Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2019 i Women's Health

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @lizplosser It’s not to check some box for political correctness. We’re genuine superfans of what we call “natural beauty,” or the perfectly imperfect features that make each of us unique…and awesome. One way my husband, Matt, makes me feel awesome is when he calls me a “natural beauty.” Usually I hear the compliment just before bed, when I’m fluffing the duvet in my tank top and boyshorts, my face freshly washed, moisturized, and glowy from my nighttime beauty ritual. What could be better than being the truest version of yourself and feeling beautiful? According to experts, going au naturel is better for your skin, your hair, and the planet. I’m not suggesting you skip products or cosmetics, but as our beauty team proves in “Green Dreams” (page 41) and…

“Seriously, how can you not smile back at this little guy? Each ceramic is handmade by the woman owner, leaving you with a one-of-a-kind home for your fave succulent. For all the plant moms out there [raises hand], add to cart—stat!” $42, atelierstellaceramics.com @EKBACHARACH Assistant Editor “So many hearts for @emilyskyefit, who gets real about her post-baby bod—‘saggy skin’ and all!—reminding us that we don’t always see the full story on social media.” @ALUCCI Audience Engagement Manager “This bright shot from @joelgamoran is pretty and genius! Crispy potato peels as a topper? What an amazing way to use everything—more of that on page 85.” @LRRAMAC Deputy Managing Editor “Six years gluten-free and I still love the look on my friends’ faces when I shock them with tasty GF treats. This book…

LOOK FOR MULTIUSE ITEMS Trekking poles can be used to hang wet clothes or to create a larger tarp shelter, and a sleeping pad can double as a yoga mat. An outdoor-exploration app on your phone, like Spyglass, can take the place of GPS, a compass, binoculars, and even an astronomy guide. LIMIT WEIGHT Ditch the stove. Though it may be on most traditional packing lists, you don’t really need it unless you’re camping longer than a weekend. “I usually eat bars and no-cook food, but I can still have a freeze-dried meal or oats by adding water and soaking them for a few hours as I hike to my campsite.” PRIORITIZE THE ESSENTIALS After each trip, refine your packing list, asking yourself how much you really needed each item…

Science just validated facial rollers’ cult Insta status: Gliding one along your skin for five minutes can increase blood flow by 20 percent, according to a recent study. The boosted circulation combined with the rolling pressure pushes away excess fluid and bacteria in the lymph nodes around your face, depuffing in the process. The result? A healthier, glowier complexion. While any gemstone can massage away the yuck, we heart jade: Its ability to stay cool helps decrease redness and swelling caused by inflammatory conditions like rosacea. So smooth! Sources: Mona Gohara, MD, WH advisory board member; Naoyuki Hayashi, PhD, professor at Tokyo Institute of Technology in Japan and study author…

Made With Whole Grains WGs have all three layers of the grain intact: a fiber-filled exterior, a starchy middle, and a vitamin-rich center. Refined grains (like puffed rice) contain just the starchy middle layer, so they’re stripped of benefits. Find “whole grains” stamped on wheat, rolled-oat, or brantwig varieties. Full of Fiber This plant component not only helps you stay full until lunch but also keeps you regular—so you can feel properly satiated but not stuck. Plus, fiber might work to control blood sugar and reduce cholesterol. Aim for at least three or four grams of the stuff per cereal serving (usually ¾ cup to 1 cup). Low in Sugar Sugar adds flavor, so don’t deprive yourself completely. Just look for kinds with fewer than eight grams per serving. Your…

Late-night munching has an upside, as long as you do it right: Eating a high-protein wholefood option (like cottage cheese) 30 to 60 minutes before bed can improve muscle health without causing fat gain, a new study from Florida State University found. Researchers think the extra protein helps you score recommended macro numbers while curbing next-day hunger. Plus, just knowing you can snack after dinner might prevent mealtime overeating. Other quick options: a simple protein shake or hardboiled eggs.…

