Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
samedi 22 décembre 2018
26 Genius Gifts Your Kids Will Love in 2018
If a birthday or holiday is coming up, we know gift shopping for your kids can get stressful. That's why we rounded up the very best options into one place for you this year. Check out these fun options and snag one for your child. Trust me, you'll be happy you did.
1 Mom's Stunning Monthly Milestone Photos Are So Good, You'll Want to Go to Michael's ASAP
After teaching art in schools and museums, Devon Meves knew that she wanted to continue to be creative after having her two children, 2-and-a-half-year-old Theodore - or Teddy for short - and 7-month-old daughter Scotland. But rather than heading back to the classroom, Devon started her blog, U Ready Teddy?, in 2016 as a platform to share art projects and educational activities with other parents. Though she loved doing crafts, the monthly milestone photos she took of her little ones started getting attention on social media for one reason: they're gorgeous!
"I try to think of an idea that is relevant for each month that makes the baby look like they are doing something they couldn't ordinarily do instead of just laying them down on a pretty background - like hanging upside down, cannon balling, or downhill skiing - I use a pair of footie pajamas or a doll to position where I will want the baby to lay and to make sure my spacing is right," Devon told POPSUGAR.
"I try to think of an idea that is relevant for each month that makes the baby look like they are doing something they couldn't ordinarily do."
Once Devon finalizes her layout, she climbs up on a ladder to get the perfect shot. However, getting a baby's attention is often impossible. In order to keep her babies in place, she often enlists the help of a photo assistant, because sometimes you just need an extra set of hands.
"Babies aren't always cooperative, so I have to just work with it," she explained. "Once they are mobile it is 10 times harder, and after about 10 months it sometimes takes a lot of bribery. You can usually count on a baby to grab on to a prop, so sometimes that helps and I have my helper stand on the side of the board where I want the baby to look. Sometimes my favorite pictures happened when I caught them doing something I hadn't planned on."
Read on to get a look at all of Devon's masterpieces so far, and try not to completely steal all of her amazing ideas.
We Found 14 Disney Stocking Stuffers on Amazon . . . All Under $21!
So we kind of have a (big) thing for Disney. What can we say? It's the best. This year we're on the hunt for fun and playful stocking stuffers inspired by the most magical brand on earth. There are plenty of cool items that adults can enjoy. Take a look at our favorite affordable options on Amazon and drop them in your shopping cart ASAP. With prices like this, they won't stick around for long.
Busy Philipps Is the Queen of Elf on the Shelf - Don’t Worry, We Won’t Tell If You Steal Her Ideas
Busy Philipps - mom to 10-year-old Birdie and 5-year-old Cricket - is crushing the 2018 Elf on the Shelf game as much as someone who's a slave to moving around a stuffed elf every morning can be. And since we're all stuck in this hell scenario together (OK, it's not that bad, but it's not great), we won't tell if you steal a few of her ideas to get you through successfully to Christmas Eve (some of them are supersimple!).
Take a peek at what Birdie and Cricket's elves have been up to this year - the slime-making is our personal favorite!
The FDA Is Encouraging Parents to Steer Clear of Teething Necklaces
On Dec. 20, the FDA released a statement warning parents about the dangers of allowing babies to use teething jewelry. The group said that certain teething jewelry worn by either adults or babies can have serious negative health effects.
"The FDA has received reports of death and serious injuries to infants and children, including strangulation and choking, caused by necklaces and bracelets often marketed for relieving teething pain," the report said. "The risks of using teething jewelry include choking, strangulation, injury to the mouth, and infection. Choking may occur if the jewelry breaks and small beads or the whole piece of jewelry enter the child's throat or airway."
Recently, the FDA got a report about a 7-month-old baby choking on a wooden teething bracelet while his parents were watching him. There was also another terrifying instance when an 18-month-old baby died from strangulation while napping with an amber teething necklace.
Rather than opting for an amber, marble, silicone, or wooden teething device, experts recommend "gently rubbing or massaging the gums with a clean finger" or getting your child a rubber teething ring that's not actually frozen, as it could damage the baby's gums.
Enough With Your Elf: This Woman Puts Her Dog on the Shelf, and She Deserves a Gold Medal
Just when you thought you'd seen it all with respect to the very demanding (but rewarding?) annual Elf on the Shelf tradition, a creative southeast Missouri woman upped the ante. Dog owner Linda Kush has ditched the elves entirely and instead, been dressing up her sweet Vizsla and Weimaraner in the decorative costumes. She posts fairly regularly on Instagram, and the images are too darn adorable. This is one habit we definitely want to copy.
Target Is Having a HUGE Pre-Christmas Sale on the Hottest Toys and Biggest Trees
I normally hold off until after Christmas to take advantage of huge postholiday deals and stock up on decorations for the following year, but Target is in such a gift-giving mood that I don't have to wait this year. The big retailer has taken 50 percent off all of its artificial trees - we're talking plush, prelit firs - and done the same on some of the year's hottest toys! So whether you've delayed on getting a tree or still need to get some Hatchimals for the little ones, here's everything on sale right now.
This 8-Month-Old Dressed as Elf on the Shelf Is the Cutest Darn Thing You'll See Today
Fresh out of Elf on the Shelf ideas and in need of some inspiration? Then allow us to introduce you to Renna, an 8-month-old who just so happens to be the elf of her household this year, making sure her parents are on their best behavior. Throughout December, Renna's mom, Jayme, has been dressing her baby girl in a red Christmas onesie and hat and placing her in various scenes like a real-life Elf on the Shelf. So far, she's been photographed sipping maple syrup, eating whipped cream in the fridge, and decorating her house with toilet paper, all while looking downright adorable.
