The Best Sports Bra for Your Body

Time for a new sports bra to match your 2010 fitness goals? Here are three cute and comfy picks from Vital Juice ...

When it comes to workout bras, we've got a to-don't list a mile long. Don't smush, don't bounce and don't give us uni-boob. Luckily, a new batch of bras have hit the market to make workouts more comfortable.

Best for A's: Handful bras ($40) feature pretty details like a gathered front and criss-cross straps. We're tempted to wear the eye-popping pink version (photo above) under tank tops outside the gym. Find it at a store near you or order it here.

Best for B's and C's: Activity-specific bras from new brand Kalyx ($40 and up) don't start shipping until December 1, but we got a sneak peek and were impressed. Choose from styles for runners, golfers, b-ball players and yogis.

Breakfast At Your Desk: Padma Lakshmi's Breakfast Pick

Looking for something unusually good to enliven a holiday breakfast? Try this yummy suggestion from Top Chef's Padma Lakshmi ...

The Top Chef beauty and multi-talented cook and author (her new book is Tangy, Tart, Hot, and Sweet) shared a fun little breakfast idea with Marie Claire recently:

"One orange or grapefruit sliced into thick rings drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon--"this makes a great breakfast or an elegantly light dessert. I first ate Seville oranges served this way under the hot Moroccan sun during tea time with sweet mint tea. Very refreshing."

Sounds so yummy! But I think I'd have mine with a little plain yogurt on the side.

The Easy Yoga Move That Will Transform Your Thighs

Yesterday we tackled the butt. Today? The thighs! Gals, here's a move that will help sculpt your thighs ...

Now, I'm convinced that there's nothing like running to sculpt your legs into submission (it's starting to work for me). But, when you can't get on the treadmill or out for a run, you can tone your thighs with the simple yoga pose called "chair pose," according to Health's Sara Ivenhoe.

"The best upper-leg-sculpting secret I know is Chair Pose," writes Sara. "By squeezing your legs together and then lowering your hips to almost knee level, you can quickly strengthen and firm your thighs, front and back. Do this quick pose at least 4 times a week (every day is even better), and you should see results in about 3 weeks.

Breakfast at Your Desk: Organic Valley's Drinkable Yogurt

Check out this new organic drinkable yogurt. I tried it and was pretty impressed ...

I recently tried the new drinkable yogurt from Organic Valley. It's made with agave nectar (a slightly lower glycemic index than sugar) and fortified with billions of probiotic cultures. Plus, it's clinically proven, they say, to boost digestive and immune system health. (Then again, you can get the same benefits from regular 'ol yogurt.)

But, here's why I really like this stuff: It's a satisfying morning beverage, and if you're tired of eating yogurt with a spoon, drinkable yogurt is a fun alternative--and a great way to be sure you're getting plenty of calcium. Plus, if you use your imagination, it kind of makes you think you're slurping down a delicious vanilla milkshake.

Breakfast at Your Desk: Loving This Cozy, Comforting B-Fast

There's a chance of snow where I live, which is making me want to throw some logs in the fireplace and curl up with a book and a warm blanket (but I have babies and deadlines--so, yeah, so much for that). But, a bowl of this breakfast looks just as comforting ...

I was reading this blog Crumpets and Cakes and saw a totally delicious-looking idea for breakfast: oat bran cereal topped with dried fruit and sliced bananas, plus maybe a little drizzle of honey. Almond milk or a little regular milk on top would make it really dazzle, too. I love the idea of switching up hot cereals with things other than plain ol' oats, so this one really jumped out at me.

The Humble Little Vitamin C Supplement: The Major Thing It Can Do for Your Health

Do you take a vitamin C supplement? You might consider it after hearing about the surprising thing this little orange pill can do for your health ...

According to Mark Hyman, M.D., who blogs for the Huffington Post, more Americans have higher-than-normal lead levels in their bodies than they think. That's a heavy metal you don't want lurking about. Lead in the body can cause everything from insomnia to depression to headaches and low sex drive--and worse.

But, he suggested several ways to reduce your lead exposure and absorption (it's in the environment, so everyone is susceptible), and one that stuck out to me was his recommendation to take a vitamin C supplement (something I do as a matter of course):

Breakfast At Your Desk: Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes, Smothered in Berries

I'm still obsessed with my make and freeze banana pancakes, but I'm thinking about cheating on them with this new recipe. Don't lemon poppy seed pancakes sound divine? Better yet, smother them in antioxidant-rich, end-of-summer berries! The recipes, and a photo that will make you drool...

Before I go any further, I feel compelled to tell you that when I initially typed the headline above, I typed "poopy" instead of "poppy." So glad I caught that one.

Anywho. I found this recipe over at the beautiful blog Picky Cook (lots of tasty inspiration here--check it out!):

Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes

Makes 12 pancakes (enjoy one, freeze the rest)

The Shocking "Health Tip" From One of the World's Oldest People

Guess the health tip that one of the world's oldest people credits for his longevity (It's kind of shocking and a little inspiring)...

