Innholdsfortegnelse for July-August 2013 i Women's Health

You’re holding in your hands our first-ever Fitness Bonus “flip” issue—timed to give you a heaping dose of motivation and inspiration just when you need it most, during the critical skin-baring summer months. In this special section, you’ll discover exactly what Extra TV host Maria Menounos does to amp up her energy and score the ah-mazing abs she displays so confidently on our cover. You’ll also meet the five finalists ofWH’s The Next Fitness Star search—one of whom will get a huge visibility-raising career boost by starring in a Women’s Health fitness DVD set. (Stay tuned for more on that.) Each of these impressive women has all the ingredients needed—body-sculpting moves, a sparkling personality, and a passion for sharing her knowledge—to be crowned TNFS. But only one can take home…

Q/Does running three miles on the treadmill equal running three miles outdoors? —Tiffany, South Pasadena, CA Not quite. “You’re much better off hitting the trail or road,” says running coach Denise Margulies, co-owner of Core Fitness, a private fitness center in New York City. Running against wind or on uneven terrain engages more of your muscles, requires more energy, and burns more calories (10 percent more, says Margulies). If you can’t get outside, do speed work on the treadmill (run hard for a minute, then jog for a minute, for a total of 30 minutes); the moving belt means less muscle power is required from your legs, allowing you to run faster. And set the incline to 2 percent to simulate an outdoor run more accurately. What’s the best protein…

HOT TOMATO Yes, the organic tomatoes at your farmers’ market might be smaller than conventional ones. But they’re also likely to pack more nutrients, including 55 percent more vitamin C and 139 percent more phenolic content—compounds that have been shown to help fight diseases such as cancer, reports the journal PLOSONE. One theory is that the plants produce higher levels of phytochemicals when stressed (which occurs when they aren’t protected by pesticides), making their fruit more nutrient-dense. 20 PERCENTAGE BY WHICH WOMAN WHO ATE TWO MORE SERVINGS OF WALNUTS PER WEEK REDUCED THEIR RISK OF DEVELOPING TYPE 2 DIABETES Soure: The Journal of Nutrition THIS JUST IN Color Me Happy Eat on the bright side: In a study, people with more carotenoids (a group of antioxidants found in vividly hued…

WHAT IS IT? hair bb cream\ hair bee-bee kreem \ n. A 10-in-one that strengthens, adds shine, prevents frizz…and so on. “It’s amazing for medium to thick hair that needs more control,” says Ruben Colon, a hairstylist at Sally Hershberger Downtown in New York City. Try Pantene Pro-V Ultimate 10 BB Crème ($6.29, at drugstores). THIS JUST IN Mist Universe Practically every skincare product you used to apply with your fingers can now be spritzed on. Two summer-perfect picks: for body hydration, Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer Aloe Fresh ($8, at drugstores); for a dose of antioxidants, Murad Essential-C Toner ($28, at Sephora). PLANT PERKS And now, for a true cream of the crop: A pair of studies from the University of Colorado Cancer Center found that silibinin, an extract…

Think only curly girls are hit with frizz in the summertime? Not so. The dreaded style destroyer can strike nearly anyone, whether your locks are straight or wavy…and even if you’re a hairstylist! However, the pros—by virtue of their jobs—have honed their skills at coping when the going gets fuzzy. We recruited four to spill the get-smooth secrets they use on their own heads. Find your hair match and steal her tricks! Corkscrew Curls Naté Bova Bova is a hairstylist at the Warren-Tricomi salon in New York City. Half-Sicilian, half-black, she proudly rocks her “corkscrew curly” texture every single day. “I haven’t blown out my hair in 10 years,” she says. “I love to wear my curls with lots of volume.” Her frizz issue: Natural ringlets are temperamental, and crappy…

They look unbelievably cool when worn right…but that’s the tricky part. These foolproof styling rules will ensure you’re a mix master. (Just follow one at a time!) STICK TO TWO SHADES And use a reverse color scheme. (Here: navy on top, white on bottom.) Ann Taylor top, $68, anntaylor.com; Big Star USA jeans, $98, bigstarusa.com GO WITH THE SAME MOTIF Whether florals or dots, the designs should balance each other out (e.g., shiny with matte [as on our model]; tiny with oversize). ASOS blazer, $109, asos.com; Maggy Frances skirt, $225, maggyfrances.com BOOKEND TWO BOLD PRINTS Enlist a neutral item (like washed-out boyfriend jeans) to act as a buffer. Calvin Klein top, $39.50, macys.com for stores; Ted Baker London shoes, $205, tedbaker-london.com; James Jeans jeans, $158, jamesjeans.us WITH A HEADTO-TOE PIECE,…

