Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2016 i Women's Health

My executive editor hates that phrase. “Tweaks,” she says, are tiny by definition. And as a former copy editor, I know she’s right. But as a human, I like to hear—as clearly as possible—that major perks can be mine just by doing something small. I mean, that’s the dream, right? Or the reality… And that’s where La Croix seltzer comes in. Let me back up: I’ve never been a plainwater fan. I find unflavored sparkling water too bland. And I’m maybe the only person on earth who doesn’t guzzle coconut water. So I used to drink loads of empty cals in the form of syrupy beverages. For years. And years. Like going back to high school here. Until about six months ago, when my husband started bringing home La Croix.…

DON’T “ CHEAT” YOURSELF Stop calling a juicy burger a “guilty pleasure.” Share your #AntiCheatMeal with us on Instagram, because it’s just food—not a test of your moral character. CALLING ALL RUNNERS Looking to pick up the pace? We’ve got workout videos from Nike+ Run Club coaches designed to help you set your new PR. Hit up WomensHealthMag.com to watch! Come Hear Us Roar! So many political issues are women’s issues, so we’re making our voice (and yours) heard with our new weekly podcast, “Uninterrupted.” Download it for free on iTunes and hear brilliant ladies discuss the biggest topics affecting us all today. Hey, Health Nuts! We partnered with Planters to bring you a crunchy munchy that’s as filling (four grams of fiber) as it is delish. The new Planters…

PICK A MOTIVATING PRIZE. Keeping your eyes on a reward (you will win that teddy, dammit!) works for shedding pounds too: University of Arizona research showed that the prospect of a prize, like a gift card, led people to choose smaller food portions over larger ones with no bonus. Potential prizes activate the same brain region that lights up at the thought of a heaping plate of grub, so make a list of rewards (say, concert tix) for sticking with your eating plan, and keep the feel-good cycle going. USE MIRRORS TO SHIFT YOUR PERSPECTIVE. Fun-house mirrors distort the truth, but regular ones can offer a helpful reality check. In a study from the University of Central Florida, people found chocolate cake less yummy when downing it in front of…

These women know a thing or two about skin care—after all, who has more products applied to their face? So it’s no accident their new beauty brands share healthy-ingredient values: “When I was doing fashion shows back-to-back, I was really breaking out,” says former Victoria’s Secret angel Lindsay Ellingson. “My skin cleared up when I started using products without ingredients like parabens—it makes a difference.” KORA ORGANICS SKIN CARE Founder: Miranda Kerr Free of: silicones, sulfates, glycols, synthetic fragrance, dyes Our fave: Age-Defying AHA Facial Exfoliator sloughs with eco diatomaceous earth ($60, koraorganics.com). WANDER BEAUTY COSMETICS Cofounder: Lindsay Ellingson Free of: parabens, synthetic fragrance, phthalates, mineral oil Our fave: The metallic Exquisite Liquid Eye Shadow lends eyes dimension in one swipe ($26, wanderbeauty.com). LUMA COSMETICS Founder: Jessica Hart Free of:…

When You’re Eating… CHINESE PLAY: “Sing” by Ed Sheeran SKIP: “Baby” by Justin Bieber Kung pao fans enjoyed pop music while eating, but they were oddly immune to Bieber Fever. Spence says we prefer melodies that match our food’s tastes, so JB’s repetitive chorus may be too simple for complex dishes. INDIAN PLAY: “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses SKIP: “Dance of the Knights” by Prokofiev Rock music made eaters perceive their bites as 4 percent spicier. Intense tunes may arouse strong emotions that increase our flavor sensitivity, while subtle tracks don’t highlight the zest. ITALIAN PLAY: “Nessun Dorma” by Pavarotti SKIP: “Mass Destruction” by Faithless Penne plus Pavarotti? Pure harmony. Operatic vocals made people assume their meals were pricier and, therefore, tastier. Fast-paced electronica didn’t have the…

On the Surface, Daichan, a Japanese restaurant in Studio City, is nothing special. Wedged inside a squat strip mall, between an Armenian deli and a nail salon (think cheap acrylics, not fancy gel manis), it’s the kind of place you’d breeze right by— unless, like Cameron Diaz, you knew it served some of the best damn udon in Los Angeles. It’s where she’s requested we meet, and as I wait for her to arrive (the L.A. traffic is no lie, friends), it hits me that the venue is quite fitting. No fuss, no frills, 110 percent realness—that’s Cameron’s MO these days. As a working actress, the 43-year-old realizes that, yes, appearances matter. At the same time, she’ll tell you point-blank that what’s on the outside only carries you so far.…

