OSCARS 2020 | WINNERS

This portion of Awards Season comes to a close with tonight’s Oscars 2020. As usual, those names in italics are our predictions, those in bold are winners and those that bold italicized are the ones that we guessed correctly. Make sure you check out the Academy Awards show and the presentation of the Oscars on NBC on Feb 9th!

BEST PICTURE

1917
Ford v Ferrari
The Irishman
Jojo Rabbit
Joker
Little Women
Marriage Story
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Parasite

BEST ACTOR

Antonio Banderas for Pain and Glory
Leonardo DiCaprio for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Adam Driver for Marriage Story
Joaquin Phoenix for Joker
Jonathan Pryce for The Two Popes

BEST ACTRESS

Cynthia Erivo for Harriet
Scarlett Johansson for Marriage Story
Saoirse Ronan for Little Women
Charlize Theron for Bombshell
Renée Zellweger for Judy

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Tom Hanks for A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Anthony Hopkins for The Two Popes
Al Pacino for The Irishman
Joe Pesci for The Irishman
Brad Pitt for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Kathy Bates for Richard Jewell
Laura Dern for Marriage Story
Scarlett Johansson for Jojo Rabbit
Florence Pugh for Little Women
Margot Robbie for Bombshell

BEST DIRECTOR

Martin Scorsese for The Irishman
Todd Phillips for Joker
Sam Mendes for 1917
Quentin Tarantino for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Bong Joon-ho for Parasite

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Knives Out
Marriage Story
1917
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Parasite

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

The Irishman
Jojo Rabbit
Joker
Little Women
The Two Popes

BEST FILM EDITING

Ford v Ferrari
The Irishman
Jojo Rabbit
Joker
Parasite

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

1917
Avengers: Endgame
The Irishman

The Lion King
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

1917
The Irishman
Joker
The Lighthouse
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

1917
The Irishman
Jojo Rabbit
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Parasite

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

The Irishman
Jojo Rabbit
Joker
Little Women
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING

1917
Bombshell
Joker
Judy
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE

1917 (Thomas Newman)
Joker (Hildur Guðnadóttir)
Little Women (Alexandre Desplat)
Marriage Story (Randy Newman)
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (John Williams)

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

"I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away" from Toy Story 4
"(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" from Rocketman
"I'm Standing With You" from Breakthrough
"Into the Unknown" from Frozen II
"Stand Up" from Harriet

BEST SOUND EDITING

1917
Ford v Ferrari
Joker
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

BEST SOUND MIXING

1917
Ad Astra
Ford v Ferrari
Joker
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
I Lost My Body
Klaus
Missing Link
Toy Story 4

BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM

Dcera (Daughter)
Hair Love
Kitbull
Sister

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

American Factory
The Cave
The Edge of Democracy
For Sama
Honeyland

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT

In the Absence
Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl)
Life Overtakes Me
St. Louis Superman
Walk Run Cha-Cha

BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM

Corpus Christi (Poland)
Honeyland (North Macedonia)
Les Misérables (France)
Pain and Glory (Spain)
Parasite (South Korea)

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM

Brotherhood
Nefta Football Club
The Neighbors' Window
Saria
A Sister

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5 REASONS WHY ARCHERY IS BETTER THAN OTHER SOLO SPORTS

Many high schools offer a physical education class in solo sports. Individual or solo sports include things like golf, weight lifting, cycling, skiing, bowling, and archery. Some people consider an individual sport anything that isn't played as a team, such as singles tennis et al. Of all the individual sports, archery has a number of advantages.

Archery has played an important role in world history. Some form of the bow and arrow has existed almost as long as human beings have walked on the earth. A number of ancient civilizations used the bow and arrow as their primary weapon. It also has been used for hunting even to the present day. There are a number of designs to the bow. One of which is the recurve bow. Nowadays, there are still some of the archers who are interested in keeping up the tradition and use a vintage recurve bow rather than the ones with a newer design. This type of bow even features in archery competitions. Often, archery is a person's first or early introduction to solo or individual sports. But what makes it better than other solo sports?

1) Archery Can Be Done By Anyone

Anyone with relatively good health can participate in archery. Even for people with disabilities, archery can be more accessible than some of the other solo sports. It also is accessible to people of almost any age. Of the available bows for archery, Bows come in a variety of draw weights, and draw weight for anyone can be found. Other bows people use in archery include the longbow, the compound bow or even crossbows.

2) Archery Builds Confidence

Archery helps a person build confidence in their abilities. Other solo sports also build confidence in a person, but arguably archery can do this faster and create a sense of accomplishment as physical and mental abilities grow. It's a great feeling when the arrow releases and hits the target in the bullseye.

3) Archery Helps Physical Development

Every solo sport requires physical development, but archery, in particular, develops the upper body. Many muscle groups are involved in the arms, chest, and back. In some ways, archery provides better strength training than weight lifting.

4) Archery Is Relatively Inexpensive

A person can participate in archery without a lot of costs. Good bows are relatively inexpensive. Target arrows also can be inexpensive. As with any sport, expensive equipment can be purchased, but it isn't necessary to spend a lot of money to begin archery. Also, a number of communities even have public access targets for archery. These are free to use.

5) Archery Can Be Practiced Year Round

Archery doesn't have a "season" and can be done year-round. Archery also can be practiced indoors or outdoors. Several sporting stores that sell archery equipment also have indoor archery ranges, where the customer can try new equipment or even do a little target practice. Outdoor practice is easy and even has the potential for safe backyard target practice.

Archery has many other positive qualities. People can join archery teams or clubs and meet with people who share similar interests. Some high schools and colleges even have archery teams. Archery is a good sport for target practice, but it also can branch out into hunting activities, including fishing. People involved in archery often become good at guessing distances and are able to identify how many yards an object is away. It also connects a person to a time-honored activity, going back thousands of years. Archery is a great way to strengthen the mind and body while enjoying a solo sport.

HOW TO CHOOSE A BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

The world of advertising and social media has brought physicians' names to the public continuingly. Years ago, if a doctor called him/herself a cosmetic surgeon, the patient knew precisely what that term meant.  Doctors in various sub-specialties such as dermatologists, gynecologists, ophthalmologists, and even dentists are performing cosmetic surgery procedures.  This can leave prospective patients utterly confused about how to find the best and most qualified surgeons. But how, wonders Dr. Manish Shah who is an Ivy League educated Board-certified Plastic Surgeon in Denver, "is a prospective patient to know who is a diligent, excellent, caring physician and who is a charlatan?" Dr. Shah wants to disseminate information the public can use and heed as caution when selecting a cosmetic surgeon in a country now brimming with doctors who call themselves "cosmetic surgeons."

"Public law and policy do not necessarily protect us from unreasonable and untrue claims," says Dr. Shah.  "A physician needs to be licensed in medicine -- which means earning a recognized medical degree, From that point, he or she can hang out a shingle in any specialty he/she chooses; the state does not control what area of medicine he/she practices or which type of specialist they claim unless there are complaints and they are brought before the Office of Professional Medical Conduct. Often, by then, it is too late." 

What can we look for before placing ourselves under a physician's care to ascertain the qualities and qualifications of that physician?  There are four basic areas that must be investigated to determine the qualifications of physicians. These are: a physician's training; a physician's certification; a physician's associations; and a physician's attitude toward his or her patients and the medical community at large.

"A physician should have and be willing to provide evidence that he or she has trained in the area of their expertise," says Dr. Shah.  "For example, patients want to locate a plastic surgeon who trained in plastic surgery, which means a post-surgical residency fellowship in the sub-specialty.  Each residency or fellowship program gives a certificate certifying the dates of service as well as the hospital and department in which the physician trained."  Physicians are usually quite proud of their achievements and keep these and many other framed diplomas in their offices.  If they are not available, then at least a curriculum vitae or a brochure describing a doctor's training should be available and should be carefully examined by the patient.  "If a physician is either unable or unwilling to disclose this information, it becomes a clear issue of 'medical consumer beware,' says Dr. Shah.

After training in their chosen field, each medical or surgical sub-specialty has a certifying board that is approved by the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS).  After spending the requisite number of years training, a physician has to take an examination in order to be certified.  After being certified, a surgeon often applies to the American College of Surgeons for a fellowship.  These credentials can be checked in libraries, hospital libraries, and online.

"For example, The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is not approved by the American Board of Medical Specialists and neither are a host of other so-called 'boards,' advises Dr. Shah, who is board-certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery which is the only plastic surgery board recognized by the ABMS.  A gynecologist, ENT or general surgeon may be an exquisitely trained physician--but if they did cosmetic surgery, where did they learn to do it?  Was it on-the-job training, or an online or weekend course? How often do they go for a refresher course?  Are they affiliated with a certified hospital in case of an emergency? "

Dr. Shah advises the would-be medical consumer "not to be impressed by a P.C. after the physician's name--it only means that they are incorporated. Jane Doe, M.D., F.A.C.S.', on the other hand, actually tells one something about the qualifications of the physician." It means, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons) It indicates to the patient that the surgeon has passed a thorough evaluation of both professional competence and ethical fitness.

