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.
vendredi 17 août 2018
Do Air Squats Burn Fat? Here's What Trainers Had to Say
Air squats seem to be the favorite bodyweight exercise for HIIT classes and other boutique fitness studios. Since you use no other equipment except your body, air squats are supposed to help you tone your legs, build a booty, and torch lower-body fat. But are these promises too good to be true? (Spoiler alert: squats alone won't transform your butt.)
We asked personal trainers the truth about air squats and whether or not they are actually an effective exercise. If you're embarking on a squat challenge and busting out dozens of air squats a day, will you see any results? Here's what the experts had to say.
Air Squats Are a Beginner Move
For more advanced gym-goers, air squats may seem like a waste of time, especially if you're able to sidle up to the squat rack and take on 150 pounds. But for beginners, air squats can be a great place to start.
Personal trainer and dietitian Jim White, RD, ACSM health fitness specialist, and owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios, recommended people start out with air squats before advancing on to other squat variations.
"Air squats are the beginner squat; they help to ensure that your squat form is correct in order to avoid injuries," he told POPSUGAR. "As the person advances and the air squats become easier, they should try regular squats and jump squat intervals because it will keep their heart rate high and in the anaerobic part of their workout. Then weights should be added to the squats that will lead to more calories being burned as well as increasing the BMR (basal metabolic rate) and cardiovascular for burning a higher amount of fat."
Using Your Bodyweight Is a Functional Movement
Some people may be so into weightlifting that they dismiss bodyweight moves and neglect the importance of functional movement for not only muscle building but overall fitness. Certified personal trainer Kendall Janicola, NCSF and instructor at Fhitting Room in New York City, told POPSUGAR that air squats are a functional movement with a "plethora of benefits," even if you just use your bodyweight.
White agreed that squats are an essential move for overall fitness. "Squats are one of the most intense exercises you can do," he said. "They work out the complete lower body for an intense metabolism boost." He said that while air squats are a good place to start, you should move on to adding weights to keep boosting your metabolism and burning fat.
So, Do Air Squats Actually Burn Fat?
This answer is a little complicated since you can't spot-target fat loss. If you're looking to lose fat in your lower body, doing an endless number of squats alone won't get you there. You need to lose weight overall to burn fat, and this is done by eating in a calorie deficit and working out. Ultimately, your genetic makeup determines where fat is lost on your body.
However, air squats can help get you there. White said air squats can help you burn fat, but they may not be as effective as other squats, such as squats with barbells or jump squat intervals. Janicola agreed.
"Air squats can and absolutely do burn fat and build lean muscle," she told POPSUGAR. "If you're new to weight training, the air squat is the perfect place to start to turn on those muscles and learn the right technique to get things going." However, you can only do so many air squats for so long before you'll eventually plateau, in which case you should add weight to burn fat, build muscle, and get stronger.
In short: yes, they burn fat, but you shouldn't rely on them as an exercise that will burn leg fat and build your butt muscles. Combined with other strength-training moves, bodyweight exercises, and functional movement, they can help you shed fat and sculpt muscle. Just don't expect that doing 100 air squats a day will magically transform your body (or your booty) - eventually, you'll have to pick up some weights.
How This Practice Can Prevent You From Binge Eating and Help You Lose Weight
You're snacking on a bag of chips while watching a show. You look down at the end of the episode and realize that you've just eaten the entire bag. Or even if it's not that extreme, maybe you simply don't remember what you ate for breakfast today. It may not seem like a big deal, but it could cause you to unwittingly make bad food choices and/or overeat. That's where mindful eating comes in.
Mindfulness encourages you to be more present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. When this concept is applied to food, it encourages you to be more conscious of what you're putting into your body (as well as environmental sustainability) and to be more in tune with your body's cues (aka whether you're hungry or full). Dr. Lilian Cheung, a nutritionist and lecturer at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told Harvard Health that "mindless eating" could be contributing to our national obesity epidemic. On an individual level, being more mindful when you eat can improve your relationship with food and serve as an effective long-term weight-loss solution.
The whole idea is to pay attention to not only what you eat and how much, but what you buy and how you prepare it as well. In doing so, you become much more appreciative of food and you're less likely to overindulge. According to Healthline, it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to realize that you're full. So instead of scarfing down your dinner, chew and eat slowly and free your table of any distractions. This means not responding to texts until you're finished eating, not scrolling through Instagram as you eat, and not eating in front of a TV.
According to the Center For Mindful Eating, the practice consists of the following:
- "Allowing yourself to become aware of the positive and nurturing opportunities that are available through food selection and preparation by respecting your own inner wisdom."
- "Using all your senses in choosing to eat food that is both satisfying to you and nourishing to your body."
- "Acknowledging responses to food (likes, dislikes, or neutral) without judgment."
- "Becoming aware of physical hunger and satiety cues to guide your decisions to begin and end eating."
Apply this practice starting with your next meal!
Ariana Grande Pays Tribute to Aretha Franklin With a Performance That Will Have You in Tears
The world shined a little less bright when Aretha Franklin passed away on Thursday, and celebrities everywhere are mourning her death. One of them is Ariana Grande, who not only paid tribute to the Queen of Soul on Twitter but also honored Aretha with an emotional performance of her hit "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" with The Roots on The Tonight Show.
According to TMZ, Ariana was only scheduled to do a comedy skit, but she was asked to perform in the wake of Aretha's death. Ariana reportedly declined at first because she was too emotional, but Questlove eventually convinced her to do it. After powering through the song, Ariana apparently broke down in tears backstage. Watch Ariana's tearjerking performance above.
This Connection Between Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley Might Give You Goosebumps
Image Source: Getty / Paul Natkin
The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, passed away at the age of 76 on Aug. 16, connecting her to another legendary musician who died on the same day: Elvis Presley. "The King," as he was affectionately called, died on Aug. 16, 1977, after suffering a heart attack. It's certainly an interesting coincidence, considering how iconic both artists are and how much their careers have impacted the entertainment industry.
