How To Choose Milk That Suits You

Almond, rice... at this point, we're shocked they haven't found a way to make milk out of shoelaces. Pick the best option for you.

BEST CHOICE FOR MOST OF US: SKIM COW'S MILK

(83 cal, 0 g fat, 8 g protein per 8-oz cup)

You can't beat nonfat moo juice: One glass provides as much filling protein as a jumbo egg, plus 300 mg of calcium, about 30 percent of your daily need. Milk is also an excellent way to get a dose of vitamin D, a nutrient most women don't get enough of.

A PROTEIN-RICH ALTERNATIVE: SOY MILK

(131 cal, 4 g fat, 8 g protein per 8-oz cup)

It's an obvious pick for people who are lactose-intolerant or vegan, but soy has plenty of fans who just love it for the rich taste. It contains a few more calories than skim but roughly the same amount of protein, so you'll be just as full.

GREAT FOR DIETERS: ALMOND MILK

(60 cal, 2.5 g fat, 1 g protein per 8-oz cup)

This mildly sweet and slightly nutty flavored milk is a calorie bargain. It's also enriched with calcium and vitamin D. Just be sure to get protein from another source at breakfast, since almond milk has barely any.

ALLERGIC TO EVERYTHING? RICE MILK

(120 cal, 2.5 g fat, 1 g protein per 8-oz cup)

If you're lactose, soy, and nut intolerant, rice milk is a cereal savior-just choose brands that are fortified with calcium and vitamin D to get some nutrients. But with only one gram of protein, don't count on it to fill you up.

Read more »

Tricks for Slim-Looking Tummy

The secret to looking slender lies in shopping for the right pieces. We've got the best styles to keep in mind on your next trip to the mall! 

Shop for an Empire Waist 

This feminine ensemble has a fitted bodice that hits right below the bust and flows outward, camouflaging lumps beneath a flowy shape.

Seek Structured Silhouettes 

Ladies looking to still highlight their shape with a fitted frock should look for more structured pieces in thicker fabrics that keep everything in place. Avoid clingy, thin fabrics that reveal unwanted areas. 

Try a Peplum Style 

This trendy look hides rounded spots right above your hips with a pulled-in waist, tight skirt, and extra fabric that flounces outward from the middle to cover pudgy sides.

Emphasize Other Assets 

Those looking for an ultra comfy solution should shop for sleeveless maxi dresses. The long piece's loose fit draws attention away from your center and up to your bare arms and shoulders instead. 

Belt a Chiffon Piece 

The light feel of chiffon keeps trouble spots under wraps by not clinging to bumps and instead flowing over them. Top off the effect with a cinched belt wrapped around the tiniest part of your torso. 

Go for A-Line Looks 

A-Line skirts and frocks add to the illusion of a smaller middle section by hugging the spot right under your rib cage and grazing outward, drawing eyes away from your tummy. 

Work Magic with Stripes 

Vertical stripes are a classic trick for elongating your body and minimizing the appearance of bulges solid colors might garner unwanted attention toward. Chevron stripes' inward angle draws eyes down the center, streamlining your torso. 

Hide Under High-Waisted Pants 

Never worry about muffin tops spilling over your jeans when you opt for a high-waisted fit. Not only does it make legs appear longer, but firmly tucks your stomach away under its zipper. 

Whittle it with a Wrap Dress 

The flattering shape of this lady-like style flatters any body size. The tie winding around your middle creates the look of a smaller waist, while the V-shaped neck draws eyes inward for extra effect. 

Spanx are your Friend 

Don't be so quick to write off shapewear, it's the quickest trick to smoothing out lumps under clothes. Nowadays, some shapewear is designed to look like regular clothing, but with the same powerful, slimming construction. 

Read more »

Truth Behind Cosmetics

When people buy makeup, they are highly unlikely to read the ingredient label. Typically, they choose the best brand, test the color and check the price, only. This is a bad habit that quickly needs to be broken.

When shopping for makeup, people need to be aware of the harmful chemicals in cosmetics that aren't commonly known. Some are disguised by clever terminology and others may not even be listed. However, none of these chemicals belong anywhere near you or your face.

The truth about cosmetics is that many people don't know the full truth of what these products are really made from. And if you think that the government is regulating the ingredients that cosmetics are made from, think again. That's a common cosmetic myth, and just one of many.

