Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mercredi 15 août 2018
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.
9 Times Kate Middleton's Outfit Was No Match For a Gust of Wind
Kate Middleton is one of the chicest women in the world, and it has very little to do with the fact that she's a member of the royal family. Even before she tied the knot with Prince William in 2011, the duchess boasted a wardrobe full of easy, classic pieces that also happened to translate well during a high-profile event (or tea with the queen). These days, nearly everything Kate throws on grabs headlines, but that doesn't mean she's immune to one of fashion's most treacherous pitfalls - a gust of wind.
Over the years, Kate has fallen victim to a windy day on numerous occasions and in many different countries; most recently, the white Emilia Wickstead dress she wore during a day in India was no match for a gust of wind, but as usual, Kate played it completely cool. It just goes to show that anyone can have a Marilyn Monroe moment, even royalty. Keep reading for nine times that Kate's look was straight out of The Seven Year Itch.
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.
Related: Every Pair of Jennifer Aniston's Shoes Should Be on Your Shoe Rack
Meghan Markle's Been Wearing This 1 Accessory on Repeat, and You've Probably Never Noticed
In less than a year as an official member of the royal family, Meghan Markle has taught us many a valuable fashion lesson. Whether she's following the protocol or completely ignoring it, the Duchess of Sussex has wowed us more than once thanks to her impeccable sense of style and incredible wardrobe.
During her time in the royal limelight, Meghan has developed a few signature style moves. However, while her apparent love for bateau necklines has been well documented, there is something else that the duchess has repeatedly worn over the past few months: belts.
From belted coats to belted dresses, Meghan's used this accessory on multiple occasions in order to perfectly frame her silhouette. Ahead, take a closer look at all the times the former Suits star has put her belt obsession on display this year so far.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's Dress Is, Hands Down, the Sexiest Thing We've Ever Seen
Just when we thought we were a bit over slip dresses, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley stepped out in the most glorious version of this lingerie-inspired trend. For an event in New York, the British supermodel and actress wore a stunning embellished gown by Christopher Kane. Featuring a soaring thigh-high split, it perfectly showed off her incredible figure, and had our hearts racing in less time than it takes to say "sexy."
To complete her glamorous outfit, the 31-year-old star opted for barely-there Jimmy Choo sandals and a black clutch. Rosie also chose to keep her jewelry to a minimum, wearing only simple stud earrings and her gorgeous engagement ring in order to let her dress shine. Read on to see her dress from all angles, and then emulate the style for yourself with our shopping picks.
Surprise, Surprise: Baileys Strawberries & Cream Was So Popular, It's Back For the Summer
Baileys is bringing back its Strawberries & Cream liqueur! After previously launching earlier this year for Valentine's Day, the liqueur company is relaunching the popular flavor (and its pretty, pink packaging) for a limited-time release this Summer.
At $25, the liqueur is a blend of Baileys signature Irish cream with hints of strawberry and vanilla. Though admittedly not for everyone due to its supersweet flavor, Strawberries & Cream can also be used in the kitchen to make a boozy strawberry milkshake, cheesecake, shortcake, or mousse. If we're really being honest, however, we'd buy Strawberries & Cream for the bottle alone.
Girl Scouts Just Added a Chocolate Chip Cookie That's Caramel-y, Chewy, AND Gluten-Free
Girl Scout cookie season is the best season (sorry, Summer and Fall), and it's going to be better than ever in 2019 thanks to a new cookie. On Aug. 14, Girl Scouts announced the addition of the Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie, which will be a part of next year's cookie season lineup. The new Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie features rich caramel, semisweet chocolate chips, and a hint of sea salt in a chewy cookie, according to a statement. Bonus: it's also gluten-free, so more cookie-lovers of the world can enjoy it!
This new cookie will join another gluten-free option in the Girl Scout lineup: Toffee-tastic, a buttery cookie introduced in 2015 that has sweet, crunchy, golden toffee bits. Both gluten-free cookies will be offered only in select Girl Scout council markets, so you'll have to reach out to your local council to check availability. These cookies will join returning classics like Thin Mints, Caramel deLites, Samoas, and Trefoils. Let the cookie-hoarding countdown begin.
Going Vegan For a Week Has Some Perks (But For the Love of Cheese, It Was Hard)
My husband Jim loves to read and research. From events in history to fitness, he's an expert on many things, thanks to the internet. Recently, he has been on a health kick. Being that I am the only one who lives with him, I am the primary audience for his newly gained knowledge.
He's been talking about plant-based diets and "going vegan" to try it and see if it fits our lives. I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and my hormones are completely out of whack. Dairy can be inflammatory for women with PCOS (and PCOS is an inflammatory condition), and eating less red meat is recommended as well. Getting rid of both is a good start to get my PCOS under control and hopefully be able to start a family.
For the past few weeks, my well-meaning husband sent me articles via email and text messages about his latest internet findings. We watched health documentaries and our trips to the library included checking out books on Ayurveda and fasting. He finally wore me down, and we settled on trying veganism for a week.
