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.
mercredi 4 juillet 2018
We're Serious - Walmart's Activewear Collection Is So Cute and All Under $20
When shopping for cute and functional workout clothes, there's one retailer that may not come to mind right away but is totally worth a try: Walmart. We were surprised to see the megastore has an impressive amount of activewear, and it's so stylish. Whether you're on the hunt for a supportive sports bra, pastel pink leggings, or formfitting biker shorts, we found it all. Not convinced? We rounded up our favorite finds, and everything is less than $20 - so it won't be hard to treat yourself to more than one (or three!) hot picks. Take a look.
Shaun T Says This Is How Often You Should Lift Weights in a Week to Get Stronger
Shaun T is the creative force behind one of Beachbody's most successful fitness programs, Insanity. Insanity has shown that you don't need to spend countless hours in the gym picking up weights without a purpose. Instead, it's taught people how to use their bodyweight to get in shape and have fun while doing it.
Bodyweight exercises can help you lean out and build strength, but if you want to continue building muscle you're going to need to start weightlifting. When you lift weights, you place your body under a load creating microscopic tears in the muscle fibers. As your muscle fibers begin to repair themselves, they become stronger.
According to Shaun T, "You really only need two days a week [of weightlifting] because you can do your large muscle groups and small muscle groups on different days." The large muscle groups in your body are your chest, back, and legs. Smaller muscle groups target specific muscles like your triceps, biceps, and calves. In order for your muscles to recover, Shaun T said to give your body 48 hours before training the same muscle group. You may find that two times a week isn't enough for your specific goals, and in that event you should consider increasing your weekly strength training sessions. Whether you do HIIT workouts or lift four times a week, Shaun T said that you'll reap the biggest results by being consistent.
15 Booty-Enhancing Exercises You Can Do Right at Home (No Equipment Required!)
Your living room or bedroom can sometimes be the best gym. Although weights are key to booty gains, you can still tone your butt without using any equipment in between gym sessions. Whether you're short on time, dumbbells, or even a membership, we've got you covered with the best at-home exercises you can do virtually anywhere. Grab a mat or a towel for the 15 moves ahead - and expect nothing less than a sore butt tomorrow morning.
Is the Keto Diet Good For Diabetics? A Keto Expert Gives Us the Answer
The keto diet has been a proven tool to help people lose weight and even fight off inflammation. But there's another chronic condition that the keto diet can successfully treat: diabetes. Specifically, type 2 diabetes.
We spoke to Steve Phinney, MD, PhD, chief medical officer at Virta Health, who explained which patients can benefit the most from the keto diet, and how to successfully use the diet to treat type 2 diabetes. He stressed that the treatment of type 2 diabetes with the keto diet should be done under close medical supervision, especially if the patient takes medication that lowers blood sugar or blood pressure as it can lead to dangerous side effects. But once you get the go-ahead from your doctor, here's how it works:
How the Keto Diet Impacts Blood Sugar
To understand how the keto diet plays a role in blood sugar, it's important to understand how your body uses carbohydrates. When you eat carbs, they are broken down into simple sugars that enter the blood stream, which causes blood sugar to rise. In someone who isn't diabetic, the pancreas releases more insulin to help the glucose in your blood center cells where it's then used for fuel.
People with type 2 diabetes, however, have impaired insulin release and a resistance to the insulin once it gets into the blood, Dr. Phinney explained, which can lead to higher blood sugar levels.
With the keto diet, which is marked by a high-fat, moderate-protein, and super low-carb diet, your body goes into a state of ketosis where it starts using fat for energy and releasing ketones. Dr. Phinney said the ketones in the blood will help reduce insulin resistance, which is beneficial for diabetics.
"By making fat their main fuel source, people living with type 2 diabetes are able to harness the powerful biochemistry of nutritional ketosis to lower their blood sugar and insulin levels, and in the majority of cases reverse the disease's underlying pathology," he told POPSUGAR.
By cutting out most carbs and replacing them with a well-formulated ketogenic diet, he said, people with type 2 diabetes are able to reduce their blood sugar closer to the normal range.
What Diabetes Patients Should Know Before Going Keto
First and foremost, diabetes patients shouldn't make any major changes to their diet without speaking with their doctor, including going on the keto diet. It should be an informed decision made by the person and his or her medical provider, especially if the person is already on glucose-lowering medication. Going into ketosis has a major impact on blood sugar and blood pressure levels, so medication should be adjusted accordingly.
Dr. Phinney also emphasized that keto only works if you're consistent; ultimately, it should be thought of as more of a lifestyle change than a temporary diet.
"If an individual living with type 2 diabetes reverts back to eating a higher carb diet after seeing success with a ketogenic diet, it is likely that their blood sugar levels will promptly return to abnormally high levels, requiring immediate medical attention," he said. "I highly recommended working with an expert nutritionist to determine how to make a ketogenic diet fit into your lifestyle, so it is a long-term solution instead of a quick fix."
That being said, the keto diet can be a useful tool for people who have diabetes, when done under close medical supervision. In addition to helping regulate blood sugar levels and fighting insulin resistance, Dr. Phinney notes that the keto diet has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Since inflammation may be a cause of diabetes, this is especially beneficial for type 2 diabetes patients.
When done properly and under medical supervision, a ketogetnic diet can help reverse type 2 diabetes. If you're thinking of giving it a shot, be sure to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to create an effective, sustainable plan.
Why Pole Fitness Is the Next Workout Class You Need to Take
When you think of pole dancing, sexy, scantily clad women probably come to mind first. But what should replace that image is athletes. The fact that they look insanely hot while performing those impressive tricks is only just a bonus. I recently took a beginner pole class at San Francisco's VRV3 Studios, and my arms are still aching. I woke up with a sore back, shoulders, and arms, and bruises all over my ankles - battle wounds from one hour of pole work. If you've never taken a pole fitness class before, here's why you should take one ASAP.
For one, pole fitness is a fantastic workout. I was sweating just five minutes in, and though it mostly targets the upper body in beginner-level classes, it becomes a full-body workout once you begin inversions. Not only is it physically demanding, but it's also so much fun! "Many of our students tell us they get bored at the gym, but pole keeps them engaged, mind and body, and it will continually challenge them," Melanie Hsia, VRV3 Studios co-owner and marketing director, told POPSUGAR. The best part is that no prior experience is required for your first class. "Sometimes, people think they need to get strong before they take pole," Melanie said. "Our response: pole is how you get strong!"
Our instructor, Anna Tong, ex-gymnast and co-owner of VRV3 Studios, first led us through a series of strengthening exercises to warm up our arms and shoulders. We easily could've stopped the class right there because the warmup alone was difficult enough. Then, we really got into the fun stuff. We eased into spins with a simple outside step, adding in a back-hook spin at the end. Then we learned a classic fireman spin and eventually worked up to a pole climb, chair spin, mermaid sit, and other beginner tricks. Though my coworker and I suffered from major pole burns, it became apparent why minimal clothing was suggested for class. More skin equals more grip.
