Innholdsfortegnelse for May/June 2022 i Women's Health

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 Joshua Zeichner, MD Director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City 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 Lauren Kanski, CPT NASM-certified personal trainer; functional strength and conditioning specialist; kettlebell skills specialist Sohee Lee, MS, CSCS Evidence-based fitness coach…

Getting a hug just before a nerve-racking event can work wonders for your mind and body. If no one’s around when you need a squeeze (hello, Zoom presentation!), DIY it: Place one hand over your heart and the other on your belly, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing for at least 20 seconds. Turns out this gesture can reduce cortisol levels associated with stress, found a study in Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology. “Touch communicates a signal of safety,” says study coauthor Aljoscha Dreisoerner, PhD. It’s a move similar to those done when practicing mindfulness or meditation, both of which have been shown to fight anxiety. Thank you, science.…

HIBISTORY The edible species of this tropical flower, Hibiscus sabdariffa, is also known as roselle or Jamaican sorrel and thought to be native to Central and West Africa. The part of the plant used in teas and snacks is called the calyx, which encases a hibiscus’s petals before it flowers. After they’re collected and dried, calyxes are used in a variety of preparations. Often, they’re soaked in water, then strained to create a tea. One cool example: Agua de Jamaica (a.k.a. sorrel), a festive pink drink enjoyed during the holidays in the Caribbean. BLOOMING BENEFITS Hibiscus is a stunning source of immunity-boosting vitamin C and iron (critical for energy). Studies also point to its potential for lowering blood pressure and aiding in other cardiovascular concerns. PETAL PREP The red buds…

After hibernating all winter, you may have such a yearning to explore that you book an impromptu flight to your dream destination…despite the price tag. Beach days and dinner alfresco are also irresistible (until you get the bill). Summer is when you most tend to overspend, thanks to its association with freedom and lack of structure, says Mykail James, MBA, a budgeting expert. But impulse buys can lead to anxiety (think: the dread you feel checking your accounts), says Samantha Gambino, PsyD, a clinical psychologist in NYC. Ahead, savings tips that don’t involve sacrificing a well-earned vacay. WANT TO EXPLORE A NEW CITY? Here’s where smart spending really comes in handy. The average American goes about $400 over budget while on a weekend getaway, found a poll sponsored by Credit…

Stop and smell the…achoo! Er, roses. As warmer months appear, the desire to spend extra hours outside is strong—and warranted. Then the all-too-familiar symptoms of an allergy attack kick in. And now that a runny nose, dry cough, or headache can instantly trigger worries about *other* respiratory issues, any pollen-induced sneeze may send you spiraling. Before you load up on antihistamines and antigen tests, differentiate between the two: A fever and intense sore throat on top of the sniffes generally indicate more than allergies (ahem, COVID), whereas a mild sore throat not accompanied by body or muscle aches is standard allergy stuff, says Cristina Porch-Curren, MD, an allergist and immunologist. Definitely allergies dogging you? They can be managed and even prevented. A few helpful tips: 1. AVOID YOUR ALLERGENS Seems…

BEST HAND SANITIZER No more overpowering sanitizer scents—instead, the elevated fragrance is made from essential oils, with sugarcane-derived ethyl alcohol and aloe vera for happy hands. Evolvetogether Malibu Hand Sanitizer Starter Set, $22, evolvetogether.com BEST NAIL POLISH Wouldn’t it be nice to get a gel mani without paying gel mani prices? A quick-drying system (color + topcoat) lets you achieve the same look you’d seek in a salon minus the UV light and long wait. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel It Takes Two,$12, ulta.com BEST PRESS-ON NAILS Do the most to your nails with the least effort using these press-ons that stay in place with glue or adhesive tabs. They’re so good, we’re total converts! Nails of LA The Realist Press-On Extensions, $16, nailsofla.com BEST HAND CREAM Discover your new staple.…It’s…

The lights dimmed as I stepped onto my candlelit mat and smiled at my zen-seeking neighbors. After 14 years of yogic training in studios in Southeast Asia and alongside my family, I was so excited to try out one of the influencer-frequented fancy studios I’d seen all over social media. I closed my eyes, inhaling my arms up to the sky in tadasana (also known as mountain pose), thanking the Hindu god of the Himalayas as I stretched up onto my tiptoes, a bit closer to the divine powers. But as class began, my heart dropped, then pounded out of my chest as the first sun salutation was interrupted by an abs circuit with the chant “Om Namah Shivaya” layered atop Ariana Grande’s “God Is a Woman.” I turned to…

