About Health: July 2014

Thursday, July 31, 2014

The New Thriller You Wont be Able to Put Down

The New Thriller You Wont be Able to Put Down

Get a sneak peek of Eyes on You, a new novel from former Cosmo editor Kate White.

Every month, Scoop hosts our 60-second book club, where we invite you to take a quick peek inside a buzzed-about new book and let us know what you think. This month’s pick: Eyes on You by Kate White (Harper).

Summer may be winding down, but you still have time to savor another great read or two before the season ends—and if you need a recommendation for what to pick up next, we've got just the book for you. Eyes on You, the newest novel from Kate White (the former editor-in-chief of Cosmpolitan and the author of the Bailey Weggins mystery series) is a suspense novel that keeps you hooked until the very last page.

In it, Robin Trainer is finally coming out of a two-year rough patch: She's just published a book and landed a gig co-hosting a hot new TV show. In the excerpt below, Robin is at a party celebrating her book when something goes disturbingly awry:

As soon as I re-entered the living room, the guy in black from the front door was back by my side, his expression expectant. "Ms. Lane is ready to give the toast now," he said. "Great," I said. I snaked behind him toward the far end of the room, where Bettina was standing with her back to the view. She nodded to me as I reached the fringe of the crowd.

Before stepping forward to join her, I pulled the notecard from my purse and set my bag down on a table. Bettina tapped her wineglass several times with her thick gold bracelet. The room went nearly silent, and people turned all their attention toward us.

Her toast was pure Bettina, all gushy and dramatic. She ran through my bio, how I'd segued from being a print journalist and frequent TV guest to a job as a celebrity reporter on the top morning show and eventually to host of my own cable show. Then, she exclaimed, she'd been lucky enough to nab me as a blogger and consultant before I was lured back to TV. She said she was thrilled for my success on cable's hottest program, and declared that my book blew the lid off what women really feel.

I tried not to cringe at the hyperbole and instead did what Ann had advised: I briefly let my ego run wild and lapped it up.

Then it was my turn. I didn't feel nervous, exactly—it had been years since speaking publicly had scared my pants off—but I felt a quick rush of adrenaline. I was in front of tons of heavy hitters, people who could slice and dice a person behind her back, and I couldn't help but feel exposed up there. Yet as I glanced around, I saw a sea of receptive faces.

I grinned and thanked everyone for coming. I quickly described the genesis of the book, how there are some parts of themselves that women felt too uncomfortable to share, even to their partners and closest friends. While I spoke, I unfolded the notecard in my hands. "I don't want to take you away for long from either the incredible view or that fabulous tuna tartare, but there are a few people I must thank individually."

I glanced down at the notecard and almost jerked back in surprise. It wasn't the right card. Or rather, it was —I could see the names I'd jotted down—but someone had scrawled words over them in thick, black Sharpie strokes: "You evil little bitch. You'll get yours."

If you have a pulse, we bet you want to keep reading right now. But that's just the beginning of the crazy twists and turns the novel takes.

TELL US: Are you a fan of mysteries? Do you think you'll pick up the book? Share your thoughts about the excerpt in the comments below!

Are Restaurant Menus Making You Gain Weight?

Are Restaurant Menus Making You Gain Weight?

They may be tricking you into ordering high-cal dishes.

You might think that you're picking your dinner order based on whatever food you're craving in the moment—but the menu is probably deciding for you. A menu's design and the descriptions used to explain dishes heavily influence what you ultimately order, according to a new Cornell University review published in the International Journal of Hospitality Management.

After reviewing previous studies on the subject, researchers explained several ways in which restaurants use menus to influence diners' orders. For example, writing out a certain dish in bold or in a different color or font makes customers more likely to notice (and therefore order) it. The placement of an item on a menu also matters (things located on the lower left-hand side are almost never ordered), and restaurant owners also make foods sound more appetizing by using sensory names (i.e., velvety chocolate mouse), geographic names (i.e., Tex Mex), or nostalgic names (i.e., Grandma's apple pie). Other factors also come into play, like how good a deal you think the item is.

MORE: The RIGHT Way to Eat Out with Friends While Dieting

The problem? Right now, restaurant owners use these strategies to encourage you to order the most profitable dishes—regardless of how healthy they are. Chances are, the dishes you're being influenced to choose are hurting your waistline since previous research shows that, on average, restaurant meals contain more than twice the number of calories they should. In fact, researchers wrote this review as a guideline for restaurant owners in hopes that they'll start using these strategies to highlight healthy (but still profitable) options for diners.

MORE: What Nutritionists Eat When They Go Out to Restaurants

It's unclear whether restaurants will actually start to follow these suggestions, but you can still take action to eat healthier when you're eating out. Remember to look at the entire menu—not just what you notice first—before making your decision. And for more guidance on how to make healthy choices, check out these tips on making smarter decisions when dining out.

MORE: How Restaurants Keep You Addicted to Their Food

The Workout That Torches Fat All Over

The Workout That Torches Fat All Over

See results <i>way</i> faster than you'd expect!

It's not too late to get a summer-fit body—seriously! Fitness expert BJ Gaddour, creator of the Speed Shred 82-Day DVD Program, has an 18-workout plan to blast your muscles and torch calories with some kick-butt moves. Check out this heart-pumping preview of BJ's workouts, and just try not to get excited to exercise!

Psyched to shape up? We knew it! And here's some good news: You can score the Speed Shreed DVD for 50 percent off until August 3, 2014. Amazing deal!

Have You SEEN Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting on the Women's Health September Cover Yet?

Have You SEEN Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting on the Women's Health September Cover Yet?

Well, what are you waiting for?

We are completely psyched to finally reveal our September 2014 cover star: Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, star of The Big Bang Theory, and all around awesome, down-to-earth chick. Even cooler is that she's gracing both the front and back covers, since in September WH publishes our special Fashion Flip issue (flip the mag over and read our blown-out fashion package, including the Fall Style Guide, a look at the hottest, most fashionable fitness trackers, and more).

Kaley revealed a few teasers on her Instagram feed this afternoon. Check out her posts, here:

So excited to finally share my first ever@womenshealthmag cover !!! So so proud of this!!! Makeup @jamiemakeupgreenberg hair @clsymonds

And here's my other @womenshealthmag cover!!! Can't contain my excitement! Makeup@jamiemakeupgreenberg hair @clsymonds manicure@ashlie_johnson

Thank you @womenshealthmag & @jefflipsky for shooting an amazing cover . Just an incredible experience

Does she look fantastic, or what?

And for those of you who are extra curious, here are the full covers for both front and back:

Jeff Lipsky

The September issue hits newsstands August 5. Don't forget to grab your own copy! Also check back next week for extras from us, like a behind-the-scenes video from Kaley's cover shoot, info on how to shop her fabulous outfits throughout the feature, and more.

UPDATE: The Morning After Pill May Not Be Impacted By Your Weight

UPDATE: The Morning After Pill May Not Be Impacted By Your Weight

Despite the warning added to one European brand last year, it appears that Plan B is not less effective for heavier women.

