Inhoudsopgave van September 2014 - Shape

Hit the Waves Discover what everyone’s raving about— while toning your core and burning more than 200 calories an hour—on the West Marine Jimmy Styks Misstyk stand-up paddleboard. It’s lightweight yet stable, making it easy to maneuver. We’ve got one to give away! NOW HEAR THIS Get pumped up at the gym or at home with the Flips Audio headphones (a $120 value)— free for five lucky readers! Their two-for-one secret: Turn the ear cups outward and they double as speakers, perfect for setting the mood at your next shindig. RUNAWAY SUCCESS From sports bras to gym shorts to post-workout (errand-friendly) cover-ups, we’ve rounded up the best in fall fitness fashion at shape.com/workoutclothes. One of our fave trends: graphic leggings like these supercute Under Armour Tight Printed capris ($60; underarmour.com).…

SHAPE: Happy birthday, Brooke! Can you believe you’re turning 43 this month? BROOKE: I know—how the hell did that happen? It feels impossible, but I have to say, I’m loving my 40s. It’s more chaotic than when I was in my 30s, though. I have four kids, ages 6, 7, 12, and 14, and the older they get, the more challenging it is. They have such personalities and needs that require more of my involvement than when they were toddlers. Do you feel your age? What is age, anyway? I feel young because I’m beginning a new chapter in my life, which is so exciting! You recently closed one when you were let go from Dancing With the Stars. Were you completely blindsided by that decision? I honestly didn’t see…

Forget the frizzy, tacky crimps of decades past. Today’s revamped take on the trend is a chic way to add loads of volume and texture to hair, provided it’s done correctly. “You don’t want the defined crinkle of the ’80s and ’90s,” says Nunzio Saviano, celebrity hairstylist and owner of the eponymous salon in New York City. “The goal is to create a softer, looser version.” Not only are these current crimps easy to do, but they’ll also work on virtually any length or texture, so long as your locks can fit within the plates of a crimping iron. Just follow these four easy steps. Tool-free Trick SLEEP IN A BRAID Not convinced you can pull off the crimp? Create a more subtle version with basic braids. Before bed, mist…

HAIR DRESSER Atkin’s cool walk-in closet (above) is packed with designer duds like Givenchy, Charlotte Ronson, and Céline. “I love fashion,” she says. “The runway inspires Hollywood’s red carpet big-time.” “Don’t make any big hair decisions about color or cut if you’re going through a major life change.” FOREIGN FINDS “I always vintage shop when I travel,” says Atkin, an LA resident. “I’ve found a lot of chic, wide-brimmed hats at markets in Rome [above].” She also frequents the fabric section of British department store Liberty London. “It has great ribbons and hair accessories.” CROWNING MOMENT Shooting Katy Perry’s album art in Sweden turned into a career highlight for Atkin. “At the end of the day, I styled just her hair—no wigs or extensions—to create this ’90sinspired look. It became…

GET YOUR GAME ON! Be a Good Sport CHIC PLUS STREET MAKE A WINNING COMBO. 1 Express sweatshirt ($50; express.com) 2 Halston Heritage bag ($425; halston.com) 3 Stuart Weitzman sneakers ($298; Stuart Weitzman, NYC, 212-750-2555) 4 Vince Camuto watch ($150; vincecamuto.com) 5 Athleta vest ($148; athleta.com) 6 Krisa skirt ($132; Ruby Sue, Katonah, NY, 914-232-6277) 7 Rebecca Minkof pouch ($95; rebeccaminkof.com) 8 H&M leggings ($30; hm.com) Borrow From the Boys MENSWEAR PRINTS & FABRICS HELP PLAY UP YOUR STRONG SUIT. 1 Express pants ($80; express.com) 2 Lauren Ralph Lauren gloves ($40; ralphlauren.com) 3 Danielle Nicole tote ($98; piperlime.com) 4 Tibi dress ($395; tibi.com) 5 Dune London heels ($129; dunelondon.com/en-us/) 6 Hat Attack hat ($74; hatattack.com) 7 Haute Hippie shirt ($325; hautehippie.com) 8 Henri Bendel bag ($178; henribendel.com) ON MODEL: Autumn…