ECO CHIC Rachel Van Metre Kibbe Founder of site Helpsy, an online store for ethical, eco-friendly, and sustainable goods THE BAG: Golden Ponies faux-leather doctor bag, $96, shophelpsy.com A PEEK INSIDE Running a digital start-up often requires working anywhere, hence the portable tablet. Also in the mix: glittery coin purses (one to hold makeup, the other for miscellaneous extras), mints she eats like candy, and natural beauty products. 1/ iPad Mini with Brydge keyboard 2/ Golden Ponies faux-leather pouches 3/Dior Diorshow Iconic Mascara 4/Mullein & Sparrow lavender spray (“I use it to give my hair, skin, and body a boost anytime.”) 5/ Altoids in Cinnamon 6/Daile Face Serum WHY THIS SATCHEL? 1) It’s robust. Rachel needs her bags to “withstand a bit of wear and tear.” The full structure of a…

Upper construction. Foam midsole compounds. Heel heights. Outsole rubbers. What makes shopping for performance footwear so incredible (tech!) are the very things that make it kind of a drag (tech). So we got our translator, WH fitness director Jen Ator, to walk us through 20 of this spring’s top sneaks. In layman’s terms! In the first person! Highlighting those intangibles that a press release can’t ever get at: the feel, the experience, the pure enjoyment. Trust, each of the shoes lives up to its hype. It’s simply been doubly vetted— by a real person. (A real person with eight years’ experience as a fitness editor. Who’s run the NYC Marathon. And completed Kona Ironman. But we’re not bragging…) CROSS-TRAINERS With all the different types of gym workouts, you need a…

We live in a DIY era—from blinged-out sneaks and Pinterest-inspired tablescapes to at-home allergy fixes like neti pots and apple cider vinegar drinks. But such hit-or-miss “cures” don’t always stop the mucus flow, so we’re bringing long-term relief with a legit anti-sneeze squad. First stop? Your general practitioner, who can confirm whether your discomfort is actually caused by an allergy—rather than an infection—and dole out OTC or Rx meds (e.g., antihistamines to tame irritated eyes, a steroid nasal spray to reduce congestion-causing inflammation). If, 10 days later, you’re still feeling miz, it’s time for reinforcements… Allergist* This M.D. will gently prick your skin and apply liquid versions of common triggers to find out exactly what kind of pollen is setting you off (hate you, ragweed!). Daily tablets, or weekly or…

USE THEM PUREED Halibut with Fava Bean Mash Fancy presentation? Score. But the real win in swapping a base of rice or pasta for beans is double the protein and half the carbs. GOOD SUBS LIMA BEANS, EDAMAME, OR FLAGEOLETS 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided 4 fillets Alaskan halibut ½ tsp kosher salt ½ tsp black pepper ¾ cup low-sodium fish or vegetable broth 1 cup fresh fava beans ¼ cup fresh parsley 1½ tsp lemon zest 1 clove garlic, chopped ¼ tsp red chili flakes 2 Tbsp chopped chives 1 In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Season fish with salt and pepper and cook until bottom is golden, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook until sides are opaque, about 4 minutes more. Remove…

TO A TEA Loose-leaf steepers can brew tea syrups—lots of tea, a little hot water—that you add to seltzer to make drinks like Poppin’ Peach black tea for fewer than 10 cals per cup. FRUIT COCKTAIL Drop some berries or wedges of orange, mango, pineapple, or kiwi into your drink for fruity flavor—and a healthy post-sipping snack. FREEZE-FOR-ALL Fill an ice tray with coconut water (plain or chocolate), then add the chilled cubes to your glass for a gradually intensifying, tropical-tasting spritzer.…

Use code WHDEAL for 50% off your first Bestowed/WH box. BESTOWED bestowed.com/wh We’ve partnered with Bestowed to bring you our fave healthy snacks and drinks. Nom on: Ginger-peanut quinoa clusters, vanilla-maple almonds One-month price: From $21 for a seven- to 10-snack box and a WH subscription LOVE WITH FOOD lovewithfood.com Chew with a purpose: For every box of surprise, all-natural goodies you get, a meal is donated to a hungry child. Nom on: Chia-seed bars, black-bean chips One-month price: From $8 for an eight-snack box GRAZE graze.com Choose from 100-plus R.D.-approved picks, then rate them so your next batch is even more to your taste. Nom on: Chili-lime cashews, strawberriesand-cream trail mix One-month price: From $12 for a four-snack box NATUREBOX naturebox.com No artificial ingredients, and the fare is guaranteed,…

After six years of marriage, Cheryl Koning, 30, and her husband want nothing more than a baby. They had planned to start a family in 2010 but are now delaying it until 2020—all because she owes $50,000 in student loans. “Seeing friends struggle with infertility—and at ages younger than when I expect to try conceiving— makes me worried about my own chances,” says the San Francisco public relations professional, who graduated owing $75,000 and forks over $693 each month (about a quarter of her monthly take-home) to repay loans. With every dollar accounted for, nothing’s left for raising a child. “We’d hoped to have two children and adopt two, but I’m not sure I’m going to pay off my loans in time. I get angry and think, How did we…

