Innholdsfortegnelse for January/February 2020 i Women's Health

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @lizplosser If last month was all about family, friends, and festivities, this one is all about you. I mean, ever seen a gym in early January? (Guessing yes—you’re a Women’s Health reader, after all!) The treadmills are packed, folks are on all of the weight machines, and good luck finding an empty corner to bang out your core work and cooldown stretch. At least, that’s the scene at my local YMCA, where I lift a few times a week. And it always makes me very #WHHappy. Yes, really! For one, it means people are embracing the possibility of positive change, which, right about now, feels as delightful as the eggnog we were all sipping last month. For another, there’s power in numbers, and I love those invisible “We. Are.…

In 2020, you can have your skin care and eat it too. More beauty brands—Golde, Moon Juice, Four Sigmatic, to name a few—are rolling out edible masks that you can apply to your face or drink in a smoothie or tonic. So, should you be sipping on your cosmetics? “Healthy skin ultimately comes from a low-sugar diet full of antioxidants and leafy greens,” says dermatologist and WH advisor Mona Gohara, MD. Because these products contain safe-for-you ingredients and rely on this blend of antioxidants and produce, there’s no harm in ingesting them to score a boost in skin vibrancy and health. But if you prefer your usual serum followed by a standard smoothie, there’s nothin’ wrong with that, either.…

Packing in the carbs when your body isn’t exactly using them for energy—ahem, late at night—is totally cool on occasion but not the healthiest habit on the daily. Might we suggest a few lowsugar, low-carb swaps that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth—without sabotaging your goals? FOR CHOCOLATE LOVERS HU GEMS These chunks have nothing but (all organic) cacao, coconut sugar, and cocoa butter. Ideal for popping straight into your mouth or baking into goodies. $8, hukitchen.com; 7 g carbs/serving FOR ICE CREAM FIENDS BREYER’S CARBSMART The new Caramel Swirl flavor is perf for the nonvanilla vanilla fan. Plus, ice cream in bar form makes portion control easy. $4.50, breyers.com for stores; 4 g carbs/serving FOR COOKIE MONSTERS CAPPELLO’S COOKIE DOUGH This grain-free, paleo, vegan dough—made from almond flour and maple syrup—actually…

Avocado lovers know the perfect ripeness window is maddeningly short. But, praise the produce lords (a.k.a. scientists), technology is changing that. A new offering called Apeel adds a protective plant-derived material to the fruit’s exterior, making the natural skin thicker. These invisible, edible “peels” can extend shelf life by nearly a week and that just-right ripe period from two days to four. (Don’t worry: Avos with Apeel cost the same as any others.) Find them at Kroger and Costco and likely other grocery stores soon.…

The Baby Convo Many ob-gyns are uncomf bringing up fertility, per a recent study. Why? They may not want to seem judgy or presumptuous, and they can’t answer the “Am I fertile?” Q until you start trying. WHY IT MATTERS If you’re thinking about babies, it’s time to talk about them (egg freezing too), because yeah, your reproductive years don’t last forever. YOUR SCRIPT “I have some questions about my fertility; I’m hoping you can give me better answers than the Internet.” She’ll jump at the opp to sift fact from fiction, and you can get specific. STI Tests These aren’t built into your annual, nor are all STIs included when you say, “Test me for everything.” Plus, your doc won’t know when you need ’em unless you tell her…

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Unclogs pores and clears up acne lesions. Salicylic acid is the most common one. Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) Commonly used for anti-aging, AHAs such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid lessen spots and reduce wrinkles. Fruit Enzymes Derived from papaya, pumpkin, and pineapple, these gentle enzymes give skin an instant glow. Trichloracetic Acid (TCA) This penetrates deep into the skin, making it a solid fix for scarring. It’s strong (!) and should be administered by your doc.…

