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.
mercredi 20 février 2019
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!
Skipping Booze? Sip on These Low-Sugar, Adaptogen-Packed "Curious Elixirs" Instead
There are many reasons to skip booze during a night out, and sometimes it's fine to sip on juice, soda, or plain water while everyone else is drinking. But it can also be an utter drag. That's why mocktails are great - and why we wish they were a little less of a sugar bomb than most of them are. Some Shirley Temples, for example, can have around 59 grams of sugar in one drink, according to the Nutritionix database.
If you're looking for a booze-free cocktail with more nutritional value, plus a more complex taste, Curious Elixirs might be the brand to try. They come in three varieties so far and stand out for their all-organic ingredients and interesting, low-cal blends of juices, herbs, adaptogens, root extracts, and (in one of the cocktails) even CBD. If you're looking for some fizzle, they're carbonated as well. And each flavor features zero grams of added sugar, meaning that the only sugar comes from the natural ingredients. Even then, one flavor only has three grams.
Each flavor comes in a classy bottle, and its website describes the taste and best serving combinations for each to maximize your alcohol-free drinking experience. You can order them online in a case of 12 bottles ($89) or a box of four ($35), and its website says that each bottle splits into two cocktail servings. Read on for different flavors and nutrition facts for each swanky, booze-free drink.
These Egg White Chips Are Packed With Protein and Straight From Your Low-Carb Dreams
It's my firm belief that a crunchy, salty snack should be a staple in any balanced diet. Healthy choices like nuts and kale chips can satisfy, but sometimes even the most health-conscious eater just needs a handful of Lay's. Still, if we could opt out of the carb load and add a couple more nutrients in there, we wouldn't complain.
Quevos might be just what the salt craving ordered. They're chips made of egg whites that aim to give you the nutrition of an omelet in the convenient, crunchy package of a bag of chips, a Quevos rep told POPSUGAR. Nutrition-wise, they come with a solid 10 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, and just 8 grams of carbs. Compare that to Lay's Classic potato chips, which come out to 2 grams of protein, 1 gram of fiber, and 15 grams of carbs. And Quevos are made with avocado oil and chia seeds, giving you a nice dose of healthy fats. They're dairy- and gluten-free as well.
There's an interesting story behind these unique chips, too. They're inspired by the crunchy egg white crisps you get when you cook them in a pan, which are co-founder Zach Schreier's favorite part of an egg white dish. As a type 1 diabetic, Zach ate egg whites for a low-carb meal that helped him avoid an insulin shot. If you're looking to cut carbs without sacrificing the crunchy, salty satisfaction of a good chip, Quevos might be a good brand to try. Buy them online in four varieties: Quevos Rancheros, Cracked Black Pepper, Sweet BBQ, and Three Cheese (the last two are temporarily out of stock, but a Quevos rep told POPSUGAR they'll be back up again soon). Check out full nutrition facts there, too.
I Do CrossFit, and These Are the 22 Exercises That Completely Transformed My Butt
While walking up the stairs the other night, my husband following me, he reached up and touched my butt, which kind of took me by surprise. When you're married for over 10 years with two young kids, I hate to admit it, but those little subtle moments of affection are few and far between. "Damn, your butt looks good," he said, and I knew why.
If there's one thing CrossFit has done for me, it's grown and shaped my butt. But it's not just for looks (although I do feel more confident in my leggings and do love when my husband notices), but it's also made me feel stronger and more explosive when skiing, running, hiking, and swimming. It seems like just about every day in CrossFit, my butt and legs get worked. It makes me walk funny the next day, but that's why I love it! Here are the glute-building exercises I do every week.
15 Gluten Free Snacks That Will Satisfy Any Doritos or Thin Mints Craving
Health trends may come and go, but eating gluten-free is here to stay. So many people have experienced serious digestive benefits to going gluten free, but if you're like me, you still crave those carbs every now and then. Or, if you're constantly on the go, it can be tough to find a great gluten free snack in a pinch. So, we've done the hard work for you, and found 15 awesome gluten free snacks that you'll want to keep on you at all times. As an added bonus, every single one of these products is just a click away on Amazon!
Katelyn Ohashi's Michael Jackson Routine Went Viral, but Her Other Floor Routines Deserve a Perfect 10, Too
In case you haven't met Katelyn Ohashi, let us introduce you. In 2018, her viral Michael Jackson-inspired NCAA gymnastics floor routine for UCLA featured the moonwalk. Her newest performance to classics like Tina Turner's "Proud Mary" and "September" by Earth, Wind, & Fire opened up with a killer split leg double layout. On Feb. 10, at a meet against Washington, the gymnast scored her second perfect 10 of the year and her seventh overall. Now that you've gotten acquainted, let's move on.
Katelyn's carefree showmanship and undeniable skill have taken the internet by storm alongside powerhouse teammates such as former Fierce Five Olympian Kyla Ross and freshman Sekai Wright. But before her days as a Bruin, Katelyn was an Olympic hopeful. She stepped down from the Olympic track after a series of injuries and surgeries - she'd been competing on a fractured spine and two torn shoulders.
Katelyn revealed in a Players' Tribune documentary last year that the elite level "broke" her. "I was unbeatable . . . until I wasn't," she said, explaining that gymnastics was her world, but she was under constant pressure from coaches and fans to "look a certain way" and always come out on top. It took finding UCLA and "having a different goal and path to follow, to finally find joy and love within the sport again." Now, she's thriving in NCAA gymnastics. Check out how Katelyn's floor routines have progressed throughout her elite-level and collegiate careers. They're all amazing and are worth a watch (or five)!
