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.
mardi 5 mai 2015
The Treadmill Workout For People Who Think They Hate Running
I should like running. I'm an active, health-conscious, and motivated fitness editor, but I've been plagued by side stitches and a general disdain of the activity since my elementary-school days.
I've continued to hit the treadmill, because I know it blasts a ton of calories quickly, but I've never truly enjoyed running . . . until recently. I reached out to countless colleagues and friends about what makes running work for them, and I finally hopped on the treadmill after a long hiatus with one piece of advice in mind: "the first mile always sucks." If you can get past that first mile with the right tunes, you, too, can learn to love (OK, like) running, and this is the music-powered workout that will help you get there.
This workout keeps the incline steady at 1.0 but mixes up the pace with each new song on the soundtrack; just when you think you're fading, a new song plays that will completely reinvigorate you. Yes, this workout will be challenging, but in just 30 minutes, you burn over 350 calories and run over three miles! Take quick five- to 10-second breaks if you need to catch your breath during a song, but keep on going until the Spotify playlist cuts out. I can't begin to tell you how accomplished you'll feel.
Click here for an image-free printable to keep this workout on hand.
| Song | Speed |
|---|---|
| "Psycho" - Rozzi Crane | 4.5-4.8 (Warmup) |
| "Flower" - Moby | 5.2 |
| "Never Say Never" - Basement Jaxx | 5.5 |
| "Let the Beat Build" - Lil Wayne | 5.0 |
| "Something Good Can Work" - Two Door Cinema Club | 6.0 |
| "Do It Again" - Röyksopp, Robyn | 5.0 |
| "Heavy Crown" - Iggy Azalea, Ellie Goulding | 5.2 |
| "Crescendolls" - Daft Punk | 6.0 |
| "7/11" - Beyoncé | 3.5-3.8 (Cooldown) |
If this mix doesn't suit your musical tastes, check out all our workout playlists here.
Remember: you will need to download the free Spotify software or app to listen to our playlists.
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Lauren's Before and After Story Is About More Than Weight Loss
Healthy living is more than a diet - it's a lifestyle, and Lauren Shaber knows this all too well. After years of failed diets, Lauren realized that the road to happiness wasn't about meeting a number on the scale. She shares her journey from junk-food-lover to green-juicing triathlete on her blog, Lauren Lives Healthy, which is part of our POPSUGAR Select Fitness network. Read on for her inspiring lifestyle makeover and weight-loss story below!
Lauren: Before
Each and every person has their own story, especially when it comes to health and fitness. Mine isn't unlike many; I grew up in a smallish town with a loving family, playing sports and eating delicious food. Over the years, I've had ups and downs like anyone else, which is why I call it a journey. Health-related, I've tried numerous diets and wellness programs, fitness regimens, and changed my sleep habits, and have learned so much. Now I realize that diets don't work, sleep is important, and working out in moderation matters. I want to share my journey with you so hopefully you, too, can realize that it is possible to change your habits and live a healthy lifestyle (with small changes!).
I think my whole journey started when I was young, before I ever knew I was interested in health and fitness. I didn't know it at the time, but I was super unhealthy. My favorite foods were boxed macaroni and cheese with hotdogs, McDonald's chicken nuggets, or anything fried - french fries, mozzarella sticks, calamari, you name it. Oh, and you can't forget burgers, bagel dogs, and hollandaise or ranch on everything. When I wanted something, I ate it. We celebrated every birthday or holiday with food, went out for dinner nearly every night, and stopped at fast-food restaurants on a regular basis. My friends and I went to Jack and the Box or Taco Bell nearly every day my senior year of high school and didn't think anything of it. I remember going grocery shopping with my mom and we wouldn't think of buying wheat bread; our family loved Wonder Bread, so we would stock up on that, Sweet Hawaiian rolls, and pre-made entrees. I was "lucky" in the sense that I hated desserts. No matter where we were, if I got dessert, it would be fruit. Fruit, any kind, has always been one of my favorite foods.
Lauren: Before
I started making healthier recipes [in college], but would go for unhealthy take-out from my favorite spots one or two meals later. I'm pretty sure I lived off clam chowder bread bowls, flatbread pizza, chicken strips and fries, sushi, light beer, and cheap wine for the next three years. I remember a few times where people invited me out for dinner and, even though I had just eaten, I went with them anyways and got a full meal. Inside, I felt ashamed, but I wanted to please other people. I rarely turned down a night out on the town, a house party with friends, or drinks at the local bar. I started working out here and there, even working out with a trainer for a few weeks, but quickly realized that my heart wasn't fully into it.
I graduated early with a job offer set to start four months later. I told my parents I wanted to travel, so I booked a month-long solo trip around Europe. I brought it down to two weeks, starting in Amsterdam, meandering through Belgium and France and on to London and Scotland, where I would later meet up with my mom and aunt. I fell in love with traveling, even more so that I had before. It was so freeing to walk around in a city for hours on end, get completely lost and walk it out until I found my way back. I met tons and tons of people who I'm sure I would have never met otherwise. I got to connect with my roots in Scotland, which is where my dad was born. I was able to explore Paris, one of the cities I had been dying to visit for 10 years. It was perfect.
About two weeks after returning, I hopped on a plane to LA where I later joined a group of about 40 peers, and we all headed to Israel together. In two weeks, we explored the country, learned some Hebrew, and hung out with the locals. I loved swimming in the Mediterranean, hiking Masada and exploring some of the world's ancient cities. Of course, I fell in love with the cuisine more than anything. I was lucky to be a part of a trip designed to be more active than others, because it made me realize how much I loved being outdoors. It was great . . . until I got home and saw the pictures from the trip. In looking at pictures from those two trips, I felt so unhappy with myself. I started to focus more on the way I looked than the fun experiences I had. That's definitely not how I wanted to live.
Lauren: After
After going back to San Luis Obispo to walk in graduation, I moved up to San Jose. I arrived a month before my job was set to start to get used to the area. Something clicked during the move and my mind-set completely changed. I wanted to get in shape and lose weight for me - not for a boyfriend, or for the bullies, or to fit in a piece of clothing I loved. About eight months before this, I had found Tone It Up on social media somewhere. I bought their plan in November 2012 but never really committed to it, until that day in June 2013. I took my before pictures on July 1, 2013, and made it a point to get the body that I wanted. When I moved, the first thing I did was go to the grocery store where I bought ingredients for Tone It Up-approved meals. I planned my meals every week, meal prepped on Sundays, cooked on a regular basis, and worked out almost every day. I reached out in the Tone It Up community and ended up meeting a girl who also lived in San Jose, who has since become one of my closest friends. She introduced me to boxing and I found my place. I started going to the gym about 4x per week and put my heart and soul into punching the bag. I worked out with a trainer to get the basics down and enjoyed being able to walk out 100x sweatier than when I walked in.
That month, I lost 15 pounds and felt amazing. I started checking in regularly on Instagram, where I met other women who were trying to better themselves in a healthy way. I committed to, trained for and completed my first triathlon, which soon turned into a 5k, then 10k, followed by a 15k and finally a half marathon. I felt like I wasn't being seen as someone who needed to be bullied anymore because I believed I was becoming someone who I wanted to be.
Lauren: After
It was working. Over the past year, I've been the happiest I've ever been, I'm sure in part to me changing how I think. I've met friends around the world, started dating my amazing boyfriend, got involved at work, lost weight, and started to love myself in the process. I'm a firm believer that health and fitness is a journey to better yourself, hopefully to even love yourself one day. I'm not sure there's ever an endpoint, but I know that I'm excited to continue on this path and learn more about who I am and what I love.
I don't rely on the scale anymore to dictate my start and end points. I used to think, "when I hit ___ pounds," that's when it's all going be worth it. In reality, I was wrong. It's about how you feel, 100 percent. It shouldn't be about a number on a scale by any means. Whether you're 300 pounds or 130, a size 0 or 12 - it's possible to be happy. Your weight should not define you.
I've happened to lose weight on my journey because my body has more fat on it than it needed. To date (January 2015), I've lost over 25 pounds and am happier than I've ever been. I can assure you that it isn't the weight loss that changed my outlook; it's the fact that I started taking care of myself and listening to what my body wanted and what made me happy. Instead of finding me at the nearest bar or take-out restaurant like you would have two years ago, you'll see me at my local farmers markets, out on a training run, or in the kitchen because those are the things that make me feel most like myself now.
Lauren: After
I'm continuing on this health journey to not only better myself, but to help others along the way too. I'm in the process of becoming a certified nutrition coach so I can eventually teach others the benefits of nourishing their body the right way. I'd like to see others change their life, the same way I've changed mine.
