Saturday, October 29, 2011
Pump Up Your Beauty Routine
Add these tweaks (including exercises!) to your beauty routine for volumized hair, stronger nails, longer lashes and firmer skin.
The Hair Volumizer
Allover Skin Smoother
Surprise! Your favorite workout can help your skin, too. "Exercise gets blood pumping to your tissues, and as a result, skin takes up nutrients, removes waste faster and repairs itself more efficiently," says Nicholas Perricone, M.D., a dermatologist in NYC. "It also triggers production of growth hormones that help skin stay firm." Dr. Perricone suggests fitting in 30 to 45 minutes of cardio or resistance training five days a week.
Eye Energizer
Sit up straight, and push your chin forward and shoulders back, elongating your neck. Bending your index fingers, press both knuckles together, automatically forming a heart shape with your hands. Put index fingers between your brows, letting fingertips rest on the bridge of your nose. Curve thumbs in a C shape around the outer corners of both eyes as if you were creating a pair of glasses with your fingers. Squeeze eyes tightly shut, then pull your index fingers slightly upward between brows and thumbs, back toward ears (but keep both fingers gliding along skin). Squeeze eyes even tighter. Hold this position; breathe normally; count to 40. Repeat.
Muscles worked: The orbicularis oculi, the muscles that surround the eyes and make it possible for you to open and close them. As with all physical exercise, engaging muscles sends circulation soaring. The rush of blood in this fatigue-prone zone helps lessen inflammation—and with it, undereye puffiness, Maggio explains.
Lash Stretch
Get heated: First, blast your eyelash curler with hot air from your blow-dryer for a few seconds. (Test its temp on your wrist before you curl.) "The heat helps alter your lashes' shape from stick-straight to curved," says Kevin Mendelson, international educator for Jane Iredale-The Skincare Makeup.
Create definition: Next, place one side of a business card against your eyelid, letting the edge rest near your lash line. "This allows you to push lashes up and out, making it easier to coat their entire length," Mendelson says.
Keep moving: Now pick up your mascara wand and, starting at the root, wiggle it back and forth while pulling it to the tip of lashes, suggests Carol Shaw, a celebrity makeup artist in Los Angeles and founder of Lorac Cosmetics. Apply a second coat before the first dries. With some formulas, if you wait too long between coats, the layers dry separately and could cause flaking during the day.
Body Builder
Ever wonder why eyelashes are so short and the hair on your head is so long? The time it takes for lashes to grow, stop and finally fall out is only about a month—the same cycle for hair lasts about a year, Dr. Perricone says. Stimulate a growth spurt by applying an OTC lash-enhancing serum to clean lashes before you hit the sheets; doing this extends their growth cycle (translation: longer lashes). Try Priori Lash Recovery Serum, $99, which has a peptide trio, conditioning glycerin, and aloe and chamomile extracts. The protective coating also keeps lashes glossy and flexible, so they're less likely to fall out prematurely. Unless you're gentle, day after day of wiping eye makeup off can dry out lashes, making them susceptible to breakage. You wouldn't shampoo your hair without conditioning it, so why treat your lashes differently?
Manicure Maximizer
Watch your form: The oval shape is hands down the best way to get a mani with marathon endurance. "There aren't any rigid corners like with a square nail that can smack against stuff, keeping nails healthier and polish on for longer," says Dennis Gross, M.D., a dermatologist in NYC.
Get buff: Filing in a back-and-forth motion is a tempting shortcut—the girly push-up of nail maintenance. The problem is, you'll end up with rough edges, making nails prone to chips, says Susan Nam, owner of Polished Beauty Bar in NYC, who tends the nails of Charlize Theron and Leighton Meester. Put in the extra effort: Use a file with medium grittiness, and move in one direction—left to right—and repeat.
Nail Strengthener
The more your hands are engaged—even typing a gazillion emails counts—the faster nails grow. "Movement increases blood flow to muscle and tissues in that area," Dr. Gross explains. The downside? Utilizing nails as tools can cause them to break. Enhance their natural growth factor with a strengthening treatment laced with proteins or keratin instead of a regular base coat. Repeat every other day.
Read more:http://www.self.com/
The Hair Volumizer
"Hair that has movement and doesn't fall flat doesn't just look sexy," says Rodney Cutler, owner of Cutler/Redken salon in New York City. "It makes you look younger, too, because it creates the illusion of high cheekbones and eyes that are awake." When hair is damp, flip your head upside down, spray a texturizer on palms, and rake fingers through roots, lifting hair away from your scalp as you blow-dry. When only your roots are dry, flip upright and you'll see instant volume. Then, as you dry the rest of your hair, stretch out strands with a nylon-bristle brush—follow through from root to tip, flicking ends upward to add subtle curve. (Yes, your biceps will be burning by the time you're done.)
Extra tip: Like isolating muscles during strength training, blow-drying small sections of hair lets you extend strands more efficiently.
Cheek Lifter
You sculpt sexy arms with strength training. To define your features, try flexing your facial muscles, says Carole Maggio, an aesthetician and author of Ultimate Facercise. Over time, frowning, smiling, squinting and other exaggerated expressions can cause wrinkles, but by exercising muscles perpendicular to specific lines, these moves may soften creases temporarily, says Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, Ph.D., a dermatologist in NYC. Do this move and the Eye Energizer, two skin-smoothing maneuvers that Maggio created, twice a day.
Make a long, narrow O with your mouth, pulling lips inward. Jut your neck forward, and push your shoulders back. Place index fingers on top of cheeks (nails facing your nose). Next, press lips firmly against teeth and smile with your upper lip only so cheek muscles lift. (It may feel awkward for a few tries, but you'll get the hang of it.) Do 20 reps.
Muscles worked: The buccinators, which form the rounded part of cheeks, and the orbicularis oris, circular muscles around the mouth. Toning cheek muscles makes them more defined and elevates the hollows under eyes, Maggio says.
Allover Skin Smoother
Surprise! Your favorite workout can help your skin, too. "Exercise gets blood pumping to your tissues, and as a result, skin takes up nutrients, removes waste faster and repairs itself more efficiently," says Nicholas Perricone, M.D., a dermatologist in NYC. "It also triggers production of growth hormones that help skin stay firm." Dr. Perricone suggests fitting in 30 to 45 minutes of cardio or resistance training five days a week.