Botox is no longer taboo: Celebs like Kelly Ripa and Cindy Crawford have openly talked about getting it, and you’re probs well aware of its ability to reduce wrinkles. Made of a neurotoxin (botulinum toxin) that quiets the communication between neurons, preventing muscles from contracting and effectively freezing them, Botox has plenty of medical uses too. (Fun fact: Docs originally used it to treat an eye condition!) Let’s break down the unconventional—but brilliant—uses of Botox. Say Goodbye to Pit Stains If you sweat excessively—medically known as hyperhidrosis—Botox can stop the sweat signals from reaching your glands, reducing perspiration and sparing all your white T-shirts. Your doc will numb the area with ice, then inject about 50 units (or half a vial) per underarm (same goes for other problem areas, like…

The Night Owl Kristina Rodulfo, beauty director, Women’s Health @kristinarodulfo Kristina’s evenings are filled with events, so a.m. workouts are key. “Morning is one of the few parts of the day I have control over,” she says. SET OUT YOUR SWEAT GEAR “I lay my gym clothes out the night before, but if I know it’s going to be a real struggle, I’ll wear them to sleep,” she says. “I’ve learned that I don’t feel great throughout the day if I don’t work out first thing.” FUEL UP “I’m not a morning person,” Kristina says. That’s why she dices fresh fruit in the evening, so she can blend a hassle-free smoothie as soon as she wakes up. “Doing everything in advance will make your morning saner and less hectic.” When…

One look at the Instagram stories of Busy Philipps, Demi Lovato, or Julianne Hough is all it takes to understand that mini-trampoline workouts are in again. But if you prefer to get your fitness forecast from somewhere other than exercise-lovin’ celebs, you should know that studios dedicated to the gravity-defying cardio classes are popping up everywhere, from LEKFit in Los Angeles to Bellicon Studio in Chicago to The Ness in New York. Even Crunch Fitness offers a class called Bar Hoppin’. “We started teaching classes out of my garage, but they’ve become so popular that we’re opening a 6,000-square-foot studio in Hollywood,” says Lauren Kleban, founder of LEKFit. (Busy often snaps sweaty selfies at her current studio.) What’s more: Jump-Sport, a popular trampoline manufacturer that also produces workout videos, has…

Confession: The thong hugging my derriere right now is a decade old. I paid decent money for this particular fancy item, and it seems to be in fine shape. So imagine my horror when a new survey found that 38 percent of Americans don’t know how old some of their underwear is…and then suggested trashing a pair after half a year of use. (Not happening for this girl.) But this made me wonder: What are best practices in this department? So I did some digging. Turns out, there are preferred ways to shop for, wear, and launder your skivvies so that they’re always doing their job of protecting your vaginal health. Luckily, the advice for maintaining a perfect panty drawer (which comes from our trusted gynos) isn’t complicated at all.…

Chimichurri Cauliflower TOTAL: 20 MIN SERVES: 2 1 large head cauliflower1 tsp ground cumin4 Tbsp olive oil¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped¼ cup parsley, finely chopped2 Tbsp red wine vinegar1 small clove garlic, pressed1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped 1. Heat oven to 425°F. Cut 2 slices from cauliflower center, 1 inch thick each; save the rest. 2. Combine cumin and 1 Tbsp oil and brush all over cauliflower slices; sprinkle with ¼ tsp salt. 3. Heat 1 Tbsp oil in an oven-safe skil-let on medium-high. Brown cauliflower, about 3 minutes. 4. Turn over slices, transfer skillet to oven, and roast until stem is just tender, 15 to 20 minutes. 5. In a bowl, combine remaining ingredients, including oil, plus ½ tsp salt. Spoon over “steaks.” Per serving (1 steak): 302…

#ICEBUCKETCHALLENGE In 2014, the Ice-Bucket Challenge—a viral campaign in which dumping water on your head and tagging friends to follow suit raised funds and awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—caught on like crazy, with more than 17 million participating and $115 million raised for the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Foundation. #BLACKLIVESMATTER Started in 2013 by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Khan-Cullors, and Opal Tometi as a response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman, who took Trayvon Martin’s life. What began as a social movement led to protests and a member-led, global network with more than 30 chapters. Per the ACLU, BLM is one of the most influential social movements of the post–civil rights era. These four social media successes show how a simple hashtag can take off—and lead to meaningful results. #LOVEWINS In 2015,…

