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 6 février 2018
A Hilarious Look on What It's Really Like to Go Paleo
After reading all the hype about the Paleo diet, a lifestyle change based on the dietary habits of our cave-dwelling ancestors, I decided to embark on my own two-week Paleo project. Once I got into a routine, it was great, but I was not prepared for what the first few days had in store. Here's an animated taste of what it was like.
Hold up. This diet lets you eat these wonderful things?
Source: Fox
Bacon.
Eggs with bacon.
This sounds awesome!
Source: Comedy Central
But you can't eat dairy, gluten, brown rice, or even quinoa?
Source: Bravo
No beans or peanuts? That seems pretty random.
Source: ABC
Whatever, I can do this. I'm a healthy eater, and everyone is raving about it! Let's give it a shot.
Source: CBS
Day One: This isn't hard at all! What's everyone complaining about?
Source: Paramount Pictures
Day Two: OK, a little tougher but not too bad.
Source: The CW
It requires a lot of planning and time in the kitchen.
Source: Paramount Pictures
But it's all in the name of clean eating and quality food.
Source: Walt Disney Pictures
Even still, I could really go for some quinoa right now.
Source: CBS
Day Three: Alright, I'm officially detoxing from carbs. This hurts.
Source: Eureka Pictures
My head is pounding.
Source: Bravo
I can't drink enough water.
Source: AMC
All I can think about is pizza.
Will I make it through tonight?
Source: Universal Pictures
Day Four: Looks like the worst is over! I am feeling 100 times better today.
Source: NBC
How did I wake up with so much energy?
Source: WWE
I feel great in my clothes!
Source: Bravo
Everyone is saying that I'm glowing.
Source: Walt Disney Pictures
Maybe I'll stick with this Paleo thing after all!
Source: Fox Searchlight
Three Weeks Later: This could go either way.
Source: Instagram user ladygagasreactions
Front Page Image Source: Thinkstock
All the Reasons I Loved Eating Paleo (and the Reason I Decided to Stop)
Over the years, I've allowed myself to be a guinea pig when it comes to diet trends; I've gone pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan, and most recently, Paleo. Based on the dietary habits of our cave-dwelling ancestors, the Paleo diet has continued to gain popularity within health circles, especially CrossFit enthusiasts. This high-protein, low-carb diet strictly prohibits foods like grains, beans, wheat, and dairy and has been linked to story after story of successful weight loss and the elimination of digestive issues. After months of wavering back and forth, I decided to take the plunge, clean up my diet, and embark on a short Paleo project.
Each stint in a different diet has taught me something, but I can say with complete sincerity that my Paleo experiment had profound effects on my relationships with food and my body . . . but I couldn't stick with it forever.
What I Loved
I Stopped Stressing About Calories
As someone who had been a slave to counting calories in the past, I found new freedom in taking the focus off of the numbers and on to the ingredients. By default, I was consuming higher-quality, whole foods on the Paleo diet. Not only did I lose weight, but I felt energized from the inside out. Today, I still consider calories when making food choices, but going Paleo helped me realize that calories are not always king - and they're certainly not the only thing you should be considering when planning meals.
I Achieved a New Level of Body Awareness
As an avid yogi, I always considered myself to be hyperaware of how food relates to my energy levels and mental clarity. But it only took one week on the Paleo program to see just how strong of a connection exists between diet and workout performance. Before going Paleo, dairy and grains were part of most meals, leading to major belly bloat every day. Yes, different foods do different things to different people, but after going through a small elimination period, I was able to scale back on the foods that were weighing me down.
I Started Treating Food as Fuel
In my teenage and college years, I had a serious love-hate relationship with food. Meals regularly felt like battles, and I achieved a false sense of control wavering back and forth all day between periods of fasting and binging, wreaking havoc on my health, my energy, and, not to mention, my metabolism. I've come a long way from those days, but taking on a rigid clean-eating program helped me embrace my food in a whole new way.
For the first time in my life, I was not a member of the clean-plate club. During my Paleo experiment, I never left a meal feeling stuffed and started finding smaller portions more satisfying. The project also forced me to take stock of just how much of my diet had relied on wheat, grain, and dairy products - and how my body feels different when I scale back those foods. Almost out of nowhere, it happened. I was practicing what I had been preaching: I officially grasped the concept that food is not standing in my way; it's helping me function at my top potential.
I Got Back in the Kitchen
I've always loved cooking, but with a full-time gig and a serious workout schedule, all of my social engagements and catch-up sessions with friends revolved around dinners out. Taking on a Paleo experiment meant I was going to have to spend a lot more time in my kitchen to prepare Paleo-friendly meals, but I was up for the task.
The first day I went overboard. I decided to prepare four over-the-top, labor-intensive recipes I had spent hours looking for on Pinterest . . . on one Sunday afternoon. Once I got that stressful experience out of my system, I learned how to prep meals in advance and throw together an easy breakfast or supper at home. While I still enjoy the occasional meal out during the week, a lot more of my weeknights are spent cooking with friends in my kitchen.
Why I Stopped
I have many friends who have found success with a Paleo lifestyle, but most of them take an 80/20 approach to the program; 80 percent of the time you follow all Paleo rules, and 20 percent of the time you have the freedom to indulge as you please. Some people thrive in this system of clear-cut rules, but my Paleo experience solidified a fact I've known about myself for a long time: I am just not one of those people.
When someone tells me I can't eat something, it's all I can think about, and then I would eat it. A lot of it. Since I've struggled with food in the past, it's important for me to feel like I have options. While eliminating certain food groups from my diet helped me achieve a new sense of body awareness, I didn't like that some foods were strictly off-limits in the Paleo diet. According to trainers Chris and Heidi Powell, "Anytime you deprive yourself of food . . . all you want is what you can't have," and for me, this could not be more true.
Now, I'm eating in a way that supports my needs, tastes delicious, and keeps me satisfied. I don't eat bread, pasta, and pizza every day, but when I'm craving it or it's a special occasion, I eat what I want - when I want! - in moderation instead of binging later. Without all the strict diet restrictions comes a more relaxed and balanced relationship with food that naturally aligns with the rest of the relationships in my life. My days of mindlessly scarfing down a big baguette with butter or a huge pizza are long behind me, and I credit my Paleo experiment with this newfound natural balance. It's a priceless and delicious gift I never anticipated receiving from the cavemen.
This Beachbody Trainer Shares Her Favorite Core Exercises For Chiseled Abs
It's OK, you can admit it - you're on a quest for cut abs. Rather than relying totally on boring crunches to get you there, though, Autumn Calabrese, Beachbody Super Trainer and creator of the 80 Day Obsession program, told POPSUGAR about her favorite ab exercises that will give you a toned, chiseled core.
