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.
dimanche 19 août 2018
If This 4-Year-Old Boy's Impassioned Speech Doesn't Make You Want to Read, Nothing Will
First day back and our guest speaker 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Update: this video is making its rounds quickly!! Please check out Master Caleb Stewart at
Booking info:mastercalebbooking@gmail.com
Brilliant Little Leaders
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Posted by Kang-Xing Jin on Monday, August 6, 2018
Master Caleb Stewart, a 4-year-old boy with a passion for reading, made a compelling speech about its benefits at his local middle school. In a now-viral video, Master Caleb grabbed the microphone and told his audience that he personally reads every day and "absolutely loves the adventure of reading," and we pretty much melted from the get-go.
The adorable little bibliophile rattled off all the good things kids can get from cracking open one of their favorite titles - and he made some pretty inspiring points. "Reading every day has made me smarter," he said. "Reading also strengthened my vocabulary and language skills." He also pointed out that reading can improve children's long-term memory and enhance their ideas.
Master Caleb did his due diligence by reminding parents and teachers that reading aloud to kids or encouraging them to read by themselves are some of the best things they can do to help them develop. And we're not just talking about books. Master Caleb explained that reading newspapers, magazines, or even billboards can be just as beneficial.
The big takeaway here? Reading can open a ton of doors for kids - so keep the material coming!
35 "Facts" You Learned in School That Are Completely Wrong
If you really think back to everything you learned as a kid, you'll probably realize how inaccurate a lot of the stuff was. Whether it was taught directly in the classroom or told by your parents, much of what we've always assumed as common knowledge is flawed. Like the whole Thanksgiving thing, obviously, plus a list of other lies many of us have believed our whole lives. Prepare to be surprised by the 35 false facts ahead.
35 "Facts" You Learned in School That Are Completely Wrong
If you really think back to everything you learned as a kid, you'll probably realize how inaccurate a lot of the stuff was. Whether it was taught directly in the classroom or told by your parents, much of what we've always assumed as common knowledge is flawed. Like the whole Thanksgiving thing, obviously, plus a list of other lies many of us have believed our whole lives. Prepare to be surprised by the 35 false facts ahead.
Mark Your Calendars: Fashion Week Is Coming, and Our Heels Are Tapping
When the Summer dies down and we're all shopped out for the month of August, there's only one thing to turn to: the runway. Luckily, Fashion Week comes just in time, beginning right after Labor Day and keeping us enthralled until Oct. 2. From the shows we're most excited to tune into in New York - The Row, Tibi, and Calvin Klein included! - to Chloé, Stella McCartney, and Chanel in great Paris, scroll on to find out when your favorite fashion house is showing, and stay up to date with all our content throughout the month here.
Meghan Markle's Wedding Dress Was Fab, but Let's Not Forget the Other Dresses in Her Closet
As the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle's fashion choices will become iconic the moment she steps out. Every time she attends public royal engagements, all eyes are on her - and of course what she's wearing. When she's not rocking classic pantsuits, Meghan is wearing her very best dresses. Whether she's sporting her signature bateau neckline or showing off a tiny bit of skin, Meghan knows the perfect dresses to wear to flatter her figure. Not only that, but she knows which colors will perfectly complement her skin tone (ahem, dusty rose!). Keep reading to see her best dresses that will surely go down in history.
Trevor Noah Defended Moms Who Breastfeed in Public - and the PSA at the End Is the BEST
In honor of National Breastfeeding Month, Trevor Noah got hilariously real about how ridiculous it is that women get shamed for breastfeeding in public. He explained in an episode of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah on Aug. 9 that he truly doesn't understand why people become enraged at the sight of a mom feeding her child. After stating that "breastfeeding is one of the best ways to nurture an infant" he launches into a montage of news clips that show women being shamed for breastfeeding in public - and we absolutely agree.
After saying his piece, Noah segues into a PSA from comedians Desi Lydic, a mom of one, and Dulce Sloan, who don't hold back when it comes time to rattle off some other disgusting things people do in public. Some of the best examples? People clipping their toes on the subway, couples making out on top of each other at restaurants, and last but not least, when old men wear banana hammocks to the pool. No one wants to see any of those things going on. So where the heck is their cover?
Desi's final piece of advice to the haters? "How about you make like a hungry baby and suck it up?" Boom.
Here Are the Fitness Classes Your Trainer Doesn't Want You to Take
There are dozens of group fitness class offerings in each gym, studio, and wellness center. Although many of them are good, even great, there are way too many mediocre offerings. As a trainer, I am very picky about the ones I choose. I have limited time to spend on my own workouts, so they better be worth it. Generally speaking, I will not attend a class that puts music, choreography, or class synchronization over safety, form, or appropriate workload. If you aren't a certified trainer, how do you learn to discern those things? Here are three key questions to ask that will help you weed out the good from the bad in fitness classes.
Are the Instructors Coaches or Cheerleaders?
When it comes to trainers, there is a difference between someone who cheers and shakes pom-poms at you, and someone who motivates and educates you while working toward a fitness goal. Look for trainers who know more than just choreography. Do they know their humerus from their femur? Can they tell you why you are doing a particular exercise? Do they tell you where you should be feeling the move in your body? Can they give you a tangible guideline for how hard you should be working (e.g. "your glutes should be burning," or "you should be approaching failure here"). If all your instructor seems to be able to do is memorize a sequence and pair it with music, you are better off working out on your own or with a personal trainer.
Does the Class Content Change?
