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.
jeudi 17 mai 2018
10 Tips For Keeping Your Fig Tree Fit as a Fiddle
If your heart wants a fiddle leaf fig tree but your black thumb is standing in the way, San Francisco Bay Area editor and garden consultant Julie Chai can help! While she considers fiddle leaf fig trees to be reasonably low-maintenance, she insists on tried-and-true methods for keeping them healthy and beautiful. Anxious to master the art of indoor tree survival? See Julie's 10 tips for fiddle leaf fig tree success!
- POPSUGAR Home: What should people consider when searching for a spot to place their fiddle leaf fig tree?
Julie Chai: Fiddle leaf figs like it bright, so choose a spot where it'll get plenty of light for as much of the day as possible. Just make sure your tree won't have sun shining directly on it since that can damage leaves.
- PS: What do brown spots on leaves signify? Is there a way to stop the brown spots from spreading?
JC: Brown spots could indicate a number of problems, but they're generally related to too much or too little watering, and either of those could lead to disease. You'd need to troubleshoot, starting with making sure you're watering with the right frequency. Once you've resolved the source, which is most often water-related, the brown spots should stop.
- PS: If the large leaves begin to collect dust, is it important to wipe them? Does that really keep them from getting enough sun?
JC: You definitely want to keep your tree's leaves clean. Though dusty leaves could impact your plant's ability to absorb light to a degree, you'd need to accumulate quite a layer for that to be a major concern on its own. A bigger problem is that the dust could interfere with the plant's "breathing," and could also invite fungus and bacteria that may lead to pests and disease. I wipe my large-leaved plants with a soft, damp cloth - old cotton t-shirts are perfect for this! You could also use a duster. I even rinse my plants in the shower or hose them off outside a couple of times a year. If you do this, be sure you use lukewarm water - plants don't like cold showers any more than we do! If you're rinsing outside, do it on a warm day and dry the plants in indirect sunlight.
- PS: How often should these trees be watered?
JC: How often you need to water is the biggest question in gardening, whether indoors or out. The answer is: it depends. As a general rule for a fiddle leaf fig in an 8-, 10-, 12-, or 14-inch diameter pot (these are common sizes for this plant), you'll want to water when the top inch or so of soil is dry, but the soil directly below that is moist. The easiest way to tell if it's dry is to stick your finger in the soil.
The temperature and humidity in your home will affect how quickly the soil dries. After a few weeks, you'll have a sense of how often that happens, and then you can get on a schedule. Just remember to water consistently, and pay extra attention if it gets hot in the Summer, or if you have the heater on in the Winter, as you may need to adjust your schedule.
- PS: Is there a way to ensure that the tree grows multiple branches instead of forming a top-heavy silhouette?
JC: Fiddle leaf figs are typically sold as either a standard (with a single trunk and a leafy top) or a multi-branched tree (with evenly spaced branches up and down the trunk), so look for the form you prefer when you buy one. They do grow quickly - in average environments, this can be two to three feet a year! Prune annually to maintain the size you want - early Spring is the best time for pruning. These trees will also lean towards the light, so rotate your tree every few weeks to keep a uniform shape.
- PS: If a fiddle leaf fig tree is dropping leaves, what does that mean?
JC: Leaf drop is generally caused by getting too much or too little water, or being exposed to cold air (from a drafty spot) or too much warm air (as from a heater). If your tree's dropping leaves, first check its location and move it if necessary. Remember that these trees are native to warm, humid, tropical places where they get consistent moisture and even temperatures. Fiddle leaf figs are pretty easy to grow and don't need special pampering, but the more you can mimic their natural environment, the happier they'll be.
- PS: Will moving the tree around the house or even outside harm it?
JC: You can move your tree around your home, provided you give it bright light wherever you place it - it's not touchy like some of the other ficus trees that often drop their leaves when moved. They can't handle cold weather, but in warm climates, you can grow these trees outdoors for part or all of the year. In most cases, though, they tend to look better indoors than out.
- PS: What if the roots start to push through the bottom of the pot or poke out above the soil?
JC: If you've had your tree for a year or more and you see a lot of roots creeping out of the bottom of the pot, it's time to either repot into a larger container or root prune. Both of which are easy – I promise!
To repot, take your tree outside or into the garage, and set out a tarp. Gently lay the plant on its side, then ease it out of the pot. If the plant is big, you may need to have a friend help you! Do not yank or force the plant from its container; if it doesn't come out easily, I would firmly tap the container all around to help release the root ball. Then, replant in a pot that is a couple of inches bigger than the one it came from, and fill in with fresh potting soil.
If you want to keep your tree in the same container, you can root prune - which is equally easy, though a bit messier. After removing the plant from its pot, stand the plant upright and use a pruning saw or an old, sharp knife (not one you use in the kitchen) to slice off about an inch of the rootball, all around the sides. Even if you're doing this for the first time, it's really simple - the key is to remove no more than 20 percent of the root ball in any given year. After pruning, place it back in its pot, and fill in with new soil.
- PS: What should people look for when buying a fiddle leaf fig tree?
JC: When shopping, look for a healthy tree - one that has even, green leaves with no discoloration, signs of pests or disease, or masses of roots coming out of the bottom of the pot. Don't be afraid to really inspect the plant, looking closely at both sides of the leaves, where the branches meet the trunk. You're making an investment - especially if you're buying a larger plant - and want to start off with as healthy a tree as possible!
- PS: What are the best places to look for fiddle leaf fig trees?
JC: I recommend buying from your local independent nursery. You can trust that they take good care of their inventory and have knowledgeable staff who can answer your plant questions. Even if your nursery doesn't carry fiddle leaf figs, many are happy to special order one for you from a wholesaler - one I work with a lot and love is San Francisco Foliage/LA Tropicals. They supply to retail nurseries in many of the Western states.
20 Ideas For Throwing a Royal Wedding Party in Style
It's somehow felt like both the blink of an eye and forever, but the royal wedding is almost here! Soon, royal wedding watchers will be apt to see Meghan's dress and watch Prince Harry pose next to his best man and big brother, Price William.
The blending of British and American traditions, too, will be interesting for royal wedding watchers to see, since this is a major first for the royal family. And, of course, no royal wedding would be complete without watching for who is on the ultra-exclusive guest list.
Whether you plan on watching the royal wedding alone or with a gaggle of your friends, watching it in style is the way to go. Wedding cocktails, themed foods, and more can elevate the experience, but to set the mood, royal wedding party décor is the perfect addition.
We found some of the things that you can use to really give your party the royal treatment. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning!
How to Decorate a Rental Apartment From Scratch on a Budget
When you move into a new apartment with nothing – not even a mattress – turning the empty space into a home can be a challenge. Enter: Homepolish. A savvy new DC resident turned to the online interior design company for help after she signed the lease on her one-bedroom rental. She was paired with Homepolish interior designer Shannon Smith who created a welcoming urban oasis completely from scratch - and all on a $5,000 budget. We talked to Shannon to find out how she did it, and she shared her secrets on everything from how to strategize your design to how to allocate your budget. Keep reading to learn exactly how to create your dream apartment, no matter how small the space or how tight the budget.
