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.
mercredi 5 juillet 2017
The Reason Parents Are Concerned For Their Teens After Snapchat's Latest Update
Parents have enough to worry about when trying to monitor their children's cell phone use, but Snapchat's latest update has given a new cause for concern. The new Snap Map feature allows users to showcase their exact location when uploading those adorable Snapchat-filtered selfies or videos. The downside to that means anyone can search and find exactly where your child is by simply following and watching their Snapchat content.
Snapchat has tried to defuse some of the outrage by pointing out that Snap Map is an opt-in feature that can be turned off at any time (and the feature is turned off by default). "With Snap Map, location sharing is off by default for all users and is completely optional. Snapchatters can choose exactly who they want to share their location with, if at all, and can change that setting at any time," a Snapchat spokesman told the BBC.
Still, some parents have voiced fears over stalkers, burglars, or even kidnappers having access to their kids' locations whenever the Snap Map feature is enabled. The Snapchat spokesperson stressed that "the majority" of its users only interact with close friends while using the app, therefore hindering the ability of complete strangers to receive access to such private information.
If you want to turn off Snap Map location sharing on your or your child's phone, all you have to do is open the app and set it to selfie mode. Pinch the screen and Snap Map should open up; from there you can reset the settings and disable the feature by tapping Ghost Mode. Parents should also know that any content they or their child uploads to Snapchat's public Our Story feed will still be searchable on Snap Map, regardless of disabling it.
I Haven't Worn a Real Bra in 4 Months - and I'm Never Going Back
I don't have big boobs in the slightest, but I have the world's widest rib cage, so bra shopping has never, ever been fun (not that it sounds very fun if you're well-endowed either, but I digress). Since my first training bra was purchased around the time I turned 12, I've hated wearing a bra at all. Like most women, I spend my days at work dreaming of that glorious moment I can strip down at home and fling my underwire death-trap across the room like a slingshot, allowing my girls to roam freely for the rest of the night. I thought I was destined to waste my existence wishing it were the end of the day, until I found Calvin Klein's cotton bralettes.
Now, I'm not living under a rock - I know there are a million other types of bralettes that have come before and several million that will come still, whether they be coated in a layer of thin lace or made of sweat-wicking material to keep my ladies cool in the Summer. But these Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Racerback Bralettes ($28, pictured above) are my holy grail, and I vow in front of all these witnesses to love them forever.
It all started with an Instagram photo (as most revelations these days do). I spotted my little cousin wearing one of these simple bras as a top (to go to the club, because she's young and hip and not the ripe mental age of 97, like myself). She looked so comfy, so I immediately texted her to ask where she got it while also subtly begging her to just pass hers on to me. She told me she got the bra at Urban Outfitters, so I visited its Instagram page, and wouldn't you know it, these bras were featured in two or three of its 10 most recent photos. I took that as a sign of a trend, urged myself to get out of bed early on a Saturday morning (OK, it was like, 11 a.m.), and drove straight to the store, where I purchased a CK bralette in black, to match my soul.
It was deep love at first wear (and it's been an ever-growing whirlwind affair since - so much so that I'm positive my boyfriend knows I love these bras more than I do him). I immediately snapped the above photo after prancing around my apartment and posted it to Instagram, sharing my pure ecstasy over this new bra with my followers. I felt so good - a mixture between being held in just enough but also so free - that I could probably write something worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize about my new favorite clothing item.
Although we're still firmly in the honeymoon phase, it's been about four months since I bought my first one (time flies when your boobs are free). The OG bra has since been joined by two others (a white and a gray, because neutrals fo' lyfe), and I wear one every. single. day. (In this four-month span, I was forced to wear a strapless bra once because of the back of the dress I wanted to sport on Mother's Day, and as soon as I clipped myself into the Devil's harness, I wanted to cry out for my Calvins!)
If, like me, you find the best part of your day to be swinging your bra over your head like a lasso after several long hours of confinement, live not like a prisoner any longer. Join me in this place of pure bliss, won't you?
Craving Latin Food at the Disney Parks? Here Are the Best Dishes to Try!
Disney vacations are the perfect opportunity to indulge cravings - hellooooooo, seasonal ice cream and decadent doughnuts - and sometimes, that means we want nostalgic Latino food while visiting the parks. That's why there's no shortage of options in the US Disney park locations, ranging from comfort food (empanadas and chilaquiles) to experimental goodies (horchata margaritas and tajín-chamoy Popsicles).
We've selected the 14 best Latino eats and drinks to reach for when you're enjoying the Disney parks, so that you don't get stuck biting into a lackluster lunch. Check our selections ahead, then let us know if we missed your personal favorite!
This Cooking Hack Will Forever Change the Way You Make Spaghetti
If you're anything like me, cooking spaghetti involves completely guessing the proper amount for a serving. I'll stand at the pot of boiling water and grab a handful (. . . plus a little more for good measure) and think to myself, "That looks right; we'll find out!" But now that I've discovered this ingenious hack, I'll never go back to my uncertain ways.
The easiest way to measure out a perfect single serving of spaghetti is to use the hole in the center of your spaghetti spoon. Just take a handful of spaghetti and see if it fits, filling in the extra space as needed, until the bundle fits tightly in the space. And voilà, you've got a perfect amount just for you. Of course, if you're cooking more than one serving, just repeat the process as needed.
Who knew that hollow center served such a purpose?! Since you'll probably already be using that spoon to grab your spaghetti noodles, it's even more convenient that you can measure with it, too. Making a solo spaghetti dinner has never been easier.
What to Tell Women Who Didn't Vote in the 2016 Election - but Wish They Had
At a Christmas party in SoHo this past December, a friend of mine - mid-20s, Ivy League educated, ardent New Yorker - explained her voting habits thusly: "Well, I voted for [Donald] Trump because of what it would look like to men if I had to say I didn't."
The reality? On Tuesday, Nov. 8, she never cast her ballot. She announced this to me as if her decision was rational, dismissing my incredulousness with a wave of her hands.
"It's not a big deal," she said to me.
But when I saw her again only a couple weeks later, she was horrified. Shocked by the policies of the Trump administration, she also felt complicit in their very existence.
And she was. Post-election polls reveal that nonvoters had a major impact on the election. FiveThirtyEight notes that "had the nonvoters cast a ballot in accordance with their party identification, Clinton's advantage over Trump nationally would have expanded by about 2 to 3 percentage points" - enough to win the Electoral College. Given the Democratic party's support of women's rights (and the Republican candidate's antipathy towards women), women who didn't like either candidate could have influenced the election by voting for their own self-interest. "Democrats who stayed home handed the election to Trump," Forbes reported.
Much has been written about the women who voted for Trump, but what about the women who didn't vote at all? According to Hillary Clinton, many of them are desperate for forgiveness. In her first in-depth magazine profile post-defeat, Clinton recounted how women regularly approach her, looking for salvation: "'I'm so sorry I didn't vote. I didn't think you needed me.'" Said Clinton: "I had people literally seeking absolution."
But they're not the only ones expressing remorse: their would-be candidate is as well. Clinton was the first presidential candidate ever to seek forgiveness from her constituents in her concession speech. "This is not the outcome we wanted or we worked so hard for," she said. "And I'm sorry that we did not win this election."
