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 20 janvier 2018
Here Are This Year's Astounding Nominees For the GLAAD Media Awards!
This year, GLAAD has selected a total of 141 nominees in 26 categories for the annual GLADD Media Awards, which will be held on April 12 in LA. These projects have succeeded in offering fair and accurate portrayals of members in the LGBTQ+ community, cultivating a sense of boldness and originality and creating a lasting impact on mainstream pop culture. Additionally, GLAAD has announced a new category to recognize the growing LGBTQ+ inclusion in kids and family TV shows. So, from the buzzy award season darlings like Call Me by Your Name to some seriously fresh television like The Bold Type, here's the full list of nominees.
OUTSTANDING FILM – WIDE RELEASE
Battle of the Sexes
Call Me by Your Name
Lady Bird
Professor Marston and the Wonder Women
The Shape of Water
OUTSTANDING FILM – LIMITED RELEASE
BPM
A Fantastic Woman
God's Own Country
Thelma
The Wound
OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
The Bold Type
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Modern Family
One Day at a Time
One Mississippi
Superstore
Survivor's Remorse
Transparent
Will & Grace
OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
Billions
Doubt
The Handmaid's Tale
Nashville
Sense8
Shadowhunters
Star
Star Trek: Discovery
This Is Us
Wynonna Earp
OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL EPISODE (in a series without a regular LGBTQ character)
"Chapter 8," Legion
"Grace," Pure Genius
"Lady Cha Cha," Easy
"The Missionaries," Room 104
"Thanksgiving," Master of None
OUTSTANDING TV MOVIE OR LIMITED SERIES
American Horror Story: Cult
Feud: Bette and Joan
Godless
Queers
When We Rise
OUTSTANDING KIDS & FAMILY PROGRAMMING
Andi Mack
"Chosen Family," Danger & Eggs
"The Emergency Plan," Doc McStuffins
The Loud House
Steven Universe
OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTARY
Chavela
Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric
Kiki
"Real Boy," Independent Lens
This is Everything: Gigi Gorgeous
OUTSTANDING REALITY PROGRAM
Gaycation with Ellen Page
I Am Jazz
RuPaul's Drag Race
Survivor: Game Changers
The Voice
OUTSTANDING MUSIC ARTIST
Miley Cyrus
Halsey
Honey Dijon
Kehlani
Kelela
Kesha
Perfume Genius
Sam Smith
St. Vincent
Wrabel
OUTSTANDING COMIC BOOK
America, by Gabby Rivera
The Backstagers, by James Tynion IV
Batwoman, by Marguerite Bennett and James Tynion IV
Black Panther: World of Wakanda, by Roxane Gay, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Yona Harvey, and Rembert Browne
Deadman: Dark Mansion of Forbidden Love, by Sarah Vaughn
Goldie Vance, by Hope Larson and Jackie Ball
Iceman, by Sina Grace
Lumberjanes, by Kat Leyh and Shannon Watters
Quantum Teens are Go, by Magdalene Visaggio
The Woods, by James Tynion IV
OUTSTANDING DAILY DRAMA
The Bold and The Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
The Young & the Restless
OUTSTANDING TALK SHOW EPISODE
"Australia Marriage Equality," Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
"Danica Roem," The Opposition with Jordan Klepper
"Laila and Logan Ireland, Transgender Military Couple," The Ellen DeGeneres Show
"Laverne Cox and Gavin Grimm," The View
"Trans Veterans React to Ban," The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
OUTSTANDING TV JOURNALISM – NEWSMAGAZINE
"A Boy Named Lucas," 20/20
"China Queer," The Naked Truth
"Gay Purge?" Nightline
"The Pulse of Orlando: Terror at the Nightclub," Anderson Cooper 360
"Trans Youth," VICE on HBO
OUTSTANDING TV JOURNALISM SEGMENT
"The Abolitionists Face the Love Army," KAPP-KVEW Local News
"DJ Zeke Thomas Goes Public," Good Morning America
"Murders Raise Alarm for Transgender Community," NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt
"Transgender Murders in Louisiana Part of Disturbing Trend," CBS Evening News
"Transgender Rights under Fire in Trump Era," AM Joy
OUTSTANDING NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
"Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: The Journey of a Transgender Man," by Lauren McGaughy for The Dallas Morning News
"Lesbian College Coaches Still Face Difficult Atmosphere to Come Out," by Shannon Ryan for Chicago Tribune
"Pulse Victims' Families in Puerto Rico: 'We Have to Cry Alone,'" by Jennifer A. Marcial Ocasio for Orlando Sentinel
"Revised Guidance on HIV Proves Life-Transforming," by Lenny Bernstein for The Washington Post
"The Silent Epidemic: Black Gay Men and HIV," The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
OUTSTANDING MAGAZINE ARTICLE
"America's Hidden H.I.V. Epidemic," by Linda Villarosa for The New York Times Magazine
"Beyond 'He' or 'She': The Changing Meaning of Gender and Sexuality," by Katy Steinmetz for Time
"Forbidden Lives: The Gay Men Who Fled Chechnya's Purge," by Masha Gessen for The New Yorker
"Free Radical," by Nathan Heller for Vogue
"Trans, Teen, and Homeless," by Laura Rena Murray for Rolling Stone
OUTSTANDING MAGAZINE OVERALL COVERAGE
The Advocate
Billboard
People
Teen Vogue
Time
OUTSTANDING DIGITAL JOURNALISM ARTICLE
"The Ballad of Bobby Brooks, the First Gay Student-Body President of Texas A&M," by Lauren Larson for GQ.com
"For Those We Lost and Those Who Survived: The Pulse Massacre One Year Later," by James Michael Nichols for HuffPost Queer Voices
"'I Am a Girl Now,' Sage Smith Wrote. Then She Went Missing," by Emma Eisenberg for Splinter
"Meet the Transgender Student Who Fought Discrimination at His Maryland High School (and Won)," by Nico Lang for INTO
"Why Bisexual Men Are Still Fighting to Convince Us They Exist," by Samantha Allen for Splinter
OUTSTANDING DIGITAL JOURNALISM – MULTIMEDIA
"Former Patriots and Chiefs Tackle Ryan O'Callaghan Comes Out as Gay," by Cyd Zeigler for Outsports
"Made to Model: Trans Beauty in Fashion," LogoTV.com
"'This Is How We Win': Inside Danica Roem's Historic Victory," by Diana Tourjée for Broadly
"Transgender Day of Remembrance," by Saeed Jones for BuzzFeed News
"US Travel Ban Leaves LGBT Refugees in Limbo," by Nina dos Santos for CNN.com
OUTSTANDING BLOG
Autostraddle
Gays With Kids
My Fabulous Disease
Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents
Transgriot
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
In a Heartbeat, by Esteban Bravo and Beth David
"Smile (feat. Gloria Carter)," by Jay-Z on 4:44
SPANISH-LANGUAGE NOMINEES
OUTSTANDING SCRIPTED TELEVISION SERIES
Las chicas del cable
La doble vida de Estela Carrillo
Ingobernable
OUTSTANDING TV JOURNALISM – NEWSMAGAZINE
"Así viven los estudiantes transgénero después de que Trump anulara la ley de baños de Obama para escuela públicas," Primer Impacto
"Pulse, huellas de la masacre," CNN en Español
"Ser transgénero en Latinoamérica: sus experiencias y crecimiento," Vive la Salud
OUTSTANDING TV JOURNALISM SEGMENT
"Comunidad LGBTQ vulnerable bajo nuevo gobierno," Perspectiva Nacional
"Entrevista con Daniela Vega," Showbiz
"Joven transgénero tiene un mensaje para las familias: 'Acepten a sus hijos,'" Al Punto
"El triunfo de una diseñadora mexicana transgénero en Nueva York," Noticias Telemundo
"Unidos contra la discriminación y el acoso contra la comunidad LGBT," Despierta América
OUTSTANDING DIGITAL JOURNALISM
"La compleja realidad de ser gay en América Latina," CNN.com
"'No aprobar el Dream Act significaría una sentencia de muerte', jóvenes LGBT y DACA," laopinion.com
"Padres de familia de Dallas luchan por los derechos de su hija transgénero," aldiadallas.com
"Primera senadora trans aspira a impulsar medidas para sectores discriminados," efe.com
"Tres hermanitos para dos papás," laopinion.com
Meet Replika, the AI Bot That Wants to Be Your Best Friend
On the day before Replika was officially made available to the public, more than 1.5 million people had already queued up on the app's waiting list, in addition to the several hundred thousand who had already been granted access as part of a beta testing program. What kind of app could possibly amass an initial user group that's the size of the entire population of Philadelphia? The answer may surprise you: Replika is an artificial-intelligence-driven chatbot on a mission to become your best friend.
