Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mardi 7 août 2018
Should You Try the Carnivore Diet? These Experts Explain Why It's Not Healthy
As the Paleo, Whole30, and keto diets have exploded in popularity, it seems like more people are embracing meat than ever. But while animal meats of all kinds are staples in these popular diets, there's one new eating craze that takes it to the extreme: the carnivore diet.
Although the carnivore diet is a blanket term for a meat-based diet, an extreme version of this diet is just meat, salt, and sparkling water: no fruits, no veggies, no grains, and no carbs of any kind. Other versions include meat along with different types of animal products including cheese, eggs, and butter. Followers of this diet argue that meat has all the nutrients you need and eschewing all other food groups will heal your depression, fatigue, arthritis, and other autoimmune disease. They ascribe to the belief that vegetables aren't as healthy for us as we have been told and no, you don't need carbs to function. Not to mention, the carnivore diet is supposed to help you lose weight.
If this way of eating sounds bonkers, that's because it is. We tapped a registered dietitian and cardiologist to break down how the carnivore diet actually impacts your body and whether or not you should give it a shot. Spoiler alert: regular bowel movements aren't the only thing at risk.
Why You Need to Eat Other Food Groups
"While you would be able to survive eating only meat, I just don't think this diet is realistic or healthy," Jillian Kubala, MS, RD, told POPSUGAR. "Although there is research supporting the use of very low-carbohydrate diets, like the ketogenic diet, to treat certain diseases and promote weight loss, we don't yet have evidence that the carnivore diet is safe to follow long-term."
One major problem with the carnivore diet is that it eliminates complete food groups, including fruits and vegetables, and is void of one complete macronutrient group: carbohydrates.
"Other foods such as healthy fats, veggies, fruits, and complex carbs offer an abundance of important vitamins, minerals, and compounds that benefit health," Jillian explained. Unlike meat, fruits and veggies are loaded with fiber, which can help regulate your digestive system and keep you feeling fuller for longer. Plus, produce is packed with micronutrients and antioxidants that you don't get from meat alone.
Eating Too Much Meat Is Potentially Dangerous
Eating meat alone isn't just harmful for the lack of nutrients from other foods; it could potentially be dangerous. Too much red meat has been linked to colorectal cancer, and the World Health Organization has reported that when red meat is cooked at high temperatures, it becomes carcinogenic.
Cancer risk aside, eating too much meat and chasing it down with sparkling water, as one extreme version of this diet suggests, is inflammatory, explains board-certified cardiologist Luiza Petre, MD. Eating too much red and processed meat can also increase your risk of heart disease, she explained, especially since they are high in saturated fat and salt.
The amount of meat someone should eat in a day depends on their age, activity level, health status, weight, and nutritional needs. But in general, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the average person eat no more than six ounces of cooked lean meat, skinless chicken, and seafood per day, and four to five servings a week. The AHA also recommends limiting red meat along with saturated fat, sodium, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages.
Although you can technically survive on meat alone - and potentially lose weight if you are eating in a calorie deficit - it's not ideal for overall health. Instead, Dr. Petre recommends eating plenty of vegetables, and Jillian has a better approach to meeting your weight-loss goals:
"It's not necessary to cut out most food groups to drop pounds," she said. "I would recommend cutting out processed foods, added sugars, and simple carbohydrates and upping activity levels before trying out a restrictive diet like the carnivore diet."
This Pilates Butt Workout Will Make You Want to Show Off Your Hard Work
Pilates may have originally been created as a form of physical therapy, but many of us love it for its ability to tone our physique. Though it's known to help build core strength, Pilates can also help sculpt the booty with a few focused exercises. To find out exactly which moves are best for this goal, Pilates instructor and owner of Real Pilates studios Alycea Ungaro created a Pilates butt workout for POPSUGAR that she recommends doing three to four times per week.
See each move broken down ahead!
This Is How My Body Transformed After Doing 2 Years of CrossFit
As a health and fitness writer, I'm game to check out the latest trends in my world. Two years ago, CrossFit was continuing to gain popularity, so I "took one for the team" and signed up for the month-long, on-ramp training that's required in order to take regular CrossFit classes. Running and yoga were my obsession at the time, so my I headed into the experiment thinking my angle would be something like, "I tried CrossFit and it was the stupidest thing ever." But within those first few weeks, I realized my assumptions were all wrong. And believe it or not, I've learned a lot about myself from my time at the box.
Over the past two years, CrossFit has changed my life in so many ways. I am not the same person I was two years ago, and I'm so grateful I took the leap, stepped out of my comfort zone, and tried it. I found out why people are so obsessed with CrossFit, and now I'm obsessed, too. Keep reading to learn all about the ups and downs I experienced during my two-year CrossFit journey.
A Trainer Shares How to Burn Fat and Build Muscle - It's About Reps and Sets
The old, but disturbing, saying "there's more than one way to skin a cat" (sorry for the gruesome image) applies to the relationship between fitness and weight loss. There is more than one way to work out to lose weight. It's easy to get caught up with what worked for your favorite fitness influencer, what you read online, and what you see people doing in the gym. But the true objective is to figure out what works for you, your body, and your weight-loss goals.
When it comes to fitness, there are a ton of tools to help you achieve what you're looking for; you just have to find the ones that work best for you. As a personal trainer, I suggest you take the time to research fitness and nutrition programs to find the best fit, even if it seems mundane and difficult. Here's a four-week strength-training plan for beginners to see how to program a month of workouts.
Don't NOT Have a Plan
It's easy to go to the gym with the goal of losing weight but no real plan. In my opinion, that's one of the biggest mistakes you can make. It's great that you're getting in the gym, but without a plan, achieving your goals will be challenging. Instead, follow this simple structure when it comes to your strength programs if your goal is to lose weight and build lean muscle mass.
