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.
dimanche 31 mars 2019
50 Sex-Filled Films to Stream on Netflix For a Steamy Night In
For when you want some good, clean onscreen lovin' that's not porn, we've found an array of sexy films available on Netflix. There are foreign flicks, romantic comedies, period pieces, and everything in between (the sheets) - perfect for solo watching or date night. So hop into bed with one of these steamy movies tonight. And check out more movies that are available on Netflix in April here!
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano, Corinne Sullivan, and Hannah Abrams
samedi 30 mars 2019
50 Sex-Filled Films to Stream on Netflix For a Steamy Night In
For when you want some good, clean onscreen lovin' that's not porn, we've found an array of sexy films available on Netflix. There are foreign flicks, romantic comedies, period pieces, and everything in between (the sheets) - perfect for solo watching or date night. So hop into bed with one of these steamy movies tonight. And check out more movies that are available on Netflix in April here!
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano, Corinne Sullivan, and Hannah Abrams
This Married Couple's Steamy Canyon Photo Shoot May Cause You to Sweat Profusely - It's THAT Hot
There are many ways to celebrate your love for your spouse after the wedding, and this couple decided to express their devotion to each other with a passionate photo shoot. Andrea and Logan's shoot was even more dramatic thanks to a stunning canyon setting in Page, AZ. Andrea wore a white plunging bodysuit with a cape, a sexy twist on the bridal gown and veil, while Logan looked sharp in black suit and tie.
"The couple then celebrated their love on top of Horseshoe Bend with a steamy day-after session," said photographer Victoria Taylor. Andrea wore a red dress with thigh-high slits and a plunging neckline as they posed for the hot and heavy shoot. For her final outfit, she changed into a little black dress with lace detailing and embroidery. The happy couple popped a bottle of Champagne as they overlooked the breathtaking view of the canyon. See all the photos now, and have some cold water handy!
Yes, You Absolutely Can Say "No" to Being a Bridesmaid - Here's How
Being asked to be in someone's wedding is usually an amazing moment. I remember when my sister presented me with a hand-designed card that read, "Will you be my matron of honor?" I cried. Like, ugly cried. My best friend's bridesmaid proposal likewise left me in tears. I felt so special and excited to stand next to her on the most important day of her life. But then there was the time a friend, whom I didn't even think would invite me to her wedding, let alone ask me to be in it, hit me with, "I want you to be my maid of honor!" Um, huh? What? I wanted to sink through the floor. Because I figured I couldn't say "no." Yet given how big of a time and financial commitment it is to be in a person's wedding, that's exactly what I wanted to do.
Unfortunately, since I worried about hurting her feelings, I said "yes." And guess what? Predictably, I regretted my decision. I ended up spending way more money than I could, and was forced to take time off from work to participate in the obligatory bachelorette festivities, the bridal shower, several wedding dress fittings, the rehearsal dinner, and of course, the wedding itself. Worst of all was that the bride-to-be acted ungrateful for everything I did. Why didn't I just go with my gut?
To solidify the fact that I had indeed made a mistake by putting someone I wasn't even that close with first and not thinking of my own happiness and mental health, I asked wedding etiquette experts if saying "no" to being a bridesmaid is actually OK. Jessica Garda, a wedding event planner from Pittsburgh, tells POPSUGAR, "I get that the idea of saying 'no' to being a bridesmaid terrifies most people, but the simple fact is that sometimes you need to say 'no.' Being a bridesmaid can be a huge commitment!"
She suggests talking to the bride about what her expectations are for the role: "Are they just expecting you to walk down the aisle and stand next to them? Or do they want you to plan all the pre-wedding events and spend potentially thousands of dollars on a dress, showers, and bachelorette parties?" Once you understand what being a bridesmaid will entail, Garda says it's perfectly reasonable to decline.
Um, but how? And without offending them or ruining your relationship? "Start by telling them how honored and touched you are that they asked you," she advises. "Then be honest about why you're saying 'no.' Try saying, 'This is huge responsibility and I don't think I have the time to fully commit to it.' Or, 'I'm just not in a place to afford all these expenses.'" Reasons to say "no" can be more personal, like if you just got divorced or suffered a loss in your family, but honesty is always the best policy.
Amber Anderson, from Refine for Wedding Planners, also offered this advice to POPSUGAR, saying, "You can absolutely say 'no' to being a bridesmaid and at times, it's actually the most loving thing to do. No one wants a wedding attendant that isn't fully committed, so it's important to take it all into consideration." She adds it can be helpful to tell the person that you're still so excited to support and celebrate them.
Phrasing your decision to say "no" so that's it's about the bride and not you is also a really good way to go. Krista Ostrander, Wedding Specialist on behalf of The Reeds at Shelter Haven in Stone Harbor, NJ, offers up this suggestion: "Instead of saying, 'It will cost too much,' you might say, 'With starting my new job, money is really tight right now, and I would be uncomfortable being unable to contribute the same way as the rest of the group when it came to all of the special plans you deserve to have be a part of this adventure.' Or, you can say, 'With the previous commitments I already have, I worry that my schedule will really hinder what the group is trying to plan, and I don't want to put a damper on any of your wedding-related events.'"
From there, it's up to the bride to graciously accept your decision. My advice: Stick to your guns! Don't allow the person to convince you to change your mind, because you may end up back at square one, wishing you could say "no." As Jen Avey from Destination Weddings Travel Group told POPSUGAR, "It's better to say 'no' upfront than to say 'yes' and then back out later on in the planning process. A last minute change of heart could do more damage to your relationship than if you were to just decline in the first place."