Getting Started
We began our new adventure by writing down foods/meals we already knew were vegan and loved to eat. Guacamole, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal, and salad made the list. When we plan for a normal week of meals, we have a vegetable and/or fruit with each meal. However, now we were getting rid of the main star: meat (and, in my case, cheese). I'm not a huge meat eater, but I was going to miss my beloved cheese, in all its beautiful forms: sliced, shredded, melted, grated, string, and cubed.
While doing my own internet research, I stumbled upon some recipes for vegan cheese. One that stood out: vegan parmesan cheese. I LOVE parmesan cheese, and with pizza and pasta on our vegan menu, I knew I needed to try it.
A note about vegan cheese: it doesn't taste bad, but it's not cheese, in my opinion. I suppose if I were to eat it more often, my taste buds would get accustomed to the taste. I am glad I tried it, and I am open to keeping this food option in my life.
After mapping out our meals for the week, I went grocery shopping. I was in and out of the store in less than 15 minutes since I only needed to go to the produce department. My bill at Aldi's was $36, which wasn't bad for all the fruits, nuts, and vegetables I bought. I did need to go to Whole Foods for nutritional yeast, which cost $6 and was a key component to my giving up cheese for a week.
When I arrived home, I started to meal prep for the week, which included baking homemade bread for avocado toast and making my vegan parmesan cheese. We decided to stick to a "no-processed, whole-food, plant-based" meal plan while going vegan. My food processor and KitchenAid mixer did most of the work, and being prepared for the week helped. With veggies, hummus, nuts, and fruit fully stocked in our kitchen, we were ready for a plant-based snack if needed.
Let's Eat!
Our usual morning meal is eggs with veggies, but since eggs were a no-no this week, we alternated between oatmeal with fruit and avocado toast on homemade bread. Our dinners included veggie pizza (so weird to not put cheese on pizza), whole wheat pasta with mushrooms, veggie and black bean tostadas, and a salad made with avocado, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives.
The week we went vegan was teacher appreciation week, which meant the staff lounge was stocked with nonvegan goodies. I evaded temptation by completing avoiding the lounge and bringing nuts and raisins to snack on. Out of sight, out of mind does work!
Thoughts on Being a Vegan For a Week
- It helped to have a menu planned for both lunch and dinner.
- Shopping was quick, since I only went to the produce department.
- It was nice to not have to sanitize the counter tops after working with meat and seafood.
- We didn't have to worry about thawing meat (and forgetting to do this) and making sure meats were properly cooked.
- I learned that you don't always need meat to get protein.
- I really didn't miss meat (but I did miss cheese).
- While we were making our meal plan for the week, we also decided to cut sugar (even though Oreos are totally vegan). Having fruit for dessert helped when we needed something sweet after a meal.
- Vegan parmesan cheese isn't that bad on pizza and pasta, but it's not real cheese.
To Be Vegan or Not to Be Vegan?
After this week, we discovered that the vegan lifestyle is doable - we even tried some new recipes. I learned that giving up cheese wasn't the absolute worst thing in the world. As for the vegan lifestyle, we have decided to be reducetarians. It's a fantastic way to describe what we plan to do meal-wise. Our goal is to go vegan two to three times a week and only buy organic meat and produce. Upon further research, I've learned that gluten might be inflammatory for women with PCOS, as well as others with infertility issues. By reducing the amount of certain food groups, I'm hoping to be in better control of my health.
In the end, I'm glad we decided to try this new experience together. For five days, we stuck to a plan and taught ourselves that we can lean on each other when needed. We can also learn from each other, which means I won't roll my eyes anymore when my husband comes to me with another health experiment. If I can give up cheese for a week, I can do anything!
Tone Your Back and Shoulders With This Simple Bodyweight Exercise
If you're trying to increase your overall strength while building lean muscle mass, you've got to start training with the TRX suspension trainer. The suspension trainer is one of the most diverse pieces of equipment in the gym - you can work every muscle group with it, and the best part is, your body is the weight. Because of this, not only will you strengthen and define your muscles, but you will also improve the overall functional movement patterns that you do day in and day out, like pushing, pulling, twisting, bending, and squatting.
One of the best pulling exercises you can do with the TRX is the deltoid fly, working your shoulders, core (the stabilizer), and back. This shoulder-strengthening exercise will also improve your posture by opening up your shoulders and strengthening your upper back.
Here's how to do it:
- Before getting started, make sure the TRX suspension trainer is secured to an anchor point (a fixed object that won't move and can support you weight). The straps should be at mid-length.
- Grab the handles with each hand and walk your feet out approximately two feet away from your body. Your arms should be extended in front of you and your body should be in a straight line. The further you walk your feet in front of you, the more challenging the exercise will become.
- With your core engaged, open your arms out toward the sides, like you're making a "T" with your arms. Be sure to keep tension on the straps throughout the entire movement.
- With your core still engaged and tension on the straps, return to the starting position with control. This counts as one rep.
- Complete three sets of 12 reps.
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.
The Big Mistake You Could Be Making When Counting Carbs on the Keto Diet
If you're familiar with the keto diet, then you know it's all about counting carbs. The diet, which burns fat by putting your body into a state of ketosis, works by increasing your fat intake and limiting your carb intake so your body moves from burning carbs for fuel to burning your fat stores.
