The Real Genius of Fad Diets

Tempted to try a new get-slim-quick scheme? There’s a good reason. They tap into human nature and what inspires us. Use that motivation-boosting power to supercharge your own (sane) eating plan. It’s hard-core, but that’s part of the point: Pain equals pride. and eliminate it for a few weeks, Clarke and Jarosh suggest. You’ll be so proud that you’ll be motivated to stick to the other parts of your diet....

March 17, 2014 · 2 min · 359 words · Darren Bernard

The Three Building Blocks to a Hot Body

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Pretty much any activity that gets your blood pumping is cardiovascular. When your heart rate rises, muscle cells break down sugar and fat for fuel, burning calories. The upshot: Calorie-burn spikes. HIITKill it, recover, repeat, repeat. Mix up your LSD, tempo and HIIT. Photographs by Arthur Belebeau....

March 17, 2014 · 2 min · 335 words · Kelsey Lee

These Spices Make You Slimmer, Smarter, Happier

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Curb Appetite With Fenugreek This spice packs fibereach nutty-tasting teaspoon of the seed has a gram. Study participants who took a fenugreek supplement in the a.m. ate less at lunch. Sprinkle it generously onto chicken before roasting. Spread it out: Shake it into coffee and onto apples and oatmeal....

March 17, 2014 · 1 min · 175 words · Stacey Jarvis

Track Pants: The New Alternative to Trousers

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Rock track pants with a fitted top or short cropped jacket. Get a pop of color with a bright handbag. And sunglasses are a must for a spring look like this. Track Pant:LNA, $264. T-shirt:American Apparel, $22.Jacket: Similar Jacket:TOPSHOP, $100. Shoe:French Connection, $110. Hat:American Apparel, $60....

March 17, 2014 · 1 min · 136 words · James Powers

You Should Own a Pleated Skirt This Spring

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. The skirt is super short so cover up a bit on top with a layered combo. A statement necklace elevates this look off the tennis court, and darling lace-up flats finish everything perfectly. Pleated skirt:American Apparel, $54. Chambray Shirt:In Style Collection, $38. Sweatshirt Top:Forever 21, $15....

March 17, 2014 · 1 min · 146 words · Donald Woodard

Beauty Trend: Everything's Coming Up Roses

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Face Mask Who needs a facial when you have theFresh Rose Face Mask, $58? Face Cream A whopping 30 roses go into the making of one tube ofDr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream, $43. But fear not: Its scent is more fresh and herbal than heavy floral....

March 16, 2014 · 1 min · 133 words · Michael Gonzalez

#TrainerIntel: Celeb Guru Gunnar Peterson Gives You the Best Ab-Sculptor Ever (and More Clutch Tips)

You’re about to have a direct connection withMinka Kelly,Halle BerryandSofia Vergara: your trainer. Never let GP go. What’s your Castaway workout? (Think: You’re stuck on a deserted island with no equipment. What do you do?) “There’s so much you could do with bodyweight alone. The basics always come up for a reason: sit-ups,planks,push-ups. They’ll always give you results. Take your basic rear lunge, and add a leg raise or kick on the way up....

March 14, 2014 · 2 min · 352 words · Julie Harris

Summer Travel Plans We're Drooling Over

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. LA-based trainerAstrid McGuirehas major summer vacation plansshe’ll be hopping the Atlantic to Sweden. COPYRIGHT ©2010 THE CONDÉ NAST PUBLICATIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. “My plan this summer is to go back to my roots,” she says. “I am half Swedish and it has been a while since I have been back to see family....

March 13, 2014 · 2 min · 280 words · Jennifer Hamilton

We Love Avocado Toast! (And We've Found 10 Recipes to Prove It)

There’s only so much food trendiness we can stomach. Avocado, turkey bacon, sauteed mushrooms and balsamiccount us in. @nutritionhappens And the award for class creative goes to (#insertdrumrollhere) this clever gem. The Condé Nast Publications @qc_style This just looks pretty. So pretty, so spicy. @thedesigntable Ingredients for a cozy morning breakfast: Avocado toast + coffee. Turn up the heat with hot sauce. Add tartan scarf/blanket thing. Repeat (we want to be here now)....

March 13, 2014 · 1 min · 90 words · Justin Anderson

10 Get-Fit Secrets From Our Favorite Celebs

Love Your Assets Shakira’s confidence-is-sexy swagger is one of our favorite things about her. So it comes as no surprise that she is a huge proponent of flaunting what you’ve got. Gym Makeup is OK Everyone needs a little extra motivation to get to the gym. © Condé Nast Do likeKelly Osbourneand get a little dolled up. And on that note:new workout tights, anyone? Day seven ends with some R&R after a week of hard work....

March 12, 2014 · 2 min · 280 words · John Parker

Pinterest Found: Nail Art for the Music Festival Fanatic

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Fancy Feather Perfect forrocking to Coldplay, Keith Urban and Imagine Dragons atSXSW. Don’t overthink itjust freestyle! Flower Child Perfect forchilling out to Haim, Lana del Ray and Lorde atCochellathis April. Go with a dark base like this deep navy but keep things light for the daisies on top....

March 12, 2014 · 2 min · 298 words · Brad Davis

From Saintly to Sinful, Green Drinks for Any Mood

That gorgeous color comes from kale and avocado. You’ll get two superfoods yogurtandolive oilin one serving. Get iron from the spinach, potassium from the banana and a heap ofcancer-thwarting compoundsfrom the flaxseed. © Condé Nast SAINTLY: Apple-Limetini A martini can be saintly? Use green apples to make your garnish even more holiday-appropriate. Still just 151 calories per drink. SINFUL (BUT SWEET! Smirnoff Sorbet Light Pineapple Coconut vodka, 4 oz. blue Curacao and 8 oz....

March 11, 2014 · 1 min · 167 words · Evelyn Martinez

10 Top Race DOs and DON'Ts

We did both before last week’sSeaside School Half-Marathonand PR’d!) And it may be just the thing your mind needs to shake the nerves and allow you to relax. (Though that sounds like anamazingdiet.) One hundred percent delicious. Stack that kind of time on your feet for the end of the weekend itinerary. That’s what you’re having race morning. You’ve tested it (ahh, right?) and you know it works for your stomach and gives you enough fuel for the first miles....

March 6, 2014 · 1 min · 210 words · Gregory Clark