"One of my ultimate favorites is actually hanging abs," she said. Autumn said you can hold onto a pull-up bar and do knee tucks and twisting knee tucks. "I love those. It really helps engage the entire core, especially the lower abdominal."
"There's a little bit of a misconception that you can work one part of your rectus abdominus without working the others. That's not entirely true - they all contract," Autumn explained. "But having that mind-body connection to your lower abs and focusing on pulling them in and really squeezing them and engaging them - that's very important."
Her other favorite ab move is pretty basic. In her 80 Day Obsession workouts, Autumn says they "essentially just do a ton of different plank work," and they use additional tools like resistance bands and sliders to get an even deeper burn.
In Autumn's exclusive 10-minute ab workout with POPSUGAR, you can tell right off the bat that she loves any plank variation. "I love plank work because I feel like it's really safe for people," she said. "Not everybody can crunch. It puts too much pressure on their neck or lower back." But there are many safe modifications for plank (like doing plank on your knees) that won't cause that kind of aggravation to the body.
If you want to make that ab workout even more challenging, "you could incorporate the resistance loops and the sliders into it for more resistance." In fact, Autumn says you can use resistance bands or sliders with just about any move in the video.
One final reason she loves planks? "I love that in a plank you're not only working the core; you're working the arms as well. You should also be working your glutes and your inner thighs because everything should be squeezing." Sounds like a winning exercise to us!
Bob Harper Says If You Do These 4 Things, You're Guaranteed to Lose Weight - and Keep It Off!
Celebrity trainer, author, and The Biggest Loser star Bob Harper has been helping celebrity clients and TV contestants lose weight for decades, but recently he's made some powerful changes to his approach, both personally and professionally. Chiefly among those, he shifted from a Paleo diet to a carb-friendly, plant-based lifestyle, and outlined an exceptionally balanced new weight-loss plan in his book The Super Carb Diet: Shed Pounds, Build Strength, Eat Real Food.
1. Never Underestimate the Power of Water
Drink up, friends! It may seem painfully simple - and that's because it is. "I think that we talk about being hungry, but a lot of times people are dehydrated, too," Bob told POPSUGAR.
He said that if you feel hungry on your diet but it's not quite time for the next meal, to "slow your roll" and "drink a glass of water." Hydration is a top way to feel satiated and reach your weight-loss goals.
"Find joy in your day . . . the joy will transcend into all the things you want to do to better yourself."
2. Eat Your Vegetables
Yet another impossibly simple piece of advice, but words of wisdom that this weight-loss guru lives by. "No one is ever going to get fat from eating a vegetable," he said.
"Even when I was on Loser, when I worked with [contestants], getting them to incorporate more vegetables into their meals bulks up what they are eating, but it doesn't bulk you up." In essence, you'll feel more full, but you won't pack on pounds. "I'm a big fan of eating more plant based, and I believe that eating your vegetables is a great weight-loss tool."
3. Put Balance Back on Your Plate
"The best weight-loss tip I could give people is to put balance back on your plate." Having been in the weight-loss and fitness industry for so long, Bob has seen the extremes and the deprivation that typically goes into a standard weight-loss plan.
"I have been in this business for such a long time - I have seen every trick, I have done every diet plan out there. And I have always known that if you want to lose weight fast, you cut out all your carbs - it really works; we all know that!" But there's a HUGE, massive catch to that, he noted.
"What I have seen so many times is people putting their weight back on, because for a lot of people, it's super hard to go a lifetime without eating carbohydrates, especially the good carbs!" Amen to that! "I thought, 'Why not press the reset on people's diets . . . why not incorporate carbs into your meal plan, and still be able to lose weight?'"
"You can go the rest of your life eating just like this."
He did just that, and now he's encouraging you to do the same - you can eat carbs and still lose weight! Here's how he does it with his clients (and in his book): "I balance out their macronutrients: you make sure every single time you eat, you have protein, fat, and carbs along with your vegetables," he explained. "My book says its a diet, but really it's a way of life. You can go the rest of your life eating just like this - it's not extreme, it's not crazy, and you don't have to feel like you committed a cardinal sin just because you ate a sandwich!"
4. Find the Joy
"I know this sounds so California tree-hugger," Bob said, laughing, "but I believe it with everything that I believe in. I live by it." He told us that this is by far his favorite tip he's ever given.
"Find the joy in your life," he said, suggesting that it will have an impact on all other areas of your life. "I think that you have got to find joy in your day, and when you are able to do that, the joy will transcend into all the things you want to do to better yourself."
Bob suggested that as you begin your day, your weight-loss journey, whatever it is, to look inward and reflect. "What makes you happy? Is it your dogs? Is it your boyfriend? WHATEVER! Embrace it, and don't ever take it for granted," he said. "I don't take anything for granted anymore."
"When you acknowledge it, it feeds into the central nervous system, and it makes you feel just a little bit better. Hold those things dear to you! Because it's precious."
This Is What Solved My Extreme Bloating Problem That 4 Doctors Couldn't Figure Out
A lot of things changed when I moved to San Francisco. I was much colder. I bought my first real jacket. I tried Philz Coffee for the first time. I started a new job. And, out of nowhere, my stomach started ballooning arbitrarily throughout the week making me look three-to-six-months pregnant at any given moment, for no apparent reason.
Things that didn't change: my diet, my exercise routine (OK, I started doing a lot more SoulCycle), and my overall health. I wasn't eating more food or less healthy food, so I knew it wasn't weight gain . . . especially when my pregnant-looking belly would mysteriously disappear by morning, and I was back to a flat stomach. But sometime during the day, I'd eat a peach or go to a cardio workout, and BAM: back to bloat. Biiiig bloat. I would snap photos to send to my mom (as you'll see below) because I couldn't believe what was happening to me, and I was horrified.
For 11 months, I wasn't comfortable with my body. I couldn't wear fitted clothing (aka, ALL of my activewear), because I knew at some point, my lower abdomen would jet out, and anyone who didn't know me would assume I was with child. I've been so afraid to eat, because I knew that anything could trigger my stomach, from a piece of fruit to a sip of sports drink. Yet then there would be days when I said "eff it!" and ate Cinnamon Toast Crunch and milk, and nothing happened. It made absolutely no sense.
I've never felt more more ashamed of my appearance, or more uncomfortable in my own skin . . . and I'm even ashamed to admit that! My body simply didn't feel like mine. And the worst part was that it didn't seem like there was an explanation or end in sight.
I saw so many doctors and went through so many labs; my initial appointment was to see if it was hormonal. It wasn't. I saw an OB-GYN. I had two ultrasounds. I tried the low-FODMAPS diet (it didn't go well). I had my blood tested for a thyroid imbalance. My doctors were stumped, and I was frustrated to the point of many angry tears.
"For 11 months, I wasn't comfortable with my body . . . I've never felt more more ashamed of my appearance."