Polers (or pole dancers or aerialists) make tricks look beautifully effortless, but pulling off those moves requires an incredible amount of strength, coordination, and body awareness. I initially struggled with even the very basics, like the fireman spin and back-hook spin. Knowing where to place your ankles, legs, and hands and piecing it all together into one fluid movement was definitely not as easy as it looked. But we felt so badass once we got the hang of things.
When I asked Melanie what she has to say to people who think pole fitness is only about being sexy, she responded: "It can be if you want. This is our favorite aspect of pole: you can make it any style you want. The sexy aspect can be empowering, but so can the strength you gain from the fitness aspect. Strong is the new sexy!"
Amen to that!
8 Healthy Starbucks Drinks to Keep You Caffeinated and on Track With Your Fitness Goals
To say that our generation is dependent on coffee is a bit of an understatement (guilty!). And places like Starbucks, who are always coming up with intriguing new ideas like cold brew whipped cream and cold foam that we obviously want to try, keep our coffee addictions strong. And don't even get us started on their delicious wellness tea options.
Most of us throw back a couple cups of coffee or tea each day, so we've done a lot of research on the pros and cons of coffee consumption and what the healthiest teas are. The good news is that for most people, coffee and tea are actually healthy additions to our diet, especially when drinking them without dairy or various forms of sugar.
But a lot of popular drinks might be hindering your health goals due to their high calorie and sugar content. Luckily, we did a little digging to find the 8 healthiest drink options to choose from at Starbucks when you need that extra caffeine or energy boost. While the following drinks are low in calories and carbs, you can ask for modifications and add things like cinnamon for sweetness or swap out dairy milk for almond milk to make your drinks healthier.
- Blonde Roast: The Blonde Roast has a soft and mellow flavor to keep us satisfied without the addition of sugar, milk, or syrups. Without those additives, whether you order a Short, Tall, Grande, or Venti, you're only clocking in five calories with zero fat or sugar.
- Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea: All the benefits from green tea combined with a refreshing burst of citrus and spearmint make this drink perfect for when you need something energizing to fuel your day. While it doesn't have as high of a caffeine value than coffee drinks (about 25 mg in a Tall, and more than 40mg in a Grande), it's definitely a healthy option with zero fat, calories, and sugar. You can also try the Organic Jade Citrus Mint Brewed Tea for a more lemony version.
- Nitro Cold Brew: This slow-steeped drink is super smooth and velvety while being naturally sweet thanks to its infusion of nitrogen. A Grande has about 280mg of caffeine, but only 5 calories and zero fat or sugar.
- Comfort Wellness Brewed Tea: If you're looking to stay away from caffeine but are in need of something comforting, the Comfort Wellness Brewed Tea is a great choice. It's an herbal infusion with a strong flavor profile that doesn't have any caffeine, sugar, fat, or calories, but is loaded with ingredients like lemon, ginger, fennel, mint, and licorice root that provide some well-deserved balance to help you unwind.
- Unsweetened Iced Coffee: A grande unsweetened iced coffee contains about 190mg of caffeine for those days your body needs an extra boost, but only has 5 calories and 0 sugar so it won't affect any diet goals you might have. This drink traditionally comes sweetened, so be sure to ask for the unsweetened modification. You can also get the iced coffee with milk, but remember those will add calories and sugar to you drink. It does, however, create a more luscious texture to your coffee, so we suggest the unsweetened version with almond milk which only adds about 15 more calories, 1 gram of fat, and 1 gram of sugar.
- Teavana Teas: Teavana teas come in a variety of flavors and you can drink them warm or iced. Each Grande size has under 200 calories even with the addition of sugar and dairy. Our favorites are the caffeine-free Shaken Iced Passion Tango Tea with hibiscus, lemongrass, and apple that only has about 45 calories and 11 grams of sugar for a Grande, and the zero calorie, fat, or sugar caffeine-packed Organic Chai Tea, which is a black tea infused with warming spices like clove, cardamom, and cinnamon.
- Caffè Americano: If you're craving something creamy without dairy or sugar, the Caffè Americano hits the spot. This drink is essentially shots of espresso topped with hot water that resemble and taste like a layer of crema. With just around 15 calories and 225mg of caffeine, this drink is perfect for those days you need a jolt of energy.
- Cappuccino: Cappuccinos are rich, smooth, and delicious. The traditional way of making this drink at Starbucks with 2 percent milk comes in at about 120 calories for a Grande, with 4 grams of fat and 12 grams of carbs. If you want to make this drink healthier, you can ask your barista for almond milk instead for about 100 calories and 6 grams of fat.
This Is What Happened When I Ate Pizza and Pasta Every Day For a Week
Keto, intermittent fasting, Whole30 . . . people are in constant search for the next weight-loss solution. We're willing to go to such great lengths to achieve our desired physique, whether it means eliminating this or reducing that - but at what point are we sacrificing personal happiness? While I'm all for promoting a healthy diet, I do not believe in deprivation of any kind, especially if it calls for cutting out carbs. And I don't know about you, but I consider pizza and pasta to be synonymous with happiness, which is why I pitched an editor experiment that encourages a better relationship with food. I offered to eat pizza or pasta every single day for one week (I know, I'm so selfless) - here's how it went down.
Each day of my "diet" required eating pasta or pizza either for lunch or dinner. And guess what? By the very end of the week, I looked and felt exactly the same as I did before I started. Cue the gasps. But here are three things I did notice:
- It made me want to work out more. Admittedly, eating pizza and pasta every day did make me feel a little guilty. But as a result, it motivated me to the hit the gym more times that week than usual.
- My workouts were better. On top of having more motivation, I also felt like I had more energy, which really helped me maximize my workouts. I even beat my personal best on the treadmill.
- My cravings decreased. I didn't find myself looking for snacks throughout the day because I got my fix at lunch or dinner.
Now, I didn't pitch this idea in search of any sort of body transformation. What had inspired it, aside from the obvious, was because I know how easy it is to get caught up in calorie counting, macro tracking, or whatever else method is out there. As a fitness editor, I see which topics resonate most with our readers, which are often weight loss and diets. We're always looking for the next best thing that can guarantee results, and I get it. But what many don't realize is that eating a salad-only diet doesn't automatically make you healthy; nor does allowing yourself to indulge make you any less. Like with anything, moderation is key. As long as you exercise regularly and eat clean the rest of the time, you'll be fine.
