Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 5 octobre 2017
8 Things You Should Never Ever Say to Your Wedding Makeup Artist
As your wedding approaches and you are securing a makeup artist, please remember that he or she is in charge of your face on the biggest day of your life. If you want to get along perfectly with a makeup artist (like me!), there are a few comments that you might want to keep to yourself:
1. "My husband doesn't like when I wear lipstick."
My husband hates a lot of things that I do. As a result, I continue to do those things, which is why this comment rubs me the wrong way. Your look on your wedding day should be about YOU! Not your husband. In theory, we want to make sure that he thinks you look beautiful, but if he asked you to spend the rest of your life with him, you probably already have that one in the bag.
When you look in the mirror on your wedding day you should feel and look your best. Take his opinion into account - or pretend to, so his feelings aren't hurt. But omitting lipstick or anything else that might make you your most gorgeous to appease a man sets a bad tone.
2. "This is my third trial."
Makeup artists have different styles of makeup application, and we all have individual ideas of what makes a bride "beautiful." We also have a variety of favorite products that we utilize on our brides. Despite these differences, most makeup artists are able to hone their talents to cater to your needs and your idea of what makes a beautiful bride. If a bride finds herself hopping around from makeup artist to makeup artist and is never satisfied, this is a red flag for me. Often the problem lies in a bride's unrealistic dream of her wedding day; she envisions herself walking down the aisle as a Disney princess rather than the beautiful human that she is.
Reality check: you have flaws. Maybe you don't like your lashes or your skin tone or you have a zit. Embrace yourself and stop nitpicking every little thing about your face. Find an artist who you feel comfortable with, who uses products that you like, and make it work! That artist will be spending the bulk of your wedding day with you. Make sure it is someone you can trust, and you will be happy.
3. "I don't want you to come too early because my makeup has to last until midnight."
Yes. I know. I am in the business of applying makeup so that it will be flawless and last through the day and the night. You might need to touch up your lips or apply powder for shine but your face makeup will last. I will use primers and setting powders and sprays and glue to make sure of that.
When you want me to come do your makeup and your mother's makeup and the eight other bridesmaids, it's going to take a while - even if I bring an assistant. We will start early. There's no way around it. If a bride is nervous, I always recommend that she go last so she can rest easy that her face will be perfect all night.
4. "I just wash my face with soap and don't moisturize."
That statement is often followed with further information like, "I don't take my eye makeup off at night." This type of skin care negligence only leads to a face that feels like sandpaper and eyes that have black circles around them. If your skin is in bad shape and your eye makeup hasn't been taken off properly for years, no amount of makeup can help you.
Makeup simply does not sit well on unhealthy skin. If you are a "skin-abuser" and then you show me a picture of Gwyneth Paltrow and say, "I just want to look like this!" I can tell you right off the bat, "It's not going to happen." Please consider proper skin care at least six months prior to your wedding day. You don't have to do anything crazy, just proper cleansing, moisturizing, and the occasional face scrub will work wonders.
5. "What lipstick should I use?"
Often as I am packing up from a grueling five hours of makeup application on a wedding day, brides or bridesmaids will say expectantly, "So what should I use to touch up my lips?" Sometimes the expectation is that I will start doling out $28 lipsticks to everyone. Lip color is hard to choose, especially for an event. It should be chosen well before the event and PURCHASED. Do not wait until the day of to realize that you need a proper lip product.
6. "If I don't want a trial, can the price be cheaper?"
No. No it cannot. If anything I should increase the price if you don't have a trial because now we are both going to be anxiety-ridden on the day of your wedding. Not having a trial is ill-advised. You should at the very least meet with your artist ahead of time to discuss your expectations and show her a picture of what you like. To show up on the biggest beauty day of your life and expect perfection with no previous meeting is a recipe for disaster.
7. "I don't like blush, and I want a nude lip."
Color on your face can be scary if it's not what you're used to in your daily life. But please remember that this is not your daily life. Putting your body into a white gown, placing a tiara on top of a head of curls and bobby pins, and then walking around with no lipstick or cheek color doesn't add up.
This is an event like no other. Take the plunge and add a little color to your lips and cheeks and you will be happy - especially when you see your pictures.
8. "I don't want lashes - my eyelashes are long enough."
Sorry, but nobody's are. It's not just the dancing and cocktail hour we have to consider when we make this decision. The main objective here is to make sure you look absolutely fabulous in your wedding photos.
These photos, after being held hostage by your photographer for a year, will then find their way to an album for your coffee table and possibly a bunch of frames around your home. Those images will be looked at every day by you and your husband. When you are older and tired from breastfeeding your baby and caring for a toddler, you will gaze fondly at that photo as evidence that you were once stunning and full of life.
Your children will place that photo on a table at the entrance of their wedding, that 300 people will look at closely and say, "Look how gorgeous his mom was!" That photo will be placed in a collage at your funeral. Please consider all of this, and know that fake eyelashes are the most surefire way to look like an absolute bombshell.
Planning a wedding is stressful enough - avoid these mistakes and you will be halfway to having the most flawless face for your wedding day!
8 Vitamin C-Infused Products That Will Actually Improve Your Skin
In case you missed it, vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is everywhere right now - and for good reason. This buzzy superhero of an ingredient can do marvelous things for your skin, and scientists are getting better every day when it comes to creating stable, potent formulations. We'll share some of the best on the market in a sec, including all-star serums, a reparative peel, brightening oil, and a dark-circle perfector that covers while it works. First, though, let's dig into why vitamin C belongs on your beauty shelf.
"L-ascorbic acid is the only vitamin C that has age control benefits," noted Dr. David J. Goldberg, a nationally recognized cosmetic dermatologist. "Vitamin C ester provides antioxidant benefits, but not the collagen deposition and other anti-aging benefits of L-ascorbic acid. As an antioxidant, it provides protection from free radicals, helps to minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and brightens and promotes an even skin tone."
Dr. Goldberg said that vitamin C is safe for all skin types and all ages, and that with consistent usage, "you will start to see brighter skin in as little as one week" and "visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles in a few weeks to a few months."
Keep reading to shop some of the best vitamin C-infused products on the market right now.
Wet n Wild Is Releasing 50+ New Products For Halloween - all Under $6
Wet n Wild is making it easy (and affordable) to upgrade your costume makeup to Heidi Klum-level heights this Halloween. The drugstore brand has released over 50 new products just for the spooky occasion.
Whether you dream of dressing up as a unicorn, vampire, or '90s grunge goddess, this line has products (all under $6!) that will suit your costume needs. Crazy-colored liquid lipsticks, neon face paint, and even glitter eyeliner are now all available at your local drugstore for a limited time. Read on to see all of the products!
Owen Wilson and Ed Helms Go on the Father of All Road Trips in Their New Comedy
A movie where Owen Wilson and Ed Helms play brothers? Sign us up. The pair has joined forces on Father Figures, a comedy that follows fraternal twins Kyle and Peter on their journey to find their real dad, since it turns out their mom (Glenn Close) has been lying about it for their entire lives. They take off across the country to narrow down the possibilities - which include Terry Bradshaw (playing himself), J.K. Simmons, and Christopher Walken, among others - resulting in one hell of a road trip. Check out the trailer above before the movie hits theaters on Dec. 22.
Kettlebells That Look Like Animals Are the Gym Gear We Never Knew We Needed
You may have thought you were in beast mode at the gym before, but have you ever really been in beast mode without iron kettlebells that have been sculpted into the faces of wild animals? Apparently animal kettlebells are a thing, and there are several to choose from! Whether the friendly-looking bear is more your style or the howler monkey that looks like it will straight up eat your children better suits you, these kettlebells will certainly make an eye-catching addition to your home gym.