In the end, I only wish I'd known how to politely decline the invitation to be a bridesmaid. Because no one wins if a bridesmaid is standing at the alter on a bride's big day, secretly not wanting to be there.
12 Real-Life Locations You Can Visit From Your Favorite Romantic Movies
Is there anything better than cuddling up to watch a good romantic movie, either with your partner or by yourself (you're free to cry without judgement)? The stories are everything from relatable to heartbreaking to beautiful, and you usually fall in love with at least one of the main characters. But in addition to the cute love stories, the backdrops in most romantic movies become characters all their own, adding just as much importance to the plot as those meet-cutes or epic makeout sessions. Landscapes are featured, apartments and houses are envied, and if anyone lives in Europe, well, sign us up. From You've Got Mail's charming New York City to The Holiday's quaint English countryside to 50 First Dates' tropical Hawaii, keep reading for see 11 spots from some of our favorite iconic romantic movies that you can visit in real life. Pack your bags (and your tissues!).
10 Sweet Ways I Show My Partner Every Day Just How Much I Care
Whether it's saying "I love you" before you both fall asleep at night or saying "no" to the dessert menu on date night when your partner is attempting to diet, there are a million ways to show how much you care about your significant other every single day. Most of the time, words aren't even needed to convey your love and appreciation. From taking care of the chores to planning a couples' getaway, any relationship could benefit from a little extra love, because even if you know how you feel, it never hurts to remind your partner. Here's just a few tiny ways I tell my partner just how much I care - no words required.
25 Adorable Disney-Themed Wedding Favors That Your Guests Can Actually Use
Is there anything worse than a useless (and totally overpriced) wedding favor? Why bother spending the money on something your guests will throw away before your wedding bouquet even wilts? If you're planning a Disney-inspired wedding, there's no better way to help your guests remember your special day than with a Disney-themed token of your appreciation. For a favor that's not only cute but totally utilitarian as well, read on to shop Disney wedding favors that your guests can actually eat, use, or keep long after your big day has passed.
25+ Iconic NYC Landmarks That Belong on Your Instagram Feed
New York City is hands down one of the most iconic cities in the world. It's home to stunning architecture, hip and unique restaurants, endless alleyways and hidden corners, and neighborhoods that are so different and self-contained, they could be their own small towns. In the five boroughs, there's no shortage of things to do - and more importantly, places to see. All of the things that make New York so iconic also make it an Instagrammer's dream come true, with infinite possibilities for backdrops and focal points for your next post or story. So whether you're just visiting or you call the Big Apple home, these destinations are a foolproof way to get a perfect snap for your feed.
Mother of Dragons! This Gorgeous Game of Thrones-Inspired Wedding Has Details Straight Out of the Series
Sonia Melendez is an extremely big fan of Game of Thrones and also a very talented photographer. So she decided to combine her two passions and put together this gorgeous Game of Thrones-themed wedding. You might be wondering what faraway land this photo shoot took place in after seeing the breathtaking castle in the background, and the answer might surprise you: the shoot took place at Newman's Castle in Bellville, TX.
"We couldn't help but notice that a lot of [modern wedding] trends may have come from this series - the long sleeves, the organic dramatic florals, and even the braids!" Sonia said about the reason behind this idea. "Naturally, with the last season upon us in April we wanted to pay homage to one of the shows that has inspired a lot of us. All the little details came together so well, we were very excited to be a part of this inspired day."
There are so many intricate details in this shoot that are directly from the series, from the bride's snowy blond hair - taking a style cue from Daenerys Targaryen - to the epic dragon egg cake, which they aptly cut with a dagger. Look out for all the other references in these beautiful photos!
Yep, There's a Limit to How Many Instagram Stories You Can Post in 1 Day
Who doesn't love a good Instagram Story? Rather than posting one picture, you can literally document your entire day. Plus, you can see who's checking you out (and vice-versa, unfortunately). Like Snapchat, Instagram Stories now come complete with filters, GIFs, stickers, backgrounds, fonts, and more, and are a less permanent way of keeping your followers up to date on your daily activities.
While posting a few here and there is great, have you ever gotten annoyed or overwhelmed when someone you follow posts what seems to be 50+ in a row? And that got us thinking - is there even a limit to how many Instagram Stories you can post in one day (and with music festival season coming up, man, we hope so)? Well, one guy actually put it to the test, and now we have an answer.
Mashable writer Raymond Wong posted a slew of Stories in one day while visiting Japan, but noticed that after about three hours, they started to disappear on him. And that's when he realized there's a limit to the amount of Stories you can post. "It turns out that 100 clips is the maximum number of clips that can be posted to Instagram Stories within 24 hours," he wrote. "Post more and it deletes the ones from earlier. I literally had to manually tap on my screen and count the number of clips Instagram Stories allowed to figure this out."
Wong reached out to confirm with Instagram that his theory is correct. "Instagram has confirmed to Mashable that 100 clips (photos or videos) is indeed the maximum number of Instagram Stories that can be posted at one time," he said. While we're not sure we'd ever hit that number in just one day (OK, we definitely would if we were going to a music festival), we're at least glad to know that the limit does exist.
Having a Destination Wedding? Here's How to Make Your Marriage Legal in the US
Whether you're saying "I do" in the Italian hills of Tuscany or on a beautifully sandy beach on a Caribbean island, destination weddings have the ability to add a bit more magic to an already special day. However, tying the knot outside of the US adds another layer of complication, and it's important when planning to not forget some of the details. One big one? Making your marriage legal at home before or after getting married abroad.
