Personal Life: May 2011

The ABC's of Sizzling Sex

Along the 26-point sequence of the alphabet there are many, many sexual references, and not all of them are X-rated. In fact, once you've covered the ABC's of sex—from the part of the brain that can interfere with orgasm to the essential mineral a man depletes with every climax—you may have a greater understanding of the wonders of the human body, as well as the human mind. Try these tips, from The Men's Health and Women's Health Big Book of Sex.

Risky Business

When it comes to women, I've never done anything remotely ballsy in my life. Until 6 years ago, when I flew in the face of everything that Michael Douglas and Demi Moore taught us in the movie Disclosure: I put the moves on my boss.

It all started when I was at the job interview. Maybe because she was cute, maybe because she was funny — or maybe because I was seriously light-headed from inhaling exhaust fumes at the bus station — but somewhere between discussing health benefits and 401(k) plans, I found myself falling for her. I know, I know; it was crazy. What was I thinking? Well for one thing, I was thinking that she was pretty damn good-looking. When the interview ended, a friend of mine who already worked there walked with me out of the building. I turned to her and said, "So, what's the deal with Lisa*?" (*Note: No names have been changed. There are no innocents to protect in this story.) My friend looked me dead in the eye and said, "Bova, don't even think about it. She is totally out of your league."

I took that advice — for the first few months, anyway. Then I got to know her better and realized she was a really sweet, funny person. And after a short time working together, I started to think that maybe we could be more than coworkers. We laughed at the same stuff in meetings, talked about the same stupid TV shows in the mornings. Why the hell not? I mean, yes, she was way out of my league. She was smarter, more successful, and, I assumed, didn't live in a crappy apartment with a gassy roommate and a cardboard box that served as a dinner table like I did. But what did all of that matter? Wasn't romance about more than what kind of car you drove (or, in my case, what subway line you rode)? I decided to go for it, and the hard-core flirting commenced posthaste.

Whenever the office went out for a night of boozing, I'd find myself tap dancing, performing magic tricks, basically making an ass of myself to get the boss lady's attention. Sometimes she smiled. Sometimes (and this is a direct quote) she told me I was "annoying." But eventually it paid off.

About a year after we started working together, I finally made some serious headway. She had just bought an apartment, so I asked her if she could share some advice on navigating New York City's treacherous real estate waters. She wrote me an e-mail saying, "Sure. Want to talk about it at lunch? Or drinks?" Holy Jesus, I thought, my cute boss wants to get drinks with me!

Perk Up! Coffee Packs Tons of Health Benefits!

nutrition: article

Green tea may get all the glory, but the top source of age-avenging antioxidants in the American diet is a different hot beverage: coffee. The beans behind your brew—actually the seeds of the coffee tree's fruit—contain the same kind of nutritionally supercharged compounds found in tea and other plant-based foods such as wine and chocolate.

Health Benefits in Every Cup
Studies show that coffee can help ward off mental decline, certain cancers, Parkinson's disease, high blood pressure, and even extra pounds (yes, really!). A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that each time you refill your cup of java (caffeinated or decaf) in a day, you slash your diabetes risk by 7 percent; in another study, drinking two to three cups of coffee each day was associated with a 21 percent lower risk of heart disease.

Want to reap all these benefits without the jitters or coffee breath? Give your next meal a shot of espresso. "Coffee can give both sweet and savory dishes a rich, earthy element," says chef David Guas, owner of Bayou Bakery Coffee Bar & Eatery in Arlington, Virginia. "It works particularly well in recipes that star chocolate, cherries, blueberries, lemon, and stronger-tasting nuts such as pecans and walnuts."

To let a bold coffee flavor come through in a finished recipe, Guas says it's best to brew a dark roast with half as much water as you would normally use (let the coffee cool to room temperature if you're adding it to a batter). Or use coffee grinds as a rub for poultry, pork, or steak.

In terms of drinking the brew, it's best to do it in moderation, despite the body benefits. "Coffee is a natural stimulant, and high intake can bring on headaches, increased heart rate, or insomnia," says Nyree Dardarian, R.D., an adjunct faculty member at Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions in Philadelphia. She recommends capping your daily fix at four six-ounce cups and finishing the last one at least four hours before turning in for the night.

Learn what's inside your usual coffee order.
Make an Espresso Granita.
More at-home coffee recipes.

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Last updated: May 6, 2011 Issue date: April 2011

Do You Stress Yourself Out?

When you think about it, stress is a mysterious thing: You can't see it or touch it, but you definitely know it's there. And its enigmatic nature just might be preventing us from fully realizing the damage stress can do—to our minds, bodies, and spirits.

According to the American Psychological Association, more than half of all women say they're "highly stressed," an increase of 25 percent from just four years ago. But very few do anything to chill out. In fact, many seem to be saying "bring it on!" because somewhere along the line being stretched to the limit turned into a badge of honor.

That's how it was for Meredith Bodgas, 28, of Forest Hills, New York. Before switching to a lower-key Web job, Bodgas worked until 9 p.m. most nights. "I figured anyone who left before 7 p.m. simply wasn't as valuable," she says. She subscribed to the same misguided belief adopted by so many modern women: Stress is synonymous with success—and if you're not totally fried, you may not be doing enough. "I loved it when people would ask me 'How do you do it?' " admits Bodgas, "even though I suspect what some of them really meant was 'Why do you do it?' "

Stress Appeal
Turns out, high anxiety may be, well, an actual high.

"Some people think they need to be stressed all the time in order to really feel alive," says Patt Lind-Kyle, author of Heal Your Mind, Rewire Your Brain: Applying the Exciting New Science of Brain Synchrony for Creativity, Peace, and Presence. They become hooked on the rush they get from stress, which stimulates hormones such as adrenaline, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and especially cortisol. The tension can become addictive—and as with most addictions, it can usher in an unhealthy craving.

The ready willingness to put out a welcome mat for stress also stems from myriad social and cultural pressures. While you'd think the feminist movement would have moved women way past this by now, "many still feel driven to prove they can be just as successful as their male counterparts," says stress researcher KaMala Thomas, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychology at Pitzer College in California.

"In fact, studies show that women expect to juggle multiple roles from an early age. The result is that they end up thriving on stress and feeling guilty if they're not multitasking. They get used to the adrenaline rush and eventually interpret stress as a drive to be productive rather than a potential source of long-term health problems."

Compounding this is the possibility that women embrace stress because, somewhere along the way, they came to believe that the more frazzled they are, the better person they are. "Many young women think if they're not working every second of every day, they're lazy," says Steve Orma, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist in San Francisco.

"They are ashamed of taking breaks and feel they're not a 'good' enough person if they aren't pushing themselves to the absolute limit. It has become a moral issue."

Plus, a lot of women are willing to forgo sleep and sanity for an implied payoff. In Bodgas's case, she figured the more hours she clocked—and the higher her stress meter continued to soar—the greater her reward would be. "I felt as if I were one of those pledging frat guys who tells himself that the fraternity must be amazing if he has to go through so much horrible stuff to get in," she says.

Fresh Air, Bad Air: How to Tell the Difference

Right around the time when the days start getting longer and temps begin to rise, it's normal to want to ditch your spin class and liberate the road bike that's been sitting idle in your garage. What's not to love about filling your lungs with fresh spring air?

Actually, there is something. If your favorite bike path winds along a busy thoroughfare, or the tennis court you frequent is located near a traffic-clogged intersection, you may be loading your lungs with harmful pollutants in the form of ozone (the main component of smog) and microscopic bits of soot, dust, aerosol, metal, free radicals, and other airborne contaminants. Not only does this toxic assault on your lungs compromise the effectiveness of your workouts, but it can also take a toll on your health.

Running on Fumes
First, some good news. The air we breathe has become a lot cleaner in the past 30 years. Since 1980, emissions of the six worst pollutants have dropped by nearly 50 percent, thanks to stricter laws regulating air quality. But here's the thing: People who exercise outdoors may still breathe in up to 10 times more airborne nastiness than those who spend less time being active outside. Whether your workout of choice is running, cycling, or taking boot-camp classes on the beach, doing any kind of vigorous outdoor exercise that causes you to breathe hard means you are gulping more air than if you were standing still, says Sam Callan, USA Cycling's sport science and coaching education manager. Even moderate workouts, such as a brisk walk, can increase the amount of air you inhale. And along with all that extra muscle-fueling oxygen comes supersize portions of unhealthy pollution.

What's worse, as you huff and puff through your mouth, some of that contamination whooshes deep into your lungs, bypassing your nasal passages, the body's natural air filter. The result? An irritated and inflamed trachea and lungs. You may wind up with symptoms such as a pesky cough, chest tightness, or a scratchy throat.

Over time, regular exposure to pollution may trigger exercise-induced asthma (an attack of wheezing and airway constriction during a workout) and ups your risk for lung cancer by 20 percent, the same as a nonsmoker living with a smoker, says George D. Thurston, Sc.D., a professor of environmental medicine at New York University School of Medicine. Joggers who regularly run in high-ozone conditions may experience a thickening of the lining of their lungs (typically a smoker's affliction), which may prematurely age the lungs, although the exact health consequences are unknown, says Daniel Greenbaum, president of the Health Effects Institute, a Boston nonprofit organization that studies pollution's impact on health.

