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.
samedi 15 septembre 2018
I'm That Overly Cautious Mom Who Throws Away All Halloween Candy That Isn't Totally Sealed
Hello! Allow me to introduce myself. I'm that super-overprotective mom who is paranoid AF. Especially around Halloween, when so many scary things can happen (literally). I need only have heard one story about one kid eating a piece of candy that was tampered with, even if it was way back in 1987 when I was a kid myself, to unleash some corporate-level quality control on my own kids' stash before they dig in.
Before my kids could so much as utter one word of protest, I had already tossed those repurposed cocoa solids in the closest garbage bin.
I operate under the assumption that a parent can never be too cautious when your children are basically taking candy from strangers. So, yes, every year, my kids have to wait while I inspect their chocolate bars and lollipops for, oh, I don't know, razor blades. If I happen to see a wrapper that isn't totally sealed (anything wrapped at the sides is gone) or looks iffy, like someone removed it and rewrapped it, or even just lifted up the edge, I toss that peanut butter cup or mini licorice pack faster than you can say "trick-or-treat."
Not that I encounter too much suspicious candy, but believe me, it's out there. Last year, my kids brought home several chocolate eggs in Christmas wrappers. Thinking about it logically, best case scenario, that candy was 10 months old. Indeed, a quick inspection inside the red and green foils revealed some rather questionable-looking chocolate that was covered in white powder. Before my kids could so much as utter one word of protest, I had already tossed those repurposed cocoa solids in the closest garbage bin.
Here's the thing: My kids don't need all the candy they score on Halloween anyway. Their teeth are probably already going to rot out from the stuff I let them keep that's totally on the up and up. I simply fail to see the need to keep candy on hand that gives me any reason to doubt whether it's safe for my children to eat.
Most of the time, my kids don't even notice I've edited their bounty and removed any candy I've either never heard of or that could possibly have been tampered with, no matter how unlikely. And even if they gave me a hard time, I'd tell them what my mom used to tell me: "It's better to be safe than sorry." One day, when they're parents, they'll understand.
Editor's Note: This piece was written by a POPSUGAR contributor and does not necessarily reflect the views of POPSUGAR Inc. Interested in joining our POPSUGAR Voices network of contributors from around the globe? Click here.
Chrissy Teigen Says Eating Her Placenta Helped With Her Postpartum Depression
Leave it to Chrissy Teigen to always speak candidly about the realities of parenting. The Lip Sync Battle host and mom of two recently made an appearance on CBS Sunday Morning's yet-to-be-aired 40th anniversary special, where she opened up about her experience with postpartum depression and revealed her method for keeping it at bay. Chrissy revealed she ate her placenta following the birth of her son, Miles Theodore, a measure that she thinks is part of the reason why she was able to avoid depression after giving birth for the second time.
"I don't think I can have you eating your placenta on primetime," host Rita Braver joked. "Really? That's not a normal thing?" Chrissy responded. "I'm in LA, it's very normal. They grill it here! You can try some of mine after."
The mom first spoke about her struggle with postpartum depression in a refreshingly honest open letter published in Glamour's April 2017 issue, writing that she realized she had been a different version of herself than she was a year earlier when she first gave birth to her daughter, Luna. "I couldn't figure out why I was so unhappy," she wrote. "I blamed it on being tired and possibly growing out of the role: 'Maybe I'm just not a goofy person anymore. Maybe I'm just supposed to be a mom.'"
Soon after being diagnosed with PPD, Chrissy shared her story with fans and revealed that she had begun taking an antidepressant and was close to starting therapy. And it sounds like she's generally feeling much happier these days. "I think people on social media are my friends," she told Braver about her decision to speak so candidly online. "And I think they deserved to know. I don't know, is that so weird?"
Does Caffeine Affect Fertility? An Expert Weighs In
If you're trying to get pregnant, you probably already know that several lifestyle factors can have an effect on your fertility. From eating a balanced diet to maintaining a healthy weight to limiting stress, an overall focus on healthy habits can only improve your chances of conceiving. Still, you may feel overwhelmed getting a grasp on what changes to your current lifestyle are truly necessary to boost your baby odds. For example, is it OK to keep drinking your treasured morning cup of coffee, or indulge in your craving for an afternoon Diet Coke? We've been there! So we decided to dig into finding out how much a prework stop at Starbucks actually figures into fertility.
Not surprisingly, it seems moderation is key when it comes to caffeine consumption. According to the Mayo Clinic, female fertility does not seem to be adversely impacted by a caffeine intake of fewer than 200 milligrams, or about two 8-ounce cups a day (one cup of coffee has about 95 milligrams of caffeine per the USDA). Meanwhile, Coke is relatively low in caffeine, with around 45 milligrams per 8-ounce bottle.
On the flip side, Dr. Zaher Merhi from the New Hope Fertility Center tells POPSUGAR: "High levels of caffeine consumption have been associated with decreased fertility." But you would have to drink five cups of coffee or its equivalent each day to decrease your chances of getting pregnant. Merhi confirms that moderate caffeine consumption, or one to two cups of your favorite java each day, is OK.
If you do have a five-or-more-cups-a-day habit (and we aren't judging!), Merhi suggests cutting down at least one month before you try for baby. Meanwhile, researchers have not found a link between semen quality and caffeine consumption, so men, you're probably in the clear to keep guzzling those lattes. But it's still important to maintain as healthy a lifestyle as possible for both partners.
The bottom line: drinking coffee, or whatever helps you start your day (or keep it going!) in moderation, is the best way to increase your chances of getting pregnant, whether you're using fertility treatments or not. And once you are expecting, Merhi cautions, "Caffeine consumption over two to three cups per day may increase [your] risk for miscarriage."
This Kid's Honest Answer to a Homework Question About Anger Is So, So Perfect
Teaching kids about emotions is important, but teachers need to know that if they intend to probe into their students' feelings, they better be ready to hear some hard truths.
