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 30 avril 2018
The 3 Dinner Changes That Helped Me Lose Weight
Not sure why this happened every day, but admittedly, it did. I ate healthy most of the day, with my green protein smoothies for breakfast, perfectly packed mason jar salads for lunch, and fresh fruit and nuts for snacks. I felt like my diet up until 5 p.m. belonged on a frickin' Pinterest board. But for some reason, as soon as I came to that last meal of the day, I just let loose. Which made my pants fit not so loose. It was time to make some changes, and these four adjustments helped me get back on track and lose the weight I had gained from enjoying my supersize free-for-all suppers.
You Eat What You Get
Most of my meals were healthy - the biggest problem for me was that I couldn't stop eating them. I'd divvy myself a serving, then 100 percent of the time, I'd go back to the kitchen for more. Then, of course, since I didn't want food to go to waste, I'd finish off the scraps on my kiddos' plates. A few extra noodles here and some pizza crust there made for a lot of extra fluff around my waist. It had to stop. So once dinner was made, I gave myself a properly portioned serving, and if there were any leftovers, I put them away in the fridge. If it was out of sight, it couldn't tempt me. And I started having the kids bring their own plates to the kitchen and pour any extras into the compost bin. This was probably the hardest change of all to embrace, but after a week, this new habit felt much easier. And I felt lighter and more energetic, too.
Cheese Is Not a Food Group
As a vegetarian, I ate so much dairy. Cheese was a part of every single dinner I made, and because of that, my go-to meals - like pizza, paninis, homemade mac and cheese, and quesadillas - were not so healthy. So when I gave up dairy, it forced me to make new, healthier options that were veggie-based like stir-fries, roasted veggies with rice and beans, soups, and amazing salads. It increased the fiber intake of my dinners, so I actually felt more full and satisfied after those meals than I ever did after a few slices of pizza. No dairy meant eating lower-calorie dinners, and that made a huge difference on the scale.
Dinner and Done
For some reason, I couldn't stop eating once I started eating dinner. Even after that second helping and devouring my kids' extra bites, I always sat down to a little dessert. A little bowl of soy ice cream with sliced bananas or some chocolate chips with almonds was my favorite. I started serving fresh fruit with dinner so after finishing our avocado pasta and tomatoes with sauteed tofu or sweet potato and black bean burritos, we could nosh on some sweet melon, strawberries, or grapes and satisfy that sweet tooth. So once I started putting the leftovers away at dinnertime, and we finished eating and the dishes were done, the kitchen was closed.
Why Boxing Is One of the Best Workouts For Weight Loss
A full-body workout that's fun, challenging, and effective for weight loss exists - and it's boxing. It also doesn't hurt that you naturally look cool while doing it, so it's no wonder boxing is the go-to workout of supermodels like Gigi Hadid and Karlie Kloss. We spoke with the founder of Prevail Boxing, Milan Costich, to discuss why boxing is the best workout for weight loss in particular, and he's got us fully convinced to put on the gloves.
To start, boxing is all about being swift and efficient. "Everything on your body needs to serve a purpose," Costich told POPSUGAR. "There's no room for big, bulky muscles. There's no room for excess fat or anything. But the reason that boxing's so great is because it's a sport that really demands a complete endurance system."
Costich continued to explain how boxing is innately a HIIT workout. You follow quick bursts with light cardio to train your body to recover while still keeping your heart rate up and your blood flowing. According to Costich, this helps you burn more calories and achieve that tightened physique more quickly than traditional workouts. It's also the same sort of effect that interval circuit-training classes try to mimic. In a typical 45-minute session at Prevail Boxing, you can burn anywhere between 600 to 1,000 calories.
Many assume that boxing is all about upper-arm strength, but it's actually a complete, full-body workout. Core strength is especially important to generate enough power when rotating for punches. And of course, you have to remain agile while sparring or moving around the punching bag.
If you're wondering how often you should train for results, Costich recommends coming in at least three times a week. According to him, people typically begin seeing physical results within their first four to six weeks of consistent training.
But if joining a gym isn't in the cards for you, the good news is that you can incorporate boxing into your workouts at home. Shadowboxing, which is like imagining you have an opponent in front of you, is a fantastic way for you to challenge your mind, improve your technique, and get in some great cardio while you're at it. Another element that's easy to do at home is jump rope. Costich recommends trying out this simple routine to start:
- Jump rope for 3 three-minute rounds
- Shadowbox for 3 three-minute rounds
- Core work for 3 three-minute rounds
"Thirty minutes and you're done, and you're hitting a bunch of different elements of boxing," he said.
Learning a new skill set like boxing can also be an effective way to stay motivated. "If I'm just working out to work out, it becomes brutal," Costich said. "And after a year of cycling [classes], you probably know how to ride the bike really well. But I've been doing boxing for over 30 years, and I'm still learning from this art form. If you can combine discipline with finding something that you really and sincerely enjoy learning, that makes for something that you can do for a long period of time."
The 5 Worst Foods to Eat Late at Night
There's no need to deny yourself a late-night snack if you're feeling hungry, but you still have to think smart when it comes to eating late. Eating the wrong foods will disrupt your sleep while also adding a lot of unneeded calories to your day. Instead of just diving into the nearest, tastiest-looking item in your fridge, here are five types of foods to avoid at night and why.
- Greasy or fat-filled foods: Greasy, heavy, fatty foods not only make you feel sluggish the next morning, but they also make your stomach work overdrive to digest all that food. Stay away from things like fast food, nuts, ice cream, or super cheesy foods right before bed.
- High-carb or sugary foods: A little bit of something sweet before bed may be just what you need to rest happy, but if you gobble a huge slice of chocolate cake, the spike in your blood-sugar levels could cause your energy levels to spike and plummet, disrupting your sleep in the process. Avoid cake, cookies, or other desserts as well as carby snacks like crackers or white bread and munch on an apple instead.
- Red meat and other proteins: Like fatty foods, eating red meats late at night will sit in your stomach and make it hard for you to fall asleep while you're digesting (red meat may affect you the worst, but eating a large portion of chicken or pork would have the same effect as well). You don't have to avoid protein altogether, just make sure you go for lean and small portions, like deli-sliced turkey breast or a cup of yogurt.
- Spicy foods: Spices may be a natural cure-all for a range of ailments, but when you're craving something to eat late at night, step away from the hot sauce. Spicy, peppery foods may upset your stomach, and the chemicals in spicy food can also stimulate your senses, making it hard to fall asleep.
- Big portions: Late-night snacking shouldn't turn into a late-night meal. Keep the total amount of calories under 200 so you won't have any problems going and staying asleep. You'll also feel good knowing that you didn't undo all your healthy eating habits of the day right before bedtime.
So what should you eat instead? Small, light portions that will also calm cravings and help you sleep. Try incorporating these sleep-inducing foods or these low-calorie late-night snacks that hit all your sweet or salty cravings. And remember to limit how much alcohol you drink as well, since too many drinks can keep you up at night.