We need to stop demonizing certain foods and instead, learn to adopt a lifestyle that balances what we love and what we need. Like I've said before, treat yourself because you want it, not because you "deserve" it. Punishing yourself for falling weak to another cheat meal is not a healthy practice. Rather than cutting out foods you're not supposed to eat, enjoy them and then pile on the veggies if you really want to make up for it. Am I going to continue eating carbs unapologetically? Absolutely. Life's too short, so have your pizza and pasta and eat it, too.
Yet Another Study Shows Coffee Can Help You Live Longer, So BRB, Brewing Another Cup
I'm sipping on a small coffee right now and am considering grabbing another one pretty soon. Thanks to a new study in the JAMA Internal Medicine Journal, people with a serious coffee-drinking habit (like me) can thank science for being on our side. The study explored the relationship between coffee and mortality, and it found that people who drink a lot of the caffeinated beverage - up to eight cups a day, in fact - may live longer.
"We observed an inverse association for coffee drinking with mortality, including among participants who reported drinking at least one cup per day, up to eight or more cups per day, as well as those drinking filtered, instant, and decaffeinated coffee," the study's lead investigator, Dr. Erikka Loftfield, told Time. The ages of this particular study ranged from 38 to 73 years, and the researchers findings' reflect participation from about half a million people in Britain.
More than 150,000 of the participants drank two or three cups per day, and after a 10-year followup, coffee drinkers "were about 10 percent to 15 percent less likely to die than abstainers," the study found. Dr. Loftfield, whose research is strongly focused on dietary intake, explained that coffee "contains more than 1,000 chemical compounds including antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage."
This is certainly not the first time we've learned of results like these, but this does mark the first large study that shows how coffee can benefit even those who metabolize caffeine slowly. Research has led to many links between coffee and a longer life, as well as reduced inflammation, and this study reaffirms those findings. As always, however, the advice to drink up isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Coffee affects people differently, and if you think you might be drinking too much caffeine (jitters are no fun), then you might want to scale back.
Learn How to Finally Do a Push-Up Correctly With This Clever Trainer Tip
Out of all the bodyweight exercises one can do, I've realized that push-ups tend to be one of the hardest movements to learn. As a trainer, I work with a lot of clients who have specific goals, and learning how to do a proper push-up is always on the top of their lists. For most, perfecting a push-up is a matter of building strength and learning how to move the weight of their body correctly. Instead of having my clients attempt push-ups until failure with incorrect form (and foster an "I can't" mentality), I start by breaking down each aspect of the push-up.
First, we focus on push and pull exercises like rows, chest presses, bicep curls, and chest flys. Next, I'll have them practice holding a plank for 10-30 seconds, since push-ups require core strength and stability. Once they have a strong foundation, they advance to practicing push-ups with yoga blocks. This is effective because they're able to master the movement pattern without compromising their form.
Here's how to do it:
- Start in a plank position with your arms and legs straight, shoulders above your wrists, and two yoga blocks stacked vertically underneath your chest.
- Take a breath in, and as you exhale, bend your elbows out to the sides and lower your chest toward the ground. Stop as soon as your chest touches the yoga blocks. Inhale to straighten the arms. This counts as one rep.
- If this is too difficult, do this exercise with your knees on the floor.
- Complete two sets of 10 reps.
- As you continue to get stronger, remove a yoga block to increase the depth of the push-up. Eventually you'll be able to work your way up to doing a push-up without a yoga block.
41 Energizing Songs That Will Make Your Summer Workouts 100 Percent Better
Half the battle of working out is finding the motivation to get started, and the other half is keeping your energy high when you're going those final miles on the treadmill or squeezing in a few extra reps. When your muscles start to ache and you feel like you're about to hit the wall, sometimes music is the only thing that can keep you going, which is why we've assembled the perfect work out playlist featuring songs that are sure to keep you feeling great while you're toning up.
- "Nice For What" by Drake
- "I Like It" by Cardi B feat. J Balvin and Bad Bunny
- "Walk It Talk It" by Migos feat. Drake
- "Sky Walker" by Miguel feat. Travis Scott
- "Icon" by Jaden Smith
- "Sit Next to Me" by Foster the People
- "IDGAF" by Dua Lipa
- "KOD" by J. Cole
- "Love Lies" by Khalid and Normani
- "Everybody Mad" by O.T. Genasis
- "Dinero" by Jennifer Lopez feat. DJ Khaled and Cardi B
- "American Money" by Børns
- "Top Off" by DJ Khaled feat Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Future
- "She Loves Control" by Camila Cabello
- "Girls Like You" by Maroon 5 feat. Cardi B
- "Somebody Like Me" by Craig David feat. AJ Tracey
- "Sauce" by Justin Timberlake
- "Chun-Li" by Nicki Minaj
- "Lost In Your Light" by Dua Lipa feat. Miguel
- "God's Plan" by Drake
- "Me So Bad" by Tinashe feat. Ty Dolla $ign and French Montana
- "The Good War" by Kimbra
- "Tu Verdad" by J Balvin
- "Delicate" by Taylor Swift
- "I Like Me Better" by Lauv
- "Down" by Mýa
- "Real Deal" by Jessie J
- "Pynk" by Janelle Monáe feat. Grimes
- "rockstar" by Post Malone feat. 21 Savage
- "Bed" by Nicki Minaj feat. Ariana Grande
- "El Anillo" by Jennifer Lopez
- "Wait" by Maroon 5
- "Particular Taste" by Shawn Mendes
- "Mi Gente" by J Balvin and Willy William feat. Beyoncé
- "X" by Kendrick Lamar feat. ScHoolboy Q, 2 Chainz, and Saudi
- "Told You So" by Miguel
- "The Middle" by ZEDD feat. Maren Morris and Grey
- "That's It" by Bebe Rexha feat. Gucci Mane and 2 Chains
- "Stuck With Me" by Tinashe feat. Little Dragon
- "Alone" by Halsey feat. Big Sean and Stefflon Don
- "Move To Miami" by Enrique Iglesias feat. Pitbull
Looking for a specific playlist based on your workouts? We've got you covered.
Remember: you will need to download the free Spotify software or app to listen to our playlists.
If You Want a Bigger, Rounder, Firmer Butt, Here Are 50 Exercises to Get You There
If booty gains is your goal, and you want to grow a larger, plump, and perkier butt, you've got to do exercises that target your glutes. Here are over 50 to choose from, so you and your butt will grow together and never get bored.
The Fitness Marshall's Latest Dance Video to Cardi B Will Make You Say "I Like It"
I don't know about you, but I've personally been waiting for The Fitness Marshall to drop a dance video to "I Like It." Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin's Summer banger is the perfect, high-energy song to dance to - with or without choreography. And, as usual, TFM killed it with this one.
"This video has knives, chickens, human rotisseries, and more," TFM told POPSUGAR. "It's honestly a barnyard spectacle, so be prepared to butcher this."
Try to keep up while watching his video above!