The key to getting into ketosis is limiting the number of carbs you eat a day. Although this number varies from person to person, it's typically less than 50 grams of carbs a day. That may seem simple enough, but counting carbs can get confusing. The macronutrient group is comprised of sugars and fibers, both of which affect your blood sugar differently.
"The key to achieving and maintaining nutritional ketosis is to keep your blood insulin level low," Steve Phinney, MD, PhD, chief medical officer at Virta Health, told POPSUGAR. "Dietary carbohydrates, and to some degree protein, are the stimuli for insulin." That's why it's important to keep the macronutrient breakdown in favor of fats over protein and carbs: about 70 to 80 percent fat, 15 to 20 percent protein, and five to 10 percent carbs.
But for your carb intake, should you calculate total carbs or net carbs, which is the number of total carbs minus fiber minus half the carbs from sugar alcohols (other than erythritol)?
Dr. Phinney explained that while some proponents of the keto diet argue not to count soluble fiber as part of your daily carb intake, which is one way to calculate net carbs, a well-formulated ketogenic diet doesn't have enough soluble fiber to make much of a difference.
"The only instance where net carbs substantially change one's range of dietary choices is with manufactured foods containing refined soluble fiber or sugar alcohols," he said. "And since these manufactured foods, eaten more often than occasionally ,can have significant intestinal side effects, this category should not be a significant contributor to one's total carbohydrate intake."
So when it comes to tallying up your carbs for the keto diet, you're better off sticking to total carbs to ensure your body is in ketosis - the fat-burning state that garners serious results.
50 States of Hip and Healthy Food Spots
If traveling is a part of your regular routine, sometimes you get sick of doing the touristy thing and indulging in everything the city has to offer. Maybe you're traveling to a new place and you're excited to sample anything and everything fried, fatty, and sweet, but you also crave something healthy here and there to balance it out. Whatever your goals are, we pulled together a roundup of fresh and healthy restaurants and cafes to check out in every state the next time you're in town. Healthy has never been so easy. Let's take a tour around the states plate by plate!
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.
Exercise Helped Me Through My Depression - but Not in the Way You Think
Six years ago, after a hurtful breakup, an abortion, graduating from business school, and not finding a job in my field, I was slowly falling into a depression. I am usually a very optimistic and positive person, but I had trouble finding goodness in everything I was going through. I knew that people had it way harder than me, but I couldn't shake off this state of sadness mixed with failure. I had some good and bad days. On the good ones, I was the bubbly and happy woman that I have always been. But on the bad ones, I was lost in my own thoughts, which led to long crying sessions.
During those days, I didn't want my family to see me this vulnerable and start to worry about me; I'd feel more down that I already was. So I spent most of those dark times in my bedroom watching videos and leaving just to eat and take a shower. Those dark days can be really difficult to handle. You know those times when you question every life choice that you made and start thinking "What if?" It can only go downhill from this point.
Instead of allowing this stage of dark thoughts to have control over me, I decided to go on a journey. The aim was to get my mind off of this road. So I chose to focus my attention on something I could control and have power over: my weight. I have always had a curvy lower body thanks to my African heritage. Although I love those curves, I had some insecurities that grew out of proportion due to the situation I was living in. That's why I thought that losing a little bit here and there wouldn't hurt.
In order to stay in it for the long run, it was better for me to be prepared. I downloaded some apps on my cell phone: Runtastic (for my runs), Abdominaux en 3 minutes (for some abs work), and MyFitnessPal (to monitor my meals). The last was the one I really got obsessed about. Every meal I added, I needed to check what would be the goal weight if I kept eating like that. If the number was too high, I would reduce the portion of my upcoming meal. I would cut a lot of products in my diet because I wanted to "eat clean." Food blogs, Instagram, and magazines educated me for my diet.
I was working out a lot - some days even twice a day because I had no job. In the morning I was running, and in the evening, I was either doing some Blogilates workouts or going to the gym. As soon as I saw the effect that my workout habits had on my body, I wanted to go harder, so I switched to the Insanity videos along with some Jillian Michaels videos. My friends and family thought that I was being too extra about this drastic diet and workout regimen. I felt a little bit misunderstood sometimes, but it kept me sane, so I couldn't stop.
I wanted to look like those girls I used to see on Tumblr and Instagram, those with thigh gaps, perfect and sculpted abs with little body fat. It got a little too extreme for me, though. I got amenorrhoea, the condition where your period completely stops. At first it didn't bother me at all, to be honest. No period for a month meant I was free from cramps, mood swings, and leaks. But after the third month, I knew going to see the doctor was necessary. He told me that my body reacted this way because of the intense regimen I was putting it through.
I guess that's when I realized that everything didn't have to be that extreme. I did some reverse process, educated myself on how to be strong instead of skinny. I learned not to worry about the scale, since it doesn't mean anything and doesn't quantify how beautiful and awesome I am. The darker days were far less frequent than before. I rediscovered myself. I was more confident, more in love with myself and others, more at peace. I made some changes in my workouts and my diet, and now, six years later, I realize that the only competition I needed to be up against was with myself. But my body is beautiful just as it is, even if I don't see a lot of women looking like me in the magazines or online. I am still a badass.