Feeling “meh” about a how a fitness locale has put its own spin on yoga—but still wanna attend class? Maybe it’s the only studio in your area, or your workout buddies love the brunch spot next door. The onus shouldn’t be on you to sacrifice your flow. Personally, when I’m in a class and starting to feel uncomfortable, I do a breathwork (known as pranayama) that one of my first gurus taught me nearly 14 years ago. I inhale through my nose for four seconds, hold it, then exhale out of my mouth for eight. It forces me to focus my energy inward. While yoga isn’t about calling out who is right or wrong, you also don’t have to feel afraid to speak to the teacher about your emotions afterward,…

You need the right tools to be successful in the kitchen (cooking yummy meals! prepping healthy eats!), and a knife is arguably the most crucial one you can have, according to the WH test kitchen experts. But with so many sizes, styles, and price tags on the market, selecting your go-to cutlery can be quite daunting. It shouldn’t be, though. “The most important thing is to find the knife that’s most comfortable for you,” says Richard Von Husen, coowner of Warren Kitchen & Cutlery in Rhinebeck, New York. “It’s like trying on a pair of shoes.” Well, when you put it that way… WH is here to break down the market so you know what to buy, how to care for your purchase, and the best ways to actually use…

Dicing on the reg utilizes the microscopic pieces of metal on the blade’s edge to cut through food, which, over time, causes the knife to dull. For smooth kitchen sailing, prep on softer surfaces, like wood or synthetics, instead of glass cutting boards or hard countertops, says Vincent Kazuhito Lau, a knife sharpener at Korin in NYC. When it’s time to clean, don’t toss it in your dishwasher, as it can easily chip or tarnish. Instead, wash your knife by hand, then immediately (!!) dry it. When you do find your knife falling down on the job (it happens!), start by honing, which realigns those microscopic pieces of metal. Use a steel rod and follow these three steps: 1. Hold your honing rod vertically, with the handle at the top…

MELLOW YELLOW How rich a hen’s diet is in carotenoids (orange-yellow-red pigments found in flowers, fruits, and veg) is what determines yolk shade. Prep Morning Meals Boiled Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, use a slotted spoon to gently lower the eggs in. Cook 6 minutes for runny yolks, 7 minutes for jammy, and 11 minutes for hard. Transfer eggs into ice water and let sit until the shells are cold to the touch. They can be peeled and eaten, or refrigerated in their shells for up to one week. Fried Runny over easy, here we come! Heat a nonstick skillet on medium-low with oil lightly coating the bottom. Crack eggs and cook until bottom is set, about 1 minute, then slide a spatula under…

MYTH You Should Follow a Special Thyroid Eating Plan FACT Healthy Eating Should Do There are no diets proven to cure thyroid disease, says Dr. Lowe—including commonly promoted soy- or gluten-free ones. Still feel best eliminating a food? Do you! Otherwise, maintain a balanced whole foods–based plan. MYTH Eating Kale and Brussels Sprouts Hurts the Thyroid FACT Only If You Eat Bushels of Them There is data that cruciferous veggies can alter thyroid levels due to their natural iodine, but you’d have to eat them all day, every day, says Dr. Narang. A regimen with kale salads and roasted broccoli is totally safe. MYTH You Should Take Iodine or Kelp Supplements FACT There’s Enough in Food Thyroid cells use iodine to do their job. “You need enough, but not too…

Treatment is the go-to solve. Still, an Rx should *only* be used when blood tests show a thyroid disorder. Sounds obvious, but people offered medication from a doc (or taking someone else’s) when they have normal function has “led to more ICU admissions than I can count,” says Dr. Narang. Before you take on a daily pill, know these facts. 1. NOT EVERYBODY NEEDS THEM “There are new ways of thinking about who needs to be treated,” says Dr. Lowe. For mild cases, particularly if you feel fine (but, say, a blood test suggests you’re borderline low), your doctor may opt to keep tabs on your levels before adding an Rx down the line. But if you are thinking of getting pregnant within the next five years, your doctor will…

