Innholdsfortegnelse for January-February 2013 i Women's Health

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…

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…

Don’t be fooled by their size: Tiny microgreens are nutritional powerhouses. In fact, seedlings of vegetables such as arugula, cilantro, and red cabbage contain up to 40 times the amount of nutrients (including vitamins C, E, and K) as their mature counterparts, reports a recent study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Microgreens may owe their mega benefits to the fact that they’re harvested young, when they’re still packed with the nutrients they need to grow, says study coauthor Qin Wang, Ph.D., of the University of Maryland. Pick some up at a farmers’ market or upscale grocery, and try them on salads and sandwiches, or as edible garnishes.…

Recent research reveals that high levels of triclosan, an antibacterial chemical found in many toothpastes, mouthwashes, and liquid hand soaps, impairs the ability of heart and skeletal muscle cells to contract. Study coauthor Bruce Hammock, Ph.D., of the University of California at Davis, says this would likely pose an issue (such as a loss of coordination and strength) only for people with an underlying problem, such as a heart condition. But if you want to avoid the chemical, there are triclosan-free products. 81 PERCENTAGE OF COMMONLY TOUCHED SURFACES IN HOTEL ROOMS (REMOTE CONTROLS, LIGHT SWITCHES, PHONES) THAT ARE CONTAMINATED BY FECAL BACTERIA. PACK DISINFECTANT WIPES! Source: University of Houston TRASH YOUR STASH Not sure what to do with that expired medication? A recent study found that pharmacy take-back programs, previously…

Lust and love aren’t all that different, a recent study says—at least not to your brain. Researchers reviewed brain scans of people looking at photos of their significant others and at pornography. Both types of images activated bonding mechanisms in the brain, indicating that sexual longing and long-term relationships share similar chemistry—and that initial sparks can transition into something serious. “When you’re feeling like you could be in love, sex can turn that into the reality of actually being in love, if you are open to it,” says study coauthor Jim Pfaus, Ph.D. 65 PERCENTAGE OF MEN WHO SAY THEY WOULD DATE AN UNEMPLOYED WOMAN. WOMEN ARE PICKIER ABOUT THEIR LOVE INTERESTS HAVING LIVELIHOODS. ONLY 25 PERCENT SAY THEY’D DATE A GUY WHO CURRENTLY DIDN’T HAVE A JOB. Source: Survey…

if you have a CURVY shape RELAXED TOP The drapey cut gently hugs rather than clings. Eleven by Venus Williams tank, $58, elevenbyvenus.com STURDY BRA Like the best BF, this is highly supportive and doesn’t irritate. (No seams = no chafing!) Champion sports bra, $38, championusa.com GIRLIE SKIRT Your Friday-night mini, reimagined for the gym, courtesy of stretch and built-in bike shorts. Fila skirt, $50, fila.com TAILORED TOPPER A jacket that’s nipped at the waist shows off enviable proportions. Under Armour jacket, $148, ua.com if you have an ATHLETIC shape METALLIC BOXERS High-wattage track shorts shine a spotlight on sexy, powerful thighs. Victoria’s Secret Sport shorts, $34.50, victoriassecret.com SHOWY TANK Flaunt toned traps and delts in a layered-look racerback. Oakley tank, $48, oakley.com COLOR-BLOCKED HOODIE Dark shoulder panels visually shrink…

Can I skip the last few minutes of class spent in savasana? —Lindsey, New York, NY The quick answer: Stay put. For starters, it’s disrespectful to leave and make noise when others are trying to rest and absorb their practice. More important, the goal of yoga is to complete a full cycle that burns through distractions and leaves us strong, clear, and focused. Lying still on the floor during savasana (also known as corpse pose) is a rare moment in our day when we can just be. Use these few moments to create the state of mind you want to take with you into your day or night. How should I clean my mat? Any tips for sanitizing the ones at the studio? —Bridget, Hudson, OH Give communal mats a…

