Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 13 septembre 2018
Believe It or Not, These 15 Adorable Jackets Are All Less Than $100
It's time to face the fact that those cold gusts of wind are coming, and you need to be prepared. If you aren't fully stocked up on cute jackets, now is the time to get shopping. We searched every corner of the internet to find the very best options at affordable prices. Shop our editor-approved choices and invest in something new.
See Gigi Hadid's Many Impressive Halloween Costumes - From Every Angle
Gigi Hadid has a long history of rocking envy-inducing looks. Whether she's strutting in designer duds on the runway or hitting the town in perfectly put-together street style outfits, she serves up outfit inspiration on the regular. And for this supermodel babe, that includes on Halloween.
From a young age, Bella's older sis has brought her A-game for the spookiest day of the year - and lucky for us, she's frequently shared those throwback dress-up moments on Instagram. From an adorable butterfly to a sexy cub scout, Gigi's been outfitted in all types of trick-or-treat-ready ensembles, and each one of them is scary good. Ahead, the model's most masterful Halloween costumes that are sure to give you some ideas of your own.
Do You Hear That? It's These 10 Booties From Urban Outfitters Calling Your Name
We love a good bootie, and Urban Outfitters has some lust-worthy picks. The retailer just put out new options in leather, suede, and a variety of colors. If you're not sure what to buy, we rounded up a selection of our favorite picks. You'll want to rock these all the way through Winter, so they're smart investments.
This Is the Closet Staple Fashion Girls Can't Get Enough Of
What is it about a graphic tee that instantly amps up even the most casual outfit? It is, hands down, the easiest way to elevate the most classic outfits, and we love that so many brands are creating cool, fun shirts we can't wait to wear. After seeing these adorable graphic t-shirts, you might want to make some room in your t-shirt drawer.
17 Versatile Dresses You Should Pack For Every Vacation
What exactly makes a dress perfect for traveling? For us, there are several key players. First and foremost, it should be comfortable, so no matter how long your walks are or how late your dinners run, you won't be dying to take it off at the end of the day. Versatility is the second most important trait. The more you can wear it with, the less you need to pack. Ahead, you'll find 17 dresses that fit the bill for your next trip. You can mix and match them with just about every shoe and jacket in your closet. What are you waiting for? Get yours before it's too late.
Amazon Is Selling the Biggest, Coziest Knit Blanket, and We Literally Have No More Cares in the World
When it comes to blankets, the options are seemingly endless - there are countless fabrics, weights, and designs to choose from. But if what matters to you is finding something lush that will transform your space and warm up your home, then we found what you're looking for.
Behold, the chunkiest, thickest, and coziest knit blanket around. Whether you want a tiny one for your pet (hey - the cats love them!), or a massive option that spills off of the bed, your new favorite Fall blanket is right this way.
This 300-Square-Foot Tiny Home Is Perfect For This Family of 3, and We Wish There Was Room For Us!
After renting a cottage in the San Francisco Bay Area, Bela Fishbeyn and her husband, Spencer, were looking to make a change. When their landlord raised the price on their already-$2,300-per-month rental home, they officially made the switch to tiny-house living. Even with the challenge of having their beautiful 2-year-old daughter Escher in tow, Bela admits she's never looked back.
"Shortly after moving out, we decided to grow our family and we took a fresh look at different strategies for housing," Bela told POPSUGAR. "We wanted a space that was our own, one that we could feel comfortable adding to and customizing. We wanted a home that would inspire us and facilitate good habits."
As a family of travelers, Bela and Spencer knew they wanted to live in a home that was well-made with a ton of character. However, these types of homes can be pricey, so the couple sprung for a 300-foot tiny home with all the bells and whistles.
"It was the perfect way for us to have everything we wanted out of a home at a fraction of the cost."
"We live very nomadically and spend a lot of time every year living in other places," explained Bela. "We wanted to use our house as a vacation rental while we traveled, to share it with other people and as a little side-hustle for us. So we designed the house to offer a unique living experience, something that people could view as a space for personal retreat. All of this added up to a tiny house. It was the perfect way for us to have everything we wanted out of a home at a fraction of the cost."
Scroll through to get a peek at how this family of three makes this uniquely gorgeous - and unbelievably functional - space work for them.
Based on Last Year's Trends, These 30 Names Will Be Among the Most Popular of 2019
Another trip around the sun, another grouping of baby names that have risen over the last year! Although the top 10 to 20 baby names tend to stay pretty similar year to year, sometimes alternating slots among themselves, there are always a healthy number of trendy names that can't manage to pierce the top bubble but are popular names you'd hear moms calling in the grocery store or posting all over Instagram.
Because of those shifts in trends over the last year, there are several names that we think will be popular in 2019 - and they. are. good. From the uncommon and unique to classics that are ready to make a comeback, here are our picks for most popular names of 2019.
My Kids Are Too Young For Halloween, but I Bring Them Trick-or-Treating Anyway
Many parents opt out of taking their babies trick-or-treating on Halloween. I get it. The kids are too small, they won't remember a thing, they can't walk up to a house and ask for candy, and you feel a little bad splurging on an adorable costume that definitely won't fit them for more than a week. But if you're on the fence about taking your littlest ones door-to-door this year, I'm here to tell you that it can also be totally worth it.
No, they won't remember their first time trick-or-treating, but they will have those obnoxious family photos with our matching costumes to look back on.
For my son's first Halloween, he was only five months old, so I debated whether or not I should take him trick-or-treating. Bringing him meant I had to carry him, and if he was in a costume, that would make things even more of a challenge. It also meant that my husband and I had to do all the actual trick-or-treating while he smiled and charmed everyone. But as most first-time parents know, we really wanted to show him off. So, after a little bit of thought and a lot of costume searching, we dressed him up in a Detroit Tigers costume. He couldn't have looked any cuter. My husband, in-laws, and I walked the streets and took turns having him strapped inside the baby carrier or planted on our hip. People kept stopping us and commenting about how cute he was, and to be honest, hearing those things all night made me so happy. My son was all smiles at every new face that looked his way (many of whom were in costumes), and even though he won't remember it, I like to think that gave him a really good foundation for fun Halloween memories. So, after that first successful year, we decided to do it again when we had our daughter.