Two glimmers of hope seemed to come at once: my doctor referred me to a phenomenal GI, and one of my close friends referred me to an acupuncturist and naturopathic doctor here in the city. Although I had been through so many appointments and tests already with no results, I tried to remain optimistic. And these were still two avenues I hadn't tried!
First up was my acupuncture visit with Dr. Magnolia Ng of Advance Health SF, and then my GI appointment with gastroenterologist, Dr. Daniel Conlin. Two very different doctors from very different backgrounds seemed to know the source immediately: stress. It was the first time anyone had brought up the idea that something mental could trigger such a strong physical reaction, but they both seemed certain. Stress was the one factor that did come into play when I moved. Long-distance move to a new city, new job, new everything equals one stressed out me. I didn't even notice because everything has been so go-go-go.
Dr. Conlin didn't cut any corners in his approach, and he didn't just write me off saying, "you're stressed, just calm down!" and send me on my way after collecting a copay. He tested my blood and breath for celiac, SIBO, h. pylori, IBD, and post-infection bacterial overgrowth (everything came back negative). He asked me to eliminate dairy, despite the fact that he didn't really think I was lactose intolerant. He went through so many avenues, but kept coming back to the idea that it was probably stress-induced. I asked him if I was a "freak case" or if he had seen this in other patients, and he said, "You're definitely not alone; I see this in many young women your age, typically high-achieving, A-type college grads who work here [in San Francisco] in some kind of fast-paced tech or startup company." It was like he read my bio. He knew. I knew. It was stress.
What I appreciated most about Dr. Conlin was his approach to treatment. He said if it was a celiac or SIBO case, he'd have different recommendations, but for me, he thought acupuncture, charcoal tablets, ginger root, and ginger tea, and specifically Align probiotics would be helpful in my treatment (he noted that it's the only brand he recommends, so I went with it). His openness to natural treatment despite coming from a Western background increased my trust in him and made me more comfortable in my health journey.
It was hard to explain to family and friends that stress was causing arbitrary abdominal distention, so I wanted to learn more. Apparently, an influx of stress can upset the microbiome (the ecosystem of good and bad bacteria in your gut, which can influence nearly all areas of your health). I spoke with Amie Valpone, nutritionist and founder of TheHealthyApple.com, who gave me some incredible insight as to what has been happening in my body. "Having too much non-beneficial bacteria in your gut has been linked to many health issues such as heart disease, fibromyalgia, eczema, asthma, depression, cancer, autoimmunity, allergies, obesity, autism, and allergies," she said . . . and in my case, inexplicable abdominal distention.
"We are so caught up in our busy lives that we don't realize how stressed out we are - that's when the health issues start to appear out of nowhere."
"When our microbiome is out of balance from stress, we get an imbalance of non-beneficial bacteria such as yeasts, parasites, and bad bacteria that take over and make us feel bloated, tired, and bring along a host of unwanted symptoms that range from person to person."
She went on to say that "change in diet, travel, processed foods, and stress from work, our family, friends, and so forth," can trigger this imbalance, but "we are so caught up in our busy lives that we don't realize how stressed out we are - that's when the health issues start to appear out of nowhere." It was amazing to hear those words of affirmation, because that's exactly what I had experienced. It was totally out of nowhere, and I truly had been so caught up in my busy life.
My gut was off thanks to stress, which caused the inexplicable bloating (that couldn't be attributed to anything I was eating) and the mission now was to use different natural remedies together to restore balance and get me out of a place of stress (that's a work in progress, honestly). "The goal is to address the underlying root cause of why your gut is imbalanced in the first place, instead of covering up your symptoms with a Band-Aid approach," said Amie. "That's where food, stress, mind-body practices, and probiotics come into play."
Dr. Ng had an additional approach to pair with my acupuncture treatments for both stress and energy blockages in my abdomen: Chinese herbs. She prescribed and gave me a bottle of Mu Xiang Shun Qi Pian, or "BloatEase," to take three times a day. "Emotional upset such as frustrations or worry, overwork, and a constitutional or genetic weakness can make a person prone to digestive disorders," she told me. The herbs and the acupuncture were intended to set things right again. She also mentioned to me the importance of using both traditional Eastern medicine in combination with Western medicine - and my recovery has been a testament to that.
The combination of treatment has been absolutely life changing for me. The Chinese herbs, probiotics, and acupuncture treatment (along with continuing to eat a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and staying on my workout schedule) has helped restore my body to its natural shape. The bloating is going away, even though I still have to work on de-stressing. When it does happen, the bloating has decreased in size, severity, discomfort, and frequency, and I'm finally starting to feel comfortable with my body again.
What did I learn from all this? For one, Western and Eastern medicine aren't mutually exclusive, and in fact, when they're used together, they've got a symbiotic, 360 approach that can be even more effective than if either were used on their own.
I've also learned to advocate for my health. If you're not getting answers, don't give up. Make another appointment. Bug your doctor. Ask for another referral. Don't take no for an answer. The world of healthcare is freaking nuts, and if you don't advocate for yourself, no one else will. I got pretty lucky in the way that my doctors were really helpful and responsive when I pushed, but I still had to jump through a lot of hoops to get the treatment I needed. Don't be intimidated, don't give up, and most of all, don't stress. A solution is out there for you, too.
This post was originally published on October 26, 2016.
Exactly How Much Turmeric to Have a Day to Reap Its Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Turmeric, a spice you probably see in your local grocery store, is often found in recipes everywhere from the Middle East to Asia and India and is the main component of curry powder. There are a lot of reasons to love it - it adds delicious color and flavor to many foods, after all - but it also has pretty incredible potential health benefits.
Turmeric root has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and is most noticeable as the bright yellow coloring in curry powder. "Its ability as an anti-inflammatory agent first gained attention in the study of people who ate curry at least once a week and who had very little risk of Alzheimer's disease, in Indian and Indonesian studies, despite these populations having a high percentage of diabetes," said Dr. Steven Gundry MD, one of the world's top heart surgeons and author of The Plant Paradox. "It was determined that two of the spices in curry powder made all the difference: turmeric and black pepper."
Turmeric, in turn, became known as the wonder spice. "Turmeric is recommended for many patients with inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, autoimmune conditions like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and cancers. Curcumin is the compound found in turmeric," said Atlanta-based integrative medicine physician Dr. Bindiya Gandhi.
Arguably, the most powerful aspect of curcumin is its ability to control inflammation. "The journal Oncogene published the results of a study that evaluated several anti-inflammatory compounds and found that aspirin and ibuprofen are least effective, while curcumin is among the most effective anti-inflammatory compounds in the world," said Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, CNS, DC, bestselling author of Eat Dirt. "This news should have reached every household in the world after the study was conducted, because inflammation puts people at risk for almost every disease process known to man," he said.
