Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mardi 5 février 2019
Get Ready For More Goop: Gwyneth Paltrow Is Launching a Series With Netflix
Gwyneth Paltrow's empire just keeps growing. On Feb. 4, it was announced that her eccentric wellness brand, Goop, will be launching a series with Netflix. According to Variety, the currently untitled series will consist of 30-minute episodes starring Gwyneth, Goop Chief Content Officer Elise Loehnen, and other editors. Episodes will touch upon the variety of health and lifestyle topics associated with the brand.
"Gwyneth is a highly visual, tactile person. The quality of everything that we produce is very important to her," Elise told Variety. "She's always looking for white space. Whether it's developing physical products or thinking of content. With this show, I think she's only really interested in opportunities where we can uniquely be ourselves and do things potentially disruptive."
For readers of Goop's quarterly print magazine, however, the series will come at a cost: production will be paused on the magazine until the release of the Netflix series, which is slated for Fall 2019. Hey, at least it's for the sake of even more quirky Goop content - whether we asked for it or not.
According to a Dietitian, Food Isn't the Only Factor That Causes Belly Fat - It's Also This
Determining the cause of your belly fat isn't as simple as doing a quick Google search. Your search results may help you pinpoint possible contributing factors, but at the end of the day, it will vary from person to person. What you eat and your activity level can affect your body composition, and to figure out if there are foods correlated with higher levels of belly fat, POPSUGAR spoke to Nicole Lund, MS, RDN, a clinical nutritionist at NYU Langone's Sports Performance Center.
"It's a hard answer because there's a lot of things at play," Nicole told POPSUGAR. "There are a lot of hormonal implications with belly fat. There's the genetic component," she said. Nicole also explained that as women age, "they tend to carry more weight in their belly, and that's just the shift in the estrogen and testosterone."
Another factor that contributes to belly fat is your body type. This is because everyone stores fat in different regions of the body. As far as food is involved, Nicole explained that another culprit of belly fat is food sensitivities. "That's why I think everyone's a little bit different. It's hard for us to say, 'Oh yeah, dairy or bananas' . . . because I think everyone is sensitive to different foods.'"
Nicole explained that people have their own individual responses to certain foods and how their bodies digest them, which is why some people choose to cut out particular foods. There isn't a universal list of foods that cause belly fat, but Nicole said dairy, sugar, and different fruits with high amounts of fructose can cause bloating, gas, and GI distress, which often appear as belly fat.
By removing offenders that trigger a bad response from your body, Nicole said you can expect to have a flatter stomach. Stress, hormones, a poor diet, and low activity levels are contributing factors to belly fat, and body fat in general, which it's why it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you eat clean and exercise and still aren't able to lose body fat, we recommend speaking to your physician or an endocrinologist.
A CrossFit Coach Created This 40-Minute Home Workout to Torch Fat and Build Muscle
Can't make it to the gym but you still want to get in a muscle-building, fat-burning workout? Jade Jenny, head CrossFit coach and owner of Champlain Valley CrossFit, crafted this simple (yet intense!) 40-minute interval workout you can do anywhere.
It involves heart-pumping cardio as well as bodyweight moves that will strengthen and tone your legs, butt, arms, and core. All you need is a clock and your own motivation to push yourself during the fast-paced intervals.
40-Minute Home Workout
Equipment needed: Aside from your own body, all you need is a set of stairs you can run up and down. If you don't have access to stairs, use a sturdy ottoman or bench and do step-ups.
Directions: Perform each exercise for 30 seconds followed by a 30-second rest. Repeat the four-minute circuit 10 times for a total of 40 minutes. Want to make it harder? Perform each exercise a little longer for 40 seconds, followed by a 20-second rest.
| Exercise | Time |
|---|---|
| Burpees | Minute 1: 30 seconds on, 30 seconds rest |
| Air squats | Minute 2: 30 seconds on, 30 seconds rest |
| Run up and down the stairs (or step-ups) | Minute 3: 30 seconds on, 30 seconds rest |
| Hollow hold or plank | Minute 4: 30 seconds on, 30 seconds rest |
Keep reading for details on how to do each move.
Behati Prinsloo Shared Sweet Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses of Adam Levine's Super Bowl Show
Just like Travis Scott, Adam Levine had some extra-special fans tuned into his 2019 Super Bowl performance on Feb. 3. While the 39-year-old musician took the stage with Maroon 5 in Atlanta on Feb. 3, his daughters Dusty Rose and Gio were watching on a screen, dressed in their PJs. Adam's wife, model Behati Prinsloo, shared the adorable behind the scenes photos on Monday, along with a sweet message for Adam.
"No words can describe all of this," Behati wrote in the caption of one picture. "I love you." Could she be at a loss for words because she's standing so close to Adam's shirtless, tatted chest? The jury's still out on that one. Either way, it's clear Adam "will be loved" by his biggest fans: Behati, Dusty, and Gio.
The Bachelor's Bekah Martinez Is Officially a Mom! See the First Photos of Her Baby Girl
Congrats are in order for former Bachelor contestant Bekah Martinez and her boyfriend, Grayston Leonard! The couple welcomed a baby girl on Feb. 2 via water birth, according to People.
Bekah, 23, stepped into the spotlight during Arie Luyendyk's season of The Bachelor last year. Months after the show ended, she shared her pregnancy news. "I was in disbelief and thought, 'Is this really happening?'" Bekah said. "I immediately called Grayston and then went across the street to the Dollar Tree and bought two more pregnancy tests. They, of course, were both positive."
While her pregnancy came as a surprise, she called it "a dream come true" and reinforced her excitement for motherhood. Grayston posted photos of their little one on Instagram following her birth. "No photos please," he captioned the post. We wish Bekah and Grayston the best with their adorable new addition.
What Happened Between Nicole and Onyeka on The Bachelor? Things Escalated QUICKLY
It wouldn't be The Bachelor without some drama, and this week's episode provided plenty. Elyse exited the show of her own accord, but not before leaving Onyeka with a dilemma. According to Onyeka, Nicole told Elyse that she went on the show to find an "opportunity" to leave Miami. And with Demi's encouragement, Onyeka decided to take things straight to Colton.
