Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2013 i Women's Health

We all want to feel beautiful. And for many of us, that means giving our natural allure a shot in the arm. I’ll admit that I’m secretly envious of (and a bit awed by) women who are confident enough to go without a stitch of makeup—but that’s just not me. (Nor am I the type to plaster on a full face to run a simple weekend errand.) I mostly aim to enhance what’s there—you know, add a little length to my lashes; punch up the color of my pucker! I’m not trying to look like someone else. I just want to be the best, most polished me. And while it’s true that beauty is subjective—it’s in the eye of the beholder, after all— some things can be judged: beauty products!…

Q What are the benefits of vibration platforms? —Marni, Pittsburgh, PA They may look gimmicky, but vibration platforms have significant benefits, says Will Caton, a trainer and Power Plate master instructor in Santa Monica, California, who trains his clients on Power Plate platforms (go to powerplate.com/us/locations to find one near you). The machine’s vibrations cause muscles to contract faster, so performing regular moves like squats or pushups on the shaky surface engages more muscle fibers than if you were doing them on solid ground. This can help muscles warm up and recover faster than usual, says Caton. Studies suggest this effect can temporarily enhance your performance immediately after use (think sprinting slightly faster, jumping just a bit higher), but research is still mixed on the long-term practical benefits. If you…

ten AVERAGE NUMBER OF YEARS THAT SMOKING CIGARETTES SHAVES OFF A WOMAN’S LIFE, ACCORDING TO A RECENT STUDY Source: The Lancet THIS JUST IN: Weak at the Knees In a study, fainters were 74 percent more likely to eventually be admitted to the hospital due to a cardiovascular problem than those with no history of blacking out, according to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. If you swoon, see your doctor to rule out a more serious issue. HERBS TO THE RESCUE These sprigs and leaves can do far more than just spice up your food—they can also enhance brain performance, mood, and energy. SNIFF IT Rosemary Researchers found that cognitive performance improves when a compound in the herb’s oil is absorbed into blood. So put a few…

349 NUMBER OF AIRLINE PASSENGERS (IN A SURVEY OF OVER 3,200) WHO SUFFERED A PEANUT OR TREE-NUT ALLERGIC REACTION DURING A FLIGHT. REQUEST A NUT-FREE MEAL (OR BRING YOUR OWN) AND AVOID USING AIRLINE PILLOWS AND BLANKETS, WHICH MAY HARBOR TRACES OF ALLERGENS. Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice THIS JUST IN: Catch More D’s Coffee isn’t the only way to stay alert. Upping your vitamin D intake may reduce grogginess during the day, reports the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. Researchers found that low blood levels of vitamin D— even if they weren’t deficient—were linked to higher rates of daytime sleepiness than greater concentrations of D. There are two reasons this may be the case, says study author David McCarty, M.D.: Low levels of the vitamin…

The root of all evil: When it comes to hair color, it might as well be roots, plural. Because, as anyone who regularly dyes her hair knows, dealing with unsightly roots is a real pain in the @$$—even more so when they’re gray! (In a recent online poll, Women’s Health readers ranked gray roots as one of their most annoying beauty issues.) And even more so if you’re one of the unlucky women whose regrowth starts to peek out as early as a week after coloring! But thanks to new products designed to cover regrowth instantly, hair-color harmony can prevail. We asked top pros to guide us through the options and, along the way, picked up some pretty sneaky styling tricks. Prepare to become a master of disguise during that…

In actress Elsa Pataky’s native Spain, the phrase hacer un Pataky (“to do a Pataky”) is as common as “the J. Lo glow” is here. What does it mean? Essentially, to pose in a way that shows off your amazing ass(ets). It was coined when the Fast & Furious 6 star—and wife of actor Chris Hemsworth—innocently started glancing coyly over her shoulder at photographers on the red carpet, her backless dresses tempting eyes a little lower down to her enviable bottom. Of course, this was never some grand spotlight-stealing strategy—it just happened. And Elsa isn’t complaining. “It’s such a silly thing,” she says in her charming, rolling Spanish accent. “But I feel like one of the most sensual parts of a woman is the back. And sometimes dresses are really…