You can find turmeric in powder culinary spice form and in its whole root form, as well as in tincture, tablets, and capsules. "A good starting dose for its anti-inflammatory benefits is 400 to 600 mg of standardized powder or curcumin turmeric extract three times a day as tolerated," Dr. Gandhi said. "Cut-root dose is 1.5g-3g per day, dried powdered root 1g-3g per day, and tincture (1:2) 15-30 drops up to four times per day, as mentioned by University of Maryland Medical Center."
When taking it for GI issues, you need to find a formula with black pepper or piperine in it, because it is better absorbed. The black pepper stops the turmeric from breaking down as quickly, which keeps it in your system longer. When taking it for any autoimmune issues, you can take the turmeric by itself.
Caution with turmeric should be noted since it can act as a blood thinner and should be avoided before surgery. It can also cause GI upset in some patients and can reduce blood sugars in diabetic patients. "It can increase gallbladder contraction, which is not a good idea for patients suffering with gallstones. I discourage my patients trying to conceive [from taking] it since it can actually act as contraception and advise my nursing and pregnant mothers to use it with caution since it may stimulate uterine contractions," said Dr. Gandhi, who encourages patients to cook with it daily for anti-inflammatory effects, but encourages a supplement if looking for a higher dosage.
"Cooking with spices is perfect, but you need a higher dose if you're targeting a specific ailment. I am a big fan of turmeric golden milk latte, as well as turmeric ginger teas," Dr. Gandhi said. You can also try an iced golden milk latte.
But that's not the only option out there; in fact, the options are endless. "I prefer turmeric used fresh," said Ariane Resnick, author, certified nutritionist, and celebrity chef. "I like it best as a tea made exactly as you would ginger (slice then boil in water), sipped throughout the day. This method has helped so many people with chronic pain who I've worked with. You can make the tea as a concentrate then add just a tablespoon or two to each glass of water you drink. In this manner, one root will last up to several days," she said.
Whether we are using it in our lattes or teas, or using it as an addition to our curries and soups, it seems turmeric is something we should be stocking up on fast this Winter season.
5 Common Reasons You're Waking Up in the Middle of the Night
If you find yourself tossing and turning at night, there could be several possibilities for your disrupted slumber. It could be attributed to certain daytime habits, like drinking coffee too late into your day, or other underlying issues that are worth identifying. Regardless of what's preventing a restful night, it's crucial to think of sleep as a sign of your health, rather than as a means to an end. To figure out why you're waking up in the middle of the night, we looked to Terry Cralle, RN, a registered nurse and certified clinical sleep educator at The Better Sleep Council, for some answers.
1. You're not cutting off caffeine early enough.
If you work a normal 9-to-5 schedule, a good rule of thumb is to switch to noncaffeinated drinks by lunchtime. To many of us, that might not sound doable, especially as soon as that afternoon slump rolls around. But caffeine can remain in your system long into the day. Also keep in mind what that third cup of coffee is telling you.
"If you're relying on caffeine all through the day, you're not getting enough sleep," Cralle told POPSUGAR.
2. It's your nightcap.
Winding down with a glass of wine before bed may initially put you right to sleep, but nightcaps typically result in a restless night. Once you're awake, you stay wide awake long enough for it to affect the rest of your evening's quality of sleep.
"[Having alcohol close to bedtime] will disrupt your sleep later on and really cause it to be fragmented," Cralle said. "And then you can get in a vicious cycle of too much caffeine during the day, so you're going to sort of self-medicate with alcohol at night. Then you wake up exhausted, which requires more caffeine."
Instead, opt for herbal tea or warm milk.
3. It's your bed.
If there's one splurge you can justify, it's a quality mattress and/or pillow. Considering that we spend about a third of our life asleep, it's important to invest in your rest.
"I'm all for getting a really comfortable mattress because it really does make a difference," Cralle said. "You want to make sure you're optimizing your sleep in all ways possible - good sleep equals good wake."
4. It's your sleep environment.
Sometimes, having a supercomfy bed isn't enough. It's also important to consider how you're utilizing your bedroom space. Cralle suggests thinking of your bedroom as a "sleep sanctuary," free of exercise equipment and clutter. Just as how you'd optimize your office for productivity and focus, limit all other bedroom activity to sleep and sex. Keep as much light out of the room as possible at night (the darker, the better) and even consider painting your walls a soothing color.
It could also be factors like allowing your pets to sleep with you. "You've got to really drill down and look at everything to see what's going on," Cralle said.
5. You might have an undiagnosed sleep disorder.
To really identify the reason for your disrupted sleep, log your quality of slumber into a sleep diary as soon as you wake up in the morning. Or, if you have a sleep tracker, follow your progress for two weeks. According to Cralle, there are over 88 sleep disorders, and most people ignore sleep problems without realizing how important sleep is to your health.
"I tell people to view sleep as a vital sign," she said. "I think people should bring up sleep at every single healthcare provider encounter - it's that important and fundamental to our health. If your healthcare provider doesn't bring it up, you bring it up."
Walking Treadmill Workouts Will Whip Your Booty Into Shape
Harley Pasternak said it best: "You don't need to run to burn fat!" In fact, the benefits of walking are pretty impressive. While you take care of your joints and prevent injury, you'll still burn fat and contribute to your cardiovascular health and endurance.
Ahead, you'll find five of our favorite treadmill workouts that don't have any running - just walking, some wogging (yes, walk-jogging), and hills that'll be nice and easy on the knees while you get in a solid workout.
BBG: The Supereffective Fitness Program You Need to Know
We're totally crazy about Australian trainer and Instagram star Kayla Itsines and her program, BBG. But what exactly is BBG? Let's take a step back and look at the program that made Kayla such a star and her clients so obsessed.
What Is It?
BBG stands for "Bikini Body Guide," and it's been transforming women's bodies with dramatic weight-loss results since 2012. The guides include a fitness and nutrition plan spanning 12 weeks and can be done at home or at a gym.
The program is built around intense 28-minute workouts three days a week. That's it. They're broken down into arms and abs, legs, and full body, so each day of the week, you'll focus on a different muscle group. Expect to see moves like push-ups and planks, burpees, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, and weighted squats. The combination of weight training and cardio makes the program incredibly effective, while the meal plan helps women make more educated dietary choices to better fuel their bodies.
How Does It Work?
During a workout, you'll have two circuits, each with four moves, for which you'll do a certain number of reps. For example, circuit one might look like: 15 burpees, 15 push-ups, 20 jumping jacks, and 20 lunges on each leg. You repeat circuit one as many times as you can within seven minutes at your own pace. You'll take a one-minute break and do the same thing with circuit two, which will be a new set of four exercise moves. After completing circuit two, you start over and do both again. The result? An insanely challenging workout completed in less than 30 minutes.