Reps and Sets For Weight Loss
If you're new to strength training, I suggest doing two to three strength sessions a week and gradually increasing the number of sessions you do as your body begins to adapt to the stimulus of lifting weights. Here's the breakdown:
- If you've never lifted before, start with three sets of 10 reps per exercise.
- As you become comfortable with the movements, begin to increase this to three to four sets of 12 reps.
- If you have experience lifting weights, complete anywhere between three to five sets of eight to 15 reps.
When to Lift More
First and foremost, I recommend mastering the technique before worrying about weight. Once you've got the form down, I suggest lifting with medium to heavy weight and recording your progress to determine if you need to increase your weight. It might feel like paperwork, but this is how you will know what you need. You can mix up your strength sessions by doing a day of lighter weight and more reps (four sets of 15 squats with 10-pound dumbbells) or fewer reps and heavier weight (three sets of 10 squats with a 45-pound kettlebell).
Avoid the Plateau
I know you're probably thinking, "Why isn't there one definitive set and rep scheme?" First, I've found this range of sets and reps successful when it comes to weight loss, and second, if you don't constantly change your rep and set scheme, you'll hit a plateau. So come with a plan, and make sure that plan mixes it up. Finally, I wouldn't be doing my job if I told you that all you had to do was four sets of 12 squats in order to lose weight - you need to work with your workout to find what is challenging you and your muscles right now.
As I mentioned earlier, this rep and set formula is just a tool to kick-start your weight-loss journey. You're going to have to be consistent with your workouts and, most importantly, consistent with your nutrition in order to achieve the results you're after.
The 16 Best Bodyweight Squat Variations For the Ultimate Booty Burn
No barbell? No dumbbells? No problem! You can still tone your legs and booty with the ultimate bodyweight move: the squat. Try these variations to up your booty gains.
Your Slow Cooker and These 10 Recipes Are About to Make the Keto Diet Easier For You
When you decide to make a lifestyle change like following the ketogenic diet, you know you don't want to stress yourself out coming up with a ton of new and time-intensive dishes to prepare every week. A slow cooker can be a lifesaver once you've figured out what you want to make, often allowing you to prepare one item (such as beef or spaghetti squash) for a variety of meals, and either way saving you hours every week.
We've rounded up 10 low-carb recipes, from meat bases to hearty soups, all of which are keto-approved. Grab that slow cooker, dig in, and thank us later.
I Haven't Eaten Dairy For 4 Years, and I've Experienced These 12 Massive Health Benefits
As a young animal lover, I stopped eating meat when I was 13 years old, and dairy was an absolute staple. I didn't think anything was wrong with it because it wasn't like the cows were being killed, right? Wrong. So wrong. It wasn't until four years ago, when I watched the documentary Vegucated, that I found out how inhumane the dairy industry is. I had no idea! Cows are artificially impregnated at an alarming rate, and after they gave birth, their babies are brutally taken away from them immediately and hooked up to a machine to give their milk to us. I was sobbing watching a farmer drag a newborn calf away from its mama while she screamed and tried to chase after it as they held her back.
I live in Vermont, where the joke is that there are more cows than people. I spoke to tons of small family farms to find out the truth. They all nodded. I was shocked that one very well-known organic farm explained, "The reason we separate the calf right away is so they don't bond. Already you can hear the moms and calves mooing to each other, and it'd be much worse if they stayed together." It made me sick. As a mother of two, my heart ached, and I felt compelled to give dairy up overnight.
Aside from feeling good about not supporting the cruel dairy industry, I had no idea how dramatically my life would improve over the past four years. Here are the amazing health benefits I experienced after going dairy-free.
Feeling Deprived on Your Weight-Loss Plan? Try This Trick From a Dietitian
If you've been tracking calories for weight loss, then you may be frustrated by what you are limited to eating during a day. You may even keep your favorite indulgence foods off-limits for fear of going over your total daily calorie allotment. Turns out, this may not help with your weight-loss progress. You could end up feeling super deprived, which will only lead to a binge later on and possible feelings of guilt for falling off your plan.
Whether you're dealing with intense cravings, want to ward off a binge, or just want to mix up your boring, everyday meal plan, registered dietitian and trainer Jim White, ACSM, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios, recommends you indulge in a treat before bed.
"It's a good idea on some days of the week to have a certain set amount of discretionary calories before bed to ward off any cravings," he told POPSUGAR. "The key is to keep it calorie controlled." He recommends sticking to 150 calories, which can be about one ounce of chocolate, a glass of wine, a small bag of popcorn, or one ounce of potato chips. That way, you can enjoy your favorite foods without feeling deprived or just mindlessly eating them and overconsuming calories.
If you are sticking to a set daily calorie target, then you can obviously fit this in within your daily allotment. But if you already hit your target for the day and still are craving a treat, Jim said there's usually no harm in going over 150 calories two to three days a week. You can still make weight-loss progress and indulge in your favorite foods - it's all about balance.
This Is How Long It'll Take For Intermittent Fasting to Work
When it comes to getting healthier and toning up your body, one of the most popular of the countless options out there right now is intermittent fasting (or IF, for short). IF includes several different approaches to choose from, but most involve eating for only a short period of time during the day and/or limiting the amount of calories you consume. The results are apparent to those who've tried the method, but according to the experts, you need at least 10 weeks of following a few basic rules to see any changes.
Read on for more details about how best to make IF work for you, including whether the time of day you're eating has an impact on your waistline and what other benefits you can expect from the method, aside from a lower number on the scale.
10 Bodyweight Exercises to Help You Lose Weight
If you're looking for a way to tone and shape your body with minimal equipment, body weight exercises are a great way to trim inches and help you lose weight. Using gravity and your body's natural resistance, you can kick up your metabolism by adding muscle in all the right places.
