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.
lundi 5 novembre 2018
My Kids Write Thanksgiving Thank-You Cards Every Year, and I Can't Recommend It Enough
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days. Since we live in a world where it's so easy to get consumed in our own lives and material things, I like the fact that we have a holiday that isn't about gift-giving. Instead, Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends and reflect on all the blessings in our lives. That's why in my house, we've made it a family tradition to send Thanksgiving thank-you cards.
When I was a child, my father started our Thanksgiving dinners by giving each person at the table a few minutes to talk about what they were thankful for that year. That tradition has transformed a bit with my own kids. We have a "day of gratitude" during the Thanksgiving season, and last year, my kids started sending thank-you cards to a few people in their lives who bring value to them in some way.
Related: We Go Out to Dinner For Thanksgiving Because I Just Can't
Last year, our son sent out a picture and note to five people he loves. He included what he wished for them, what he loves most about them, and why they make him happy.
We actually got the idea from one of my son's TinySuperheroes missions, which is a nonprofit organization that created an online community for kids fighting an illness or overcoming a disability. When these kids sign up, they're given a custom superhero cape and officially become part of the squad. The squad empowers its superheroes by recognizing the extraordinary qualities that make them unique. Each month, they participate in a mission to spread awareness through activities focused on their amazing qualities, like bravery, strength, hope, and joy. Last year, one of the missions in the Thanksgiving season had our son sending out a picture and note to five people he loves. He included what he wished for them, what he loves most about them, and why they make him happy.
I knew right away that this would become a holiday tradition for our family. We want our kids to be thankful for what they have, even the small things. And in the midst of all the chaos and stress of life, it's easy to overlook the innumerable blessings we all have. Sending thank-you notes is mutually beneficial. It's a simple gesture that allows our kids to reflect on what's really important in life, and it can make a huge difference to the person on the receiving end of the note.
Related: 27 Restaurants That Will Be Open on Thanksgiving Day
Our son especially loves it, and his notes vary every year. Last year, he sent a note to one of his uncles, thanking him for always making him laugh; he sent a note to a local musician, thanking him for playing good music and giving him guitar picks; he sent a note to his sister, thanking her for being a good sister; and he sent a note to his doctor, thanking him for taking good care of him and helping him when he was sick. It was heartwarming as a parent to see how the little things people do on a daily basis bring memorable joy to our little kids' lives.
If you haven't had your kids send thank-you cards to a few people during the Thanksgiving season, I encourage you to do so. It's rewarding in so many ways. And our kids get extremely excited about surprising the people they love.
There Are Now Mary Poppins Barbie Dolls That Look JUST Like Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda
As if we needed another reason to get wildly excited for Mary Poppins Returns to hit theaters in December, Mattel went ahead and added fuel to our delight by releasing adorable Barbie dolls that pay tribute to the movie. On Nov. 1, the beloved toy company dropped both Mary Poppins and Jack the Lamplighter Barbie dolls that look like the actors who play the characters, Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, respectively.
Whereas some movie-inspired dolls look nothing like the intended character (see: that Beauty and the Beast doll that was supposed to look like Emma Watson as Belle but actually wound up garnering Justin Bieber comparisons), these toys are pretty darn spot-on with their likeness. The Mary Poppins doll is dressed in a teeny-tiny version of that iconic striped dress with tiered sleeves, along with red shoes and a hat with bird-like detailing on one side. Oh, she's also carrying a magic carpet bag, of course! Meanwhile, Jack the Lamplighter is suited up in a gray jacket, red vest, gray cap, and brown striped pants, and he's carrying a lamplighting stick.
The Mary Poppins Returns dolls cost $40 each and are not-so-surprisingly already on back-order, thanks to the widespread appeal of the Disney franchise. Check out the lifelike toys below, and place your order now to secure 'em for you and/or your kids!
Get Comfortable: We Found 53 Perfect Presents For Every Woman in Your Life
Put that mug of hot chocolate down! It's time to get to the real business of the holidays: Christmas shopping. We know it can be hard to find presents for the women in your life, so that's why we created the ultimate gift guide for you to browse through. These items are excellent for mothers, grandmothers, sisters, BFFs, friends, and any other gal you know. Whether she's a fashion girl, couch potato, techie, or makeup maven, we have something she'll be thrilled to receive. You don't even have to get out of your pajamas to look through these goodies; they're all available to purchase online. Let's get going!
Parents, Forget That Damn Elf and Give Yourself the Gift of Shiraz on the Shelf This Holiday Season
Back in the Summer of 2016, Dena Blizzard of One Funny Mother made every single parent pee their pants with her video spoofing the then-viral game Pokémon Go with her own creation, Chardonnay Go (now an actual board game). Last year before school started, she had every mom and dad nodding their heads profusely as she wandered the aisles of Target talking about school supplies. This year, folks, the mom has absolutely outdone herself with the creation of "Shiraz on the Shelf," an adults-only alternative to Elf on the Shelf - and yes, it's completely real.
The "tongue-in-cheek parody of the holiday season's much loved/hated elf" comes as a gift set that includes a large wine glass and hilariously illustrated booklet telling the story of the Shiraz on the Shelf, aka "the tale of a magical fairy filling the glass each night" for parents who need to indulge in a little self-care during the holiday season.
"Shiraz on the Shelf is an ideal gift for everyone on your list, but especially the harried, under-appreciated moms out there who might need a little help to survive the holidays. Wine not included, but highly encouraged," reads a press release for the hysterical product. However, Shiraz on the Shelf - which will retail for $30 - comes with a disclaimer: "Shiraz on the Shelf will NOT help wrap presents, bake cookies, or make your family nicer. It WILL give you something to look forward to after a long night of doing EVERYTHING, while your family does NOTHING and expects presents on Christmas morning."
Still sounds more than worth it to me! Check out the video above to learn more about the product, and visit Dena's store to purchase the gift set and get your Shiraz on.
