Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 25 octobre 2018
Meghan Markle's Bold and Beautiful Red Dress Looks Like a Stunning Tribute to Tonga's Flag
With the amount of outfit switch-ups Meghan Markle does in a day, her tour wardrobe must look like a colorful clothing rainbow. We've already seen a number of unique outfits from the Duchess of Sussex during her 16-day tour of the South Pacific with Prince Harry, and her Oct. 25 pick is an especially sweet tribute to Tonga.
Soon after saying goodbye to Fiji, Meghan used her time in flight to change from her jewel-tone Jason Wu midi dress to a bright red Self Portrait number, which complemented the shade of the carpet she walked and the country's flag. The customized long-sleeve gown features a detailed intricate floral details, as well as a belted waist. Meghan paired the ravishing ensemble with a her Manolo Blahnik pumps and Christian Dior clutch, both in navy. See more snaps of Meghan's outfit ahead, and then shop a few of her exact tour looks for yourself.
Meghan Markle Shines Brighter Than All the Royal Jewels in This Jason Wu Dress
Meghan Markle is saying goodbye to Fiji in style. The Duchess of Sussex and her husband, Prince Harry, stepped out in Nadi on Oct. 25 as part of their 16-day tour of the South Pacific, and Meghan opted for a Jason Wu sheath dress ($1,695) for the occasion. We've seen Meghan shake up her maternity style several times as part of this royal adventure, but this outfit is unlike anything else she's worn so far.
While Meghan's midi dress may appear straightforward at first glance, it actually features a unique pleated shoulder detail along with angular sleeves. She paired this Jason Wu number with gold Pippa Small drop earrings, matching bangles, and her trusty Manolo Blahnik pumps. Ahead, see more snaps of the sophisticated ensemble, and then check out Meghan's best style moments since becoming a royal.
31 Gifts to Buy When You Don't Know Her Size
Buying gifts can be tricky - even if someone is your BFF, picking the right size isn't always easy. Luckily for you, these simple but stylish gifts require no measurements at all. Glittering jewels, cool caps, sophisticated bags . . . there are so many great pieces stylish enough to make even the pickiest recipient happy.
You may think it's impossible to please everyone, but armed with the picks ahead, you just might surprise yourself. Start shopping now to find the gifts that are the easiest choices you just might ever make. Want more ideas for the rest of your list? We've got you covered with our ultimate holiday gift guide.
Put On Your Dancing Shoes With These 17 Glittery Pairs
Bring on the glitter. It's literally everywhere this season, from glitter makeup to glitter phone cases and everything in between. The most fun way to wear sparkle, in our opinion, is on our feet! Glittery shoes make us smile, whether we're picking pretty pumps or cute sneakers. Complement your sparkling personality with one of these adorable statement pairs.
14 Ridiculously Easy Halloween Costumes From Topshop
Choosing a Halloween costume often feels tedious and sometimes like a waste of money. But what if we told you that life could be a whole lot easier? Thanks to Topshop, it can be. We scoured the store for wardrobe essentials that can easily double as Halloween costumes.
From a polka-dot-print dress that screams Cruella de Vil to a cozy sweater that's the perfect shade of Cookie Monster blue, we're counting down 14 easy costume ideas you can wear well past Halloween.
I Gave the Bucket Hat Trend a Try, and I've Gotta Say, I'm Sort of a Fan Now
I'm a sucker for trying out new trends. Biker shorts? Tried it. Dealing with my fear of mom jeans? Done it. Pretending to be royalty and dressing up as Kate Middleton for a day? Yep, been there! So, when I saw that bucket hats were suddenly back, you better believe I started dreaming up ways to incorporate this retro piece into my wardrobe.
Funny story: I actually wore my Golf Le Fleur x Converse bucket hat earlier this year, and all my friends poked fun at me saying things like, "Off to vacation in the '90s, I see?" Ironically, everyone now wants to know how to give it a try after seeing it on the Spring 2019 runways at shows like Anna Sui and 3.1 Phillip Lim.
I ended up choosing three different styles of bucket hats - including a vintage Gucci hat from What Goes Around Comes Around ($650), my Golf Le Fleur sherpa hat, and a super cute plaid style from Bybabba ($40) - to really push myself out of my comfort zone and have fun with it.
My overall verdict is that the trend shockingly easy to style. Did I take myself seriously in some of these outfits? Nah. But, more importantly, did I have fun and would I wear them again? Hell yeahhh. Read on to see three easy ways I styled my bucket hats.
The 8 Big Denim Trends Everybody's Buying Into This Fall
Fall 2018's biggest denim trends are actually pretty easy to pull off, and that's because there's a flattering fit for every type of gal. Whether you're still all about the '80s and you prefer to wear a strong-shouldered blazer with tapered trousers and flashy heels, or you're a tomboy who loves a skinny pant with a racing stripe, there's a way for you to feel cool in your jeans. Some of our favorite supermodels and stars have already pointed us in the right direction with their street style, so now there's only one thing to do: shop! Read ahead to get the rundown on the latest silhouettes.
6 Years Later, Harry and Meghan Wore VERY Similar Outfits to William and Kate's in Fiji
How does that saying go? "Royal families that share outfit ideas together, stay together," right? Well, it's certainly starting to seem like this is an age-old proverb, especially considering the fact that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle just made an appearance wearing outfits that looked eerily similar to ones that Prince William and Kate Middleton wore during their own royal tour six years ago.
