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 17 novembre 2017
Zac Efron Will Make You Swoon in the Magical New Trailer For The Greatest Showman
Our first official look at Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron's circus-musical biopic, The Greatest Showman, is here! The trailer offers a glimpse into the film's magical take on P.T. Barnum's origin story, from his days as a pencil-pushing businessman to how he got the idea for the Barnum Museum and beyond. Jackman stars as Barnum (and will make you swoon, so prepare yourself) and is joined by Michelle Williams as his wife, as well as Zac Efron and Zendaya as circus performers. The soundtrack, done by La La Land's Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, already sounds incredible, but we'll have to wait until the film hits theaters on Christmas to hear more.
18 Gifts For the Breastfeeding Mom
If you're a breastfeeding mom and proud of it - or know someone else who is - the holidays can be a perfect time to highlight that. From mugs and water bottles to onesies for the baby and nursing covers, there's something you can gift a breastfeeding mama with that will not only be practical, but will put a smile on their face as their baby drinks away.
Scroll through for 17 gifts the nursing moms in your life will love.
This Is the No. 1 Reason You're Not Losing Weight
Working out, eating right, and still not seeing the results you're after? Nothing can be more frustrating. But CrossFit competitor Christmas Abbott, author of The Badass Body Diet ($28), knows what could be the issue.
"The biggest mistake people make when trying to lose weight is they restrict themselves too much," says Christmas. And this means not only the food choices people are making but also the amount they're eating. Christmas adds that when you deprive the body of food, it will go into starvation mode and store what food it does get as fat. But if the foods you are eating are all foods that you hate, Christmas warns that you "won't stick with the program, and the bigger picture of a lifestyle change is lost."
Your best bet is to try and find a happy medium between eating enough calories to keep you satiated, but enough to also create a calorie deficit to result in a pound or two lost a week. You can't live on kale alone, so be sure to include foods you love, and if they're not the healthiest, either find healthier ways to enjoy them - check out these lightened-up versions of your favorite comfort foods - or allow yourself just a small taste each day, say of chocolate, to satisfy your cravings. This way of eating will be much easier to maintain for a period of time, so you'll be more apt to stick with it and reach your goal.
50 of Our Favorite Smoothie Recipes
A smoothie is a convenient meal or snack option anytime - just throw your ingredients in a blender, pour into a glass, and enjoy. Even better: the ingredient possibilities for shakes and smoothies are endless. We should know; we're always in the kitchen creating and re-creating our favorite healthy smoothie recipes. Keep reading to see which healthy smoothies we've been blending up lately!
- Additional reporting by Lizzie Fuhr, Michele Foley, and Jenny Sugar
Here's What - and When - to Eat Before Working Out
When it comes to working out, it's important to feel energized, but it's not always as simple as grabbing a snack on your way out the door. Eating too close to exercise is a recipe for discomfort, but heading to the gym hungry isn't ideal either.
To learn how to maximize the potential of a workout, I spoke with nutritionist Heidi Skolnik, MS, CDN, FACSM, and author of Nutrient Timing for Peak Performance ($20) to find out what to eat and when before heading to the gym.
This Beautiful Lip Balm Duo Will Prevent Your Lips From Looking Beastly
Lip balm isn't the most exciting beauty product - unless, of course, it's an enchanted balm, like the Mrs. Potts and Chip Lip Balm Duo ($12) from Firebox. The adorable set includes two delightfully Disney-themed balms shaped like the beloved teapot and cup from Beauty and the Beast.
Not only do the bite-size balms look adorable, but they also come in two delectable flavors. Mrs. Potts contains pink strawberry, while opening Chip reveals a purple grape version. The duo is small enough to keep in your purse, and the sweet packaging will make you want to take it everywhere with you. Just be prepared to hear a collective "Ooooooh - where did you get that?" each time you use it.
19 No-Bake Thanksgiving Desserts the Whole Family Is Going to Love
A lot goes into Thanksgiving food prep, but it's especially difficult to navigate your kitchen and make everything on your list when you're a mom and your kids decide to spend the day running around the kitchen. To keep your kids busy and make your Thanksgiving cooking even easier, consider no-bake recipes for the dessert table. Because these recipes are easy-to-follow, kiddos can get involved with limited supervision and you won't have to worry about finding room in the oven in between the giant turkey and baking dishes of stuffing and sweet potatoes. Win-win!
Read through for 19 no-bake dessert recipes you and your kids can make this Thanksgiving holiday.
Mom's Note to Stranger at McDonald's Who Got Involved When Her Toddler Wouldn't "Go Potty"
A stranger in a McDonald's bathroom overheard a typical fight between a mom and her toddler: the Kansas parent was trying to reason with her 3-year-old to pee before they left to get back in the car.
The stranger listened in as Tiffany Miller tried to explain to her daughter that it was a long drive home and she had to use the potty before they left. She also heard the child explain that she was afraid the toilet was going to flush while she was sitting on it. Despite her mother promising to block the sensor and prevent it from flushing, the little girl wouldn't comply, and promised to make it through the drive home without having an accident.
In a heartfelt thank you to this stranger posted on her Facebook, Tiffany explained what happened when the woman decided to step in. "You told her you would give her a bracelet if she would go potty for Mommy. She perked up and agreed," Tiffany wrote. "I turned to quickly put her on the potty (before she changed her mind). You told her the bracelet would be waiting outside the stall for her. I turned to say thank you, but you were already gone."
When the child finished using the bathroom she found a bracelet and a candy bar waiting outside her stall. "Her eyes lit up as she put the bracelet on after using the bathroom," Tiffany wrote. "We made it home to Wichita safely and she is currently sleeping soundly next to me . . . still wearing the bracelet."