POPSUGAR spoke to David Reischer, Esq., attorney and CEO of LegalAdvice.com, to get his expert advice on the subject. "It's extremely complicated and not practical to get married in a foreign country and to then try to get the foreign marriage validated in the United States," explained Reischer. Thankfully, there are a few simple alternatives that couples can choose from that can make the whole process much easier. For instance, Reischer suggested couples get legally married in a US court house either before or after their destination wedding. "A couple can make their destination wedding legal at home by getting married again in the United States upon return from abroad," he continued. "The couple can also get married in the United States before the destination wedding."
However, Reischer acknowledged that the obvious disadvantage of a couple legally tying the knot before their destination wedding may be that they'll feel like they're jeopardizing the romantic aspect of their big ceremony. If you're worried about this, he advised getting legally married when you return from your destination wedding.
"Many couples decide to go to the county clerk and remarry once returning to the United States from their destination wedding," he said. "All a couple has to do is get a marriage license from the county clerk, then go to city hall or hire a legal official who is allowed to perform legal ceremonies in the city where the couple reside." By deciding on legalizing their marriage this way, couples will not have to translate foreign paperwork and there will be no need for blood tests in a foreign country. "It's extremely less complicated and cheaper to get married for a second time upon returning from a destination wedding and this is what most people do," Reischer said.
When Does the iPhone 11 Come Out? You Probably Don't Have to Wait Too Much Longer
Apple releases have become somewhat iconic pop-culture moments, from dramatic product presentations to the long lines around city blocks when a new gadget is finally available. Most recently, it was the launch of Apple News Plus, the Apple credit card, Apple TV Plus, and Apple Arcade. And shortly before that, Apple announced the launch of the new versions of the iPad Air and iPad Mini. But the hot ticket item is always the new iPhone.
While three new iPhones recently launched in September and October of 2018 (the iPhone XS, the iPhone XS Max, and the iPhone XR), people are ready for the iPhone 11. But when is it coming out?
Apple has been super tight-lipped about it so far, but rumors among tech blogs are banking on a September 2019 launch, since September seems to be a popular month for iPhone launches. According to Expert Reviews, "Its last three flagship iPhones were announced on September 21 (iPhone Xs), September 12 (iPhone X), and September 22 (iPhone 8) in 2018, 2017, and 2016 respectively." They're also predicting the iPhone 11 will be foldable (what?!).
The team at Tech Radar also predict the iPhone 11 will be all about the camera, writing about rumored leaked photos: "All of the attention so far has been to the back. The images show three cameras in a central block on the back, a back which looks to be made of glass." We can't wait!
16 Early 2000s Tech References in PEN15 That Will Fill You With So Much Nostalgia
If you're a late '80s baby that went to middle school in the early 2000s, you need to watch PEN15 right now. The Hulu original show follows best friends Maya and Anna as they start seventh grade in the year 2000. And the two, who are actually played by actresses in their 30s, do so many things that will make you both laugh and cry with nostalgia. From choosing the perfect AIM screen name to talking on their clear landline phones to passing notes in class, PEN15 perfectly captures what technology was like for kids in the early 2000s. Keep reading for 16 hilarious tech references in the show that you'll definitely relate to, but be prepared to miss the good old days (everything was better when TRL was still a thing).
Starting in 2021, Americans Will Need to Register in Order to Travel to Europe
Planning that spontaneous trip to Europe might become a bit more complicated in the next two years, thanks to some required extra paperwork.
Beginning in 2021, US visitors will have to go through a new online pretravel registration with the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to visit 26 European countries, including Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. While it doesn't apply to every European country, it does apply to countries in the Schengen area, which include countries that let people move between them freely and don't have internal borders. England and Ireland are not included.
The new travel procedure requires a short online application form and will cost roughly $8. The ETIAS was proposed by the European Commission in 2016, but it was officially approved last year. The application will include personal biometric questions (such as name and date of birth), passport information, and questions about the applicant's health, criminal record, and any previous European immigration history.
Once complete, the authorization is valid for three years, meaning you won't have to keep reregistering for multiple trips to Europe within that three-year time frame. Right now, Americans are allowed to travel to these countries for less than 90 days with no prior screening.
But this is also not the same thing as needing a visa, so don't worry. "The ETIAS authorization is not a visa," the European Commission said in an information sheet last Summer. "Nationals of visa liberalization countries will continue to travel the EU without a visa, but will simply be required to obtain a travel authorization via ETIAS prior to their travel. ETIAS will be a simple, fast, and visitor-friendly system, which will, in more than 95 percent of cases, result in a positive answer within a few minutes."
So, there you have it. That trip to Europe is still totally possible, just with one extra (and simple) step.
Just in Time For International Women's Day, These 102 Feminist Gifts Are Fierce, Fun, and Female
Rule-breakers, leading ladies, and fierce feminists: the women who have shaped history are nothing short of heroic. From Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to the United States Congress, to Gloria Steinem, who led full-on revolutions, the females who fought for equal laws, fair representation, and overall respect deserve more appreciation and admiration than they get. This Women's History Month, we rounded up the coolest products that highlight notable women in all ages of history. Here's to f*cking awesome females. Shop them on Etsy now!
Surprise! Prince Royce and Emeraude Toubia Are Married
After eight years together, Prince Royce and Emeraude Toubia got married in an ultrasecret ceremony in Mexico City. Details are still very much under wraps, except for the first official photo of Royce and Toubia as newlyweds that shows the "Darte un Beso" crooner embracing the "Shadowhunters" actress.
The couple shared the photo on their Instagram accounts, with Prince Royce captioning it, "We want to share this moment with all of you, especially with our fans," while Emeraude just posted a heart emoji.