When Lorena Junco Margain was 40, she learned she had a tumor on her right adrenal gland. A surgeon assured her that removing it would be curative, but her symptoms didn’t go away after the surgery. Later, she found out the doctor had operated on the wrong (and healthy) adrenal gland and had lied to cover it up. Margain had to have her other gland taken out, leaving her to face a lifetime of health issues. Her family wanted her to sue. She remained in tremendous pain, and focusing on it as she talked to lawyers only made it worse. When she asked her counsel how punishing the doctor would change the health care system, they didn’t have a satisfying answer. So she decided not to proceed with the case…

When I found out I had breast cancer at 52, I got into a cycle of self-blame. My oncologist said forgiving myself would help me heal faster and prepare me for the medical battles ahead. Forgiving myself was about reclaiming my body and not being defined by cancer. I did that by giving back to myself when I felt my worst. After the most intense months of my recovery, I planned a trip to Las Catalinas, Costa Rica, to be immersed in nature. I went hiking and ran a half-marathon there. I wanted to quit halfway through, but pushing myself to finish was a gift. I know I’ll never be the version of myself I was before my diagnosis, but I can be better. Self-forgiveness frees up space in your…

At the peak of the pandemic, I took part in what felt like the inevitable room purge and found photo albums that I thought were full of nostalgic memories. What I actually found: notebooks with meal logs, water trackers, and “guidelines” that I used to stay on top of healthy eating habits when I was around age 13. I’d also set a goal weight that I hoped to achieve by the time each log was full. At the time, I felt I was holding myself accountable, but none of my objectives were realistic or possible to maintain long-term. When I thought back to that girl who was just old enough for the world to start pointing out what parts of her body required solutions, I realized just how long I’d…

1 YOU START TO LOOK OUTSIDE YOURSELF ▸ There’s a deactivation of brain regions that play a role in self-referential thinking, Huskey says. “That might be why, when experiencing flow, we’re not thinking about ourselves.” Instead of worrying that you need to pick up eggs at the grocery store, you’re solely focused on the task at hand. 2 YOU’RE FLOODED WITH A COCKTAIL OF HELPFUL CHEMICALS ▸ The brain produces a neurochemical mix of dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and more, Sarkis says. This allows you to reach what scientists refer to as “a nonordinary state of consciousness.” You need this chemical cascade to make the shift. 3 YOUR BRAIN BECOMES MORE METABOLICALLY EFFICIENT ▸ Flow occurs when we’re doing challenging tasks, like running. “You’re expending a lot of energy when running, but you don’t…

The front desk staff handed me a cotton tee and drawstring shorts…but in keeping with the tradition of the bathhouse, I was nude while I plunged into the hot and cold pools and relaxed in the steam room. “Being here is 100 percent about focusing on feeling better on the inside,” Jen told me. Admittedly, it took a little while for me to stop thinking about my nakedness. But as women of all different sizes, colors, and ages moved around unrobed, I tapped into some unexpected feelings of ease and peace. No one applied a social media filter or compared their jiggles to the next woman’s. We breathed evenly as the bubbly water relaxed our muscles in the hot tubs, closed our eyes as we stepped gingerly into freezing plunge…

Unless you’re taking a yoga class where you’re instructed to “breathe in and out through your nose,” you probably do a lot of mouth breathing during exercise without realizing it. (Guilty.) Turns out, inhaling and exhaling through the schnoz has major payoffs: Runners who nose breathe may be able to increase their speed for a given distance or go longer at the same speed, found research in the International Journal of Kinesiology & Sports Science. “You move oxygen through the lungs more effectively when breathing nasally,” says study author George Dallam, PhD, a professor at Colorado State University at Pueblo. Getting more oxygen with each breath requires fewer inhalations. And because breathing is muscular, reducing this physical need allows you to use those muscles less, which nets out to more…

Sparkling Swig Seltzer fans, grab a can of this bright and citrusy fizzing fave. It’s caffeine-free so you can drink all day long. Minna Lime Hibiscus RooibosTea, $35 for 12-pack, drinkminna.com Water Wonder With warming ginger, a hit of vitamin A, and potassium, this H2O is an elegant addition to your fridge. Mocktail, anyone? Ruby Ginger Cherry Hibiscus Water, $45 for 12-pack, ruby.fun Blooming Bar End the eve with a square of chocolate that’s topped with flecks of hibiscus and dried strawberries, adding fruity flair. Antidote Strawberry + Hibiscus Milk Chocolate Bar, $8, antidotechoco.com…