12 Perfect Gifts For Your Mom Friends, Because They’re Tired as F*ck and Deserve Something Good!
Whether you're a mama to a little baby or a curious toddler, chances are you've developed some critical friendships with other moms. And these aren't just your run-of-the-mill friendships; these are cherished bonds that get you through the good days and the bad. These are women who are there for you, responding to late-night texts about why your 10-month-old won't sleep, or are on your doorstep with a bottle of wine when you need it. Show your mom friends how much you value them this year by picking them up a gift. We have 12 options that they'll love!
Is This Magic? 14 Cool Harry Potter Gifts - All on Amazon For Under $22!
Potterheads, there's no reason to go hunting for the perfect gifts. We have plenty of magical options, all in one place! If you love Harry Potter as much as we do, you'll be thrilled by all of the cool products available on Amazon. We were shocked by the massive array of choices. Take a look at our favorite picks, and then wrap them up for friends or family.
The Family Movies Coming Out in 2019 That Are Already Pumping Us Up For the New Year
Is there anything more exciting than waiting for a new movie you and your kids are excited about to hit theaters? We think not! Already, 2019's lineup is making us wiggle with excitement and mark our calendars because, seriously y'all, the release schedule is STACKED.
From live-action Disney reboots to much-anticipated sequels to beloved franchises (looking at you, Toy Story), there is already so much heat packed into the year (not to mention everything that's yet to have been announced!). Check out what we know about the 2019's releases ahead, and bookmark this page to keep up with all the new announcements and trailers.
From Paw Patrol to Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit, Here’s Everything on Sale This Week
Parents are eagerly waiting until Black Friday to get the deepest discounts on toys and baby gear, which is smart, because that's routinely when big retailers roll out some impressive deals. But you don't have to wait until the end of the month to do all of your shopping. From the limited-edition Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit to must-have new baby essentials, here are 11 items that are all on sale this week.
A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Skincare Gifts You Can Give This Year
Everyone has that one friend who's so particular about skin care, they may as well be Kevin McCallister picking out dental products - only their version of the "Is this toothbrush approved by the American Dental Association?" question tends to happen at Sephora.
Rather than leaving them to fend for themselves this holiday season, though, like poor Kev's parents did in Home Alone, why not give them a beauty gift that lives up to the highest of skincare standards . . . without any of the guesswork? From fancy face mask sets to jade rollers galore, ahead we've compiled a comprehensive guide to every skincare product an obsessive would want.
Happy shopping, ya filthy animal.
Here's What We REALLY Think About the New Huda Beauty New Nude Palette
The team behind Huda Beauty have become experts at keeping every new launch shrouded in mystery while creating mass-makeup hysteria. When founder Huda Kattan gave us a supersecret sneak peek of the "game-changing" palette, fans wondered what exactly the shades would look like. Then, the new eye shadow palette finally arrived at my desk, and I couldn't wait to test out the shimmer- and glitter-packed formulas.
While the color scheme of the collection, which includes warm berry tones and brown hues, is pretty standard for this year - the cherry eye trend has been spotted on celebrities and makeup shelves alike - what's truly special about this palette are the four multireflective pearl shadows that appear marbleized in the pan. When you swipe these shades across your eyes, they catch the light differently as you move, giving off a multidimensional effect. There's also one pressed pearl shade in the palette, called Kinky, which has a slightly metallic finish.
The majority of the shades in the palette, however, are matte and vary in pigment payoff. Because some of the shades looked chalky on my skin, I'd recommend applying your eye shadow before the rest of your makeup so you can layer on the hues and clean up any fallout afterward. Lastly, the collection includes two pressed glitter options that can be layered on top of the other shadows. I recommend using a strong glitter primer if you want to wear these shades so they don't end up all over your cheeks. (The brand also included a cream base formula in the palette, likely for this purpose, which is super convenient for packing but didn't seem to apply as smoothly to my lids as I would have liked.)
Overall, if you're interested in getting in on the cherry eye shadow trend and are a huge fan of Kattan's, the Huda Beauty New Nude Palette is worth the $65 investment for the one-of-a-kind multireflective pearl shades alone. Keep reading to see the swatches.
Lip Smacker Dropped an Advent Calendar That's Totally Taking Us Back to the '90s
Relive that childhood memory of opening up a birthday party goodie bag to find your favorite fruity lip balm with Lip Smacker's latest holiday treat. The iconic '90s brand is bringing us a gingerbread-house-shaped Advent calendar this year, packed with the season's most beloved scents.
Within the 12 days of gifts, you'll receive five tubes of balm decorated in Christmas-sweater-inspired packaging. You'll also find seven tubs of Lip Shine; the small jars of shimmery gloss will take you back to your first experiences playing with makeup. Check out the photos of the calendar ahead, and be sure to shop the Lip Smacker 12 Days of Kiss-mas Advent Calendar exclusively at Target.
This Tinted Moisturizer Stick Has Eliminated My Need For Foundation
I've never really liked wearing foundation. As a person who lives with eczema, foundations and other heavy bases tend to emphasize the rough textures and dry patches on my skin, making them more apparent than if I were to not wear anything at all. On top of that, most of the foundations that I tried dried out my skin even more, making it difficult to wear them for long periods of time. For the longest time, I genuinely thought that I would never be able to comfortably wear a full face of makeup.
I played around with tinted moisturizers for awhile, and though I loved the dewy, moisturizing effect they left on my skin, I found myself wishing that the application could be easier - liquids were always messy and required so much blending, so I felt like I took way too long to get ready, and I knew that I couldn't touch up throughout the day. But when Nudestix invented their Tinted Blur Stick ($30), my life was completely changed. Gone were the days of messy, liquidy, tinted moisturizers that required excessive blending: the Tinted Blur Stick easily swipes on and can be blended out with my fingers. The product also has buildable coverage that doesn't cake up over time, and comes in a sleek tube that makes it perfect for on-the-go application.