But what's even more fascinating is the fact that Aretha was born in Memphis, TN - the same city where Elvis died at his Graceland home and is still buried today. These two prominent singers, both integral to the fabric of American pop culture, will forever be linked by the day of their deaths, as well as their connection to one of the country's most musical cities.
Image Source: Getty / Sunset Boulevard
Yep, Jack Brooksbank Is Older Than Princess Eugenie, but Only by a Few Years
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank first met during a ski trip in Switzerland back in 2010 and have been going strong ever since. Because they've been together for so long, it's easy to forget how old they are. Eugenie was born on March 23, 1990, making her 28 years old. Jack, on the other hand, was born on May 3, 1987, making him 31 and three years older than Eugenie.
Eugenie and Jack are set to tie the knot on Oct. 12 at Windsor's St. George's Chapel (yep, the same place where Prince Harry and Meghan got married). Eugenie has already chosen her sister, Princess Beatrice, as her maid of honor; however, Jack has yet to reveal who he's selected as his best man. It's also been reported that Princess Charlotte and Prince George may have special roles in the royal affair, and if it's anything like Pippa Middleton's and Harry's weddings, we're in for a real treat.
How Prince Philip and Sarah Ferguson's Rocky Relationship May Affect Eugenie's Wedding
Princess Eugenie will be tying the knot with Jack Brooksbank on Oct. 12. Even though this should be an exciting time for Eugenie, she might have to deal with some awkward family drama if her grandfather, Prince Philip, decides to go. The 97-year-old royal's attendance is reportedly still up in the air, and it seems like Eugenie's mom, Sarah Ferguson, may have something to do with it.
According to Town & Country, Philip "is so estranged from Fergie," and they've allegedly had a rocky relationship ever since she and Prince Andrew separated in 1992. Following Sarah and Andrew's split, photographs surfaced of the Duchess of York with her toes in the mouth of Texas businessman John Bryan. The shots, of course, caused a huge scandal for the royal family, and Princess Margaret reportedly even wrote Sarah a letter, saying, "You have done more to bring shame on the family than could ever have been imagined." In 2000, Sarah caused another scandal when she offered an undercover reporter access to Andrew for £500,000.
Despite the fact that Sarah and Andrew have remained close friends, it's been reported that Philip still holds a grudge against Sarah and has vowed never to be in the same room with her again. Sarah wasn't even invited to Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding in 2011. "It was so difficult because I wanted to be there with my girls and to be getting them dressed and to go as a family," Sarah previously told Oprah. "It was so hard because the last bride up that aisle was me." However, she did attend Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding earlier this year, but she was seated toward the back of the church. So, will Philip and Sarah be able to put their differences aside for the sake of Eugenie? Only time will tell.
Mariah Carey's Tribute to Her "Inspiration, Mentor, and Friend" Aretha Franklin Just Made Me Cry
Aretha Franklin's death has elicited heartfelt messages and tributes from celebrities, and Mariah Carey's tearjerking social media statement is sure to make you emotional. I know this firsthand, because I began tearing up while reading it myself. For those unfamiliar, Mariah has always been vocal about her love and admiration for the Queen of Soul, whose legendary music career also influenced her own. The two hit the stage together for a now-infamous VH1 Divas Live duet in 1998 - crooning Aretha's hit "Chain of Fools" after only having rehearsed in her trailer hours earlier - and even became close friends.
After the news of Aretha's passing broke on Thursday, Mariah shared her emotions in a series of tweets. "You were my inspiration, my mentor and my friend," she wrote. "You showed me I could sing the songs I wanted to sing and bring God with me." Mariah went on to praise Aretha's "indelible impact" and "bigger than life personality, wit and humor." Keep reading to see Mariah's sweet tribute messages, then watch her performance with Aretha to get even deeper in your feelings today.
Here's Who's Expected to Be in Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's Wedding Party
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank are getting married on Oct. 12, and details regarding their royal wedding party have slowly begun unfolding. Eugenie recently announced her choice for maid of honor in the September 2018 issue of British Vogue, and of course, it came as no surprise. It's also reported that Prince George and Princess Charlotte will have special roles during the ceremony; however, Jack's best man still has yet to be revealed. Here's what we know so far.
Ellen and Portia's 10-Year Wedding Anniversary Video Is Just 2 Minutes of Pure Love
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are celebrating a decade of marriage. Although they've been together since 2004, their 2008 wedding was one to remember - and now, they're giving fans an inside look at the intimate ceremony that officially made them the couple we swoon over to this day. For their 10-year wedding anniversary, The Ellen DeGeneres Show shared a video with footage from their sweet nuptials, filled with tear-jerking moments, perfectly captured footage of their dogs, and lots of cake. Watch the emotional video above, but don't say we didn't warn you if it has you reaching for that tissue box! And if you're really looking for a reason to believe in love, check out everything Ellen and Portia have said about each other through the years.
In Light of Amazon's New Series The Romanoffs, Let's Revisit the Legend of Anastasia
This Summer, Amazon announced an exciting new original series that would air in Fall 2018. The show is called The Romanoffs and is utterly shrouded in mystery. So far, details about the project are scarce, and the first teaser is more of a cast announcement than anything else. (For the record, the cast is very big and exciting!) Although there is quite a bit to excavate in the coming months, we do have one piece of intel pertaining to the new series: though it's spelled differently, the show is related to the famous 17th-century imperial family of Russia, the Romanovs. Perhaps more intriguing is that the show will focus on the modern age, telling tales of people who claim to be descendants of the slain family.
