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.
samedi 9 décembre 2017
Here's Why Macronutrients Are an Important Part of a Healthy Diet
Are you finding yourself counting calories, sticking to your numbers, and even still not seeing results? The problem might be not about the number of calories, but the kind of calories.
We chatted with certified personal trainer and nutrition coach Carrie McMahon, author of the e-book Why You Should Count Macronutrients, Not Calories. With a life revolving around calorie counting and uncontrollable cheat days (sound familiar?), McMahon was stuck in a restrict-and-binge cycle that she couldn't seem to escape. She soon realized that in order to make a change in her health, she needed to change her approach to food - so she ditched the calorie counting in favor of a less mainstream concept: macronutrient counting.
"Macronutrients are what make up the caloric content of a food," says McMahon. Sometimes referred to as "macros," the three categories of macronutrients are carbohydrates, fat, and protein. The caloric combination of the macros is where that mysterious total number of calories comes from. Here's the breakdown:
- 1 gram of carbohydrates = 4 calories
- 1 gram of fat = 9 calories
- 1 gram of protein = 4 calories
So it's not about how many calories are in your food, but what kind of calories are in your food. Even if you set a strict calorie limit and stick to it, you could be eating total garbage and not getting the nutrients you need. McMahon herself said that back in her days of calorie counting, she would eat "low-fat bars and cereals, fat-free ready meals, et cetera . . . all day long." The result? "I felt like sh*t."
What are the benefits of ditching your calorie-counting ways? For starters, you can indulge with a little less guilt. "Let yourself eat those treats!" says McMahon. "Fit them into your macro allowances, and don't just stick to 'boring foods' or you'll burn out" - and in turn, binge. When you're eating a balanced diet, "cravings go away, because you're not deficient in anything." This balance will "give you more energy, better workouts, and better results." Feeling better, working out better, killing cravings, and treating yo'self? Sign us up!
Ready to get started? Decide whether you want to increase your metabolism, lose fat, or build muscle. McMahon recommends the following daily proportions to her clients beginning this nutritional program:
- Boost Metabolism and/or Build Muscle: 40 percent protein, 35 percent carbohydrates, 25 percent fat
- Lose Fat: 45 percent protein, 35 percent carbohydrates, 20 percent fat
Since tracking can be tough (and a tad math intensive), download a macro-counting app (she recommends My Macros+ app ($3)), where you can enter your foods for each meal while the app does the math for you. That way, you can see if you're reaching your daily numbers, and start reaching your healthy goals.
The 1 Floral Scent Both Kate Middleton and Princess Diana Wore For Their Weddings
Image Source: Getty
To paraphrase The Devil Wears Prada, florals for a Spring wedding may not exactly be groundbreaking, but, according to Marie Claire UK, the scent has been good enough for the past two royal weddings. As it turns out, both Princess Diana and Kate Middleton both reached for two different (and extremely luxurious) flower fragrances.
When Princes Diana walked down the aisle to marry Prince Charles on July 29, 1981, millions of people watched. So it would make sense that the 20-year-old, who has reportedly only been on 12 dates with her future husband, would get a little nervous. As legend has it, Princess Diana was so shaky that she spilled her perfume, Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant Paris ($190), all over herself - and her now-famous dress.
The scent, which was supposedly her go-to, can still be purchased today - but it sounds almost too extravagant to spray. That's because one ounce of Quelques Fleurs is made up of around 15,000 flowers. The florals in question are rose, orange blossom, and lily of the valley. (Remember that last ingredient!)
When Kate Middleton became a Duchess on April 29, 2011, she chose a softer, more tropical tone. As per usual with any beauty product Kate Middleton uses, Illuminum's White Gardenia Petals sold out pretty much instantly once it was revealed to be the royal wedding fragrance.
Perhaps this choice included a small nod to Kate's late mother-in-law, as it carries a top note of lily. Brides-to-be: guess it's time to stock up on lily?
How to Get Foundation Out of Clothes
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone
Countless shirts have been ruined by an innocent hug that left a large foundation smear. While your first inclination might be to reach for the makeup remover, think again. The oil, which is meant for the skin, might actually make the situation worse. Save your shirts, towels, bath mats, and more with three tips for removing foundation stains. Just keep reading for the details.
What to Pack in Your Bridal Beauty Survival Kit
Even the most prepared bride can encounter beauty mishaps on her wedding day. But you've spent so much time getting ready; it would be a shame to not be prepared in case something goes awry. So consider arranging a bridal survival kit to pack with you for the ceremony and reception. It should contain everything you need for wedding day minidisasters, from preaisle jitters to runny mascara and stained dresses. Spread the items among your bridesmaids so you'll never be without your tools in a clutch. Scroll to see what to have on hand to be prepared for every outcome or print it before your big day!
Makeup Mishaps:
- Blotting papers to battle shiny skin in your photos
- Makeup remover pads if you get misty-eyed
- Lip gloss to keep you looking polished
- Q-tips for smudges
- Eye drops to quell redness
- Facial tissues to wipe away what needs to be wiped away
Hair Hijinks:
- Hair spray for quick pickups (and clingy dresses)
- Extra hairpins for updos (but ensure the style passes a jump test, too)
- Compact mirror for periodic dance floor checkups
- Travel comb and brush
Dress Debacle:
- Clear nail polish (if you're wearing stockings) to fix runs
- An emery board, to prevent snags in case you get a jagged nail
- White chalk to cover any stains or scuffs
- Dry shampoo to keep sweat at bay under the arms and down the bride's back
- Feminine hygiene items
- Band-Aids for blisters and cuts
- Krazy Glue for heel fixes and veil tears
- Double-sided tape and safety pins to hold whatever needs to be held together together
Kissing Close-Ups:
- A travel toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss and mints
- A sample size of your favorite fragrance
- Antacid, aspirin, and Pepto-Bismol to banish prewedding nerves and aches
Be sure to check out POPSUGAR Beauty on Pinterest, where you'll find a pin-friendly version of the above!
13 Unscented Lotions That Guarantee Winter Skin Survival
We all want soft skin, but it shouldn't come at the cost of a heavy body lotion clashing with your favorite fragrence. Those with sensitive skin are presented with an even bigger challenge since scented lotions tend to pack harmful ingredients that enhance the smell but can cause irritation. Whether it be a luxe designer product or drugstore favorite, a moisturizing skin care cream doesn't have to smell sweet. These perfume-free finds for face and body are ideal for every budget and promise to keep your outer layers hydrated.
What Diversity and Inclusion in Modeling Means to 9 Victoria's Secret Angels
With 55 models representing 20 countries cast in the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai, it was bound to be the most diverse cast yet. And when we spoke with the models backstage before they show, they were feeling empowered by these stats.