Yep, it can happen. It’s called post-menstrual syndrome, or POMS, and it affects about 5 percent of us, says gynecologist Tanmoy Mukherjee, MD, associate director of the Mount Sinai Division of Reproductive Endocrinology. POMS causes sleep issues, anxiety, and mood swings (ugh) for several days after your period ends. It may be linked to a higher sensitivity to hormonal changes, serotonin imbalance, or magnesium and calcium deficiencies, but research is limited. (Some physicians don’t consider it a separate condition from PMS or its extreme version, PMDD—premenstrual dysphoric disorder.) If your ongoing symptoms bug you, log them in a journal for at least three months and bring the info to your gyno, says WH advisor Kate White, MD. If the crappy feels line up with your cycle, your doctor may rec…

If a flood of thoughts distracts you from getting in the zone every time you attempt to sit still and chill, we got you. Test this simple fix from Emily Fletcher, founder of Ziva Meditation and author of Stress Less, Accomplish More: “Instead of batting your thoughts away like a bouncer, think of yourself as the host of your own brain party.” In other words, greet each idea (or “guest”), then politely excuse yourself if you’re spending too much time with it. This helps you stay present to reap the full benefits of a real mental reset.…

1. Plan ahead. Cruises have to set their menus and buffet offerings in advance, so ask the concierge desk for a rundown upon arrival. Having a general idea of what you’ll want to eat at each meal can help you avoid impromptu indulgences (and get excited for intentional ones). 2. Focus on how you’ll feel. On getaways, there’s so much emphasis on food and alcohol. Instead, focus on the adventures and experiences you want to have. Will three cookies with breakfast fuel you or make you feel groggy and gross all day? Let that benchmark guide decisions. 3. Rethink what “free” means. We tend to overeat on ships because we see treats everywhere and we’ve already paid for them. Ask yourself, “If I had to buy this now, would I…

1. Saint Jane Luxury Beauty Serum ($125, saintjanebeauty.com) combines 500 milligrams of full-spectrum cannabidiol with nourishing botanicals, including frankincense, calendula, geranium flower, and sea buckthorn. 2. Josie Maran Skin Dope CBD Oil ($78, skindope.com) mixes 100 mg of small-batch, full-spectrum CBD from U.S. farms with hydrating argan oil. 3. Lord Jones High CBD Body Oil ($75, sephora.com) suggests you roll the benefits of CBD (along with avocado and jojoba oils) onto areas of inflammation or pain from neck to toes. 4. Hora Overnight Exfoliating Mask ($62, horaskincare.com) dissolves complexion-dulling dead cells with salicylic acid while infusing skin with a hit of cannabidiol, vitamin A, and evening primrose oil. 5. L’eela Radiant Face Serum 100+mg ($70, leelacbdbodycare.com) boosts glow and reduces inflammation with organically produced CBD, marula oil, buriti oil, and sandalwood and rose essential oils.…

GET HER GLOW 1. The Green Light(bulb) “I was raised by a mother who had high standards for the ingredients in our food and cleaning products. I started to prioritize clean beauty when I was pregnant with my son five years ago.” 2. Skin-Care Switch “This True Botanicals face oil was my intro to the brand. It’s the only moisturizer my combo skin needs. Since I’ve been using it, I don’t get acne flare-ups.” True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil Clear, $110, truebotanicals.com 3. Needle Work “I have temporomandibular joint [TMJ] pain, which is in my jaw—that’s where I hold all my stress. Plus, I’m a grinder. Acupuncture has been really helpful in releasing that tension.” 4. Hair Self-Care “I’ve dyed my hair so many times, and it takes a lot of…

Amped Athleticism Whether you’re running marathons or shooting baskets, deadlifts will make you better. “Deadlifts build power, the lifeblood of any successful athlete,” says Tenney. The hip hinge (pushing your butt back, then thrusting hips forward) is your body’s ultimate force move, propelling running strides, jumps, and other lifts. Superior Cardio Women who performed heavy strength training improved their blood pressure more than those who stuck with cardio, according to an Appalachian State University study. That may be because lifting can act as super-high-intensity interval training, prepping your arteries to dilate more easily. (Buhbye, elliptical sessions!) Stronger Bones You have to put weight on bones to strengthen them. Luckily, deadlifts let you load the spine and hips (which are prone to osteoporosis) with multiple times your body weight. After each…