15 Foods to Help You Sleep
If you rely on sleeping pills for a good night's sleep, take note: a recent study found that those who took sleeping aids like Ambien and Lunesta had a higher risk of dying sooner or developing cancer. While the jury's still out on whether the study found merely a correlation between being sick and taking sleeping pills (rather than the medication being the cause of the early deaths), why not play it safe with a natural fix? If you're a restless sleeper, try eating any of these foods a few hours before bedtime and be ready for a personal visit from Mr. Sandman.
6 Steamy Sex Positions to Minimize Mess and Maximize Pleasure During Your Period
During that time of the month, there are few things worse than having the urge to make love with your partner but not being able to for fear of making a mess, experiencing pain, or simply having an uncomfortable experience. However, there are a few tips and positions you can try to make your experience a little easier and more enjoyable as well.
Missionary
"If you're on your back, knees bent or legs up, you'll be able to adjust to ensure it doesn't increase cramping, and with a towel beneath you, it'll be easy to clean up afterwards. You can also add clitoral stimulation so you're assured pain-relieving orgasms," said Antonia Hall, MA, a psychologist, relationship expert, and sexpert and the award-winning author of The Ultimate Guide to a Multi-Orgasmic Life.
Spooning
This is a timeless classic and works really well for couples during that time of the month. "It allows for shallow and quick penetration, thus reducing the amount of pressure on her cervix, ultimately alleviating some of the pain that may be caused by cramping," said Caleb Backe, a health and wellness expert for Maple Holistics. It's also a great way to reduce the mess if there is any and will allow for some pretty intimate sex (ear nibbling, throat kissing, breast fondling, and even clitoral stimulation).
On the Edge of the Bed
"This is a pretty practical way to have sex anyway and can really help to reduce the mess associated with bleeding as well as making clitoral stimulation easier and deeper penetration - for those who like it like that," Backe said. It's also a lot easier on the woman as she can control the amount of strain she places on her waist - thus reducing the likelihood of cramps as well as any strain she may feel during sex.
The "Jockey"
This is a great way to give everyone what they want while minimizing the spillage factor. In this position, the woman lies face down with her legs together and her partner rides on top of her, like a jockey riding a horse. "During this position, the male can really work on hitting the G-spot without straining himself too much, and for the lady, it's as easy as lying there and waiting for the orgasms to start rolling in," Backe said. It's a favorite of mine as it's comfortable for both parties and is a position that's easy to manage.
Reverse Cowgirl
This is a great way to manage any spillage that may occur during sex or - better yet - minimize it altogether. "It allows the lady to have more control over the whole act, which means she sets the pace and speed. I would ultimately recommend starting with spooning and once you're comfortable with that, move into the reverse cowgirl position," Backe said.
Shower Sex
"Having sex while standing in a warm (not hot) shower can actually relax muscles, relieving cramps and helping you get the orgasms you deserve. Also, neither of you need to worry about cleaning up," Hall said.
Speedy Recovery: 10 Ways to Ease Sore Muscles
After an intense cardio workout or weight-training session, you might feel extreme exhaustion, muscle soreness, and nausea. This hit-by-a-truck feeling that you often wake up with the day after working out is called DOMS, which stands for delayed onset muscle soreness. Luckily, there are many preventative measures you can take to avoid it. Here's a quick list of 10 steps you should always take before, during, and after going to the gym.
- Drink a cup or two of caffeinated tea or coffee before working out to increase muscular strength and endurance and reduce the chance of soreness.
- Eat a pre-workout snack that is low-fat and high-carb with some protein.
- Warm up properly with a little cardio and dynamic stretching to prep your muscles and joints for your workout.
- Do not abruptly stop while exercising; instead, keep steadily moving so fresh blood will be sent to repair your taxed muscles.
- While you are working out, stay hydrated by drinking water every 15 minutes.
- If you are sweating a lot and doing a long workout, it's important to replace lost electrolytes with a sports drink or electrolyte-rich foods like bananas or avocados since these essential salts regulate heartbeats, muscular contractions, and nerve function.
- After your workout, stretch and use a foam roller to massage out knots and increase blood flow to your muscles.
- Immediately after working out, eat a post-workout snack that has a 4:1 ratio of carbs to protein to help restore the nutrients lost in the muscles during the workout. Try chocolate milk or a protein snack washed down with tart cherry juice, which has also been shown to reduce soreness.
- Consider getting a sports massage to increase circulation and break up major knots in problem areas that are always sore.
- Take a cold shower post-workout to reduce inflammation of the muscles. Or try an ice bath, which has been shown to reduce muscle soreness by 20 percent.
A Dietitian Says to Prep This 1 Food Every Week to Lose Weight
Diet plays a huge role in weight loss, so one of the biggest questions registered dietitian Sheri Kasper gets asked by clients is what's one thing they can do right now to start losing weight. Sheri shared with POPSUGAR that she tells clients to "eat more veggies." Why? For these three reasons:
- Veggies let you volume eat: When you're trying to lose weight, reducing portion sizes is effective, but unfortunately you're left feeling restricted and hungry. Since veggies are low in calories and many are low in carbs, you can eat huge portions, feel more satisfied, and still lose weight.
- Veggies take a long time to eat: Salads and vegetables require lots of time to chew, which prevents you from scarfing down your meal too fast. This gives your brain a chance to get the memo that you're full and helps you honor your satiety cues.
- Veggies are full of fiber and water: This adds to the "I'm full" feeling, so you eat less!
To encourage you to eat more veggies throughout the week, Sheri is a huge fan of meal prepping. Here are some things you can do at the beginning of the week:
- Keep cut-up veggies in mason jars to use as a DIY home salad bar, to grab for a quick snack, or to add to dinner recipes.
- Prep freezer vegetarian soup packs so at least one meal out of the week is plant-based.
- Cook a big batch of sweet potatoes in your slow cooker or the oven to use for this almond butter, banana, and sweet potato breakfast.
- Roast a big tray of veggies at the beginning of the week to incorporate into grain bowls, omelets, and as side dishes.
- Prep a big salad that you can dig into all week long. Use lots of fun veggies (not just the standard lettuce, tomatoes, cukes!) and healthy add-ons with a variety of textures and flavors - like canned beans, chopped nuts, cooked whole grains, roasted veggies, and dried fruit - to make it exciting.
- Cook dry beans in your slow cooker to use for soups, salads, and (of course) Taco Tuesday. If you make a huge batch, freeze whole or puréed beans.
- Make mason jar salads for lunch. Prep five on Sunday and they'll stay fresh all week.
- Prep smoothie packs and include veggies like spinach, kale, carrot, and canned pumpkin.
- Cook a whole spaghetti squash in your slow cooker or oven to be used instead of pasta.
Let Your Abs Say Ahh With These Stretches
After an intense session of core exercises, your abs are screaming for relief. Here are some stretches you can do right after working your abs to help relieve soreness the next day.
7 Healthy Travel Destinations You Should Add to Your Bucket List
Chemicals are out and all-natural everything is in. There's a surging urge to eat, live, and play better these days. However chaotic the world may seem, there's a rising number of us who are yearning for inner peace in favor of healthier physical and spiritual living.
