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 7 mars 2017
You Won't Be Able to Stop Watching the Snow Ball Fight Scene in Beauty and the Beast
Emma Watson stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday, and aside from reminiscing about Harry Potter, she talked about what it was like filming "Something There" for Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast. While it is regarded as the moment Belle and the Beast fall in love, we can't help but laugh as Watson gets smashed in the face with a huge snow ball. Aside from talking about the movie, she also gushed about the recent LA premiere where she met some iconic celebrities, including the original voice of Belle, Paige O'Hara, and Celine Dion.
This Is Not a Drill: Florida Georgia Line Is Touring With the Backstreet Boys
Y'all ready for this? Stadium tour w/ our brothers of @backstreetboys is happening! 🎉 @Nelly_Mo & @iamchrislane are comin' too! #SmoothTour http://pic.twitter.com/iq7FXkxLUD
- Florida Georgia Line (@FLAGALine) March 7, 2017
If you can't stop listening to Florida Georgia Line's song with the Backstreet Boys, "God, Your Mama, and Me," then you're in luck. On Tuesday, the country duo announced that they are hitting the road with the iconic boy band for their Smooth Tour. And that's not all! Nelly and Chris Lane will also join them for the special three shows. Save up your money now, because you can catch them in Boston, Minneapolis, MN, and Chicago this Summer.
Research explores brain injury in women exposed to domestic violence
A Kelowna couple is researching the prevalence of brain injuries in women who have experienced violence from an intimate partner.
This Mom Had an Incredible Response When Her Girl Said She Wasn't as Pretty as Elsa
When her little girl mentioned that she didn't think she was as pretty as Elsa, one mom told her daughter the truth: that she's far prettier than her current "Disney crush."
However, the child didn't believe her mom and this parent understood why. So she was determined to show her daughter exactly how beautiful she is, both inside and out. "You are 5 and so it's a quick fix: dress, flowers, forest. I am on a mission to show you what I see every single day," she shared on the Love What Matters Facebook page. "I think, as you are lifting your hands in the air, that we should do this more. Me and you. Dress up and celebrate who we are. We should twirl more. We should strut."
After her mom snapped some breathtaking photos, her child went about her day, but her mom couldn't stop thinking about the impromptu photo shoot and what sparked it.
I'm still here, wondering how I am going to teach you something that I am still learning myself. How do I raise a woman that accepts, embraces, revels, and celebrates who she is? How do I show you the path to self-worth that women seem to trip over their entire lives? Because what you felt earlier, the dark I saw in your eye: it's a lie that whispers in every woman's ear. All of us. You are 5. And you heard it. It won't always be as easy as a pretty dress and photo shoot. And what when quick fixes don't work?
One day, her daughter will have to work out loving herself on her own, but whenever that time comes, her mom will be by her side. "And I will twirl, even when I look ridiculous," she wrote. "Because you need me to. Because I am beautiful. Because you are beautiful."
Research explores brain injury in women exposed to domestic violence
A Kelowna couple is researching the prevalence of brain injuries in women who have experienced violence from an intimate partner.
SNL's Pete Davidson Reveals He's Sober For the First Time in 8 Years
Pete Davidson is happy, healthy, and stronger than ever. The Saturday Night Live star, who has been absent from both the hit show and social media lately, posted a photo on Instagram on Monday to let his fans know where he's been. "Just wanted to let you guys know I'm okay," he wrote alongside a smiling photo of himself drinking coffee. "I know I've kinda been missing, on social media and on the show. I quit drugs and am happy and sober for the first time in 8 years. It wasn't easy, but I got a great girl, great friends and I consider myself a lucky man. I'll always be here for you guys, I promise. Remember to never give up hope because sometimes that's all we got. We are a family and I appreciate all your love and support. It's nice to be back in action ❤️"
The 23-year-old became the youngest SNL cast member when he joined the show in 2014. But while many people know him for his hilarious comedy, Pete has also been extremely open about his past struggles with drugs and depression. After his firefighter father passed away in 9/11, the actor was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract. "My stomach would be in pain all day and I wouldn't be able to eat, but then I'd smoke and I can eat and do my shows," he told High Times in 2016. "I wouldn't be able to do SNL if I didn't smoke weed. I wouldn't be able to do anything, really. Me performing not high has gone awful. It's awful for me, because I don't feel well." Around that same time, he also revealed during a radio interview that Kid Cudi's decision to enter rehab helped him get through a particularly dark time, saying, "I would've killed myself. It's kind of comforting to know your hero goes through the same stuff you do."
Jennifer Lopez Adorably Has No Idea How Much It Costs to Get "On the 6" Subway Nowadays
Jennifer Lopez might not be "Jenny From the Block" anymore. The ultra busy star made a stop at The Daily Show to promote the second season of Shades of Blue, where host Trevor Noah declared his deep love for the Puerto Rican star (apparently, he used to watch the video for "If You Had My Love" over and over again), but also took the chance to quiz her on her Bronx-girl knowledge.
"Are you still Jenny From the Block? Do you still roll with New York?" Trevor asked. "Do you even know how much a subway ticket costs?" J Lo was caught off guard, hilariously saying: "Listen, I started riding the subway when it was 50 cents." Needless to say, she was shocked when an audience member revealed a subway ticket in New York City now costs $2.75, saying: "That's crazy! We need to protest this!" Press play above to watch the full exchange go down, starting at the 6-minute mark. And make sure you watch all the way until the end, when J Lo makes it clear, there's nothing between her and Drake anymore.
Calling All Lazy Girls! Tarte Just Launched a Limited-Edition Vegan Dry Shampoo
Devotees of Tarte know that the brand has been offering eco-friendly makeup formulas for ages now, and in recent years, expanded into body and skin care. Like its product predecessors, the items are high-quality - and often vegan! - making them must haves in any beauty babe's bag. Now Tarte is quietly entering the hair care category, and we're completely psyched.
Amongst its new launches for the season, the brand debuted a limited-edition dry shampoo called Hair Goals. According to the Tarte site, the hair formula features natural thickeners and conditioners that are in its mascaras (including cellulose and rice bran wax), which add volume, lift, and hold at the root. The microfine powder blends into all hair colors - including rainbow, if the above image is any indication – and refreshes strands with a clean, sexy scent. And, best of all, it's vegan, too!
Based on the fun neon packaging, we wouldn't be surprised if this was an (albeit temporary) extension of Tarte's athleisure collection, which launched late last year wrapped in similar punchy shades. Keep reading to see more shots of this new launch and shop it, but act fast, because once it's gone, it's gone.
SNL's Pete Davidson Reveals He's Sober For the First Time in 8 Years
Pete Davidson is happy, healthy, and stronger than ever. The Saturday Night Live star, who has been absent from both the hit show and social media lately, posted a photo on Instagram on Monday to let his fans know where he's been. "Just wanted to let you guys know I'm okay," he wrote alongside a smiling photo of himself drinking coffee. "I know I've kinda been missing, on social media and on the show. I quit drugs and am happy and sober for the first time in 8 years. It wasn't easy, but I got a great girl, great friends and I consider myself a lucky man. I'll always be here for you guys, I promise. Remember to never give up hope because sometimes that's all we got. We are a family and I appreciate all your love and support. It's nice to be back in action ❤️"
The 23-year-old became the youngest SNL cast member when he joined the show in 2014. But while many people know him for his hilarious comedy, Pete has also been extremely open about his past struggles with drugs and depression. After his firefighter father passed away in 9/11, the actor was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract. "My stomach would be in pain all day and I wouldn't be able to eat, but then I'd smoke and I can eat and do my shows," he told High Times in 2016. "I wouldn't be able to do SNL if I didn't smoke weed. I wouldn't be able to do anything, really. Me performing not high has gone awful. It's awful for me, because I don't feel well." Around that same time, he also revealed during a radio interview that Kid Cudi's decision to enter rehab helped him get through a particularly dark time, saying, "I would've killed myself. It's kind of comforting to know your hero goes through the same stuff you do."