Why flirting with danger can be such a fun rush for your body and mind The Buildup Your brain digests the view from a cliff, or the feel of a bungee harness, or the sight of a roller coaster. Its conclusion? Whoa! The amygdala, a center of emotion in the brain, picks up on the warning and prompts the thought, This is so not a good idea. At the same time, the amygdala cues the body’s fight-or-flight response, which unleashes the stress hormone adrenaline. Adrenaline puts your organs on alert. Your lungs are in overdrive. Your heart pumps faster to push oxygen to your muscles. Your sweat glands ignite to ward off overheating. Your blood sugar spikes to give your body extra fuel. Amid all this action, your frontal cortex—a.k.a.…

Triple-Blue Spiced Pecan Salad 1 egg white ½ cup pecans ½ tsp ground cardamom 1 tsp orange zest 1 cup blueberry juice 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 Tbsp fresh orange juice 1 tsp minced shallot ½ tsp minced garlic ½ tsp Dijon mustard Pinch of salt and pepper 8 cups arugula ½ cup fresh blueberries 2 oz reduced-fat blue cheese, crumbled > Preheat oven to 325°F. In a bowl, beat egg white with a fork until frothy. Coat pecans in egg white, drain, and combine with cardamom and orange zest. Bake pecans on a sheet for 15 to 20 minutes, then break up pecans and set aside. > Meanwhile, warm blueberry juice in a saucepan over medium-high heat until reduced to about 2 Tbsp (about 15 minutes). Remove from heat.…

Does what you eat have anything to do with where on your body you lose weight? —Mary, Ocean City, NJ Nope. If you want to target a specific spot, the power of nutrition is not on your side. Your genes are what influence fat distribution the most (hormones play a role too), so even though a healthy diet can certainly help you drop pounds, exactly where you tend to lose (or gain) those pounds will depend on your natural body type. Two women could eat the same foods and look nothing alike, so try to focus on your whole body’s health rather than dwelling on what you see as problem zones. I’m a vegetarian, and at cookouts I’m stuck eating mayo-laden potato salad. Ideas? —Jackie, Denver, CO Make your next…

When a certain texture calls your name more than your waistband would like, use these swaps to help you satisfy the craving without adding inches. When you crave: Crunchy (chips, caramel popcorn, biscotti) Chew this: Baby carrots, fruit slices, or rice cakes. Almonds can also work, but be careful: Half a cup has over 400 calories. When you crave: Creamy (peanut butter, risotto, mac ’n’ cheese) Chew this: Sugar-free Jell-O, hummus, or for dinner, a bowl of velvety soup When you crave: Greasy (fries, pizza, burgers) Chew this: Baked sweet-potato fries or thin-crust pizza with veggies. Choose 90% or higher lean beef—your mouth won’t know the difference. When you crave: Fluid (juice, soda, slushies) Sip this: Flavored sparkling water or lightly sweetened iced tea. (Studies suggest that limiting caloric beverages…

Ian Somerhalder, 34, star of the CW’s hit series The Vampire Diaries Fast Talk > Long hair or short? I love it all. > Perfume or nothing? Natural oils. > Lingerie or naked? Lingerie...but when it’s off, crumpled up on the floor. > Favorite dish to cook? Wild-quail whitetruffle cornmeal. > Pajamas? Nothing. Sheets. 1 What’s the sexiest part about playing a vampire? Seducing women so easily. If it were that easy, life would be so much simpler! 2 How Would You want a woman to seduce you? With dancing. When someone can dance or you have rhythm with someone, it’s really sexy. 3 How can you tell if you’re into someone? You know when you stand next to someone and there’s an electrical feeling. You feel that connection and…