Here's the truth behind that myth and others:

• The government does not regulate cosmetics. In fact, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), cosmetic manufacturers do not have to seek approval for use of any ingredient or raw material except for some prohibited chemicals and color additives. Additionally, the FDA does not have the authority to require cosmetic companies to test their products for safety or to recall products that contain harmful ingredients.
• The amount of harmful chemicals in cosmetics isn't enough to do any real damage, is it? Yes, it is. Those chemicals can be breathed in through the nose or absorbed through the skin. And when those chemicals do find their way into the body, they can disrupt hormones and have been known to cause low birth weight in girls. Since these chemicals are found in many personal care products and not just makeup, men can also see side effects like an increased risk for sperm damage and feminization of their reproductive system.
• If it's labeled "organic," then it's OK, right? Wrong. The FDA regulation on organic ingredients can fall into a grey area, especially with cleaning products or cosmetics. So if the label says "organic," "natural," or even "hypoallergenic," it doesn't necessarily mean that those products are safe. They still might contain skin irritants or artificial preservatives.
• Even if the ingredient is harmful, it still has to be listed, doesn't it? Not necessarily. EWG states that if the ingredient is a nanomaterial or a trade secret, it does not have to be disclosed on the label.

Ignorance may seem like bliss sometimes, but in this case, it's more important to know what you are putting on your face and the damage those ingredients could potentially cause.

Common Ingredients to Avoid

Cosmetic ingredient labels can be tricky to decipher. If you can barely pronounce the word, how are you supposed to know what it is? Here are some of the most common chemical ingredients found in makeup and other personal care products:

• Oxybenzone: This ingredient is most commonly found in sunscreen and is known to be a hormone disrupter. Oxybenzone has also been associated with allergies and irritation and may cause low birth weight in girls and high birth weight in boys.
• Hydroquinone: This ingredient is a skin lightener and can cause ochronosis, a skin condition in which black-colored lesions develop on the skin.
• Parabens: These chemicals are found in many personal care products, from makeup to lotion to sunscreen. Parabens mimic estrogen and are typically found in breast cancer tumors. They can cause reproductive and developmental disorders as well as disrupt the endocrine system.
• DMDM hydantoin, Bronopol, Urea compounds: These are all preservatives found in cosmetics and other personal care products. When they decompose, they release formaldehyde, a carcinogen that has also been used in hair products, particularly hair straighteners. Both the preservatives and formaldehyde have been linked to allergic reactions.
• Fragrance: If you see this word listed on any ingredient label, think of it as a red flag. The term "fragrance" is very deceptive as more than 3,160 chemicals fall under the fragrance category - and none of them are required to be listed on the label. Fragrances are known to be hormone disrupters and are considered to be one of the top five allergens in the world. Phthalates, another chemical found in makeup, tend to be found in fragrances and can disrupt the male reproductive system.
• Petroleum distillates: Yes, petroleum is found in makeup products, particularly mascara. It can cause contact dermatitis and may contain cancer-causing compounds.
• PEG/Ceteareth/Polyethylene compounds: These chemicals are synthetic and typically contain 1.4-dioxane, a carcinogen that penetrates the skin.

Choosing Safer Cosmetics

So many products contain harmful chemicals that it can be difficult to tell the good from the bad. Here are some tips to keep in mind during your next trip to the makeup aisle:

• Look for simpler ingredients. A good rule of thumb is if you can't pronounce it, don't buy it. Look for ingredients you are familiar with such as aloe or lavender.
• Avoid fragrances. There are products that are fragrance-free or that contain natural oils instead of fragrances.
• Check the Environmental Working Group's database. EWG has researched an extensive list of makeup and personal care products and you can find out just how hazardous your makeup may be.

You can also get creative and make your own cosmetics from natural ingredients. You can make face masks from avocado and carrots or honey and eggs. Or, you can make lip gloss from beet juice, beeswax, castor oil and sesame oil or honey, beeswax and carrier oil.

Although many cosmetic companies are deceptive about the ingredients they use, that doesn't mean that you have to fall for their tricks. Knowing how to read the ingredient label and what to avoid when purchasing makeup products will protect your health in the long-run.

Read more »

Five Factors That Can Ruin Your Nails

Manicures are more than just pretty polish, they're about pampering yourself, your hands and your nails! Proper nail care can help extend the life of your mani and keep nails looking in top shape in between. Manicures are more than just pretty polish, they're about pampering yourself, your hands and your nails! Proper nail care can help extend the life of your mani and keep nails looking in top shape in between appointments. 

