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.
lundi 22 juillet 2019
Starting at Just $16, These Are the 22 Best Tops in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
The best part about shopping a big sale is buying stuff you actually need on a major discount. It seems like every time I'm getting dressed, I always wish I had more tops. Now, thanks to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which is back and better than ever, I can snag a couple new pieces for a fraction of the price.
Finding the right matches is easier said than done, so I made it more simple to shop by curating a list of my favorites ahead. From fun leopard-print choices to chic white blouses, these pieces will last you through Fall and beyond. Plus, prices start at just $16, so maybe you can get more than just one or two. Keep reading and get your size before it's too late.
Related: The 29 Best Deals From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale For Under $50
50 States of Roller Coasters, Carousels, and Midway Games - Oh My!
If you love adventure and fun, then look no further than these family-friendly parks this Summer. Here you will find the best theme park, amusement park, water park, or fair in every single US state that has all of the rides and games that both tourists and locals can enjoy! While some of them are only around for a week or two per year - I'm lookin' at you, state fairs - many of these are open year round. And while I wish I could have included so many more - because, let's be real, California and Florida have a lot to offer - I had to choose the absolute best option in each state. Curious about which parks took top spots? Keep reading to find out.
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
I'm a Sucker For This Incredibly On-Point Jonas Brothers Ab Workout Video
You know you've found a perfect workout song when it makes you actually forget that you're working out. Some songs come up on your playlist and are just so on point, you feel like you're dancing instead of, say, running, or doing bicep curls, or gasping your way to the end of an elliptical workout.
That's what's going on in this amazing ab workout video set to "Sucker," the Jonas Brothers' catchy comeback song that brought us one of the most instantly-iconic music videos of 2019. The song on its own is a great choice for your gym playlist, and there's a reason it made it on our list of the top workout songs of the year. But this ab workout takes things to the next level.
Created by YouTuber Maddie Lymburner, the video totally core-focused (yessss) with challenging moves like bicycle crunches, leg lifts, and up-down planks. Every move is perfectly synced up to the music in the most satisfying way; I mean, seriously, even her ponytail is on beat. Check out the mesmerizing video above and get ready for the song (and choreography) to get stuck in your head all week.
50 States of Roller Coasters, Carousels, and Midway Games - Oh My!
If you love adventure and fun, then look no further than these family-friendly parks this Summer. Here you will find the best theme park, amusement park, water park, or fair in every single US state that has all of the rides and games that both tourists and locals can enjoy! While some of them are only around for a week or two per year - I'm lookin' at you, state fairs - many of these are open year round. And while I wish I could have included so many more - because, let's be real, California and Florida have a lot to offer - I had to choose the absolute best option in each state. Curious about which parks took top spots? Keep reading to find out.
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
50 States of Roller Coasters, Carousels, and Midway Games - Oh My!
If you love adventure and fun, then look no further than these family-friendly parks this Summer. Here you will find the best theme park, amusement park, water park, or fair in every single US state that has all of the rides and games that both tourists and locals can enjoy! While some of them are only around for a week or two per year - I'm lookin' at you, state fairs - many of these are open year round. And while I wish I could have included so many more - because, let's be real, California and Florida have a lot to offer - I had to choose the absolute best option in each state. Curious about which parks took top spots? Keep reading to find out.
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
dimanche 21 juillet 2019
This Artist Reimagined Disney Princesses as Brides, and I Could Stare at Their Gowns For Hours
Disney has delivered some of the greatest love stories of all time, but very few have ended with a walk down the aisle. Sure, we assume the princesses live happily ever after, but thanks to artist Grecco Archibald, we don't have to imagine anymore. The artist, who goes by the Instagram handle @archibald.art, created illustrations of some of our favorite Disney royalty decked out in their bridal best. That's right - if you've ever been curious about Disney princess wedding dresses, this gorgeous art will satisfy your curiosity.