Fall in Love With NKOTB All Over Again While Watching Them Sing "One More Night"
New Kids on the Block stopped by The Late Late Show With James Corden on Monday night, and their sexy performance of "One More Night" surely brought more than a few Blockheads out of retirement. Although Mark Wahlberg sadly didn't join them on stage, their appearance was full of nostalgic nods to their glory days: subtle choreography, perfectly blended harmonies, and a standout moment from Jordan Knight (duh). Backstreet Boys might be ruling the Las Vegas residency game at the moment, but maybe NKOTB should be next?
Tom Hiddleston Gets "Testy" After Being Asked About Taylor Swift For the 100th Time
Unexpected couple Tom Hiddleston and Taylor Swift were everywhere you looked last Summer - making out at the Colosseum, strolling down a beach in England with his mom, and enjoying a totally-casual-and-not-at-all-a-PR-stunt afternoon on some rocks in Rhode Island. Naturally their high-profile and out-of-left-field romance sparked plenty of rumors before they called it quits after a mere three months in September 2016, but it seems the Kong: Skull Island actor is sick of fielding questions about his ex-girlfriend.
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, writer John Hiscock asked if Tom regretted "the publicity and gossip the romance engendered," which the 36-year-old Golden Globe winner replied to "testily." "What should I regret, in your mind?" he asked. "I would rather not talk about this, if that's alright." Following "a long pause, with his hand on his chin," he went on to explain why he's annoyed with questions about Taylor. "I'm just thinking about this. Everyone is entitled to a private life. I love what I do and I dedicate myself with absolute commitment to making great art and great entertainment, and in my mind I don't conflict the two. My work is in the public sphere and I have a private life," he said. "And those two things are separate."
In early February Tom appeared in GQ, where he happily opened up about his ill-fated relationship with the pop star and even revealed the reason he chose to wear that infamous "I [heart] T.S." tank top at Taylor's annual Fourth of July party ("It was a joke among friends"). Although he insisted the relationship was legit ("Of course it was real"), it certainly seems like the publicity took its toll on him regardless. "I have been working very hard and been away from home for the last three or four years, and I just needed to take a moment to catch up with myself," he continued to The Telegraph. "I've been in London for the last four months and I'm just having a breather and catching up and spending time with my family and friends, which has been really nice." With the premiere of Kong: Skull Island nearly upon us, here's hoping he got plenty of rest before his next press blitz (which will probably include more questions about Taylor, let's be honest).
Mark Bittman's 3-Ingredient No-Knead Bread Actually Works
If bread is the staff of life, then this cook has been wobbling on shaky legs for much of her culinary career. What is it about baking bread that's so daunting? I suppose I've rationalized my bread-baking evasion by telling myself it takes too long and my spaghetti-noodle arms can't knead well enough. But I recognize those are silly excuses, so this week I set about tackling the easiest bread recipe I could find.
About five years ago, New York Times journalist Mark Bittman introduced the baking-phobic world to Jim Lahey's no-knead bread recipe and - in typical Bittman fashion - wowed us again by reducing the 24-hour process to a mere five hours. One of us valiantly (and very successfully, I might add) took a stab at the original, but for those of us who can't plan further ahead than tonight's dinner, this may be the closest we'll come to a lovingly leavened, rustic loaf.
Bittman's recipe calls for a wet dough with plenty of yeast and leverages that high water content to steam the dough in a heavy lidded pot before browning the loaf. This process results in that crisp, crackly crust and fluffy, chewy interior that you crave in a rustic loaf, and all this without a single kneading stroke. Someday I'll pursue the weight training that will get my arms in bread-kneading shape. But until then, I thank Mr. Bittman for fostering my lazy side. For the recipe, keep reading.
Heartilage Piercings Are the New Earring Trend You're Going to Obsess Over
My first pair of earrings were simple studs, the generic pair I picked out when I got my ears pierced as a little girl, but as the years have gone on, my collection of unique, intricate earrings has grown and my everyday studs are a thing of the past. While there's no shortage of pom-pom earrings or single silver drop earrings in the fashion world, I assumed that all cartilage earrings were created equally. I thought that the round silver cartilage earring I rebelliously got pierced with in college (sorry again, Mom) would just be it, no tassels or fringes - and sadly, no diamonds.
There's no denying that it's difficult to design a unique yet chic cartilage earring simply because of the sensitivity and location on the ear, but a piercing legend in New York City has found the solution. Robbie Milian, the one with the piercing gun at celebrity favorite West 4 Tattoo, simply removed the bead from his client's cartilage ring, turned in the metal ends, and shaped the piercing into a heart. We've officially named this heart cartilage trend "heartilage," and we cannot get enough of it! It's the adorable way to spice up your piercing in a way we didn't think could be done.
Robbie's creativity with the heartilage piercing might have been inspired by his frequent heart daith piercings, the innermost area of cartilage, which he often pierces with a beaded heart ring, seen on his Instagram. Keep reading to see more photos of the heartilage trend.
Tom Hiddleston Gets "Testy" After Being Asked About Taylor Swift For the 100th Time
Unexpected couple Tom Hiddleston and Taylor Swift were everywhere you looked last Summer - making out at the Colosseum, strolling down a beach in England with his mom, and enjoying a totally-casual-and-not-at-all-a-PR-stunt afternoon on some rocks in Rhode Island. Naturally their high-profile and out-of-left-field romance sparked plenty of rumors before they called it quits after a mere three months in September 2016, but it seems the Kong: Skull Island actor is sick of fielding questions about his ex-girlfriend.
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, writer John Hiscock asked if Tom regretted "the publicity and gossip the romance engendered," which the 36-year-old Golden Globe winner replied to "testily." "What should I regret, in your mind?" he asked. "I would rather not talk about this, if that's alright." Following "a long pause, with his hand on his chin," he went on to explain why he's annoyed with questions about Taylor. "I'm just thinking about this. Everyone is entitled to a private life. I love what I do and I dedicate myself with absolute commitment to making great art and great entertainment, and in my mind I don't conflict the two. My work is in the public sphere and I have a private life," he said. "And those two things are separate."
In early February Tom appeared in GQ, where he happily opened up about his ill-fated relationship with the pop star and even revealed the reason he chose to wear that infamous "I [heart] T.S." tank top at Taylor's annual Fourth of July party ("It was a joke among friends"). Although he insisted the relationship was legit ("Of course it was real"), it certainly seems like the publicity took its toll on him regardless. "I have been working very hard and been away from home for the last three or four years, and I just needed to take a moment to catch up with myself," he continued to The Telegraph. "I've been in London for the last four months and I'm just having a breather and catching up and spending time with my family and friends, which has been really nice." With the premiere of Kong: Skull Island nearly upon us, here's hoping he got plenty of rest before his next press blitz (which will probably include more questions about Taylor, let's be honest).
Elementary Teacher Finds Note About "Female Empowerment Club" Under a Student's Desk
My fourth grade teacher friend found this under one of her students' desks. <3 <3 <3 http://pic.twitter.com/7NSxIa6ujn
- Elly (@SMLXist) March 6, 2017
Feminism is having a serious moment - thank goodness - and it's not just grown women who are involving themselves in the movement, it's the little girls as well. A fourth grade teacher found an epic note under a student's desk that proves it. The note, which was posted to Twitter by the teacher's friend Elly reads: "Do you want to join a female empowerment club? We are the leaders."