If patients are still confused, Dr. Shah advises them, "check a third area: A physician's associations and affiliations.  If a physician is on the staff at a well-respected local teaching hospital in the department that is appropriate to their qualifications, then patients at least know that his or her qualifications have been appropriately researched by the hospital's committees and should, therefore, be valid and current.  "Today, however, because of skyrocketing hospital costs, the trend is toward more out-patient surgery and care," says Dr. Shah.  "Because of this, physicians have moved further away from the hospital.  This may be good for the patient from a cost standpoint, but a well-qualified physician--especially a surgeon--should maintain a relationship with a hospital just in case there is a problem with a patient that requires hospitalization."   Dr. Shah further advises patients to remember that, "when a physician is outside of an institutional setting, there is no quality control or peer review other than what the physician sets for himself."

Patients must look into many areas of a physician's training, especially certification, association, and personality prior to allowing a medical professional to manage their health care.  "If you do your homework well," says Dr. Shah, "you should end up with a compassionate well-trained competent physician with whom you feel totally at ease and in whom you have the utmost confidence."

Check if your plastic surgeon is board-certified

Since 1937, the ABPS has issued 9,499 certificates to plastic surgeons who met high standards in training requirements and successfully passed the examinations covering the breadth of Plastic Surgery. Approximately 6,900 are actively practicing.

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DISCOVER THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF MYKONOS LUXURY LIVING

There is so much to enjoy while you are on vacation in Mykonos. Some of them are obvious and easy to find – like beautiful beaches, wild parties and entertainment venues. Some others need a little more information gathering – like the 3 ones that follow. The more you are informed about them the best prices and service you can achieve, so let’s see what hidden treasures Mykonos has to offer!

-          Extraordinary villas

There is a huge number of Mykonos villa rentals available and you only have to choose the perfect one that suits you. Some of the parameters you should have in mind while searching for your dreamy villa in Mykonos are:

Capacity: Some of the luxury villas in Mykonos can host more than 30 guests. But obviously, if you are traveling as a couple or with a small group you will not need that much space.

Orientation / View: The best villas are facing to the west, as the sunset in Mykonos is spectacular. The best views are those including the ocean. But again you will find a variety of orientations and views and you can choose the best one according to your likes.

Amenities / Services: Most private Mykonos villas offer VIP class amenities and services but it is better if you check with the rental agency before you book one. Usually, villas come with private pools, Jacuzzis, spacious bedrooms, bathrooms and balconies, gardens, stylish decoration and latest technology equipment.

-          Amazing concierge services

What would be an utmost luxury holiday without a genie, ready to fulfill all your requests? In Mykonos this genie exists and is called “concierge services agency”.

There are many agencies on the island offering a wide range of concierge services and the quality is really at the highest level. The concept is to make every human feel like a king or queen while spending a few days in this piece of Paradise called Mykonos.

Some of the concierge services you can find in Mykonos are:

·       Private Yacht Rentals with experienced skipper and staff

·       Luxury Car Rentals with or without a driver

·       Heli – Lear Jet Rentals

·       Private Tours

·       Private Butler / Chef / Babysitter / Bodyguard Hiring

·       Events Planning – such as weddings or private parties

·       Personal Trainer / Yoga Constructor / Spa Therapist at your room or villa

·       Personalized Shopping

·       Sun Loungers at famous beach bar Reservations

·       VIP Table Reservations at the best restaurants in Mykonos

·       VIP Tickets to the most popular night clubs

So you just have to check which services an agency offers and make the proper reservations, as soon as you book your accommodation and transportation to the island.

-          Gourmet flavors out of this world

Another thing Mykonos has become famous about is the plethora of great gourmet restaurants. Many international chefs have created their own space here, offering delicious, exotic dishes to their guests. You can find a lot of gourmet restaurants in Mykonos Town but there are also some near the most beautiful beaches all around the island.

In Mykonos Town, some of the best fine dining venues are:

·       Nobu Matsuhisa, one of the best places for sushi, located at Hotel Belvedere facilities

·       Interni, at the center of the city, offering fusion cuisine

·       Kalita at Fresh Hotel facilities

·       Ling Ling Hakkasan with oriental dishes and Cantonese decoration

·       Kiku at Hotel Cavo Tagoo – another great place for sushi

·       Sea Satin, with Mediterranean cuisine and delicious fresh fish dishes, located just under the Windmills

At the island’s beach gourmet restaurants you can enjoy a perfect meal with extraordinary dishes, an elegant environment and the refreshing sea breeze:

·       Scorpios at Paranga Beach

·       Nammos at Psarou Beach

·       Buddha Bar at Ornos Beach

·       Principote at Panormos Beach

HOW TO IMPROVE ON YOUR BASKETBALL SKILLS

How many times have you seen pro basketball players and wished you were just as good as they are? Countless times I believe. The truth is, wishing doesn't get anything done. You have got to take steps to improve your game. The likes of Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Kobe Bryant and all the superstars on the court didn’t acquire those skills overnight; they had to work hard to master their craft. They don’t have two heads, neither do they have more than two hands. They learned to develop their skills with workout and training and that’s the same thing you need to do. 

There is no surefire way on how you can improve your basketball game and take it to the next level other than giving the game time. Practice, they say, makes perfect. If you keep at it, you will get there. 

Quickly, let's take a look at some tips on how you can take your game to the next level.

1.   Hard Work

You know it's easy to think that the game is not as hard as it is portrayed, but then you would be fooling yourself. Each time you get on the court, there are probably 9 other guys who are more determined than you are. They probably have more skills and more strength. They have what it takes to beat you every time. So how do you match them? You don’t have control over what they have but you have control over you and what you got is hard work and resilience. You have got to compensate for what you lack in skill and strength with hard work. Hard work always pays off. Get off your butt early in the morning. Workout late at night. Keep doing it for weeks, months and years. It may take time but it will eventually pay off. Ask the star players, they will tell you that they are out there on the court alone for hours each day learning new skills when every other person is lounging away. If you work harder than your opponents, there is no way you won’t be able to beat them on the court one day. It may not happen immediately but slowly and surely, your star will shine.

2.   Don’t Ignore the Little Things

Most basketball players who want to be great, focus only on the big things like making 3 pointers but it’s not all about that. Making the baskets is just a result of many other seemingly little things like footwork, form, workouts, the kinds of food you eat, etc. It will be easier for you to shoot, make the baskets and dribble when you have paid attention to the little things. It is pretty much like you can’t grow tall if your roots are not properly planted into the ground. So while you are working hard, do not ignore the little things. You will be sure to level up your skills in no time.  

Another thing you should not ignore is practicing your shooting skills, there are many basketball hoops out there in the market, but an adjustable hoop will for sure give you a challenge. If you want to try these adjustable basketball hoops then investing in one will be a great idea. Buying a basketball hoop, especially if you manage to get yourself the right one, will provide tons of fun for you and your family and the more you play, the better you become. However, whenever you are choosing a basketball hoop, you must ensure such a hoop is well suited for your family’s needs. 

3.   Trust the Process

It’s sad to see aspiring basketball superstars giving and bailing out on the process because they are not reaching their goals as fast as they would want to. Consistency is what pays off. Time is not in your power to control, but you can keep working hard while waiting. No one may be seeing all your hard work at the moment but very soon, your light will shine. Keep training and perfecting your skills. Keep building your confidence. Keep building your resilience. When you have injuries, don’t think the world has come to an end, pick yourself back up and get at it again. This time, put your entire mind into it and keep trusting the process. Eventually, the process will always deliver and your name will be the talk of the town. 

4.   Take Time to Ask for Help

There are some things you may not understand all by yourself, there are things that may be beyond your comprehension of the court. Do not be shy to ask for help, if you want to know how it is done. One of the biggest reasons players fail is because of pride. Just because you can do 3 pointers and dunks doesn’t make you a superstar yet. You have got to be able to replicate the same results and exceed your best each time and you might not arrive there if you are too proud to ask for help. Asking for help will not reduce you in any way; rather you learn and get better.

5.   Break Your Records

There are going to be bad days when you fall short of your expectations. There are also going to be days when you are invincible. Such days when you have a game, don’t settle. If you can do an alley-oop or Down and Back sprints in 5 seconds, don’t settle for 8 seconds and be cool with it. Find time to improve yourself each time. This is what makes a basketball superstar. Find ways to improve your basketball game and take it to the next level each time you are on the court and never settle for less, when you can improve on yourself.

