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 4 juillet 2017
Thinking About Barack Obama's Tweets Makes Donald Trump's Sound Even Crazier
Donald Trump's manic tweets have become so commonplace, it's almost difficult to recall a time when the official POTUS account wasn't filled with so many exclamation points, misspellings, and false accusations - even if that time was less than a year ago. On The Late Show, Stephen Colbert recently took the time to compare Trump's Twitter proclivities with those of Obama. The result was unsettling.
To start, Colbert addressed The Washington Post's recent accusation that Trump has been framing and displaying a forged Time magazine cover in at least four various golf clubs. Time has confirmed that the cover is, in fact, fake. On June 28, Trump responded to the hilarious investigation by accusing The Washington Post of peddling fake news, all the while inexplicably claiming that Amazon does not pay so-called "internet taxes."
The #AmazonWashingtonPost, sometimes referred to as the guardian of Amazon not paying internet taxes (which they should) is FAKE NEWS!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 28, 2017
What would have happened had Obama tweeted like Trump during his presidency? The question inspired Colbert and the Late Night crew to come up with an example tweet: "Still first black president," with the hashtag #iamthedream.
Throughout his presidency, Obama rarely used Twitter as a personal platform. Even now, he mainly uses the social media platform to celebrate his family, share news from the Obama Foundation, and express his condolences following any terror attacks. Since he left office in January, Obama has tweeted less than 25 times and that's including retweets.
Meanwhile, Trump has continually sparked controversy with his tweets. During James Comey's recent hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, it was reported that Trump was told to stay away from Twitter by several White House aides. Illinois Representative Mike Quigley even introduced the Covfefe Act so that tweets from the president's personal account are preserved even if they are deleted.
Watch Colbert's funny takedown in its entirety, in the video below.
28 Celebrity Couples Who Have Already Broken Up This Year
It hasn't been very long since the start of 2017, but the year has already been peppered with sad celebrity breakups. It's still early, so we haven't reached 2016 levels yet, but here's hoping we won't have to mourn the end of many more high-profile pairs. Scroll through to see the couples who have already called it quits this year.
1 Game of Thrones Insider Says We Should Stop Comparing Sansa to Her Mom
Between intense trailers and cryptic hints from actress Sophie Turner and fellow cast members, as Game of Thrones season seven approaches, it's easy to assume that the eldest Stark daughter, Sansa, will be the main focus of the show's upcoming plot line. After all, when season six ended, we left off with Sansa facing a major decision: will she betray her long-lost "brother" Jon Snow to pursue the Iron Throne with megacreep Littlefinger, or will she stand by her family?
As Sansa has moved to the forefront of the series, a major point of discussion among fans has been the increasing similarities between Sansa and her departed mother, Catelyn Stark. Sophie Turner herself has chatted with POPSUGAR about this transition, and it's a common sentiment that Sansa is slowly becoming Catelyn as she grows older.
But when we talked to award-winning GOT costume designer Michele Clapton, who is responsible for much of Sansa's visible evolution over the past six seasons, she vehemently disagreed with the idea that Sansa and Catelyn are the same. And, after talking with her about the reasoning, we've officially been swayed.
POPSUGAR: I was actually just talking to Sophie Turner earlier this month, and we were talking about how Sansa seems to have slowly transformed a bit into Catelyn Stark over the course of the series. Was that intentional on the costume side of things?
Michele Clapton: It's funny, because I don't actually agree. To me, Sansa's journey is one of the most interesting, and until this season - though she's been something of a giddy girl who wants to be queen or whatever - to me, her journey has been one of the most difficult and tragic. And I think by this season, she's finally found herself. Now that she's come back to Winterfell, there are slight elements of Catelyn, but I think it's more, maybe, what Catelyn would've wanted to be.
Maybe she has some of her mother's sensibilities, and maybe she's smarter than her father.
I think there's a real strength in Sansa this year and I tried to, in her costume, evoke all the different things that have happened to her along her journey. And I'm trying to show elements of strength, while also at the same time trying to show her vulnerability. You see the circle [necklace], which is her strength from when she left the Eyrie; you see the big fur cape, which is very much her father's side; you see the sort of wraparound belt which is something that was incredibly key in her costume this year, and it was the idea that she'd been so abused in her relationship - well, relationships - so I wanted this idea that she was so belted and strapped that no one would ever get to her again. And within this, I wanted to give her strength.
In season six, she suddenly realizes that she can have strength, and she can fight, and she is strong.
I shortened her dresses so she's no longer a victim of hems; she can actually have boots and ankle-length so that she moves with freedom. And I think that there's this strength, that she's finally grasped all of these horrific things that she had no power over - only to send messages through her embroidery and to try and send out what was happening to her, but she had no verbal chance to do this - and in season six, she suddenly realizes that she can have strength, and she can fight, and she is strong. Maybe she has some of her mother's sensibilities, and maybe she's smarter than her father. And I think it was really important to elevate her to a new level.
I can picture her now - there's one dress that she wears where in the fabric, there's a sketch of this fish, for her mother [the Tully house sigil], obviously. I think there's so much of actually just Sansa in this and that she's probably experienced more than her mother ever did and actually elevated herself beyond Cat. Though I do think that Cat was an incredibly brave woman, but I think that Sansa's experienced so much more in the world.
So, do you still see a young Catelyn when you look at Sansa, or do you agree that she's finally coming into her own? We'll be looking out for hints supporting either argument when the new season premieres in July.
15 Things That Even Serious Camilizers Don't Know About Camila Cabello
OK, Camilizers, we're putting you to the test. You probably already know that former Fifth Harmony member Camila Cabello has a penchant for bows, loves bananas, and was born in Cuba before moving to Mexico and then later Miami. But there are a few things we bet you don't know about the 5'2" beauty. Read on for our favorite fun facts about the pop star - we promise you'll be surprised.
38 Times Ashley Graham Was Too Hot For Her Clothes So She Stripped Down to Lingerie
Ashley Graham is a model and body-positivity activist, and thanks to her success with Sports Illustrated, the 29-year-old has become synonymous with adding diversity to the fashion industry. In addition to modeling, Ashley has also designed her own lingerie line in a wide range of sizes with Addition Elle. Today, we're celebrating Ashley's success with a look at her sexiest lingerie moments.
Buzz Aldrin's Reactions to Donald Trump Talking About Space Are Everything
President Donald Trump attempted to shift the media narrative last week by signing an executive order reviving the National Space Council and kick-starting the exploration of what he termed the "next great American frontier." Unfortunately for the president, legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin - the second man to ever walk on the moon - completely stole the show. While signing the order, Trump took a couple of minutes to share some further thoughts about the decision to bring the program back. Aldrin, who was standing next to Trump during the ceremony, couldn't hide the range of emotions he went through over the course of the remarks. And luckily for us, they were all caught on camera for posterity.
The internet, of course, had a field day with both Trump's bizarre commentary about space exploration and the astronaut's legendary facial expressions. Here, we've pulled together some of the very best social buzz - which, likely to the White House's dismay, doesn't really have much to do with the executive order itself at all.
http://pic.twitter.com/5bwrSAOnZq
"One day we will look back and say how did we do it without space?"
