Beginner yoga poses may look easy at first glance, but after holding your body still and feeling your muscles burn, you'll realize these poses are the ticket to rocking your swimsuit. Here are seven beginner yoga poses to strengthen and tone your bikini body.
Should You Avoid Maltodextrin?
If you're obsessed with reading labels, then you've probably come across the ingredient maltodextrin. Sounds like some type of sugar, but is it safe to eat? It'll settle your mind to know that this common additive is an easily digestible carbohydrate made from rice, corn, or potato starch (celiacs, beware — it can also be derived from barley or wheat). It's made by cooking down the starch, and then acid and/or enzymes break the starch down even further.

Maltodextrin is a white powder often used in processed foods as a thickener or a filler since it's fairly inexpensive, as well as in pharmaceuticals as a binding agent. You'll find it in canned fruits, snacks, cereal, desserts, instant pudding, sauces, and salad dressings. Since it contains fewer calories than sugar, it's also found in sugar substitutes, such as Splenda or Equal.
Maltodextrin is usually used in such small amounts that it doesn't have a significant impact in terms of the amount of protein, fat, carbohydrate, or fiber that it adds to foods. Although maltodextrin is processed and it's not the healthiest thing to put in our bodies, at least we know it's made from real food, not some nasty chemicals.
Egg White vs. Egg Yolk: Which Is Healthier?
Chock-full of protein, eggs are a quick and easy way to get protein any time of the day. From omelettes in the morning to quiche at night, you may be shying away from the yolks to save calories and cholesterol. The yolk may contain all the fat, but it also contains most of the vitamins and nutrients. Take a look at the comparison below to see what you may be missing when you hold the yolks. 
| 1 egg white | 1 egg yolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 16 | 54 |
| Total fat (g) | 0 | 5 |
| Saturated fat (g) | 0 | 2 |
| Cholesterol (mg) | 0 | 210 |
| Sodium (mg) | 55 | 8 |
| Carbs (g) | 0 | 1 |
| Fibre (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Sugars (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Protein (g) | 4 | 3 |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 0 | 245 |
| Vitamin B12 (mcg) | 0 | 0.3 |
| Vitamin D (IU) | 0 | 18.2 |
| Calcium (mg) | 2.3 | 21.9 |
| Folate (mcg) | 1.3 | 24.8 |
| Potassium (g) | 53.8 | 18.5 |
| Selenium (mcg) | 6.6 | 9.5 |
| Omega-3s (mg) | 0 | 38.8 |
Your Run Burned How Many Calories?
Whether you run on a treadmill and glance at the display, or keep track of your run outside with a GPS, you understand that it's nice to know how many calories you're burning, especially if weight loss is one of your goals.

Here's a nifty chart to let you know what your pace and workout time translates to in calories burned. It can also help you figure out how intensely and how long you need to exercise in order to negate the cupcake you savored at lunch.
*Calculations based on a 130-pound woman
| Miles per hour | Minutes per mile | Calories burned in 20 minutes | Calories burned in 30 minutes | Calories burned in 45 minutes | Calories burned in 60 minutes |
| 3.0 | 20:00 | 66 | 99 | 149 | 199 |
| 3.5 | 17:00 | 72 | 108 | 162 | 216 |
| 4.0 | 15:00 | 81 | 122 | 182 | 243 |
| 4.6 | 13:00 | 90 | 135 | 202 | 270 |
| 5.0 | 12:00 | 144 | 216 | 324 | 432 |
| 5.5 | 11:00 | 162 | 243 | 364 | 486 |
| 6.0 | 10:00 | 180 | 270 | 405 | 540 |
| 6.6 | 9:00 | 200 | 300 | 450 | 600 |
| 7.0 | 8:30 | 214 | 321 | 482 | 643 |
| 7.5 | 8:00 | 225 | 338 | 506 | 675 |
| 8.0 | 7:30 | 243 | 364 | 547 | 729 |
| 8.5 | 7:00 | 261 | 391 | 587 | 783 |
| 9.2 | 6:30 | 279 | 418 | 628 | 837 |
| 10.0 | 6:00 | 297 | 446 | 668 | 891 |
Egg White vs. Egg Yolk: Which Is Healthier?
Chock-full of protein, eggs are a quick and easy way to get protein any time of the day. From omelets in the morning to quiche at night, you may be shying away from the yolks to save calories and cholesterol. The yolk may contain all the fat, but it also contains most of the vitamins and nutrients. Take a look at the comparison below to see what you may be missing when you hold the yolks.