This Man's Chapter-by-Chapter Harry Potter Lego Creations Are INSANELY Good
All Potterheads have their own way of showing off their love of the books and films. Lego fans are similar and will build detailed creations out of the little bricks. If you combine the two fandoms, you end up with the incredible work of Thorsten Bonsch, who re-created Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire entirely in Legos.
Bonsch, who is an adult fan of Lego (AFoL) and a MOC (My Own Creation) designer, took part in a series reimagining the books and films in Lego form. Like previous creators in the series, he combined elements from both the books and films to highlight a scene from several chapters. The result is an amazing look into the world of Lego Harry Potter.
Take your time looking through each of these Lego builds, complete with a quote from the books.
This 1 Feature on iOS 11 Could Save Your Life
With the new iOS 11, you can edit screenshots, easily share WiFi passwords, and potentially save your life in the future - all with just a few quick taps. Previously, you could give yourself an extra layer of safety by setting up your medical ID or sharing your location on Find My Friends. Now, on iOS 11, you can push the sleep/wake button five times to immediately call emergency services. It also disables Touch ID and tells any emergency contacts your location and that something might be wrong.
The feature, called "Emergency SOS," will automatically call your local emergency service number. And though it disables Touch ID, any person who tries to use your Touch ID won't get a notification that it's because of "Emergency SOS." If you're worried about your purse accidentally calling emergency services, you can also choose to turn on a "Countdown Sound." It will make it so that if you accidentally set off this feature, your phone will play a loud sound and give you three seconds to stop it from calling emergency services.
While we usually understand putting off playing with new features, this is one that every single person should set up right now. In particular, women across the internet are trying to spread the word about the Emergency SOS, as it could help someone fend off an attacker. Others believe it could save your life if you're in a car accident or in another type of disaster. Ahead, learn how to quickly set it up and then encourage your friends to do the same.
We're About to Cry Just Looking at This Groom's Emotional Reaction to Seeing His Bride
Although Liz and Beau met at youth group in junior high, they didn't begin dating until later in life when they reconnected. On Feb. 13, after officially one year of dating, Beau took Liz to Yosemite to celebrate their anniversary. When they stopped to look at the water directly beneath them, he asked, "Are you ready?" Confused by the question, Liz asked, "For what?," and that's when Beau pulled out the ring to pop the question.
Six months later, the couple got married at a private residence in Modesto, CA, where they had an intimate outdoor reception. The groom was overcome with emotion when seeing his beautiful bride walk down the aisle. It was the sweetest reaction!
See their photos ahead.
We Don't Know If We're More Floored by This Hawaiian Wedding Venue or the Bride's Gown
This is what destination wedding dreams are made of. Australian couple Alana and Nick officially became husband and wife at Maui's Haiku Mill, a stunning, lush venue that turned out to be a memorable holiday location for them and their guests. "We figured we met overseas, were engaged overseas, let's get married overseas, too!" Alana told their photographer.
The couple met on a tour while sailing through the Croatian Islands and decided to wed in Maui, where they got engaged. Nick proposed at sunrise and arranged a Champagne breakfast and engagement photo shoot to follow. He really planned a romantic day out with a picnic lunch by the water and an evening spa trip.
On their big day, the bride completely stole the show. Even though the wedding venue itself will floor you, you won't be able to keep your eyes off of Alana's gorgeous gown. See the photos now!
The Harry Potter Fan Theory That J.K. Rowling Finds "Strangely Upsetting"
While J.K. Rowling typically entertains - or just doesn't acknowledge - circulating Harry Potter fan theories, she has some pretty strong feelings about one involving Dumbledore and horcruxes.
One of the YouTube vloggers behind SuperCarlinBrothers, Jonathan Carlin, fleshed out a theory that Professor Dumbledore's animal companion, Fawkes, was actually a horcrux - implying that the greatest wizard of all time dabbled in dark magic.
Per Rowling's universe, horcruxes are created to attain immortality. However, they also involve murdering someone else in order to make one. This theory posits that though Dumbledore didn't deliberately murder anyone, he did still harbor guilt over the death of his sister, which he ultimately blamed himself for. Since Dumbledore pinned his sister's murder on his own neglect, he theoretically had a chance to perform dark magic and create a horcrux. You can watch a video about the theory below.
Though Carlin makes a strong case for this theory, Rowling straight up denied it when it was brought to her attention on Twitter - and even went so far as to call it "upsetting."
The idea that anybody believes this is strangely upsetting to me. https://t.co/G4RlSB9kEI
- J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 4, 2016
As other people on Twitter noted, Dumbledore didn't fear death and therefore did not desire immortality. His incomparable goodness also makes it really hard to believe that he would do something so evil in nature. Luckily, we can all let out a sigh of relief and thank Rowling for at least acknowledging this troubling one.
8 Killer Photography Tips From Instagram Superstars
Rather than just snapping drunken shenanigans with pals, some Instagram users are creating mind-blowing pics with just a few taps on their iPhone. Want to know how some of the most popular users do it? We scoured Instagram's interview series and found eight easy expert tips you can use the next time you fire up the app. Check them out - along with their fantastic photos - and get ready to take your Instagram feed to the next level.
Source: Instagram
J.K. Rowling Dropped a Clue About Dumbledore's Death Way Sooner Than You Thought
If you consider yourself a Harry Potter expert, you're about to kick yourself and wonder why you never noticed this key element in the books before. Reddit user upyourjuicebox was reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and noticed a detail that suggests J.K. Rowling foreshadowed Dumbledore's death in the third book.
The referenced scene occurs at Hogwarts over Christmas; the sometimes-prophetic Professor Trelawney refuses to sit down at the dinner table because "when 13 people dine together the first to rise will die." Since Ron had his pet rat, Scabbers (who is also an animagus and can turn into the human Peter Pettigrew), in his pocket for most of the book, we can assume that he did during dinner as well. So, when Dumbledore stands to offer Trelawney a seat, he's actually the first person to stand! More evidence that this fan theory is true: both Mad Eye Moody and Sirius Black got up from tables where 13 people sat. Gasp! You can see the theory from the Reddit user below.
This fan's idea seems to coincide with Rowling's favorite fan theory: Dumbledore as an embodiment of death. Whether this theory is true, we're convinced to never stand up from a table of 13.
12 Tips to Make Your Instagram Stories Super Fierce
Don't worry if you're someone who's lost in the dark wondering what else you can do with Instagram Stories. Learning how to use Instagram Stories is pretty easy, but playing with the different features makes it a lot more fun. Instagram Stories is quickly catching on, even though a lot of people think it's exactly like Snapchat. Ahead, check out some tips to see what you can do to make your Instagram Story more fun.
14 Amazing Alternatives to Netflix and Chill
Over hearing about Netflix and chill? Don't worry, you're not alone, seeing as how people are coming up with all sorts of alternatives. No matter if you're celebrating Valentine's Day or planning for the day you're no longer part of the forever alone club, here are some choices that might align a little more with your interests. Hopefully someday someone will ask you to partake.