We immediately became that family of four that wears matching themed costumes. Cheesy, I know, but I just can't help myself. It's so fun! On my daughter's first Halloween, we all went as part of the Curious George crew. My husband was The Man with the Yellow Hat, I was Professor Wiseman, my almost 2-year-old son was Curious George himself, and our baby daughter was a banana. She definitely won't remember her first time trick-or-treating with her big brother, but she will have those obnoxious family photos with our matching costumes to look back on, and that's more than worth it to me. The photos will serve as a reminder of the early days when my husband and I were just starting to build our very own family traditions.
I understand why some parents don't want to bring their babies trick-or-treating, but I definitely don't think those who do should be shamed because of it. Yes, it's a lot of work and the weather rarely cooperates, but it's also about spending quality time together as a family. And those photos (of matching costumes or not) will last a lifetime for both you and your children. You'll be able to look back on them and tell your kids all about their very first Halloween, and that's something they'll always remember.
I Refuse to Be My Daughters' Friend Because That's Not My Job
When I was a senior in high school, I was mortified by the fact that I seemed to be the only one with a curfew (and an early one at that). No matter how much I begged, pleaded, threatened, or bargained, my parents wouldn't budge. When I resorted to the classic "I hate you," their response was simple: "That's OK, because we're your parents, not your friends." The fact that they were completely unfazed by my faux hatred only made me want to stomp my feet and slam my bedroom door harder. And it went on like this until I was almost out of college, when my parents finally decided that we could be friends. So when I was pregnant for the first time and the doctor told me that I was having a girl, my first thought was that she and I were going to be besties for life.
I am their mother, and it's my job to make rules and enforce them. It's my job to set boundaries, not cross them.
Then, one day, when my daughter was 3 and practicing the art of manipulation, I told her that she couldn't have a second cookie from the batch we had just baked. Instead of throwing a fit, she turned to me, gently cupped my face in her tiny hands, looked me straight in the eye, and said, "Mommy, I love you. You're my best friend," and added a stroke to my cheek for good measure. Needless to say, I instantly melted into a giant puddle of mush and we ended up going to town on the cookies together because that's what best friends do, right? When it was all over and the two of us were lying on the couch on the brink of sugar-induced comas, the realization of what had just happened clocked me upside the head. Being my daughter's friend is not going to be healthy (literally or figuratively) for either of us.
Related: I Gave My Oldest Child Too Much Responsibility, and I Feel Terrible
I now have three daughters. Do I secretly, deep down, want to be their best friend? Of course. But am I already steeling myself for the first time they tell me they hate me? Yep. Because I cannot, and will not, be their friend. They'll have enough of those. I am their mother, and it's my job to make rules and enforce them. It's my job to set boundaries, not cross them. It's my job to raise my daughters to be strong, healthy, independent, and responsible women. As their mother, it's on me to give them what they really need: love, support, guidance, direction, and the assurance that they are enough. It's my job to lift them back up after they fall. And I'm sure I'll make mistakes along the way - as will they - and I can only hope that we will all find it in our hearts to show grace to one another when we do.
Growing up, there were countless times when I would have sworn that my parents were the worst. They were too mean, too strict, and too old-fashioned. There were times when they messed up, and so did I. I have no doubts that my daughters will someday say the same things about me, but in the end, I can only hope that, like my own parents, I'll have done a few things right. And someday, when my girls are grown and have children of their own who are making them want to tear their hair out, I'll take them out for a glass of wine because then, and only then, we'll be friends.
2018 Is the Year You Stop Wearing Wet Socks All Winter - This Heated Pair Will Keep You Dry
If every cold-weather season you find yourself cursing up a storm because your feet are numb (does "my toes are f*cking frozen" sound like something you've shouted before?), put an end to that nonsense this year. You don't need to spend a fortune to keep your feet warm the next time you find yourself wading through big snowbanks. We found a tried-and-true pair of padded, itch-free, moisture-wicking socks that are good for walking, hiking, and even skiing. See how they stack up.
Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Make Sure to Do This 1 Thing Whenever They Fight in Front of Their Kids
As much as we may try to avoid it ever happening, it's almost inevitable that parents will fight in front of their kids. Heck, even Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard admit to doing it more often than they'd like. But after any of their disagreements, the couple also employ a simple tactic that might actually teach their two children a valuable life lesson.
"One thing my husband invented - he said, 'Let's make a commitment to always make up in front of our kids,'" Kristen told POPSUGAR. "Parents can get testy with each other, and what children witness is the fight, and they never witness the resolution, so how on earth are they supposed to know how to make up with people?"
In order to teach their daughters about healthy conflict resolution, they make sure to apologize in their presence, even if it's a bit staged.
"So, even if we have a testy afternoon or a testy evening and we make up in the bedroom later and say, 'Hey, I'm sorry; I had a long day at work,' the next morning we come out of our bedroom and, in front of our children, I'll say, 'Hey, Daddy, last night at dinner, I felt that I was rude to you, and I don't think you deserved that. I just wanted to apologize because I had a tough day at work and that made my feelings very frustrated, and I had a hard time being nice and that's my fault. So I apologize because you don't deserve that,'" she told us.
The takeaway? Not to be afraid to be vulnerable in front of your kids, especially when it's your fault. "I let them witness apologies a lot," she said. "Don't be scared of apologies!"