No male politician has ever felt obliged to apologize for losing, and the idea of Trump blaming himself if he had ended up in the same scenario is laughable. For women who didn't vote because they felt they didn't "need" to, Trump's victory was a harsh reminder of the deeply ingrained sexism in this country. Many nonvoters considered Clinton's presidency a foregone conclusion. But rather than electing a woman to be president in November, we elected a man who actively disrespects women instead.
Says Emily's List spokeswoman Alexandra De Luca, "This election was a stark reminder that women and men are still treated very differently in this country."
The largest resource for women in American politics, Emily's List supports pro-choice Democratic women running for office. Says De Luca, "There's no 'right' way to react to the election of a man who bragged about sexually assaulting women just because he was famous. I know I'm not the only one who spent a few days with a box of tissues."
Trump's comments were triggering for many women, including many who say they suffer from PTSD. Dr. Hannah Roberts, a California-based clinical psychologist, reports that nearly all of her female clients suffered from post-election distress - stress that is heightened for those who didn't vote: "Our country explicitly devalued an identity that includes just over half of us. That leaves us feeling without a sense of control and can easily touch on feelings of trauma."
While Trump's campaign rhetoric reinforced limiting gender roles, the dismissive treatment of Clinton supporters compounded feelings of powerlessness among women who didn't vote - or who didn't feel comfortable sharing their political opinions in more informal ways or intimate settings, either.
I was getting drinks with another friend (again: educated, successful, seemingly sane) the night before the Women's March when she confided in me that she hadn't voted in November. She told me how her fiancé, who works in finance, told her to vote for Trump, and - though she resisted his advice - she couldn't bring herself to vote for either candidate. She'd heard anti-Clinton rhetoric every evening for the past year; feeling unqualified to weigh in, she'd always remained silent. Now, she was marching for Planned Parenthood, excitedly discussing the p*ssy hat she'd don the next day.
"Change rarely accelerates until we make demands - including unpopular, forward-looking demands - in public."
"Many of the reports of how women experienced this election were similar," says Dr. Roberts. "Needing to stroke male egos and reassure them that women were not voting for Hillary because of her gender . . . it left women feeling very silenced and isolated."
Hence the popularity of Pantsuit Nation: millions of women insulated themselves among like-minded peers, quarantining their beliefs within a private forum. Would men ever feel so compelled to hide their opinions - let alone apologize for them? And what impact did this sequestering of political opinion play when it came to the polls?
Clinton referenced Pantsuit Nation via the "private Facebook sites" in her concession speech, stating: "I want everybody coming out from behind that and make sure your voices are heard going forward."
It's our turn to step up to the political stage - and women have been turning out in record numbers to run for office, a phenomenon De Luca has witnessed firsthand: "Emily's List has heard from over 14,000 women since Election Day looking to run for office. That is unprecedented!"
"Change rarely accelerates until we make demands - including unpopular, forward-looking demands - in public," says Erin Matson, cofounder of the reproductive justice group Reproaction. "Get active. Pay attention to local politics and vote every chance you get. Resist the right-wing - participate in protest at the local level."
It's certain that some women didn't vote because they considered a Trump victory to be unbelievable, but maybe Hunter S. Thompson said it best: "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro." I'll amend that to say, if the future is going to be female, the females need to turn pro: run for office, start direct action groups, vote in local elections, fundraise for reproductive rights - anything possible to make our voices heard.
For women suffering from the guilt of not voting, Dr. Roberts's advice is to "reconnect with your core values and remind yourself of those foundational beliefs that define who you are as a person," ensuring the same remorse won't happen again.
The second step? "Acknowledging what has happened and then deciding what to do about it," says Dr. Roberts. "It is important to identify what step you are taking to move forward, however big or small that may be. It returns a sense of control to an individual and helps them move into a place of empowerment and resilience."
Nothing is more indicative of extreme privilege than a blasé attitude about your own rights as an individual.
So, what should Hillary say to the women coming to her for forgiveness? Dr. Roberts says what she certainly shouldn't do is apologize further. "Demand for Clinton to continue apologizing, or the expectation of her self-flagellation, is indicative of the ongoing misogyny today," says Dr. Roberts. Our instinct to appease encourages complacency among female citizens.
"Our women are no shrinking violets," Matson says of Reproaction. Yet, even in this climate, I still find myself among women unwilling to vocally support the feminist agenda. I've witnessed how educated women who should feel unabashed in their support of gender equality (and aware of the necessity of reproductive rights) are reticent to share their beliefs, fearing they will appear unattractive to men. There is no excuse for this equivocating any longer. Women's rights are human rights.
Nothing is more indicative of extreme privilege than a blasé attitude about your own rights as an individual. Many women I know who were previously apolitical certainly thought they were insulated from terrible injustice - an attitude that changed the night of the election. A man who considers women's bodies his to claim, obvious in his boasts about sexual violence and his attempts to deny reproductive rights, is now our president. It was a wake-up call to many women that the only kind of feminism is intersectional feminism.
While much has been written about the white women who voted for Trump, there are plenty of white women who didn't show up at all - and some of them are now starting to get "woke." Unfortunately, in many ways, it's too little, too late.
When a friend posted anti-Trump videos from the Women's March, her boyfriend expressed surprise that she would do so. "I didn't think you were like that," he texted her moments after she posted the "controversial" Instagram.
Well, maybe she is. And maybe if more women were vocal about their beliefs, the stigma and shame would dissolve.
"Everywhere I look, I see examples of women fighting back: starting new organizations, announcing an intention to run for office, or even getting publicly political for the first time with bumper stickers and Facebook posts. It all counts and I believe that we will win," says Matson. "Throughout history, feminists on the fringes who are willing to be despised and ridiculed have played an important role in advancing equality and justice."
It's time to speak up and to stop apologizing for being women, for being ourselves, for holding political beliefs in support of our own civil rights and the rights of our fellow women. It's also time to stop looking for guidance from authority figures; the women apologizing to Hillary should refocus their energy on the future instead of the past. Haven't we learned in the recent election it is best to take matters into our own hands? We can't be complacent and expect everything to turn out OK. But perhaps it takes a huge historical event to elicit change.
"On Nov. 9, I woke up, looked at my preschool-age daughter, and wept," says Matson. "But you know what? Now my daughter talks incessantly about politics and she's gone to phone banks and is canvassing this weekend."
The future is female, indeed.
All the Crazy Sh*t Fashion Girls Do With a Belt - and How 1 Can Transform Your Look
You remember your keys and wallet when you're leaving the house. But fashion girls remember extra outfit details: insane statement earrings, bag straps and keychains, quirky optical lenses, and belts. Belts add an extra dimension to your look, and they can take your all-black separates from zero to 100 in an instant.
But gone are the days of weaving a simple brown belt through the loops of your jeans. Now, it's all about getting creative with your accessories and cinching your waist in ways nobody's thought of. Scroll for some unique ideas we really love, then shop a few trendy belts that will help you pull off the tricks.
The Many Adorable Faces of Prince George
Prince George has plenty of unimpressed faces, but his royal scowl isn't the only adorable expression we love to see from the little heir. George has shown off excited looks, silly grins, and even wiggles during his public outings, already giving his adorable sister, Princess Charlotte, a lot to aspire to. If George's best facial expressions isn't enough, make sure to check out his and Charlotte's most hilarious pictures!