Well, yes, we do want to join, and as it turns out, so does the rest of the internet. Several Twitter users have since responded to the original tweet with things like: "Does she know if they taking any more members? Asking for a friend" and "I wanna join. I'm 46. Is that gonna be a problem?"
We certainly hope not, because we're in! Scroll through to see a few more reactions, just in case you needed any more convincing to want to join this club (though we doubt it).
@SMLXist @JohnNephew Fuck yeah early beginnings for empowerment and activism
- Bud (@BuzzBrian177) March 6, 2017
@SMLXist @moodey98 @BretonGooner My 2nd grade daughter is all about that sort of thing. Bored one afternoon & did this: http://pic.twitter.com/lGgQT29kVa
- Liz Spann (@ElegantGoose) March 7, 2017
@SMLXist @anon6116 I CANNOT LOVE THIS HARD ENOUGH!
- Sherry Frost (@frostnhstaterep) March 7, 2017
Get Out the Griddle! Healthy Flapjack Recipes That'll Make Your Taste Buds Flip
Go ahead and serve yourself a stack! These healthy pancake recipes offer fewer calories and less fat than buttermilk flapjacks, with a healthy dose of protein, fiber, and other nutrients. Power up your metabolism, regulate your blood sugar, and satisfy your cravings for a sweet and decadent brunch with one of these tasty twists on the traditional pancakes.
Get Out the Griddle! Healthy Flapjack Recipes That'll Make Your Taste Buds Flip
Go ahead and serve yourself a stack! These healthy pancake recipes offer fewer calories and less fat than buttermilk flapjacks, with a healthy dose of protein, fiber, and other nutrients. Power up your metabolism, regulate your blood sugar, and satisfy your cravings for a sweet and decadent brunch with one of these tasty twists on the traditional pancakes.
Emma Watson Gets Adorably Embarrassed While Watching a Harry Potter Outtake
Emma Watson stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday night to promote her new film Beauty and the Beast, but she actually ended up reminiscing about Harry Potter in the process. During the show, the actress got incredibly flustered when the host played an outtake from the very first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Not only does she look so young in the clip, but in true Hermione form, she was actually mouthing all of her costars' lines during the scene. "I couldn't help myself," she said. "I was such a loser. I really love those books. I really wanted to do my job well, and I kind of overdid it."
You Don't Have to Leave Earth to Get a Closer Look at Chanel's Accessories
Chanel's Fall '17 collection spoke to the inner child in us - the one who is obsessed with space and stars. Karl Lagerfeld had a little fun with the show – debuting sparkly tweed suits and boots on the runway plus a live rocket launch. If you look closely, careful attention was paid to the accessories too. There were beaded headbands, furry gloves, and stardust-covered boots. The bags drew inspiration from the universe (our favorite was the spherical orb) with one in particular that will catch everyone's eye: the rocket ship purse. Scroll on to see a closer look at all the accessories on the runway.
Rupert Grint Says People Regularly Mistake Him For Ed Sheeran
Have you been missing Rupert Grint lately? If the answer is yes, we have a sweet treat for you! The Harry Potter actor, who has been mostly out of the spotlight in recent years, stopped by The Late Late Show on Monday night, where he ended up talking about his pal Ed Sheeran. Rupert, who played an Ed Sheeran look-alike in his 2011 music video for "Lego House," revealed that people still regularly mistake him for the singer. "It's kind of 50/50 now," Rupert told host James Corden about what happens when fans approach him. "If someone stops me, it could go either way. I could be Ed or I could be me." And in typical, hilarious Rupert fashion, he says he usually just plays along. If that isn't enough to make you smile, Rupert shares the couch with Beauty and the Beast star Dan Stevens, whose costar happens to be Emma Watson, Rupert's longtime friend, costar, and onscreen love interest in the Harry Potter films. There really is nothing about this video that we don't love.
Rupert Grint Says People Regularly Mistake Him For Ed Sheeran
Have you been missing Rupert Grint lately? If the answer is yes, we have a sweet treat for you! The Harry Potter actor, who has been mostly out of the spotlight in recent years, stopped by The Late Late Show on Monday night, where he ended up talking about his pal Ed Sheeran. Rupert, who played an Ed Sheeran look-alike in his 2011 music video for "Lego House," revealed that people still regularly mistake him for the singer. "It's kind of 50/50 now," Rupert told host James Corden about what happens when fans approach him. "If someone stops me, it could go either way. I could be Ed or I could be me." And in typical, hilarious Rupert fashion, he says he usually just plays along. If that isn't enough to make you smile, Rupert shares the couch with Beauty and the Beast star Dan Stevens, whose costar happens to be Emma Watson, Rupert's longtime friend, costar, and onscreen love interest in the Harry Potter films. There really is nothing about this video that we don't love.
20 Songs From the 2000s That You'll Never Get Over
Music and food are two things that don't fail at bringing together all Latinos. If there's a plate of ceviche or tostones around, we all gather around the table. If there's music pumping through speakers, we all flock to dance, bop our heads, or even fist pump. There's no way a song like Enrique Iglesias's "Heroe" or any Aventura tune will come on the radio without everyone loudly singing every lyric. And though plenty of current songs have this effect on us all, there's no time like the 2000s. See our list of songs from that decade that you can't help but sing along to, then check out these TV shows that bring on all the nostalgia.
66 Positive Things You Should Be Saying to Your Child
In a world where saying "no" is usually a lot easier than saying "yes," it is important to bring up children who don't feel that negativity has a higher value than positivity. Encouraging words can have a truly lasting effect on your kiddo years and years after you've said them, so we should choose to use phrases that will make them feel good about themselves inside and out, things that will stick with them as words that got them through tough times.
Whether you want to tell them how great they were at their soccer game, or how much you love spending time with them, here are 66 positive and encouraging things to say to your child on a daily basis.
- I'm grateful for you.
- You make me proud.
- Your words are meaningful.
- You have great ideas.
- I love being your parent.
- You don't have to be perfect to be great.
- Your opinions matter.
- You are important.
- You are loved.
- I believe you.
- I believe in you.
- This family wouldn't be the same without you.
- You are valuable.
- You can say no.
- You can say yes.
- I know you did your best.
- You were right.
- I accept who you are.
- We can try your way.
- You are helpful.
- You are worth it.
- You make me happy.
- I love your creativity.
- Being around you is fun.
- I can't wait to hear about it.
- Don't be afraid to be you.
- You're making a difference.
- I'm excited to spend time with you.
- You are interesting.
- I love seeing the world your way.
- It's good to be curious.
- I love the way you tell stories.
- What you did was awesome.
- I admire you.
- That's a great question.
- Your friends are lucky to have you.
- I trust you.
- That was a really good choice.
- Seeing you happy makes me happy.
- Being your parent is my favorite job.
- I learn new things from you every day.
- You make me better.
- You are a good boy/girl.
- Thank you for being you.
- I'm so glad you're here.
- You look great.
- I understand you.
- Watching you grow up is the best.
- That was really brave.
- I forgive you.
- I appreciate you.
- We all make mistakes.
- Yes, me too.
- You are very good at that!
- You can try again tomorrow.
- Nobody is perfect.
- I love how you said that.
- Not everyone will like you, and that's OK.
- You did that so well.
- I'm listening.
- That's a very fair point.
- You are beautiful inside and out.
