Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2014 i Women's Health

It just so happens that we’re featuring our special Age-in-Reverse content during March, my birthday month. Maybe subconsciously I planned this series of anti-aging articles more as a curious reader than as an editor, because as I inch further into my forties, it’s been hard not to obsess about the passing years. It’s like—whoosh—there goes another one, whizzing right by! The strange thing is, I don’t really feel older, at least on the inside. In fact, there are times when I’ll be chatting with a twenty-something, enjoying an easy, simpatico conversation, when it will suddenly dawn on me: OMG, I’m old enough to have birthed this person! Crazy how your own age can surprise you. What isn’t surprising is that getting older does change the way you look—and also, how…

Let the Games Begin! Score an all-access pass to the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics with our exclusive athlete videos and daily updates starting February 7! WomensHealthMag.com/GetInTheGames SWEET NOTHINGS Indulge in dessert guilt-free with better-for-you versions of your favorite treats at WomensHealthMag.com/Desserts. Be Financially Fit With tax season looming, being money-wise is crucial. Find tips to help you avoid debt and save cash at WomensHealthMag.com/Money. Are You THE NEXT FITNESS STAR? We’re searching nationwide for one inspiring and fit chick to appear within the pages of Women’s Health and star in one of our fitness DVD series! Submit your audition now through March 4 at TheNextFitnessStar.com. BEHIND THE SCENES HEIDI KLUM ON… Her healthy habits and more. Watch her covershoot video at WomensHealthMag.com/Heidi. Take a Vacation—On Us! One reader will win…

Fans of heated yoga classes can do a sweaty downward dog without worry. According to a study from the American Council on Exercise, yogis were as safe in a 92°F room as they were at regular room temp. (More research is needed to evaluate the higher temps common in many hot yoga and Bikram classes.) Ask about the temperature when you enter a heated class. Drink H2O during the session, and, more important, listen to your body. Everyone’s tolerance is different and can change daily, depending on diet, sleep, hydration, and stress, says study author John Porcari, Ph.D. Some initial discomfort is normal, but if you feel light-headed or dizzy, take a break or leave early.…

Any workout partner can be seriously beneficial to your fitness routine (find out how in “Getting in Shape Is Child’s Play,” page 59), but women who sweat with a pal they’d swap personal details with are even more motivated, says research from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. So grab a friend (or a few!) who you’d vent to about last night’s date, then create the perfect social sweat session with tips from New York City trainer Natalie Rado. If you… Have different fitness levels Try yoga or a cycling class where you can customize the intensity. If you… Don’t belong to the same gym Sample a new class at a studio that offers one-off sessions. If you… Run at different paces Choose a day that you have similar…

When you’re overwhelmed, you’re likely to fall back on habits—including good ones. In a Journal of Personality and Social Psychology study, people who regularly ate unhealthy foods went for more junk when under the gun, but A+ eaters kept up the pattern, even during frenzied times. Stress tires the brain, so we do what takes the least mental effort, says study author David Neal, Ph.D., of Empirica Research. 47 PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN IN A WEIGHT-LOSS PROGRAM WHO NO LONGER MET CRITERIA FOR CLINICAL DEPRESSION AFTER ONE YEAR—WITHOUT THERAPY OR MEDS. “WHEN PEOPLE MOVE FORWARD ON THEIR GOALS, IT BOOSTS THEIR MOOD AND CONFIDENCE,” SAYS STUDY AUTHOR SHERRY PAGOTO, PH.D. Source: International Journal of Obesity Pro(tein) Tip When you drop pounds, some of what you shed is calorie-burning muscle—a loss that…

You don’t need model measurements to pull off these runway-inspired silhouettes. [ pair with ] A TOPHANDLE BAG Avoid long straps, because a bag that hangs at your hips can make a full skirt bunch. Tory Burch bag, $395, toryburch.com [ pair with ] TALL WEDGES Flouncy hems call for shoes with height and heft. Rachel Zoe wedges, $325, shopbop.com LADYLIKE TROUSERS A gradual flare is more flattering than full-out bells. Ralph Lauren Blue Label pants, $345, ralphlauren.com PLEATED SKIRT Stiff folds can create the illusion of a booty. Calvin Klein skirt, $109.50, macys.com FLARED The epitome of elegance, this silhouette is pretty on all. Michael Kors A soft, printed fabric skims gracefully over strong thighs. CIRCLE SHAPE The drop waist extends a short torso. DKNY skirt, $395, dkny.com for…

