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.
lundi 7 mai 2018
17 Wildly Awesome Travel Adventures to Have Around the World This Summer
Are you looking for a YOLO-worthy adventure? It's time to stop procrastinating and start living your life! This Summer, try out one of these incredible activities that travelers have experienced all over the world. You'll feel so fulfilled, and let's be honest - you'll get an awesome picture out of it. Check out these dreamy locations.
The Top 10 Travel Destinations of 2018
If there's one resolution you actually commit to in 2018, let it be travel. It may not be your typical fitness or organization-oriented goal, but it can make you richer in terms of self-growth, new experiences, and even personal happiness. And all of that is far more valuable than any annual goal you usually make.
With endless sources of travel inspiration available, figuring out where to go next is the toughest part. But we've eliminated all the hard work for you, so that all that's left for you to do is choose. From rising hot spots to destinations you never knew existed, these are the top 10 places to travel to in 2018.
Where will you go?
1. Boracay, PhilippinesThis small island in the central Philippines only spans four and a half miles long, but you'll find that to be plenty when you see all the natural beauty Boracay has to offer. Navigate the mini paradise via bike and spend your stay sunbathing on White Beach, collecting puka shells on Yapak, or sipping on cocktails while the sun goes down and fire dancers come out.
2. Ljubljana, Slovenia Reminiscent of Amsterdam's famous canals while blending Mediterranean, German, and Slovenian culture, Ljubljana is a beautiful combination of old and new. The Ljubljanica River divides the capital's Old Town from its commercial Center district, marked by the city's most iconic landmark, the Triple Bridge. You'll find it difficult to not fall in love, as Ljubljana boasts as much charm and wonderful architecture as it does museums, outdoor cafes, green landscapes, and rich history. 3. Ninh Binh, VietnamWhile most travelers flock to Hanoi, Vietnam's majestic rural side in the Red River Delta is sometimes overlooked. However, as more people begin to recognize Ninh Binh's serene landscapes as a reason to add it to their itineraries, it's only a matter of time until the northern area becomes the next popular place to be. With its limestone cliffs, temples, lush green valleys, and hiking trails and caves, this province easily takes a top spot.
4. Sucre, BoliviaBolivia's capital is known for its whitewashed buildings and colonial architecture, but there's also plenty more to do and see. The historic city of Sucre offers a number of museums, cathedrals, and landmarks, including its main square, Plaza 25 de Mayo, and Casa de la Libertad - and it's also home to one of the largest sets of dinosaur footprints in the world.5. Seoul, South Korea Seoul is where pop culture, technology, and tradition blend. You'll see both fashion-forward streetwear and traditional hanboks, skyscrapers and Buddhist temples, street markets and made-for-Instagram cafes. Its high-tech subways also allow easy access to neighboring cities in case you want to explore past South Korea's capital. Spend your mornings palace hopping and tea sipping at Insadong, and then see the city come to life from the N Seoul Tower. You'll never find yourself short of things to do.6. Essaouira, MoroccoTravelers who prefer the slow pace of a coastal town over a bustling and dense city will be entranced by Essaouira. Known as a port and resort center, Africa's windy city is as popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing as it is for pure relaxation. Walk along its beaches and through the vibrant medina, browse the boutiques, check out the catch of the day at the fish port, and more. And if you're looking for a little more hustle, Marrakech is only a bus ride away.
7. Zadar, Croatia Consider taking a holiday along Croatia's Dalmatian coast where you're more likely to find less crowds than at Dubrovnik and Split. The seaside city is rich with culture, history, and romance; equally known for its Roman and Venetian ruins and stunning sunsets. Once you get your fill of landmarks, churches, and cathedrals, head east of Old Town over to Kolovare Beach for bars and restaurants or offshore at Kornati National Park for diving and snorkeling. You can't leave Zadar without marveling at the musical Sea Organ, either.8. Upolu, SamoaThis paradisal island in Samoa is home to everything you want: lush rainforest, lagoons, dramatic waterfalls, idyllic beaches, the international airport, and much, much more. Dive into the Instagram-famous To Sua Ocean Trench, surf and fish along the coast year-round, or indulge at restaurants and bars in Samoa's capital city, Apia, before heading back to Upolu's sleepier parts.
9. Tbilisi, Georgia Georgia's capital is far from ordinary. Visitors are able to witness the modernization of Tbilisi since its time under Persian and Russian rule, as well as older reminders scattered throughout its diverse architecture. Not too far from the plazas, five-star hotels, bars and clubs, and museums remain small shops and quaint living. At Old Town, you'll find ancient cobblestoned roads, and winding lanes, while the rest of the city is gradually coming into its own, neither distinctly Western or Eastern. Travelers will find themselves captivated by this eclectic and multi-ethnic and multicultural destination that's truly unlike any other.10. Mallorca, Spain The Mediterranean's shining gem is loved by many for good reason. The island's breathtaking coasts, aqua-blue waters, and postcard coves are just a few appeals. Mallorca (Majorca) did inspire Chopin and other musicians, artists, and writers, after all. Maybe it'll be the picturesque villages, the cuisine, the architecture, the mountainous landscape, the beaches, or the nightlife that seduces you. Whatever it is, prepare to extend your stay.
33 Things That Make Disneyland Better Than Disney World
Disclaimer: this is my personal opinion, and as a California native who has been to Disneyland countless times (far more than Disney World), I fully recognize my bias. That said, Disneyland is actually the best and way better than Disney World. Here's why.
2 Recipes From Joanna Gaines's New Cookbook That You Simply Have to Try For Yourself
Anyone who's ever watched HGTV's Fixer Upper will immediately recognize Joanna Gaines's style in her new cookbook, Magnolia Table. It looks like the homes she designed on the show: clean lines, a lot of white space, bright pages and photography, and a general black-and-white aesthetic.
And it's perfect timing for this book too! Fans who were sad to hear there won't be new episodes on HGTV anytime soon, since the finale aired in April, can bring a dose of the Gaines family into their kitchens.
Magnolia Table is filled with family stories and memories surrounding meals; individual favorites (for Chip, it's anything breakfast); diverse recipes that celebrate Joanna's diverse background: Texan (queso dip, fried chicken, Gaines chili . . .), Korean (her mom's bulgogi - find the recipe below), and Lebanese (her grandfather's recipe for Syrian doughnuts and fatayer); and some recipes that are used in their restaurant by the same name in Waco, TX, like her specialty biscuits and chocolate chip cookies (see below for the original recipe).
In the introduction, Joanna shares her own food journey, from the first meal she made for Chip in their first home (a spaghetti-and-meatballs dish with bread and butter that didn't go so well) to how she began to explore recipes from his family, like the Gaines's chili, and sharing recipes from her family with him, like the "Stevens family breakfast tradition: toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwiches dipped in black coffee" . . . which sounds delicious. Everything she describes sounds delicious. When she's writing about food and recipes, it's like she's staging them for readers in a way, just like she staged homes at the end of each episode of Fixer Upper for the full effect.
Fast-forward to when Chip and Joanna had four children under four who they had to feed and she turned to casseroles, slow-cookers, and "big pots of hearty soup that could simmer for a while." These types of meals are still her go-tos when she's having a busy week.