WHY WE LOVE IT The traditional chest press is a weight-room mainstay for a reason: It’s a killer move for seriously strengthening your arms, shoulders, and chest—really, your whole upper body. This single-arm offset variation? Let’s just say it kicks things up a notch—and not only for your upper half. “With one side of your body unsupported by the bench, the press becomes a lot more challenging,” says Shauna Harrison, PhD, a trainer and coach. “You have to engage your entire core—especially obliques—as well as glutes and hips to control the movement.” It’s also clutch for building greater total-body power by revealing muscular imbalances between your right and left sides. Scoot off the bench and give it a try! HOW TO DO IT 1 Grab dumbbell and lie on bench.…

SCAN TO SHOP 1 The Go by x Will Bryant Artist Edition Brush Kit If the colorful pattern doesn’t make you grin, the affordable price and automatic brush head delivery options will. With subscription: base, $80; replacement heads, $6 each, goby.co 2 Colgate 360° Advanced Whitening Toothbrush This slim cleaner’s two-minute countdown ensures you don’t skimp on dentist-recommended brushing time. $13, amazon.com 3 Philips Sonicare Diamond Clean Four cleaning modes and three heads do everything from sweeping away coffee stains to attacking plaque; the cup-shaped charger activates as soon as you drop in your brush. $790, amazon.com 4 Oral-B Genius Pro 8000 An app-it connects to your toothbrush via Bluetooth-offers real-time feedback, telling you exactly which areas need a little less pressure (most of us push too hard!). $780, amazon.com…

Be a part of our exclusive influencer community and have the chance to become a voice for Women’s Health and our partners. Sign up now! WHActionHero.com Casting Call ends 12/01/2019. Must be 18 years of age or older and a legal resident of the 50 U.S. or D.C. (excluding residents of Puerto Rico and Canada). Void where prohibited. For Casting Call Terms and conditions, go to whactionhero.com/terms and conditions. Hearst Magazines Inc., 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019. Publisher of Women’s Health is the operator of this Casting Call.…

I can’t believe I did that. The words flashed through my head over and over like a GIF as I walked alongside thousands of exhausted runners to exit Central Park. I’d just crossed the finish line of the TCS New York City Marathon—my first 26.2—and my cheeks, wrinkled up to my eyes, ached almost as much as my legs. When a photographer snapped a picture, I broke out in happy tears until a weird but powerful calm came over me. I can’t. Believe. I did that. It’s a sentiment I’d chased several times over the past year, the first on a rock-climbing trip in Joshua Tree National Park, then during an intensive hike up two “14ers” (mountain slang for Colorado’s multiple peaks exceeding 14,000 feet). I’d spent months training for…

RUNNER AND ACTIVIST Alison Mariella Désir GO THE DISTANCE “Running showed me I was far more capable physically and mentally than I thought—which was incredibly empowering. It had such a big impact on me that I wanted to create a space where everyone feels comfortable jumping in and being challenged to be better versions of themselves.” 60 The number of hours it took her to run from NYC to Washington, D.C., for the 2017 Women’s March—all while raising money for Planned Parenthood as part of her organization, Run 4 All Women. Set the Pace What started as a way to cope with depression has become a lifestyle for Désir. Now, less than 10 years since her first 26.2, the mental health counselor and founder of NYCarea club Harlem Run is…

Natural is such a buzzword in the wellness world—three in five millennial women say they prefer the “natural look,” according to a recent survey—but it’s used in many different (and sometimes confusing) ways. In our first-ever Natural Issue, WH explores a variety of categories to answer this question: What are the products, tips, hacks, exercises, and more that will help you eat, sweat, sleep, and even look better…all while doing good for the environment we love so much? (You must check out “The Conscious Kitchen” on page 85; it completely altered the way my family shops for and stores food.) Consider this your WH guide to it all.…

