Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
samedi 6 février 2016
7 (EASY!) Ways to Change Your Body Without Starving Yourself
Getting in shape while keeping our sanity can be hard. Luckily, our friends at YourTango tell us how to look better while still enjoying ourselves.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Ericka McConnell
You can have your cake and eat it too.
Have you ever looked at someone in great shape and thought, "they look amazing, but I couldn't, I love to eat." I know I have. And I've heard many times from clients, "I want to look better, but I just love food too much."
Somewhere along the line we subscribe to the idea that looking and feeling good about our bodies means we must be deprived.
Now just to clarify, yes, you do need to be in a caloric deficit to lose body fat. And there will be hunger associated with a caloric deficit. But hunger and starvation are two different animals.
Changing your body in a positive way to boost your self esteem doesn't mean that a temporary deficit (as they should always be temporary) is the only way to go.
There are plenty of ways to change your physique for the better without feeling like you can't be trusted at a buffet table:
1. Be CONSISTENT with a sufficient amount of food to nurture your metabolism.
Unfortunately body change can seem complicated with things like hormones, dieting history, genetics, stress and lifestyle choices all playing a part in our current metabolic state. Metabolic rate is dynamic, and the human body has an amazing ability to adapt.
Studies show that metabolism can be slowed due to long-term low calorie diets, creating a hormonal environment that is not conducive to fat loss. Furthermore, the longer you are in an extreme caloric deficit the higher risk you are of rebounding and putting on more fat in the long-term.
How can you take the first step in preventing that? Become aware of your daily intake, then strive for consistency so that your body can adapt. If that amount is adequate for your size and activity level, you will feel, perform and look better.
Start by recording your food intake in one of many easy-to-use apps or keep a food journal. Remember to consider a sufficient amount of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fats), not just the overall caloric intake. Refer to a qualified professional to guide your macronutrient goals.
2. Don't eliminate ANYTHING.
I'm sure you've heard something like, 'no white bread' or 'baked goods are bad' and logically it makes sense to avoid things that are nutritionally lacking. But realistically, a diet that eliminates your favorite foods, or even worse, an entire food group, is a set-up for failure - and potentially harmful effects to your health.
For example, fats contribute to a number of important processes in our body, like proper function of our nerves and brain, so a low- or no-fat diet can have a negative impact.
Beyond the health risks, trying to permanently avoid foods that you love will only enhance your longing for them and make it more likely you over-consume other foods to avoid what you want. And every time you overeat it's only human to feel like you should restrict to compensate. The faster you get off the restrict to over-consume cycle the better.
Choosing more real food eliminates deficiencies in vitamins you probably aren't getting out of the processed stuff in your freezer. Prioritize nutrient-dense whole foods, but keep a little fun stuff to take the edge off.
If 80 percent of your diet is whole/minimally processed food and 20 percent is food that keeps you from feeling deprived, you're way more likely to be consistent. Choose whole foods and don't fear exposure to the foods you used to believe were off limits. You will encounter cake again, so learn how to have a few bites and move on with your life.
3. Use resistance training regularly.
Weight training can transform your physique. And I'm not talking about two pound dumbbells as you walk the treadmill. Heavy barbells and dumbbells used during compound movements, like squats and deadlifts, will change the way you look.
Get strong not only for the mental satisfaction of uncovering your potential, but for the sake of your metabolism and your bones. As we age we lose muscle, so we must be preventative by at least maintaining if not putting on more lean mass. Bonus to enhancing your unique shape, the more muscle on your frame the more calories you burn at rest.
4. Discover your favorite protein and fiber sources and make them the star of your meals.
Digesting food requires energy. Protein requires the most energy to digest. They are made up of amino acids, which contribute to the development and repair of lean tissue. If more muscle can boost our metabolism and protein is key in building muscle, then it's pretty clear to see why protein is so dang sexy. Protein also has a high satiety factor so you feel fuller longer, as does fiber.
Fiber is a nutrition celebrity that just isn't glamorous enough to talk about. Really, there are too many benefits to list. Technically we can't digest fiber and that's why it's so important for healthy elimination.
When you are putting together a meal, frame it around the protein source and something fibrous. You'll feel full much longer and be fueling your body for peak performance.
5. Implement only ONE habit at a time.
Slow and steady wins the race. Although that's not so inspirational, what's more attractive: quick change that's temporary, or slow change that lasts?