What It's Really Like Going to Disney World With an Infant
Some parents would rather gouge their eyes out than take an infant to Disney World. I am not one of those parents. I am, rather, one of those Mickey-loving parents who has visited Disney while pregnant, with my first son as a toddler, and even on a kids-at-heart anniversary trip with my husband while we left the toddler with his grandparents (please don't tell him).
Our most recent Disney adventure was one that required a lot more planning and flexibility than any of our previous trips, because we would be bringing both our now-preschooler and his new baby brother. As always, we enjoyed a magical time and made plenty of unforgettable memories, but there were some definite downs to accompany all those ups.
It all started the evening before our big Disney day. We stayed on property so we could get to the Magic Kingdom bright and early to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours(anything to cut down on waiting in long lines with the kiddos). My little guy was not a fan of the hotel-provided portable crib, so sleep was not our friend. He spent most of the night on my chest; great for him, not so great for me. Luckily, I had anticipated this probable lack of sleep and packed along some cans of cold brew in our snack bag to pop open as soon as we got into the park. Caffeine to the rescue!
Then, of course, came the joys of navigating the throngs of other vacationing families with an unwieldy double stroller (though bringing a stroller is one of my top tips). A special license should probably be required to drive one of these things. I can't count the number of times I had to excuse myself for hitting the back of someone's shoe or how many times the "no, you go" game was played.
And I'm sure they're used to it, but I did feel bad for the Photo Pass photographers who politely waited while we spent what felt like an eternity getting everyone to face the same direction and smile, only to have the baby turn his head at the last minute. I have to hand it to them, though, their patience and talent turned into some unforgettable family photos . . . and a few forgettable ones.
I almost failed to mention the extra "show" I put on for some of our fellow vacationers. Anyone with an infant knows that when they get hungry, they want to eat righthisminuteplease. I'm pretty laid back about nursing in public, and I figured a couple people getting a quick flash of my boob was better than having to listen to my son cry throughout an entire ride. I can now (proudly) say I've nursed my son while singing along to The Little Mermaid, taking a spin on the Carousel of Progress, and flying through the sky with Dumbo the Elephant.
It may sound like I'm complaining, but I wouldn't change a single thing. The minor inconveniences of traveling with an infant immediately faded from my mind when I realized how lucky I was to see Disney through his eyes. The wide-eyed wonder with which a child experiences a place like Disney World for the first time is indescribable.
Seeing my baby coo and smile at Mickey as he reached up and grabbed his nose is an image that will always pop up in my mental scrapbook of Disney memories. I know that every time we ride Peter Pan from now until eternity, we will tell him, "This was the very first Disney ride we ever took you on." Of course, I secretly hope that makes it his favorite ride. I loved snuggling him up in his baby wrap and letting him nap while I watched my preschooler spin round and round on the teacups with his dad.
It wasn't all about the baby, though. As self-proclaimed Disney gurus, we knew we could take advantage of the "rider switch" service and take turns riding the roller coasters with our preschooler. It was the first time he had been tall enough to ride the big coasters, and his giggles and excitement were contagious. My husband and I even found time for a brief romantic moment during the evening fireworks while the kids were relaxing in the stroller.
Before this trip, we had been told dozens of times that it isn't worth it to take an infant to Disney World. In my mind, this couldn't be more wrong. It may not be the same Disney trip you are used to, but it is one you can only experience when babies are at that age where there is room for never-ending discovery and amazement at even seemingly ordinary things that we grown-ups often take for granted. It really does make all of the crying, wake-ups, and unconventional nursing spots worth it.
The Many Adorable Faces of Prince George
Prince George has plenty of unimpressed faces, but his royal scowl isn't the only adorable expression we love to see from the little heir. George has shown off excited looks, silly grins, and even wiggles during his public outings, already giving his adorable sister, Princess Charlotte, a lot to aspire to. If George's best facial expressions isn't enough, make sure to check out his and Charlotte's most hilarious pictures!
9 Times Kate Middleton's Outfit Was No Match For a Gust of Wind
Kate Middleton is one of the chicest women in the world, and it has very little to do with the fact that she's a member of the royal family. Even before she tied the knot with Prince William in 2011, the duchess boasted a wardrobe full of easy, classic pieces that also happened to translate well during a high-profile event (or tea with the queen). These days, nearly everything Kate throws on grabs headlines, but that doesn't mean she's immune to one of fashion's most treacherous pitfalls - a gust of wind.
Over the years, Kate has fallen victim to a windy day on numerous occasions and in many different countries; most recently, the white Emilia Wickstead dress she wore during a day in India was no match for a gust of wind, but as usual, Kate played it completely cool. It just goes to show that anyone can have a Marilyn Monroe moment, even royalty. Keep reading for nine times that Kate's look was straight out of The Seven Year Itch.
This Is How All Your Favorite Chefs Make Pork Chops
Fact: pork chops (like this sweet and sour glazed recipe) can be enticing. They're also affordable, easy-to-cook cuts of meat that can be incredibly tasty when made well. To breathe some inspiration into your dinner rotation, we've gathered only the best pork chop recipes from some of our favorite celebrity chefs and Food Network experts. These are the cooking methods and recipes they swear by for crave-worthy chops you'll actually look forward to making. Spoiler: none of them involve apple sauce.
Ree Drummond: Pan Fried
The Pioneer Woman just might be the queen of recipes that are both easy and comforting, and her pan-fried pork chop recipe definitely qualifies. You only need a few basics (flour, salt, pepper, cayenne, canola oil, and butter) to make a crispy, juicy pork chop.
Alton Brown: Molasses and Coffee Glazed
You might need to make a special trip to the store for Alton Brown's molasses and coffee pork chops, but it's totally worth it. Commenters have mentioned they love the teriyaki-like marinade so much that they use it on chicken, too. If you have a little extra time on your hands (to marinate the meat for at least two hours), your taste buds will be rewarded.
Giada De Laurentiis: Parmesan Crusted
Giada is among the loyal group that believes parmesan cheese makes everything better, including pork. Her parmesan-crusted pork chop recipe calls for parmesan plus Italian breadcrumbs, ensuring a crispy and flavor-loaded exterior as they crisp up in an oiled pan.
Sunny Anderson: Simply Grilled
The best part about Sunny Anderson's easy grilled pork chop recipe is that even if you don't have a grill or grill pan, you can make the recipe using a regular pan, too. After you let the chops sit in a marinade of honey, oil, apple cider vinegar, and cumin for about an hour, you're on your way to superquick and easy pork chops, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Tyler Florence: Smothered
Chef Tyler Florence knows you should never let pan drippings go to waste. His smothered pork chop is indeed smothered in a creamy gravy made by deglazing the pan with chicken broth, then adding buttermilk. It's what to make when you really need indulgent, home-style comfort food in your life.
19 Brazilian-Cut Bikinis to Show Off Your Booty
Is there a better time to flaunt your booty than Summer? We don't think so - and neither do Brazilians, the creators of the skimpy bikini bottom.
If you're ready to show off what your mama gave you, we have a supersexy shopping list for you. These 19 bikinis are cut high so they can sensually let your butt, well, be cheeky - we couldn't help it!