These Cable "Bites" Have Taken Over the Internet, and They're Adorable!
The latest Twitter obsession is here, and it comes in the shape of an adorable animal. The Japanese brand Dreams has created cable "bites," which are just cute accessories you can use to protect your cable while you charge your smartphone. The accessory helps prevent the outer part of the charging cable from falling apart from regular use. It happens to the best of us, right?
Sadly, they don't ship internationally, but you can find select ones at places like Amazon, PiQ, and Urban Outfitters. According to the Dreams website, the "bites" are specifically made for iPhones. You can purchase different sets that come with animals like a tiger, hippopotamus, chameleon, shark, and so many more. Keep scrolling to see some of the ones that are still out there before they completely sell out.
As a Biracial Woman and Former Evangelical, Trump's Racism Is All Too Familiar
I used to be an evangelical Christian. I helped lead people in worship, or "ushered them into the presence of God," as we used to say. I traveled the world crooning out the message of the gospel at conferences hosted by my church, a mostly white evangelical megachurch in the suburbs of Chicago. On the weekends I sang for as many as 16,000 people. It was a lofty thing to be part of, a "calling" I believed in wholeheartedly. During the years that I served in this congregation, before I walked away from the religion I'd grown up with and embraced even more intensely in college, racial reconciliation as a ministry focus became more prevalent in my church. This term - "racial reconciliation" - may be most familiar to those in religious communities. Back then, I understood it to be a kind of evangelical model for tackling racism in the church, one that emphasized diversity, relationships, and the need to address systemic causes fueling racism in society. However, these same ideals and goals are also embodied in more widely known terms like racial justice and social justice.
When the leadership team decided to do a series of services focused on this topic, I was drafted to tell a piece of my story. As a biracial woman - and usually the only woman of color singing on stage - it seemed my time had come. I wrote a brief account, summarizing in one minute a personal experience with racism. The memory I chose to relate involved a family in that church, though I didn't reveal that detail. I told the congregation about how a former white boyfriend's parents, particularly his mother, persuaded him to end our relationship because they were uncomfortable with my blackness. I said the fact that they were all Christians undermined my confidence in God's love for me; it made me wonder if He loved white Christians more than black ones. I sang a song about love and unity and building bridges.
People came up to me afterwards, some weeping, apologizing for random things. Looking for absolution that I could not give. Seeing in me - at least for a moment - the entire black community, because for better or worse, we are never singular, always plural. I soaked it up. In that era of my life, I wanted to believe I was like Esther and had been called "'for such a time as this' (NIV, Esther 4:14)." I was inspired and hopeful. Maybe the church could help bridge that space between black and white. Maybe because I'd come from both places, I was uniquely equipped to be part of that healing. I love my family - black and white. But there had been a rift long ago, and I'd grown up occupying the expanse between them. It was lonely and I was sick of it. I wanted healing for myself and, on a larger scale, for all of us.
That was in 2001. By the time Barack Obama was elected to his first term in 2008, I no longer wanted to be part of any church environment. Disillusionment festered over that 7 year period as I witnessed a hyper-image-conscious handling of ministries and the people in them, a theological certainty among fellow congregants I couldn't relate to, and culminated in a manipulative and misleading interview process for a ministry job in the church. Ultimately, the thread of racism running through my time there put me over the edge. Indeed, in the years that followed the experience with my ex's family, I racked up more than a few racially charged confrontations with white Christian friends and acquaintances from the church. There were comments about darker black skin looking like an ape's; there was an email I received warning me that Barack Obama was not a citizen. All these moments left me with a nagging skepticism about the efficacy of racial reconciliation as a ministry in the church. Did the white evangelicals who subscribed to it in theory really want to help? Did they really want justice? Maybe a better question is were they able to see something in themselves that needed to change to bring any of this to fruition? Or were they in denial?
The 2016 election of Donald Trump and its aftermath incited that skepticism about racial justice in me once again. In fact, on a recent Sunday, as the banal melodies of contemporary worship music wafted up through my dining room windows from a nearby nondenominational church, my thoughts began revisiting the past. I recalled that moment on stage at the megachurch, talking about my ex's family. I thought about what it had been like for me as a biracial woman in a mostly white evangelical congregation. Why white evangelicals voted for a man like Mr. Trump and why I'd experienced the racism I did while among them seemed like twin inquiries comingling in my mind as I got my daughter's breakfast ready that morning. Two spoonfuls of cottage cheese and one poached egg later, I puzzled over one simple fact: Trump spoke in the language of racists and xenophobes and it seemed to be of minimal concern at best or resonate with them at worst. It was certainly not enough to dissuade them from casting their votes in his favor.
Even now, it appears they continue to stand by him: even after Charlottesville; even after chastising black athletes for peaceful protests against police brutality, suggesting they are ungrateful, calling them disrespectful "sons of b*tches." Even after Trump's tepid response to Puerto Rico's suffering following Hurricane Maria, his "blame the victim" stance, and his thinly veiled threats to remove aid, he is rewarded with their loyalty. In fact, it seems as if the "conversation" happening now only includes them while the rest of us watch and listen on the sidelines.
It is not my intention to paint all of evangelicalism with a broad brush. I know there is a contingency within this branch of Christianity that is sincere about racial justice. They are inspired by people like Reverend Jim Wallis and Reverend Dr. William Barber. They are comprised of mostly blacks, Hispanics, and Asian and Pacific Islanders, but also a large number of whites. They did not vote for Donald Trump. (I don't personally see how anyone that truly cares about such things could.) But they were not - and seemingly are not - the majority. I can only speak to what I was exposed to while active in a predominantly white evangelical subculture. Perhaps all of these scenarios I've related were unique to the church I once attended. But I suspect it is symptomatic of a bigger problem in the church at large.
For a good portion of my life, I have been timid when faced with racist comments or behaviors demonstrated by white people. I default to the social survival instincts born out of a childhood spent in racial isolation. Giving the "benefit of the doubt" has typically been my modus operandi. It often translates to silence or the most palatable, watered-down version of what I really want to express. On those infrequent occasions when I've called out a white friend or family member's propensity for racial bias and/or racist thinking, they are not able to own it for long, if at all. The deflection and defensiveness that often follows comes in various forms of "you should be grateful," "what aboutisms," and other false equivalences or excuses.
This was the way with my ex-boyfriend's mother. Not long after I spoke during the racial-reconciliation-themed services at my old church, she called to apologize "for the way we treated you," she said. There had been a pang of conscience. Maybe she'd heard me speak or someone close to her had. I could hear anxiety in her voice, a rushing through sentences and marginal regret. She couldn't commit to it, though, and quickly began defending her actions. She objected to us as a couple "out of concern for what her son would face." She had students who were biracial and saw "how hard it was for them, caught in the middle." It's a twisted logic that masquerades as caring but seems to suggest I, and others like me, would be be better off not existing. She lectured me, a biracial woman, as if I had no clue what my hypothetical children would face. I wanted to say, "It's people who think like you that make it difficult." Instead, I listened and thanked her for calling. She was afraid and embraced a response to that fear which she knew was inappropriate. Nevertheless, her discomfort with interracial marriage and biracial children rated above doing the right thing. In the end, she let herself off the hook. And to my regret, so did I.