Last year, Lynda Trujillo, 26, cut a seemingly sweet deal with herself: She traded sleep for success. The busy hospital coordinator from Jacksonville, Florida, was already working full-time when she started her own side business, a fitness website called Hit the Road Jane. These days, she powers up her laptop the second she gets home from her day gig, writing content and wooing sponsors into the wee hours. Most weeknights she’s lucky to score five hours of sleep; four hours, if she wants to squeeze in a workout. Unsurprisingly, Lynda crashes on the weekends—hard. On Saturdays and Sundays (after fitting in some late-night fun with her girlfriends), she sleeps past noon. Not that her binge snoozing makes a dent in her fatigue; in fact, she often feels worse afterward and…

Brain You step into your potential boss’s office and…boom! Nerve cells in your brain trigger a flood of chemicals such as dopamine. Hope you skipped that supersize latte—you don’t need any extra stimulation. Your brain has jolted you into fight-or-flight mode, causing the adrenal glands to unleash adrenaline and cortisol. Meanwhile, that neurological storm could be drowning out your brain’s higher-thought center. You suddenly can’t recall the witty repartee you practiced and might find yourself rambling, or worse, laughing at nothing funny. Heart and Lungs Adrenaline hits your ticker, increasing your heart rate. A racing heart needs extra oxygen. Your lungs reflexively go into overdrive. If you don’t feed them long, slow breaths, you may become light-headed. Muscles Your muscles, including those around your vocal cords, tense up. Your voice…

Three More Delicious Recipes 1. Green tea latte: Fill a mug with ¼ cup water and microwave for about 1 minute, until boiling. Add 1 green-tea bag and 1 mandarin orange peel and steep for 5 minutes. Discard peel and tea bag. Heat 1 cup milk until just below boiling. Add milk to tea, then froth. 2. French toast: Whisk 1 tsp matcha (green tea) powder, 1 cup milk, ½ tsp vanilla, 1 egg, ½ tsp each cinnamon and cardamom, and 1/8 tsp ground cloves. Dip 8 slices of whole-wheat bread into mixture, then fry until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Serve with warm mandarin preserves. 3. Chocolate dip: Melt 1 oz chopped dark chocolate. Divide 1 mandarin orange into segments and dip each piece into melted…

Snack Kiwi Parfait 6 oz plain low-fat yogurt 1 kiwi, sliced ¼ cup Barbara’s High Fiber, Flax & Granola cereal 1 tsp fresh mint leaves* Layer the first three ingredients a few times, then garnish with mint. * The smell of mint is a proven appetite suppressant. So…mint leaves in every dish? Total: 208 calories Daily Total: 1,500 calories Note: For optimal weight management, combine this nutrient-dense meal plan with exercise. Want more belly-blasting advice? Find our free Abs Diet Quickstart workout and diet plan, plus weekly tummy-tightening tips, at WomensHealthMag.com/AbsDiet. Breakfast Greens, Eggs, and Ham Quesadillas 2 La Tortilla Factory Smart & Delicious Soft Wrap Minis White Whole Wheat wraps 2 large egg whites, scrambled and cooked 1/4 cup arugula 3 oz lean deli ham 2 Tbsp crumbled feta…

1. Throw away your desktop snacks and avoid the cafeteria. The sight and smell of food can cause the body to experience hunger, whether or not you actually have an appetite. Out of sight (and smell), out of mind. 2. When you start to feel a food craving, hit the stopwatch on your cell phone. Record the time it takes for the feeling to wane and use it as the light at the end of the next hunger-pang tunnel. 3. Hit the road. Just half an hour of hard running can reduce appetite by 50 percent for up to two hours, according to scientists at Loughborough University in the U.K. 4. Cover your desk with a black tablecloth during the day or change your computer background to black. According to…