This phenomenon, if you're not familiar, stems from one of the greatest mysteries of the 20th century: the disappearance of Princess Anastasia. Seeing as the concept of the show stems from this enduring myth - we assume one of the anthology episodes will tell of a woman claiming to be the lost royal - we thought we'd tell the tale that kept scientists, historians, and royal enthusiasts befuddled for nearly a century.
Nick Jonas Is Heading to India to Meet Priyanka Chopra's Family Ahead of Their Wedding
Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra are headed to India! According to Us Weekly, the newly engaged couple are making a special trip to Priyanka's native country ahead of their wedding. "It's a tradition to go and meet the family before the wedding," a source told the outlet, adding that Priyanka "wants an Indian wedding" and that they "want to get married very soon." "[Nick] is super supportive of her and he's thrilled."
Nick and Priyanka first sparked dating rumors in May and got engaged during Priyanka's 36th birthday celebration in London last month. This will be Nick and Priyanka's second time in India together; they traveled to Mumbai in June, and Nick reportedly met Priyanka's mom for the first time. Perhaps Nick wanted to get her blessing before he proposed?
A Look Back at Aretha Franklin's Soulful 76 Years of Life - in Pictures
After a lengthy battle with cancer, Aretha Franklin passed away at the age of 76 on Aug. 16, leaving behind a musical legacy that will never be forgotten. Immediately following her passing, celebrities including Lenny Kravitz, Shania Twain, Shonda Rhimes, former President Barack Obama, and more paid their respects to the Queen of Soul with heartfelt tributes on social media. To honor Aretha's memory, we're taking a look back at some of her most notable pictures through the years, ranging from passionate concert performances to glamorous award show appearances. Queue up our playlist of essential Aretha songs, and take a look through the snapshots ahead.
Every Time Iskra Lawrence Was So Hot, We Thought We'd Melt Just Looking at Her
From innumerable Aerie swimsuits to a Justin Alexander ivory gown at Cannes, Iskra Lawrence can pull off just about any ensemble. Iskra has a booty that could launch a thousand ships and basically resurrected the rose gold hair trend, and if that wasn't enough, the curve model gives us a dose of self-love inspo on the daily. We know she looks stunning in a bikini, but here are just 100 of Iskra's sexiest red carpet looks - and believe us, her curves look just as good in a gown as they do on display.
A Nutritionist Ranked the Best Fruit For Your Kids - Plus What to Skip
We've all been raised to believe that fruit is good for you, and for all intents and purposes that's true, but nutritionally and calorically speaking, not all fruit is created equal. When it comes to these seed-bearing snacks, there are a bounty of options, from berries to dried varieties and even canned. So as consumers, should we just assume that everything under the fruit umbrella is healthy, or is it worth diving deeper to better understand these little nutritional variations?
We turned to dietitian Jillian Kubala, MS, RD, to break it down. With so much attention being given to low-sugar fruits that subscribe to the keto diet right now, it's important to take a step back and highlight that, while some fruit certainly contains more sugar than others, fruit as a group is still chock-full of heart-healthy nutrients that are important to our overall health and wellness. "Whole, fresh fruit contains natural sugars, along with an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants that are vital to health," explained Kubala. "The issue with fruit is not the sugar content per se, it's the amount of fruit that is consumed and how the fruit is processed." So before you go tossing apples into the compost, remind yourself that the focus should be on quantity more than anything. Parents should always feel good about being able to provide their children with fruit above all else.
I Tried Making Adorable School Lunches For My Kids and I'll Never Do It Again
It's really my friend's fault that I tried to make adorable lunches for my kids and failed. She'd just finished telling me all about the bento box she packed for her daughter to take off to school each day. Inside were cucumbers cut into cute shapes like stars and moons, little crustless sandwiches, homemade cookies, and colorful, healthy fruits and snacks like edamame and berries she lovingly arranged into her daughter's initials. "Well, I clearly need to step up my lunch game," I thought as I drove home from her house that afternoon. I'd been packing the same old lunches for my kids since the first day of school: yogurt, fruit snacks, pretzels or Cheetos, and a buttered bagel. I sucked. Obviously.
I couldn't wait for my girls to get home and report back about lunchtime, but one look into their bentos told me all I needed to know. No one ate anything I'd packed.
That evening, I ordered pastel-hued bento boxes for each of my three kids online. We waited excitedly for the boxes to arrive, but no one more so than me. I knew that the new lunch containers would inspire me to create meals my children would remember well into their adult lives. They'd tell their own kids how their mom made the best, most fun and special lunches, lunches that became so legendary that the entire lunchroom would crowd around their table to see what I'd prepared that day.
The first evening I set out to create my soon-to-be legendary lunches, I quickly ran into my first snafu. I'd estimated the size of my crustless sandwiches incorrectly and ended up having to cram them into the partitioned compartments in the bento boxes. "No worries," I said to myself. They might not look pretty, but they would taste delicious. My troubles didn't end there, however. I soon found that many of the snacks I'd planned to accompany the sandwiches were challenging fits as well. At least the faces I'd created with carrot shavings for hair, halved-grapes for eyes, and an apple slice for the mouth didn't seem to be shifting around too much when I sneaked a peek inside the box later that night.
The next day, I couldn't wait for my girls to get home and report back about lunchtime. Turns out I didn't need them to say a word. One look into their bentos told me all I needed to know . . . because no one ate anything I'd packed. The healthy faces I'd made? Yeah, they looked like piles straight out of a compost bin. The sandwiches had merely been nibbled on. The only thing that passed muster? The pretzel sticks I'd painstakingly broken into short enough pieces to fit into one of the dumb compartments.
"What was so wrong with yogurt, bagels, and fruit snacks?" I found myself wondering. At least my kids ate when I packed those faithful school lunch staples. And PS: throwing dependable items I knew they'd enjoy into bags each night took about 13 seconds. Preparing those damn bento boxes was a project. Who has that kind of time?