Yes, we’re talking masturbation. Pleasuring yourself comes with all kinds of life-enhancing perks: improved confidence, self-awareness, stress levels, and sleep, to name a few. And get this, orgasms look the same in the brain whether they’re triggered by you or a partner, per research. So stay in tonight—and make your solo sesh hotter—with these tips. FOCUS ON YOUR BREATH Lengthening your inhales and exhales prompts your body to relax (necessary for arousal). It also helps you center your mind so you can focus on what you’re feeling down below, says sex therapist Nan Wise, PhD, author of Why Good Sex Matters. Rock your hips up and down and match the movement to your breath—you’ll increase blood flow to the entire area, heightening sensitivity. MULTITASK This is the one time doing…

1. Take a break. Sounds counterintuitive, but people often solve problems when they’re not actively thinking about them. Setting aside an issue for even five minutes can allow you to return to it with a fresh approach. Need a few days “off” and have the time? By all means, take it. 2. Avert your eyes. Literally close your eyes or stare into space as long as you need to until clarity strikes. “To solve a problem creatively, our brain typically tends to escape the load of visual distracters,” says Carola Salvi, PhD, a researcher at the University of Texas at Austin. 3. Talk it out. Think your best friend’s suggestion is way off-base? It could be the missing element you need (you just don’t realize it yet), says Beeman. Or…

The type of color and specific in-salon technique make a difference when longevity is a priority. “Don’t stray too far from your natural color if you want to go longer between appointments,” says Lee. “The bigger and more dramatic the change, the more upkeep you’re going to need.” She notes that all-over color on gray hair tends to show growth the quickest, while balayage—highlights that are painted on without foils to prevent harsh lines—grows out the easiest. “Be upfront with your stylist about how much time you can devote and how much money you’re willing to spend, so they can come up with a color and a technique that fit your lifestyle,” says Adams. An at-home root touch-up pen is also an easy way to extend the time between your…

CARDIOLOGY Jennifer H. Mieres, MD Professor of cardiology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell; senior vice president, Center for Equity of Care, Northwell Health DERMATOLOGY Mona Gohara, MD Associate clinical professor, department of dermatology, Yale School of Medicine Ellen Marmur, MD Founder, Marmur Medical FERTILITY Sheeva Talebian, MD Fertility specialist and reproductive endocrinologist, CCRM New York FITNESS Ben Bruno, CFSC Certified functional strength coach and private trainer Betina Gozo, CFSC Certified functional strength coach; NASM corrective exercise specialist; Nike master trainer; creator of Women’s Health Woman’s Guide to Strength Training Sohee Lee, MS, CSCS Evidence-based fitness coach and certified sports nutritionist; author of Eat. Lift. Thrive. Stacy T. Sims, PhD Exercise physiologist; nutrition scientist; author of Roar: How to Match Your Food and Fitness to Your Female Physiology for Optimum…

▸ Every Sunday, I slow down and give my plants the TLC they deserve. I put my phone on silent and focus on fertilizing and watering my fam. Surprisingly, it doesn’t feel like a to-do—it becomes an hour of moving meditation. ▸ I used to get headaches staring at my computer all day, but having plants on my desk gives me a reason to look away from my screen every once in a while. I’m more productive too. Plants help me get into a flow state. ▸ New York transforms into a concrete icebox in the winter, but I can still grow nourishing eats inside, which has the added bonus of making my living room look like spring. Using a kit, I cultivate microgreens for soups and snacks. ▸ Plants…

