Lifestyle – Page 28

Inside Halle Bailey’s Fitness Routine and Nutrition Plan (Spoiler: It’s Motivating AF)

Published on June 16, 2023May 1, 2024 by LeeLeave a comment

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 and her 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 wonder Bailey 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.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRmwujHMzQx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Her Nutrition Plan

Bailey has her workout routine on lock, and how she nourishes her body is no different. Bailey follows a vegan diet, and Shirvani helped her focus 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).

@hallebailey
im so deliriously jetlagged & hungryyy lol watch me rate these vegan hotdogs ❤️#fyp
♬ original sound – halle

As for her plant-based sweet treats of choice? Cheesecake or pancakes from Crossroads 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!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRAFk0RMo4R/

Dismissing Red Flags Ruined My Life For Years— Here’s How I Now Spot Red Flags Like a Pro:

Published on June 15, 2023 by Lee1 Comment

For years, I spent hurting in relationships, workplaces, and friendships by putting up with toxic people. It caused me a lot of pain because I felt lonely and unfulfilled. One day, I had enough and left my toxic relationship and began my healing journey. During it, I learned that toxic people all have the same traits that can be identified in the very beginning.

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Here are the 5 most comment red flags I look for:

Disrespect: If the other person is consistently disrespectful or inconsiderate of your feelings, boundaries, or needs, this is a red flag. This may include things like talking down to you, belittling your ideas, or ignoring your requests.
Dishonesty: If the other person is not being honest with you, this is a red flag. This may include things like lying, withholding information, or gaslighting (manipulating you into doubting your perception of reality).
Controlling behavior: If the other person is trying to control you or your actions, this is a red flag. This may include things like telling you what to wear, who to spend time with, or how to spend your money.
Lack of accountability: If the other person is not willing to take responsibility for their actions or their mistakes, this is a red flag. This may include things like blaming others, making excuses, or denying wrongdoing.
Negativity: If the other person is consistently negative or critical, this is a red flag. This may include things like complaining, blaming, or being pessimistic.

By paying attention to these red flags, you can protect yourself from unhealthy or toxic relationships, friendships, or work environments. If you notice any of these red flags, it is important to trust your instincts and take action to protect yourself.

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Why people dismiss red flags:

Denial: People may ignore red flags in others because they do not want to believe that there is a problem or that something is wrong. This can be especially common when the red flags are related to difficult or unpleasant topics, such as addiction or abuse.
Lack of awareness: People may not recognize red flags in others because they do not have enough information or knowledge about the situation. For example, they may not know the signs of a certain mental health condition or they may not be aware of the warning signs of a toxic relationship.
Wishful thinking: People may ignore red flags in others because they are hoping that the problem will go away or that things will get better on their own. This can be especially common when the red flags are related to someone they care about, such as a friend or family member.
Fear: People may ignore red flags in others because they are afraid of the consequences of acknowledging the problem or taking action. This can be especially common when the red flags are related to something intimidating or uncertain, such as a difficult conversation or a potential confrontation.

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How to recognize red flags:

Pay attention to your instincts. If you have a gut feeling that something is not right in a relationship, friendship, or workplace, pay attention to this feeling. Your instincts are often based on unconscious cues and observations, and they can be a valuable source of information.
Notice patterns of behavior. Look for patterns of behavior that are concerning or that do not align with your values or expectations. For example, if someone is consistently disrespectful, unreliable, or dishonest, this may be a red flag.
Pay attention to how you feel. Notice how you feel when you are around the person or in the workplace. If you consistently feel anxious, uncomfortable, or drained, this may be a red flag.
Look for warning signs of abuse or manipulation. Be aware of warning signs of abuse or manipulation, such as controlling behavior, jealousy, or verbal or physical aggression. If you notice these behaviors, this is a red flag and you should seek help and support.
Write down what you feel. If you are unsure at the moment, write it down and check back on it later if it comes up again or ask someone what they think. This also ensures you don’t forget what you noticed.
Seek advice from others. If you are unsure about whether something is a red flag, consider seeking advice from others who are close to you or who have more experience in the situation. They may be able to provide a different perspective or valuable insights.

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Red flags are warning signs that indicate potential problems or issues in a relationship, friendship, or workplace. These red flags can be subtle or overt, and they can be difficult to spot, especially if you are not looking for them. But you be cautious about protecting your energy because that is the most valuable thing you have. The people around you have a profound impact on your well-being and success.

5 Minute Easy Butt Workout

Published on June 15, 2023 by Lee1 Comment

We love our quick, equipment-free workouts because we can do them without having to worry about having enough time or equipment.

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This workout is designed to help you strengthen your glutes and help you get a perkier posterior.

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It’s important to keep your glutes functioning well throughout your day because they play an important role in overall fitness.

If you want to get the most out of your glute muscles, targeting them all at once is the best way to do it.

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This will distribute the load evenly and help you maintain a healthy training schedule.

You don’t want to spend too much time on your daily routine, so this 5-minute Butt workout is perfect for you.