The groom looked dapper in a tux, while the bride chose a delicate dress with a sweetheart neckline and a diamond tiara that made her look like the queen she is. The two have been together since August 2011, although they officially confirmed their relationship in 2016, and they got engaged in 2017 when Royce gave her a ring worth $100,000.
These Murals Dedicated to Selena Are Serious Works of Art
Selena Quintanilla passed away 24 years ago, but her legendary talent still lives today. One way people show their love for the late Queen of Tejano music is by painting murals, some of which are so beautiful that they will take your breath away the moment you see them. Check out some of these murals from around the US that show Selena's spirit and beauty - warning: after seeing these, you might want to book a trip just to take a picture in front of them.
24 Years Later, Selena's Last Performance Is Still Considered One of Her Best
Selena Quintanilla's last concert will always be remembered as one of her very best. Her last performance, just a little less than a month before her untimely death, took place on February 26, 1995, at the Houston Astrodome in Texas in front of thousands of people.
During the concert, televised live, the Tejano singer performed some of her biggest hits from her "Amor Prohibido" album and even had a medley mashup of covers, like Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive," Lipps Inc.'s "Funkytown," Donna Summer's "Last Dance," and more. The now-iconic concert also marks the first (and last) time, Selena wore the purple jumpsuit that still serves as one of her most identifying looks.
After her death, fans were able to relive Selena's last concert through Live! The Last Concert, a recording of her vocals from that night, released as an album by her family in 2001. The performance was also famously brought to life by Jennifer Lopez in the 1997 movie Selena.
Grab the tissues, and watch clips from Selena's last concert ahead - it'll get you very emotional.
15 Gorgeous Selena-Inspired Tattoos That Will Leave You Wanting One, Too
Though it's been 24 years since her untimely and tragic death, Selena Quintanilla still holds a special place in her fans' hearts. With the release of her MAC makeup collection that took the world by storm, the posthumous honor of a shiny new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and now a clothes collection in collaboration with Forever 21, Selena's legacy lives on.
And what better way to honor the Queen of Tejano than with stunning new ink? If you're looking for a little tattoo inspiration, check out these 15 real-life Selena-inspired pieces that will make you want to book an appointment with an artist, stat. Then, turn up our ultimate Selena playlist.
- Additional reporting by Celia Fernandez
Decades After Her Death, Fans Share Why They Will Always Love Selena
Selena Quintanilla tragically passed away over two decades ago, but her legacy certainly lives on as current mainstream artists cover her iconic songs and people still watch and discuss her posthumous biopic. This video is proving the late singer's lasting effect on people.
In a video produced by FBE, adults of various backgrounds were asked to watch several Selena performances and share their feelings - oftentimes through tears. At the start of the video, many of them commented on how widespread her songs became, ultimately making her a huge crossover success. On the extent of her potential, one participant said, "She could be the Mexican-American Beyoncé," while another one compared her talents to that of Michael Jackson.
Watch the heartbreaking video in its entirety above.
12 Quotes From Selena That Will Make You Fall in Love With Her Even More
Selena is everyone's icon on so many levels! The late singer was talented, of course, but also always one to give advice to fans, talking about her journey, but never forgetting her roots and staying true to herself. My favorite thing about Selena was how she never let anything stop her - she knew she had a dream and she was going to make that happen, no matter what.
It's only fitting that through the years, Selena blessed us with inspirational words we hold close to our hearts. Everyone take note because these quotes will stick with you forever!
Alessandra Ambrosio's Festival Style Proves No One Can Do Coachella Better Than She Can
Alessandra Ambrosio is known for her Coachella style. Fun fact: the former Victoria's Secret supermodel has attended the music and arts festival practically every year since 2009. Last year, Alessandra really outdid herself in the fashion department. She packed an array of Instagram-worthy ensembles.
Whether she was wearing a Western-inspired look from Dior or styling a fanny pack with a pair of colorful rainbow shorts, Alessandra definitely did not disappoint with her festival style. Read on to see each and every single outfit she wore at last year's festivities to see why we're dubbing her the queen of Coachella.
The Details of Selena's Death Are Still Haunting, Even 24 Years Later
Image Source: Everett Collection
Selena Quintanilla was taken from us too soon. The Tejano singer was only 23 years old when she died on March 31, 1995, after the president of her fan club and manager of her boutiques, Yolanda Saldívar, shot her in a hotel room at the Days Inn in Corpus Christi, TX. Twenty-four years later, Selena's true fans still mourn her untimely death.
The tragic events started with a discovery by Selena's father, Abraham Quintanilla, Jr. When fans started calling and sending letters about not receiving merchandise they had paid for, Abraham noticed Yolanda had embezzled more than $60,000 from the fan club and boutiques. Yolanda was fired, but still held some financial paperwork for the stores. That's why Selena arranged a meeting, at the Days Inn, where at 11:48 a.m. (CST), Yolanda shot Selena on the shoulder. The "Como la Flor" singer managed to escape to the lobby, before she was rushed to the hospital and was pronounced dead.
Image Source: Everett Collection
But the terrible ordeal didn't end there. Yolanda locked herself in her pick-up truck in the parking lot of the hotel with the gun for over 10 hours, finally surrendering after the long standoff with police and the FBI. She was found guilty of Selena's murder in a trial in Houston and is serving her sentence at the Mountain View Unit in Gatesville, TX. She will be eligible for parole in March of 2025.
Since Selena's murder, her cultural relevance has only grown. Her legacy has been celebrated most famously by the 1997 movie, Selena, starring Jennifer Lopez, but also with murals, illustrations, wax figures, tribute concerts, apparel, and even some impressive lip art. She remains a cultural icon among Latinx.
