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.
vendredi 10 août 2018
This Trainer Says These 10 Easy At-Home Exercises Will Get 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 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 to 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.
Princess Diana's Summer Style Was Way Ahead of Its Time
Before Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton, we had the original royal style icon: Princess Diana. William and Harry's mum served up fashion inspiration regularly, and the world was always watching to see what she would wear. Whether she was dressed up for an official engagement or enjoying downtime on the beach or a yacht, some of Lady Di's best looks were from the Summer months.
Diana had a way of making every outfit look elegant and effortlessly chic, even when she was sporting overalls or bike shorts (which are conveniently in style again). So in honor of the "People's Princess," we're having a look back at her best Summer fashion moments and scoring some warm-weather dressing inspo of our own. Join us, won't you?
I Gave Up Dairy Completely and Had Instant Regrets
Like many people, I have some issues when it comes to dairy. After eating anything with a moderate to high amount of dairy in it, I tend to become bloated and miserable. Sometimes my jeans don't even fit. So I decided to do something I never thought I would do . . . give up dairy for a week! You see, I love creamer in my coffee, I pride myself on my baking abilities, and every Tuesday my dad and I have root beer floats together. But I did it, and here's my experience of living without dairy for seven days.
In the Beginning
When I started this week-long dairy-free journey, I was a bit of a nervous wreck. What if my friends wanted to go out for pizza? (Serious FOMO.) What would I put in my coffee? (I don't like it black.) What about baking? Are there even any decent dairy alternatives for baking? And how do I tell my dad I'm skipping root-beet-float night? Luckily, things started to resolve and my nerves calmed a bit.
First off, the coffee situation was solved pretty quickly, thanks to my best friend. She offered me some Nutpods plant-based coffee creamer that can be used in just about anything you'd put cream in: coffee, tea, or cooking. The "creamer" also comes in really great flavors, like Hazelnut and French Vanilla, if you want to make your morning cup feel special. While the creamer is unsweetened, it tastes so good that I didn't really need any sugar in my coffee. A double win, for sure!
As for baking, instead of making things with milk or butter like cakes and cookies, I was able to try my hand at using shortening as the fat in my baked goods. I ended up not exactly loving what I made but considered it a work-in-progress since I was experimenting with ingredients I hadn't used before. When weekly root-beer-float night came along, my dad and I were both so full from dinner that no one wanted dessert, so I dodged a major bullet there!
Middle of the Week
In the middle of the week, I started to notice some things were getting easier; I was actually enjoying the taste of my coffee and learning not to freak out when someone offered me cheese. I also noticed that my bloating had started to ease a bit, and my jeans zipped up easier since eliminating dairy from my diet.
One thing I didn't like, though: my face started to break out in some areas. While this might not be directly related to giving up dairy, that was the only thing in my lifestyle I'd changed recently. Obviously, having some spots on my face wasn't ideal, but sometimes it happens, so it's not a total deal-breaker. But what happened at the end of the week was!
End of the Week
The end of my week without dairy was right around Father's Day, and my dad really wanted a cake. Since I'm the baker in my family, I said I would make it. Most cakes contain some kind of dairy, so I knew I was either going to have to make a dairy-free cake and hope my dad didn't notice or make a cake but not eat it - neither option seemed all that great. I decided to do the latter; my dad is my personal hero, and he deserves the best cake I can make. As much as I wanted to give up this week-without-dairy thing and eat a piece of this cake I made, I held strong for the last two days.
Will I Keep Going?
If I'm being honest with you here, no. I like cheese and cake too much to go without dairy forever. In the process, though, I did find some great dairy alternatives for both coffee and baking - hopefully using these in my life will help calm my bloating issues. But I won't be missing another root-beer-float night with my dad. Those moments are just too special to leave behind forever.
Does Your Vagina Smell Funny? Don't Panic - This Might Be Why
Let's not beat around the bush: sometimes vaginas smell. Before we go any further, let's remember that there's nothing wrong with that. Sometimes body parts are a little stinky. You think your armpits always smell like a rose garden? No way. The smell that's coming out of your vagina is usually a sign of something going in on your body. Sometimes that sign isn't so serious, while other times that sign is something you don't want to ignore.
Here are five reasons your vagina is a bit smelly and what you should do about it.
Farmed Salmon Isn't as Bad as You Think It Is - Here's What You Need to Know
Whether or not you consider yourself a health nut, you're probably aware of the hot debate revolving around the health benefits of farmed vs. wild salmon. We fitness people are passionate about a lot of things, like making sure your chest touches the ground when you do burpees, and we're even more passionate about the foods we choose to fuel our bodies with. When it comes to salmon, some say wild is the only type you should be eating while others say farmed salmon is OK. Here's what you actually need to know about salmon in order to make an informed decision for yourself.
Benefits of Salmon
Whether farmed or raised, salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential fats the human body cannot produce on its own. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), "Omega-3s are important components of the membranes that surround each cell in your body." You can get omega-3 fatty acids by eating foods like fish, vegetable oils, nuts, flaxseed, flaxseed oils, and leafy vegetables. Omega-3 fatty acids also provide calories, giving your body energy, and "have many functions in your heart, blood vessels, lungs, immune system, and endocrine system," the NIH reported.
The Difference Between Farmed and Wild Salmon
To the eye and tongue, it's rather hard to differentiate between farmed and wild salmon. Both types of salmon have similar nutrient profiles with the main differences between the two are where they live, what they eat, and their seasonal availability. "Farmed Atlantic salmon are hatched, raised, and harvested under controlled conditions and available fresh year round," said Pamela Tom and Paul Olin of the University of California Sea Grant Extension Program. Wild salmon, on the other hand, are found mostly in the North Pacific and are harvested by fishing from June to September.
What Farmed and Wild Salmon Eat
When it comes to diet, there are a few key differences between what farmed and wild salmon eat. "Both farmed and wild salmon need a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and pigments," said Tom and Olin. Wild salmon eat zooplankton and fish and farmed salmon are fed fish meal, fish oil, and other land-based protein sources. Astaxanthin is a part of the vitamin A family and is an essential nutrient that salmon cannot produce and get from their prey and feed. Astaxanthin is responsible for the ovarian development, hatching, survival, growth, and respiration of salmon and is what causes the reddish-orange color of the flesh. As you may have noticed, the color of salmon can vary from rosy-pink to red and is determined by the amount of astaxanthin in the salmon's diet.