I abandoned my adorable lunch quest the very next day without a single ounce of regret. Making colorful, creative, fun, original lunches just isn't my thing. I admire the moms who do it day in and day out, but I've learned I can't compete with them.
I guess my kids won't end up regaling their own children with tales of their mom's famous lunches. But at least the bento boxes weren't a total waste of money; my girls now have perfect organizers for their Shopkins.
It's Official: The FDA Just Approved a Generic Competitor to the EpiPen
The days of shelling out hundreds of dollars for your kid's misplaced EpiPen might be coming to an end. On Aug. 16, the FDA officially approved a generic competitor of the EpiPen manufactured by the Israeli company Teva Pharmaceuticals.
"This approval means patients living with severe allergies who require constant access to lifesaving epinephrine should have a lower-cost option, as well as another approved product to help protect against potential drug shortages," said FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb.
While there are already alternative injector pens - such as Adrenaclick and Auvi-Q - available on the market, they have different designs and "are not authorized copies of the EpiPen." Dr. Gottlieb agreed that getting a generic competitor approved is a big feat.
"These products can be hard to copy, and therefore sometimes don't face timely generic competition once patents and exclusivities are no longer a block to approval," he said.
And the news is a long time coming. Ever since Mylan bought the rights to EpiPen from Pfizer in 2007, allergy sufferers have seen the prices of a twin-pack of the life-saving drug skyrocket to $600. Now, parents will officially be able to score the generic version at prices ranging from $150 to $350. The approval also covers EpiPen Jr. For Kids as well.
We Took Our Kids to Disney For Christmas Instead of Presents, and This Is What Happened
Looking around our house in the weeks leading up to Christmas, I began to feel a little weird. What was I going to get my kids this year? They already had too much stuff, and giving them more gifts they didn't need just didn't feel right. That's when I had a brilliant idea. What if we gave our kids an experience instead of gifts? And what better experience than a family trip to Disney World?
I began planning an epic Christmas vacation that both my kids and my husband and I could enjoy. We would do the unthinkable: celebrate Christmas away from home. At first I was nervous that bucking tradition was going to lead to disappointment. After all, there would be no gifts waiting under the tree on Christmas morning, we wouldn't be leaving cookies out for Santa the night before, and the stockings would be hung by the chimney with care yet empty on the day the kids waited for all year.
The best part was being able to focus on spending time with my family instead of rushing around like a holiday ham with my head cut off preparing for the big day.
I reasoned we had next year and so many years after that to do what we always did for Christmas. This year would be an experiment, and if it went awry, we'd never go away for the holiday again. But I felt like I needed to shake things up a bit. And so, planning continued full-force. We would leave for Disney the day before Christmas Eve and wake up at the resort on Dec. 24, spending Christmas Day at the happiest place on earth. My husband and I decided to give our kids one gift each before we left for our trip. We'd tell them Santa knew we were going to be out of town so he made an early stop. Then, we'd present them with a few Disney gift cards on Christmas morning so we didn't have to travel with any presents.
We told our kids about the trip as we were planning in order to build excitement and prepare them for things to be different this year. They were majorly pumped, if their jumping around and screaming wildly were any indication. And once it was out there, I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. I could skip all that frantic shopping and those late-night wrapping sessions. I wouldn't even have to cook or bake up until the last minute like I usually did. What a relief!
And then we were off. We arrived at our Disney resort late and went right to bed. The next day was Christmas Eve, and our family enjoyed a truly magical day. The weather was perfect. We swam in the pool, went to parks, enjoyed incredible holiday decorations and out-of-control Christmas spirit, met characters dressed in their holiday best, sampled seasonal treats, and watched a special Christmas parade featuring Santa. The best part was being able to focus on spending time with my family instead of rushing around like a holiday ham with my head cut off preparing for the big day.
But I'll admit that celebrating Christmas at Disney also had its drawbacks. It felt weird eating room service for dinner in a hotel room, then tucking the kids into the pull-out sofa instead of their own beds. And the crowds. Apparently we weren't the only family who had this idea, and it was very, very busy. But it being Disney and all, we still absorbed enough holiday cheer to make it feel like Christmas. The next morning, there was still a lot of excitement in the air, and I honestly didn't miss being at home all that much. Our kids were thrilled to wake up at Disney and loved the idea of shopping for their own souvenirs with their gift cards. And we capped off the trip with Christmas dinner at a restaurant at Disney Springs.
In the end, spending Christmas at Disney was a wonderful experience that I feel very lucky to have been able to give my kids. We made memories to last a lifetime, and it was a lot of fun trying something new for the holidays. Watching my kids' excitement was the best part, and being away also meant less stress for me. But now that we've done it, we won't be making it an annual thing. Having been at Disney for the holidays last year, we can't wait to enjoy a cozy and old-fashioned Christmas at home.
20 Things Teachers Want Parents to Know Ahead of a New School Year
The first day of school is always exciting for kids (Reunited with friends! Fresh school supplies! New shoes!), but it also marks the beginning of a stressful period for parents and teachers. From parent-teacher conferences to endless permission slips to packed schedules, it can be hard to juggle it all for everyone involved. And from a teacher's perspective, I can personally say that while we love our work and find tremendous value in it, we get burned out sometimes, too. But in the end, teachers' and parents' goals align - we all want our students to learn and have a great experience while we avoid unnecessary frustration. To help, here are 20 things teachers want parents to know ahead of the new year.
Teachers Shared Their Favorite Gifts From Students, and the Answers Are Enlightening
Whether it's the holiday season, Teacher Appreciation Day, or just the end of the year, sooner or later, you're probably going to need to get your kiddo's teacher a little something. And while we know that every person on the face of the earth educator wouldn't mind getting a little cash in the form of a gift card, they're certainly not the most creative options.
Not sure where to begin other than the checkout section of your nearest drugstore? No worries! We did the hard work for you by asking teachers to tell us the best gift they've ever gotten from a student - and the answers were very helpful. Scroll through to see their answers and jot down a note or two for some much-needed inspiration.