- I love you.
- I could never stop loving you.
- You are enough.
- You make my heart full.
What will you say to your child today?
George Michael's Cause of Death Has Finally Been Revealed
This post has been updated with new information.
The world is still grieving the shocking loss of George Michael, but at least a definitive cause of death has finally been confirmed. The 53-year-old singer and songwriter passed away at his home on Christmas Day due to heart failure, according to his manager at the time. Darren Salter, the Senior Coroner for Oxfordshire, recently released a statement that reveals the specific reason behind his passing: "Enquires into the death of George Michael have been concluded and the final post mortem report received. As there is a confirmed natural cause of death, being Dilated Cardiomyopathy with Myocarditis and Fatty Liver, the investigation is being discontinued and there is no need for an inquest or any further enquiries. No further updates will be provided and the family requests the media and public respect their privacy."
Shortly after he died, his publicist gave a statement to the BBC. "It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period," it read. "The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage." The Thames Valley Police also provided a statement of their own to The Hollywood Reporter, calling the death "unexplained but not suspicious." The English singer rose to fame in the '80s with the band Wham! before starting a solo career in 1987. Known for hits that included "Faith" and "Freedom! '90," Michael sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
15 Ridiculously Awesome Animal Cafes That You Can Visit
Animal cafes combine two of the purest joys in life: adorable pets and good food. And with more and more of these establishments opening up around the world, animal-lovers have more opportunities than ever to enjoy a snack while cuddling with their favorite fluffballs! From hedgehogs to huskies, you can find a cafe that features pretty much any animal you'd like to relax with. We've found 15 of the coolest pet cafes out there for you to add to your bucket list, so be sure to make your reservations ASAP.
These Paris Fashion Week Looks Will Give You French-Girl Beauty Envy
Fashion Month is coming to a close, but the best beauty looks have no doubt been saved for last! The chicest runway shows are happening all week, so stay tuned to wrap up your must-try beauty trends next season. From the blotted fuchsia lips at Paskal to Alto's wet-look strands, you're bound to find wearable inspiration for your Fall style.
13 Latino Bridal Designers You Should Consider Wearing at Your Wedding
It should go without saying that weddings are a big deal in Latin culture. They're a day full of many traditions that celebrate the new chapter you're about to embark on. While your reception's menu, gorgeous cake, and dance playlist might already reflect your proud heritage, you might decide to opt for a dress that also connects to your family's roots.
That's why we've rounded up 13 designers that tie in Latin culture and style into their gowns so that you have a little piece of home with your something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.
George Michael's Cause of Death Has Finally Been Revealed
This post has been updated with new information.
The world is still grieving the shocking loss of George Michael, but at least a definitive cause of death has finally been confirmed. The 53-year-old singer and songwriter passed away at his home on Christmas Day due to heart failure, according to his manager at the time. Darren Salter, the Senior Coroner for Oxfordshire, recently released a statement that reveals the specific reason behind his passing: "Enquires into the death of George Michael have been concluded and the final post mortem report received. As there is a confirmed natural cause of death, being Dilated Cardiomyopathy with Myocarditis and Fatty Liver, the investigation is being discontinued and there is no need for an inquest or any further enquiries. No further updates will be provided and the family requests the media and public respect their privacy."
Shortly after he died, his publicist gave a statement to the BBC. "It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period," it read. "The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage." The Thames Valley Police also provided a statement of their own to The Hollywood Reporter, calling the death "unexplained but not suspicious." The English singer rose to fame in the '80s with the band Wham! before starting a solo career in 1987. Known for hits that included "Faith" and "Freedom! '90," Michael sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
Ben & Jerry's New Cereal Milk Flavors Will Fill You With So Much Nostalgia
In honor of National Cereal Day, March 7, Ben & Jerry's released three new flavors starring some of your favorite cereals. Fruit Loot, Cocoa Loco, and Frozen Flakes are B&J's Cereal Splashback flavors that pay a nostalgic tribute to childhood cereal favorites. Like the milk at the bottom of the cereal bowl in frozen form, these ice creams are creamy, sweet, and a little crunchy. "Why combine ice cream and cereal? Because the sweet milk at the bottom of a cereal bowl is arguably the best part," Ben & Jerry's Flavor Guru Eric Fredette said in a statement.
We didn't think another new Ben & Jerry's product could be as amazing as the Pint Slices, but we're just as impressed with these inventive creations. The only catch is these flavors won't be available in grocery stores, but only at Ben & Jerry's scoop shops starting on March 7. Curious about how each one tastes? Read on for our investigative reviews of the brand-new dessert.
Fruit Loot
This fruity flavor tastes exactly like cereal milk, and we want every last drop. Some people felt the swirl's texture was a bit too grainy, but we love how reminiscent of one of our favorite cereals it really is. Give us some extra Froot Loops to crumble on top, and we're set.
Cocoa Loco
This is our favorite flavor by far. Somewhat reminiscent of Whoppers, this crunchy cocoa ice cream has the slightest malt flavor. "Tastes like chocolate milk! Love the crunchy texture and cocoa flavor," one reviewer wrote. Imagine mixing Nesquik into vanilla ice cream and then adding crushed-up Cocoa Puffs - yeah, we're craving another bite, too.
Frozen Flakes
While this ice cream is super sweet and refreshing, it's a little lacking in the cereal department - we wanted more crunch. It has a subtle flavor, but it's admittedly "kind of bland," as one one of our tasters noted.
You can't go wrong with any Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor, but if you're debating which one of these three to try, we'd recommend going with one of the first two. And if you don't have a scoop shop near you, we won't judge you for adding your favorite cereal to your melted Ben & Jerry's instead.
'We are failing children inside Syria,' mental health adviser says
Six years of violence and bloodshed have spawned a mental health crisis among Syria's children, the charity Save the Children says.
'We are failing children inside Syria,' mental health adviser says
Six years of violence and bloodshed have spawned a mental health crisis among Syria's children, the charity Save the Children says.
This Is Exactly What You Need to Eat For Breakfast to Lose Weight
Did you know you can use the first meal of the day as a tool to lose weight? Want to know how? We've enlisted the expertise of two nutritionists - Stephanie Clarke, RD, and Willow Jarosh, RD, of C&J Nutrition - to share the perfect equation for how to make a scrumptious and satisfying breakfast that will help you lose weight. Follow their advice below to start seeing results.
Calories
Aim for a range between 300 and 400 calories. If you're trying to lose weight, stick with the 300 to 350 range, and if you're trying to maintain weight, especially if you're working out, shoot closer to 350 to 400 calories.
Carbs
About 45 to 55 percent of your breakfast calories should be devoted to carbs, which is about 40 to 55 grams of carbs. Skip sugary and overly processed foods or those made with enriched white flour, and choose whole grains, fruits, and veggies.
Protein
About 15 to 20 percent of your breakfast calorie amount should be protein, which works out to about 13 to 20 grams. Getting enough protein at breakfast is important for keeping you satisfied throughout the morning. And studies have shown that getting at least 20 grams of protein at breakfast may help you lose weight as well. Eggs, dairy products, soy milk, protein powder in smoothies, nuts and seeds, and whole grains are great sources of protein.
Fats
Shoot for about 10 to 15 grams, which is about 30 to 35 percent of your total breakfast calories. Instead of saturated fats like bacon and cheese, go for monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) like olive oil, nuts and seeds and the butters made from them, and avocado.
Fiber
Aim for about 25 percent of your recommended daily total of 25 grams per day. That works out to about six grams, but it's OK to go above that, as long as it doesn't bother your digestive system. Berries, pears, apples, greens and other veggies, nuts, seeds, and whole grains can help you reach that goal.