Staying true to the accessories and personalities of each character, Grecco invented a unique look for each character. Moana stuns in a tropical-inspired halter gown, while Merida can still ride horseback in her gorgeous wedding jumpsuit. Ahead, see the full collection of illustrations, and get inspired if your own Disney-themed nuptials are around the corner.
This Artist Reimagined Disney Princesses As Brides, and I Could Stare At Their Gowns For Hours
Disney has delivered some of the greatest love stories of all time, but very few have ended with a walk down the aisle. Sure, we assume the princesses live happily ever after, but thanks to artist Grecco Archibald we don't have to imagine anymore. The artist, who goes by the Instagram handle @archibald.art, created illustrations of some of our favorite Disney royalty decked out in their bridal best. That's right - if you've ever been curious about Disney princess wedding dresses, this gorgeous art will satisfy your curiosity.
Staying true to the accessories and personalities of each character, Grecco invented a unique look for each character. Moana stuns in a tropical-inspired halter gown, while Merida can still ride horseback in her gorgeous wedding jumpsuit. Ahead, see the full collection of illustrations, and get inspired if your own Disney-themed nuptials are around the corner.
40 Pitcher-Perfect Cocktails For Breezy Bartending Duty This Summer
Having company over? Crafting a cocktail with a mix of rum, vodka, gin, or tequila is a great way to get the party started, but it's time-consuming. So skip the bartending stress when you host your next Summer soirée by filling a pitcher full of freshly squeezed juices, yummy fruits, and booze. It's the ticket to a night of fun for both yourself and your guests. All you have to do is make a large batch, and everyone gets a glass on demand. Hooray! Here are a few of our favorite recipes, just in time for that pool party, holiday event, or whatever else you have planned for the weekend.
- Additional reporting by Emily Bibb and Anna Monette Roberts
Related: Bottoms Up! The Best Fruits to Add to Red, White, and Sparkling Sangria
40 Pitcher-Perfect Cocktails For Breezy Bartending Duty This Summer
Having company over? Crafting a cocktail with a mix of rum, vodka, gin, or tequila is a great way to get the party started, but it's time-consuming. So skip the bartending stress when you host your next Summer soirée by filling a pitcher full of freshly squeezed juices, yummy fruits, and booze. It's the ticket to a night of fun for both yourself and your guests. All you have to do is make a large batch, and everyone gets a glass on demand. Hooray! Here are a few of our favorite recipes, just in time for that pool party, holiday event, or whatever else you have planned for the weekend.
- Additional reporting by Emily Bibb and Anna Monette Roberts
Related: Bottoms Up! The Best Fruits to Add to Red, White, and Sparkling Sangria
29 Furniture Pieces Everyone Is Buying in 2019, and You Should, Too
This year, instead of shelling out the cash on a remodel, you can simply upgrade your home by investing in a few new furniture pieces that will totally revamp any room overnight. To make shopping easier, we did the hard work and uncovered 29 seriously good finds from places like Amazon, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, and even Walmart. From fold out sofas and ottomans to mid-century modern chairs, it will be hard to not want to redo your entire home. Keep reading to shop our favorites.
40 Pitcher-Perfect Cocktails For Breezy Bartending Duty This Summer
Having company over? Crafting a cocktail with a mix of rum, vodka, gin, or tequila is a great way to get the party started, but it's time-consuming. So skip the bartending stress when you host your next Summer soirée by filling a pitcher full of freshly squeezed juices, yummy fruits, and booze. It's the ticket to a night of fun for both yourself and your guests. All you have to do is make a large batch, and everyone gets a glass on demand. Hooray! Here are a few of our favorite recipes, just in time for that pool party, holiday event, or whatever else you have planned for the weekend.
- Additional reporting by Emily Bibb and Anna Monette Roberts
Related: Bottoms Up! The Best Fruits to Add to Red, White, and Sparkling Sangria
29 Furniture Pieces Everyone Is Buying in 2019, and You Should, Too
This year, instead of shelling out the cash on a remodel, you can simply upgrade your home by investing in a few new furniture pieces that will totally revamp any room overnight. To make shopping easier, we did the hard work and uncovered 29 seriously good finds from places like Amazon, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, and even Walmart. From fold out sofas and ottomans to mid-century modern chairs, it will be hard to not want to redo your entire home. Keep reading to shop our favorites.