BODY-WEIGHT SHAPE-UP Ah, summer: long days at the beach, cocktails rimmed with salt, and—most important—a break from everyday life. But it can also mean staying in cramped hotel rooms and deciding between packing your running shoes or those cute wedges in your carry-on. Staying on track with fitness is key in the summer—and not just because of your bikini. “It’s even more crucial because you may be sitting for hours in planes, trains, and cars,” says Nicole Glor, author of The Slimnastics Workout. “Taking even a few minutes a day to exercise helps you maintain flexibility and strength.” That’s where this equipment-free body-weight routine, created by Glor, comes in. By combining plyometric and cardio moves (think jumping and kicking) with ones that improve your balance, you’ll burn calories while building…

Staying healthy can feel like a constant battle between the ideal and the real: You have access to information that tells you what habits will keep you at your peak, but thanks to countless interferences—a fondness for late-night TV, a penchant for sky-high stilettos, or a nonstop schedule that leaves you panting like a breathless labradoodle— you fall down on the job of taking care of yourself. Not to worry. WH has come up with backup tactics that will reap you similar benefits. Just use sparingly! THE PROBLEM: You don’t wash your face before bed. » NEXT BEST THING: Do a once-over with a cleansing pad or wipe. “Over the course of the day, dust, dirt, and environmental pollutants accumulate on the surface of your skin and irritate it all…

Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Soup MAKES 4 SERVINGS Drain two 16-ounce jars of roasted red peppers, then puree with 1 pound chopped tomatoes, 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika. Chill at least 1 hour, then divide among four bowls. Garnish each with ½ teaspoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon each chopped almonds and chopped chives. PER SERVING: 150 CAL, 7 G FAT (1 G SAT), 20 G CARBS, 75 MG SODIUM, 7 G FIBER, 4 G PROTEIN Fizzy Melon Soup MAKES 4 SERVINGS In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, crisp 1 thin slice prosciutto for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, let cool, then crumble. In a food processor, pulse 5 cups cubed cantaloupe and 2 tablespoons agave nectar until finely…

Lentil Salad MAKES: 4 SERVINGS TIME: 30 MINUTES 1 Tbsp Dijon (or other good-quality mustard) 2 Tbsp any wine or sherry vinegar 4 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste Black pepper, to taste 4 cups cooked or canned lentils, drained 3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped 1 cup chopped carrots 1 cup chopped celery ½ cup chopped red onion ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or dill » Mix mustard, vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons water; whisk until well combined. » Add remaining ingredients to the bowl and toss until coated with dressing. Season to taste. Per serving: 425 cal, 16 g fat (2 g sat), 53 g carbs, 1,052 mg sodium, 20 g…

1 What’s the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for love? Having to watch the Kardashians at least once a night. I’ll get to watch a little bit of sports or something, and then that means we have to watch an hour of them or Real Housewives, which always stresses me out. 2 Do you believe in second chances? Definitely. Everyone can make mistakes— Lord knows I have. A lot of times second chances can make your relationship even stronger, so maybe after something bad has happened, you can hopefully grow. 3 What do women not understand about men? We can’t multitask. My wife gets so mad when I ask her to repeat what she was telling me while I was trying to do something, but it’s not my fault—this is the…

1 Stop looking outside yourself. Our culture places a huge emphasis on external success: the perfect job or wedding or weight. But this totally blocks your inner awareness and can injure your self-esteem. A powerful way to focus your attention inward is to meditate. For one minute a day, breathe in for five seconds, hold your breath for five seconds, then exhale for five seconds. Over time, your inner voice will start chatting you up. 2 Be more real. Embracing your quirks is hard—not conforming takes guts! But hear this: There’s nothing cooler, sexier, or greater than your real personality. Identify moments when you’re not being authentic (perhaps in the elevator with coworkers?) and go out of your way to be more you. 3 Zoom in on what you truly…

