to a Red Lobster employee on Reddit, there's a reason that your table will have an odd number of biscuits for an even number of people. "We bring one biscuit for every person at the table, plus an additional biscuit for the table. Corporate policy."
The lobsters are cooked live.
If you order a lobster dish from Red Lobster, know that your lobster will be cooked live - to order.
There's an easy way to save money.
You can totally score a freebie before your next Red Lobster outing. "Guests can join the Fresh Catch Club for deals, news, and insider invites. When you sign up, you will receive a free appetizer or dessert, special savings, a surprise birthday offer, and special occasion reminders."
The 1 thing you have to try if it's your first time is . . .
"The Ultimate Feast: Maine tail, steamed wild-caught North American snow crab legs, garlic shrimp, and Walt's Favorite Shrimp. It lets guests try a bit of everything all on one plate."
Where to See the Game of Thrones Stars During the Long Winter Between Seasons
I know, fam: it's been a sad few weeks without Game of Thrones, and it'll be a sadder (and entirely too long) wait until season eight. The bright side is that the hardworking cast still sometimes finds time to work on other projects between seasons, and thus, you'll be able to see them in other places before the final season debuts. Emilia Clarke is fitting in a few movies (including a Star Wars spinoff!), Kit Harington is playing a real historical figure, and two cast members are mutating into superheroes. See where you can watch your favorite Game of Thrones stars during the long wait between seasons!
Strength vs. Cardio - Here's How You Should Structure Your Workout
Ask most trainers and they'll tell you that a healthy workout routine consists of strength training, cardio, and rest days, ideally spread throughout the week. But for those of us who love two-a-days or long sessions at the gym or just need to maximize our time, the common question seems to be: Which do I do first, strength or cardio?
This was the burning question I had for Natalie Carey, certified trainer and sports nutritionist at DIAKADI Fitness. "Strength training should always come first - always," Natalie said without skipping a beat. The benefits of structuring your workouts this way are plenty, she added.
Fat Loss
If losing weight is your goal - specifically fat - weight training before your cardio session has major benefits, Natalie said. She explained that strength training increases the "afterburn effect." Your resting metabolism rate is heightened and your body is working to help your muscles recover, which results in an increased calorie burn long after the workout is over. This is an ideal place to be in when you hit your cardio session.
Diana Chaloux, CPT and owner of the online personal-training website HitchFit, is also in agreement. "When you strength train, your body utilizes glycogen (stored carbohydrates) for fuel," Diana said. "So if you strength train first and then do lower-intensity cardio immediately after, which uses fat for fuel, you create an environment in your body conducive to fat metabolism." Basically by the time you get to your cardio session, your body will be primed to burn fat at a higher rate than if you did it the other way around.
Injury Prevention
Compared to cardio, it's much easier to get injured while strength training. And strength training while tired only increases that risk, said Natalie. This is perhaps the biggest reason she advises clients to strength train before a cardio session. "You want to make sure you have the energy to perform the exercises correctly," she said. "Poor form can result in an injury that will get you off track with your training goals." Best to hit up those lunges, kettlebell swings, and push-ups when muscles are fresh!
It's important to note that even if you feel energized and unaffected by your cardio session, your body was still put through the motions and energy stores were depleted. This fatigue may cause your form and focus to be affected in ways you might not be able to notice on your own. Whatever you ultimately decide, be mindful of how you feel and do your best to know when it's time to back off.
19 Times Grey's Anatomy Kicked Us Right in the Heart Parts
To quote McDreamy himself, "We've survived an unusual number of very bad things." And devoted Grey's Anatomy fans know exactly how he feels. Loving Grey's is not for the meek-hearted; it takes strength and the understanding that bad things will happen. We can always take solace in the fact that Grey's totally just, like, gets us, but another sob-inducing moment could be right around the corner. Check out all the times the show took a serious toll on our emotional well-being.
Fall Reading List: 43 Books to Read Before They're Movies
Of the many movies coming out this Fall, lots of them are based on books, proving once again that Hollywood's best material comes from the page. There are always a ton of great books in the process of being adapted, so for the new season upon us, we have a brand-new reading list with titles that are becoming movies very soon or which were recently optioned or in the development stage. Either way, get your page-turning fingers ready!