A wellness revolution is in motion, and with that comes the desire to not only eat and live well, but travel well, too. For those healthy globetrotters who have been bit by the travel bug, there is a cure. There is an ever-evolving list of cities to fall in love with, oceans to explore, and mountains to climb. So, what are some wellness destinations that you can add to the list (for now)? All of you yogis, spiritualists, surfers, hikers, and chillers will want to keep reading.
You Won't Even Miss Meat With These Protein-Packed Breakfast Recipes
Whether you practice a vegetarian diet or are trying to limit the amount of meat in your day-to-day diet, it can be challenging to get the sufficient amount of protein your body needs to function at its best. Breakfast is the meal that kicks off your day, and should fuel you accordingly. These 25 recipes are all meatless, but are also protein-packed and will help to provide you the nourishment you need to feel focused and satiated until lunch time!
If You Suffer From Insomnia, These 3 Tips Will Help
Sleep is vital to our existence. It allows the body to rebalance our hormones and recharge mentally as well as physically. When you don't get an adequate amount of sleep, scary things can happen, like a lack of focus, a weakened immune system, and susceptibility to stress.
When you suffer from insomnia, not only do you suffer from the immediate effects of not getting enough sleep, the frustration can also affect your mood. If sleep aids are not on your list of cures for insomnia, Sleep Guru and author of Breathe Better, Sleep Better, Anandi, has a few holistic hacks that will help fix your sleeplessness.
Put Your Feet Up
Putting your feet up isn't just a comfortable way to relax, according to Anandi. Raising your legs against a wall has a "heavenly rejuvenating power and will bring you back to Earth after all that running and rushing."
Getting your feet in the air and legs against the wall might sound a little too fun to be an effective relaxation tool, but it's a pose commonly used in yoga because it can help everything "calm down, including the mind and the nervous system." Known as Viparita Karani by yogis, this pose is commonly said to improve blood circulation, boost the lymphatic system, and be stress and anxiety relieving. Anandi recommends including 10 minutes of this in your bedtime practice.
Turn the Lights Down
As Anandi points out, "the body's sleep hormones respond to light and dark." So, adjusting how much artificial light you're exposed to can help you avoid disrupting your body's internal clock, otherwise known as the circadian rhythm. "As the light goes down and the evening draws in the darkness, the body's serotonin levels rise and melatonin is released to start the natural sleep cycle."
Although you don't have to completely "unplug", dimming bright lights in your home and limiting how much screen time you get in the evening can help your body better prepare itself for sleep.
Breathe
Taking more notice of how you breath is a huge part of readying your mind and body for sleep. Anandi says, "the moment you start taking longer deeper breaths, the heart rate comes down, the mind settles, and you are more likely to fall asleep."
Taking more meditative breaths by breathing deeply into your diaphragm helps to calm you. If you find it hard to be still and focus on your breathing with the lights on, Anandi advises to practice your meditative breathing "for 15 minutes when you turn the light out" to avoid distractions.
This Is the Snack Halle Berry's Trainer Recommends Eating Before Every Workout
Finding the perfect pre/post-workout snack is similar to the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. It's always too much food, too little, too gross, too sugary - you get it. Celebrity trainer Peter Thomas - he trains Halle Berry, and we all know his methods are working for her - shared that the perfect snack before and after your workout is probably sitting in your fridge as you read this.
I was curious to know about some of his favorite things to eat before a workout and was shocked with his response: "Eggs are great for a pre- and post-workout." Of course they are! They are affordable and accessible and won't take up space in your gym bag. While you may be considering only eating the egg white, Thomas has some feelings about that. "If you have the whole entire egg, don't toss away the egg yolk because that's really what has all the beneficial components of it."
There are many conflicting guidelines as to whether or not dietary cholesterol - specifically eating eggs (yolk included) - can lead to coronary heart disease. A 2015 study found that eggs are considered to be part of a healthy diet for both the general population and for those at high risk of cardiovascular disease and those with coronary heart disease or type 2 diabetes. The same study noted that it's important to pay attention to a person's entire diet as opposed to specific foods and nutrients when determining nutritional guidelines.
Thomas also shared that eggs are big on the keto diet - yes, the same diet Halle Berry follows - and he considers them to be "nature's superfood." If you've been searching for the best snack to have before and after your workout, try some eggs since the options are endless! Don't forget to consult your physician before making any changes to your diet.
I Did 20 Push-Ups Every Day For 2 Weeks and Here's What I Learned
Earlier this year, I could string together a solid 14 to 16 push-ups without stopping. It was a skill that took me quite some time to master. And by "quite some time," I mean months and months. For that, my gratitude lays with CrossFit. When I'd see them on the list of to-dos for a daily WOD (workout of the day, in CrossFit speak), I felt excitement over dread. I got to a point where I looked forward to seeing just how many I could crank out before dropping to my knees for that modification. I looked forward to watching what was four up to six, and six up to eight.
But then I hurt my back. Lifting too much weight overhead during the CrossFit Open triggered some nagging arthritis in my lumbar spine, and push-ups were one of the first things to go. Maintaining that tension in my core, rep after rep, bothered my back. Although I was taking the time to work on my core strength, I didn't want to risk the unintentional pain; I started doing push-ups constantly from my knees, reverting back to my pre-gains status. I felt like the last year of strength successes were subsiding.
Here's the thing: I'm not the kind of person to take "subpar" as status quo. So, naturally, after a couple of months of accepting this on-the-knees approach, change was imminent. The logical decision? I was going to work back to stringing together a slew of push-ups, ASAP. The plan? Rise to the challenge. Using the app Spar, I challenged three friends (including my boyfriend) to do 20 push-ups every day for two weeks. The best part is hands down the penalty: if you miss a day, Spar charges your credit card $3. Thus, I present you with four lessons I learned doing 20 push-ups a day for two weeks:
1. Not every goal has to be astronomical.
I knew going into this challenge that just because I started on this goal didn't mean I was automatically going to crank out standard push-ups easy-breezy. Setting a goal of 20 push-ups felt like a lot, but I knew that 10 would be a little too easy. So I started small. I wasn't going to crush all 20 push-ups from high plank from the get-go. So, after doing a few going through the motions from high plank to low plank, I'd drop to my knees and finish the rest of them modified. Being easy on myself made this OK. Being easy on myself made me feel like I could make positive progress. As the weeks progressed, I worked on doing more and more in the standard format before giving in to the alternative.
2. A support network makes everything better.
If I had simply challenged myself to do 20 push-ups each day, I probably wouldn't have stuck it out. Not because I don't have willpower, but because . . . let's be honest: things always get in the way. Watching my friends execute their reps (Spar makes you record a 10-second video every day when you check-in to show the challenge participants you're not fibbing), I felt motivated to do mine. The trash talking . . . well, that motivated me a bit, too.