While I was part of the megachurch, I often observed this same troubling attitude around race, typically in moments when I did not strive to be palatable but was more straightforward, less "sugar coated." It articulates itself with an air of kindly smugness, in which the righteousness of an evangelical Christian is sacrosanct. It can not be challenged with charges of racism. They have, after all, been remade in Christ's image and imbued with the power of the Holy Spirit. How can they be guilty of racism? They don't use the "N" word and they may even have black friends. They don't engage in lynchings or burn crosses or march with neo Nazis and white supremacists. They denounce these things publicly, so isn't that proof they are blameless? They are good, Christian people. And yet, they have empowered and continue to support a man who repeatedly demonstrates that he does not value the lives of black and brown people as much as white ones. He has put me and my family in harm's way with his inability or unwillingness to definitively and authentically disavow white supremacy. Like my ex-boyfriend's mother, white evangelicals are so thoroughly convinced by and invested in a sense of their own righteousness and moral high ground, they have undone the work of reconciliation.
That Sunday morning in church all those years ago, I did not share what were, for me, profoundly more intense details of the relationship with my ex-boyfriend's family. Granted, I was one of many people on the stage that day. I had to be brief. But I often wish I hadn't tried so hard to make what I needed to say easier for the church to hear. I still remember the shame and bewildered frustration in my ex's voice as he repeated his mother's words to me over the phone: "If the two of you date, that's fine . . . but if you got married and had children . . . I'm not sure I could love them as much as I love your sister's kids." Such words took my breath away then and still have the power to suffocate, especially now that I do have a child who is biracial. I wish I'd told the congregation about those remarks and that they'd been made by a woman among their own ranks. As long as white evangelicals believe this mindset is only wreaking havoc in other places, they are absolved from having to address it among themselves.
Even though I no longer see myself as a part of that community, I still carry a certain amount of love for it and residual pain from it. There is some piece of me that still hopes the church has something valuable to contribute to the cause of racial justice. It's probably why I feel the need to, in my own way, hold white evangelicals accountable. I want them to do better.
But when I consider the very real danger of war as Trump threatens North Korea, angers our allies, and alarms even those close to him enough to speak out about it, I can see that opposing ideologies and differences aside, we are all of us bound together in our shared vulnerability against a true existential crisis. This awakens my compassion, my desire to find common ground, and a willingness to have those hard conversations. My past with the evangelical church is akin to being wounded, soul-deep, by a family member or close friend: you may want to make peace with them somehow, but you do so with the knowledge that you might never be as close as you once were. A price has to be paid, and truth is the currency.
Whoa! These Marvel Images Are Trippy AF
Any Marvel fan can tell you just how much they love the franchise in any form - especially when it comes to full-scale illustrations of their favorite characters. One artist turned his portraits of Marvel characters into GIFs that are so subtle, you can barely tell they're moving images.
The artist, Mike Mitchell, originally created these pieces of art for a show that ran last year at the Mondo Gallery in Texas. They are completely stunning and definitely capture his feelings for Marvel. "This has easily been the most ambitious project I've ever taken on, and it's due in part to my love for their universe; which is fictional by definition, but real in my mind and in the minds of others," he said to Mondo Tees. It definitely touches fans, considering Mitchell's artwork first made the rounds on Reddit in 2014 and was rising on Imgur a few months ago.
Look ahead and become entranced by these amazing Marvel GIFs - you won't be able to look away.
2 Easy Ways to Find Your iPhone When It's on Silent
Like keys and pretty much every other item in your life, you can easily misplace your iPhone somewhere in your house. While you could normally just have a friend or someone call it, sometimes your iPhone will be on silent - and good luck attempting to find it that way. Thankfully, we found two ways to get the job done when the ringer isn't on.
- Use Find My iPhone - Go to iCloud.com on a desktop or laptop, sign in, and click on "Find My iPhone." The website will show the location of your phone, in case you don't remember where you actually left it. If you already know where your iPhone is, tap the dot on your iPhone; a box should appear with three options. Click the "Play Sound" button and, regardless of whether your iPhone is on silent or vibrate, a pinging sound will ring loudly. Ta-da!
-
- Get a speaker or boom box - First, call your phone. After that, grab a speaker with long cords and walk around the house playing any sort of tune. If you're lucky, the speaker will start to make weird noises, and when those get louder, it means you're closer to your phone. The less loud and frequent the sounds are, the farther away you're moving from your phone.
Hopefully, now you'll always be able to find your iPhone, no matter which seat cushion it might be under. Just remember - always keep "Find My iPhone" turned on or else you might as well break out a flip phone and start using that again.
The Best Mobile Games of 2018
Let's be honest: in 2018, it's damn near impossible to find a single person in your life who doesn't spend at least a few minutes a day playing games on their phone. And while the good ol' classics remain high up on everyone's list - Candy Crush and Words With Friends, I'm looking at you - there's a whole incredible universe of games out there that are very much worth your time.
So, to make finding those new favorites even easier, we've begun testing some of the hottest titles on the market, and ahead, you can check out the ones we've loved most so far this year. And be sure to check back here as 2018 progresses, as we'll be updating with every new release that you absolutely must download ASAP.
41 Things That Prove Tech in the '90s Was Bomb.com
Shame on the people who make fun of '90s tech (it's not like we've ever done that before - ever). Seriously, who could question how great the Discman or AIM was? For the ultimate tech throwback, take a look at the gadgets, games, and software that we loved most from the decade that brought us Spice Girls and Super Nintendo.
People Are Using Snapchat Filters on Their Pets, and the Results Are Glorious
Spend a lot of time playing around with Snapchat's filters? You might think you're a pro, but you're not really one until you use the filters on your pets.
We're not talking the filters that just change the colors of the photo, either. We're talking the ones meant for selfies that either make you vomit rainbows or shoot light beams from your eyes. Move over, Snapcats - your moment is over. Say hello to the new kings and queens of Snapchat, who come alive with these filters.
Check out our favorite ones ahead, and don't be afraid to try it yourself. After that, be sure to master every Snapchat trick in the book.
The Opioid Epidemic's Biggest Culprit Isn't Heroin Anymore - It's Something Deadlier
Part of a series of images Jessica* created with photographer John Trew to portray the emotions associated with addiction. Photo courtesy of John Trew.
Update, Jan. 22, 2017: We are saddened to report that Andrew*'s wife confirmed to POPSUGAR that he passed away from an opioid overdose, just days before Christmas. Before his death, Andrew shared with us his goal of one day operating his own long-term treatment facility for recovering opioid addicts in the Stark County, OH, area. If you would like to help provide more access to long-term and residential treatment for those battling addiction where you live, you may do so by donating to the Salvation Army's Combat Addiction initiative.
Original story:
Andrew*, an HVAC engineer, looks better than your average 37-year-old, college-educated man from Canton, OH. Clean-shaven, wearing a fitted maroon polo shirt and black dress pants. Athletic. Energetic. Flirtatious.
