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.
jeudi 21 février 2019
My Mom, Daughter, and I Take a Girls' Trip Every Winter, and You Should, Too
As a Midwesterner, I like to say that I'm a fan of the seasons, but I'm lying. I pretty much despise Winter. Sure, I'll admire the beauty of the first snowfall and revel in the guilt-free nature of Netflix binges in front of a fire (it's too cold to do anything else), but really, my favorite part of Winter is escaping it. And my favorite excursion, undoubtedly, is the annual trip my mom, my daughter, and I take for a long weekend in February.
I love the men in our lives, but there's something about a girls-only getaway that's so extraordinary.
Our destination is a resort where drinks are served on the beach and by the adjacent pool and the preferred mode of transportation is a golf cart. And while that's all part of the allure, it's really the company that makes this particular trip one that I know all three of us will cherish for the rest of our lives.
Don't get me wrong: I love the men in our lives - grandpas, dads, uncles, and brothers - but there's something about a girls-only getaway that's so different and extraordinary. As wonderful as those boys and men of ours may be, their agendas and ideas of what constitutes fun are often much different than our own. But when it's just the ladies, we can fully relax and bond while doing the things we love, which, yes, includes shopping, spa-going, and sunning.
Some of my own favorite childhood memories involve taking big-city trips with my grandma, aunt, and mom, where we would spend hours wandering the stores on Chicago's Michigan Avenue, then retire to our hotel room to chat about everything under the sun and order room service. I remember listening to them call their husbands to check in, but, truthfully, we didn't miss them a bit. We were loving every minute of glorious girl time.
Our annual beach vacation gives my 7-year-old daughter this same wonderful experience with the added benefits of a few extra days and escaping the cold, and I know she appreciates both as much as I do. Away from school schedules and family routines, we're able to just enjoy each other, and any time her moodiness or my stubbornness threatens that enjoyment, Grandma is there to quell the storm and remind us how lucky we are to have each other. And we are so lucky.
This trip, like my childhood girls' trips, won't last forever. One day, my daughter won't think sharing a room with her mom and grandma sounds like a dream, and one day, my mom won't be around for us both to love on. But this year, and hopefully next year and the year after that, we're all on the same page, thrilled to have quality time together. And I plan to soak up every minute of it.
If You Constantly Feel Hungry, You Might Be Making This Crucial Mistake During Meals
Whether you're trying to lose weight or simply maintain what you've got, there's nothing that will sabotage your efforts faster than a craving for, well, anything you can get your hands on. But sometimes in an attempt to eat healthier, you make yourself hungrier by depriving your body of the nutrients that keep you full and help you avoid that mid-afternoon trip to the vending machine.
One of those nutrients: fiber. "Not all carbs are equal, and simple sugars like white breads, pastas, and rice provide initial satisfaction, but wear off quickly, so within an hour of eating, you're likely to feel hungry again," Colleen Wysocki-Woods, MS, RDN, owner of Zest Nutrition in Fort Collins, CO, told POPSUGAR. "This is because glucose, which is found in each of these foods along with sweets, is quickly metabolized. It's the first source for energy, meaning we use the calories from glucose for everything from exercise to involuntary functions like breathing."
On the other hand, fiber-rich complex carbs get digested slower and help us feel fuller longer. These include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains like brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, and oats - all of which reduce spikes in insulin and prevent the "crash" some people feel after eating sweets and simple sugars. Adults should eat at least 25 grams of fiber per day, which is best achieved with about 9 grams at each meal, Colleen explained.
Protein is also a key component for staving off hunger. "Because protein takes longer than carbs to digest and doesn't send our blood sugars on a roller coaster ride, we tend to feel more stable and satiated after eating it," Colleen said. Protein can come in the form of any animal products from poultry, meat, and fish, to eggs, yogurt, and cheese. Plant-based proteins include beans, corn, soy, and tempeh, as well as whole grains like quinoa.
Finally, you also need fat for a completely balanced meal, though you should reach for healthy options, like avocados, nuts and nut butters, flaxseed, and oily fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines. "Healthy fats also allow us to feel satiated for a long period of time. At eight to 12 hours, fats take the longest of all macronutrients to digest, which explains why we feel full after eating guacamole," Colleen said. So, if you find you don't feel full with just a plate of baked chicken and vegetables at dinner, add a healthy fat, such as a side salad with avocado or olive oil dressing to feel more satisfied without wrecking your diet.
Tone Your Legs, Butt, Arms, and Abs - Every Inch! - With This 1 CrossFit Exercise
You're gonna be sore tomorrow. Just set yourself up for that. These wall balls are that intense! Walking might be an issue, because your legs and butt are going to feel a little wobbly. Oh, and your abs - try not to laugh tomorrow. Your arms? Someone else will have to brush your hair.
This standard CrossFit move is a total-body exercise; it will make you strong and build muscle, and it's also a cardio move. Really, it's the complete package! All you need are a soft medicine ball (not a hard slam ball) and a wall or a target on a rig. Start off light, with an six- or eight-pound med ball, and work your way up to a 14- or 20-pound ball.
Wall Ball
- Stand in front of a wall holding your med ball with both hands in front of your chest.
- Squat down low with your hips below your knees. As you straighten your legs, throw the ball up to a specific spot on the wall or a target, about eight to 10 feet from the floor. You want to use the power of your lower body to propel the ball up, coming onto the balls of your feet.
- Keep your arms extended, ready to catch the ball after it bounces off the wall. This counts as one rep.
- Complete three sets of 15 to 20 reps.
When you catch the ball on its way down, absorb its weight into your squat. Try to maintain a graceful, rhythmic movement, although your legs and arms will be on fire and you'll feel like your lungs might explode. You may hate wall balls more than burpees, but there's no denying it's the ultimate exercise for an efficient workout if you're short on time.
Craving Chips? Tear Into One of These 10 Crunchy Alternatives Instead
Here's to chips that aren't actually chips, satisfying our love for crunchy snacks since the first kale chip popped out of the oven. We rounded up the best healthy chip alternatives we could find, only choosing from candidates that aren't made from potatoes, bread, or tortilla. Yep, kale chips are here, but so are crisps made from beans, cheese, beets, and - egg whites? Click through and choose a fave for your next snack session.
Yes, You Can Work Out in a Dress. Want Proof? Here's Lots
What you wear during workouts is up to you. I personally like leggings all year round, but maybe you're more into long shirts and mesh shorts that let the air in. Maybe, just maybe, you're obsessed with anything neon or velvet sports bras. But, woman to woman, have you ever considered wearing a dress to the gym?
