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.
vendredi 3 novembre 2017
How I Kicked My 20-Year-Long Nail-Biting Habit For Good
"I feel sorry for your fingers." Those were the six words that came out of the woman's mouth when she took my hands to try and bless them with a manicure for my wedding. Can I get an ouch?
As painful as that sentence was to take in - especially so close to my big day - truth be told, it was just what I needed to hear to recognize how out of control my nail-biting habit had become. See, I've been a nail-biter for 20-some long years. Looking back, I can't recall how this grotesque, compulsive habit even started, but it's one that has followed me well into adulthood.
It's embarrassing, to say the least - and honestly, I don't think many people realized how much the constant urge to pick, pull, or bite at my fingernails consumed me. But really, that was my goal, because every time I'd shred my cuticles to the point where they'd be dripping with blood - gross, I know - I'd hide each wounded finger so no one would notice. Because what sane person nips at their nail (and the skin around it) until red liquid oozes out, right? To make matters worse, I would feel strangely satisfied each time this happened.
If you are also a chronic nail-biter, I'm hoping you can relate. (By hoping, what I really mean is: please tell me you've experienced similar scenarios so I don't feel too crazy.) And if by chance you are nodding your head in agreement, please know that I, too, feel your pain. What's more? I've got good news for you.
After years of searching high and low for an effective nail-biting solution - and literally trying every single program under the sun - I finally found a method that actually worked. Although it was one of the hardest challenges I've endured, I'm confident that if I can nip this nasty habit in the bud, anyone can.
So if you're ready to quit biting your nails once and for all - and, let's be real, who isn't? - your guide to beautiful hands awaits ahead!
All the Fall Superfoods You Need to Stock Up on Now
When you think of delicious, cozy Autumn flavors, your mind might go to maple brussels sprouts or roasted sweet potatoes with cinnamon . . . maybe even apple pie! Did you know that all of these ingredients have superfood qualities? From heart-healthy apples to blood-sugar-regulating cinnamon to fiber-packed root veggies, your favorite flavors are going to bring you some seriously awesome health benefits. Ahead are 15 of our favorite superfoods for Fall, and we think you'll be pretty pleased with this list. Get ready for a solid grocery shopping session!
6 Things That Help Make a Person Truly Happy
We're all looking for the key to happiness, in some shape or form. And though what brings one person joy can be completely different from what brings joy to another, there are a few basic things that we all need to be really content. A recent Quora thread posed the seemingly simple (but, actually, quite loaded) question: What makes a person truly happy? The answers varied, but they all will resonate with anyone seeking ways to be their happiest selves.
1. Having a Purpose
We all need something to drive us and give us reason in our lives, no matter how big or small it may be. Part of being happy is discovering your own purpose, however you define it. Seek meaning for greater fulfillment.
"When we have a purpose greater than ourselves for which we can apply our unique talents, we feel ultimately fulfilled and happy. So to start you need to know what you are good at – are you a good speaker, organizer, or cook? Or do you enjoy animals? Or curious about politics? Find out what your strengths are and apply them to achieve something big alone or with others," says Quora user Tonka Zorluer.
2. Giving to Others
Acts of kindness aren't just beneficial to the receiver - they can have a huge impact on your own happiness as well. Giving to others puts things into perspective, and it can make us happier than taking something for ourselves.
"Neurologists suggest that our brains are wired to derive pleasure from giving: numerous studies have shown that giving, rather than taking, makes us far happier. The paradox of generosity suggests that regardless of income, individuals who spend both time and money on others are significantly happier than the ones who spend on themselves," says Quora user Viktorija Veltmane.
3. Love and Companionship
Love, in any form, brings happiness to our lives. Healthy relationships with friends, family, and significant others can all improve your quality of life and bring joy to it.
"We're social creatures at heart, no matter how shy or quiet some of us are," says Quora user Joshua Otusanya. "We desire to be loved by those closest to us. In order to be happy, it's imperative to have meaningful relationships with other people, both romantic and platonic. What's the point of living a life of happiness when you can't experience it with those close to you?"
4. Having Basic Needs Met
This is a no-brainer, but having access to food, water, clothing, and shelter are key to happiness. However, the misconception is that more money and material things beyond these needs directly correlates to happiness, and that's not necessarily the case.
"I watched a documentary called Happy that explained the science of true happiness while studying happiness levels in rich and poor countries," says Joshua Otusanya. "Their results found that money and happiness are only directly correlated to an extent. Money is a major contributor to your happiness up until your basic needs are met – food, water, shelter, clothing, etc. After you can afford to have these needs met, the amount of happiness money can bring you doesn't drastically increase anymore."
5. Staying Healthy
Unfortunately, our health isn't always something we can control. However, what is in our hands is our ability to take care of our bodies as best we can. Staying active, eating food that nourishes our bodies, and nurturing our mental health (which is as important as physical health) all contributes to our happiness.
6. Acceptance of Yourself
A huge part of happiness in your life is being happy with yourself. For most, this means adhering to some sort of moral code that gives them reason and holds them accountable. Self-actualization described in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs theory, morality, and staying true to yourself are all crucial parts of being content.
"The key is to love yourself," says Quora user Andrea Haas. "When you learn how to have love for yourself, you'll notice several things will happen: You'll stop looking outside yourself for happiness. You won't feel forced into doing things for acceptance or approval, and stop buying things you don't need for temporary pleasure.
You'll stop taking things personally. Rejection isn't soul-crushing . . . No one could understand you the way you understand yourself, so don't expect them to. Be your own advocate.
Your life will become more colorful. Without those social pressures you'll discover the things you truly enjoy doing, and may even discover some hidden talents in the process. Your motivations will be pure. You won't be getting fit or advancing in your career to impress anyone, you'll be doing it for you.
You'll realize you deserve to be happy. You'll even find it's much easier to give love to others."
The Details of Selena's Death Are Still Haunting, Even 22 Years Later
Image Source: Everett Collection
Selena Quintanilla was taken from us too soon. The Tejano singer was only 23 years old when she died on March 31, 1995, after the president of her fan club and manager of her boutiques, Yolanda Saldívar, shot her in a hotel room at the Days Inn in Corpus Christi, TX. Twenty-two years later, Selena's true fans still mourn her untimely death.
The tragic events started with a discovery by Selena's father, Abraham Quintanilla, Jr. When fans started calling and sending letters about not receiving merchandise they had paid for, Abraham noticed Yolanda had embezzled more than $60,000 from the fan club and boutiques. Yolanda was fired, but still held some financial paperwork for the stores. That's why Selena arranged a meeting, at the Days Inn, where at 11:48 a.m. (CST), Yolanda shot Selena on the shoulder. The "Como la Flor" singer managed to escape to the lobby, before she was rushed to the hospital and was pronounced dead.
Image Source: Everett Collection
But the terrible ordeal didn't end there. Yolanda locked herself in her pick-up truck in the parking lot of the hotel with the gun for over 10 hours, finally surrendering after the long standoff with police and the FBI. She was found guilty of Selena's murder in a trial in Houston and is serving her sentence at the Mountain View Unit in Gatesville, TX. She will be eligible for parole in March of 2025.
Since Selena's murder, her cultural relevance has only grown. Her legacy has been celebrated most famously by the 1997 movie, Selena, starring Jennifer Lopez, but also with murals, illustrations, wax figures, tribute concerts, apparel, and even some impressive lip art. She remains a cultural icon among Latinx.
25 Drive-Through Hacks For Healthy Ordering on the Go
Look: we're not suggesting you run to the drive-through right now. That's not our intent with this. Now that that's out of the way, let's talk about a realistic situation.
You're on the go, out with friends, or traveling, and there's nowhere to stop. You haven't packed food, and you're starving. You search for an option around you, but there's nothing but fast food, and you're trying to eat healthy, or you're on a diet. What do you do?
You're not totally stuck! There are some healthier options that won't totally sabotage your diet - in fact, some of these are loaded with protein and nutrients. Here's to finding the best in a bad situation!
House of Cards Is Ending After Season 6 Following Kevin Spacey Harassment Allegations
Update: Production on season six was halted on Oct. 31 as Netflix further investigates the situation.