Eye Energizer
Sit up straight, and push your chin forward and shoulders back, elongating your neck. Bending your index fingers, press both knuckles together, automatically forming a heart shape with your hands. Put index fingers between your brows, letting fingertips rest on the bridge of your nose. Curve thumbs in a C shape around the outer corners of both eyes as if you were creating a pair of glasses with your fingers. Squeeze eyes tightly shut, then pull your index fingers slightly upward between brows and thumbs, back toward ears (but keep both fingers gliding along skin). Squeeze eyes even tighter. Hold this position; breathe normally; count to 40. Repeat.
Muscles worked: The orbicularis oculi, the muscles that surround the eyes and make it possible for you to open and close them. As with all physical exercise, engaging muscles sends circulation soaring. The rush of blood in this fatigue-prone zone helps lessen inflammation—and with it, undereye puffiness, Maggio explains.
Lash Stretch
Get heated: First, blast your eyelash curler with hot air from your blow-dryer for a few seconds. (Test its temp on your wrist before you curl.) "The heat helps alter your lashes' shape from stick-straight to curved," says Kevin Mendelson, international educator for Jane Iredale-The Skincare Makeup.
Create definition: Next, place one side of a business card against your eyelid, letting the edge rest near your lash line. "This allows you to push lashes up and out, making it easier to coat their entire length," Mendelson says.
Keep moving: Now pick up your mascara wand and, starting at the root, wiggle it back and forth while pulling it to the tip of lashes, suggests Carol Shaw, a celebrity makeup artist in Los Angeles and founder of Lorac Cosmetics. Apply a second coat before the first dries. With some formulas, if you wait too long between coats, the layers dry separately and could cause flaking during the day.
Body Builder
Ever wonder why eyelashes are so short and the hair on your head is so long? The time it takes for lashes to grow, stop and finally fall out is only about a month—the same cycle for hair lasts about a year, Dr. Perricone says. Stimulate a growth spurt by applying an OTC lash-enhancing serum to clean lashes before you hit the sheets; doing this extends their growth cycle (translation: longer lashes). Try Priori Lash Recovery Serum, $99, which has a peptide trio, conditioning glycerin, and aloe and chamomile extracts. The protective coating also keeps lashes glossy and flexible, so they're less likely to fall out prematurely. Unless you're gentle, day after day of wiping eye makeup off can dry out lashes, making them susceptible to breakage. You wouldn't shampoo your hair without conditioning it, so why treat your lashes differently?
Manicure Maximizer
Watch your form: The oval shape is hands down the best way to get a mani with marathon endurance. "There aren't any rigid corners like with a square nail that can smack against stuff, keeping nails healthier and polish on for longer," says Dennis Gross, M.D., a dermatologist in NYC.
Get buff: Filing in a back-and-forth motion is a tempting shortcut—the girly push-up of nail maintenance. The problem is, you'll end up with rough edges, making nails prone to chips, says Susan Nam, owner of Polished Beauty Bar in NYC, who tends the nails of Charlize Theron and Leighton Meester. Put in the extra effort: Use a file with medium grittiness, and move in one direction—left to right—and repeat.
Nail Strengthener
The more your hands are engaged—even typing a gazillion emails counts—the faster nails grow. "Movement increases blood flow to muscle and tissues in that area," Dr. Gross explains. The downside? Utilizing nails as tools can cause them to break. Enhance their natural growth factor with a strengthening treatment laced with proteins or keratin instead of a regular base coat. Repeat every other day.
Read more:http://www.self.com/
Men Who Cheat: Why Smart Men Do Such Sleazy Things
We examine some of the surprising reasons why men cheat
No. 1: Why Some Politicos Can't Keep It in Their Pants
It's been said that Washington, D.C., is Hollywood for nerds. After all, it's usually not the hot jock who goes into politics. It's the yearbook editor, the debate-team champ, the class president, the guy who likely exited high school with his virginity intact.
"Here's a guy who was always shoved into lockers, and suddenly now he's in power, and power is status," says Debra Lieberman, an evolutionary psychologist at the University of Miami. Once a guy like this gets a taste of the aphrodisiacal powers of that status, the temptation grows.
"Politicians have become like rock stars," observes Michael Kimmel, a sociologist at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and author of Guyland. "They have groupies. They're celebrities. And celebrity makes people seem very sexy. So it's really the revenge of the nerds."
As Kimmel sees it, the crucial piece is this: "When you have power, you feel like you deserve to be listened to, you deserve to have people fawning over you. And I think that propels a lot of guys to suddenly feel they can walk into a room and get any woman they want. There's an enormous sense of entitlement."
Of course, there's also a fine line between ego and insecurity—and, Kimmel surmises, those conflicting feelings are more common in politicians than in, say, rock stars. That combination, where you feel both undeserving and entitled, can fuel bad behavior.
No. 2: Men Are Better at Living Dual Lives
Why, then, don't female politicians fall prey to such icky inclinations? We haven't heard that Hillary Clinton or any of our 17 female senators or 76 female U.S. representatives hired male hookers, tweeted racy photos, or did other reckless stuff. "These women are not narcissists," says Judith Orloff, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA and author of Emotional Freedom. "They may have narcissistic traits, but they also have empathy, which true narcissists don't have." Another theory? "Women generally don't need to remedy having been a nerd by eroticizing their power," says Kimmel. "Men in power often experience sex as a way to self-demonstrate their worthiness. Women don't do that. They don't tend to separate love and sex. It has to do with which parts of our identities we're willing to compartmentalize."
In our industrial society, men have been taught to separate work from home. But their brains are also a factor. "Information from the left brain to the right brain travels better in women than in men," explains Vicky Luine, Ph.D., a neuroendocrinologist in New York. "So maybe men can keep the right [intuitive] and left [analytical] functions separated more easily." They may be hardwired to compartmentalize areas of their lives more effectively (and with less guilt).
No. 3: Testosterone is Like Crack to a Narcissist
In a way, men really do think with their penises. "A man gets a testosterone boost every time he succeeds in something," says Orloff. That is, he gets a shot of the same chemical that jacks up his libido. "So it's because of an 'addiction' to testosterone that men keep going for more and more success." Meaning, when they succeed at something, they get a rush that says, "I'm powerful! And so is my penis!"—which can send them looking for other, more tawdry avenues to success. "Women don't have that correlation so much in their brains. They're more into accomplishment. There's less of a sexual connection," says Orloff. Luine agrees: "Testosterone contributes to a lot of the things men do in terms of seeking sex and aggression. Females, of course, have far less."