FOCUS ON YOUR MUSCLES When You’re Learning a New Exercise Tuning in to the muscles you’re targeting increases their activation, research shows. So if you’re trying to master a move, a mental connection helps ensure you’re doing it right—and getting the benefits. When You Have an Imbalance or Injury The brain is powerful, yo: Just thinking about contracting a muscle can build its strength, a study found. Bum ankle? Pretend you’re flexing it anyway. When You’re Doing a Quickie Workout Quality matters even more when quantity is limited, yet you might rush through a set just to get it done. Zero in on the main muscle you’re working for each move—every rep counts extra here. FOCUS ON SOMETHING ELSE When You’re Lifting Heavy If you’re tackling serious weight for only…

Got headaches? Got back pain? Got both? You’re definitely not alone. Turns out, if you suffer from one condition regularly (as in, majority of days for three months), you’re twice as likely to deal with the other, per a recent study. While the exact reason is still TBD, researchers have a few ideas: (1) You might simply be more sensitive to pain, (2) some chronic headaches might stem from the neck (and thus back), and (3) the brain might interpret these separate ouch signals similarly, resulting in dual tension. If this is you (so sorry!), consider seeing a doc for treatment, or stick to moderate exercise (swimming, yoga) to reduce both sources of pain—building muscle strength around your neck can nix strain, and endorphins are natural painkillers. Sources: Martin Underwood,…

PARSLEY ▸ Devotees say the herb, when steeped, aids in digestion and reduces water retention. Parsley is a diuretic (meaning it flushes out excess fluid), according to studies, but TBD whether the tea can really help you depuff when you’re bloated. BANANA PEEL ▸ Sounds half yummy, half gross, doesn’t it? Nanners—and their skin—have potassium and magnesium, two natural muscle relaxants, so the tea has been touted as a new melatonin. Any wind-down ritual can boost sleep, so try it if you like it. MUSHROOM ▸ Reishi, lion’s mane, and chaga ’shrooms have known stress-fighting (or “adaptogenic”) and antioxidant properties, so their tea game is going strong. The studies have been small and tested the fungi (not their liquid), but again, drink up if you like the taste.…

INSTATE A “READ EMAILS TWICE” RULE Respond to urgent emails ASAP (obvi), then flag less critical ones on the first view. But know that the second time you open the message, you need to reply—otherwise you waste time (plus stress yourself out) rereading and triaging over and over. TURN OFF NOTIFICATIONS FOR SOCIAL APPS These days, a DM feels as pressing as a text (there’s a 99.9 percent chance it’s not). Once you open an app, though, you’ll probably scroll through it, so do so only when you have the time. Do you really need to know that 24 people liked your post in the last 30 minutes? (No.) CARVE OUT TIME FOR “SHOULDS” If you start thinking of rando to-dos (clearing your desk, folding laundry) when you’re working or…

SEDONA FOR THE SOUL ▸ The land of red rocks is known for its spiritual power—some say the formations are healing energy vortexes—which we could all use during the short-day doldrums. Hike the iconic Bell Rock Trail (it’s safe even with a little snow), and stay at L’Auberge de Sedona, where you can do tree-house yoga and dip your feet in Oak Creek before a reflexology treatment to feel #Grounded. Hungry? Picazzo’s has cauliflower-crust pizza. FLAGSTAFF FOR THE POWDER ▸ What winter fun can’t you have here? Nestled among the San Francisco Peaks, there’s Snowbowl resort for skiing and snowboarding (cool fact: you can see the Grand Canyon from the lift), Flagstaff Snow Park for tubing, the Arizona Nordic Village for fat biking and yurt camping, and Bearizona Wildlife Park,…

You know how the gym has a sweaty smell when you walk in, then it’s gone halfway through your workout? The reason is “nose blindness,” or sensory adaptation. “Your brain is constantly determining if your surroundings are friend or foe, scents included,” says Elaine C. Jones, MD, a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. “Once something is deemed safe, it’s relegated to remote systems of the brain, so that you’re able to notice other, new things in your environment.” What’s the big deal? If you can’t smell your own perfume, you may be overdoing it (which is a trigger for allergies) and missing out on aromatherapy benefits—say, from relaxing lavender or energizing rosemary. Follow these expert tips to fall in love with your scent again. Give It a Rest…