It's crazy how someone can change so drastically thanks to health and fitness. Who would have thought I'd be considering training for an IRONMAN 70.3 (long-distance triathlon)?! Not me. I have different priorities, look at myself in the mirror differently, and surround myself with those who support me. I can honestly say that finding and creating this lifestyle has made me a better person.
Check out more about Lauren's journey on her blog, Lauren Lives Healthy.
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These Stars Are Sweating It Out in Preparation For the Met Gala
The Met Gala (aka the Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art) is one of the biggest nights for the most fashion-forward actresses, models, designers, and more, and stars are preparing for the evening with workouts and clean eats. Check out how some of the A-listers are keeping their bodies and minds healthy before hitting the red carpet!
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20 Healthy Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo
Looking to lighten things up a little for your upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebrations? The fun and festive holiday is on its way, but all the food can get a little overwhelming. If you're planning a big bash or you want healthier versions of calorie-laden favorites, tempt your taste buds with these 20 recipes.
Sources: POPSUGAR Photography / Lizzie Fuhr, Dashing Dish, and Gen Y Foodie
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The Number 1 Morning Exercise Mistake Preventing Weight Loss
Skipping breakfast to save calories? The idea seems logical - the less you eat, the faster you'll lose weight. But it's not as simple as that.
There are recent studies that show working out on an empty stomach offers benefits. It can increase insulin sensitivity, which makes it easier to lose fat, and can also increase the growth hormone, which helps build muscle tissue. Running on empty can also make your body more efficient at using up its energy stores, and helps your body absorb the carbs and protein you eat after a workout instead of being stored on your butt.
But other studies show that doing fasted workouts can impair performance. Since you have no fuel in your body, you won't have the energy to exercise as long or as intensely as you would if you had eaten, which can translate to less overall calories burned. You won't lose any weight if you bonk out of a workout within five minutes of starting it.
It's good to remember that everyone is different, and the best thing you can do is check in with your body during morning workouts. You might find that you are more than fine going for a run in the morning without grabbing a bite to eat first. But if you can't push yourself as hard, your energy levels start to wane halfway through your workout, or you feel insanely tired afterward, that's your cue to have a small snack before heading out. Choose one that focuses on simple carbs rather than protein to offer your body fuel.
An hour before a workout, eat around 45 grams of carbs with a small amount of protein:
- Half a slice of whole wheat bread with one tablespoon crunchy peanut butter
- Some crackers with an ounce of cheese
- Quarter cup of sliced grapes mixed into half a cup of cottage cheese
- Fruit smoothie made with soy milk
- Quarter cup of blueberries mixed with half a cup of yogurt
If you have less time, 15 to 30 minutes before your workout, eat about 25 grams of carbs:
- Small banana
- A few crackers
- Handful of raisins
- Applesauce
If you skip out on a snack altogether, be sure to at least hydrate with some water.
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lundi 4 mai 2015
Key Core Moves For a Faster 5K
If you want to run faster, the key might not be upping your speedwork and mileage. The answer might just be strengthening your core. Keeping your torso stable while your legs power you forward makes your running more efficient. And the efficiency leads to speed. Here are some effective core exercises to add to your training program.
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Make These 3 Changes to Increase Calorie Burn
Exercise is essential when it comes to dropping pounds. So if you're eager to lose the weight, then here are three everyday changes that will help increase your calorie burn.
Hello Sunshine
Moving workouts to early mornings may mean cursing your alarm clock, but here's the big payoff: morning exercisers burn more calories. And now that the sun rises earlier, it'll be easier to pull yourself out of bed than it was in the Winter. Research shows that people who exercise in the a.m. work harder and for longer periods of time, which may be because they're more alert and energetic and they don't feel as rushed as afternoon or evening exercisers. Getting into a morning routine will also help you stick with it, which will help even more with your weight-loss journey.
Get Speedy
When it comes to cardio, running will help you lose more weight than walking since it burns more calories, but if you increase your speed just a little, then you'll burn even more. And don't stick to a consistent pace the entire workout. Adding sprinting intervals is an effective way to increase your calorie burn and has also been proven to reduce belly fat. Also be sure to swing those arms as you move, and you'll burn 15 percent more calories.
Strength Train in the Ladies' Room
Muscle burns more calories than fat does, so the more muscle mass you have, the better it is for weight loss. Don't just hit the weight room at the gym. Include strength-training moves throughout your day, such as push-ups on the bathroom counter and this two-minute butt and thigh workout while brushing your teeth. You can also work your body by carrying a basket instead of pushing a cart, using the stairs whenever possible, and sitting on an exercise ball instead of a chair.
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Even After 10 Years of Running, the First 10 Minutes Still Suck
Throughout high school, I was tasked with having to take a mile test - at the beginning and end of each year. The goal was to ramp up your running speed. And guess what? I cheated. While I'm not proud that I lied to my gym teacher Mr. Facet - I said I was on my last lap when it was really my second - there was no way in hell he was going to get me to run it. My strong hatred for running continued through college until I gained so much weight eating crap, I had to do something about it. A dear friend who was sensitive to my struggle casually suggested I do a little cardio to burn calories. You mean run?! Ugh. I hated the idea of pounding the pavement, but I hated how I felt in my unhealthy body even more.
So I sucked it up, picked up a pair of New Balance sneakers from Marshalls, stuffed my Double Ds (that used to be Cs) into two sports bras, stepped out my front door, and ran around the block. And those 10 minutes were so brutal. My legs hurt, my back ached, and I was breathing so heavily, I thought my lungs would explode. I envisioned the local news team posting a pic of me with the headline, "Girl Takes Casual Run, Dies Sad Death."
I thought, "How the hell do people run marathons?" It must get better. So I stuck with it and was amazed at how quickly my endurance built up. After a couple weeks, I could confidently jog around the block - without stopping! Yes! I, the running-hater was actually running, and although I was in no way loving it, I could now call myself a running-tolerator. There was a huge sense of pride being able to say I ran for 10 minutes straight without dying. My body felt stronger, and more importantly at the time, it looked slimmer.
My lofty goal was to run for 30 minutes straight - without stopping and without pain. After a few months it happened. I went from running-tolerator to - gasp - running-lover! What worked for me was that I took it very slow (I could have probably walked briskly at the same pace), and took each day as it was. Some mornings, I'd run three times around the block without stopping, and other times getting around once was a huge feat.
I've been running on and off now for 10 years, and even at this point - training for my first half-marathon - those first 10 minutes are still the worst. My body just rebels with shin pain, sore feet, tight hamstrings, and a foggy brain. And it's not just me. Every runner I talk to agrees, and some say it takes them up to three miles to warm up and feel good on a run. But once you hit that moment, where your muscles feel strong and open, you feel light on your feet, and your energy's high, you feel so happy, free, and alive, like you can keep going and going; that moment makes those first 10 godawful minutes so incredibly worth it.
If you've always hated running, it doesn't have to be that way! Start off slow like I did, and just breathe through those first 10 minutes. Make sure you don't skip out on the warmup, know how to fuel yourself for a run, know what to eat afterward (I'm so into this hydrating watermelon smoothie right now), and remember how to stretch to prevent soreness and injuries.
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How to Make Your Own Detox Water
When you're trying to get your health back on track, there are many ways to detox your way to feeling better. The best way to flush out toxins, however, is simple: lots and lots of water. But you don't have to drink it plain; you can add a little flavor as well with these delicious (and detoxifying) additions. Add all of these to a large pitcher or bottle full of ice and water and drink throughout the next day for an effective way to detox! It helps to let these pieces soak overnight in your fridge to let the flavors meld.
- Lemon: Lemon water makes for a powerful detox drink; lemon juice helps to cleanse and alkalize the body. Add one thinly sliced lemon to a large pitcher, or squeeze fresh lemon juice into your glass.
- Mint: Mint adds a touch of sweetness without the sugar to your water, and it also helps settle your stomach and aids in digestion as well.
- Cucumber: Cucumber water isn't just for spas. Adding a few slices of cucumber to your water makes for excellent rehydration, and cucumber also contains anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ginger: The spicy root helps cleanse out your system, aids in digestion, and settles your stomach. A little goes a long way, so start with a few thin slices or grate a tiny piece into your water and taste before adding more as necessary.
To make one serving of detox water, add three to five slices of cucumber, half a lemon, and a few sprigs of mint leaves to 24 ounces of ice-cold water. You can also add sliced peeled ginger (about a one-inch piece of ginger root, or to taste) for a spicy kick.