As her kids grew, they began to voice what they liked, and so meals became more elaborate. The kitchen counter and dining table are a focal point of their home. Joanna tries to tailor meals every week based both on the family's schedule and what's growing in their garden.
Even after Fixer Upper exploded, their family gained international fame, and their businesses continued to expand, she still prioritized time to cook meals from scratch in the evenings. In fact, that's how she de-stresses. "I stick my hand in a bowl of flour to begin to make pie crust, or peel some potatoes, and all of a sudden my thoughts slow down. I begin to unwind," she writes.
Cooking isn't a chore to her, and she suggests that a change in perspective can make it something we all look forward to.
She divides her cookbook into several simple and useful sections. She begins with what she usually has in her pantry and the essential tools for cooking, from measuring utensils to biscuit cutters, spatulas to a large cast-iron skillet. Then she has her recipes divided by meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizers and starters, and dessert, along with two special sections dedicated to soups and salads and side dishes.
"I've learned to approach planning dinner the same way I plan interiors," she writes. She always thinks about layers and textures. First, she'll choose a main dish, and then the sides that would complement it. And always, always dessert, like her favorite lemon pie recipe!
Try out Joanna's original recipes from Magnolia Table ahead.
Mom's Bulgogi With Cucumber Kimchi Salad
"My mom grew up in Seoul, South Korea, with a mom who was an amazing cook. I can personally vouch for this because in the 1980s my grandmother and uncle moved in with us in our home in Wichita, Kansas, where I grew up. What I remember most about that time is my grandmother cooking amazing food nonstop. When my grandmother passed away I know my mom regretted never having really learned from her how to cook proper Korean dishes. She ended up adopting a much more American style of cooking and by the time my sisters and I were on the scene, she had long since perfected a few dishes for my steak-and-potato-loving dad. But around that same time she had a lot of Korean friends living nearby, and she learned enough from them that by the time my kids were born, she was often preparing traditional Korean dishes for them, like seaweed soup.
It's funny to me that they're growing up eating much more authentic Korean food than I ever did. Mom's bulgogi, though, is more of an American-Korean hybrid, much sweeter than traditional bulgogi, and she serves it on a bed of white rice. Mom has us over once a month and this is what she always makes. It's my kids' very favorite food in the world, so I knew I had to include it in this book. Getting the recipe on paper was a bit of a challenge. My mom had no idea what the measurements were or how to describe what she does, because, as she said, she just does it. (Writing this book made me realize just how alike we are in this way.) But eventually, we figured it out, and I'm so glad we did because now I've captured the blueprint to what will always be a beloved meal for my kids.
We've never had Mom's bulgogi with anything other than her cucumber kimchi salad, which has a clean, fresh flavor that perfectly complements the sweet barbecued beef."
Prep: 20 minutes, plus 4 to 5 hours marinating
Cook: 10 to 20 minutes
Cool: none
Servings: Makes 6 to 8 servings
Bulgogi Ingredients
3 cups packed light brown sugar
1½ cups soy sauce
5 tablespoons sparkling dessert wine, such as Banfi Rosa Regale, or sparkling grape juice
3 tablespoons sesame oil
2 green onions (light and dark green parts), chopped, plus 1/4 cup sliced for serving
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 to 5 pounds beef tenderloin, rib-eye, top sirloin, or sirloin steak, thinly sliced (see Note)
Cucumber Kimchi Salad Ingredients
2 English cucumbers, peeled if desired, cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 green onions (light and dark green parts), thinly sliced on the diagonal
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 to 2 teaspoons gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes; see Tip)
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 to 1 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
For Serving
Steamed white rice
1 to 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion (light and dark green parts) as needed, for garnish
3 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted, for garnish
- Marinate the bulgogi: In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, wine, sesame oil, green onions, garlic, and pepper until well combined. Add the beef and coat it completely in marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 5 hours.
- To make the cucumber kimchi salad: In a medium bowl, combine the cucumbers, green onions, garlic, gochugaru, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, and salt to taste and stir gently. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare a hot grill. If the pieces of beef are so small that they may fall through the grates, use a grilling skillet or place a sheet of foil on the grill.
- Grill the beef on both sides until medium-well, 3 to 5 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Don't crowd the skillet or foil, so do this in batches if necessary. As you finish each batch, transfer it to a serving platter and continue with the remaining beef.
- Serve the bulgogi on top of steamed rice. Garnish with green onion and toasted sesame seeds and spoon the cucumber kimchi salad alongside.
- Store the leftover bulgogi and cucumber kimchi salad in separate covered containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
NOTE: My mom usually has the butcher slice the beef for this dish when she buys it. If you live near a Korean market, they often sell packages of sliced rib-eye or top sirloin; sometimes they're even marked specifically for bulgogi. If you buy big pieces to cut yourself, freeze the meat for about 30 minutes before cutting so that it's easier to slice thinly and cut against the grain.
TIP: Gochugaru, or Korean red pepper, is commonly used in kimchi. It adds precisely the right amount of heat and unique flavor to the cucumber salad. Authentic Korean brands are readily available at Asian grocery stores or online, and the McCormick spice company packages it as well.
From Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines. Copyright © 2018 by Joanna Gaines. Reprinted by permission of William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
"My dad has an intense sweet tooth, just like me. One afternoon when I was around ten years old, Dad got a hankering and he enlisted me to help him make Toll House chocolate chip cookies. That was the first time he and I had ever baked together. Since then, whenever I make chocolate chip cookies, including the ones from this recipe, I think of him and that special afternoon we spent together in the kitchen. I developed this recipe over the years, after experimenting with a few classics and having them come out flat every time. I wanted something that was chunky, beautiful, and also delicious. In the end, one big change I made was to cut back on the butter. I do truly believe that butter makes everything better and no one is more surprised than I am about how amazing these taste even though they're made with less of the good stuff than most traditional chocolate chip cookies."
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: Under 30 minutes
Cool: 1 hour
Servings: Makes about 40 cookies
Ingredients
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 heaping teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips (see Tip)
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large bowl with a handheld electric mixer), beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the eggs and beat until blended. Add the vanilla and beat until blended.
- Turn the mixer off and add the flour mixture to the bowl. Mix on medium just until the flour is mixed in, then turn the mixer to high speed for a few seconds to pull the dough together; it will be chunky.
- Add the chocolate chips and beat on high for about 5 seconds to thoroughly and quickly mix in the chips.
- Drop by large spoonfuls on the lined baking sheet; don't flatten them. Bake until lightly browned on top, 10 to 11 minutes. Cool on the pan on a rack for 1 minute, then transfer the cookies to the rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Store the cookies in a tightly covered container at room temperature for up to three days.
TIP: Depending on what you're in the mood for, you can add ½ cup more or less chocolate than what is called for.
From Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines. Copyright © 2018 by Joanna Gaines. Reprinted by permission of William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. All images (c) Amy Neunsinger.
20 Signs Your Emotional Type Is "the Rock"
Some people wear their heart on their sleeve, whereas others struggle with the ability to express their feelings. If you're the latter, your emotional type can be identified as "the rock." Among the four different types (the intellectual, the empath, the rock, and the gusher), someone who most relates to the rock is usually the strong one of the group, as the name implies. They're emotionally supportive of others but aren't comfortable with opening up themselves.