On Oct. 29, actor Anthony Rapp came forward with allegations that Kevin Spacey sexually harassed him when he was 14 years old, and Spacey was 26. In a lengthy interview with BuzzFeed, Rapp said the incident occurred when he attended a party at Spacey's home in 1986. Spacey has since released a statement apologizing for the incident, however he also claimed he does not recall it taking place. The 58-year-old actor ended the statement by coming out, noting that he chooses now "to live as a gay man."
Following the shocking account, many conversations have transpired about the nature of Spacey's inadequate apology, as well as the future of House of Cards, since Spacey is both the star of the popular Netflix series and an executive producer. Now, Netflix has confirmed to Variety that House of Cards will end after its upcoming sixth season. There's no official word on whether or not the show was originally going to continue for a few more seasons, but showrunners will now promptly wrap up Frank and Claire Underwood's stories.
Production has already begun on the sixth season, and it is still slated to air as usual in 2018. Like all of its preceding seasons, the sixth season will contain 13 episodes. A number of spin-offs are also in the works.
Get to Know Bachelor Arie by Streaming His Season of The Bachelorette Online
Image Source: Getty / Robin Marchant
Good news, Bachelor fans: season eight of The Bachelorette is now available online, so you can watch Arie's appearance on Emily Maynard's season to get to know the new Bachelor. Reactions were mixed when ABC announced Arie Luyendyk Jr. as the next Bachelor back in September, particularly because many fans didn't watch him on The Bachelorette.
Fans have gotten used to seeing recent contestants take on the leading role, but it's been five years since Arie appeared on the show. Luckily, the network has smartly made Emily's Bachelorette season available online, so viewers have plenty of time to get to know Arie (or refresh their memory on his kissing-bandit ways) before The Bachelor kicks off in 2018. The perfect binge-watching option for the holidays, right?
Jaw-Dropping Then-and-Now Photos of the Twin Sisters Who Gave Birth 15 Minutes Apart
Twin sisters Corey Struve Talbott and Katie Struve Morgan knew they were expecting their babies 10 days apart, but when they unexpectedly gave birth on the same day and within just 15 minutes of each other, they couldn't have been more shocked. Before giving birth to Indie Mae and Ryatt Rae, Corey and Katie took stunning maternity photos in blue gowns to commemorate going through pregnancy at the same time. A year later, the sisters slipped on the same dresses and grabbed their 1-year-old girls to re-create their maternity shoot.
"I photographed Corey and Katie's maternity photos last year. I thought it was so sweet that two sisters got to experience such a special time together," Brenden Boggs of So Cute Photo told POPSUGAR. "Even though their due dates were a few weeks apart, they ended up giving birth on the same day only 15 minutes apart! We all joke that they are twin-cousins!"
With Indie and Ryatt celebrating their first birthdays, Brenden thought it would be fun to re-create Corey and Katie's maternity shoot with the girls, and the twins loved the idea. "We were cracking up at how loose the dresses were," Corey told POPSUGAR of the now-iconic blue dresses.
"It was so much fun to see how much life can change in a year," Brenden said. "Now Corey and Katie have two beautiful baby girls full of personality, and they all can't wait to see what adventures the next year of toddlerhood brings!"
Ahead, see the gorgeous photos Brenden took of the moms and their little ones plus a YouTube video of the twins' birth stories, and follow Indie and Ryatt on Instagram for daily doses of cuteness.
Thanks to Lush, You Could Get All Your Christmas Shopping Done Right This Way
Lush is always a safe bet when it comes to Christmas shopping, and this year, the brand has put together its best gift sets yet. On top of some incredible bath bombs and gorgeous sparkle jars, three of everyone's favorite smells (Snow Fairy, Rose Jam, and Twilight) will also be put back on the shelves. Starting at just $18 and going all the way to $350, it has something for just about every occasion, from your office's Secret Santa to a present that your best friend will obsess over. Keep reading to discover all the goods, and get your shopping carts ready: they'll be hitting stores this October.
Try Solving This Riddle That Is Making the Internet Go Crazy
Ready for a brain workout? There's a mother-daughter riddle circulating the internet that's making people go absolutely crazy trying to solve it. The seemingly simple riddle reads as follows:
If Teresa's daughter is my daughter's mother, what am I to Teresa?
If Teresa's daughter is my daughter's mother, who am I to Teresa? a) Grandmother; b) Mother c) Daughter d) I'm Teresa #TriviaTuesday
- Ginger Bock (@Xiniga) June 6, 2017
It's a viral riddle that got people talking months ago when 22 Words introduced it to the world, and people are still talking about it because it's that confusing! We'll give you a few minutes to think on it for yourself before spoiling the answer.
Source: Rede Globo / Giphy
To narrow down the answer choices, 22 Words turned it into a multiple-choice question with the following options: grandmother, mother, daughter, granddaughter, or "I am Teresa." And according to the site, the answer is . . . drum roll, please . . . daughter. As in, the riddle is just a fancier way of saying, "I am my mother's daughter." When you think about it, the statement could read this way: "I am Teresa's daughter, and I am my daughter's mother." Teresa is the mother of the person asking the question. If you're struggling to visualize the breakdown of the relationship, check out this mother-daughter flow chart that explains it.
Does your brain hurt?! Same.
This Kindergarten Shamed 1 Mom For Her "Unacceptable" Snack: Raisins
After packing her little one what she considered to be an appropriate snack, one mom is sharing the surprising note that her child came home from kindergarten with.
The mom from Australia first shared the note on a closed Facebook group, and it has since gone viral for its criticism of dried fruit. "Please help us to encourage nutritious eating habits in children. Our healthy eating policy asks you to provide healthy and nutritious snacks for your child to eat at kindy," the note read. "The sultanas (golden raisins) packed for your child today are unacceptable at kindy due to its high sugar content."
Many parents are shocked at this school's response to the lunch, but nobody is as surprised as the mom who received the note. "This must be a joke? Of course they are high in sugar, they are fruit," she wrote in her Facebook post's caption, according to Kidspot. "Today's lunch consisted of a sandwich roll, two boiled eggs, an orange, kiwi fruit, and a handful of sultanas. She never has packaged food in her lunchbox or anything with refined sugar."
Kathryn Hawkins, a dietitian and mom, came to the parent's defense over this lunch shaming, which so many other well-intentioned moms and dads have faced recently, because she wants it to stop. "If your child enjoys sultanas and feels happy when eating them, then that is a great choice for them. If you are a busy working household and grabbing a box of sultanas for the lunchbox makes it a bit easier for you, then it is a great choice for you," she wrote on Facebook. "You DO NOT have to feel one bit guilty for putting a box of sultanas in your child's lunch and you DO NOT have to 'explain' why."
End Bloat and Lose Weight by Drinking This Kitchen Staple
Chances are that you have a bottle of olive oil reserved for cooking, but drinking this kitchen staple can provide you with the same healthy benefits of this antioxidant-rich wonder - if not more. From a happier digestive system to banishing belly fat, here's why you should start and end every day with a tablespoon of olive oil.
- It helps fight breast cancer: A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that women who followed a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil had a relatively lower risk of breast cancer than those women who followed a Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts or a diet that was lower in fat. If the Mediterranean diet is new to you, start with this guide of which foods to eat when adopting it into your lifestyle. Besides protecting against breast cancer, the diet has also been shown to slow the aging process and reduce the risk of stroke.
- It reduces the risk of heart disease: While it may seem counterintuitive that drinking olive oil can help protect the heart from disease, multiple studies confirm the claim to be true thanks to the MUFAs, or monounsaturated fats, olive oil contains - so much so that the FDA allows manufacturers to label olive oil with this health claim. The FDA recommends consuming just around two tablespoons per day to protect the heart. Just a note that olive oil should replace saturated fats in your diet rather than add to your current calorie intake.
- It encourages weight loss: The same good fats that protect the heart from disease can also aid you in achieving any weight-loss goals you may have. Not only have MUFAs been shown to help the body feel full, but they also target belly fat. Add olive oil to your list of flat-belly foods you should be eating.