Since I started wearing the Tinted Blur Stick, I feel like I've used significantly fewer products (and in smaller dosages); this is the one product that really does it all for my skin. It not only evens out my skin tone, but also further moisturizes it throughout the day. It never emphasizes my dry spots, but does a good job of covering them up if I need it to. It also has a glossy finish that gives me that #IWokeUpLikeThis glow, but still makes me look completely natural (though I can build up the intensity to a medium coverage if I need it to). And best of all, it doesn't wash me out or require me to use a ton of products on top of it to make it look like my face is finished; I can swipe on a layer of this stick and walk straight out the door.
The stick comes in 10 shades - it might sound like a small range, but they really only need 10. Because the stick isn't a full-coverage foundation, it's easy for various skin tones to find a match in the same shade. The blur stick features shade-adjusting pigments that customize based on your skin's undertone as you blend it out. I also use lighter and darker shades to highlight and contour my face. (Bonus points because the product layers so nicely on itself!)
Honestly, after trying the Tinted Blur Stick, I don't think I'll ever go back to wearing foundation. Who needs it when you've got the perfect all-in-one product that can fit in your pocket?
Check Everyone Off Your List With These 48 Holiday Beauty Sets
Gift giving is so much easier with holiday sets. Since most come packed with multiple beauty products, you'll get to try so many different formulas or break them up to divide among everyone on your list. Plus, they often come in the cutest packaging. From holiday candles to the prettiest eye shadow palettes, these are the best beauty sets of 2018. Happy shopping.
This Gorgeous Gryffindor vs. Slytherin Wedding Shoot Would Make Dumbledore Proud
We all remember those iconic Gryffindor vs. Slytherin quidditch matches with wizards flying at high speeds and the large crowd cheering around them. Well, photographer Kevin Lane did an amazing job capturing that competitive spirit between the Hogwarts houses in this styled Gryffindor vs. Slytherin wedding shoot. These stunning photos were taken at the Wright House in Mesa, AZ, which adds a rustic country charm to the photos.
The most prominent reference to the Harry Potter saga in these photos would be the contrasting color palettes for each couple. "In this stylized shoot you can see the darker side of a Slytherin wedding, which included a beautiful black geode wedding cake and a black and gold ruffled wedding dress. In the Gryffindor wedding, we used their house colors, which are scarlet and gold. The wedding cake included both of these colors as well as the emblematic animal, the lion," said Kevin. There are many more Harry Potter references embedded in this shoot, for instance the Slytherin wand is modeled after the one Voldemort used, while the Gryffindor wand is modeled after the Elder Wand, which was used by Dumbledore for a majority of the franchise. The sorting hat also makes a small appearance in these photos and surprisingly matches very well with a white wedding dress.
Browse through these pictures, and look out for more hidden details in this gorgeous Harry Potter wedding!
Wait, These White Elephant Gifts Are All Under $10? BRB - I'm Buying 2 of Each
White elephant gifts should be quirky, funny, and most definitely cost-efficient. Since this kind of gift-giving is more about fun over function, it only makes sense to spend your money sparingly.
Check out this list of white elephant gifts that are all under 10 bucks! Save your money for the big gifts, but we will warn you: you might want to buy multiple of these gifts because they are so ridiculously awesome.
FYI Holiday Shoppers: College Girls Desperately Want All of These Fun Gifts This Year
College students love coming home because they get completely spoiled by home-cooked meals, people who do their laundry for them, not to mention all the time that they can finally catch up on some much-needed sleep. As far as coming home for the holidays go, this is one of the few times of the year that these students can finally get exactly what they need for the upcoming semester. Make sure you give the undergrad on your list the perfect present this year to fully prepare them for the rest of the school year ahead.
From empowering pens to chic backpacks and even to yummy "Brain Butter," these gifts address all the needs of the college gal that you're shopping for. Oh, and they are all less than $75!
A New Tinker Bell Dessert Is Here to Sprinkle Some Pixie Dust on Your Disney Day
A new dessert is sprinkling even more pixie dust on Walt Disney World. After previously introducing a Peter Pan ice cream float, Magic Kingdom's Storybook Treats is now selling an adorable Tink's Pixie Dusted Cone, which consists of lime soft-serve, cotton candy, white chocolate wings, and some edible glitter, all atop a green sugar cone. Coinciding with the 65-year anniversary of Disney's Peter Pan, the Tinker Bell ice cream treat will be available exclusively at Magic Kingdom for $5.29 starting Nov. 1. See pictures of Tink's Pixie Dusted Cone ahead!
17 Genius Gifts So Original, It's No Wonder They Were Featured on Shark Tank
If you know someone who's obsessed with watching Shark Tank, we discovered the best gifts you can give them this holiday season. Amazon features a shopping section on its site filled with so many of the cool products from the show. From an oversize sherpa blanket hoodie to a bean bag that turns into a mattress, these presents are so unique, they'll be totally surprised. We curated a list of our 17 favorites so all you have to do is shop. Take a look ahead.
Get That Money Ready! We Found 65 Gifts Everyone on Your List Will Love
Get comfortable, because we have created the ultimate gift guide for you. We know that there's tons of stuff to sift through on the internet, so we did all of the hunting for you. These presents are excellent for friends, siblings, coworkers, parents, and more. We also chose must haves at a variety of price points, so you'll discover the perfect choices no matter what your budget may be. Get to buying now - the holidays will creep up on you sooner than you think. Then, reward yourself with a few treats as well.
These White Elephant Gifts Are All Under $25, So You Can Make Sure You Get What You Want
We never know what to expect, or what fun present we're walking away with, and that's precisely what makes the white elephant gift exchange so fun! If you're attending one of these parties, you've got to come armed with a funny, crowd-pleasing gift, which is where we come in. These are the best affordable white elephant gifts; every one is under $25! They're so wallet-friendly, you can definitely add two to your cart. You know, to make sure you're walking away with something awesome.
105 Awesome but Affordable Gifts For Men
Stumped about what to give the men in your life? Look no further than this gift guide that's chock-full of affordable gifts for men of all ages. These gifts would make awesome presents for every sort of guy you know. Click on to get started on your gift shopping!