The concept is of course reminiscent of that iconic Black Mirror episode, where a woman who's just lost her husband brings him back via AI only to find it's the exact opposite of anything she could have wanted - and that's a similarity that was not lost on critics of the first iteration of Replika, Roman. Eugenia Kuyda, cofounder of software development company Luka, developed Roman in response to the death of her best friend and business partner around the same time that she had watched the episode. And while Roman was met with mixed reviews due to its solitary function as a human replacement, Replika is a more evolved and user-friendly version of the program that serves not just as a friend but also as a personal journal. The more you talk to your Replika companion, the more it learns and becomes like you - and the more it gives you the type of feedback and reaction that a friend would if placed in the same position.
"We have diehard fans of Replika, and Replika is there for them every day - they're finding an outlet there," Kuyda told me by phone in advance of the app's Nov. 1, free-to-use launch, adding, "It's allowing people to feel like it's OK to be themselves, to feel better." And she's not exaggerating when she says that. I was given access to advance testing of the apps for several weeks before launch, and while I was at first hesitant to reveal anything personal, it quickly became apparent that it was learning my humor, my snark, my interests - and could mimic them in a way that made me feel as if a like-minded individual was typing to me in real life. Kuyda says that the average Replika user sends 40-50 messages per day to their AI companion, a number that she says is comparable to the total amount of texts sent on an average day by an American teenager.
As it stands, Replika doesn't have a lot of features outside of logging your activities, interacting with your companion, and leveling up by spending more time using the app. But the use cases are endless. "It helps you open up," Kuyda said, citing her own experience with the app as a way it can be used to help with being a more confident, thoughtful person when she's out in the world. "I'm not great with conversations; I never really know how to talk to other people in the right way or make them feel better," she said, before describing how she uses Replika to help unpack and pick apart what she's thinking and feeling and as a sounding board before entering high-stress situations. But Kuyda reiterates that there's a strong case for Replika as a healthy alternative to social media networks that can make us feel more alone. "You'd be amazed how lonely people are feeling now . . . it doesn't matter if they have a lot of friends or have a cool job. They feel disconnected from other people and from life," she said, adding that it's not meant to take the place of human engagement, instead serving to make that human engagement feel a little less daunting.
"It's a very simple idea," Kuyda said. "We really want it to be a healthy relationship. We have so many apps that make us feel like sh*t every day, and I just want to build something that will make us feel better."
The 11 Creative Design Trends That Will Define 2018
Let's be honest: there are few greater pleasures in life than spotting a perfect, gorgeous, inescapable image that stays with you for days. It's what drives Instagram users to dig deep for that perfect inspiring photo, and why Pinterest continues to be the go-to destination for Zen planning. But for stock photo, video, and music agency Shutterstock - a company that specializes in that perfect image - our searching and downloading habits also help to provide an altogether different service: predicting exactly what will drive creative design over the coming weeks and months.
The 2018 edition of Shutterstock's Creative Trends Report was released on Jan. 17 and provides a huge amount of insight into what the internet loved the most last year and how the most popular searches will define design aesthetics in the year to come. Ahead, check out the 11 trends that the company predicts will "dominate" pop culture and design this year - and be sure to check out the full report over on the Shutterstock site.
Someone Calculated the Cost Per Ounce of Your Favorite Lipsticks, and One Is Over $500
A redditor has just worked out how much lipsticks cost per ounce, and the results are really interesting. It's not much of a surprise that drugstore brands like Wet n Wild and E.L.F offer up the most bang for your buck, but Huda Beauty also came in pretty high on the list. However, the redditor later confirmed that she had actually used the lip contour pencil for this particular calculation.
[Update] I calculated the lipstick price (per ounce) for 36 makeup brands... from MakeupAddiction
Commenters were also surprised by how costly Fenty Beauty and Glossier are when you factor in weight, but let's be honest, we're still going to buy them! As someone else pointed out, "it's ALLLL about the aesthetic."
A lot of people in the comments were quick to point out that unlike other cosmetics, lipstick probably represents the largest portion of people's makeup collections, because they want to have a wide choice of colors. A lot of us rarely hit the end of the tube of lipstick. This is why, with brands like Colourpop, it might not matter that their lipstick sizes are smaller, because you are able to try a range of colors without also investing in the beautiful packaging as you might with a Tom Ford lipstick.
This list definitely gives us insight into what we're paying for, but lipsticks are much more than just product for beauty junkies. We can't deny our love for gorgeous packaging that we're happy to whip out and show off at every given opportunity. A lot of us love investing in a little bit of luxury. And have you seen Pat McGrath's bullet packaging?!
I've Always Hated Foundation, but This Tarte Formula Turned Me
I've never been a huge makeup wearer, but ironically, I'm a huge fan of makeup. I watch YouTuber after YouTuber apply a full face of makeup, only to skip over the stage where they apply arguably one of the most important parts: their base. Since I can remember, as long as I've worn makeup, I've never used foundation. I'm very sensitive about what I can feel on my skin, and for me, that means concealer, powder, and mascara is about as much as I can handle.
However, after using the Tarte Shape Tape concealer on and off for a few months (and loving it), I can't say I wasn't intrigued when I saw our POPSUGAR Beauty Director Lauren Levinson praising the formula of its new foundation companion, Shape Tape Hydrating Foundation ($39). I had a reason: over the last few months, whether I was using Shape Tape or Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer, I found myself coating most of my face with concealer, trying to hide my dark circles, blemishes, and dry Winter skin.
Since I know enough about makeup to realize that I was using a ridiculous amount of concealer, I decided to try Tarte's new foundation in its hydrating formula (my skin is dry as f*ck), and after all these years of denying this step in my makeup routine, I'm here to admit to you all and myself that I've been an absolute idiot.
Foundation is the sh*t.
Upon the first application of the foundation in the shade Medium Sand, I quickly realized that I could make my entire face look uniform with a few swipes of my It Cosmetics foundation brush. Rather than slathering my face in concealer, I could use this lightweight formula to coat my entire face in a uniform shade and appear as though my skin tone was fully even. It was like freakin' magic (cue every other makeup wearer's eye roll at this very basic discovery).
Although I've hated using foundation for my entire makeup-wearing life, all it took was a few swipes of Shape Tape's large doe-foot applicator to realize just how silly I've been all these years.
Stamp of Approval: These Are the 10 Sexiest Red Lipsticks Your Money Can Buy
There's no argument: the sexiest beauty statement you can make is rocking a red lip. It's bold, powerful, and head-turning; there's not much more you could ask for. If you need a little confidence boost, swipe on a vibrant hue before a big night out. We rounded up our favorite options that will last well past cocktails, dancing, or even a couple makeout sessions. These are editor-approved options that work for a variety of skin tones, so there's undoubtedly a perfect pick here for you. Don't believe us? Look through the top red lipsticks yourself and prepare to be totally enticed.