- It helps with digestion: While there isn't a lot in the way of scientific research - just a few smaller studies - olive oil is widely (and successfully) used as a homeopathic remedy to help the digestive system and ease symptoms of constipation. Acting as a lubricant of sorts, drinking olive oil is said to help things move along better in the colon.
Before-and-After Photo of Kindergartener's First-Day-of-School Hair Is Going Viral
Markeisha Simien sent her daughter, Charle-feigh, off to her first day of kindergarten wearing her school uniform and a beautifully braided hairdo. From the look of her Facebook photos, the mom takes great pride in doing her 5-year-old's hair and likely expected to see her daughter sporting the same intricate 'do on her way home later that day. However, Markeisha was surprised to see her girl walk out of class with quite a different style - one a bit more . . . disheveled, to say the least - and is even more shocked that her daughter is going viral because of it.
The mom posted a side-by-side photo of Charle-feigh's hair to social media, but was overwhelmed by the response to her girl's "before and after school chronicles." Luckily for us, Markeisha decided to repost the photo and is embracing the laughs her girl's hairdo is bringing to complete strangers.
"Thanks everyone! She is really a joy! But I lost it all yesterday when I saw her hair!" Markeisha wrote in a comment on the photo. "I was upset, true! But me and my baby laughed together at her hair redo!"
Markeisha says she has started asking Charle-feigh every day if she's going to play with her hair again, and though the girl says "no," the mom has a feeling her child is probably lying. Here's hoping Markeisha's right and that more hilariously adorable before-and-after photos of Charle-feigh come about as a result.
The 3 Dinner Changes That Helped Me Lose Weight
Not sure why this happened every day, but admittedly, it did. I ate healthy most of the day, with my green protein smoothies for breakfast, perfectly packed mason jar salads for lunch, and fresh fruit and nuts for snacks. I felt like my diet up until 5 p.m. belonged on a frickin' Pinterest board. But for some reason, as soon as I came to that last meal of the day, I just let loose. Which made my pants fit not so loose. It was time to make some changes, and these four adjustments helped me get back on track and lose the weight I had gained from enjoying my supersize free-for-all suppers.
You Eat What You Get
Most of my meals were healthy - the biggest problem for me was that I couldn't stop eating them. I'd divvy myself a serving, then 100 percent of the time, I'd go back to the kitchen for more. Then, of course, since I didn't want food to go to waste, I'd finish off the scraps on my kiddos' plates. A few extra noodles here and some pizza crust there made for a lot of extra fluff around my waist. It had to stop. So once dinner was made, I gave myself a properly portioned serving, and if there were any leftovers, I put them away in the fridge. If it was out of sight, it couldn't tempt me. And I started having the kids bring their own plates to the kitchen and pour any extras into the compost bin. This was probably the hardest change of all to embrace, but after a week, this new habit felt much easier. And I felt lighter and more energetic, too.
Cheese Is Not a Food Group
As a vegetarian, I ate so much dairy. Cheese was a part of every single dinner I made, and because of that, my go-to meals - like pizza, paninis, homemade mac and cheese, and quesadillas - were not so healthy. So when I gave up dairy, it forced me to make new, healthier options that were veggie-based like stir-fries, roasted veggies with rice and beans, soups, and amazing salads. It increased the fiber intake of my dinners, so I actually felt more full and satisfied after those meals than I ever did after a few slices of pizza. No dairy meant eating lower-calorie dinners, and that made a huge difference on the scale.
Dinner and Done
For some reason, I couldn't stop eating once I started eating dinner. Even after that second helping and devouring my kids' extra bites, I always sat down to a little dessert. A little bowl of soy ice cream with sliced bananas or some chocolate chips with almonds was my favorite. I started serving fresh fruit with dinner so after finishing our avocado pasta and tomatoes with sauteed tofu or sweet potato and black bean burritos, we could nosh on some sweet melon, strawberries, or grapes and satisfy that sweet tooth. So once I started putting the leftovers away at dinnertime, and we finished eating and the dishes were done, the kitchen was closed.
10 Things to Never Say to a Healthy Eater
All healthy eaters have one thing in common - they can get extremely cranky. It's not easy to refrain from consuming every carb in the cabinet after a long day of Greek yogurt and salads. Although we have great self-control ("no thanks" is a staple in our vocabulary), sometimes it's just downright impossible to keep our mouths shut when it comes to moronic comments. So keep these things in mind the next time you want to question a healthy eater. Remember, we are probably starving, hangry, and would kill for a donut. You've been warned. . . . Tread lightly.
The Very Best Carbs For Weight Loss
Yes, a low-carb diet can help you shed weight quickly, but if you're an active person looking to achieve sustainable weight loss, it's time to stop demonizing all carbs. We're here to make complex carbs, the good kind of carbs, feel a little less complicated.
Carbohydrates, along with proteins and fats, are macronutrients. We need to all three in large quantities since they provide energy, aka calories. Carbs can be broken down further into two categories: simple and complex. Both simple and complex carbs turn into glucose (blood sugar) in the body, which our muscles use as fuel. The classification depends on the carbohydrate's molecular structure, which affects how the carbs are broken down and absorbed by the body. Complex carbohydrates are made of longer molecule chains than their simple counterparts and therefore take longer for the body to break down and absorb.
Simple carbohydrates - found naturally in foods like fruit, milk products, white bread, and table sugar - are broken down and absorbed quickly, causing a sharp rise in your blood sugar levels that can leave you feeling tired and hungry soon after eating them. On the other hand, complex carbohydrates are fibrous and starchy and are found in foods like legumes, starchy vegetables, and whole grains. Complex carbs release glucose more slowly into the bloodstream, offering a steadier source of energy to keep blood sugar levels stable and pesky hunger pangs away.
Luckily, complex carbohydrates leave you more satisfied than their simple counterparts, but when trying to lose weight, portion control of healthy, nutritious foods is just as important as the foods we choose to eat. Many dietitians suggest incorporating appropriate portions of complex carbohydrates into their weight-loss meal plans, since they can help you lose the weight and keep it off.
Recipes
If you're still loading up on simple carbs and aren't sure what to opt for in the kitchen, we've got you covered. Here are some recipes full of complex carbohydrates we love that you will too:
- Apple cinnamon quinoa bake: Protein- and fiber-packed quinoa is the perfect complex carb to kick-start your metabolism. Make this hearty quinoa bake on Sunday night, so you'll have breakfast for the whole week.
- Overnight oats with chia seeds and slivered almonds: High in protein and fiber, this whole-grain recipe will keep hunger at bay all morning long. Even better, this recipe supports healthy digestion and can even help you beat belly bloat.
- Brown rice sushi bowl: This brown rice bowl is topped off with an inventive mix of bright and colorful produce plus tender, sustainable albacore tuna, full of B vitamins, protein, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. If you're on a weight-loss mission, only serve up one-third or a half cup of brown rice rather than a full cup to keep calories in check.
- Spicy sweet potato salad: Instead of white spuds, opt for this spicy sweet potato salad that's much higher in fiber than the standard. It comes with a spicy, antioxidant-rich red pepper and jalapeño dressing ties everything together.
- Red pepper and lentil bake: Looking for a protein-rich complex carb? Bring on the lentils! This red pepper and lentil bake is a winning weight-loss dish you can enjoy after a workout.
22 High-Energy Songs Your Next Workout Needs
There's nothing worse than hitting the gym with - gasp! - no music. Upbeat tunes somehow add an extra dose of motivation to power through a difficult sweat session, so having a good playlist in your arsenal is key. But it's super easy to grow tired of the same one, right? We rounded up some of our favorite songs that are sure to give you that extra push to keep moving at the gym. Keep scrolling to discover some of your favorite hits from Shakira, Drake, and, of course, Jennifer Lopez.
- Additional reporting by Celia Fernandez
The Many Adorable Faces of Prince George
Prince George has plenty of unimpressed faces, but his royal scowl isn't the only adorable expression we love to see from the little heir. George has shown off excited looks, silly grins, and even wiggles during his public outings, already giving his adorable sister, Princess Charlotte, a lot to aspire to. If George's best facial expressions isn't enough, make sure to check out his and Charlotte's most hilarious pictures!
25 Must-Know Tips For Runners
If you've been itching to take up running, there's no time like the present! Keep these running tips in mind the next time you head out for a confident and effective workout.
