Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2013 i Women's Health

Get It, Girl! The term girl power has been in the collective vernacular since the late 1990s, so the phrase does feel a tad played out. But the essence of what it is—an expression of female empowerment—still fires me up. What’s not to love about women who are confident, motivated, and passionate enough to master challenges, many times joining with other chicks to do so? It may sound corny, but I kind of swell with pride whenever I see a sister kicking butt in a job, sport, or anywhere in life—after all, every time a woman triumphs, it’s a win for us all. (You understand, this isn’t meant as a slight to men…I love men and happily cheer them on too!) So needless to say, I was super psyched to…

BEHIND THE SCENES CARRIE UNDERWOOD ON… Her time-crunch workouts, winter-wardrobe staples, and more! Watch her video at WomensHealthMag.com/Carrie. Accessorize Like a Pro Details, details: Little touches can elevate an outfit from boring to superchic. Get inspired to accessorize and find out where to nab the cutest new items at WomensHealthMag.com/Accessories. Check Out Our New Look! Now it’s easier to find our latest articles, videos, blogs, and special features online! Find it all at WomensHealthMag.com and tweet your reactions to @Womens HealthMag. MAKE A FALL WORKOUT PUSH Fitspiration guide, including the freshest new gear, best fitness travel destinations, and tips for working out like your favorite celebs. WomensHealthMag.com/Fitspiration Touchy-Feely Facts We polled Women’s Health and Men’s Health readers to find out where they draw the line between tasteful and tacky PDA.…

The Latest News on Health, Sex, Nutrition, Beauty, and Fitness GET YOUR FRUIT FIX If the produce at the supermarket looks like it’s seen better days this time of year, hit the other aisles. The Journal of the Science of Food Agriculture found that canned and fresh peaches had similar levels of antioxidants; folate; vitamins A, C, and E; and other nutrients. Bonnie Taub-Dix, R.D.N., author of Read It Before You Eat It, suggests more alternatives to fresh. 1 DRIED Often higher in fiber than fresh varieties, dried fruit is ideal for snacking and a great source of instant energy. But it’s also higher in sugar and easy to overeat, so make sure to practice portion control. 2 SQUEEZE POUCHES Fruit purees make it simple to get your recommended daily…

A cinch to apply, totable, and mess-free, stick foundation may be the best shortcut to sublime skin. The latest formulas are more blendable and buildable than those of the past, with skin perks like oil reduction and enhanced glow. Check out four that stand and deliver. 1. Flower Skincognito Stick Foundation ($9, at Walmart) In what is perhaps a first for sticks, this one goes on gorgeously sheer, letting your skin show through. Best for: Those with a touch of unevenness or blotchiness, says Joel Vasquez, a New York City makeup artist. As a bonus, gotu kola—an ancient anti-inflammatory, wound-healing herb—may help calm irritation if you’re sensitive. 2. Stila CC Color Correcting Foundation Stick ($38, at Ulta) Fear not: That green middle won’t make you look sickly. Because it is…

Part status symbol, part personal assistant, a handbag is your most essential accessory. Here, must-own styles, care tips, and smart ideas to make yours less of a burden to shoulder. Bank breaker or bargain find? Hard to tell, huh? Luxe details blur the line between splurge and steal. Look rich on the cheap with: CLEAN CUTS Perforating leather with laser precision is costly. No one will be able to tell that yours is faux. HEAVY METAL Weighty hardware is a hallmark of high-end bags. (Ditto with tassels and dangling extras.) PEBBLED “LEATHER” The embossed texture of this polyurethane pleather mimics the look of premium, full-grain leather. It’s easier to spot a fake when the finish is smooth. Take a Load Off Carr ying a too-heavy bag causes neck and shoulder…