Environmental dryness - While usually worse in the winter, dry nails and cuticles can be a problem all year long. If your nail condition is literally changing with the seasons, it may be due to humidity (not enough or even too much!). Nails, like skin, are subject to the drying effects of the environment which can wreak havoc on your mani. 

Solution: One of my favorite parts of getting a manicure is the lotion hand massage. Treat yourself to a mini massage at home. Keeping hands and nails moisturized is the best way to keep fingers looking fab!

Excessive hand washing - While healthy washing habits are important, over-washing can strip your hands and nails of the natural oils and moisture they need. Especially if your job (or hobby or home life) causes you to wash your hands frequently. Washing your hands with soap and water can dry out nails. 

Solution: Use a mild hand wash instead of bar soap and don't skimp on the lotion.

Drying solvents - Are you engaged in any activities that would expose your nails to solvents? For example, home repair projects (like painting a room or varnishing wood trim) could be activities that negatively impact the condition of your nails. Also, if you are a frequent polish changer you could be drying out your nails and cuticles with all the polish removal. 

Solution: Try to wear gloves when doing hobbies or activities that expose you to drying solvents like paint. Also, if you change polish frequently, be sure to use a non-acetone based polish remover.

Nail-hardening products - Do you occasionally use nail-hardening products?  products that make nails can also make them brittle and more prone to breaking. That's because they formaldehyde to crosslink the keratin protein in nails. 

Solution: Skip the hardeners and try using a nail-conditioning product or a formaldehyde-free strengthener.

Skin conditions - Psoriasis is a disease that causes your skin to become red and scaly and can also wreak your nails. About half of people who suffer from this condition also have nail problems, particularly pitting, rippling, and/or splitting of the nail. 

Solution: If you think psoriasis might be responsible for your nail problems, check with a dermatologist for treatment.

Taking care of your nails can actually extend the life of your manicure and keep your polish looking pretty longer! Unless you are lucky enough to get a weekly mani, try to avoid some of the above culprits that damage nails and you'll get the most bang for your manicure buck! 

Read more »

Health Dangers Found In Your Closet

We all know the saying "beauty is pain," but can it be downright dangerous? Shapewear smooths out all those unwanted lumps and bumps, and six-inch stilettos make legs look oh-so-sexy. But what happens if said shapewear is cutting off your circulation and said stilettos squish your feet to the point of deformity?

Hidden inside some of our favorite fashion choices are scary things like fungal infections, hammertoes, and even hunchback! Here are seven fashion hazards that can be bad for your health. 

High heels: You don't have to be a brain surgeon to figure out that high heels are bad for your feet. But who knew those six-inch stilettos could also cause posture problems, skin irritations, and even toe deformities? 

High heels put all your body's weight on our forefoot, causing you to adjust the rest of your body to maintain balance. The bottom half of your body leans forward so the top half must lean back-this disrupts the normal 'S' curve of your back, flattening your lower spine and displacing your mid-back and neck. It is very difficult to maintain good posture in this position-not only is it detrimental to the health of your spine, 'stooped over' is not a sexy look!

Doctors say high heels can also cause structure and skin problems for your feet. With the foot in a downward position, there is a significant increase in the pressure on the bottom plantar of the forefoot, which can lead to pain or deformities such as hammer toes, bunions, and more. The downward foot position also causes your foot to supinate, or to turn to the outside. Not only does this put you at risk for a sprained ankle, it changes the line of pull of the Achilles tendon and may cause a deformity known as 'pump bump. The best way to avoid any high-heel mishaps? Switch between heels and sneakers as much as possible and save the sky-high ones for the shortest stints possible (like wearing out to dinner when you'll likely be sitting most of the evening). 

Tight, low-rise jeans: Numbness in the outer thigh region? It might be because your jeans are too tight! This phenomenon, known as 'tight pants syndrome' (very scientific) has sent many women to the neurologist's office.

This condition is caused by a compression of the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous nerve. It was previously only seen in large bellied men that wore their belts too tight. Now, we see it in ladies wearing too tight jeans.

Doctor says you can still wear low-rise jeans if you like, just get them in a larger size. 

Wet bathing suits: Remember when Mom used to tell you not to sit around in a wet bathing suit? She was right! Most women don't realize that wet bathing suits and sweaty workout clothes can actually give them a nasty (and itchy) infection. To avoid yeast infections, change out of tight or wet clothing as soon as possible, and keep the genital area cool and dry by wearing cotton underwear instead of synthetic fabrics. If you feel itching or burning, or notice a difference in your discharge, talk to your doctor. You can easily treat a yeast infection with an over-the-counter like Monistat.

