Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
dimanche 12 novembre 2017
From Her Engagement to 2017, This Is Queen Letizia of Spain's Style Evolution
There's a clear difference in Queen Letizia of Spain's style from the moment it was first announced that the TV reporter (then known as Letizia Ortiz) was engaged to Prince Felipe, back in 2003, to today. During her first years as princess of Spain, Letizia kept a conservative look, wearing pantsuits, high necklines, and demure gowns, much like she did during her journalist days. But in the past couple of years, the queen has taken more risks, giving her style a modern turn in body-hugging dresses, printed skirts and pants, and Disney-worthy gowns. See the royal's transformation ahead, then check out her best moments with the king.
A Cheat Sheet to Using Adaptogens to Lower Stress, Increase Energy, and Improve Digestion
Ease anxiety, boost libido, reduce bloat, enhance your skin's natural glow - do any of these benefits sound too good to be true? Well, they're not. These are all very real benefits of some magic little plants and herbs called adaptogens.
Dr. Will Cole, DC, a functional medicine practitioner from Pennsylvania, told POPSUGAR that what makes this plant family so special is that "they have a common bond of having a balancing impact on your body's immune system and hormones." Dr. Josh Axe, DC, a major proponent of natural health, echoes Dr. Cole's belief in adaptogens, especially in their ability to keep your cortisol levels in check.
Research has shown when cortisol levels are high, there is a correlation in weight gain and inflammation. Dr. Axe also said that healthy cortisol levels are the key "to looking younger, feeling younger, and being healthy." Both are fans of taking adaptogens, encouraging their patients to consider adding them to their wellness regimens for optimal well-being, as they can help lower stress levels, increase energy, and boost immunity.
If you're interested in introducing adaptogens into your own wellness regimen, this guide is a great place to start.
Ashwagandha - the Mood-Boosting Anxiety-Killer
- Can help to ease anxiety (in small studies, it's been shown to ease anxiety up to 44 percent)
- Helps to reduce stress
- May help to promote weight loss by balancing cortisol levels
- Supports your thyroid
- Can enhance your mood
Rhodiola - the Coffee Alternative
- Boosts alertness/mental performance
- Boosts seratonin levels, boosting mood
- Can help with symptoms of depression
- Supports adrenal fatigue
- Commonly used as a coffee alternative
Pearl - Your Skin's Fairy Godmother
- Rich in minerals and antioxidants
- Great source of amino acids
- Great for your skin
- Helps keep hair nourished
Maca - the Powerhouse (in and Outside of the Bedroom)
- Boosts libido
- Can aid physical performance
- Can help boost sex drive and endurance
- Boosts mood and energy
Schisandra - the Liver-Lover
- Supports your adrenals
- Contains antioxidants to help remove free radicals from your body
- Supports cancer prevention
- Reduces stress and helps to balance hormones
- Great liver support
Cordyceps - the Fountain of Youth
- Rich in antioxidants
- Helps with antiaging
- Helps fight oxidative stress
- Contains anti-inflammatory properties
- Supports your liver and aids healthy detox
Holy Basil - the Stress Slayer
- Fights fatigue and stress
- Supports cancer prevention
- Boosts your immune system
- Regulates blood pressure and cholesterol
- Supports digestion and helps to reduce gas and bloat
Ginger - the Anti-Inflammatory, Immunity Booster
- Helps with digestion
- Helps prevent nausea
- Soothes sore muscles
Ginseng - the Ancient Chinese Weapon
- Full of antioxidants
- Improves brain power
- Lowers blood pressure
- Boosts endurance
- Regulates blood sugar
Astragalus - the Immune Booster
- Boosts immunity
- Helps to prevent cancer
- Aids digestion
- Promotes heart health
Licorice Root - the PMS Problem-Solver
- Relieves PMS symptoms
- Helps alleviate pain
- Helps with adrenal fatigue and high cortisol levels
- Balances gut bacteria
- Supports your liver
He Shou Wu - Your Friend . . . With Benefits
- Believed to support your hair (getting rid of grays and hair loss)
- Can boost sexual activity
- Can boost testosterone and sperm count in men
- Supports the immune system
As you can see, adaptogens are a very powerful natural medicine, and with their growing popularity, they can now be consumed in a variety of ways. Whether it's in a powder form, like with Moondeli, Sun Potion, or Moon Juice blends; topped on toast or blended in your morning shake with spreads like Pearl Butter; or simply dropped into your favorite smoothies with liquid tonics like Bioray, they're popping up all over! Which adaptogens are you eager to try out?
Healthy Desserts Are a Real Thing Because This World Is a Beautiful Place
You don't need processed or refined sugar to have a delicious dessert, and believe it or not, there are healthy desserts out there. In fact, we have at least 70!
These recipes feature one of many aspects: try our vegan, gluten-free, Paleo, low-calorie, protein-packed, or dairy-free treats to have a lightened up, seriously delicious treat without undoing your diet. And yes, there's plenty of chocolate and ice cream to be had. Dig in!
Ice Cream and Frozen Treats
Pudding
Candies and Small Bites
Cookies
Bars
Muffins and Breads
Sweet Protein Balls
See Which Diet Category You Fall Into - It'll Change the Way You Eat
We recently had a casual conversation with Brooke Barnett - a woman we interviewed last year who lost over 100 pounds - about eating habits, healthy tips, and wellness philosophies, and she dropped a little knowledge on us. Apparently, there are two groups of people: moderators and abstainers. According to Brooke, determining which one she is was fundamental in her weight loss journey.
"I'm an abstainer," she told us. "I would love to actually be a moderator and to be able to moderate my intake, but that's just not how I'm wired." She explained that it took her a while to understand the way her brain and body work, but once she did, it was life changing. "The concept was introduced to me, and it wasn't like a light switch; it was actually a gradual understanding and acceptance after continuous trial and error. Once I was able to accept it, things clicked."
The concept comes from Gretchen Rubin, New York Times bestselling author and happiness philosopher. On Gretchen's site, she describes the following two categories of behavior, which includes how you eat:
You're a moderator if you:
- Find that occasional indulgence heightens your pleasure and strengthens your resolve
- Get panicky at the thought of "never" getting or doing something
You're an abstainer if you:
- Have trouble stopping something once you've started
- Aren't tempted by things that you've decided are off limits
Where do you fall? Do you have a better time limiting your treats to small portions or do you have to throw out the ice cream in the freezer in order to survive?
It's easy to preach "everything in moderation" and "it's all about balance" - but the truth is, it's not that simple if you're an abstainer. What happens when moderation isn't an option, and one bite, one treat, or one day of eating whatever you please snowballs into a cycle you simply cannot break?
"Once I started experimenting with the idea of abstinence [from food], I realized that having none was often easier than having one," said Brooke. "I no longer had to use mental energy or willpower to play the 'Should I? Shouldn't I?' game of moderation." Does that scenario sound familiar to you? In that case, you should adjust your diet accordingly.
"Now that my body has weaned off its drug-like response, I don't really crave sweets or snacks and I enjoy eating real food."
Everyone is wired differently, and everyone's body is different - it's the reason why there's no cure-all diet that works for absolutely every single person, and why it's hard to find nutritionists and dietitians who can agree on every single topic. If you're a moderator, maybe it's time to quit the elimination diets for good. And if you're an abstainer, perhaps that's a better option for you. "We are all different and our bodies tolerate or react to things in different ways," Brooke told POPSUGAR. The best thing you can do for your health and diet is get to know you, your habits, and your relationship to food better.
