Blog Posts by Tips on Healthy Living

By Deborah Goldstein
Still haven't decided on a Halloween costume? There's no need to resort to a saddo Scream mask! Try one of our 10 favorites for Halloween 2011.

1. Siri: Skip the obvious black turtleneck/Steve Jobs homage, and dress up as Apple's sassy new personality instead. A graphic of the new iPhone and a "How may I assist you?" sign are all you need.

2. Charlie Sheen: It makes sense he's already trending as this year's most popular costume-he's a free excuse to have a totally-bitchin'-rock-star-from-Mars good time while acting out the part. Obvious sidekick costumes: warlocks, goddesses.

3. Zombie Gaddafi: Real-life villain comes back from the dead to continue torturing us on how to spell his name: Gaddafi? Qaddafi? Kadafi?

4. Snooki: OK, OK, we'll admit we're recycling last year's costume here, but the allure of rocking some bronzer in late October is just too tempting. Plus, Halloween coincides nicely with National Guidette Day (Today! Oct. 28). Much

As you've probably seen from bulging shelves at your local supermarket, Halloween is frightfully close-and for the diet-conscious, it becomes second only to the holiday season in terms of testing one's willpower. The endless gobs of candy and heavily scented fall treats (hello, apple cider doughnuts?) are truly the wolf in sheep's expandable clothing. Here are a few tricks from the 17 Day Diet Workbook by Dr. Mike Moreno to help you stay strong and achieve the ultimate treat: Your goal weight.

Buy your candy at the last minute. That way it won't be in the house tempting you two weeks prior to the day trick-or-treaters arrive on your doorstep. It's no bargain to buy the big discount bag if you are the only one who eats it.

Sit down and eat a good meal with lots of fiber and protein. This holiday season standard rule applies here, too. Don't forget to fuel up on healthy foods and drink your green tea before the Halloween festivities. That way you will be satisfied and less

Before losing her job, Jennifer Reese didn't bat an eye at store-bought peanut butter or bagels. Wondering whether homemade, D.I.Y. meals were actually cheaper, she began a series of kitchen-related experiments. In her new book, Make the Bread, Buy the Butter, some of Reese's discoveries will surprise you-and help make your family meals easier. We spoke to her about the method to her kitchen madness.

Tips on Life & Love: What gave you the idea to write Make the Bread, Buy the Butter?
Jennifer Reese: It used to be that every time I went to the supermarket, this irritating dialogue would start up in my head: You're going to really buy those tacky cupcakes for your son's birthday? You should be MAKING cupcakes. Come to think of it, you really should be making your own yogurt, growing your own carrots, canning your own pickle relish, raising chickens, etc. It really intensified a few years ago after I lost my job and started worrying more about money. Then, when I'd actually

By Amy E. Goodman
Author of Wear This, Toss That!

Fall fashion is truly a girl's best friend. Now is the time to incorporate hot (and forgiving) trends like wide-legged trouser pants, ankle booties, and the universally flattering sheath dress. I love the following pieces because they celebrate the moment, yet live well into next year.

The structured handbag. This style of bag usually has a square or rectangular body and short straps or a top handle design. Meant to be held in your hands or in the dainty crook of your arm, it's a staple that speaks to this season's feminine style.

Trouser-cut pants. We've had years of skinny pants and jeans down the runways, and we can all breathe a sigh of relief over the return of a wider cut hem. The beauty of a wide-legged look such as a flare or boot-cut pant is that it counterbalances those of us with hips and looks fabulous paired with a fitted top, sweater or flowy, '70s-inspired blouse.

The cape. Capes pair perfectly

By Gina Rudan
Author of Practical Genius

There's a lot of anxiety in the air, as so many of us deal with job uncertainty, either fearful of being let go or already among the ranks of those who've lost their jobs. This prolonged economic slump is a rough one, and it's hard not to get paralyzed by fear. The ancient Roman poet Horace offered this great observation about tough times: "Adversity reveals genius, prosperity conceals it."

The fact is, no matter how dicey your situation or desperate your concerns, there isn't a better time than right now to remind yourself of what you're made of and to focus on realizing your potential. Don't sit on your hands, waiting for these difficult times to pass; instead, get out there and invest yourself in yourself-and reveal to the world your unique and valuable genius. Here is some genius development homework you can tackle right now:

Return to your values. During prosperous times, it's easy to drift away from living your

By Pat Tucker
Author of Football Widows
Does Sunday fill you with dread? Football season can be a difficult time of year for non-sports lovers (and though many of us ladies-40 percent of NFL viewers are women-love our football, let's admit it: It's not for everyone). Game days can be among the loneliest times in their lives. But they can survive the season as long as they remember that there's life outside the huddle.

Have a solid game plan. The old adage "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" could be quite effective. But in order to do that, you must learn about the game. The NFL hosts "Football 101" classes in most major cities. Often times, players will make an appearance to help with instruction. If you're the type who jumps all the way in, familiarize yourself with favorite teams; learn the positions, and the names of some of the key players. This way you'll be ready to watch the game with your loved one. If a do-it-yourself approach is better for you, there are a

Did you know that vigorous exercise can prevent ovulation? Should you use the good old missionary? Learn more on what to do-and not to do-to improve your fertility chances, from YOU: Having a Baby: The Owner's Manual to a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy, by Michael F. Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet C. Oz, M.D.

Time It. When's the ideal time during your cycle to have sex? (Anytime! he says.) If you're trying to increase your chances of conception, your best opportunity is one to two days before ovulation. To maximize sperm quantity and quality, have sex every two or three days starting five days before ovulation -- because sperm can live for at least forty-eight hours in the vagina, you'll be covered. The challenge is that the actual day of ovulation can change from cycle to cycle. So what are the clues?

Cervical fluid: A change in cervical fluid can indicate that you are close to your peak ovulation day. Fertile fluid is stretchy and slippery; otherwise, it's more creamy and

By Amy E. Goodman

Author of Wear This, Toss That!

When there's a chill in the air the first thing people notice about you is your coat. This fall season really champions outerwear-well beyond the standby pea coat varieties. It's time to take inventory of your coats and learn the latest trends so you can find the perfect outwear that lights your fashion fire.

WOMEN'S COATS
Go bright. We tend to think of fall as a dark color palette of brown, gray, and black, but now is the time to pick a bold color and run with it. From rusty orange to crimson red to purply plum, chose a rich hue that complements your skin tone. Your other coats will start to feel envious because you'll never take it off!
Try: Honee red asymmetrical hem coat, $154; Kohls.com

Capes, capes, capes. These were a ubiquitous trend on the runways; I'm all for them as long as you don't become engulfed. To avoid this, simply make sure that it hugs your body-avoid stiff fabrics and excessive billowing.