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.
mardi 9 octobre 2018
No, It's Not Witchcraft - That's Actually Dakota Johnson Dancing in Suspiria
We know that Fifty Shades star Dakota Johnson does not take preparing for a new role lightly (just check out the training regimen she underwent for Fifty Shades Freed!), but how exactly did she prepare for a role that requires years of professional training? In her upcoming film Suspiria - a remake of the 1977 supernatural cult classic by the same name - Johnson plays Susie Bannion, an American ballerina who transfers to a prestigious dance academy in Germany, only to realize that her new school has a dark history of occultism and is responsible for a series of brutal murders. Assuming there was no witchcraft involved in the creation of this movie, did Johnson actually perform her own dance scenes?
As it turns out, she did! According to Johnson, she performed about 90 percent of the dancing done by her character in the movie. Though not a professional, Johnson has had some dance training (she took tap, jazz, and ballet lessons from ages 5 to 15), so picking up choreography wasn't a totally foreign concept for the actress. For anything Johnson couldn't handle, a professional dancer named Tanya was on set to act as Johnson's body double.
For Johnson, the scariest part of the movie wasn't the supernatural spookiness, but shooting the dance performances. "I trained on and off for about a year before we started filming, but I'm not a professional dancer," she told Entertainment Weekly. "It was terrifying." However, Johnson didn't let the demands of the role intimidate her. While filming Fifty Shades Freed, the starlet worked with a dance trainer before or after the day's shoot to get in practice time. "It was amazing to discover that I could do that with my body, but it was a lot of work, it was a lot of training," she said.
As well as working with a dancer trainer, Johnson prepared for the role with Belgo-French choreographer Damien Jalet, who created all of the pieces for Suspiria. Learning the choreography for the film involved three weeks of eight-hour-a-day intensive training in Italy, as well as additional training in New York while Johnson was on a press tour. From the trailer alone, we have a feeling that all of Johnson's work paid off, and we can't wait to see her dancing debut when Suspiria hits theaters on Oct. 26!
We Can't Wait For All the Terrible Things the Teaser For American Gods Season 2 Promises
The old gods are coming back! Almost two years after the first season wowed viewers, Starz's TV adaptation of American Gods is returning for its second season. At their New York Comic-Con panel on Friday afternoon, the cast and executive producer Neil Gaiman gave us a first look at what we can expect when the show returns in 2019.
The second season picks up right where we left off in the first, following the epic showdown at Easter's party. Shadow (Ricky Whittle) finally knows exactly who he's working for as he and Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane) continue their cross-country road trip. The brief teaser gives us glimpses of the oncoming war between the old gods (including Yetide Badaki as Bilquis and Orlando Jones as Mr. Nancy) and the new (Bruce Langley as Technical Boy and Crispin Glover as Mr. World). Laura Moon (Emily Browning) and Mad Sweeney (Pablo Schreiber) go on an adventure of their own while, as Gaiman put it simply during the panel, "Things get worse for everybody in dramatically interesting ways."
While the teaser doesn't give an exact date for the start of season two, we do know it'll return in 2019 at some point! Given how the first season premiered in April, we can assume it'll be around the same time frame. Check out the full teaser above, and stay on your toes for more details as the season premiere gets closer.
If There's Any Reason to Rejoin Tumblr, It's to Read Lili Reinhart's Posts
Lili Reinhart is careful to keep major parts of her personal life away from the public eye. It even took months of speculation before fans knew for sure that she and Cole Sprouse are dating. Still, the two Riverdale stars never really confirmed their romance, and instead just post adorable photos and videos of each other on social media. However, true Lili fans know that they can get a deeper look into her innermost thoughts by taking a scroll through the actress's public Tumblr account.
Many of the posts on the account are poems written by Lili, but she's also used it to talk about certain issues. In October 2017, she squashed rumors that she was dating Riverdale costar KJ Apa, writing, "If a stranger's love life is causing you anger, frustration, or anxiety . . . please reevaluate your priorities. I also want to point out that there is a difference between shipping Betty and other characters, and shipping me with literally everyone I make eye contact with. There are so many other things to focus your attention and energy on."
A week later, she also used the platform to share her personal experience with sexual assault in light of the Harvey Weinstein allegations. "I'm not comfortable giving specific details about the situation because I don't feel it's necessary," she wrote. "All that matters is that he tried to force himself on me when we were on a date." She also opened up about how she was afraid to come forward, thinking that she would be painted as "dramatic and a diva," but she said that sharing her story is to support other women who are sexual assault survivors, noting, "I believe in standing up for yourself as a woman and coming forward about sexual harassment."
Recently, Lili has stuck to posting more of her poetry, and some even believe that there are a few references to Cole Sprouse. After all, the two are quite the lovebirds, so it's hard to imagine that such beautiful prose is inspired by anything or anyone else. The latest post simply says, "His voice is the only music I need to hear," which could be taken as a clue after Lili recently revealed in an interview with Glamour that Cole's voice initially annoyed her "and now it's grown on [her]."
So if you enjoy cryptic verses and idyllic writing, we recommend taking a deep dive into Lili's Tumblr page because, evidently, acting is just one of her many talents.
lundi 8 octobre 2018
Each Version of A Star Is Born Ends Differently - Here's How
Major spoilers ahead! You've been warned!
At its core, A Star Is Born, despite being made four different times, holds the same story throughout each iteration. It's about a man who struggles with a drinking problem who falls in love with a woman whose career ends up eclipsing his. Details change each time the movie is made - like how the original in 1937 was completely about actors and involved no singing - but the heart of the movie stays the same.
