Women's Health January-February 2013

I was super excited when Emily VanCamp agreed to be on our cover this month. Not only does she personify health and vibrancy, but I’m totally addicted to Revenge, the hit ABC show she stars in. Though the storyline about a brilliant and badass girl hell-bent on avenging her father’s death is much more extreme than what most of us will (hopefully!) ever face in real life, the desire to get even with those who’ve wronged us is a universal craving. I can relate. Recently, I discovered that one of my BFFs had betrayed me. I can’t get into the specifics, in order to protect the guilty, but let’s just say that if friendship crimes were prosecutable, she’d be given a life sentence with zero chance of parole. My immediate…

IF YOU HAVE… 60 SECONDS Change the background color of your computer screen to black—the color may help curb your appetite. “The Food Lover’s Diet,” page 104 2 MINUTES Make a Pilates or yoga date with girlfriends instead hitting happy hour together—you’ll burn calories while bonding. “Your Fittest Year Starts Here,” page 124 5 MINUTES Ask your guy what he thinks about the latest Hollywood affair—it’s a nonthreatening way to gauge how he feels about fidelity and strengthen your bond. “Curious if You’re a Normal Couple?” page 116 10 MINUTES Paint your nails charcoal, silver, or nickel. To find just the right hue of the season’s hottest nail color, flip to “50 Shades of Gray,” page 46. WH ONLINE Join the WH reader panel at WomensHealthMag.com/Panel.…

THE CREATIVE COOK María del Mar Sacasa 1 HOW I BOOST FLAVOR: MALDON SALT “These large flakes, which come in a white box and can be found at most grocery stores, are the perfect addition to just about anything—from grilled chicken to cookies. They add a subtle crunch and melt easily into hot foods.” 2 HOW I START MY DAY: OATMEAL SMOOTHIE “I mix whole oats in a blender with flaxseeds, a banana, almond milk, peanut butter, and a touch of honey. It’s just as filling and nutritious as hot oatmeal, but I can take it with me on the go.” WH ADVISORY BOARD ANTHROPOLOGY HELEN FISHER, PH.D. Research professor and member of the Center for Human Evolutionary Studies, Rutgers University; author, Why Him? Why Her? Finding Real Love by…

WE’VE GOT THE JUICE! Looking for WH’s take on all the breaking exercise studies, health stats, nutrition intel, and celeb conundrums? Check out our brand-spankin’ new feed, The Scoop, on WomensHealthMag.com. Are You the Next Fitness Star? Jillian Michaels and Tracy Anderson are mega fitness celebrities known the world over. Now is your chance to become your own fitness powerhouse. Women’s Health is searching nationwide for an amazing woman to be the new face of fitness. One reader will appear within the pages of Women’s Health and star in one of our popular fitness DVD series—and that’s just for starters. What might follow? The sky is the limit—maybe a reality show, legions of fans…a veritable empire! If you think you have what it takes, get the details and submit your…

QI hate drinking water. What other low-cal options are hydrating? —Shannon, Naples, FL Good news: Pretty much any beverage is hydrating. Low-cal options include seltzer, flavored water, freshly squeezed vegetable juice, and coconut water. And some studies show that even caffeinated drinks can be as hydrating as plain H2O. Though caffeine itself is dehydrating, a cup of coffee or tea provides enough liquid to offset the effect (one cup equals one glass of water), and these drinks are virtually calorie-free, says Molly Kimball, R.D., a nutrition expert in New Orleans. Steer clear of anything that’s packed with sugar, and read the fine print carefully—sometimes one bottle holds two to three servings. Is acupressure actually effective? How does it work, and what is it good for? —Britni, Boston, MA “Data shows…

MEET OUR NEW GUY NEXT DOOR Say hello to Clint Carter. He’s a Midwestern native living in Brooklyn, New York, and he’s here to provide a guy’s honest perspective on your relationship quandaries. He’s not one for sugarcoating, so if you’re looking for candid advice… Follow him on Twitter at @WHGuyNextDoor or send him your questions at WomensHealthMag.com/GuyNextDoor. Q Should a woman accept a drink from a guy at a bar if she’s not interested in him? —Danielle, Indianapolis, IN If a guy buys you a drink, it’s because he wants you to drink it with him, and by accepting you’re saying you will. Do you have to give him your number? Of course not. Hell, you don’t even have to finish the drink in front of him. Just let…