Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
vendredi 23 novembre 2018
The Brilliant Makeup Trick Meghan Markle Always Does but No One Has Noticed
As we've watched her transition from TV actress to member of the royal family, one thing's become very clear: Meghan Markle has plenty of beauty tricks up her sleeve. Some she's borrowed from Princess Diana and Kate Middleton, and some she's established herself.
The Duchess of Sussex is known for her signature messy bun and a good dose of bronzer, but she also has a lip liner trick that you've probably never even noticed. Overlining the lips is nothing new, and the technique often gets a bad rap (thank you, the '90s), but recently the trick has been used in a far less obvious way, to make lips appear fuller without adding color. Markle has been doing this so subtly that it's barely noticeable, which makes all the difference in maintaining a natural finish. We asked celebrity makeup artist Nikki Wolff to share how to make lips look naturally fuller using liner at home, so keep reading to get all her top tips, and see all the photos of Markle making it look easy.
No Bath Tub? No Problem - Lush Is Launching a Brand New Line of Shower Bombs
I'm sure you already have a detailed list of deals and discounts you're planning to take advantage of once Turkey Day is officially over, but what I'm about to tell you is just too important to go unnoticed. In case you missed it, Lush is launching an all-new collection on the morning of Black Friday, so you may want to adjust your day-after-Thanksgiving plans and scurry on over to the nearest location!
Lush Moods is a new range of mood-transforming shower and bath products made with what the brand calls "the finest essential oils." The collection includes bath bombs, mouthwash tabs, a new bubble spinner, Naked Body conditioner, Vanillary body spray, and the most exciting offering of them all: shower bombs. According to a product description, a Shower Bomb is essentially like a bath-bomb-meets-soap - just take it into the shower with you and let it foam up before smoothing it over your entire body. It's perfect for anyone experiencing the FOMO of not having a bath tub. I don't know about you, but I'm already prepared to throw 10 of these in my cart. There's only one caveat: though the collection will officially be available on Black Friday, it isn't being offered at a discounted rate.
In addition to that, if you're looking to make an impact with your Christmas shopping, you can also head to any Lush location on Nov. 27, where the retailer will donate to three different charities for each Charity Pot sold in honor of Giving Tuesday.
Check out some images from the Mood collection below.
Feel Like Khaleesi With These Game of Thrones Beauty Products
Fighting a drawn-out war over the Iron Throne probably doesn't leave much time to focus on fashion and beauty for the characters of Game of Thrones. Fortunately for us, we get to watch their adventures from the comfort of the real world, where the unique and creative aesthetics of the world of Westeros have inspired countless style and beauty products for several brands.
If you're looking to add a little bit of Highgarden or Winterfell to your style, then you've come to the right place! We've put together a list of all the most amazing products inspired by Game of Thrones. While you wait out the hiatus until season eight, pick up one for your binge-watching buddy . . . and maybe one for yourself as well.
See the Explosion of Color That Is the New NARS Ignited Palette
NARS Cosmetics newest palette is a galactic explosion of color.
Inside the new NARS Ignited palette ($59) you'll find a spread of matte neutrals (including Hammamet I, Paul de Sophia, Noumea), metallics (like St. Paul de Vence and Supernova) and shifting shimmers (like Light Up, Ignited, Atomic, In Heat, Fired Up, Fuse, Pointe Noir). As a whole, the palette skews warmer; and with the buttery, buildable formulas with extreme color payoff, you can create an array of vibrant, cosmic looks.
We swatched the 12-pan palette for Swatch With Us, our weekly Instagram Series. Read on for an up-close look at all of the shades, available now on narscosmetics.com.
You Won't Believe What Went Into Creating the Whimsical Hairstyles For The Nutcracker
Whether or not you've seen The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, you'll no doubt have noticed the character's vibrant and unique hairstyles. During an immersive dinner with Disney to celebrate The Nutcracker, I quizzed the film's leading actress, Mackenzie Foy, on all things hair and makeup, and it turns out a lot more went into those hairstyles than it seems.
When it comes to makeup, Foy told me she didn't wear much makeup in the film - just a little concealer and blush - due to the Victorian time period. However, minimal beauty was pushed aside when it came to the land of the Four Realms, as stepping into their world came with equally fantastic hair and costume. Foy said curling her hair would take an hour and a half to two hours, so she would braid her hair in the morning beforehand so it could easily be put into a bun by the hairstylists. However, for the pageant, Foy explained, "they actually wrapped my hair around wires," which was twisted up with ribbons and pearls as embellishment. Talk about commitment to getting that updo right.
As for the Sugar Plum Fairy, played by Keira Knightley, the hair absolutely made the character. Misty Copeland, principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, said the beauty department at first toyed with the idea of making Knightley's wig out of pure candy floss but quickly realized that just wasn't possible. So instead, they settled on a candy pink wig with pieces of candy floss slotted throughout so Knightley could easily give the impression that the Sugar Plum Fairy was eating her own hair.
Ahead, get a closer look at the whimsical hairstyles from the movie.
The Ultimate Beauty Guide to the Best Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday Sales
Thanksgiving weekend is just around the corner, and that means that there is good food and even better deals ahead. Many of your favorite beauty brands are partaking in the holiday festivities, offering up coveted lip balms, nail lacquers, cleansing brush sets, and eye shadow palettes - all for a megadiscounted price. Read on for your ultimate guide to shopping Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and everything in between.
Fuel up on turkey, and let's get out there.
Glossier Has 20% Off Everything, So Add to Your Cart Quickly
PSA: Glossier has 20 percent off everything for Black Friday. I repeat: Glossier has 20 percent off everything for Black Friday.
You'll be truly spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding what to save money on, though. With each launch getting better than the last, including the latest Generation G reformulation, the Zit Stick, and the Glossier You Fragrance. The sale runs through from Nov. 23 until Nov. 26, so get adding to that cart quickly, because this is the only Glossier sale of the entire year.
Ahead, get a look at five of our favorite products that we'll definitely be stocking up on.