As I swam through the rising waters, I was separated from my boyfriend in the darkness. Alone and terrified, I didn’t know if I’d ever see him—or another day—again. For 15 years, I lived in a beach bungalow in the Great Kills section of Staten Island, New York. Before Hurricane Irene hit in 2011, police drove through the neighborhood with their sirens screaming and ordered us through loudspeakers to evacuate. I boarded up and sandbagged my house, packed up my cats and my photos, and left for my mother’s, a few miles away. Her house flooded, but mine, which was right on the beach, didn’t have a drop of water inside. Not one drop. Before Hurricane Sandy, nobody came around to say it was time to go. TV reports urged…

Escape the heat with this genius list of food, sex, beauty, home, and fitness tips that will help you keep your cool. Think back to how scorching it was last summer—the third-hottest on record in U.S. history, according to the WeatherBug Meteorology team at Earth Networks. Now imagine: This summer could be even more sweltering! A recent report from the Natural Resources Defense Council found that heat is “inexorably” rising all around the world, and average temps in the U.S. may shoot up 4 to 11°F within this century. Luckily, you don’t have to sweat it out. From icy drinks to breezy workouts to the latest frosty beauty products and more, we have all the info you need to beat the heat. Cranking up the oven to 450°F on a…

#1 Do This First Make a guest list. Don’t invite more than eight people (too overwhelming) or more than two from the same office (unless you want to talk about their jobs all night). But do ask someone you want to be better friends with—a dinner party is a great way to connect. NUMBER OF GUESTS ÷ 2 +2 BOTTLES OF WINE YOU SHOULD HAVE ON HAND TIMELINE Try to do it all the night before and you’ll freak. Stay calm with this foolproof plan from Dawn Sandomeno, coauthor of Plan to Party: Three weeks in advance: Choose a date and invite guests (digitally, natch). Two weeks: Buy wine/liquor. One week: Create your menu and purchase the nonperishables. One to two days: Shop for perishable items and prepare any make-ahead…

Toes no longer only lazily sink into sand on beach vacations. They dig in at the start of a triathlon and grasp for balance during a Tree yoga pose. Exercise is such an integral part of our lifestyles that many of us now would rather not leave it behind when we hit the road—no matter where we’re headed. As a result, fitness travel continues to grow in popularity. A major contributor to that boom: women who are signing up for fitness retreats—trips created around a specific activity (or sometimes a few)—in droves. So whether you’re into riding waves or striking a Warrior pose seaside, check out our picks to find organized retreats and DIY options that make staying fit on your time off simple—and a blast! Standup Paddle Paddle Diva’s…

Explore online. Afar.com covers experiential and immersive travel that’s off the beaten path. AdventureFinder.com finds travel adventure packages and lets you search by location and activity (such as caving and canyoneering). “You can narrow down your results based on whether you’re traveling solo or with a family,” says Dimon. Go small. If you’re booking a guided fitness trip, pick an independent local company over a big multinational one. “They support locally run enterprises, cost less, and are often hired to operate the larger programs anyway,” says Dimon. Ask questions. Will you be the lone twentysomething on a trip full of octogenarians? Is the tour eco-friendly? Do costs cover airport transfers, airfare, and alcohol? What’s appropriate tipping? Get on the phone and zero in on what the place or outfit is…

THE HEALTH COACH Jenny Sansouci Sansouci is a certified health coach with Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in New York City and publisher of HealthyCrush.com. In “Go with the Pro,” page 94, she discusses the benefits of probiotics. 1 HOW I GET NONDAIRY CALCIUM: ALMOND MILK “It has plenty of calcium and only 60 calories per cup. I make my own by blending soaked almonds, water, vanilla, cinnamon, and dates. Then I strain it through cheesecloth.” 2 THE WAY I START THE DAY RIGHT: INSPIRATIONAL BOOKS “I read a paragraph of a book that inspires me. May Cause Miracles, by Gabrielle Bernstein, and Journey to the Heart, by Melody Beattie, are go-tos.” WH ADVISORY BOARD ANTHROPOLOGY HELEN FISHER, PH.D. Research professor and member of the Center for Human Evolutionary Studies, Rutgers…

Clint Carter Q I want to use a vibrator with my guy. Should I tell him first or just pull it out next time we’re fooling around? —Bree, Peachtree City, GA It’s polite to let your partner mentally prepare for a dramatic change to your sexual routine, and you should be able to talk openly about sex. Bring it up the next time you’re lying in bed, but phrase it so it’s not about his performance: “I think we have great sexual chemistry. You know something else I want to try?” Then lay it on him. Say it would turn you on to shop for a vibrator together, and ask him to help you pick one out. If he balks at the idea, give him time. If he cares about…