We've All Been There: Hilarious Mom Pinterest Fails
It's an all-too-common scene: you see an idea on Pinterest that you just have to re-create, except the finished product looks nothing like what you envisioned. The bright side is that it makes a good story to tell (or, in this case, a good picture to share) because every single mom has been there, done that. Read on to check out self-proclaimed #PinterestFails from moms on Instagram that will make you feel better about that one time you too botched your kid's birthday cake.
- Additional reporting by Jessica Chassin
The Perfect Selena Gomez Summer Outfit For Every Type of Girl
From Coachella to getaways with her boyfriend, The Weeknd, and public appearances, Selena Gomez maintains a very chic wardrobe. But each of her outfits is different than the one that came before. Selena can turn up the bohemian vibes one day and show up in a daring, sexy, sophisticated midi dress the next.
Most of Selena's outfits - even the most dazzling - are actually pretty easy to pull off, especially in the Summer when she mainly sticks to strappy sandals or white low-top sneakers. If you want to dress as effortlessly as the singer, you have to define your signature style first. Scroll for a rundown of Selena's different fashion personalities, then choose the look that matches your own mantra.
15 Zumba Videos to Luis Fonsi's "Despacito" That'll Have You Sweating Pasito a Pasito
"Despacito" by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee (and the remix featuring Justin Bieber) has easily become everyone's favorite song. And since you're already listening to it on repeat all day long, and probably creating your own dance moves in front of the mirror, why not workout to it, Zumba style?
We collected the most popular dance workout videos to the hit, and we're here to tell you the choreographies are fun and perfect for anyone who doesn't want to be bored while paving the way to getting toned. Keep scrolling to start moving more than just "despacito."
This Map Shows the Exact Path of This Year's Total Solar Eclipse
Image Source: Flickr user gsfc
If you're already counting down the days until you get to see the biggest solar eclipse of your lifetime on Aug. 21, then you'll want to check out this detailed map immediately. The total eclipse will be viewable in areas from coast to coast in the US, and the map below outlines the path of the moon's umbral shadow, in which the sun will be completely hidden by the moon. Already geeking out? Check out the best places to watch the eclipse, then scope out NASA's downloadable eclipse maps and dive into an interactive map where you can find detailed information state by state.
Is Your Kid Ready For Sleepaway Camp?
Last Summer, I started my daughter at the same camp I attended, then worked at, every year between the ages of 10 and 19. My camp memories were magical and integral to my childhood, and I wanted her to have the same experiences I did of having weeks completely disconnected from screens and family schedules; where playing outside, acting silly, meeting new friends, and learning important lifelong skills like basket-weaving and ultimate frisbee were the only thing on the agenda.
I'll admit I was a bit crazy about making my camp dreams for her a reality, signing her up for the day-camp program the first day registration opened on the first year she was old enough to attend. At 5, she was still three years away from aging into overnight camp, and I'll admit that part of my plan was that, after a few years of day camp, she'd be chomping at the bit to join the big kids at sleepaway camp, despite her slightly fearful disposition.
She loved camp as much as I hoped she would and returned again this year, reuniting with camp friends and counselors she met last year and coming home at 3:30 p.m. each day utterly exhausted. Although the decision on whether to ultimately keep her in day camp or send her up to the big leagues at 8 years old is still a couple of years away (the average age for a first overnight camp experience is between 7 and 9, according to the American Camp Association), it's already on my mind.
If you're in a similar situation, here are some things to consider before making the decision about whether your child is ready for overnight camp or not.
- Are they comfortable sleeping in places other than home? A child who regularly has overnights with friends or family members away from Mom and Dad is probably going to be fine, but a child who has a serious preference for their own bed might not be ready.
- How long is the camp? While my daughter's camp only offers week-long sessions, some camps have two- to three-night options. Do your research (the American Camp Association or Summer Camps are solid places to start) to find a camp that's a good fit for your child.
- How easily do they make new friends? Is your child outgoing and comfortable around strangers? Then sending them solo is a good option, but for shy or more reluctant children, it might be best to pair them up with a close friend for their first camp experience.
- How independent and self-reliant is your child? Campers are usually expected to dress and groom themselves and keep their bunks clean and organized. If your child isn't capable of that, now's the time to start practicing.
- How comfortable are you with the camp's staff and supervisors? My own camp experiences helped me feel super comfortable handing my child off to her counselors on day one (the current camp director was on staff when I was a camper 20 years ago!). If you're going into a new camp, however, reaching out to the staff to express any concerns will help you gauge their responsiveness and level of involvement and empathy. Most camps will allow you to take a tour in advance, so feel free to ask.
- What is the camp's policy on family communication and dealing with homesickness? Good overnight camps will have very specific policies about how they want families to communicate with their campers (in my day, it was written letters only; now they allow email) and how they want you to discuss and deal with homesickness. Read up on them in advance and trust that after dealing with thousands of campers throughout the years, the camp probably knows best.
41 Photos of Shakira and Gerard Piqué Proving They Are a Match Made in Heaven
Shakira and Gerard Piqué were destined to be together. The two are head over heels for each other, but that's not all. The couple shares a birthday 10 years apart, have two little ones, and are extraordinarily charitable people, making them a match made in heaven.
Gerard is a hottie with a body, and don't get me started on Shakira. Just take a moment to think about her belly dancing skills. We'll wait! Back? OK, time to look at the best photos of the hot couple. Keep scrolling to see these two lovebirds in action.
28 of Penélope Cruz's Sexiest Snaps
Penélope Cruz knows how to work her gorgeous figure. The Spanish actress has made a name for herself in Hollywood with roles in films like Blow, Nine, and Vicky Cristina Barcelona (for which she won an Oscar in 2010), and she never fails to heat up the screen with her steamy brand of dark, moody sex appeal. She was even named as Esquire's Sexiest Woman Alive in 2014. Of course, Penélope's most beloved roles at the moment are as a mother to Leo and Luna and wife to husband Javier Bardem. See some of her hottest moments on the beach, the red carpet, and beyond.
I Didn't Seek Out a Fellow Latino - but I'm Glad I Found One
Before I met my now-fiancé, who was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, I'd never seriously dated a fellow Latino. In fact, I could probably count the number of dates I'd had with Latinos on one hand. A fellow Latino was never something I specifically sought out - in fact, it was a turnoff for me to learn that someone was pursuing me specifically because of my background. My fiancé and I were actually initially drawn to each other because we shared a common interest in long-distance running. But I eventually came to see that being with someone from a similar culture definitely has its perks.
We get to introduce each other to new Latino customs and food.
My fiancé is a total Mexican restaurant food snob, which can be both a blessing and curse. We've found some truly authentic new favorite restaurants together despite living in Houston, where Tex-Mex is everywhere. And I introduced him to Peruvian food - he even went as far as trying roasted cuy (guinea pig) in the Sacred Valley in Cuzco last Summer. It's more than about food, though. It's about expanding our Latinx identity and embracing each other's routines and practices.
Speaking Spanish is now a regular part of my life.
My mom was a native Peruvian, who passed away when I was 11 years old. From then on, I pretty much only used my Spanish in high school and college classes. But once I was done with my schooling, I rarely used it at all. Predictably, my Spanish conversational skills became a bit rusty. My fiancé decided to try speaking Spanish to me on our second date, and ever since then, it's been like second nature. We often speak Spanish to each other more than English at home, and we text each other in Spanish all the time. Yes, he still often corrects me, but in a nice way, of course.