17 Horror Movies That Scared the Low-Rise Hollister Jeans Off Every Millennial
Ah, horror movies. The perfect way to prove that you're cool to your teenage peers while simultaneously scarring yourself for life. And for millennials who were lucky enough to hit adolescence in the late-'90s and early-2000s, there were plenty of traumatizing options available in the scary movie department at Blockbuster.
Millennials saw it all: horrifying little girls crawling out of TV screens? Check. Boogeyman dragging teens under their beds by the ankles? You've got it. Sentient, bloodthirsty dolls on a killing spree? Obviously. So when we asked POPSUGAR editors about the movies that scarred them for life in the '90s and '00s, there was a wide range of answers that will take you on a terrifying trip down repressed memory lane. Don't say we didn't warn you!
18 Whole30 Dinners You'll Make Well After Your Diet Ends
There are a lot of good reasons to try the Whole30 Diet; it's made up of fresh, whole foods, and free of things like sugar, junk food, and alcohol. It's a great plan for anyone looking to clean up their diet, but given the strict guidelines, meal prep is a must, especially when it comes to dinner. Gone is the ease of ordering takeout or delivery at night - trust us, that General's chicken is definitely not Whole30 approved.
If you're considering the diet for yourself, these 18 Whole30 dinner recipes are a good place to start, and the dishes easily lend themselves to leftovers for next-day lunches.
The Mystery of Foot Cramps Explained
Are foot cramps cramping your style? A reader asked for help in figuring out the mystery behind her own foot cramps. To answer this question, we turned to a board-certified physician for information and advice.
Dear DrSugar,
What's the deal with foot cramps? I never got them when I was younger, but lately, I've been getting them frequently - especially when I'm lying in bed or trying to point my toes in Pilates class. My foot will sort of seize up and cramp into a weird position, and no massaging seems to make it go away. It seems to happen more on days when I wear heels, but not always. Do you have any idea what causes foot cramps and how I can prevent them?
- Cramped Style
As a fellow sufferer of muscle and foot cramps, I am so glad you asked this question. Muscle cramps (including the foot) are extremely common; in fact, according to MedicineNet.com, it is estimated that 95 percent of people experience a muscle cramp at some time in their life!
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons defines a muscle cramp as an involuntary and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax. Cramps can affect any muscle under voluntary control (skeletal muscle). Cramps can involve part or all of a muscle, or several muscles in a group. Cramps of the extremities, especially the legs and feet, and most particularly the calf, are extremely common. Other common areas for muscle cramps include: back and front of the thigh, hands, arms, abdomen, and rib cage muscles.
So, who gets cramps? Like I said earlier, statistics show that just about everyone will get some type of muscle cramp during their lifetime. They can come at any time too, with exercise or activity, or even when at rest or during sleep. Sometimes all it takes is the slightest movement that shortens a muscle to trigger a cramp (in your case, pointing your toes in Pilates shortens the muscles of the arch of your foot, which seems to trigger the cramps). According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, some people are predisposed to muscle cramps and get them regularly with any physical exertion. Muscle cramps are very common among endurance athletes who perform strenuous physical activity. Those at greatest risk are people over age 65, those who are ill, overweight, overexert during work or exercise, or take certain medications.
Common causes of muscle cramps include: overuse of a muscle, dehydration, depletion of salt and minerals (electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium and calcium), muscle strain/injury, or simply holding a position for a prolonged period of time. Another type of common muscle cramp is a nocturnal or rest cramp, which happens in your calf or toe muscles when you are resting or sleeping. However, the exact cause of muscle cramps remains unknown, although some researchers believe inadequate stretching and muscle fatigue leads to abnormalities in mechanisms that control muscle contraction.