Exercise dresses aren't just for tennis anymore. Outdoor Voices advertises its selection (featuring built-in shorts for coverage) as ones you can dance, rollerblade, even weightlift in. Nike sells a slew of golf dresses that can be worn beyond the green, too. As the warmer weather approaches, these will double as great athleisure pieces you can slip on to catch up with friends or run errands - because, as designer Yves Saint Laurent put it, "Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it." Especially if she's striving toward her fitness goals! (We added that last part.)
Related: Game, Set, Match! We Found the Cutest Summer Tennis Clothes
5 Ways to Eat Healthy When You Just Don't Have the Time (or Energy) to Cook
We know what it's like to be crazy busy and feel like cooking dinner is the absolute last thing you can handle. It's me pretty much every single day. That's why there are weeks every now and again where my healthy-eating habits just fall completely to the wayside while I focus on work, traveling, or something else. I talked to Brooke Alpert, RD, founder of B Nutritious, about what I - and others like me - can do when I am overwhelmed and can't be bothered to spend time in the kitchen cooking healthy meals. Here are the five tips she said to always keep in the back of your mind.
1. Take Advantage of Your Freezer
Brooke recommends keeping your freezer stocked with healthy foods that can come together quickly. "Loading up your freezer with frozen fruit and veggies is a great option because you don't have to worry about them going bad and they take a minute in the microwave or on the stovetop to heat up," she told POPSUGAR. There are plenty of things you can whip up with frozen ingredients (you can even turn to microwaveable meals), and none of them will take much time out of your day.
2. Buy Already-Prepped Foods
There's no shame in stocking up on pre-cut, pre-mixed, or basically ready-to-go ingredients. Grocery stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's have an excellent selection of prepared foods to choose from. You can even look into meal delivery services like Brooke's favorite, Daily Harvest. "Having their smoothies and vegetable bowls in my freezer is the best backup plan ever. All you need to do is add liquid and blend or heat and eat - it's simple," she said.
3. Master a Few Go-To Meals
When you're pressed for time and just can't be bothered to spend what little you have in the kitchen, you need to fall back on your staples. Brooke suggests always having ingredients on hand for a few quick, healthy meals, like cauliflower fried rice and a pasta-style dish. For the cauliflower rice, you need frozen, riced cauliflower that you can microwave to heat. Scramble an egg, toss it with the rice and a little tamari or soy sauce, and you're done. If you're craving pasta, Brooke has an unbelievably easy recipe. "Take some frozen spinach, heat it up, add tomato sauce and store-bought meatballs, and you have a great veggie-heavy pasta-style meal," she said. It really is that simple.
4. Don't Be Afraid to Order Takeout
But be smart about it. "Making sure you have a protein source and a fiber source from greens is the number one goal," Brooke said. While you might be inclined to order a salad, it's not always your best option. Be wary of everything that comes mixed into it. You should be topping your salad with more veggies rather than croutons or bacon. Go for a lean meat and a sensible dressing. And if you want something like candied nuts or dried fruit (my favorites), use them sparingly, because they do come with extra sugar.
As for meals outside of salads, use your common sense: select veggies over fried side dishes and choose lean cuts of meat that aren't breaded. As much as I love everything Chick-Fil-A serves, I know I'm better off with the grilled nuggets and a side salad than I am with fried nuggets and fries, no matter how delicious they are.
5. Keep Smart Snacks Around
Sometimes I get so busy in the evenings, all I can manage is a few snacks here and there that collectively kind of work as dinner. Brooke recommends keeping things like yogurt, almonds, and snackable fruits and veggies on hand so that you can reach for them in a pinch. While I'm sure I'm better off eating a meal rather than grazing over several hours, when I've chosen snacks like apples, carrots, and Greek yogurt, I've essentially covered all my bases.
While your best bet is to snack between meals and eat a healthy, balanced plate at meal times, don't put too much pressure on yourself to always do that. Stressing yourself out more when you're already busy and trying to eat right won't make it any easier. In fact, the times I've let myself get too caught up in what I should eat and not knowing what to do, I've made completely wrong decisions that I had to recover from the next day.
So, like Brooke said, "food is essential to sustain your busy day." Keep healthy foods in your kitchen all the time and don't stress too much about it. Once you get in the habit of eating healthier, it gets worlds easier to keep it up.
This Winter, Hit the Slopes in a Seriously Chic Ski Outfit
We're excited to take on the mountains and go skiing. If you're getting ready for a snowy getaway, there are so many cute ski outfits to choose from. Whether you're a black diamond expert or learning to tackle the bunny slopes, you want to stand out on the mountain with a cute look. Everyone will be able to spot you in these 16 pieces.
The 11 Best Sneakers You Can Buy on Amazon - Starting at Just $45!
If you're looking for some motivation to hit the gym in 2019, start by treating yourself to a pair of new sneakers. You don't need to overspend either, because we looked to Amazon and were surprised by what we found for superlow prices. From brands like Nike to Adidas and even APL, you won't be disappointed. So what are you waiting for? Keep reading to shop our hottest picks - they start as low as $45.
Be Your Strongest Self With Christine Bullock on Glow by POPSUGAR
Christine Bullock has been teaching fitness for more than two decades, and now she's bringing her knowledge to her shop, available on Glow by POPSUGAR. Christine holds certifications in yoga, pilates, general fitness, pre- and post-natal fitness, and nutritional counseling. She combined her diverse background in fitness to develop workout guides and meal plans that will help you become the strongest athlete you can be.
Check out Christine's workouts and meal plans:
See how this fitness trainer spends her time outside of the gym by following Christine on Instagram.
Coming Off the 10-Day Challenge, These 17 Low-Sugar Snacks Will Satisfy Your Cravings
It's no secret that sugar isn't great for you, and it's also no secret that we still want it, like, all the time. In an effort to curtail our cravings, we've given some extra thought to just how much sugar is in our favorite snacks, and we're resolving to try to cut down where we can. But at 3 p.m., hunger still strikes. So we've rounded up our favorite low-sugar snacks; each pick has five grams of sugar or less per serving. Snacking just got so much better.
If You Ever Thought WTF When You Were Told to Engage Your Core, This Post Is For You
"You've got to engage your core." There's an ongoing joke in my house that working your core will fix just about any issue, since as a former Pilates instructor, this is my go-to fix-it line. Back pain? Engage your core. Knees hurt going downstairs? Engage your core. Trouble memorizing irregular Spanish verbs? Engage your core. The "check engine" light is strobing on the dashboard of your decade's-old car? Engage your core. All right, you got me - those last two examples might not be true, but I stand by the others. The issue is many people hear this phrase but don't really know how to engage their core.