Sugars
If you follow the equation for carbs above, then you won't have to worry about going overboard on sugars, especially if you're eating a combination of foods like fruits, whole grains, and dairy products. But for a ballpark number to keep in mind, stick to 36 grams or fewer. And when it comes to added sugar, try not to exceed six grams - that's about 1.5 teaspoons' worth of any sweetener (white sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or agave).
Timing
Ideally you should eat breakfast within 30 to 60 minutes of waking up. If you're not keen on eating anything big first thing, split this meal up into two parts, having something light close to waking up and the other half about an hour and a half later. This also works well if you're a morning exerciser and prefer not to have a full stomach while you work out. If you're exercising, you can aim to have the more carbohydrate-based portion of your breakfast (fruit, toast, etc.) prior to working out and the more protein-centric portion afterward.
A Few Examples of Perfect Breakfasts
- Steel Cut Oats With Fruit and Nuts: Steel cut oats not only have more fiber than an equal amount of rolled oats, but they also have more protein since you're eating more of the original grain. Cook one-half cup steel cut oats in a mixture of one-half cup water and one-half cup unsweetened soy milk. Top with one-half cup blueberries, one tablespoon chopped walnuts, and one teaspoon drizzle of maple syrup.
Calories: 328
Total fat: 9.7 grams
Saturated fat: 1 gram
Carbs: 51.1 grams
Fiber: 7.2 grams
Sugars: 16.6 grams
Protein: 11.8 grams - Mexi-Egg Wrap: Scramble one egg and one egg white with two tablespoons black beans, one-quarter cup chopped tomato, and two tablespoons onion, until eggs are set. Stir in one cup spinach. Fill a nine-inch whole-wheat tortilla with the egg mixture and top with one-quarter of an avocado, cubed, and one tablespoon salsa. Add salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder to taste.
Calories: 345
Total fat: 15.7 grams
Saturated fat: 3.5 grams
Carbs: 36.8 grams
Fiber 9.7 grams
Sugars: 3.2 grams
Protein: 17.4 grams - Smoothie and a Hard-Boiled Egg: Pair a carrot cake smoothie made with two medium carrots, half a frozen banana, two cups spinach, one cup unsweetened soy milk (you can use almond), half a scoop plant-based protein powder, one-eighth cup golden raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This is easy to split - have half of the smoothie before your workout, then have the rest plus the egg after the workout.
Calories: 368
Total fat: 12.6 grams
Saturated fat: 5.1 grams
Carbs: 49.5 grams
Fiber: 9.4 grams
Sugars: 25.5 grams
Protein: 25.4 grams
Breakfast Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping out: When you sleep, your body slows down while you're not eating. So when you wake up, if you don't break the fast (yup, that's where the name comes from), your body will burn calories slowly. To jump-start your metabolism and get your body burning calories, you need to eat. Not fueling up also deprives your brain of glucose, which is why you feel foggy-headed and cranky. Think of breakfast as an opportunity to get your fill of valuable nutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
- Skimping: You know skipping breakfast entirely is a no-no, but not eating enough will also backfire. It'll leave you feeling hungry soon after eating, which will cause you to need more food and can translate to more calories consumed over the course of the entire day. Stick to the formula above, and you'll not only feel satisfied longer, but you'll also have more energy for the workouts that can make you drop pounds even faster.
- Imbalanced meal: Leaving out a key component of the breakfast formula such as avoiding all carbs or going too heavy, such as having an all-protein meal, means you're not going to get enough satisfaction or nutrition from this first meal. Following the formula above will allow you to eat a balanced meal while also helping you see weight-loss results.
Looking to lose weight during other times of the day? Here's what to eat for lunch, what to eat at snack time, and what to eat at dinner to lose weight.
This Photo Tribute to Famous Afro Latinas Is So Powerful
Puerto Rican photographer Linda Nieves-Powell is celebrating six powerful Afro Latinas in a new series for her project "Latina Icons," and saying the pictures are too damn stunning is an understatement.
"I had been thinking for some time about creating a photography project to feature Latinas and by chance I came across an old photo of Rita Moreno on the cover of Life magazine on my Facebook timeline. That picture sparked the idea to create a tribute to trailblazers," Linda told POPSUGAR over email. "The first series I worked on was a tribute to Selena, Carmen Miranda, Frida Kahlo, Rita Moreno, Iris Chacón and Maria Montez. It was a beautiful re-creation and the response was phenomenal. Latinas do love to see themselves in this way."
For Black History Month, Linda decided to dedicate an entire section of her project to Afro Latinas. "In my research, I noticed that Afro Latina musicians, at least the ones that I had found, possessed an incredible sense of style and seemed to revel in their individuality - Celia's blue wigs, La Lupe's makeup and eyebrows," Linda said of finding the subjects for her second photo series, which also includes Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, La India, Amara La Negra, and Esperanza Spalding.
So why is this Afro Latina series so special? It's all about representation. "As a child, growing up in a predominately white neighborhood, I was bullied for looking different. I had thick black curly hair, an olive complexion, and thick thighs," says Linda. "When I had the opportunity to see photos of women who resembled me, it validated me." Scroll ahead to see Linda's amazing work.
This Is Exactly What You Need to Eat For Breakfast to Lose Weight
Did you know you can use the first meal of the day as a tool to lose weight? Want to know how? We've enlisted the expertise of two nutritionists - Stephanie Clarke, RD, and Willow Jarosh, RD, of C&J Nutrition - to share the perfect equation for how to make a scrumptious and satisfying breakfast that will help you lose weight. Follow their advice below to start seeing results.
Calories
Aim for a range between 300 and 400 calories. If you're trying to lose weight, stick with the 300 to 350 range, and if you're trying to maintain weight, especially if you're working out, shoot closer to 350 to 400 calories.
Carbs
About 45 to 55 percent of your breakfast calories should be devoted to carbs, which is about 40 to 55 grams of carbs. Skip sugary and overly processed foods or those made with enriched white flour, and choose whole grains, fruits, and veggies.
Protein
About 15 to 20 percent of your breakfast calorie amount should be protein, which works out to about 13 to 20 grams. Getting enough protein at breakfast is important for keeping you satisfied throughout the morning. And studies have shown that getting at least 20 grams of protein at breakfast may help you lose weight as well. Eggs, dairy products, soy milk, protein powder in smoothies, nuts and seeds, and whole grains are great sources of protein.
Fats
Shoot for about 10 to 15 grams, which is about 30 to 35 percent of your total breakfast calories. Instead of saturated fats like bacon and cheese, go for monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) like olive oil, nuts and seeds and the butters made from them, and avocado.
Fiber
Aim for about 25 percent of your recommended daily total of 25 grams per day. That works out to about six grams, but it's OK to go above that, as long as it doesn't bother your digestive system. Berries, pears, apples, greens and other veggies, nuts, seeds, and whole grains can help you reach that goal.
Sugars
If you follow the equation for carbs above, then you won't have to worry about going overboard on sugars, especially if you're eating a combination of foods like fruits, whole grains, and dairy products. But for a ballpark number to keep in mind, stick to 36 grams or fewer. And when it comes to added sugar, try not to exceed six grams - that's about 1.5 teaspoons' worth of any sweetener (white sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or agave).
Timing
Ideally you should eat breakfast within 30 to 60 minutes of waking up. If you're not keen on eating anything big first thing, split this meal up into two parts, having something light close to waking up and the other half about an hour and a half later. This also works well if you're a morning exerciser and prefer not to have a full stomach while you work out. If you're exercising, you can aim to have the more carbohydrate-based portion of your breakfast (fruit, toast, etc.) prior to working out and the more protein-centric portion afterward.
