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.
dimanche 17 février 2019
Want to Lose Belly Fat in a Month? It's Possible - Here's How to Do It
Thirty days may not seem like a lot of time, but a lot can happen in a month: you could get married, win the lottery and quit your job, or traipse around Europe on a life-changing vacation. More realistically, you can use 30 days to get stronger or, if you're looking to shed belly fat, lose inches and see results.
Although you won't be able to completely transform your body or even lose more than a few pounds in a month, you can jump-start your weight-loss journey and be well on your way to achieving your goals. Just be mindful that while you can lose weight in a month, you can't specifically target your belly; there's no such thing as being able to spot-reduce fat (your body decides where the fat comes from - yay, genetics!). We tapped registered dietitian and ACSM-certified personal trainer Jim White, who owns Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios and helps clients reach their weight-loss goals, for insight on how to lose belly fat in 30 days.
How Much Weight You Can Lose in 30 Days
Jim said people can healthily lose half a pound to two pounds a week. In a month, that could add up to four to eight pounds lost. Since one pound of fat equals 3,500 calories, to lose one pound a week, you would have to burn approximately 500 extra calories a day. This can be achieved through eating in a healthy calorie deficit or working out to burn extra calories (or a combination of both). Other lifestyle factors also play a role. Getting enough sleep will ensure your body recovers well and that you'll be energized for your workouts the next day. And too much stress increases the stress hormone cortisol, which can increase your cravings for caloric refined carbs and comfort food, which will prevent you from losing weight (especially in your belly). Make sure, in addition to eating in a calorie deficit, that you're also getting at least seven hours of sleep a night and managing your stress.
You can also lose inches in 30 days. "Just in my own 15 years of experience in working with patients, I have seen some lose up to five to 10 inches in a month from losing four to eight pounds," Jim told POPSUGAR. Keep in mind those five to 10 inches aren't just from your belly; those are full-body measurements from all major areas, including your waist, hips, chest, arms, legs, shoulders, and neck. He added that the inches lost depend on if you are weight training, what kind of cardio you're doing, how much water you're drinking, and how many calories you're eating.
How to Get Results in 30 Days
It takes a multipronged approach to see results in 30 days. Jim advises doing cardio for 30 to 60 minutes, three to five days a week. The goal is to burn 500 calories a day; this can be achieved through cardio, eating in a calorie deficit, and getting in more steps. He also advises strength training two to four days a week. Not only does strength training also burn calories, but it helps build lean muscle, too, which burns more calories at rest.
NASM-certified personal trainer Sydney Eaton, head of fitness and programs at PK Coin App, said that high-intensity interval training, or HIIT, can also be an effective way to burn fat fast. "I've seen many clients achieve desirable results in a very short amount of time with [HIIT]," Sydney told POPSUGAR. For your cardio days, you could opt to do HIIT in the form of sprints on the treadmill or a 20-minute no-equipment HIIT workout.
As we mentioned above, eating in a calorie deficit is key. Jim recommends eating 500 calories less than your total daily energy expenditure, or TDEE. This is the number of calories you burn in a day, which is based on factors like age, height, sex, and activity level. To calculate what this number is and what your calorie target should be to lose weight, use this formula. Just make sure you don't go below 1,200 calories a day for women; in a previous interview, Jim said eating any fewer calories than that can slow down your metabolism and result in negative side effects like low energy, loss of hair, hunger pangs, and a negative impact on your menstrual cycle.
When it comes to what you eat, you need to dial in your diet to see results in a short amount of time. Jim recommends limiting your indulgences to one meal a week, cutting back on eating after dinner (like that late-night scoop of ice cream you just can't resist), and limiting caloric beverages such as alcohol, soda, and other sugary drinks.
Although everybody is different and some people may take a longer period of time to see results (or may see results faster!), it is possible to notice a difference in belly fat in just 30 days. With a careful approach to exercise, diet, and other lifestyle factors, you will be on your way to shrinking your belly.
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!
Gather Your Girls! Here Are the Best Girlfriend Getaways For 2019
"You're the loves of her life. And a guy's just lucky to come in fourth."
Mr. Big may have uttered this iconic line 15 years ago on Sex and the City, but the importance of female friendship still rings just as true in 2019. While we're making space for self-care and prioritizing what really matters, there's nothing like uninterrupted quality girlfriend time. Why should bachelorette parties be the only excuse to escape on vacation with your tribe? Making memories over once-in-a-lifetime experiences is just as important as the all-important Sunday brunch therapy sessions. Whether your crew prefers to get a little wild in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, or relax and unwind in Bali, we've selected the amazing getaways for 2019 that every girl in your crew will love!
10 Staple Shoes Every Woman Should Own
If we lived by Carrie Bradshaw's rules, then we could never have too many shoes. Sometimes we think that truly may be the case. However, we don't have the budget (or closet space, for that matter) to jump on every single trend. To make your shopping experience more seamless, we narrowed it down to 10 staple shoe styles that every woman should own at least one of.
Take a look and follow our trusted footwear plan, so no matter the occasion you'll always be set. We've found them all, from attention-grabbing statement heels to your favorite pair of sneakers. Keep scrolling to see our absolute must haves.
- Additional Reporting by Hannah Weil McKinley
Gather Your Girls! Here Are the Best Girlfriend Getaways For 2019
"You're the loves of her life. And a guy's just lucky to come in fourth."