The Core Defined
Let's take a step back and quickly define the core, just to verify that we all know what this conversation is about. Your abs and back muscles working together to stabilize your torso during movement: that's your core. The core can also help transfer power from your lower body to your upper body and back again - think how a cross punch starts at the feet and moves through the pelvis, adding power to a punch, or how a wood chop sends power from your upper body through your torso to load your leg. But let's dive deeper into the anatomy a bit.
You have four layers of abdominal muscles, and the deepest layer, the transversus abdominis (TVA) wraps around your waist like a cummerbund. Or you can think of it like a muscular corset connecting the ribcage to the pelvis. On top of the TVA, you have your internal and external obliques, which criss-cross your torso, kind of making an X; these muscles also help with twisting. The final layer is your rectus abdominis, aka the six-pack muscle, which helps bend your upper body forward, also known as flexing your spine. When these four layers of abs are braced together, working in tandem with muscles that line your spine, you have an engaged core. You want to feel your abs tightening and pulling in but still be able to breathe normally and move.
It Starts With Your Breath
Since the muscles that line your spine, aka the erectors, are considered postural muscles and are always working a bit, you need to focus on engaging your deep abs. It's not so much that the TVA is lazy, it just starts to tune out with all the sitting we do. The TVA engages naturally as you exhale; to feel it work, focus on exhaling while pulling your abs to your spine. This action pulls the "tummy" in and gives a little lift to your torso. If the TVA is working, the other layers of abs can help stabilize the core with it, or they can slide around over the tight TVA to create motion in the torso like twisting and bending forward.
Engaging Your Deep Abs, Engaging Your Core
The easiest way to find your TVA is on all fours, since in this position you're working the muscle against gravity. In this position, focus on keeping the torso still as you pull your abs to your spine as you exhale. Keep your abs pulled away from the floor and keep breathing. This is the sensation you want to take into almost all of your exercises. Practice this sensation in a plank, then try a Bird Dog, which forces your abs to stabilize against the weight of the arm and leg moving away from the center of your body.
When teaching Pilates, I liked to remind my clients that every exhale is an opportunity to engage your abs, so use the power of your breath to keep your core strong as you work out. You should be bracing your spine in simple moves like bicep curls (an engaged core should keep your ribcage from swaying as you bend and straighten your elbow) and deadlifts.
Sometimes Self-Care Means Going to Therapy, or at Least That's True For Me
Everyone is talking about self-care these days, and I, for one, couldn't be happier. We as a culture are finally realizing that practicing meditation or booking a spa appointment isn't indulgent or even selfish but an important way to take care of yourself. As a mom, this is an especially valuable message to receive, since (and I know I'm not alone here!) I'm so quick to chastise myself if I take time away from my family to focus on my own needs. That mom guilt is as much a part of parenting as potty-training. Thankfully, the self-care trend seems to be here to stay. And if you're like me, you'll appreciate having permission to take stock of what you need to feel happy, less stressed, and more capable of tackling life's challenges. I find that therapy ticks all of those boxes. In fact, I regard my regular sessions as an integral part of my self-care regimen.
Half of those reading this could be as turned off by the word "therapy" as some members of my extended family. Many of the people closest to me feel strongly that therapy just isn't for them. I respect their point of view but gently suggest that if they haven't tried it, they don't know what they are missing! To the people who have been to therapy and feel they didn't "get anything out of it," I would ask how many sessions they attended. And see if they would consider speaking to someone else, to find the right match. I used to be in the camp of folks who thought therapy was useless. How could talking to someone who didn't even know you help in any way? Isn't that what your friends and your mom are for . . . to listen to you vent? It's a waste of time and money!
Related: These Are the 4 Biggest Lessons I've Learned From Going to Therapy Weekly For 3 Years
Then, I suffered from a late-pregnancy loss, and suddenly, I needed help. Any help at all. I was in complete crisis, deeply depressed and grasping for some kind of lifeline to keep my head above water. My doctor told me to see a therapist, and for the first time in my life, I was completely open to the idea. I figured it couldn't make things worse, so why not? Still, when I walked into my very first session, my skepticism was probably tangible. I left after my hour was up thinking, "This won't work for me." After all, my therapist had spent our time asking painfully personal questions that only served to sharpen my already-raw emotions. I told my husband that after the six sessions our insurance would cover were over, I was done.
I'm so glad I invested those remaining five hours in giving therapy a chance. No, I wasn't cured of my depression, but I was cured of my misperceptions about what therapy does. I learned that talking to someone I didn't know about my innermost thoughts and fears became easier with time - even easier than confessing these musings to my best friends or my husband. My therapist wasn't judging me, or trying to fix me, or sharing her own experiences with grief. She was simply listening.
I learned therapists aren't there to solve your problems. Instead, they can help you develop tools for dealing with particularly tough emotions. For example, right after my loss, I felt certain I'd never be happy again. My therapist encouraged me to find one thing in my day that sparked even the slightest amount of joy, even if it was fleeting. A cup of coffee; that's all I could come up with at first. But over time, that one, teeny thing turned into more things. Now, about a year later, I am able to identify so many things that make life worth living.
Related: I've Started to Cancel All My Weekend Plans to Focus on Self-Care, and It's Incredible
If nothing else, my therapist helped me see that grieving is a process. She told me I would feel better. Early on, I didn't believe her. But I think it was important for me to hear that message. I also needed to hear that everything I was feeling was completely normal.
I need therapy to help strengthen my hope that living with loss will continue to get easier over time.
After our insurance stopped paying for the sessions, I could have quit therapy. But I've kept going regularly and don't plan to stop any time soon. I am so very grateful we can afford the appointments, because it's not cheap! But instead of going to yoga classes, getting biweekly pedicures, or attending a meditation retreat - all of which sound amazing! - I choose to put my money toward therapy as my form of self-care. Given what I've been through, I know how important it is to tend to my mental health. I think about it like this: I love a good plank for strengthening my core muscles. I need therapy to help strengthen my hope that living with loss will continue to get easier over time. And just as I count on empowering mantras to lift me up, I count on therapy to supply me with strategies to deal with bad days. When I need some warm and fuzzy feelings, I turn to my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. When I am consumed by the feeling that I'm completely alone in what I'm going through, I rely on my therapist's experience to repeatedly debunk my false belief.
Of course, my feelings and experiences are unique to me, but we are all dealing with various challenges in our lives. Self-care is about setting aside time to get a handle on our issues, whether that's taking a break, healing, or empowering ourselves. Whatever helps you let go, lean in, and just feel good - do it. Tell everyone about it, or tell no one. I am being open about what works for me because I hope it will help someone else who might benefit from therapy feel ready to make that first appointment. Maybe one day you too will also be able to say therapy connects you to the capable, grateful, calm person inside, the person who is leading the best life they can and attempting to overcome obstacles by taking care of themselves, so they can take care of everyone and everything that depends on them.