Going through all this helped me on the journey of self-love, confidence, acceptance, and growth. I don't think I would have it any other way. My mind, body, and soul are finally in sync, and I am definitely not letting that go for anything.
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.
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!
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.
We Compared 6 Top-Selling Lululemon Leggings So You Know WTF You're Buying
Ever walked into a Lululemon, stared at the leggings wall, and just gulped in wonderment? Us too. There are so many different styles, fabrics, and colors that we barely know where to begin, but that's also what makes Lululemon so amazing; whether you're a yogi or a marathoner, it's got gear for you. In an effort to curb your confusion, we've rounded up some of Lululemon's most popular leggings and explained what sets each pair apart. For the sake of this experiment, we've compared black full-length leggings. That way, you can really understand the subtle but important differences. Because, you know, it's the little things that matter most.
I Tracked Everything I Ate For 3 Months - Here Are 5 Things I Learned
About two years ago, I went through a major change in my life when I decided that the gym wasn't for me, so I began to live by a less obsessive, laid-back approach to health. I didn't focus too much on what I thought I should be doing and I just did whatever felt good. If that meant eating a bowl of ice cream after dinner, so be it. I was happier than I'd ever been before. Just a few months ago, though, I decided I was ready to take a more mindful approach to my nutrition.
I started to use MyFitnessPal to track whatever I was eating and see whether I was getting enough of the right nutrients every day. What I saw the first few days was honestly shocking: I was eating about 4,000 calories a day on average (all those snacks really add up, don't they?) and from then on, I decided to pay attention to what I was putting in my mouth. Here's what I learned.
My breakfast wasn't filling enough
A few hours after breakfast, I noticed that I'd started snacking on whatever I could get my hands on, and let's face it: the office is really not the best place to try healthy eating. With all those doughnuts and cookies just lying around and my stomach grumbling, no wonder I was eating so much!
When I poked around in my nutritional stats, I found the problem. My breakfast, usually a bowl of oatmeal or pancakes if I'm feeling extra special, was carb-based, without any healthy fats or protein. I started to ramp up my breakfast with more filling meals that included nuts and seeds, and soon, I could last until lunch without any hunger pangs.
I wasn't getting enough protein
I'm vegetarian, which means that it's a bit harder to get my protein in since the major sources of protein are usually meat. When I went through my stats, I found out that I'd gotten less than 10 percent of my calories from protein while the recommended amount is between 12 to 30 percent. However, when I researched plant-based protein sources, I realized that all wasn't lost for me. Tofu, tempeh, edamame, and soybeans all became regular additions to my diet.
I wasn't eating very mindfully
I'd always prided myself on being a mindful eater, but when I started tracking each and every bit of food I ate, I realized that my mindful eating strategy only stuck with me during meals when I forced myself to sit down and actually focus on what I was eating.
Between meals, however, was a completely different story. I was almost blindly throwing food in my mouth, and most of the time, I couldn't even remember what I had eaten when I was trying to track everything down. From then on, I promised myself to always sit and eat. And trust me, that was a game-changer.
I had no idea what portion control meant
Did you know that only about 15 almonds equals 100 calories? And less than a tablespoon of olive oil equals about the same? And here I am, with this huge handful of nuts in my hand, happily drizzling olive oil over the stove as I scroll through my nutrition stats, my heart sinking as I realize that this isn't going to cut it.
After this experiment, I went out and bought myself a few portion-control cups, and now I dutifully measure out my snacks before heading off to actually sit down and eat.
I always went through an afternoon slump
Ah, the dreaded afternoon slump: you can barely stay awake, your eyes are drooping, you're cranky, you think you're hungry, you're hangry. We've all gone through that, haven't we? Well, it turns out this isn't just in our minds. The afternoon slump is actually a phenomenon caused by the combined effects of a carb-heavy lunch along with the absence of the caffeine in your bloodstream and slight dehydration.
The solution? Well, for me, the minute 3 p.m. struck on the clock, I zealously guzzled water until I could no longer even think about food. This held me off for an hour or so and ensured that I fulfilled my water quota for the day. I also ramped up my lunch with protein and fats to keep my fuller and prevent that sugar crash.
If I was feeling like it, I would go for a walk during my lunch break to get some light exercise and some sunlight, which is proven to reduce drowsiness. 99 percent of the time, this worked in making sure I wasn't shoveling food into my mouth when I didn't need it. The other one percent of the time, I was actually hungry and allowed myself to take a few bites of these amazing energy balls I bought from home. I can't even feel the crash anymore on good days.
The Consensus
Well, three months later I'm still tracking my food using MyFitnessPal and really enjoying that sense of accountability it gives me. I check in with myself every once in a while to make sure I'm not getting obsessive about my calorie limit or hitting my nutrient goals.
Fitness is an incredibly personal journey and each and every one of us is unique. Just because tracking worked for me doesn't mean it should for you too. Whatever you do, be sure to listen to yourself and love and respect your body for what it can do. After all, the most important thing to remember is that you are more than a number: you are your experiences, your beliefs, and your actions. And that's what truly matters.
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.