You want to make sure you hit a variety of muscle groups and activate your upper body, lower body, and core throughout the workout for maximum results, mixing some cardio bursts with basic HIIT exercises between strength training to jump start your calorie burn and improve your heart health.
We have rounded up the 10 best body weight exercises you can start practicing at home today.
25 Must Dos to Lose Belly Fat (and Keep It Off!)
If you tend to carry weight around your waist, you're not alone - it's one of the most stubborn areas to lose weight! Aside from revealing your amazing six-pack, having a lean, flat belly is also good for your health since visceral fat around your organs can lead to disease. If you want to lose your belly fat and keep it off, here's what you need to do.
Why Doing a Boudoir Photo Shoot in Lingerie Was the Ultimate Form of Self-Care For Me
I've spent most of my life battling body-image issues and insecurities about my figure. I'm 5'1 and have a naturally stocky build with broad shoulders. One ex-boyfriend and his entire family used to call me Stumps because of my "big thighs." He also once told me I look like a running back because I'm so short and stout. I'm sure you can imagine how I wasn't too pleased to receive that kind of feedback from a guy who was supposed to be my greatest support.
Having been teased at school for many years as well, I entered my adult years with some emotional baggage. But the last few years have helped me regain my confidence, and I owe a lot of that to my dedication to fitness and clean eating.
Self-care practices also played a huge role in my growth of self-confidence and body acceptance. From meditating daily to journaling to attending wellness retreats, I've found all sorts of ways to take care of my mind as well as my body. One unexpected thing I did this year that contributed to better self-care was participate in a boudoir photo shoot.
It sounds strange, but posing in lingerie was an incredible way to heal my past wounds and feel stronger and more beautiful than ever. I worked with Tonhya Wysong, a professional photographer who created the project La Femme Forte, an initiative that's dedicated to helping women feel more confident in their bodies. This is how La Femme Forte acted as the ultimate self-care for me.
I'm a Fitness Editor, and This Is the Workout Brand I Cannot Stop Wearing
If you were to peruse my closet you'd find that a majority of my clothing is workout gear (if I had to guess, I'd say 97 percent). My curation of fitness gear is impeccable, if I say so myself, and although I'm overdue for a sports bra and legging purge, I always find ways to add more to my ever-growing collection.
One day, when I was doing my daily Instagram scroll, I came across a woman wearing the TLA by Morgan Stewart workout set. Typically, I scroll, double-tap when applicable, and keep it moving, but this time was different. I made a mental note in my head that this would be the next set to call my closet home.
I decided that my all-black workout uniform could use a little break and opted for the Jasper legging and bra in electric coral. I've worn them to run errands, to train clients, and to work out, and I have yet to find something I don't like about them. I like that they're supportive but not restricting, and, most importantly, that they're sweat-wicking. I like my workout gear to be minimal - I'm not a fan of floral leggings - and I love that these are bold without being too aggressive.
It seems like the internet feels the same way, as I've begun to see more and more athleisure fans rocking their neon workout sets to and from the gym and everything else in between. Whether you simply like to rock leggings or you're in need of more workout gear (you can never have enough), you've got to try this brand. See more of the collection ahead!
Fitness Trainer Says Do These 6 Things to Lose Weight (Counting Calories Is Not 1 of Them)
While dialing in your nutrition is absolutely essential if you want to lose or maintain your weight, you don't need to obsess over counting calories. Chad Hargrove, a personal trainer and nutrition coach, says do these six things to lose weight and get toned without tracking every little calorie.
Beyoncé Opens Up About Embracing Her Postbaby Body: "I Have a Little Mommy Pouch"
It often seems like Beyoncé is a goddess who always looks flawless and oozes confidence in everything she does. And while she does usually look amazing (and rocks one hell of a snakeskin bikini), she's also human and feels pressure to lose weight and get back into her prebaby shape ASAP, just like other moms.
"After the birth of my first child, I believed in the things society said about how my body should look," she said in the September issue of Vogue, which she had full creative control over. "I put pressure on myself to lose all the baby weight in three months, and scheduled a small tour to assure I would do it. Looking back, that was crazy."
She also revealed in the magazine that she was 218 pounds the day she gave birth to her twins, Rumi and Sir, and was swollen from toxemia, also known as preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition in pregnant women when they get high blood pressure. She ended up having an emergency C-section and afterward was much kinder to herself practicing self-love and self-care. "I embraced being curvier," she said.
How Beyoncé Prepared for Coachella
To prepare for Coachella, the music festival where she made history as the first black female headliner, Beyoncé said she ate a temporary vegan diet and gave up coffee, alcohol, and juice. This time, however, she said she was more patient with herself and enjoyed her "fuller curves."
Beyoncé on Embracing Her Postbaby Body
"I think it's important for women and men to see and appreciate the beauty in their natural bodies," she said. "To this day my arms, shoulders, breasts, and thighs are fuller. I have a little mommy pouch, and I'm in no rush to get rid of it. I think it's real. Whenever I'm ready to get a six-pack, I will go into beast zone and work my ass off until I have it. But right now, my little FUPA and I feel like we are meant to be."
We love Beyoncé's message of self-acceptance and agree that it's important to be kind to yourself. If you're embarking on a weight-loss journey, it's totally OK to be patient with yourself and practice self-care; loving yourself is more important than the number on the scale.
lundi 6 août 2018
We Tracked Down That Excellent Fiona Apple Cover in OITNB's Season 6 Trailer
Orange Is the New Black's season six is here, and along with it, a whole lot of anxiety. Not only have all of the series' beloved characters been separated within a dangerous maximum security facility, but they're also caught up in a violent turf war between rival groups in the new prison, and being persuaded to turn on each other in a shady investigation conducted by the company that ran Litchfield. Clearly the three-day prison riot that went down last season has had major consequences. Fortunately we have something to take your mind off of the stress: the musicians behind that incredible Fiona Apple cover in the season six trailer.