In terms of treatment for muscle and foot cramps, you can generally treat muscle cramps with self-care measures, and most cramps can be stopped if the muscle can be stretched. For many cramps of the feet and legs, this stretching can be done by simply standing up and walking around. Typically, you want to try and gently stretch the muscle away from the cramping position and hold it there until the cramp goes away. Gently massaging the muscle will often help it to relax, as will applying warmth from a heating pad or hot/warm soak. If the muscle cramp is associated with fluid loss, as usually is the case with physical activity, fluid and electrolyte replacement is essential. There are a few steps you can take to prevent muscle cramps. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of liquids every day and during physical activity, replenish fluids at regular intervals and continue hydration after you're finished. Also, stretch your muscles before and after you use any muscle for an extended period. If you have night cramps, stretch the affected muscles before bedtime.
Although most muscle cramps are benign, sometimes they can be an indication of a more serious medical condition. You should see your physician or medical health professional if the cramps are severe in nature, happen frequently, are persistent, fail to respond to simple treatments, or are not related to obvious causes like exercise or injury. You could have problems with circulation, nerves, metabolism, hormones, or nutrition. However, it is uncommon for muscle cramps to occur as the result of a medical condition without other obvious signs that the medical condition is present.
DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.
The Ultimate Latin Pop Playlist
We've been taking a walk down memory lane with songs like "Livin' La Vida Loca" and "Rebelde," and we thought maybe you'd like to, too. The playlist ahead is full of classics from Paulina Rubio, Ricky Martin, Juanes, and Gloria Estefan, but also newbies from Sofia Reyes and J Balvin. Enjoy!
The 1 Natural Skincare Brand You Didn’t Know You Could Get on Amazon
If you're a total beauty and skincare junkie and prefer to use organic products, you should consider beauty brand OSEA (the all-natural beauty line stands for ocean, sun, earth, and atmosphere). It was created 20 years ago by Jenefer Palmer, who was committed to creating a natural skincare line free of toxic and synthetic ingredients. Now the company is run by her daughter, who has kept up the plant-based and vegan ingredients with a variety of lush lotions and oils. If you're interested in trying the line, it's easily accessible and all available on Amazon, sold directly from the retailer. We browsed through some of its highest rated products on the site and chose our favorites. Take a look and pick up a few to pamper yourself.
The 1 Throwback Hairstyle That Makes Mandy Moore "Shudder"
From the very moment her lip-glossed pout in "Candy" hit TRL in 1999, Mandy Moore has served endless beauty inspiration. Her range of looks are as varied as her roles, which run the gamut from a popular mean girl in The Princess Diaries to a cancer-stricken teen in A Walk to Remember to her most recent, a mother raising triplets on the Emmy-winning drama This Is Us. The singer-actress has truly done it all and, after 18 years in the spotlight, that definitely applies to hair and makeup history, too. She's been every imaginable hair color from pop star blonde to redhead: rocking a pixie cut, wearing intense lavender eye shadow, sporting orange and fuchsia lipsticks, and having a brow transformation any victim of '90s-era pencil thin arches would be inspired by.
We caught up with the star before the highly anticipated second season of This Is Us premieres, on Sept. 26, to chat about her red carpet beauty evolution, the one "unfortunate" hairstyle she will never do again, and how playing a 66-year-old on her show made her realize "aging doesn't scare me at all." Keep reading!
5 Habits of Stress-Free People
Some completely break under stress, while others flourish when put to the test. Though certain people are just laid-back in nature, there are important habits those who know how to maintain healthy stress levels practice. So, if you're someone who needs to embrace their inner chill, see five things stress-free people do below!
1. They take breaks.
When they recognize that they're feeling overwhelmed, they allow themselves to step away from their desks to take a breather. They know that overworking themselves in the moment will only hinder productivity and that pressing pause will produce better results in the long run.
2. They don't sweat the small stuff.
They look at the larger picture and let more of the trivial "problems" go. They know that working themselves up over things that won't matter later won't do them any good and instead focus their attention on the important stuff.
3. They're all about self-care.
They understand that it's crucial for both their mental and physical health to take some time for themselves. This means finding the time to unwind, slowing down, and allowing themselves to say "no" to plans when necessary. They're unapologetic about being selfish in terms of their well-being.
4. They stay organized.
They don't allow their busy schedules and many responsibilities to rule them because they're good at prioritizing. They know how to take control of chaos and utilize tools like planners and calendars to make their lives easier.