NEGATIVE REACTION That little + or - after your alphabetical designation reveals whether your blood contains a protein called the Rh factor. In short, if you’ve got it—as 82 percent of folks do—you are Rh positive; if you don’t, you are Rh negative. For women, this only ever matters during transfusions (see page 150) and pregnancy. If you’re an Rh-negative woman carrying an Rh-positive fetus (courtesy of Dad’s blood), your baby is at risk for a serious form of anemia. An ob-gyn can ID the problem via—what else?—a blood test, and give you shots (once at 28 weeks, and again after delivery) to prevent any damage to your new or future kids.…

“They won’t need my blood unless it’s an emergency.” Every donation first has to be lab-tested for infectious diseases, then separated into three components—red blood cells, platelets, and plasma—before it’s shipped out to hospitals. All that takes at least 24 hours. So what you give during disasters might not even get to those in critical condition in time; most likely, it’ll go to building back up the banks. To lend in-themoment aid, donate before catastrophe strikes. “I don’t have a universal blood type.” True, anyone can receive universal O-negative blood without risking side effects like fever, chills, or, in very rare cases, organ failure. But a direct match—AB positive to AB positive, for example—is always the top choice. Plus, banks need to constantly replenish their supplies: Red blood cells have…

DAY 1 My period starts halfway through a long flight… during turbulence. Of course. I’d put on a pair of boy-short Thinx just in case, so I’m able to wait until the “fasten seat belt” sign is off before hitting the bathroom to put in a tampon. Back in my seat, the undies are so dry to the touch that I don’t feel like I’m sitting in blood. DAY 2 For my heavy-flow day, I stick with the Thinx + tampon combo. The insurance the panties provide is surprisingly freeing. I sightsee all day without constantly looking for a bathroom to deal with leaks (actually, the moisture absorption is so hard-core, I wouldn’t even know if I’d sprung one). DAY 3 No backup. Being sans tampon was like a #TBT…

On the Cover American Eagle Outfitters Western denim shirt, $40, ae.com Dittos Selena skinny jeans, $69, dittosbrand.com for stores Calleen Cordero Gola belt, $210, calleencordero.com Lana Jewelry arch hoops, $745, lanajewelry.com Scosha classic moon necklace, $420, scosha.com #203 Jewelry star necklace, $462, 203jewelry.com Me&Ro double lead pendant necklace, $1,500, and Tibetan flags necklace, $4,525, meandrojewelry.com Efva Attling bracelet, $785, efvaattling.com Rebekka Rebekka Ally bracelet, $200, International Playground 212-228-2700 Me&Ro disk bracelet, $2,650, and Tibetan flags bracelet, $3,875, meandrojewelry.com 1909 by Erica Weiner snake ring, $400, and Artemis spiral ring, $900, ericaweiner.com Flip Cover American Eagle Outfitters boyfriend plaid shirt, $455, ae.com Scosha Nova thread-through earrings, $430, scosha.com Shylee Rose Jewelry dagger necklace, $3,000, shyleerose.com Mary Ray Jewelry cigar band, $8,900, maryray.com Inside Cover Polo Ralph Lauren striped blazer, $298, and…

Where do I start a blow-dry: front or back? Front, no question. This is where most of our annoying issues— bang bends, stubborn curls, cowlicks, hairline frizz—live, and these “can be impossible to smooth once the hair has dried,” says hairstylist Lorean Cairns, owner of Fox & Jane salon in New York City. Should hair be soaking wet or slightly dried when you start blowing it straight? If you have very curly, textured, or African American hair, start drying (with a diffuser) when hair is still dripping. (Give these hair types a second to puff up and they will. Eva Scrivo of the Eva Scrivo salons in New York City even recommends keeping a spray bottle of water close at hand, so you can re-wet sections as you go.) For…

I ALMOST NEVER WASH MY HAIR. Oh, it’s shampooed—just not by me. That’s because I get one to two blowouts every week. I’m in it for so much more than the polished hair. Blowouts are my therapy. When I have a crappy day at work, my first thought is to cry. My second thought: Book a blowout. I love that my only responsibility for those 45 minutes is zoning out. I love the relaxing moments at the shampoo bowl (scalp massage!). I love losing myself in a stack of magazines. And, of course, I love the reveal: so swingy, so smooth. (Out comes the phone for a capture.) It’s not lost on me that the buzz of a dryer can sound so Zen...when you’re not the one wielding it. Best…

Clinique Turnaround Revitalizing Instant Facial At 40, my skin needs a little pick-me-up. This granule-filled mask delivers insane softness and bright cheeks in five minutes. $37.50, clinique.com Benefit Roller Lash Mascara Like a push-up bra, this lifts lashes skyhigh! The curved wand and hook bristles are no joke. $24, benefit cosmetics.com Touch Back by ColorMark My gray roots come in every two to three weeks now (insert expletive here). Which explains the long-asmy-marriage love affair with this marker-like (shampoo-out) tint. $20, colormetrics.com Clarins Multi-Blush Cream Blush So easy, so glowy, so dewy. And the gorgeous gold compact—about the size of a big box of matches—functions as the most glam mirror. $38, clarins.com John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Air-Dry Waves Styling Foam Most days, I air-dry my S-shaped waves, and…