The enemy of progress is comfort. As a general rule, avoid classes that repeat the same sequence of exercises and/or repetitions each class. If you work the same muscles the same way, all the time, they are not being challenged and will not get stronger. Failing to add different exercises or change up workloads can contribute to repetitive-use injuries, which will seriously impact fitness gains. And if your intervals never change, you won't build endurance. If you find that you're going to a class and doing the same workout week in and week out, do yourself a favor and try something different. Look for classes that understand the concept of periodization, where the workload gets progressively harder over time.
How Has Your Body Changed?
The key question you should ask after participating in any fitness class is whether your body has changed as a result of your attendance. Have you gotten stronger? Are your jeans any looser? Can you do more push-ups/burpees/hill climbs than you used to? Can you recover faster after working hard? If you're not answering yes to any of these, you need to consider two things: first, are you working hard enough in these classes? Second, if you are working your hardest, what is missing? Usually it's something in the class itself. Don't be afraid to shop around for different teachers, different gyms, and different modalities. There is a magic combination of all three of those things that allows you to find your best fitness path.
Failing to consider whether the class is doing its job is like storing your money in a shoe box under your bed and wondering why you aren't earning any interest. Don't worry about hurting the instructor's feelings if you don't come back. They aren't there to be your buddy; they are there to get you in better shape. If they aren't accomplishing that, find someone that can. It's not personal, it's business - and your body is your business, so make sure it's working!
How Princess Diana and Camilla Parker Bowles Went From Friends to Rivals
We all know how strongly Diana, Princess of Wales, and Camilla Parker Bowles felt about each other in the '80s and '90s. As Diana's marriage to Prince Charles fell apart, she laid the blame very firmly with Camilla, and the uncomfortable and sometimes angry relationship between the two was played out on a very public stage. But the two women were initially friends. Camilla's biographer, Penny Junor, noted that when Lady Diana Spencer first began dating the heir to the throne in 1980, they were often guests at Bolehyde Manor in Wiltshire, the country home Camilla shared with her first husband, Andrew Parker Bowles. The women enjoyed each other's company, and Diana is said to have enjoyed helping Camilla with her young children, Tom and Laura.
Before the royal engagement was announced, Camilla provided a friendly shoulder to lean on as Diana navigated one of her first experiences with the cameras at Ludlow Races, where both women watched the Prince of Wales competing. Soon after Charles and Diana announced they were to wed, in February 1981, the bride to be moved into Clarence House where, Diana later told Andrew Morton, who wrote the 1992 book Diana: Her True Story, she found a note from Camilla on her bed, asking her to lunch. The two enjoyed a gossipy meal, but Diana later remembered the meeting less fondly, believing Camilla was using it to work out when she would be able to see Charles on his own after the royal wedding.
In fact, soon after the engagement, Diana became distrustful of her new friend. Morton's book describes how upset Diana was by Charles's decision to give Camilla a bracelet, engraved with the initials G and F, just before his wedding in July 1981. Diana was convinced it symbolized "Gladys and Fred," the pet names Charles and Camilla allegedly used for one another. Others claim it meant "Girl Friday." Penny Junor also sheds light on the pain Diana felt when a photo of Camilla fell out of Charles's diary during their honeymoon on the Royal Yacht Britannia.
But the early years of Diana's married life involved little actual contact with Camilla. In fact, Charles's former girlfriend (they had dated in the 1970s before her wedding) stayed away from events she knew the Prince and Princess of Wales would attend. But in the mid '80s, Diana was convinced her husband was seeing Camilla again.
In 1989, the women came face to face at a birthday party for Camilla's sister, Annabel. Diana told Andrew Morton that she surprised Charles and his friends by attending the celebration, and once there, she engineered a conversation with Camilla in which she told her she knew about the real state of her relationship with Charles. Diana later recalled that Camilla had come back by saying the princess had beautiful children and public adoration before asking her what more she wanted. Diana's reply? "I want my husband." Both women were left visibly shaken by the encounter.
"There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded."
In the following years, there was no more contact. However, the relationship between Diana and Camilla became very public as the royal marriage broke down. In the 1990s, the princess began to reveal her feelings toward Camilla, and in 1995 she gave her famous Panorama interview. Her conversation with Martin Bashir shed light on her relationship with her rival, with Diana famously saying, "There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded."
While her relationship with her ex-husband is said to have mellowed following their divorce in 1996, Diana never reconciled with Camilla and was reported to be upset when Charles organized a 50th birthday party for her at Highgrove, their former marital home, in July 1997. Diana's death, just weeks later, led to a public backlash against Camilla.
But it was the growing warmth shown to her by Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, that helped fully ease Camilla into royal life - and the public spotlight. William met her first, with Harry following in his brother's footsteps just weeks later. Those encounters in 1998 led to a regular string of meetings, and when the princes organized a birthday party for their father that November, they invited Camilla to sit with him at the celebration.
By the time Charles and Camilla finally married, in 2005, the princes enjoyed a comfortable relationship with their new stepmother. Angela Levin's book Harry: Conversations With the Prince quotes Harry describing her as a "wonderful woman," adding "William and I love her to pieces." The bond was further shown in 2011 when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge asked Camilla's granddaughter Eliza Lopes to be one of their bridesmaids. Camilla has also helped both Kate and Meghan settle into their new royal roles. Her stepsons continue to care for her deeply as they also keep their mother's legacy alive.
J Lo and Alex Rodriguez Are All Smiles in NYC Following Their Romantic Italian Getaway
Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez are getting back to business following their romantic Italian getaway. On Thursday, the couple was spotted showing sweet PDA as they left NBC Studios in NYC. The two had that post-vacation glow as they flashed huge smiles for the cameras and walked out hand-in-hand. While ARod looked dapper in a blue suit and shades, the singer looked pretty in pink in a feathered dress.