A Few Examples of Perfect Breakfasts
- Steel Cut Oats With Fruit and Nuts: Steel cut oats not only have more fiber than an equal amount of rolled oats, but they also have more protein since you're eating more of the original grain. Cook one-half cup steel cut oats in a mixture of one-half cup water and one-half cup unsweetened soy milk. Top with one-half cup blueberries, one tablespoon chopped walnuts, and one teaspoon drizzle of maple syrup.
Calories: 328
Total fat: 9.7 grams
Saturated fat: 1 gram
Carbs: 51.1 grams
Fiber: 7.2 grams
Sugars: 16.6 grams
Protein: 11.8 grams - Mexi-Egg Wrap: Scramble one egg and one egg white with two tablespoons black beans, one-quarter cup chopped tomato, and two tablespoons onion, until eggs are set. Stir in one cup spinach. Fill a nine-inch whole-wheat tortilla with the egg mixture and top with one-quarter of an avocado, cubed, and one tablespoon salsa. Add salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder to taste.
Calories: 345
Total fat: 15.7 grams
Saturated fat: 3.5 grams
Carbs: 36.8 grams
Fiber 9.7 grams
Sugars: 3.2 grams
Protein: 17.4 grams - Smoothie and a Hard-Boiled Egg: Pair a carrot cake smoothie made with two medium carrots, half a frozen banana, two cups spinach, one cup unsweetened soy milk (you can use almond), half a scoop plant-based protein powder, one-eighth cup golden raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This is easy to split - have half of the smoothie before your workout, then have the rest plus the egg after the workout.
Calories: 368
Total fat: 12.6 grams
Saturated fat: 5.1 grams
Carbs: 49.5 grams
Fiber: 9.4 grams
Sugars: 25.5 grams
Protein: 25.4 grams
Breakfast Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping out: When you sleep, your body slows down while you're not eating. So when you wake up, if you don't break the fast (yup, that's where the name comes from), your body will burn calories slowly. To jump-start your metabolism and get your body burning calories, you need to eat. Not fueling up also deprives your brain of glucose, which is why you feel foggy-headed and cranky. Think of breakfast as an opportunity to get your fill of valuable nutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
- Skimping: You know skipping breakfast entirely is a no-no, but not eating enough will also backfire. It'll leave you feeling hungry soon after eating, which will cause you to need more food and can translate to more calories consumed over the course of the entire day. Stick to the formula above, and you'll not only feel satisfied longer, but you'll also have more energy for the workouts that can make you drop pounds even faster.
- Imbalanced meal: Leaving out a key component of the breakfast formula such as avoiding all carbs or going too heavy, such as having an all-protein meal, means you're not going to get enough satisfaction or nutrition from this first meal. Following the formula above will allow you to eat a balanced meal while also helping you see weight-loss results.
Looking to lose weight during other times of the day? Here's what to eat for lunch, what to eat at snack time, and what to eat at dinner to lose weight.
10 Toys That Kids Love and Moms Love to Hate
The longer you are a parent, the more toys your home will inevitably accumulate and the more you'll learn that not all playthings are created equal. There are the toys that you yourself get so excited about (wooden baby toys, hand-knit dolls, retro games) that your kids have zero interest in. There are the tacky toys that you're forced to buy because your kids just have to have them (why can't I have a kid that drags around a Blabla doll instead of a freaking Beanie Boo?). Then there's that special category of toys, items that you initially think are pretty great, until you really get to know them and discover the parent-directed evils lurking inside. Here are 10 of the worst offenders.
The Best Part of Gigi Hadid's Denim-on-Denim Look Has Nothing to Do With Her Jeans
Before walking the Fall 2017 Balmain runway in Paris, Gigi Hadid made a statement in the streets. The supermodel left her hotel in a few signature pieces, including a skintight crop top, high-waisted denim, Krewe sunglasses, and sock boots. Her distressed jean jacket helped her achieve a Canadian tuxedo, but that's just the first thing you'll notice about her look. We zeroed in on Gigi's gold hardware.
The buckle on her looped belt, the chainstrap of her bag, and her wiry choker all helped to illuminate Gigi's outfit. We were especially delighted by the shape of her necklace and how it worked to mimic the frills on her Topshop mockneck. It's a tiny little detail, sure, but it certainly didn't go unnoticed. Scroll to zoom in, then shop some wavy baubles that will help you achieve the same style move.
Karl Lagerfeld Shows Us What the Chanel Uniform Looks Like in Space
Karl Lagerfeld doesn't just set a theme in place without following through. If there's a live rocket ship launch on his runway, you can bet on a bunch of moon suits. Standout elements include sparkling tweed, glittering space boots with Coco's signature contrast toe, and playful little planet bags and backpacks to become must have accessories.
But all space references aside, Karl did tone down the mood, offering little '60s inspired minidresses, notable outerwear, and feather-finished red carpet gowns (these in a different category entirely than the chiffon astronaut dresses and sets, which double as memorabilia from the Fall 2017 season). Scroll on for the full lineup.
How to Tell the True Difference Between Prada and Miu Miu
When asked about the difference between her two lines, Prada and Miu Miu, Miuccia Prada once said:
"Designing for me is a very complex process. There are many ideas that I want to express in one object, very often contradictory. The creative process in Miu Miu is completely different from that of Prada. Rather than being young, Miu Miu is immediate. Prada is very sophisticated and considered; Miu Miu is much more naïve. The solution, when I am working on Miu Miu, has to come immediately, instinctively, spontaneously with whatever is available at the moment. If I think three times, I stop."
The designer was quoted in System Magazine two years ago, and when I read her explanation, I understood it immediately. But that's not the only reason I appreciate the distinction between the two labels. Aside from the fact that Miuccia Prada explains her art so clearly, she also executes, maintaining very specific aesthetics for each brand season after season. It's not only noticeable on the runway, where the Prada model is mature and equipped with all the essentials, and the Miu Miu girl is playful, her outfit a bit more carefree and thrown together as if to say, "why not?"
You can notice the difference between Miu Miu and Prada when it comes to ad campaigns, the It bags or shoes, and the front-row celebrity staples at Fashion Week. Read on to learn more about each label, and by the time you're studied up, you'll have arrived at the line that's truly right for you - are you a Prada lady or a Miu Miu girl at heart?
Everything to Know About Chanel's Ground Control Runway
The season was Fall 2017 and the theme, "Chanel Ground Control." Karl Lagerfeld took showgoers to space as models stomped the runway in their new glittering space boots. The proper astronaut attire, you ask? Tweed suits sprinkled with sequins, thick headbands, mirrored googles, and all the playful little rocket ship bags you can imagine. Scroll to find out who sat front row for Karl's space race, which models walked, and whether lift off was successful. One thing's for sure: this was quite a way to end a very memorable Fashion Month.
26 Things You Probably Never Knew About Chanel
There's no confusing those interlocking Cs; the iconic Chanel logo is one we've all seen (and craved). But before the brand became a lust-worthy label, it was just a modest millinery shop in Paris. Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, whom we know as Coco, changed the course of fashion history when she began her business in 1909. She first rose to popularity during the turn of the century, but shoppers still go wild for the quilted bags and two-toned shoes imagined so long ago.
So how did Chanel grow to become the powerhouse it is today? We looked back on the brand's longstanding history to find out exactly what makes it so special. Because as Coco once said: "I don't do fashion, I am fashion." Read on for a mini history lesson on the brand that transformed women's fashion forever.
