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
Lipstick Queen's Nude Lip Palette Gives You 7 - Count 'Em! - Different Shades
Gone are the days of popping up to a makeup counter and walking away with only one tube of lipstick - you need options, and that's what Lipstick Queen is here to give you. The makeup brand recently released the Nude Album Lip Palette that comes with seven shades of nude lipstick - Nude Metal, Saint Pink Nude, The Truth, The Whole Truth, Nothing but the Truth, Chess Pawn, and Nude Sinner - for anyone out there who has trouble picking just one.
Each shade is infused with vitamin E to hydrate lips and prevent dryness, and the product's packaging is adorably made to look like a vinyl record, with a cute little lipstick brush thrown in there to look like the stylus of a record player. If you're still on the hunt for the perfect gift for a loved one (or yourself) this season, you can purchase the Nude Album Lip Palette ($25) over on the Lipstick Queen website.
You Won't Have to Worry About the Ingredients in These 11 Gifts - They're All Clean
Your friend that is constantly talking about homemade oat milk also probably has a particular set of rules for the beauty products they wear. If that granola-loving, Goop-reading person needs a beauty gift (or if you are that friend) we're here to help.
We've rounded up the best clean beauty products that even your mainstream beauty-obsessed friends will love.
Check out the picks, ahead.
Winter Weight Gain Is Real - This New Study Says Lack of Sunlight Leads to Obesity
Many of us feel a little puffier in the Winter, but as it turns out, there's some unexpected science behind it. Winter weight gain might not just come from those extra Christmas cookies - it could be due to a lack of sunshine! Our bodies really do miss that Summer sun; a study came out today and showed that a little bit of sunshine is not only good for some vitamin D and a happy mood, but it may reduce fat and regulate metabolism as well.
The Jan. 10 study from the University of Alberta concluded that "lack of sufficient bodily exposure to sunlight" (read: not getting enough rays) "may contribute to long-term scWAT [subcutaneous white adipose tissue] dysfunction and the current epidemics of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease."
If you just stopped and said, "Whoa, wait . . . wtf is subcutaneous white adipose tissue?" - it's fat. But not just any fat! "[scWAT] is the major fat depot in humans and is a central player in regulating whole body metabolism," the study said. And this particular type of fat - the one that needs the sun's light - plays a vital role in your metabolism. Gives a whole new meaning to "Summer body," doesn't it?
"When the sun's blue light wavelengths - the light we can see with our eye - penetrate our skin and reach the fat cells just beneath [the skin's surface], lipid droplets reduce in size and are released out of the cell. In other words, our cells don't store as much fat," Peter Light, senior author of the study and professor of pharmacology and the director of UAlberta's Alberta Diabetes Institute told ScienceDaily. "If you flip our findings around, the insufficient sunlight exposure we get eight months of the year living in a northern climate may be promoting fat storage and contribute to the typical weight gain some of us have over winter."
Yet another reason to get outside for extra daylight, yes? Just remember to use that SPF and take care of your skin, too. Peter Light warned that "this finding is only an initial observation and that pursuing exposure to sunlight is not a safe or recommended way to lose weight," according to ScienceDaily. But while studies continue to be conducted and this topic is further explored, maybe try one of those sun-simulating indoor lights.
How Doing This Every Morning Stops Me From Having Panic Attacks
I've had some trouble with gratitude. Sure, I say thank you all the time. I acknowledge people's actions. I show appreciation toward others for the things they bring to my life through words, notes, and gifts. Gratitude, though, is something different.
I've learned being grateful is acknowledging in your own soul you have been given something good. It's embracing goodness in the present moment without hesitation, fear, or worry about future implications or potential consequences. I've learned being grateful isn't easy, but for me it is a necessary practice to relieve stress and stifle panic attacks.
I constantly worry that if I get my hopes up, I'll inevitably be disappointed in myself.
I first realized I was ungrateful (though again, not unthankful) when I got a promotion at work. A moment that should have been a celebration instead caused excessive stress. A kind coworker asked me if I was excited for my new role. She knew I'd been working toward this position for years. Rather than saying "Yes, I'm thrilled," I immediately vented all of my anxieties about the promotion. I listed off the panic-inducing issues: I felt underqualified. I felt like I wasn't good enough. I was scared I might not do as well as I'd hoped. I have a chronic hormonal condition that causes fatigue, dizziness, and feelings of disassociation - what if I'm not well enough to take on the stress of this new job? What if I can't manage it, and it makes me feel worse? With my illness, I constantly worry about being a burden, and I constantly worry that if I get my hopes up I'll inevitably be disappointed in myself.
She cut me off as I continued to complain and asked if I'd even taken a moment to acknowledge all of the opportunities I had just been given. Had I realized how many people had believed in me? She asked if I had thanked the universe or myself for all the work I had done to get here. She asked if I'd thanked my body, even with its imperfections, for giving me the strength to get this promotion, regardless of what it might not be able to handle in a week, a month, or a year. Her blunt questions shocked me.
We're taught humility is a virtue, but how often in an attempt to be humble do we neglect to be grateful? I had been so worried that every good thing came with a price. I rarely personally accepted the good things I received out of the fear something else might be taken away. I thought by deflecting my excitement, I would avoid disappointment if the job didn't go perfectly. Instead, I was just being ungrateful.
The night before I started the new job, I had a panic attack. The first moments of a panic attack are filled with dread. Everyone is different, but in my case my mouth begins to go numb, my vision blurs, and my ears start to ring. I feel like I've overdosed on caffeine. My body heats like an oven from the inside out, making me dizzy, my heart beats erratically, and my limbs tremor. I started to pray, because often it does help, but in this case I couldn't get my mind in the right place. I needed to do something physical. I needed to stop the pattern. My coworker's words hit me. I needed to be grateful.
I grabbed a notebook, and I began to write a list of everything that could go wrong with this promotion . . . None of these problems involved the world ending.