Kate Middleton Raided Her Mom's Gift Decoration Box For Her Hair, and We Love It
There aren't many times Kate Middleton has stepped out and we haven't had hair envy - after all, she's got more best hair moments than we can keep up with. But on Wednesday, she might have topped all of those moments by giving us serious holiday hair inspiration. The duchess wore her hair in a ponytail with voluminous waves and a velvet black bow.
The mom-of-three generally likes to keep her style and beauty simple to adhere to royal protocol. She follows Princess Diana's process and gets very minor haircuts, which Meghan Markle has started doing, too, and you'll never see her with anything but a neutral nail polish color. However, she uses accessories to embellish and even transform her looks. For this occasion, it looks like she's dug into her holiday decoration box and pulled out one of the buzziest trends. It also looks like she and Meghan Markle might have taken tips from each other, with the Duchess of Sussex sporting a no-fuss pony on the same day.
Ahead, see every angle of her ponytail, and get ready to bookmark these photos for inspiration for your holiday parties.
Related: Kate's Trick For the Perfect Classic Smoky Eye Is 1 You'll Want to Try at Home
10 Top-Rated Palettes From Sephora That Are Worth the Hype
If there were a makeup heaven, we think it would be Sephora. There's nothing better than wandering around the store and ogling at all the beauty goodies we want. One thing that particularly impresses us about the beauty retailer is its huge selection of makeup palettes. Whether you like a soft, neutral look or a bold, colorful one, there's something for you. We rounded up the top-rated eye-shadow and highlighter palettes that customers adore. Check out our favorite finds, and snatch one up.
My Face Has Never Felt Cleaner Than After I Tried This New Cleansing Duo
When I was growing up, all I wanted was to be squeaky clean. I shampooed my hair until I could hear the strands between my fingers, and I washed my face until my cheeks sounded like a squeegee on a shower door. Years later, I've found a product that replicates that feeling - sans the drying ingredients I was likely slathering onto my body each day.
The Cleansing Duo ($68) is the first and only (so far) product from Then I Met You, a new line by Soko Glam founder Charlotte Cho. After years of curating the best Korean beauty products, Cho set out to create something that would bring together everything she'd learned about skin care. Combining naturally good-for-you ingredients, the result is a two-step process that starts with an oil-based balm ($38) packed with olive oil, grape seed oil, and vitamin E, and ends with a licorice root and green tea gel cleanser ($36).
If you're familiar with double cleansing, then you know the drill: the first product sweeps away all the surface grime (makeup, dirt accrued during the day, etc.) while the second step is meant to penetrate deeper, cleaning out gunky pores and hydrating skin. Then I Met You's Cleansing Duo meets the basic requirements, but goes beyond what's expected.
The sunny yellow balm comes with a tiny tool - which I may or may not have accidentally thrown away - to scoop out the solid product. Once you rub it in your hands, it melts into a liquid, taking all the makeup and sunscreen on your face with it. I try to massage it around for at least a minute - not a hard task, since it smells like rosemary and grapefruit. If I were lazier, I might just stop there . . . but I want that squeaky-clean feeling.
The gel cleanser feels thick and heavy, but becomes malleable when mixed with warm water. Ever so slightly sudsy, it provides me with the satisfaction that I truly am becoming as clean (and hydrated!) as possible. The green tea and tea tree leaf calm my skin, while rice ferment filtrate brightens my complexion.
The one-two punch is exactly what my skin needs at the end of the day, and it's gentle enough to use in the morning, as well. If this is just the beginning of Then I Met You, I can't wait to see what comes next.
This $10 Leave-In Spray Is My New Go-To For Healthier Hair
The John Frieda Day Two Curl Reset Spray ($10) is my new go-to styling product for longer, less damaged hair.
Since I chopped my hair into a very short, asymmetrical bob two years ago, I've been on a mission to grow it back to waist length (the way I've worn it for most of my life). That means less heat styling and looser ponytails. I've been air-drying my wavy hair with leave-in creams that nourish and define my random patterns of curls and kinks, but since my texture does need richer formulas, I sometimes use too much when styling, making my hair look greasy.
It's hard to go overboard using the Day Two Curl Reset Spray. The nozzle dispenses a fine spritz that's easy to control. Once it coats hair, it never feels too rich and instead leaves hair feeling soft and moisturized, with no oily residue. When I first tested it, I sprayed it from root to end, then tied my hair into a loose, low knot with a velvet scrunchie (for less tug). Once I felt the product had dried, I dismantled the knot.
I was shocked to see how the spray, as fine and lightweight as it was, held my hair into beautiful waves. They were the kind of waves that looked like they were professionally heat-styled with a reverse-tapered curling wand (tighter at the top and feathering out toward the bottom) or like they belonged to a mermaid.
No heat was involved in the creation of this hairdo, cutting out a lot of stress that would make my hair break and keep me from my end goal of 1970s Cher-length hair. An added bonus: the blend of nourishing oils (acai and avocado) that defrizz and calm.
The entire John Frieda Day Two Revival Hair collection is available while supplies last on Amazon.com until its official launch in January 2019.
24 Spellbinding Harry Potter Gifts For Every Fan on Earth
There are an infinite number of ways to show your love for Harry Potter, and what better time to do it than during the holidays? If you're in need of a few gifting ideas, we did the hard work for you. From Hogwarts-themed bath towels to phone cases and wine tumblers, you'll have to be careful, or you might end up wanting a few for yourself. Shop these magical products ahead.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Nguyen and Ann Marie Alcantara
How to Have the Ultimate Harry Potter Day at Universal Orlando
Whether you're a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin, there's something for everyone at Universal Orlando Resort's The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There are attractions like the Hogwarts Express and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which immerse you right into Harry's world. The dining options will make you feel like you've stepped right into the pages of J.K. Rowling's beloved books. Don't forget your wand and meet us at Platform 9 3/4 for the ultimate Harry Potter day at Universal Orlando.
4 Things I Wish People Would Stop Saying to Single Women
I don't talk much about my personal life, especially on the internet. Why? Partly because I tend to be a pretty private person, but also because I'm a single woman in my 20s. Mentioning my singledom, whether to friends and family or in passing online inevitably leads to a slew of uninvited comments. It definitely doesn't help that I'm hitting that age where the people I used to eat lunch and talk about philosophy homework with are getting married and having children and posting it all over social media. And as genuinely nice as it is to have people asking about my life because they care about me, it's also a little much sometimes - and my other single friends seem to run into a lot of the same things. So what are some of the most common things I hear? Here we go.