| 1 egg white | 1 egg yolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 16 | 54 |
| Total fat (g) | 0 | 5 |
| Saturated fat (g) | 0 | 2 |
| Cholesterol (mg) | 0 | 210 |
| Sodium (mg) | 55 | 8 |
| Carbs (g) | 0 | 1 |
| Fiber (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Sugars (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Protein (g) | 4 | 3 |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 0 | 245 |
| Vitamin B12 (mcg) | 0 | 0.3 |
| Vitamin D (IU) | 0 | 18.2 |
| Calcium (mg) | 2.3 | 21.9 |
| Folate (mcg) | 1.3 | 24.8 |
| Potassium (g) | 53.8 | 18.5 |
| Selenium (mcg) | 6.6 | 9.5 |
| Omega-3s (mg) | 0 | 38.8 |
The yolks are where it's at if you're looking to up your intake of vitamins A, B12, and D, as well as your daily calcium, folate, and omega-3s. If it's cholesterol you're worried about, the recommended limit is about 300 mg a day. That means you could enjoy an egg a day if you wanted to, but it's important to be mindful about how much meat, cheese, and other dairy products you eat during the rest of the day.
Upside-Down Ab Work: Headstand Crunches
Inversions already work your core, since the ab and back muscles are what help to hold the lower body steady and balanced. To work your core even more, here's a strength-training yoga move that will tone your entire torso as well as your upper body — you just might give up traditional crunches forever!
You'll need to have a strong Headstand, so if you haven't quite mastered this inversion, then work on this Headstand Sequence before attempting these Headstand Crunches.

- Begin on your hands and knees. Lower your elbows to the floor and interlace your fingers, bringing your lowest pinkie in front of the other pinkie, forming a semicircle with your hands.
- Place the back of your head against your palms, and the top of your head on the mat, so your skull is vertical with the floor. Once your head and forearms feel stable, straighten both legs and walk you feet toward your face as far as you can.
- Shift your hips over your shoulders, and keep your elbows planted firmly on the mat. Lift both legs into the air, coming into Bound Headstand.

- Stay in Headstand for five breaths, relaxing the jaw as well as the shoulders away from the ears. Take a breath in, and as you exhale, slowly lower both feet toward the mat so they are parallel with the floor. Hold here for another five breaths.
- Inhale and then exhale to raise the legs back up into Headstand. Repeat four more times.
Up for a bigger challenge? See an advanced variation after the break!
How to Save Over 500 Calories on Your Friday Night Burger
If Friday night means heading to the nearest pub for a beer and a burger, you probably don't want to know that your simple order of a burger and fries can run you over 1,400 calories. That's a day's worth of calories in one meal, not even counting the added calories of a beer or dessert. You don't have to give up on your burger entirely — just follow these calorie-saving tips.

Make it a veggie patty (100) instead of beef (306):
Calories saved: 206
If going veggie doesn't do it for you, eat half the beef patty instead of the whole (306):
Calories saved: 153
Skip the cheese:
Calories saved: about 100 per slice
Can't enjoy your burger without cheese? Add a slice of provolone (98) instead of cheddar (113):
Calories saved: 15
Side salad with dressing (140) instead of fries (395) with ketchup (20):
Calories saved: 275 calories
Only eat half the bun instead of the whole (160):
Calories saved: 80
Two tomato slices (7) and mustard (5) instead of ketchup (20) and mayo (90):
Calories saved: 98
Healthy Eating Tip: Add Grains to Your Salad
You sit down to a huge salad complete with mesclun greens and an array of veggies such as carrot shreds, cucumbers, diced red peppers, and cherry tomatoes — you even add chickpeas and sunflower seeds for protein. The fiber is supposed to fill you up and the protein sustains your energy, but an hour or so later, you feel famished.