If you do 5-minute glute workouts every day, you may not think they have a lot of benefits, but over time, they may help your bum look better and feel better.

Now what is the workout?

Glute bridge

Butterfly bridge

Fire hydrant circles

Fire hydrant sweep

Outer glute lift

Outer thigh lift

PRIMP TIP: Do each exercise for 45 seconds and rest for 15 seconds between each move.

Everything You Need to Host the Bougie Picnic of Your Dreams This Spring

Published on April 22, 2023May 1, 2024 by LeeLeave a comment

When the weather is nice, there is a 99% chance I’m enjoying my meals outside. Whether on my patios, at a restaurant, or a park taking a break, I love eating al fresco. Even my morning coffee tastes better with a side of sunshine and fresh air. To level up my love of eating outside, one of my absolute favorite activities in the springtime is hosting picnics. I’ve had a picnic alone in the park with a book and some snacks, planned a romantic picnic date at a winery, and hosted one for friends—complete with a menu, music, and cocktails—and it never fails to be a good time.

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The best part is that a picnic is one of the easiest events to host. Requiring only minimal set-up and no-fuss refreshments, it really couldn’t be simpler. All you need is a plan so that everyone knows where to show up, when to be there, and what to expect. Read on for everything you need to have a glorious picnic outside this season.

Pick a time and place

When it comes to location, you want a place where you can enjoy the sunshine and retreat to some shade if you get too warm. A public park, the beach, or even your backyard are all great options. The next step is to pick a time, and IMO, there is no bad time of day to have a picnic. Make it a brunch, an afternoon hangout, or even a nighttime soirée that ends with s’mores and watching the sunset.

If you want to add a special activity to your picnic, you could make it a wine tasting, play croquet or giant Jenga, or have a cornhole competition. Whatever you decide, be sure to check with your local park’s rules and regulations to ensure everyone will have a fun time!

Create a chic and cozy vibe

Blankets and pillows are essential for picnic comfort. You don’t want to be sitting directly on the ground, and if you’re hosting a big group, it’s not always feasible to bring chairs for everyone.

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You’ll want to grab blankets that are designed specifically for outdoor use, meaning they’re waterproof on one or both sides. That way, your bum won’t get wet while you sit on the ground, and the material is essentially spill-proof, just in case. For pillows, be sure to bring enough outdoor cushions for each person to sit on as well as some extras, both for laying down and additional decor.

Lean into the natural aesthetic

Since you’re already outside in nature, you don’t need to go crazy with the decor. If you want your picnic to be picture-perfect, grab a bouquet of fresh blooms, bring some fancy glassware, and set out some serving trays or cutting boards to act as sturdy and aesthetically pleasing surfaces. And don’t forget a chic picnic basket to hold your refreshments. You can now find tons of different options, including traditional wicker baskets, ones with built-in charcuterie boards, cooler-style bags, and everything in between.

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Plan your picnic menu

When it comes to picnic recipes, you want the dishes to be easy to eat while sitting on the ground, quick to clean up, and, most importantly, delicious. From my experience, sharable dishes and finger foods are always winners. Here are a few no-fail options:

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Charcuterie: Charcuterie is always a crowd favorite. Curate a selection of meats, cheeses, and small snacks like nuts and olives. Remember: You’ll want about 2-3 ounces of meat and cheese per person.
Pasta salad: Pasta salad is easy to prepare and goes with just about everything at a picnic. Try option 1 or option 2 for some recipe inspo.
Caprese skewers: These skewers are another staple on my picnic menu. They’re so easy to make and delicious to eat. If you don’t like Caprese, try a version using watermelon and feta instead.
Dips with veggies or chips: Everybody loves a good dip. Pick your favorite(s) and pair them with some chips or fresh veggies.
Finger sandwiches: Slider-style sandwiches or pinwheel wraps are perfect for picnics. You can make variations like chicken salad, ham, and cheese, or Italian sandwiches.
Fruit salad: Like pasta salad, fruit salad is a picnic classic. Toss your favorite fruits together and add a drizzle of honey and lime juice for a simple and sweet treat.

Craft some cocktails (or mocktails)

Drinks at a picnic should be light and refreshing. Keep it simple with a classic lemonade, or add some fresh fruit for some seasonal flair. For something boozy, you can never go wrong with a rosé sangria, watermelon mojito, or Aperol spritz. These are great options that you can make ahead of time in a big batch for easy prep.

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There are also plenty of fun mocktail options that would be great for a picnic. To keep it simple, pick up a few bottles or cans of your favorite non-alcoholic drink.

Don’t forget the essentials

The last thing you want is to get to your picnic and realize you forgot something. Make a list of the essentials before you go, like serving utensils, plates, cups, garbage bags, napkins, ice, water, a Bluetooth speaker, portable chargers, bug repellent, hand sanitizer, and extra sunscreen. Once you have everything, you’re ready to enjoy your picnic and the beautiful springtime weather!