29 Furniture Pieces Everyone Is Buying in 2019, and You Should, Too
This year, instead of shelling out the cash on a remodel, you can simply upgrade your home by investing in a few new furniture pieces that will totally revamp any room overnight. To make shopping easier, we did the hard work and uncovered 29 seriously good finds from places like Amazon, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, and even Walmart. From fold out sofas and ottomans to mid-century modern chairs, it will be hard to not want to redo your entire home. Keep reading to shop our favorites.
Take a Break From the Sun and Grab Some A/C! These Historical Netflix Films Are Waiting For You
These history-loaded Netflix movies bring all the drama, and their detailed story lines may even be worth a few hours out of the sun this Summer. From Roman rivalry to royal romance, the past is packed with stories so good that moviemakers had to borrow them - and Netflix is currently rounding out its catalog with some of the best around. Whether it's a reimagined look at Ted Bundy's life in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile or the moving and ever-shocking stories of World War II that catch your imagination, some of the biggest films with an eye on the past can be found on Netflix. Here are the historical movies that will make the pool look dull in comparison.
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
Take a Break From the Sun and Grab Some A/C! These Historical Netflix Films Are Waiting For You
These history-loaded Netflix movies bring all the drama, and their detailed story lines may even be worth a few hours out of the sun this Summer. From Roman rivalry to royal romance, the past is packed with stories so good that moviemakers had to borrow them - and Netflix is currently rounding out its catalog with some of the best around. Whether it's a reimagined look at Ted Bundy's life in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile or the moving and ever-shocking stories of World War II that catch your imagination, some of the biggest films with an eye on the past can be found on Netflix. Here are the historical movies that will make the pool look dull in comparison.
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
Drugstore Skincare Items That Have the Ridiculously Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid
I've always struggled with hormonal cystic acne and superoily skin, which usually left me with severe dry patches. I could never find a moisturizer that felt right on my face. What I didn't realize until doing a lot of research was that I needed more moisture. That's when I learned about hyaluronic acid, a chemical known for its hydrating properties.
It acts as a filler for fine lines and wrinkles. It also has the ability to hold 1,000 times its water weight, making this a smart way to lock in moisture and stop producing oil. Using it changed my skin for the better by clearing it up.
If you've been interested in trying it out, you don't have to cash out hundreds of dollars. You can find this chemical in so many drugstore brands. Check them out ahead.
From Sofas to Coffee Tables, Urban Outfitters Just Majorly Marked Down These 25 Home Items
We're big fans of Urban Outfitters for its incredible selection of clothes, shoes, and beauty products, but its ever-evolving home department continues to blow us away. The retailer carries everything from organizing products to sofas and even bedding. To our surprise, it just marked down hundreds of its bestselling items for a quick flash sale. We know that prices like this rarely happen, so what are you waiting for?
To save you time, we did the hard work for you and searched its site for the best deals on its most popular products. We're in love with all these luxe finds from velvet dining chairs to gold bathroom carts, and we have a feeling you will be, too. Keep reading to shop and snatch up your favorites before it's too late.
Drugstore Skincare Items That Have the Ridiculously Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid
I've always struggled with hormonal cystic acne and superoily skin, which usually left me with severe dry patches. I could never find a moisturizer that felt right on my face. What I didn't realize until doing a lot of research was that I needed more moisture. That's when I learned about hyaluronic acid, a chemical known for its hydrating properties.
It acts as a filler for fine lines and wrinkles. It also has the ability to hold 1,000 times its water weight, making this a smart way to lock in moisture and stop producing oil. Using it changed my skin for the better by clearing it up.