20 Easy Desserts You Can Make With a Can of Biscuit Dough
When you pick up a can of refrigerated biscuit dough, you might not plan on using it for dessert - but these recipes prove you should be. We're considering this an ode to the versatile recipes you can make with biscuit dough and highlighting all the sweet treats you could imagine: easy monkey bread, quick beignets, cinnamon-sugar doughnut holes, and much more. The recipes couldn't be easier, and no one has to know your secret ingredient!
Dealing With a Yeast Infection? Here's How (and How Not) to Treat It
It burns, itches, and produces a disturbingly cottage cheese-like discharge. If you're reading this, you've probably had it. In fact, roughly half of women have been diagnosed with at least one yeast infection before the age of 25.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis, as doctors call it, is caused by a vaginal overgrowth of a fungus known as Candida albicans. Typically, the fungus coexists peacefully at low levels with the usual bacterial flora of the vaginal environment, but sometimes - often after taking antibiotics or oral contraceptives - the fungus can overpopulate and wreak havoc.
The Symptoms
The "havoc" caused by candidiasis comes in the form of intense itching, thick discharge, swollen labia, and sometimes even spotting, painful urination, or painful sex. But according to Honore Lansen, MD, a women's health expert with One Medical, symptoms can vary widely. "Some women may have a yeast infection and not even know it," she says. "In this case, it's not dangerous and usually does not need to be treated."
But women with symptoms are usually begging for treatment, and thankfully there are several science-backed methods that can cure your vaginal woes.
Treatment Options
"Most patients opt to treat with fluconazole, an oral antifungal medication," Dr. Lansen told POPSUGAR. It's quick and easy: all it takes is one dose to treat the infection. But since it's a prescription drug, you'll need to talk to your doctor about it. And though fluconazole is generally safe and well tolerated, it can interact with many other prescription medications, so if you're taking other drugs, you'll have to discuss them with her, too.
Other women choose over-the-counter antifungal creams, which may alleviate symptoms faster since they are applied directly to the vagina. But they typically require a full week of treatment to achieve similar cure rates as fluconazole, and many women find them to be messy.
Natural Remedies
Women who favor a more natural approach to treatment may consider using boric acid. "A compounding pharmacy can prepare boric acid ovules, which a woman inserts once nightly for two weeks," said Dr. Lansen. But Lansen warns that boric acid can be fatal if swallowed, and it must be kept far away from pets and children.
Unfortunately, other therapies that are considered more "natural," like probiotics or garlic supplements, have not been shown to be effective in treating or preventing yeast infections in clinical trials. As a doctor, I recommend that patients stick to tried-and-true antifungals - oral or topical - for quick, simple, and easy relief. And if you decide to put crystals in your vagina, please know that this will not cure your yeast infection. If anything, the foreign body will disrupt the vagina's natural pH and make you even more prone to yeast troubles.
What to Do If You're Still Suffering
If you're using an evidence-backed treatment and still haven't found relief, it's time to pay your doctor a visit. Nonfungal infections can produce similar symptoms, and formal in-office testing is often required to identify the right diagnosis. One clue that you may not actually be dealing with a yeast infection is if your discharge has a foul odor. In this case, it's more likely to be a bacterial or parasitic infection, which would require a completely different treatment.
You've Never Laughed This Hard About Thigh Gaps Before
Meet Luisa Omielan and remember her name, because when you're feeling down about your jeans feeling a little snug or inhaling that entire batch of brownies you just baked, you'll want to watch this video over and over again. This London comedian preaching the truth about body image, Beyoncé, and thigh gaps is all too real - you'll totally relate. And the end is the absolute best part! Just note that there's a little language that's NSFW.
This post was originally published on Sept. 4, 2015.
American Horror Story: Cult Reveals Kai's Backstory - And It's F*cked Up
The latest episode of American Horror Story: Cult offers up some big answers that we've all been speculating about so far this season, like just who exactly is part of Kai's cult and how he came to be as screwed up as he is.
After the cult dispatches with R.J. via a nail gun - guess that's what you get for having sympathy for a gimp - Kai tries his little pinky trick on Beverly, but she's having none of his BS. She wants to know why she sees photos of his family on the walls of his house. Are his parents "on a Mormon mission to Mars or did [he] kill them too?"
Turns out he didn't kill them . . . they killed themselves. In front of him. Which explains a lot.
Flash back to 2014. Kai's lawyer father spins out his Harley and becomes confined to a wheelchair, which leaves him bitter, abusive, and violent. After berating Kai for his worthless degree in religious studies (we knew he didn't double-major in poli-sci and feminist studies), his father throws his dinner across the kitchen because Kai's mother makes what he thinks are spicy tacos. His father then accuses his mom of having an affair.
During the ensuing after-dinner fight, mom shoots dad (gut shot, which is sure to take a while to kill him) and then shoots herself in the head. Kai calls his brother to help him figure out what to do, and it turns out his older brother is none other than . . . Dr. Rudy Vincent, which is obviously a pseudonym. Kai calls him "Vin," so we're assuming the good doctor's name is actually Vincent Anderson.
We knew Dr. Vincent had to be involved somehow, but we didn't see this twist coming. Also, Winter is confirmed as being the third Anderson sibling, the youngest.
Before Winter comes home from college, Kai and Vinny put their parents' bodies in their bed, cover them with lye to help with decomposition and odor, and lock the bedroom . . . which is super creepy and screwed up. But what's even worse is when Kai tells Winter and lets her in to see the bodies, he is also shown talking to his mother the way one would at a gravesite. Except that she's a rotted corpse and he's holding her hand, promising her that he's going to be someone someday.
Somewhere even Norman Bates is like, "Dude."
This Is the Only Vegan Cheddar Cheese That Makes Me Go Weak at the Knees
I've struggled with lactose intolerance for most of my adult years. As much as I loved eating grilled cheese sandwiches and ice cream as a kid, I couldn't keep that up after I entered my 20s because the consequences weren't pretty. When I switched over to the vegan diet, I experienced so many positive benefits and felt better than ever, so I didn't miss much about my previous diet.
For some reason, though, I've been craving cheese lately. I just miss the stringy texture when it melts and the chewy texture. There are a lot of vegan cheeses out there, and I've tried quite a few of them, but I've always had trouble finding one I like. To be honest, they usually taste like plastic to me. Well, either that or old rubber. But I've been dreaming of all these cheesy dishes, so I decided to go on another tasting spree. With grilled cheese sandwiches, nachos, and enchiladas in mind, I went searching for a cheddar cheese to elevate my vegan dinners.
Allow me to introduce you to Cheddar Style Shreds by Daiya. Dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free, this cheese alternative is the perfect thing to eat if you're vegan or lactose intolerant . . . or just a fan of cheese, in general. The texture of this stuff is really similar to the packets of shredded cheese my mom used to get when it was taco night at our house. It's made from water, tapioca flour, non-GMO canola oil, coconut oil, pea protein, and salt, which doesn't sound like a stellar combination, but when in action, it tastes incredible.
I made a burrito bowl for my friends last weekend, and one of them had no idea it was vegan cheese until he finished the whole thing and asked what ingredients I used. Seeing how shocked he was at the fact that his entire dinner was vegan confirmed that this cheese can fool even the most loyal dairy eaters. I considered it a huge win.