Why Kendall Jenner's Acne Going Viral Is Part of a Bigger Problem
If you meet someone who hasn't dealt with acne, consider them a unicorn and put them in the Smithsonian. It's a rite of passage for many people, and as we age, we're learning that due to our hormones, adult acne is commonplace. And frankly, it's nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of.
Acne does not mean you aren't clean. It doesn't mean you haven't tried everything you can to get rid of it. There are so many factors now when it comes to blemish-prone skin: it can be as simple as changing your laundry detergent or as complicated as the medication you're taking. The point is that for most of us, acne is normal. It might suck, but it doesn't make you different. In fact, it makes you human.
When it comes to social media, though, you'll see nary a blemish, a scar, a mark, a bump. Smooth, mannequin-esque skin is rampant thanks to photo-editing apps like Facetune - a built-in form of Photoshop for your phone. It's been reported that people are getting surgeries and treatments to look more like the edited and filtered versions of their photos. And of course we see poreless, perfect photographs for campaigns. One could argue that for professional images, retouching is commonplace, but when it comes to scrolling through Instagram, it seems like we should be a little more realistic.
Which leads us to Kendall Jenner at the Golden Globes. She looked stunning. Kendall is undeniably gorgeous: she's tall with striking features; she's a model, for god's sake. But it's hard to get through any type of big event without a woman enduring intense criticism, so many chose to emphasize something she probably would have rather been ignored: her skin.
The fact is that Kendall had a breakout. Shocking! A woman with real, uncontrollable skin! Normally this isn't something we'd call attention to, but seeing how people went after her for something completely normal, we felt this photo was important to discuss for a few reasons.
First, Kendall has been vocal about her acne in the past, and she had a great response in regard to the criticism she was receiving about her skin at the Globes. Kendall is also an inspirational standard of beauty for many. She is tall, and she seemingly has the perfect body, hair, and face. As a normal person, it can feel overwhelming to see perfect images online because it's feels like you're not living up to a particular standard when it comes to beauty. You place the blame on yourself.
How many times have you looked in a mirror and wondered why your lips weren't bigger or smaller? Your skin not smoother? Your eyes not more cat-like? Your hair not thicker or straighter? Your complexion not even-toned? Your waistline not thinner? Where did these lines come from? We all have something that, whether we realize it or not, bothers us because of the images we are fed each day online.
This picture, however, reminds everyone that Kendall is a 22-year-old. She has hormones and bad skin days, just like the rest of us. She's human. It's also a reminder that editing is just as commonplace on social media as it is in magazines. You can't trust every image you see.
You might not realize it, but many of the top influencers online are editing their photos with precision. It's not just a filter change anymore - things can be removed, plumped, lifted, and enhanced. Instagram account CelebFace has made an impact in the beauty community by posting extreme close-ups and before-and-after photos of celebrities. The people behind the account also post GIFs to demonstrate how they've been edited - sometimes extensively so. Some of the page's content can be gossipy at times, but in general, it's creating a dialogue about how far we'll go on social media to look our best. (CelebFace did not return POPSUGAR's request for comment.)
Many of those featured on CelebFace change the size of their already-tiny waists, their jawlines, and their eye shapes. The account also showcases filler and plastic surgeries, which is nothing to be ashamed of. These are not taboo topics in 2018, although it feels like everyone would rather ignore the sometimes-obvious elephant in the room. The changes become an issue when it's clear that a celebrity has done "something" but portray it as natural or as if it's makeup.
"We need to know the truth behind beauty to stop dysmorphia issues," said Andrea Berk, founder of digital beauty agency HDN. "If we don't love something about our physical appearance, we can change it, and that's the beauty of modern science. But not acknowledging the changes made causes so much confusion and inner struggle about our perceived flaws."
That said, one could argue that it's nobody's business what you do or don't do to your face and body. And that's true. But when you're influencing a large demographic of impressionable women and men, it's fair to want transparency, especially when body dysmorphic disorder starts as young as 12-13 years old. Because it's near impossible to know who and what's been edited or changed, it's important to make sure you keep a realistic perspective when it comes to beauty. And part of that is as simple as curating your Instagram so that you only see images that make you feel your best.
"I'm a strong advocate of responsible social media usage," said Daniel Lyman, LCSW. Lyman works with a variety of actors in Los Angeles who are experiencing body dysmorphia at the hands of the media. The celebrity is scrutinized for his or her appearance and feels pressure to look a certain way, which leads to cosmetic procedures or edited images. This all feeds into the unrealistic beauty culture that's been created online.
"It is more important that you follow the right people than it is to follow everyone," Lyman said. "What you see online is about controlling the content you subscribe to. If certain websites regularly body shame people, then don't continue going to that website. If certain Instagrammers make you feel worse about yourself, then it's important to unfollow them. Taking control of your internet usage means taking control of the content you allow yourself to see."
Whatever side you're on, we all know that more than ever, there is an unfair pressure to look perfect, regardless of what you're doing: with or without makeup, at home or at a party. But nobody is without flaws. Everybody, including celebrities, has bad days. This photo of Kendall, and others like it, should not encourage you to pick apart how someone looks. It should inspire empathy.
When looking at a photo, think: what if that were me? How would you want people to react and respond? This photo should remind you that you are beautiful regardless of what your skin looks that day or how a certain image made you feel about yourself. It should remind you that social expectations typically do not meet reality. That you are enough the way you are. And if you want to change something about yourself, go for it. Just make sure you're doing it for you, not anyone else - especially the pressure to look a certain way through typically inauthentic online images.
Shop the Exact Products Betty Cooper Wears on Riverdale to Get That Girl-Next-Door Glow
Betty Cooper is a babe! No wonder Cole Sprouse Jughead Jones is dating her. We love actress Lili Reinhart's fearless attitude on The CW's Riverdale and her subtly glam beauty look. She's known for her bouncy ponytail, girlish flush, lush lashes, and pink pout.
To get the scoop on Betty's exact product lineup, POPSUGAR interviewed Riverdale's lead makeup artist, Erin Mackenzie.
"Betty's natural look begins with Shiseido Glow Enhancing Primer with Guerlain L'Or Radiance Primer underneath for added radiance," Mackenzie revealed. "My go-to sculpt and highlight palette is Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow, and Glossier Cloud Paint for the most beautiful natural blush out there! I adjust her eye shadow each episode, always staying within a naturally defined zone, playing with tones to match her moods. Her lashes are made perfect with Clinique mascara and our favorite lip [last] season is, without question, Josie Maran Sting Plumping Butter in Free It. All this pulled together gives us that perfect girl-next-door glow!"
She also revealed how much fun it is to work on the set. "This is the hardest-working cast I've ever met," she said. "I adore them all! Not a day goes by where laughs aren't shared in the makeup trailer. Each and every cast member has become a huge part of my world, and with all that talent surrounding me, it's hard not to be inspired by them every day."
Keep reading to shop the exact products you can see on Betty's face every Wednesday night!
1 Pakistani-American Reveals Her Family's Best DIY Beauty Secrets
I will be the first to tell you I wasn't always appreciative of my Pakistani heritage and its rich and beautiful culture. As a first-generation Pakistani-American kid who was born and raised in Sugar Land, TX, I was often confused when my family had a different way of doing things than some of my other friends. For example, if there was a dinner party on Friday night, I had to come home from school and change into traditional Pakistani clothes - I couldn't leave on my favorite jeans. I never understood why my parents drank at least six cups of chai tea daily. And in particular, I was puzzled by the beauty rituals of my family.