Becky G's Boyfriend Got Her a Mariachi, and Now I Can't Settle For Less
Image Source: Getty / Amy Graves
They say time flies when you're having fun, and that's certainly true when it comes to Becky G and her boyfriend, Sebastian Lletget. It's heartwarming to see that these two lovebirds just celebrated their third anniversary and that they seem more in love with each passing day.
To commemorate the occasion, Becky posted two never-before-seen videos on her Instagram of her and her soccer player beau spending time surrounded by family. In the first video, you can see Sebastian serenading Becky - guitarra en mano y todo - with a little help from a full mariachi band. He was feeling it so much that he even got on one knee to sing to the "LBD" songstress, sending many fans on social media into a frenzy because they thought he was about to propose.
While he hasn't proposed - yet - you can feel the love between these two. In the second video, the couple slow dance together and share endearing glances and sweet kisses, making it easy to believe that love truly exists.
"March 24th, we met. Been making unforgettable memories ever since. You make me so happy. Miss you so much and I can't wait to see you," Becky captioned the post on her anniversary day. Earlier this month, Sebastian had also shared some love on Instagram with a post celebrating Becky's birthday.
"Happy birthday to this INCREDIBLE person," he captioned a beautiful photo of the two of them. "I'm so proud of you. You've time after time, shown amazing growth in who you are and making it known what direction you are going. You take care of your family, you love unconditionally and you have a funny side that cracks me up lol! Though you can't be home for your birthday, I know you can feel all of us being right there with you. Most importantly, you should [be] proud of yourself. Love you."
Sebastian and Becky met back in 2016 when they were introduced by Becky's Power Rangers costar Naomi Scott and her husband, Jordan Spence. They have been able to make it work despite their busy schedules, proving that when love is real, nothing else matters.
Call These Snacks the Trifecta of Foods, Because They Are Low-Cal, Healthy, and Help With Weight Loss
Losing weight is never easy, especially when that midday snack time rolls around. Change up how you snack with these healthy bites that not only tackle your worst afternoon cravings but also help you keep the pounds off. With sugar and spice and everything in between, these low-cal snacks are all you need to stay full and stay satisfied. If you want to know exactly what snacks to eat to lose weight, take a look at some of the tastiest and healthiest foods we found.
Make snacking healthy again!
- Additional reporting by India Yaffe and Maggie Ryan
I Tried Drinking Beet Juice Every Day to Run a Faster Half-Marathon - This Is What Happened
Let's get the weirdness out of the way. Yes, I know drinking beet juice with the goal of running faster sounds really odd - especially when I think about it from the athlete/trainer perspective. One would typically consider following a strength-training program or a running program and more than likely incorporating speed work into a training plan in order to run faster. I included all of those things, to a certain extent, into my training plan for the 2019 New York City Half Marathon, but I also tried one more thing to help me achieve my goal of running faster than 1:58:00 - beet juice.
Why Beet Juice?
Out of all the things one could consume to improve their athletic prowess, you're probably wondering why I chose to consume beet juice. Well, to be honest, I saw it on Instagram. I know, it also makes me laugh, but hear me out. I follow a lot of knowledgeable trainers on Instagram and had seen Joe Holder, a Nike trainer, talking about how beet juice could help improve long-distance runs. I never saved his Instagram Story explaining all the details, but here's the rundown on how beet juice may help you run faster.
I've got to get scientific for a bit, so bear with me. It starts with nitric oxide, a compound that's found naturally in vegetables such as beets. According to a 2013 study in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, dietary nitrates have beneficial vascular effects like reducing blood pressure and enhancing exercise performance. The dietary nitrates are vasodilators, which means they open up, or widen, your blood vessels, resulting in greater blood flow without your body having to work harder. Just what I want when competing. According to a 2017 review in Nutrients, "Beetroot juice increases levels of nitric oxide (NO), which serves multiple functions related to increased blood flow, gas exchange, mitochondrial biogeneisis and efficiency, and strengthening of muscle contractions."
The same review also found that "supplementation with beetroot juice can improve cardiorespiratory endurance in athletes by increasing efficiency, which improves performance at various distances, increases time to exhaustion at submaximal intensities, and may improve the cardiorespiratory performance at an anaerobic threshold intensities and maximum oxygen uptake." Translation: it may make you a more efficient runner, it'll take you longer to fatigue, and it may improve your endurance, helping you run faster for longer periods of time. This means I didn't waste my money on all that beet juice.
My Beet Juice Plan of Attack
Now that we've got the science out of the way, it's time to get to the fun. Because I live in New York and I'm ballin' on a budget, I decided to consume beet juice once a day for a week leading up to race day. Instead of juicing at home, I saved myself lots of time and avoided having to clean up all the mess by going to my local bodega and ordering beet juice. Fun fact: whether you're going to a bodega or juicing at home, you'll want to incorporate other vegetables and fruits, as it takes a lot of beets to make 16 ounces of juice.
I didn't suddenly feel like I was going to crush my race or that my endurance improved dramatically. In fact, I felt the exact opposite. My motivation to train was minimal, I was tired, and three days before the race, I strained my quad and was having hip issues. "So much for running fast," I thought. I didn't drink any juice the day before the race; I read it makes some people have a tremendous urge to poop on race day, and I didn't want anything slowing me down.
