Extra, extra, read all about easy methods to help you lose weight, eat right and have a happier, healthier life. How? Simply check out the newest research published in SELF magazine. Every day our team scours the headlines to uncover the latest tips, tools and trends to keep you in your best shape ever. Use this news to reveal your best body ever.
Stoke your metabolism in less time
A mere 15 minutes is all it takes to turbocharge your calorie burning, according to a study in BMC Endocrine Disorders. People who did four to six 30-second, high-intensity cardio intervals three times a week for two weeks began to process sugar faster, thanks to intensified muscle contractions from the speed work. Sprint your hardest during each burst and recover for about 4 minutes in between, and you’ll begin torching fat faster.
Heal headaches
Hoofing it to the gym can ease migraines, research published in the journal Headache finds. Sufferers who broke a sweat three times a week for 12 weeks had fewer headaches and less pain, possibly due to increased serotonin activity (which helps fend off migraine triggers such as anxiety). Heed this advice: Start slowly and warm up for at least 15 minutes. Jumping right into an intense routine can actually bring on a migraine.
Unwind with a workout
Sure, exercise helps blow off steam, but you may feel less inclined to hit the gym after a stressful work day when you feel like you hit the ropes. A study in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that 25 percent of all staffers surveyed worked out, but when their 9 to 5 was particularly hectic, only 16 percent went to their fitness club. To maintain your exercise commitment, make a plan to meet a chum for cardio before the week begins (and before you know how frenetic your job will be).
Put a cherry on top
Finish off a fruit salad with cherries or sip cherry juice to ease postworkout soreness. People who downed about 2 cups of tart cherry juice twice a day for seven days felt less muscle pain after a race than those who didn’t, researchers from Oregon Health & Science University in Portland say. Scientists say the fruit’s natural anti-inflammatory powers help soothe soreness after any exercise.
Eat more meatless meals
Bypass beef! Women who eat less than 4 ounces of red meat weekly survive longer than those who eat more, The Archives of Internal Medicine finds. Saturated fats and high cooking temps–which produce cancer-causing compounds–may be to blame.
Check on your check-ups
You know neglecting doctor visits or skipping prescribed medication can be dangerous, yet 32 percent of Americans have done so due to the current money crunch, according to a survey from the American Heart Association in Dallas. A smarter way to save on cash and potential doctor appointments? Get moving. People who are physically active trim around $500 a year in health care costs, according to the World Health Organization in Geneva.
Mind your portions
You only ate a few bites from that quart of rocky road last night, so how can it be half empty the next day? Portion distortion strikes again! Turns out, we’re more likely to underestimate our consumption after we’ve spooned out blended treats such as trail mix or ice cream with add-ins, upping the odds of overeating, the Journal of Consumer Research reports. Create your own smart-sized combo by using measuring cups, or stick to single-food snacks.
By Lucy Danziger, SELF Editor-in-Chief