There are some qualities that make being this type problematic at times. For example, if you're unable to share how you really feel, you bottle up many of those emotions, including the negative ones like frustration and anger. In addition, because rocks tend to be passive, their relationships with others don't often go beyond the surface and they aren't as in tune with their emotions.
Despite these downfalls, there are benefits to being a rock. You're considered a great friend because you're loyal and nonjudgmental. People feel comfortable coming to you about their issues and you tend to get along with almost everyone. You rarely have conflicts with others because you're far from being confrontational. Check out the signs below to see if you're a rock, and then take this quiz to confirm.
- You get defensive when people try to ask you about your feelings.
- You're a good listener.
- You're the calm one in an emergency situation.
- You're respectful.
- You're the go-to person for venting.
- You'd rather avoid conflict than address it.
- You don't have many enemies.
- Not many people have seen you cry.
- People consider you very dependable.
- Your friends have tried to get emotions out of you.
- You often keep your guard up.
- It takes a long time for you to open up to people.
- It scares you to get very close to someone.
- Your emotions rarely spike and you're almost always stable.
- Expressing your emotions has been an issue in relationships.
- Some people make the mistake of thinking you don't care.
- Not many things make you visibly upset.
- You're not a judgmental person.
- You are sometimes perceived as cold (even if you're not).
- When others get upset, you're there to support them.
6 Steps to Take to Wind Down For a Good Night's Sleep
There's a lot of advice on how to create a good bedtime routine for a baby, but not so much for adults. We can take a few tips from the classic "bath, book, bed" regime that's often rolled out for infants, though. For a while I had difficulty falling asleep, and then struggled to sleep well through the night, so I made a few changes to the period before bedtime, and they made all the difference.
1. Screens Off
One of the hardest changes I made was limiting my screen time late at night, but the evidence was undeniable - on the nights when I worked on my computer right up to bedtime, it took me ages to settle down to sleep. The scientific reason to make this change is that blue light from your devices can disrupt circadian and melatonin rhythms, which basically means your body thinks it's daytime. A lot of guidelines recommend turning off screens one hour before bed, but if you can't manage that, try to turn off your electronics at least 20 minutes before your head hits the pillow. There are plenty of other things you can do in that time; here are a few that work for me.
2. Bath
I've always enjoyed the relaxing effects of a hot bath, but I tended to have one earlier in the evening. When I moved bath time closer to bedtime, I found it helped me to fall asleep. You could add essential oils that are said to have sleep-inducing properties, like lavender. If you're not a bath fan, try a shower instead. When you come out of warm water into a cooler bedroom, the drop in your body temperature sends signals to your body that it's time to rest. You also have the benefit of being clean, and we all know how uncomfortable (not to mention unhygienic) it is to sleep with makeup on.
3. Book
. . . or music or a podcast. Basically, if you still need something to help you wind down once you're under the sheets, you can try anything that doesn't involve a screen. I favor a book, and one that's not too exciting (nor too heavy), as I often fall asleep while reading.
4. Notes
In that quiet time before sleep, my brain often fills with reminders. When I used to keep my phone in my bedroom, I would use that to make notes. That's a big no-no. Not only did that then suck me into a drawn-out spiral of checking emails and social media, but it also meant I was engaging in screen time at entirely the wrong time. Now I keep a pen and notepad by the bed so I can scribble down reminders the old-fashioned way. That's one of the 12 steps I took to kick my phone habit.
5. Stretch
It's often only when I stretch out in bed that I realize how achy my body feels. I've been cramped up at a desk for most of the day, and I'm not at all good about taking regular stretch breaks during daylight hours. So I make up for it a bit at bedtime by really stretching out my legs and shoulders, in particular. Since doing this, I've woken less in the night with aches and pains. There are even yoga moves you can do in bed if, like me, you don't make time to do them during the day.
6. Breathe
Finally, when I'm still trying to nod off, I try breathing meditation. If your mind wanders, try some techniques to maintain focus, like visualizing your thoughts floating past like clouds, or focusing on the subtle sensation of breath at the tip of the nostrils, or bringing your attention to each part of your body in turn. There's also a 4-7-8 breathing technique, which can help with anxiety, too.
Don't Know What Wine to Drink? Tap Into Your Zodiac For the Answer
The wine list comes to your table and you have to pick your poison. However, you're not sure what kind of drinking mood you're in, what kind of flavors you want, or even what wine is good. You break into a sweat because everyone else seems to know what they want but you - you're left pouring over the menu again and again, totally clueless and holding up everyone else's orders.
It may not seem logical, but tapping into your zodiac sign may help avoid a scenario like this in the future. Zodiac rules a certain amount of our qualities and traits, and can definitely help you out in the wine department if you let it.
So, which wine should be your go-to based on your zodiac sign? Not only did we find out, but we can tell you why, too.
The Completely Addictive Method of Grilling Steak
The reverse sear method for cooking steak is arguably one of the best indoor techniques, and a similar concept can be applied when grilling steak outdoors on a charcoal grill. Instead of slow-cooking in the oven, the steak is first smoked (positioned away from the charcoal), and instead of searing on a skillet, the steak is finished directly over the charcoal for just a few minutes on each side. You're left with perfectly juicy steak and a crisp exterior, no burnt bits or accidental overcooking. You can do this, grill master, you.
Here's what you'll need:
- A charcoal grill
- Hardwood lump charcoal
- Gelled alcohol
- Stick lighter
- Barbecue tongs
- Mesquite wood chunks (or any other type)
- 2 (12-ounce) strip steaks (at least 1-inch thick)
- Ghee or clarified butter
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper
5 Harry Potter-Inspired Starbucks Mugs For When You'd Rather Be Drinking Butterbeer
Looking for a travel mug to store your Felix Felicis? These Harry Potter-themed tumblers definitely caught my eye, especially with their added Starbucks inspiration. If you were grabbing a drink to-go from the Three Broomsticks, I'd hope they'd look a little like this. Plus, each mug comes with a protective lid, so you can avoid any pumpkin juice spillage in (and out) of the Great Hall. These tumblers are sure to add a magical touch to any morning commute, even if it isn't by broomstick.
Whether your guilty pleasure is Butterbeer, you're experimenting with Polyjuice Potion, or you're sticking with your regular a.m. latte, keep reading to see more of these mystical mugs and be sure to check out our other affordable Harry Potter gifts.
30 Breakfasts, Lunches, and Dinners You Can Meal Prep
Beyond a great meal hack, meal prepping - aka assembling ready-made meals in Tupperware, mason jars, or resealable bags - results in eating home-cooked meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, minus the laborious process each day. Get all those meals prepped on a Sunday, reheat them as needed, and feed yourself (or your family) all week long.
- Additional reporting by Emilia Benton, Erin Cullum, and Alicia Lu
6 Signs Your Bottle of Wine's Gone Bad
Not all wine is ideal for storing. If it's been in contact with air for too long or has a tainted cork, the liquid inside has turned and should not be consumed. Here are a handful of telltale signs that might indicate a good wine has gone bad.