-Donald Trump #makespacegreatagain? 🤷🏼♂️- Danny McGinnis (@Ginnis20) July 1, 2017
This is a bit of Trump's remarks about space today during his E.O. signing. Just listen (and watch Buzz Aldrin's face). http://pic.twitter.com/hrUFAUpptX
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) June 30, 2017
Buzz Aldrin is all of us. http://pic.twitter.com/dCqawfOOsY
- shauna (@goldengateblond) July 3, 2017
Buzz Aldrin does not appear to be impressed by Trump's remarks about space. http://pic.twitter.com/RMLd3Hbrt4
- Lauren Werner (@LaurenWern) July 1, 2017
I like how Buzz Aldrin's face goes through 80% of the emotions most people feel when Trump is talking to the public. http://pic.twitter.com/ewz4wfI1F1
- Caudle🏳️🌈 (@Caudlewag) July 1, 2017
Buzz Aldrin thinking he would much rather live on the Moon right now http://pic.twitter.com/wXVfCgt6cT
- Paul Szoldra (@PaulSzoldra) July 1, 2017
God bless Buzz Aldrin. http://pic.twitter.com/BFL3hKL57n
- Angry Salmond (@AngrySalmond) July 2, 2017
This is an actual exchange between the great Buzz Aldrin and President Trump shortly after Aldrin made that face: https://t.co/27Ezj8PTZd http://pic.twitter.com/jHsnNyKWgq
- Dan Murphy (@bungdan) July 1, 2017
Buzz Aldrin is thinking about the vast space between 45th's ears⬇️⬇️⬇️😀🤣😂😃 http://pic.twitter.com/GCabMUe16z
- RogelioGarcia Lawyer (@LawyerRogelio) July 3, 2017
Buzz Aldrin is Buzz Lightyear and Trump is Sid the awful neighbor https://t.co/S5HRaaYG1Y
- Ike Barinholtz (@ikebarinholtz) July 1, 2017
Buzz Aldrin listening to Donald Trump is all of my emotions since June 16, 2015. http://pic.twitter.com/QOkyRC61IC
- Gabe Ortíz 🏳️🌈 (@TUSK81) July 2, 2017
30 Must-Read Summer Books You Need in Your Beach Bag
It's that time of year again: the weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and Netflix on the couch is about to be replaced by reading on the beach. Even if you haven't picked up a book since Labor Day, fear not; we've gone through all the hottest new releases for the next few months and come up with 30 must-read page-turners that will keep you entertained all Summer long. Happy reading!
Huda Kattan Just Released a Set of 4 Mini Nude Liquid Lipsticks
Oh, babies! Huda Kattan just took four of her wildly popular nude liquid lipsticks and made them into a set of minis. The Nude Love Set ($33) includes four neutrals that will easily fit into your evening clutches. These are must-pack items for Summer weddings since they seriously don't budge!
To recap, the shades are all named after "lustful nude characters." Crush is described as a "peachy nude with pink accents," Wifey is a "delicate pinkish nude," Sugar Mamma is "a sweet peachy nude," and Girlfriend is a "light apricot nude."
After Huda announced the release on Instagram, people got pretty excited. In fact, this will probably go down in history as the most excited people ever got over unsolicited nudes. Over 89,000 comments flooded in, with one user writing, "Thank you for understanding that nudes come in brown also." So there you have it, cosmetics brands, take it from your top influencer: "nude" isn't just one color.
9 Signs Your Daughter Might Be a Mean Girl
There's a mean girl in just about every school, clique, band, soccer team, religious education class, or carpool. This type of bullying is scary for parents, because we often worry that our sweet daughter is the subject of such relational aggression, but what if the tables are turned and your child is actually the mean girl? Would you be able to tell? Check out these telltale signs that your daughter may be taking her pack-leader status to straight-up tyranny.
8 Scrambled Egg Recipes With a Secret Ingredient You'd Never Guess
Scrambled eggs can be completely boring or exciting, depending on how you cook them. If you don't know the best way to scramble eggs, you're at risk of winding up with a plate of dry, rubbery, flavorless mush. With a little help from some secret ingredients, however, you can take your plain old scrambled eggs to new heights and totally upgrade your breakfast routine. Each of these eight recipes features a secret ingredient you'd never guess when eating the eggs that makes a world of difference in how they're cooked. You might never make scrambled eggs the same way again after discovering these tips.
A Workout to Help You Build Strong and Shapely Legs
Grab your short shorts, your Daisy Dukes, your hot pants - whatever you choose to call them. You're going to want to show off your shapely gams after doing this workout. Each of these four exercises tones a different part of your legs, making this workout quick and efficient. We suggest using dumbbells between five and 10 pounds for this fitness quickie.
Directions: Warm up with three minutes of cardio - running in place, jumping jacks, and butt kickers. Then perform this four-exercise circuit three times. Stretch your quads and hamstrings to cool down.
32 Tasty Excuses to Keep Dulce de Leche in the Fridge at All Times
If you're a fan of dulce de leche looking for more ways to enjoy its sweet taste, or simply made Peruvian alfajores from scratch and ended up with plenty of leftovers after marrying your cookies, this is meant for you. We wouldn't ever judge if you ate the dulce with a spoon (we've done it, too!), but there are other creative uses for this tasty confection that allow you to enjoy the treat in much greater ways. Keep scrolling to find plenty of them, from cupcakes to cookies and creamy icepops.
- Additional reporting by Alessandra Foresto
10 Summer Side Dishes You Never Knew You Could Make in an Instant Pot
There are arguably infinite recipes for the Instant Pot, and while it's common to turn to the pressure cooker for soups and meats, there's a whole world of side dishes for you to explore in your Instant Pot, particularly during the Summer when you want to keep cooking and its residual heat to a minimum.
lundi 3 juillet 2017
Finally! This Brand Makes Nude Lipstick Specifically For Women of Color
When you hear the term "nude," what hue comes to mind? Is it a creamy beige color with blush undertones? Maybe it's a sandy oatmeal-like color with a tinge of peach. But what about the other side of the color spectrum? Those darker shades are undoubtedly a significant slice of the "nude" pie, and yet many women of color still struggle to find the perfect natural lipstick to match their skin tones.
Enter Mented Cosmetics. Founded by Harvard Business School grads KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson, Mented (short for pigmented) has released two collections specifically crafted with darker-skinned beauty mavens in mind: nude nail polishes and hydrating nude lipsticks. Though the three-polish set is definitely one-of-a-kind, it's the nine stunning lipstick shades that we simply can't get over.
Each creamy lipstick blends browns, pinks, and reds, making for a variety of hues that look gorgeous on both lighter and darker complexions. With just a few swipes, women of deeper skin tones can land that polished, everyday look that all of us crave when we're taking a break from those bold red or pink lip colors.
We're loving how Mented is making major moves toward expanding the beauty industry's inclusivity. Ahead, read on to catch a glimpse of (and shop!) all nine gorgeous shades, and you'll undoubtedly find your new favorite nude lipstick.
6 Trusty Treatments For Baby Eczema
When a baby's silky smooth skin develops red, dry, itchy patches, the culprit is often eczema. Commonly appearing around 2 to 6 months of age, eczema (or atopic dermatitis) affects some 20 percent of infants and young children. If your baby is itchy and irritated, these six trusty eczema treatments from readers are sure to help soothe his skin.
1. Avoid Topical Irritants
Many babies have skin allergies to the perfumes, dyes, and chemicals in common household products like soaps, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and bubble baths. As Heidi F. advises, switching to hypoallergenic, fragrance-free products can help relieve eczema: "For soap, we use Dove for sensitive skin - anything that I put on their skin is fragrance free. I even found Mr. Bubbles for sensitive skin, which makes bath time fun for them. Another thing that I was told by their doctor was to wash their laundry with fragrance-free detergent and fabric softener. This has all seemed to help minimize flare-ups and itching."
2. Test For Food Allergies
Topical irritants aren't the only allergic reactions that can cause eczema. As mother-of-two Sarah P. shares, "My son had really bad eczema before he turned 1. We had a doctor recommend he be tested for food allergies. Turns out he was allergic to several things, and as soon as they were removed from his diet, the eczema went away completely." Keep a food journal to see if certain foods trigger flare-ups, or ask your pediatrician to recommend an allergist.
3. Use a Good Eczema Cream
Slathering on a gentle, fragrance-free eczema cream is one of the best treatments for eczema. Readers suggest applying eczema creams several times daily, especially right after baths. Highly popular brands among moms include Aquaphor by Eucerin, Cetaphil, California Baby, and Aveeno. Others recommend locking in moisture with Vaseline.