The 2018 edition, starring Bradley Cooper - who also directed it and cast his own dog in the film - and Lady Gaga, has definite modern takes, like the fact that the two meet in a drag bar. But the characters find the same ending in each of the movies, and if you haven't seen the 1937, 1954, 1976, or this year's film yet, then I suggest you close this page right now, because we're about to break down the storyline - including the endings - of each of the films. This is a good time to stock up on your tissues.
Will We Ever See Venom and Spider-Man Together On-Screen? It's Complicated
When it comes to comic book movies, fans just want to have their cake and eat it, too. There are so many great characters that fall under different production companies, but all we want is to watch them come together and fight like their illustrated counterparts do. When it comes to the recently released Venom, fans were hoping that the antihero's nemesis, Spider-Man, would show up for a brief cameo. Considering that Sony owns both the characters, it'd wouldn't have been surprising if they had. But because of the agreement between Sony and Marvel way back in 2015, a cameo was just not in the cards.
For those who need a reminder, Sony and Marvel Studios reached an agreement regarding the rights over Spider-Man a few years ago. Sony has owned the rights to the character since 1999 (along with 900 other Marvel characters), but Marvel Studios has wanted to put the web-slinger in their movies since they began the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Iron Man in 2008. Since Marvel Studios didn't want to pay Sony to use Spider-Man and a crossover would have been too expensive to make, the two studios reached an agreement that would benefit them both. Marvel was given the green light to integrate the popular, lovable web-shooter into their universe. They also earned the merchandising rights to Spider-Man. Sony, on the other hand, kept the rights. They reaped the benefits of a revamped Spider-Man while technically keeping him in their roster.
OK, but what does this mean in terms of where Spider-Man actually appears? Long story short, Spider-Man is currently part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He pops up in that universe in his own movies, as well as in the Avengers films. Other Sony-controlled Marvel characters, such as Venom, do not appear in those films - they belong in Sony's separate universe. Though Sony does own Spider-Man, it would take a lot of legal hoopla to get him into a Sony picture, and both studios would have to agree on all the stipulations. That's why, despite the hopes and dreams of fans, Spider-Man does not make an appearance in Venom, and Venom's origin story differs from the comics. That said, it's not impossible. Just unlikely.
So, while there is a slim chance that Spider-Man might make an appearance in Sony's Spidey-verse one day - you know, if the studios could come to an agreement about it - it's highly unlikely that Venom would be able to join Spider-Man in an Avengers or Avengers-adjacent movie anytime soon. Though, if comic book lovers know how to do anything, it's to have faith in what seems to be impossible. After all, when asked if there would ever be an overlap between the two universes, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige said, "We never say never . . . but not any time soon."
Pete Davidson Has a Message For Kanye West After His Cringeworthy SNL Rant
Pete Davidson would like to set the record straight about Kanye West's Saturday Night Live appearance on Sept. 30 thankyouverymuch. At the end of last week's show, in which Kanye appeared as a musical guest, the 41-year-old rapper kept the audience in their seats and the cast onstage as he delivered an uncomfortable pro-Trump political rant while wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat.
The following Saturday, Pete visited the Weekend Update desk to discuss what he called "one of the worst, one of the most awkward things I've ever seen while working here." Pete talked with Colin Jost about Kanye's tirade, disputing the rapper's claims that he was bullied into removing his hat. He also encouraged Kanye to go back on medication, as Kanye recently revealed to TMZ that he'd stopped taking his prescription for his bipolar disorder.
"There's no shame in the medicine game," said Pete, who has been vocal about his own struggles with mental illness. "I'm on 'em. It's great." He also explained that "being mentally ill is not an excuse to act like a jackass." Watch the video above to get Pete's full account of what happened, and why it led him to demand we "Make Kanye 2006 Again."
Sarah Michelle Gellar's Reaction to the Buffy Reboot Probably Isn't What You're Expecting
Sarah Michelle Gellar spent seven years playing perhaps the world's most iconic vampire slayer (sorry, Van Helsing): Buffy Summers. Buffy remains one of TV's most nuanced female characters and is still deeply beloved over two decades after the Joss Whedon series first hit the air. It's because of that fierce legacy that it was announced in July that a new Buffy is about to enter the fray via a reboot from Whedon and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Monica Owusu-Breen, but the news didn't sit well with a lot of fans. Fortunately, the new take on the supernatural series is getting support from two very important people - Gellar and costar David Boreanaz, who played Angel to her Buffy.
While speaking to People recently, Gellar said she thinks fans of the original shouldn't be so quick to judge the new version, which will see a black actress stepping into the iconic shoes of the destined vampire slayer. "At the end of the day, it's all about great storytelling," she said. "If a story lives on, then I think it should be told in any incarnation it can be told in."
Boreanaz definitely agrees judging from his appearance at New York Comic Con this month, where a room packed with Buffy fans booed when the reboot was brought up. "Come on, guys. It's a good thing. Let's just embrace [it]," he said. "I'm very happy for them. They want to embrace a new generation, something new . . . I'm all for it. I think it's fantastic. Good for them. I hope that it becomes huge and successful."
The reboot is still in the early stages, and showrunner Monica Owusu-Breen has repeatedly assured the Buffyverse that no one will ever take the place of Gellar's character. "They can't be replaced. Joss Whedon's brilliant and beautiful series can't be replicated," she tweeted in July. "I wouldn't try to. But here we are, twenty years later . . . and the world seems a lot scarier. So maybe, it could be time to meet a new Slayer."
