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.
jeudi 3 janvier 2019
If This Game of Thrones Theory Is True, Bran Is Even More Important Than We Thought
It's all too easy to forget that, at its heart, Game of Thrones is a story of light versus darkness. On one side of the battle is R'hllor and his champion, Azor Ahai, or the Prince That Was Promised. On the other side is a being far more mysterious than the Lord of Light - the Great Other and his army of the dead led by the Night King. As season eight approaches, there's been plenty of discussion about who Azor Ahai reborn will be, but precious few people are questioning whether or not the Great Other will be revealed to be a physical person. In the A Song of Ice and Fire books it's revealed that the Great Other's true name is never spoken, which leads to the possibility that a big reveal could be coming. Who is the god of the cold, dark, and the night? All signs currently point to the Great Other being none other than Bran Stark, and if the hints are true, then it could be the most devastating twist of them all.
As Reddit user CappieXL points out, Bran's powers as the Three-Eyed Raven are immense. He can see all of time, and having that much knowledge dumped into his head is making Bran significantly less human than he once was. Now, the previous Three Eyed-Raven appears to have been in opposition of the Night King, which makes the idea that Bran could be the god for whom the Night King is a champion a bit hard to swallow. But let's go back to the time before Bran receives all of his powers. At one point, he sees the Night King as he's on one of his trips through time, but the Night King sees him, too, and with one touch the leader of the army of the dead knows exactly where to find the Stark boy. This implies a connection between Bran and the Night King that Bran may not fully understand.
Now, the Reddit theory posits that Bran is actually R'hllor, and the Night King is the Great Other, but if we work with the origin story presented by the show, the Night King is created by the Children of the Forest. That suggests he's an agent of the Great Other, as Melisandre states - she calls the Night King and his army the "cold children" of the Great Other. Meanwhile, R'hllor is the god of light, a figure that doesn't appear to have a physical counterpart. Instead, he has a representative to do his bidding on Earth and stop the Great Other from spreading his darkness across the world. That representative is the Prince (or Princess) That Was Promised.
Just because R'hllor doesn't have a physical counterpart, that doesn't mean the Great Other doesn't either. In fact, there's evidence in the books that Bran is working with the god of the cold, even if his service is unwitting. As the A Song of Ice and Fire wiki points out, Melisandre sees a vision in the flames of "a wooden face, corpse white, a thousand red eyes, and a boy with a wolf's head beside him." The boy with the wolf's head is believed to be Bran, a theory that is backed up by the Three-Eyed Raven (known as the Bloodraven in the books) telling him: "'Never fear the darkness, Bran.' The lord's words were accompanied by a faint rustling of wood and leaf, a slight twisting of his head. 'The strongest trees are rooted in the dark places of the earth. Darkness will be your cloak, your shield, your mother's milk. Darkness will make you strong.'"
If Bran's powers are rooted in the darkness and his ability to see all things at once, then he may not have realized that he's the Great Other yet. Or perhaps he has, and he's manipulating his mortal family into position to face off against the Night King, knowing that they'll fail. Throughout season seven, it's made pretty clear that Bran as we knew him no longer exists. He's now in touch with a power that's so large that he can see everything happening at once. That kind of power could be corrupting by nature, and it could lead to someone like Jon Snow, who is strongly hinted to be Azor Ahai reborn, having to kill Bran in order to truly stop the coming darkness. Because if Bran is the Great Other, then the Night King is simply a figurehead, which means the battle facing Jon, Daenerys, Arya, and the rest of the remaining characters is far more insidious than they could ever expect.
Actual Celebrities Are Using POPSUGAR's Celebrity Twin App Now, and Oh My Gosh
Sure, people might tell you you're a dead ringer for a certain celebrity, but how can you really be sure? Well, there's a tool for that! Last year, POPSUGAR launched #Twinning, a website that presents users with their celebrity doppelgängers . . . to varying degrees of success, admittedly. You probably even saw several celebrities sharing their results in recent weeks. (For the most part, they got matched with themselves.) It's not quite a game, not quite a meme, but you'll definitely want to share the results. Some of them are perfect; some look nothing like you - and that's the fun of it.
It's simple: #Twinning analyzes a selfie or uploaded photo, then compares it to a massive database of celebrity photos to find matches, and finally gives you a "twinning percentage" for your top five look-alikes.
The tool itself is pretty simple: it analyzes a selfie or uploaded photo, compares it to a massive database of celebrity photos to find matches, and gives you a "twinning percentage" for your top five look-alikes. You might pair with a famous politician, an old-school Hollywood starlet, or a reality TV personality, and the results will vary based on which photo you upload! Now, fair warning that your matches might bring up some fairly existential feelings: Do I really look like my mom's favorite '90s soap star? You're a 35-year-old woman - how on earth is Jacob Tremblay your match? Hey, it happens.
Check out some of POPSUGAR's very own matches ahead, as well as a few celebrity matches, then prepare to be hooked when you try the free tool for yourself. Let us know your doppelgänger(s), whether they're spot-on or hilariously wrong - it's all in good fun!
- Additional reporting by Kelsey Garcia
The Beverly Hills, 90210 Reboot Is Not Quite a Reboot, and We're Not Mad About It
It looks like our early Christmas present might not be exactly what we were expecting. On Dec. 20, news dropped that a "reboot" of the iconic Beverly Hills, 90210 was being pitched around to various networks. The project, which is reportedly in early development, was described as an "untraditional reboot," in the sense that the actors "are not reprising their original characters." Initially we wondered how the reboot would work with characters not being played by their original actors - but now we have an answer to all of that! According to TVLine, while the new series does feature some of the original cast, it isn't a reboot or a revival at all.
Before you decide you're not interested in anything but the return of the Peach Pit Posse, hear us out. TVLine reports that the scripted series is actually an "hour-long mockumentary-style dramedy" that's inspired by the '90s teen drama. The original 90210 cast members involved - Jennie Garth, Jason Priestley, Tori Spelling, Ian Ziering, Brian Austin Green, and Gabrielle Carteris - would be playing exaggerated versions of themselves rather than their iconic characters. Other notable alums, like Shannen Doherty and Luke Perry, are not currently attached (though who knows what the future may bring). The potential series will follow the trials and tribulations of the group's efforts to get (another) 90210 revival on TV.