Reddit user LucentPhoenix posted a snippet of his 10-year-old son's recent homework assignment online after discovering the boy's very honest answer about anger.
When asked to "describe a time when you've felt really angry," the fifth-grader didn't hold back: "When I found this homework in my backpack."
It turns out that the assignment was part of a popular social-emotional health "Second Step" curriculum. The lesson of this particular worksheet was all about empathy, and perhaps this introspective boy got the message. In his answer to the follow-up question, "What did you do?," he must have put his frustrations aside and rose above: "Did it," he wrote simply.
Now, we don't want to upset you further, dear student, but just a heads up: this is only the beginning of you needing to channel that anger. Keep it up!
15 Sensory Halloween Activities For Kids They'll Race Home From School to Try
As soon as you feel that first chill in the air, we're willing to bet that your little guys and ghouls start trembling with excitement about Halloween. And what's not to be excited about? From picking out their fun costumes to getting ready to eat buckets of candy to binging spooky movies, it's such a fun time of the year for kids. So why not add to the Halloween excitement by planning some spooktacular sensory activities with them? There's basically no right way to do these, they encourage free play, and they let your kids have fun and explore their senses with different materials. Keep reading for 15 ideas, many of which you can roll up your sleeves and get involved with, too.
31 DIY Halloween Decorations That Are So Simple and Easy, It'll Scare You
No other holiday inspires a range of decorations quite like Halloween. Ghouls, goblins, ghosts, black cats, pumpkins, and skulls are just some of the many motifs that captivate our imaginations in the Fall. But if you're starting to tire of the Halloween decorations available to you in stores, or just can't find exactly what you're looking for, it might be time to try your hand at the DIY approach! Whether you're decorating for trick-or-treaters outside or want to move the party indoors, try some of these DIY Halloween decorations that run the gamut from delicate festive touches to full-scale spooky displays.
These Twin Sisters Both Just Turned 102 Years Old, and Yup, They Still Got It
Ann and Gussie Crumby, two twin sisters from Hancock County, GA, have just cleared an impressive milestone back in May few people can ever lay claim to: they turned 102 years old . . . together. Now, the pair is celebrating their birthday with their family in Macon, GA. Although living long enough to be 102 is no doubt impressive, for Ann and Gussie, age is truly just a number.
"I don't even know I'm old," Ann told WMAZ-TV, "I think I'm still young." Gussie agreed, saying: "I don't feel no different than I did [than] when I was 101," she added that she always makes it a point to stay close to Ann. "When I look around, I see her and when she looks around, she sees me."
Born in 1916, the twins were raised on a farm and were raised by their grandmother. They attended a tiny school that only had one teacher and grew up to become seamstresses. Eventually, Ann moved up to New York when she met her husband, and Gussie and her husband stayed close to home. They lived separately for decades before reuniting in the late '90s.
According to a study from the University of Washington, identical twins actually live longer than others. David Sharrow, the study's lead author, told Science Daily exactly why that may be back in 2016. "There is benefit to having someone who is socially close to you who is looking out for you," he said. "They may provide material or emotional support that lead to better longevity outcomes."
Now, the twins spend most of their time hanging out with each other. "We haven't been apart so much," they told the station. "We just mostly stay from one place to the other but we mostly stay together."
Ha! Carrie Underwood Admitted to Judging Her Son's Singing Ability, and Can You Blame Her?
Carrie Underwood swung by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to promote her new album, Cry Pretty, and of course, the soon-to-be mom of two was more than happy to chat about her home life.
After explaining that her 3-year-old son Isaiah wants to name the new baby after him (because toddlers), she admitted that she can't help but judge him while he's singing "his songs," like the theme songs from Fraggle Rock and Duck Tales.
"Is that wrong? That I'm judging my 3-and-a-half-year-old child to see if he can sing? If he is not musically inclined, that is fine. I'm excited to find out what he loves and is passionate about and is good at and I will support that, but I really want him to sing."
I mean, can you blame her?
Experts Reveal When It's OK For Kids to Trick-or-Treat Without You
Halloween takes on a new life once kids get a little older - the night becomes less about candy and more about spending time with friends, the costumes get a little more creative (and ones they'll definitely want to pick without your help), and their desire for a few hours way from adults continues to grow. The change usually hits toward the end of grade school, when kids are in their preteen years.
As parents, even though we usually know what's best for our kids and hone in on that superpower gut instinct, we don't always have the answer. The truth? A lot of us are out here winging it, and navigating the rules of trick-or-treating with (or without) supervision on Halloween is no different. Luckily for us, though, two top parenting experts chatted with POPSUGAR about when it's OK for kids to go trick-or-treating without adult supervision, and both agree that multiple factors come into play.
"So much of what determines the appropriate age for a child to go trick-or-treating alone (with a group of friends) depends on the neighborhood, along with the child's personality and level of maturity," Dr. Jenn Mann, lead psychotherapist, host of VH1's Family Therapy with Dr. Jenn, and author of The A to Z Guide to Raising Happy, Confident Kids, tells POPSUGAR. "While most experts say 13 is a reasonable age for trick-or-treating with friends, it's important that parents assess the safety of their neighborhood and the maturity and judgment of their child."
Dr. Rosina McAlpine, CEO and creator of the Win Win Parenting Program and editor of Inspired Children: How the Leading Minds of Today Raise Their Kids, agrees: "While there is no one definitive 'appropriate' or 'safe' age for children to go out trick-or-treating by themselves that applies to all children, in all circumstances, many parents consider allowing their children to go on their own, without a parent or guardian accompanying them, around 10 to 12 years of age."