- The smell is off. If a wine's aroma is moldy or resembles a musty basement, wet cardboard, or vinegar, it's turned. A heavy raisin smell is another bad signal.
- The red wine tastes sweet. If the bottle of red wine has the aroma of Port or tastes like dessert wine (even though it is neither of those two things), it has been overexposed to heat, and is therefore undrinkable.
- The cork is pushed out slightly from the bottle. That's a sign the wine has overheated and expanded within the bottle.
- The wine is a brownish color. A brown hue in red wine demonstrates that the liquid is past its prime. White wines that have darkened to a deep yellow or brownish straw color are usually oxidized.
- You detect astringent or chemically flavors. Wine that lacks fruit, is raspy, too astringent, or has a paint-thinner taste is usually bad.
- It tastes fizzy, but it's not a sparkling wine. A still wine that is fizzy or effervescent has undergone a second fermentation after the bottling and shouldn't be enjoyed.
One last word of advice: Always smell and examine the actual liquid. Although the term "corked" commonly refers to tainted wine, inspecting the cork alone will not determine if the wine has gone bad. Use your other senses. Have you ever had an undrinkable bottle of wine? How did you know it was questionable?
29 Summer Recipes That Make Feeding a Crowd a Breeze
Feeding a crowd during Summer, whether it's a big family or a group of dinner-party guests, can be hassle-free if you have the right recipes. To help you out, we've rounded up more than 20 summertime meals that can easily be made in big batches (think easy grilling recipes, casseroles, and caprese salads) that are designed to feed and please a crowd.
40+ Make-Ahead Appetizers, the Secret Weapon of Smart Hosts Everywhere
With many moving pieces to manage, planning and hosting a cocktail party can frazzle even a seasoned host. But, it doesn't have to be that way - at least, it doesn't have to be as stressful as you might imagine. The smart host's secret is to do as much of the party prep as you can in the days prior to your party. That means choosing a pitcher-friendly punch recipe over cocktails, stocking up on beer and wine in the days leading up to the party, and relying mostly on make-ahead appetizers, like the 40+ options that we've rounded up.
The Craziest Way to Cook Bacon So It's Simultaneously Crispy and Chewy
Bacon is traditionally cooked in an oven, over the stovetop, or in a microwave, but what happens when you air-fry it? Air-what, you may be thinking? Air-frying is exactly as the name sounds. An appliance about the size of a slow cooker contains a drawer with a metal mesh bottom for the food. The appliance blows hot, dry air on food to fry it with little to no oil. This trend took 2016 by storm thanks to celebrity endorsements from Gordon Ramsay, Paula Deen, and Oprah Winfrey, so what's the dang fuss all about? I busted out a Philips Digital Airfryer ($250) and a package of bacon to find out.
Having no clue how to air-fry, I watched a YouTube video on how to air-fry bacon and followed these instructions. However, I ended up with steamed bacon once the cook time was complete. It resembled deli ham more than bacon, and the fat from the bacon turned translucent and gelatinous. Perhaps this is the preferred method to cook bacon in Europe, but for me, I like my bacon crispy. So I cranked up the heat and kept cooking, shaking the basket occasionally and tripling the cook time, until I ended up with perfectly caramelized strips. I'm talking evenly cooked with no burn spots. Bacon never looked better.
But looks can be deceiving; the taste test would reveal the bacon's true tastiness or not. Remarkably, the bacon had a thin, crisp exterior that yielded to a fatty, chewy interior. I've never had bacon quite like this. The bacon also retained its size prior to cooking and did not shrink at all. The cleanup was a breeze too. I poured the extra bacon grease into a dish for later (it too was pure fat with no black char bits that you find when cooking bacon in an oven or on a stovetop) and proceeded to scrub down the drawer, which proved to be an easy feat.
Feeling confident about my air-frying skills, I proceeded to attempt apple chips and failed horribly. I mean, the apple chips burned and stuck into every crevice of the grid bottom. It was a nightmare to clean up with no reward of apple chips at the end. I know there's a learning curve to a new cooking device, so I'll try again. I'm dying to learn how to make french fries and fried chicken. Those will be my next attempts!
15 Classy Bites to Pass Around at a Wedding Cocktail Hour
The best part of any wedding is the cocktail hour. It's after the ceremony but before the dinner, so it's the first time that all the guests mingle. Plus, the drinks are flowing and there are plenty of delicious hors d'oeuvres to nibble on. If you're planning your wedding and looking for inspiration when it comes to the appetizer hour, we've got you covered. Here are 15 of our favorite finger foods.
10 Pieces From the Ayesha Curry Home Collection That Need to Be in Your Kitchen Right Now
Ayesha Curry is a woman of many talents and roles, from beauty ambassador to mother of two (and counting) with NBA superstar husband Stephen Curry. She also has quite a name for herself in the culinary and home goods world. The cookbook author has a stunning kitchen line that lets people bring her fun and fearless approach to cuisine home. Each piece is stunning, perfect for bringing to the dining table as well as being used to cook up an amazing dinner. Here are 10 of Ayesha Curry's home collection pieces that your kitchen can't live without.
Here's How to Convert Slow-Cooker Recipes to Your Instant Pot
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
The Instant Pot and the slow cooker may look alike, but they function a lot differently. The name of each appliance says it all - slow-cooked food takes hours, while the Instant Pot knocks it out quickly. So when you're converting a slow-cooker recipe to an Instant Pot, there are a few things to consider. Keep these conversions in mind the next time you whip out your Instant Pot for a quick and easy dinner.
1. Lower the Meat-Cooking Time
One of the best things about the Instant Pot is its ability to cook meat insanely fast - even when frozen. If you're converting meat from a slow cooker to an Instant Pot, follow this rule: if the meat dish cooks in eight hours on low or four hours on high in the slow cooker, it will cook in 25-30 minutes in the Instant Pot. Make sure the Instant Pot setting reads "sealing" and not "venting" to ensure it's cooked properly. The "meat/stew" button is great for red meat recipes like bolognese, and the "poultry" button can be used for chicken dishes like garlic chicken soup. If you're cooking meat from frozen in an Instant Pot, just add five or 10 more minutes to the total cook time until it's done.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
2. Add More Liquid
Instant Pots need more liquid to function properly, so if your recipe doesn't already call for at least a cup of liquid (such as broth or water), add it.
3. Skip Certain Ingredients
A pressure cooker or Instant Pot won't handle certain ingredients the same way a slow cooker would. If you're making an Instant Pot meal with milk or dairy, don't add it in the beginning. It can be stirred in or simmered at the end, but it won't cook successfully under pressure. If you're using a thickener, such as a cornstarch slurry, whisk it in at the end as well.
If you have even more specific questions about your recipe, follow this complete guide to converting slow-cooker recipes to an Instant Pot.
Your Favorite Luggage Brand Carries More Than Just Suitcases - and We Need It All!
Traveling can be stressful as it is, so make sure you find the perfect accessories to make your trip a breeze. If you're familiar with Away luggage, you know its reliable and sleek suitcases are a total dream. You might not know that the brand has been dropping a handful of other useful items we think will make your experience even more seamless. From a stylish backpack to the perfect weekender bag, we rounded up a list of products you need to see and try. Keep scrolling to check out the classics and hot new items alike.