1. "Let me set you up with my (friend/coworker/brother's roommate's cousin)"
While I appreciate the thought, I really wish people would stop immediately trying to play matchmaker. While blind dates might work for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, more often than not, they're awkward and forced and the parties don't actually turn out to have as much in common as the matchmaker thinks. Offers like these put me in an awkward spot: How do I gracefully decline without hurting your feelings or indirectly insulting your friend? If we're actually close enough friends that I would go to you for dating advice, I promise I'll ask you directly if I think that guy from your cooking class's group Insta photo is cute. Otherwise, please let it be.
2. "You must not be trying hard enough."
GIRL. Believe me, I have tried. I really have a hard time when people say this because it implies that dating is something like riding a bike or learning to speak French; an objective thing that can be "achieved" through sheer willpower and effort. But since you're dealing with complex things like emotions and other human beings with emotions and free will, dating is not anything like that. Some of the single people I know have tried endless dating apps and hobby groups and all the "right" things and are still single, while some of the happiest couples I know met with almost no effort whatsoever, like something out of a movie. You can't "try" to fall for someone or "try" to have a connection, either.
The corollary to this: I genuinely think people who say things like this don't realize how much pressure it can put on the single person they're talking to. For me, at least, I can get pretty up in my own head when it comes to dating, and it can be hard sometimes to remind myself that my single status is not a "failure" on my part, but a simple fact of circumstance. But when people say things like this, it puts me right back in that mindset - and that's not conducive to trying to date either.
3. "You're single? But you're so (fill in positive adjective)!"
Uh, thanks, I guess? I never know what to say with this one. It's like a weird backhanded compliment. But, surprise! Singledom is not the domain of the "flawed"; being single does not mean something is wrong with someone. Being attractive / smart / good at talking / whatever is not the only thing that's important in dating. I know you think it's a compliment, but from the other side of it, it doesn't really feel like one. Plus, it's super awkward to try to figure out a response to that. I can't say "thank you" because it's not really a compliment, but I feel like I should because it sort of is one. It's just uncomfortable. Honestly, I'd rather talk about something related to whatever that trait is - that way, I know you see me as a whole person, not just with the big label "SINGLE" above all else.
4. Anything about how unhappy I must be, aka variations on "Don't worry!"
OK, I'll admit it: sometimes I do worry about dying alone. I'm pretty sure everyone who feels romantic attraction worries, at some point, about never meeting the love of their life. But here's the thing: that doesn't mean life doesn't start until then. I'm passionate about my career and have a master's degree to prove it. I love my friends and family. I have hobbies I enjoy. Pop culture so often portrays romance as the "missing puzzle piece" or something like that, but I don't think of it like that. It's more like moving into a different sized apartment: there's nothing inherently wrong with a small one, life just expands in interesting ways.
The truth is, sometimes I'm unhappy about being single. The truth also is, sometimes I'm perfectly happy being single. There are even times when I'm unhappy and it has absolutely nothing to do with my relationship status. It's not a one-size-fits-all thing, and it's certainly not a small-talk topic of conversation. I get it: the people who say something along these lines really do care about me; they say it because they don't want me to be unhappy. Assuming I'm unhappy single, though, makes me feel like the other things I do aren't of value or aren't enough to make a person happy.
What all of this really boils down to is this: please stop making assumptions about me just because I'm single. A relationship is certainly something I want, but it's still super uncomfortable when everyone tries to give me unasked-for advice, and it puts me in an awkward spot because I know the questions and advice do come from a place of caring. But when it comes down to it, I'm so much more than my relationship status, and in most cases, I'd much rather talk about something related to my work or my hobbies or my friends. And someday when it's time to introduce a wonderful guy, I'll feel a lot better if I can feel comfortable knowing the first words out of my loved ones' mouths won't be "Oh, FINALLY!"
This 1 Hack Completely Saves My Sanity While Traveling With My Kids During the Holidays
Holiday travel is always crazy, but it's especially chaotic and stressful when you have kids. The traffic, the crowded airports, the rest-stops, the long lines, and did I mention the traffic? No matter how you get around during the holiday season, it's usually never entirely pleasant. When I was a kid, it was all about long road trips to visit family. And since I never enjoyed being in the car for long stretches of time, my mom came up with a genius idea to keep me entertained; every hour - if my brothers and I behaved - we would each get one mystery bag with some little activity inside that would hopefully keep us occupied until the next bag, and the next, until finally, we'd arrive at our destination. While I give my mom full credit on this one, I'm far too lazy to make individual bags for each of my kids for every hour we're in the car, so I came up with my own hack to keep them happy: road trip baskets.
The first time I used these [travel] baskets on a six-hour road trip with two kids, it was the easiest trip we'd ever taken.
My family and I mostly travel up and down the East Coast by car, but this one big travel hack could work for planes and trains as well. It keeps my kids occupied, keeps me from hearing the dreaded "Are we there yet?" question a thousand times, and ultimately keeps me sane on the usually dangerous roads full of other holiday travelers. Each child gets one basket, and inside are crafts, books, activities, and snacks to keep them busy for hours. I put them in an easy-to-reach spot and my kids can take out whatever they want whenever they want without having to ask me. The first time I used these baskets on a six-hour road trip with two kids, it was the easiest trip we'd ever taken. Since that trip, I've made countless baskets and am currently working on a few for the upcoming holidays.
I don't love giving my kids a ton of screen time, so plugging them in for a six-hour trip isn't very appealing to me. But there's a definite time and place for kids to lose themselves in a TV show or movie, and a long stretch of traveling is one of them. We use tablets as backups, but they aren't the main focus of the trip. I wait until the right time to pull movies out like when they're overtired or melting down in a traffic jam. But until that happens, their road trip baskets are the focus, and they really do love it.