The new way to rev your metabolism, burn fat, and build lean muscle—stat! You may have zero desire to step inside a cage and brawl like a UFC fighter, but it couldn’t hurt to train like one. These guys (women, too!) are lean, strong, and ready for anything their opponent throws at them. The way mixed-martial-arts athletes train is also extremely effective for the average person looking to slim down or shape up, says Mike Dolce, a former UFC fighter and longtime coach to top fighters. Dolce’s strategy combines functional strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which builds the endurance and strength the athletes need without increasing their risk for fatigue or injury. It also makes each workout highly efficient: Researchers found that 27 minutes of HIIT three times…

It all starts with the brain stem, which flips you into sleep mode and—once you hit the rapid eye movement (REM) stage—shuts off muscle movement. Everything but your eyes is temporarily paralyzed. (Good thing, or you’d physically act out your reveries.) Meanwhile, your brain stem’s nerve cells may fire erratically. Some experts believe dreaming happens when the thinking part of the brain tries to make sense of these signals. Parts of your frontal cortex—i.e., where your smarts lie—are offline. Without logic, reasoning, or judgment, the normal rules of space and time don’t apply. Hence, one minute you’re sweating an exam for a class you never took, the next minute you can fly. Dreams do engage the brain’s hippocampus, its cradle of memories, and the amygdala, a key player in emotion.…

Pork Lettuce Cups 1 lb pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into large chunks 1 Tbsp canola oil 3 Tbsp creamy peanut butter 3 Tbsp hoisin sauce 1 Tbsp chili powder 1 cup shredded carrot 1 cup shredded red cabbage 8 large Bibb lettuce leaves ¼ cup chopped peanuts > Pulse pork in a food processor until ground. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes. > In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, hoisin sauce, and chili powder, then add to the skillet. Stir, cover, and lower heat to medium. Cook 3 to 5 minutes more, stirring twice. > Combine carrot and cabbage in a bowl. Fill each lettuce leaf with ¼ cup pork filling and ¼ cup…

BREAKFAST Sweet-Treat Toast 1 Laughing Cow Original Creamy Swiss wedge 2 slices Ezekiel 7 Sprouted Grains Cinnamon Raisin Bread, toasted 1 cup sliced mango Spread cheese on toast and top with mango. TOTAL: 310 calories Snack 1 Kind Blueberry Vanilla & Cashew Bar and ½ cup fresh blueberries TOTAL: 230 calories LUNCH Fiesta Sala 4 oz ground turkey (93% lean) 1½ tsp Simply Organic Southwest Taco seasoning 3 cups shredded romaine lettuce ¼ cup black beans ½ cup diced tomatoes ¼ cup yellow corn 1 Tbsp cotija cheese 5 blue-corn tortilla chips, crumbled Brown turkey in a pan on the stove top and stir in taco seasoning. Toss turkey with remaining ingredients. TOTAL: 410 calories snack Make a honeynut smoothie by blending 1 cup almond milk, 1 slice firm tofu,…

Heidi’s Got Talent There is a girl pacing around Milk studios in Hollywood, talking on the phone, while a crew buzzes around her setting up for a photo shoot. Her still-wet hair is scraped back into a bun, and she’s wearing worn-in jeans and a cozy sweatshirt. She looks like many of the assistants in the group, albeit strikingly gorgeous. It isn’t until she hangs up the phone, pulls off her sunglasses, and steps into the wardrobe area to greet the hair and makeup team with a warm, German-accented “good morning” that it becomes clear: That girl is no girl—she’s überwoman Heidi Klum! Heidi is 40 and has four kids, though you’d never guess either of those things by looking at her. The model turned TV personality—whose net worth Forbes…

WE SURVIVED… A BEAR ATTACK Nikki: I’ve been going into the woods near Port George, Nova Scotia, for years—one of my favorite things to do is to paint on the trees. On a late afternoon last August, my friend Lindsay didn’t have her kids with her, so we decided to go together. Lindsay: A little hunting dog greeted us as we stepped out of my truck at the top of the mountain. We didn’t know where he came from—he walked into the woods with us and ran ahead, but then turned tail and bolted out. I said, “I hope it’s not a bear.” Nikki, who has tons more outdoors experience than I do, insisted that no one has so much as seen a bear in the area, and said, “I…