THIS JUST IN Fit Disposition Research suggests that extroverted, open-minded people also have a higher aerobic capacity, meaning they can go harder for a longer period of time. It could help explain why these same traits are linked to better health and longer life, note researchers in the journal PLOS ONE. Quiet types have equal potential but may need to focus on their attitude toward exercise, not just the workout itself, say study authors. POWER UP Carbs sometimes get a bad rap, but truth is, they’re key to workout performance. As you move, your body transforms carbs into glycogen, stored energy that powers your movements. Use the chart at right to find out how much you should consume and when, based on your activity level, then visit ndb.nal.usda.gov for carb…

PERCENTAGE OF MEN WHO SAY THEY MARRIED THE “BEST SEX OF THEIR LIFE”— COMPARED WITH 45 PERCENT OF WOMEN Source: iVillage survey of 500 married men and women LUST BUSTER? It’s disappointingly stereotypical, but men who do more traditionally “feminine” chores around the house (vacuuming, cooking) have less sex than guys who take care of more “manly” tasks (yard work, automobile maintenance). “In couples, housework is an important way that people ‘display’ gender,” says study author Sabino Kornrich, Ph.D., a sociologist at the Juan March Institute in Madrid. “And perceiving your spouse as either masculine or feminine is likely important for sexual behavior and desire in marriage.” We still say a guy who does his share around the casa is damn sexy. THIS JUST IN Suspicious Minds, Hot Sex A…

It all started with gradient hair highlighting, but now color fading gives lips, eyes, and nails some instant edge too. All you need: two hues and these tips. Eyes “Darker outer corners make eyes appear bigger and sexier,” says Kerry Cole, a makeup artist for Becca Cosmetics. For day, try violet with pale lavender; for night, pair deep forest green with emerald, or rich navy with a cobalt or denim blue. Dust the lighter color from the inner corner to the middle of the lid, and the darker one from there to the outer corner (wing it out a quarter inch past the edge for drama); drag it along your lower lash line too. Use a stiff eye-shadow brush and short strokes to blend where the shades meet. TRY: Revlon…

Ready to slip into something more comfortable? Sandals work with every summer outfit you own and perfectly show off your dazzling pedi. METALLICS 1/MLE, $99, miashoes.com 2/BCBG Max Azria, $149, bcbg.com 3/Kate Spade New York, $250, katespade.com 4/Jean-Michel Cazabat for Libertine, $195, 646-669-8508 5/Circus by Sam Edelman, $49, zappos.com 6/Diane von Furstenberg, $198, shopbop.com 7/American Eagle Outfitters, $30, ae.com 8/Ivanka Trump, $110, bloomingdales.com 9/Kelsi Dagger, $99, dillards.com Polish Picks ORCHID OPI in Anti-Bleak, $9, opi.com for salons SHIMMERY COBALT Chanel in Bel-Argus, $27, at Nordstrom EMERALD Sephora Collection in Green Revolution, $5, at Sephora Polish Picks HOT PINK China Glaze in You Drive Me Coconuts, $7.50, at Ulta ACID LIME Essie in The More The Merrier, $8, essie.com for stores TANGERINE Sally Hansen in Firey Island, $8, at drugstores NEUTRALS…

If you think of your pad as just a place to crash at night, you’re underestimating its potential. Treating your home like a Zen spa—and not solely a spot to sleep and eat—helps combat the stress that can make you sick, says Frank Lipman, M.D., director of the Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in New York City. The following tips can calm your nerves, improve your diet, boost your energy, and amp up your brainpower—all sans a pricey trip to a luxe resort. Create a Quiet Corner There’s a reason spas set up hushed, low-lit lounge areas. “They’re designed to make you feel swaddled, to provide comfort and security,” says Simon Marxer, the spa director at Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson. Re-creating this effect at home is as simple as…

