Playing the IRL Princess Ariel may come across as all glitz and glamour, but don’t let the girl who seems to have everything—you know, gadgets and gizmos a-plenty—fool you. Actress and singer Halle Bailey went through intense “mermaid training” to gear up for (and make a splash in) her starring role in the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. Thanks to her interview on Live With Kelly and Mark andher trainer’s conversation with Women’s Health, we got the BTS inside scoop on just how Bailey transformed into the mythical creature—abs, shimmering tail, and all. It doesn’t hurt that Bailey was primed to become the Disney icon—she was in her fitness girlie era long before she had to take on her strenuous merfolk regimen (if you follow her on IG, you already knew that). Ahead, all the details I gleaned from her workout and diet routine to dip your toes into (pun intended) yourself—no fin required.
Her Fitness Routine
With a 4 a.m. gym start time, followed by stunt work, then hours either suspended in a harness and wires simulating swimming motions or submerged in a water tank, it’s no wonderBailey told Kelly and Mark she was in the “best shape of [her] life” while filming the movie. According to Women’s Health, Bailey enlisted the help of London-based personal trainer Sana Shirvani to get her in tip-top, half-human, half-sea-creature shape. It turns out “swimming” in the air (gracefully, no less) and pretending not to have human legs takes major core, back, neck, glute, and hamstring strength, so Shirvani had Bailey on a program of full-body strength and conditioning workouts 5-6 times a week to get her “stronger, fit, and agile.”
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“While the neck muscles are often overlooked in traditional strength training programs, they play a crucial role in providing stability, supporting good posture, and reducing the risk of neck-related injuries,”explained Shirvani in her interview with Women’s Health. “We used a variation of neck isometrics and resistance-based methods, which involve applying resistance without actually moving the neck.” In one of Shirvani’s IG posts, you can see Bailey slaying goblet squats, back extensions, battle ropes, box jumps, hip thrusts, medicine ball slams, and various core exercises (think: weighted side planks and isometric holds). According to an interview with Insider, Shirvani implemented progressive overload (read: gradually increasing the weight or the number of reps) in all of Bailey’s exercises. But she doesn’t just stick to weights and cardio for her sweat sessions—Bailey also mixes it up with hot yoga to decompress while getting a solid workout in.
Bailey has her workout routine on lock, and how she nourishes her body is no different. Bailey follows a vegan diet, and Shirvani helped herfocus on eating whole foods and protein to help her build strength and recover from training. That doesn’t mean Bailey shies away from her favorite foods. Her go-to vegan eats? Avocado toast, rice, and bread, which she shared during BuzzFeed’s Sister Test(ICYMI, Halle is part of the Grammy-nominated, R&B sister duo Chloe x Halle). She’s also not one to pass up on (vegan) pizza and hot dogs (case in point: her TikTok below).
As for her plant-based sweet treats of choice? Cheesecake or pancakes fromCrossroads Kitchen, doughnuts from Sage Vegan Bistro, and homemade gluten-free sugar cookies (a girl after my own heart). And, finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the sisters’ DIY, vegan-friendly smoothie—made of almond milk, raspberries, blueberries, apple, agave nectar, ice, and vegan protein powder—which they whipped up on MTV’s Fresh Out Live and enjoyed in champagne glasses. We’ll cheer for that!
Most people think that reality TV shows have no educational value whatsoever, but I beg to differ. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in life has been taught to me through the very cheating scandals and heartbreaks that give these shows their “bad rap”. It’s one so invaluable that my college professors could only dream of teaching me something even half as useful: know the red flags when you see them. And no network has drilled that into my dating brain quite like Bravo has.
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If you’re not up to speed on the current Vanderpump Rules drama, the main thing you need to know is that it’s yet another classic case of men aren’t sh*t. Tom Sandoval (a star on the show) has been accused of cheating on his long-time girlfriend Ariana Madix (also a star on the show) with Raquel Leviss (you guessed it—she’s also a star on the show). Are we pissed? Absolutely. But are we shocked? Sadly, no.
