Blog Posts by Healthy SELF, SELF Magazine

By Jenny Everett, SELF magazine

In the produce aisle, we often find ourselves in deer-in-headlights mode when we get to the greens -- there are just so many options. Lately, kale has been getting loads of attention for being a vitamin- and nutrient-packed superfood. But, aesthetically, we're drawn to watercress, with its pretty, petite leaves.

Related: 20 Superfoods for Weight Loss

Turns out, watercress gives kale a run for its money. In fact, while much more research is needed, a recent study found that watercress might reduce your risk of breast cancer, thanks to a compound that inhibits a protein related to tumor growth.

"In addition to the compound in this study, a cup of watercress contains plenty of vitamins A and C and boasts an entire day's worth of vitamin K, a nutrient that helps keep your bones strong and your heart healthy -- and just four calories," says Monica Reinagel, M.S., a nutritionist, chef and blogger for our new sister site, Nutrition Data.

"It's also a mild

By Jenny Everett, SELF magazine

In case you haven't already noticed the pink popping up everywhere, October (can you believe it's almost October?) is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's so important to get educated about this disease because, unlike other forms of cancer, breast cancer is something you can detect early.

Related: 20 Superfoods for Weight Loss

So, what about those other forms of cancer? Which ones should you be in the know about? To educate ourselves and you, we called the American Cancer Society to ask which types of cancer are on the rise among young women (ages 20-39). Here are three that should be on your radar:

Melanoma: Since 1992, there has been an annual 3 percent increase in melanoma rates among Caucasian women (rates are 10 times lower in African American women).

Related: SELF's Running Guide--Get Inspired to Lace Up!

Symptoms to look out for: According to the American Cancer Society, warning signs include: Changes in the size, shape or color of a skin

By Jenny Everett, SELF magazine

Not only are your calves your look-sexy-in-high-heels muscle, they are also your lower body's shock absorber. So, if they're nice and strong, you're less likely to get injured when you land hard after, say, jumping up to reach something on the top shelf.

Related: 20 Superfoods for Weight Loss

That makes us doubly motivated to keep them in tip-top shape. Thankfully, we have exercise physiologist Tom Holland, owner of Tom Holland's Athletic Club in New Canaan, Conn., to explain how to define our calves so they're not just an extension of our ankles...

1. Toe raises: No excuse not to do these -- you can do them anywhere, sans equipment. Stand with your toes perched on the edge of a step. Slowly rise up onto your toes, then lower your heels until they dip below the top of the step. That's one rep, do 10. Repeat with the opposite leg. That's one set. Aim for 3 sets, 3 times a week. To make it harder, hold a dumbbell at your side next to the leg you're

By Jenny Everett, SELF magazine

We find it utterly depressing to see the lives of female starlets like Lindsay Lohan spiral out of control. According to news reports, she was released from jail on $300,000 bail (with a SCRAM ankle bracelet) and will reportedly head back to live-in rehab today. We hope so.

Related: 20 Superfoods for Weight Loss

But after Lohan recently admitted to having substance abuse issues, we couldn't help but wonder: What caused her downward spiral to begin with?

Perhaps the pressure to be Hollywood perfect was too much for the young star. LiLo was only 12 years old when she was thrust into the limelight in her breakout "Parent Trap" role. Not long after that, she lost weight and seemed to shed both red hair and freckles.

"If you're aiming for physical perfection as so many American women are -- the perfect diet, the perfect body, the perfect clothes -- you're inviting a daily barrage of self-criticism and intense emotional distress," says Jean Fain, a Harvard

By Jenny Everett, SELF magazine

We're pretty good about paying attention to the main ingredients in our meals, but often, we fail to consider the spices we add. Thing is, a dash of something from the spice cabinet can seriously up the health benefits of any dish (see our post from last Friday).

Related: 15 New Healthy Fall Recipes

To find out which spices pack the most health-pumping punch, we spoke to Divya Gugnani, author of "Sexy Women Eat: Secrets to Eating What You Want and Still Looking Fabulous" (which hits shelves in December).

1. For Weight Loss: Red Pepper
Paprika, chili powder and cayenne fall into this category. Studies have shown that they can suppress appetite and boost metabolism.

Related: 20 Superfoods for Weight Loss

2. For Disease Prevention: Yellow Curry
New evidence suggests that this spice inhibits cancer cells and may even prevent Alzheimer's. Tip: Spices can develop a muddy flavor after about six months. To save money, buy the spices you use less often

By Jenny Everett, SELF magazine

Spicy foods are a bit of a mystery. As an article in the week's New York Times wondered: Why is it that we find such pleasure in pain? I mean, these hot sauce bottles are plastered with words like "death" and "atomic"... and we like them.

Related: Snack Attack? Chow Down on These Sweet 100-Calorie Eats

One theory is that it's simply for the thrill -- like riding a roller coaster or running a marathon. Humans, oddly, find pleasure in things that, on the surface, should be really freaking scary and painful. In these cases, it's mind vs. body, and mind wins.
The other theory is that spicy foods have health benefits, and so our bodies crave them. Some of the most-studied bennies are:

1. Weight Loss: For one, the extra kick of hot sauce or a chopped jalapeno can make even the most bland diet food more palatable, causing you to be more likely to stick with your weight loss plan. In addition, they may jack up your metabolism. Studies show that the main

By Jenny Everett, SELF magazine

Dr. B., as she likes to be called, uses clinical experience to determine the underlying reasons for our style choices, and guides wardrobe reinvention with the goal of promoting positive mental and physical changes. We'll take that as inspiration to shop!

By Jenny Everett, SELF magazine

As if we needed another reason besides pure bliss to love massages, researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles have discovered that a single rubdown causes positive biological changes.

According to an article in The New York Times, the positive side effects of a light massage include decreases in the stress hormone cortisol, increases in feel-good hormones such as Oxycontin and even an immune system boost.

Related: Try one of these 30 healthy snacks today

Can't afford a trip to the spa? No sweat. Try these DIY techniques from Rich Poley, author of Self-Massage for Athletes:

1. The Face: "This is an area where all people and particularly women hold lots of tension," says Poley. To relieve some of that stress, simply tap your fingers gently on your face, using both hands as if you're typing on a keyboard. Keep your eyes closed and your face relaxed. "Give it a few minutes and your face will not only feel better, but look better."

2. The