If You Hate Cardio, Experts Say Do These 9 Things to Lose Body Fat and Get Lean
If your goal is to lose body fat and get lean, but you'd rather go to the dentist for a root canal than do cardio at the gym, we have good news: you don't have to sweat for hours on the treadmill or bike to burn fat. Incorporate these nine expert-recommended strategies into your diet and workout routine and you'll not only spare yourself the agony of boring cardio, but you'll also get better results.
These Nachos Look So Good, You Won't Believe They're Vegan
Whatever your reason is for going vegan, know this: just because you're giving up eggs, meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy, doesn't mean the plant-based diet you choose to consume can't be indulgent. Your meals aren't drab - they can be delicious if you know where to find the right vegan products. Vegan mac and cheese? So cheesy. Vegan pumpkin spice Oreo cheesecake? Flavorful to say the least. Now, let's take a minute to talk about nachos.
You can make dairy-free, meat-less nachos no problem. There's a variety of vegan cheese out there with gloriously-gooey-sauce potential. When it comes to toppings, you won't run out of plant-based options, like jalapenos, avocado, olives, salsa, and Trader Joe's Soy Chorizo, that bring tons of flavor. Read on for some quality plates we found on Instagram, and get a little bit of kitchen inspiration for a rainy (or any) day.
This Gymnast's Floor Routine Was Inspired by Voguing - and Believe Us, It Is Fabulous
The UCLA gymnasts are the defending national champions for a reason. Not only do they have skill, but they also have energy, creative choreography, and personality. We don't personally know freshman Margzetta Frazier, but after watching her Jan. 12 floor routine at the Collegiate Challenge, we've learned two important things about her: she is a force and fierce.
The Los Angeles Daily News reported that Margzetta "wanted to pay homage to voguing, the dance style originating from Harlem's Black LGBTQ community," during her routine. She performed her voguing-inspired routine to"Din Da Da" by Kevin Aviance, and we can't stop watching it.
Margzetta makes tumbling passes look beyond easy, and her personality shines through every movement. We may not be able to move like she does, but we're definitely taking a page out of her book when it comes to energy and confidence.
Check out her entire routine in the video above. Warning: you won't be able to watch it just once.
The Unexpected Tool That Kept Me Calm During the Most Stressful Times of My Life
Between facing a job loss, becoming self-employed, and learning a lot more about myself than I could have ever imagined, let's just say last year was one for the books. I searched high and low for ways to calm my anxieties and stay focused on the positive, but nothing seemed to work. I tried every standard remedy, and yet what ultimately brought me some peace of mind wasn't meditation or CBD, but essential oils.
I was about two months into working as a full-time freelancer - and having a hard time adjusting to life without a 9-to-5 - when a friend mentioned how much she loved her essential oil diffuser. I had tried and tested essential oils during my days as a beauty editor, and while I was curious about their healing properties, I never really knew what to do with them. That didn't stop me from being intrigued by a diffuser, especially since my friend told me that the scents and steam helped her feel calmer. I figured, if nothing else had worked to help me find my Zen, it couldn't hurt to try it.
I did some research on essential oil diffusers, which helped me create a wish list: anything I purchased would need to mist for several hours, and it couldn't be noisy or distribute heat throughout the room. I ultimately settled on a diffuser from Saje Natural Wellness because it checked all the boxes and the brand also offered plenty of essential oils, including lavender, eucalyptus, and lemongrass.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with how these diffusers work, here's a bit of a breakdown. You fill a small compartment of the diffuser with water, then add your essential oils. It's advised that you add around 10 to 15 drops of oil into the water, depending on how intense you'd like the aroma. You then turn on the diffuser to activate the steam, and within a few minutes, you'll notice the scent and steam begin to fill the room. Essential oil diffusers typically don't use heat, so you're getting the oils in a very pure form.
The first time I tried the diffuser, I opted for lavender, since it's known to help reduce stress. I'd be lying if I said my anxieties melted away the moment I let some oils stream into the air, but I did find that I was able to get my work done at a better pace. It felt good to make self-care more of a priority, and although the scent wasn't my favorite, I knew I wanted to try the diffuser again.
This isn't to say that the essential oils have removed those feelings entirely - that's just not how anxiety works - but they have helped me cope better than other methods I've tried.
I set it out for about two hours the next night, this time using eucalyptus oil, which is also supposed to help promote a sense of calmness. It was a game changer. The eucalyptus made me feel more relaxed than the lavender but also more productive, and it eased a lot of the tension I had been feeling, which is exactly what I needed to stay on track with my work. This time, with my mind quieter, I also found the sound of the steam to be very soothing.
I used the diffuser three times a week throughout the next month and noticed that I didn't feel my usual sense of worry as frequently as I had before. This isn't to say that the essential oils have removed those feelings entirely - that's just not how anxiety works - but they have helped me cope better than other methods I've tried, like cutting caffeine or going for a walk. I'm hopeful that it'll be even more relaxing soon, as I plan to add some deep-breathing exercises to my routine. If you're ready to give an essential oil diffuser a try, keep reading for some options that caught my eye, including my personal favorite.
Here's Why Dietitians Don't Recommend the Whole30 Diet or Even Consider It Safe
Chances are you know someone who has tried the Whole30 diet, whether it's your friend who posted photos of her weight loss on Instagram or your coworkers who swapped recipes and ideas in the break room, while the rest of you swarmed over the last everything bagel. But just because a diet is popular doesn't mean it's healthy or right for you. We asked dietitians some of the most common questions about Whole30, and their answers might surprise you.
Back Up, What Exactly Is Whole30?
While many people lose weight on Whole30, that's not the purpose of the diet. "Whole30 is a dietary plan designed to help you reset eating habits and change your health," Kaley Todd, MS, RD, a nutritionist for Sun Basket, told POPSUGAR. To accomplish those goals, you follow a strict elimination-style diet that doesn't allow for any grains, dairy, legumes, soy, added sugars, or sweeteners. This lasts for - you guessed it - 30 days.
"The elimination period is followed by a reintroduction process in which the eliminated foods are gradually added back into your diet, paying close attention to how they impact mood, cravings, energy, sleep, digestion, body composition, athletic performance, and any other symptoms," Kaley explained.
Is Whole30 Actually Good For You?
In theory, it would be. One of the goals is to eliminate foods that cause inflammation in the body, which over time can lead to diseases such as diabetes and obesity. But not all the foods that are restricted on the diet are considered pro-inflammatory foods, Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, owner of Maya Feller Nutrition, told POPSUGAR. For example, peas are eliminated because they're considered a legume, but there's no research to support the idea that they cause inflammation in the body. In fact, the opposite is true. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that the magnesium in peas can help with inflammation and disease, and the antioxidants in peas have a prebiotic effect in the large intestine.