You never know what goes on behind closed doors, but damn, wouldn’t you like to find out? Well, now you can take a peek inside other people’s hearts, minds, and bedrooms, thanks to The Normal Bar, a new book by Chrisanna Northrup, a San Diego–based wellness entrepreneur who wanted to improve her marriage. With the help of Pepper Schwartz, Ph.D., a popular sexologist at the University of Washington, and James Witte, Ph.D., director of the Center for Social Science Research at George Mason University, Northrup surveyed more than 70,000 couples worldwide (making it the largest relationship study ever done), asking questions like “How often do you kiss your partner?” and “Do you keep secrets from each other?” The answers provide a voyeuristic look into how the average duo behaves—and if…

you recently had a baby Intense exercise is usually off-limits for six weeks postpartum. After that, sheer exhaustion can keep moms couched. TRAINING TIP: Even if you’re wiped, pop in a DVD or slip your baby in the stroller for a brisk walk. It will boost your energy and help you sleep better, says Michael Mantell, Ph.D., senior fitness consultant for behavioral sciences for the American Council on Exercise. “And in the long term, exercising will fend off postpartum depression.” MIND TRICK: Mentally commit to just five to 10 minutes of exercise. If you don’t feel energized after that time period has elapsed, try again later or take the day off and try again tomorrow. Unlike other vacations, exercise breaks generally last longer than you’d like—and the mementos they come…

it was Tricia Thompson’s hairstylist who first spotted a dark brown mole behind her ear. “I didn’t think much of it,” says Tricia, who was 32 at the time. “I went to the dermatologist and she froze it of.” But a year later, the same hairstylist saw that the mole had grown back, and this time it was a greenish-blue color. Tricia made an appointment with a different dermatologist, who took a biopsy of the mole. It was melanoma, the most serious of all skin cancers. Best possible scenario: Tricia would end up with a disfiguring scar. Worst case: The melanoma would kill her. “I worked at an indoor tanning salon in high school and college,” she says. “I tanned an average of two or three times a week from…

THE A.W. GOES OUT TO PARTY… 1 or 2 times a month SHE BRINGS ALONG… 3 friends SHE CONSUMES… 3 or 4 drinks SHE CALLS IT A NIGHT AT… 2 a.m. 55 Percentage who’ve flirted with a bartender to get free drinks Female celeb the A.W. most wants to party with: EMMA STONE WHAT THE A.W. EATS AFTER A NIGHT OUT: Staying up late doesn’t mean you need another meal. After dinner, your digestive system should rest for 12 hours, says Lauren Slayton, owner of the nutrition firm Foodtrainers in New York City. If you must eat, have a high-fiber snack, like Mary’s Gone Crackers. To ease a hangover, your best bet is 16 ounces of water. seventy Percentage who’ve gone out with girlfriends but home with a guy Shots!…

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.…

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…

Snowboard or skis: Which is the safer option on the slopes? Injuries are more common among snowboarders, but both sports have their safety challenges. Here’s a breakdown of some common hurts. SKIING INJURIES: KNEE: 33% THUMB: 6.6% SHOULDER: 6.4% CONCUSSION: 2.7% SNOWBOARDING INJURIES: WRIST: 20.4% SHOULDER: 11.7% ANKLE: 6.2% CONCUSSION: 3.7% Source: The American Journal of Sports Medicine THIS JUST IN Kick Butts To help yourself quit smoking, try walking, biking, or jogging. In a study published in the journal Addiction, researchers combined the data from 19 previous clinical trials and found that a bout of exercise generally helped quitters-to-be reduce their nicotine cravings. Physical activity may serve as a distraction and also boost mood, nixing the stress-driven urge to reach for a puff. Heart-pumping aerobic movement seemed to work…

It’s no wonder the slick stuff is such a hot commodity, especially for your hair: “Oils help increase shine, provide lubrication, prevent breakage, and act as static reducers in the winter months, when the air’s moisture content is low and hair is dry,” says cosmetic chemist Trefor Evans. While silicone-only serums do the deed, the newest formulas contain oils like sunflower, almond, or sesame, which may penetrate deeper, offer an extra conditioning boost, and let you tailor results to your hair type or concern. At left, what to use if strands are... 1 Coarse Redken Smooth Lock Heat Glide ($16.50, redken.com for salons) contains almond oil and added proteins for manageability. “Spray it all over, then comb through for even coverage,” suggests New York City hairstylist Nathaniel Hawkins. 2 Fine…