Plus, lead hairstylist Anthony Nadar and Tom Pecheaux made sure to embrace the models' natural beauty and features. For hair, Nadar gave most models glam bombshell waves using a blow dryer, extensions, and a curling iron. While this style looks gorgeous on many, it can damage natural hair. So anyone who has curly hair was able to rock their god-given texture. On the makeup side, Pecheaux cocktails Victoria's Secret Velvet Matte Lio Cream Stains to create bespoke nude shades for each model.
Here, nine models weighed in on what being in the most diverse roster yet means to them.
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.
The 23 Best New Books of Winter Will Have You Hibernating Over the Holidays
Brenda Janowitz is the POPSUGAR books correspondent. She is the author of five novels, including The Dinner Party.
Brrr, it's getting cold out there. The holiday season is upon us and the snow will be falling soon, but don't fret. I've got just the thing for your Winter blues. I'm ready to tell you what to read after you hit the slopes and settle in to relax by that warm fire. So grab a hot chocolate, and get ready - I've got the best new books of Winter!
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!
The 12 Trendiest Travel Destinations of 2017
Throughout 2017, travelers took on new adventures to discover the trendiest destinations and best places to go around the world. We've compiled a list of this year's most popular travel hot spots that are buzzing all over social media. Decide which destination you want to explore and start packing!
12 No-Cook Breakfasts That Support Your Weight-Loss Goals
If you can't seem to set aside the extra time to cook breakfast in the morning, these no-cook recipes will change your life. Light, delicious, and easy to throw together, all of the following sweet and savory options come together in under two minutes. With these quick recipes under your belt, you'll never have to skip breakfast again!
Too Faced Drops the Unicorn Survival Kit You've All Been Waiting For
Update: The time has finally come - Too Faced's highly-anticipated Unicorn Survival Kit ($26) is available to shop right now. What are you waiting for?
Original Post: Just when you started getting depressed that Summer Fridays are soon ending, remember: once Fall arrives, holiday shopping commences! This means limited-edition gift sets, tons of sparkle, and amazing deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. We're getting antsy just thinking about it!
To kick it off, we have, in the words of Jerrod Blandino, a "sneaky peeky" of the Too Faced holiday offering - and it's good. Expect the brand's premium planner (as well as stickers, because '90s!), glitter pots to decorate your eyes, Better Than Sex Mascara ornaments, and - wait for it - a Unicorn Survival Kit! It's all happening sooner than you think since many of these products arrive in stores in September. Keep reading, and get ready to lose totally it!
Mean Girls Makeup Holders Exist, So Get In Loser, We're Going Shopping
Spectrum Cosmetics keeps trying to make Mean Girls makeup happen, and guess what - it is totally happening. If you recall, earlier this Fall the brand released a set of 10 brushes inspired by the greatest film of all time (that is an inarguable fact, friends). But the UK-based brand was just getting started dropping Plastic-approved products.
This time, Spectrum has released three cosmetics cases, four sets of false lashes, and none for Gretchen Wieners. So get in loser, we're going shopping - for the second wave of Spectrum x Mean Girls makeup, ahead.
12 Dolls That Look Nothing Like Your Childhood Barbie
Dressing up and beautifying our beloved dolls was a huge part of our childhood. While we learned how to primp and pamper from our toys, that devotion to Barbie taught us a lot about society's strict beauty standards (blond hair, blue eyes, hourglass frame). Luckily, a lot has changed since our youth! Not only have we realized those goals were completely unrealistic, but so have toy makers. Many of them have decided to toss the unattainable beauty standards and give dolls a real-girl makeover - something that older women can appreciate and young girls of all shapes, sizes, and colors can truly look up to. When it comes to everything from stretch marks to finally being able to kick off those stiletto heels, these dolls are giving the world something real to play with!
This Glorious Marriott Will Deliver a 10-Pound Doughnut to Your Door
Sure, you can make your own giant Funfetti doughnut at home, but what if you could order one through room service and have it delivered to your door? JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in California is doing just that! The hotel is now offering a "Donut Disturb" special in which a 10-pound doughnut is brought to you via room service for the reasonable price of $219. This package includes a round of milkshakes to pair with the doughnut and a $50 hotel credit to be used at the spa, golf course, or hotel dining.
How did the chefs create such a giant doughnut? It's technically cake and it's made fresh in house. Layers of vanilla chiffon cake, cream, and raspberry jam are molded into a doughnut shape and coated in fondant. A coffee lacquer is sprayed on the outside (to give it a fried doughnut appearance). Strawberry glaze is drizzled on top and then it's finally coated in large homemade sprinkles.
Luckily for us, the team at Foodbeast ordered the doughnut so we can all live vicariously. Foodbeast founder Elie Ayrouth told POPSUGAR that the doughnut tasted "[l]ike the most delicious wedding cake possible." He added, "[I]t's definitely lavish, fun to order to the room to get your weekend going and then we just had it all weekend to pick at. [O]bviously [we] didn't eat it all in one s[i]tting." After seeing all the close-ups of this humongous doughnut, you may be inspired to book a trip to Desert Springs ASAP.
The Creators of Pokémon Go Are Making a Harry Potter Game For 2018
Update: Additional details officially revealed by Warner Bros. have been added to the original story below.
Merlin's beard! Harry Potter is about to make a serious comeback - on our mobile phones.
On Nov. 8, it was reported that Niantic Labs - the company behind the phenomenon that was Pokémon Go - is working on a follow-up to their 2016 AR masterpiece, and that the subject would be none other than Harry Potter. Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is expected to be released in 2018 on all devices (just like its predecessor) and the official website for the game describes the gameplay as exploring "real-world neighbourhoods and cities to discover mysterious artifacts, learn to cast spells, and encounter legendary beasts and iconic characters along the way!" Here's what TechCrunch, who first broke the news, had to say about the development:
"The app is now official, but the details are still scarce, with the launch timeframe of just sometime next year, but it sounds like there will be significant influence from the Niantic game Ingress, which allows players to roam the real world collecting power-ups, defending locations and exploring their environment.
The mechanics of Ingress would actually translate pretty well to the fictional Harry Potter universe, and seems almost ready-made for a fantasy spell casting coat of paint to replace its science-fiction special forces veneer. Also, like Pokémon Go, it could benefit from the location database built up by Ingress originally (and expanded by the Pokémon title) to incorporate real-world locations into the in-game experience."
I don't know about you guys, but I definitely just set up a Google Alert - and you can bet that we'll be bringing you all the additional details on the forthcoming game the second we hear anything more.
People Are Losing It Over These Excerpts From Ivanka Trump's 2009 Book That Have Resurfaced
After New Yorker journalist Jia Tolentino reviewed Ivanka Trump's 2009 book, The Trump Card, in light of her father's presidential victory, people started sharing excerpts across Twitter. They reveal, unsurprisingly, Ivanka's privileged upbringing.