WHEN I DECIDED to undertake an elimination diet to clear out my system, heal my gut, and revive my body, it meant no coffee, no alcohol, no dairy, no eggs, no sugar, no shellfish, no deepwater fish, no potatoes, no tomatoes, no bell pepper, no eggplant, no corn, no wheat, no meat, no soy, nothing processed at all—tough words for a foodie to hear. And although my blood test results showed improvement three weeks later, I was understandably skeptical when my doctor told me this was how I should try to eat for the rest of my life. The rest of my life? Without Parmesan cheese and fried zucchini and pinot noir? That was not going to happen. But I wondered, Could it become my baseline? The way I would…

THE LIST Think only the pros have the right tools for great nail art? Look around your house. STRAW: Dip the rim into metallic polish, then press all over each nail for a mermaid’s-tail effect. BOBBY PIN: You don’t need a special “dotting” tool. Use the tip of a bobby pin to plop polka dots onto your polish. PAPER TOWEL: The simplest way to fake a snakeskin pattern? Dip the corner of a paper towel into polish, then gently dab it onto the nails. (Think of it like sponge painting.) TAPE: Use slivers as guides for stripes or to create color blocks. GLITTER: Mix with clear enamel or dust it over wet polish for instant sparkle. SANDWICH BAG: Lightly stipple it on top of still-wet polka dots to make your…

1 HOW I AVOID BOREDOM ON A RUN: PODCASTS “I enjoy listening to Pardon the Interruption and This American Life while I’m running. They’re a great way to make long runs feel less monotonous.” 2 HOWI SIMPLIFY DINNER: BLACK BEAN QUESADILLAS “They’re quick and nutritious, and you need only three or four ingredients: tortillas, beans, spinach, and maybe cheese.” 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 Understanding Your Personality Type and Why We Love CARDIOLOGY SHARONNE N. HAYES, M.D. Associate professor of cardiology and director of the Women’s Heart Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; board member, WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, Washington, D.C. MAJA…

Q What’s the quickest (nonphysical) way to turn a guy on? —Wendy, St. Paul, MN Our on switch is pretty easy to flip, actually. Just smile and laugh often, steal a seductive bite of our food, open up to us about a fantasy…all of those work. But the fastest way is to let us in on a dirty secret. For instance, if you don sexy lingerie underneath your work clothes just for your guy, he’ll be buzzing with primed sexual energy. Make a show of putting it on in front of him in the morning, or send him a text to tell him you’re wearing it while he’s sitting at dinner with friends. Want to fire him up even more? Remind him of a recent sexual experience the two of you…

SUGAR SMARTS All sugars may not be created equal. When study participants sipped a drink loaded with either glucose or fructose—two types of sugar used to sweeten processed foods and drinks— only the glucose chuggers’ brains registered fullness, reports The Journal of the American Medical Association. “Fructose consumption may lead to overeating because the brain may not get the signals it needs to suppress hunger,” says Kathleen Page, M.D., of the University of Southern California. Most processed foods contain both sugars, so eliminating fructose alone is tricky. The sweetest solution? Try to cut back on foods with more than 10 to 15 grams of added sugar per serving. DELIVER GOOD EATS Dialing in your dinner could be a figure-friendly call. Online ordering service Seamless.com surveyed more than 1,000 customers to…

The key pillars of fitness that help give competitive surfers an edge— muscular endurance, balance, core stability, and total-body strength— can help you score a bangin’ bod even if you have no plans to hang ten. Just practice a few of these land-based moves (at right) from Rocky Snyder, author of Fit to Surf: The Surfer’s Guide to Strength & Conditioning. AVOID THE BOUNCE C cups or larger, listen up: Cross-backed sports bras with shoulder cushioning could be best at preventing straps from slipping or pinching during high-impact activities, according to a study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Moving Comfort’s Juno sports bra fills both of those requirements and is available in sizes up to DD ($56, movingcomfort.com). THIS JUST IN: Brain Freeze Ever…