AVOID IMMEDIATE EXERCISE Work out before you see your doc, or make this your rest day. Any strenuous movement puts you at risk for diffusion, or the migration of Botox beyond the targeted area. This can lead to drooping eyelids or other side effects. Postpone intense exercise — CrossFit, weight lifting, HIIT, boxing—for at least 24 hours. STAY COOL “Heat and sweat boost circulation, which also increases the risk for diffusion,” Dr. Nussbaum warns, so it’s best to save your sauna session for tomorrow. KEEP YOUR HEAD UP Don’t do any inversions (no yoga) or lie down (skip massages or acupuncture) for at least four hours. This also means you’re better off seeing your derm in the a.m., not right before you head to bed. “It’s likely nothing would happen,…

As the fitness director of Women’s Health, I’m constantly putting my jewelry through serious sweat tests: HIIT, boot camps, even aqua cycling. It’s all part of the job! The pieces that pass tend to be earrings, necklaces, and bracelets made of solid gold, because they won’t discolor with wear or when they get wet. (That matters a lot since I wear the same 10 or so pieces 24/7, showers and all.) My best advice? Stick with styles that fit close to your body but aren’t so tight that they restrict your range of motion, and look for dainty designs that won’t tangle or get in your way. Luckily, there are tons of on-trend trinkets that fit the bill. Even better: Every pick here is $200 or less. Diamonds (and other…

WHY WE LOVE IT This is one hardcore way to turn an already challenging exercise—the side plank—into a complex move that’ll leave you quaking from core to quads. (Embrace those shakes, though; it means you’re getting stronger.) Oh, and that leg lift? Yeah, it’s lighting up your lower body in all the right places. “By raising your leg, you target both sets of glutes,” says trainer Lauren Kanski, CPT, pictured here. (A regular side plank tests just the butt muscles of the supporting leg.) Your booty isn’t the only body part working double time. Balancing on one forearm and foot translates to more abs engagement too. Ready to rise to the occasion? HOW TO DO IT 1 Lie on right side, propped up on forearm with elbow under shoulder, legs…

THE MUSCLE MENDER Red Light It might mean stop when you see it on the street, but when applied to the body, a red light is all about the go. In fact, red light and infrared light (they’re near each other on the spectrum) can “act like a cup of coffee for the brain,” says Mariana G. Figueiro, PhD, light and health program director of the Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Not only can they increase alertness, but red and infrared light can also kick your body’s healing process into gear. Both improve blood flow, research has shown, which in turn increases the supply of nutrients to affected areas, such as sore muscles or achy joints plagued by chronic inflammation, says light psychologist Karl Ryberg, author of Living…

SLIGHTLY SWEET DESSERT Perfect Snacks Refrigerated Peanut Butter Cups Every bit as decadent as your fave candy—but with half the sugar—these PB cups are an indulgent way to cap off the night without sending you into a sugar coma. MOVIE SNACK MVP Justin’s Almond Butter Covered Almonds This almond butter–covered nut is worth sneaking into the movie theater. Skip the pricey (and processed!) popcorn and try this soon-to-be classic instead. CAN’T-BEAT BUTTER Maisie Jane’s Creamy Organic Cashew Butter Each jar features only one simple ingredient: cashews (no added sugar or palm oil!). Don’t worry, it’s still silky smooth and naturally sweet. ON-THE-GO CRUNCH This Saves Lives Wild Blueberry & Pistachio Packed with seven grams of fiber (nuts, fruits, and seeds), these are a light but filling toss-in-your-purse option. TASTIEST TREAT…