5 Gift-Giving Rules I'm Giving My Kids' Grandparents For the Holidays
The other day, I walked into my daughter's playroom. It's full of shelves, baskets, and bins that are stuffed with crap, and there was stuff strewn all over the floor. Normally, I'd make a mental note to remind her to clean it up after school, but I didn't. Instead, I cleaned it. And by cleaned it, I mean I went through it with a trash bag and threw in everything that hasn't been played with for as long as I can remember. I'll hang on to those bags for a little while to make sure she doesn't ask where something went, but the odds of that happening are slim. And when she doesn't ask, I'm donating them. Bottom line: she has too much stuff that she doesn't need, most of which came from her grandparents. And with Christmas coming, I'm putting an end to it before it gets worse.
My parents are the worst offenders when it comes to gift giving. My family has always gone all out for Christmas. We decorate on Nov. 1, the Christmas music plays on repeat in our house, and my parents take the mentality "it's better to give than to receive" quite literally. They just give too damn much. And while it's great they can and want to do that, I'm drawing a line in the sand - er, snow. Now that we have three children, it's time to set some nonnegotiable holiday rules for my kids' grandparents. Keep reading to see them all now.
Matthew McConaughey Once Saved His Baby From a Ram, and, Yeah, That Checks Out
Matthew McConaughey is a man of many mysteries. Despite being an A-list Oscar-winning actor, McConaughey famously has a very laid-back and outdoorsy lifestyle. His love of the outdoors, however, almost got him and his family in some serious trouble on a trip to the Grand Canyon several years ago.
During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, McConaughey revealed during a game that he once had to rescue his son Levi, who was a baby at the time, from a mountain ram that was charging at them. His solution? Tossing the baby through the air and to his wife. I'm sorry, what? Watch him explain the wild tale above.
Amazon's Fast-Ship Halloween Candy Game Is Strong, So Bring On the Trick-or-Treaters!
Name a more iconic duo than Halloween and candy . . . we'll wait. If you're itching to get your bucket of Halloween candy ready for trick-or-treaters (OK, OK, and for your own light snacking purposes), Amazon is ready to help you stock up sufficiently. From Mars chocolate variety packs to Hershey's candies like Jolly Ranchers and Twizzlers, you're going to have enough Halloween candy to last through the night of Oct. 31 for months.
Check out all of the various candy bundles you can buy on Amazon now (with Prime shipping!).
Don’t Just Dress Up the Kids! These 21 Family-of-4 Costume Ideas Are Begging to Be Stolen
Dressing up in a group costume as a family is one of the most fun parts of Halloween after having kids. Rather than popping your kids into costumes and calling it a day as they trick-or-treat with you by their sides in plain clothes, get in on the fun with some costume ideas that are too good not to replicate.
Check out some of our favorite costume ideas for families of four in particular below. (Family of three? Check these costumes out!)
The 6 Things I Never Expected Would Happen When My Child Went to School For the First Time
For the past few Septembers, I've felt like I was missing out on something monumental as a parent. Perhaps it's my chronic case of FOMO or the fact that I've always been a "joiner," but scrolling through my social media feeds and seeing photos of dozens of kids cheesing it up in expertly picked back-to-school outfits has always made me yearn for the day I'd eventually get to send my child off to her first day of school.
That day came a few weeks ago, when my nearly-4-year-old daughter started preschool. I was so eager to join all the other moms and dads in the back-to-school frenzy that I didn't stop to think about the aspects of this transition that I wouldn't actually like.
Sure, I got to share in the joys of picking out a new backpack and snapping Instagrams on that inaugural day, but there were a few unexpected downfalls - far beyond the anticipated struggles with schedule changes and hectic morning routines - that this first-time mother of a preschooler wishes she'd known about sooner.
This Is What It's Like to Have a Child That Suffers From Extreme Anxiety
Most children get nervous and anxious sometimes, especially when it comes to big life changes, like starting a new school year or trying out for a sport. Having butterflies in your stomach during these moments is completely normal. My young daughter, however, suffers from anxiety during big and little moments in life, and many times, it can be very severe.
One instance in particular comes to mind. She had spent two years taking ballet and loved every minute of it. She had memorized every dance move and was ready to perform for an audience. When it was time for her first ballet recital, though, she was am emotional mess. At 5 years old, she had a full-blown anxiety attack backstage. She was crying, sweating, and shaking all over, and there wasn't anything I could do to help calm her down. I remember feeling incredibly sad for my daughter. I also remember feeling helpless and guilty, because I - her own mother - was at a loss about how to help her.
On a smaller scale, everyday things that aren't a big deal to most kids are a huge deal to my daughter. Some situations where she might experience anxiety are taking a simple spelling test, playing a new video game, and even going on a playdate. Her anxiety is there all the time, and it's a daily struggle for her to get through, just as it is for me to watch her go through it.
But as a mother to a child with anxiety, I've slowly learned how to handle things. When something big is going to happen soon, I now give my daughter plenty of time to prepare. We talk about what will happen, how she may feel, and how we can get through her big feelings. This may include watching videos about it, drawing a picture, or writing her feelings down. I have her practice breathing exercises she can use when she can feel her anxiety creeping up on her. I have her practice a grounding technique in which she uses her five senses to calm her mind and body. And she also sees a therapist, because it greatly benefits her to be able to talk about things with someone other than me.
Sometimes these techniques work and sometimes they don't, but as she gets older, she's realizing what works best for her. Her anxiety monster will continue to try to wreak havoc, but as she continues to practice her anti-anxiety attack techniques, I'm confident she'll be able to keep her anxiety monster in the closet.
We Let Our Baby Cry It Out, and 10 Years Later, This Is What Happened
Three months into this parenting gig, I'd had enough. Our bedtime routine with our infant son had turned into a two-hour affair that left me and my husband eating dinner at 10 p.m., me up with indigestion for another few hours, and only a few hours of shut-eye before I had to wake up for the day. I was preparing to go back to work, and no amount of concealer, corrector, or eye masks could hide the dark purple circles that had become permanent fixtures under my eyes, never mind function like a thinking adult in an office job.