At the 1:30 minute mark, above, you can hear the upbeat cover of Apple's 1996 hit "Criminal." With lyrics like "What I need is a good defense / Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal / And I need to be redeemed / To the one I've sinned against / Because he's all I ever knew of love," we're surprised the show hasn't used it before. Although we're huge fans of the original song, the cover by St. Urbain and Lissie is undeniably catchy, and the perfect track to listen to after binging season six. Check it out in full below, or listen to it over on Spotify!
"Criminal" by St. Urbain feat. Lissie
1 Mom on Unplanned Pregnancy: "No One Teaches You How to Love a Child You Didn't Plan to Have"
Olivyah Bowens, a 23-year-old mom and doula from Puerto Rico, loves her 2-year-old daughter, Ozara, more than anything. As a woman who takes her role as a mother very seriously, she decided to open up about the challenges that come with having an unplanned pregnancy in a now-viral Instagram post - and her experience is extremely eye-opening.
"No one teaches you how to love a child you didn't plan to have," she wrote. "No one shows you how to traverse the emotional complexity of loving a child you weren't happy about being pregnant with. It's even more difficult at those times when they're having tantrums and pushing you to a point of emotional exhaustion. It's confusing."
She admits that breaking the news to her family was an emotional gauntlet that was hard to navigate. It's poignent and thought-provoking.
"When the same people who told you that you pretty much ruined your life are smiling ear to ear at your baby shower a few months later," she said. "It's hard. Looking at a beautiful baby and being bogged down by the thoughts of how you will take care of them and how much life will change."
"I don't enjoy being a mother all the time, but this child has been the catalyst for major growth."
For Olivyah, having an unplanned pregnancy was an introspective experience. She admits that sometimes she can't help but see her own reflection in her daughter's eyes.
"To project the pain of your wounded inner child onto your baby. It is the lethal cycle of trauma," she confessed. "This stage of motherhood has forced me to look at my reflection in my daughter's eyes and realize that no I don't enjoy being a mother all the time, but this child has been the catalyst for major growth. She is the mirror that allows me to look into my past and see the fears still controlling me now."
But despite the fact that being a mom is undoubtedly hard, Olivyah admits that embarking on her parenthood journey has helped her heal emotionally.
"When we heal our deepest pains we are speaking to our ancestors across the space time illusion and holding a cross-generational conversation within our DNA that heals old wounds and rectifies long lost problems," she explained. "Motherhood hasn't just healed me it's healed the mother's that came before me."
Still, she has her hard days. After all, taking care of a child 24/7 isn't exactly for the faint of heart - just look at the photo. "The reality is I don't want to be a mother every day," said Olivyah. "I don't want to feel held back from chasing my dreams and goals. I don't want to be exhausted. But I KNOW this little girl has brought me face to face with things that would have otherwise been ignored in my bubble of childless freedom."
Olivyah left women who are going through a similar experience with a bit of advice that's worth jotting down.
"Dear mama who is going through an unplanned pregnancy, don't feel guilty, don't feel afraid, don't feel ashamed," she said. "That baby chose YOU to be its mothers at the perfect time. Surrender to the journey of unpredictability and let this new being show you a whole new part of yourself you didn't know was there."
The Simple Explanation Behind That Shocking Death on The Affair
Major spoilers for this week's episode of The Affair ahead!
It's been clear for awhile now that The Affair was heading into its home stretch (it was recently confirmed that the Showtime series would end after the upcoming fifth season), but this week's episode packed a gut punch that most fans didn't see coming. Alison Bailey (Ruth Wilson), one of the show's most complex and prominent characters, was killed off in an apparent suicide by drowning. Alison's fate isn't that surprising from a character perspective; while a devoted mother, she's been battling so many demons for so long that it's not hard to believe she'd take her own life (though her cause of death is still not totally confirmed). What's more shocking is that Showtime would cut ties with one of its core actors when there's still an entire season of story left - especially since Alison is deeply woven into to the fabric of the show. So why was Alison killed off? The answer is actually very simple: Ruth Wilson wanted to leave the show.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Sarah Treem, The Affair's showrunner, explains: "Ruth wanted to leave the show. That was a request, so that was decided basically before we started writing. It wasn't a discovery of any kind. That was very deliberate. And actually, we shot all of her work first. Her whole storyline was shot before we shot anything else."
Treem didn't give a reason for why Wilson requested an early exit, but she did confirm that "you don't know the whole story" behind Alison's death at the end of this episode. Based on the preview for next week's episode, we'll get to see what happened from Alison's perspective.
30 Healthy and Ridiculously Easy Recipes Made For College Students
As a college student, you probably appreciate the luxury of popping into the dining hall for a quick bite whenever you need a fast meal between classes. But sometimes you might just need a break or have a craving for something healthy and homemade, right?
Whether you're living in a dorm or in an off-campus apartment, there are several easy, healthy, and delicious recipes to make, many of which don't even require any cooking whatsoever. Here are 30 to get you started.
Stock Up on Crop Tops! 10 at-Home, No-Equipment Moves That'll Give You Toned Abs
Fitness professionals will tell you that abs are made in the kitchen, which is... totally true. You have to eat clean to remove subcutaneous fat and reveal the muscles below, but did you know that abs can be also be built in your living room? If you're not working out your core, you won't get that six-pack.
We teamed up with Sarah Chadwell, NASM, CPT, a certified trainer, to bring you a 10-move workout you can do at home and with no equipment.
"Use my favorite at-home ab exercises two to three times per week to flatten, tone, and sculpt your midsection. I like to put the names of 10-20 exercises on strips of paper and draw five or six of them out of a bowl for a surprise routine each day. It keeps abs day interesting and varied," said Chadwell. Here are her favorite exercises.