In addition to testosterone, a man's prefrontal cortex comes into play (or should)."That's the part of the brain that causes other brain areas to be restrained," says Luine.
"The prefrontal cortex is really trying to get rid of that thrill-seeking behavior—all the negative things that can lead to trouble."
Unfortunately, it's one of the last parts of the brain to mature. And because males develop later than females do, their prefrontal cortex develops later as well. Which, according to Luine, accounts for a lot of impulsive behavior in teenage boys.
But shouldn't a mature guy's prefrontal cortex be fully developed? "It should be," says Luine, "but in some men it doesn't seem to be. There's no definitive reason why—it could be a physiological problem, like low glucose or blood flow, or an environmental issue, such as a toxin or a blow to the head. And while the same things could influence female brains, it seems that males are more often affected."
From an evolutionary point of view, says Lieberman, "being at the top does change very much how men behave and act—perhaps in ways that make it seem as if their behavior can go unchecked. But in the modern world, there are checks."Like a legal system. And the media. And wives.
No. 4: They Pull the Pin on Their Own Pressure Grenade
Then there's the impact of stress. "Stress can act on the prefrontal cortex to impair function," says Luine, "much like chronic tension impairs learning and memory. So maybe these guys are under so much stress that their prefrontal cortex is shutting down from secretions of cortisol, the stress hormone." And it is true, she adds, that women handle chronic nuttiness better than guys do, because estrogen helps alleviate the effects of cortisol even under crazed conditions; it helps keep the phone lines in the brain humming. "Also," says Orloff, "women have oxytocin, the hormone that helps women bond and find solace in connection. Men don't really have much of that hormone either." So when it comes to a stressful situation—because surely one can argue that Hillary Clinton, for example, has a lot more stress than Anthony Weiner ever did—there's a function in the brain that allows a woman to handle it in a less destructive way.
Another disadvantage some men seem to have: They don't know when to say uncle. The pressure on them grows and grows, and rather than find some way to deal with it, says Orloff, they sabotage their careers. "It's an unconscious motivation," she adds. This kind of self-destruction can take many forms, whether it's stealing from the company's bankroll or coming to the job reeking of beer-for-breakfast. For many politicos, though, the implosion is specifically sex-centric. Explains Orloff: "Ego-driven men tend to go out with a massive explosion. In their minds, sex makes them a big man with power. They don't want to be caught stealing or coming to work drunk. It would be demoralizing and doesn't fit with their image."
In other words, being busted in a sex scandal is the preferable escape hatch from boiling-point stress.
Smart Wives, Stupid Husbands
Why would guys with such fabulous, accomplished wives cheat down? "The narcissistic part of them wants a dependent woman who idolizes them," says UCLA's Judith Orloff, M.D.
So if you're a strong, successful woman who's involved with a strong, successful guy, how can you relate to each other in a mutually beneficial way? You want to be able to be your wonderful, powerful self--but knowing that an insecure man might be tempted to go bimbo hunting, it's in your best interest to avoid having competition overrun the relationship.
"Research shows that relationships improve when we can share our successes with our partner," says W. Keith Campbell, Ph.D., author of When You Love a Man Who Loves Himself.
"So when you have a great day at work, the person you want to share it with is your partner. When you maintain a close relationship, your success feels like his success—and vice versa."
Read more:http://www.womenshealthmag.com/
No. 1: Why Some Politicos Can't Keep It in Their Pants
It's been said that Washington, D.C., is Hollywood for nerds. After all, it's usually not the hot jock who goes into politics. It's the yearbook editor, the debate-team champ, the class president, the guy who likely exited high school with his virginity intact.
"Here's a guy who was always shoved into lockers, and suddenly now he's in power, and power is status," says Debra Lieberman, an evolutionary psychologist at the University of Miami. Once a guy like this gets a taste of the aphrodisiacal powers of that status, the temptation grows.
"Politicians have become like rock stars," observes Michael Kimmel, a sociologist at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and author of Guyland. "They have groupies. They're celebrities. And celebrity makes people seem very sexy. So it's really the revenge of the nerds."
As Kimmel sees it, the crucial piece is this: "When you have power, you feel like you deserve to be listened to, you deserve to have people fawning over you. And I think that propels a lot of guys to suddenly feel they can walk into a room and get any woman they want. There's an enormous sense of entitlement."
Of course, there's also a fine line between ego and insecurity—and, Kimmel surmises, those conflicting feelings are more common in politicians than in, say, rock stars. That combination, where you feel both undeserving and entitled, can fuel bad behavior.
No. 2: Men Are Better at Living Dual Lives
Why, then, don't female politicians fall prey to such icky inclinations? We haven't heard that Hillary Clinton or any of our 17 female senators or 76 female U.S. representatives hired male hookers, tweeted racy photos, or did other reckless stuff. "These women are not narcissists," says Judith Orloff, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA and author of Emotional Freedom. "They may have narcissistic traits, but they also have empathy, which true narcissists don't have." Another theory? "Women generally don't need to remedy having been a nerd by eroticizing their power," says Kimmel. "Men in power often experience sex as a way to self-demonstrate their worthiness. Women don't do that. They don't tend to separate love and sex. It has to do with which parts of our identities we're willing to compartmentalize."
In our industrial society, men have been taught to separate work from home. But their brains are also a factor. "Information from the left brain to the right brain travels better in women than in men," explains Vicky Luine, Ph.D., a neuroendocrinologist in New York. "So maybe men can keep the right [intuitive] and left [analytical] functions separated more easily." They may be hardwired to compartmentalize areas of their lives more effectively (and with less guilt).
No. 3: Testosterone is Like Crack to a Narcissist
In a way, men really do think with their penises. "A man gets a testosterone boost every time he succeeds in something," says Orloff. That is, he gets a shot of the same chemical that jacks up his libido. "So it's because of an 'addiction' to testosterone that men keep going for more and more success." Meaning, when they succeed at something, they get a rush that says, "I'm powerful! And so is my penis!"—which can send them looking for other, more tawdry avenues to success. "Women don't have that correlation so much in their brains. They're more into accomplishment. There's less of a sexual connection," says Orloff. Luine agrees: "Testosterone contributes to a lot of the things men do in terms of seeking sex and aggression. Females, of course, have far less."