Last year, we reported that Norlevo, the European equivalent of Plan B One-Step, was getting a new warning that it may be less effective for heavier women. That decision was based on research that found the drug started losing effectiveness in women who weighed 165 pounds or more, and that it wasn't effective at all for women above 175 pounds. Needless to say, this news was shocking.

But luckily, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recently reviewed all that research and concluded that the data aren't enough to support this new warning. In the statement from their Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CMPH), they explain that women can continue to use emergency contraception as needed, regardless of their weight.

MORE: This is the Birth Control Most Doctors Use

As they explain in the paper, "the data available are too limited and not robust enough to conclude with certainty that contraceptive effect is reduced with increased bodyweight, as stated in the product information for Norlevo." While some studies noted a reduced effectiveness in heavier women, others didn't find that link. Because of this, they recommend that the current warning be removed, but that the results of these studies remain in the product information.

MORE: Generic Plan B Will Soon Be Available Over the Counter

The CMPH also noted that the side effects of emergency contraceptives are typically mild and the product has been shown to be safe, so this limited research should not deter women from using it. Emergency contraceptives are a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, and while they shouldn’t be used as your primary birth control method, they remain an important option for women.

For more information, here are six things you need to know about the morning after pill.

MORE: 14 Ways to Outsmart Sperm

13 Crazy Places People Fantasize About Having an Orgasm

13 Crazy Places People Fantasize About Having an Orgasm

How many have you considered?

Apparently, today is National Orgasm Day! (Don't feel bad—we didn't have it marked on our calendars either.) So in light of this sexy holiday, Durex revealed new information about where you really want to feel fireworks. No judgments, but some of these are…unique.

Durex asked 1,000 men and women over the age of 21 where they've fantasized about having an orgasm. Check out the list of places in order of popularity (and, actually, in order of ridiculousness):

Beach: 39 percent
Plane: 32 percent
Movie theater: 30 percent
Office: 28 percent
Elevator: 28 percent
Car: 23 percent
Fitting room: 22 percent
Roof or balcony: 20 percent
Back of a cab: 16 percent
Library: 15 percent
Subway (the train, not the sandwich shop): 10 percent
Cemetery: 8 percent
Church: 7 percent.

OK, we can get behind of few of these (beach, plane, elevator, balcony… Hot!) But others have us reaching for the antibacterial soap (do you have any idea how many germs are in cabs and subway cars?!). But hey, to each her own dream orgasm spot.

Feel like celebrating this grand holiday by crossing off a new out-of-the-box location? Check out this list of 11 places you need to have sex at some point in your life.

11 Things That Happen the First Time You Go to a Gym

11 Things That Happen the First Time You Go to a Gym

It's all fun and games until you actually walk through the double doors.

This article was written by Emily Abbate and repurposed with permission from Fitbie.com.

The thought of heading to the gym for the first time can be glamorous. In your mind, it's all about cute workout clothes, perfectly happy fitness instructors dawning their friendliest faces, that ever-so-toned personal trainer who catches your eye near the water fountain, and, most of all, committing to a healthier lifestyle.

Unfortunately, getting into the swing of things at the gym isn't always a dreamy experience. While it's a nice thought that a Ryan Gosling lookalike will stroll up next to you promptly after you finish your workout and you'll look fresh as a daisy, the reality is that you're more likely to end up bright red, dripping with sweat, and willing to give your right leg for someone to teach you how to use the seated hip abductor machine.

We're here to give it to you straight. Check out these 11 things that really happen the first time you go to a gym:

Choosing the perfect outfit turns out to be really hard. Do your sneakers need to match your outfit? How do celebrities always have matching tops and bottoms? Alas, you stick to your go-to T-shirt and black sweatpants.

The woman on the treadmill next to you strides like a gazelle while watching Real Housewives reruns. You awkwardly try to figure out why you can't seem to take your machine off of a 12 percent incline.

MORE: What It's Really Like Working Out With Big Boobs (PHOTOS)

You always hear these "we met at the gym" stories from couples, but you don't see any attractive men while you get your sweat on. Instead, your gym is packed with guys your father's age.

As much as you look around, you can't find a magical instruction manual that tells you the right way to use the exercise equipment. You send up a prayer that you won't end up looking like this:

There isn't a single open spot in front of the free weights. You debate fighting one of the guys stationed in front of the mirror for some strength-training space… Eh, you didn't really want to lift weights anyway, right?

MORE: 5 Surprising Ways to Burn More Calories

You experience the painful realization that abs don't form within seconds (except when you're that guy below). You're going to have to make lots more trips back here, it seems.

A personal trainer walks over and offers to give you some help on the regular! …for a price. You knew it was too good to be true.

You notice that everything else costs an arm and a leg, too. Sure, a post-workout smoothie sounds like the perfect treat. But when it costs more than dinner with the girls? That BYO-water is lookin' pretty great.

You appear anything but flawless post-workout. And thus, the truth comes out: Your friend who "spends hours at the gym" before continuing throughout her day to do zillions of errands? Yeah, she's definitely not sweating up a storm like you are. That, or she has the antiperspirant of champions.

You head to the locker room to shower, and—whoops!—that was definitely a hot yoga studio, and there was definitely a class going on. You strongly suspect your gym might be a maze designed to keep you there for hours.

When you finally exit, you're triumphant! Working up a sweat made you feel like a million bucks. Maybe this exercising thing ain't so bad, after all.

MORE: 5 Kettlebell Mistakes You're Probably Making

All gifs courtesy of Giphy.com

6 Delicious (and Healthy!) Tomato-Basil Snacks

6 Delicious (and Healthy!) Tomato-Basil Snacks

Mix up your afternoon noshing routine in the best way possible with this #FlavorOfTheMonth.

Is there anything quite as tasty as a summer tomato complemented perfectly by fresh basil? It's a perfect warm-weather flavor combo. And while we love the version that comes from the produce aisle (or the farmer's market), there are also lots of fun (and health-conscious!) packaged foods that do this tasty duo proud.

Courtesy of Kashi

Kashi Hummus Crisps in Sun-Dried Tomato, Basil, and Feta
You can eat 27 of these tasty crisps for just 120 calories—while taking in four grams of fiber and four grams of protein. Almost sounds too good to be true, right?

Courtesy of Mediterra

Mediterra Sundried Tomato and Basil Savory Bar
Made with protein-rich pea crisps, capers, and olive oil, these are like no snack bar you’ve ever had before. They have impressive nutrition stats, too: 160 calories, six grams of fiber, and six grams of protein per bar.

Courtesy of Laughing Cow

Laughing Cow Wedges in Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil
If you’ve tried Laughing Cow wedges, then you know how addictive they can be. We love the sun-dried tomato and basil flavor spread on whole-grain crackers. Amazingly, each wedge has two grams of protein—but only 35 calories!

Courtesy of Tribe

Tribe Original Sundried Tomato and Basil Tribe Hummus
Kick run-of-the-mill hummus to the curb. This flavored option is so much more exciting. Each two-tablespoon serving contains a gram of protein and just 60 calories.

MORE: 4 Easy Ways to Jazz Up a Tub of Store-Bought Hummus

Courtesy of Snack Out Loud

Snack Out Loud Tomato Basil Crunchy Bean Snack
This nut-alternative is made with three types of beans flavored with just six ingredients: sunflower oil, tomato powder, onion powder, sea salt, garlic powder, and dried basil. Eat the whole bag, and you'll take in seven grams each of fiber and protein—and only 140 calories.

