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 13 juin 2018
36 Zodiac Sign Tattoos That Will Make You Go Starry-Eyed
Do you read your horoscope every day? Are you always judging people based on their astrological signs? If you're looking to get new ink and totally into studying the stars, chances are a zodiac tattoo would be perfect for you. We have selected three beautiful designs for every sign in the year. Check them out to get inspired!
An Undercover Disney Princess Shares the Secrets of Disneybounding
Fashionable Disney fan Allison Erland aka Lady Damfino aka Snow White invites us into the secret world of "Disneybounding," and we can't get enough. First off, what is Disneybounding? "The easiest way to think of it is an outfit influenced by a Disney character. Some people have more specific 'rules' or definitions but I say to each his own. You can definitely find more from the horse's mouth and loads of outfit examples on the Disneybound Tumblr."
Allison is a pro at Disneybounding, and her vintage-inspired, handmade ensembles are equal parts glam and fun (not to mention great Halloween costume inspiration). See Allison's stylish Disney attire - from her Instagram account - and find out more from her about the trend now.
43 Bangin' (and Beautiful) Tattoos
Tattoos are beautiful, badass, and undeniably sexy. Their level of sexiness can of course depend on where you put them and what you're getting. If you want to own your fierce confidence by displaying it in ink, then prepare to be very inspired by these beautiful, bangin' tattoos we rounded up. We want them all.
9 Crystals From Amazon That Will Invite Happiness, Relaxation, And More Into Your Life
Many people are starting to incorporate crystals into their home decor, accessories, and self-care practices. While some like to hold them in their hands to feel the stone's benefits, others place the crystals around their meditation space for a visually calming environment.
If you're eager to start integrating some of these beautiful stones into your routine, it's important to find out which crystals are suitable for your needs, hopes, and ambitions. Once you've decided what kind of energy you're craving, it's time to purchase some crystals of your very own.
We've searched Amazon for the most beautiful crystals and combinations of stones so you can start or add to your collection.
The Ultimate Travel Bucket List For Water-Lovers
Being near water equals instant relaxation for some of us, so a swimmable destination is much preferred when vacationing. You can't really call a trip a success if you're not pruney the entire time, can you? If you, too, are basically a mermaid IRL, we've rounded up some of the most incredible spots around the world that will give you your fix of H2O. Picturesque beaches and once-in-a-lifetime experiences only begin to describe what's ahead. Check out 35 places around the world that make up the ultimate water-lover's bucket list.
The 35 Sexiest Man Selfies of 2018 Are So Hot, Your Computer Screen Will Shatter
Feeling a little thirsty these days? Us too. Gather around friends, because it's the best time of the year. Annually, we carefully select the hottest man selfies on Instagram for your viewing pleasure. It's a job we take seriously - there's a lot of staring and voting involved. This is definitely our best year yet with 35 smoldering guys - some are models, some are regular dudes, and some are just so hot we don't care what they do. We put them all in one convenient place for your viewing pleasure, so sit back and enjoy the eye candy. If you're a good friend, you'll share it all with your BFFs too.
12 Teen Novels With Positively Imperfect Stories About Sex
True story: I lost my virginity in a car parked alongside a dark and creepy cemetery. As I hustled to get dressed, two police cars pulled up alongside of us. We got a sternly worded lecture from two patrol officers, narrowly avoided receiving a traffic ticket and were sent home in a way that was beyond awkward and embarrassing.
When I began working on my YA novel, Fat Girl on a Plane, I knew a couple of things. I wanted the book to be sex positive, but I also wanted it to capture the ungraceful and bumbling aspects of first sexual encounters that sometimes get glossed over. For me, it was important to present sex in a way that was free from shame, that was appropriately consensual, and that included the use of protection. I also wanted to make sure teen readers knew that your first time might not be the best ever because, for most people, sexual experiences tend to improve with more experience.
Luckily, I am not alone. The YA community has been busy creating many incredible, sex-positive stories. Here are some of my faves, along with a couple of upcoming releases that I'm looking forward to.
My Secret to a Great Marriage? Travel Without Your Kids
Marriage advice. I don't like people dishing it out. No relationship is like the other, so how could advice be applicable to everyone? But I'm going to break my own rule and say something more couples need to hear: you and your partner should go away every year without your kids. It may sound like an obvious suggestion, but you'd be surprised how many couples have never been away from their kids . . . like, ever. Constantly being together isn't healthy for anyone, including your kids. Here are my top five reasons traveling with only your partner is often the difference between a mundane marriage and an "I want what that couple has" marriage.