If you think you fall into the abstainer category, don't freak out. "It seems extreme," said Brooke, "because it goes in the face of moderation - this elusive idea that isn't really measurable and is hailed as balanced and healthy living. So this idea of complete restriction seems like a terrible, terrible idea." But if you can give it a shot, you might have massive success like Brooke did.
"After abstaining from foods like sugar and refined carbohydrates, I no longer have the same taste for them, and not eating them is a nonissue, whereas moderating these foods felt like a constant struggle. Now that my body has weaned off its drug-like response, I don't really crave sweets or snacks, and I enjoy eating real food."
This Easy DIY Proves Anyone Can Do Pin Curls Like a Pro
While I adore my curling iron (and wouldn't go on a vacation without it!), there is something to be said for being able to travel light. That's why pin curls are such an awesome solution. All you need is a bit of hair balm to create hold, bobby pins, and a blow dryer (though you can also just rely on the air and time, if needed). How easy and minimal is that?
If this technique seems intimidating, then don't worry. Hair pro Gina Schiappacasse of Hairstory, a cool downtown members-only salon, has broken down the steps in this easy tutorial. The result: those messy-sexy beach waves you crave. Keep reading, and prepare to be floored by how simple it is to do.
29 DIY Gifts For All the Guys in Your Life
Not sure what to get the special men in your life for the holidays? We've totally been there and know the struggle of trying to pick out a great gift that they'll actually use, but we've got just the solution! Think about it . . . what's better than receiving a gift? Receiving a gift made specifically for you! So, in the spirit of the gifting season, we've rounded up 29 DIY gifts that aren't just suitable for your boyfriend; they're perfect for your brother and your dad, too!
58 Tween Gifts That Will Prove You Actually Know What's Cool
When it comes to shopping for tweens, some parents might feel a bit out of their depths (tweens are, after all, mysterious creatures). If you're confused about what's trendy and can't think of anything to wrap for the holidays this year, we're here to help you look like you're picking up what the kids are putting down - and more importantly, gain some cool points with your kid and their friends.
Scroll through for 58 tween gifts that will prove you know what's up this holiday season.
7 Habits I Had to Form to Finally Lose the Weight
I've always been an active person, but when I gained 15 pounds after getting an IUD, I had to get real about my diet and workouts. I hired a personal trainer at Equinox, and remarkably, she didn't tell me to download a calorie-counting app or work me until I dropped. Her tips for weight loss proved to be practical and therefore achievable. I lost four percent body fat in three months and felt stronger than I ever have in my life. I now can squat and deadlift my weight! I can fit in my skinny jeans again. The thing is . . . I did have to makes some big changes to my daily routine to lose the weight, and now there's no going back.
1. Strength Train With Cardio
Before Equinox, yoga was my main form of exercise. Though I was going five days a week, I didn't feel like I was getting stronger. Enter my personal trainer. She recommended strength training as my number one priority followed by cardio. I strength trained two to three times a week and did cardio two times a week (usually on the StairMaster). For my active rest days, I did yoga or Pilates two times a week. I also started walking an upward of seven miles several days a week.
2. Challenge Myself at Every Workout
My trainer encouraged me to increase the weight I lifted almost every week, even just a smidge, like two pounds. I resisted at first. After all, over the holidays, I broke a capillary in my eye from lifting too much weight. However, my trainer started me out with low weights and slowly increased the amount. I surprised myself by how quickly I was able to keep up and even found myself asking for more. The same rule here applies for cardio, yoga, and Pilates. I find a little way to challenge myself each time, whether it is increasing the mileage, holding side plank for longer, or perfecting my 100 series with straight legs.
3. Cut Out Sugar
Working out is only part of the equation. Diet is even more important, my trainer told me. I had to break my sugar addiction. I decided to stop cold turkey: no sugar, honey, agave, etc. Though some people say it's the worst thing ever, saying "no" to sugar countless times throughout the day helped me feel strong, like I was in charge - not my cravings. I also had to pay attention to nutrition labels and avoid anything with more than four grams of sugar. Dried fruit, as it turns out, is a sugar bomb! As are smoothies from smoothie joints. Sugar lurks in many unexpected places.
4. Choose Protein and Fat Instead of Carbs
If unchecked, I will eat over 50 percent of my calories in carbs. But that wasn't really working out for me. Though challenging, I reframed my meals so they consisted of mostly protein and healthy fats. I would have bulletproof coffee and smoked salmon with avocado for breakfast rather than a bowl of cereal or oatmeal. For lunch, it's veggie-chicken soup or salads loaded with diced chicken or canned tuna. Dinner consists of baked fish, steak, or chicken with a plate full of veggies (usually roasted broccoli). During the in-between times when I was hungry, I skipped my usual snack of dried fruit or crackers and make a protein shake (Moon Juice Blue Adaptogen plus water) or ate a spoonful of raw almond butter instead.
5. Stop Drinking Alcohol
Over the last year, I started drinking more days out of the week than not - usually just one to two drinks, yet it was enough to cause me to put on the pounds. While weight training, I discovered that even one drink would cause my DOMS to flare up and last for days. However, if I didn't drink, I could recover very quickly, usually within a day. Though I am not 100 percent dry, I always seem to regret drinking the next day, so I've cut way back and reserve drinking for special occasions.
6. Schedule My Carbs For Before and After Workouts
"I lost 10 pounds just by scheduling my carbs around my workouts," my friend told me. Inspired by that, I wanted to follow suit, and my trainer supported that mentality. I would eat brown rice, whole-wheat crackers, fruit, potatoes, and beans before or after a workout and limited my carb intake the other times of the day. If, in the afternoon, I experienced a huge slump (and protein/nut butter didn't help), I'd have a small serving of plain popcorn for a little boost.
7. Cook Mostly at Home, but Plan For Meals Out
I prepared almost all my meals at home and kept things simple. I kept the kitchen stocked with frozen meat, canned tuna, and vegetables galore. I used an Instant Pot to make big batches of brown rice, oatmeal, beans, and lentils on Sunday to last me through the week. That said, my trainer said it's OK to have one off day of the week where you may indulge in the bad stuff, whether it be a cocktail or chips with queso, french fries, a cheese plate, etc. So, six out of seven days, I'd have an A+ diet, while the seventh day, I might indulge in a slice of pizza or an IPA. I found letting loose (just a bit) and having a cheat day helped me stay on track and feel balanced.
7 Surprising Reasons You Have Dark Circles Under Your Eyes
We all know that a night or two of minimal sleep or putting in extra hours at the office can leave you looking more tired than usual. If you're used to seeing dark, puffy eyes upon waking up in the morning, listen up: there might be a few surprising reasons those circles are forming. While you can't exactly erase the aging process, with some lifestyle changes, you can slow it down and brighten your skin - no concealer required. Ahead, two top dermatologists break down which daily habits could be culprits and how to get rid of dark circles ASAP.
It's Party Time! See Every Piece in Too Faced's New Festival Collection - Swatched
Music festival season might be over for some, but the party never stops at Too Faced. The brand just unveiled its new Festival Collection, and it's gonna be the life of your makeup bag.
The lineup features a new 13-pan palette, rainbow highlighter (of course), magical color-changing lipsticks . . . and so much more. We were among the first to preview the new collection and can attest that every piece of it is sparkly AF and full of good vibes. In fact, some of the new Too Faced goodies are actually infused with rose quartz for extraloving energy.
Sadly for Too Faced fanatics, you'll have to wait until February 15 to get your hands on the goodies when they launch on the brand's website. But for now, you can get a better look at the new swag ahead!