- monicaowusubreen (@monicabreen) July 26, 2018
Now that we know Gellar is supportive of the new iteration of the series, maybe we can count on her for a cameo? Or even a full-on role? She could be the new Slayer's mentor, à la Yoda. You know what? We're going to give Owusu-Breen a quick call . . .
Pippa Middleton Makes a Dress and Sneakers Look Like Pure Magic, but We Know Her Secret
Pippa Middleton seems to know just the thing to put on for a quick day of shopping. The mama-to-be stepped out for a weekend trip to COS in London, sporting a purple printed drop-waist shirtdress with a pleated skirt. Sure, Pippa has an eye for gorgeous pieces that flatter her figure and draw attention to her new glow, but she also has a secret for making these simple combinations work so well: trusty sneakers.
Pippa's go-to look as of late seems to be a roomy leather tote, functional for all her essentials, one statement midi that's made of something comfortable, and flats. While she could always up the fancy factor with a pair of espadrilles, Pippa's fashion motto could easily be "fuss free FTW." Read on to see what we mean, then shop some similar dresses we found if violet is your color.
Cheap Stocking Stuffers For the Mom Who Gets Her Sip On
Is there someone in your life who just lives to come home and open up a bottle of wine? That makes the gift-giving season that much easier for you. Whether you get them a bottle of their favorite red blend, a cheeky glass that will make them laugh, or helpful gadgets that will allow them to preserve their opened bottles, we found 14 useful stocking stuffers for the wino in your life. And the best part is that nothing is over $19.
It's Absolute Halloween-Sock Mania Over at Target Right Now - and They Start at Just $4
While the struggle to find the perfect Halloween costume each year is very much real - should you (or your kids) be a funny emoji or a popular movie character? - sometimes the easiest way to avoid the decision-making fatigue entirely is to take the easy route. Whether you're looking for a simple way to show your spirit around your home, the office, or even as you take the family trick-or-treating on Oct. 31, Target's assortment of Halloween socks might just be your answer. From Harry Potter options (of course) to glow in the dark pairs, here are 11 socks that are sure to treat your feet.
Related: Praise the Sanderson Sisters - Amazon Is Selling "Ugly" Hocus Pocus Sweatshirts
It's OK If You Don't Know What the Trendy Gifts Are - We've Done All the Work For You
There's a lot to do during the holidays. From pulling your decorations out of storage and setting them up to coordinating celebratory moments with the family, researching and learning about the toy market can feel like a monumental task. Whether you have a curious toddler on your hands or a picky preteen, here are 44 of the buzziest gifts for the season.
Disneyland's Halloween Treats Are Here, and OMG, You're Gonna Want to Try Them All!
Disneyland does Halloween right, especially in the treats department. This year, there's an exciting mix of new creations (hi, Coco-themed dessert!) and returning favorites that you won't want to miss. While the Halloween food at Disney World includes an awesome poison-apple cupcake and candy-corn milkshake, the Anaheim parks' creative offerings are just as noteworthy.
Between the food and the new Disneyland Halloween merchandise, you've got a lot of things to add to your must-see (and must-eat) list. Take a look ahead to see some of what's available at Disneyland and California Adventure starting this Halloween season, then check out even more on Disney's blog.
- Additional reporting by Tara Block
Disneyland's Halloween Treats Are Here, and OMG, You're Gonna Want to Try Them All!
Disneyland does Halloween right, especially in the treats department. This year, there's an exciting mix of new creations (hi, Coco-themed dessert!) and returning favorites that you won't want to miss. While the Halloween food at Disney World includes an awesome poison-apple cupcake and candy-corn milkshake, the Anaheim parks' creative offerings are just as noteworthy.
Between the food and the new Disneyland Halloween merchandise, you've got a lot of things to add to your must-see (and must-eat) list. Take a look ahead to see some of what's available at Disneyland and California Adventure starting this Halloween season, then check out even more on Disney's blog.
- Additional reporting by Tara Block
These 6 Zodiac Signs Really, Really Hate Being Alone
Sure, most people don't like spending too much time alone. I mean, it gets boring, so it's understandable. Yet there are a few signs that really, really hate it. There's that need to have attention, people around them, or simply someone to talk to, and when they're stuck in silence, with no one to hang out with, it can feel like every minute is lasting a year. If you're not sure if your "I hate being alone" tendency is average or to the extreme, the stars can give you a little tip-off. We spoke with an expert who shed some light on which zodiac signs can't stand solo time. Are you one of them?
If You're Tired of Regular Squats, Try This Bodyweight Fat-Burning Move
If you've already mastered the air squat and you're looking for a little more intensity, let me introduce you to the drop squat. Your glutes and quadriceps will be doing a majority of the work in this move, and because it's more explosive, you're going to burn more calories. And that is a good thing.
Drop Squat
- Stand with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders, feet parallel or toes slightly turned out.
- Jump your feet out as you lower into a squat. At the same time, bring your left hand in front of you, making contact with the ground. Your right arm should be relaxed, behind your back.
- Jump your feet back in, returning to the starting position. This counts as one rep.
- Repeat and be sure to alternate the hand that touches the ground.
- Complete three sets of 15 reps.
Disneyland's Halloween Treats Are Here, and OMG, You're Gonna Want to Try Them All!
Disneyland does Halloween right, especially in the treats department. This year, there's an exciting mix of new creations (hi, Coco-themed dessert!) and returning favorites that you won't want to miss. While the Halloween food at Disney World includes an awesome poison-apple cupcake and candy-corn milkshake, the Anaheim parks' creative offerings are just as noteworthy.