The first thing I do to create these baskets is think about each child's current interests and what keeps them entertained. I pack some of their favorite books and toys, but also introduce new things to keep them intrigued. Once I've put together in my head what will excite them, I begin collecting things they might like. I shop on Amazon, hit the dollar bins at Target, and scour the Dollar Tree shelves for little trinkets, toys, puzzles, books, and games with not too many pieces that will get lost in car seats. Big hits have included dry erase boards (bonus if it's magnetic), mini action figures, interlocking blocks or beads, interactive books (electronic or pop-up/pull-out pages), magnetic tiles, water paint books, and road trip bingo boards.
We also head to the library before the trip and I let the kids pick out books on CD that they can play on the DVD player and follow along with. Another thing my oldest really enjoys is her very own road trip binder. For this, I bought a three-ring binder with sheet protectors and a few three-ring pencil cases which I loaded up with new crayons and markers. I filled the sheet protectors with pages I printed off the internet or tore from an age-appropriate workbook like mazes, I-Spy pictures, or connect-the-dot pages. Because they can be wiped off, the sheet protectors provide a place for the kids to do a page more than once or erase mistakes. Behind the sheet protector pages, I also put in some blank construction paper and another pencil case filled with stickers, stamps, and fun rolls of tape for them to create whatever they want.
When it comes to traveling with kids, snacks are key, and I always make sure to pack goodies in their baskets. I try to make it a mix of their go-to snacks and some things they aren't usually allowed to have. It's a balance of salty and sweet, so there's always something they're in the mood for and they can't tell me there's nothing they want (well, they could, but spicing up the snack department helps curb the hunger complaints).
The road trip baskets have been a traveling lifesaver for us, and they're so easy to recreate with your own unique spin. It could be a backpack full of things for a long flight or a bag for each child to rummage through on a long train ride. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor everything to each child. It's also pretty fun keeping everything a surprise until the kids are packed up and ready for travel. If I'm ever worried they'll blow through everything quickly because they're so excited to see all the new things in the basket, I keep a few things in a bag in the front seat with me, because this mom has always got a few tricks up her sleeve.
This Is Why It Feels So Good to Give Back
I still remember the moment I made the conscious decision to spend the holidays helping others instead of spending it with my family. I was just out of college, and I decided that I wanted my holidays to instead be a time of giving back - a time where I tried my best to help those in need. One Thanksgiving, when the soup kitchen was not accepting any more volunteers, I decided to buy holiday meals at the grocery store and hand them out to people experiencing homelessness. I was blown away by how many amazing people I met while giving out food. Many of those people I helped told me I had made their day, but little did they know, they had made mine as well.
Like many of us, I have always been drawn to helping others. Whether it's by volunteering at soup kitchens, rescuing and rehabilitating countless stray animals, or making monetary donations to causes closest to me, looking for ways to give back gives me a deep sense of purpose.
Giving creates a special feeling; the words "elation" and "fulfillment" come to mind. While giving back is often described as "selfless," we all know that we also experience positive benefits from helping others and working in our communities. And science backs it up. In research done by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley it has been proven that pro-social generosity generates good feelings. Here are a few different reasons why we feel better when we are more giving:
15 Healthy Recipes to Use Your Thanksgiving Leftovers With
Thanksgiving dishes are great on the actual day and all, but leftovers the day after Thanksgiving? Best thing ever. Seriously, each Fall-friendly ingredient somehow gets tastier after a night spent in the fridge. Sure, you could go the traditional route and put the whole shebang on two slices of bread and get to work on all the uneaten pies, but considering you just feasted like this 24 hours ago, you may want to consider a slightly healthier option. Dishes like roasted brussels sprout polenta bowls, Paleo white turkey chili, and cranberry roasted butternut persimmon salad all pack the same amount of flavor, just with half the calories - and we're thankful for that.
Trade In Your Clunky Old Watch For These 11 Pretty Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers are a dime a dozen these days, but finding one that actually fits your style is a hard task. This holiday, throw out that clunky old one and treat yourself (or someone else) to a pretty tracker worth showing off. To make shopping easier, we curated a list of functional and cute choices, and some of them don't even look like fitness watches. Take a look.
18 Cool Athleisure Gifts They Can Wear Before and After the Gym
If you have a friend who pretty much lives in activewear, treat them to cute new pieces for their workout-inspired wardrobe. To save you time, we searched and curated a list of the cutest and most functional pieces out right now. From cool sneakers to cute gym bags, you might even end up wanting a few for yourself. Take a look.
This Is the Low-Sugar, Keto-Friendly Wine Halle Berry Drinks on the Keto Diet
Halle Berry has been sharing her fitness and nutrition regimen with us for the past year, and we still can't get enough of all her tips. From her favorite workouts to the ice cream she eats when she's craving sugar, we always look forward to her "Fitness Friday" series on Instagram.
Because her series has become so popular, Halle has created "Phit Talks" where she answers questions from her followers with her trainer, Peter Lee Thomas. Halle answered questions about her diet, and we found this one to be the most interesting: "Do you drink wine or any other alcohol? How does that work on the keto diet and being diabetic?"
30+ Stocking Stuffers Perfect For Your Fitness-Loving Friend
As fun as it is to wrap up a big, pretty box full of leggings or sneakers, sometimes the old adage is true when it comes to holiday gifts: good things come in small packages. Behold the best stocking stuffers for the friend in your life who loves to work out, whether they're a runner, a yogi, or a CrossFit junkie. From socks to dry shampoo to wireless earbuds, these products will help them achieve all their fitness goals.
- Additional reporting by Gina Florio and Dominique Astorino
According to 1 Trainer, These 4 Workouts Burn the Most Calories
If we had the time to spend hours at the gym, working on our strength and health, we definitely would, but you know how it is. Your busy schedules get in the way and you end up falling into a rut, doing the same quick, old moves just to get the workout over with. To really maximize the time you have for workouts, focus on those that burn the most calories by boosting your metabolism and leading to weight loss.
So what are those workouts that melt away calories? The ones ahead elevate your heart rate and lead to more fat burn.
16 Wearable Tech Gifts to Take Workouts to the Next Level
It's super convenient that the holiday season is so close to the New Year. Just when we want to make new goals, plan for future races, and conquer our biggest fitness goals, the holiday season can help. From water bottles to yoga mats, there are so many gifts that are screaming to be purchased. For those that want to take their exercise up a notch, we've gathered the ultimate list of wearable technology that will let the wellness guru in your life up their game and have the best workout ever. Whether they're a runner, a swimmer, an expert walker, or anything in between, there's something for everyone on this list.