15 MINUTE WORKOUT SPEED UP FAT BURNING Slim down fast with these calorie-blasting metabolic moves. Tossing a single match on a pile of wood won’t ignite a strong flame. An entire box of matches, however? That’s the start of a kick-ass bonfire. This is the sort of fiery result that your internal fat burners will get from the fast-paced intervals in this workout—a series of high-powered, total-body exercises. “This heart-pumping circuit packs in explosive movements in multiple directions, which activates your fast-twitch muscle fibers,” says certified strength and conditioning specialist B.J. Gaddour, CEO of StreamFit.com, who created this workout. Why that matters: Fast-twitch fibers burn calories at a faster rate than slow-twitch fibers; add in the fact that you’re engaging nearly every major muscle group, and the result is a…

What’s going on during that hellish period prelude Two weeks before your period Your brain’s pituitary gland unloads two fast-acting agents, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, into your bloodstream. Both direct-message your ovaries: Drop the package! Message received. Your ovaries jettison their most mature egg into a fallopian tube. This isn’t NASCAR, though; that egg’s journey to the uterus will take a few days. In the meantime, your ovaries ramp up estrogen production. The hormone signals the lining of your uterus to start building a suitable home for an embryo. In the next two weeks As the uterus builds up tissue and blood supply, your ovaries unleash the key pregnancy-supporting hormone progesterone. Your body temperature may rise a few degrees, though you might not even notice. Other side effects, however,…

Three More Delicious Recipes 1. Barley bowl: Preheat oven to 425°F. Prepare 1/3 cup quickcooking barley (about 2 cups cooked). On a sprayed baking sheet, place 2 golden beets, peeled and cubed; 3 fennel bulbs, cut into wedges; and 1 red onion, cut into wedges. Toss with 1 Tbsp olive oil and roast for 20 to 25 minutes or until tender. Combine with barley in a serving bowl, let cool, then add the sections from 1 orange. In a small bowl, whisk 1 Tbsp olive oil, 3 Tbsp orange juice, 1/8 tsp cumin, 1/3 tsp salt, and 1/3 tsp pepper. Drizzle over barley. Serves 4. 2. Pan-roasted veggies: In a bowl, whisk ¼ cup orange juice, 2 Tbsp honey, and 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar. Set aside. In a nonstick skillet,…

Usher, 35, singer and The Voice coach 1 How should a woman flirt with you? I think coy is cool. She should be a little bit subtle, laid-back in her approach, and not too eager, but confident. 2 Does anything confuse you about women? Yeah, their obsession with their butts. I’m looking at girls in the gym and they have great bodies. But then they turn around and look at their booties. What is the infatuation with the booty? 3 What don’t females understand about males? Less is more, even in conversation. When a guy is checking out, it’s just because there’s too much information coming in. We can’t process it all. 4 What might surprise us about you? I love animated films; I blame it on making sure there’s…

It was just after 4 p.m. when I stepped out of the elevator in the parking garage below my office. I worked as a paralegal while going to school, and I had exactly 14 minutes to meet some classmates. I’d parked pretty close to the elevator lobby, as usual. I was taught that the closer you park to an exit, the safer you’ll be. When I got to my car, I opened the driver-side door, tossed my backpack in the passenger seat, and put my purse on the driver’s seat (I always move it to the floor when I sit down). Just as I was about to get into the car, someone walked up to me from behind, held something at my throat, and hissed into my ear, “We’re going…

What if you could peer into your health to find out when and how you’ll fall sick; which drugs would make your condition worse; which would you; and how, exactly, to eat, sleep, and exercise in order to reach a ripe old age? Welcome to personalized, the new frontier of totally health care—coming soon to a doctor’s office near you. Michelle, a 40-year-old oral surgeon, was worried. Had been for a long time. Breast cancer and heart disease had cut down too many branches of her family tree. She strove to be a model of prevention and wellness—racking up triathlons, sticking to organic fare, following standard medical advice to the letter. Still, as a doctor, she knew it might not be enough. What she sought was a medical crystal ball,…

