Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mardi 11 décembre 2018
This K9 Unit Pup Tried On His Winter Booties For the First Time, and Nope, Doesn't Like That!
It's cold out there, which means making sure all our officers are equipped for the chilly weather; even the furry ones! Looks like K9 Jary's new snow boots are going to take some getting-used-to...
Posted by Rapid City Police Department on Friday, December 7, 2018
Getting your pets geared up for Winter is no easy feat. And while I've already totally given up on trying to squeeze my giant dog into a coat - or leggings, god forbid! - apparently police dogs have it way worse: they have to wear shoes. Recently, officers from the Rapid City Police Department in Michigan shared a hilarious video of one of their K9 unit members wearing a pair of booties for the fist time. And yep, it'll probably take a little practice getting around in them!
"It's cold out there, which means making sure all our officers are equipped for the chilly weather; even the furry ones!" the department wrote in the caption. "Looks like K9 Jary's new snow boots are going to take some getting used to . . . "
Surprise, surprise, the clip is going completely viral. So far the sweet video has racked up nearly 65,000 shares and 24,000 reactions. Fingers crossed Jary gets used to his Reebarks! Get it?!
This Winter, Escape to 1 of These Awesome (and Affordable) Travel Destinations Across the US
If the thought of hibernating inside all Winter long makes you shiver, it's time to start planning your escape for when cold weather comes. And thanks to its massive size - 3.8 million square miles, to be exact - and incredible diversity, America is certainly the hot spot when it comes to wintertime travel. No matter if you're looking to flee the piles of snow or flock to them, this country oozes with adventure for every type of wanderer. So go ahead, pack your bags. We've combed through each state and listed an array of dazzling destinations, guaranteed to satisfy your bubbling wanderlust. All you have to do is decide which place to choose first!
Instagram Just Added the Ability to Send Voice Recordings, and People Have Mixed Feelings
Instagram announced on Monday that it added the ability to send voice memos via direct messages. Just like that little microphone icon in iMessage, you can hold down the icon in an Instagram message and record your voice for up to a minute. If you want to re-record after listening, you can slide your finger over the trash can icon and delete your first attempt. The message appears in the form of a sound wave, and voilá! Once you send it, your recipient can listen to your message, whether it's a "happy birthday" recording, a random joke, or a juicy secret you want to share with your group message. Unlike photos and videos, these voice messages won't disappear, and you can listen to them repeatedly.
Many people have pointed out that Facebook, WhatsApp, and other apps have already had a voice feature for years and that Instagram is late to the game. Other users are unsure if this is a feature they even want - when's the last time you got excited about listening to a voicemail? Either way, this is just another fun new Instagram feature to play around with, and it's definitely convenient if you're driving or on the go.
Meghan Markle Is Being Called "Difficult," and Black Women Can Read Between the Lines
Meghan Markle's name hasn't left the news since her engagement to Prince Harry was announced last year, and now that the two are married and expecting, the rumor mill is in full swing. Whether from "palace sources" or Meghan's own loose-lipped family members, it seems like no time was wasted in painting the incoming duchess as a "demanding" workaholic (how American!) with little respect or regard for royal protocol (I've seen the phrase "ripping up the rulebook" used quite a bit). It feels like every day there's a new story about Meghan not quite fitting in - and with each emerging rumor, it becomes easier for black women everywhere to read between the lines.
There are reports that Meghan made crazy requests for her wedding - though, honestly, I've heard crazier from my own engaged friends - and that she and sister-in-law Kate Middleton got into it after Meghan "berated" a member of Kate's staff. It's also been said that Meghan, a 37-year-old college graduate, philanthropist, and former actress, has such high standards and such clear visions for her royal agenda that it's become a problem. She's too used to working in a "Hollywood environment." She has too much "West Coast energy" (whatever that is). She has too many ideas, and she sends work-related texts and emails at 5 a.m. (OK, girl - if true, then that is pretty annoying). It was revealed in early November that Meghan's assistant, Melissa Touabti, left the job "in tears" after six months and, most recently, that her and Harry's (temporary) private secretary, Samantha Cohen, announced her plans to leave her (temporary) gig after the birth of their first child next Spring. This turnover is ostensibly due to Meghan's many "stressful" demands, which make her hard to work with.
I'm not exactly sure when having high standards became a bad thing in the royal family, but there's one word pervading these rumors that has me side-eyeing them all: "difficult." Like Meghan, I am a black woman from America with an abundance of "West Coast energy" who has lived and worked in mostly white spaces - and it's a descriptor that I've become all too familiar with hearing about myself.
I've spent the better part of 2018 trying to find ways to compare myself to and learn from Meghan Markle. She has inspired me to be more involved in the causes I care about, to remain outspoken about the injustices I see, and not to be afraid of busting into a room (or a constitutional monarchy) and shaking sh*t up. But as a black woman, it's not easy to take those actions without being perceived as "demanding" or "difficult." I learned at a particularly early age that people would assume my personality traits based on the color of my skin and their own unconscious biases. I understood sooner than most that I would "intimidate" people immediately upon walking into a room or sitting down in a meeting. Even now, I have to remind myself to keep resting b*tch face in check and to be careful with my words and tone because there's a chance they'll be considered "abrasive" even before they leave my mouth. I won't even get on the subject of my walking into a high-end store, eating at a nice restaurant, or staying at a luxury hotel.
The racism and sexism that Meghan has faced since her engagement was announced have been well documented, but even the palace's stern warning couldn't stop a relative from wearing this brooch in front of her or keep some jerk from mailing her a suspicious package. The latter incident was considered by authorities to be racially motivated and is just one part of Meghan's new life that she's had to get used to - when she's not being judged for her racial background by the public, she's being picked apart in the press by her family, most frequently her own father.
I think it's more likely that Meghan's blackness walked into the room before she did; that she was assumed to be "demanding" before she even made any demands, and she was considered to be "difficult" to work with even before anyone worked with her.