Blending our families is infinitely easier.
With my family spread out across the United States and Peru, it made the most sense to have our wedding in Monterrey, Mexico, because my family would have to travel no matter what. And getting married in Latin America has plenty of benefits. But the biggest perk is that our families already share some traditions and customs, before even having met, so we know they'll connect at the ceremony and beyond.
5 Hidden Spots Where Princess Diana Vacationed With Will and Harry – and 1 That's Not Private at All
As members of the royal family, Princess Diana, Prince William, and Prince Harry had their pick of vacation spots all around the world, but only a very select few got the royal seal of approval. Their chosen destinations varied wildly from Caribbean ultra-luxe to quaint pockets of quintessential British-ness, and fiercely protected private properties to public free-for-alls. William and Harry have their own favorite spots now they're grown, but where did they used to go with their mom?
Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton's Friendship Should Be Put in History Books
Many years ago, in a land far, far away, two girls named Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton were best friends . . . and it was so f*cking iconic we don't even know where to begin. The two stars grew up together in Hollywood and went on to star in their reality show, The Simple Life, from 2003 until 2007. During that time, they basically ran pop culture in a world before social media. They rocked the best of early 2000s fashion, had enviable flip phones, and started phrases that you still probably use today (That's hot? Yep, them).
But things took a turn in 2005 when they abruptly stopped speaking. "It's no secret that Nicole and I are no longer friends," Paris said in a statement at the time. "Nicole knows what she did, and that's all I'm ever going to say about it." While neither party has ever confirmed the exact reason for their rift, it was rumored that Nicole showed Paris's infamous sex tape at a party. Sadly the two have never returned to their original glory, but they do seem to be on good terms now. Nicole told Andy Cohen in 2014 that she has nothing but love for Paris. "An idea of a true friend is somebody that's going to be there with you through and through," she said. "The short answer to this is, I haven't spoken to her in a while, but we are very good friends. I love her and I love her family. I have a lot of respect for her." While we wait for a revival of The Simple Life that will probably never come, look back at some of their best (and so beautifully random) friendship moments below.
Eric and Jessie James Decker Don't Care If You're Watching, They'll Still Get Hot and Heavy
When it comes to celebrity PDA, Hollywood can sometimes be a pretty dry place. A-list couples can go to extreme lengths to never be photographed together, or when they do walk a red carpet, they keep the touching to a minimum. But thankfully, we have couples like Eric and Jessie James Decker who love to flaunt just how hot they are for each other. And why wouldn't they? They're both gorgeous, young, in love, and the parents to two of the most adorable children, Vivianne and Eric Jr. Jessie has even used her husband in some hot and heavy music videos for her songs like "Lights Down Low," and she also said that she "could use a little bit more" sex from Eric. Don't believe us? Keep scrolling to see only a tiny glimpse at their steamy PDA (touching tongues and all).
See Katy Perry in Various States of Undress
Ever since she broke onto the scene in 2008, Katy Perry has never shied away from showing off her best assets and flaunting her famous figure. For no particular reason at all, we've rounded up Katy's sexiest moments, both on and off the stage. See them all now - and rock on, Katy!
What to Do With Used or Leftover Charcoal
Your Summer grilling soiree was a hit, and all that's left to do is pack away leftovers and dump out your grill full of charcoal ash and spent hickory chips. But before you upend that Weber, take care to dispose of the mess safely (ash can still be hot!) and properly.
To dispose of charcoal and wood ash: Let the ash cool for 48 hours. You can speed up this process by pouring water over the hot charcoal and stirring it very carefully. When the ash has cooled completely, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in an noncombustible outdoor trash bin.
If you used additive-free lump charcoal: Fertilize your plants! Charcoal ash contains potash, an important nutrient for some plants. It's also a great way to increase the pH of the soil.
When you have a bag of used charcoal (and not briquettes with additives) sitting around your garage, there are a number of ways to use it up, even if grilling isn't on this Summer's agenda.
- Keep a few pieces in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator to kill odors.
- Feed your compost pile to increase the carbon content.
- Place a lump at the bottom of a flower vase to make cut flowers last longer.
- Suppress garden weeds and maintain soil moisture by using charcoal as a mulch.
- Mix crushed charcoal with orchid potting medium to increase the alkalinity.
- And, of course, keep them around for Winter snowman faces!
This Is the Best Diet to Go On (According to Harvard Researchers)
If you want to lose weight, what's on your plate is often more important than the minutes you spend in the gym. And if you want to see the most change, a 2015 study from Harvard says you should be cutting carbs, not fat.
For the study, published in PLoS One, researchers from Harvard and Brigham and Women's Hospital reviewed 53 randomized trials of over 68,000 patients who had been assigned to either low-fat or low-carb diets. They found that low-carb diets were consistently better at helping patients lose weight than low-fat diets; the participants on the low-carb diets lost 2.5 pounds more than those on low-fat diets, with the average weight loss among all groups at about six pounds.
This latest study on the weight-loss benefits of a low-carb diet adds further evidence that if you want to lose weight, ditching bread - not olive oil - can help you see success. Another recent study, for example, showed that dieters who ate fewer than 40 grams of carbohydrates per day lost about eight pounds more than dieters who were put on a low-fat diet. Other studies have shown that high-carb diets may be the real heart-disease culprit, not saturated fat. All in all, this new review is a good reminder that if you want to lose weight, you should choose a diet rich in healthy fats, lean proteins, and fresh produce. Of course, not all fats are created equal - find out which healthy fats you should be incorporating into your diet here.
You Should Definitely Stick Around For Spider-Man: Homecoming's Postcredits Scene
Spider-Man: Homecoming doesn't swing into theaters until July 7, but we've already received some pretty exciting news about the ending. Actually, it's about what happens after the ending, if you want to be technical. At Sydney's annual Supanova Comic Con, director Jon Watts popped up at the event via video message to spill some choice details about Peter Parker's latest adventures, which will include at least one don't-miss postcredits scene. Audience member Tyler James shared the good news on Twitter, writing, "Jon Watts confirms that Homecoming has after credit scenes that are definately [sic] 'worth sticking around for' (Obviously). #Supanova."
Jon Watts confirms that Homecoming has after credit scenes that are definately "worth sticking around for" (Obviously). #Supanova.
- Tyler James (@Tyler_Cull3n) June 18, 2017
Although the tweet suggests that there will be multiple postcredits scenes, Sony and Marvel have yet to officially comment on or clarify just how many we'll get to see. Then again, given Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2's whopping five bonus scenes, we won't be surprised if two or three are scattered throughout Spider-Man: Homecoming's credits (maybe one confirming whether or not Zendaya is Mary Jane Watson, perhaps?). We'll have to wait a few weeks to find out for sure, so in the meantime, check out all of the crazy, telling, and tongue-in-cheek end-credits scenes the MCU has blessed us with thus far.
Beer + Chicken = The Best-Tasting Meat Ever
If you've never attempted to cook chicken with beer - now's the time to hop on this amazing combination. By marinating or cooking chicken in beer, the alcohol helps tenderize and season the meat, not to mention prevent it from drying out. But where to begin? Allow these recipes to spark your creativity, from basic brined breasts to whole beer-can chicken.
