Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
samedi 20 avril 2019
10 Quintessentially American Dishes
It's pretty hard to beat a steaming spread of dim sum, a charred Neapolitan pizza, or perfectly caramelized tarte tatin, but sometimes an all-American feast is what'll satisfy best. We've rounded up 10 quintessentially American dishes that can be mixed and matched (or cooked à la carte) the next time you're craving classic eats from our fine nation.
Related: 40+ America's Test Kitchen Recipes You Should Make in This Lifetime
Not Into Drinking? Here Are the Best Bachelorette Destinations For Relaxation and Wellness
The purpose of a bachelorette party is to celebrate both your departure from singledom and the sacred bond of sisterhood. If, for you, that means dancing in a club all night and drinking cocktails from a suggestively shaped straw, then by all means, have at it! But not every bachelorette bash has to include jello shots and strippers. If you're searching for a less rowdy party that's more about recharging your batteries and relaxing with your closest friends, we've rounded up 14 unforgettable bachelorette destinations to celebrate your upcoming "I dos." From the rugged rainforest to breathtaking beaches, the following destination ideas focus on relaxation, wellness, and self-care - strippers not included.
Itching to Redecorate? See the Spring Releases From Amazon's Affordable Home Line
Now's the time to think about Spring cleaning. Part of that time-honored ritual is revamping our living spaces. If you didn't know, Amazon has an in-house home decor line called Rivet that's both adorable and affordable, and these 14 latest launches were made for Spring. Get ready to brighten up your place, with items from fun planters to cute rugs, just in time for the new season.
Speakers Shaped Like Pool Floats Exist, So Our Summer Countdown Starts . . . Now!
Is a pool party complete without a statement pool float? We think not. But, when we saw these Floating Speakers ($24), we knew that Summer could start now. These adorable little speakers look like drink holders or tiny pool floats, but they're actually made for blasting your favorite music. Keep the party going all day long with this affordable, ingenius gadget - we're just annoyed we didn't think of it first!
13 Photos That Prove Wallpaper Is the Bold Design Element You Need
It seems like every 30 years or so, wallpaper comes back into popularity in the design world. While wallpaper conjures images of floral-themed nightmares from our grandparents' basements for many of us, it has turned into a trendy design choice that can make an impact on any room. With advancements in technology and more gorgeous designs than we could have ever imagined, wallpaper might be the design element that's missing in your home. From creating an accent wall in your hallway or living room to completely covering the walls in your bedroom for a romantic look, these before and after photos show just how much wallpaper can change a room.
You'll Never Frost Cupcakes Another Way Again After Learning This Trick
Beautiful frosted cupcakes are Magnolia Bakery's bread and butter (it's this sweet treat that was popularized by Sex and the City, after all). So when the bakery extended an invitation to a cupcake decorating class focused on flower cupcakes, I had to check it out. Keep reading to see exactly how these pastry pros do it.
Here's what you'll need: cupcakes, buttercream frosting, a pastry bag, a coupler and Ateco's #104 petal tip, luster dust (optional), and some patience.
Celebrate Your Booty Gains With Leggings That Highlight Your Assets . . . Er, Hard Work
Today more than ever, women are owning their space in the gym and celebrating all the curves on their bodies (and not just with leggings). Booty gains are the name of the game as of late, and we couldn't be prouder of the shift in mindset. The best way to celebrate all those curves? In some ultraflattering leggings, naturally. Ahead are some of our absolute favorite little spandex miracles for highlighting the posterior region - you'll feel crazy confident and super sexy.
- Additional reporting by Dominique Astorino
6 Top-Rated Sports Bras Customers Can't Stop Buying From Amazon
If you're on the hunt for a new sports bra, we've got you covered. Amazon is one of our favorite shopping destinations because we can read customer reviews. It's an easy way to make sure other people love the products and that you will, too. Ahead, we've uncovered the six bestselling choices, so all you have to do is find your match. With brands like Nike and Champion, you won't be disappointed. Keep reading to check out our top picks.
Hydrate All Summer Long With This Healthy, Refreshing, Eco-Friendly Watermelon Water
Flavored water has always been a good option for those of us who think the plain stuff is a little too boring. It has the hydration benefits of water and, if the calories and sugar are low, is a much healthier flavored drink than most sodas. WTRMLN WTR, started in 2013 and backed by Beyoncé (yes, Beyoncé, who invested in it in 2016), takes those benefits and adds a few more, including an unexpected one: the drink saves both water and food waste.
WTRMLN WTR is just what is sounds like (if you add the vowels back in): water extracted from watermelons, which are 92 percent H2O. That conserves water in a couple of ways: first, you're freeing up "regular" water for other uses; and second, watermelons themselves grow well in dry, arid climates. Essentially, "they don't need a lot of water to grow water," the brand told POPSUGAR.
Another eco-friendly plus: WTRMLN WTR is sourced from bruised or misshapen melons, which are safe to eat but typically discarded before they get to consumers. Each bottle uses just over a pound of melon, both rind and flesh, which would typically get tossed out without use. After processing, the brand also sends as much leftover melon as it can back to farmers to help feed livestock.
Nutrition-wise, WTRMLN WTR isn't a bad choice either. Each serving has 450 to 630 milligrams of potassium - the average banana has about 422. The water also includes the amino acid L-citrulline, which improves blood flow and may help you build muscle, and lycopene, an antioxidant that protects your cells from damage. The drink has about 12 grams of sugar, depending on the flavor, which come from the watermelon's natural sweetness; it doesn't include any added sugars. Flavors range from the fruity, like original (aka watermelon), cherry, and the newly-launched strawberry, to refreshing cucumber and ginger.
Intrigued? Here's some more good news: these cold-pressed, planet-friendly drinks are all available to buy online at WTRMLN WTR's website. Read ahead for more flavors and nutrition info.