Lift Every Voice: A Celebration of Black Lives is a new kind of history book—one rooted in the lived experiences of Black elders that will inspire and move you. In 54 interviews, Freedom Riders, the first Black Vegas show-girl, and more share firsthand accounts of combating racism, detailing trials and triumphs. From activists to doctors, each person’s story will change the way you view America and, ultimately, your place in it. “When we can lift every voice, we forge a deep and enduring connection to the past and carve a tunnel of hope to a brighter future for us all.”—Oprah Winfrey…

BEST BODY WASH Lactic and mandelic acids join forces in a gentle exfoliating body wash that targets hyperpigmentation and body acne. Boscia Papaya and Pomegranate Enzyme Exfoliating Body Cleanser, $35, ulta.com BEST BODY CREAM Like skin care for the rest of your bod, this moisturizer has probiotic extracts and ceramides. The aftereffect: brighter skin, head to toe. Tula Skincare Take Care + Nourish Advanced Hydration Body Moisturizer, $38, tula.com BEST DEODORANT The alpha hydroxy acids in this clear gel combat the bacteria that mixes with sweat to cause odor, and also fight discoloration and bumps. Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel, $15, necessaire.com BEST BODY LOTION A hybrid lotion with the same OG goodness as the original Bio-Oil absorbs fast yet still leaves the light sheen of an oil. Bio-Oil Body Lotion,…

BEST MANUAL TOOTHBRUSH With a sleek aluminum handle and a replaceable brush head, it’s an eco-friendly winner in our book. Hello Replaceable Head Toothbrush, $10, hello-products.com BEST MOUTHWASH A refillable option that comes with a glass decanter (gorg!) and is better for the planet and your teeth thanks to the natural mint, alcohol-free formula. Tend Tonic Mouth Rinse, $28, hellotend.com BEST WHITENING PRODUCT An on-the-go version of the brand’s original kit, a pocket-size pen takes the fuss out of whitening. Laughland To-Go Pen, $30, mylaughland.com BEST FLOSS Floss like the royals with silk, which slides easily between teeth, is gentle on gums, and is 100 percent biodegradable. Public Goods Dental Floss, $6, publicgoods.com…

FOR VIRTUAL MEDITATION AND YOGA CLASSES Open As the self-proclaimed Goldilocks of yoga classes, I love the way Open applies modern techniques like breathwork and music-based movement to traditional yoga without straying toooo far from the fundamentals. o-p-e-n.com, $20/month FOR YOGA MATS Full Ritual Whether I’m doing a dance cardio class or winding down for a pre-bedtime meditative sesh, this reversible mat is my go-to. Not only does it double beautifully as decor when I’m not using it, but its nonslip coating is a sturdy foundation for my downward dogs. fullritual.com, $62 FOR LEGGINGS AND TOPS Wolven The leggings, woven from fibers made of recycled plastic water bottles and fabrics, are the softest I’ve worn, and the brighthued patterns and designs are inspired by the founder’s Indian-Pakistani heritage. wolventhreads.com, $88…

STATIC STRENGTH Wolven bra, $52, wolventhreads.com; Storets shorts, $44.90 storets.com; Reebok shoes, $100, reebok.com WHY WE LOVE IT When you think of core moves, you probably think of crunches and situps. But don’t sleep on the hollow hold. For one, the notoriously challenging pose is an isometric exercise, says Taylor Rae Almonte, CPT. That means you’re holding a position (hence the name!), rather than doing dynamic reps—and all of the engaged muscles are under constant tension. Also, when you load it with a dumbbell, the difficulty level goes up to the nth degree. Not only does your trunk have to work harder, but other muscles—triceps, shoulders—get in on the action. STEP 1 START lying faceup, holding a dumbbell at your chest. STEP 2 SIMULTANEOUSLY, and with control, push weight toward ceiling as you lift head,…

PETITE PICK Super lightweight and small but ultra durable, this inexpensive purchase is perf for fine jobs, like hulling strawberries and deveining shrimp. Victorinox Swiss Classic Paring Knife, $7, victorinox.com VERY VERSATILE This powerhouse handles anything, and with dimples on each side, your veggies won’t stick as you slice. MTH-80 Professional Series 8" Chef’s Knife with Dimples, $175, macknife.com MESS-LESS LEADER The double-serrated edge helps you slice crusty baguettes with fewer crumbs and fresh tomatoes with ease. Wüsthof Classic 9" Double-Serrated Bread Knife, $150, wusthof.com PREP SCHOOL Remove Citrus Peel Cut the top and bottom off an orange, a grapefruit, or other citrus. With the fruit standing on a cut side, use a knife to follow the shape and roundness of the fruit, cutting away the pith and rind and…