Although the woman was gone before Tiffany could catch her name, she's grateful for this stranger's act of kindness: "I wish I could have thanked you in person, but maybe you will see this. If not, hopefully it inspires someone else to be kind like you were."
This post was originally published on Jan. 30, 2017.
5 Dusting Hacks That Will Make Your Saturday Morning Chores Easier
Even if you're a neat freak, dust is inevitable. It's everywhere, especially those "I never thought of that" places. This Saturday morning while you're doing your basic chores, spend a short amount of time and wipe down the dust with these simple hacks.
14 Discontinued Urban Decay Products We Want the Brand to Bring Back
A friend of mine once referred to me as a "beauty historian," and this was an incredibly apt description. I have been hoarding cosmetics since my early teen years and have kept the majority of my collection in pristine condition, packaging included. In fact, there are some products that I treasure so much that I can't even bring myself to use them.
Urban Decay is possibly my favorite beauty brand of all time, and I have sung its praises in countless essays for POPSUGAR. I proudly locked down the AOL Instant Messenger user name of "urbandecayjunkie" in middle school, and from that point onward, my obsession spiraled out of control. I've tracked down dozens of discontinued items on eBay and spent carefully saved money on the company's new launches over the years. Now that I'm a beauty editor, I get to know about Urban Decay's upcoming products ahead of time, so I'm basically living out my teenage fantasies.
In a humble ode to the brand, I pulled some of my favorite products from my stash in hopes that other Urban Decay junkies would reminisce along with me. Unfortunately, I couldn't find my beloved Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in Pyrotechnics (an iridescent sparklefest of a liquid liner) or Pocket Rocket gloss in Timothy (featuring a graham-cracker-like scent in the tube and a lenticular print of an undressed preppie hottie on the outside). There are definitely some oldies-but-goodies in here, though: all of these products are from around 2004 or earlier. Read on and take a trip down memory lane!
7 Foods to Absolutely Avoid If You Want Clear, Glowing Skin
Two weeks ago, I went to Whole Foods and stocked up on coconut milk, almond butter, frozen veggies, fresh berries, organic meats, wild salmon, and quinoa. My boyfriend could interpret what this meant: Lauren is back on another food detox.
It started last Summer when I completed Dr. Frank Lipman's two-week Be Well Cleanse. This is a 14-day program in which you eliminate the food groups that most people are sensitive to, including gluten, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, nightshade vegetables, and eggs, among other things, replacing them with a plant-based diet that includes select organic lean meats and fish. You also drink three shakes a day incorporating Dr. Lipman's special blend of powders and take supplements. I learned a ton about myself, my habits, and my skin.
Though I have yet to return to the official cleanse, I do repeat some of the guidelines from it when I feel off-balance, seem bloated, or have less-than-desirable skin (blochy, broken out, puffy under-eyes). Typically, I try to eliminate gluten, dairy, and sugar for about a week or two until I feel and look better. Within three days of sticking to this diet plan, my skin brightens, I fall asleep easier and earlier, and my jeans fit better. It's not about dieting or losing weight; it's about creating harmony within my body. A healthy gut undeniably yields more gorgeous skin.
According to Dr. Lipman, "Your skin is your largest organ and a window into what's going on inside your body. Poor food choices that cause inflammation can lead to numerous skin issues."
If a cleanse is a bit dramatic for you, no worries. You can still reap some of the benefits by making these seven food swaps. Dr. Lipman outlined which foods to avoid, why they are toxic for your skin, and what to replace them with.
This 1 Expert Tip Will Stop Your Toddler's Dressing Tantrums – but You're Not Going to Like It
It's 8:50 a.m., and we're supposed to be at preschool in 10 minutes, but we're not in the car on our way there. Instead, we're standing in my son's room knee deep in crumpled clothing, him bordering on a full meltdown and me on the verge of tears. The four pairs of shorts and half-dozen tees piled around our ankles have all been deemed unacceptable, abhorrent even, by my 2-year-old. In fact, the mere suggestion that I put one of these items on him results in outrage and screaming.
It wasn't always this way. People used to comment on how adorable his clothing was, back when he gave me free range on dressing him, but by the end of Spring, he would only wear shorts, and by the time Fall rolled around, he refused to wear long sleeves and outerwear of any kind. Now, as we approach Winter, he will agree to wear only a handful of elastic-waistband shorts and simple tees. I give him options, I optimize my clothing purchasing toward his preferences (do you know how hard it is to shop for stylish boy's shorts in November?), and I'm slowly accepting that he'll never wear the handmade Irish sweaters I've been waiting for him to grow into since he was a baby. But coping on a daily basis is becoming impossible.
It seems every mom I speak to has dealt with toddler clothing preferences to one degree or another, but what is the best way to handle them? And when are they indicative of a bigger issue? To find out, I consulted with Maureen Healy of highlysensitivekids.com. She's a leader in the field of children's emotional health and author of Growing Happy Kids ($15) and The Energetic Keys to Indigo Kids ($16). Check out what she had to say below.
Why are some kids more sensitive to clothing than others?
"If a child is emotionally sensitive, they're typically physically sensitive," Maureen told POPSUGAR. "Signs that he or she is physically sensitive would be 'I don't want to wear socks,' 'I only want to wear an elastic band,' or 'I don't want to wear something that feels like this, I want something that feels like that.'"