I grabbed a notebook, and I began to write a list of everything that could go wrong with this promotion. I could completely fail my first project. My boss might get frustrated with me when I have to take off for medical and therapy appointments. I might end up crippling under the stress of the job and end up worse physically than when I started. What if I got fired? As I reviewed the list, I began to realize how extreme it all sounded. In my mind, these issues seemed perfectly plausible, but on paper they seemed so unlikely. Sure, I may end up having hormonal issues, but I have always gotten through my fatigue and dizziness. I have learned techniques to cope with this. I have failed before, learned from my mistakes, and produced excellent work. My last job overwhelmed me at first, and now I could do it with my eyes closed. I explained my medical issues upfront to my new boss, and he still chose me. Finally, if I got fired, I could find another job. None of these problems involved the world ending.
Next, I wrote down everything I have to be grateful for. For one thing, I had an amazing new job that aligned with my passions. It would allow me to work from home and take vacation and provide insurance for my illness. I was still healthy enough to walk, learn, and go into the office most days. My hormones may make me dizzy and fatigued some days, but not all days. I have an understanding boyfriend and wonderful friends who know about my condition, and if I can't handle this job in the long run, they won't disown me. I have value, and I am grateful for that.
As I concluded this first rocky attempt at gratitude journaling, I realized the most intense feelings had subsided. The anxiety wasn't completely gone, but I wasn't crying anymore. I wasn't on the verge of hyperventilation, and the dizziness had straightened out a bit. I could be present rather than stuck in an alternate world in my brain where all the horrible possibilities were playing out.
I continued to expand on this practice. I started gratitude journaling every morning writing down what might be a concern for the day, then countering it with all of the wonderful things happening in my life. I've now started to create themes for the day, like: "I am grateful for these accomplishments" or "I am grateful these sounds exist in the world" or "I am grateful for these humans in my life," and each list helps me remember life can be good if we take a moment to notice.
Ready to Start the Mediterranean Diet? Here's Your Meal Plan
When five Harvard Medical studies declare the Mediterranean diet the best choice for weight loss, you know they're onto something. And even if you aren't looking to shed some pounds, this way of eating can also be beneficial for heart, eye, and brain function - and it's said to help you live longer! So, consider us sold.
The best part about the Mediterranean diet is that it's much easier to transition into from your current diet compared to keto or intermittent fasting. Eating a diet heavy in low-starch vegetables, fruits, grains, olive oil, and beans and low in meat, dairy, and eggs sounds totally doable right? Plus, wine is allowed, so come on.
To help you get started, we spoke with registered dietitian Lisa Mastela, MPH, who says that each of your meals should follow this formula: half-veggies/fruit, one-fourth whole grain, and one-fourth fish, lean protein, or vegetarian protein with a small amount of healthy fat. Follow her meal plan ideas below and feel free to create unique combinations by mixing and matching categories.
Breakfast
- Steel-cut oats (whole grain and protein) with berries (fruit) and walnuts (healthy fat).
- Greek yogurt (protein) with almonds (healthy fat) and strawberries (fruit) with a side of whole wheat toast (whole grain).
- Eggs (protein) with spinach, mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes (veggies) and brown rice (whole grain).
Lunch/Dinner
- Fish (protein) with steamed broccoli (veggies) and wild rice (whole grain), drizzled with olive oil (healthy fat).
- Lentil veggie soup (protein and veggies) with a side salad of arugula, quinoa, and veggies (whole grain and veggies) tossed with olive oil and vinegar (healthy fat).
- Burrito bowl of black beans (protein and healthy fat), sweet potato, cabbage, carrots (veggies), and avocado (healthy fat) with pumpkin seeds (healthy fat) and brown rice (whole grain).
Snacks/Dessert
- Veggies or fruit
- Small amount of cheese (two to three times a week; not daily)
- Green tea
- Dark chocolate (in moderation)
As far as wine goes, you can enjoy a glass of vino but not every day. As with everything, moderation is key.
Get Ready to Run Your First 5K With This Plan
Recommit to your fitness life this year and get ready to run a 5K. We've created a six-week plan to get you up and running - literally. If you have a casual relationship with running and can run comfortably for at least 10 minutes, our plan will help you go the distance and become a bona fide runner.
Check out the plan below, print it, then start training!
Extra Credit
Here are guides to help with your nonrunning training.
We're here to support your endeavors with running tips to help you love running and improve your form, playlists to keep you motivated and on pace, and advice on nutrition and recipes to support your goals.
A Complete Beginner's Guide to Getting Started With Lifting Weights
Image Source: Unsplash / Justyn Warner
Now that you've decided to try out strength training, you probably know that the basic idea is utilizing resistance, whether that's with bands, weights, or simply your own bodyweight, in exercises that tear down your muscles so they can rebuild themselves stronger than before.
As you're thinking it, we'll say it: there's a good chance this is where that quote "Whatever doesn't kill you only makes you stronger" came from. But the good news is, it's probably not going to kill you, because we're here to help you do it right, achieve your goals, and avoid injuries.
To help us out with that, we talked to experts in the field. Shawna Cordell, a celebrity personal trainer and owner of Cordell Fitness in SoHo, Manhattan, gave us the lowdown on how to get going if you're a beginner and tipped us off to the most common mistakes to avoid. Washington, DC-based SoulCycle instructor and health and wellness advocate Victoria Brown also weighed in, along with Pittsburgh's Meggan Castellvi, who previously placed first in the United States and as runner-up in the WBFF Pro Fitness World Championships.
Here's what they said beginners need to know to set themselves up for success in strength training.
Set Goals For Yourself
Strength training can help you achieve a lot of different results, so it's important to know what your goals are before you begin, Cordell said. You should set short-term as well as long-term goals. An example of a short-term goal might be to achieve better balance, while a long-term goal might be growing your booty or the ability to lift your carry-on bag on an airplane into the overhead bin more easily by yourself.