Many of the other restricted foods (like whole grains) have high amounts of fiber, protein, vitamin E, iron, and folate, and these are all nutrients we should have in our diet, Kaley explained. "Unless you have a specific allergy, there is no reason to exclude these foods from your diet, and in doing so you may be robbing your body of essential nutrients," she said. Maya agreed, stressing that there should be symptoms present before you start removing healthy foods from your diet. "For patients of mine with food sensitivities, I never blindly recommend eliminating foods without evidence," she said.
And that may be the most important point of all. While Whole30 is similar to an elimination diet your doctor might recommend - both last about a month before you slowly reintroduce foods in hopes of pinpointing which ones (if any) are causing symptoms like bloating - you shouldn't go it alone. "A proper elimination diet should always be monitored by a health professional," Kaley said.
So, Should You Try Whole30?
There are some positive aspects to Whole30 that you should incorporate into your diet whether you decide to do the full elimination plan or not. "Whole30 emphasizes eating whole foods without added sugar and avoiding processed foods," Kaley said. The plan also encourages reading labels so you have a better understanding of what you're eating, which is something you should aim to do even when you're not dieting.
But while Whole30 may help you "reset" your eating habits if you find yourself relying on processed foods and too much sugar, neither Maya nor Kaley believe that this is a nutrition plan for the masses. "If an individual does not have any food allergies, I think a reset does not have to eliminate whole grains, dairy, and legumes and can have a more balanced approach," Kaley said.
The "Your Arms Look Amazing! What Have You Been Doing?" 10-Minute Workout
This CrossFit workout may not use a barbell, but that doesn't mean you won't completely fatigue your arms in just 10 minutes. It's fast-paced and intense, and it uses a variety of equipment to keep things fun. It's the perfect workout to do when you're short on time.
10-Minute CrossFit Arm Workout
Equipment needed: soft medicine ball (eight to 20 pounds), rings (or a TRX or a sturdy table), a slam ball (20 to 40 pounds), and a set of medium-weight dumbbells
Directions: After warming up for five minutes with some light cardio and dynamic stretching, set the timer for 10 minutes and complete as many rounds as possible (AMRAP) of the five exercises ahead. Jade Jenny, CrossFit coach and owner of Champlain Valley CrossFit, says to push yourself hard, getting in as many quality reps as you can! After your workout is over, cool down with this six-move arm-stretching routine.
| Exercises | Number of reps |
|---|---|
| Wall balls | 10 |
| Ring rows | 10 |
| Ball slams | 10 |
| Dumbbell chest press | 10 |
| Plank with dumbbell row | 10 (5 per side) |
Keep reading for details on how to do each move.
Your Celery Will Last a Lot Longer (and Your Juice Will Taste Better) With This Storage Hack
It's too soon to call what the best health and wellness trend of 2019 is, but celery juice is definitely at the top of the list. If you've started adding celery juice to your morning routine, you've got to try this simple trick to keep your celery fresh longer.
How to Choose Your Celery
The first step is to select a quality bunch of celery. It may sound mundane, but this will make all the difference. Plus, it will help you save money and prevent you from wasting food. According to the University of Nebraska, you should "choose celery with straight, rigid stalks and fresh leaves." It also advises avoiding bunches with stalks that look "woody or limp." Another way to find the freshest celery is to use your nose. Yes, smell them! Look for a bunch with a fresh scent; you'll definitely know if it isn't.
How to Store Your Celery
After you've purchased fresh bunches, you'll need to make sure you store them properly. According to Washington State University, you should remove the stalks from the plastic packaging (if they have it), wrap them tightly in aluminum foil, and store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. "Celery stays crisp for weeks this way," the university explained. By wrapping the stalks in foil, ethylene, the ripening hormone, is able to escape.
Conversely, if you leave the celery in the plastic bag, the ethylene gas won't be released and it will speed up moisture loss and spoilage. If you do choose to store your celery in the original packaging or a plastic bag, be sure to use it quickly for optimal freshness.
How to Clean Your Celery
Before you make your fresh juice, you need to thoroughly clean the celery. In 2018, celery was No. 10 on the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) "Dirty Dozen" list. "More than 95 percent of conventional celery samples tested positive for pesticide," the EWG reported.
To make sure your celery is clean, The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends separating the bunch and washing stalks individually. You should rinse each stalk with cold water, rubbing the stalk with your fingers or a vegetable brush to remove any grit or dirt. If you really want to ensure your celery is clean, you can also use a fruit and vegetable wash.
How to Prepare Your Celery
Prep your celery by cutting off both the root and the leafy part at the top of the bunch. You can dispose of both parts in your trash, compost them, or use them in salads and soups.
I Teach Yoga and Do CrossFit, and These Are the 18 Yoga Poses I Swear By For Strong Arms
I like to lift heavy sh*t, but I also like to hold myself upside down in a 98-degree room while sweat drips from my nose onto my yoga mat. Both CrossFit and yoga have been integral in helping me gain strength and flexibility in my upper body. I couldn't do one without the other. But when I'm not pressing a barbell overhead and slinging kettlebells, these are the intense yoga poses I love to do to sculpt and strengthen my arms.
Related: I Do CrossFit and These Are the 19 Arm-Strengthening Exercises I Can't Live Without
If You Want to Lose Weight With Intermittent Fasting, Here's a Must-Read Beginner's Guide
There are tons of reasons to try intermittent fasting (IF) such as disease prevention and improved digestion and reduced bloating, but weight loss is what draws most people to it. If you're new to the whole idea, this intermittent fasting guide will explain all the details.
Just note that intermittent fasting may not be right for everyone, especially those with a history of disordered eating. Registered dietitian Lisa Eberly Mastela, MPH, RD, told POPSUGAR that any form of IF should be done under the supervision of a registered dietitian.
If you're ready to dive in, here's what beginners need to know about how to use intermittent fasting to lose weight.
This Ice Cream Is "Sleep Friendly," and Our Spoons Are SO Ready!
A lot of things interfere with a good night's sleep: scrolling through your phone, sweets or anything that contains caffeine, fatty foods, and alcohol. But what if there was a satisfying treat you could enjoy before bed without a single worry about staying awake? Nightfood advertises its new ice cream line as a slumber-friendly option that helps you catch some zzz's, due to ingredients such as magnesium, zinc, and calcium, which are associated with improved quality of sleep.