1. Sex.
The difference between a partner and a friend is this. And if there's one area of marriage that tends to suffer the most after kids, it's sex. Whether it's because of postpartum body changes, mind-numbing exhaustion, hormone changes resulting in less drive, or babies and toddlers in your bed, sex becomes, well, a little less sexy. But you know what can really help solve this? A hotel room, a tropical climate backdrop, and the notion that the only thing on the agenda for the next few days is drinking wine, eating decadent food, talking without interruption, and having nobody else to tend to (read: no vomit to clean). It's amazing how easy it is to slip back into the mindset of, "Oh my God, I'm actually attracted to my partner," because the daily grind can easily blur that.
2. Conversations that don't focus on your kids.
You occasionally sneak in snippets of your days to each other in between bedtime routines and couch pow-wows while watching Netflix, but you've really only scratched the surface (if you were listening that intently to begin with). Going out for date nights is a good start, but, in my opinion, it takes a few days away to properly remember that you two are people outside of kids. When my husband and I go away, we talk about the kids constantly for the first 36 hours, and then all of a sudden, we forget. And it's glorious. The health of the family is only as strong as the parental unit, no matter what that looks like, and when my husband and I aren't having meaningful conversations that don't involve our kids, I find that our overall family health suffers.
3. Exploring new things.
Remember when you first met and everything was exciting? And everything they said was funny, witty, and clever? Tack on a few years of marriage, general life stress, and a bunch of kids, and that excitement dissipates. When you travel to a new place with only your partner, suddenly everything (even mundane activities) becomes just a touch more exciting. And yes, it's fun to travel as a family and explore, which you should do often, but it's really fun to explore with only your partner. You might even remember why you married them in the first place or, at the very least, laugh (even if only occasionally) at their jokes again.
4. Your kids are better for it.
I realize that to even have the opportunity to get away for a week or a few days with only your partner requires a certain village of love surrounding you. But I'm willing to bet your parents, siblings, close friends, nanny, in-laws, etc. have a vested interest in the health of your marriage. People who love you want to help, and I don't know many grandparents who aren't clamoring for more undivided grandchild time. My mom says she now understands the reason for having kids is "to get to the grandkids" (thanks, Mom). But in all seriousness, you leaving your kids for a few days and having them live their best life with other people who love and care for them is a great experience for them as well.
5. Travel is good for the soul.
When we stay in our own bubbles, it's easy to forget there's a whole world out there full of different people, different perspectives, and beautiful ideas worth seeing and knowing about. When you travel and can be fully present without a bunch of kids tugging on your leg, you allow yourself the capacity to invite new experiences into your life, which you then take back home.
So, there you have it. The only marriage advice I will ever dish out. Every time my husband and I get away together without our kids, we come back appreciative, grateful, reenergized, and excited to reenter our blissful chaos with our kids. We make a point to get away for at least four days every year, just us. We don't have a perfect marriage, but I dare say we have a really great one. And I definitely think it's because we prioritize and value our time just as much as family time.
9 Spots Around Disney World That Make the Best Photo Backdrops
Let's be real, half the reason you're going to the Most Magical Place on Earth is for the 'gram. Because you didn't really go if you don't post pictures, right? Instead of spending precious time searching for the perfect photo spot, we've found the best walls at Disney World for you. Check out nine awesome backdrops that will take your Instagram game to the next level.
7 Mistakes You're Likely Making When Concealing Your Under-Eye Area
As a working makeup artist, this is the time of year when people start to worry about how to look more awake. Today alone, on a Thursday morning, I had four back-to-back clients complaining about their under-eye circles. As our tans fade, the stress of real life coupled with fairer skin makes our under-eye area show the damage left from those Summer margaritas and the neglect of our eye area.
Women make so many mistakes (using powder to set, not using a corrector, thinking they can sweep foundation under the eyes, applying their daily face cream around the eyes, using a dry concealer, the list goes on and on) in an attempt to look well-rested. It's an uphill battle, but it can be won. Keep reading to learn how!
1 Woman, 25+ Photoshopped Versions of Global Beauty
They say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," and 24-year-old radio journalist Esther Honig is putting that to the test. The Kansas City girl is working on a photo project called Before & After in which she's examining how beauty standards vary by countries around the world. She sent the above shot of herself to different global graphic artists, and each photoshopped her hair and makeup look to reflect their cultural take on hair and makeup. Scroll through to see how 22 countries (sometimes with multiple looks from each) have taken on the challenge. And then reflect, how do you define beauty?
Source: Esther Honig
Watch This Beauty Blogger Apply Fenty Foundation Over Her Severe Acne
It's safe to say that Fenty Beauty has hit it out of the park with its entire product lineup, and that definitely includes the brand's Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation ($34). Not only is it available in 40 nuanced shades, but it provides impressively matte, buildable coverage.