Just as swimsuit season ends, it’s time to brave the three-way mirror again to find the perfect pair of denim for fall. But a tight tummy and lean lower body will make you actually look forward to the quest for a flattering fit. That’s where this routine, designed by Rachel Piskin, cofounder of ChaiseFitness in New York City, comes in. The plan incorporates ballet and Pilates to boost your posture, cinch your waist, firm your butt, and trim your thighs, as well as an element of cardio to fry flab. “Plus, the band provides added resistance and makes the moves more challenging,” says Piskin. “That speeds up your results.” In fact, you’ll notice a nip here and a tuck there in mere weeks. Talk about a remedy for the jeans-buying…

Wisconsin native Shana Verstegen started logrolling—in which two competitors run in place on a floating log until one slips—when she was 7. Since then, she’s won six Lumberjack Games World Championships. Verstegen, now 34, also works as fitness director at Supreme Health and Fitness in Madison, WI, and volunteers with the American Council on Exercise. She gave us her (mostly) dryland tips for staying strong and on your toes. BEATRY-ATHLETE In elementary school, Verstegen tried everything from gymnastics to pole-vaulting before discovering her talent for logrolling. “Exercising doesn’t have to be a chore—but you might have to give many activities a shot before you find one you love,” she says. These days, she stays competition-ready by teaching boot-camp, TRX, and wateraerobics classes, doing daily drills on the log, and running…

Give steak night extra sizzle with an addictive sauce from Leela Punyaratabandhu, author of Simple Thai Food. Keep a cold beverage nearby, though: The dip’s heat earned it the name “crying tiger.” Grilled Steak With Spicy Roasted Tomato Dipping Sauce Serves: 6 Prep time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating) Cook time: 19 minutes 1 tablespoon light soy sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper 3 sirloin steaks (about 8 ounces each) 4 ounces cherry tomatoes (just under 1 cup) 3 large cloves garlic, unpeeled 1 large shallot, unpeeled 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about 1⁄2 lime) 2 tablespoons red pepper fakes 1/2 teaspoon packed light or dark brown sugar 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped cilantro leaves, plus 1⁄2…

Nothing says late summer like a tomato. The picnic favorite has gotten a lot more interesting recently, with a renaissance of heirloom varieties broadening the choice far beyond red and round. And since they pack a third of your daily vitamin C needs as well as antioxidants believed to help prevent heart disease and cancer, your body will benefit along with your taste buds. Savor the season’s best favors with advice from Victor Scargle, executive chef of Lucy Restaurant & Bar in Yountville, CA. He grows 45 tomato plants in the restaurant’s garden and hosts this month’s annual Tomatoville event with Bardessono hotel. SELECT Unless you’re buying green ones (which can be hard, like apples), look for soft but not mushy tomatoes. At a farmers’ market or small grocer, ask…

Eat to Beat SORE MUSCLES After a tough workout, two things can speed up your recovery: lots of water and the right foods. “An ideal post-gym snack or meal has a mix of protein and carbs for muscle repair,” says Shape advisory board member and sports nutritionist Susan Kleiner, Ph.D, R.D. These picks pack plenty of those and more. COLLARD GREENS The pain you feel after working out may be due to the stress involved in rebuilding muscle tissue, which puts your body into an inflammatory state. To counteract the ouch, fill up on dark greens, like collards, which are rich in phytochemicals. BRAZIL NUTS Munch on these to get your fill of selenium, an essential element that is crucial for preventing cell damage and inflammation. The mineral, which has…

Fill the gaps in your brush-floss-rinse routine with these new oral-care options. YOUR DENTAL ESSENTIALS BRIGHT IDEA Luster Power White Deep Stain Eraser Toothpaste ($6; Walmart) is the first anti-yellowing scrub made with stabilized hydrogen peroxide to gently bleach away discoloration both inside and on the surface of teeth— sans sensitivity. SAFER SWISH Formulated without artificial favors, sweeteners, or dyes, Listerine Naturals With Fluoride ($8; drugstores) relies on four plant oils (derived from eucalyptus, wintergreen, Brazilian corn mint, and the Indian seed ajowan) to kill 99.9 percent of germs that cause bad breath and gingivitis, while the fluoride strengthens enamel. MINT CONDITION Pop Spry Gems Mints ($2; Whole Foods) postmeals or whenever you want better breath. The tiny tablets, which come in five favors, are made with xylitol, an allnatural…