Hang On to Your Hat 1/Don’t let it get wet—water can shrink straw. If your hat gets crushed, though, no biggie: Just steam out the kinks. 2/Use a soft-bristle hat or paint brush after every wear to prevent pollen and dust buildup, which can cause discoloration. 3/Keep your topper in good shape by storing it on top of a large coffee can. 4/To restore a dark hat that’s fading, blot it with a solution of alcohol and water, then polish with a piece of dark velvet. THE BALL CAP Get ahead of the curve: This sporty raffia style will be everywhere come fall. Topshop baseball cap, topshop.com THE BEACHCOMBER A small, malleable brim is easy to pack and maintain. Michael Stars hat, michaelstars.com THE COWBOY What’s ruggedly attractive and gets…

The interest in caveman-inspired diets and functional-exercise programs like CrossFit is still rising. And there’s something to be said for a Paleo-inspired eating plan (high in protein and fat, low in carbs): A Swedish study found that it helped women lose weight, shrink their hips, and improve their cholesterol levels. Of course, our strong and lean Stone Age ancestors didn’t have today’s attitudes toward exercise and diet. Their fitness was just a by-product of their lives, says Mark Sisson, author of The Primal Blueprint. Understanding the Paleolithic habits and applying their key principles can help build your best body ever—in any era. Living in Motion In prehistoric times, people walked everywhere—to gather food, visit family, migrate to a new territory—with daily distances varying from three to nine miles. Today, though,…

Before You Dig In Your brain’s pleasure and reward centers light up, prompting you to really crave that mint chocolate chip—even if you’re not very hungry. Fueling the fire: Your hippocampus, a key memory player, starts reminding you just how good ice cream tastes and how happy you felt the last time you indulged. After the First Bite Fat and sugar coat your tongue, igniting your taste buds and alerting the brain, This stuff tastes great! Your noggin churns out dopamine and other feel-good chemicals. Your pancreas, meanwhile, is squirting out insulin, which moves sugar out of the bloodstream and into your tissues. (That’s fine in small doses, but eating sugar too often can lead to a wacky metabolism, weight gain, or diabetes.) To avoid overeating, your stomach starts releasing…

Marinades These flavor baths usually contain an acid such as vinegar or citrus, which helps break down proteins, tenderizing and seasoning at the same time. They might also include oil to lock in moisture, aromatics for flavor, and sweeteners for browning power. Marinades are versatile enough to use for meat, pork, poultry, and seafood, but while their flavor can penetrate deeper than a rub, oversoaking can leave your choice of protein rubbery and stiff. For fish and kebabs, marinate for at least 35 minutes but not more than 55 minutes; for thin boneless cuts, one to four hours; and for thick bone-in cuts, four to eight hours. Pair this tequila-lime marinade with mahimahi or snapper for the ultimate fish tacos, or with flank steak for a delicious batch of south-of-the-border…

Drididi Byrd, now 35, used to play basketball, dance, and lift weights. But around age 20, she let fitness fall by the wayside. She picked up new habits: eating whatever was around and downing sugary juices and sports drinks. “I just didn’t care what I put into my body,” says Drididi, now a middle-school language-arts and drama teacher. Her weight crept up steadily, and in 2006, she was shocked when she stepped onto the scale. At 5'4", she was 193 pounds. The Change That spring, Drididi and her BFF were meeting their boyfriends— good-looking guys—at the basketball courts when her friend dropped this bomb: “I bet people wonder why these guys are with girls like us.” It broke Drididi’s heart. “I didn’t feel good about myself at all,” she says.…

Ain’t love grand? Sure it is…until your Sig-O annoys the hell out of you by leaving a wet towel on the floor—all day. A survey found that 45 percent of pairs who say they’re discontented bicker often or all the time, compared with only 11 percent of couples who say they’re extremely happy. “We’re sussing out what it is that we want from our partners and for our life,” says Kavita J. Patel, a relationship coach in New York City. But that doesn’t mean our relationships have to be heavy. There’s a savvy strategy for quelling minor disagreements and, maybe more important, keeping them from turning into full-blown ragers. Getting a little playful with your guy—being goofy, using games to make decisions— can actually defuse adult arguments before they can…