Korean Steak Salad With Sugar Snaps and Radishes TOTAL: 30 MIN. SERVES: 4 ¼cup rice vinegar2 Tbsp olive oil2 Tbsp gochujang paste1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce Pinch sugar1 lb beef flank steak Kosher salt and pepper8 oz snap peas, thinly sliced on a bias (about 2 cups)½ seedless cucumber, thinly sliced6 radishes, thinly sliced2 scallions, thinly sliced1 head butter or Bibb lettuce, torn into pieces (about 8 cups)Crushed peanuts, for serving (optional) 1. Heat grill to medium-high. In a bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, gochujang paste, soy sauce, and sugar. Transfer 2 Tbsp dressing to a large bowl; set aside. 2. Season steak with ¼ tsp each salt and pepper and grill 5 min. Flip steak and cook to desired doneness, 4 to 5 min. more, basting with dressing during last…

Thyroid screening is an easy-peasy blood test that your PCP can order. At-home kits are also available, says Hyesoo Lowe, MD, medical director of the Columbia Thyroid Center. You’ll have to see your doc for interpretation of results in either scenario, she notes. (With direct-to-consumer kits, a physician generally reviews your results before they’re sent to you, and the company also provides resources to help you understand them—but insight from an IRL doc is still a must.) Normal thyroid? Time to explore what else is making you feel not-so-great. Abnormal result? Your provider will guide treatment. One note: If you’re taking a supplement with biotin (hair and nail pills!), stop it two or three days before a thyroid workup. Biotin doesn’t affect thyroid function, but it does impact TSH numbers…

In my early 20s, I had a bad breakup that triggered pain and disappointment leading back to the sexual abuse I’d experienced as a child. Part of my healing process was forgiving the person who hurt me. I used a combination of tools, including therapy, antidepressants, and spiritual guidance via soul energetic readings, meditations, and reiki. I was struggling to understand why I had been treated so badly, and my healing journey helped me accept that I may never know, and that’s okay. I decided I wasn’t going to let those wounds stay open any longer, waiting for those who harmed me to make up for what they did, so I forgave them. That’s what really set me free. I no longer feel as if I’m made up of fragmented…

I’ve recently settled into a new house, and as I pick out bookshelves and cacti and get used to the creaks and quirks, I can’t help but see the parallels between this physical structure and my body. Loving and respecting yourself is a forever project and a worthy investment, just like any home. To feel calmer and more situated in it, and proud to call it yours, all it takes is a little mental elbow grease…. Know that self-compassion and self-improvement are intertwined. In fact, middle-aged women who practiced inward compassion had a lower risk for heart disease, irrespective of traditional risk factors such as high blood pressure, per a new study in Health Psychology. Other benefits: improved mental health, self-esteem, and body image, says Chelsea Kronengold, a mental health…

“I’ve had a big life—with many ups and many downs. I think that’s the beauty of it all: It’s ever-changing. Nothing great lasts forever; nothing bad lasts forever. That’s how I approach everything now.” AC TO R AND AUTHOR GARCELLE BEAUVAIS When it came to writing her new memoir, Love Me As I Am (out now), the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star admits she held little back. “I really went there,” she says of the revealing look at her life, which chronicles her upbringing in Haiti and her career in Hollywood, where she starred in such TV series as Models Inc., The Jamie Foxx Show, and NYPD Blue. Of all the lessons the 55-year-old has learned along the way—and revisited while writing her book—the biggest was realizing that she…

You may credit your endrun rush of awww to endorphins, but other substances in your body, called endocannabinoids, are important for the famous “runner’s high.” If the “cannabinoid” part sounds familiar, it is: “The molecules in our cells that sense endocannabinoids [endocannabinoid receptors] are the same ones that bind to the active compounds in CBD oil and cannabis,” says Ana M. Valdes, PhD, a professor of molecular and genetic epidemiology at the University of Nottingham in the U.K. But they do more than send you to cloud nine—Valdes’s new research shows those activity-induced endocannabinoids can help reduce inflammation too. (A very cool discovery, since chronic inflammation is an underlying cause of heart disease, dementia, and cancer!) Exercise increases the “good” bacteria in your gut microbiome, producing anti-inflammatory compounds and kickstarting…