Beauty blogger Kadeeja Khan - who #keepsitreal and is super outspoken about what it's like to have severe cystic acne - recently took to her Instagram account to show just how powerful Fenty's foundation is. The dramatic video was first spotted by Allure and promptly sent the beauty community abuzz.
Khan, who's based in Birmingham, England, is currently taking Roaccutane to treat her acne, and is documenting the process. She's honest and raw about the treatment process, sharing everything from improvements to setbacks. She also demonstrates and reviews lots of masks and cosmetics. Follow her journey by subscribing to her YouTube channel and Instagram.
If You Overuse These Beauty Products, It Could Actually Be Hazardous to Your Health
When it comes to our favorite products, it can be easy to OD (hello, dry shampoo!), but can there ever be such a thing as too much when it comes to your favorite beauty formulas? According to experts, the answer is a big scary "yes!"
The pros we spoke to caution that some of our most beloved cosmetic, hair, and skin saviors actually have the potential to do more harm than good, with results ranging from hair loss to serious skin conditions.
Before you reach for your favorite lip balm or primer (there's also a reason we mentioned dry shampoo!), read on to see whether you're using anything on their "less is more" lists and to figure out exactly how much and how often you should be tapping them in order to reap the benefits without the havoc.
These Clear Lipstick Caps Are a Genius Way to Organize Your Enormous Makeup Collection
While it may come as no surprise that a beauty editor has a lot of makeup, mine is pretty out of control. I recently tried to clean up and downsize my collection but ended up being unable to part with 25 red lipsticks. My lipstick addiction is in full force, and sorting through them every morning in my drawer can take an excruciatingly long time. Many of my favorite brands like MAC, Bite, and Bobbie Brown make all of their packaging identical, so unless I remember the shade name, I have to open every tube to find the color I'm looking for.
Although I love the chic look of the tubes, it's frustrating to search for the perfect plum hue just to have to open a bunch of pink and nude shades in my drawer. One day when I was browsing through Amazon, I came across an amazing discovery: clear lipstick caps. Beauty organization brand ByAlegory sells a variety of clear caps in different shapes. When I saw that the ByAlegory Clear Lipstick Bullet-Shaped Caps ($10 for 12) had five stars and over 200 reviews, I decided to give them a try, and boy, am I a happy customer.
I can finally see exactly what color each one of my lipsticks is, allowing me to be more creative with my beauty look while also saving time. I really love how much more organized I feel and might even resist purchasing more lipstick now that I can see what I have (probably not).
Keep Your Friends Close and These 10 Editor-Approved Pimple Treatments Closer
Breakouts: can't live with 'em, wish we could live without 'em. While in a perfect world, we'd gladly give all pimples the boot, the reality is, we've all experienced them at some point in time - and that's totally OK. For many of us, pimples come in various forms and for various reasons, making them pretty unavoidable. The good news is, there are plenty of treatments on the market that help keep blemishes at bay, many of which have become staples in our editors' skincare routines.
If you're still hunting down the most effective spot treatment for your breakouts, consider trying these pimple-puncturing products our editors can't live without.
I Get Tons of Free Beauty Loot, but These Are 12 Drugstore Products I Buy Over and Over
Not everyone has access to a beauty closet, but most of us can locate a drugstore. In fact, if I had to choose between trying free beauty products and making daily trips to Duane Reade, I think I'd chose the latter. While it's great to test the latest and greatest brands and products, the items I simply cannot live without can be purchased for a reasonable price at my neighborhood drugstore. From shaving gel to makeup remover, here are the 12 drugstore finds I find myself buying over and over again.
99 Incredible Products That Will Totally Transform Your Skin
If you're a beauty junkie who loves trying new products every chance you get, you've come to the right place. We did the hard work for you and unearthed 99 amazing products we think are worth the hype. Whether you're on the hunt for a zinc sunscreen or you're looking for a hydrating new mask, it's all here. From brands like Drunk Elephant to Neutrogena, these are the best of the best to treat all your skin woes. Read ahead to pick up one (or 10!) amazing things you've never tried.
5 New CoverGirl Products Every Beauty Junkie Should Own This Summer
It's time to step up your Summer beauty routine. If you want something accessible and covetable, check out CoverGirl. The brand has been the ultimate drugstore choice for decades, and for good reason. It produces quality cosmetics at affordable prices. All beauty girls should try these makeup staples at least once for summertime. You never know - they might become your go-tos.
6 Red Flags That You Are Buying Makeup That Doesn't Actually Work For You
We all do it. We bought our first foundation when we were in our 20s - and it really worked (then). We loved it, so when it ran out, we bought it again. And again. And again. Before we knew it, we were 35 years old buying something that was no longer the best choice.