He sits on the patio of a local restaurant, sipping his cocktail, skimming the menu at the kind of place you take your kids to after soccer practice.
"Yesterday I had one glass of wine, today I had two. Tomorrow, I don't know," Andrew says, both hands cupped around a sweaty vodka-soda with lime. "But it's not heroin."
But it wasn't heroin two weeks earlier, either, when the husband and father of three woke up on the floor of his sober-living house to six men shaking him. They told him it took two doses of Narcan, an opioid blocker, to revive him after he overdosed on carfentanil for the sixth time this year.
It wasn't heroin, because if you ask drug users, people in recovery, medical personnel, and law enforcement, they'll tell you that drug has all but dried up in the state of Ohio, a state leading the country in fatal opioid overdoses, according to the Centers For Disease Control.
If it were heroin, it would've been made from morphine, which is derived from naturally occurring opium.
Andrew, 37, looks out from the patio at a restaurant in Canton, OH, on Aug. 18. Photo courtesy Stephanie Haney.
Carfentanil - a synthetic form of fentanyl - is generally used to sedate very large animals, like elephants, and it's 10,000 times stronger than morphine. It's the new drug of choice for those manufacturing and selling illicit drugs in the Buckeye State, which was home to a record-setting 4,149 accidental deaths due to fatal overdoses in 2016.
Fentanyl itself is another popular option. The drug is "50 to 100 times more potent" than morphine, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Oftentimes, drug users don't realize they aren't getting quite what they bargained for until it's too late.
Andrew noticed the switch about six months ago, when he started "falling out" - or losing consciousness - after doses he had previously considered normal.
"I was shooting up all day, every day," he said, as he stretched out his arms to show dark bruises where his veins had collapsed under his skin. And then finally, one day, he overdosed.
The casual observer probably would never know that Andrew was battling opioid addiction at this very moment, but the crisis that's hit America hard doesn't discriminate.
Drug overdose deaths have now become the leading cause of accidental deaths in the US with 52,404 fatalities in 2015, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine; 33,091 of those deaths, which equates to more than six out of 10, involved an opioid.
And it's getting worse. While official numbers aren't in yet, a New York Times preliminary report has the total number of drug overdose deaths for 2016 at more than 59,000, which it described as "the largest annual jump ever recorded in the United States."
Addiction started for Andrew in 2009, when he started taking his mother's oxycodone, which she had been prescribed after a medical procedure - he says because he "didn't want her taking all of that." He also had a longstanding Adderall prescription added to the mix.
His opioid and Adderall abuse went undetected by his wife until the Summer of 2016, when she noticed he was running out of the ADHD drug before the end of the month. After she made a call to his doctor, his prescription was revoked, and Andrew turned to cocaine. The way he tells it, his wife got fed up, took their kids, and left him, and one week later, he was shooting up heroin.
What Can We Do to Stop the Epidemic?
It's not that uncommon of a story, and it can happen to anybody. President Donald Trump addressed that issue in his press briefing from New Jersey on Aug. 8.
"Nobody is safe from this epidemic that threatens young and old, rich and poor, urban and rural communities," he said. "Everybody is threatened."
But what's debatable is Trump's view that amping up incarceration is the answer to the problem. In the same briefing, he pledged to increase federal drug prosecutions and implied he'd fight to lengthen sentences for convicted federal drug offenders. This is in stark contrast to the Obama administration's approach to dealing with drug users.
Two days later, Trump told reporters in New Jersey, "The opioid crisis is an emergency, and I'm saying officially, right now, it is an emergency. We're going to draw it up and we're going to make it a national emergency. It is a serious problem, the likes of which we have never had."
What methods the Trump administration will ultimately employ to combat the epidemic aren't exactly certain at this time.
What we do know is that his comments about "upping federal prosecutions" were made despite a preliminary report issued on July 31 by his Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis. The report almost exclusively recommended addressing shortcomings in access to treatment for addicts, along with prescription drug reform and stopping the influx of synthetic opioids (like fentanyl and carfentanil) from other countries, like China.
That approach is more in line with what people who are living in the throes of the epidemic think would be helpful.
Incarceration Doesn't Work For Everyone
One of those people is Tugg Massa, 42, from Akron, OH. He's a recovering addict and founder of Akron Say No to Dope, a nonprofit organization that serves Summit County, where as many as 250 people died last year from drug overdoses. Those deaths were largely attributed to the introduction of carfentanil in the area in June and July of 2016, according to Ohio.com.
Both fentanyl and carfentanil are a whole lot cheaper on the street than morphine and heroin, he explained, which is why they're being cut with anything and everything people use to get high - usually unbeknownst to the drug user.
"It's not like it was when I was growing up," Tugg said. "Not to glorify drug use of any kind, but it's a lot more dangerous now. It's not heroin. Heroin won't even get the people out there using drugs high anymore because this fentanyl and carfentanil are so strong."
He knows what he's talking about, as someone who used drugs for 27 years. Tugg's been sober since Oct. 10, 2012, the day he was arrested for illegal manufacturing of methamphetamines.
Tugg Massa, 42, checks the call log for Akron Say No to Dope's 24/7 helpline from his organization's thrift store and boutique in Akron, OH, on Aug. 14. Photo courtesy Stephanie Haney.
When Tugg got caught, he was making meth to support his own opioid habit. He spent two years in prison for that charge, where, despite his surroundings, he got clean and earned his GED.
"It was difficult," he said of his time there. "There's a lot of drugs in prison. I had a drug dealer on one side of my cell and a drug dealer in the other cell next to me."
Although he successfully overcame his addiction while incarcerated, he feels strongly that being locked up is not for everyone. Instead, Tugg is a major advocate for drug court, where people get the option of undergoing treatment in lieu of conviction. That means if they make it through a 12-month program, their convictions are dropped.
Treatment Is Crucial - When the Timing Is Right
Sheriff Steve Leahy of Clermont County, OH, generally agrees with Tugg about the need for more access to treatment, but also says it needs to be worked hand in hand with the judicial system.
"You can't throw everybody's ass in jail," he said. "But what you also can't do is hug your way out of it."
Sheriff Leahy speaks from experience as both a member of law enforcement and someone who has witnessed firsthand a loved one's battle against opioid addiction. His ex-wife's struggles gave him valuable insight into what might work in his community.
He points out that some people simply aren't responsive to treatment, possibly because they're not ready for it at that point in their addiction.
"I think there are just some people who do need to be in jail or incarcerated. Maybe because they're selling as a pusher or they are committing crimes and burglaries and other felonies," he said. "You have to protect the community at large. Also, with the same breath, sometimes the only way to protect an individual from themselves is by having them locked up until you can get them to a point of treatment."
Part of a series of images Jessica* created with photographer John Trew to portray the emotions associated with addiction. Photo courtesy of John Trew.
Whatever they're doing in Clermont County seems to be working. The death toll skyrocketed to 94 in 2015, placing Clermont at the top of the state for accidental overdose deaths, according to Leeann Watson, associate director of Clermont County's Mental Health Recovery Board. That figure was up from 68 in 2014 and 56 in 2013, said Watson, who is also cochair of the opiate task force. But in 2016, the number dropped slightly to 82 deaths.