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What "Runger" Is and, More Importantly, How to Prevent It
- How to prevent "runger" - Shape
- 7 healthy reasons to drink green tea every day - Real Simple
- Boost the nutrition in baked goods with these healthy swaps - Cooking Light
- Kristen Bell is over the baby-weight discussion - Women's Health
- Hilarious GIFs illustrating your thoughts on early a.m. workouts - Fitness
- Expert-approved tricks to beat cravings - Health
- How Carrie Underwood uses a deck of cards to work out - Self
- Delicious Spring-inspired recipe: fava bean and kumquat salad - POPSUGAR Food
- Why it could be good to exercise on an empty stomach - Greatist
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43 Fat-Blasting Moves For Those Who Hate to Run
Exercising hard enough to raise your heartbeat will burn major calories, but not everyone loves to run. Luckily, there are many ways to hit your cardio goals that don't involve miles. These 43 cardio moves will help burn fat and build muscle, no running required. Find your new favorite ways to cardio here.
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Feel-Good, Feel-Strong Yoga
After a long day, you deserve 30 minutes all to yourself. As part of our Better-Body Challenge, we've enlisted yogi Mandy Ingber to help get you long and lean. Much like what you'll find in both Mandy's Yogalosophy DVD and her book Yogalosophy: 28 Days to the Ultimate Mind-Body Makeover, this sequence is designed to calm the mind while toning the body. And Mandy's got bikinis on the brain, so this video will work all those areas bared in summertime fashions.
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Is Yerba Mate the New "It" Superfood?
If you've heard the buzz around yerba mate tea but aren't sure what it's all about, Shape is here to tell you! Here's why this South American tea might be the new "It" superfood.
Move over, kale, blueberries, and salmon: there's a new superfood on the health scene. Yerba mate tea is coming in hot (literally).
Native to the subtropics of South America, yerba mate has been an integral part of diet and culture in that part of the world for hundreds of years. In fact, people in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and southern Brazil consume yerba mate just as much as coffee, if not more. "Many people in South America consume yerba mate on a daily basis," says Elvira de Mejia, PhD, a professor in the department of food science and human nutrition at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Packed with 24 vitamins and minerals - including vitamin A, B, C, and E, as well as calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc - amino acids, and antioxidants, yerba mate is a nutritional powerhouse. This near-magical combination of nutrients means mate packs a big punch. "It can help to increase endurance, aid in digestion, ease the signs of aging, eliminate stress, and relieve insomnia," says de Mejia.
Evidence even shows that mate contributes to weight loss and weight maintenance, according to a study published in the Journal of Food Science. This impact on metabolism has given it growing popularity among US athletes in the past few years, including avid users such as US ski racer Laurenne Ross.
But the superfood qualities of yerba mate don't stop there. Mate is also stimulating - a combo that sets it apart from the likes of coffee and green tea. And while it has a nearly equal caffeine content as coffee, its benefits go far beyond a quick energy boost. Hailed as a brain food, this tea increases attention, focus, and concentration, but doesn't leave you feeling jittery or anxious after a cup or two. (Add it to our list of 7 Brain Foods to Eat Every Day!)
Traditionally, yerba mate leaves are served communally in a mate gourd. Mate purists believe that this method allows the person drinking it to effectively receive the healing properties of the leaves, and symbolizes the strength of community. Recent years have brought the commercialization of the yerba, creating versions of the tea that the average person can drink on the go. Companies such as Guayaki, one of the first to bring yerba mate to the United States and whose products are sold in Whole Foods stores throughout the country, now offers the tea in a variety of forms and flavors - glass bottles and cans, sparkling versions, and even mate shots (similar to a 5-Hour Energy drink). The company works with local farmers in yerba mate hot spots across Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay to ensure that consumers are getting the real stuff.
But be warned: yerba mate on its own might not be the tastiest thing you've ever tried to guzzle down for the sake of the health benefits - the distinct flavor has even been said to taste a little grassy. "For maximum health effects, you should buy the leaves and brew them strong in a French press or coffee maker," says David Karr, cofounder of Guayaki. "But if you can't handle the taste of the yerba on its own, make a mate latte by adding a little sugar and some almond milk or soy milk." If buying the leaves feels like a little much, head to the organic section to find prepacked tea bags or flavored single-serving options.
Yerba mate really could be the mightiest of superfoods - bringing you the strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the euphoria of chocolate, all in one mighty punch. So, really, the only question you should have left is why haven't you tried it yet? (Reap the benefits of The New Wave of Superfoods.)
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Ready For a Recipe Refresh? 7 Creative Ways With Watermelon
There's nothing sweeter than snacking on a juicy slice of watermelon. But you might not realize that this is a very healthy habit. Watermelon is 92 percent water and rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and lycopene, an antioxidant that supports a healthy heart and bones. Go beyond the bowl of cubed pink melon and enjoy inventive recipes for a delicious change of pace.
Spicy Watermelon Gazpacho
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lizzie Fuhr Sweet and spicy, this watermelon gazpacho soup blends a healthy array of hydrating produce with herbs and the right hit of heat.
Watermelon Caprese Salad
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry Give your standard tomato and mozzarella caprese a hydrating makeover with this inventive watermelon caprese salad. You'll be surprised what a natural flavor fit cubed watermelon is in this Summer favorite.Strawberry-Watermelon Hydrating Smoothie
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar After a hot and sweaty workout, refresh and recover with this strawberry-watermelon smoothie. It's only 145 calories for one tall decadent-tasting glass.No-Bake Watermelon Cake
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts Certain occasions call for a festive cake, but on a hot day, this crowd-pleasing no-bake watermelon cake hits the spot. Each sweet slice is lower in calories than traditional cake - it's a highly hydrating treat.Watermelon, Radish, and Avocado Tacos
Source: POPSUGAR Studios Haylie Duff stopped by POPSUGAR Food to spread the good word about her vegan-friendly watermelon taco recipe. Paired with crunchy radish and creamy avocado, these watermelon tacos are a light and refreshing take on classic Mexican fare.Watermelon-Cucumber Cooler
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry Perfect for hot days, this hydrating, cold-pressed watermelon juice is a healthy hack of one of our favorite OnJuice offerings. Even better, it helps banish belly bloat.
Watermelon Granita
Source: Flickr user Mari Liis For a sweet ending to a Summer meal, enjoy a scoop of icy watermelon granita that doesn't require a fancy kitchen appliance or ice cream maker. We like to think of this dessert as a grown-up snow cone.Source POPSUGAR Fitness http://ift.tt/1PhvAjv
The Perfect 5K Playlist For a 12-Minute Mile
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kat Borchart
Running a 5K anytime soon? Let this upbeat playlist serve as the soundtrack to your race. Every song in this mix is the perfect speed for your needs, so if you run a 12-minute mile, you won't need to shuffle through your iPod or switch tracks in the middle of your run. Subscribe to the Spotify playlist, then keep reading for the full list of fun tunes.
- "Let It Roll" - Flo Rida
- "Señorita" - Justin Timberlake
- "Turn Up the Music" - Chris Brown
- "Pumped Up Kicks" - Foster the People
- "My Body" - Young the Giant
- "Meet Me Halfway" - The Black Eyed Peas
- "I See You Baby" - Groove Armada
- "Part of Me" - Katy Perry
- "Love Is All I Got" - Feed Me and Crystal Fighters
- "Without You" - David Guetta featuring Usher
Remember, you will need to download the free Spotify software or app to listen to our playlists.
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22 GIFs That Perfectly Explain the Ups and Downs of Dieting
It's that time of year again . . . you're feeling inspired to change your eating habits and get in your best shape ever - Summer 2015, let's do this! A diet lifestyle change definitely has its ups and downs, and from the moment it starts, it's an emotional roller coaster.
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dimanche 3 mai 2015
Why You Don't Have to Be a Dancer to Love Zumba
Source: Thinkstock
Certain dance or hip-hop classes might seem intimidating, but Zumba attempts to alleviate any trepidations. If you've wanted to try a dance class but feel like you have two left feet, Zumba is a great intro into the world of dance cardio - you sweat, let loose, and cheer while burning a ton of calories.
The choreography isn't (too) complicated.
Source: Fox Most dance workout classes take the traditional add-on choreography approach, but Zumba is different. If there's a tune you're not loving or a move you just can't seem master, that section of the class will be over in a few minutes. You start all over again with a new song and a brand-new set of steps. The constant change keeps things feeling new and exciting, and there's always a chance to start fresh.You'll build coordination.
Source: Universal Pictures Past dance classes may have left you feeling defeated at your lack of innate dancing skills, but at the start of Zumba, you'll often hear instructors yelling "just keep moving!" As long as you're continuing to move, you're doing the workout right. In Zumba, there's no emphasis placed on who has the best grasp of technique; effort is everything. And the more you go to class, you'll find that your coordination and balance continue to improve - testing these skills will only make them stronger.It's easy to go at your own pace.