25 Filling Vegetarian Dinners to Make During the Workweek
Time is of the essence when you want to cook dinner after a long day, and these vegetarian recipes are here to help you out. From comforting soups to hearty slow-cooker meals and more, these 25 easy recipes prove that meat-free eating isn't boring.
3 Tricks to Use Now to Make Sure Your Child's Sleep Isn't Affected by Daylight Savings
Daylight Savings Time affects everyone, as the clocks spring forward and take that sweet extra hour of sleep away from us - but children are perhaps the most affected by the change. Developing a sleep routine is critical for parents and their kids, so to get some expert tips on how to prepare for losing that precious hour of sleep, we spoke with Dr. Lisa J. Meltzer, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at National Jewish Health and Sleep Education Fellow for the National Sleep Foundation.
Daylight Savings may start this weekend, but it's not too late to start prepping your family. Read through for three things to start doing immediately in preparation for the clocks springing forward, and to continue doing throughout the year to develop sleep routines that result in healthy, happy, and well-rested kids.
1. Shift bedtimes by a few minutes every day to prep for losing an hour.
When the time changes, our internal clocks - which run on about a 24.2 hour day - can adjust; it just takes a few days. By bumping your child's bedtime routine up 10-15 minutes each night leading up to the clock shift, you help your child's body adjust its internal clock, which is usually kept in check by consistent sleep schedules and routines. If you don't want grumpy kiddos waking up with one hour less of sleep Monday morning, start shifting their routines now so that the change doesn't occur all at once!
2. Keep your child's room cool, dark, comfortable – and tech-free!
This is important all year long, but especially in the nights leading up to - and after - Daylight Savings. To ensure that your child can adjust to their bedtime being shifted (rather than just putting them into bed and them laying there for the extra allotted time), provide them with an ideal sleeping environment.
Their room should be cool, their bed should be comfortable, shades should be pulled - especially as the days stretch and stay lighter longer - and if they're old enough to be tech junkies, the room should be tech-free. Dr. Meltzer says the fact that technology is engaging the brain and that gadgets emit bright lights makes them a no-no before bedtime.
3. Make sure they're ready to sleep on Saturday and Sunday night by planning active days.
The more tired your little ones are before they go to sleep both nights this weekend, the easier it will be for them to not only fall asleep, but to get a good, deep sleep leading up to getting back to your weekly routine. Exposing children (even babies) to natural light in the mornings leading up to that dreaded Monday after the clocks change will help push their internal clock toward their new wake time.
10 Recipes Using Mashed Plantains - and, Yes, Mangú Is 1 of Them
If you've ever found yourself feeling guilty about enjoying the comfort of plantains, never do that again. The fruit is not only versatile (you can fry it or bake it, make it savory or sweet) but also packs on the health benefits. The easiest and oftentimes healthiest way to enjoy its unique taste? By mashing it. Straight ahead, find 10 recipes (from Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and more) that use plátanos machacados as the main ingredient.
The Sad Trend That's Ruining Our Relationship With Food
"I know this is basically all carbs but . . . " I stopped myself mid-sentence when I realized I was trying to justify my food to someone else. I had ordered a gluten-free banana almond butter toast with local honey and cinnamon from Project Juice - a seemingly very healthy meal - but found myself borderline self-shaming for my "indulgent" choice in a carb-laden breakfast.
Pause for a moment: raise your hand if you've ever made yourself feel bad about a food choice, regardless of what that choice was. Raise your hand again if you've justified what you were eating to someone else, or have been ashamed of what you've ordered or eaten in the company of friends.
This is not cool, guys! And I know this because I've been there, too. It's a form of food shaming, and it's not chill.
We're shifting into a healthier, more accepting mindset with our bodies - loving our shape, embracing imperfections, and celebrating every stage of our physical journey. But have we refocused our negativity and self-deprecation to what's on our plate? I'm personally trying to nip that in the bud, stat.
I've noticed myself and others adopting a mindset of "it's healthy . . . but not healthy enough." For instance, an acai bowl is arguably a healthy breakfast, but you could find yourself saying, "It's all sugar," or, "There's not enough protein." Hello! It's natural sugar from fruit, not processed sugar and flour, and not every single thing you eat has to have protein.
Why are we in a competition with ourselves and the universe to out-healthy one another, so much so that we shame our otherwise-healthy choices? "Mmmm, that kale smoothie looks good, but the almond milk is sweetened so it's basically a Snickers." The f*ck?? We really need to wake up from this.
This also applies to foods that aren't conventionally healthy, like eating a piece of pizza or having a cocktail; we shouldn't feel guilty or like we need to earn these indulgences. I'm not saying just eat whatever the f*ck you want - we should absolutely be conscious about our choices. Obesity is still a problem in our country, as is heart disease, sugar addiction, etc., etc. But I am saying to acknowledge food as a choice, as fuel, and often as a means of pleasure and enjoyment - and that's OK! This is why we love the 80/20 approach to eating!
One of my favorite quotes about this idea was from a woman I interviewed last year about her 100-pound weight-loss journey who said, "Food is food and it can be used for fuel or pleasure, but it doesn't define my character." Here's why this is so important:
Your Relationship With Food
Constantly guilting yourself over food choices can spiral into something more dangerous than some off-handed comments (like an eating disorder). What can start off as something lighthearted, even funny (trust me, self-deprecating humor is my specialty), can turn into a truly negative relationship with food. As one recovering anorexic woman told POPSUGAR, "I innocently thought that I was just exercising and eating healthy, but over time, I continued to take it to extremes."
The concept of "healthy" is relative to each person. To my lactose-intolerant friend, my Greek-yogurt-based smoothie isn't healthy, but to me it's an excellent source of protein. There are no hard and fast rules or lines between what is or isn't "healthy," so by arbitrarily making up the rules, we subject ourselves to guilt, confusion, and negativity. Is a life of obsessively counting and restricting calories, second-guessing choices, and feeling guilty and sad at every single meal time something you want to deal with? (Hoping your answer is no, BTW.)
Your Impact on Others
What we say affects other people, too. Whether you like it or not, your words and actions impact those around you, and you might be more of an inspiration to your friends and family than you realize.
A few months ago I overheard some women in a Megaformer class saying, "We can go get those margaritas now - we deserve them!" and my first reaction was "Girl, please!" My second one was, "Is this really the language we've developed to communicate with other women?"
At the risk of sounding like a cheesy motivational cat poster (or a fake Gandhi quote), "Be the change you want to see in the world." Do you want your friends, workout buddies, co-workers, and family members to have a great, healthy relationship with food? Lead by example. If you're calling out your food as "not good enough" or "not healthy enough," you're giving the people around you a reason to second-guess themselves.
How We Fix It
Through my experience and bits of psychological research (including an interview with acclaimed psychiatrist Dr. David Burns), I've identified these distorted thoughts that are cropping up - here's how I plan to destroy them so they never, ever come back. Ever.
- Focus on the positive. Sometimes you're going to eat something that might not be the healthiest thing you can put in your body. Instead of beating yourself up, focus on the good parts - if you enjoyed it, if it made you feel good, or if there was a redeeming quality nutritionally.
- Avoid "all or nothing" thinking. Just because your smoothie is a little carb heavy from the fruit doesn't mean it's disqualified from the healthy category. A little cheese on your fajitas doesn't mean they were bad for you. Eating the yolk of the egg won't sabotage your diet. No food is "perfect," and as we mentioned, these "rules" are relative.