This Dietitian's Cooking Hack Will Make Your Oatmeal More Filling (and Help You Lose Weight)
If oatmeal is your go-to breakfast, you probably love that it's a great source of complex carbs and fiber. Unfortunately, it's not so great in the protein department. A half-cup serving of steel cut or rolled oats only offers seven grams of protein. If you want to satiate your hunger for hours, filling up on protein is a must.
Registered dietitian Stephanie Ferrari, MS, RDN, has a cooking hack to increase the protein in your bowl. She told POPSUGAR, "I suggest making oatmeal with milk for an added boost of protein." Whether you use cow's milk, soy milk, or pea protein milk (Ripple brand), a one-cup serving will up the protein of your breakfast by six to eight grams.
"This power breakfast is a great way to start your day and will help you stay satisfied until lunch so that you don't overeat," Stephanie said. "It's a great food for weight loss for that reason."
You can add even more protein by sprinkling on some chia seeds, ground flaxmeal, or chopped nuts or by stirring in a spoonful of peanut butter or a bit of protein powder. You can also try mashing in some cooked beans - it sounds weird, but you won't be able to taste it!
What You Need to Know About "Normal" Blood Sugar, According to 2 Experts
Your blood sugar level, or blood glucose, is the amount of sugar in the blood stream. Pretty basic, right? You eat, you digest carbs with the help of insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas, and then your cells use the resulting glucose for energy. When the pancreas doesn't produce the proper amount of insulin to regulate glucose - a telling sign of diabetes - this is where your blood sugar levels can be too high. Albert Ahn, MD, clinical instructor of internal medicine at NYU Langone, told POPSUGAR that, in terms of regulating your blood sugar, "Unless you have diabetes, your body does this for you." While some people's bodies do this better than others, "Technically speaking, everyone's sugars do stay in a pretty normal, pretty consistent level."
The American Diabetes Association advises that you talk to your doctor about whether or not you should be testing your blood sugar regularly. People with diabetes have to do this using a portable blood glucose meter, or glucometer. "Blood sugar can easily be checked by pricking one's finger for blood with a microneedle called a lancet and applying that blood onto a testing strip which is then placed into a glucometer," Deena Adimoolam, MD, assistant professor of medicine, endocrinology, diabetes, and bone disease at Mount Sinai's Icahn School of Medicine, told POPSUGAR. "People with diabetes or issues with their blood sugars can do this on their own after being trained by their doctor or nurse."
According to the American Diabetes Association, physicians may suggest blood glucose tests for pregnant women, as well as people who are overweight, prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), have a family history of diabetes, or are over the age of 45. Dr. Adimoolam said that those without diabetes or prediabetes do not need to be testing their blood sugar. "If you are concerned with your blood sugar, speak to your doctor to see if any further evaluation is necessary," she said.
What Blood Sugar Level Is Considered Normal?
Note: the definition of "normal" blood sugar is hard to define because it depends on the person and whether or not you're diabetic. We'll be focusing mostly on nondiabetics.
As Dr. Adimoolam told POPSUGAR, "For those people with diabetes, each individual has different goals for their blood sugar values . . . so there is no one perfect number for everyone." She gave us the following parameters for nondiabetics: "Normal blood sugar is considered below 200 mg/dL [milligrams per deciliter] after meals and below 100 mg/dL when fasting." Dangerous levels of blood sugar would be less than 70 mg/dL and more than 200 mg/dL persistently, she said, stressing that we "need to differentiate between what's dangerous for someone who has diabetes and someone who does not have diabetes."
Dr. Ahn gave us a similar range. "If you're someone walking off the street and you're otherwise healthy, and a doctor takes your blood sugar and it's 150 mg/dL," then he'd say you needed further medical attention. In the range between 150-250 mg/dL, "you'll walk around feeling fine, but it's still not safe and I'd consider it high-risk." For people who are nondiabetic, "Your body usually is very, very good at regulating your sugar levels. Within an hour or two of having a big meal, it will come down to the 90-130 mg/dL range."
Symptoms of High and Low Blood Sugar
Both doctors listed symptoms of high blood sugar as increased urination and thirst (especially for ice water), fatigue, and unintentional weight loss. Dr. Adimoolam said women specifically could experience recurrent yeast infections. Symptoms of low blood sugar include headache, dizziness and shakiness, nausea, and slurred speech. The main differentiation between symptoms of low and high blood sugar is that "you don't have this thirst and increased urination," Dr. Ahn explained.
People who have diabetes can develop what Dr. Adimoolam called "hypoglycemia unawareness," where they show no symptoms of low blood sugar because they're using insulin. "Their body is so accustomed to living at low blood sugars that there are no symptoms until the sugar drops to a drastically low number, like less than 50 mg/dL sometimes," she said. "The body thinks that that low blood sugar is normal and no longer releases counter-regulatory hormones to raise the blood sugar until the value drops." She emphasized that this rarely happens to those who do not have diabetes.
How to Maintain Blood Sugar Throughout the Day
"In general, for a healthy person, your body will maintain blood sugars in a normal range throughout the day without much effort on your part due to the presence of hormones and certain neuroregulatory signals," Dr. Adimoolam said. Dr. Ahn agreed. But, both suggested spacing out meals as a way to prevent low blood sugar. "You'll have less peaks and valleys in your sugar levels," Dr. Ahn explained. He also suggested staying away from a high-sugar diet. Be mindful of eating too many sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages, alcohol, "which breaks down into sugar," and all simple carbs that metabolize quickly such as white flours, sugars, rice, and pastas.
Complex carbs, such as fruits and veggies, beans, brown rice, and quinoa have more nutritional value and affect your blood sugar at a slower rate than simple carbs because they take longer to digest. (Bonus: they keep you fuller for longer, too.) If you are eating simple carbs, Dr. Ahn said to make sure you're also consuming fat and protein, which will "help decrease absorption." In addition, Dr. Adimoolam stressed the importance of eating breakfast in the morning, since that's when your blood sugar is lowest.