You must come to terms with the fact that practice makes perfect. You need to put in the extra work, if you want to become the next basketball superstar. Watch as many videos as you can, listen to the pros and take the opportunity to make use of these skills during your games.  

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THE ROAD TO TOKYO 2020 | NIKE UNVEILS OLYMPIC UNIFORMS

Last week, Nike unveiled a series of uniforms that we will see during this year’s 2020 Olympic Summer Games in Tokyo, Japan. Above are a number of sports that are represented in the US as well as additional countries that include Brazil. Since the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy, US athletes on the podium have worn the brand which showcases a collection of high-performance apparel to footwear (including a soccer cleat made with 3-D printed materials and running spikes optimized for short-distance sprinting). This includes when they’re on the podium as well as when they’re competing in a number of events that include track and field, soccer, speed skating etc. The Nike kit will continue to be worn especially with the deal inked last year that will go through the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. This year, you’ll see the brand’s worn by athletes that are competing in track and field, basketball, soccer and skateboarding. The uniforms take into account that the weather in Tokyo in August will be extremely muggy and humidity as opposed to the 78 degree temperatures in Rio. In addition, sustainability has been something that has been of great importance since the 2000 Olympic Summer Games in Sydney, Australia. Below are some of the uniforms for the US, Brazil and France.

TEAM USA | Podium Outfits

TEAM USA | Skateboarding

TEAM USA | Track & Field

TEAM USA | Global Football

TEAM USA | Basketball

TEAM BRAZIL | Skateboarding

TEAM FRANCE | Skateboarding

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BENEFITS OF EATING A HIGH-PROTEIN LUNCH

While there is a lot of controversy surrounding fats and carbohydrates, most people agree that protein is a highly important part of the diet. There are numerous health benefits associated with consuming a high-protein diet, from increased muscle mass to lowering the blood pressure.

Let’s take a look at more reasons why you need to consume a high-protein lunch:

1. More Muscle Mass and Less Fat

Proteins are the building blocks of our bodies. Thus, consuming a protein-rich diet helps maintain your current muscle mass. Furthermore, when you incorporate strength training into your routine, the protein will consequently help increase muscle mass.

Secondly, people who want to shed some fat but do not want to lose muscle can benefit from eating a high-protein diet.

For physically active people, protein is a crucial part of their diet as it helps in tissue repair and recovery.

2. Lowers Your Appetite

Everybody knows that we need fats, carbs, and protein in our diet. Of these three macronutrients, protein tends to be the most filling and the most satisfying.

There are two main reasons why you feel full quicker after eating a high protein lunch. Firstly, protein lowers the production of ghrelin, which is the hunger hormone, while simultaneously increasing the production of peptide YY, which makes you feel full.

Studies have shown that by increasing the protein intake, people feel full faster for longer, causing them to consume less food through the course of the day. Therefore, if you are planning on losing some weight around your midsection, consider replacing those potatoes with fish or bacon.

3. Higher Metabolism and More Fat Burning

The food we consume has a thermic effect. This is where our body's metabolism increases for a short time as the body burns energy for digestion.

That said, different types of food have different thermic effects. Between the macronutrients, protein has the highest thermic effect at up to 35%. Compare this to fat or carbs, which can have anywhere between 5% and 15%.

In fact, research shows that you can burn as much as a hundred calories a day only through eating a high-protein diet. Other studies have even shown that people can lose up to 260 calories a day. This is equivalent to an hour's training.

4. Healthier Bone Structure

There is the misconception that protein causes weaker bones. The idea stems from the belief that too much protein, especially from animals, results in a high acid load to the body. Consequently, this causes calcium to leak from the bones to neutralize the acid.

However, more recent studies have proven that people who consume a high-protein diet develop much healthier bones. Furthermore, they significantly reduce the chances of fractures or osteoporosis when they get older. Check out why organic meat is the future of protein.

Women are especially prone to osteoporosis after they hit menopause. Therefore, it is important to at least consume a high-protein lunch.

5. Lowers Blood Pressure

Are you concerned about your blood pressure skyrocketing after eating a high-protein lunch? Don’t be! Research shows that high levels of protein in our diet lowers both the systolic and diastolic blood pressures by 1.76mm and 1.15mm respectively.

Furthermore, a high-protein diet will also lower triglycerides, as well as the bad cholesterol low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

High blood pressure causes heart disease, kidney problems, and stroke. Therefore, consuming a high-protein lunch regularly can help reduce the likelihood of developing these health issues.

6. Not Harmful to Kidneys

Contrary to popular belief, more protein in your diet doesn’t cause your kidneys to overwork, resulting in damage.

Granted, people with existing kidney issues should avoid too much protein as the situation can quickly become life-threatening. On the other hand, studies have shown that people with healthy kidneys need not worry about consuming a high-protein meal.

In fact, they can reap many health benefits associated with a high-protein diet.

7. Helps in the Healing Process After an Injury

You can speed up your body’s recovery with a high-protein diet. This is not surprising as proteins form the building blocks of our muscles and tissues.

8. Stay Strong as You Grow Older

Our muscles naturally become weaker as we grow older. Consequently, a leading cause of reduced quality of life is sarcopenia. It is associated with frailty, including weak bones that fracture easily.

The simplest way to reduce muscle and bone loss is with a high-protein diet. This, combined with physical activity, can slow down and even build more muscle mass as you get older. Consider adding high protein plant-based foods to your diet. 

9. Reduces Late-Night Cravings

You might think those late-night cravings are caused by hunger. However, they are more about providing satisfaction to your brain in the middle of the night.

Late-night eating causes us to consume more calories than we need, resulting in weight and fat gain. Consequently, it becomes extremely difficult to lose body fat.

A high-protein lunch will keep you full for the rest of the day. Moreover, it is shown to significantly reduce cravings in teenage girls who are overweight. A study done on men showed that increasing the amount of protein consumed reduced the rate of late-night cravings by up to 60%.

10. Helps You Maintain a Low Weight

We’ve already seen that a high-protein diet increases the metabolism of our bodies while simultaneously causing us to feel fuller for longer. Consequently, we consume less throughout the day, resulting in weight loss.

However, while losing weight is one thing, keeping the weight down is a whole different challenge in itself. Research has also shown that increasing the amount of protein consumed by just 15% is enough to prevent further weight gain.

Conclusion

There is no denying that protein is an important part of our diet. However, many people are not aware of the many proven health benefits of following a high-protein diet. If your food mostly consists of fats and carbs, perhaps it is time you started cooking and regularly consuming a high-protein lunch.

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THE BACHELOR S24. E6. | DRAMA FINDS THEM IN CHILE

If you have yet to check out this week’s episode, stop reading this and catch it on your DVR or On Demand as below we have spoilers! If you have watched it or just enjoy reading recaps, then continue on!

Tonight’s episode kicks off in Chile! The girls toast to leaving the drama behind and focusing on their relationships. Of course, everyone begins talking about MyKenna making a mini party to force time with Peter. She defends her decision and the girls find out that Hannah Ann gets a 1-on-1. Tensions are high as the girls wish her well on her date - Hannah Ann gets her rose.

Hands down, this was one of our favorite group dates - the Novella that seemed to be never-ending! It’s interesting that whether you’re a die-hard soap opera fan or not, people have a soft spot for them even if it’s a memory of watching it with a family member! As they enjoy the cocktail party, Peter ends up sending Victoria P home - which was a bit of a shock as he bluntly stated that he didn’t see her as his wife. Although we totally get it, maybe he shouldn’t have let her sit on his lap as that seemed a bit awkward. In the beginning of The Bachelor, Tammy was someone that we liked; however, over the past few weeks, she definitely has been on a mission to belittle the other contestants. Her focus should be on Peter as opposed to the other girls. Picking on the other women is definitely a strategic position for her - we can only imagine who her next target will be.

From the group date, Peter goes on a second 1-on-1 date with Victoria F. On their last 1-on-1 date, her ex Chris Rice serenaded them which made it a bit awkward. So on date number 2, at least they’re riding horses in Chile and being low key. This particular relationship has been such an issue to us due to a lot of things that have come up about Victoria F’s modeling career. Interestingly enough, her date begins to bring up red flags which also makes us think of other things we have heard in terms of her dating life prior to the show. Her behavior at the dinner was questionable at best; however, Peter still gives her a rose even though he admits that this is the first time he has given one with doubt on his mind!

As the girls get ready for the cocktail party, Peter requests a 2-on-1 with MyKenna and Tammy - which means that someone is going home. Although we feel that both of these women are annoying, this pair has been an odd mix. Tammy seems to be unhinged and there’s a point where filling Peter in on all the details that are going on in the house, needs to be tempered. There’s a fine line between being informative and being a tattle tale. Tammy is sent home (MyKenna is not given a rose at this time, but is able to go to the cocktail party) and he continues with the cocktail party to find out more about the other women. He chats with Natasha, Sydney, Kelsey and Victoria F (although she has a rose already).