The Nutritional Information of Farmed and Wild Salmon
The following nutritional information was obtained from the USDA and compares 100 grams of farmed and wild salmon cooked under dry heat. As you can see, the nutritional differences between farmed and wild salmon are minimal. Wild salmon is slightly higher in the amount of protein, whereas farmed salmon has a slighter higher amount of saturated fat and omega-3s.
| Type of Salmon | Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Saturated Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Cholesterol (mg) | Omega-3 (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farmed Atlantic | 206 | 22.1 | 12.3 | 2.5 | 61 | 63 | 2.1 |
| Farmed Coho | 178 | 24.3 | 8.2 | 1.9 | 52 | 63 | 1.2 |
| Wild Chinook | 231 | 25.7 | 13.3 | 3.2 | 60 | 85 | 1.7 |
| Wild Sockeye | 216 | 27.3 | 10.9 | 1.9 | 66 | 87 | 1.2 |
| Wild Coho | 139 | 23.4 | 4.3 | 1.0 | 58 | 55 | 1.0 |
| Wild Pink | 149 | 25.5 | 4.4 | 0.7 | 86 | 67 | 1.3 |
| Wild Chum | 154 | 25.8 | 4.8 | 1.0 | 64 | 95 | 0.8 |
At the end of the day, it doesn't make that big of a difference whether or not your salmon is farmed or wild. Some people's decisions are based off of ethical reasons, specifically how the salmon was raised and fed, and in this case opt for wild salmon over farmed salmon. If eating farmed salmon is a better fit for your budget or easier to find at your grocery store, go ahead and buy it. And remember, the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend eating eight ounces of seafood or more a week.
I'm a Trainer, and This Is the 1 Butt Exercise I Give to All My Clients (It's Not a Hip Thrust)
A lot of people come into the gym asking for a bigger butt. There's no shame in wanting a plump derriere! In fact, there are many functional benefits of having strong glutes, like less lower-back pain, the ability to run faster, more functional hips, etc. So when a client comes in asking for a bigger butt, I'm all for it.
Although the hip thrust is the king of glute exercises, I'm more partial to the Bulgarian split squat when it comes to the intersection of size and functionality of the glutes.
Bulgarian split squats will target your glutes and legs, but will also challenge your balance and stability. These are important components of a functional approach to fitness. Just as importantly, Jason Walsh, celebrity trainer to women like Jessica Biel and Brie Larson, told POPSUGAR, "Each leg works independently of each other and also together for certain moves." You can rectify imbalances (one side being stronger or weaker than the other), so there's a lot to be gained from doing single-leg variations of classic strength-training moves.
I have my clients do Bulgarian split squats once or twice a week. You can do it with dumbbells or kettlebells at your side, or you can do it with a barbell on your back (in the same position as a back squat). Here's how you do a Bulgarian split squat.
- Begin by placing the toes of your right foot on a bench, box, stair, or chair with your left leg straight.
- Make sure your left foot is out far enough so that when you lower your hips, your knee stays directly over your ankle.
- Bend your left knee, squeeze your right glute, and lower your pelvis toward the ground.
- Press your left heel into the ground to straighten your left knee. This completes one rep.
- Do 15 reps before switching legs.
Pain After Rough Sex? See a Doctor's Advice on What to Do Next
So, you and your partner just got done with your bedroom marathon and the pain is finally settling in. But before you freak out over burning urination, you may be experiencing something far less serious than an STI or a medical condition. Although pain during or after sex can be attributed to more serious health issues, it's likely that you simply received some cuts while getting it on. "Yes - it's actually quite common to get small tears on the vaginal walls during sex," One Medical provider Navya Mysore, MD, told POPSUGAR.
Oftentimes, this occurs when the vaginal area isn't sufficiently lubricated. Dr. Mysore added that other conditions, including lichen sclerosis, eczema, psoriasis, or lichen planus, can make getting vaginal tears more common. So, how do you differentiate pain caused by an STI vs. a vaginal tear? You may see a small amount of spotting or feel minor irritation or burning with urination, but other symptoms can indicate a potential infection: different colored discharge, itchiness, pus from the site of the tear, vaginal lesions, or pelvic cramps or pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your primary care provider.
How to Treat Vaginal Tears Caused by Sex
"Most often, small vaginal tears will heal on their own," Dr. Mysore said. "Vaginal mucosa is very well innervated with blood flow and tends to heal very quickly." She also advises you clean superficial cuts with warm water once or twice a day and avoid using harsh or scented soaps on the area. I've personally found coconut oil to be a miracle worker when it comes to soothing and healing painful cuts caused by too much friction during sex. Just apply a small amount onto the skin surrounding the vaginal opening and on the inner labia for instant relief.
If the pain is significant, Dr. Mysore recommended taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. In the meantime, it's best to wear cotton underwear and to avoid wearing tight clothing. You also may want to give sex a break for a day or two until the pain subsides.
How to Prevent Them From Happening
Lubrication is key! Make sure you're fully aroused before penetration and go slowly at the start. "Make sure fingers are clean and fingernails are trimmed, so there are no inadvertent cuts with possible foreplay," she said.
Trying to Lose Weight? Here's How to Kick Your Motivation Into High Gear
Having the best resources in your arsenal still isn't enough to lose weight unless you have self-discipline and motivation. At the end of the day, it's up to you to put it all into motion. Transforming your body is never an easy process, but it's not impossible. In addition to eating a clean diet and incorporating both cardio and strength training into your fitness routine, the key to shedding your desired amount of pounds is consistency. Now, we know that's easier said than done, so follow these eight tips below to help you stay on track through the finish line.
- Establish why you want to lose weight. Putting the thought out there won't be enough to get you fired up. Kick-start your journey by figuring out what inspired this change. Are you looking to be healthier? Do you want to build more confidence? Your answer will make your goal more focused, making it easier to remind yourself why you're doing this along the way.
- Set small, realistic goals. Dream big by all means, but you also don't want to set yourself up for failure. Not only are smaller goals more attainable, but they're also better markers of progress.
- Partner up. Recruit a buddy so you can hold each other accountable and push one another. Being in it together with someone else will make you less likely to fall off the wagon and help you practice what you preach.
- Give yourself something to look forward to. Maybe it's scheduling a celebratory dinner with your friends and setting that as your deadline or planning a vacation in advance to show off all your hard work. Giving yourself a timeline will encourage you to stay focused and motivated.
- Celebrate progress. Even a couple pounds lost is something worth acknowledging! Cheering yourself on as you see results (no matter how small) can help you maintain a positive attitude throughout the process. Otherwise, waiting to see drastic changes might end up making you feel discouraged.
- Don't just focus on the numbers. What you see on the scale isn't necessarily an accurate reflection. Instead, measure progress by how you feel and how your clothes fit.