This Hair Color Faux Pas Could Make You Look Older
Broken hearts are the worst. Broken hair cuticles may be just as bad, though - at least that's how LA-based colorist Johnny Ramirez approaches things.
Johnny is known by most of you beauty junkies as one-half of Ramirez-Tran Salon (his partner is Anh Co Tran). Just follow his Instagram account and you'll find yourself down a rabbit hole of dye inspiration. Johnny and Anh have perfected the beachy, lived-in look that so many women covet IRL and on social media.
Talk to anyone who has gone to see Johnny and they'll tell you: it's a process. This isn't your pop-in, pop-out hair color appointment. When I visited him with my shoulder-grazing bob, I spent five hours in his chair. But the finished look is what keeps us coming back . . . every six months, that is.
After my appointment, I picked his brain on how hair can age you, what products every woman should own, and why you should avoid platinum blonde at all costs. Plus, keep reading for some serious color inspiration!
If You're Paleo and You Love Dessert, These Thanksgiving Recipes Are For You
Bust out the pumpkin, whip out the cinnamon, and grab some coconut milk, because Thanksgiving is just around the corner - and there are many Paleo treats to be had. Whether you're a strict Paleo eater, you're allergic to gluten, or you're just trying to cut down on dairy and sugar, these yummy dessert recipes are for you. They're the perfect thing to serve at this year's Thanksgiving dinner (or just make for yourself this weekend while you're escaping the cold).
We Found Fall's 9 Best Dark Red Lipsticks That Will Match Your Goth Soul
We've seen people match their lipstick to their eye makeup and rainbow hair, but glamorous goths know the best monochromatic look comes from coordinating your pout to your black heart. Whether you want to channel "the new Taylor" or your favorite grunge vlogger, there are so many ways to step into the beauty dark side.
You're no doubt familiar with the most popular blood-tinted hues out there, like Kat Von D's Damned, ABH's Vamp, and MAC's Diva. We highly recommend keeping all of those products in your vanity, but since Fall is fast approaching, we thought you might want to add a little gothic newness to your beauty bag.
That's why we found nine under-the-radar dark red lipsticks that will make you happier than that dancing pumpkin GIF. You'll probably recognize some of the bigger brands we picked, like Lime Crime and Hourglass, but many of these labels were new even to us. From bullets to balms, each offering brings something unique, and one even costs less than a PSL. Read on for our definitive guide to Fall's most emo hue.
Here's What a Doctor Has to Say About All That Protein You're Eating
High-protein, low-carb diets are often touted as magic cures for those who want to drop a little (or a lot) of extra weight. The Atkins rave of the early 2000s and the more recent hype around the Paleo lifestyle have driven a high-protein movement that gained momentum with media attention and celebrity endorsements. Though some research does suggest that high-protein diets lead to weight loss in the short term, the greater body of evidence indicates that in the long term, these diets may do more harm than good.
One recent study of 34 overweight women asked half the group to eat a typical weight-loss diet containing a standard amount of protein and the other half to follow an otherwise identical diet that contained 50 percent more protein than usual. Both groups succeeded in losing 10 percent of their body weight. But the high-protein group showed no increase in insulin sensitivity, a typical benefit of weight loss that can help decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In other words, the high-protein diet eliminated one of the major favorable side effects of weight loss.
Another much larger study raised even more concerns about the effects of high-protein diets. Researchers in Spain asked over 8,000 men and women - most of whom were already following a Mediterranean diet - to recall, in detail, their daily protein intake. Not only were those who consumed the most protein more likely to gain weight, but they were also twice as likely to die from cardiovascular causes and 48 percent more likely to die from cancer. In an even larger study, in which over 100,000 postmenopausal women were asked to self-report their daily diets, researchers noted that as protein intake increased, the incidence of heart failure doubled.
According to Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN of Real Nutrition NYC, "Eating too much of any food group can be harmful to your health and diet goals. It's about balance." She also points out that Americans eat "way more" protein than they need to; although current recommendations state that the average woman should eat about 45 to 50 grams of protein per day, the typical American woman actually eats around 70 grams daily. And since many of the dangers of excessive dietary protein are thought to be due to animal protein, Shapiro said, "don't underestimate the power of plant protein. Plants provide adequate amounts of protein for any diet if eaten and combined correctly."
As a doctor, I caution my patients against high-protein diets, as I do with any fad diets that are not supported by high-quality clinical studies. Long-term weight loss, and its attendant health benefits, comes from a diet containing a balanced breakdown of macronutrients. Don't overdo it on protein or any food group.
Nicole Van Groningen, MD, is an internal medicine physician at the University of California, San Francisco.
Ashley Fought Stress-Induced Weight Gain and Lost 95 Pounds in 11 Months
Stress caused Ashley Witter's weight to reach an unhealthy range, and it wasn't until she got a tip from a family member that she realized she needed to get help.
Ashley: Before
After enduring some difficult life changes and dealing with a high-stress job, she turned to food as a comfort. Her aunt told her about a weight-loss treatment center called Structure House, where Ashley was able to lose almost 100 pounds in less than a year. But to her, it was less about pounds lost and more about how she felt - she wanted the "old Ashley" back. She got what she hoped for, and then some. It took a lot of work, but Ashley quit her job, took matters into her own hands, and found happiness and health in the process.
POPSUGAR: What made you decide to start your weight-loss journey?
Ashley Witter: I hit my breaking point in my high-level corporate job working numerous hours, not eating throughout the day, and not sleeping at night. I was turning to food, wine, cheese, and whatever I could find late at night. My energy level had depleted, and I had gained close to 40 pounds in a year and couldn't do it anymore. I was sick, so I finally decided enough was enough and put in my resignation at my job. I had to find my old self again and get better. That's when my family suggested I go to Structure House.
PS: What do you think contributed to your weight gain?
AW: STRESS! The first thing I was taught when I went to Structure House was why we overeat as humans. The three reasons are stress, boredom, and habit. I was stressed all the time. My cortisol levels were off the grid, and my metabolism was suffering. I was skipping meals and not eating the "right" foods. I was tired, had low energy, and wasn't getting the physical activity that I used to. Gradually, over the course of probably four years, I continued to gain more and more. The more stressed out I got, the more weight I packed on.
PS: What drew you to Structure House specifically?
AW: I chose Structure House because my aunt had been twice and told me about what a wonderful and safe place it was. I didn't think I had a problem - denial at its best - but I knew I needed help. My family tried to kindly tell me I had a weight problem and that they were worried, but I didn't want to listen. I felt like, "This was my life and these are the cards I was dealt." Once I hit my breaking point, I knew that I needed to go to Structure House and get help. My family was fully supportive of my decision and helped me along the way.
PS: Had you tried other methods of weight loss before Structure House?
AW: Unlike others, I never really struggled with my weight until the past four or five years. Bad breakups, high-level corporate jobs, and simply life itself began to take a toll on me. I was always very active, played sports, and loved the outdoors, but yes, I tried some weight-loss methods such as powdered shakes, staying away from gluten, quick-fix type of things. Besides losing some immediate water weight, none of these diets ever worked or were something that could be maintained. Plus, when I cut my portions too much, I would hardly have the energy to work out. I was doing it all wrong.
"The more stressed out I got, the more weight I packed on."
PS: What's your favorite way to work out?
AW: Again, I have always loved sports my entire life and even when I was heavier I kept pushing to be active. I love backpacking, hiking, kayaking, snow skiing - pretty much anything outdoors. I have found in the past year that I really love boot camps and circuit training.
Ashley: After
PS: What's your weekly exercise schedule?
AW: I was taught by Structure House to get at least 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise a week. I do just that. I mix my workouts between cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises. I hit the gym maybe three times a week as well as doing a group bootcamp class, running on the treadmill, or hitting the weights doing arm/leg workouts and repetitions. I love yoga, so I try to do a class or so a week of hot yoga. I wear a Fitbit and try every day to get at least 10,000 steps a day. That means when I am at work, I get up and move - this is key. On the weekends I am hiking, kayaking, or running. I also allow my body to recover, so I believe in letting your body have rest days as well.
PS: How do you keep workouts exciting?