18 Workouts You Can Do Anywhere to Stay Fit and Sane While Traveling
Don't let holiday travel keep you from working out. After all, exercise can help reduce stress, and as fun as the holidays are, they are also stressful! Here are 18 workouts that require no equipment so you can do them anywhere - no excuses. There are cardio workouts you can do in your living room and bodyweight workouts to build strength without dumbbells. The workouts range from 15 minutes to just a little over 30 minutes, so you can find something that fits your busy schedule. Peruse through this collection of printable workouts and videos, and find one that works for you.
I'm a 30D, and These Are the Best Sports Bras For Small Boobs
Listen, there's a difference between having small boobs and no boobs. As someone who has the endlessly annoying size of 30D (that not even Victoria's Secret makes), I know as well as you that even though you're small, there's still volume that requires support. From high-impact activities like running to gentle Vinyasa classes, I've tested dozens of (if not upwards of 100) sports bras and currently have about 50 that I pull from. Despite having so many options available, there are a few I *always* reach for repeatedly. Check out any of these during your next workout - you'll feel sexy, supported, stable, and stylish.
The 6 Things I Do Every Sunday to Stay Healthy All Week
My Sundays are definitely not a day of rest. Far from it. It's the one day I devote to getting everything ready for my healthy week ahead. Take a glimpse into my Sunday. It may sounds a little nuts to jam-pack this much on a weekend day, but it sets me up for success. I know that if I don't plan ahead, I'm looking at skipped workouts and bowls of cereal for dinner.
Morning Workout
An early morning workout is a must for me on Sundays, not only because I teach a 9 a.m. Power Vinyasa class, but even if I didn't, I'd still make it a priority to get in a workout first thing. It energizes me all day, ensures I don't skip out, and gets me into the working-out mindset I want to continue throughout the week.
Meal Planning
I used to head to the grocery store with a big list of healthy foods. I found that not only would I grab things that never got used (RIP bunches of asparagus), but since I had no set plan, every day was a little stressful trying to scramble healthy meals together. Oftentimes I'd get home from picking up the kids at 5 p.m. and just make pasta and a bag of frozen veggies because it was easiest.
Now I take time to plan out my meals. Breakfast is simple - just a protein and greens smoothie or overnight oats. Lunch is a big salad, and I do something basic but healthy for each dinner of the week.
Here's an example of my weekly dinner plan:
Sunday: Potato Leek and White Bean Soup
Monday: Quinoa and Black Beans With Green Beans and Broccoli
Tuesday: Tofu, Veggie, and Rice (or Farro) Stir-Fry
Wednesday: Maple-Cumin Lentils Over Spaghetti Squash
Thursday: Avocado Pasta With Edamame, Tomatoes, and Roasted Cauliflower
Friday: Black Bean, Corn, and Roasted Sweet Potato Burritos
Saturday: Homemade Pizza With Roasted Mushrooms, Red Peppers, Tomatoes, Basil, and Tofu
I even write it out on a big chalkboard that I keep in my kitchen, so I can quickly glance at it in the morning and know what I need to do to get dinner done later.
Grocery Shop
Once I know what I'm making, I hit up the local grocery store as well as Trader Joe's (I love its marinated tofu and dairy-free mozzarella shreds!). I bring the kiddos along so we can not only spend time together, but so I can also teach them about healthy eating. I find if they help choose what to throw in the cart, they're more likely to eat it.
Meal Prep
Once I get home and put the groceries away, it's quite a scene in my kitchen with cutting board, knives, tons of glass containers, and veggies laid across my counter. I make 10 salads for the week (want the hubs to eat healthy too!); cut up sweet potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, and red peppers for roasting; and cut up onions and other veggies for the stir-fry, as well as white potatoes (for that evening's soup). I also cook up one cup of quinoa and one cup of rice to use for dinners later that week. Getting done whatever I can on Sunday makes a huge difference at 5 p.m. when I need to make dinner for my famished family. If I have time, I'll also prep overnight oats for the week or freezer smoothie packs.
Gym Bag Ready
Aside from regular laundry, I make a point to wash all the workout clothes I'll need for the week: sports bras, tops, running and yoga bottoms, and socks. If I'm really on the ball, I'll fold and put these things in my drawers so I can easily grab them for early a.m. workouts.
Workout Schedule
Workouts don't just happen for me since I work and have a family and house to take care of. I have to set aside time, and since my schedule can be different from week to week, it helps to look ahead and jot down on my calendar workout "appointments." It's typically a run with some TRX and yoga from 6 to 7 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, then a longer run with my mommy-runner friends on Saturday morning, and yoga Sunday mornings. If it's written in ink on the calendar, it's more likely to happen.
Save Dough and Let the Pounds Go! DIY Healthy Snacks
Satisfy hunger and eat less by choosing snacks packed with fiber and protein. Since healthy snacks aren't always cheap, here are some recipes you can whip up in the kitchen. You'll help keep money in your wallet while also whittling your waist!
The 1 Thing I Gave Up in My Diet to Finally Ease My Anxiety Symptoms
I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder when I was in graduate school, although I suffered from anxiety symptoms for many years before that. I was told that I had a form of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which manifests in different ways for different people. For me, it meant that I was hardly sleeping and I often felt like I was suffocating, especially if I was in a crowded place or stressful situation. I also had a nasty habit of ripping off the skin around my fingernails and on the callouses of my feet, which resulted in a lot of blood, pain, and embarrassment. The medical term for this is dermatophagia or excoriation.
My doctor prescribed me a few different kinds of medications over the years, and while they did help me feel more relaxed in the moment, they were nothing more than a band-aid. I needed to figure out a way to quell my anxiety symptoms for good.
If you've ever felt the jitters after your morning cup of joe, imagine that feeling amplified 100 times over, to the point where you feel like your heart might beat out of your throat.
I was at a point in my life where I was doing a lot of yoga and learning more about holistic treatments, like meditation, acupuncture, and herbal supplements. I decided to go the all-natural route and change up the things in my life that I had control over. Over the course of several months, I changed my eating habits, eliminating all fried and processed foods, meditated every day, and significantly limited my time on social media. I also kept seeing my therapist regularly.
All of these definitely helped, but I was still dealing with my heart racing at inopportune times, particularly in the morning as I got my day started. I happened to stumble upon a blog post one day that spoke about the dangerous connection between caffeine and anxiety. If you've ever felt the jitters after your morning cup of joe, imagine that feeling amplified 100 times over, to the point where you feel like your heart might beat out of your throat. That's what it's like to drink coffee as someone with anxiety.
At that point in my life, I was having one or two cups of coffee a day, and it was a ritual I absolutely loved. I was a coffee snob, in fact (I blame it on my time living in Australia, which has the best coffee culture on the planet). However, I started to realize that every time I drank a cup of coffee, my hands would shake, I would get the nervous sweats, and I felt dehydrated. I just felt crappy all around. Yet somehow I just thought this was normal for people who drank coffee and that it was merely a sacrifice you had to make to enjoy the classic morning beverage.
After reading that blog post, I decided to give it up cold turkey. Unfortunately, I had ear-splitting headaches that radiated in my kneecaps for seven days straight, but after the withdrawal symptoms went away, the magic kicked in.
The longer I went without coffee, the more relaxed I felt throughout the day. I meditated in the morning instead of drinking a black coffee, which set me up to feel calm and even-keeled. As a result, I didn't get the afternoon crash and I simply felt more in control of my mind. I no longer felt frantic. My body started to produce its own energy rather than relying on caffeine to wake me up every day. Most importantly, my skin-picking habits slowly started to fall away. Because I was feeling less jittery than ever before, I had way fewer urges to peel the skin away from my fingers.