We focused mainly on blood sugar in nondiabetics. So, for more information on diabetes, click through to diabetes.org and connect with your health care provider. And if you're a diabetic thinking about potentially starting the keto diet, make sure you read this.
This Gymnast's Floor Routine to "Uptown Funk" Is So Impressive, You Won't Want to Blink
Collegiate gymnastics is in full effect, and we couldn't be more excited. A few weeks ago, Katelyn Ohashi amazed us with her skill and energy during her floor routine at a UCLA and Cal meet on Jan. 5. It didn't take us long to come across another exciting routine from one of Katelyn's teammates. UCLA freshman Sekai Wright impressed us with her exhibition floor routine to "Uptown Funk" from the Feb. 2 meet at Oregon State. Even if you aren't too familiar with gymnastics, one thing is for sure: she crushed this routine.
The "Uptown Funk" and "Me, Myself, and I" mix drew us in, and her insane airtime during the double back and the rest of her tumbling passes left us in awe. We can't wait to see what Sekai does next. Be sure to check out the full routine in the video above!
10 Genius Meal-Prep Products We Can't Live Without - All For $10 or Less
Meal prepping every day of the week isn't always easy, especially if you're on a budget. To help you stay on track, we curated a list of 10 useful products that will keep you motivated. The best part: everything is under $10, so you can get exactly what you need without feeling like you've overspent. From bento boxes to mason jars, take a look at our favorites ahead.
Related: 24 Vegan Snacks From Amazon So Tasty, They'll Fool All Your Carnivorous Friends
17 Modern Furniture Pieces For Minimalists - All From Amazon
If you love decorating your house with modern furniture, we have good news for you. We shopped on Amazon and found a surprising number of stylish and sleek pieces at great price points. From cool beds to futon sofas, you'll be shocked at the quality of these picks. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites and upgrade your home today.
Urban Outfitters Has the Cutest Furniture, but Are You Surprised?
Have you ever seen furniture that was so gorgeous, you immediately had an urge to redecorate? Well, that's how we feel about all of the pieces at Urban Outfitters. They're just the right mix of modern and retro, so they're easy to incorporate into so many different design styles. We don't love playing favorites, but if we had to choose, we'd find room in our homes for these 14 pieces.
103 Home Decor Items From Amazon Selling Faster Than We Can Type - Starting at Just $20
If you're looking for a simple way to refresh your home, try investing in fresh decor pieces that will make it feel like new. From stylish rugs to cozy pillows, we shopped and uncovered 103 affordable finds from Amazon that will blow you away. The best part? These pieces will be delivered right to your door, so you can skip stressful in-store searching. Keep scrolling to shop our favorite picks.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
100 Hot Tech Gadgets Selling Like Crazy on Amazon - and We See Why
If you're on the market to simplify your life in 2019, you've come to the right place. We turned to Amazon because it's one of our favorite places to shop all the latest and greatest tech gadgets. To make shopping easy, we did the hard work for you and curated a list of its hottest products that are bound to make your daily routine more enjoyable. From a robot lawnmower (yes, really) to sleep lights and smartwatches, no doubt you'll want them all. Take a look at our favorites ahead.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
100+ Bedroom Furniture Pieces So Affordable, They're Selling Like Crazy
If you feel like your bedroom could use a refresh, you've come to the right place. Instead of spending a fortune on redoing the whole thing, try investing in a few new furniture pieces that will make it feel like new. To make sure you find your perfect match without overspending, we shopped and uncovered the hottest picks out there. The best part? Everything is under $250, so you can buy more than just one thing. Keep reading to shop.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
mardi 19 février 2019
You Have to See Reese Witherspoon Enthusiastically Dancing With the Harlem Globetrotters
Reese Witherspoon should have known that she wouldn't be able to sit quietly through a Harlem Globetrotters game without being coerced into getting involved. The actress sat courtside on the weekend, and she quickly caught the attention of the team. In addition to getting down in her seat when Bull Bullard stole her phone to record a video, Reese was also dragged onto the court by Ant Atkinson for another, more public, dance break. The actress was a great sport, happily playing along and dancing for the assembled crowds. But it didn't end there: Reese also shared some videos on her Instagram stories that showed a further bit of audience participation from her family. Reese's husband, Jim Toth, was called upon to slow-dance with his wife, in celebration of his first visit to a Globetrotters' game, and he seemed all to happy to oblige. Take a closer look at Reese's cute dance moments ahead, along with a few of her sweet snaps from the visit.
13 Romantic Books With Reluctant Heroes Who Are No Match For Love
We all know the story: two people meet, fall in love, and live happily ever after. But there's another story that us women, and women in romance, know far too well: the reluctant hero - the man who makes us swoon but won't give in because of a misfortuned past, a misconception of what it means to commit, or really any myriad of reasons. And while in reality it may make us want to pull our hair out, in fiction, it can be quite the endearing quality. So here I give you 13 reluctant heroes just waiting to be won over!
This Quirky Wedding Had a Dog in a Tux, Doughnuts, and Flowers Hanging From the Ceiling
Do you remember that feeling of joy at the end of a really great movie? Well, Rebecca and Ryan encapsulated that in their wedding, and these cute photos are the proof. "We wanted something personal, quirky, and different. Our color palette was millennial pink with navy and splashes of other colors," said Rebecca. "We didn't have a specific theme, but we wanted to pull inspiration from the imagery of Wes Anderson's films and midcentury kitsch."
They certainly achieved this with their stunning decor, which included a hanging chuppah with real and large paper flowers. The floral arrangements did not end there, as each table had an array of vases and jars filled with flowers. Rebecca wanted to add some personal touches to the wedding, so she embroidered Ryan's pocket square, designed the invitations, and even created handmade pins for all the guests!