In addition to testosterone, a man's prefrontal cortex comes into play (or should)."That's the part of the brain that causes other brain areas to be restrained," says Luine.
"The prefrontal cortex is really trying to get rid of that thrill-seeking behavior—all the negative things that can lead to trouble."
Unfortunately, it's one of the last parts of the brain to mature. And because males develop later than females do, their prefrontal cortex develops later as well. Which, according to Luine, accounts for a lot of impulsive behavior in teenage boys.
But shouldn't a mature guy's prefrontal cortex be fully developed? "It should be," says Luine, "but in some men it doesn't seem to be. There's no definitive reason why—it could be a physiological problem, like low glucose or blood flow, or an environmental issue, such as a toxin or a blow to the head. And while the same things could influence female brains, it seems that males are more often affected."
From an evolutionary point of view, says Lieberman, "being at the top does change very much how men behave and act—perhaps in ways that make it seem as if their behavior can go unchecked. But in the modern world, there are checks."Like a legal system. And the media. And wives.
No. 4: They Pull the Pin on Their Own Pressure Grenade
Then there's the impact of stress. "Stress can act on the prefrontal cortex to impair function," says Luine, "much like chronic tension impairs learning and memory. So maybe these guys are under so much stress that their prefrontal cortex is shutting down from secretions of cortisol, the stress hormone." And it is true, she adds, that women handle chronic nuttiness better than guys do, because estrogen helps alleviate the effects of cortisol even under crazed conditions; it helps keep the phone lines in the brain humming. "Also," says Orloff, "women have oxytocin, the hormone that helps women bond and find solace in connection. Men don't really have much of that hormone either." So when it comes to a stressful situation—because surely one can argue that Hillary Clinton, for example, has a lot more stress than Anthony Weiner ever did—there's a function in the brain that allows a woman to handle it in a less destructive way.
Another disadvantage some men seem to have: They don't know when to say uncle. The pressure on them grows and grows, and rather than find some way to deal with it, says Orloff, they sabotage their careers. "It's an unconscious motivation," she adds. This kind of self-destruction can take many forms, whether it's stealing from the company's bankroll or coming to the job reeking of beer-for-breakfast. For many politicos, though, the implosion is specifically sex-centric. Explains Orloff: "Ego-driven men tend to go out with a massive explosion. In their minds, sex makes them a big man with power. They don't want to be caught stealing or coming to work drunk. It would be demoralizing and doesn't fit with their image."
In other words, being busted in a sex scandal is the preferable escape hatch from boiling-point stress.
Smart Wives, Stupid Husbands
Why would guys with such fabulous, accomplished wives cheat down? "The narcissistic part of them wants a dependent woman who idolizes them," says UCLA's Judith Orloff, M.D.
So if you're a strong, successful woman who's involved with a strong, successful guy, how can you relate to each other in a mutually beneficial way? You want to be able to be your wonderful, powerful self--but knowing that an insecure man might be tempted to go bimbo hunting, it's in your best interest to avoid having competition overrun the relationship.
"Research shows that relationships improve when we can share our successes with our partner," says W. Keith Campbell, Ph.D., author of When You Love a Man Who Loves Himself.
"So when you have a great day at work, the person you want to share it with is your partner. When you maintain a close relationship, your success feels like his success—and vice versa."
Read more:http://www.womenshealthmag.com/
Spooky Or Silly? 6 Food Superstitions
Halloween and all of its superstitions are upon us. And while I don’t believe in them per se, I do believe in food and fun. Check out these popular food superstitions:
Breaking a Wishbone
Who hasn’t let the wishbone from Thanksgiving dinner dry over night so they could challenge their sibling to tug-of-war the next day? If you wind up with the longer piece, you get to make a wish—and rub it in to your brother.
Throwing Salt Over Your Shoulder
I think the floor on the set of Rachael Ray’s show must be littered with salt. But she has the superstition slightly wrong: It’s believed that if you spill salt—which is bad luck—you should toss more over your left shoulder to ward off the evil spirits your spill stirred up. You don't need to throw salt willy-nilly if you haven't spilled your salt.
Tossing Rice at a Wedding
Rice, an ancient symbol of fertility and of prosperity, has been thrown for centuries to wish newlyweds well as they leave the church. And don’t worry about exploding sparrows—turns out, many bird species include the grain in their diets.
Eating Black-Eyed Peas on New Year’s Day
This tradition is big in southeastern states. The legumes are thought to bring good luck, and some people eat them with collard, mustard, or turnip greens in the belief that the food will bring them some green—in the form of money—the rest of the year.
Not Cutting Long Noodles
In China, long noodles symbolize a long life, and cutting one is seen as cutting your life short. Miss Manners may not approve, but if poor table etiquette means a few extra years, by all means slurp up your lo mein.
Read more :http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/food-superstition
9 Healthy Snacks for Dieters
Kashi Chewy Granola Bars 
These are the chewiest bars going (don't confuse them with other types of Kashi bars — look for "chewy" on the label). They have 130 to 140 calories each, 4 grams of fiber, 5 g of protein, and they're made with real nuts and whole grains. And they actually taste good.
"You've got chewy, you've got sweet, and you've got a bar," Gidus says. "That's got a real snacky feel to it. The calorie range is right, and the fiber is high."
Frozen Peas and Corn
Ditching the celery sticks doesn't mean abandoning the whole food group. Frozen vegetables often taste better because they're not turning into starch, like their produce-aisle counterparts. Freezing vegetables seals in their naturally sweet flavor.
Half of a cup of peas has 55 calories and 3 g of fiber; the same amount of corn contains 72 calories with 2 g of fiber. The high-fiber and low-calorie-density combination means they're filling and satisfying, and the frozen part makes them interesting. They're firm, but not rock hard, and they melt in your mouth.
"You can use the same trick with fruit," Gidus says. "Freeze grapes or cherries, and it's a whole different experience."
Total Yogurt
Skip the usual fruit-on-the-bottom suspects — high in sugar, ho-hum in texture. Try Fage Total Greek Yogurt instead. This imported greek yogurt is strained, which makes it fluffy. It'll fool you into thinking it's fat-filled, but the "0%" on its label tells you how much fat it really contains.