20 Ways You Can Protect Yourself From the Sun on Your Next Outdoor Run
Sun protection is so important. While it's always top-of-mind when doing outdoor activities like picnicking at the beach or laying out by the pool, it should also be a priority when exercising outdoors, especially when long distance running. "Sun protection is crucial to avoid aging and skin pigmentation," Shoko, NYC spa Premier57's Facial and Skin Therapist, tells POPSUGAR. Beyond cosmetic issues, sun exposure can also be the culprit behind lowered immune systems, eye damage, and even skin cancer. And according to research, the sun can cause damage to the body even hours after you head back indoors, making the usage of sun protection all the more important.
Thankfully, there are many different ways you can shield yourself from the sun's harmful rays while working up a sweat outside, from multipurpose sunblocks to UPF clothing. Keep reading for all the products you need so you can still fit in your daily run without having to worry about damaging your skin.
Make Any of These 50+ Healthy, No-Bake Desserts and Everyone Will Ask, "Can I Have the Recipe?"
When turning on your oven is just not happening, whip up one of these healthy no-bake desserts. From vegan to low-carb to low-sugar to gluten-free, we have a recipe for everyone! The no-bake brownies (that taste like chocolate caramel!), low-calorie chocolate cherry ice cream, and frozen chocolate chip banana bites are a few favorites you must try.
10 No-Equipment Moves For a Tighter, Toner Butt
What if we told you that you can get a truly great butt that's also the foundation of a healthier set of legs all without leaving your home? Oh, you'd be interested? That's great because that's exactly why we're here.
We asked Sarah Chadwell, CPT, how to get a great butt workout at home, and she had plenty to say. "Your glutes, aka your butt muscles, are one of the largest, most powerful muscle groups in your entire body. They are also the most commonly underused muscle group," she said. "Many of us sit on them all day and stretch the muscles out, which is bad because they go to sleep; they literally shut down. It's time to get those sleeping giants fired up so you don't end up with a flat butt."
Just like any other muscle group, if you want shapely muscles, you have to spend time focusing on working that particular group. Follow these 10 moves focused on your backside.
Amazon Prime Members, Did You Know About This Free Perk?
Most already know how great Amazon Prime can be for instant gratification and last-minute necessities, but not everyone (including Prime members!) is taking advantage of this other benefit that's included in the cost of membership. Amazon Prime Reading is an added bonus to the annual $119 membership fee that allows Prime members free access to over a thousand books, magazines, comics, Kindle Singles, and more. Amazing, right?
That means you can read whenever you want, wherever you want, as much as you want. The best part is that these free Kindle ebooks can be enjoyed without a Kindle or Fire tablet. As long as you have an iOS or Android device, they're available for your reading pleasure on free Kindle apps.
You're not stuck with the same rotation of material, either. Fresh selections are continuously added, like the "New and Notable" reads ahead. Especially if you're a heavy reader, a membership might be worth getting just for Prime Reading. Check out 20 free books you can read now!
14 Things You Forget to Do Before Leaving For Vacation
You have a million things to do before you leave for a trip, so it's very easy to let some important to-dos slip through the cracks. Read through our list of things people often forget to do before bidding adieu to their homes to make sure you're ready for your next travel adventure!
File Under Things We Didn't Expect: McDonald's Has "McSpaghetti"
Can you imagine being able to fulfill a spaghetti craving by heading to McDonald's? I'm talking about McSpaghetti, the a dish of sauce-drenched noodles available at McDonald's locations in the Philippines. Plenty of people seem to love the unique option when they feel like venturing from the predictable chicken nuggets and famous fries. While not traditionally Italian, McDonald's take on spaghetti is a box of long pasta topped with a generous portion of tomato sauce and shredded cheese. The marinara-like sauce is topped with either ground beef or sausage pieces similar to cut-up hot dogs. You can even order McSpaghetti with a fried chicken leg! It's always interesting to learn about McDonald's orders around the world - take a look at the popular spaghetti ahead.
This Weighted Blanket Is "Like Advil PM For Your Whole Body"
Anxiety and insomnia are common problems these days, and while you could treat these issues by taking one of the many of drugs on the market, you can also try wrapping yourself in a weighted blanket. The deep pressure these blankets produce is akin to being embraced in a hug, which is said to stimulate the production of serotonin and endorphins, two naturally calming chemicals in the body. As a result, you'll fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Sounds incredible, right? There are a handful of weighted blankets on the market already (including the Swadl, Mosaic, SensaCalm, and BlanQuil), but a brand called Gravity has one of the most innovative and luxurious weighted blanket models out there.
"Taking design cues from renderings of gravity planes, we used the same grid-like pattern to evenly distribute the crafted poly pellets to specifically target pressure points throughout your body," the company said. To achieve the perfect seven to 12 percent bodyweight to blanket weight ratio, it's offering three different pound options made from nontoxic, food grade filling - 15-pound, 20-pound, and 25-pound - all retailing for $249. And unlike many of its competitors, Gravity's cover is a plush, ultrasoft fleece that comes in three different colors - a deep blue, granite gray, and cream. The 15-pound Gravity Blanket in Space Grey ($249) is available on Amazon, while the other options are available on the Gravity website.
Shop the various versions ahead, and prepare to get some much-needed zzz's.
Is CBD Oil Allowed on Planes? Here's What You Need to Know About Traveling With It
If you have anxiety and/or you're a nervous traveler, consider using CBD oil to help ease your symptoms. Described by one of our POPSUGAR fitness editors as "liquid Xanax from Mother Nature," CBD oil is derived from the nonpsychoactive component of cannabis. It won't get you high like THC will, but it will chill you out. But since it is still technically an active cannabinoid, can you legally travel with it? The answer is yes, but know how much and what you're carrying on.
CBD oil is natural and completely legal to purchase and consume (as long as it is specifically hemp-derived), meaning no card required. But to ensure passing security is a breeze, stay within TSA requirements (3.4 oz. or smaller) and read the labels before packing it. Most CBD oils are pretty straightforward because they should be only composed of CBD. Some edibles like gummies or chocolates, for example, might be CBD-dominant but contain enough THC to be flagged. Remember, THC classifies as an illegal compound under federal law regardless of whether you have a valid medical card or if it's legal in the state that you're traveling to. So be sure to check the CBD-to-THC ratios on the product label.
As long as you follow TSA's guidelines, you should be fine.
Everything You Need to Know About Amazon Prime Day - Including Deals You Can Score Now!
Bargain shoppers, it's that time of the year again! Amazon Prime Day is right around the corner, and we've got the lowdown on everything you need to know. Mark your calendars and set those alarms, because the annual shopping extravaganza kicks off on July 16 at 3 p.m. ET and will last all the way through July 17. That means 36 hours of nonstop online shopping (OK, maybe with a few breaks for food and whatnot in between), which is six more hours than last year's Prime Day event. Heck yes!