Let's be real, that's definitely a more original approach considering the plethora of reboots and revivals that cropped up in 2018. As previously reported, CBS TV Studios is handling the project with writer-executive producers Mike Chessler and Chris Alberghini, the same duo that worked on The CW's rebooted 90210 series. While we're a little disappointed we won't be revisiting Donna and the crew, color us intrigued in seeing where this series goes!
6 New Stranger Things Season 3 Theories That Just Might Flay Your Mind
If it feels like nearly an eternity has passed since the last season of Stranger Things, it's because it's basically been an eternity since the last season of Stranger Things. Luckily, Netflix has kicked off the year by giving us the news we've been waiting for: an official premiere date! True to form, the little teasers and posters and episode titles are laden with small hints about what's to come, so we've done a bunch of legwork to put together some pretty convincing theories for season three. We're talking road trips, more secret laboratories, and a potential epidemic in the town of Hawkins!
10 Terrifying Films Only Fans of The Haunting of Hill House Can Handle
Halloween may be long over, but with a show as good as The Haunting of Hill House, we see no reason why you can't get spooked all year round. Based on the 1959 Shirley Jackson novel of the same name, this supernatural horror series follows the five Crain siblings as they struggle to come to terms with their childhood, when a house flipping gone wrong left their mother dead and the children haunted. From family secrets to insanely terrifying old houses, here are 10 haunting films that will have you sleeping with one eye open while we wait to find out whether The Haunting of Hill House will get a second season.
No One Will Ever Guess These Stylish Home Decor Items Are Less Than $50 at Walmart
If you're looking to spruce up your space without breaking the bank, one place you should consider shopping is Walmart. Even though it may not be the first retailer that comes to mind for stylish decor, you'll be pleasantly surprised by its abundance of cute and affordable housewares. To make browsing easier, we shopped its site and uncovered the 12 most stylish pieces you can buy for less than $50. From lamps to rugs, take a look at our favorites ahead.
Girl Scouts Just Added a Chocolate Chip Cookie That's Caramel-y, Chewy, AND Gluten-Free
Girl Scout cookie season is the best season (sorry, Summer and Fall), and it's going to be better than ever this year thanks to a new cookie. Girl Scouts announced the addition of the Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie back in August 2018, and it's finally available as part of the 2019 cookie season, which kicked off on Jan. 2. The new Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie features rich caramel, semisweet chocolate chips, and a hint of sea salt in a chewy cookie. Bonus: it's also gluten-free, so more cookie-lovers of the world can enjoy it!
This new cookie will join another gluten-free option in the Girl Scout lineup: Toffee-tastic, a buttery cookie introduced in 2015 that has sweet, crunchy, golden toffee bits. Both gluten-free cookies will be offered only in select Girl Scout council markets, so you'll have to reach out to your local council to check availability. These cookies will join returning classics like Thin Mints, Caramel deLites, Samoas, and Trefoils. Let the cookie hoarding begin.
How to Not Eat Complete Sh*t When You Are Ridiculously Busy
Source: POPSUGAR Photography
I know I'm not alone in the struggle to eat real food while surviving a crazy busy day. Many of us can relate to getting up too early and staying up too late, trying to squeeze in a workout, weeding through a constantly clogged email inbox, furiously typing 100 WPM, trying not to neglect friendships and relationships, and remembering to breathe. But the most essential thing to the success of a day is fuel . . . and M&M's, frozen mac and cheese, and endless cups of coffee aren't sustainable forever. As I'm entering my late 20s and my metabolism is beginning to resemble a sloth's movement, I'm more than ever attempting to find the easiest and most delicious ways to eat real food. Here are some of my ideas:
Source: POPSUGAR Photography
Breakfast
I try to eat breakfast away from a computer. It may be my only meal of the day that's not in front of a screen. Since I'm up really early, I usually end up eating two breakfasts (one savory at 6 a.m. and one sweet around 10 a.m.).
- Whole plain Greek yogurt with berries is a filling option. I love berries because they are delicious and don't require cutting! I also love tossing puffed brown rice on top for textural contrast.
- Mornings in the office are all about avocado on whole-wheat toast. If I'm at home, I'll top a fried egg on there. In the office, sliced hard-boiled egg is another great topper.
- Microwaveable oatmeal with peanut butter and banana tastes like cookies and only takes about five minutes to make.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography
Lunch
Oh, lunch! How neglected you typically are! Though I wish I could get my sh*t together enough in the a.m. to pack a perfect mason jar salad, I just don't. So here's what I do instead:
- Here's what I throw in my bag: prewashed greens (I love the kind with herbs for a little somethin' extra), a whole avocado, a lemon, and either smoked salmon or shredded chicken (that I totally buy by the cupfuls from the Whole Foods salad bar or steal the leftovers off of Sunday night's rotisserie chicken at my parents' house). I keep salt, pepper, and olive oil at my desk so I can quickly whip up a lemony vinaigrette. When I'm really strapped for salad fixings, I turn to the snacks at work - a mini wheel of cheese and a handful of almonds go a long way.
- Microwaveable meals like this edamame rice are really easy to throw together and taste so fresh and light.
- I rarely have leftovers, but when I do, it's usually soup, like this green pea soup. It makes for a satisfying lunch; I just make sure to pack it properly and bring in some soup toppings like fresh herbs.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography
Snacks
There are so many snacks in the office - which can totally derail my plans to eat well. I try to avert my eyes from the Oreos and chips (and the mini Snickers, which are my kryptonite) to focus on these beauties:
- Radishes, persian cucumbers, and baby carrots don't really require much prep, other than a quick rinse. I dip them in store-bought hummus or homemade hummus if it's something I've recipe developed.