Between the food and the new Disneyland Halloween merchandise, you've got a lot of things to add to your must-see (and must-eat) list. Take a look ahead to see some of what's available at Disneyland and California Adventure starting this Halloween season, then check out even more on Disney's blog.
- Additional reporting by Tara Block
I Tracked Every Dollar I Spent For a Month - and Sh*t Got Real
For 30 days straight, I wrote down every single dollar I spent. Yes, I know - you're thinking, "Girl, you're cray." Well, you're right. I didn't just estimate the cost or round up to the nearest cent. I meticulously snapped photos of receipts, used notes on my phone, and took videos of myself shopping.
If I went into a coffee shop and grabbed an overpriced latte, I wrote it down. If I went into Sephora and spent $103.95 on acne scrub and exfoliating masks, I wrote it down.
It was enlightening, it was mood-shifting, and it was just plain hard.
Tracking your spending is like the equivalent of counting calories. Both practices make you question your decision-making skills, both can transform your life in unique ways, but only one can set you up for financial success.
Here are the five things I learned from tracking my spending for one month.
Related: We Stopped Using Credit Cards, and It's Not as Easy as You'd Think
10 Tips to Keep Your Pilea Plants in Their Best Shape
We love a good pilea plant, an on-trend indoor plant that even Joanna Gaines is a fan of. Pilea plants, otherwise known commonly as the Chinese money plant, are beautiful houseplants that are distinguishable by their small, flat leaves that grow in clusters. They love indirect sunlight, and look good up on a shelf or placed as a decoration on a table. They're basically a dream plant.
Although pileas are generally easy to care for, you can still sometimes run into a few hurdles. Christopher Satch, the in-house plant scientist and head of education at The Sill, gave us some expert advice for when these obstacles arise. Read on to learn more!
Related: 15 Houseplants That Can (Literally) Clean Your House
10 Tips to Keep Your Pilea Plants in Their Best Shape
We love a good pilea plant, an on-trend indoor plant that even Joanna Gaines is a fan of. Pilea plants, otherwise known commonly as the Chinese money plant, are beautiful houseplants that are distinguishable by their small, flat leaves that grow in clusters. They love indirect sunlight, and look good up on a shelf or placed as a decoration on a table. They're basically a dream plant.
Although pileas are generally easy to care for, you can still sometimes run into a few hurdles. Christopher Satch, the in-house plant scientist and head of education at The Sill, gave us some expert advice for when these obstacles arise. Read on to learn more!
Related: 15 Houseplants That Can (Literally) Clean Your House
This Is the Only Thing That Finally Helped Me Manage My Portion Sizes to Lose Weight
I don't count calories. Or macros. Or tablespoons of salad dressing. Or bites of dark chocolate. I eat a healthy, mostly plant-based diet, and feel energetic, satiated, and happy, so I never felt the need to.
I also do intermittent fasting (IF), which I delved into almost a year ago. I started about eight months after starting CrossFit, to help me lose a little stubborn baby weight and to help with belly bloat caused by overeating (it helped both!).
I did the 16:8 method, where I don't eat breakfast and stop eating around 7 p.m. It definitely helped transform my body, and I was pretty psyched about how I looked and felt when I hit my one-year CrossFitversary in July 2017.
But by the end of the Fall, I started gaining a little weight thanks to what I call "eating whatever the hell I wanted." It's a mistake many IF-ers make. Just because you're eating during a shorter window does not give you the liberty to consume a small family's worth of calories!
I was putting something into my mouth between six and 10 times a day!
Since I wasn't into tracking my calories or macros (it seemed too restrictive to me), I started taking photos of everything I ate. EVERYTHING. I realized that from noon until 7 or 8 p.m., I was eating all frickin' day. Not just lunch and dinner. I was putting something into my mouth between six and 10 times a day! I'm not lying.
I'd start off great. Big salad at noon, banana and cashews at 1:30, and a piece of chocolate at 2:30. I had a protein smoothie at 3:30, some pretzels at 4:30 since my kids were hungry, and noshed while making dinner at 5. I ate dinner at 6, snacked on the leftovers on my kids' plates at 6:30, and then nibbled on sandwich crusts and apple slices while making my kids lunch at 6:45. Around 7, I'd have a soy yogurt, a bar, or another banana with cashews (OK or maybe three freshly baked vegan brownies).
Holy hell! I uploaded the photos into an app called You Ate, designed to make you more mindful about your diet. I became more than mindful. I became downright shocked! No wonder I felt zero hunger during my eating window. Aside from eating nonstop, I also realized that I ate huge portions. No wonder I was gaining weight.
I took photos of my food for three months. I knew that every time I was about to put something in my mouth, I had to take a pic. It helped me plan my day of eating better, and to create more balanced, satiating meals. It helped me have more self-control about not eating just because I was bored, or because food was in front of me.
Once I started taking photos of everything I ate, within a month, I noticed a difference in the scale, how I looked (hello more muscle definition!), and how I felt (energized, in control, and happy!). I still take photos of what I eat and it's helped me stick with my goal of eating less often, of having lunch and dinner with one or two snacks or treats.
If tracking your calories or macros isn't your thing, try a photo food journal. And don't lie! If you grab seconds of mac and cheese for dinner, snap a shot! You can also use it coupled with one of those calorie- or macro-counting apps like MyFitnessPal, to help you remember what you ate, or if you like to track everything at the end of the day.
I'll add that if you have a history of an eating disorder, this could be detrimental to your progress. Taking photos of your food is only meant to help bring awareness to your daily habits to encourage a healthier, more balanced diet. It should in no way be used to make you feel crappy about enjoying your co-worker's birthday cupcakes!