When you first begin strength training, you can save yourself a world of hurt (literally) by taking the time to learn proper technique.
There are also different ways to approach strength training depending on whether you're trying to build additional muscle and cultivate more strength or do something more like tone up what you're already working with for a longer, leaner look. In Castellvi's experience, she's used strength training to build lean muscle, and when she does it in high-intensity intervals, it's worked for her as a form of cardiovascular training.
There's a Wide Range of Possibilities
We've all heard the rumor that if you lift heavy weights, you're going to bulk up and have big, thick muscles. If that's what you want, great, but whether you want that or not, Brown wants you to know that myth is simply not true. "We need to get rid of that stigma that heavy weights are scary things," she said. "For higher-intensity training, you want to do lower reps with those heavier weights to get that lean, toned muscle."
"Weight should be challenging," Cordell said, further explaining the intricacies of this myth. "What is 'high weight' is relative. But you don't need to be lifting a 15-pound dumbbell for 25 reps. You should be taxed at 15 reps. If you do the former, your joint structures will start to wear down."
That's not to say that 15 reps is the magic number, though. "Whether you want to do four to six, eight to 10, or 15-20 reps is really up to you. It really is a personal thing," Cordell said.
She added that if you do lift an extremely heavy weight for fewer reps, you will eventually grow a thicker muscle, while using a more moderate weight for 12-15 reps will result in a different muscle response over time.
Spend Time Learning the Proper Technique
When you first begin strength training, you can save yourself a world of hurt (literally) by taking the time to learn proper technique. It's not only a good idea, but it's actually pretty necessary, according to all three of our experts.
For example, you may not have realized before taking on strength training that there is a difference between pushing and pulling in your workouts, and both actions work your muscles differently. "The same motion can provide you with two entirely different workouts in this way," Cordell said. At the same time, not all exercises are designed to allow for both types of execution.
"You cannot push and pull when you're doing a chest press," Cordell said. "Don't pull on the way back down with your weights, but rather just resist the weight as you slowly let it come back down to your starting point."
To avoid injuries you might incur from making a mistake like this, Cordell said it's a good idea to invest in a trainer to learn basic executions. "Even if it's only for your first three strength-training sessions, it's a wise investment," she said.
You Might Have to Learn How to Breathe All Over Again
One interesting fact we learned after talking with the experts is that strength training has its own special rules when it comes to breathing. "I have clients come in all the time that are used to the kind of breathing you do in yoga classes, and I have to retrain them," Cordell said.
In strength training, the exhale is supposed to happen when you expend the energy. Going back to what we learned about proper technique, if you're doing a pull exercise, like when you're raising your forearm during a bicep curl, that's when you should be exhaling. In contrast, if you're doing a push exercise, like a push-up, you should be exhaling when you extend your arms to push your body away from whatever surface you're on.
Warm It Up and Stretch It Out
Cordell said all of her strength-training programs are designed the same way, at the most basic level, from start to finish. First, she starts her clients with a warmup and then transitions them into some type of dynamic movement, like kicking from side to side, while standing. Then, they begin their strength training and close their workout session with stretching.
Warming up, in particular, is "hugely important," she said. Typically, a warmup should take between 10-20 minutes and consist of a simple walk/run.
Another warmup option that Cordell likes is the VersaClimber, which is a multijoint movement. "It's a great motion for the body to learn, which forces you to raise your arms above your head," she said. "Especially because as we get older, those movements are less likely to happen naturally in everyday life."
On the other end of the workout, Cordell also emphasized the importance of stretching, noting that people will have more soreness if they skip this step.
Brown echoed this warning. "When we're really sore after a workout, it's because we have a buildup of lactic acid in our muscles," she said. "The way to combat that is to stretch, because that's what breaks down that lactic acid and helps to get it out of our systems, so we can feel ready to tackle our next workout without the added discomfort of pushing through unnecessary pain."
Brown likes to make her stretches do double duty as part of her warmup, as well. "Strength training is tightening things up," Cordell added. "At the end you want to get back to neutral so you want to loosen things back up."
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone
And Then You Have to Stick It Out
Speaking of setting long-term goals for yourself, it's important to remember that strength training is much more of a marathon than a sprint. A lot of people go into strength training expecting to see immediate results, but that's just not practical.
Don't get discouraged if you're not seeing the results you envisioned after a few weeks on your new workout regimen. It can take anywhere from six to eight weeks or even 10-12 weeks to start to see the changes you're looking for, depending on what it is you want to achieve, Cordell said.
Start With Joint Stabilization Exercises
It's important to strengthen the muscles that surround your joints before you work on building up the rest of your muscles, throughout your body. When we use the rest of our muscles to push and pull our bodies around in everyday life, pressure is exerted on our joints.
So if we're going to be using those other muscles a little more intensely while strength training, it makes sense that the muscles that stabilize our joints need to be stronger, too. When you take this step, it leads to better range of motion, fewer injuries, and stronger muscles, overall, for the reason explained above.
One of Cordell's favorite joint-stabilizing exercises is the farmer's carry, which is simply walking, one foot in front of the other, while holding heavy weights at your sides. "Each body part that you strength train can have a precursor stabilizing exercise to go with it," she said.
Full-Body Workouts Aren't Wrong
Now that you're ready to dive into your strength training, know that it's OK to isolate muscle groups and work on them on specific days if you have the time to do it that way. "When you strength train, you're really breaking down your muscle, which is why we get sore and the muscle rebuilds stronger," Brown said.
When you work out a specific muscle group on a certain day, you can increase the amount of recovery time for that muscle group between workouts, allowing for maximum rebuilding.
But full-body workouts aren't wrong. Cordell reminded us that for beginners, full-body workouts are most likely not going to be quite so intense, so less recovery time will be needed between workouts. "Three times a week is a great routine to get into," she said. "And then maybe you take Thursday and Sunday off completely and do cardio on your other off days."