Remember when you could spend half a day choosing the right bra or deciding whether you should wear your hair straight or wavy, all in preparation for the mere possibility of sex? And now, making dinner, answering e-mails, and catching z’s trump sheet tangling most nights—especially when the person in bed next to you is someone you’ve been sleeping with for years. That’s something Dana,* a 36-year-old college professor in Portland, Oregon, who has been with her husband for a decade, can relate to. “I still feel close to him,” she says. “We snuggle and kiss. But rarely does that physical closeness turn sexual. I just don’t want it anymore.” Unfortunately, losing that physical spark with a longterm partner is all too common, according to couples and sex therapist Esther…

SMOOTH SAILING A cocoon cardigan is the perfect spring cover-up: cozy yet lightweight. Cardigan: JET JOHN ESHAYA, $175, johneshaya.com; Sweatshirt and shorts: LACOSTE, $140 and $45, lacoste.com; Galoshes: HUNTER, $130, hunter-boot.com; Sunglasses: KENNETH COLE NEW YORK, $90, kennethcole.com; Moon necklace: LIZZIE SCHECK JEWELRY, $730, lizziescheck.com; Paddle necklace: BY BOE, $50, byboe.com; Bracelet: MIANSAI BY MICHAEL SAIGER, $95, miansai.com SHIP SHAPE A gray-striped hoodie and gym shorts offer a fresh, sporty interpretation of the maritime look. Sweater: O’NEILL, $49.50, oneillclothing.com; Shorts: GAP BODY, $20, gap.com; Watch and brown bracelet: MIANSAI BY MICHAEL SAIGER, $355 and $205, miansai.com; Beaded bracelet: TATEOSSIAN, $175, tateossian.com NOTSO-BASIC CABLE Ombré cotton updates the traditional wool sweater. Sweater: TOMMY HILFIGER, $139, tommy.com; Pants: ALTERNATIVE, $128, alternativeapparel.com; Double-wrap bracelet: MIANSAI BY MICHAEL SAIGER, $185, miansai.com; Orange bracelet: ORLY…

Do This First: Call for Backup Recruit a friend who will be honest about the fact that your mullet dress deserves the heave-ho. “Another set of eyes can help you move much faster,” says Amy Trager, a professional organizer in Chica If it has a built-in loop in the collar, it should be hung. THE LIST: THE REJECT PILE Once it’s a “no,” where should it go? GOOD STUFF THAT YOU’RE JUST OVER: Clothes-swap party! “Get together with friends around your size for this,” says Trager. WORN-ONCE COCKTAIL DRESS: Bring it to a secondhand store. If it’s in great condition, fashionable, and in season, you could get about 15 percent of the retail price when it sells, says Jeanne Staford of consignment boutique Second Time Around. YOUR FIRST POWER SUIT:…

IF YOU HAVE... 15 SECONDS Sprinkle some curry powder on cooked veggies or popcorn. It contains an anti-inflammatory, brain-fortifying compound called curcumin (plus, it will elevate the flavor!). “Genius Diet,” page 100 30 SECONDS Give someone a hug. Research shows many of us suffer from touch deprivation—and getting enough casual physical contact with others can amp up your mental (and physical) health. “Reach Out and Touch,” page 80 5 MINUTES Do three 60-second wall sits (with 60 seconds of rest between each). It’s a move that will tone your thighs and core—and strengthen your sex-position-holding skills to boot! “Why Fit Women Have Much Better Sex,” page 136 15 MINUTES Steal this look from the spring runway: Paint your nails with a white polish and then draw horizontal or vertical lines…

-Alyssa, Las Vegas, NV It’s better to space out your sessions, says Mike Bracko, Ed.D., an exercise physiologist in Calgary, Alberta. “If you work out three days in a row, then you have four days of rest, during which you can undo the good you did on your active days—like strength and endurance gains.” Ideally, you should exercise every other day, so on days of your muscles can recover and rebuild. But if back-to-back workouts are unavoidable, try cardio one day, strength training the next, and try not to target the same muscles (like your biceps and triceps) two days in succession. Can I drink water that has been in my water bottle for over 24 hours? -Leanna, Columbia, SC There have been some concerns that the chemical bisphenol A…