These 6 Zodiac Signs Really, Really Hate Being Alone
Sure, most people don't like spending too much time alone. I mean, it gets boring, so it's understandable. Yet there are a few signs that really, really hate it. There's that need to have attention, people around them, or simply someone to talk to, and when they're stuck in silence, with no one to hang out with, it can feel like every minute is lasting a year. If you're not sure if your "I hate being alone" tendency is average or to the extreme, the stars can give you a little tip-off. We spoke with an expert who shed some light on which zodiac signs can't stand solo time. Are you one of them?
23 Fashion Trends From the '90s We're More Into Than Boy Bands
The resurgence of '90s trends has made us so thrilled, it seems, that we're not interested in letting the decade go when it comes to getting dressed. While recent seasons have given rise to '80s influence, too (hello, neon shades and kitschy heart earrings!), these days, we seem to be combining some of our favorite old-school styles for a look that's vintage, plain and simple. But if you want to know which silhouettes, denim washes, accessories, and iconic moments actually date back to the '90s, we gathered the most prominent answers ahead. You'll find a mix of original examples and modern-day twists, so buckle up in your time machine and let the inspiration take hold. Everything you see here is still to-tal-ly cool.
I Didn't Expect to Love This Fall Trend, but Now It's All I Want to Wear
I have to be honest, I'm usually a miniskirt girl because I think they make my legs look long. But this season, I've been seeing more and more midi skirts pop up, and I've kind of fallen in love with them. They are sleek and sophisticated but can still be whimsical with the right print. Plus, the addition of a slit or fun crop top can make them feel super sexy. Now that Fall's here, I'm so excited to make outfits with midi skirts. Just keep reading to shop some of our faves.
Instant Pot Your Way to Chicken and Dumplings in Just 7 Minutes
Imagine it's a cold wintry night and you've come home from a long day. You have a whole crowd to warm up and not much time. Here's a recipe you're definitely going to want to rescue you when that time strikes. Chicken and dumpling soup! Cozy, filling, creamy, and so decadent - everyone will be going in for seconds. Think of this recipe as chicken noodle soup's older much more mature sister. She's got a lot of depth, flavor, and texture that will send you over the moon. The best part is that it can all be made in an Instant Pot in just seven minutes cooking time. It's time to upgrade your soup and try this chicken and dumplings recipe out.
The Best Way to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
One of the highlights of Halloween is carving a pumpkin, both because it's a perfectly festive Fall activity, and because there's a delicious snack hidden inside these gourds. Instead of tossing out the seeds as you carve, reserve and then roast them; it's an incredibly easy process. All you need are the seeds, an oven, a half-sheet pan, some olive oil, and salt.
Shopping For a Suitcase? These Are the 7 Best Choices on Amazon
If you're on the hunt for a new suitcase, look no further than Amazon. The popular retailer carries an array of affordable and quality choices that you don't even have to leave the house to shop for. We found it all, from the site's own popular brand to names like Samsonite and Delsey. Ahead, you'll find seven worthwhile choices that are perfect for your next vacation. Keep scrolling to find your match.
The Top 25 Holiday Gifts That Will Be Flying Off the Shelves in 2018
Whether you like it or not, it's time to start thinking about the biggest task at hand for the holidays: gift shopping. We know it can be hard to find presents for the women in your life, so that's why we created the ultimate gift guide for you to browse through. These items are excellent for mothers, grandmothers, sisters, BFFs, friends, and any other gal you know. Whether she's a fashion girl, couch potato, techie, or makeup maven, we have something she'll be thrilled to receive.
Bow Down to Target, Because We’ve Never Seen Pet Costumes This Good
If you've been guilty of throwing an old bed sheet with two eyes cut out over your Golden Retriever and calling it a Halloween costume, your floppy best friend deserves better. Not that the DIY pet ghost you created previously wasn't adorable, but there are so many cute costumes available now, we implore you to take a look. Whether you want to transform your cat into a slice of pizza, or your dog into a bright rainbow, Target has the best pet Halloween costumes we have ever seen.
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.
20 Minutes Is All You Need to Fall in Love With This White Chicken Chili Instant Pot Recipe
Who says chili always has to be made with ground beef and tomato sauce? There are so many varieties of chili you can make that can be just as delicious and possibly even lighter. I think white chicken is amazing to try in your chili. Not only is it a leaner cut of meat, but you can even play around with the flavor profile of the dish, too.
Even though this white chicken chili is a play on the American classic, by no means does that mean it is not as hearty and warm to the soul. It's packed with protein, fiber, and, of course, lots of spices. So the next time you want to cozy up to bowl of chili, try this one out, and maybe it'll be a new favorite of yours. Bring the whole family together for this Instant Pot recipe too; that's if you have it in your heart to share something so good.
Want to Talk Dirty in Bed? These Women Share Their Go-To Words
If you're trying to spice things up in bed, using a little "dirty talk" can get things hot and heavy. Word choice can be really powerful, so you should totally play that up in bed. When you're talking about where you'd like to touch or be touched, it can get you both aroused pretty quickly. Yet, it's like an art, too, and needs to be done well to be effective. You don't want to say things that seem too aggressive or fake, and you want your words to fit in the moment, rather than come across as awkward. That'd be a major mood kill, right? Steal some of these "dirty talk" tips from real ladies, so you can work those words like a pro.