In one passage, Ivanka recounts how she "had no such advantages" to set up a lemonade stand outside Trump Tower, suggesting the inability was a setback. Ivanka commented on her troubles setting up a lemonade stand as making "the best out of a bad situation."
This passage. Woooooooof. http://pic.twitter.com/Uw6czL0w0l
- Hanna Brooks Olsen (@mshannabrooks) November 29, 2016
Tolentino points to another excerpt where Ivanka talked about having to fly coach on a trip to France. "She offers a story about being forced, by her mother, to fly coach to the south of France as the moment she realized she needed to make her own money," Tolentino wrote.
Take a look at how people responded to the book on Twitter.
Lesson: When life hands you a billion dollars worth of lemons, shake down your median-wage household staff with lemonade. https://t.co/Iwv1CfDGBs
- Blobert 🌮 (@blobert) November 30, 2016
Best anecdote in Ivanka's awful book...she & bros made fake arrowheads, sold to neighoring kids for $5 https://t.co/AyErP8lXvH @jiatolentino
- James Greiff (@JamesGreiff) November 30, 2016
makes me really rethink my thoughts on ivanka. had no idea she had to deal with something like this https://t.co/fuJiPk50cM http://pic.twitter.com/lbYhfrrDy4
- maxwell (@maxwellstrachan) November 29, 2016
Throughout the book, Tolentino wrote, Ivanka reveals "a telling portrait of the Trump-family ethos." But it also reveals just how out of touch with the average American the Trumps are.
We Will Never Get Over Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI's Wedding
On May 22, 2004, we were glued to our television, hoping to get a glimpse of Letizia Ortiz, now the queen of Spain, in her gorgeous wedding gown. Even in our craziest Disney-princess-inspired dreams, we could have never imagined the stunning silk-woven dress and 15-foot train designed by couturier Manuel Pertegaz. The way it wrapped the stylish bride's slim body and moved as she walked down the aisle to meet then-Prince Felipe VI at the altar left us in awe.
Twelve years later, we're not over that moment and often find ourselves looking back at photos of the big day when the oh-so-in-love royals tied the knot at the Cathedral Santa María la Real de la Almudena in Madrid, Spain. Now, you can do the same - just keep scrolling to relive the event.
20 Reasons Queen Máxima Should Be Your Royal Style Inspiration
If you're like us, royals are your ultimate style muses - who doesn't want to dress like a princess, right? But if you've grown a little tired of looking at Kate Middleton's style and even Queen Letizia's repeat outfits - hey, we love them too, but it happens - we have another royal you should definitely turn to for inspiration: Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.
The Argentina-born queen is constantly surprising us with her versatility, one day wearing a very classic skirt suit and the next showing off a printed jumpsuit or incredible designer dress. Believe us, though, that ability to try different trends isn't the only reason you should be following her. Keep reading to find out more.
The Creators of Pokémon Go Are Making a Harry Potter Game For 2018
Update: Additional details officially revealed by Warner Bros. have been added to the original story below.
Merlin's beard! Harry Potter is about to make a serious comeback - on our mobile phones.
On Nov. 8, it was reported that Niantic Labs - the company behind the phenomenon that was Pokémon Go - is working on a follow-up to their 2016 AR masterpiece, and that the subject would be none other than Harry Potter. Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is expected to be released in 2018 on all devices (just like its predecessor) and the official website for the game describes the gameplay as exploring "real-world neighbourhoods and cities to discover mysterious artifacts, learn to cast spells, and encounter legendary beasts and iconic characters along the way!" Here's what TechCrunch, who first broke the news, had to say about the development:
"The app is now official, but the details are still scarce, with the launch timeframe of just sometime next year, but it sounds like there will be significant influence from the Niantic game Ingress, which allows players to roam the real world collecting power-ups, defending locations and exploring their environment.
The mechanics of Ingress would actually translate pretty well to the fictional Harry Potter universe, and seems almost ready-made for a fantasy spell casting coat of paint to replace its science-fiction special forces veneer. Also, like Pokémon Go, it could benefit from the location database built up by Ingress originally (and expanded by the Pokémon title) to incorporate real-world locations into the in-game experience."
I don't know about you guys, but I definitely just set up a Google Alert - and you can bet that we'll be bringing you all the additional details on the forthcoming game the second we hear anything more.
The First and Last Lines of the Harry Potter Books Will Send You on a Roller Coaster of Emotions
The witches and wizards in the world of Harry Potter came a LONG way over the course of seven novels. If you're a hardcore fan, then it probably felt a bit like it was your own journey as well. Rereading the first line of The Sorcerer's Stone and the last line of The Deathly Hallows back to back will make you feel so many things. It's bittersweet, it's funny, it's nostalgic, and it will definitely make you smile. Or cry. Or both.
We put together the first and last sentences of all the books, and they'll remind you of everything, good and bad, that your favorite characters made it through (or didn't make it through; still not OK about the whole Fred thing, Rowling). Yet still, in the end, all was well.
How Many Hours of Sleep You Need Based on Your Zodiac Sign
You may be a night owl or an early riser, but turns out, the stars might have some say in what sleeping patterns you exhibit. And no matter if you're fighting your sign's natural tendencies or not, there might just be a certain number of hours of nightly shut-eye that can keep your body balanced and well, based on the zodiac. (And, get this: the way you meditate for balance is also influenced by your zodiac sign.)
Of course, you're better off listening to your body and the stars here - even if that means hitting the hay earlier than you'd like in order to secure those extra minutes - as you might find yourself getting more sick, tired, or hostile if you're skimping on those zzz's. (And those around you will probably urge you to get some rest, as well.)
Goods news - we found out how many hours you need each night based on your sign in order to avoid being that angry, bitter customer waiting in line at Starbucks on your morning commute. Here, astrologer Joshua MacGuire shares his tips. It's pretty important to follow, as lack of sleep can damage your health long-term.
Make These 69 DIY Cleaning Products For Pennies
If you're tired of reaching for cleaning products with ingredients you can't even pronounce, then head to your local grocery store for a few basic components, and make your own. These eco-friendly concoctions will leave your house sparkling. From window cleaner to grout whitener, you'll be amazed at how easy these DIYs are to pull off. And after making the initial investment for the all-natural ingredients, these cleaning supplies cost pennies per concoction to make.
Ulta Just Launched Its Holiday Beauty Blitz Sale, and You're Going to Want It All
If you feel like you missed out on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, not to worry, because there are still plenty of amazing promotions leading up to Christmas. Ulta just launched its Holiday Beauty Blitz Sale, which features one item that is 50 percent off every day of the month! The mega retailer is releasing the details and previewing five products at a time, and it's all available both in stores and online. We rounded up a list of the deals from now until Dec. 10, from brands like Becca, Benefit, and Anastasia Beverly Hills, so you won't want to miss out. Check out these hot picks before it's too late.
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.
