Innholdsfortegnelse for July - August 2014 i Women's Health

Find the Perfect Fit I used to think that being “into fitness” meant I had to like— and excel at— every workout I tried. And over the years, I’ve indulged in a smorgasbord of shape-up endeavors with varying degrees of success. Some left me energized and inspired (strength training! Pilates! stand-up paddleboarding!). Others left me demoralized or, worse, injured (running! surfing! boot camp!). To be sure, working out is not a one-stylefits-all proposition. Not every workout is suited to, or even safe for, everyone. Seems logical, but when you hear a friend swear up and down that Zumba melted the fat off her body in record time, you wonder if that’s finally what’s going to do it for you, too. But if dance fitness is not your thing because it…

FERTILITY FRAGILITY Yet another reason stress sucks: It can throw a wrench in your baby-making plans. Women with the highest levels of alpha-amylase— an enzyme that’s found in saliva when you’re stressed— were 29 percent less likely to get pregnant, compared with the least frazzled women, reports a new Human Reproduction study. Stress may affect an egg’s ability to move through the fallopian tube, or it may interfere with implantation in the uterus, says study author Courtney Lynch, Ph.D. The Latest News on Health, Sex, Nutrition, Beauty, and Fitness THIS JUST IN Dye…Another Day At-home hair color is traditionally a one-application product. But the new L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Mousse Absolue ($15, at drugstores) dispenses developer and dye from two separate chambers. This means they mix when you pump out…

58 TWIST AND SPROUT PERCENTAGE OF THE RDA OF LYCOPENE MET ONDAYS WHEN PEOPLE ATE PIZZA. THE NUTRIENT IS FOUND IN TOMATOES AND MAY HELP TO LOWER THE RISK FOR CERTAIN TYPES OF CANCERS. Source: USDA LEAN MACHINES Across the country, vending machines that offer more than chips and candy are popping up. Here, some healthier options you may find when you put your money where your mouth is. Farmer’s Fridge The kiosks, made of reclaimed wood and recycled materials, are stocked daily with fresh salads made from ingredients such as greens, goat cheese, berries, almonds, carrots, and sprouts. Visit farmersfridge.com for more information. Burrito Box For $3.75, you get a hot burrito in about a minute. Some options include the chipotle chicken and black bean and the vegan fajita,…

... SHOP yourSHAPE ... Maxis Skirts and dresses that go to great lengths to make you look and feel gorgeous TRAPEZE Floats over a full lower bod while showing off pretty shoulders. Diane von Furstenberg dress, $925, dvf.com BODYCON A printed style that clings adds curves to slim hips. ThreadSence skirt, $34, threadsence.com FIT & FLARE Busty girls: Let your proportions shine (and avoid shelf boob) in a fitted bodice. Eva Franco dress, $270, evafranco.com TRANNSFROM THE LOOK: FLATS FOR DAY, HEELS FOR NIGHT. HIGH SLIT The leg equivalent of a plunging V-neck is perfection for toned quads. Alice & Trixie skirt, $260, aliceandtrixie.com HEM MAXIS TO THE ANKLE SO THEY WORK WITH ANY SHOE BLOUSON An elastic or drawstring tie gives apple shapes a defined middle. Alice & Trixie…

The latest serums to hit beauty shelves: foundation, shadow, and blush so light and airy, you’ll stay fresh-faced on the steamiest days. EYE SHADOW Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eyeshadow in Polynesian Purple ($18, josiemarancosmetics.com) BRONZER Perricone MD No Bronzer Bronzer ($35, sephora.com) BLUSH Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Blush in #500 ($52, at Nordstrom) FOUNDATION BareMinerals BareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation SPF 20 ($29, bareminerals.com) FOUNDATION Physicians Formula Youthful Wear Spotless Foundation SPF 15 ($15, at drugstores) IF THERE WERE A want ad for ideal summer makeup, the requirements would be: looks fresh and feels light, but still covers blemishes; doesn’t smear, flake, or crease in the heat; is neither overly matte nor overly shiny. There’s a new type of cosmetic that actually lives up to this tall order— makeup serums.…