If the Scale Makes You Feel Like Sh*t, Read This CrossFit Competitor's Inspiring Message
CrossFit competitor and coach Dani Horan posted this selfie of her six-pack and her adorable dog on Instagram with a caption that read, "Weight: Unknown. Height: 5'6". Daily Calories: 3200-3500+." She explained, "I've stopped weighing myself & focused more on how my body feels." While weighing yourself can definitely keep you accountable and be one aspect in monitoring your progress, it can also be detrimental if stepping on the scale makes you feel bad about yourself.
Dani added, "The scale can fluctuate so MUCH, for a million different reasons. And honestly, sometimes I would allow it to get the best of me. So I stopped weighing myself & started going off of Three Categories: Gymnastics, Bodyweight Movements & Strength." Celebrity fitness trainer, nutritionist, and New York Times bestselling author Harley Pasternak agrees and told POPSUGAR he isn't a fan of the scale. "I'm more focused on 'How do you feel?' and 'How do you look?'" he said.
Does this sound familiar? Do you weigh yourself often, maybe every single morning, and your mood for the rest of the day depends on the number that flashes back at you? It can be so disheartening, especially if you're working hard at the gym, eating well, getting enough sleep . . . and seeing the number go up. The scale is definitely not the most accurate way to measure your progress, and we like what Dani suggested: go by how you feel, what your body can do, and how strong and flexible you're getting.
"I'm not the leanest I've been for sure & that's OK because I feel healthy, strong & light! We get this idea in our head that we need to be a certain weight," Dani wrote. If you're taking care of yourself and feeling healthy and strong, then that's all that matters. Focus on eating whole foods to fuel your body for life, "whatever 'Life' is for you - Athlete, Mom, Golfer, Soccer Player, Runner...the list goes on."
"Let's stop trying to be a certain weight," Dani added, and we couldn't agree more. Who cares what the number on the scale says? Screw the stupid scale! It can't measure how badass you are, and if it just makes you feel like crap every time you step on it, then it's actually holding you back from being the best version of you. "Don't let that silly scale control your life. YOU'RE THE ONLY ONE IN CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE!" Dani wrote. We totally needed the reminder. BRB . . . throwing my scale in the dumpster.
Megan Lost 90+ Pounds and Healed Her "Bad Relationship With Food" Thanks to This Program
Megan Regalado tried a lot of fitness and weight-loss programs in an attempt to lose weight, but nothing really stuck. It wasn't until she discovered Beachbody that she found a way to turn her life around and get her health on track. Read her full story below.
"I have been a marketing director for the last six years and even worked for a fitness camp," Megan told POPSUGAR. "I struggled with my weight my whole life and after college gained a lot of weight. When I was 21, I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome. With PCOS, you're told that it is impossible to lose the weight. I felt doomed."
From there, Megan said she went through a "never-ending cycle of gaining weight and worsening symptoms." For a whole decade, she saw her weight go up and down on the scale. "In the last three years, I have had two children. This just made me lose more control of my body and weight," she shared. "I was starting to feel depressed and bored at home. I wasn't happy with my body or my mind."
One day while she was browsing through social media, Megan read a post from a fitness coach who posed the question of where you want to see yourself in the next five years. "I thought about my life for a minute. I thought about my three beautiful children - all of the energy they had. I thought about myself," Megan said. "I was amazed what my mind conjured: a happy, healthy, fit person. I was loving my body and loving my life. I had enough energy to chase around my kids, and I was able to support them in all of the activities they wanted to do." She knew she had to make a change.
Megan started with the 21 Day Fix from Beachbody. "I was nervous that with the size of my body, I would not be able to complete the workouts. I was worried about the cravings for food I had. I was worried with a full-time marketing job and three children, I would not have the time to be able to commit to a program," she admitted. But her coach helped her overcome all of those challenges.
Luckily, the fitness program was easy to work into her schedule. The portion-controlled food plan from 21 Day Fix helped Megan reestablish a healthy relationship with food. "I was eating more than ever and losing weight!" she said.
As for the workouts, Megan loved the 21 Day Fix workout program "because it only takes 30 minutes and the results are crazy!" Both her body and her mind felt clearer than ever. She's also used various other Beachbody programs, including Country Heat, Core De Force, P90X3, Beachbody Ultimate Reset, 3 Week Yoga Retreat, and Insanity Max: 30.
"Now I am [doing] 80 Day Obsession, and I love that I am able to do my workouts from home," Megan told POPSUGAR. "With three children, it was hard to get to the gym and work out. Now I can do my workouts from anywhere. No more drives to the gym!"
So far, Megan has lost over 90 pounds and has gone from a size 22 to a size 2. "It is so nice to not pay the price of plus-size clothes," she said. "Now, eating healthy is second nature and the workouts are part of my everyday routine. I still have struggles, but now I know the tools to help me manage my stress." Megan is most proud about the fact that this journey has been a long-term solution for her rather than a quick fix.
"My life has changed completely since I started . . . I feel better about myself. I am stronger, more confident, determined, and overall happier," Megan gushed. "I wake up with more energy for life. I have more of myself to give to the ones I love. I am fitting into clothes I haven't [worn] since college. It has just been a complete turnaround from the person I was before the program. I am now helping others to make life transformations for themselves."
Here's How to Transition From Antiperspirant to Natural Deodorant - the Right Way
If you've read all about the claims on the effects of chemicals in antiperspirants on your body and are finally ready to say goodbye to them and try a natural deodorant, there are a few things to keep in mind. Mainly, you should know the transition is not that easy, with a few annoying side effects that might make you want to quit.
Don't be alarmed if your body doesn't take a liking to the new product as quickly as your mind does. It turns out that there can be a transitional phase when switching from aluminum-based deodorants, which prevent sweating and smell, to aluminum-free and natural ones. So, here are a few things you can do to make the swap as easy as possible.