Sometimes you click with people; sometimes you don’t. The chemicals in your brain, not your actions, often decide this. But you can actually overrule biology by creating chemistry with just about anybody. “There are small things you can do to stimulate the release of the feel-good brain chemicals dopamine and oxytocin, which are associated with building bonds and trust,” says Larry Young, Ph.D., an expert in social behavioral neuroscience and coauthor of The Chemistry Between Us: Love, Sex, and the Science of Attraction. These smart strategies aren’t just for romantic relationships—they’ll help you gain a competitive edge in a range of situations. THE GREAT UNITER: Make Eye Contact Looking people in the eye has benefits beyond just being polite. “Holding someone’s gaze creates a spark in their brain that makes…

Beyond store shelves, beauty products don’t live a stationary life: They have to roll with your busy schedule. That’s why this year’s awards are categorized by life’s most ubiquitous social moments—with the products that perform best in specific situations, from kicking butt in the gym to lazing around the beach on vacay. Find the ones that fit your world, apply, then smile and take some gorgeous selfies. #getreadyforyourcloseup #ON VACATION Whether they’re sun-shielding, glow-giving, or just plain fun, these winners are your passport to beautiful. BODY SUNSCREEN READER WINNER: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 ($11, at drugstores) So sheer, it’s like you’re wearing nothing at all. EDITORS’ PICK: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion+ SPF 50+ for Face/Body ($39, shiseido.com) A physical block that’s not chalky or pasty? It…

Liz Gannon had always been an OVERACHIEVER. In high school, she got straight A’s and served as STUDENT-BODY PRESIDENT. In college, she majored in business, JUGGLING CLASSES and an 40-HOURS-A-WEEK JOB. When she graduated and headed to New York for a FINANCIAL SALES GIG, she knew she could handle the hectic schedule. SHE HAD HER ACT TOGETHER. UNTIL, ALL OF A SUDDEN, SHE DIDN’T. As her cube mates worked the phones, Liz got distracted by their conversations, unable to concentrate on her own calls. Simple tasks such as drafting or reading e-mails seemed to take forever. At night, she tried to study for a required licensing exam but, even in her quiet apartment, she couldn’t fight the urge to call a friend, or clean her room, or simply space out.…

SIP THIS NOW Yes, you can drink sweet, refreshing cocktails at the beach or pool without packing on the pounds. Get printable recipes for delicious, low-calorie beverages at WomensHealthMag.com/HealthyCocktails. Get a Smokin’ Beach Bod Swimsuit season shouldn’t stress you out. Consult our new online guide to find toning workouts, the best suit styles for your shape, and a 30-day meal plan to get you bikini-ready— fast! Visit WomensHealthMag.com/GetBikiniReady. DISCOVER TASTY NEW RECIPES Break out those kitchen knives and start cooking something fresh. You don’t need to be a pro—just head to Recipes. WomensHealthMag.com for tons of healthy ideas. All of Your Birth- Control Questions, Answered Compare the different types of contraception and learn about your options (plus how to save money!) at WomensHealthMag.com/BirthContro Don’t Forget Dad Let us guess: Dad…

About a third of women age 40 or over haven’t had a mammogram in the past two years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Now, a new trend at clinics across the country may help entice you and your girls (and your gal pals!) to get regular screenings: mamm parties. The fetes often include food and cocktails as well as spa and beauty treatments to make breast exams less intimidating. Just don’t overindulge while you’re there. “To minimize your risk of developing breast cancer, you should have only one drink per day and stay as close to your ideal body weight as possible,” says Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a clinical professor of ob-gyn at Yale School of Medicine. Look for parties at local imaging clinics and hospitals,…