Going into the rose ceremony, Hannah Ann, Madison and Victoria F have their roses. 3 additional roses are up for grabs - 2 additional people will be heading home. Kelsey, Natasha and Kelley receives a rose. We’re seriously shocked that Sydney didn’t receive one - we’ll hold out hope that she comes back maybe? After all the drama, they’re jetting off to Lima, Peru.

As always, every episode of ABC’s The Bachelor is tweeted by (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to give their commentary on what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns if we were choosing right now! We will also say who we think should take it all.

We also suggest a podcast that we’re obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) who continues to provide more scoop on what’s going on and what they anticipate happening in the next episode!

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LAST EPISODE

On Monday’s episode, we felt that Sydney, Natasha, Madison and Hannah Ann would make it to Hometowns. We also felt that Sydney would ultimately be the winner.

WEEK 5 (2nd of 2 episodes this week)

We’re convinced that every week is going to have an issue. With that said, we still see Hannah Ann, Madison, Natasha and Kelley heading to Hometowns with Peter. This week, we think he will choose Madison.

.

OUR HOMETOWN PICKS

HANNAH ANN

KELLEY

MADISON

NATASHA

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ALAYAH, 24 - Miss Texas 2019; San Antonio, TX

ALEXA, 27 - Esthetician; Chicago, IL

AVONLEA, 27 - Cattle Rancher; Fort Worth, TX

COURTNEY, 26 - COSMETOLOGIST; Venice, FL

DEANDRA, 23 - Home Care Coord; Plano, TX

EUNICE, 23 - Flight Attendant; Chicago, IL

HANNAH ANN, 23 - Model; Knoxville, TN

JADE, 26 - Flight Attendant; Mesa, AZ

JASMINE, 25 - Client Relations Mgr; Houston, TX

JENNA, 22 - Nursing Student; New Lennox, IL

KATRINA, 28 - Pro Sports Dancer; Chicago, IL

KELLEY, 27 - Attorney; Chicago, IL

KELSEY, 28 - Professional Clothier; Des Moines, IA

KIARRA, 23 - Nanny; Kennesaw, GA

KYLIE, 26 - Ent Sales Assoc; Santa Monica, CA

LAUREN, 26 - Marketing Executive; Glendale, CA

LEXI, 26 - Marketing Coordinator; NY, NY

MADISON, 23 - Foster Parent Recruiter; Auburn, AL

MAURISSA, 23 - Patient Care Coord; Atlanta, GA

MEGAN, 26 - Flight Attendant; San Francisco, CA

MYKENNA, 22 - Fashion Blogger; Langley, British Columbia, Canada

NATASHA, 31 - Event Planner; NY, NY

PAYTON, 23 - Biz Dev Rep; Wellesley, MA

SARAH, 24 - Medical Radiographer; Knoxville, TN

SAVANNAH, 27 - Realtor; Houston, TX

SHIANN, 27 - Admin Asst; Las Vegas, NV

SYDNEY, 24 - Retail Mktg Mgr; Birmingham, AL

TAMMY, 24 - House Flipper; Syracuse, NY

VICTORIA F., 25 - Med Sales Rep; Virgina Beach, VA

VICTORIA P., Nurse; Alexandria, LA

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELOR S24. E5. | THE DRAMA HITS THE FAN

If you have yet to check out this week’s episode, stop reading this and catch it on your DVR or On Demand as below we have spoilers! If you have watched it or just enjoy reading recaps, then continue on!

Week five begins with the continuation of the drama that took place at the end of last week’s episode! Alayah was given a rose, but then it was time for him to send her home. It’s kind of strange for him to invite her and then to send her home - especially since he said that he did like her. Either way, there was a lot of humble pie served his way and we walked away loving Natasha even more then we could have imagined as she always tells it like it is!

The rose ceremony at the beginning of the night sees Alayah, Deandra, Kiarra and Savannah leaving. He announces that they will be heading to Costa Rica. With hopes of being able to leave the drama behind, it seems like it could be a clean slate (which is obviously wishful thinking).

Sydney gets the first 1-on-1 date in Costa Rica with Peter and it was great getting to know a little more about someone who we feel is mysterious in the best way possible. Hearing her back story really makes us like her even more. Back at the house, the girls are seriously freaking out about how they can stand apart from one another so that he can get to know them.

Tammy makes a good point when attempting to talk to Kelsey about the fact that as much as it’s crazy, they signed up for this. Apparently this truth kernel fell on deaf ears. We continue to the group date where the ladies have the chance to be on the cover for Cosmopolitan Magazine. They will also get to shoot with him - that can’t be drama waiting to happen. The women and Peter find out that they will be able to do a feature shoot in Cosmopolitan’s March Issue. The winner who brings it the most will be able to win a digital cover with Peter. Of course Kelsey who is on the date is upset about how the girls interact with them. Victoria F wins this; however, as many know now, due to Victoria F’s modeling with a highly problematic site, Cosmo announced that they were pulling Cosmopolitan’s Digital Cover as she was the winner.

The new drama exists between Tammy and Kelsey which is bound to suck everyone into yet another round of feelings. Peter takes Kelley on a 1-on-1 date to find out more about her. Although he was intrigued as they met at a mutual venue weeks before filming, he wants to make sure that she is a fit as he isn’t as connected to her as he would like to be due to her reserved nature. Ultimately, Peter gives Kelley a rose.

The rose ceremony becomes another dramatic time as there is no cocktail party and they go straight into selections. With the next round of women selected, we can’t wait until this Wed’s show.

As always, every episode of ABC’s The Bachelor is tweeted by (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to give their commentary on what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns if we were choosing right now! We will also say who we think should take it all.

We also suggest a podcast that we’re obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) who continues to provide more scoop on what’s going on and what they anticipate happening in the next episode!

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LAST WEEK’S EPISODE

Since there wasn’t a rose ceremony last week, we will continue with our picks: Hannah Ann, Madison, Sydney and Victoria P. We thought Victoria P. would ultimately win The Bachelor’s heart.

WEEK 5 (1st of 2 episodes this week)

This week shows that the drama will continue throughout Peter’s season without a doubt! We’re still loving our faves that include Sydney, Hannah Ann, Madison and we’re bringing Natasha back into the fold as we liked his heart to heart with her. Sydney will definitely go all the way.

OUR HOMETOWN PICKS

HANNAH ANN

MADISON

NATASHA

SYDNEY

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ALAYAH, 24 - Miss Texas 2019; San Antonio, TX

ALEXA, 27 - Esthetician; Chicago, IL

AVONLEA, 27 - Cattle Rancher; Fort Worth, TX

COURTNEY, 26 - COSMETOLOGIST; Venice, FL

DEANDRA, 23 - Home Care Coord; Plano, TX

EUNICE, 23 - Flight Attendant; Chicago, IL

HANNAH ANN, 23 - Model; Knoxville, TN

JADE, 26 - Flight Attendant; Mesa, AZ

JASMINE, 25 - Client Relations Mgr; Houston, TX

JENNA, 22 - Nursing Student; New Lennox, IL

KATRINA, 28 - Pro Sports Dancer; Chicago, IL

KELLEY, 27 - Attorney; Chicago, IL

KELSEY, 28 - Professional Clothier; Des Moines, IA

KIARRA, 23 - Nanny; Kennesaw, GA

KYLIE, 26 - Ent Sales Assoc; Santa Monica, CA

LAUREN, 26 - Marketing Executive; Glendale, CA

LEXI, 26 - Marketing Coordinator; NY, NY

MADISON, 23 - Foster Parent Recruiter; Auburn, AL

MAURISSA, 23 - Patient Care Coord; Atlanta, GA

MEGAN, 26 - Flight Attendant; San Francisco, CA

MYKENNA, 22 - Fashion Blogger; Langley, British Colmbia, Canada

NATASHA, 31 - Event Planner; NY, NY

PAYTON, 23 - Biz Dev Rep; Wellesley, MA

SARAH, 24 - Medical Radiographer; Knoxville, TN

SAVANNAH, 27 - Realtor; Houston, TX

SHIANN, 27 - Admin Asst; Las Vegas, NV

SYDNEY, 24 - Retail Mktg Mgr; Birmingham, AL

TAMMY, 24 - House Flipper; Syracuse, NY

VICTORIA F., 25 - Med Sales Rep; Virgina Beach, VA

VICTORIA P., Nurse; Alexandria, LA

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

CAFFEINE & WEIGHT LOSS - DOES IT REALLY HELP REDUCE BODY FAT?

Weight loss is both a sensitive as well as popular subject. People everywhere want to lose weight as the issue of obesity becomes more prominent in today’s society. Thanks to technology and social media, health and wellness have been at the forefront of people’s minds as more and more are becoming aware of the dangers of what we eat, as well as the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle.