The 17 Funniest Gifts of 2018 Will Make You Laugh So Hard, Your Stomach Will Hurt
If you're looking for presents for the friend who isn't afraid to get silly, we've found the perfect stuff. Whether you are headed to a white elephant party or just want to treat a loved one to something hilarious, we've got you covered. Keep looking to see these hysterical gift ideas for your comical pal.
The 10 Best Travel Gifts From Amazon in 2018 - All Under $20
Whether you're going on a work trip, vacation, or big backpacking adventure, you need to be prepared. There's nothing worse than being far away from home without the necessities. Luckily, stocking up on what you need doesn't have to burn a hole in your pocket. Amazon offers a variety of travel products for reasonable prices. Plus, if you have Amazon Prime, many of these items can arrive at your door in as little as two days. If you don't know where to start, we rounded up the most important (and genius) products you need for your next journey. Consider this your ultimate checklist. Waste no time and get to shopping.
Your 2019 Travel Bucket List: 40 Spectacular Destinations to Visit in the New Year
Attention jet-setters: Lonely Planet's annual Best in Travel report has just been released for 2019, and we officially can't wait to begin packing our bags. If you need a touch of travel inspiration for the coming year, read on! From the vibrant and bustling to the secluded and off-the-beaten-path, this wanderlust-inducing list breaks down the top cities, countries, regions, and value-minded destinations to add to your globetrotting bucket list next year. Let's get ready for takeoff!
These 29 Thanksgiving Side Dishes Are So Good, You'll Forget About the Turkey
When someone mentions Thanksgiving dinner, your first thought may be of the turkey, but trust us when we say there's more you can serve to your guests to make it memorable. Whether you're looking for a way to sneak veggies onto the table or you just need a new gravy recipe, these 29 side dishes are guaranteed to take your Thanksgiving to the next level and prove that it isn't all about the bird.
Related: 17 Recipes That Let You Make Your Whole Thanksgiving Feast in an Instant Pot
Wait, These White Elephant Gifts Are All Under $10? BRB - I'm Buying 2 of Each
White elephant gifts should be quirky, funny, and most definitely cost-efficient. Since this kind of gift-giving is more about fun over function, it only makes sense to spend your money sparingly.
Check out this list of white elephant gifts that are all under 10 bucks! Save your money for the big gifts, but we will warn you: you might want to buy multiple of these gifts because they are so ridiculously awesome.
FYI Holiday Shoppers: College Girls Desperately Want All of These Fun Gifts This Year
College students love coming home because they get completely spoiled by home-cooked meals, people who do their laundry for them, not to mention all the time that they can finally catch up on some much-needed sleep. As far as coming home for the holidays go, this is one of the few times of the year that these students can finally get exactly what they need for the upcoming semester. Make sure you give the undergrad on your list the perfect present this year to fully prepare them for the rest of the school year ahead.
From empowering pens to chic backpacks and even to yummy "Brain Butter," these gifts address all the needs of the college gal that you're shopping for. Oh, and they are all less than $75!
These White Elephant Gifts Are All Under $25, So You Can Make Sure You Get What You Want
We never know what to expect, or what fun present we're walking away with, and that's precisely what makes the white elephant gift exchange so fun! If you're attending one of these parties, you've got to come armed with a funny, crowd-pleasing gift, which is where we come in. These are the best affordable white elephant gifts; every one is under $25! They're so wallet-friendly, you can definitely add two to your cart. You know, to make sure you're walking away with something awesome.
105 Awesome but Affordable Gifts For Men
Stumped about what to give the men in your life? Look no further than this gift guide that's chock-full of affordable gifts for men of all ages. These gifts would make awesome presents for every sort of guy you know. Click on to get started on your gift shopping!
This Gorgeous Gryffindor vs. Slytherin Wedding Shoot Would Make Dumbledore Proud
We all remember those iconic Gryffindor vs. Slytherin quidditch matches with wizards flying at high speeds and the large crowd cheering around them. Well, photographer Kevin Lane did an amazing job capturing that competitive spirit between the Hogwarts houses in this styled Gryffindor vs. Slytherin wedding shoot. These stunning photos were taken at the Wright House in Mesa, AZ, which adds a rustic country charm to the photos.
The most prominent reference to the Harry Potter saga in these photos would be the contrasting color palettes for each couple. "In this stylized shoot you can see the darker side of a Slytherin wedding, which included a beautiful black geode wedding cake and a black and gold ruffled wedding dress. In the Gryffindor wedding, we used their house colors, which are scarlet and gold. The wedding cake included both of these colors as well as the emblematic animal, the lion," said Kevin. There are many more Harry Potter references embedded in this shoot, for instance the Slytherin wand is modeled after the one Voldemort used, while the Gryffindor wand is modeled after the Elder Wand, which was used by Dumbledore for a majority of the franchise. The sorting hat also makes a small appearance in these photos and surprisingly matches very well with a white wedding dress.
Browse through these pictures, and look out for more hidden details in this gorgeous Harry Potter wedding!
dimanche 4 novembre 2018
11 Core Workouts Jillian Michaels Does to Carve Her Enviable Abs
Jillian Michaels doesn't just design workouts for other people on her workout app My Fitness by Jillian Michaels, she actually practices what she preaches. The former The Biggest Loser trainer regularly posts workout videos to her Instagram page for a weekly dose of gym motivation.
Since Jillian works out primarily in sports bras and crop tops, we can't help but notice her flat tummy and carved ab muscles. So how does she get such definition? Through a number of core circuits and ab exercises that target even the hardest-to-hit spots. Although these exercises range from beginner to advanced, all of these moves will inspire you to mix up ab day and work those core muscles.
Scroll through some of Jillian's favorite ab moves and add them to your repertoire - your abs will be sore for days!