10 of the Most Anticipated Books Out in 2018
This year may not be over yet, but we're already excited about the books coming out in 2018. Whether you love celebrity memoirs, literary fiction, mysteries, or nonfiction, we've got something for you. So, ask Santa for gift cards to your favorite bookstore this year, because you're going to be buying up a storm in 2018!
Major Life Hack: You Can Get PSL Oatmeal at Starbucks
I've considered myself extremely well versed in Starbucks hacks, but when our Fitness director Michele Foley told me she had made pumpkin spice oatmeal at the hallowed halls of the green siren, I may or may not have started screaming in our conference room. She has allowed me to share this blessed secret with all of you, so without further ado: Happy holidays and, you're welcome.
The trick? Ask the barista to add some pumpkin spice sauce to your classic oatmeal. That's it! You may or may not know that you can also up the ante by having your barista make your oats with steamed milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk, depending on your dietary preferences. The result is a creamy flavored oatmeal that has as much holiday spirit as it does health benefits. It's the next best thing to having actual pumpkin pie for breakfast, in our opinion.
You can add as many pumps as you like - the barista will charge you the standard rate in your area for extra syrup. Michele only did one pump and it made her oatmeal nice and subtly spicy (just look at that rich orange color!). She noted that "two is the magic number" and suggested adding nuts and cranberries for a festive addition. Top it off with a little cinnamon and nutmeg from the bar, and you've got an instant gourmet meal.
And fun fact: if you're not into pumpkin, you can totally do this with other syrups and sauces. Maybe cinnamon dolce is more your style, or you're feeling like eggnog for the holidays (you can have them make it with eggnog instead of milk, if you're feeling indulgent). Bon appetit!
How to Wear Lavender Eye Shadow, Fall 2017's Hottest Celeb-Loved Trend
We've already seen pastel purple highlighters taking off this season, and now the color trend is coming for our eyes too. At the recent InStyle Awards, both Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez arrived wearing matching lavender shadow. But they aren't the only ones: Rita Ora just wore the look at an MTV TRL visit and Rihanna did at one of her Fenty launch parties. Perhaps the trend is a result of lasting influence from the unicorn beauty phenomenon. Perhaps it's premature excitement for Winter's frosty color palettes. Either way, we're 100 percent on board.
"I love that lavender is feminine, edgy, and chic all at the same time. It really pops against brown eyes," celebrity makeup artist Jill Powell, who did Demi's look, told POPSUGAR. Inspired by the singer's lavender dress and "chic rocker vibe," she mixed together two cream shadows to create the vibrant purple hue: Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Color Paint Shadows ($25) in M-90 Matte Purple and I-80 Iridescent Pink Beige. She also layered Amethyst from Kat Von D's Alchemist Holographic Palette ($32) on top to create an iridescent finish.
If you plan to try the look, Jill suggested having the rest of your makeup low-key. "I love to keep focus on one area for the most part. When bringing in colorful shadows, I love to keep the rest of the face more natural so it acts as the backdrop for the colorful shadows," she explained.
Jill also assured that any skin tone can pull off lavender. "Work with the depth of your tones," she advised. "Lighter skin tones should use lighter shades, and deeper skin tones should use deeper hues to coincide with the depth of their skin and avoid looking too light or ashy."
Now that you've got all the expert tricks, see more examples of lavender eye shadow from celebs and shop the trend at every price point ahead.
10 Aluminum-Free Deodorants That Actually Keep You Stink Free
You can't talk about natural deodorants without a quick lesson in B.O. 101. First you need to know the difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant. An antiperspirant has chemicals like aluminum to stop sweating altogether. The aluminum salts plug the sweat glands, preventing perspiration. On the other hand, a deodorant masks and neutralizes odor. But where does the stink come from in the first place? When the glands in your armpits emit sweat, the liquid interacts with the bacteria in the area to emit unsavory smells.
Natural deodorants use essential oils like tea tree and witch hazel to curb the bacteria. Some also have other less harmful minerals like zinc ricinoleate and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to keep the underarm area dry without stopping sweat altogether. In addition to getting rid of aluminum, most are also paraben free and safe for sensitive skin. If you're thinking about giving up antiperspirant, start with these 10 formulas that actually keep the stink at bay.
Wet n Wild Is Making History With an Albino Model in Its New Campaign
Thanks to Wet n Wild, your drugstore beauty aisle just got more diverse. The brand rolled out its "Breaking Beauty" campaign, which celebrates inclusivity by casting five gorgeous, nontraditional models as its faces. Wet n Wild is also making history - one of the women is Diandra Forrest, who has albinism. This is the first time a model with albinism is repping a major beauty launch.
You may have seen Diandra walk in New York Fashion Week or grace the cover of Ebony back in 2015. Now, she's joined by four other women to promote Wet n Wild's new launches, which are mostly vegan and ultra-affordable (the brand told POPSUGAR that its $9 Cushion Compact will be the cheapest of its kind on the market).
The other faces of Breaking Beauty are Michelle Zauner, an Asian-American musician; Briana Marquez, an Olympic weightlifter turned model; Mama Caxx, an amputee-rights advocate; and Valentijn de Hingh, a Dutch transgender model. As Diandra told Refinery29, being cast in a major beauty campaign fulfills her lifelong dream "to normalize what albinism is being depicted as."
That alone is enough to get us very excited, but don't forget that with a campaign comes new beauty products! Eight items are being dropped, including two foundations (one liquid and the aforementioned cushion option). Diandra said that Wet n Wild's 20-shade foundation range is exactly what she looks for as an albino woman: "When I showed up on set, I felt so comfortable . . . [the foundation] made me feel so beautiful."
Once you're done doing the happy dance over this win for beauty diversity, read on to see this newness for yourself. These products have launched on Wet n Wild's website and will expand to drugstores in January 2018.
These Are the 8 Must-Buy Beauty Products of Winter, According to Experts
One of the most exciting parts of Winter (at least for us beauty-lovers) is seeing what new shades and formulas our favorite brands have to offer. That said, it can be overwhelming to decide which of the many launches are worth our hard-earned money.
To make things a wee bit easier this time around, we took to the pros, who typically have access to the latest and greatest, to help us identify the makeup, nail, and skin care products that have managed to outshine all the rest.
From the red lipstick that "will make you stand taller" to the eye shadow palette fit for a "funky makeup queen" and all the foil and gem-touched products along the way, read on for some of their must-have picks.
20 Beauty Mistakes You Need to Stop Making Right Now
While we're clearly obsessed with learning everything about beauty, we'll be the first to admit that the sheer volume of information can be daunting. And some important tips can get lost along the way. Are you using the right primer? Are you using bronzer correctly? And is powder really necessary? It's easy to make some big makeup mistakes without even realizing it. Well, that stops now. Once you see which mistakes you've been making, you'll swear to never make them again - after all, your beauty reputation is on the line. And don't think that only beauty newbies are prone to errors! So read on: even if you're a professional, you're bound to pick up a new trick or two.