THIS JUST IN Troubling Numbers Up to 80 percent of women under age 50 are affected by fibroids—noncancerous growths in the uterus that, for some women, have life-impacting symptoms (such as heavy bleeding and cramping), reports the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Fortunately, medications and minor surgery can ease symptoms and spare the uterus, says study author Linda Bradley, M.D., of the Cleveland Clinic. Hysterectomy should be a last resort. ZOMBIE NATION According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8.5 million Americans ages 20 and older reported using a prescription sleep aid within the past 30 days to doze off. Although pills may help in the short term, consistently popping them can cause you to develop an intolerance or a dependence (so clocking natural…

75 PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN WHO PREFER RED OR PINK NAIL HUES TO TRENDIER COLORS. FOR A CHIC SPIN ON CHERRY, TRY OPI NAIL LACQUER IN OVER & OVER A-GWEN ($15, AT SALONS). Source: The Beauty Company, a consulting firm SHORT ANSWER Fan Brush The ideal tool for a soft, natural blush application, thanks to its long, sparse bristles, says celebrity makeup artist Merrell Hollis. Try Sephora Collection Pro Fan Brush #65 ($27, at Sephora). EAU DE COZY Some fragrances are like freshly baked bread: A whiff can make you feel all warm inside. Look for scents that you associate with happy memories, or seek out the soothing notes of musk or vetiver, like those found in Lucky Darling Eau de Parfum ($69, at department stores). Or try peppermint; its calming…

Hair is the one part of our body most of us wish were a little fatter. And while some women are born with thin hair, many will develop it over time. “Usually, women have breakage or hair loss caused by chemical treatments or flatiron abuse, but a health condition like anemia or a thyroid problem can also be the culprit,” says Francesca Fusco, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Other common causes include stress and hormonal shifts (women may shed hair for up to a year after having a baby). If you notice dramatic or unexplained hair loss, see your doctor. Everyone else: Try these simple mane-thickening moves! PRODUCTS AND TREATMENTS Keep It Clean The squeakier fine hair…

These young stars hit fast forward on the fashion clock. Here, a few of their senior moments and more age-appropriate styles. DIANNA AGRON MISS The 27-yearold looks twice her age in a combo that’s more Golden Girls than Glee. HIT! Her flirty crop top—and toned belly—deserve a standing ovation. MISS This shapeless sheath makes it look like Anne, 31, has been shopping at Forever 71. ANNE HATHAWAY HIT! She shines in a sparkly minidress. (Even the hair is so much sexier!) KATIE HOLMES HIT! Katie is way beyond pretty in pink—she’s smokin’! No reason to ever hide those legs. MISS The former Mrs. Cruise, 35, looks headed for early dating retirement in this granny floral.…

Show-Off Skin Treat the skin on this hard-to-reach spot with these simple tricks—no contortions needed. ROUGH PATCHES Exfoliate twice a week in the shower using a long-handle loofah brush. Try Earth Therapeutics Back Brush ($7, earth therapeutics.com). DRYNESS Since they cover a large surface area, foam mitts made for self-tanners are also great for applying lotion where hands alone can’t reach. Try Vita Liberata Tanning Mitt ($6.50, at Sephora) with a nickel-size blob of moisturizer. PASTINESS The easiest way to add some color to your own back is with a mist-on tanner. Try St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Spray ($35, at Sephora). Bend over slightly, then swing your arm over your shoulder and spritz. The color will fall evenly onto your back. Three Key Moves Pushup-Position Row Get into a…

Have you touched someone today—a friend, a peer, a family member, anyone? (We’re talking platonic embraces and pats on the back, not intimate or arousing caresses.) According to new research, most people in the United States have limited daily one-on-one contact with non-significant others, likely because they’re following—and responding to—ingrained social cues, says Peter Andersen, Ph.D., a professor of nonverbal communication at San Diego State University. For one thing, Americans tend to be less inclined to touch than people in many other cultures. For another, says Andersen, “both our modern society and technology have introduced even more reasons for us not to touch.” Exhibit A: strict workplace policies that prohibit any touching between colleagues. Exhibit B: digital communication. This hands-off MO has led to a new phenomenon called touch deprivation,…

You’ve probably heard of people fasting for religious reasons (for example, during Ramadan) or to prep for a medical procedure. But nutritionists generally throw shade at the idea of skipping meals as a weight-loss technique, since doing so can slow your metabolism, send your body into starvation mode, and cause you to cling to every spare ounce of fat. Still, the recent rise of diets featuring intermittent or alternate-day fasting may be more than just a gimmick. Some evidence even indicates that, done properly, the occasional fast could be key to dropping stubborn pounds. Less on the Menu To be clear, fasting for weight loss doesn’t mean not eating at all. Instead, on two or more nonconsecutive days per week, you limit your total daily intake to about 500 to…