I won’t lie: 2019 was a rough year. I went through two deeply impactful breakups, my job responsibilities changed drastically, and a shoulder surgery tabled my active lifestyle. I realize it was a lot, but at the time, I remember feeling a bit ashamed of how sad, angry, and disappointed each situation made me. I mean, the relationships hadn’t been that long, and the career stress and surgery felt like “first-world problems.” Hey, at least I had a job with health insurance! But resolving to just “get over it” isn’t always the right move. In fact, I felt better once I stopped beating myself up for having negative reactions that lasted longer than I wanted. What I wish I knew sooner: I’m not alone in feeling big emotions over circumstances…

Source: The Gottman Institute The Passion Project Past the butterflies stage? Chances are, you’re now having “scripted sex”—intercourse at the same time, same place, and in the same position, says Megan Fleming, PhD, a clinical psychologist and sex therapist. Instead of making love, you’re making just enough time to get in and out (sometimes literally) and move on. That ends now. BRING BACK THE SEXTING The biggest turn-on, says Fleming, is being desired by your partner. Sure, you’re in an LTR, so it’s safe to assume your partner wants you around…but how much sexier is it to hear them say, text, or show it? Throw a teasing note in their work bag, shoot a flirty email (to their personal account), or snap a suggestive pic—great sex starts outside the bedroom.…

ON THE JOB Loving your career is all about finding the good bits and amplifying them, says Alicia Clark, PsyD, author of Hack Your Anxiety. Most jobs can be broken into two main parts: the work itself and the team. When you enjoy both, it’s hard to be miz, but when you’re struggling with one, it’s difficult to be truly happy with the other. Switching jobs isn’t always a practical solution, so focus on whichever factor motivates you most, and make small adjustments to squeeze more from it. Say you adore your coworkers but hate meetings—start planning coffee breaks with your work wife before or after said presentation. Attached to teaching kids but don’t jibe with the faculty? Build in more one-on-one time with your students to offset the BS…

“How you talk to yourself is really important. Throughout an almost three-hour event there are so many moments that you can let something explode. My whole mindset is to stay positive.” See the Big Picture “Be patient with your goals and know that years of working on something add up—it’s about so much more than the 10 weeks leading up to a race.” WRITE YOUR MANTRA DOWN “I write Believe on my hand before a race. It was my grandma’s favorite word. I know it’s a little cheesy, but it makes a difference in my performance.” WORK HARD AND BE NICE “My mom taught me this, though she probably never said that exact line. She raised four of us on her own, so working hard and being kind was crucial.”…

“No more waiting till I feel like crap to see a doctor—I’m ready to optimize my health.” I used to think of doctors’ visits as something to check off the list—like my yearly mammogram (not exactly something I looked forward to!). But since having a baby and going to her checkups, I see it all so differently. My daughter, Rei, can’t advocate for herself at the pediatrician’s; it’s my and my husband’s job to keep track of her progress and come prepared. It’s funny that I’ve never been this invested in my own doc appointments. But since starting this column, I’ve wondered if these visits could be less about confirming that, yes, I’m still alive, and more about finding ways to be my best, healthiest self. That’s why I started…

Okay, so meal prep may not exactly scream Sunday Funday, but it doesn’t need to be a total drag either. S’well’s Eats line (from $40, swellbottle.com) is here to brighten up your kitchen (and tomorrow, your desk) with insulated tech that keeps your salads cold and soups (or curries, or buddha bowls) hot longer—like, up to six hours longer. The best part? Unlike your favorite reusable water bottle, these guys can be thrown straight into the dishwasher. Just remove the outer designed bowl and pop the inner glass one onto the top rack—easy as homemade, healthy potpie.…

Reminiscing can be great…until it isn’t. One minute you’re smiling about the good ol’ days of living with your bestie, and the next you’re crying because you haven’t seen her in years and your hubs never cooks for you (the nerve). Nostalgia can sometimes feel like grief for something you’ve lost, says Krystine Batcho, PhD, a professor of psychology at Le Moyne College. But it doesn’t need to be that way. Change the vibe: IF YOU MISS A PERSON… Thinking about an ex or lost loved one? Write down three positive, lasting ways they impacted you, like instilling a love for sports, helping you become a morning-workout person, or encouraging you to chase your dream career. You’ll feel more grateful for their role in your life, and thus, less sad.…