I now sprinkle this cheese on everything, from salads to casseroles to stuffed peppers. It adds an additional texture to my dishes that I love, and now I never have to lust after a grilled cheese sandwich again.
The Pros and Cons of Going Keto
Nowadays, there are so many different diet trends popping up that it can be hard to keep track of what's good and bad. And you'll likely find mixed reviews; while some experts tout the benefits, others shine a spotlight on what's bad.
Still, humans are curious by nature - it makes sense that you'll want to give some of the more popular diets a shot. A hot one many of you know about by now? The ketogenic diet.
Yet before embarking on any diet plan, it's important to prepare yourself for what you might experience throughout the journey.
Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD, NYC-based registered dietitian, bestselling author, and founder of The F-Factor Diet, has weighed in on the short-term and long-term side effects of going Keto. So you can decide for yourself whether it's the right fit.
What's the Keto Diet?
First off, what the heck is the Keto diet, anyway? Put simply, it's a high-fat, low-carb, moderate-protein diet that puts your body in a state of ketosis. When your diet is lacking in carbs but is high in fat, your liver creates ketones, which are substances made when the body breaks down fat for energy, says Zuckerbrot. The process of ketosis metabolizes fat to provide energy, meaning you're burning fat, as opposed to carbs. As a result, you might lose some weight, as your body is in fat-burning mode.
Potential Side Effects
Sounds like a diet with benefits, right? Sure, this way of eating can be spot-on for certain individuals, and it may even be easy to sustain, but there's no way to avoid the shaky transition, which can result in some unsettling side effects, often called the "Keto flu," says Zuckerbrot.
When you stop eating carbs and replace them with a higher intake of fat and protein, your body needs time to adapt to the changes, and it can take days to weeks to recover, she says. You might experience brain fog, fatigue, muscle cramps, diarrhea, or nausea. And while eating protein will keep you fuller longer, it alone will not ward off hunger pains you may be feeling until your next meal. The lack of carbohydrates may cause your blood sugar to drop, leaving you feeling moody and tired, she explains.
What's more, you might also be hungrier and notice cravings for carbs as your body is working to adjust.
Also, don't be surprised if your breath starts to reek. "Acetone, one of the ketones [being produced], can cause your breath to smell like nail polish remover," she says. Also, on a more serious note, Ahmed Abdelmoity, MD, FAAP, director of neurology and chief of epilepsy and clinical neurophysiology at Children's Mercy Kansas City, cautions "other potential side effects that will need monitoring" and notes "early detection can be urinary tract stones, as well as weaker bones (osteopenia, a precursor to osteoporosis)." When you're not eating enough carbs and taking in too many fats and proteins, you could take calcium away from your bones. And when you're on Keto, your urine pH levels become more acidic, which can deplete the body of calcium and increase the risk of kidney stones due to the added stress on the kidneys, he says.
Potential Benefits
While your workouts might suffer initially, you might find a boost after the transition period ends. Since your body is pulling energy from fat, it can be beneficial for athletes after the short-term, "flu-like" side effects subside, Zuckerbrot says.
"Since the brain is using a fuel other than glucose (carbs), the demand on muscle protein for gluconeogenesis declines, thereby reducing the rate of muscle catabolism. Decreased muscle catabolism reduces the amount of ammonia received by the liver," she explains.
In layman's terms, protein losses are minimized in the body, which helps you better sustain lean body mass. Fat also provides fuels for muscle and the brain when in ketosis, she explains. And when your muscles get fuel, they can grow and repair better.
You might also have better insulin and blood sugar levels since you'll avoid those spikes in glucose, as you would with a meal that's high in sugars or carbs. Because of this, the Keto diet could be especially beneficial for those with diabetes, she says.
Proponents of the Keto diet claim a wealth of benefits that go beyond increased energy. "People might notice better mood, better sleep, reduced acne, stronger hair and nails, and even a higher sex drive," say Rami Abramov and Vicky Ushakova, authors of the Keto in Five cookbook and founders of Tasteaholics. What's more, they added that "many preexisting conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, headaches, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and PMS can be reduced after starting a Ketogenic diet." Also, while it's restrictive in food groups, it's not a calorie-counting diet, making it more sustainable for the long term.
"The Keto diet is not about cutting calories like most other diets. It promotes eating fresh, whole foods like meat, fish, veggies, and healthy fats and oils," they explain. (So feel free to order that steak or add some avocado to your morning toast.)
So it's up you. If you notice any additional red flags or you find it unsustainable, you should get off the diet. But who knoww? You just might find the best way of eating for your body's needs.
Should You Get a Flu Shot? A Doctor Breaks It Down
Have you gotten your flu shot this year? The time is nigh to vaccinate yourself and prevent a miserable, painful bout of influenza for you, your loved ones, your colleagues, your neighbors, and even people you don't like that much. Please don't spread the flu.
Dr. Stephanie Long, a physician at One Medical, explains who needs a flu shot, who should skip it, and how often you need one. Here's the breakdown:
Who should get a flu shot?
Dr. Long's response was an enthusiastic one, to say the least. As in, an all-caps "EVERYONE." She told POPSUGAR that there are a few groups of people who should prioritize getting the flu shot: "Especially young [patients], immunocompromised patients, pregnant women, or those over 65 years of age."
There's a reason behind her urgency. She noted, "If we did a better job with vaccine coverage, we would be better able to control flu and reduce sickness as well as hospitalization."
She says it doesn't matter how healthy you are - you still need one, and healthy patients have ended up in the hospital from a bad bout of influenza. In short, even if you eat kale every day and run half marathons for fun on the weekends, you need a flu shot.
Should anyone *not* get the flu shot?
"Anyone over six months of age can get the flu shot," she said. But Dr. Long did note that there actually are certain people who have to skip:
- If you have severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine
- If you have an allergy to eggs
- If you ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome (a severe paralyzing illness)
- If you currently have an illness with fever or are unwell
In all of those cases, Dr. Long urges you to "speak with a physician" to see what you can do to keep yourself (and those around you) healthy.
Do you need one every year?
Short answer, yes. "The flu shot changes each year to cover the most common flu strains that are anticipated to be circulating in a given year," she said.
Why This Doctor Recommends Keto (With a Catch)
Would clinical nutritionist Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, DC, CNC, recommend the keto diet? "Absolutely," he told POPSUGAR. But there is a catch. You can't do it forever.
A brief refresher, if you don't already know: the keto diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carb diet in which you switch your body's primary energy source from carbohydrates to fat (i.e., from glucose to ketones). Up to 80 percent of your calories come from fat - we're not kidding when we say high-fat! That's what differentiates this diet from something like Paleo or Atkins - they're both low-carb, but with keto, the emphasis is on the fats.
"I don't think somebody should be on a full ketogenic diet for more than three months," he said. "What I teach is not that everybody should be on a ketogenic diet - the basis of what I teach is traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM - but if somebody has the goal of overcoming epilepsy, fighting cancer, overcoming blood sugar issues like diabetes, losing weight, or even some hormonal issues, the ketogenic diet is a great temporary diet."
"Everybody is different; depending on somebody's genetics, depending on somebody's health goals or struggles, certain people should be on certain diets," said Dr. Axe. For the patients he believes need the keto diet for what he calls "a breakthrough" in their health, he likes to limit it to three months.
"The ketogenic diet is a great temporary diet."
"When I put my patients on it, it has been for a maximum of three months. I know some people who have been on [the keto diet] and have done it for a year and done well with it. But I don't think people should be on a ketogenic diet fully for more than a year - absolutely not for more than a year."