Yes, You Can Eat Hot Cereal on a Low-Carb Diet, as Long as It's 1 of These 9 Picks
Oatmeal is one of our favorite breakfast options, but we sometimes wonder if it meets the requirements of a low-carb diet. Well, the answer, thankfully, is yes! That is, if you're choosing one of these nine hot cereal options, which all have fewer than 10 grams of net carbs. The best part, though, is that they're all available on Amazon! Is it breakfast time yet?
I Always Felt Uncomfortable and Insecure at the Gym, Until I Tried These Leggings
I've never been good at keeping up a workout regimen. I usually discover a type of exercise I enjoy, stick with it for a few weeks, and then get overwhelmed, citing everything from bad weather conditions to work obligations as an excuse to skip my workouts. I know exercise is important, though - not just for my physical health, but also my mental health. My doctor has suggested it time and time again to help reduce my anxiety and ward off panic attacks.
Recently, I decided to get serious about solving this problem. Once I took a closer look, I realized that it wasn't necessarily working out that intimidated me, but the way I felt while doing it. Running outside made me feel uneasy, doing strength training at the gym unnerved me, and group classes made me so self-conscious that I would often sign up for them only to cancel halfway to the studio. And frankly, I've never really felt comfortable in workout clothes, especially leggings and sports bras.
This all changed, however, when I came across the Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket Tight in Powervita ($44-$89, depending on color). From the moment I put them on, I felt more comfortable than I had in any other workout leggings - and trust me, I've tried many. These tights are supportive, flexible, breathable, and butter soft, an adjective I don't usually associate with workout gear. They flatter in all the right places. I can wear them knowing that they won't slip down, but also without feeling like a sausage link every time I pull them on. Most importantly, they've given me confidence - something I desperately needed in the gym.
Before I knew it, I was going to yoga classes (Group yoga classes!), attending Spin nights at the nearby community center, and wearing the tights out when I just wanted to feel comfortable. They're so barely-there that I'm even able to wear them under wide-leg pants or straight-leg joggers while on my way to work out on a cool evening. I have to admit - I'm pretty attached to them.
I've never been the athletic type. I never played on a basketball or soccer team, and I could barely run the mile during gym class. I still have no idea how to work half of the exercise machines at my local gym. But somehow, some way, this pair of comfortable, stretchy workout leggings has made me feel like anything is possible, and that is priceless.
These 15 Beautifully Organized Kitchens Will Inspire You to Stock and Prep Healthy Food
Marie Kondo and her unique brand of tidying up have taken Netflix and the world by storm. And while her methods can help you whip your closets and kids' rooms into shape, getting your kitchen organized may be even more transformative. Doing so can simplify meal prep, and research suggests that a clean space may even allow you to make healthier choices, compared to a cluttered home.
If that's not motivation enough to overhaul your messy pantry or disheveled fridge, you're sure to be inspired by the perfectly stocked kitchens below. You're just a few color-coded meal prep containers and labeled baskets away from joining their ranks - you'll see!
Rooibos Tea: If You Haven't Tried It, a Dietitian Explains Why You Should
There are wellness fads you find all over social media, like the latest in at-home workouts and the ever-popular oat milk; then there are those you hear about from your crunchy granola college roommate via text when you ask how she's been. I can imagine that rooibos tea would fall under the second category.
It's not as well-known as matcha, something you've seen online as one of recent years' biggest health trends. Rooibos was barely imported to the US before 2000, according to Slate. Snapple introduced a rooibos tea in 2007, and Starbucks locations worldwide once sold vanilla rooibos lattes, but now you can most likely find varieties in stores and cafes near you. The health and beauty communities tout it for its anti-inflammatory and skin-clearing properties, respectively, and there are other benefits we'll get into later. (Oh, and it has a cool name.)
What Is Rooibos Tea?
Rooibos tea, pronounced "roy-boss," comes from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis, or rooibos plant, native to South Africa. It's green in color, but once fermented in the sun, it turns red (this video shows the process). Generally, this herbal tea has zero calories, fat, and sugar. It's also caffeine-free. Registered dietitian Brittany L. Jones, MS, RD, of Blush Nutrition is an avid rooibos tea drinker and told POPSUGAR that it tastes more mild than black tea and less earthy than green tea. "It definitely has an herbal and almost honey-like taste, and does not get bitter if you let it steep too long," she described. "Because of this you don't have to add any sweetness to it, and it is very tasty by itself without any added sugar." She brews one teaspoon of loose leaf tea with eight ounces of boiling water for five to six minutes, and she has plans to make iced rooibos tea as the temperature gets warmer.
What Are the Health Benefits of Rooibos Tea?
Rooibos tea made Time's 50 Healthiest Foods of All Time list. Small studies suggest possible benefits for heart health and even cancer, but nothing is proven. Rooibos is, however, known to be rich in antioxidants, which are beneficial for our health because they can prevent or delay cell damage done by free radicals in the body (read more about this here). Brittany said, compared to green tea, it has slightly lower levels.
Aspalathin and nothofagin, two chemical compounds found in rooibos tea, reportedly promote clear skin and help fight acne, and they possess anti-inflammatory properties as well. Brittany added that rooibos contains minerals like iron and calcium that are "lacking in the traditional American diet." Rooibos tea has very low oxalate levels, too. "Oxalates can increase your risk of kidney stones, which are commonly associated with higher consumption of black tea and traditional iced teas," she explained.
Brittany recommends speaking with your doctor about the amount of rooibos tea you can consume per day as a precautionary measure, to make sure it won't interact with any medications you're taking or medical conditions you may have. "After talking with your doctor, rooibos is a tea that can be consumed more than once per day for antioxidant benefits," she said. "It's a healthy alternative for those looking to cut back their caffeine consumption, or those looking for a refreshing alternative to an alcoholic drink with dinner."