Source: Miramax Depending on your body's needs, you can make Zumba a high- or low-impact workout. Hardcore dancers can keep up and stay challenged by quick, sharp movements and extra jumps, while beginners can move at whatever pace they can handle. At the end of each song, you're free to grab water, wipe off with a towel, or take a quick breather. Zumba's premise is all about feeling good, working hard, and taking care of yourself.You'll leave feeling refreshed.
Source: NBC After a tough cardio workout, sometimes you leave feeling wiped out and ready to hop back into bed. While Zumba is challenging, I always leave feeling energized, light, and ready to tackle the rest of the day with a positive perspective. It truly lives up to the "fitness party" hype.So, what are you waiting for?
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So Simple, So Effective: Lift This to Achieve Toned Arms
Achieving toned, beautiful arms doesn't have to feel like a constant struggle, but you can't rely on cardio and light weights for dramatic results. Expert trainer, KIND spokesperson, and author of Strong Is the New Skinny Jennifer Cohen doesn't need you to become an Olympic powerlifter, but she says you might have to get comfortable lifting more than you're used to.
Many women pine after toned arms but are afraid of lifting more than five pounds. If you want to see real results in your muscle definition, the answer lies in shocking your body with heavier weights. If you're currently strength training three or four times a week, Jennifer recommends lifting heavier weights one or two times a week in order to shock your body, build lean muscle, and achieve definition. If you tend to grab three- or five-pounders at the gym, Jennifer suggests opting for 10, 12, or 15 pounds on your heavier days. Working with lighter weights one day and heavier weights another will keep your muscles guessing so you don't plateau and continue to get stronger and stronger.
Beyond the weight you're lifting, Jennifer says consistency is key. Occasionally lifting or skipping out on your workout routine isn't going to cut it! If you're consistent with your program and continue setting (and accomplishing) new goals all the time, you're putting yourself in the perfect position to reach your goals.
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Cleaning Up Your Diet? Learn About the Whole30 Program
Tens of thousands of people have taken on the Whole30 program, a monthlong clean-eating program that promises a bevy of health and emotional benefits. Developed by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig, a husband-and-wife team with backgrounds in sports nutrition, anatomy, and physical therapy, the program aims to reset your metabolism and reshape your relationship with food.
After a co-worker read the essential Whole30 text, It Starts With Food, and took on the challenge, I was interested to see what all the hype surrounding this monthlong "diet" was really about.
What Can I Eat?
On the surface, the Whole30 menu looks a lot like the Paleo diet (low carb, high protein), but think of it more as an elimination diet, except there's no 80/20 balance either - no cheating, no indulgences for one month. For one month, it completely strips away "hormone-unbalancing, gut-disrupting, inflammatory food groups," considered to be grains, sugar, dairy, alcohol, and legumes. Equally as important as eliminating these groups is not to be tempted to "junkify" their old favorites - for example, a meaty "Paleo pizza" or "coconut-flour pancakes" are off-limits. For Whole30 participants, it's not about stretching the rules of the diet to their furthest limits. It's about learning to enjoy whole, clean, simple foods that fuel your body.
The Promises
The program promises a laundry list of potential benefits, such as improved body composition, higher energy levels, better quality of sleep, improved athletic performance, and a reduction of food cravings, particularly when it comes to sugar and carbs. Participants have chimed in with their testimonials, crediting the Whole30 program with everything from clearing up acid reflux to complete elimination of autoimmune disorders. Beyond the physical benefits, the Whole30 program aims to reshape "long-standing, unhealthy patterns related to food, eating and your body image."
The Verdict
While a rigid diet with no allowance for indulgences is not sustainable over time, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to push yourself for a month - sometimes drastic times call for drastic measures! The Whole30 program could be a good option for individuals looking to give themselves a healthy reset or discover what food sensitivities they might have. But before you sign on board, it's essential to read their book that outlines the program to make sure it's right for you.
Has anyone completed the Whole30 program? Share your thoughts and experiences below.
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Practice Makes Perfect: Sticking to a Yoga Routine at Home
If you're new to yoga, getting hands-on attention from a teacher is the best way to build a strong foundation. But if you're strapped for cash, it's still possible to build a solid yoga practice on your own. Both seasoned students and newbies alike can benefit from these tips on creating a sustainable home practice.
Start slow: There's no need to dive into a 45-minute sequence from the get-go; start with just 15 or 20 minutes when creating your home practice. You'll be more likely to stay committed to your new routine if the length of your practice doesn't seem so daunting. Get started with our 20-minute total-body yoga sequence.
Timing's everything: Every day, do your best to hit your mat at the same time. Whether it's first thing in the morning or once you're home from work, a stable routine will train your mind to crave a regular practice time. You also won't have the excuse about where to find the time to practice if it's seamlessly built into your busy schedule.
Pick poses wisely: A great yoga teacher once told me to choose two poses I love and one I hate when building a practice at home. The ones you love will have you feeling confident and graceful, but the ones we hate are the ones our bodies need the most!
Create a sacred space: Make a sweet home for your practice. Whether it's a corner of your bedroom, a section on your living room floor, or even your back porch, find a place where you'll have ample room for your mat and for fluid movement. Consider lighting a candle or two to kick up the ambience a notch.
Have the essentials on hand: Whether you're a beginner or an advanced yogi, watch this video to learn all about the essential tools for yoga you should have at home. In addition to the quality DVDs we suggest, try out our 10-minute yoga sequences from YogaWorks and Jennifer Aniston's yoga teacher Mandy Ingber or this flat-belly yoga sequence from Travis Eliot to complement your practice and offer the instruction you need.
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The 11 Worst Things People Do at the Gym
Working out releases endorphins, and endorphins make you happy - so hitting the gym should be like the adult equivalent of visiting Disneyland, right? In reality, getting our butt to the gym is a challenge, and once we get sweating, there are always certain gym-goers who distract us from our treadmill routines. It stinks, but certain bad behaviors by others can spoil even the best workout. Read on for the 11 gym faux pas that we feel can really kill the mood, plus if there any others that really grind your gears, share them in the comments!
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Print This Now, Grab Some Weights, and Work Your Entire Body
Circuit workouts are a great technique to keep things interesting and bust boredom at the gym, and it doesn't hurt that this workout gets your heart rate up while building strong muscles! Learn how to do all the moves in the three circuits, and then get the printable poster of the workout here. This way you can always have it on hand at the gym.
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The Number 1 Bad Habit You Need to Stop If You Want to Lose Weight
Kimberly Snyder might just be the queen of detox. Not only does she have practically all of Hollywood sipping on her Glowing Green Smoothie, but she also just released a new book, The Beauty Detox Power ($19), to address the more emotional aspects of what it means to detox. In fact, she believes in how your emotional state helps or hinders weight loss so much that she wants you to stop a habit that's common among many women. If you do, you'll see weight-loss results even faster, Kimberly promises.
Your new mission? Stop with the negative talk if you want to lose weight. It may sound like it won't be effective, but Kimberly's reason for wanting you to stop body shaming yourself in order to see the pounds drop actually has scientific heft. "Most people don't even realize what they're saying to themselves, and most people only think that the only factors that affect their weight are what they're eating and how they're working out," Kimberly said. In fact, studies have shown that your thoughts matter when it comes to your waistline. Kimberly points to a Harvard study that followed 84 cleaning women; half were told that their physically demanding jobs met the requirements for exercise as set by the Surgeon General, while the other half weren't given any information about their activity level and calorie burn. After a month, researchers found that the group of women who were told that what they were doing was good for them lost body fat, waist-to-hip ratio, and BMI - even though they hadn't changed anything about their actual physical habits or altered their diets at all. The other group, on the other hand, didn't lose any weight. "Your thoughts are nutrition in the way that food is," Kimberly explained about the study results. "Your mind really has a big part in shaping your body. If you keep saying to yourself, 'It's so hard for me to lose weight, I'm just going to gain it back,'" then you aren't setting yourself up for success.
Kimberly's advice to stop with the "I'm fat" talk can be easier said than done, especially in a world of constant online judgment and photoshopped images of the "ideal" woman. Even Kimberly herself admits that she used to participate in casual body bashing when with friends. But knowing that thoughts can affect actual change should help you nix the habit, she says. "It's just a shift in listening to what you're saying," she advised. "Stop saying negative things about your body, whether it's out loud or in your head. It's the first important thing" if you want to lose weight.
RELATED: Everyone Should Watch Blogilates's Powerful Video About Body Positivity
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Get a Better Booty With JJ Dancer's 30-Minute Dance Cardio Workout
Get your body and booty right with this nonstop dance cardio workout! Jennifer Johnson, creator of JJ Dancer, shares how to get those long, lean dancer legs with this 30-minute body-sculpting workout.