Mr. Big may have uttered this iconic line 15 years ago on Sex and the City, but the importance of female friendship still rings just as true in 2019. While we're making space for self-care and prioritizing what really matters, there's nothing like uninterrupted quality girlfriend time. Why should bachelorette parties be the only excuse to escape on vacation with your tribe? Making memories over once-in-a-lifetime experiences is just as important as the all-important Sunday brunch therapy sessions. Whether your crew prefers to get a little wild in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, or relax and unwind in Bali, we've selected the amazing getaways for 2019 that every girl in your crew will love!
It's Written in the Stars - the Hot Wedding Theme of 2019 Is All Things Celestial
Starry-eyed lovers, the wedding of your dreams awaits, thanks to these celestial wedding ideas. This year's big wedding theme trend is all about star and moon motifs, astrological signs, ethereal romance, and the sparkly night sky. With dreamy decor and out-of-this-world-beautiful bridal pieces, it's no wonder this theme has people starstuck.
Ahead, we've found some of the most stunning products from Etsy that you need to throw your own celestial-themed wedding. From star-adorned accessories like hair pins, jewelry, and veils to cake toppers and confetti, here's everything you need for the wedding of your dreams.
Related: Out With the Old, in With the Gold! These Wedding Dresses Are Taking the Aisle by Storm
How to Bachelorette at Disney World Like a Pro
If you're not into wild Vegas parties but get bored just sitting on a beach, Walt Disney World is the perfect spot for a bachelorette weekend. Even if you're not a big Disney fan, there's so much to do for the 21-and-over crowd, from fun nightlife to spas to an emerging craft beer scene. I recently celebrated my own bachelorette party at Disney World, and it was the perfect balance of go-go-go and relaxation.
If you're planning a bachelorette trip, check out my itinerary for an unforgettable bridal bash, from must-dos and must-eats to the perfect Instagrammable accessories. Click through for the ultimate party-planning guide for a long weekend at Disney.
100 Vintage-Inspired Engagement Rings
When it comes to engagement rings, maybe you prefer small, big, or unique. No matter the cut you adore, though, it's easy to see why many women go for vintage-inspired jewels to embellish their left hands - they're simply breathtaking! Ahead are incredible engagement rings that will fuel your love of antiques.
– Additional reporting by Ashley Paige
22 Unbelievably Cool Tech Gadgets You Never Knew You Needed - All From Walmart
To make sure you're stocked up on the hottest gadgets of 2019, we curated a list of 22 must-haves that will make your life easier one way or another. We looked to Walmart because the retailer carries many brands we love at affordable price points. From sleep lamps to automatic mops, prepare to want it all. Take a look at our favorites ahead.
Is Dating Outside Your Political Party Impossible in 2019?
A couple months before the 2016 presidential election, I came across a study that revealed that just nine percent of Republicans and eight percent of Democrats said their spouse or partner was a member of the other major political party. The study comprised survey results from the Spring of 2016 - roughly one year since then-candidate Donald Trump had launched his misogynistic, racist, xenophobic, and generally intolerant presidential campaign.
The results seemed to suggest a distinct shift from previous, similar surveys, including one from 1958 that revealed 72 percent of parents had no party preference for their child's spouse - compared to only 45 percent as of 2017. They were also in contrast with a trend of increasing interracial and interfaith marriages through the years. Party politics have indisputably become more polarized since the 1950s, especially as women have become more empowered to partake in politics and share opinions that may be different from their male partners. As feminist journalist Rebecca Solnit has pointed out, unsaid numbers of husbands have influenced or even controlled their wives' votes, and some still do today. But another stark reality is that young women - and women of all ages - are increasingly finding our voices, and this could yield long-term paradigm shifts in the worlds of dating and marriage.
For many, the option to stay silent about politics and social-justice issues with a partner in this political reality feels like a symptom of privilege at best and an impossibility at worst.
Of course, the divides between millennial women's experiences in relationships and previous generations aren't limited to politics: millennial women are getting married later, having fewer children - if having children at all - and more of them are the breadwinners in their households than ever. But their politics are different: young women have become one of the most reliably liberal political blocs, and an increasingly politically engaged one, too. Our growing independence and our politics are inextricably linked, and we're not afraid to disagree with and challenge differing views around us.
In either case, I didn't think much of the study about declining interpolitical couples at the time, even over the course of my own almost year-long relationship with a libertarian, Republican-leaning white man. (I'm an Asian-American woman.) We started dating a few months after I stumbled across the study. It would be almost three years later, at the onset of 2019, that I found myself thinking of the study once again and interrogating my own experience with an interpolitical, heterosexual, and cisgender romantic relationship.
It wasn't that my then-partner and I hadn't discussed politics. Frankly, politics was sometimes all we'd discussed, often in long, drawn out, and emotionally laborious debates that left me exhausted and disheartened. It often seemed that no amount of statistics or moral arguments I offered could convince him that something Trump had said was offensive, or that reproductive rights comprised an urgent, existential issue for many women - and specifically for me. As deeply as I wanted to show him my lived implications around issues over which we'd shared disagreements, comments he often made during our arguments deterred me from ever opening up about them. As a result, I never felt fully emotionally safe or close to him.
But why hadn't his politics bothered me enough to leave? Especially as an Asian-American daughter of immigrants, whose life had been deeply, personally affected by sexual violence and a taxing journey to access reproductive health care? The end of our relationship had been the result of disagreements over commitment; not whether abortion was a fundamental human right or the fact that he'd cast his ballot for Gary Johnson in a swing state. Three years later, with that question nagging at me, I decided to ask other women like me - specifically, liberal women of color who date men - to share their experiences in the hopes of shedding some light on my own.