19 Facts About Disney's Very Own Private Island
Disney Cruise Line ships are so magical, it can sometimes be hard to imagine wanting to get off of one at all. But one look at Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas, and you'll be booking it off the boat faster than you can say "Mickey Mouse." Castaway Cay is a port that Disney Cruise Line ships sailing the Caribbean and the Bahamas dock at for a day during the trip, and it is a destination that simply can't be missed. The island offers both off- and on-land excursions all day, white sand and crystal-clear water, fun for families, and exclusive areas for adults. If you are planning your next Disney Cruise, then make sure you know these Castaway Cay facts before sailing away. Add this to your Disney bucket list!
25 Splurge-Worthy Toys Under $100
Sometimes, when your kiddo has been extra good and you're feeling generous, it's nice to be able to treat them to something nice. Whether it's bringing home a fantastic report card, that they've learned to clean up their room without asking, or just because you want to spoil them this holiday season, toys definitely bring a smile to everyone's face. Any one of these fantastic toys (all of which are under $100), will give them something to really cheer about!
If Xanax and Advil Had an Organic, All-Natural Baby, It Would Be These CBD Turmeric Capsules
If you're trying to ditch the prescriptions and over-the-counter pills in lieu of something all natural, we have a product you're going to want to check out ASAP. You already know that turmeric has been used for centuries as a natural anti-inflammatory that can outshine familiar drugs like ibuprofen. So what happens when you combine the powers of this spicy, muscle-healing root with fellow powerful anti-inflammatory CBD? A whole lot of awesome, that's what.
Sagely Naturals did just that. Its Relief & Recovery Capsules ($30-$50) combine 10 milligrams of CBD with organic turmeric to ease pain, tension, soreness - and anxiety! If you're unfamiliar with CBD or unsure of what the right dose is for your body, our best suggestion is to start small and work your way up to see what makes a difference. CBD is the nonpsychoactive compound found in the hemp (cannabis) plant, so it won't get you high, but it'll give you a sense of calm and relaxation that - in the right dose - will feel like the effects of Xanax or Ativan.
In the past couple weeks, we've tried different doses of the 10 milligram capsules - one a day, one in the morning, and one at night, two at a time - and found that the correct dose will vary based on your body (as with all kinds of medication). My personal go-to has been two capsules to get similar effects to three to four ibuprofen pills (and about 0.5 mg of Ativan).
More expensive than Advil but (somewhat) less expensive than antianxiety prescriptions, these end up costing about $2 per capsule. But the ultimate benefits here are that it's all natural, it's completely extracted from plants (thanks, Mother Nature), it kills two birds with one homeopathic stone, and it's not addictive! And while ibuprofen isn't the worst thing to put in your body, when you consider the side effects, it might have you reaching to put more plants in your body vs. chemicals.
Feeling curious? Want to get some muscle and anxiety relief all in one? These spicy little pills are easy to order online and will ship right to your door.
This Is Exactly What You Need to Eat For Breakfast to Lose Weight
Did you know you can use the first meal of the day as a tool to lose weight? Want to know how? We've enlisted the expertise of two nutritionists - Stephanie Clarke, RD, and Willow Jarosh, RD, of C&J Nutrition - to share the perfect equation for how to make a scrumptious and satisfying breakfast that will help you lose weight. Follow their advice below to start seeing results.
Calories
Aim for a range between 300 and 400 calories. If you're trying to lose weight, stick with the 300 to 350 range, and if you're trying to maintain weight, especially if you're working out, shoot closer to 350 to 400 calories.
Carbs
About 45 to 55 percent of your breakfast calories should be devoted to carbs, which is about 40 to 55 grams of carbs. Skip sugary and overly processed foods or those made with enriched white flour, and choose whole grains, fruits, and veggies.
Protein
About 15 to 20 percent of your breakfast calorie amount should be protein, which works out to about 13 to 20 grams. Getting enough protein at breakfast is important for keeping you satisfied throughout the morning. And studies have shown that getting at least 20 grams of protein at breakfast may help you lose weight as well. Eggs, dairy products, soy milk, protein powder in smoothies, nuts and seeds, and whole grains are great sources of protein.
Fats
Shoot for about 10 to 15 grams, which is about 30 to 35 percent of your total breakfast calories. Instead of saturated fats like bacon and cheese, go for monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) like olive oil, nuts and seeds and the butters made from them, and avocado.
Fiber
Aim for about 25 percent of your recommended daily total of 25 grams per day. That works out to about six grams, but it's OK to go above that, as long as it doesn't bother your digestive system. Berries, pears, apples, greens and other veggies, nuts, seeds, and whole grains can help you reach that goal.
Sugars
If you follow the equation for carbs above, then you won't have to worry about going overboard on sugars, especially if you're eating a combination of foods like fruits, whole grains, and dairy products. But for a ballpark number to keep in mind, stick to 36 grams or fewer. And when it comes to added sugar, try not to exceed six grams - that's about 1.5 teaspoons' worth of any sweetener (white sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or agave).
Timing
Ideally you should eat breakfast within 30 to 60 minutes of waking up. If you're not keen on eating anything big first thing, split this meal up into two parts, having something light close to waking up and the other half about an hour and a half later. This also works well if you're a morning exerciser and prefer not to have a full stomach while you work out. If you're exercising, you can aim to have the more carbohydrate-based portion of your breakfast (fruit, toast, etc.) prior to working out and the more protein-centric portion afterward.
A Few Examples of Perfect Breakfasts
- Steel Cut Oats With Fruit and Nuts: Steel cut oats not only have more fiber than an equal amount of rolled oats, but they also have more protein since you're eating more of the original grain. Cook one-half cup steel cut oats in a mixture of one-half cup water and one-half cup unsweetened soy milk. Top with one-half cup blueberries, one tablespoon chopped walnuts, and one teaspoon drizzle of maple syrup.
Calories: 328
Total fat: 9.7 grams
Saturated fat: 1 gram
Carbs: 51.1 grams
Fiber: 7.2 grams
Sugars: 16.6 grams
Protein: 11.8 grams - Mexi-Egg Wrap: Scramble one egg and one egg white with two tablespoons black beans, one-quarter cup chopped tomato, and two tablespoons onion, until eggs are set. Stir in one cup spinach. Fill a nine-inch whole-wheat tortilla with the egg mixture and top with one-quarter of an avocado, cubed, and one tablespoon salsa. Add salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder to taste.
Calories: 345
Total fat: 15.7 grams
Saturated fat: 3.5 grams
Carbs: 36.8 grams
Fiber 9.7 grams
Sugars: 3.2 grams
Protein: 17.4 grams - Smoothie and a Hard-Boiled Egg: Pair a carrot cake smoothie made with two medium carrots, half a frozen banana, two cups spinach, one cup unsweetened soy milk (you can use almond), half a scoop plant-based protein powder, one-eighth cup golden raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This is easy to split - have half of the smoothie before your workout, then have the rest plus the egg after the workout.