Black women aren't always afforded bad days or missteps, and that thing our parents tell us about having to "work twice as hard to get half as far" isn't based on a myth. It can be utterly exhausting to be black in America, and my sources tell me it isn't exactly a picnic across the pond, either. Although Meghan's "ethnically ambiguous" look - lighter skin, straight hair, freckles - does give her inherent privilege, she is most certainly still considered black to most of the world, and especially to most white people.
It's upsetting to think that someone so seemingly hardworking and dedicated to a new job - especially in the face of constant judgment based on her race - could be called "difficult" for diving into her royal duties. And listen, maybe Meghan truly did come in hot at Kensington and palace aides just weren't ready for early morning emails, incessant work requests, and that distinct type of "I need to be busy at all times and I'll sleep when I'm dead" energy that you can really only find in an American. But based on my own experience as a woman of color, I think it's more likely that Meghan's blackness walked into the room before she did; that she was assumed to be "demanding" before she even made any demands, and she was considered to be "difficult" to work with even before anyone worked with her.
Unfortunately, along with having to work twice as hard as our white counterparts, black women are doubly punished for exhibiting the traits that come from having such a relentless work ethic. Having ambition and drive make us "overbearing;" being assertive makes us "angry;" showing authority makes us "hostile;" and suggesting change makes us "rude," "demanding," or, even worse, "ungrateful." When people crystallize those biases in their minds before even meeting you, it feels like it doesn't matter what you say or how you say it. On top of everything else, you then feel the need to work even harder to change minds, to prove you're not a stereotype, and to clean up a reputation you didn't even know you earned.
Is it possible that Meghan Markle asked for air fresheners to hide the "musty smell" of Windsor Castle ahead of her royal wedding? Sure it is. But is it possible that this tidbit wouldn't be half as big of a deal if it were a demand from Kate Middleton? Also yes. Don't get me wrong; Kate Middleton is under an insane amount of pressure as the future Queen of England, and for that reason, I have to assume that she made her own crazy requests when planning her royal wedding, renovating her home, or choosing staff and caretakers for her children. What's interesting to note, though, is that there was no giant burst of dramatic headlines referring to Kate as a "difficult" new duchess or calling out how many of her aides quit their jobs. And even in the reports of rifts between Kate and Meghan, Meghan happens to be the aggressor, the "rude" black woman who came in with her newfangled ideas and bossy behavior. The undertones - that Meghan should feel lucky to be included, not bold enough to bring change - aren't hard to spot, either.
In a sad way, it really doesn't surprise me that the "difficult duchess" rumors have emerged. Meghan being an actress, born and raised in Los Angeles with a bevy of famous friendships and a marriage already under her belt, was already enough to illicit speculation about what kind of wacky American duchess she would be. Once you throw in her blackness and audacity not to hide it, it's easy to see how prejudgments were formed. When it comes to stereotyping black women as being angry and difficult - while subsequently expecting us to be strong and sassy for entertainment value - well, that train is never late.
O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore Art Thou Romeo? At This Gorgeous Shakespearean Wedding, of Course
Even though William Shakespeare published Romeo and Juliet in the 16th century, the iconic play has stood the test of time and inspired a whole range of work from paintings to movies to wedding themes. Photographer Sabrina Klomp definitely felt a creative impulse to channel the famous couple in this styled wedding shoot that took place at the Higuera Ranch in San Luis Obispo, CA.
"The concept for the shoot was a modern twist on Shakespeare's classic Romeo and Juliet," Sabrina said. "With moody blues, gold accents, and inspiration from stars and constellations, the shoot created a youthful, romantic setting for today's young-at-heart bride and groom." The bride wore a peach-tone gown with metallic stars embroidered on it - a nod to the famous quote from the chorus of the play that refers to the couple as "a pair of star-cross'd lovers." The groom looked handsome in a black suit with long hair that is parted to the side, which is reminiscent of the Shakespearean era. The shoot also incorporated stunning decor that included vibrant flowers, long candles, and gothic tableware.
Keep reading to see this dreamy and romantic Shakespearean shoot.
18 Sex-Filled Films to Stream on Netflix For a Steamy Night In
For when you want some good, clean onscreen lovin' that's not porn, I've found an array of sexy films available on Netflix. There are foreign flicks, romantic comedies, period pieces, and everything in between (the sheets) - perfect for solo watching or date night. So hop into bed with one of these steamy movies tonight. And check out more movies that are available on Netflix in December here!
- Additional reporting by Corinne Sullivan and Hannah Abrams
50+ Tech-Savvy Gifts For Every Gadget-Lover on Your Holiday Shopping List
Looking for the coolest new gadget to get the tech-savvy guy on your list? We got you covered with some of the best tech gifts on the market. Whether he likes computer accessories, waterproof speakers, or even robots, there's something for everyone on this list. Get ready to geek out!
- Additional reporting by Krista Jones, Chelsea Adelaine Hassler, and Macy Cate Williams
50+ Travel Gifts That Are Great For Any Guy Who's Always on the Go
Traveling just got so much better thanks to these jet-setter-approved gifts. With everything from (supercomfortable) portable pillows to tech accessory essentials, these gifts are perfect for a guy who's always on the go.
So sit back and relax, because this list is complete with everything that a world-traveling man could ever need, no matter how far he might go.
- Additional reporting by Macy Cate Williams
Traveling This Holiday Season? Here Are 17 Gifts That Will Fit in Your Suitcase
If you're traveling for the holidays, bringing gifts along is always a struggle. Do you ship them to your final destination, or bring an extra suitcase filled with presents? Well, now you can travel with just your carry-on, because we've found 17 compact gifts that are so easy to pack! Think pretty pieces of jewelry, cute beanies, and fun little pouches. All you have to do is shop!