What It's Really Like to Date Someone With Different Political Views
Well before 2018, Trump made his true colors clear as day. His actions since - overseeing the separation of migrant families, turning away survivors of domestic violence and children at the borders, locking migrant children in cages, and forcing a man credibly accused of sexual assault onto the Supreme Court - should have surprised no one. For many, the option to stay silent about politics and social-justice issues with a partner in this political reality feels like a symptom of privilege at best and an impossibility at worst.
In straight relationships, political gender divides carry deep implications. (Fifty-three percent of men voted for Trump over Hillary Clinton in 2016, compared with 42 percent of women.) From #MeToo and the annual Women's March to the cultural ramifications of the president's notorious "grab 'em by the p-ssy" comments, gender and politics have become deeply interwoven into the American social landscape. It's no wonder the political, gendered conflicts that play out in public spill over into personal relationships.
As I continued to think of the 2016 study, I realized my assumption had been that the only way straight couples from opposing political parties could still exist was if those couples avoided talking about politics altogether. But when I started talking to such couples, I learned it wasn't that simple. These people had a wide range of experiences based on what, exactly, was being disagreed upon, the extent of the disagreement, and general feelings about whether discussions of politics and social justice issues were respectful and productive.
Melina*, 21, dated a man who shared her Filipino heritage for three months starting in 2017. She eventually ended their relationship over their vast differences - but not, she said, before plenty of lengthy, seemingly endless conversations and debates about a range of issues. She remembers that many of their disagreements weren't always as straightforward as Democrat vs. Republican, but, as she stated several times: "Existence is political."
Melina said her then-boyfriend made victim-blaming comments about the way women dressed, expressed discomfort with the idea of having an LGBTQ+ child, was frustrated with the #MeToo movement, and seemed "overly sensitive" in conversations about race. He also pushed back on her hypothetical preference to keep her last name if she were to marry, calling it "disrespectful." She said she challenged these views every time, requiring what she called "deep emotional labor" and significant amounts of time researching facts to counter his often problematic and troubling beliefs.
"All of it showed me that in your relationship, you have to feel mentally and emotionally safe," Melina said. She said social justice had been a deeply important part of her life for years, and her relationship had started to feel contrary to these values. "I thought a lot about privilege and the ability to 'opt out' of social justice, and whether social justice really means that much to you if you can coexist with and reward harmful views."
"Coming from a diverse, liberal part of California, and meeting his traditional family in Connecticut, showed me a side of the country I hadn't known before."
Jill Serron, 20, an Indian-American student at Boston University, also talked about the realities of privilege and its role in her ongoing relationship with a white man who voted for Trump in the 2016 election. According to Serron - who said her boyfriend has since recanted his support for Trump - their relationship is not only enabled but empowered by their ability to learn from each other and examine the vastly different cultural experiences and upbringing that were the source of their disagreements.
"Coming from a diverse, liberal part of California, and meeting his traditional family in Connecticut, showed me a side of the country I hadn't known before," Serron said. "Our conversations have shown me how other people think and helped both me and him grow."
But Serron acknowledged the presence of privilege in how their desire to be together, despite their differences, sometimes relies on agreeing to drop a topic. Occasionally, she said, they simply determine that something that divides them actually has little bearing on their lives, and therefore isn't worth fighting or harming their relationship over. "And obviously, there's privilege in that," Serron said. "We can avoid talking about some things, like how we disagree sometimes about LGBTQ+ and trans issues, or about people are overreacting to things Trump does, because we're not directly affected by those things ourselves."
According to Serron, she maintains boundaries and standards for decency she would require of any partner, noting that her boyfriend has been supportive of #MeToo and survivors of sexual assault. She said their relationship has expanded both their ways of thinking despite the fact that she's a Democrat and he's a Republican
Mariah*, 21, a graphic designer based in Orange County, California, shares Serron's sense of boundaries as to how far disagreements can stretch. She met her then-boyfriend, a white man whose experiences differed vastly from hers as a Vietnamese daughter of immigrants raised in a predominantly immigrant community, on Tinder. On their first date, Mariah said he had wasted no time in launching into a "conservative rant" about economic policies and his strong support for Trump's immigration policies.
"I never interrupted him, and that seemed to surprise him: that we could have mutually very respectful conversations despite our disagreements," Mariah said. "But meeting my parents, and learning their stories - that changed and moved him a bit. We both learned a lot from each other and that was so interesting."
Mariah said she draws the line when someone's beliefs shape their treatment of other people, or when their treatment of others is fueled by feelings of supremacy and disrespect. "The fact that he wasn't like that, and he respected and listened to me, made it easy to be with him," she said. Their relationship ultimately ended for other reasons, but Mariah said they remain friends, and she would not only be open to but may even prefer to date someone with different political views again.
Can Liberal-Conservative Romances Last?
Dr. Gary Brown, a Los Angeles-based couple's therapist who has been in practice for 25 years and takes pride in his diverse practice serving couples from all backgrounds, has encountered marriages and relationships troubled with political differences before. But according to Brown, political differences are seldom the sole issue rocking romantic relationships. Instead, couples often seek his help for a litany of other serious, relatively apolitical issues.
"Whether or not you stay in a relationship with someone with whom you have opposite views, I think, might be more about whether you really love each other and have a good relationship in the first place, all of that aside," he said, noting that tolerance "can very well help a couple transcend" their political disagreements.
""With all this polarization, there comes a lot of passion."
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, a clinical psychologist and couple's therapist based in the Chicago area, agreed that when couples who are deeply divided by political disagreements often initially come to her office seeking help with other problems. And certainly, this has become more of a trend in the last three years. "With all this polarization, there comes a lot of passion," she said.