On Oct. 24, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex paid a visit to the University of the South Pacific in Fiji as part of their 16-day royal tour, and they dressed in fun, casual outfits for the occasion. Meghan wore a multicolored Figue dress with pom-poms and asymmetrical ruffles, which she styled with black Castañer espadrilles and a patterned clutch. Meanwhile, Harry emulated dad-to-be vibes in a light blue tropical shirt and navy pants.
As soon as the happy couple arrived at the event, we had flashbacks to 2012, when William and Kate wore outfits with the same exact color palette during their nine-day Diamond Jubilee tour of the Far East. Back then, while visiting the house of Governor General Frank Kabui in the Solomon Islands, the Duchess of Cambridge wore a pink patterned dress and espadrilles, while her hubby wore - yep, you guessed it - a blue and white patterned button-down. Little did they know, six years later and just a few thousand miles away on a nearby island, their fellow royal family members would seemingly emulate their style. Read on for side-by-side comparisons to see just how similar their outfits really are.
If You've Got a Party to Go to, You Need a Pair of Pretty Shoes
If you've been invited to a cocktail party, or somewhere you have to dress up, it can feel tempting to put all you effort into finding the right outfit and neglecting your footwear. We know we've been guilty of it. But, having an arsenal of evening shoes is a must for any well-rounded closet. Neutrals and metallics look appropriate with basically anything, and you can feel good about knowing that you'll get real use out of these picks.
Related: These Are the Heels I've Willingly Stood in All Day Long
These Holiday Dresses Are So Sexy, We're Weak in the Knees
Just when we thought we couldn't love Reformation more, the sustainable brand released its holiday collection filled with all the perfect pieces for your upcoming soirées. From sexy silky choices to mini metallic dresses, it will be hard to decide on just one because they're all so good. You won't want to drag your feet, either; we have a feeling they'll sell quickly. Keep reading to view the collection and shop.
48 Insanely Comfortable Shoes to Withstand Your Daily Commute
If I had a penny for every time I limped around in uncomfortable shoes, I would probably have $5. This season, as you start hunting for the perfect pair, be sure to get something that won't kill your feet. Whether you want flats, boots, or heels, we have you covered. We went on a mission to uncover the most stylish yet comfy pairs of shoes that will match with everything you already own. From supportive soles to low heels that make long days bearable, you'll want them all. Take a look.
Outerwear 101: The Complete Glossary of Coats, Jackets, and More
Blame it on the falling leaves (and the falling temps), but we've had a certain piece of clothing on our minds as of late: outerwear. And, as the blue skies turn to gray, we can always take comfort in knowing that there are chic and flattering options out there for us all.
After all, everyone has their go-to cold-weather piece - but just because you throw it on every day doesn't mean you necessarily know what that piece is called. Is your staple leather jacket a bomber, blazer, or moto? And is it even a jacket at all? Not to worry, we're here to guide you through outerwear 101 - class is in session!
- Additional reporting by Nikita Ramsinghani
Lady Gaga's Most Memorable Red Carpet Looks Will Linger in Your Mind For Years to Come
Lady Gaga's style is anything but boring. Since making her silver screen debut in A Star Is Born, Gaga has continued to prove that she's a total style chameleon on the red carpet. She's worn everything from a Valentino gown that had more pink feathers than a flock of flamingos at the zoo to a Victorian-inspired Alexander McQueen dress that's worthy of a queen. We've decided to take a look back at some of her most eye-catching red carpet moments and, yes, we've even included her jaw-dropping meat dress from 2010. Keep reading to relive all of her most memorable red carpet looks through the years ahead.
Our 31 Favorite Fall Sweaters of 2018 Are Cute and Cozy
As soon as there's a chill in the air, my massive sweater collection comes out of hiding. Much like shoes, you can never have enough sweaters. This year my pile of knits is going to turn into a mountain because there are so many pretty new choices. Whether you like a loose off-the-shoulder cut or a bold, vibrant pattern, you'll be impressed by these picks. They're both stylish and comfortable, so you'll want to live in these cozy options all Fall long. Take a look at our top sweaters for the season and stock up on a few before they disappear. They're equally great for work and weekends, so think of them as a smart investment.
Your BFF Will Lose It Over These 21 Adorable Gifts
Whether it's a birthday, holiday, or just because, it's always a good time to treat your best friend to a gift. We rounded up the cutest fashion, beauty, and home items any bestie would be thrilled to receive. The products come in a variety of price points so there's something for every budget. So give your BFF (or yourself) a few picks. Everyone could use a little surprise!
The 14 Editor-Approved Designer Sneakers on Our Holiday Wish List
Fashion girls everywhere rejoice at the emergence of hot new designer sneakers each season; they're so comfortable, add a cool-girl spin to any outfit, and are officially part of our wardrobe staples. Whether you're looking to buy a gift or to splurge on yourself, these 14 pairs have passed our tests. Think fun fabrics like velvet, platforms, and metallics. This holiday season, treat your feet to one of these chic picks.
You've Seen These Jackets Everywhere This Season, and Now It's Time to Shop
We're all about finding clothes that are both chic and comfortable, and that's essentially the definition of shearling. The material is so soft and warm, but fashion girls can't get enough of the modern silhouettes. If you're looking for a new jacket this season, make it one of these shearling picks.
Meghan's Glamorous Look in Fiji Features Something Borrowed and Something Blue
Meghan Markle's wardrobe continues to wow us on the royal tour, and she really upped the stakes when she and Prince Harry attended a state dinner on their first night in Fiji. After arriving on the island in style in a chic Zimmermann dress, Meghan switched gears when she slipped into the $1,431 Ginkgo cape dress by London-based label Safiyaa. Meghan looked stunning in the bright blue gown as she met VIP guests at the event.