After Onyeka relayed the remarks to Colton, he said that having a contestant not be on the show for him was his "greatest fear." Colton then pulled Nicole aside, and she denied Onyeka's claim immediately. "That couldn't be further from the truth," she said to him. "I'm here because I haven't been able to find love. And it just kills me if you were able to take that and believe it."
Here's where things really get awkward, though. When Onyeka subsequently told the other women what she revealed to Colton, Tayshia jumped in, saying she heard Elyse and Nicole's conversation - and that Nicole didn't say things the way Onyeka was making it seem. As Tayshia told it, Nicole spoke of life-changing opportunities, but she didn't explicitly talk about leaving her hometown. "She never said that she needs to get out of Miami," Tayshia said to Onyeka. "It was misconstrued . . . she did not feel that way."
Nicole then came back into the group, telling Onyeka (in front of the others) through tears that she is, indeed, there "for the right reasons." She then accused Onyeka of "spreading rumors to Colton." Tayshia jumped in again, adding that the situation could have been solved if Onyeka had just addressed Nicole first, rather than going to Colton.
"I've been nothing but honest and real this entire process," Nicole said to the camera. Onyeka, meanwhile, said during her interview that Nicole has been crying a lot on the show, so she's not "fazed" by her tears.
Unfortunately, things got way worse at the rose ceremony. Nicole told Colton that she was on the show to find a "partner in life." She added that Onyeka had been "bullying" her and suggesting that she was "emotionally unstable." Colton responded with concern, saying he didn't want anyone to feel that way on the show. But when he pulled Onyeka aside, she was quick to say that the bullying claims are "all lies." "I would never in a million years call anyone mentally unstable," Onyeka told Colton - just before telling the cameras that Nicole is "literally a psycho."
The two women proceed to have another confrontation, with Onyeka calling Nicole a liar. It sounds like it was all a misunderstanding and that Colton, like Nicole, may have thought that calling someone "emotionally unstable" and "mentally unstable" were similar insults. I mean, this is all one big game of telephone at this point. (And it shouldn't need repeating, but Nicole doesn't need the show to leave Miami - she's a grown woman who can make her own decisions about where to live.)
Eventually, the bickering got loud enough that Colton stopped what he was doing and went over to the two women. They kept fighting, though, and he ended up walking away from the conversation to have a few minutes alone on the beach. Both of them tried to catch up with him, but he said he wanted to be alone, and the episode ended on a "to be continued" note. Yikes!
Of course, viewers were quick to take sides in the feud.
Onyeka: I would NEVER in a MILLION YEARS call anyone mentally unstable...???
**five seconds later**
Onyeka: Omg Nicole is literally a PSYCHO#TheBachelor- Brett S. Vergara (@BrettSVergara) February 5, 2019
Nicole: I can't believe you're spreading rumors about me
Onyeka: I'm not spreading rumors, I'm just [definition of spreading rumors].#TheBachelor #BachelorMonday #BachelorNation #wyatr @annahossnieh @ArdenMyrin- 3d_dorito (@jashall) February 5, 2019
And some fans were just over the whole thing entirely.
Nicole and Onyeka should both be sent home @colton 🌹
- Kaid (@kaidbanasss) February 5, 2019
if i was @colton i wouldve sent both nicole and and onyeka home
TO MESSY‼️ #bachelor- nai | multifandom (@naomiaubri) February 5, 2019
Nicole, meanwhile, retweeted a clip of Tayshia's statement about the whole thing. "That's what best friends do," she wrote in her tweet.
That's what best friends do ❤️ #taycole https://t.co/Ecn0PDVqoJ
- Nicole Lopez-Alvar (@nicolelovar) February 5, 2019
Since we don't get to see the entirety of what goes on when the cameras aren't rolling, we probably won't ever know all that went down between Nicole and Onyeka. But it was enough to cause some major waves this week, not to mention annoying the other women. Going to the show's lead about the drama with the other contestants never ends well, and it looks like these two learned that the hard way.
Viewers Had a LOT of Thoughts About Maroon 5's Super Bowl Show, and They Didn't Hold Back
It's safe to assume that Maroon 5's Super Bowl performance didn't get the reaction they were probably hoping for.
The band took the stage during Super Bowl 53 for a Pepsi halftime show that included a brief SpongeBob SquarePants tribute, a gospel choir, and features from Travis Scott and Big Boi. It's a wild combination of artists right off the bat, but that doesn't automatically spell out doom. The band gave us the safest and, probably intentionally, the least offensive halftime show, with a medley of their greatest hits including "She Will Be Loved" and "Harder to Breathe." While Scott and Big Boi hyped up the crowd with their biggest singles, the whole show just seemed like mismatched bits of different concerts forced together for an ultimately bland performance.
Of course, viewers didn't hold back their disappointment with the show online. We've gathered up some of the most relatable reactions, from annoyance with the too-brief SpongeBob interlude, to hopes that Adam Levine would put his shirt back on. Check them out, ahead!
Who REALLY Lost the Super Bowl: The Los Angeles Rams or Adam Levine's Tank Top?
Let's discuss the Super Bowl, shall we? There were inspirational commercials and some celebrity PDA, and most obviously, it was the lowest-scoring game in Super Bowl history. The New England Patriots took home the Vince Lombardi Trophy, but in the battle of the internet vs. Adam Levine's tank top, the internet definitely won. For the halftime show, the Maroon 5 frontman took the stage in a radiant bomber jacket straight out of a Richard Simmons workout video, but layer after layer, the internet just couldn't hold back.
Disclaimer: it is possible the same people responsible for Justin Timberlake's camouflage suit last year picked out Levine's outfit, but we're just going to pretend his vision board included some Joann Fabrics samples and a furniture catalog from the '70s.
Under Levine's colorful jacket was a revealing tank top covered in three-dimensional brown squares. Usually, we'd chalk it up to another questionable fashion trend, but Twitter had our backs with proof that this tank top legitimately resembled cushion covers, drapes, and, yes, throw pillows. Read on to see all the hilarious things the internet had to say about Levine's Super Bowl performance outfit.