Prime members will be able to take advantage of more than one million deals (yep, one million) on televisions, toys, furniture, appliances, groceries, and more. Learn a bit more about the day (and a half) of discounted online shopping. Who's ready to get ahead on their holiday shopping?
New This Year
- A Special Promotion For Whole Foods Shoppers: Whole Foods Market is getting in on the fun by offering Prime Day deals at all locations throughout the US. Shoppers can score an additional 10 percent off sale items and "deep discounts" on popular products. All you have to do is download the Whole Foods Market app and scan the Prime Code to take advantage of the savings.
- Shop Brand-New Prime Day Launches: Amazon Prime members will have access to shop Prime Day Launches, a set of exclusive new items and special-edition products from "well-known and emerging brands." Examples include the first Alexa-enabled kitchen faucet and a brand-new unicorn toy from Fingerlings.
- Even More Deals on Amazon Devices: This year, Prime Day will feature double the bargains on Amazon devices and the "biggest deals yet" on Alexa-enabled products. If you've been wanting to splurge on an Echo or Fire TV, now's your chance.
Deals You Can Score Right Now
- Echo Show: Starting today, Prime members can save $100 on the Alexa-enabled bluetooth device, which allows users to make video calls, watch movies and TV shows, check out weather forecasts, and more - all without using their hands.
- Amazon Brands: You can score low prices on products from collections that are available only through Amazon. Furniture and decor lovers can get up to 25 percent off items from Rivet and Stone & Beam, some AmazonBasics items are now available for 20 percent off, and Prime shoppers can also save 30 percent on everyday products from Mama Bear, Solimo, and Presto!, among other brands.
- Prime Video, DVDs, and Blu-Ray: Who's ready for some binge-watching? Right now, you can save up to 50 percent on movies and television shows on digital, DVD, and Blue-Ray. Score!
- Amazon Music Unlimited: Still haven't tried Amazon Music Unlimited yet? You can get fourth months of the on-demand service for just 99 cents.
- Kindle Unlimited: Prime members can get three months of unlimited reading for just 99 cents when signing up for Kindle Unlimited for the first time. Also, when you purchase your first Kindle book, you'll get $10 of Prime Day credit, which must be used on eBooks, print books, and Audible.
A Few Tips For Making the Most of Prime Day
- Keeping an Eye on Deals: Using the Amazon app allows you to preview, shop, and track the deals you're most passionate about. Plus, you can enable alerts, so if a deal begins while you're out and about, you can still take advantage of it on the go. Learn more about how this works here.
- How to Get a Sneak Peek: If you have the Amazon app, you can get a sneak peek at the deals from July 9-15. Simply tap on the Prime Day banner within the app and scroll through the products that will be discounted starting on July 16.
- Use Alexa: Don't feel like looking through Prime Day deals yourself? Just ask, "Alexa, what are my Prime Day deals?" You can also use Alexa to track your delivery progress.
These Photos From the Loveland Theme Park in South Korea Will Make You Blush
Jeju Loveland: A place in Korea where sex-themed art and eroticism meet. The Loveland Theme Park opened up in 2004 and boasts 140 works of art that may make you blush - but are undeniably interesting to look at. The park also runs sex-education films and has some interactive pieces as well. And of course, there are ample photo opportunities featuring various phallic sculptures and depictions of people in moments of extreme pleasure.
All penis jokes aside, Loveland is pretty remarkable in that, being the only sex-themed park in Korea, it aims to break down traditional taboos about sex. While sometimes graphic, the overall experience is one of a kind. Visitors must be 18 to enter, and admission is just a little under $10 USD. Take a look at the kinky photos of the park ahead.
Celebrate! Patriotic Bug-Away Candleholders
Along with creating a festive Fourth of July table, these patriotic candleholders are scented with smells that keep bugs away from your guests and grub. And most of the materials needed for this easy DIY can be found at the dollar store for only a few bucks. So set the table, light the candles, and get ready for a bug-free celebration!
What You'll Need:
- 2 pounds rice
- Red food coloring
- Blue food coloring
- Lemongrass, lemon eucalyptus, or citronella essential oil
- 3 small bowls
- 2 sheet trays
- Parchment paper
- 4 small glass votives
- 4 tea candles
- Rubber gloves (optional)
Keep reading for the how-to!
This Illegal Hike in Hawaii Is Nicknamed the "Stairway to Heaven" For Good Reason
One of Hawaii's most epic hikes, known as the Haiku Stairs, is famous for its stunning views and illegal climb. Despite being a steep 3,922-step hike - and not to mention dangerous since becoming damaged by a storm in 2015 - the ladder remains a popular destination among hikers and visitors.
The "Stairway to Heaven" is an appropriate nickname as some of the peaks even tower above the clouds and offer incredible sights of the island of Oahu below. The almost-vertical ladder, which reaches the top of Pu'u Keahi a Kahoe, has a height of over 2,500 feet. Although it was built in 1943 during World War II, it wasn't until 1987 when the Haiku Stairs was deemed off limits to the public. But according to Instagram photos, it still looks like people trespass every day to experience the notorious hike for themselves.
Though we don't encourage anybody to endanger their lives or even risk receiving a fine, we do have to admit that the Stairway to Heaven looks pretty damn cool.
Check out the photos ahead!
The Ultimate Fourth of July Menu
Chances are, you're obsessing over what to make this Independence Day. A grill is definitely involved, but what else? From dressed-up watermelon slices to the best burger recipe, let this festive menu inspire you. It's filled with classic dishes that highlight Summer's wonderful produce. Like all things American, it's a little excessive but in a good way!
24 Smashing Red, White, and Blue Desserts
Show your patriotic pride by cooking with red, white, and blue ingredients and creating festive recipes. Many of the season's most delicious offerings - strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and blueberries - fit the color scheme, so don't be afraid to get creative! Here are many dishes to inspire your all-American celebration.
- Additional reporting by Susannah Chen
Here's What to Eat in the Morning If You Usually Skip Breakfast
When it comes to your morning meal, it's often tempting to let it slide. Some people just aren't hungry in the a.m., while others are in a rush to head to work and simply don't have enough time to whip something up. Still, eating breakfast in the morning is super important, as it gives the brain and body the fuel it needs to feel energized and satiated during the day. Here are the best foods to eat in the morning when you're not really a breakfast person.
This Is When You Get Your Best Ideas, According to Science - So Have a Notebook Handy
Have you ever had a eureka moment right after you've curled up in your bed, ready to go to sleep? Well, this happens to me ALL THE TIME; my best ideas always annoyingly pop up when I'm ready to shut my brain down and I have to scramble to get a piece of paper to jot it down.