The duchess also sported a dramatic pair of drop earrings that are said to be "borrowed" - though we don't yet know where from. Perhaps they're another item on loan from the royal jewelry box, or perhaps Meghan's friend and stylist Jessica Mulroney had a hand in hunting them down? Either way, they set off the dramatic gown perfectly. Take a closer look for yourself ahead, then shop Meghan's gown for yourself.
9 Velvet Dresses That Are Going to Be the MVP of Your Fall Closet
Velvet has come back to the collective consciousness as a luxurious yet ultimately wearable fabric. It's the perfect choice for a Fall outfit. This season, we're loving slip dresses and asymmetrical hemlines, plus rich, deep hues. These are the nine velvet dresses we can't wait to wear, and we think you'll love them too.
This 45-Minute HIIT Workout Will Help Shrink Your Belly
If you're looking to burn calories, lose body fat, and gain muscle, this 45-minute workout designed by fitness instructor John Kersbergen is all you need to maximize your gym time and effectively lose weight in the shortest amount of time. It combines cardio with strength-training moves, so aside from decreasing body fat, it also tones and defines your muscles. Warning: this workout is fast-paced and will leave you dripping with sweat!
This is a Tabata workout, which is a form of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which is proven to help diminish belly fat better than steady-state cardio. Each four-minute section of this workout involves eight rounds of 20 seconds on and 10 seconds off. What makes this workout so intense is that it's long: 45 minutes total! You get a one-minute rest every 12 minutes, so soak it up! Drink some water, catch your breath, walk around a little, and then get ready to rev up the intensity once again.
Equipment needed: jump rope (if you don't have one, just pretend!), medium- to heavy-weight dumbbells (five to 20), and a clock or Tabata app to help keep track of time
The Workout
| 0:00-5:00 Warmup | Repeat as many times in 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| 10 jumping jacks | |
| 10 forward backward lunges (5 per side) | |
| 10 plank jacks | |
| 5:01-6:00 | Rest |
| 6:01-10:00 Cardio | Repeat 4x |
| 20 seconds jump rope, 10 seconds rest | |
| 20 seconds mountain climbers, 10 seconds rest | |
| 10:01-14:00 Legs | Repeat 4x |
| 20 seconds air squats, 10 seconds rest | |
| 20 seconds goblet squats, 10 seconds rest | |
| 14:01-18:00 Arms | Repeat 4x |
| 20 seconds triceps push-ups, 10 seconds rest | |
| 20 seconds dumbbell thrusters, 10 seconds rest | |
| 18:01-19:00 | Rest |
| 19:01-23:00 Core | Repeat 4x |
| 20 seconds plank with bunny hops, 10 seconds rest | |
| 20 seconds v-sits, 10 seconds rest | |
| 23:01-27:00 Cardio | Repeat 4x |
| 20 seconds jump rope, 10 seconds rest | |
| 20 seconds mountain climbers, 10 seconds rest | |
| 27:01-31:00 Plyo | Repeat 4x |
| 20 seconds burpees, 10 seconds rest | |
| 20 seconds split lunge jumps, 10 seconds rest | |
| 31:01-32:00 | Rest |
| 32:01-36:00 Back | Repeat 4x |
| 20 seconds superman lifts, 10 seconds rest | |
| 20 seconds plank with row, 10 seconds rest | |
| 36:01-40:00 Butt | Repeat 4x |
| 20 seconds jump squats, 10 seconds rest | |
| 20 seconds deadlifts, 10 seconds rest | |
| 40:01-44:00 Cardio | Repeat 4x |
| 20 seconds jump rope, 10 seconds rest | |
| 20 seconds mountain climbers, 10 seconds rest | |
| 44:01-45:00 | Rest |
If you need a refresher, ahead is a description of each of the above moves.
After you complete this grueling workout and have peeled yourself off the floor, mobilize your muscles by doing this stretching sequence and get out the foam roller and do these moves.
What's the Deal With Alcohol and Ibuprofen?
If you wake up with a headache after a night of overindulging, sometimes figuring out what painkiller to take can make the headache even worse. Taking acetaminophen (aka Tylenol) can lead to liver damage, but take note: you're also not supposed to drink while taking ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen drugs (like Advil) are part of the anti-inflammatory drug family known as NSAIDs, which can cause tears in the stomach lining if taken on an empty belly. Add alcohol to the mix, and the potential danger is heightened. If you take ibuprofen when drinking more than the recommended amount for women (about two to three drinks), you increase your risk of stomach irritation and bleeding. This is especially true for people who are prone to ulcers.
But wait! Taking Tylenol when you're hungover isn't such a good idea either, and aspirin has its downsides too. Acetaminophen can lead to liver damage if you take it in large doses for more than a couple of days. Heavy drinkers who take acetaminophen and don't eat enough can overtax their livers. According to researchers at Harvard Medical School:
If you drink a lot of alcohol - say, on a Saturday night - and take a normal dose of acetaminophen to deal with the hangover in the morning, you probably are not going to have liver problems. . . . The trouble starts when regular heavy drinkers take a lot of acetaminophen over a period of time - several days, at least, and maybe longer. (In this context, heavy drinkers are defined as people who regularly have three or more drinks a day.) A drinking habit and a poor diet often go hand in hand. Multiple high doses of acetaminophen are more dangerous for drinkers partly because their glutathione levels tend to be low because they don't eat well.