It’s January—you want to hit refresh, not reinvent your identity. Instead of taking drastic mane measures, try these gorgeous snip-less, salon-free styling ideas. Short FAUX FRENCH TWIST Cameron Diaz is proof you don’t need long tresses to pull off an updo. “This looks like a classic French twist with a pompadour,” says Sebastian Scolarici, a hairstylist at New York City’s Serge Normant at John Frieda salon. > Apply volumizer evenly through damp hair, then tousle with your hands while blow-drying, lifting the roots to create lots of body. Try Suave Professionals Volumizing Mousse ($3, at drugstores). > Section off the top part of your hair, from eyebrow to eyebrow and back to your crown, then gently clip it on top of your head to keep it out of the way.…

These sporty-chic watches make a bold style statement. NAUTICAL & NICE Gucci G-Timeless Sport watch, $950, gucci.com for select stores HIP TO BE SQUARE Nike+ SportWatch GPS watch with sensor, $169, nikestore.com WHITE ON Timex Modern Originals Sport Chronograph watch, $100, nordstrom.com DARK BEAUTY Tag Heuer Aquaracer America’s Cup watch, tagheuer.com LIME AID Swatch Lacquered watch, $75, swatch.com DIALED IN Seiko Solar Diver solar-powered watch, $395, seikousa.com for stores WINNING NUMBER Marc by Marc Jacobs Diver watch, $275, marcjacobs.com…

SLOW DOWN FOR A SLEEK PHYSIQUE It may sound counterintuitive, but slowing down your workout can help speed up your results. Here’s why: Your muscles have three basic contractions—concentric (they shorten), isometric (they stay the same length), and eccentric (they lengthen). “When you focus on—and slow down—the eccentric phase, your muscles are under tension longer, so your body uses more energy to build and repair them,” says David Jack, director of Actv8 Phoenix in Acton, Massachusetts, who created this workout. It may not get your heart racing like a spin class does, but it shares the same metabolism-revving perks: Research shows that eccentric-focused training can increase your post-workout calorie burn by up to 7 percent for as long as 72 hours. The initial time through, do the first and third…

Whether you’ve skimped on sleep or scored a solid eight hours, mornings can be, in a word, brutal. Blame your brain: Everyone is hardwired to be either a night owl or an early bird—and only 15 percent of people are natural-born larks. Not part of that lucky minority? You can still beat biology. > After a long stretch in the sack without fluids, your body is thirsty, which can lead to brain fog, per a University of Connecticut study. Right after your dreaded alarm goes off, gulp down a tall glass of H20; it may help clear the cobwebs from your mind and improve your mood. > Next, give yourself a squeeze, literally. Research shows that self-administered acupressure pumps up mental alertness in the morning. Using a clockwise motion, massage…

Your cholesterol, your blood pressure, even your IQ—all can say a whole lot about your health. But there’s another stealth number that might speak volumes: your zip code. Case in point: If you call one of these 10 best places home, chances are you’re already physically and mentally fit. But if you reside in one closer to the bottom 10, you may need a little help. That’s where our fifth annual survey comes in. In partnership with Men’s Health, we ranked 100 cities in 41 categories—including nutrition, cost of living, and cancer rates—and analyzed the data to reveal how anyone, anywhere, can live optimally. Top 10 Best 1/San Francisco, CA 2/Salt Lake City, UT 3/San José, CA 4/Boise, ID 5/Burlington, VT 6/Minneapolis, MN 7/Seattle, WA 8/Austin, TX 9/St. Paul, MN…

Katrina McCloud, 32, gave up meat in high school for ethical reasons. But instead of filling the void with fruits and veggies, she became a carb queen. “I ate a lot of white, starchy things,” she recalls. Her first job as an elementary school music teacher didn’t help: “Once I had my own salary, I went out to eat a lot more often,” she says. Getting married and having two kids gave her more excuses not to focus on herself, and in 2009, at 220 pounds, 5’3" Katrina was the heaviest she’d ever been. The Change The extra weight made even walking around the mall a struggle for Katrina. “I would get out of breath so easily,” she says. And she was constantly frustrated trying to find clothes for her…