Here Are a Few Basic Exercises to Get You Started
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kathryna Hancock
Any basic strength-training workout should include both bodyweight exercises and moves that incorporate weights. Weight-bearing exercises might include chest presses, shoulder presses, and bicep and triceps moves, like curls and rows. The most basic bodyweight moves include things like push-ups, pull-ups, squats, walking lunges, leg lifts, sit-ups, and crunches.
But don't only focus on strength training. "Our bodies will plateau eventually if we just continue to do the same workout over and over again, so that's one reason why it's important to cross train and essentially trick your body," Brown said. That plateau, she explained, is the result of our muscles adapting to a certain type of workout and therefore experiencing less stress when we do the same exercises over time.
Small changes to your routine can get you over a plateau hump, with some experts recommending you switch things up as often as every four to six weeks. But if you're continuously cross training by incorporating different kinds of cardiovascular exercises into your strength training, you may not need to completely overhaul your entire workout quite so often, Brown said. She also added that by incorporating cross training into your workouts early on, you're less likely to get bored with them and that will help with maintaining an overall healthy, active lifestyle in the long run.
How to Beat the Intimidation Factor
"The final thing to remember is that strength training can be intimidating to many to get into at first," Castellvi said. "When people think of strength training, they generally automatically think of a bunch of men and women lifting heavy weights in the corner at the gym, but that's not necessarily the only meaning."
Speaking of setting long-term goals for yourself, it's important to remember that strength training is much more of a marathon than a sprint.
Now you know it's also bodyweight exercises and can be done in a lot of different ways.
Intimidation can also come into play in scenarios where you're working out at a new spot and you don't necessarily know where everything is, you feel like you don't quite know what you're doing, or maybe even because you do want to be where all of those heavy weights are but the room is just extra packed with people.
Regarding crowded spaces, Cordell said to take stock of how you really feel about that kind of situation. "Going to a gym is kind of social," she said. "If that environment is intimidating, it might be the wrong one for you. Find that right fit to meet your needs."
It's kind of like dating in that you shouldn't necessarily sign up as a member at the first gym you walk into. "Feel it out," Cordell said. Beyond that, Brown wants you to remember, "If you have a body, you're an athlete, so do your best to overcome any intimidation you might feel and don't give up."
How to Lose Those Last 5 Pounds
In the beginning of a weight-loss journey, pounds melt away like ice cream on a hot Summer's day. But as you get closer to your goal, it's not unusual to hit a plateau. Here's how to keep those pounds dropping and keep the weight off for good.
Beef Up Your Workouts
If you've been steadily working out and following the same schedule, your body has probably grown accustomed to the routine. Rattle your body's chain a little and kick up the intensity of your workouts to further challenge your muscles. Work out longer or harder, increase the size weights you're lifting, do more reps of strength-training moves and vary the order, or try doing two workouts in one day.
Eat More Fiber
Since your metabolism is already working pretty efficiently, eat fibrous foods that take longer to digest so your body has to expend more energy to break them down. Fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, and legumes are where it's at, but focus on these foods with the highest amounts of fiber.
Munch On These Foods
Imbalances in your digestive tract have been linked to weight gain. So to restore the balance of bacteria in your gut, take a probiotic supplement or eat yogurt (if you don't eat dairy, choose yogurt made from soy milk or coconut milk that contains active cultures). Lack of calcium as well as vitamin D can also make it harder to lose weight, so be sure to eat dairy products and these calcium-rich fruits and veggies, as well as these foods high in vitamin D. Omega-3s are also vital for a healthy metabolism, so include fish, eggs, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseed in your diet, too.
Get Your Zzz's
Not getting adequate sleep (at least six hours) can also decrease leptin, the hormone that makes you feel satiated, while it increases ghrelin, the hunger hormone. Research shows that feeling sluggish the following day causes you to eat an average of 549 extra calories without even realizing it. Lack of sleep also slows down your metabolism, making you burn 20 percent fewer calories a day.
Cut Out the Cocktails
Boozy beverages not only offer your body empty calories, but since your body is working so hard to get rid of toxins, they also inhibit the production of glucose, which is needed for maintaining normal blood sugar levels and in turn slows down your metabolism. Not to mention, getting a little tipsy also clouds your judgment, so you're more likely to say yes to another cosmo and a slice of cheesecake to go with it. Go for water or metabolism-boosting green tea instead.
29 Gifts For the Friend Who Spends All Her Free Time in the Gym
If you have a friend who treats her gym like her second home, then you'll want to get her something that will appeal to her fitness-loving heart. We rounded up 29 of the best finds for the fitness-lover in your life, ranging from the super inexpensive to the more generous. We have the best gifts for the gym-obsessed person in your life, from stocking stuffers and functional gadgets to trendy gear.
8 Healthy New Year's Resolutions That Have Nothing to Do With Losing Weight
When it comes to setting up goals for a new year, weight loss is often the most common resolution, but in 2019, why not stop being so narrowly focused on the pounds on the scale and instead concentrate on being happy and well? Losing weight and fat certainly has its benefits, but health is not just about that - there are other factors in your life that can bring joy and lead to a healthy mental and physical state (and, yes, even unexpectedly weight loss).
This coming year, look to other healthy milestones that will help you feel strong and balanced in your life, no scale needed.
Sarah Hyland Opens Up About Her Second Kidney Transplant: "It's a Really Helpless Feeling"
Sarah Hyland calls the last year the best and worst of her life. While fans saw her on the ABC comedy Modern Family or out and about with boyfriend Wells Adams, behind the scenes, the 28-year-old actress was battling a series of health issues that left her in and out of hospitals.
In an emotional interview with Self magazine, Sarah detailed her struggle with kidney dysplasia and endometriosis. She underwent a kidney transplant back in 2012 after her father donated his kidney, but her body began to reject it in October 2016. Despite performing numerous tests to save it, Sarah was told the kidney was like a house that caught on fire - "You can't unburn a house," she said.