The 80 calories per serving give you room to maneuver, so sweeten the pot with chopped apricots or dates. "There's evidence that dairy calcium helps you lose weight, and this also adds protein and fiber," Gidus says.
Easy Oatmeal
If you think the microwave's only contribution to snack time is popcorn, you have to try Quaker Express Oatmeal. Office-friendly, it's packaged in an individual cup. Just add water and microwave for about a minute, and you're set to snack.
"Studies have found that oatmeal is more filling than dry cereal with the same calories and fiber content," Gidus says. The Baked Apple flavor has a slight fiber edge (1 g) over the other flavors. Best of all, it won't stink up the office.
Dressed-Up Apples
A 2003 Brazilian study found that three apples a day can keep weight gain at bay — and can even help you lose. "There's no magic compound," according to Rui Hai Liu, Ph.D., an apple researcher at Cornell University.
"The best way to lose weight is to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables. That increases volume and decreases calorie density." If you've got 5 minutes and a knife, cut your apple up and mix it with some chopped walnuts and a teaspoon or two of maple syrup. Or eat it with a tablespoon of peanut butter to add about 100 calories' worth of the satiating power of nuts.
Licorice
We're not done chewing yet. Licorice, which has an active ingredient called glycyrrhetinic acid, has been shown to help reduce body fat mass. (The good news is you don't have to be able to pronounce the acid to reap its benefits.)
Decio Armanini, M.D., who did the research at Italy's University of Padua, explains that there are two ways licorice works. The first is complicated and involves blocking an enzyme that plays a role in fat accumulation. The second is simpler. "Licorice can reduce appetite," he says. "The effect is probably related to the agreeable taste of licorice, and for that reason people do not need to eat more."
We're not talking Twizzlers here; go for the real thing, preferably with licorice extract high on its ingredient list. (Look for it in grocery stores, not convenience stores.) A handful is about 150 calories and will keep you busy chewing something sweet, flavorful, and satisfying for twice the time it takes to down a bag of M&Ms.
Frozen Juice Bar
Unwrap a frozen juice bar and you can practically hear the ice cream truck rounding the corner of your cul-de-sac. "They're sweet and tangy, and anything frozen takes longer to eat," Gidus says. "They're just afew calories, and they've even got some vitamins."
Soy Chips
If edamame had a tryst with orange-dusted nachos, the result would look a lot like soy chips — a high-fiber, low-fat snack that's a significant source of soy protein. And soy protein, according to a recent study in the International Journal of Obesity, not only helps facilitate weight loss, but also helps ensure that the weight lost is fat rather than muscle. The isoflavones in soy act like estrogen and inhibit the enzyme that facilitates fat deposits, according to Paul Cooke, Ph.D., a soy researcher at the University of Illinois.
A pack of soy chips racks up as many as 7 g of soy protein in about 100 calories, which leaves room for a 1/4 cup of Guiltless Gourmet bean dip. The dip adds 60 calories and another 4 g each of fiber and protein.
Gum
Before you reach for a snack — even one on this list — ask yourself if you're really hungry. If you're not or you're not sure, reach for a stick of gum.
James Levine, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic has measured the energy burned by chewing and found that just moving your jaw up and down can burn some 11 extra calories per hour, which is a boost of about 19 percent over your just-sitting-there level. Now, 11 calories may not sound like much, but that's about a pound a year for every hour per day that you chew. And that doesn't count the calorie savings from the snacks you're not eating.
Read more:http://www.womenshealthmag.com/
These are the chewiest bars going (don't confuse them with other types of Kashi bars — look for "chewy" on the label). They have 130 to 140 calories each, 4 grams of fiber, 5 g of protein, and they're made with real nuts and whole grains. And they actually taste good.
"You've got chewy, you've got sweet, and you've got a bar," Gidus says. "That's got a real snacky feel to it. The calorie range is right, and the fiber is high."
Frozen Peas and Corn
Ditching the celery sticks doesn't mean abandoning the whole food group. Frozen vegetables often taste better because they're not turning into starch, like their produce-aisle counterparts. Freezing vegetables seals in their naturally sweet flavor.
Half of a cup of peas has 55 calories and 3 g of fiber; the same amount of corn contains 72 calories with 2 g of fiber. The high-fiber and low-calorie-density combination means they're filling and satisfying, and the frozen part makes them interesting. They're firm, but not rock hard, and they melt in your mouth.
"You can use the same trick with fruit," Gidus says. "Freeze grapes or cherries, and it's a whole different experience."
Total Yogurt
Skip the usual fruit-on-the-bottom suspects — high in sugar, ho-hum in texture. Try Fage Total Greek Yogurt instead. This imported greek yogurt is strained, which makes it fluffy. It'll fool you into thinking it's fat-filled, but the "0%" on its label tells you how much fat it really contains.
The 80 calories per serving give you room to maneuver, so sweeten the pot with chopped apricots or dates. "There's evidence that dairy calcium helps you lose weight, and this also adds protein and fiber," Gidus says.
Easy Oatmeal
If you think the microwave's only contribution to snack time is popcorn, you have to try Quaker Express Oatmeal. Office-friendly, it's packaged in an individual cup. Just add water and microwave for about a minute, and you're set to snack.
"Studies have found that oatmeal is more filling than dry cereal with the same calories and fiber content," Gidus says. The Baked Apple flavor has a slight fiber edge (1 g) over the other flavors. Best of all, it won't stink up the office.
Dressed-Up Apples
A 2003 Brazilian study found that three apples a day can keep weight gain at bay — and can even help you lose. "There's no magic compound," according to Rui Hai Liu, Ph.D., an apple researcher at Cornell University.
"The best way to lose weight is to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables. That increases volume and decreases calorie density." If you've got 5 minutes and a knife, cut your apple up and mix it with some chopped walnuts and a teaspoon or two of maple syrup. Or eat it with a tablespoon of peanut butter to add about 100 calories' worth of the satiating power of nuts.
Licorice
We're not done chewing yet. Licorice, which has an active ingredient called glycyrrhetinic acid, has been shown to help reduce body fat mass. (The good news is you don't have to be able to pronounce the acid to reap its benefits.)