Beyond being a generally sensitive person, a toddler showing strong opinions about clothing - or pretty much anything - is also a developmental stage. By 1 year old, Maureen says, children have come to realize that they're separate from Mom and Dad and have their own opinions. She says that even at the young ages of 2, 3, and 4, children can have sophisticated and complex thoughts.
"They just don't have the language and they don't have the cognitive development. They know what they want. They know what they don't want, even though they can't express it in language," she explained. "They can't really communicate why this shirt is better for me today. They just hear their mom saying they can't wear it, and they lose it." From this perspective, the child's frustrated meltdown does make a lot of sense.
What do I do?
"The moms who win are the ones who really get down to their kids' level and say, 'I know this is frustrating for you. I know this doesn't feel good. How can we make this more positive?'" The situation escalates when the child feels that his or her voice has been taken away. In that light, Maureen explains, it's not really about punishing the child but problem-solving with the child.
For example, if your child loves a purple shirt, buy five of them so you always have a clean one to offer up, or if your child wants to wear a full costume but you know that won't work at their school, allow them to wear the parts of the costume that will work. Your best bet is to find ways to give the child what he or she wants while also meeting basic needs. "You're not taking away their voice then, you're not saying, 'Hey, what you say doesn't matter.' We're instead saying, 'What you feel and say matters, but I'm also the parent and you've got to work with me here."
There are times when you can't negotiate or compromise, and for these, Maureen advises you to pick your battles. If it's below freezing and you need them to wear a coat so you can leave the house for the day, let them know that no one is going anywhere until the coat is on. "Then that's the deal, and then you just have to ride it out," Maureen said.
If you're really not getting anywhere, she says it's OK to encourage kids with an incentive. One tactic? You can tell them if they can get dressed and make it to school on time, you'll take them for a frozen yogurt. "The whole goal is how can we get more harmony and peace in the household."
Will my child grow out of it?
Some do and some don't - and that's OK. Maureen says that we should be the ones adjusting our thinking. "There's no reason for us to say, 'They're wrong and we're right.' They're just being really clear." If their needs are within reason, she suggests continuing to work with the child to accommodate them. "As long as they're warm and safe, who cares if they look like a weirdo? They're just 3 or 4! They're supposed to be odd and different."
Is this part of a bigger problem?
The prevalence of autism has many parents wondering if extreme clothing sensitivity is a sign their child is on the spectrum. Maureen, however, says that this is a big leap. Although it can be a part of an autism or Asperger's diagnosis, particular clothing preferences alone are not indicative of the condition; however, if there are other signs, such as not making eye contact, an expert should be consulted.
Sensory processing disorder is another condition that is often thrown around when discussing kids with extreme clothing sensitivities. While Maureen suggests that any sensitive child could be fit into the sensory processing disorder lingo, she recommends parents don't panic. The real tipping point for a sensitivity becoming a bigger problem is when it affects every moment of every single day. Maureen cites a girl who absolutely can't go outside unless she has on sunglasses or a boy who throws up at the mere smell of peanut butter. But, she said, "for the child who's just particular, or what maybe some parents would call fussy, I think that's a different scenario."
If you're unsure if your child's sensitivity has passed the tipping point, Maureen says to trust your own instincts and consult with an expert.
Prepare to Cringe Watching Donald Trump Say "Puerto Rico" in a Fake Accent
In case you missed it, Donald Trump "loves Hispanics" - so much so, in fact, that while discussing Puerto Rico at the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at the White House on Friday, Oct. 6, the president decided to completely butcher the pronunciation of the disaster-ravaged island in front of a room full of Latino leaders. You know . . . because of the love.
The moment in question came during President Trump's speech at the White House, when he proclaimed - with an affected accent - that "we love Puerto Rico." Putting a heavy emphasis on the "Pu" in "Puerto Rico," Trump repeated his awful pronunciation of the US territory's name not once, not twice, but three times, concluding the performance with a self-satisfied smile and reverting back to his Americanized pronunciation of the name. Give it a watch below:
Pres. Trump: "PUerto Rico. We love PUerto Rico. And we also love Puerto Rico." http://pic.twitter.com/3fbzGvybd4
- Dan Linden (@DanLinden) October 6, 2017
While the moment garnered chuckles from attendees at the speech, it didn't take long for Trump's presumed mockery of the Spanish language and Puerto Rican people to spark heavy criticism online.
Despite his claims of loving the territory, Trump has spent plenty of the time since Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria insulting its leaders and complaining about relief costs affecting his budget. Luckily for the US citizens in need of lifesaving supplies, at least there are former presidents and celebrities who are spending time raising money for Puerto Rico instead of butchering its pronunciation.
9 Ikea Kitchen Hacks That Change Everything
Kitchens are superfunctional spaces, and it can be difficult to balance function and style. But kitchens are also one of the best places in your home for you to get creative, and nothing lets you express your creativity while maintaining functionality like some good Ikea hacks. Try a simple DIY involving a fresh coat of paint, or repurpose an Ikea staple into something new and gorgeous. Whatever you do, these Ikea hacks for the kitchen are perfect for making a statement.
Square Footage Isn't Everything - Just Ask These Celebs With Small Homes
Based on many of the celebrity homes that we've toured over the years, it seems that bigger means better in Hollywood. However, a few famous faces aren't buying into the idea that size is everything, and their small abodes prove it. Compared to most of their A-list peers, these stars live in veritable "tiny homes." Gain some small-space living inspiration from these notable names and you might start feeling like a celebrity . . . minus the extreme excess.