One of the most special parts of the ceremony was when the couple recited their vows. "Ryan had spent probably a year writing his, and I wrote mine the night before the ceremony. They were perfect and made everything so much more special," confirmed Rebecca.
This wedding had everything from a dog in a tux to doughnuts for dessert, and we are obsessed with the bride's custom denim jacket. Keep reading to see the amazing photos; the hanging floral chuppah is a showstopper!
This Video of Marie Kondo Packing a Suitcase Will Make You Rethink All the Junk You Normally Take on Vacay
If you've ever gone on vacation and overpacked, you know how frustrating the experience can be upon arriving when you open your bag to find everything crumpled. We've all made efforts to kick this bad habit to the curb, but still, there's a big difference between shoving stuff in packing cubes, and packing a suitcase correctly. In this video shot for Apartment Therapy last year, organizing luminary Marie Kondo shows us how to fix a messy suitcase. She starts by taking everything out, creating order, folding each item as tiny as possible, and then repacking it. I don't even have any upcoming travel plans but I'm tempted to book something just so I can try this.
This Couple Met Right Before These Sexy Beach Photos Were Taken - but You'd Never Guess It
When you see the chemistry between these two people in these steamy photos, you may think they are obviously a couple, but nope, they are strangers! They met moments before these sizzling shots were captured. This hot and heavy beach photo shoot is from photographer Victoria Taylor, who loves forming powerful human connections between people.
"As a counselor and an artist, I thrive on raw human emotion, so I wanted to challenge myself to see if I was able to portray that in its foundation," said Victoria. "Therefore, I asked two strangers (I have been planning this for months) to come together and without kissing or knowing each other, see if I could help them create a human connection."
According to Victoria, the two of them had gone through similar breakups in the past, so all she had to do was tell them to "look at each other like you wish your ex had looked at you," and the two strangers created magic. Look through these sexy photos, and watch this beautiful story unfold.
This Couple Got a Second Chance at Their "First Look," and It Was Worth the Wait
Even though Solomon and Jourdan tied the knot over a year ago, they did not get the opportunity to take some stunning first-look photos that they were looking forward to. "Nothing went according to our game plan," said Jourdan, who wanted beautiful and romantic portraits of her husband seeing her in her wedding dress for the very first time. So the couple decided to take matters into their own hands and get some gorgeous wedding photos in their second year of marriage.
"When they reached out to me for some portraits, and after hearing their story, I suggested we go the extra step and re-create a first look and create new memories," said Elina Levy, the photographer who captured these amazing photos. "We arranged for a cake from the local bakery, a beautiful bouquet, and an intimate table setting."
While Solomon opted to wear his original suit from their wedding day, Jourdan wore a new white gown so that the experience of Solomon seeing her in a wedding dress for the first time would be authentic, resulting in heartfelt first-look photos.
This photo shoot took place on the sandy shores of Bling Pass Beach in Florida, which was the perfect backdrop for this breathtaking shoot. Make sure to see all the moving photos ahead!
11 Chic Travel Pants So You Never Sweat in Your Skinny Jeans on the Plane Again
Every time I pack for a trip, I always end up taking a pair of skinny jeans that I never wear, and I've decided to give up the habit this season. During those hot Summer months, tight pants are the last thing that sound comfortable. Instead of suffering on a long plane ride or walking around a scorching city in unbearably rigid jeans, I'm going to try wearing cropped wide-leg trousers or linen pants. These pant styles can be both professional and paired with sandals and taken to the beach. If you're interested, check out these comfortable options to keep you cool.
13 Romantic Books With Reluctant Heroes Who Are No Match For Love
We all know the story: two people meet, fall in love, and live happily ever after. But there's another story that us women, and women in romance, know far too well: the reluctant hero - the man who makes us swoon but won't give in because of a misfortuned past, a misconception of what it means to commit, or really any myriad of reasons. And while in reality it may make us want to pull our hair out, in fiction, it can be quite the endearing quality. So here I give you 13 reluctant heroes just waiting to be won over!
This Quirky Wedding Had a Dog in a Tux, Doughnuts, and Flowers Hanging From the Ceiling
Do you remember that feeling of joy at the end of a really great movie? Well, Rebecca and Ryan encapsulated that in their wedding, and these cute photos are the proof. "We wanted something personal, quirky, and different. Our color palette was millennial pink with navy and splashes of other colors," said Rebecca. "We didn't have a specific theme, but we wanted to pull inspiration from the imagery of Wes Anderson's films and midcentury kitsch."
They certainly achieved this with their stunning decor, which included a hanging chuppah with real and large paper flowers. The floral arrangements did not end there, as each table had an array of vases and jars filled with flowers. Rebecca wanted to add some personal touches to the wedding, so she embroidered Ryan's pocket square, designed the invitations, and even created handmade pins for all the guests!
One of the most special parts of the ceremony was when the couple recited their vows. "Ryan had spent probably a year writing his, and I wrote mine the night before the ceremony. They were perfect and made everything so much more special," confirmed Rebecca.
This wedding had everything from a dog in a tux to doughnuts for dessert, and we are obsessed with the bride's custom denim jacket. Keep reading to see the amazing photos; the hanging floral chuppah is a showstopper!
This Couple Met Right Before These Sexy Beach Photos Were Taken - but You'd Never Guess It
When you see the chemistry between these two people in these steamy photos, you may think they are obviously a couple, but nope, they are strangers! They met moments before these sizzling shots were captured. This hot and heavy beach photo shoot is from photographer Victoria Taylor, who loves forming powerful human connections between people.