Do This First: Download an Auto-Search App. Don’t you dare walk into a dealership without doing research. The Edmunds.com app has an easy-to-use browse function, buyer reviews, video, and a calculator that figures the cost to buy. Need some wheels? Cruise through this smart SHOPPER’S GUIDE Expert Advice: Negotiating Male car buyers are offered lower prices than women are, according to a study. How to close a deal? Don’t negotiate in person. Instead, after you’ve seen the car, begin bargaining over e-mail. So you don’t succumb to any face-to-face “buy now” pressure, says Meghan Busse, Ph.D., an associate professor at Northwestern University, walk away if the salesperson is stubborn—the tactic usually works. TRADING IN YOUR RIDE Counterintuitive but true: You’ll score more dough if you sell your current car on…

IF YOU HAVE... 60 SECONDS Weigh your purse. If it’s heavier than 10 percent of your body weight, weed through its contents to lighten your load. “The Secret’s Out of the Bag!” page 58 2 MINUTES Air-pop some popcorn. It’s a satisfying snack that counts as a whole grain, too! “Flat-Tummy Foods,” page 106 5 MINUTES Rub coconut oil everywhere—face, body, hair—after showering. Cover star Carrie Underwood loves the smell and feel. “Get Carried Away!” page 61 15 MINUTES Sculpt your core with a couple rounds of the “Ab Bonus!” moves in “The New Tone-at-Home Pilates,” page 158. 60 MINUTES Whip up a Pumpkin-Pie Soufé—it’s an innovative (and more diet-friendly) use of the classic holiday flavor. “Thanksgiving, with a Twist,” page 97 WH ONLINE > Join the WH reader panel…

We have the answers! Q What are some fun girls’-night-out ideas that don’t involve alcohol? —Lauren, New Carlisle, IN Not every outing with your girls needs to be tequila-fueled. It’s a good idea to take a break from the booze. Learning a new skill or catering to your own well-being helps women bond, says Andrea Bonior, Ph.D., an adjunct professor of psychology at Georgetown University. With that in mind, we assembled this list of WH editor–approved ideas: 1. See a midnight movie 2. Hit up a fortune teller 3. Unwind at a spa 4. Make dinner in a cooking course 5. Attend a book reading or play 6. Get blowouts or mani-pedis 7. Visit a cheesy tourist attraction I’m pretty fit, but I get winded climbing stairs. Why? —Ann Kaiser,…

UPPER It’s the domino effect: As you age, collagen and elastin decrease, loosening skin and causing the eyebrows to lower. UPPER Once brows have dropped, the upper lid underneath will start to sag, and you’ll notice droopy excess skin there. UPPER Pair the plummeting collagen levels and droopiness with years of smiling and squinting and—bam!—you have deep lines etched into your lids’ outer corners (you know them—but don’t love ’em—as crow’s-feet). LOWER When declining collagen and elastin meet facial fat loss (which also happens over time), you’ve got the recipe for hollowed-out under-eyes with papery-thin skin and fine lines. Pretty, huh? As a result, veins under your eyes appear closer to the skin, making dark circles seem almost black. The only thing dermatologists repeat more than “wear sunscreen” may be…

Don’t let dropping temps put the freeze on your fashion sense. Stay warm and look fab in one of these stunners. OVERSIZE OVERCOAT Great for layering atop bulky sweaters…or disguising winter weight (who, me?). Club Monaco, $389, clubmonaco.com SLOUCHY TRENCH Big, BF-style trenches look fab on tall frames. L.A.M.B., $695, at Haven, 615-790-7954 MILITARY Wide-set gold buttons mean no gapping at the bust or hips. Massimo Dutti, $465, massimodutti.com PRINCESS COAT A skirt-like flounce adds feminine softness to straight bods. Ted Baker London, $525, tedbakerlondon.com BATHROBE COAT A real wrap star, this is universally flattering on all body types. The Limited, $198, thelimited.com DRESS COAT The nipped waist and full skirt flatter pears like nothing else. Nanette Lepore, $578, neimanmarcus.com BELTED PUFFER This somehow manages to make your middle look…