Javicia Leslie The government contractor turned actress (yep!) prioritizes fitness—daily. As a star in not one but two hit TV shows, Leslie isn’t afraid to mix things up—after all, on Sunday eve she graces screens as a doctoral psych student on CBS’s God Friended Me, and on Tuesday, she kicks ass as the daughter in a crime fam on BET’s Carl Weber’s The Family Business. As if playing both roles wasn’t enough of a workout, Leslie frequently bounces between L.A. and NYC for filming. Her secret to balancing it all? Exercise. For the self-proclaimed “gym rat,” movement boosts her creativity and confidence, and doing something every day is a must. No matter her sched, the actress makes each sweat sesh a reality by FaceTiming her boot camp coach to keep…

4/20 FACT: THC has surpassed alcohol as the most commonly detected intoxicant in U.S. drivers, per a new study. Some experts think that increasing legalization explains the rise, but the stats could also be misleading: Since THC is detectable in the blood much longer than alcohol, it can show up days after you smoked. And while there’s a perception among users that high driving is safe, pot impairs reaction time and focus, says study author Mark A. R. Kleiman, a professor of public policy at New York University. Reactions to weed aren’t predictable, so he recommends waiting three to four hours after consuming to drive. When in doubt, stay on the couch—or call an Uber.…

CHOPPED WALNUTS Cereal won’t score you much protein. Add a serving of nuts (pistachios or almonds work too) to up your intake. Or have an egg on the side. CHIA SEEDS Mix in a tablespoon for extra antioxidants, fatty acids, protein, fiber, iron, calcium—yep, these little nugs have it all. You’ll support brain and muscle health. FRESH FRUIT To make up for the low sugar, throw in a handful of berries for sweetness. Your body makes swifter use of carbs (for energy) when they’re consumed with protein. Source: WH advisory board member Keri Glassman, RD, founder of Nutritious Life…

“Since it’s not always feasible to shut off all notifications, I make sure to choose a soothing, gentle sound, like the iPhone’s ‘Bamboo,’ as opposed to the typical urgent tones that are more startling and put me on edge.” JAMIE PRICE, COFOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF MINDFULNESS APP STOP, BREATHE & THINK “Labeling my folders in a matter-of-fact way—such as ‘Daily Health’ for apps that I should check on the reg, like My Fitness Pal—helps me be more aware of my usage. If I’m going on Facebook, the ‘Entertainment’ label prompts me to pause and think, Do I really want to do that?” GIANNE DOHERTY, FOUNDER OF WELL SUMMIT; COFOUNDER OF ORGANIC BATH CO. “It’s the tiny details that bring me a little joy and calm, such as setting a photo…

If you told me three years ago that my entire makeup bag would eventually be filled with clean products, I would have given you some major side eye. Although the veggies in my fridge were organic and I saged my apartment on the regular, clean makeup was the one wellness trend I did not want to get on board with. Perhaps like you, I was skeptical that the formulas could perform, and I imagined the experience would feel less luxe than the conventional products I loved. But I had to weigh that risk against another potential one. “Makeup sits on your skin all day,” says dermatologist and Women’s Health advisory board member Ellen Marmur, MD. “It’s important to select products free of questionable chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, PEGs, and…

YOUR MONTHLY MANTRA FOR HEALTHIER, HAPPIER SKIN You’ve been spiking your smoothies with powerful fruits and veggies forever. Now it’s time to soup up your serums (and masks and creams) with these nutrient all-stars too. Why? “They have high levels of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your body needs,” says Shari Marchbein, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. Satisfy your skin’s cravings with these face-fueling finds. SUPERFOOD Avocado COMPLEXION POWER: HYDRATION Like you really need another reason to love avos. They’re packed with healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E that help maintain skin’s barrier function and prevent moisture loss, says Dr. Marchbein. TRY IT IN Burt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Mask, $15, at drugstores SUPERFOOD Broccoli COMPLEXION POWER: SMOOTHING This cruciferous queen packs a serious crunch and a vitamin C punch.…