Related: With These 15 Ugly Christmas Sweaters, You'll Be the Star of Your Holiday Party
15 Sweet and Thoughtful Gifts Your Grandma Will Love
When my grandma's birthday arrived last week, I was totally stumped on what to get her. Grandmas already have everything! That's why I did an internet deep dive to find the very best gifts out there. These presents are thoughtful, are unique, and target a wide variety of interests. Whether you're Christmas shopping or preparing for your own grandmother's birthday, these ideas are guaranteed to please. Take a look at our top picks.
This Winter, Escape to 1 of These Awesome (and Affordable) Travel Destinations Across the US
If the thought of hibernating inside all Winter long makes you shiver, it's time to start planning your escape for when cold weather comes. And thanks to its massive size - 3.8 million square miles, to be exact - and incredible diversity, America is certainly the hot spot when it comes to wintertime travel. No matter if you're looking to flee the piles of snow or flock to them, this country oozes with adventure for every type of wanderer. So go ahead, pack your bags. We've combed through each state and listed an array of dazzling destinations, guaranteed to satisfy your bubbling wanderlust. All you have to do is decide which place to choose first!
30 Gifts Your 30-Something Boyfriend Will Want This Year
Trying to find the perfect present for your significant other? We know it's hard sometimes. If you've got a husband or boyfriend in his 30s, we have a whole guide of gifts just for your guy. Let us do all the work for you and we guarantee you'll give your man something he will love. Check out our top picks.
25 Dazzling Gifts That Will Make Your BFF Go Starry-Eyed
Where can you find the latest trend to obsess over? In the stars, of course. But seriously, starry products are everywhere, and we're loving it. There's so many pretty items that would be the perfect gift for your BFF (or yourself). Check out the best goodies out there in the internet world and grab your favorites before they're gone. Let's shop!
40+ Gifts That'll Help Your Photographer Friend Get ALL the "Likes"
Finding the perfect gift for a photographer is almost as hard as a photographer getting the perfect shot. It has to be creative, thoughtful, and (pun intended) picture-perfect. Take a look at these gifts and get ready to snap a picture, because they are totally photo-worthy.
- Additional reporting by Erin Cullum
16 Gifts For People Who Need Coffee to Survive
Many of us love a cup of joe to start off the morning, but there are some people who simply can't survive without it. We know not to talk to them before they're caffeinated, and coffee actually gives them life. To help support their java lifestyle, we've found the perfect gifts for the coffee-obsessed. Check them out ahead!
Related: 21 Gifts For Your Wine-Loving Best Friend That Are Better Than a Bottle
21 Gifts For Women Who Really F*cking Love to Swear
Some people say that women who curse sound less intelligent, and not only do I think that's bullsh*t, but I think it's pretty f*cking sexist, too. For all of us who know that getting your point across just feels better with an added F-bomb (or two), feast your eyes on these gifts for women who love to swear and don't care one bit what you think about it. May I get a "hell yes," please?
- Additional reporting by Hilary White
20 Gifts Your 20-Something Boyfriend Will Love
Giving presents to your significant other can be a real stressor, that's why we're here to be your holiday shopping spirit guide. Take a deep breath and open your Internet browser; it's never too early to begin holiday shopping. If you've got a boyfriend in his 20s, we have a whole guide of gifts perfect for your man. Check out all 20 of the foolproof options.
How to Dress at the Airport: These Stars Turn the Runway Into a Catwalk
When you're thinking about what to wear on a flight, comfort is obviously the first thing to consider. But that doesn't necessarily mean you have to sacrifice your personal style. After all, they don't call it a runway for nothing. Thanks to the celebrities who know they'll be photographed on their way through LAX or London Heathrow, "airport fashion" has become a huge thing, and while some of the A-list looks are probably best left to those who fly first class, you can borrow plenty of tricks from Hollywood's frequent fliers. Whether it's dressing up your athleisure look with designer accessories or braving the terminal in your highest heels, these stars make sure they arrive at their destination in style. Keep reading for 50 looks you can copy next time you're headed to the airport.
Stick Together ALL Night With This Hilarious Ugly Sweater Made For 2
The rule of thumb for ugly sweater parties is generally the more ridiculous, the better. But just when we thought we'd seen it all, this hilarious two-person ugly sweater was brought to our attention, and wow - we might need a few glasses of mulled wine before committing to it.
ASOS is selling the Boohoo Santa and Elf Two-Person Holiday Sweater ($44), and you should prepare to get very comfortable if you venture out to parties attached at the hip to your bestie or significant other. This sweater is definitely competing with Target's wearable Christmas tree for the silliest holiday outfit of the year. Shop it ahead!
The Ultimate Gift Guide For Grown-Up Disney-Lovers
If you love Disney as much as us, chances are you have a few loved ones who are a little obsessed as well. Whether your friends and family are all about princesses or Pixar, we found gifts that grown-up Disney fans will go crazy for. You would be surprised by just how many products have a touch of the most magical brand on earth.
lundi 10 décembre 2018
7 Glitter Hair Looks That Are Perfect For the Holidays - and So Easy to Do
Sometimes, clingy can be a good thing. Glitter, with its lasting tenacity, is actually the easiest way to make a hairstyle shine all night. Whether you throw your hair up into braids or have it down in cascading waves, dousing yourself in shimmer is a surefire way to make the look more festive.
While it can be frustrating to see glitter hair inspo pics that look impossible to recreate, there are new formulas on the market - like the R and Co Smoothing Shine Spray ($29) and IGK Preparty Hair Strobing Glitter Spray ($16) - that make application seamless. With the below glitter hair looks, you can take glimmering hairstyle to your next holiday party. Shine on.
Make Your Fitness Goals a Reality With These Wellness-Themed Planners
The New Year is just around the corner, and it's never too early to jump on your health and fitness goals. Whatever your ambitions (to lose weight, build muscle, or heck, just get some sleep), jotting them down in a planner - and using it to track your progress - can help keep you accountable. We've rounded up 10 wellness-themed planners that will help make your healthy living goals a reality. Grab one for yourself and a fitness-loving friend (they'd make a great gift for your workout buddy), and start working off those holiday indulgences the second the calendar flips to 2019.