Where to Buy Rooibos Tea
If you're interested in buying rooibos tea, it's not very hard to find. There are fermented red and unfermented green options on Amazon from Teavana, Celestial Seasonings, and other popular tea brands. A variety can be found at Whole Foods and David's Tea, and you can also purchase fun iced rooibos drinks like BOS online. As Brittany told us, it's nice to change up the tea you drink, so perhaps this one is next on your list.
I Tried Nike's New Barefoot Running Shoe - Here's Why It's a Staple For My Training Routine
We all have our vices: designer bags, vintage cars, diamonds, and puppies. While I love Celine bags from the Phoebe Philo era, Mercedes-Benz, a pavé setting, and dobermans, my true vice is shoes. Specifically, running shoes.
I've been running since I was 7, and having a shoe that's both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing is a must. I've tried every brand of running shoe on the market, but I always end up with a new pair of Nike kicks at the end of the day. My all-time favorite running shoe is the Nike Pegasus - I trained in it all four years of college track and field. I'm an "If it's not broke, don't fix it" type of girl, but there's a new running shoe I've added to my arsenal of training gear: the Nike Free RN 5.0 ($100).
The Free RN 5.0 was designed for a barefoot feel that allows your foot to expand across all planes of motion when it strikes the ground, from heel to toe and across your arch. Simply put, instead of restricting your foot, the updated design allows your foot to move naturally in all directions every time it hits the ground.
I personally like a barefoot feel on the beach, but I was hesitant about how it would feel while running. Per Nike's recommendation, I started off by walking in the shoe and wearing them to do errands like grocery shopping. Nike recommends easing into using the shoe so that your feet can reset and and get acclimated to the barefoot feel.
After a week of wearing the shoe, I progressed to wearing it during low-mileage runs. Because it's such a low-profile shoe, I was worried I'd feel every rock underneath my foot running through the streets of New York City. To my surprise, I didn't experience this at all. I definitely felt like I had less material underneath my foot, but not in a bad way. I could really feel the ball of my foot hitting the ground and quickly firing back up. It was a nostalgic feeling that took me back to when I was first learning the proper way to strike the ground for speed and power as a sprinter.
My favorite part about the shoe is that it fits like a glove, which adds to the lightweight and barefoot feeling. I haven't had the opportunity to do speedwork in the Free just yet, but I have a feeling I'm going to like how light and explosive I feel in them.
According to Brett Holts, vice president of running footwear for Nike, there isn't a right or wrong way to wear the Free. "Regardless of who you are, what your preference is, or how you train, we've got you covered with benefits that are going to be relevant [to your training]," he told POPSUGAR. I'm incorporating the Free into my training routine on the days when I'm doing short and easy runs, and I plan on wearing it to do light speedwork at the track.
If you're looking for a shoe that feels like you're running on clouds, or something that's comfy to walk around in, I recommend giving the Nike Free RN 5.0 a shot. Check out the full collection on Nike.com.
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by Nike for the purpose of writing this story.
Gabby Lost 50 Pounds and Completely Transformed Her Body With CrossFit and This Sunday Habit
Before beginning her fitness journey, Gabriella Falco, 24, didn't have the best relationship with food or with the gym. She told POPSUGAR that in high school, she tried to stay as active as she could. She was involved in sports and went to the YMCA whenever she could and loved Zumba. But when she went off to college, the excitement of being on her own combined with the stress of school made her gain weight. Keep reading to learn her inspiring story, how she lost 50 pounds in three years, and how she completely transformed her body and mind.
Now You Have No Excuse Not to Try the Low-Carb Diet, Because You Can Eat Bagels!
Bagels are a Sunday staple; no matter how you like yours, they always provide nourishment and comfort. If you've been considering trying out the low-carb diet, you may have been deterred by a bagel-free existence, but no more! We found five bagels that are decidedly low-carb, and they're all available on Amazon. Consider your life changed.
This Is What a Dietitian Really Thinks About Beyoncé's Extreme Coachella Diet
In her new Netflix documentary, Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé, Beyoncé shared the details of the diet that got her in shape for her 2018 Coachella show and it's . . . extreme, to say the least. "In order for me to meet my goals, I'm limiting myself to no bread, no carbs, no sugar, no dairy, no meat, no fish, no alcohol," Beyoncé said in the film. "I'm hungry." She was determined to lose her pregnancy weight fast, which was no easy feat - the performance was just 10 months after she gave birth to her twins, Sir and Rumi.
Beyoncé acknowledged that her preparation for Coachella, including the diet, probably wasn't sustainable. "I definitely pushed myself further than I knew I could and I've learned a very valuable lesson. I will never, never push myself that far again," she said. The diet wasn't meant to be a long-term lifestyle change; just a strategy to shed weight fast before a big performance. Still, hearing about Beyoncé's diet and seeing her success from it might make it seem like a tempting shift to make. We wanted the lowdown from an expert - should "regular people" be making this kind of change? Registered dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick of the Cleveland Clinic's Wellness Institute had some answers.
"My first thought is that this approach is not sustainable," Kristin told POPSUGAR. "The regular person may struggle with sticking with it." She added that people on the diet might require supplements, especially omega-3 fatty acids, to fill in nutritional gaps.
The diet definitely cuts out a lot of foods, making it tough on the average person - but Kristin's take on it wasn't all bad. Beyoncé cut out sugar and alcohol, which Kristin agreed was a good idea; "these don't provide any nutrients," she said.
Kristin also cautioned that your environment and lifestyle plays a large role in whether you can make this kind of extreme diet work for you. "If you live with someone who doesn't follow this kind of diet and has junk food and meat in the house, it will be harder, if not impossible, to stay with it long term," Kristin told POPSUGAR.
"There could be pieces and parts of this diet that may work for some people," Kristin said. Structural changes could make it more sustainable, such as scheduling cheat days or working up to it by cutting out one thing at a time instead of all at once. Remember, though, that unsustainable extreme diets can cause strong cravings, and going on and then off can lead to a weight gain and relapse. "Sometimes, taking an approach that just focuses on whole foods and eating only when hungry may be the best way to lose weight, and keep it off," Kristin said.