Sarah began dialysis three times a week for four hours per session, and in May 2017 she had a nephrectomy to remove the old kidney. During this experience, Sarah said she was "very depressed for a long time" and "contemplating suicide."
"I had gone through 26 years of always being a burden, of always having to be looked after, having to be cared for, because I've always had health issues," Sarah explained. "It's a really helpless feeling. Things like this can be really hard on a person."
"Things like this can be really hard on a person."
Sarah's younger brother, Ian, turned out to be another kidney match for her and wanted to donate. She said she felt the immense pressure of a "third chance at life" and didn't want to fail her family. Putting her fears aside, Sarah had her second transplant in September 2017 and had two additional surgeries the following Spring to treat her endometriosis and repair a hernia.
She is still mentally impacted by the effect these surgeries and struggles have had on her body, but she finds happiness in her now "stable" health and her support system.
"My name is Sarah. I have two of the most amazing dogs in the entire world. I have the best boyfriend ever who has the third most amazing dog in the entire world. I have the greatest family one could ask for. I love working. I love acting," she said. "Oh, and also, I have endometriosis. Oh, and also, I have kidney failure. Oh, and also, I'm a two-time kidney recipient. Oh, and also, I had a freakin' hernia for almost a year that went unnoticed. . . . That list doesn't stop, but that list doesn't hold me back from anything. I won't let it."
Here's When You Actually Go Into Fat-Burning Mode (It's Not When You Think)
Experts agree that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength training are great for losing weight and lowering your body fat percentage. We hate to break it to you, but the process of burning fat doesn't happen instantly. To better understand the relationship between burning fat and exercise, POPSUGAR spoke to Holly Lofton, MD, director of the medical weight management program at NYU Langone Health.
In order to decrease the amount of body fat you have, Dr. Lofton explained, "We first need to burn off our glycogen (the stored form of carbohydrates)." Because "fat is a long-term storage unit of the body for energy," meaning your body is going to try to hold on to fat for as long as possible, this can be difficult to do.
"When you first start out doing an activity, your body's going to burn up any recently eaten carbohydrates," Dr. Lofton explained. For example, if you had a banana before training, your body will convert the carbohydrates in the banana first because it's the quickest form of energy. Once the energy from the banana has been used up, Dr. Lofton said your body will then burn glycogen, "your big, stored sugar molecules in your liver." After your body has burned the glycogen, Dr. Lofton said "depending on your fasted state, your nutritional state, your body will start to burn fat after that exercise period is over, so you don't directly burn fat while you're exercising."
According to Dr. Lofton, there is one exception: long-distance running. She explained that marathon runners, for example, will store a lot of glycogen and burn it in order to run for hours at a time, and eventually they'll be able to access some fat.
If you aren't a long-distance runner, your body won't be able to access your fat stores quick enough during a HIIT workout or strength session. For these styles of training, Dr. Lofton explained that post-workout is when the fat-burning magic takes place. She added that a majority of the time, the process of burning fat happens during fasted periods like sleeping and other daily activities.
To increase your post-workout fat burn, Dr. Lofton recommends doing exercises and workouts that require a greater energy expenditure and build muscle, and not consuming excess calories. If you're not sure where to begin, the following workouts and programs are a great place to start:
19 Self-Care Gifts That Give a Serious Dose of TLC (Starting at $10)
It's been a long, busy, action-packed, stressful year. And a great way to tell a loved one that you care about them during the holidays would be to give them some much-needed (and likely long overdue) self-care. Whether it's a luxurious bath soak, a reminder to take care of their muscles (for that friend who's addicted to two-a-day workouts), or some relaxing aromatherapy, there's a fabulous gift at every price point, starting at just $10.
Related: Meet the Sweaters That Only Look and Feel Expensive
7 Activewear Gifts For Women Who Love to F*cking Curse (and Squat)
While they can sometimes be dismissed as vulgar or crass, studies show that people quick to swear are actually smarter than their noncursing counterparts. So why not show the sailor in your life some love with these gifts?
Ditch the tired kitschy, inspirational picks and basic getups - we're looking at you, motivational t-shirts and standard, solid-colored leggings - and read on to find some activewear with f*cking attitude.
Strengthen Your Arms, Legs, and Core With This 45-Minute Full-Body Workout
It's not asking too much to want strong arms, toned legs, a big butt, and sexy abs. All of this is possible with weightlifting. For a while, women thought that picking up weights heavier than 10 pounds would turn them into Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, but we busted that myth. Weightlifting isn't just great for your physical appearance (curves on top of curves); it's also great for strengthening your bones and can help improve your sleep.
Directions:
- Before getting started, be sure to go through a dynamic warmup to get your body prepared for the workout. An example of this is: butt kicks, high knees, plank saw, plank walkouts, leg swings, and glute bridges. You can also add in a light, five-minute jog.
- After the warmup, grab two sets of heavy dumbbells. One will be for the arm exercises and the other for the leg exercises. This will be different for everyone, but choose a weight that will challenge you on the last two to four reps. A good indicator that you need to lift heavier weights is if you feel like you could do more than 12 reps without feeling fatigued (shaky arms/legs).
- Take 45-60 seconds of rest in between sets and one minute of rest in between exercises.
- Once you're done with the workout, be sure to foam roll, stretch, and replenish with protein, carbohydrates, and electrolytes.
We Found 15 Gifts For People Who Love to Sleep, but Now We're About to Buy Them All For Ourselves
We spend a third of our lives sleeping, so it's vital that we get quality slumber whenever we can. Even if you yourself sleep like a log, you probably know someone who may be chronically tired or struggles with getting shut-eye. In fact, it's estimated that 68 percent of Americans struggle with sleep at least once a week. So, the next time you're shopping around for holidays and birthdays, why not skip the boxed candy and give the insomniac in your life something to help them sleep?
From lavender-vanilla lotion to weighted blankets, keep reading to see what products make great gifts for the restless in your life!