AW: I am all about changing it up and keeping it exciting. I love to exercise in general, so I find hiking and backpacking are my favorite activities. You can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and not even realize sometimes that you are getting a great workout. I have also had fun running 5Ks with my boyfriend. He is active as well so we help keep each other accountable, while having fun at the same time.
PS: How much weight have you lost?
AW: Since my stay at Structure House in October 2015, I have lost 95 pounds in 11 months and have maintained that weight. My weight has plateaued, so now I am more focused on building lean body mass.
PS: What was the first big difference, other than the number on the scale, that really made you feel proud and excited?
AW: For me, honestly, it wasn't really about the pounds lost, but more that I felt so much better. I came back to life again, and my energy was back. I found the old "Ashley" again, and that is what made me so proud. I didn't ever think that would be possible.
PS: How do you track your weight loss?
AW: Structure House gave us a diary to record our food. When I left the facility, I continued to use my diary and maintain my 1,400-calorie intake. Every time I finished a book, I would call Structure House and have them send me a new one. I don't use my diary much anymore because I have a pretty good hold on what I am taking in terms of calories, but if I ever feel like I am slipping, I start recording again. It was a great way to hold me accountable for what I was eating.
PS: What's a typical day of meals and snacks?
AW: I follow myplate.com pretty much for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I make sure at every meal that I have a protein, plenty of veggies, fruit, a dairy, and carbs. I eat nutrient-dense food that keeps me full. I have eliminated as much salt as possible and make healthy choices. I am pretty consistent on what I eat - lots of veggies (I love roasted brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes), lean meat, berries, Greek yogurt, and 100-percent whole-wheat options. I stay away from processed foods as much as possible. I read labels to make sure foods are low in trans and saturated fat and low in sugar and sodium. When I snack, I usually have a Kind bar or something simple made with whole ingredients.
Ashley: Before and After
PS: Do you count calories?
AW: Even though I have lost 95 pounds, I am still mindful of the calories that I am taking in. I am mindful and aware, and that is what has helped me be successful in my journey. Most people do not even realize the amount of calories they are taking in. So yes, I do keep track. I stick between 1,400-1,500 calories per day of nutrient-dense foods. If I eat something that is not as healthy, I am aware and only eat a little. Moderation is key in weight loss. Making change takes time, so having a treat every now and then is not a bad thing.
PS: What are the healthy staples that are always in your fridge?
AW: I eat egg-white omelets almost every morning, so I stock my fridge with good veggies and fruit. I buy a lot of chicken and lean meats so I have a protein. I buy a lot of 100-percent whole-wheat sandwich thins and wraps. I love avocados and salsa. I pretty much mirror my food choices based off of what was cooked for me at Structure House.
PS: How do you strategize for meals out?
AW: Again, I am pretty boring, so I eat the same thing a lot. I am pretty consistent with my meals, so it hardly seems like work anymore. When I go out to eat, I research the restaurant first to figure out the healthy options I can choose from. I love Longhorns because they have a calorie counter for all the food. I can have an incredible meal for 430 calories.
"It wasn't really about the pounds lost . . . I came back to life again and my energy was back. I found the old Ashley."
PS: Do you use a fitness tracker? Which one, and how do you think it helped you?
AW: I use a Fitbit. I have bought one for all my family members as well. It has helped me a lot, plus it is a great thing for everyone. I love that Fitbit allows you to compete against each other. My dad is now super competitive with my brother and me. It's a win for everyone. Also, I know when my steps are down that it is time to move.
PS: What role did Structure House play in your journey? Would you recommend it?
AW: Structure House changed my life! I have told this to all the staff: I wouldn't be the person I am today without them. They gave me the tools to regain my life back. Not only am I back to my old self, but I have never felt better. I now work at a job I love, and I got asked to teach the Health Coaching certificate program at an accredited university in Georgia. My work lets me run weight-loss challenges, and I am creating my own health coaching website to help others. I met an incredible man, and I just couldn't be happier. I have realized that you have to love yourself before you can love others. I can't thank Structure House enough.
PS: What advice do you have for anyone starting out on a weight-loss journey?
AW: Take a leap of faith and make yourself happy. You have one life to live, and make it the best it can be. There is no reason to go through life unhappy and unhealthy. We are all in charge of our own destiny, so why not make this life the best it can be? Also, you are not alone. So many people struggle with weight issues, but there is hope - I promise.
45 Balayage Hair Color Ideas to Inspire Your Next Salon Appointment
There's plenty of enviable hair color out there - including a bevy of rainbow looks - but we covet killer balayage highlights the most. As it turns out, we're not the only ones; this color technique is all over Instagram. If we had to guess why it's so beloved, we'd say it's because the popular method makes strands look naturally sun-kissed instead of methodically dyed.
According to colorist Lauren E. Hack, cofounder of Lauren+Vanessa salon in New York, that's because the look is painted on. "The word literally means to sweep [in French]," she explained. "You sweep the color onto the hair strand by strand." The effect resembles the hair's natural highlights. Hack told us that many of her clients bring their young daughters to the salon as examples of the soft highlights they want to mimic.
The technique is ideal for low-maintenance beauties, since the color is applied very carefully so as to avoid lines of demarcation. Thus, the dye grows out beautifully, making it easy to stretch (or even wholly disregard) the time between salon appointments.
Our favorite characteristic of balayage, however, is that it makes fine hair look thicker. "Our hair follicle is thicker at the top and thinner at the bottom," said Hack. "With balayage you are able to create the illusion that the hair is more full at the bottom by painting thin to thick highlights from top to bottom, never seeing where the color begins and ends."
To get the balayage look for yourself, meet with your colorist. "Photos are key!" exclaimed Hack. She suggests you bring images of celebrities who have your dream hair. Then, your expert can consult with you on whether or not your desired color will suit your skin tone, lifestyle, and regimen. Read on to see the technique on various blond, brunette, and red hair hues!
In Case You Just Want to Know, Here's How Stranger Things Season 2 Ends
Spoilers for Stranger Things season two below!
Halfway through season two, Stranger Things takes a couple of diversions, sending Eleven (aka Jane) off to Chicago to meet up with Eight (aka Kali) while Nancy and Jonathan go to Murray the Conspiracy Theorist's house in their quest for #JusticeforBarb. But once everyone is back together in Hawkins, how does the season bring everything to a head?
Back in Hawkins, Joyce, Hopper, Bob, and Dr. Owens realize the monster set everyone up, trapping workers down in the vine tunnels and sending dozens of "demodogs" snarling and lurching through the portal and into the Department of Energy building, where they proceed to feast on any person they can get their giant, sucking faces on.
The intrepid group of Will protectors works hard to escape - RIP, Bob the Brain; you're a true hero - when it meets up outside with Steve and the rest of the kids (Dustin, Lucas, and Maxine), plus Nancy and Jonathan, who have returned from their excursion. Everyone holes up at the Byers' house to try to figure out what to do about Will.
It turns out the monster is spying through Will, so they rig up an outside shed, concealing the walls and hanging bright lights in order to speak with Will without him or the monster knowing where they are. It works for a while, with Will telling them via Morse code that they need to close the portal, but eventually the monster figures out where they are and sends the demodogs after the group.
Cue the arrival of Eleven, ready to kick some demodog and Demogorgon ass with her telekinesis - though first we have to have the beautiful, tearful reunion between Eleven and her friends, even taking a little time for Mike to get angry with Hopper for concealing Eleven all these months.
But then it's time to finish this. The group splits three ways - Hopper and Eleven head for the Department of Energy so she can close the portal with her mind; Joyce, Jonathan, and Nancy take Will to Hopper's cabin to burn the monster out of him; Steve and the rest of the kids stay at the Byers' house.
At the cabin, the heat works. The monster can't handle being in Will's body when the temperature is so high, so it finally vacates the kid, leaving Eleven a clear pathway to seal the portal.
Meanwhile, Billy the Butthead shows up at the Byers' house to take Maxine home, but Steve is all, "Over my dead body," which is almost true after the beatdown he receives from Billy. Luckily, while Steve's face is distracting Billy's fists, Maxine jams some of the drugs they had been using to keep Will unconscious into Billy's neck and then threatens him with Steve's version of Lucille, telling him he better leave her alone from now on.