A Chef Explains How to Make the Crispiest Brussels Sprouts Ever Without Deep Frying Them
Pumpkin and butternut squash get all the attention during Fall and Winter (and rightfully so because they are both delicious), but my favorite comfort food during the cold months is a plate of roasted brussels sprouts. It's the perfect complementary side dish to a roasted chicken, vegan curry, or even Thanksgiving turkey.
But as much as I love brussels sprouts, I can never make them as well as restaurants do. Without fail, every restaurant I go to serves up a plate of brussels perfectly brown and crispy, while mine have more of a mushy and soggy texture - not exactly appetizing. And while some restaurants fry them or coat them in bacon fat, which of course makes them so tasty, you don't need vats of oil to make brussels sprouts crispy and delicious.
During a press trip to Cape Cod, Anthony Cole, executive chef at Chatham Bars Inn, revealed his secret for roasting the perfect brussels sprouts every time. "Use a very light amount of fat, then just put it in a really, really hot oven, like 450 degrees is what we do at home," he told POPSUGAR. "Lay the sprouts flat on a sheet tray so they're not piled up on top of each other, and just roast those suckers."
Making sure they are evenly spread out and not on top of each other is key. He also said to make sure you roast them long enough at that high temperature. About 10-15 minutes should be good, but keep an eye on them; when they start to get browned, caramelized, and crispy, it's time to take them out.
Chef Cole is a fan of olive oil and primarily uses it when roasting veggies. But for cooking at higher temps, he also recommends canola oil or grapeseed oil: lighter, clearer oils that have a high smoke point. You don't need a ton of oil to roast your brussels, but he said you can finish them off with a drizzle of olive oil afterward or top with roasted garlic or even roasted chickpeas.
And for the best brussels sprouts possible, start with a quality veggie. Chef Cole recommends hitting up the farmers market instead of the supermarket for the best, freshest options. Brussels sprouts are in season all Fall and Winter long, so make sure you hit up your local farmers market, and get to roasting!
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by Chatham Bars Inn for the purpose of writing this story.
10 Things That Happen to Your Body When You Overeat
We've all been there - you show up at the holiday party with the best of intentions, but before you realize it, you've taken down four glasses of wine, hit the buffet twice, and topped it all off with a slice (OK, two) of pie. It happens. While you may spend the rest of the day and into the next feeling not quite yourself and mentally beating yourself up for overindulging, Julia Sementelli, a Boston-based registered dietitian, has some sound advice.
She recommends simply carrying on with your life. While it "can be difficult to ignore the voices telling you to exercise for hours or restrict your intake to make up for it, that can just perpetuate the cycle of dieting, which will inevitably lead to overeating again. Occasional overeating is normal, and the 'blah' feelings you experience are only temporary."
Next time, the best way to stop overeating before it stops, according to Julia, is to "eat consistently throughout the day so that hunger does not have a chance to get to that hangry level. Be prepared with healthy snacks and aim to eat about every three hours."
The symptoms of overeating can be unpleasant, but luckily, there are some things you can do to alleviate the "blah" feelings as you wait for them to pass.
Why You Should Eat What You Want and Skip the Gym This Thanksgiving
Endless pies, casseroles, turkey, gravy - oh, the gravy! There are few things as tantalizing as the aroma of a warm Thanksgiving feast. It's the one day everyone looks forward to and knows it's not a meal worth holding back on. After all, how else are you going to be fueled up to take on the Black Friday stampedes?
We all come up with reasons we should indulge on Thanksgiving with reckless abandon, but do you even need to worry about how much you eat or if you "earned" your calories with a workout? According to a recent study, eating a high-calorie meal won't harm your health and can actually be beneficial for your fitness goals. The experts also agree that one meal won't even come close to the caloric catastrophe you're imagining. That Thursday workout can wait, too.
Should You Worry About the Big Meal?
According to Raphael Konforti, Youfit Health Club's national director of fitness, one meal or day doesn't define you. "One salad doesn't make you healthy just like one delicious Thanksgiving dinner doesn't make you unhealthy." Konforti continued to say that health and fitness is about consistency more than anything. "Skipping one workout or trying to make up for a missed workout isn't a formula for success. Trying to calculate how much you'll eat at Thanksgiving and trying to burn it off with a workout just isn't smart or healthy. Think of Thanksgiving as a rest day rather than a day you didn't work out."
McKenzie Flinchum RD, LD/N, certified personal trainer and owner of Flexible Dietetics, added, "Indulging on Thanksgiving will absolutely not ruin your diet. In fact, enjoying the holidays, events, and festivities is all part of living a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Rather than overindulging and going overboard on foods that you might not typically eat as part of a healthy diet, eat mindfully and enjoy the foods you are eating." Instead of taking a little bit of every side dish because it's there, get a satisfying serving of the foods you really love (yes, including pumpkin pie). Flinchum also added that consistency and getting back on track the next day is key to not having regrets.
How to Beat the Thanksgiving Food Coma
Getting back on track and in a healthy mindset after Thanksgiving is the real key to success. "After a big Thanksgiving dinner, you can get right back on track the next day by focusing on a new day. There is no need to add extra workouts to burn off calories or skip meals; just go back to your normal healthy diet and workout regimen. If you found yourself eating a lot of desserts and high-sugar and high-fat foods, perhaps focus on consuming a lot of veggies and lean protein the next day while still eating to satisfaction," Flinchum suggested.
There's a good chance you wake up feeling groggy the day after Thanksgiving, but it's totally worth the good food, drinks, and company. According to Konforti, a light, cardio-based or full-body circuit workout is the perfect way to snap out of turkey hypnosis. "The key is just to get up and move, whether that means running around stores on Black Friday or getting in a recharging workout. The main goal for Friday and the days after isn't to sulk and think about everything you ate or didn't do. We're all human; move on and get yourself back in a healthy mindset with a fun workout." Konforti also added that having a large meal every once in a while is proven to boost the body's metabolism. That's even more reason not stress and a strategy we can definitely get down with.
In Case You Still Want to Hold Back
We get it - you've been working hard and still might not want to go totally crazy, or maybe you want to but need a strategy. For that, Flinchum has a few smart suggestions. "Make mindful decisions about which foods you want to indulge on rather than overeating everything just because it is there. Make sure to stay hydrated, put your food on a plate rather than pick at everything, and enjoy yourself mindfully."