That polarization has reached a head in the Trump era, and Lombardo said it often works in tandem with an inability to hear other views. "I call it 'conditional self-worth,' when you need others to agree with or see eye-to-eye or validate your views, to feel self-worth, when you need to be heard, so you don't let the other person speak," she said.
Lombardo posits that this is especially the case in a social media age, as we've become increasingly accustomed to sharing our views in tweets and posts in communities of mostly like-minded people. As a result, Lombardo believes people's growing need for validation could impact what they expect and demand from their partners. While she can't quite speak to generational differences in how women approach political disagreement with their partners, she can see a connection between social media and a growing need to have our beliefs validated and approved of.
According to Lombardo, there's "always a way" couples in disagreement can remain together. But certainly, that's a choice for each person to make based on their values and priorities.
How Boundaries, Mutual Respect, and Values Play a Role
But others, like Melina, see things differently, and view having basic agreements with your partner as a matter of standing up for social justice and morality in one's personal life.
For Melina, looking back at her relationship made her think of that of her parents and their upbringing in the Philippines. "I know there are things they disagree really sharply about," she said. While both of her parents are deeply religious, she said her mother tends to vote conservatively in contrast with her father's Democratic voting record. "But they don't really talk about this, and that's not always about privilege, but the cultural contexts in which some people are raised and what they're raised to see as too taboo to talk about - like LGBTQ+ identity or abortion rights, maybe."
Ultimately, as I tried to neatly tie together my thoughts about the 2016 study on interpolitical relationships in a fresh, 2019 context, I thought again of what Dr. Brown had said about a baseline of "mutual respect." Certainly, everyone has different boundaries and standards for what they seek in a partner, often shaped by identity and lived experience. But is it possible to feel respected by someone whose views and political participation disrespect the existence of other people like you? Of other groups you regard as equal? Of the fundamental values you hold at a time of nearly unprecedented assaults on these values? For all the frequent op-eds and cultural essays by men who refuse to date feminists - and by conservative women who refuse to date feminist men - don't women and feminists have standards of our own? Don't we have a fundamental need to feel respected, to be consistent in our values?
When I think about my own experience in a relationship with someone with whom I shared deep political and ideological differences today, what comes to mind first is how young I was. My conversations with Melina, Jill, Mariah, and doctors Brown and Lombardo prompted me to reevaluate my own past and all that I hadn't considered at the time. I realize I'd held an unshakable belief that I had not just the power, but the obligation, to change and unconditionally support someone - no matter the exhaustive cost to me personally. As I've struggled to take care of myself amid a constantly either draining or terrifying news cycle in the last almost three years, I've gradually come to shed that mindset altogether.
Relationships and human connections don't exist in a vacuum; different people find different interactions and conversations rewarding. But we are living in an age of children in cages and alleged abusers in the White House and Supreme Court. I understand the choice to opt out of the debilitating emotional labor of discussing with a partner why children do not belong in cages and abusers do not belong in power.
In the years since my last and only interpolitical relationship, the events that have transpired have shown me the importance of building relationships with those who share my fundamental values - those who see what is happening in the country and the world, and care. I'm proud to identify as a feminist and Democratic voter, with little patience for political stances propped up by misogyny, racism, xenophobia, and intolerance - and to say with confidence that I wouldn't enter my 2016 relationship as the woman I am in 2019.
Whether You Belong to Gryffindor or House Targaryen, You'll Love This Bookish Wedding
If you dream of flying around the Quidditch pitch with Harry and Ron, or imagine traversing through the Seven Kingdoms, this bookish wedding will keep your attention until the very last page. Charlotte and Arthur made sure to highlight each of the fandoms they love during their North Carolina nuptials, and photographer Audrey Priel shared some behind-the-scenes details from their special day.
Audrey was blown away as soon as she met up with Charlotte and her bridesmaids on April 1, at the Marriott City Center in Downtown Raleigh. "Charlotte and her girls were already dressed to the nines and her DRESS was just absolutely breathtaking. A beautiful, flowy silvery gray color, that hugged her curves in just the right spot, had the perfect amount of princess pouff, and with a gorgeously matched shawl, she was inspiring to look at," Audrey said.
"With everyone in good spirits, we laughed and took pictures of details, including her homemade bridesmaid necklaces, her Harry Potter-inspired Head Girl pin, and her Matron of Honor's Game of Thrones-inspired Hand of the Queen pin (and yes, the Best Man had a Hand of the King pin as well). Their beautiful golden flowers were adorned with feathers and matched all of the glittery awesomeness!"
Charlotte and Arthur's ceremony and reception were held at the Bridge Club, complete with high ceilings, stunning windows, and tasty food. Throughout the celebration, guests were treated to pop culture references from The Office, Doctor Who, Star Wars, and The Lord of the Rings, in addition to Game of Thrones and Harry Potter. The festivities finished off with a murder mystery cocktail hour, video games, and of course, a fandom-friendly cake. Keep reading to see all the bookish details ahead!
Here's How a Pair of Globetrotters Added Some Wanderlust Into Their Outdoor Wedding
When Mike and Kim decided to tie the knot, they wanted the ceremony to be centered around something they both enjoy: traveling! Since the beginning of their relationship, they have been exploring new places all over the globe by making sure to visit a new country every year. It started with their wedding invitations, which resembled passports, complete with stamps from the seven countries they had visited together. There were many more charming touches to the wedding that incorporated the travel theme, from seat assignments that looked like plane tickets to globes used in the decor. They even displayed some souvenirs from their trips and treated their guests to a trunk of their favorite things from all over the world.