Want to Talk Dirty in Bed? These Women Share Their Go-To Words
If you're trying to spice things up in bed, using a little "dirty talk" can get things hot and heavy. Word choice can be really powerful, so you should totally play that up in bed. When you're talking about where you'd like to touch or be touched, it can get you both aroused pretty quickly. Yet, it's like an art, too, and needs to be done well to be effective. You don't want to say things that seem too aggressive or fake, and you want your words to fit in the moment, rather than come across as awkward. That'd be a major mood kill, right? Steal some of these "dirty talk" tips from real ladies, so you can work those words like a pro.
The Wellness Ingredient Your Skin Can't Get Enough Of
Honey isn't just a way to sweeten your tea, it's also a supremely hydrating ingredient that dry skin drinks up. Honey soothes, brightens, and moisturizes your complexion; no wonder so many beauty brands have incorporated this powerhouse ingredient into everything from thick moisturizers to glowy serums. If your skin is going through a transitional phase or just needs a little something sweet, you have to try one of these honey beauty products.
14 Glamorous AF Gifts For the Beyoncé Fanatic in Your Life
It may be hard to believe, but Destiny's Child hit the scene in 1997, which means our world has been blessed by Queen Bey for over two decades. That's an impressively long time to stay relevant, but tbh, we're not surprised at all. Beyoncé can do no wrong. We'll just go ahead and safely assume that you've got at least one friend who declares herself Bey's No. 1 fan, and lucky for you, we've put together a little shopping guide to help you choose the perfect gift for that person this season.
I Tested Orangetheory's New Heart Rate Monitor and It Makes the Workout 10 Times Better
It's no secret that I'm a fan of Orangetheory Fitness. I used the HIIT-style cardio and strength training workout to get in shape for my wedding, and it got me comfortable with lifting weights again. But in the nearly two years since I quit my membership, I have only taken the class a handful of times, usually when I'm traveling and the city has an OTF studio (and since there are more than 1,000 locations around the world, that's most places I travel to).
So when Orangetheory reached out to see if I wanted to test out its technology, I was pumped. I was still a little trepidatious about the running part after the treadmill tripping incident that shall not be named but knew it would be a good workout. After getting an intro to all the new technology from the chief technology officer and chief brand officer, we got to test it out during a modified 45-minute class. Here's what Orangetheory rolled out:
OTbeat Burn
When I first joined Orangetheory, the only wearable technology that was accessible was the OTbeat Core, which is the band you wear around your chest underneath your sports bra. It tracks your heart rate and uses that data to determine which of the five zones you're in: gray, blue, green, orange, or red. Shortly after, the brand introduced the OTbeat Flex, which can be worn on your forearm and also tracks your heart rate. Both of these devices are used to determine your Splat points (how many minutes you spent in the orange and red zones during class) and can track your calorie burn.
The new OTbeat Burn, however, tracks not only your Splat points and calories, but also your steps and distance. It can be worn on your wrist, forearm, or bicep. And you don't need to just wear it to class; your OTbeat Burn can track your data outside of the studio by connecting to the mobile app.
OTconnect
The other cool thing about the OTbeat Burn is that it syncs up to new screens on the treadmills. Each treadmill will come equipped with an iPad-size screen that picks up your name profile and data as soon as you step on. Just click on your name, and all of your data is in front of your face on the screen. As the workout starts, you can track your heart rate, total calories, Splat points, average/maximum incline, maximum miles per hour, and total moving time all on the screen in front of you - no more careening your neck to see the giant screen in the room.
This new system of screen is called the OTconnect and OTF is planning on adding them to the water rowers and eventually the weight room to track your stats throughout the workout.
OTbeat Mobile App
With the new OTbeat mobile app, members can track their stats after each workout and see their full performance summary. You can also join challenges and connect with other members on the app.
How It Impacted the Workout
So all this new technology sounds great, but what does that mean for the actual workout? I'm not being dramatic when I say it was a total game changer. Being able to see my stats in real time in front of my face totally optimized the treadmill portion of the workout. It also kept me focused so I didn't have to keep looking away to find my name on the giant screen in class (and with how apt I am to trip on treadmills, this made me feel safer).
I also loved that it had more stats than just my calories and Splat points. I can see in classes where you alternate between the treadmill and the rower having a cumulative number of how many miles you move will be helpful. Since I hadn't been to OTF in a minute, I burned over 500 calories, earned 23 Splat points, and moved 4,000 steps - a great workout!
I can only wait until this technology is available on the rowers as well and throughout all locations. Right now, I'll have to keep going to OTF in Astor Place in New York City to keep playing around with the technology!
A Trainer Told Reghan to Make These 2 Changes, and They Helped Her Lose 80 Pounds
Reghan Ellis's road to becoming healthy and getting in shape was long but well worth the time and effort. With the help of a trainer, some new friends, and a goal - to set a good example for her kids - Reghan was able to lose 80 pounds over the span of two years and keep it off for good. If you're ready to embark on your own journey or simply in need of motivation, continue reading for her full story.
This Buzzy Wellness Ingredient Is a Must Have For Pain Relief
Years ago, I started using arnica purely out of vanity; I'm clumsy and I bruise easily. There's nothing fun about accidentally running into something and then having to deal with an unsightly purple mark for the next week, but if you rub arnica on your injury, the bruise is either significantly less noticeable or altogether invisible. The trick is to be generous, especially with creams or gels. The more you apply, the faster you heal. If you've got some kind of pain or need to recover, these arnica products are going to be your best friend.
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.
15 Affordable Gifts For the Most Active People in Your Life, Because Workouts Are Expensive
If there's someone in your life who's passionate about health, a fitness-related gift is the perfect thing to get them, because you know it'll make them smile and they can get good use out of it. So this season, don't stress about gifting. Whether they're a serious yogi or starting to get into boxing, they'll love any one of these fun, affordable fitness finds - every item is under $50!