6 Foods You Are Better Off Skipping at Night
You might have heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and while it does provide you with the fuel you need to tackle your list of daily to-dos, what you eat at night is also worth paying attention to. Dinner and late-night food and drinks can have an effect on everything from your weight-loss goals to getting a beneficial full night's sleep. If any of the following foods are making it onto your meal planning for this week, be sure to consume them before evening hits.
Jillian Michaels Says Losing Weight and Building Muscle Isn’t About How Often You Work Out, It’s This
Jillian Michaels helped dozens of contestants lose hundreds of pounds and transform their lives as the tough-love trainer on The Biggest Loser, so she knows a thing or two about losing weight and building muscle. Between filming intense workouts for her Instagram page and her fitness app My Fitness by Jillian Michaels, she revealed to us the secret to losing weight and building muscle. Spoiler alert: it's more than just working out.
For fat loss, Jillian recommends lifting weights four times a week: each muscle group twice a week with two days of rest in between. But here's the kicker - she says you need to weight train four days a week to build muscle, too.
"The difference between weight loss and muscle is really about food," she told POPSUGAR. "If you want to lose weight, you have to create a calorie deficit. If you want to gain muscle, you need to have a calorie surplus."
Although Jillian isn't a dietitian, she recommends eating 10 percent more calories than you burn in a day to gain muscle. Registered dietitian and personal trainer Jim White, ACSM, also said to make sure you eat enough protein to put on muscle: 0.5 to 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight. So if someone weighs 150 pounds, he or she should be eating 75-120 grams of protein daily to gain muscle.
It's also key to let your muscles recover, especially if you are training so frequently. "While some believe that how you train matters regarding size or muscle gain, the truth of the matter is that it's about stress and recovery," Jillian added. "So as long as you stress the muscle then let it recover you will be achieving your goal, whether you lift heavy or do bodyweight resistance."
Turns out, your strength-training regimen can be the same whether you are trying to lose weight or put on muscle; at the end of the day, it's all about nutrition.
25 Healthy Chicken Recipes to Make You Forget You're on a Diet
I'll be honest: whether I'm trying to eat healthy or not, baked or roasted chicken is a protein source I'm unlikely to gravitate toward when presented with other options. It's often just so boring and bland, am I right? But I'm eventually swayed when I come across a healthy chicken recipe that happens to be unique and packed with delicious flavors and healthy ingredients.
Here we've rounded up 25 variations on baked chicken, from healthy takes on favorites like fried chicken and wings to different versions of simple baked and roasted recipes. You'll be clearing your plate faster than you can say "winner winner, chicken dinner."
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.
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.
6 Things About Weight Watchers That Helped Me Finally Lose 30 Pounds
It's been almost one year since I made the lifestyle change that made me lose almost 30 pounds: since I made the conscious decision that something needed to be done about my weight and my happiness, and joined Weight Watchers.
For almost my entire life, I've heard about Weight Watchers and a lot of its success stories. I saw Miranda go to meetings on Sex and the City. I've seen Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Hudson, and, now, Oprah drop an immense amount of weight on the program. I even had friends who had great experiences. But how were they doing it? How did the program that worked for so many people actually work?
I pondered these questions time and time again before finally taking the plunge in July 2017 and joining Weight Watchers, where I learned all about its point system. Under the program, every member is given a specific number of points they can consume per day based on their height, weight, and weight goal, and every food is assigned a Weight Watchers point based on its nutritional value (not just calories, which is very important when you think about how many calories foods like avocados, nuts, and even quinoa pack).
By following your point allowance, you are controlling your portions while still giving your body nutrients, ultimately resulting in weight loss. It sounds simple, but there's so much more to Weight Watchers. Keep reading for just six reasons I love it.
Ana Ate This Many Meals a Day to Lose 37 Pounds and Get Shredded Abs
In 2017, Ana Aguilar was sick of the "quick fix" diet and fitness programs she had tried in the past. She was ready for something that would last. As a busy mom with a full-time job, she needed something that would work. She decided to sign up for Renaissance Periodization and ended up losing 37 pounds. Here are the details of Ana's amazing weight-loss story.
Surprise, Surprise: Baileys Strawberries & Cream Was So Popular, It's Back For the Summer
Baileys is bringing back its Strawberries & Cream liqueur! After previously launching earlier this year for Valentine's Day, the liqueur company is relaunching the popular flavor (and its pretty, pink packaging) for a limited-time release this Summer.
At $25, the liqueur is a blend of Baileys signature Irish cream with hints of strawberry and vanilla. Though admittedly not for everyone due to its supersweet flavor, Strawberries & Cream can also be used in the kitchen to make a boozy strawberry milkshake, cheesecake, shortcake, or mousse. If we're really being honest, however, we'd buy Strawberries & Cream for the bottle alone.
The Secret to My Easiest Move Ever
Since graduating from college, I have moved nine times - twice cross-country - and I get better at it every time. I achieved a new personal best with my recent move, and I did it without a single cardboard box. Instead, I rented reusable plastic bins from a company called BungoBox and eliminated one of the most stressful parts of the process. Here's why it was awesome.