1 Ignore the no-conditioner-near-the-roots rule. “Moisture makes bangs less likely to puff up, but rinse well so they don’t get stringy,” says Mylo, a hairstylist at the Rita Hazan salon in New York City. Try John Frieda Luxurious Volume Touchably Full Conditioner ($6.50, at drugstores). 2 Pick stylers wisely. “A straightening gel is a weightless frizz fighter for waves; curls can tolerate a cream because they’re naturally a bit drier,” says Mylo. Try Redken Sheer Straight 06 ($16, at Redken salons) or Ojon Dry Recovery Hydrating Smoothing Cream ($24, at Sephora). 3 Think 60. Percent, that is. For the most fuzz control, hair should be a little more than halfway dry before you blowdry it smooth, says Mylo. Unless it’s curly. “In that case, blow-dry when hair is sopping wet…

If you’re slapping on sunscreen like you did five (even two!) years ago, you could be putting yourself at risk. New FDA guidelines, along with the latest research, show that the type of screen you choose, and the way you apply it, impacts your protection. Read this, then get back to having fun in the sun. THIS FOR TAT You may not care if that tramp stamp of your ex’s name fades into oblivion, but for ink you actually like, know this: “Tattoos can fade or change color in the sun,” says dermatologist Doris Day, M.D. Protect them with a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Try Coppertone Tattoo Guard Lotion SPF 50 ($9, at drugstores). 1/Antioxidants are essential, not optional. Scientists have long known that free radicals—those…

SLEEK BERMUDA These body skimmers put a spotlight on a shapely booty. Trina Turk shorts, $228, 760-416- 2856; Charles David shoes, $180, charlesdavid.com RELAXED TROUSER The higher rise and casual pleats look fab on an athletic bod. Gabby Applegate shorts, $140, gabbyapplegateclothing.com; Isaac Mizrahi shoes, $100, nordstrom.com RETRO HIGH-WAIST Looks like a skirt, but you can bend over with no fear. Perfect for hourglasses. Ellelauri shorts, $105, ellelauri.com; Mia shoes, $79, miashoes.com SPORTY FORMAL Add a boxy blazer for a DIY shorts suit even petites can pull off. The Limited shorts, $49.90, thelimited.com; Banana Republic shoes, $120, bananarepublic.com EMBELLISHED MINI Hot pants help make good stems look even longer and leggier. Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren shorts, $145, denimandsupply.com; Matt Bernson booties, $235, mattbernson.com FLIRTY FLAT-FRONT No major curves? No…

For many women, a “lunch break” consists of scarfing down bites of a salad in between meetings, e-mails, or projects. Squeezing in a midday workout—and then showering, redoing your makeup, and blowing out your hair…all in an hour or less? Yeah, not happening. Unless you rethink what qualifies as a workout. Truth is, exercise doesn’t have to be synonymous with a long, high-octane session that leaves you sopped with sweat and exhausted, says Holly Perkins, a certified strength and conditioning specialist in Los Angeles. That type of “effort” intensity (in which you’re pushing as hard as you can for one-minute intervals or jetting from one move to the next as quickly as possible) isn’t the only barometer of successful training; just as effective is “load” intensity (in which you’re pushing…

You’re stressed. We’re stressed. Everyone’s stressed. No big deal, right? Because it’s so common, you might think that if you’re not lying on the floor from exhaustion, you’re probably fine. But stress has an insidious way of creeping up on you, and it’s not just a mental or emotional issue—it can impact the body in some very visible (and bizarre) ways. “One of the biggest problems I see in my practice is women coming in with multiple physical signs of stress,” says Nancy Molitor, Ph.D., a psychiatry professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. In fact, a new study found that stress and other negative emotions were consistently linked to poor physical health in more than 150,000 people in 142 countries. That’s because the mind and body are intrinsically…

Spiced Sweet- Potato Fries with Creamy Avocado Dip 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 sweet potatoes (about 1 lb), cut into wedges ¼ tsp hot Hungarian paprika 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning, divided 1 avocado, peeled and pitted ¼ cup (2.5 oz) silken tofu 2 Tbsp lime juice 1/8 tsp salt » Preheat oven to 450°F. On a baking sheet, drizzle olive oil over potatoes and mix with hands to coat evenly. » In a small bowl, combine paprika with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, then sprinkle over potatoes, mixing again to coat. Bake for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are soft and beginning to char. » Meanwhile, in the bowl of a food processor, combine avocado, tofu, lime juice, ½ tsp Cajun seasoning, and salt. Process until smooth. Serve as a…