3. When you think you can't go any more, do one more.
That's when I focused on all the things you're supposed to focus on when executing the perfect push-up: lean slightly forward, keep your shoulders stacked over your elbows, engage your core. When I felt like my triceps couldn't bear lowering my body weight back to the ground (nevertheless pushing it back up), I took a deep breath, paused, and then pushed past my comfort zone. Despite struggling before the rep, I'd say that almost always that last can-I-keep-doing-this push-up was my best.
4. The best is yet to come.
Probably the best part of the challenge was waking up to a "You lost!" email (both my boyfriend and I missed one day each, paying out a total of $3 to our friends). Within an hour, the group text was lighting up with questions like "What's next?" paired with suggestions. Sure, we all like a little friendly competition. But now that I've built up my arm strength, I'm thinking those lunges are a good idea.
Fitbit's Latest Smartwatch Impresses on All Fronts, but Its Look and Price Are What Will Sell You
If the Fitbit Ionic impressed you, just wait until you see the company's latest product. On April 16, 2018, Fitbit released its highly anticipated smartwatch, the Fitbit Versa. Advertised with a completely new, elevated look along with four-plus days of battery life, the newest addition to the Fitbit family is sure to please. So, as soon as I was able to get my hands on one, I immediately put the Versa to the test. My first impression: Fitbit finally nailed it with this one.
From an aesthetics standpoint, I was fully impressed by the Versa's softer clock face and its light weight. Fun fact: the Fitbit Versa is the lightest metal smartwatch in the US. Its similar look to the Apple Watch also makes it competitive on the design front. Opting for a square face with rounded edges (compared to the Ionic's more angular design) was completely intentional and designed with the female consumer in mind, according to Fitbit senior product marketing manager Kat Binder. She shared that considering 60 percent of smartwatch buyers are men, Fitbit wanted to tap into the female market this time around. In addition to releasing a black-on-black aluminum and gray-silver aluminum watch, Fitbit also offers a gorgeous rose gold one that will definitely sway skeptics.
Here are some key features of the Versa, many of which we've already known and loved on previous devices:
- Battery life: There's no need to charge your smartwatch every night because you can enjoy the Versa for a minimum of four days straight. This also means you can wear it while you sleep (and comfortably, might I add), which leads me to . . .
- Onscreen workouts: With the Versa, you have your own personal trainer right on your wrist. Three on-device workouts are included with your device (10-Minute Abs, Seven-Minute Workout, and Warm It Up), while a paid subscription gives you access to multiple trainers, additional workouts, and Fitbit Radio. Your Fitbit Coach will walk you through each move and continue to improve with feedback.
- Auto sleep tracking: Your Versa gives you a deeper look into your bedtime habits by telling you how long you were in light, deep, or REM sleep. See your nightly sleep insights on the Fitbit app, which also explains the importance of each cycle. I learned that I wake up much more often than I should each night, which has encouraged me to switch up my bedtime routine.
- Auto activity tracking: Thanks to the Versa's SmartTrack technology, you don't have to hit "start" in order for your workout to count. Your watch will automatically detect what kind of exercise you're doing without having to log activity yourself.
- Integrated dashboard: The on-device dashboard was redesigned to allow for easy access to your health and fitness data right on your wrist. Now, you can glance at your seven-day exercise summaries, current and resting heart rate, daily stats, and more - all without having to go on the mobile app to find it.
- Connected GPS: Your Fitbit Versa automatically tracks your running and biking pace, distance, and speed using your smartphone's GPS if it's nearby. This is the one downfall to the Versa as the Ionic features built-in GPS.
- 24/7 heart rate tracking: Similar to the Fitbit Ionic, the Versa uses PurePulse technology to provide you with your current and resting heart rate. The new integrated dashboard also allows you to see your seven-day resting heart rate trends on your wrist.
- Water resistance: Feel free to take a bath with your Versa on or jump into the ocean (up to 50 meters) or pool - it's totally safe.
- Phone-free music: You can store up to 300 of your favorite songs directly onto your smartwatch or stream music through Pandora or Deezer. The best part? It's compatible with Bluetooth devices, so you can hook up your wireless headphones without having to carry your phone on a run!
In addition to text/call notification and calendar alerts, you can take personalization to the next level with the various apps (hello, Strava!), the clock faces available, and numerous accessory bands, from stainless steel to leather. And if you're not yet convinced that the Versa is for you, let me just share the price point real quick. The Fitbit Versa starts at $200 (for the black, silver, and rose gold) and goes up to $230 for the special-edition smartwatches, which come in an exclusive charcoal woven and lavender woven band and feature Fitbit (wallet-free) Pay. In comparison to the Apple Watch Series 3 (starting at $329) and the Fitbit Ionic (starting at $300), the cost of the Versa is undeniably competitive.
As if all that weren't enough, coming this Spring are female health tracking and message quick replies for Android users. Ladies, soon we'll be able to get predicted ovulation dates, predicted period dates, menstrual reminders, cycle tracking, and other personal insights. But wait for it . . . you won't even need a Fitbit device to access this data as long as you have the Fitbit mobile app downloaded. As for you Android users, you'll soon be able to reply to texts on your wrist with quick preselected responses or with your own customized replies. Fitbit informed us that they're currently working on a solution for iPhone users.
Overall, the key difference between the Fitbit Versa and the Ionic comes down to looks and cost. The two devices are nearly identical in features, aside from the Ionic's built-in GPS. The Fibit Versa is an affordable option for fitness enthusiasts who want a smartwatch that's more fashion forward. If you don't mind bringing your phone along with you for its GPS, I'd say that the Versa is the way to go. Come on, you can't beat a $200 smartwatch.
How Long Is Too Long to Wear a Sports Bra?
Some women practically live in their sports bras, whether for workouts or while lounging around at home. But is there such thing as wearing them too often or for too long? The answer is that it depends on the type of bra and whether you've been keeping on the same sweaty gear all day. But for the most part, you should be safe to wear it for extended periods of time - as long as it fits properly.
Bras you'll want to avoid wearing all day long include compression sports bras, encapsulation sports bras, and underwire sports bras. According to Nike, "Compression bras use material to press breast tissue against your body to control bounce," while encapsulated ones "feature cups that surround each breast to give you a higher level of support and control." These two types were specifically designed with motion in mind and typically feel tighter to provide support. Some signs that indicate you should take it off promptly after your workout include:
- If you feel any discomfort.
- If the bands are leaving deep, red marks on your skin (and affecting circulation).
- If your straps are pinching your skin.
- If your chest feels tight and it's difficult to breathe comfortably.
These are also telltale signs that your bra may be too small for you. You want it to feel supportive but above all comfortable. You should especially be good about taking your sports bra off immediately after a sweaty workout to avoid rashes and skin irritation.
Bras that are generally safe for long wear are ones that are soft and wire-free. And in case you're wondering if it's OK to wear them to bed, the same rules apply. There has yet to be any research showing that sleeping with a bra or sports bra on causes breast cancer. Keeping them on won't make your breasts perkier, either (you can't cheat gravity and age). As long as your sports bra is dry and it doesn't dig into your skin, wearing it for a long period of time shouldn't cause you harm.