Psychologically it's difficult to change many habits at once. So pick one thing that is low resistance can compound into high impact over time, and dominate it.
If you feel adding in two days of weight training is easier than tracking your food, then do that. Just don't try to do everything all at once. The shortcut to maintainable change is realizing there's no shortcut.
Now you never have to start all over again looking for the next shortcut.
6. Satisfy your emotions.
Eating is often used as a coping device for emotional turbulence or stress, but an emotional need can't be satisfied by anything other than an emotional solution.
Address your energy state first, instead of suppressing it with caloric distraction. Journaling is an easy starting step to uncovering and conquering what's happening on a deeper level when you want to just reach for the treats.
If you struggle with discipline around food or going to the gym, you may actually just be fearful of something new and what risks or sacrifices come with it. Sometimes when we are standing in our own way, we just aren't aware of our deeper fears of success or loss.
Your subconscious mind may be keeping you safe in the patterns it's already familiar with. But you have the power to change as soon as you accept responsibility and take the first step.
7. Elevate your perspective.
You don't need to scroll long to see that body obsession is rampant in our culture. Reminding yourself of your core values, your divine purpose on this planet, and your own unique traits will keep you from getting sucked into the destructive self-comparison game. When you're in control of YOUR views, you will more readily understand that you are enough.
Focus on the things you love about yourself and the amazing things your body can do. You can love the skin you're in while taking action to be better. The shift in perspective and de-stress over your appearance can actually do wonders for the way you look and feel.
Be aware and intentional about how you speak to, view, and care for yourself. Treat yourself like someone you really love. Unfollow anything or anyone that makes you feel less than you are.
A friend once told me, if you want to change what you see, just stand somewhere else while you look. Change your perspective to see more of what's wonderful, and you will attract and view more good in you.
Damn You, Delicious Pizza, For Making It So Hard to Lose Weight!
Hot, gooey, greasy, cheesy, addictively delicious pizza. Why?! Why do you taste so damn good?! You call to me at all hours of the day and make it impossible to stop at just one slice. If pizza is the reason you're having a tough time losing weight, these Instagram pics will sound all too true.
Treat Yourself and Your Body With These Fitness Valentine's Gifts
We think one of the best ways to celebrate Valentine's Day is to TREAT. YO. SELF. And that includes your body! Show some love to your amazing bod with these 12, totally splurge-worthy wellness gifts that'll make you love Valentine's Day in a new way this year.
5 Basics of Football to Learn Before Super Bowl Sunday
The Super Bowl is this Sunday, and while it doesn't take an expert-level knowledge of the sport to enjoy the big game in front of the TV, knowing the basics can help you appreciate what's happening on the tube. Read our guide to the very basics of football - once you get these five elements down, you'll be able to follow along throughout the whole game with the best of them!
Related: 55 Healthy Appetizers That Will Make You the Star of a Super Bowl Party
vendredi 5 février 2016
The 5 Types of Guys You're Bound to Meet at the Gym
The gym. It's your haven. You might feel a little more at home at the gym than at work, or heck, even your own home. It's the place you are at your worst and sweatiest, yet it's also the place that you're at your best. Your most hopeful. Your most powerful.
But as women, chances are hight that during a "moment" in our safe haven (aka the gym), our sanity and Zen attitude has been jarred by at least one of these five guys that women always seem to run into at the gym.
Get the POPSUGAR Fashion Week App For Insider Access!
Lights, camera, the POPSUGAR Fashion Week app! Get access to trends right off the runway, front-row sightings, amazing street style, and more. Our editors are on-site and ready to give you up-to-the-minute coverage. Designer interviews? Yes! Top models everywhere? Definitely. Don't be fashionably late! Download our app now.
5 Moves to Help You Train Like an Athlete
As a fitness editor, I've been lucky enough to train alongside some of the world's best professional athletes and their coaches. I've worked out with Olympic runner Carmelita Jeter, spent time on the football field with Marshall Faulk, and even spent some time doing basketball drills led by the LA Lakers coaching team. Out on the field, these sports differ vastly from one another, but during each training session, the coaches took us through very similar warmups.