Beneath that hard-won flat belly, your gut is teeming with trillions of bacteria that help you digest food as well as thwart intruders. You can give these “friendly” bacteria a boost by adding probiotics—the live microorganisms found in yogurt and other fermented foods—to your body. Over the years, researchers have pinpointed specific bacterial strains that can ease irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and help prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections. And preliminary research indicates that other strains may help improve vascular health, battle depression, and even ward off cancer. “We’re only at the cusp of understanding the potential of probiotics,” says Gregor Reid, Ph.D., a microbiologist at the University of Western Ontario. In the near future, Reid theorizes, probiotics may be used in prescription drugs to treat a range of conditions,…

Breakfast Avocado Egg Boat ½ avocado, pitted* 1 large egg 1 slice whole-wheat toast ½ cup raspberries Cut a sliver off the side of the avocado so it can lie flat in a pan. Crack egg into the hole, cover, and cook over low heat for 2 minutes. Serve with toast and berries. * Avocado eaters weigh 7.5 pounds less, on average, than those who skip the superfood, per a recent study. Total: 330 calories Lunch Summer-Squash Bowl 6 oz skinless chicken breast* 2 summer squash, cubed ½ red bell pepper, cubed 1½ tsp fresh chopped thyme 1 Tbsp olive oil Dash of salt 1 oz crumbled feta cheese Grill chicken and slice. Toss squash and pepper with thyme, olive oil, and salt. Roast at 400°F for 15 minutes, turning…

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DONNA TROPE Orgasms are elusive. Most women don’t have one every time (or maybe even most times) they hit the sheets. Plenty of surveys—and likely your own bedroom experience—verify that. But that doesn’t mean sex without the grand finale is an exercise in futility. Far from it. In fact, on the occasions when you know you’re just not going to climax or when you’re just not motivated enough to strive for it, there are ways to simply enjoy the valleys without hitting the peak. Lots of women are discovering that it’s smart to appreciate sex for more than just the last 10 seconds. So go ahead, don’t get off—and love every minute of it. Why Orgasms Go MIA “For me to have an orgasm, I have to be…

Work-life separation? Ha. These days, we meet our best friends and maybe even our future husband on the job. We promote our employers on our personal Twitter pages and decorate our desks with our weekend triathlon medals. But when there’s no real distinction between your work and personal selves, it’s easy to find yourself being too relaxed about what’s work-appropriate. “It’s important to show your personality at work in an authentic way,” says Caroline Ghosn, CEO and cofounder of Levo League, a New York–based group that offers Generation Y-ers career mentorship. “It’s a big opportunity to show your employer—and prospective employers—what you’re capable of.” But there’s a balance between being a fresh, authentic, enthusiastic employee…and letting it all hang out. Use this guide to be just bold enough with everything…

Researchers have made a mindboggling discovery: The same junk-food diet that bulges your waistline and rots your teeth may be damaging your mind too. Women’s Health investigates an emerging theory: diabetes of the brain. It’s no surprise that fat-laden foods and sugar-spiked drinks can trigger such health derailers as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The you-are-what-youeat mantra has been drilled into us since we were kids. But it turns out that being a junk-food junkie may also damage your brain in some alarming ways—in fact, research showing the nutrition-cognition relationship is piling up faster than you can say “supersize it.” A cross-cultural analysis found a link between high sugar consumption and depression; another study found that people who ate the most fast food had a 40 percent higher risk for…

The latest cropped hairstyles are fresh, flirty, and anything but soccer-mom-ish… as long as you choose one that flatters your features. Whether you’re an Anne Hathaway fan or a Hathahater, you have to admit that her haircut looks smashing. “Short hair is stunning and really works on almost everyone,” insists hairstylist Adir Abergel, the man behind the Oscar winner’s shorn ’do. “But it’s important to get a cut that is customized to your face shape and bone structure.” Worried that such a major chop will look too masculine? “Some women have long hair because they think men prefer it, but short cuts are sexy,” says Enzo Angileri, Charlize Theron’s hairstylist. To keep a crop feminine, Angileri recommends feathery snips instead of blunt, boyish edges. “So many women would be happier…

For a past Miss Massachusetts Teen USA, Maria Menounos is quite the jock. Street hockey, hoops, and even “wrestling” for the WWE—just regular ol’ experiences for the 35-yearold Extra TV host. The 5’8" former high school basketball player still shoots for fun on her court at home…with a grown-up twist. “I’ve been doing basketball barbecues with friends. We’ll have the margarita machine going. I count it as exercise,” she says. It’s just one example of how Maria stays fit her own way. She hasn’t had a gym membership in 13 years! She does 10 or 15 minutes of yoga in the morning with her makeup artist—not to mention performing calisthenics in bed and breaking out a mat between Extra takes. (“I’m like, ‘All right, guys, we’re going to do a…