The Top 10 Travel Destinations of 2018
If there's one resolution you actually commit to in 2018, let it be travel. It may not be your typical fitness or organization-oriented goal, but it can make you richer in terms of self-growth, new experiences, and even personal happiness. And all of that is far more valuable than any annual goal you usually make.
With endless sources of travel inspiration available, figuring out where to go next is the toughest part. But we've eliminated all the hard work for you, so that all that's left for you to do is choose. From rising hot spots to destinations you never knew existed, these are the top 10 places to travel to in 2018.
Where will you go?
1. Boracay, PhilippinesThis small island in the central Philippines only spans four and a half miles long, but you'll find that to be plenty when you see all the natural beauty Boracay has to offer. Navigate the mini paradise via bike and spend your stay sunbathing on White Beach, collecting puka shells on Yapak, or sipping on cocktails while the sun goes down and fire dancers come out.
2. Ljubljana, Slovenia Reminiscent of Amsterdam's famous canals while blending Mediterranean, German, and Slovenian culture, Ljubljana is a beautiful combination of old and new. The Ljubljanica River divides the capital's Old Town from its commercial Center district, marked by the city's most iconic landmark, the Triple Bridge. You'll find it difficult to not fall in love, as Ljubljana boasts as much charm and wonderful architecture as it does museums, outdoor cafes, green landscapes, and rich history. 3. Ninh Binh, VietnamWhile most travelers flock to Hanoi, Vietnam's majestic rural side in the Red River Delta is sometimes overlooked. However, as more people begin to recognize Ninh Binh's serene landscapes as a reason to add it to their itineraries, it's only a matter of time until the northern area becomes the next popular place to be. With its limestone cliffs, temples, lush green valleys, and hiking trails and caves, this province easily takes a top spot.
4. Sucre, BoliviaBolivia's capital is known for its whitewashed buildings and colonial architecture, but there's also plenty more to do and see. The historic city of Sucre offers a number of museums, cathedrals, and landmarks, including its main square, Plaza 25 de Mayo, and Casa de la Libertad - and it's also home to one of the largest sets of dinosaur footprints in the world.5. Seoul, South Korea Seoul is where pop culture, technology, and tradition blend. You'll see both fashion-forward streetwear and traditional hanboks, skyscrapers and Buddhist temples, street markets and made-for-Instagram cafes. Its high-tech subways also allow easy access to neighboring cities in case you want to explore past South Korea's capital. Spend your mornings palace hopping and tea sipping at Insadong, and then see the city come to life from the N Seoul Tower. You'll never find yourself short of things to do.6. Essaouira, MoroccoTravelers who prefer the slow pace of a coastal town over a bustling and dense city will be entranced by Essaouira. Known as a port and resort center, Africa's windy city is as popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing as it is for pure relaxation. Walk along its beaches and through the vibrant medina, browse the boutiques, check out the catch of the day at the fish port, and more. And if you're looking for a little more hustle, Marrakech is only a bus ride away.
7. Zadar, Croatia Consider taking a holiday along Croatia's Dalmatian coast where you're more likely to find less crowds than at Dubrovnik and Split. The seaside city is rich with culture, history, and romance; equally known for its Roman and Venetian ruins and stunning sunsets. Once you get your fill of landmarks, churches, and cathedrals, head east of Old Town over to Kolovare Beach for bars and restaurants or offshore at Kornati National Park for diving and snorkeling. You can't leave Zadar without marveling at the musical Sea Organ, either.8. Upolu, SamoaThis paradisal island in Samoa is home to everything you want: lush rainforest, lagoons, dramatic waterfalls, idyllic beaches, the international airport, and much, much more. Dive into the Instagram-famous To Sua Ocean Trench, surf and fish along the coast year-round, or indulge at restaurants and bars in Samoa's capital city, Apia, before heading back to Upolu's sleepier parts.
9. Tbilisi, Georgia Georgia's capital is far from ordinary. Visitors are able to witness the modernization of Tbilisi since its time under Persian and Russian rule, as well as older reminders scattered throughout its diverse architecture. Not too far from the plazas, five-star hotels, bars and clubs, and museums remain small shops and quaint living. At Old Town, you'll find ancient cobblestoned roads, and winding lanes, while the rest of the city is gradually coming into its own, neither distinctly Western or Eastern. Travelers will find themselves captivated by this eclectic and multi-ethnic and multicultural destination that's truly unlike any other.10. Mallorca, Spain The Mediterranean's shining gem is loved by many for good reason. The island's breathtaking coasts, aqua-blue waters, and postcard coves are just a few appeals. Mallorca (Majorca) did inspire Chopin and other musicians, artists, and writers, after all. Maybe it'll be the picturesque villages, the cuisine, the architecture, the mountainous landscape, the beaches, or the nightlife that seduces you. Whatever it is, prepare to extend your stay.
2 Recipes From Joanna Gaines's New Cookbook That You Simply Have to Try For Yourself
Anyone who's ever watched HGTV's Fixer Upper will immediately recognize Joanna Gaines's style in her new cookbook, Magnolia Table. It looks like the homes she designed on the show: clean lines, a lot of white space, bright pages and photography, and a general black-and-white aesthetic.
And it's perfect timing for this book too! Fans who were sad to hear there won't be new episodes on HGTV anytime soon, since the finale aired in April, can bring a dose of the Gaines family into their kitchens.
Magnolia Table is filled with family stories and memories surrounding meals; individual favorites (for Chip, it's anything breakfast); diverse recipes that celebrate Joanna's diverse background: Texan (queso dip, fried chicken, Gaines chili . . .), Korean (her mom's bulgogi - find the recipe below), and Lebanese (her grandfather's recipe for Syrian doughnuts and fatayer); and some recipes that are used in their restaurant by the same name in Waco, TX, like her specialty biscuits and chocolate chip cookies (see below for the original recipe).
In the introduction, Joanna shares her own food journey, from the first meal she made for Chip in their first home (a spaghetti-and-meatballs dish with bread and butter that didn't go so well) to how she began to explore recipes from his family, like the Gaines's chili, and sharing recipes from her family with him, like the "Stevens family breakfast tradition: toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwiches dipped in black coffee" . . . which sounds delicious. Everything she describes sounds delicious. When she's writing about food and recipes, it's like she's staging them for readers in a way, just like she staged homes at the end of each episode of Fixer Upper for the full effect.
Fast-forward to when Chip and Joanna had four children under four who they had to feed and she turned to casseroles, slow-cookers, and "big pots of hearty soup that could simmer for a while." These types of meals are still her go-tos when she's having a busy week.
As her kids grew, they began to voice what they liked, and so meals became more elaborate. The kitchen counter and dining table are a focal point of their home. Joanna tries to tailor meals every week based both on the family's schedule and what's growing in their garden.
Even after Fixer Upper exploded, their family gained international fame, and their businesses continued to expand, she still prioritized time to cook meals from scratch in the evenings. In fact, that's how she de-stresses. "I stick my hand in a bowl of flour to begin to make pie crust, or peel some potatoes, and all of a sudden my thoughts slow down. I begin to unwind," she writes.
Cooking isn't a chore to her, and she suggests that a change in perspective can make it something we all look forward to.