Get Carried Away! In the eight years since appearing on American Idol, Carrie Underwood has transformed more than her career: The superstar singer has a hotter bod, a healthier appetite, and a happier life. Carrie Underwood is what you might call an accidental superstar. Back in 2004, while the rest of country’s aspiring singers were shilling demo tapes and crooning in empty bars, Carrie was a journalism student and sorority girl at Oklahoma’s Northeastern State University. “I would go to a party, sit on the couch, and watch,” she says of her college days. “I’m not good in crowds. I like to blend.” So clearly, she didn’t seek the spotlight. She also didn’t write music. Or diet. And she certainly didn’t work out. After all, in her hometown of Checotah,…

You’re Sick—Now What?! Feel better faster—and stop spreading the misery—with our doctor-approved guidelines. First things first: Is it a cold or the flu? They share a handful of calling cards—stuffy nose, sneezing, scratchy throat—so look out for differences in severity. “Think of a toy train versus a real locomotive,” says Brian Currie, M.D., M.P.H., an infectious-disease specialist in New York City. “Being hit by a toy train could hurt but is mostly just annoying—that’s a cold. Having the flu, however, feels as if you’ve been run over by a high-speed freight train.” Especially when you throw in additional symptoms such as fever and muscle aches. While there’s no cure for either virus, you can make your ordeal less agonizing—and speed up recovery—by knowing how to handle your symptoms. Behold, the…

TIP Even if you’re not stuffing your bird, tying the legs together with kitchen twine before cooking will prevent the turkey from drying out and yield juicier, more flavorful meat, whether you prefer dark or light cuts. Spice-Rubbed Roast Turkey Traditional turkeys are nearly flavorless when you skip the skin and gravy—and that’s where most of the fat and calories lie. This salty-spicy-sweet rub keeps the meat lean but still plenty flavorful. ¼ cup brown sugar 2 Tbsp smoked paprika 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 Tbsp kosher salt 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp dried oregano 1 whole turkey (12 lbs), thawed if frozen, skin removed 1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Combine sugar and seasonings and rub on the breasts, thighs, and legs. Tie turkey legs…

As a kid, Larissa Reggetto could always be found on the softball field or basketball court, but that changed when her family moved from their close-knit New Jersey town to Effort, Pennsylvania, before she started high school. “I didn’t want to be there, so I didn’t try to make friends,” says Larissa, now 22. She quit sports and filled her time with fast-food runs. As a senior, Larissa, 5’5", weighed 265 pounds. The Change During college, Larissa, who studied criminal justice and dreamed of becoming a police officer, visited the gym sporadically, dabbled in the occasional diet—and remained just as heavy. As she neared graduation, she checked the fitness requirements for the police academy, and her heart sank. “realized I was nowhere near where I needed to be. I had…

On a first date, there’s no need to tell a guy that you’ve failed to sign up for your 401(k) or that you likely make double his salary. But when you and he become “we,” not discussing—and agreeing upon—money issues is a big mistake; it’s one of the main reasons couples go kaput. One study from the National Marriage Project found that twosomes who fought about finances once a week were more than 30 percent more likely to divorce than those who had money disputes just a few times a month. Still, chatting about income and debt is about as fun as having blood drawn. To make it less painful, follow this guide for what to bring up (and how) during each stage of your coupledom. If You’re Dating… Check…

Our expert panel of nutritionists: Karen Ansel, R.D.; Maureen Callahan, R.D.; and Kerry Neville, R.D. RECOVERY FOODS Pure Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar • The right combo of protein for lean-muscle growth, plus carbs (the nonsugary kind) to help replenish your depleted stores. Per bar: 200 cal, 6 g fat (3 g sat), 16 g carbs, 2 g sugar, 190 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 20 g protein Fitness Fuel POWER THROUGH YOUR WORKOUT Good Belly–Tropical Orange • In this turbocharged drink, each serving contains 10 billion probiotic cultures, which play an important role in digestive health and immune-system function. Per 8 oz: 110 cal, 0 g fat, 24 g carbs, 22 g sugar, 10 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 1 g protein Propel Zero Lemon • When you’re in…