This Common Disease Could Be the Reason You're So Anxious, and Treating It Can Help
Anxiety can be debilitating. After all, it's difficult to manage your day-to-day when you spend so much of your time (and energy) getting sucked into negative thoughts, spinning in a constant hamster wheel of worry. While many factors contribute to anxiety, your fretful state could be traced back to a thyroid disorder, particularly hyperthyroidism.
The Thyroid-Brain Connection
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Thyroxine works with other thyroid hormones to control a number of functions, including metabolism and digestion. When your thyroid is overactive, and releases too much thyroxine into the body, you might experience weight loss - even as your appetite increases - or feel hot and sweaty, among other physical symptoms.
But hyperthyroidism can also alter your brain and mood. "There are receptors for the thyroid hormone in the brain as well as the body," Monica Starkman, MD, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan Medical School, told POPSUGAR. "The effects on the brain due to excess thyroid hormones can be unusual and persistent nervousness, restlessness, irritability, and anxiety."
Hyperthyroidism is most often caused by an autoimmune disease called Grave's disease, but thyroiditis - a condition in which the thyroid becomes inflamed for no apparent reason - is common in women who have recently given birth. These women will often have tons of energy after delivering the baby, and may even be quick to lose weight because they're in a transient hyperthyroid state, explained Carly Snyder, MD, who specializes in reproductive psychiatry. But eventually, the thyroid burns out, leading to an underactive condition known as hypothyroidism. "Mood plummets, and the mother may be irritable and sad," Dr. Snyder said. "She may gain some weight back, and feel tired or foggy." Naturally, this means that women with postpartum thyroiditis are at an increased risk for postpartum depression.
While it's less common, hypothyroidism can also cause anxiety, especially among women. A study published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism found that, out of 100 patients who suffered from hypothyroidism, 70 percent of men reported experiencing depression, while more than 92 percent of women reported feeling anxious.
When to See the Doctor
If you suffer from anxiety or depression or both, it's important to pay attention to how your body is feeling separate from your mood. "If someone has the physical symptoms [of a thyroid disorder], as well as anxiety, that's a real clue the thyroid may be involved," Dr. Starkman said. "Even if not, some physicians and psychiatrists will want to do a blood test first with patients who have anxiety to see if the thyroid plays a part." If it does, it's important to treat the underlying problem.
An Ob/Gyn Explains What an Abnormal Pap Smear Is and What Can Be Done About It
When it comes to preventative exams, they can seem minuscule and unimportant, but they're a great opportunity to discuss topics like your period, reproductive health, and other preventative measures with your doctor. A pap smear is a common exam that screens for cervical cancer, and the results, especially when they're deemed abnormal, can come with a lot of confusion and questions.
To help you understand what an abnormal pap smear is and how you can prevent cervical cancer, POPSUGAR spoke with Alyssa Dweck, MD, a gynecologist in New York and author of The Complete A to Z For Your V: A Woman's Guide to Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Your Vagina. She first stressed that an annual preventive exam and a pap smear are two different things. While an annual preventive exam is great for your overall health, the purpose of getting a pap smear is to screen for cervix cancer (the opening of the uterus) and to "catch it so early that it never progresses to cancer," Dr. Dweck explained. Although the guidelines for a pap smear are less frequent (women ages 21 to 65 should get screened every three years) than annual preventive exams, they're still recommended.
Finding out that your pap smear results have come back abnormal can be daunting, but Dr. Dweck says to remain calm because a pap smear is just a screening test. The ranges of abnormalities come in stages, with the first being a normal pap smear. Second, you can have a pap smear that shows mildly atypical cells, "and usually that's nothing to worry about," according to Dr. Dweck. A low-grade abnormality is also possible, where the cells look precancerous but they're mild. From there, Dr. Dweck explained that you can have precancerous cells that are worse than mild, becoming "moderate to severely abnormal, but still precancerous." Finally, your test can show signs of cervical cancer, which could be from an early stage or advanced stage of cancer.
For women 30 and older, Dr. Dweck says an HPV test will be done (this is also contingent upon someone's age and risk) along with a pap smear as a "duo-layer screen for cervix cancer." If your results are abnormal, your doctor will suggest having a colposcopy, where your cervix is looked at with a microscope. Dr. Dweck says that during a colposcopy, the doctor will take very small biopsies (tissue samples of the cervix) "to see if there's really an abnormality or if a pap smear called it wrong." Dr. Dweck told POPSUGAR that a colposcopy is more accurate than a pap smear and is considered the confirmatory test. "The next natural progression is that a good portion of those things will get better by themselves," added Dr. Dweck. If abnormalities are significant, Dr. Dweck explained that the next step to take would be to get a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) to remove areas of the cervix where the abnormal cells exist.
There are vaccines that can prevent many strains of HPV, and Dr. Dweck shared that "in the medical field, we consider this to be an anticancer vaccine because HPV can cause cervical cancer, oral cancer, anal cancer, and penis cancer - so we're trying to push the vaccine for anticancer reasons." Dr. Dweck encourages people to strengthen their immune response, get enough sleep, keep stress low, have a good diet, and not to smoke.
52 of the Easiest Health Resolutions a Person Can Make and Keep
Every year, losing weight, eating healthy, and getting fit compete for the top spot on Americans' lists of New Year's resolutions. And by mid-January, the majority of those high-minded health goals have been abandoned, leaving many soured to the idea of positive change in the process. But it doesn't have to be this way. The problem is many healthy resolutions are too big and too vague to actually accomplish - so aim smaller and go specific. And aim for easy. Like, really easy - seriously.
Here's a list of 52 extremely easy health resolutions, and we are sure you can master at least one of them. If you don't like the idea of making resolutions, think of this as a personal health experiment. You're not really committing yourself to sweeping changes, just dabbling. And when you check one of these resolutions off your list, you'll feel so much better about yourself. And isn't that the ultimate goal anyway?