NO DAYS OFF… FROM WEARING YOUR FAVE SPORTY STYLES 1 Day Date All-pink everything says you’re looking for love; comfy sneaks say you’re up for anything. 525 America dress, $108, 525america.com; Tory Sport jacket, $148, and sneakers, $248, torysport.com; Alison Lou earrings, $145, alisonlou.com; Laruicci chain bracelet, $75, laruicci.com (for similar styles); Vita Fede bracelet, $330, vitafede.com Reason 2,343 we love anoraks: They truly look cute tied around your waist. 2 Gym to Din Top your fave jeans and workout shirt with a bold print for an instant Insta-worthy ’fit. P.E Nation jacket, $239, pe-nation.com; Koral green pullover, $120, koral.com; Aerie bra, $20, aerie.com; Hudson jeans, $295, hudsonjeans.com; Barbara Bui boots, $556, barbarabui.com; Clare V. bag, $299, clarev.com; Vita Fede earrings, $215, vitafede.com Make a pattern pop with matching bright accessories. 3 Peak Cozy Snuggle up with a soft sweatshirt-lined pullover and fire up the Netflix queue. KWAY jacket, $250, k-way-usa.com; Alice +…

1 Staggered-Stance Kettlebell Deadlift This single-leg switcheroo helps improve stability, balance, and oblique strength and will ID any strength differences between sides. 2 Sumo Barbell Deadlift By spacing your feet farther apart, you put even more emphasis on the glutes as opposed to the quads. 3 Hex-Bar Deadlift Easier to get into, this squatty deadlift targets your quads more than conventional deadlifts do, according to research from California State University at Fullerton. 4 Dumbbell RDL An ideal variation for at-home workouts when you have only dumbbells. It’s also great for newbies who might not be able to deadlift 45 pounds (a bar’s weight without plates) yet.…

Headaches, red eyes, drippy nose? Yep, blame allergies. But—surprise! Other weird stuff happening in your body could also be caused by swirling pollen particles. “I see people all the time who have symptoms they don’t know are allergy-related,” says Janna Tuck, MD, of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Since the pollen season is lengthening and intensifying due to warmer temps—according to last fall’s federal report on climate change—your suffering is likely to be nastier and longer than ever before. You can’t stop the impending pollen explosion, but with these pro tips, you can prevent shifty side effects from ruining your spring. ITCHY EARS, MOUTH, OR THROAT Do you get a tingly sensation after noshing certain fruits and veggies? If you’re a hayfever sufferer, you’re likely experiencing oral…

There’s nothing quite like the sweet success of a good weekend grocery haul. Just one look at your fully stocked fridge has you patting yourself on the back: a week of fresh and delish dishes comin’ right up. But on Monday that broccoli gets the boot from your fam. Tuesday, you work later than planned, leaving you too tired for that new pesto-chicken recipe. And Wednesday, impromptu dinner plans with friends easily wins over DIY dining. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. Seriously—all. Americans throw out more than 400 pounds of food per person annually, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). But it’s not just about the neglected noshes. “When we toss food, we waste natural resources—energy, water, air, soil—all of which are required for production,” says Katherine…

Your friend calls you in tears about her recent breakup, your dad says he’s lonely, and your husband is having work troubles. You feel for them, really feel for them, and that’s a positive! Empathy, or the ability to understand a situation from another person’s point of view, helps build connections, says Helen Riess, MD, director of the Empathy and Relational Science Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and author of The Empathy Effect. But like any other good thing, you can have too much of it. When you tune in to others’ emotions too deeply, you may wilt under their force, says Dr. Riess. Essentially, it can become too much to carry. Being the shoulder others always cry on can be exhausting and overwhelming, particularly if you feel powerless to…

Beauty Tip Never worry that your makeup is melting. CoverGirl Outlast Active Setting Spray ($7, at drugstores) withstands heat, sweat, and humidity. Don’t let the Awkward Black Girl persona fool you: Issa Rae oozes confidence. A confidence that makes itself apparent in her ability to walk the Emmys’ red carpet and say, “I’m rooting for everyone black.” Or to share the big screen with and work for a 14-year-old executive producer (Marsai Martin) in her latest project, Little. Or to sit down with a complete stranger after an hours-long photo shoot and have the sort of conversation usually reserved for close friends. Frankly, after Issa tells me that she chooses her events wisely and doesn’t agree to projects she has no passion for, I feel quite honored that she’s willing…