Running Your First Marathon? A Running Coach Shares What to Expect
Running your first marathon is a very exciting and equally daunting experience. Training for and running 26.2 miles is not an easy task (we'll be rooting for you), but at the end of the day, you're going to feel like such a badass once you cross the finish line.
To ensure that you have the best experience possible during your training and race, we spoke to Roberto Mandje, an Olympic distance runner and coach of the New York Road Runners. Roberto shared his best tips, like dealing with race-day cramps, and the most efficient way to pace your race. Congratulations on your first marathon and good luck!
Related: Run Faster and Prevent Injuries With This 9-Move Strength Workout For Runners
Take Your High-Intensity Workout to the Next Level With STRONG by Zumba
Chances are you've heard about the dance craze that is Zumba, which has made fitness extremely fun and helped people lose tremendous amounts of weight. If dancing isn't your preferred method of working out, or you're just looking for another style of training to become obsessed with (trust us, you're going to love this), you've got to try STRONG by Zumba.
You Don't Have to Wait a Second Longer to Shop 2018's Biggest Shoe Trends
Shoes are our guilty shopping pleasure. If that's the case for you too, you'll be pleased to know that you don't have to wait a second more to shop 2018's most popular styles. After checking out which colors and silhouettes were most abundant on the Spring runways, we compiled a list of several must-have styles for the new year. Don't worry; we found shoes at every price point so you can test the trend without going over budget. Read on to see our top picks, and then start adding your favorites to your cart.
15 Truths About Weaning No One Talks About
The decision to stop breastfeeding is a very personal one. Unfortunately, the private nature of weaning can keep new moms in the dark about what it involves.
When I transitioned from exclusively breastfeeding after six months, I was hit with unexpected side effects, both emotionally and physically. Some were good, and some were bad. The experience differed from how I felt at the beginning of my breastfeeding journey. Before and after birth, I read the books, took classes, and talked to supportive professionals and friends. That led to an overall positive breastfeeding experience. And when things didn't go well, I felt prepared for bumps in the road, including a bout of mastitis.
I didn't experience the same openness around weaning. Considering all the pressure to breastfeed, some of it self-imposed, I actually felt ashamed that I was going to stop before the one-year mark. Ellen Maughan, an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) at NYU Langone Health, confirmed that my feelings were normal. She explained, "At times, social, family, or personal feelings can create guilt when it comes to weaning." According to Maughan, it's crucial that moms have accurate information and knowledge about their weaning options. When that happens, they're more likely to feel that they made the best decision for themselves and their babies.
Following my experience, I think it's important to demystify the process of weaning and help other women feel less alone. To do my part, here are 15 things I wish I knew before I stopped breastfeeding.
This Math Problem Will Make You Lose Your Mind
Math, even in its simplest form, can confuse the hell out of anyone, which is why this math problem is driving people crazy.
The question, posed by popular YouTube account MindYourDecisions, was originally posted on Aug. 31, 2016 but is making the rounds across the internet again. Why? People keep arriving to two different answers: 1 and 9.
To solve the problem, you need to remember PEMDAS, otherwise known as the order of operations. In case you forgot, PEMDAS standards for: parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. To solve a problem with PEMDAS, first you solve anything dealing with parentheses and exponents, and then move left to right with the remaining operations. Try it for yourself below.
Ready with your answer? Perhaps you did the following: 6/2(3) leads to (3)(3) with a final answer of 9. Others did something else: 6/2(3) gives you the next equation, 6/6, and an answer of 1. The correct answer: 9! According to the man behind this YouTube account, Presh Talwalkar, people get one as the answer due to an old way of interpreting the division sign. "Historically the symbol / was used to mean you should divide by the entire product on the right of the symbol," he wrote in a blog post. So, if you got 1 as your answer, it's not right, but not your fault either for learning this method.
How Many Calories Do I Need to Eat to Lose Weight? This Formula Breaks It Down
If you feel like you've done everything to lose weight - keto, intermittent fasting, Whole30, fitness plans, counting macros - and still aren't seeing the scale budge, it's understandably frustrating. After all, putting so much time and effort into meal prep and reading up on the latest diet trends can be exhausting, especially if you don't see any results.
In reality, losing weight boils down to a simple science: burning more calories than you take in. This calories-in, calories-out calculation may seem simplistic, but it does get a little more complicated when you realize that not everyone's bodies burn calories the same.
Calculating Basal Metabolic Rate and Total Energy Expenditure
To find out how many calories you burn a day, you need to know your total energy expenditure, or TDEE. It starts with finding your basal metabolic rate (BMR), which you can get measured with a machine like the InBody Test, which sends electrodes through your body and calculates your BMI, body fat percentage, and basal metabolic rate, among other stats.
You can also do a math equation to find your BMR using the Harris-Benedict formula based on your total body weight, height, age, and sex. It's a little more complicated, but it's more accurate than quick-and-dirty formulas found online. For a woman, the calculation is:
BMR = 655 + (1.8 x height in centimeters) + (9.6 x weight in kilograms) - (4.7 x age in years)
For a woman who is 30, 5'6" (167.6 centimeters), and 150 pounds (68 kilograms), her BMR would be: 655 + 301.7 + 653 - 141 = approximately 1,470 calories a day.
From there, you multiply your BMR by your activity level: 1.2 if you're sedentary, 1.375 if you do light exercise one to three days a week, 1.55 if you do moderate exercise six to seven days a week, 1.75 if you're very active (hard exercise every day or exercising twice a day), and 1.9 if you're extra active (hard exercise two or more times per day).
So for that 150-pound person who is moderately active, it would be: 1,470 x 1.55 = approximately 2,280. That's about how many calories your body burns on any given day. To lose weight, you would have to create a calorie deficit.