The Bachelor: Here Are the Women Who Colton Has Already Eliminated
Are you ready for a whole lot of Colton? Because the 23rd season of The Bachelor is a few weeks in, and the former NFL player has already taken some serious steps toward finding true love. The man of the hour, who was dumped by Becca Kufrin on the last season of The Bachelorette and also linked up with on-again, off-again flame Tia Booth on Bachelor in Paradise, is searching for his soulmate, and he certainly has some interesting women trying to woo him.
But sadly - for the ladies, anyway - not everyone has made it through with a rose. In fact, the first batch of contestants have already been sent packing without roses, and one woman decided to leave of her own accord. Check out the status of all the women on the show ahead, and keep checking back each week to see who is still in the running for Colton's heart!
Everything You Need to Know About Cassie, the Bachelor Contestant Colton's "Crazy About"
As soon as Cassie Randolph stepped out of the limo during The Bachelor's 23rd season premiere, we knew we smelled a front runner. The adorable California blonde greeted Colton Underwood with a box of butterflies in hand and said, "I have so many butterflies. Literally, I have so many butterflies." The semi-corny thought and sweet gesture definitely struck a chord with Colton, who slipped one of the fake insects into his jacket pocket while she walked into the Bachelor mansion.
Although Colton and Cassie's natural chemistry was evident right off the bat, sparks really flew when she landed her first one-on-one date in Thailand, where she spent the day swimming (and TBH, mostly making out) with Colton in the waters surrounding their own private island. During the nighttime portion of their getaway, things got intimate when they shared some alone time in Colton's bed, and he admitted that he's "crazy about" her. It's safe to say Colton's definitely smitten!
So, what else is there to know about the 23-year-old speech pathologist in training and Jimmy Kimmel's predicted winner of the season? Keep reading for some fun facts about Cassie.
The Bachelor's Latest Surprise Exit Might Be Frustrating, but It's Also Incredibly Relatable
Warning: spoilers for the latest episode of The Bachelor below!
It's not often that the cracks in the format of ABC's hit reality show The Bachelor show themselves, but every now and then, we get a reminder of just how far from reality it actually is.
Part of enjoying the series as an audience, as well as appearing on the show as a contestant, all but requires a suspension of disbelief. In real life, it's highly improbable that most people would be down with their boyfriend or girlfriend dating 20 or so other people for a few weeks until he can eventually whittle down who is worthy of his one-on-one attention. Of course, that's the exact premise of The Bachelor and its many spinoffs, which Chris Harrison continues to insist, from the rooftop of the same California mansion year after year, is the epitome of finding love.
Contestants know what they're signing up for . . . right?
Well, we'd like to think so. But clearly not everyone is cut out for this kind of courtship, something competitors might not realize until they're a few weeks into their season of the show. That's exactly what happened to Arizona-based makeup artist Elyse Dehlbom on Monday night, when she decided to break up with season 23's leading man, Colton Underwood. Elyse repeatedly says she realized she could no longer watch the guy she was falling for date other women, even after all the fun they had on their adorable one-on-one date at an amusement park earlier in the season.
"I had the world's most perfect date, and to watch people go on dates and come back and be so excited. For me, I just feel kind of heartbroken," the 31-year-old told fellow contestant Kirpa at the beginning of the episode, before elaborating later in a confessional. "I did not anticipate coming to Thailand - probably one of the most romantic places I've ever seen - and not get time with him. I think the reality is hitting home a little bit more after having a one-on-one."
All dolled up in her "statement dress," as Demi dubbed it, Elyse strolled over to Colton's hotel room to tell him that she needed to leave the competition. Naturally, it was a tearful interaction for both of them.
"I want to know all the silly, stupid things about you and how we are together. And I can't call Chris Harrison and say, 'I want every one-on-one for the next year,'" she told Colton while wiping her eyes. "I want the time and attention that a relationship deserves . . . I literally can't accept a proposal after a few months of sharing your time and attention with other people. I can't do it."
Even though Colton told Elyse that he was "genuinely excited for" their relationship, Elyse had clearly made up her mind and left, with that wedding gown statement dress flowing behind her. "How f*cking stupid am I?" she said to the cameras after her last interaction with Colton. "I'm leaving disgusted with myself and heartbroken."
Her decision to go has been praised by fans, as well as earning some eye-rolls from veteran members of Bachelor Nation who think she should've been prepared for what being on the show is like. At the very least, I think we should all admit that Elyse's problem with sharing Colton with a large group of women on TV is an understandable one and that leaving was the best choice if her heart wasn't in it.
See all the responses Elyse's shocking exit sparked on Monday night ahead.
This Couple Got Their Happily Ever After With a Fairy-Tale-Themed Wedding
ReAnne and Tyler first met during their orientation at Disney World, so it is only fitting that they chose to have a magical, fairy-tale-themed wedding. The pair tied the knot in Mount Pleasant, SC, and a photographer from Riverland Studios was there to capture this scenic wedding.
"ReAnne envisioned pixie dust strewn across her perfect wedding day, and from the dress to the dance, the day played out of a storybook," said the photographer.
ReAnne looked like she was straight out of a fairy tale in a ballgown-style wedding dress with lace detailing, and Tyler looked handsome in a suit with a Tinkerbell-inspired green patterned bow tie as they exchanged rings. Inside their venue, the rustic wood was lined with a string of cafe lights to enhance the enchanting ambiance of the room. ReAnne also carried a bouquet made out of green shrubs to match the green placemats and centerpieces in the room. All the greenery in the wedding gave the illusion of a forest setting, which is the perfect place for a great fairy tale like ReAnne and Tyler's wedding.
See photos of this charming wedding ahead!
Related: Transform Your Wedding Into an Enchanting Fairy Tale With These Disney-Inspired Ideas
Exactly What Led Up to Elyse's Big Twist on The Bachelor
Each new episode of The Bachelor means that Colton Underwood's relationships are getting more serious. For Elyse Dehlbom, her one-on-one date with the former NFL player a few weeks back confirmed her feelings early on. While being on this kind of television show can be very stressful, very few people opt to leave on their own. Elyse did just that during this week's episode, and we don't think we're the only ones who didn't see it coming. It may seem strange for a woman who feels such a connection with Colton to leave, but Elyse's explanation makes sense.