If you've been interested in trying it out, you don't have to cash out hundreds of dollars. You can find this chemical in so many drugstore brands. Check them out ahead.
From Sofas to Coffee Tables, Urban Outfitters Just Majorly Marked Down These 25 Home Items
We're big fans of Urban Outfitters for its incredible selection of clothes, shoes, and beauty products, but its ever-evolving home department continues to blow us away. The retailer carries everything from organizing products to sofas and even bedding. To our surprise, it just marked down hundreds of its bestselling items for a quick flash sale. We know that prices like this rarely happen, so what are you waiting for?
To save you time, we did the hard work for you and searched its site for the best deals on its most popular products. We're in love with all these luxe finds from velvet dining chairs to gold bathroom carts, and we have a feeling you will be, too. Keep reading to shop and snatch up your favorites before it's too late.
Start Packing! These Are America's Ultimate Vacation Destinations by State
Pack your bags, it's time for a Summer vacation! If you're in search for a travel spot, then we've compiled a list of ideas for families, couples, and friends alike - all in the United States. From majestic national parks and awe-inspiring natural wonders to vivacious metropolitan cities or serene seaside towns, whatever you're in the mood for, America is packed with options that will satisfy your craving. We've combed through each state in search of epic travel destinations. All you have to do is decide where to go and how to get there!
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
Start Packing! These Are America's Ultimate Vacation Destinations by State
Pack your bags, it's time for a Summer vacation! If you're in search for a travel spot, then we've compiled a list of ideas for families, couples, and friends alike - all in the United States. From majestic national parks and awe-inspiring natural wonders to vivacious metropolitan cities or serene seaside towns, whatever you're in the mood for, America is packed with options that will satisfy your craving. We've combed through each state in search of epic travel destinations. All you have to do is decide where to go and how to get there!
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
Start Packing! These Are America's Ultimate Vacation Destinations by State
Pack your bags, it's time for a Summer vacation! If you're in search for a travel spot, then we've compiled a list of ideas for families, couples, and friends alike - all in the United States. From majestic national parks and awe-inspiring natural wonders to vivacious metropolitan cities or serene seaside towns, whatever you're in the mood for, America is packed with options that will satisfy your craving. We've combed through each state in search of epic travel destinations. All you have to do is decide where to go and how to get there!
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
From Sofas to Coffee Tables, Urban Outfitters Just Majorly Marked Down These 25 Home Items
We're big fans of Urban Outfitters for its incredible selection of clothes, shoes, and beauty products, but its ever-evolving home department continues to blow us away. The retailer carries everything from organizing products to sofas and even bedding. To our surprise, it just marked down hundreds of its bestselling items for a quick flash sale. We know that prices like this rarely happen, so what are you waiting for?
To save you time, we did the hard work for you and searched its site for the best deals on its most popular products. We're in love with all these luxe finds from velvet dining chairs to gold bathroom carts, and we have a feeling you will be, too. Keep reading to shop and snatch up your favorites before it's too late.
Start Packing! These Are America's Ultimate Vacation Destinations by State
Pack your bags, it's time for a Summer vacation! If you're in search for a travel spot, then we've compiled a list of ideas for families, couples, and friends alike - all in the United States. From majestic national parks and awe-inspiring natural wonders to vivacious metropolitan cities or serene seaside towns, whatever you're in the mood for, America is packed with options that will satisfy your craving. We've combed through each state in search of epic travel destinations. All you have to do is decide where to go and how to get there!
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
Start Packing! These Are America's Ultimate Vacation Destinations by State
Pack your bags, it's time for a Summer vacation! If you're in search for a travel spot, then we've compiled a list of ideas for families, couples, and friends alike - all in the United States. From majestic national parks and awe-inspiring natural wonders to vivacious metropolitan cities or serene seaside towns, whatever you're in the mood for, America is packed with options that will satisfy your craving. We've combed through each state in search of epic travel destinations. All you have to do is decide where to go and how to get there!