Lindsay Burkett, 23, had the job of her dreams: working on Capitol Hill as a congressional aide. Grueling 12-to 15-hour days were the norm, but she thrived in high-pressure environments. When she accepted the job, Lindsay knew the migraines that had started when she was 16 were likely to come with her. But now, the debilitating headaches lasted a week at a time— and were accompanied by panic attacks that caused chest tightness, a racing pulse, back and neck pain, and a general mental fog. She fell into bed at night on the brink of exhaustion, sobbing and flushed with anxiety. Finding no physical cause for her issues, Lindsay’s doctor sent her to a psychiatrist, who prescribed antidepressants that did little to ease her symptoms. She suffered for three years,…

Plums are a slightly sweeter stand-in for tomatoes, and research shows they have compounds that may help fight metabolic syndrome, a condition related to obesity, and chronic inflammation in the body. Plum Caprese Salad 2 cups balsamic vinegar 4 Tbsp honey 8 plums, pitted and sliced into 8 pieces each ½ cup fresh basil 8 oz fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced 1. Combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a saucepan and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, until the vinegar thickens into a syrup. 2. Layer plum slices, basil, and mozzarella in a circle on a plate. Drizzle with vinegarhoney glaze and serve. MAKES 4 SERVINGS Per serving: 340 cal, 9 g fat (6 g sat), 46 g carbs, 390 mg sodium, 2 g fiber,…

You probably know timing is everything when it comes to the stock market, booking airfare, and photobombing. It could make a big difference in your diet, too. A recent nationwide study that asked participants when they felt most likely to abandon their healthy eating habits found some interesting patterns among the 7,500 responses. “Most of the time, people are very disciplined, but everyone has occasions when they let their guard down,” says Vince Han, founder of Coach Alba, the interactive weight-loss coaching company that analyzed the results. One consistent finding of the study: Moments in which we’re prone to dietary destruction tend to increase as the day continues. Read on to discover the four times you’re most at risk for giving in and how to stay strong. TEMPTATION TIME Lunch…

Each month your favorite dishes get a healthy and delectable do-over with tips from Keri Glassman, R.D. No quinoa? Whole-wheat bread crumbs also make a healthy, crunchy coating. Dollop on top or serve as a dip— either way, the sauce is packed with protein and good fats. GO NUTS Cashews aren’t just a tasty (and creative) base for a marinade: Tree nuts like these have been linked to better weight maintenance, happier moods (thanks to magnesium and the amino acid tryptophan), and possibly even a longer life. And the similarly nutty almond milk surpasses dairy in bonebuilding calcium and has none of the saturated fat or cholesterol. BOOST YOUR BREADING You probably know that foods like quinoa are rich in fiber. But quinoa actually has tons of protein, too, contributing…

What’s all the buzz about? It’s the sound of more women having bed-rattling orgasms. While using a vibrator by yourself is hardly a new trend, sales of couple’s massagers have skyrocketed in the past year, according to a recent survey conducted by sex-toy company Lelo, with 76 percent of women wanting to use one with their partner (and 89 percent of guys happily willing to do so). This makes sense, given that an Indiana University study found that women who use a vibrator (with or without a partner) experience more arousal and orgasms than those who don’t. Whether you want to get in on the action or just upgrade your current bedroom buddy, use our chart to find the latest and greatest sex toys for your experience level and design…

1 Make creativity a habit. Top choreographer Twyla Tharp has said that being creative is “not a once-in-a-while sort of thing. Being creative is an everyday thing.” That’s why lots of writers sit down at their desk each morning and don’t get up until they’ve finished a scene or reached a certain word count. Their only secret is that they do it every day. Carve out space in your home and in your schedule to be creative. 2 Don’t be afraid to imitate. Picasso’s early paintings were inspired by Cézanne. A whole breed of pop stars say they are inspired by Madonna. When I started writing, I was awed by Stephen King’s ability to create a creepy atmosphere and John Irving’s knack for crafting quirky characters— and I did my…