30-Minute Below-the-Belt Boxing Workout
Torch calories with this cardio boxing session from Equinox's popular class The Cut. Christa DiPaolo will lead you through a high-intensity workout to get your heart rate up and sculpt your lower body. Grab a set of light dumbbells if you're looking for an extra challenge. Get ready for a booty burner that torches calories!
Credits: On Anna: Onzie top, EleVen by Venus Williams tights, and Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) shoes. Christa: Goldsheep leggings and Nike shoes. On Nicole Body Glove top, K-Deer tights, and Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) shoes. On Kupah: 2xu leggings. Corkcicle water bottles.
I'm a 32G, and These Are the Only Sports Bras I Trust For Huge Boobs
My bra size is a 32G, which is nowhere near average. My tiny rib cage and huge cup size make bra shopping frustrating - especially when it comes to sports bras. Typical sports bras sized XS-XL absolutely do not give women with larger busts enough support. It's also hard to find anything out there larger than a D cup, let alone paired with a small band size. After years of experimenting with ill-fitting bras, I now have a rotation of brands and styles that truly cater to women with big boobs. Whether I'm relaxing into Child's Pose in yoga, running a half-marathon, or landing box jumps in a HIIT class, I have a go-to bra for everything. Busty women of the world, let this be your guide!
Why I Chose Orangetheory Fitness to Get in Shape For My Wedding
When I got engaged, I was excited to begin the traditional wedding planning process: finding a photographer, trying on dresses, selecting my bridesmaids, and, of course, the food and wine tasting (the best part!). But I was also dreading the pressure to lose weight and get in shape for my big day. My weight has fluctuated my entire life, and the idea of being unhappy with how I looked in my wedding photos, which will be around forever, gave me huge anxiety.
For me, it wasn't even about losing weight before my wedding - I didn't even step on the scale for the six months before my big day - but I did want to feel good, have more energy, and feel more confident in a sleeveless gown. While I was eating relatively well and exercising frequently, I knew I wanted to kick my fitness routine up a notch and find something I could stick to. So for the five months before my wedding, I joined Orangetheory Fitness (OTF). After previously attending a few classes here and there, I bit the bullet and signed up for an eight-classes-a-month membership at the Chelsea location in New York City. Here's why I chose OTF over other fitness plans to whip me into shape.
It's a Welcoming Environment
In New York, boutique fitness classes can be intimidating and cult-like. It's hard to try something new when the clientele are all supertoned, snobby, and literal models. To make matters worse, some of these workouts are taught by instructors who are more like drill sergeants than motivating coaches. Luckily, I didn't have that experience at Orangetheory.
The front desk staff was friendly and welcoming, and the instructors were positive and motivating. I even felt more comfortable around my fellow gym-goers; there was always a range of body types in each class, and every one was in a different place in his or her fitness journey. It made the workouts much more enjoyable once I got to know some of the regulars and could end each class with a smile and an encouraging high five. Plus, orange is my favorite color so the bright orange and white spaces just feel more inviting.
It Increased My Endurance
Before joining Orangetheory, running was my cardio of choice. I would usually start my gym sessions with 20-30 minutes on the treadmill, then hit the weight room. However, if I'm being honest with myself, I never really pushed myself with my running. I would always jog at a steady pace, never increasing the incline or speed. At Orangetheory, half of the class is a combination of running and rowing, and the other half is in the weight room. For the running portion, you constantly increase your speed and climb up on various inclines. After weeks of pushing myself past my comfort zone for my "push pace" and "all-out pace," I noticed my endurance increasing. I could run at faster speeds and handle tougher inclines, all with much more ease than I was able to previously. By the end of five months, I noticed a remarkable improvement from where I started.
I Got Comfortable Lifting Heavier Weights
I used to work out with a personal trainer, so I was familiar with lifting weights. I always incorporated strength training at least a few days into my normal gym routine. But I tended to stick to the eight- and 10-pound free weights and didn't often increase the amount I was lifting. At Orangetheory, however, instructors encouraged you to pick up something heavier. Before long, I was reaching for those 12- and 15-pound dumbbells and felt myself getting stronger each week. I even did some reps with 20-pounders, a feat I previously thought was impossible.
It Introduced New Workouts to My Routine
As I mentioned before, my gym routine was pretty basic and, frankly, getting stale. I returned to the same old treadmill workout and the same few arm, leg, and ab exercises. After taking a few classes at Orangetheory, however, I learned a few more moves I could incorporate into my solo gym sessions, since I was only doing OTF twice a week. I started incorporating more arm moves with dumbbells, exercises on the TRX, and ab workouts with disc sliders. I even upped my treadmill game and tried to mimic the format of an OTF treadmill workout, adding in sprints, increasing incline, and running at various speeds.
There Are Locations Everywhere
One of the biggest perks of being an OTF member is that there are locations everywhere. It's one of the fastest growing boutique fitness classes with hundreds of locations across the globe. Since I was getting married in my hometown of St. Louis, I knew I would be back and forth a lot through the planning process. Orangetheory has several locations in the St. Louis area, and I was familiar with the studios there; my sister had been a member for more than a year - she's actually the one who introduced me to the workout! - so it was a nice bonus being able to work out with her when I was in town. There's also a location in Charleston, SC, where I had my bachelorette party; basically anywhere I traveled, I knew I could find an OTF location nearby.