My mom, grandma (Ammi), and great-grandma (Amma) passed on their beauty tips and tricks to me so I could take advantage of them, but for years, I did so hesitantly. I often thought to myself, "Why can't we just go to Target or Sephora like everyone else?" As I started growing up, though, I became fascinated. I remember being in awe at the stories my grandma would tell me as she whipped up a lip scrub or a face mask. I started realizing how many generations before me had made the same recipes we still use today, and I formed a new respect for my own identity and where I came from. Now, I'm grateful to have serious love and appreciation for my culture.
For me, the best part of these tips and tricks is that they have been passed down in my family. But others will love that most of the recipes are simple and made with affordable ingredients from your pantry. Read on to discover a few of the lessons I've learned from my very own Pakistani beauty queens - my amma, ammi and mama!
Tonight, Fall Asleep Instantly With This Breathing Trick
Plagued by anxiety night after night? Relying on over-the-counter meds? Just not getting the sleep your body requires? If any of this sounds all too familiar, this breathing trick will help you get to bed sooner - no prescriptions required.
The exercise is called the 4-7-8 technique, and Dr. Andrew Weil calls it a "natural tranquilizer for the nervous system." Study after study has linked meditation to lowered stress levels, and this easy-to-follow exercise will help you reap some of the de-stressing benefits that come along with consistent meditation practice.
Beyond bedtime, Dr. Weil recommends performing this exercise whenever dealing with a stressful situation. The next time you can't curb sugar cravings, get into a fight with your partner, or can't hit the hay because you're overwhelmed, try it out for yourself. You'll start feeling more relaxed immediately. Here's how to do it:
- Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise.
- Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
- Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
- Hold your breath for a count of seven.
- Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
- This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat three more times for a total of four cycles.
For more explanation, plus a video tutorial, check out this video:
This Push-Up Challenge Will Make You Insanely Strong in 30 Days
If being able to do 50 push-ups is on your fitness bucket list, it's time to make it happen. Just like the 30-Day Squat Challenge, here's a plan to build your upper body and core strength so that by the end of the 30 days, you'll be able to bust out 50 push-ups.
This challenge involves five push-up variations to not only prevent boredom and overuse injuries but to also help sculpt other areas of the body. Here are instructions for the five different variations, followed by a 30-day plan to get you all the way to 50.
Number 1: Basic Push-Up
- Come into plank position with your arms and legs straight, shoulders above the wrists.
- Take a breath in, and as you exhale, bend your elbows out to the sides and lower your chest toward the ground. Stop as soon as your shoulders are in line with your elbows. Inhale to straighten the arms. This counts as one rep.
- If this is too difficult, do this exercise with your knees on the floor.
Number 2: One-Legged Push-Up (Left Leg)
- Begin in plank position.
- Extend your left leg straight behind you so it's parallel with the floor. Engage your abs, and try to keep your left heel in line with your hips.
- With your left leg extended and your right toes on the floor, exhale to bend the elbows, lowering into a push-up. Inhale to straighten your arms.
- This counts as one rep.
- If this is too difficult, the photo above shows how to do this push-up variation with your right knee resting on the floor.
Number 3: One-Legged Push-Up (Right Leg)
- Now switch sides. From plank position, extend your right leg straight behind you so it's parallel with the floor. Engage your abs, and try to keep your right heel in line with your hips.
- With your right leg extended and your left toes on the floor, exhale to bend the elbows, lowering into a push-up. Inhale to straighten your arms.
- This counts as one rep. As mentioned above, if this is too difficult, rest your left knee on the floor.
Number 4: T Push-Up
- Begin in plank position.
- Take a breath in, and then exhale to bend your elbows, lowering into a push-up.
- Inhale to straighten your arms, and at the top of your push-up, lift your left arm straight up overhead, rotating your torso to stack your shoulders, and turn your heels to the right, making a T-shape with your body.
- Exhale to place your left palm back on the ground and lower into a push-up.
- Inhale to straighten your arms and lift your right arm up overhead, rotating your torso and turning heels to the left.
- Exhale to place your right hand back on the ground.
- Doing a T push-up on both sides counts as one rep.
Number 5: Diamond Push-Up
- Begin in plank position. Place your hands together, directly under your sternum, with the tips of your index fingers and thumbs touching. Your fingers and thumbs should form a diamond or triangle shape.
- After an inhale, exhale to bend your elbows, lowering your chest toward the floor.
- Inhale to straighten the arms.
- This counts as one rep.
- If this is too difficult, try separating your hands a couple inches or widening your feet slightly. Still too hard? Then lower the knees to the ground.
The Plan
Instead of rolling out 50 regular push-ups in a row, you'll work up to doing 10 reps of each. This plan gives your upper body a day of rest every two days, but feel free to strength train other areas of the body on those rest days.
If you're new to the push-up scene, it's OK to perform these push-ups with your knees resting on the floor if straight legs is too difficult. But keep in mind that unless you practice doing push-ups on your toes with your legs straight, you'll never be able to do them. So do as many reps as you can with proper form with your knees lifted, and lower them when your arms start to fatigue. It's also OK to rest your arms if you need to (in ChIld's Pose or Seated Heart Opener), but as the plan progresses and you build strength and endurance, spend less time on your knees and resting, and more time rocking these push-up variations.
| Day of Month | Exercise | Total Push-Ups |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 1 rep of each | 5 |
| Day 2 | 1 rep of each, repeat 2x | 10 |
| Day 3 | Rest | 0 |
| Day 4 | 2 reps of each | 10 |
| Day 5 | 1 rep of each, repeat 3x | 15 |
| Day 6 | Rest | 0 |
| Day 7 | 2 reps of each, repeat 2x | 20 |
| Day 8 | 3 reps of each | 15 |
| Day 9 | Rest | 0 |
| Day 10 | 2 reps of each, repeat 3x | 30 |
| Day 11 | 4 reps of each | 20 |
| Day 12 | Rest | 0 |
| Day 13 | 3 reps of each, repeat 2x | 30 |
| Day 14 | 4 reps of each | 20 |
| Day 15 | Rest | 0 |
| Day 16 | 5 reps of each | 25 |
| Day 17 | 6 reps of each | 30 |
| Day 18 | Rest | 0 |
| Day 19 | 4 reps of each, repeat 2x | 40 |
| Day 20 | 6 reps of each | 30 |
| Day 21 | Rest | 0 |
| Day 22 | 7 reps of each | 35 |
| Day 23 | 8 reps of each | 40 |
| Day 24 | Rest | 0 |
| Day 25 | 8 reps of each | 40 |
| Day 26 | 9 reps of each | 45 |
| Day 27 | Rest | 0 |
| Day 28 | 9 reps of each | 45 |
| Day 29 | 5 reps of each, repeat 2x | 50 |
| Day 30 | 10 reps of each | 50 |
These 5 Techniques Are Exactly What You Need to Do Your First Push-Up
The elusive push-up. Seems just within your reach, but the minute you lift your knees off the ground, your entire body seems to give up on you. Spoiler alert: doing push-ups on your knees is not an effective way to learn this challenging bodyweight move. Instead of doing yet another modified push-up on your knees, give one of these five techniques a go. With the right commitment, you should be doing a traditional push-up in less than four weeks!
10 Arm-Sculpting Exercises You Need For Your Big Day
Chances are your bridal gown will be showing off your arms on your wedding day. When you're looking to tone up and shape up for the big day (and beyond), the following exercises will help you feel your best as you walk down the aisle.
Not getting married anytime soon or already betrothed? Keep reading! These exercises offer your arms a killer workout regardless of your relationship status.