Decio Armanini, M.D., who did the research at Italy's University of Padua, explains that there are two ways licorice works. The first is complicated and involves blocking an enzyme that plays a role in fat accumulation. The second is simpler. "Licorice can reduce appetite," he says. "The effect is probably related to the agreeable taste of licorice, and for that reason people do not need to eat more."
We're not talking Twizzlers here; go for the real thing, preferably with licorice extract high on its ingredient list. (Look for it in grocery stores, not convenience stores.) A handful is about 150 calories and will keep you busy chewing something sweet, flavorful, and satisfying for twice the time it takes to down a bag of M&Ms.
Frozen Juice Bar
Unwrap a frozen juice bar and you can practically hear the ice cream truck rounding the corner of your cul-de-sac. "They're sweet and tangy, and anything frozen takes longer to eat," Gidus says. "They're just afew calories, and they've even got some vitamins."
Soy Chips
If edamame had a tryst with orange-dusted nachos, the result would look a lot like soy chips — a high-fiber, low-fat snack that's a significant source of soy protein. And soy protein, according to a recent study in the International Journal of Obesity, not only helps facilitate weight loss, but also helps ensure that the weight lost is fat rather than muscle. The isoflavones in soy act like estrogen and inhibit the enzyme that facilitates fat deposits, according to Paul Cooke, Ph.D., a soy researcher at the University of Illinois.
A pack of soy chips racks up as many as 7 g of soy protein in about 100 calories, which leaves room for a 1/4 cup of Guiltless Gourmet bean dip. The dip adds 60 calories and another 4 g each of fiber and protein.
Gum
Before you reach for a snack — even one on this list — ask yourself if you're really hungry. If you're not or you're not sure, reach for a stick of gum.
James Levine, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic has measured the energy burned by chewing and found that just moving your jaw up and down can burn some 11 extra calories per hour, which is a boost of about 19 percent over your just-sitting-there level. Now, 11 calories may not sound like much, but that's about a pound a year for every hour per day that you chew. And that doesn't count the calorie savings from the snacks you're not eating.
Read more:http://www.womenshealthmag.com/
Friday, October 28, 2011
5 Surprisingly Healthy Fruits and Veggies You Aren't Eating
Purple Potatoes 
Even though low-carb diets are no longer the rage, potatoes still have a bad reputation for wrecking diets. Brand new research from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania comes to a different conclusion, at least about the purple variety. A study followed 18 overweight and obese people who also had high blood pressure. Participants were asked to either eat six to eight golf ball-sized purple potatoes for lunch and dinner, or stick to a potato-free diet. After a month, participants switched diet routines. Participants who ate potatoes saw a significant drop in their high blood pressure—diastolic pressure fell an average 4.3 percent while systolic blood pressure dropped an average 3.5 percent.
Lychees
This sweet white fruit is popular in Asia, but with its big health benefits, it should make its way into your cart, too. According to a 2006 study in the Journal of Nutrition, lychee has the second-highest level of heart-healthy polyphenols of 24 fruits tested. They were beat only by strawberries, and the study found they had nearly 15% more disease-preventing polyphenols than grapes. Lychee's powerful antioxidants may also help to prevent the formation of breast cancer cells, according to a recent test-tube and animal study from Sichuan University in China.
Guava
Eat just one cup of this South American fruit, and you're getting 5 times as much vitamin C as a medium orange (377 mg versus 83 mg). Like other red fruits, including tomatoes and watermelon, guava contains lycopene, which may help prevent heart disease. And according to research by microbiologists in Bangladesh, guava can even protect against foodborne pathogens such as Listeria and staph.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest released a report in June 2011 comparing the nutritional info of 50 popular fruits. They ranked them based on the percentages of certain nutrients—fiber, vitamin C, potassium, folate, iron, calcium, and antioxidant-packed pigments called carotenoids–in each serving. Guava beat out apples, bananas, and grapes to be the number one fruit.
Bok Choy
This leafy green cabbage is the number one veggie in China and boasts 10 times the recommended amount of vitamin A in just one cup. Packed with antioxidants, it's no surprise that several studies show that high intake of Brassica vegetables (a family of vegetables including kale, broccoli, and bok choy) may reduce the risk of certain cancers, including prostate cancer.
Asian Pears
Snack on one large Asian pear, and you'll get 10 g of fiber, nearly half of your daily recommended amount. So what's so great about fiber? Not only does it lower cholesterol, but it also keeps you full longer and helps to control blood sugar levels.
Even though low-carb diets are no longer the rage, potatoes still have a bad reputation for wrecking diets. Brand new research from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania comes to a different conclusion, at least about the purple variety. A study followed 18 overweight and obese people who also had high blood pressure. Participants were asked to either eat six to eight golf ball-sized purple potatoes for lunch and dinner, or stick to a potato-free diet. After a month, participants switched diet routines. Participants who ate potatoes saw a significant drop in their high blood pressure—diastolic pressure fell an average 4.3 percent while systolic blood pressure dropped an average 3.5 percent.Lychees
This sweet white fruit is popular in Asia, but with its big health benefits, it should make its way into your cart, too. According to a 2006 study in the Journal of Nutrition, lychee has the second-highest level of heart-healthy polyphenols of 24 fruits tested. They were beat only by strawberries, and the study found they had nearly 15% more disease-preventing polyphenols than grapes. Lychee's powerful antioxidants may also help to prevent the formation of breast cancer cells, according to a recent test-tube and animal study from Sichuan University in China.
Guava
Eat just one cup of this South American fruit, and you're getting 5 times as much vitamin C as a medium orange (377 mg versus 83 mg). Like other red fruits, including tomatoes and watermelon, guava contains lycopene, which may help prevent heart disease. And according to research by microbiologists in Bangladesh, guava can even protect against foodborne pathogens such as Listeria and staph.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest released a report in June 2011 comparing the nutritional info of 50 popular fruits. They ranked them based on the percentages of certain nutrients—fiber, vitamin C, potassium, folate, iron, calcium, and antioxidant-packed pigments called carotenoids–in each serving. Guava beat out apples, bananas, and grapes to be the number one fruit.
Bok Choy
This leafy green cabbage is the number one veggie in China and boasts 10 times the recommended amount of vitamin A in just one cup. Packed with antioxidants, it's no surprise that several studies show that high intake of Brassica vegetables (a family of vegetables including kale, broccoli, and bok choy) may reduce the risk of certain cancers, including prostate cancer.