What’s in Sasha Alexander’s Workout Bag? See what else Sasha stashes in her Thule backpack (like this Strävan Daypack, $100, thule.com) at WomensHealth Mag.com/CelebWorkoutBag. The actress, who’s currently filming the final season of her hit TNT police drama, Rizzoli & Isles, is a Tracy Anderson devotee. “I used to be a dancer, so her method is the perfect fit for me.” Street Style: Fitness Edition LIZ LETCHFORD, 27 Personal trainer and Ph.D. student in San Francisco “I gravitate toward old shirts with cutoff sleeves when I work out, so I can be comfortable without looking like everyone else,” says Liz, who relies on gold and black accessories to take her from training clients to meeting friends. Like Liz’s laid-back look? Cut the sleeves off of your ratty tees and layer…

What WH associate editor Cathryne Keller learned at a better-BJs workshop with sex educator Charlie Fox “When going down on him, place your hands around his penis at mid-shaft. Gently pull one hand toward his tip and one toward his balls so his skin is taut—it exposes nerve endings that lie below the surface. Then treat his member like corn on the cob: Cradle both ends (rubbing of testes encouraged) with your fingers as you glide your lips up and down the middle of his penis, lightly sucking as you go (think hickeys). It’s less arduous than oral-only sex, and it creates an allover sensation that’s incredible for him.”…

A PRECISE TOASTER A new U.K. report linked acrylamide, a toxin in certain foods (including burned bread), with a higher risk for breast cancer. Toast should be light brown, says study author Guy Poppy. Your Defense: Breville’s Bit More Toaster ($80, brevilleusa.com). It has a button that allows you to add a touch more toast time to bread that’s still too soft, and the “Lift and Look” feature lets you see that your slices aren’t burning. A LARGE-CAPACITY COFFEEMAKER Brown rice packs potentially harmful levels of arsenic, a toxin linked to lung and bladder cancer. It’s released when rice is heated, but if you cook it in water, it gets reabsorbed by the grain. Your Defense: Andrew Meharg, Ph.D., found that cooking rice by placing it in a coffeemaker’s grounds…

I recently read that they can make you fat. True or false? Fat? False. But pack on a few? Yeah, according to a new study in The International Journal of Obesity. Kids who used antibiotics gained weight faster than nonusers (an average of three pounds by age 15), and the effect progressed as they got older—even after they stopped popping the pills. Oh boy. Are there any particular antibiotics to be concerned about? The research blamed all types, including penicillins and cephalosporins, but the strongest connection was seen with macrolides commonly prescribed for respiratory infections, like azithromycin, erythromycin, and clarithromycin. These may change the bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract, which other studies have suggested could cause your waistline to expand. The more antibiotics you take, the more likely their negative…

♦ 1994 “This was promoting my first film, The Mask. I was 21 years old, eating fast food every single day and smoking like a chimney. And I didn’t work out at all.” ♦ 2000 “On Charlie’s Angels, I was pushing myself so hard. I felt newly in my body. My muscles are more defined.” ♦ 2002 “Here I’m getting more athletic. I remember thinking, I’ll never not be strong again. I’ll never not take care of my body.” ♦ 2007 “I was just training consistently, and my nutrition was better. I had dyed my hair brown for Being John Malkovich and loved it, so I went back.” ♦ 2010 “Here I’m almost 38 and couldn’t wait to turn 40. Once I was 39, I started saying I was 40.…

Look for strap options. Pick a bag that has multiple carrying options and alternate between them to switch up the weight. Carry only essentials. It should go without saying that the heavier the bag, the harder the strain. But we had to point it out, because how often do you travel light? Stretch out. Child’s pose, rag doll, and an overhead reach help loosen tight arms, shoulders, and lower-back muscles. Strengthen your backside. Add side planks and bridges into your routine— they build up your posterior chain (glutes, hamstrings, calves) to combat the forward pull of your tote.…

EXERCISE YOUR POWER Are you hitting your recommended allowance of fiber…at the gym? Strength training activates the largest muscle fibers in your body, but power training “triggers your smaller, fast-twitch (or type II) muscle fibers,” says certified strength and conditioning specialist Wil Fleming, owner of Force Fitness and Performance in Bloomington, Indiana. The latter helps get you in peak shape by burning the maximum cals for each move. The one and only way to turn these suckers on? By adding explosive movements (say, a jump) to some of your go-to toning exercises. Power training will also help you move and pivot more efficiently, “whether it’s the final kick in your weekend 5-K or jumping to grab the monkey bars at the playground with your kids,” says Fleming. Newbie bonus: This…

Acupuncture. Massage. Cupping. I’ve tried tons of treatments that promise to usher in calm and soothe my chronic low-back pain. So when I heard about flotation therapy— lying in a dark, soundless vat of salt water for an hour—I was intrigued. And then a bit freaked out. My enthusiasm took a detour after a Google search revealed Smart Car– size pods that look like the mouth of the bloodthirsty plant in Little Shop of Horrors. Would I sink? Would I panic? What if I had to pee?! I turned to logic. Centers have popped up everywhere from New York to Chicago to Boulder to Seattle to L.A.—with nary a death-by-floating report. Plus, the (science-backed!) benefits are major: reduced stresshormone levels, improved blood pressure, silky skin, and, potentially, a peaceful meditative…