Too-tight bras: Although rare, there are definitely health hazards when it comes to wearing a bra that's too tight, including skin irritations, fungal infections, breathing problems, and even claims that it can hinder the lymphatic system (a heavily debated subject).

Tight bras can reduce the lymphatic flow to the breasts thus creating an environment with more 'cellular waste and toxins' that should have been cleared by the lymphatic system.

However, the biggest concern is for pregnant women who can get mastitis, which is an inflammation and sometimes infection of the mammary glands. Getting properly fitted and being careful to wear a bra that's not too constrictive is the best way to avoid this fashion hazard. 

Thong underwear: Once again, yeast infections are the culprit here. Due to the constant rubbing of the material inside the labia, some women experience more frequent yeast infections from wearing thong underwear.  Thongs can increase the risk of urinary tract infections because they help push bacteria from the rectum up into the urethra.

Spanx and other shapewear: It's hard to argue with the benefits of shapewear. Since its inception, this cousin of the girdle (and control top pantyhose) has us cinched, smoothed, and sucked in to perfection. However, when it's simply too tight, it can lead to a host of health issues, from bladder and yeast infections to nerve damage and even blood clots. 

The constrictive clothing can also compress nerves, leading to leg pain, numbness, and tingling. And if the garment is also putting pressure on your lungs, you may not be able to breathe properly in it either. 

Flip flops: While comfy and cute for the summertime, flip-flops are a fail when it comes to proper foot support.

Flip-flops give no support to the bottom of your foot, so it can twist and turn any which way, leading to sprains, breaks, and falls. The thin, flat soles have virtually no shock-absorbing qualities.

Not to mention, lack of support while you're pounding the pavement can lead to plantar fasciitis (a painful inflammation of the connective tissue) and blisters and callouses on the soles of feet. Ouch! 

Read more »

Steps to Your Sexiest Summer Legs Ever

Whether you're looking for a quick beauty fix or must-try fitness tips, we've rounded up the ways to get gorgeous gams. 

Do a Serious Scrub

Sloughing off dead skin cells is vital to snagging a glowing complexion (plus, alligator legs are pretty unsightly). Just be careful not to scrub too often or too hard. Stick to two to three times (every other day) for oily skin and no more than once a week for sensitive skin. 

Make Your Shower Do Double Duty

It is the perfect place to squeeze in a few calf raises while you suds up. Switch the stream to cool water and your body will work overtime to maintain your normal temp. You could lose about 100 extra calories! 

Fight Off Cellulite

While there's no magic cure to get rid of cellulite, you can reduce its appearance. Deal with the dimples on the cheap with a daily dose of firming cream, which contains ingredients like caffeine and seaweed that are said to tighten and moisturize the skin. Amp up the effects by using a rolling pin to smooth over pesky bumps. 

Sequester Your Saddlebags

Feeling hippy in your jeggings? Try a resistance band step touch. Loop a resistance band around your ankles and stretch the band to the side in a step-touch motion- Your hip and saddlebag areas will appear tighter and smoother instantly.

Remove Your Stubble

When there's no time for waxing or laser, revert back to your hair removal ABCs and give your bod a good, old fashioned shave. 

Get Toned

While tanned legs may be at the top of every gal's summer to-do list, toned legs are just as important for rocking cut-off shorts. The side leg lift specifically targets the outer thighs, glutes, lower abs, and obliques. This supplemental leg exercise, when practiced regularly in conjunction with a healthy diet, will tone your hips and increase hip flexibility.

Do A Wall Sit 

If you feel like your inner-thighs are looking less than toned, place a book or a yoga block between your knees as you sit with your back up against a wall, with your knees bent and the back of your legs parallel to the floor. Hold this position for 1-5 minutes. Your legs will definitely feel less jiggly.

Get Glowing

Our favorite way to get news-anchor, star-quality glowing legs-without using oils or shimmery lotions-is to apply one of the new gradual-build self-tanning moisturizers daily. Use them in place of your regular body lotion (i.e., after showering), and after a few days a subtle glow will appear.

Shape Up

Thinking about wearing a mid-thigh shaper with pants? Don't. I recommend that people go with a style that doesn't stop on the thigh. It's always better to create a line by wearing footless pantyhose instead.