10 Things All Divorced Parents Should Do Regularly For Their Kids
When I was 5 years old, my parents got divorced. I remember next to nothing about their marriage; instead, all of my childhood memories are split between two homes. While it's hard to write that sentence without it sounding sad, I had a good childhood thanks in large part to my parents' ability to put their differences aside and focus on me. It's only now as an adult, and a parent of a small child of my own, that I realize how remarkable their actions were.
I had two homes, but I didn't feel like I was being divided. There are things all parents can do to make a hard situation like divorce easier for children. I'm not saying it will be easy, but it's certainly worth the effort to have a coparenting situation that benefits everyone. Keep reading for 10 things all divorced parents should do for their kids.
The Top 10 US Road Trip Destinations For Families
Families looking to create lasting memories and take on new adventures together should consider planning a road trip in the States. Whether it's driving to a new destination just a few hours from home or going on a week-long getaway on the other side of the country, road trips can be affordable and fun for every member of the family. But the best part? You feel free to make your own schedule as you go, and you always wind up having a bit of old-school fun in the form of car games like I Spy and 20 Questions. From underrated small towns to iconic US cities, here are our top 10 road trip destinations for families. See you on the road!
Why I Won't Let My Daughter Dress Up as Just Another Disney Princess For Halloween
One of the most exciting parts of being a mom is getting to experience the holidays through your children's eyes. There are a few early years where you don't have to worry about a power struggle over Halloween costumes, but once your child is able to voice their opinion, it's tough to tell them "no" when they have their heart set on something. And while I'm not entirely shutting down my eldest daughter's costume request this year, I do have some parameters.
[I told her that] dressing up as something nobody else will be dressed in would make her feel more like an actual princess. I want to encourage her to be as creative as she can.
I've always loved the fact that Halloween allows you to be something or someone else for a night. When I was growing up, I made sure my costumes were not only unique from my everyday self, but also different from every other costume I would see while out trick-or-treating. I never wanted to wear store-bought outfits, and it's something I hoped my daughter wouldn't want, either, especially since I love a good DIY challenge. She wears her Elsa costume from Frozen all year long, so for Halloween, I want her to dream bigger. But this year, we're already having an issue.
First, she said she wanted to be a princess. When I asked her what kind of princess she wanted to be, in hopes this would get both our creative juices flowing to make her ordinary choice extraordinary, her answer was "Elsa!" Instead of saying "OK" right away, I decided to have a conversation with her. I told her that Elsa is a really cool princess, is strong and smart, and has supercool ice powers, but what's also pretty cool is dressing up as something nobody else will be dressed in, which would make her feel more like an actual princess.
She didn't immediately shut me down, so I know there's some wiggle room. I told her that maybe we can come up with our own type of princess - one that carries a sword, has a magical dolphin friend, and wears light-up sneakers. I do still think it should be her choice now that she has her own interests and opinions, but I want to encourage her to be as creative as she can on the one night anything goes. I did make her wear a sparkling sushi roll on her first Halloween, complete with matching family costumes of dad as a sushi chef and mom as a bottle of soy sauce, so I know I owe her one in the costume choice department (it was really cute, though). And if she is truly longing to be Elsa, Elsa she will be. But I'll be dammed if I just let any ordinary Elsa go door-to-door asking for candy on Oct. 31. If she still chooses the Disney princess, she'll be the most amped Elsa they've ever seen. And it will be because we worked on her costume together, making it totally unique to her.
30 Uncommon Names For Girls That You Won't Find at the Top of the Popular Lists
I am a huge lover of the name Olivia and always thought it'd be the girls' name I chose for a daughter - until it became one of the most popular names in the US with no sign of losing its status any time soon. As someone with a unique name that's often hard to pronounce, I definitely want to give my kids names that roll off the tongue but aren't ones that every other kid in their kindergarten class will have. To find beautiful names for girls that fit this criteria, I scoured the bottom of the Social Security Administration's top 1,000 names list to see which monikers were less popular but still uncommon all the same.
See 30 of my favorite names from that search ahead - which would you choose?
The 7 Best Bites at Disneyland's Pixar Pier
Pixar Pier opened in June 2018 at Disneyland's California Adventure, and it has so much to offer. The beautiful boardwalk space is home to the crazy-popular Incredicoaster, the photo-worthy Pixar Pal-a-Round ferris wheel, and plenty of foods to keep you fueled. Whether you're in the mood for a grab-and-go dessert or a date-night worthy dinner, this bustling space has you covered.
We recently walked the entire area to scope out all the best foods the new themed land is serving up, and trust us, you'll want to add these to your list. Come to Disneyland with an appetite (and your most comfortable walking shoes), and check off the seven best bites at Pixar Pier.
15+ Spooky Treats You Have to Try at Disney World's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
It's that time of the year again when you realize exactly why Disney parks are the best during Halloween. One of the main reasons? The food, of course. Walt Disney World has released a ton of its Halloween treats for 2018, many of which are available during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party beginning on Aug. 17 (others are available all day, every day). Throughout the Magic Kingdom, you'll find ghoulish meringues, pumpkin cheesecakes, Jack Skellington cake pops, Haunted Mansion-inspired cream puffs, and much more. You've got until Oct. 31 to try each one of the following menu items, so do your trip to Disney World justice by marking each one off your list. Put on your Haunted Mansion Mickey ears and get the details ahead!
200+ Upcycling Ideas That Will Blow Your Mind
If you're the type of person who hates to throw anything away, then turn your unwanted items into gorgeous DIY projects. After all, one person's trash is another's treasure, right? Get inspired by these DIY ideas for ordinary household objects.