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Kick Your Workout Into High Gear With This Metabolism-Stoking Mashup
Burn calories and build metabolism-boosting muscle with the next workout in our Better-Body Challenge. We mix cardio bursts into your strength training. It's a 1:1 ratio to keep your heart rate up. The cardio portion is jumping rope, but don't worry, you won't have to do all those minutes back to back. The jumping is mixed with targeted strength-training moves. Don't have a jump rope? Fake it. Seriously, you might feel a little silly, but jumping in place for a minute is killer (and easier than dodging a rotating rope).
Check out the workout below, scroll down to learn the details of the strength-training moves, then print the workout, and get at it!
Directions: Perform each exercise for a minute. Do this workout twice through, taking a minute break between each 15-minute set if needed.
Details on how to do each move below.
Gate Swing
- From standing, jump softly into a wide squat. Push your knees open to deepen the inner-thigh stretch, holding the position for a moment.
- Push off your knees for extra leverage, and jump your legs together.
- Immediately jump your legs back out to a wide squat, and continue to repeat.
Alternating Curtsy Lunge
- Start from standing and step your left leg behind you and to the right so your thighs cross, bending both knees as if you were curtsying.
- Return to standing, and switch sides.
Single-Leg Toe Touch
- Stand on your left foot with your right knee up. Reach down to touch the floor with your right hand; extend your right leg behind you for balance.
- Press into the left heel to focus the work in your butt as you return to standing, bringing the knee up.
- Repeat for 30 seconds and then switch sides.
Push-Up and Rotate
- Begin in a plank position, and do a push-up.
- At the top of the push-up, reach the right hand toward the ceiling, rotating into a side plank on your left hand.
- Return to the center, perform another push-up, and rotate onto the right hand, reaching the left hand toward the ceiling.
Chair Squat
- Begin in a narrow stance, and bend your knees, coming into a squat while reaching your arms overhead and keeping your chest up.
- Press into your heels to return to standing while lowering your arms.
Seated Russian Twist
- Sit on the ground with your knees bent, pull your abs to your spine, and lean back a few inches while lifting your feet off the floor. Be sure to keep your back straight.
- Reach your arms out in front of you, and twist your torso to the right, then to the left, repeating for one minute. Lower your heels to the ground if you need to.
Sumo Squat With Side Bend
- Start in a very wide stance and bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor and your knees are just over your ankles. Place your hands behind your head, keeping your elbows wide.
- Bend to the right, bringing your right elbow toward your right knee. Maintain the squat, and side bend to the left.
- Continue alternating sides, while holding the squat.
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5 Foods You Didn't Know Were High in Sugar
Even if you're not a dessert junkie, you might be shocked at some of the everyday foods that pile on the sugar. According to the American Heart Association, most women should be consuming no more than 100 calories from added sugars per day, or about 24 grams (six teaspoons of sugar). Added sugars come from sugars or syrups and are cooked into foods or sprinkled on at the table. While you should be concerned about all the sugar you're eating, generally speaking, naturally occurring sugars are less detrimental to your health - especially when they come in the form of a piece of fruit. The following list offers a mix of the two, but learning about all high-sugar foods will help you make smarter decisions in the future.
Spaghetti sauce: One cup of jarred marinara sauce from the store contains 14.5 grams of sugar, much of it from added sugar. Instead of buying the store-bought stuff, up the nutritional value and lower the sugar content naturally with this light and tasty raw tomato basil sauce, perfect for a refreshing Spring supper.
Juice: Robert Lustig, a pediatrician at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, said "juice is just like soda . . . there is no difference." It's not surprising that fruit juice is filled with sugar, but even a glass of V8 vegetable juice has eight grams of sugar per serving, and some store-bought green juices contain a large amount of apple juice. Grab your blender or juicer, and go for a leafy-green smoothie instead of a sugar-laden beverage. There's no need to drink all your sugar and calories for the day in one sitting.
Bread: Bread may seem like a strange place to find sugar, but two slices of whole-wheat bread have eight grams of sugar. Opt for stuffing all your sandwich fillings into a large whole-wheat pita that only has 0.5 grams of sugar.
Salsa: You might guess that jarred salsa is quite high in sodium, but even a mere four ounces of this low-cal dip has 3.7 grams of sugar. The jarred stuff is loaded with preservatives, so chop up fresh ingredients for this inventive mango red pepper salsa. Your taste buds and waistline will both thank you.
Milk: Fat-free milk can be a deceivingly healthy beverage choice. One cup of nonfat milk has 12 grams of sugar. Start developing a taste for plain soy or almond milk instead, since both alternatives offer nearly half the sugar content of cow's milk.
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How I, a Carb-Loving Italian, Have Managed to Make Pasta Healthier
It's hard out there for a serious pasta-lover who also strives to be healthy. As someone who grew up in a big Italian family - two parents and 18 aunts and uncles all from New York, to be exact - pasta has always been a part of family meals, and it's by far my favorite food. Now that I'm trying to be an adult and I live on my own, I cook for myself and make healthy meals most of the time. While I eat plenty of fresh produce, lean protein, and unprocessed foods, I could never give up pasta entirely. The good news for me (and others who find happiness in carbs) is that the Italian staple does have some nutritional benefits, and there are plenty of ways to make it healthier.
And the health benefits of pasta are . . .
- Protein and fiber. A typical serving size of traditional pasta (two ounces uncooked, which comes to about one cup cooked) contains eight grams of protein and a little over 200 calories. It also contains 2.5 grams of fiber per serving, which is 10 percent of your RDA.
- Several essential nutrients. It's rich in folic acid, a B vitamin that's essential for women before and during pregnancy - it's necessary for proper development of the human body. Beyond that, the vitamin can prevent anemia, cervical cancer, and strokes.
- Low amounts of sodium and no cholesterol. While the sodium content and cholesterol level depend on what you put in it, pasta itself has only six milligrams of sodium and zero milligrams of cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy base to a meal.
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How 1 Celebrity Trainer Says You Should Eat to Lose Weight
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Glen Giffen
Counting calories is important; you need to take stock of just how many you should be eating every day in order to make smarter choices about your meals. But dietitians, nutritionists, and fitness experts recommend looking beyond the sheer quantity of calories - especially when it comes to quality nutrition that supports sustainable weight-loss goals. Enter macro-based eating, the technique celebrity trainer Holly Perkins swears by when it comes to giving your diet a healthy weight-loss-powered makeover.
"Macro" refers to the three macronutrients - carbohydrates, protein, and fat - our bodies require for energy and proper function. A macro-based diet looks at the percentage combination of the carbs, protein, and fat in your diet instead of calorie counts alone. If you're looking to lose weight and haven't had success with calorie counts alone, Holly recommends following the 40-30-30 formula: make 40 percent of your daily diet carbohydrates, 30 percent protein, and 30 percent fat. According to the USDA, the AMDR (acceptable macronutrient distribution range) is 45 to 65 percent carbohydrates, 10 to 35 percent protein, and 20 to 35 percent fat. While the carbohydrate percentage she suggests is five percent lower than the USDA range, Holly recommends this structure for women who are looking to lose weight and keep it off, since "this is the general ideal macro structure to keep blood sugar balanced." When your blood sugar is balanced, you don't deal with mood swings or crazy cravings that can throw you off course. She refers to 40-30-30 as the place "where you'll feel well and energized, think well, and be able to work out."
For women who want to take fat off fast, a 30-40-30 formula (30 percent carbohydrates, 40 percentage protein, and 30 percent fat) can work, but it might not last. Studies show that low-carb dieters lose more weight, but according to Holly, it's not sustainable for the long run. Registered dietitian Julie Upton agrees: "it's impactful . . . [but] most people find very restricted low-carb diets hard to follow and they fall off the wagon." Generally speaking, Holly suggests the 40-30-30 combination to women who are committed to making lifestyle changes to lose weight and keep it off, since this macronutrient combination "allows your body to burn fat more easily and freely without the fear of starvation. You'll feel energized, brain-strong, and minimize cravings and hunger . . . it has just enough carbs to keep your brain happy, but not too many where you go into fat-storage mode." If you're ready to give 40-30-30 a go, doing the math is simple! Let's break it down for a woman who eats 1,500 calories per day.
Carbohydrates
1,500 calories x 40% carbohydrates = 600 calories of carbohydrates
600 calories / 4 calories per gram of carbs = 150 grams of carbohydrates
Protein
1,500 calories x 30% protein = 450 calories of protein
450 calories / 4 calories per gram of protein = 112.5 grams of protein
Fat
1,500 calories x 30% fat = 450 calories of fat
450 calories / 9 calories per gram of fat = 50 grams of fat
This means a woman who eats 1,500 calories a day would eat 600 calories (or 150 grams) of carbohydrates, 450 calories (or 112.5 grams) of protein, and 450 calories (or 50 grams) of fat per day.