Chances are, you have plenty of experience operating on something less than 40 winks. After all, a National Sleep Foundation survey found that a full 72 percent of women wake up feeling unrefreshed at least a few times a month, a habit that can impact everything from your waistline to your job performance. But your go-to fatigue fix may be doing more harm than good: Almost half of those polled said they rely on sugary or carb-heavy foods for a quick jolt after a restless evening, and 21 percent smoke cigarettes (yikes!) to help shake off persistent brain fog. Next time a work project, a sick kid, or late-night TV cuts your snooze time short, try these healthier, expert-approved energizers. Eat a Protein-filled Breakfast Step away from the blueberry muffin.…

“As a kid I was always on the chubbier side,” says Julie Real, whose struggle with the scale began in earnest when she hit 175 pounds as a high school sophomore. Over the next six years, Julie’s weight fluctuated, and by her college graduation in 2004, she was 20 pounds lighter—though still not in a healthy weight range. The following year, Julie, who’d gotten a job as an event planner, joined Weight Watchers in an attempt to slim down further for her wedding, but her efforts were unsuccessful and she said “I do” in a size-10 dress. As a newlywed, Julie packed on 25 additional pounds. “I ate all the time,” she says. “When I was bored, tired, stressed—you name it.” She continued to gain after landing a new job…

VESTED INTEREST FAUX SHEARLING TRIM UPS THE ANTE ON A CLASSIC TOPPER. Guess vest ($108; guess.com). LoveShackFancy dress ($465; loveshackfancy.com). Alexis Russell Jewelry cufff ($112; alexisrussell.com). Tory Burch boots ($385; toryburch.com). BEAUTY TIP DAB LAURA MERCIER BONNE MINE STICK FACE COLOUR IN PEACHY GLOW ($32; LAURAMERCIER.COM) ALONG CHEEKBONES AND BELOW THE BROW. THE CREAMY HIGHLIGHTER BLENDS SEAMLESSLY INTO SKIN FOR NATURAL-LOOKING RADIANCE. BEAUTY TIP LONE STAR A BUSTIER GETS AN UNDERSTATED MAKEOVER IN RICHLY DYED DENIM. Rebecca Taylor cardigan ($250; rebeccataylor.com). True Religion bustier ($148; truereligion.com). Tara Hirshberg feather necklace ($895; tarahirshberg.com). Gold & Gray coin necklace ($99; goldandgray.com). BaubleBar rings ($34 for set; baublebar.com). TRUE BLUE THE TRICK TO PULLING OFF THE HEAD-TOTOE LOOK? VARYING WASHES—AND A DEVILMAY-CARE ATTITUDE. Lucky Brand jacket ($99; luckybrand.com). H&M shirt ($20; hm.com). Joe’s…

September may no longer mean back to school for you, but this time of year is still one of transitions—and the ideal month to make some small changes that create a big impact. With that in mind, we’ve loaded this issue with suggestions. Stylewise, a low-key wardrobe update is an easy way to breathe new life into your closet, and the sexy take on classic denim pieces featured in “Denim Dreams” (page 194) will have you seeing the versatile fabric in an entirely different light. In nutrition news, adopting the dietary shifts outlined in our Eat Right section, beginning on page 109, can lower your risk of heart disease—the leading killer of women. On the fitness front, finding a boredom-proof workout that burns mega calories and builds muscle fast is…

Brooke Burke-Charvet doesn’t get tired of hearing how great her abs look after having four kids, but she’s not resting on her tightly toned laurels. The 43-year-old teaches a Booty Burn sculpting and cardio class twice a week near her home in Malibu, CA, and she’s started taking SoulCycle classes. “As I get older, it’s tougher to stay in shape,” she says. “What helps me is pushing past the burn and really challenging myself.” Still, she admits that she works the hardest on her core, and she shared with us six of her favorite moves for flattening and cinching from every angle (find them and more on her DVD Brooke Burke Body: Sexy Abs). She used them, along with a disciplined diet, to firm up postbabies— if they helped her…