With Billy vanquished, the kids decide they need to help the group by drawing the demodogs away from the Department of Energy, so they basically kidnap Steve and head down into the tunnels to burn the epicenter. It works, at least temporarily, and Eleven successfully seals up the monster in its own dimension.
Cut to one month later, when Dr. Owens comes through big time with an official birth certificate that names Eleven as "Jane Hopper" so she can come out of hiding and be Hopper's daughter for real. Well done, Owens. We hope to see you again some time.
All the kids attend the middle school Snow Ball, where kisses are shared and dances are danced. Also, Nancy makes Dustin the talk of the eighth grade by dancing with him when no one else will. It's a supersweet ending . . . right up until the camera spins upside down and shows us that the monster is towering menacingly over the school. It makes sense, because Eleven only closes the portal; she doesn't kill the monster.
The only question now is: is it time for season three yet?
The Evolution of Queen Letizia and King Felipe's Love
For the past 14 years - since they announced their engagement in 2003 - Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI of Spain have shared with us more than a few sweet moments. Their glamorous wedding in 2004 was a true fairy-tale event; the birth of their two daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, a cause for major celebration; and their everyday official appearances and trips, always total treats where they look smiley and just absolutely happy.
From the way Felipe helps Letizia down the steps every time she's in heels to the mischievous looks and whispers they share at public hearings, it's pretty obvious that the affection between these two lovebirds only gets stronger as time goes by. They truly are one supercute couple - see what we mean by scrolling through their most adorable moments here.
7 Things People With Clean Kitchens Do Every Day
Do you hate to cook? Do you turn your nose when entering your kitchen and hurry out the door once your microwave beeps, signaling your frozen burrito is ready? And if we're really being honest, have you forgotten the last time you changed out your sponge or scrubbed the stove free of pasta-sauce splatters? It sounds like you have a messy kitchen. Marie Kondo, the New York Times bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up sympathizes. That's why she developed a system, which is called the KonMari Method, that allows anyone, even the seemingly hopelessly messy, can take on successfully.
If you're curious about her unique purging technique, read about my experience of using the KonMari Method in my kitchen. After you've trashed all the dishware, cooking tools, and pantry items that don't "spark joy" - aka make you happy when you see, touch, and use them - it's time to take on these daily habits of people with clean kitchens to keep your own space neat without intense effort.
- Keep Everything Off the Kitchen Counter
-
I know, this one seems like a tough one, yet your blender, sugar bowl, coffee maker, and other knickknacky things not only take up space on your counter, but they also actually make it impossible to clean. They gather dust and oily muck on and around them, and you ignore it. The person with a clean kitchen wipes down all appliances, etc. with a warm, damp sponge before storing the items in shelves or cabinets. Yes, even those things they use every day.
- Wipe the Stove, Sink, and Counter With Each Use
-
Marie Kondo says, "Tidying your kitchen means wiping away any water or oil." If there's nothing on your stove, sink, or counter, it suddenly becomes really easy to run a sponge over these areas every day to clean up any splashes or spills. Ta-da! No crumbs or mysterious stains to be seen.
- Keep Dish Soap and Sponges Under the Sink
-
Having tried this out myself, I can attest to its effectiveness. After washing dishes, simply squeeze out the sponge and keep it in a wire sponge holder under the sink along with your soap and rubber gloves. It's a surprising trick to keep your kitchen looking neat and inviting.
- Store the Trash Can Under the Sink
-
There's something off-putting about having a trash can in the middle of the kitchen, even one with a sleek stainless steel design. Storing your trash can under the sink keeps it out of sight and out of mind. I also love taking the trash out more frequently so my kitchen never smells.
- Wash and Dry Dishes Immediately
-
If you have a drying rack in your kitchen, get rid of it! It makes it all too easy to pile on the dishes without ever putting them away, plus the wet drippings pool and grow all sorts of gnarly things. Instead, do as the tidy person does and wash and dry the dishes immediately after a meal.
- Keep About 30 Percent of Your Fridge Empty
-
Ever wonder where you are going to put your leftovers or newly bought groceries? If you always have a few clear spots in your fridge, it makes it easy to find a designated spot for new things.
- Give Each Thing a Definite Home (Away From the Stove)
-
Though it's tempting to want to stash kitchen tools, spices, oils, etc. near the kitchen stove for easy access, this is a recipe for disaster. As things cook, the oil often splatters onto these items. In addition, the heat can drastically reduce the storage life of spices and oils, rendering them stale and rancid. Instead, store everything away from the stove. Before cooking, pull out all the equipment and food stuff you may need, and put each thing away, item by item, after its use. This makes cleanup way easier.
Have You Noticed Kate Middleton Always Wears This 1 Color of Nail Polish?
While we ramp up for a holiday season of bright red nail polish and glitter topcoats, Kate Middleton, like all royals before her, will reportedly refrain from such extra manis. In fact, it's actually rumored to be part of Kate's job description to keep her nails nude. According to British tabloid OK!, royal protocol demands it.
But as we've seen before, that doesn't mean Kate can't wear anything on her nails. In fact, she's somewhat of an Essie aficionado. She rocked a mix of the brand's Rose Lounge (pour one out for this sadly discontinued soft pink) and Allure ($9) at her 2011 wedding to Prince William. She's not alone in her love for the drugstore line - Queen Elizabeth has been wearing the same shade of Essie in Ballet Slippers ($9) for 29 years. This pinky nude hue was created when the queen's hairdresser wrote to brand founder Essie Weingarten in 1988, requesting a bespoke shade for her majesty.
Of course, this rule only applies to public functions (aka pretty much whenever Kate Middleton steps outside of Kensington Palace). So perhaps when she's not being watched, Kate paints on metallics and dances around like she's gone rogue à la that classic 1998 Disney film, My Date With the President's Daughter. Probably not, but a girl can dream.
Ahead, find four nude shades you can rock while you princess-wave.
How to Wear Lavender Eye Shadow, Fall 2017's Hottest Celeb-Loved Trend
We've already seen pastel purple highlighters taking off this season, and now the color trend is coming for our eyes too. At the recent InStyle Awards, both Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez arrived wearing matching lavender shadow. But they aren't the only ones: Rita Ora just wore the look at an MTV TRL visit and Rihanna did at one of her Fenty launch parties. Perhaps the trend is a result of lasting influence from the unicorn beauty phenomenon. Perhaps it's premature excitement for Winter's frosty color palettes. Either way, we're 100 percent on board.
"I love that lavender is feminine, edgy, and chic all at the same time. It really pops against brown eyes," celebrity makeup artist Jill Powell, who did Demi's look, told POPSUGAR. Inspired by the singer's lavender dress and "chic rocker vibe," she mixed together two cream shadows to create the vibrant purple hue: Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Color Paint Shadows ($25) in M-90 Matte Purple and I-80 Iridescent Pink Beige. She also layered Amethyst from Kat Von D's Alchemist Holographic Palette ($32) on top to create an iridescent finish.
If you plan to try the look, Jill suggested having the rest of your makeup low-key. "I love to keep focus on one area for the most part. When bringing in colorful shadows, I love to keep the rest of the face more natural so it acts as the backdrop for the colorful shadows," she explained.
Jill also assured that any skin tone can pull off lavender. "Work with the depth of your tones," she advised. "Lighter skin tones should use lighter shades, and deeper skin tones should use deeper hues to coincide with the depth of their skin and avoid looking too light or ashy."
Now that you've got all the expert tricks, see more examples of lavender eye shadow from celebs and shop the trend at every price point ahead.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Your Hair Type
What's your hair type? It's a question that can determine a lot about your daily styling routine. Does your mane fall flat with just the hint of humidity? Are you spending hours twisting your kinks into curls? We've arranged this comprehensive guide from superstraight, fine strands to coarse, kinky locks. Plus we've added celebrity examples to each of the 12 categories so you can be totally sure. To discover your natural texture, wash your hair and examine your strands in the mirror without any styling products. Still can't decide which category you fall in? Your head could have a mix of two or three! Ahead, you'll find product recommendations and styling tips for your specific styling needs. It's like the every girl's guide to getting her best hair day. Ever.