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
This Year's Movies Are SO Sexy, You'll Be Sweating at the Theater
Thanks to 2019, the big screen has been graced with some of the sexiest movies we've seen in years. Whether you're looking for a movie with a lustful romance or hot and heavy scenes, these new box office hits won't disappoint. From Taraji P. Henson's wacky romp What Men Want to Keira Knightley's erotic thriller The Aftermath, we've rounded up a collection of films so steamy, they'll be sure to make you blush. With hot plots and even hotter casts, you'll find a movie on this list that will satisfy your deepest sexy pangs. Trust us, these have got it all.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano and Mekishana Pierre
This Year's Movies Are SO Sexy, You'll Be Sweating at the Theater
Thanks to 2019, the big screen has been graced with some of the sexiest movies we've seen in years. Whether you're looking for a movie with a lustful romance or hot and heavy scenes, these new box office hits won't disappoint. From Taraji P. Henson's wacky romp What Men Want to Keira Knightley's erotic thriller The Aftermath, we've rounded up a collection of films so steamy, they'll be sure to make you blush. With hot plots and even hotter casts, you'll find a movie on this list that will satisfy your deepest sexy pangs. Trust us, these have got it all.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano and Mekishana Pierre
What’s Up With Those Russian Scientists in Stranger Things Season 3? Let’s Investigate
Warning: Plenty of spoilers ahead for the third season of Stranger Things!
There's a new enemy afoot in season three of Stranger Things: Russians who want to open the gate to the Upside Down that Eleven closed. With the introduction of the villainous Russian scientists and soldiers, the Duffer Brothers play off of '80s Cold War tensions - and let's be honest, the collusion debacle in today's headlines. But as Winona Ryder would say in Heathers, what's their damage? The answer, a monstrous one shall we say, lies in the postcredits scene after the final episode of season three. Let's break down the Russians' involvement throughout the Stranger Things third installation to get the full picture of what's going on.
The third season opens with the Russians trying to open the gate. A severe Russian general tells a scientist named Alexei that he has one year to get the experiment to work. While being kept as Hopper and Joyce's captive, Alexei explains to Murray, their translator, that the Russians wanted to use a key to break through a doorway to another world, aka the Upside Down. The Russians then discovered that location was vital and that the gate was once opened before in Hawkins, IN, thus building a secret base beneath Starcourt Mall. Alexei reveals that the gate is opening. (And, as we see, allowing the Mind Flayer to invade Hawkins.)
Sure, we know the "how," but why the Russians wanted to open the gate is less clear. Power? Information? Wreaking havoc on the United States? It looks like it's a little bit of all three. By the end of "The Battle of Starcourt," Joyce manages to close the gate, tragically losing Hopper when the key exploded. (Maybe.) Sealing the gate closed the Mind Flayer's mind from its body, thus steering Eleven and the other children out of danger.
But as the postcredits scene shows us, the Russians aren't quite out of the picture yet. In Russia, guards take a prisoner (not the American one) straight to a cage with the Demogorgon. While there's no definitive answer, it looks like the Russians, after managing to obliterate Starcourt Mall in the States, wanted to learn more about controlling and managing the monster by setting up shop in Hawkins. We'll just have to see how the story unfolds in season four.
samedi 20 juillet 2019
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade Epitomize Mom and Dad Goals on Their Family Trip in Italy
First Greece, then France, and now Italy! Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade have been putting their love on display all over Europe this Summer, and their latest trip is certainly one for the scrapbooks. Just a few days after attending the Kids' Choice Sports Awards in California with baby Kaavia in tow, the power couple jetted off to Italy, where they're currently enjoying a family vacation with their 8-month-old daughter. Gabrielle and Dwyane are also accompanied by several other couples, including professional basketball player Udonis Haslem and his wife Faith.