20 Gifts For the Person in Your Life Who Has Anxiety
The holiday season can be stressful for anyone. But if you suffer from anxiety, this busy time of year can really ramp up feelings of nervousness, racing thoughts, and irritability. As a reprieve from this hectic time of year, and to relieve my anxiety (which persists for me year-round), these are the 20 gifts I'm putting on my Christmas list.
If you know someone who has anxiety or just wants something to calm and relax them, then these gifts are perfect. Remember: these gifts aren't a substitute for actual medical help, if that's what someone needs. If your anxiety is interfering with your everyday life, it's best to seek help from a professional, such as a psychiatrist or licensed therapist.
For more resources on anxiety, please visit the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
Feeling Puffy and Bloated? Try These 8 Tips From Dietitians to Lose Water Weight
Your face is puffy, you can't get your rings off your fingers, and your pants feel tight. No, you didn't gain 10 pounds of fat overnight; it's probably just water weight. Our bodies can retain water for a number of reasons, including what you ate the night before or if you're on your period.
Although you may be uncomfortable, the good news is you can combat the bloat. We tapped registered dietitians who reveal their top eight tips for losing water weight and feeling lighter and slimmer in no time. If you still feel like you're retaining water after a few days, be sure to visit your doctor.
The Voice Coaches Sang an A Capella Mashup of Their Greatest Hits, and It's Pretty Brilliant
Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton, Jennifer Hudson, and Adam Levine usually sit in the swivel chairs to find America's next great singer, but The Voice judges recently teamed up with The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to show off their own vocal chops. Fallon and The Roots joined the coaches in singing a few of their greatest hits - a capella. The chosen bops included "She Will Be Loved," "Miss Independent," and "Spotlight." It's kind of brilliant how well these separate tracks blended together to create one seamless masterpiece. Watch the video above to hear the full mashup. There's no shortage of talent where these musicians are concerned.
The 17 Most Buzz-Worthy Moments of 2018 (Phew, What a Year It Was)
When we look back on everything that happened in 2018, it's hard to believe it all occurred in the same year. If it feels like the royal wedding was ages ago by now, I get it - it's hard to keep up with so! much! content! There have been TV shows to binge, box-office-record-breaking movies to celebrate, over-the-top products to try (or just laugh at), and, in the midst of all those internet trends, a crucial November election. This year was a wild one. As one of my wise coworkers put it, "Sometimes, when the going gets tough, the tough get going by floating on a unicorn in the middle of a lake with their five closest friends." Let's reflect on some of the year's biggest and buzziest moments, shall we?
- Additional reporting by Laura Marie Meyers, Kelsey Garcia, Victoria Messina, Perri Konecky, Danielle Jackson, and Karenna Meredith
Someone Compiled the Best Pranks From The Office, and Now I'm Cry-Laughing
Working at a paper supply company may sound like a drag, but the folks at Dunder Mifflin ensured it was everything but boring, thanks to the hilarious pranks they pulled on each other daily. These wacky hijinks are one of the many reasons rewatching The Office is such a damn treat, and now, you don't have to sit through all nine seasons to relive those funny moments. The NBC sitcom's official YouTube page just released a video montage of the best antics from the show, and it's 10 minutes of pure, unadulterated hilarity. It's not just a bunch of Jim Halpert's pranks on Dwight Schrute, either - there's also footage from other tricks that went down at the Scranton branch, such as . . .
- When everyone rolled the clocks forward to trick a napping Michael Scott into thinking it was 5 p.m. so they could leave early.
- When Jim and Pam made Dwight believe he was being recruited by the CIA.
- When Jim tricked Andy into asking Pam on a date by teaching him all of Pam's least favorite things (see: frisbee-based competitions, hunting, and Pig Latin).
Watch the entire compilation above to see the rest of the foolery go down. And if you're still in the mood for more amusing shenanigans, watch this hysterical video that mashes up one second from every single episode.
20 Elf Quotes Perfect For Using Every Day of the Holiday Season
Elf is a movie that never gets old, and even though it's firmly a holiday movie, we find ourselves quoting the Will Ferrell comedy year-round. Buddy the Elf has so many cute one-liners that instantly brighten your day and make you feel like smiling at any time (because smiling is your favorite, of course). Here are the very best quotes from Elf - and how you can incorporate them into your conversations.
Even Andy Cohen Would Probably Want These 22 Real Housewives Gifts
We all have our guilty pleasures, and chances are you probably know someone who can't get enough of the Real Housewives series. Regardless of whether they're fans of the Beverly Hills installment or the New York City one, we've found something for everyone on your holiday list. From personalized merch to hilarious Real Housewives-themed board games, something tells us even Andy Cohen himself would approve of these gifts.
We Haven't Seen the Last of the Witches on American Horror Story
This year, American Horror Story returned with gusto. The eighth season, called Apocalypse, delivered a true mind f*ck of a season. The tangled web of connections grew more complex, with characters returning from both Murder House and Coven. But of course, it was Cordelia, Myrtle Snow, and the entire pack of witches from season three that really stole the show. If you felt like these hexy women still haven't had enough time to shine, we have excellent news. Entertainment Weekly has confirmed that they'll be back in future seasons.
Recently, Ryan Murphy received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which is where he spoke about Cordelia and her girls. "The witches will be back," he said. "Not next season, but we have something really fun planned." Clearly Murphy has tapped into the fact that AHS fans are diehard obsessed with the dames of Miss Robichaux's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies. We can't wait to see when they pop up next. For the time being, all eyes are on the show's mysterious ninth season (and its 10th, which it's already been renewed for). We may not have much info, but we'll always have our theories. Hopefully Murphy won't keep us waiting for long.
If You See Us Crying Over Alessia Cara's Destiny's Child Medley, It's Just Emotions Taking Us Over
Are you ready to clear your schedule for the rest of the day? Alessia Cara performed a Destiny's Child medley that you'll be listening to on repeat, with no time for interruptions. The 22-year-old stopped by SiriusXM and performed five classic hits from the iconic girl group, whose final lineup gave us the talents of Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams (try to say their names without tearfully remembering that they've broken up).