Snack 1 cup raspberries* 1 banana, sliced 1 Tbsp dried chipped coconut 1 Tbsp sliced almonds 1 cup almond milk, served on the side * Raspberry ketone, a compound in this bright, bite-size fruit, has been linked to anti-obesity and fat-burning effects in mice. Sweet. Total: 290 calories Breakfast Loaded Toast 1 slice whole-wheat toast 2 slices Canadian bacon* 1 slice Swiss cheese * For a slimmer morning sizzle, choose Canadian over regular bacon. It has almost double the protein and more than 40 percent less fat. Total: 270 calories Lunch Summer Salad 1½ tsp olive oil 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar 2 tsp lemon juice 1 cup mixed greens 3 oz boiled shrimp 1 oz goat cheese ½ cup orange segments 1 Tbsp chopped walnuts* Whisk oil, vinegar, and juice.…

Yes, morning can lack certain erotic qualities— e-mail beckons from your phone, your breath isn’t its most minty fresh, and the glare of sunlight might feel anything but seductive. Worst of all, you haven’t had any coffee yet. Add in that some experts say women are more likely to reach orgasm later in the day, and a.m. sex doesn’t seem to be anything worth losing sleep over. But for guys—and I should know because I am one—the exact opposite is true. You might even say we’re always up for it! Don’t blame us. It just works out that our testosterone levels peak in the a.m. But here’s a little secret: A woman’s testosterone also peaks in the morning, and it controls sexual desire and satisfaction for you as much as…

RICKI BRISON, 21, is an EMT who lives in Omaha, Nebraska. One night last December, I pulled into the parking lot of the Walmart where my husband works. I was sitting with my car running when suddenly a man knocked on the car window and got in. He said his name was Eric* and he told me to drive. He seemed drunk or high and was wearing a lot of layers, and I didn’t know if he had a weapon. So I drove. Eric said he had seen me before and thought we had a connection. Feeling queasy, I mentioned my husband and began talking incessantly, making up stuff. I figured if I could distract him, he wouldn’t focus on what he might want to do to me. He kept…

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUAN ALGARIN into the blue This leaves-something-to-the-imagination monokini is the perfect frame for fab obliques. Aquarella one-piece, $156, aquarellaswimwear.com; Shashi bracelet, $38, shopshashi.com flash back Most sexy suits are far from functional, but this one’s chic back strap keeps everything in place when you’re in—and climbing out of—the water. Peixoto one-piece, $110, urbanoutfitters.com; David Yurman braided bracelet, $395, davidyurman.com; Miansai by Michael Saiger double-wrap bracelet, $72, miansai.com splash dance A black rubber strap transforms the standard bandeau bikini into wearable art. Eres bikini top, $205, and bottom, $175, nancymeyer.com; TYR goggles, $25, tyr.com; Tateossian bracelet, $350, tateossian.com fully bonded Seaworthy leather and 24-karat-gold-plated hardware add touches of luxe to a Bond Girl–esque bikini. Nina Swim bikini, $210, ninaswim.com; Jill Platner bracelets, $225 each, jillplatner.com diving range A bold…

If you’re thinking about taking up running, just know you’ll be in good company—and a lot of it. It’s arguably the most popular form of exercise, with about 13 million women regularly hitting the road, trail, or treadmill, according to a report by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. Most women get into it as a way to lose weight or shape up, which we totally understand: Running burns about 100 calories per mile, builds strong bones, and— contrary to popular belief about wrecking your knees—can reduce your risk for arthritis. Plus, Danish researchers found that just one and a half to two hours of slow or moderate running per week can add about six years to your life. According to the Women’s National Runner Survey, which polled more than…