IF you’ve ever taken a studio Pilates class, you may have climbed onto a bulky, butt-kicking contraption called a reformer, an apparatus that uses pulleys and springs to create resistance. But while taking a few of these classes a week can certainly help you score a long, lean look, their often steep price tag can also drain your wallet. Luckily, there’s a budget-friendly, at-home fix: You can use resistance bands to create the totalbody toning benefits of a reformer. Did we mention that resistance bands are inexpensive, versatile, and portable? All you need to complete this workout is a set with handles. Pick bands with medium-to-heavy resistance. (A note for beginners: You can always adjust and amp up the difficulty of any exercise by simply stretching the band farther, which…

Tips Our Experts Give—and Follow THE PREVENTIVEMEDICINE PRO Kathryn Teng, M.D., is director of the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Personalized Healthcare. In “Medicine That’s Made for You,” page 152, she discusses individualized health plans. 1 HOW I RELAX: COMMUNITY GARDENING I find weeding kind of therapeutic—and there’s plenty to be done in our community garden plot, where we grow tomatoes, herbs, kale, and even potatoes. 2 HOWI GET SEVENPLUS HOURS OF SLEEP: WHITE-NOISE MACHINE I love listening to the “rain” sound. It’s very soothing, and it helps me fall asleep—which is so important to overall health.…

Clint Carter Q Can guys really feel a difference when a girl is bare “down there”? —Kristi, Cordele, GA Well, yes, we can feel a difference. We feel it when you grind against us, and we feel it under our nose when we venture, as you say, “down there.” Plus, guys are visually aroused, and if you’re covered in a ton of natural flora, we have a harder time sneaking glances below the tree line. I think most guys would agree that it’s better if you’re groomed. But a word of caution on going totally bare: If you’re constantly shaving and regrowing, then you’re spending half your pubic life in some state of stubbly regrowth. That can feel like sandpaper against your guy’s groin. Trim and neat is always appreciated.…

Major fashion designers Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs have each unveiled cosmetics lines for the first time…and the results couldn’t be prettier. Find out what inspired their collections, then follow their beautifying tips. Michael Kors The luxe-sportswear designer is known for sending models down the runway with a straight-from-the-Caribbean glow…one that he himself often possesses as well. So launching a line of bronzers and gilded body products was a no-brainer for the designer—only Kors didn’t stop there. He created lip products, nail polishes, and a trio of scents to fit a very Kors-like style—one that’s sporty, sexy, glam, and, of course, always sun-kissed. “Healthy skin is the foundation,” says Kors. “You look rested—like you just got back from vacation.” Beyond that, though, it’s not about finding one signature beauty look,…

No longer just for the gym or running errands, these sweet kicks can be paired with sleek suits, feminine skirts, and even glam dresses. The effect is as unexpectedly stylish as it is practical. Fashion meets function, finally! SPEED RACERS Vibrant running shoes stylize corporatecasual staples. New Balance shoes, $90, newbalance.com; Uniqlo jacket, $79.90, uniqlo.com; Tory Burch sweater, $250, toryburch.com; Sportmax Code pants, $245, 212-674-1817 HIGH KICKS How to pull off a bodycon dress by day? Floral high-tops. Onitsuka Tiger shoes, $85, onitsukatiger.com for stores; Boulee dress, $297, singer22.com; Vince Camuto bag, $168, vincecamuto.com FLASHY FOOTWEAR Glittery kicks move a pleated mini out of Too Precious–Ville. The Man Repeller by Superga shoes, $160, supergausa.com; Yoon sweater, $124, yoonnyc.com; Rebecca Minkoff skirt, $298, 212-677-7829 EDGY WEDGES Pencil skirts call for heels;…

If your indoor-cycling addiction is getting too time-consuming—and pricey!—or there isn’t a killer class in your town, don’t despair. SoulCycle instructor Stacey Griffith explains how to make a solo ride just as awesome. ADJUST YOUR SEAT. Stand next to your bike and place your hand at the top of your hip bone. The height of your saddle (the seat) should match the height of your hip bone. MIND THE GAP. Place your elbow at the front of your saddle and point your forearm toward the handlebars. The proper distance between the two is your elbow to fingertip. Set Up for Success Skipping class doesn’t just mean missing out on motivation: Groupcycling instructors also ensure your bike is properly set up. (Hopping on a bike that’s not adjusted for your body…