Prepare to Swoon Over These Stunning Ulta Beauty Gifts
If you love beauty shopping, you know that it's hard to top Ulta Beauty. You can get everything from your drugstore essentials and prestige favorites to an incredible haircut at the one-stop shop! But this holiday season, we're swinging by to snap up the retailer's excellent gift offerings. From a Kardashian-approved highlighter to a matte liquid lip set, there are plenty of pretty treats to satisfy every single craving of the gals on your gifting list.
Dark Circles Don't Stand a Chance With These Concealers Under $10
Ladies, it's time to fess up: a good concealer is the cornerstone of your makeup regimen. It visibly reduces blemishes, masks under-eye circles, and generally helps your complexion look its best. But while these miracle workers are super helpful, we don't always want to break the bank on them. Ahead, we've rounded up 10 rock-star concealers that cost $10 or less.
6 Fabulous Thanksgiving Menus to Choose From
Planning a Thanksgiving feast can be a daunting task, to say the least. First order of business is deciding on the menu. But where to start? To take the guesswork out of matters and get those creative juices flowing, we've curated six fabulous menus for you to choose from (and even mix and match). From a meatless vegetarian feast to a fast and easy dinner that doesn't skimp on flavor, here you'll find something for everyone.
A Trainer Gets Brutally Honest About Why You Aren't Seeing Results
I have some tough love for you today. It's about your workouts. You go to the gym several times a week, sometimes twice in one day, and yet you aren't as fit as you should be.
As a certified group exercise trainer and indoor cycling instructor, I've taught hundreds of classes. Based on what I see, I think a lot of you are shortchanging yourself. Taking a step back and getting honest about your approach will help you work out smarter, and maybe even harder.
1. You Aren't Paying Attention
Some instructors are better than others, but let's assume you aren't wasting your time with bad trainers. When you go to a class, are you listening to what you are being asked to do? Do you pay attention to alignment cues in yoga? Do you check your form in weight training?
Listen to what the people in spandex wearing microphones are saying. They are certified experts who take continuing education classes and spend hours creating quality workouts. They have taken on the burden of exercise selection, interval timing, choreography, and sequencing.
Sometimes the key to success is recognizing that you can't get there on your own. You wouldn't ask an accountant to do your taxes and then scribble all over the return as she was filling it out would you? Trust your instructors. They want to get you there as badly as you do.
2. You Aren't Working Hard Enough
Here's a dose of tough love: instructors know how hard you are working, and that you aren't always tapping your potential.
Example: you are in an indoor cycling class and your instructor asks you to add resistance. Everyone adds gear, except for you because you don't want it to be "too hard." When the music picks up and the entire class is straining to get up that hill, there you are, pedaling like a demon, barely breaking a sweat.
Another example: you are in a weight-training situation and even though you've been doing the same moves for months, you're still using the same weights. You wonder why you aren't getting stronger. Guess what? You aren't challenging your muscles when you always choose the same weights. Pick up something heavier. What's the worst thing that can happen? It's too heavy and you have to switch to lighter weights to finish? Do that every time if you want to see results.
Final example: you are in a HIIT class. There are people that are going to go half-speed the entire time. And there are people that are going to stop working halfway through the interval. You know how I know? Because I CAN SEE THEM! Don't be self-conscious; no one is staring at you while you work out. But the instructor is scanning the room for safety reasons and can see how hard you're working. I promise that you'll see better results when you put in the effort.
3. You Aren't Competing With Yourself
Stop comparing yourself to the other people in class. Who knows what they had for breakfast? How many workouts a week they do when you don't see them? It's not about them. It's about you and what you can achieve. Whenever I teach class, I want my students thinking, "Today I am going to do more than I did last time. I am going to add more gear. I am going to hold my sprint longer. I am going to pick up the eight-pound dumbbell instead of the five."
You go to your classes to improve yourself. You have special strengths and abilities. You may struggle at push-ups but you can plank for two minutes. You may have spaghetti arms but can crush squats all day long. Be you. Don't worry about anyone else. Stay on your own mat, mentally and physically. Your fitness will blossom.
4. You Don't Accept What You Can't Change
You have to set reasonable expectations. You can't do 1,000 burpees in 10 minutes and you will never change the biology of your body. If you're bottom heavy, you will likely always trend that way when gaining weight. If all the women in your family get saggy underarms by the time they are 40, you probably will too. However, you can tone and shape that bottom, heavy or not. You can strengthen and tighten your triceps to help that underarm sag. But remember: there is no amount of exercise that will completely transform you into someone else - and you shouldn't want it to. You were made to be you, unique and special. You can be the best you possible, and that should be your goal. Once you accept that, you can stop fighting your body and start working with it to achieve your goals.
5. You Reward Workouts With Food
We all do it. Now that I've worked out, I can go have that bin of pasta I've been craving. I can hit the drive-through for that burger and fries "because I've earned it." You haven't though. You've earned the right to refuel your body. You've worked so hard to achieve a higher level of fitness, to lose weight, to feel good about yourself. And yet you sabotage it, sometimes daily, by rewarding your workouts with food.
It's time we stepped back from food. Instead of it becoming a reward system, it should be a means to an end. The reward for the work is not a consumable. It's an intangible. It comes from within us. It's called pride. Satisfaction. Self-confidence. You can't get those things from a drive-through. If you want the burger, eat it. But don't confuse yourself about why you are having it. You haven't "earned" it. You've allowed it. And that's OK, once in a while. The next time you see that neon sign calling to you, though, think about where you are really headed, physically, and whether that detour is worth it on your path to well-being. If not, keep driving.
Best of luck on your path to greater health and wellness. Remember, you can start each day fresh. Take each class like it's your last. And be kind to yourself: you've only got the one body, so help it go the distance.