Remember that even if you go in with the intentions of holding back but indulge, there is absolutely nothing to worry or feel ashamed about. Thanksgiving is about enjoying good food, friends, and family. Take advantage of this valuable time and worry about diet and exercise the next day - you've earned it!
Loneliness Can Sabotage Your Health, but It's Never Too Late to Make New Connections
While alone time now and then is a real blessing (Hello, bathtub and good book!), feeling alone all the time can pose some actual risks to your health. "There is a difference between time alone and isolation," Kevin Gilliland, PsyD, executive director of Innovation360, told POPSUGAR. "The most savage of all symptoms that we struggle with is isolation and withdrawal; it is terrible for us."
He echoed the idea that stepping away from time to time is energizing and refreshing, but that isolation "shows up in a number of psychiatric illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse."
Erica Patel, MD, of the University of Southern California, expanded on this. "Loneliness negatively affects physical and mental health," she told POPSUGAR. "Multiple studies have shown increased rates of depression and frailty; poorer cardiovascular health and decreased immunity; and an increased risk of premature mortality in people suffering from loneliness."
The antidote to this - human connection - may seem simple enough, but can be daunting for those with distance between them and their loved ones (physical or emotional), or who are otherwise struggling in the relationship department. "The Harvard Study of Adult Development is one of the longest and most fascinating studies of adult life that has ever been performed," said Gilliland. "I hate to summarize 75 years of data, but it's actually rather simple: meaningful, loving relationships are the most important thing to our physical and mental health - more than diet and exercise."
So what can you do? As it turns out, a lot. And no, we're not going to leave you with the "Just go make some friends!" advice and call it a day. Here are tips that anyone can implement, from experts and those who have overcome loneliness themselves.
I Choose to Spend the Holidays Alone Every Year - This Is What I Want You to Know
A scene of family and friends laughing around a big dinner table, drinking cider, and cutting pie seems to be the vision that is elicited when we think of the holidays, but for some people with unconventional families, like myself, the holidays are much more complex than that. For instance, I usually like to spend the season alone.
Don't get me wrong: throughout elementary and middle school, the holidays were my favorite time of the year to spend with family. I loved going to my grandmother's for Thanksgiving, and enjoyed seeing all of my many cousins on Christmas Eve. I am the oldest of four, and I can still remember the towering stacks of wrapped gifts surrounding the decorated tree in our apartment's living room. I would become so full of anticipation before the holidays that when New Year's Day rolled around and another festive year came to a close, I would cry hysterically while packing the ornaments. The way my family celebrated the holidays was like a dream, and I loved every minute of it.
My perspective on the holidays began to change when I entered high school. My parents had a very tumultuous marriage and my mother decided it was finally time to file for divorce. My father moved out of the house, disappearing for long periods of time and showing up unexpectedly, usually not acting like himself. I still remember that first Christmas as a broken family. My mother, now a single mother of four trying to do her best, begged me to help put the presents under the tree while she put my baby brother to sleep. I still can feel the surprise I felt when I went down to the laundry room to get the boxes that were hiding in one of the storage closets. They were unwrapped, and from the neighborhood church toy drive. A hot rush of sadness washed over me.
The more time went on, the more distant I became from the holidays I once knew as a child.
The more time went on, the more distant I became from the holidays I once knew as a child. After my parents' split, my mother moved out of state with my three younger siblings, my father went in and out of rehab, and I ended up living with my grandmother. There were no more Christmas Eves full of paternal cousins and cake - my dad's side was also severed. I didn't spend the weeks leading up to Christmas furiously making wish lists with my sisters, and there were no presents underneath the tree. Thanksgiving and Christmas Day were usually spent at one of my maternal uncles', where I would always feel like the odd one out, or like I didn't belong. Instead of crying just when the holidays ended, I would feel a deep sadness from November through the new year. It became my new normal.
Thankfully, this changed when I graduated college and moved into my own apartment. I realized that since I had my own place to live year-round, I could decide for myself how I was going to spend the holidays. One year for Thanksgiving, I went to the Native American Museum in downtown New York City and walked around the South Street Seaport. One year for Christmas, I stayed in my apartment in Brooklyn cat-sitting and watching Christmas movies while eating a festive spread for one from Whole Foods. I can honestly say these were two of the most relaxing, joyous holidays I ever spent. This is when I realized I was happiest spending the holidays alone, and figured out that it healed me. The possibilities feel endless when you have full control.
Spending the holidays alone, to me, doesn't feel depressing. It feels liberating. I find that my mind feels more relaxed, and I have a better handle on my emotions. Plus, it brings me happiness creating my own little traditions.
It's my choice to be alone during the holidays, and I want you to know that if that sounds like something you'd prefer as well, it's totally OK to do it. If you're on the other end, and have extended an invitation to someone spending the holidays solo, and they politely decline, it's fine - you don't have to press it. I can't tell you how many times people say to me, "I feel so badly you spend the holidays alone, isn't that depressing?" I am always confused. Spending the holidays alone, to me, doesn't feel depressing; it feels liberating. I find that my mind feels more relaxed and I have a better handle on my emotions. Plus, it brings me happiness creating my own little traditions. Before I spent my holidays alone, I imagined all the alone time to feel emotional and heavy, but now I know it's the exact opposite.
There is such a stigma attached to doing things by yourself, especially during the holiday season. It is important to remember that everyone heals and works through the effects of their past experiences differently. There is no wrong or right way to go about doing things, and if it means someone would rather spend the holidays with just themselves, then maybe they prefer to.
With another holiday season already here, I am once again faced with the question: what will I do? And I am planning on spending it how I always do - however I'd like.
If You Can't Get to the Gym, Do This 30-Minute Workout at Home - No Equipment Needed
This workout has got it all, and it is no joke! It's fast-paced and intense, and even though it's just bodyweight moves (so you can do it anywhere), expect to get sweaty and be sore tomorrow. There's cardio to get your heart rate up and burn calories, combined with strength-training moves to tone and strengthen your butt, arms, legs, and abs.
All you need are 30 minutes, a small place to move around, and your own body. This is the perfect workout to do while traveling. Since it's just a half-hour long, it's easy to squeeze into your busy schedule.