I Lost Too Much Weight For My Wedding, and It's My Biggest Regret
I remember the moment I put on my wedding dress, just hours before I was set to walk down the aisle. Standing in front of the mirror in the bridal suite, surrounded by my mom, my sister and maid of honor, friends and aunts, it was hard to believe this moment, one I'd fantasized about for nearly a year, had finally arrived. Butterflies churned in my stomach as my attendants helped me slip into my dream wedding gown, and immediately I knew. It. Didn't. Fit. I'd lost too much weight, and now, my gorgeous wedding dress hung on me around the arms, waist, bust, and hips like it had been fitted for someone else.
I'd gone for my final fitting just a week before. At the time, the salon owner cautioned me against losing any more weight. I don't know exactly how many pounds I shed between my very first gown fitting and that last fitting, but it may have been around 15, even though I didn't really have 15 pounds to lose. Since then, I'd probably dropped at least another five pounds. I was not following any specific diet or even trying to lose weight. My prewedding diet really centered on one trick: horrendous nerves.
Not that I was anxious about getting married. My husband-to-be was, and still is, a wonderful man I have never doubted committing my life to. My nerves centered on the fact that everybody would be watching me on my wedding day. Knowing I'd have all eyes on me felt overwhelming, and that pressure pretty much erased my appetite the closer I got to the big day.
On the afternoon of my wedding, wearing a too-big wedding dress, with my closest friends and family members scurrying around me in a panic, trying to figure out how to pin and tuck the gown to fit me, it hit me just how much I'd let my anxiety affect my eating habits. Regret washed over me as I thought about how my parents had spent a small fortune on this dress. And it's not like I had a backup option waiting in the wings. No matter how it looked, this was the dress I would be wearing in front of all those people, including my husband, whom I'd wanted to wow, in just a few short hours.
I wanted to cry, but I knew I couldn't risk messing up my makeup. "I'm sorry," I mumbled to my mom, as she frantically attempted to pin me into my dress, along with the help of my aunt. Luckily, they were able to make my dress look enough like it fit me so we could leave the bridal suite and head to the venue for photos. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel self-conscious that my dress didn't end up fitting the way I'd envisioned.
That I'd gotten too skinny is my biggest and only regret about my wedding. Which is why I'm warning every bride out there not to follow in my footsteps. Don't stop eating regular meals just because you're nervous. It's not worth it come the big day. I'd especially caution brides against losing a ton of weight in the last week before your wedding, after your final fitting, as I did. You want to feel completely confident about your wedding-day look, and if your gown is ill-fitting, it's not gonna happen. So learn from my mistake, and approach prewedding weight loss sensibly, something I so wish I'd done when it was my turn to say "I do."
Michael Phelps Reveals How Therapy Impacted His Life: "I'm Still Here"
Mental health wasn't something Michael Phelps grew up talking about. In fact, as a pro athlete who had pressure to maintain a macho persona, he didn't initially want to get help. Not even when he felt himself slipping into a dark place. Not even when he didn't want to be alive anymore.
"Prior to going to therapy, I never wanted to do it," Michael told POPSUGAR. "It wasn't something I wanted, to go and sit on a couch and have a conversation. I was always somebody who tried to find ways myself to do it and was very stubborn for a long time and had a hard time communicating."
Eventually, Michael knew he needed to get professional help; he was pushing loved ones away and shutting down. The previously apprehensive athlete eventually opened up and allowed himself to be vulnerable. He found that working with a therapist not only helped him tremendously; it saved his life. "I'm still here," Michael said. "I'm still on this planet, so that's a major change in how [therapy] has impacted my life."
He still sees a therapist, and when he's traveling, he uses the app Talkspace on his phone, for which Michael is a spokesperson (you've probably seen the powerful ads). Talkspace allows users to connect with professional therapists and communicate with them via text, audio, or video messages.
He also credits his wife, Nicole Johnson, for being a major emotional support system for him. A few years later after getting mental health support, Michael has perspective on how it has helped him come out the other side. "Yeah, I went through these things, but I was still able to be extremely successful and to do things that I was passionate about and be able to accomplish my goals."
One of those things he's passionate about is saving water. As a global ambassador for Colgate's Save Water campaign, the Olympic swimmer, who has spent most of his life surrounded by H2O, is preaching the message that it's a valuable resource. "There are places all over the world that don't have water," he said. "It's sad how we look at it as we almost take it for granted that we have access to so much clean water, and we just don't really think about it." One way to help conserve water is by turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth. It's a message he's passed on to his almost-three-year-old son Boomer, who loves brushing his teeth and makes sure to turn the water off when he's brushing.
How Michael Phelps Is Using His Message to Help Others
"If I can save one life, that's something that's so powerful...that's 1,000 times better than ever winning a gold medal."
Another area of passion is helping to erase the stigma of mental illness and getting help for your mental health. He is spreading the word that "it's OK to not be OK," and everyone deals with their own issues; sometimes, you need to seek help. He's spreading the message as a spokesperson for Talkspace and being so public about his own mental health journey.
"If I can save one life, that's something that's so powerful," he said. "I've been amazed and so honored to hear the stories of people, whether they've had family members or themselves gone through struggles, and just thanking me. And for me, that's 1,000 times better than ever winning a gold medal."
How Michael Phelps Practices Self-Care
As a busy dad of two young kids with one on the way, he knows how important it is to practice self-care and take some time for himself. For the former pro athlete, that's getting a good sweat in. It's not just for his physical health, but for his mental health, too.
"I know every single day if I wake up in the morning, work out, doesn't matter if it's 20 or 30 minutes, I know I'm going to be more productive throughout that day."