The Canadian-born singer lent her signature raspiness to "Say My Name," "Bills Bills Bills," "Survivor," "Bootylicious," and "Emotion," giving each song a slow, soulful rendition that Destiny's Child would surely appreciate. And those runs, honey! Obviously you can never beat a classic, but Cara's medley is definitely worth a second - or seventh - listen. Watch the video above!
We Have a Serious Case of FOMO After Seeing Photos of Beyoncé's Wedding Performance
Beyoncé might be a world-renowned vocalist, rapper, and style icon, but she's also one heck of a wedding singer. On Sunday, the Lemonade songstress put on a stunning performance at the prematrimony festivities of Isha Ambani, the 27-year-old daughter of India's richest man, Mukesh Ambani. Bey belted some of her most popular hits, such as "Perfect," "Naughty Girl," and, of course, "Crazy in Love." In true Bey fashion (literally), she wore multiple outfits throughout her set, notably a dazzling red gown with a golden headpiece and drop earrings. Other attendees at the prewedding extravaganza included Hillary Clinton and newlyweds Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas.
Beyoncé also posted a few gorgeous photos and videos of her at the event, serving up a piping-hot plate of fierceness, as per usual. But keep looking to see even more striking pictures of Queen Bey's performance, and try not to feel too sad that you weren't there - just live vicariously through all the photos and gifs.
These Adorable Tweets About Dumplin' Will Make Your Heart Grow at Least 10 Sizes
The reviews for Dumplin' are in, and the general consensus seems to be this: we're all sobbing.
OK, OK, in all seriousness, the Netflix romantic-dramedy is inspiring plenty of happy tears in viewers around the world, but its impact isn't something to be taken lightly. Anne Fletcher's film, which was adapted from Julie Murphy's bestselling YA novel, follows Willowdean Dickson, a "self-proclaimed fat girl" who decides to regain her confidence by entering the beauty pageant run by her thin, judgmental mother (who nicknames her "Dumplin'," hence the title). It's a beautiful story, that, for once, allows its character to fall in love with herself (and a very hot love interest, for the record) without having to lose weight or change her physical appearance.
That refreshing lesson is one that many women have been searching for in movies for years, with people on Twitter writing how they had hoped Netflix's other 2018 rom-com, Sierra Burgess Is a Loser, would've turned out more like Dumplin'. If you, too, found yourself moved by the Danielle Macdonald and Jennifer Aniston-led movie, you're in good company. Keep reading to see what I mean!
BrightBurn's Trailer Introduces a Supervillain Origin Story With a Horrifying Twist
Imagine, for a moment, that Superman didn't grow up to be the kind, self-sacrificing superhero we all know and love. What if, instead, he put on his red cape and a creepy-as-f*ck mask and began using his unusual, superhuman abilities for evil? Like, murdering unsuspecting diner waitresses and truckers, perhaps? That's essentially the plot for James Gunn's upcoming horror movie Brightburn, and we have to say that we're intrigued.
The film stars Elizabeth Banks as a woman who seems to get a gift straight from god when a baby from another planet crash-lands on her farm. Unfortunately, as the years go by and her adopted son grows up, his true nature proves to be far more sinister than she or her husband (David Denman) could have ever imagined. What's worse? No one alive seems to be able to match his power. If that sounds sufficiently creepy enough for you, watch the trailer above before it hits theaters on Memorial Day 2019.
Black Panther, The Favourite, and More Lead the 2019 Critics' Choice Awards Nominees
This year's Critics' Choice Awards won't take place until the big show airs live on The CW on Sunday, Jan. 13., but in the meantime, the TV and movie nominations have been announced! The Broadcast Film Critics and Television Journalists Associations have bestowed films like A Star Is Born, The Favourite, and Roma with nods, while The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Killing Eve, and The Americans reigned on the TV front.
As in the past, the Critics' Choice Awards have long been considered one of the most reliable predictors of which films, actors, directors, and more take home Oscars. For instance, last year saw The Shape of Water win best picture and best director for Guillermo del Toro, and both won again at the Academy Awards not long after. The same can be said for Sam Rockwell, Frances McDormand, Allison Janney, and Gary Oldman, who all won Oscars for their performances as well as Critics' Choice trophies.
So, who will take home the big awards when the show airs in January? Your guess is as good as ours, but in the meantime, read through all the 2019 Critics' Choice Awards nominees ahead.
19 Game of Thrones Stocking Stuffers So Good, We Hope Someone Buys Them For Us
It's been over a year since a new episode of Game of Thrones has been released, but fans are still as obsessed as ever. Between trying to figure out when the season 8 premiere date will be and debating fan theories about who will sit on the Iron Throne in the end, Westerosi experts can't stop thinking (and talking) about the HBO hit series.
While we still have to wait until sometime next year for the final season to finally air, we can distract ourselves with some awesome Game of Thrones merch in the meantime. Sure, there are plenty of big-ticket items inspired by the show in stores, but there's nothing quite like filling someone's stocking with tons of fun little GOT surprises. From dragon egg candles to Hodor doorstops, we've rounded up 19 stocking stuffers that every diehard fan would love to receive.
Meghan Markle Makes a Surprise Appearance at the Fashion Awards, and We're Gasping For Air
Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance when she showed up at the 2018 Fashion Awards in London on Monday. Clad in a black one-shoulder dress, the Duchess of Sussex - who is expecting her first child with Prince Harry in the Spring - was glowing as she cradled her growing belly on stage while she and Rosamund Pike presented Givenchy's Clare Wright Keller with the British designer of the year award. While Meghan's outing was certainly a surprise, it makes sense that the royal presented Clare with the esteemed award since she did design her wedding dress after all.