While this is the most recent Bravo relationship dumpster fire, it’s very far from the first (or the last). The men of Bravo have been fumbling for quite some time now, practically waving red flags above their heads like girlies trying to get Harry Styles to read their signs at a concert: as high as they can, right in our faces. Well, we’ve noticed them, and we’re taking notes so we know exactly what not to fall for in our relationships. Here are some red flags to look out for, courtesy of Bravo-relationships:
They’ve cheated in multiple relationships
Tom Sandoval, James Kennedy, and Randall Emmets of Vanderpump Rules (yeah, this cast has got to get it together), Tom D’Agostino of RHONY, and Shep Rose of Southern Charm walk into a bar—what are they doing? Probably cheating on their partners. Again.
Yup, every one of them has been unfaithful in more than one relationship. So when they aren’t Prince Charming to our favorite Bravo ladies…it adds up. Learning that the person you’re interested in has cheated at all in the past is never fun. But every relationship and circumstance is different, so hearing them out and being willing to work through that is valid. However, if they’ve been disloyal to several partners before you came along, it’s something to very heavily consider. It wasn’t some one-off mistake, so when they swear to you they’ve ~changed~, maybe take it with the world’s biggest grain of salt.
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Your friends are pointing out their red flags to you
Yes, you should always prioritize the fact that someone makes you happy. Duh! But, if more than one person in your life is telling you that they’re noticing some not-so-great things about a potential or current partner, that’s something to take note of. We’re not talking comments from people you’re not very tight-knit with, but more so the ones who you trust, with opinions you value. Your ride-or-dies, if you will.
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Both Luann of RHONY and Ariana of Vanderpump Rules had some of their closest friends and loved ones come through with concerns about their respectful Toms in the earlier stages of the relationships (yes, both were done dirty by a Tom…we’ll get to that in a second). But alas, the rose-colored glasses were on, and they found out about their partner’s true colors later rather than sooner. Always listen to yourself, but remember that sometimes people on the outside (with your best interest in mind) can notice those flags before you do.
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They’re a little too secretive in the early stages
I’m not saying you have to lay out your entire life story and social security number to someone within a month of talking. (In fact, please don’t.) Opening up to a person takes time, which is okay. But, there’s a difference between naturally taking time to open up and hiding things that you don’t want them to know. It’s not the easiest red flag to pick out, but a huge one to keep an eye on.
Take Lala Kent and Randall Emmett of Vanderpump Rules, for example. Lala claims that Randall offered her $14,000 to keep their romance a secret in the beginning. Why, you ask? Well, he was still legally married to his ex-wife and didn’t want the world to know, of course. While most cases aren’t this extreme (and if they are, Godspeed to you), it’s a good reminder to be wary of anyone that’s noticeably holding a lot back. Whether they don’t want people to know about you or they’re keeping too quiet about parts of themselves, that red flag is flying.
They get mad at you for things you can’t control
When Lenny would act resentful towards Lisa on RHOM because of her infertility issues? Or when he got angry at her when vendors showed up late to a party they were throwing? Jaw on the floor. Those are very obvious things that Lisa had zero control over, and watching her receive the blame from someone who’s supposed to be her #1 fan was an ugly sight to see. At least now we know to be aware of the fact that that type of behavior is not it.
You are not a punching bag! When something isn’t going as planned, be wary of partners who take it out on you. That screams manipulative and immature, and if you notice it’s becoming a pattern, that issue needs to be talked about ASAP (and if they get mad at you for bringing it up…that’s all the proof you need).
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Above all else, if their name is Tom…run
Tom Schwartz, Tom Sandoval, Tom D’Agostino, Tom Girardi…need I say more? If you look up sleazy in a thesaurus, Tom is listed as a synonym. Sure, you shouldn’t ever judge a book by its cover, but you can and should judge by this name. Save yourself time. The anti-Tom era is incoming.
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We’re joking (all the Toms out there are on thin ice for Bravo watchers, though). It has nothing to do with their name, but everything to do with that type of person in a relationship: the one you can’t trust, the one who’s full of excuses, the one who gaslights you… the list goes on. This kind of partner is never someone you should give your time and energy to. Check in with yourself, trust your gut and know that you deserve so much more than all of that BS. Don’t ignore or try to justify those big red flags—we are not following in those Bravolebrity footsteps.