Both experts strongly stress that age isn't the only thing to consider for parents who are trying to figure out whether or not their child is ready to trick-or-treat without them - they have to prove that they're ready, too. "A child who consistently follows rules and keeps their commitment to their parent is showing a sense of responsibility and awareness," says Dr. Jenn. "Some other signs of readiness include being comfortable staying home alone for short periods of time and successful outings to safe places, like the mall, with a group of friends."
If an older child does seem to be ready for some solo trick-or-treating this year, Dr. McAlpine says it's crucial for parents to sit down with them and discuss how to handle unsafe scenarios while trick-or-treating. "Parents should have a heart-to-heart conversation with their child about what they intend to do, who they're going with, and how they might respond in various situations," she says. Dr. McAlpine also suggests asking kids situational questions, like "What if someone invites you into their home or car?" and "What will you do if you get lost or separated from the group?" to get a better feel for whether or not they'll respond properly in a risky or dangerous situation. "The maturity of their responses is one indicator of how they might fare alone," she says. "But parents should continue to guide and support them so they can manage these situations appropriately and safely."
The bottom line: a tween or preteen might fit all the requirements to trick-or-treat with just their friends on Halloween, but it's critical for parents to still provide them with the best safety tools - and enforce rules - before sending them off. "Children should travel in packs, and within the pack they should have a 'buddy' who they stay with at all times," says Dr. Jenn. She also suggests that children establish a safe meeting place in case someone gets separated from the group, have a plan for when a friend needs to use the bathroom, and to always allow a child to borrow a cell phone in case of an emergency.
Rihanna's Diamond Ball Gown Is Fit For a Queen, but Her Afterparty Jumpsuit Is the Real Showstopper
Rihanna is having the best week of her life already because she closed New York Fashion Week in style and debuted her new Savage x Fenty Fall 2018 collection. Now, she decided to up the ante yet again by hosting her fourth annual Diamond Ball in New York City.
For the swanky event, which was hosted by The Clara Lionel Foundation, Rihanna started off in a beautiful white ensemble by Alexis Mabille. She wore a sheer white lace jumpsuit with a skirt on top that featured a bow strategically covering her chest. Rihanna accessorized with Chopard jewels.
As for her afterparty look, Rihanna changed into a sexy black jumpsuit by Tom Ford that had two side cutouts that showed off some skin and a tiny bow in the front. She accessorized with retro Alain Mikli x Alexandre Vauthier sunglasses, David Webb jewels, feathered pumps, and a jewel-adorned Christopher Kane bag. Read on to see all angles of both outfits.
The Looks at Last Year's Emmys Are Still on Our Minds; Imagine What We Can Expect!
After admiring countless fancy gowns on the runways at Fashion Week, we are always more than prepared to see our favorite TV stars slip into fabulous designer looks at the Emmys in September. In 2017, with shows like Big Little Lies, The Handmaid's Tale, and Stranger Things scoring nominations, some of the boldest style stars - hello, Zoë Kravitz, Millie Bobby Brown, and Elisabeth Moss! - showed up in straight-off-the-catwalk dresses. Read on to see who wore what for the kickoff of award season last year, then check out all the stunning bags and jewels they brought, and be prepared to ring in 2018 with some gorgeous new looks on Monday night.
11 Cute Jackets From Amazon For Under $30
A jacket is like the cherry on top of your outfit, so you have to choose wisely. If you love having plenty of options, we curated a selection of affordable picks that don't sacrifice style. From trenches to bombers, you'll be beyond pleased.
I Wore the Same Exact Outfit to Fashion Week Twice, Because Why the Hell Shouldn't I?
Dressing up for Fashion Week can be a total and utter nightmare. Not only do you feel pressured into wearing the latest designs and figuring out the coolest things to wear, but there's also a certain status that comes along with it. Since there are photographers everywhere during this time, people go out of their way to construct looks they know will get them photographed and land them in street style galleries. This season, I decided to do something different: wear an outfit I had already worn to NYFW exactly a year ago.
While I love my job and attending runway shows, recently, I have felt kind of "over" the stress of figuring out what to wear to Fashion Week. Sure, it's fun to play dress up, and women should feel free to splurge on what they're excited about and embrace the opportunity to wear emerging designers they care about. I borrowed a dress from Zimmermann and a pair of sneakers from Ash for this year's shows, but I wasn't about to go spend a thousand dollars on an outfit or pull 20 different outfits from designers to send over this time around.
As trends change each season, it's easy to get swept away in wearing the latest item of the moment, but it's also very important to stay true to who you are and your personal aesthetic. (That being said, I'm still always willing to try new trends from time to time.) For the Tom Ford Spring '19 show, I rewore the same Fame & Partners black and white gingham dress that I wore to Rihanna's Fenty x Puma show last year. Ironically enough, both shows ended up taking place at the same venue, the Park Avenue Armory.
I figured it's a super flattering dress, I bought it with my own money, and I felt so damn confident when I wore it - why shouldn't I be able to rock it multiple times? Gingham is a classic print that hasn't gone out of style over the years and I am personally very fond of it. With this in mind, I slipped into my minidress and styled it with the same short black booties and chain-link YSL bag I had carried last year. The only thing I ended up changing was the addition of a new pair of earrings.
I loved how I looked in this dress so much, I took multiple pictures of myself in the look during both seasons (shout-out to my boyfriend Pat, aka the OG Instagram hubby), and I didn't even care if any of my social media followers noticed. I've even worn it a couple of times in the Summer and posted it on the 'gram. In the end, this is my Fashion Week dress, and I'll wear it as many times as I want to - because why the hell not? Scroll on to see pictures and shop similar versions ahead.
This Is the Fall Accessory That Never Goes Out of Style
One of our favorite Fall accessories is a great scarf. There are so many varieties to choose from, whether it's s chic silk scarf or a massive blanket scarf. Large scarves in particular are our ultimate plane essential, because sometimes the air conditioning can be frigid. A pretty scarf keeps you warm and makes you look pulled together; what more could you ask for? Just keep reading to shop our favorite accessory!