The recent appearance in the NYC comes ahead of Jennifer's big night at the MTV VMAs on Monday, where she will receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. If we know anything about J Lo, we're in for one sexy performance and even more adorable moments between her and ARod on the red carpet. See their latest outing together ahead.
Princess Beatrice of York Hangs With Kate Middleton, but Her Style's on Another Level
Not only does Princess Beatrice regularly attend family events alongside her younger sister, Eugenie; her grandmother Queen Elizabeth II; and Kate Middleton, but she also participates in charity work and is developing a career in business. From a fashion perspective, Beatrice is a natural. Her wardrobe consists of key pieces that turn heads on the red carpet, at fashion shows, and on the street, but it's the way she wears them that counts. While the princess favors Peter Pan collars, avant-garde fascinators, and all sorts of embellishments, every outfit includes an element of surprise. Read on for 73 lessons you can learn just by studying her style.
This Bride's Wedding Dress Was Gorgeous, but Her Flower-Covered Veil Stole the Show
You may not know Daisy Jenks, but you certainly will remember her after looking at her gorgeous wedding dress. Daisy married Charlie van Straubenzee in a gorgeous wedding in Frensham, United Kingdom. The stunning wedding brought out plenty of British royals, since Charlie is one of Prince Harry's closest childhood friends. Meghan Markle wore a colorblock Club Monaco dress for the happy occasion, while Princess Eugenie stunned in a light blue number that featured side cutouts.
For her big day, Daisy wore a breathtaking strapless wedding dress that was covered with delicate floral embroidery. She aptly carried a bouquet of daisies that matched her bridal ensemble. While her gown was beautiful, we couldn't help fawning over her floral embroidered veil. Read on to see all of the beautiful wedding pictures.
There's a Reason Insecure's New Heartthrob Nathan Looks So Familiar
Insecure fans let out an audible gasp when "Nathan with the face!" entered Issa and Molly's "party Lyft" during the season three premiere. Maybe it's his striking eyes or his zero-bullsh*t attitude with Issa's other passenger, but Nathan's character immediately stole our hearts. *Pauses TV, squints eyes, leans in.* Yeah, we've definitely seen him before, and we could recognize that smile a mile away.
Actor Kendrick Sampson, aka "Lyft Bae," proves to be a total sweetheart on the HBO premiere, but he's actually been winning us over on the small screen since his role as Woodchuck on Greek in 2008. Sampson also starred as Jesse on The Vampire Diaries, Dean Iverson on Fox's Gracepoint, Caleb Hapstall on How to Get Away With Murder, Robbie (with a sexy British accent) on White Famous, Nate on Relationship Status, and, of course, Dominic on The Flash. He's also had smaller roles on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Supernatural, and Days of Our Lives.
In addition to his list of acting feats, Sampson is an activist, with an Instagram account filled with politically empowering posts and opinions that bring awareness to the issues surrounding our current government. He's vocal about Black Lives Matter, Keep Families Together, and more. Read on to see some of Sampson's gorgeous photos, and let us pray that Nathan has a recurring role this season.
The Avengers: Infinity War Gag Reel Is 40 Seconds of Pure Joy
If you're still torn up about the ending of Avengers: Infinity War, then I highly suggest you 1.) go see a therapist, and 2.) kick back, relax, and enjoy the film's hilarious gag reel footage. (It's pretty much the only way to get the sound of Peter Parker saying, "Mr. Stark, I don't feel so good," out of your head, trust me.) Marvel has released another 40-second clip of bloopers, but the full video - as well as featurettes and deleted scenes - will be headed your way when Infinity War arrives on Blu-ray on Aug. 14 (and then hopefully on Netflix in a few months). Put that box of tissues away and check out the latest video above.
Gag Reel 1:
7 Orange Is the New Black Theories That We're Convinced Will Come True
Spoiler warning: This post contains spoilers for Orange Is the New Black season six.
It was hard to imagine how Orange Is the New Black would move forward after the riot that took up all of season five, but season six brought new villains and new storylines for the Litchfield inmates (at least, the ones who were transferred to Litchfield Max). The season six finale included plenty of shocking moments: Piper and Sophia are released early, but Blanca, devastatingly, is taken into an ICE bus. We have lots of questions about what will happen to the newly released inmates, as well as the ones who are still in Max. Justice isn't often served on OITNB, but maybe now that Piper is on the outside, she can better help her fellow inmates.
Here are a few of the season seven theories floating around - you never know which ones might play out on the Netflix series.
Every Inmate Who Has Left Litchfield on Orange Is the New Black
Warning: spoilers ahead for season six!
For many of the inmates on Netflix's Orange Is the New Black, things only seem to go from bad to worse. In fact, the newest season of the prison-based dramedy sees multiple inmates gain additional years on their sentences. Taystee, in particular, is being punished for a crime she didn't commit.
Even prison release doesn't necessarily bring freedom for the Litchfield inmates. After what could have been a successful escape, Pennsatucky turns herself in, deciding she actually wants to finish her original sentence instead of running from the law. And Blanca's early release ends in her being led to an ICE bus, in a truly heartbreaking turn of events.
Still, there are some inmates who've left Litchfield and are now in the outside world, for better or worse. Aleida, for example, is trying to make ends meet to get her children back by any means necessary. And now that Piper has been released, she seems to have more options ahead of her than her fellow ex-convicts.
In case you need a refresher, here's a list of everyone who's left Litchfield's minimum- and maximum-security facilities over the show's six seasons. (This includes inmates who have escaped or been released, not the ones who've died under the prison's watch.)