SUMMER CLOTHING IS LIKE the zoom feature on your camera: It focuses attention directly on certain areas. And who better to help you perfect these areas than “parts” models— women who are paid to showcase their fantastic tushes, feet, legs, or hands in ad campaigns. Here, they reveal tactics for getting billboard-worthy assets. LEGS Her lovely limbs have appeared in ads for Vince Camuto, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Caché, and West attributes her proverbial (slim, toned) leg up to an active lifestyle— “any time there’s an opportunity to move more, I take it”— and a balanced, junk-free plate. These are the other ways she keeps her stems shapely: TAKE IT OUTSIDE. “As kids growing up in California, we never watched TV. When the sun was out, we were too. I…

AMY KISER AGE: 32 HOMETOWN: LOS ANGELES, CA A passionate trainer who believes in time-efficient workouts and positive reinforcement— and that exercise shouldn’t add stress to your life Aha Moment: Gaining the Freshman 15 (“which turned into 20, which turned into 25,” she says). “I tried many unhealthy ways to lose it, but it wasn’t until I stopped stressing and took a more moderate approach— like opting for pizza over a salad at times, or taking a day off when my body was really exhausted— that the weight came off. And I’ve kept it off ever since.” Training Style: Fastpaced circuits that blend strength, cardio, balance, and flexibility. “Exercising for hours each day isn’t sustainable. When your routine feels efficient and manageable, you’re more likely to make it a habit.…

This doesn’t have to mean living at the gym— instead, find small ways to work fitness into your busy day, every day. MAXIMIZE YOUR SWEAT SESSIONS You’re crazed. We know. Get more done during each and every workout. Prettify Your Hair Before you work out, make a braid, wrap it into a bun, and secure. After, shake it out and blast with a blow-dryer and dry shampoo. Voilà! Gorgeous loose waves. Learn Something If long runs get boring, listen to an audio book (at audible.com) or master a new language (with Rosetta Stone TOTALe Online, $299, rosettastone.com). Give Back Can’t find time to volunteer? Download the Charity Miles app (free, iPhone and Android), and each mile you tick off earns money for your preselected charity. 1/HEIDI KLUM FOR NEW BALANCE…

A do-anywhere workout that will tighten your bod and boost your jogs It’s summer: great time to say buh-bye to the gym and take your workouts outside! But that doesn’t mean you have to ditch your strength training and just focus on cardio, says Jordan Metzl, M.D., author of The Exercise Cure. It’s important to continue with your resistance training: “It helps keep your kinetic chain— the interconnected system of muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments— in top form, which can help you do everything better, from running a faster 10-K to planting your beach umbrella in the sand.” Metzl created this noequipment, do-anywhere workout to complement an outdoor running routine. It will help build strength in the areas runners need it most, so you’ll not only have a more toned…

Birchbox + WH = Killer Beauty Loot! We’ve teamed up with Birchbox— a beauty e-commerce company that sends tailored beauty samples to your home for $10 a month— to curate a special box! Inside, you’ll find awesome primping products that easily upgrade your look (your box may include picks from Benefit Cosmetics, Dr. Brandt, Caudalie, Miss Jessie’s, and more!)— plus a booklet of our confidencebuilding challenges. Skip the waiting list and get theWHbox as your first shipment— plus a special code for an extra $10 (100 Birchbox points) to spend— when you sign up for a subscription at birchbox.com/womenshealth by July 15. Sweat with Us When you’ve hit a humpday slump, check out a new fitness routine every Wednesday afternoon on our site’s home page. Just look for the badge…

CANINE CAL BURNER Enlist your pooch to help you get rid of your pooch! These playtime tweaks from JT Clough, author of 5K Training Guide— Running with Dogs, will get you and your pup frying fat together. 1 FETCH Become a moving target: Instead of standing in one place after you throw the ball, jog or walk in another direction and let your dog meet you there. 2 FRISBEE After each disk throw, hit the grass and do as many pushups as you can until your dog returns. (If you notice your form breaking, switch to kneeling pushups.) 3 WALK Whether your daily leash time takes you down the sidewalk or to the park, mix in at least three sets of 10 walking lunges— it burns more calories than just…