- Additional reporting by Emily Co
You'll Never, Ever Guess Where These 10 Cool Bar Carts Are From - Starting at Just $55
If you're looking to step up the look of your space, a bar car is a fun and useful piece to invest in. Believe it or not, Home Depot offers tons of stylish options that are well-made and easy to assemble. We rounded up our favorite options for you to shop through - see them all for yourself.
Stop Sleep Sweat - These 7 Cooling Sheet Sets Are Perfect For Summer
There's nothing worse than missing out on a good night's snooze due to the heat. This season, instead of tossing and turning trying to get comfortable, simply replace your sheets with a cooling set. Ditch those high thread counts that are super thick for something more lightweight. Natural materials like linens, cotton, and threads made of bamboo offer a thinner and more breathable touch that can help keep your body temperature down. Using a lower thread count between 200 and 400 can also help create a more cool environment. If you're already sold, you don't have to waste your time stressful store shopping, because we rounded up seven choices that will be delivered right to your doorstep. Keep scrolling to shop these top choices.
5 Things Everyone Who Has Lived Abroad Can Relate To
"You're so lucky!" are the most prominent words I get to hear when I tell people that I've lived in Paris, Florence, London, and New York in the past five years. Indeed, I have been incredibly lucky. However, most people do not seem to realize that I have not been enjoying some sort of long-term vacation. I was working in these cities - and that comes with far more challenges than anyone could imagine hiding behind my pretty social media posts of macarons in the Marais or red buses in front of Big Ben.
While I hadn't even boarded a plane until the age of 21, moving countries has now become somewhat of an addiction in a quest to find the bigger and better, the best place to call home. Yet, I continue to struggle with the crucial question: "What is home?" Sure, traveling has significantly broadened my horizons, but it has also taken its toll. Do I regret it? No, never. I just wish I had given these pros and cons some more thought before eagerly leaving my comfortable home to live the life of an expat.
You Win Some, You Lose Some
Meeting new people and making new friends is probably one of the greatest benefits when moving countries. Over the years, I've learned so much from conversations with all sorts of people, from celebrities to random strangers on the street. The encounters opened my mind and made me more accepting of other views, ideas, and lifestyles. They also allowed me to build a network of contacts around the globe - something that comes in quite handy when you're about to move to another country yet again.
However, some of the people that I had been closest with were the ones suffering the most from my travels. While I was busy making new friends and adapting to a new life, the loved ones I had left behind were suffering. Relationships with family and friends changed; some even vanished. There is just no kidding yourself: when you're moving to another country, you are probably being a bit selfish. I am happy that I chose to follow my dreams, but I also still can't ditch that feeling of guilt here and there, especially when my mom starts crying at the airport when we say our goodbyes. That's something that hasn't changed in five years.
If You Can Make It There, You'll Make It Anywhere
Feeling lonely occasionally - notably in the beginning, when you're struggling to meet new people - is normal and totally OK. But once you ditch your timidity and get out there to connect with colleagues, neighbors, or complete strangers, you will feel more independent than ever before.
Dealing with government officials and banks or even getting a flawless haircut can be difficult enough in your native tongue. So try imagining filing a tax return, telling the doctor why you're not feeling well, or explaining to the police that someone just broke into your apartment in another language! These situations certainly were overwhelming to me at first, but mastering them was unbelievably liberating. Also, just always remember that you do not have to tackle all the hurdles all by yourself. Ask a colleague for a short translation to clarify legal terms, join expatriate groups on social media to get insider advice, or even seek help from your consulate.
It's a Party - Until Someone Cries
Living in Paris, London, and New York has taken me to fancy parties, exciting art exhibitions, and fashion shows. However, I wasn't able to travel home to attend my grandma's funeral. I also missed the birth of my first niece - and she barely knows or recognizes me even two years later.
Vacation days and paychecks will probably define how perfect your life as an expatriate will be. You will likely have to make decisions and eventually disappoint someone. Is it going to be your best friend's bridal shower or your dad's 50th birthday party? Are you going to spend your holidays back home with family or will you relax on a beach? To me, it's all about trying to find a balance. Seeing my friends and family back in Germany certainly is a priority, but I still need a proper Summer vacation. So I'll go see my family for Christmas and have a fabulous time in August on the beach with friends. Lastly, consider that this is a two-way road: friends and family can and should come visit you, too!
Old Habits Die Hard
Moving to another country is definitely a huge effort, but it doesn't stop with filing visa papers and buying a plane ticket. Are you going to try and adapt to the new culture or will you be living in a shared house with friends of friends from your home country? Are you going to continue to brag about how everything was way better back home? Will you meet locals or exclusively attend events for expatriates?
Getting accustomed to a new country takes time. So don't be too quick when making judgments. Avoid a culture shock by visiting the city before you move there. Do thorough research. But if getting out of your comfort zone still doesn't pay after a while, it's fine not to like the new country, city, or neighborhood. You can always move on!
A House Is Not a Home
Great - so you got used to a new culture, maybe even learned a new language, and made a group of friends. Yet, that feeling of "home" won't settle in? I've been there. Moving to five different countries in five years just didn't leave much time for me to make a place truly my new home.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of a home is as simple as "the place where a person lives." However, I'd like to refer to Dionne Warwick, who famously sang in 1964 "A House Is Not a Home." While other definitions include terms like family when describing what "home" is, what about all the singles who are living a lifestyle that is becoming increasingly popular - especially in big cities?
One thing is for sure: the place I used to call home - where I grew up for 21 years - is not a home anymore. Whenever I return to that small village in Bavaria, even just for a couple of days, I feel more and more like I don't fit there anymore. I guess it wasn't moving away that was the most difficult. Instead, moving back will be the hardest move. Maybe that's exactly why I'm avoiding it, at least for now.