Whatever the workout, the trainers and coaches I speak with echo the same idea. A warmup isn't a laid-back scenario. Think of it as a series of exercises that mimic the same type of movements you'll be doing during the actual workout. The key difference is to perform these moves at a much slower pace to allow the body to adequately get itself ready for the motions you're putting it through, which is key in injury prevention. Yes, your heart rate should be up, but not so much that one would accuse you of running at a sprint pace. Before you hit the gym tonight, take yourself through these five moves, and you'll be training like the best of them!
Behold! The Simplest Formula For Eating Healthy
Eating right doesn't have to involve a complicated system of rules. If you strive to include the following five foods in every meal, not only will you feel satisfied and energetic, but your body will get all the necessary nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Related: This Easy Eating Formula Is the Key to Weight-Loss Success
Your First Look at Fitbit's Super Bowl 50 Ad
Fitbit announced back in January that it will be releasing its first smartwatch, Fitbit Blaze, in the Spring, and we couldn't contain our excitement. Now we're getting a glimpse at just how awesome the gadget is in Fitbit's commercial airing during Super Bowl 50 on Sunday, Feb. 7 (the first time Fitbit has run an ad during the big event). Aside from onscreen workouts and heart rate monitoring, Fitbit Blaze offers up true style that you'll want to wear all day, every day. Press play and let us warn you that the ad may result in some serious self-motivation.
4 Ways to Combat Winter Blahs and Blues
When February rolls around, there's no denying it - we are back to our regular day-to-day routines . . . good times, right? This month can be especially difficult for some because the party is over, the temperatures are dropping, and the days are short. If you're experiencing any symptoms that feel like major depression, you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression that is cyclical and seasonal, meaning that it comes and goes at the same time every year. If you suffer from SAD, symptoms may include irritability, a drop in energy level, and possible weight gain. Various studies have shown that four to six percent of the population has been diagnosed with SAD at some point in their lives, while 10 to 12 percent have shown symptoms related to SAD. Fortunately, there are some easy remedies you can try at home to help get you through the next few months.
- Go for a morning walk: A one-hour walk outdoors every morning can do wonders for anyone suffering from SAD. Since SAD is related to a lack of daylight, even some exposure to daylight - regardless if the sun is shining or not - has a positive impact. The hormone melatonin is said to play a part in SAD because melatonin is secreted in the dark, and people have more of it in their bloodstream during the Winter than in Summer. Getting a good dose of daylight can work wonders because light shuts off melatonin production. It takes about two or three days of bright sunshine to reverse any symptoms.
- Keep a regular schedule: Maintaining a regular sleep cycle, on weekdays and weekends, keeps your body's internal clock in sync by setting your circadian rhythm - the tiny master clock structure in the brain affected by light.
- Don't stop moving: Celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow and Lena Dunham use exercise as a way to help lift their spirits, and you can too! Regular aerobic exercise is great for not only physical health, but mental health as well . . . even during wintry months, thanks to that big hit of endorphins it provides.
- Invest in a light box: Light boxes are great if they provide enough intensity to affect SAD symptoms. You want to make sure you're getting one that provides 10 times the intensity of regular household lighting, like this NatureBright Sun Touch Therapy Lamp ($140). The amount of exposure you get each day can range from half an hour to several hours. Even if you are using a light box, you should still be incorporating regular exposure to daylight into your daily schedule, as well as exercise. Discuss a light box option with your doctor if you're wondering if it's something you need.
Which Plays a Bigger Role in Weight Loss: Diet or Exercise?
Maintaing a healthy lifestyle requires a balance of diet and exercise, but is one more effective than the other? The video above (which was published to YouTube yesterday and already has over 500,000 views!) offers a comprehensive breakdown of what plays a greater role when it comes to weight loss - and the answer may surprise you.
It turns out that eliminating certain foods from your diet will contribute to greater and quicker weight-loss success. While exercise is essential to staying healthy beyond losing weight, if your goal is to shed pounds, pay closer attention to what you're eating.
Watch the clip and see how simple lifestyle changes - like ditching soda and candy bars - can yield better results.
7 Healthy Chia Pudding Recipes You Need to Try ASAP
Chia seeds can go into so many different recipes, but chia pudding is arguably one of the most delicious and foolproof ways to turn a healthy, nutrient-rich superfood into a treat. The little seeds are full of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. With mere minutes of prepwork and a little chill time in the fridge, you can satisfy a sweet tooth or make a breakfast that'll keep you full until lunchtime.