As far as nutrition goes, Kayla doesn't really eliminate foods. Instead, she focuses on healthier choices and provides BBG members with healthy, delicious recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, and snacks. On her app, Kayla serves up weekly grocery shopping lists that provide the ingredients for that particular week's recipes, leaving zero guesswork.
What Makes It Different?
The simplicity and brevity of the workouts combined with their ability to be modified have made this program exceptionally attractive to many a newcomer. In fact, Kayla loves the idea that she is often a woman's introduction to fitness. She told POPSUGAR, "I want to be someone's first entry [to exercise], and I think it's a good way to enter, because you're entering into a community that focuses on how you feel rather than focusing on how you look."
Everyone's story is completely different when they come to BBG, but devotees find a way to make the program work for them, whether they're fighting ovarian cancer or thyroid cancer, beating obesity and losing 100-plus pounds, overcoming an eating disorder and building strength, or just trying to get a bigger booty.
We asked Kayla what she thinks makes BBG so special. "Firstly it's for women, which women love," she said. "And then there's the fact it's 28 minutes. . . . It's so quick and easy but also very challenging and pushes you." She also noted how it's a superempowering program that allows a woman to do everything on her own and feel accomplished as an individual.
While the program itself is appealing, what probably trumps it all is the BBG community. There's an element in this program that isn't really found in many other fitness programs, and it has created somewhat of a sisterhood. "It's really easy to lose motivation and lose inspiration," Kayla told POPSUGAR. "But when you have a community like the BBG community, it's actually very hard to lose motivation, because they're constantly encouraging you and posting photos. It's like a family."
Interesting in being part of it? You can download the BBG PDFs for yourself. Or consider Kayla's app, Sweat With Kayla, which offers the same workout program but more streamlined and customized with a LISS tracker and guided recovery. You'll also get on-the-go grocery lists, recipes, and more.
After Doing CrossFit Almost Every Day, Here's What Happened When I Took 11 Days Off
Like brushing my teeth, eating, and sleeping, CrossFit has just become part of my life. I go four to five times a week at 5:45 a.m., and it's been like that ever since I started back in July 2016. I've taken a few days off for vacations or when I've gotten sick, but other than that, I'm there, busting out burpees and box jumps, sweating and smiling.
I love how my morning workouts set the tone for my whole day. Nothing compares to that amazing post-workout feeling of accomplishment and sweating along with my CrossFit family. I feel completely off if I have to miss more than a couple of days. Recently, I had to take an 11-day break because of traveling and family stuff. Eleven days! I had never taken that much time off before.
I expected to feel pretty upset about it, but to my surprise, those first few days were . . . amazing! Who knew it would be such a relief not having to do grueling, superintense workouts? My body definitely appreciated the rest. The slight elbow pain and shoulder twinge I had been experiencing went away. And I had time to do other fitnessy things with my family like ski, sled, snowshoe, and swim. I was able to sleep in and stay up late. My mind felt rested, calm, and refreshed.
By the end of the break, I was beyond ready to lace up my sneaks and feel a barbell in my hands. I started to notice my body aching, my energy was low, and I just felt all around cranky and not myself. I joked that my gym needed me, but really, I needed my gym.
The happiness I felt walking into my box that first day back was indescribable. After that 40-minute muscle-crushing workout, lying on the floor, breathing so hard I could barely think, I teared up a little. I felt so grateful for CrossFit, for the mental and physical strength it offers me, for the way it inspires me to push myself, for the supportive community, and for the amazing impact it has on my happiness.
I always believed taking some time off from your regular exercise routine would be good for your body and mind, but I had no idea what an immensely positive effect it would have! This break actually made me stronger - a few days after I got back, I PR-ed my squat snatch and deadlift! Sometimes life happens and you have to put your workouts on the back burner. It's OK! Next time I'm forced to take a break, I'll embrace it, knowing I'll be stronger and more fired up by the end.
Lexi Lost Over 300 Pounds in 2 Years With These (VERY) Small Changes
Lexi Reed's weight-loss journey has captivated hundreds of thousands of people - including Bob Harper. In fact, Bob told POPSUGAR that she was a must follow - so, naturally, we had to talk to the inspiring woman herself.
Lexi: Before
Over the course of two years, Lexi has lost - and kept off - over 300 pounds, and she's done it all with her husband by her side, who has lost roughly 100 pounds himself. The two made a commitment on New Year's Day 2016 that they were going to get healthy, and it all began with simple, healthy choices.
If you think a small change like giving up soda or cooking at home doesn't make a difference, think again. But don't take our word for it - just look at Lexi's stunning transformation. She lost weight, but she gained energy, confidence, and a new life.
POPSUGAR: What made you decide to start your weight-loss journey?
Lexi Reed: At the beginning of Jan. 1, 2016, I set a New Year's resolution with my husband to lose weight. We were fed up with the life that we were living and all the things that we weren't able to do together as a couple, such as traveling on an airplane, going on romantic walks, and going hiking or biking, and we also feared if we didn't get our health under control, we would never be able to start a family.
Growing up, we never had a lot of money and my parents never cooked. Processed foods were always easier to purchase than healthy foods, and once I got with Danny [my husband], we got comfortable in our relationship and spent many nights binge-watching television and just eating. I was always an emotional eater, also, and no matter what the mood, food was always there for me.
On Jan. 1, 2016, my best friend challenged us to no eating out, no soda, no alcohol, no cheat meals, and working out for 30 minutes five times a week.
PS: Did you use a specific diet or program?
LR: I have been overweight my entire life. I tried many diets, and when I was in middle school, I tried Weight Watchers and LA Weight Loss. Nothing had worked before because I didn't completely change my lifestyle. I stopped looking at [this journey] as a diet and knew I needed something I could stick with long term. I started taking the foods I loved and making healthier versions so I no longer felt like I had to give up something or deprive [myself].
I have always been a member of Anytime Fitness. I started going there when I got a free trial and - since it was never really crowded, my machine faced the wall (so I didn't feel like everyone was watching me), and I found a machine called the CrossRamp that didn't hurt my joints at 485 pounds - I fell in love with it. I also found a class called Pulse fitness which is a cardio dance class [like Zumba] that allowed me to tune out to music and switch up my workouts while having fun doing them. I didn't follow a meal plan or specific diet, but I tried to eat more protein and less carbs and tracked my calories with MyFitnessPal. I also joined monthly DietBet weight-loss challenges to keep me accountable and to get paid for losing weight.
"You don't have to live in a gym; the first six months, I only worked out for 30 minutes a day."
PS: What's your favorite way to work out?
LR: I love my Pulse class. I love dancing to my favorite music and not feeling like it's a workout. We can do a song full of squats and even though my legs are burning, it's so much fun that I don't even notice. I love that the class also helped me to make friends so I had others that kept me accountable, and since I enjoyed the class, it gave me something to look forward to so I wouldn't feel burnt out with workouts.