5 Common Reasons You're Waking Up in the Middle of the Night
If you find yourself tossing and turning at night, there could be several possibilities for your disrupted slumber. It could be attributed to certain daytime habits, like drinking coffee too late into your day, or other underlying issues that are worth identifying. Regardless of what's preventing a restful night, it's crucial to think of sleep as a sign of your health, rather than as a means to an end. To figure out why you're waking up in the middle of the night, we looked to Terry Cralle, RN, a registered nurse and certified clinical sleep educator at The Better Sleep Council, for some answers.
1. You're not cutting off caffeine early enough.
If you work a normal 9-to-5 schedule, a good rule of thumb is to switch to noncaffeinated drinks by lunchtime. To many of us, that might not sound doable, especially as soon as that afternoon slump rolls around. But caffeine can remain in your system long into the day. Also keep in mind what that third cup of coffee is telling you.
"If you're relying on caffeine all through the day, you're not getting enough sleep," Cralle told POPSUGAR.
2. It's your nightcap.
Winding down with a glass of wine before bed may initially put you right to sleep, but nightcaps typically result in a restless night. Once you're awake, you stay wide awake long enough for it to affect the rest of your evening's quality of sleep.
"[Having alcohol close to bedtime] will disrupt your sleep later on and really cause it to be fragmented," Cralle said. "And then you can get in a vicious cycle of too much caffeine during the day, so you're going to sort of self-medicate with alcohol at night. Then you wake up exhausted, which requires more caffeine."
Instead, opt for herbal tea or warm milk.
3. It's your bed.
If there's one splurge you can justify, it's a quality mattress and/or pillow. Considering that we spend about a third of our life asleep, it's important to invest in your rest.
"I'm all for getting a really comfortable mattress because it really does make a difference," Cralle said. "You want to make sure you're optimizing your sleep in all ways possible - good sleep equals good wake."
4. It's your sleep environment.
Sometimes, having a supercomfy bed isn't enough. It's also important to consider how you're utilizing your bedroom space. Cralle suggests thinking of your bedroom as a "sleep sanctuary," free of exercise equipment and clutter. Just as how you'd optimize your office for productivity and focus, limit all other bedroom activity to sleep and sex. Keep as much light out of the room as possible at night (the darker, the better) and even consider painting your walls a soothing color.
It could also be factors like allowing your pets to sleep with you. "You've got to really drill down and look at everything to see what's going on," Cralle said.
5. You might have an undiagnosed sleep disorder.
To really identify the reason for your disrupted sleep, log your quality of slumber into a sleep diary as soon as you wake up in the morning. Or, if you have a sleep tracker, follow your progress for two weeks. According to Cralle, there are over 88 sleep disorders, and most people ignore sleep problems without realizing how important sleep is to your health.
"I tell people to view sleep as a vital sign," she said. "I think people should bring up sleep at every single healthcare provider encounter - it's that important and fundamental to our health. If your healthcare provider doesn't bring it up, you bring it up."
Fall Should Be Renamed "Running Season" Thanks to All These Cute Clothes
Fall is the best season to go for a run; it's not too hot, when you feel as if taking another step might cause you to melt, and it's not too cold, when you feel as if your nose might freeze off. It's just right. But if you're going for a run in the Fall, the key is to layer. That way, if the wind picks up or the sun comes out, you'll stay comfortable and focus on your stride. Check out our best layering pieces for a Fall run ahead.
You'll Be Shocked by How Intense This 10-Minute CrossFit Workout Is
If you only have 10 minutes to get in a strength-training workout, grab a pair of dumbbells and prepare to get to work. This CrossFit workout created by Jade Jenny, CrossFit coach and owner of Champlain Valley CrossFit, is comprised of two simple moves. But don't think for a second that it means this workout is easy, because you will be sorely (pun intended!) mistaken.
Butt and Arm Workout
Equipment needed: A pair of light to medium dumbbells (five to 20 pounds, depending on your strength).
Directions: After warming up for five minutes with some light cardio and dynamic stretching, complete 10 rounds of the workout ahead AQAP (as quickly as possible). Move with correct form and with as little rest between reps as you can.
- 10 Deadlifts
- 10 Push-ups
Modifications: For the deadlifts, you can use a barbell instead of dumbbells. If regular push-ups are too hard, rest your knees on the floor.
Keep reading for details on how to do each move.
You’ll Thank Your Lucky Stars For Your Instant Pot - and These 19 Healthy Soup Recipes
With the Instant Pot in our lives, gone are the days when we were required to stand at the stove and oven for hours on end. Instead, we simply throw everything into the appliance and wait for our meals to be finished in record time. What did we ever do deserve such a glorious invention?
With a ton of different eats you can make in your Instant Pot, don't forget that comforting soups should be on that list. Between the protein and veggies, a bowl is a full-course meal all on its own.
If you're not sure where to start, these healthy soups will give you options for weeks to come.
These Are the 43 Best Bodyweight Exercises to Transform Your Abs
You know losing belly fat is all dependent on what you eat, not just doing a million crunches every day. But once you get leaner by eating a healthy, balanced diet, you'll want to reveal a strong, chiseled core. You don't need equipment to make that happen! These are the best bodyweight moves to get you a six-pack. Choose five or more to create your own core-carving workout.
When It Comes to Marathons, the Best Spectators Hold Signs - Here's Some Inspiration
We believe in all the runners out there, especially those that choose to go the full 26.2 miles to conquer the marathon. You can and should cheer on your friends, as well as random strangers, as they pound the pavement. We do suggest you take a sign. Not only do these motivate the marathoners, they entertain them, too. A good chuckle can have a similar effect of a gel pack around mile 19. Peruse these signs, find some poster board and markers, and get crafting. Your runner needs you!
Let These 10 Keto-Friendly Drinks From Starbucks Inspire Your Next Drink Order
If you're following the keto diet, you already know that the high-fat, low-carb requirements restrict a lot of tasty foods and drinks in order to get your body into a state of ketosis. Popular Starbucks drinks like the pink drink have become a fan favorite, and because of this, clever Starbucks-lovers hacked the menu, coming up with keto-friendly drink recipes. You get all the flavor of your favorite drinks, sans all the sugar and carbs.