The Surprising Connection Between George Clooney and Princess Eugenie's Fiancé
If you're still obsessing over George and Amal Clooney at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's nuptials, brace yourself, because it looks like we may be seeing them again at Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's wedding! Eugenie and Jack are set to tie the knot on Oct. 12 at St. George's Chapel in Windsor, and given that Jack is an ambassador for George and Rande Gerber's Casamigos Tequila in the UK, it's likely that George and Amal will receive an invite to the royal affair.
However, it's still unclear if Prince Philip and Kate Middleton will be in attendance. Philip underwent a hip replacement operation earlier this year and reportedly has a rocky relationship with Eugenie's mother, Sarah Ferguson. Kate, on the other hand, may have to miss the wedding because her sister, Pippa Middleton, is due to give birth to her first child with James Matthews around the same time. I guess we'll know for sure when Oct. 12 rolls around.
I Rarely Identify With Asians on Screen, but Here's Why Crazy Rich Asians Is So Important
Lately, I've been telling my Asian friends that I'm going to see Crazy Rich Asians for the representation. I say it wryly, but there's a kernel of sincerity in what I'm saying.
I should start out by saying that Hollywood's numbers do make me emotional - mostly frustrated with the past and excited about the future. And before you ask, I'm at best mediocre at math. But the statistics are astounding, obvious to anyone who looks at them. Crazy Rich Asians is the first major American studio project to feature a predominantly Asian cast in 25 years, following the footsteps of 1993's The Joy Luck Club. Here's another crazy showbiz data point: in 2016, three percent of film roles went to Asian actors, while 78 percent went to white actors. As someone who grew up in a predominantly Asian and Latino neighborhood, the demographics of my community looked like those numbers - but reversed. So Crazy Rich Asians is, well, a crazy huge deal.
"I'm sure that my white friends don't worry about seeing their lived experiences represented in the lavishness of The Princess Diaries."
Many of my Asian friends are ambivalent about the representation hullabaloo around Crazy Rich Asians, and I feel them. I worry that the surface pleasures of representation overshadow other Asian American issues, like mental health and immigration. I also fear that the movie won't directly speak to my California upbringing in a working-class ethnoburb, given that it's about a professor who finds out that her hot boyfriend is a member of Singapore's elite. And then I get anxious about overthinking this, because I'm sure that my white friends don't worry about seeing their lived experiences represented in the lavishness of The Princess Diaries.
Truth be told, I haven't identified with most Asians in film and TV, not Rose Tico from The Last Jedi or even Cristina Yang from Grey's Anatomy. The only Asian character that I've truly resonated with is Diane Nguyen from Bojack Horseman. She's a bookish, introverted feminist who goes through bouts of depression and social anxiety as she navigates her relationships. She's also voiced by Alison Brie, a white actress, who I have otherwise loved. Problematic, I know, which brings me back to why representation is so important.
Opportunities in TV and film are important because they translate into financial and social capital. For Asians in Hollywood, this means that they receive a concrete paycheck for their work and are able to build industry clout. We'll get to see Constance Wu playing other parts and Jon M. Chu directing more features. And, hopefully, more representation will open the doors for not only East Asians, but also Southeast and South Asians in American entertainment. Creative work receives skepticism in general, but it's almost unspoken of when you grow up a first-generation Asian in this country. My parents, Vietnamese immigrants, discouraged me from pursuing the arts when I was younger. They weren't tiger parents, though. They worried that the world would cheat me because I wasn't white.
Representation also matters for character development and transcending stereotypes. In Crazy Rich Asians, Rachel, Peik Lin, and Eleanor are distinct people who aren't passive peasant girls or dragon ladies. Low bar, I know. Still, it's great that there's more than just one Asian female character. None of the actresses portraying them have to carry the weight of stereotypes or expectations of Western audiences in their performances.
"While I'm not going to connect with every Asian woman in movies, it's a huge deal when you grow up knowing one Asian American actress: Lucy Liu."
The last point that I want to make about representation, perhaps the most superficial one, is that I can't help but feel excited about seeing Asian women in American movies that I actually want to watch, not just projects about ninjas and geishas. When I was younger, my mom and I bonded over watching Sandra Bullock and Meg Ryan romantic comedies on VHS. It's overwhelming to see someone who looks and sounds like me in the leading role. While I'm not going to connect with every Asian woman in movies, it's a huge deal when you grow up knowing one Asian American actress: Lucy Liu.
Wu, who plays the protagonist in Crazy Rich Asians, recently penned an eloquent, heartfelt tweet that resonated with me deeply. She wrote, "I hope that Asian American kids watch CRA and realize that they can be the heroes of their own stories." Her simple message is such a beautiful testament to self-validation. But at the same time, Asians don't need to be heroes. I think that Crazy Rich Asians shows that the presence of Asians in American films can be normal, not just a punchline or a walking stereotype. And that's powerful.
Here's the Lowdown on Harry Shum Jr.'s Crazy Rich Asians Character, Charlie Wu
Image Source: Getty / Jason LaVeris
Crazy Rich Asians is filled with a star-studded cast, and Harry Shum Jr. is no exception. Though his character, Charlie Wu, has a small role in the film, there is a good chance we'll be seeing even more of him if the movie gets picked up for a sequel. Spoiler: his character has a pretty big role in the books. So, just who exactly is Shum playing? Here's what you should know about Charlie.
Warning: spoilers for Crazy Rich Asians ahead.
Who Is Charlie Wu?
Charlie is Astrid's former love and ex-fiancé in the book trilogy. Though Astrid's parents disapproved of him when they were dating because he didn't come from old money, he eventually becomes a tech billionaire. Even though he goes on to marry a woman named Isabel, he still has deep feelings for Astrid in the first novel.
Image Source: Warner Bros.
Is Charlie in the Crazy Rich Asians Movie?