The ice cream was formulated with the help of experts, including Michael Breus, PhD, known as the "Sleep Doctor," and Lauren Broch, PhD, to "keep sleep disruptive ingredients out and add in ingredients that are understood to support sleep," the Nightfood website states. The company removed caffeine, sugars, and "excess fat and calories" and made the recipe "less likely to cause sleep disruption via lactose digestion issues, acid reflux, blood sugar spikes, and the like." Nightfood does want to make clear, though, that the ice cream does not "contain sleep-aid substances or drugs [like melatonin], and it's not a dietary supplement. It's simply a better-for-you and more sleep-friendly choice," according to the website.
"With tens of millions of people eating ice cream every night, they're taking in lots of sugar, fat, and calories just before bed that can be very detrimental to sleep quality," Nightfood founder Sean Folkson told POPSUGAR, adding that he wants us to think of the line as a bedtime alternative. "It's not that other ice creams keep people awake; it's that they are loaded with ingredients that can impair sleep quality."
Based on a 2,000-calorie diet, one half-cup serving of Nightfood contains 10 percent of your suggested daily magnesium and zinc intake, according the nutrition facts. One serving also contains between 70 and 100 calories, one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half grams of total fat, and six to 10 grams of sugar. To top it all off, Nightfood has six to seven grams of protein per serving. A half-cup serving of Cherry Eclipse, for instance, contains 100 calories, two-and-a-half grams of fat, nine grams of sugar, and six grams of protein. A half-cup serving of Cherry Garcia, a similar pint from Ben & Jerry's, has 260 calories, 15 grams of fat, 23 grams of sugar, and four grams of protein.
The line is in the middle of a national roll out, which will last over the next 12 months, Folkson said, and is now available in 40 percent of Meijer locations for $5. But if you're craving it now, you can buy it online in bulk via Amazon or per pint on buynightfood.com. Along with Cherry Eclipse, there's Full Moon Vanilla, Midnight Chocolate, After Dinner Mint Chip, Cold Brew Decaf, Cookies 'N' Dreams, Milk & Cookie Dough, and Bed and Breakfast (maple ice cream with waffle chunks). Five out of the eight pints are also gluten-free! Read on for nutritional info for each dreamy flavor.
Carve Lean Abs and Ripped Arms With a Pair of Dumbbells and This 20-Minute Workout
This is the ultimate arm and ab burner! And all you need is a pair of dumbbells and 20 minutes, which means it's the perfect home workout. The best part is that you can do it anytime; hello, quick 9 p.m. workout in your pajamas while binge-watching Netflix! It's up to you how hard you want to work. Make it more challenging by using heavier weights and pushing your pace.
Arm and Abs Dumbbell Workout
Equipment needed: One pair of medium-weight dumbbells (six to 15 pounds). (Optional: have a heavier pair on hand for exercises that are easier for you)
Directions: Set your timer for 20 minutes, and complete as many rounds of the ahead workout as you can. Aim for at least three rounds.
| Exercise | Reps |
|---|---|
| Shoulder press | 10 reps |
| Overhead circle | 10 reps (5 in each direction) |
| Wide biceps curl | 10 reps |
| Upright row | 10 reps |
| Dumbbell bench press | 10 reps |
| Plank dumbbell row | 10 reps (5 per side) |
| Side plank with weight | 10 reps (5 per side) |
| Seated Russian twist |
10 reps (10 per side) |
| Push-up and rotate | 10 reps (5 per side) |
| Weighted straight-leg crunch | 10 reps |
| Lying overhead reach | 10 reps |
| Dumbbell crossover punch | 10 reps (5 per side) |
Keep reading for details on how to do each move.
Jessamyn Stanley on Yoga Practice, Body Positivity, and Not Being Afraid to Take Up Space
Image Source: Zoe Litaker Photography
When you think of yoga, the first image that probably comes to mind is a thin white woman saying "Namaste" while wearing a sporty tank top and printed leggings - maybe on a beach. And while there are plenty of those women doing Sun Salutations in a yoga studio near you, they are vastly over-represented in a world that is actually populated by people of many different shapes and sizes. But somehow 30-year-old Jessamyn Stanley doesn't let a lack of representation faze her - she's too busy being a badass yogi.
Stanley is unapologetic about taking up space in a world that is resistant to changing the appropriated narrative that makes women who look like her seem few and far between. Even though yoga remains her central focus, she has since turned her love for her practice into a highly visible social media presence that is actively disrupting the perceived norm - a space where she expresses her views on everything from mainstream acceptance of big bodies to musings about her continuous journey to find her space and place in the world.
Based in Durham, North Carolina, Stanley practices and teaches high-energy Vinyasa-flow yoga, an athletic style of yoga that strings various poses together to create a sequence. Her classes provide a body-positive approach that focuses on how the body feels vs. how it looks, a technique she developed through her own personal practice. If you looked at the photo above and thought she seemed vaguely familiar, here's why: she recently appeared in a U by Kotex commercial in which she spoke about practicing yoga while being on her period and as a larger person of color.
When she's not busy starring in nationally syndicated commercials, Stanley also runs a blog (where she has a kickass playlist, BTW), hosts a yoga and lifestyle podcast called Jessamyn Explains It All, and somehow finds time to listen to all of the Harry Potter books. I recently caught up with Stanley to chat about everything from her favorite yoga pose to why neither of us will sit on the 6 train in NYC.
Image Source: Lydia Hudgens Photography
Tembe Denton-Hurst: Tell me about the first time you did yoga.
Jessamyn Stanley: The very first time I did yoga, I was 16. I was very much the youngest person in the room, and definitely the largest person. There were [also] very few people of color, but that really wasn't even what struck me so much as the fact that [yoga is] really, really hard. I found everything from the experience to be challenging. It was a Bikram yoga class - which is a style of hot yoga - and the heat was so overwhelming. I made it a third of the way through the class before I was like, "I'm good on this." They tell you not to leave, but I was like, "I don't care; I don't know y'all. I have to get out of here." I got really sick and was like, "I'm never doing this again. If that's yoga, then I'm good."
I ended up going back to yoga when I was in grad school, seven years later. I was going through a period of depression. One of my friends was like, "Oh my god, you should try Bikram yoga; it's so amazing." And I was like, "I'm not doing that. I already know it's not for me." She wore me down, and I realized that the experience of being manually pushed out of my comfort zone and being forced to see new aspects of myself was so cleansing. It's not like it magically got easier, [but] I understood the need for that kind of sensation.
TDH: How much has your practice changed since then? Are there aspects that haven't changed?
JS: My yoga practice has evolved and changed a lot over the years. When I first started practicing, I was definitely like, "I'm just going to do this yoga thing." I didn't understand it on this level, [but] I started practicing yoga at home. I learned a lot more about lineage, history, meditation, and breathwork - things that I had never even considered.