1 CHIC CHEEKS Calvin Klein, you make us blush! The CK One Cream + Powder Blush Duo in Breath ($25; ulta.com) features two colors and textures. Dab on the creamy coral for a dewy effect, or use the light pin k powder for a softer flush. 2 GLOSSY GIRL Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana’s classic Intense Color Gloss in Secret ($31; saks.com) is a silky, blood orange–hued formula that impart s mega shine for plumper, more sensuous-looking lips . 3 COMPACT COVERAGE Put your best face forward with the new Marc Jacobs Beauty Smart Wand Tinted Face Stick ($42; sephora.com). The first-of-its-kind solid tinted moisturizer delivers sheer coverage and antioxidantinfused hydration. 4 EXPRESS SCENT With notes of gardenia, vanilla, and musk, Kate Spade Live Colorfully Eau de Parfum ($24;…

Throughout my career as a plastic surgeon, I’ve always encouraged my patients to consider small procedures earlier, rather than wait until radical corrections are necessary. The goal is to retain your youthful good looks throughout your adult life. Largely, this meant smaller surgeries. Now there is a lot that can be done without thinking of the operating room. The first big change has been in the intelligent use of newer, more natural fillers in a more proactive manner. Some facial configurations simply lack angularity, while for others that angularity disappears with early aging and loss of skin elasticity. In either case, hyaluronic acid fillers can provide instant gratification. A little numbing cream, two syringes of filler, and your higher cheekbones and new angularity enhance the beauty of your face. As…

WATER WORKS Explore the depths (down to 650 feet) with this sleek, H2O-resistant Seiko Diver watch ($425; seikousa.com). A rotating rim helps you track plunge time and plan a safe ascent. ON TARGET With a heart-rate monitor chest strap—made of soft fabric that feels less constricting than plastic— the Suunto M2 watch ($119; suunto.com) helps ID your training zones. RECORD BREAKER The stopwatch and GPS features on the Timex Ironman Easy Trainer GPS watch ($80; timex.com) let you clock every interval and meter, and it stores up to 30 past workouts. TRACK STAR Measuring your mileage, pace, and calories burned is a cinch with the Nike+ Sportwatch GPS ($120; nike.com). Pair it with the Nike+ Running app (free; itunes.com and play.google.com) and the new virtual coach feature will provide cardio…

SOLE SURVIVOR The cushioned Farm to Feet Greensboro 1⁄4 Crew socks ($16; farmtofleet.com) hit just above the anklebone to keep trail debris away from your skin. RAY BAN The adjustable Patagonia Air Flow Visor ($19; patagonia.com) protects your face from damaging rays and helps your head stay cool and dry. LAYER UP When the weather changes fast, this water-and wind-resistant Stio Second Light Jacket ($95; stio.com) provides the protection you need to keep your pace. KICK-START Weighing only 8.1 ounces, the Brooks PureGrit 3 shoes ($120; brooksrunning.com) feel as light and comfy as slippers, but their toothy outsoles are stabilizing on any surface. H2O TO GO Comfortably carry 10 ounces of fluid in the palm of your hand with the CamelBak Arc Quick Grip ($20; camelbak.com)—the jet valve self-seals for…

Working out with a friend helps you make it through tough sessions, but what happens if she bails? In a new study from Michigan State University, people who exercised along with a more advanced computerized partner held plank pose for 33 seconds longer than when they worked out solo. The performance boost is a result of something called the Köhler effect, which kicks in when an exercise buddy who’s more skilled than you subconsciously nudges you to work harder. The key, says lead researcher Deborah L. Feltz, Ph.D., is to make sure your pal is only slightly better than you—not so much that it’s discouraging. To get your Köhler on, download an app featuring videos that vary in degree of difficulty, such as Bodyweight Training ($3; itunes.com). Pro Picks: New…

Let the freezer do the work with this almost hands-off recipe from gluten-free food blogger Erin Scott’s new book, Yummy Supper. It’s like an adult version of a snow cone— with fresh, fragrant ingredients. Honeydew Granita With Lemon Verbena and Lime Serves: 6 Prep time: 5 minutes (plus 20 minutes steeping and 3 hours freezing) Cook time: 3 minutes 12 fresh lemon verbena leaves (available at specialty stores, or substitute mint leaves) 4 cups chopped honeydew melon (about 1 medium fruit) 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 8 limes) 3/4 cup light agave nectar (or 1 cup superfine sugar) 1 Bring 1 cup water to a boil. Place the lemon verbena leaves (or mint, if using) in a small bowl and pour the water over the leaves. Cover and let…