At this point in the season, Colton and the remaining women have just left Singapore for Thailand. Elyse was going over their first date and how perfect it was and how badly she wanted more individual time with him. Her demeanor clearly changes when Heather Martin, who had just come back from her own one-on-one date, is giving details about her day. Elyse gets up mid-story to leave the room, and we quickly find out it's because she wants to talk with Colton.
She starts by explaining how she struggled a lot in Singapore because she wanted the time and attention a relationship deserves. Colton immediately tries to comfort her, saying that he feels they give each other those things when they are together. He says, "That date with you - I'm excited. With you, I can't help but think about what we have; the connection's there." With tears in her eyes, she says, "This literally freaking crushes me."
The two seem to be saying the same thing - that there's a connection and they enjoy being with each other. But the unconventional way of dating seems to be more than Elyse can handle. If we had to guess, we would say that every woman on the show wishes for more time with Colton. Elyse says that she's not insecure but she can't do the whole competing-against-other-women thing. Colton continuously tries to reassure her: "I don't give up on relationships . . . I can't. Especially ones that I'm genuinely excited for."
We could tell that there was no convincing Elyse otherwise when she said that she couldn't accept a proposal after a few months of sharing Colton's time and attention with other women. Understandable? Yes. Heartbreaking? Yes, because their relationship could have really been something special.
The last thing she says to Colton is "I really want you to be happy." In her individual interview, she expresses that walking away from someone she cares about is a "really, really stupid mistake," and "I really, really regret doing this." Does she regret walking away or going on the show in the first place?
Colton must at least somewhat understand some of what Elyse was feeling since he was on her end of things on The Bachelorette and notably left Bachelor in Paradise early. It's an overwhelming situation, to say the least. You're putting your personal life out there on national television, living in a house with women you just met, and sharing a man with those women you have to see every day. The real question is: how do you keep your sanity? Maybe she'll appear on Bachelor in Paradise, or maybe she'll be the next leading lady on The Bachelorette. Neither have been confirmed, but we can wish, right?
James Middleton Bikes His Dogs Around London, and They're Not the Only Ones Drooling
James Middleton, younger brother of Kate and Pippa and devoted dog dad, was spotted taking his furry friends for a ride on a special dog bicycle through the Chelsea neighborhood of London last week. The handsome 31-year-old businessman had two of his five dogs in tow for the cruise, and everyone seemed to really be enjoying the wind blowing through their hair.
Since James graciously made his Instagram public last month, we've gotten a nice glimpse at his life in England, including his love for his pets. In January, James opened up about how much his dogs have helped him battle depression in an op-ed for The Daily Mail. "I recognize, too, the role my dogs - Ella, Inca, Luna, Zulu and Mabel - have played in my recovery," James wrote in the emotional piece. "Ella, particularly, has been my constant companion for ten years and she's been with me to all my therapy sessions. In her own particular way, she has kept me going." Scroll through for more photos of James and his adorable bike ride.
Vegans, Rejoice: Disneyland's Head Chef Says Even MORE Plant-Based Dishes Are on the Way
At Disneyland, a dream is a wish your (vegan) heart makes. Or at least that's the impression we got when we visited the park in late January for the kickoff of Disney's Lunar New Year celebration, where we got a sneak peek at the food.
"We're finding that a lot of our guests prefer to eat something that is plant-based," said Disneyland Culinary Director and Executive Chef John State. Responding to the rising demand, he told POPSUGAR that we can expect to see many more vegan dishes at coming festivals and throughout the resort.
In true Disney fashion, it's not just going to veganify current dishes haphazardly - first and foremost are taste and quality. As Disney California Adventure Park West General Manager Gary Maggetti put it, "We're making delicious food that just happens to be vegan." Think orange "chicken" with Mickey Mouse-shaped tempeh.
"We have more resources than ever to make [tasty plant-based dishes] happen," John said. The culinary team is getting to know more ingredients, making creative dishes that are quintessentially Disney while being 100 percent plant-based. Take the tempeh, for instance: "It's something the chefs had to really lean into and figure out, 'How does this stuff work?'"
The results have been incredible. The orange "chicken" dish was delightful, and the almond milk tea was absolutely out of this world. The chefs even made a soy-protein-based stir-fry veggie dish that isn't quite tofu and isn't quite tempeh. They're calling it "oomph" and noted that it "looks and acts like [meat-based] protein." It's like they Imagineered it! In terms of the flavor, the chef said, "I'm someone who likes to eat everything, and I still like to eat this." So it's not just for vegans!
Gisele Bündchen Wore Some Very Special Jewelry For Tom Brady at the Super Bowl
I don't know much about football, but I'm assuming most of the NFL players have supportive wives like Tom Brady's. I'm always keeping my eyes peeled for Gisele Bündchen when the New England Patriots are playing, and the Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta was no different. In 2018, Gisele wore Vivienne Westwood buckle boots on the field, and I instantly fell in love with them. They fit in with her signature bohemian style, but they weren't flashy or spotlight stealing.
Gisele went the same route for 2019, opting for simple skinny jeans and a long-sleeved white tee, no "Brady" jersey in sight when she descended upon the huddle with her family to congratulate her six-time winning champ of a husband.
But don't you dare think Gisele put on an outfit without any sign of patriotism. As she leaned it for a kiss, we caught a glimpse of her red and blue beaded bracelets, an obvious nod to Tom's team. The accessories might have been subtle, but they scored Gisele major points in our book. Keep reading to zoom in closely, then shop some similar pieces we found if you're a Pats FTW kinda gal.
30+ Recipes to Jump-Start Your Mediterranean Diet Journey
The Mediterranean diet has already been dubbed the best diet of 2019, so it's time to get familiar with it and get going on it. Not only is it good for your gut, but it's also incredibly easy to follow and will help you meet your weight-loss and health goals.
This diet doesn't force you to cut a bunch of stuff out of your day but instead focuses on eating clean and fresh. Your meal plates should typically have half a plate of veggies or fruit, a quarter of protein, and a quarter of whole grains. And don't forget your healthy fats! You need those too. And while this diet has a lot of lean, healthy proteins and not much dairy, you can still have minimal servings of cheese, red meat, and wine, though probably no more than once a week.