Walk into my office at Men’s Health on any given workday and you won’t see an inch of open space on my desk. What you’ll see instead are stacks of research papers, charts, and graphs, all reporting the latest findings on fitness and weight loss. The chairs will be piled high with books and DVDs sent to me by this doctor and that exercise guru, each with a new plan to strip off pounds, fight disease, and improve readers’ lives. Most of the facts, figures, and findings that come my way have been variations on the same thing, year after year after year. Until I discovered the 8-Hour Diet. It’s hard to overstate how important, how revolutionary, and how life-altering this research is, and how quickly and easily you’ll begin…

It’s fitting that WH’s interview with Emily VanCamp is set to take place at a posh Hollywood hotel where you hang when you’ve officially Made It. After having roles on Everwood and Brothers & Sisters, the actress is now playing a beautiful badass on Revenge—the ABC hit now in its second season—which has ushered her firmly into someone-to-be-seen territory. Except that a couple of days before the interview, she changes plans, and here we are instead at a cozy, laid-back café near her home, sipping tea, with only a few pigeons and little old ladies as spectators. “Those big places are slightly intimidating!” she says, explaining the switch, and then laughs. Emily may be one of Hollywood’s brightest stars, but she’s also a self-confessed homebody. On her days off, she’s…

NORMAL When I’m angry, I make him sleep on the couch. More than half of couples have slept separately after a fight. I love PDA. More than half of couples engage in public petting. I like to pleasure myself solo. 82% of women masturbate. I read his e-mail. 54% of women (and 49% of men) snoop on their partner’s in-box. NOT NORMAL I keep in touch with my ex. Only 26% of women in the U.S. are friends with a past love. I prefer being on top in bed. Only 24% of women like the dominant position best. I never go down on him. Only 9% of women in the U.S. don’t give oral sex to their men. I watch porn alone. Only 6% of women in the U.S. view…

ROAST This technique is ideal for tenderizing and adding flavor to root vegetables. Whereas boiling can leave them waterlogged and even leach out nutrients, the dry heat of roasting caramelizes the starches’ natural sugars, giving them an almost sweet taste. Your oven can also help you avoid overcooking, an all-too-common error. “We all have bad memories of mushy vegetables,” says Annie Somerville, executive chef of Greens Restaurant in San Francisco. “Roasting gives you more control over what you’re cooking.” ROASTED ROOTS 6 cups chopped carrots, parsnips, and rutabagas, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices 2 Tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper 6 fresh sage leaves 6 fresh thyme sprigs 2 Tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley Preheat oven to 400°F. In a baking dish, toss vegetables with the oil, a few pinches…

WITHIN SECONDS: Your body is bombarded with hefty doses of ultraviolet A (UVA) light—roughly 12 times the amount you’d get from the sun. WITHIN A FEW MINUTES: Those long-wave UVA rays begin to penetrate your skin. Over time, they break down the collagen and elastin in the upper layers, causing permanent damage. The potential result? Wrinkles, saggy skin, and sun spots as early as your twenties. The UVA light can penetrate to the deepest levels of your skin and start damaging the cells that make up your DNA. Within seconds, your immune system senses there’s been an attack and sends a signal to a gene called POMC to start pumping melanocytes to your skin’s surface—1,000 to 2,000 to each square millimeter of skin. IN OTHER WORDS: Think of melanocytes as…

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…

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…

The couple that eats together stays together—that’s the philosophy of Sameplate.com, a dating website that pairs people by their food preferences. There’s cred to the idea: In a Match.com survey, 70 percent of singles said they’re turned on by a date who’s knowledgeable about food and wine pairings. As for less-desirable dining habits, here’s the breakdown of people who said they’d be turned off if a date… DECLINED THE DESSERT MENU 19% DIDN’T WANT TO TRY CERTAIN TYPES OF FOOD 66% ORDERED FOR THEM 67% THIS JUST IN C Plus A new report indicates that more vitamin C might do us some good. The current 75 milligram RDA is enough to help prevent disease-causing deficiencies, but aiming for 200 milligrams could also help ward off heart disease, stroke, and cancer.…