- Don't be afraid to tweak your plan along the way. Just because things aren't going as you hoped doesn't mean you should ditch your efforts altogether. Experiment with different workouts, foods, and portions and adjust as needed.
- Don't give up. Look, it won't be easy, but it will be worth it. Remember why you're doing this in the first place (see #1).
Stop Saying Happiness Is a Choice, Because It's Not
As if mindlessly scrolling through Instagram didn't make me feel bad enough - perfectly airbrushed selfies, aesthetically pleasing apartments, endless vacation pics on some remote island, your designer handbag I'll never be able to afford - coming across so-called "inspirational" messages from health and wellness accounts is a gamble between being motivated and just feeling worse about myself.
A common trope among the wellness crowd is the idea that your mood is entirely within your control. More specifically, that happiness is a choice. "Happiness is a choice, not a result. Nothing will make you happy until you choose to be happy" a popular text image declares. "Nothing will make you happy until you choose to be happy" reads another. While I understand the sentiment of choosing to be positive and grateful - it's better to look at the glass half-full, right? - it undermines those of us who live every day with a mental illness.
If happiness were a choice, I wouldn't need to visit a psychiatrist every month and take two different medications a day to function. If happiness were a choice, I would never choose to have some days so bad, I can't peel myself out of bed or put on real clothes. If happiness were a choice, I would just be able to wish away the suicidal thoughts that plague my brain when things get really bad. If happiness were a choice, I would have made the decision at age 14 not to be diagnosed with clinical depression and definitely wouldn't have made the choice to be diagnosed with bipolar II in my 20s.
Although understanding the specifics of what causes depression and how it's impacted by brain chemistry is complicated, it's generally thought to be the result of faulty mood regulation by the brain, genes, stress, and medical problems, among other issues, according to Harvard Medical School. Thinking of depression as a chemical imbalance in the brain may be too simplistic, but it encompasses the issues of malfunctioning neurotransmitters, regions of the brain, and the genetics of it all. The point is depression is complex, and each person experiences it differently. For some, treatment may require antidepressants or mood stabilizers to correct brain chemistry, in addition to therapy and other lifestyle changes. Other people may forgo medication altogether but acknowledge they need to manage their mental illness in a proactive way in order to function.
Sure, how you frame your outlook on life can impact your mood, but it can't create happiness; gratitude and happiness aren't the same thing. I choose to be grateful: I'm grateful for my loving husband, my supportive friends and family, my full-time job in my chosen industry, living in my dream city, a roof over my head, and a healthy body that carries me through life. I can also be grateful and still have days when I feel awful mentally, when I don't feel like life is worth living and there's no light at the end of the tunnel. Reconciling these two feelings also adds a layer of guilt, which just makes the downward spiral even worse.
If people really want to spread the message of finding happiness, they should focus on taking care of yourself, starting with your mental health. And not in a eat-a-pint-of-ice-cream-and-take-a-bubble-bath bullsh*t type of self-care, but in a way that prioritizes your mental and emotional needs. By pretending depression is "all in your head," they're trivializing mental illness and making the stigma worse for those of us who live with it every day.
No, happiness is not a choice. But I choose to take medication, I choose to go to therapy, I choose to eat well and exercise, and I choose to keep scrolling past memes that tell me otherwise.
Vegans and Vegetarians, Listen Up: Here's How to Do a Plant-Based Keto Diet
Going keto is more than just a diet trend; it's a lifestyle transformation that has helped people lose weight, gain more energy, lower blood sugar levels, and fight inflammation. The keto diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, super low-carb diet that puts your body into a state of ketosis wherein your body burns fat instead of carbs for energy. Although each person's specific macronutrient breakdown varies, it's generally about 80 percent fat, 15 percent protein, and five percent carbs.
But while countless people have found success on the keto diet, it can be quite limiting for people who are vegetarian or vegan. Since the diet is so low-carb - less than 50 grams a day - many vegan staples, such as quinoa, brown rice, and sprouted grain bread, are out. Although it's difficult, it is possible for people who eschew animal products to successfully do the keto diet. Our friends at Virta Health, a weight-loss clinic that helps treat type 2 diabetes patients with a ketogenic diet, outlined some key pointers for vegans and vegetarians who are interested in trying the keto diet.
As always, be sure to consult with your doctor or registered dietitian before embarking on any major dietary changes. The keto diet, especially a plant-based keto diet, should be done under medical supervision.
Having a Mid-Afternoon Slump? Reach For a Cup of Green Tea - Here's Why
From classic tea to matcha, green tea seems to be everywhere. Sipping on a cup or two a day can help you with weight loss and cutting back on highly caffeinated beverages, like coffee and soda, while boosting your energy levels.
Green tea has caffeine in it, which is the active ingredient in your favorite energy drinks and coffee. In fact, all tea, unless explicitly labeled as caffeine-free (usually herbal teas), contains some amount of the awakening ingredient. Because of this, green tea can provide you with a boost of energy that helps you get through the day. Studies support this, showing that drinking green tea regularly can help with energy and endurance.
If matcha is more your style than traditional green tea, we have even better news for you. The delicious, finely ground powder is known for its sharp flavor and for its myriad health benefits - antioxidants and disease-fighting properties, among others. When it comes to energy, matcha is head and shoulders above other caffeinated beverages for one simple reason: it won't give you the dreaded caffeine crash because it contains an amino acid (called L-theanine) that reduces anxiety and high blood pressure and fights those coffee jitters.
Although the health benefits of green tea can be tempting, be sure to practice moderation and, most importantly, listen to your body. Green tea can be safely consumed in large amounts (and a higher quantity may even increase the health benefits), but if you have a sensitive stomach, are pregnant, or tend to be caffeine sensitive, limiting your intake is probably a good idea.
A Trainer Says This Is How Many Squats You Should Do Each Day For a Bigger Booty
Knowing the right exercises for a rounder backside is only half the battle, because you can't achieve booty gains without consistency. It also helps to know how often you should be working out your butt to see a difference in shape and size. Luckily, the answer is totally doable. Clarence Hairston, Ignite master trainer, NASM certified personal trainer, and AGM of Fitness at The Bay Club Company, told POPSUGAR that "women who are trying to build fuller glutes should start with 50 bodyweight squats a day."
And you don't have to complete all 50 in one set. Clarence says you can split them up in ways that best fit your schedule. Once you've got the basics down, start adding weights and resistance, and try other squat variations and lower-body exercises. "Most importantly, don't stop challenging yourself and you'll see the results," he said.