Calories: 368
Total fat: 12.6 grams
Saturated fat: 5.1 grams
Carbs: 49.5 grams
Fiber: 9.4 grams
Sugars: 25.5 grams
Protein: 25.4 grams
Breakfast Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping out: When you sleep, your body slows down while you're not eating. So when you wake up, if you don't break the fast (yup, that's where the name comes from), your body will burn calories slowly. To jump-start your metabolism and get your body burning calories, you need to eat. Not fueling up also deprives your brain of glucose, which is why you feel foggy-headed and cranky. Think of breakfast as an opportunity to get your fill of valuable nutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
- Skimping: You know skipping breakfast entirely is a no-no, but not eating enough will also backfire. It'll leave you feeling hungry soon after eating, which will cause you to need more food and can translate to more calories consumed over the course of the entire day. Stick to the formula above, and you'll not only feel satisfied longer, but you'll also have more energy for the workouts that can make you drop pounds even faster.
- Imbalanced meal: Leaving out a key component of the breakfast formula such as avoiding all carbs or going too heavy, such as having an all-protein meal, means you're not going to get enough satisfaction or nutrition from this first meal. Following the formula above will allow you to eat a balanced meal while also helping you see weight-loss results.
Looking to lose weight during other times of the day? Here's what to eat for lunch, what to eat at snack time, and what to eat at dinner to lose weight.
Do These 6 Things on Sunday to Lose Weight All Week Long
You know you should be eating right and exercising all week to reach your weight-loss goals, but when you're so rushed between work and family responsibilities, it's tough to have time to make it happen. A little planning goes a long way, so here are some things you can do on Sunday to ensure you stay on a healthy path all week long.
Plan Your Workouts
Don't just think to yourself that you'll squeeze in a run here and a trip to the gym there - plan it out. Sit down with your weekly calendar and jot down every workout just as you would doctor's appointments and meetings. Use this time to call your fitness buddy or trainer to make dates, check out studio schedules to find classes you want to take, and check the week's weather to figure out which days will be best for outdoor workouts.
Hit the Hamper
Nothing puts a damper on a workout more than not being able to find a clean sports bra, so do a couple loads before Monday, making sure you have everything you need, from your running tights to yoga tops to the towel you use to wipe sweat from your brow. Lay out your outfits for each day's workout so you're not running around the house Tuesday morning trying to find your missing sock.
Gather Your Gear
Collect whatever you need to work out - a yoga mat, sneakers, or earbuds - and make sure everything is set so you can easily grab the items throughout the week. Pack your gym bag, and put it by the door or in your car so you won't forget it when you leave for the day. If you exercise at home, put your favorite fitness video in the DVD player and lay out your dumbbells and resistance band. Sunday is also a great time to make a couple new playlists to inspire your kick-ass workouts (if you don't have time, subscribe to our workout playlists on Spotify).
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar
Plan Your Meals and Snacks
Sit down and write out a weekly eating plan including all meals and snacks for the week. If you need a little inspiration, check out these healthy recipes. After making out a grocery list to include everything you'll need to whip them up, hit the health food store and stock up for the week. Since produce is best enjoyed within a few days of purchasing, note what fruits and veggies you'll want to pick up halfway through the week.
Make things even easier by prepping in advance: wash, cut, and store veggies to be used in dinner recipes, cut up fruit for smoothies or snacks, and cook up some whole grains and store them in the fridge. Cook some of these make-ahead breakfasts in advance, like a week of overnight oats, or turn on the crockpot to make something you can eat a few nights that week, like these under-400-calorie meals.
Pack It Up
If you'll be away from home during the day, cut down on the temptation to go out to lunch or grab a cookie by packing lunches and snacks from home. Making five salads for the week is easy and healthy, or you can whip up a big pot of soup and freeze small portions in glass containers to grab for lunch. Also set aside 10 snacks for the week (two per day), such as Greek yogurt, cheese sticks, and containers of carrots and hummus, or measure out 100-calorie portions of trail mix, whole-grain crackers, or cereal. It'll probably take about an hour to get it all ready, but it'll end up saving you time during the rest of the week.
Hit the Hay
Once everything is all set, take a nice hot bath, slip on your PJs, and hop into bed early. Unwind with an evening yoga sequence or a calming book, and you're more likely to have a good night's sleep and wake up refreshed for the week ahead.
Remote Productivity: How to Stay Focused While Working From Home
As I've stated before, like it or not, the workplace is changing. As millennials continue to place value on experiences and express a need for work/life balance, we will see more of the disappearance of the traditional 9-to-5 office setting. Instead, you will see many instances where employees are given the option to work from home or remotely. You'll also see that many will opt for not working with just one company, but instead working with multiple companies in what everyone is calling the gig economy. This new way of working can be a gift and a curse because, on one hand, you have freedom and are not stuck to an office. On the other hand, this newfound freedom may decrease your productivity. So how do you stay focused while working remotely? The following are my top five tips:
1. Show Gratitude
Oddly enough, the work environment puts you in the mood to work. Because of the structure and design, most people don't have to convince themselves to start their work once they're in the office. When working remotely, it may be a little more difficult to set the right mood, especially if you would rather be doing something else. Make sure that you are not in the "I wish I didn't have to work" mindset. Start the day by showing gratitude in general for waking up, for your health, and for your ability to bring in an income. Exercise if you can, build up your endorphins, have a hearty breakfast, quiet your mind, meditate, or pray. Getting you into the attitude of gratitude helps alleviate the risk of being unmotivated and uninspired.
2. Set and Stick to a Schedule
Since you are not confined to traditional hours or a traditional office, make sure you don't just wing it. Time goes by really fast, so if you don't structure your time accordingly, you can look up and not have accomplished much. It is important that you set and stick to a schedule. Whether you decide to work eight hours straight through or break it up into different segments of the day, it is important that whatever time you have allocated for work is dedicated to just that . . . work! Make sure that your work schedule matches with your natural schedule as well. If you do your best work in the morning, set up work time to coincide with this. If you work better at night, allow your schedule to fit accordingly.
3. Remove Unnecessary Distraction
As a society that feels that it needs to be plugged in at all times, it's easy to lose focus on social media, picking up the latest headlines, or simply interacting with your Facebook friends. That's why it's important to turn off your phone when you need to work without distraction. Create a schedule for when you will check your email. Shut off any notifications you have on your phone or computer to assure that something unimportant doesn't sidetrack you. If possible, shut off the internet. Removing unnecessary distractions will allow you to stay focused and productive while working remotely.
4. Choose Your Music Wisely
Your mood can be influenced by many things: TV, the weather, and what you ate for breakfast are just some examples. Music also has a big influence on how you feel. If you decide to listen to tunes as you work, make sure that you choose sounds that are uplifting and keep you positive.