Chickpea, Kale, and Avocado Soup Serves: 4 Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil 1 onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced 1 bay leaf 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock (or vegetable stock) 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 2 cups finely chopped kale 3⁄4 cup cashews 1 ripe avocado, cubed grated Parmesan (optional) 1 In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and bay leaf and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring often, until onions caramelize (about 20 minutes). If they stick to the pot, add water to loosen. 2 Add chickpeas and stock and turn heat to high. Once boiling, reduce to medium heat and add soy sauce. Simmer for 3…

WEAR IT! As selected by Resident TrendSHAPEr, Ali Sunshine The Funwinder™ Whether brunching with gal-pals or getting your nails done, linger a bit longer in this all-day bra. Cushioned, convertible straps and unique TruSupport® design system keep you lifted while lightly padded cups and soft, 4-way stretch fabric shape to your body for amazing fi t and comfort. playtexfi ts.com/bras/collections/play SNACK ON IT! Pirate’s Booty Upgrade lunch or snack time with deliciously baked, gluten free Pirate’s Booty made without artifi cial colors, fl avors and preservatives. Only 130 calories for a 1 oz. serving! facebook.com/piratesbooty WON IT! CONGRATS, ROBYN! In just 12 weeks, our $100,000 transformation challenge winner, Robyn Koolen, lost 15 lbs and found a new beginning. Begin your transformation today with the free tools on Bodybuilding.com! bodybuilding.com TONE…

PROLONG YOUR PASSION. Q/A MY BOYFRIEND FINISHES TOO FAST IN BED. HOW CAN HE SLOW DOWN? THERE ARE SEVERAL ways to help your guy last longer in the sack, says Laurence Levine, M.D., a urology specialist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. If he routinely climaxes earlier than either of you like and is distressed about it, he fits the criteria for premature ejaculation (PE). Doctors believe the origins of PE can be physical (it’s been linked to irregularities of brain hormones and oversensitive penile nerves) or mental—he may have peaked too fast once, then gotten so anxious about it happening again that it did. To turn your minute man into a marathoner, suggest that he try pelvic floor exercises. Learning how and when to engage the muscles in…

You may start experiencing “senior moments” closer to your final year of college than your first days as a card-carrying member of AARP, according to research published in the journal PLOS One. The study found that people’s reaction time and cognitive ability starts to slow by age 24 and declines an additional 15 percent every 15 years after that. “Typically, we lose seven to 10 milliseconds of brain speed per decade from age 20 on,” reports Richard Carmona, M.D., former U.S. surgeon general, current president of the Canyon Ranch Institute, and author of the Canyon Ranch’s 30 Days to a Better Brain. While the difference between a resourceful mind and senility can be a mere 100 milliseconds, Carmona says these simple strategies may help you fight the fade. MIND TRY…

SKIP THE GYM and get an even better workout running alfresco on the trails. Follow our get-started guide and you’re just a hop, leap, and zigzag away from being sleeker and leaner than ever this fall. RUN FOR THE HILLS The treadmill is unbeatable when it comes to options— you can adjust the speed and incline to suit any fitness goal—but they don’t call it the “dreadmill” for nothing. Running in place is a quick sprint to Snoozeville. Trail running, on the other hand, has inclines and excitement built in, and you can’t zone out or you risk being clocked with a tree branch, tripping over a rock, or launching yourself over a cliff. There’s just something about jogging in fresh air with birds chirping and leaves rustling that puts…

GETTING A LEG UP WITH... Sofa Vergara It turns out that the highest–paid actress on the small screen today is as family–oriented in real life as her Modern Family TV character, Gloria. So much so that the LA-based bombshell’s 22–yearold son, Manolo, and niece, Claudia, sat in on her interview with Shape during a recent visit to New York. “I bring them with me whenever I can,” says Sofia. “In our downtime, we like to explore the city and look for places to eat.” Between photo shoots and café hopping, we asked Sofia to reveal how she looks this hot at 42. Hint: It involves some tried–and–true products–and relaxing the rules come Friday. “I started using Head & Shoulders–both the shampoo and conditioner–when I was in Colombia more than 20…