These 3 Boys Slay Beyoncé's "Listen" So Hard . . . Even She Would Bow Down
Beyoncé is pretty busy these days since, you know, she gave birth to two human beings recently, but she might want to take a break from diaper duty to watch this video. In what has got to be one of the most epic covers of all time, three young finalists from the Filipino talent show Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids recently visited the set of Gandang Gabi Vice, where they took turns belting out the singer's emotional hit "Listen" from Dreamgirls. Not only do they absolutely nail the hard vocal range the song entails, but they also give one another adorable attitude while battling it out. We would say you'll get goosebumps, but that's honestly not enough to describe this. Twitter user Joshua Henry Jenkins described it perfectly, saying, "WHAT IS HAPPENING & WHY ARE THESE BABIES SLAYING MY SPIRIT & BELTING MY EDGES RIGHT OFF OF MY HEAD?"
The 1 Place Mary-Kate Olsen and Olivier Sarkozy Always Show PDA
Mary-Kate Olsen and Olivier Sarkozy keep their romance pretty under the radar, but there is one place where they like to kick back and relax: the basketball court. The 48-year-old half-brother of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and the 31-year-old fashion designer, who tied the knot in November 2015, are notorious for their courtside PDA. Since meeting in 2012, the couple has pretty much made a tradition out of their sporty dates. See some of the rarest glimpses of their love below.
Mother wants Banana Boat sunscreen pulled after son suffers burns, blisters
Health Canada is investigating more than 130 complaints about Banana Boat products but has not issued any recalls.
45 Summer Dinners to Make Before the Season Ends
Though in a few months we must bid adieu to daylight savings, warm weather, vacation, and all the other amazing things about Summer, there's still time to snatch up the season's best - think tomatoes, basil, eggplant, corn, peppers, and the like - before it's all gone. Don't know what to do with your bounty? Plan out the following weeks ahead with a few of these recipes that highlight Summer produce in a variety of dishes.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Perry, Aemilia Madden, and Hilary White
14 Novela Theme Songs That You Will Never (Ever!) Forget
When we think of heartbreak songs, we don't think Taylor Swift, we think telenovelas. Some of the best love songs out there came into our lives during the 30-second credits before a novela - classics like "Quinceañera" and "Te Quiero Tanto, Tanto" that are played over and over at family get-togethers and have a permanent spot in our playlists.
And that's because these tunes so perfectly described the crazy ups and downs that our favorite protagonists went through as we watched day after day, glued to the TV, going through our own set of relationship milestones IRL. Keep scrolling for some of our favorite dramatic and catchy telenovela theme songs, then check out the ultimate '90s and 2000s Latin playlist.
At-Home Workout Mixing Cardio With Strength Training For the Ultimate Burn
Mix bursts of cardio into your strength training for a metabolism-boosting sweat session that will tone you from head to toe! We've created a mashup workout with a 1:1 ratio of cardio to strength training. The cardio portion is jumping rope, but don't worry, you won't have to do all those minutes back to back. The jumping intervals alternate with targeted strength-training moves. Don't have a jump rope? Fake it. Seriously, you might feel a little silly, but jumping in place for a minute is killer (and easier than dodging a rotating rope).
Read up on the specifics of each move here, then print the chart, and get at it!
Friday Night Lights: Where Are They Now?
Not to give you a heart attack, but it's been over a decade since Friday Night Lights premiered and over six years since the finale aired. While we're still in mourning, the stars have moved on to big movies and hit TV shows. The lovable Coach Taylor has been causing trouble on a Netflix series, best-mom-ever Tami Taylor moved to Nashville, and Tim Riggins? Well, we still want to run our hands through his luscious hair. While we're secretly hoping the series will get rebooted, take a look at what the cast has been up to since the series ended in 2011.
How My Love of Animals Led Me to Become a Vegetarian
My name is Daisy Fuentes and I'm a vegetarian.
I grew up in a home with a Spanish mother and Cuban father. Until I was three, I lived in Cuba, and we later moved to Spain when I was eight. During those years, I ate Spanish and Cuban foods, which were cooked in a traditional way: usually fried, then refried if they were being served as leftovers. I didn't like to eat much of it, especially the meat or seafood based meals that were 99 percent of what my parents served. Later, we moved from Madrid to New Jersey, where I was introduced to pepperoni pizza lunches - almost every day - as well as Twinkies and milk, cheeseburgers, mac and cheese, Doritos . . . you get the point. I was a junk food junkie. My parents still tried to get me to eat "protein" or "real" food often. Vegetables were never a real option or very important.
Image Source: Instagram user daisyfuentes
Eventually I grew up and started modeling, traveling the world, and enjoying more sophisticated flavors. I became a foodie. I cooked and created healthier versions of my favorite recipes. I started enjoying dinner parties, great restaurants, quality organic food, and wine pairings. But vegetables were never the stars of my show.
So you can imagine how unexpected and weird it was for my family and friends when I announced that I was a vegetarian.
I'd never really known any vegetarians. I always thought the whole vegan, hippie, yogi thing was interesting - but definitely not a lifestyle for a jet-setting foodie fashionista. But I was becoming more health conscious.
I'm now passionate about plant-based diets, for two main reasons. The first is that I have been reading, researching, and watching films regarding health, fitness, and anti-aging for many years. I was particularly inspired by the documentary Forks Over Knifes, which suggested that food could be used as medicine for major diseases. I was motivated to try an organic, plant-based diet for health purposes.
There is a second reason I became a vegetarian, and that is because I am an animal lover. I've always been subliminally aware of the horrors in the meat industry. For a long time, I was not able to face the fact that my consumption had consequences. But about a year ago, the day finally came when I could not turn away any more. We have all seen the images of terrified pigs and mistreated cows on factory farms. The horrors are engraved in my mind, and I can no longer look away.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jae Payne
Instead of the food, I now see the animal and what it went through to get on my plate. It's a choice. And some things you just can't unsee. I haven't had a piece of meat or fish since I made the decision to become a vegetarian. I can't - and amazingly, I don't even want to.
The most fascinating part of my decision has been the reactions. People seem shocked, even offended, that I made this change. Some even become defensive, as though I suggested they're doing something wrong. Perhaps my choice reminds them of something they're trying to avoid.
Many comments and responses I hear are outright wrong. When I suggested on social media that a turkey-free Thanksgiving is something to consider, I was attacked. Users asked how I could dare ruin such a tradition. But the truth is that I don't care what anyone eats. I have made my choice - and by the way I had a lovely and festive meat-free Thanksgiving.
I am, though, often asked for my fitness, health, and beauty advice. I love sharing all the wonderful, cutting-edge secrets I've learned from the best experts in the world. I always emphasized that a plant-based diet is the most important thing. Beauty and anti-aging happens from the inside out. I believe that eating a plant-based diet is essential to long term health and wellness.
I can still go to my favorite restaurants, but my choices are different. In fact, when I had the vegetarian menu at the world-renowned French Laundry, everyone I was with wished they'd done the same once they saw and tasted my dishes. When there are no vegetarian options, politely asking if the chef could whip something up for me has always worked. And I've learned how to make delicious vegetarian meals at home.
But I do struggle with some parts of this new life. I'd like to follow a vegan diet - but I still have the occasional cheesy pizza.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lizzie Fuhr
Fashion is also something I'm navigating and working out. I know I won't buy a fur and I don't want to buy leather again. I still have my old leather jackets and shoes. (It's been very interesting to learn that there are not many other vegan-friendly shoe options, at all.)