“I feel awesome!” As a teenager, Brittany Hicks, now 22, loved going out with friends for pizza, tacos, or chicken and french fries. “I would get every dipping sauce—the barbecue, the ranch, you name it,” says Brittany, now a student at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. She played sports, but it wasn’t enough to offset her junk food–heavy diet. “I just wasn’t aware of healthy options,” she says. By high school graduation, Brittany, who is 5’4", weighed nearly 250 pounds. The Change As a second-semester college freshman, Brittany ventured to the gym for the first time since high school—and crossed paths with a personal trainer. “She gave me her card and told me to call her when I was ready for a change,” says Brittany. “I was curious. Could…

Rise of the Second-Act Career Cheryl was in her late thirties when she submitted her résumé to a prominent fashion website for an internship. A nurse practitioner for 12 years, Cheryl felt burned out from working in a pediatric cancer ward at a busy New York hospital. She decided that if she wanted to make a career change, it was now or never. Cheryl was an unorthodox intern candidate. Not only was she 10 years older than her would-be boss, she also came with less writing and fashion experience than most of the 19-year-old applicants. Yet she got the job anyway—and I’m the one who hired her. I could tell from her cover letter that she was a naturally gifted writer with a real interest in—and strong, insightful opinions about—fashion…

Jaclyn and Andrew,* both in their twenties, were on their fourth date, drinks at a bar. The two had a lot in common: Both loved working out and they shared a dry sense of humor. Andrew spoke “futuristically,” suggesting they soon try a sushi spot Jaclyn had heard about and offering to show her around his neighborhood. There was “never an awkward moment of silence,” says Jaclyn, who ended the night feeling optimistic about the relationship, especially since he walked her home and genuinely expressed how much fun he’d had. Then she didn’t hear from him for another eight days (before that, they’d spoken every other day). When she did, it was in the form of a text that said “How was the week? Any fun plans for this weekend?”—with…

THE PERFECT PLAYLIST HELPS GET YOU IN THE MOOD. SWEAT BEADS ON YOUR SKIN. YOUR HEART RACES AND YOUR MUSCLES CONTRACT. BY THE TIME YOU’RE FINISHED, YOU’RE BREATHLESS, MAYBE DRAINED, BUT ALSO GLORIOUSLY SATISFIED. What popped to mind first—your last great workout or your last sex session? Getting busy at the gym and getting busy between the sheets run along parallel cardiovascular, muscular, and neurological pathways, which is why they set off similar chain reactions. Until recently, however, experts were less clear on how (or how much) their paths crossed. Over the past few years, researchers have made some important discoveries about the body and brain connections of sex and exercise. “Being physically active seems to be a potent aphrodisiac for women,” says Tina M. Penhollow, Ph.D., an associate professor…

if antibiotics stopped working? the burning. The urgency. As soon as it started, Melissa,* 31, recognized the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, a painful but common condition that plagues at least 8 million American women a year. She figured that, as usual, an antibiotic would quickly knock it out of her system, so she called her nurse practitioner, who phoned in a course. Melissa felt better for a few days, but a week later, the infection roared back. A diferent antibiotic provided the same short-lived results. So she went to her gynecologist, who did a urinalysis and discovered that the strain of E. coli (the intestinal bacterium that is the most common cause of UTIs) that was fueling her infection was resistant to multiple antibiotics. Her gynecologist suggested she…

THE ANTI-AGING BEAUTY PRO Sandy Linter In “Time-Stopping Beauty Secrets,” page 164, New York City–based makeup artist Sandy Linter shares tricks for looking youthful. 1 HOW I INSPIRE: #THROWBACK THURSDAY “I love to Instagram photos of my work from the ’80s on Throwback Thursday. It’s a great way to share my archived pics—and my followers get a kick out of the old-school hairstyles!” 2 HOW I SHORE UP MY SKELETON: RESISTANCE BANDS “I quit the gym once and immediately felt stiff and achy—and ended up with sciatica. Now I have a trainer who incorporates bands into my routine.” 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…