On a recent night, I was wondering whether this was just me, or whether there's actually something going on in your brain before you sleep . . . so I decided to do some research, and here's what I found:
The Science Behind Your Eureka Moment
Apparently, cognitive scientists have found out that there's a phenomenon called "pattern recognition" that takes place in the brain only when it is in a very relaxed state. In this process, the brain is relaxed enough to make new connections and allow new neural pathways to form. This helps us find creative solutions for problems we otherwise might not have thought of.
Another point to take note of is that when we enter sleep, the brain steadily dismantles the models and concepts we use to interpret the world, leading to moments of experience unconstrained by our usual mental filters.
In fact, psychologists from UC San Diego found we are at our peak in creativity during REM sleep, when we dream.
This also explains why we come up with the most creative solutions or ideas in the shower, on a walk, lying in bed at night, or even sleeping. The brain is simply relaxed enough to let those connections take place. A University of California at Berkeley study found that sleep can foster "remote associates," or unusual connections, in the brain - which could lead to a major "a-ha" moment upon waking.
Upon waking from sleep, people are 33 percent more likely to make connections between seemingly distantly related ideas.
So, bottom line, when we sleep or we're simply very relaxed, we don't process things with our usual mental filters in place, which can help us make seemingly unrelated connections.
In fact, Steven Kotler in Psychology Today explains that this is a pretty popularly known fact among creatives. Here's how you can take advantage of it:
1. Get Inspired in Bed
Swap out your phone for a thought-provoking book to read before bed (your phone isn't doing your sleep any favors anyway). Reading before bed can help prime your mind for creative thinking and you may wake up with a fresh new idea you hadn't thought of previously. (Just stay away from those thrillers!)
2. Ask Yourself Questions (and Then Forget About Them)
It can be very useful to ask yourself hard questions right before bed so that your brain can tackle it when you sleep. The key here is to forget about the question immediately to help that part of your brain that works quietly in the background rev up. Chances are, you'll wake up with a creative solution you hadn't thought of.
3. Keep a Notepad Beside Your Bed to Jot Down Ideas
Here's your solution for all those pesky eureka moments. Whenever you're thinking of something you hadn't previously considered, jot it down so that you won't forget it or dismiss it the morning when you're mental filters are in place. It doesn't matter if the idea's not fully developed; even if it doesn't quite make sense then, it might be significant after you process it in sleep.
4. Try Lucid Dreaming
"What is lucid dreaming?" you ask. Worry not, I had no clue either. Essentially, lucid dreaming is dreaming while being conscious of the fact that you're having a dream. According to psychophysiologist and lucid dream expert, Stephen LaBerge, "You could stay in that dream and then use it to explore impossible realities somehow."
Woah. Sounds like something out of a fantasy novel, right? Well yes, getting to that lucid dreaming state takes a lot of practice and training your brain to recognize when you're dreaming. A few ways to do this is asking yourself throughout the day whether you're dreaming so that you'll subconsciously remember to do the same when you're in a dream state. Waking up in the middle of the night, remembering the dream you were having and then going back to sleep, conscious that you were having this dream can also help you enter a lucid dream state.
LaBerge calls these steps the mnemonic induction of lucid dreaming or MILD technique. Why should you try this? Well, LaBerge explains, "It would give you a great deal of freedom. You're limited not by the usual laws of physics and laws of society and other external constraints on you as we are limited greatly in waking life. You are limited only by what the limits of the mind might be." Definitely worth giving a shot. After all, you have nothing to lose.
Well, next time you have an a-ha moment in bed, now you know what's going on behind the scenes. And now you have an excuse for sleeping in today . . . sweet dreams!
Why Too Much Happiness Can Actually Be a Bad Thing, According to Science
When I was younger, my dad always used to tell me to be moderate in everything I did, and a BIG part of that was emotions. I would come running up to him with an A+ grade or the trophy for first place in a competition, and all he would do was smile gently and tell me to take everything lightly and not make a big deal of it. My 6-year-old self did not agree. But now, after passing through so many highs and lows throughout adulthood, I'm wondering whether there was any truth to what he said.
So, is too much happiness really a bad thing? Here's what I found out.
You Might Lose Your Creativity Boost
According to Mark Alan Davis's 2008 meta-analysis of the relationship between mood and creativity, when people experience intense, overwhelming happiness, they lose out on the creativity burst you get from moderate happiness.
What's more, psychologist Barbara Fredrickson has found that too much positive emotion - and too little negative emotion - makes people inflexible in the face of new challenges.
You Might Become More Reckless
Another study found that happiness can lead to reckless behaviors, which makes sense - haven't you always been less inhibited and more carefree when happy?
But think about this from another point of view and it can be dangerous.
Studies show that excessively happy people tend to engage in riskier behaviors and disregard threats, including excessive alcohol consumption, binge-eating, and drug use.
Even if all this seems a bit extreme, on a smaller scale, there's a good chance you'll regret some decisions you made when you were on a happy high.
You Might Be Less Productive and Driven
Happiness generally leads to a deep feeling of satisfaction, signaling to us that our goals are being fulfilled, so we generally tend to slow down and become more laid-back.
But negative emotions exist for a reason. Without the push that anger or unhappiness gives you, you might never get the motivation to keep going. After all, if you're content, why would you?
And studies back this up: Maya Tamir of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that happy people played worse than angry people in a competitive computer game.
You Might Become Gullible
Another study shows that happy people tend to be more trusting and gullible compared to their pessimistic counterparts. That's not to say that you should always go with the glass-half-empty approach, but maybe a bit less extreme?
You Might Become Unhappy
Yup, you heard that right. When you're experiencing intense joy, its only natural to seek more of it, a primitive response rooted in the evolution of mankind. However, the pursuit of happiness almost always leads to unhappiness. Research shows that the more one strives to be happy, the less likely they are to obtain it.
Iris Mauss of the University of Denver conducted a study in which people who read something that celebrated happiness felt worse than people who viewed something that never produced happiness at all. Researchers suggest that when people expect to feel better and don't, they may experience more negative emotions as a result of feeling as if they had failed.
Once the High Is Over . . .
Have you ever felt that underwhelming emptiness after you're done leaping up in joy? Like everything in the world suddenly seems disappointing in how trivial it is? Well, that's not just in your head. When you are excessively happy, you set high standards for situations that can induce happiness: everyday occurrences will cease to make you smile. To back this up, psychologists from the University of Massachusetts and Northwestern University in Illinois compared the levels of happiness between lottery winners and ordinary people.
There was no difference in overall happiness between the two groups; however, lottery winners were significantly less likely to take pleasure in everyday activities such as receiving a compliment and talking with a friend. They began to compare everything with the happiness of winning the lottery, and thus, nothing could keep up. This kind of happiness doesn't last forever, and when it's done, you might end up feeling worse than before.
So What Now?