How to Find Out How Many Calories You Need to Lose Weight
"One pound is equal to 3,500 calories. Therefore, if someone was looking to lose one pound per week, they would need to cut their daily calories down by 500 calories per day," registered dietitian and personal trainer Jim White, ACSM, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios, told POPSUGAR.
If your TDEE is in fact 2,232, to lose one pound a week, you would have to eat 1,780 calories a day to eat in a healthy calorie deficit and see progress on the scale. Ultimately, this formula is just a guideline; you should consult with your doctor or dietitian to determine your exact calorie needs.
This Math Problem Will Make You Lose Your Mind
Math, even in its simplest form, can confuse the hell out of anyone, which is why this math problem is driving people crazy.
The question, posed by popular YouTube account MindYourDecisions, was originally posted on Aug. 31, 2016 but is making the rounds across the internet again. Why? People keep arriving to two different answers: 1 and 9.
To solve the problem, you need to remember PEMDAS, otherwise known as the order of operations. In case you forgot, PEMDAS standards for: parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. To solve a problem with PEMDAS, first you solve anything dealing with parentheses and exponents, and then move left to right with the remaining operations. Try it for yourself below.
Ready with your answer? Perhaps you did the following: 6/2(3) leads to (3)(3) with a final answer of 9. Others did something else: 6/2(3) gives you the next equation, 6/6, and an answer of 1. The correct answer: 9! According to the man behind this YouTube account, Presh Talwalkar, people get one as the answer due to an old way of interpreting the division sign. "Historically the symbol / was used to mean you should divide by the entire product on the right of the symbol," he wrote in a blog post. So, if you got 1 as your answer, it's not right, but not your fault either for learning this method.
86 Sex and the City Outfits That Will Live On in Our Fashion Dreams Forever
Sex and the City may have premiered 20 years ago, but the cast's killer outfits are still something we are very much interested in. Now matter how many times we rewatch it, Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda's fashion-forward ensembles continue to serve some major style inspiration, even after all this time. From Carrie's famous tutu to Samantha's skintight frocks, the show's stylist, Patricia Field, made sure every outfit she dressed the girls in was not only insanely chic but also completely memorable. While, sadly, we won't be getting a third film, we can always binge-watch the first two movies and the entire series whenever we are in need of some sartorial inspo.
Click through for 86 awesome shots - in no particular order - of the cast's most fabulous fashion moments from the set of both the films and the show.
Eva Longoria Looks Radiant as She Steps Out For the First Time Since Giving Birth
Eva Longoria stepped out on Sunday simply glowing, at her first event since giving birth to baby Santiago 6 weeks ago. The Desperate Housewives actress joined costars Nina Dobrev and Vanessa Hudgens to attend the premiere of Dog Days. She wore a white jacket dress giving new meaning to mom-chic.
Since becoming a mom, Eva has let us in on some adorable snaps of her newborn, raised important political issues, and special messages to those supporting her. Ahead get a closer look at Eva's first post-baby outing.
Why Orange Is the New Black's Seventh Season Will Probably Be Its Last
Although I finished binge-watching season six of Orange Is the New Black a few days ago, I'm still having a hard time processing it all thanks to all those wild cliffhangers. What's going to happen to Blanca after that heartbreaking surprise twist? And Taystee after the result of that trial? Is Lorna's baby OK? Also, does the end of Piper's time in prison mean we're going to see her write the real-life memoir that inspired the show, bringing everything full circle? Details about season seven might be scant at the moment, but it's because of the latter storyline that we think not only will Netflix renew OITNB for a seventh batch of episodes but that it might be its last.
As any dedicated fan of Jenji Kohan's groundbreaking series can attest, the last few seasons have started to run out of steam. The three-day riot concept in season five was ambitious and creative but ultimately resulted in a slow-moving trudge that didn't do much for our favorite Litchfield inmates (to be fair, that can also be blamed on the show's 13-episode count, which is about three too many). But then again, five years later, it seems to still be one of Netflix's most popular series. The streaming giant isn't going to just give it the ax out of nowhere.
So, it seems far more likely that season seven will be OITNB's last outing, giving the writers plenty of time to wrap up everyone's storylines. The theory is further supported by the potential loss of Danielle Brooks, who told Entertainment Weekly last year that a seventh season would be her last on the show. "To be honest, I don't know if I want to play an inmate past that. I don't know if I want to do that because I have a lot in me and a lot that I want to share with the world and different characters I want to be able to bring to life," she explained. "After seven, I think it might be time for me to spread my wings, but I don't want to speak too fast on that."
Kohan also expressed her desire to tie things up after season seven while chatting with The New York Times in June 2017. "I haven't made a final decision yet, but I'm leaning toward ending it after seven - although the nature of the show is one that can go on and on because you can bring in new people," she said, noting that she does have an ending in mind. "I think I do. And I will not share it."
Ending the series with Piper writing her memoir, Orange Is the New Black, and shedding light on important issues that plague female inmates in prisons all over the country would be the perfect way for things to conclude. And if all goes according to plan, we can expect said final season in the Summer of 2019, in line with its usual premiere schedule.
Summer of Love! Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner Share a Smooch in New York City
It truly has been one Summer of love for the Jonas Brothers. Not only did Nick Jonas recently become engaged to Quantico actress Priyanka Chopra, but fellow fiancés Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner have been championing their romance all over the globe. From adopting their second puppy to getting inked together and squeezing in a date night with Nick and Priyanka, the duo have had a Summer to rival many. On Tuesday, the pair stepped out again for lunch in New York and flaunted their romance even further. While dining, the couple leaned in for a sweet kiss, all while sporting matching athleisure (Backstreet Boys t-shirt included). Read on to see their day out in NYC.