- Drink a glass of water upon waking in the morning - aim for eight ounces.
- When taking an escalator, don't just ride but walk up those moving steps.
- Eat more high-quality dark chocolate (aim for 70 percent cacoa) - it's loaded with antioxidants.
- Read the nutritional labels of the packaged foods you eat for an entire day. Check out the portion sizes, while you're at it.
- Make a motivational playlist stacked with all the songs that make you want to move.
- Get outside for 10 minutes daily.
- Food journal for a day (or a week) and track what you're really eating. Those 3 p.m. M&M's might just be making you crash.
- Floss before bed. Your dentist will love you for it. Not to mention your own gums will love you for it.
- Focus on your breath when you feel the stress coming on. Yep, it's a mini meditation session.
- Stretch while watching TV.
- Drink your coffee or tea without sweetener. Just try it once or twice and see. You might like it.
- Focus on chewing all the food in your mouth before taking another bite.
- Turn off all electronics 20 minutes before lights out at bedtime.
- Measure out your food portions before eating. Yep. You will have to read that pesky nutritional label.
- Walk for 10 minutes three times a week.
- Stay off of social media for 24 hours and see how you feel not being "connected."
- Plan a vacation - little or big - since the planning makes you feel almost as good as actually getting away.
- Time how long you are brushing your teeth . . . the ADA recommends two minutes, twice a day.
- Order your sandwich on whole wheat bread.
- Write down everything you're grateful for at the end of the day.
- Eat some protein at breakfast - or at least eat some breakfast.
- Order brown rice instead of white.
- When you wear heels, take 30 seconds to stretch your calves at the end of the day. How? Down Dog it.
- Eat a serving of fruit daily for a week.
- Find a mantra that works for you for hard times, and then remember to use it.
- Go vegan for a day. Here's a high-protein vegan meal plan to give you some ideas.
- Ditch soda for a day (or a week).
- Give someone you don't know a compliment.
- Try green tea. It's really good for you!
- Take lunch to work two times in one week. Too challenging? Then try to brown-bag it once, your choice. We just ask that you set yourself up for success and make good choices.
- Skip alcohol, wine and beer included, for a week.
- Read a book - it's good for your brain.
- Plan a fitness date with a friend.
- Take a compliment by just saying, "Thank you." And not explaining why you don't deserve it.
- Start your day with lemon water.
- Make your own salad dressing - it costs less money, saves calories, and tastes better. Here are our favorite salad dressing recipes.
- Reconnect with an old friend - off of Facebook. Yes, it is possible.
- Do squats while brushing your teeth - make use of those 2 minutes!
- Sing the ABCs every time you wash your hands to ensure you're really getting your paws clean.
- Make overnight oats so you have breakfast waiting for you in the morning.
- Give yourself an at-home spa day - a long bath can make you feel so good.
- Schedule an at-home workout. Seriously. Put it in your calendar and do it.
- Get your vision checked - those tension headaches could be about your eyes.
- Get rid of old, unsupportive sports bras and take time to find one that really works for you.
- Sleep eight hours a night for a week.
- Take healthy snacks to work; trail mix is easy and requires no cooking.
- Carry a reusable water bottle with you and stay hydrated all day long.
- Buy, and more importantly use, a set of medium-weight dumbbells.
- When you are cold, don't turn up the heat - do 10 push-ups (doing them on your knees is cool with us).
- Skip the fries and order a salad with your burger.
- Eat carb free for a day - do you feel better or just super cranky?
- Stop eating when you are 3/4 full instead of stuffed.
You might notice that 52 resolutions match up with the number of weeks in a year. You could go crazy and tackle one of these goals weekly for all of 2019. You can do it!
This No-Equipment Barre Workout Fuses Cardio and Toning
Take 45 minutes to get your heart rate up and tone your entire body with this barre workout from LA-based Barre Belle creator Marnie Alton. Her client list includes the likes of Kate Hudson and Jennifer Aniston. With this video, you can work out like a celeb in the comfort of your living room. Remember to take it at your own pace. This workout includes a lot of challenging moves and a killer cardio circuit, but we've got you covered with modifications. Get ready to sculpt, stretch, and sweat!
Credits: On Anna: Terez top and Beyond Yoga tights; On Marnie: Beyond Yoga top and Lululemon tights; On Meagan: Lorna Jane shirt, Jockey tights, and Sticky Be Socks; Manduka mats; Corkcicle bottles
30+ Stocking Stuffers Perfect For Your Fitness-Loving Friend
As fun as it is to wrap up a big, pretty box full of leggings or sneakers, sometimes the old adage is true when it comes to holiday gifts: good things come in small packages. Behold the best stocking stuffers for the friend in your life who loves to work out, whether they're a runner, a yogi, or a CrossFit junkie. From socks to dry shampoo to wireless earbuds, these products will help them achieve all their fitness goals.
- Additional reporting by Gina Florio and Dominique Astorino
Keto and Intermittent Fasting Dominated 2018 - Here's Why They Are So Damn Effective
You couldn't open up social media or attend a family function this year without someone mentioning one (or both) of the biggest diet crazes: intermittent fasting (IF) and the keto diet. But it's not just your cousin or fitness instructor who practices them; they have major celeb followings, too. Halle Berry, Vanessa Hudgens, and LeBron James all credit keto for their fit frames, while Hugh Jackman, Chris Hemsworth, and Jimmy Kimmel all swear by intermittent fasting.
And they're not just buzzwords; these approaches to eating, which each have a fervent following, have helped countless people lose weight and transform their lives. While both diets can be done simultaneously, they are wildly different. We broke down the ins and outs of each diet, including what (and when) you can eat, what to avoid, and how to do it successfully.
As of now, it looks like there's no slowing down on these crazes into 2019. If either of them appeal to you, keep reading to find out how to incorporate keto and/or IF into your life.