The wedding took place at Vineland Estates Winery in Canada, which is fitting for a couple that likes the outdoors. "Since we wanted our wedding to be intimate and romantic, with only close friends and families, we decided to go with a rustic wedding style in a winery setting (it is simple but elegant)," Mike said. "We like the outdoors a lot, and we really appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature, so we wanted our decor to be as natural as possible."
What are you waiting for? Check out the amazing pictures from this wedding now!
100+ Heart Tattoos So Cute You Can't Handle It
We're loving the ladies who have taken the leap, made the commitment, and gotten marked with some permanent heart-shaped ink, big and small. There's a huge variety of designs that are making our own hearts skip a beat. Check out these stunning tattoos!
- Additional reporting by Macy Williams
Who Needs a Gender-Reveal Cake When You Can Have Elaborate Gender-Reveal Nails?
Going all out for gender reveals has become the norm, and people are constantly trying to find ways to get creative. We've seen a whole lot of cakes, but not once have we seen a candle-topped cake as part of a manicure - until now. A viral video of these gender-reveal nails is making the rounds on Instagram after a nail artist named Marsha from Trend Setters Hair Studio in Cincinnati posted her eye-catching handiwork.
"My coworker Sherice is expecting her second child. She wanted me to do some gender-reveal nails because she had never seen any before," Marsha told POPSUGAR. "She gave me full range to do whatever I wanted, so the cake is what I came up with." She nailed it . . . pun intended. "We used her cousin as a model because we didn't want to risk Sherice finding out what she was having," Marsha added.
The fake nails were decked out with both pink and blue, and a miniature cake accessory sat right on top of the middle finger. To get to the big reveal, someone lit the cake candle, and onlookers watched as the flame took off and turned blue (don't worry, no one was hurt, even though a few sparks flew!). See the nails in action ahead, and check out even more gender-reveal nail art ideas.
Alicia Keys Wore This Hair Wrap at the Grammys, and We Can't Stop Thinking About It
Even though Alicia Keys was at the Grammys as a host, she won the night with her five mind-blowingly sexy outfits. Keys opened the show in a teal Oscar de la Renta jumpsuit, accessorized with a floral-printed Emilio Pucci scarf ($645) as a hair wrap. Paired with a fresh face, this small yet bright wrap added a pop of color to the 15-time Grammy Award winner's look.
If you're looking for a new statement piece for your wardrobe, consider a hair wrap. Try it on your head, around your neck, or even to transform a simple hairstyle. Make sure your closet is Spring-ready with these colorful pieces.
Go Bare or Go Home: These Nude Nail Polishes Are Changing the Beauty Game
If you're looking for a clean, classic, and always cute nail color, nude is all you need. Of course, the word "nude" means different things depending on your skin tone, and luckily, there are so many variations to suit every outfit and trendsetting look you want.
Whether you want your mani to shimmer, shine, or stay matte, these nude nail polishes have got you covered. We truth or bare you to try them.
Do You Need to Paint Your Nails? Try These 9 Gorgeous Blue Shades
For us, there's something so satisfying about having our nails painted; it makes us feel like we've got our life together. Right now, we're kind of obsessed with all the different shades of blue nail polish. From soft baby blue to shimmering navy and everything in between, these nine polishes prove that blue is a wearable, versatile, and an oh-so-chic shade. Now, when's our next mani-pedi?
This $16 Eyebrow Pencil From Amazon Made Me Throw All My Others in the Trash
I spent my teenage years plucking off my already sparse eyebrows in the hopes it would turn me into Kate Moss. Now, I'm spending most of my 20s investing time and money into getting them back. From dyeing them to using growth serum, makeup pens, gels, and powders, my brows have seen it all. But recently, I came across a product that replaced almost everything in my overflowing drawer. I gave this P/Y/T Beauty Brow Pencil ($16) a try and haven't used another product since.
The consistency of the pencil is like a gel, pen, and powder all rolled into one.
The consistency of the pencil is like a gel, pen, and powder all rolled into one. It glides on my skin without looking overly done, and most importantly, it doesn't come off until I use makeup remover. This is the first time that filling in all those bald gaps actually looks natural. Another huge selling point for me is that the pencil is hypoallergenic and paraben-, paraffin-, and cruelty-free. So, what are you waiting for? Try it for yourself. It is available on Amazon Prime and will be delivered right to your door in just two days.
Kim Kardashian Says Kanye West Is "Really Opinionated" When It Comes to Her Makeup
Kim Kardashian certainly has her finger on the pulse of the beauty industry. She runs her own line, KKW Beauty, and famously takes risks with her hair, makeup, and nails, which can cause a lot of conversation. Yet despite her experience in the market, Kardashian recently revealed that her husband, Kanye West, holds some pretty strong opinions about how she does her own makeup.
During a Masterclass in LA with her longtime makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, Kardashian shared the critiques she gets from West before she leaves the house.
"[Kanye] is actually really opinionated sometimes," she said, according to People. "He will come in and be like, 'You know, your blush is a little heavy.' Or say, 'What are you doing? That's not the shape of your lip.'"
Apparently, West even asked Dedivanovic how much it would cost for him to move from NYC to LA to be more hands-on with Kardashian. "He will call Mario without telling me! And Mario shows up without me knowing and he is like, 'Oh, Kanye called me and said it was a makeup emergency,'" she revealed.
If you're unsure how to feel about this exchange, you're not alone. West's "opinions" sound a lot like criticism, and nobody, least of all a busy woman like Kardashian, should have time for that. The inherent beauty of makeup comes from the uniqueness, individuality, and creativity accompanying each look. Kardashian should feel free to do her makeup the way she likes, no matter how she applies her blush or lip liner.