My 1-year-old, Dakota, is my alarm. The day starts when he gets up, around 6:30 a.m. His awake window is two hours, so until 8:30, it’s just me and him—no phone—and it’s the best. First, we say hi to his animals, then I make his breakfast and a cup of matcha with almond milk TEA TIME for myself. Once he’s done eating, we spend time in his playroom until he’s ready for a nap. That’s when I eat. I love breakfast—I go to bed excited DREAM MEAL about it. I’ll have either a pastry or Greek yogurt and fruit, or avocado toast with eggs and smoked salmon. Three or four days a week, I’ll follow that up with a workout. My brother GYM BRO GOALS is a personal trainer. He writes my programs,…

BODYARMOR ▸ Enjoy nostalgic flavors, like blue raspberry, sans childhood sugar rush. ULTIMA ▸ Sweetened with stevia and made with real fruit flavor extract, this electrolyte powder is nature’s liquid candy. LMNT RECHARGE ▸ If your fave reusable water bottle is your go-to workout bud, pop in a packet of this sugar-, gluten-, and artificial ingredient–free electrolyte drink mix.…

News flash: You might want to add “eat good gut foods” to your pet’s stay-well to-do list, right next to “play with toys” and “belly scratches on the couch.” Yes, we’re talking about Fido and Dot’s microbiome, the intricate system of bacteria that live in their bodies and helps everything run smoothly. Keeping it balanced is key for overall health, which is why Women’s Health loves that Purina ONE developed the new Microbiome Balance™ line for dogs and cats. Science at its best!…

BEST HAIR COLOR Besides making coloring hair at home more fun, an ammonia-free, demi-permanent formula foam dye lets you experiment without the commitment. Hally Color Cloud, $25, hallyhair.com BEST SCALP TREATMENT A treatment that’s like a serum for the scalp, with bond-building yeast proteins, hair-plumping peptides, and nourishing jojoba. Living Proof Scalp Care Revitalizing Treatment, $32, sephora.com BEST CONDITIONER Creamy conditioner makes hair feel incredibly soft and fights breakage with an argan oil–rich formula that’s worth the splurge. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner, $38, sephora.com BEST BLOW-DRYER This powerful dryer comes with five heat settings, three speeds, and a super-easy-to-handle body. The only downside: You’ll have to keep up with the strength training. T3 AireLuxe Hair Dryer, $199, t3micro.com BEST DRY SHAMPOO Want to add some life to…

Another incredible bonus? Making the conscious decision to expand your knowledge of yoga will enhance your own connection to it—bringing you closer to yoga as a way of living, rather than just a series of poses. As much as yoga is about letting go and surrendering to the moment, there’s a common misconception that it’s only about that. In fact, Morjaria recalls that yoga was, once upon a time, taught through a sort of one-on-one mentoring process. A student would go to a guru (a word meaning “leading from the dark to light”) who would assess their character and help them to evolve their behavioral patterns. The ultimate goal was to get in touch with your soul and energy to the point where the external world had no effect on…

The first time I tried out the recently launched Kemtai, I got major Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century vibes…in a great way. Requiring only a laptop with a built-in camera (no separate equipment needed), the home-workout tech utilizes computer-vision technology to analyze your body positioning and give you form cues in real time. Talk about fitness of the future! I’ll walk you through it: First, I opened my browser and headed to the site (kemtai.com) to choose a workout video, then I put my computer on a table far enough away that, when I stood back, my entire body appeared on-camera. Seconds later, lines and dots appeared all over me on the screen, registering the placement of my limbs and joints (you’ll be alerted when you’re in a good…

Whenever you use your knife, do this: First, grip the blade with your thumb and index finger right above where the blade meets the handle, then wrap the rest of your fingers around the bolster and handle. Now, take your other hand and create a “claw” with fingertips curled under the knuckles pressing down on the food. Your knuckles can then be used as a guide when cutting. 71 million The value, in dollars, of the U.S. knife-sharpening market in 2020. Its growth is thanks to reality cooking shows (see you, future Top Chef!). PREP SCHOOL Chop an Onion STEP ONE Place half a peeled onion cut-side down on the cutting board and cut horizontally (with the knife parallel to the cutting board) toward the root end, but not going…