It’s undeniable that obesity is truly a big problem and a serious issue that should be addressed. There are certain ways to deal with this issue—and caffeine might just be one of them.

Does Weight Loss Actually Happen?

There are many ways in which you can stimulate weight loss, but the most common one is through raising your metabolism. Your metabolism is a biological process that determines how much fat your body will retain, and how much it will burn for energy. We all know some people who eat a lot but never get fat. That is because they have a high metabolic rate. Caffeine is one of the foods that is known to increase one’s metabolic rate over a period of time. This results in burning more energy from your stored fats, therefore leading to weight loss. Legwork.guide and other resource sites on the internet can help you learn more about weight loss effectively.

How Does Caffeine Help In Burning Fat?

People drink coffee to keep themselves awake and alert. Caffeine in the coffee helps accomplish this by blocking a neurotransmitter called adenosine. When caffeine blocks adenosine, it sends message to neurons to fire other transmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. This is how coffee helps us stay awake and alert, and can also increase your physical stamina.

When you want to lose weight, caffeine should be your go-to element. Caffeine, when ingested, sends a message to your cells telling them to break down the fat by inducing adrenaline. Adrenaline travels through your blood and reaches the fat cells, and that’s exactly how it makes the fat cells burn and increases your internal energy levels.

So, caffeine, in many a sense, can increase the level of adrenaline in your body, which helps in not only providing you with more energy, but also helps in proper blood circulation and the breaking down of fat cells.

Can Caffeine Alone Help You Lose Weight?

No, most definitely not. Caffeine makes you feel more energetic and increases blood circulation, but it cannot make you lose all your flab alone. For that, you need to be on a calorie-deficient diet. Though caffeine can help in increasing your metabolic rate, which determines how many calories you will burn and is generally increased through exercise and blood circulation, it can’t do all the work all by itself. If you are in a proper calorie-deficient diet, then more calories will be burnt than normal, and you will lose weight automatically.

In case you’re not on this diet and are diagnosed as obese, then caffeine can only increase your metabolic rate up to a certain point. If you are lean, the percentage easily becomes doubled so you lose a lot more weight. Also, exercising at a steady pace or with high-intensity exercises can also increase your metabolic rate. Keep in mind that eating moderately and exercising properly can help you lose weight in no time.

What Are Some Of The Other Ways To Lose Body Fat?

There are several other ways in which you can lose your body fat. You can check out other ways to lose body fat with the help of the internet. You can also go for a number of different diets that are specifically made for losing fat, like the Atkins or the Keto diet. But before you go for any of these methods, it is best to do adequate research about all of them. But at the end of the day, if you exercise properly and eat clean, and are on a calorie-deficient diet, you will lose weight over time.

Conclusion

Losing weight is not only for having a great body, or even having a great body image. If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight may help you prevent diseases associated with excess weight, or those that can be aggravated by it. Caffeine, along with having a healthy diet and exercise, may aid in letting you lose an appropriate amount of weight so that you can live a healthy life. Of course, caffeine alone won’t result in burning your excess fat, but it can help give you the needed energy levels for exercise and proper blood circulation.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

VIDEO GAMES: FROM A VIBRANT SUBCULTURE TO A FLOURISHING POP CULTURE

Imagine yourself back in the year 2000 and you’re playing on your old bulky desktop PC with your friends all crowd up and scooched over the only family PC in the household (online games and multiplayer features weren’t that much of a thing back then!). What were you playing? Was it the first and original The Sims? Or are you a bunch of dudes going gaga over Diablo II? 20 years ago, do you remember your younger self asking your friends for cheat codes or going over multiple forums and discussion boards looking for help on how to get past a certain level or procure a certain item?

Those were undeniably the early days of video games as a thriving subculture. We loved the arcades, the old PC games, the classic Nintendo consoles, and the simple gameplay, but of course, we wanted more. Remember back in the day when gamers and video game enthusiasts were besmirched and labeled as “geeks” who lack the ability to connect on a more social level? Ironically, we’ve put so many negative labels in the gaming community that each of us is actually somehow a part of. I mean, we’ve all been patronizing the latest technology in consoles and computers, we’ve all been lurkers in gaming forums, and we’ve all played Donkey Kong, Super Mario, Pac-Man, and all those oldies but goodies video games and yet the stigma then was so strong, right? But obviously, no matter what labels people put into it, gaming has slowly morphed its way to incorporate itself into our lives.

Thanks to technological advancements and the breakthrough of the Internet, we’re now enjoying video games more commonly than before. As a matter of fact, data from GamingScan show that 75% of US households own a gaming device with 60% of the American population playing on a daily basis. And more surprisingly, most gamers are not even from the Gen Z, in fact, the average age of most gamers is 34 years old.

As for others, perhaps video games serve as an integral part of their daily lives where they get to relax or unwind after a laborious day at work or at school or even use it as a springboard for their career as YouTubers, streamers, game developers, or professional gamers. Truly, from a mere form of entertainment for kids, video games have transitioned to a significant influence on modern popular culture moving intensely and more extensively in entertainment, education, and even in sports.

Entertainment

TV and Film

For a long time, video games simply took cues from existing TV shows and films and created game adaptations of popular TV shows and movie titles. Some examples are Spider-Man 2, the Batman series, Ghostbusters, Iron Man, and more. Although more often than not, fans are usually left exasperated with the lack of essential elements in the plot or gameplay that these games and movie adaptations weren’t able to capture from the original source material. But now, we’re seeing more and more TV series, programs, and films based on popular video games. Apart from hit films like Tomb Raider and Resident Evil comes Detective Pikachu and The Witcher which was recently released on Netflix.

This 2020, expect to see more shows based on your favorite games. According to Business Insider, some of the film adaptations we’re going to see this year are Sonic the Hedgehog, Uncharted, Minecraft the Movie, and Final Fantasy. Personally, we would also love to see The Last of Us and Dying Light on the big screen!

Music

For musicians, singers, and songwriters, video games have paved a new way for them to make and introduce their music to a different, unique, and more concentrated audience. In turn, music embedded in video games can have a much deeper emotional impact on users as they associate their gaming experience with the soundtracks. Some video game soundtracks that have been popularized are Pokemon’s OST, “May I? Stand Unshaken” from Red Dead Redemption, “Priscilla’s Song” from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and the instrumentals from Super Mario Bros., Tetris and more.

Education

If you’re a 90’s kid, you’re probably familiar with Jumpstart or if you haven’t played or heard of it before in school, I’m pretty sure you’re familiar with the games in Encarta and other multimedia encyclopedias that used to be popular back in the early 2000s. Apparently, studies show that children who immerse themselves in educational video games have proved to develop more advanced visual attention, visual-processing, and analytical skills than those who do not. The usage of video games in educational settings just proves how an interactive platform can help develop better academic aptitude. Gradually, educational institutions have begun to embrace video games as a supplementary tool for teaching and learning.

Sports

Gone are the days when gaming was only seen as a nuisance to career and academic achievements. Today, we’ve witnessed a lot of individuals amass thousands to millions of dollars from playing their favorite video games or competitively playing in international tournaments. Probably there’s no more prominent indication that the video game culture has begun to cement its place in mainstream media other than electronic sports.

“Should eSports be considered as a “sport” in itself?” is a question a lot of us have been asking. And although there are arguments that it should be classified differently from traditional physical sports, competitive gaming has nonetheless, sealed itself as a legitimate high school varsity sport in at least eight states in the US. 

If you look at the numbers in 2019, global eSports already drew a whopping 454 million unique viewers. In the US, it is even predicted that by 2021, eSports will have a bigger audience than every professional sports league! Indeed, eSports is more than just a trend; and since it cuts through language and cultural barriers, we can surely look forward to more international media coverage as it goes further into the limelight and hit the much bigger global stage.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

4 FACTS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT THE GLUTE MUSCLES

According to a renowned plastic surgeon in New York City, Dr. Matthew Schulman, there are different types of butts in the world, which is determined by the hip and pelvic bone placement, fat distribution, and the size of the underlying gluteal muscles.

In Hollywood, J Lo, Kim Kardashian West, and Serena Williams are just some of the many celebrities who have the ideal 36-24-36 body proportion with a rounder fuller butt included. So, how can you achieve the perfect butt for your body? First, you have to understand glute muscles and how they affect your butt shape.

In this post, you'll learn more about the good to know facts about glute muscles.

1. Three Muscles of the Butt

The glute muscles make up the shape of the butt, which works every time the thighs are raised to the side, and so as when the legs are rotated, or the hips thrust forward. The three muscles that make up the glutes or butt include the following:

●      Gluteus Minimus: It serves as the main internal hip joint rotator, which helps with the movement away from the center of the body (abduction) and inward or medial rotation of the thighs.