I have been a professional makeup artist for 15 years, and I am guilty of it myself. We are tired and busy; we don't have time to sit down and really let a professional try 10 foundations on our jawline, so we just order on Amazon and have it delivered to our door. Yet when makeup doesn't match or doesn't fit our skin type, there's nothing worse. We get stuck in a rut, and we are afraid of change. But our skin and lifestyle has changed, and it's important to remember that what worked when we were 16 doesn't necessarily work when we are 30.
Here are six red flags that prove it's time to reassess the contents of your makeup bag.
11 Travel-Ready Cosmetic Bags For the Jet-Setting Beauty Addict
Every time I travel, I already know half my suitcase will be dedicated to cosmetics. From face creams, to toners, and then all my makeup, there are so many necessities I can't leave behind. Don't make the mistake of stuffing your products into plastic bags that might rip and leak. Instead, buy cosmetic bags that are easy to travel with and will last you for years. Check out some of these vibrant choices.
This Incredible App Is a Must-Download For Nail Polish Obsessers
Ever shop for polish, trying desperately to figure out if that coral hue will complement your skin tone or make your hands look like a corpse? Finally there's a solution to your lacquer woes with the WannaNails app.
The free app (which is available to iOS users) works by using your phone's camera to take a photo of your hand and then identifying your nails in the image. Then the app gives you polish choices arranged by different color palettes and then magically changes the hue of your nails in the image to your selected shade. If you really love the color, you can even purchase the hue directly on your phone.
I've been enjoying playing with the fun app, changing the color of each of my nails individually or all together. It also lets you compare four colors in a grid or make a GIF of your image flashing between hues.
It's also pretty convincing. In many of the photos I took, it was hard to tell that my nails weren't painted the different hues, and it was super fun trying out an abundance of colors without ever having to get out the polish remover.
Up Close and Personal: Every Single Face Product From Beauty by POPSUGAR
We're thrilled that Beauty by POPSUGAR has finally arrived at Ulta Beauty and on the Beauty by POPSUGAR website so we can pick up each and every item. The line includes lip, eye, and face products made with healthy ingredients and cruelty-free formulas, making it easy to find your new go-to faves.
Designed with input from POPSUGAR readers, the face products will make your complexion look radiant with a range of blush, highlighters, and sheer tinted moisturizers. The offerings in this line will enhance your natural beauty without covering you up. It's easy, natural-looking makeup that you'll want to wear every day. Keep reading to see every face product in the new line.
A Definitive Guide to Ariana Grande's Best Tattoos
While singer Ariana Grande isn't as tattooed as fiancé Pete Davidson- who recently debuted two pieces of ink inspired by the singer - she does have an impressive collection that extends into the double digits. Some designs are in a few not-so-obvious spots, while others are on full display on her fingers. (No, not that finger.) Click ahead for some of her best ink.
50 Cute Ideas For a Wrist Tattoo That You Won't Get Sick of Looking At
Whether you are looking to get a stick and poke of your favorite quote, or want something a bit bigger, wrists are the perfect places for tattoos. From small floral illustrations to slightly larger geometric designs, here are 50 supercute wrist tattoo ideas to keep in mind during your next tattoo appointment!
The 44 Best Tween Gifts of 2018 Are Here
Not little kids, but not quite teens, tweens can be a difficult group to please when it comes to shopping. But with our list of gifts, you're sure to get a smile from the biggest kids (but don't call them that!) in your life. From gifts for sports fanatics to mini fashionistas, these presents are perfect for your middle schooler who can't wait to grow up but still can't resist a cool toy or two.
- Additional reporting by Eleanor Sheehan
For even easier shopping, click below for your needs.
15 of the Best Freezer Staples I Always Have on Hand For Quick Family Dinners
Dinnertime can be stressful after a long day of adulting, and the temptation to eat out (for the third night in a row!) can be hard to resist. One effective way to tackle that daily struggle is to always have yummy, ready-to-heat options sitting in the freezer that won't take up much time or energy to put together. From lasagna to pad thai, check out this creative list of the best freezer staples to help make family meal time a breeze!
Khloé Kardashian Had the BEST Response to People Who Hate on Baby Formula
When it comes to feeding her adorable daughter, True, Khloé Kardashian only has one motto: fed is best. The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star called out mom-shamers by responding to a fan on Twitter who gave her kudos for being candid about her experience with breastfeeding and using formula.
The mom tweeted at Khloé thanking her for opening up about supplementing with formula - and probably never expected to hear back from her:
"Mad respect to Khloé Kardashian for opening up about supplementing with formula," Amber Keimig wrote. "I had to do that when I went back to work, and I was so embarrassed that I couldn't produce enough because I was away from Jackson. Fed is best!"