That said, Kardashian has expressed gratitude for West's influence on her style in the past. He famously suggested she ditch oversize sunglasses and even cleaned out her closet. Kardashian now proudly wears West's Yeezy brand and calls him her "No. 1 fashion influence."
"I really do get all of my inspiration from my husband," she said. "He makes my life so easy."
A Trainer Says This Is the Best Workout to Do If You Want to Lose Weight and Build Muscle
If your goal is to lose weight and build muscle, you may be wondering if it's possible to do both simultaneously and, if so, where you should begin. To answer the first question: yes, it is possible for you to build muscle and lose weight at the same time. In order to accomplish both goals, you're going to need to be strategic about your style of training, how often you train, and making sure you're providing your body with enough fuel and time to recover. Here's what you need to know in order to lose weight (and, really, what you want to be losing is fat) and build muscle simultaneously.
Want to Banish Sugar Cravings Forever? You May Not Like This Dietitian's Tip
When it comes to sugar, it's not so much that I have "cravings" for it - that seems to suggest that they come and go. It's more like I want it around-the-clock, 24/7, every waking moment, and probably when I'm asleep, too. Currently, as I write this, there is a bag of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups stashed under my desk that are calling to me.
Sugar cravings are real and powerful, and they can get in the way of weight-loss goals, clean eating plans, and just feeling good in your body. Even when I know how bad I'm going to feel afterward - bloated, sluggish, and jittery at the same time - the cravings get so bad that I can't help but indulge, which usually turns from one or two pieces of chocolate to a full-on binge.
It's normal to feel disappointed and frustrated when this happens. Why can't I just stop? But science suggests that there's more to it than just willpower. A 2012 study showed that eating sugar lights up the reward centers in your brain, releasing dopamine - the same feel-good hormone that's triggered in response to activities like exercise and sex, as well as with substances like drugs and alcohol. And neurologist Eric Stice told 60 Minutes in 2012 that he's also found evidence that the more sugar you eat, the more of a tolerance you'll build up to it, meaning that you'll need more sugar to feel just as good the next time around. According to registered dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick of the Cleveland Clinic's Wellness Institute, this means that the best way to beat your sugar cravings is also the hardest: going cold turkey.
Related: How 1 Woman Beat Her Sugar Addiction For Good
Eliminating sugar (like in the Whole30 diet) will lessen your craving for sweetness, Kristin said, because you're keeping that flavor away from your taste buds as well as the reward centers in your brain. I've found that this works in my own experience: once I stop eating sugar, I stop wanting it and it's easier to say no, even when treats pop up unexpectedly, like doughnuts at work or an invite to get ice cream. If you're really looking to beat the craving, Kristin recommends limiting even natural sugars, like those in fruit and honey. Even though they're healthy, "they still provide that sweetness on your taste buds," which keeps your body craving sugar. (You still need fruits for a balanced diet, though, so go for nonsweet ones, like avocados, tomatoes, cucumbers, or zucchinis.)
The good part about quitting sugar, though, is getting to that sweet spot (no pun intended) where you don't want it anymore - when sugary products taste so sweet, they're not even good. Obviously, that's not the part that most of us have trouble with.
If you're up for quitting sugar cold turkey, or at least giving it a try, it's those first few days that might feel rough. Kristin recommended flat-out getting rid of all the sugary treats not only in your home but also in your car, at your desk, and everywhere else you spend time. She also added that you have to look beyond the obvious. Candy, cookies, soda - those are all the big culprits, but to really beat your cravings, "you need to look at your labels and get rid of anything that has sugar in the first few ingredients." Sugar can show up under many different names, from glucose to cane juice to agave, so look out for all of them. And Kristin also said that artificial sweeteners like sucralose (Splenda), aspartame (Equal), and saccharin all have to go, too.
That might lead to some surprising discoveries. Sugar is often a primary ingredient in products like juice, bread, and pasta sauce. If eliminating those sources of sugar seems too difficult, Kristin recommended first ditching obvious forms of sugar, like sweets and desserts. Then you can move on to cutting out those additional sources.
Bottom line: if you get rid of the temptation, going cold turkey on sugar can be done. But don't be too hard on yourself because it's not all you. There are scientific reasons you like eating sugar and want increasing amounts of it, and that means your body might make it hard to quit without any warning. Hold yourself accountable, but be kind. Start by quitting sugar for the workweek, then take stock on the weekend and see where your cravings are. They'll lighten up after a few days without the taste and the sugar rush, even if it seems impossible at first. After that, the way your body feels - calm but energized - might be a reward in itself, even if it's no Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.
Exactly How I Created My Cinderella Costume For the Disney Princess 10K
This year, I'm running my third runDisney race - the Disney Princess 10K - and I'm finally ready to commit to a real costume. In years past, I've worn a tutu and character-inspired apparel, but never a full-on, all-out costume. And to be honest, the costumes at runDisney races have always been so good that the FOMO has finally overtaken me.
Creating a real runDisney look is a true art form; you need to put something together that creates an iconic character (the costume portion of it) while also mitigating chafing and discomfort and keeping everything secure and supported for all your miles (the technical portion). You could obviously just run in a Halloween costume, but I've learned that the diehard runDisney fans are much more careful - and creative - with this process.
I gleaned all of this not just from my past two runDisney races but from my good friend Sarah Stevens, a true expert who's run 14 runDisney races and created just as many unique costumes (usually a mix of Lululemon and handmade pieces). The result is a combination of strategically curated running gear mixed with costume pieces and bedazzled sneakers and accessories. Read: equal parts showstopping costume and technically sound performance wear.