45 Summer Dinners to Make Before the Season Ends
Though in a few months we must bid adieu to daylight savings, warm weather, vacation, and all the other amazing things about Summer, there's still time to snatch up the season's best - think tomatoes, basil, eggplant, corn, peppers, and the like - before it's all gone. Don't know what to do with your bounty? Plan out the following weeks ahead with a few of these recipes that highlight Summer produce in a variety of dishes.
The Surprising Ways Sex Can Affect Your Period
Chances are if you get your period every month, it has affected your sex life at some point. If you've been able to get past the potential messiness or self-consciousness of period sex, you've probably learned there are some surprising benefits to getting down while Aunt Flo is in town. But what about the effects period sex can actually have on your flow itself?
For starters, orgasms during period sex can help relieve the pain associated with period cramping. "Not only does your blood flow increase when you climax, your uterine muscles also release chemicals to the brain that offer natural pain relief. This magic combo means some serious cramp relief (and an orgasm - win-win!)," says Dr. Lauren Brim, who is a doctor of human sexuality, a sexual-wellness educator, an author, and the founder of the Adult Play Mat.
Concerned that period sex might prolong your cycle? Not likely, says Dr Sherry A. Ross, a women's health expert and the author of She-ology. Having period sex usually does not affect the length of period bleeding, nor does it affect the amount of blood flow. In fact, "some believe having period sex makes your periods shorter since the uterus pushes out the blood faster, making periods shorter," says Dr. Ross.
If you're thinking of giving period sex a try, plan in advance for the cleanest, safest experience. "Period sex can be a bit messy, but there are ways to prevent blood soiling your sheets, if you plan ahead," says Dr. Ross. Some women use a tampon right before vaginal penetration, while others use a menstrual cup to collect the blood. "One of my favorite menstrual cups is the Lunette menstrual cup, which can be inserted into the vagina, making oral sex easy and blood free. Some use a menstrual cup during vaginal penetration to prevent blood from getting on the sheets," says Dr. Ross.
And always play it safe and use a reliable birth control method, even while on your period. "Women with shorter period intervals - 21 days between each period, for example - are more likely to get pregnant during the end of their period," says Dr. Ross. She notes that women are also more prone to contracting sexually transmitted infections while on their periods, so safe sex should always be practiced.
7 Foods I Ate as Much as Possible to Get Rid of My Belly Fat
When it comes to losing weight and changing your body, what you eat has the biggest impact. When I was trying to lose weight last year, I was exercising regularly (mostly strength training and running), but I spent more time cleaning up my diet. After a few months of hard work, I dropped a dress size and shrunk my midsection. These are the seven foods I ate regularly in order to get rid of my belly fat. Spoiler alert: I didn't have to give up carbs.
Beginner Treadmill Plan: Here's How to Build Up to a 5K in 8 Weeks
If you're one of those people who can't run a single mile without huffing and puffing, you're not alone. Even the strongest runners had to start somewhere! Sure, some people are just born with natural athleticism, but most have to build up their endurance from the ground up. Good news for you: we teamed up with an expert to create the perfect beginner treadmill plan that will help you work up to a 5K (or just over three miles) in eight weeks. Totally doable!
Ahead is a full breakdown by Michael Olzinski, MSc, Equinox run coach and Lululemon run coach, that includes three training sessions per week.
This Doctor Explains Why Vegetarians Should Do the Keto Diet
If you follow any keto-lovers on Instagram, then you're probably bombarded with mouthwatering photos of bunless burgers, chicken wings, and bacon-wrapped everything. And while meat does play a role in the keto diet, it doesn't have to be the diet's foundation. In fact, it's totally possible to do the keto diet without eating meat.
The keto diet, which is high fat, moderate protein, and super low carb, has helped countless people lose weight and totally transform their lives. Although it's a little more difficult, it's totally possible for vegetarians and vegans to go keto. Especially for vegetarian who still consume eggs and dairy (lacto-ovo vegetarians) - full-fat dairy is a staple of the keto diet.
But not only is the keto diet doable for vegetarians, it's actually advised for those who are diabetic or have metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of conditions that include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and increased cholesterol levels.
"A well-formulated ketogenic diet has been demonstrated to be very effective in reversing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome," Steve Phinney, MD, PhD, chief medical officer at Virta Health, told POPSUGAR. "These conditions are increasingly common, even in vegetarians."
Dr. Phinney and his colleagues treat type 2 diabetes patients with the keto diet at the Virta Clinic. Patients who followed a keto diet under medical supervision at the Virta Clinic saw a reduction in blood sugar levels, heart disease risk factors, and fatty liver and less dependency on medications. They also had lower markers for inflammation.
Since vegetarians can also get heart disease, fatty liver, and diabetes and have inflammation, the keto diet could be helpful to lose weight and get their chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, under control. And even though many people assume the keto diet is all meat and cheese, it's actually incredibly veggie-heavy, which works out well for vegetarians.
"We typically instruct our patients to have four to five servings of nonstarchy vegetables per day as part of a well-formulated ketogenic diet," Dr. Phinney explained. "While this seems like a lot to some of our omnivore patients, it's just a normal day for a vegetarian."
Of course, be sure to speak to your doctor and other healthcare providers before making any major dietary changes, including going on the keto diet.
Here Are the 50 Best Dumbbell Moves For Fat Loss (Plus 30 Workout Videos Using Them!)
Before you do anything, bookmark this page! It's the ultimate guide to the most effective dumbbell moves. Along with getting strong, weight lifting is key for losing fat and building lean, sculpted muscles, so add these moves to your workout routine three to five times per week. Paired with a healthy diet in a calorie deficit, you will see results with consistent weight work.
You can mix and match these moves to create your own arm workout, a booty-blasting routine, or a full-body home workout. Or work out with one of the 30 Class FitSugar videos - which incorporate these moves - that we've included at the end of this collection of dumbbell essentials.