The group of pals have certainly had no shortage of fun during their Italian getaway. So far, they've partied it up on a yacht in Amalfi, ridden a banana boat, attempted water hoverboarding, and taken in the picturesque views of Ischia. Sounds like my kind of vacay! Although Gabrielle and Dwyane haven't shared many vacation snaps with Kaavia this time around, they have blessed us with an abundance of gorgeous couple photos, which you can admire below. Is it weird to frame photos of people you've never met before? Asking for a friend . . .
I Battled an Eating Disorder Throughout College - Here's What I Would Tell Myself Now
Warning: some things discussed in this personal essay may be triggering to those with a history of disordered eating.
I was 16 years old the day my relationship with food began to change. I remember tucking my bagel into a napkin and telling my mom I would eat it on the way to school, then rolling down the window of my Acura RSX and tossing my breakfast out the window. I remember writing down how much I had to eat that day and setting a goal to slash the amount of calories I would consume the following day. And the day after that.
I remember the first day I broke. I can still feel the hot tears on my face as I pounded a carton of cookie dough ice cream, ashamed that I wasn't strong enough to continue depriving myself of food. And I poignantly remember when, at barely 18 years old, I grabbed a spoon and for the first time, decided to get rid of the calories I had just consumed.
I never had any reason to believe I'd lose control. In my mind, I had a firm grip on what I was doing and could stop at any time.
I can't pinpoint what exactly gave birth to my tumultuous fight with food. Maybe it was insecurity, a yearn for control, or a disconnect from what I saw in the mirror, or perhaps it was all or none of the above. I just know that I was obsessed with being thin. I fed off comments that I looked skinny, and when those comments became "you look too skinny," I was even more elated. It was a compliment, after all, and I never had any reason to believe I'd lose control. In my mind, I had a firm grip on what I was doing and could stop at any time. Every time I locked my bedroom door and put my face in a toilet, it was my choice.
Eventually, that air of accomplishment dissolved into shame and self-loathing. I wanted to stop; I wanted to be able to look at food the way my friends did and simply enjoy a meal without hating myself after. I began to eat only when I was around other people so I wouldn't be able to throw it up, because when I was alone, I wasn't able to stop myself. It took me a long time to realize that I wasn't in control at all. I was addicted, and until I admitted it, I would remain powerless.
Here's the thing about battling an eating disorder: the struggle never completely goes away. There are still times my old familiar demons rear their antagonistic heads, taunting and pushing me to fall back into my old habits. There are days I feel confident and great about myself and days I don't. It took many years and countless tears to learn that my vulnerability doesn't make me weak. On the bad days, I learned to show myself patience and grace, and that gave me power over my demons.
If I could talk to my 20-year-old self - the girl caught in the middle of this struggle and lambasting herself for a perceived lack of strength - this is what I would tell her:
You are not a statistic. Your battle, like each person's battle, is unique, but know that you are not alone. You are not weak, but know that you are not in control, either. In some ways, this is something that you will probably struggle with for probably the rest of your life, but don't let that frighten you. This mountain is not insurmountable.
Know that you can talk to people about it. Some might judge you, but most will not. If you're feeling vulnerable, tell someone. You have an incredible family and friends that will be there for you. It's OK not to be OK all the time. Some days will be harder than others, so be patient with yourself.
Put your energy into self-care. Go for a run, take long baths, drink a kale and ginger smoothie, but also eat the cake. Know that being thin doesn't always mean being healthy, nor does it define your value. You are beautiful, and you are strong.
If you or a loved one are in need of any help, the National Eating Disorders Association has several resources.
Kelly Ripa Is Ready to Risk It All For Jake Gyllenhaal: "So, Whaddya Say?"
Jake Gyllenhaal was the guest of honor on Friday's episode of Live With Kelly and Ryan, and his visit was a bit more loaded than he may have expected. "You feel as good as you look. . . like a fine cashmere sweater," Kelly said as the Spider-Man: Far From Home star sat down (she's right, by the way). From there, Jake was quite literally in the hot seat as Kelly recited from a letter she received from a fan in February that suggested she should leave her husband and run off with Jake instead.