And for my character of choice this time around? My go-to princess has always been Ariel (mermaids forever), but I've been so . . . well . . . enchanted by all the Cinderellas that I've seen on courses past, I decided to go with the iconic powder blue look myself. Check it out!
After Years of Yo-Yo Dieting, Maria Completely Transformed Her Body With This Eating Plan
If your weight-loss journey has been long, you'll relate to Maria Glover (@tata009 on Instagram) and her story. Her journey began nine years ago when her daughter had just turned 1. She went through a lot emotionally when her daughter was born and gained 75 pounds in that first year of her life. She told POPSUGAR, "I figured it was about time I stopped saying, 'Oh, it's just baby weight.'" Keep reading to learn how she lost the weight and completely transformed her body and her mind.
Here's How to Turn Walking Into a Seriously Great Workout, According to Trainers
Whether you're trying to get in shape for the first time or easing back into a fitness routine after a break, jumping right into more intense workouts can be daunting. You don't want to risk injury, and it can take time to build your endurance and stamina. That's one reason walking is such a good place to start. You can do it anytime and anywhere, and in spite of its being so simple, you'll still reap cardiovascular benefits, Jeff Bell, an ACE-, NASM-, and ACSM-certified trainer at Belleon Body NYC, told POPSUGAR.
But while walking can be good exercise, you'll need to put in some effort to get there. "The key to walking and making it exercise, versus mode of transportation, is intent and amount of exertion," said Hector Bones, an exercise physiologist, ACE-certified trainer, and owner of The PrivatGym in Philadelphia. "I would not put going for a stroll in the category of walking exercise."
So, what does count? "Walking exercise is going a little faster than your normal pace, feeling your heartbeat pick up, and not being able to say a complete sentence with ease," Hector said.
Jeff suggests walking hills and other terrain to strengthen your lower body, including your quads, glutes, calves, and hamstrings. "Make walking challenging enough that you have to use your arms to propel you at the speed and distance necessary in order to strengthen the upper body, too," he said. "Focus on posture by standing upright, not stooped over. Drive through with the hips and thighs, and practice lengthening your stride." Now you're really doing the work.
Help! My Sweet Tooth Can't Decide Which of These 40+ Baked Desserts to Make First
You want to bake, but if you eat too much sugar or white flour, you won't feel so hot. These healthy recipes are just what you need on a laid-back Sunday afternoon when you feel like turning on your oven. From black bean brownie bites to chocolate cupcakes with avocado frosting to vegan protein banana bread, these treats taste amazing but are much healthier for you than recipes that call for four sticks of butter creamed with three cups of sugar. Let's get to baking!
I'm a Trainer, and These Are the Ab Exercises Everyone Should Do More of in 2019
I think it's safe to say that when it comes to working out, people always want to know about and do more for their abs. Some are trying to get a six-pack, some want to know if ab workouts will get rid of fat around their stomach, and others just want to know what, exactly, they need to do for a stronger core.
In my opinion, everyone should spend more time focusing on core strength instead of their core aesthetic. I'm not saying don't have the goal of getting chiseled abs; I'm just saying core strength is more important. Why? Because your core is involved in everything you do. Every time you sneeze, cough, laugh, walk, and pick something up, your core muscles are working.
Related: Crunches Are Bad For Your Back - Here Are 10 Ab Exercises to Do Instead
There are a ton of ab exercises I enjoy, but when it comes to really focusing on core strength, the 11 moves ahead are my favorite. I like them because they ignite your transverse abdominis muscles (TVA), which I refer to as your true core. Your TVA muscles are important because they stabilize your pelvis and lumbar spine before any upper- and lower-body movements happen. So yes, focusing on strengthening them is highly advised.
Exercises like ball slams have their purpose, but when it comes to true core strength, these are the moves you need to be doing more of. Important note: this is not an ab workout. I don't recommend doing these exercises all at once. If so, expect to be really sore. Instead, select no more than six moves to do at a given time. These are also great moves to use in conjunction with your warmup in order to activate your abs before you work out. Check them out ahead.
Related: Doing Abs After Your Workout Is a No-No - Here's When You Should Actually Train Them
5 Ways Yoga Eased My PCOS Symptoms - and Completely Changed My Life
Like most women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), I began suffering the symptoms of the disease long before I was diagnosed. In fact, it was roughly 11 years before a doctor handed down those results. While my high school peers were focused on climbing the social ladder, I skipped afterparties because I was too tired, attempted to cover my acne-ridden face with pounds of makeup, and struggled to squeeze into my pants. Most of all, I felt anxiety over the lack of control I had over my body.
No matter how many dermatologists I saw or leafy greens I ate, nothing really helped my acne, weight, moodiness, energy levels, and irregular cycle - or the anxiety that surrounded them - until I met Pooja Malhotra, founder of Yoga With Pooja, who swore by the practice's holistic healing qualities. To this day, she acts as a source of guidance for me (my yogic sherpa, if you will).
Years later, sticking to a consistent practice has kept most of my symptoms at bay, or at least given me a sense of control over my body. I won't lie and say my weight dropped, my skin cleared up, and my energy levels increased in months, or even a year. All that and more happened, but it took almost half a decade to curate a practice for myself that not only helped me monitor these symptoms but also get in touch with my body so I can anticipate them before they appear.
Now I know how to monitor my breath when I feel a pimple surfacing, what pose to hold longer in my Sun Salutation when I'm tired, and how to invert my body when I know I'm about to get moody with my boyfriend (bless that brave man). These are the five distinct ways my life changed after I adopted the yogi lifestyle.