"As a counselor and an artist, I thrive on raw human emotion, so I wanted to challenge myself to see if I was able to portray that in its foundation," said Victoria. "Therefore, I asked two strangers (I have been planning this for months) to come together and without kissing or knowing each other, see if I could help them create a human connection."
According to Victoria, the two of them had gone through similar breakups in the past, so all she had to do was tell them to "look at each other like you wish your ex had looked at you," and the two strangers created magic. Look through these sexy photos, and watch this beautiful story unfold.
This Couple Got a Second Chance at Their "First Look," and It Was Worth the Wait
Even though Solomon and Jourdan tied the knot over a year ago, they did not get the opportunity to take some stunning first-look photos that they were looking forward to. "Nothing went according to our game plan," said Jourdan, who wanted beautiful and romantic portraits of her husband seeing her in her wedding dress for the very first time. So the couple decided to take matters into their own hands and get some gorgeous wedding photos in their second year of marriage.
"When they reached out to me for some portraits, and after hearing their story, I suggested we go the extra step and re-create a first look and create new memories," said Elina Levy, the photographer who captured these amazing photos. "We arranged for a cake from the local bakery, a beautiful bouquet, and an intimate table setting."
While Solomon opted to wear his original suit from their wedding day, Jourdan wore a new white gown so that the experience of Solomon seeing her in a wedding dress for the first time would be authentic, resulting in heartfelt first-look photos.
This photo shoot took place on the sandy shores of Bling Pass Beach in Florida, which was the perfect backdrop for this breathtaking shoot. Make sure to see all the moving photos ahead!
Innisfree Is Giving Away Toy Story Themed Bags for President's Day, and OMG They're Adorable
Now, you can take your favorite Toy Story characters with you to infinity and beyond. For Innisfree's Presidents Day sale, it is giving out Baggu bags (reusable nylon totes) decorated with the heroes of the film to reward members who make purchases of $50 or more.
Last year, the K-beauty brand debuted its Toy Story collection - a limited-edition 14-piece skincare collection that includes your favorite characters from the movie. Now you can get a tote to match. The catch: the sale ends on Presidents Day.
31 Wedding Hair Ideas That You'll Love in Your Photos For Years to Come
First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a hairstyle that will be in your wedding photos forever. Choosing the right one can be stressful, but thankfully there are plenty of options to choose from. Naturally, you want to look like yourself, but also the best version of that. Not sure where to start? Consider adding a hair accessory to your usual go-to half-up style or flowers to a messy braid. Ahead, we've rounded up a ton of looks - including updos, fishtails, and twists - that will inspire you and make you feel your best on your big day.
Busy Philipps Explains Why She Works Out For Her Mental Health: "It's Just Not a Choice"
Busy Philipps cracks us up on her E! late-night talk show Busy Tonight and with her silly Instagram posts. But when it comes to her health and fitness plan, Busy takes it very seriously. As in, she rarely misses a workout. And it's not for any aesthetic reasons; for her, getting in her exercise is non-negotiable.
"It's not about motivation; it's just not a choice," Busy told POPSUGAR at the "Gut Check Gym" event in NYC on Jan. 25 to promote Kellogg's new probiotic, prebiotic, and fiber-packed cereal HI! Happy Inside. "There's no, 'Oh, I'm glad I feel better,' or, 'My body's going to be so hot.' That's not propelling me at all. It is literally just, I have no choice. I have to do this thing."
One main reason she does work out, though, is for her mental health. Even though she said she knows you get feel-good endorphins when you exercise, she knows it's tough if you're feeling particularly anxious or depressed.
"I've had moments in the last few years where I've been hysterically crying in my car in front of my workout, and I'm looking at the clock, and then I just get out of my car, and go in, and do it, and then afterwards of course I'm like, 'This feels amazing. I feel so much better,'" she said. "Even if it's not 100 percent gone . . . I've cried through workouts. I've really pushed myself in that way, and I've just made the decision of just getting myself in the door, even if I didn't want to, just getting myself in the door."
Over the last few years, Busy has made going to work out in the morning part of her daily routine, so much so that she doesn't even question it any more. "If you are a person, who the cloud settles in your brain, and you can feel it, and you get the anxiety, or depression, or whatever . . . the routine takes over, and so it's not even a question," she said. "It's like, 'Well of course, I don't want to get out of bed,' but the routine sort of forces you to go."
Busy's workout of choice is LEKFit, a trampoline-based workout in Los Angeles. "I love it because it's low-impact and I have a lot of knee issues," she said. "You get a really intense, really hard workout but I don't feel the impact on my lower body in terms of my knees hurting or my hips hurting." She also likes to do Y7, the hot yoga studio, when she's in New York and hikes near her home in LA.
Busy's commitment to fitness is inspiring, especially because she's not concerned with looking a certain way. The mental and physical health benefits of exercise are so prolific, it's important to just show up - even if you don't feel like it.
7 Low-Calorie Soups From Amazon That Make For Easy and Healthy Lunches
Is there really anything better than having a warm cup of soup for lunch on a chilly day? They make for quick and easy meals you can eat just about anywhere. Not all options are healthy, though, so to make sure you get something that works for your diet, we did the searching for you. We turned to Amazon because the site carries tons of delicious options that are delivered right to your door. From low-carb to low-sodium options, we found nine tasty picks that all fall under 200 calories. So what are you waiting for? Keep reading to shop our favorite low-calorie choices.
Cheese-Lovers, Here's All the Dairy You Can Eat on the Keto Diet
Over the last year, the keto diet has skyrocketed in popularity, probably for one very distinct reason: it encourages you to eat fatty foods. The only major caveat is that you have to keep your carb intake low. Offsetting this often-difficult task, however, is the keto diet's allowance of another beloved food group: dairy. Most cheeses are low in carbs, making them perfectly acceptable for the keto meal plan. The same goes for fatty dairy foods like butter and heavy cream, which almost seems too good to be true. A diet that gives you the thumbs-up when you eat butter? It's not hard to see how it caught on and spread like wildfire.