- Freeze-dried fruit lasts a while and is nice to have on hand when a crunchy craving hits. My favorites are cherries and raspberries.
- Jerky! My office has turkey jerky readily available, but when I plan ahead, I opt for Krave Chili Lime beef jerky.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography
Dinner
I'm currently taking a nighttime coding class, so I don't get home until 10 p.m. But even before those days, I would hit the gym and get home at 8 p.m. At that point, I'm starving and need something near immediately, so these are my go-tos:
- Tolerant Red Lentil Rotini is my most favorite pantry staple. Because I'm not home often, I don't usually keep raw meat available, and this gluten-free pasta has 21 grams of protein per serving! Ten times out of 10, I eat pasta like so: with olive oil, parmesan, and chili flakes. And if tender greens are in my fridge, I throw them in the pasta water during the last minute of cooking.
- The lovely Nicole Perry introduced me to this one-pan salmon recipe. It's chock-full of crispy cabbage and kale, it comes together in a flash, and it's easy to clean up. I make it on my weekend nights home.
- Millet-lentil salad dressed with whatever herbs and veggies I have on hand is another dinner staple. And bonus: the leftovers pack up nicely for lunch too.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography
The 20 Coolest Home Gadgets You Can Buy in 2019
2019 is going to be the year of at-home help when it comes to technology. From smart security systems to mops that self-clean your home and lights that sync up with music, these handy devices somehow make your day to day a little easier (and more enjoyable). To save you even more time, we searched the internet and uncovered the 20 coolest at-home gadgets of the year, so all you have to do is click "buy" and it will be delivered right to your door. Be careful shopping though, because you're bound to want them all. Take a look.
This $20 Mouse Pad Hand-Warmer (on Amazon!) Keeps You From Getting Cold at Work
When you're typing and clicking away at work, frozen hands can be pretty annoying. That's where this cool USB-Powered Heating Mouse Pad ($20) comes in. Simply plug it into your computer to heat it up and slide your mouse inside of it. Your fingers will be toasty-warm in no time.
If you work at a chilly office all day or your home can get cold, this mouse pad is a genius purchase. Read on to check out all the details, then snag it from Amazon before it runs out of stock.
2019 Hotel Bucket List: 15 Stunning Spots to Stay
Each new year that comes around brings its own set of top places to travel, and with this always comes hundreds of suggested resorts, hotels, and B&Bs around the world that every jetsetter should add to their bucket list. Where you choose to stay while traveling can oftentimes make or break your experience - no matter what kind of travel experience you're looking for. So we've selected 15 must-experience stays that every traveler, vacationer, and dreamer should keep their eye on this year, from beachside stunners in Greece and one-of-a-kind stays across the USA to remote, next-level properties. If you have "travel more" at the top of your resolutions list for 2019 or you're simply craving a dose of travel inspiration, you'll want to keep reading!
Lava Cake Hershey's Kisses Are Now Available, and They're Oozing With Chocolaty Goodness
A lava cake is one of the most decadent, delicious, ooey-gooey desserts of all time, and now it exists in bite-size, prepackaged form. The brilliant people who come up with new Hershey's Kisses flavors have done us all a favor and released the new Valentine's Day flavor early: Lava Cake! Each individually wrapped Kiss has a "smooth melted cocoa center surrounded by a decadent dark chocolate plume," and based on the product images, I'm practically drooling.
Even though this is technically a Valentine's Day flavor that would complete a romantic meal on Feb. 14, the Lava Cake Hershey's Kisses ($4) have been on store shelves since the end of December. It doesn't matter if you have a significant other - treat yourself to these ASAP.
40+ Good-Looking Lunches to Bring to Work
Bringing your lunch to work for a week is a wonderful way to save money and fuel up on major flavor. These inviting dishes may inspire you to start packing a brown bag, even a few days out of the week. Take a look!
I Tried the Pioneer Woman's Best Tomato Soup Ever Recipe and I'll Never Do Store-Bought Again
One of my ultimate cozy dinner indulgences is definitely a bowl of piping-hot tomato soup accompanied by a grilled cheese. Depending on how ambitious I felt, I used to satisfy my cravings by whipping up a delicious but slightly labor-intensive Ina Garten recipe (which requires chopping four pounds of vine-ripened tomatoes) or cave and grab a sub-par store-bought version. It wasn't until I discovered Pioneer Woman's best tomato soup ever recipe that I realized I could actually pull off great-tasting tomato soup in just 25 minutes. I made this last night after work and even had the table set and wine poured by the time my husband walked through the door, which never happens.
Leave it to Ree Drummond to come up with flavor-boosting, time-cutting hacks like adding a bottle of tomato juice, a can of diced tomatoes, and chicken bouillon for a quick and tasty soup base. The tartness of the tomatoes is balanced with a few tablespoons of sugar. Cream, basil, and parsley pull it all together at the end, adding a velvety richness that is brightened by the fresh herbs. After the first bite, it's easy to understand why more than 300 people are raving about this satisfying soup that doesn't require a single fresh tomato. If you're looking to treat yourself on a chilly night, whip this up with a side of grilled cheese. You won't be sorry.
The Absolute Best Way to Cook Zucchini Noodles
Congrats! You've successfully made zoodles in a spiralizer. Now, onto the important question: how do you actually cook them? Unlike pasta, you fortunately don't need to wait around for a pot of water to boil. Instead, you treat the veggie "noodles" as vegetables you'd normally sauté on the stovetop.
The best way to cook a batch of zoodles is to heat one or two tablespoons of oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the noodles with a generous pinch of salt and a little pepper. After about five minutes, the zoodles will be slightly softened but not mushy, which is what you're after. They'll be similar to the al dente texture of traditional pasta.
And that's it! You can turn off the heat and turn your zucchini noodles into a full meal catered to your preference. You could add homemade bolognese sauce, basil pesto and parmesan cheese, lemon butter shrimp and red pepper flakes, or even more of your favorite satueed veggies to the mix. After trying out this healthy alternative to carb-heavy pasta a few times, you might convince yourself you like it almost as much as the real thing.
