Jessica Alba knows a thing or two about healthy living. Not only does the business woman run her own company based on ethically minded household goods, but she stays on top of her physical health too, with an Instagrammable routine that pretty much anyone can follow. Now, she’s making it even easier to live your best life with a new webseries called “Health Hacks” with Attn.
In the two to three-minute long spots, the soon-to-be mommy of three dishes on everything from portion sizes to curing your hangovers, and TBH? Her tips are actually pretty handy! Check ‘em out below.
PORTION CONTROL
First up? Portion control. As the The Veil actress notes, American portions have gone up at least four sizes since the ‘50s, particularly with regard to fast food chains. In order to avoid unwanted extra calories, she suggest taking a cue from the Japanese, who use multiple small plates to serve their dishes, rather than one “big honkin’ American plate.”
She also offers a clue about how to fill those smaller plates in such a way that you won’t be left feeling hungry. As she notes, adding a protein (the size of your hand) and plenty of “fiber-rich veggies and leafy greens,” which should account for half your plate (and also add healthy bacteria to your gut) are a good way to start. She recommends keeping grains to a minimum, and nixing sugar where possible.
HANGOVERS
Instead of reaching for greasy food or hangover pills, which Alba, 36, says do little to help nausea or headaches caused by dehydration, she says it’s best to avoid mixing liquors, and to stick to lighter-colored drinks for minimum impact, quipping, “Simply put, the darker the drink, the harder the hangover.” (RIP, Cabernet).
If you ARE going to indulge during a night of drinking, she advises lining your stomach with carbs prior to getting your booze on rather than after, which will make you feel worse.
The following morning, she says reaching for enzyme-rich foods like asparagus and ginger, are a good idea, as are eggs, which contain nutrients that break down acetaldehyde, a main hangover-causing culprit.
Obviously, replenishing your fluids is also key, and while water is great, coconut water, which replenishes your electrolytes and detoxifies, might be even better.
EATING WHILE PREGNANT
Alba busts the popular myth that a pregnant woman is “eating for two,” but rather for herself and a teeny tiny being that only needs an extra 300-500 maximum calories per day to get all the proper nutrients he or she needs.
She also fills you in on the list of no-nos pregnant woman face during pregnancy, including raw seafood, soft cheese, unpasteurized liquids, like juice and milk, and undercooked meat.
Instead, our new health guru advises reaching for fruits and veggies (4-8 servings), grains, wild proteins (three servings), dairy products, and healthy fats (several). Mmm!
BODY LANGUAGE
While this doesn’t necessarily strike one as a “health hack” at first glance, the entrepreneur explains how things such as a strong posture, powerful smile, and uncrossed arms can improve your life overall by indicating interest in conversations you should be paying attention to, even when you’re not (like an important business meeting). She also advocates for eye contact, a leaned-in posture in the case of a love interest, and keeping accessories, like a clutch or even a drink, to your side in order to avoid appearing closed off.
Follow the company’s " target="_blank">Facebook page to keep up on the latest hacks.
Will you be trying Jessica’s helpful hacks? Tell us over @BritandCo.
(Photo via Brian Ach/Getty)
We're thrilled to kick off our new Jetset Journeys series, where we turn the best U.S. cities to explore this year into our own personal playgrounds. This is not just a travel guide but a way to spark your creativity and your wanderlust for weekend and week-long travel. Pack your bags , join us here every week, and get jetsetty this summer.
A getaway is always a good idea, especially when you can do it with your best friends. Traveling with friends is a fantastic way to bond, create memories, and explore new destinations together. Seeking adventure, relaxation, culture, or nightlife? We've got you. These U.S. cities offer the perfect setting for an unforgettable trip no matter what your travel goals. Whether you're celebrating a milestone birthday, upcoming nuptials, or an annual gathering of remote friends, look no further than these cities in the U.S.
New York City
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In the words of Taylor Swift, “It's been waitin' for you!” New York City is a destination for the arts, nightlife, shopping and foodies, so there is an abundance of options for you and your crew to do, see and eat. Book a hotel, there is no shortage of them — but the PUBLIC Hotel, The Standard, High Line or Moxy NYC Chelsea are great ones — and hit the ground running.