Olivia Munn's Shoe Collection Is So Sexy, You'll Break a Sweat
Olivia Munn has a way of oozing sex appeal without even trying, and it's probably because she has one of the sexiest wardrobes we've ever seen. While Olivia loves to show off her killer body in barely there swimsuits and skintight dresses, her insanely sexy shoe collection is the reason she always looks good from head to toe.
Whether she's walking the red carpet or just heading out for a night on the town, Olivia's shoe game is always on point. From sky-high stilettos to over-the-knee boots and strappy sandals, her killer footwear can make the most boring outfits look hotter than hot. Keep reading to see all the times Olivia's sexy shoes left us reaching for a glass of water, then shop similar versions for yourself.
We Can't Believe Hailey Baldwin's Getting Married - but We Can Totally Envision Her Wedding Dress
Hailey Baldwin sent fans into a frenzy by stepping into a courthouse with Justin Bieber in NYC. Hailey batted away rumors about being married with a single tweet, but she has been amping up to be the perfect bride for years - or so it seems. Aside from being very adamant about specific details of her engagement ring, she's had plenty of practice wearing white. While she wore a flirty minidress and sneakers to the courthouse, Hailey and Justin still have time for a big wedding with family and friends, which will likely call for a gown.
Hailey rocks leg slits or extremely short minis whenever she can, so something tells us she'll have a party dress meant for dancing. She's a pro at trekking along in platforms, so the chance of bridal flats is slim to none. And, we have a few ideas for what designer she might tap for the job. Tommy Hilfiger, Virgil Abloh, and the team at Roberto Cavalli best be standing by the phone! Read on for our official guesses as to what Hailey will choose for her special celebration, and let us know if you have any doubts that it'll be damn sexy.
Related: How Hailey Baldwin Is Getting in Killer Shape Before Her Wedding to Justin Bieber
The 25 Best Boots Money Can Buy This Fall - For Less Than $100
We're ready to grab our wallets and splurge on a pair of Fall boots, but it doesn't mean we have to spend a fortune. To save both time and money this season, we went on a mission to find the best pairs the internet has to offer for under $100. From brands like Sam Edelman and Topshop to Steve Madden, we curated a list of 25 picks that look way more expensive than they are. Keep scrolling to check our selection and find your match.
This Is the Coat You're Going to Live In All Fall
One of the most exciting elements of Fall fashion is the addition of jackets and coats to our daily routine. This season, we're spotting a resurgence of the ultimate classic, the trench coat. It's no longer just a preppy staple; the silhouette is popping up in fresh colors and fabrics to add sophistication to any kind of look you can dream up. We can't wait to wear all these pretty finds; just keep reading to shop our picks!
Nordstrom Released Hundreds of New Fall Dresses, but These 15 Picks Are Worth Buying
Searching for a Fall dress that meets all your needs can be tricky. When you find something that is flattering, well-made, and stylish, it's hard not to be excited. If you're on the hunt, we curated Nordstrom's newest releases for the upcoming season. They come in a variety of styles and price points, so there's something for everyone. Scoop 'em up while you can!
5 Trends We Learned From Lara Jean in To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Lara Jean Covey, the main character of Netflix's To All the Boys I've Loved Before, has a wickedly underrated sense of style. Played by Lana Condor, her clothes are incredibly trendy in their old-school nature and beautifully colorful in a subtle way. Lara Jean's style is fashion-forward and nostalgic, all at the same time. The result of this winning combo is a lovable character who wears lovable clothes.
The film's costume designer, Rafaella Rabinovich, is the genius behind Lara Jean's outfitting. In an interview with IndieWire, Rabinovich shared some of the inspiration behind her clothes: "With Lara Jean specifically, I was really attracted to the pastels and the vintage washes of color. And I really tried to find her in the texture of the silhouettes that are romantic but at the same time like effortless and vintage and cool."
Basically, Rabinovich made Lara Jean into a trendy vintage goddess, using especially unique pieces throughout the movie that deserve attention. Here are five stylish trends we can learn from Lara Jean.
This Is How Long It'll Take For Intermittent Fasting to Work
When it comes to getting healthier and toning up your body, one of the most popular of the countless options out there right now is intermittent fasting (or IF, for short). IF includes several different approaches to choose from, but most involve eating for only a short period of time during the day and/or limiting the amount of calories you consume. The results are apparent to those who've tried the method, but according to the experts, you need at least 10 weeks of following a few basic rules to see any changes.
Read on for more details about how best to make IF work for you, including whether the time of day you're eating has an impact on your waistline and what other benefits you can expect from the method, aside from a lower number on the scale.
What Exactly Is a Rep in Strength Training? A Personal Trainer Explains
In strength training and weightlifting, there's one word that gets mentioned over and over again: rep. It pops up when talking about performing an exercise, putting together a circuit, and completing sets of exercises. But what exactly is a rep?
Rep is short for repetition. "A rep or repetition is one complete motion of exercise," said ACSM-certified personal trainer Jim White, RDN, exercise physiologist and owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios. "So if you shoot for eight to 12 reps per set, you are performing the exercise eight to 12 times during the set." For example, if you're doing a biceps curl with a dumbbell, the rep would be one movement of starting with your arm fully extended with your hand down by your leg, then bending your arm (with your elbows acting as a hinge) until your hand reaches up toward your shoulder, then slowly extending back down to the starting position: that's one rep.
A set is the number of reps performed in a row, usually with only a second or two in between. So if your workout calls for three sets of 10 reps, each set will involve 10 movements in a row, then usually a short break (between 45 seconds and two minutes) before starting the next set.
The number of reps and sets you do depends on your fitness level, but a good place to start is with a couple sets of between 10 and 20 reps. Eager to put your strength to the test? Try this 10-move arm workout to tone your upper body.