The Weightlifting Technique That Will Change Your Body
Ever plan to go to the gym and stop dead in your tracks because you just don't know what to do? Maybe your goals are too broad? Maybe you're expecting too much? How can you really lose weight, gain lean muscle, and build your dream body with just one simple workout plan that doesn't require you move into the gym for the next year? Clearly, you're expecting too much from your efforts, right? Wrong! There is a way to reshape your body by losing fat and gaining muscle without spending countless hours in the gym. What do you have to do? Lift heavy weights to create lean muscle and lift light weights to promote fat loss. The best part? You can be in and out of the gym in less than 30 minutes each day. Here's how!
The heavy and light strength-training plan combines a couple of the most fundamental principles of lifting weights. The intention is to do an exercise for four sets with a heavy weight and low reps (up to six) and then another exercise that targets the same muscle for four more sets with higher reps (up to 12), but with a lighter weight. According to personal trainer Brian Pankau, CPT, you need to take "two to three minutes of rest between heavy [sets], and 45 to 60 seconds between lighter sets."
How does this plan work? When you lift heavy weights your muscles fatigue and ultimately grow (you won't look like a bodybuilder - we promise). From there, you work the same muscles with lighter weights to totally exhaust them, which burns more calories, creates a leaner body composition, and increases endurance. Muscles grow, body fat decreases, and you're only doing two exercises per body part. According to Anthony J. Yeung, CSCS, with this plan, "you'll burn more calories, shed fat, add more strength, and feel more energetic in daily life."
As a result of this significant caloric depletion, certified personal trainer and owner of HitchFit.com Micah Lacerte cautions that, "Nutrition will play a big role in what sort of results someone will get performing this plan, but if they are on [the proper type of diet], then this style of training will be excellent for building lean muscle." You have to make the effort to eat six small meals each day that all include some form of protein - with specific care to ensure you're getting protein before and after you work out.
While this plan can definitely work, it may not be for everyone. Pankau believes that while "fat loss is going to occur, [it may] not be fast enough for somebody with too much excess fat, so this plan is great for light and medium builds, but not really meant for heavier-set people."
What does this mean for you? For tight and toned triceps, a good combo would be overhead triceps extensions with a heavy weight and triceps kickbacks with lighter weights. For leaner, more sculpted legs, do leg presses with a heavy weight, and lunges with light dumbbells at your sides, or no added weights at all! For stronger, tighter biceps, heavy hammer curls and light preacher curls. The key is to do two moves per body part, one heavy, one light as described above. This will exhaust your muscles, promoting growth while leaning out your body. If you're in average shape, you can look way above average in less time. If you're in good shape, you may want to move to a beachfront property soon. Enjoy!
Calling All Curvy Girls: These Are the 8 Best Stores For Workout Leggings
Since athleisure hit the fashion world, comfortable styles, including bombers, sweatshirts, and leggings, have been popping up in closets everywhere. Thanks to their versatility both in and out of the gym, we think the leggings trend is here to stay - but with so many options out there, it can be challenging to find ones that are stylish and fit well.
We've rounded up our top eight picks for workout leggings specifically designed for a gal with curves. They check off all the boxes, including style, functionality, and affordability. Happy shopping!
These Are the 15 Superfoods Your Kitchen Needs in 2018
In today's age of feeling good and eating better, it has become a common occurrence to find superfoods like acai, chia, cacao, and spirulina in our local grocery stores. Wellness cafes are abundant, and menus have become increasingly aware of the next great smoothie, herbal tea, and clean alternative. Each year comes with its own health-food trends, and 2018 is no different. There are new superfoods that we should all be keeping on our radar. From greens and gut-healthy go-tos to sweet options and cooking oils for every chef, foodie, or healthy eater, these are some superfoods that deserve to be household names.
How to Recycle Your Old Laptop Like a Responsible Adult
If you've got an old laptop that you no longer use, do yourself a favor and get rid of it ASAP. If it's still functioning, you may be able to earn a gift card in exchange - but know that it's only depreciating as it sits in your closet. Regardless of what it's worth, finally crossing this off your list and freeing up some clutter is guaranteed to be very satisfying.
But if you're planning on throwing it away, make sure that you don't toss it in the garbage like any other piece of trash. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, you're avoiding air and water pollution as well as greenhouse gas emissions by safely recycling or donating your unused electronics. So do the environment and yourself some good by properly getting rid of your laptop with the following steps below.
Step One: Back Up Your Computer
Store your files on an external hard drive or back up your data using iCloud if you have a Mac.
Step Two: Sign Out of Everything
Go the extra length to protect yourself. Sign out of all your applications, make sure none of your login information is stored in your keychain, and wipe your hard drive. Here's the full guide to deleting everything off your computer.
Step Three: Recycle Your Device at an E-Waste Location.
- Apple Recycling Program: Apple accepts old devices online at any Apple store. If your Mac or PC has any monetary value, you'll receive an Apple gift card in the amount it's worth. To receive an instant quote online, enter your device's serial number on this page. Include your payment method and shipping information and in three to five days, you'll get prepaid shipping supplies sent to your door. Ship it back and wait five to eight business days for your refund!
If your laptop has any value, you also have the option of trading it in for credit toward a new Apple product.
- Gazelle: Gazelle is another reliable buyer that will take your old devices. Similar to the process above, all you have to do is enter your laptop's serial number and ship it to its processing center using the prepaid shipping supplies they've sent to you.
- Best Buy: You have the option of dropping off your old laptop at any Best Buy store for proper disposal.
- Staples: If your computer has any value, you have the option of trading it in store for a Staples eCash Card, or sending it in through an online process.
- Goodwill: Drop off your laptop to any Goodwill collection center. According to its site, "One working computer given to Goodwill is worth 5.3 hours of career counseling."
- Find a local drop-off center in your area: Do a quick search to see if any nearby stores accept e-waste. Many manufacturers, office supply retailers, and even hardware stores will be able to take your laptop off your hands!
Wow, Michelle Wolf Didn't Hold Back While Roasting People at the White House Correspondents' Dinner
Under Donald Trump's administration, we've seen plenty of comedians use modern politics as inspiration for their material. The 2018 White House Correspondents' Dinner, where comedian and writer Michelle Wolf delivered a speech that poked fun at the president and many of his cabinet members, was no exception. Though she began the roast by reassuring the crowd that she was only there to "make jokes" and had "no agenda," her jokes, especially those about White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, have been a source of controversy.
Trump was not in attendance at the gathering, but he did tweet about Wolf's speech afterward, and - surprise! - he wasn't pleased.
The Correspondents' Dinner is traditionally used to roast journalists and members of the current administration, at times making the audience uncomfortable, but did Wolf take it too far? Watch her entire 19-minute speech above, and we'll let you decide for yourself.
The Best Disneyland Foods Worth Sitting Down For
During a Disneyland visit, it's not hard to get caught up in the "go go go" mentality of running back and forth between attractions, barely stopping to catch a breath - let alone a bite to eat. Many people never even bother with sit-down eateries at the parks, opting instead for the quickest meal options. While many of these counter-service meals are tasty (hellooooooo, corn dogs!), there's a whole new world of tasty Disney delicacies that are worth sitting down and waiting for.