She divides her cookbook into several simple and useful sections. She begins with what she usually has in her pantry and the essential tools for cooking, from measuring utensils to biscuit cutters, spatulas to a large cast-iron skillet. Then she has her recipes divided by meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizers and starters, and dessert, along with two special sections dedicated to soups and salads and side dishes.
"I've learned to approach planning dinner the same way I plan interiors," she writes. She always thinks about layers and textures. First, she'll choose a main dish, and then the sides that would complement it. And always, always dessert, like her favorite lemon pie recipe!
Try out Joanna's original recipes from Magnolia Table ahead.
Mom's Bulgogi With Cucumber Kimchi Salad
"My mom grew up in Seoul, South Korea, with a mom who was an amazing cook. I can personally vouch for this because in the 1980s my grandmother and uncle moved in with us in our home in Wichita, Kansas, where I grew up. What I remember most about that time is my grandmother cooking amazing food nonstop. When my grandmother passed away I know my mom regretted never having really learned from her how to cook proper Korean dishes. She ended up adopting a much more American style of cooking and by the time my sisters and I were on the scene, she had long since perfected a few dishes for my steak-and-potato-loving dad. But around that same time she had a lot of Korean friends living nearby, and she learned enough from them that by the time my kids were born, she was often preparing traditional Korean dishes for them, like seaweed soup.
It's funny to me that they're growing up eating much more authentic Korean food than I ever did. Mom's bulgogi, though, is more of an American-Korean hybrid, much sweeter than traditional bulgogi, and she serves it on a bed of white rice. Mom has us over once a month and this is what she always makes. It's my kids' very favorite food in the world, so I knew I had to include it in this book. Getting the recipe on paper was a bit of a challenge. My mom had no idea what the measurements were or how to describe what she does, because, as she said, she just does it. (Writing this book made me realize just how alike we are in this way.) But eventually, we figured it out, and I'm so glad we did because now I've captured the blueprint to what will always be a beloved meal for my kids.
We've never had Mom's bulgogi with anything other than her cucumber kimchi salad, which has a clean, fresh flavor that perfectly complements the sweet barbecued beef."
Prep: 20 minutes, plus 4 to 5 hours marinating
Cook: 10 to 20 minutes
Cool: none
Servings: Makes 6 to 8 servings
Bulgogi Ingredients
3 cups packed light brown sugar
1½ cups soy sauce
5 tablespoons sparkling dessert wine, such as Banfi Rosa Regale, or sparkling grape juice
3 tablespoons sesame oil
2 green onions (light and dark green parts), chopped, plus 1/4 cup sliced for serving
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 to 5 pounds beef tenderloin, rib-eye, top sirloin, or sirloin steak, thinly sliced (see Note)
Cucumber Kimchi Salad Ingredients
2 English cucumbers, peeled if desired, cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 green onions (light and dark green parts), thinly sliced on the diagonal
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 to 2 teaspoons gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes; see Tip)
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 to 1 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
For Serving
Steamed white rice
1 to 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion (light and dark green parts) as needed, for garnish
3 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted, for garnish
- Marinate the bulgogi: In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, wine, sesame oil, green onions, garlic, and pepper until well combined. Add the beef and coat it completely in marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 5 hours.
- To make the cucumber kimchi salad: In a medium bowl, combine the cucumbers, green onions, garlic, gochugaru, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, and salt to taste and stir gently. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare a hot grill. If the pieces of beef are so small that they may fall through the grates, use a grilling skillet or place a sheet of foil on the grill.
- Grill the beef on both sides until medium-well, 3 to 5 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Don't crowd the skillet or foil, so do this in batches if necessary. As you finish each batch, transfer it to a serving platter and continue with the remaining beef.
- Serve the bulgogi on top of steamed rice. Garnish with green onion and toasted sesame seeds and spoon the cucumber kimchi salad alongside.
- Store the leftover bulgogi and cucumber kimchi salad in separate covered containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
NOTE: My mom usually has the butcher slice the beef for this dish when she buys it. If you live near a Korean market, they often sell packages of sliced rib-eye or top sirloin; sometimes they're even marked specifically for bulgogi. If you buy big pieces to cut yourself, freeze the meat for about 30 minutes before cutting so that it's easier to slice thinly and cut against the grain.
TIP: Gochugaru, or Korean red pepper, is commonly used in kimchi. It adds precisely the right amount of heat and unique flavor to the cucumber salad. Authentic Korean brands are readily available at Asian grocery stores or online, and the McCormick spice company packages it as well.
From Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines. Copyright © 2018 by Joanna Gaines. Reprinted by permission of William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
"My dad has an intense sweet tooth, just like me. One afternoon when I was around ten years old, Dad got a hankering and he enlisted me to help him make Toll House chocolate chip cookies. That was the first time he and I had ever baked together. Since then, whenever I make chocolate chip cookies, including the ones from this recipe, I think of him and that special afternoon we spent together in the kitchen. I developed this recipe over the years, after experimenting with a few classics and having them come out flat every time. I wanted something that was chunky, beautiful, and also delicious. In the end, one big change I made was to cut back on the butter. I do truly believe that butter makes everything better and no one is more surprised than I am about how amazing these taste even though they're made with less of the good stuff than most traditional chocolate chip cookies."
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: Under 30 minutes
Cool: 1 hour
Servings: Makes about 40 cookies
Ingredients
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 heaping teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips (see Tip)
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large bowl with a handheld electric mixer), beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the eggs and beat until blended. Add the vanilla and beat until blended.
- Turn the mixer off and add the flour mixture to the bowl. Mix on medium just until the flour is mixed in, then turn the mixer to high speed for a few seconds to pull the dough together; it will be chunky.
- Add the chocolate chips and beat on high for about 5 seconds to thoroughly and quickly mix in the chips.
- Drop by large spoonfuls on the lined baking sheet; don't flatten them. Bake until lightly browned on top, 10 to 11 minutes. Cool on the pan on a rack for 1 minute, then transfer the cookies to the rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Store the cookies in a tightly covered container at room temperature for up to three days.
TIP: Depending on what you're in the mood for, you can add ½ cup more or less chocolate than what is called for.
From Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines. Copyright © 2018 by Joanna Gaines. Reprinted by permission of William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. All images (c) Amy Neunsinger.
20 Signs Your Emotional Type Is "the Rock"
Some people wear their heart on their sleeve, whereas others struggle with the ability to express their feelings. If you're the latter, your emotional type can be identified as "the rock." Among the four different types (the intellectual, the empath, the rock, and the gusher), someone who most relates to the rock is usually the strong one of the group, as the name implies. They're emotionally supportive of others but aren't comfortable with opening up themselves.
There are some qualities that make being this type problematic at times. For example, if you're unable to share how you really feel, you bottle up many of those emotions, including the negative ones like frustration and anger. In addition, because rocks tend to be passive, their relationships with others don't often go beyond the surface and they aren't as in tune with their emotions.
Despite these downfalls, there are benefits to being a rock. You're considered a great friend because you're loyal and nonjudgmental. People feel comfortable coming to you about their issues and you tend to get along with almost everyone. You rarely have conflicts with others because you're far from being confrontational. Check out the signs below to see if you're a rock, and then take this quiz to confirm.