My body started to produce its own energy rather than relying on caffeine to wake me up every day. Most importantly, my skin-picking habits slowly started to fall away.
Since I've experienced these positive changes, I've spoken to quite a few people and read online that many others find relief from their intense anxiety symptoms when they give up coffee. Individuals with anxiety disorders already deal with enough excess energy as it is; our minds race for hours about the most minute things, we can't sit still, and we worry about everything until we're blue in the face. Caffeine promotes this rapid turnover of energy, so giving it up actually gives your body the chance to decompress and find its equilibrium.
I'm not saying that everyone with anxiety should give up coffee cold turkey (don't do it cold turkey, whatever you do!). But I found so much relief in my everyday life that I don't think I could ever go back to drinking caffeinated beverages. It's been two years since I gave up coffee, and my anxiety has only steadily improved over this time. I'm more in tune with what my body needs, and I'm quicker to engage in healthy self-care practices when I start to feel overwhelmed, like a Yin yoga session or a long, hot bath.
Even though I still love the smell of coffee, I don't miss it anymore. The pros have far outweighed the cons, and plus, if I feel like I need a warm, soothing beverage, I make myself a rooibos or chamomile tea. And it doesn't make my heart race a million miles an hour.
Golden Milk: The Antidepressant, Debloating, Weight-Loss-Boosting Wonder Drink
Ready to simmer down and give your body a boost before bedtime? We've got the perfect, healthy nightcap for you, and you may have heard of it: golden milk.
Used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, golden milk is a combination of the powerful spice turmeric, coconut milk, and sometimes coconut oil. Black pepper is often added (in small amounts) to increase the bioavailability of (i.e., your body's ability to absorb) the superspice turmeric. Creamy and spicy, soothing and warm - this delicious drink is more than just a tasty treat. Rich in electrolytes and digestive-aiding properties, your body is going to love every sip.
- Benefits of Turmeric: Turmeric's benefits are so good, one 2013 study said it's almost too good to be true. The anti-inflammatory spice has "shown therapeutic potential against a number of human diseases," including cancer and could even help with Alzheimer's. Because of the reduced inflammation, turmeric can also help with gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort, and some studies have mentioned its help with weight loss. Also, some studies and sites have shown that turmeric has antidepressant properties, leading to better moods, less stress, better sleep, and improved brain health.
- Benefits of Coconut Oil: Similarly, coconut oil can help with digestion and gut health, thanks to its antimicrobial properties (which come from good fatty acids, MCFAs). The healthy fats can also raise your good cholesterol, HDL.
- Benefits of Coconut Milk: Did you know that coconut milk can also help with digestion? It "nourishes the digestive lining" with natural electrolytes and healthy fats, which can improve gut health and help with IBS. Like turmeric, it can help reduce inflammation and even aid in weight loss. MCTs, another kind of fatty acid, are found in coconut milk and help with physical performance - allowing you to build muscle and lose fat.
Ready to mix up a batch? We like flavoring with a little honey or agave and sometimes a bit of vanilla bean or vanilla extract, cinnamon, and ginger. You'll be sweetly sipping your way to health in no time!
230 of the Best Collaboration Products MAC Has Ever Created
I have a good reason for keeping a MAC Cosmetics store on speed dial. When you're as obsessed with the brand's products as I am, you know that its collaborations are highly coveted . . . and that they sell out fast.
Though MAC has been around since 1984, the launches consistently surprise and excite the company's millions of fans. Its creative partnerships - and brilliant packaging - with fashion designers, cartoon characters, and celebrities cause multiple shopping frenzies throughout the year. (Permanently etched in my brain: the memory of aggressively shoving other beauty junkies aside, pleading with a sales associate to give me the store's last tube of Candy Yum Yum lipstick in 2012.) Believe it or not, MAC releases more than 10 partnership lines annually. The beauty empire has put out over 100 collaborations since its inception, starting with its very first Viva Glam spokesperson, drag icon RuPaul.
The first partnership product I ever snagged from one of the brand's counters was the Mothbrown shadow from the Barbie Loves MAC collection. I still consider this item to be one of my prized possessions, using the violet-tinged taupe only on special occasions.
If you're also a MAC fanatic, join me as I reminisce over some of the most memorable collections of all time. From Hello Kitty to Giambattista Valli and every collection in between, there are hundreds of beautiful, brilliant products to ogle over. These items are all tragically limited edition (many of them being discontinued), but there could still be hope! MAC has been known to resurrect fan favorites, so maybe you'll be able to shop one of these wondrous formulas in the future.
Jump to:
[Barbie Loves MAC] [Heatherette] [Hello Kitty] [Alice + Olivia] [Venomous Villains] [Lillyland] [Wonder Woman] [Viva Glam Original] [The Simpsons] [Giambattista Valli] [Trolls] [Selena]
15 Stunning Photographs For This Year's Nat Geo Nature Photo Contest
It's easy to get overwhelmed by, and lost in, the immense beauty of nature. The way incredible photos of the world around us can make us feel really is humbling - and probably a good reminder to fiercely protect our planet so future generations can enjoy it, too. If you need a quick reminder of what earth has to offer, take a look at this year's entries for the National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year contest. The yearly contest always brings together a collection of stunning images that might make you pack your bags, buy an airplane ticket, and get going.
This year's contest includes four categories that anyone can submit to: wildlife, landscapes, underwater, and aerials. The grand prize winner will score $10,000, see their winning photograph published in National Geographic, and get some love on the magazine's Instagram page. Each category will also have its own first-prize winner, who will win $2,500 and also be featured on the National Geographic Instagram page. The contest closes on Nov. 17 at 12 p.m. ET, so you still have plenty of time to submit your photos.
Ahead, see some of our favorite submissions so far, which include the photographer's caption and title for the photograph.
If You're Petrified of Going in For an STD Test, This Will Be a Game Changer
Image Source: Unsplash / Drew Hays
I'm not proud to admit this (and I'm requesting a mercy umbrella before I say it), but I went four whole years without getting tested for an STD. This was mostly due to the fact that I was traveling around the world for three consecutive years, and there were very few opportunities to pop in for a chlamydia test when I was, say, backpacking in the Sacred Valley of Peru.
However, that's not a good enough excuse. The CDC (Centers For Disease Control and Prevention) says we should all aim for at least one annual STD test, and I was royally failing to meet those standards. When I got back to the US at the beginning of this year, I knew it was time to get everything in order, including and especially getting all the necessary tests and checkups done.
Easier said than done, though. I'm terrified of STD tests, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. While some people may fear the dentist, I can't get anywhere near an STD test without feeling like I'm going to hurl on my APLs. For the most part, I've practiced safe sex, although there have been times when I had unprotected intercourse (mercy umbrella, OK?!), and that's what freaks me out the most. So even though I was back in America in January of this year, I only got around to getting tested a couple of weeks ago.
Thankfully, though, I didn't have to go to a clinic to get it done. I did it all in the stress-free comfort of my own home, sans stale waiting room, potentially condescending nurses, and chatty doctors. And it was all thanks to myLAB Box, an at-home STD testing service that only requires a Q-tip swab or a sample of your urine or blood. All you do is follow the directions on the box, mail it in the envelope provided, and voila! You kick your feet up, clean up the pit stains from your nervous sweat, and wait for the results.
Image Source: myLAB Box
When I opened the myLAB Box, I was surprised to see how simple it all was. Everything I needed came in the box, so I didn't have to worry about putting together any missing pieces. There were even easy-to-follow pictures showing what you were supposed to do. All I did was go into the bathroom and swirl the provided Q-tip around the canal of my vagina for 30 seconds. If you think putting a tampon in is easy, wait till you try this. Then I put the swab in the container, closed it, and put everything in the envelope to be mailed out.