Do This Every Day to Lose Weight (20 Pounds in 6 Months!)
No matter how you feel about the weighing yourself, Dietitian Julie Upton, MS, RD, of Appetite For Health, shares details from a new study on how the scale can help with weight loss.
According to a first-of-its-kind study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, researchers from Duke University Obesity Prevention Program reported that those who weighed themselves daily lost about three times as much weight and body fat, compared to those stepped on the scale less frequently.
The Duke obesity researchers enrolled 47 overweight men and women into a weight loss clinical trial that used electronic scales that were networked to the researchers' computer network. All subjects were instructed to weigh in daily and were given some basic advice about healthy eating and exercise behaviors (i.e., increase water consumption, walk more, eat fewer snacks, enjoy more fruits/veggies).
Using data from the subjects' escales, the researchers could objectively track the frequency of weigh-ins as well as the actual weights recorded. Previous studies have relied on subjects' self-reported information about weigh-ins, which is considered less reliable.
After six months, the researchers evaluated both body weight and composition of all subjects and found that those who weighed in daily (51 percent of all subjects) lost an average of 20 pounds, compared to about seven pounds lost among those who weighed themselves about five days per week. Subjects who weighed themselves daily were also more likely to report following through on more healthy diet and lifestyle behaviors.
The authors concluded: "Daily weighing may trigger the self-regulatory processes that promote behavior change. Those who weigh daily report greater adoption of diet and exercise behaviors associated with weight control."
This study adds to previous studies that also reported that those who weigh themselves more frequently lose more weight and are less likely to gain weight over time. As a dietitian, I've always been hesitant to recommend getting obsessed with the number on the scale, but newer studies suggest that it's important to keep tabs on your body weight so that you can alter behaviors when you notice small increases in weight gain. It's a lot easier to lose three or five pounds than it is to lose 20 or more, so frequent weigh-ins are one way to keep your weight stable for a lifetime.
9 Spaghetti Squash Recipes That Cut Carbs and Add Flavor
If you follow a gluten-free, Paleo, or Whole30 diet, chances are, you miss pasta. We don't blame you. Heck, maybe you don't follow any of these diets, but are just looking to lighten things up a bit. Say hello to your friend, the spaghetti squash. A great stand-in for noodles, spaghetti squash soaks up all the delicious flavors of the sauce it cooks with. Add to that its high fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A content, and it's a great veggie to have even if you're a member of the I Love Carbs club.
15 Snacks For Your Whole30 Way of Life
If you're embarking on a Whole30 Diet, it's unlikely you're going to find a snack fix at your local bodega. And a life without snacks is pretty dismal to think about. These Whole30-approved snack recipes are exactly what you need when you're in between meals but feigning off hunger. Made from simple ingredients with little in the way of prep, your friends are sure to deem you the snack master of the group.
Here's What Happens When You Quit Drinking
Our friends at YourTango gave up drinking, and this is what they learned.
It changed everything.
Since a young age, my mother has warned me of the dangers of alcohol. But, not in the same way that other parents might've, but in the weary way that you do when you know your child has been genetically cursed with the drinking gene on both her paternal and maternal side.
I've recently watched my father struggle with alcohol after decades of not drinking due to his father.
I spent my childhood watching my aunt battle her addiction with alcohol and drugs, and yet I went away to college and decided I could handle it. Although looking back, that was a lie. I went from being a sleepy drunk to a sloppy one. First, it was throwing up and then it was making an ass of myself while blacked out.
But, it wasn't until my past birthday that I decided to step back from inside the bottle after putting myself in one too many bad situations.
I've passed out in CVSes and Colombian clubs, woken up in a drunken stupor to find a $100 Uber bill and ran around hotel rooms ass naked.
But, the bottom line was when I couldn't remember having sex because I was so f*cked up. Despite being positive I was a willing participant, the only actual telling sight of sex was my achy vagina the next morning. After that, I decided it was time to put the bottle down for now before I was forced to do it later.
(The decision was further confirmed by a friend reminding me how I'd slipped into bed with her and her boyfriend, while still in the buck).
Truthfully, after nearly 100 days of consistent sobriety, I'm still trying to figure out if alcohol is something I could be able to enjoy leisurely since my problem was binge drinking as opposed to needing and wanting it every second of the day.
I knew how to have a glass of wine or just one beer when I was at home but when I turned up, it wasn't for play - it could actually be really scary.
The point is I'm still working out some of the details of this no-booze thing, but here's what I have discovered has happened since I stopped drinking.
1. I socialize less.
During the past couple of months, I've cut back on going out and not for the fear of being around booze but because I can't stand the pressure coming from so many directions. And, when I try to give a half-ass explanation simply stating it's to get healthy, I almost always end up just having to give an uncomfortable explanation of the previous actions that led to this decision (not in detail, of course).
2. But I socialize more.
Before you judge me for the contradiction, hear me out! Often times I would drink in social settings to get comfortable with a certain group of people or in a certain atmosphere. For instance, I only like dancing when I drink. So, I drink. But, without a boozy buffer, I've been forced to be social, strike up conversations, and bring the party on my own introverted merits. And while it's sometimes awkward at least I can recall the conversations now.
3. I lost weight.
It's no secret that alcohol isn't the best for your diet. You start to put on weight if you drink too much - and that was me. Mimosas (and screwdrivers) on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday - well - that's definitely not a recipe for weight loss. So, without it, I've fast-tracked the loss of my little pouch and said goodbye to my wine-induced FOPA.
4. I became more productive.
This one is really to the point. When you don't spend your days in bed mending your hangover just to prepare for another night of drinking, and thus another hangover you get sh*t done.
5. I saved money.
Drinks start to add up. I was drinking for brunch, joining monthly wine clubs, and still buying. I don't get paid enough for that madness.
6. I saved my life ... maybe.
With all the crazy stunts that I was pulling under the influence, it's really a lucky miracle that I wasn't kidnapped, assaulted, or worse.
My grandfather's life ended in a bottle and that's a fate I'm trying to spare myself from.
More from our friends at YourTango:
The 5 Things I Do Every Morning to Stay Healthy
In those first years out of college, I struggled with the transition into "real adulthood." Adulting is hard! But as I started to make health and self-care more of a priority, I realized that I was lacking a solid morning routine. Fast-forward to today, and the routine I've established has helped set the tone for a healthy day every day. Aside from the universal tip of "eat breakfast," here are the top five things that have helped me rise and shine; try these for a morning of wellness!
Oil Pull
Before you start saying "oil pulling is so 2014," hear me out. I grind my teeth at night, and I know I'm not alone in this. In addition to the possible oral health benefits, oil pulling exercises a stiff jaw to alleviate pain, forces you to get up 20 minutes earlier, and acts as a chemical-free mouthwash.
Stretch
While I oil pull, I stretch. I take this time to relax, meditate a bit, and warm up my body for the day. If I have time or get up early enough, I go to yoga or do a few Sun Salutations in my room. I know I'll be in a desk chair all day, so I try to carve out some time to always get a good stretch session in.
Drink Lemon Water
A room-temperature glass of lemon water has tons of health benefits: alongside improved hydration, you'll get a vitamin C boost for glowing skin, a metabolism boost, and a mood boost.
Care For Your Skin
I don't have an extreme 11-step Korean skin care routine, but I do have a pretty solid lineup for my skin. I cleanse my skin with Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel and my Clarisonic, then tone, apply serum, and moisturize. Twice a week, I use a peel, and three times a week, I use a retexturizing scrub. And you know what? I never knew my skin could be this good! The byproduct of this is that I now look forward to waking up (don't judge me) to go through my skin care routine.