Photo: Cynthia Ortega Espinosa
Frolic in Central Park, wander the Metropolitan Museum of Art, cycle along the Hudson River Greenway or window shop on Fifth Avenue. Theater fans will want to see what shows are playing on Broadway or queue for Marie’s Crisis, where you can belt out showtunes in the West Village.
Photo: Pastis
While in an empire state of mind, you’ll obviously want to wine and dine. The Nines, The Happiest Hour, The Blond, Oscar Wilde, the Broken Shaker and Nubeluz are among spots that should be on your list for drinks, along with the seasonal bar Grand Banks, which is a summer must. Satisfy your stomach with meals at Emilio's Ballato, Café Chelsea and Pastis, or if you need a quick bite, then a slice of Joe's Pizza or taco from Los Tacos No. 1 are just the ticket.
Photo: Jeffrey Czum
Depending on what time of year you’re planning to visit New York, you can check out different markets like the Bryant Park Winter Village during the holidays, or Smorgasburg during the warmer months. No matter the season, the Big Apple is ripe and waiting for you to take a bite out of it with your BFFs!
Miami-Ft. Lauderdale
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Sunshine and good times await in South Florida. Apart from the obvious beaches and clubs, the cultural melting pot offers an arts and diverse food scene. But for visitors looking to soak up rays and read while listening to the waves, the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach and The Goodtime Hotel are both within walking distance to North Beach and South Beach, respectively.
Photo: EAST Miami
Of course, the nightlife isn't limited to just Miami Beach. Book a room at EAST Miami, home to Sugar rooftop, where you’ll be in the center of bustling Brickell near hot spots like Sexy Fish and Gekkō. Or stay in Coconut Grove at the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, which is close to a variety of shops, restaurants and bars, including Regatta Grove.
Photo: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
Regardless of where you decide to rest your head at night, no BFF trip to Miami should be complete without a visit to Wynwood and Design District. Visit the galleries and snap pictures for the ‘gram in Wynwood and don’t forget to swing by Fireman Derek's Bake Shop for a sweet treat, before heading to Design District for shopping and later dinner at Mandolin Aegean Bistro — a Greek restaurant that’ll have you feeling like you’re in Mamma Mia!.
Photo: Little Hen
If brunch is on the itinerary, look no further than the Little Hen in Midtown Miami. With its Instagram-worthy decor, drinks and dishes, it’s one of the cutest spots to brunch at. Just note, you’ll want to make a reservation and adhere to the restaurant's “smart chic dress code.”
Photo by Irasema McAllister
While in the area, you can mosey on over to Lagniappe, a jazz club and wine garden that has live music every night.
Phoenix, AZ
Photo: Mike Glezos
If wellness or adventure is your journey, then Phoenix is the destination. Gather your spa-loving, adventurous or golf-playing crew and travel to the urban oasis in the Sonoran Desert.
Seeking an escape to nature? Go hiking at Pinnacle Peak Park, Papago Park, Usery Mountain Regional Park or Camelback Mountain. There’s also horseback riding in the Sonoran Desert. Cave Creek Trail Rides, established in 1999, offers guided trail rides, giving you a “true western experience!”
Photo:Tierra Luna Spa at Arizona Biltmore Resort
After being outdoors, retreat inside and unwind with a spa treatment. There are a number of spa resorts in the area, including the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Arizona Biltmore Resort, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia and the Royal Palms Resort and Spa, to name a few.
Golf buddies in Phoenix will find multiple courses to practice their swings. The city owns and operates five 18-hole championship courses and three nine-hole courses. Pending when you’re in town, fairway fans can try to score tickets to tournaments like the PGA TOUR Champions' Charles Schwab Cup Championship, or the PGA TOUR’s WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale.
Photo: Virtu Honest Craft
All the activity and, hey, even relaxation can make you work up an appetite. Satiate it at James Beard Award-winning Virtu Honest Craft, The Arrogant Butcher, Different Pointe of View and Vincent on Camelback.