Ready to get cooking? Here are some more zucchini noodle recipes to get you started.
I Bought This 4.5-Star Sound Machine, and Now I Sleep Like a Teenager on Winter Break
It's always been pretty hard for me to fall asleep and sleep soundly through the night. The problem is twofold: I'm a night owl, so I find it challenging to wind down at a reasonable hour, and I also really don't like silence - without some noise in the background, I can't doze off.
The type of noise matters, too. I'm bothered by snoring, loud breathing, and strange little noises that come from wildlife or outside my window (just one reason I hate camping). I've tried taking melatonin and even Benadryl to pass out, and while these remedies worked at times, they're probably not the healthiest or most sustainable methods of falling asleep. I needed to find a way to doze off naturally and feel more rested in the morning.
Enter: the sound machine. I had heard so many great things about white noise, and I figured trying to block out the sounds and awkward silence that were keeping me awake was worth a shot. After some research, I settled on a LectroFan sound machine, which had gotten good reviews on Amazon.
And let me tell you: I'm in love with this thing. No matter who occupies my bed for the rest of my life, this glorious piece of technology will be by my side. Heck, that's true even when I'm not in my own bed - I went on vacation with my mother shortly after getting the LectroFan, and the machine was so lightweight that I decided to take it along. While my mom was resistant to running it in our room at first, she acquiesced when I explained that I couldn't sleep without it. (I'm not just saying that. I've tried.) She ended up loving it and purchased one when she returned home a week later.
This machine has changed my sleep habits so completely that I now keep one at my childhood home for when I visit and at my boyfriend's place to use when I spend the night. (I am not messing around here.) Incredibly, switching it on seems to prime my body for sleep before I've even climbed into bed. It's as though my body responds to this specific sound, and I instantly become drowsy. I've come to depend on it, and honestly, that's fine by me. Keep reading for a closer look.
5 Things That Happened When I Gave Up Alcohol For a Month
The author partaking in one of her favorite Sunday afternoon activities, drinking at Mission Dolores Park.
I f*cking love alcohol, but when I gave it up for a month, a lot of things changed. I guess you could call it a late New Year's resolution, but really it was just a decision I made after a realization that treating myself to a large glass of red wine "because I had a long day and I deserve it," ordering that second Bloody Mary at brunch, and spending too much time drinking recreationally were all things that were catching up to me, physically and financially. I decided the best way to cut back and reel in the habit was to go cold turkey - just for a month. Would going 31 days without a drop of alcohol really make much of a difference? Turns out, it would.
I'm not going to pretend that this is some heroic tale or really inspiring before-and-after transformation. I mean, we're just talking about giving up drinking for a month, which, for a lot of people, is so easy it's an almost laughable challenge. But it's always a good idea to make health-focused changes to your lifestyle, no matter how small they may seem. And if you happen to be like me and have no shame in pouring yourself another glass but have also wondered what it might be like to go on a brief detox, here's what you might want to know.
I Had More Energy
"How do my co-workers manage to do a 6 a.m. SoulCycle class before work or fit in evening workouts even on the busiest days?" I often ask myself. I've learned that energy is likely the root of that answer. Going out for trivia on a Wednesday night and ordering a couple beers or finishing a glass of red wine before going to sleep are little things that really did affect the quality of my sleep, but I think it took me eliminating them to realize it. Furthermore, erasing the possibility of drinking on the weekends opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me! There's a zero percent chance I'd have a hangover, so I started booking early workout classes like Pop Physique and not only getting there on time, but also enjoying them a lot more. Sleeping better, waking up easier, and not suffering from wine-induced sleepiness all transformed the amount of energy I had.
I Lost Weight
I can't tell you how much the exact number on the scale changed, because I don't even own a scale - that's not what this was ever about. But I can tell you that, yes, I lost weight. My too-tight jeans began to fit a little looser, my stomach felt flatter, and I didn't feel as weighed down or bloated (drinking hot water with lemon helped, too). I'm one of those people who avoids reading the calories in wine and beer - over 100 calories for a four-ounce pour?! - so it was easy for me to forget how fast each glass or pint could add up, and my body definitely reaped the benefits when I gave it all up. Plus, since I had more energy at the end of each day, I spent more time hitting the gym instead of crashing on the couch as soon as I got home. Challenging yourself to make better choices isn't necessarily about immediate and calculated change, but about feeling like a better version of yourself, and I definitely did.
I Saved Money
It's true that little things add up, and that's especially true when it comes to drinking. This mini hiatus was a painful (and helpful) reminder that alcohol can seriously drain your bank account and that cutting back for short periods of time can have a noticeable impact. I found myself relishing in the fact that the absence of brunch drinks, postwork cocktails, and corner-store wine runs also meant the absence of their price tags. I instead took this opportunity to save money and treat myself to some much-needed self-care.
I Ate Better
It's funny how healthy choices tend to have the snowball effect: one leads to another. Because of the fact that I had more energy, I suddenly found myself way more inspired to cook. Instead of spending Sundays day drinking in the park (ahem, pictured above), I became a meal-prep goddess. Part of my weekend routine became making plenty of spaghetti squash for a week's worth of lunch, and I stocked my fridge with protein-packed egg muffins to ensure I never skipped breakfast before work. Plus, what's the one way to guarantee you don't go on a pizza-eating rampage at 2 a.m. on a Saturday and wake up feeling gross? Don't get the drunk munchies!
I Taught Myself a Lesson in Moderation
Do I want to give up alcohol permanently or even on a bimonthly basis? LOL, no. But do I have a better understanding of my body and how it reacts to what I put in it? Absolutely. I thought I'd have such a hard time neglecting my stash of wine and declining invites to happy hours, but it was surprisingly easy. As the days went on, cravings went away and didn't feel like I "needed" a glass of wine after a long day. I've now reevaluated my habits and have learned that moderation is the key to feeling - and looking - your best.
I'll cheers to that . . . preferably with a glass of Cab.