During that period, my practice became very athletic, and [I] focused on learning as many poses as possible. As time went on and I [began] teacher training, I realized why so much of the practice resonated with me: it is a way for me to look at aspects of myself that I've been hiding. I [want to] maintain this practice for the rest of my life. Regardless of what happens, I can always turn back to it. It's a journey to the self, through the self, [and] something I consistently reflect on so that I can be more compassionate not just toward myself, but toward other people - and I think that is a profoundly different place from where I began.
TDH: How do you balance being a teacher and inspiration to others while remaining a student of the practice?
JS: I think it's awesome that more people are practicing. Most people have no idea that yoga is not just for thin white women. Most people are genuinely surprised by that. I'm glad that there's a wider variety of people living this practice for themselves. Ultimately, I feel like in order for me to really be living this practice for myself, I can't really be that concerned about the effect [it has] on other people. Eventually, I think I'll walk away from public presence, but I do think there's clearly a reason why all of this is happening right now. In order to live in my truth, I have to be open to that; it's just this interesting balancing point of simultaneously understanding that there's so much more than this and that what's happening right now is critical.
"It's a journey to the self, through the self."
TDH: Who and what inspires you?
JS: People that are being really honest and authentic, even when they have to stand or walk alone. I find myself constantly coming into conflict with fear, and seeing that I don't stretch my wings or step outside of certain boxes because I'm afraid. The people and things that really inspire me are those who just live in their truth without any fear of repercussion. Also people who are able to love and express compassion indiscriminately, because that's something I definitely struggle with: seeing beyond my expectations for the world and being able to love wholeheartedly. I do think as difficult and as complicated as that is, it's the reason that we're here: to love indiscriminately.
TDH: How do you deal with people who underestimate you?
JS: At this point in my life, [I] expect that. Most people are afraid of things in their own lives, and when they see other people embodying spaces that they are too fearful to, their knee-jerk reaction is to be hateful or create shame. Misery loves company. That's something that I encounter constantly in my professional life, especially. People go out of their way to undermine or underestimate me, and if someone is trying to undermine you or trying to underestimate you, that's a sign that what you're doing is worthwhile; you're taking up space that someone else is afraid to.
As a fat-bodied yoga teacher working in a traditionally small-bodied, predominantly white industry, it's very common [for] people to belittle me. They're afraid that what I think, believe, and embody is contradicting their existence, and their response is to put up a wall. I don't have time to be worried about breaking down those walls; all I can do is keep doing what I'm doing.
Image Source: Lydia Hudgens Photography
TDH: Have you always had a great relationship with your body? If not, how did you come to accept it?
JS: I've generally had a pretty terrible relationship with my body; I think I've spent the vast majority of my life trying to make [it] look different than it looks naturally. I've definitely started to develop a better relationship with my body, [but] I think it's a very separate issue from the yoga. The main thing, for me, has been understanding the horrible things that I say and think about myself, and I notice it's the kind of work people don't really want to do. When they think about body positivity and self-care and self-love, it seems like it's going to be some f*cking Instagram quote or something you repeat over and over until, magically, one day you feel great about yourself. The thing that has worked for me is actually stopping when I hear myself saying something [negative] and trying to deconstruct where that's coming from - this happens a million times a day, and it's very unpleasant and embarrassing, but the results are so profound. Every single day I'm just trying to show up to do the work that I need to do to feel better today - and tomorrow's another day, and yesterday was a different day . . . but today is all that really matters.
"If someone is trying to undermine you or trying to underestimate you, that's a sign that what you're doing is worthwhile; you're taking up space that someone else is afraid to."
While I was practicing yoga, I started to notice the things I would say about myself when I would take photos of my yoga practice. In the moment of the picture being taken, I would [think], "I feel so strong. I feel so powerful. Yoga is amazing and great." Then I would look at the picture and immediately start talking sh*t about myself - "Oh my god, my stomach, my arms." We always want to blame the media and parents and friends and partners, but I'm the one who's saying these things. Whether or not I'm reflecting it from others is not the question. I am doing this. I can't control every aspect of my environment, but I can control what I'm going to think. Really understanding that put me on the road toward a better relationship with my body.
TDH: One of the best moments in your practice?
JS: When I was in my teacher training, I was doing a partner yoga exercise with someone who was much smaller than I am. She [was] very petite, blonde - very different from me. And I'm supposed to put my entire bodyweight on her. I was just compulsively apologizing the whole time, like, "Oh my god, I'm so sorry." Eventually she stopped me and said, "You know you don't have to apologize for everything, right?" And I was like, "I guess I'm just apologizing for existing." I had never consciously thought that before, and I was shook: How long have I been thinking that? Have I been thinking that my entire life? I spent so much time [blaming] my issues on my romantic relationships or on my family and trying to fix everything with drinking, smoking, eating, or shopping. It was so profound, so much bigger than anything I'd understood or experienced. I [thought], "I will come back to this practice forever if I continue to see something real like that." I don't need to have the answer, and I don't need to get it all figured out. But that experience of truth is more than anything I could imagine.
TDH: That speaks to me on such a real level. I'm constantly apologizing for myself. I even get anxious sitting on the benches on the subway. I'm always so stressed out.
JS: If I'm on the 6 in the city, I will not sit down on one of the benches unless I have a seat in between. People ask me why I still live in North Carolina, and if I had to live in New York, I would, but then there's that nonsense with the train.
Image Source: Zoe Litaker Photography
TDH: You've been so open on social media - how has that affected you?
JS: The reason I've maintained my [social media] presence is because I feel like there's an opportunity to change the narrative, to show what a yoga practice actually looks like. It's not just popping up into poses for pictures on social media. It's about really looking within yourself to see the conflict, to see the things that are unpleasant or offensive to other people. It's the truth of who you are.
PS: If you could go back to when you first started doing yoga, what would you tell 16-year-old Jessamyn?
JS: Don't sweat it - nothing that you're worrying about right now is that serious. Focus on just enjoying yourself and trying to be happy. That is your only goal.
I Trained With J Lo's Trainer, and Now I Know the Secret Behind Her 6-Pack
I honestly don't need to say this, but Jennifer Lopez has got it going on. Yes, genetics plays a role in her amazing figure, but she also works her ass off in the gym.
When I got the opportunity to work out with her trainer, David Kirsch, I couldn't pass it up. Yes, I'm a personal trainer, but I do enjoy being in the student position and having someone else guide me through a workout.
David took me through an intense full-body workout, and one part that stuck with me was the plank series he had me do. It challenged my strength and stability, and I cannot wait for you all you try it. Check out the 4-move workout ahead.
