Skipping a meal to save calories before a partyOReating my usual lunch?
Don’t even consider fasting.
Wearing cheap shades at the beachORnada?
A shoddy pair of cheap lenses can end up causing more damage than squinting through the rays does.
Drinking iced coffee through a strawORfrom the cup?
The straw is a no-go.
You’ve probably heard that sipping through one protects teeth from nasty brown coffee stains.
But the coffee still ends up in your mouth, swirling around your teeth.
The big problem with the straw is that it may give you premature lip wrinkles.
Eating unwashed fruitORpassing it up?
Buy organic: You’ll reduce your exposure to pesticides that can be absorbedinsidethe fruit as well.
Telling your boss she has something in her teethORmaintaining your silence?
Always shaving Down ThereORregular bikini waxes?
Shaving can be risky, since most people goagainstthe grain of the hair for a smoother line.
Caught between waxing appointments?
It’s fine to whip out a razor post-shower.
Doing a lame workoutORjust blowing it off?
You’re actually doing your body a favor.
If you still need to dosomething, try yoga or foam rolling, which speeds recovery.
Squatting to peeORsitting down?
If you do it regularly (at work, etc.
), you could be risking a urinary tract infection, especially if you’re prone to them.
Grossed out by sitting, even on TP or a liner?
Don’t be a freakyou won’t get germs from the toilet seat.
(Skin is a great barrier unless you have a cut on your backside.)
Asking a pal if she’s lost weightORignoring it?
That way, you leave it up to her to bring up the pounds she shed … or not.
Ending a blah relationship before V-DayORriding it out?
You owe it to yourself to be honest.
Picture gazing into his eyes over an expensive dinner; you won’t respect yourself.
Rip off that bandage now, and host a fun wine night for friends who’ll toast your freedom.
Skipping a meal after eating junkORdining as usual?
Reset with a high-protein dish, like grilled chicken and sauteed veggies.
“It will also help reboot yourbrainto start making healthy food choices,” she adds.
Skip the lament; call it a deserved treat.
Blowing your nose over and overORsniffling it up?
Blow, but gently!
Hard honking could bring more medical woes.
Postshower is a good time to get all that gunk out, since the warm moisture loosens things up.
Down a decongestant-expectorant combo, avoid dairy, and use saline spray to breathe easier, Dr. Tadros suggests.
Guzzling a can of sodaORdowning an energy drink?
Energy drinks can reach 294 mg. You end up with a jittery high, then a zombielike low.
A safer bet: green tea, which has natural energizers and no sugar.
Borrowing a toothbrushORfinger brushing?
Hello, pointer finger.
Pilfer floss and mouthwash to your heart’s content.
Fighting with him before bedORsleeping it off?
Bar snacks with drinksORa healthy dinner later?
Drop the guilt and fill up on the snacks.
Not wearing underwearORdonning dirty ones?
Enjoy the breeze and ditch those dirty undiesthey’re a stinky liability.
Go commando in soft, loose clothing (that means no jeans!)
to avoid chafing, and be extra cautious in skirts (for those Britney moments).
Using dry shampoo dailyORwashing hair every day?
Put down the can.
Dry shampoo may preserve your ‘do post-gym, but it’s no regular fill-in for real shampoo.
And although shampoo with sulfates can be drying, conditioner will make up for the moisture loss.
Sugar in your coffeeORartificial sweetener?
Neither is horrible, in moderation, and if you prefer the real deal, go for it.
But what about all those calories in table sugar?
You mean the whopping 16 cals per teaspoon?
Don’t keep spooning; try diet-friendly add-ons like unsweetened vanilla almond milk, cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
Applying new makeup over oldORwashing first with harsh hand soap?
If your only option is that office restroom soap, it could leave skin feeling like sandpaper.
Some soaps contain detergents that strip skin of vital moisture, causing dryness and irritation.
For future prehappy hour emergencies, stash makeup-remover towelettes in your desk.