Intermittent Fasting Works, but Only If You Fast For This Long
Intermittent fasting (IF), a way of eating that involves going through periods of deliberately not eating (fasting) interspersed with periods of eating, has become a popular way for people to lose weight, regulate insulin levels, and lower blood sugar. As popular as intermittent fasting has become, there's no one-size-fits-all plan. There are several ways to do intermittent fasting; one of the most popular is the Leangains diet, or 16:8. This is where you fast for 16 hours a day and only eat in an eight-hour window, such as from noon until 8 p.m.
How Long Do You Need to Fast?
However, you don't have to adhere to 16:8 strictly. There are other methods of fasting people follow, such as 14:10 or even 12:12. Unfortunately, there is a cutoff for how long your fasting window should be if you want to see results from intermittent fasting.
Registered dietitian Susan Dixon, MPH, MS, said that research suggests that limiting your feeding window to between eight and 11 hours and your fasting time to between 13 and 16 hours keeps insulin levels lower for a longer period of time throughout the day.
"However, that doesn't mean the relationship is cause and effect," she told POPSUGAR. "It has been observed in the literature that people who fast for 13 or more hours nightly tend to be less likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, large waist circumference, obesity, and elevated blood lipids." She added that these benefits aren't observed in fasting windows of 12 hours or less.
And while these benefits go beyond weight loss, if you are looking to lose weight with IF, you still need to make sure you're eating in a calorie deficit without going below 1,200 calories a day. To find your exact calorie target for weight loss, use this formula.
If intermittent fasting intrigues you, make sure you find a plan that works for you. But if you are looking to do IF daily, and to reap all the benefits, make sure you fast for at least 13 hours.
This Is How Sarah Lost 50 Pounds in 1 Year, and She Ate Cookies and Ice Cream the Entire Time
If you've ever searched how to lose weight, you've probably come across general advice saying to exercise, eat clean, and eat in a calorie deficit. These tips have helped people lose weight, but Sarah Rufo decided to follow a different route to lose the weight she gained from her pregnancy.
Sarah's workouts never changed - she did CrossFit throughout her entire pregnancy and still does it. Instead, she tweaked her nutrition; with hard work and consistency, she lost 50 pounds in a year. Continue reading to find out more about Sarah's weight-loss story.
The 11 Best Sneakers You Can Buy on Amazon - Starting at Just $45!
If you're looking for some motivation to hit the gym in 2019, start by treating yourself to a pair of new sneakers. You don't need to overspend either, because we looked to Amazon and were surprised by what we found for superlow prices. From brands like Nike to Adidas and even APL, you won't be disappointed. So what are you waiting for? Keep reading to shop our hottest picks - they start as low as $45.
5 Unexpected Benefits of Going on Birth Control Pills
The pill is most commonly used to prevent pregnancy, of course, but while the birth control method isn't for everyone - there are always potential side effects - there are some side benefits that might make you want to choose this method above others, even if you're not having sex.
Many studies have been done around birth control pills' beneficial effects on everything from skin health to cancer prevention, so we consulted an expert to examine the known health pros of taking the pill. Know that this guide is just a starting point - you should consult a doctor to find the right option for your health.
Related: Here's How You Can Benefit From Using an IUD Over Birth Control Pills
2019 Is the Year We're Finally Getting a Good Night's Sleep - Here's How
Trends in wellness ebb and flow, but getting rejuvenating sleep has now moved beyond the fad stage and into a full-on movement. Everyone we talk to is obsessed with their sleep quality, getting to sleep faster, and making the most of their downtime. If you're as committed to getting your rest in as we are, but seem to be having trouble, you've got to pick up these products. Happy shopping, or should we say, sleep well!
Related: I Spent $200 on a Weighted Blanket, and It's Changed My Entire F*cking Life
Dreams Do Come True - These 15 Cool Nike Products Are on Serious Sale Right Now
If you're obsessed with everything Nike, you're not alone. The sports giant is overloaded with tons of cool and comfy sneakers, workout clothes, and so much more, but it's no secret some of its best products don't come cheap. Thanks to the plethora of post-holiday sales, though, it's the perfect time to snatch up a few new pieces on a major discount. We hunted down the 15 best picks at insanely good prices, so all you have to do is shop. Check out our favorites ahead.
Watch Brie Larson Defy Gravity With Her Intense Rock-Climbing Workout
Just in case you were wondering, I constantly refresh Brie Larson's Instagram feed, waiting for her to post her latest workouts. She trained insanely hard for Captain Marvel (is it March yet?!), and even though filming is over, she hasn't ceased to amaze me with her workouts. First it was push-ups with weighted chains, then 400-pound hip thrusts, and now it's her rock-climbing skills.
In the video Brie shared on Instagram, she's seen bouldering, which is harder than standard rock climbing because you don't use a harness or safety ropes. She starts climbing a vertical wall, goes upside down (jokingly calling this her "self-tape for the role of Spider-Man"), and then comes back down vertically on the other side.
Her trainer Jason Walsh's commentary pretty much sums up everyone's thoughts: "Holy sh*t. Are you kidding me?"
An Expert Says Doing This 1 Thing Will Make You Stronger
We've all arrived at the gym, quickly throwing our belongings into a locker and jumping straight into our workout. This may seem harmless, but warming up is critical to maximizing your workout, which can help make you stronger since all your work will be more effective. If this alone hasn't convinced you, just look at what athletes at all levels do before a competition. If they're a hurdler, they practice going over the hurdles a few times, they make sure their fast twitch muscles are firing, and they get ready to run fast.
The primary goal of a warmup is to prepare someone mentally and physically for exercise/competition. Ian Jeffries, PhD, MSc, CSCS*D, NSCA-CPT*D, professor of strength and conditioning, wrote, "A well designed warm-up can increase muscle temperature, core temperature, blood flow, and also disrupt transient connective tissue bonds." He also found that warming up has the following effects on performance:
- Improvements in rate of force development and reaction time.
- Improvements in muscle strength and power.
- Increased blood flow to active muscles.
- Enhanced metabolic reactions.