14 Healthy Slow-Cooker Dinner Recipes to Make Immediately
When it comes to crockpots, comfort food doesn't always mean calorie-packed. With vegan, Paleo, and low-calorie options, these 14 crockpot dinners are a healthier take on warm, cozy dishes.
- Additional reporting by Lizzie Fuhr, Nicole Perry, Brinton Parker, and Jenny Sugar
Have Your Margarita and Lose Weight, Too, With These Happy Hour Tips
Happy hour doesn't have to mean throwing in the towel when it comes to healthy eating. Arm yourself with these tips so you can enjoy yourself without feeling guilty or overly stuffed.
Related: 3 Ways to Enjoy Happy Hour and Still Stay Healthy
- Nosh before you go: If you show up feeling full, you won't be tempted to order everything on the menu. Have a little something beforehand whether it be a handful of almonds or a small apple.
- Go after your workout, not in place of it: Even if you are dealing with peer pressure, stand your ground. Tell your friends that you'll meet them afterward, or - even better - get them to join you for that SoulCycle class so you can grab post-workout drinks and apps together.
- Focus on the happy part: Remember why you're there: to spend time with friends or co-workers. Instead of focusing on the drinking and eating, focus on the amazing conversations.
- Bring actual dough: If you run a tab on your card, you'll be more likely to order whatever you want. Having a price limit will keep you more mindful about what you're ordering.
- Share everything: Rather than order your own, make a rule to always split an app with friends.
- Have a dinner plan in place: Make sure you have dinner plans in place, whether it's to meet a friend at another restaurant, or to have a dinner date at home with your SO (or cat). If you know when and where you'll be eating after, you won't mindlessly nosh on french fries.
- Send it back: Some places offer complimentary bowls of nuts, popcorn, nachos and salsa, or bread baskets. Ease temptation by limiting yourself to one round of free apps.
- Alternate drinks: For every alcoholic drink you have, alternate with a glass of water. Even better, have water with your drink, so you don't down a margarita in one gulp.
- Order smartly: Knowing which appetizers and beverages are lower on the calorie line is helpful, too. Light beers obviously, wine, mojitos, and vodka cranberries are just over 100 calories. And for your nibbles, go for veggies and hummus, chicps and salas, or sweet potato fries.
Find Free Fitness Classes Near You in Seconds
Was "getting in shape" one of your New Year's resolutions? If so, chances are you've already located your local gyms or boutique studios. However, many of these places can cost you a pretty penny, especially if you're into designer names like SoulCycle or Equinox.
Although it's nice to indulge in a luxury fitness class every so often, you can easily hit the gym without hitting your credit card, and we just so happen to have a little life hack for you - enter Eventbrite. We knew about the concerts and sporting events on offer, but with a quick city search, we discovered acrobatic yoga, Bollywood dance, and rowing classes in our neighborhood . . . all for the low, low price of $0. Give it a go: enter your city or zip, and filter by "Sports & Fitness" (under Category) and "Free" (under Price) in the left-hand menu. Added bonus: you don't have to be in a major metropolitan area - from yoga in Norcross, GA, to Zumba in Linden, NJ, there's something for everyone.
Pro tip: read the fine print and make sure it's free . . . we spotted a couple posts that may have been incorrectly tagged, but don't fret, there are a bevy of free options near you!
Lingerie or a Sports Bra: What Would You Rather Get For Valentine's Day?
We can all appreciate classic Valentine's Day treats – a beautiful piece of jewelry, stunning arrangement of flowers, chocolate candies, or a great bottle of bubbly could make anyone swoon. But if you're a fitness fanatic, some of these gifts might not be as exciting as, let's say, some pre-paid sessions with a personal trainer or a really nice pair of running shoes. Here's a little game of "would you rather" with a holiday twist for all you fit valentines out there.
5 Fears Keeping You Out of the Weight Room and How to Get Over Them
Hopefully you know by now that an all-cardio-all-the-time workout routine is a bit of a missed opportunity. Look, I am a supporter of pretty much any workout routine that you'll actually stick to (more about how to actually enjoy your workouts here), but some form of strength training is foundational to injury prevention, metabolic speed, weight loss, and - in my experience - feeling like a badass. If you've been avoiding the weight room, chances are it's because you're holding onto one of these following fears - so let's conquer them!