Well, the point of this certainly isn't to tell you to be unhappy for the rest of your life. After all, extreme negative emotions certainly aren't doing you any favors either. Maybe, just maybe, what all of us need to consider is the moderate path: neither too much positive emotions nor too many negative emotions. And researchers are considering this too - that maybe pursuing happiness isn't the best idea. Instead, we should allow happiness to come by as a reward in the pursuit of another goal.
Imagine a life in which you never feel euphoric, but you never feel depressed either. All that's left behind is a sustainable, peaceful calm that you only experience when you're on stable emotional ground.
In the long term, sustainability is what we're looking at, and perhaps the moderate approach is best for sustainable happiness to last us through all the highs and lows throughout our lives.
Why Too Much Happiness Can Actually Be a Bad Thing, According to Science
When I was younger, my dad always used to tell me to be moderate in everything I did, and a BIG part of that was emotions. I would come running up to him with an A+ grade or the trophy for first place in a competition, and all he would do was smile gently and tell me to take everything lightly and not make a big deal of it. My 6-year-old self did not agree. But now, after passing through so many highs and lows throughout adulthood, I'm wondering whether there was any truth to what he said.
So, is too much happiness really a bad thing? Here's what I found out.
You Might Lose Your Creativity Boost
According to Mark Alan Davis's 2008 meta-analysis of the relationship between mood and creativity, when people experience intense, overwhelming happiness, they lose out on the creativity burst you get from moderate happiness.
What's more, psychologist Barbara Fredrickson has found that too much positive emotion - and too little negative emotion - makes people inflexible in the face of new challenges.
You Might Become More Reckless
Another study found that happiness can lead to reckless behaviors, which makes sense - haven't you always been less inhibited and more carefree when happy?
But think about this from another point of view and it can be dangerous.
Studies show that excessively happy people tend to engage in riskier behaviors and disregard threats, including excessive alcohol consumption, binge-eating, and drug use.
Even if all this seems a bit extreme, on a smaller scale, there's a good chance you'll regret some decisions you made when you were on a happy high.
You Might Be Less Productive and Driven
Happiness generally leads to a deep feeling of satisfaction, signaling to us that our goals are being fulfilled, so we generally tend to slow down and become more laid-back.
But negative emotions exist for a reason. Without the push that anger or unhappiness gives you, you might never get the motivation to keep going. After all, if you're content, why would you?
And studies back this up: Maya Tamir of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that happy people played worse than angry people in a competitive computer game.
You Might Become Gullible
Another study shows that happy people tend to be more trusting and gullible compared to their pessimistic counterparts. That's not to say that you should always go with the glass-half-empty approach, but maybe a bit less extreme?
You Might Become Unhappy
Yup, you heard that right. When you're experiencing intense joy, its only natural to seek more of it, a primitive response rooted in the evolution of mankind. However, the pursuit of happiness almost always leads to unhappiness. Research shows that the more one strives to be happy, the less likely they are to obtain it.
Iris Mauss of the University of Denver conducted a study in which people who read something that celebrated happiness felt worse than people who viewed something that never produced happiness at all. Researchers suggest that when people expect to feel better and don't, they may experience more negative emotions as a result of feeling as if they had failed.
Once the High Is Over . . .
Have you ever felt that underwhelming emptiness after you're done leaping up in joy? Like everything in the world suddenly seems disappointing in how trivial it is? Well, that's not just in your head. When you are excessively happy, you set high standards for situations that can induce happiness: everyday occurrences will cease to make you smile. To back this up, psychologists from the University of Massachusetts and Northwestern University in Illinois compared the levels of happiness between lottery winners and ordinary people.
There was no difference in overall happiness between the two groups; however, lottery winners were significantly less likely to take pleasure in everyday activities such as receiving a compliment and talking with a friend. They began to compare everything with the happiness of winning the lottery, and thus, nothing could keep up. This kind of happiness doesn't last forever, and when it's done, you might end up feeling worse than before.
So What Now?
Well, the point of this certainly isn't to tell you to be unhappy for the rest of your life. After all, extreme negative emotions certainly aren't doing you any favors either. Maybe, just maybe, what all of us need to consider is the moderate path: neither too much positive emotions nor too many negative emotions. And researchers are considering this too - that maybe pursuing happiness isn't the best idea. Instead, we should allow happiness to come by as a reward in the pursuit of another goal.
Imagine a life in which you never feel euphoric, but you never feel depressed either. All that's left behind is a sustainable, peaceful calm that you only experience when you're on stable emotional ground.
In the long term, sustainability is what we're looking at, and perhaps the moderate approach is best for sustainable happiness to last us through all the highs and lows throughout our lives.
Here's What Really Goes Down at a Clothing-Optional "Erotic" Couples Resort
My boyfriend and I excitedly opened the door to our gorgeous beachfront suite, unsure of what to expect when we entered. While away at dinner, our special selection from a "fantasy menu" at Desire Riviera Maya Pearl, a clothing-optional, couples-only resort in Mexico, was being set up for us.
We crossed the threshold in anticipation, thinking we were ready for what was next. I must stress, emphatically, that we were not f*cking ready for what was next.
Let's rewind.
We arrived a few days earlier to Desire Riviera Maya Resort, the sister to the resort where we finished off our trip. Both are "adult" escapes for couples, where clothing is optional and where anything goes. We certainly learned what "anything goes" can mean. The resorts describe themselves as places full of freedom, oases of "beauty and eroticism" (wholeheartedly agree) where "fantasies become reality" (reality, indeed).
I found myself in a pool-size sex spa full of guests - all completely nude - sandwiched in between one of the most attractive women I'd ever seen in real life and her boyfriend.
When I first read about both resorts, my curiosity was understandably piqued. Clothing optional? Great, no more tan lines. Couples only? My boyfriend was very down. Sexy shows every night, great food, and sensual experiences geared toward turning up the heat in your relationship? Sign us up.
Desire Riviera Maya and Pearl are all about creating an environment of openness, where people can explore their sexual desires in a safe, accepting place among like-minded people. Couples (mostly, but not all) in their 30s to 60s are able to escape the limitations of everyday society and embrace the lifestyle they seek, all against the backdrop of the beautiful Yucatán coastline.
I consider myself to be very open-minded, sexually adventurous, totally fine with nudity (love it, actually), and fully supportive of pretty much anything going on between consenting adults. I'm a Love and Sex editor, for f*ck's sake. Even if it happens to be on public display, as is the case at the resorts, I'm down. It can even be a turn on for many people.
On day two, however, as I found myself in a pool-size sex spa full of guests - all completely nude - sandwiched in between one of the most attractive women I'd ever seen in real life (not complaining one bit here) and her down-for-pretty-much-anything boyfriend, it occurred to me that my significant other and I were in way, way over our heads. We rolled with it, to an extent. But it wasn't exactly the experience we expected. For the first time in my adult life, I felt incredibly naive and unprepared - and it was pretty hilarious. For the most part.