Love what you're reading? Head over to our Snapchat for more awesome, bite-sized content!
How Effective Is Dance Cardio? 3 Experts Weigh In
Spend 15 minutes getting down with girlfriends at a club, and you can tell you're getting some sort of a workout. Your heart rate is high, the sweat is beading at your hairline, and your feet kind of hate you a little bit. Dancing, from salsa and hip-hop to ballroom and dance cardio, is a go-to workout for many - A-listers like Ariana Grande included.
"Harley Pasternak [Grande's trainer] will text me a workout, and if I have a show that day, I'm like, 'I'm good,'" the singer and new Reebok global ambassador joked with us at her last tour stop in Hong Kong. "I get my workouts in my shows. We hit my songs 'Side to Side,' 'Bang Bang,' 'Greedy,' and 'Focus' back to back. It's only four numbers, but they get the job done."
But is Grande's dance-infused workout routine enough? With the help of popular studios like Tracy Anderson and DanceBody, there's no denying that dance cardio is totally #trending. Typically involving classic workout components - like lunges, ab work, and even a body-part-centric strength component (see: 305 Fitness) - dance cardio takes traditional choreography up a notch, with the common goal of providing a total-body workout, heavy on the fun.
"Dance cardio like Zumba and other popular forms we've studied, it tends to be a pretty good moderate- to vigorous-intensity workout," says John Porcari, Ph.D., of the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse's department of exercise and sport science. "For any young to middle-age adult, 45 to 60 minutes, three to five days a week, can definitely give you a cardio workout."
Plus, dance cardio has potential mood-boosting effects. In one study from the University of Derby, depressed patients who were given nine weeks of salsa dancing lessons experienced a huge lift in their spirits. Researchers explained that it was the combination of social interaction, exercise, and the concentration that learning a new skill requires that significantly boosted the mood of all the study's participants.
"Dancing gives you an essential boost for your mind, body, and spirit," says celebrity choreographer Brian Nicholson, who's notably worked with Grande. "The confidence it helps you build in class translates to the outside world. That's when the magic happens."
But is it enough to completely abandon those #morningmiles? It depends on what level you're at, says Dr. Porcari. "I'd say it's not quite as intensive as running in terms of cardio, but it's really what you make of it. Depending on if you're adding in lunges or squats or other workout moves, it could change the whole workout."
Ready to tackle a class? Here are four tips beginners can use to tackle their first dance cardio sesh with ease:
1. Know What You're Getting Into: With your options ranging from stream-at-home workouts to in-studio sweat sessions, it's important for you to know what you're about to do before you jump in, jazz hands first. "A lot of these popular workouts involve jumping and twisting, sometimes simultaneously," says Dr. Porcari. "That's when we'll see potential hip or knee injuries, especially in anyone that's older or overweight." Do your recon before slipping into your spandex, and make sure you're comfortable with the method.
2. Go With a Friend: As with any new type of workout, it's super helpful to buddy up for your first time. If it's at a studio, your fit friend will not only know how to navigate the space, but also how to be a support system if you get into class and feel like a deer in headlights.
3. Wear the Right Footwear: You probably wouldn't run a marathon barefoot. Same vibe . . . you should make sure you're reaching for the right dancing shoes before bustin' a groove. Aim for an option that gives you adequate support, both on the sole and at the ankle.
4. Make Sure You're Warmed Up: As with any workout, you don't want to get going without warming up. Nicholson suggests a simple preshimmy routine, including running in place, 20 jumping jacks, stretching from head to toe, and tackling some core work (like two sets of 12 crunches, planks, and squats). Finish off this dynamic warmup with a few dance moves to ease in. "Easy grooves to get our body in motion to the music are the best way to get prepped up and connected to our inner superstar performer," he says. "Try something like a simple step-touch all the way to a fun freestyle session!"
Healthy, Easy Lunches That Are Begging to Be Taken to Work
The office can be a stressful enough place as it is, so it's important to plan ahead as much as you can to try to make your workday anxiety-free. One way to do that is to bring a healthy lunch with you, which will prevent you from reaching for packaged snacks or fast food when you're hit with a pang of hunger. These meals are easy to make and even easier to pack. Whether you're trying to lose weight or just get some more nutrition into your body, these lunches will help you reach your goals. Besides, they taste amazing, and isn't that what matters most?
25 Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hacks You Need to Know Before Going
To say that I'm a Harry Potter fan is KIND OF an understatement. Growing up, I was the kid at the midnight releases of the books and midnight premieres of the movies decked head to toe in proper Potter fandom attire. So, to say that I had high expectations for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Florida is putting it lightly. However, from the moment I rounded the corner of the wall dividing muggle London from Diagon Alley, I knew that the people who built this park had gotten it really, really right.
What makes the park stand out are the nuances and subtle references to the wizarding world that toe the line by keeping everything entirely canon while still making magic come to life. There are so many things to see and do - both big and small - but it's the Harry Potter World hacks you have to look out for. While there, we discovered some secrets in both the Hogsmeade/Hogwarts and Diagon Alley sections of the park, ones that any true fan should definitely not miss out on. Here's what to look out for when you're there.
These Total-Body Transformations From the BBG Workouts Will Have Your Jaw on the Floor
There are so many reasons we love Kayla Itsines, but chief among them has to be the way she puts the spotlight on others before herself (not a common quality in an Instagram star!). Kayla created the intense workout plan, Bikini Body Guide, which has literally transformed the bodies of women the world over.
You can see that aforementioned spotlight on her Instagram in all the before-and-after photos she regrams. Through positivity, encouragement, and inclusion, she's empowered a community of women all over the world who are working for their best lives and best bodies. From extreme weight-loss journeys to post-pregnancy goals to women recovering from eating disorders and getting strong - we've seen it all on Kayla's Instagram, and each story is incredible.
These transformation before-and-after photos will inspire you, if not outright leave you in tears. The smiles alone on the after photos are tear-inducing; the pride and sense of accomplishment is palpable. Get ready to feel ALL THE FEELS.
How Your Solo Eating Habits Could Be Affecting Your Health
There's nothing wrong with having and enjoying your alone time, but if food tends to feature quite a lot into your me-time, you may be putting your health at risk. According to a study of 7,725 adults by a team at Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital in Seoul, there is a direct correlation between people who eat alone and high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
Although the results showed that the effects of solo dining are more prevalent in men, making them 64 percent likelier to contract metabolic syndrome, women don't escape lightly, as 29 percent of lone female eaters showed a high probability of going on to develop metabolic syndrome themselves.
While this isn't a call to action for people who live alone - and are more likely to eat alone - to go out and invite random strangers to healthy dinners, a simple way to circumvent this is to find healthy alternatives to your quiet night takeaways or eating balanced and nutritious meals even when you can't be bothered to cook by meal prepping.
A Before and After That Proves a Number on the Scale Means Nothing
Last month, I was at the Kayla Itsines Sweat Tour surrounded by Kayla's superfans. I was lying on my back in the grassy field of the Rose Bowl arena in Los Angeles, getting ready to do some bicycle crunches, when a beautiful, chiseled, excited young woman came up to my friend and I, asking, "do you mind if I work out with you guys?"
Instantly, I recognized her face from Instagram - "that's @mysweatlife!" I thought to myself. Known by her handle (and her empowering story), Kelsey Wells is an icon within the BBG community.
Kelsey got down on the grass with us for ab bikes and cheered us on as we went into exhausting (but explosive!) tuck jumps. To be honest, it was one of the more exhilarating moments in my fitness career. Today, her story has been taking the internet by storm - and it's about the amount of weight she lost. You're going to be stunned, trust me. Check it out.
12 Healthy Instant Pot Recipes That Will Make You Forget Your Slow Cooker
This is the year of Buddha bowls, Jackfruit, and the Instant Pot (aka, the one pot that does the work of seven gadgets!). Slow cookers are so 2016! Embrace the latest cooking trend by whipping up one of these good-for-you soups, Paleo-friendly meat recipes, and a hearty lightened-up chili. The best part? There's barely any cleanup involved. We can get into that.