"I started to share pictures of her on Instagram like any parent would," Jayme told POPSUGAR. "It started off with different kinds of bows; then I made a joke that I couldn't pick just one Halloween costume. This led to #Rentober, where I dressed her in 31 different costumes and posted a photo each day that month." After her fun Halloween photo series came to an end, Jayme's friends, family, and newfound Instagram followers were left pining for more cute photos of Ren . . . and thus, the idea of Ren on the Shelf was born.
Read on to see all the sweet photos of Ren looking like a pro elf (and don't worry - the Chick-fil-A ones are most definitely photoshopped!).
This 10-Year-Old Boy Made $6,000 Collecting Cans - See What He Did With the Money
There's a lot of stuff your average 10-year-old kid does in their free time. When not in school, they're likely tied up with extracurriculars, which can range from team sports to music, and everything in between. But what you don't often hear 10-year-olds doing? Spending an entire year thinking about helping others. For one young boy from Maine, however, that's exactly how he used his time.
Sam Rideout is known as "Sam the Bottle Man" in his community, because he collects bottles and cans. After cashing in and generating over $6,000 for his efforts throughout the year, he went and did the most remarkable thing imaginable. He used the money to buy presents for sick children in the hospital.
In an interview with WMTW, he told them why he enjoys bringing presents to sick children. "It's kind of cool to see them, and it's nice to see them having fun instead of just being in bed doing really nothing and not having very much fun," Sam said.
What a wonderful act of giving and, not to mention, he's keeping his community clean!
36 Matching Family Holiday Pajamas That Will Make This Year Cozier (and Cuter) Than Ever
Whether matching Christmas pajamas is a coveted family tradition or something that your loved ones are considering trying out for the first time, cozying up in coordinating ensembles adds an extraspecial touch to your holiday celebration. From baking cookies for Santa, to snapping your new holiday portrait, or gathering around for movie night, this year you can do it together in style. We did the shopping for you and found a huge variety of adorable options to fit with every family's personal style, and there are even some with options for the dog. Check out our favorite sets that are almost too cute to handle!
- Additional reporting by Lauren Levy
The Best Present Anyone Got Me After Having My Baby Was a $15 Butt Washer - and It Was From My Husband
If you asked me a year ago if I'd ever pen a post about a butt washer, I would've shaken my head. Oh, no. Happy to talk about feelings and mental health, but writing about my rear? Not for me.
But then I went ahead and had a baby - well, to be accurate, a doctor vacuum-extracted a baby out of my vagina after two-plus hours of pushing - and my body was in so much agony following the delivery that my most cherished moments included soaking in a sitz bath (if you don't know what that is, I envy you) or rinsing myself with a FridaBaby Fridet, The MomWasher ($15), courtesy of my hubs.
He bought it for me as a half-joke, half-real new-mom must have. I rolled my eyes at him when he gave it to me, but was in complete appreciation when I found it in the bathroom during my first week home.
While the hospital gave me its own run-of-the-mill squirt bottle to use to soothe the pain in my nether region, the FridaBaby was so much friendlier. It had a 90-degree spout so that I could quickly get water where I needed to. Plus, the bottle itself was malleable, so I didn't have to work as hard to get water to come out. It made using the restroom almost tolerable.
Put it on your registry or buy it for yourself. You'll be happy to see it in your bathroom after you deliver.
Dad Had Diarrhea in Public Restroom With His 4-Year-Old - and Her Response Is Giving Us So Much Glee
Thanks to my newly potty trained toddler, I am perhaps the prime demographic for a story like this one, but I imagine that everyone - if you can get past the visual of someone having diarrhea in a public restroom - will wholeheartedly enjoy this dad's tale of the ultimate parent-child role reversal.
Ready? Here goes.
Clint Edwards, the dad behind No Idea What I'm Doing: A Daddy Blog, was two hours into a 12-hour road trip with his family when they stopped at a gas station in Oregon. His wife, Mel, and two other kids remained in the van while he and his 4-year-old daughter Aspen went inside to grab some cornflakes.
"The man in the stall next to me was obviously holding back tears of laughter."
It was then that the diarrhea struck.
"We b-lined into the restroom, making it just in time," he wrote on Facebook. "I had no choice but to take Aspen into the stall with me. She watched as I struggled, Moana light-up crocs on the wrong feet, blue eyes wide and supportive, hands clapping. 'Good job, Daddy! Good job! You make two poops! Now three poops! I'm four!'"
What he learned in that bathroom stall is that his daughter is not only "the Richard Simmons of pooping," but that she was probably just returning the favor after all those times her parents cheered her on when she'd use the potty:
I've never felt so supported in anything in my whole life. She commented on the size, smell, and sound. "Wow!" She said. She commented on my work ethic. "You're trying so hard!" At one point I had to actually push her face away from the business end of things as she clapped and cried "You're doing it, Daddy! You're doing it!"
She's potty trained, sure. But she's also easily distracted, and prone to potty accidents. I suppose she's gotten used to the positive reinforcement Mel and I give her each time she goes. And when I'm cheering her on in our family restroom, it seems normal, even appropriate. But when the roles are reversed, it's just, well, awkward. Particularly in a public restroom where the man in the stall next to me was obviously holding back tears of laughter. Laughter that busted loose when she called me a "pooping-farting robot."
When the two emerged from that gas station and hopped back in the van, Clint with a small package of anti-diarrhea pills in tow, his wife asked what took so long.