Get the most out of your workout by completing a dynamic warmup - moving as you stretch and activate your muscles - before each workout.
Curious About the Mediterranean Diet? Here's a Week of Meals to Get You Started
The Mediterranean diet is touted time and time again as the best diet out there. It's not only great for shedding pounds, but it can also improve your gut health and even your brain function. And did we mention it can help you live longer? If you haven't tried this simple diet yet, it's time to give it a shot.
Meals on the Mediterranean diet follow this formula: half vegetables and fruit, a quarter whole grains, and a quarter fish, lean protein, or vegetarian protein, with a small amount of healthy fat. Sounds simple, right? The diet is less extreme than many other diets, so it's likely to be an easy transition from whatever you're eating now. It's just a matter of filling up on low-starch vegetables and fruits and keeping your lean protein intake high. To get you started, we've put together a week of meals you can try out. You can, of course, mix and match as you please, as long as you keep the meal formula in mind.
Adriana Lima Launched an Amazon Shop With 50+ Items, but She Told Us Her 6 Top Picks
Adriana Lima may have shed her wings in 2018, but she's proving that staying grounded never looked so good. The model and fitness expert is stepping into 2019 with positive state of mind. "I'm excited to focus on the health and wellness of my family and myself in 2019," she told us when she recently gave us the details on her latest venture.
The star just curated her own shop with Amazon Sports, filled with her go-to workout apparel, fitness equipment, supplements, and more. If you're wanting to begin the year with your best foot forward, read on to check out Adriana's essentials and learn why she chose them. Filling up your Amazon cart never seemed so tempting.
We're Just Going to Say It: Nike's Making Our Favorite Sneakers in 2019
There's just something about seeing that iconic check mark that makes a sneaker feel legit. It's like an automatic seal of approval; when you wear Nike, you know it's going to perform, and it's going to look good. This year, we're looking for the best sneakers out there, and spoiler alert: we're into these 18 Nike pairs.
8 Tips For Tackling the January Whole30 Like a Pro
If you are looking for 2019 to be the year when you become healthier from the inside out, I recommend kicking off the new year with the Whole30 program. Never heard of it? Whole30 is a 30-day tough-love "nutrition reset, designed to help you put an end to unhealthy cravings and habits, restore a healthy metabolism, heal your digestive tract, and balance your immune system," according to creator Melissa Hartwig. Remember, this is not a diet. You can get the full breakdown on the Whole30 site, and keep reading for eight tips for tackling this 30-day life-changing program.
If You're Busting Your Ass at the Gym and Not Losing Weight, Bob Harper Says This Is Why
Losing weight takes a considerable overall lifestyle effort, including dialing in your diet, working out, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. But of all the factors at play that can help you lose weight, many people tend to solely focus on their activity. If they just up their workout regimen and log hours at the gym, they think they can reach their goals.
Turns out, upping your activity is only half the battle. Less than half the battle, actually, since losing weight requires a focus on nutrition and eating in a calorie deficit. It's a problem fitness guru Bob Harper sees all too often. "I don't want people to work so hard in the gym and then blow it all by eating too much or too much of the wrong thing," he told POPSUGAR.
He added that some people view working out, especially cardio, as a means to burn off the food they ate or as an excuse to indulge later. And while it's important to eat the foods you want in moderation, putting such an emphasis on cardio could backfire.
"I think that people tend to overdo it when it comes to their cardio activity," he told POPSUGAR. "What that's going to actually do, it could have a reverse effect; that high-intensity cardio will actually make you hungrier."
Like Bob mentioned in a video on his Instagram as part of a series called #TwoCupsIn, "People still think that they are going to be able to go to the gym and do all this cardio and be able to get the body that they are looking to get, and I'm here to tell you that that's not necessarily the case," he said. "You have got to focus on what you're eating every single day and at every single meal. You're going to get the body you want by working out in the kitchen."
To figure out how many calories you should eat a day for weight loss, use this formula, which factors in your height, weight, and activity level. If you're confused about what to eat, check out this post from nutritionists who share what to eat at every meal to lose weight. Sure, exercise is important - but if your diet isn't dialed in, you won't see the results you are looking for.
Stop Searching - These Are the Best Running Sneakers of 2019
Any runner knows that when you find the right shoes, you're halfway to a great workout. If you've been searching for the perfect pair to help you crush your fitness goals in 2019, look no further. Whether you prefer a neutral ride or a super supportive shoe, these 12 picks are the best of the best. Now all you have to do is hit the road.
Advice From Women Who Lost From 20 to 130 Pounds Following WW Program
WW, formerly known as Weight Watchers, has emerged as one of the most popular ways for people to lose weight, adopt healthier habits, and transform their lives. And it's no wonder why - millions of people have found success on the program. If you're thinking about joining WW, we've compiled some insider tips on how to make the most out of it and get the results you want.
All of these women have not only lost weight, from 20 to more than 130 pounds, but completely changed their lifestyles after starting WW. Although these women all used previous iterations of the program (dubbed Weight Watchers at the time), their tips and tricks are still applicable for the new WW. So take it straight from these inspiring people who prove you can get as much out of WW as you put in.
With These New Sneakers, You're Already on Your Way to Conquering Those Resolutions
Any fitness fanatic knows that finding the right sneakers is the key to a great workout. When you're hitting the gym, you need a pair that performs, keeps your feet secure, and makes you feel like you can conquer anything. Plus, the fact that they'll go with pretty much anything in your closet doesn't hurt either. Whether you're lifting weights or going through HIIT circuts, you need a great pair of training shoes to take your New Year's resolutions long past week one. Just keep reading to shop our top picks for 2019.
No One Will Ever Guess These Stylish Home Decor Items Are Less Than $50 at Walmart
If you're looking to spruce up your space without breaking the bank, one place you should consider shopping is Walmart. Even though it may not be the first retailer that comes to mind for stylish decor, you'll be pleasantly surprised by its abundance of cute and affordable housewares. To make browsing easier, we shopped its site and uncovered the 12 most stylish pieces you can buy for less than $50. From lamps to rugs, take a look at our favorites ahead.