Clint Carter I’m planning a special night with the guy I’m seeing. Should I give him fair warning or just surprise him? —Leah, Kent County, MD Guys like surprises as much as girls do, but not when we’re completely caught of guard by them. So before you make a plan, check that he has the evening clear a week or so beforehand. Then, the day before, tell him whether or not he should dress nicely, show up hungry, pack an overnight bag, etc. And lastly, pick a surprise that he will love. A private tasting of his go-to bourbon, a dinner at his favorite restaurant, or a couples massage for his sore back should leave him truly speechless. In your opinion, how do most men feel about a woman proposing?…

If you’re itching for a raise, put in overtime…in the bedroom. Research in an upcoming issue of the International Journal of Manpower found that those who have the most sex earn the most. After analyzing the wages and boudoir habits of over 7,000 adults, researchers found that those who knocked boots at least four times a week earned nearly 5 percent more than their less-active counterparts. Study author Nick Drydakis, Ph.D., speculates that people who get naked frequently “tend to have higher self-esteem and self-confidence, which attracts more work opportunities.” THIS JUST IN That’s Nuts! Men with small testicles tend to make more involved dads, a report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences says. Seventy fathers were given MRIs as they looked at photos of their kids,…

THIS JUST IN Flavor of Love Things really are sweeter when you’re head over heels: When study subjects were asked to write about either romance or jealousy before eating chocolate, the former group rated it as sweeter. Love and sweetness both activate the part of our brain that primes us to anticipate rewards, says study author Kai Qin Chan. So reflect on romance before biting into dessert and you may enjoy it more. TROUBLE BREWING Is your tea living up to its potential? In a test of two dozen green teas and supplements by ConsumerLab.com, in some the amount of the healthy compound EGCG was as much as 62 percent lower than labels claimed. Time, heat, and light can all degrade EGCG, but brewing also matters. “Steeping green tea for…

> Prep your palette. Imagine wearing a clingy white dress—minus the proper undergarments. Not pretty. The same principle applies to polish. “White shows every line, lump, and bump,” says New York City manicurist Jin Soon Choi. Buff your nails prior to painting—try Revlon Crazy Shine Nail Buffer ($4, at drugstores)—to get the smoothest finish. > Pick the right white. Pure, stark white is a bit dated—and can also look as if you slathered your tips in Wite-Out. “I like a soft, creamy white. Every skin tone can wear it, and it’s modern and fresh,” says Choi. Try Maybelline New York Color Show Nail Lacquer in Porcelain Party ($4, at drugstores). > Draw the line(s). For the simplest take on nail art, copy the black-and-white graphic look seen at Tibi’s spring…

As a kid, you could easily average seven hours a week playing tag or riding bikes—sans fitness trackers or weight-loss apps. You didn’t roll your eyes when teachers called for recess. And you certainly weren’t motivated by flatter abs or a firmer butt when you played in the backyard until dark with your friends. What you were motivated by: the sheer fun of it all. Fast-forward to today, and chances are you’ve lost a bit of that loving feeling for physical activity. (Case in point: Fewer than half of American adults average even 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week.) When the “it’s a game!” aspect of movement is replaced by regimented fitness, a primary source of positive emotion about exercise is lost, says Kwame Brown, Ph.D., a professor of…

They don’t call ’em cancer sticks for nothing: Cigarettes kill more than 5 million people each year, including nearly 175,000 American women. But what if there were a safer—harmless, even—way to light up? Something that looks and feels like smoking but isn’t, exactly; something that could even help you quit the real thing? Such is the promise of electronic cigarettes. First popularized in 2003, e-cigs are now a $1.5 billion business, with 300 U.S. brands and 4 million current users, half of them women. They come in an array of sizes and colors; some are flavored (strawberry! mint!) and boast celebrity endorsements; all vow that they don’t stain teeth or make you reek like eau de ashtray. Indeed, “vaping,” the term for e-smoking, has gained a reputation for healthfulness: Nearly…

Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts In a large bowl, toss 1 pound brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved), 2 tablespoons each maple syrup and olive oil, 10 small garlic cloves (peeled and halved), ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Roast at 400°F on a baking sheet until garlic cloves are browned and softened and sprouts are lightly browned and tender-crisp, 18 to 20 minutes. MAKES 4 SERVINGS Per serving: 150 cal, 7 g fat (1 g sat), 29 g carbs, 320 g sodium, 5 g fiber, 4 g protein With notes of butter, vanilla, smoke, and coffee, pure tree-tapped maple syrup is more than just a sweetener. Its complex flavor pairs nicely with salty foods, tempers spicy ones, and adds a certain richness to everything it touches. It’s loaded with health payoffs,…