5. Set Boundaries For Your Family and Friends
Make sure that you are not scheduling your work time around social or family obligations. However, also make sure that you are setting boundaries for your family and friends so that they do not become an obstacle to your work productivity. Letting your family and friends know your work schedule is imperative to avoiding any conflict or temptation.
15 '90s Toys You Can Buy For Your Kids (or Yourself) Today
There's nothing more fun than looking back with nostalgia at your childhood toys - and the '90s were especially full of amazing treasures. Just in time for holiday shopping (wink, wink), we've compiled a list of classic 1990s toys that are still available to purchase. Enjoy!
The 45-Minute Running Workout You Need to Finally Ditch Your Belly Fat
You've overstayed your welcome, belly fat. If you've been running consistently but still, you look down and can pinch an inch (or several) from your middle, it's time to kick that gut to the curb. Crunches aren't the answer, so change things up by adding high-intensity intervals to your routine. We recommend doing this 45-minute running workout outside; not only will it help diminish your waistline, doing speed intervals will also help increase speed and endurance.
After completing a five-minute walking warmup, repeat the below minute-long workout 35 times, and end with a five-minute walking cooldown.
| Time | Pace | Calories Burned |
|---|---|---|
| 30 seconds | Walk briskly (about 4.6 mph) | 3 |
| 20 seconds | Run moderately (about 6.7 mph) | 4 |
| 10 seconds | Sprint as fast as you can (about 8.6 mph) | 2.7 |
Calories burned per minute: 9.7
Calories burned for warmup and cooldown: 50
Total calories burned: 389.5
*All calculations are based on a 150-pound woman.
Why, Exactly, Is It Called a French Braid?
French braids are popular the world over, but they certainly aren't emblematic of France. It's unclear what about them, really, is so Gallic. As it turns out, "French" braids aren't French at all. So who's really responsible for the technique? The style's history is much cooler (and longer) than you might imagine.
If we're looking for the origins of modern-day French braids, Eurasia isn't even the right continent. Instead, the place to start is North Africa. People have been wearing the three-strand gathered plait for thousands of years, and the earliest evidence of the style comes to us from the Tassili n'Ajjer mountain range in Algeria. There, rock art depicting women wearing rowed braids dates back almost 6,000 years. In the millenia following, the style also appeared in early Greek art, particularly iconic kouros statues, on Celtic warriors and lasses, and as part of the elaborate updos worn by courtly women of the Sung Dynasty.
It appears, really, that there are very few cultures unaware of French braids, making their unusual moniker even more puzzling. How could something so universal be named after a single country? Wisely, the French themselves don't even claim the style as their own.
So why are Americans so confused? We can trace the origins of this particular misnomer back to an 1871 short story from Arthur's Home Magazine in which a rather misogynistic husband tells his wife to "hurry up and put on that new cashmere I sent you, and do up your hair in that new French braid."
Perhaps because France has always been so immediately connected to fashion and high living to people on this side of the Atlantic, any "fancy" braid would have registered as Continental. Just like fries and a host of other things, our love affair with the French is writ large on our delicacies and refinements.
In short, although you can feel free to keep calling it a French braid, the hairstyle is actually one of humanity's oldest and most popular hair inventions, just as much in use now as it was in ancient Sparta. They aren't from Paris, but whatever you call them, gathered braids are unquestionably as timeless and chic as the City of Lights.
Meghan Markle Takes Brow Inspiration From This Iconic Actress
Meghan Markle's neat, full brows (which were not immune to mid-aughts overplucking, mind you!) are probably going to become inspiration for many salon-goers. After all, word on the street is her nose has already inspired a new trend of rhinoplasty. But where does Meghan get her inspiration from? The answer is a film icon whose most famous movie poster you totally hung in your college dorm room.
According to Harper's Bazaar UK, since moving to the UK, Meghan has left her arch maintenance in the hands of Mayfair, London, salon Nails & Brows. Founder Sherrille Riley says that Meghan opts for a service dubbed "The Audrey" - named after a certain Ms. Hepburn.
Riley called the style "modern, elegant, and super flattering. . . . You really can't go wrong with 'The Audrey.'" Why does it work so well on Meghan's face? "You'll notice that her brows are straight and archless, lifting slightly upwards towards the end of her brows. This helps to lift her eyes whilst balancing her features."
If you need any more proof that Meghan and Audrey are cosmic brow twins, then come take a gander at the photographic evidence ahead.
Image Source: Paramount Pictures
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.
The 9 Travel Gifts Perfect For Anyone Who's F*cking Terrified of Flying
There is so much about the holiday season that I look forward to each year: eggnog, time with loved ones, presents, and of course, more eggnog. But getting on a plane to reach my holiday destination? That is my worst f*cking nightmare. Thanks to an irrational fear of even the lightest turbulence and severe anxiety about heights, airplanes are my personal version of hell.
But despite being completely petrified at the thought of getting on a plane, I'm still able to continue traveling by air thanks to a small arsenal of products that keep me from screaming in sheer terror relatively calm. If someone on your shopping list also happens to deal with flight-related anxiety, I highly recommend picking up a few of the comforting products ahead (some of which I personally swear by) this holiday season. And if all else fails, feel free to order them a strong drink or two during your next journey through the skies together.
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.
10 Tips to Snag a First-Class Ticket Upgrade
The majority of airline passengers fly coach, but a small percentage of the population regularly enjoys first-class accommodations on airplanes. While these passengers may be loaded and able to afford the costly tickets, the price is still beyond the bucket for a majority of flyers. So, how are those who may not be swimming in wealth able to snag the luxurious upgrade? Alex Matjanec, CEO of MyBankTracker, has compiled a list of 10 tips to secure a first-class airline ticket upgrade.
1. Be Loyal to One Airline
Loyalty always counts. Most people who join frequent flier programs don't actually fly very frequently. The typical thought process is to sign up for every frequent flier or loyalty program in hopes of saving money across the board. Frequent flier programs don't work like grocery frequent shopper cards, however.
So instead of being a frequent flier member who only racks up a handful of miles on any individual airline, focus all of your efforts on being loyal to one airline. The tickets may cost a little more every so often, but the long-term benefits of stockpiling miles for one company can upgrade your travel to first class.
2. Arrive Late/Early
Airlines recommend arriving at the airport and checking in at least 30-60 minutes before a flight (longer for larger international airports). This is because it takes time to check baggage, pass through security, and arrive at the departure gate.
However, showing up early allows you time to have a casual chat with the gate agent without a large crowd. This is the time where you can build a rapport and ask about an upgrade to first class without other people around whom the airline risks upsetting.
Flights are often overbooked, and by arriving late (though don't arrive too late), you'll probably be bumped to a later flight, at which time you can ask for a first-class upgrade to make up for the inconvenience.