Let these 10 keto-friendly drinks inspire your next Starbucks run.
Cranberry Sauce Might Seem Harmless, but It Could Wreck Your Low-Carb Diet - Here's Why
If this is your first holiday season on the keto diet, you may be wondering which (if any) of the traditional Thanksgiving sides are low-carb. Take cranberry sauce, for example - a favorite of mine ever since I was a little girl. You love it for its sweet, tart taste and that rich, deep color, but is it keto-friendly? Let's break it down.
The keto diet requires that roughly 60 to 80 percent of your calories come from fat. As for carbs, you should aim to eat 20 to 50 grams of net carbs per day, explained certified nutrition specialist Louise Gittleman, PhD - that's total carbs minus any fiber. "This means you could theoretically have a small serving of any berry, including cranberries," she told POPSUGAR. However, you'd have to nix the sweetener in cranberry sauce, "which makes for a rather bitter side dish."
While traditional cranberry sauce is off limits on the keto diet because of its sugar content, you can tweak the recipe to make it more suitable. Gittleman suggests combining 1/4 cup unsweetened cranberries, either fresh or thawed, with 1/4 cup unsweetened raspberries and then sweetening the dish with 1/4 teaspoon of orange zest and a bit of monk fruit. "Monk fruit is the sweetener that is considered most keto-friendly," she said.
Jessica Tosto, MS, RD, clinical coordinator for the nutrition and dietetics program at Pace University's College of Health Professions, added this tip: "Try experimenting with different berries, such as blackberries and raspberries, which are naturally sweeter than cranberries and may not require added sugar."
It's Easier Than You Think to Take Too Much Allergy and Cold Medicine - Here's Why
It's a heck of a time when allergy season and cold season overlap. If you happen to be one of the unfortunate souls in this sniffly Venn diagram from hell, you'd likely do anything to find relief. Fortunately, you won't have to go much further than your medicine cabinet, but before you do, be sure to read this advice from Erica Patel, MD, of the University of Southern California, about whether it's safe to take allergy meds and cold meds simultaneously.
Because symptoms are similar for colds and allergies, you don't necessarily have to double down. "Many over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines and allergy medicines may have similar ingredients," Dr. Patel noted, including a pain and fever reducer, a decongestant (for stuffiness), an antihistamine (for sneezing), and a cough reliever. But that means it's also easy to overdo it.
"A good way to avoid overdosing on ingredients is to compare labels," she told POPSUGAR. "For example, if one medication has acetaminophen as an ingredient, then avoid taking other medications with acetaminophen in them." Common cold and allergy medication ingredients include:
- Pain relievers: acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Decongestants: phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline
- Cough Suppressants: dextromethorphan, guaifenesin
- Antihistamines: diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra)
Think carefully about what you actually need. "Only take medication that directly treats the symptoms you are having," Dr. Patel said. "If you have a cough, for example, then just take a cough suppressant. Don't choose a combination medication that also has a decongestant and a pain reliever if you don't also have those symptoms." That's especially true if you're already taking something that helps keep those symptoms at bay, like an allergy pill.
That said, you can safely take cold and allergy medications simultaneously if you ensure there's no overlap and check the labels for any contraindications. (That's when the package says, "Don't take this if you're also taking ___.") If neither is the case, "it should be relatively safe to take cold and allergy medication together as long as you're following the dosing instructions on the package," said Dr. Patel. *breathes sigh of relief*
22 Keto-Friendly Salads That Will Re-Energize Your Sunday Meal Prep
It's the same story with any diet: you find a handful of dishes that you simply can't get enough of, but after eating them day in and day out, week after week, you start craving something new. With any luck, that means getting lost in Pinterest and not wandering to the nearest vending machine. If you're just starting the keto diet or simply feel like you've fallen into a bit of a keto rut, you know how important it is to have healthy food at the ready. These 22 salads are just what you need to breathe some life into your Sunday meal prep. Pack them for work or eat them as a light dinner. Just don't forget to pick up some keto-friendly salad dressing - or make your own.
Related: These 12 Keto-Friendly Casseroles Prove That the Best Meals Are Made in 1 Pan
11 Keto Dishes, Sides, and Desserts You'll Want to Serve Up This Thanksgiving
There's almost no getting around a bit of overindulgence on Thanksgiving - but if you're on the keto diet, you don't have to risk knocking yourself out of ketosis. (After all, you worked so hard to get there.) From low-carb stuffing and sugar-free cranberry sauce to veggie-filled mac and cheese and even mashed "potatoes," this menu will help you serve up all your holiday classics while still sticking to your regimen. The best part? We're willing to bet your family and friends won't even notice that your recipes have changed. Settle in - you're going to want to savor every last bite.
If You're Looking to Try Intermittent Fasting, the 14:10 Plan Might Be For You
Some people swear by the health benefits of intermittent fasting (IF). Not only does this way of eating help you lose weight, but it can also improve digestion, give you more energy, help you focus, and even slow brain aging. When your body goes through periods of fasting, it boosts the production of growth hormone, which helps you lose weight and gain muscle. It can also help regulate levels of insulin and lower blood sugar, which is helpful for people who are insulin resistant or prediabetic.
Although there are several ways to do intermittent fasting, one of the most popular forms is the leangains method, or 16:8, where you fast for 16 hours and eat only during an eight-hour window. When you fast for 16 hours, you are more likely to reap all the benefits of IF mentioned above. But what about if you only fast for 14 hours? The 14:10 method is much more manageable for people who can eat during a 10-hour window, such as having breakfast at 9 a.m. and finishing dinner by 7 p.m.
Registered dietitian Suzanne Dixon, MPH, MS, said that research suggests limiting your feeding window to between eight and 11 hours and your fasting time to between 13 and 16 hours keeps insulin levels lower for a longer period of time throughout the day.