I needed a solution, and I needed one quick. My own parents swore by "Ferberizing" me, and I was willing to give it a try. Ferberizing, or "crying it out," is a sleep training method popularized by Dr. Richard Ferber to teach a baby to soothe him or herself to sleep. The practice involves putting your baby to bed while still awake and leaving her there even if she cries. After a predetermined amount of time, parents can go in and soothe their child (patting her back, talking to her, etc.), without picking her up. Dr. Ferber says that after a few days, the baby learns to soothe herself and fall asleep on her own.
But when I asked for some tips and tricks from the moms in my moms group at the local park, I was greeted with blank stares and astonishment. One suggested it was a form of torture and that my baby would never trust me again. Another clenched her chest, saying she "could never!" And the one sitting next to me pointedly scooted a few inches away from me.
After that reaction, could I really do it? You don't get much closer than me and my parents, so it doesn't seem to have affected our relationship. And I really needed to get into a routine before returning to work.
So on a Wednesday night when my son was 3 months old, I bathed him, lotioned him up, fed him, read him three books, and put him in his crib in a dreamy but still technically awake state. As soon as I closed his door, he was crying. My husband said we should wait another day and try it tomorrow, but I knew that if we put it off today, we'd put it off tomorrow, and we couldn't just do this the night before I went back to work.
The first stretch of crying was painful. I couldn't believe I was letting my baby cry so much. Five minutes later, after soothing him, it appeared that all was well, until two minutes after closing his door, the same thing happened. The next stretch was 10 minutes, and we barely made it through before the timer went off and I raced into his room to begin the routine again. I didn't think we'd make it through the next stretch (15 minutes), until my phone rang. My husband's cousin was calling to check on me and see how I was doing in general. I told her we were Ferberizing and just starting our 15-minute stretch. Before I knew it, my alarm rang that it was 15 minutes. She had talked my ear off for the entire time - mindless things that she probably didn't even care about but was throwing my way to keep me occupied. And I looked at our baby monitor, he was asleep - with a big smile on his face.
I'd never say that it was easy and that we never turned back - no one told me about the torture that is sleep regression or how cutting a tooth can mess up everything! - but we certainly crossed a hurdle that day. And our sleep routine became bearable.
Ten years later, I can tell you that my son has shown no adverse affects from his Ferberization. He still likes me to sit with him when he goes to sleep but can easily do so without me. He still hugs me and treats me as his confidante, but he is also independent and strong-willed. Like recent studies show, the Ferber method is safe, when done correctly.
Years after we'd trained both my boys, a friend reminded me of this Mad About You episode that showed Paul and Jamie trying to train their baby Mabel. It captures the experience perfectly!
Trick or Treat! 64 Halloween Decorations That Are Cheaper Than Your Costume
Even if you aren't spending a fortune on your Halloween costume this October (if you need cheap ideas for the kids, look no further), stocking up on essentials for the house can be costly. If you don't feel like this is the year to invest in enormous front-yard inflatables, pick up some smaller items that make it easy to give the house a spooky update. Whether it's cobwebs for the windows, decorative pumpkins, or throws for the couch, we highlighted 64 of our favorite decorative pieces that won't break the bank. That's right, everything is under $25.
My Son Has Special Needs, So What Kind of Mom Does That Make Me?
Mom life in today's society is straight-up difficult. I spent a ton of wasted hours trying to fit the mold of the type of mom I thought I should be. And I say "wasted hours" because I learned that no matter how much time we spend trying to be the perfect parent, we ultimately end up becoming the one we're destined to be. I don't care if you've raised 20 children or are perfectly content with one - none of us will ever have it all figured out. And I don't think any mom fits a generic mold that can be easily cloned. I don't think there's only one "type" of mom, especially when it comes to special needs moms.
I've experienced the highs of being the go-to mom for tips and advice. I've experienced the lows of being the mom behind the epic fail heard whispered across the playground. But whether I was on top of my mom game or the hot mess hoping to avoid adulting, one thing has always stayed the same: I don't care what others think about the way I parent my child. As a special-needs mom, I learned that every parent does things their own way, and their way works for them and their kids. Special needs parents can't fit the characteristics of one specific parenting style. The complexity of my son's medical condition, the ever-evolving challenges he faces, the loads of bits of information I have to know - I have to remember - make special needs parenting a style all its own.
I'm an ordinary mom who looks past her child's disabilities and empowers him to dream big. I'm a mom who believes that mountains are made to be moved because I've seen my son do it with my own two eyes.
I know there are many out there who are quick to assume and easy to judge me as a mom. I can't say I blame them. I'm not part of any mom group. I'm not big on staying to help with school programs and activities. I don't stand around the school parking lot chatting. Instead, I'm preparing for medical tests, scheduling follow-up appointments, and making sure nothing interferes with weekly occupational and speech therapy sessions. There's also raising awareness, gathering funds, and encouraging continued research for conditions I was completely blind to before my son was the one diagnosed with them. I'm the special needs mom - the one all the other moms think is anti-social until they get to know me.
Some might call me a helicopter mom, because there are many times when I hover over my son, ready to swoop in at any moment. I'm that mom because I've seen him go through so many painful procedures. I've watched my child face so many frustrating challenges. I've witnessed him overcome so many hard battles. I've seen him face struggles no little boy should be forced to face. So, yes, part of me wants to be there to catch him whenever he falls. Literally. The helicopter mom in me wants to do everything I possibly can to make my child's life easy, because his life is anything but easy. I hover to keep him safe. I hover so I can have the peace of mind that he'll be OK.