"It was then that Aspen was kind enough to recount the story to her mother," he said, "clapping the whole time."
vendredi 21 décembre 2018
These New York City Police Officers Did the Absolute Most to Save a Trapped Kitten
#NYPD rescued this #kitten trapped in the undercarriage of this vehicle. Not a good place for a #catnap, especially when we are experiencing #CodeBlue. With the help of @NYPDSchools, @NYPDSpecialops & 3️⃣2️⃣Pct Patrol this kitten 🐱 is safe in a #Harlem #animalrescue #shelter. pic.twitter.com/1UWvaODPLr
- NYPD 32nd Precinct (@NYPD32Pct) December 18, 2018
One tiny tuxedo kitten got the ride of a lifetime after getting stuck in the undercarriage of a car. The driver was cruising down the Jackie Robinson Parkway in New York City when he spotted the animal and stopped to avoid hitting it. But after getting out of the vehicle, the little four-legged kitty was out of sight.
"He stopped to avoid running the animal over - but when he looked around, she was nowhere to be found," reported The New York Post. "The driver continued his trip to West 135th Street and 7th Avenue in Harlem - about 18 miles away - completely unaware that the terrified kitten was clinging to the undercarriage of the vehicle the entire way."
Eventually, the driver heard the meows and immediately pulled over and flagged down an officer for help. Moments later, seven members of the 32nd Precinct showed up with a car jack to save the day. Once the furball was safe and sound, the officers posted the news to their Twitter account.
"NYPD rescued this kitten trapped in the undercarriage of this vehicle," read the caption. "Not a good place for a catnap, especially when we are experiencing code blue. With the help of NYPD schools, NYPD special ops & 32 Precinct Patrol, this kitten is safe in a Harlem animal rescue shelter."
Hopefully, the sweet little kitty is adopted soon!
30-Minute Video Workouts - All in 1 Place!
To lose weight or get stronger, you don't need to spend hours exercising. ACE-certified fitness instructor John Kersbergen said three to four 45-minute workouts a week is enough. Can't fit in 45 minutes at one time? Then break up your workouts, because it all adds up! We've compiled 40 half-hour workout videos that you can follow along with. Do a few of these, plus a few of these 20-minute workout videos, and your week of workouts will be done! Here is mix of fun and effective workouts, including weights, Tabata, cardio, yoga, and dance. Experiment and try them all 40 or pick and choose your favorite videos, bookmark them, and do them regularly.
These Are the Most Common Mistakes Women Make While on the Pill, According to an Ob-Gyn
Birth control can be complicated. First you have to find the right method for you, weighing all the pros and cons of an IUD, the pill, an implant, or the shot. And even once you've settled on your choice of contraception, there are all sorts of rules you need to follow to ensure that it's working as effectively as possible - especially if it's the pill. We asked Jennifer Landa, MD, a gynecologist and chief medical officer at BodyLogicMD in Maitland, FL, how to keep yourself safe and prevent any unwanted pregnancies or complications. These are the common errors you'll want to avoid.
Get the Most Out of Your Workouts by Following This Celeb Trainer's Advice
There are a lot of nuances that go into making a great workout. You've got to consider things like reps, sets, weight, rest time, the phase you're training in, and what the end result is. Like we said, there are a lot of nuances.
To help improve your workouts, we spoke to Gunnar Peterson, NSCA, CSCS, and MitoQ partner. Gunnar told POPSUGAR that you should train in all planes of motion to really get the most out of your sessions. He explained the three planes like this: "Sagittal, which is moving forward or backward; frontal, which is side to side; and transverse, which is rotating."
Most people tend to train in the sagittal plane - think reverse lunges and bicep curls. This isn't terrible, but Gunnar did advise doing more movements in the frontal plane with exercises like lateral lunges and lateral arm raises. He also recommends doing more exercises in the transverse plane, such as a rotational ball slam and the low to high woodchop. Why are these planes so important? Because, "Your life is in all those planes," Gunnar said.
When you rotate to put your seat belt on or grab something from the backseat, you're moving in the transverse plane. When you sit down on your couch to catch up on your favorite reality TV show, you're moving in the sagittal plan. When slide to the middle of the train (as you should!) to make more room, that's moving in the frontal plane.
The next time you hit the gym, be sure to include these three planes of motion in your workout.
When You Wish Upon a Star, You Get These 14 Magical Disney Fitness Gifts
We love everything Disney. We also love the gym. Now, we don't have to choose between our two favorite things, because Disney fitness products exist. Yes, you read that right. Now, you can strut into the gym like the Disney princess that you are, thanks to these fun tanks, water bottles, and even sneakers. These all make truly magical gifts, or you could just stock up for yourself. Happy holidays!
10 Paleo Snacks That'll Jump Start 2019 the Healthy Way - All on Amazon
What can we say, snack time is the best time. We personally can't leave the house without a snack in our bags. But, if you're eating Paleo, it can be tough to find great options that are both yummy and easy to travel with. Luckily, Amazon's got you covered, with Paleo brownies and tortilla chips, no less. Happy snacking!
This One Simple Trick Will Revolutionize How You Achieve Your Goals in 2019
I am a big dreamer with lofty goals. I often don't reveal them to people for fear of being judged, so instead I say them to myself (sometimes out loud) or write them down. But the thing is, I usually write out my dreams and goals similarly to how I write out my to do list: clean the fridge, fold the laundry, write the next Great American Novel, own a yacht.
For me, writing them down is equivalent to starting a vision board: if I see it on paper, I'm reminded of what I want and what I'm working toward. For example, at the start of 2018, I wrote down that I wanted to work at POPSUGAR (seriously!). In March of that year, I got hired. But there were other goals I set out for that year that just didn't happen: start a budget (whoops), read 30 books (so close!), work my way back up to running five miles (I blame that one on my unfortunate treadmill accident). Even though I start out each year fresh and with a new crop of goals and resolutions for the year, they rarely stick.