Sometimes even the most simple self-care tasks can feel hard – making a nutritious meal, working out, managing your stress – it’s a lot to manage. I’m a mom to five, wife, friend, sister, and business owner. Somewhere in the mix, I learned to take care of others before myself which has been to my detriment on occasion. I know I’m not alone! Thanks to social media, it’s clear that this is a widespread problem amongst women. It has become really important to me to take care of myself so that I’m the best version of myself to show up for my loved ones.
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I haven’t gotten it all figured out, but I do have what I like to call my “baseline”. My baseline means that I’m eating nutritious meals, I’m incorporating some type of movement into my week, and I’m managing my stress as much as I can. When those things are taken care of, life just seems a little bit easier. One of the ways I’m doing that is by adding Athletic Greensinto my day.
From superfoods and probiotics to vitamins and minerals, Athletic Greens is your one-stop-shop when it comes to nutritional supplements.
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What is Athletic Greens?
As someone with some pretty poor eating habits, the nutritional value this product offers was a huge draw for me. I was eager to see if such a simple product might make up for the nutrients I’m missing in my daily diet. Because of the product name, I mistakenly thought that it could be a replacement for vegetables—it’s not. But it did reap some small benefits.
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To start, let’s break down Athletic Greens’ history. Founded in 2010, Athletic Greens is most known for its flagship product, AG1. The greens powder combines vitamins, minerals, and nutrients designed to promote gut health, support immunity, boost energy, and help you recover faster from workouts and physical activity.
According to CEO Chris Ashenden, the brand’s focus is on “foundational nutrition.” I assume this speaks to the product’s role in supplementing a healthy lifestyle, helping to fill the nutritional needs our everyday diet might not satisfy.
Athletic Greens powder, called AG1, is such an attractive product is how nutrient-dense it is. The formula includes over 75 vitamins and minerals as well as prebiotics and probiotics. The full list of ingredients ranges from spirulina and apple powder to spinach leaf powder and pea protein. Even with so many ingredients, the product is vegetarian, vegan, paleo, and keto-friendly, has no GMOs, artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives, and is gluten-free.
How is AG1 different from other greens powders?
While I’m referring to the supplement as a greens powder throughout this article, Athletic Greens is adamant about being much more than simply a substitute for your dark leafy greens. The recommended daily serving—a single scoop—supplies:
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vitamins and minerals to support immune health and strengthen your nervous system
prebiotics and probiotics to provide digestive support
superfood-derived phytonutrients that support the microbiome
immune-supporting mushrooms
adaptogenic herbs and antioxidants to relieve stress and provide metabolic and energy support
The product contains vitamins like riboflavin (B2), thiamine (B1), and various others (like A, B6, C, E, and K2); minerals like magnesium, potassium, and zinc; whole food-sourced nutrients such as carrots, wheatgrass, and spirulina; probiotics like lactobacillus acidophilus; and adaptogens like ashwagandha, chlorella, and reishi mushrooms.
Plus, if you don’t want to add it to water, you have several other options — you can add the powder to your smoothie or smoothie bowl, sprinkle it on your yogurt or fruit bowl, or cook with it.
My AG1 ritual
AG1 is pricey. I purchased the single, 30-day subscription for $79. With your order, you get a month’s supply of AG1, a storage jar and shaker, and five “free” travel packs. On top of that, my shipping cost was $9. While it might not seem like much, I had to grit my teeth in this heyday of free shipping. Thankfully, you can cancel your subscription anytime, so the commitment was relatively minimal.
I set out to see how AG1 would fare with my already-established everyday routine. That meant aiming for the same amount of sleep, and not making any major changes to my diet. While my week on AG1 was by no means a deeply scientific study, I wanted to know if I would feel any different by simply adding the supplement to my everyday habits.
Another great aspect of AG1 is that it is so easy to make. I was grateful for that because it wasn’t a chore or a big disruption to my daily routine.
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Day 1
As suggested, AG1 was the first thing I consumed in the morning. Before my coffee and oats, I mixed a scoop of AG1 with eight ounces of water. My package came with a branded wide-mouth water bottle exclusively designed for getting my greens in liquid form. After securing and shaking the bottle, I undid the lid to uncover a frothy, mossy green beverage.