1. You're afraid you'll bulk up.
You don't want to look like the Hulk. I get it. It's actually really, really difficult for women to bulk up, though, so unless you're lifting really heavy weights over a long period of time (and someone is sneaking a bunch of supplements into your diet), trust me when I tell you that you will not wake up looking like a dude one day if you start lifting some weights. Women produce 15 to 20 percent less testosterone than men do, so even if you and your man follow a similar strength-training plan you still won't bulk up at the same rate. Moreover, as you add lean muscle to your frame, your body burns more calories 24/7 and you actually lose weight. Win/win.
2. You don't have a game plan.
This is a valid concern - until it isn't. Yes, you should definitely arm yourself with a game plan before you start a strength training program, but don't worry too much about finding an absolutely perfect program that is uniquely tailored to you. There are so many resources available these days (here, here, and here, for example), and at some point you just have to dive in. Any workout program - strength training or otherwise - is going to require a little bit of trial and error to fine tune it for your body, your ability, and your interests. So pick one, get started, and tweak it as you go.
3. You think everyone's staring at you (and not in a good way).
It's totally normal to feel self-conscious as a weight-room newbie. Want to know a secret, though? Everyone else is so concerned about what you think of them that they're not even really paying attention to you. I promise. Just march into that weight room, pick up your weight, and don't worry about what anyone else in there is doing.
4. You're afraid you'll hurt yourself.
Lifting heavy things is, in fact, a good way to hurt yourself if you're not careful. If you're brand new to lifting weights, there are a couple best practices to avoid this. First, ask for a demo. Your gym doesn't want you getting hurt on its watch, and most offer mini-training sessions or a brief demos of exercises to ensure your form is safe. Second, start with light weights - or no weights at all. The three-pound and five-pound weights are there for a reason, and there is absolutely no shame in using them. Let your first week or two in the weight room be about making sure your form isn't causing any worrisome aches and pains, and increase the weight slowly after that.
5. It's just not your vibe.
Sometimes the weight room can seem like a meat market full of thugs and bimbos, and maybe you just want no part of it. No one can fault you for that. Strength training (aka resistance training) is simply about pushing yourself to get stronger using progressive overload, though, and you can actually accomplish this in plenty of places outside of a traditional weight room. Push-ups done on a grassy knoll count. Pull-ups done from a tree branch count. Squats done with a kid on your back definitely count, even if you happen to be watching Sesame Street at the time. Don't let bad weight room stereotypes prevent you from incorporating resistance training into your fitness routine.
A strong body is a healthy body. A mind that conquers fears is a strong mind. So conquer your fears, head into that weight room, and start getting stronger. You've got this.
jeudi 4 février 2016
5 Weight-Loss Tips Made Especially For the Winter
It's cold, it's dark, we get it - when it comes to working out and staying healthy, it's hard to motivate in the Winter. Not to fret - there are actually things specific to the cold-weather that you can use to your advantage in hitting your weight-loss goals. And besides keeping you healthy and on track, these five items will keep you warm and toasty when the weather is anything but.
Related: It May Be Freezing, but Here's How to Make Winter Workouts Happen
- Spice things up: Warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, and turmeric not only take drab dishes to the next level, but also help boost the body's metabolism, increasing its ability to burn more fat. Whip up a batch of this vegan chickpea curry, or blend up this ginger citrus smoothie. You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon into your coffee to give your morning a nice little kickstart.
- Always reach for oatmeal: On cold, dark mornings, people should be awarded medals just for making it out of bed. On days that seem impossible to face, take comfort in a warm bowl of oatmeal. Reagrdless of the season, oatmeal is a weight-loss wunderkid when it comes to breakfast. The popular porridge has been shown to decrease cholesterol and waist size, and because it's full of protein and fiber, it will keep you full and satisfied until lunch.
- Make soup often: While not every soup falls under the healthy umbrella - we're looking at you, delicious, creamy broccoli cheddar - when made right, soup is a well-balanced, filling meal that's easy to digest. So much so, that celebrity trainer Joel Harper calls it the perfect weight loss meal. Given how cold it is, make a point to warm yourself up with a healthy bowl of soup on the daily.