But when I was listening to motivational speaker and New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hollis discuss a new way of goal-setting on her podcast "Rise," I was inspired. Why was it that I would jot down all my goals and dreams but never see them through?
Rachel said for years she started each day this way: she would write down the dreams for her life as if they had already happened. So instead of writing "I want to save $5,000," you would write "I saved $5,000." Rachel even turned this practice into her own line of Start Today Journals, which are unfortunately sold out but will be reissued in the Spring of 2019. But Rachel said you don't need these specific journals to start the practice: you can use any notebook, scrap of paper, or even a Post-It. To hear more about how this process works, listen to her podcast episode here (and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever else you get your podcasts, because every week it's packed with motivational gems).
I bought a Start Today journal and have been writing out my goals as if they have already happened. I didn't want to wait until the start of 2019 to do it this way. Although I still have a ways to go to work toward my goals, using this method has solidified in my mind that I am capable of achieving them. I look forward to looking back in a few months or a few years and seeing everything that came true.
As for what my goals and dreams are? I'm still keeping them to myself. I don't want to jinx it - and I want to look back after I accomplished them to prove to people I had it in me all along.
Conquer Your Workout With Our 14 Favorite Leggings For 2019
No matter how impressive our workout wardrobe may be, we've always got room for more leggings. And this year, there have been quite a few pairs that made it into our Hall of Fame. If you're going to crush your New Year's goals, treat yourself to a great new pair of leggings. Of all the styles you could possibly choose, these are our 14 favorites. Now all you have to do is get moving.
The Worst Nutrition Advice That Dietitians Want You to Stop Following ASAP
It seems like nutrition advice is constantly evolving. First fat was unhealthy, then it was good again. Egg yolks were deemed bad for your heart, but now we can eat them again. Some people eat a strict Paleo diet, while others forgo animal products and eat entirely plant-based. Grains, gluten, and sugar, which used to be staples in the American diet, have been demonized in recent years.
In reality, nutrition is nuanced and there's no one diet that works for everyone. But there is still some outdated nutrition advice that people still wrongly believe is true. With so much nonsense and pseudoscience being spread online and through friends, it's easy to get confused. We spoke to several registered dietitians who want people to stop following this bad nutrition advice once and for all. If you're looking to lose weight or just clean up your diet, make sure you don't fall for these myths.
"Eating Fat Makes You Fat"
Fat was once demonized as the culprit behind America's collective expanding waistline, which ushered in the '80s and '90s low-fat craze. Turns out, that may have done more harm than good.
"Nearly two in three Americans believe that dietary fat is their enemy. But here's the truth: certain fats can actually help you lose weight," Joy Bauer, RDN, CDN, told POPSUGAR. "In fact, you should go out of your way to eat moderate amounts of the good stuff, like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in nuts, seeds, avocado, fatty fish, and vegetable oils." She says these fats can help you slim down and reduce your risk for heart disease. Load up on omega-3 fatty acids like the ones found in salmon, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, and nut-based oils.
"Juicing Will Help You Lose Weight"
Plenty of juice bars offer multiday juice cleanses, which promise to "detox" your body and help you jump-start your weight-loss goals. The problem? You end up ingesting more sugar than other valuable nutrients.
"Juicing is all the rage right now, but by squeezing out all of the juice from a fruit, you are missing out on one of the best parts: fiber! By extracting the juice from fruit, you're leaving behind the pulp, which is where the fiber is," Brooke Zigler, RDN, LD, told POPSUGAR. "Fiber slows digestion, which gives you a steady blood glucose level and sustained energy. It also helps to give you more regular bowel movements, thus reducing constipation. Fiber is a an important part of our diets and is also a great tool for weight loss."
Adding a few vegetable-based juices into your diet each week is a good way to get vitamins and phytonutrients; replacing entire meals or just drinking juice for days at a time is not a good idea. Better yet? Just eat the fruits and vegetables you would juice whole for a more filling, fiber-rich option.
"Fruit Has Too Much Sugar and You Should Avoid It"
As people remove sugar from their diets, they often cut out fruit, which is a source of natural sugars. But cutting out sugar also means you're cutting out valuable fiber and other nutrients.
"When comparing food groups, fruits as a whole have the highest antioxidant levels of any other food group," Dina Garcia, RD, LDN, told POPSUGAR. "You can lessen your blood sugar spike by combining fruit with a food that has protein and/or fat."
"Gluten-Free Snacks Are Healthier"
Gluten-free diets have been all the rage over the last few years, with regular breads, cookies, cakes, and snacks being replaced with their gluten-free counterparts. The problem? These options aren't necessarily any healthier.
"For people with celiac disease, these foods are essential if they want a treat once in a while; however, for the rest of the population, they are completely unnecessary and can be even worse for you than their gluten-containing counterpart," Alyssa Rothschild, RDN, CDN, told POPSUGAR. "Things such as gluten-free cookies and cakes are still cakes and cookies. Also they are usually higher in sugar, fat, and other ingredients to improve their taste."
If you want a gluten-free treat, remember that it's still a treat - it shouldn't be treated as a healthier alternative to any other cookie or cake.
"Sea Salt and Himalayan Salt Are Healthier Than Regular Table Salt"
It seems like every trendy health food is now sprinkled with sea salt or pink Himalayan salt, but they actually aren't much different from regular old table salt.
"While sea salt and Himalayan have a higher mineral content than table salt, based on the amount of salt we generally use, the difference isn't even close to significant," Dina said. "Plus, most people get the majority of their iodine intake from iodized table salt, something most sea salts and Himalayan salts are missing."
"You Need to Ban Carbs to Lose Weight"
High-protein, low-carb diets are all the rage, and many people assume they need to ditch this important macronutrient group altogether to see any success on the scale.
"It's more important to look at the quality of foods that you are eating," Dina said. "I also like to put an emphasis on the importance of eating carbs that are high in fiber. Fiber helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and provides food for the beneficial bacteria in our digestive tracks."
The Meatballs That Fooled My Meat-Loving Husband and 12 Other Must-Try Trader Joe's Vegan Products
I haven't eaten meat since I was 13 (almost 30 years!), not only because I want to live a more compassionate life and do good for the environment, but also selfishly, because I feel amazing when I eat a plant-based diet. Of course, I want my husband to reap the same benefits, so I try to get him to go meatless most nights of the week, and with these Trader Joe's products, it's a cinch. No joke - I served him Trader Joe's Meatless Meatballs without telling him, and he said, "You didn't have to buy me meat, I know how you feel about it." I just smiled and told him I loved him, then later posted a video of him enjoying his dinner on Facebook. He saw the video an hour later and yelled, "What else have you been lying to me about?!"
Moral of the story: if your goal is to eat a more plant-based diet, buy those meatless meatballs! And while you're cruising the aisles of your local Trader Joe's, pick up these 12 other meatless products.
Cranberries Are More Than Just Delicious - They Have Tons of Health Benefits, Too
There's more to cranberries than just being the centerpiece of your holiday desserts! These little red berries are actually packed with so many good things to keep you healthy. Vanessa Fry, a registered dietitian at Detroit Medical Center's Harper Bariatric Medical Institute, shared with us all the ways cranberries can fight off disease and improve your overall health. She explained that most of the time, simply eating the berries whole and fresh is the best way to reap their health benefits, but for some things, you'll find more success with a cranberry capsule.
"Dried or canned cranberries will have the same nutritional benefits as fresh, but check that there are no added sugars. Cranberry juice may contain other fruit juices and have added sugars," Vanessa told POPSUGAR. She also warned against having a few too many cranberries. Cranberries contain oxalate, which, when consumed in large amounts, can potentially form oxalate kidney stones.
"People who have previously experienced kidney stones should speak with their doctor before increasing their cranberry intake," she said. And while the nutrients in cranberries may help prevent or treat the conditions here, you should always talk to your doctor about how you can better manage your health.
These Elves on the Shelf Aren't Into Mischief - They're Into FITNESS!
While some elves are busy eating chocolate Advent calendars, baking batches of sugar cookies, and spelling out words with candy, even elves need to take a break from all the sugar to get their fitness on. For the fit-minded like you, here are some adorable and creative ways to show how your Elf on the Shelf stays fit and strong!
The Push-Up Variation You Need to Start Doing For Stronger, More Defined Arms
Push-ups are one of the most well-known strength exercises, and they're also one of the hardest to do. With that being said, I'm challenging you to up the ante of your push-up skills with this strengthening and stabilizing variation. If you're still working on perfecting your push-up, no worries. There's a modification for beginners.
The single-arm glider push-up is harder than a traditional push-up because it requires you to really stabilize your core and upper body as you put a majority of your weight onto one arm. If this sounds enticing and you're up for a challenge, continue reading.
These Quotes Are the PSA You Need That Says, "Eat the Damn Christmas Cookies!"
While Christmas is the season of giving and spending time with loved ones, it's also a lot about food. You're surrounded by sugar cookies, gingerbread houses, eggnog, hot chocolate, and bowls of red and green M&M's everywhere you look. It can feel stressful and overwhelming to try to eat healthy during the holidays, but guess what? It's one time of the year, so celebrate, and don't feel guilty about enjoying a few treats here and there.
Allow yourself the time to indulge in your favorite holiday foods - in other words, go ahead and try every single cookie on the Christmas cookie tray if you want! You can eat a few cookies and still stay on track during the holidays with the kale salads and gym sessions that make you feel good. We just want you to remember to allow yourself a little wiggle room, some compassion, and the special foods that make your holidays happier. Just enjoy it! If this wasn't enough to convince you, reading these quotes should do the trick.
Studio Cycling Is My Favorite Workout, and Sorry, I'm Not Going to Stop Doing It
"You don't want big fat thighs, do you?" the dance instructor asked a roomful of nervous women, many of us feeling like fish out of water. We signed up for what we thought was a barre class featured on ClassPass but what turned out to be an actual ballet class taught by a woman in her 60s whose leotard-clad body had clearly been ravaged by years of undereating and over-extending herself.
I just wanted to do some pelvic tucks and isometric movements, not attempt pirouettes or get lectured on how indoor cycling will give me "big fat thighs," while dance and barre work will "lengthen and tone." I looked down at my big thighs, which have always touched since I was a baby and have carried me through the streets of New York, a half marathon, and yes, in hundreds of indoor cycling classes. I should have used my "big fat thighs" to walk out of that dance studio.
After this annoying experience years ago, I keep hearing about how indoor cycling isn't an effective workout. Actress and podcast host Casey Wilson, who regularly attends Flywheel, relayed a message on her podcast Bitch Sesh from her personal trainer who claimed that studio cycling is "a road to nowhere:" it isn't a good workout (?), doesn't really burn any calories (???), and will wreck your spine, or so he said.
Does Studio Cycling Burn a Good Amount of Calories?