Yes, I was terrified. I sweated. I drank chamomile tea. I pictured all the worst scenarios in my head and recalled all the times I watched Rent as a kid. But it was so much less stressful and anxiety-ridden than actually going into the doctor's office and getting it done. At least I could be comfortable and engage in self-care after the test was all done.
The most surprising (and perhaps most pleasant) part of my myLAB Box experience was how long it took to get the results. I was emailed just five days later saying that I could view the results online. I jumped onto the website as soon as possible - and breathed a sigh of relief. I tested negative for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Image Source: myLAB Box
There are many different kind of boxes you can get from myLAB Box. You can get the basic test I got done, which just tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea ($79), two of the most common STDs out there. But you can also opt in for, among many other options, the HIV Home Test ($79), the Genital Herpes Home Test ($79), or the Uber Box ($269), which tests for HIV (I and II), hepatitis C, herpes simplex type II, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. The prices range depending on what you choose. The website indicates that myLAB Box is now accepting FSA and HSA cards, so you may want to speak with your provider to see if you can get some help in covering the cost.
If you do test positive for any of the tests, you will be able to view this result online. However, you're not left to fend for yourself. myLAB Box says a physician affiliate will be assigned to your account and will be in touch with you, either by phone or email, so that you can go over your results and ask any questions you may have. The whole process is discreet as possible, so don't worry - you won't get an obvious text message or email explicitly saying that you tested positive for gonorrhea.
According to the myLAB Box website, you can request a free treatment phone consultation with a physician if you test positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis. You do that by sending an email to customerservice@mylabbox.com. But the availability of treatment and consultation varies by state and symptoms. No matter what your results are, don't hesitate to reach out to myLAB Box and ask questions. It will point you in the right direction, and you'll be in touch with a medical professional in no time.
Overall, if you haven't gotten tested in a while and you're too scared to get yourself to the doctor, I strongly recommend myLAB Box. Don't wait for as long as I did to do it, though. The sooner you can learn about your sexual health, the better. Even if you test positive for something, you and your doctor will figure out the best treatment, and you'll come out on the other side victorious!
13 Men's Fragrances That Women Find Attractive
Scent and memory are two things that are closely tied together. And just like your mother is devoted to her signature fragrance, you probably associate certain aromas with the men in your life. We can still recall the smell of Zest bar soap and fresh-cut grass that used to emanate from our dad on the weekends. So in the name of Father's Day, we've compiled our favorite colognes to suit every male personality - the lumbersexual, the dapper corporate climber, and even the adventurous retiree.
Can Strength Training Reduce Belly Fat? A Scientist Weighs In
While we know that cardio is an excellent way to burn fat, we wanted to know how working with weights can contribute to a whittled middle and washboard abs. So how can we blast belly fat with strength training?
Nicole Aurigemma, physiologist at the Penn State Muscle Biology Lab, told us not only how to burn more calories during a workout (in part by doing some weight training first), but she also gave POPSUGAR insight into how we can flatten our stomachs with some deadlifting, leg presses (crazy, right?), and general resistance training.
Here are four major benefits that come with working with weights and training with some resistance!
- More resistance training, more fat burning. "It has been shown that energy expenditure, as well as fat oxidation, increases after multiple sets of resistance exercise, particularly when larger muscle masses are exercised," said Nicole (larger muscle groups are located in the legs - think glutes, quads, etc!). "Think leg press versus chest press," she said. Who knew that a flat belly starts with the legs?
- Your body is burning more calories. "Post-exercise, your body is using up more of its fuel stores, therefore burning more calories," she explained. So even after you're done with a sweat-sesh in the weight room, your body is burning, burning, burning up the calories!
- Your body uses fat while you're resting, too. "Since resistance exercise increases post-exercise fat oxidation," (fat oxidation = your body breaking down fat into energy) "your body is using more fat. This is very favorable for weight loss." Because, when you say you want to lose weight, you really want to be losing fat and gaining metabolism-boosting muscles.
- You'll see results quickly. Nicole noted that the fat oxidation and fat loss happen quickly, "even after just one gym session." She told POPSUGAR that "increased energy expenditure [burning calories] and fat oxidation [burning fat] last at least 24 hours after [even one session of] exercise, so imagine how much fat you could be using and calories you'll be burning if you have regimented resistance training!"
So let's get this straight, more fat burning, more calorie burning, burning even when you're resting . . . and fast results? Let's grab those weights!
Before you get burnin', a couple things to keep in mind: "You could actually gain a little muscle mass before you start to lose weight," said Nicole, "but this doesn't mean you aren't losing fat mass." She also said it's important to note that "You could lift all you want, but if you eat crap, you won't see results." So while a flat belly is made in the weight room, it's also made in the kitchen. Need some inspiration? Try our flat-belly salad and flat-belly smoothie.
The Disgusting Reason You Should Never Rinse Your Turkey
I know my mom always rinses whole chickens and turkeys in the sink before roasting them - it's something that generations of folks have done, but after attending a turkey-cooking seminar at Butterball, I learned that's the last thing you should do.
The most bone-chilling reason is you run the risk of splashing salmonella everywhere. Even if you have no cutting boards or dishes near the sink for salmonella-contaminated water to touch, the sink and faucet handles themselves may get contaminated. And when there's so much other stuff to clean, why take up your time to scrub everything with a decontaminator (including inside the sink) after raw poultry has touched it? No one has time for that.
To top things off, rinsing the turkey may waterlog it, meaning the turkey skin steams rather than roasts into that coveted crispy, brown exterior. [Insert cry emoji.] So instead, this year, be bold. Don't rinse your turkey. Just remove it from the package and blot it dry with paper towels. Your family will high-five you for keeping them safe.
Zodiac Signs Who Make Great Moms, Ranked From BEST to WORST
This article written by Christine Schoenwald was originally featured on one of our favorite sites: YourTango.
How good of a mom are you?
Do you know the zodiac signs who make the best moms? Sure, it's fun to do a ranking, but the truth is that every sign and every mother has their own unique style of mothering and their own special abilities at it. And even your horoscope can point out the best qualities you have for parenting.
When I was in college, there was another student whose mother still not only made her lunch but put positive notes in it such as "I love you" and "I know you'll succeed." I envied that woman for having such a loving and thoughtful mother. My mother stressed things like independence and taking care of oneself - still valuable tools to learn but without the emotional tie-in.
I respect my friends who are moms. They work hard to make sure to raise their kids right. Many of them are single moms and even though they seem to have double the work, they're doing a great job as their children know that their mothers have their back and they'll do anything for them.
Moms need to be so many things for their kids: an advocate, a supporter, a teacher, a caregiver, a driver, and a parent.
Some moms are "cool" and others are more traditional and try to instill those traditional values in their children. I know moms who homeschool and others who spend hours and hours searching for the best school for their children. From what I can tell, being a parent is exhausting, and as rewarding as they seem to believe parenting is, I know there are moments where the parents need a break.
As a parent, you need to provide shelter, food, love, and opportunities for growth. It's a tough job and not everybody is good at handling all the responsibility of being a mother.
But some zodiac signs seem a little more qualified for motherhood than others. Here are the zodiac signs who make the best moms, ranked from best to worst.
- PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces instill an appreciation of the arts in their children and they encourage their kids to be creative. A Pisces mom's kids will be sensitive, imaginative, and will learn to treat other people with kindness and compassion. Pisces moms will hand down a love of nature, a sense of pride in helping others, and an independent spirit.