Your gut microbiome might get all the glory, but your vagina has its own ecosystem too. You can thank it for keeping your pH in check and fighting off yeast infections and UTIs—but that’s not all it does: Turns out, a healthy balance of bacteria in your vag can actually make you less susceptible to STIs. The right blend of lactobacillus and D-lactic acid strengthens the cells of your inner lining, helping protect against nasty intruders, per new research. Continue using condoms (!), but to keep that biome spiffy, skip douching, exercise for optimal blood flow, take probiotics (or eat them, via kimchee and kombucha), and use natural lube (like Coconu). Gosh, aren’t our bodies amazing? Sources: Jacques Ravel, PhD, principal investigator, professor of microbiology and immunology, and associate director…

If the word chemical freaks you out, listen up: “Most derms agree that chemical exfoliation is much safer than manual exfoliation,” says Ted Lain, MD, an Austin-based dermatologist. The former, known as a peel, resurfaces skin by dissolving its top layers and penetrating deeper ones to stimulate cell turnover, remove congestion, and help your products work better; the latter uses brushes, scrubs, and the like to physically buff your skin. Both have their place, but nothing quite compares to that post-peel glow. Get started with this guide. In-Offïce WHAT TO EXPECT ▸ Applied by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, professional peels are stronger than at-home alternatives, which means better, quicker results, says Sheel Desai Solomon, MD, a dermatologist based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The application can take as little as…

Quick Spritz “My long hair gets crazy tangled from all my buns and ponytails, so I need a spray to work through knots. Bonus points for one that protects against heat and sun damage too.” —Kristina Rodulfo, beauty director Skin Perfector “Applying foundation in the locker room is easier with a built-in brush and pump: no spills! These are lightweight, full-coverage, and hydrating, thanks to hyaluronic acid. And I love the dewy finish.” —KR Power Pout “Nothing makes me feel more ready for the day than bright lipstick. The double-ended crayon here lets me line and fill my lips precisely and quickly—a must when rushing from boot camp to a meeting.” —KR Field Fresh “A deodorant and antiperspirant that smells exactly like just-picked lavender?! I’m especially grateful when I catch a…

1. Multipurpose Must-Have “I have a very busy life between L.A. and New York, so products I can apply with my fingers make the most sense. The Nudestix Nudies 3-in-1 blush sticks are my favorite. They’re really easy to use. The company is run by a mother and her daughters—so sweet.” 2. Plastic = So Yesterday “I’m obsessed with this big stone-shaped thing of cocoa butter right now. It comes in a bamboo pot.” 3. Fresh Glow “I’ve been using Tata Harper’s tonic water, which I love. It’s like a toner.” 4. Hair Evolution “Lizzie has always been talented in the hair department. It’s funny because I’m terrible at doing my hair and much better at doing my makeup. Modern-day Lizzie will still have very artistic hairstyles—that could mean bringing…

Dress Up, Stand Out Skip the whole coordination thing with a sweatshirt dress. Layer over leggings and pair with sneaks to keep the vibe sporty. Bonus points for this moody tie-dye pattern—the comeback print of the moment.…

Hauling five bags of groceries requires not just killer arms but also a strong grip. Can’t deal? You might be short-changing your workouts in addition to your pantry stash. Your ability to lug weights without palm or wrist pain plays a big role in ensuring your sweat sessions are effective enough to get your biceps to pop. When you’re lifting heavy (think: enough weight to slow you down during the last two or three reps of a set), “having good grip strength will help you focus on proper form and mechanics, which means you’ll be able to push yourself to necessary fatigue levels,” says Kat Ellis, CSCS, coach at The Fort in New York City. Weak hand and wrist muscles are super common, though, according to Liana Tobin, CSCS, a…