30+ Exercises You Need to Do ASAP If You're Working on Booty Gains
The song "Bootylicious" may have been released in 2001, but the concept is still totally relevant today. It seems like everyone is working on booty gains at the moment, which leaves a lot of questions about which exercises are best for growing your glutes. There isn't one right way to shape your butt, but there are a handful of effective movements that are bound to give your derrière some extra shape. Try out these booty exercises next time you're at the gym (or working out at home!), and remember that consistency is key when it comes to booty gains, so do these movements a couple times a week.
On a Low-Carb Diet? Here's a Full Week of Meal Ideas
When it comes to cutting down your carbs, it can be a struggle to feel full after your meals, especially if you're craving that crunch of bread or a bite of pasta. But you don't have to go hungry just because your carbs are restricted. Protein and fats are just as important in your diet because they provide lasting energy to keep you feeling full and satiated after a meal, and it's easy to load up if you plan in advance. So if you're on the keto diet or just trying to eat fewer carbs, here's an easy-to-follow weekly meal plan for when you need to shake things up.
How Did I Lose My Belly Fat in 3 Months? I Did These 6 Things
I've never been superlean, and when I gain weight, it goes straight to my belly and it seems that it's the last place I lose it. I'm in my 40s and my belly fat has been around since high school, and now that my youngest is old enough that I can no longer refer to my tummy as baby weight, I got serious about trying to slim my middle. Strict diets with calorie counting and measuring my food with a scale didn't work for me - even when I dropped down to 1,200 to 1,400 calories a day, I didn't lose weight, and I just couldn't live on so few calories per day. Strict exercise (hello CrossFit five times a week!) didn't do the trick either. But these are the six things I did to finally lose my belly fat.
According to Experts, This Is the Most Effective Way For Women to Lose Belly Fat
When it comes to burning body fat, a lot of women have the same target area: the belly. Much to the chagrin of many of us, belly fat is notoriously stubborn, and it's important to note that you can't spot reduce fat. In other words, simply being diligent about crunches isn't going to help you achieve your goal.
"Just as you can not influence where your body stores dreaded excess fat when it packs it on, you can't control where your metabolism opts to pull from when it taps into fat stores, which incidentally tends not to be from the region we gain it in the first place," Corey Phelps, founder and CEO of Cultivate by Corey and creator of the Cultivate365 program, told POPSUGAR.
That's not to say that we're powerless to reduce belly fat. A combination of diet and exercise can help us achieve this goal in a healthy manner. What types of diet and exercise, you ask? Here's what experts have to say about the nutrition and workout aspects of losing belly fat - and keeping it off.
If You're Starbucks-Obsessed but Watching Your Calories, You Need to See This Infographic
For your caffeine needs, Starbucks always has your back, but grabbing a Starbucks or two doesn't always mean the same thing. This infographic posted by Graeme Tomlinson, known on Instagram by his 109K followers as thefitnesschef_, is an eye-opening visual to bring awareness to the calorie counts of your coffee order.
You could blissfully be sipping down an Iced White Chocolate Mocha in the morning and a Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino in the afternoon and never realize that it's adding almost 800 calories to your daily total!
We're not saying you shouldn't enjoy a 410-calorie Ultra Caramel Frappuccino every once in a while, but Graeme points out that "if you regularly go out for a 'coffee,' but consume a Frappuccino, you're going out for dessert more so than going out for coffee."
It's good to be aware of your liquid calories, because they go down so quickly and don't keep you as satisfied since they don't offer tons of protein or fiber. Graeme adds, "7-10 vanilla [lattes] per week equates to 1750-2500 calories. 25 [Americanos] per week equates to 0 calories . . ." If fat loss is your goal, it may help to modify your Starbucks order.
Here are a few tips to cut calories at Starbucks:
- Don't want to give up your fave drink? Just order a smaller size.
- Order "light" or "skinny" versions of your favorite drinks.
- Ask for fewer pumps of the syrup used in specialty drinks.
- Go for almond or nonfat milk over whole or soy milk.
- Skip the whipped cream.
- If you're a tea drinker, choose unsweetened.
- Order these Starbucks drinks that are under 150 calories or these under 200.
- Choose one day a week to order your favorite dessert-like coffee and sit down to sip it (away from your computer screen) so you can thoroughly enjoy your treat.
The Debilitating Anxiety Symptom No One Ever Talks About
Until only recently, I kept a big aspect of my anxiety hidden from the world because I was deathly afraid of the consequences I would suffer if I talked about it. I was already fearful of the judgment I may experience from opening up about my anxiety, but this was huge. What if people thought I was actually crazy? The anxiety of this backlash made me feel physically ill, and I felt like there was no one I could turn to who would understand.
I'm talking about intrusive thoughts, which the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute of Maryland says "become obsessive, provoke fear and shame, and often lead to doubts about sanity, control, motives, character and safety." They're common in those struggling with general anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
A majority of my life has been spent dealing with anxiety, so as long as I can remember, this symptom has always affected me. I never understood why frightening images and scenarios would pop into my head, leaving me anxious and scared. I didn't know I was experiencing intrusive thoughts or why they were disrupting my reality.
People who suffer from anxiety often experience these episodes, during which they see an alarming event playing out in their head. These intrusive thoughts are frightening scenarios we create, causing us to think of harmful things we might do to ourselves or people we love.
The thing is, though, we would never act on these thoughts, and we know that, but we feel the fear as if they are really happening, and they make us incredibly uncomfortable. These thoughts are an automatic reaction and completely out of our control. Our brains become a movie reel of thoughts and actions we play out in our mind, and we can't look away.
When I was a kid, these intrusive thoughts came in the form of monsters, like the ones you see in movies. Despite knowing monsters didn't exist, they came alive in my mind and gave me physical symptoms of fear. Sometimes it would get to be too much, and I would hide under my covers and cry at night. I knew in my mind nothing could hurt me because there was physically nothing there, but I couldn't understand why these images haunted me.