17 Impossibly Accurate Trader Joe's Tweets That Speak to Your Soul
Dedicated Trader Joe's shoppers know the struggles all too well. Whether you're a hopeless sucker for the well-stocked cheese aisle, you hate yourself every time you enter the doors on a busy Sunday afternoon, or you have that one Trader Joe's product you just can't quit, you'll relate all too well to these 17 tweets from people who feel the exact same way.
Mindhunter Doesn't Even Show the Tip of the Iceberg When It Comes to the Co-Ed Killer
Image Source: Netflix
One of the most interesting relationships on Mindhunter, Netflix's new psychological thriller, is the one between FBI special agent Holden Ford and incarcerated serial killer Edmund Kemper III (or "sequence killer," as Ford calls him before the term "serial killer" came to be the common vernacular). Interviewing Kemper is the driving force behind Ford's and, later, his partner Bill Tench's push to have the FBI study known serial killers to try to "figure out how crazy thinks."
While Ford and Tench are fictional characters based on real-life FBI agents, Kemper is 100 percent a real historical figure. The famed murderer, known as "the Co-Ed Killer," was close with his father and took his parents' divorce extremely hard, as it forced him to be raised by his alcoholic, abusive mother. It was a year later that his killing fetish began, when he killed the family cat at age 10. He would later kill another family cat and then graduated to killing his paternal grandparents at age 15.
When he turned himself in, he told authorities that he just wanted to see what it felt like to kill Grandma, then killed his grandfather so that he wouldn't have to see his wife dead. After six years in the mental ward of a state hospital, Kemper was released. He would go on to kill six young women (five of them college students; hence, his nickname "the Co-Ed Killer") and then his mother and his mother's best friend. Kemper also committed necrophilia with the dead bodies before dismembering them and disposing of the remains.
After the murder of his mother and her friend, Kemper confessed to local law enforcement and was arrested, when he then confessed to the other murders. He was sentenced to eight life sentences, since capital punishment was temporarily suspended in California at the time of his trial. He's still being held at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, CA.
Image Source: Getty / Bettmann
John E. Douglas, the real-life profiler whom Jonathan Groff's Mindhunter character is based on, interviewed Kemper many times, calling him one of the "brightest" inmates he had ever spoken with and providing a rare insight into violent crimes and the people who perpetrate them. Kemper has said the reason he participated in the interviews is because he hoped they would help someone who has the kind of rage he had but who hasn't resorted to murder yet . . . because the rage and the murder are hard to stop once they start.
On Mindhunter, Kemper is portrayed by actor Cameron Britton, who does an outstanding job of conveying how intelligent, high-functioning, and yet also psychotic Kemper was. And if you think his presence is imposing on the show, keep in mind that Britton is "only" 6'5". The real Kemper stands 6'9" and weighed over 250 pounds.
Of playing Kemper, Britton wrote in a Facebook post: "Due to the intensive nature of the project, I learned more about acting this year than any other in my life." He also calls his role in the show a story that is stranger than fiction.
Answering the Most Important Question From the AHS: Cult Finale - What's With the Vitamin A?
In the season seven finale of American Horror Story, cult leader Kai is riling up his minions for "Night of 100 Tates," where they plan to attack pregnant women and murder them and their babies (and the husbands, if they're present). But before turning his evil-doers loose, Kai must make sure they have their kill kits ready.
K-bar, change of clothes, chloroform - check, check, check. And then he pumps them up with a rousing speech:
"The most important thing is not in the kill kit. It's inside you. Are you able and willing to die for our cause?! Are you ready to make history?!?! Fortify yourselves with some vitamin A!!!!" he screams at them.
Wait, what? What does vitamin A have to do with anything?
Well, obviously Kai is just super concerned with the skincare regimen of his followers. Vitamin A is a natural antioxidant, which fights free radical damage and can slow the signs of aging.
JK, JK. Here's what we think is actually going on.
Did your mom or dad ever tell you that eating your carrots would help you see in the dark? That's because carrots are chock-full of vitamin A (in the form of beta carotene), which does improve eye function, specifically night vision.
Now, eating boatloads of carrots will not actually give you magical sight in the darkness, like a superpower or something, but studies have shown that high amounts of vitamin A do lead to better night vision. Furthermore, they also show that in parts of the world where people are vitamin A deficient, supplements of vitamin A have improved citizens' vision. In fact, a deficiency of vitamin A can eventually cause someone's cornea to disappear, rendering them blind. So yes, eat your carrots (and other colorful vegetables) because they really are vital to your health.
Presumably Kai just wants his minions' vision to be in tip-top shape when they go skulking out into the darkness to slaughter 100 innocent pregnant women and their unborn babies. It's always good to be prepared.
As to why Kai's vitamins look like a bowl full of cereal marshmallows, well . . . we're guessing that he grabbed a bottle of Flinstones vitamins and dumped them into a bowl. Believing in the magical powers of vitamin A through Flintstones vitamins sounds exactly like something the deranged cult leader would do.
The 2018 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge Is Here!
Find a cozy nook, pull up a plush chair, and settle in with a steaming cup of something warm - the 2018 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge is here! This year, there are 40 book prompts to broaden your reading scope and push you to actually accomplish your New Year's resolution to read more in 2018. If you're really hardcore and breeze through the main list, there are an additional 10 book prompts in the "advanced" section. We're especially excited about this year's creative new batch of prompts, which include "true crime," "a book by a female author who uses a male pseudonym," and "a book about a villain or antihero."