Others might just call me a protective mom. There's a side of me that also understands how important it is to let my little boy wander outside the pack so he can learn his own lessons in life. I try to give him the freedom he needs to be his own person. I marvel at his wild passion to explore, meet new people, and learn new things. I appreciate his strong will and celebrate his "I can do it on my own" mentality. I let my son fall so he knows he can pick himself up. I give him enough space for him to learn that failure is unavoidable, and enough encouragement to know he can rise to success, even through his biggest challenges. I encourage him to grow while gently reminding him that I'll always be there to protect him when he needs it most. My son knows I will jump in and fight for him when he can't fight for himself. But he also knows it's OK to try to fight for himself first.
So, who am I? What kind of mother am I? I don't really think I carry strong helicopter mom traits. Sure, there are difficult days in our medical journey. Sometimes I've got my guard up, anticipating a medical emergency that hasn't even happened. But most of the time I'm really just desperately trying to soak up every moment I have with my child. Most days, I'm that mom. And I became that mom four years ago when I handed my 5-month-old baby over to a doctor to undergo emergency brain surgery. I was the mom who had no idea if my child would ever be safely returned to my arms. When I laid eyes on him in that recovery room, I became the mom who learned to appreciate and cherish every single moment with the people I love. So, when I'm hovering over my son, it's probably because I'm soaking up every ounce of the boy he is today before he grows into the man he's meant to be.
Special needs parenting is a balancing act I'm continually trying to master. While I understand that there's little room for error when it comes to my son's health and safety, I also try and give him the independence he needs to thrive. So, what kind of mom does this make me? Am I the mom I set out to be from the beginning? Yes and no. I'm an ordinary mom who looks past her child's disabilities and empowers him to dream big. I'm a mom who believes that mountains are made to be moved because I've seen my son do it with my own two eyes. I'm a mom who will always be there to make sure her son never gives up. And I'm a mom who is always trying to do the best she can.
Low-Carb Pumpkin Treats Are Here, and We're Never Leaving the Kitchen
Pumpkin makes everything better, but it's also good for you - pumpkins are low-calorie, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals that can boost immunity. That is, until you bake them into cookies or muffins, or mix them into a sugary latte. Never fear: there are plenty of low-carb ways to enjoy this sweater-weather classic. If you're on the keto diet, these recipes will keep you on track - and they're so flavorful, your nonketo friends and family won't know what's missing.
I'm Always on the Go, and These Are the Products I Keep in My Gym Bag
Whether you prefer a morning, afternoon, or nighttime workout, there are a few staples you always need in your gym bag. As someone who prefers to work out in the morning, I cannot tell you how many times I have forgotten something essential, like makeup or pants (yes, really, one time I forgot my pants). So learn from my mistakes, and make sure you have these items in your gym bag at all costs.
A Dietitian Reveals the 2 Things You Should Avoid Eating If You Want to Lose Belly Fat
It seems like there's always a new fad diet or supplement that promises to blast away belly fat: Atkins, Whole30, green tea, keto, cinnamon, intermittent fasting, to name a few. And while many people have found varying success on many of these programs, the promises that they can immediately transform your body are overblown.
"There is still no miracle diet, food, nutrient, or bioactive component that will target abdominal fat," Kari D. Pilolla, PhD, RDN, of the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, wrote in an article for ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal. She continued that this belly fat increases risk for heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. But while targeting belly fat is important, there is no miracle cure or specific diet that can do the trick.
There are, however, some dietary patterns that have been found to help reduce belly fat. For example, a diet low in trans and saturated fat and higher in fiber has been found to help reduce belly fat. "These recommendations are consistent with heart-healthy diets like the NIH-developed Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and the Mediterranean-style diet," she wrote.
She also urged health and fitness professionals to stay up to date and critical of peer-reviewed and published research evidence. "A single study, even if well designed, does not support changing diet or exercise recommendations," she wrote.
Since belly fat is such a persistent issue for people, both for aesthetics and health purposes, there's no shortage of belly-fat-related content and recommendations on the internet. But it's important to be discerning with the information and stay up to date with the latest research. If you're looking to lose weight and target belly fat, it's best to talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian to find the best diet for you.
This Sports Dietitian Explains Why You Shouldn't Cut Carbs If You Are Trying to Build Muscle
If you're trying to put on muscle, you're probably lifting weights and loading up on protein; protein is the building block of muscle and helps build and repair tissue, so it's essential if you want to see gains. But many people make the mistake of focusing too much on protein and neglecting carbs.
Carbs have been demonized as the macronutrient that will spike your blood sugar, make you store fat, and derail your fitness efforts. In reality, eating carbs can actually help you lose weight. And like protein, it's essential for gaining strength and growing muscle. Jim White, RDN, ACSM, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios, recommends a high-carbohydrate diet for muscle growth since carbs are the main source of energy that your muscles will use.
"Carbohydrates increase glycogen stores in the body, and thus allow for more," he told POPSUGAR. Glycogen is used by your body to fuel exercise, especially high-intensity exercise with moderate-level repetition and resistance.
"During workouts, the body relies and depends on muscle glycogen," he explained. "Thus, having low levels of muscle glycogen, which would arise from a diet that is low in carbohydrates, would negatively affect performance for high-intensity exercise." Especially after you exercise, carbs are important for muscle repair and renewal in a process called "muscle glycogen resynthesis."
So while, yes, it's important to fuel up with protein after a workout, you should also get some carbs in, too. Stumped on what that should be? Check out our list of recovery snacks that provide the perfect amount of protein and carbs to fuel your muscles and help you recover. If you want to build muscle overall, Jim recommends a macro breakdown of 55 percent carbs, 25 percent protein, and 20 to 25 percent fat.