His reasoning for this is rooted in human history and the biology of our ancestors. As Dr. Axe is a clinical nutritionist with methodology rooted in TCM, this totally makes sense. "If you look at the way our ancestors lived and ate, they would've been what I would call 'keto cycling' - going in and out of ketosis. Our ancestors - they weren't purely ketogenic, and we shouldn't be either. To be completely healthy and to fuel certain systems, going into ketosis can be healthy, but we do need carbohydrates in order for our systems to function."
Dr. Axe cited a handful of small but notable studies with really powerful results from the ketogenic diet, including one on 11 women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), two of whom had struggled with infertility due to the disease and both of whom became pregnant after going on the keto diet for 24 weeks. Though the studies have been on smaller groups, they show a strong promise for the diet's efficacy for certain health conditions.
15 of Alton Brown's Most Popular Recipes on Good Eats
Alton Brown recently announced that the reboot of his iconic show Good Eats, called Return of the Eats, will be airing on the Food Network in 2018. To gear up for this long-awaited revival, let's venture down memory lane. Of the hundreds (if not thousands) of recipes Alton Brown developed for Good Eats, these are the 15 most popular ones. Highest in ratings and reviews, these trustworthy dishes and desserts are backed by fans and curious cooks alike. Alton's perfected American comfort food, from the best-ever macaroni and cheese to his world-famous "The Chewy" chocolate chip cookie. Yes, good eaters, he's got it down to a science.
You'll Never Eat Another Gummy Bear or Marshmallow Again After Hearing What It's Made From
If you look at the ingredients on a package of gummy bears - even organic ones - you'll see expected things like corn or brown rice syrup and sugar. But you'll also see something called gelatin. Seems innocent enough, but its source might surprise you. Gelatin is a yellowish, odorless, and nearly tasteless substance that is made by prolonged boiling of skin, cartilage, and bones from animals. It's made primarily from the stuff meat industries have left over - we're talking about pork skins, horns, and cattle bones. Ugh.
I guess if you're into the philosophy of using the whole animal, you'll be psyched about this. Plus gelatin contains 18 amino acids, so it does offer some nutritional benefits. But if you're vegan, you'll definitely want to skip the chewy candies and your great-aunt's Jell-O mold - it's made with gelatin, too. This animal-derived ingredient can also be found in some vitamins and medications, marshmallows (not Trader Joe's - they're vegan!), cheeses, yogurts, soups, salad dressings, jams and jellies, fruit snacks, and canned hams. If this tidbit of info grosses you out, you'll want to pay closer attention to these products' food labels.
A Celebrity Trainer's Weight-Loss Rule: 3 Miles or 30 Minutes
Before trainer Kit Rich became a Pilates instructor to the stars (and healthy-lifestyle ambassador for brands like Lucy), she was just a woman trying yet another crazy, extreme, or unhealthy diet in order to lose weight. "I tried everything," she told POPSUGAR, adding that she also suffered from eating disorders and body dysmorphia. "I was desperate to lose weight. So I would do, like what most women do, those freaking crazy juice diets. I would do all these extreme things, but it always brought me back to the other extreme."
After years of yo-yo dieting, Kit finally hit on her problem: she was working out in a way that wasn't sustainable. Her solution was one that helped her lose 30 pounds and one that she still shares with her students today, whether she's teaching a private class in LA or going on tour with a musician client. Her tip? Make it manageable. Specifically, Kit says that her mantra of "three miles or 30 minutes, every day" is what helped her finally break free from weight fluctuations and keep the pounds off for good. As in: run, walk, or hike your way to three miles a day, or do a 30-minute workout instead. "I really do believe wholeheartedly that the middle road is the way to go," she says. "Anything extreme is not long-lasting."
As a former athlete, this manageable mantra helped keep Kit from burning out on her workouts when she was trying to lose weight. "I come from a background of injury, and I had knee surgery, so you can't tell me to go and take some crazy bootcamp class," she says. "Because my knee will start to hurt, and then what's going to start to happen, I'm going to freak out that I won't be able to do that for the rest of my life." Instead, just telling yourself to do something little every day can help you get a hold of your health and your weight-loss goals. "Women need to feel empowered," she says. "They need to feel like what they're doing is something that they somewhat enjoy and that they can have a grip on. And that's why I believe in this three or 30 rule."
Inspired by Kit's message? Check out all our 30-minute workouts here!
The Unexpected Way I Stopped Breaking Out After My Workouts
I've had acne my entire life. I've tried every treatment imaginable and have been to more dermatologists and estheticians than I can remember. In my 20s, I accepted that this was the way of my skin and sort of gave up. Everything was fine until my workouts started increasing - the more I worked out, the more I broke out. My face was in a constant cycle of acne; adding sweat plus a makeup-free face to the mix also began to give me horrible insecurity when I went to classes.
In my mind, I was doing everything right. I removed my makeup before stepping into a class and was quick to wash my face once the workout was over. The increase in breakouts was enough to make me quit my gym and throw out my spandex forever, but then I met Kimmy Pigliucci, founder of AES Beauty. It's an understatement to say that Kimmy has a changed my life for the better.
Often referred to as a boot camp for skin, AES Beauty only treats people who suffer from acne. Kimmy's holistic approach helps you understand that because there's no single trigger for acne, there's also no single treatment. She helped me transform my diet for better skin health, introduce the right kind of products into my regimen, and understand the role stress plays in acne. When I told Kimmy that my breakouts started to increase around the same time I was working out, she wasn't surprised.
Kimmy's approach to skin comes from the idea that the vast majority of products on the market are made with acne-causing ingredients (see the list here) - from our skin care products to our makeup and even our laundry detergent. The biggest step we can take in clearing our skin is to stop using these products. As it turned out, the more time I spent washing my face at the gym, the more time I was exposing my skin to these ingredients.
"Acne is not caused by dirt or dirty skin, and even if it was, it wouldn't matter because sweat is not made of dirt," Kimmy told POPSUGAR. "The acne process begins well beneath the surface of the skin, so a random soap at the gym may wash off sweat and residue on the surface, but just one comedogenic ingredient from the same soap can clog the inside of the follicle and contribute to the formation of acne."
In fact, Kimmy said I was better leaving on "acne-safe" makeup during a workout than washing my face with products containing these comedogenic, inflammatory ingredients. So that's what I started doing. I overhauled my entire makeup and skin care line to only include products with "safe" ingredients, and on those days where I forgot to bring my own products, I skipped using whatever wash was in the studio or the gym. More often than not, I ended up exercising with my makeup on. I also stopped using the towels provided since I had no idea what sort of laundry detergent they used.
It's been over a year now, and my skin is the best it's been in my entire life. When I do have breakouts, I can almost always trace it back to that random towel I used in SoulCycle, the facial cleanser I mindlessly used after yoga, or the piece of cheese I can't live without.
This 30-Day Plank Challenge Is Just What Your Abs Are Craving
Many experts say it takes about 21 days to lock in a new habit - just think of what happens if you give it a full 30 days! This 30-day plank challenge will help strengthen and tone your core while tasking your upper-body strength, too. In just two weeks, you'll be holding the move for a total of five minutes! And weeks three and four will up the challenge by introducing plank variations that target parts of your body you didn't know existed.
To help you along this journey, we enlisted Youfit Health Club's national director of fitness, Raphael Konforti, MS, CPT. Ready to get started? Here's all the moves you'll need to take on this challenge.