Before you stress about tackling all 50 books, just remember that the point of the reading challenge is to push yourself to diversify your reading (hey, we all get stuck in a genre rut!) and just have fun with it. And if you read more books in 2018 than in 2017, even better. The best part? You may even discover a new favorite book along the way!
So you've decided to take the reading challenge - what now? We'd suggest joining this Goodreads group, which is made up of more than 8,000 readers who participate in the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge every year. In addition to keeping you accountable, the group's impressively well-read and supportive members swap book ideas for the prompts and discuss their favorite (and least favorite) reads throughout the year. You'll also be able to track which books you've read and rate them on the site.
Download our printable list here (or our advanced list here), checking off the books as you go, and pin the handy graphic below for reference. Share your progress on Instagram with #popsugarreadingchallenge!
Spoiler alert: we got a little meta. So for the prompt to choose your favorite prompt from past challenges, here they are for reference: 2015, 2016, 2017.
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.
The Most Popular Lipstick on Pinterest Only Costs $8
True life: I'm a prestige beauty brand sucker. I'm fancy and fabulous, which means that I've paid upward of $50 for one single lipstick. Yes, it's too much. Do I regret it? Absolutely not - my lips looked totally fire. However, according to Pinterest, one of the best and most popular shades out there retails for a very affordable $9.
As Allure reports, the photo-sharing website has noticed a spike in interest for L'Oréal Paris Infallible Paints in Spicy Blush ($9). Although it's definitely more of a lacquer than your traditional lipstick bullet, this shade has won fans over with its opaque coverage and shiny, almost vinyl-esque finish.
As one Target reviewer wrote, "I think [Spicy Blush] is a perfect color on any skin tones. It's just a perfect color for anyone, really." According to another, "These lip paints are gorgeous with amazing color payoff . . . I don't feel the need to reapply excessively." Can we get a "hell yeah" for a lunch-proof shine?
What's more, the rose hue is crazy-versatile. It's subdued and dusty enough for Fall and Winter, but just bright enough once Spring comes around again. It's almost like the white button-down shirt of lip paints - an old, reliable go-to that looks chic and polished.
17 Photos That Prove Blond Works on Every Skin Tone
We tend to be so attached to our hair that even the merest cut or trim can spark months of mourning until the lost inches grow back. That's even more true when it comes to color. Despite the popularity of bright hair color trends inspired by everything from Fruity Pebbles to candy floss, the idea of going blond is still a bold move many shy away from. If you're on the fence about adopting the bold color, let your inhibitions go and let the following beauties inspire you to become a bottle blond.
16 Easy-to-Make Latin Cocktails That'll Spread Holiday Cheer
It's true that most of us tend to scoff and smirk at the pumpkin craze busting out at the first sign of Fall, but once the holiday season comes around, you know there are certain things that make everyone undoubtedly get pumped, even if they're part of an ever-present and overdone trend. Holiday cocktails definitely top the list for us! From Latin-inspired eggnog to Christmassy margaritas to cinnamon sangria, we have all the seasonal recipes you should mix up for your next holiday soiree.
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.
Yes, You Can Open a Wine Bottle With a House Key - Watch This Genius Life Hack
No corkscrew? Not a problem. There's nothing worse than being ready for a glass of wine and realizing you can't even open the bottle. Luckily, if you don't have a wine opener with you, there's a genius life hack that will solve your problem.
YouTube user DaveHax demonstrates how to open a wine bottle with a simple house key in the video above. The hack tends to work better on synthetic corks, but it never hurts to try it out on real corks as well. Check it out!
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.
The Only Couple's Workout You Need to Feel the Burn This Holiday Season
While you should certainly indulge in every bit of rest and relaxation that comes with a holiday break, don't completely forget about your health and fitness goals. Not sure how to stay active with a packed house full of relatives? Try a partner workout!
To guide you, Puerto Rican personal trainer Idalis Velazquez, who is working with Unilever as a part of its empowering #100PorCientoTu campaign, created a five-step HIIT workout guaranteed to leave you feeling the burn. When you're ready to get started, do each of the following moves for 30 seconds with a 15-second break between them. After a full circuit, switch places with your partner, rest for 60 seconds, and do the routine one more time!
30 Styling Tricks We're Stealing From Queen Letizia and Never Giving Back
There are a few reasons Queen Letizia's fans scour the internet for the exact details on her outfits. To start with, the Spanish royal often mixes high-end designer pieces worthy of a ruler with fast-fashion items from brands like Zara, so you can actually steal her exact look. Then, there's the fact that she manages to find new and fun ways to wear classic pieces repeatedly without looking dull. But above all, there's the queen's ability to take risks and show us that when it comes to fashion, there are no rules. Straight ahead, you'll find 30 times her outfits held an important lesson. These are the basics to mastering her signature style.
15 Sexy Movies to Stream on Netflix in November
If you're like Marvin Gaye and are in need of some "sexual healing," fear not. Netflix has you covered with its wide assortment of steamy romances. Its new offerings range from crime comedies like The Whole Nine Yards to period dramas like The Reader. We've rounded up a comprehensive list of some of the sexiest movies to instantly stream this month, so grab some popcorn and get cozy!
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."
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!
This Japanese Method of Gift Wrapping Will Take You 15 Seconds - No Joke!
The Japanese department store Takashimaya has gone viral over the past few years for its unique and crazy-fast gift-wrapping method. YouTube user BeatTheBush created a video that breaks down the steps for you so that you can try wrapping presents like this yourself. All it takes are three pieces of tape and three folds. Watch how to do it, then master the method so you can save tons of time - it will take just 15 seconds once you become a pro!
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.