The Rumor: BUBBLY’S NOT AS HYDRATING AS FLAT. Last we checked, sparkling water was still wet. Its buzz comes from carbon dioxide, which does deliver that telltale bite—but doesn’t prevent your body from absorbing moisture, says Susan Yeargin, Ph.D., a hydration expert at the University of South Carolina. In fact, one study found that after an intense workout, carbonated water replaced participants’ fluids just as well as still. The Rumor: IT’S BAD FOR YOUR TEETH AND BONES. Carbonic acid, formed when H2O meets C02, may erode tooth enamel in very high concentrations, but despite what you’ve seen on your Facebook feed, relax: As long as you don’t down a six-pack per day (and your seltzer’s not loaded with acidic fruit juice or cavity-causing sugar), your smile’s safe, says Timothy Chase,…

“How many times have you eaten today?” Should be a quick answer, but for a lot of people, it’s not so simple. There was that handful of raisins in the car. And the yogurt at the morning meeting. The popcorn at 2 p.m., the granola bar at 4 p.m.... you get it. With the aim of eating healthier and cutting cals, we’ve replaced three big meals with more frequent snacks. Problem is, they’ve become too frequent: Per one new study, the average person now eats up to 15 times over the course of 15 hours (!). Surprise, surprise—the same research found that nonstop chomping has nothing to do with hunger. “There’s definitely a smart way to snack,” says Lisa Young, R.D., Ph.D., author of The Portion Teller Plan. “But it’s…

Last year, while Ben Affleck packed on an estimated 30 pounds of muscle to play the caped crusader in the upcoming blockbuster Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, his love life was crumbling. Less than six months after revealing his new Batsuit physique, Ben and his wife of 10 years, Jennifer Garner, went public with their divorce. Hunky hero or not, a hubby who allegedly can’t resist a hot nanny is no match for a woman who’s hugely successful in her own right. Bye, Bennie! Clearly, there are chinks in Batman’s armor, and Ben’s personal drama seems to be a metaphor for the entire superhero archetype: We may still appreciate a sixpack, but the damsel in distress story seems woefully stale. And that shift is informing our relationships. What do…

FULL VOLUME Don’t let the Renaissance Faire sleeves scare you: The abundance begins at your elbow—the arm’s leanest part—so it adds killer drama, not bulk. And it’s quite chic with sneaks. EMBELLISH MUCH? Pearls, beading, piqué: so sweet, so whimsical, so freakin’ cute. Balance out the girlishness by buttoning it all the way up. JUST CHILL A tux-style top with tailored skinnies? Been there, worn that. But sweatpants are unexpected—and you’ll appreciate the comfort at Sunday brunch. Add bold nails, order the pancakes. TEXTURE PLAY This lacy eyelet top has plenty of sex appeal. Layering it over a black bra adds graphic punch. The fringed suit pants? Way more fun for a cocktail party than a little black skirt. OPTICAL ILLUSION Yep, your eyes are playing tricks on you: This…

BLOOD CLOTS Sluggish blood flow and high estrogen levels can lead to these congealed globs that typically form in the arms or legs, causing swelling or pain. Worst-case scenario: a clot breaks free and travels to your lungs, where it can get lodged and become fatal. YOUR MOVE: Expectant and new moms (estrogen!) and women who are rooted in one spot for hours on end have heightened odds. If you’re a desk jockey, take a 10-minute walk every two hours. Birth control users with added risk factors (smoking, a family history of clots): Ask your doc about progesterone-only forms. ANEMIA Or, why women feel wiped out while on their periods. Losing iron-rich blood can starve the body of oxygen, causing fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. Untreated, long-term anemia can lead to…

“After the surgery, I felt awful. It wasn’t just pain. It was this allover, terrible exhaustion. I tried to get up and passed out immediately; I came to in a chair, covered in vomit. My doctors recommended a blood transfusion. I was scared. I worried about something, some sort of infection, being in that blood. The alternative, if I remember right, was waiting to see if my body could build back its supply on its own, which could have meant a very extended hospital stay. I debated for a few days, then said yes to the transfusion. I didn’t watch it going in. I slept. The next thing I knew, I was suddenly totally alert. I felt 100 percent better. I got up and walked up and down the hallway.…

You touch an old bloody bandage in the trash. HIV dies when exposed to air; by the time blood dries, the virus is no more. Hepatitis B, however, can live in dried blood for up to seven days, and Hep C can survive for up to three weeks. Scrub your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to remove any traces of either (which could only infect you if you aggressively rubbed your nose or mouth—and even those odds are slim). A colleague gets a paper cut and her blood rubs off on you. There’s really no threat of an HIV exchange; even if you both have nicks that rub together, your risk is less than 0.5 percent. For either Hep to be a big issue, you’d…