Using that old tampon buried in your handbagORleaving one in a couple extra hours?
If the wrapper is intact and the tampon isn’t frayed or puffed, use it.
In that case, stick with the tampon you have in until you find a new one.
Remember: You have eight hours.
FYI, pads are always a safe backup.
Feeling better with sweetsORdrowning stress with booze?
“Alcohol may protect your heart, and one drink won’t damage your diet,” she says.
So have the cocktail with your next healthy meal.
You’ll be full when the glass is empty and not as prone to drunk munchies.
An all-nighterORtwo hours’ sleep?
Even short bouts of sleep help your brain consolidate memories and learn.
On the flip side, staying up all night will backfire.
Purse on the floorORthe table?
Keep it on the restaurant floor.
We like CleanWell To-Go Disinfectant Wipes, which are botanically based and safe on most leathers and fabrics.
Eating dinner right before bedORsliding into the sheets hungry?
Hunger signals the brain to stay alert so you could scavenge for sustenance.
Not true, Johnson saystiming doesn’t matter much to your body, calorie burnwise.
Think carrot sticks with 1/2 cup hummus or a sliced apple with 2 tbsp peanut butter.
The carb-protein combo triggers the brain to produce serotonin, a calming hormone.
Popping a pimpleORslathering it with concealer?
It’s so tempting to squeezeand so not worth it.
Think about it: When you pop, you break the skin, which causes inflammation and swelling.
Driving barefootORthrowing on flip-flops?
Plus, trying to free your foot is distractingand that’s when accidents happen.
Barefoot, you could stub your toe (another distraction).
For the future, stash closed-toe flats in your car.
Popping OTC headache medsORcoping with pain?
It’s a phenomenon called medication-overuse (or rebound) headaches.
A marg at the beachORa glass of wine?
Cocktails like your margarita can pack lots of alcoholthere’s no controlling a generous bartender’s pour.
That salty rim doesn’t help, either.
“You could wind up with a headache, dizziness and grogginess,” Richter says.
Better to have one measurable, no-frills drink (wine, beer, even vodka on the rocks).
And increase your normal water-to-boozy-drink ratio to 2 to 1.
Porta pottyORholding it?
If you’re able to’t wait, a porta potty is fine, germ-wise.
Popping BenadrylORlying awake?
If not, see a sleep specialist.
Using DEET bug sprayORrisking the bites?
Wear light-colored, loose clothes, and apply DEET spray to exposed areas.
(Use more when it’s really buggy.)
Don’t DEET your face, though: Bug spray in the eyes burns.
Working out hungryORexercising after a meal?
Skipping breakfastORthat doughnut in the morning meeting?
Sleeping in contacts at a surprise hookup’s placeORstoring ‘em in a cup of water?
For next time: Stash a tiny vial of preservative-free lubricating drops like Refresh in your clutch.
A half-assed 10-second brushingORa 10-second mouthwash swish?
So a quick brush wins but still isn’t great.
And honestly, we’re talking an extra minute or two herewill itreallyget you that far off schedule?
Eating one serving of Haagen-Dazs ice creamORscarfing an entire pint of frozen kefir?
The opposite of self-control is what happens around creamy cold stuff in a tub.
And that tiny serving requires against-all-odds willpower.
“You get more calcium, plus gut-friendly probiotics.”
Hitting snooze over and overORdragging your half-dead ass outta bed?
As enticing as those extra zzz’s are, they won’t help you feel any more rested.
Dirty bedsheetsORdirty bath towels?
If you have quarters (or time) for only one load of laundry, toss in the towels.
So wash them once a week in hot water or with a color-safe bleach.
Plus, pushing yourself too hard can lead to injury.
Look, enjoy the hooky day, and do your next workout as planned.
Not eating veggies (hate the taste!
)ORdrowning them in butter and cheese?
But a vat o’ butter?
Still can’t justify that.