PS: What's your weekly exercise schedule?
LR: I work out six times a week for 30 minutes to an hour. You don't have to live in a gym; the first six months, I only worked out mainly for 30 minutes a day.
Lexi: After
PS: How do you keep workouts exciting?
LR: I switch up my workouts so I don't get burnt out. This can include Pulse (Zumba), hiking, treadmill, CrossRamp, or even biking.
PS: How much weight have you lost?
LR: Three hundred and twelve pounds in two years.
PS: What was the first big difference, other than the number on the scale, that really made you feel proud and excited?
LR: I would say the first big difference was when I went to a restaurant I had previously went to, where I was once so large that my stomach sat on the table of the booth when we were eating. We later went to that same restaurant [after some weight loss], and this time I was healthy, with lots of wiggle room!
Lexi (and Husband!): Before and After
PS: How do you track your weight loss?
LR: There are many ways I track my weight loss, such as the scale, MyFitnessPal, the way my clothes fit, and even nonscale victories.
PS: Did you have any setbacks? How did you overcome them?
LR: Yes! I had cheat meals that turned into cheat days, and I went on vacations where I didn't count one calorie. However, I told myself that every day was a new day, and the most important thing you can do is get back up and keep going.
"Every day is a new day, and the most important thing you can do is get back up and keep going."
PS: What's a typical day of meals and snacks?
LR: Breakfast: two eggs and three pieces of butterball turkey bacon. Snack: banana with peanut butter. Lunch: chicken breast and sweet potato. Snack: light mozzarella stick. Dinner: blackened salmon, cottage cheese, and asparagus.
PS: Do you count calories? What's the range of calories you eat per day?
LR: I count calories faithfully using MyFitnessPal. It keeps me accountable and helps me realize what I'm eating - and it has helped me to learn about nutrition labels! I'm at 1,400 currently - I was at 1,800 when I started my journey.
Lexi: Before and After
PS: What are the healthy staples that are always in your fridge?
LR: Eggs, fruit, spinach, salad, and chicken.
PS: How do you strategize for meals out?
LR: I try to pick the restaurant when I can! When eating out, I will make the menu work for me and try to order a high-protein meat and vegetables. I can always usually find a salad if there are no healthy options or request my food to be cooked without butter.
"It's not about the weight that you lose, but the life that you gain."
PS: Do you use a fitness tracker?
LR: I just started using a Fitbit Charge 2. So far, I feel like it's helped me to move more.
PS: What role did Pulse play in your journey? Would you recommend it?
LR: Pulse helped push me out of my comfort zone and challenge myself. It also helped me to meet others that were on a journey also so I didn't feel so alone. It kept me accountable because my friends also noticed if I missed a class. I think everyone should try fitness classes because you never know if you will enjoy them until you try.
Lexi: Before and After
PS: What was the biggest thing you learned on this journey?
LR: I learned how strong and capable I am as a person. I thought it would take me over three years to lose 300-plus pounds, but I was so determined and hardworking that I did it in two. I'm so proud of how far I've come and this new life that I'm living. I saved my own life, and for that there are no words - only gratitude.
PS: What was the most eye-opening part of this experience?
LR: It's not about the weight that you lose, but the life that you gain.
PS: What was it like going through this with a loved one?
LR: Going through this journey with my husband made it a lot easier than if we weren't doing it together. We meal prep together, work out together, and reach our goals together. This journey is hard enough, but using the buddy system has worked in our favor. I honestly would say there are no cons of going through this journey together and it's made us stronger and closer as a couple.
PS: What advice do you have for anyone starting out on a weight-loss journey?
LR: Start small - small changes add up to big results - and focus on each day, not how far you have to go.
Holy Hell, This 38-Minute CrossFit Workout Is Brutal (in the Best Way!)
If you're dying to try CrossFit but aren't quite ready to hit up a box, here's a total-body workout you can do at home. It involves heart-pumping, fat-burning cardio plus strength training with bodyweight and dumbbell moves that will leave your muscles on fire.
This 38-minute CrossFit workout was designed by Jade Jenny, head CrossFit coach and owner of Champlain Valley CrossFit. If you have access to a barbell, use that. Otherwise, Jade suggests picking a dumbbell weight based on your abilities. You'll also need a jump rope.
Directions: After warming up, alternate between four minutes of the cardio of your choice with the eight-minute AMRAP workout listed below. AMRAP stands for as many rounds as possible. For example, for minutes 4:00 to 12:00, perform 10 deadlifts and 10 push-ups, and repeat those two exercises for as many rounds as you can until the eight minutes is up. Set a timer for 38 minutes, pump up some loud tunes, and push yourself hard!
The Workout
0:00 to 4:00 - cardio at a consistent moderate pace (jog in place or use the treadmill, bike, or rower)
4:00 to 12:00 - 8-minute AMRAP: 10 deadlifts + 10 push-ups
12:00 to 13:00 – 1-minute rest (transition back to your machine)
13:00 to 17:00 – cardio at a moderate pace
17:00 to 25:00 – 8-minute AMRAP: 5 shoulder to overhead press + 20 air squats
Make the shoulder to overhead press heavy and difficult to complete the 5 reps unbroken.
25:00 to 26:00 – 1-minute rest (transition back to your machine)
26:00 to 30:00 – cardio at a moderate pace
30:00 to 38:00 – 8-minute AMRAP: 10 burpees + 50 jump rope skips
Here's Why the TIU 5-Day Detox Was My Most Successful Diet Ever
Detox tea and cozy self-care time: my TIU 5-Day Detox in a nutshell.
Well before I got into fitness, I had always viewed the start of the new year as a chance to do a "detox" or kick-start the year with a "healthy" diet. Whether that was coaxing a resentful boyfriend into doing a juice cleanse together for three days (we broke up, it's fine) or trying to eliminate food groups for a week, none of these things that were intended to be healthful actually made my body feel good. In fact, I felt pretty terrible and, chiefly, really deprived.
This year, though, I tried a new kind of New Year's cleanse - one that didn't make me feel deprived or cheated, one that didn't leave my stomach with hunger pangs and grumbling: the Tone It Up 5-Day Detox. And while it was only five days, it was way better than my one- and three-day juice cleanses, and I learned so much about what makes a diet successful. I also felt so comfortable with the plan that I decided to keep it going for another five days!
A peek at the breakfasts on the plan.
I've been a huge fan of the Tone It Up nutrition program, community, and brand since I was first introduced to it at the TIU retreat in 2016. Since then, I've followed the different challenges, tried so many recipes, and implemented many aspects of each into my everyday eating. That said, of all the challenges and programs I've tried, this short-and-sweet New Year's detox was my most successful. Here are a few reasons I loved the diet and some things I learned from the experience.