> Fairmont Hotels & Resorts A free membership gets you access to Reebok gear, TaylorMade golf clubs, and local running-route maps. fairmont.com > Hilton Hotels & Resorts Sweat solo by booking a yoga or cardio room (the latter comes with a Precor Adaptive Motion Trainer); both rooms have resistance bands, weights, a stability ball, and protein shakes in the mini-fridge. hilton.com > Westin Hotels & Resorts Dress in head-to-toe New Balance (rent for $5), or book a WestinWorkout Room, which comes with a treadmill or stationary bike and fitness DVDs and accessories. starwoodhotels.com/westin > MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Repair the Vegas vacation damage in a Stay Well room with dawn-simulating alarm clocks and Cleveland Clinic health and nutrition programs. mgmgrand.com…

Boob Chafing THE PROBLEM: Sweaty skin-on-skin and skin-onsports-bra rubbing can cause raw spots that hurt (and look seriously unsexy in a bikini). THE FIX: Prevent the burn with a snug-fitting sports bra, and slather an antifriction lube under breasts and straps pre-workout, says Monica Scheel, M.D., a dermatologist in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Already roughed up? Cover the area with antibiotic ointment and a bandage. Scrapes and Cuts THE PROBLEM: Trip and fall in shorts and a tank top and your exposed limbs could end up with road rash. THE FIX: Clean out any dirt and debris with soap and water to prevent staph infections, which thrive in hot, humid environments. Keep the wound moist and covered with a bandage until the skin heals to prevent scarring. Muscle Cramps THE PROBLEM: Muscle…

RUN FOR A CAUSE Women’s Health and the FEED Foundation invite you to run a 10-K to feed those going hungry in your own community. Just by registering, you’ll provide 10 meals to people in your neighborhood. Sign up now for a Run 10 Feed 10 event near you (or run your own!) at Run10Feed10.com. Grill, Baby, Grill! We challenge you to dominate your backyard barbecue. Our cheat sheet shows you how to pick the best cut of meat, char it to perfection, and serve it up in style. WomensHealthMag.com/GrillingGuide PINNING MADE EASY Now you can see what we’re obsessing over on Pinterest right from our home page! Just click the Pinterest widget on the right side of our website to head to our profile. Or check us out at…

Olive oil may help put the brakes on your appetite. Study participants who ate yogurt laced with olive oil had higher levels of serotonin, a hormone associated with fullness, compared with those whose yogurt was plain or spiked with other fats instead, reports research from Technische Universität München in Germany. Olive oil contains compounds that “may slow glucose absorption, which can keep you feeling fuller longer,” says study coauthor Malte Rubach, Ph.D 2.8 NUMBER OF POUNDS, ON AVERAGE, PEOPLE LOST IN SIX MONTHS WHEN THEIR WORKPLACE HOSTED A WEIGHT-LOSS PROGRAM—THAT THEY WEREN’T PART OF. CALL IT SPILLOVER: PARTICIPANTS SHED AN AVERAGE OF 18 POUNDS. Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Bite-Size to Downsize New research shows that small portions of snack foods quell cravings as well as larger ones do.…

THIS JUSTIN Sci-Fi Allergy Care The latest FDA-approved futuristic medical gizmo is Auvi-Q, a voice-guided Rx epinephrine injection. It’s used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis to food (which sends 30,000 people to the emergency room every year in the U.S., according to the FDA). “The calm voice can help guide you through giving yourself the shot in a moment when you’re highly stressed and probably pretty ill,” says Leana Wen, M.D., an emergency physician at Harvard Medical School. SHORT ANSWER Binaural Beats Sounds of two different frequencies that signal the brain to create a soothing sensation. A new study found that listening to music with a 400 Hz frequency in one ear and 410 Hz in the other (though you can’t hear the difference) encourages the brain…