The Results
Race day came, and I flew through the first six miles of the half-marathon with splits of 8:25, 7:56, 7:52, 7:49, 8:44 (damn the Manhattan Bridge), and 8:06. I was surprised every time the automated voice on the Nike Running app told me my mile time because I had never run that fast. I was somewhat nervous that I would burn out since my splits from the year prior were in the 8:35-, 8:40-, and even the 9:00-minute range. Using my sprinter experience, I knew I wanted to set the pace from the jump and just deal with it. I knew I wasn't going to be able to run negative splits on dead legs, so I went out fast. Fast-forward 13.1 miles and one hour and 53 minutes later, and I had accomplished my goal: running faster than I did the year prior.
Did the beet juice have a part to play in this? Perhaps; more research in standardized conditions needs to be done. But I'll tell you this: my training was lackluster, I maybe did one "long run" (six miles max) a week, and I focused primarily on strength training. Either way, I got more vegetables into my system during this experiment, and whether it was the beet juice that improved my time or just pure competitiveness and will, I met my goal. PS - I'm not a doctor or a registered dietitian, so definitely speak to your doctor to make sure it's OK for you to consume beet juice.
This Rap-Filled Playlist Is Just What You Need to Fuel Your Next Workout
There's something to be said for the adrenaline-inducing and confidence-building power of a good melody. Add some serious rhythm and pump-you-up lyrics, and you can bust through the toughest workout, sometimes without realizing how much time has passed. For those who are most motivated by a strong beat, we've rounded up 30 songs from rap artists past and present. That's a little more than two hours' worth of workout music, if you were wondering.
Scroll through to see our picks and find the Spotify playlist at the end. Remember, you'll need to download the free Spotify app to listen.
Halle Berry's Cardio and Sculpting Workout Is Just What You Need to Tighten All Your Muscles
It's been a while since Halle Berry shared a workout with us on Instagram, but that all changed today. For this Fitness Friday, Halle completely switched it up on us and showed us that you can do a workout with almost anything. Instead of dumbbells, Halle decided to use a tire - she and her trainer Peter found it in a junkyard - to get a heart-pumping workout.
"This week we bring out one of my favorite toys . . . the giant tire," she said in her Instagram caption. "Not only do tire workouts effectively challenge you, bringing out the badass warrior that you are, they are the perfect way to work on both physique AND cardio," she wrote. If scouring through your local junkyard doesn't sound fun, we're sure you can find a tire or two to use at your local gym.
Halle Berry's Four-Move Tire Workout
- Tire plyo jump: 20 reps
- Triceps dip and kick: 20 reps
- Jump in and over: 20 reps
- Squat and jump: 20 reps
Channel Your Inner Mother of Dragons With These Game of Thrones Workout Clothes
Game of Thrones season 8 will finally grace TV screens on April 14, and fans can feel the excitement building. The Night King and his army of White Walkers have surpassed the Wall with the help of Daenerys's captured "undead" dragon (that now breathes ice instead of fire). They're coming for Winterfell and the rest of the Seven Kingdoms, hell-bent on destroying everyone and everything in their path. Whether you're loyal to Jon Snow or have pledged your allegiance to Queen Cersei (Traitor!), prepare for the Great War in style with these Game of Thrones workout clothes.
And, when you find your perfect tank or pair of leggings, try our GoT workout with a friend.
I've Tried Every Dairy-Free Alternative on the Market, and These Products Taste the Best
I was vegan in college for a spell but then added dairy back into my diet when I was out of college and during my pregnancies. When my daughter was 4 and my son was 2, I stumbled upon the documentary Vegucated. It takes the stance that being vegan is better for the planet and kinder to animals, and after seeing some heartbreaking video footage, I felt compelled to eat more compassionately and ditch dairy on the spot (I had already been a vegetarian since I was 12).
Because I don't eat dairy, I have explored the wonderful and often disgusting world of dairy-free foods - it floors me that some of these foul-tasting options are even allowed on store shelves! I will spare you the nasty details and get right to what you want to know: what dairy-free products actually taste good?
After almost five years of being dairy-free (and experiencing all the amazing health benefits), these are the vegan alternatives I love and always keep stocked in my fridge. If you're trying to eat more plant-based or you know milk and cheese make you bloated, you won't miss the dairy with these products.
I Do an Ab Workout Almost Every Day, but It Has Nothing to Do With Belly Fat
Like so many other people, I started doing ab workouts with the innocent, uninformed hope that it would burn off my belly fat. I have since learned that ab workouts can burn calories and build muscle, but they won't spot-reduce fat because that is, sadly, not possible. (If losing fat is your goal, though, here are 23 ways to actually make it happen.)
I didn't know that back then, and in any case, I played sports and still had a teenage metabolism. I was healthy and fit; there was no need for me to lose belly fat in the first place. But since my stomach wasn't absolutely flat, like I decided it had to be, I started implementing a one-ab-workout-per-day program that would, presumably, carve a perfectly toned core.
Over the years, research and my own experience confirmed that just doing ab workouts wasn't going to give me the perfect midsection. Still, I'd gotten into a habit of doing 10-minute ab workouts almost every day, after sports games and runs. It wasn't necessarily changing the shape or look of my torso - maybe because I was doing the same random, six-move circuit that a friend learned at her junior lifeguards Summer camp - but eventually I realized that I liked the feeling of just working my abs. For almost a year after graduation, running was the only workout I did, and completing an ab circuit before or afterward gave me a full-body workout feeling that I realized I really loved.