Initially, Charlie was supposed to make an appearance at Colin and Araminta's wedding and share a dance with Astrid. Even though the scene appeared in the film's trailer (as seen in the GIF above), it was eventually cut from the theatrical release. While Charlie doesn't appear in the actual film, he does appear in a midcredits scene during Rachel and Nick's engagement party solo. The scene may be short, but it could signal the possibility of a sequel.
Which Books Is Charlie In?
While Charlie only makes a small appearance in the first book, Crazy Rich Asians, he has a greater role in the following two books, China Rich Girlfriend and Rich People Problems.
9 Things Organized People Have in Their Garages
Fall is one of those seasons that, for whatever reason, causes us to re-evaluate our homes. Perhaps motivated by the end of Summer and the return to school, we all find ourselves wishing for a bit more organization when we come through the front door. Whether you live in an apartment with a tiny storage area or have a home with a proper garage, narrowing in on that space is a particularly good idea because it tends to be the place where we offload everything . . . when we can't commit to throwing away Halloween costumes from yesteryear and tea lights that you'll never buy batteries for. Read on to see how you can sort through the madness and ditch the cardboard boxes taking refuge in your garage.
Kristen Bell's Morning Routine Is Just as "Miserable" as Yours, She Promises
Finding any semblance of a morning routine when you've got kids going to school is no small feat. But if you have any reason to believe that A-list celebrities have it any easier, well, you're probably right. There does seem to be a glaring exception, however, and her name is Kristen Bell.
"It's miserable," the actress told POPSUGAR the moment we asked her what a typical weekday morning was like in her home. "It's awful no matter who's doing what. And I'll tell you right now, the 3- and 5-year-old aren't doing jack."
"It's awful no matter who's doing what. And I'll tell you right now, the 3- and 5-year-old aren't doing jack."
She admitted that the level of chaos truly depends on the day. "It depends on their emotional stability, it depends on their attitude toward each other, toward life," she said in an interview promoting her partnership with Old Navy and Omaze on a back-to-school shopping spree contest. "It depends on their developmental stage."
Kristen and her husband, Dax Shepard, alternate who gets up with the kids depending on who's been working later.
"I don't want to say that I do more mornings than he does, but if you were to check the records, that's probably what you'd find," she joked.
And if you thought her bright, bubbly personality was always on, it's not. "I go right for coffee, and I'm very candid with my children that I don't want to speak to them about anything before I have that coffee, and they know it."
Then she gets down to the logistics of getting her daughters, Lincoln and Delta, up and out the door to school:
"Usually I try to get them dressed because they're in the bedroom, so we might as well knock a couple things off our list that happen in the bedroom. Then it's breakfast. Then they have about a half-hour of playtime while I feed the dog, brush my teeth, put some semblance of sunscreen and pants on to attend preschool. Getting them in the car is really the hardest part because once those kids have woken up and rediscovered their thirst for life like they do every morning, they're just running in circles, and I'm like 'Stop, stop, stop. Put your seatbelt on. Put your seatbelt on. Put your shoes back on. Put them back on. Take her shoes off and put yours back on. No, put your lunch away, we're not at school yet.'"
Essentially, she told us, "They really challenge me - they try to make it as difficult as possible."
Sound familiar?
These 7 Rescue Dogs All Sleep in Toddler Beds, and Yup, They're Living Their Best Lives
Dani Viverito, a 44-year-old woman who lives in Florida, has always been passionate about animal rescue, especially where dogs are concerned. And while we're all for finding animals good homes, Dani recently went above and beyond for her pups by giving them toddler beds to sleep in - and fortunately, she has the photos to prove it.
"We're super passionate about animal rescue and advocacy because we as people need to be the voice for the voiceless," Dani told POPSUGAR. "People need to know that these babies in shelters are not broken. They're just waiting for a chance to learn what love is, to love, and be loved. They need patience and understanding. They're so grateful to be saved and loved and they want to love you unconditionally in return."
And there's no denying that her seven dogs - Princess Annabelle, Sasha, Jaxson, Muppet, Tyler, Tucker, and Harlin - get five-star treatment from their owners.
"We didn't intend to have so many," said Dani. "But how do you say no to a sweet, desperate living being who has been through so much already? My husband and I can't have kids together, so we joke that God made us unable to have kids so we can save rescues!"
As for the idea to give her pups their own places to rest their heads? It simply started out as a matter of convenience for Dani.
"The toddler beds idea was honestly more for MY convenience because they had queen and twin mattresses on the floor and cleaning all those large sheets, blankets, and comforters each week was A LOT," she explained. "Lifting the mattresses to sweep, vacuum, and mop under and around was getting difficult! Now, I can move the toddler beds around with ease and slide the cleaning tools under them."
Scroll through to see the pups' adorable set-up.
Listen Up, Ghosts and Ghouls - We've Got MAJOR Disneyland Halloween News!
Welcome, foolish mortals - are you ready for some excellent news about the best time of year at Disneyland? It's never too early to plan for Halloween, so the magical park has already released its spook-tacular plans for the season for any ghost or ghoul who's considering a trip.
Starting on Sept. 7 and running through Oct. 31, both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will be filled to the cauldron brim with Halloween-themed experiences for park guests. Plus, on select nights from Sept. 19 through Oct. 31, guests can wear their finest costumes to Mickey's Halloween Party - a separately ticketed event with special entertainment, costumed characters, and trick-or-treating inside the park.
As for the other Halloween festivities at Disneyland, here's what to look forward to at each park.
California Adventure:
- Touches of Oogie Boogie around the park, and especially spooky decor around every corner.
- Cars characters rolling around in their own "Haul-o-Ween" costumes, and special, spooky experiences throughout Cars Land.