Girl Scouts Just Added a Chocolate Chip Cookie That's Caramel-y, Chewy, AND Gluten-Free
Girl Scout cookie season is the best season (sorry, Summer and Fall), and it's going to be better than ever this year thanks to a new cookie. Girl Scouts announced the addition of the Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie back in August 2018, and it's finally available as part of the 2019 cookie season, which kicked off on Jan. 2. The new Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie features rich caramel, semisweet chocolate chips, and a hint of sea salt in a chewy cookie. Bonus: it's also gluten-free, so more cookie-lovers of the world can enjoy it!
This new cookie will join another gluten-free option in the Girl Scout lineup: Toffee-tastic, a buttery cookie introduced in 2015 that has sweet, crunchy, golden toffee bits. Both gluten-free cookies will be offered only in select Girl Scout council markets, so you'll have to reach out to your local council to check availability. These cookies will join returning classics like Thin Mints, Caramel deLites, Samoas, and Trefoils. Let the cookie hoarding begin.
How to Not Eat Complete Sh*t When You Are Ridiculously Busy
Source: POPSUGAR Photography
I know I'm not alone in the struggle to eat real food while surviving a crazy busy day. Many of us can relate to getting up too early and staying up too late, trying to squeeze in a workout, weeding through a constantly clogged email inbox, furiously typing 100 WPM, trying not to neglect friendships and relationships, and remembering to breathe. But the most essential thing to the success of a day is fuel . . . and M&M's, frozen mac and cheese, and endless cups of coffee aren't sustainable forever. As I'm entering my late 20s and my metabolism is beginning to resemble a sloth's movement, I'm more than ever attempting to find the easiest and most delicious ways to eat real food. Here are some of my ideas:
Source: POPSUGAR Photography
Breakfast
I try to eat breakfast away from a computer. It may be my only meal of the day that's not in front of a screen. Since I'm up really early, I usually end up eating two breakfasts (one savory at 6 a.m. and one sweet around 10 a.m.).
- Whole plain Greek yogurt with berries is a filling option. I love berries because they are delicious and don't require cutting! I also love tossing puffed brown rice on top for textural contrast.
- Mornings in the office are all about avocado on whole-wheat toast. If I'm at home, I'll top a fried egg on there. In the office, sliced hard-boiled egg is another great topper.
- Microwaveable oatmeal with peanut butter and banana tastes like cookies and only takes about five minutes to make.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography
Lunch
Oh, lunch! How neglected you typically are! Though I wish I could get my sh*t together enough in the a.m. to pack a perfect mason jar salad, I just don't. So here's what I do instead:
- Here's what I throw in my bag: prewashed greens (I love the kind with herbs for a little somethin' extra), a whole avocado, a lemon, and either smoked salmon or shredded chicken (that I totally buy by the cupfuls from the Whole Foods salad bar or steal the leftovers off of Sunday night's rotisserie chicken at my parents' house). I keep salt, pepper, and olive oil at my desk so I can quickly whip up a lemony vinaigrette. When I'm really strapped for salad fixings, I turn to the snacks at work - a mini wheel of cheese and a handful of almonds go a long way.
- Microwaveable meals like this edamame rice are really easy to throw together and taste so fresh and light.
- I rarely have leftovers, but when I do, it's usually soup, like this green pea soup. It makes for a satisfying lunch; I just make sure to pack it properly and bring in some soup toppings like fresh herbs.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography
Snacks
There are so many snacks in the office - which can totally derail my plans to eat well. I try to avert my eyes from the Oreos and chips (and the mini Snickers, which are my kryptonite) to focus on these beauties:
- Radishes, persian cucumbers, and baby carrots don't really require much prep, other than a quick rinse. I dip them in store-bought hummus or homemade hummus if it's something I've recipe developed.
- Freeze-dried fruit lasts a while and is nice to have on hand when a crunchy craving hits. My favorites are cherries and raspberries.
- Jerky! My office has turkey jerky readily available, but when I plan ahead, I opt for Krave Chili Lime beef jerky.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography
Dinner
I'm currently taking a nighttime coding class, so I don't get home until 10 p.m. But even before those days, I would hit the gym and get home at 8 p.m. At that point, I'm starving and need something near immediately, so these are my go-tos:
- Tolerant Red Lentil Rotini is my most favorite pantry staple. Because I'm not home often, I don't usually keep raw meat available, and this gluten-free pasta has 21 grams of protein per serving! Ten times out of 10, I eat pasta like so: with olive oil, parmesan, and chili flakes. And if tender greens are in my fridge, I throw them in the pasta water during the last minute of cooking.
- The lovely Nicole Perry introduced me to this one-pan salmon recipe. It's chock-full of crispy cabbage and kale, it comes together in a flash, and it's easy to clean up. I make it on my weekend nights home.
- Millet-lentil salad dressed with whatever herbs and veggies I have on hand is another dinner staple. And bonus: the leftovers pack up nicely for lunch too.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography
The 20 Coolest Home Gadgets You Can Buy in 2019
2019 is going to be the year of at-home help when it comes to technology. From smart security systems to mops that self-clean your home and lights that sync up with music, these handy devices somehow make your day to day a little easier (and more enjoyable). To save you even more time, we searched the internet and uncovered the 20 coolest at-home gadgets of the year, so all you have to do is click "buy" and it will be delivered right to your door. Be careful shopping though, because you're bound to want them all. Take a look.
This $20 Mouse Pad Hand-Warmer (on Amazon!) Keeps You From Getting Cold at Work
When you're typing and clicking away at work, frozen hands can be pretty annoying. That's where this cool USB-Powered Heating Mouse Pad ($20) comes in. Simply plug it into your computer to heat it up and slide your mouse inside of it. Your fingers will be toasty-warm in no time.
If you work at a chilly office all day or your home can get cold, this mouse pad is a genius purchase. Read on to check out all the details, then snag it from Amazon before it runs out of stock.