Lastly, just like any other body transformation, growing a bigger butt also requires changing your diet. You'll want to increase your caloric intake as well as your daily amount of protein. Combine all of these tips and continue to challenge your body as you go!
Back to Basics: This Fundamental Workout Will Help You Strengthen at Any Level
Introducing strength training into your workouts can definitely seem like an intimidating move, but there are plenty of ways to ease into this new part of your fitness journey. For one, you don't have to jump straight into barbell work. Strength training encompasses bodyweight exercises that can also be enhanced with dumbbells. To help you narrow down your routine to the best beginner moves, Corey Phelps, nutrition expert, NASM personal trainer, certified BASI Pilates teacher, TRX and Spinning instructor, and creator of the fitness app Cultivate365, shared a strengthening workout that can help any level master fundamental movements.
Corey's biggest recommendation: "Keep it simple, start small, and build from there," she told POPSUGAR. "If you do too much in the beginning, you may end up overly sore, which can be discouraging and ultimately hinder you from keeping a consistent schedule."
Her workout below targets major muscle groups and serves as a helpful way to measure your progress. Once you're able to complete 15 reps with ease, it's time to move onto heavier weights.
The workout:
- Squats
- Walking lunges
- Shoulder presses
- Bicep curls
- Overhead triceps extensions
- Reverse abdominal crunches
Complete 10 to 12 reps for each move for a total of four sets. Not challenging enough? Increase your reps to 12 to 15 for a total of five sets.
See the moves ahead!
I Was Shocked How Little Protein I Was Eating! This Is What Happened When I Ate More
If you want to lose fat and gain muscle, many experts suggest upping the amount of protein you eat daily. The protein amount recommended for my weight and my activity level (yay CrossFit!) is about 100 grams of protein per day. I wasn't sure how much I was getting but assumed it was around 75 grams. (Spoiler alert: I was wrong.) Would increasing my protein intake really make a difference? I decided to do a week-long experiment to find out.
Experts Say These Are the Exact Dangers of Belly Fat
Did you know that when medical professionals talk about excess belly fat, they're likely referring to something a lot more critical than having a less-than-flat stomach? What they often mean by belly fat is visceral fat, which is found deep inside our abdomens, surrounding our organs. Having too much of it, which isn't necessarily an obvious thing, has been linked to several serious diseases.
To help break down the unique dangers too much belly fat can present to our overall health, we talked with two experts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Dr. M. Sue Kirkman, professor of medicine and medical director of the Diabetes Care Center Clinical Trials Unit in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Dr. Sriram Machineni, assistant professor and director of the Medical Weight Clinic. Read on for their expert medical opinions.
Is It Really That Bad to Eat Carbs at Night? Here's What 2 Dietitians Have to Say
Navigating the world of weight loss advice is no freaking joke. Everywhere you look, there is someone trying to sell you on the latest wrap, pill, diet fad, or shake. So, you might want to start with easy, widespread advice you've heard through the years: drink lots of water, get cardio at least a few times a week, and don't eat carbs at night, right? Right? After talking to a few registered dieticians, we're not so sure.
It's Totally OK to Eat at Night
Before getting into the carbs or no carbs discussion, you might want to know if eating anything at night could hinder weight loss or management. "I don't see eating at night as posing a challenge for weight management," said Tracey Grant, RDN, CWHC, of Whole Daily Life."A well-composed evening snack won't affect your progress any differently in the evening than it would elsewhere in your day."
Anna Hartman, RDN, of Food Smarts Nutrition, agreed. "For the vast majority of people, the time on the clock when we eat doesn't have a huge impact on how we digest and utilize nutrients, or how our bodies regulate weight." There are certain groups of people, namely competitive bodybuilders and professional athletes, whose performance-related goals can benefit from nutrient timing, but us normal people are going to see a bigger impact from the type of foods we eat than the timing of our meals and snacks.
Dinner or Late Snack Carbs Are Fine, Too, but There's a Catch
Should you stay away from carbs at night if you do choose to indulge in a post-dinner snack? Grant recommended a balance, including carbs, protein, and fat. "By including some of each macronutrient, you will have a more balanced blood sugar response (as opposed to a blood sugar spike), which translates to more effective use of that energy and better sleep. A blood sugar spike tells the body to store energy (which could end up being stored as fat if not used) to help bring blood sugar down, and these spikes can also contribute to internal inflammation."
Both experts advised that eating whole, minimally-processed foods, as opposed to refined foods like crackers, cookies, and candy, is the way to go. When we choose foods that are minimally processed and higher in fiber like fruits, veggies, whole grains (pro tip: whole grains have actually been shown to promote a good night's sleep), and legumes, the food is digested and absorbed more slowly - and we get more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
"Our bodies do utilize carbohydrates more efficiently when we are more active (i.e., not when we are preparing for sleep). Knowing this, a large influx of carbs late at night, right before sleep, may not be used as efficiently as a high-carb meal consumed earlier in the day when we are active (after exercise, for example)," Hartman said. A better choice would be a low- to moderate-carbohydrate meal or snack made up of high-quality, nutrient dense foods.
You'll Want Your Meal to Be Balanced
Some of Grant's favorite evening snacks include "a small banana with a handful of nuts, a hard-boiled egg and a handful of berries, half of a sweet potato with cinnamon and nut butter, or a mug of bone broth blended with ghee and collagen."
Hartman's suggestions include the following:
- 1/2 a 100 percent whole wheat pita pocket with two tablespoons of hummus and a few baby carrots
- Slice of whole grain toast with one tablespoon of peanut butter
- Small sliced apple and 1/4 cup almonds
- 4 oz. of vanilla Greek yogurt topped with 1/4 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese, quark, or skyr with a sliced fresh peach
- 1/2 cup protein-fortified, plant-based milk with 2/3 cup whole-grain cereal
- 1/2 turkey sandwich on toasted whole-grain bread with 1/4 avocado
"If you find yourself snacking at night out of boredom, stress, or anything other than hunger, that is an opportunity for change. This nighttime grazing can add up to a lot of extra food intake over time, which can negatively impact blood sugar and hormone levels, and can contribute to unexpected shifts in body weight," Hartman said. If you truly are hungry, "Find a snack that is both enjoyable and nourishing. Pay attention to how various foods make you feel when you choose to eat them at night. Notice which ones are satisfying you, which ones settle well in your stomach, and which ones promote a good night's sleep," she added.
Vegan-Friendly Cookbooks to Help You Shake Things Up
Whether you're a proud vegan or simply a fan of occasionally going meatless, chances are you could benefit from branching out beyond your go-to overnight oats and nice cream to try new recipes. We're here to help!