Fist Bump A greeting that’s healthier than a handshake. Researchers found that pressing the flesh spreads four times more bacteria than a knuckle-to-knuckle tap. Source: Journal of Hospital Infection WEB RX RISKS Pharmaceutical buyers, beware: Nearly 97 percent of online drug sellers skirt federal laws or fail to meet safety standards, according to a recent study. If your prescription comes from one of these rogue sites, you may be at risk of taking meds that contain the wrong ingredients or are fake, contaminated, or missing the active ingredient altogether. Visit www.fda.gov/besafeRx to find licensed online pharmacies. THIS JUST IN Dirty Money Never put your money where your mouth is. A single dollar bill can contain at least 3,000 different microbes, according to new research by New York University’s Center for…

These sexy one-pieces use strategic cuts and optical illusions to visually melt away pounds— no calorie-cutting required. DEEP-V FRONT The reward for taking a plunge: a longer neck and lean-looking torso. Kenneth Cole New York, $107, bostonproper.com BUSTIER DETAILS Underwire cups and princess seams create the cinched look of a corset (sans pain). Old Navy, $33, oldnavy.com TUMMY RUCHING Gently drapes over a belly that’s indulged in too many BBQ’s. Lands’ End, $159, landsend.com DARK PANELS A vivid design flanked by black whittles all over. Panache, $92, herroom.com HIGH CONTRAST Dark recedes, so you look inches trimmer. Lenny Niemeyer swimsuit, $223, shopbop.com; ToyWatch watch THICK BELT Tightens your midsection to Bond Girl proportions. Spiegel, $79, spiegel.com COLOR BLOCKS Vertical stripes elongate apple shapes. Calvin Klein, $128, lordandtaylor.com for stores…

Like clockwork, the second the weather heats up, people start smiling more. But the rising mercury isn’t the only thing at play: With blooming flowers, fresh fruit, and beachy cocktails everywhere, our olfactory senses are overjoyed from June to August. “We’re more outgoing, active, and energized in warmer weather, and when summery scents trigger those pleasant memories, we get an instant mood boost,” says Pamela Dalton, Ph.D., a sensory psychologist in Philadelphia. The aroma we most associate with the season is coconut, says Dalton, likely from years of slathering on sunscreen scented with the tropical fruit. The latest seasonal scents dial up the sophistication by mixing traditional summery notes of bright citruses and watery fruits with sexy white florals, crisp greens, creamy vanilla, and soft woods, says Yves Cassar, a…

Small creatures can cause major irritations. Learn what happens when a flying insect makes a meal out of you. Before the bite You’re swatting like crazy, but your body heat and the carbon dioxide in your breath are luring critters— mosquitoes, gnats, other biting flies— toward you, from as far away as 150 feet. Hanging with your BF? Guys can unleash more heat and CO2, making them bug magnets; however, they have more protective body hair, prompting biters to hop over to your smooth skin. During the bite The insect lands and starts probing for a thin-skinned area, preferably one close to a blood vessel. You may or may not feel the bite. The mosquito in particular is a stealth offender: It can break your skin and inject numbing saliva…

As you prepare to celebrate peak grilling season, consider this simple way to make even the humblest burger or dog more glorious: Make your own condiments. It’s easier than it sounds and a surefire way to add extra flavor to those favorite summer standbys. Bourbon-Coffee Barbecue Sauce Java’s bitterness contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the molasses and bourbon, making for a complex, smoky sauce that tastes like it took hours to make. TRY IT WITH: ribs, chicken wings, grilled tofu or pineapple 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz) 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar 1/3 cup molasses 1/4 cup bourbon 1/4 cup brewed coffee 1/4 tsp salt Add all ingredients to a stockpot, cover, and bring to a boil. Uncover and reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes, or until…