The Pisces mom may not know how to teach their children to make their dreams a reality but they will support them the whole way as their children try to figure it out for themselves.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving a Pisces, as Written by One
- ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Aries moms keep the schedules of their children full of music lessons, sports, hobbies, social activities, and camps. Meanwhile, the Aries mom has a full schedule herself. She wants her children to be adventuresome and to not shy away from trying new things. She encourages them to face all challenges head-on and to fight for what they believe in.
She is occasionally blunt but almost immediately regrets it. Aries moms can be pushy with their kids and sometimes need to be able to listen and really hear what her child wants or doesn't want to do.
Read: The 13 Brutal Truths About Loving an Aries, as Written by One
- GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)
Gemini moms can talk about anything with their kids - they often have the "sex" talk very early on. Gemini moms don't have any secrets from their children. Her kids have great communication skills and are very aware of what's happening in the world around them.
One of the things that make a Gemini mom so unique is her ability to understand her kids regardless of their gender or their age. Gemini moms give the best parties and have the best play dates (because they seem like a party).
Read: The 13 Brutal Truths About Loving a Gemini, as Written by One
- CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorn moms will fight to the death for their kids. They are fiercely loyal and will always stand up for them. These moms do not mess around and take their parenting very seriously. They want to instill a good work ethic in their kids and for them to have discipline and focus.
You can be sure if their kids get an allowance, they earn it by doing chores and taking care of their siblings. Capricorn moms are most often working moms and sometimes have to be reminded to take some time for themselves, and not devote every spare minute to their family.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving a Capricorn, as Written by One
- TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Taurus moms are incredibly patient - so much so that they sometimes come off as saintly. But make no mistake, Taurus moms are very real and down to earth. Taurus moms can be stubborn which can lead to issues when her kids get to the teenage years. If you've ever witnessed a stand-off between a Taurus mom and her teen, you know it's not pretty.
A Taurus mom makes sure that her kids have an appreciation of beauty and nature. Since a Taurus mom may be prone to overindulgence with food and spending, she needs to watch that she doesn't overfeed her kid or that they don't know the value of a dollar.
Read: The 5 Brutal Truths About Loving a Taurus, as Written by One
- LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Libras are great moms because they're so balanced and peaceful. They encourage harmony in the home and when there's discord between siblings, she's able to see each one's perspective in an argument and help the participants to find neutral ground.
Libra moms don't love having to be the disciplinarian and would rather be a friend than a parent but usually wait to be friends with their kids until they've grown up. The most important things that a Libra mom teaches her kids are how to share, how to feel compassion for others, and how to be good friends.
Read: 11 Brutal Truths About Loving a Libra, as Written by One
- CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
A Cancer mom is protective and nurturing. In fact, kids with a Cancer mom know that they're truly loved and cared for. A Cancer mom is always there to listen to her child and help them to feel better. She wants her home to be a place of love and comfort and for her kids to be able to share anything with her.
When all else fails, a Cancer mom will make her child's favorite cookies or snack just so they know how adored they are. She's also great at being able to help develop a child's creativity and isn't shy about sharing her child's genius with the world.
Read: The 5 Brutal Truths About Loving a Cancer, as Written by One
- SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Sagittarius moms have huge hearts and want to share the world with their kids. They very likely start traveling with them at an early age. They inject a thirst for knowledge and a strong sense of independence in their children, as well as a wicked sense of humor.
Sagittarians make for fun moms and she knows that childhood is brief, so she wants her kids to enjoy every moment of it. A Sagittarius mom can be impulsive - one minute she's in the carpool lane making her way to drop-off, the next she's declaring that it's a beach day instead. She may not have as many rules as many of the other moms because she wants her kids to be their own people, not a carbon copy of her.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving a Sagittarius, as Written by One
- VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Whatever is broken, the Virgo mom is going to do her best to fix it, whether it's a toy or a broken heart. She has high expectations for her children and can be critical but she still loves them deeply, even when they fail her.
She's the queen of multitasking as she parents, works, volunteers, and still keeps a very clean and orderly home. She wants her kids to have discipline and to not give up when things get hard. A Virgo mom has perfectionist leanings and can ride her kids too hard if she's not careful.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving a Virgo (as Written by a Virgo)
- SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpio moms are scarily intuitive and often know what's going on with their child before the child does themselves. Scorpio moms are big on loyalty, honesty, and protection, and as long as her kids tell the truth and look out for others, she's good.
Watch out if you insult her children in any way or you create a problem for them, for she'll fight harder for her kids than for herself. She'll put the needs of her family above her own and will passionately defend them whenever she feels they've been threatened.
Read: 14 Brutal Truths About Loving a Scorpio, as Written by One
- AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarian moms are all about not conforming and being true to oneself. She may homeschool her kids but will make sure they have some outside classes. She'll make sure that they know the importance of helping others and that her children are aware of important issues such as global warming.
The Aquarian mom will be sure to encourage imagination and experimentation in her kids. However, she will have very little patience for meltdowns and any kind of emotional display. She may need to be reminded that she can't assume her kids know that she loves them and that she needs to reassure them.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving an Aquarius, as Written by One
- LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Leo mom is the most childlike of the moms. She enjoys playing with her kids and giving them generous gifts. She can, however, be self-absorbed and may put her own needs before her children's. Is she having that expensive party because that's what her son or daughter asked for, or is she doing it because it impresses the other moms?
She deeply loves her children but can have narcissistic leanings, thinking of her children as an extension of herself. She would have no qualms flirting with her child's teacher, even if it embarrasses her kid in the process.
More juicy reads from YourTango:
Why Everybody Crushes on You Based on Your Zodiac Sign
How You Deal With Being Single According to Your Zodiac Sign
The Secret Thing You're Good at According to Your Zodiac Sign
50+ of the Best Dollar Store Finds
You can find just about anything you need at the Dollar Tree. From holiday decorations to kitchen essentials and beauty supplies, it's a one-stop shop - and an extremely affordable one at that. We rounded up some of the best dollar store finds out there. While the items online are sold in bulk (they are just $1 each, after all), they can also be found at various Dollar Tree locations around the country. Happy bargain hunting!
11 LOL-Worthy Tops For All Your Healthy Friends
Not sure what to give a healthy friend on your list? One of these cute tops will fit the bill and bring a big smile to her face. Whether she's a gym junkie, yogi, Paleo, or vegan, there's at least one pick here that will suit her taste and personality, and you'll be glad to know that all these tops are under $30.
This Is What Kylie Lip Kit Colors Look Like on All Skin Tones
Kylie Jenner is a marketing genius. After slowly revealing teases about her much-anticipated Lip Kits, Kylie then challenged her fans to share photos of how they wear the products on Instagram using the hashtag #lipkitbykylie. And if you did a fantastic job, like the folks here, your face could appear on the @kyliecosmetics Instagram feed.
To recap: Kylie created her original three lip kits in Baby K (neutral pink), Candy K (mauve), and True Brown K (chocolate). Each set contains a lip liner and gloss so you can make your pucker look just like the reality star's.
Whether you snagged a Kylie Lip Kit or not, you can certainly draw inspiration from these beauties showing off how to wear neutral and brown pouts. Plus, they prove the '90s pout trend works on all skin tones - and even looks fabulous on men! And don't be surprised when you see familiar faces like model Hailey Baldwin and big sister Khloé Kardashian.
Read on to see how the original three Kylie Lip Kits look on different skin tones!
11 Things You Need to Throw Away
The first step to taking care of yourself and de-stressing is to make sure that your environment is in order. Seeing your house full of clutter can affect your mood negatively and make your personal space seem like a place you want to escape from, rather than something to look forward to coming home to. Organize a "throwing out" day every month to make sure that you don't have clutter building up. Here are some things you should consider purging from your home, and download our printable to help you get rid of items you don't need!