We've rounded up some of the best and most creative vegan-friendly cookbooks - all available on Amazon - that are backed up by hundreds of positively glowing reviews. From innovative, plant-based takes on comforting favorites like lasagna and tacos to approachable, DIY nut- and plant-milk recipes, these cookbooks have it all. Feel inspired in your kitchen again and browse through our whole-food-focused picks.
I'm a Trainer, and These Are My 16 Favorite Ab-Sculpting Exercises
As a trainer, one of the most common areas my clients and friends always want to strengthen and tone is their abdomen. I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't let them - and all of you - know that spot reduction won't help you lose fat and build muscle anywhere, especially in your stomach.
It's also important for me to remind you that ab workouts alone won't transform your stomach. As annoying as it may be to hear, "abs are built in the kitchen." Better yet, ab visibility is built in the kitchen. It's going to take a combination of clean eating and the right workouts (I prefer high-intensity exercises to burn fat) to begin to see a change in your abs.
The options of exercises to strengthen and sculpt your core are endless, and these are my favorite to program into my clients' and my own workouts. Make your very own ab workout by choosing four to six of the following moves, completing each exercise for 30 seconds each for a total of four rounds.
Got a Desk Job? You Need to Do These 3 Resistance-Band Moves Before Your Workout
Whether you're aware of it or not, you probably have "dead-butt syndrome," a symptom most common in those who sit at a desk all day, have just sat through a long flight, or sleep in fetal position. Sound familiar? Many of us are constantly going from one place to the next, including the office to the gym or fresh off the plane to a hotel or meeting. In an effort to help you maintain your health and wellness routine while you're on the road, Westin Hotels partnered up with Goop to bring you a fitness experience called G. Sport Sessions. POPSUGAR recently had the opportunity to join the Chicago stop, where we sweat it out with Tracy Anderson and learned a lesson about this so called "syndrome."
According to Westin's Global Run Concierge Chris Heuisler, such lifestyle factors minimize glute activity, resulting in tight hips and perhaps even related knee pain or lower-back issues.
"You're basically turning off your glutes 75 percent of the day," Chris told POPSUGAR. "Then you get out of your desk and go right to your SoulCycle class or go right to your run without warming up at all. What you're doing is running with a dead butt; you're now running with your largest muscle group asleep, putting more pressure on your knees and lower back."
An effective way to wake up the glutes is to utilize a resistance band, aka the cheapest and most underrated piece of fitness equipment. Not only are you properly warming up your lower body, but you're also naturally getting a mini leg-and-butt workout in the process.
See three warmup band exercises from Chris that will fire up your glutes and open up your hips.
I Gave Up Dairy For a Week, and These Were the Exact Results
Dairy and I have had a very strange relationship throughout my life. I have always been a big fan of dairy since I was younger. I often ate macaroni and cheese, went out for pizza every Friday with my friends, and lived at the ice cream shop during Summer. However, dairy has not always been a big fan of me. When I was in elementary school, the doctors were convinced that there may be a possibility that I was lactose intolerant. I was having occasional stomach issues and bloating, so medical experts felt that it might have been tied to dairy. When they told me to limit my dairy consumption, my 8-year-old self was not having it. I gave up my morning chocolate milk for chocolate soy milk (I still remember the brand - 8th Continent) but drew the line there, always finding a way to get myself to the cheese and the ice cream even if I knew I was not really allowed to have it.
Fast forward a few years and I grew out of those dreaded stomach issues (therapists think it had more to do with anxiety than diet, after all). However, I had the nagging feeling that the small issues I did still experience - the bloating, the postnasal drip, the interrupted sleep cycles - may still be connected in some way to my dairy intake. So I devised a plan!
For one week, I cut dairy out of my daily routine. This meant no cheese (my biggest problem), no butter, no ice cream. Here's what happened.
I Had to Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
I'm one of those people who, when hungry, will eat anything that is immediately available to them at the moment. To help prepare myself for those hungry moments and keep myself away from the quick dairy-filled fixes, I made sure to stop at Trader Joe's at the start of the week. I picked up a bunch of different fruit and vegetables that I knew I could just grab and snack on while in between meals. If you are afraid you won't have time to go food shopping beforehand, look into convenient and affordable meal delivery such as Freshly - they have plenty of dairy-free options that arrive fully prepared to your door. I also made sure to keep an eye on my water intake each day. I noticed that staying hydrated and drinking water often helped me with my dairy cravings.
I Had to Find Good Dairy Alternatives
Thankfully, eating nondairy has become increasingly easier as time goes on. In the beginning of the week when I was craving Cheez-Its, I instead picked up the vegan version. Cheese doodles, which I eat only on occasion but love more than anyone will probably ever know, were subbed out for Hippeas, a vegan chickpea puff snack.
I Found a Way to Substitute Dairy For Something Else I Love
I am a big fan of sandwiches and would usually get a grilled chicken, brie, and apple sandwich for lunch or another version with cheddar cheese. To help satisfy my craving for certain tastes, I replaced the dairy in my takeout and home cooking with other tasty alternatives like spices and dressings. For instance, instead of having brie in my sandwich, I added in some turkey bacon, or I would replace the goat cheese in my salad for zucchini, yellow squash, and a squeeze of lemon.
My Bloating Went Away
Ever since I can remember, I've always had an issue with bloating - I wake up feeling light and energetic, but by the time evening rolls around, I feel full of air and sluggish. From cutting dairy out of my diet, I did notice that my bloating was nearly gone, which meant less pain and more comfort. Cheese, which usually contains high amounts of sodium, causes me the worst kind of bloating. By going cheese-free for a week and drinking more water in lieu, the decrease in bloating proved to be significant.
I Could Breathe Better
I have always had an issue with my sinuses. I am known to get a sinus infection at least once a year, and I can't fly without neti-potting after. I usually wake up with a stuffy nose. However, when I cut dairy out of my diet, I found that I was not getting postnasal drip anymore and my throat didn't have that annoying tickle in it that usually appears during the warmer months.
I Slept Soundly
By the middle of the week, I started noticing that I was falling asleep at a decent hour and actually staying asleep. Although dairy contains tryptophan, which is said to help people sleep, the high-fat content of dairy-filled dishes were giving me painful indigestion and stomach discomfort. By canceling them out of my meals, I was in turn making my meals lighter and easier on my body's digestive system.
My Final Thoughts
Although I don't know if I would be able to give up dairy completely (I just love my cheese too much!), I will definitely become more aware of how much dairy I eat each day. I have set a goal for myself that I will only allow myself to have dairy with one meal each day to help remedy some of the issues that I believe are linked to it - this means either cheese in a lunch sandwich or cream in a dinner pasta, but not both. You never know, maybe one day I will take the plunge and go fully dairy-free.