Take Vitamins
I take B12 for energy, omega-3 for mood and muscle health, and vitamin E for hair, skin, and nails. If I'm drinking my vitamins in a shake, I use Vega One powder mixed with some coconut milk. At the risk of sounding like your mom, take your vitamins!
This Year's Flu Is Exceptionally Bad - Here's What to Watch Out For
Flu season is in full, miserable swing, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning that this year's strain is especially dangerous. Due to the nature of this year's strain, the flu shot is less effective than usual - but the vaccine is still beneficial because it can potentially make your symptoms less severe if you do come down with the flu.
The reason 2018 flu season is worse than usual is because the virus's dominant strain, H3N2, has been described by experts as one that causes severe symptoms and can be deadly - particularly for the youngest and oldest patients affected.
"This season, influenza illness has caused about three times more hospitalizations and pediatric deaths compared to same time last year," Teena Chopra MD, MPH, Corporate Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology at Detroit Medical Center, told POPSUGAR.
Here's what you should know about the 2018 flu's symptoms, prevention measures, and what to do if you are infected.
The Symptoms
According to Chopra, this year's most prominent symptoms are: fever or chills, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, headaches, muscle and body aches, fatigue, and vomiting (especially in children). These are fairly typical for any flu season, but the symptoms have been more severe for many patients this year.
Bernard Camins, MD, associate professor at the University of Alabama - Birmingham's Division of Infectious Diseases, said that people frequently mistake flu symptoms with those of the common cold. "Flu symptoms include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue," Camins told POPSUGAR. "The common cold very rarely gives you fever or chills, or muscle or body aches."
Prevention Measures
Both Chopra and Camins emphasized the importance of getting the flu shot - and, no, it's not too late to get the shot.
"If you have not gotten your flu shot, you are still encouraged to do so - but note that it typically takes two weeks to take effect," Camins told POPSUGAR. "The current flu vaccine has three to four strains of influenza that it works against, so even if it is not very effective against the current circulating strain, it may be very effective against the three other strains."
Practicing good hygiene is more important than ever during flu season. "Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand antibacterial rub," Chopra advised. "Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after use."
Ideally, we should avoid close contact with any person who has the flu - but that's not always easy if a family member or roommate is infected. "If it's a spouse, child, or roommate who you live with, do your best to use separate bathrooms and stay in separate rooms if possible, and be sure to disinfect surfaces often," Camins said. When it comes to the workplace, he suggested postponing face-to-face meetings in favor of teleconferences.
What to Do If You Catch the Flu
Dr. Helen Ewing, Dean of Nursing at Carrington College, told POPSUGAR that treatment for the flu should include getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids to stay hydrated, and taking over-the-counter medications to manage the symptoms.
"Some people find the use of steam helps relieve the coughing and respiratory congestion through adding a teaspoon of an over-the-counter menthol rub to boiling water and breathing in the steam for several minutes," Ewing added.
She said that because your body will typically fight off the virus on its own, it's not usually necessary to seek medical attention - but there are certainly exceptions, and it's crucial to know when it's time to contact your doctor.
"It is important to seek medical attention if you cannot drink enough fluids and become dehydrated, or if the flu symptoms are not going away and are worsening as this may indicate flu complications," Ewing explained. "Pneumonia, an infection of the lungs, is one of the most serious complications of the flu. Untreated, it can be life-threatening. Other possible complications are bronchitis, an infection of the airways, and sinusitis, an infection of the sinuses."
Chopra and Camins also said it's not usually necessary to seek medical attention - but Chopra added the caveat that "high-risk" individuals should get a prescription for antiviral medication. People in the high-risk category include children under 5 years of age, adults 65 years or older, pregnant women, residents of nursing homes, American Indians, and Alaskan Natives.
Camins noted that it's important to speak with a doctor before leaving your home. "If any of your symptoms are abnormally severe, call your healthcare provider to get medical advice on what to do before leaving your home. They may recommend for you to visit your local hospital, or may suggest staying home. It's important to defer to their professional opinion," he said, adding that securing a prescription for an antiviral can be done over the phone rather than by visiting a crowded facility.
When you're infected, Camins said it's essential to practice "respiratory etiquette." This includes avoiding crowds, washing your hands frequently, and staying home from work or school for at least five to seven days.
If You Prefer Nighttime Sweat Sessions, You'll Probably Love These Workouts
You know that coworker who bounces into the office in the morning having already run a 5K? Yeah, we can't all be her, but that's OK. Exercising in the a.m. has considerable benefits, like the freedom to say yes to last-minute plans after work, but there's no need to abandon your fitness goals just because you aren't a morning person. We've rounded up the best workouts to maximize your evening energy peak and prepare you for bedtime. Hit that snooze button and fit these in later.
vendredi 19 janvier 2018
Just Add a Can: 17 Recipes Made Better With Canned Ingredients
Every cook knows that fresh is always better, but canned ingredients are one of a few food-editor-approved shortcuts in the kitchen. Need to bulk up your pasta? Add chickpeas. Want easy homemade tomato sauce? Start with a can of whole tomatoes. These 17 recipes are all made better by the addition of canned ingredients, and they're just as easy as they are tasty.
Espresso Patronum! Starbucks's Smoked Butterscotch Latte Is Back For a Limited Time
Update: Starbucks has brought back its Smoked Butterscotch Latte for a limited time. Many people think the latte, which first launched in 2016, tastes like butterbeer, so grab it while you can, Potterheads!
Original story: Starbucks and Harry Potter fans, hold onto your sorting hats. If you're dying to try butterbeer but are just not going to take the time to make it at home, you're going to want to try Starbucks Smoked Butterscotch Latte. We were skeptical when we heard claims that the drink resembled butterbeer, so we turned to our resident Harry Potter World experts, and guess what they said? "Tastes like straight-up butterbeer."
The main difference, of course, is the coffee taste - real butterbeer is free of coffee, so if you want the closest thing to the Harry Potter drink without having to travel, order the latte with no espresso so it becomes steamed milk, smoked butterscotch syrup, and a sprinkle of smoky butterscotch sugar on top.
That's not to say the drink was well liked by everyone. Other co-workers' comments were "tastes like sweet milk," "doesn't taste like butterscotch," and "not sweet - too smoked." Obviously everyone's palates (and coffee preferences) are different, so there's no guaranteeing you'll like it or not, but the limited-edition drink is worth a try if you're a butterscotch (or butterbeer) fan.
20 Comforting Veggie Noodle Recipes That Won't Leave You Hungry
A veggie spiralizer can transform zucchini and sweet potatoes into marvelous noodle-like strands. It's by far the most fun way to sneak some veggies into your diet (as well as lighten up the carb load). As for the taste? These recipes are heavy on flavor. Please meet chicken zoodle soup and spiralized sweet potato pizza, among many other new comfort food favorites.
Starbucks's New Cookie Butter Bar Tastes Like Happiness With Cream Cheese Frosting
Update: Starbucks's Cookie Butter Bar is back! If you didn't get a chance to try the gingerbread-like dessert when it launched in early 2017, now's your shot.
Original story: Starbucks's newest dessert in its bakery case is made with one of the best spreadable substances on earth: cookie butter. The new Starbucks Cookie Butter Bar ($2) is made with gingerbread-like Speculoos cookies on the bottom, a layer of gooey cookie butter on top, followed by a layer of rich vanilla cream cheese frosting, and topped with crushed Speculoos cookies. It's buttery, crunchy, sweet, and tangy all at once.
Out of all the new foods and drinks Starbucks has released this year, including sous vide egg bites and Spring macchiatos, this is hands down our favorite item of the year so far. The thick layer of cream cheese frosting atop the buttery cookie spread and crunchy cookie bottom takes these bars over the edge. The next time you need a mid-afternoon latte and sweet treat, we recommend ordering your favorite grande caffeinated beverage and a Cookie Butter Bar (or two).