Elbow Plank
The beautiful centerpiece of this challenge is the gold standard of core training: the elbow plank. You'll incorporate this movement throughout the challenge and even step up from it from time to time the further you go into the 30 days.
Konforti's form tip: To get in plank position, start on the floor, placing your elbows underneath your shoulders on the ground. Lift your entire body up and hold it keeping a straight line from your head to your heels. The further apart you place your feet the more stable you'll be so the less your core has to work. If you increase or decrease the intensity, try changing your foot positioning before resting.
Spider-Man Plank
You won't need to scale walls around your neighborhood for this move, but you will be upping the challenge from the standard plank. You'll feel your entire core in Spider-Man plank, much like you do when your legs churn in bicycle crunches. It's a BOGO (buy one, get one) move for your core.
Konforti's form tip: For this movement, it's actually more challenging to be in a low plank position with your elbows on the ground, so adjust as you need to starting in a plank or push-up position. Holding a plank, bring your right foot off the ground and drive your right knee up and out to your right elbow. Reverse the motion then repeat with the left leg. As the knee goes toward the elbow, exhale and tighten your obliques and abs for an extra burn. To up the challenge, try holding this top position for one second on each side.
Side Plank
It wouldn't be a full plank challenge if we didn't get oblique action in with side planks. At first, a side plank may seem challenging, but as you get used to them, they'll be like a coffee shop with no line in the morning - a welcome sight.
Konforti's form tip: While lying on your side, place your elbow down and lift yourself up so your body makes a straight line through your feet, hips, upper back, and head. Do your best to keep a 90-degree angle between your body and the floor, avoiding leaning toward the ground. Imagine the back of your body is pressed flush up against a wall. To increase the intensity, try adding in a small leg lift or reaching overhead. These movements change your center of gravity so the core has to work overtime to hold the side plank.
Side Plank Crunches
No one ever worried about overtraining their obliques, so adding in an crunch is a no-brainer here. Side plank crunches are the kicker to take your core strength up the next level!
Konforti's form tip: Starting in a side plank position with your right elbow down, bring your left elbow and left knee together, then reverse the motion, breathing throughout. The larger the range of motion you use, the more challenging the movement becomes. Start with small movements you can control, then try holding yourself up with your hand instead of elbow. You can also change the intensity with your speed. Going slow and controlled makes it easier to get a good abdominal contraction, and increasing the speed will challenge your balance and raise your heart rate.
30-Day Plank Challenge
Directions: Perform all of these exercises once, trying not to rest between moves. If you feel you need to rest, keep it as short as possible. You've got this - every workout is less than five minutes!
- Day 1: Plank 30 seconds; Side Plank 15 seconds each side
- Day 2: Plank 30 seconds; Side Plank 20 seconds each side
- Day 3: Plank 40 seconds; Side Plank 20 seconds each side
- Day 4: Spider-Man Plank 30 seconds; Side Plank 30 seconds each side
- Day 5: Spider-Man Plank 40 seconds; Side Plank With Side Crunches 20 seconds each side
- Day 6: Rest
- Day 7: Plank 30 seconds; Spider-Man Plank 30 seconds; Side Plank 30 seconds each side
- Day 8: Side Plank 30 seconds each side; Plank 60 seconds; Side Plank 30 seconds each side
- Day 9: Plank 60 seconds; Side Plank 40 seconds each side; Plank 60 seconds
- Day 10: Spider-Man Plank 60 seconds; Side Plank 45 seconds each side; Plank 70 seconds
- Day 11: Side Plank With Crunches 30 seconds each side; Plank 80 seconds; Side Plank 45 seconds each side
- Day 12: Side Plank 45 seconds each side; Plank 90 seconds; Side Plank 30 seconds each side
- Day 13: Rest
- Day 14 - 5-Minute Plank Total: Side Plank 30 seconds each side; Plank 60 seconds; Side Plank 45 seconds each side; Plank 90 seconds
- Day 15: Side Plank With Crunches 30 seconds each side; Plank 60 seconds; Side Plank With Crunches 30 seconds each side
- Day 16: Plank 60 seconds; Side Plank With Crunches 45 seconds each side; Plank 60 seconds
- Day 17: Side Plank With Crunches 40 seconds each side; Plank 90 seconds; Side Plank With Crunches 40 seconds each side
- Day 18: Side Plank With Crunches 30 seconds each side; Plank 60 seconds; Side Plank 30 seconds each side; Plank 60 seconds
- Day 19: Side Plank With Crunches 30 seconds each side; Plank 60 seconds; Side Plank With Crunches 45 seconds each side
- Day 20: Rest
- Day 21 - 5 Minutes Total With Side Crunches: Side Plank With Crunches 30 seconds each side; Plank 60 seconds; Side Plank 45 seconds each side; Plank 90 seconds
- Day 22: Spider-Man Plank 60 seconds; Side Plank With Crunches 30 seconds; Spider-Man Plank 30 seconds
- Day 23: Side Plank With Crunches 30 seconds each side; Spider-Man Plank 90 seconds; Plank 30 seconds
- Day 24: Side Plank 45 seconds each side; Spider-Man Plank 60 seconds; Plank 30 seconds; Spider-Man Plank 30 seconds
- Day 25: Spider-Man Plank 90 seconds; Side Plank With Crunches 30 seconds each side; Side Plank 30 seconds each side; Plank 30 seconds
- Day 26: Side Plank With Crunches 45 seconds each side; Spider-Man Plank 60 seconds; Side Plank 30 seconds each side; Plank 30 seconds
- Day 27: Plank 90 seconds; Side Plank 60 seconds each side; Plank 90 seconds
- Day 28: Side Plank With Crunches 45 seconds each side; Spider-Man Plank 90 seconds; Side Plank 45 seconds each side; Plank 30 seconds
- Day 29: Rest
- Day 30 - 5 Minutes Total With Spider-Mans and Side Crunches: Side Plank With Crunches 30 seconds each side; Spider-Man Plank 60 seconds; Side Plank 45 seconds each side; Plank 90 seconds
Taste of Fall: Pumpkin Parmesan Pasta Bake
Pumpkins aren't just for carving or baking into a sweet pie. Celebrate the season with a pasta dish that's comforting, creamy, and full of flavorful pumpkin. And pumpkin is packed with healthy carotenoids and high in protein and vitamin A. Instead of covering up the pumpkin, enhance the flavor with a dash of Italian seasoning and keep the calories low by using milk instead of cream in this tasty pasta bake. Invite your tot into the kitchen to help mix, stir, and sprinkle, making this dish even more special.
18 Terrifying Movies That Are Slated For 2017
Beware: there's fresh horror on the horizon. With the weather getting cooler, there's always time to turn to the darker side of the cinematic universe. It's been a good year for horror, and there are some seriously frightening titles still on their way to theaters. The year started strong with the release of Split and Get Out, and now the remake of Stephen King's It has blown us away (and scared our pants off). We figured it's high time to give you a rundown of what's in store as the year rolls on.
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.
Butterbeer Marshmallows Are Real, and Muggles Can Buy Them Online!
Hold on to your (sorting) hats, because you're going to want to sit down for this news. Harry Potter-inspired butterbeer marshmallows have arrived, and you can buy them online - no Hogwarts letter required! A gourmet marshmallow company called XO Marshmallow has dreamed up this magical flavor and named butterbeer marshmallows its September marshmallow of the month.