●      Gluteus Maximus: It's considered as one of the strongest muscles that are located in the buttocks, which is connected to the tailbone (coccyx) and the other surrounding bones. This gluteus muscle is responsible for the thigh and hip movement.

●      Gluteus Medius: This glute muscle is thick, broad, and it's a radiating muscle located on the outer pelvic surface.

2. Increased Protein Increases Glute Muscles for Sexier Butt

Dietary modification is a must if you aim to enlarge your butt. The glute muscles that make up your buttocks tend to grow faster with increased protein intake. After exercising, taking high-protein foods and dietary protein supplements can help you achieve the best butt shape and size.

Here are the best dietary sources of protein to promote gluteal muscle growth and development:

Salmon: It's a rich protein dietary source that also provides a good source of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation after intense exercise.

Legumes: A cup of cooked chickpeas (164 grams) provides adequate protein at 13 grams. It promotes maximum muscle synthesis and proper growth and development of gluteal muscles.

Flax Seeds: It's a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, magnesium, and phosphorus, which boost protein intake.

Eggs: This highly nutritious food is rich in protein and the amino acid, leucine, which stimulates muscle production, reducing muscle breakdown. If you want to gain muscle without fat, include eggs in your daily main diet plan.

3. Best Exercises for Glutes

Look good wearing your skinny jeans with a better butt by performing the highly recommended butt exercises. Make your glutes stronger to improve your athletic performance, core stability, and mobility as you age.

Here are the best exercises for glutes:

Kettlebell Deadlifts: You can perform this exercise by standing with your feet about shoulder-width apart and position your kettlebell between your feet. While you lower your hands to the handle of the kettlebell, bend your knees and hinge your hips. Extend your hips while gripping the handle, exhaling as you drive the kettlebell through your heels. When lowering the kettlebell back to the ground, slowly inhale and hinge at your hips and bend your knees as needed.

Kettlebell Swings: It involves hiking the kettlebell between your legs. Make sure to catch the force of the kettlebell with your hips. As you swing the kettlebell, exhale and thrust your hips, straighten your legs, and squeeze your abs and glutes. Inhale when the kettlebell reaches your chest height and allow it to fall, guiding the kettlebell to the initial or “hiked” position.

Strength Training: It helps activate your glute muscles. Some examples include kneeling band hip thrust, pelvic tilt, and glute bridge exercises.

Note: A combination of strengthening exercises and dietary modifications can help you achieve your fitness goals. Check https://heyspotmegirl.com/ for more details.

4. Gluteus Muscles Are Powerful and Strong

These muscles are one of the strongest muscles in the body. While the most hard-working muscle in the body is the heart, the largest muscle is gluteus maximus. It's very powerful because it keeps the body trunk in an erect posture. Also, it's the body's anti0gravity muscle, which is vital when you climb upstairs.

Conclusion

The gluteal muscles play an important role in the size and shape of your buttocks. If you want to achieve fuller butt, make sure to consume a high-protein diet, take supplements as needed, and exercise your thighs, hips, and butt. Taking the right nutrients and exercise can help you achieve a fuller butt for optimum health and fitness.

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SUPER BOWL LIV

The big game takes place later on tonight, Super Bowl LIV. Whether you’re cheering for the San Francisco 49ers or the Kansas City Chiefs, all eyes have been on Miami for the past few days as football enthusiasts have descended on the city. Tonight’s game is bound to have great plays, amazing commercials that will have us talking tomorrow as well as half time performances that will be exciting! We can’t wait to check out everything so get prepared for a number of pre-game shows, comforts foods and after the game, getting ready to kick off the week tomorrow.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

PREGOREXIA AND DRUNKOREXIA | FOOD AND WEIGHT OBSESSIONS GO TO DANGEROUS NEW LEVELS

In a society that values thinness, conditions like anorexia and bulimia cut across race, color, gender and socioeconomic constraints. They’re defined by extreme emotions, attitudes and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, roughly 30 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their life. Two new dangerous eating disorders they are mostly being seen with millennials are “pregorexia” and “drunkorexia.” We turned to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, New York City based neuropsychologist and Teaching Faculty Member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College for some insight.

Drunkorexia: “I want to drink but I don’t want to get fat so, I won’t eat.”

While binge-drinking is in no way gender-specific, drunkorexia is a practice more common to females. This term is used to describe the unhealthy combination of extreme food restriction, bulimia and alcoholism; basically, it is a term for a female who starves herself throughout the day, then drinks to excess at night.

Those who engage in this practice rarely suffer from anorexia. This is because a female with anorexia tends to avoid alcohol consumption altogether. Even if she eats nothing during the day, the high caloric content of alcohol is too frightening. “The fear of losing control is enormous. Rigid control is essential to maintaining anorexia. Alcohol may lead to a relaxation of this rigidity and she may fall victim to the allure of food which is why anorexics avoid alcohol,” explains Dr. Hafeez.

For myriad reasons, a female with bulimia is much more likely to fall into the category of drunkorexia. “In the case of the bulimic, alcohol may play a significant role in their binge-purge cycle. In addition to eating huge quantities of food, she drinks excessively. Not only does she experience the mood-altering effects of alcohol, but also the large amount of fluid helps her in the purge process. After purging, she may drink more to sustain the high of intoxication. It’s an incredibly damaging cycle,” adds Dr. Hafeez.

The Dangers of Drunokorexia

Eating on an empty stomach will definitely increase blood alcohol concentration, simply because there is nothing there to absorb the alcohol. This increase is more likely to result in blackouts, injury, and poor decision-making. It also can result in temporary dehydration because of excessive urination and lack of thirst. Also, engaging in this behavior frequently can lead to nutritional deficiencies. These are some of the more immediate effects, but longer-term effects can include increased damage to the liver and kidneys, as well as alcohol addiction.

If you are worried that you or someone you know are suffering from drunkorexia or you know someone that is, it is important that you seek professional treatment. “We would want to work on the needs to control and escape also worthiness issues hence, the focus on thinness,” Hafeez explains.

Pregorexia: “I’m pregnant, don’t want it to show, and I absolutely cannot get fat.”

In the age of social media, it’s not so surprising that this condition exists. Pregnant millennials see celebrities their age pregnant on Instagram with their “bounce back body” in tip-top shape just weeks (or a few posts) after giving birth.  

These women are so afraid of weight gain during pregnancy that they  don't adequately nourish themselves and their developing baby. “While it is not an actual diagnosis, the fear of weight-gain due to pregnancy and worse, the inability to return to the pre-baby weight, makes some expectant mother’s pregorexic and this is when some turn to strict dieting and excessive exercise,” shares Dr. Hafeez. 

Not gaining enough weight when you're pregnant is dangerous. It can increase the risk of miscarriage and birth complications such as prematurity and low birth weight.

The risk of pregorexia might be higher for women who have a history of eating disorders and those who have a weak social support system.

Specific warning signs of pregorexia might include:

·         Talking about the pregnancy as if it weren't real

·         Heavily focusing on calorie counts

·         Eating alone or skipping meals

·         Exercising excessively

What happens when you don't eat enough nutritious food in pregnancy?

When you severely restrict your food intake, or binge and purge while you're pregnant, your baby will not receive the necessary nutrients it needs to develop in the womb.

Your baby may be born underweight and develop other health complications during infancy. You will also likely be fatigued. The lack of nutrients to your baby may hamper their growth and development which may later result in serious health conditions.

For some women, pregorexia may lead to a miscarriage.

Women should not be shamed for this condition; it doesn't make them bad mothers, they are fighting a battle. Instead we should talk about it more, so the disorder can be better understood and destigmatized.

WHERE TO SEEK HELP

Call a 24-hour Alcoholics Anonymous hotline: 510-839-8900

Hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

National Eating Disorders Association Helpline: 1-800-931-2237, This helpline offers support Monday–Thursday from 9 a.m.–9 p.m. EST, and Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. EST.

Something Fishy: 1-866-418-1207, This eating disorder helpline offers treatment referrals nationwide.

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders:

1-630-577-1330 Currently serving people in the United States, the hotline operates Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. CST

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

WHAT IS CALISTHENICS AND HOW DOES IT WORK

While you may not know much about calisthenics, people in fitness circles have heard enough about the benefits of this form of exercise to urge them to give it a try. Calisthenics has been trending and growing more popular every day, primarily for its fitness and health benefits. If you don’t already know what it entails, it’s a form of workout routine that heavily depends on movements, and little to no equipment, other than your own body weight. 

Different movements such as pulling, bending, pushing, or swinging will force you to use your motor skills at their full potential to be able to perform them. Calisthenics is an umbrella term that includes many workout forms such as pull-ups, push-ups, lunges, squats, planks, and more. Each form of this workout works with different groups of muscles. 

