Blog Posts by SHAPE magazine

Can eating kale prevent cancer?by SHAPE Diet Doctor Mike Roussell, phD

While there are obviously many reasons to eat fruits and vegetables, we were curious about the recent research we'd seen that said increasing your consumption of certain veggies could decrease your risk of developing breast cancer. So we went to our diet doctor Mike Roussell, phD to get his opinion and see if it was really true. Here's what he had to say:

First, eating more fruits and vegetables is a good plan for reducing your risk of just about everything, including breast cancer. But yes, when it comes to preventing breast cancer specifically, new research reveals that not all fruits and vegetables are created equal.



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According to a review of 24 different studies on the relationship between breast cancer, reported food intake, and blood levels of carotenoids (the antioxidants that give foods such as carrots, spinach, and tomatoes their rich color), only three out of the seven different

Have sex, feel great? Not always! Here are seven ways to have mind-blowing sex.by Jené Luciani for SHAPE.com

It may seem obvious-have sex, and then feel great, right? But that's not always the case. "Not that this is a big revelation or anything but, unlike guys, we need to be in the mood to have sex!" says Dr. Alyssa Dweck, co-author of V is for Vagina. "If we're stressed, pissed off, feeling unattractive, thinking about the laundry, the kids, work, money woes, or anything else life brings our way, chances are, no matter how hard our partner tries, we're going to be as likely to have an orgasm as Lady Gaga joining a nunnery."

With so many obstacles in our way, can we ever achieve that all-encompassing 'screaming O' we see in the movies? Experts say it is possible. There are different kinds of orgasms (some go deeper than others) and even if you're regularly having an orgasm during sex, you could be having a better one. Here's how:

RELATED: 16 Things that Can Sink Your (Or His Sex Drive)

1. Tools and toys: You don't have to be a rocket

You can enjoy brunch without blowing a full day's worth of calories--here's how!

Eggs benedict1. Instead of eggs benedict...
The one redeeming quality about this brunch staple: It contains protein-rich eggs, which are a great source of selenium and vitamin D, says Margaux J. Rathbun, certified nutritional therapy practitioner and creator of nutrition website Authentic Self Wellness. But the benefits of this calorie bomb end there, thanks to toppings like ham and and high-fat Hollandaise sauce-all served on an English muffin .

"All of these types of foods combined together can be difficult to digest, making you feel bloated, tired, and excessively full," Rathbun says.

Exactly how bad are they? Eggs Benedict from one popular breakfast chain come in at a whopping 1,050 calories and 57 grams of fat.

Order this instead...
Scrambled eggs and whole wheat toast . Sprinkle your eggs with a little sea salt (if it's available) for added trace minerals, Rathbun says.

RELATED: 7 Foods a

Men...they're just like us!A clean shave and you're out the door? Not anymore. These days it's not unusual to go for a pedicure and turn to see a dude sitting in the chair next to you. A survey in the U.K. showed a 66 percent increase in the number of men visiting beauty salons in the last year alone, and documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock recently explored the "evolution" of male grooming habits in the movie Mansome.

With celebrities like David Beckham, Tom Cruise, and Jay Z reportedly indulging in beauty rituals that rival those of their (ex-) wives, it's no surprise men are going to more extreme measures to look dapper. From Bro-tox to laser treatments and even liposuction, guys are getting primped, plumped, and waxed to perfection.

"Men have been requesting procedures like Botox and laser treatments more and more because it's become less taboo for them to get these services and many even have wives and girlfriends encouraging them to do [it]," explains New York City based dermatologist Dr. Eric

by Jessica Smith for SHAPE.com; photography by Vanessa Rogers Photography

Have leftover paper plates? Put them to good use!Have extra paper plates leftover from your last BBQ? Put them to good use! Grab a pair of paper plates and try this total-body strength and cardio circuit.

Party-size plates are perfect, though any size will do. Stick with paper plates (not Styrofoam or plastic) and always position them right side up for best results. While they work well on most surfaces, even carpet, it's a good idea to do a test slide to make sure they are compatible with your floor. If you don't have any plates on hand, small gym towels or sliders like ValSlides work too.

Related: Want more tips and tricks to maximize your workouts ? Download our FREE ipad app today!

Sliding burpee1. Sliding burpee: This total-body exercise will get your heart pounding without the impact of a typical burpee.

Stand with the balls of your feet on paper plates. Push your hips back, bend your knees, and lower into a squat. Place your

by Jené Luciani for SHAPE.com

If you're stuck behind a desk all day, chances are you're taking in more calories than you're expending, especially if you step out to grab lunch every day. This habit is not only bad for your waistline, it's bad for your wallet too. According to a study reported by Delish.com, 66 percent of Americans buy their lunch nearly every day, spending close to $160 every month.

We went to Kendal Perez of HassleFreeSavings.com to find out his best tips for how we can put that money to better use.

RELATED: 12 Salads Worse than a Big Mac

Take a mason jar salad!1. Get creative: The latest trend in healthy, on-the-go eating is the "salad in a jar." This creative concept uses a 'stacking' method to keep salads fresh for up to three days. Select your favorite dressing-or better yet, make it yourself-and add it to a mason jar followed by salad fixing's like onion, carrots, mushrooms and bell pepper . Add the greens last to keep them from getting soggy!

Photo credit:

Throw on an apron and fire up the grill--these internationally inspired burgers are delicious and nutritious!

Turkey chorizo burger1. Turkey chorizo burger recipe: This Spanish-style fare is both filling and flavorful.

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 18 minutes

Ingredients:
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 green bell pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil
4 ounces Manchego cheese
4 whole-wheat Portuguese sandwich rolls, cut in half and toasted

Directions:
In a medium bowl, combine garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix thoroughly, then add the ground turkey and combine. Divide into four equal portions and form each into a burger patty. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before grilling.

Meanwhile, heat

by Nora Tobin

Burn fat without setting foot in a gym!During the long, sunny days of summer, the stuffy gym can be especially unappealing. Personally, I would much rather spend as much time outside as possible. But skipping the gym doesn't mean skipping my workout; it just means crushing calories while having tons of fun!

Hiking, speed walking, and swimming are all great ways to torch fat in the great outdoors, but if you're ready to step outside your comfort zone, I have the perfect workouts for you. The following activities are challenging, but I guarantee they will work wonders on your body ! (If these sports are not accessible, keep them in mind for staying fit on vacation.)

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1. Stand-up paddleboarding: This is one of my favorite core workouts, but stand-up paddleboard also improves posture, balance, and aerobic conditioning. Another added benefit is a calmer state of mind from the peaceful environment.

Body benefits:

• Continually works the deep core