One tool that Leahy believes in is his county's community alternative sentencing program, which people can choose to participate in while they are incarcerated.
The program is administered in a wing of the county jail dedicated exclusively to those who have volunteered for treatment. It's an opportunity for convicted drug offenders who are ready to tackle sobriety to make the best use of their time.
"You have to have the buy-in of the court system, which includes the probation department and other mental health and addiction specialists," Leahy said. "It's kind of a multipronged attack."
Court Programs Can't Help When Drugs Don't Show Up on Tests
Andrew, who was placed on probation in January after officers found a needle in his car when he got pulled over for speeding, hasn't had to face a choice like those convicted in Sheriff Leahy's jurisdiction yet.
Not after trying out replacement drug therapy with Suboxone and methadone; not after attending treatment facilities in both Mexico and Florida; not after witnessing two people die from opioid overdoses in his own home on two separate occasions. And not even after his own latest overdose.
When his sober-living housemates revived him just two weeks ago, the police were called and he was taken to the hospital.
If he had tested positive for drugs at the hospital, he would've been kicked out of the sober-living house and sent to jail for violating probation.
The crazy thing is, his drug test came back negative.
"I've been given a lot of grace," he says.
"Grace" for Andrew, this time, came in the form of a standard urine test that didn't detect the particular concoction of street opioids that shut down his system.
Yes, you read that right. The standard drug tests administered at many hospitals that treat overdose victims don't pick up carfentanil and the street versions of fentanyl that are killing people in record numbers.
Even after six near-death experiences and witnessing two fatal overdoses in his own home from opioid use in the past year, Andrew says he still can't promise he won't ever use opioids again. Photo courtesy Stephanie Haney.
"You have to know what you're looking for," said Dr. Barry Sample, senior director of Science and Technology at Quest Diagnostics.
Dr. Allison Chambliss, assistant professor of Clinical Pathology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, elaborated, "Fentanyl and carfentanil are structurally distinct from the other major opioids, and so do not get detected up by the routine urine opioid drug screens out there that are designed to pick up morphine, codeine, and heroin."
Even if you might have an idea what you're looking for, oftentimes the proper tests simply aren't run - either because they're too expensive or the facility where the victim is being treated doesn't have the proper equipment.
Usually it's only large reference and specialty toxicology labs that have the tools required to carry out these kinds of tests, even though they could be run on urine or blood samples, just like more general opioid tests, Chambliss said.
In Andrew's case, the standard test was apparently run, and it came back negative for opioids. He was released from the hospital and was able to go back to the sober-living facility with no probation violation recorded.
Even after that close of a call, where he narrowly escaped losing his liberty - and his life - he admits, "I still can't promise I'll never use opioids again. It's too good."
"Ready" and "Rock Bottom" Look Different For Everyone
Tugg pointed out that in his ministry of recovering addicts, "They have to come to me. I can't go chasing people down."
He shared Sheriff Leahy's sentiment that drug users have to be ready on their own, which many addicts describe as their "rock bottom" moment. For him, it was a letter from his daughter while he was in prison, asking him, "Who do you think you are?"
Part of a series of images Jessica* created with photographer John Trew to portray the emotions associated with addiction. Photo courtesy of John Trew.
Rock bottom for Jessica*, 26, from Los Angeles looked very different.
Having used drugs since the age of 13, Jessica became addicted to opioids at 16 after trading away cocaine for "tar" and not realizing that it was, in fact, heroin.
At one of her worst moments, she was homeless, on the street, doing whatever was necessary to score drugs. At another, an obsessed partner held her against her will for half a year.
Jessica says her captor forbid her from speaking to anyone else, eating, showering, or even using the bathroom outside of his presence. She finally convinced this man that her going to treatment would be better for their relationship, which is how she escaped that situation.
"When I got to treatment, I had to learn how to form sentences again. I couldn't speak. I didn't know how to raise my head and look somebody in the eye," she said. "Even just eating was a big thing. I didn't know how to do that anymore. I had to learn how to stop asking permission for things, which was really hard. That's something that I still struggle with today."
But even being held against her will wasn't what brought her to the realization that she needed to get clean.
Her epiphany came in 2012 at the age of 21, when she had "everything" in every materialistic sense of the word. She was living with a wealthy man - who supported her $400-a-day heroin habit - in a beautiful home in Southern California. She said it was hitting an emotional bottom that finally did her drug use in over a period of four months when she was trying to overdose every single day.
"It was a feeling of desperation that was something I hadn't felt before," she said. "That true desperation of, 'I have everything in the world, but I am nothing,' that's what was different this time than all the other times. I finally realized that I as a person had no self-worth."
"I would be looking in the mirror at myself, because I was an IV user, and I would shoot in my neck, so I would have to be in front of a mirror. I'd be standing in front of a mirror, looking myself in the eyes as I'm injecting my neck with heroin trying to die," she said. "Praying that you don't wake up this time, that is the scariest feeling in the whole world," she said.
Today, she's five years sober and has been working for the last two and half years at a sober treatment facility in Texas, which she credits with helping to maintain her sobriety.
The Street View of How to Fight the Opioid Crisis
Signs advertise free Narcan class outside New Beginnings, the thrift store and boutique Tugg runs in Akron, OH, in support of Akron Say No to Dope. Photo courtesy Stephanie Haney.
It's unclear exactly what will happen to the wide-scale handling of this epidemic nationwide, if and when the opioid crisis is officially declared a national emergency, but Jessica and the other people we interviewed for this story have a wish list.
Sheriff Leahy, Jessica, and Tugg all agree that more in-house treatment facilities are crucial in this fight.
"When someone is ready to get off of drugs, we need to address that right then," Tugg said. "We need more beds. No wait time."
Jessica noted that in addition to more beds, facilities need more time.
"Long-term treatment is what's working. The 30-day treatment centers are not long enough. You can't work through all the trauma that you've caused to yourself as an addict. Your first week, you're detoxing. Your second, third week, you might be going to groups and start having emotions again, and your fourth and fifth week, you're planning your discharge already. So you've really only gotten a week of actual treatment," she said.
"Starting to form new habits takes a long time. You can't learn that in 30 days, which is why I stayed in treatment for a year and a half," Jessica said. "A lot of treatment centers are only 30 days, which is why they're always full because people, they'll go in, 30 days, get out, relapse, and go back in. The long-term places are getting people and holding them and really turning them back out to be productive members of society."
From a law enforcement perspective, Leahy would also like to see funds available for "one or two more" directed patrol officers, meaning members of law enforcement who are assigned a specific task for a particular purpose. In his community, that purpose would be to have more of a presence to help stop the flow of drugs across jurisdictional lines.
"And maybe a reinstitution of D.A.R.E. or something similar to that," Leahy said. "We can do whatever we're doing now, but we've got to get to the young people."
At the federal level, Trump alluded during his press briefing to the fact that he's talking with China about "certain forms of man-made drugs that come in."
That prospect got Tugg excited.