2019 Hotel Bucket List: 15 Stunning Spots to Stay
Each new year that comes around brings its own set of top places to travel, and with this always comes hundreds of suggested resorts, hotels, and B&Bs around the world that every jetsetter should add to their bucket list. Where you choose to stay while traveling can oftentimes make or break your experience - no matter what kind of travel experience you're looking for. So we've selected 15 must-experience stays that every traveler, vacationer, and dreamer should keep their eye on this year, from beachside stunners in Greece and one-of-a-kind stays across the USA to remote, next-level properties. If you have "travel more" at the top of your resolutions list for 2019 or you're simply craving a dose of travel inspiration, you'll want to keep reading!
Lava Cake Hershey's Kisses Are Now Available, and They're Oozing With Chocolaty Goodness
A lava cake is one of the most decadent, delicious, ooey-gooey desserts of all time, and now it exists in bite-size, prepackaged form. The brilliant people who come up with new Hershey's Kisses flavors have done us all a favor and released the new Valentine's Day flavor early: Lava Cake! Each individually wrapped Kiss has a "smooth melted cocoa center surrounded by a decadent dark chocolate plume," and based on the product images, I'm practically drooling.
Even though this is technically a Valentine's Day flavor that would complete a romantic meal on Feb. 14, the Lava Cake Hershey's Kisses ($4) have been on store shelves since the end of December. It doesn't matter if you have a significant other - treat yourself to these ASAP.
40+ Good-Looking Lunches to Bring to Work
Bringing your lunch to work for a week is a wonderful way to save money and fuel up on major flavor. These inviting dishes may inspire you to start packing a brown bag, even a few days out of the week. Take a look!
The 7 Rose Gold Beauty Tools Our Editors Are Loving For 2019
We have made a decision that our love for rose gold is eternal, especially when it comes to beauty products. There is something about a gilded beauty tool that instantly elevates it - plus it looks glamorous on a vanity. We curated a list of our favorite rose gold beauty tools for you to indulge in for 2019. Check out the styling tools, brushes, and more.
15 Dating Mistakes You Need to Stop Making If You're Looking For Love in 2019
I've been called a dating expert a time or two, and as soon as someone gets categorized this way, it begs the question: if you're so good at dating, why are you still single? Because coaches don't play.
I wish it were that simple, because that'd be a great mic-drop answer. Really, it's because I'm not an expert; I just do the dating thing a lot and then write about it. I've made plenty of mistakes, including that time I scheduled back-to-back dates in one night and mixed up their names, so they both got very confusing text messages about timing and meetup locations. As one of my favorite writers, Matteson Perry, shared with me, "Though it's called 'casual dating,' to do it right, you have to be as organized and detail-oriented as an air-traffic controller. Regular communication, scheduling, and planning are key, especially if you're dating more than one person at a time."
Matteson is on the money, and his words got me thinking about the bigger, more classic mistakes that we all make when dating. As the new year kicks off and we resolve to fix our dating faux pas in 2019, we're going to need some words of wisdom from the queen of tough love herself. I sat down with the one and only "Millionaire Matchmaker," Patti Stanger, for some no-nonsense talk about what we're doing wrong and, more importantly, how to fix it in 2019.
2019 Hotel Bucket List: 15 Stunning Spots to Stay
Each new year that comes around brings its own set of top places to travel, and with this always comes hundreds of suggested resorts, hotels, and B&Bs around the world that every jetsetter should add to their bucket list. Where you choose to stay while traveling can oftentimes make or break your experience - no matter what kind of travel experience you're looking for. So we've selected 15 must-experience stays that every traveler, vacationer, and dreamer should keep their eye on this year, from beachside stunners in Greece and one-of-a-kind stays across the USA to remote, next-level properties. If you have "travel more" at the top of your resolutions list for 2019 or you're simply craving a dose of travel inspiration, you'll want to keep reading!
Keeping Your Apps Organized Just Got So Much Easier, Thanks to This Cool iPhone Feature
So, uh, did anyone else know you could select multiple apps like this on iOS?
Because I definitely didn't just discover it. pic.twitter.com/Nq0wfuqzb6- manik (@ManikRathee) December 29, 2018
Our iPhones can do a lot of cool things, though a handful of said things often tend to get a lot more shine than others. So it's not hard to imagine how, every now and then, some of us iPhone users end up learning things about our phones that we never knew before. Case in point: Manik Rathee, a Google engineer who shared a viral tweet last week in which he explained his recent discovery of a simple iPhone trick that allows users to select and drag multiple apps at a time. "So, uh, did anyone else know you could select multiple apps like this on iOS? Because I definitely didn't just discover it," he wrote.
A video accompanying the tweet shows a person demonstrating the trick, pressing and holding down one app until it enters wiggly mode, and then using another finger to select two more apps so that they can all be dragged across the screen together. It's a pretty easy trick, but it's a game changer for anyone who regularly reorganizes their apps and home screens, and tires of only being able to move one app at a time.
The feedback from the tweet alone - it currently has over 1,300 retweets and around 3,700 likes - indicated that this is yet another feature that many people are just now learning about. But, according to a few comments from other users, it isn't actually that new. The "hack" has apparently existed since the launch of iOS 11 back in September 2017, and it just hasn't been spoken of very much. Check out Rathee's video of the feature above.
mercredi 2 janvier 2019
Gabrielle Union's New Athleisure Collection Is So 2019
Aside from our deep love for Dwayne Wade (I also hail from the 305), Gabrielle Union and I must share a serious affinity for athleisure. The multihyphenate's latest collection for New York & Co. is a cool crop of athletic-inspired basics that deliver on 2019's biggest trends. So, you can outfit the bike shorts, sweats, and joggers with every intention of going to the gym, and zero guilt or fear of appearing underdressed if you just end up heading to brunch with your friends instead.
The 25-piece lineup, priced $30 to $80, hits online and in-store today and looks good with "dad" sneakers and Nikes, but the metallic joggers are begging to be styled with a pair of heels, too.
Check out Gabrielle modeling the capsule collection right here, then click over to shop your favorite pieces.