The Top 10 Fall Foods For Weight Loss
When it comes to weight loss, diet plays a bigger role than you might imagine. Instead of relying on processed low-calorie foods that don't satisfy your appetite - or taste buds - let these seasonal (delicious) eats support your goals. Load up on these healthy foods the next time you're at the grocery store or farmers market and start seeing results.
3 Things You Need to Be Focusing on If You Want to Up Your Fitness Game
We've all been there: out of breath, over it, and ready to throw in our gym towels and never look back. Oftentimes this happens because we're not seeing progress with our workouts, at least not the kind we were expecting. What gives? To get to the bottom of what's stalling our progress, we turned to personal trainer Austin Lopez, CSCS.
More often than not, it's likely that the "overload principle" is being ignored, Austin told POPSUGAR. A basic tenet in training, the overload principle is easy to grasp and makes total sense. Put simply, we need to consistently be working harder to see change. "You have to push yourself more because the body is good at adapting to whatever you throw at it," Austin said. If you want to see changes, you need to change it up - and often. But you don't need to go into it blindly. In fact, there's a ton of evidence on exactly where you should devote your efforts.
1. Time and Frequency
You don't necessarily have to give up the classes you love or your sacred time on the treadmill; just do more of what you're already doing. This can happen in a lot of ways, said Austin. For starters, add an extra class or gym session onto your schedule. If that's not possible, try adding time to your existing workouts. Instead of a 45-minute TRX class, look for a 60-minute class; even challenging yourself to an extra 10 minutes on the treadmill can lead to results.
2. Speed
When it comes to cardio-based workouts like running, cycling, or time on the elliptical, challenge yourself to increase your overall pace. If you usually run an 11-minute mile, start to shave that down to a 10-minute mile by slowly increasing the speed of your runs. You can also work on speed by incorporating interval training into your cardio and strength workouts by alternating between a period of maxing out your efforts with a period of recovery. Think HIIT, Tabata, and tempo runs.
This type of increased intensity will also aid in weight loss, said Austin. "From an exercise perspective, interval training is the most effective way to get lean," he said. "The more intense the workout, the more the body has to recover, which translates into more calories over time." This is due to the afterburn effect (excess postexercise oxygen consumption, or EPOC), which helps to increase your metabolism, resulting in hundreds of extra calories to be burned throughout the day.
3. Load
The easiest way to think about load is to equate it with weight. Essentially you're "loading" the body up with more weight and challenging it to work harder. The next time you're in a strength-training class or at the gym, choose a heavier weight than you're used to. You may be surprised that you can actually manage more than you thought possible. If more weight seems daunting, start by doing shorter sets with less reps. "By going heavier, you'll be breaking down muscle at a higher rate, making it stronger than it was before," said Austin.
The Right Way to Incorporate Frequency, Speed, and Load
If you've hit a wall, there's no better time than now to start upping your intensity in one of these areas. While Austin's advice is to go "as intense as you can," he added that this is all relative to the individual. "The more intense you make any workout, the more unsafe it can become," he said. "Ease into it, and find out what's possible for you." While you are tasking yourself with going harder, you still want to make sure your form is on and you aren't feeling lightheaded or dizzy while working out. "Push it little by little," said Austin.
A good way to keep yourself safe is by focusing on only one of these areas at a time (frequency, speed, load). Besides preventing injury, "it's also a great way to measure your success rate because it controls one variable."
Daylight Saving Time Ends Nov. 5 - Here Are 4 Ways to Not Feel Like Crap
It's that time of year where we "fall back," and gaining just one little hour seems amazing, but it can really throw a wrench in your routine. When we set our clocks an hour back on Nov. 5, here are four symptoms that can affect your body and mind and how to ease the transition.
25 Great Fitness Gifts, and They're All Under $25!
If you have a fit friend with a special day coming up, we're here to help you score the perfect gift - without breaking the bank. We've rounded up 25 gifts, with selections for the runner, yogi, cyclist, and overall fitness freak. Your wallet will appreciate that all these finds are under $25.
They're Here! 13 Editor-Approved Liquid Lipsticks You Need For Fall
The fastest way to transform your beauty look from Summer to Fall is by swiping on a liquid lipstick. Many formulas have excellent staying power and boldly pop on your pout. Whether you're looking for a warm nude or a vampy burgundy, we rounded up our favorite options for you to choose from. Not only will these lipsticks make a statement, but they will take your autumnal look to the next level. Stock up on a few right now!
6 Korean Eye Treatments That Completely Changed My Skin
Confession: supertired eyes have always been a huge insecurity of mine. I've had puffy bags under my peepers for my entire life, and they've followed me well into adulthood. I've purchased almost every de-puffing brightening stick and eye cream out there, until one day a beauty-addict friend of mine told me that I should check out a few Korean skin care stores. After about two hours of scanning Little Korea in NYC for eye treatments I walked out with a bag full of sheet masks and eye creams I couldn't wait to go home and plaster under my peepers.
To my surprise, nearly every treatment worked! Since my first purchase, I've stuck to only using a few Korean remedies. I've seen significant improvements - brighter, flatter skin under my eyes. While I still sometimes wake up with fish eyes, I now have go-to products that can give me an immediate fix. Keep reading to discover essential Korean eye treatments I swear by.
Best Weight-Loss Advice Straight From Dietitians
Since your diet plays such a huge role in losing weight, we've enlisted the expertise of three nutritionists - certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition, and Stephanie Clarke, RD, and Willow Jarosh, RD, of C&J Nutrition to tell us the weight-loss tips they share with their clients. Keep these in mind whether you're trying to shed 50 or five pounds.
Don't Live Without
Carb-free, sugar-free, gluten-free. People who go on super-restrictive diets for the sole purpose of getting slimmer may end up losing weight, but they're also going to be super unhappy. This isn't a lifestyle that can be sustained, and as soon as they can't take it anymore and go back to eating all those foods they missed out on, they end up gaining the weight back. That's why Leslie doesn't agree with cutting out entire food groups. She recommends aiming to eat a variety of healthy foods most of the time, and encourages a little indulging every day to satisfy your cravings. Limit the processed foods and refined sugars, and keep your carb intake to 40 percent of your daily calories and you'll start noticing a change.
Mushrooms on Your Pizza Doesn't Count
Leslie says the number one way to lose weight is to eat more veggies. Not only are they low in calories, but they are high in filling fiber, so eating them makes you eat fewer daily calories overall. They also contain tons of vitamins and minerals that give you energy and boost your immune system. Load up on the non-starchy veggies like kale, spinach, carrots, beets, broccoli, cucumbers, and salads. The easiest way to eat more veggies is to make a point to include them in every meal and snack, not just on your lunchtime pizza. Throw greens in your smoothies, mash beans in your overnight oats, snack on honey-roasted cinnamon chickpeas, and swap out your pasta for carrot fettuccine.
Three's the Magic Number
Protein, fiber, and healthy fats are the keys you need to unlock your body's feeling of fullness. Protein keeps your energy levels going strong, and both fiber and healthy fats fill you up and keep you feeling full longer. Every meal you eat should include these three things, and every snack you eat, aim to have at least two.
Keep Track
Although protein, fiber, and healthy fats are essential, counting calories is also huge. Stephanie and Willow come up with basic formulas to make eating meals and snacks easier. Here's what to eat for breakfast, the breakdown of what to eat for lunch, also what to eat at dinner, and if you're a nosher, what to eat at snack time to lose weight.
Take a Few Hours to Do This on Sunday
Eating healthy doesn't just happen on its own, you have to make it happen, and that means planning out every bite. Knowing what you're going to eat for every meal and snack saves time, money, and most importantly, keeps you in charge of your calorie intake. On Sunday, take a few hours to plan out and prep your week's diet from breakfast, to snacks, to lunch, and dinner. Make and freeze a big batch of steel-cut oatmeal or smoothie freezer packs for breakfast. Ensure you eat a huge salad a day by making five mason jar salads. Do what you can to prep your week's worth of dinners by cutting up veggies you'll be using for soups or roasting, cooking up rice for burritos, marinating tofu for stir-fries, or making beans in the crockpot. Make some protein balls for post-workout snacks. The more you plan, the easier it is to stay on your healthy path.
Articles