I Cut Out Cardboard
One of my least favorite parts about moving is procuring boxes. In the weeks leading up to a move, I become a crazy cardboard scavenger, visiting liquor stores, grocery stores, and sidewalks on recycling day to collect as many boxes as possible. I will do anything to avoid paying money for a cardboard box, though I usually end up having to buy some anyway. As someone who is eco-conscious and abhors waste, it pains me to break down all those good boxes and recycle them after a move. Using plastic bins also removed the need for tape, since the lids lock when closed. All I had to buy was bubble wrap and packing paper.
It Saved Time
We researched several bin companies available in our area, including JuggleBox, BoxUp, and Bin-It. We ultimately chose BungoBox because it's available in 13 markets across the US and it offered extralarge boxes. Companies vary based on location, so I urge you to research the offerings in your local market.
Some companies allow you to keep the boxes for one week, while others offer two weeks for a higher price. All of them give you an estimate of the number of bins you'll need based on your apartment size, and we ended up having a near-perfect amount of boxes.
The bins were delivered to my apartment before the move and picked up when I was done. You can keep the bins for one to two weeks around your moving date. I opted to keep mine for a little longer before the move than after. The company also provides wheeled carts so you can move the boxes around as you pack and stickers so you can label them.
The Price Was Right
The four companies I researched offered similar pricing. Quotes vary depending on how many boxes you need, what size box you want, and how long you keep them, but the general range was $150 to $300 for a two-bedroom apartment. We rented a mix of large and extralarge boxes for two weeks, and the cost was around $200, including delivery and pickup.
Renting bins from BungoBox was more expensive than scavenging for cardboard boxes but still very affordable - especially compared to buying cardboard boxes, which can become absurdly expensive. BungoBox estimates that customers save as much as 50 percent versus buying cardboard boxes.
I Couldn't Procrastinate
Because you only rent the boxes for a maximum of two weeks, your move doesn't drag on forever. Renting bins forces you to pack and unpack quickly, which I considered a gift. I speak from experience when I say that if you start packing too soon for a move, it feels endless, and unpacking quickly allows you to feel settled faster than if you leave boxes piled up for months.
The Pros Outweighed the Cons
As long as you can deal with the two-week window, renting bins makes for a far more enjoyable moving experience than using cardboard. It's better for the environment and cuts out a huge, unpleasant step in the moving process.
The only downside is that BungoBox offered only large and extralarge bins. Because the bins are heavier than cardboard, they are very heavy when full. I felt bad for my movers. Were I to do it again, I'd choose a bin rental company that offers a wider variety of sizes. But I'm definitely going the reusable bin route from now on.
Girl Scouts Just Added a Chocolate Chip Cookie That's Caramel-y, Chewy, AND Gluten-Free
Girl Scout cookie season is the best season (sorry, Summer and Fall), and it's going to be better than ever in 2019 thanks to a new cookie. On Aug. 14, Girl Scouts announced the addition of the Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie, which will be a part of next year's cookie season lineup. The new Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie features rich caramel, semisweet chocolate chips, and a hint of sea salt in a chewy cookie, according to a statement. Bonus: it's also gluten-free, so more cookie-lovers of the world can enjoy it!
This new cookie will join another gluten-free option in the Girl Scout lineup: Toffee-tastic, a buttery cookie introduced in 2015 that has sweet, crunchy, golden toffee bits. Both gluten-free cookies will be offered only in select Girl Scout council markets, so you'll have to reach out to your local council to check availability. These cookies will join returning classics like Thin Mints, Caramel deLites, Samoas, and Trefoils. Let the cookie-hoarding countdown begin.
I'm a New Mom Carrying More Junk Than I Can Imagine, and These Bags Have Changed My Life
While I'm only six months into my lifelong career as a mother, I've gone through a number of different purse trends in my attempt to acclimate. I've resisted the diaper bag entirely and used just the storage underneath the stroller, ultimately paying the price big time when my daughter had a blowout and I didn't have a change of clothes stowed away, and I've gone the other side of the spectrum and carried bags that were too big and yanked at my neck, ultimately always getting in the way. Then I started carrying my essentials - wallet, keys, phone, snacks - in waist bags and everything changed.
Before you wave them off as your grandmother's fanny pack, waist belts are chic and useful, and they can honestly be flattering when you use them to cinch the waist and create a silhouette. This isn't a place to stow your kid's baby wipes; this is for you so you can keep your hands free.
Can You Prevent Head Lice? 4 Things You Can Do to Keep Nits Away From Your Child
Because I got lice as a child and know what a painstaking removal process it can be, I'm terrified of my son bringing home some nits. Doing things like spending hours combing through my tender hair and having to meticulously clean everything in the house are burned into my brain, just like the smell of the product used to kill the bugs is burned into my nose. It may be a common part of childhood, but I want to do anything I can to prevent my son from having to deal with dreaded head lice. While it will require some serious work, there are things you can do to prevent your child from getting lice.