Contour

When wearing short skirts, add a little highlighter up the center of each leg to contour. This trick reflects light to the middle of the leg and recedes over the outer leg, making your gams look leaner and longer.

Tighten Up

Not loving you legs in that mini-skirt? For instantly tighter-looking skin, rub baby oil on your stems (especially along the shin bone) to create the illusion of longer legs. 

Reverse and Prevent Damage

To prevent scars and stretch marks from getting darker with sun exposure, slather them with sunscreen. At night, apply a scar-minimizing topical to repair damaged tissue. 

Tighten Your Thighs

Stand up straight, with your feet hip-width apart and try to lift your right leg hip-level high. Attempt to hold this for one minute, then switch sides. Your thighs will feel leaner, pulled in and tighter.

At-Home Moves

You can even exercise, while watching TV! Try this simple move: Lay on your chest with your hands under your forehead and your feet flexed, so your heels are in the air. Press your heels together like frog legs, and squeeze your gluts to lift your legs off the floor, so that your knees are lifted (continue for 20-30 reps). 

Do Extra Cardio

Have five minutes to spare before going out? Do 500 jogs in place for five minutes.

Fix Uneven Tanner

Having a subtle glow is sexy, having weird streaks on your legs isn't. First, exfoliate the blotchy area with a sugar and lemon juice scrub. When your skin is completely dry apply a gradual sunless tanner directly on the clean area and finish off with a blow dryer (on the cool setting) to get the tanner to dry completely. 

Take The Stairs

Wear your stilettos up the stairs to add an extra calf-tingling element (20 sets of stairs will stomp down about 100 calories). 

Read more »

Spring 2012 Most Essential Makeup Tips

This spring is all about bright lips, shimmery smoky eyes and flawless, natural-looking skin--three makeup looks that aren't easy to pull off. Here are some tips for this season's most essential makeup. 

Learn to love bright lips. 

It seems that almost every celebrity who walks down the red carpet these days is sporting a bright lip. The look is fresh, flirty and a welcome change after years of slicking on sheer lip gloss. But, bright lips can definitely be daunting. 

As for choosing the right color, a true coral lipstick is the most wearable. It's a balance of pink and orange so you get a little of both, and it works on both warm and cool skin tones.

Another wearable color: fuchsia. It's flattering on all skin tones, but maybe wear it as a sheer stain so it's not over the top. Also, a neutral brick red is always wearable. Avoid those bright orange colors. They can make your teeth look yellow, like you just smoked a pack of cigarettes or drank a cup of coffee.

Go ahead and be messy with eyeliner. 

Eyeliner that's perfectly straight and sharp not only looks old fashioned, but it's also very hard on the eyes. Eyeliner is almost always better if it has softness to it.

So if you're scared of botching an eyeliner application, don't worry. Mess it up as much as you want, then use a cotton swap to blend a matching eye shadow over it and smoke it out. This way you'll have all of the best elements of having a great eyeliner look and it was easy to do.

Match your foundation to your collarbone, not your jawline. 

Very few women can boast that they have naturally flawless and radiant skin. And to fake it, you need to find a foundation or tinted moisturizer formula that not only feels great, but is also the right color.

Women always think that they should match their foundation to their jawline, but that's not true. Since you wash your face twice a day, and most likely exfoliate it regularly, your face will always be lighter than your body. To make your face match the rest of your body, you should really match your foundation to your collarbone.

Read more »

Veggie Nutrients Lost Through Microwaving

Does microwaving "kill" nutrients? What about other cooking methods? What's the best way to cook food for maximum nutrition? 

Despite what you might read on the Internet, microwaving your food does not "kill" nutrients. In fact, it can make certain nutrients more available to your body . In terms of the impact on your food's nutrients, microwaving is the equivalent of sautéing or heating up in a pan (just a lot more convenient). Research on this topic shows that whenever you cook greens (broccoli, spinach, etc), some of the B vitamins and other water-soluble vitamins are lost. The amount you lose depends on the duration and rigor in which the food is cooked-steaming broccoli in the microwave for 90 seconds is a lot different than nuking it for five minutes. Another example: Sautéing green beans in a pan allows for much better vitamin retention than if you were to boil them. Boiling leaches the most nutritients out of your food, so with the exception of potatoes, try to avoid boiling your vegetables.