- You get defensive when people try to ask you about your feelings.
- You're a good listener.
- You're the calm one in an emergency situation.
- You're respectful.
- You're the go-to person for venting.
- You'd rather avoid conflict than address it.
- You don't have many enemies.
- Not many people have seen you cry.
- People consider you very dependable.
- Your friends have tried to get emotions out of you.
- You often keep your guard up.
- It takes a long time for you to open up to people.
- It scares you to get very close to someone.
- Your emotions rarely spike and you're almost always stable.
- Expressing your emotions has been an issue in relationships.
- Some people make the mistake of thinking you don't care.
- Not many things make you visibly upset.
- You're not a judgmental person.
- You are sometimes perceived as cold (even if you're not).
- When others get upset, you're there to support them.
6 Steps to Take to Wind Down For a Good Night's Sleep
There's a lot of advice on how to create a good bedtime routine for a baby, but not so much for adults. We can take a few tips from the classic "bath, book, bed" regime that's often rolled out for infants, though. For a while I had difficulty falling asleep, and then struggled to sleep well through the night, so I made a few changes to the period before bedtime, and they made all the difference.
1. Screens Off
One of the hardest changes I made was limiting my screen time late at night, but the evidence was undeniable - on the nights when I worked on my computer right up to bedtime, it took me ages to settle down to sleep. The scientific reason to make this change is that blue light from your devices can disrupt circadian and melatonin rhythms, which basically means your body thinks it's daytime. A lot of guidelines recommend turning off screens one hour before bed, but if you can't manage that, try to turn off your electronics at least 20 minutes before your head hits the pillow. There are plenty of other things you can do in that time; here are a few that work for me.
2. Bath
I've always enjoyed the relaxing effects of a hot bath, but I tended to have one earlier in the evening. When I moved bath time closer to bedtime, I found it helped me to fall asleep. You could add essential oils that are said to have sleep-inducing properties, like lavender. If you're not a bath fan, try a shower instead. When you come out of warm water into a cooler bedroom, the drop in your body temperature sends signals to your body that it's time to rest. You also have the benefit of being clean, and we all know how uncomfortable (not to mention unhygienic) it is to sleep with makeup on.
3. Book
. . . or music or a podcast. Basically, if you still need something to help you wind down once you're under the sheets, you can try anything that doesn't involve a screen. I favor a book, and one that's not too exciting (nor too heavy), as I often fall asleep while reading.
4. Notes
In that quiet time before sleep, my brain often fills with reminders. When I used to keep my phone in my bedroom, I would use that to make notes. That's a big no-no. Not only did that then suck me into a drawn-out spiral of checking emails and social media, but it also meant I was engaging in screen time at entirely the wrong time. Now I keep a pen and notepad by the bed so I can scribble down reminders the old-fashioned way. That's one of the 12 steps I took to kick my phone habit.
5. Stretch
It's often only when I stretch out in bed that I realize how achy my body feels. I've been cramped up at a desk for most of the day, and I'm not at all good about taking regular stretch breaks during daylight hours. So I make up for it a bit at bedtime by really stretching out my legs and shoulders, in particular. Since doing this, I've woken less in the night with aches and pains. There are even yoga moves you can do in bed if, like me, you don't make time to do them during the day.
6. Breathe
Finally, when I'm still trying to nod off, I try breathing meditation. If your mind wanders, try some techniques to maintain focus, like visualizing your thoughts floating past like clouds, or focusing on the subtle sensation of breath at the tip of the nostrils, or bringing your attention to each part of your body in turn. There's also a 4-7-8 breathing technique, which can help with anxiety, too.
Don't Know What Wine to Drink? Tap Into Your Zodiac For the Answer
The wine list comes to your table and you have to pick your poison. However, you're not sure what kind of drinking mood you're in, what kind of flavors you want, or even what wine is good. You break into a sweat because everyone else seems to know what they want but you - you're left pouring over the menu again and again, totally clueless and holding up everyone else's orders.
It may not seem logical, but tapping into your zodiac sign may help avoid a scenario like this in the future. Zodiac rules a certain amount of our qualities and traits, and can definitely help you out in the wine department if you let it.
So, which wine should be your go-to based on your zodiac sign? Not only did we find out, but we can tell you why, too.
13 "Healthy" Snacks That Dietitians Want You to Stop Eating ASAP
Whether you're trying to lose weight or just want to overhaul your diet, loading up on nutritious, better-for-you snacks is one of the best things you can do to keep yourself fueled in between meals and on track with your goals. However, there are some "healthier" options that may end up ruining your efforts. Here are some of the biggest offenders, according to dietitians.
Granola
Granola has seemingly been a health-food snack for decades, topping yogurt parfaits and lining the shelves of specialty health foods. But it can also be a sugar bomb. "In just 1/4 cup of granola, there can be up to 170 calories and up to 10 grams of added sugar," Jim White, RD, ACSM, and owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios, told POPSUGAR. "Plus, it is so good that most people overeat it."
Yogurt Parfaits
Speaking of granola, they add even more sugar to yogurt parfaits, which are already chock-full of the sweet stuff - even if yogurt is the main ingredient. "They often have lots of sugar, especially if they are flavored, and then they have granola (again, lots of sugar) and honey," Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, and founder of Real Nutrition, told POPSUGAR. "I always educate my clients to read the label because these usually have as much sugar as a can of soda or even a candy bar!"
Juice
"Juice is full of sugar, albeit natural sugar, but sugar nonetheless," Lara Field, MS, RD, LDN, told POPSUGAR. "When we drink juice, we consume calories, but we don't feel satiated so we keep on eating." Instead, she recommends fresh fruit instead of fruit juice. "The added benefit of fiber in whole fruit keeps us feeling full, in addition to packing a diverse array of vitamins and minerals."
Protein Bars
Protein bars seem like an easy way to get more of the important macronutrient and refuel after a tough workout. But many contain sketchy ingredients. "Most protein bars are full of unhealthy ingredients like palm oil, vegetable oil, sugar, artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, and preservatives," Dina Garcia, RD, LDN, told POPSUGAR. "Even if you opt for a bar with 'cleaner' ingredients, they still aren't as filling or nutritious as eating real food." Instead, she recommends six ounces of Greek yogurt with a cup of frozen berries and one tablespoon of pumpkin seeds for about as much protein as a bar, with far fewer additives and ingredients.
Fruit in Canned Syrup
"You might think canned fruit is as healthy as fresh. It can be, but here's something you should watch out for: if the label of a canned fruit indicates that it's canned in 'light syrup' or 'heavy syrup,' this means that the fruit has sugar added to it," Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition, said. "You can read the ingredient label to make sure it contains nothing but fruit. Fruit canned in juice or water is usually a safe option."
Flavored Instant Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a healthy breakfast packed with nutritious whole grains and filling fiber, but not all store-bought oatmeal is the same. "Oatmeal is great, but some of the flavored kinds can have added fats and sugars," White said. "I would recommend sticking with plain oatmeal and adding in your own fruit to sweeten it."