A Chef Explains How to Make the Crispiest Brussels Sprouts Ever Without Deep Frying Them
Pumpkin and butternut squash get all the attention during Fall and Winter (and rightfully so because they are both delicious), but my favorite comfort food during the cold months is a plate of roasted brussels sprouts. It's the perfect complementary side dish to a roasted chicken, vegan curry, or even Thanksgiving turkey.
But as much as I love brussels sprouts, I can never make them as well as restaurants do. Without fail, every restaurant I go to serves up a plate of brussels perfectly brown and crispy, while mine have more of a mushy and soggy texture - not exactly appetizing. And while some restaurants fry them or coat them in bacon fat, which of course makes them so tasty, you don't need vats of oil to make brussels sprouts crispy and delicious.
During a press trip to Cape Cod, Anthony Cole, executive chef at Chatham Bars Inn, revealed his secret for roasting the perfect brussels sprouts every time. "Use a very light amount of fat, then just put it in a really, really hot oven, like 450 degrees is what we do at home," he told POPSUGAR. "Lay the sprouts flat on a sheet tray so they're not piled up on top of each other, and just roast those suckers."
Making sure they are evenly spread out and not on top of each other is key. He also said to make sure you roast them long enough at that high temperature. About 10-15 minutes should be good, but keep an eye on them; when they start to get browned, caramelized, and crispy, it's time to take them out.
Chef Cole is a fan of olive oil and primarily uses it when roasting veggies. But for cooking at higher temps, he also recommends canola oil or grapeseed oil: lighter, clearer oils that have a high smoke point. You don't need a ton of oil to roast your brussels, but he said you can finish them off with a drizzle of olive oil afterward or top with roasted garlic or even roasted chickpeas.
And for the best brussels sprouts possible, start with a quality veggie. Chef Cole recommends hitting up the farmers market instead of the supermarket for the best, freshest options. Brussels sprouts are in season all Fall and Winter long, so make sure you hit up your local farmers market, and get to roasting!
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by Chatham Bars Inn for the purpose of writing this story.
9 Easy Ways to Get More Protein to Decrease Hunger and Lose Weight Faster
Getting enough protein is a must if you want to satiate hunger for weight loss and also build muscle when working out (yeah, gains!). As a general guideline, The Institute of Medicine recommends that the average woman aged 19 to 70 consume 46 grams of protein per day. That doesn't take activity level into account though. You'll need to increase your protein if you're pregnant or if you're training hard.
If your goal is to build muscle, aim to eat 0.5 to 0.8 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight. If weight loss is your goal, you may want to eat a little less, about 0.4 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight.
If you're not even close to getting enough, fitness and lifestyle coach Marci Nevin (@marcinevin on Instagram) posted nine simple ways to get more protein.
21 Cute and Cozy Workout Clothes to Keep You From Freezing This Winter
To make sure you don't skip a Winter workout session, even in the freezing cold, we shopped the internet for the best cozy activewear pieces out there. From reversible fleece jackets to puffer coats and tech-friendly gloves, these must haves are too good to miss. Keep reading to check out our favorites.
If "Losing Weight" Is Your New Year's Resolution, Crush Your Goal With Beachbody's Dietitian's Top 5 Tips
"I want to lose weight," is the New Year's resolution many people have come January 1st. Whether you're doing it to get healthier, to reach fitness goals (like running a faster half-marathon), or to have more energy for your relationships and everyday life, we asked registered dietitian and co-creator of Beachbody's 2B Mindset nutrition program, Ilana Muhlstein, MS, RDN, to share her top five weight-loss tips for the New Year.
P.S. We're not sharing these tips because we think you have to lose weight. We think you're perfect just the way you are! But if getting leaner and stronger is your goal, then these tips can help make that happen.
The Basics of Consuming Cannabis - For Total Rookies
The following post was originally published on Miss Grass.
Raise your hand if you've ever found yourself sweating at a party because someone's pulled out the weed. If pressing the joint to your lips, you've cursed yourself for choking on an excuse not to partake. If paranoid about what you've said (or haven't), you've bumbled your way through an Irish goodbye because leaving a party immediately was never so important. Raise your hand if this is you.
For a lot of people, cannabis is a really scary thing. Not just anyone can look swaggery smoking a joint. There's real cache to being good at it. But let's be real: high school ruined cannabis for a lot of us. And to this day, the sight of a joint is little more than an embarrassing reminder of how little time we dedicated to dealing with that PTSD.
As cannabis makes its way into the zeitgeist and the greenrush hits its stride, the little plant is getting a second chance. And noncannabis users deserve the straight goods on how it's changed.
For some advice on where to start, I spoke to bona fide cannabis expert Samantha Miller, president and chief scientist at Pure Analytics (a cannabis lab in Santa Rosa, CA). According to Miller, a lot of cannabis users aren't trying to get high at all. There are people who use it for anxiety, for pain, and for sleep, while others use it much like someone might use a drink.
"[Cannabis] can be great for the new user who wants to take a little bit of a vacation from their state of mind," says Miller. "It's the replacement of a glass of wine at the end of the day."
You can consume cannabis in all kinds of ways, at all levels of potency, to all sorts of effects. But Miller recommends three specific modes of ingestion for the new user and keeping a strain journal just like any good wine aficionado might. She says this is our best tool while getting to know the plant, the body, and how the two fit together.
1. The Oil Vaporizer
If you like the idea of carrying a little cannabis with you at all times, an oil vaporizer like Wildflower's CBD one is a good discreet option. This product comes preloaded with a concentrated CBD oil cartridge, so there's no fuss or muss. And it won't leave you smelling of cannabis either. Expect a nonpsychoactive, consistent, and repeatable experience.
2. Smokable Flower
Flower is what we call the actual cannabis bud in its unprocessed state, and it's what you grind up to roll into a joint or smoke from a pipe. Flower is a good option if you have a bit of an appetite for the unknown. Even if you buy the same flower from the same dispensary and the same farmer, there's no guarantee you'll have the same experience each time you go back. Miller recommends reaching for more top shelf flower and asking your budtender (the person at the dispensary) for something with under 20 percent THC. If rolling a joint is beyond your skill set, you can always ask for a prerolled joint, too.