Yet these effects often go unnoticed. In fact, the fitter you are, the less likely you are to see signs. "Healthy people can be affected by air pollution without experiencing symptoms," says Norman Edelman, M.D., chief medical officer of the American Lung Association. So even if you feel fine, your lungs and workout still take a hit.

In a 2008 study, cyclists pedaled in polluted conditions. Three days later, the distance they could ride decreased by 5 percent. And women, who have smaller airways, are more affected by the irritation and swelling that restricts oxygen intake than men are. A 2010 study of marathon runners published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that higher rates of pollution slowed women's race times, while men were unaffected.

Crank up Your Metabolism

Have you ever watched a slender woman take down a big bowl of ice cream and wondered, Where does she put it? She doesn't put it anywhere, actually. Most likely, she has a Maserati-fast metabolism that incinerates fat before it has a chance to take up residence on her thighs.

Jealous? Don't be. While genetics counts for part of your metabolic efficiency, you can give Mother Nature a kick in the pants by simply tweaking your fitness regimen. "Your body adapts to exercise over time, which causes your metabolism to fall into a lull," says Geoff Bagshaw, group fitness manager at the Equinox fitness club in Miami. "Adding variety to your workouts will help you break through plateaus so you continue to see results."

Intensity matters too: Exercising harder promotes the growth of lean muscle, which burns more calories during and after your workout, says Craig Ballantyne, owner of TurbulenceTraining.com. The three strength-training techniques on these pages will inject a powerful double shot of variety and intensity into your usual routine. Replace one of your regular workouts each week with one of these fitness workouts and watch those extra pounds melt away

CONTRAST TRAINING
This technique involves doing a resistance exercise with weights, and then immediately following it with an explosive body-weight exercise that works the same muscle group. "In contrast training, the movement pattern of the second exercise should always mimic the first one," says sports performance specialist Barry Lovelace, owner of FitQuest Fitness in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In other words, chest presses should be followed by explosive pushups, or dumbbell squats followed by squat jumps.

Fat-trimming trick: Busting out an explosive move after a strength move trains your body to recruit more muscle fibers. Researchers at the University of California at Santa Cruz found that this type of workout (also called concurrent training) increases lean muscle mass while it decreases body-fat percentage.

Try It: Hold a 10-to 20-pound dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet hip-width apart, and lower into a squat (as if you're sitting into a chair) for five to 10 reps. Then ditch the dumbbells and do five to 10 jump squats: Lower into a squat, then push through your heels to jump off the ground; land softly and immediately lower into another rep. Rest for one to three minutes, then repeat the sequence, working your way up to five or six sets.

PYRAMID METHOD
You'll do three or more sets of the same exercise, starting with light resistance and high reps, then increasing the weight and decreasing the reps with each set. A full workout of pyramid sets can be tough (and time consuming), so start by working one upper-body and one lower-body exercise into the end of your workout, says Ballantyne. This way, you won't exhaust the key muscle groups you need to complete your regular routine.

Fat-trimming trick: Unlike other intense workouts that build strength, this technique emphasizes muscular endurance (the rate at which your body can continually produce force), which can increase your fat-burning rate.

Try It: Holding a pair of dumbbells at your sides, step forward with your right foot and lower your body until your right knee is bent 90 degrees. Return to standing, and continue for a total of 15 reps. Repeat with the left leg, then rest for 20 seconds before doing the second set: 10 to 12 reps, using a slightly heavier weight. Rest, then increase the weight again and do six to eight reps.

TABATA METHOD
Fast-and-furious intervals—20 seconds of all-out effort followed by 10 seconds of rest—are repeated a total of eight times (for a grand total of four minutes). Researchers at McMaster University in Ontario found that exercising as hard as you can for short periods of time is as effective at improving muscle and metabolism as sweating it out longer at a lower intensity.

Fat-trimming trick: All-out effort keeps your heart rate zipping for the entire workout (even during the rests) and for hours after you kick off your sneakers. The end result? You burn extra calories.

Try It: Bagshaw suggests this three-move sequence: Starting with exercise one, do as many reps as you can with proper form in 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, then continue for a total of eight intervals. Rest for two minutes, then go to exercise two and do eight intervals. Take another two-minute breather, then do eight intervals of exercise three.

1/ Lunges with biceps curls: Holding dumbbells at your sides, step back and lower into a lunge, curling the weights up to your shoulders. Stand and repeat, alternating legs.
2/ Squats with overhead presses: Hold dumbbells at shoulder height and lower into a squat. Press the dumbbells directly overhead as you stand.
3/ Pushups: From a pushup position (or modified pushup position, with your knees on the ground), bend your elbows to lower your chest to the floor.

5 Steps to Help You Stay Calm in a Crisis

From coffeemaker malfunctions to wardrobe malfunctions, life throws challenges at you on a daily basis, but you can't know how you'll respond in a true crisis until the unthinkable presents itself. For Daniel Hernandez, the 20-year-old intern to U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, day five of his new job was life-changing. The tragic shooting in the Arizona supermarket parking lot and his quick response to apply pressure to Giffords's wound demonstrated that the guy has what it takes to keep his cool under fire—both literal and political. "I think what is sometimes surprising is how many people may rise to the occasion in a time of crisis," says Victoria Follette, Ph.D., a psychology professor at the University of Nevada at Reno. "Many people at the site of the Tucson tragedy responded in a selfless manner."

But how can you know if you'll respond with the ease of Daniel Hernandez or with a panic attack? "At times of crisis, many people respond in 'fight or flight,' which is the body's primitive response to a perceived threat or attack," explains Laura Streyffeler, Ph.D., a psychologist in Florida who specializes in traumatic stress. "Often the body appears to go on 'auto-pilot.' I have found that the more prepared and balanced a person is in his or her life, the more likely he or she will be more proactive than reactive during the crisis or event." Just like your Girl Scout troop leader taught you, always be prepared. Here are five steps for starting now.

1. LIVE A MEANINGFUL LIFE. What you did yesterday may seem irrelevant if your house is burning down, but Follette says that living your life a certain way can make a difference when push comes to shove. "I think that some people are very clear on their values and are always living in a manner that is consistent with those valued directions," she says. "That's why people don't need to think when they decide to move to protect their child from harm." Parent or not, having a clear idea of what's really important in your life may help you act to preserve it in a critical moment.

2. DEVISE A PLAN OF ACTION NOW. "Being prepared for a crisis, such as having a building evacuation plan, knowing first aid/CPR, or participating in fire drills, is always helpful," says Streyffeler. "Having a feeling of knowing what to do when a crisis arises often gives those involved a sense of control and direction. A proactive crisis response is always better than a reactive one."

3. BREATHE. Simple as it seems, if you can forget to breathe when you're practicing Cobra on the yoga mat, you can definitely forget when you're face-to-face with one in the wild. "During a crisis the cardiovascular and respiratory systems speed up and often go into 'overdrive'," explains Streyffeler. "Breathing deeply will help slow down the physical body, which allows the mental and emotional body to slow down as well."

Tips and exercises for better breathing

4. PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK. "Positive self-talk before and during a crisis is often helpful," says Streyffeler. Telling yourself how brave you are may help you believe it and overcome your fear. "Courage is facing adversity in the face of fear," says Follette. "Those who are able to allow courage to trump their fear will act more quickly, responsibly, safely, and ultimately heroically in a crisis."

5. LIVE IN THE MOMENT. "I think the most important thing someone does in a crisis is to stay very mindful of the present situation and to focus on the most useful action in the present moment," says Follette. "A crisis is not the time for what-ifs or considering a range of future consequences." She says hospital emergency-room personnel and soldiers in combat use this technique every day. "Mindfulness is a skill that can be improved with practice," she says. "In being mindful we are better able to set aside our thoughts and feelings and just focus on this moment and what is the most useful next step." Practice by trying to focus only on your dishes next time you're washing them or only on your dog next time you're walking him.

Relationship Advice: What's Your Attachment Style?

Research on how we form and behave in relationships (called attachment theory) shows that pretty much everyone falls into one of three categories: anxious, avoidant, or secure. Here's the breakdown: About 20 percent of people are anxious, roughly 25 percent fall into the avoidant camp, and the remainder are considered secure, according to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

Life experiences and genes play a role in how you form love connections, but your romantic MO mostly stems from your childhood (shocker, right?). The way you learned to bond with your parents as a baby follows you into adulthood, affecting your romantic relationships, which, in turn, continue to shape your attachment style. Identifying your style (and his) provides you some of the best relationship advice for women: It tells you how to move into the secure group—and if you're already there, realizing it can help you make your relationship even stronger.

Anxious
People who have an anxious attachment style crave intimacy and closeness. They love being coupled up, but they consider relationships fragile and are sensitive to even minor shifts in their partner's mood.

Little things their partner may do, such as not calling when he said he would, leave them feeling vulnerable and insecure. But because anxious people generally have a harder time telling someone what they want, they're more likely to mope, withdraw, or even lash out. They ignore the calls they so anxiously await or flirt with others to make their mate jealous. This method of reacting doesn't bode well for creating the communicative, stable relationship an anxious person needs to feel secure.

Your strategy: Speak up! When your guy says or does something that triggers insecurity, such as opting for a guys' night out when you were hoping for cozy couch time together, take a deep breath and stop yourself from picking a fight or retreating. Then communicate how you feel rather than expecting him to read your mind. If you voice your needs in a calm, clear way, he will likely respond by being more available to you. Of course, this can be tricky if you're partnered up with an avoidant (studies show that anxious and avoidant types are often drawn to each other because they validate each other's fears). But the confidence and empowerment that comes from asserting yourself can help you feel more secure and emotionally suited to deal with an avoidant guy.