What good is having the body of a twenty-something if your brain sputters like it’s decades older? Cognitive diseases plague millions each year, and even if you’re far from diagnosis, your memory, clarity, and general on-the-ball-ness can all head downhill as birthdays fly by. But you can stall your gray matter’s descent—and it will be delicious. Here’s what smart eats (yes, beyond salmon’s omega-3’s) can do, and where to find them. Shield Brain Cells Antioxidants can help your whole body beat the clock. These compounds combat rogue chemicals called free radicals, which are thought to attack and, over time, wear out cells—including brain cells. Antioxidants’ most important job may be defending the mitochondria, the furnaces inside your cells that generate the energy you need to think (or move, or breathe),…

HOMEMADE UPGRADE: PIZZA USE AN UPPER CRUST A chickpea mix beats wheat crust, hands down. These legumes work in extra fiber and protein to help curb cravings. Flaxseeds, which bind the dough together, also deliver a punch of lignans, compounds with estrogen-like properties that may soothe monthly mood swings. ADD A HEALTHY TWIST Tahini paste, made from ground sesame seeds, has Middle Eastern flair—plus loads of good fats and fiber, iron, magnesium, and calcium. SPRINKLE IN GARLIC GOODNESS Even though the flavor isn’t overpowering, you’ll still reap garlic’s health benefits: It’s full of antioxidants and a compound called allicin, which has been linked to a reduced risk for heart disease, cancer, and even the common cold. STEP AWAY FROM THE PHONE Pining for delivery? A standard two-slice serving of restaurantmade…

Make Any Idea Fly 1 Bond with like minds. Work with people you trust and can build a long-term partnership with. The more their progress is aligned with yours, the more committed they will be to making sure you succeed. Also—and we can’t overemphasize this—being an entrepreneur can be the loneliest, most isolating job in the world, so get very good, very quickly, at finding people who can act as a support system. 2 Recognize momentum. You can have the best idea in the world, but if the timing isn’t right, you’re up a creek. We sensed a growing interest in natural beauty. In general, natural and organic products were clearly more than a fad, but the natural-beauty market was still emerging at the time, meaning the big companies didn’t…

Sullivan Stapleton, 36, Aussie actor and star of the upcoming film 300: Rise of an Empire 1 Is there a pickup line that you wish a woman used on you? I’m kind of cheeky, so all of the things running through my head are probably unprintable. But anything to do with food—if a chick said, “Let’s go out to eat,” I’d be very happy. 2 How soon do you know you’re hooked on a woman? Sometimes it can happen instantly. My eyes give it away, or her eyes give it away. Those little looks that you get that make you go, “Huh, there’s more behind that.” 3 Do you have any hidden talents? I love cooking. I like to make lasagna—it’s authentic Italian-style. I also do a great chicken recipe…

talk about REFRESHING Citrus not only adds zing to dishes, it’s also full of antioxidants that can wipe out stress, fight the signs of aging, and rejuvenate your body and mind, taste buds first. Ideas for how to squeeze more into your meals. bigger and better Grapefruit’s giant cousin, the pomelo, has less-sour flesh that lends itself to Asian flavors. Pomelo Shrimp Salad, page 147 Under their jewel-tone skin, citrus fruits burst with tangy juice and a scent so sharp and fresh, it’s invigorating just to breathe it in. The balance of tingling sweetness and mouth-puckering acidity makes them culinary stars: From peel to pulp, these zingy beauties have the power to enhance a range of flavors. They’re also great at keeping your skin looking young, because they’re loaded with…

TIMESTOPPING BEAUTY SECRETS Look around Hollywood these days and you might think you’ve entered a sci-fi movie scene where the older a celebrity gets, the younger she appears. We’re not talking about the overly injected, pulled-so-tight-ithurts-to-look clichés. These fresh-faced beauties either stepped into a time machine and emerged more radiant than they were in their twenties…or they know something we don’t. We’re onto them! We pressed the experts who have worked with Halle, Salma, and the Jennifers (Aniston and Lopez)—plus scored a few tips straight from the A-listers themselves!—for their hair, skin, makeup, fitness, and nutrition secrets. 1 They choose dewy makeup. As we age, skin gets drier…and piling powder makeup on top of dead cells ain’t pretty. That’s where creamy foundations come in. Cate Blanchett’s makeup artist, Dotti, says,…