I just wanted to get to my destination, but these thoughts would keep running through my mind, and I couldn't stop them.
As I gained more life experiences, my intrusive thoughts developed into other fears. Now that I was older, these thoughts turned into new scenarios, ones that felt more real. For example, when I started driving, I'd see myself veering off the road, hitting a side rail, flying off a ledge, or running head-on into a semi. I didn't really want to do any of these things. I just wanted to get to my destination, but these thoughts would keep running through my mind, and I couldn't stop them.
I've learned that these intrusive thoughts are our brain's coping mechanism for fear. They distract us from the anxiety we are feeling in real life with a fictitious event we can focus on instead. This is your brain's way of trying to help you with the anxiety you're experiencing in real life. It's as if your brain is telling you, "Look, I know you're afraid, but it could be worse, so whatever is going on isn't that bad."
Believe it or not, my childhood monsters have followed me into adulthood, and I still see them when I get anxious. Because I've been experiencing them for so long, I've mostly become numb to their effects. However, I do pay attention when these intrusive thoughts surface, as it's an indication that my anxiety is off the charts and I need to stop and assess myself.
I've opened up about it to only a few of my closest friends; one has anxiety and confirmed that she herself experiences the same thing. She thought she was crazy, like me, and didn't dare tell a soul for fear of judgment and ridicule. It was relieving to both her and me that we were not alone.
I want those who don't experience intrusive thoughts to know this is not something to be alarmed about. We are in no way looking to hurt ourselves or anyone else; we are just trying to cope with our anxiety. If someone close to you experiences these intrusive thoughts, just love and support them. That understanding will help ease the anxiety we feel from even having these thoughts. Know, though, that this is not a problem you can solve; this is a process that we will go through regardless.
If you struggle with intrusive thoughts, share them. The more we share these experiences, the better we can understand ourselves and others and the more we can help one another. Know you are not alone and you are not crazy.
For resources and information about intrusive thoughts, please visit the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
This Is How You Should Refuel Your Muscles After a Workout, According to a Sports Dietitian
How many times have you been at the end of a workout class and heard your instructor tell you to refuel your body with protein within a couple of hours after the class is finished? It's a popular phrase touted by trainers and fitness professionals, and it's true that protein is important to repair muscles, ultimately aiding in muscle growth.
But many people neglect another important macronutrient for your muscles: carbs. While carbs have gotten a bad rap, especially when it comes to losing weight and getting in shape, they can actually help fuel your muscles. That's because your body relies on glycogen (which is created from carbs and stored in you muscles, liver, and brain) to fuel muscles and workouts.
"During workouts, the body relies and depends on muscle glycogen," Jim White, RDN, ACSM, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios, told POPSUGAR. "Having low levels of muscle glycogen . . . would negatively affect performance for high-intensity exercise." Not only can carbs help fuel your workout, but they help repair muscle tissue after exercise in a process called "muscle glycogen resynthesis."
The Refuel Formula
So when you're recovering form your workouts, it's important to eat carbohydrates, too - you need to replace the glycogen that you used in your last workout. Ideally, after a moderate to intense workout, you would be eating a combination of protein and carbs to fuel your muscles and replenish glycogen stores. If you're looking to put on muscle, Jim recommends eating a macro breakdown of 55 percent carbs, 25 percent protein, and 20 percent fat.
So throw some fruit into your protein smoothie, grab an apple and peanut butter, or snack on low-fat cheese and whole wheat crackers - the possibilities for post-workout snacks are endless.
Behold: The 10 Best Long-Sleeve Workout Tops You Can Buy
We still may be sweating out the last days of Summer, but as colder temperatures start to approach, we're already thinking about how to continue our workouts outside. This season, you can stay warm by investing in a few new workout pieces that are great for outdoor exercising. We rounded up a list of comfortable long-sleeve tops that will help regulate your temperature during your upcoming sweat sessions. Keep scrolling to shop our top picks.
I Do CrossFit and These Are the 14 Low-Carb, High-Protein Foods I Can't Live Without
If you eat a plant-based diet like me, which tends to be rich in high-carb foods like beans, whole grains, fruit, potatoes, and whole wheat bread and pasta, the idea of going low-carb can seem near impossible. The concern is: how will you get enough protein? Fortunately, there are tons of low-carb protein sources, including the ones ahead, all of which have under 10 grams of carbs.
How to Treat the Itchy, Pimply Rash That Can Come With the Keto Diet
The ketogenic diet can be tough - cutting carbs is difficult enough, and then there are the side effects. While you're on your way to achieving whatever goals you've set for yourself, you may develop prurigo pigmentosa, commonly referred to by diet enthusiasts as "keto rash."
"Prurigo pigmentosa was first described in 1971 and is a fairly rare disorder, especially in the United States," Dr. Sarah Beth Corley, MD, MS, FAAD, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told POPSUGAR. "Although it may be that it is either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to lack of awareness of the condition in the Western hemisphere."
What Causes Prurigo Pigmentosa?
While the cause of the disease remains unclear, it has been linked with ketosis. "Ketosis associated with dieting or fasting has been thought to play a role in the etiology of prurigo pigmentosa by some authors," Dr. Corley said. "While these reports seem supportive of the hypothesis that the two are related, overall most patients with the disease have no association with ketosis."
A 2015 study noted that the disease is twice as common in girls and women, with the median age of onset being 25 years. The case study involved a 17-year-old white male who was diagnosed with prurigo pigmentosa after strict adherence to a ketogenic diet for a year. When he began eating more carbs (and taking an antibiotic), the rash reduced dramatically within one week.
Still, doctors have yet to determine a cause, and Dr. Corley says the rash can't be prevented.