Curious to Try the Keto Diet? Here's Everything You Can and Cannot Eat
The keto diet has been one of the most talked-about health trends in the past year. The low-carb, high-fat diet induces a state of ketosis in your body, creating ketones that burn fat instead of the glucose converted from carbohydrates. In other words, the keto (short for ketogenic) diet forces your body to burn fat instead of sugar, which can lead to potential weight loss.
Just like any other diet, the keto diet has its pros and cons, and while it remains highly controversial among dietitians and nutritionists, some devotees have reported successful weight loss.
So which foods can you eat and which ones should you avoid? If you're curious about trying the keto diet, read through for a helpful guide on everything you can and can't eat.
Burn Fat and Build Muscle With These at-Home HIIT Workouts
You do not need to leave your house to get a kickass workout. To prove this, we've rounded up our favorite HIIT workouts that you can do right in your living room. They're all short, too, between 10 and 30 minutes. And since all the workouts feature bodyweight exercises, you don't need any equipment either. Fair warning: you might need a water bottle and quite possibly a towel - you will get sweaty. Check out the list, find a workout that fits your needs, then get at it.
101 Satisfying Snack Recipes All Under 150 Calories
When you need a little something to nosh on, whether it's to satiate hunger until your next meal, fuel your workout needs, or satisfy your sweet or salty cravings, these snacks come to the rescue! Skip the sugar-laden granola bars, processed crackers, and greasy chips, and whip up one of these easy and delicious recipes. From vegan to gluten-free to Paleo to Whole30 to keto, there's a snack here for everyone - all for around 150 calories!
The Fitness Marshall Brings the Energy With New Dance Video to "Only Wanna Dance With You"
The Fitness Marshall never fails to make fitness fun with his peppy and sexy dance videos. Now, he's turning up the energy with his latest video to Kesha's "Only Wanna Dance With You."
"Strap on your boots, and get wild to this high-energy (and criminally underrated) Kesha track," The Fitness Marshall told POPSUGAR. "This dance is purely FEEL GOOD, so if you need to smile, this might do the trick."
Watch the video above, and get ready to break a sweat - with a smile on your face!
I Absolutely Suck at Sleeping, and This Is What Finally Helped Me Rest
I'm very, very bad at sleeping. I can't recall if it's always been that way or if I've just become incredibly unlucky in recent years, but nevertheless, as much as I love sleep, sleep doesn't love me back. I can actually fall asleep really easily (and by that I mean I can fall asleep just about any time, anywhere), but I never sleep soundly and rarely feel well-rested. I admittedly haven't tried many things to help me sleep because I never wanted to rely on something like a sleeping pill. Instead, I decided to give the soothing benefits of lavender a try for a week to see if I'd notice any change.
I fall asleep really easily, but I never sleep soundly and rarely feel well-rested.
If you're unfamiliar, lavender essential oil can be used for a variety of things, including inducing restful sleep. Studies have shown that the scent of lavender can improve insomnia. One study noted that lavender may work better in younger subjects and among women.
For six nights, I worked my way through a variety of lavender products and saw mixed results. For two of the nights, I showered with lavender body wash and soap right before bedtime. Another three nights, I tried Lush Sleepy Lotion ($10), which is made with lavender, and lavender essential oil on my hands and feet. And on the final night, I took a bath with a Lush Ickle Baby Bot ($5), which may be made for kids, but what adult doesn't want a robot-shaped bath bomb?
What Worked and What Didn't
Showering with lavender soap and body wash, or bathing with a lavender bath bomb, didn't seem to leave me any more rested. As always, I was able to fall asleep easily, around my usual time of midnight, but woke up constantly throughout the night. I felt like I might have been sleeping more deeply, but I still woke up feeling the same as I usually do.
The nights I used the essential oil and Sleepy Lotion seemed to be more restful than I typically experience. Lush recommends slathering your skin in the Sleepy Lotion, but because I hate lotion (sorry, not sorry), I only put it on the top half of my body, then washed it off my hands. Then I rubbed the oil on the bottoms of my feet and put socks on - a friend swears by this method - and left a little residue on my hands. I did have to be careful with how much I used because my very needy cats not only sleep with me but also like to rub their heads on things and then lick their fur later, and I didn't want to run the risk.
I didn't try the Sleepy Lotion or essential oil separately, so I can't be sure if one worked more than the other, or if the magical combination is my saving grace, but I'll keep trying it out to see.
What I'll Do Next
There were a lot of variables at play during my week of lavender, so I think I need to do some more testing before I make a firm call on how much it helped. The nights I showered with the body wash happened to be after very stressful workdays, and I can never sleep soundly when I'm stressed out. The days I used the Sleepy Lotion and essential oil were weekend nights or nights my cats decided to leave me alone during the night.
Now that I have the Sleepy Lotion, though, and the essential oil, it's easy enough to keep using them in different ways on different parts of my body to see if they continue to be effective. If nothing else, I got a few more nights of restful sleep than I usually do, and I'll take whatever I can get. More importantly, there's no harm in experimenting with something so natural.
The New Apple Watch Is Basically a Heart Doctor For Your Wrist - Here's the Lowdown
Ladies and gentlemen, the next generation of Apple Watch is upon us. On Sept. 21, the tech giant will officially release its Apple Watch Series 4, an advanced piece of arm candy that's not only capable of housing all your apps, making phone calls, playing music, and keeping track of your daily to-dos - it's quite literally capable of saving your life.
The newest generation of the smartwatch comes with even more advanced heart-monitoring features than previous versions, acting as a portable wrist doctor of sorts and encouraging users to stay more on top of their health and fitness. While presenting the redesigned device at a launch event on Sept. 12, Apple's Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams explained the Apple Watch Series 4's various capabilities, honing in on the following heart-health-focused features:
- At any given time, you can do an electrocardiogram (or ECG), which only takes 30 seconds. This assesses your heart's electrical activity and can be used to identify signs of possible heart disease. According to ABC, Apple received FDA approval for listing the new watch as a medical device because of its do-it-yourself ECG ability.