It's (Somewhat) Affordable
Since I was a home member at a New York City location, the fees were at a premium rate compared to other locations. It was $229 a month for eight classes, or about $29 a class. Other boutique classes in New York charge upwards of $35-$40 for a single session, and some similar studios offer unlimited packages for close to $500. Although $229 is a lot to pay on top of my regular gym membership, it was cheaper than hiring a personal trainer, which was another option I was considering in the months leading up to my wedding.
I Actually Saw Results
One of my biggest fears before my wedding day - besides someone tripping and spilling red wine all over my white dress - was that I would have worked hard for months before my big day and still not be happy with the results. After five months of regular Orangetheory workouts, I went down a dress size and saw more definition in my arms. Sure, I still struggle with body image issues and that didn't magically go away once I slipped on my dress and walked down the aisle, but I definitely felt more confident on my big day and wasn't afraid of the camera.
Although I'm no longer a member (for financial reasons), I still go back to Orangetheory about once a month or so, and always feel accomplished when I walk out of the studio.
Got 1 Can of Pumpkin? Make These 3 Healthy Recipes
Your recipe called for half a cup of pumpkin, so you put the rest in the fridge, vowing to use it for another recipe. A week later, you find your sad little pumpkin puree and regretfully throw it out, feeling bad that yet another leftover can of pumpkin went to waste. Consider your pumpkin puree problems solved! Crack open a can and make these three recipes - they add up to 15 ounces of canned pumpkin.
Gracie's 110-Pound Weight Loss Began With the Simplest of Exercises: Walking
Three years ago, Gracie weighed 240 pounds, and she knew it was time for a transformation. She now weighs a healthy 130 pounds and has become a leaner, stronger, happier version of herself. Her weight loss began with something completely unexpected, though.
POPSUGAR talked to Gracie about how she lost all that weight in such a healthy way, and she said she simply "started walking at high incline and low speed" when she began her journey, and her fitness level just grew from there. "It was difficult to run or jog at the very start without my feet hurting, so speed walking had to do!" Gracie said. "Eventually, I was able to add more intensity to my workouts with jogging."
When she was overweight, her diet wasn't in a good place, so she started making some changes there as well. "With food, I didn't go too strict on myself because if I had gone to strictly eating clean, knowing myself, I would've gotten tired of the meals quickly," she told POPSUGAR. "So I cooked the meals that I love, but found ways to make them healthier."
Over the next three years, Gracie gradually revamped her whole diet. Now she's able to say no to "temptation foods" like fast food or packaged goods, and she meal preps as often as possible. "These days, I am eating clean meals," she said. The healthier the food, the better she feels and the better she can train at the gym.
"Here are some examples of meals I have throughout the day: grilled chicken salads with balsamic dressing, white fish with brown rice and veggies, and egg whites and whole eggs in the morning," she explained, "as well as protein shakes."
Gracie also works her ass off at the gym, where she loves to lift weights. In one of her recent posts on Instagram, she wrote, "There's just SOMETHING about lifting weights. The way it makes you feel. The confidence it gives you. The energy you have leaving the gym. Just . . . everything. I love it💪🏻."
For anyone who feels discouraged about their weight-loss journey, Gracie advises, "My number one advice I love to give is always stay positive throughout the entire process and take it day by day! Never wait until Monday comes around. Start whenever because there will never be a more perfect time to start but NOW."
She has more than 500,000 followers on Instagram, so clearly she's inspiring many people with her incredible transformation. We can't wait to see what Gracie does next!
The Easy Eating Formula For Getting Rid of Body Fat
If you feel soft in the middle, you can either thank your mother for inheriting her blessed genetic predisposition for belly flab or your sweet kiddos who were created there. Whatever the reason, if you'd much rather have a sleeker midsection, as a mom of two, I can totally relate.
Although it's impossible to spot-reduce fat from specific areas, we've enlisted the help of Christmas Abbott, CrossFit competitor and author of The Badass Body Diet ($28), to help us ditch our pinch-more-than-an-inch tummies. As a formerly "skinny fat" woman who transformed her body through CrossFit and a dialed-in diet, Christmas understands how real women feel and also what they need to do to get the body they crave. "Food is your foundation, and fitness is the accessory," says Christmas. She believes that every meal and snack needs to embrace the macronutrient trifecta of proteins, carbs, and healthy fats to help reduce overall body fat, which will aid in reducing stubborn belly fat.
Christmas explains that all food can be categorized into a protein, a carbohydrate, or a fat. "You can't go wrong by dividing your plate into thirds and filling each section with a primo protein, primo carbohydrate, and primo fat." There are only two foods Christmas says to avoid - processed foods and alcohol - since these contribute to unwanted fat. If you want to know specifics about how many of each to eat, The Badass Body Diet outlines a diet plan based on your personal body type and goals.
What about exercise? Short, high-intensity training sessions are proven to help reduce belly fat faster than steady-state cardio. Below are some great examples of this type of workout.
- 45-minute walk-run-sprint interval workout for beginners
- 10-minute HIIT video from celeb trainer Astrid McGuire
- 60-minute walk-jog workout
- 7-minute workout that targets belly fat
- 20-minute full-body HIIT video workout
- 30-minute pyramid interval workout for the treadmill
- Tush-toning interval workout with hill repeats
And once the belly fat begins to dissolve, you'll want to reveal a carved, toned core with this 10-minute ab workout. Working out three times a week is great if you're starting out, then you can add additional days as your body becomes stronger. As a CrossFit competitor, Olympic lifter, and head trainer at CrossFit HQ, Christmas also makes a point that your workouts should be fun so you stick with them longer.
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