How to Spot the Symptoms and Find Relief
"Early on, [prurigo pigmentosa] manifests with symmetrical itchy red bumps that form a net-like pattern, particularly on the back of the neck, midback, over the collarbones, and midchest," Dr. Corley said. The bumps are less likely to show up on the lower back, shoulders, and abdomen.
"Later in the course of the rash, the itchy red bumps subside. However, the person is left with dark areas in the same net-like pattern as the bumps, called hyperpigmentation," she continued. "The itchy red bumps can then begin to appear again, which makes it frustrating, as it is cyclical in nature."
If you have prurigo pigmentosa, and you're on the keto diet, a study published in the Hawai'i Journal of Medicine & Public Health suggests that the rash may not go away with changes to your diet, unless you're willing to sacrifice ketosis. If you're not, you may need to consider treatment with medication.
A board-certified dermatologist - which you can find by searching the American Academy of Dermatology's directory - may prescribe an antibiotic to clear the rash. "Minocycline, doxycycline, and dapsone are the most commonly used medications as they have been successful in clearing the eruption," Dr. Corley said. "Once the medication has been initiated, rapid improvement is typically seen with clearance of the red bumps occurring over several days to weeks."
She added that, unfortunately, even after the bumps heal, the net-like hyperpigmentation will persist.
This Is Exactly What Happens to Your Body When You Don't Take a Rest Day
If you're someone who has a hard time giving yourself a break, and you've been skipping rest days, then listen up: while we admire your dedication, skipping your recovery is doing you more harm than you think. After all, rest days are when your body actually builds the muscle you've been working so hard to create.
We wanted to find out exactly what happens to your body when you train too hard, so we talked to Michelle Opperman, director of group fitness for Crunch, and Jan Milano, CSCS and sports performance coach at DIAKADI. Did you know the effects can be so severe physiologically and psychologically that there's a name for it? It's called "Overtraining Syndrome."
Want to know what Overtraining Syndrome looks like? Here's what happens to your body when you don't take time to recover from intense exercise (or endurance events!):
- Glycogen stores are depleted. Opperman and Milano both noted that your glycogen decreases. Glycogen is your body's energy source, and not something you want to eliminate. Milano says "decreased glycogen may contribute to the lowered lactate responses," meaning your muscles fatigue more quickly.
- Corticosteroids increase. We know that cortisone and cortisol (stress hormones) are not good for weight loss, and even add to belly-fat retention. Milano told us that these elevated levels also depress the immune system by inhibiting the reaction of lymphocytes to antigens (basically, the fighter cells can't fight the bad invader cells). So overtraining equals a higher likelihood of getting sick.
- Your heart goes into overdrive. "Both resting heart rate and submaximal exercise heart rate are increased," said Milano. Be nice to your heart. Take a breather.
- Your performance suffers. Opperman told us that when sufficient rest is not included in a training program, your ability to perform (i.e., continue training, growing muscle, getting stronger) plateaus or declines, because your muscles literally cannot recover and regenerate. So things just get worse and worse.
- You'll lose muscle mass. Consistent breakdown + no recovery = bye, muscles. That's the opposite of what you're trying to do, right?
- You'll feel AWFUL. The tiny tears in your muscles cannot heal, which results in inflammation, swelling, and tenderness. Opperman says the feeling will "become extreme, lasting for days." She also noted that you'll feel physically exhausted for an extended period as well, which could make it hard for you to perform your day to day functions.
- It messes with your mind. Muscular fatigue is not the only thing Opperman and Milano warned about. The fatigue and distress extend psychologically, and Milano noted that you'll notice mental changes before physical ones. "Decreased vigor, motivation, and confidence; raised tension, depression, and anger accompany an individual's recovery," said Milano.
Do yourself a favor. Go to yoga, don't skip savasana, do your cooldowns, and take a day off to recover. Need some pointers? Make sure you keep our recovery checklist handy, or try any of these recovery essentials.
Pumpkin Spice Treats, Snacks, and More You Can Eat on the Keto Diet
If you're following the keto diet, the low-carb, high-fat diet that's helped countless people lose weight, then you may feel like you're missing out on pumpkin spice season. All of the delicious treats of the season, such as pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin spice muffins, are packed with sugar and carbs, meaning they're off-limits for keto dieters.
The good news is there are plenty of other snacks and treats that have all the best flavors of the season, but you can still enjoy on the keto diet. Take a look at our list of pumpkin spice foods you can order for yourself and indulge in guilt-free. Note: these pair nicely with a blanket scarf and puffy vest.
The 50 Best Moves to Strengthen and Chisel Your Core (Plus a Bonus 10-Minute Workout Video!)
Before you read another word, bookmark this page! It's the ultimate guide to the best ab moves, including both bodyweight moves and exercises that use equipment like dumbbells, medicine balls, and even towels. Mix and match the moves you like to create your own ab workout, and be sure to use a variety of exercises that target all areas of your core.
6 Dangers of the Keto Diet, According to Experts
The keto diet has officially dethroned all other diets when it comes to popularity, and chances are at least one (or five) of your friends has given it a try. But keto is a bit controversial - some nutritionists say it should be avoided at all costs, while others point out that it's a highly effective way to shed pounds. It's indisputable that the keto diet is an extreme one: it's designed to mimic starvation, cutting carbs and upping your intake of fat, and thereby cause the body to go into the metabolic state known as ketosis.
If you've been considering trying the keto diet, it's important to be aware of its potential dangers - especially because it can have adverse effects on people with certain medical conditions. According to experts, these are the risks associated with the keto diet.