Although you won't be able to enjoy the glorious combination that is cheese and bread (bye-bye, buttered toast and bagels with cream cheese) if you've gone keto, you'll still be able to indulge in plenty of decadent recipes. Click through to see which dairy products you can eat on the keto diet, along with some keto-friendly recipe ideas.
Transform Your Body 1 Jab at a Time With Boxing & Bubbles on Glow by POPSUGAR
Christa DiPaolo finds the balance between fitness and fun with her workout routine Boxing & Bubbles, available on Glow by POPSUGAR. After an injury prevented Christa from achieving her dream of becoming a professional boxer, she discovered new ways to incorporate this therapeutic form of fitness into her daily routine. She developed Boxing & Bubbles, a one-on-one boxing, kick-boxing, and strength-training class that can be streamed anywhere at anytime.
Christa will be your coach, biggest cheerleader, and sweaty partner in crime. Join the squad today and subscribe to Boxing & Bubbles, where brand-new workouts are added weekly! Then see how Christa incorporates her fitness routines while on the road on her Instagram page.
Fitness Fanatics, Nordstrom's Got a Treasure Trove of Leggings in Stock Right Now
If you've got a great pair of leggings, there's no workout you can't conquer. So it's imperative to find a style that's flattering, durable, and adorable. You want to get through your toughest workouts, but it wouldn't hurt to look good doing it, right? Thankfully, Nordstrom's got you covered. Your go-to for cute shoes and potent skin care is also an athleisure destination, and these are the 15 pairs we can't wait to wear.
We Asked an Expert If Cardio Boosts Your Metabolism, and We Didn't Expect This Answer
As health and wellness continues to become more individualized, we suspect that topics like metabolism (and its importance) will become more mainstream. There are a lot of myths about metabolism such as eating spicy foods and drinking water to speed it up, but it's not that simple.
We do know that eating more protein, healthy foods high in fat, and strength training are expert-approved ways to boost your metabolism. To find out if other forms of exercise, such as cardio, are beneficial to boosting your metabolism, POPSUGAR spoke to Avigdor Arad, PhD, RDN, CDE, director of the Mount Sinai PhysioLab.
Tired of Fast-Food? Try The 21-Day Clean Program to Reset Your Gut and Break Bad Habits
We'll admit it: detoxes and cleanses tend to have bad raps. They're known for being unhealthy, unsustainable, expensive, and typically being marketed to help people lose weight. Because of this, Alejandro Junger, MD (yes, Gwyenth Paltrow's favorite doctor and Goop contributor), created the Clean Program, his version of a detox done by what he refers to as "nutritional cleansing."
The program draws on research and knowledge of functional medicine that combines Western (more science based) and Eastern approaches (more holistic) approaches that "gets to the root of disease," Dr. Junger explained in his book Clean.
In his book, Dr. Junger wrote that the program is meant to "neutralize and eliminate" inner toxins (the by-products of our metabolism) and outer toxins that we eat, breathe, or absorb through our skin and intestines. He adds that following the Clean Program will help you break bad eating habits, identify foods that are causing irritations, and help you adopt healthy eating habits for the long-term.
If you're looking for a less drastic cleanse, or simply want to try something new, continue reading to learn the ins and outs of the Clean Program.
Work Your Abs and Butt Simultaneously With This Strengthening Exercise
When I work out, I like to incorporate a variety of training techniques into my programs to improve my power, strength, and speed. The strength exercise I've been really into lately is the suitcase deadlift.
I like it because deadlifts are great for lower-body strength, back strength, and power. Add in the unilateral exercise (an exercise focusing on one side of the body), and in my opinion, it becomes even better as you're forced to address imbalances and strengthen both sides of the body. Then you overload one side of your body, aka you add weight/resistance, and boom, your core has no choice but to be involved. You can do this move with a barbell if you're more advanced, but if not, a kettlebell will suffice.
If you want a stronger core and legs, definitely program this exercise into your workouts.
How to Do a Suitcase Deadlift
Before getting started, warm up your muscles with a few glute activation and core activation exercises.
- Start standing with a 10 kg (about 22 pounds) kettlebell on the ground next to your right foot.
- With a slight bend in your knees, hinge (bend) and grip the kettlebell with your right hand. There should be a slight bend in your knees, but this is not a squat.
- Pick up the kettlebell off the ground and stand up. Be sure to get full hip extension by squeezing your glutes. With control and your core engaged, return to the starting position. This counts as one rep.
- Grab the kettlebell with your left hand, place it on the outside of your left foot, then lift the kettlebell off the ground as you stand tall. Be sure to get full hip extension by squeezing your glutes.
- Complete four sets of 12 reps.
We Asked a Trainer How Often You'd Need to Walk to Lose Weight, and Her Answer Is Surprising
If you're new to working out, it's entirely possible for you to burn fat and lose weight simply by walking. But just how often would you need to walk to get there? That's the question we posed to Anna Victoria, a NASM-certified personal trainer and creator of the Body Love app.
"I would say that about 30 minutes three times a week is a good amount to walk in order to see progress," Anna said. "What you want to do is to get your heart rate within the LISS (or low-intensity steady state) range." LISS cardio is cardio that's performed at a lower intensity but for a longer period of time, and it's known to help jump-start weight loss.
So, how can you ensure you're in that zone? For LISS cardio, you should be able to talk while you walk, Anna explained. If you're going so fast that you can't hold a conversation, you're doing more intense cardio. On a treadmill, that's around 3.8 to 4 mph.
Once you're ready to pick up the pace, Anna suggested trying intervals. Instead of walking longer, increase the intensity. Use those 30 minutes to do LISS for one minute, then light jogging for one minute, and so on.
