Blog Posts by SHAPE magazine

Nothing says summer like breaking out your grill! Seriously, grilling anything makes it taste better! But if you're tired of the same old hot dogs and hamburgers, try one of these recipes out at your next backyard get-together (we're particular fans of the grilled lobster tails--so good!).

Try this flavorful curry turkey burger today!1. Curry turkey burger: This burger recipe is packed with flavor so you won't need to load it up with calorie-rich condiments like cheese, mayo, or ketchup.

Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:
1/2 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 to 2 tablespoons Thai Kitchen® Red Curry Paste
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1 pound ground turkey
4 hamburger or crusty rolls
lettuce, tomato, and chutney (optional)

Directions:
Mix bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, red curry paste, garlic, ginger, and sea salt in

Is red wine worth the calories? Yes. Yes it is.by Mike Roussell, phD

We enjoy having a glass or two of wine to unwind after a stressful day, but with all the conflicting research we've read lately, we're not sure what to believe! So we went to our resident diet doctor, Mike Roussell, PhD, to ask the question: Is red wine really worth it? His answer? Yes. Yes it is! Here's what he had to say:

I've covered alcohol and weight loss in a previous Diet Doctor column (check it out here); While you may need to temporarily eliminate your evening glass of wine to reach a weight loss goal, you should add it back into your diet during the maintenance phase. There's a sweet spot regarding alcohol and health. Research shows that drinking one glass of wine four to six nights per week can help you live longer and increase your 'good' (HDL) cholesterol. These perks seem to be attributed to alcohol in general, not specifically to red wine. However, a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals a new benefit of

Top experts separate the fact from myth once and for all--and reveal some surprises in the process!

Good news for you late-night snackers: Eating at night doesn't make you gain weight. Myth 1: Eating at Night Makes You Fat:
FACT: If your overall calorie intake is appropriate for weight loss or maintenance, it may benefit you to eat something after dinner, says Joni Rampolla, RD, Director of Nutrition and Wellness for Medifast.

Late-night calories will ultimately get used the next day (and even while you sleep). To keep your energy levels up, it is better to spread your calories out during the day when your body needs fuel. Aim to eat something every two or three hours. This will stabilize blood sugar levels and help you feel full and energized all day.

If you do need a late-night snack, consider keeping it to 200 calories or less. Check out some of our favorite post-dinner bites here.

Does hunger always mean you need food?Myth 2: Hunger is a sign you need food:
FACT: The body commonly sends cues of hunger when it is dehydrated, sleep deprived, or sensing psychological hunger. If you're not

by Nora Tobin for SHAPE.com

I love dessert, but cookies and milk every night don't exactly keep my body camera ready. My secret for enjoying sweets without packing on extra pounds? Homemade vegan treats!

Why vegan? I used to eat an assortment of everything (in moderation). But when I faced surgery to help treat my stomach problems a few years ago, I took the advice of my good friend and New York Times bestselling author Kathy Freston and gradually adopted a vegan diet instead. The result? All the pain went away. Plus, I lost weight, my hair and skin look healthier than ever before, and I have more energy. The best part: I don't feel deprived!

Here are three vegan desserts I love! They not only taste amazing, but they're sugar-free, packed with nutrients, and super easy to make. So go ahead: Have your strawberry shortcake and eat it too!

Raw vegan cocoa bites...yum!1. Vegan raw cocoa bites:
Ingredients:
1 c dates
1 c walnuts and almonds
3/4 c raw cocoa
2 ripe bananas
4 Tbsp raw almond butter
4 Tbsp honey

By Jené Luciani

Makeup dangers in your makeup bagBefore you slather on your favorite shade of red lipstick or apply the same mascara you've been loving for the last three months, you may want to think twice. Hidden threats are hiding in your makeup bag that could be hazardous to your health. Besides contamination from germs and daily dirt and grime, we also have to worry about potential allergens and scary chemicals that have been linked to cancer, respiratory illness, and even birth defects.

Read on for three health threats that could be hiding in your go-to cosmetics.

1. Dirty makeup brushes: "Brushes need to be cleaned at least monthly," says dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD, founder of LovelySkin.com. "If they aren't, they become dirty and full of bacteria from constantly touching our skin."

He recommends utilizing a disposable brush system such as Klix, so you don't have to worry about regular cleaning. But if you've invested in professional makeup brushes, cleaning them once a week is the

Extend the life of your blowout with these expert tips!There's almost nothing like catching a glimpse of yourself right after you've had your hair professionally done and seeing it in all its shiny, bouncy glory. Now if only there were a way for it to look that good all the time without having to spend countless hours and money waiting at the salon.

Turns out, there is. Maintaining your salon-quality hair after a strenous workout might be a bit of a challenge, but you can make it happen. We went straight to the experts to get their top tricks for lengthening the life of your professional blowout, and luckily for us, they delivered. So don't be afraid to dance, sweat, or cycle your way through the day! Here are all the tips you need:

1. Tie it up. Any time your hair gets wet, your blowout will start to "undo," so if you know you're going on a run after work or to a Spin class, plan to tie your hair up loosely with a soft scrunchy or hair tie for the duration of your workout, says Louise O' Connor, the owner of OC61 salon in

How's your sex life been lately?

If you and your partner are constantly stressed about work, family, or money, you may feel overwhelmed and exhausted, and sex is probably the last thing on your mind. Perhaps you're not stressed about anything in particular, but you've just become too comfortable with your partner. You know everything about him and can finish his sentences before he even opens his mouth. Everything about him is familiar-including your sex life. Or maybe you just find yourself caring less and less about having sex as your relationship continues.

What you do outside the bedroom has a huge impact on your life inside the bedroom. Your brain is the biggest sex organ you have, and if you're unhappy about other aspects of your relationship, your sex life will suffer too. That's the premise of actress Lisa Rinna and noted sex therapist Ian Kerner's new book, The Big Fun Sexy Sex Book. Both Rinna, who has been vocal about her own past sexual problems, and Kerner believe

By Joe Dowdell

Have you tried an MMA workout yet?We hear a lot about boxing and martial arts, so we went to our resident celebrity trainer, Joe Dowdell to get his opinion on it. His answer? This is the best workout you're not doing! See what he had to say:

Before I answer this question, I must give full disclosure: I'm a huge fan of mixed martial arts (MMA) and the techniques involved such as striking (kicks, knees, and punches) and grappling (holds, sweeps, and throws). Not only do I incorporate boxing and Jiu-Jitsu into my own weekly training plan, but I also work with MMA fighters on a regular basis.

That being said, I think that every woman, regardless of age or athletic ability, can benefit tremendously from incorporating some boxing and/or martial arts into her training program. Whether you want to improve overall health and fitness, lose weight (fat), or simply boost your mood, martial arts can help you reach your goals and more. In terms of physical qualities, some of the benefits include:

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