Related: Is It Safe to Always Be in Ketosis? Here's What the Experts Say
I Consumed Fresh Ginger Every Day For 1 Week, and These Were the Results
I've always loved the flavor of ginger. Spicy and pungent, it is delicious in tea form and almost completely cuts the bitterness of vegetables in fresh juices and smoothies (adding ginger is basically the only way I can stomach beets in my juices). And while I've always known it's frequently used to aid digestion, I will humbly admit I had no idea the spice boasts such a sprawling list of medicinal benefits. The experts say ginger root is a stellar anti-inflammatory, improves heart health, eases nausea and motion sickness, helps expel free radicals from the body, and is even linked with lowering cholesterol.
If this spicy root has this much power, I just had to test it out. I decided to consume fresh ginger every day for seven days. While there are many ways to consume it, I opted to head straight to my juicer each morning for a ginger and lemon shot and continued my ritual with a cup of homemade ginger tea at night. Whipping up the tea is easy; you simply pour a cup of boiling water over a hunk of raw ginger and let it sit for a few minutes.
Related: Why You Should Add Ginger to Your Diet ASAP
I almost immediately noticed its digestive powers.
I'll be totally candid here: when it comes to bathroom habits, I've never been regular. Switching to a healthier diet certainly helped (healthier meaning I will never give up cheese), but even my favorite cruciferous vegetables can be triggers for cases of all-day bloating. The effect of fresh ginger was quick - by the third day, I was going to the bathroom at the same time every morning like clockwork. I also noticed a significant reduction in after-dinner bloating when finishing my meal (broccoli and all!) with a cup of ginger tea.
It eased my muscle pain post-workout.
I'm a huge advocate of the benefits of weight training for women, and I tend to push myself pretty hard in the gym. By midweek, I noticed that my onset soreness, while still present, felt noticeably milder than usual. I'm a firm believer in utilizing all-natural remedies in lieu of medication whenever possible. I use peppermint oil for headaches and drink raw honey when I have a sore throat. But for my workouts, I typically take two anti-inflammatory pills each morning to help ease the pain, and I can totally get behind the idea of drinking ginger instead.
Related: I Drank Ginger Tea Every Day For 1 Week to Stay Warm, and These Were the Results
I craved my evening tea.
Even for someone who loves the flavor, my morning shot was a tad too pungent for my taste. My juicer recommended adding other spices like turmeric, and in the future, I would, but I wanted to give this an accurate evaluation. But my homemade tea? Now that was a little treat I looked forward to each evening. In fact, as an added benefit, it even helped cut any late-night snack cravings.
Will I keep going?
While I'm not sure I will continue taking it in pure shot form, I definitely plan on ending my days with the tea. I couldn't believe how simple (and, frankly, how cheap) it was to make each evening, considering the holistic benefits I felt almost immediately. As I mentioned, drinking it right before bed reduced my urge to reach for a midnight snack, and if the small but mighty root continues to help my digestion and reduce post-workout pain, count me in. It might be summertime, but I can't wait to enjoy the scratch-made ginger tea in the colder months (with a little honey. . . maybe even bourbon, too).
An Expert's Guide to Intermittent Fasting For Beginners
There are a lot of diet options out there, but don't despair if you haven't found the right one for your lifestyle. Instead, consider giving intermittent fasting a try. I get it - if you're anything like me, the mere mention of fasting may send you running in the opposite direction, but I quickly turned around when I learned that intermittent fasting isn't synonymous with going hungry. Instead, the practice involves shifting when you consume your calories.
"The goal of intermittent fasting is not to decrease calories," says Sunny Brigham, MS, CNS. "You should still consume the same amount of calories, just in a smaller period of time throughout the day. Many people do it wrong by reducing calories while fasting."
Ready to get started? We've got you covered. Here's how to incorporate intermittent fasting into your lifestyle.
Stretch, Recover, Relax: This Is How to Handle a Rest Day
tBest news ever! If you want to get stronger, you have to rest. Your muscles need time to repair themselves; this is when the strengthening actually happens. Stretching your worked muscles is really important on your chill days. Take 15 to 20 minutes to give your hard working body some TLC with this full-body stretching routine.
Here's the full routine, and do click here for a printable PDF of this stretching plan. Keep on reading for detailed explanations of each stretch.
White Chocolate Peanut M&M's Are Finally on Shelves, So Cue the Happy Tears
Classic chocolate M&M's will always reign supreme, but white chocolate fans are finally getting their moment. A new addition to the M&M's family, White Chocolate Peanut, is officially on shelves as of Sept. 14. Back in May, M&M's announced plans for the new flavor, and we've been waiting (not so patiently) for the arrival. Regular White Chocolate M&M's were introduced for the first time ever last year, and the new peanut version is the next glorious option. There's never a dull moment in the M&M's world - look out for a peanut flavor contest in 2019 that includes jalapeño and coconut.
Anthropologie's Holiday Decor Is Here, and We Want Every Cozy, Decadent Piece
Wave farewell to your savings, because Anthropologie has released holiday decor, and it's so damn whimsical and cozy we are losing our minds. From hand-blown embellished glass ornaments inspired by mermaids and cotton candy to luxurious faux fur stockings and tree skirts, Anthro is here to make your home a glistening Winter wonderland. It's a hygge holiday dream come true. See every single sequined, feathered, tasseled, and felted item ahead, and don't be surprised if you start humming Christmas carols under your breath.
50 States of Quirky Town Names
The United States is an interesting place, to say the least. With such a huge variety of people and culture and history, it's no wonder there's also a huge variety of interesting city names as well. Sure, you have the run-of-the-mill names like New York, but did you know there's a town in Utah called Virgin? Or a place in Georgia called Butts County? Those do indeed exist. For even more quirky city names, keep reading.
FYI, Amazon Has a Section Filled With Disney Halloween Goodies!
Do you love Disney? Do you love Halloween? If so, you'll need to have a seat, because we have some excellent news. We just discovered that Amazon offers all sorts of cool Disney Halloween products. Whether you need decor or something to wear, it truly has it all. We rounded up the best options you need to check out, so shop through them all and get ready for the best holiday of the year!
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