- The watch can also detect an irregular heartbeat rhythm that may suggest atrial fibrillation, a condition that could increase your risk for stroke or heart disease.
- Whereas older Apple Watch generations could alert you when your heart rate is too high, this new generation can notify you when it appears too low.
- Lastly, the device can detect when a fall occurs and automatically call 911 if a user doesn't respond to an alert within a certain time period.
The Apple Watch Series 4 will start at $399 for GPS models and $499 for cellular models and come in one of three finishes: gold, black, or stainless. Orders can begin on Sept. 14, and they'll be available for purchase on Sept. 21. Ahead, find out more about the portable device, and keep reading to see just how excited Apple customers are to snag one for themselves.
8 Keto-Approved Fruits to Add to Your Diet
Touted as nature's candy, fruit is something we grew up knowing was good for us. While it's loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, it does contain sugar, making it a food some believe should be avoided when on diets like keto, on which you're also supposed to limit your carbs to 20 to 50 grams.
The good news is that you don't have to take fruit completely out of rotation when you're trying keto because there are some types that are low in carbs and high in fiber that fit the diet's restrictions. Knowing how to calculate your net carbs is super handy in making sure you don't get yourself out of ketosis, but without having to do the math, here are eight types of fruit you can (thankfully!) have on keto.
The 1 Simple Mistake That Could Be Slowing You Down on Long Runs
It was after my longest run ever - 12 miles, at that point - that I got the hunch I messed up. The last two or three miles were a harder slog than they should have been; I felt like I needed a boost to snap me out of my physical fatigue and mental grogginess. I set out hydrated and well-rested and didn't have any nagging injuries. I also set out with nothing but a double espresso in my stomach and didn't consume any calories during the run. Rookie mistake.
My fueling fail prompted me to ask my coach, Bec Wilcock, to share the nuts and bolts on what to eat and when to eat on a distance run. Coach Bec is training my Nike Women's Marathon Project team (mercilessly, I might add) for the Chicago Marathon. Her own credentials are impressive: she's a seasoned ultramarathoner and all-around powerhouse who knows a thing or two about keeping your body fueled to tackle major tests of endurance.
Here's the simple science behind why it's vital to refuel mid long run: your body needs glucose (sugar) to burn. If it doesn't have it, it will move onto your body's glycogen stores. Our livers and muscles store glycogen, and once the muscle's stores are depleted, extreme physical fatigue - or "bonking," in runner's parlance - sets in. Read on for Coach Bec's advice on how to figure out what fueling plan works for you.
5 Biggest Mistakes You'll Want to Avoid on the Keto Diet
The buzzy ketogenic diet is making headlines all over the internet lately. Endorsed by social influencers and experts alike, it's fair to say going keto is the new Paleo. Like with most diet trends, though, if you're not properly aligning the nutritional guidelines with your overall fitness goals, chances are, you won't see the results you seek.
The purpose of a ketogenic diet is to "hack" your body to use fat (instead of carbohydrates) as its primary source of energy. Basically, you eat fat to burn fat. The benefits can include a boost in mental clarity, a leaner body, increased energy, and more.
We consulted with a few nutrition experts to break down some of the most common mistakes people make when going keto to set you up for a successful and manageable journey to ketosis.
Feeling Tight and Inflexible? Here Are 40 Stretches to Help You Get Loose
Stress can leave you tight. Challenging workouts can leave you tight. Long, hard runs can leave you tight. Heck, just sitting at your desk or driving for a long time can leave you tight! Since so many activities can leave your muscles tight, you need to give them a little extra TLC and stretch. But you don't just want to stretch a cold muscle! Save these muscle-lengthening moves for when your body is warmed up, like after a walk, hike, bike ride, or run. We've organized them by body part so you can easily find the stretch your body needs.
If You Struggle to Lose Belly Fat, These 9 Tips Can Change That
Exercise alone, especially doing hundreds of crunches or hours of treadmill miles, isn't the key to reducing belly fat. Although we can't spot-reduce fat from our bellies, all it takes is the right combo of lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, and you'll have a leaner tummy - and you can keep it that way! Incorporate these nine simple, doable, expert-recommended habits to ditch belly fat for good. Start with one or two of these at first, and losing belly fat will feel easy.
A Trainer Says This Is the 1 Move You Need to Do If You Want to See Your Lower Abs
If sculpted abs are your thing, or perhaps you're just looking for a challenge, I've got the move for you: the hanging knee raise. I love doing this move because it feels like every single muscle in your body is working at once - because they are! You're going to feel this move throughout your core, especially in your lower abdominals. If you're ready for a challenge, continue reading to learn how to do the hanging knee raise.
Hanging Knee Raise
- Start by hanging on a pull-up bar with palms facing out, or use the ab straps and hang with your arms inside of them. Do use a box or bench if you need help reaching the bar.
- Pull your shoulder blades down your back to keep your shoulders away from your ears.
- Engage your abs as you simultaneously lift both knees up to your chest with control.
- Lower the legs down slowly and return to the starting position. This completes one rep.
- Complete two sets of 10 reps.
- Avoid swinging during this move to ensure that you're really working your abs.
- If this move is too hard, you can do seated knee tucks or reverse crunches on the ground.
I Caved and Finally Bought a Fake Fig Tree - Life's Never Been Better
I'm living proof that the old adage suggesting that one should get a plant and a pet before having a baby is terrible advice. While my 2-year-old is thriving, I've had much less success keeping my plants alive. Despite my black thumb rap sheet, I got sucked into the vortex of the fiddle leaf fig tree trend. I blame it on the gigantic leaves and all of the Instagram conditioning - they make every room look better, right?