Walter Breuning of Great Falls, Montana, just celebrated his 113th birthday, becoming the world's oldest man. Yowza!

Here's why he says he's had such a long, healthy life: He skips dinner.

What?

According to reports, he enjoys two big, healthy meals--breakfast and lunch--and that's it.

While his "skip your dinner" advice is a little controversial (sorry Walter, no can do), I do think he has some good things to say here:

"I think you should push back from the table when you're still hungry," he told USA Today. "You get in the habit of not eating at night, and you realize how good you feel. If you could just tell people not to eat so darn much."

The Surprising Reason Why You're Not Having Sex

Gals, there are many reasons a dry spell may be in progress. But did you know that this surprising thing could be sabotaging a healthy sex life?

Hatchoooo!

A new study out this week reports that people with allergies--seasonal or otherwise--also have trouble in the bedroom. In fact, 83 percent of sneezy individuals say their love life has tanked due to their allergies.

"If you can't breathe, and your nose is running, and your eyes are itchy, and you're sneezing, and you feel awful and you feel tired, you don't feel very sexy," said the study's lead author, Dr. Michael S. Benninger, chairman of the Head and Neck Institute at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, to CNN recently.

Breakfast at Your Desk: I'm Crazy for This New Cinnamon Yogurt

Gals, I recently had a chance to taste test a brand new yogurt variety. Granted, it's a little decadent, but a half cup mixed in with an apple happens to--in my opinion--make the most delicious little summer breakfast ...

I've got a serious crush on the new cinnamon yogurt from Straus Family Creamery. They shuttled over a few of their new flavors for me to try recently, and I had not idea what to expect--especially from the new cinnamon yogurt.

Let me just say, it was love at first bite. Sweet, spicy, incredibly cinnamony (so much so that it was light brown in color!)--yum!

I know, it is whole milk yogurt (not the non-fat stuff we usually talk about on this blog), but if you've been reading this blog long enough you know that I'm a fan of occasional splurges, as long as those splurges are natural, whole foods and not loaded with artificial chemicals and sweeteners. Plus, a half-cup with a diced apple is only going to set you back 3 grams of fat and about 115 calories.

Breakfast At Your Desk: Hard-Boiled Eggs With These Yummy Additions

Morning my dears! I don't eat hard-boiled eggs a lot, but I get a once-a-month craving for them. Here's how I ate one (for breakfast!) the other day...

Slice one hard-boiled egg and sprinkle with capers (I am obsessed with capers, you?) and diced tomatoes. Have a dry piece of whole-wheat toast on the side and the result is pure breakfast perfection. Trust me! Bonus: It fills you up until lunchtime.

Do you ever eat hard-boiled eggs for breakfast?

The Surprising Thing That Scientists Think May Cure Shyness

Are you shy? Do you wish you could be a bit more outgoing? While I have pals that embraces their reserved and shy ways, I also know others who wish they could climb right out of their shells and turn on their inner extrovert. Check out what researchers are saying about an innovative thing that could "cure" shyness ...

Are you shy? Do you wish you could change that about yourself? While shyness is in no way a flaw (I love the shy people in my life), it's sometimes associated with frustration. Some, say experts, feel trapped in their shy minds, wishing they could feel more comfortable speaking in groups or sharing their feelings with friends.

This First-Ever Female Football Coach Is Drawing Cheers and Criticism

Do you like football? I do (my uncle, Steve Fairchild, is a former NFL coach and is currently the head coach of the Colorado State Rams), and I'm sort of fascinated by the news about the female head coach who is causing quite a stir in the world of sports ...

Natalie Randolph was recently appointed head football coach at Washington D.C.'s Coolidge High School--making her the first ever female head football coach for a high school football team. The news created quite a buzz. Online commenters have been bashing the school's decision all week (which is no surprise, right?). But recently, on Good Morning America, she said that parents and administrators at the school are being really supportive, however.

A Little Fruit Is Not Enough

Most people are not eating enough fruit to make a substantial impact on risk for cancer and heart disease. A study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition finds the risk of disease could be lowered by doubling the amount of fruit eaten each day.

The study analyzes data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 1994-96 Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals. Fruits have an antioxidant effect in the system and reduce the stress within cells, which could lower the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Children need two servings of fruit daily, women three and men four to provide the protection -- but eight out of 10 Americans are getting less than half of what they need to do the job. Overall, the study finds the lowest amount of fruit is eaten between October and March.

Sex Question: How Can I Boost My Desire?

Dear Dr. H,

My boyfriend and I have been together for about five years. I don't have any sexual desire anymore and we currently have sex no more than three times a month. I know I love him and don't want to be with anyone else. What can I do?

Read on for Dr. Hilda Hutcherson's response.

A. While it's normal for your sex life to go through different phases when you're with someone for a long time (sometimes it's steamy and frequent, and sometimes it's less so), it is important to make it a priority in your relationship. There are things you can do to increase desire when your sex life isn't at its peak. One thing you can try is fantasy--one suggestion is for each of you to write a story about the best sex you had with each other. Thinking about a great past sexual experience could help you relive it. You can also visit an erotic shop--in person or online, to buy new gels, lubricants and sex toys that you can share. The bottom line is, novelty--doing something you haven't tried before--can really get a couple out of a sex rut.