1. Old magazines
Get rid of old magazines you have lying around because chances are, you aren't going to read them again. Find places where you can donate your magazines to such as child care centers, doctor's offices, nail salons, nursing homes, and libraries. If there's an article that really speaks to you, scan a digital image of it and keep it in your computer. Or keep a folder of magazine clippings if you like saving magazine articles.
2. Receipts, bills, and documents
Throw away receipts for items that you aren't planning on returning, and ones that you won't need to use come tax time. If you're wary of throwing away receipts, you can make a digital copy of them with a basic scanner, a pricey specialized receipt scanner ($180), or a smartphone app ($5). See here for a full list of documents you should keep forever or temporarily.
3. Clothes
Use the two-year-rule for clothes - get rid of apparel that you haven't worn in two years. Sell them to a thrift store (find a thrift store at thethriftshopper.com) or donate them to the needy.
4. Books
Go through your bookshelf and gather together books you haven't touched in months and ones that you aren't planning on rereading. Be realistic and make sure you're ruthless. If you haven't touched it in a year, you're most likely not going to read it again. Sell the books on Amazon, Craigslist, or eBay. You can even trade them for something else on swap.com. You can always donate them as well!
5. Medicine and vitamins
Take a look at your medicine closet and clear out drugs that have expired, medicine that has sat on your shelf for too long, or ones that you no longer use. First, check to see what the proper disposal methods are for the medication, and if you can't find any, check to see if your community has a drug take-back program. If there isn't a program near you, then the FDA advises mixing medicine with "used coffee grounds or kitty litter" in a container or sealable bag before throwing it away to make the drugs less appealing.
6. Makeup and perfume
Go through your beauty cabinet and get rid of makeup that's too old or that you don't use. There are programs out there that let you recycle your makeup, such as MAC, which has a program that lets you exchange six empty containers for a new eyeshadow, lip gloss, or lipstick. Kiehl's also has a program that gives you products in exchange for Kiehl's containers. POPSUGAR Beauty has a neat list of when to throw away cosmetics.
7. Jewelry
Go through your jewelry and dispose of the broken costume jewelry and make plans to sell ones that you don't wear. For fine jewelry, look up appraisers from the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. Once you have a quoted price, shop around at auction houses, estate buyers, pawnshops, and jewelers to see if you can find a better deal.
8. Food
Go through your pantry and fridge and clear out items that need to be thrown out - the old, unused, and rotting. Do this weekly instead of monthly, just to make sure you don't have any unpleasant surprises!
9. Some memorabilia
Many organizing experts advise to be ruthless and throw away memorabilia like cards and gifts you don't use. I agree, but I think you can keep some of them by perhaps creating some sort of poster with old cards or designating a small shoe box for memorabilia. Resolve to throw away anything that can't fit into the box.
10. Notebooks
I don't know about you, but I have a ton of notebooks lying around. Take a look at them and throw out the ones that you no longer need. My notebooks are filled with notes from classes I take and notes from meetings.
11. Old or unused electronics
Have an electric piano you don't use? Or maybe you just never got around to getting rid of your old laptop or cell phone. Sell your electronics on Gazelle.com and Nextworth.com. These sites are great because they'll quote you a price for the item you wish to sell. You can also sell it on sites such as Craigslist and eBay.
Nicole Ate Tacos and Pizza Almost Every Night - and Dropped 50+ Pounds
Losing weight isn't easy, but that didn't stop Nicole from reaching her goals. She went from battling depression to working out with a personal trainer and learning to cook her own healthy meals, and now she's down 50 pounds! She says she feels better than ever, and she assures us that anyone can make the changes she did as long as they stick to their guns. Here's her full story.
POPSUGAR: When did you start your weight-loss journey? What made you decide to?
Nicole Napolitano: I started in April 2017. Even though I've always been somewhat overweight, I reached my heaviest weight ever - 265 pounds - back in February 2017. I was floored. I didn't realize I had gotten that heavy. I felt defeated and fell into an awful depression that edged on suicidal. It felt like I wasn't in control of making any changes because of my anxiety. But Fit Girls Guide made weight loss look fun, so I decided one day, with the encouragement and support of my boyfriend, to just try it out. I had nothing to lose (but weight!).
PS: How much weight have you lost so far?
NN: I've lost 50 pounds so far and plan on losing more.
PS: How did you do it? Did you follow a specific diet?
NN: I followed the meal plan and workout calendar provided by Fit Girls Guide's 28-Day Jumpstart. One night, I'll be making tacos and the next night I'll be making pita pizza. I'm not going to lie, I didn't follow the meal plan to a T day by day - I would just make sure that if I was going to go off the books, so to speak, I was still turning to foods that seemed to be healthy, not processed - low in sugar, fresh, etc. I learned how to cook healthy and make better choices when dining out without feeling like I would be shamed if I went off the meal plan.
PS: Did you do a specific workout type or schedule?
NN: What I usually do is three rounds of a circuit followed by a half hour of cardio, four to five times a week. I have a trainer who comes to my gym two times a week to help me with my back problems, too, since I have a slipped disk in my lower back. He guides me in what I can and can't do so that I don't further injure myself.
PS: What are some nonscale victories you've experienced?
NN: The most exciting NSV I've experienced is wearing a crop top in public which I have never done - and I did it with confidence. I felt hot! Also, fitting into jackets that I couldn't even squeeze my arms into or zip up at the start of my journey. Other NSVs just include how I feel. I don't feel like sh*t every day anymore. I don't feel like I am going to puke after meals anymore. I feel satisfied and energized after eating, not sluggish and on my deathbed like I used to. And I actually enjoy the gym now! I see it as a therapeutic experience instead of a punishment.
PS: How do you stay motivated?
NN: I stay motivated through my support system. Fellow Fit Girls, my friends, family, and boyfriend are all there for me when I need them to keep me on track. I have my days where I want to quit and I feel like all of this is pointless. I turn to them when I need help because it is easy to get lost in your own self-destructive thoughts.
I ask myself daily, "What can I do to get closer to my goals today?" Whether it be going to the gym, making all of my meals, or hitting my daily step goals (10,000) on my Fit Bit. Small victories are the only way to keep myself in the now. If you look at the big picture and your desired end goal, it's easy to get overwhelmed and discouraged. It makes the process seem so much more daunting.
Finally, doing side-by-side progress photos helps me see how far I've come. Looking at them helps get me motivated when I'm feeling down.
PS: What does a typical day of eating look like for you?
NN: This is one of my go-to breakfasts: two slices of Ezekiel bread with one egg, avocado, and a little bit of cheese, turkey bacon, and hot sauce. Another one is a protein drink or smoothie. One of my favorites is a wonderful combo of spinach, mangoes, milk, vanilla Vega protein powder, honey, banana, and cashews. Top it off with a huge-ass cold brew.
For lunch, I generally throw together a salad with whatever fresh ingredients are in my fridge or I'll put them in a wrap. Sometimes I'll make quinoa bowls - I created a quinoa bowl that was a spin on the burrito bowl from Chipotle, which is my favorite new healthy lunch.
Dinner honestly can be anything from the Fit Girls Guides' books, like pumpkin-ricotta lasagna roll-ups, chicken parmesan, tacos, pizza, macaroni and cheese, etc. I utilize healthier ingredients and substitutes than what is in the "normal" versions, and I portion them out in a way that keeps the calories down.