It may sound like popping a few Tylenols after a night or two of heavy drinking can't hurt, but the risks associated with taking Tylenol after recreational drinking are somewhat blurry. A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory group found in a review of its database and a large liver failure study that the median dose that led to liver failure was between 5,000 and 7,000 milligrams of acetaminophen per day - scarily close to the current daily limit of 4,000 milligrams (eight extra-strength Tylenol). The FDA group recommended lowering the daily limit to 3,250 milligrams (or 10 regular-strength Tylenol pills a day) to help prevent accidental overdose.
So what's a hungover, headache-plagued gal to do - besides not drinking so much in the first place? Since the jury is still out on the exact effects of combining Advil or Tylenol with booze, it's probably best just to tough it out. While a recent study in rats found that coffee and aspirin are the best remedies for relieving hangover symptoms, it didn't look at possible alcohol interactions - and it is known that taking aspirin with alcohol can increase your risk of stomach bleeding. If you're looking to remedy a hangover, your best bet is to go natural with options like this fresh-pressed hangover juice or a yoga sequence to relieve your symptoms. Even better, help prevent a hangover the next time with these tips.
20 Ways to Chill Out and Help Stop Stress
It's been proven that exercise eases anxiety and depression, but some days require a little something extra. Here are some healthy habits that will help you keep calm and carry on during those super stressful days.
Can You Eat Whatever You Want on Intermittent Fasting? Here's What the Experts Had to Say
Some people believe it's not necessarily what you eat but when you eat it that matters. Those who practice intermittent fasting (IF) rave about the weight-loss benefits, improved digestion and mood, and ability to crush sugar cravings. Intermittent fasting decreases insulin levels and increases human growth hormone, which optimizes your body's ability to burn fat.
And while there are different ways to practice IF - some do the 16:8 method, where they fast for 16 hours and eat in an eight-hour window, while others do 5:2, where they fast for two days a week and eat normally the other five – many people are confused about what exactly they should eat during their feeding window.
It's true that intermittent fasting gives you a little more freedom to eat what you want. Since you are typically only sitting down to one or two larger meals, you can eat more calories per meal than you would if you ate three or five meals a day. "Technically, there are no diet restrictions with intermittent fasting," explained Kristin Koskinen, RDN. "It's an eating style based on food timing rather than diet composition."
However, there are ways to optimize your intermittent fasting for weight loss. Some people make the mistake of eating as much of whatever they want, including processed junk food, during their feeding window. If you eat in a calorie surplus, especially of empty calories and processed food, it will undo all the benefits of fasting.
"For optimal results with intermittent fasting, it's important to continue to drink plenty of water and eat nutrient-dense foods during the feeding times," Kristen said. "Food should be eaten mindfully and slowly, and without the mindset of getting it while you can or making up what you lost when fasting." If you're looking to eat healthier overall, she recommends starting by first cleaning up your diet before you try IF: replace processed food with whole foods, eat more plant-based, and cut back on refined sugars and sweeteners. With these healthy habits in place, then you can give intermittent fasting a try.
Summer Yule, MS, RDN, agrees that while you technically can eat whatever you want during intermittent fasting, that's not the best way to see results, especially if you are trying to lose weight. She said to eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. If weight loss is your goal, make sure you are still eating in a calorie deficit during your feeding window. Not sure how many calories you should eat for weight loss? Use this formula to calculate your ideal daily calorie target.
Before you try intermittent fasting, be sure you talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian, especially if you have diabetes, pre-diabetes, or another chronic condition. Many people swear by the benefits of IF, but it's not for everyone.
Try This Workout For a Natural Breast Lift
There is a connection between the classic calisthenic push-up and the push-up bra: they both give your breasts a little lift! Yes, you can get a perkier bust by working your pectorals, which lie directly under your breast tissue. We've created a quick circuit workout - it should take you under 10 minutes to do - that tones your chest to give your boobs a natural lift. The workout includes back exercises to improve your posture, so you can stand tall to highlight your perkier chest.
Directions: Do this five-exercise circuit three times, taking a break between sets to stretch your chest. Use weights between five and 10 pounds, and go heavier or lighter as needed.
- Lying chest fly: 12 reps
- Push-up: 10 reps
- Bridge with chest press: 12 presses, holding bridge
- Lateral plank walk: 12 reps, alternating directions
- Bent-over reverse fly: 12 reps
To learn more details on each exercise keep reading.
A 34-Minute Interval Walking Treadmill Workout That'll Actually Help You Lose Weight
Getting fit can sometimes feel impossible, especially if you have never worked out or used to and are struggling to build back endurance and get back into a routine. We get that! But what if we told you that you could walk your way into a healthier, toner body and weight loss? A short interval walking routine can do that for you, while also improving your health.
Before you say, "No way; I can't run," we're not referring to a walk-run interval plan. Our interval walking plan features steady state walking on a flat incline and interval walking on an incline to get your heart rate up. "Using a heart rate monitor, I found that my heart rate would get just as high walking on an incline as it did when I was steady state jogging without incline," said certified personal trainer Sarah Chadwell, NASM, who has used the technique in her own training.
Here's everything you need to know about interval walking and its benefits, and a 34-minute plan that'll get you started.
Which Is Healthier: Tofu or Tempeh?