Of course, Michael still has ups and downs. That's the thing with your mental health; you may never be fully "cured." Knowing that you will still have to face struggles down the road is half the battle. Still, Michael said he's in a better place than ever.
"I'm probably happier now than I've really ever been on a consistent basis, just because I'm doing what I love," he said. "I still have dark phases, but not as much. I think that's the biggest thing, that the good days outweigh the bad days by far for me now. But I'm also more prepared. I think that's something different than I was before. I'm just more prepared for anything that's going to happen because I've been through it enough so far."
Vanessa Hudgens Tells Us Why She'll Only Work Out in a Group Setting
Vanessa Hudgens works out every day. Or at least she tries to, the 30-year-old actress told POPSUGAR ahead of her first-ever activewear launch (the collection with Avia is super cute, and you can check it out here). In the past, she's been open about how fitness gives her confidence, and she further explained to us that it's a vital part of her well-being and mental health. But when it comes to getting the most out of her workouts, she needs to be surrounded by other people.
"I'm the type of person that needs to be in a class," Vanessa said. "I need someone telling me what to do, and I love being in a group environment because I'm very competitive, so it pushes me to work harder than I would if I was by myself." She'll do home workouts every now and then - yoga DVDs led by David Swenson, whom she studied with on a retreat, to name one - but group classes are ultimately where she thrives. The "best recipe" for her body, she said, is a combination of indoor cycling, Pilates, and yoga. And she doesn't need anything else; that's what works.
Vanessa is so set in her ways that, when asked if there are any new classes she wants to try, she hesitated, then noted, "I'm a pretty tried-and-true person. I have tried so many things, and I know what works for my body. I know what I enjoy. If a girlfriend's like, 'Oh, my God. I tried this class, I love it so much, and I think that you'll really enjoy it,' then I'll go try it." But on her own time, she sticks to what she enjoys. Why let a good thing go, after all?
She has a point. Working out in a group setting, though intimidating for sure, can be the thing that gets you out of bed in the morning. Why? Because when there are other people around you competing for the same goal, it's thrilling. It's empowering. Also, like Vanessa pointed out, an instructor is telling you what to do, and structure and consistency make the best formula for success. Stay up to date on the latest classes if you're looking for something new. Or if you're like Vanessa, keep doing what you're doing - you're doing great.
If You Get a Pounding Headache Every Month Like Clockwork, You Need to Read This
It's bad enough that once a month women have to deal with unpleasant period symptoms like cramps, mood swings, and bloating, but if you find that your head begins to pound just before you start - or shortly after - your hormones are probably to blame for that, too.
"Most women who suffer from headaches during their period are suffering from menstrual migraines," G. Thomas Ruiz, MD, an ob-gyn at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, told POPSUGAR. These headaches are triggered by a drop in hormone levels (primarily estrogen), which also jump-starts your flow. Here, experts explain how to tell if you have a menstrual migraine and what you can do to find relief.
What's the Difference Between a Headache and a Migraine?
"A migraine is a type of headache," Medhat Mikhael, MD, pain management specialist and medical director of the non-operative program at the Spine Health Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, told POPSUGAR. But there are certain characteristics that help distinguish a migraine from a run-of-the-mill headache. "Migraines are unilateral, pulsating in nature, and associated with one or more of the following: photophobia (sensitivity to light), phonophobia (sensitivity to sound), and nausea with or without vomiting," Dr. Mikhael said.
Migraines are also more common in women, a study in The Journal of Headache and Pain found. Women have a 43 percent lifetime incidence of migraines, compared with only 18 percent in men. Before puberty, migraines affect both sexes equally. It's not until after a woman gets her period and starts experiencing these estrogen fluctuations that they become much more susceptible to migraines than men.
How to Get Relief From Menstrual Migraines
If you suffer from menstrual migraines, talk to your doctor to see if changing or adjusting your birth control could help relieve some of the symptoms. "The best way to prevent menstrual migraines is to be on a low-dose birth control pill and to not take the placebo pills," Dr. Ruiz said. This will essentially lengthen your luteal phase, the time after ovulation and before your period when your estrogen levels are highest, helping to prevent menstrual migraines and other PMS symptoms, according to research published in Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders.
If you prefer a different form of birth control or aren't on birth control at all, Dr. Ruiz suggests increasing your caffeine intake, which may help reduce the pain. In fact, the National Headache Foundation states that when caffeine is taken in addition to an OTC pain reliever like aspirin or acetaminophen, the pain-relieving effect is increased by 40 percent. Just make sure to keep your caffeine consumption to 200 mg a day or less (about a 12-ounce cup of coffee), as too much caffeine can lead to withdrawal.
I Never Had More Trouble Accepting My Body Than After I Reached My Goal Weight
My weight-loss journey crept up on me, and so did the impact it had on my mental health. After I graduated from college, I started a new job. I had a new schedule and more time on my hands. All of a sudden, the hours which eluded me in college opened up and presented an opportunity to get to the gym. I made small goals for myself, and those goals turned into major changes to my lifestyle, my sleep schedule, and my physique. These are all great lifestyle alterations, but I had no idea I'd end up losing more than just weight in the process. It would take me months to gain back what I truly needed: peace of mind.
It would take me months to gain what I truly needed: peace of mind.
I felt pretty comfortable in my body for most of my life. I knew I could afford to lose a few pounds or get a little stronger, but those things didn't keep me up at night. My fitness journey stemmed out of desire to try something new. It started with a few high-incline walks on the treadmill and a first attempt at Whole30. What can I say? I love a challenge.
As I changed my dietary habits and added a consistent workout routine, I saw the number on the scale drop. The results were unexpected, and my response to them was even more so. I kept up with the clean eating and increased the intensity of my workouts. Slowly, over the course of six months, I lost 30 pounds and the waistband on my "skinny" jeans loosened. I could lift heavier weights and complete more reps. I played coy as people fed my ego with positive comments about my physical appearance, and secretly internalized every word. And, yes, I took way too many selfies in the gym mirror.