Each fluffy marshmallow is made with homemade butterbeer sauce to "bring a butterscotch and cream soda hybrid flavor to your taste buds," the company said in a statement. As for the rest of the ingredients? Only the good stuff, like pure cane sugar and brown sugar, kosher gelatin, vanilla, and spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg. We're already imagining how cozy we're going to feel dunking these 'mallows in hot cocoa (or homemade butterbeer, if we're feeling fancy) while wearing comfy Harry Potter clothes. But you better act fast, wizard wannabes. Each set of 12 butterbeer marshmallows is available now for $8, but only through Sept. 30. Even a wand won't save you after they're gone, so for now, we say, "Accio butterbeer marshmallows ASAP!"
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.
15 Shakira Music Videos That Are Too Hot to Handle
Shakira's hips certainly don't lie - and her music videos are an endless source of proof. Whether she's belly dancing like a pro (covered in grease if we're going back to the "La Tortura" days) or rolling around with Rihanna à la "Can't Remember to Forget You," the Colombian-born singer's sexiness never ceases to shine through her music and its video counterparts.
Her songs are so catchy that even the biggest nondancer will want to get up and follow her sizzling moves. Don't believe us? Read on to rewatch 15 of Shakira's hottest music videos. Then, check out the Zumba moves to her hit new song with Carlos Vives, "La Bicicleta."
The Unbelievably Sad Reason You Can't Pet These Puppies in Chernobyl
After the Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster in 1986, the area was deemed uninhabitable - for humans, at least. Wild animals have since prospered in the area, including man's best friend: dogs. When residents of Pripyat and Chernobyl evacuated, many people had to leave behind their dogs. Thirty-one years later, puppies now walk around the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ), waiting for a pat on the head that will never come.
As the documentary Puppies of Chernobyl explains, the animals should be avoided at all costs, since they could carry radioactive particles in their fur. It's estimated that about 900 stray dogs exist around the area and it's unknown just how much (or little) radiation is affecting them. The dogs are receiving some care, however; organizations Four Paws and Clean Futures Fund (CFF) teamed up to spay, neuter, and vaccinate the dogs to protect power plant workers. "By neutering the strays, we will also achieve a long-term reduction in their population, improving the welfare of the dogs," Julie Sander of Four Paws said to the Vet Times. "This is important because their chances of survival are greatly reduced if their numbers increase, due to lack of food and shelter in the extremely cold Winters."
It is undeniably sad to watch the puppies frolic around Chernobyl in the documentary, but give it a watch anyways. You might feel sad enough to help them out.
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.
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 Israeli Ambassador's Cringe Face Says It All After Trump's Middle East Gaffe
It would be nice if the president of the United States was required to pass a basic geography test. But it's clear that, if such a test existed, Donald Trump would not be president - which he proved at a press conference in Israel on May 22.
Let's get this out of the way first: Israel and Saudi Arabia are both in the Middle East. While Israel's population might not be as homogeneously Arab as the other countries it borders in the region, it's still in the Middle East. Trump, who just flew roughly 850 miles north from the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, to Jerusalem in Israel, revealed his ignorance while speaking to Israeli ministers.
WATCH: President Trump to the President of Israel (while in Israel): "We just got back from the Middle East." http://pic.twitter.com/NPuOgXBjDQ
- Yashar (@yashar) May 22, 2017
"We just got back from . . . the Middle East. We just got back from Saudi Arabia," Trump said in the video while hesitantly looking at Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Expressions of disbelief pervade the room after Trump's comment; the American-born Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Ron Dermer, visibly face palms while the other leaders awkwardly grimace.
Is it just me, or is it unnerving that the commander of the world's largest nuclear arsenal is unable to recognize what subcontinent he's on?
16 Small US Towns to Visit If You Love Fall
While there's so much to see in the US, there are also many small towns worth putting on your radar - especially during Fall. There's something about getting out of the city and escaping to a place with picturesque foliage that instantly gets you in the spirit of the season. Whether you're looking to check out harvest festivals, leaf peep, or just enjoy the Autumn month somewhere new, we've got the perfect list for you. See 16 small towns in America to visit in the Fall.
Drop Everything and Admire This Breathtaking Constellation Jack-o'-Lantern
Source: Ted Cavanaugh / Martha Stewart Living
Not all jack-o'-lanterns are created equal, as proved by this carved constellation masterpiece from Martha Stewart Living. With some crafty ambition, a pumpkin, a keyhole saw, and a few other things (listed below), you can make it yourself! Happy carving.
Materials
- Constellation art template
- Pumpkin
- Keyhole saw
- Handheld electric drill
- Gouge
- Scissors
- Masking tape
- Battery-powered LED string lights or candle (pictured: Stargazer Copper Twine Lights, $48, shopterrain.com.)
- Straight pins
- Scraping tool
Steps
- Hollow out pumpkin. Turn pumpkin on its side and use a keyhole saw or knife to carve out a circular opening in the bottom. Make the opening large enough so your hand can fit comfortably through it. Use a scraping tool to remove the flesh and seeds, scraping away the pumpkin's inner wall until it's about 1/4-inch thick. Turn the pumpkin right side up.
- Punch holes with drill to create constellations; connect dots with gouge. (Or print template, then cut out and tape on formations you want to use.)
- Place individual bulbs of a light strand in each hole and pin to secure, or, for a faster finish, insert one battery-powered candle.Source: John Dolan / Martha Stewart Living
My 1 Contribution to Parties Is This Cheap Trader Joe's Staple
You know how it's scientifically proven that you can't go to Target without buying at least three things that weren't on your list? The same is true for me at Trader Joe's, and there is one item in particular that I get every single time I'm there because I know I'll regret not having it in my kitchen: white cheddar popcorn. Call me basic, but I am a white cheddar popcorn aficionado and have tried just about every brand there is, and this glorious pink bag tops the list and earns the title of my favorite. It costs $2, has the perfect kernel-to-seasoning ratio, and may or may not be covered in crack because it's so addictive. Honestly, my only complaint is that the bag isn't bigger.
Not only is this the snack that I buy for myself on a regular basis, but it's also usually my sole contribution to parties, other than cheap wine. And guess what? Everyone always loves it, and there's never any left at the end of the night. So if you want to be the real MVP of any social gathering, don't show up with a fancy wedge of cheese. Just bring a bag (or 10) of this.
Tone Your Entire Body (Mostly Your Butt!) With This 4-Move Workout
Too cold to run outside or even walk to your car to drive to the gym? Do this four-move cardio workout that will have your heart pumping and your muscles burning.
Directions: Complete this workout five times. Explanations of how to perform each exercise are below. Have fun!
30 Air Squats
15 Plank Jacks
30 Air Squats
15 Frogger Hops
30 Air Squats
15 Mountain Climbers
More Reps or Heavier Weight For Weight Loss? The Tone It Up Girls Give Their Answer
Although we know there isn't one right way to lose weight, we can't help but ask what the most effective path to weight loss is. Karena Dawn and Katrina Scott, the fitness gurus behind Tone It Up, an online community that has over 1 million followers on Instagram, have worked with countless women who are trying to get in shape, so they know firsthand what it takes to get the results you want.
I recently had the chance to chat with Karena and Katrina at the Tone It Up Tour in San Francisco, so I asked them what they thought was better for weight loss: more reps or heavier weights? Their answer was pretty simple.
"We like to mix it up," Katrina told POPSUGAR. "Our daily workout is always different. It's never a set thing." In other words, everything has its place, and there's not necessarily one kind of exercise that's better than the others. HIIT cardio, strength training, plyometrics, and weightlifting all contribute to healthy weight loss, as long as you're constantly surprising your body with new movements. "Mixing it up and keeping your body guessing is the best way," Katrina continued.