Teach Them About Space
The first line of defense might be some good, old-fashioned boundary lessons. "Lice spread through head-to-head contact, so without physical boundaries, lice can easily crawl from one child to another," Jackie O'Connell, owner and operator of Disentangle Lice Removal, explained to POPSUGAR. "Hugging, wrestling, and watching tablets together are just a few of the ways it can spread from one child to another." The main thing kids should avoid is directly touching heads with another individual. "Although many people believe that lice transmit through helmets, hats, sharing lockers, etc., this has been debunked in recent years," she said. "Research shows that almost every case is contracted through direct head contact." However, abstaining from those actions entirely is unlikely, and there are products that can help.
Use Preventative Products
"There are a multitude of products available to prevent contracting lice," O'Connell explained. "At Disentangle, we carry shampoos, conditioners, detangling sprays, gels, and mousses that prevent transmission. Most lice prevention products contain a scent that lice find offensive. These scents can range from rosemary, peppermint, citronella, and tea tree oil." And while these kind of products are helpful, they're not perfect. "Although we highly recommend using a preventative product on your child, we also warn that these products are not 100 percent guaranteed. They're extremely effective at masking the natural scent of the scalp, but a bug will transfer to any environment if their survival is threatened."
Consider How They Wear Their Hair
Additionally, a different hairstyle might make a world of difference to whether or not a child contracts lice. "We recommend tying your child's hair up whenever they're at school or in a social setting," O'Connell advised. "Ponytails are great, but braids or buns are even better. Loose or swinging hair offers lice the opportunity to crawl from one person to another, so tying the hair up is the most effective way to avoid transmission."
Education Is Key
"At Disentangle, our top priority is educating our clients about lice while receiving treatment," O'Connell continued. "With all the myths and misconceptions out there, obtaining factual information can be difficult. We recommend that parents educate themselves so they can pass on proper information to their children. It's extremely rare that someone would contract lice from an inanimate object, so simply explain to your kids how important it is to avoid any head-to-head contact. Lastly, we encourage the use of preventative products anytime they interact with other children."
We're Calling It Now: These Are the Most Popular Halloween Costumes For Kids This Year
Year after year, little ghosts, mummies, and witches run around screaming "Trick or treat!" as they wander through their neighborhoods carrying pumpkin-shaped candy buckets - but every year, there's a slew of costumes that make everyone say, "Yup, expected as much," for a different reason. Between all of the popular new movies, TV shows, books, and video games from the year, there are always a ton of new favorite characters to pretend to be each Oct. 31. From Fortnite characters to a select few trendy animals, we're calling it now: the following costumes are going to be the most popular of the year.
Just be sure that if your child's asking to dress in one of these costumes that they're sure it's the one they truly want - because shopping for a Halloween ensemble with indecisive kids is one of the worst parts of the holiday.
15 Facts About Lice Every Parent Should Know
It's back-to-school time, and while you're busy taking adorable first-day photos and celebrating the return of your free time (see you in seven hours, kiddos!), there's another, less exciting part of sending your kids back to school: the knowledge that along with new friends, homework, and endless crafts, they're super likely to come home with bugs . . . sometimes literally in the form of dreaded lice.
Lice are extremely common and nothing to be embarrassed about (hey, even Jennifer Garner got them!), but that doesn't mean they're not hugely annoying and generally icky. As you send your students back to class, praying they don't ever come home with a letter from the teacher warning of a lice outbreak, here are 15 things to know about head lice in general, including how to avoid them and what to do if they invade your kid's head.
Related: This Is When You Can Send Your Child Back to School After They Have Lice
- Lice are nothing to be embarrassed about! Millions of school-age children in the United States get head lice every year, and the bugs infect a cross section of the population. Getting lice doesn't mean you weren't clean or vigilant enough. Simply put, lice happen!
- Head lice live for about 28 days. They develop in three phases: egg (also called a nit), nymph, and louse. Nits hatch in six to nine days and are usually found within a few millimeters of the scalp (they don't survive if they're farther away). Nymphs look like adult head lice but are much smaller (about the size of a pinhead) and become adults about seven days later. An adult louse, which is about the size of a sesame seed, can multiply fast and lay up to 10 eggs a day. It takes about 12 to 14 days for a nit to reach adulthood.
- Lice are not airborne. They cannot jump, hop, or fly. The main way head lice spread is from close, prolonged head-to-head contact and, less commonly, through brushes, hats, helmets, or hair accessories.
- Lice are visible to the naked eye. As long as you have decent vision, you should be able to see the tiny bugs or nits in a child's hair, though it might take some concentration and searching to find them.
- Nits are distinguishable from dandruff. Nits look like small white or yellow-brown specks and are firmly attached to the hair near the scalp. They will not brush away like dandruff.
- Nits have favorite spots on the head. The easiest place to find them is at the hairline at the back of the neck or behind the ears.
- Your child's haircut doesn't matter. Buzzing your child's hair doesn't protect them from lice; they can lay nits on a quarter-inch of hair.
- There's a reason it's called head lice. Head lice do not travel to other parts of the body.
- Your dog isn't the problem. Head lice are spread from person to person, not from an animal to a person or vice versa.
- Dirty hair isn't the culprit. Surprisingly, head lice like a clean head the best.
- They need a head to survive. Lice have very short lifespans and must feed frequently to stay alive. Typically, they only live about two days when they're off the head, which means you don't have to worry about bedding, upholstery, or clothing items your lice-infected child hasn't touched since last week.