Believe it or not, the comment stuck out to Khloé so much that she decided to further share her breastfeeding struggle with the world.
Mommy shaming is real! But the truth is I've tried and tried and tried to breast feed only and it wasn't working for me. I feel fortunate that I am able to still breast-feed but with the help of formula. Breast-feeding is something I really wanted to do. Just am not fully able
- Khloé (@khloekardashian) June 8, 2018
And as you can imagine, other women really rallied behind her sentiment. Read through to take a peek at the words of support.
Taye Diggs's Son Has Hesitations About Him Dating: "He Doesn’t Want Me to Have a Girlfriend"
Taye Diggs and his 8-year-old son Walker share the type of relationship where they can be candid and honest with each other, even about Taye's dating life. The 47-year-old actor, who parents his son with ex-wife Idina Menzel, recently shared with People that Walker's getting more protective of his dating life.
"He said the other day that he doesn't want me to have a girlfriend," Taye revealed. "He said, 'I want you to myself.'"
Taye respected Walker's ability to be transparent with his feelings, so when his son wondered if that was "OK" for him to ask, the actor had the perfect response. "I said, 'Yeah, man! I want you to be able to tell me anything. OK, I get that.'"
While that can't be easy for most divorced parents to hear, it's encouraging and refreshing to see the importance of honest communication between Taye and his son. Ahead, see adorable snaps of the two together - it's clear they have a very special bond.
mardi 12 juin 2018
100 Baby Names You've Never Heard of but Are Going to Want to Use
Every baby is special and unique, but the list of the country's most popular names - Sophia, Emma, Jackson, and Aiden, to name a few - reveal that many babies are crawling around sporting the same name. We looked further into the United States Social Security Administration's (long) list of popular baby names and picked out the most unique of the bunch for you to consider for your one-of-a-kind baby.
Read through for 100 unusual baby names you've never heard of, but are definitely going to want to put to use!
Boys
- Agustin
- Anders
- Arian
- Arlo
- Benton
- Bodhi
- Braylin
- Brecken
- Bridger
- Broderick
- Brysen
- Camilo
- Cayson
- Coen
- Corban
- Cortez
- Crew
- Damari
- Dangelo
- Davon
- Elian
- Eliseo
- Enoch
- Ethen
- Flynn
- Gaige
- Gibson
- Haiden
- Ignacio
- Jabari
- Jakobe
- Jaylon
- Joziah
- Kael
- Keon
- Keyon
- Kyan
- Lathan
- Leighton
- Malaki
- Maxton
- Mustafa
- Quinten
- Roderick
- Thaddeus
- Turner
- Vaughn
- Vihaan
- Yehuda
- Zaire
Girls
- Addilyn
- Adley
- Analia
- Armelle
- Aviana
- Bexley
- Brinley
- Britta
- Bronwyn
- Calla
- Camari
- Darby
- Delaney
- Dinah
- Elora
- Ember
- Embry
- Farren
- Gracen
- Grecia
- Greer
- Harlyn
- Hartley
- Hensley
- Ina
- Isa
- Jaelyn
- Kaia
- Laken
- Larkin
- Lilith
- Makena
- Maren
- Merritt
- Mireya
- Nimah
- Oriana
- Rhea
- Rowen
- Royce
- Sena
- Syden
- Thea
- Ulani
- Uri
- Weylyn
- Zael
- Zariah
- Zaylee
- Zuri
"Healthy" Kid-Friendly Foods That Have a Shocking Amount of Sugar
If you regularly avoid anything considered to be a dessert food for your toddler, there's still a good chance your little one might be getting more sugar than you thought. According to a new study conducted by researchers at the Centers For Disease Control, American toddlers are getting far too much added sugar in their diet. Too much added sugar can contribute to loads of health problems, including high levels of obesity, cavities, asthma, and risk factors for heart disease as adults. The American Heart Association recommends not giving any foods with added sugars to children under the age of 2. For children older than 2, it recommends no more than six teaspoons of added sugar a day. According to the CDC's new study, though, the AHA's added sugar recommendation isn't a common practice for most.
Researchers surveyed parents of 800 children ages 23 months to 6 years old to gauge how much added sugar they consume in a 24-hour period. For 6- to 11-month-olds, 61 percent of sugar in their diet was added sugar, and that number only got higher as the kids got older. Almost 98 to 99 percent of the sugar consumed by 1- and 2-year-olds was added sugar. The oldest toddlers in the study, from ages 19 to 23 months, consumed an average of about seven teaspoons of added sugar per day - that's more sugar than a Kit Kat bar!