Although cooking vegetables does reduce the amount of certain vitamins, it can also liberate other nutrients, like antioxidants, allowing for greater absorption by the body. Research from the University of Oslo found that microwaving or steaming carrots, spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, green and red peppers, and tomatoes led to an increase in the antioxidant content of the foods (in that the antioxidants become more available for absorption). And still more research shows that lycopene, the powerful antioxidant that gives tomatoes and watermelon their red color, is better absorbed by the body when it's consumed in cooked or processed tomato products-salsa, spaghetti sauce, ketchup, etc.-rather than fresh tomatoes. 

Eating cooked vegetables has its pros and cons, but the bottom line is that it's important to eat your food in a variety of ways. Enjoy raw spinach in salads and go for wilted or steamed as a side dish with dinner.

Read more »

Uses of Olive Oil as Beauty Agent

Take your bottle of olive oil out of the kitchen and find out other surprising uses for it in your beauty routine.  

Use as hair conditioner

Is your hair as dry and brittle as sagebrush in the desert? Put the moisture back into it by heating 1/2 cup olive oil (don't boil it), and then liberally applying it to your hair. Cover your hair with a plastic grocery bag, then wrap it in a towel. Let it set for 45 minutes, then shampoo and thoroughly rinse

. 

Clear up acne

Okay, the notion of applying oil to your face to treat acne does sound a bit wacky. Still, many folks swear this works: Make a paste by mixing 4 tablespoons salt with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Pour the mixture onto your hands and fingers and work it around your face. Leave it on for a minute or two, then rinse it off with warm, soapy water. Apply daily for one week, then cut back to two or three times weekly. You should see a noticeable improvement in your condition. (The principle is that the salt cleanses the pores by exfoliation, while the olive oil restores the skin's natural moisture.) 

Substitute for shaving cream

If you run out of shaving cream, don't waste your time trying to make do with soap-it could be rough on your skin. Olive oil, on the other hand, is a dandy substitute for shaving cream. It not only makes it easier for the blade to glide over your face or legs, but it will moisturize your skin as well. In fact, after trying this, you may swear off shaving cream altogether. 

Read more »

Weight Loss Tricks and Tips

You already know regularly hitting the gym and eating right will help you drop lbs. But a wave of new studies has found that there are fun little tricks that help, too. (They're so awesome, we almost can't believe they're legit.) Add these proven secrets to your fitness routine to firm up even faster.  

Eat Chocolate 

Scientists from the University of California at San Diego studied nearly 1,000 people and discovered that those who regularly eat chocolate are slimmer than those who just eat it occasionally. That daily chocolate habit doesn't sound so bad now, huh? 

Nibble Popcorn 

According to a study from the University of Scranton, popcorn may contain as many immune-boosting antioxidants as fruits and vegetables. Skip the microwave and movie versions (they have too many calories) and instead cook kernels over the stove with just a little bit of vegetable oil. 

Drink Wine 

New research found that women who drink a glass of two of red wine a day were 30 percent less likely to be overweight than nondrinkers. The study also found that women who drink moderately eat less.  

Smell Your Food 

A study posted in the journal Flavour found that strong aromas cause people to take smaller bites of food. When you take smaller bites of something, you end up eating less at a meal, so make sure to take a whiff before you take a bite. 

Nosh on Coffee Beans 

According to a study from the University of Scranton, snacking on unroasted coffee beans can lead to weight loss by slowing the absorption of fat and glucose in your stomach. They taste bitter, though, so maybe pair a bean or two with chocolate. 

Hold a Water Bottle When You Work Out 

A study from Stanford University found that keeping your hands cool when you exercise will help you work out longer. As a result, you'll lose weight faster. Try clutching a cold water bottle the next time you work up a sweat. 

Take a Break From the Gym 

Experts say exercising every day can hurt your fitness goals and leave you feeling burned out. The solution? Take one or two days off from the gym a week. So over it? Take a week off. You'll feel much more motivated to work out when you get back to it. 

Eat One Less Piece of Cheese 

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health found that you only need to cut 10 calories a day from your diet to lose weight. For every 10 calories you cut, you'll lose a pound over the span of a year. 

Have a Gym Buddy 

According to a Brown University study, people who work out together lose more weight than those who hit the gym alone. Not only that, the person who organizes these gym sessions is more likely to lose the most lbs of the group. 

Eat Dessert at Breakfast 

A study from Tel Aviv University found that eating dessert as part of a 600-calorie breakfast that includes proteins and carbs can help you lose weight. Want to have a cookie or brownie first thing? Go for it. 

Read more »