Of course, nutrition is also key if you want to see results. "You can't work off a bad diet, especially with just walking," Anna said. Cut back on processed foods and those that are high in sugar, and eat a balanced diet of lean protein, good carbs, and healthy fats. "As long as you're doing that, then you should be able to see progress," she said.
Considered Trying WW? Here's Everything You Need to Know About the Program
It seems like everyone knows someone who's been on WW. Personally, I've been on several different versions of the program over the years - dating back to the time when it was still known as Weight Watchers - and I've found success with each one. What I find most refreshing about WW is that you don't necessarily feel like you're on a diet, because you can still eat whatever you want. It's just a matter of teaching yourself best practices in choosing good foods.
If you're considering trying WW for yourself but aren't entirely sure what to expect, we've put together a crash course, covering everything from what to eat to how to track your SmartPoints. Here's to finding your own success, whatever that means for you.
9 Common Side Effects of Intermittent Fasting and How to Deal With Them
While weight loss is a huge reason people try intermittent fasting (IF), there are tons of other health benefits. You may experience reduced inflammation, improved digestion, reduced bloating, increased mental clarity, better sleep, and getting a handle on sugar cravings and food addiction.
You're ready to give it a try, but you need to be aware of some not-so-awesome side effects that you'll likely experience in the beginning. POPSUGAR caught up with Stephanie Ferrari, a registered dietitian, who said, "Think about it this way - people don't go from couch potato to triathlete overnight. Your body needs time to acclimate to any extreme changes. So you're going to experience some side effects when you suddenly stop eating for long periods of time." These can be unbearable at the beginning, but as long as you know how to deal with them, you'll be able to stick with IF and reap all the benefits.
Before starting any new diet plan, including intermittent fasting, be sure to check in with your doctor first.
1. Hunger
When you're used to eating five to six times a day, your body comes to expect food at certain times. Stephanie said, "The hormone ghrelin is responsible for making us feel hungry. It typically peaks at breakfast, lunch, and dinner time and is partially regulated by food intake. When you first start fasting, ghrelin levels will continue to peak and you will feel hungry." At first, it will take serious willpower. Days three through five may feel the worst, but there will come a time when you reach the beginning of your eating window and you don't even feel hungry!
Dr. Luiza Petre, a nutrition and weight-loss specialist and board-certified cardiologist, suggests combating hunger in that first week or two by drinking tons of water to keep your belly full, help you feel more alert, and help satiate that habit of having to put something in your mouth. Within 30 minutes of waking up, pound at least 12 ounces. If you feel a pang of hunger, drink another 12 ounces or more. One thing intermittent fasting will teach you is that what you thought was hunger was probably thirst or boredom.
Drinking black coffee and tea can also curb hunger. Also get enough sleep, keep busy, and avoid strenuous workouts in the first couple weeks, since that can increase hunger. Eating enough the day before and getting your fill of carbs, healthy fats, and protein is also key in preventing hunger.
2. Cravings
Stephanie said, "If I told you that you couldn't eat watermelon ever again, chances are, all you'd want to do is eat a slice of watermelon. During intermittent fasting, you're going extralong periods without eating. So chances are, you'll only be able to think about eating. That's when the cravings kick in. You'll also find that you're more likely to crave sweets and/or refined carbohydrates because your body is looking for that glucose hit."
Do whatever you can to not think about food, and be sure to indulge a little during your feeding window so you have the chance to satisfy those cravings.
3. Headaches
As your body is getting used to this new eating schedule, dull headaches that come and go are pretty common. POPSUGAR caught up with Edward Vasquez, who has an intermittent fasting YouTube channel called Fledge Fitness which offers information, tips, and inspiration for IF. He said dehydration can be one factor, so make sure you're drinking tons of water during both your fasting and feeding windows.
Stephanie adds that headaches can also be caused by blood sugar levels decreasing and by stress hormones released by your brain while fasting. With time, your body will get used to this new eating schedule, but try to remain as stress-free as possible.
4. Low Energy
Your body is no longer getting the constant source of fuel you used to get from eating all day long, so expect to feel a little sluggish those first couple of weeks. Try to keep your day as relaxed as possible so you can exert the least amount of energy. You might want to give your workouts a break or just do light exercise like walking or yoga. Getting extra sleep may also help.
5. Irritability
Feeling hangry is real, and it sucks. Stephanie says to expect to feel a little cranky when your blood sugar levels drop or you're dealing with the other side effects of IF, like cravings and low energy. You can deal with this by avoiding situations and people that might make you more annoyed and focusing on doing things that make you happy.
6. Heartburn, Bloating, and Constipation (Oh My!)
Your stomach produces acid to help digest your food, so when you're not eating, you may experience heartburn (this side effect isn't as common as the others). This could range from mild discomfort to burping all day to full-on pain. Time should cure this side effect, so just keep drinking water, prop yourself up when you sleep, and when you do eat, avoid greasy, spicy foods that could make your heartburn worse. If it doesn't go away, speak to your doctor.
Intermittent fasting can also cause constipation if you're not staying hydrated, which can cause bloating and discomfort. Stephanie suggests drinking tons of water to prevent this issue, which can also help prevent headaches, and make you feel more energized.
7. Feeling Cold
Cold fingers and toes while fasting is pretty common, but for a good reason! When you fast, blood flow increases to your fat stores. Called adipose tissue blood flow, this helps to move fat to your muscles, where it can be burned as a fuel. Stephanie says that when your blood sugar decreases, that can also make you more sensitive to feeling cold. Combat coldness by sipping hot tea, taking warm showers, wearing extra layers, and avoiding being outside in the cold for prolonged periods of time.