I've struggled with writing this because many people in my business are so judgmental. Some talk about following a plant-based diet as if it's all or nothing. If I say I'm vegetarian but get photographed wearing a leather jacket, I know to prepare for a sh*t-storm from the "vegan police." No one wants to be called a hypocrite; I'm a work in process. I'm understanding that this doesn't have to happen all at once. I know it will happen, though.
Changing a lifetime of habits disguised as tradition takes time. I don't know if I'll ever be completely vegan, but I do know I won't eat any type of meat or fish again. I get plenty of protein, and my B12 from shots or supplements. I've checked all my stats with my doctor. I'm healthy - and I feel good.
I'm not trying to preach or convert anyone, but I encourage you to research for yourself. Try the vegetarian and plant-based diet if you'd like, whether half the time or most of time. I want to inform and inspire people to live a healthier, more compassionate life.
Just one thing: if you run into me and want to talk about diets, let's not discuss protein or why animals were put here on earth.
Also, don't ask me why I'm a vegetarian. Instead, ask yourself why you are not.
POPSUGAR Latina contributing editor Daisy Fuentes is an author, international television personality, model, designer, and animal advocate. We're excited to share Daisy's passions and journey with the POPSUGAR Latina audience.
B.C. doctor opts out of offering assisted death, calling fees too low
Medically assisted dying has been legal in Canada for over a year, but some B.C. doctors are questioning whether they can afford to continue to provide the service.
#ScrewTheScale Will Be Your Favorite Hashtag on Instagram
Our favorite trend on Instagram in the fitness world is women sharing their healthy progress in a way we never used to see - they're flaunting their weight gain. While #gainz used to be said somewhat in jest, you can now see women sharing their progress on tags like #girlgains and our favorite, #screwthescale. It's opening up a huge conversation about our bodies and self-image, most prominently one that pounds lost or gained don't paint a true picture or give an accurate read on the amazing ways your body is changing through a healthier lifestyle.
So without further ado, here are 13 women who are proudly saying #screwthescale and flaunting their heavier or unchanged weight with amazingly powerful transformation photos.
1 Week to the Beach? Here's How to Look and Feel Your Best Fast
It's T-minus seven days to your swimsuit-clad vacation, and you haven't accomplished any of the healthy goals you had in mind when you booked. We've all been there. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to sustainable weight loss, but that doesn't mean you should give up completely! You can absolutely feel a difference in your energy and how your clothes fit in just seven days. Follow these healthy rules when you're one week out from the fun, and get ready to rock your favorite crop tops, shorts, and swimsuits with a little extra confidence.
mardi 4 juillet 2017
20-Minute Ab and Butt Workout Guaranteed to Leave You Sore Tomorrow
It's time to get specific and target a couple of body parts that rarely see the sun: the abs and glutes. This workout only takes about 20 minutes from warmup to cooldown, so it should be a breeze to fit into your day. In the first circuit, we recommend using 10-pound weights, but these moves will still be effective with lighter weights or no weights at all.
In a Supremely Woke Move, the Oxford English Dictionary Adds "Woke" to Its New Words
The Oxford English Dictionary just announced that it will be officially adding the adjectival definition of "woke" to reflect modern usage. The dictionary now defines the adjective as "alert to racial or social discrimination and injustice; frequently in stay woke."
Though the word is now associated with socio-political movements like Black Lives Matter, the Head of US Dictionaries said the word was used in a similar way over 50 years ago. Katherine Connor Martin explained that the original use of the word was also associated with being aware or well informed. She added: "The earliest citation for woke, adj. in the figurative sense comes from a 1962 article by the African-American novelist William Melvin Kelley in The New York Times, entitled 'If you're woke, you dig it,' which describes how white beatniks were appropriating black slang."
In recent years, the word has become more ubiquitous and is used to describe people with the aforementioned awareness of "discrimination and injustice." In her article, Martin referenced Erykah Badu's use of the word in her song "Master Teacher," as well as its rampant use on social media.
Over 600 additional words were added to the dictionary this month. In addition to "woke," another timely word that stands out is "post-truth." The Oxford English Dictionary defines the word as "relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping political debate or public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief."
My Mom Was Latina, My Dad Isn't - 10 Annoying Comments I'm Tired of Hearing
As a multiracial woman with a Peruvian-born mom and a white American dad, I can say life can be a little bit complicated. Growing up, it definitely wasn't the "cool" thing to be multiracial, especially in small-town Oregon where I spent my high school years, so I didn't really start to embrace the Peruvian part of my identity until I got to college. And while I have always taken pride in being Latina - it certainly has come with some built-in perks, like being fluent in Spanish by preschool - the whole thing comes with its fair share of eye-roll-worthy moments. Cue that time customers at my high-school waitressing job assumed I didn't speak English because of the way I looked.
If this story sounds familiar, chances are this roundup of other annoying comments and struggles will be too. Keep scrolling for the most frustrating moments I've faced.
7 Famous Men Who've Been Lucky Enough to Score a Date With Rihanna
Rihanna has been in the spotlight for quite some time now, and over the years, she's been romantically linked to several famous men. While some of them have just been rumors, others have certainly been the real deal. Most recently, the 29-year-old singer was spotted making out with Saudi billionaire Hassan Jameel in Spain, and you bet Twitter was all over it. Keep reading for a look at all the men Rihanna has dated.
The Weightlifting Technique That Will Change Your Body
Ever plan to go to the gym and stop dead in your tracks because you just don't know what to do? Maybe your goals are too broad? Maybe you're expecting too much? How can you really lose weight, gain lean muscle, and build your dream body with just one simple workout plan that doesn't require you move into the gym for the next year? Clearly, you're expecting too much from your efforts, right? Wrong! There is a way to reshape your body by losing fat and gaining muscle without spending countless hours in the gym. What do you have to do? Lift heavy weights to create lean muscle and lift light weights to promote fat loss. The best part? You can be in and out of the gym in less than 30 minutes each day. Here's how!
The heavy and light strength-training plan combines a couple of the most fundamental principles of lifting weights. The intention is to do an exercise for four sets with a heavy weight and low reps (up to six) and then another exercise that targets the same muscle for four more sets with higher reps (up to 12), but with a lighter weight. According to personal trainer Brian Pankau, CPT, you need to take "two to three minutes of rest between heavy [sets], and 45 to 60 seconds between lighter sets."
How does this plan work? When you lift heavy weights your muscles fatigue and ultimately grow (you won't look like a bodybuilder - we promise). From there, you work the same muscles with lighter weights to totally exhaust them, which burns more calories, creates a leaner body composition, and increases endurance. Muscles grow, body fat decreases, and you're only doing two exercises per body part. According to Anthony J. Yeung, CSCS, with this plan, "you'll burn more calories, shed fat, add more strength, and feel more energetic in daily life."
As a result of this significant caloric depletion, certified personal trainer and owner of HitchFit.com Micah Lacerte cautions that, "Nutrition will play a big role in what sort of results someone will get performing this plan, but if they are on [the proper type of diet], then this style of training will be excellent for building lean muscle." You have to make the effort to eat six small meals each day that all include some form of protein - with specific care to ensure you're getting protein before and after you work out.