A morning, noon, and night’s worth of satisfying eats— all for under 1,600 calories indulge without bulge To stay below 1,600: Add: Julie’s Organic Sorbet Bar, Mandarin Orange (60 calories) Subtract: Sunflower seeds from first snack (60 calories) LUNCH Tuna-Avocado Sandwich 1/3 avocado, mashed 1/3 Tbsp lemon juice 4 oz white albacore tuna, drained 1 thick slice tomato 1 piece butter lettuce 1 slice red onion 1 slice whole-grain bread Combine avocado with lemon juice and fold in tuna. Stack tomato, lettuce, onion, and avocado and tuna mixture on bread for an open-face sandwich. TOTAL: 350 calories BREAKFAST Eggs ’n’ Greens 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 cup sliced mushrooms 2 cups spinach 1 egg 1 Tbsp Sriracha sauce Add half the olive oil to a heated skillet, sauté mushrooms and…

For someone who has studied herbalism, eschews silverware, makes her own lipstick, and forages for food, Shailene Woodley is far from being off in her own world. Instead, she is warm and fun and present and self-deprecating. And, okay, a little loopy, but in the most charming way. Also: She hugs everyone. I got three during our time together— one at first, then two at the end— but she also merrily hugged everyone who came up to us asking for a photo on the streets of New York City’s East Village. (“Hi, I’m Shai!” she said to two already hyperventilating teen girls— the night before, they’d seen her in Divergent, based on the wildly popular YA book series.) Her energy is unusual— she’s hungry for life, for things, for learning…

Tim McGraw, 47, country star currently headlining the Sundown Heaven Town tour 1 Are you a fan of PDA? Yeah! I have this habit of putting my arm around [my wife, country singer Faith Hill] and it being just a little lower than it should be, but she doesn’t say anything. 2 Is it ever okay to lie to your partner? That’s sticky territory. No, I will say no, it’s not. It won’t always work out the way you planned, but I think in general, honesty is probably the best policy. 3 What do you think when you look in the mirror? I know my traits: that I’m a hard worker and I’m very scrappy when I want to do something. As far as physically, I certainly don’t see what…

Meghan: My husband Blake’s family owns land on the Tallapoosa River, and we go down there all the time in the summer to lay out and cool off in the water. Late last summer, Blake and I invited my best friend, Lindsay, to join us, along with a friend who we wanted to set her up with. The boys went to get the tractor to cut the grass, and while they were gone, Lindsay and I went to the river’s edge to splash some water on ourselves. It was a scorching-hot day. There was no way we were going to swim; when Alabama Power lets water out of the R.L. Harris Dam, just up the river, to provide the area’s electricity (as they had that day), the current turns superfast…

FREEDOM REIGNS Loose silhouettes that skim the body rather than bind it free you— mentally and physically. Stella McCartney dress, $1,790, 212-627-1583; Yellow Box sandals, $49, yellowboxshoes.com; Pascale Monvoisin arrow necklace, $275, at Milk, 323-951-0330; Diane Cotton tassel necklace, $280, josephstores.com; From St Xavier cuff, $45, freepeople.com; Alexis Bittar ring, $125, alexisbittar.com KEEP-CALM COLORS According to feng shui principles, the right color pairing can balance you out. The combination of beige and white in particular, says feng shui master Pun-Yin, can “release tension while stabilizing fluctuating mood.” Osklen vest, $697, 212-219-8250; Anna Kosturova bikini, $140, annakosturova.com; Sportmax pants, $765, 212-674-1817; Me&Ro earrings, $400, meandrojewelry.com; Gold & Gray tassel bracelets, $26 each, goldandgray.com; Joseph Brooks Jewelry bone-bead bracelet, $105, josephbrooksjewelry.com; Dharma Shop rosewood bracelets, $24 each, dharmashop.com If scheduling in yoga…