PLANT-BASED PUFF Net a handful of nutrients with these “cheese”-dusted morsels that—surprise!—contain zero actual dairy. Seriously, a snack for everyone. Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs in Vegan White Cheddar CHIP CHAMP Made with white beans, these tasty triangles offer a lot of fiber. Bonus: They’re *so* much more satisfying than what you’d find in the vending machine. Beanitos Nacho Nation White Bean Chips SALTY STAR Are you the type of person who always has a hunk of Parm on hand? Same same. These crispy cuties are made entirely of the aged favorite, offering 30 percent of your daily calcium in one serving. ParmCrisps STICK PICK Its tangy, bold flavor (plus five grams of protein) turns the lunch box icon into a grown-up choice. Enjoy solo or paired with sliced apple and…

If something is off with your thyroid, the alert may be more like a gentle ping than a ringing cowbell. That’s because many symptoms, especially in hypothyroidism, are nonspecific. Meaning: They could easily be chalked up to other factors, like sleep-deprived nights or skimping on whole foods. So how the heck would you know? Your doc’s ears will perk up if you have not only one but a cluster of the signs below; if symptoms are persistent and new; and/or if you have a family history of thyroid issues or autoimmune disease. You can then chat with your physician about whether to get yours tested. No matter what, you deserve answers. When It’s Moving in Slo-Mo… Are you wrapped in a blanket? Hypothyroidism tends to make people feel chilly, sluggish,…

And the Oscar for best supporting role in having a baby goes to…your thyroid! Dysfunction can play a part in irregular ovulation and cycle frequency and affect the uterine lining where implantation occurs—making it harder to conceive or carry. Sapna Shah, MD, an endocrinologist with Paloma Health, an online clinic for thyroid health, was diagnosed with infertility-associated hypothyroidism herself. “I had been an endocrinologist for a long time, yet I wasn’t aware that it was going on in my body,” she says. “Since then, I’ve been on a mission to help people understand more about their reproductive and thyroid health.” If you’re trying to expand your fam or having a hard time conceiving, talk to your ob-gyn about your thyroid. You may have to maintain specific TSH ranges to maximize…

Calling all Women’s Health+ members. Are you ready for a fitness challenge that will make you feel a hell of a lot better afterward? We teamed up with NASM-certified fitness trainer Bree Branker to create the Women’s Health Summer Workout Challenge, a 4-week plan designed to get you some serious results. Bonus: Each workout is 30 minutes or less and the program is designed for all fitness levels. Ready to Get Started? Access your Summer Workout Challenge here: Sign up for a Women’s Health+ membership to join our summer workout challenge. As a member, you’ll enjoy unlimited access to all of our health & wellness guides, fitness challenges – plus tons of other membership perks. Join today womenshealthmag.com/joinnow Or Scan to Join…

Okay, so you’ve mastered (or are working on) forgiving others. But what about you? It’s an internal thing too! White finds that women often struggle with self-forgiveness because they tend to be perfectionists, and owning up means admitting failure. A simple yet powerful trick: “Get into the habit of asking what you can do better when you mess up,” she says. “That builds actual confidence because your self-worth is coming from your ability to take responsibility and fix things.” Carry it a step further by jotting down who you’d like to be and start to live out that vision.…

1 Do things that make you feel like a kid again. Really! “Focus on feeling more vibrant rather than looking or wanting to be younger,” says Manly. This could involve anything from learning a new skill to taking a social media break to avoid the comparison trap. Participating in activities you truly enjoy can not only ward off stress but also give you a sense of purpose, which is great for building self-worth too. 2 Turn off negative ruminations to change course. Remind yourself that thoughts are not facts. “Many aging frets focus on the worst-case scenario and cause a bit of mental tunnel vision,” says Cavallaro. You do not have to accept them as truths. You can cope with what life throws at you (you have so far!). So…

OFTEN, WHEN WE’RE NUDE, we’re alone—with everything stripped away. We look in the mirror and see ourselves for who we are, even if only for a moment. We check out the cellulite, peep the pubic hair (or lack thereof), study the stretch marks, let it all hang out. There’s nowhere to hide—and isn’t that kind of awesome, in a totally terrifying way? The past few years forced us to live with less, but what remained was time for amplified self-reflection, allowing us to get reacquainted with our most authentic and resilient selves—and our bodies. Ahead, how seven badass women reframed their intimate relationship with their physical beings to strengthen their self-confidence. Prepare to be inspired. I FEEL EMPOWERED AND VULNERABLE WHEN I’M NAKED. Sophia Ali Actor (The Wilds, Grey’s Anatomy,…