Skip That Cup of Coffee and Eat the Following 15 Foods For All-Day Energy
If you're in need of a boost in energy, it can be tempting to reach for another cup of cold brew or fizzy soda (we've all been there). While caffeine and added sugar will certainly perk you up, they can quickly lead to a surefire crash later. That doesn't mean you are doomed to a life of 2 p.m. fatigue! Luckily, there is an abundance of healthy food out there that will naturally raise your energy levels without the crash. The next time you're feeling sluggish, skip the sugary drinks and hit the recharge button with the following 15 healthy and energizing foods.
Best Breathing Techniques For Anxiety, According to These Experts
When you're in the throes of severe anxiety, it feels like you're trapped inside your own brain: your thoughts race, your heart beats a mile a minute, you get nauseated, and it's hard to get a grip on reality. And while a dose of CBD oil or, in severe situations, an anti-anxiety prescription can help ease symptoms of anxiety, focusing on mindfulness and breathing can also help calm you down.
We spoke to two experts who detail different breathing techniques that can help ease your anxiety, especially if you catch yourself in the early stages before your symptoms get severe.
If you're prone to frequent bouts of anxiety, visit your doctor or a mental healthcare provider (such as a psychiatrist or psychologist) who can diagnose you and help with your symptoms. You can also call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP.
Deep Belly Breathing
"When we get anxious or have a panic attack, our bodies tense up and we engage in shallow breathing," John Hamilton, LMFT, LADC, chief clinical outreach officer at Mountainside Treatment Center, told POPSUGAR. To combat this, he recommends focusing on diaphragmatic, or deep belly, breathing. This is a conscious form of breathing where you focus on your belly expanding in and out with each breath instead of your chest moving up and down. Aim to do 10 long breaths: inhale deeply through your nose until you feel your belly extend and then slowly out of your mouth.
"This breathing technique gets more oxygen to your brain, which in turn causes your brain to release endorphins, known as a happiness hormone," John said. It helps your body relax and also distracts your mind, which can help tame your anxiety.
"Anything that helps ground you in the present can disrupt the worrisome thoughts that often accompany a bout of anxiety," he added. "You can also acknowledge that you're experiencing anxiety in this moment but that it will pass. Breathe deep, feel your body calming down, and stay in the present!" This technique is ideal for when you feel your anxiety bubbling up.
Forced Exhales
If you're already caught in a bout of anxiety, Pedram Shojai, doctor of oriental medicine and author of The Urban Monk, recommends taking a long breath out through your mouth. "This will help blow off some steam and cool the system," he said. Once you start to feel calmer, you can go back to breathing out of your nose.
Ear Massage
In addition to deep belly breathing, Pedram said adding an ear massage to this diaphragmatic breathing is a helpful technique.
"Gently massage and tug on the ears as you breathe deeply down to your lower abdomen," he explained. "Start from the top of the helix and work your way down to the lobes - work both ears and pay particular attention to areas that are sore or painful. There are some powerful pressure points on the ears, and pressing them while doing your deep breaths is very effective."
Making This 1 Change to My Diet Helped Me Quickly Lose Belly Fat
Last year, I saw a pretty incredible transformation in my body. There was a particularly stressful period of my life where I gained 40 pounds, so when I was ready to get my health back on track, I knew I had my work cut out for me. I wanted to lose weight everywhere, but especially around my midsection, because that's the part of my body I'm most insecure about. For example, I'd never been comfortable just wearing leggings and a sports bra.
After trying all kinds of rigorous exercise, different diets like Paleo or Mediterranean, and even juice cleanses, I still wasn't seeing my stubborn belly fat go away. That all changed when I started doing intermittent fasting, though, where I eat all my meals in an eight-hour window (I chose 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and fast for the rest of the day.
My belly fat started coming off quicker than I ever thought possible, and it turns out there is a very real explanation for that. Certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition says that intermittent fasting "gets your body out of 'storage mode' and mobilizes fat stores for energy." This means that without having a constant food source, your body will dip into the fat it already has stored as its energy source, and in my case, that fat was in my belly.
Similarly, Dr. Daryl Gioffre, a celebrity nutritionist and longevity expert, adds that when you fast for 16 hours, "Your blood sugar and insulin levels lower," and the human growth hormone increases. He says this increases your metabolic rate "by up to 14 percent in some people." When this happens, your body has no other choice but to start burning your body's stored fat for energy - and my body started burning fat around my belly.
"Belly fat can be stubborn to lose because the abdominal area contains more alpha-2 receptors that slow down your ability to burn fat, compared to beta-2 receptors that increase your fat burning potential," Dr. Gioffre continued. IF lowers insulin levels, "activating your b-2 receptors and shutting down your a-2 receptors, allowing you to burn targeted fat in your belly area."
Pretty amazing, right? IF isn't necessarily for everyone, but it could work for you. Speak to your doctor before making any significant changes. If you find that IF is a good fit, you might just find that it blasts away your belly fat sooner than you expected, as long as you're still maintaining a healthy calorie deficit and also exercising regularly.
The Pioneer Woman's Most Popular Casseroles Will Inspire You to Cook
You know you can always count on the Pioneer Woman for easy and delicious recipes. Some of Ree Drummond's most popular recipes are her casseroles, and it's easy to see why: these one-pan wonders are layered with flavor and guarantee that dinner gets on the table fast. If you're looking to get out of your dinner rut or desperately need some inspiration to cook, look no further than Ree Drummond's top 14 most popular casserole recipes from Food Network, including hash brown casserole, cheesy turkey tetrazzini, broccoli wild rice casserole, and chicken tortilla casserole. The rave reviews don't lie!
FYI, Amazon Has a Section Filled With Disney Halloween Goodies!
Do you love Disney? Do you love Halloween? If so, you'll need to have a seat, because we have some excellent news. We just discovered that Amazon offers all sorts of cool Disney Halloween products. Whether you need decor or something to wear, it truly has it all. We rounded up the best options you need to check out, so shop through them all and get ready for the best holiday of the year!
13 Stores That Will Welcome Your Dog With Open Arms
When Reddit user terriblesubreddit shared a picture of their adorable puppy in a Home Depot cart with the message that the store is totally pet friendly, we got to wondering about what other major retailers are also pet friendly. There are the obvious answers - Petco and PetSmart - but surprisingly, there are several other stores that welcome your pets along with you, provided they are always under your control and as long as you clean up after them should they make any messes.