Whether you're a vegetarian or not, everyone can benefit from regularly eating meatless meals. Non-GMO soy products are easy and healthy sources of protein that you can use as an alternative when trying to cut back on meat. They can also be added to recipes like smoothies or desserts to increase the protein.
Tofu is probably the most popular soy product, but tempeh shouldn't be overlooked. Check out this chart below to see how they compare.
| Tofu | Tempeh | |
|---|---|---|
| How it's made | By curdling fresh, hot soy milk with a coagulant | By fermenting cooked soybeans with a mold |
| How it's sold | Five-inch-size blocks, in five varieties: silken (used for creamy dishes), soft (great for soups), firm, and extrafirm (the last three are great for stir fries); packaged in water to help it stay moist | Flat rectangular pieces about eight inches long |
| Appearance | White, smooth, and wet | Brownish in color and dry; can see whole soybeans |
| Consistency | Soft, smooth, and spongy | Firm and chewy |
| Flavor | Has hardly any taste on its own, but when added to recipes, takes on the flavor of whatever you're making | Has a slight earthy, sweet taste |
| Calories in 1/2 cup | 97 | 160 |
| Protein (g) in 1/2 cup | 10.1 | 15.4 |
| Fiber (g) in 1/2 cup | .5 | 3.5 |
Although a little higher in calories, tempeh is less processed than tofu, and it's healthier in general because it contains more protein and fiber than tofu. If you've never tried tempeh, you can find it at most health food stores (it's refrigerated). Incorporate this soy product into your recipes by crumbling it up and adding it to soups, salads, casseroles, or pasta sauces. Tempeh adds a chewy consistency to your dishes along with extra protein and fiber.
Either way, both offer a healthy dose of protein for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Try this colorful Mexican quinoa salad featuring tempeh. If you're not quite a fan of the tempeh texture and you prefer tofu instead, try this tofu scramble with kale and sweet potatoes.
This 20-Minute, No-Equipment Circuit Is Clutch When the Gym Is Just Too Crowded
Nothing is worse than schlepping all the way to the gym only to realize that the entire neighborhood followed you there. And we all know that, no matter how long you stare at the woman on the elliptical who has definitely exceeded her 30-minute time limit, she's not budging. Still, a crowded gym isn't a reason to throw in the towel on your workout. (After all, showing up is the hardest part.)
This eight-move circuit from Nate Price, NASM-certified personal trainer and owner of Grit N Grind Fitness in Dallas, TX, hits both your upper and lower body, and can be done even if you're squeezed into a corner. Even better, you'll be done with your workout in just 20 minutes. Simply do each of these moves for 20 seconds at a time, resting for 10 seconds between each exercise. Then rest for another minute at the end of the round, completing the circuit a total of four times. That's it!
If You Want to Ditch Your Belly Fat Forever, Avoid These 9 Mistakes
Stress, genetics (Thanks, Mom!), and the types of food you eat all play a role in accumulating belly fat. If you've been struggling to lose fat in this area, we asked some experts to weigh in on the biggest lifestyle mistakes that lead to fat around your middle. After reading through this list of diet and fitness don'ts, you can start making some changes to ditch your belly fat for good.
If You're Doing Intermittent Fasting For Weight Loss, Avoid These 5 Mistakes
You've heard that intermittent fasting (IF) can help you lose weight when other diet and fitness plans have failed you. Before you jump on the IF train, there are some things you need to know if you want to be successful. We asked fasting expert Jason Fung, MD, a nephrologist (kidney specialist) and author of The Complete Guide to Fasting, to share tips when it comes to intermittent fasting for weight loss.
This Calorie-Saving Hack Makes My Cup of Coffee Taste Sweet Without Any Sugar
Since beginning intermittent fasting over a year and a half ago, I started drinking black coffee, since it's one of the zero-calorie beverages you can enjoy in your fasting window. So many people I talk to say, "I could never give up my coffee with cream and sugar!" Well, this little hack may help.
Whether sipping coffee from a mug or an on-the-go insulated cup, I sprinkle in a generous amount of ground cinnamon. After a good stir, I take a sip, and it tastes much warmer and sweeter than a bold cup of black coffee. It gives it a more decadent treat-like taste and makes me feel like I'm enjoying a cinnamon scone, when it's really just a zero-calorie (or practically zero-calorie), sugar-free drink.
My morning cup of joe isn't the only time I use this sugar-free hack. I sprinkle cinnamon on my Kite Hill unsweetened almond milk yogurt, on hot oatmeal or banana-sweetened overnight oats, on a slice of fresh apple, and on toast smeared with peanut butter. Aside from offering a subtly sweet flavor without sugar, cinnamon offers many health benefits. This spice is loaded with antioxidants and can help rid the body of cancer-causing free radicals. A handful of studies have also shown that cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with healing, chronic inflammation, and more, especially since diabetes and obesity are linked with chronic inflammation.
What's more, in a study that involved eating cinnamon rice pudding (can I sign up for this study?!), the spice helped regulate blood sugar levels and delayed "gastric emptying without affecting satiety." This could mean there's a link between cinnamon and weight loss. Cinnamon for the win! So try this coffee hack, and see what you think. It's a game changer for me!
I Made My Bed Every Day For a Month to See If the Hype Was Legit
About a year ago, one of my favorite trainers was gushing about a book called Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life (And Maybe the World). She went on and on about (as Marie Kondo would put it) "the life changing magic" of making your bed.
A few months later, I heard another friend talk about how making their bed was the most fundamental part of their self-care routine. "The f*ck?" I exasperatedly wondered to myself. "That sounds absurd." I don't know what about it aggravated me in particular, but I wasn't buying it.