Cut 400 Calories a Day (Painlessly!)

Down your dairy.
Swap a 12 oz. café mocha with whipped cream (290 calories) for a 12 oz. nonfat cappuccino (60 calories) and trade a Fage Total Classic yogurt (260 calories) for a Fage Total 0% (90 calories).
Save: 400 calories

Shrink your cereal and juice.
Have a granola bar (118 calories) instead of a cup of granola (299) with 1 cup whole milk (149 calories). Down it with a large Florida orange (69 calories) instead of 10 ounces of processed OJ (150 calories).
Save: 411 calories

Slim your sandwich.
Spread one tablespoon of mustard (9 calories) on your sandwich instead of one tablespoon of mayonnaise (103 calories), skip a 1-oz. slice of Swiss cheese (106 calories) and put it in a large pita (165 calories) instead of between two slices of sourdough bread (370 calories).
Save: 405 calories

Deduct from dessert.
Trade a one-cup scoop of vanilla ice cream (274 calories) in a waffle cone (121 calories) covered with two tablespoons of chocolate syrup (109 calories) for a cup of vanilla frozen yogurt (221 calories) topped with a half cup of strawberries (27 calories) and have club soda (0 calories) instead of a 12-oz can of root beer (152 calories).
Save: 408 calories

Cut a few carbs.
Have a baked sweet potato (105 calories per medium) seasoned with cayenne pepper or other spices instead of a russet potato (161 calories) topped with butter (one tablespoon is 102 calories), cheddar cheese (one ounce is 114 calories), and sour cream (one tablespoon is 23 calories), and swap one cup cooked sweet yellow corn (143 calories) for one cup cooked spinach with salt (41 calories).
Save: 397 calories

Break your breakfast routine.
Instead of a plain bagel with cream cheese (500 calories) and a regular latte (220 calories), have a filling bowl of organic hot oatmeal (210 calories, 3.5 g fat, 7 g protein) with one cup of blueberries (80 calories) and 1/2 cup of raspberries (30 calories) and a cup of black (for caffeine) or green (no/low caffeine) tea (0 calories each).
Save: 400 calories

Snack yourself slim.
Instead of snacking on a blueberry scone (460 calories) for a mid-morning snack, and a small bag of salt & vinegar chips (150 calories) post-lunch, have a Greek yogurt (90 calories) with honey (64 calories one tablespoon) for the morning snack and a caramel rice cake (50 calories) for the afternoon snack.
Save: 406 calories

Slice some smart spuds.
Instead of 6 ounces of potato chips (600 calories), thinly slice sweet potatoes (160 calories) and toast them in the oven at 250 degrees for half an hou. Low-fat sour cream and dill make a healthy dip (3 teaspoons is only 35 calories).
Save: 405 calories

Sip a smoothie.
Make your own all-fruit drink and skip chain smoothies, some of which can pack more than 600 calories. Gay Riley, RD, owner of netnutritionist.com suggests this recipe: Blend 2 slices of pineapple (4 oz), 1 apple, 1 peeled beet, 1 carrot, 1/2 cup of organic apple juice, and a dash of water and ice. It makes two servings of 12 ounces and is only 115 calories each.
Save: 485 calories

What Men Think: Nathan Fillion

You help crack mysteries for a living on Castle. Is there something about women that continues to baffle you?
My brother used to say that when you deal with women, it's difficult to remove emotions from an argument. I never really knew what he meant. Then I read an article that said when it comes to emotion and logic, men's and women's brains are different—my brother was right! Women are very mysterious, but that's part of their joy.

What is it about commitment that freaks guys out so much?
Losing your independence. But if you're with someone and you're afraid of committing to her, then you shouldn't do it. Men who propose...those guys aren't afraid. They've just found the right woman.

What could make a man say no to having a one-night stand?
Risk assessment. Is this worth the fallout? Do I want this person to know where I live?

What phrase do you never want to hear come out of the mouth of the woman you're involved with?
"We have to talk." It's a precursor for something bad. She's pissed, it's over, you name it. Nothing good [has ever] come after that phrase.

Detective Kate Beckett, your potential love interest on the show, seems impervious to your charms. When a woman acts indifferent toward a man, is that a turn-on?
I'm comfortable only when there's a mutual attraction. That's what anyone wants. If I find out she's not attracted to me, it brings down my level of attraction to her. If I'm interested and find out she's not, I tend to cool off.

If you put all of your exes together in one room, how do you think they'd describe you?
Oh, boy. I'm still in touch with about 90 percent of my exes. They would describe me as being unlucky in love.

Favorite part of a woman's body?
Skin. Because it wraps over all the real good bits.

Print the Muscle Memory Workout

To upgrade your muscle memory, you must fully develop (and bank) as many neuromuscular pathways and physiological systems as possible. Our plan is grounded in two principles that have been proven to maximize muscle memory.

The best part? With this easy printable list, you can get your fitness expert-certified sweat on for free. Learn more about the workout or get the printable version now.

Yes, You Can Be a Triathlete

Triathlons used to be the domain of elite athletes. Not anymore. More than 1 million people stepped up to a triathlon starting line last year—37 percent of them women, according to USA Triathlon. "Triathlons have taken over the reins from marathons as the new personal challenge," says Barrie Shepley, Canada's former Olympic and National Triathlon Team coach.

It's no mystery why: The swim-bike-run combo combats workout boredom and practically guarantees weight loss. Plus, the popular sprint distance (half-mile swim, 12-mile bike, and 3.1-mile run) eliminates intimidation. Just be forewarned: The feeling of accomplishment coupled with body-sculpting effects can be addictive!

Why Tri?
Watch any triathlon and you'll see lean legs, flat abs, and sculpted arms whizzing by—all thanks to the one-two punch of endurance and resistance exercise. "Conditioning your body to plug away at three back-to-back disciplines builds muscle endurance," says Lesley Mettler, a triathlon coach in Seattle.

"The resistance comes from pushing yourself through water, which is thicker than air, and cycling up hills or into wind. Triathlon training is very balanced—it's whole-body training."

And it shows. When you focus exclusively on one sport, you often end up strong in some areas and soft in others. Triathletes get body benefits from all three sports and are lean and fit from head to toe, says exercise physiologist Shannon Grady, owner of Go! Athletics. Plus, the constant cardio can result in serious weight loss.

But all that cardiovascular action is good for more than just dropping a few pounds: A recent study in Radiology found that triathletes have larger, healthier hearts and a 17 percent lower heart rate (fewer beats means your ticker is so strong it doesn't have to work as hard) than other athletes.

Your joints, tendons, and muscles will thank you too. "Overuse injuries like tendinitis and stress fractures often result from weakness elsewhere in the body," explains Jordan Metzl, M.D., a sports medicine specialist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and an eight-time Ironman finisher. "Because of the amount of cross-training, triathletes build stronger muscles around all of their joints, which reduces their injury risk," he says. "Think of it as building scaffolding around a building."

A stronger body and better health starts with this step-by-stroke-by-pedal plan.

What Men Think: Joe Manganiello

Your character Alcide goes through a tough breakup. What's the best way to mend a broken heart?
Move on. People just keep bouncing off their exes and wasting each other's time. If you go back, you'll be dealing with the same stuff that drove you apart in the first place.

What's the kindest way to dump someone?
In person. Especially in this day and age. People break up by text message and e-mail—it can be so impersonal. Yeah, it's easier that way, but at the end of the day, it's disrespectful. You have to keep your side of the street clean. There's really no good way to do it, but try to be honest. Just say, "I need X, Y, and Z, and I'm not getting it."

Is it possible for exes to be friends?
No. I'm not friends with my exes. Once you're a pickle, you can't turn back into a cucumber. If I need to get a female's opinion, I'll ask my girlfriend.

How can a woman tell the difference between a guy who's looking for sex and one who's looking for love?
Many guys go straight to the physical stuff in the beginning, but the longer he waits, the clearer it is that he likes you. You want to make sure the person is worth your time. If I like a woman, I slow it down.

Do men appreciate when a woman offers to pay on a date?
It's very sweet and much appreciated if you offer to pay, but a real man won't let you do it. Men are hunters by nature; we used to drag home dinner for the family to eat. I feel best when I'm taking care of my woman. I'm old-fashioned.

What makes a woman marriage material?
If she inspires you to take over the world and be a better man.

Weight Loss Story: Jennie Nickel

Before 211 lbs
After 143 lbs

When Jennie Nickel was pregnant in 2005, larger portions and excessive snacking caused her to tack more than 70 pounds onto her 5'7" figure. The baby weight refused to budge, so this aesthetician from Huntsville, Alabama, decided it was time to whip herself into shape. Today, at 30, Jennie is a part-time nursing student and a fitness junkie who has done three triathlons.

The Change
Nine weeks into her maternity leave, Jennie was down only 15 pounds. "I didn't want to go back to work, because I worried that all of my clients would think I was still pregnant!" she says.