4. Avoid Overheating
Mom Kelly F. recommends children with eczema wear lightweight, breathable fabrics: "Lots of light layers are great as overheating can make eczema worse." Avoid heavy and scratchy fabrics like wool. Jamie D. adds, "You don't want their water to be hot, just a slight warm."
5. Limit Scratching Damage
"I'm afraid she will be left with scarring to her face if I can't get her to stop scratching," shares Melissa E. "It's mainly in her sleep." Since eczema makes skin seriously itchy, heavy scratching is common. To prevent your baby from worsening the rash with cuts and infection, keep nails clean, short, and covered at night. "Try some lightweight mittens," Robyn S. suggests.
6. Give Medication
Several readers, including Amber P., say that the types of treatments listed above did not relieve their babies' severe eczema, so they resorted to stronger medications. "We just recently took him to another doctor and she told us that what we're doing was great for the eczema (washing with Aveeno and using the Aveeno lotion, putting Vaseline on to keep it moisturized, getting rid of all fragrances - laundry detergent, lotion, everything that came into contact with him) but she said that sometimes it just isn't enough. So she suggested using a steroid cream called triamcinolone acetonide. Ever since we started using it, his face has completely cleared up and we have not had any breakouts in almost two weeks. It's the best stuff we could have asked for."
Other moms, like Montana mom Lindsy F., recommend an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream: "Hydrocortisone works miracles! You don't even have to get a prescription for it. It's in the anti-itch cream, part of the health and beauty department." However, pediatrician and mom Helen T. advises that parents use it sparingly: "Just be aware of using cortisone cream in any format for any more than a short period; it will bring much needed relief but it is not a long-term cure as it can have side effects after many years of use and it treats the symptom, not the problem."
Looking for more advice on baby rashes? From diaper rash to cradle cap, all kinds of skin conditions are discussed in Circle of Moms communities. Get started in communities like Kids With Skin Disorders, which has over 2,000 members.
These Cheeky Moves Make the Sexiest Bachelorette Party Workout
We know that fitness fanatics might want a bachelorette party that's healthy, but that doesn't mean you can't get a little naughty. Trainer Jake Dupree has created a six-move workout full of cheeky innuendos and double entendres. Watch and learn the exercises and be sure to share with all your friends preparing to walk down the aisle.
How My Daughter Became a Rainbow Baby to Herself
After trying for years, we decided to go to a fertility specialist to help us start a family. The long and short of it is that there were lots of biological challenges, so we headed down the IVF road with the leading specialist in the country. We were lucky and our first round of treatment was textbook; two embryos were placed and we crossed our fingers.
Fast forward to testing day, and yes, I totally cheated and took a home pregnancy test the day before - and it was positive! You can imagine the relief and excitement. Then we were off to the doctor, where blood tests and a scan confirmed there was one fabulous little bun in the oven ready to cook.
Then, after constant blood tests and monitoring, another scan showed a little flickering heartbeat at six and a half weeks. There were no words to describe what it felt like to see that. At seven weeks and two days, we had our final scan appointment with our specialist before being released to the care of a midwife.
And that's when it all unraveled.
His words were clear but not what we expected. "No heartbeat, not viable, the baby has arrested, very sorry, I'll send you through to the nurse and she'll explain the options from here." Feeling numb, we listened as the nurse said we could either wait for "it" to happen naturally or they could arrange for a dilation and curettage procedure (D&C).
Driving home, through my tears, all I could think was I didn't feel different. I know they had said I had a miscarriage and they were the experts, but how could that be?
That week was full of grief, but in the back of my mind, I couldn't shake still feeling pregnant. When more blood tests came back with increasing hormone levels, I questioned the nurses, but they said, "Sometimes that happens." I must have seemed like a complete lunatic; I questioned the nurses at every turn, and my best friend, family, and husband (while amazing and supportive) were all starting to wonder if I was completely losing the plot.
I just couldn't believe the diagnosis; either I was in denial or going crazy. I swung between grief and disbelief.
In the insanity of that week, I was referred to the miscarriage clinic at our public hospital. I had asked for another scan, but the specialist was resolute and we were now in the "public" system. I'll never forget reading the words on his referral letter requesting an "immediate evacuation of the uterus" because I wasn't "coping."
There I was at the clinic being given the same options: wait it out or schedule a D&C. But I needed them to check. I needed to know I was doing the right thing, so I asked for a scan. Reluctantly and with a "well, if that's what you need to feel comfortable, we can arrange that," the clinic doctor agreed.
I headed back to the public hospital the next day for the ultrasound. I remember saying, "I think we're probably just confirming the inevitable but I need to check," as I handed over the referral documents.
She started scanning. A couple of minutes later she stopped, cocked her head a little, leaned into the screen, scanned more, looked closer, and then turned to me and said: "I don't know what he was looking at, but what I see here is a perfectly viable baby with a good heartbeat. And it appears to be measuring ahead of expected."
I felt my heart drop. WHAT? She reread my notes and asked if I would wait for a moment while she went to get her boss. While she was out of the room, I rang my husband. I could hear his jaw hit the floor. No sooner had I hung up than the head of the department came in. They scanned again and got the same result. At that point I'm not sure who looked more shocked or happier, them or me. "Well, I don't know how this happened, but you are definitely pregnant. We'll be sending the doctor a report, but would you like to ring and tell him, or would you like us to?"
Calling the fertility clinic that afternoon was awesome, and yes they were as shocked as everyone else. It was nice for me to know that after being treated like I was crazy, I was actually right.
I met again with the doctor who had misdiagnosed my miscarriage, and he asked if he could do a scan too so that he could see, but of course I said no. I didn't trust him anymore. He apologized and said he wasn't sure how it happened. He suggested maybe there were two and he just hadn't seen the other one. I really didn't want to hear his excuses. He had made a terrible, terrible mistake, one that would have killed my child if I had gone along as he recommended and had that D&C.
What I found out through this process is that when you are diagnosed with a miscarriage and booked for a D&C, no further scanning is done before the operation. They simply take the report as correct and proceed. If I hadn't insisted on another scan, my beautiful little girl wouldn't be here. Sure, I'd be none the wiser, but knowing what happened and how close we were to losing her is something I can never forget or forgive.
I'd love to say that the pregnancy was problem free, and medically it was, but having already "lost" her once made it an emotional horror story. I was completely paranoid every single day. From renting a fetal doppler to employing an expensive obstetrician and insisting on regular scans, I just couldn't relax and enjoy it. I'm probably one of the only mothers who has been relieved to have a breech baby and an early C-section, but honestly I just wanted to have her out alive. I couldn't stand the thought that something might still go wrong.
I guess this is what it's like for most women who are pregnant after loss; pregnant with rainbow babies. The only difference is that mine was essentially a rainbow baby to herself.
I know that most of the time a miscarriage is just that and my situation is rare, but if you find yourself in this terrible, heartbreaking situation, don't rush into a decision. Please always get a second opinion, and trust yourself.
How Adding Flaxmeal to My Smoothies Helped Me Lose Weight
When I started making smoothies instead of eating an enormous bowl of cereal for breakfast, it was the change I needed to start losing weight. But one ingredient in particular was the real game changer.
Liquid meals can feel less filling than you need them to be. In order to make a liquid meal that keeps hunger at bay for hours, you need to add fiber. I started adding one tablespoon of flaxmeal to my blender. With just 37 calories, it adds two grams of fiber and three grams of filling fat. What is so great about flaxmeal is that when it gets wet, it expands, which makes your belly feel more full and makes it take longer to digest.
Once I started adding this one simple ingredient, I didn't feel hungry until lunchtime, when normally I'd need to reach for a mid-morning snack. Skipping those 150 calories every day started to add up, and suddenly the scale started to budge. This would probably work with chia seeds, too. Try it tomorrow when you make your morning smoothie and see what a difference it makes.
The Goonies Cast: Where Are They Now?
It's been over 30 years after The Goonies hit theaters, and even though there were rumblings of a Goonies sequel a few years ago, those plans seem to be off for now. Regardless, it's a nostalgic classic, so if you love The Goonies, keep reading for a look at what Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, and their castmates have been up to in recent years.