A study in The Journal of Biological Chemistry found that piceatannol, a chemical naturally found in red grapes, berries, peanuts, passion fruit, and red wine, may help prevent the growth of new fat cells. Researchers still don’t know what quantity of piceatannol-containing foods you need to eat to help you maintain a healthy weight, but incorporating more of them into your diet can’t hurt. Your body will thank you bunches. 200 INCREASED NUMBER OF CALORIES IN PIZZAS ORDERED ONLINE VERSUS VIA PHONE OR IN PERSON. (ONE REASON: PEOPLE FEEL MORE ANONYMOUS WHEN ORDERING ONLINE, SO THEY EXERCISE LESS SELF-RESTRAINT.) Source: University of Rochester’s Simon Graduate School of Business THIS JUST IN Corn Overfed Eating genetically modified corn could contribute to obesity, according to new research. Scientists found that rats fed…

From innocent doves to mysterious charcoals, gray is the “it” nail color of the season. So don’t hold back—polish with total abandon. (1) Revlon Nail Enamel in Timeless, $5, at drugstores; (2) L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail Color in Stroke of Midnight, $6, at drugstores; (3) Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer in Gris Montaigne, $23, at Sephora; (4) Lancôme Vernis Gloss Shine Nail Polish in Gris Angora, $15, nordstrom.com; (5) Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Marquee Moon, $16, hsn.com; (6) Butter London 3-Free Nail Lacquer in Dodgy Barnett, $15, butterlondon.com; (7) Estée Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Chaos, $20, esteelauder.com; (8) OPI Nail Lacquer in Is That Silva?, $8, at salons; (9) Maybelline New York Nail Polish in Silver Stunner, $4, at drugstores; (10) Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in…

Nearly every major muscle in your body has a a corresponding muscle group that carries out the opposite function. Take your biceps and triceps: Their even matchup lets you bend and straighten your elbow without any thought. That’s how it should work, at least. Unfortunately, everyday habits (like sitting at a desk), repetitive workouts (say, that marathon you’re training for or your three-times-a-week spin class), and even your wardrobe (those skyscraper heels) threaten these partnerships. The result: One of the muscles becomes stronger and overpowers the other, a common condition known as muscular imbalance. Like any team, when there’s a weak link, others have to compensate. “The danger of muscular imbalances is that they alter your natural movement patterns,” says Karen Joseph, owner of Fountain of Fitness in Valrico, Florida.…

Rehearsing lines, trying on costumes, learning a new accent: just a day’s work for an actress. But for her role in the Starz network series Spartacus, Cynthia Addai-Robinson had to get far more physical. In the show’s final season, airing this January, her character, Naevia, has undergone a huge transformation: Once an obedient servant, she emerges as a tough gladiator—wielding swords and battling men twice her size. So Cynthia had to transform as well. “I wasn’t aware of the level of physicality it was going to get to,” says Cynthia, whose pre-Spartacus fitness routine was more low-impact, favoring things like Pilates, yoga, and hiking. “I had to catch up to my own character. She is a fierce rebel fighter, and I had to believably portray that.” These four tricks helped…

Why am I always chilly when everyone around me is fine? —Jennifer, Cincinnati, OH Are the people around you mostly guys? Since women generally have fewer heat-generating muscles and can have less insulating fat than men do, they can feel colder faster and more often. (The thinner you are, the more pronounced the effect.) Also, fasting—not that we recommend it!—can force your body to conserve energy and give off less warmth. In some cases, feeling chronically chilled can be a sign of anemia or a thyroid issue, so if you get ample sleep and nutrients, see your M.D. I got a piercing I regret. Help! —Rachel, La Crosse, WI I have tough news for you: Your scar may never close up completely, especially if it’s an older piercing (that rebellious…

Balsamic Reduction GREAT ON: pork, chicken breasts, or swordfish steaks as a sticky, flavor-concentrated glaze, and just about all vegetables, which will benefit from the sweet-and-sour combo of sugar and vinegar. 1 Tbsp canola oil 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 3 Tbsp packed dark-brown sugar ½ tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper 2 cups balsamic vinegar > Heat oil in a medium skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onion, sugar, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring until softened, about 3 minutes. > Add vinegar and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring often, until vinegar has a syrupy consistency and has reduced to 1 cup, about 30 minutes. MAKES 8 SERVINGS (1 CUP TOTAL) Per 2-tablespoon serving: 100 cal, 2 g fat…