- Just because one child has lice doesn't mean the rest of the family will get it, too. Unless you've had head-to-head contact with a child who has been infected with lice or have shared head coverings or hair accessories, you're probably clear.
- Not all schools require you to keep a lice-infected student home. The American Academy of Pediatrics and National Association of School Nurses have discouraged "no-nit" policies, stating that students who still have nits in their hair can't return to school. Check with your school to see what its policy states.
- You don't need to go overboard to remove lice from your home. Every day, wash the clothing, bedding, brushes, and hair accessories your child has used during their lice infestation. Put stuffed animals in the dryer to kill active lice, or simply put them in a bag for a few days, after which any lice will be dead. You don't need to replace furniture or mattresses or wash your child's whole wardrobe. Remember, lice don't live long off heads.
- There are multiple ways to remove lice. Drugstore remedies may work for most people, but there are also natural remedies and many professional services that will do the stressful work of removing nits for around $200-$300, which many parents feel is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that the lice have been vanquished.
Hate Halloween? 10 Just-as-Fun Things to Do Instead of Trick-or-Treating
I can't pinpoint exactly when I started to dislike Halloween, but the older I've gotten, the more deeply I loathe the so-called holiday. Between macabre-themed parties, skimpy costumes, and strangers constantly knocking on my door, I'm pretty much over it. I did think that once I had children of my own, I'd start to appreciate it again - the way I did when I was young and trick-or-treating in my mom's handmade costumes - but instead, I find myself trying to convince my husband that our kids won't miss it (he strongly disagrees).
If you are like me and say "boohoo" to Halloween every year instead of just "boo," there's definitely no reason you and your family have to hide out in a dark house as hordes of children in search of processed sugar invade your neighborhood. You can still get out and have a lot of fun - it just won't revolve around death, monsters, or candy. Here are 10 things you can do instead of trick-or-treating this year to enjoy the day in your own way.
The Best Dog For You to Get as a Pet, According to Your Zodiac Sign
Dogs are just the best, aren't they? With their goofy faces, loving personalities, and cuddly natures, they're exactly what this world needs more of. But if you're thinking of adopting, it can be difficult and overwhelming trying to figure out which breed to bring into your life and your home. With so many different dogs out there, it's best to have some kind of guide to help you on your way to canine bliss (I swear, they make life 100 times better). And the zodiac is more than just something to help you match relationships and make life goals - it can also help you find your perfect pup. Each sign has a dog that was destined for them and matches their particular personality quirks. Keep reading to find out which dog is right for your sign, and happy adopting!
8 Things All Parents Should Do on the First Day of School, According to a Teacher
It doesn't matter how little or large your children are, the first day of school will always be something special. Besides taking time for photographs, making special breakfasts, and hugging your growing baby so tight they probably get annoyed, there's a lot more parents should do to get their kids ready.
As a teacher, there are certain things I secretly hope parents will do on the first day of school (like surprise me with one of these sweet gifts), but really, those aren't nearly as important as the following eight things. Keep reading to see what you can do to make sure your kid's first day (and year) goes great.
1 Woman Made Custom Outfits For Her Family's Disney Vacation - and They Blow T-Shirts Out of the Water
Sheridan O'Hea, a 20-year-old fashion student from New Jersey, sure knows how to put her sewing talents to good use. In a now-viral Reddit thread, she shared a few photos of matching outfits she handcrafted for her family's annual trip to Disney World, and holy sh*t are they good! Sheridan first became interested in fashion when her grandpa taught her to sew at 8 or 9 years old, and while she admits she didn't do much of it outside of the classroom, she felt inspired thinking about her upcoming family vacation.
"By the end of July I realized that my Disney vacation was coming up soon and my mom was nagging me to get us matching T-shirts like we do every year," Sheridan told POPSUGAR. "I decided that this year would be different. I didn't want to be like any other family with obnoxious T-shirts. I wanted obnoxious outfits. Handmade obnoxious outfits."
She swung by her local craft store to pick up some supplies, and she admits that she already had a few ideas in mind.
"I went to JOANN Fabric and went straight to the Disney section," she said. "I picked out this fabric specifically because I loved the old movie poster design and I thought it was definitely one of the more eye-catching fabrics, which is exactly what I needed. I had a couple ideas of what to make for my family, but I knew that my boyfriend and brother would love their own button-down shirts."
"I decided that this year would be different. I didn't want to be like any other family with obnoxious T-shirts. I wanted obnoxious outfits. Handmade obnoxious outfits."
Sheridan wanted the outfits to come out perfectly. She dedicated all the time she wasn't at work to her ambitious project for a solid week - and despite the time crunch, her effort paid off in spades. Judging by the photos, her family clearly loved her designs.
"I'm so thankful of all of the love I got from my family," she said. "No way was I expecting such feedback for my designs. They are truly my biggest supporters. My mom has always begged me to make her something and I finally did. I was hesitant to make anything for anyone else because I was always so hard on myself about whether or not they would like or wear it."
Scroll through to get a peek at her incredible matching outfits, and keep an eye out for Sheridan's very own Etsy shop down the line.
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