5. They have a healthy stress outlet.
This is the most important habit of them all. People who are great at managing their stress levels aren't great at it without some help. Exercise, a creative outlet, or another constructive method helps them reset and keep their sanity in check. They know that without some form of regular release, they won't last for long.
28 Adorable Tattoos That Are Appropriate For Work
In many workplaces, a bold line stands between creative expression and professional presentation. As a result, many write off the idea of getting inked, because their managers wouldn't stand for it, they'd lose sales/money/clients, or they simply wouldn't be taken seriously at the office. But tattoos and career ambition aren't mutually exclusive. Most of us know this; however, company policy usually doesn't.
If you have true tattoo lust but are worried about what the boss might say, never fear: we've rounded up the best work-appropriate tats we could find. These bad boys are either in obscure bodily locations or can be easily covered up by concealer, clothes, or shoes. Take a look, and go for the ink.
The Best Halloween Porch Decor on Amazon Prime - Because Why Wait?
As soon as Christmas in July is over, it's time to start planning ahead for Halloween. And the most impactful place to decorate is the front of your home. There's no need to get in the car and drive to the store when you can shop Amazon Prime from the comfort of your couch. In two days you can be decking out your porch or sprucing up your lawn with spooky decor. Check out our favorite pieces ahead.
In Yom Kippur Post, Mark Zuckerberg Seeks Forgiveness For Letting Facebook Divide the Country
Amid a series of controversies that has plagued Facebook over the past few weeks, CEO Mark Zuckerberg is asking for one thing: forgiveness. The company's latest foibles include finding 3,000 ads that were bought by a Russian company (and subsequently having to hand them over to Congress) and a ProPublica investigation that found that advertisers were able to target people who were interested in terms such as "Jew hater." Though Zuckerberg has laid out plans to remedy these two issues, in a short message on Sept. 30, the day of Yom Kippur, he wrote, "For the ways my work was used to divide people rather than bring us together, I ask forgiveness and I will work to do better."
Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism and is usually spent repenting for any mistakes made during the year, so it makes sense that Zuckerberg chose to post a statement on that day about what Facebook's been embroiled in the past few weeks. The poignant statement drew more than 175,000 reactions, 7,000 shares, and 11,000 comments and ended with, "May we all be better in the year ahead, and may you all be inscribed in the book of life." You can read it all for yourself ahead.
Tonight concludes Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for Jews when we reflect on the past year and ask forgiveness...
Posted by Mark Zuckerberg on Saturday, September 30, 2017
On Oct. 2, Facebook is set to hand over the 3,000 ads to Congress. The company also announced that it will hire "1,000 additional people to the internal team that reviews and removes Facebook ads," according to Recode. Despite both of these new commitments, Facebook was once again under fire on Oct. 2 for promoting fake news about the Las Vegas mass shooting on the platform.
10 Halloween Decor Trends You Never Saw Coming
Sure, there are some Halloween decor staples that will never go out of style - I'm looking at you, pumpkins - but there are also more fashionable design ideas sure to scare and delight. We've decided to focus on the latter, gathering up the Halloween decor pieces that have taken over every inch of trendsetters' homes this year. Check them out ahead.
The Cutest Friendships to Come Out of The Bachelor
The Bachelor might be about finding love - and sitting at home in your sweats, drinking wine with your best friends - but if we're being honest, some of the biggest things we remember are the friendships that come from the reality show. Seriously, hear us out; there are a lot of great friendships that have come from The Bachelor franchise, and we can't get enough of them.
It sounds weird when you say, "I met my BFF while competing for a man's heart," but there are a decent amount of ladies who can actually say this, and we love them for it. Sure, there are a few good bromances that have started thanks to The Bachelorette, but the ladies who've become lifelong friends thanks to The Bachelor are much better and more fun. Sorry, but it's true.
Whether you watch every season to actually see a man find the love of his life or tune in to see which girls will cause drama or which ones will drink a little too much before a rose ceremony, we can all agree that ladies bonding even though they are technically competing with one another is a good thing. To see which of your favorite former Bachelor contestants became instant besties and continue to be close today, keep reading. Oh, and maybe grab a glass of wine and your BFFs as you do . . . it's more fun that way!