The Workout
Circuit One:
- Plank with lateral arm reach: 10 reps each arm
- Plank with triceps kickback: 10 reps each arm
Take a 60-second break in between exercises, then repeat for one more round.
Circuit Two:
- Elbow plank with knee drive: 15 reps each side
- Elbow plank with side step: 10 reps
Take a 60-second break in between exercises, then repeat for one more round.
Sour Patch Kids Marshmallows Are Available at Walmart, and People Say They Taste Like Peeps
Four words: Sour. Patch. Kids. Marshmallows. That's all I've been thinking about since I heard that Walmart started selling the sweet treat in stores. Following Sour Patch Kids cereal and ice cream, it was only a matter of time before the candy got another twist. According to eagle-eyed foodie Instagram user @junkbater, these new snacks are now available at the superstore, just in time for Spring.
"They taste like sour peeps...but better in my opinion," wrote user @iwantyoursnack. "You get the nice sour sugar on the outside and the sweet marshmellow [sic] on the inside."
All my favorite marshmallowy treats are about to get a mouth-puckering twist. Imagine Sour Patch Kids Rice Krispies treats or Sour Patch Kids s'mores! It's almost too much for my mind (and taste buds) to process.
These Gorgeous Bathroom Photos All Have 1 Thing in Common: Ikea
When it comes to decor inspiration, it's easy to overlook bulk retailers and seek other avenues for furnishing expertise. However, these bathroom pictures from our friends at Sweeten, a free service that matches renovators with contractors, are an affordable renovation game-changer. The gorgeous vanities, sleek faucets, and distinctive tiling will have you questioning the value of these posh-looking pieces. Without a doubt, if you're searching for bathroom design inspiration, then we have the pictures (and products) you need to make it all happen. Let's have a look!
6 Best Dog Breeds For Families With Small Kids
It's not unusual for families to adopt a dog around the same time as having their own children. But are some dog breeds better suited for families with small children? We were recently asked that, so we reached out to Dr. Eva Radke, DVM, of the East San Rafael Veterinary Clinic in California to see what we could come up with.
There are various things to consider, according to Radke, aside from a dog just being a family-friendly breed. She recommends taking your own daily life into account. "Are you an active family who spends a lot of time hiking, running, and camping?" she asks. "Or do you tend to stay home cooking and enjoying movies? You will want to choose a dog whose temperament, size, and energy level best matches your family."
At the end of the day, it's also important to remember that your dog is just that: a dog. "Even the gentlest-mannered dog is still an animal with her own set of instincts and ways to express herself," Radke said. She suggests you never leave your small children unattended with the dog, just in case, and always supervise them when they're together. Your pup may always tolerate the ear and tail tugs from your kid, but you don't want to run the risk of the dog snapping one day when you aren't paying attention.
Keep reading to find six dog breeds Radke said are best suited for families, based on each breed's typical personality traits.
Reese's "Thins" Exist Now - So This Means We Can Eat More of Them, Right?
The thinner the Reese's cup, the more we can eat, right? After blowing chocolate-lovers away with heart-shaped Reese's puffs cereal, a heart-shaped Reese's skillet, and even a Reese's bouquet for Valentine's Day, the candy company just won't quit. As of March 2019, Reese's THiNS - which are 40 percent thinner than the original Reese's cup - will be sliding their way onto shelves and straight into the mouths of anyone who wants to experience the classic Reese's taste in a slightly smaller package.
Available in both milk and dark chocolate, Reese's ThiNS will be individually wrapped and available in a small 3.1 oz bag ($2.49) or a 7.37 oz sharing bag ($4.09), but if I'm honest, I'll probably just keep them to myself. At 170 calories per serving, they might just be the perfect treat to hide in your car or keep in your office for an afternoon pick-me-up! (Or two.)
Move Over, Main Course! These Easter Sides Are Fresh Out of the Kitchen and Comin' in Hot
Easter is a time for new beginnings and family gatherings around the dinner table. If you're looking to refresh your Easter meal with something new this year, we have a plethora of delicious options that will put even the most tempting chocolate bunnies to shame. Bring on the oohs and aahs with these show-stopping side dishes that just might have your loved ones forgetting all about the honey-baked ham. Check out these irresistible Easter recipes ahead!
Not Sure How to Clean an Area Rug? Keep 'em Looking Brand New With These 4 Steps
Area rugs can add a lot of style and function to almost any room. Put one in your kitchen to keep your feet comfortable while you're cooking or doing the dishes, make one the focal point of your living room while amping up the coziness, or put one next to your bed so you feel the plush, soft comfort when you swing your feet onto the floor every morning. And of course, they can help you distract from that ugly flooring in your rental. But while area rugs are useful and beautiful, they're not immune to mess and can attract all manner of grime, crumbs, spills, stains, and dust. But the good news is that, because they're so portable, they're pretty easy to clean with the right know-how. Here's what you need to do.
1. Vacuum Both Sides
With carpet, you can only vacuum one side, potentially pushing dust and crumbs further into the fibers rather than sucking them up. An area rug, on the other hand, can be vacuumed more thoroughly on both sides. Vacuum the fiber side first, then flip it over and vacuum the back. If it's still dusty and you have some outdoor space, you can hang it over a railing and gently knock the remaining dust out with a broom handle.
2. Wash the Rug With Carpet Shampoo
To give your rug a good, deep clean, wash it with a carpet shampoo. First, test out the shampoo on a discreet area of the rug to check that it's safe for the color and fibers of your rug. You should let the shampoo sit for a couple of hours to be sure. When you know the shampoo is safe, dampen your rug with clean water. Then, with a sturdy brush, work the shampoo into the carpet, paying special attention to stained areas. *Note: This method is best for low-pile rugs, and DIY washing your shag rug this way isn't a good idea. Leave shag rugs or other expensive rugs to a professional to prevent damage!
3. Rinse the Rug
Once you've worked out all of the stains and dirt from your rug with the brush and shampoo, read the shampoo instructions and, if they say so, leave the shampoo to sit for a while. After this period of time, rinse your rug thoroughly. Carpet shampoo, much like hair shampoo, can leave a residue that will leave your rugs sticky, dull, and looking dirty.
4. Let the Rug Dry
Rugs can take a long time to dry depending on their thickness and material that they're made of, so we wouldn't recommend washing your rugs right before having dozens of people over for a dinner party. To dry your rug, first wring out as much excess water as you can. Then, hang it to dry in an area where it will be protected and undisturbed, like a garage or laundry room. It may take a day or longer to dry, but it's important to be patient and let it dry completely before putting it back in place. Finally, vacuum your rug one more time to bring the tufts and fibers back to life.
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