Between Disneyland, California Adventure, and the famous Disney park hotels, here are our top picks for menu items worth taking the time out of your magical day for. Trust us . . . they're very much worth the wait.
Think we missed a table-service restaurant dish that no trip to Disneyland is complete without? Let us know in the comments!
21 Ink-credible Science-Inspired Tattoos
The careful line-drawing and stippling techniques of science illustration make them a natural starting point for incredible tattoos. Students and admirers of the sciences are flying their geek flags high with skin art of meaningful molecules, anatomical drawings, and space exploration's most historic events. So in the name of science, we've rounded up some of the best body ink inspired by chemistry, space, and the natural sciences.
10 Cult Quotes That Need to Be Included in Your Wedding
We draw a lot of inspiration from TV and film for our real-life events, so if you and your betrothed are passionate about a certain show or nerdy interest, then there's no reason to leave it out of your wedding day. Don't want to go all-out for a themed wedding? Consider incorporating these words of love into your wedding vows or readings for a subtle touch of geekery.
Meet the Woman Behind Barbie's Newfound Curves and Hair Textures
For many women, Barbie was their first doll, and an inspirational one at that. Known for her long blond locks and her pink dreamhouse, Barbie was the trailblazer of her fictional, plastic world. Running for president, going to space, and finding love and great outfits along the way, Barbie seemed to prove that women can "have it all." But, while Barbie's résumé is stocked with accomplishments and firsts, her controversial physical frame remained more or less the same over the decades, even as her storylines evolved. Her large bust and unrealistically small waist have been the subjects of some very heated debates about body image. Barbie, ultimately, just didn't look like the young girls and women who'd buy her, and while she may have encouraged her owners to achieve their dreams, it was near impossible - and, frankly, toxic - for women to aspire to look like her.
It wasn't until 2016 that Barbie got the ultimate makeover. After decades of pressure and weakening sales, Mattel unveiled a healthier, more realistic-looking Barbie with its Fashionistas line - and Mattel's VP of Barbie Design Kim Culmone led the charge.
The line includes three new body shapes - curvy, petite, and tall - and more skin tones and hair textures. It was Mattel's answer to its diversity problem, and it was a hit, resonating with existing Barbie fans and even gaining some new ones. But why the wait? And what really went into Barbie's new look?
Hulu's new documentary Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie answers these questions, giving Barbie lovers - and sure, even her haters - a look into possibly the most significant transformation in Barbie history, let alone pop culture. Not only does Tiny Shoulders look into the making of the Fashionista line, or as Mattel refers to, "Project Dawn," but it's also a history lesson in all things Barbie, from the woman behind the doll to Barbie's controversial reputation during the feminist movement of the '60s and '70s. Culmone spoke with POPSUGAR about Project Dawn, and what it was like having Barbie's anticipated, yet risky, transformation documented on film.
POPSUGAR: Growing up, what was your own relationship with Barbie? Did you have any favorite Barbie moments?
Kim Culmone: I was a huge fan of Barbie growing up. It's nearly impossible, I think, for me to isolate a favorite Barbie moment. Probably one of the most memorable would be getting the Barbie Dreamhouse which is [in] one of the photographs of me as a kid, with my mom, on Christmas morning. So, that was a big moment because that house becomes the central figure in a lot of Barbie play. But I have the Dreamhouse, and the Corvette, and actually have the townhouse as well - and tons of Barbies. I was an equal opportunity toy player, though. I had Hot Wheels as well. I had a combination of boys' toys and girls' toys. I had Tinkertoys and Legos - or what we classified as boys' toys, I should say. But Barbie was my number one.
"I, like a lot of us, grew up with my own body image issues."
PS: Tiny Shoulders deals a lot with the connection between poor body image and Barbie. Do you see Barbie ever disassociating herself from that backlash? In your role, how have you tried to reverse this?
KC: I think you saw [it] in the film: by the introduction of additional body types. [That] is our effort to expand the images associated with what is beautiful, or what is represented in society, so I think that the movie itself and that introduction is a really good example of that.
Image Source: Getty / Andrew Toth
PS: Is there one example, initiative, or doll that you are really proud of for defying those stereotypes?
KC: I wouldn't say that there's one, because I think the power is in the inclusivity and diversity . . . I think people focus on the curvy doll, but I think that the messaging is really important. That having different types of bodies is what we should be focusing on, and the fact that there isn't just one representation of body in the Barbie line. Because there isn't one representation of body in the world.
PS: Were you hesitant about participating in the film? How did the documentary came about?
KC: I would say, first of all, I give Mattel as a company a lot of credit for welcoming Andrea (Andrea Blaugrund Nevins, Tiny Shoulders director) and her team into the inner sanctum of our corporation, and to such an important brand like Barbie at this really critical time. And so that took a lot of trust, and that was on both sides. Andrea's built trust with us as a team that was being documented, and Mattel generously offered her the opportunity to get behind the scenes, into the inner workings of this critical moment of the Barbie brand. For me, personally, I didn't hesitate, because I was honored to be leading the team that would be the design team. The part of our team - the design team that would be making this change - and the idea of what I felt was so important to happen in the world, for it to be documented for Barbie history and for the world to see was exciting. So while there are many vulnerable moments for me in the movie, and it was at times uncomfortable to just be in front of the camera in that way - especially while you're working - I felt like it was important to do. So I was happy to do it.
PS: Barbie has faced backlash ever since she first came out. What do you hope a Barbie hater will take away from this documentary?
KC: I honestly hope that they, perhaps, see Barbie through a different lens. It's a journey. Hearing criticism is first difficult to do, but I really observe it and listen to it through a lens of both empathy and responsibility. Empathy meaning that everybody is in the world with a different perspective. And I completely respect and honor that. And responsibility comes in with listening to the criticism because criticism as feedback can help us evolve and be better. And if it's right for the brand to think about making changes, then we always want to be open to listening to that.
PS: A lot goes into consideration when you're making a huge brand shift like that. What was the most challenging part of her transformation, from a creative and design perspective especially, and what was the most rewarding?
KC: Well, the most rewarding is being able to have an impact on a brand that has such an influential place in the lives of children and in culture. It's a huge responsibility, and it's also an honor to be part of the team that's trusted with making those kind of changes. As you saw in the movie and as you note, there are so many aspects to this that pointing to just one that was the most difficult is challenging. But getting the bodies, choosing the shape of each of the individual bodies was probably [what required] the most dialogue. And then probably the naming process - what do we call [them] in a respectful way that is appropriate for children, as well? Everything that we do is for kids, and so we have to be very cautious about what we're doing. And then what works around the world? What would work globally? How do we reference these bodies? Is this dialogue happening in all the places in the world that Barbie is sold? So we have different foot sizes now. The curvy doll and the tall doll have different sized feet. Those complications take a lot of discussion at the team levels.
PS: So, why the name Project Dawn?