"We need to put sanctions on China. If they're not going to regulate what they're sending over here, then there should be sanctions against them," he said. "The fentanyl and carfentanil that's going around, they can get it right through the mail from China and get it dropped off right at their house."
Andrew says he got his last batch of opioids from his housemate, who is connected with one of the major drug cartels in Mexico. He won't say how it arrived in Ohio.
We asked what advice he would give - after everything he's experienced - to someone who was considering trying opioids for the first time today.
"I would say, 'Pull out your phone and look up epitaph, because you're gonna want to know what that word means,'" he says. "And then tell everyone you love that you love them. And then flip a quarter. Because there's a 50/50 chance you're gonna die."
*Names have been changed to protect the identities of these sources.
If you or someone you know is in need of drug-related treatment or counseling, you can reach the Substance and Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on its Treatment Referral Routing Service helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
If you're in the Summit County, OH, area, you can call Akron Say No to Dope's 24/7 hotline at 855-246-LIVE (5483).
Move Over, Tinder - Facebook Is Getting Into the Dating Game
If you're one of the many single people among the 2.2 billion Facebook users around the world, get excited: Facebook is officially getting into the dating game. And better still, CEO Mark Zuckerberg told a roaring crowd at the F8 developer conference on May 1 that the new feature will be "focused on long-term relationships, not just hookups." Yes, please, and thank you, Facebook!
In truth, the move marks a strong strategic pivot on Facebook's part, cementing its commitment to building more of an on-platform community. As Zuckerberg pointed out in his remarks, one in three relationships begin online and a staggering 200 million of the platform's users are currently listed as single. There's also never been a better time for Facebook to move into online dating, as the fallout from the Cambridge Analytica scandal has forced several key competitors in the space - including Bumble, Hinge, and Tinder - to move away from their heavy reliance on leveraging Facebook data to connect users with people in similar social circles or with similar interests. Don't just take my word for it, though - just take a look at the impact the news had on legacy dating site Match's stock price mere moments after it was announced on Facebook's F8 live stream:
Match shares fall as much as 10% after Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announces new dating feature for the site https://t.co/xWywlCPlDK pic.twitter.com/oAKn80xpEZ
- Bloomberg Technology (@technology) May 1, 2018
The feature won't be rolling out until later this year, but POPSUGAR has learned a couple key things about what the new Facebook dating venture will encompass. First, you never have to spend a single second worrying about who can see your dating profile - it's completely separate from your News Feed, and you'll never see your friends on the platform (and they won't see you). Second, you'll be able to unlock events or groups to connect with people who you may have encountered in real life; think the old Missed Connections on Craigslist, only a hell of a lot more real. Finally, expect a brand-new inbox to appear in relation to all things dating, one that's strictly text only - so again, kiss those unwanted photo intros goodbye and prepare for something a lot more substantive when it comes to meeting your match.
So, now all we have to do is wait for the Facebook gods to begin their rollout - but you can bet we'll be eagerly awaiting the launch and will make sure you're the first to hear when Facebook Dating finally goes live.
6 Trippy Harry Potter Photos That Will Make You Do a Double Take
Did someone slip me a befuddlement draught? Sure, the magic is a little tarnished seeing this behind-the-scenes image of Harry, Ron, and Hermione (I mean, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson) speaking with director David Yates on the set of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, but something seems even more off about the following photos from the same film . . . Can you spot what it is?
Finally! Snapchat Lingo Explained
Whether you're a Snapchat pro or a newbie, we bet you could use a refresher on the vocabulary that app requires you to know. Still confused about the difference between a filter and lens? We've broke it down for you, so keep reading to finally feel caught up with the times.
Pregnant? Announce It the Geeky Way!
The only bad thing about having a memorable geeky wedding is the pressure to continue the awesomeness once a little one comes along. Fear not - we've scoured the 'net for the best pregnancy announcements that you'll want to copy as soon as you're ready to share the news. And congrats!
Source: Imgur user DominicGraziano
Whether You Want to Hike or Relax, Here Are 50 States of Beautiful Beaches
When I go to the beach, it's to relax and get some sun. When some of my friends go to the beach, it's to grab a kayak and get out on the water. Everyone has their different agendas when they hit the beach, so it's a good thing the US has plenty of options for providing a whole host of activities. This selection of the best beaches in every state doesn't necessarily include all relaxing beaches or all beaches filled with adventure, but each one has something great about it that makes it worth visiting. Next time you hit the road for vacation, consider making a stop at one of these beautiful locations.
10 Geek-Chic Movie Makeovers
Hollywood loves a good makeover story, especially when it's about a geek. But not every geek-to-chic transformation ended up better than it started, though we may be partial to the geek love. Take a look at 10 of the most notable geek-to-chic transformations, from Mia Thermopolis to Josie Grossie, and tell us if you prefer the before or after.
9 Sports Bras With Underwires - Because We're Sick of Holding Our Boobs While Running
If you're blessed with a larger bra size, chances are working out is a struggle. Finding a sports bra that prevents your breasts from flailing in the air and hitting you in the face while you run is a challenge, and you've probably come up with some interesting (and not totally effective) solutions for the issue. If you've tried everything from wearing a regular bra underneath a sports bra to wearing two sports bras at a time, it's time to invest in some sports bras with underwires.
We've found some stylish and supportive options, all from Amazon, so you can finally work out in peace.
The Weight-Loss Tips Missing From Your Evening Routine
While losing weight isn't something that happens overnight, doing some prep work the night before can make all the difference when you step on the scale. If slimming down and becoming healthier are two goals at the top of your priority list, here are four must dos to make part of your weeknight routine.
3 Things You Need to Grasp in Order to Lose Weight For Good
You've been trying to lose weight for months or maybe even years. You finally drop enough to fit into those jeans you wore in college, but sooner or later, you can't even slip them over your thighs again. Why does losing weight have to be so hard? Here are some difficult things you'll need to swallow in order to lose the weight and keep it off for good.
Diets Aren't the Answer
While many people lose weight ditching carbs or going on a liquid diet, these methods can't last forever. These diets are often not nutritionally sound or so restrictive you end up binging on all the foods you crave. Plus, when you hit your goal weight and go back to your old eating habits, the weight is bound to come back.
Slimming down and being able to maintain this smaller version of yourself is all about making a lifestyle change. That means figuring out a healthy diet that can be maintained for the rest of your life. What's been proven to work is a diet full of fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Of course you're allowed to cheat every once in a while - and it can actually help diminish cravings - but indulgences should be in moderation. It'll take some getting used to, but soon you'll adapt to your new healthy way of eating and wonder how you ever used to down cheeseburgers, soda, and cookies every day.
Counting Calories Is a Must
Losing weight is about basic math: calories in cannot exceed the amount of calories the body uses up. And to lose weight, you'll need to create a calorie deficit. Counting calories may seem strict, but if you don't keep track of how much you eat, you may never reach your goal weight. Start by talking with your doctor about how much weight you want to lose, and he or she can help you figure out an appropriate daily calorie amount.
Many find success writing down their daily diet in a food journal, or with a weight-loss app, which logs the calorie amounts for food eaten. If you like to cook, plug your recipe into this Calorie Count tool and you can keep track of how many calories your favorite mac n' cheese contains.