Remember when the lion’s share of beauty inspiration could be found behind door number one (the runway!) and door number two (ooh, red carpet!). Those sure were innocent times, way, way back in 2005. Now, we’re so flush with the stuff that we’ve all come to calling it inspo. (Four syllables? Total energy suck.) Everywhere we gaze, pretty ideas beckon us with possibility—and, perhaps, a touch of anxiety. Research proves that too many options (social scientists call it “choice overload”) make us feel overwhelmed, even uneasy. That forces us to either make the wrong selection or none at all. The irony is this bit of research was unearthed a decade ago, when Instagram was but a twinkle in our iridescent-lidded eyes. Before beauty vloggers, hair tutorials, and #PinterestFails. That virtual…

THE TECHNIQUE: CUSTOMIZED CURLS AND WAVES THE TOOL: Harry Josh 2-in-1 Ceramic Marcel Curling Iron ($175, dermstore.com) HOW IT WORKS: This transforms from a traditional clamp iron to a wand and heats up in less than a minute. THE TECHNIQUE: BRAID-LIKE TWISTS THE TOOL: Conair Quick Twist ($20, at drugstores) HOW IT WORKS: After securing two sections of hair in the device, you push a button and it rotates, quickly spinning the two sides into a twist, no tangles! THE TECHNIQUE: A SUPER-STRAIGHT BLOW-OUT THE TOOL: Revlon Pro Collection One-Step Hair Paddle Brush Dryer and Styler ($50, at Target) HOW IT WORKS: Brush it through from roots to tips to dry and smooth at once. THE TECHNIQUE: EXTRA VOLUME THE TOOL: Calista Perfecter Pro Swap Top Heated Multi Styler ($109.75,…

Kitschy-Cool Doodles @Jessicawashick The Artist: Jessica Washick Scroll for: Whimsical patterns, like colorful plaid, and cheeky sketches (see her tongue-wagging mouths) Top Tips Nail the Hue: Color combos are important, of course, but individual shades can make or break a design too, Washick says. Two that always deliver? CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Smokey Taupe ($5.49, covergirl.com), a mauve that works for all skin tones; and Floss Gloss in Fastlane ($8, flossgloss.com), a nearly neon red. Customize Your Tools:Washick uses Color Club Nail Stripers ($4.50, colorclub.com), fine-pointed brushes available in 60 polish shades. Her tweak: “Cut the brush tip at an angle to sharpen the lines you’ll need for triangles, zigzags, and lettering.” Go Nonlinear: If your art skills are stick-figure level, try more fluid shapes like raindrops…

As WH editors, we test scads of wrinkle creams and zit salves. And do heaps of interviews with skin pros. And pick up a genius tip or two along the way. And whattaya know: Our food editor swears by the softening effects of coconut oil! Our health editor touts the brightening benefits of a healthier pillowcase! Here, all that and so much more advice for keeping your skin-care regimen on point: postworkout, pre-date, when you’re time-crunched, and when you have time to really treat yourself. date-night tips from our sex editors These ladies know from bedroom tools. (We’re talking razors, people—razors!) Hair-free Bod “Shave with a razor that has moisturizing gel bars on either side of the blades, like Gillette Venus Swirl Razor [$12.59, at drugstores]. Other blades leave skin…

ONE CRUCIAL QUESTION, THREE EXPERT OPINIONS How do you shut down the Mo n day blahs? ANTHROPOLOGY HELEN FISHER, PH.D. Research professor and member of the Center for Human Evolutionary Studies, Rutgers University; author, Why Him? Why Her? Finding Real Love by Understanding Your Personality Type CARDIOLOGY MAJA ZARIC, M.D. Interventional cardiology, peripheral arterial and venous disease director, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City CAREER AMANDA STEINBERG Founder and CEO, DailyWorth.com DERMATOLOGY FRANCESCA J. FUSCO, M.D. Assistant clinical professor of dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai ENTREPRENEURSHIP JENNIFER WALSH Entrepreneur; consultant; founder of The Beauty Bar and Pride & Glory EXERCISE SCIENCE RACHEL COSGROVE, C.S.C.S. Certified strength and conditioning specialist; owner, Results Fitness, Santa Clarita, California; author, The Female Body Breakthrough THE FITNESS PRO “I get to the…

SEX Q Is it true you’re more likely to orgasm on a certain day of your menstrual cycle? A / Yes—it’s absolutely true. Women can experience heightened levels of sexual desire and arousal during ovulation, typically day 14 of your cycle, which can increase your chances of orgasm. During this mid-cycle stage, the level of sex steroid hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) peaks in your body, which can also directly increase the intensity of your climax. HEALTH Q I recently got a metallic taste in my mouth that won’t go away. What’s going on? There could be several explanations for the tinny taste. Many common multivitamins contain heavy metals (such as copper, zinc, or chromium), and cold lozenges often rely on immunity-boosting zinc. It could also stem from new medications—certain…