KC: The name Project Dawn came from our design team, because we looked at this as the dawning of a new day for the brand. [We] code-name projects that we want to make sure have a heightened sense of security and sensitivity around them, even within the organization. So there was a lot of behind-closed-doors work, even further from our normal sense of confidentiality. This had one of the most exclusive confidentiality processes that I've ever experienced while working on the brand because of the sensitivity of it.
Image Source: Hulu
PS: Could you name one favorite thing about the new four sizes of Barbie that you really loved specifically, whether it's not having the thigh gap, or maybe the hair textures?
KC: It's challenging. I mean, we talked about the thigh gap in the film, and I would say it's an important part of the discussion in our contemporary society. To me, really the favorite thing is the variety. I do love the fact that we have a new hair texture, and if I had to maybe pick two things that I love the most, I would say it's that we have a curvy doll on the line and that we have hair texture and skin tones that are more representative of people in the world. It's a very broad range. Even down to facial features on the dolls. There are dolls who have facial features that are more representative of black women, and that's important to us.
PS: Were there any experiences in your own life that really led to championing those efforts of making more skin tones and hair textures?
KC: Yeah, I allude to it, as you saw in the film, a little bit. I, like a lot of us, grew up with my own body image issues. And I have experiences in my life, and parts of who I am, that have meant that I have direct experience with what it feels like to not be represented or seen in a lot of the images and conversations in our world. I think if you asked the majority of the people across our brand, whether that's on marketing, or PR, or design, or anywhere, a lot of people have those same stories. But uniquely, as a designer, that becomes the lens that you use when you're creating, and that develops a real-world experience that shapes your level of empathy for what it feels like to not be represented. And so I think that inspired a lot of us, and I know it inspired myself, to want to advocate for some of the changes that we have made to the products.
PS: Why do you feel Barbie is relevant today?
KC: I think Barbie's relevant today because she does evolve, and the brand does evolve and works to, as you saw in the film, really take very seriously staying connected to today's girls and parents. We spend a lot of time listening to our consumers. I also believe that the open-ended play pattern with Barbie - the fact that girls can project their dreams, aspirations, hopes, and tell the stories they want to tell through a brand - it isn't a closed play pattern, meaning she isn't just one defined character (Editor's note: "play pattern" is a term used in the toy industry to describe the way a child uses a toy.) She can be anything which lets girls tell endless stories about their own potential and project their own narrative onto Barbie as a tool for self-expression.
PS: Where do you see Barbie 10 years from now?
KC: I see Barbie doing a lot of [what] Barbie is doing now. Look, when the Fashionista line launched with the new bodies and more inclusivity, that was just the beginning of this process. Since then, we have done the same for Ken. We've changed Ken's body. We've introduced more heroes that celebrate women that are living the purpose of this brand, that are living the concept of having limitless potential in their lives, and that are an inspiration and [are] role models to girls. We launched our #MoreRoleModels activation recently. We're pushing boundaries. We did one-of-a-kind dolls, [like] Ibtihaj Muhammad, our first US Olympian who competed in a hijab. These are women that are truly living the Barbie purpose and we continue to stand by what we started in 2016 with the launch of [Project Dawn] to represent people and inclusivity and to showcase and highlight people living that purpose.
Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie will be available for streaming on Hulu on April 27.
7 Healthy Travel Destinations You Should Add to Your Bucket List
Chemicals are out and all-natural everything is in. There's a surging urge to eat, live, and play better these days. However chaotic the world may seem, there's a rising number of us who are yearning for inner peace in favor of healthier physical and spiritual living.
A wellness revolution is in motion, and with that comes the desire to not only eat and live well, but travel well, too. For those healthy globetrotters who have been bit by the travel bug, there is a cure. There is an ever-evolving list of cities to fall in love with, oceans to explore, and mountains to climb. So, what are some wellness destinations that you can add to the list (for now)? All of you yogis, spiritualists, surfers, hikers, and chillers will want to keep reading.
13 Lego Wedding Ideas You'll Want to Copy
Just like there are Star Wars weddings and superhero weddings, there are Lego weddings that guests will always remember. For fun but classy inspiration, check out these ideas that you'll want to copy ASAP.
This Artist Turns Disney Princesses Into Parents - and the Results Are Perfection
Illustrators have had fun turning beloved Disney princesses into all sorts of things, from '50s-style pinup girls to Star Wars heroines. The only artistic mashup we haven't seen yet happens to be one that would most likely follow all the "happily ever after" storylines - what these fairy-tale characters would look like as parents.
Thankfully, artist Isaiah Stephens lets us in on what it'd really be like for Ariel to have a food-throwing toddler, for Belle to breastfeed, and for Jasmine to rock a baby bump with nine amazingly accurate depictions - all shared on his Facebook page and Instagram account. From Pocahontas to Queen Elsa, it's fun to see what realistically comes after their storybook ending. Take a look.
5 Royal Family Mother's Day Traditions You Probably Have Too, and 1 You Definitely Don't
Mother's Day is on its way for us here in the States (it's on May 13 this year), but for our friends across the pond, it's already come and gone (it was on March 11 in the UK). And since the royal family is currently busy with all things royal wedding, you may not have noticed their very low-key celebrations.
In the UK, Mother's Day is traditionally known as Mothering Sunday because it revolves around church. And while the royals may go all out and have fancy photo ops for other church holidays like Christmas, Mother's Day is a lot quieter - they usually all stay out of the public eye. On this day, they're a lot more like us! Since they already celebrated, keep reading to find out exactly what they do to get inspiration for your own mom - or "mum!"
7 Ways to Help Your Relationship After a Miscarriage
This post written by Lianne Avila was originally featured on YourTango.
Anger is a natural feeling to have.
The dreaded news, that you didn't want to hear - a miscarriage. Yes, this really happened to you. Maybe, this was your first time being pregnant.
The first stage is, "I can't believe this is happening to me." This is actually exactly how you should feel. There is nothing wrong with your feelings.
Now, the anger is setting in, "WHY?! WHY?! WHY?!"
Anger is a natural feeling to have after miscarriage. Everyone has it. Allow yourself to feel your feelings. You can't sweep everything under the carpet.
You ask yourself, "What could I have done differently?" This is a normal question to ask after a miscarriage. It's important not blame yourself or others for a miscarriage. It's natural to want to place blame, but in the long run, this will only make things worse.
This is also known as the grieving process.
I have found that after a miscarriage, your relationship can grow stronger or it can make it worse. Sure, you have had problems. But, the question is, do you want this to help create a stronger bond between you and your partner? And, do you want to try again?
Here are 7 ways to help your relationship after a miscarriage:
1. Make a commitment to healing together.
Everyone heals differently and at a different pace. If you need some time for yourself then take it. If you choose to work extra hours at the office to heal, then go for it. Just don't overdo it.
It's important that you both heal before you decide if you want to try again.
2. It's alright to cry.
This is also known as emotional transparency. This is important in a relationship. There must be safety in the relationship for this to happen.
This means you express empathy towards your partner when expressing an emotion, even if it's not the way you would express an emotion.