3. The Edible Treat
Edibles tend to terrify people. But dosed properly, they can actually have the most mellow and predictable effect of all. It's worth noting, the high from edibles is different - more of a body high than a head high. Miller suggests starting with edibles that have no more than 5 mg of THC. And if you're feeling especially enterprising, consider setting yourself up to make DIY edibles at home.
Want an Easy Tip For Losing Weight? A Beachbody Dietitian Says Do This Before Every Meal
In order to maximize your weight loss, when you sit down to eat a meal, do you ever think, "What should I eat first?" Registered dietitian and co-creator of Beachbody's 2B Mindset nutrition program Ilana Muhlstein, MS, RDN, has the simple answer.
"Rather than food right away, I recommend that each meal start with drinking water first," Ilana said. Aim to drink 16 ounces of water before reaching for your first bite of food. To help you remember, when you sit down to eat, make sure you have a big water bottle or two eight-ounce glasses. Ilana said you may find yourself feeling fuller and slimmer in just a few days.
Maya Feller, MS, RD, of Maya Feller Nutrition, who works with patients who need weight management, added that "there is some research that supports the statement that drinking water prior to a meal may result in a decrease in energy intake and therefore mild to moderate weight loss."
Related: I Drank a Gallon of Water a Day For 3 Weeks (and Why I'll Never Do It Again)
Fitness trainer Bob Harper agrees. "Water intake is, I believe, one of the best weight-loss tips that you can do," Bob said in an Instagram video as part of a series he calls #TwoCupsIn. He added that if you're feeling hungry, you should drink water first. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger, so while drinking water before you eat can help you feel full at meals, it's also important to stay hydrated throughout your day. It will help keep energy levels up and prevent headaches, which can be reasons people reach for extra snacks, which leads to weight gain. I'll cheers to that!
20 Incredible Fitness Gifts You'll Never Guess Cost Less Than $10
If there's a workout enthusiast in your life, you're in luck because holiday shopping just got a whole lot easier. Fortunately, the gift of fitness doesn't need to cost you a fortune. From products for the dedicated boot camper to the weekend warrior, we found 20 gifts that are sure to come in handy. And the best part is that they're all under $10, too! With the price so low, you'll have to be careful or you might end up wanting some for yourself.
- Additional reporting by Rebecca Brown and Jenny Sugar
Add These Simple, Low-Carb Breakfasts to Your Meal Prep, and Never Leave Home Hungry Again
Whether you're keto, Paleo, gluten-free, or simply trying to eat fewer carbs, conquering meal prep is an important step toward reaching your fitness goals. Breakfast can feel especially tricky. That sugary cereal is out. Overnight oats? Good on occasion, but perhaps not every day. And while you could find some other low-carb dish to whip up every single morning, that can get kind of boring. Fortunately, there are lots of options that are easy to prepare and keep stocked in your kitchen. We've rounded up these super-simple recipes From make-ahead breakfast casseroles to scrumptious baked doughnuts,you can re-create in a pinch.
Winter Workouts Aren't Complete Without This Cozy Wardrobe Staple
Once you put on a pair of fleece-lined leggings, there's no turning back. They are just so cozy and do such a good job of keeping you warm and comfortable on long runs or weekend hikes. They're also perfect for yoga, Pilates, or lying on the couch. Seriously, if we could, we'd live in these. You'll be shocked by just how much you'll love them, so go ahead, add two to your cart.
This Is Exactly How Much Cardio You Should Be Doing If You Want to Lose Weight
Strength training, cardio, and a healthy diet are said to make up the perfect formula for weight loss. But sometimes it's hard to know how much you need of each category. In particular, the amount of cardio you need in order to lose weight has been up for debate - some people think you need a lot, while others think that it's all about strength training.
Before deciding how much cardio is best for weight loss, Austin Lopez, CSCS and owner of Ausome Fit, said it's important to understand some basics of how your body functions; "3,500 is the number of calories in a single pound of fat and therefore the number required for you to burn in a week to lose one pound a week," Lopez told POPSUGAR.
This is how that breaks down in terms of sessions per week. According to Lopez, if you want to burn 3,500 calories in a week in order to lose one pound, you have three options:
- Do 7 days of 30-minute cardio sessions and eat a clean diet with an average calorie intake.
- Do 5 days of 30-minute cardio sessions and eat a lightly calorie-restricted diet.
- Do 0 to 3 days of 30-minute cardio sessions and eat a medium calorie-restricted diet.
The third option might look appealing to you, but Lopez reminds us that "this becomes unsustainable very quickly." Here's the formula to determine how many calories you should eat to lose weight.
Similarly, Mahri Relin, certified personal trainer (NASM) and founder of Body Conceptions, said she encourages her clients do four to five sessions of cardio a week, each lasting about 30 to 45 minutes. NASM-certified celebrity fitness trainer and Katherine Greiner recommends at least 30 to 45 minutes of cardio a day or 20 minutes of HIIT cardio intervals.
It's important you don't overdo it, though. "Cardio-heavy workouts can leave people famished, only to replace, if not exceed, the calories they have burned," Relin told POPSUGAR. "When the body has too much cardio it can result in adrenal fatigue, which can actually lead to weight gain," Greiner added.
Another thing all three trainers agree on unanimously is that these sessions of cardio must also be paired with regular strength training. You can't have one without the other in the hunt for weight loss. Not sure where to start? Here are nine strength training workouts that you can do anywhere. And they're printable!
Set Yourself Up For Success: 20+ Ways to Meal Prep
Sunday is definitely not a day of rest in my house. It's the day I plan out meals for the week, hit the grocery store, and prep food ahead of time. It takes probably three hours or more, but it totally sets me up to have a healthy and stress-free week. Here are some ideas broken down by meal. If this sounds overwhelming, even just picking a few to do will make a huge difference.