Courtesy of Calbee

Calbee Tomato Basil Lentil Snaps
Did you know that lentils come in a pod? They do—and they're delicious when baked into a crunchy snack. These guys pack five grams of protein and two grams of fiber in each 120-calorie serving. Oh, and did we mention eat serving is 22 pieces?

MORE: Top 28 Best Healthy Snacks

Why You Really, Really Shouldn't Go On a Diet

Why You Really, Really Shouldn't Go On a Diet

While watching what you eat might seem healthy, young women in particular have to be wary of overly restrictive behavior.

Most women go on a diet at some point in their lives, but new research suggests this common behavior might have dangerous long-term side effects. A new study from Florida State University finds that the younger a woman is when she first begins to diet, the more likely she is to have health problems later in life.

According to the abstract for the study, which will be presented tonight at the Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior, researchers followed an initial cohort of more than 2,000 women, tracking as many of their dieting behaviors as possible over several decades. They analyzed survey data from 1982, 1992, 2002, and 2012. At the end of the study, the researchers determined that the age a woman started dieting predicted a variety of negative health outcomes: The earlier a young woman began trying to lose weight, the more likely she was to report alcohol abuse or higher levels of consumption, to use extreme measures like self-induced vomiting to drop pounds, and to become overweight or obese by the time she entered her 30s.

While researchers haven't elaborated on why they think this relationship may exist, the fact that dieting is correlated with such scary long-term problems is cause for alarm. Consider it more proof that, instead of focusing on restrictive and punishing “diets,” you're much better off making sustainable lifestyle changes that are focused more on your overall health (and will, in the process, help you maintain a healthy weight). For instance, find out how to eat more veggies, consume your meals mindfully, and make fitness a habit—and encourage other women you know (no matter what their age) to do the same.

MORE: 6 Reasons You SHOULDN'T Starve Yourself After Over-Indulging

Running Crushes Your Heart Attack Riskâ€”No Matter How Slow You Go

Running Crushes Your Heart Attack Riskâ€"No Matter How Slow You Go

And even just five minutes on your feet will do the trick, according to a new study.

This article was written by Markham Heid and repurposed with permission from Prevention.

If you've never been pumped to hit the pavement, it's time to reconsider: Running—even once in a while at a slow pace—could slash your risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 45 percent, according to new research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

The U.S.-based study team tracked the health outcomes and running habits of more than 55,000 adults for 15 years. Compared to non-runners, those who ran saw a 30 percent drop in all-cause mortality risk and lived an average of three years longer. The best part: Those health benefits didn’t really change regardless of how often, how fast, or how far the runners ran.

MORE: Yes, You Can Run

"The mortality benefits in runners were similar across running time, distance, frequency, amount, and speed," says study co-author D.C. Lee, Ph.D, assistant professor of kinesiology at Iowa State University.

This could be great news for people who feel daunted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation to get 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week—which works out to more than 20 minutes a day. According to Lee, just five to 10 minutes a day of jogging at an easy pace will cut your cardiovascular risk by a whopping 58 percent.

Cardiovascular activity like running has been shown time and again to improve blood pressure and blood sugar sensitivity. Along with the improved cardiorespiratory fitness that results from running, any one of these effects (or all of them) could explain why runners live longer than non-runners, suggests Lee.

MORE: How to Perfect Your Running Form

If you're not a runner and you tend to not get any exercise, start by walking daily for a few weeks to help your body grow accustomed to movement and to prevent injury, recommends Lee. And once you start running, stick with it. Even if you're only out on the road or trail every once in a while for a few minutes, persistence is more important than running hard or fast, suggests the study. Runners who kept at it for six years or more enjoyed the most health benefits, says Lee. (Consider this your permission to buy yourself some snazzy new running shoes.)

So This is When Youâ€™re More Likely to Have a One Night Stand

So This is When Youâ€™re More Likely to Have a One Night Stand

And no, it’s not after four martinis.

About half of men and women check their inhibitions along with their luggage when they go on vacation. A whopping 52 percent of men and 41 percent of women have had one night stands while traveling, according to a new survey conducted by HostelBookers.com. Hey, when in Rome (or Paris, or Fiji, or Daytona…).

The site surveyed over 11,000 travelers about their "juiciest travel sex secrets." Aside from the crazy-high number of one night stands that are happening around the world, they also found that 16 percent of people have cheated while traveling and 43.5 percent have slept with more than one person on the same trip. With all this sex going on, we can’t help but wonder if these travelers have actually seen any sights!

Hey, we get it: You're on vacation, feeling a little wild, and you'll probably never see this person again—it makes sense. That said, just because you're tossing out your inhibitions, that doesn't mean you can toss safety out the window, too. Use these guidelines to ensure a fun—and safe—foreign fling:

Stock Your Bag
If you think you may see more than just the local sights on your next trip, make sure to pack all the essentials, like condoms, your birth control, and even a spare prescription just in case you lose yours during the packing and unpacking frenzies. And if you’re not already on a reliable birth control method, you may consider picking up Plan B before you go just in case you have a condom slip-up abroad. Unfortunately, it’s not always available over the counter in another country.

MORE: Is No Strings Attached Sex Ever Enough?

Use the Buddy System
If you decide to leave your travel companions for a night out with someone you met, always make sure they know where you are, who you're with, and how to reach you. While you may want a little alone time with your foreign friend, safety should always come first.

MORE: The One Time You SHOULDN'T Have Sex

Make Sure You're Mentally Prepared
Research shows that while some women feel great after casual sex, others feel lousy. So to make sure you don't wake up with an emotional hangover abroad, ask yourself these four questions before hooking up.

MORE: Are Women Not Wired for Casual Sex?

Katy Perry Says She Doesn't Need a Man to Become a Mom

Katy Perry Says She Doesn't Need a Man to Become a Mom

The singer tells Rolling Stone parenting is in her life plan—with or without "a dude" in the picture.

Katy Perry's been a poster child for girl power her entire career, which is why we're not surprised to hear the entertainer say she's more than willing to tackle motherhood—with or without a partner at her side.

"I want to be doing that in the right time," the singer shares in the latest issue of Rolling Stone. "And that's not in the next two years, you know? Maybe it's in a five-year plan, but I need to really be able to focus 100 percent of my attention on it. I don't really want to take the child on tour. Not until, like, birth through five is over."

MORE: How Katy Perry Defines the Word Feminist

We like her perspective on motherhood—and the fact that she's so honest and unapologetic about it. There's no shame in wanting to focus as much love and attention on a kid as you possibly can (and waiting to have children until you can do that).

Katy's also got great perspective on 21st-century options when it comes to wanting and caring for children. "I don't think I'll have to [have a guy], but we'll see," she says. "I'm not anti-men. I love men. But there is an option if someone doesn't present himself."

We could totally see her making like Charlize Theron or Sandra Bullock and becoming a single mom. If you, like Katy, want to get pregnant—but not right now—check out these foods that can help extend your fertility.