3. Don't turn to substances for support.
I know you are in pain. But, going out and getting wasted won't change anything. And, it could actually make things worse.
If you find you can't stop, then it's time to seek professional help.
4. Talk to each other about it.
For some, this is difficult. You fear it will be a difficult conversation, or that it will bring up bad memories. Something we have found in therapy is that talking about it is helpful. It's when you don't talk about it, that you stay stuck.
If it helps, write out what questions you have for your partner or what you would like to say.
5. Breathe in, breathe out.
Take it one day at a time. I know you want the pain to stop, but it won't happen overnight. Take a few days off from work or go away for the weekend.
You need to give your body and your mind time to recover. Even if it's just 10 minutes of deep breathing, take some time for yourself.
6. Stop worrying about what others think.
If you want to talk about with friends and family, then give yourself permission to do so. And, if you don't, then give yourself permission to not. You don't have to return anything if you bought some stuff. If it's too hard to see it, then go ahead and return it.
Don't base your decisions on what others think you "should" do.
7. Accept that your relationship might not be strong enough to make it after a loss like this.
Maybe, your partner wasn't there for you the way you needed him to be there for you. This may make you realize how different the two of you really are. All relationships go through ups and downs. What's important is how you recover. This also means you have a good understanding of one another's inner world.
If you aren't there by now, you may never get there. Don't look at it as quitting. Look at it as having a better understanding of what your needs are in a relationship.
If you'd like, this can be a time to develop a deeper understanding of one another. It's also a time to review your priorities. Make sure you have some conversations about it. Talk about how you feel about it and what you would like to do, moving forward.
Lianne Avila is a Marriage & Family Therapist, in San Mateo, CA. She has helped many couples grieve a miscarriage and come out on the other side. For more information, please visit Lessons For Love.
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19 Superfun Swimsuits That'll Keep Your Kids Splashing Around All Summer Long
Raise your hand if you're taking a family vacation soon! Whether your family is headed to a water park at Disney World or will be sinking their toes in the sandy beaches of Hawaii, you'll want your kids to do it in style. Before you pack for your trip, we're making things a little bit easier for you by giving you this list of some of the cutest and most practical swimsuits for kids of all ages. Get shopping!
The Many Reasons Single Moms Are Happier Than Married Moms, Says Science
This post written by Sarah Kowalski was originally published on YourTango.
More women are choosing to become single moms than ever before.
Several years ago, my fortieth birthday fast approaching, I forced myself to ask whether I wanted to have a kid even though I didn't yet have a partner. I knew my fertility window was closing and Mr. Right was decidedly absent.
And so, I made the anguished decision to have a baby on my own via a sperm donor. I chose to become a single mom.
In making the decision, I felt I was giving up on half the dream. I beat myself up at failing at an aspect of life so prized by society - partnership and getting married.
Until recently, it's been the norm for women to marry. Remaining single, especially as a woman, has been seen as undesirable and to be avoided all costs. Kate Bolick, author of Spinster: The Making of One's Life, states, "The single woman is nearly always considered an anomaly, an aberration from the social order."
But for many women, dating and marrying Mr. Right before having kids simply isn't working.
On top of that, single moms are regularly blamed for many of society's problems, seen as drains on society.
I was told by my parents over and over again that I needed to get married. I remember them breathing a sigh of relief when my sister got married. They explained that they felt she was now adequately taken care of. They could relax a little.
But despite the messages many of us received growing up, a recent Pew Research Center survey found that the public is less convinced that marriage and family are the highest priority for society. When survey respondents were asked which of the following statements came closer to their own views, 46 percent of adults chose "Society is better off if people make marriage and having children a priority," while 50 percent chose "Society is just as well off if people have priorities other than marriage and children."
And, if you look at people aged 18 to 29 the number of people who believe society is better off when people have priorities other than marriage and kids that number skyrockets to 67 percent.
In fact, most of today's Americans believe that educational and economic accomplishments are extremely important milestones of adulthood.
In contrast, marriage and parenthood rank low: over half of Americans believe that marrying and having children is not very important in order to become an adult.
So, even though the negative commentary about single moms is still prevalent, choosing to forego marriage and have a child alone isn't strange or detrimental. In fact, it might just be the smarter choice.
And this is reflective in the percentage of single, older mothers who, in recent years, have been the only demographic where single motherhood has increased. In fact, there was a 48 percent jump in births to unmarried women ages 35-39, and 29 percent in women ages 40-44. It's assumed that most of those older women are like me - choosing to become single mothers.
Women are now frequently making the decision to become mothers despite the absence of a spouse or committed partner.
And while society supports this idea more than it has in previous years, there is still a lot of difficulty in being a single parent, and a lot of concerns about the health of the children involved. However, there are some amazing benefits to having children later in life - whether single or not - that can't be ignored.
Many studies support the benefits of older motherhood. One such study showed the children of older mothers also had fewer behavioral, social, and emotional problems than kids of younger mothers. Other studies showed that older mothers lived longer and had taller, smarter kids. And those aren't the only benefits of being an older single mother, either.
A study comparing the well-being of children growing up in a single-mother-by-choice home and to those of heterosexual two-parent families found no differences in terms of parent-child relationship or child development. The key difference between a child who struggled with behavioral issues as a teenager and one who did not was the presence of one stable loving parent.
In fact, research has shown that one or two parents in a home didn't matter nearly as much as the quality of their family relationships, regardless of the number of parents.
And although many tout relationships as the key to happiness, research shows that being in a relationship doesn't create higher self-esteem. A recent study found that people who married enjoyed no better self-esteem than those who stayed in romantic relationships without tying the knot. It's even true that single people have more sex than married adults.
And, despite the long-standing belief that those who marry are healthier, new studies show single adults to be healthier. Women who married gained more weight and drank more than those who stayed single.
Many women decide to parent on their own as a last resort - a Plan B. Yet, not only is it a growing trend - 2017 Census data, a record number of adults in the U.S. remained unmarried (that's more than 45 percent of all people 18 years and older) - but there's much to support it being a happier, healthier choice.
Being a single mother is the single greatest decision I ever made, and science confirms that it could be right for many other women, too.
While it felt devastating to initially give up the white picket fence and the dreamy husband, I wouldn't do it any other way now. And even though it's really exhausting to have all aspects of parenting fall to me, there's a peace that comes from knowing I'm the only one who needs to make those decisions.
My wish is that other women consider solo parenting as a legitimate choice to make - a choice they can make with pride; not one that's seen as second best. Don't let your single relationship status hold you back from being an amazing parent. Science thinks it's a great idea - so should you!
Sarah Kowalski is a fertility doula, family building coach, single mom, and an expert in guiding women along the spiritual, emotional and logistical road to motherhood. After conceiving her own son via both egg and sperm donor, she started Motherhood Reimagined to help others realize their dream of parenthood no matter what it takes and authored the book, Motherhood Reimagined: When Becoming a Mother Doesn't Go as Planned. You can follow her on Facebook @motherhoodreimagined or join her support group page on Facebook.
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