Screw the Scale! These 15 Women Share Nonscale Victories That Mean So Much More
The goal of eating healthier and exercising is usually to lose weight. But along the way, whether you've lost five, 50, or 100 pounds, the number on the scale starts to mean less when you experience nonscale victories that greatly improve your health, your abilities, and your level of happiness. These women have amazing transformations, and hopefully by sharing their nonscale victories, it'll be a source of inspiration for your own journey.
12 Moments From Dumplin' That Prove Bo Larson Is the Heartthrob We Deserve
If you haven't watched Netflix's Dumplin' yet, we highly encourage you to add it to your queue ASAP. Not only does the dramedy have a soundtrack that is basically a Dolly Parton soundtrack (the new version of Jolene is just everything), but it boasts an impressive cast that truly brings Julie Murphy's New York Times bestselling YA novel to life. And since there's no doubt you'll fall in love with Dumplin's Bo Larson, it's only a matter of time before you do the same with Luke Benward. The 23-year-old has been working in TV and film since 2002 and is best known for his roles in How to Eat Fried Worms, Good Luck Charlie, Minutemen, and most recently Life of the Party. He even (briefly) dabbled in the world of music when he was younger!
If you aren't already infatuated with Benward, his role as charming Bo will definitely do the trick. The boy plans meteor shower viewing dates right out of the bed of his truck - we adore a thrifty romantic! He's handsome (obviously), sweet, patient, and consistent - even when Willowdean pushes him away, he lets her know that his feelings will be there, but he won't press her. I'm not saying that he'll replace your Netflix boyfriend, Peter Kavinsky, but he'll definitely have you thinking that maybe more is merrier. I know I wasn't the only Dumplin' watcher to fall for that lethal combination of Southern twang and dimples, so join me in appreciating everything that Bo Larson brought to our screens.
Welcome to Marwen: Steve Carell's New Movie Draws From an Emotional True Story
Over the course of his career, Steve Carell has taken on a gamut of different roles, from Dunder Mifflin's offbeat salesman Michael Scott to a cartoon supervillain turned curmudgeonly dad. In his upcoming biopic, Welcome to Marwen, the actor inhabits the role of Mark Hogancamp, a man who builds a miniature town of dolls after nearly dying from a violent attack. And yes, Hogancamp's real story is just as heartbreaking and full of resilience as one would imagine.
On April 8, 2000, five men beat Hogancamp outside of a bar in Kingston, NY, after he told them that he was a cross-dresser. The attack resulted in Hogancamp spending nine days in a coma and 40 days in the hospital. Along with post-traumatic stress disorder, he suffered brain damage that left him with little recall of his past life, which includes his experiences with homelessness, struggles with alcoholism, and past relationships. His last memory was of being in Ibiza in 1984 while serving in the Navy. Upon waking up, he needed to learn how to walk and talk again.
Marwencol became Hogancamp's alternative to therapy, which he could not afford. Located at the side of his trailer home, it's a 1/6th scale World War 2 town named after himself and two women that he had crushes on - Wendy and Colleen. Built from plywood and populated with Barbies and World War II action figures, the town blossomed into his own world. The stories that he creates focus on an American pilot that he fashioned after himself who's rescued and protected by the town's all-female population. He started using his Pentax to capture his stories, which detail sagas of violence, fear, and camaraderie.
One day, Hogancamp's neighbor David Naugle, a magazine photographer, felt curious about the project and asked to see the images. Astonished upon seeing the work, Naugle sent in the pictures to the art publication Esopus, which eventually covered Hogancamp's story. Photographs of Marwencol would grow popular over the years, landing in other art magazines, as well as galleries. Filmmaker Jeff Malmberg made Hogancamp's story the subject of his directorial debut, Marwencol, which took over four years to complete and garnered critical acclaim.
Headed by a cast of amazing actresses (including Leslie Mann, Merritt Wever, and Janelle Monáe) and anchored by a story full of hope, Welcome to Marwen is a timely film for the chaos of 2018. It'll come out just in time for the holidays on Dec. 21. Bring tissues, just in case.
Blake Lively Couldn't Help but Make a Gossip Girl Reference When She Was "Spotted" in NYC
If you've been missing your one and only source of a glance at the lives of Manhattan's elite, let Blake Lively's Dec. 8 Instagram post fill the void. Earlier in the week, the 31-year-old actress stopped by the Chanel fashion show in New York City, and she couldn't help but make a reference to her Gossip Girl character's old stomping grounds.
Many may know the 31-year-old actress from her roles in movies such as A Simple Favor and The Age of Adaline, but Blake shot to stardom when she brought Serena van der Woodsen to life on the small screen back in 2007. More than 10 years later, Blake shared a photo exiting the Chanel show and captioned it "Spotted: S, back on the steps of the Met." Fans immediately recognized the Gossip Girl lingo, and burst into excitement.
While Blake's former costar Leighton Meester said she's not interested in a revival of the CW teen drama, we'll always have our memories of S and B to hold us over. Keep reading to see more snaps from Blake's night in NYC.
27 Memorable Royal Christmas Moments
The British royal family has a long list of Christmas traditions, from multiple church services to a rowdy gift exchange - and while we'll soon get a glimpse of this year's family Christmas cards and hear fun details about Prince Louis's first holiday, we also wanted to take the time to look back at some of the best royal holiday pictures from past years. See major moments like the queen's broadcasts and Prince William's first Christmas when you scroll through now.
14 Royal Kid Moments From 2018 That Are Almost Too Precious to Handle
Royal children: they're just like regular kids, except for the fact that they may ascend the royal throne some day. Despite being future monarchs, Prince William and Kate Middleton's brood of three all seem incredibly normal (not to mention insanely adorable). While they were photographed quite a bit during Prince Harry's wedding, the kids didn't get too much camera time this year. Here are Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis's cutest moments from 2018. Get ready to feel even more excited for the addition of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's new royal baby next year!
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