According to the CDC, added sugars include brown sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, lactose, malt syrup, maltose, molasses, raw sugar, and sucrose. And while certain sweet treats are obvious culprits, it's the seemingly healthy foods that can sneak in more sugar than you'd think. Take a look at the list of sugary foods you may not have suspected.
Pit Bull Pup Saves Baby From a House Fire in the Smartest Way
Pit Bulls may not be the first dog breed you think of when it comes to child safety, but Sasha, an 8-month-old Pit Bull, saved her family's life in Stockton, CA. On the night of June 3, Nana Chaichanhda awoke to the sound of Sasha barking and banging against the back door of her apartment. When Nana opened the door, Sasha bolted in the house. For a minute, Nana was completely confused until she saw flames engulfing her neighbor's unit in their four-plex apartment and realized Sasha was trying to warn her. Nana ran straight to her bedroom to grab her 7-month-old baby, but Sasha was already in action, pulling her daughter off of the bed by her diaper. Because of Sasha, Nana was able to get out safely with her daughter, call 911, and help her neighbors get out safely as well. A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help Nana and her family get into a new home with Sasha.
This is the fire that a pit bull alerted her family to in Stockton! They credit her with saving their lives https://t.co/vHX2iEpTft pic.twitter.com/vDs1B5mnic
- Tom Miller (@KCRAMiller) June 8, 2018
The Best Snacks to Fuel Your Workout
You've got to have energy to have an effective workout, so let your pre-workout snack help you push yourself to do your best. What works for you the best will depend on when you eat your snack as well as any stomach sensitivity issues you have, but a good rule of thumb is to make your snack a mix of mostly carbs and a little bit of protein for exercise success. Here are a few pre-workout snack ideas that do just that!
Exactly What You Need to Know Before Your First Orangetheory Class - Including the Price
You've probably heard of, or seen an Orangetheory fitness studio. The interval-based workout franchise, which is the brainchild of physiologist Ellen Latham, is exploding and now boasts over 700 locations nationwide, from New York to Alaska.
While the name Orangetheory is cool in and of itself, there's actually quite a bit behind it. Read on to have your questions answered about how much classes cost, what's involved in each session, and what you'll ultimately get out of a membership.
What is Orangetheory? To get the most out of your workouts, you'll need to buy into the gym's so-called Orangetheory, which is based on the physiological theory of "Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption," or EPOC. Basically, the goal of any sweat session at OTF is to train within the "Orange Zone," a target heart rate, for 12 minutes or more. Doing so is said to improve your endurance and overall fitness. You'll even burn major calories up to 36 hours post-workout.
What's involved in a typical session? During your one-hour interval workout at OTF, you'll be coached through both cardiovascular and strength exercises. A class might start out with treadmill, bike, or strider work, then switch to weight-training via TRX suspension machines and free weights. At the end of a sesh, OTF claims you will have burned upwards of 500 calories!
Is there any special equipment involved? The short answer is "yes." To effectively monitor your heart rate, OTF uses its own heart-rate monitors. So your Fitbit won't be compatible with their app-enabled system. Once you are equipped with either the OTBeat Flex, a heart-rate monitor worn on your forearm, or the OTBeat Core, a chest strap, your individual heart rate is displayed on screens around the room. You're only competing with yourself, however, since again, the goal is to hit the Orange Zone for at least 12 minutes of your workout. Fun incentive: for each minute you stay in the Orange Zone, you earn a "Splat point," which can be tracked via the app.
How much do classes cost? Membership rates vary depending on where you live. We talked to Orangetheory, and they told us there's a range of membership packages to choose from, from Basic (4 classes for $59/month) to Elite (8 classes for $99/month) to Premier (unlimited classes for $159/month). These are just estimates, so it's best to connect with a studio rep to discuss a plan that works for you. No matter which level you go for, no annual contract is involved. Phew! And you can take additional classes at a discounted rate once you purchase a membership; the average cost of a class is $28. It's also worth noting the heart-rate monitors require an additional fee; between $5 and $10 for a rental, and between $69 and $99 to purchase. The good news? Anyone can try a free introductory class. And there's an app for that, too, and for booking future sessions.
What else do I need to know? All this stuff about heart rate and points and interval training zones may sound intimidating. But the truth is, since your results are individually tracked and assessed, Orangetheory classes are designed for all fitness levels. The classes are led by coaches who are there to motivate you to be your personal best and reach your fitness goals. No matter where you start, OTF claims you will see increased energy in one month, "amazing results" in three months, and the start of a "new you" in six. Sounds like it's worth a try!