How Calisthenics Started

Technology has managed to make our workout sessions easier with the countless machines available in the market. On the other hand, calisthenics go back to how people used to work out before technology started evolving. People back then only had their bodies for workouts! The first appearance of the calisthenics we know today trails back to 400 B.C, when Greek soldiers used these exercises to train and build their body muscles. 

These exercises clearly proved their importance in improving strength, mobility, and flexibility. That said, ancient Greece wasn’t the only country that knew how much these workout routines would improve their body strength; monks in China back in 500 B.C. also practiced these exercises to make their bodies stronger and more tolerant, making it possible for them to ward off intruders so they can live peacefully. Simply put, calisthenics is one of the oldest forms of workout routines!

Benefits of Calisthenics 

People can gain many health benefits from these workouts, and that’s why this form of exercise is a favorite amongst many fitness enthusiasts. Lifestyle bloggers from CozyStream.com have sworn by switching to calisthenics as regular fitness routine, and recommend it for anyone who wants to lose weight and tone their muscles. You can compare this form of exercise with other routines that involves weights to see the difference it makes on your body, as opposed to other popular fitness routines. Talk to your fitness instructor if you want to introduce it into your regular workout, or watch some tutorials to get started on your own.  

Endurance and Strength

These activities depend on your whole body weight, so you can imagine how much it enhances the body's strength and promotes its health. The routine is practically similar to resistance training, which has been proven to increase energy levels and endurance. The stronger your muscles get, the more efficiently they will be able to pull your body weight. Similar to resistance training, the muscles are forced to adapt to newer and harsher conditions, so they gradually get stronger. 

As your muscles become more familiar with the movement and adapt to it, you’ll be able to practice and hold more positions. After a few months of consistent training, you’ll be able to do more reps of exercises, and a myriad of other complex workouts. 

Mental Health

Mental health is closely linked with the physical state of the body. Once you realize your body’s true potential and keep building it up, you’ll notice a boost in your self-esteem and confidence. Since calisthenics and other exercises are known to produce endorphins, the hormones that regulate our moods and mental state, these exercises are used to help people with depression and anxiety as an all-natural solution to reduce stress.

Cheap

Like a lot of physical exercise, calisthenics don’t really cost anything aside from some workout gear. While maintaining a diet alongside calisthenics may cost a bit extra, it’s still nowhere close to being expensive. The equipment needed can either be bought for cheap, or be forgone for a totally natural experience. 

Crafting a Plan

Calisthenics requires a certain level of dedication to follow a routine that can help you achieve your desired results. When you’re a beginner, the best plans are always those that include the most basic and easiest exercises. That way, you can start gaining more experience in keeping your routine stable and consistent. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercises as you see progress.

A type of exercise that makes use of your own body weight to work out all of your muscles, calisthenics is a great way to achieve better and faster results, especially when compared to other conventional workout routines. It’s considered one of the oldest forms of keeping your body in shape, as it doesn’t require a lot of equipment or preparation.

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S1. E9. | ATHLEISURE KITCHEN WITH NO KID HUNGRY'S JENNY DIRKSEN + CHEF ELIZABETH FALKNER

On today's episode of Athleisure Kitchen, we share an organization that we have covered a number of times over at Athleisure Mag and is in the Nov issue. We have enjoyed sharing initiatives that No Kid Hungry creates in order to ensure that childhood hunger is not an issue that has to be a concern in this country. In the past, we have interviewed Bryan Voltaggio and Duff Goldman, both who have participated in a fundraising event known as Chefs Cycle. We have also covered the spatulas that include the creativity of various celebs, food personalities and chefs that are sold at Williams-Sonoma. Right before the holidays, we caught up with No Kid Hungry's Jenny Dirksen who is the National Director of Champion Engagement and Chef Elizabeth Falkner and talked about a variety of programs that No Kid Hungry is involved in throughout the year. Of course, with Holiday festivities underway, we delved into what we will find on their dinner tables this year! This episode was recorded at one of Athleisure Kitchen's favorite whiskey destinations, The Flatiron Room here in NYC.

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FEEL YOUNG AND LOOK YOUNG, EVEN AS YOU AGE

As we age, one of our main goals is to remain looking young. The feeling of youthful exuberance keeps us feeling attractive, and ready to take on the world, even if we do not lose those ravishing good looks or zest for life later in our age.

Being able to truly feel our best is often a result of how our body feels, and how it looks. Some might call it vain, but that is not the case. Why would we not want to look our very best, at any age? 

There are many ways to feel and look young throughout the years, and here are some of the very best ways to get the most out of our age.

Yoga

De-stressing is one of the best ways to look and feel young. One of the biggest factors for aging is stress. Yoga provides an excellent amount of relaxation to help counteract the stress of daily life. It is an excellent practice to keep your body stretched, which relaxes the muscles, and your mind sharp with mediation. There is a good reason why many people swear by yoga as a way to stay healthy, and one of the benefits is that it can make your body feel young, and give you benefits to keep your looks from aging too.

Facial treatments

The face is one of the greatest indicators of age. The amount of muscle it takes to smile, frown, or cry, changes the look and elasticity of the skin on the face. You cannot avoid these physical reactions, and you should not try to anyways. The best part of growing with age is experiencing all the laughs and cries that come with it. What you can do is treat your face and keep it looking young. 

Removing sagging skin and wrinkles are two of the best ways to reduce the look of aging in the face, and these can be done in a number of ways. Good creams and facial products can help your skin look great at any age, and using Estriol to help sagging skin is a good, natural alternative that should give you some peace of mind and save you some money on expensive spa days. Many creams and facial products use natural ingredients like estrogen/hormones or fruit extracts, so they are full of naturally made chemicals.

Drink plenty of water

One of the simplest tricks to feeling and looking younger is to drink your fair share of water. The recommended amount is 8 cups a day, and a lot of people overthink how much water they can really drink during a daily period. When you break it down, 8 cups is usually just two full water bottles a day. Knowing this, you can deduce that this is easily accomplishable, even if you have a busy schedule. Water keeps the internal organs happy and running smoothly, maintains the moisture needed for the skin, and keeps you clean and flushed out in your digestive system. It really is that simple.

Get plenty of sleep

Drinking plenty of water is easy enough, and so should getting the proper amount of sleep. Sleep is vital to your appearance as you age. Not only does it keep your body relaxed, and removes those baggy, dark circles under your eyes, but it is just as important for your health too. Getting the right amount of sleep depends on your daily routine. The more active you are, the more sleep you should try to get, if you are not hitting the gym excessively. Then you should dial back on the 8 hours of sleep rule of thumb. Oversleeping can be really bad for your health, because you will wake up feeling groggy and unprepared for the day. Set a daily alarm and stick to a healthy sleep pattern.

Exercise daily

Speaking of the gym, you need at least a minimum amount of exercise daily. This does not mean you have to get in 2 hours of intense cardio, but even just doing some at-home body weight exercises can do wonders for you. Exercising the body keeps your appearance firm and healthy. Plus, committing just 15 minutes a day is easy enough and free at home!

Feeling young and looking young at any age is nowhere near impossible. With some hard work through exercise, and a little dedication to your skin care routine, you can get the benefit of looking and feeling good that will stand the test of time, and make you the envy of anyone you meet.

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ULTIMATE GUIDE AND STRATEGIES IN PLAYING SQUASH

Squash is a great game to play if you are looking for an overall body workout. It can also prove to be mentally challenging because apart from your physical strength, you also need to be mentally alert while playing the sport. 

Thus, if you are up for the challenge, here are some of the strategies that can help you in playing squash.

Control the T Zone

Perhaps the first strategy that you should master as a squash player is to be able to control the T Zone of the court. The T Zone refers to the middle of the court simply because the lines painted on the floor form the letter T. This area is the most efficient place to retrieve the ball, and this is also the best position to power hit weak shots from your opponents. You are more likely to win the game if you spend more time in this zone compared to your opponent.

Squash Serve Strategy

The next technique you need to master as a squash player is how to serve effectively, as well as how to receive a serve correctly. Take a moment before you serve to think about the exact spot that you are aiming for and get to the T zone immediately after you serve. Another great strategy is to mix up your serves to be able to inhibit your opponent from being able to predict your next move.

In parallel, also master the proper technique in returning a serve. Volley the return if you are receiving a lob serve and shorten your backswing if you are returning a hard serve. Aim for a spot high on the front wall is you are returning a lob serve and keep in mind that there is no need for you to generate a powerful hit in returning a fast ball.

Attack Loose Balls

Constantly hitting tight and deep shots will pave the way for your opponent to eventually throw a loose ball. Whether you are playing a game of singles or doubles squash, make it a point to attack loose balls from your opponent. Practice to volley loose balls around the T Zone or the center of the court and make your opponent run. In parallel, hit loose balls hard in the frontcourt.