If you're concerned about doing all this math for every meal, I have great news. Livestrong's MyPlate app has all ready done it for you. Simply plug in the foods you're eating every day to determine how close or far you are from hitting your macronutrient percentages. You can check it out in the caloric-breakdown chart below.
Source: Live StrongIt's important to note Holly is all about eating clean, since the higher-quality nutrition you put into your body, the better results you're going to see and feel. Always opt for whole, unprocessed, and natural foods, high-quality organic or wild meats, and healthy fats. According to Holly, "food is fuel." You can either fuel your body up like it's a beaten-down tractor with cheap gas or like it's a Maserati requiring the best fuel out there. What you choose is up to you.
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20 Ways to Ensure Workouts Happen Every Day
You sit in a car to commute to your desk job where you sit for eight or more hours straight, only to continue the ever-popular tush time by sitting on your commute home. Of course, once there, you end up back on a chair at the dinner table and then plop your butt on the couch to binge on your latest Netflix addiction - no wonder sitting too much can take years off your life! That's why it's imperative that you make it a priority to move - here are 20 tips to help inspire you to get off your butt every single day.
- On Sunday, map out your weekly workout plan so you know exactly what you're doing each day. This saves time trying to decide, "Hmm, should I go for a run or ride my bike?" Mix up your workout routine to keep you excited, and have alternate plans for outdoor workouts in case it rains.
- Schedule workouts just as you would any other nonnegotiable important meeting. Tell co-workers and family members so they know you're unavailable during those times.
- Sign up and pay for classes ahead of time - it's much harder to skip out when you know you've already shelled out $20 or more.
- Prep everything you'll need the night before, including your outfit and your pre-workout snack.
- Get your workout done first thing in the morning so your busy schedule doesn't get in the way of your workout.
- If you're not a morning exerciser, wake up early to get 30 minutes of work done so you can steal away later during the day.
- To save time and motivate morning workouts, wear part of your gear to bed, including wicking socks and workout pants. If you're already wearing it, you'll be less likely to skip out.
- Even if you're not working out first thing, wake up and put on your entire workout outfit including sneakers and your iPhone armband. You're more likely to make it happen if you're already ready.
- Be OK with a shorter workout - even 15 minutes is better than nothing! Maximize your time with these high-calorie-burning workouts.
- Be OK with less intense workouts. Even a relaxing stretch session counts as moving.
- Instead of taking a lunch break, hit the gym or take a class, then eat your lunch afterward while working (make sure it's already made so you don't have to waste time going to pick up lunch).
- Set an alarm on your phone with a meaningful message such as "Busier people are already at the gym," "You know you'll feel better afterward," or "Today's choices are tomorrow's body."
- Follow the five-minute rule. Even on days when you're not feeling 100 percent, set your timer and go for five minutes - chances are that once you get moving, you'll be inspired to keep going.
- Find a consistent workout buddy. Committing to meet someone makes it much harder to skip out.
- Choose the same time to work out every day, and within a week or two it'll become a habit and something you look forward to instead of a chore.
- Use specific and attainable goals to motivate you. They can be small, such doing 20 push-ups every day, or large, such as building up to running a half marathon.
- Mark every workout in your calendar. Sometimes the satisfaction of seeing every day crossed off will motivate you to keep going for that week or that month.
- Reward yourself! Have a little something to look forward to after every workout, whether it's a hot shower with a new shampoo, a warm and cinnamony post-workout crockpot breakfast, or buy a new song on iTunes.
- Share your workouts on social media. You'll be so surprised by all the positive feedback and encouragement that it's sure to motivate you on days when you feel like chucking your sneakers out the window. It may even serve as a source for helpful workout tips.
- Don't beat yourself up if you miss one day or maybe even half the week. Tomorrow is a new day, a chance to make a fresh start. So get right back on that exercise-every-day wagon.
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samedi 2 mai 2015
Differences Between Working Out in Your 20s vs. Your 30s
When you hit the 30-year mark, it not only means more candles on your birthday cake than someone in their 20s, but it majorly affects your workouts as well. Give a little nod or chuckle (or shed a little tear) if you can relate to these.
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Summer Prep: Do-Anywhere Bodyweight Circuit
It's time to get stronger and tone up all over. No matter what your Summer goals are, we have a monthlong workout plan to help achieve them. Our Better-Body Challenge will help you conquer burpees and rock your bikini.
The challenge starts with a full-body strength-training workout that will keep you moving for about 40 minutes. Best of all, you don't need any equipment for this workout, so no excuses! Learn the details of the moves, print the workout, then get your sweat on!
Directions: Warm up with five minutes of light cardio, then repeat each three-exercise circuit three times. Cool down with five minutes of stretching.
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How to Curb Your Appetite Naturally So You Can Start Losing Weight
If you feel like your appetite has a mind of its own, you're not alone. Taking a look at your habits and revamping your daily rituals can renew your relationship with food and tame your hunger pangs. And of course, the best way to go about this is naturally.
- Drink more water: Plenty of people confuse hunger with dehydration. Keeping your water bottle full all day long will help you keep guzzling the good stuff and steer clear of unnecessary snacking.
- Get moving: Forget the notion that exercise brings your appetite on heavy - it actually decreases your appetite. Just another reason to squeeze in a workout!
- Don't skip breakfast: Hopefully you're well versed on the benefits a solid breakfast brings to the table, but if you're not aware, skipping it can actually undermine your whole day, leaving you to consume more calories later in the day. Getting your metabolism moving earlier will help keep you filled longer.
- Power up with protein: Protein helps you sustain energy and feel bright-eyed and bushy-tailed all day long. If you need some inspiration, look to these low-calorie, high-protein breakfast ideas for delicious inspiration. And remember to keep the lean protein coming for lunch and dinner too.
- Take a teatime: Give your after-meal snacking habit a healthy face-lift. A tasty cup of hot tea will help satisfy your perceived hunger and keep you feeling full.
- Get honest: Do you constantly snack when you're bored or stressed? You're only doing your beautiful bod injustice. Learn how to stop stress eating for good today.
- Eat more regularly: One or two big meals all day is a recipe for disaster. Eating smaller meals more regularly will kick your crazy cravings to the curb.
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The 1 Shift in Your Diet That Will Guarantee Results
For celebrity trainers and hosts of Extreme Weight Loss Chris and Heidi Powell, there's a simple way to change the body instantly and beat belly bloat - just in time for bikini season. It's all about the foods we eat, but more importantly, overeat. If you're consuming too much salt and sugar, a strong core can be covered up by a "layer of water and potentially a layer of fat," Heidi says.
Here is the pair's concrete rule to banish bloat in time for beach season: get sodium intake down to 1,500 milligrams per day, and cut sugar down to 20 grams. Eliminating excessive amounts of these belly-bloating culprits allows your body to naturally shed water weight and reveal all your hard work from the gym. Once you make this shift in your diet, Chris says you'll see an immediate change.
To limit sugar and salt in your diet, cut out processed foods and reach for whole foods instead, like fresh produce and whole grains. And whenever you're purchasing packaged foods from the grocery store, Chris insists that you "take a look at those nutrition labels!" When high percentages of salt and sugar are present, it's a red flag to put the box back on the shelf and walk away. Let these low-sugar breakfast ideas and low-salt recipes serve as your go-to meals before slipping on that bikini.
Products: Suboo swimsuit, Morgenthal Frederics sunglasses
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See Ya, Sciatica: Yoga Poses to Offer Relief
Are you dealing with shooting pains or numbness from sciatica? Discomfort is caused when the sciatic nerve (which runs from the lower spine down the back of each leg) gets pinched. It can be caused by an injury such as a slipped disk or pelvic fracture, pregnancy, or tight muscles in the lower back, hips, and legs. Whether you feel yours at night or after sitting or standing for a long time, relief is just a yoga mat away with these eight poses.
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9 Embarrassing Gym Moments That Happen to Everyone
When you spend a lot of time at the gym working out, embarrassing moments happen. When these things occur, it's important to laugh it off, pick yourself up, and stay on track. Hopefully these are simply memories of the past you can look back on and laugh at - and nothing feels too fresh or painful.
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Around-the-Clock Weight Loss: What to Do Every Hour to Drop Pounds All Day
Losing weight isn't about doing one good thing like going for a run or throwing kale in your smoothie - it's made up of a million healthy choices that you make all day long, every day. Don't view this as a burden; view it as a fun challenge! Every hour is an opportunity to do something that can bring you closer to your weight goal. So tomorrow, when you wake up, here's your around-the-clock guide to feeling slimmer by bedtime.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Glen Giffen6 a.m. - Wake up, and sip a big glass of water. It'll fill you up and get things moving to prevent belly bloat. Eat a small snack that offers quick carbs and a little protein such as half a banana and a few almonds - eating first thing jump-starts the metabolism. Now go work out! Morning exercisers tend to work out longer and more intensely than those who sweat it out during other times of the day. Plus, it'll keep the fire lit under your metabolism, so you burn more calories throughout the day.