"However, that doesn't mean the relationship is cause and effect," she told POPSUGAR. "It has just been observed in the literature that people who fast for 13 or more hours nightly tend to be less likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, large waist circumference, obesity, and elevated blood lipids." She added that these benefits aren't observed in fasting windows of 12 hours or less.
Julie Upton, MS, RD, and cofounder of Appetite for Health, said that most dietitians recommend a form of intermittent fasting that fits within someone's lifestyle, and a 14-hour fasting window is more doable than a 16-hour fasting window.
However, if you're someone who is used to grazing all throughout the day, you may need to start with a 12-hour fasting window, then work your way up to a 14-hour or 16-hour window. "I always remind my clients that humans aren't cows," Julie told POPSUGAR. "We are not meant to graze for all of our waking hours."
The Vegan Gods Have Answered Our Prayers and Sent This Plant-Based Pizza Burrito to Costco
Which is the ultimate comfort food: pizza or burritos? Now you don't have to choose thanks to this pizza burrito found at Costco. And not only did the geniuses at Alpha Foods think to dream up this delicious combo, they made it 100 percent plant-based, which means no dairy, no meat, and cholesterol- and GMO-free.
The pizza burrito is made with meatless, sausage-style crumble, dairy-free cheese, grilled peppers, mushrooms, and onions in a tangy pizza sauce - yum! Each burrito is 310 calories, 10 grams of fat, 45 grams of carbs, two grams of fiber, two grams of sugar, and 11 grams of protein.
Instagram user @bigboxvegan came across this pizza burrito in Costco, and Alpha Foods reposted the photo saying that you can currently find it in Southeast states, but it will be more widely available if it sells well. Fingers crossed that it makes its way to your local Costco, and you can devour this savory vegan concoction!
You Can Do This Printable Superset Tabata Workout Anywhere
Tabata is the ultimate fitness trifecta. It's fast. It's fun. It's effective. We've tweaked the standard structure a bit, turning each round of Tabata into a superset. Rather than doing one exercise for four minutes, you alternate between two complementary moves for a total of eight minutes. This modification gives your working muscles a bit more rest time between sets, which translates into better form for all your reps during each round of Tabata.
Get ready to burn major calories. Print out this workout and get your timer ready (we like the free programmable app SIT - simple interval timer). Hope you dig this workout as much as we do.
Tabata One
Jumping jacks: This classic calisthenic move gets the heart rate going; add in some cross jacks for variety.
Walkouts: This full-body move takes you slowly from standing, through plank, to a deep lunge stretch, and back to standing.
One-Minute Rest: Standing leg cradle (alternate legs for the one-minute active rest).
Tabata Two
Squats with reach: Take your basic squat, lift your arms overhead, and you've increased the core strength needed for each rep.
Up-down planks: Move steadily and smoothly between plank and elbow plank, which works your arms and your core.
One-Minute Rest: Standing quad stretch (30 seconds each leg).
Tabata Three
Alternating backward lunges: Step backward into a lunge and alternate legs with each rep.
Mountain climbers: Holding a plank position, move your legs like you're running in place to work your arms and abs.
One-Minute Rest: Deep hip flexor stretch (30 seconds each side).
Tabata Four
Alternating side lunges: Keep your chest high as you step wide to the side. Return to standing and repeat the lunge on the other side.
Bicycle crunches: Don't blast through your reps of this classic ab exercise. Keep your shoulder blades off the ground and twist through your ribs to bring your elbow to your opposite knee.
What You're Really Craving When These 5 Triggers Cause You to "Eat Your Feelings"
Lisa Lieberman-Wang sheds light on why people emotionally eat, originally posted on YourTango.
And why food isn't the answer.
You want to develop more mindful eating habits, but in some situations, you simply can't help but reach for comfort foods even if you don't have an emotional eating or binge eating disorder.
But when it comes to the psychology of certain foods, what does it really mean to eat your feelings? What is the distinction between having feelings about food and using food to manipulate your emotions?
The mere mention of it can stir your senses and elicit both memories and feelings.
S'mores. Popcorn. Grandma's comfort foods. The smell of hot cookies coming out of the oven. Slumber parties. Thanksgiving with the whole family. Christmas cookies and pre-New Year's splurges with gifts and food.
The average American is raised with most, if not all, of these associations between food and "making memories."
What would a birthday be without cake? Halloween without a month-long sugar high? A broken heart without ice cream to glue the pieces back together?
Without any bad intention, we grow up being taught that food and feelings are a natural pairing for the same plate. Why, then, did no one consider asking, "What does it mean to eat your feelings?"
And more importantly, why did no one ever broach an answer?
No matter how the world glamorizes food with pictures and words, its effect on your life always comes down to your thoughts about it.
You don't "love" food - you love what you believe it does for you. You love the feeling of the neural connections made when you learned to associate food with comfort.
You love the temporary fantasy of everything "being OK" if you can just get home from this lousy day and crawl into bed with your hidden stash of chocolate.
You love the idea that food will love you back - or at least make you feel loved.
And there's the rub.
There is so much expectation being placed on something that has no ability to feel and no power to love.
Not only does emotional eating or binge eating give your power away and keep you from being mindful about food, it gives it away to something that remains at the mercy of your choices. It processes nothing, heals nothing, and fills nothing.
It's not your stomach that's empty; it's your soul.
So what does it mean when you eat your feelings?
It means you are trying to make the statement, "The way to a person's heart is through his/her stomach," come true. It means you see your feelings and food on the same plate, and the only way to get rid of those feelings is to eat all your food… and then some.
It means there is something so painful, so intolerable deep inside you that you will use food to annihilate it.
Here are 5 common situations that trigger emotional or binge eating and keep you from being mindful about food.
1. You're Bored
Boredom in a high-speed world can feel foreign, even frightening. Society doesn't allow for downtime, and you certainly can't be viewed as lazy or unproductive. But boredom is an emotion, not a signal from your body that it needs nutrients or energy.
Busying yourself with the hunt for and eating of food is nothing more than a distraction to fill a void.