ALL-AMERICAN EYEWEAR Now you can dress from head to toe in the USA’s go-to fabric! These Ray-Ban Denim Wayfarers ($250; ray-ban.com) are the perfect complement to all your fall looks. To see more ways to get in on the denim trend, turn to page 194. NEW INDOOR WORKOUTS Don’t let those last few lazy days of summer turn into months on the couch. These back-to-the-gym programs will up your commitment to get (or stay) fit. DANCE TIME Join the six-week Fly-Barre Challenge (starting September 15 at locations nationwide, from $550; flywheelsports.com) and you’ll kick it off with thigh, hip, waist, and arm measurements to track your progress. With four weekly ballet-barre sculpting sessions, plus nutrition workshops, those inches will fly off. MOBILE MOVES Kurbo (from $10 a month; itunes.com), an…

Golden Girl Nothing evokes luxury like gold, and the same holds true for 24-karat cosmetics. “It’s the go-to metallic for sophistication and glamour,” says bicoastal celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor. While anyone can pull it off, gold is especially flattering on women with warmer skin tones. To tell if that’s you, take a cue from your accessories: “If you tend to wear gold jewelry, you’ll look great in gold makeup,” says Sotomayor. For a chic take on a gilded eye, play with different shades to create a gradated effect. Start by applying a gleaming shadow (imagine the color of a gold bar) across your entire lid. Then layer a slightly darker tone, one that looks more burnished, in the crease and on the outer corners. Finish with black liquid liner…

SUN PROTECTION The beach trips and pool parties may be over, but that’s not a free pass to go bare in the sun. While it’s true that UVB rays (those responsible for burning) are weaker during autumn and winter, “UVA rays, which accelerate aging, are the same strength year-round, regardless of how hot or sunny it is,” explains Los Angeles–based dermatologist Annie Chiu, M.D. “They also penetrate glass, so you can be exposed to their damaging effects even if you spend all day indoors or in your car.” The best defense, no matter the season, is wearing a broadspectrum sunscreen daily. Chiu’s pick: a physical screen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These mineral shields sit on top of skin to help block out rays and are less likely to…

HAVE A RITUAL “On Sunday nights I set aside time for an at-home spa session. My favorite DIY beauty trick is a deep conditioning treatment: Post-shower, I slather myself with organic coconut oil from head to toe. I leave it on my skin for half an hour before rinsing but keep it in my hair overnight— I sleep with my hair wrapped in a towel turban so that the oil doesn’t get all over my sheets. I smell like a piña colada, but everything feels supersoft and hydrated afterward. Make sure to buy straight coconut oil from the grocery store, rather than pricey lotions and creams where it’s just one of the ingredients. You’re getting the purest form, and it’s usually much cheaper!” MANI UP “Any time I get my…

Walking can be a killer workout—but not when you’re just sauntering along. “If you move e at a casual pace or are lazy about your form, you won’t melt as many calories or build as much strength in your legs and core,” says trainer Suzanne Bowen, creator of the new Barre-Amped Boot Camp DVD, who designed this routine. To maximize your speed, heart rate, and calorie burn, keep your chest lifted with arms bent 90 degrees and rotate your torso slightly while pumping your arms forward and back—not across your body. Bowen also included lunges, plus lateral and backward walking, to tone your lower half further and bust boredom. (Up the challenge by doing it on hills.) Take this plan outside or to the gym and you’ll always have a…

Chomp change: Chewing gum lowers your respiratory rate significantly and increases stress on the trapezius muscle, found a new study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology. These changes could make it more difficult to breathe during a workout, so keep your mouth in the clear. RUN WITH US! Love obstacle races? Then it’s time you toe the starting line of a Shape Diva Dash adventure run. You’ll take on challenges that test your strength, speed, agility, and balance—all while having a blast with your buds (no mud pits or electric shocks!). Check out the fall leg of the tour, with 5Ks in Philadelphia, Boston, New York City, and dc: Tutus optional. 60% Amount of CrossFit participants who are women SOURCE: AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EXERCISE FOLLOW YOUR HEART Watching your…

The Mediterranean diet, hailed as possibly the world’s healthiest, may have some new competition. A recent study in the Journal of Internal Medicine suggests that a Nordic-style regimen—which emphasizes berries, canola oil, fatty fish, whole grains, and root vegetables—may help protect your heart. When people with signs of metabolic syndrome (the cluster of symptoms that raises heart disease, stroke, and diabetes risk) were put on this plan for four to six months, they saw a significant drop in bad cholesterol and a better ratio of HDL to LDL readings, thanks to the plethora of healthy fats and fiber. The diet is also antiinflammatory, which may help prevent diabetes, says study author Matti Uusitupa, M.D., Ph.D., a professor at the University of Eastern Finland. Put your diet on the Nordic track…