25 of the Best 20-Minute Workout Videos - All in 1 Place!
You don't have to spend hours exercising if you want to lose weight or get stronger. Fitness instructor John Kersbergen says three to four 45-minute workouts a week is enough. If 45 minutes is more than you can devote at one time, break up your workouts, because it all adds up! Here are the best 20-minute workout videos you can follow along to - do two in a row or one in the morning and one at night. There's a great mix of quick and fun workouts including cardio, tabata, weights, barre, and dance, so you can do them all or pick and choose your favorites.
The 3 Biggest Workout Mistakes You're Making in Class
As a trainer, I've taught hundreds of classes. And I've attended several times that amount. After all those hours logged in studios, gyms, and rooms of all shapes and sizes, I've seen a lot of good working out. And a lot of mistakes. Many times, these mistakes aren't conscious ones. And many are form-based and are easily corrected with attention to detail. The biggest mistakes I see, though, are the ones that start in our heads. You may have a textbook squat, but you may fall victim to the following three mental mistakes.
1. You're Giving Up Too Soon
Our bodies are designed for efficient movement and energy use. Anytime we ask for more than our usual effort, our bodies will try to compensate by lessening the burden. While that may get us through our busy days, it's not the recipe for success in our workouts. Achieving the next level of fitness is all about breaking out of your comfort zone.
In order for our bodies to change, they need to learn new pathways and they need to be pushed beyond their normal task levels. We have to learn to embrace being uncomfortable - or as a fellow trainer used to say - comfortably uncomfortable. Try holding a plank until you start shaking. And then keep holding it. When you're lifting weights, pick up heavy enough options that your reps fatigue your muscles.
And don't give up when you start struggling. When faced with an interval, try doing some kind of movement the entire time - even if you have to modify. Always work to the buzzer. Letting yourself shave off a few pounds, a few reps, a few seconds may not seem like a big deal in one workout. But compound those little cheats and you've suddenly missed many opportunities to improve your fitness. Too often I see people letting themselves off the hook. Don't be that person. Make every second count.
2. You Aren't Listening to Your Body
The mind-body connection isn't just for yoga. It is vitally important that you check in with yourself as you progress through your exercises. Just because there's a trainer in the room doesn't mean you can turn off your brain and just do what they say. The trainer doesn't know what your day or week has been like. They don't know your energy level or if you're nursing an injury. They can't provide minute adjustments to help you achieve maximum benefit. But you can.
When you engage in an ongoing assessment of your physical state, your body will tell you when your weights are too heavy (or more likely, too light). It will tell you when you have enough energy to work harder the next interval (or if you've gone too hard and need to back off). Once you start looking and listening to how your body is reacting to different stimuli, you'll be able hyper-personalize your experience, and get way better results.
3. You're Letting Your Ego Control You
There is a difference between your ego and your pride. Pride makes you stick with something when it's hard. Pride allows you to see the benefits of the work you are doing and the importance of doing it correctly. Pride keeps you coming back, workout after workout because your dedication to health is a priority. Pride creates an environment of self-awareness and self-motivation that make your workouts a success.
Ego tells you that it's more important how you look than how you're executing a move. Ego talks you out of taking a smart modification because it tells you that you will look weak if you do. Ego forces you to keep working when something feels wrong or becomes painful because it wants that extra rep or extra calorie burned. Ego leads to improper form and injuries. Ego won't allow you the time to build up to peak poses, heavier weights, longer intervals. Ego can knock you out of your workout game because it will tell you your results aren't coming fast enough. Ego will try to take shortcuts that will end up derailing your fitness journey. In short, ego gets you in trouble. Don't let ego control you. Be smart, have pride in yourself and your active lifestyle, but don't let your vanity undercut all that hard work.
All this being said, you deserve major credit every time you show up to work out. That's one more time you've decided to invest in yourself instead of making excuses. But let's not be satisfied with just showing up. Let's elevate our workouts by committing to working the entire time, being present in all things that we do, and choosing the smart and safe path first before attempting beast mode. This fitness road is a long one friends, let's live to fight another day, every day.
These Are the Top 10 Summer Haircut Trends According to Pros
If you're ready for a Summer refresh, start with your hair. From statement-making crops to tousled bobs to long layers, we're covering some of the hottest Summer haircuts for 2017. With the help of celebrity stylists, you'll learn how to ask for each of the featured cuts at your go-to salon, as well as how to style the look once you've got it. We've also included expert commentary on which types of hair and face shapes these cuts suit best. Get ready for some serious warm-weather haircut inspiration!
The 5 Foods a Holistic Health Counselor Always Keeps in Her Kitchen
As a nutrition and holistic health counselor, I'm asked constantly for my best kept secrets when it comes to natural supplements and tips to staying healthy. The larger secret is, unfortunately, that there is no silver bullet when it comes to creating instant health - it takes routine and repetition to create lasting and visible results and a strong immune system to fight back.
However, there are a few spotlight ingredients and go-to remedies that I rely on again and again, especially as we transition into Fall and Winter. These especially tumultuous seasons are hard on the body as our immune systems seem to be constantly bombarded by friends and employees playing telephone with the latest cold or flu going around. But the change of seasons doesn't have to mean waiting for the inevitable cold to hit.
While some of these need to be repeated regularly to really see their lasting benefit, there are a few gems that I swear by and always keep on hand. As basic as they many seem, keep in mind immunity starts in the gut, and proper nutrition is the first line of defense.
Here are my top five kitchen pantry wellness staples to bolster immunity and staying well throughout the colder months to come.
1. Bone Broth
Yup, the same stuff your mom or grandmother used to make. I'm not talking about the canned or boxed stuff though. Head to your local farmers market or trusted butcher and source the best quality, organic, antibiotic-free, free-ranged, pastured chicken, beef, or even bison bones, gristle, and cartilage you can to make your own at home. The quality of their diet and lifestyle ultimately is what you will be benefiting from, so it does make a big difference. These bones supply the building blocks not just for your own bones, muscles, and connective tissues, but basic essential vitamins and minerals, like calcium and magnesium, that most of us are extremely low in today. We also have an easier time utilizing these nutrients from naturally occurring ingredients vs. vitamin supplements, so drink up. Think of it like a perfect seasonal and more bioavailable multivitamin - your skin will also thank you!
2. Greens, Greens, and More Greens
Whether you get the majority or your greens from green juices and smoothies, soups, green powders, algae and superfoods, or good old-fashioned, home-cooked vegetables, they are an absolute necessity to cultivating health and immunity. Just as bone broth supplies the foundation nutrients for your body, these greens supply the life force in the form of chlorophyll, vitamin A, vitamin C, antioxidants, and a host of others as well. Fiber helps to keep your digestion regular while these nutrients help to build and cleanse the blood, maintain an alkaline environment, and keep your immunity high.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
There are nearly endless uses for apple cider vinegar. From external skin care to natural cleansing solutions to internal health care, ACV provides numerous benefits. Containing both pre- and probiotics, ACV may help ease a sore throat, nasal congestion, and stomach aches and acidity, and improve overall immunity. This may be in part due to the highly alkalizing properties ACV contains as well as the acetic acid that helps to keep pathogenic bacteria at bay. A good practice is to start your day off by consuming a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in water. If the flavor is too strong, add it to your favorite green juice or try morning drink - it actually enhances the flavor. Try gargling with it if you have a sore throat.
4. Probiotics
The health and happiness of our guts is a direct reflection of our overall wellness and even mood. We are beginning to understand more and more about the direct correlation between our gut ecology and our immunity. While it is true that many of us don't consume the balanced diets we should, we also consume less naturally occurring beneficial bacteria from the soil ingested through our produce, as well as other sources of these probiotics such as traditional raw fermented products. Along with a dependency on antibiotics, our gut health suffers, the result being a high sensitivity to the foods we consume and weakened resistance to pathogens. The fix? Load up on high-quality probiotics in the form of either a supplement, or high-quality, raw, fermented foods and beverages like kimchi, kombucha, and coconut kefir.