For some recipe ideas to get you going on this diet, we pulled together more than 30 options that are great pieces to each meal. Most of them require other portions, whether it's the meat or the grains, to make a complete meal, but once you get the hang of what all you need for a meal to come together, you'll have no trouble following along!
Reading a Book by a Nigerian Author Changed My Life - Here Are 6 Others That Might Change Yours
The first time I picked up a book by a Nigerian author, I was in college, sifting through my understanding of what it meant to be black. The book was Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and it's safe to say it changed my life.
The main character, Ifemelu, is forced to contend with her own blackness for the first time when she moves to America - a process that is foreign to someone whose race is thrust upon them the moment they enter the world. Before Adichie, I was well-versed in the imaginings of blackness through the American lens - both black and white. I understood the deafening cloud of oppression and the persistent struggle that weaves its way through every narrative. I understood that blackness, even when unmentioned, always lurked quietly in the background - easily called up when a new character crossed the page.
Americanah is different. Ifemelu is black but not in the way the American characters in the book are; not in the way that I am. Her blackness is more solid somehow, unburdened by quarter-white 23andMe test results and a torrid history that is danced around delicately. She looks at black American culture from a precarious distance and conceptualizes race in a way that is captivating because while she's aware of it, she isn't consumed by it. She learns what it means to be black over the course of the novel - because race isn't something she is forced to consider before she arrives in America.
It's the perspective I didn't know I needed as a young, queer black girl looking to understand myself.
It made me reexamine my understandings of race and its mere existence as a category. It's the perspective I didn't know I needed as a young, queer black girl looking to understand myself. From there I fell in love with Adichie and Nigerian authors as a whole (seriously, it's all I talk about on the 'gram). And while no two authors are the same, they all share the ability to create bodies of work where blackness isn't prescriptive but descriptive. Their worlds are often filled with black characters who are just living, which taught me that I could just live, too.
Although I have my own personal infatuation with Nigerian authors, they're part of a new generation of young Nigerian artists captivating readers worldwide. In early 2017, The New York Times reported the renaissance taking place on the continent and the ways their works challenge and address age-old taboos and traditions that went previously unaddressed. The result is vibrant and energetic prose - work that delights, haunts, and travels everywhere from the streets of Lagos to small, American towns.
Ahead, I've rounded up the contemporary Nigerian authors you need to read now - and which books to start with.
Learn How to Finally Do a Push-Up Correctly With This Clever Trainer Tip
Out of all the bodyweight exercises one can do, I've realized that push-ups tend to be one of the hardest movements to learn. As a trainer, I work with a lot of clients who have specific goals, and learning how to do a proper push-up is always on the top of their lists. For most, perfecting a push-up is a matter of building strength and learning how to move the weight of their body correctly. Instead of having my clients attempt push-ups until failure with incorrect form (and foster an "I can't" mentality), I start by breaking down each aspect of the push-up.
First, we focus on push and pull exercises like rows, chest presses, bicep curls, and chest flys. Next, I'll have them practice holding a plank for 10-30 seconds, since push-ups require core strength and stability. Once they have a strong foundation, they advance to practicing push-ups with yoga blocks. This is effective because they're able to master the movement pattern without compromising their form.
Here's how to do it:
- Start in a plank position with your arms and legs straight, shoulders above your wrists, and two yoga blocks stacked vertically underneath your chest.
- Take a breath in, and as you exhale, bend your elbows out to the sides and lower your chest toward the ground. Stop as soon as your chest touches the yoga blocks. Inhale to straighten the arms. This counts as one rep.
- If this is too difficult, do this exercise with your knees on the floor.
- Complete two sets of 10 reps.
- As you continue to get stronger, remove a yoga block to increase the depth of the push-up. Eventually you'll be able to work your way up to doing a push-up without a yoga block.
If You Want to Lose Weight and Keep It Off, a Doctor Says to Skip Keto and Intermittent Fasting
It's no surprise that the low-carb, high-fat keto diet and intermittent fasting are the most popular diets of 2018. Both approaches have helped people lose weight and improve their health, but according to obesity medicine physician and scientist Fatima Cody Stanford, MD, MPH, they aren't sustainable for long-term weight loss.
"When I prescribe things to patients, I like for them to be scientifically sound, meaning there's been a study done that's been done well," Dr. Stanford told POPSUGAR. Specifically, Dr. Stanford looks for studies that show long-term benefits when it comes the keto diet and intermittent fasting.
"When we look at the ketogenic diet, the research or the literature that's been done long-term really points to the ketogenic diet being excellent for patients that have seizure disorders or refractory seizure disorders," Dr. Stanford explained. Experts have also found that people with type 2 diabetes benefit from following the keto diet, because it lowers blood sugar and insulin levels and enables their bodies to use fat as the main source of energy.
While the keto diet has been proven effective for people with specific medical issues, "With regards to long-term benefits for weight and weight regulation, the studies have not been supportive," Dr. Stanford said. Although the keto diet may work for some in the long-term, Dr. Stanford said to consider whether or not you'll be able to (or want to) sustain it for five, 10, 15, or even 20 years.
"When we flip over to intermittent fasting, there are better studies that have been done long-term," she explained. There are a variety of ways to follow intermittent fasting, with 12:12 (you eat in a 12-hour window, and fast for 12 hours) considered to be the easiest. While intermittent fasting beats keto on long-term sustainability, Dr. Stanford said, "Overall, there's a limited population that's able to really conform to intermittent fasting, or IF, over the long-term."
This doesn't mean that IF and keto won't work to help you initially begin to lose weight. But if your goal is long-term (we're talking longer than a few months) weight loss, Dr. Stanford advised finding a way of eating that you can commit to for years to come. This will look different for everyone, but Dr. Stanford recommends beginning to eat lean proteins, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits to help you achieve your goals.