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Hesitant but curious to consume the grass-like flavor reviews claimed, I took a sip. My first thought? There’s no way I’m finishing this. IMO, the taste was a little bitter. All in all, it took me about two hours to finish the whole thing (baby sips, folks).
I carried on with my normal routine as planned. Because this was my first day, I didn’t notice any shift in my energy or how I felt overall. My main takeaway from the kick-off of my experiment was: How the heck am I going to make it through this week?
Day 2
I woke up feeling a little more determined to discover the crave-worthy flavor of AG1 that everyone’s been touting. Adopting a different approach, I shook up my scoop with water and ice. That drop in temperature made a significant difference. When I drank the AG1 this time, it had a clearer, crisper flavor and mouthfeel. It was less sludgy than the day before. (Though I swear, I shook it as hard as I could.)
Feeling like a wellness girly, I plopped my AG1 down next to my laptop as I started my day sifting through my inbox. Though the placebo effect was obviously at play, something about having that green bottle next to me made me feel a bit more productive. There are worse things.
Day 3
At the tail-end of my period today, I woke up and noticed that my skin was significantly clearer than it had been the day prior. It was brighter than it usually is at this point in my cycle. I went to the kitchen, shook up my AG1, and found that I was already beginning to get used to the flavor. My initial impression was that of a slightly thinner green juice. It felt like the flavor had been engineered to mask something particularly unsavory. But I was coming around to it. At this point, I may have even liked it.
That morning, I texted a few friends who had tried Athletic Greens. They confirmed that the taste takes a little getting used to. For most, they began to look forward to their daily dose of AG1 between their third and seventh day—props to me for being on the early end.
Day 4
Athletic Greens’ Instagram is full of ideas for consuming their product beyond the ol’ H20 standby. So, I tried their ultimate summer smoothie bowl recipe to mix things up halfway through my trial. I found that the previously offending flavor was completely masked by adding almond butter, banana, apple, dates, and oat milk. I could see this becoming a go-to breakfast. And while the blood-sugar-balancingenthusiasts might protest this smoothie’s glucose overload, pairing your fruits with the almond butter’s healthy fats is a solid way to mitigate the spike.
This was the first day I noticed a subtle physiological change. I had more energy during my afternoon barre errands and—day five spoiler—wasn’t at all sluggish when I woke up the next day.
Day 5
The wake-up this morning was one of the best I can recount in recent history. With little effort, I got up immediately to my 8:00 a.m. alarm and went straight into a brief meditation. I would consider myself a semi-morning person, so this level of alertness was out of the ordinary. Mentally, I felt sharp, aligned, and motivated to transition to my to-do list.
I made the same AG1-infused smoothie as I did the day before and discovered an additional burst of energy after finishing my glass. I made it through my morning to-dos while staying on-task and focused. Thanks, AG1.
Day 6
While my wake-up call wasn’t as miraculous as yesterday’s, I did sleep soundly and awoke feeling rested. Craving my usual savory breakfast (a slice of vegan avocado toast with delicious oats), I opted for AG1 and ice water. Interestingly, it took until today to notice that my craving for a second mid-morning coffee had disappeared entirely. Instead, my single cup sufficed in terms of both my energy levels and feeling satiated post-breakfast.
I often fall victim to the dreaded 3 p.m. slump, but today, I managed to push through all my end-of-day tasks and even enjoyed a 45-minute yoga session. To say that my energy levels stayed steady throughout the day would be an understatement. I’m not an evangelist of wellness (meditation aside), but when something solves my dwindling energy, I have to shout it from the rooftops. I noticed an easy wind-down after dinner and was able to fall asleep quickly and soundly. That’s a lot to be said for someone who deals with occasional bouts of insomnia.
Day 7
I started this journey unsure of how I’d make it to this point. In hindsight, however, things turned out for the better on day three. By now, my daily rhythms came to expect the AG1 before all else, and I have to admit: Something is comforting and ritualistic about sipping on it first thing.