Dallas-Ft. Worth
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They say everything is bigger in Texas, so get ready for some Texas-sized fun. Between the shopping and the restaurants, there are plenty of reasons for you and your pals to pack your bags and flock to the Lone Star State. The Fairmont Dallas and the Thompson Dallas hotels are both in the heart of downtown, close to the Dallas Museum of Art for art lovers, and near the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza for the history buffs.
Photo: Elizabeth Chambers’ BIRD Bakery
South of downtown you and your crew can explore the Bishop Arts District, an “eclectic neighborhood” with restaurants and shops. You can also engage in retail therapy at the Galleria Dallas and Highland Park Village, both of which are premier shopping destinations.The latter is also home to Elizabeth Chambers’ BIRD Bakery, a must for anyone with a sweet tooth–be sure to order a “southern red velvet” cupcake!
Photo: Sundown at Granada
Craving something savory? Head on over to Las Palmas Tex-Mex for Mexican cuisine, Pecan Lodge for BBQ or the farm-to-table restaurant Sundown at Granada. End your nights at the cozy cocktail bar Parliament or drop by the Midnight Rambler, a cocktail lounge inside of the Joule Hotel.
In need of a little R&R? You and your pals can splurge on a stay at Bowie House in Fort Worth. The luxury hotel is described as an “imaginative and bold urban retreat, where cowboys and cattle once roamed.” Indulge in self-care at the hotel’s full service spa, said to be inspired by the outdoors, or book one of the available experiences.
So, saddle up and plan your trip to Texas.
San Francisco
Photo: Juan Salamanca:
Turn your California dreaming into a reality! From nature to tech and a slew of attractions, the Bay Area has plenty to offer you and your BFFs, especially those who know and love Full House.
The InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco is a historic hotel in the neighborhood of Nob Hill. Renting a car will make it easier to get around and check out sites like the Golden Gate Bridge, the "Painted Ladies" at Alamo Square (channel the Tanners, anyone?), Chinatown and Twin Peaks. Given the city’s proximity to wine country, you can also road trip to Napa for a day to visit wineries and enjoy a meal at the charming Acacia House.
Photo by Mylo Kaye
Back in SF, you and your friends can pay a visit to the famous Fisherman's Wharf, where you’ll find Ghirardelli Square and PIER 39. Take a ferry to Alcatraz (the tour is actually fascinating) or Sausalito for waterside lunch at Bar Bocce, where you can join other guests in a game of bocce while you wait for your delicious pizzas and salads.
Grab your besties for a coastal hike along Land's End Trail for breathtaking views of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Start at the old Cliff House and spot the famous Sutro Baths and end at the Palace of Legion of Honor. Or, reserve your spot at Muir Woods for an amazing hike through the redwoods.
Photo: b. patisserie
Grab breakfast or lunch at the James Beard Award-winning b. patisserie, or one of the best rooftop bars in the city Kaiyo for Peruvian bites.
Photo: Kaiyo
The San Francisco Playhouse is a great night out to the theatre with pals, or Cobb's Comedy Club for big laughs. With friends by your side, you’re sure to feel golden in the Golden State.
Main photo: Photo by KoolShooters
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I'm not sure about you, but it's that time of year where I'm already planning multiple vacations in my head where I'm sitting somewhere by a beach in full-blown relaxation mode. And my favorite part of vacation planning is the outfits! I get so excited that I create a Pinterest board, packing list, vacation wishlist, and schedule the outfits all in advance on my notes app. With all that in mind, I thought I'd share with you some white vacation dresses that you will DIE to add to your wishlist fortraveling!
A lot of these will be either linen, cotton, and silks or satins because they are the most breathable materials and can really help in hotter temperatures! So I almost always stick to those fabrics because they allow for me to be in hotter temperatures and not feel like 100 degrees. With that being said, here's some of my favorite white vacation that are sure to stun whether you're at the beach or a tropical dinner!
ASTR The Label Off-Shoulder Dress
Everyone needs the quintessential linen white dress for vacation and this is IT! Everything about this is romantic and perfect for vacation with the off-shoulder, side slit and midi style of the dress. Good thing about this dress is that you can dress is up or dress it down with sandals for a day at the beach.