- Take your workout outdoors: OK, it may seem crazy to head outdoors in the freezing cold, but cold-weather workouts burn more calories. You may even work a little harder to build up internal heat! Being outside will also help you breathe better, and that extra kick of endorphins that comes from exercise can help kick the blues you're feeling from the cold and dreary weather.
- Put the kettle on: Green tea and hot water with lemon are two cold-weather warmers that do double duty in helping you meet your weight-loss goals. Besides keeping you hydrated - key when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight - both beverages have been shown to increase metabolism and stimulate digestion.
Leg Day, Check. Arm Day, Check. Vagina Day - Wait, What?
Strengthening your pelvic floor - the muscles that support your bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum - is serious business. And for Kim Anami, a relationship and intimacy coach who teaches Vagina Kung Fu, focusing on these muscles should be part of your weekly routine, just like leg day.
She ties a thin piece of string to a large egg-shaped bead made out of jade, inserts it into her vagina, then ties an object to the other end. Yep. We're talking coconuts, pomegranates, chandeliers, even jars of pickles. And she posts pics of her pelvic power with #thingsiliftwithmyvagina. I mean, it makes sense. Your arms won't get jacked just by flexing your biceps - you need to lift weights. I guess that's why plain ol' kegel exercises aren't as effective as lifting entire surfboards with your vagina.
Having an impressively strong vagina not only makes you say goodbye to accidentally peeing your pants every time you sneeze, but you'll also say hello to the best orgasms of your life! For women who've struggled with having a satisfying sex life, this can be really empowering, changing the whole energy of your life.
The Reason This Student Was Asked to Leave Her School's Gym Will Boil Your Blood
When Grace DiChristina arrived at her school's gym, she expected to go about her workout as usual. But to the Santa Clara University student's dismay, she was asked to leave because of her outfit; she was wearing a crop top and shorts that bared only a slight section of her midriff. After approaching the facility's supervisor for an explanation, she was given two less-than-convincing reasons her attire was problematic.
The first reason was that it posed a risk of contracting MRSA, a bacterial staph infection that may occur after skin-to-skin contact. If only an inch of Grace's stomach is considered a health hazard, the school has a greater issue at hand. The second reason was that her university is considered a Jesuit institution and her outfit was simply inappropriate. Not only does this justification seem exaggerated, but it's also a clear double standard. Men often work out either completely shirtless or with a majority of their skin showing.
Understandably, she took to Facebook to express her outrage:
sorry long post but im so madToday at Santa Clara University, I was asked to leave the gym because of what I was...
Posted by Grace DiChristina on Wednesday, January 20, 2016
I Was Addicted to Sugar, and This Is How I Gave It Up
My last name isn't Sugar for nothing. You see, I come from a long line of sugar-lovers. I learned from the very best, my mother, who has an entire kitchen cabinet devoted to Peanut M&Ms. I once watched all 5 feet of her devour a king-size Hershey's Almond Bar in one sitting, so I know the apple (pie) didn't fall far from the tree. And the scale was living proof.
I had learned through my many weight-loss mistakes that I needed to eat healthier all day long, but eating healthy all day made me want to cave at night. As soon as that last bite of supper made it to my lips, my brain immediately went to dessert.
Related: How to Kill Your Sugar Addiction Before It Kills You
I knew the issue went deep when I'd have a decent-size serving of dessert but always wanted more. One small bowl of ice cream easily had me rummaging through my cupboard for a handful of chocolate chips. Oh, and while we're at it, let's crumble that cookie on top. I wondered why I felt foggy, had dull headaches, or woke up in the middle of the night with stomach cramps. I also didn't want my husband to know. Then came the day he caught me hiding behind the freezer door with a spoon hanging from my mouth. I knew right then and there, I was an addict who needed to break this sugar habit.
After polishing off a pint of So Delicious Snickerdoodle Cashew Milk ice cream (holy deliciousness!), I went cold turkey. I had to. That's just my personality. It's all or nothing, baby, and I knew I couldn't have just one little taste, so I had to have none at all. But instead of denying myself anything sweet, I switched to fresh fruit. I didn't just have a boring old banana. I took the time to prepare a gorgeous rainbow-colored fruit bowl. Sliced mango, strawberries, blueberries, pear, cantaloupe, apple, banana, kiwi, and clementines. I'll tell you after that first bowl of fruit, I was pissed. Because fruit is not ice cream. I stuck with it though. For an entire week, then two weeks, then three. By that time, I was completely in the habit of eating fruit, and since I had stopped buying and baking all those treats, the temptation and the cravings dissipated. Now after dinner, I crave sweet juicy grapes, watermelon, and raspberries. Seriously.