MORE: The Other Side of Surrogacy You Need to Know About

10 Very Real Struggles of Dating a Guy With a Beard

10 Very Real Struggles of Dating a Guy With a Beard

You can't say we didn't warn you.

Every month is Movember when you're dating a guy with a beard. And while the scruffy look can be hot, there are some very real, err, challenges that come with the territory. Don't believe us? Well…

Beard Burn Is a B*tch
At some point, likely in the makeout-heavy first few months of your relationship, you might want to invest in some heavy facial cream. Better yet, just smear petroleum jelly on the lower half of your face before you lock lips. You can pass it off as facial highlighter.

His Beard Doubles As Velcro
Tissue bits, scraps of food, random fuzzies—they all manage to snuggle in there.

There's No Telling What's Underneath
Zits, scars, a Rainbow Brite facial tat—it's anyone's guess what lies beneath all that facial fur. Whether he's hiding something or just doing his best hipster impression, it's a total mystery.

He's Bizarrely Proud of It
If puberty taught him nothing else, it's that growing a full beard is worthy of some serious kudos. Now that he can do it on the regular, you better believe he's going to werk it.

Clogged Sinks Come With the Territory
If he likes to keep it neat and tidy, that hair has to go somewhere. And that somewhere is your pipes. Better invest in some drain cleaner, pronto.

There's a Tipping Point
One minute he's Jake Gyllenhaal…and then he's Gandalf. Which would you rather date?

It Gets Wet
Glistening stubble? Hot. Dripping wet beard? Oh, definitely not.

It Can Develop An, Um, Eau
To be fair, it's only sometimes, like after he cooks fish in a hot kitchen. Just to be safe, you might want to keep some odor-eliminator spray handy.

He Gets "Creative" With It
Usually at inopportune times, like before your high school reunion or oh, I don't know, your wedding. Guys don't have nail art or cool new fashion trends to express themselves. Instead, they have facial hair. That leads to looks like this (which I can't say I randomly pulled off the Internet):

Photo credit: Korin Miller

He Looks Weird Without It
You didn't just fall for him; You fell for him and the beard. It's like a whole new relationship without it.

all gifs courtesy of giphy.com

10 Weird, Emo, and Hilarious Thoughts You Have When You Stop Breastfeeding

10 Weird, Emo, and Hilarious Thoughts You Have When You Stop Breastfeeding

Who knew you would get so attached to being physically attached to your baby?

As most breastfeeding moms can attest, you get kind of obsessed with what you’ll do when you finally stop (I’ll do shots! No more pumping! More shots!). But when the moment finally arrives, it’s unexpectedly bittersweet. On one hand, you get your boobs back! On the other, it’s a sign that your snuffly little baby isn’t so little anymore. Here are the emotional, random, and kind of hilarious things you go through when you stop nursing.

"I Can Have a Margarita Again!"
This is huge—freaking huge, you guys. Whether you subscribe to the school of thought that the occasional beer or glass of wine is OK while you're nursing or were a teetotaler, hard alcohol is usually off-limits unless you pump 'n' dump (and trust, it's gut-wrenching to dump liquid gold). It's like being a freshman in college again, crappy tolerance and all.

"…But I Can’t Drink Too Much"
That whole becoming a mom thing? Yeah, you're not the same person you used to be. Even if you have the best babysitter in the world, odds are you're going to feel a little nervous about getting a buzz on.

"I Don’t Have to Wear a Bra to Bed Anymore!"
Crank up "Freebird"—that’s your jam now! Heck, you don't have to wear a bra again ever if you don’t feel like it. That is…until the next kid.

"Um, Where Did My Boobs Go?"
Seriously, what is this cruelty? You go up two cup sizes, only to go down three. And some of us were barely an A cup to start with. (Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it feels slightly weird to be the same bra size you were when you were 13—especially after your Pam Anderson phase.)

MORE: 13 Reasons Small Boobs Rock

"Take a Hike, Nursing Pads!"
There's nothing sexy about wearing what amounts to a maxi pad on your boobs 24/7. Eau de sour milk doesn't exactly help, either.

"Maybe I'll Start Up a Frozen Breast Milk Shop Online!"
You know how valuable a commodity it is—pretty much every parent ever knows how valuable it is. And all the diapers you still need to buy are freaking expensive! Throw milk in the garbage? That’s crazy talk.

"I'm Going to Take a Sledgehammer to My Pump!"
Itchy boobs, cracked nipples—you know where to point the finger. But you and the pump went through a lot together. You have history. Plus, it cost a boatload of money.

"It Won't be Weird When My Partner Touches Them!"
Err, it kind of still is. Last time you checked, boobs equaled baby food, and that’s about as far away from sexy as you can get.

MORE: 31 Ways to Have More Fun with Your Boobs Every Day

"My Baby Will Never be This Little Anymore"
Just a word of advice: Stay far, far away from greeting card commercials and the heart-warming children’s book If I Could Keep You Little during this time. It's nothing but trouble.

"Do I Really Want to do This?"
It's hard to move on from months of treating your milk supply like an atomic bomb. It's even harder to give up that precious time with your baby. You start to understand why that mom posed on a magazine cover while nursing her three-year-old. You even rationalize doing it yourself. (She seemed cool! Her kid was cute! I own that tank top! Screw it—my kid can nurse til he's 18 if he wants!) You know you can’t keep your baby little forever…but you still want to.

MORE: 10 Hot Male Celebs with Their Pets, Just Because

50 Beauty Items That Are (Gasp!) Loaded With Bacteria

50 Beauty Items That Are (Gasp!) Loaded With Bacteria

Seriously, <i>so</i> gross.

This article was written by Aly Walansky and repurposed with permission from Beauty High.

If you're trying to steer clear of anything laden with bacteria, we have some bad news for you: Nothing that's part of your beauty routine is completely germ-free. Obviously, you can't avoid anything and everything in your medicine cabinet—but read on to find out what you should really be looking out for germ-wise in your everyday life.

Loofah
"The moist environment of the loofah acts like a fertile petri dish, promoting mold and bacteria growth," says dermatologist Rachael Eckels, M.D., ZO Skin Health faculty member. Since loofahs are also abbrasive, they can create microtears in your skin that leave you susceptible to germs that cause common conditions, such as folliculitis (red bumps and pustules at hair follicles) and impetigo (yellow oozing or crusting on a red base). Sounds like a good reason to use a wash cloth to us!

Toothbrushes
Yours is likely extra-gross if you keep it anywhere near the toilet. Those bristles harbor bacteria from within your mouth, the air, and anything floating around. And if you bleed from flossing, there may be blood in there, as well. Make sure your tooth brush dries thoroughly between uses to minimize the amount of bacteria that survive on it.

Lipstick
If you add lipstick after eating a meal, food remnants can seep into the lipstick itself, eventually turning into bacteria, says health expert David Dragoo, M.D. The easy fix? Wait to re-apply.

Makeup Samples
Roughly 20 percent of makeup samples in the beauty department contain bacteria as well, says Dragoo. Since so many stores have good return policies now, it's best to sample the shades you're interested in at home and bring back whatever doesn't work for you.