The Lifestyle
"My biggest issue was mindless grazing—a handful of M&M's here, a few chips there," says Jennie. In April 2006, she began logging what she ate. "Writing it down made me aware of how much more I was eating than I was burning." With a newborn at home, getting to the gym was a challenge, so she turned to fitness DVDs. "It was the first time I attempted to exercise in at least five years," recalls Jennie.

Working out gave her new-found energy, and she dropped 20 pounds in the first nine months. She lost another 15 pounds by April 2007, but then she hit a wall. "My weight didn't change for a whole year," she says. Determined to kick-start her stalled progress, Jennie began running. She signed up for a 5-K in the spring of 2008, which gave her motivation. After she added swimming and biking to her routine, Jennie completed her first triathlon in May 2009. And by April 2010, she was down to 143 pounds.

The Reward
Jennie marvels that her waist is now smaller than one of her thighs had been, and that she has lost more pounds than her 4-year-old daughter currently weighs. But the journey has been just as important as seeing a slimmer figure in the mirror. "Nothing is more fulfilling than setting a goal, training for it, and getting that rush of pride when you cross the finish line," she says.

Jennie's Tips
Plan ahead—way ahead. "I'm in nursing school now, so my next race won't be for three years. But I'll stay focused on that goal."

Splurge occasionally. "As long as I eat right 80 percent of the time, I don't beat myself up over the 20 percent of the time when I don't."

Make runs fun. "I go running with friends. Why else would I wake up at 4:45 in the morning if they weren't waiting for me?"

Share Your Story
If you've fought flab and won, you could be featured in the magazine. Go to WomensHealthMag.com/YouLose.

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Last updated: December 20, 2010 Issue date: January/February 2011

What Men Think: Garrett Hedlund

You've gained and lost a lot of weight for roles. Do ladies tend to prefer you leaner or heavier?
It's funny—I read that women look to chiseled-faced guys for one-night stands, and to round-faced guys for marriage. When I'm rounder in the face, I like to say, "This is my long-term look." Or "This is my wife-and-kids look right here."

What's something you love in a woman?
Brains. That's why we've got Olivia Wilde in this world. [Sex appeal] is nothing physical whatsoever. It's the mind and where that goes, the sense of humor. Everything else is just...whatever.

If you're interested in a woman, how likely are you to ask her out?
I always joke that it's hard to travel on subways. You see a woman, and you fall in love. And then she gets out, and she walks away, and everything's done. I'm not good at chatting right away. Women have to be very patient with me, I suppose.

So an assertive woman doesn't turn you off?
I'm not turned off by it. I'm sort of helped by it, endeared by it. It's sweet. But I'm not trying to find myself in any relationship right now. I want to give 100 percent to it, and I can't do that at the moment.

To find out what other celeb guys have to say, visit WomensHealthMag.com/Men.

Interview with <em>Star Trek</em> Hottie Chris Pine

1. What do you think women should know about guys?
Women think that men don't talk about their feelings with guys. We do talk to friends about relationships, but it's succinct—10 minutes, then we move on.

2. Name one thing we'd be surprised to learn you find sexy.
One thing that I do find really sexy is a girl who's good at crossword puzzles.

3. Fantasy time: You have just been named captain of the U. S. S. Enterprise. What famous people do you want on your crew?
Miles Davis, Sean Penn, Mark Twain, and Gandhi

4. Have any quirks?
I talk to myself, especially in the car. I do it to work through ideas, or if I'm pissed off. I use the interior of the car like it's a [therapist's office].

5. What's the most romantic gesture a woman can make?
Giving me space and recognizing that we can be together while still being apart. "Me" time us just as important as "us" time.
---------------------
* Which other hot guy celebs would you like us to interview next?

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Last updated: June 17, 2010 Issue date: May 2009

Reebok’s NFL Breast Cancer Awareness Gear Sweepstakes Rules

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. A purchase or payment will not improve your chances of winning. The Reebok’s NFL Breast Cancer Awareness Gear Sweepstakes (the "Sweepstakes") starts at 12:01 AM Eastern Time ("ET") on October 18, 2010 and ends at 11:59 PM ET on October 20, 2010 (the "Promotion Period"). Eastern Time shall control for all purposes of this Sweepstakes. The Sweepstakes is governed by these Official Rules, and is subject to all applicable U.S. federal, state and local laws, and provincial or territorial laws, and is void wherever prohibited by law.

1. ELIGIBILITY: The Sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia (excluding residents of Guam, Puerto Rico and all other U.S. territories and possessions), and Canada (excluding residents of the Province of Quebec and all other countries, territories or possessions), who are 18 years of age or older or the age of majority in his/her state, province, or territory of residence at the time of entry. Canadian residents, to win, must first correctly answer, unaided, a time-limited mathematical skill testing question administered by mail. Any individuals who have, within one year prior to the start date of the Sweepstakes, performed services for Sponsor, or its respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and successor companies or any organizations responsible for fulfilling, administering, advertising or promoting the Sweepstakes or supplying any prize, and the immediate family and household members of such individuals, are not eligible to enter the Sweepstakes or win the prize. "Immediate family members" shall mean parents, step-parents, children, step-children, siblings, step-siblings, or spouses, regardless of where they live. "Household members" shall mean people who share the same residence at least three months a year, whether related or not. Mechanically altered or reproduced Entries are not eligible. In order to enter the Sweepstakes or receive the prize, you must fully comply with the Official Rules, and agree to be bound by the Official Rules and the decisions of Sponsor, whose decisions shall be binding and final in all respects.

2. HOW TO ENTER: To enter, visit http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/bca-gear (the "Web Site") during the Promotion Period and post a comment. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 PM ET, October 20 2010. Limit one (1) Entry per person per e-mail address per day throughout the Promotion Period. Entries by the same person in excess of the limits stated herein will be disqualified. Entries submitted to the Web Site will be deemed to have been submitted by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at the time of the entry. "Authorized account holder" is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider or organization (e.g., business, educational institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address.

3. RANDOM DRAWING; ODDS OF WINNING: Sponsor will randomly select the winner(s) from among all eligible entries received every week day between October 18, 2010 and October 20, 2010. Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received on a daily basis.

4. WINNER NOTIFICATION: Potential winner(s) will be notified by e-mail, using the information provided on his/her Entry, on or about October 21, 2010. Sponsor will then send to potential winner(s) by e-mail, at the e-mail address on his/her Entry, an Affidavit of Eligibility, Release of Liability, Publicity Release, unless prohibited by law, and any other documentation that Sponsor requires (the "Affidavit"). In order to redeem his/her prize, potential winner(s) shall sign, have notarized, and return to Sponsor the Affidavit within fourteen (14) days from the date Sponsor sent the Affidavit. Any guest (his/her parent/legal guardian if a resident of a jurisdiction that deems him/her to be a minor) shall sign, have notarized and return to Sponsor a Liability Release, Publicity Release, unless prohibited by law, and any other documentation that Sponsor requires within fourteen (14) days after receipt by the potential winner(s). In the event: (a) potential winner(s) cannot be reached for whatever reason after a reasonable effort has been exerted based on the information stated in the Entry, (b) of noncompliance with the above or within any of the aforesaid time periods, (c) potential winner is found to be ineligible to enter the Sweepstakes or receive the prize, (d) potential winner cannot or does not comply with the Official Rules, (e) potential winner's prize notification or Affidavit is returned as undeliverable for whatever reason, or (f) potential winner fails to fulfill the Affidavit-related obligations, the potential winner shall be disqualified from the Sweepstakes and an alternate potential winner may be selected, at Sponsor's sole discretion, from among the other eligible entries received. Winner selection is under the supervision of Sponsor, whose decisions are final and binding in all respects. If entrant's e-mail address, telephone number, or home mailing address changes after he/she enters the Sweepstakes, it is the entrant's sole responsibility to notify Sponsor by postal mailing notice to the address stated below to be received before the end of the Promotion Period.

5. PRIZES: The approximate retail value (the "ARV") of the prize is $115 (The Reebok’s NFL Breast Cancer Awareness Gear). There is a total of three (3) prizes to be awarded to three (3) winners and the total ARV of all prizes awarded is $345. All other expenses not specifically listed herein are solely the winner's responsibility including, but not limited to, sales taxes and all incidental expenses. Prize subject to any and all applicable terms and conditions. Any depictions of prizes are for illustrative purposes only. All federal, state and local taxes on the prize are the sole responsibility of the winner. Winner will be sent an IRS Federal 1099-MISC tax form for the retail value of any prize at or above $600. No transfer, refund, substitution or replacement of prize permitted, except that Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to substitute a prize of equal or greater value (or cash equivalent). ARV of all prizes is in U.S. dollars. All prizes will be awarded within 1 year of receipt of valid and executed winners' affidavit or prize confirmation. Any portion of the prize not accepted or unclaimed and/or unused by the winner will be forfeited and will not be substituted.