But a week later, while pressing my face against the glass door of the ice cream freezer shopping one day, I noticed a new flavor of cashew milk ice cream - salted caramel cluster. Sweet dairy-free goodness! I'm sorry, but as a vegan, it was my duty to buy that sh*t. And I didn't even wait until after dinner. As soon as I got home, I tore off the lid. It was so perfectly soft and creamy, and that first spoonful was heavenly. But to my absolute shock, it tasted too sweet. TOO SWEET?! How is that even possible? I was addicted to sugar, remember? After a few more spoonfuls, I couldn't take it, and get this - I put it back in the freezer. I had finally beaten my sugar addiction.
Related: Why You Need to Stop Drinking Diet Soda Right Now
Don't get me wrong - I still eat real sugar but not every single day. This little experiment gave my habits a reset, so now I'm able to enjoy things in moderation without going overboard. I've realized there are ways to get my sweet fix without eating refined sugars. I bake date-sweetened cookies, swirl up some ice cream made with frozen fruit, or use fresh fruit to sweeten baked goods like these banana strawberry apple grape muffins. And for those times when I'm really craving something more, a handful of raw almonds with chocolate chips usually does the trick. Or I go a little nuts and bake chocolate cupcakes, eat one (or four, you know, whatever), then I give the rest away.
So if you want to cut down on the white stuff, what you need to do is - get ready for it - cut down on the white stuff! I did it cold turkey, but you can do it more gradually. The end result is the same. I found the more sugar I ate, the more I craved it. So when I didn't eat it, I didn't crave it. I felt a sense of lightness and mental clarity, but the freedom I felt from not being chained to sugar was refreshing. You know when you eat healthy and you feel good? Yeah, that happened. And that's what keeps me going.
The Showdown: Sparkling Water vs. Plain Water
Whether you've swapped your daily soda habit for sparkling water, or like to drink the bubbly stuff because plain H2O can be boring, you might be wondering if your still getting the same hydrating benefits of drinking still water.
Although sparkling water contains carbon dioxide (which can be acidic), it will cause your teeth to rot away. In fact, a study showed that the damage is so minimal that one would have to drink massive amounts of sparkling water in order to wear away enamel faster than it's renewed. Sodas, on the other hand, contain phosphoric acid, which dissolves the calcium in tooth enamel and weakens teeth.
You may have also heard that carbonated water can leach calcium out of your bones and lead to osteoporosis, but no studies have been found to back this up. Actually, drinking sparkling water may even keep calcium locked in your bones.
One thing you should be cautious of is flavored sparkling waters. While some varieties are enhanced with natural fruit juices, others contain sugar or artificial sweeteners that could lead to unnecessary calories. Some fizzy mineral water or club soda also contains high amounts of sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure. Be sure to look for low-sodium options, and make your own flavored soda water at home with these detoxifying ingredient add-ins. Lastly, opting for the bubbly may lead to bloating or gas - not ideal before a workout.
- Additional reporting by Michele Foley
Better With a Friend: Strength-Training Moves That Are More Effective With a Buddy
Working out with a buddy is definitely more fun, but with partner exercises, you can work your muscles differently and more efficiently. In this move, one partner holds elbow plank while the other does elevated push-ups, resting their feet on their partner's lower back. Try these moves the next time you're with a fitness friend.
These Photos of 100 Calories of Valentine's Day Candy Will Probably Break Your Heart
Can you believe grocery stores are already displaying Valentine's Day candy? Might as well get a jump on the next sugar-coated holiday, right? Whether you're picking up a bag of pink and red M&M's early or waiting to devour an entire box of chocolates on Feb. 14, find out how many calories those little bites will run you.
5 Fitness Tips That Might Surprise You
Sometimes, one direction or a quick piece of advice can totally change the course of your workout. We've tapped into some of the most respected and sought-after celebrity trainers for those surprising tips and tricks you don't hear at the gym every day. From proper technique to making your workouts support weight-loss goals, take their expert advice to heart to see the results you're after.
- Additional reporting by Leta Shy, Michele Foley, and Susi May
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