Whether you want to impress guests or just dress up a weeknight dinner, give your meal restaurant panache with these pro plating tips from chef Judy Joo. Build Height and Texture Transform pasta by piling it into an eyepleasing swirl and adding color and flavor. STEP 1 Whirl Start with cooked spaghetti: Drain it and don’t add any oil, which will make the pieces too slippery to work with. Grab a serving with a pair of tongs, chopsticks, or a twopronged meat fork. Tilt the colander and twirl the tongs [1A], wrapping the strands around them as you go. Pull back slightly as you twist the tongs to give the mound some height as you shape it. You can also move a portion to a mug or a cup [1B],…

Taste Maker Looking for a one-ingredient, no-sugar-added, vegan, gluten-free treat with amazing flavor? We’ve got the tool: the Yonanas Maker ($50; yonanas.com), a favorite at the Shape offices. Just thaw a frozen banana (or another fruit or combo) for a few minutes, then drop it into the chute. Push down with the included plunger to make a soft-serve “ice cream” in seconds. If you’re a sprinkles fan, try the brand’s take on them—Frinkles—which are made from only freeze-dried fruit ($20 for a variety pack). Bean Counter They have often been called the “magical fruit,” but beans may now merit the nickname for a less embarrassing reason: their heart-health benefits. In a recent meta-analysis, researchers in Canada found that eating a 3⁄4-cup serving of beans, peas, chickpeas, or lentils each day…

Taking care of your teeth does more than prevent cavities: It may reduce your risk of depression too. Researchers from Australia’s Deakin University found that 57 percent of people with gloomy moods said their teeth were in poor or fair condition, and 61 percent experienced discomfort (like a toothache) in the last year. The study authors say more evidence is needed to determine what comes first, dental damage or depression. But oral issues have been shown to trigger body-wide inflammation, a known characteristic of the mental illness. With previous research linking problems like gingivitis to heart disease, impaired fertility, and more, this is yet another reason to visit the dentist regularly, brush twice a day (aim for 30 seconds per quadrant), and floss daily. For the latest ways to protect…

Keep Current Some cosmetics contain ingredients that may harm your health. Fortunately, manufacturers and retailers have made it easier to sidestep them. Walmart, for instance, is eliminating about 10 chemicals from its store-brand makeup by 2018. Procter & Gamble, Avon, and Johnson & Johnson also got on board, vowing to stop using potentially problematic phthalates (additives that improve cosmetics’ texture and longevity) and triclosan (an antimicrobial found in everything from soap to eye shadow). To ensure you’re getting the best products possible, regularly update your stash. Companies continually improve formulas based on new science and customer feedback, says Linda Loretz, Ph.D., chief toxicologist for the Personal Care Products Council. “Much consideration goes into each ingredient, the exposure, how it works with other components, and so on.” As a result, the…

You in Shape NAME: Mimi Kurz AGE: 28 PROFESSION: Cofounder and owner, Mimi’s Cookie Bar HOME: Mammoth Lakes, CA SHAPE READER: 10 years Mimi Kurz has had a sweet tooth for as long as she can remember. When her mother tried to institute a two-treats-a-week rule, she persuaded her babysitter to sneak her Tootsie Rolls on the sly. As Mimi grew to school age in Chicago and later Vermont, she discovered that she enjoyed baking even more than eating candy—a hobby her parents encouraged by allowing her to whip up cakes and cookies from scratch. “I had fun playing around with recipes, and the end result was usually pretty tasty,” recalls Mimi. Luckily for her health (and figure), she also took pleasure in sports and the outdoors. So when it…

Tortilla Española (Spanish Omelet With Potatoes and Serrano Ham) Serves: 6 Prep time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes cooling) Cook time: 25 minutes 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 Idaho potato, peeled and diced small 1 clove garlic, minced 1 ⁄2 onion, diced small 1 teaspoon kosher salt 4 large eggs 3 pieces thinly sliced serrano ham 1 Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Heat an 8-inch nonstick ovenproof saute pan over medium, then add the oil, potatoes, garlic, onion, and salt. Bring to a simmer and turn heat to low. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 8 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk eggs together.2 Remove the pan from heat, add eggs, and stir well to combine. Return the pan to…