File this under major beauty bummers: In addition to the sun’s rays and tanning beds, it now seems as if spray tans may also be bad for your health. Last year, researchers found that when these formulas are inhaled, they may cause changes in DNA that might lead to—yikes—lung cancer. But you don’t have to endure a pasty existence. Just ditch the mist and try one of these head-to-toe bronzing alternatives. GRADUAL MOISTURIZER BEST FOR: Taking the Casper-ness out of pale skin. “They’re also perfect if you’re a first-timer who’s terrified of the process,” says Fiona Locke, a tanning expert who works with the self-tanning company St. Tropez. TIP: Smooth it on as you would a regular body lotion, but be sure to cover oft-forgotten areas—like the curve between your…

Every woman has her type once her clothes come off—but whether you’re strictly a body-wash girl or a loyal bar-ista, new advances in both may make you consider cheating. PHOTOGRAPH BY CLAIRE BENOIST Bar “Bar soaps are more drying than liquids because the chemical sodium hydroxide is required to create the cleansing system,” says cosmetic chemist Ni’Kita Wilson. The upside is that most of today’s bars contain synthetic detergents (they’re easier to manipulate than natural ones, which can be unpredictable), making them more skin-softening than they used to be. Look for formulas that contain hydrating oils such as sunflower seed oil and olive oil. Try Kiss My Face Olive Oil Bar Soaps ($3 each, at drugstores). Those with exfoliating beads—such as Dove Gentle Exfoliating Bar ($3.59 for two bars, at…

Most people sip H2O when they’re parched, but proper water consumption goes well beyond quenching thirst—it’s critical for your total well-being. Here’s something to think about: More than half of your body is made up of water. Not fat, not muscle—H2O. So if you weigh, say, 150 pounds, about 90 of them come from the liquid stuff. In fact, every one of your cells is essentially a soggy bag of fluid, surrounded by more fluid. Without it, your cells—and you—would die. That’s why people can survive a long while without food but not without water, the single most vital substance for sustaining life. If this all seems dramatic, consider that ample water is key for keeping your digestion on track, your nasal passages moist, and your kidneys content. And for…

Cherries! Quick-pickling the fruit adds depth of flavor to this speedy hors d’oeuvre. Recipe on page 91. With these four summer beauties—tomatoes, peaches, corn, and cherries—the wait for the warmth is worth it. When they’re brought in from afar offseason, quality suffers. Corn, for example, can quickly lose sweetness as it spends time in transit and its sugars convert to starch. Tomatoes may be picked too early or gassed with ethylene to withstand handling. Cherries reach their max sugar levels during their last few days on the tree but are often harvested before that time if they have a long way to travel. And a truly ripe peach is fleeting—and perishable!— according to fruit expert Andy Mariani of Andy’s Orchard in Morgan Hill, California. They’re bred to look perfectly colored…

When Mandy Martin, now 26, was a teenager in Gillette, Wyoming, busing tables at a restaurant helped her stay trim despite a greasy diet. “I didn’t think twice about what I ate,” she says. But in 2005, she took a new job as an equipment operator at a coal mine—and had to sit still for 13-hour shifts. On the way home, she often stopped at a gas station for a supersize burrito called “The Bomb” before collapsing into bed. In just a few months, 5’5" Mandy tacked on 40 pounds. The Change Mandy started a string of fad diets but always veered off course when the weekend rolled around. One night after months of on-and-off attempts, she was opening a letter from her mom when an unpleasant surprise peeked out…

Your poor sweet tooth: It’s always the scapegoat for why you can’t pass up those melt-in-your-mouth chocolate bars. And while it’s not off the hook—taste (sweet versus sour, bitter versus savory) does draw us to certain not-so-saintly foods—another factor can mess with your weight: a food’s texture, or the way it feels as you sip, chew, and swallow. Think of the sensations you get when your fingertips touch cashmere, or sandpaper, or a baby’s skin. Well, the tongue can compete—it’s among the most finely tuned sensory organs in the body and can detect teeny-tiny differences in texture, says Paul Breslin, Ph.D., a professor in the department of nutritional sciences at Rutgers University and a member of the Monell Chemical Senses Center. The problem is, we don’t just notice texture—we may…

I love my boyfriend, but I wonder if I could be happier with someone else. Normal, or a sign I should date around? —Macaile, Mesa, AZ Totally normal. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that if your guy is average looking, you’d be happier with someone who resembles Bradley Cooper. However, if your boyfriend doesn’t have something you need, rather than want, like similar values or long-term goals, then you should keep looking. That said, don’t throw away a good thing searching for Mr. Perfect if you’re already with Mr. Perfect for You. Is it shallow to expect my once-fit husband to stay in shape? He’s become a couch potato! —Laura, Moscow, ID You have the right to expect your spouse to stay in shape—marriage no longer means letting yourself go.…