Thankfully, I've never been much of a snacker throughout the day, but if I do have a snack I'll usually reach for a baby bell cheese, a banana, or an apple. I do love my dessert, though. My after-dinner go-to usually includes Halo Top ice cream or one of the amazing desserts from Fit Girls. I really like strawberries with almond butter and a melted dark chocolate drizzle. Oh, and red wine.
PS: Any advice or tips for people on their own journey?
NN: If you have a "bad" meal or feel like you have fallen off the wagon, don't punish yourself (mentally or physically). Just accept it and move on. This isn't a diet; this is a lifestyle change. That means yes, you will eat healthy, but you will still be a human being who eats whatever the hell they want sometimes and that's fine. It's called balance, and we need it to stay sane. You just have to get used to picking yourself back up and continuing to push after "cheating." Giving up will give you far fewer results.
Don't rely on the scale, either. Sometimes you gain muscle. Sometimes you're retaining water. Your weight will fluctuate accordingly. Of course, it's good to check in on where you are from time to time, but don't be tied to the scale. There are tons of other ways to track your progress, like taking photos, feeling how certain clothes fit, measurements, how you feel physically, etc.
PS: Anything else you want to share?
NN: I'm not saying it's going to be easy. It was never easy for me. You just become accustomed to the changes in your daily routine. You really have to look at the whole thing less as a weight loss journey and more of a self-improvement thing. It's something to make you feel better - and the weight loss is an added bonus. Regardless of the various crying fits and breakdowns I've had along the way, it was all worth it. I don't regret any of it for a minute.
24 Bobs That Will Convince You It's Finally Time to Make the Chop
We're big fans of the transformative powers of a short hairstyle, and if you still haven't been convinced to chop your hair short (or maybe just invest in a bob wig), let these Instagram looks be your inspiration.
Whether you like the sharp lines of an asymmetric bob with bangs, or the more mussed-up look of a layered, shoulder-skimming style, there are looks to bookmark for your next salon appointment.
Decorate Your Coffee Table With These Gorgeous Beauty Books
If you're looking for the perfect way to inspire a book-lover in your life, these beauty volumes should be on your shopping list. They're good for so much more than keeping glass stains off the coffee table. Each page is packed with hair, makeup, and nail tips from celebrities and industry insiders. Whether you like a good self-help book, prefer a historical drama, or salivate over amazing photography, there is an option in this roundup. Keep reading to kick-start your friend's romance with all things beauty.
12 Things You Should Know Before Traveling Across the Country on Amtrak
I have always fantasized about traveling across the country by train, so when my boyfriend suggested that we take Amtrak from San Francisco to New York City, I was all in. There have been many conversations around the web about what it's really like to take Amtrak for long trips, so I want to give you the most accurate and true depiction.
We decided to get a roomette for the first and longest leg of our travel on the California Zephyr. We had the small room from Emeryville (the Amtrak station right outside of San Francisco) to Chicago for two days and two nights. After a seven-hour stop in Chicago, we rode the remaining 17 hours of our journey to NYC in coach seats. In total, our tickets for two people came out to $772. Not bad considering we were traveling for three and a half days and our meals were included with the roomette.
To get all the details on what it's like to sleep, eat, and basically live in an Amtrak train while chugging across America, keep reading. There are lots of interesting details that will take you by surprise.
This Yoga Sequence Will Loosen Up Insanely Tight Hamstrings
Running and crazy-tight hamstrings seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly, but it doesn't have to be that way! Hop on your mat after a run and do this short yoga sequence. It not only targets the backs of the legs, but also increases flexibility in the lower back and hips - opening those areas is essential to decreasing tightness in the hamstrings. If your hamstrings are painfully tight, try these easy hamstring stretches.
The Cutest Pictures of Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía of Spain
It seems like just yesterday when King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain announced the birth of their first daughter, so it comes as a total shock that it was 12 years ago that Princess Leonor, the heir to the throne, was born in Madrid. From day one, the little royal graced us with the sweetest pictures (and the most adorable outfits) at family outings and official events.
Then, in 2007, the cuteness doubled with the birth of her sister, Infanta Sofía, and thus began a time of matching outfits, coordinating hairstyles, and mischievous sisterly smiles. Keep scrolling to see the best pictures of the two royals through the years.
5 Workouts That Use Mini Bands - and Burn Serious Calories
Adding resistance is the perfect way to take a workout from good to downright excellent, and with the help of travel-friendly equipment like mini bands, it's hard to find a reason to not add it, right?
These looped versions of classic resistance bands usually come in sets of four with varying levels of difficulty - light, medium, heavy, x-heavy - so it's easy to gauge just how much of a challenge you're adding. If you're not sure where to start, don't worry! We've rounded up five feasible HIIT workouts you can try, courtesy of some of the most popular Latina fitness influencers on Instagram, including Puerto Rican trainer Idalis Velazquez. Whether you're working your glutes or doing a full-body circuit, keep scrolling to try them out. Then, crank up our workout playlist.
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.
25 Holiday-Scented Beauty Products That Will Make You Hungry Just Reading This
It's the moment all basic ladies have been waiting for: the moment we put away the tropical scents and dive head first into Fall (also known as the gateway to all things holiday). No amount of pumpkin spice proves too much as we attempt to turn our own houses into apple- and plum-scented enchanted forests.
We're getting intoxicated just writing about it, which is why we're excited to present to you a comprehensive gallery of all the holiday-scented hair, skin, and body products we could get our hands on.
From cider-drunk hand soaps to creamy, vanilla-drenched body lotions (and plenty of pine- and spruce-trimmed candles in between), read on for 25 products that will support your festive spirit from Fall harvest to New Year's, and sneak peek more holiday 2017 beauty offerings here.
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This Genius Harry Potter Towel Doubles As a Cape
Make bathing and beach going - heck, everything! - a bit more magical with this plush Harry Potter towel (£15, approximately $20). Sure, its drying abilities are handy and the ornate Hogwarts Gryffindor crest that covers it is head-turning, but what really has us going gaga is that you can wear it as a cape! Yes, you read that correctly. The towel has a hood and front fasteners that allow it to double as a cape.
Kids will love it, but we think parents will really delight in having the cape float behind them as they run around the house shouting, "Expelliarmus!" and "Go Gryffindor!" Unfortunately, the towel is only available in the UK at this time . . . but maybe if we all petition the company, we can get it to sell internationally! Until then, us fans will have to satiate our Harry Potter appetites with Pendleton blankets, cooking spatulas, and clothing.
12 Gift Sets You Can't Miss From Sephora's Holiday Collection
As far as holiday presents go, when in doubt, give a beauty gift set. Anyone from your office Secret Santa to that distant aunt you see once a year at Christmas would be delighted to get one. With samples of multiple products in each pack, they're bound to discover something they love.
Avoid any last-minute panic shopping by getting started right now - Sephora is already stocked with countless holiday offerings from your favorite brands. We sifted through all of them and discovered the best of the batch, right ahead.
The Hysterical Differences Between Your First and Second Child
With children comes experience, so it's no surprise that many parents do things slightly different the second time around. And despite best intentions to keep everything equal between your firstborn and newest addition to the family, there are some changes that are bound to creep in that can be classified as second child syndrome. Whether you've given up on solely the homemade, organic baby food well before your second child's first month or you suddenly realized that they're almost 8 months old and you have yet to take a month-by-month photo, these babies have a slightly different experience. While your younger kiddos get to benefit from a more knowledgeable (and hopefully less nervous!) mama, some of these evolutions are too funny not to acknowledge.
Check out the 12 differences between your first and second baby that proves that the struggle can be very real for the younger kid.
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