Leaving the Old Me Behind

Excerpted fromWild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest TrailbyCheryl Strayed (Knopf). 2012 By the age of 26, I’d done a lot of hard things. I’d watched my mother die youngand fastof cancer. I’d relinquished any hope of having a father who would be a father to me. I’d divorced a man I loved. I’d tangled my sorry self into a ridiculous knot of ill-advised sex and drugs. That the last thing was a good one didn’t make it any less hard....

April 12, 2012 · 4 min · 742 words · Renee Stephens

SELF's 2012 Sneaker Awards

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. Cross-Training: Gym You need a stable, sturdy shoe fordumbbell workouts. Winner:Blade-Max Endure, $100;KSwiss.com. Athlete-engineered sliced soles provide traction. And who needs Louboutins? One tester loved the style as much as the function: “They’re sexy as hell.” Runner-up:NB Minimus 20v2, $85;NewBalance.com.CrossFitfanatics, these shoes are for you....

April 12, 2012 · 3 min · 486 words · Tina Sims

SELF's Nutrition Experts Answer Your Biggest Questions!

They pulled together the most commonly asked questions they hear (and their answers) for us here onSELF.com! Have a question for Willow & Steph? Visit SELF’sFacebook pageevery Thursday from 1-2pEST to chat with them! The ricotta-apple wrap on theDrop10 plancan be wrapped in foil and taken to-go. A peanut butter and sliced fruit sandwich on whole grain bread is also portable. So, first confirm you check in with yourself about what you need....

April 12, 2012 · 2 min · 413 words · Karen Glover

Stars' Best Eco-Friendly Tips

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. Jennifer Love Hewitt “The great thing about L.A. is that we have so much sunshine. I take advantage of that by hanging clothes outside rather than using the dryer.” TIP:Knits that aren’t tumbled can feel a little stiff because of residual detergent in fabric....

April 12, 2012 · 2 min · 255 words · Gina Thompson

The Hunger GamesStyle Special

The fabrics are leathers, cotton, wool. Our first glimpse at the Capitol (or “Emerald City,” as I’ve coined it)! Then Effie Trinket is intechinicolor! she could barely walk! He’s more about feeling fierce from within. He does, though, play just a bit to the environment with a hint of gold eyeliner. It’s actually very typical of high-end stylists to be more focused on their client than their own costuming. And now we have the moment where Katniss becomes the “Girl on Fire....

April 12, 2012 · 2 min · 220 words · Rickey Parker

4 Moves For Sexy Legs (Just In Time For Summer!)

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. (FYI: shaving probably won’t hurt either.) Try these summer-approved exercises at home: [#image: /photos/57d8d83ef71ce8751f6b6916]|||||| 1. WalkingLungesStand with feet shoulder-width apart. With torso erect, step forward with right leg, a little wider than average stride length. Lower your back knee toward the floor stopping just short of the ground (above)....

April 10, 2012 · 2 min · 255 words · Jonathan Doyle Jr.

My HealthySELF: Founders of Celeb-Favorite Physique 57 Reveal Their Bikini-Season Advice

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. It’s that time of the year again:Bikini seasonis right around the corner! Check out Maanavi and Becker’s advice for overcoming fitness struggles, their must-have snacks and the no. 1 thing women should treat themselves to more often. Bikini season, here we come! Why do you think the stars love Physique 57?...

April 6, 2012 · 2 min · 409 words · Mark Osborne

Shannon Elizabeth Talks Chocolate, Yoga and Returning ForAmerican Reunion

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. Trailer Credit: Universal You’ll be reprising your role as Nadia in this months’American Reunion. What is it like to be a part of a movie franchise that’s become so iconic? What has the experience been like growing up with your cast? The cast is like none other....

April 6, 2012 · 2 min · 403 words · Brandon Bender

Scared Of The Gravitron? How To Master Intimidating Gym Equipment

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. From crazy names (crossover cable what?) to questionable positions (am I supposed to face away from the machine or towards it?) navigating the gym by yourself can be nerve-wracking. For pull-ups, take any grip that’s comfortable–overhand or underhand is fine. Step carefully onto the lever, feet facing towards the machine, and straighten your whole body....

April 4, 2012 · 2 min · 269 words · Jordan Brown

My HealthySELF: The Secret to Happy Shopping

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. According to Baumgartner, we communicate our emotions though clothes, and a fashionfaux pasmay signify a deeper dilemma. “With every behavior that we study, we’re never surprised that there’s a psychological impact. The other one is dressing for the body. Either you’re dressing too tight and inappropriate, overtly sexualized or totally asexual and you’re covered up....

March 30, 2012 · 3 min · 428 words · Heidi Robinson

Your Favorite Easter and Passover Foods Made Healthy!

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. But yes, you might have your ham, eggs andchocolatewhile sticking to yourweight-loss goals. Here are some of Koch’s tips for staying healthy this holiday season. -Step back from the basket. Typical Easter baskets are land mines when it comes to good health. A well-placed bunny tray (filled with carrots and other healthy veggies) is a great substitute....

March 28, 2012 · 4 min · 703 words · Joyce Montgomery

Make It or Break It's Josie Loren on the Workout That Gets Her in Gymnast Shape

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 role is taxing and requires Loren and her co-stars to be in serious shape. MAKE IT OR BREAK IT - Josie Loren stars as Kaylie Cruz on ABC Family’s “Make It or Break It.” (ABC FAMILY/BOB D’AMICO) The first hour consists of cardio and stretching to get their bodies warmed up....

March 27, 2012 · 2 min · 299 words · Sarah Morrow MD

GCB's Southern Belle Marisol Nichols Shares Her 5 Healthiest Habits

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. “Instead I felt lethargic and “dead” or just high from coffee. GCB - “Love is Patient” - Things heat up when a church relationship seminar forces Amanda to confront her past while Heather sets her eyes on her new client and former high school nerd, Andrew (Tom Everett Scott)....

March 26, 2012 · 2 min · 346 words · Jamie Acosta