We're Already Concerned About When The Bachelor's Finale Will Air - Here's What We Know
The minute a new season of The Bachelor begins, there are multiple questions that come rushing into our minds. Who does he choose? Does he propose? Are they still together now? And all of those questions get answered on finale night(s). Colton Underwood's journey to love is no exception to our slew of curiosities, so we're already theorizing when all of our season 23 questions will get answered.
The finale date hasn't been announced yet, but being the detectives we are, we're homing in on when it could be. Last year's finale with Arie Luyendyk Jr. was a two-parter on March 5 and 6. In 2017, we found out Nick Viall's fate on March 13. And before that, Ben Higgins's final episode aired on March 14.
Now, I'm no Chris Harrison, but I suspect that the finale night or two will be either the first or second Monday (and possibly Tuesday) of March. That means you shouldn't make any plans for March 4 and 5 or 11 and 12 until we know for sure. Judging from the amount of episodes we have left, it's looking more like the 11. But while you wait for concrete confirmation, catch up on what every Bachelor has been up to since their own finales.
Lady Gaga Just Floated From the Heavens to Bless Us All in Her Custom Louis Vuitton Gown
When Lady Gaga enters a room, she doesn't just walk - she glides. At least, that's what it seemed like when she showed up to The Beverly Hilton on Feb. 4 for an Oscars nomination luncheon. Gaga and her fellow A Star Is Born nominees Bradley Cooper and Sam Elliott celebrated their achievements in film ahead of the highly anticipated awards show.
Gaga chose a custom high-neck Louis Vuitton gown with statement sleeves for the occasion. She paired the ensemble with matching Giuseppe Zanotti lace-up booties and, of course, her sparkling engagement ring. Don't mind me . . . I'm just taking notes for my own upcoming wedding. This dress may very well find its way onto my Pinterest board. Ahead, see Gaga's glamorous look from all angles.
Emily Ratajkowski Gets More Points Than the Patriots For Her Sexy Super Bowl Boots
Emily Ratajkowski made two appearances at Super Bowl parties in Atlanta, GA, kicking things off in a red Magda Butrym cape top, and later switching into this slitted black dress that revealed quite a lot of leg. Emily belted her midi and wore a furry green coat off the shoulder, drawing our eyes south - straight to those stunning thigh-high croc-effect boots. Emily completed her outfit with Ray-Ban sunglasses and a vibrant yellow Mark Cross purse, but it was clearly her footwear that amped up the sex appeal of this ensemble. Read through to take a closer look, then shop the deliciously luxe shoes Emily is sporting.
If Russian Doll's Ending Left You Scratching Your Head, Here's What It All Means
Warning: massive spoilers for Russian Doll ahead. Proceed with caution.
If you dedicated part of your weekend to Netflix's new series Russian Doll - it's not very long, FYI - a few things might be true. For starters, there's a strong chance you fell in love with the show's kooky world, swooned over the lioness that is Natasha Lyonne, and rocked out to that sizzling soundtrack, which, yes, included that one song that is permanently seared into your memory. But another, maybe more secondary, thing that might also be true is this: you might be confused by the ending.
That's the real conundrum of the series: the deeper you go, the stranger and more enigmatic it gets. The series makes rules and bends them, and the entire universe slowly begins to unravel as our fair heroes try to figure out what, exactly, is going on. Never fear, dear reader! I'm here to give you a pretty standard, bare-bones rundown of what happens and what, at its simplest level, it means.
The Basic Premise
Before we really get our hands dirty, let's talk about this world. Russian Doll gives us an NYC that's laden with magical realism. For some reason, Nadia is unable to escape her 36th birthday party. Not too far into the first episode, she gets hit by a taxi while trying to chase down her missing bodega cat, Oatmeal. That's when she regains consciousness right back where she started: in the bathroom at her 36th birthday party. No matter how far Nadia gets (sometimes she survives the night and even the following day) and no matter how many times she dies, she always lands back in that spot.
It's worth noting, perhaps at this point, that this isn't quite the same magic that seems to run similar stories, like Groundhog Day and Happy Death Day. Time is a strange thing in this world; Russian Doll presents a space in which everything hurtles onward, even as it loops back to the same moment. Fruit seems to rot, and even the people around them don't have the same robotic response every single loop. Everything is constantly changing. Nadia also posits, at one point, that perhaps there are infinite timelines and infinite iterations of Nadia. In one dimension, Ruth accidentally kills Nadia, and as far as we know, that Ruth is still mourning that Nadia.
The First Twist
The first major shift comes at the end of episode three. At this point, Nadia has launched a full-scale investigation to get to the bottom of the mystery: why can't she die? And why is she stuck reliving her 36th birthday party? She ends up in an elevator that, you guessed it, plummets to the ground and winds up a ravaged pile of twisted metal. But beside her is another person who seems eerily calm at the prospect of death: Alan.
It turns out Alan is also stuck in a time loop that forces him to relive the same day. Instead of a 36th birthday party, though, Alan must repeatedly endure a devastating breakup with his girlfriend, Beatrice, whom he is planning to propose to, ring and all.
The Tenuous Connection
Alan and Nadia quickly realize that their fates are linked: they always die at the exact same time. As we hurtle through the middle, we realize they share another connection. Both of them have deep-seated, debilitating trauma that they can't seem to process. Alan's is a little more front and center, with a slight catch. Yes, his breakup is the searing event at the heart of his meltdown, but it all snowballs into his OCD and his unwillingness to seek professional help. Beatrice can't take care of Alan anymore, and she's worried he'll hurt himself if she leaves. The former makes their relationship feel like work; the latter makes the breakup that much harder.
In Nadia's case, we learn that her trauma is much more buried. She still hasn't forgiven herself for an impossible decision she made in her childhood: leaving her unfit mother to live with a guardian. Her mother's untimely death, at age 36, suddenly casts a whole new sense of realization on the earlier parts of the story.
In order to break the loop, both Nadia and Alan must reckon with their respective pasts. And it's not just a move to help them heal; the universe itself has begun to crumble under the weight of this strange time conundrum. Much like the rotting fruit, other things seem amiss: people and objects are vanishing. It's all becoming unstable. And so the two heroes must reckon with their traumas so they can heal and restore order. Alan must forgive Beatrice for cheating on him and leaving him and must seek help for the unstable parts of his life. Nadia must let her mother go and forgive her younger self for making a decision no child should have to make. And they both do! This, of course, sets up the finale episode . . . and one final twist.