Yes, I get that clutter and mess impact your energy. I also know that a clean and tidy space reduces my stress levels. But the claims around simply making your bed seemed preposterous.
It wasn't until I read The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg that I decided to be more diligent about the arrangement of my sheets and pillows. For the record: my bed was probably loosely made 60 to 70 percent of the time, properly made 15 percent of the time, and a back-up hamper/laundry bin the other 15 percent of the time. So I had a decently made bed for the majority, but I wasn't on my A game day in and day out. Lots of room for improvement.
I figured maybe it was time to at least try to be more consistent. Perhaps I really could channel my own Marie Kondo and make my room look like a subtly tropical, millennial pink CB2 catalog.
Let's just start with the admission: I was a hater, and I was wrong. There is something oddly powerful and transformative about this tiny, organizational tweak, and at last I see the light. Here's what happened when I decided to take the leap of faith and put in even the most bare minimum of effort.
A Trainer Explains Why You Aren't Building Muscle and How to Fix It (Workout Included!)
By now, you've probably heard that strength training is a great way to lower your body-fat percentage and build lean muscle, but there are a few caveats. If you never change the stimulus (exercises, reps, sets, and weight), your body composition won't change.
To help you get the results you're after, Australia-based trainer and influencer Shona Vertue shared an intense full-body workout on her Instagram. In her caption, she explained, "As a heavily generalized observation that I witness in gyms; men choose weights they can't lift properly and women choose weights they can lift too easily. The result is either injury (in the case of men) and/or no adaptation or results (in women)."
In order to see changes in your body composition, Shona said, "Choose heavy dumbbells that you can lift with good form." If at any point during the workout you notice your form is falling apart, use lighter weights. Now it's time to work!
The Full-Body Workout
"Repeat each move four times for 40 seconds on and 20 seconds off, with 60 seconds between each exercise," she said. If you want an extra challenge, Shona said to repeat the workout for a total of two rounds.
19 Self-Care Gifts That Give a Serious Dose of TLC (Starting at $8)
It's been a long, busy, action-packed, stressful year. And a great way to tell a loved one that you care about them during the holidays would be to give them some much needed (and likely long overdue) self-care. Whether it's a luxurious bath soak, a reminder to take care of their muscles (for that friend who's addicted to two-a-day workouts, we're sure), or some relaxing aromatherapy, there's a fabulous gift at every price point, starting at just $8.
Related: Meet the Sweaters That Only Look and Feel Expensive
S'well Launched a Line of Harry Potter Water Bottles So You Can Hydrate Like a Wizard
Even if you haven't just come off the quidditch field, it's important to stay hydrated. And what better way to make sure you're getting your daily amount of H2O than with a water bottle that shows off your love of all things Harry Potter?
S'ip by S'well released a new line of Harry Potter-themed water bottles, and they're damn adorable. If you're like us and still waiting on your letter from Hogwarts, these bottles are the next best thing to feel like a wizard while you're staying hydrated.
Plus, they're way cheaper than a Firebolt broomstick: each bottle is just $20. Like other S'ip by S'well bottles, each one features a leak-free top for added spill protection and is composed of double-walled, insulated stainless steel to keep your water cold from breakfast until your last potions class.
Read through to see all four designs. They're the perfect gift for the Harry Potter fanatic in your life.
Elizabeth Lost 15 Pounds and Ate the Same Breakfast Every Single Day (Recipe Included!)
Elizabeth Harty was a Division I athlete in college, but her fitness level changed significantly when she had knee surgery. "The recovery was very hard for me," Elizabeth told POPSUGAR. "It took me a year to get back running on my feet. When I was finally able to work out, I just felt like the surgery totally changed my body in terms of body composition."
She ended up gaining weight slowly but surely, until she realized she wanted to get back to her previous weight and fitness abilities. "I decided it was time to whip my body back in shape and feel more like me," she shared. "All I had to do was scroll on the Renaissance Periodization Instagram and I was sold."
The rest is history. Her starting weight was 135.6 pounds and she lost 15 pounds, ending at 120.4. "I didn't really have a weight goal other than losing weight and changing my body composition," she said. "I was doing RP for the journey and life-changing experience."
Elizabeth says she feels "better than ever." Most importantly, she said, "I did not ever feel like I was starving myself through this entire process!" Here are the details on Elizabeth's 15-pound weight loss.
We've Unwrapped the Calorie Counts of Your Favorite Halloween Candy
Who isn't tempted by a little fun-sized trick-or-treating candy? From the tiny Reese's Peanut Butter Cups to the Snickers bar you can wrap your hand around, there are Halloween candy jars everywhere these days. Go ahead and indulge in this tasty part of Halloween, just remember, the small little bites add up. Take a look at the chart below and see how your favorite fun-sized treat stacks up.