A Breakdown of the Carbs in the Most Popular Cheeses, Because You Deserve Nice Things
Want some cheese with that wine? Of course you do, or you wouldn't be here. If you also want a cheese that fits into your low-carb diet, we have some good news. Most cheeses do! In fact, many are so low in carbs that they fit the stricter keto diet.
From asiago to Velveeta, this table lists the amount of carbs in each 1-ounce (or 28-gram) serving of the most popular cheeses out there, according to the United States Department of Agriculture Food Composition Database. So the next time you're feeling cheesy, consult this list to help you decide what's a gouda idea to snack on, and what's nacho style. (We're so sorry.)
| CHEESE | CARBOHYDRATES (grams) |
| American | 3.25 |
| Asiago | 0 |
| Blue | 0 |
| Brie | .13 |
| Burrata | 0 |
| Cheddar (sharp) | .6 |
| Colby | .72 |
| Cottage | 1.49 |
| Cream | 1.56 |
| Feta | 1.1 |
| Fontina | .44 |
| Goat (hard) | .62 |
| Gorgonzola | 1 |
| Gouda | .63 |
| Gruyère | .1 |
| Havarti | 0 |
| Limburger | .14 |
| Mascarpone | 1 |
| Monterey Jack | 1 |
| Mozzarella (whole milk) | .68 |
| Muenster | .32 |
| Nacho | 2.26 |
| Parmesan (grated) | 3.94 |
| Pepper Jack | 0 |
| Provolone | .61 |
| Ricotta | 2.04 |
| Romano | 1.03 |
| Swiss | .41 |
| Velveeta | 3 |
A Star Is Born's Sam Elliott Is Handsome Now, But DAMN, Look at These Pics From the '70s
Sam Elliott is one of those actors who seems like he's been around forever and has been in pretty much everything. A veteran character actor, Elliott is a first-time Oscar nominee this year, nominated for best supporting actor for his work on the musical drama A Star Is Born. Elliott has been easily recognizable onscreen for decades, with his slightly grizzled look and often a rather expressive mustache that wouldn't be out of place in a Western film (and has been in plenty of them). But in the early days of his career, in the 1960s and 1970s, Elliott's look was decidedly different. Check out a handful of pictures from Elliott's past below - what do you think?
100 Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Actually Use
When you're trying to decide what kind of wedding favors you should give to your guests, one thing you should consider is if they'll keep them. After all, it's such a waste of money if your guests are trashing the favors as soon as they get home. Here are some wedding favor suggestions that will make your guests think twice about throwing them away.
- Additional reporting by Emily Co
All the Lust-Worthy Celebrity Fashion Moments From This Year's Award Season
The 2019 award season is coming to a close, and boy oh boy did we see some style moments. From the elegant and sexy red carpet gowns at the Golden Globes and Critics' Choice Awards to the bold styles flaunted at the SAG Awards and Grammys, it's evident celebrities got more and more daring as the award ceremonies went on. Whether you loved Lady Gaga's Cinderella ballgown, had the utmost respect for Jameela Jamil's boots, felt some type of way about Emily Blunt's pink dress, or raised some serious eyebrows at Cardi B's oyster-shell ensemble, we've rounded up all of the jaw-dropping celeb styles from each award show - A to Z, to make life easier.
- Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak and Nikita Ramsinghani
No Blushing Brides Here! These Bridal Beauties Are OWNING Their Sexy Wedding Gowns
Every woman deserves to wear a dress on her wedding day that she feels comfortable in, and sometimes those dresses feature thigh-high slits, sheer lace, and navel-grazing necklines. Showing a little leg or having a low back is not only sexy, but it is also a way for the bride to truly show herself off on her special day.
Take a look at these dresses that show the perfect amount of skin in all the right places. Sometimes, less really is more.
Related: 15 Nontraditional Wedding Outfits Fashion Girls Will Envy
Um, Can We Talk About These Insane Game of Thrones Theories For a Minute?
Game of Thrones fans, while we all wait patiently for the next season to debut, we can't help but have our minds bogged down with (insane) theories that we just need answers to. Not to mention, there are more than just a couple of theories out there.
So, to keep you occupied until the premiere, we rounded up some of the wildest season eight theories we could find. May the best theories win!
The 43 Best New Lego Sets Coming Out in 2019 That You'll Want to Build With Your Kids
No matter how old we get, the prospect of putting together a Lego set always thrills us. Last year, Lego nearly broke the internet with the announcement of its 6,020-Piece Hogwarts Castle set (which I, a 28-year-old adult, am still upset I didn't get for Christmas), and this year, the brand has its own very large shoes to fill - and we feel confident for them.
Ahead, see some of the best Lego sets coming out in 2019, including new Toy Story 4 sets, The LEGO Movie 2 sets, a line of sets that work with an app to create an AR experience, and a ton of other new innovations that'll have your kids' fingers (and minds) busy in the coming year.
My 2000s Chi Straightener Didn't Spark Joy, So I Decided to KonMari All My Hair Tools
Back in the early 2000s, during the reign of Uggs and Juicy Couture, I begged my mom to buy me a hair straightener - namely, a Chi. Since middle school, I've only replaced my beloved Chi flat iron once, maybe twice, because I recently discovered I had three in a tangled mess shoved in the bottom of my drawer. After having my family home torn apart by Marie Kondo Jr., aka my mom, it felt like now was finally the time to see what "the life-changing magic of tidying up" was all about, and the drawer stuffed full of vaguely labeled "hair products" - brushes, spare bobby pins and hair ties, curlers, a missing cap, and a ball of cords - felt like a good place to start.
The KonMari method has two parts: discarding and, only then, deciding where to store things. Here's how I KonMari'd my hot tools, ahead.
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