The Length
I feel like this comes down to psychology; in my experience, longer diets give you a mindset that there's built-in room for error. If you're on an eight-week plan, a brownie one day or a piece of pizza twice isn't going to ruin the overall plan. But you're much more likely to really stick to a plan's guidelines if you're only doing it for five days. Each day and each choice becomes more valuable when the plan is so brief.
Oftentimes with New Year's resolutions, we bite off more than we can chew and set goals that are unattainable, setting ourselves up for failure. Starting Jan. 1 with a two-month plan can feel discouraging, but by keeping it realistic, we feel (and we are!) much more in control of our results.
The Meals
My favorite part about the detox was that it was foods I already enjoy eating: frosty mango ginger green smoothies, deliciously filling and flavorful soup, and tasty chia pudding or dark chocolate for dessert (yes, I said dessert). It's important on any kind of diet that you actually eat foods you enjoy. Keep experimenting with new recipes and meals until you find what sticks. The recipes on a diet plan may surprise you!
The coconut protein macaroons were so good!
This specific plan has you on five meals a day, plus green tea or coffee in the morning (and a cleansing "mocktail" for your metabolism), with optional dessert (read: I took that option), plenty of water (the goal was 90 ounces per day), and calorie add-ons for those who need a little more. I felt so full. When you're constantly eating and drinking, it's hard to feel hungry or like you need to snack on something.
Of note: though you're eating all day long, you're not consuming dairy, added sugar, alcohol, fried food, prepackaged food, processed food, or grains. And I know this will sound wild, but I honestly didn't miss or crave any of those foods because I was so satisfied with what I was eating.
The Prep
The biggest thing I took away from this is that preparation really is the key to everything. This plan gives you an exhaustive list of what to buy, what to stock your fridge with, what is and isn't "approved" for the week, and exactly what to eat and when, with extra recipes to swap in if you want to customize it.
I'm obsessed with this smoothie. And making smoothie packs ahead of time made life even easier!
The prep at the beginning of the week includes making a big batch of soup, lots of chia pudding, macaroons for midmorning snacks (known as "M2" on the plan), and chopped-up salads that you can store in your fridge and take with you to the office. This made the five days so much easier. I never had to wonder what I was going to eat for each meal.
The No-Booze Thing
I've said it before, but cutting back on alcohol has been one of the most transformative parts of my personal health journey. Though the standard TIU plan doesn't eliminate alcohol (in fact, they're big fans of wine . . . in moderation!), the five-day detox does. And if you can't go for a full-on dry January, you can absolutely do five days without booze - trust me.
The result? Elimination of empty, superfluous calories, no hangovers to prevent morning workouts, a lighter-feeling body, more energy, and clearer skin.
The Workouts
The 5-Day Detox has a list of daily moves for each day (no equipment and easy to do at home), plus suggested workouts you can do on the Studio Tone It Up app. I also supplemented my own workouts, including SoulCycle (five times), Core40 Megaformer, and a toning class at The Assembly (a new wellness space in SF).
I may have personally overdone it on the cardio a little bit (sometimes too much cardio actually upsets my stomach and that definitely was the case on day five of the week), but other than that, I was feeling strong and energized!
The Life Detox
My favorite part of the plan was the call to declutter and "detox" areas of your life. During the week, you're tasked to keep your conversations light and positive, organize your workout clothes, closet, pantry, and refrigerator, set intentions, make your bed daily, get extra sleep, drink more water, and create a bedtime routine with minimal tech time.
Sipping on soup for M4 in between loads of laundry. Best way to kick off the new year!
I took this as a chance to unpack from my holiday travels, finish my KonMari session on my dresser, do a ton of laundry, and really hit the pause button for myself. In fact, I took one whole day at the end of the detox to take off my Apple Watch, put my phone on "Do Not Disturb," and organize like crazy (in addition to some journaling!). It felt so good to check things off my list and get my life organized.
The Results
Usually at the end of a program or diet, I'm like, "Hell yeah, I did it! Time for waffles." While I did in fact have a waffle after I finished the 5-Day Detox, I also jumped right back into the plan.
My skin has been completely clear, my energy has slightly boosted, and I definitely feel a tiny bit slimmer and more toned. I don't weigh myself, but I feel really confident with my body's results.
I won't sugarcoat it though - the prep is hard work. It definitely took me a good amount of time (and I had my groceries delivered!) to cook the soup, bake the macaroons and chicken, whip the chia pudding, and make smoothie and salad packs. Then came the cleanup.
All that said, the work was well worth the results. I learned I have the capacity to eat healthy even more than I already do - without feeling like I'm missing out - with just a little more planning. If I made a meal schedule for myself every week, I could save money on takeout and to-go lunches at work and save the superindulgent foods for when they really make me feel good, not just when they're convenient. A waffle-fueled brunch with girlfriends on the weekend tastes a lot better than a toaster waffle on a Tuesday night because you don't know what to make for dinner - know what I mean?
11 Stylish Alternatives to Lululemon
For years all we've heard is Lululemon this and Lululemon that, but aside from this iconic activewear line, there are a ton of other high-quality athleticwear brands we love that you might not know of - yet! If you're not sure where to start, check out these labels that do their best to flatter women of all different shapes and sizes.
Bob Harper Says the #1 Key to Weight Loss Isn't Diet or Exercise - It's This
Bob Harper has had a transitional year - one that he told POPSUGAR was a year of "going back to the drawing board."
After surviving a massive heart attack, the celebrity trainer and The Biggest Loser star has made significant changes in his approach to health. He shifted from a Paleo diet to a carb-friendly, plant-based lifestyle, and designed a new weight loss plan in his book The Super Carb Diet: Shed Pounds, Build Strength, Eat Real Food. And not only has he changed how he eats, but he's also shifted his thoughts on weight loss in general.
"I [previously] structured my dialogue that when it comes to weight loss, it's about your diet first and foremost," Bob told POPSUGAR. "Then it's your exercise, then sleep, and then stress management," he said. He noted that he's been sharing this ideology for decades, but recently he's turned things around.
"Stress management is the number one key to a healthy body and a healthy mind."
"I have since changed the way I think," Bob said, and while "Those are still my four core beliefs," he has now flipped that hierarchy on its head. "I think that stress management is the number one key to a healthy body and a healthy mind," he said, and shared that stress management is really the foundation that the diet, exercise, and sleep rests on.
"When you manage your stress, you're more likely to make better food choices," he said. "If you manage your stress, you're going to be more likely to prioritize a workout to take care of yourself; your sleep is going to be so much better."
He also noted that the inverse is true: "When you're stressed everything else crumbles like a house of cards - you'll say 'F*ck it I'm gonna eat whatever I want,' and you're waking up in the middle of the night [from stress]."