Here's Every Step Megan Took to Lose 37 Pounds
After a trip to Las Vegas with her boyfriend, Kevin, and his sister, Lindsey, Megan realized just how uncomfortable she was in her own body. She decided that it was time to make a change in her health and lose weight together with her boyfriend and friend - it would be a team effort!
Megan: Before
Megan with her boyfriend, Kevin.
The three opted for Weight Watchers and individually have seen so much personal success, but they couldn't have done it without the strength of and support from their team effort. Ahead you'll see Megan's story detailing her 37-pound weight loss, read about her healthy-eating tips, hear some words of wisdom about ordering at restaurants (no shame!), and get some ideas for a new smartwatch fitness tracker.
POPSUGAR: What made you decide to start your weight-loss journey?
Megan Murphy: We [Megan, Kevin, and Lindsey] got back from Vegas and were reviewing photos from our trip, and I was disappointed with what I saw. That Summer had been a series of "quick fix" attempts at dropping some weight before events, and Vegas was no different. It had reached a point where I wasn't only upset with the photos but I was constantly uncomfortable with my body.
PS: What drew you to Weight Watchers? Had you tried other programs before?
MM: What haven't I tried?! I have a bachelor's degree in dietetics, so I know the science of a balanced diet and understand nutrition and food chemistry but was never quite able to make it work for me. I loathe counting calories, and as soon as you tell me I can't have something, I want it so much more.
I had heard of Weight Watchers a hundred times over and had known people who were very successful on the program - and knowing that nothing was off limits with Weight Watchers was a big deciding factor for me. I also loved that the new program had a greater emphasis on exercise! It really pushed me to get back in the gym.
PS: What's your favorite way to work out?
MM: I love to run. I enjoy sprinting, distance running, circuit training, interval runs, you name it. I like to balance my week with some intense cardio like running, or sprinting and lifting, or HIIT workouts.
"It's nice to have other people pushing you to follow through and go to the gym. Accountability is key!"
PS: What's your weekly exercise schedule?
MM: It depends on the day! We [boyfriend Kevin and his sister, Lindsey] all Spin together, and it's a great way to spend time with friends. If our schedules allow, we like to work out together; it's nice to have other people pushing you to follow through and go to the gym. Accountability is key!
Megan: After
PS: How do you keep workouts exciting?
MM: I like to use Pinterest and Instagram to find new workout ideas. I like to use these workouts for ideas to make my own; keeping it interesting makes me want to do it. I also love to try classes at new studios. There's a place in Louisville we just discovered that offers obstacle-course style fitness; I'm so excited to give it a try!
PS: What was the first big difference, other than the number on the scale, that really made you feel proud and excited?
MM: I was most upset about the extreme roundness of my face and the fullness of my cheeks. It wasn't until I lost over 25 pounds that I started to notice a difference in my face, but when I did, it was so reinvigorating! Seeing muscle isn't so bad, either.
Megan: Before and After
PS: How do you track your weight loss?
MM: I log my weight in the Weight Watchers app and have measurements that I've taken over the years to compare.
"I don't feel bad customizing my order at restaurants anymore. I used to get so embarrassed, but it's my health and I'm not going to be ashamed for sticking to my plan!"
PS: What's a typical day of meals and snacks?
MM: Breakfast is usually some sort of egg white scramble or oatmeal (I love oatmeal and all the different combos that can keep it interesting!). Lunch varies every week but is usually lean protein and veggies. I get snacky in the afternoon and might have a Quest Bar if I'm really hungry or some fruit - usually an apple or berries. Sometimes cherry tomatoes or snap peas. Dinners are always changing. We take turns cooking dinner so the menu is always rotating! I love dessert, so I'll usually have a protein mug cake, some yogurt, or Halo Top for dessert!
PS: Do you count calories?
MM: Not consistently; I've tried to do both count calories and macros on top of [Weight Watchers] points, but they're not as effective for me. I'm a volume eater, so seeing calories in an apple or carbs in snap peas is discouraging to me. I like knowing that these healthy snack choices are at 0 SmartPoints. I get 30 SmartPoints per day, and I usually eat right around 30 SmartPoints.
PS: What are the healthy staples that are always in your fridge?
MM: Nut butter, egg whites, yogurt, prosciutto, chicken sausage, fruit/veggies, RxBars, Halo Top, cashew milk, plain oatmeal, Quest protein powder.
Megan: Before and After
PS: How do you strategize for meals out?
MM: Weight Watchers has taught me how to be smarter about eating out. I still eat the things I want but weigh if they're worth it or not before I order them. I also don't feel bad customizing my order at restaurants anymore. If I want my veggies with no butter or oil, or my cheese and dressing and nuts for my salad all on the side so I can control how much of each I use, then I order that way. I used to get so embarrassed, but it's my health and I'm not going to be ashamed for sticking to my plan!
PS: Do you use a fitness tracker?
MM: I have a Garmin Forerunner 235, and I LOVE IT! Kevin keeps trying to get me to get an Apple Watch, but I'm obsessed with my watch and don't want to change. I love the race predictor feature; it really pushes me! And I love seeing my VO2 improve as I get fitter!
PS: What has it been like being on this journey with a loved one?
MM: It has made all the difference! At times it's easy to get jealous when you're on a plateau and it seems like everyone else is making progress, but ultimately we are excited for each other's success! Having people who can push you to keep going or bounce ideas for healthy meals off of is invaluable. Going into a tailgate or a party and knowing that you won't be peer pressured by everyone to eat bad food and have other people who will stick with you is a gift!
"Having people who can push you to keep going or bounce ideas for healthy meals off of is invaluable."
PS: What role did Weight Watchers play in your journey? Would you recommend it?