PART 1 Start Strong These three moves will leave you bright-eyed and ready to take on the day. They were developed by trainer Laura Miranda, DPT, to hit all your major muscle groups. Grab a pair of dumbbells and get going. 1-Squat to Overhead Press Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding weights in front of shoulders, palms facing body. Bend knees to lower into a squat, keeping chest up (a). Stand and press weights overhead, palms facing each other (b). Return to start. That’s 1 rep. Do as many as you can in 2 minutes, rest 2 minutes, then go to next exercise. 2-Running Pushup Start in high plank position, hands slightly wider than shoulders. Bracing core, lower body toward floor (a), then push back up. Bend left knee and…

ECO SOLUTIONS BEGIN LONG BEFORE A PRODUCT HITS SHELVES. BRUSH UP ON THREE STEPS THAT REALLY MATTER: SOURCING Traceability (tracking something back to its origins) is a major issue when a brand is acquiring raw ingredients, especially if it’s purchasing items like palm oil and cocoa butter, which have been linked to poor labor practices and deforestation. If a product contains fair-trade ingredients (more on what that means at right), that’s a sign of good traceability. Without that certification, it’s hard to know where a product is from, who’s harvesting it, or the employees’ working conditions. BRAND DOING IT RIGHT Lush buys exclusively fair-trade, organic cocoa butter. “We end up paying more than we would for conventional, non–fair trade butter, but we can feel good about the social and environmental…

CONSIDER FOR A MOMENT THE WOMEN in your life who regularly grit their teeth through pain. Your old college roommate who was knocked flat by migraines. The friend who cancels plans because of her nightmarish cramps from fibroids. The running buddy whose relentless backaches have sidelined her from your weekly jogs. Women are taught that suffering (periods, childbirth, sore joints) is just part of the deal, the crappy door prize we’re born with by virtue of our two X chromosomes. In a way, it is. Chronic pain—the kind that drags on for months or years and throws a wrench into relationships, careers, workouts, and everything in between—affects women in greater numbers than it does men, and often more severely. Around 56 percent of the 50 million sufferers in America are…

A two-person kayak you can haul in your trunk or on your back…genius! ORU KAYAK HAVEN TANDEM This 16-footer can quickly convert from a two-seater to a single and folds up like origami to fit in a suitcase-size carrier. At only 40 pounds, it’s a boat you can truly take anywhere. $1,999, orukayak.com OSPREY LUMINA 60 BACKPACK Clocking in at under two pounds (!), this pack may be the lightest we’ve ever seen. Still, it doesn’t skimp on cushioning or pockets, and ripstop nylon fabric holds up against wear and tear. $270, osprey.com REI CO-OP MAGMA 15 SLEEPING BAG Stay toasty when cooler nights hit with this featherweight, rolls-up-so-tiny, plush goose down sleeping bag. The shape was designed specifically for women, with more room in the hips and less in…

ICYDK, your tris are a larger muscle group than your biceps. Which means working them better sculpts your arms and supports your weight in planks and presses. Bring on the triceps kickback. THE STEPS 1. Hold weight in left hand and stand to the left of a box, step, or bench, feet shoulder-width apart. 2. Hinge forward at hips until chest is parallel to floor. Place right hand on box; bend left elbow so weight is near left ribs. 3. Keeping left elbow tucked into torso and core tight, slowly extend left arm behind you to butt level. WATCH FOR An Arched or Twisted Torso Your back should be flat from your hips through your neck to protect your spine. A quick form cue: Point your nose to the ground;…

HIBISCUS Choose the dried version (available on Amazon) for a tartness that complements everything from drinks to dessert. High in antioxidants, these blossoms may lower blood pressure. Make a syrup (stir with water and sugar over medium heat for five minutes) to jazz up cocktails and tea. NASTURTIUM Use the full plant (leaves and all!) with this one. Packed with calcium and iron, the leaves turn up basic salads with an arugula-esque, peppery zest. Finish the greens with a few petals as a bright (reddish-orange) garnish, or fill the flowers with goat cheese for a yummy appetizer. ROSE Stop and smell ’em (seriously, take a sniff): The more fragrant the scent, the more bitter the flavor likely is. Soak two cups of petals—which have vitamin C—in two cups of white…