- Expect the Guardians of the Galaxy ride to take a seriously spooky turn; it turns into Guardians of the Galaxy - Monsters After Dark during Halloween!
- Titillating Halloween treats available at eateries around the park.
Disneyland:
- Your favorite Disney characters will be in Halloween costumes inside the park.
- The Haunted Mansion will transform into a Nightmare Before Christmas spectacular for the season.
- Space Mountain will take a paranormal turn as Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy.
- Hundreds of jack-o'-lanterns will take over Main Street USA for the annual Main Street Pumpkin Festival.
- There will be special Halloween-themed treats and merchandise.
- A Halloween fireworks spectacular will light up the sky.
Get full Halloween details on Disneyland's website!
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 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.
Serena Williams's US Open Outfit Is a Mix of Power and Grace - Here's Your Sneak Peek
When it comes to sports, Serena Williams is hands down the GOAT. We're not just talking about women's tennis or tennis as a whole. We're talking about all sports and all athletes from the past and present. Over the years, Serena has shown that she has no limits, especially on the court, which is why the Nike x Off-White collaboration comes as no surprise to us.
Virgil Abloh, Louis Vuitton's menswear artistic director, Kanye West's creative director, DJ, and founder of Off-White, has collaborated with the likes of Ikea and Nike, and now, Serena Williams. "With Serena, we have one of our generation's most powerful, inspiring athletes as the muse," said Virgil. "I was trying to embody her spirit and bring something compelling and fresh to tennis."
The Queen Collection is centered around Serena's love of ballet and features some of the Off-White designer's most sought-after pieces like The 10: Air Max 97 and The 10: Nike Blazer Mid SW. Serena will be rocking a special PE edition of her NikeCourt Flare 2 along with a tennis dress that "has sort of a ballerina-esque silhouette to symbolize her grace," according to Virgil. Take a sneak peek at the collection and Serena's 50th edition US Open outfit ahead.
Related: If You Want to Know What Trend Beyoncé's Most Excited About, Look Down at Her Feet
I Had a Massive Crush on My Trainer - It Didn't End Well
After graduating college, I realized it was time to get in shape - real shape! Going on a 20-minute jog every other week was no longer going to cut it. Even though it was expensive and a luxury for me, I decided to get a personal trainer. I had a great job and worked hard and wanted to treat myself. That's the beauty of even a tiny bit of disposal income - it truly is yours to dispose of.
I also wanted to work with a trainer because I was so intimidated by the gym. When I first wandered into Crunch Fitness on Union Street, in the young neighborhood of the Marina in San Francisco, I quickly realized I didn't know my way around the weight room, and as for cardio machines, I was familiar with the treadmill and elliptical - that was it.
After a few weeks of aimlessly jogging on the treadmill, I finally gained the courage to talk to the front desk about a trainer. They were more than happy to sign me up and I quickly got roped into a 20-session package. Then it was time to pick a trainer. It felt kind of like a high-class escort service . . . they asked me what I liked and if I wanted a man or woman! I idiotically said I wanted someone really fit. The woman looked at me like I was nuts. She said she would set me up with the trainer that was "every woman in the Marina's favorite guy." And for the sake of this story, let's call him Dom. She didn't show me a picture but she did give me Dom's number and said we could arrange our first session that way. I truly felt like I was being set up.
I texted with Dom and we arranged our first session - an early morning workout before I had to go into work. I'm dating myself, but this was before the days of cutesy athleisure; Lululemon was barely a thing. I was wearing flared - yes, flared - leggings that were pilling, an old sports bra, and an old frat tank. I walked into Crunch and laid eyes on a man I can only describe as godlike. He had a megawatt smile, a body that looked like it had been chiseled from marble, and one of those incredibly sexy raspy voices. I went bright red and forced myself to speak.
To make matters worse, Dom was really nice, one of those rare breeds of guys who is insanely hot but for some reason actually kind. Dom asked me about my normal workout routine (treadmill and more treadmill) and my diet (lots of takeout, four coffees per day, and an undisclosed amount of wine). Even though I was a trainer's nightmare, he smiled and nodded throughout all of it. He asked me about my goals and I clammed up. I mumbled something about getting lean and toned. Then we got started.
When I say it was the most painful hour of my life mentally and physically, I am not exaggerating. First, I was horrifically out of shape but so embarrassed in front of Dom that I pushed myself too hard. Secondly, it was just awkward! He was so hot that I didn't know where to look. I am a confident person usually, but Dom left me blithering like a total idiot. I barely made it out of my first session alive.
After that initial workout, I couldn't walk properly for three days. Dom texted me to ask how I was feeling, so of course I immediately took a screenshot of the text and sent it to my friends. "OMG, guys what should I respond??" I said. My friends immediately laid into me for acting like Dom was a crush. That's when I knew I had a serious problem.
I saw Dom a few more times. I started wearing makeup to the gym and bought sexy workout tops. The problem was, I wasn't concentrating on working out. Whenever Dom would show me a move, I would suck my abs in when I did it so I looked thinner. I was constantly posing and giggling like a moron; I didn't remember any moves or tips because I was concentrating so hard on making Dom like me. I realized I wasn't getting anything out of my sessions. Poor Dom was just trying to do his job.
On about my sixth session, Dom and I were chatting. Or rather I was doing my usual routine - twirling my hair, giggling. I asked Dom what his favorite post-workout meals were and he said, "Well, my girlfriend and I . . ." Then I froze. Never in a million years did I think that Dom might have a girlfriend. I was mortified. I had been flirting with him aggressively for the past few weeks and in all honesty had started a Pinterest board for our wedding. I was so caught off guard, I feigned illness and went home.