3. Travel During Slow Times
Instead of flying near the holidays and weekends with everyone else, book your flights at the right time - such as in the middle of the week. FareCompare, an airline tracking website, points out the most unpopular days to fly are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, while dawn, dusk, and red-eye flights are the least popular.
These are the flights that are most likely to have empty seats, meaning there's availability in first class.
Also, look throughout the year for times people don't typically fly. For example, a flight on Thanksgiving Day is much more likely to have availability than flights on the Wednesday prior or Friday after. This, of course, assumes overbooked passengers from previous flights haven't already filled up the plane.
4. Complain About Something
At the end of the day, airlines are customer-serving businesses like any other. This means they'll go out of their way to please a customer and ensure you continue coming back to use their service. Complaining to the airline about any shortcomings is a first step to first-class accommodations.
Politely pointing out these problems and simply asking to be moved will get you an opportunity at a new seat. If the flight is completely booked, there's a good chance there's still an open seat in first class that you can sit in to make up for the problems.
5. Book Through Airline Websites
Travel booking sites like Kayak, Travelocity, Hotwire, and Expedia seek out the lowest possible rates, which has thinned profit margins for airlines and hotels. While these sites make searching for flights and comparing prices easy, don't use them for the final booking.
Instead, after determining which flight is the cheapest bet, log in to that airline's official website and book the flight directly through them. This shows up on their system when checking in, and you'll be treated as a loyal customer who appreciated the airline's marketing as opposed to just another value shopper booking through a discount digital travel agent.
6. Check Emails After Booking
After booking your flight, keep an eye on your emails. The airline will know ahead of time whether the flight is overbooked and will offer more and more aggressive discounts to those wishing to upgrade to first class via email.
Of course, the airline is unable to email customers who used a third-party travel booking site, so you'll be one of a small minority of people receiving these emails for your specific flight. Regardless of who sits where, the airline has to take off on a set schedule, so the closer an overbooked flight gets to departure time, the more drastic discounts are applied to first-class upgrades.
7. Use a Travel Rewards Card
Travel rewards credit cards are a great way to stockpile frequent flier miles without necessarily having to travel. Here are a few of the best travel rewards cards on the market:
With Capital One Venture Rewards Card, you earn two miles for any airline per dollar spent on any purchase, with a $35 annual fee, and with Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, you earn two miles per dollar spent on travel and restaurants, with a $95 annual fee. Points are worth 25 percent more if booked through Chase.
Discover It Miles Card users earn 1.5 miles per dollar spent, which are doubled at the end of the first year for no annual fee. In addition, they receive an annual $30 in-flight WiFi credit and enjoy no blackout dates as points are tracked in-house by Discover, not any particular airline.
8. Phone a Friend
Employees of airlines receive great perks, including the ability to fly standby for free throughout the year and access to the airline's passenger systems. If you don't know someone who works for an airline, it's time to make that friend.
Many airlines have done away with (or severely restricted) these buddy passes in recent years, but working in the airline industry (or knowing someone who does) is still more likely to get you an upgrade to first class, regardless of which airline it is.
9. Fly Solo
Upgrading a single ticket is much easier than upgrading tickets for a family of four. If you're traveling with your family, your best bet is to work together to decide who should be upgraded to first class on each trip, rotating who gets the seat on each trip like a nonviolent Game of Thrones.
10. Fly on Your Birthday
Always remember that pilots, flight attendants, and the gate agent are all people just like you and I. A friendly conversation goes a long way, especially when mentioning special occasions like your birthday being today.
"On a recent trip to Hong Kong, we were upgraded to first class thanks to our charm," said John Heaton, managing director at The Heaton Group. "This can also work if it's your birthday, honeymoon, or anniversary. You won't be upgraded for no reason so make sure you let them know you have a genuine reason to be upgraded and with a bit of luck, they'll be listening."
45 Life Lessons Written by a "90-Year-Old" Woman
People often tell Regina Brett how great she looks for her age. Turns out, she is actually in her 50s - not 90. She wrote down these life lessons the night before her 45th birthday after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Over that past decade, these lessons have gone viral on the Internet amid claims that she is 90 years old. Luckily, she finds humor in this misrepresentation, knowing how many lives she has touched.
Whatever her age might be, these universal lessons are relatable to anyone who needs a little reminder of what's important in life.
- Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
- When in doubt, just take the next small step.
- Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
- Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
- Pay off your credit cards every month.
- You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
- Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
- Save for retirement, starting with your first paycheck.
- When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
- Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
- It's OK to let your children see you cry.
- Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
- If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
- Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
- You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
- A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
- It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
- When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
- Burn the candles; use the nice sheets; wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
- Overprepare, then go with the flow.
- Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
- The most important sex organ is the brain.
- No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
- Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
- Forgive everyone everything.
- What other people think of you is none of your business.
- Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
- However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
- Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
- Believe in miracles.
- Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
- Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
- Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
- Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
- If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
- Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
- Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
- All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
- Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
- The best is yet to come.
- No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
- Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
- If you don't ask, you don't get.
- Yield.
- Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
If you want more inspiration from Regina Brett, check out her personal website! And don't miss 25 life lessons from a 99-year-old man.
10 Elf on the Shelf Parodies That Are Even Better Than the Real Thing
If it feels like the holiday season seems to start earlier every year, here's more proof: people have been talking about Elf on the Shelf for months - but not in a way you'd ever imagine.
If you love (or hate) Elf on the Shelf, it's easy to create your own parody like the rest of the internet. Just come up with two random objects that rhyme and you're set to go. We're not sure these parodies embody the Elf on the Shelf spirit of encouraging good behavior in kids, but hey, it might work. Check out some of our favorite parodies ahead.
The Simple 7-Step Guide to Kardashian Hair Shine and Volume
Whenever we want to look really sexy, we google images of the Kardashian and Jenner sisters. The famous, beauty-loving family (and their glam squads) are geniuses at achieving glowing skin, mesmerizing eye makeup, and shiny, textured hair.
To help with the latter, we tapped one of the girls' go-to hairstylists Jen Atkin (who is a brand-owner and influencer in her own right!). Read on as she breaks down how you can achieve a similarly glossy, high-volume look, just in time for holiday parties and New Year's Eve.
The Tarte Palette of Your Dreams + 23 More Holiday 2017 Beauty Launches
September and October are when the key players in the beauty industry start breaking out some of their biggest, baddest, and quickest-to-sell-out products, and because we quite literally couldn't contain ourselves, we've convinced some of our favorite brands to give us a sneak peek at all the glory that's to come. From that Tarte palette we foreshadowed (yes, it's that wonderful) to the Jo Malone set representing all of your beauty #housegoals, and plenty of snowflake and snowman-clad, limited-edition goodies in between, read on for 24 items we'll be adding to our holiday lists. The good news: some of it's already hitting stores. Merry Autumn!
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