She reminded us that "even squatting your own body weight" is a challenge in and of itself, so you don't have to worry about tacking extra weight on the barbell every single time you go to the gym. Your best results will come when you keep introducing new things for your body to accomplish - and have fun along the way, of course.
If you feel like you don't know where to start, Karena suggested you simply join the Tone It Up community. "There are thousands of women who want to connect and make friends," she told POPSUGAR. Every one of them is working toward the same goal: to be fit, healthy, and happy in their own skin. So whenever you need some inspiration, plug into the Tone It Up crew and soak up all the motivation you need for the day.
The Smartest Shoppers Take Advantage of This Aldi Policy
We reached out to an Aldi spokesperson named Liz Ruggles to tap an insider for shopping tips, and the best advice she shared is that you can return any Aldi-exclusive product for a full refund. It's no secret that Aldi is one of the most budget-friendly grocery stores in the country, and this generous policy makes it even more appealing.
If you're wondering why a food company would offer such a forgiving return policy, it's not because Aldi doesn't believe in the taste of its products - it's actually the opposite. Liz explained, "We're so confident in the quality of our products that we offer a double guarantee, which means if for any reason customers don't like an Aldi-exclusive brand product, we'll give them their money back and replace the item."
So if you open a bag of Aldi-brand pita chips, a jar of sauce, or even a block of cheese, and you don't like it, no sweat. You can make your way back to the store and get your money back. It's also good to know that there aren't any questionable ingredients or artificial colors in Aldi's food. "Aldi got rid of added MSG, certified synthetic colors, and partially hydrogenated oils from all of our exclusive brand food products. And more than 90 percent of the products on our shelves are under our exclusive brands," Liz told us. Now that you know you can return just about anything, will you be more adventurous with the Aldi items in your shopping cart?
I Sent Away a Sample of My Poop, and Here's What I Learned About My Health
"When in doubt, follow your gut," conventional wisdom tells us. And when it comes to your health, it's actually not bad advice. The organisms living in our guts can help explain everything from our weight to our mental state.
"There is clear evidence from various studies that our microbiomes impact human health," explained Cornell University professor Maureen Hanson and her research associate Ludovic Giloteaux. The pair told POPSUGAR that the bacteria in our guts are "involved in the processing of food we eat, helping us get important nutrients we wouldn't get solely from our digestive system."
Together, Hanson and Giloteaux have written a major paper on the microbiome, and they say that more and more research correlates conditions such as obesity, type II diabetes, cancers such as lymphomas, and inflammation to our gut microbiome composition. In addition, they said "there is increasing evidence that metabolites produced by gut bacteria can have effects on the brain."
Assuming you're comfortable sending a small sample of your poop, uBiome will analyze your microbes and present you actionable results.
Considering the importance of the microbiome, scientists are making more of an effort to understand the thousands of species that live not only in our digestive system, but also on our skin, in our mouths, and all over our bodies. As research continues, everyday people now have a chance to look inside their own.
One company, uBiome, offers a gut test kit for $89. Assuming you're comfortable collecting and sending a small sample of your stool (i.e. poop), uBiome will analyze your microbes and present you actionable results. I recently decided to try it out. While I wish I could have learned even more, I did come away with some new health goals.
How It Works
If you're familiar with the DNA kits offered by companies like 23andMe or Ancestry.com, then you'll recognize the process uBiome follows. After purchasing a kit online, they'll send you a box that contains everything you need to collect your bacteria sample and send it back to them to test.
There's a catch, though: instead of swabbing the inside of your month with a Q-tip or spitting into a little tube to collect your DNA, you have to dab a Q-tip on a piece of soiled toilet paper. The directions promise they only need a tiny amount, so it's actually not that gross. After that first step, you then mix the Q-tip in a container of the provided liquid, shake it up, seal it, and send it back to uBiome. Before dropping off your poop at the mailbox, you'll want to register your kit online and fill out a survey about your lifestyle habits.
In addition to the gut kit, uBiome offers a "time lapse" gut kit ($199), which lets you sample your gut three different times to see if changes you've made to your diet or lifestyle are impacting your microbiome. There is also a "five site" kit that will look at your gut, mouth, nose, genitals, and skin. I went with the entry-level gut kit.
My Results
When analyzing my gut sample, uBiome looked at:
- Bodyweight bacteria match: did I have bacteria correlated with weight loss or obesity?
- Probiotics match: did I have bacteria correlated with better mental health and gastrointestinal functions?
- Diversity percentile: how diverse was my microbiome?
- Most uncommon bacteria: what type of rare bacteria did I have?
First up: bodyweight. I learned that my gut is dominated by bacteroidetes, which is correlated with weight loss and a lower bodyweight. That wasn't a huge surprise to me, but it also told me that I had a lower percentage of the bacterium called akkermansia compared to people with a similar lifestyle and health profile as me (no ailments and a high level of wellness). Akkermansia has been shown to potentially combat weight gain and inflammation. In order to feed the akkermansia in my gut, my results recommended I eat a type of fiber called oligofructose, which is found in garlic, onions, and bananas.
They recommended I eat yogurt with live cultures, take supplements that contain lactobacillus acidophilus, eat fermented vegetables, and increase my consumption of dairy like kefir and buttermilk.
Next was my probiotics match, which was low. Specifically, they looked for bifidobacterium and lactobacillus. Bifidobacterium have been shown to improve gastrointestinal issues, while lactobacillus have been shown to improve mental health, including anxiety and mood. In order to improve this, uBiome recommended I eat yogurt with live cultures, take supplements that contain lactobacillus acidophilus, eat fermented vegetables that have not been subjected to a manufacturing processes, and increase my consumption of dairy like kefir and buttermilk.
The results looked at my diversity profile next, which compared the diversity of my bacteria to similar samples. Hanson and Giloteaux, who are not affiliated with uBiome in any way, explained to me that several studies show that the greater our gut diversity, the better our health.
"It's been shown that the lack of certain gut bacteria in infants, for example, may be a driver for food allergies in their later life or more sensitivity to specific foods such as milk or peanuts," they said. They also noted that while having low diversity does not mean someone will be obese, it could be a risk factor for developing a metabolic disorder.
UBiome told me that gut samples tend to generate a score between 6 and 9, and I got a relatively high diversity score of 8.34. In order to improve it, they said I could eat more fiber, exercise frequently, and avoid proton pump inhibitors, which are often used to treat ulcers and acid reflux. They also reported that antibiotics can dramatically decrease microbiome diversity, but noted that diversity has been shown to recover.
Finally, I found out about my uncommon bacteria. Apparently, I have three "very elusive" bacteria hiding in my gut, meaning they're found in fewer than five percent of all samples. My most uncommon is coprothermobacter, but I didn't get any information about what it does. Google wasn't much of a help, either.
In the end, I wish I could have learned more. While I did get some actionable takeaways - I will be eating some more pickled vegetables and trying to acquire a taste for kefir - the overall results felt incomplete and not totally easy to understand. For example, I wasn't sure what to do with the information about my most uncommon bacteria, since the uBiome site said "the rarity of these specimens does not indicate they are beneficial or harmful."
UBiome is upfront about the limitations of its analysis in its terms of service, explaining "the state of the understanding of microbiome information is rapidly evolving and at any given time we only comprehend part of the picture of the role of microbiomes." It also states that you shouldn't make any health decisions solely on the information provided and should always consult with a doctor.