A Dietitian's 8 Tips For Making the Perfect Salad For Weight Loss
Salads and weight loss go hand-in-hand, right? Whatever diet or lifestyle change you've got going on, salads get the thumbs up! That's because veggies are full of hunger-satiating fiber and water to make you feel more full, and eating more veggies is one of the easiest things you can do to reach your weight-loss goals.
In order for your bowl to help you lose weight, we asked certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition to offer tips on how to make a salad for optimal weight-loss results.
Go Dark
"The darker the green, the more nutrition: kale or spinach, mixed greens, even romaine does have a ton of nutrition vs. iceberg lettuce," Leslie told POPSUGAR. If you go for the prewashed, ready-to-go packages of mixed greens, you'll get a range of lettuce without a ton of effort. Faster and easier means you'll actually make a salad! Leslie also likes to recommend cabbage as a base for a salad to not only offer fiber and a satisfying crunch, but as a "mega-detoxifier and cancer preventor (because of it's sulphur phytochemical compounds)." Bonus!
Add Healthy Fats
This is incredibly important for helping your salad feel even more filling to keep you satisfied longer. Just be mindful of not going overboard with avocado, nuts, seeds, and dressing. Healthy fats tend to be higher in calories, so measure out your toppings.
Go Chunky
The bigger the chunks, the more chewing you'll need to do, which sends a message to your brain that you're eating a lot! Leave cherry tomatoes whole, cut large pieces of pepper, carrots, and cucumbers, and because eating a chunky salad will take longer, you'll feel like you ate more than you actually did.
Add Cooked Whole Grains
Sometimes a bowl of raw veggies just doesn't cut it. Add cooked whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, or barley, and it'll offer a satisfying chewy texture, filling fiber, and complex carbs to sustain your energy.
Add Cooked Veggies
You can also add cooked veggies to make a salad more exciting and feel more substantial. Add roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash, sauteed peppers or mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or string beans.
Go For Variety
People tend to feel like salads are boring, which is why they're not as psyched to have them for lunch. Make yours enticing by adding a variety of colorful veggies, fruits, protein, healthy fats, and cooked grains and veggies. If you just sit down to a bowl of lettuce, cucumber, and carrots, you're more likely to reach for more food (pizza?!) soon after.
Also switch up how you cut your veggies. If you usually slice carrots, grate them. If you usually dice cukes, make ribbons. You want to look forward to this salad so it's emotionally satisfying, so make it exciting!
Add Protein
While a bowl full of veggies will offer fiber to fill you up, you need protein to sustain your energy. Leslie said that adding three different varieties of protein is a great habit to get into. It adds visual variety, as mentioned above, but also fills nutritional holes. Some protein sources include marinated chickpeas, nuts, tofu, baked tempeh, grilled chicken or salmon, cut-up veggie burgers, shelled edamame, cottage cheese, and feta.
Make It Ahead
To encourage eating a big salad once a day, take an hour Sunday night to prep salads for the week - you can even make them with beans and quinoa. They'll stay fresh for up to five days!
Or Leslie is a fan of making a DIY salad bar to keep in the fridge. So instead of skipping on the dinner salad because it takes too much time to get the veggies out and cut them up, you can grab the precut veggies and whip together a fresh salad in minutes.
Why American Horror Story Probably Dubbed Andy Warhol a Cult Leader
Image Source: FX Networks
American Horror Story: Cult is going to take viewers back in time this season to meet several real-life cult leaders. All of them will be played by Evan Peters, who is currently offering up a creepy performance as the chaos-seeking Kai. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Peters revealed that he will be playing Charles Manson, David Koresh, Jim Jones, Marshall Applewhite, and Andy Warhol over the course of the season. If you're thinking one of those people is not like the others, then you are not alone. Because, come on, was Andy Warhol really a cult leader? The famed pop art master was many things, including a '60s icon, but he certainly didn't have a violent cult like Manson, or a following built around doomsday propaganda like Jones. What Warhol did have was a cult of personality, the Factory, and a group of Superstars.