| 1 treat size (fun size) | Calories | Fat (g) | Sugar (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Musketeers | 63 | 2 | 10 |
| 100 Grand | 95 | 4 | 11 |
| Almond Joy | 80 | 4.5 | 8 |
| Baby Ruth | 85 | 5 | 10 |
| Butterfinger | 85 | 4 | 10 |
| Charleston Chew | 30 | 0 | 10 |
| Dots | 70 | 0 | 11 |
| Heath Bar | 77 | 4.7 | 8.7 |
| Hershey's Bar | 67 | 4 | 7.7 |
| Jelly Belly Jellybeans | 35 | 0 | 7 |
| Kit Kat | 70 | 3 | 7 |
| M&M's (Plain) | 73 | 4 | 11.5 |
| M&M's (Peanut) | 90 | 4.7 | 9.1 |
| M&M's (Peanut Butter) | 95 | 4 | 11.5 |
| Milk Duds | 40 | 2 | 6.3 |
| Milky Way | 80 | 3 | 10 |
| Milky Way Dark | 81 | 3 | 11 |
| Mike & Ike | 50 | 0 | 9 |
| Mounds | 80 | 4.5 | 7 |
| Mr. Goodbar | 90 | 4 | 7 |
| Nerds | 50 | 0 | 12 |
| Nestle Crunch | 60 | 3 | 7 |
| PayDay | 90 | 5 | 8 |
| Raisinets | 67 | 2.7 | 9.7 |
| Reese's Peanut Butter Cup | 110 | 6.5 | 10.5 |
| Reese's NutRageous | 95 | 5.5 | 7.5 |
| Skittles | 80 | .8 | 14.5 |
| Snickers | 80 | 4 | 8.5 |
| Snickers (Peanut butter) | 130 | 7 | 12 |
| SweeTarts | 10 | 0 | 2.4 |
| Take 5 | 100 | 5.5 | 9 |
| Twix | 80 | 7 | 8.5 |
| Whoppers | 100 | 4 | 13 |
| York Peppermint Pattie | 60 | 1 | 11 |
13 Printable No-Equipment, At-Home Workouts to Try Now
Lack of a gym membership is no longer an excuse for skipping workouts. Instead of relying on equipment, let your body be the gym. These 13 bodyweight workouts are effective, easy to follow, and plenty of fun! You can do these in the comfort of your living room!
New to Strength Training? This 4-Move Workout Will Teach You the Fundamentals
Weightlifting comes easy for some, but it takes a lot of practice for others. If you're ready to progress your workouts and add some weights to your routine, you've got to learn the basics before trying to perform advanced exercises.
If you've already got the bodyweight basics like squats and push-ups down pat, it's time to graduate to weighted exercises. One way to do that is by utilizing the Smith Machine, an assisted weight machine that will help you get comfortable lifting heavier weights when doing exercises like the bench press and squats. In my opinion, the main purpose of this machine is to learn how to move weight with control before advancing to the free weights.
If you're ready to start lifting heavy, continue reading.
The Workout
Complete three sets and the designated reps of each exercise before moving on to the next exercise. Take no more than 60 seconds of rest in between each set of each exercise. The rest in between each transition should be no more than two minutes before moving on to the next exercise.
If you're new to strength training, I recommend using just the bar, which is about 15 pounds. If this feels too easy, you can gradually increase the weight. You should be able to complete all the reps without feeling extremely fatigued, but it also shouldn't feel like you could do 50 reps of each exercise.
- Smith Machine squat: three sets of 12 reps
- Smith Machine row: three sets of 10 reps
- Smith Machine split squat: three sets of 10 reps (each leg)
- Smith Machine bench press: three sets of 12 reps
PSA: Walmart Now Sells Ranch-Flavored Cauliflower Fries, 'Cause Who Needs Potatoes?
Cauliflower has disguised itself in a bunch of our favorite comfort foods: pizza crust, gnocchi, mashed potatoes, and even stuffing. But just when we thought people couldn't get any more creative with the fibrous veggie, Birds Eye came out with a genius twist: Cauliflower and Ranch Fries.
The "fries" are made with cauliflower and sweet potato and clock in at 150 calories, six grams of fat, three grams of fiber, two grams of sugar, and three grams of protein. With 20 grams of carbs per serving, these aren't keto-friendly, but they do have fewer carbs than a traditional serving of fries; a medium order of McDonald's fries has 45 grams of carbs.
To make eating them even easier, these come premade and frozen so you just have to pop them in the oven to crisp them up. Birds Eye promises that these fries are made with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and that each serving size contains one serving of vegetables.
If you're looking for a healthier spin on your favorite comfort food, pick up a bag of these frozen fries. Intsagram user TheImpulsiveBuy found them at Walmart, so keep an eye on your local grocery store's frozen vegetable section.
A Fitness Trainer Shares the 5 Things That Finally Helped Her Lose Belly Fat
Do you feel like you've tried everything but your belly fat won't go away? It's one of the hardest places to lose fat. "Belly fat is often a sign of stress or insulin resistance," Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN, and founder of Real Nutrition, told POPSUGAR. "When you are stressed, your cortisol levels rise, which may lead to storing fat in your middle. Genetics do play a role here as well, so if your parent tends to carry weight in their middle, you might end up doing the same."
Personal trainer and strength coach Susan Niebergall has struggled with losing belly fat, so she understands how hard it is. "The changes our bodies go through as we get older can be frustrating. I know. I have been there too. But we CAN do something about it. Don't think this is it. That it's game over. It's never too late to make changes," Susan wrote in her Instagram caption. "As someone who completely changed my body in my fifties, I am here to tell you it works. It takes putting in the work, but it does work."
Although you can't specifically tell your tummy to slim down on command, Vermont-based registered dietitian nutritionist Maddie Kinzly, MS, LD, told POPSUGAR that you can see reductions in your belly fat and other areas of your body when you lose weight overall. Susan said, "The formula for burning belly fat is the same for fat loss in general." Here are the five things you need to lose belly fat.