6. PUBLICITY RELEASE; USE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION: Except where prohibited or restricted by law, winner's acceptance of prize constitutes the winner's agreement and consent for Sponsor to use and/or publish winner's full name, city and state of residence, photographs or other likenesses, Entry, pictures, portraits, voice, testimonials, biographical information (in whole or in part), and/or statements made by winner regarding the Sweepstakes or Sponsor, worldwide and in perpetuity for any and all purposes, including, but not limited to, advertising, trade and/or promotion on behalf of Sponsor, in any and all forms of media, now known or hereafter devised, including, but not limited to, print, TV, radio, electronic, cable, or World Wide Web, without further limitation, restriction, compensation, notice, review, or approval. By entering, entrants agree and consent to allow Sponsor to use and/or publish his/her full name, city and state of residence, photographs or other likenesses, Entries, pictures, portraits, voice, testimonials, and biographical information (in whole or in part), worldwide and in perpetuity for any and all purposes, including, but not limited to, advertising, trade and/or promotion on behalf of Sponsor, in any and all forms of media, now known or hereafter devised, including, but not limited to, print, TV, radio, cable, electronic or World Wide Web, without further limitation, restriction, compensation, notice, review, or approval to the extent permitted by law. Also by entering the Sweepstakes, entrants will be sharing their personal information with Sponsor. Personal information collected by Sponsor will be used for administration of the Sweepstakes and awarding the prize. In addition, by entering, entrants agree to Sponsor's use of entrant's personal information as described in its privacy policy at http://www.rodale.com/1,6597,8-114,00.html. Please refer to Sponsor's privacy policy for important information regarding the collection, use and disclosure of personal information by Sponsor. Sponsor is not responsible for disclosures made by any third party. Sponsor uses reasonable commercial efforts to comply with Federal CAN?SPAM law and entrants may subsequently opt-out of receiving further emails by following opt-out instructions contained in Sponsor's privacy policy. All entries become the property of Sponsor upon receipt and will not be acknowledged or returned. "(For Canadian residents, entrants also agree that by entering the Sweepstakes, their personal information will be transferred to Sponsor in the United States of America for the above purposes, and may be accessed by the U.S. authorities in accordance with U.S. laws, regulations, and/or court orders. Entrants' personal information will not be provided to any third parties, other than as provided for in the Official Rules or in accordance with Sponsor's privacy policy.)"

7. NO TAMPERING; RIGHT TO CANCEL, MODIFY: Sponsor and its parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers and directors shall not have any obligation or responsibility, including any responsibility to award any prize to entrants, with regard to: (a) Entries that contain inaccurate information or do not comply with or violate the Official Rules; (b) Entries, prize claims or notifications that are lost, late, incomplete, illegible, unintelligible, damaged or otherwise not received by the intended recipient, in whole or in part, due to computer, human or technical error of any kind; (c) entrants who have committed fraud or deception in entering or participating in the Sweepstakes or claiming the prize; (d) telephone, electronic, hardware, software, network, Internet or computer malfunctions, failures or difficulties; (e) any inability of the winner to accept the prize for any reason; (f) if a prize cannot be awarded due to travel cancellation, delays or interruptions due to Acts of God, natural disasters, terrorism, weather or any other similar event beyond Sponsor's reasonable control; or (g) any damages, injuries or losses of any kind caused by any prize or resulting from awarding, acceptance, possession, use, misuse, loss or misdirection of any prize or resulting from participating in this promotion or any promotion or prize related activities. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds to be (a) tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes, or with any Web sites promoting the Sweepstakes; (b) acting in violation of the Official Rules; or (c) entering or attempting to enter the Sweepstakes multiple times through the use of multiple e-mail addresses or the use of any robotic or automated devices to submit entries. If Sponsor determines, in its sole discretion, that technical difficulties or unforeseen events compromise the integrity or viability of the Sweepstakes, Sponsor reserves the right to void the entries at issue, and/or terminate the relevant portion of the Sweepstakes promotion, including the entire Sweepstakes promotion, and/or modify the Sweepstakes and/or conduct a random drawing to award the prize(s) using all eligible entries received as of the termination date. If the Sweepstakes is terminated or modified due to technical difficulties or unforeseen events prior to the expiration date of the Promotion Period, notice will be posted at http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty-and-style/win-yoga-pants.

8. RELEASE OF LIABILITY; DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY; FORUM SELECTION CLAUSE: By participating in the Sweepstakes, entrants and winner agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor and its parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers and directors, from any and all liability, for loss, harm, damage, injury, cost or expense whatsoever including without limitation, property damage, personal injury (including emotional distress), and/or death which may occur in connection with preparation for, or participation in, the Sweepstakes, or possession, acceptance and/or use or misuse of the prize or participation in any Sweepstakes-related activity and for any claims or causes of action based on publicity rights, defamation or invasion of privacy and merchandise delivery. By accepting the prize, winner agrees that any liability concerning or arising out of the prize rests solely with the manufacturer of the goods or their affiliates. Sponsor and its parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers and directors assume no responsibility for any injury or damage to entrants or to any other person's computer, regardless of how caused, relating to or resulting from entering or downloading materials or software in connection with this Sweepstakes. Entrants and winners acknowledge that Sponsor has neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representations or guarantees, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to any prize, including, but not limited to, express warranties provided by the manufacturer of the goods or their affiliates. Except where prohibited, all issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of entrant or Sponsor in connection with the Sweepstakes, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition, any dispute relating to the Sweepstakes (including these Official Rules) shall be brought in the appropriate state or federal court having jurisdiction over the subject matter located in the County of Lehigh, Pennsylvania. Entrants hereby irrevocably consent to the personal jurisdiction of said courts and waive any claim of forum non conveniens or lack of personal jurisdiction they may have.

9. LIST OF WINNERS; FUTURE SWEEPSTAKES/CONTESTS: A winners' list will be posted on the Web Site on or about October 21, 2010 or to receive a list of the winners after October 21, 2010 by mail send a self-addressed envelope, with applicable U.S. postage affixed, to: The Honeywell True HEPA Compact Tower Allergen Remover Sweeps, Rodale Inc., 733 Third Avenue, 6th floor, New York, NY 10017, Attn: Jay Ehrlich or by e-mail send an e-mail to whonline@rodale.com and in the body of the e-mail type: Please e-mail me the winner's list for the The Honeywell True HEPA Compact Tower Allergen Remover sweepstakes."

10. SPONSOR: The Sponsor of the Sweepstakes is Rodale Inc., 33 East Minor Street, Emmaus, PA 18098-0099.

SWEEPSTAKES FACTS
One Reebok’s NFL Breast Cancer Awareness Gear
RETAIL VALUE $115
NUMBER OF PRIZES 3
ODDS OF WINNING Depend on the total number of entries received daily

Print the Sculpt a Better Butt Workout

Show your buns some love with these 10 killer moves. They work the glutes and the muscles that support them (the hip flexors and hamstrings) to tighten and tone your booty and core. Whether you choose to add them to your existing routine in place of lower-body exercises or combine them for a calorie-frying buttock-toning circuit is up to you. Either way, you'll wind up with a superior posterior.

The best part? With this easy printable list, you can get your fitness expert-certified sweat on for free. Learn more about the workout or get the printable version now.

Healthy Frozen Treats

ICE CREAM

Edy’s Slow Churned Mint Chocolate Chip Light Ice Cream—Snack Size Cup
If you’re craving real ice cream, this individually sized package is delicious and already portion-controlled, so you don’t eat an entire pint!

Serving size 1 container, 210 calories, 8g fat, 21g sugar per serving
edys.com

FROZEN YOGURT

Blue Bunny Personals All Natural Frozen Yogurt—Bordeaux Cherry Chocolate
Creamy and indulgent (like ice cream!) this yogurt has cherries, chocolate, and digestion-helping probiotics.

Serving size 1/2 cup, 2 servings per container, 120 calories, 3g fat, 17g sugar per serving
bluebunny.com

SORBET

Sharon’s Coconut Sorbet
Sharon's motto is: “If you can’t eat any ingredient in its raw form, it will not go into our sorbet.” That’s a pretty healthy promise.

Serving size 1/2 cup, 4 servings per container, 140 calories, 4g fat, 20g sugar per serving
sharons-sorbet.com

ICE CREAM SANDWICH

Julie’s Organic Ice Cream Petite Juliette Vanilla Sandwiches
With an organic chocolate cookie on the outside and rich, creamy, smooth organic ice cream in the middle, every bite is a delight.

Serving size 1 sandwich, 8 servings per container, 100 calories, 5g fat, 6g sugar per serving
juliesorganic.com

FUDGSICLE

The Skinny Cow Fudge Bars and Mini Fudge Pops
If you’ve got a big chocolate craving, go for the full-sized Fudge Bar. But if you’re just looking for a small chocolate taste, you can get it for just 50 calories with one of the Mini Fudge Pops.

Fudge Bars: Serving size 1 bar, 6 servings per container, 100 calories, 1g fat, 13g sugar per serving

Mini Fudge Pops: Serving size 2 bars, 6 servings per container, 100 calories, 2g fat, 14g sugar per serving
skinnycow.com

POPSICLE

Natural Choice Full of Fruit Raspberry Frozen Fruit Bars
You can taste the difference that real, organic fruit makes! These bars are made from only the choicest, fresh-from-nature ingredients.

Serving size 1 bar, 6 servings per container, 60 calories, 0g fat, 13g sugar per serving
ncf-inc.com

SUNDAE

Smart Ones Peanut Butter Cup Sundae
No need to hit the ice cream parlor: This ice cream is topped with fudge sauce and mini peanut butter cups.

Serving size 1 sundae, 2 servings per container, 170 calories, 5g fat, 13g sugar per serving
eatyourbest.com

Amazing Body Makeovers: Jessica Whitehead

Jessica Whitehead, 41
Director of sales for a technology company, Cheshire, CT

Before: 345 lbs After: 145 lbs

Jessica Whitehead was never one to pass up a good time—especially if food was involved. For years she met friends every night for dinner, ordering the largest sizes and every add-on: extra cheese on her pizza, extra mayo on her overstuffed sandwiches, and a side of chips or fries with her meal.