Asian Pears
Snack on one large Asian pear, and you'll get 10 g of fiber, nearly half of your daily recommended amount. So what's so great about fiber? Not only does it lower cholesterol, but it also keeps you full longer and helps to control blood sugar levels.
Read more:
http://health.yahoo.net/rodaleSlideshow/PV/5-surprisingly-healthy-fruits-and-veggies-you-aren-t-eating#0
Thursday, October 27, 2011
5 Mistakes You're Making With Your Scrambled Eggs
1. "Don't be wimpy with your eggs. Whisk well and be vigorous about it--you want to add air and volume for fluffy eggs. And whisk the eggs right before adding to pan; don't whisk and let mixture sit (it deflates)." --Kay Chun, Deputy Food Editor
2. "Don't add milk, cream, or water to the eggs. People think it will keep the eggs creamy while cooking, but in fact, the eggs and added liquid will separate during the cooking process creating wet, overcooked eggs. Stir in some creme fraiche after the eggs are off the heat if you want them creamy." --Mary-Frances Heck, Associate Food Editor
3. "Don't use high heat. It's all about patience to achieve the soft curd. Whether you want small curd (stirring often) or large curd (stirring less), you need to scramble eggs over medium-low heat, pulling the pan off the heat if it gets too hot, until they set to desired doneness." --Hunter Lewis, Food Editor
4. "Don't overcook them! Take them off the heat a little while before you think they are done. The carryover heat will keep cooking them for a minute or so. Also: Use a cast-iron or a nonstick skillet. If you don't, there will be a rotten clean-up job in your future." --Janet McCracken, Deputy Food Editor
And last but not least, ditch that fork! Scramble your eggs with a heat-proof spatula, a flat-topped wooden spoon, or for the perfect curd, chopsticks.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Underarms are fashion's new erogenous zone
It seems there is a new - and rather more unsightly - body part slowly taking over as the most popular erogenous zone.
The fashion industry has become rather taken with underarms, showing them off at every opportunity on the cover of several high-end magazines.
The fashion industry has become rather taken with underarms, showing them off at every opportunity on the cover of several high-end magazines.
Twilight star Ashley Greene stars on the December issue of FLARE, left, and model Aymeline Valade poss for the January cover of Vogue JapanModels and actresses not only have to worry about complexion, hair and nails, they now have to ensure their armpits are flawless too.
But whatever they miss, the airbrush will surely catch, as the area appears unnaturally smooth in editorials for Elle, Vogue and Harper's Bazaar among others.
Most recently, Twilight star Ashley Greene posed for the cover of Flare magazine showing hers off with pride - without so much as a blemish or a shade.
Elbow room: Victoria Beckham, James Franco and Gisele show their underarms off with pride
Slowly catching on: The trend began last year with stars including Eva Mendes, Anne Hathaway and Megan Fox
Celeb Looks for Your Body Type
Whether you're petite, pear shaped or plus sized, you can rock your gorgeous body by copying one these celebs' styles
Small and petite: Nicole Richie
If you have a petite frame like Nicole Richie, "extreme lengths suit you best," Sawhill says. So either go for the long, flowy maxi dress or the short mini skirt. Just be careful, because "longer tops that hit past your hips will shorten your legs," Sawhill says. And that's the laaast thing you want to do
If you have a petite frame like Nicole Richie, "extreme lengths suit you best," Sawhill says. So either go for the long, flowy maxi dress or the short mini skirt. Just be careful, because "longer tops that hit past your hips will shorten your legs," Sawhill says. And that's the laaast thing you want to do
Small and petite: Jessica Alba
You also want your clothes to emphasize your slim, trim body. So stay away from bulky, oversized layers. Instead, wear high-waisted bottoms or a tight, short dress like Jessica Alba to make your legs look longer, Sawhill says. Oh, and heels are a petite girl's best friend. Stock up on them.
You also want your clothes to emphasize your slim, trim body. So stay away from bulky, oversized layers. Instead, wear high-waisted bottoms or a tight, short dress like Jessica Alba to make your legs look longer, Sawhill says. Oh, and heels are a petite girl's best friend. Stock up on them.
Rectangular: Cameron Diaz
If you have a rectangular body shape, you want your clothes to create the appearance of curves. Sawhill says fun shapes and patterns are a great way to break up your straight bodylines. A slim top with a full skirt nipped in at the waist also creates the illusion of hips, as Cameron Diaz proves here.
If you have a rectangular body shape, you want your clothes to create the appearance of curves. Sawhill says fun shapes and patterns are a great way to break up your straight bodylines. A slim top with a full skirt nipped in at the waist also creates the illusion of hips, as Cameron Diaz proves here.
Rectangular: Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff's cinched belt, ruffled skirt and slim leggings help create curves on her straight shape. Just avoid straight body hugging looks like pencil skirts, Sawhill says. And if you do wear a skirt, the length should go no longer than the knee so you can show off the curves of your calves.
Hilary Duff's cinched belt, ruffled skirt and slim leggings help create curves on her straight shape. Just avoid straight body hugging looks like pencil skirts, Sawhill says. And if you do wear a skirt, the length should go no longer than the knee so you can show off the curves of your calves.
Hourglass: Kim Kardashian
If you have an hourglass figure like Kim Kardashian, you want your clothes to hug your curves and show off a defined waist. V-necks are a "great way to show off your assets and create a lengthening line, making you appear leaner, not wider," Sawhill says.
If you have an hourglass figure like Kim Kardashian, you want your clothes to hug your curves and show off a defined waist. V-necks are a "great way to show off your assets and create a lengthening line, making you appear leaner, not wider," Sawhill says.
Hourglass: Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson shows that clean classic lines are good because they don't create extra bulk in the bust and hip areas. Stay away from really embellished tops and bottoms with tons of detail in the hip area. "Wrap or belted dresses that hug the lines of the body are great," Sawhill says.
Scarlett Johansson shows that clean classic lines are good because they don't create extra bulk in the bust and hip areas. Stay away from really embellished tops and bottoms with tons of detail in the hip area. "Wrap or belted dresses that hug the lines of the body are great," Sawhill says.
Pear shaped (triangle): Jennifer Love Hewitt
If you're pear shaped like Jennifer Love Hewitt, wear boot cut pants or A-line skirts to balance out a wider hip, Sawhill says. A gorgeous neckline will show off your slim shoulders and a wide skirt will hide large thighs.