I'm still glad I did it, as it reaffirmed my commitment to maintaining a healthy gut. Hanson and Giloteaux also recommended exercise, sleep, avoiding refined carbohydrates and processed foods, and eating more fruits and vegetables as ways for anyone to improve the quality of their microbiome. At the end of the day, I would only recommend uBiome to people who love seeing data and are eager to learn whatever they can about their health, even if it simply confirms common-sense healthy behavior.
10 Sugar-Skull Recipes to Complete Your Day of the Dead Celebration
One of the biggest traditions families incorporate when hosting a Day of the Dead gathering and building an altar is making homemade sugar skulls. The classic recipe is simple: sugar, meringue powder, and water.
Once you have your molds ready, you can go plain, adorn them with traditional designs, or add special touches and details to make your skulls truly unique for the person they are meant to honor. We've rounded up a variety of recipes with unique decorating options, and even a couple of different flavor selections, if you choose to make them edible.
The Easy, DIY Riverdale Costumes You'll Want to Rock With Your BFFs
The Riverdale crew is one of the easiest, most recognizable pop-culture group costumes to sport in 2017. Since the buzzy CW show premiered at the start of the year, it's won over fans with its lovable cast, suspenseful storylines, and the fun nostalgia of its comic-book roots. The best part? Archie, Jughead, Betty, and Veronica's recognizable outfits can work in all sorts of ways for Halloween. Think: individual costumes, BFF costumes, or couples costumes. (Team Bughead!) Need some help navigating your Riverdale look? We've highlighted all the necessities to make your comic-inspired costume dreams come true.
Image Source: The CW
How to Create It Yourself
For Betty:
- Cardigan
- White collared shirt
- Jeans
- Ballet flats
- Hair in a ponytail
To channel Betty, you'll want to go pink and preppy. Layer a pink cardigan over a white button-down, then keep things simple with skinny jeans and ballet flats - and a smooth ponytail, of course.
For Veronica:
- Black dress
- Pearl necklace
- Black heels
- Red lipstick
For Veronica, choose a sleeveless LBD and accessorize with a pearl necklace, black stilettos, and a swipe of red lipstick.
For Archie:
- Letterman jacket
- Red wig or temporary hair color
- Jeans
- Sneakers
It's all about the blue letterman jacket and red hair for Archie, whether that means rocking a red wig or using some temporary hair color.
For Jughead:
- Black leather jacket
- Jeans
- Flannel or t-shirt
- Chucks
- Gray beanie with DIY crown-point edges
You can get Jughead's style by sporting a black leather jacket and using scissors to cut crown-point edges into the bottom of a classic beanie. Bonus points for laying the sarcasm on thick and professing yourself a "weirdo."
Image Source: The CW
Check out the rest of our Top 10 Halloween Costumes For 2017!
Less Bounce For Your Buck: The Best Sports Bras For DD+ Girls
For ladies with big boobs, the sports bra struggle is very, very real. There's never enough support, the straps dig in, and getting them on and off practically requires a sports bra doula. Even if you've tried every sports bra your friends have recommended, your girls require special attention. Look no further: we've rounded up the best sports bras for big-busted girls so you can get your sweat on comfortably and stylishly. Cleavage optional.
Here's What You Need to Know About Vegan Baking - Straight From Chef Chloe Coscarelli
Too many people cringe when they hear a baked good is vegan. Those who aren't familiar with eating vegan might think that a vegan cupcake or cookie won't taste good, but vegan chef Chloe Coscarelli is here to set the record straight and encourage anyone to try out vegan baking. Chloe, who has been vegan for more than half her life, can whip up a multitude of vegan baked goods that taste just as good as something baked conventionally . . . and maybe even better. We asked her for her top tips for getting started with vegan baking, and these are the four things she recommends you keep in mind.
Keep the right staples on hand at all times
Vegan baking really isn't all that different from conventional baking. Once you've mastered the basics, like how to swap ingredients, the process gets easier and easier. Chloe recommends keeping vegan staples on hand, and her favorites include coconut milk - which she calls nature's substitute for heavy cream - instant espresso powder for chocolate recipes, baking powder for leavening, and high-quality dark chocolate. Others obviously include your standard baking ingredients, like applesauce, everything coconut, and agave.
Master the basics
If you know how to bake, switching over to baking vegan recipes should be easy. Chloe said the best place to start is with chocolate chip cookies. "Cookies are simple to bake, delicious to eat, and easy to transport, making the perfect foolproof entry point to vegan baking," she told POPSUGAR.
Know which vegan swaps to make
Like Chloe said, every recipe is different, so if you're creating your own vegan recipes, it might take some trial and error to figure out what vegan swaps you want to make in your recipes. One of Chloe's favorites is using vinegar for eggs in cakes and cupcakes, whether it's white, apple cider, or balsamic vinegar. "I know it sounds strange, but if you replace each egg in a cake recipe with about 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1 tablespoon vinegar, the acid and baking soda react and bind the cake together in place of eggs." And don't worry: the vinegar flavor bakes off. Other substitutions for eggs include applesauce, powdered egg replacer, or even flaxseed. When it comes to butter, the substitutions are numerous, from coconut oil to avocado.
Be confident in what you make
The best part about vegan baking, Chloe said, is that it's really hard to mess it up. It's so similar to conventional baking, but you don't have to worry about underbaking things. "You don't have to worry about the batter being unsafe to eat because there are no raw eggs - yes, this means you can eat as much vegan cookie dough as you want," she said.
16 Times People Took Their Halloween Decor VERY Seriously
You're either the type of person who owns a garage full of Halloween decor or the one who lives by someone who does. Either way, it's people like this who transform neighborhoods into trick-or-treating wonderlands for kids and adults alike. Aside from candy collecting, the biggest thrill of Halloween is being able to soak in the spooky ambiance. If you're feeling inspired to get into the spirit this Halloween with your own decorating scheme, now's the time to plan. Retailers like Target sell on-trend and affordable Halloween decor while Home Depot carries Halloween props and special effects. Even Amazon Prime has a great last-minute Halloween decor for busy people. To get you started, we've rounded up some of the most over-the-top Halloween decorating ideas that demand attention.
18 Imaginative Ways Disney Fans Are Decorating For Halloween
Perhaps it's Disney fans' creative souls that connect them to the beloved films and theme parks - because after seeing how these hardcore Disney-lovers decorated for Halloween, you can't help but be impressed by their imaginative decorating skills. From one-of-a-kind DIYs to inspiring displays, check out the unique seasonal decor ahead.
16 Iconic '90s Horror Movies That Still Hold Up
Ahhhh, the '90s. With its Beanie Babies, boy bands, and fanny packs; those were the good ol' days. The '90s also brought us a lot of good scary movies to watch, and as we are currently celebrating Halloween, it's a really good time to revisit some of our old favorites. Here's a rundown of the best (often we've used that term a little loosely) and absolutely '90s-est horror movies of the decade. Enjoy.
The 38 Sexiest Pictures of Jamie on Outlander
Real talk: Sam Heughan is one of the best things about Outlander, the TV show based on Diana Gabaldon's bestselling book series. The Scottish actor plays Jamie, an 18th century Scottish warrior who woos Claire, a time-traveling woman. For many people, this has been their first introduction to Heughan, who, we learned from a DVD extra, was always the first choice to play Jamie. Nurture your Outlander crush with all the hottest pictures of Jamie, and then swoon over the sexy pictures of Heughan in real life!
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