You'll need ways to keep track of portion sizes too, and here are some great products you can use at home and on the go. You'll also want to arm yourself with calorie-saving tricks for eating out, when you hit happy hour, and during the weekend, as well as learn some creative food-swapping tricks to save calories.
Walking Isn't Enough
A healthy diet is key to losing weight, but if you have more than a few pounds to lose, that alone isn't the most effective way to get you to your goal weight. You'll have to incorporate exercise as well, and I don't mean just a walk around the block. Most recommendations say that to lose weight, you must exercise for at least an hour a day, five times a week. We're talking the kind that gets your heart rate up such as running, biking, or a cardio class at the gym. An hour may seem like a lot, but once you carve out that time in your schedule, it'll be something you look forward to every day. If boredom is your complaint, here are some ways to switch up your cardio routine and keep you excited about working out.
Aside from burning calories, exercising will give you muscles, which boosts your metabolism and helps you burn more calories. It'll give your body some definition as well, making weight loss even more noticeable. Exercising can also be a way to feel good about indulging - if you go on a two-hour hike, you'll know you can enjoy dessert after dinner without a side of guilt. Exercising regularly is just as important as eating right, and once you adapt both to your life, losing weight and keeping it off will be a breeze.
Shalee Lost 38 Pounds by Making This 1 Change to Her Diet and Following This Beachbody Program
After having three babies, Shalee Atkinson struggled with postpartum depression and had given up on taking care of herself. She knew that she needed to make a change in her life, not only for herself, but also for her kids. She came across Beachbody's 80-Day Obsession program. She took a leap of faith and followed the workouts and meal plan for 80 days. As a result, she lost 38 pounds and finally has enough energy to play with her children all day long. Continue reading to find out how this Beachbody program transformed Shalee's life.
POPSUGAR: What made you embark on your weight-loss journey?
Shalee Atkinson: My baby girl had just turned 1, and I took a look at myself and realized I weighed more and looked worse than I did right after giving birth to her a year earlier. I had struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety and had completely given up on taking care of myself. I was embarrassed to be seen in public, none of my clothes fit anymore, I couldn't keep up with my three young kids, and I was over it. Right at that time, Beachbody was getting ready to release a new program, 80-Day Obsession. I decided to take a chance and go for it, knowing that I had to make some drastic changes and improve my life, not only for my sake, but also for my family. They deserved a better version of me and I was so ready to give that to them.
PS: How much weight have you lost to date and how long did it take?
SA: I have lost 38 pounds in the last four months.
PS: What do you like about the 80-Day Obsession program?
The timed nutrition was a total game changer.
SA: Every workout was recorded live, so every single day you get something new. This made it fun and easier for me to stick with it. You just feel like you're part of the cast and in on all the inside jokes. It was fun to feel like you were a part of it and be able to get to know the cast. The timed nutrition was a total game changer for me as well. Before I started the program, I was eating out, binge-eating like crazy, and consuming so much sugar and Dr Pepper every single day. I had never done anything like this program, so it was a little overwhelming at first. I had an amazing coach that encouraged me and was a part of an incredible Facebook group full of Beachbody coaches, as well as Autumn Calabrese, the creator of the program. That group was so helpful to me throughout my journey.
PS: What does a typical day of eating look like for you?
SA: 80-Day Obsession uses a container system. Each food group has a specific container. They are different sizes and the purpose of these containers is to teach you the proper portions of each food you should be consuming daily. Based on the meal plan, a typical day of eating looks like this:
- Pre-workout meal: I typically do chopped peppers, kale or spinach, chopped onions, two eggs, and a small whole wheat tortilla. I also take my pre-workout supplement at this time.
- Post-workout shake: I like to blend half of a banana or some frozen strawberries with my chocolate recover supplement.
- Post-workout meal: For this meal, I like to have leftovers from the night before. I rotate between my favorite fixate recipes (from Beachbody): turkey sloppy joes and lemon garlic chicken and asparagus.
- Meal option 1: chocolate Shakeology shake with half of a banana and almond milk.
- Meal option 2: steamed broccoli or zucchini topped with melted cheese and a side of fruit (berries, banana, etc.) is my go-to for this meal.
- Meal option 3: I switch this up every night, but generally I stick to my favorite fixate recipes. A quick and easy recipe I love is ground turkey, chopped veggies (green peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.), chopped sweet potatoes, olive oil, and sunflower seeds on the side.
PS: Does your diet change on the days you workout?
SA: I work out six days a week with this program. Sundays are my rest days, and the meal plan is slightly different on those days. I still follow timed nutrition - I just get to switch up the order of my meals a little bit.
PS: Do you count calories? Why or why not?
SA: I don't count calories. The meal plan that goes along with 80-Day Obsession has a formula that tells which meal plan you fit into. Each plan tells you exactly how many color-coded containers you should be eating every day and when you should be eating. The containers are a simple way of measuring out your proper portions and counting macros. Timed nutrition helps ensure you are eating the right amounts of protein, carbs, veggies, fruits, and healthy fats, which helps reduce cravings and keep your energy up.
PS: What are some nonscale victories you've experienced?
I have so much more confidence and am no longer ashamed or scared to be seen in public.
SA: I have so much more energy! It feels so good to be able to chase after my babies and play with them all day long. I am able to fit into clothes I never thought I would be able to wear again. I have so much more confidence and am no longer ashamed or scared to be seen in public. My favorite thing about completing this program, though, is being an inspiration to people around me. I have had so many friends and complete strangers reach out to me since sharing my transformation pictures online. Everyone has been so amazing and supportive! It makes me so happy to see my friends making the decision to improve their health and as a result become happier and confident!
PS: What has been the most challenging aspect about your weight-loss journey? How did you overcome it?
SA: My biggest struggle was sticking to the meal plan. I have always been an emotional eater and really struggled with sweets in particular. I did have a few small cheat meals or treats during the program. I was shocked at how awful it made me feel anytime I did, though. That's literally all I ate before, and now I feel terrible after eating any kind of junk food. Looking back at my before pictures and seeing how far I had come really helped me stick with it and stay strong. Another thing that really helped me was the community I was a part of through social media. It was incredible how supportive and encouraging they all were to each other.
PS: What's your next fitness goal?
SA: I am currently completing another round of 80 Day Obsession. I have loved it so much and wanted to push hard for another round to lean out even more and get more defined muscles. I'm considering doing some competitions. That's something I have always wanted to do, but didn't believe in myself or think I would be disciplined enough to do it.
PS: Do you have any advice or tips for people on their own journey?
SA: Don't give up! Your health is so important. Take action now! Avoid putting things off until tomorrow or next week. Getting started is the hardest part. Be sure to recognize all your hard work and give yourself credit. Sometimes your results may seem small, but celebrate them anyway! Avoid weighing yourself every day. Try to measure your success based on how you are feeling or how your clothes are fitting. Be sure to take measurements and progress pictures regularly. It can be hard to see the changes happening in your body sometimes, so it's super helpful to have pictures and measurements to look back on and see just how far you've come!
Articles