In a holding pattern with a job opp? Try Tetris. The childhood fave can help ease nerves and improve mood when you’re waiting on news, per a recent study. That’s because it engages and challenges your brain so much that you enter a state of flow, where you lose your self-awareness and sense of time. If you’re not into Tetris, try a crossword puzzle or solitaire the next time you’re visiting the doc or waiting for, say, pregnancy-test results. As long as it doesn’t add stress and tracks progress (via moving levels, for example), it should help. If you’re anticipating something months away—a move-related update, perhaps—adopt a hobby, like running, that’s a bit more productive and offers the same distraction. Source: Kate Sweeny, PhD, professor of psychology at the University…

FOR THE SWEAT SEEKER The brand-new eco-friendly Blue World Voyages line was built particularly with fitness in mind. Expect ports chosen for their active offerings (hiking, cycling, kayaking, etc.), a full-deck training center, a seawater lap pool for “open water” swims, plus farm-to-table dining. The debut sail, to the Mediterranean, kicks off this summer. blueworldvoyages.com FOR THE CLEAN FOODIE MSC Cruises’ WW (formerly Weight Watchers) Cruise has all the entertainment you want and all the WW-approved meals you need to have fun without dumping your good intentions overboard. Access to nutrition and fitness coaches, workshops, and classes will inspire you; MSC’s luxe spa will help you chill. weightwatchers.com/us/cruise FOR THE SPIRIT JUNKIE OG wellness resort Canyon Ranch partnered with Oceania Cruises for an at-sea program that revitalizes the mind and…

Super Suds “Even my thirdday, dry shampoo–caked strands are no match for this detoxifying charcoal shampoo, which also gets rid of hard water and pollution buildup. My hair has never felt cleaner.” —MA Class Mask “I swipe on this treatment stick pre-a.m. Spin. It’s formulated to activate with heat and moisture, meaning the brightening licorice and toning clay work harder the faster I pump. Score!” —Marta Topran, beauty director Rock Stars “The next best thing to a holistic gua sha stone facial with NYC aesthetician Britta Plug? Using her at-home kit: Spritz on the detoxifying mist, apply the plumping oil, then follow her online tutorials to DIY a sculpting massage.” —MT Smile Saver “Kosas makes the best clean lipsticks, and its latest sports-focused balms are just as addictive. Packed with hydrating…

We don’t know a more epic way to show off your strength than picking up 100, 150, even 200-plus pounds from a weight-room floor. Which is just one of the reasons we’re obsessed with deadlifts. And we’re not alone. “Now that research shows it’s a myth that women shouldn’t lift heavy [Editor’s note: hooray!], I find more and more women are curious to try deadlifting,” says women’s strength coach Allison Tenney, CSCS. “Then they get excited about it, and then they’re hooked—not just on the physical benefits but on feeling strong, capable, and empowered as well.” The classic strength exercise engages one of the most innate human movement patterns (hinging forward at the hips) and sculpts everything from the glutes and hammies to the core, lats, and shoulders. It also…

For many, a yoga class is the first time the mind-body connection (matching breath to movements, thinking about each muscle as it stretches or squeezes) is a major component of their workout. But the same concept can—and should—be applied to all exercise. “The ability to focus on your muscles as you work out can actually help produce more growth and strength,” says physiologist and trainer Dean Somerset, CSCS. And being mindful of how you move has positive impacts on your brain too. While some people are born with a better mind-body sense (e.g., your super-coordinated and graceful friend), practice can help you perfect yours. In time, a stronger head-to-toe feedback loop leads to more power, fewer injuries, and a bigger mood boost from your workouts. Use these steps—tailored for every…

You’re ticking all the boxes for keeping teeth and gums healthy: going to your twice-yearly dental checkups, brushing like a boss, and flossing daily (well, at least as often as you remember!). But it might not be enough: More than 30 percent of 20- to 44-year-olds have untreated cavities, and nearly 50 percent of adults age 30 or older have signs of gum disease. Yuck. The real jaw-dropper? When your mouth isn’t in pristine condition, the rest of your body can suffer. “The mouth is a gateway for disease,” says Gerry Curatola, DDS, an integrative dentist in New York City and the author of The Mouth-Body Connection. Gum disease—the number one cause of chronic low-level inflammation in the body—is linked to just about everything from heart problems to cancer, notes…