2. You Want to Feel Social
Ahh, back to those comforting roots of bonding over food. Eating is a shared activity that represents connection, acceptance, and security. And you appear unappreciative by not eating what is offered, even if it isn't good for you.
You could also risk not being invited again, so having seconds is a natural choice.
3. You Want Emotional Comfort
Comfort foods are laden with calories, fat, sugars, carbs… and nostalgia. They courier opioid-like substances in the brain, leading to a temporary feel-good similar to that of heroin.
4. You're Stressed
When you're stressed, it causes a fight-or-flight response in your body. As a result, your energy supplies are diverted from the brain and non-essential organs to the large muscle groups and organs that are charged with helping you slay that dragon in your office, at home, or in your love life.
Apparently, evolution hasn't mitigated that hormone response to go along with the average stresses of modern life. Less blood to the brain means less reasoning and impulse control… and more eating.
Lather, rinse, repeat. You get the picture.
5. You're Depressed
Depression can corral a lot of negative feelings into one bad emotional state. If you are depressed, you know how difficult it is to do the most basic things.
Food shopping and cooking probably aren't high on your list. And when you're just trying to get through the day, dragging around that ball and chain of low motivation and self-esteem can suck all your mental energy. If a hit of serotonin from those chocolate bars piled on your nightstand can lift your mood, why not?
What does it mean to eat your feelings? It means your soul is starving, and it is easier to feed your stomach than to find out what your soul needs. It means you are distracting from a pain you don't trust yourself to face.
Lisa Lieberman-Wang is a relationship expert and creator of the neuroscience Neuro Associative Programming (NAP). If you need help finding your truth and living an authentic life, connect with her through her website or send her an e-mail.
This article was originally published at FinetoFab. Reprinted with permission from the author.
Check out more great stories from YourTango:
Calling All Keto Queens: Prepare to Flip Over These Perfect Stocking Stuffers
Know someone who's big on the keto diet? This year, you can fill their stocking with low-carb inspired products that will keep them motivated. From funny mugs and T-shirts and cooking utensils, there's no doubt these items will make them smile. Plus, they're all available on Amazon, so you can order from the comfort of your own home. Take a look.
Does CBD Oil Work? What Happened When I Tested Its Effects on Chronic Pain
This review of CBD oil by Shannon Ullman was originally published on YourTango.
A cure for my chronic pain?!
I kept hearing about CBD oil benefits for chronic pain. Like, a lot. It was all over my newsfeed and a topic of conversation among my friends. They kind of wouldn't shut up about it.
So I decided to do my own research because for one, I didn't quite believe them, and two, because I suffer from chronic pain. If this magical CBD oil could help, I wanted to know everything I could.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, a compound found in the marijuana plant - gasp! I know, I know, the idea of marijuana brings to mind psychedelic trips and junk food sessions on the couch. But CBD isn't the stuff that gets you high (that's THC). Instead, CBD offers a whole host of relaxing healing properties without the actual "getting stoned" part.
According to scientific studies, CBD has shown to reduce inflammation, curb pain, and promote relaxation. All of which sounds pretty darn good to someone who suffers from chronic pain. Plus, it's natural, which seemed way better to me than taking harsh medications.
It turns out that CBD is legal around the U.S (as long as it contains little or no THC), and that people all over the country are using it to treat pain.
Testing CBD Oil Benefits For Chronic Pain
After reading the research, I wanted to give this stuff a try. I've had chronic pain in my jaw joints (TMJ) for the past 13 years. Because of some bad orthodontics as a kid, I now suffer from stiff jaw joints, arthritis, inner ear pain, neck pain, facial muscle spasms, and soreness from my temples to my chin. There's lots of clicking, popping, and moving around, which makes it difficult to eat.
And, because of all the pain, it's difficult to find a comfortable position to sleep, snuggle with my boyfriend, or chew certain foods.
While I used to pop ibuprofen for the pain, I realized how damaging those pills can be to the body (especially the liver and kidneys). Taking this kind of medication every day for 13 years surely would have caused some internal damage. So, I deal with it. I tough it out, and when it's just too much pain to handle, I will occasionally take an Advil.
You can probably guess how pumped I was to learn about this new, natural remedy. While there are a ton of CBD oil salves and creams out there, I went with Exhemplary Life's muscle and joint balm. It has 125 mg of CBD (which is a moderate amount compared to other products) and smells like lavender (my fave).
The balm comes in a push-up stick, so it was easy to apply right to my skin. I rubbed it on the area of my face from my temples to my chin and I rubbed some directly on my jawline and behind my ears.
After applying it, I noticed a few things within the first five minutes. First, it felt like my jaw muscles were warming up. Not like an Icy Hot kind of burning, but just warm. Then, I could feel that my jaw started to relax (normally I'm doing some kind of clenching to keep it in place.) Eventually, I started to notice what felt like tiny muscle spasms in my face around my jawline. Maybe the muscles loosening up? It felt pretty great, and smelled good too.
My only complaint is that I wish it lasted a bit longer. After 20 minutes, I felt like I had to reapply to get the same effects as in the first five minutes.
I'm excited to keep using it though because I've read that the longer you use CBD products, the more effective they become on your body. So, we'll see! I'll be keeping my eye on more CBD options to see what works!
Shannon is a lifestyle, health, and wellness writer with a special interest in CBD oil and medical marijuana. You can see more content like this on her site Miss Marijuana.
Check out more great stories from YourTango:
Did You Know You Can Grow Your Own Crystals? Here's What Happened When I Tried It
Crystals are having a moment - and you can spot them everywhere, from trendy, well-designed homes to your coworker's office desk. Whether you believe in their healing powers or just think they are pretty, crystals are a beautiful addition to your decor. With a simple DIY kit, you can grow your own! I picked one up at my local craft store and gave it a try. I grew a gorgeous blue quartz crystal in 10 days. The hardest part was not disturbing the crystal and being patient while it grew. However, it's a beautiful addition to my crystal collection and was worth the wait. If you want to give it a shot, check out these simple steps.
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