When life gives you lemons, keep an eye out for the other citrus fruits (pomelos, oranges, limes!) popping up in the produce aisle. Every member of this fam is high in citric acid—an antioxidant that protects against heart disease and certain cancers—and loaded, of course, with immunity-revving vitamin C. These picks will make your winter a whole lot brighter. 85% OF CITRUS SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES IS GROWN IN CALIFORNIA.…

Flash back to last summer: The Amazon rain forest was ablaze with fierce, human-caused fires that led to the destruction of millions of acres in the region that supplies much of the planet’s land-produced oxygen. What came next was international outrage via social media, with photos and hashtags flooding Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. But did all the awareness actually do anything to stop the fires? Eh, not really. First off, much of the information that was spread wasn’t accurate—plenty of people accidentally reposted photos of Amazon fires from more than 30 years ago. For those who did take the extra step of donating to the most commonly shared charities, little money actually went to stopping the fires; the majority was put toward longer-term projects in the area. People sharing concern…

By the Editors of Women’s Health There’s a holiday dedicated to it, a million poems about it, dozens of industries built around it, and no synonyms for it: love. The four-letter word refers to perhaps the most fundamental human need, the one Buddhist monks (some of the most selfless, grateful, and peaceful people ever to walk the earth) consider the secret to living a life full of joy—a life that makes you leap (okay, crawl) out of bed with a smile, even if everything around you is in shambles. This isn’t a bunch of woo. An overflowing bucket of research shows it’s the quality of your close, loving relationships—more than money, genes, or social class—that predicts long-term happiness, physical and mental health, even longevity. Marital satisfaction can lower your risk…

Breakthroughs. They’re the thing Einstein, Oprah, and every rom-com character in the history of film have in common. They’re the moment you finally realize why life threw you on an upside-down, will-I-get-out-of-this roller coaster ride; the surprise pulse check that makes you see a situation in new, brighter colors; the feeling that everything is going to be not just all right, but freakin’ awesome. These epiphanies aren’t as sudden as they seem. Instead, they’re the result of thinking about something differently, or discovering the final missing puzzle piece of an issue you’ve been mulling over for a while, explains Mark Beeman, PhD, coauthor of The Eureka Factor. The coolest part? They may not even be intentional. Basically, while you’re living life, your brain is gathering tons of info, until enough…

Sober Scene These bars are tapping mixologists to take their liquor-free menus to the next level. So, no, you’re not stuck staying home. Getaway Bar Brooklyn, NY Bartenders bring their A game to this alcohol-free Greenpoint bar (where we shot these pics!). Kumiko Chicago, IL With a focus on Japanese ingredients and techniques, this craft-cocktail bar also serves tasty bites. Vena’s Fizz House Portland, ME For a dose of nostalgia, pop into this cocktail and mocktail bar that has some serious soda-shop vibes. Love & Salt Manhattan Beach, CA An airy Italian restaurant featuring various fruity and floral spirit-free tonics, juices, and kombuchas. GREEN MARY TOTAL: 15 MIN SERVES: 2 8 oz tomatillos, husked4 Persian cucumbers, peeled and chopped4 stalks celery, chopped1 cup fresh cilantro1 jalapeño, seeded½ cup fresh lime…

Whether you rely on your straightener to tame post-workout frizz or you’re addicted to fresh blowouts, constant heat styling could be straining your color. “Heat damages the outer layer—which needs to be healthy to hold in the dye—and ultimately can cause your hue to fade faster and look dull,” says Lee. While it’s best to go sans hot tools as often as possible, when you do use them, “choose the lowest temperature setting and keep the tool moving over the hair rather than sitting in one place,” says Dean. You can also add in a heat-protective spray or serum before styling for good measure. SHINE ON A telltale sign of old color? A lackluster look. Clear gloss can help restore vibrancy. Try: dpHUE Gloss+ Semi-permanent Hair Color and Deep Conditioner…