Doing ab exercises six days a week, plus implementing other workouts like high-intensity interval training (HIIT), strength training with dumbbells, and swimming alongside my runs, did eventually give me a more defined core. (Although there's no need to do ab workouts so often; experts say three to four times a week is fine.) At this point, seven years after I first started working out my abs, I know that other things are more important if losing belly fat and getting a toned core are your goals - diet, in particular. But even though I'm not using it specifically to target belly fat, I still love doing core workouts. They're valuable for other reasons, even if they won't get you a perfectly flat stomach on their own.
Lay a Foundation For Other Workouts
How many times in the last few years have I been told to "engage my core"? The favorite mantra of every trainer and class instructor is actually a great piece of advice for seriously almost any workout. Having a strong core helps you with key movements both in workouts and in everyday life: walking, twisting, picking up objects. Once you start engaging your abs in every workout, you'll feel the difference - stronger and more stable.
Wake Up Your Whole Body - and Mind
Finishing a core workout, even if it's just five or 10 minutes long, just makes you feel good: fatigued and sore in a good way, and also mentally and physically energized. Sometimes I've sat down to do my bodyweight core workout, really not feeling in the mood for exercise, but by the time I've finished, I'm motivated enough to add in a few butt, leg, or arm moves. And if you sometimes wake up feeling bloated, like I do, doing a few quick ab moves can make you feel tighter and more comfortable for the rest of the day.
Back when I just wanted a perfectly flat stomach, before I even realized that I wanted to build muscle, simple bodyweight ab workouts made me feel stronger and helped me realize that I really liked that feeling.
Prevent Injuries and Back Pain
Following ab workout YouTube videos was the first time I heard how important it is to pull your navel to your spine during core work, especially when you're lying flat on the floor; it makes you work your core harder, for one thing, but also prevents unnecessary back strain. Whenever I feel soreness in my back following a workout, I know my abs weren't engaged, and I make a point to pull them in tighter and spend more time activating them during my next workout. Plus, a strong core improves your posture, which is also important for preventing injury. It's all connected, and a strong core is where it starts.
My Favorite Ab Workouts
If I'm doing a HIIT or dumbbell circuit, I do these core activation exercises to get my core warm and engaged. If I'm preparing for a run or just want to get moving on a rest day, though, I have a few favorite 10-minute ab workouts, all of which are on YouTube. Click ahead to try them out for yourself, and remember that even though ab workouts won't automatically get you a flat stomach, when it comes to feeling strong and centered, they're a pretty solid choice.
Dinner Will Never Be the Same After You've Tried This Bestselling, Low-Carb Pasta
I love pasta. I could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But when I'm trying to watch my carbohydrate intake, Italian dinners are some of the first to go. If you've been on Instagram lately, you've likely seen fitness influencers post gorgeous pasta pics; they're downright mouthwatering. While the sauces are scrumptious, I was curious about the actual pasta being used, and it turns out, it's not traditional noodles at all. Palmini ($7) is a pasta alternative made of hearts of palm, and it gained recognition on Shark Tank. Available on Amazon, there's only four ingredients in Palmini: water, salt, hearts of palm, and fumaric acid. Plus, it's only got 20 calories and four grams of carbs per serving; no wonder it's a bestseller.
There are two ways to cook Palmini; some people like it simply drained in water, while others like to soak it in milk. This is a personal preference, and while I personally prefer it drained, it is up to you to decide what speaks to your taste buds. The best part of this pasta is that it doesn't taste rubbery, and it's a perfect vehicle for sauces. Whether you love cacio e pepe, pesto, vodka sauce, or even pad thai, now you can make them all and still live a healthy, low-carb lifestyle. Now the only question is, which one are you whipping up first?
Get Your Strongest Core Ever by Adding These Ab-Strengthening Exercises Into Your Routine
I hate to break it to you, but you probably haven't been strengthening your abdominal muscles to the best of your ability. Exercises like planks and mountain climbers are great, but guess what? They're only working your anterior abdominal muscles, aka the muscles on the front of your body. An example of an anterior abdominal muscle is your rectus abdominis, commonly referred to as the six-pack, which is worked with exercises like crunches.
It's OK to strengthen those muscles, but every great workout and training program needs to be balanced. So how do you balance out the abdominal exercises you do? By strengthening every part of your core.
To do that, you need to improve your lateral stability with exercises that prevent you from falling over, like a farmer's carry. You'll also need to work on your anterior stability with exercises that prevent you from arching your spine, like elbow planks and seated knee tucks. Focusing on rotational stability by doing exercises like chops, Russian twists, and rotational ball slams is also important. Finally, you'll need to work on your posterior stability by doing exercises that prevent you from rounding your back, like deadlifts and the bird dog.
Nope, we don't expect you to memorize all of these exercises and how they strengthen your core, but you should remember to include a variety of ab exercises into your workouts in order to strengthen every part of your core. Instead of overwhelming you with every core-stabilizing exercise possible, we've rounded up some of the best exercises that will strengthen your posterior core and your posterior chain (remember, these are the muscles on the back side of your body).
Whatever you do, don't do all these moves together as one workout. Instead, begin to incorporate one to three moves into your strength programs. Don't forget to balance them out with the other core-stability exercises mentioned above. Check out the posterior core exercises ahead and start strengthening your abs with this four-week program.
Vegan Condoms: Because Contraceptives Can Also Be Animal-Free
If you're vegan or allergic to dairy, you're probably familiar with animal-free products whether that's makeup, snacks, or face creams. Many people I've talked to, some vegans themselves, didn't know that vegan condoms existed, let alone that condoms may not be vegan in the first place. Lambskin condoms, as the name suggests, are made from lamb intestinal membrane. And, as it turns out, latex condoms are commonly processed with the milk protein casein. Let's learn some more!
Are Vegan Condoms Effective?