"'Dear Kelly Ripa, you should divorce your husband Mark Conseulos and marry Jake Gyllenhaal,'" Kelly read, stopping to assure the actor that she's "not discounting this letter at all." And the fact that Kelly and Mark happen to share three children isn't necessarily standing in the way, either. "I ran it by Mark," Kelly said of her husband of over 20 years. "He thinks you're a hell of guy. . . and you'd make a great stepfather to our kids." Watch the clip above now for Jake's hilarious reaction.
I Battled an Eating Disorder Throughout College - Here's What I Would Tell Myself Now
Warning: some things discussed in this personal essay may be triggering to those with a history of disordered eating.
I was 16 years old the day my relationship with food began to change. I remember tucking my bagel into a napkin and telling my mom I would eat it on the way to school, then rolling down the window of my Acura RSX and tossing my breakfast out the window. I remember writing down how much I had to eat that day and setting a goal to slash the amount of calories I would consume the following day. And the day after that.
I remember the first day I broke. I can still feel the hot tears on my face as I pounded a carton of cookie dough ice cream, ashamed that I wasn't strong enough to continue depriving myself of food. And I poignantly remember when, at barely 18 years old, I grabbed a spoon and for the first time, decided to get rid of the calories I had just consumed.
I never had any reason to believe I'd lose control. In my mind, I had a firm grip on what I was doing and could stop at any time.
I can't pinpoint what exactly gave birth to my tumultuous fight with food. Maybe it was insecurity, a yearn for control, or a disconnect from what I saw in the mirror, or perhaps it was all or none of the above. I just know that I was obsessed with being thin. I fed off comments that I looked skinny, and when those comments became "you look too skinny," I was even more elated. It was a compliment, after all, and I never had any reason to believe I'd lose control. In my mind, I had a firm grip on what I was doing and could stop at any time. Every time I locked my bedroom door and put my face in a toilet, it was my choice.
Eventually, that air of accomplishment dissolved into shame and self-loathing. I wanted to stop; I wanted to be able to look at food the way my friends did and simply enjoy a meal without hating myself after. I began to eat only when I was around other people so I wouldn't be able to throw it up, because when I was alone, I wasn't able to stop myself. It took me a long time to realize that I wasn't in control at all. I was addicted, and until I admitted it, I would remain powerless.
Here's the thing about battling an eating disorder: the struggle never completely goes away. There are still times my old familiar demons rear their antagonistic heads, taunting and pushing me to fall back into my old habits. There are days I feel confident and great about myself and days I don't. It took many years and countless tears to learn that my vulnerability doesn't make me weak. On the bad days, I learned to show myself patience and grace, and that gave me power over my demons.
If I could talk to my 20-year-old self - the girl caught in the middle of this struggle and lambasting herself for a perceived lack of strength - this is what I would tell her:
You are not a statistic. Your battle, like each person's battle, is unique, but know that you are not alone. You are not weak, but know that you are not in control, either. In some ways, this is something that you will probably struggle with for probably the rest of your life, but don't let that frighten you. This mountain is not insurmountable.
Know that you can talk to people about it. Some might judge you, but most will not. If you're feeling vulnerable, tell someone. You have an incredible family and friends that will be there for you. It's OK not to be OK all the time. Some days will be harder than others, so be patient with yourself.
Put your energy into self-care. Go for a run, take long baths, drink a kale and ginger smoothie, but also eat the cake. Know that being thin doesn't always mean being healthy, nor does it define your value. You are beautiful, and you are strong.
If you or a loved one are in need of any help, the National Eating Disorders Association has several resources.
Someone Managed to Make the Cats Trailer Even More Unsettling by Adding the Music From Us
I put the song from Us onto the Cats trailer and I think it fits better. pic.twitter.com/VMBlbeDQs5
- "Ian" Abramson (@ianabramson) July 18, 2019
Less than 24 hours ago, I was beginning to think that the most unsettling thing I'd end up witnessing this week was the official Cats trailer, which debuted late Thursday afternoon. But of course, I was wrong. Not long after the trailer was released - and subsequently met with some, uh, strong reactions from people online - Twitter user Ian Abramson managed to make the two-minute clip even more of a wild ride by swapping out the background music with that terrifying remix of Luniz's "I Got 5 on It." You know, the song that basically turned the Us trailer into nightmare fuel?