- Stop comparing. Have you ever ordered a burger at a lunch when your friend ordered a salad and immediately regretted your choice or been embarrassed by it? You already know it's time to cut that out.
- Remember, it's just food. Always remember that quote from above - food is food. It's just food. You don't "deserve it" as much as you don't "not deserve it." Eating a "healthy" food doesn't make you "healthy," just as eating an "unhealthy" food doesn't make you "unhealthy" (this is called "emotional reasoning"). Just enjoy your food, strive for great choices, and keep moving forward.
- Avoid "should" statements. Using "should" and "shouldn't" when it comes to your diet is going to set you up for frustration and failure.
- Be conscious of your words. This applies to when you're talking to yourself, talking to others, and talking about yourself in front of other people. Be positive, not degrading.
- Don't project. Just as you don't want to food shame yourself, don't do it to others. Don't blame someone's health problem or physical woes on what they're eating, because everyone's body is different, and also you kind of look like a d*ck when you do that.
Stop yourself in your tracks when you start to notice these negative food thoughts cropping up or if you catch yourself saying them aloud to a friend. Soon enough, you'll have killed this habit before it even had a chance to form or take over your life. And the best part? You'll have a happier, healthier relationship with food. Mmmmm, food.
The Sad Trend That's Ruining Our Relationship With Food
"I know this is basically all carbs but . . . " I stopped myself mid-sentence when I realized I was trying to justify my food to someone else. I had ordered a gluten-free banana almond butter toast with local honey and cinnamon from Project Juice - a seemingly very healthy meal - but found myself borderline self-shaming for my "indulgent" choice in a carb-laden breakfast.
Pause for a moment: raise your hand if you've ever made yourself feel bad about a food choice, regardless of what that choice was. Raise your hand again if you've justified what you were eating to someone else, or have been ashamed of what you've ordered or eaten in the company of friends.
This is not cool, guys! And I know this because I've been there, too. It's a form of food shaming, and it's not chill.
We're shifting into a healthier, more accepting mindset with our bodies - loving our shape, embracing imperfections, and celebrating every stage of our physical journey. But have we refocused our negativity and self-deprecation to what's on our plate? I'm personally trying to nip that in the bud, stat.
I've noticed myself and others adopting a mindset of "it's healthy . . . but not healthy enough." For instance, an acai bowl is arguably a healthy breakfast, but you could find yourself saying, "It's all sugar," or, "There's not enough protein." Hello! It's natural sugar from fruit, not processed sugar and flour, and not every single thing you eat has to have protein.
Why are we in a competition with ourselves and the universe to out-healthy one another, so much so that we shame our otherwise-healthy choices? "Mmmm, that kale smoothie looks good, but the almond milk is sweetened so it's basically a Snickers." The f*ck?? We really need to wake up from this.
This also applies to foods that aren't conventionally healthy, like eating a piece of pizza or having a cocktail; we shouldn't feel guilty or like we need to earn these indulgences. I'm not saying just eat whatever the f*ck you want - we should absolutely be conscious about our choices. Obesity is still a problem in our country, as is heart disease, sugar addiction, etc., etc. But I am saying to acknowledge food as a choice, as fuel, and often as a means of pleasure and enjoyment - and that's OK! This is why we love the 80/20 approach to eating!
One of my favorite quotes about this idea was from a woman I interviewed last year about her 100-pound weight-loss journey who said, "Food is food and it can be used for fuel or pleasure, but it doesn't define my character." Here's why this is so important:
Your Relationship With Food
Constantly guilting yourself over food choices can spiral into something more dangerous than some off-handed comments (like an eating disorder). What can start off as something lighthearted, even funny (trust me, self-deprecating humor is my specialty), can turn into a truly negative relationship with food. As one recovering anorexic woman told POPSUGAR, "I innocently thought that I was just exercising and eating healthy, but over time, I continued to take it to extremes."
The concept of "healthy" is relative to each person. To my lactose-intolerant friend, my Greek-yogurt-based smoothie isn't healthy, but to me it's an excellent source of protein. There are no hard and fast rules or lines between what is or isn't "healthy," so by arbitrarily making up the rules, we subject ourselves to guilt, confusion, and negativity. Is a life of obsessively counting and restricting calories, second-guessing choices, and feeling guilty and sad at every single meal time something you want to deal with? (Hoping your answer is no, BTW.)
Your Impact on Others
What we say affects other people, too. Whether you like it or not, your words and actions impact those around you, and you might be more of an inspiration to your friends and family than you realize.
A few months ago I overheard some women in a Megaformer class saying, "We can go get those margaritas now - we deserve them!" and my first reaction was "Girl, please!" My second one was, "Is this really the language we've developed to communicate with other women?"
At the risk of sounding like a cheesy motivational cat poster (or a fake Gandhi quote), "Be the change you want to see in the world." Do you want your friends, workout buddies, co-workers, and family members to have a great, healthy relationship with food? Lead by example. If you're calling out your food as "not good enough" or "not healthy enough," you're giving the people around you a reason to second-guess themselves.
How We Fix It
Through my experience and bits of psychological research (including an interview with acclaimed psychiatrist Dr. David Burns), I've identified these distorted thoughts that are cropping up - here's how I plan to destroy them so they never, ever come back. Ever.
- Focus on the positive. Sometimes you're going to eat something that might not be the healthiest thing you can put in your body. Instead of beating yourself up, focus on the good parts - if you enjoyed it, if it made you feel good, or if there was a redeeming quality nutritionally.
- Avoid "all or nothing" thinking. Just because your smoothie is a little carb heavy from the fruit doesn't mean it's disqualified from the healthy category. A little cheese on your fajitas doesn't mean they were bad for you. Eating the yolk of the egg won't sabotage your diet. No food is "perfect," and as we mentioned, these "rules" are relative.
- Stop comparing. Have you ever ordered a burger at a lunch when your friend ordered a salad and immediately regretted your choice or been embarrassed by it? You already know it's time to cut that out.
- Remember, it's just food. Always remember that quote from above - food is food. It's just food. You don't "deserve it" as much as you don't "not deserve it." Eating a "healthy" food doesn't make you "healthy," just as eating an "unhealthy" food doesn't make you "unhealthy" (this is called "emotional reasoning"). Just enjoy your food, strive for great choices, and keep moving forward.
- Avoid "should" statements. Using "should" and "shouldn't" when it comes to your diet is going to set you up for frustration and failure.
- Be conscious of your words. This applies to when you're talking to yourself, talking to others, and talking about yourself in front of other people. Be positive, not degrading.
- Don't project. Just as you don't want to food shame yourself, don't do it to others. Don't blame someone's health problem or physical woes on what they're eating, because everyone's body is different, and also you kind of look like a d*ck when you do that.
Stop yourself in your tracks when you start to notice these negative food thoughts cropping up or if you catch yourself saying them aloud to a friend. Soon enough, you'll have killed this habit before it even had a chance to form or take over your life. And the best part? You'll have a happier, healthier relationship with food. Mmmmm, food.
14 Grocery Staples I Always Have as a 20-Something on a Budget
As a 24-year-old who has just started out in the professional world, I know how hard it can be to get your life together. You're supposed to find a job, live on your own, cook for yourself, and find the time to exercise, which, unfortunately, I don't think includes walking to the kitchen for snack breaks in between TV episodes. When you have so much going on - especially when you're on a budget - one thing that some people dread is grocery shopping. I personally love it, but it took a little practice to figure out a routine and a grocery list that worked for me. As someone who loves to cook, there are certain things I like to have on hand all the time. These are 14 budget-approved staples I always have stocked in my kitchen.
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