Often we focus so much on the diet and exercise portion that these beneficial, healthy things become a source of stress. By prioritizing stress management, the rest can fall into place and work more seamlessly and efficiently - all leading to our ultimate goal of a healthy weight. Feel better and get healthier? Makes sense to us!
Selena Gomez Looks Like a Sexy '70s Babe in This Revealing Slip Dress
Need some inspiration on what to wear for a dinner with your friends? Look no further than Selena Gomez's outfit. The songstress was seen in Los Angeles wearing a beige slip dress by Reformation featuring a revealing thigh-high slit.
Selena upped the glam factor of her gown by styling it with a pink and brown fuzzy coat from Coach's Spring 2018 collection. The star, who is also Coach's brand ambassador, finished off her sultry look with a pair of burgundy Francesco Russo pumps. Read on to see her sexy dress and buy the exact style, as well as similar options.
You'll Want to Shop Selena Gomez's Sexy Swimsuits
You might think of celebrities on perma-vacations like Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima when you're looking for swimsuit inspiration, but we're telling you right now that Selena Gomez's beach style is the most versatile of them all.
Whenever the singer is ready to hit the water, she chooses both sexy bikinis and practical one-pieces that flatter her curves and still manage to be comfortable. So if you want to stock up, look ahead for lots of inspiration from Selena.
lundi 5 février 2018
This Is the Bella and Gigi Hadid Vogue Cover You Came to the Internet to See
For Gigi and Bella Hadid's first dual British Vogue cover, the power models and sisters stripped down and posed nude for one black and white shot circulating the internet. Their feature story doesn't just visually cement how close the ladies are, despite the fact that they both maintain the same competitive job in the same industry. "[Bella's] one of the only people I'll get aggressive for. She makes me so proud. I would do anything for her," Gigi stated in the March editorial, which also touches on her relationship with Zayn Malik.
While fans surely love to see Gigi and Bella united, the shoot has apparently made some Twitter users uncomfortable, and they were also quick to point out that Bella looks unrecognizable, questioning the use of Photoshop. Ahead, you can get a glimpse of both covers - Gigi and Bella wore one-shoulder, metal mesh Versace looks for their big moment - and read some comments about the buzzy image in the issue.
Amal Clooney Just Stepped Out in a Pair of $100 Sneakers You'd Be Silly Not to Buy
There goes Amal Clooney, casually hiking her way through Runyon Canyon in LA with Isla Fisher, in loungewear with a camouflage jacket tied around her waist. Amal wore aviators and let sport socks peek out from her $100 Nike Leather Tennis Sneakers, which are still available to buy. If Amal had been bundled in sweats, perhaps we wouldn't have plucked an It item from her off-duty look.
But let's be real: even when the posh human rights activist and lawyer isn't on the job, she's got a way about styling outfits that would resonate with any woman with an eye for style. Ahead, you can zoom in on her sleek kicks - though we doubt you need the close-up for proof that her shoes are worth an easy investment. They're appropriate for a number of weekend activities after all, from a stroll with friends to a leisurely brunch, shopping, an even a not-so-fancy evening out.
Angelina Jolie's Silver Dress Has a Hidden Slit You Might Not Catch at First
When Angelina Jolie hit the scene at the 45th annual Annie Awards in LA, she was dressed to the nines in a glamorous Atelier Versace look not far off from her usual red carpet attire. She posed for photos with two of her children, Shiloh and Zahara, who contrasted her metallic number in all black.
While Angelina's floor-skimming jumpsuit and classic red lip weren't such a surprise - she pulls off regal ensembles like this one all the time - her peekaboo leg slit (only revealed when she walked) and hidden pockets were a flirty, modern touch. Read on to see how Angelina accessorized with elegant diamonds, then shop some similar pieces with extra shine and added flair.
16 Fashion Designers Whose Runway Style Hasn't Aged a Bit
Just because you're a fashion designer doesn't mean you're required to step out in one of your latest creations every time you leave the house. In fact, it's quite the contrary - many of the industry's most iconic people stick to some sort of signature style when presenting their shows, whether it's rocking a simple T-shirt à la Prabal Gurung or styling a classic white button-down like Carolina Herrera. And if you need any further proof that designers rarely stray from what they like, think back to a time when you saw Karl Lagerfeld without his glasses and a collared shirt. Pretty much impossible, huh? So as we set out to see all the gorgeous looks these designers present for Fashion Weeks in New York, Paris, and beyond, let's take a moment to analyze the signature looks of some industry greats.
- Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak and Samantha Sutton
7 Healthy Travel Destinations You Should Add to Your Bucket List
Chemicals are out and all-natural everything is in. There's a surging urge to eat, live, and play better these days. However chaotic the world may seem, there's a rising number of us who are yearning for inner peace in favor of healthier physical and spiritual living.
A wellness revolution is in motion, and with that comes the desire to not only eat and live well, but travel well, too. For those healthy globetrotters who have been bit by the travel bug, there is a cure. There is an ever-evolving list of cities to fall in love with, oceans to explore, and mountains to climb. So, what are some wellness destinations that you can add to the list (for now)? All of you yogis, spiritualists, surfers, hikers, and chillers will want to keep reading.
Delayed or Canceled Flight? This Site Can Help You Get Compensated For Up to $700
Image Source: Unsplash / kelvin balingit
You can never predict a change in your flight status, but you can do something about it. Even if an airline cancels your flight due to weather conditions or issues outside of its control, it's still your responsibility to take the necessary steps for compensation. If you'd rather accept your losses than go through the hassle, air passenger rights company AirHelp is here to fight for you.
AirHelp will first determine whether or not you're eligible for financial compensation. If you have a valid case, the service will then file a claim on your behalf, take care of all the paperwork, and communicate with airlines so that you don't have to. You can even submit a claim from up to three years ago. If legal action is required, AirHelp will pay all the court and attorney's fees regardless if the case is won or lost.
What's in it for AirHelp? If you end up receiving money (and you can get up to $700!), you'll have to pay around a 25 percent service fee and/or a legal action fee, depending on your compensation amount. But remember, you'd be getting paid for a claim that required zero effort and time on your end. Basically, you don't have to pay until you get paid.
Here's What You Can Claim
According to AirHelp's FAQ section, EU regulation EC 261 only covers flight delays, cancellations, and boarding denials. Under US law, however, coverage is limited to cases of when you're bumped off a flight due to overbooking. If your situation doesn't fall under any of these categories, you can always try contacting the airline directly.
To see if you're eligible for compensation, provide your flight information (three years past max) online!
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Yi
The 5 Best Winter Cruise Destinations
If you're looking to get away this Winter, cruises are really the way to go. Enjoy your vacation without having to worry about accommodations and food (most lines are all-inclusive!) while getting to explore multiple destinations in one trip. Depending on what your criteria look like from pricing to weather, we've found the best cruise stops for all your Winter travel needs. Get on board with the five ahead.
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