If you're pear shaped like Jennifer Love Hewitt, wear boot cut pants or A-line skirts to balance out a wider hip, Sawhill says. A gorgeous neckline will show off your slim shoulders and a wide skirt will hide large thighs.
Pear shaped (triangle): Beyonce Knowles
A boat neckline and horizontal cut tops will help balance out a wider bottom as well. And it might take some getting used to, but learn to "embrace the trend of shoulder pads," Sawhill says. They widen your shoulders a bit to make you look more proportionate. Beyonce Knowles can totally pull it off (although that's not saying much, since she's Beyonce).
A boat neckline and horizontal cut tops will help balance out a wider bottom as well. And it might take some getting used to, but learn to "embrace the trend of shoulder pads," Sawhill says. They widen your shoulders a bit to make you look more proportionate. Beyonce Knowles can totally pull it off (although that's not saying much, since she's Beyonce).
Apple shaped (inverted triangle): Catherine Zeta-Jones
If you're apple shaped, you want to accentuate your smaller legs and shoulders and leave it loose in the middle to hide your round mid section. Also, play up your beautiful bust like Catherine Zeta-Jones does. "Deep v-necks, halter tops, and empire tops all are great choices to enhance what you've got and create a lengthening line down the center while flowing through the mid section," Sawhill says.
If you're apple shaped, you want to accentuate your smaller legs and shoulders and leave it loose in the middle to hide your round mid section. Also, play up your beautiful bust like Catherine Zeta-Jones does. "Deep v-necks, halter tops, and empire tops all are great choices to enhance what you've got and create a lengthening line down the center while flowing through the mid section," Sawhill says.
Apple shaped (inverted triangle): Tyra Banks
Wearing a short dress with a deep v-neck and a belt can help create the appearance of a smaller mid section and show off your legs, like Tyra Banks does here. You can also try wearing a flowy summer top with tiny shorts, Sawhill says. Just don't wear skinny jeans or tapered pants, because that will emphasize your apple shape.
Wearing a short dress with a deep v-neck and a belt can help create the appearance of a smaller mid section and show off your legs, like Tyra Banks does here. You can also try wearing a flowy summer top with tiny shorts, Sawhill says. Just don't wear skinny jeans or tapered pants, because that will emphasize your apple shape.
Plus-sized: Nikki Blonsky
When you're plus-sized, it's important to wear clothes that fit and accentuate your best features. "Belt it if your waist is smallest, shorten it if your legs are trimmest, and wear it strapless if your neck is long and shoulders are shapely," Sawhill says. Nikki Blonsky looks great in flowy dresses and can make them work beautifully.
When you're plus-sized, it's important to wear clothes that fit and accentuate your best features. "Belt it if your waist is smallest, shorten it if your legs are trimmest, and wear it strapless if your neck is long and shoulders are shapely," Sawhill says. Nikki Blonsky looks great in flowy dresses and can make them work beautifully.
Plus-sized: Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah's silky, flowy dress falls in vertical lines, which draws attention up and down, instead of side-to-side. "Stay away from horizontal patterns or lines across the body as well as tapered jeans and slim fitting shoes," Sawhill says. These cut off the ankles and make your feet look smaller, only making your top half look much larger. Go with looser-fitting boots over a pair of leggings like Latifah's.
Queen Latifah's silky, flowy dress falls in vertical lines, which draws attention up and down, instead of side-to-side. "Stay away from horizontal patterns or lines across the body as well as tapered jeans and slim fitting shoes," Sawhill says. These cut off the ankles and make your feet look smaller, only making your top half look much larger. Go with looser-fitting boots over a pair of leggings like Latifah's.
Best Shoes for Your Body Type
Pick the right style, and all eyes will be on your killer legs this fall
by Jane Kim
Small and petite:If your legs are on the shorter and slimmer side, the most important thing to remember is height, height, height. This means "platforms, wedges and heels without straps," says Scott. That way, there won't be anything in the line of vision between your heel and the rest of your leg, resulting in smooth lines. The exception? Ankle-high gladiator sandals. They look really good on tiny ankles.
Also, pick a shoe with a rounded toe, as a very pointy one will make you look "witchy," says Scott. If you're more into being comfortable, you can wear ballerina flats -- but only if you're wearing them with a dress that falls above the knee. Otherwise, your legs will look even shorter. Yikes.
Short and thick:
I know how difficult it might be to find a flattering pair of shoes when your legs are a bit short. But turns out it's totally easy. "A simple heel is best," says Scott. Just be sure to choose one with a bright color or unique print, so you draw attention downwards.
Some other flattering choices are open-toed shoes with a solid heel and boots that end just below the knee, not mid-calf. Since your legs tend to be on the thicker side, stay away from gladiator flats or any other shoe style that wraps around your ankle. On that note, it's best to avoid flats as well, because they can make your legs look shorter and thicker.
Tall and thin:First of all, forget the myth that tall girls can't wear heels. Your long and slender legs would look gorgeous in a pair of killer stilettos. But if you're still looking for something else, "ballet flats work great because you already have the height," says Scott. Or if you want to play up your small calves, stretchy boots that fall mid-calf are perfect.
A pair of strappy sandals with an ankle strap will also give some edge to your feet, especially if you have thin ankles. On the other hand, try to avoid pointy shoes (whether they're a pair of heels or boots), because they will make you look too long. Also stay away from chunky heels or heavy platforms, because they will overwhelm your ankles.
Tall and muscular:
I don't know who told you otherwise, but thick, athletic legs are so super sexy. Not to mention you probably have a killer butt too. To elongate the leg, choose a super high heel -- "pointy, open-toed shoes and stilettos will make your legs look leaner," says Scott. Chunky wedge sandals are another great option, but go with a two or three inch heel to visually lift your leg.
It might be hard to wrestle your legs into a pair of calf-hugging boots, so look for a pair of soft suede boots with side zippers for easy access. It doesn't hurt to pick something with a bit of slouch, to hide any bulges you might have. Also, avoid rounded toe pumps, small squared heels and delicate styles like ballet flats or kitten heels because they can add weight to your legs and make them look heavier.
If you're looking for a universally flattering shoe:One word: stilettos. No matter what the shape of your legs, "they always make you look taller, leaner and thinner- what more could you want!" says Scott.
by Jane Kim
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