Blog Posts by Healthy SELF, SELF Magazine

Amanda MacMillan, SELF magazine

So you've started your "New Year, New You" routine--maybe you joined a gym, took a lap around the block, or stocked up on new workout clothes and healthier foods. Way to go! (Another idea? Try our AMAZING 6-Day, No Cook Diet.) This can only mean good things for your health, right?

In most cases, yes. But there is a chance that making big changes can lead to bad reactions if you have specific allergies or sensitivities. Not that we want to give anyone an excuse to ditch their diet or cut their workouts short (We are all about the resolutions, trust me!), but it is important to be aware of the things that might put you at risk. So, from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, here are a few ways to make sure that your resolutions are truly the healthiest ones for you.

See more: The Flat-Abs-Fast Secret

Check food labels and ingredients. If you have a food allergy or intolerance, chances are you've been aware of it for a

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CN Digital StudioJD Rinne, SELF magazine

Influenza has hit hard nearly five weeks earlier than usual, with 41 states reporting intense flu outbreaks, and Boston's mayor declaring a public health emergency.

See more: The Flat-Abs-Fast Secret

While the flu shot is your best bet to avoid contracting the virus, it's only so effective. The good news is that there are everyday measures to further help prevent getting sick, says SELF's Contributing Expert, Dr. Henry S. Lodge.

Wash your hands. Huge for germ protection ('nuff said). See the CDC's tips on the right way to scrub.

See more: The No-Cook Diet

Get plenty of rest. Dr. Lodge says that sleep will help your immune system fight off germs--but you've got to give it a chance! So rest up tonight.

You can still get a flu shot. The American Lung Association has a flu vaccine finder.

If you've got a fever, see your doctor within 48 hours and get a nasal swab or rapid flu test. Because this test doesn't require blood, you'll

Read More »from How to Avoid the Flu

Amanda MacMillan, SELF magazine

Goodbye diet soda, hello cup o' joe! A study released today finds that people who regularly drink sweetened beverages--especially artificially sweetened beverages--have a higher than average risk of depression. But those who regularly drink coffee, however, have a slightly lower than average risk.

See more: 20 Superfoods for Weight Loss

That's right: If you're looking for yet another reason to ditch sugary or diet drinks in 2013 (what, we didn't give you enough reason last year?), this may be a good one to consider. In a study being presented next month at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting, researchers from the National Institutes of Health found that people who drank more than four servings of soda or fruit punch a day were 30 and 38 percent more likely, respectively, to develop depression over the 10-year study period than people who drank neither of the beverages. And the people who drank diet versions of soda, fruit punch,

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Sarah-Jane Bedwell, SELF magazine

You've probably heard about the major health benefits you'll get from consuming some omega-3 fatty acids, but if you haven't, these babies boost brain power, heart health and reduce inflammation. But salmon is the Queen B of omega-packed foods; and its also full of lean protein to help build toned muscles. Plus, a recent study found that women who eat oily fish, such as salmon, had the lowest levels of body fat. Now that's what we call a superfood.

See more: The No-Cook Diet

Whether you already eat salmon regularly or are just starting to love it, you're gonna need some fresh ideas for fixing yourself a few different dishes. So when you're over the basic grilled salmon fillet, try one of these ways to enjoy salmon's super-slimiming powers.

Boost Your Breakfast: Swap out the typcial turkey bacon or sausage on your breakfast sandwich for flavorful smoked salmon. You'll be starting your day off with a plethra of nutrients as well as plenty

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SELF magazine

It's SO easy to splurge--think about all the gorgeous handbags or exotic vacations you could buy--if you had unlimited funds, that is. But most of us don't. (Right?) So we talked to Christine Parker, a certified financial planner in La Plata, Maryland, who told us to ask ourselves these three questions before making any purchase.

See more: The No-Cook Diet

1. WHAT'S MY GOAL? Know exactly what you're saving for--leaving your job, say, or buying a car. Write it on a piece of paper, keep it in your wallet and pull it out when you falter.

See more: The Flat-Abs-Fast Secret

2. IS THIS IN MY BUDGET? Use an app like iSpending Deluxe ($3; itunes.com) to do a cash flow reality check before you try on and fall in love with those sweet suede booties.

See more: 20 Superfoods for Weight Loss

3. HOW DO I FEEL? If you answer "grumpy" or "frustrated," back away from that cash register. We make smarter, more consistent choices when we're in a clear state of mind.


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Alice Oglethorpe, SELF magazine

According to researchers at the University College London, it only takes 18 days to make a habit stick. Get #UpNOut for an A.M. sweat session with these five tips.

1. It's the Fit Girl's #1 Secret: The enviably in-shape women we polled--athletes, trainers, everyday superwomen with flat abs--break a sweat first thing. No wonder: In the morning, you have max willpower, but as the day wears on, making healthy decisions becomes tougher, says Roy Baumeister, Ph.D., social psychology professor at Florida State University and coauthor of Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength. Resisting online shopping splurges, ignoring an ex's text--these feats sap resolve, and you may not have much left to drag yourself to the gym at night.

See more: 20 Superfoods for Weight Loss

2.Treats Won't Be As Tempting: A workout can make you less I-need-that at the sight of food (like those office cupcakes that show up at your weakest moments), say

Read More »from Why A.M. Exercise is Awesome

Sarah-Jane Bedwell, SELF magazine

Did you make a New Year's resolution to lose weight this year? If so, the key to success may not be just what's on your plate, but also the plate itself. Studies show that once food is on our plate, that we will most likely eat nearly all of it. That means the bigger your plate, the more calories you will unintentionally consume. And our dinner plates have gotten bigger and bigger over the years--in the 1960s, the average dinner plate was 8.5 inches in diameter and held around 800 calories worth of food, whereas today's dinner plate is an average of 12 inches in diameter and holds approximately 1900 calories worth of food! (Check out the size difference between the white [dinner] and brown [salad] plates!)

See more: 20 Superfoods for Weight Loss

So all you need to do to eat less at meals is opt for a salad plate for your grub instead of a traditional dinner one. Healthier habits don't always have to take more time, guys: Quick fixes can

Read More »from New Year's Resolution: A Simple Trick to Stick to Your Diet

Sarah-Jane Bedwell, SELF magazine

Need a little something to brighten up those dreary winter days? Try adding blueberries to your next meal! Not only does the fruit's vibrant color add a pretty pop to any dish, but also, according to the United States Highbush Blueberry Council, 78% of women who eat blueberries say they add a boost to their day. That's probably because in addition to bursting with sweet, juicy flavor, blueberries are also loaded with health benefits.

See more: The No-Cook Diet

Just one serving (1/2 cup fresh) of blueberries provides 25% of the immune system-boosting vitamin C you need each day. Plus, the 'lil berries are packed with filling fiber and are an excellent source of manganese, a free element that helps convert nutrients found in food into energy your body can use. Add to that the anthocyanin compounds that ward of disease and you basically have the perfect snack. Sure, you can throw them in your yogurt or eat them on their own, but try some of

Read More »from Superfood of the Week: Blueberries