"Eating big and trying everything was symbolic of success and living my life fully—I literally 'lived large,' " she says. But if someone asked her to play volleyball or go skiing, Jessica, 5'5", always opted out because she feared her weight—which peaked at 345 pounds at age 36—would prevent her from participating. "I was embarrassed. I felt as if I couldn't do those things."

The Change
In July 2005, Jessica's luggage was lost on a trip to France. For two days, she shopped for clothes to wear on the vacation, but it quickly became clear that none of the stores carried size 32. An entire country doesn't even acknowledge people like me; they don't believe people my size exist, she remembers thinking. Finally comprehending her unhealthy condition, Jessica resolved to lose weight when she returned to the States.

The Lifestyle
Back home, Jessica traded her excessive eating habits for a high-protein diet, and she began reading food labels and learning portion control. She eventually joined a gym and hired a trainer, who created a program that blended cardio and circuit training. Six days a week, she walked or ran the mile and a half from her home to the gym, did her workout, and then hoofed it back. In just two weeks she dropped 25 pounds! Motivated by her results, Jessica started tweaking her gym routine every six weeks to bust through plateaus, and she also began spreading her calories out over six small meals a day.

With the scale down to 190 by February 2007, Jessica began experimenting more in the kitchen, finding new ways to add veggies to her favorite chicken and fish dinners. She even had her cable turned off so she couldn't watch TV while she ate. "I wanted to sit down and actually enjoy what I was eating," she says. By May 2008, she was a toned 145 pounds.

The Reward
Today, "living large" to Jessica means hiking, rock climbing, and running 5-Ks. "I'm making up for lost time. I'm not going to waste a minute of my new life," she says. And now that she's 200 pounds lighter, nothing seems impossible. "I've accomplished the one thing I thought I could never do—lose weight and be fit and active and truly healthy—so now I know I can do anything."

Jessica's Tips
Be a loudmouth.
"Tell everyone about your decision to lose weight so they'll hold you accountable."

Indulge in the best.
"When I treat myself, I eat something truly delicious and homemade by someone who loves their craft, instead of packaged food that may contain chemicals."

Veg out!
"Fill your salad bowl with a little bit of every vegetable you have in your kitchen. You get tons of flavor for few calories."

What Men Think: Aaron Eckhart

The Cutting-Edge Promise of Ovarian-Tissue Transplants

In 1998, Amy Tucker was 20 and battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She’d already undergone six cycles of chemo, but the cancer returned, and now she faced a bone-marrow transplant, full-body radiation, and more chemo. If the initial chemo hadn’t ruined her chances of having a baby someday, this latest course of treatment surely would.

A few days before the transplant, a nurse mentioned hearing a lecture by Sherman Silber, M.D., a St. Louis fertility specialist at St. Luke’s Hospital, about ovarian tissue freezing. Silber’s success had been only in the lab, but Tucker thought, What’s the harm? It may be my only chance. Silber performed the procedure, and her tissue was frozen.

Eleven years later, Tucker was married and working as a pediatric cancer nurse; she had been in remission for seven years and was ready to start a family. In January 2009, Silber thawed Tucker’s frozen ovarian tissue and transplanted it back where her ovary had been. By that summer, the ovary was functioning, and four months later, Tucker was pregnant. She and her husband welcomed Grant Patrick on May 27, 2010. He measured 6lbs. 13oz. and 20 inches long--and was pretty darn cute, too!

The Best Jean Cuts For Your Shape

Jeans are a staple in every woman’s wardrobe, but chances are most of your denim pieces just decorate the inside of your closet. The average woman owns ten pairs of jeans, yet only wears three on a regular basis, according to a recent Women’s Health survey. The reason: Finding a pair that fits and flatters can be harder than turning off the TV during an America's Next Top Model marathon.

Fortunately, with so many cuts and styles out there this season, there’s truly a perfect pair out there for every woman. Here, a crib sheet on finding a pair of jeans that will highlight your assets and hide your flaws better than Photoshop.

CURVY: BOOTCUT

Bootcut jeans flatter most body types, which is why pretty much every women has at least one pair hanging in her closet. Bootcut styles are especially flattering on curvy women since the slight flare at the ankle balances out volume around the butt, hip, and thigh to highlight an hourglass shape. The trick is to look for bootcut jeans with a bit of stretch to prevent bunching and gapping. While dark wash famously makes legs look long and lean, styles that have a little bit of distress—or fading—running along the front length of the leg will also do the job.

Banana Republic Curvy bootcut jean, $89.50,BananaRepublic.com

ATHLETIC: TROUSER

As the name implies, these are cut to fit like a traditional trouser—with roomy legs and a faux cuff at the bottom. They're polished and professional—making them the most work-appropriate style of jeans out there. The roomy leg can accommodate the well-defined quads, hamstrings, and calves of an athletic-shaped bod. For maximum leg lengthening and slimming, buy them in dark rinse and hem them so they skim the floor while wearing heels.

Denim Signature Trouser jean, $88, AnnTaylor.com

STRAIGHT: SKINNY

Tight from the waist to the ankle, they are pretty unforgiving for most body types. But women with straight, almost boyish body types look fabulous in them. They skim straight bods without bunching up at the knee or encasing the legs like sausages. To create the illusion of curves, look for details like whiskering (distressed creases across the thighs, which provide a hint of volume) and back flap pockets to add that extra perkiness to your butt.

Gap 1969 Always Skinny jean, $59.50, Gap.com

PEAR: BOYFRIEND

Supremely comfortable and versatile, these have been hot for the past few seasons and look like they’re sticking around for a while. Their relaxed fit camouflages any lumps, bumps, and extra pounds, giving balance to a small upper body. Got a tight tummy? Wear them low around your hips to show it off. Though boyfriend jeans are usually distressed, avoid styles that have whiskering at the thighs—they can exaggerate the fullness of the hips and thighs.

Mascara Master Class

Sixty-five percent of women swipe on mascara, making it the most popular type of eye makeup, reports a 1,000-woman survey by the market-research firm Mintel. “Whether you’re wearing jeans or an evening gown, mascara can transform your look,” says celebrity makeup artist Jeannia Robinette, who counts Kate Hudson as a client. That’s because mascara is easily one of the best beauty products out there. You can achieve different effects by switching up the type of mascara you use and how you apply it. Here are three lash looks to try.

The Look:
Bold and voluminous
Do this: Use a lash curler to curl your top lashes. Then apply mascara, starting at the base and gently wiggling the brush for a concentrated coat, and sweeping the color out to the tips. Apply up to three coats on top and bottom lashes. (A wand with a mix of short and long bristles will give you the best coverage.) Finally, use a clean disposable mascara brush to separate just the tips.
Try: Diorshow Extase Mascara, $28, sephora.com

The Look:
Long and separated
Do this: Apply a single coat of mascara from base to tip of both top and bottom lashes. For added length and minimal clumping, choose a brush that has close-set equal-length bristles. Remove any clumps with a clean disposable mascara applicator.
Try: CoverGirl LashBlast Length Mascara, $7.49, at drugstores

The Look:
Long and lush
Do this: Start at the inner corners of your eyes and brush two coats from base to tip of top lashes, working outward. Look for a wand with shorter bristles at the tip. Skip the lower lashes.
Try: Chanel Inimitable Intense, $30, chanel.com

Last updated: October 15, 2010 Issue date: November 2010

Amazing Body Makeovers: Mary Renwick

Mary Renwick, 30
Stay-at-home mom, Monroe, MI

Before: 255 lbs After: 155 lbs

When Mary Renwick moved with her husband, Tim, who was in the Navy, from Monroe, Michigan, to a military base in Sicily in 1999, her six-foot frame was lean and willowy. But while Tim worked odd hours at his new job, Mary filled her lonely days with food. "I ate for comfort and indulged in the local cuisine—oily pasta, buttered bread, lots of cannoli," she says. By the time Tim was discharged and they returned to Monroe in 2002, she was 90 pounds heavier and depressed. In the next seven years, Mary gave birth to two boys, which improved her spirits but not her weight.

The Change
In December 2009, Mary reached down to pick up her youngest son, Parker, then 5 months old, and felt a stab in her back. A visit to the doctor revealed two bulging disks and a pinched nerve. "When I learned my weight was the main factor in my injury, I decided I could not, would not, live like that anymore," she says.

The Lifestyle
When the pain subsided in January 2010, Mary joined a gym. "Once I developed the mind-set to regain my health, there wasn't much to stop me," she says. At first, all she could do was walk on the treadmill, slowly increasing speed over time.

"Within the first month of working out, I pulled out of my funk," she says. "Who needs therapy when there's a treadmill and weights?" It was uplifting to see 25 pounds melt off, but she hit a wall in March.

To push the scale below 220, she signed up for two back-to-back monthlong boot-camp classes. When they ended, she did intervals and lifted weights five days a week, using Women's Health iPhone apps. Mary also streamlined her diet. "I replaced processed foods and bad carbs with high-fiber options and healthy fats," she says. Just before she hit her goal weight of 155 in September 2010, Mary was able to stop seeing a chiropractor for her back pain—it was completely gone.

The Reward
"Not only is my back fine, but I also have a strong core and I'm more fit than I've ever been," she says. In fact, Mary has become such an exercise junkie that she may make it a career. "I went from being embarrassed at the gym because I was obese to being asked if I was a personal trainer," she says. "I still haven't stopped smiling!"

Mary's Tips
Learn to cook.
"I don't eat out often because even 'healthier' menu items can be loaded with butter, oil, and sodium. At home, I know exactly what I'm eating."

Move and mingle.
"Before, I used food as a reason to socialize with friends. When my health goals shifted, we started hiking or shopping instead."

Easy Ways to Get More Sleep

In addition to food, water, and air, sleep is the one thing we truly can't live without. But experts say more and more women are falling short on shut-eye, and staring at the ceiling all night isn't just frustrating--it can also be life threatening. Studies show that one in six fatal car accidents are caused by sleep-deprived drivers, and according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), the 40 million Americans who now suffer from sleep disorders are at higher risk for a slew of serious health issues. Here, what's behind the insomnia epidemic, plus fast-acting solutions for getting quality sleep.

The Vitamin Z Deficiency
A growing number of nocturnal ailments are robbing women of critical slumber. To date, there are about 90 official sleep disorders, the three most common being insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea, a potentially life-threatening disorder in which people stop breathing during sleep, says Philip Westbrook, M.D., former president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

New research has shed light on why sleep problems are skyrocketing. As with many health issues, stress is to blame. "Thanks to the economy, there's been a big increase in stress, especially in women," says Alan Lankford, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Sleep Disorders Center of Georgia. "And stress can have a huge impact on falling and staying asleep." When you're mentally keyed up at night, your body pumps out the stress hormone cortisol, which acts like an adrenaline shot that prevents snoozing.

Also contributing to sleepless nights is a genuinely modern double threat: overactive minds and underactive bodies. Thanks to our coffee culture, people tend to suck down jolts of energy well into the afternoon. "Any kind of caffeine, even the small amounts in hot chocolate and candy bars, can impair your sleep if ingested after 2 p.m.," says James Maas, Ph.D., coauthor of Sleep for Success! Everything You Must Know About Sleep but Are Too Tired to Ask.

Artificial blue light from a television or computer is another powerful mental stimulant that blocks production of the sleep hormone melatonin. So fiddling with your iPad or watching Conan within an hour of bedtime signals your brain to stay alert--and awake. This might not be such a big deal if we got off our butts more often. "Women evolved to be physically active from morning to night," says Westbrook.

"But today's desk-bound woman, even one who regularly hits the gym, still doesn't get the exercise her body was built for, and ample exercise is crucial for good sleep."

A Wake-Up Call for Your Health
A solid third of your life should be spent in slumber, and not just so you can recover from those happy hours gone wild. Sleep is critical for overall health, says Maas, "and people are starting to realize it's a necessity, not a luxury." As you snooze, your body repairs errant cells, builds bone and muscle, consolidates memories, and stores up energy for the days, weeks, and years ahead. Sleep is so important, in fact, that some doctors consider how much you get to be a vital sign of overall health, on par with body temperature and blood pressure, says Lankford.

When you're spent, your healthy habits tend to disappear. Fatigue makes the body crave a quick hit of energy--otherwise known as a high-calorie carb-fest. (Ever hit a fast-food drive-through after a rough night?) Going to the gym, a smarter pick-me- up, can seem about as doable as taking a trip to Mars, which is why nearly 50 percent of women report skipping exercise when they're beat, according to the NSF.

Habitually skimping on shut-eye can also lead to chronic health problems or worsen preexisting ailments. "Sleep deprivation is cumulative," says Lankford.

"If someone needs eight hours a night and gets only six every night for a week, by Friday she will be functioning on sleep debt." Long term, that can spell malfunctioning hormones that pave the way for increased risks of depression, heart problems, gastrointestinal issues, type 2 diabetes, and breast and colorectal cancers. (Breast cancer, for example, has been linked to high levels of estrogen and low levels of melatonin; production of both of these hormones is affected when you're sleep deprived.)

Beauty Benefits of Massage

When it comes to rubdowns, your back, shoulders, and feet hog all the attention. But anyone who has ever had the pleasure of a scalp or face massage will be happy to know that top-floor TLC has benefits beyond simply feeling blissful. "Massage increases blood flow, which plumps up slack skin, encourages lymphatic drainage (the shuttling of toxins out and away from cells so that more nutrients can travel in), and adds vitality to a dull complexion and lackluster hair," says Kimara Ahnert, owner of the eponymous skin-care studio in New York City. Here's how you can re-create a therapist's handiwork at home.

Face
Why it helps: Steady, rhythmic pressure in certain areas leads the blood to fully infuse the skin tissue, leaving it nourished and glowing, says Catherine Raubiet, education director for Lierac Paris. Rubbing upward can also prevent wrinkles and stop skin from sagging.

How often to do it: Every day, unless you have very sensitive skin or a condition like rosacea, which can become aggravated by too much fussing, says Raubiet.

What to use: A facial serum's long-lasting slickness can help avoid tugging on the fragile skin around your eyes. No serum on hand? Regular moisturizer is a worthy stand-in. For an extra treat, use a micro-massaging device like Clarisonic ($195, sephora.com).

DIY: "Start with a generous amount of serum or moisturizer," says Silvana Mos, an aesthetician at the Kimara Ahnert Studio in Greenwich, Connecticut. Face your palms inward and hold them horizontally. With upward strokes, one hand quickly following the other, massage your cheeks and neck from left to right. Next, apply pressure with your middle fingers to the inner corners of your eyes and circle around the sockets three times. Then use your middle fingers to draw small heart shapes from left to right on your forehead. Finish by applying gentle, steady pressure on your temples with your middle and ring fingers.

Head and Scalp
Why it helps: Many women spend hours on their hair but totally neglect their scalp. Big mistake. "The health and vitality of your scalp is the foundation of your hair's growth and health," says Elizabeth Cunnane-Phillips, a trichologist at the Philip Kingsley Trichological Centre in New York City. Massaging the scalp helps boost blood flow, which can reduce dandruff.

How often to do it: A few minutes of noggin kneading a day relaxes and revives your head, says Kenneth Milstead, lead aesthetician at Bliss 49 in New York City. If you have serious scalp irritation or eczema, stick to once a week.

What to use: Set down your brush and steer clear of those gimmicky scalp massagers, advises Cunnane-Phillips. While the little nibs on these items feel good, they can lead to tangles. Opt for a nonmechanical method, such as the Philip Kingsley Scalp Mask ($7, philipkingsley.com), which has a menthol base to further enhance circulation and decrease flaking. If your hair isn't already wet, coat it with a rich conditioner before you start massaging. "It will reduce the friction that can roughen up the cuticles and cause split ends," says Cunnane-Phillips.

DIY: Using all 10 fingers, start at your temples and gently but firmly massage your head in a circular motion. "Don't scrub or rub the hair together—the process should be nearly silent to minimize damage," says Cunnane-Phillips. Continue working upward through the front of your hairline and then move back toward the crown, ending at the nape of your neck. Repeat three times for five minutes.

Shrimp And Spinach Salad with Bacon Dressing

You'll need...
8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
6 oz baby spinach
1 cup sliced mushrooms
6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
1 red onion, sliced
2 Tbsp pine nuts
3 Tbsp red-wine vinegar
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
Olive oil (optional)

How to make it:
1/ Set a large skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon pieces until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel.

2/ Add onion and mushrooms to the hot skillet and cook until onion begins to brown, about 3 minutes. Season shrimp with salt and pepper to taste and add them to the skillet, along with pine nuts. When shrimp are pink and firm (2 to 4 minutes), stir in vinegar and mustard, and season again with salt and pepper to taste. If the skillet looks dry, add a splash of olive oil.

3/ Divide spinach and eggs among 4 plates and top with the hot shrimp mixture, some of the dressing from the skillet, and bacon.

Makes 4 servings
Per serving: 316 calories, 20 g fat, 12 g carbs, 572 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 21 g protein

Still hungry?
Visit WomensHealthMag.com/Recipes to dig up more delicious, healthy meals.

Fall Fashion Trends: All About Denim

Jeans are like friends: Choose them wisely and they'll cover your ass, make you look good, and last a lifetime (or close to it). We scoured the scene to bring you the best styles for your body and budget.

Shop Your Shape
DIY: Patchwork Jeans
How to Wear Denim—Now
Denim Everything

Denim Dictionary
Whiskers aren't just features on cats and bunny rabbits. Meisha Jones, senior denim buyer for Barneys New York, defines tricky denim terms.

Rise:
The distance from the top of the waist to the bottom of the crotch

Inseam:
The inside length of the leg of the jeans

Selvage:
Denim woven on looms so that edges don't unravel or fray

Wash:
Refers to the color of the denim

Twisted seam:
When the seams wrap around your legs to visually slim them

Whiskering:
A wash effect that causes light and dark brushes, usually on the thigh, resulting in a more vintage look

Distressed:
Refers to jeans that have been washed, rubbed, ripped, or chemically treated to create a worn-in feel

Grommets:
Small metal or plastic rings inserted through fabric to give it a badass edge

Cervical Cancer Statistics

The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation recently surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,006 young women 19 to25 years old to understand their knowledge of cervical health. The survey asked young women about their knowledge and attitudes about overall health, cervical cancer, the cervix, as well as prevention and screening behaviors.

Here's what it found:

Young women are not in tune with their cervical health
Approximately 1 in 5 (17%) women reported that they had “no clue” what their cervix does

Only half (52%) of the young women said they felt they could identify where their cervix is on a picture of the reproductive organs

Cervical health is not on a young woman’s radar
Young women feel more informed about the hottest music (33%) than reproductive health care (15%)

Among healthcare-related topics, young women feel more informed about diet and nutrition (39%), as well as ways to stay in shape (37%), than reproductive health care (15%)

What to learn more? You can print the entire report here.

Sign up For a Women-Only Triathlon!

Athleta Iron Girl
irongirl.com, Portland, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Boulder, New Orleans, Atlanta, Racine, WI, Syracuse, NY, Columbia, MD

Trek Women’s Triathlon Series
trekwomenstriathlonseries.com, Chicago, Seattle, Austin, Orlando, Columbus, OH, Howell, MI

Danskin Triathlon Series
danskintriathlon.net, Orlando, Austin, Seattle, Palm Springs, Pleasant Prairie, WI, Sandy Hook, NJ, Webster, MA

SheROX Triathlon Series
sheroxtri.com, Detroit, Philadelphia, San Diego, Bermuda, Asbury Park, NJ, Webster, MA, Federal Way, WA, Aurora, CO, Naperville, IL

Print It: 18 Self-Checks Every Woman Should Do

Today’s warp-speed doctors’ office visits rarely address all of your Qs, which is why it’s more critical than ever to be in tune with your body—it can help yield some important insight. Here’s what to check for.

The best part? You can print the entire list to take wherever you go. Get the printable version now.

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Recipe

You'll need...
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
1 cup bread crumbs
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan
1/2 Tbsp dried Italian seasoning
2 egg whites
1/2 Tbsp olive or canola oil
1 1/2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp capers
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
Juice of 1 lemon

How to make it:
1/ Cover chicken breasts with parchment paper or plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or heavy bottomed pan to pound them to 1/4-inch thickness.

2/ Combine bread crumbs, cheese, and Italian seasoning in a wide bowl. In a second bowl, beat egg whites slightly. Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Now carefully dip each chicken breast into egg whites and then into crumb mixture, pressing to ensure an even coating on both sides.

3/ Warm oil over medium heat in a large stainless steel saute pan or cast-iron skillet. Add chicken and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until crust is deeply browned and crunchy. Turn and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer chicken to a platter to rest.

4/ While the pan is still hot, add butter. Cook until lightly browned (shouldn't take more than a minute), then stir in capers, mustard, and lemon juice, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits. Turn off the heat and add parsley. Set aside sauce.

5/ Halve the chicken breasts and serve with sauce drizzled on top.

Makes 4 servings
Per serving: 250 cal, 9 g fat (4 g sat) 15 g carbs, 580 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 25 g protein

Spring Fashion Staple: Cloth Purses

Top Left:
A bright silk handle lends ladylike polish to canvas.
Z Spoke Zac Posen, $325, 800-847-0072 for stores

Top Right:
Be both comfy and stylish with a graphic-print cross-body bag.
Trina Turk, $150, trinaturk.com

Bottom Left:
A little leather trim refines a utilitarian duffel.
A.P.C., $260, apc.fr

Bottom Right:
This nautically inspired tote will float anyone's boat.
Fossil, $98, macys.com for stores

Print It: the Look Better Naked Eating Plan

The following plan isn’t merely a weight-loss program designed to help you peel off any extra pounds that are standing between the now-you and the new-you (though it will absolutely accomplish that).

No, this plan will do much, much more by changing how you even think about food. It’s the brainchild of Women’s Health nutrition advisor Keri Glassman, MS,RD. Glassman, who’s my own nutrition guru, is all about treating the body to things that are good for it. To that end, the LBN diet is healthfully hedonistic.

Because Glassman has incorporated all sorts of dietary luxuries, your tastebuds should do a little happy dance at every meal. You’ll eat cheese, nuts, waffles, pork, avocado, and peanut butter—and you’ll even have a go-to signature cocktail for when you’re out with friends!

The best part? You can print the plan to take wherever you go. Learn more about the eating plan or get the printable version now.

Medicine Ball Workout

Pop quiz: What piece of fitness equipment can you throw, catch, hold, and lift? The correct answer: a medicine ball. (If you answered "a dumbbell," please don't work out near us.)

While it can work like a dumbbell, a weighted ball is more versatile, says Brett Hoebel, owner of Hoebel Fitness and creator of the RevAbs DVDs, who designed this workout. Whether you're throwing it onto the ground or catching it mid-lunge, a medicine ball challenges your core stability and coordination while toning your upper and lower body.

Starting with the first move, complete 10 to 12 reps, then rest for 30 seconds. Continue the pattern until you've done all four moves. Rest for a minute, then repeat for a total of two or three circuits.

The best part? With this easy printable list, you can get your fitness expert-certified sweat on for free. Learn more about the workout or get the printable version now.

Your Sex Dreams Decoded

Elena, a single 32-year-old, recently woke up flushed and sweaty from a sex dream during which she had an intense orgasm. She was pleasantly surprised at first, but then details started flooding back. "It was with my best friend," she admits. "My best girl friend." The dream left her feeling embarrassed and disturbed, wondering what the heck it all meant.

That's the tricky part about getting down and dirty in your dreams: While you may love the steamy sex scenes and, in some cases, the sheet-twisting sensations those visions can provide, you may also wake up feeling confused, guilty, or totally creeped out. Do these unconscious fantasies mean you're secretly attracted to your best friend? That you still harbor feelings for your ex? Or that you're yearning to hook up with a hot stranger?

Highly charged nocturnal sessions happen because of normal physiological changes: During the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep cycle, your central nervous system fires up and your body goes through the same physical reactions that occur when you're turned on in real life. "In REM, breathing and blood flow naturally increase, including blood flow to the genitals," says dream researcher Kelly Bulkeley, Ph.D., a visiting scholar at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. "So it's not surprising that these physiological changes often express themselves as an erotic dream." Your menstrual cycle can also influence the likelihood of having an unconscious frisky frolic: A Journal of Sex Research study found that women have more sex dreams during ovulation, probably because their libidos are higher then (driven by the biological urge to procreate).

Antonio Zadra, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at the Université de Montréal, analyzed more than 3,500 dreams and discovered that at least 8 percent of them contained some sort of sexual activity. His findings suggest that erotic dreams may have a straightforward psychological explanation: They simply reflect what we're thinking about when we're awake. So if you dream about sex at night, it's because it was on your mind during the day. And if you have ever woken up thinking you've had a legitimate orgasm while asleep, you might have—4 percent of our dreams actually result in one. (Interestingly, men's dreams are more selfish; they rarely dream about their partners' orgasms, whereas women often do.)

However, not all sex dreams are actually about sex, says Bulkeley. Sometimes they're a symbol for emotions, such as being pissed off at your guy. "Dreams can use the drama of a sexual relationship to express emotional truths and reveal conflicts," he says. "I once spoke with a woman who wanted to become a writer, but her husband was totally opposed to the idea. One night she dreamed that she was having an affair with a male writer. The dream had nothing to do with sex—her goals were causing conflict in her relationship." That said, he adds, "the worst thing to do is to treat a dream like it's a Magic 8 Ball." (In other words, if you dream that you or your partner cheated, for example, it isn't necessarily a red flag that your relationship is in hot water.) Instead, think of your dreams as cues to do some exploring about yourself or your relationship.

Free Download: the Best Birth Control For You

Our new birth control chart compares all your contraception choices side by side so you can find your perfect match. From rings to rods, you can do all your research in one place. We've got cost comparisons, side effects, active ingredients, and much more. Plus, enter your email address (click above or below) and get an expanded version delivered to your inbox.

PILL
Popular Brands Ortho Tri-Cyclen,Yasmin, Lo-Ovral, Loestrin
Approximate Cost $10-$50 a month
Usage Oral pills, taken daily
Effectiveness 98%
Best for Temporary birth control

EMERGENCY PILL
Popular Brands Plan B, Next Choice
Approximate Cost $30-$60
Usage Oral pill, taken within 72 hours after failed contraception
Effectiveness 87%
Best for Backup to failed contraception

IUD
Popular Brands Mirena, ParaGard
Approximate Cost $200-$600 (device and insertion)
Usage T-shaped device inserted into uterus by professional, lasts 5–10 years
Effectiveness 99%
Best for Women who wish to delay pregnancy 5 or more years

Want to read more? You can print the entire chart to take to the gyno with you. Learn more about the chart or get the printable version now.

Stress-Busting Foods

Forget everything you've heard about stress-eating being bad. If you put the right foods in your pie hole (i.e., not pie), noshing when your nerves are jangling can actually calm you down. And that's great news, because the last thing you need is more stress, which over time can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity -- and the odds that you'll go ballistic on Mom when she asks, for the third time, what your unemployed fiancé does for a living.

We've got the best foods to soothe stress and can counteract the damage that chronic pressure does to your bod. Stock up on the lot of them so that when the tension rises you can beat stress instead of freaking out.

The best part? You can print the entire list to take wherever you go. Learn more about the list or get the printable version now.

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