Close your eyes and apply light pressure to your upper lid, then snap a pic. If your undereye bag looks more obvious in the picture, the culprit is fat pad herniation, a hereditary fat deposit that worsens with age. No change? It’s likely fluid retention or poor circulation. Knowing the difference matters, since applying an eye cream with retinol to a fat pad herniation can irritate skin, accentuating wrinkles and puffiness, says dermatologist Rebecca Kazin, M.D. The best fix is to even out the area with a hyaluronic acid filler like Restylane, though creams with caffeine and peptides can help minimize it. Try First Aid Beauty Detox Eye Roller ($26, sephora.com).…

BI STRONIC FUSION ($220, funfactory.com) This silicone clitoris and G-spot stimulator vibrates, pulsates, and thrusts (oh baby!). Plus, it is USB-rechargeable (fewer batteries in landfills!) and comes in recycled packaging. CALLISTO CLEAR GLASS DILDO ($12, eartherotics.com) Recyclable glass? Trust us: The spiraled ridges increase friction, and the material retains temperatures. Dip it in warm water for 10 minutes for a toasty session, or chill it to tease your nipples. NOBESSENCE SEDUCTION ($160, nobessence.com) Don’t worry—a nontoxic coating on this wood toy means zero splinters (owie). And its organic material means fewer chemicals were involved during manufacturing. Use the bulbed end on your inner sweet spot.…

Pancake art has gone profesh with “heat toning”—a shading technique achieved by staggering the cooking time of the batter. Go all Picasso at brunch with tips from Daniel Drake of Dancakes.com. You’ll need: a 12-ounce plastic squeeze bottle (sold at kitchen supply stores) and a thin steel spatula. Batter up!You can use any pancake recipe or (hey) boxed mix. Just be sure to whisk it into a thin, lump-free consistency. Pour the batter into the squeeze bottle for easy control of your design. Now doodle.When your griddle reaches 350˚F, draw a simple shape, like a heart with an arrow. Wait 45 seconds to a minute (timing depends on your griddle), then fill in the negative space with more batter. Once the new layer starts to look matte (not glossy), flip…

IT’S A SOLID WORKOUT. Not only does every swing work your arms, shoulders, and entire core, but you’ll also walk an average of five miles during an 18-hole game (which lasts about four hours). Bye, cart! IT TRAINS YOUR MIND. Per research, golf demands motor and cognitive skills (to prep the swing, use eye-body coordination, and timecontrol your movement), which can boost your brain’s ability to adapt to new info. IT SHUTS DOWN STRESS. Hitting a bucket of balls at the driving range can feel just as satisfying as going to town on a punching bag—or happy hour martini. The latter two can leave you hurtin’ the next day, but yelling “fore!” won’t. IT HAS A MAJOR CAREER PERK. Undeniable truth: Business deals and networking still go down on the…

20s “Bone mass is really important in your twenties— after that, we don’t build much bone anymore. So your twenties are your best chance to build bone through nutrition, physical activity, and strength training.” 30s “After 35, most women’s eggs start to dwindle. There’s no way of knowing until you test yourself. That might be something you want to do in your early thirties if your fertility is important to you.” 40s “Make connections, make friends, join communities, and really honor yourself. You’re getting ready to make that transition to menopause, so pay attention to where you’re at emotionally, physically, and mentally. The women who stress have it longer and harder, but the ones who accept it have it shorter and less severe.”…

WHPLANOFACTION.COM @WHTAKEACTION Get to your happy weight deliciously—with Atkins Atkins Harvest Trail Bars take snacking to a whole new level—with no artificial preservatives, colors or flavors! By using simple and nutritious ingredients, Atkins gives you the goodness of protein and fiber while keeping net carbs in check. atkins.com/journey Better Taste & Better Nutrition with Eggland’s Best Only Eggland’s Best eggs can provide better taste and better nutrition! Compared to ordinary eggs, EB eggs stay fresher longer, have 25% less saturated fat, and one large egg contains 60 calories. Visit EgglandsBest.com for more information. Packed with 100% Pure Whey Protein Isolate Pack in powerfully pure 100% whey protein isolate and 100% awesome taste without packing on the carbs. With 25g of protein per scoop, Isopure Zero Carb protein powder is loaded…

“Dogs interrupting workouts” has launched many a viral video of canines busting in on their human’s sweat sessions. Perhaps our four-legged friends are trying to tell us something…like, “Dude, I wanna be your fitness buddy!” YouTube hijinks aside, if you’ve got a dog (and 54 million of us do), you already know that the emotional and mental bond you share is pretty amazing. And now, a growing realm of research is tapping into the physical and fitness perks, with scores of dog-plus-owner cardio and boot camp classes popping up across the U.S. to fulfill the need. You (and Max) are in for a treat. Far from Fluff! RESEARCH-BACKED INCENTIVES TO BRING YOUR DOG ALONG FOR THAT NEXT SWEAT SESH Rack up more steps. Just taking your dog around the block…