Say you’re arguing with your significant other. Toss aside the raised emotions and the nitty-gritty of the disagreement. Concentrate on the actual flow of the discussion. Are you trying to resolve the situation—or do you just want to win? If you always have an “I’m right” attitude during relationship dustups, your arguments aren’t serving their purpose. A constructive fight should leave you both feeling like you understand each other better—not that one of you is the victor. The key is to stop competing and start communicating. Use these four tips to learn how to butt heads in a way that brings you closer. 1 Ask yourself what you’d really be winning. Arguing erodes relationships. Couples who squabble frequently are often less happy than those who don’t bicker as much. So…

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TURE LILLEGRAVEN AFRICAN Powerful tribal prints and heaps of colorful beads showcase the self-celebration of African dressing. DRESS: Nanette Lepore, $398, neimanmarcus.com for stores; HAIR WRAP: Lulu Frost, $60, lulufrost.com; NECKLACES: Elva Fields multi-strand, $418, elvafields.com; Diane Cotton Jewelry black bead, $300, at Carleen Ligozio, 631-204-0104; BRACELETS: Amrita Singh wide, $60, amritasingh.com; R.J. Graziano painted, $40, rjgraziano.com; Ben-Amun ivory resin, $129 and $140, ben-amun.com; BAG: Buji Baja, $80, hatattack.com; BELT: Banana Republic, bananarepublic.com LATIN Flamenco-style lace, dangling necklaces, and vivid patterns will make you feel festive. ASIAN A kimono-inspired floral nods to the geisha tradition, while batik prints, harem pants, and gold jewelry are your passage to India. RUSSIAN Peasant blouses and cropped velvet pants mimic the ornate textiles of Eastern Europe. NATIVE AMERICAN Leather and fringe in…

Knowing more people while having fewer friends sounds counterintuitive, until you consider that nearly 40 percent of Americans feel more comfortable socializing online than face-to-face. I’m one of them. A few minutes ago, I declined a dinner invite from my most raucous girlfriends. I mean, I just saw them…six months ago. I feverishly “like” my BFF’s Instagram photos of Seattle, where she recently relocated, but I haven’t called to ask how she’s doing. And I can’t remember the last time I tried to befriend someone new—at least off-screen. Whether you blame Mark Zuckerberg or not, today’s terminology for what makes someone a “friend” has gotten muddied. “How many of the friends hanging around in your feed would you bother to ask to brunch?” asks Bonior. In addition, digital interactions don’t…

THE PREVALENCE OF PERSONAL TRAINERS IN America has exploded in the past decade: From 2001 to 2011, the number of trainers climbed 44 percent-and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects another 24 percent spike by 2020. And while a handful have become household names (exhibit A: Jillian Michaels), the majority aren’t inspiring legions of fans or building fitness empires. Knowing the star potential out there, Women’s Health wanted to change that. To find the next big name in fitness, we reviewed more than a thousand submissions and narrowed the field to a talented top five. On the following pages, our finalists share their most effective body-sculpting, motivation-boosting secrets. Read about them here, then join our judges—Maria Menounos, celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak, WH’s editor-in-chief Michele Promaulayko, and Elisabeth Halfpapp, executive…

RUN > Big Sur International Marathon Race past stately redwoods as you follow the winding Pacific Coast Highway in one of the most beautiful (and challenging) marathons in the U.S. (From $140; bsim.org) RUN > Marathon du Médoc, Bordeaux, France Fifty castles, 20 wineries (mid-race tastings highly encouraged), food stations with ham, cheese, steak, and ice cream. Sign. Us. Up. (marathondumedoc.com for info) RUN > Hood to Coast, Oregon Split the legs of this 199-mile run among 12 teammates as you race (around the clock!) from the top of Mount Hood to the Oregon coast. ($1,404 per team; hoodtocoast.com) TRI > Captain Morgan Ironman 70.3 Triathlon, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands After enduring a 70.3 tri (yes, that’s miles!), the locale and title sponsor (the Captain) make you feel celebratory.…