Master the Art of Deception

Squash is a game of strategy and technique, which is why it is important to ensure that your opponent won’t easily be able to predict your next move. Thereby, maximize your shot options and come up with moves that will send your opponents running the wrong way.

Squash can be deemed as one of the most challenging sports to play. This is because apart from the physical strength and endurance needed to thrive in the game, you also need the mental alertness to be able to execute a strategy that will disable your opponent. Nevertheless, seasoned players recognize that while squash is physically and mentally challenging, it is also truly engaging and addicting.

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BEST REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO TRY OCEAN KAYAKING

As an outdoor enthusiast, it’s important to have a blend of activities to participate in. Whether it’s taking a heart-stopping roller coaster ride or putting your mountain biking skills to the test on some of the most rugged terrains, the ultimate price is the fulfillment you achieve from these experiences. The problem, however, is that most people are obsessing over the latest fitness fads that with time come to an untimely end. Thus, forgetting about some of the age-old outdoor activities that aren’t as flashy, but will take you back to the basics of outdoor fun! 

Kayaking is among the greatest classic outdoor activities that will not only provide you with a workout opportunity, but will also put you right at the heart of the thrill. In addition to this, you will also like the idea of reconnecting with natural scenes and breathtaking experiences. But have you heard about ocean Kayaking? Perhaps, perhaps not! Either way, below are some of the best reasons why you must try ocean kayaking.

1. To Get In Shape

Kayaking is your ultimate hardcore fitness activity that also doubles up as your fun activity while on a weekend vacation. If you’re looking for an activity that will build your strength and boost your endurance, look no further. Now, as opposed to river kayaking, ocean or sea kayaking has its fair share of thrilling moments. Depending on your location, the ocean can be calm or rough. Kayaking on rough waters will be the best option for skilled kayakers who are looking to burn the extra calories. But you might as well choose light paddling on calm waters and still achieve a great workout. The best thing about kayaking is that unlike other activities that target a specific group of muscles, it engages all your body parts. Kayaking is an ideal full-body workout as it helps to work your arms, legs, core, back, and shoulders.

Other health benefits associated with kayaking include strengthening your mental health, boosting your confidence by fighting depression, and improving your mental focus. But to make this happen, you must invest in the right kayaking gear. Below are a few things you need to consider when buying ocean kayak gear:

• Sitting position – Kayaks come in two sitting variations that include sit-inside kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks (SOT). The SOT kayaks are a great choice for beginners as they offer a great deal of stability when kayaking. The caveat, however, is that you’ll most likely get wet. On the other hand, sit-inside kayaks are a great choice for kayaking in cold temperatures as they shelter your lower body from the elements. The sit-in kayaks have one drawback, you don’t want them to flip on you when kayaking. This is because it can be extremely hard freeing yourself, especially if you’re a beginner. Simply put, your overall ocean kayaking experience will depend on the kayak you choose. When looking for the best kayak for your needs, these recommendations from the White Water Coach can come in handy. With the right kayak, you can be sure of getting the most out of the activity without worrying about your safety being compromised while in the blue waters.
  
  

• Location – For ocean kayaking, you’ll need a kayak made for exactly that. Ocean kayaks are made to withstand rough currents and salty waters. In addition to this, when kayaking around coral reefs, you want a kayak that is tough enough to withstand the coral rocks.
  
  

• Length – Now, just about any length of the kayak will do. Nonetheless, longer kayaks are hard to maneuver and transport. For recreational uses, consider a kayak with just the right storage space and one that will offer you more stability on the water.

2. It’s A Great Activity For Exploring The Ocean

If you thought walking on a sandy beach is fun, then you need to explore life beyond the sand. On a calm ocean, it will be easier to take pictures of marine life from a bird's eye view. You’ll get to explore everything around you and still double back in just in case you’ve missed something. This is because you’re kayaking at your own pace. When kayaking inside a SOT, it will feel like the boat is an extension of your body and there’s no telling to what limits you can explore. It’s a great opportunity to explore ocean caves, rocks, and other sea-made formations.

3. A Fun Activity with Friends and Families

As earlier mentioned, kayaking is your ultimate vacation activity. It’s more fun when sharing moments with family or friends on a larger water body. Typically, kids between the ages of 4-7 will do just fine on a double sit-on-top kayak. But it’s also important to provide them with life jackets. There are so many ways of enjoying kayaking with family and friends. For instance, having some competitive streaks or partnering up when exploring the ocean can be a great idea when creating lasting ocean adventure memories.

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/sea-kayaking-father-and-son-253525/ 

4. It’s The Ideal Stress Reliever

Are you looking for that one activity to help break the busy schedules of everyday life and work-life? Then you’re in the right place! It’s not hard to imagine the sensational feeling of kayaking on a cool sunset on the ocean. What a blissful moment it must be to see birds flying back to their nests across the open sea, the magnificent sea life below you coming to life, and not to forget the cool ocean breeze! 

Whatever your reasons are for kayaking, it’s a great family sport as well as a competitive all-time sport. But it’s important to ensure your safety as well as that of those around you because come to think about it, the sea can get really rough and you don’t want to be there when it happens, especially if you are an unskilled kayaker. All the same, the above are just a few compelling reasons ocean kayaking should be on your bucket list. 

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7 TRICKS IN MAINTAINING A FIRM AND HEALTHY SKIN

Your skin is bound to change as you age; as a result of your skin weakening, and the loss of natural collagen and elastin. Now, while we can’t prevent aging, as it is part of life, what we can do is prevent dermatological issues, skin sagging, and damages caused by sun exposure. So if you’re looking for natural remedies to preserve your skin and maintain its health, firmness, and overall glow, you have come to the right place.

Contrary to popular belief you do not need to have a ton of money to feel youthful, and you certainly do not need to resort to injections. There are natural treatments that can do the job, in fact, some of the most popular skincare products are more affordable and effective than you think. The trick is to know what you can do daily to maintain firm and healthy skin.

And we’ve compiled seven tricks that we swear by to achieve the look you want, and we are letting you in on the secret. 

1. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

We cannot stress how important moisturizing is! Our skin is exposed to such extreme weather conditions, from sun exposure to wind and dust, that it can greatly affect our skin if we neglect it. The right moisturizer protects our skin and prevents it from sagging. To achieve smooth, glowing skin you must moisturize your face and neck morning and night to maintain its elasticity and firmness. 

2. Be keen on sunscreen 

To this day people overlook the importance of sunscreen. Sunscreen should be applied to your skin every day before you leave the house, even if you are just popping out to the store for 20 minutes. While sun exposure is good for your overall health, it also makes your skin susceptible to dark spots and wrinkles. So opt for sunscreens that are waterproof and long-lasting. 

3. Drink plenty of water

Yes, you’ve heard so many skincare gurus mention this, but that’s because water works wonders. One of the best ways to accomplish youthful-looking skin is to stay hydrated; while there are plenty of products you can purchase to hydrate your skin, water is at the top of that list. Water is the most natural road to hydration of the skin. We don’t need to tell you how good water is for your health, but we will remind you that if you feel healthy on the inside, you’ll appear healthy on the outside too. 

4. Exercise

You might be surprised to find exercising on this list, but you need to maintain a healthy weight to protect your skin. You see, if your weight happens to fluctuate a lot, you'll end up stretching your skin which weakens elastin fibers on your face. So, don’t put your skin through a constant fluctuation, and make exercising a part of your beauty plan. 

5. Eat healthily

A balanced diet does more for your skin than you realize. Processed foods can become harmful to your skin and cause your skin to age faster than necessary; avoid eating too much sugar as well. For healthy, glowing skin add fruits and vegetables to your diet, and try to use healthy spices to your cooking as well. 

6. Change your lifestyle

The way you care for your body affects the way your skin appears. It will be hard to revive your skin to its natural glow and condition if you expose yourself to harmful activities, such as excessive drinking and smoking; these activities drain and dry out your skin, causing your skin to sag earlier than it should. A healthy lifestyle will provide your skin with all the benefits it needs to look beautiful and refreshed. 

7. Relieve yourself of stress

Stress is known to age the skin, especially uncontrolled stress. If you do not find ways to relax and unwind, you will be more prone to acne breakouts and will trigger other skin issues, especially if you have sensitive skin. Make sure you always put your well-being first and prevent unnecessary stressful situations, by getting enough sleep every night, organizing your daily plans to avoid feeling overworked and overwhelmed, and most importantly, find time for yourself to relax and do the activities that not only calm your nerves but make you feel good too. Happiness makes you beautiful. 

It’s not really that complicated of a list, and it doesn’t cost you a thing. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise, relax your mind, drink water, avoid sugary drinks and processed foods, moisturize daily and nightly, and of course, do not forget to wear sunscreen before you leave the house. In no time, you’ll have the natural glow and smooth skin you have always wanted indefinitely.  

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