Hairbrushes and Combs
When was the last time you cleaned the hair out and gave that brush a good cleaning? Your dirty hair and the oils and products you're using are accumulating all the time.

Nail Clippers, Files, and Buffers
Think about all the places your hands have been. In salons, these tools are cleaned between uses—but do you do so at home? If not, it's time to start.

Makeup Brushes
It's a similar situation to toothbrushes if you keep them in the bathroom. When you flush the toilet, bacteria can go into the air—and with your brushes sitting near it, they become a landing site. But no matter where you store them, your brushes need to be cleaned regularly since they're used to apply product to your face and can harbor bacteria in the bristles.

Click HERE to see 40 more things riddled with germs from Beauty High.

#StyleCrave: Adorable Emoticon Jewelry

#StyleCrave: Adorable Emoticon Jewelry

Wear your heart on your sleeve…or around your neck.

WHAT: Jane Basch Designs Emoji Necklaces

WHY: They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Emojis may not be as verbose, but they certainly convey your thoughts faster than a typed-out text. Now these digital characters are getting their points across offline. Jane Basch Design, a brand renowned for its scrolling monogram jewelry, is introducing a collection of nine Emoji necklaces. Giving a wink or blowing a kiss without having to hit send—if that's not effortless charm, what is?

BUY: From $136 for silver or gold-plated, $312.50 for 14kt gold, janebasch.com

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

6 Reasons You SHOULDN'T Starve Yourself After Over-Indulging

6 Reasons You SHOULDN'T Starve Yourself After Over-Indulging

It just isn't worth it.

So last night, you ate half a pizza…and a cupcake…and had two glasses of wine. This may seem counterintuitive, but you shouldn't severely restrict your food intake afterward—it's one of the worst things you can do. "Let's say you go overboard by 1,200 calories," says Karen Ansel, M.S., R.D., author of The Calendar Diet: A Month by Month Guide to Losing Weight While Living Your Life. "To put that into perspective, it's about a third of a pound. It just doesn’t make much of a difference to your overall health or appearance." Rather than going on a juice cleanse immediately, Ansel recommends just eating more mindfully during every meal over the next few days. Find out all of the reasons why you shouldn't go into super-restrictive mode after over-eating:

It Screws With Your Metabolism
Restricting your diet too much wreaks havoc on your glucose and insulin levels, both of which are key players when it comes to a smoothly running metabolism, says Ansel. "Studies have shown eating irregular meals, like only once a day, impairs your glucose tolerance so you can't use it as effectively," she says.

MORE: Can Cardio Really Make You Overeat?

You Won't be Able to Exercise as Well
How can you kill it at the gym if you don’t have any energy? "There have been studies on athletes doing intermittent fasting during Ramadan, and their performance actually suffers," says Ansel. Plus, if you're dragging, you're less likely to be vigilant about your form and may set yourself up for an injury.

It's Harder to Sleep
"I see some sleep issues with clients who don't eat enough during the day," says Ansel. The reasoning is simple: They get so hungry, their bodies keep waking them up. "Sometimes, they even get out of bed at 1 or 2 in the morning so they can finally have something to eat," says Ansel. Sounds like the opposite of a good night's rest, right?

MORE: 3 Ways to Stop Emotional Eating Before You Start

Not Eating Equals Terrible Breath
Here's a pretty persuasive argument against over-restricting: "If your body isn't getting the carbs it needs for energy, you'll burn fat," says Ansel. "It sounds great, but if you're only burning fat you go into this state called ketosis." And when you're in ketosis, you produce compounds called ketone bodies that cause gross breath. This process happens pretty quickly, too. "If you skip breakfast, it may start to kick in by lunchtime," says Ansel.

You Won't Be Able to Think Clearly
Brains can't run on all cylinders without proper nourishment, says Ansel. Your brain uses about 25 percent of your body's glucose, so if you aren't getting enough, it'll be running on fumes. "You're going to be tired, crabby, have headaches, and probably not going to work very well," says Ansel.

It Makes a Binge Pretty Much Inevitable
We all know that if you don't eat, you probably won't be able to control yourself later on. The sneaky thing about this that you may not realize is how easily it can become a cycle. Picture this: You don't eat all day long. By the end of the day, your body's demanding immediate calories rather than the ones you stored from last night. You'll give in and eat a ton, but the next morning you wake up and aren’t hungry. Pretty quickly, this effect can end up pushing your entire eating schedule back. "I see a lot of people who become used to not eating until noon or 1 p.m., then they eat tremendous amounts at night," says Ansel. To avoid this outcome, have something light in the morning after overeating, even if it's just a yogurt.

MORE: Q&A: Why Am I Still Hungry After Overeating?

The Brilliant Way One Woman Is Getting Through a Breakup (it Involves BeyoncÃ©)

The Brilliant Way One Woman Is Getting Through a Breakup (it Involves BeyoncÃ©)

Consider this the QUEEN of all heartbreak cures

Beyoncé isn't called Queen Bey for nothin.' She's pretty much the cure for any situation—whether you're getting pumped up for a night out, channeling your inner sex goddess, or healing from a heartache. In fact, one woman is making headlines for using a little Bey-spriation, if you will, to get over her ex-boyfriend.

Seriously, 19-year-old Cassandra Blackwel turned to the singer for consolation in the most creative way ever, reports Buzzfeed . She Photoshopped images of Beyoncé over her ex's face in a series of photos, creating a work of art now known as "Beyoncifying."

Chances are Bey is already your spirit animal, but Blackwel’s awesomely creative use of her photos is just genius. The teen uploaded these images to her tumblr, Beyoncify My Boyfriend, which has officially gone viral. It’s clear that Blackwel doesn’t have serious Photoshop skills, but she told Buzzfeed that wasn’t really the point. "I'm not trying to properly cover him," she told the site. "I'm just slapping him with Beyoncé, and people are really responding to that."

As if "slapping him with Beyoncé" isn’t amazing enough, her tumblr’s tagline is even better: "Breakups suck. You know what makes them easier? Re-imagining your happiest times together with none other than Queen B." Good job, Blackwel. You’re doing it right.

MORE: 8 Stages Everyone Goes Through During a Breakup (in GIFs!)

The pictures prove that having a good sense of humor during a breakup is key—and sure, having Beyoncé by your side wouldn't hurt either. Blackwel is even generous enough to offer other heartbroken singles the chance to have ‘yonce Photoshopped into their keepsakes. Not only does this literally erase your ex from all your otherwise awesome photos, but you can now remember last year's Christmas party as being way more epic—after all, your date was BEYONCE!

MORE: This Might Be the Best Breakup EVER

No word on how much Blackwel is charging (if at all), but we’re definitely interested to see what other women's albums look like after they've been Beyoncified. And if this post-split tactic doesn’t really seem like your style, here are other healthy ways to get over a breakup.

MORE: 9 Ways to Be More Like Beyoncé

5 Ways to Help Your Friend Through a Divorce

5 Ways to Help Your Friend Through a Divorce

Fight the urge to sign her up for OkCupid and read this instead

Most women have experience helping a friend through a bad breakup, but what about a divorce? Splitting up any relationship is painful, but divorces often include the added nightmare of dividing up the assets and the complicated untangling of your personal lives, not to mention custody conversations if children are involved. So what can you do to ease a friend’s transition from married to single? We asked licensed psychologist Andrea Bonior, Ph.D., author of The Friendship Fix, for a five tips on what to say, what to do, and how to be there.