A successful slim-down mixes strength workouts and high-intensity interval training to bust through plateaus. 1/CRAFT COOL MESH SUPERLIGHT SLEEVELESS TOP This tank has exceptional ventilation for exceptionally sweaty sessions. $50, craftsports.us 2/110% WOMEN’S KATALYST SHORT-SLEEVE SHIRT Focus on your workout without being distracted by your wardrobe thanks to this seamless tee, which won’t budge no matter how dynamic your moves. $70, 110playharder.com 3/ALTRA THE ONE2 These kicks are perfect for everything from fast treadmill runs to CrossFit WODs— and at less than six ounces, they’ll make your feet feel as if they’re floating on air. $105, altrarunning.com 4/TRIGGER POINT GRID MINI FOAM ROLLER Soothe sore muscles, boost circulation, and improve recovery between workouts with this travelfriendly foam roller. $25, tptherapy.com 5/VICTORIA’S SECRET SPORT THE STANDOUT SPORTS BRA You can abandon…

You know the mind and health benefits, and devotees rave about the results. Now it’s your turn to get into yoga and Pilates. FUSION CLASSES FOR YOGA NEWBIES Ease into yoga or Pilates with a combo class that delivers a dose of familiar cardio or strength training. Core Fusion This high-energy, ballet-inspired method focuses on core strength, flexibility, and connecting with your breath— without all the fancy (or confusing) yoga names. Find a class at an Exhale spa near you or get the DVD to try it at home (exhalespa.com). Cyclo-Yoga A growing number of gyms and studios across the country are offering a mix of heart-pumping cycling followed by a muscle-balancing, mind-calming yoga flow. An ideal mix for cardio queens who have a hard time slowing down. Resistance Meets…

“OMG, I peed myself.” You don’t have to go— until you start running, jumping, or doing burpees at boot camp. Perfect. WHAT’S UP WITH THAT? According to a survey by Lauren Streicher, M.D., about 25 percent of women experience incontinence— or loss of bladder control— during exercise. So at least you’re not alone. Mid-workout leakage may indicate weak pelvic floor muscles (the ones that help you “hold it”). If this type of incontinence affects you, see your doc, who can rule out other issues like an infection. There are exercises you can do to help you hold it in, depending on the severity of the problem. Getting the pelvic floor and deep abdominal muscles to work together could help make a difference, says Helene Byrne, author of Exercise After Pregnancy.…

We have the answers! Q What’s the final word: Does lifting heavier weights make you bulk up? — Taylor, Doylestown, PA It can build definition and strength more quickly than lifting light weights. But will it turn you into the Hulk? Not possible. “Most women don’t physically bulk up through strength training alone, since they have less testosterone and often don’t respond as quickly to weight training as men do,” says Mike Bracko, Ed.D., an exercise physiologist in Calgary, Alberta. “The average woman would probably have to train for four hours a day and make drastic diet changes to get really big muscles.” The flattering, toned muscle youare building will also help you stay strong for years to come. “When you lift heavier weights, your muscles pull on your tendons,…

GO THE DISTANCE Which states’ residents last longest in bed— and which finish first? Spreadsheets, a new app, compiled users’ sex-stamina stats and found the following: THE LONGEST New Mexico 7:01 minutes/seconds West Virginia 5:38 minutes/seconds Idaho 5:11 minutes/seconds South Carolina 4:48 minutes/seconds THE SHORTEST Alaska 1:21 minutes/seconds South Dakota 1:30 minutes/seconds Vermont 1:48 minutes/seconds Montana 2:03 minutes/seconds THIS JUST IN Big-O News When it comes to climaxing, the size and location of your clitoris may matter, reports a new study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Researchers found that women who were less likely to orgasm during any sexual activity had smaller hot buttons that were located five to six millimeters farther above the vaginal opening than those who orgasmed easily. Have your partner home in: Hitting the right…

WHAT IS IT? weight·ed vest \ wey’-tid vest \ n. A tool that can help you torch more calories. In a recent study, women who wore one while walking burned up to 12 percent more cals than those who went vestless. To amp up your walk or run, start with a vest that’s 3 to 5 percent of your weight to minimize injury risk, says personal trainer Kasey Arena. Try the Empower Adjustable Weighted Walking Vest ($40, empowerfitness.com). Source: American Council on Exercise thirty THIS JUST IN Exercise High One possible reason for your post-sweat buzz? Lactic acid, which fuels muscles during workouts. In the brain, it also triggers the release of the feel-good neurotransmitter norepinephrine, a Nature Communications study finds. Exercising near your lactate threshold (an effort level of…