FEEL THE BURN No, we’re not endorsing Bernie Sanders for president, but if you crave bubbles that hurt so good, opt for cans or glass—plastic can’t hold pressure as well. And if icy is your MO, go hard: Glass conducts heat slower than aluminum does. Plus, it’s free of BPA, a chemical in some cans and plastic bottles that’s been linked to cancer and heart problems. POLAND SPRING SPARKLING LEMON “When life gives you lemons, you only hope they’re as light and refreshing as this.” Cassie Skoras, designer LA CROIX TANGERINE “Fresh citrus with the perfect amount of carbonation— enough to make your tongue tingle, but not burn.” Deb Wenof, deputy photo editor DASANI SPARKLING BLACK CHERRY “I’m not usually a fan of carbonated drinks, but the robust black cherry…

11:30 A.M. TO 1 P.M. Savory snacking peaks Yeah, it’s lunchtime and you’re hungry. But if you supplement with snacks, make sure your main meal is smaller—don’t just swap junk for healthy food. 6 TO 8 P.M. Sweet snacking peaks Always hitting the ice cream after dinner? Odds are, you’re not even really hungry; you’re just using sugar as a reward. Tame that sweet tooth with frozen grapes. Sources: Marisa Moore, R.D., and Darren Seifer, food and beverage industry analyst at NPD Group…

BEFORE 212 lbs AFTER 150 lbs Growing up, KELLY SIMONEAU didn’t reflect much on her eating habits. She’d satisfy afternoon cravings with heaps of canned frosting, and while working at a pet store, she’d polish off a 16-ounce bag of gummy bears. As she finished out her teens, Kelly’s pants size ticked up—until she had to ask her favorite clothing store to special-order size 18 jeans. Still, the resident of Sandy Hook, Connecticut, spent the next four years freewheel noshing (bagels, burgers, beer), and the scale hit 212 pounds. It was only at age 24, when she began nursing school, that Kelly could see the impact on her long-term health. September 2010 In her second nursing-school semester, Kelly encounters dozens of patients with obesity-induced diabetes and heart disease. She spends…

1 You play a poet in Coco. Were you into poetry before this film? Oh, yeah. Poets like Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, and James Baldwin—I was enthralled by them and it opened me up to something I had never found before in school. It led me to writing. And hip-hop was really a form of poetry, but we didn’t know it at the time. 2 What’s the sexiest quality a woman can have? The way she displays her aura: That means the way she talks, the way she sits, the way she walks. It’s in the way she carries herself. And I think class is really sexy. 3 Where do you take a date when you want to impress her? I’m into art. So, it would be a nature driven–slashartistic place,…

“STRESS IN AND OF ITSELF ISN’T BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH. THE PROBLEM IS BEING STUCK IN THAT STATE 24/7.” 1 STATE OF READINESS This strategy is about measuring “how much charge is in your battery,” says physical therapist Charlie Weingroff, D.P.T. “It’s the awareness of what the ‘cost,’ so to speak, of training will be that day.” Understanding that makes you smarter at giving your body what it needs, so your time at the gym is more productive. Weingroff helps clients calculate their readiness with a mix of queries and drills, but even asking yourself simple Qs—like how are you feeling on a scale of 1 to 10? How sore are you from your last workout?—can help you gauge if you’re currently below your normal baseline (if so, see Column…

URINE You could have a UTI or bladder infection, especially if you also have burning or urgency. Add a fever or low-back pain and the culprit is likely a kidney infection. See your doc within 48 hours for confirmation and an antibiotic. POOP A spot or two of red on the TP hints at a fissure—a small, self-healing tear in the skin of your back door, often created by passing a particularly large load. A bright red splash in the bowl could signal a treatable hemorrhoid. But if there’s any blood in the stool itself, get your behind to your M.D., stat, to rule out more serious problems like cancer. BREAST MILK Heavy demand from baby or breast pump can cause cracks in your nipples, especially in the first few…

STREAMING, SIMPLIFIED Fun fact: We spend more time watching Netflix than we do eating, reading, or having sex, according to a report by TDG Research. Not-so-fun fact: We also spend 19 minutes browsing for something to watch. (Adds up to nearly five days a year, FYI.) That’s why the following trailer has been rated F for “Finally! You picked a movie!” Go straight to the “suggested for you” section. It’s based on what you’ve watched. Sounds obvious, but be real: How many times do you start at the As and end up somewhere in the Vs without any winners? And then, there you are, an hour later, queuing up 13 Going on 30 for the 20th time. Access secret codes. If you try to filter by genres (say, “action” or…

Extensions “Detangling is key,” says Angelone of RPZL, a salon that specializes in extensions. Before blow-drying, use a flat brush with plastic bristles designed for detangling (like Wet Brush Original Detangler, $9, thewetbrush.com) to carefully remove any knots, starting at the bottom and gently working your way up. Once you start styling, go light on the tension. “Pulling too hard may cause your extensions to fall out or do damage to your natural hair,” she says. Thinning hair This is an instance when your in-the-shower regimen really matters: A thickening shampoo and conditioner (the latter from mid-shaft to ends) is crucial. “Using the wrong type can weigh hair down, but the right ones will make fine hair look and feel fuller,” says Dioquino, who likes Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo…