Questions About Alcohol and Your HCG Diet

I get a lot of HCG diet questions relating to alcohol consumption on the HCG diet and if HCG 2.0 is different in comparison. I wish I had better news, but alcohol is one of the worst things you can consume that will adversely effect your weight loss. Not only is alcohol extremely high in calories containing 7 calories per gram compared to protein or carbs, which contain only 4 calories per gram, but over-consumption can be taxing on the liver. If your liver is busy oxidizing alcohol, it’s not oxidizing fats which then accumulate both in the liver (fatty liver disease) and systemically in  your belly, arms and thighs. Beer and wine is going to be highest in calories followed by straight liquors. Definitely avoid sugary mixers that can double and even triple the caloric intake. Mix with water or diet soda… in moderation. As is life, moderation is the key.

With all said above, I still have plenty of dieters that lose weight successfully while on HCG 2.0. The key to successfully imbibing alcohol while on the low calorie phase of your HCG diet is choosing the right adult beverages and consuming them in a responsible, intentional way. There’s an appropriate time to enjoy a moderate amount of alcohol to unwind or to celebrate. Aside from the positive aspects of socializing, some types of alcohol are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and they may also reduce the risk of infection with the bacteria that causes ulcers.

Here are a few key factors to help you decide whether you should pop a cork:

• Alcohol is a toxin to the liver.
• Alcohol is a drug, which means it’s addictive.
• If losing weight is your goal, remember that your liver can’t help you with fat burning if it’s busy detoxifying alcohol.

Before you pour yourself a glass of something intoxicating, consider your health goals and overall eating habits, and then make smart choices about which type of alcohol you drink.

Steer clear of grain-based drinks that can also include gluten, such as the following:

• Beer hcg diet questions 
• Bourbon can I drink on the HCG diet?
• Gin (some brands are processed with grain-based alcohol)
• Grain-based vodka
• Whiskey

To celebrate on special occasions, feel free to choose one of these:

• Potato vodka
• Red wine
• Rum
• Sparkling wine
• Tequila
• White wine

To manage your body’s insulin response to the sugars found in alcohol, mix spirits, like tequila or vodka, with soda water, ice, and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. Avoid fruit juices, which are liquid sugar; and avoid tonic water, which is also high in sugar.

Wine and beers should absolutely be avoided during the low calorie phase of your HCG diet. When you re-introduce these during the maintenance phase of HCG, keep the following in mind… When uncorking wine, choose the driest (least sweet) wines possible. The driest reds include Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot; the driest whites are Sauvignon Blanc and Albarino.

I’m a bit of a beer snob myself, so either drink less of your heavier beer favorites or try something lite, like Bud Select or Ultra.

I certainly  like to partake every now and again, but lets be honest… Can you really maintain a high level of health if you drink alcohol frequently and/or in large quantities. The pleasant buzz that alcohol provides also places stress on your liver, creates a strong insulin response, and dehydrates your cells. Enjoy cocktails in moderation.

Start Your HCG Diet on Super Bowl Sunday and Eat with a Purpose

It’s hard to imagine beginning a diet on Super Bowl Sunday among the hot wings, nachos and other tailgate delicacies, but that’s exactly what is recommended in the new book HCG 2.0 – A Modern Adaptation of the Traditional HCG Diet, by Dr Zach LaBoube. “The human body is a lot smarter than what we give it credit. If you suddenly cut calories as you do with most diet plans, it can be alarming to the system. Your body will actually become more efficient with its calories because it is anticipating a decrease in food supply, so you begin to retain more fat, which is counter-productive. The loading phase of the HCG diet allows you to bypass this,” says Dr. Zach

To elaborate, it’s important to keep in mind that human physiology exists for our long term survival and only in the last 100 years of human evolution have we had to deal with an excess of available calories. Prior to this, our physiology developed to accommodate an absence of calories that was commonly experienced in the form of long winters or famine, conditions that rarely exist today. As a result, the body becomes defensive when we suddenly decrease calories as we do with dieting. This sudden decrease in calories can alarm the body into “starvation mode.” During starvation mode, your body actually becomes more efficient with its calories and more determined to store away fat, assuming that there is a scarcity in food supply.  This is why dieting is so difficult. Not only are we battling our own poor eating habits, but a physiological pre-disposition to retain fat. Loading on fats for two days causes liver enzymes to spike which is theorized to prevent the body from entering this starvation mode. By the time your liver enzymes return to normal levels, the HCG has already tapped into your fat reserves and is providing you with supplemental calories from your stored fat, thus bypassing starvation mode, and facilitating rapid, yet healthy weight loss.

What does all of this mean? It means you have the green light to eat all of your fatty favorites during the first two days that you begin taking your HCG supplement. “Not only does this jumpstart the diet, it provides incentive to begin. Many like to schedule their diet to begin on holidays or vacations. Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday are two of the most popular. Might as well eat with a purpose,” says Dr. Zach hcg diet super bowl recipes

In addition to bypassing starvation mode, the loading days of the HCG 2.0 diet also alert the liver to begin attacking and oxidizing fats, rapidly removing them from the system. In addition, the excess fat consumed during the loading phase, sometimes called P1, provides an immediate calorie reserve to mediate your hunger during the early stages of the low calorie phase of the HCG 2.0 diet.

The loading phase of HCG 2.0 is quite similar to that of the traditional HCG diet developed by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons in his manuscript Pounds and Inches: A New Aproach to Obesity, although HCG 2.0 recommends an equal ratio of Omega 3 fats to Omega 6 fats. So what then is the difference between HCG 2.0 and the traditional HCG diet? HCG 2.0 uses a BMR calculation to determine the amount of calories on your individualized HCG diet. It encourages 15 – 20 grams of lean protein for breakfast. It suggests a lean protein, low-carb snack before bed, improving sleep and providing necessary protein for cellular regeneration. HCG 2.0 recommends exercise. It provides a wider variety of protein options and larger portion sizes of leaner items higher in nutritional value, but void of empty calories that only contribute to weight gain. It also recommends a wider variety of vegetables and discourages root vegetables such as onions which are significantly higher in carbs than peppers, broccoli and many other veggies that are not allowed on the traditional HCG diet. hcg recipes for super bowl

InsideOut Wellness has recently opened up HCG 2.0 retail locations in New York and HCG diet locations in Houston, Texas.

Keywords: hcg diet super bowl recipes, HCG Diet Houston, HCG Diet New York

Start Your HCG Diet on Super Bowl Sunday and Eat with a Purpose

It’s hard to imagine beginning a diet on Super Bowl Sunday among the hot wings, nachos and other tailgate delicacies, but that’s exactly what is recommended in the new book HCG 2.0 – A Modern Adaptation of the Traditional HCG Diet, by Dr Zach LaBoube. “The human body is a lot smarter than what we give it credit. If you suddenly cut calories as you do with most diet plans, it can be alarming to the system. Your body will actually become more efficient with its calories because it is anticipating a decrease in food supply, so you begin to retain more fat, which is counter-productive. The loading phase of the HCG diet allows you to bypass this,” says Dr. Zach

To elaborate, it’s important to keep in mind that human physiology exists for our long term survival and only in the last 100 years of human evolution have we had to deal with an excess of available calories. Prior to this, our physiology developed to accommodate an absence of calories that was commonly experienced in the form of long winters or famine, conditions that rarely exist today. As a result, the body becomes defensive when we suddenly decrease calories as we do with dieting. This sudden decrease in calories can alarm the body into “starvation mode.” During starvation mode, your body actually becomes more efficient with its calories and more determined to store away fat, assuming that there is a scarcity in food supply.  This is why dieting is so difficult. Not only are we battling our own poor eating habits, but a physiological pre-disposition to retain fat. Loading on fats for two days causes liver enzymes to spike which is theorized to prevent the body from entering this starvation mode. By the time your liver enzymes return to normal levels, the HCG has already tapped into your fat reserves and is providing you with supplemental calories from your stored fat, thus bypassing starvation mode, and facilitating rapid, yet healthy weight loss.

What does all of this mean? It means you have the green light to eat all of your fatty favorites during the first two days that you begin taking your HCG supplement. “Not only does this jumpstart the diet, it provides incentive to begin. Many like to schedule their diet to begin on holidays or vacations. Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday are two of the most popular. Might as well eat with a purpose,” says Dr. Zach hcg diet super bowl recipes

In addition to bypassing starvation mode, the loading days of the HCG 2.0 diet also alert the liver to begin attacking and oxidizing fats, rapidly removing them from the system. In addition, the excess fat consumed during the loading phase, sometimes called P1, provides an immediate calorie reserve to mediate your hunger during the early stages of the low calorie phase of the HCG 2.0 diet.

The loading phase of HCG 2.0 is quite similar to that of the traditional HCG diet developed by Dr. A.T.W. Simeons in his manuscript Pounds and Inches: A New Aproach to Obesity, although HCG 2.0 recommends an equal ratio of Omega 3 fats to Omega 6 fats. So what then is the difference between HCG 2.0 and the traditional HCG diet? HCG 2.0 uses a BMR calculation to determine the amount of calories on your individualized HCG diet. It encourages 15 – 20 grams of lean protein for breakfast. It suggests a lean protein, low-carb snack before bed, improving sleep and providing necessary protein for cellular regeneration. HCG 2.0 recommends exercise. It provides a wider variety of protein options and larger portion sizes of leaner items higher in nutritional value, but void of empty calories that only contribute to weight gain. It also recommends a wider variety of vegetables and discourages root vegetables such as onions which are significantly higher in carbs than peppers, broccoli and many other veggies that are not allowed on the traditional HCG diet. hcg recipes for super bowl

InsideOut Wellness has recently opened up HCG 2.0 retail locations in New York and HCG diet locations in Houston, Texas.

Keywords: hcg diet super bowl recipes, HCG Diet Houston, HCG Diet New York

Shop The Skinny Confidential Closet

Hi, hi, hi!

Recently I started working with the online company, Tradesy. It’s pretty much a site that allows you to sell your clothes & accessories with absolutely no hassle.

It’s the bomb.com…honestly. Don’t believe me? You can see their super easy selling/buying process here & you can shop my closet here.

Oh, & you can definitely expect more clothing/jewelry from me. I’ll be cleaning out my closet monthly & will keep you guys updated when more items are added.

Because one thing I’m so, totally, NOT: a hoarder.

Hoarders give me severe anxiety

Mini DeLites

So this weekend I totally realized I’m that person.

You know that person AKA that annoying food snob.

The kinda snob that dies a little inside when around nasty-ass, chemical food/drinks/products.

Like, I’m a pain the ass.

The other day I went to see a friend’s new home & this spilled outta my big-ass mouth as I was leaving:

“Such a cute place! So happy for you! Die over that couch! By the way, those water bottles, ya those ones over there, have BPA in them. Buy new ones. K, love you, ciao!”

This is real life.

That happened.

Let’s Talk About The “Crackly” Elbow Epidemic

Ok so apparently cracked elbows is a serious epidemic.

For reals.

Like, I can’t even go grocery shopping without seeing half the store filled with “Cracklers.”

Yes. I might have made up that term ( should I trademark it? ).

My official defintion of “Cracklers” ( noun ): a person who neglects their elbows for so long that they turn into crackly/chapped skin patches that resemble a desert.

Seen ‘um?

Probs.

Welp, let’s be real: no one wants dry, nasty elbows.

So on that note…let’s talk about the SKIN Stick:

How to Hide a Bad Hair Day & Still Look Chic: HATS!

3 CommentsPosted in: FashionPost navigation← Let’s Talk About The “Crackly” Elbow EpidemicSay Buh-Bye To Nasty-Ass Soda…Homemade 10 Second Sprite!!! →3 thoughts on “How to Hide a Bad Hair Day & Still Look Chic: HATS!”

Say Buh-Bye To Nasty-Ass Soda…Homemade 10 Second Sprite!!!

Wanna know a secret?

I drink “Sprite” at least five nights a week.

But it’s not real Sprite.

EWWW! Sick! Gag/barf/throw!!!

I mean…let’s get real, I’d rather die than drink Sprite.

J/K…kinda.

Anyway, I’m super excited to share a top-secret recipe ( invented by my friend, Mike ) that I’m literally OBSESSED with:

The Scary Side Effect Associated with High-Protein Diets

Read this before you go Atkins crazy

Kim Kardashian says the Atkins diet was the secret to her post-baby weight loss, and plenty of studies have suggested that eating a high-protein diet can help you drop pounds. But there’s a potential drawback to be aware of: A new study suggests that consuming a diet packed with protein can boost your chances of developing kidney disease and/or painful kidney stones.

Here’s the gist: Scientists at the University of Grenada in Spain fed rats a diet composed of 45 percent protein for 12 weeks. The rats did lose weight—10 percent of their total body weight, in fact. However, they had significantly lower levels of a chemical found in urine that prevents the crystallization of calcium—and having this sort of deficiency can lead to kidney stones.

This isn’t the first time researchers have found fault with high-protein plans, especially when it comes to kidney problems. There’s been a rise in the incidence of kidney stones—and the American Academy of Family Medicine released a statement linking this to the popularity of diets high in animal protein, says Janet Brill, Ph.D., R.D., a Philadelphia-based nutritionist. Animal protein produces an acidic environment in the body, increasing the formation of kidney stones and leeching calcium from bones, says Brill. “Plant proteins don’t have the same effect."

Unsurprisingly, the study authors came down hard on high-protein diets in general—but they singled out the Dukan Diet by name. (While the study authors didn’t go into why they called out this diet in particular, it may be because the weight-loss plan is trendy in Europe—and the researchers are from Spain). It’s also worth noting that animals’ bodies aren’t identical to humans’—so this animal study alone doesn’t prove that high-protein diets will have a similar effect on people.

While it’s best to avoid diets that cut out entire food groups and instead opt for more sustainable healthy-eating plans, the study authors did say that there may be a way to offset the possibility of kidney problems if you’re consuming tons of protein: Make sure to eat lots of fruits and vegetables since they’re high in potassium (and the nutrient can help protect against kidney stones).

MORE: “How Can I Eat Better and Still Maintain a Social Life?”

 

Beyoncé May be Behind a Rise in Temporary Vegans

Would you be willing to try out the vegan life for a month?

Remember when Beyoncé and Jay-Z became vegans for 22 days in December? The couple's pre-Christmas "spiritual cleanse," as Jay-Z called it, scored tons of media attention—and it might have contributed to a recent surge in people trying out the vegan lifestyle for themselves. 

This year, the U.K.-based Vegan Society launched a new campaign called Veganuary, which was designed to encourage people to try veganism for the month of January. The organization recently told BBC that 3,200 people signed the Veganuary pledge on their site—and leaders say Beyoncé and Jay-Z's temporary veganism may have helped encourage people to take part in the campaign.

Bey and Jay aren't eating vegan anymore (they ended their challenge with some seafood, but they aren't the only stars who've promoted veganism. Carrie Underwood, Natalie Portman, and Alicia Silverstone also eat an animal product-free diet. Interested in trying out the vegan lifestyle but aren't sure you can fully commit to it? You might want to start off with food writer Mark Bittman's vegan before six plan.

MORE: 3 Crazy-Tempting Vegan Recipes

Secrets of Long-Distance Couples

You can learn a lot about keeping your bond (and bedroom life) strong from lovers who live apart

One year into my marriage, I moved to another state—without my husband. I was following my dream of working in Manhattan, but Jason's job almost 100 miles away in Pennsylvania was too good to give up. It may have looked as if we were heading for divorce, but a year and a half later, our marriage is stronger than ever.

We're one of the estimated 3.5 million married U.S. couples who live apart—a stat that reflects the rise of online dating (where it's easy to meet someone in a different area), an unreliable job market, and military deployments. And recently, Cornell University researchers confirmed my suspicion: Long-distance duos often communicate better and feel more connected than close-quarter couples. "They know they're at a disadvantage, so they put more time and effort into their relationship," says Tina Tessina, Ph.D. Here, tips that can help your partnership go the distance—even if you're never more than a few miles apart.

Get to the Heart of It
It makes sense that geographically divided partners in the Cornell study reported a higher level of intimacy and a closer bond than pairs who saw each other more often, say some experts. "When couples have only a limited time to communicate, they make sure to get to the emotionally important stuff first," says Logan Levkoff, Ph.D., author of How to Get Your Wife to Have Sex with You. Of course, you can't—and shouldn't—avoid talking about who's going to pick up the dry cleaning, but you can prevent mundane topics from sucking the life out of your relationship.

One way to strike a better balance: Tackle chores and routines over e-mail, says Tessina. With the humdrum out of the way, you can spend face-to-face time sharing the deeper stuff—something that geographically challenged couples in the study did more of. "Long-distance couples were more open about their thoughts and feelings and especially valued when their partner responded to them with empathy and understanding," says study author Crystal Jiang, Ph.D. That means really paying attention—even when you wish he'd quit talking so you can turn on Scandal.

Connect Your Worlds
What you had for lunch, his boss's tacky tie, the guy who nabbed your seat on the bus—who cares? Well, you should.

While deep discussions enhance intimacy, chatting about the little stuff creates "interrelatedness," or the feeling of being involved in each other's day-to-day ups and downs, says Greg Guldner, Ph.D., a long-distance relationship researcher and assistant professor at Loma Linda University. "Couples with higher degrees of interrelatedness are less likely to break up," he says. He recommends sending your mate two positive or neutral texts per day—but resist the urge to make them open-ended. "You don't want to fall into a pattern where someone feels as if they have to respond immediately," he says. In other words, text your guy a compliment or send him an e-mail saying that you're still laughing about that story he told you last night. Save your coworker's rude comments for later—you can tell him all about it over a glass of wine.

Be Ignorantly Blissful
If distance makes the heart grow fonder, it also makes couples more likely to focus on all the happy memories that they've made together—which is one reason why long-distance pairs are more likely to idealize their partners, says Jiang.

We're not saying you should let his tendency to bad-mouth your mom go unnoticed, but keeping a mental list of your partner's good points—and even building them up a little bit—is way better for your relationship than stewing over things that bug you.

Need inspiration? One study from the University of Texas at Austin found that couples who wrote about their relationships—and focused on the positives—were more likely to stay together. If you're not the journaling type, try tossing out more compliments: People who make a conscious effort to appreciate their partner are more successful than those who don't give each other mental props, says research from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. It's not just thanking him for what he does, says study author Amie Gordon, Ph.D., but being thankful for who he is. It's the difference between "You're so sweet to make me coffee!" and "Thanks for the joe."

Put It in Writing
Guldner's research has found that long-distance couples who stayed together wrote to each other twice as often during their relationship as those who split up, with the average LDR couple sending three letters—you know, the kind you put stamps on and drop in the mailbox—per month. Taking the time to put pen to paper shows effort and thought.

"A letter is also a transition object," explains Guldner. "You'll feel stronger about receiving one because your partner has recently held it in his hand. Plus, letters can leave traces of scent—and odor can stimulate the brain's limbic system, which is associated with arousal."

Slip a hot note into his gym bag or stick a Post-it on his nightstand before you leave for the weekend. And no shortcuts—punching out a sweet text or shooting off a quick e-mail has its place, but "there's a direct connection between writing and your emotions, so a handwritten missive is more likely to be open and honest than a typed one or a text," says Tessina.

Spice Things Up
Because couples who live across state lines have to get creative to maintain their physical bond (hello, steamy Skype sesh), they can end up with a sex life that's fresher and more exciting. "All couples need to go outside of their comfort zone and explore their boundaries," says Yvonne K. Fulbright, Ph.D., author of Sultry Sex Talk to Seduce Any Lover.

Shoot a video, or try fantasizing about a different place—or even a different person—next time you're in the sack. "Thinking about having sex with a person who isn't your partner isn't an indication that you're bored in your relationship or unhappy with your mate," says Ian Kerner, Ph.D., author of She Comes First. "It can be an important way to increase your satisfaction."

6 Reasons Women Fake Orgasms

Any of these sound familiar?

In (uncomfortably relatable) sex news, researchers identified a whopping six different reasons that women fake orgasms, according to a pair of surveys of over 350 women, published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior. Even weirder (slash, more interesting): their reasons differ based on whether they're faking it during oral sex or penetration. Oh! 

During penetrative intercourse, women tend to fake it for four main reasons:  to avoid hurting their partner's feelings; because they feel insecure about having an orgasm; to speed things up and end the sex ASAP; and as an attempt to increase their own arousal (sort of a fake-it-'til-you-make-it approach—hey, whatever works!).  

MORE: 19 Things You Didn't Know About Orgasms 

But their reasons for faking it during oral sex were surprisingly different. They still reported faking it to boost their own arousal and to protect their partner's ego, but they also gave these two interesting reasons: to avoid anxiety associated with oral sex (specifically the up-close-and-personalness of the position); and to seem "normal" in terms of sexual function, rather than betray the fact that they take a while to climax, or maybe aren't even able to. (Which, for the record: Is completely normal.)

MORE: Have Great Sex—Even When You Don't Have an Orgasm 

First of all, let's throw out the idea that you ever need to feel insecure about your orgasm—no matter how long it takes, or whether it even happens at all. And second, please let this story serve as a reminder: There's no such thing as a "normal" vagina, and insecurity about what a "normal" vagina should look, feel, or taste like is an unnecessary damper on a potentially great time. So why are we still faking it? These findings demonstrate that sometimes women think it's reasonable—or even valuable—to fake an orgasm, says coauthor Allan Fenigstein, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Kenyon College. Based on the non-insecurity related reasons listed above, it seems like playing up the theatrics may seem like the path of least resistance/least awkwardness, compared to just saying, "Hey babe, you know what? That feels awesome, but it's just not going to happen. You go ahead and finish." 

Bottom line: whether you're faking it to make your partner feel better or to overcome your own neuroses about face-to-vulva-proximity, it's time to put an end to the charade. Instead, brush up on our tips for scoring the big O, because you deserve the real deal every time.  

MORE: 10 Reasons You Should Have More Orgasms 

Homemade Upgrade: How to Make Healthy Fettuccine Alfredo

Each month your favorite dishes get a healthy and delectable do-over with tips from Keri Glassman, R.D.

1 head cauliflower (2 lbs), cut into florets and steamed
2 cloves garlic
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans
1/2 cup vegetable stock
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 lb whole-wheat fettuccine
1 tsp grapeseed oil
8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast
4 medium zucchini
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp nutritional yeast Parsley

Puree cauliflower, garlic, cannellini beans, vegetable stock, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper in a blender until smooth. In a large pot, cook fettuccine as directed. Drain and set aside. Heat grapeseed oil; saute chicken and slice. Shave zucchini into ribbons. Heat olive oil over medium heat and add zucchini ribbons. Toss and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Lower heat and add cooked fettuccine, chicken, and cauliflower sauce. Toss to coat. Remove from heat and serve. Sprinkle with nutritional yeast and parsley.

Makes 4 servings
Per serving: 410 cal, 10 g fat (3 g sat), 49 g carbs, 610 mg sodium, 13 g fiber, 33 g protein

Use a Pasta Impostor
Vitamin- and antioxidant-packed zucchini ribbons sub for half of the fettuccine, giving you all of the volume (and even more flavor) without the carb bomb.

Elevate Your Oil
Sizzle chicken in grapeseed oil, which is brimming with heart-healthy fats. It also has a high smoke point, so it's less likely to break down and form harmful chemical compounds. Olive is another A-plus oil: It contains a compound that may ward off UVB damage and breast and skin cancer.

Try This Sauce Substitution
The bulk of the calories and fat in classic fettuccine Alfredo comes from the cream sauce, but there's no need for it with this savory bean and veggie blend. Steaming the cauliflower retains more of its nutrients than other cooking methods, such as boiling, since hot water can zap vitamins.

Top It Off
Nutritional yeast (we know, awful name) is a flaky, dairy-free topping that tastes cheesy and adds vitamins, protein, and folic acid.

Better Posture: 6 Ways to Straighten Up

Slouchy looks good on bags and boots... on you, not so much. Here's why bad posture can derail your fitness goals—plus, head-to-toe fixesu're after.

Slumping your shoulders doesn't just make you resemble one of our long-extinct ancestors—if you don't stand up straight, no amount of exercise will give you the hot bod you're after. Here's why: Over time, poor posture takes a serious toll on your spine, shoulders, hips, and knees. In fact, it can cause a cascade of structural flaws that lead to back and joint pain, reduced flexibility, and compromised muscles, all of which limit your ability to burn fat and build strength. But you can head off all these problems by taking the simple self-test to the right, then using the exercises below to fix your form, soothe your pain, and get your curves moving in the right direction.

1 FORWARD HEAD
The problem Stiff muscles in the back of your neck 
The fix Moving only your head, drop your chin down and in toward your sternum while stretching the back of your neck. Hold for a count of five; do this 10 times a day.

2 ROUNDED SHOULDERS
The problem Weakness in the middle and lower parts of your trapezius (the large muscle that spans your shoulders and back)
The fix Lie facedown on the floor, with each arm at a 90-degree angle in the high-five position. Without changing your elbow angle, raise both arms by pulling your shoulders back and squeezing your shoulder blades together. Hold for five seconds. That's one rep; do two or three sets of 12 reps daily.

3 ANTERIOR PELVIC TILT
The problem Tight hip flexors
The fix Kneel on your left knee, with your right foot on the floor in front of you, knee bent. Press forward until you feel the stretch in your left hip. Tighten your butt muscles on your left side until you feel the front of your hip stretching comfortably. Reach upward with your left arm and stretch to the right side. Hold for a count of 30 seconds. That's one repetition; do three on each side.

4 ELEVATED SHOULDER
The problem The muscle under your chest (running from your ribs to your shoulder blades) is weak.
The fix Sit upright in a chair with your hands next to your hips, palms down on the seat, arms straight. Without moving your arms, push down on the chair until your hips lift up off the seat and your torso rises. Hold for five seconds. That's one repetition; do two or three sets of 12 reps daily.

5 PIGEON TOES
The problem Weak glutes (butt muscles)
The fix Lie on one side with your knees bent 90 degrees and your heels together. Keeping your hips still, raise your top knee upward, separating your knees like a clamshell. Pause for five seconds, then lower your knee to the starting position. That's one rep. Perform two or three sets of 12 reps on each side daily.

6 DUCK FEET
The problem Your oblique muscles and hip flexors are weak.
The fix Get into a pushup position with your feet resting on a stability ball. Without rounding your lower back, tuck your knees under your torso, using your feet to roll the ball toward your body, then back to the starting position. That's one rep. Do two or three sets of six to 12 reps daily.

Assess your posture
Wear something form-fitting and take two full-body photos—one from the front, one from the side. Relax your muscles and stand as tall as you can, feet hip-width apart. Then refer to the fix-it plan (below left) to diagnose your posture problems.

1 / Look at your ear. If it's in front of the midpoint of your shoulder, your head is too far forward.

2 / Can you see your shoulder blade? That means your back is too rounded.

3 / If your hips tilt forward and you have a belly pooch (even if you don't have an ounce of fat on your body) and your lower spine is arched significantly, this means you have an anterior pelvic tilt.

4 / Look at your shoulders. One shouldn't appear higher than the other.

5 / Check out your kneecaps. Do they point inward, causing your knees to touch when your legs are straightened?

6 / See if you're duck-footed. Your toes will point outward more than 10 degrees.

What President Obama's SOTU Address Got Wrong about the Affordable Care Act—and What it Got Right

The President overstated the Act's impact—here's how

Last night, in President Obama's State of the Union address, one of his main talking points was the Affordable Care Act and how much of an impact it's had on Americans' lives: "More than 9 million Americans have signed up for private health insurance or Medicaid coverage," he said. Technically, that's true. But it implies that more than 9 million people who previously didn't have coverage now do. And in reality, we can't know if that's the case. Here's why:

As of Dec. 28, 2013, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that nearly 2.2 million people had signed up for private health insurance through the Marketplace. (HHS said last week in a press release that this estimate has since increased to about 3 million people.) The Act has also resulted in about 3.1 million people younger than 26 gaining coverage through their parents' plans. Combining those two figures brings us to 6.1 million, but Obama included another stat in his number: The number of Americans who've signed up for Medicare coverage this year. HHS currently estimates that 3.9 million people have enrolled (which would bring the total to the 9 million-plus Obama quoted)—but HHS officials confirmed in a Jan. 13 press conference that the 3.9 million number includes both people who were already on Medicaid who renewed, as well as people who qualified for the program for the first time and signed up as a result. 

In other words, because HHS is unable to give us the breakdown of how many of those people were on Medicaid prior to the Affordable Care Act, we can't say with certainty that Obamacare has provided coverage for more than 9 million people (similarly, we don't know at this time how many of the 3 million people who've signed up for private plans were previously uninsured).

That said, Obama did make some statements last night about the Affordable Care Act that we can get behind: 

And here's another number: zero. Because of this law, no American can ever again be dropped or denied coverage for a preexisting condition like asthma, back pain, or cancer. No woman can ever be charged more just because she's a woman.  And we did all this while adding years to Medicare's finances, keeping Medicare premiums flat, and lowering prescription costs for millions of seniors.

Clearly, there are still plenty of kinks to work out—but at least we're taking steps toward helping more people get the health coverage they need. 

MORE: Not Having Health Insurance Kills Thousands Each Year

Welcome to the Age of the Fitness Snob

They correct your form, snark on your snacks, and judge your gym—meet the fitter-than-thou crowd. WH investigates this new type of one-upsmanship

Whether you work out a lot or not, you definitely know one: The weight-room warrior who accosts you mid-squat to correct your posture; the roommate who Instagrams her thigh gap; the coworker who says (with irritating condescension) that she'd love to try your yoga class but it "just doesn't feel like she's exercising if she's not sweating." And don't forget the humblebraggers littering your social media feeds: "Really shouldn't have run that 18 miler in the rain. #sickasadog."

The fitness craze of the past few years has reached a crescendo, ushering in a new type of know-it-all: the exercise snob. This patronizing person works out harder than you do, knows more about fitness than you do, and looks better doing it than you do—or at least that's how she makes you feel. "Fitness is a part of our culture's definition of success now, so women want to show each other that they've got it figured out," says Los Angeles sports psychologist Sari Shepphird, Ph.D.

In fact, according to a recent Women's Health survey, one in three readers has gotten into an argument about the most effective kind of workout, and 69 percent cop to doling out unsolicited fitness advice to a friend or significant other.

Some fitter-than-thou attitudes can be traced to the recent proliferation of boutique fitness classes and their somewhat cultlike cliques, says Shepphird. The fitness gurus behind these workout trends not only feed into the snobbery but also depend on it to make money. They indoctrinate us with their philosophies, and we quote and retweet them to our friends, taking their words of wisdom as the divine truth. And when you're drinking the Kool-Aid (or, rather, the coconut water), it can become easy to view your pal who works out on the elliptical at the Y with derision. "I run six miles six days a week. But because I don't belong to a running group or do any trendy classes, people almost act like I don't work out!" says Lesley, 37.

Of course it's hard not to feel marginalized by the friend who works CrossFit into every chat, but keep in mind that it's often women who feel insecure about their bodies who tend to pass the most judgment. "It's a self-esteem boost to say, 'I train harder,'" says Shepphird. Your best strategy for dealing with a braggart is to nod, smile, and move on. "They'll eventually get the point," says NYC sports psychologist Leah Lagos, Psy.D. In other words, don't engage or indulge her in conversation. Giving her air time positively conditions her to do it again.

But in the sea of snobs there are plenty of women who are truly proud of their achievements and can't help but share, and others who sincerely just want to help a sistah out. (Hint: A genuine advice giver loves getting tips as much as she gives them.) And while you should feel good about losing 20 pounds or finishing a triathlon, keep in mind that most people don't want to hear about it incessantly—and more than that, will not appreciate the implication that whatever they are doing is inferior. Just be careful about how much you boast or offer unsolicited advice—people are more receptive to help when they ask for it.

How to shape up for an event in a week according to a celeb trainer

Got an important party/work event/wedding to go to in 7 days? Celeb trainer Greg Joujon Roche will have you looking incredible in just a week]]>

Just Some January Swoons

Cat eyed glasses are my latest sunglass obsession. Remember these white ones I just bought? Welp, these babies look seriously JUST like them…& they’re on sale.

VI.

Ready To Have Your World Rocked? Zucchini Pasta. Ya. I Know, Right?!

DBJ.

I have a new BF.

& it’s so right it’s wrong.

It all started with zucchini pasta.

Yup.

Vegetable pasta.

Really though: zucchini pasta > regular pasta.

Sahhhhhh sorry but it’s true.

If you’re looking for a pasta craving but don’t want the added cals/carbs, ‘The Sprializer‘ will make your day/year/life.

Pretties Time! A Sparkly, Lil DIY: Glitter Pencils

I love pretties.

Pretties are like, cute confetti, dainty rings, baby’s-breath flowers, &…glitter!

Ok so, this particular DIY is totally in the ‘pretties’ category.

Think: do-it-yourself-for-five-dollars-and-use-as-home-decor-so-it-screams-I’m-so-profesh-kinda pretty.

Fun, right?

Check it:

Blogger & Suja Co-Founder, Annie Lawless on Candida ( WTF Is That? Click to Find Out! )

4 CommentsPosted in: Blog PostsPost navigation← Pretties Time! A Sparkly, Lil DIY: Glitter PencilsStyle: What I’m Loving…Lately →4 thoughts on “Blogger & Suja Co-Founder, Annie Lawless on Candida ( WTF Is That? Click to Find Out! )”

Style: What I’m Loving…Lately

My lil sister, Faye, has super cute style— it certainly doesn’t hurt that she’s always ahead of the trends. Soooo when I asked her what her latest favorites are & she showed me this lil dime of a tank dress…

I nearly died.

Seriously.

I mean…hi hottest dress ever.

Like, ever.

ESP with a flannel around the waist. Right?

This outfit is totally for a ride or die chick…& it’s uh, $68 dollars.

I’m into it.

Ok, so what are your favorite trends lately? Spillllll.

Check out Faye’s blog, Evillarts for more fashion/accessory finds!

Happy Saturday!

X L

3 CommentsPosted in: UncategorizedPost navigation← Blogger & Suja Co-Founder, Annie Lawless on Candida ( WTF Is That? Click to Find Out! )3 thoughts on “”

The Real Reason He Forgot Your Anniversary

Good news: It’s probably not because he doesn't love you

Before you chew out your guy for dropping the ball on an important date—again—listen to this: Men report more memory complaints than women do, according to a new study published in the journal BMC Psychology.

OK, so he’s not totally off the hook for forgetting your friend Cindy’s name (he’s met her like seven times!), but apparently gender plays a role when it comes to memory. Researchers surveyed more than 37,000 people over the age of the 30 about their self-reported memory problems. In general, more men reported issues in eight out of nine areas—like remembering something that happened a year ago, recalling details of a conversation, and remembering names and dates.

Unfortunately, the study didn’t identify why men might be more prone to forgetfulness. Clearly this isn’t an excuse for the men in your life to flake on important details, but hey, it may help explain why he has no idea where you guys went on your second date. 

More from Women's Health:
6 Fascinating Facts About “Normal Men"
The Rudest Thing You Can Do on a First Date
The Weird Thing That Happens to Guys After They’re Married

 

How to Trick Yourself Into Being More Confident At Work

And how to use it to score that big raise you deserve

If your heart doesn’t beat a little faster right before a big meeting with your boss, you might want to check your pulse. That’s because it’s totally normal to get anxious when you have to talk about your own performance and achievements. So a recent study in the journal Psychology of Women Quarterly aimed to find out if women really get more nervous when talking about their own performance and if there was a way to relieve this anxiety. You’ll never guess what actually worked.

The researchers asked half the women to write a personal essay about their own successes and achievements, while other women were told to write about someone else’s accomplishments. As expected, the women who had to write about themselves were less interested in the task and actually performed worse than the rest. But here’s where things get interesting: The researchers also split the women up so some participants were in a room with a big black box that they were told was a subliminal noise generator too high-pitched for them to hear but that would probably make them uncomfortable. In reality, it was just a box.

Shockingly, when women were told about this box, any differences in performance and interest were eliminated between the groups. The implication is that when they were able to attribute their anxiety to some external thing, they didn’t let it get to them and screw them up. “Now, it’s not personal, and the reason they’re anxious isn’t about them,” says Nicole Williams, LinkedIn’s career expert. “As soon as that happens, they’re relieved of the anxiety.”

How To Con Yourself Into Being More Confident
Obviously, you can’t lug a big black box into your boss’ office the next time you want to ask for a raise. But there are other ways you can trick yourself into feeling less stressed about self-promotion. One way is to recognize and dismiss the anxiety, like the women did in this task. “Going into a stressful situation like this, just know that it’s normal to feel anxiety,” says Williams. “You’re not the only one who feels this way, it’s just human nature.”

Another tactic is to attribute your sweaty palms and racing heartbeat to something else. Instead of pinning it on a black box, blame it on a quick pre-meeting workout, says Williams. A quick 10-minute session to get your heart rate up will work. “It doesn’t have to be a sweaty exercise, but just enough to get moving and feel excited,” says Williams. “Then you can tell yourself that energy is attributed to your exercise and not your anxiety.”

Finally, separate yourself a little from the anxiety-provoking task—in this case, asking for a promotion or raise. Instead of focusing on the personal (you want this job, you need this pay bump, etc.), give your boss the objective facts that show you deserve this raise—like that you increased sales, exceeded your goals, or gained a ton of new clients. That way, you won’t feel as anxious about the result, says Williams. 

Clearly, talking about our own success is super stressful if it requires trickery to deal with it. But here’s why you need to get over your fears and do it anyway: “If you don’t do it, you’ll go unnoticed, and if you go unnoticed, you’ll go unpromoted,” says Williams. Chances are, your boss is a little too busy to realize all the awesome stuff you’re doing, so it’s your responsibility to give them a reminder.

More From Women’s Health:
The Weird Way Exercise Can Help You at Work
Men and Women Face a Double Standard in the Workplace—and This Gutsy Commercial Calls Us Out on It
The WORST Way to Quit Your Job

 

The Ultimate Grammy Awards Workout Playlist

Warm up for your Grammy party with this award-worthy playlist

Music’s biggest night is Sunday, and LL Cool J (and his abs) will be hosting the 56th annual Grammy Awards. The awards will broadcast live from LA at 8 p.m. EST, but coverage begins at noon.

To start things early—and get in red carpet shape—check out this workout playlist of our favorite Grammy-nominated songs, albums, and artists.

1. Blurred Lines, Robin Thicke Featuring T.I. & Pharrell
Nomination: Record of the Year

2. Can’t Hold Us, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Nomination: Album of the Year

3. Roar, Katy Perry
Nomination: Song of the Year

4. Now or Never, Kendrick Lamar Featuring Mary J. Blige
Nomination: Best New Artist

5. Mirrors, Justin Timberlake
Nomination: Best Pop Solo Performance

6. Natalie, Bruno Mars
Nomination: Best Pop Vocal Album

7. Sweet Nothing, Calvin Harris Featuring Florence Welch 
Nomination: Best Dance Recording

8. I'm Shakin', Jack White 
Nomination: Best Rock Performance

9. Panic Station, Muse
Nomination: Best Rock Song

10. Tom Ford, Jay Z
Nomination: Best Rap Performance

11. Jump, Rihanna
Nomination: Best Urban Contemporary Album

12. A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got), Fergie, Goonrock, and Q-Tip
Nomination: Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media

More from Women’s Health:  
Why You Should DJ Your Workouts 
The Best Beyoncé Songs to Work Out To 
The Ultimate Workout Playlist, According to Science

Jennifer Aniston: "I'm Not That Crazy Workout Girl Anymore"

In an exclusive interview with Women's Health, Jennifer Aniston talks about the workouts she hates, how she stays motivated, her favorite skin-care products, her top healthy snack, and more

Everyone always focuses on Jennifer Aniston’s hair—but if you ask us, her toned physique is every bit as envy-worthy (have you seen any tabloid pics of her in a bikini—like, ever?!). Which is why we were so pumped to have the chance to sit down with her and ask her about her fitness routine, along with all of her other stay-healthy-and-gorgeous habits. Here’s the interview (edited for space and clarity):

What are your favorite workouts?
Oh my god, I have a lot of favorite workouts. I love cycling, I love yoga of course, and I recently started doing barre method—which is painful and hard. Variety is the key for me.

What happens when you find yourself doing the same workout over and over—why doesn’t that work for you?
Because you eventually stop doing it, and you just get lazy. Mixing it up is always fun because that way you know you're excited, and it’s muscle confusion. It keeps your body awake.

Have you ever tried any workouts that you just hate and you would never do again?
Umm, boot camp? (Laughs)

What was so tortuous about that for you?
I don’t know, it just seems like I’m not a soldier. I’m not into boot camp, I don’t need to do all of this—I just want to stay fit! (Laughs) I don’t want to get yelled at—at all. Please stop yelling at me.

How do you stay motivated to work out when you’re just not in the mood?
You know what, there are days I go “I can’t” and “I don’t want to,” and I think you just have to listen to your body. So sometimes you just don’t work out. And then there are times when you go, “Really? Do you really not want to?” And then if you just say, “OK, I’m going to get on some machine for 10 minutes,” you just start to get the endorphins going. Then you feel great, and you just keep going. So sometimes you can actually override the “I don’t want to work out.” 

But for the last year and a half, I went from being a crazy workout girl to sort of saying, “My body wants a little bit a of break.” So I kind of stay with more simple stuff and taking walks and not being neurotic about working out and eating right. I started to enjoy life a little bit more. The only downside to that is there’s that couple extra pounds and about 4,000 pregnancy rumors, but you know, other than that, it feels great.

Why do you think it is that you had this shift in your mindset? What inspired you to take a more laid back approach to fitness?
Well, honestly, it started with a knee injury. So that was that. I had a knee injury, and my dog died, and I fell in love. [Editor’s note: In case you haven’t heard, Jennifer is engaged to fellow actor and former Parks and Recreation hottie Justin Theroux.] So I don’t know what that was, but it sort of all fell into place.

Changing gears a bit, what would you say are your top three beauty tips?
I would say do a scrub three times a week to really get your skin clean. Hydrate—obviously drink, drink, drink lots of water. And moisturize. And I’m going to throw a fourth one in and say sleep.

You signed on as an Aveeno spokesperson last year; what have you learned about skin care since you started working with the brand?
Well, first of all, everything that goes into Aveeno products—how conscious the choices are that they make. Just with the ingredients that they choose, how they’re grown, how they’re formulated—it’s all very interesting.

Do you have any new go-to products from the line since you started working with the brand?
Yes, the Protect + Hydrate 30 SPF. The Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer is really awesome. And then of course the Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub.

You mentioned staying hydrated is so important. Are there any other things you’ve noticed diet-wise that make a difference in how your skin and hair look?
Royal jelly—have you heard of that? It’s from beehives. I got it in France, but you can get it anywhere. I noticed if you take a spoon of that a day, it helps. But honestly, I think just eating really good fruits and vegetables, less fried food, of course—fried food is terrible, soda is terrible. Just fruits and vegetables and healthy lean proteins and water. Of course, alcohol tends to dry up your skin.

Speaking of eating, what is your favorite healthy snack?
Frozen grapes. I like the red ones—they’re really easy and delicious. They give you that frozen crunch. I was at a spa one time, and they gave me a little cup of frozen grapes after my mud bath soak or whatever. It was sort of like, “This is genius.”

Want to learn more about Jen's healthy habits? Learn how to train like Jennifer Aniston.

MORE: Kristen Bell: “Stop Using the Word Fat”

Avoid the Comfort Food Trap

The grub you think will give you an emotional lift often leaves you down in the dumps—how to overcome this bad-mood food slump

The term comfort food is a bit of a misnomer. We indulge in stuff like milkshakes and cheeseburgers to soothe ourselves, but they can actually have the opposite effect once they pass our lips—and it's not just because our clothes feel distressingly tighter.

According to researchers who have studied the link, fast food and packaged pastries can cause inflammation that interferes with mood-regulating chemicals in the brain and can even lead to symptoms of depression.

Fortunately, there are plenty of yummy and satisfying options that will buoy your mood and slim you down.

HABIT: Carbo-Loading
There's a reason so many so-called comfort foods like mashed potatoes and lasagna are carb-based. Carbs fuel the production of serotonin, your brain's main feel-good neurotransmitter, which activates receptors that help control mood and appetite. But when there is less daylight, your body produces less serotonin, says Judith Wurtman, Ph.D., coauthor of The Serotonin Power Diet—meaning you want to eat more than usual in winter to keep your spirits up. But careful: Not all carbs are created equal.

THE FIX: Eat complex carbs like whole-grain cereal, rice, and oatmeal, which are digested more slowly than refined grains, staving off hunger (and crankiness). For spuds, swap white ones for sweet potatoes, which are rich in B vitamins and lycopene, nutrients that have been shown to help depression.

HABIT: Reaching for Bad Fats
Some experts say the tendency to seek out fattening foods in the winter may be a leftover evolutionary urge, since bulking up gives your organs insulation from the cold and may also bolster your immune system. (But unless you're an Arctic explorer, that extra layer is probably not a personal goal.)

THE FIX: Friend the right fats. Healthy fats that contain omega-3's are known to support brain-cell function and positive moods, says nutritionist Elizabeth Somer, R.D., author of Eat Your Way to Happiness. Fish are among the best sources, especially salmon and sardines. Low-fat milk that's fortified with DHA is also a good choice and often contains vitamin D (see "Eat Sunshine," right).

HABIT: Cranking Up the Heat
It's natural to crave something warm on chilly days, but many mood-boosting nutrients, including folate (found in kale, lentils, asparagus, broccoli, and beets) are damaged by heat, says Drew Ramsey, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University and coauthor of The Happiness Diet. What's more, Harvard researchers found that cooking food can actually decrease how many calories your body uses during digestion. (We burn off about 10 percent of what we consume through digestion, a not insignificant amount.)

THE FIX: The less you have to zap your food with heat, and the more you have to chew and crunch it as you polish it off, the better. If you can't imagine subsisting on a completely raw diet (don't blame you!), try steaming your veggies. A Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry study reports that this cooking technique best preserves the nutrients you need.

HABIT: Gorging on Sweets
Fewer hours of daylight also means your body may be producing more of the sleep-inducing chemical melatonin, which can leave you lethargic and craving sugar, a quick source of energy. But high-sugar diets are linked to an increased risk of depression, and the sweet stuff causes blood-sugar spikes that can make you grumpy, says Jeffrey Rossman, Ph.D., author of The Mind-Body Mood Solution.

THE FIX: Get your buzz from caffeine—a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that it may slash depression risk in women. Just don't overdo it or consume it too late in the day—Rossman recommends two to three 8-ounce cups of coffee a day—since studies link too little sleep to weight gain. Cutting back on caffeine? Load up on B vitamins instead: B12, B9 (a.k.a. folate), and B6 help convert amino acids into the mood-and energy-lifting neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, according to Ramsey. Sources include poultry, leafy greens, fish, lentils, and eggs.
 
Eat Sunshine
Vitamin D may be the most important nutrient for chasing away the winter blues--and research shows most people don't get enough this time of year. Much of the D in our bodies is made using UVB rays from the sun. In winter, especially in northern locations, not only are the days shorter, but also the angle of the sun is so indirect that fewer UVB rays break through the atmosphere. (A study published by the Mayo Clinic found that higher levels of vitamin D were directly related to decreased risk for depression.) If you live north of Atlanta, pack your diet with D-rich foods, including fortified low-fat dairy and cereal, pork, mushrooms, and tuna. With about a third of the vitamin D (and most of the DHA and EPA omega-3's) you need each day, canned tuna is pretty much happiness in a tin.

Ask the Guy Next Door: When Guys Don't Kiss You During Sex

Clint Carter shares a revealing peak inside the male brain

Does it mean something when a guy won't kiss you during sex? —Kate, Baltimore, MD

If this is a first-time hookup, he's trying to keep it casual by avoiding your lips--a sign that you shouldn't expect this fling to last long. But if you're already a couple, odds are that kissing just isn't on his mind once your clothes are off. Remember: Men's brains have evolved to identify and tackle one problem at a time, so it's very possible that when we're busy fondling you, rubbing you, or watching your body move, we just might forget to throw in some kisses, too. Your guy is probably lost in the moment, so just pull his face toward yours during sex if you're craving more lip action, and he'll get the hint. If he doesn't, bring it up afterward, after the post-coital glow fades.

What's the best way to introduce my boyfriend to one of my exes? —Jacqui, Richmond, VA

If you bump into your ex randomly, just say hello in passing and fill your guy in later. But if your ex is still involved in your social circle, give your man a casual heads-up so he won't feel blindsided. When the time comes, present the ex to your boyfriend--not the other way around--and if the guys have anything in common (aside from you), mention it. "[Ex-boyfriend] is a big Steelers fan too." Hopefully your boyfriend will pick up the conversation. If he doesn't, tell your ex, "Well, it was good to see you," and walk away with your man.

My husband just started working out, and I'm loving the results! How do I keep him motivated? —Jennifer, Augusta, GA

He just needs positive reinforcement. When he peels his shirt off after the gym, trace your fingers over his new definition, tell him how much you like to look at him or touch him, or let your hands drift below his belt. That's phase one. Phase two: Make working out part of your relationship. Plan your gym trips so they coincide with his, which will give him extra incentive to stay fit.

4 Steps to Becoming a Better Listener

Yes, you can hear him talking—but are you really listening? Here's how to make sure

We can all use a little refresher on how to pay attention when someone's talking to us. The next time your guy starts blabbing—whether it's about his idiot coworker or a serious problem with a family member—follow these tips from David Posen, M.D., to stay tuned in:

Be in the Moment
Avoid cracking a joke or changing the subject. If he's been talking for awhile and you want clarity, just say, "What I'm hearing you say is. . ." This way, you can add to the convo, and he can clear up any gray areas.

Make Sure it's the Right Time
If you're making dinner and your guy wants to talk, you may miss parts of what he says. "Ask if he can wait so you can give him your attention," says Posen.

Don't Rush in with Your Opinion
Before you launch into what you think, make sure he wants to hear it. Ask, "Do you want my feedback?" If he says yes, offer your advice. If he says no, just tell him that you're happy he told you about it.

Keep Your Eyes on Him
Maintaining eye contact signals that you're focused on what he's saying. "Don't look out the window," says Posen, "and definitely not at your electronics."

How to Cut Out Late-Night Snacking

Learn to quiet the call of the fridge

You'd never eat two dinners at once, right? Except that maybe you (inadvertently) already do: Research shows that many women take in nearly half of their daily calories at or after dinner. What's more, one study found that a third of people downed 15 percent of their calories after 11 p.m.

In a way, evolution might be to blame: Humans were originally conditioned to chow down after sunset so they'd have the energy to get through the night. Some scientists believe that's why the body's hunger cycle still peaks at around 8 p.m. It's also why people might feel more cravings but less satisfaction when they eat in the evening, driving them to consume more.

Trouble is, some modern habits exacerbate this biology. Daytime dieting, for instance, magnifies that 8 p.m. urge, causing people to give in and binge. Even nondieters often undereat during the day only to overeat at night, thanks to skipped breakfasts, stress, and high-calorie snacks, says Yoni Freedhoff, M.D., of the Bariatric Medical Institute in Ottawa, Ontario.

But what's the big deal? It turns out that for everyone—whether or not they're overweight—it's not just what you eat that's important, but when you eat. Sure, nighttime eating can cause your weight to creep up—but it can also put your overall health at risk.

Eating on Autopilot
It's not so shocking that hoovering food after dark is consistently associated with weight gain and obesity, per both the International Journal of Obesity and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Your activity levels drop in the evening, leaving you less able to burn off surplus calories.

Some studies show that eating lots at night also tamps down your body's production of two key chemicals: melatonin and leptin. The first, a sleep hormone, is what makes you drowsy come bedtime; lower levels leave you more alert. At the same time, reduced levels of leptin, a satiety hormone, mean your brain isn't getting the message that you're full. In other words, the more you eat, the less you sleep. And the less you sleep, the more likely you are to reach for another snack (and another!). When extended, this cycle can lead to sleep deprivation or, eventually, anxiety, depression, or cognitive decline.

Perhaps more alarming is the way p.m. scarfing affects your levels of insulin, the hormone that helps cells pull sugar out of your bloodstream to use as energy. As the sun sets, your body starts to power down for the night, which makes cells more resistant to insulin's effects, according to a new study in Current Biology. So if you've just taken down a hefty after-hours meal, you likely now have high blood sugar (long-term, a diabetes risk factor). Even worse, your body tends to store excess sugar as fat—and larger fat stores only increase insulin resistance, putting you at higher risk for diabetes, not to mention heart disease.

Well-Timed Noshing
Surprisingly, the first step isn't cutting out all late-night fare, says Deborah Beck Busis, of the Beck Institute near Philadelphia. Rather, it's to amp up your daytime food intake. More-balanced meals will reprogram your body to crave less food at night (yes, even despite that innate urge).

"The key is to be actively in control of your choices," says Freedhoff. Start with a breakfast of at least 400 calories, including 25 grams of protein (e.g., scrambled eggs with feta cheese and spinach). Research shows that eating more in the a.m. decreases your overall intake for the day—the exact opposite of night-eating's effects.

Lunch should also be at least 400 calories with 25 grams of protein. If you get hungry between meals, feel free to nibble, says Busis. Look for 100- to 150-calorie snacks with seven grams of protein. At dinner, stick to that 400-calories-per-meal ideal.

Aside from better food planning, hitting the hay is your best defense. Research shows that people who go to bed after midnight take in 500 extra evening calories. So switch off your TV or tablet early; staring at a screen can spur mindless munching.

You may not be able to break a night-eating habit right away, and that's OK. Just consuming fewer calories at or after dinner will give your body a break and put you on a healthier path.

Get Strong and Sexy in Six Weeks—the Workout Plan

Strong is the new sexy. Follow this workout plan for six weeks straight to get the body you want

Define your shoulders, flatten your abs, and perk up your posterior with this program created by Kellie Davis, strength coach and coauthor of Strong Curves: A Woman's Guide to Building a Better Butt and Body. Rather than working single muscle groups the way many body-building programs do, this approach focuses on compound exercises (like squats, deadlifts, and presses). This distributes the work evenly, which allows you to lift heavier loads without injury. It's also more metabolically taxing, meaning you torch a greater number of calories in a shorter period of time.

This plan features two routines (Workouts A and B), which you'll complete each week. The linchpin: You can't rely on a single pair of dumbbells to get you through a workout. Large muscle groups (think legs, glutes, chest, and back) can handle a larger amount of weight than smaller muscle groups (like your arms, shoulders, and calves). For each move, choose a weight you can lift for the prescribed number of reps, but no more. If you're well under or over the rep range, increase or decrease the weight by two to five pounds. Just don't get too comfortable: You're becoming stronger as your body adapts to the demands you place upon it, so you should try to add a little weight each workout or week.

Prepare for Liftoff
For each workout, do three sets of each move in order, performing all reps and sets before going to the next exercise. When you see two exercises next to the number, do them as a superset: Alternate between them (no rest!) to complete the sets. Lifting twice a week is sufficient, but you'll see better results doing four total workouts each week. On rest days, you can stay active with other physical activities like yoga, hiking, biking, conditioning circuits, dance classes—just don't push yourself to the point of exhaustion or pain. Here's how to space your workouts throughout the week:

If You're Lifting Twice A Week. . .
Day 1: Workout A
Day 2: Rest
Day 3: Rest
Day 4: Workout B
Day 5: Rest
Days 6 And 7: Rest

If You're Lifting Four Times A Week. . .
Day 1: Workout A
Day 2: Workout B
Day 3: Rest
Day 4: Workout A
Day 5: Workout B
Days 6 And 7: Rest

Ask Women's Health: Tampon Safety, Calories, and LinkedIn Etiquette

Answers to your most pressing questions, straight from the experts

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I'm hungrier on days I exercise—how do I make sure I burn more than I eat?—Lilli, DeWitt, IA.
You should feel hungrier on those days—and eat more, too, says Marni Sumbal, R.D., an exercise physiologist and owner of Trimarni Coaching and Nutrition in Jacksonville, Florida. The key to managing your food intake is to eat an additional snack before and after your workout, so you're fueling up when your body needs it most.

For example, before an hour-long run, Sumbal suggests a 100- to 200-calorie snack mixing five to 15 grams of protein and 30 to 40 grams of carbs (like a small banana with half a tablespoon of peanut butter); a post-workout snack should include about 10 to 15 grams of protein and 20 to 30 grams of carbs (try three ounces of yogurt and a piece of fruit). By timing your extra snacks around your workout, you can satisfy your hunger and get leaner, says Sumbal.

Is it dangerous to leave a tampon in overnight?—Jacquie, Evanston, WY
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a potentially fatal bacterial infection that has long been linked with leaving a tampon in for too long, used to scare the bejesus out of women. But the last major group of cases was in the early 1980s—and many physicians believe the outbreak was more likely due to a different type of bacterial strain common at the time, says Mary Jane Minkin, M.D.

These days, the chances of getting TSS from a tampon are very minimal, Minkin says, and you can safely wear one overnight—so sleeping with a tampon in place isn't a worry. If you do, though, Minkin recommends wearing a pad for at least four hours over the course of the next day to prevent dryness and promote overall vaginal health.

Should you accept requests on LinkedIn from people you don't know personally?—Evelyn, North Liberty, IN
Not immediately, says Nicole Williams, LinkedIn's career expert, who explains that there are no career benefits to accepting requests that aren't valuable to you in some way.

Instead, scan their profile to see if you have anything in common. "If they seem like they could potentially be a good professional contact, go ahead and accept. They may end up being able to help you in the future," says Williams. (And you can always dump them later.) But if the person has nonprofessional reasons (or you can't think of a reason for needing them in your circle), feel free to decline the request.

3 Strength-Training Tips for Beginners

How to stay injury-free in the weight room

Juan Algarin

Use these three tips from Neghar Fonooni, a fitness coach in Santa Monica, to stay injury-free in the weight room.

Start light. Begin with a weight you know you can move well. (Most of Fonooni's clients begin with 15- to 20-pound dumbbells and a 45-pound barbell.) You know it's time to move up when you can easily perform more reps than recommended in the program.

Do it right. Consult a pro early if you have questions about an exercise. Proper form should:

. . .look effortless, not uncomfortable. People shouldn't be wondering if they need to request backup for you.

. . .never hurt. Note: Soreness and pain are not the same.

. . .match how our bodies are meant to move. If you can't do something, you may have a mobility or movement issue (tight hip flexors, for example) standing in your way.

Be aware. Note what's around you at all times. Fonooni has seen people run into others, trip on equipment, and hit their heads when they lie down.

3 Fab Healthy Snack Subscription Services (Yes, Really)

Like Birchbox, for your rumbling belly

Travis Rathbone

Women, on average, grab three snacks per day, according to the NPD Group. Bypass the inevitable post-vending-machine sugar crash and have good-for-you nibbles delivered directly to your desk. A slew of companies offer monthly subscription services packed with healthy snacks. Here, a sampling:

Nature Box
Five all-natural products you won't find at the store, such as banana-bread granola and smoky Indian snack mix
$20 per month and up

Boxtera
About 20 servings of snacks per delivery, and all of 'em natural, organic, and GMO-free
$30 per month for 12-month subscription

Tasterie
Nut allergy? Celiac disease? A sign-up survey means you'll receive only foods you can safely eat.
$20 per month and up

You Can Accessorize Like Your Favorite <i>Mean Girls</i> Characters

These baubles are so fetch

Truth: Aaron Samuels looks sexy with his hair pushed back, but this Mean Girls-inspired bling will turn you into the hottest eye candy around. The jewelry is part of the forthcoming Burn Book accessory collection from Stella & Bow—and we’re in love.

MORE: 16 Sparkly Accessories We Covet

The L.A.-based designers plan to launch their collection in mid-February to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the super quotable movie’s release, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Can you believe it came out in April 2004, and we’re still trying to make “fetch” happen?

MORE: 6 Must-Have Cuffs

Look forward to gold, silver, and pink accessories—including bracelets and hair clips—engraved with the film’s loveable one-liners such as “You can’t sit with us.” A cuff inscribed with the word “Wednesday” is made in rose gold, the approved shade for hump day. Prices vary from $23 up to $110, but seriously, there’s no more stylish way to channel your inner Regina George.

MORE: Aaron Samuels: Indoor Cycling Instructor?

 

Snooki Talks Pregnancy and Getting Fit Post-Baby

The Jersey Shore star swapped out fist bumps for a baby bump. Here she shares her uncensored (and sometimes brutally, uncomfortably honest) insights into life as a new mom

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi has come a long way from brawls and bar crawls on the Jersey Shore. The 26-year-old new mom and Dancing With the Stars alum just released a new book, Baby Bumps: From Party Girl to Proud Mama, and All the Messy Milestones Along the Way. Inside the leopard-print book jacket is every explicit detail of her unexpected pregnancy—like taking six at-home pregnancy tests, dealing with treacherous gas, and making her fiancé Jionni check out the mucus plug.

So what made the reality star want to talk bellies and bottles? Here’s what she had to say in her new book:  

“I want to tell the not-so-glamorized truth about the dirty job of becoming a mom. Maybe other women really do have the smiling, rocking chair pregnancy that you see on the cover of other books about it. I know each pregnancy story is unique. But we all deal with a lot of the same issues and weirdness. I hope sharing my crazy thoughts and gross moments will give readers some relief when they have theirs. Basically, I feel your gas pain.”

Obviously, we were intrigued, so we checked in with Polizzi to find out more about her pregnancy and how she got into such amazing shape after her son Lorenzo was born (her gym selfies are beyond impressive). Check out our interview below, edited for space:

WH: Your book is all about the ups and downs of your pregnancy, but what was the most unexpected part of it for you?
NP: Probably the mood swings. I already knew I was going to get fat and pee myself. I knew all of that stuff from my friends telling me, but I didn’t know I was going to be such a bitch. I was always in a bad mood. Sometimes I would wake up and be so happy, and Jionni could say a word and automatically it would turn me into the worst person ever. I just wasn’t prepared for those mood swings.

WH: Is there any advice you would give women for staying sane?
NP: I wouldn’t tell the women—I would tell their husbands or their men, just deal with it. It only lasts nine months, and she’s going to be psycho until she has the baby.

MORE: How Jenna Dewan Tatum Lost the Baby Weight

WH: What did you do to stay healthy both during and after your pregnancy?
NP: When I was pregnant, up until the seventh month I made sure I was eating healthy with salads, veggies, and chicken, and then one day a week I would splurge and have brownies and ice cream. But then once I hit the eighth month mark I was like, I feel like a whale anyway, just screw it, so I started eating everything. And that’s when I probably gained the most weight.

After I had Lorenzo I knew I wanted to be healthy and be a fit mom and be able to carry him up the stairs without dying. So I started going to the gym after six weeks post-birth, and it probably took me five to six months to see any results. I was going with a trainer and I’m like, ‘Dude, I’m not losing any weight, nothing’s happening. I’m working my butt off and I don’t see any results.’ And then when I said that, all of the sudden I just started losing the weight and it just shed off overnight.

So it’s going to take a while to see results. You’re losing weight but also gaining muscle. So you’re kind of staying in the same weight, but once you have the muscle, then the fat drops off and that’s when you see the big results. That’s going to take a while, so I can see how people get discouraged after having a baby when they go to the gym and say I’m not seeing any results and then they stop. You have to keep going.

WH: You’re in amazing shape now—what’s your fitness routine like these days?
NP: I do a lot of weight training, a lot of fast running—not a lot of miles, but a fast speed for a mile or two so I don’t lose all my muscle. I enjoy weight training with my trainer. He makes me do a lot of heavy stuff now because I told him I want a lot of muscle, so he’s killing me right now.

MORE: Before You Judge the Post-Baby Instagram Woman

WH: Any particular exercises that you dread?
NP: I definitely hate leg day. It’s a love-hate relationship, because my legs are burning—it feels like there’s a knife going through my muscle, that’s how bad it hurts—but the end results are great, because my legs look awesome.

WH: How have you and Jionni adjusted to life as parents?
NP: We definitely hit a rough patch when Lorenzo was born because you’re both the parents, and you want to do it your way but he wants to do it his way. And it’s like, ‘Can you just go away so I can have my time with my son?’ But then he wants his own time with his son, and you get jealous because you want him. So we had sort of a brawl over who would get to have Lorenzo and change his diaper, and now we have to beg each other to do it because it’s been a year.

There’s going to be bickering in the beginning because you want to do it your way and he wants to do it his way, but I feel like as a relationship we definitely grew up and we don’t fight about the stupid things anymore. We’re definitely a lot happier.

WH: Is there anything else you think women need to know about pregnancy?
NP: I just want women to know that even though it’s a great experience—you’re pregnant, you’re having a baby—it’s the most uncomfortable experience you’ll ever have and the scariest experience you’ll ever have. But going through all of that and then holding your baby after nine months and seeing him grow up like I am, it’s totally worth it. I can’t wait to have another baby. I can’t wait to pee myself and be uncomfortable for another nine months. I’m excited to have more kids.

MORE: How Long Does it Really Take to Lose the Baby Weight?