Don’t just take ’em out to the ball game! Gilded, lacy, quilted, or studded, the latest baseball hats have moved up to the major style leagues. American Eagle Outfitters, $16, ae.com Vans, $26, vans.com Paired with leather pants and heels, RiRi’s lid is clearly a fashion statement. House Of Holland x New Era, $65, net-a-porter.com Tracy Watts, $175, tracywatts.com Eugenia Kim, $240, shopbop.com Tracy Watts, $175, tracywatts.com Sienna Ray, $224, siennaray.com Nicki Minaj, $19, shopyourway.com ASOS, $38, asos.com Diesel, $48, diesel.com for stores Cheap Monday, $35, needsupply.com BCBGeneration, $32, bcb generation.com Leave long hair loose— like Sofia Vergara’s— to look street-chic, not gym-bound.…

Body lotion that repairs sun damage. Liner that brightens tired eyes. Try these 20 game changers and watch magic happen. SPRITZ PURPOSEFULLY POWER UP WITH: Citrus-Floral Fragrance Sprayable happiness? Uh-huh. Research shows that floral and citrus scents can help elevate your mood. One mist that will spread some cheer: Harvey Prince Hello Eau De Toilette ($55 for 1.7 oz, birchbox.com), bursting with plumeria and lemon. FORTIFY WHILE DEGREASING POWER UP WITH: Strengthening Dry Shampoo If dry shampoo’s a friend, then Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo ($21, birchbox.com) is one with benefits: As it soaks up oil, it helps nourish with sea buckthorn berry extract. Spray it on and rub it in well, advises New York City salon owner Nunzio Saviano. PROTECT YOUR SKIN POWER UP WITH: Superstar Sunscreen Basic SPF…

Sorry to be a buzzkill, but sometimes that innocent drink isn’t so innocent after all. More than half of all American women drink alcohol (and most have up to two drinks on the days they do imbibe), yet few stop to think about how booze might interact with the other stuff they’re swallowing— or even with their behavior. Here, nine scenarios and whether to mix or skip. 1 You have one dose of antibiotics left, but you’re feeling like a new woman— and happy hour is calling. If you’re feeling fine, it’s okay to sip a drink or two. “Alcohol shouldn’t actually interact with most antibiotics,” says Aaron Michelfelder, M.D., a physician at Loyola University. The caveat: What booze does do is affect your white blood cells’ ability to fight…

Goat Cheese – Berry Bruschetta 1 small whole-wheat baguette, bias-cut into 12 slices ¼" thick ¼ lb strawberries, hulled and quartered 1 scallion, white and green parts, sliced 1 tsp agave nectar 2 grinds black pepper 2 oz soft goat cheese 4 chives, snipped Preheat oven to 350°F. Set baguette slices on a small baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden and crisp. Remove and cool. In a food processor, pulse strawberries, scallion, agave nectar, and black pepper until chopped. (Do not puree.) Spread 1 teaspoon goat cheese on each baguette slice, top with 1 teaspoon strawberry mixture, then sprinkle with chives. SERVES 4 Per serving: 80 cal, 3.5 g fat (2 g sat), 10 g carbs, 115 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 4 g protein…

No matter the meal, identical twins Jen and Kelly McCarthy, 28, wanted a side of fries. “Our favorites were heavy foods like chicken alfredo… with fries,” says Jen, a corporate benefits specialist. “As kids, we ate out all the time,” says Kelly, who works in special education. Jen and Kelly, who now live in Warren, Rhode Island, and Norton, Massachusetts, respectively, took their habits to college, and by graduation, the twins had hit exactly 254 pounds each. The Change The pair tried to disguise their bodies with tentlike clothes until a group pic on Facebook caught Jen’s attention in the summer of 2009: “I realized how awful it was to be this young and this unhealthy.” Days later, she heard a radio ad for a gym and asked Kelly to…