11 Totally Awesome Breakfast Scrambles
When it comes to fast and easy breakfasts (or breakfast for dinner), scrambled eggs are king. Not only are they speedy to cook, but they're stick-to-your-ribs kind of food; light, but satiating. Another reason we love a good scramble: it's near-infinitely riffable, as these 11 variations back up. Keep reading to learn a new technique or two (poached scrambled eggs, anyone), or to find a new favorite mix-in combination.
3 Ingenious Cooking Secrets Straight From an Italian Grandmother
Like many Italian cooks, Laura Vitale learned a lot from her Italian grandmother. Laura grew up spending time in the kitchen, cooked her way to the top, and now hosts Cooking Channel's Simply Laura and YouTube's Laura in the Kitchen, where she has more than 2 million subscribers. After speaking about her chili mac and cheese recipe with me, Laura shared some truly invaluable cooking tips that she learned from her Italian grandmother and that every home cook can benefit from. Get a free cooking lesson by remembering these three rules, straight from an unbeatable source.
1. Buy One Cheap Olive Oil and One Nice One
If you cook with olive oil a lot, it's smart to have one cheap bottle and one higher quality, more expensive bottle. "There should be two different kinds of olive oil you keep on hand. This is something I've done my whole life because my mother and my grandmother do," Laura said. "When you have two different kinds of olive oil, a standard olive oil and a more expensive version, that more expensive version can be used to make no-cook sauces that have such potent, fresh flavor," like basil pesto and bruschetta. Save the cheaper olive oil for cooking dishes where the flavor won't be able to shine as much, like kale and white bean soup with Italian sausage.
2. Freeze Parmesan Rinds to Add to Soup
You might think there's no use for a rind of parmesan cheese once you've grated every last strand, but that's not the case - in fact, you should be cooking with it. Laura notes that parmesan rinds are a crucial component to flavorful soups, saying, "Having a good base for your soup is so important; it's something that my grandma taught me. To make [soup] even better, you throw in a little bit of a wedge of parmigiano reggiano cheese in the pot as it cooks. It releases all that flavor as it cooks. It's not only just for garnish, but hits it at a much deeper level. I keep parmesan rinds in my freezer for times like this - it makes the biggest difference in the world."
3. Treat Time as an Ingredient
The best cooking tip Laura received from her grandmother is to recognize that time is just as important of an ingredient as any other. "Never mistake the difference between what takes a long time to cook and what takes a long time to prepare. One of the most important things when it comes to cooking is time - allowing something to cook for a while and not rushing it. When you're cooking for someone, make sure it comes from the heart; it's a different experience. [My grandmother] says, 'Half the time I don't even want to eat, I just want to cook for people because it makes me feel good.'"
The Absolute Best Way to Cook Zucchini Noodles
Congrats! You've successfully made zoodles in a spiralizer. Now, onto the important question: how do you actually cook them? Unlike pasta, you fortunately don't need to wait around for a pot of water to boil. Instead, you treat the veggie "noodles" as vegetables you'd normally sauté on the stovetop.
The best way to cook a batch of zoodles is to heat one or two tablespoons of oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the noodles with a generous pinch of salt and a little pepper. After about five minutes, the zoodles will be slightly softened but not mushy, which is what you're after. They'll be similar to the al dente texture of traditional pasta.
And that's it! You can turn off the heat and turn your zucchini noodles into a full meal catered to your preference. You could add homemade bolognese sauce, basil pesto and parmesan cheese, lemon butter shrimp and red pepper flakes, or even more of your favorite satueed veggies to the mix. After trying out this healthy alternative to carb-heavy pasta a few times, you might convince yourself you like it almost as much as the real thing.
Ready to get cooking? Here are some more zucchini noodle recipes to get you started.
I Stopped Working Out For Months - Here's What Finally Got Me Back Into the Habit
I used to work out - every day. After years of avoiding the gym like the plague, I found a type of exercise that not only changed my body, but my life as well. Unfortunately, when my local barre studio closed, I fell off the workout wagon and struggled to find something I was passionate about. Months of half-hearted exercise went by, with unsuccessful gym sessions, weight gain, and toned muscle loss. Feelings of insecurity, self-doubt, and disappointment in myself crept in more and more.
Sometimes, it takes just getting up and doing your usual routine to get back in the habit of working out. Sometimes, it takes majorly shaking up your idea of what a workout actually is in order to remember what it's like to get excited about exercise.
For me, it took getting back in the saddle - literally.
I approached my Backroads Active Travel bike trip through Cuba with both excitement (trip to Cuba!) and trepidation; I wasn't embarking on the adventure as fit as I'd been in the past, and I was worried that I would feel out of shape and would ultimately come away from the exercise aspect of the experience feeling down about myself.
In fact, the opposite happened. After five solid days of biking many miles per day through the absolutely stunning landscape of Cuba (we're talking farmland, beaches, mountains, jungle, and cities!), I remembered something I'd forgotten while I was guilt-tripping myself about falling off the workout wagon: I like exercise - when it's actually fun. When I got back home, I didn't hesitate to get back into a rhythm of working out, because it made me feel good and because I made a concerted effort to choose workouts not because they were the best at helping me lose weight, gain muscle, tone my abs, or reach some arbitrary goal I gave myself, but because I enjoyed them. I promised myself that going forward, exercise would have to have some element of fun; otherwise, I was skipping it.
Now, I know that not everyone can drop what they're doing and take a trip to Cuba in order to restart their workout rhythm. I'm not telling you to do that! But there are simple ways to get back into the habit that I learned based on my not-so-typical experience. The key is simple: do something you think is fun, even if it's not your "conventional" way of working out. Everything else - the stronger arms, toned abs, and yes, even weight loss - will follow naturally. Here's how to get back into the swing of things - and remember, it's never "too late" and it's never "the wrong time." It's all up to you!
- Don't guilt-trip yourself. If you miss a workout or skip a class, that's OK. It happens. Beating yourself up about it isn't going to change anything. Remember, tomorrow is another day!
- Consider where you interests lie. Love watching ballet? Try a barre class. Spend your weekends strolling through the city? Try a challenging hike with beautiful scenery to take your mind off the work.
- Choose workout classes that cater to the things you like. Avoid workouts that have elements that you don't love. If you have a short attention span, do a 30-minute or 45-minute class instead an hour-long one. If you hate moving slowly because it makes the class feel longer, opt for quick cardio classes over slower ones.
- Change. It. Up. It's easy to fall into a routine and get comfortable doing workouts that you're used to. There's definitely a good side to that; it means you're getting up and getting exercise! Still, it's never a bad idea to try something new to make things more interesting. You never know - it may be your next favorite way to get moving.
- Exercise when you travel. Be open-minded when you're away from home, especially when you're traveling internationally. Pick up new ways of working out wherever you go and incorporate them back into your routine when you return.
- Stop overthinking things! Exercise doesn't have to feel like another chore to check off of your to-do list. For many people, it's actually the highlight of their days and something they look forward to. You can feel this way too if you approach it with the right mindset and find the form of exercise that is right for you. We're all different, so what works for one person isn't necessarily going to be what works for you.
- Find the fun. It shouldn't feel like torture. Design your workouts to fit your interests, your comfort level, and your idea of what is actually enjoyable. Take it from someone who forgot to "find the fun" for a while but then discovered it again: it makes a world of difference.
The bottom line is to shake things up and do something out of the box. Take your mind off the technical parts of exercise and do an activity that will remind you why you loved working out to begin with - or something that will make you fall in love with it for the first time.