5. Oregano Oil
And when all else fails, my failsafe is oregano oil. It is a powerhouse restorer of health and my absolute go-to when I'm feeling anything less than 100 percent. It's a potent antibacterial and antimicrobial that also fights free radical damage, can help reduce and relieve allergies, stimulate digestion, and help to clear yeasts from the body, both externally and internally. A little goes a long way and brand to brand the quality also greatly varies. My favorite without comparison is Wild Oil of Oregano. Like with any supplements, natural or otherwise, be sure to check with your doctor or health professional about any potential interactions or complications.
Life Sentence: We're Counting Down the Days Until Lucy Hale's New Show Premieres
Your weekly dose of Pretty Little Liars might be over - yes, we're still reeling from the reveal of "A.D." and that full-circle ending, too - but luckily one of its stars is already heading back to TV with a new series! Lucy Hale is set to star in The CW's upcoming comedy, Life Sentence. The series is created by Fuller House producers Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith, and it's going to be awesome.
Thanks to the network's first-look trailer, there is one thing we know for sure: Hale is giving us life in her new show . . . even though it's technically about death. For those of you who haven't seen it, stop everything you're doing right now and watch it. Everyone who has seen it already, let's chat, because as you know this show is going to be a good one.
Hale plays Stella Abbott, a young girl who is dying from - well, at least, she was dying from cancer. According to the teaser, Stella gets news that she's actually cured, aka given a "life sentence," instead of the death sentence she thought she had.
Stella is surprisingly upbeat about the fact that she's terminally ill (for eight years). She gets married, jumps out of a plane, and even buys a "funeral cake." Living, however, with all its uncertainties, seems like it's going to be a lot harder to handle. Luckily, Hale is the one playing the complex character. Judging by the trailer, she seems to be nailing the emotions that come with living like every day is your last (because technically it could've been) only to discover that you get to live.
Throughout the teaser, we see that Stella has been kept in the dark about a lot of things, because her loved ones want to keep her happy and give her the best shot of surviving, which is sweet. The bad news is that all their dirty laundry is now coming out, and in a hilarious fashion, we might add. Her husband (Elliot Knight) has been lying about his favorite movie - spoiler alert, it's not Love Actually - and holding in some bodily functions while her parents have been living double lives. All of their secrets are going to come out when Life Sentence premieres, and Stella can't play the cancer card anymore . . . which, in all fairness, is a card she had rightfully been allowed to play for a long time.
Oh, and Stella is going to have to get a job, as a barista, in the age of hipsters and fancy coffee. What a wake-up call! The best part of the teaser is when Stella has to spell the name "Timothy" at the coffee shop . . . it's Timothy with an "i" at the end. Who knew living without cancer could be so complicated?
Life Sentence is coming to The CW sometime in 2018.
44 Popsicle Recipes to Keep Your Kiddos Cool All Year Long
On the hottest days, nothing sounds more appealing than an icy-cold popsicle. A warm-weather favorite of grown-ups and little ones alike, we've rounded up 44 recipes that are especially kid-friendly. From the supremely simple, like easy strawberry-banana pops, to the unexpected and exotic - coconut bubble tea, anyone?! - there's something for everyone.
50 Shows Set in the 50 States
There are a lot of shows out there in the world, so many that there is actually one for every state! While some places have way more than others (looking at you New York), each series does a great job at showcasing its part of the United States and all its quirk and charm. Find out what takes place in your home state, and then check out all the books set around the country.
Selena Gomez Uses This 1 Sexy Styling Hack For All of Her Date-Night Looks
Whether she's on the red carpet or performing on stage, we all know that Selena Gomez isn't afraid of wearing a sexy outfit. But lately, we've been noticing a common theme among all of Selena's date-night looks, and after a little digging, we uncovered the singer's sexy styling hack.
We noticed that Selena always wears some iteration of the date-night staple: a classic LBD. But instead of slipping into a standard version of the style, all of Selena's dresses feature little details that put a twist on the simple, throw-on-and-go look.
From her sheer Alexandre Vauthier dress to her Cher Horowitz-inspired leather jumper, scroll to see Selena's most memorable date-night looks with The Weeknd. Then, shop similar versions for your closet if you're inspired to give this styling hack a try.
This Is the Stupidest Mistake You Can Make at Whole Foods
I recently had the misfortune of discovering the most expensive item in the ready-made hot foods section of Whole Foods. Knowing everything is priced by the pound, I thought I was being smart and conscientious when I filled up the smallest container with mashed potatoes. "They surely couldn't charge more than $5 for a small box of potatoes, right?" I told myself.
I proudly walked the items up to the cash register, and the cashier weighed my tiny box. My stomach flopped when "$14" appeared on the screen. "Excuse me, sir. Did you accidentally rest your hand on the scale? I couldn't possibly have just scooped $14 worth of potatoes into that container," I said, trying to ease my discomfort. He chuckled and shook his head, "There's no mistake. The hot bar is the 'Whole' in 'Whole Paycheck,' hon." There was no chance I could abandon the container either. Once scooped, must purchase. I simultaneously felt robbed and like a complete idiot.
FYI, everyone, the hot bar is $8.99 a pound. Let it be known that the smallest container fills approximately 1.6 pounds worth of mashed potatoes. Also worth noting, the mashed potatoes from the hot bar are the same price in the hot deli: $8.99. I'm never, ever, ever going back to the Whole Foods hot bar . . . that is, until the 365 by Whole Foods store opens in my neighborhood and the hot bar is priced by the container size, not by weight. The same container at a 365 store would cost me $5.50, a MUCH more reasonable price for mashed potatoes.
All the Times Jessica Biel Rocked Her Body in a Bikini
Jessica Biel knows a thing or two about rocking a bikini. The actress, who is married to Justin Timberlake, has racked up years of flaunting her toned figure in two-pieces. The mother of Silas works hard for her superhot body and isn't shy about showing it off on the red carpet or in the sand. She's worn sexy bikinis in magazines, at the beach, and on yachts - and we've rounded up some of the best moments here.
Want to Sleep Like a Baby? This Summery Superfruit Should Do the Trick
Though it be small, the kiwi (aka kiwifruit) is one of the mightiest health foods around. Packed with antioxidants, potassium, and fiber, these fuzzy little nutrition bombs deliver a wide variety of health benefits, like boosting the immune system, repairing cells, and even improving respiratory health. Their bright green fleshy insides and subtly sweet flavor make it easy to down these vitamins with delight.
Perhaps kiwi's most wonderful superpower, however, lies in its ability to put you to sleep. Kiwi contains high levels of serotonin and folate, making it a natural and potent sleep aid. In one study, participants ate two kiwifruits every night for four weeks an hour before going to bed. The results - using both subjective and objective measurements - revealed significantly improved sleep, both in total sleep time and sleep quality. With the only change being their consumption of kiwis, participants went from sleeping an average of six hours a night to seven.
Let that sink in: participants gained an hour of sleep per night by eating kiwis.
Of course, there are several all-natural ways to help ensure a good night's rest. Foods rich in potassium and magnesium, such as bananas, leafy greens, tomatoes, nuts, and seeds, should help with sleep onset and sleep quality. But in your kitchen's arsenal of insomnia-busters, the kiwi is a surprisingly powerful addition. If you're looking for a new way to enjoy this mighty fruit, try this recipe for caramelized kiwi with a sweet tahini sauce - it makes for a tasty treat.
Indulge Your Chocolate Cravings With 22 Summer-Approved No-Bake Desserts
If you don't want to deal with turning on the oven, satisfy your chocolate cravings with these delicious, healthy, no-bake desserts. Make them for yourself, for a celebration, or for your next party.
These Ballet-Inspired Workout Clothes Will Make You Stand Out at the Barre
You don't need the pain of pointe shoes to feel like a ballerina. Dancewear is beautiful, and whether you're doing pliés at the barre or going for a run around the block, you can channel the likes of Misty Copeland with ballet-inspired workout clothes that don't necessarily include actual leotards and tights. Check out this activewear ahead - all of it will help you bring out your inner prima ballerina no matter what your workout may be.
Starbucks Frappuccinos Ranked From Worst to Best
Starbucks has had its fair share of Frappuccinos throughout the years, most of which are honestly delicious. As of late, though, the coffee brand has been rolling out more innovative and aesthetically pleasing frozen beverages that maybe don't totally deliver on flavor. (I'm looking at you, Unicorn Frappuccino.) While we couldn't track down every single iteration of the Frappuccino that Starbucks has accomplished, we did manage to come up with more than 30 of them in a definitive list of worst to best.
5 Things a Food Editor Is Shopping For This July
Summer entertaining and cookouts peak in July, which is why you need the appropriate equipment to keep you cool and collected. We've curated some of the best new products in food this month so you're prepared for anything.
50 Songs For 50 States
Picking out the perfect Fourth of July playlist is no easy feat (you can only hear "God Bless the U.S.A." so many times before you pay someone to set a firework off in your ear), but we have a suggestion for you: narrow down the list of songs by state. Whether you opt for a newer track (like "California Gurls" by Katy Perry or "New York" by St. Vincent) or stick to older classics (which West Virginian hasn't belted out John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" at some point in their life?!), we guarantee you'll find something to pair with all that American flag cake you'll be eating.
The Selena Gomez Swimsuit You Need in Your Life Based on the Stars Above
There's no denying the fact that Selena Gomez is a 10 when it comes her bikini style. From a palm-tree-printed high-waisted bikini to a sexy one-piece that features daring cutouts, Selena has tried just about every style we can think of.
If you're wondering which of her swimsuit styles you should try, the answer might just lie in the stars. Ahead, we've paired each one of Selena's swimsuits styles with a specific zodiac sign. Read on to see which one of her swimsuits matches your personality best, then get to shopping.
This Is How All Your Favorite Chefs Fry Eggs
One of the simplest yet most complicated cooking basics everyone learns is how to fry an egg. Simple because cracking an egg into a pan and waiting until it's cooked doesn't require much skill, but complicated because if you're not careful, you can easily end up with undercooked whites and an overcooked yolk. So how can you make sure your fried eggs are perfect every time? Taking a few tips from the experts is a great place to start. Here's how some of our favorite celebrity chefs and Food Network personalities fry their eggs.
Alton Brown: Cracked in a Ramekin
Alton Brown's number one tip for frying eggs is to not crack them directly into the pan. In his recipe for perfect eggs over-easy, he explains, "Never crack eggs directly into a pan - always crack them into a cup or ramekin. It's the only way to make sure they cook evenly, and you can pour them into the pan right where you want them." His other pro tip involves the proper way to flip the eggs without cracking the yolks. "Never flip the food up and bring the pan down. Try to meet the food with the pan as best as you can, thus preventing a hard - and potentially yolk-busting - landing."
Giada De Laurentiis: Fried in Olive Oil
Would you expect anything less from the queen of Italian food? To make Giada's Italian fried egg sandwich, you'll want to reach for the olive oil and forgo the butter. After adding the eggs to a pan with two teaspoons of olive oil heated over medium heat, Giada covers the pan in order to cook the whites quickly.
Ree Drummond: Basted in Canola Oil
Rather than covering the skillet with a lid or flipping the eggs over, The Pioneer Woman's tip is to carefully spoon the hot oil over the whites to help them cook evenly. Ree's final tip is important, too: she recommends removing the eggs and draining them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Mario Batali: Don't Touch! Then Flip
Mario Batali's first rule for frying eggs is to crack the eggs into the skillet and avoid touching them at all for the first 30 seconds. Then, using a nonstick silicone spatula, gently loosen the edges of the eggs and make sure the bottoms aren't sticking. Flip the eggs, and cook for 30 more seconds.
Chrissy Teigen: Fried in Butter and Olive Oil
You get the best of both worlds when you follow Chrissy Teigen's recipe for fried eggs. You won't find it online, but when you open her Cravings cookbook to the Breakfast All Day section, you'll find her popular recipe for Cajun Catfish With Over-Easy Eggs ("I am aware of how gross this sounds," she promises in the intro). To get a perfectly cooked and flavorful egg, Chrissy cooks in both butter and olive oil.
Paula Deen: Fried in Bacon Fat
A woman after my own heart, Paula Deen knows it's a wise decision to cook eggs in bacon fat. Paula's fried egg and avocado sandwich calls for bacon, and her pro tip is to reserve one tablespoon of the fat before discarding the rest. Use that grease to cook your eggs in the same skillet, and you'll have a perfectly fried egg seasoned with the salty and smoky flavors of the bacon.
Guy Fieri Finally Reveals What Donkey Sauce Is and It's Painfully Obvious
Guy Fieri has a confession to make about his famous Donkey Sauce. Though the self-appointed Mayor of Flavortown has previously shared the recipe for his secret sauce, he recently revealed that it's just plain aioli. We'll let that sink in.
In a recent interview with Thrillist, Fieri was asked about his personal brand and the way in which his "comfort food" juxtaposes other healthy eating initiatives going on in the culinary world. Addressing the claim that Donkey Sauce is pretty fatty, the celebrity chef said, "You're stereotyping it. If we called it aioli, does that make it sexier? It's aioli."
In its purest form, aioli is a creamy sauce that mainly consists of garlic, olive oil, and usually egg. In modern times, however, it's come to describe flavored mayonnaise with notable hints of garlic. In addition to using mayonnaise and garlic, Fieri's interpretation also adds mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
Though Fieri acknowledged that mayonnaise-based sauces aren't healthy, he stressed that it's "about moderation." Adding, "I called it Donkey Sauce because you have to make fun of it. It's a quintessential ingredient in so many aspects of food, yet probably not the most beneficial except for flavor, probably the least beneficial, but it does have its place."
A Dad's Job Is To Teach His Daughter How A Lady Should Be Treated
Moms and dads have their own life lessons to teach when it comes to parenting. Our friends at YourTango share insight on a dad's role for his daughter.
Our little girls deserve nothing but the best.
There are certain things a father can't teach his daughter. I'm speaking from experience here.
I know I can't teach her about making friends with other girls, because there are subtleties there that I can't pretend to understand. I can't teach her about her body with any great authority, because I lack firsthand experience. And I can't teach her about what it means to be a girl in modern society, because I simply don't know.
But I'm OK with that. As a man, I know I can't be the ideal teacher for EVERY lesson my daughter needs to learn, which is one of many reasons why I'm glad my daughter has so many kick-ass women in her life.
For every topic I'm completely ignorant about, she has mothers, aunts, grandmas, teachers, family members, friends, and role models that can teach and guide her so much better than I ever could've attempted.
So, what can a dad teach his daughter?
Lots of stuff. Love, empathy, reading, writing, how to drive, the name and superpowers of all the X-Men since 1963.
Dads make amazing teachers, but one thing I'm never going to worry about teaching my daughter is how to be a lady. Because how the hell could a man ever teach that?
Amazingly, there are dads out there who try. They fuss over what their daughters are wearing. They warn their daughters not to "distract" boys. They impart to their daughters their very MALE perspective on what it means for a woman to be "proper." (In the most extreme cases, there are even fathers who insist that their daughters pledge their "purity" to them, as if that's not the creepiest thing in the world.)
Men should NEVER tell a woman what it means to be a woman.
Because . . . well, just say that last sentence aloud and hear how insane it sounds. When men participate in trying to come up with the cultural definition of "womanhood," that's how you end up with a Congress full of old white dudes voting about what women can legally do with their own bodies.
That's taxation without representation. And, if you know your history, you know that always leads to a revolution.
So, I will NEVER criticize my daughter for not being lady-like or ask her to act more feminine, because how the hell do I even know what those words mean?
Here's what I can teach my daughter - I can teach her how she should expect to be treated by men.
There are many ways men can do this.
One of the most popular is one of my least favorite - the father-daughter dance.
I'm not a fan of this institution. Sure, they can be innocent fun and I'm all about dads spending one-on-one time with their daughters, but I think the dances themselves send a strange message.
For the most part, these dances are designed to resemble romantic high school dances and it's a tradition for dads to take their daughters out on a "date" beforehand.
The dad will get his girl a corsage, they'll go have dinner. It's very cute, perfect Facebook photo fodder, but it's a bizarre teaching tool.
Do fathers really think that role-playing dates with their daughters is an ideal way to show them what a functional relationship looks like? It will always be artificial and weird and strangely reinforce the father as a romantic ideal (which isn't particularly healthy for the dad or the daughter).
My daughter isn't going to learn how a man should respect her by me pretending that I'm taking her to prom.
My daughter CAN learn something about how men should treat women, however, by watching how I interact, on a daily basis, with the opposite sex, including her mom.
It's classic modeling behavior. Role-playing will never be a better educational tool than real-world experience.
If my daughter is going to learn how men should treat women, it only makes sense that she's going to learn that by observing me. I'm the primary man in her life (at the moment). The guy she's stuck with until she's old enough to ditch me.
She's going to learn how men treat women in a romantic relationship by observing how I treat my wife every day. That's going to give her a complex look at the realities of an actual loving relationship (not some fake date at a community center).
And it doesn't just stop with my wife. Her view of how men interact with women is going to be informed by ALL of my interactions with women.
The way I treat my mother, her school-friends, my co-workers, retail clerks, random women I meet in the street - THAT is how a dad shows his daughter what respect for women looks like.
So, the pressure is on me, because I KNOW she's always watching. It's a 24/7 teaching job for me.
I can't teach her about her period as well as her mom might, but I can teach her a hell of a lot from my own behavior - by not mansplaining, by not getting all male-gazey, by not being weird about deferring to a woman who knows better just because men of my generation weren't raised to do that.
I can never teach my daughter what it means to be a woman, but I can teach her what she should expect from men, in terms of basic respect, by letting her watch me try to walk the walk every day of my life.
THAT is what a dad can do.
Will I screw up? Hell yeah, I will. But, hopefully, in the end, the effort will be worth it, and my daughter will go out into the world, expecting (no, DEMANDING) an impossibly high standard of mutual respect from every man she meets. It's what she deserves.
Check out these other great stories from YourTango:
- 5 Phrases That Will INSTANTLY Make Your Kids Stop Begging
- 10 Parenting Tips For Raising Unspoiled, Thankful Kids
- 10 Reasons Your Daughter Is the Greatest Gift You'll Ever Receive
- 10 Parenting Mistakes You're Probably Making (and How to Fix Them!)
- 25 PERFECT Ways to Tell Your Mom JUST How Much You Love Her
14 Summer Movies You and Your Kids Need to Watch Together
Although you'll probably be encouraging your kiddos to go outside and play this Summer, every family has the time for a movie night. Before popping in the same DVD your kids ask to watch all year long, consider introducing them to a new film that takes place in the Summer and may feature a few kids that are just like them. From older classics, like The Goonies, to newer movies that are sure to last through the ages, we've compiled a list of 14 flicks - some that you probably loved as a kid - for you to watch with your kiddos during the warm Summer months.
Shingles may up risk of heart attack, stroke
Getting shingles may increase your risk of a heart attack, stroke or other heart problems by as much as 40 per cent, according to Korean researchers.
Ellie Transformed Her Body in Her 40s With the Help of Gold's Gym
Forty-two-year-old Ellie Carter from St. Paul, MO, went through the devastating loss of her father at the same time she was diagnosed with her own serious medical issues - it was the perfect storm for gaining weight.
Ellie: Before
She fought through her medical setbacks with the help of Gold's Gym's challenges, and now she's biceps curling her kids and no longer on the three prescription medications she once needed. Here's the story of how she got her life back, plus tips you can apply to your own healthy journey.
POPSUGAR: What made you decide to start your weight-loss journey?
Ellie Carter: I was tired and in constant pain and had put on a lot of weight. One day, my 3-year old said, "Mommy, come play with us." And before I could respond, my 5-year old said, "Mommy can't play with us. Mommy is tired and doesn't feel good."
At that point I realized that was not what I wanted my kids to remember from their childhood. My dad had just lost his battle with leukemia, and I had so many fond memories of the fun things he did with us growing up. I wanted my kids to have the same fond memories when they looked back on their childhood. At that point I knew I needed to make a change - for me, for my health, for my husband, and especially for my kids.
PS: What drew you to Gold's Gym specifically?
EC: I had done the 12-week Gold's Gym challenge in 2016; it worked in kick-starting my health and fitness journey. After completing the challenge last year, my dad was diagnosed with incurable leukemia, and I was shortly thereafter also diagnosed with serious medical issues. All I had gained during the challenge was quickly lost. Most of my free time was spent running around to doctor's appointments, and my nutrition consisted of whichever fast-food drive through was close and convenient.
I kept my membership throughout my medical issues. I had made great strides last year through the energy and enthusiasm I felt every time I walked in the door. So, of course, I needed to feel that energy and enthusiasm again to get my life back on track. The group exercise classes were always so engaging!
"I needed to feel that energy and enthusiasm again to get my life back on track."
PS: What's your favorite way to work out?
EC: Group exercise classes keep me going! When I work out outside of those classes, I always feel like I can't do one more set. But in the group classes, the energy and constant encouragement keeps me going the entire hour!
PS: What's your weekly exercise schedule?
EC: I target certain muscle groups on specific days, rotating each week. And I mix in cardio-only days in between the weightlifting/muscle group days.
Ellie: After
PS: How do you keep workouts exciting?
EC: I have a fun music playlist that get me going and in the mood. I switch up my routines to keep it from getting monotonous. And I've started involving my kids! They love sitting on my back while I plank, and they think it's a fun game when I biceps curl them.
PS: How much weight have you lost?
EC: Eighteen pounds and counting! My journey is still ongoing!
PS: What was the first big difference, other than the number on the scale, that really made you feel proud and excited?
EC: The energy I now have, the way the stress levels have decreased dramatically, but most importantly the fact that my doctor has removed me from THREE prescription medications. Additionally, all my numbers are now in good healthy ranges (i.e., cholesterol).
PS: How do you track your weight loss?
EC: Just the use of a traditional scale.
PS: What's a typical day of meals and snacks?
EC: Breakfast: protein shake blended with fruit and spinach. Snack: boiled egg, fruit. Lunch: spinach or kale salad, and some sort of a lean protein (fish, chicken, turkey) with a carb. Snack: fresh veggies and usually hummus. Dinner: lean meat, veggies, and small portion of carbs.
PS: Do you count calories?
EC: I use a meal tracker that helps me count calories. I find that if I count and watch what I eat, I'm more conscious and deliberate about sticking to a healthy routine. I eat 1,200-1,500 calories depending on my workouts planned for the day.
Ellie: Before and After
PS: What are the healthy staples that are always in your fridge?
EC: Fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, spinach and kale for salads, fat-free Greek yogurt (for dips and dressings), and hummus.
"If I watch what I eat, I'm more conscious and deliberate about sticking to a healthy routine."
PS: How do you strategize for meals out?
EC: I research the menu and plan for something healthy. If there are salads, I get low-fat/low-cal dressings, usually without cheese. If there are marinades or preps, I ask for no butter and sauces on the side. Additionally, I'll ask for a to-go box and plan to cut the portion size down since most restaurants serve you enough food for two to three meals.
PS: Do you use a fitness tracker?
EC: Yes, the Fitbit Charge HR. It has helped me track and keep an eye on my fitness level for the day, and it helps me keep track of my sleep too - that's been very important as well. I need an adequate amount of rest to feel refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.
PS: What role did Gold's Gym play in your journey?
EC: Gold's Gym is where my fitness journey began. The employees and instructors are all so friendly and greet you with big smiles when you arrive. My kids go to Kids Klub when I work out and they LOVE it. They often beg me and bug me about when they can go again! The other people working out at Gold's Gym become familiar faces and often greet you and help keep the energy going throughout. I would definitely recommend Gold's Gym!
PS: What advice do you have for anyone starting out on a weight-loss journey?
EC: Take the time to sit down and set your goals. What is your big, deep-down "why" you're doing this? Break that big goal into smaller, attainable goals. Don't expect the scale to move right away. You'll see and feel differences (energy, tightness of clothing, etc.) long before you'll see the needle on the scale move. And most importantly, don't get discouraged! It takes time!
Katy Perry Drops Colorful "Swish Swish" Lyric Video Starring Internet Sensation Gretchen
Regardless of whether or not Katy Perry's "Swish Swish" is really about archnemesis Taylor Swift, the song is catchy as hell. So catchy, in fact, I kind of hate myself for how many times I've already listened to it today alone (bless you, Spotify private session). Perry dropped the colorful lyric video for the maybe-dis track on Monday, and handed over the starring role to Brazilian GIF queen and former pop star Gretchen (neé Maria Odete Brito de Miranda). Neither her extremely GIF-able facial expressions, nor the dance moves from the FitDancers troupe disappoint, so check it out above before the official video drops (sometime soon, fingers crossed).
10 Ways to Add Protein to Your Smoothie, Without Protein Powder
Let's say you're craving a smoothie, but you also need to add a little protein to your diet . . . a protein smoothie is an excellent way to do that! Whether it's for a powerhouse breakfast or a post-workout snack, we love blending up a frosty glass of nutrition for a lightning-fast meal (that takes zero culinary prowess).
But what if you don't have or don't like protein powder? Don't get us wrong: we certainly have our favorite supplement powders, but sometimes you just want whole foods or don't want to drop the extra cash (those tubs can be pricey!). There are whole, nutritious, and inexpensive sources of protein you can easily add to your favorite blend; they either don't distract from the flavor of the fruits (or whatever else you're blending) or they add a delicious extra element (ahem, peanut butter!).
- Nut Butter: Not that you needed another excuse to add peanut butter or almond butter to your smoothie, but know that two tablespoons can add seven to eight grams of protein (seven for almond; eight for peanut).
- Tofu: This soy-based food adds a thickness reminiscent of a frosty shake, but it also adds 10 grams of protein for every half-cup you add to your smoothie. Bonus: it'll take on whatever flavor you add in, whether it's vanilla, chocolate, cinnamon, or fruit.
- Beans: Toss some legumes into your blender to up the nutrition of any of your favorite blends. Whether you choose chickpeas or cannellini beans, you'll get roughly three to four grams of protein tacked onto your blended beverage.
- Cottage Cheese: This might sound wild, but adding cottage cheese to your smoothie can give it a surprisingly milkshake-like consistency and flavor, and depending on the variety, it can have even more protein than yogurt, with 12 grams per half-cup serving.
- Greek or Icelandic Yogurt: A staple protein add-on, yogurt is a great base for fruit-flavored smoothies, like a berry blend or tropical concoction. It also adds roughly 10 grams of protein to your smoothie!
- Coconut Milk: Make things tropical with creamy coconut (from a can!); it has five grams of protein per cup, and it pairs nicely with other tropical fruits like mango and pineapple.
- Milk: If you can tolerate dairy, straight-up milk - low fat or otherwise - is a surefire way to add creaminess and protein to your glass, with eight grams per cup. Pro tip: try adding chocolate milk to your shake for a muscle-soothing recovery drink.
- Flaxmeal or Flax Seeds: While not necessarily a protein powerhouse per se, a couple tablespoons of whole flax in your smoothie will up your protein content by about four grams.
- Chia Seeds: Sprinkle some chia seeds into your smoothie and stir up a fiber- and protein-packed treat. With about five grams per ounce, it'll definitely up the nutritional profile in a way that won't affect the flavor of your shake.
- Raw Eggs or Egg Whites: OK, if you thought cottage cheese was crazy, you might want to hold onto your seat: adding raw eggs to a smoothie is actually a thing. Make sure you use pasteurized eggs, though. You'll be adding six grams of protein per egg.
3 Men Who Were Lucky Enough to Steal Shakira's Heart
One thing we've learned from Shakira's time in the public eye is that she is a girl who loves a good long-term connection. We've only seen her with a few men and only in relationships that last years on end.
She has never gotten married, but that's because she doesn't think it's essential. "I just don't find marriage a necessary step in a couple's life," she told Latina in 2014. And while you might only remember her with the father of her children, Gerard Piqué, there were a couple of men who came before.
4 "Rules" For a Husband's Friendships With Other Women
Krista J.'s husband is hanging out with another woman. Is that wrong? "He told me they are just friends, but he has been leaving me to go hang out with her," she frets.
As readers offer Krista advice, another question emerges: can married men have female friends? Ideally, they say, the members of a couple should be able to maintain individual friendships with the opposite sex, but in reality, a friendship like the one Krista's husband is developing is often a slippery slope.
Friendship can lead to flirtation, and what once seemed harmless can grow and grow. So how do you prevent this? Here, readers share some ground rules for a spouse's opposite-sex friendships.
1. Make sure there's no double standard.
"If he can, I can," is the guideline many members live by. But when Carol M. proposes this approach to her husband, his response was the very definition of the double standard and one that many members feel spells trouble: that while it's OK for a husband to talk to women, it's taboo for a woman to have friendships with men. "No guy is just a friend," he insists.
In contrast, Jill says that, in her marriage, both she and her husband have friends of the opposite sex. "The rule in our marriage is what is good enough for you is good enough for me," she says. "If he wants to talk to girls. Fine. I get to talk to guys. It works both ways."
2. Agree on appropriate boundaries.
Makena D. feels that "interaction between people of different sexes even after marriage is part of life," and that because male/female friendships outside of marriage are inevitable, a wife should not only "limit the kind of talk [she has] with other men," but let her husband know that "he needs to do the same."
Explaining further, she shares that "your partner comes first."
3. Give (and expect) the benefit of the doubt.
Many readers feel comfortable with their husbands' female friendships because they trust each other completely. "There is no way I would tell my husband who he can and can't talk to and vice versa," says Michelle W. "I've even met up with an old school friend (male) for coffee. My husband trusts me completely, and I trust him."
Megan R. agrees, sharing that she has no problem with her husband's female friend. "One of my husband's closest friends is a woman," she says. "I also have some guy friends, and my husband knows about them. I trust my husband enough to know he won't cheat on me."
4. Include one another in the friendship.
Many readers believe that if your husband wants to cultivate a friendship with a woman, whether a colleague or someone from his past, he should invite you and the woman's spouse (if she has one) to dinner or into the circle of friendship, too. This kind of transparency makes everyone more comfortable.
When It's More Than "Just Friends"
All of this said, some members simply won't abide a spouse's opposite sex friendships, no matter what. Tabitha R. points out that it's very difficult to watch your spouse have female friendships if he has a history of cheating: "I honestly think once someone has cheated that we lose respect for that person, and it makes us think that every woman they are talking to they are sleeping with."
Lisa P. agrees, but for different reasons: "I don't think a married man should be hanging out with another girl or woman even if they are supposedly 'just friends.' He should be home with his family. If his priorities are elsewhere and not with you and your family, then you should be questioning the marriage."
Where do you draw the line on your husband's female friendships?
How Cannabis-Infused Snacks Are Made
This all-female weed company is taking the edibles snack industry to a whole new high with its savory line of chips and popcorn. These women have faced some uphill battles bringing these snacks to the market, so they're sharing their side of the industry with us and showing us how these delicious snacks are made. Come take a tour behind the scenes of Yummi Karma, and try the brand's cannabis-laced treats!
These gals didn't just stop at food - they also have a whole line of beauty products called High Gorgeous, and the process of making them is fascinating.
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