Last week, my husband and I finally admitted it to ourselves: We had lost our edge. When we first started dating eight years ago, Mark was an outgoing guy who regularly met up with his buddies for drinks after work, and I was Miss Independent, juggling every facet of my apartment— from securing the mortgage and handling the refinance to doing all the maintenance myself. We were both fun, selfassured individuals— but then something changed. We settled into our home in upstate New York two years ago, and since then, Mark hasn’t sought out any new friends and relies on me for his social life, while I’ve successfully ignored nearly all of the particulars of our house— from tending the lawn to fixing the washing machine. We’re very happy together,…

There’s a reason we hate screwing up: It sucks. “Failure can shake your whole sense of self-worth,” says Jack Matson, a professor emeritus at Pennsylvania State University and pioneer of a course known as Failure 101. The class’s signature assignment: creating “failure résumés” that challenge students to list their not-so-shining moments so they can learn that uh-ohs may lead to eventual wins. Yes, wins. “You need mistakes for innovation,” says Cyndi Burnett, Ed.D., an assistant professor at the International Center for Studies in Creativity at Buffalo State. “Women often struggle with a fear of failure because we tend to internalize mistakes, while men shrug and move on,” she says. “But if you realize the benefits of messing up, your career will go in exciting directions.” We got three brave women…

IN LIST FORM! For many around the country, this winter was beyond awful (and endless). The stinging, deep chill of the polar vortex left us bummed out, shivering, and barricaded indoors. Which is exactly why this summer needs to be awesome— wait, make that epic. On the following pages, you’ll find tons of ideas for optimizing the sultriest season, from the must-have sandals and the tastiest drinks to the most sizzling vacay-style sex and more. Go! 7 DELICIOUS ICE CREAMS THAT WON’T PACK ON POUNDS We licked our way through the most virtuous frozen desserts to bring you the tastiest. (The ones here are all 150 calories or less per half-cup serving.) 1 TURKEY HILL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH LIGHT ICE CREAM This mash-up of cookies and ice cream cuts…

Life is a highway, right? Read on before you hop behind the wheel. DO THIS FIRST Choose where to visit— and how far you can go— based on your time frame. “My rule of thumb for a weekend is no more than four hours of driving on either end,” says Sara Benson, a travel writer for the Lonely Planet guides. (Just visit Google Maps for a timing benchmark.) “If you have a whole week to move from point to point, you could comfortably average about 100 to 150 miles per day.” PEACE TALKS Now is not the time for serious chats with your driving mate. “Car trips can facilitate intimacy,” says psychologist Irene S. Levine, Ph.D., but since you’re stuck with this person, resist the urge “to bring up something…

Whether you want to reach a personal record or just make it through an inaugural 5-K without walking, these goods will get you going a bit faster and a little farther. “MY BEST RUNNING TIP” …from some of the country’s top athletes Create a Winning Team “It’s essential to have a coach, a mentor, and heroes to look up to. A structure or plan to your routine is important, and so is having positive people to influence your fitness routine.” — Deena Kastor, Olympic bronze medalist in marathon Take a Day Off “A lot of people think if they miss a run it will set them back, but a rest day here and there is better than getting an injury. You have to listen to your body.” — Kara Goucher,…

There’s a great big world out there— and it offers surefire ways to breathe new life (and motivation) into your workout routine. FREE EQUIPMENT! No, this isn’t a giveaway— rather a nod to three cool tools you’ll find outside. David Jack, founder of the activLAB in Phoenix, tells you how to utilize them. Swing Build core power by pumping your legs to swing as high as you can; or score the perks of stability and core training by using the swing for planks or decline pushups. Park Bench Simple and yet oh-soeffective: This stable platform (that you can find anywhere) is perfect for step-ups, squats, dips, pushups, box jumps, and other plyo moves. Handrail Use it on its own for inverted rows and duck-unders (for hip mobility); hook a resistance…