Some days I’m too busy to stop for lunch, and once I have time, I’m no longer hungry. Is it OK to skip my meal? —Hannah, Chicago, IL Skip at your own risk—doing so can slow your metabolism and encourage your body to hang on to calories rather than burn them. It can also lead you to overeat later, which may be why a recent study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that women who skipped meals lost about eight pounds fewer than those who ate more consistently. There are so many Greek yogurts in the grocery store. Are they all equally good for me? —Rebecca, Atlanta, GA It’s no surprise yogurt was one of the top foods associated with weight loss in a 20-year…

Duration: Eight hours a day, during which you can—and should—eat whenever you want Days/week: The magic is that you don’t have to follow it every day. Seven days a week? Terrific! Just three? You’ll still see benefits! Meals: As many as you want, whenever you want—as long as they fall within your eight-hour eating plan Foods: At each meal or snack, try to get two of the eight Powerfoods: one Fat Buster and one Health Booster. Every day you want to be able to say “I ate my eight!” Perfect snack examples: Hummus with carrots; yogurt with blueberries; green salad with walnuts Foods to emphasize: Lean protein, fiber, healthy (mono- and polyunsaturated) fats, brightly colored fruits and vegetables Foods to limit: Refined carbs such as baked goods; sugar; white bread,…

“I’ve worked with extraordinary women,” says Emily. “They have informed so much of who I am today and how I conduct myself in this business. I’ve always been incredibly observant...sort of sit back and watch.” She’s picked up these lessons from some of her veteran costars: ALWAYS BE PROFESSIONAL. Emily: “Sally has a work ethic unlike any other actor I’ve worked with… She is fierce. Always on time, always prepared. It sets the bar high when someone is so dedicated.” DON’T BE AFRAID TO IMPROVISE. Emily: “Madeleine has such a different style of acting than I do. I’m very calculated, and there’s such a freedom to what she does. She has an amazing ability to be present in the moment.” LOVE WHAT YOU DO—BUT NOT TOO MUCH. Emily: “Patty has…

1 Biggest lesson you’ve learned this past year? You can achieve your goals if you make it a point every day to take steps toward them. It’s self-fulfilling—if you really focus on what you want, you can get it. 2 What does a woman look hottest in? Her birthday suit. I’m speaking specifically about my wife [The Black Eyed Peas’ Fergie], just to be clear. 3 Do you know the secret to a happy relationship? The secret to my relationship is that we genuinely like each other, and we both try to be thoughtful about what’s going on with the other person. Neither of us ever really feels alone. 4 Does anything still confuse you about women? When you’re at dinner with another couple, it’s physically impossible for just one…

what if i actually... ...went gluten-free? the tester Jen Ator, WH’s fiber-cereal-eating, microbrew-loving fitness editor the goal “Revive my once-healthy diet by nixing gluten, the protein that’s found in wheat, barley, and rye.” the RX Focus on naturally gluten-free foods like fresh fruits and veggies, lean protein, dairy, beans, nuts, and such grains as brown rice and quinoa (and not processed gluten-free cookies, cereals, or breads, which are typically loaded with more sugar and fat to simulate the texture of gluten), says Dee Sandquist, R.D., a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. While this is a necessary diet—and the only treatment method—for people with celiac disease (an auto immune disease that damages the lining of the small intestine and affects the absorption of nutrients) and gluten sensitivity…

A 2012 survey from the American Academy of Dermatology shows many people are wildly uninformed when it comes to the facts about indoor tanning, and the results of a recent U.S. House of Representatives report found that tanning salons may be largely to blame for this. The report found that 90 percent of salons told customers that tanning poses no health dangers, 78 percent claimed indoor tanning actually improves health, and 51 percent denied that indoor tanning increases the risk for skin cancer. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t get duped: Lie ▸ Tanning beds are safer than the sun. SUCKER COUNT: Twenty-four percent of young adults reported that they were either unaware or unsure that tanning beds are not safer than the sun. THE TRUTH: The…