Based on how my heart rate gets elevated and how exhausted I feel after a 45-minute class, I would argue that I'm at the very least burning calories. Personal trainer and dietitian Jim White, RD, ACSM, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios agrees. "According to Harvard Health, an hour pedaling [in a] moderate-intensity indoor cycling class can burn around 420 to 622 calories," he told POPSUGAR, which is higher than traditional yoga, Pilates, and even strength training classes. He added that studio cycling is a great form of cardio. "It has shown to provide several other positive health effects for your heart, such as a reduction in 'bad' cholesterol (LDL), an increase in 'good' cholesterol, lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease."
Does Indoor Cycling Ruin Your Spine?
As for how it impacts your spine, board-certified sports chiropractor Alex Tauberg, DC, CSCS, said cycling is a "great activity" that should be done in moderation to prevent repetitive motion injury. "The issue that some cyclists who have back pain run into is that they are constantly putting themselves in the same position over and over again without any other exercises to compensate," he explained. Noted.
Will It Throw Your Hormones Out of Whack?
Casey's trainer isn't the only naysayer of this workout. On chiropractor Anthony Gustin's podcast The Keto Answers, he interviewed registered dietitian Ali Miller, who said high-intensity workouts such as studio cycling classes can throw your hormones out of whack. She argued that these types of workouts put added stress on your body, which can cause adrenal fatigue and a spike in stress hormones. This may negatively impact people who already have a hormonal imbalance, such as PCOS, and prevent weight loss.
While exercise, especially high-intensity exercise, increases cortisol (a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands during times of stress), it's not so cut-and-dry. Endocrinologist Bradley Anawalt, MD, professor of general internal medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, explained that cortisol levels increase after 20 to 40 minutes of exercise and during recovery, and that working out several times a week increases your baseline cortisol - but it's not the same as when your body undergoes other routine stressors.
"Exercise has been shown to improve mood and decrease feelings of stress for a variety of health conditions and mood disorders," he told POPSUGAR. "One potential explanation is that exercise, unlike chronic physical or psychological stress, increases brain dopamine concentrations in the prefrontal cortex."
He went on to explain that the increased cortisol with exercise doesn't mean that people will have trouble losing weight or shedding fat since exercise itself increases muscle mass and decreases fat. "There are many changes that occur with exercise and cortisol cannot be regarded as a uniformly 'bad' hormone that correlates with stress," he explained. In fact, exercise isn't enough to produce sufficient levels of cortisol or create "adrenal fatigue." He added that when people chronically over-exercise, it could result in body fat that's too low, which may lower the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. This can make a woman's cycle irregular or stop completely.
Why I'll Continue Studio Cycling
For me, studio cycling isn't just a cardio workout, although I do appreciate it for that reason. As someone who lives with bipolar 2 and PCOS, I love the surge of feel-good endorphins I get after an indoor cycling class. When I take a class in the morning, I leave feeling accomplished and balanced, and I carry that positive energy into the office. I also appreciate the set times that classes are offered, which forces me to get my ass to the gym and get out: I start working out at 6 a.m. and am out by 6:45 a.m.
Will indoor cycling make me jacked or gain muscle tone? Probably not, although Jim said it may improve lower-body strength. Fortunately, that's why I don't treat indoor cycling as my only workout. It's part of my regular fitness routine that includes a mix of cardio (such as running or indoor cycling) and weight training, through classes or on my own in the weight room.
With so many boutique cycling classes offered in New York, I love that each one has something unique to offer: at Flywheel, I compete with myself each time to reach better power numbers. SoulCycle is an inspirational and meditative reprieve from my busy daily life, Cyc feels like a fun dance party, Monster Cycle is like SoulCycle's gothic cousin with music videos to distract and motivate you, and my regular classes at Equinox are tried-and-true studio indoor cycling classes with intervals, varying resistance, and a new challenge each time.
Will Studio Cycling wreck my spine, throw my PCOS into overdrive, and make me an anxious, infertile mess? I doubt it. What I do know is that I look forward to my indoor cycling class multiple times a week and it's a workout I not only enjoy, but can stick to. For as long as my legs can move, I'll keep going to my indoor cycling class.
Start Doing This Exercise If You Want Stronger, More Defined Lower Abs
Strengthening my abs is one of the most important parts of my training. Not because I want to show off my hard work on a beach in Bali, but because I want to prevent injuries. I learned the hard way how important core strength and stability are when I injured my back and spent a lot of money on physical therapy.
During my physical therapy sessions, I learned that my core - specifically my transverse abdominis - was weak and unstable, which meant my back was paying for it. Since getting injured, I've stepped up my core-strengthening game, and let me tell you, it's made all the difference.
One move that I like to do for strong abs is the hanging bicycle. It targets your rectus abdominis (aka the six-pack muscles), but you'll really feel it in the lower part of your rectus abdominis (aka your "lower abs").
How to Do a Hanging Bicycle
- Start by hanging on a pull-up bar with palms facing out, or use the ab straps and hang with your arms inside of them. Use a box or bench if you need help reaching the bar.
- Pull your shoulder blades down your back to keep your shoulders away from your ears.
- Engage your abs as you bring your left knee up to your chest (or as high as it can go) with control. As you lower your left knee, repeat the same motion on the right side. This counts as one rep.
- Without swinging, continue to cycle your legs. Complete two sets of 15 reps.
Here's How Long It Takes For You to Actually Lose Belly Fat - It's Faster Than You Think
If belly fat is an area you're trying to lose weight from, it may seem like a near-impossible feat. Although there are detox teas and wraps that promise to flatten your belly - spoiler alert - these quick fixes won't work. But you can't spot-target fat loss with exercise either; no matter how many crunches you do or how many five-minute planks you hold, your belly fat won't magically go away.