J. Crew Stretch Linen Dress
J. Crew has been killing the style game lately with their innovative and fun styles, and this one is no different! I love the linen (again we want breathable fabric for summer) along with the fun gold detailing on the straps. This one is also on sale for 40% off right now so definitely grab this one for you summer vacations!
Halogen Halter Neck Linen Dress
The halter neck of this chic dress gives it a more modest and classic feel that I love. It's giving me serious Meghan Markle vibes so you know it's good! Grab this one to fulfill all of your summer plans!
Abercrombie Slip Maxi Dress
I had to add this one in the mix because of its unique design that's giving me all the Italian summer on the Amalfi coast feels! The sweet fruit pattern is the perfect touch to brighten up a simple white dress. And for under $100, it's at such a great price-point!
Chelsea28 Tiered Maxi Dress
A tired dress is another staple to your vacation wardrobe. I love this boho chic one because it looks straight out of Mamma Mia on an island off the coast of Greece. An idyllic dress for all of your Euro-Summer-2024 plans!
Banana Republic Silk Maxi
You can never have too many silk dresses for vacation and this cream, silk dress takes thecake! I love how vintage-inspired it is with the pleats at the top. I picture this stunning dress at a dinner paired with metallic heels like above and a matching mini bag. I just adore this piece!
ASTR Floral Lace Dress
Lace has entered the chat! And can you believe it's only $109?! I love this ASTR The Label dress for their super cute pieces at such an affordable price. This one screams vacation by the beach to me!
House of CB Emmelina Dress
House of CB is one of my favorite brands at the moment because their designs are so feminine and flattering for so many different body types and sizes. This dress is one that I personally have had on my wishlist for summer vacation for quite some time because of its elegant shape and cut. You're sure to look phenomenal in this classic piece!
Abercrombie Plunge Satin Dress
For every vacation, a simple silk dress is a must because of its breathability and versatility when it comes to styling. This dress is ideal for walks on the beach or for a nice dinner on the coast. Plus the low back is an amazing addition as well for a more sexy look. Abercrombie does it again, ladies!
J. Crew Bungalow Maxi Dress
Can you think of a better dress that works as both a beach coverup and adorable lunch dress? This linen maxi dress from J. Crew will take you from beach to dinner in the chicest way. I love the cuts at the bottom to not make it too billowy and the low V-neck looks super flattering as well. Adding this to my wishlist ASAP!
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Lead image via Banana Republic.
At this point in my life, I have what could be considered an encyclopedic knowledge ofGilmore Girls. I can discuss plot points, TV moments, and The Battle Of Rory's Boyfriends to academic extents — but there is always more to talk about! If you've also got Gilmore Girls on the brain, then keep scrolling for some of your top Gilmore Girls questions, answered.
Why is season 7 of Gilmore Girls so different?
Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix
Gilmore Girls season 7 has a different tone to the rest of the show for one simple reason: creators and writers Dan & Amy Sherman-Palladino weren't involved in the production of the show. They were so heavily involved in previous seasons that it makes sense their absence would be felt!
What happens at the end of Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life?
Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix
After we said goodbye to Rory, Lorelai, and the rest of Stars Hollow, Netflix's Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life allowed us to see all our favorite characters again — and then shocked us with its final four words. In a full circle moment, the show ends with Lorelai and Rory sitting on the steps of the town gazebo with their coffees before Rory asks, "Mom?" "Yeah," Lorelai says. "I'm pregnant."
Is there going to be a season 2 of Gilmore Girls: A Year in a Life?
Image via Netflix
While there hasn't been an official confirmation for Gilmore Girls: A Year in a Life season 2, fans and cast members alike are hoping we'll return to Stars Hollow again. "If that came up again, I love that character so much and I love Amy," Lauren Graham tells Collider. "I will work with her, any time. It would just be a matter of responsibility to the fans and what we could give them that's deserving of their devotion."
Where can I rewatch Gilmore Girls?
Image via Netflix
You can stream Gilmore Girls on Netflix now. That means you can rewatch the show from the comfort of your own home (or bed), which is perfect!