7 a.m. - Do some stretches in the shower. Eat a filling breakfast that includes protein and fiber - at least 10 grams of each. Don't be afraid to fill up on healthy carbs, because enjoying them in the beginning of the day ensures you'll have time to burn them off.
8 a.m. - Make your lunch for later. These lunch-packing tips will help you lose weight.
9 a.m. - Fill your reusable water bottle once you arrive at work. Sip on it throughout the morning, since staying hydrated will prevent hunger pangs.
10 a.m. - Take a break from work to snack on some belly-filling fiber. Keep it under 150 calories like these snacks.
11 a.m. - Take a few minutes to fill in your food and fitness journal, writing down what you've eaten and how much you've exercised. It'll give you an idea of how many calories you're allowed the rest of the day, and seeing your stats from the previous weeks will motivate you to stay on the healthy path.
12 p.m. - Get moving by going for a walk with a co-worker, bike ride to run an errand, or grab that set of dumbbells under your desk and do these strength-training moves.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar1 p.m. - Eat a healthy lunch that you packed from home that includes low-fat protein, fiber, fresh veggies, whole grains, and fruit for dessert. Enjoy it with nature's calorie-free beverage.
2 p.m. - Take that afternoon meeting for a walk. Whether you're on the phone or meeting in person, walking and talking can help you think more clearly while burning some calories.
3 p.m. - Have a 150-calorie snack to keep energy levels going till dinner. This could include a little something sweet like these 150-calorie desserts since indulging a little can prevent overeating later.
4 p.m. - Sip some green tea. The caffeine will give you a little pep, and green tea has been shown to suppress your appetite and increase your metabolism.
5 p.m. - Walk or bike home from work. Not only will it burn some calories, but it can also relieve work stress, which can trigger overeating.
6 p.m. - Make a low-cal dinner filled with veggies, low-fat protein, and whole grains. Here are some vegetarian options under 300 calories. After dinner is made, put away leftovers before sitting down to eat to prevent going back for unnecessary seconds.
7 p.m. - Brush your teeth while doing this two-minute butt-and-leg workout. It'll tone your tush, and that minty breath will prevent mindless late-night snacking.
Source: POPSUGAR Studios8 p.m. - If you like to relax in front of the TV, do these strength-training moves during commercial breaks.
9 p.m. - Get your workout gear ready for tomorrow morning. Slip into your pj's, and do these yoga poses to encourage sleepiness.
10 p.m. - Snuggle into bed on your way to dreamland. Getting enough sleep is proven to help with weight loss.
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I Started Saying "No" and Began Losing Weight
Saying "no" has never been my forte. I'm a social creature and a "yes" person. Long before FOMO permeated the pop culture landscape, I hated passing up any enticing invitation for a night out - the phrase "I'll sleep when I'm dead" comes to mind when I think about my first years in San Francisco.
Eventually, I woke up and found myself with a complete lack of energy, a totally shot immune system, and a body I barely recognized. The irony of it all was I was coming up on my one-year anniversary of writing for POPSUGAR Fitness. I was sitting at my desk writing all day and going out (almost) every night from work. I was left with exactly zero time to dedicate to my physical fitness or general wellness. Somewhere in my mind I had worked out this deal: since I was writing about health all day long, I was obviously being healthy. Then, I saw one Instagram proving that this was not the case. Seeing this photographic proof was the push I needed to recommit to a consistent routine, but seeing results was much tougher than I had anticipated. And it wasn't because I wasn't making time to work out; it's because I had to start saying "no" to people I love.
No, I can't eat nachos tonight. No, I can't go to your show at 11 p.m. on Wednesday; I have SoulCycle at 7 a.m. (and then, I work all day). No, I can't stop by the bar, because I don't want to be coaxed into drinking a bunch of Manhattans and wake up hungover and hating life. No, I need to leave early, so I can prep meals for the week and clean my house. No, I am not interested in your cupcake. Well . . . I am interested in your cupcake, but no, no thank you.
If you're new to this whole healthy-living gig, heed my advice, and consider this a warning. There are people you love and love spending time with who will do everything in their power to get in your way. They'll tell you they miss seeing you, ask you to skip a Sunday morning class so you can meet them for brunch, and say everyone keeps asking where you've been hiding. Even after explaining that "no" has become more rampant in my vocabulary because of my health, I still felt like I was letting friends down. Guilt plagued me for some time, but once I started reaping the benefits of all my hard work, the response became easier and more natural. And honestly? It feels really good to put my foot down, take the reins, and do what's best for me.
Don't get me wrong: making time for fun is absolutely essential to live a balanced life, and trust me, I have plenty of fun. But I realized that if I was serious about changing my body and changing my life, it was only going to work if I set healthy boundaries that were on my terms. Sure, there are still weeks I spread myself too thin and nights I stay out way too late, but the vast majority of my time is dedicated to living a healthier, more balanced life - and I've got the results to prove it.
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Want to Lose Weight? Keep These 10 Foods in Your Fridge
If you want to be healthier and lose weight, a fridge makeover may be just what you need. Keeping powerful perishables on hand will help you make a smart choice when you're tired, busy, or just craving junk. Stock up on these 10 foods and watch the pounds melt away.
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Stay Motivated With 100 Fitness Tips
Staying strong and fit takes dedication every single day, so keep these 100 tips in mind to keep you confidently chugging along on that healthy path.
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Get Inspired by These Instagram Snaps From Fit and Healthy Celebs
Some days it's easy, but other times, keeping up with your healthy lifestyle can feel like a serious struggle - and we'll take whatever healthy inspiration we can get! If you're in need of a push out the door and into the gym, check out the awesome Instagram action that some of our favorite healthy celebrities recently shared. From Christy Turlington kicking butt at the London Marathon, to Rumer Willis practicing her moves for Dancing With the Stars, these snaps will motivate you to work out and stay healthy in a fresh, new way this weekend.
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Go Long, Get Fast, Burn Calories: Treadmill Run
Today's workout in our Better-Body Challenge is cardio. This 45-minute workout starts at a slower place, but to keep things interesting, the speed picks up toward the end, making this a negative-split run. It takes a little discipline to start slowly and build speed throughout your workout, but when the time comes to run faster, your body will be ready for the challenge. Doing this type of workout consistently will help increase your overall running speed, too. And we love that 45 minutes of cardio is going to burn some serious calories.
If you are new to running, you can still tackle the negative-split run. Start at a comfortable speed and just increase in the increments and times this plan suggests.
| Time | Speed (MPH) |
Incline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0:00-5:00 | 5.0 | 1.0 | Warmup |
| 5:00-12:00 | 6.0 | 1.0 | |
| 12:00-19:00 | 6.1 | 1.0 | |
| 19:00-26:00 | 6.2 | 1.0 | |
| 26:00-32:00 | 6.3 | 1.0 | |
| 32:00-38:00 | 6.4 | 1.0 | |
| 38:00-41:00 | 6.5 | 1.0 | |
| 41:00-45:00 | 5.5 | 1.0 | Cooldown |
If running isn't your jam, try this 45-minute elliptical workout, or bike, swim, or Zumba - it doesn't matter how you get your heart rate up, just keep moving for three-quarters of an hour.
Beginners: You can do this workout. Start at a pace you are comfortable with, and increase your pace in the increments suggested in the plan.
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400-Calorie Tush-Toning Interval Workout
Running burns an insane amount of calories and also targets your tush and legs, so it's the perfect workout if you're trying to slim down and tone up below the waist. Add hills to your workout and you'll tone your lower body even faster and more effectively.
If you're new to hill work or tend to skip out because running on an incline is challenging, walking briskly will do the same magic. This interval workout combines walking hills and short sprints with just a bit of incline to reduce the chance of developing shin splints. Aside from a toned tush and thighs, intervals are also proven to target belly fat, so it's doubly effective. In about 40 minutes, you'll burn over 400 calories!