These Quad Stretches Are Essential For Anyone Who's Feeling Sore
Stretching out the quads is a must do after hiking, cycling, running, stair-stepping, or any other activity that gives your thighs a workout. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to stretch these muscles, including these five.
Fight Back Bulge With These 9 Yoga Poses
While there's no miracle move to diminish back bulge - it's a matter of doing calorie-burning cardio to decrease your overall percentage of body fat - it's still important to strengthen and tone the muscles in that area of the body. As you begin to lose weight from all the running and Zumba classes you're doing, you'll reveal slim, chiseled muscles waiting underneath. Here are nine yoga poses that will target all the areas of your back.
25 Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes You Can Enjoy For Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Making dinner after a long day at work sucks. Cooking breakfast when you have sleep in your eyes and barely have time to make it to work also sucks. You know what doesn't suck? These slow cooker recipes. All of these recipes are simple to make and ensure you always have a healthy meal on hand.
No Gym, No Problem! This Circuit Workout Uses Just Your Body
Not only is an at-home workout excuse-proof, since it's free, it will only cost you calories! Check out this full-body circuit workout that fits in your living room. It takes about 20 minutes to do, and other than a chair, it requires no props.
Instructions: After warming up with light cardio for five minutes, repeat each three-exercise circuit twice, resting for 60 seconds after completing one rep of an entire circuit.
Click here to download a PDF of the workout that you can print. It looks best printed in color and fits on one page. Hang the workout up on your fridge to remind yourself to work it.
13 Best Dumbbell Exercises For Strong, Chiseled Arms
When you want to isolate specific muscle groups in the arms, using dumbbells is truly effective - get ready to feel the burn! Depending on your strength, grab at least two size weights ranging from five to 15 pounds so you can switch up the appropriate size dumbbells for each move.
19 Satisfying Breakfasts Under 300 Calories
Looking for a low-calorie breakfast that doesn't disappoint? These 19 light recipes all clock in under 300 calories and will keep you satisfied and energized until your next snack or meal.
4 Weight-Loss Rules For Your Morning Meal
Skipping meals is not the best weight-loss strategy, especially when it comes to breakfast. Eating in the morning wakes up your metabolism, helping you burn more calories throughout your day. A solid first meal of the day also helps keep you feeling satiated so you eat fewer calories later. If you're working to drop pounds, keep in mind these four breakfast rules.
These Weight-Loss Before-and-Afters Will Convince You to Try a Vegan Diet
There are a plethora of reasons that veganism is becoming increasingly popular. Even athletes and celebrities (like Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus) have turned to a vegan lifestyle. Not only does becoming vegan help save animals and the environment, but it also touts many health benefits, helps clear skin, and increases fitness performance. Several people have also turned to a vegan diet to promote weight loss.
Losing weight isn't always easy, but documenting progress by uploading pictures on Instagram has helped everyday people share their personal journeys and success stories to keep themselves and others motivated. We're definitely feeling some serious inspiration from these Instagrammers who have shown us their transformations after following a vegan diet.
15 Foods to Help You Sleep
If you rely on sleeping pills for a good night's sleep, take note: a recent study found that those who took sleeping aids like Ambien and Lunesta had a higher risk of dying sooner or developing cancer. While the jury's still out on whether the study found merely a correlation between being sick and taking sleeping pills (rather than the medication being the cause of the early deaths), why not play it safe with a natural fix? If you're a restless sleeper, try eating any of these foods a few hours before bedtime and be ready for a personal visit from Mr. Sandman.
If You're Exercising to Lose Weight, Don't Make These 5 Mistakes
You're getting into a routine at the gym, feeling stronger and working up a sweat, but you're not losing weight, which is one of the main reasons you started exercising in the first place. What gives?! Here are five common mistakes people make when working out that can prevent weight loss.
You're Only Doing Cardio
While it's true that cardio is great for burning calories, if you only run, bike ride, or swim, there's a missing link to maximizing your calorie burn: strength training. The more muscle you have, the higher your body's fat-burning potential, and weight training will help you burn more fat faster. That means you can do shorter workouts and get better results.
You're Skipping Intense Workouts
If you've heard of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), it's because it works! Experts agree that it's one of the best workouts for weight loss. This works for cardio and strength training and involves following a work-to-rest ratio, a popular one being two to one. That could be 40 seconds of working at 70 to 90 percent of your max followed by 20 seconds of rest. An example of HIIT could be running, biking, jumping rope, rowing, or swimming with sprint or hill intervals included, and/or a mix of strength-training moves like burpees, squats, plyometrics exercises like jumping lunges, or push-ups.