I wish I could say I reached the ultimate level of self-love once I met my "goal weight," but instead of feeling joy in my progress, I developed a superficial fear that I'd revert back to the way I looked before. I focused on maintaining my results so much that I cut off foods and activities which would normally bring me pleasure. I'd weigh myself almost daily, praising or cursing the scale if the number changed in either direction.
This behavior is just as unhealthy and disordered as it sounds. I got so caught up in my physical development, I forgot to nurture my mental wellness at the same time. Thanks to the help of my therapist and dear friends, I became aware of the slippery slope my "healthy living" had become. It wasn't about what I was doing - those lifestyle alterations were nothing but positive. It was about how I treated myself as a result. I held a mirror up to my own choices and decided whether I wanted to build experiences around my body or build my body for experiences.
Six months after my fitness journey began, I hid my scale. Gradually, I gave myself permission to enjoy a little junk food again, just for the heck of it! I tried to let go of strict expectations of gym attendance and performance, and instead made a goal to be active every day. I started to write in my journal about the progress I could feel rather than see, and made a point to emphasize my efforts in strengthening my mental health as well. These steps forward are not perfect, and sometimes I feel like my brain is walking on its own high-incline treadmill. But much like the slow and steady progress of my outward appearance, I can feel my internal sense of self following suit.
Here's Exactly How Much You Should Walk Per Week to Burn Belly Fat - and See Results
Spot-reducing belly fat just isn't possible, no matter how many ab workouts you do. It's inconvenient, but don't panic - that doesn't mean that belly fat is there for good. Through a combination of exercise and diet, you can definitely work to reduce your overall body fat, and that includes around the belly area. According to Jackie Vick, NCSF, Gold's Gym certified personal trainer and GOLD'S AMP coach, walking is a great way to reduce body fat and build lean muscle. It burns calories and, she added, "is one of the easiest forms of exercise to incorporate into your fitness regimen."
Another benefit: you engage your core while walking, according to Natalie Hough, NASM, a personal trainer for Bach in Los Angeles. That, combined with core-strengthening exercises, can help to flatten your belly. As with any weight-loss regimen, though, you'll need to burn more calories than you consume to see that ab definition.
How Much Should You Walk to Burn Belly Fat?
"Everyone's cardio requirements are different," Jackie told POPSUGAR. The amount you'll need to walk to lose belly fat depends on many factors, including your current fitness level and diet. Jackie recommended that beginners start by walking 20-30 minutes a day, five days a week. Maintain that routine for a month while eating clean, and she said you'll start to see results. "I like to think of progress as a 12-week cycle," she said. "Four weeks for you to tell a difference, eight weeks for close friends and family to tell a difference, and 12 weeks for people you don't see often to tell a difference." In other words: patience is key.
If you want to mix it up even more, Natalie recommended walking 45-60 minutes a day and doing strength training twice a week. Strength training is an especially effective fat burner because it builds muscle, which helps you burn calories even when you're not working out. Don't have time to walk and strength train? Get creative and combine the two. "Try adding sets of 10 lunges every 10 minutes of your walk," Natalie said.
To maximize your fat burn from walking, Jackie recommended doing "fasted" walking, which just means starting your walk on an empty stomach. The idea is that your body won't have glycogen to burn (stored sugar, which your body gets from carbohydrates), so it will use fat stores instead. You can also try a walking interval workout, Natalie said - walking at a faster pace for a few minutes, followed by a slower, more moderate speed. Try this 34-minute walking interval workout to start.
"Walking in and of itself does not specifically target belly fat," Jackie told POPSUGAR. "But when combined with clean eating habits, walking can be a great tool to help burn a few unwanted pounds."
We Have 4 Very Important Words For You: Workout Clothes on Sale
Buying new workout clothes makes us feel like we can take on anything our sweat session throws at us. We find ourselves constantly refreshing Nordstrom because they always have something that's both adorable and functional in stock. From now until April 22, they're having a massive sale that's made us sit up and pay attention - think up to 50 percent off your favorite sports bras and leggings. Now, all you have to do is book your next class.
15 Offbeat Summer Date Ideas
Summer is undeniably the season of romance, flings, and love. Maybe it's the warm weather or the availability of more activities; whatever it is, we love it all. One thing we can say though is that the most fun can be had this time of year, especially with a special someone. But instead of wasting the days away with plain ol' dinners and movies, introduce yourselves to unique date plans that will make this Summer one to remember. Get inspired by these 15 offbeat ideas.
40 Country Breakup Songs For a Good Cry
If you need to wallow in heartache, we're prescribing a heavy dose of sad country music. With a mix of new songs and classic tearjerkers, this breakup playlist is the cathartic medicine you need right now. (Then once you're feeling better, vent your feelings by belting out the empowering songs in this breakup playlist.) Here are 40 songs to get the cries out.
101 Harry Potter Tattoos That Would Make J.K. Rowling Proud
It's not usually a great idea to get a tattoo for your significant other. After all, what happens if they break your heart (or worse, get you expelled?). But a good book series? That, friends, will never abandon you or let you down, so a tattoo is the perfect way for any fan to showcase their adoration. Our series of choice is Harry Potter - whether you want a tiny symbol for ink or a massive sleeve, let these creative tattoos inspire your own ideas. And while you're at it, check out these great stories behind other Harry Potter tattoos.
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
There's a Floating Taco Bar in the Caribbean, So Excuse Us While We Fly There and Never Come Back
The Caribbean's first-ever floating taco and cocktail bar, Lime Out, recently opened in St. John, and it's the whole reason the US Virgin Islands just landed the top spot on our bucket list. The new eatery that floats 200 feet off Hansen Bay Beach can only be reached by kayak, paddle board, or a power boat. There's even a drive-through-style service for boats passing by and a sea-level wooden bar with submerged bar stools for those looking to stay a while.