30-Minute Bodyweight Cardio and Strength-Training Workout
Directions: Complete each exercise for 45 seconds, followed by a 15-second rest. Slow down the movements if your muscles start burning, but try not to stop until the 45 seconds are up (you got this!). At the end of the 30 minutes, there is a six-minute stretching routine to make you feel relaxed and ready to take on your day.
| 0:00-5:00 Cardio | Do each exercise for 45 seconds, rest for 15 |
|---|---|
| Jumping jack | |
| Frogger | |
| High knees | |
| Burpee | |
| Side skater | |
| 5:01-10:00 Butt | Do each exercise for 45 seconds, rest for 15 |
| Around-the-world squat hop | |
| Squat with side leg lift | |
| Squat jack | |
| Single-leg bridge | |
| Elbow plank with donkey kick | |
| 10:01-15:00 Arms | Do each exercise for 45 seconds, rest for 15 |
| Triceps push-up | |
| Dolphin dive | |
| Up-down plank | |
| Plank with bunny hop | |
| Triceps dip | |
| 15:01-20:00 Legs | Do each exercise for 45 seconds, rest for 15 |
| Air squat | |
| Alternating forward lunge | |
| Wide squat with calf raise | |
| Alternating side lunge | |
| Side plank leg lift | |
| 20:01-25:00 Core | Do each exercise for 45 seconds, rest for 15 |
| V-sit | |
| Forearm plank hip dips | |
| Hip raise with leg extension | |
| Seated Russian twist | |
| Side plank dip | |
| 25:01-30:00 Cardio | Do each exercise for 45 seconds, rest for 15 |
| Ali shuffle | |
| Lateral bunny hop | |
| High-knee skip | |
| Plank jack | |
| Mountain climber |
Post-Workout Stretching Routine
| 30:01-36:00 | Hold each for 30 seconds |
|---|---|
| Child's pose | |
| Open revolved side angle (30 seconds per side) | |
| Cobra | |
| Butterfly | |
| Seated straddle | |
| Head to knee (30 seconds per side) | |
| Half wheel | |
| Happy baby | |
| Lying spinal twist (30 seconds per side) |
Keep reading to learn details on how to do each exercise.
Oprah's Favorite Things List Is Here - These 14 Health and Fitness Must Haves
According to Oprah, the holiday season has officially began. She just dropped her favorite things list, and we're already running for our wallets. This year, her list was filled with everything you could ever dream of and more, but we narrowed in on her favorite health and fitness products, so all you have to do it shop. From cool APL sneakers to a rose gold juicer and an electric bike, you're going to want it all. Take a look.
A Ridiculously Easy Way to Make Mashed Potatoes Healthier
Thanksgiving just doesn't feel like Thanksgiving if there isn't a huge plate of creamy mashed potatoes on the table. Filled with butter, cream, and more butter and cream, it's not exactly the most waist-friendly dish when you go in for seconds. A simple way to lighten up the dish without sacrificing flavor is to be picky about what variety of potato you use.
Instead of oft-used Russet potatoes, go for Yukon Golds or Yellow Finns. It might seem peculiar that switching out the type of potato makes a difference, but these smaller varieties are naturally creamy and sweet, and their skins taste like butter, which allows you to cut down on the amount of butter and cream you would normally add to the dish. When shopping for Yukon Golds or Yellow Finns, look for smaller ones that aren't much bigger than one inch in diameter. Also, the more yellow the potato, the better: it's the vitamin A contained in the skin that give these potatoes their golden hue. There's potassium in the skin too, so when making your mashed potatoes, don't peel! Since the skins are pretty thin in these potato varieties, they won't detract from the creaminess of your dish when you leave them on.
More healthy tips for your mashed-potato endeavors:
- For added nutrition, add sweet potatoes to mashed potatoes.
- Substitute reduced fat or lowfat milk for the cream, or try making them with evaporated skim milk instead.
- Cut back on salt by seasoning mashed potatoes with garlic, onion, and herbs.
- Omit dairy altogether and mash in chicken broth instead.
- To lower the carb counts in your potatoes, substitute some cauliflower for the potatoes in the recipe.
20 Reasons Friends Always Had the Best Thanksgiving Episodes
We learned so many lessons about life, love, and relationships during the decade-long run of one of TV's most iconic shows, Friends. That's why it comes as no surprise that every year, the Friends Thanksgiving episode gave us a hefty dose of wisdom and truth (and they're all on Netflix!). Our favorite group of buddies always seemed to encapsulate the love, gratitude, madness, and dysfunction that all rolls into one big, crazy holiday. Since the holiday is coming up, we're taking a look back at our favorite Friends Thanksgiving moments and what we learned while we laughed.
The First Trailer For Disney's Live-Action Lion King Reboot Is Unbelievably Cute
Hear Simba roar! The first teaser for Disney's live-action adaptation of The Lion King has officially arrived, so consider us excited beyond belief. The film stars Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Beyoncé, Billy Eichner, James Earl Jones, and more in the film's biggest roles. In the brief footage above, we see a glimpse of young Simba - who's unbearably cute! - getting lifted for all to see by Rafiki on Pride Rock, in a re-creation of one of the 1994 animated film's most iconic moments.
Unsurprisingly, the CGI is perfection, which has us even more excited for it to come out. Between this film, Aladdin, Lilo & Stitch, and all the other live-action Disney adaptations scheduled for release, we have so much to look forward to. Watch the first teaser above before it hits theaters on July 19, 2019, then check out all the other A-list actors who have joined the cast so far.
The Holidays Are Coming, and These Gifts Are Perfect For Any House Stark Fan
Winter is almost here, and the wait for the final season of Game of Thrones is long. Luckily, there's another season that comes every year without delays or postponements: the holiday season! This year, we have the perfect way for you to ease your favorite Thrones fan's pain, specifically those who are hoping any member of the Stark family ends up on the Iron Throne. (I mean, with Sansa, Arya, and Jon Snow as strong contenders, their odds are pretty good.) Take advantage of your generous holiday spirit and soak up all these North-related products! There's got to be something to make the long, cold wait just a little more comfortable.
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