I was so embarrassed because clearly Dom was telling me in a kind way to tone down my flirting. I was so cringed out that I just couldn't bear to go back. I told Dom I was traveling for work for a few weeks and prayed I didn't see him around the Marina. I didn't step foot in the gym for months and ended up eating the cost of the package. It was disposable, right?
Nowadays, I have a new trainer. You guessed it - a woman! I'm also way more in shape now! I think it was the combination of being really young and immature plus being out of shape that caused me to be such a soggy noodle around Dom. And Dom, if you're out there - you're still the most gorgeous guy I've ever seen . . . and I hope you and your girlfriend are doing well!
I Ate Vegan For a Week, and Here's Why Eating Plant-Based Is Not For Me
I love a good challenge! When it comes to improving my health, I love to try new things and see how my body responds. When I saw everybody raving about going vegan, I knew it was time to try eating a plant-based diet - at least for a week. Many people who go vegan or eat more plant-based diets say that they feel better than ever and lose some weight. Some also report their energy levels skyrocket. Why wouldn't I want to try it?
Just seven days - how difficult could that be? No dairy, no meat, no honey, no eggs. Even though I eat meat every single day, I felt confident I would be successful, and I was excited to try eating in a new way. Who knows? Maybe I'd go through some out-of-body experience that would transform my life. Or maybe I'd give up halfway through. Since I was so focused on food for seven days, I thought it best to show you how I fueled myself daily. Here what went down each day.
8 Keto-Approved Fruits to Add to Your Diet
Touted as nature's candy, fruit is something we grew up knowing was good for us. While it's loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, it does contain sugar, making it a food some believe should be avoided when on diets like keto, on which you're also supposed to limit your carbs to 20 to 50 grams.
The good news is that you don't have to take fruit completely out of rotation when you're trying keto because there are some types that are low in carbs and high in fiber that fit the diet's restrictions. Knowing how to calculate your net carbs is super handy in making sure you don't get yourself out of ketosis, but without having to do the math, here are eight types of fruit you can (thankfully!) have on keto.
Want to Lose Weight on a Vegan Diet Like I Did? Don't Make These 4 Mistakes
Going vegan is the best decision I ever made. But did I immediately start shedding pounds to reveal my strong, toned (plant-powered) Wonder Woman physique underneath? Nope.
Living in London and working in a fast-paced job meant that I never really took the time to notice that my clothes were getting a little tighter, the number on the scale was creeping up, and more importantly, I just didn't feel healthy. I had assumed that being vegan would answer all my ethical and physical conundrums. It wasn't until I developed severe back pain that I began reflecting. Why was I putting on weight as a vegan? It wasn't fair!
While on vacation last year, I saw myself in the mirror and realized I wasn't happy with who was looking back. In that moment, I accepted that I wasn't the strong, healthy vegan woman I knew I was inside and began a journey to change that. Nine months later, I've dropped 10 pounds, my legs no longer rub together when I walk (hallelujah!), and my back pain has almost completely disappeared.
Eating vegan is a great way to get healthy, eat well and be kind to the planet. Just don't make the same mistakes as I did. Here are some of the lessons I learned along the way.
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.
I Meal Prepped Every Meal For 5 Days - These Recipes Made It Super Easy
In college, meal prepping every Sunday night was a huge part of my healthy routine. It saved me not only time but also money. It kept me on track to meet my healthy goals, because I knew I had no excuse to grab something unhealthy on the go. All I had to do on a weekday was go home, and a nutritious meal would be waiting for me.
If you're looking to live a healthy lifestyle, meal prepping can be a huge step in the right direction. A few minutes cooking meals for the week on a Sunday night might be your savior when you feel tempted to turn to processed and fattening foods. To make things easy for you, I've gathered my favorite breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes to prep for the five-day workweek.
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.
Why Pairing Some Cheese With Your Wine Actually Protects Your Teeth
The thought of happy hour might make you smile, but wine can cause some serious damage to your pearly whites. Along with coffee and soda, wine is one of the main beverages that cause stains and enamel erosion. While you might immediately think of red wine when you think of damaging alcohols, that Merlot isn't leading to the worst long-term damage - though it may be the source of a mouthful of embarrassing red teeth.
"Red wine is likely to leave dark stains or films on the teeth, staining them quickly," explains Tatiana Herzog, DDS, DICOI, medical adviser for Zwivel and creator of the Dr Herzog Smile Charcoal Toothpaste. "White wine, on the other hand, has a higher acid content. The acid in the wine slowly dissolves the enamel (the white outer layer of the tooth), causing the dentin (the second yellow layer of the tooth) to shine through. This is a more permanent stain caused by the slow erosion of the enamel."
In addition to simple white wine, here are also other types of wines you should be mindful of the next time you're checking out the beverage list at dinner. "Sparkling varieties of wine typically have the highest acid content causing just as much if not more staining," Dr. Herzog explained further. "The same goes for Rosé, which has a high content of acid."
Does this mean you have to give up that evening glass of white wine you've looked forward to all day? Nope! This is especially true if you're willing to enjoy a certain snack along with your Chardonnay.
"Eating cheese while drinking wine can help to neutralize the acidity in wines, protecting the enamel from further erosion," says Dr. Herzog. "Brushing your teeth with a high fluoride toothpaste 30 minutes before drinking can help to combat stains, but do not brush immediately after sipping on wine as this can cause the enamel that has softened from the acid to be brushed away quicker."
Wine and cheese? Don't mind if we do!
According to Experts, These Are the 4 Main Benefits Drinking Lemon Water Has on Your Skin
Lemon water has been a popular beverage of choice throughout the years. Some people have it as their morning drink before they start their daily routine, while others keep a bottle of it on their desk to sip on throughout the workday. Whether it's made at home with a tall glass of water and a squeeze of fresh lemon or ordered while out at dinner, lemon water's benefits are plentiful.