Listen More Than You Talk
"A lot of the time people are so concerned with saying the right thing that they forget to listen," says Bonior. It's crucial to make sure your friend knows you're there for her to open up whenever she's ready, but they might still be sorting out their own thoughts and feelings. So avoid jumping in with phrases like, "you'll bounce back from this soon," "I know how you feel" or "let's get you back out there!" You may think you’re helping, but you could inadvertently say something to trigger even more negative emotions.

Ask What You Can Do
Once it seems like your friend has started processing the breakup and can use a hand—whether it's meeting with divorce lawyers, going over paperwork, or just watching her kids for a while—ask specifically how you can help. "Don't be vague and say 'let me know what I can do,' because that puts the burden on her to ask for your help, which can be awkward," says Bonior. Instead, suggest ways to assist, like going grocery shopping for her, taking the kids to the park for the afternoon, or taking her to brunch.

Don't Riff On Relationships
You just want to make her feel better, so you blab that marriage is the worst/all men are pigs/love is a myth/whatever hateful declaration that you think she wants to hear. But it's a bad idea to spew this negative energy and downplay relationships—especially your own, says Bonior. "You don't have to create a notion that all marriages are bad." Not only can your friend see through your attempt to make her feel better, but she might also feel worse if she thinks you're going through a hard time, too.

MORE: 6 Rules For Getting Over A Breakup The Healthy Way

Be Honest About Any Ties to Her Ex
If you or your significant other was close to both partners in a divorce, it can seem like you have to pick sides—and in some cases you actually might. Obviously, this shouldn't be something you bring up right away, but it’s not something you want to ignore forever either. If your partner is still friends (or friendly) with her former spouse, be open and honest about it, says Bonior. It'll only make things worse in the long run if you try to hide it. That said, if your friend flat-out asks you to choose sides in the divorce, you may have to think about whether or not you can realistically stay friends with both people.

MORE: Katy Perry's Amazing Post-Divorce Relationship Advice

Be Mindful of Their Mental Health
Finally, if you notice behavioral changes, a shift in appearance, or an increase in feelings of apathy in your friend, she might be suffering from depression, which can often be brought on by major life-altering events like a divorce. Bonior explains that it's OK to suggest she talk to someone about her issues, and there are ways to bring it up that are non-intrusive. For instance, you can mention that your "friend" found that speaking with someone during her divorce was incredibly helpful. There's only so much you can do if she needs a licensed professional, so it's definitely in her best interest to say something.

MORE: 11 Tips for Dating After Divorce

4 Ways to Lose Weight on Vacation

4 Ways to Lose Weight on Vacation

You'll come home happier—and lighter, too.

This article was written by Emily Abbate and repurposed with permission from Fitbie.com.

We love the sunshine-filled days of summer, also known as the prime time for vacations with family and friends. But while you may be taking a break from your normal routine, that doesn't mean you need to forgo your weight-loss efforts. We recently caught up with Scott Danberg, director of fitness at the Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa in Miami, for easy ways to avoid vacation weight gain.

MORE: The No-Equipment Workout Ideal for Summer Travel

Walk or Ride While Sight-Seeing
Sure, you could take a double-decker bus tour around the city. But why do that when you can travel by foot—or pedal—to various sites? (There are even fun bike tours offered in many destinations.) There's no better way to take in the joys, scents, and surprises of the locales you're visiting. If you're unsure which areas are safe, ask your hotel's concierge for walking maps of the area.

MORE: 5 Surprising Ways to Burn More Calories

Exercise at the Airport
You'll be doing plenty of sitting on the plane, so take time before lift-off to listen to your favorite music (via headphones) and take a stroll. Sure, it's not a full-blown workout (the last thing you want to do is be sweaty when you board the plane), but every step counts.

Research Local Fitness Facilities
When booking hotels, look for ones with fitness centers or guest passes to nearby gyms. If you can roll out of bed and roll into a gym minutes later, you're practically guaranteeing a workout will happen. Plus, exercising every morning will increase your motivation to eat better throughout the day.

MORE: 6 Expert Tips for a Better Beach Run

Find Interesting Outdoor Workouts
Vacation's the time for fun and adventure. Want to try a scuba diving or snorkeling class? Go ahead! You can also paddle in canoes along a river, play beach volleyball, or water ski. Because really, anything that elevates your heart rate and allows you to have fun is a win-win situation—for you and your waistline.

MORE: 7 Best Fit Vacation Destinations

7 Incredibly Refreshing Mint Smoothies

7 Incredibly Refreshing Mint Smoothies

Your taste buds (and breath!) will definitely appreciate these.

Mint is great for adding a burst of flavor to your smoothies—so take a look at these seven tasty sips, stock up on the herb, and get blending!

Feel more Zen by sipping on a combo of mint and green tea (along with banana, maple syrup, and almond milk). Ahh, pure bliss!

You’re pretty much guaranteed to say yum after you sip on this drink, which is made with mint, mango, pineapple, ginger, and chia seeds.

Watermelon and mint are all you need to make this tasty smoothie.

Meet your new favorite smoothie recipe: mint, spinach, coconut (shavings and milk), avocado, and cacao.

If green’s your favorite color, this one’s for you! Just blend mint, green apple, kiwi, kale, spinach, pineapple, banana, and coconut water. OK, so those last three aren’t green—but they’re still delicious!

This guy’s made with almond milk, almond milk ice cubes, a frozen banana, vanilla protein, spinach, mint leaves, and cacao nibs—but it tastes just like a mint chocolate chip shake!

When you blend mint, honeydew, and cucumber, the flavor is beyond fantastic!

Feeling inspired to break out your blender? Show us your pics! Next week, we’ll be sharing smoothies made with #blueberries on our site. Tag @WomensHealthMag in your #BlueberrySmoothie photos on Instagram for the chance to be featured. Just remember to include the entire recipe in your caption so our readers know how to recreate your yummy concoction. Good luck!

3 Ways to Recover Faster Post-Workout

3 Ways to Recover Faster Post-Workout

Your muscles will thank you for this.

This article was written by BJ Gaddour and repurposed with permission from Men’s Health.

Foam rolling is a great way to speed recovery. Kneading your muscles after a hard workout can help ease soreness by breaking up adhesions (tight knots of connective tissue) and enhancing blood flow. But a foam roller is just one of many tools you can use before, after, or between workouts to boost your mobility and fast-track your recovery. Here are three other options you've probably never considered.

Barbell
Use this to loosen up your calves and Achilles tendons, especially after a tough run or something strenuous like a pickup basketball game. Place your lower legs on the bar (or even one leg at a time on the handle of a dumbbell or kettlebell) and move them from side to side to break up adhesions.

Resistance Band
Secure a thick, looped resistance band to an anchor point. Then step inside the free end so it sits above your ankle. Facing away from the anchor, walk forward a few steps to put tension in the band. Now drive your knee past your toes several times. Repeat with your other leg. Physical therapists call this "band distraction." The benefit is better ankle mobility.