MM: I recommend Weight Watchers to everyone who will listen! Since last August, the group of people who have joined Weight Watchers with Kevin, Lindsey, and I has crept into the teens! I have a better sense of portion control now and feel more confident in making food decisions.
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 13 Best AR Apps and Games You Need to Download Right Now
Augmented reality – or AR, as it's more commonly known – is one of those things that lots of people talk about, but very few actually understand. Aside from being the phrase that was (loosely) used to denote the real-life component of Pokémon Go, or used to describe the 3D bitmoji that now live in Snapchat, it's the underlying technology that allows you to mash up real life and the imaginary by simply pointing your phone's camera lens at the world around you. And with the release of Apple's iOS 11, the ability to use it comes standard on every Apple device – and it's high time we all start using the rad new technology we've got at our fingertips more often.
To help you out a bit, we've tested a whole lot of the app offerings in the App Store in to come up with the very best in AR apps and games that are available to download right now. Ahead, click through 13 of these delightfully future-forward apps – all of which will help you get cracking on being the first of your friends to master the latest in ubercool tech.
10 Cult Quotes That Need to Be Included in Your Wedding
We draw a lot of inspiration from TV and film for our real-life events, so if you and your betrothed are passionate about a certain show or nerdy interest, then there's no reason to leave it out of your wedding day. Don't want to go all-out for a themed wedding? Consider incorporating these words of love into your wedding vows or readings for a subtle touch of geekery.
The Punisher: If You Skipped Daredevil, Read This or You'll Be Confused
Have you started watching Netflix's The Punisher series and found yourself trying to remember exactly how the winsome journalist named Karen is connected to our intrepid antihero, Frank Castle? Never fear - we can help.
Karen Page, played by Deborah Ann Woll of True Blood, is from Daredevil. She originally works as a secretary at Union Allied Construction, meeting Foggy Nelson and Matt Murdock when they represent her over bogus murder charges. Page is being framed because she's a potential whistleblower for UAC's money-laundering activities. When Nelson and Murdock get her cleared of all charges, Page begins working as a paralegal for them.
As she continues to investigate UAC's criminal dealings, Page begins working with Ben Urich of the New York Bulletin. This eventually lands her a job at the newspaper, though that is months later, when she begins investigating the real story behind Frank Castle's killing spree. Page is disgusted that none of the stories about his crimes mention that the mobsters he's killing were responsible for murdering his wife and children, so she sets out to find out why and discovers that some higher-ups in New York City went to great lengths to cover up what happened to the Castle family.
Page and Castle forge an unlikely connection when he's on trial for his crimes, and she's one of his few advocates. She shows him a kindness and sympathy that few others do and that, coupled with the great onscreen chemistry Woll and Bernthal have together, has led to a vocal contingent of fans who heartily ship "Kastle."
Now on The Punisher, Frank is embroiled in a conspiracy bigger than he ever could have guessed, going back to the tours of duty he served in the Middle East. As he investigates who is really responsible for his family's death, Karen keeps appearing to try to talk him back from the ledge. At one point, she begs him to stop all the killing so that there's something left of him - because if he continues down this path, he may disappear altogether into the darkness. They share some lovely moments together in The Punisher, which are sure to have the Kastle contingent cheering.
But fans shouldn't get too excited about "Kastle" just yet. As Woll told Harper's Bazaar, there is something to be said for a platonic friendship between a man and a woman on screen.
"Jon and I certainly feel that there's room within that story to go there. But I also think as a woman, not every relationship with a man in the story has to be romantic," said Woll. "Frank's whole plot line is about avenging the murders of his wife and children, who he loved desperately, and until he comes to some closure with that, I don't know that Karen can really step on those toes. I do think that there's affection and longing between them, and just how that manifests, we'll just have to see."
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!
Taylor Swift Has Been Owning the Beauty Game Since 1989
Since entering the public eye in 2006 (feel old yet?), Taylor Swift has evolved into a true beauty star. It first began when she ditched her signature curly hair for a straight, shaggy lob.
Just when we thought her go-to winged liner and red lip (which remained a rare consistency in this ever-changing world) was here to stay, she shocked us all by going goth.
Now her strands are straight and her rouge is dark, but we still find inspiration from her past looks. Take a trip down memory lane with us by remembering her best beauty moments!
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!
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.
The Heartbreaking Way This Teacher Discovered 5 Students' Biggest Secrets
When Elle Deal decided to try a new exercise with her fifth grade students, the Friday activity turned into something incredibly heartbreaking.
The elementary school teacher asked her kids to write a short blurb, titled, "I wish my teacher would know . . . " and their answers left a major impact on her. Elle shared a few of the heartbreaking (and anonymous) statements on Facebook as a reminder to everyone to "leave this life a little better than how we found it."
"Kid 1: I wish my teacher would know, my dad is in jail and I haven't seen him in years.
Kid 2: I wish my teacher would know, I don't always eat dinner because my mom works and I don't know how to work the stove.
Kid 3: I wish my teacher would know, my sister sleeps in the same bed as me and sometimes she wets the bed and that's why I smell funny.
Kid 4: I wish my teacher would know that I don't always have sneakers for gym class because my brothers and I share one pair.
Kid 5: I wish my teacher would know I like coming to school because it's quiet here, not like my house with all the yelling."
This simple activity reinforced Elle's desire to spend her life hopefully making a difference for others. "We spend so much time talking and judging what we think we know . . . we need to ask more questions and spend more time listening," she wrote. "We also need to shift our mindset and see things from other people's perspective, give more than we get, and live to serve."
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