The good news is, you can torch belly fat and lose some inches around your waist. If you work hard and work smart, you could see results in a matter of weeks.
"Reduction in waist circumference can be seen in as little as two weeks," personal trainer and registered dietitian Jim White, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios, told POPSUGAR. "Although the rate at which inches are lost depends on the person, with increased activity and calorie reduction, it is possible to see noticeable differences in your waistline."
As far as the numbers go, Jim said you have to eat at a 500-calorie deficit each day to lose a pound a week (one pound of fat equals 3,500 calories). Just be sure you're eating at least 1,200 calories a day to keep your body and brain functioning properly. If you are losing weight with a calorie deficit and exercise, you may also be increasing muscle mass while you lose fat, so the scale would not be the best way to measure your progress. Instead, Jim recommends measuring your waist circumference to track fat-loss progress.
"A larger waist circumference is an indicator for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure," Jim said. "It is possible to lose inches from your waistline within two weeks of beginning a diet and exercise program, with the caveat that those with more abdominal fat will see larger decreases more quickly."
In terms of exercise, he recommends a combination of aerobic exercise, particularly high-intensity aerobic exercise, and strength training. One of the best forms of exercise to target belly fat is Tabata, a style of HIIT exercise that involves 20 seconds of intense work followed by 10 seconds of rest.
With the combination of exercise and nutrition, you will start to see results. Just be sure you are measuring your waist and not just paying attention to the scale.
"Those on a weight-loss plan who focus on both nutrition and fitness have been shown to reduce belly fat quicker than those who only focus on fitness or only focus on nutrition," David Chesworth, certified personal trainer and wellness coach, told POPSUGAR. Bring on the crop tops!
What Happens When an NBA Player Teaches a Zumba Class? Well, This 1 Was Incredible
If you've ever wondered what happens when basketball meets Zumba dancing, we're here to tell you that it's magical. Los Angeles Lakers forward Lance Stephenson sure knows how to dance - so much so that he's rightfully earned the nickname "Make 'Em Dance Lance" after drilling shots and showing off his fancy footwork on the court - and he just proved that those skills absolutely translate off the court as well.
In a video with SLAM, the NBA player surprised a Zumba class in Santa Monica, and while the attendee's faces were filled with pure shock as he kicked off the session, he ended up really making 'em dance! Watch the hilarious video above, and prepare to be amazed at how good Sir Lance-A-Lot is.
A Personal Trainer Reveals the Biggest Myths About Losing Body Fat
Losing weight is hard: it requires determination, willpower, and lots of effort. That's why many people seek a quick fix to lose their weight in the form of detox teas, magical supplements, fad diets, and five-minute workouts. But if these methods worked, then everyone would be at their goal weight and no one would be on a diet.
When it comes to losing weight and shedding body fat, it's easy to get confused by all the information we're bombarded with on the internet every day. Scrolling through social media, reading blog posts, and hearing about the latest health crazes all give you mixed messages about how to actually lose weight and keep it off for good.
Personal trainer Max Weber, NASM, ACE, set out to debunk these common weight-loss myths with an Instagram post about how to lose fat. He revealed six ways to lose weight "according to the internet": drinking "magic" detox teas, 10-minute ab workouts, crash diets, using body wraps, endless cardio without strength training, and relying on supplements. Instead of these fads, Weber offered up how to lose body fat according to science: be in a calorie deficit, strength train, do some cardio, get quality sleep, be consistent, and have patience.
Although everyone's body is different and burns fat at a different rate, Weber's list of fat loss dos and don'ts proves that there's no shortcut to dropping weight and keeping it off. Ultimately, it's about eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and being patient with the process.
22 Coffee Mugs For the Fitness-Lover in Your Life Who'd Rather Be "Sore Than Sorry"
Picture this: it's 6:30 a.m., it's pitch dark out in the dead of Winter, and you're dreading that early morning indoor cycling class you booked the night before when it sounded like a much better idea. You look around your apartment and let out a deep sigh. Since it's not physically possible to plug yourself in and juice up with some energy, you go for the next best thing: coffee. The human charger. While Amazon's giant 64-ounce coffee mug sounds appropriate for that hour, we'd like to be able to get through the class without leaving to pee every three minutes, so what we really need is something that's going to motivate us to get to the class and be excited about it.
A coffee mug with the words, "Wake up beauty, it's time to beast," is exactly what we're talking about. Ahead, find 22 coffee mugs for the fitness-lover in your life who really just wants to "drink coffee, lift weights, and play with my dog," or the friend who lives and breathes "Coffee. Cardio. Cocktails."
If You Haven't Heard, 2019 Is the Year We'll All Be Drinking Matcha
Matcha has gone mainstream, and as an everyday consumer, I couldn't be more thrilled. Matcha is essentially a much more concentrated form of green tea, aka it's got a lot more caffeine per cup. The taste is a little earthy, but paired with your favorite milk, it's seriously delicious; so good, in fact, that I don't like to start my morning without it. But 2019 is the year that matcha goes from "that green drink" to a staple in every health-conscious person's pantry, and it's not just for drinking. Just keep reading to shop our favorite matcha products that will have keep calm and energized well into 2019.
I Took a Dance Class With the Rockettes, and Incredibly, It Taught Me to Be More Confident
I'm not a dancer by any means. I performed all four years in my high school's musicals, but it was clear that I wasn't cast for my moves. However, one of my fellow cast members and friends was a lifelong dancer who went on to become a Radio City Rockette on the national tour. So when I got the chance to take a class with the Rockettes, I figured I owed it to her to step up to the challenge.