Warhol began his career doing illustrations for advertisements and album covers. He was among the first people to use silk screens, which ultimately helped him mass produce his art. In the '60s, he began exhibiting his pop art, including his paintings of Campbell's Soup cans, Coca-Cola bottles, and money. Warhol turned consumerism into art, and in turn gained a number of followers who were just as artistically inclined as he was. These luminaries gathered in what became known as the Factory, a New York City studio known for its vibrant creative scene. It was there that Warhol dubbed his closest friends Warhol's Superstars.
Image Source: Getty / Hulton Deutsch
Being part of the Factory scene was like being invited to sit at the coolest kid's table in school. The people Warhol surrounded himself with were brilliant artists, playwrights, musicians, filmmakers, and sexual revolutionaries. But their New York City haven wasn't simply a commune of creativity: it was also a literal factory. Warhol's Superstars worked with him to mass produce his art - something that was largely unheard of at the time - and maximize his profits.
Cult leaders are generally thought of as charismatic people with a knack for persuasion, who convince those who are vulnerable to follow them for selfish or violent reasons. That's not Warhol, but he did have an energy that seemed to attract people to him. One of those people was radical feminist Valerie Solanas. Lena Dunham will be taking on the role of Solanas in AHS: Cult.
Solanas was on the fringe of the Factory scene, just outside of Warhol's inner circle. She starred in Warhol's 1968 film I, a Man, but she wasn't one of the artist's Superstars. Her claim to fame was a separatist feminist tract called the "S.C.U.M. Manifesto," which called for the elimination of all men. In June of '68, Solanas shot Warhol in the Factory leaving him with injuries that would plague him for the rest of his life. According to the New York Daily News article from that fateful day, when asked why she shot Warhol, Solanas said, "He had too much control over my life." The truth was more complicated - Warhol refused to produce her play, which he found obscene, and Solanas was later diagnosed with schizophrenia.
AHS: Cult is sure to weave Warhol's Superstars and Solanas's assertion that the artist had too much control over her life into a narrative that presents Warhol's bohemian paradise as a different kind of cult - one built on creativity, not violence, even as it maintained an exclusive inner circle orbiting around a charismatic leader. Warhol wasn't a cult leader in the traditional sense, but he did have a following and a female foil, much like this season's two main characters, Kai and Ally. That makes his and Solanas's inclusion in AHS: Cult all the more fitting.
Fall TV Scorecard: The Networks Have Already Made Bold Renewal Moves
The Fall season is synonymous with brand-new TV, and even though quality programming comes out all year long, Fall is still very important, especially to broadcast TV. There are a ton of new shows this season, and as they premiere and either land - or bomb - we also get news on whether the new series are getting picked up for a whole season (or longer). We have the first news on the new shows, plus some updates on your favorite shows that were previously renewed. (Not seeing what you're looking for? Check here.)
What's Been Renewed
CBS
- Young Sheldon: The Big Bang Theory's spinoff series has already been picked up for a full season after premiering in late September.
ABC
- The Good Doctor: The brand-new series starring Freddie Highmore has been picked up for a full season.
NBC
- This Is Us: This is technically old news, since This Is Us actually got renewed for two seasons back in January. Still, now that the show has begun season two, the reminder is necessary.
- Will & Grace: The rebooted series was renewed before it even returned.
FX
- American Horror Story: The series, which is in its seventh season, was renewed for seasons eight and nine back in January.
What's Been Canceled
Spike
- The Mist: The Stephen King TV adaptation has been canceled after just one season.
Abs Are Made in the Kitchen, but Also With This Incredible 5-Move Workout
Ready for some tummy-toning, core-strengthening ab work? Let's work those muscles! MNT Studio owner and founder Elaine Hayes created this do-anywhere, no-equipment workout just for you. It's simple (read: great for Pilates newbies!) but incredibly challenging (read: your abs are going to be on fire). With just five moves and a little space to move, you're going to put that midsection to work - and it also might hurt to laugh for the next few days. Get excited!
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