You're Inconsistent
A 20-minute walk once a day is great for getting blood flowing and getting fresh air, but it's not enough if you're trying to lose weight. The same goes for a yoga class or jog here and there - you need to be hitting the gym regularly for about 45 minutes, three to four times a week in order to see results. Commit to that if you're serious about slimming down.
Your Workouts Are Always the Same
If you've been working out and your weight loss has plateaued, it's a sign that you need to mix things up. When you do the same workout three to five times a week, your muscles become accustomed to it, so you need to tweak your workouts at least every six weeks. Or even better, do something different every time you work out. CrossFit or boot-camp-style workouts are great examples of this.
You're Not Paying Attention to What You Eat
What you do after your workout is important, too. Exercising regularly can often make you hungrier that usual, and you think "I worked out so I can eat anything I want!" Uh, nope! If you end up eating an enormous post-workout ice cream cone protein smoothie, or an extra couple snacks throughout the day, your calorie intake vs. calorie burn has evened out. In order to lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit, so make sure you're not taking in the same amount of extra calories that you just burned.
Get Strong, Defined Arms With This 100-Rep Arm Workout
Ten moves. 10 reps each. Sounds simple enough, but man, your arms will be toast after completing 100 reps without a rest. Modify this workout to fit your ability level by using two- to 10-pound dumbbells. Use the same size dumbbell for all 10 exercises (I used eight-pounders), or switch between lighter and heavier weights depending on the move. If this is still too hard, do five reps for each move instead of 10.
Your Essential Workout For Sexy Shoulders
Come summertime, arms, abs, and legs get all the attention. One of the lesser-talked-about areas worth focusing on? Hello, shoulders. Sure, warmer weather is prime time for bikinis, but what about those sexy off-the-shoulder shirts, dresses, and tanks? Not only will sculpted shoulders give you an extra oomph of confidence come date night, but as the largest joint in your body, shoulder strength is critical for performing day-to-day tasks.
"Solid, strong shoulders are essential for day-to-day function," said Katharine Harper, DPT, senior physical therapist at Bespoke Treatments in New York. "The best way to keep your joints healthy and happy in the gym is through an equal exposure of pushing and pulling in as many planes as possible."
Ready to get to work? Prepare to enhance that shimmy with this ultimate tabata-style shoulder workout, designed by Harper, for sculpted shoulders.
Directions: There are a total of three circuits. Do three rounds of each two-move circuit. Perform each exercise AMRAP (as many reps as possible) for 40 seconds, followed by 20 seconds rest, resting one minute in between each round.
Note: When choosing weights for this workout, it's a good idea to have two sets on hand so you can use lighter weights for harder moves and the heavier set for the moves that come easy to you.
Don't Be a Tight Ass - Make Your Hips Happier With These 7 Glute Stretches
If you're working toward booty gains, chances are your glutes are feeling it. A little soreness is great; it's a sign you're building muscle and getting stronger, but tight glutes can cause hip and lower-back pain. Here are seven stretches to keep your backside flexible and feeling good. Heck, you might even want to foam roll the muscles too.
The 53 Best Leg Exercises Out There
Keep those thighs strong and toned with these moves - they're the most effective exercises for targeting your lower half to make you feel confident in anything you wear, or nothing at all.
12 10-Minute Workouts For When You Can't Get to the Gym
With your packed schedule, it can be tough to set aside time for yourself to get to the gym or studio. But you're in luck! We have so many at-home workouts and workout videos that'll help you break a sweat without having to leave the house - and these ones will give you a heart-pumping sweat sesh in under 10 minutes. You might be short on time, but you definitely have 10 minutes! Let's do this.
I Make These 4 Recipes Every Sunday to Help With Weight Loss
Prepping food for the week is one of the most effective ways I stay on track when it comes to eating healthy and avoiding overeating. If I don't prep meals and snacks, dinner will end up being an entire bag of chips with guacamole or a pint of Ben & Jerry's almond milk ice cream (or both!). So to avoid that, these are the four recipes I prep every Sunday.
If You Want to Feel Healthier, These Snacks May Help
Certain foods have been proven to help decrease belly fat, which means the foods you choose at snack time can actually help you slim down your belly. Go for ingredients with whole grains like oats, as well as monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) like avocado, nuts, and seeds.
Berries such as blueberries are also key belly-fat fighters, along with fiber-rich fruits and veggies like raspberries, greens, and beans. For a protein-packed snack, don't forget about lean protein, especially fish like salmon, eggs, soy products, and plant-based protein powders; they can also help diminish visceral fat around your inner organs.
Here are some snack recipe ideas that include these ingredients to satisfy your hunger and help reduce your belly fat. Some of these are recipes for meals, so just prepare smaller, snack-size portions.
Articles