But there's another piece of the puzzle you should know: Ciara was also taking the class. That's right, the "Level Up" and "One, Two Step" singer would learn the troupe's famous eye-high kicks right alongside us, in celebration of Pandora's Exclusive Holiday Charm and Ornament Gift Set inspired by the Rockettes. Both Ciara and the Rockettes have partnered with the jewelry brand before, but clearly this was no ordinary launch party.
I arrived at the executive entrance of Radio City Music Hall with a group of editors and writers that I could tell were just as eager (and maybe a bit anxious) to get started. We were taken to a dance practice room, where I took a spot right up front behind the six Rockettes who would serve as our instructors and a few feet to the right of Ciara. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I'd be damned if I didn't at least try to get the best seat (or, in this case, kick line spot) in the crowd.
The Rockettes had their hair slicked back in their signature French twist and bright red lipstick swiped on. They sported black Radio City Rockettes tank tops, black leggings, and dance shoes. Ciara also followed the all-black attire along with sky-high black booties. I'm not sure if I was more excited to learn the dance or see Ciara working it in pencil-thin heels.
We jumped right into a routine from this year's Christmas Spectacular. For the first eight counts, we stood in the classic Rockette bevel pose, which was certainly my speed. Then we swiftly raised our right arms straight up - also my speed. So far so good, right? The dance was taught pretty quickly, only running through a new step a couple times before adding it the counts we had already learned. The moves were precise - right arm here, left arm there, put your weight on the front of your foot - and ended with the Rockettes' famous eye-high kicks. I was surprised how easy it was to remember the moves. I have to give myself some props, I wasn't doing half bad.
The nerves I had coming into the class quickly dissipated - the Rockettes were as stunning and professional as I imagined, but they couldn't have been nicer or more encouraging. Even Ciara asked questions during the class, a reminder that even a seasoned performer doesn't dance perfectly out of the gate. Did I mess up a couple of times? Of course. But then I remembered what the Rockettes told us from the very beginning: to just have fun and smile through it.
This class was just a small glimpse into their world, and it's hard to imagine just how many dances they have to remember. There are 80 Rockettes in all, 40 in each cast, with 36 onstage during a show. One show includes more than 160 kicks, and with up to four shows a day, that number quickly climbs to 650. Talk about stamina.
I'd be lying if I said that my thighs weren't hurting a day or two after the class. Never underestimate the muscles you use even for just a few dozen kicks. I probably won't become the first 5'4" Rockette, but I had one hell of a time pretending.
Start 2019 Fresh With These 10 Bestselling Sneakers on Amazon
There's no better feeling than starting off the new year with a fresh pair of kicks. You don't have to drop a ton of cash on the perfect pair, either, because it's easier than ever to find high-quality brands at affordable price points. We searched on Amazon because the online retailer has so much to choose from. We found everything from Adidas to Nike and New Balance. Shop these top picks, starting at just $30.
Beachbody Dietitian Says to Eat These 2 Foods at Every Meal to Control Hunger and Lose Weight
Do you ever notice that after eating a big meal, you feel starving soon after? It can actually have a lot to do with what foods you eat. We asked registered dietitian and co-creator of Beachbody's 2B Mindset nutrition program, Ilana Muhlstein, MS, RDN, to share the best foods to eat that will make you feel less hungry.
Turns out, Mom was right: vegetables are key. "They are high in volume and weight, and fill up our stomachs, which helps us register the feeling of fullness," Ilana said. When you're hungry and sit down to eat a meal, get at least five to six bites of veggies in first. Some great choices are minestrone soup, cauliflower fried rice, baby carrots and guacamole, or roasted broccoli. It doesn't matter how it was prepared, but Ilana said that vegetables are the food group you want to be filling up on most often.
Another must for curbing hunger and helping you stay fuller longer is protein. "If you just have an apple or oatmeal for breakfast, you may feel hungry just an hour or two later. You may feel the same if you only have pasta for dinner," Ilana said. Carbs are great for giving you energy, but they won't curb your hunger the way protein does. So, have some eggs or a protein shake with your oatmeal, and add some beans or meatballs to your tomato sauce if you're having spaghetti.
Incorporating both veggies and protein into every meal and snack is a great way to keep hunger at bay. Try this for every meal for five days and see how you feel. You'll be amazed how changing what you eat, not how much, can affect your level of satiety, which can prevent cravings and mindless noshing.
100 Genius Gifts So Good, You'll Never Guess They Cost Under $100
If you're on a time crunch this year, that doesn't mean you need to sacrifice on getting your loved ones impressive gifts. We went on a mission to hunt down the best presents on the internet. Ahead, you'll find 100 seriously good presents you might be tempted to keep for yourself. The best part: they're all under $100. So what are you waiting for? Shop our favorites before they're gone.
These Are the Gifts We Actually Want This Season
We're here to help you cut through the holiday clutter and find the absolute best presents Walmart has to offer. Think fun games, household essentials, and lots of coffee. Need some gifting inspiration? Look no further.
Want to Know About 2019's Coolest Products? Spoiler Alert: They're All on Amazon
If you're the person who's out here making the trends, this is for you. Let all your friends know what's going to be buzzing in 2019; these products are cool, current, and actually practical. From the latest in fitness trackers to smart home technology and gadgets galore, this is what we're going to be crushing on in 2019.
These 18 Amazon Gifts Are Under $25, but They're So Cool, You'll Think We're Lying
Getting a brilliant gift doesn't mean you have to save money for months in advance. All you have to do is shop smart. Luckily, we're experts in that category, so we sifted through Amazon to find you the coolest options under $25. Take a look and purchase them soon; the holidays are closing in on us!
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