How to Live in the Now Study after study shows that the secret to great health might lie in a surprising place—the present. By practicing mindfulness, you can reduce stress, boost your brain, and power up your body. It’s that simple. It was sort of a pre-midlife crisis that led Jessica Obenschain, 35, to the practice that would transform her life. After a few fits and starts, she’d finally graduated from college at age 29; but when she looked around at the “real world”—then cascading into financial free fall—her plans to quickly score a job faltered. Her anxiety, however, mounted so much that she would have panic attacks a few times a week while driving, including to interviews. She’d have to pull over and call her husband for a ride…

Results Now When your abs-seeking mission is a sprint, not a marathon, try these ultimate quick fixes. Lose the Water Weight Replace refined carbs with one-cup servings of natural diuretics such as artichokes, asparagus, or watercress to flush your system, says Frances Largeman-Roth, R.D., author of Eating in Color. De-Puff Your Stuff “Cucumbers contain caffeic acid, which helps fight swelling,” says Largeman-Roth. It works on more than the bags under your eyes. Eat More Orange Foods high in potassium help short-term shrinkage, says Lauren Slayton, R.D., founder of Foodtrainers in New York City. Bananas, cooked spinach, and most orange-colored produce—think winter squash, dried apricots, and oranges—are all good sources. Results for Good Melt your mufn top in weeks. Be a Dairy Queen In an International Journal of Obesity study, dieters…

Hooking up. Friends with benefits. Casual sex. No matter what you call it, this kind of relationship is about one thing. But is spending plenty of quality time in the bedroom really enough? Are you kidding yourself to think that getting it on with a guy, but not getting much else, is all you need or want? Common questions these days, given how accepted this kind of purely physical pairing has become for women. A study in the Archives of Sexual Behavior found that 42.9 percent of women reported having at least one “friends with benefits” relationship in the past year. Whether it’s because a woman would rather put more time and effort into her job than into a relationship or because with this particular guy she’s really only interested…

1 Embrace moments of doubt. There will be stretches when it’s tough to present a self-assured you, but those times aren’t always negative. If you’re not certain about something, it might mean you should reach out to a person you trust for advice. I’m never 100 percent convinced my vision is the best one. When you have doubts, embrace and investigate them, and then move forward. 2 See beyond the setback. When faced with an obstacle or uncertainty in your abilities, use it as an opportunity to grow your talents. I left the comfort of a secure position in business consulting to start my company, risking my career in an area that I had little experience in. But by shifting my thinking from being scared (“I can’t do this”) to…

This sweater is to die for. It’s so comfortable and still so sexy because it’s low-cut." notes from naya She’s funny and energetic, and she doesn’t take herself too seriously—maybe that’s how Naya manages to bring some heart to a character (lovelorn Santana onGlee) that could easily have been dismissed as a run-of-the mill mean girl. In real life, here’s how the 26-year-old keeps her own heart happy and her bod healthy. exercise: After friends dragged her to her first cycling class, she was hooked. “My body completely changed when I started cycling. It got lean.” She now does twice-weekly classes at Cycle House in Los Angeles. nutrition: Naya tries to make a green-juice recipe a couple times a week in the morning “to get things moving.” She avoids dairy—she’s…

SAME OLD STYLE: CLASSIC FRENCH BRAID REVERSE IT: Inside-Out French Braid It’s simple, really: The unexpectedness of a raised braid “adds great visual interest,” says hairstylist Charles Baker Strahan. Added bonus: It’s a clever way to deal with bangs or layers that you’re growing out. PRACTICALLY EVERY OTHER WOMAN between the ages of 18 and 48 has ombré highlights. Which she often piles high on her head in a topknot. When she wears her hair down, she volumizes her roots to Bardot heights or (to take a line from Annie) shines her strands brighter than the Chrysler Building. You, too? If your favorite hair looks have become clichéd—or you’re simply bored with the same old thing day in and day out—you’re going to like this new hair thinking: “Just put…