Acupressure Points On A Human Body

Do you get anxious speaking in front of a group? Do your palms get moist, your tongue seem mired in sand – and are those your knees giving way? What you’ve got a simple case of stage fright. But don’t be flustered. There is a way to regain self-control -- with acupressure.

Acupressure is based on the Chinese therapeutic technique acupuncture. Instead of pins inserted in the body, acupressure entails stimulation of strategic body sites. To relieve stage friend, simply place the top of your thumb or index (first) finger a hand’s breath below your collarbone on the right side of your chest. Push in (or press down strongly) vibrating slowly in doing so; then rotate your finger rapidly, always clockwise.

Aphrodisiac Filled Lobster and Orange-Basil Salad

Chef Gavin Kaysen of Cafe Boulud stops by the Today Show to show you how to heat up your Valentine's Day celebration with this aphrodisiac-filled lobster and orange-basil salad.

Boiled lobster is spread over a spoonful of funnel puree and garnished with orange-basil gremolata, baby fennel and Bibb lettuce. Drizzle vanilla oil around the plate. For a slimmer meal, go light on the fennel puree.

Four featured aphrodisiacs:

Almonds are associated with passion and fertility and can help boost the sex drive. It is said to also be useful in treating sexual inadequacies, such as premature ejaculation.

Aphrodisiac Filled Lobster and Orange-Basil Salad

Chef Gavin Kaysen of Cafe Boulud stops by the Today Show to show you how to heat up your Valentine's Day celebration with this aphrodisiac-filled lobster and orange-basil salad.

Boiled lobster is spread over a spoonful of funnel puree and garnished with orange-basil gremolata, baby fennel and Bibb lettuce. Drizzle vanilla oil around the plate. For a slimmer meal, go light on the fennel puree.

Four featured aphrodisiacs:

Almonds are associated with passion and fertility and can help boost the sex drive. It is said to also be useful in treating sexual inadequacies, such as premature ejaculation.

8 Things I Wish I Knew About Health and Happiness When I Was 21

Do you ever wish you could send an email to your younger self with a few words of advice or warnings (like, "don't go out with you-know-who--you'll totally regret it!)? I celebrated my 32nd birthday last week, and I've been thinking about all the little things I've learned about health and happiness in a decade--some big, some little, but all important. Here's my list--what's on yours?
I looooved Erin's post over on Single-ish about the 31 things she wished she knew about dating when she was 21 (brilliant!), and I got to thinking about some of the bits of health and happiness wisdom I really wish I got years ago:
1. Don't be stingy--ever. Generosity--in all forms--is one of the quickest paths to happiness.
2. You are your best health advocate. It's funny, I spent my early years expecting that other people would take care of my health (my mom, my doctor, etc.). It sounds silly, but I really didn't wake up to the fact that this gig was mine, and I had to fight for my health care and be in the driver's seat. Lesson learned: Don't wait for your doctor, your pal, or your parent to suggest something that could improve your health--you be the one!
3. Your first job will, in all likelihood, suck, and if it does, be strong--you can do anything for a year. While I learned a lot during my very first job out of college--and I met some terrific people and learned a lot--there were times I'd take the bus home to my apartment and cry. I felt like the work drama I was going through would go on forever, but what I didn't realize then was that I was in control and that this was just temporary. It's funny how we perceive our current situations as never-ending--they're not!
4. Make fitness a non-negotiable item on your to-do list. Sure, there are exceptions--and who wants to live a rigid life--but a commitment to fitness means a commitment to health and happiness, and there's just not much that can trump the importance of getting my heart rate up.
5. Learn to let go of toxic people, but remember to forgive them. In my twenties I learned to forget, and in my thirties I'm learning to forgive. I like forgiveness better.
6. Realize that it's not all about you. I spent so much of my twenties worrying about what others thought of me (did I totally flub the work presentation? Did my editor think the article I wrote was awful? Did I look OK in that photo?). Heck, we all deal with this. But as soon as you realize that everyone else is in the same boat--worrying about what you think of them--you realize that all the worrying is so pointless. Most people are focused on their own anxieties, not yours.
7. Your teeth are important, but please, please, please--give your gums some love! At a recent visit, my dentist told me that I have receding gums, and I almost started crying, right there in the chair. She described that our gums recede due to poor care and also due to the natural aging process. I didn't like the sound of that. Gals, be kind to your gums! That means regular flossing and brushing lightly. Once they're gone, they're gone. They don't regrow--so show them some love!
8. You're capable of a lot more than you think. There was a time when I didn't think I'd ever be able to run long distances (um, yes I can!), have kids and still have an awesome career (check!), survive on 4 hours of sleep at times (hello--that was me last night after my baby was up sick!), or face my fears (been there, done that). The point: Don't be frightened by something you think you can't do--chances are, you totally have what it takes to do it/survive it.
Those are just a few things on my list, what's on yours? What do you wish you could tell your younger self about health and happiness?