Softball
Your targets: glutes and chest. The payoff: improved hip mobility and upper-body range of motion. Sit on a softball (or a lacrosse ball if you can handle it) and dig into your glute muscles, which can become knotted and tight from prolonged sitting. Repeat with the ball sandwiched between your chest and a wall.

BJ Gaddour, C.S.C.S., is the owner of StreamFit.com and author of Your Body Is Your Barbell.

Would You Ever Consider a Trial Marriage?

Would You Ever Consider a Trial Marriage?

Try-before-you-buy just got a little more serious

You probably wouldn't buy a new smartphone if it didn't come with a risk-free trial period, but would you want the same setup for your marriage? According to a recent survey, most millennials are totally on board with the idea of a "trial marriage." Let us explain:

The survey—commissioned by USA to promote their new drama Satisfaction—asked 1,000 Americans ages 18-49 about their attitudes and thoughts on relationships. We've already reported on some of the eye-popping results, like that 81 percent would cheat if there were no consequences, and that 51 percent of people believe monogamy isn't totally realistic.

But get this: Almost half of millennials (43 percent overall, and higher among the youngest subset) said they would support a "beta" marriage model that involved a two-year trial—after which the union could be formalized or dissolved, no divorce or paperwork necessary. (Um, isn't that an engagement?)

Another 33 percent said they'd consider trying what researchers coined the "real estate" approach—marriage licenses granted on five-, seven-, 10- or 30-year arms, after which the terms could be renegotiated. Finally, 21 percent said they'd dabble in the "presidential" method, in which marriage vows last for four years but after eight you may choose a new partner.

MORE: The Weird Thing That Lowers Your Divorce Rate

It might seem crazy, but could these try-before-you-buy ideas actually make some sense? On one hand, you certainly can't blame a generation for being a little cautious about commitment after being bombarded with scary divorce stats all their lives. And it seems like there’s another beloved celebrity couple splitting up every week (thanks a lot, conscious uncoupling). For a generation that's constantly presented with the next best thing—in technology, social media, and online dating—it makes sense that they would be intrigued by a beta method when it comes to love.

That said, new research shows that the divorce rate is actually much lower than you think, and the majority of married couples are happy. Not to mention, renegotiating a marriage every few years sounds exhausting and not at all sexy. Plus, it's a little depressing to think about trying on a relationship the same way we consider an awesome pair of Jimmy Choos. (Whatever happened to vows, people?!)

MORE: The Best Ages to Move in Together, Get Married, and Have Babies

But don't get discouraged too quickly. Just because the survey respondents would consider these unique unions, that doesn't mean all millennials are way too cynical for love. According to recent data from the Pew Research Institute, though just 26 percent of millennials are married (compared to 48 percent of Baby Boomers at that age), an impressive 69 percent of them would like to get married. And whether they'd be happiest with a lifelong love or a monogam-ish setup, it's clear that romance isn’t totally extinct.

Tell us: What do you think about "trial marriages?" Would you test out a marriage, knowing you could dissolve it without any legal intervention a few years later? Let us know in the comments below.

MORE: 10 Signs Your Relationship is Rock-Solid and Going to Last

The New Signs of Skin Cancer That You Need to Know About

The New Signs of Skin Cancer That You Need to Know About

Add these to the ABCDE symptom checklist

We hate to interrupt you under that beach umbrella, but we want to share some encouraging news about diagnosing skin cancer. A new study published in JAMA Dermatology found two new symptoms of the disease: pain and itching. Consider adding these to the already establish list of signs to watch out for.

Researchers studied 268 people diagnosed with one of the three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and the less common but more lethal melanoma. Subjects were asked to rank on a scale of one to ten the level of pain or itching of their lesion. Results showed that 37 percent of the cancerous lesions itched, while 28 percent were characterized by pain. Many of patients experienced both symptoms together: 46 percent of the lesions that hurt also itched, while 60 percent of the painful lesions left sufferers scratching.

MORE: Sunscreen May Not Be Enough to Protect Against Melanoma

Interestingly, though itching and/or pain characterized basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, both signs were significantly less associated with melanoma. In a way, that's kind of a bummer. With melanoma much more deadly, it would be helpful to have two more clues that can help doctors identify it at an earlier, curable stage. But still, with skin cancer the most common form of cancer overall and cases on the rise, the study results are definitely useful.

"Patients sometimes have multiple lesions that are suspicious looking, and those that are itchy or painful should raise high concerns for non-melanoma skin cancers," said study lead author Gil Yosipovitch, M.D., chairman of the Department of Dermatology at Temple University School of Medicine, in a Temple news release.

MORE: The Tanning Bed—Melanoma Connection

The researchers hope the results will help dermatologists diagnose skin cancer. Yet there's takeaway for you too, which is to add itching and pain to the established list of skin cancer symptoms to keep a sharp eye out for. Forgotten the others? Just remember ABCDE, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving. To put it more simply, you’re looking for moles or marks that are asymmetrical, have an irregular border, sport more than one color, are larger than a pencil eraser, and/or continually evolve but don’t go away. Anything that fits these parameters should be checked out by a derm ASAP. Here are five new ways to spot skin cancer.

MORE: What's Your Skin Cancer Risk?

You Might Want to Lay Off the Soul Mate Talk

You Might Want to Lay Off the Soul Mate Talk

Science says it could be messing with your relationship.

Here's a reality check: Thinking that you and your partner are "meant to be" could actually be bad news for your relationship, according to new research published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology.

Researchers wanted to see how different attitudes about love could affect your actual relationship satisfaction. They started with the assumption that there are two basic ways of thinking about love: As something that's totally meant to be, like a perfect unity (#soulmates); or as a complex journey where you have your ups and downs, but you grow from them. Then they primed study participants to think about love in either of those ways, and analyzed how that affected their relationship satisfaction.

To test this, they exposed 73 people in long-term relationships to either "unity" catchphrases (we are one, my better half, made for each other) or "journey" phrases (we've walked together, a long trail, look how far we've come). The participants were then asked to recall conflicts that they had in their relationships.

Interestingly, when considering conflicts, people who had been primed to think of love in terms of unity felt less satisfied in their relationships, while those who thought of their bond as a journey experienced no such dip.

They then repeated the study—this time priming the participants with image-based cues of each mindset—and found the same thing: In the face of conflict, people who were thinking of love as a perfect unity had lower relationship satisfaction.

MORE: Can You Blame 'The Bachelor' for Unrealistic Expectations About Love?

So why can such a romantic outlook actually harpoon your happiness? If you think you and your S.O. are supposed to be perfect for each other, any disagreement or conflict pretty much disproves the notion that you’re totally made for each other, explain the researchers. And it might even make you wonder if your real soul mate is still out there…

MORE: 8 Ways to Ask for What You Want in a Relationship

But don't fall for it! Sure, fairytales, rom-coms, and our friends' obnoxiously-in-love Facebook pictures can trick us into thinking happy relationships have to be 100 percent rainbows with a strong chance of cuddle fests. But truth be told, relationships are hard, and Mr. Perfect doesn't exist—and that's actually a good thing! Realizing that your partner is a real person and not some idealized Prince Charming is crucial for getting through both the ups and downs in a relationship. So rather than toasting to soul mates on your anniversary, maybe just blast some of Drake's "Started from the Bottom" instead.