Meghan's glamorous outing comes less than a week after she made a secret visit to London's King's College for a meeting with the Association of Commonwealth Universities. During their meeting, Meghan discussed the role of universities addressing human trafficking, modern slavery, gender equality and inclusion, peace and reconciliation, climate change, and resilience. See every gorgeous photo from Meghan's stunning outing ahead!
40 Gift Ideas For People Who Still Aren't Over Friends
Friends may no longer be on the air, but that doesn't mean Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Ross, Joey, and Chanandler aren't in our lives anymore. It's quite the opposite, actually. When we're not streaming the series on Netflix, we're quoting its famous one-liners, and chances are you or your loved ones are doing the same. With the holidays quickly approaching, we've decided to make your life a little bit easier this year by rounding up the best gift ideas for Friends fans.
Jason Momoa's Saturday Night Live Episode Was Silly, Sexy, and Just What We Needed
Jason Momoa may have just hosted the best Saturday Night Live episode of the season so far. Not bad for his first time, right? The actor, who is currently promoting Aquaman, admitted he was a superfan of the sketch comedy show in his feel-good opening monologue, and it showed. Whether he was resurrecting Khal Drogo in a Game of Thrones skit, portraying an Elf on the Shelf in a surprisingly raunchy bit, or stripping in an all-sequin outfit - yes, really - it was clear that Momoa was having the best time. In case you weren't able to catch the episode, enjoy all of his skits ahead.
9 Reasons Gilmore Girls Fans Should Binge-Watch The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
The following contains a few general spoilers for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
I'm a die-hard Gilmore Girls fan; I've nursed a serious crush on Jess Mariano for more than half my life, I own a "Babette Ate Oatmeal" t-shirt, and attending Gilmore Girls Fan Fest is on my bucket list. Naturally, I've been searching for a show that gives me the same feeling I experienced when I watched Gilmore Girls for the first time, but everything I've watched since 2007 (including the Netflix reboot) has fallen short . . . that is, until I found Gilmore creator Amy Sherman-Palladino's Amazon show, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
As I watched the first episode of season one, I couldn't help but compare the two quick-witted, female-centric shows. I found myself checking items off a mental list of things I love about Gilmore Girls, and soon enough I was texting my mom (the Lorelai to my Rory) and telling her that she needed to watch ASAP. I binged the first season of Mrs. Maisel in a single sitting, yearning for more episodes after I reached the season finale in the wee morning hours.
If you're a Gilmore Girls fan who hasn't yet taken the plunge, whether it's because you don't have Amazon Prime or some other reason, I'm here to tell you why The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel needs to be your next TV show commitment . . . and not just because of the fast-talking, side-splittingly funny writing you can always expect from Amy Sherman-Palladino!
18 Times Queen Elizabeth II Let Her Royal Guard Down and Was Incredibly Cute With Kids
Queen Elizabeth II is typically pretty serious during royal engagements. While she may flash a smile here and there, for the most part, the 92-year-old British monarch keeps to herself and is strict about following royal protocol. However, there is one exception: whenever the Queen is around kids, she immediately lights up and protocol seems to go out the door. Given that she is a grandmother to eight grandchildren and a great-grandmother to seven great-grandchildren (with another one on the way!), it makes sense that the Queen has a soft spot for kids. Where do you think Prince William and Prince Harry's love of children comes from? Check out some of the Queen's cutest moments with kids ahead!
13 Chris Hemsworth Gifts You Won't Be Able to Resist Buying For Yourself
Chris Hemsworth has been making us swoon ever since we can remember, and if we had to guess, we'd say you probably know someone in your life who is just as obsessed. We know you're busy and all, so we decided to make your life a little easier this holiday season and round up some of the best Chris gifts. From clothing to tech accessories to home decor, we've found something for everyone on your list. Get your credit card ready!
McDonald's Unveils Bacon and Cheese Loaded Fries Nationwide, and Life Is Now Complete
With curly fries in Singapore and sweet potato fries in Australia, it was time for McDonald's to show some love to us fast-food-lovers in the United States, and the new menu item does not disappoint. McDonald's will finally offer Cheesy Bacon Fries across the country in 2019, filling our hearts and our arteries with pure joy.
The new dish is made with McDonald's beloved fries, topped with cheddar cheese sauce, and, of course, crispy bits of bacon. The fries are being sold for $4, and while the advertisement claims the basket serves two, they obviously don't know us.
McDonald's began testing a version of its cheesy bacon fries in select locations last Summer, and in November, locations in Hawaii and Northern California started offering the newest version. Now, the coveted fries are finally rolling out nationwide in 2019, according to Business Insider. Some customers have gotten their hands on the new item and are indeed lovin' it. See what you can expect from the loaded fries by taking a look at photos ahead!
Baking Gifts You'll Love Almost More Than Warm Cookies (Almost)
I'm pretty sure sugar and flour run through my veins, and there are few things that bring me as much joy as freshly baked fudgy, salted brownies (BRB, drooling). Baking is something I do after business hours, but it's certainly my roommate's favorite hobby of mine. These are the items on my wish list this year, from shiny new appliances to punny kitchen towels. Whether you or your loved one is an amateur or a pro, the gifts ahead are almost as tempting as a batch of warm, gooey cookies.
The Best Last-Minute Gifts on the Internet - All Under $50!
Look, we get it, sometimes life takes over and holiday shopping goes on the back burner. But, you don't want to be the only one who shows up empty-handed. If you're an Amazon Prime member, these gifts can be at your door in just two days. And, as if it couldn't get better, these presents are all under $50, so go ahead and gift!
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
20 Cute Stocking Stuffers You'll Be Tempted to Keep For Yourself - All For $20 or Less
If you're on the hunt for cute and affordable stocking stuffers, you've come to the right place. We shopped at Kohl's because the retailer has everything you could ever need, including adorable mini presents. From socks to beauty finds, we uncovered its 20 hottest picks for less than $20, so you can afford to treat yourself, too! Keep reading to shop our favorites.
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