The Last Twist
Having confronted their respective traumas, Nadia and Alan decide to die one more time and meet at the bodega that started it all. This causes a schism in this strange world: their timelines split, leaving each to deal with an older, more oblivious version of the other. Nadia must stop a devastated, wasted Alan from throwing himself off the roof of a building, while Alan must stop a repressed, self-destructive Nadia from relying on her usual unhealthy tendencies. It's almost like a final test: after all, they can't both know all the answers and stride confidently into this new world! They have to prove they've changed, and learned.
And they do. Nadia convinces Alan not to take his life; she doesn't offer happiness or answers, but she does offer company. Alan, on the other hand, makes Nadia realize she's making unhealthy decisions and effectively snaps her out of her trance. He also literally saves her life by pulling her out of the way of the taxi. Once each "enlightened" version of the character leads their needful counterpart out of the darkness, the paths merge into a brilliant, celebratory march toward a single future . . . with a cheering group of costumed homeless people, of course.
At the end of the day, a show like this that's so riddled with mythology and possibility can be read a multitude of ways, which is a nice touch given the multiverse it seems to depict in the first place. I think what resounded with me the most were the function and effects of trauma. I do often find myself reliving the worst moments in my life, despite the fact that the people involved have long moved on. The fact that Nadia and Alan relive their horrific nights over and over seems to speak to that experience of dwelling in the past and in those moments of pain and loss. And it's only by processing, acknowledging, and releasing yourself from that pain that you can truly move forward.
Is It Hot in Here, or Is It Just You in These 13 Pieces of Red Lingerie?
You have to treat yourself to some red-hot lingerie at least once in your life. There's something about the color that's both powerful and sexy - the best combination ever. We rounded up our favorite options in the fiery hue to get you inspired. There's never a bad time to treat yourself, so buy some pretty options today!
Anthropologie Just Dropped Its Most Gorgeous Collection to Date, So There Goes My Tax Return
As we approach the dawn of Spring cleaning season, Anthropologie has taken it upon itself to drop its most formidable collection to date, so naturally we have to empty - I mean clean - our homes to make space for it. The collection showcases bold prints and nature-influenced textures that give it the well-deserved title "The Life Within." From its leaf-inspired wallpapers to woven baskets and light fixtures, you'll find yourself basking (no pun intended) in organic glory. If you're ready to bring the outdoors into your home, than have a look at some of these standout pieces.
Anthropologie Just Dropped Its Most Gorgeous Collection to Date, So There Goes My Tax Return
As we approach the dawn of Spring cleaning season, Anthropologie has taken it upon itself to drop its most formidable collection to date, so naturally we have to empty - I mean clean - our homes to make space for it. The collection showcases bold prints and nature-influenced textures that give it the well-deserved title "The Life Within." From its leaf-inspired wallpapers to woven baskets and light fixtures, you'll find yourself basking (no pun intended) in organic glory. If you're ready to bring the outdoors into your home, than have a look at some of these standout pieces.
Prepare to Redecorate: 22 Mid-Century Furniture Pieces Customers Are Loving on Amazon
If your home feels outdated, or the decor items you bought years ago no longer reflect your style, consider a revamp. Without a lot of money, you can freshen up your digs quickly and stylishly. Shoppers have been loving Mid-century modern pieces that give spaces a sleek yet vintage vibe. Amazon has all sorts of cool items in the popular style that can completely transform a room. We were pleasantly surprised in discovering just how amazing an Amazon item can look when incorporated into the right environment. Check out these mid-century must haves and consider a room overhaul.
Related: In the Mood to Redecorate? These 12 Gorgeous Furniture Pieces Might Be For You
Um, Why Aren't We Talking About Trader Joe's New Rosé Salad Dressing?
I have a bone to pick with everyone who forgot to inform me that Trader Joe's is currently selling a salad dressing that contains Rosé. Yes, Rosé, the wine that you spend all Summer drinking like it's water, can now be used to liven up your leafy greens. Trader Joe's Organic Rosé Vinaigrette, as it's called, is one of three products in a lineup of brand-new salad dressings from the grocery store, and it just made its way to shelves in early January.
According to a product description, the dressing is made with sunflower oil, red wine vinegar, and Rosé wine vinegar that's blended with spices and herbs like garlic, basil, oregano, and agave syrup. It sells for $3.49 per 12-ounce bottle, and probably pairs pretty well with all of Trader Joe's own salad blends and, say, a nice, big glass of actual Rosé. Read ahead to see a few photos of the product before you make a mad dash to the store.
Send Help - I Can't Stop Drooling Over This New Mickey Mouse Dessert at Disneyland
Warning: The content we're about to share with you may cause excessive salivation and/or sudden pangs of hunger. Proceed with caution.
Phew, OK, now that we've gotten that very vital heads-up out of the way, we're delighted to introduce you to our latest Disney parks food craving: the Mickey Mouse Club Hat Dessert. Served up at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe in Disneyland, this sweet treat is being offered as part of the Get Your Ears On Celebration in honor of Mickey and Minnie Mouse's 90th anniversary.
The dessert features - are you ready for this? - a chocolate truffle mousse dome filled with vanilla-bean crème brûlée and topped with two dark chocolate Mickey ears and a Mickey Mouse Club logo. Yep, it's practically begging for you to take a Boomerang video while cutting into its gooey center. So far, the decadent $6 masterpiece has been quite a hit among Disneyland visitors, with one Instagram user noting that it's "worth every calorie." Welp, this Instagram-worthy treat has officially catapulted to the tippy-top of our edible Disneyland bucket list!
100+ Adorable Tattoos That Are Appropriate For Work
In many workplaces, a bold line stands between creative expression and professional presentation. As a result, many write off the idea of getting inked, because their managers wouldn't stand for it, they'd lose sales/money/clients, or they simply wouldn't be taken seriously at the office. But tattoos and career ambition aren't mutually exclusive. Most of us know this; however, company policy usually doesn't.