Since when did “healthy” pasta become so, well, pasta-less? Let’s take a quick break from the alternative versions and reconnect with the classic noodles that Italians dig into on the reg. Besides, this five-ingredient dinner is packed with protein and fiber, so it’s good for you too. Promise. Go ahead and give it a twirl! USE YOUR NOODLE! Long, thick ribbons like pappardelle and fettuccine work well with creamier sauces, since they don’t clump as easily as their thinner cousins (looking at you, spaghetti). Plus, the wider noodles give you a better chance of catching a pea with (almost) every bite. Smashed Pea and Ricotta Pappardelle ACTIVE: 25 MINUTES TOTAL: 25 MINUTES SERVES: 4 12 oz pappardelle1½ cups frozen peas, thawed1 tsp lemon zest½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese½ tsp kosher…

Do loud noises, smells, light, or scratchy fabrics drive you crazy? Do you need loads of alone time to reset? Do arguments or yelling make you feel sick? Do you absorb others’ feelings to the point that you vent about their problems instead of your own? Do you prefer to hang out in small groups over big ones? Source: Judith Orloff, MD…

I once read a story in Men’s Health, our brother magazine, about a writer whose dogs would roll over and pee in excitement when he walked through the door. “They both think I’m the greatest thing since Milk-Bones,” Joe Kita wrote. It stuck with me, and not just because it made me laugh. I thought of how my own Lab, Bentley, always greeted me: tail wagging, a stuffed Lamb Chop in his mouth. Fast-forward to last Wednesday, when, running late for work, I lost my temper and yelled at a now-13-year-old Bentley as he struggled to get up my building’s stairs. (I know, I suck.) When we made it inside, I threw food into his bowl and raced out without so much as an air-kiss. Still, the second I got…

FUEL PROPERLY You’ll get more of a boost if you start your workout with some food in the tank. If you’re training early a.m., look for a carb that’s easily digestible and low in fat and fiber. “Half a banana can give you energy without causing GI issues before exercise,” says WH advisor Amanda Baker Lemein, RD. “Post-workout, recover with something like an RxBar, which has a combo of carbs, protein, and fiber to help repair muscles and replenish energy stores.” That way you’ll walk away feeling refreshed and strong, not depleted. DRINK UP Athletic performance takes a big hit when you’re dehydrated by even 2 percent, says Lemein, who recommends drinking three liters of water a day to stay in peak mode. To keep levels high, bring a 16-ounce…

1—LESS PLASTIC Thanks to a water-resistant paper jacket, the plastic lining of this leave-in conditioner can be much thinner. It uses 60 percent less plastic than a standard bottle. Seed Phytonutrients Moisture Leave-In Treatment, $26, sephora.com 2—REFILLABLE The heavy jar you expect with premium skin care is now reusable. Instead of repurchasing the full container, pop out the interior pod and replace it. Lancôme Absolue Revitalizing & Brightening Soft Cream, $208 for initial jar, $166 for refill, lancome-usa.com 3—NO PACKAGING Thirty-five percent of Lush’s products are sold without packaging, including this solid face oil. Because the most earthfriendly packaging is no packaging at all. Lush Light Touch Naked Facial Oil, $13, lushusa.com 4—POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED (PCR) MATE RIAL Recycled plastic is broken down into pellets that are used to create new…

One of chronic pain’s nastiest qualities is that it’s compounding. “The brain is hardwired to focus on pain,” says Stanford University School of Medicine pain researcher Beth Darnall, PhD. And a steady diet of ouch conditions the mind to become extra sensitive to it—which feeds existing discomfort and also primes you to feel even more of it in the future. That’s why the most effective treatment plans blend physical and psychological therapy to soothe the nervous system. For example, a patient might be coached to reduce stressors (by, say, breaking off toxic relationships), exercise, get enough sleep, and practice mindfulness. These individually tailored comprehensive plans have proved to be better than possibly addictive pill-centric pain management. Each patient is unique, with a different pain history and distinct needs, so talk…