Set the treadmill incline to one, and after warming up, begin this workout. For each three-minute brisk walking interval, you'll need to raise the incline to 15 percent (or as high as it'll go), and for each 60-second sprinting interval, you'll need to lower it to one. Adjust the speed as necessary if either the walking or sprinting pace seems too slow or fast.
| Time | Pace | Incline | Calories Burned* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0:00-5:00 | 4.0 (15 min/mile) | 1 | 20 |
| 5:00-08:00 | 4.0 (15 min/mile) | 15 | 36 |
| 8:00-9:00 | 7.0 (8.5 min/mile) | 1 | 11 |
| 9:00-12:00 | 4.0 | 15 | 36 |
| 12:00-13:00 | 7.0 | 1 | 11 |
| 13:00-16:00 | 4.0 | 15 | 36 |
| 16:00-17:00 | 7.0 | 1 | 11 |
| 17:00-20:00 | 4.0 | 15 | 36 |
| 20:00-21:00 | 7.0 | 1 | 11 |
| 21:00-24:00 | 4.0 | 15 | 36 |
| 24:00-25:00 | 7.0 | 1 | 11 |
| 25:00-28:00 | 4.0 | 15 | 36 |
| 28:00-29:00 | 7.0 | 1 | 11 |
| 29:00-32:00 | 4.0 | 15 | 36 |
| 32:00-33:00 | 7.0 | 1 | 11 |
| 33:00-36:00 | 4.0 | 15 | 36 |
| 36:00-37:00 | 7.0 | 1 | 11 |
| 37:00-42:00 | 4.0 | 1 | 20 |
Total calories burned: 416
*Calories burned calculations are based on a 130-pound woman
Click here for an image-free, printable version of this workout to take with you to the gym.
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Skip the Pastry Case With These Grab-and-Go Breakfasts
It can be easy to convince yourself to go for that buttery croissant in the coffee shop pastry case. After all, it's so convenient, and you're starving! Luckily, these healthier grab-and-go options are almost as convenient and just as delicious. Click through for delicious ideas on how to resist the pastries and start your day right.
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Top 10 Things You Worry About When Working Out
What gives? Getting those endorphins flowing is supposed to reduce stress when we work out, but somehow anxious thoughts seem to sneak in when we're trying to enjoy this time to ourselves. Here are some common things we tend to think and fret over that can get in the way of a good workout.
Crap! Did I Leave the Oven On?
Source: PBSDefinitely don't want to burn down my house for the sake of burning calories.
Are My Boobs Hanging Out?
Source: NBCI knew I should have worn a different sports bra!
When Was This Last Cleaned?
Source: NBCIt's probably better if you don't even think about it.
What's With the Creep in the Corner Ogling Me?
Source: FoxIs My Butt Showing?
Source: FXMaybe low-rise yoga pants weren't a good idea after all.
Will I Ever Look That Ripped?
Source: Carousel ProductionsWhat If I Mess Up and Everyone Sees?
Source: NetflixI Hope I Don't Look Like Her
Source: OxygenI know we're supposed to let loose in Zumba, but there's a fine line.
When Will This Be Over?
Source: AMCDid My Trainer Just Cop a Feel?
Source: FoxUm, that is not my shoulder.
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18 Moves to Terrifically Toned Inner Thighs
A toned inner thigh is a healthy inner thigh - attractive and strong. Show yours some love with these 18 inner-thigh exercises that will keep you feeling confident in shorts, skirts, and swimsuits all Summer long.
- Additional reporting by Leta Shy
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vendredi 1 mai 2015
Paul Mason Continues Amazing Weight-Loss Journey With Skin-Removal Surgery
Paul Mason made headlines in 2010 after the TLC special World's Fattest Man but is now back in the news for continuing his weight-loss journey after already losing over 600 pounds. The 54-year-old man from England underwent gastric bypass surgery at 980 pounds in 2010, but even at his postsurgery weight, Paul felt physically limited by his excess skin. That's why a skin-removal surgery was so important to him, and after years of hoping, that surgery finally happened.*
*Warning: this post contains a graphic image of Paul's skin during surgery.
Source: Rebecca Mountain via YouCaringThe reason Paul's surgery has been widely circulated on the Internet? The New York Times reporter Sarah Lyall was assigned to witness and live tweet the surgery from the operating room at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. You can follow the process and view more photos there, but one of Sarah's photos, shown below, is of doctors holding some of Paul's excess skin during the operation.
"24 pounds of loose skin," Sarah wrote.
Paul's long-awaited surgery will help him continue to turn his life around and be as active as possible as he works toward his goal weight of 200 pounds. "I'll be glad to take my dog for a walk down the road. I want to start looking for a job and get on with life," Paul told BBC News. The life-changing surgery would not have been possible without Rebecca Mountain, a woman who met Paul online in 2012 - and is now his fiancée. Paul moved from his home in England to be with Rebecca in Orange, MA, and Rebecca raised nearly $5,000 on a fundraising page dedicated to helping "Paul complete his extraordinary journey."
Paul's fiancée has been updating the public about Paul's surgery and recovery through his Facebook page. "The surgery was a success!" she happily shared earlier this week. To help offset the cost of recovery, the couple are accepting donations through Paul's YouCaring fundraising page.
Paul wants to use his experiences to help spread awareness about living a healthy life, no matter when you start. As stated on his website, "Paul is reaching out to those who are struggling with obesity and emotional addiction to food . . . with a desire to change, anyone can turn their life around."
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Don't Waste Calories at a Bar: 5 Low-Calorie Cocktails to Order at Happy Hour
When you're worried about calories, drinking the wrong cocktail can make all the difference. Two drinks out with the girls suddenly turns into a 1,000-calorie night. Vodka sodas are always a safe bet but can get boring quickly. The next time you're out at a bar or restaurant, order one of these cocktails instead - all good and all well under 200 calories!
Source: Corbis Images
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This Hourly Habit Can Benefit Your Health in Surprising Ways
We sit a lot, even though we know it's not good for us. Prolonged sitting (like a normal 9-to-5er is apt to do) can increase the risk of diseases, like diabetes and cancer, as well as death. But a simple change to your daily habits can reduce all of these risks, according to a new study.
The new study, published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, looked at data for over 3,000 people and found that just two minutes of walking every hour instead of sitting helped mitigate the dangers of prolonged sitting by decreasing your risk of dying by 33 percent.
The bad news: the researchers found that trading two minutes of sitting with two minutes of standing didn't have the same positive effect, although there are still good reasons to stand up for longer periods when you can. In any case, the researchers point out that two minutes of walking every hour really adds up - they estimate that you can burn an extra 400 calories a week by just adding this practice to your day.
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11 Ways to Lose Weight (and Still Have Fun) This Weekend
If you're tired of overdoing it all weekend long and starting from square one on Monday, you're not alone. The good news is you can stick with your healthy game plan, continue to lose weight, and have an awesome weekend. All it takes is a little planning and willpower.
- Eat carbs in the morning: You can have your carbs - and eat them, too! - but try to enjoy them at breakfast or brunch, says trainer Bob Harper. When you eat carbs earlier in the day, "You'll know you'll have time to burn them off," he adds.
- Plan an exercise date: Instead of heading for another meal out, grab a friend and hit up a workout. The time will fly by, you'll spend time together, and you'll be far less likely to bail if your plan is already in place.
- Do restaurant research: Before heading out with friends to a new restaurant, check out your options ahead of time. As you walk through the front door, you should be confident that there's something on the menu for your needs.
- Drink more water: Many people confuse hunger and thirst, so keep your water bottle handy at all times. It will also help you pace yourself at meals, stay healthy, and not overdo it when there's alcohol around, especially if you practice water backing when you're out.
- Go for a long workout: Even squeezing in a quick workout during the week can be rough, so schedule a longer weekend workout. Hit up a hike, go to a 90-minute dance class, or head out for the challenging run you've been putting off.
- Don't hold out for a big meal: When you sit down to a special meal famished, you're far more likely to overeat and overdrink. Not to mention, withholding yourself from the nutrients and calories your body needs for fuel seriously messes with your metabolism.
- Don't overbooze at brunch: When inhibitions are lowered with a few mimosas or Bloody Marys, it's easy to overeat without realizing - and need a nap right after the meal. Linger on a single cocktail throughout the meal; your body will thank you.
- Keep portions in check: There's no reason you can't enjoy favorite foods over the weekend! But if you have a hard time slowing down or pushing the plate away, it's essential to keep portions in control. If you're really craving something, go for a half order or split it with friends.
- Have a before-and-after plan: After you have a big meal or fun night out, set yourself up for success by planning out your workout and healthy meals for the following day. This is the best way to indulge guilt-free.
- Make sleep a priority: Instead of staying up and out late, make sure you're getting (at least) seven hours of shut-eye. Not only does lack of sleep affect your mood, but it also affects your levels of hunger-regulating hormones, which can mess with your weight-loss goals.
- Have some fun! Stress triggers the body to eat more - especially foods high in sugar and fat - so leave plenty of time to relax and unwind. Not only will this help you on your weight-loss journey, but it will also make sure you return to work refreshed.
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