While I said I wouldn’t make any significant changes to my diet, I did notice that the supplement naturally inspired me to make nutrient-dense choices. I kept up a consistent pattern of greens throughout the day: a protein-packed salad for lunch, a green smoothie for a snack, and a tall pile of spinach to accompany that night’s meal. Something about doing good things for my body in the morning inspired me to keep up the momentum all day long. Can AG1 inspire a mindset shift? The correlation likely isn’t strong enough to call it fact, but after a week on the greens powder, I can confirm with confidence: The results I saw this week were enough to keep me going.
The takeaway
I still have about 20 servings left in my first shipment of AG1, and I will see it through to the end. Admittedly, a week isn’t enough time to feel the long-term benefits build up. Of course, the price point marks a steep barrier to entry, and as many nutritionists will confirm, you don’t need a fancy supplement to meet your daily requirements for vitamins and minerals. But with the positive results I experienced, I can confirm that it’s worth the hype.
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As someone looking to improve their eating habits, I’m glad I tried AG1. Ultimately, this is a convenient product that played into my brain’s positive reward centers—and that’s not a bad thing! The routine of prepping AG1 each morning before breakfast (or as a part of my morning meal) signaled that I was doing something good for my body. It helped set the foundation for those habits to continue throughout the day. A transformed perspective and more energy? That’s what we like to call a win-win.
Staying hydrated is essential for our skin, digestion, hormone balance, sleep quality, and mood–you name it. “The body needs to be hydrated to function at its best,” explained Bridgitte Mallinson, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian and Founder and CEO ofGutPersonal. “This means that our essential systems, such as our circulation, rely on hydration to perform well. When we are not hydrated, we can have symptoms like poor sleep, low energy, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, constipation, headaches, and dizziness.” It’s no wonder#WaterTok is a thing and TikTokers are creating and sharing water “recipes” with syrups and powders to make drinking water more appealing while making hydration look cool AF. Call it extra, but the 360 million views speak for themselves.
Whether we blame our busy lives, forgetfulness, or lack of motivation, we often fall short of our hydration goals. It’s no joke—according to a recent CivicScience poll, almost half (47%) of U.S. adults consume far below the recommended amount. Just how much water should we be drinking, and how can we ensure we’re drinking plenty of water on the reg? Ahead, dietitians spill their best tips for how to stay hydrated. Step 1: Grab your reusable water bottle, and let’s dive into Hydration 101.
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How much water should we be drinking daily?
It’s a tale as old as time that most of us have ingrained: Drink eight glasses of water per day. It turns out the eight-glasses-a-day age-old myth stems from a 1945 recommendation from the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council that suggested adults consume about 64 ounces of water daily, including from all their foods and beverages, which was misinterpreted as eight cups of water. Translation: That old-school rule is not rooted in science.
Based on new research, our water needs are individualized and depend on factors like age, sex, size, physical activity levels, and the climate that we live in. If you’re looking for a baseline, Mallinson stated that the general rule of thumb is to drink half of your body weight (in pounds) in ounces of water. “For example, if you weigh 140 pounds, you should drink at least 70 ounces of water every day. Most people tend to need more, especially if you struggle with constipation, eat a diet high in processed foods, live in warmer climates, or are physically active.”
Primp tip: Listen to your thirst cues to prevent dehydration and pay attention to your urine color as an indicator of hydration. “Pale yellow urine generally indicates proper hydration, while dark yellow or amber-colored urine may suggest dehydration,” conveyed Taylor Osbaldeston, a registered holistic nutritionist forDurand Health Group. “Aim for lighter-colored urine as a guide for maintaining adequate hydration.” While urine isn’t the sexiest topic, pretty cool how your body is always telling you what it needs, huh?
While this may seem like an obvious hack, Bianca Tamburello, RDN, a registered dietitian for FRESH Communications and Azuluna Foods, expressed that investing in a water bottle that will get you excited and motivate you can make or break your hydration goals. “Should it be insulated, include a straw, or fit in your car’s cup holder? Think about what your perfect water bottle should look like and choose your favorite.” Having water readily available at all times—whether you’re at your desk or out and about—will serve as a gentle nudge to consistently drink up.
Start your morning with a glass of water (yes, before yourcup of joe). And if you’re in the mood to up the ante, add some lemon to rev up your digestion (think: get things moving). It doesn’t hurt that the citrus-spiked beverage adds some pizazz to plain ol’ water, not to mention supports glowing skin.