Here are a few of the retailers we found that allow dogs, but keep in mind it's always wise to call a store before you go to make sure it's OK. We have found that though some store policies allow dogs, specific store managers will not, and though some store policies prohibit dogs, certain store managers welcome them. Always good to err on the side of caution!
- Home Depot
- Lowe's
- Barnes & Noble
- Macy's
- Pottery Barn
- Bass Pro Shops
- Restoration Hardware
- Bloomingdale's
- Anthropologie
- Gap
- Nordstrom
- Lush Cosmetics
- Urban Outfitters
For the most part, these stores (among many smaller, local stores) are said to be dog friendly, but like we said before, we highly recommend calling each establishment first. Rules will also vary based on where you live and how your local culture is. When I lived in a small suburb of San Francisco, everyone took their dogs everywhere - including the grocery store - and it was never an issue. So make some calls, check out some stores, and let us know if there are any major stores we missed!
Confirmed: Crazy Rich Asians' Constance Wu and Henry Golding Are Even Cuter in Real Life
Constance Wu and Henry Golding star as Rachel Chu and Nicholas Young in the highly anticipated Crazy Rich Asians movie, and we're happy to report that their relationship is just as cute in real life. Even though Constance and Henry are only friends (Henry is happily married to TV host Liv Lo), the two seem to genuinely like each other and have a lot of fun together. During a stop on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in April, Constance couldn't help but gush about her costar's charm, saying, "You just fall in love with him the second you see him on the screen." Take a look at some of Constance and Henry's cutest moments ahead before the film hits theaters on Aug. 15.
Lady Gaga Recalls the Heartbreaking Day Behind A Star Is Born's Most Powerful Scene
Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper appear in all their glory on the cover of Entertainment Weekly's Fall Movie Issue, and they're spilling all the emotional details about their undeniable award season darling, A Star Is Born. The exciting remake is already generating plenty of buzz with its chills-inducing trailer, which is jam-packed with emotional moments between the two stars. As it turns out, though, things were just as intense for the stars once the cameras turned off.
During the interview, Gaga opened up about one of the most captivating scenes in the film, when her character sings a powerful ballad at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. In a devastating twist of fate, the pop star lost her close friend to cancer while they were filming. That means the emotions we'll see on screen will be very heartbreaking and very real.
"All I ever wanted to do was sing. I'll never forget that day."
"My very, very, very dear friend Sonja died of cancer that day. We were supposed to shoot in, like, 30 minutes, and I left the set because her husband called me and I could hear her in the background and I just got in the car and drove. I missed her by 15 minutes and she died," Gaga recalled. "I literally laid with her, with her husband, and their dog, and his son . . . When I came back, Bradley was so gentle with me and we got through it. I performed the song. He was like, 'You don't have to do it again. It's okay.' All I ever wanted to do was sing. I'll never forget that day. It was really a special scene, and I'll always remember that moment."
Cooper, on the other hand, spoke to the film's greater themes, which deal with depression and addiction. "I mean, ultimately, it would be wonderful if it could impart some understanding of the human plight," he said. "I know that's why I wanted to tell this story, so I could even help understand it myself. Also, to recognize that trauma is real, and traumatic events that occur especially early in life, if they're not dealt with and aided, will have ramifications that go on and on and on and on." Wow. We already thought we were going to get emotional while watching the film, but now those chances have increased tenfold. A Star Is Born hits theaters on Oct. 5.
Look Back at All the Artists Who Have Won MTV's Coveted Video Vanguard Award
Jennifer Lopez will be the first Latin artist to win MTV's Video Vanguard Award at the VMAs this month, and it got us thinking about all the other musicians to receive the honor over the years. The Vanguard was created in 1984 and renamed after the iconic Michael Jackson in 1991; it recognizes artists' overall achievements in music and film, and there were actually two inaugural winners: David Bowie and The Beatles.
While there has been plenty of debate over who probably should have a Vanguard Award but doesn't - *cough* Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott *cough* - it doesn't get awarded every year and has sometimes been given as a lifetime achievement award instead. My favorite thing about the Vanguard Award is seeing how the artists celebrate and accept them. Beyoncé damn near performed her entire self-titled album; Kanye West damn near ran for US president; Justin Timberlake damn near resurrected *NSYNC from the dead; and Lady Gaga had me damn near throwing wine at the TV when she presented Britney Spears with an award while dressed as her male alter ego, Jo Calderone. I'll never understand why that happened.
Keep reading to see all the artists who have taken home the coveted Moon Person over the years, then check out even more unforgettable moments from the MTV VMAs.
Your Inner Hermione Is Going to Freak Out Over This New Harry Potter Audiobook
Image Source: Everett Collection
Get ready to channel your inner Hermione Granger, because Audbile and Pottermore have teamed up to bring us an exciting addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the form of a brand new audiobook.
If you can't get enough of all the ins and outs of the intricate, magical universe author J.K. Rowling builds in her bestselling series, then Harry Potter: A History of Magic needs to be at the top of your must-read (er, must-listen) list. Game of Thrones alum Natalie Dormer is the voice of the original nonfiction audiobook, which delves into "some of the hidden stories behind real-world magic and explores some of Rowling's magical inventions alongside their folkloric, cultural, and historical forebears."
If the audiobook isn't enough to quench your Harry Potter thirst, then be sure to check out the accompanying Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibition at the New York Historical Society, which is scheduled to open on Oct. 5. "I've always adored the Harry Potter books, but it wasn't until I started speaking with the British Library's curators - hearing about the various myths, legends and cultures that have helped shape the wizarding world - that I really began to appreciate the richness and depth of J. K. Rowling's writing," Dormer said in a recent press release. "There are so many wonderful details to explore and A History of Magic unearths some remarkable gems of information that are sure to have listeners awestruck. It's been fun to join the Wizarding World family."
The audiobook itself will be available on Oct. 4, so head over to Audible.com to preorder a copy for yourself.
Warner Bros.
Colin Host and Michael Che Gave Each Other Lie Detector Tests, and I'm CRYING
This week, Vanity Fair subjected Colin Jost and Michael Che to lie detector tests. The two Saturday Night Live cast members took turns asking each other questions, and the results could not be more hilarious. Of course, the questions are straight-up savage; Michael asks Colin about his relationship with Scarlett Johansson, Donald Trump, and even Pete Davidson's engagement to Ariana Grande. Colin asks Michael about actual crimes he's committed, SNL boss Lorne Michael's favorite cast members, and, well, Donald Trump. But the real hilarity of the video comes from the fact that neither of them can seem to keep their composure for a few seconds before breaking down in laughs. Even the lie detector lady can't seem to keep it together.