After Trying All the Pills and Creams, This 1 Thing Finally Cleared My Acne in 2 Weeks
I'll never forget when I was babysitting one day after college and the tiny 1-year-old pointed to a monstrosity of a zit on my chin. I tried to ignore her and distract her with a toy, but she kept pointing. The mother looked at me sympathetically and just said, "Yep, she has a boo-boo."
At that point, it had been well over 10 years since I had experienced bad breakouts. I didn't have terrible acne that covered my face, but my issue was that I always had a few enormous, Rudolf-the-red-nosed-reindeer types of pimples that were deep, painful, and red. There was never a moment when I was zit-free; when one was going away, another few were popping up.
I was so self-conscious because it continued into my 30s, and no over-the-counter remedies or oral contraceptives helped one bit. I saw a dermatologist, determined to clear my skin before my wedding day in August 2008, but the harsh topical medications only made my skin red and irritated, and my skin didn't clear up at all. Into my mid to late 30s, my two pregnancies did help a little (thank you, hormones!), but after each baby was born, the acne would return. I was now 40 years old and still breaking out.
How I Cured My Acne
It wasn't until January 2017, when I gave up sugar for a month for my New Year's resolution, that I experienced soft, clear skin for the first time. I actually gave up sugar not for my skin (I didn't know it would help), but as a personal experiment to heal the belly bloat I had been experiencing for six months that my doctor couldn't figure out.
I not only felt better after the second week, feeling zero bloat and digestive issues, but the acne I've had on my chin since I was 12 years old disappeared. I kept looking in the mirror, waiting for a pimple to pop up, but my skin stayed clear for the rest of the month.
Was This Really the Answer?
After the month was up, I celebrated by splurging on homemade chocolate chip cookies. I mean, living without cake, brownies, ice cream, and chocolate for 30 days was tough. After a week of eating a little white sugar every day, my stomach waged war, and sure enough, so did my face.
I was so happy . . . and also pissed. I couldn't believe I found the one thing to heal my skin and prevent embarrassing breakouts and that it was so simple, but the cure really sucked! No sugar? No ordering dessert after dinner? No more baking? No more chocolate?!
How I Live With the Cure
Because I'm human - and my last name is Sugar - living 100 percent without treats really wasn't an option. I found ways to get my sweet fix without it affecting my face (or my stomach). I discovered how to bake with bananas and dates, making desserts that are just as sweet as using white sugar, and I can still get my chocolate fix by using cocoa powder in recipes. Ice cream is easy - I just make nice cream using frozen fruit.
Honestly, sugary treats just don't feel worth it anymore when they affect me so negatively. Even though I'm tempted when I see people enjoying cake at parties or eating pastries at coffee shops, I get over it real quick because I'm grateful that I've found the one food I can avoid that makes me look and feel healthy. That's not to say I never eat sugar ever. I do enjoy a couple bites every so often (and love every second), but I know how bad I'll feel if I eat a ton, and that prevents me from going overboard.
I wish I knew about this in junior high, because it would have saved me decades of feeling badly about my skin. If you suffer from acne and medications and other treatments haven't worked, sugar may be your issue, too. Wouldn't it be amazing if curing your acne was this simple? You'll never know unless you try. What have you got to lose?
5 Exercises to Strengthen Your Wrists and Prevent Getting Injured
Our wrists are key joints, particularly when it comes to some of our favorite fitness moves: burpees, push-ups, planks, mountain climbers, pull-ups, Downward-Facing Dogs, and many more. Where we concentrate on the muscle groups they support, such as the arms and shoulders, we often neglect the wrists themselves. It is easy to feel wrist strain if we don't give them the same amount of attention the rest of our body gets. The good news is that wrist strengthening is relatively simple - the hardest part is remembering to do it. Get started with these five exercises and make sure to add them into your routine once a week.
Want to Switch Your Birth Control Method? Here's What You Should Know
Finding the right birth control can be a tricky process. Even after carefully weighing options with your gynecologist and selecting the best method for your needs, you may eventually find yourself thinking about switching to another method of contraception. If you are having trouble remembering to take the pill every day, for example, or want to give the IUD a try, there are some steps you might have to take to make a switch.
First, it's good to identify the pros and cons of your current birth control so you can figure out what else is on the market that might work for you. "Finding the right birth control can be tricky, as it is such an individual experience and comes down to trial and error," says Dr. Navya Mysore, MD. "What one woman responds to well may not be the right fit for another. Reactions to birth control that might make you switch are spotting in between your period, breakthrough bleeding, mood swings, increased acne, lower libido, headaches, migraines, or even sensitivity or irritated skin from the patch."
Want to talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of switching contraceptives? Dr. Mysore shared a few tips to get you started:
- If you're considering an IUD, ask your provider more about the insertion experience.
- Use a backup method for at least seven days when making a switch between birth controls.
- If you're thinking of moving to condoms, have a discussion with your partner to see if this is a realistic choice for the both of you - it's important that condoms are used consistently and properly.
- If you have a progesterone-only IUD and want to switch to birth control pills, your medical history will come into play. If you have a history of migraines with aura, for example, you may only be able to take the progesterone-only pill.
- Be prepared for headaches, nausea, or mood swings when moving from one form to another for a period of time while you adjust.
There is also the risk of additional side effects from your new birth control. You should keep careful track of any symptoms and report them to your doctor. "These side effects can range from unscheduled bleeding to mood swings to hair loss, while noncontraceptive benefits [of birth control] include improvement of acne, lighter and more predictable cycles, and decreasing risk of female reproductive tract cancers," shares Dr. Jennifer Hollings, a board-certified ob-gyn.
In addition to using condoms to prevent STIs, Dr. Hollings recommends condoms for their contraceptive effects as you get used to your new birth control. "If pregnancy is undesired, use the current form of contraception until the new contraception is available to prevent unintended pregnancy," she says. "If a woman is planning to switch from one pill to another pill, patch, or ring, just complete the package or month's supply and move right along."
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