8. Overeating
Edward also brought up this negative side effect, and Stephanie agrees. People tend to overeat in the beginning of the IF journey, either because they heard calories don't matter (they do!) or because they are so excited about food that they overdo it. Planning out your meals ahead of time can keep portions in check.
You may also feel so famished by the time your fasting window ends that you eat really fast and end up eating way more than you normally would. Stephanie warns, "When the fasting period is over during IF, you need to be mindful about your first meal. You may feel like reaching for a slice a pizza (or four), but opt for the grilled chicken and salad instead. Your future self will thank you."
9. Bathroom Trips
Because you're drinking oceans of water to stay hydrated and fill you up, you're going to feel the need to run to the bathroom more often. We're talking maybe even twice an hour! Sorry to say there's no way around this. You definitely don't want to reduce your water intake, so just make sure you're always close to a bathroom.
Also Important: Know When to Quit
All of this sounds pretty bad, but I speak from experience - these symptoms generally only last a week, maybe three at most. The best way to alleviate the side effects is to ease into intermittent fasting - don't go from eating six meals a day to eating two. Dr. Petre adds, "Just give it some time and intermittent fasting becomes natural and healthy, with less appetite, more mental sharpness, and an enviable waistline in the long run."
Always Listen to Your Body
Stephanie says, "Intermittent fasting is not for everyone. For example, people with diabetes, pregnant or nursing mothers, and children should not practice intermittent fasting. People who are managing chronic illnesses should always check in with their doctor prior to starting any new diet or eating regime. Finally, anyone with a history of or risk for developing eating disorders should avoid fasting of any kind."
There is a time when these side effects shouldn't be ignored. Stephanie says, "IF might not be for you if you experience dizziness due to low blood sugar, if fasting is interfering with your ability to keep up with your responsibilities, or you develop an unhealthy obsession with food." You may need to cut your fast short and eat earlier than you planned, or you may need to stop fasting altogether. If you have any concerns or issues, it's always a good idea to consult your doctor.
See How Sore 2 Dumbbells Can Make You With This 30-Minute Full-Body Workout
Want to get in a total-body strength training workout in just 30 minutes? Grab some dumbbells and let's do this! This interval workout involves pretty basic dumbbell moves, but there's not much rest between exercises, so you'll definitely work your muscles - expect to feel sore tomorrow!
Keep two pairs of weights close by so you can go lighter or heavier if you need to. My CrossFit coach always says to challenge yourself and start with the heavier weights; it's just 40 seconds, so move slowly if you need to.
30-Minute Dumbbell Workout
Equipment needed: Two pairs of light- to medium-weight dumbbells (three to 25 pounds) and a sturdy wooden box or bench. You'll also need a clock or stopwatch to keep track of your intervals.
Directions: Follow the five-minute warmup ahead, then complete this 30-minute workout. Focus on moving with control and with proper form, getting in 12 to 18 reps in each 40-second interval. There's no rest between each six-minute workout, but if you need to take 30 to 60 seconds, go ahead. Finish with a five-minute cooldown; try this this stretching sequence.
| Warmup: Repeat as many times as possible in 5 minutes |
|---|
| 10 gate swings |
| 10 forward backward lunges (5 per side) |
| 10 plank shoulder taps |
| 0:00-6:00 | Repeat 3x |
|---|---|
| 40 seconds dumbbell thrusters, 20 seconds rest | |
| 40 seconds upright row, 20 seconds rest | |
| 6:01-12:00 | Repeat 3x |
| 40 seconds alternating lunges with biceps curl, 20 seconds rest | |
| 40 seconds bent-over reverse fly, 20 seconds rest | |
| 12:01-18:00 | Repeat 3x |
| 40 seconds seated Russian twist, 20 seconds rest | |
| 40 seconds chest press, 20 seconds rest | |
| 18:01-24:00 | Repeat 3x |
| 40 seconds dumbbell deadlift, 20 seconds rest | |
| 40 seconds plank with row, 20 seconds rest | |
| 24:01-30:00 | Repeat 3x |
| 40 seconds dumbbell step up, 20 seconds rest | |
| 40 seconds wide biceps curls, 20 seconds rest |
Keep reading for details on how to do each move.
Can Walking in Place Help You Lose Weight? A Weight-Loss Doctor Explains
Walking is one of the most effective, sustainable, and easy-to-start workouts you can choose. All you need is a pair of comfy shoes to start burning calories and reaping some mental benefits, too. John Morton, MD, weight-loss expert and chief of bariatric surgery at Stanford University, told POPSUGAR that you actually "meditate a little bit when you walk."
So, our next question: What about walking in place? If you can't get away from the desk, or it's too cold to go outside and you're short on space at home, is doing some in-place walking or marching going to help you burn calories, too?
Well, to some extent. "I like regular walking more, because you incorporate more body parts," Dr. Morton said. That means it's a better method for losing weight; more movement equals more calories burned. It's also preferable "because you get more of a true gait, which includes pendulum swings from your arms. Walking in place is a little artificial, and can be repetitive on the joints."
You also won't get quite the same mental break and benefits that "regular" walking will give you: seeing those "horizons and vistas," Dr. Morton said, "gives you a break from the stresses of everyday life."
Still, Dr. Morton stressed that walking in place is better than nothing. It might be a good place to start if you're just getting into your fitness journey; you can do it from anywhere, at your desk at work or in your bedroom at home. You can even try the popular Walk at Home workouts on YouTube and DVD, and check out Adrienne Walter's 90-pound weight loss success story for proof that they really do work. Once you work up your confidence and fitness level, you can progress to short walks around your neighborhood, or on the treadmill.
All in all, the best way to reach your weight loss goals is to start from where you are and take a consistent, sustainable approach, Dr. Morton said. "Just find something that works for you."
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