MORE: 7 Totally Unrealistic Things Hollywood Taught Us About Love

You've Gotta See This: Zoe Saldana Got Naked for the Cover of Women's Health U.K.

You've Gotta See This: Zoe Saldana Got Naked for the Cover of Women's Health U.K.

One word: wow

The latest issue of Women's Health U.K. just hit newsstands, and its cover is definitely attention-grabbing: It features a clothes-free Zoe Saldana, in honor of the magazine's naked issue. "My body is less toned," Zoe told the magazine. "I do look in the mirror and see things I don't want to. My first reaction is [she does a horrified gasp] and then I breathe and I think, 'I'm a woman, I'm 36, my body is changing.'"

Courtesy of Women's Health U.K.

Check out more smoking hot photos of the sexy, down-to-earth actress here:

Courtesy of Women's Health U.K.

That must have been some photo shoot!

The issue has hit newsstands in the U.K. amid pregnancy rumors about the star. Zoe's publicist hasn't confirmed them—but if they do turn out to be true, that means that Zoe's naked photo shoot took place while she was pregnant. Pretty gutsy, no? Read an excerpt of the story at WomensHealthMag.co.uk, and pick up the issue for the full interview (if you live in the U.K., of course!).

More like this from Women's Health (the American version!):
Watch our behind-the-scenes video from Zoe's latest WH America cover shoot
Zoe Saldana: "Women Aren't Wimpy!"
Read our 2009 interview with the star... and see how much she's changed

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Study: Nuts May Slash Diabetes and Heart Disease Risk

Study: Nuts May Slash Diabetes and Heart Disease Risk

Plus, how to eat them for the best results

It’s no secret that nuts are good for you. But if you're always trying to keep your servings small, there may be a new reason to start indulging. Loading up on them may reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes—without spurring weight gain, according to two new meta-analyses from the Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre of St. Michael’s Hospital.

For the first analysis, researchers reviewed 12 clinical trials that compared the effects of eating diets infused with tree nuts compared to those that didn’t on persons with diabetes. They found that eating about two servings a day of tree nuts greatly improved their blood sugar control.

MORE: The Food That Slashes Your Diabetes Risk

In the second one, they analyzed the findings of 49 randomized control trials (that included a total of 2,226 participants) on nut consumption and metabolic syndrome, the name for a group of risk factors that increases the risk of heart disease and other health problems such as diabetes and strokes. They determined that those who loaded up on tree nuts reduced two of the five markers for metabolic syndrome: blood sugars and triglycerides.

And get this: Even though nuts are high in calories and fat—and the participants in the trials ate nearly ½ cup of them a day—they didn’t gain weight. How on earth can you make room for all of those filling nuts? Eat them in place of refined carbohydrates, suggest the researchers, who note that people who ate tree nuts in place of refined carbohydrates rather than in place of saturated fats fared the best.

MORE: Study: Saturated Fat May Not Cause Heart Disease

While the reviews didn't examine how nuts improve these health markers, experts believe that their combination of healthy fats, antioxidants, and minerals have something to do with it. In fact, one previous meta-analysis found that people who ate nuts on a near-daily basis were 29 percent less likely to die from heart disease, 11 percent less likely to die from cancer, and 20 percent less likely to die from diabetes or lung diseases.

So go ahead, grab a handful. Or, if you want, make it two.

MORE: Go Nuts: 3 Delicious Recipes

It Took Me 5 Years to Lose 40 Pounds Because of These Mistakes

It Took Me 5 Years to Lose 40 Pounds Because of These Mistakes

Learn from one woman’s experience to shave time off your own weight loss journey.

This article was written by Jenny Sugar and repurposed with permission from POPSUGAR Fitness.

My weight-loss journey wasn't one of those amazing stories like you see on The Biggest Loser where the pounds just melted off. Oh, no. I spent years making the same mistakes over and over, which meant not losing a single pound. If you're on the quest to lose weight, learn from my story on what not to do and how I finally made the shift to where I am today.

Courtesy of Jenny Sugar

Before (1999)
I Always Skipped Breakfast
I knew I needed to eat less, so I would hold off on eating until I was absolutely famished, which meant nothing until lunchtime. Not only did this slow down my metabolism, but I also ended up feeling so hungry that I ate a much bigger lunch than I normally would have. This weight-loss tactic of mine actually made me gain weight. When I started eating breakfast, the pounds started to drop.

I Only Did One Type of Exercise
When I was overweight, I felt really self-conscious wearing skintight pants in a group fitness class (my gym had huge mirrors), and I felt even worse running outside—it only took one rude comment out of a speeding car about my bouncing chest. Then, a good friend took me to my first yoga class, and I was hooked. The whole environment was so loving and supportive—it didn't matter what I looked like, and no one was looking at me. I started going three times a week but was puzzled that even after a few months, I wasn't losing weight. I didn't realize that not all types of exercise are the same, until another friend suggested I start including cardio. I started with some short 15-minute runs a few times a week, and it was like a light switch turned on. The scale numbers started going down, finally.

I Was the Carb Queen
Crackers, bread, cereal, pasta? Sign me up! I loved carbs, and even though I chose the complex variety, they were still carbs. I ate them for every meal and snack, which didn't leave much room for high-fiber fresh fruits and veggies. I finally took a step back and realized that my diet consisted of mostly bread. My belly was not happy, and I ended up going gluten-free for six years. Of course, I didn't do that right either, since I just replaced the carb-loaded foods I normally ate with ones that were gluten-free. But when I started eating more produce, that's when I noticed a change in how my belly felt and looked.

I Ate Unhealthy Portions
I inherited an enormous sweet tooth from my mother, and I knew I had to get that under control (and stop baking!). I started only shopping at health food stores and filled my kitchen with all the healthy foods I could find: cashews, dried mango, fresh juice, peanut butter, whole grains, and hummus. I cut out the cookies and ice cream, but it didn't matter because I never measured a single bite of the foods I was eating. Of course, I gained weight spooning peanut butter from the jar and didn't start losing it until I got a hold of some measuring cups and spoons to see what appropriate portion sizes really looked like.

Courtesy of Jenny Sugar

After (2008)
I was never naturally thin or fit, so when I gained that 40 pounds, I was probably already 10 or more pounds overweight to begin with. My weight-loss journey lasted about five years—much longer than it should have due to the mistakes I kept making. Once I kept track of my calorie intake—focusing on fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains—and exercised regularly (running and yoga) about five times a week, I lost a pound a week over a year.

Being on the healthy path was so fulfilling, not just because it made me feel comfortable in my skin, but I just felt so much more radiant and more energetic. I wanted to share that with others—to help them feel that joy—so I became a yoga instructor in 2000 and a health and fitness writer in 2007.

Today
Even through two pregnancies, I was able to maintain a healthy weight and get back to my pre-baby body—it just took time and determination. So don't give up. Stick with your healthy ways, and you'll soon have an "after" picture to show off, too.