A List of All the Keto-Approved Meat and Protein - and Recipes to Make For Each of Them
Keto allows you to eat tons of your favorite foods - like veggies, healthy fats, protein, and dairy (a diet that approves of butter sounds great to us!) - so perhaps that's why even the most experienced keto followers have fallen victim to forgetting exactly what you can and can't eat while on the popular diet. We have exactly what you need: a list of all the meat and protein you can enjoy while sticking to your goals, plus delicious recipes that'll help you enjoy them.
Your Ultimate Guide to the Hottest Sunglasses of 2018
Some fashion girls are addicted to collecting sunglasses, and we completely understand. If this sounds like you, you'll be pleased to know we rounded up the top five must-have styles for the new season. Based on runway and street style trends, we narrowed down the search to select styles that range from the affordable to the luxe, should you want to feed your shade obsession. We know finding the perfect sunglasses can be difficult, but hopefully the list below will steer you in the right direction.
Watch Them Before They're Gone! These 28 Movies and Shows Are Leaving Netflix in August
It's that time again! The dreaded time of the month when you take a deep breath and prepare to say goodbye to all the movies and shows leaving Netflix. While the streaming service has some exciting additions in store for August (including The Princess Diaries 2 and The Good Place season two), there are a handful of fan-favorites being pulled. Seriously, why do you have to take away Finding Dory, Netflix? See what else will be disappearing from your queue next month.
Aug. 1
3000 Miles to Graceland
Adventures in Babysitting
Can't Buy Me Love
Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot, season one
Finding Dory
Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay
Reasonable Doubt
The Killing, seasons one-three
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
Aug. 2
10 Rules for Sleeping Around
Aug. 5
13 Assassins
Aug. 6
Welcome to Me
Aug. 10
St. Vincent
Aug. 12
For a Good Time, Call . . .
Aug. 13
Help, I've Shrunk the Family
Aug. 16
Being Flynn
Enter the Battlefield
Jem and the Hologram, seasons one-three
Littlest Pet Shop, seasons two-four
Pariah
Pound Puppies, seasons one-three
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
The Adventures of Chuck & Friends, season two
Transformers Prime, seasons two-three
Transformers: Rescue Bots, seasons two-four
Aug. 23
Sausage Party
Aug. 25
The Road
Khloé Kardashian Claps Back to People Talking About Her "Pregnancy Lips"
Khloé Kardashian just clapped back to people who have anything to say about her "pregnancy lips." The Kardashian posted a PSA on her Instagram stories before the season 15 premiere of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, asking everyone to "be kind about [her] growing body and lips."
She continued, "A lot of wild sh*t happens to your body and face while pregnant" and urged people to be kind and not shame her for her appearance. This isn't the first time the youngest Kardashian sister has been vocal about her experiences with motherhood, pregnancy, and mommy-shamers since welcoming daughter, True, 3 months ago.
Recently, it was her half-sister Kylie Jenner who got people talking after announcing that she'd dissolved her lip fillers. Filler or no filler, these sisters refuse to be shamed.
Ready to Go Vegan? Here's a 7-Day Meal Plan to Get You Started
Figuring out what to eat every single day can be exhausting, especially if you're new to the vegan diet game. Maybe you want to try making something you've never made before or you just want a change from your usual. Whatever it is, we're packing our favorite recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks so you can see just how versatile the vegan diet truly is. From mac and "cheese" to delicious breakfast bars, the possibilities are truly endless.
By the end of this one-week meal plan - a mix of healthy and indulgent because balance is always key - you'll see that the vegan diet can be fun and delicious without eating tofu every day. Kick-start your plant-based journey now and see what's cooking.
James Corden Took Brian's Place in the Backstreet Boys, and You Have to See What Happened
James Corden made a trip to visit the Backstreet Boys in Las Vegas recently to provide "tired" Brian Littrell with a night off . . . even if he didn't really want it. As a way of thanking the band for their recent performance on The Late Late Show With James Corden, James decided to drop in at Planet Hollywood, where they currently have a residency, to step into the shoes of one of the guys for one night only.
In typical Corden style, James quickly took over the whole thing, changing the choreography, putting himself front and center, and even suggesting that the rest of the band "disappear for the rest of the song." Of course, when he finally did slip into his all-white outfit and take his place on stage, James definitely put in a "Larger Than Life" performance, even if he didn't have the stamina to be a BSB for real.
Watch him living out his boy band dreams above, then take a step into the BSB time machine as you enjoy their evolution from teen dreams to hot dads.
Call It What You Want, but Taylor Swift Has Some Incredibly Sexy Shoes in Her Closet
At 5'10", Taylor Swift has legs for days, and she loves to flaunt them. Whether she's on the red carpet or spending a night out with her girls in NYC, the "Delicate" singer has been known to accentuate her incredible figure by sporting a pair of sexy shoes. While we're loving her edgier style during her Reputation era, it's clear her go-to look is a pair of fashionable heels.
Over the years, she's rocked everything from Elie Saab pumps to custom Louis Vuitton sandals at the Met Gala. Though, she seems to have a soft spot for gold (and often glittery) Jimmy Choo sandals. Whatever she's wearing, Taylor always manages to look like a model who just stepped off the runway. See some of her sexiest shoe moments ahead. And if that's not enough Taylor fashion for you, be sure to check out her stylish boot collection.
Jennifer Aniston Owns Flip-Flops, but Her Sexiest Shoes Are Definitely Not in That Family
Jennifer Aniston owns flip-flops and thong sandals, and she keeps her white sneakers on rotation all year long. But on date nights and for fancy events, Jen has proved her prowess at rocking sky-high heels. Sometimes, her stilettos are even strapless and we question how she's standing up straight. But the actress has clearly had some experience when it comes to adjusting to new heights. Her Burberry wraparound wedges even have sex appeal.
