Blog Posts by HealthyStyleNY

Ok, so the weekend is nearly upon us, and while Friday night is often classified as "date night" or "girls night out" we found that our favorite SkinnyGirl, Bethenny Frankel, often opts to stay in to gab with girlfriends and do cocktails the healthy way! We checked her blog to find and chatted with her to find out exactly how to do girls night IN. From what to serve up to how to set the mood for a fun, festive night, Bethenny tells all. And we must agree, staying in doesn't sound so bad at all.

But Bethenny, you ask, how can a night in be even more fun and intimate among friends? We already always go out. Well, staying in means you can really let loose, actually hear what someone says, pay a little more attention to health and customize your cocktails to your friends. You can choose the music, not fight a crowd and really get personal and catch up with your girlfriends. Also, nothing screams "desperado" like a gaggle of girls at a bar. Men can smell it like blood in the water.

Iodine has been a hot topic over the last few weeks as radiation becomes a top concern for many around the world. Just today news broke that traces of radioactive iodine were detected in milk right here in the US. While these traces are considered minuscule and experts say not a real concern, this again raises the question of if (and how) we should be protecting ourselves from radioactive iodine. Weeks ago we saw California residents buying out iodine tablets, leaving store shelves empty. But are iodine tablets really the best way to go? Are they completely safe? We checked in with Dr. Susan Blum of Blum Center for Health, to get the lowdown on iodine.

Should we be taking iodine?

Susan Blum, MD, MPH

I would like to talk about iodine. One of the radioactive particles that can be released from nuclear power plants is a radioactive form of iodine that if taken into our body, can go to the thyroid gland and cause thyroid injury and, in some people, cancer at a later date. If you

By: Becky Wenner

Exercise and movement is essential for our well being. It is the key to longevity, our body is as old as we think it is. If an 84-year old man is training for his 200th triathlon, it's apparent that our body can do amazing things when we believe we can, train it properly, and keep it in use. So, during a busy day, it's important to take a little break and work those muscles.

There are lots of simple ways to take a few minutes and move.

*Choose Location Wisely
First and foremost, where we choose to park our car is a simple, seamless way to get some extra burning in our schedule. If you're on a lunch break, taking a trip to the supermarket, bank, or post office, find the furthest spot and walk the distance to the door. Survey the lot to see if there are spots that require a slight walk uphill, and you've upped the ante!

*Stairs Over Elevator Every Time

Using the staircase is another seamless fit to stay fit, so forgo the elevator and take a climb.

By: Latham Thomas

We all heard the buzz a few months back when Vanessa Minnillo and Nick Lachey announced their engagement (finally!). So does newly engaged Vanessa already have babies on the brain? She's been hitting the media circuit talking about the importance of Folate and Folic Acid, something doctors have always recommended for women who are pregnant or looking to get pregnant. Our Lathem Thomas got the scoop at a recent press luncheon here in NYC. She got Vanessa talking about everything from pre-natal vitamins to her hot Louboutin pumps!

TV personality Vanessa Minnillo unveiled her national education campaign, Girlfriends for Folate, to inform women of childbearing age of the importance of daily folate intake. Her partnership with Bayer and March of Dimes to launch the Girlfriends for Folate or GFF campaign cleverly engages Generation Y women using social media as it's target platform including Facebook and twitter to help spread the good news about folate for women.

In

By: Vanessa Alfano

Spring is a time of renewal and awakening, and we often too need to bring change and balance into our lives. Since that's not always such an easy task in a crazy city like NY, I decided to head west to one of nation's top destination spa resorts, Canyon Ranch.

Located in the Sonoron Desert and surrounded by the Santa Catalina Mountains, Canyon Ranch is the perfect place to reset, relax, and revitalize. For decades this all inclusive resort has taken a holistic approach to good health, providing guests with all the tools they need bring their lives back into balance. For those seeking big change, Canyon Ranch has a variety of powerful programs- everything from weight loss to spiritual awakening. However, if a relaxing and fun vacation is more of what you have in mind, Canyon also has you covered. The expansive resort features indoor and outdoor pools, hiking and biking trails, golf programs, and an award winning spa.

For me, I wanted it all. I really

By: Rachel Lerner

This past winter seems to have been extra brutal for most of us. Numerous snowstorms and frigid temperatures have left us TIRED and UNINSPIRED! Thankfully, spring is here which means we can start thinking about warmer weather as well as renewing our well-being and energy.

Here are some quick tips to help you RENEW your health and wellness goals NOW:

1) Drink more water. Believe it or not being dehydrated can deplete our energy.

2) Get Moving. The days are getting longer and warmer so there are less excuses to head outside for a walk. Even 10-15 minutes a day makes a difference.

3) Eat more whole foods. Eating too many processed foods (think sugar, high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils) can lead to low levels of energy.

4) Eat mindfully. Turn off any distractions and pay attention to what you are eating to really enjoy the full benefits.

Spring Challenge: Ready to spring into action, shed the winter weight, increase your energy and

By: Nita Arpianien

Love is the base for everything in life, it is the energy underneath it all. Without love we would not exist and without love there would not be much reason for living. . Have you discovered your own and your partners love language yet? One way to get more connected into your partner's and your own hopes and needs concerning love and relationships, is to figure out your Love Languages. We all have one or two 'languages' that are most essential for us to communicate and channel love and also feel and understand that we are loved in return. You can do a test online here and find out your primary love language.

One of the most essential aspects of love is the way we love and treat ourselves. This relationship is the base for everything we face in life. If you don't love, accept and respect yourself, no amount of love from people around you will ever be enough. It's also good to keep in mind, that the more we fill our own hearts with love, the more capacity we have to

Since the world has become so fast paced, it's nice to come home to a relaxing, pleasing space. Calmer energy, a sense of "presence", and balance can easily begin there, just by creating your ideal living space to fit your budget.

Releasing our minds will open the door to amazing things, so follow these simple tips to "redesign" your life:

Set the Stage

First things first, go through your surroundings and take inventory. Is there a room that you aren't crazy about? wallpaper that's screaming 2 decades ago? a light bulb that just doesn't seem bright enough, or maybe a bit too bright? a hole in the wall? a squeaky door?

It doesn't cost much to put on a fresh coat of paint, fill holes, fix a squeak, or replace bulbs and batteries for a clean, updated look, and you'll feel so much better. And, if design isn't your thing, flip through a magazine to find a picture if a room you'll love. Recreate the look yourself, and you'll save tons!

Choose Colors Carefully

Keep