Most guests coming to resorts like these are generally knowledgeable about what occurs there. In fact, one of the questions we were most frequently asked in the five days we spent at both places was "are you two lifestylers?" This is the question couples often pose in order to get a feel for whether another couple is open to swinging. We were told that around 60 percent of the people who come to the resorts are swingers - people who swap partners and/or engage in group sex - but I'm convinced based on our personal experience that the number is just a bit higher.
The resorts are beautiful and all-inclusive (drinks, too!), with spacious suites, multiple pools and hot tubs, countless restaurants and bars open all hours of the day and night, and extra amenities like spas, salons, and stores filled with all of the sexy outfits and accessories you could ask for. Forgot your lube? No problem. Everything is where you need it, when you need it. The staff is extremely friendly, helpful, and completely nonjudgmental, and overall were a highlight of the trip for us.
But - and there is a but - first-timers should be aware of what they're diving into. The golden rule that all guests must agree to upon arrival is that "no means no" - which should give you an idea of what kind of things go down daily. This isn't a nudist resort where people mostly keep to themselves. This is a full-on sex resort, with public rooms decorated with round pink and black leather beds dedicated to group sex, massive hot tubs where couples and groups can go at it to their hearts' desires, and where (in my case) attempting to casually rock a bathing suit bottom made me stand out among the sea of bare butts. This is absolutely what many people are looking for in a getaway - and I'm so glad that there's places that exist where couples can really be themselves and where this is celebrated.
Fast-forward back to the night we returned from dinner thinking we were getting a casual private dance in our suite . . .
The first thing I saw was the sex swing that had been drilled into our ceiling while we were gone for barely an hour. Impressive. Our bathtub was filled with bubbles and roses, our bed completely covered with the petals as well. A bottle of Champagne chilled nearby. We suddenly started having second thoughts about inviting our new couple friends along for what we (stupidly, in hindsight) believed to be the kind of silly striptease you see at bachelor parties that last all of 10 minutes. It was not.
We thought we'd chat and laugh with the husband and wife we'd brought along with us while we watched a sexy performance, sip Champagne, and be dancing at the resort's (actually very fun) disco in no time. Nope. It was the erotic preamble to what would've been sex with my boyfriend - guided by a beautiful (and amazingly sweet) woman decked out in black lace and silk. But (due to my own obliviousness) it turned into the preamble for what was essentially a foursome - since I'd invited our newfound friends along for the (literal) ride. I guess the rose petals on the bed should have been my red flag?
Did we know what we were getting ourselves into? Absolutely not. Did we have exciting sex in places and ways we never have before? Yup.
Needless to say, we skipped the group sex (wasn't really our ideal scenario, but totally great for other couples interested in something like this!), dipped out, and headed to the disco where we made it just in time to see a badass dancer perform one of the coolest aerial shows I've ever seen. Our friends, who laughed good-naturedly and incredulously asked how we didn't know what the deal was all along, joined us on the dance floor. Crisis averted. Our ignorance about what an "erotic couples massage" really means is a whole other story . . .
Did the resorts play a part in helping my boyfriend and me spice up the romance after more than five years of dating? Absolutely. We got closer not only because of our admittedly awkward roller-coaster ride, but also because the resorts really do foster a sense of eroticism and sexual openness that was entirely contagious. Did we know what we were getting ourselves into? Absolutely not. Did we have exciting sex in places and ways we never have before? Yup.
Bottom line, going to an erotic couples resort got my partner and me out of our comfort zones, but more importantly, the resorts allow others who visit to truly be in their comfort zones, whatever those may be.
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by Desire Riviera Maya and Pearl for the purpose of writing this story.
The 11 Best Sex Toys Found on Amazon
You can find everything from household appliances and clothing to brownie mix and bicycles on Amazon. But did you know the online retailer also sells sex toys? That's right.
You don't have to pop into a sex shop to buy your pleasure products - you can just scoot over to your Amazon account, choose from a variety of adult toys, and easily add them to your cart.
Not sure what to buy? Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of shopping on Amazon? We did the heavy lifting for you. Here are some of the best, most reasonably priced and highly rated sex toys you can buy on Amazon. Get your batteries fired up, because it's go time.
'90s Songs to Bump 'n' Grind To
How do we love the '90s? Let us count the ways. It's a time that brought us Sex and the City, JTT, and along with them, sexy tunes that were off the racy charts. Below, we've rounded up 50 of the hottest, heaviest songs - and as it turns out, some are a lot dirtier than we remembered. Have a listen, and don't be surprised if you start blushing once you hit play.
- "I Wanna Sex You Up," Color Me Badd
- "Erotica," Madonna
- "Let's Talk About Sex," Salt-N-Pepa
- "Pony," Ginuwine
- "2 Become 1," Spice Girls
- "Me So Horny," 2 Live Crew
- "I'm Too Sexy," Right Said Fred
- "Knockin' da Boots," H-Town
- "Laid," James
- "Nobody," Keith Sweat ft. Athena Cage
- "Bump n' Grind," R. Kelly
- "Sex and Candy," Marcy Playground
- "Red Light Special," TLC
- "Babydoll," Mariah Carey
- "Car Song," Elastica
- "Smooth," Rob Thomas and Carlos Santana
- "Human Nature," Madonna
- "O.P.P.," Naughty by Nature
- "I Don't Know Why I Love You," The House of Love
- "Don't Let Go," En Vogue
- "Bittersweet," Big Head Todd and the Monsters
- "Creep," TLC
- "Freak Me," Silk
- "Stutter," Elastica
- "Any Time, Any Place," Janet Jackson
- "Your Body's Callin," R. Kelly
- "Criminal," Fiona Apple
- "Closer," Nine Inch Nails
- "No Diggity," Blackstreet
- "Nice & Slow," Usher
- "U Can't Touch This," MC Hammer
- "Freek'n You," Jodeci
- "Boombastic," Shaggy
- "Genie in a Bottle," Christina Aguilera
- "Too Close," Next
- "Rico Suave," Gerardo
- "Hanky Panky," Madonna
- "California Love," 2Pac
- "I Touch Myself," Divinyls
- "I Want You," Third Eye Blind
- "Uhh Ahh," Boyz II Men
- "Thong Song," Sisqo
- "Giddy Up," *NSYNC
- ". . . Baby One More Time," Britney Spears
- "Gett Off," Prince and The New Power Generation
- "Freak Like Me," Adina Howard
- "All The Places (I Will Kiss You)," Aaron Hall
- "I'll Make Love to You," Boyz II Men
- "Baby Got Back," Sir Mix-A-Lot
- "What's It Gonna Be?!," Busta Rhymes ft. Janet Jackson
To listen to the playlist below, download the free Spotify software or app:
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