There's something about a Jen spotting in pumps that makes us want to get real leggy with our look and head out for the evening. On that note, read on to see all the moments she wowed us with her footwear - making a minidress, a thigh-high slit, or a simple date night jumpsuit all the more alluring - and shop similar silhouettes for yourself.
These Are the Biggest Fashion Trends For 2018 - Are You Ready?
We're always looking a season ahead to find the next It item or trend. It's part of our DNA as fashion-lovers. If you're like us, you've been paying close attention to what's been popular on the streets during Fashion Month - that's what gives us a good indication of what to expect in 2018.
While we definitely know glittery boots are "in" right now and so is wearing red, we took things one step further and predicted the next big need-to-know trends. That way, you can adequately prepare your shopping list. Read on to see the 10 major styles we think every fashion girl should know for 2018.
When Meghan Markle Wears These Shoes, We Think, "Yep, She'll Always Be a Fashion Gal"
You can trace the bow heel back to Dorothy's red slippers, which became iconic in 1939. But while that silhouette featured the adorable little adornment on the front of the shoe, Fall 2018's version caps it onto the back. Meghan Markle, it seems, is a fan. The actress-turned-royal first stepped out in black Aquazzura Deneuve slingbacks at the Queen's Young Leader Awards. While some might've been focused on her pink double-breasted Prada dress, my eyes darted South immediately. "How surprisingly trendy and altogether sophisticated and smart?!" I thought of her shoes.
When Meghan rocked a denim Carolina Herrera number to the Sentebale Polo Cup a few weeks later, she was in the exact same style in rose, a color she doesn't just wear well but often. While we now know that Meghan owns this pump (which retails for $655 in pink and $750 in black) in two shades, we have been fans since before Meghan debuted them. In fact, we've gone out of our way to round up a handful of similar designs that are appropriate for royals and fashion gals alike. And hey, who says you can't be both?
I've Been Staring at Kim Kardashian's Outfit For an Hour, and I Still Don't Understand It
I tried, guys - I really did. As much as I wanted to see the fashionable side of Kim Kardashian's latest outfit, the only descriptors that came to mind after a solid 10 minutes of staring at it were "absurd" and "seasonally confusing."
When the reality star made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, she slipped into a set of skintight velvet pants that put her hourglass figure fully on display, despite the fact that the thick material is typically reserved for cooler weather. Kim paired her pants with the most perplexing crop top known to mankind: a one-shouldered bra of sorts that featured a long, skinny piece of fabric dangling down to her knees, for whatever unknown reason. As she walked, the cloth awkwardly whipped back between her legs, making for one strange photo opp.
Kim finished her look with a pair of clear Yeezy mules - her go-to heel choice of late - and shiny sunglasses, while showing off her freshly cut bob hairstyle. There's no denying that rocking an all-over-the-place outfit like Kim's takes a boatload of chutzpah - and she's got a yacht-load of it - but would you dare to wear this exact look on the streets? I'm truly curious if anyone out there would, so take the poll ahead to let me know your thoughts.
This Bride's Wedding Dress Was Gorgeous, but Her Flower-Covered Veil Stole the Show
You may not know Daisy Jenks, but you certainly will remember her after looking at her gorgeous wedding dress. Daisy married Charlie Van Straubenzee in a gorgeous wedding in Frensham, United Kingdom. The stunning wedding brought out plenty of British royals since Charlie is actually one of Prince Harry's closest childhood friends. Meghan Markle wore a colorblock Club Monaco dress for the happy occasion while Princess Eugene stunned in a light blue number that featured side cutouts.
For her big day, Daisy wore a breathtaking strapless wedding dress that was covered with delicate floral embroidery. She aptly carried a bouquet of daisies that matched her bridal ensemble. While her gown was beautiful, we couldn't help fawning of her floral embroidered veil. Read on to see all of the beautiful wedding pictures ahead.
I Bought This $15 Bra on Amazon, and I'm Never Wearing Anything Else Again
I have a bust on the smaller side, and I don't need much support. I often find underwire bras are too uncomfortable and thin camis just aren't enough. I saw this Hanes Convertible Wire Free Bra ($15) bubbling up on Amazon recently and became curious. It had over 1,400 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, so I gave it a try.
This bra looks small and thin but it offers me so much support. The smooth straps are adjustable and don't cut into my skin, and the material is so silky-soft, I feel like I'm wearing nothing. Now I'm officially throwing out all my other ones and buying this in every color. The beige one is perfect to pair with all my light-colored tops, but it comes in four other cute colors, including pink. At this price, you can buy them all!
We Found a Spaghetti-Strap Dress Perfect For Large Busts - No Bra Required!
Reformation makes some of the cutest Summer dresses we can think of, but honestly, if you've got a larger chest, the fit can be tough. Many styles require some kind of underlayer like a bralette or cami so you don't feel overexposed, and others just aren't meant to be worn with a bra, which can prove difficult for many women. But after much trial and error, I am happy to report that I found the Reformation dress larger-breasted women can wear, and it's not what you'd think.
The Ava Dress ($178) is made of 100 percent linen, and it's a minidress with thin spaghetti straps, which doesn't sound ideal. There are two keys that make this dress a winner, though. The first is the smocked back, which gives traditionally unforgiving linen some stretch and movement. Plus, it holds you in enough so you can actually wear this dress without a bra, though strapless is also an option if you'll feel more comfortable. The second is the straight-across neckline. Sometimes sweetheart or v-necks can feel a bit too revealing, but the straight line still shows off your assets without feeling scandalous.
Seriously, we love this dress. It comes in five cute colors and patterns, but the navy and white polka dot strikes the right balance between retro and current. Now there's no need to feel like you're missing out on all those fun Summer dresses. Go forth and enjoy the weather!
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