"The East end of St. John is amazing, pristine, and untouched, and we're trying to honor that by inviting people to enjoy all of its beauty and having really delicious tacos and cocktails while doing it," Chelsea Baranowski told POPSUGAR. Baranowski owns Lime Out and built the bar with her husband, Richard.
Lime Out's head chef, Amaro Rivera, only uses the freshest ingredients for the tacos, which he designed himself. The menu includes 11 specially crafted tacos, including fresh-catch ceviche, surf and turf, rum ribs, shrimp, green curry chicken, and more. Their goal is to source everything locally to ensure the best quality products, and according to Baranowski, there are already plans to expand the menu.
If tacos aren't really your thing, the floating bar's craft cocktails are sure to get your attention. All cocktails are made with freshly squeezed juice and embrace the tropical vibes. For example, "The Danger" cocktail is mixed with fresh watermelon juice, lime juice, Thai chili-infused tequila, and pineapple. "This concept has been my husband Richard's dream for over two-and-a-half years," she continued. "He's been drawing it in the sand and designing it for [a long time]. The Virgin Islands need more options for locals and visitors who are seeking a totally different dining experience, so this is our version of [that]."
Better yet, the bar is eco-friendly, using recyclable cups, no straws, and biodegradable taco containers. Since being environmentally conscious is a priority, the team also does a regular check under the boat to clean up anything that may have dropped. To see more of this Caribbean heaven floating in the middle of the sea, keep reading.
This Prewedding Playlist Will Make Getting Ready For Your Big Day So Much More Fun
Your wedding day is memorable for so many reasons. You should be surrounded by love, your favorite people and, well, music! Getting ready to say "I do" is such a fun and relaxing part of the day, and what better way to feel the love than with this wedding day playlist? With something for everyone, it will keep prewedding jitters at bay and start the party off right as you and your bridesmaids are getting dressed. It will have everyone singing along!
21 Summer Date Ideas
Summer isn't a time to stay indoors and be lazy - it's the best season to go out and do fun stuff! If you're stumped on date ideas, we've put together a list of creative options that will keep you entertained all Summer long. Check them out!
30 Disney Quote Tattoos That Are Practically Perfect in Every Way
From love and loss to friendship and forgiveness, Disney movies (and Walt himself) have some profound life lessons to teach us - and often in the form of inspirational quotes. Whether we should let it go or just keep swimming, Disney's lessons are usually spot on and serve as a powerful reminder of how to be our best selves.
For those who prefer a more permanent reminder, tattoos of Disney quotes are a good way to go. They can be a great way to show off Disney pride - either complete with character accompaniments or just with the words for a more subtle approach. Keep reading to see some of our favorites, and maybe, just maybe, get an idea for your own Disney-inspired ink.
We Just Found the Cutest Affordable Luggage From Target, So That Means It's Time For a Vacation!
Welp, it looks like we are planning our next getaway sooner than we thought. Thanks to Target's insanely cute selection of suitcases, we think it's only necessary that we dust off our passports and get going. If that's wrong, we don't want to be right.
In case you still aren't as convinced as we are, have you seen the new Jungalow luggage line from Target or the stylish SwissGear roller pieces? If you haven't, that's what we are here for. And let's not forget to mention that every piece is absolutely affordable, because, well, Target is just that good. So if you do end up overpacking (which we won't blame you for), checking a bag will be totally worth it.
So without further convincing, feel free to check out the best (and cutest) carry-on suitcases, luggage sets, and weekender bags we could find from Target. Oh, and don't forget to send us a postcard from wherever you and your new luggage travel to. Au revoir!
Related: Skip the Crowds: Here Are 10 Alternative Destinations to Visit in 2019
Itching to Move? These Are the 20 Happiest Cities in America
Despite the many things currently going on the world - in particular the US - there are still many towns where its residents (for the most part) feel content, happy, and heard. WalletHub just released their Happiest Cities in America list for 2019, and we have a feeling that some of these spots may surprise you. Whether you live in one of these cities or want to plan a visit (who wouldn't want to go to a happy town?!), they've all excelled in a few big categories for happiness, including emotional and physical well-being, income and employment, and community and environment. From sunny California towns to Arizona's desert, keep reading to see all 20 of the country's happiest cities.
I Went to a Couples Resort With My Mom And It Was Actually Super Chill
I always thought I'd go on a tropical honeymoon in my twenties, but I never thought it would be with my mom.
That's right. I went on a honeymoon. With my mom. It's OK, I'm laughing too.
Let's clarify a few things. I'm single (quite contentedly, thank you very much) and my mom is (somewhat) recently divorced. So when I got an invitation to Sandals Royal Bahamian - yes, the couples resort - I knew I'd extend my plus one to my ride-or-die, Alicia. My mom. Hell yeah.
Listen: My idea of improving emotional intimacy between my mother and I isn't necessarily listening to "Bump n' Grind" and "I'll Make Love to You" over a lobster dinner.
My mom never went on a honeymoon, and when I told her I could take a plus one on this press trip, she actually broke down in grateful tears. I've never seen someone express such unencumbered gratitude and appreciation for a vacation. I knew then that no matter what happened on this unorthodox and unexpected trip, it'd be one for the books.
Perhaps you might envision that a couple of single gals at a couple's resort would end up like that part in the Sex and the City movie where a devastatingly single and dejected Carrie goes on her honeymoon to Mexico with her three best friends and just cries a lot. I assure you, this was the opposite experience.
I feel that oftentimes we think of "intimacy" as something only to be experienced between romantic partners, but the more I connect with friends and loved ones, the more I realize how false that notion is. This idea of emotional intimacy transcending romance was cemented on this trip.