After nearly a year of obsessive plant nurturing behavior that included dusting its leaves, bathing it in our bathtub, and leaving the curtains drawn before heading out to work (for optimal light exposure), I began to notice brown spots. After the brown spots arrived, the leaves began to slowly fall. I panicked, which didn't help the situation. I watered less, then watered more. I moved the plant from one spot to the next. I pruned (with kitchen scissors, but still). And at rock bottom, I ripped off the few remaining leaves while releasing a warrior cry. We were over.
12 Products to Keep Your Home Organized Without Sacrificing Your Personal Style
There's something about having an organized home that makes you feel like a more accomplished person. And if you have the right products, staying organized is easier than you think. Those go-to organizational items don't have to be drab or boring; these home essentials from Urban Outfitters prove that you can express your taste and still keep everything tidy. Just keep reading to shop our picks!
I Tried the Internet's Favorite Pillow - It Gave Me the Best Damn Sleep I've Had in Months
I have always been a terrible sleeper. I'm a night owl, I'm generally anxious, and I constantly wake up in the middle of the night. I've tried everything from sound machines to melatonin, but I never uncovered anything particularly effective for me. Not until I put my head on the Casper Pillow ($65), that is.
No exaggeration, this pillow has been a total game changer for me. Who knew such a simple switch could finally be the key to good rest? The first night I used it, I had zero expectations. The next morning, I woke up shocked - I had slept through the night without a single disturbance. I thought it was just a fluke, but night after night, I was sleeping soundly and feeling energized the next day. I was even naturally waking up earlier.
The next morning, I woke up shocked - I had slept through the night without a single disturbance.
So what makes this pillow so special? It's made with two layers of fabric, so it adapts to your movement throughout the night.
"Its pillow-in-pillow design wraps an internal supportive pillow in an outer layer of fluff that stays evenly distributed in any position," the brand explains. It feels like a fluffy hotel pillow to me - it allows my head to sink in without being too soft or too firm. I love it so much, I'm considering getting a few more.
If you have sleep problems, it truly could be as simple as what you're lying on. Give this little puff of heaven a try for yourself.
Nordstrom Launched a Halloween Shop and It's Boo-tiful - See For Yourself!
When we think of Nordstrom, seasonal decor is not always the first thing that comes to mind. But you would be surprised by the retailer's expansive Halloween options this year - consider us impressed. We're talking embroidered pillows, gilded pumpkins, festive glassware, and more. We created a list of our favorite products from the department store so you can shop the highlights. Get them now before everyone swoops them up next month.
39 Disney World Facts That Even Die-Hard Fans Don't Know
The happiest place on Earth also happens to be one of the most interesting. Disney World has been around for nearly half a century, and with age comes good stories - and lots of them. We've rounded up 39 Disney World secrets even die-hard fans will be shocked to discover.
If you can't get enough Disney, check out our posts full of tips and facts:
The Best Frozen Entrees From Trader Joe's, Hands Down
In case you haven't ever explored the magical place that is the frozen aisle at Trader Joe's, let us enlighten you. There's no shame in turning to frozen meals when you have zero time to cook, but if you're going to do it, you should know what's actually worth buying. Keep reading to find out which frozen meals POPSUGAR editors pick up and why, and look for them on your next Trader Joe's run.
Everything You Need to Know About Michelle Obama's Upcoming Book Tour
If you've been anxiously awaiting more info on Michelle Obama's highly anticipated memoir, then get excited, because the former first lady has announced details about her upcoming book tour. Becoming hits shelves on Nov. 13, and Obama will kick off a 10-city book tour in her hometown of Chicago that day. The tour stops will feature conversations between Obama and moderators who will soon be announced.
She posted a video on social media to celebrate her "big day," saying, "I've had time to think and reflect for the first time in a long time, and I've spent some time really thinking about the people and the stories and the experiences that have shaped me and helped me become the person I am today." She added, "I am proud of what I created. I'm proud because it is candid, it's honest. It is totally and utterly me, and so I'm also a little frightened because it is so candid and honest and open, but I can't wait to share it with the world."
Keep reading to watch Obama's full announcement and get details on all 10 tour dates.
The New Apple Watch Is Basically a Heart Doctor For Your Wrist - Here's the Lowdown
Ladies and gentlemen, the next generation of Apple Watch is upon us. On Sept. 21, the tech giant will officially release its Apple Watch Series 4, an advanced piece of arm candy that's not only capable of housing all your apps, making phone calls, playing music, and keeping track of your daily to-dos - it's quite literally capable of saving your life.
The newest generation of the smartwatch comes with even more advanced heart-monitoring features than previous versions, acting as a portable wrist doctor of sorts and encouraging users to stay more on top of their health and fitness. While presenting the redesigned device at a launch event on Sept. 12, Apple's Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams explained the Apple Watch Series 4's various capabilities, honing in on the following heart-health-focused features:
- At any given time, you can do an electrocardiogram (or ECG), which only takes 30 seconds. This assesses your heart's electrical activity and can be used to identify signs of possible heart disease. According to ABC, Apple received FDA approval for listing the new watch as a medical device because of its do-it-yourself ECG ability.
- The watch can also detect an irregular heartbeat rhythm that may suggest atrial fibrillation, a condition that could increase your risk for stroke or heart disease.
- Whereas older Apple Watch generations could alert you when your heart rate is too high, this new generation can notify you when it appears too low.
- Lastly, the device can detect when a fall occurs and automatically call 911 if a user doesn't respond to an alert within a certain time period.
The Apple Watch Series 4 will start at $399 for GPS models and $499 for cellular models and come in one of three finishes: gold, black, or stainless. Orders can begin on Sept. 14, and they'll be available for purchase on Sept. 21. Ahead, find out more about the portable device, and keep reading to see just how excited Apple customers are to snag one for themselves.
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