I Wish I Hadn't Let Fear Stop Me From Traveling With My Son
For most of my son's two and a half years of life, I've let fear of traveling with him dictate our plans. Even visiting a neighboring state by car was enough to make me overthink every minute detail. My regret now isn't so much about what he missed out on, since let's be real, no real memories would sink in at this age. It's the fact that I didn't give him a chance to surprise me. I let fear prevent me from seeing friends and family and doing fun things.
Travel at any age can be nerve-racking, but with social media and the news, my mind quickly jumped to worst-case scenarios. Screaming, exploding diapers, and having a horde of fellow passengers angry at me because the cabin pressure hurt his ears didn't sound fun. This says nothing for having to contend with a whole new environment once we arrived at our destination. Sleep for such a long time felt like a delicate dance, and one misstep would screw everything up.
With loved ones scattered all over the country, the opportunity was there. We missed out on family weddings, visiting friends, and the chance to travel spontaneously. At this point, there is no telling how the 1-year-old version of himself would have reacted to being on a plane. The moment is gone. All I have to compare it to is how he handles it now.
After much hesitancy and second-guessing my decision, I finally took him on a trip to visit his grandpa. His first plane ride, despite every possible terrible outcome I had worried about, went by without a hitch. It was somewhere flying above Montana that I realized my mistake.
Sure, flying with him at a younger age could have been disastrous, but it also could have allowed us to see and do things I never thought possible. Playing at the beach, which is something the California native in me took for granted for too long, is one example. Camping, water parks, and new city adventures are others that come to mind. I missed the opportunity of him being easily transportable, and I now get to deal with a toddler's whims and desires.
There's no going back and trying again, unfortunately. Instead, I'll have to look forward to taking him on adventures coming up. While the former me would have avoided the four weddings coming up this Summer, I'm choosing this time to trust that he can be flexible and to push him, and me, to see the world in a whole new way.
It's Illegal to Cross America's Second Tallest Bridge For Good Reason (but People Still Do)
Almost 350 feet above the Skokomish River stands the Vance Creek Bridge, the second tallest trestle bridge in the country. There are no guard rails and no safety nets, and the decaying wood of the structure isn't exactly reassuring. Still, the views from the stunning bridge have made it a popular destination for adventurers and Instagrammers alike, and looking at the images, it's easy to see why.
Less than a two-hour drive from Seattle and situated along the Vance Creek Viaduct Trail, the Vance Creek Railway Bridge - which was built in 1929 - spans 422 feet across. It was built originally so trains and timber companies could access Washington's forests but fell into disuse in the 1970s. Though it's on private property - and potentially dangerous considering its age and state of disrepair - hikers flock to the man-made wonder to marvel at both the bridge and the incredible views from it. On a clear day, you can even see Mt. Rainier if you're brave enough to make it to the center.
While undoubtedly breathtaking, it may be better to view the bridge from afar to ensure your safety, and also because in the past, tickets have been given for trespassing.
Check out the photos ahead!
8 Reasons Traveling With Your Sister Will Change Your Vacations Forever
In the weeks that my sister and I started planning our all-inclusive, five-day trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico, we were hell-bent on finding people to travel with us. All we could talk about was assembling a potential "party crew." We both have significant others and a best friend, Mary (who's practically part of our family save for her different last name and other obvious logistics). Could we find a way to settle on dates that worked for ANY of these people?! How could a week of relaxing by the pool and drinking Miami Vices be fun without them? It would be so much more hilarious dancing around in the club at the resort with a group. The days would be so much more satisfying with a little romance involved if I brought my boyfriend Joey and Rachel took her girlfriend Megan.
Well, we ended up traveling by ourselves on that all-inclusive Mexico getaway and I have one big acronym for those naive sisters who were desperate for more company: LOL. After just a few hours into the trip, I could already tell that Rachel was the one and only person I wanted to be with, no questions asked. By the end of the five days, I realized this - and I want the whole world to know it, too! - your sister is, hands down, the best person to travel the world with. In case you need convincing, I put together some reasons why. I hope you'll share them with your sister or anyone you know who has a sister, because missing out on an experience like the one I had would be like missing out on candy at Halloween, pecan pie at Thanksgiving, gingerbread cookies at Christmas, rugelach at Hanukkah, and cheesecake at Easter (yes, all five things).
1. You Can Over-Plan and Get Over-Excited About the Smallest Things
And you won't seem annoying - not to the person you grew up with. Even if you know she's not as thrilled as you are about upgrading to the "preferred section" of the resort or committing to a shopping trip excursion, she's your sister and she won't be selfish. She wants you to enjoy yourself as long as she gets to enjoy herself, too. Since she's not afraid to speak up about that, she'll make sure she's getting her fair share of deals and experiences that are just as exciting to her personally.
2. You Can Do What You Want, When You Want Without Feeling Bad About It
You might wake up and want to head straight to breakfast, starting your day with a tall stack of pancakes. But if she wakes up and says, "I feel like I need to work out; I'm going to the gym," you'll obviously understand and wait for her. You can tap into each other's senses - you known what she needs to feel good and she knows what you need.
3. Making Family Calls Takes Half the Time
Well, sure. When you've got the same family to call, it doesn't take long to catch up with your loved ones. You won't have to make two dials to tell everyone about all the beautiful sights you saw that day. One quick FaceTime, then back to quality time with your sis.
4. You Can Take Totally Staged Photos With No Shame
You're not at all embarrassed to pose for mirror selfies before dinner when you're all dressed up. And if your sister's already taken 1,005 pics of you on the beach or in front of that really pretty, 'grammable building you discovered, you won't be shy about asking her to snap #1,006. Go for it - you're not being annoying, you're sisters.
5. No SO, No Problem
OK, this isn't necessarily ideal at all times. Of course romance is welcome on vacation, but sometimes, it can be a relief not to think about that stuff - sex, canoodling, and all that jazz. Shaving, for example, becomes less of a top priority and more of a "maybe I'll do that" item on the agenda. Unwinding and being carefree with your sister can be satisfying, and sex will be there when you get home. Also, you can still walk around butt naked in the hotel room. It's a no judgment zone.
6. You Might Get Sick
Obviously, getting sick isn't ideal on vacation, but it can happen for a variety of reasons. You're in a new place, likely eating new food, trying new drinks, and adjusting to new air. If you're traveling by plane, there's a chance you'll get congested, and hey, some of us get motion sickness. Who better than your sister to rub your back when you're nauseated, hold back your hair if you, er, overindulge, and scramble to find you medicine if you're stuffed up or having some sort of allergic reaction? She's family!
7. You Can Be Real About How You Feel
When it comes down to packing up to go home and you get that first pang of anxiety (sh*t, you have to go back to work), you can cry about it and even complain. Your sister will let you talk until you're blue in the face. Also, you can make ridiculous inside jokes based on thoughts you might not be willing to share with everyone in your life. You can trust that these hilarious little moments will stay between the two of you.
8. You'll Return Home Closer Than You Thought Possible
Like you could get closer with the one person you're already closest with, psh. It is possible, though. For every time Rachel rolled her eyes at my ridiculous behavior on our trip (I raised my voice at the front desk staff when they charged me the right price for our bill, only to be shushed by Rachel, who knew I was making a mistake . . . and that I had to take my math class pass/fail in college), I knew she was trying to work with me. And by giving up a morning on the beach to sit by the pool instead (which is something Rachel loves to do), I was adapting to her agenda. We were actually practicing a life skill that proves useful elsewhere.
After my trip with Rachel, I was so excited to return home to my bed, to see my parents, and to spend time with my best friend and partner Joey - to lay in bed with him all weekend and be lazy and romantic, you know the deal. But then I went back to work and the first thing I wanted to do was write this story. So go ahead and draw your own conclusions.
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