But like, listen: my idea of improving emotional intimacy between my mother and I isn't necessarily listening to "Bump N' Grind" and "I'll Make Love to You" over a lobster dinner in the Bahamas. Call me crazy! However, it was f*cking hilarious. As was the pink and red crystal design spelling "LOVE" on our bed every night. And the romantic outdoor bubble bath set up for us on the back patio, complete with Champagne on ice and strawberries. No, I'm not kidding. And we couldn't help but crack up when a woman from New Jersey asked if we were a couple (OK, maybe I was more horrified than amused with that one). Even though these weren't things that we thought would bring us closer together, they totally did.
A couples-centric environment lends itself to creating a sense of emotional intimacy, allowing two people to truly open up, regardless of relationship dynamic. You're able to focus on the present moment and really just be there with each other, whether it's your best friend, your sister, your mom, or your significant other. Whaddup, female friendships!
Of course we got a couples massage. We're not schmucks!
My mom and I have always been close; despite having fairly opposite personalities, we have an inexplicably solid bond and unconditional friendship. Just when I thought we knew everything about each other, a hilariously offbeat mother-daughter honeymoon proved me wrong. With the stress out the window and our minds fully in the present, we were able to talk about things we've never brought up before, learning more about each other and our fears, hopes, past experiences, and dreams for the future.
Let me tell you, I was not expecting these kind of breakthrough moments, particularly with Ginuwine's "Pony" playing in the background. What can I say, life is weird.
This trip was filled with enough laughter to last a year, and enough relaxation and restoration to power me through several work weeks. Thanks, romantic couples massage! (Yep. Of course we got a couples massage. We're not schmucks! We know how this works!) I would highly, highly recommend this type of experience to anyone looking to deepen their relationship with another person, particularly a mother and daughter.
As two single gals at a honeymoon resort in the Caribbean that primarily focuses on romantic love, we definitely could've gone the "let's drown our sorrows in rum runners" route. Instead we celebrated how strong we've become as individual women, and the love we have for each other. And what an exceptional gift that is.
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by Sandals Royal Bahamian for the purpose of writing this story.
5 Things Everyone Is Afraid to Tell You About Getting Over Your First Love
I was 14 when I fell in love for the first time. We met on a warm Friday in May, shortly before our freshman year of high school ended, and by August, our parents were already warning us not to get too serious. Without the adult responsibilities of bills and jobs, all we had to focus on was each other. And we really, really did. We snuck out at night, laid underneath the stars, danced in the street, were each other's firsts for almost everything, and promised each other one chilly September night to never fall out of love. "It will always be you, kid," he said.
It was as if we were in on a secret that the entire world was naive to. We talked about getting married, thought seriously about finding a way to do it without our parents' permission, and mapped out our dreams for the future. He wanted to be a lawyer, me a writer. And while we knew we had not yet really entered the world, we relied on each other enough to want to tackle it together. I felt invincible, because I had found my closest, truest friend.
Of course, we broke up. We broke up several times. We fought about nothing and everything. But during our senior year, a few weeks after my 17th birthday, we broke up for the last time. And while we never got back together after high school, we followed each other to the same college.
The next four years were a blur. Being around each other without really being in each other's lives caused me more pain than I had ever known. My friends all offered the same advice, insisting that I just needed to give it time. But for me, time only made things worse. And while I was surrounded by so many people, I had never felt more alone. I knew I had to figure out how to move on on my own, I just had no idea where to start. Here's what I learned.
1. Sometimes time doesn't heal all wounds.
Despite what everyone told me, there was no special formula I could follow to get over him. Time just meant our past kept moving further away from me, alcohol made me emotional, and new relationships made me feel even more empty than I was before. After a few years, I even wept over the realization that the memory of the sound of his voice was beginning to fade. Instead of healing me like it was suppose to, time kept betraying me with every new day. Even today, when I think about it too much, it can be a little hard to breathe.
2. You eventually have to forgive yourself.
After we broke up, I punished myself because I thought I deserved to be hurt. I gave pieces of myself away to people who didn't deserve them and was reckless with my life because I stopped caring. I resented who I was, had no idea who I wanted to be, and buried myself under terrible things because of it. After four years of destruction, I knew I couldn't do it anymore. And as hard as it was, I started to forgive myself for the mistakes I made as a teenager. The person I was then wasn't there anymore, and I had to start acting like it.
3. Be alone. A lot.
I was born with an independent soul, but being on my own after my first heartbreak was more difficult than I had anticipated. It took me a really long time to realize that I had to stop searching for answers. Instead of trying to fill the void, I forced myself to feel every inch of it. And eventually, I started feeling comfortable not having anyone to call at night and started to enjoy the silence in between my thoughts.
4. Sometimes running away from your problems really is the answer.
We went to college 20 minutes from where we grew up, so by the time we graduated, I couldn't stand the sight of the city anymore. Everywhere I went was stained with memories and when I started to google things like "how do I survive this," I knew I needed to get out. Less than three months later, I packed up and moved to Ireland. I had studied abroad there in college and for some strange reason, Ireland felt like home to me. I knew next to no one when I moved back, but the second I stepped off that plane, my sadness suddenly lifted. I fell in love . . . with the people, the places, new friends, and most importantly, myself. I saw beautiful places not to share them with anyone else, but to make my own memories. And instead of wishing for happiness, I started insisting upon it. I brought myself back to life, and I will always be proud of that.
5. It may never completely leave you.
I've been in love twice in my life, once with him and once now, with the Irishman I met eight years ago. And while I constantly question how I lucked into the life I have now, with the man I have now, there will always be a small corner of my heart that will remain closed. The corner that I sometimes still can't believe is standing after what it went through. The corner that still stings at the thought of what once was and what could have been. The corner that I know would surely shake if I were to ever see him again. But it's there, and I'm here, living out the dreams we had talked about accomplishing together. And while getting over him was the hardest thing I've ever done, when my future daughter asks me about the great, big, life-changing love of my life, I'll smile and say, "You're looking at her."
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