Who did Lorelai Gilmore end up with?
Image via Robert Voets/Netflix
After years of feeling torn between Rory's father Christopher and her best friend Luke, Lorelai ended Gilmore Girls in a relationship with Luke. But if you ask me, the most important relationship is the one between Lorelai and Rory, which is still going strong by the end of the series!
What happened to Emily Gilmore?
Image via Netflix
While Emily Gilmore seems a little intimidating at the beginning of the series, she definitely has a heart of gold. When A Year In The Life opens, we learn her husband Richard has passed away, and Emily balances healing from her grief while also exploring the independence she's never had before.
Where can I buy Gilmore Girls gifts?
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Whether you're hunting for a white cable knit sweater like Rory's iconic pullover or you're headed to the bookstore to try her reading list for yourself, you can find Gilmore Girls gifts everywhere from the Hallmark store to Amazon.
Where is the Gilmore Girls cast now?
Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix
The cast of Gilmore Girls has been busy since the show wrapped! You can see Chad Michael Murray and Scott Patterson on Sullivan's Crossing, while Lauren Graham recently published Have I Told You This Already? Alexis Bledel is in talks to star in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 3, while Milo Ventimiglia just got married! I love seeing this cast thrive.
Why is Gilmore Girls season 5 controversial?
Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix
If there's one Gilmore Girls season that's gone down in infamy, it's Gilmore Girls season 5. There are a few (very controversial) reasons it strikes a cord with fans, including but not limited to, Rory dating a recently divorced Deanafter their affair in season 4, stealing a yacht with Logan, and deciding to drop out of Yale. This sounds like a quarter-life crisis if I've ever seen one.
Who is the father of Rory's baby?
Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix
Gilmore Girlsleft us on a huge cliffhanger when Rory Gilmore revealed she was pregnant, and thanks to costume supervisor Valerie Campbell, we know that the father of Rory's baby is her college boyfriend Logan Huntzberger.
Where is Stars Hollow located in real life?
Featured image via Taryn Elliott/Pexels.
You can visit Stars Hollow IRL by taking a trip to Washington, Connecticut. The town made Amy Sherman-Palladino feel so at home that she used it as inspo for Gilmore Girls!
Does Lane Kim have a baby?
Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix
Yes, Lane ends up having twins by the end of Gilmore Girls. Amy Sherman-Palladino actually revealed this was a plot point she didn't like from Gilmore Girls season 7. "I would’ve preferred that Lane not have kids, only because it would’ve given us more options," she tells TV Line. "The one thing you couldn’t do with Lane and Zack is have them be sh—tty parents. So them having kids sort of dictated them still living in Stars Hollow. It changed things ever so slightly. They’re still rock and rollers. They’re still the cool parents."
Did Paris Geller attend Harvard?
Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix
No, Paris Geller did not get into Harvard, which is a plot point that still divides fans. After all, Paris was brilliant, why wouldn't she have gotten in?! Paris and Rory both went to Yale, and actually ended up rooming together.
What happened to Rory Gilmore?
Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix
By the time we see Rory Gilmore in Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life, she's become a freelance journalist who travels around the world for work. After some encouragement from Jess, Rory also ends up writing a book about her life with Lorelai, titled Gilmore Girls.
Who was Rory Gilmore's best boyfriend?
Image via Netflix
This is the age-old question that will divide Gilmore Girls fans for the rest of time!! While everyone has a different answer (Logan! Jess! Dean! Actually..who picks Dean?), Matt Czuchry himself recently revealed that he thinks there's NO right answer. “I think [all three of Rory Gilmore's boyfriends have] strengths and weaknesses, like we all do,” he says on The Talk. “And I think that the fun of the show is that you’ve got these characters who are flawed and had these great pieces and everybody debates who’s best for Rory because they feel different about their strengths and weaknesses that might match up.”
What's your favorite season of Gilmore Girls? I'm a tried and true season 3 fan (because of Jess, of course), but I will always rewatch the pilot before I watch anything else. Follow us on Facebook for more pop culture news!
Lead image via WB/The CW