While this plan can definitely work, it may not be for everyone. Pankau believes that while "fat loss is going to occur, [it may] not be fast enough for somebody with too much excess fat, so this plan is great for light and medium builds, but not really meant for heavier-set people."
What does this mean for you? For tight and toned triceps, a good combo would be overhead triceps extensions with a heavy weight and triceps kickbacks with lighter weights. For leaner, more sculpted legs, do leg presses with a heavy weight, and lunges with light dumbbells at your sides, or no added weights at all! For stronger, tighter biceps, heavy hammer curls and light preacher curls. The key is to do two moves per body part, one heavy, one light as described above. This will exhaust your muscles, promoting growth while leaning out your body. If you're in average shape, you can look way above average in less time. If you're in good shape, you may want to move to a beachfront property soon. Enjoy!
8 Trendy Stores Forever 21 Junkies Will Love
When it comes to trendy fashion on the cheap, Forever 21 is pretty much the OG destination. If you're commitment-phobic about spending big bucks on a piece you might not wear next season, chances are you'll likely hit up the fast-fashion giant. And who can blame you? Where else can you shop of-the-moment options at seriously budget-friendly prices? Well, as it turns out, quite a few places. If you're in the market for quick closet refresh but want to branch out beyond Forever, here are eight stores you can go to for fun, affordable fashion.
The 1 Move Every Woman Should Do (and It's Not Squats)
There's one word in the world of fitness that millions of women have grown to truly loathe: squats. Just saying it can elicit shrieks from some of the most mentally tough women around. So let's discuss one move every fit woman needs to do in the gym - and it's not squatting. In fact, the single most important exercise to master today for improved fitness, strength, and overall health is the deadlift.
After years of hearing nothing but "squat, squat, squat" from your trainer, you might be confused. The deadlift is similar to the squat in that it forces you to use many muscle groups simultaneously. More muscles worked means more lean muscle and less fat in the long run so that's a win for both squat and deadlifts. The added benefit with the deadlift is that it uses even more muscles in each rep. While the squat is great for your lower body, the deadlift forces your arms and upper body to work too.
Want another reason? According to Toronto-based personal trainer Nathane Jackson, CSCS, author of Nathane Jackson's Whole Health Revolution (coming later in 2016), the deadlift is also the safer option. So, it's safer and works more muscles - we're all in, but how the heck do you do one properly? We covered the basics right here, but because it can be a hard move to truly master (just look at the folks doing them wrong at your local gym), we asked Jackson to pass along some pointers.
First, opt for a bar instead of dumbbells - even if you've got no weight on the bar - to ensure that your grip stays steady and you aren't waving your arms to move the weight. Then you should point your toes straight ahead or slightly outwards. From there, Jackson told us that you should "create a double chin, by pulling the chin back towards your neck and pull your shoulder blades back and down towards the hips and pretend you are squeezing an orange in your arm pits." The next step is the key in the movement: "Simultaneously hinge at the hips and bend at the knees until both hands are gripping the bar (overhand, hook grip) just outside the shins. From here, push through the mid foot and think about driving the hips forward as you stand up straight. Exhale (like you mean it - it's OK to make noise in the gym!) once the bar travels past your knees, being careful not to lean back."
If you nail the deadlift like this and keep it in your regular weekly routine, you'll find that you're sculpting your lower and upper body, while getting stronger and leaner all over. Sounds like it's a good time to do some deadlifts. You can thank us later. Enjoy!
17 Forgotten Jennifer Lopez Outfits That Will Overwhelm You With Nostalgia
Jennifer Lopez doesn't just wear trends, she creates and propels them. This can especially be said about her over-the-top, glamorous and oftentimes gaudy style in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Though she went through many sartorial phases, her velour tracksuits, hoop earrings, and crop tops defined the era. J Lo's style has since evolved, naturally, but we can't help but feel nostalgic about some of her forgotten outfits. Ahead, we've rounded up our 17 favorite ones.
Bikini Blowout: We Found the Most Tried and Trusted on the Internet
If we had to name a few qualities we look for in a bikini, we'd start with flattering and well-crafted. We pinky promise you that all of the suits below will get you both. But we went one step further, shopping our most trusted swim labels to uncover the coolest, most eye-catching designs from the bunch.
These two-pieces are also unique. They're offered in unexpected colorways and finished with look-at-me frills. Some of them even come from covetable brand collaborations, making them limited-edition styles. Trust us when we tell you that you're about to settle on a handful, not just one or two. Don't say we didn't warn you.
This X-Ray of a Grape Stuck in a Child's Throat Needs to Be Shared
Although grapes are a healthy snack for little ones, many parents don't realize just how dangerous this fruit can be if it's not cut properly.
Not only should grapes never be served to children uncut, but it's just as important to slice them lengthwise in particular to prevent them from getting lodged in a child's throat, as the width of a grape is the same size as a small child's airway. Most importantly, this warning isn't just for parents of toddlers. Angela Henderson, an Australian blogger, proved this point by sharing an X-ray image of a grape lodged in a 5-year-old's throat, and the image is going viral as a stark reminder to parents.
"Please be mindful that not all kids chew their food, are in a rush at school to get in the playground, etc.," Angela wrote on Facebook. "Please be careful. And when in doubt just cut the damn grapes [and] baby tomatoes."
According to Angela, this little boy had to be operated on under general anesthesia in order to remove the grape. She explained his mom gave permission for the X-ray to be shared in the hopes of raising awareness so no other family makes the same mistake. "He is VERY lucky that part of his airway was open, or else this could have ended badly."
The Most Popular Boy Names From 100 Years Ago
The world of 1916 might seem unfamiliar (unless you're a fan of Downton Abbey), but the popular baby names from the era are not. Look at the top boy names from the 1910s and you'll see strong, traditional names that would not feel out of place today. Here are the top 100 boy names in America from that decade in order of popularity, according to the Social Security Administration's historical data.
- John
- William
- James
- Robert
- Joseph
- George
- Charles
- Edward
- Frank
- Thomas
- Walter
- Harold
- Henry
- Paul
- Richard
- Raymond
- Albert
- Arthur
- Harry
- Donald
- Ralph
- Louis
- Jack
- Clarence
- Carl
- Willie
- Howard
- Fred
- David
- Kenneth
- Francis
- Roy
- Earl
- Joe
- Ernest
- Lawrence
- Stanley
- Anthony
- Eugene
- Samuel
- Herbert
- Alfred
- Leonard
- Michael
- Elmer
- Andrew
- Leo
- Bernard
- Norman
- Peter
- Russell
- Daniel
- Edwin
- Frederick
- Chester
- Herman
- Lloyd
- Melvin
- Lester
- Floyd
- Leroy
- Theodore
- Clifford
- Clyde
- Charlie
- Sam
- Woodrow
- Vincent
- Philip
- Marvin
- Ray
- Lewis
- Milton
- Benjamin
- Victor
- Vernon
- Gerald
- Jesse
- Martin
- Cecil
- Alvin
- Lee
- Willard
- Leon
- Oscar
- Glenn
- Edgar
- Gordon
- Stephen
- Harvey
- Sidney
- Claude
- Everett
- Arnold
- Morris
- Wilbur
- Warren
- Wayne
- Allen
- Homer
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