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Once you’ve given your body a hydration boost first thing in the morning, set small goals to drink a defined amount of water and schedule regular hydration breaks throughout the day. “Utilize reminders or smartphone apps to establish regular intervals for water consumption, aiming for a goal every hour,” Osbaldeston suggested. “Divide your total water intake target evenly across your waking hours to ensure consistent hydration throughout the day. This approach helps you stay on track and maintain a steady intake of water.” Consider apps like Waterlogged or WaterMinder your accountability partner that can help you set goals, send you friendly reminders, and track your daily intake.
Incorporate water-rich foods into your diet
While H2O is the go-to choice for meeting your daily hydration needs, there are foods high in water content that you can also reach for to give you a leg up. Your body typically gets about 20% of the water it needs from the foods you eat throughout the day while the remaining 80% usually comes from drinking. In other words, don’t skimp on that 20%. “The foods highest in water content include cucumber, lettuce, celery, radishes, tomatoes, zucchini, and strawberries,” Mallinson indicated. Throw together a veggie stir-fry or blend up a fruit and veggie smoothie to get in extra hydration. Foods packed with water can’t replace drinking water altogether, but adding them to the mix is a surefire way to give your body vitamins, minerals, and fiber while boosting your daily water intake.
Add electrolytes and flavor to your water
Water alone can’t lead to optimal hydration. The body requires electrolytes to absorb the water. “Amplify your hydration with electrolytes,” Mallinson prescribed. “Minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium help get hydration into your cells.” Osbaldeston is also a fan of the supplement: “Add electrolytes to your water to replenish essential minerals lost through sweating and aid in maintaining proper hydration levels during physical activity or hot weather.” Instead of guzzling water with sugary additives (looking at you, #WaterTok), add flavor to your water while optimizing hydration with electrolyte packets (just beware of sugary options with a ton of additives), or for a (basically) free version, add a pinch of sea salt to your water.
ICYMI,habit stacking is the way to go to create a new,healthy habit. If you want to introduce a new behavior to your routine, “stack” it onto a current task you already do to help you remember to do it, making it a more automatic habit. For example, bundle drinking water with your other to-dos, like drinking a glass while you prep your morning latte or taking a water bottle on your afternoon walk.
Another way to habit stack hydration is to pair a tall glass of water with your meals. “Always be sure to drink a glass of water with your meal,” Tamburello advised. “Drinking water helps slow the pace of eating at a meal and helps with digestion.” Side note: If consuming liquids with your food leaves you feeling bloated or with other unwanted side effects, stick to drinking them before or between meals.
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Romanticize the hydration experience
Let’s be real: Plain water isn’t exactly thrilling, but who says knocking back water has to be boring? Sip flat or sparkling water from a wine glass and add fruit ice cubes to make the experience indulgent, à la Tamburello. Freezing fruit and veggies, like strawberries, citrus slices, and cucumbers, or refreshments, like juice, tea, or coffee, into ice cubes can take your mundane cup of water from womp womp to huzzah! And, if you’re feeling extra, use ice cube trays that come in various shapes, like roses, hearts, or fruits. Since we’re prioritizing drinking more water, we might as well make it fancy.
BTW, you don’t have to be attached to just water—rotate in other hydrating beverages like decaf herbal tea, coconut water, or bone broth. Tamburello recommended bone broth since it hydrates and offers up important electrolytes to replenish calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium stores. The point is to make hydration something that you look forward to so you’re able to keep up with the habit.
Compensate for your caffeine and alcohol intake
Remember how hydration needs vary from person to person? They can also vary day to day, depending on what else you consume. Some foods and drinks are hydrating (veggies and fruit, decaffeinated tea, etc.) but some are dehydrating. “Both caffeine and alcohol have diuretic properties, which can increase urine production and contribute to fluid loss,” Osbaldeston stated. “If you consume these beverages, consider compensating by increasing your water intake to counteract their potential dehydrating effects.” On days you partake in enjoying alcohol or caffeine, don’t sweat it–just be mindful about getting in some extra hydration. You know the drill: After savoring your Starbucks afternoon pick-me-up, follow it up with a full glass of water to balance it out.
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