Tristan Bickman, a board-certified ob-gyn affiliated with St. John's Health Center and UCLA Medical Center, told POPSUGAR that lambskin condoms are not as effective in preventing transmission of STIs as other nonvegan or vegan condoms because of the "porous material." They're actually not recommended by the CDC because, according to the agency, they can help prevent pregnancy but may not effectively provide protection against STIs, including HIV; instead, the CDC recommends using latex or polyurethane condoms.
Dr. Bickman said that vegan, like nonvegan, condoms have a two percent failure rate if used perfectly. In other words, they are 98 percent effective in pregnancy prevention, she explained. (Note: again, that's if they're used perfectly every time. The CDC states that, realistically, the failure rate of male condoms as a contraceptive is 13 percent.)
"The casein protein in the latex of nonvegan condoms makes them softer and more pliable than vegan condoms," Dr. Bickman said. But that's not to say vegan condoms aren't lubricated (they are!). Some vegan brands are also free of nitrosamines, chemical compounds found to be carcinogenic (aka, potentially causing cancer) that can form during the production of latex. In this case, these condoms are safer for a woman's vagina and body in general, Dr. Bickman added. It's important to note, though, that studies have found a low risk of developing tumors from nitrosamines in condoms.
Vegan Condom Brands
LOLA, an organic period and sexual health brand, sells vegan condoms that are made with natural rubber latex and 100 percent locally sourced lubricant. When Alex Friedman and her fellow cofounder Jordana Kier were developing their Sex by LOLA line, they wanted to design a product with "women's needs and bodies in mind," Alex told POPSUGAR. Their condoms are not only vegan but free of parabens and synthetic colorants and flavors as well.
Dr. Bickman recommended vegan condom brands Glyde and Sustain. Ahead, check out these brands and others on the market. And, an added bonus: we've included one brand that's also latex-free. All are manufactured according to FDA or other global government health agency standards.
Note: Popular vegan condom brands Durex and Sir Richard's appear to be out of stock on trusted retail websites. You can check out PETA's database for more animal-friendly companies.
Simone Biles Tells Priyanka Chopra About Her Depression: "I Was Sleeping All the Time"
Simone Biles is arguably the greatest female gymnast the world has ever seen. In the past year, she's opened up about her anxiety and her journey coming to terms with being one of the 150-plus women who accused former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State doctor Larry Nassar of sexual abuse. Now, in Priyanka Chopra's new YouTube Originals special If I Could Tell You Just One Thing, the Olympian and four-time all around World Gymnastics Champion speaks out about her experience with depression.
Priyanka interviews Simone first in this special that debuted on March 27 (Priyanka also speaks to entertainer Awkwafina and designer Diane von Furstenberg). Simone said that, when it comes to handling the immense amount of pressure put on her, therapy is her main coping mechanism. "Even at the Olympics, people wanted me to win six golds," she told Priyanka (for the record, she won four gold medals and one bronze at Rio 2016 and made US history by doing so). The pressure to be perfect was and still is a lot to handle, Simone said, but "therapy is everything."
"I feel like nowadays, if you say you're going to therapy, nobody questions it anymore," Simone continued, adding that even though society used to be a lot less accepting of it, therapy "needs to be more normalized." She told Priyanka, "I'm still going through things in everyday life that I still need to go to therapy for," explaining that "it all comes back to my childhood and everything that's happened to me being sexually abused." Simone said at first she denied having gone through the abuse and "buried it" instead.
"I was very depressed, I never left my room, I was sleeping all the time. I told one of my lawyers, 'I sleep all the time because it's the closest thing to death,'" she revealed. After friends of Simone came out with their own allegations against the ex-doctor, she went to her parents and, eventually, the public. "I feel like I'm a stronger woman today, and I feel like telling my story has helped younger girls." Watch the full inspiring special above; Simone's interview starts around the four-minute mark.
This RD and Nationally Ranked CrossFitter Can't Get Enough of This Food - Here's Why
If there's one food group we can all stand to eat a little more of, it's . . . well, you can probably guess: vegetables. According to registered dietitian Michele Fumagalli, LDN, of the Northwestern Running Clinic, vegetables are key no matter what your health goals are: losing weight, maintaining weight, building muscle, or just feeling better. And as a nationally ranked CrossFitter, she says they're one of her biggest food priorities throughout the day.
"I eat veggies as much as I can," Michele told POPSUGAR. Apart from breakfast, she tries to eat them at every meal, and in high portions as well. "If we could aim for half of our plate to be vegetables at lunch and dinner, we're setting ourselves up for success," she said. It's a little harder to eat them at breakfast, Michele acknowledged, since you might not have time to cook an egg and veggie scramble or blend up a spinach smoothie. "If you do get your vegetables in at breakfast, it's a win," Michele said. "But if you don't, then let's do them in a snack instead." Not feeling carrot sticks and celery? Here are some fresh veggie snack ideas to get you started. Or take a page out of Michele's book: "I eat red peppers like apples," she told POPSUGAR. "I have one in my bag right now!"
However you do it, getting more vegetables is key for a healthier diet. Besides being high in nutrients like fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C, they're also naturally low in calories - a big help if you're trying to lose weight. Here are 10 ways you can eat more of them and start shedding pounds right now.
Michele isn't 100 percent veggies, 100 percent of the time, though, and doesn't think you need to be either; "I eat burgers, too, because I enjoy them," she said. Taking care of your body isn't about depriving yourself, she added. "When you love your body, you fuel it properly. But you also love yourself enough to say, 'I love this food and I'm going to enjoy it.' Food is there for enjoyment as well."
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