One of the areas of the body that lemon water helps with immensely is the skin. Packed with super powerful antioxidant vitamin C, lemon water can help the skin with everything from aging to acne. We spoke with three experts on a few of the many different ways lemon water can positively affect the skin.
1. It Helps in the Creation of Collagen Production
One of the ways lemon water helps the skin is through its aiding in the creation of collagen production. Collagen is a protein found in our muscles, bones, and skin, and is what we can attribute strength, elasticity, and the turnover of dead skin cells to. Skin bountiful in collagen looks and feels both healthier and more vibrant.
"Lemon water is so detoxing and contains high levels of vitamin C," says Bianca Cheah, a health and wellness expert. "Consuming vitamin C is important for our skin as it assists in the creation of collagen production. And we all want more collagen in our skin, right?"
2. It Fights Acne and Gives You a Beautiful Glow
Vitamin C can also aid in the fight against acne and other troublesome skin issues. "Vitamin C eliminates bacteria and wards off acne most common with sensitive or problematic skin types," Marie Parodi, spa director at the Spa at JW Marriott Chicago, tells POPSUGAR. "Lemon also aids in the detoxification of our organs, thus contributing to a healthy, vibrant glow found in healthy skin."
3. It Provides Support to Your Adrenal Glands
Adrenal glands are the small glands that produce necessary hormones such as cortisol, which help regulate functions such as metabolism, blood pressure, and the body's response to stress. Adrenal fatigue, on the other hand, can contribute to high levels of fatigue, skin discoloration, a weak immune system, and even body aches. It also can affect oil production in the skin and cause acne breakouts. One way to keep adrenal glands healthy is by consuming lemon water rich in vitamin C.
"Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which in numerous studies has shown immune-boosting properties," says Dr. Passler, founder of Pure Change. "The hydrating effects of water consumption can also have a positive effect on immune status. Vitamin C also lends essential support to your adrenal glands so you can handle stress better."
4. It Helps Protect Skin Cells From Damage Caused by Free Radicals
According to studies, one of the most important facts about vitamin C is that it has an antioxidant function, which means it shields cells from free radical damage. Free radical damage can be caused by fried foods, environmental pollution, alcohol, tobacco smoke, and much more. Free radicals can wreak havoc on the skin, causing an acceleration of aging, as well as a host of other health issues such as cancer, Parkinson's disease, and more. Unfortunately, free radicals are found everywhere from the food we eat to the air we breathe, so it's important we take precautions to protect our skin and bodies from it – which is where lemon water comes in.
Why Doing a Boudoir Photo Shoot in Lingerie Was the Ultimate Form of Self-Care For Me
I've spent most of my life battling body-image issues and insecurities about my figure. I'm 5'1 and have a naturally stocky build with broad shoulders. One ex-boyfriend and his entire family used to call me Stumps because of my "big thighs." He also once told me I look like a running back because I'm so short and stout. I'm sure you can imagine how I wasn't too pleased to receive that kind of feedback from a guy who was supposed to be my greatest support.
Having been teased at school for many years as well, I entered my adult years with some emotional baggage. But the last few years have helped me regain my confidence, and I owe a lot of that to my dedication to fitness and clean eating.
Self-care practices also played a huge role in my growth of self-confidence and body acceptance. From meditating daily to journaling to attending wellness retreats, I've found all sorts of ways to take care of my mind as well as my body. One unexpected thing I did this year that contributed to better self-care was participate in a boudoir photo shoot.
It sounds strange, but posing in lingerie was an incredible way to heal my past wounds and feel stronger and more beautiful than ever. I worked with Tonhya Wysong, a professional photographer who created the project La Femme Forte, an initiative that's dedicated to helping women feel more confident in their bodies. This is how La Femme Forte acted as the ultimate self-care for me.
Here Are the 30 Most Effective Exercises For Sculpted, Sexy, Strong Arms
From bodyweight to dumbbell exercises, here is the ultimate guide to the best arm-sculpting moves. Bookmark this to take to the gym or to use at home. Just mix and match five to 10 exercises to create your own arm-day workout!
The Worst Time of Day to Eat Carbs May Seriously Shock You
Whether you're following a low-carb diet or not, you probably find yourself occasionally craving starchy or sugary foods. While these foods are totally OK in moderation, you may be wondering if there's ever a bad time to indulge in carbs, especially since they sometimes leave you feeling sluggish. As it turns out, there is a worst time to eat refined carbs - and the answer just may surprise you.
According to Shauna Sacco, a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer in Houston, treating yourself to refined carbs such as white bread and pastries should not be done during breakfast. "The most important time to eat a balanced meal is at breakfast so you fuel up for the day and maintain steady blood sugar," Sacco said. "It can be hard to find good breakfast options because we're often on the go or indulging in sweeter options like pancakes." So if you think eating it first thing is good because you have all day to burn it off, it actually may only hurt you in the end by not properly energizing your body for the day ahead.
According to Sacco, there's actually never a good time to eat a meal loaded with sugars and refined carbohydrates. Without the balance of protein and good carbs like fruits and vegetables, your blood sugar will spike and then crash, leaving you hungry and lacking energy again.
Sacco recommends focusing on wholesome sources of protein combined with good carbs at breakfast. Some options include hard-boiled eggs or a handful of nuts for something quick and portable; adding almond butter to oatmeal, or eating an apple with peanut butter. Whole-wheat toast with bacon and tomato slices is actually another great breakfast option, Sacco said. "If you're going to indulge in a carb-heavy meal, it's better to do it at the end of the day, before you sleep, to avoid blood sugar crashes and cravings," she said.
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