"I put the song from Us onto the Cats trailer and I think it fits better," Abramson captioned the video. I mean . . . he's not wrong. The remixed trailer now has over 2.3 million views on Twitter and even got a seal of approval from Us director Jordan Peele, who retweeted the video with a simple, "Yes." Watch the edited trailer for yourself in the video above, then head over here to see a few hilarious headlines we almost wrote about it.
Someone Managed to Make the Cats Trailer Even More Unsettling by Adding the Music From Us
I put the song from Us onto the Cats trailer and I think it fits better. pic.twitter.com/VMBlbeDQs5
- "Ian" Abramson (@ianabramson) July 18, 2019
Less than 24 hours ago, I was beginning to think that the most unsettling thing I'd end up witnessing this week was the official Cats trailer, which debuted late Thursday afternoon. But of course, I was wrong. Not long after the trailer was released - and subsequently met with some, uh, strong reactions from people online - Twitter user Ian Abramson managed to make the two-minute clip even more of a wild ride by swapping out the background music with that terrifying remix of Luniz's "I Got 5 on It." You know, the song that basically turned the Us trailer into nightmare fuel?
"I put the song from Us onto the Cats trailer and I think it fits better," Abramson captioned the video. I mean . . . he's not wrong. The remixed trailer now has over 2.3 million views on Twitter and even got a seal of approval from Us director Jordan Peele, who retweeted the video with a simple, "Yes." Watch the edited trailer for yourself in the video above, then head over here to see a few hilarious headlines we almost wrote about it.
66 Clever Halloween Costumes For 2019 That Will Make You Say, "Why Didn't I Think of That?"
Say hello to the most creative, original, and hands-down unique costumes that Halloween has ever seen in 2019. This year has brought the costume game to a whole new level, and if you want to keep up with the times, then dressing up as something totally unconventional is all you have to do. From a nod to punny references that will bring the laughs to group costumes that everyone will want to be a part of, this year is all about the creativity. So if you want a costume that is absolutely original and no one else will have or a clever costume that will make everyone do a double-take, these ideas will check all of the costume contest boxes.
Check out 2019's most out-of-the-box ideas ahead, and let this Halloween be one filled with cool creativity and scary good costumes.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
66 Clever Halloween Costumes For 2019 That Will Make You Say, "Why Didn't I Think of That?"
Say hello to the most creative, original, and hands-down unique costumes that Halloween has ever seen in 2019. This year has brought the costume game to a whole new level, and if you want to keep up with the times, then dressing up as something totally unconventional is all you have to do. From a nod to punny references that will bring the laughs to group costumes that everyone will want to be a part of, this year is all about the creativity. So if you want a costume that is absolutely original and no one else will have or a clever costume that will make everyone do a double-take, these ideas will check all of the costume contest boxes.
Check out 2019's most out-of-the-box ideas ahead, and let this Halloween be one filled with cool creativity and scary good costumes.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
66 Clever Halloween Costumes For 2019 That Will Make You Say, "Why Didn't I Think of That?"
Say hello to the most creative, original, and hands-down unique costumes that Halloween has ever seen in 2019. This year has brought the costume game to a whole new level, and if you want to keep up with the times, then dressing up as something totally unconventional is all you have to do. From a nod to punny references that will bring the laughs to group costumes that everyone will want to be a part of, this year is all about the creativity. So if you want a costume that is absolutely original and no one else will have or a clever costume that will make everyone do a double-take, these ideas will check all of the costume contest boxes.
Check out 2019's most out-of-the-box ideas ahead, and let this Halloween be one filled with cool creativity and scary good costumes.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
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