Gluten-Free Foods
Gluten has gotten a bad rap over the last decade, with many people eschewing bread and grains in the name of losing weight. But gluten-free doesn't always mean healthy. "Although [gluten-free foods are] wonderful for those who suffer from celiac disease, they are often made from ingredients that are more 'white' than healthy," Shapiro said. "Think: potato bread, rice, and corn. Oftentimes, these products have a long ingredient list and are frequently low in fiber, which can lead to sugar spikes and even constipation. Read your labels and look for whole foods, few ingredients, and fiber."
Reduced-Fat Lunchmeat
Deli meat is relatively low in calories and high in protein. But it's also extremely processed and can be potentially harmful for your health. "Even the lower-fat versions of these cured meats contain the preservative sodium nitrate," Suzanne Fisher, MS, RD, LDN, told POPSGUAR. "Nitrates are linked to potential heart disease risk and are known to promote inflammation." Chronic inflammation can lead to heart disease, she added.
Low-Fat Peanut Butter
Although peanut butter is high in fat, it's the good kind of plant-based monounsaturated fats, which can prevent heart disease. "The fat in peanut butter is filling and heart healthy," Gorin said. "When fat is removed, extra sugar and other filler ingredients are added. Look at the ingredient labels of peanut butters in the store and choose one with just roasted peanuts."
Sports Drinks
Unless you're an endurance athlete training for hours at a time, you don't need fancy sports drinks - plain old water should do. "Sports drinks can be great for athletes exercising for long bouts," White said. "However, many people are drinking sports drinks and not exercising enough to warrant it. There are a lot of added sugars that can lead to unwanted weight gain."
Frozen Yogurt
If regular yogurt is good for you, then frozen yogurt must be a healthy alternative to ice cream, right? Not exactly. "Oftentimes, frozen yogurt is lower in fat but higher in sugar," Shapiro said. "If sugar isn't burned off, it turns into fat and can cause you additional cravings." She added that all the extra toppings also add up: cereal, candy, and even nuts and fruit.
Sugar-Free Candy
Even if candy is made without sugar, it's still candy, meaning it's void of any nutritional value. "Sugar-free doesn't necessarily equal healthy!" Gorin said. "What many people don't realize is that many sugar-free candies are made with sugar alcohols, which can cause tummy troubles for some people, especially when consumed in excess."
Pretzels
If you're a fan of salty snacks, then pretzels may seem like a healthier alternative to potato chips since they have fewer calories and less fat - but that doesn't mean they are healthy. "Lots of my clients like pretzels because they are low in fat," Shapiro said. "However, they are also low in fiber, which means that the carbohydrates in the food will convert quickly to sugar in your body, causing you to become hungry quickly and possibly leading to more snacking, [eating] more calories, and weight gain. Low-fat foods do not always mean healthy."
The 3 Dinner Changes That Helped Me Lose Weight
Not sure why this happened every day, but admittedly, it did. I ate healthy most of the day, with my green protein smoothies for breakfast, perfectly packed mason jar salads for lunch, and fresh fruit and nuts for snacks. I felt like my diet up until 5 p.m. belonged on a frickin' Pinterest board. But for some reason, as soon as I came to that last meal of the day, I just let loose. Which made my pants fit not so loose. It was time to make some changes, and these four adjustments helped me get back on track and lose the weight I had gained from enjoying my supersize free-for-all suppers.
You Eat What You Get
Most of my meals were healthy - the biggest problem for me was that I couldn't stop eating them. I'd divvy myself a serving, then 100 percent of the time, I'd go back to the kitchen for more. Then, of course, since I didn't want food to go to waste, I'd finish off the scraps on my kiddos' plates. A few extra noodles here and some pizza crust there made for a lot of extra fluff around my waist. It had to stop. So once dinner was made, I gave myself a properly portioned serving, and if there were any leftovers, I put them away in the fridge. If it was out of sight, it couldn't tempt me. And I started having the kids bring their own plates to the kitchen and pour any extras into the compost bin. This was probably the hardest change of all to embrace, but after a week, this new habit felt much easier. And I felt lighter and more energetic, too.
Cheese Is Not a Food Group
As a vegetarian, I ate so much dairy. Cheese was a part of every single dinner I made, and because of that, my go-to meals - like pizza, paninis, homemade mac and cheese, and quesadillas - were not so healthy. So when I gave up dairy, it forced me to make new, healthier options that were veggie-based like stir-fries, roasted veggies with rice and beans, soups, and amazing salads. It increased the fiber intake of my dinners, so I actually felt more full and satisfied after those meals than I ever did after a few slices of pizza. No dairy meant eating lower-calorie dinners, and that made a huge difference on the scale.
Dinner and Done
For some reason, I couldn't stop eating once I started eating dinner. Even after that second helping and devouring my kids' extra bites, I always sat down to a little dessert. A little bowl of soy ice cream with sliced bananas or some chocolate chips with almonds was my favorite. I started serving fresh fruit with dinner so after finishing our avocado pasta and tomatoes with sauteed tofu or sweet potato and black bean burritos, we could nosh on some sweet melon, strawberries, or grapes and satisfy that sweet tooth. So once I started putting the leftovers away at dinnertime, and we finished eating and the dishes were done, the kitchen was closed.
The 5 Worst Foods to Eat Late at Night
There's no need to deny yourself a late-night snack if you're feeling hungry, but you still have to think smart when it comes to eating late. Eating the wrong foods will disrupt your sleep while also adding a lot of unneeded calories to your day. Instead of just diving into the nearest, tastiest-looking item in your fridge, here are five types of foods to avoid at night and why.
- Greasy or fat-filled foods: Greasy, heavy, fatty foods not only make you feel sluggish the next morning, but they also make your stomach work overdrive to digest all that food. Stay away from things like fast food, nuts, ice cream, or super cheesy foods right before bed.
- High-carb or sugary foods: A little bit of something sweet before bed may be just what you need to rest happy, but if you gobble a huge slice of chocolate cake, the spike in your blood-sugar levels could cause your energy levels to spike and plummet, disrupting your sleep in the process. Avoid cake, cookies, or other desserts as well as carby snacks like crackers or white bread and munch on an apple instead.
- Red meat and other proteins: Like fatty foods, eating red meats late at night will sit in your stomach and make it hard for you to fall asleep while you're digesting (red meat may affect you the worst, but eating a large portion of chicken or pork would have the same effect as well). You don't have to avoid protein altogether, just make sure you go for lean and small portions, like deli-sliced turkey breast or a cup of yogurt.
- Spicy foods: Spices may be a natural cure-all for a range of ailments, but when you're craving something to eat late at night, step away from the hot sauce. Spicy, peppery foods may upset your stomach, and the chemicals in spicy food can also stimulate your senses, making it hard to fall asleep.
- Big portions: Late-night snacking shouldn't turn into a late-night meal. Keep the total amount of calories under 200 so you won't have any problems going and staying asleep. You'll also feel good knowing that you didn't undo all your healthy eating habits of the day right before bedtime.
So what should you eat instead? Small, light portions that will also calm cravings and help you sleep. Try incorporating these sleep-inducing foods or these low-calorie late-night snacks that hit all your sweet or salty cravings. And remember to limit how much alcohol you drink as well, since too many drinks can keep you up at night.
Articles