I Fasted 16 Hours a Day For 1 Week - Here's What It Actually Felt Like
The first thing that comes to mind when I hear the words intermittent fasting (IF) is deprivation. It sounds virtually unappealing to a serial snacker like myself. After doing extensive research on IF, though, I quickly learned there's a broad range of benefits associated with trying this fast such as weight loss (especially stubborn lower-belly fat), lowering blood sugar, improving cognitive health and memory, decreasing inflammation, increasing energy, curbing sugar cravings, and the perk that sold me instantly: better sleep!
There are a few fasting protocols one could follow, such as the 5:2 plan (eat normally for five days while eating only 500 to 600 calories on the other two days); alternate fasting, where you switch between periods of consuming zero-calorie foods and beverages and actually eating whole foods; and the most popular fast, which I opted for, the 16:8 plan (16-hour fast and an eight-hour feasting period). I've tried 24-hour fasting in the past where I've failed miserably, so I was curious to see if IF would be any different.
Sydney Axelrod, an NYC registered dietitian at Mount Sinai, told POPSUGAR, "If we're constantly eating, then our body will always be in the 'fed' state, which tells our brain we don't need to use our stored energy aka burn fat. It's also great to take a break from eating so often so our bodies can focus on other processes, like regulating hormones, decreasing stress, and reducing inflammation". As a person who eats every hour on the hour, this poses a great challenge.
Another great challenge for me is maintaining muscle mass. I have a thin frame naturally, so I've been weight training for years to gain muscle and build strength. However, Korey Rowe, a certified personal trainer at Dogpound Gym, said, "You'll have to fast a very long time (72+ hours) for your body to begin breaking down muscle tissue. The key is to strength train in the morning (during your fasting period) to boost human growth hormone. That particular hormone shifts your body into a fat-burning state while forming new muscle and maintaining mass while experiencing favorable changes in body composition".
Below is a personal account of my week-long intermittent fasting experience:
Day 1: Am I Alive?
I woke up at 5 a.m. this morning out of pure angst at the thought of not being able to eat until noon. I made the executive decision to utilize my time wisely and take a Vinyasa flow yoga class at 9 a.m. I can't confidently say this was a great boss move because during the class I felt a little lightheaded, but I will say it did help calm my mind and take away from my hunger pangs. I ate my last meal at 8 p.m. last night, my yoga class was about an hour long, so finishing up at 10:05 a.m. took up a good chunk of time where my mind (and stomach) wasn't so focused on consuming food. I ate an avocado and egg sandwich around noon, chugged water religiously, and snacked on macadamia nuts around 3:30-4 p.m. I finished my night off with a cup of tea and Pop chips at 8 p.m. I survived the first day. I'm alive.
Day 2: Headaches Galore
I broke fast at 14 hours because I woke up with a knocking headache. I tried drinking more water, which didn't help much at all. In fact, it only made me more annoyed because I was getting up out of my bed every five minutes to use the bathroom. I ate avocado toast at 10 a.m. to help get rid of this headache, which did nothing. Also, I'm 100 percent sure I drank at least one gallon of water before noon to try to kick this headache, but the headache won that fight. I had a smoothie for lunch with a few handfuls of macadamia nuts. I didn't feel as hungry today as I did yesterday, which was weird for me because I'm always hungry, but I didn't force myself to eat. I listened to my body and ate what I felt was decent at that moment.
At 8 p.m., I ate a light spinach salad with eggs, shredded cucumber, a little pecorino cheese, and hemp seeds tossed in lemon zest olive oil.
Day 3: Feeling Refreshed
I woke up today feeling ah-mazing! I felt refreshed and well-rested, which for me is an absolute perk because I've always had trouble sleeping through the night. No headache, no hunger pangs. I think this feeling stemmed from the fact that I was not eating right before I went to bed. What I'm extremely impressed with is my lack in cravings. As stated before, I'm a serial snacker who can eat potato chips at any hour, any day of the week. The fact that I hadn't had a single urge to grab a bag is pretty darn impressive.
I broke fast at 12 p.m. I opted for two bananas and made a fresh green juice at home. I ate a full meal about 45 minutes later.
Day 4: Feeling Like the Hulk
I woke up with so much energy that I decided to take a HIIT class. I grew up a competitive athlete, so I'm not new to weightlifting by any means. However, I was hesitant about training heavy on an empty stomach. But I went in with an open mind and felt great. I was amazed at how much energy I had. I was able to increase my weight with no problem, I blasted through all of the circuits like a champ, and I felt energized the whole way through. No lightheadedness, no faint feeling at all. I peaked at drinking a gallon of water before 4 p.m., which is pretty impressive. I had more energy today than I've ever had before, which speaks volumes. Feeling amazing.
I broke fast by eating avocado and salmon toast with eggs, spinach, and pecorino cheese on a fresh baguette.
Day 5-7: Smooth Sailing
Now that I was in the groove, it went rather smoothly. Energy was at 100 percent and I felt lighter and more alert. I'm more mindful of what and when I eat, which is a game changer. I've learned how to control my desires and stay disciplined. I'm enjoying waking up and waiting a little bit before I consume food. There's something about having an empty stomach for just a little while that makes me more alive and conscious of what I'm eating throughout the day. I also think it's helped me enjoy my food more. I didn't lose any weight, but I do notice my body is a lot leaner and more toned. In fact, I gained a little more muscle, which is awesome. I'm sleeping sounder as well, and that's been the biggest perk. I believe my dreams are more vivid because my mind is clearer. I can see intermittent fasting becoming a part of my life, because the results are there - there's no denying it.
Articles