If you have true tattoo lust but are worried about what the boss might say, never fear: we've rounded up the best work-appropriate tats we could find. These bad boys are either in obscure bodily locations or can be easily covered up by concealer, clothes, or shoes. Take a look, and go for the ink.
- Additional reporting by Ashley Paige
The Latest Internet Meme Has Pets Running For President, and Where Do I Cast My Vote?
With 2019 in full swing, many people have been thinking about who might run for president in the 2020 election. But it's not just people pondering who the most viable candidates are. Animals are consumed with this too, it seems. Over the weekend, Twitter went wild with a new #IfMyPetRanForPresident meme and the campaign slogans and political platforms are pure purrfection. Read through them all and cast your vote!
What Lunar New Year Means to Me, an Introvert
When I showed my mother the film Crazy Rich Asians, her first reaction was to wrinkle her nose and pointedly comment at all the parties with hundreds of people in attendance. While I like the movie and what it represents, I could see her point. We were two slightly curmudgeonly and introverted peas in a pod who didn't necessarily love these grand parties on screen or real life.
Our family gatherings while I was growing up often looked like those in the movie - packed rooms of relatives and explosions of red and gold during major Asian holidays. Our soirées were just a hair less fancy, since we were mostly working-class Vietnamese immigrants, not major real estate developers, like in the movie, and while we didn't have hundreds of people, there were 50 to 75 aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins in my grandparents' modest house in south San Jose, CA.
Related: 7 Fascinating Facts About Chinese Zodiac Signs
There was a lot of rah-rah, and it was especially palpable on Chinese New Year - or Lunar New Year to be precise and inclusive - when my entire family showed up and showered children with li xi, lucky red envelopes stuffed with crisp bills for at least a handful of boba and coffee runs. Relatives would take pictures in elaborate, figure-hugging áo dài dresses, croon karaoke while fueled on Heineken, and gamble over tea, candied fruits, and seeds. The air always smelled of heavy incense, firecracker smoke, and savory notes of seasoned pork from a rice cake called bánh chung.
The New Year definitely validates and embraces my Asian identity, but I'm still not sure if the annual brouhaha feels like my scene.
The New Year was and is an extravagant time, both within and beyond the purview of my family traditions. Growing up in a predominantly Asian community, I immediately recognized the New Year season had arrive as soon as I stepped outside - and so did my mom. During grocery trips to Asian supermarkets like 99 Ranch, a desperate glint would form in my mother's eyes as she surfed through crowds of people filling carts with lucky orchids, candies, teas, and knick-knacks. It wasn't a nostalgic or excitable glint; it reminded me of Dwight in The Office wishing for a plague to hit Phyllis's wedding. It was dread.
Related: How I Transitioned From a Brat Who Hated Tradition Into an Adult Who Embraces It
While easily drained by crowds, I'd heartily jump into community celebrations when I was younger, attending local festivals and volunteering at large children's events at the library. Even when I was away at college, I worked at a nonprofit where I helped plan one of the biggest Lunar New Year celebrations in Oakland's Chinatown, designing, stapling, and passing out programs to hundreds, if not thousands, of people. For me, the period between January and February has always been a reminder of an extensive Asian community that's both wondrous and overwhelming.
The New Year definitely validates and embraces my Asian identity, but I'm still not sure if the annual brouhaha feels like my scene. You see, it's like an extra Christmas, exciting and festive, but also radiating with ulcer-inducing holiday stress, especially if you're an introvert like me.
What my parents and I have learned over time is that we're not necessarily cut out for The Great Gatsby levels of planning and partying during the season. In our heart of hearts, we enjoy shying away from most festivities throughout the year.
We're trying to redefine tradition this year, trading clamor for intimacy.
Since we've moved from San Jose to the Central Valley, we're trying to redefine tradition this year, trading clamor for intimacy. My immediate family - just me, my parents, and baby brother - will be planning a low-key gathering this New Year. We've come to realize that not all of our traditions need to be crazy or rich or even very Asian. While a part of me will miss the extravagance that I've grown accustomed to, I'm looking forward to a smaller event with just a few lucky red envelopes, some bánh chung, and maybe a Paul Feig comedy quietly playing in the background.
14 Grocery Staples I Always Have as a 20-Something on a Budget
As a 26-year-old who started out in the professional world a few years ago, I know how hard it can be to get your life together. You're supposed to find a job, live on your own, cook for yourself, and find the time to exercise, which, unfortunately, I don't think includes walking to the kitchen for snack breaks in between TV episodes. When you have so much going on - especially when you're on a budget - one thing that some people dread is grocery shopping. I personally love it, but it took a little practice to figure out a routine and a grocery list that worked for me. As someone who loves to cook, there are certain things I like to have on hand all the time. These are 14 budget-approved staples I always have stocked in my kitchen.
Here's What Your Next Trip Should Be Based on Your Zodiac Sign
Sure, there are tons of different places to visit, and as much as you'd like to visit them all, you need to prioritize your favorite spots each year, as there's only so much time. If you're wondering where you should go in 2019, you might want to take a cue from the stars. It turns out your zodiac sign can determine a few getaway locations that are right up your alley, so you'll want to make sure you get the full experience at some point in your life. No need to wait, though. Book a trip to these destinations, all recommended in an interview with Joshua MacGuire ("Joshua the Psychic"), a psychic, astrologer, and life coach in Los Angeles.
The 20 Saddest Meals We've Ever Made Ourselves
It's impossible to be a first-class chef all the time, or most of the time, or even ever. Time can be scarce, and POPSUGAR editors are just as guilty of emptying a jar of peanut butter one spoonful at a time instead of eating a balanced dinner. If fact, we've eaten some pretty sad meals when left to our own devices. I put out an open call for the most depressing meals our editors have "prepared" for themselves, and the results are so shocking that I've removed all of their names from this list. Here is the definitive ranking of the 20 saddest responses I got - from slightly embarrassing to just downright heartbreaking.
80 Small and Big Ways to Save Money This Year
If one of your goals is to save money this year, then make a few changes here and there to save a little or a lot. Remember the little things do add up! Read this list below on suggestions for saving money and pick a few for 2019.
- Additional reporting by Emily Co
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