If You Watched the Original Charmed, You Owe It to Yourself to Check Out the Reboot
Image Source: The CW
When I was growing up, all I did was watch TV. My family had cable, and whenever my sister and I were being "babysat," it was really just us babies being propped in front of the TV while our cousins did whatever teenagers did back in the '90s. I would imagine it was the same things the crew in Beverly Hills, 90210 got up to, because, as I was saying, TV is my native tongue.
One of my favorite shows to watch was The WB's Charmed. To my mother's distress, I loved everything about magic, witches, and the supernatural. My sister and I would spend hours debating which powers would suit us best and what spells we would want to use if it were possible. We devoted every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday night to our favorite trio of sisters and their messy, complicated lives. We mourned Prue's (Shannen Doherty) death, celebrated Piper's (Holly Marie Combs) babies, and wished Phoebe (Alyssa Milano) would just find a man already. We welcomed Paige (Rose McGowan) like she was our own and everyone else that came after. I doubt there was ever a more devoted pair of adolescent fans. So when I heard there was a reboot in development of my favorite series, I was excited - the power of three was rising again.
Of course, the internet quickly reminded me that it's never that simple. Now, don't get me wrong, I can totally understand where upset fans are coming from; having an entirely different family and story attached to the original show's name can seem off-putting. Some, like first series star Holly Marie Combs, may see this as "capitalizing on [their] hard work." But it's easy to look at the decision to keep the show's name as something negative rather than admitting that there is logic to it.
Maintaining the original name keeps the reboot relevant to the fandom. It shows that the series is in line with the original, even though it has a different cast and different stories. The big picture is still the same: Charmed will still be about three sisters working together to fight for their family and the greater good. It's just that the details making up that big picture - such as casting new witches Madeleine Mantock, Melonie Diaz, and Sarah Jeffery and bringing the story into the current year - are different. If this reboot had come under a different name, the only thing tethering it to the original series would be the concept and some key elements. It would seem more like a ripoff than a reboot.
Obviously it isn't all Charmed fans who are vehemently opposed to this reboot, but the haters are very vocal about their feelings. If it isn't the name of the reboot that they take umbrage with, it's the idea that the new series seems to be trying "too hard" to champion diversity or that it's ageist to recast the reboot with younger actresses, which are ridiculous notions, to be frank. As someone who grew up during what people often romanticize as "the best era of TV," a lot of shows I watched as a kid are seen as sacred. Shows like Charmed are forever viewed with rose-colored glasses because they were so formative and empowering for people. And that's beautiful! But it's also close-minded.
Image Source: Everett Collection
Charmed premiered in 1998 and ran until 2006. That was 12 years ago - basically another lifetime in terms of what society looks like. The series was very much of its times while also being ahead of its time. The core themes of sisterhood and girl power could sometimes get lost in the torrid romances and absurdly complicated storylines. And when compared to shows from the last five years, the original Charmed proves to be lacking in a number of ways. One such factor, which also addresses that "championing diversity" gripe, is the predominantly white cast of the show. I can genuinely only think of about six people of color that had any significant presence in the entire series. (And by significant presence, I mean they were at least familiar faces during one season.) Only four of those actors were featured in more than one season, and only two were in more than two. If anything, the show needed to work harder to bring some diversity on the screen. It's 2018, and viewers want - and deserve - more from their shows.
As for being ageist, there are several reasons that could explain why the original cast wasn't asked back. The first would be that all those actors are busy and their schedules wouldn't allow for an appearance in the reboot. (Alyssa Milano is starring in Netflix's controversial new show Insatiable, for instance.) Another reason could be that the story of the Halliwell sisters ended pretty definitively in 2006. The finale features the sisters defeating the Big Bad and flashing forward to their future families, which is everything they wanted from the beginning of the series. The decision to move on to a new family with a different story isn't ageist; it's respecting the legacy that Charmed built to begin with.
Image Source: Everett Collection
We watched the Halliwell sisters go through their trials and tribulations and saw them battle the greatest evils and win. Not to mention, they were so powerful by the end of the series, we wouldn't even believe anyone would give them enough trouble for a whole new series of manufactured ups and downs. The introduction of new sisters (Macy, Mel, and Maggie) allows us to watch as another trio of women grow into that kind of power, the same way we watched Prue, Piper, Phoebe, and Paige do the same.
It's deeply unfair to write off a reboot just because you want the original stars of your favorite show back on the screen. If you want to see the Halliwell sisters up to their usual hijinks, you can still stream the original series whenever you want. But this retelling isn't just for people who watched the series live on The WB. This show is also for a new generation of viewers who are looking to relate to these characters. It's for women who never thought they'd see someone like them, someone different, have a place in such a huge fandom. It's for people to discover that there isn't just one face to this kind of world and that there are so many different traditions, cultures, and ways to explore it. It's a new story that promises to be as exciting as our original favorite, but in different ways.
There's nothing wrong with still loving Charmed and wanting to hold on to the good memories that it brought you. There is something wrong with bashing the desire to take the foundations of that greatness and using it to bring something new to people. This reboot doesn't take anything away from the original. That still exists online and in your memories. This reboot is just an opportunity to fall in love with three new magical sisters who are finding themselves, and each other, in the craziness that is their world and ours. It's all the wonderfully Wiccan aspects we discovered 20 years ago, with a twist of new practices mixed in (like brujeria, for instance, the Spanish practice of witchcraft). That's a change to be celebrated.
When Charmed premieres on Oct. 14, I know I'll be tuning in. I would never want to miss a chance to dive into the showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman's reimagining of the world, and I'm looking forward to meeting Macy, Mel, and Maggie. We'll hopefully get to watch as they evolve into the powerful witches capable of invoking the Power of Three, and fans who enjoyed Prue, Piper, Phoebe, and Paige should join me. Why would you want to miss out?
Maggie Gyllenhaal Will Make You Gasp in the Unhinged Trailer For The Kindergarten Teacher
Netflix's The Kindergarten Teacher isn't necessarily being billed as a thriller, but the first trailer for the Sundance and TIFF-award winner will leave you deeply unsettled. Maggie Gyllenhaal plays Lisa Spinelli, a Staten Island kindergarten teacher who discovers that her 5-year-old student Jimmy (Parker Sevak) is potentially a gifted poet. Despite his parents' clear instructions that Jimmy not get involved with Lisa's poetic aspirations, the teacher finds herself heading down a dangerous path of obsession with the child. More than a few moments from the trailer will make you gasp, so check it out above before The Kindergarten Teacher hits the streaming network on Oct. 12.
Articles