If your salad is leaving you hungry, then add some extra fiber and protein by scooping a cup of cooked whole grains on top. Quinoa, barley, millet, buckwheat, or rice will beef up the calorie amount by about 200 calories, but you'll also be getting three to eight grams each of extra fiber and protein. Cook your whole grains in veggie broth for extra flavor, and add beans or chopped veggies while cooking for interesting texture and added nutrition.
Check out the chart below to see how these whole grains compare.
| Grain (1 cup cooked) | Calories | Carbs (g) | Fiber (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barley | 193 | 44.3 | 6 | 3.5 |
| Buckwheat | 155 | 33.5 | 4.5 | 5.7 |
| Millet | 207 | 41.2 | 2.3 | 6.1 |
| Quinoa | 222 | 39.4 | 5.2 | 8.1 |
| Long Grain Brown Rice | 216 | 44.8 | 3.5 | 5 |
| Rice, Wild | 210 | 45 | 4 | 7 |
Websites That Offer Free (or Dirt-Cheap) Yoga Classes
Yoga may be blissful, but it isn't cheap! Depending on where you live, classes can run you an average of $15 to $20 a pop. Dropping $50 or more for yoga classes each week isn't an option for everyone, but we can all benefit from a regular practice. The Internet is bursting with free full-length classes or shortened yoga routines. If you're willing to pay a little, then you'll be able to view a greater variety of videos. Here are some sites to check out.

- Yoga Today: This site offers one free class each week, and if you're itching for more, download other classes for $4 each. You can choose ones geared toward your ability level, or choose by instructors you like. If you're really into it, pay $90 for a yearly membership, which includes unlimited classes. Store them on your computer, and follow along anywhere you happen to be.
- Yoga Journal: For beginners and advanced yogis, these videos, ranging in length from five to 35 minutes, are the high quality you'd expect from Yoga Journal. Some of my faves include the hip-opening sequence Bird by Bird and Heart Wide Open, full of chest openers.
- My Yoga Online: These videos may not be free, but they're dirt cheap. Pay $10 per month or $90 for a year for unlimited access to the entire library of videos for yoga, Pilates, dance, martial arts fusion, meditation, and workplace wellness. The site also offers samples of popular yoga DVDs such as Shiva Rea's Surf Yoga Soul and David Life's Transform Yourself With Jivamukti. Another plus: you can sample a clip before you buy.
Keep reading for more websites that offer inexpensive yoga classes.
The Calories in Your Bowl of Häagen-Dazs
Sweet and creamy ice cream pints fly off the shelves in the Summer months, and while Ben & Jerry's is a popular brand, you might like the more basic yet scrumptious Häagen-Dazs flavors. Below shows what 100 calories of raspberry sorbet looks like, but chances are one little scoop just won't be enough. Check out the chart below to see how many calories are in your favorite flavors of ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt, so you can arm yourself before polishing off an entire pint.

| 1/2 cup Ice Cream | Calories | Fat (g) | Cholesterol (mg) | Carbs (g) | Sugars (g) | Protein (g) |
| Banana Split | 270 | 15 | 70 | 30 | 26 | 4 |
| Butter Pecan | 300 | 22 | 80 | 20 | 17 | 5 |
| Caramel Cone | 320 | 20 | 70 | 30 | 25 | 5 |
| Cherry Vanilla | 230 | 14 | 70 | 22 | 20 | 4 |
| Chocolate | 260 | 17 | 90 | 22 | 19 | 5 |
| Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough | 300 | 18 | 75 | 30 | 23 | 4 |
| Chocolate Chocolate Chip | 300 | 19 | 85 | 26 | 22 | 5 |
| Chocolate Peanut Butter | 340 | 23 | 85 | 26 | 22 | 8 |
| Coffee | 250 | 17 | 85 | 20 | 19 | 4 |
| Cookies & Cream | 250 | 16 | 80 | 22 | 19 | 4 |
| Dark Chocolate | 260 | 17 | 90 | 21 | 16 | 5 |
| Dulce De Leche | 270 | 16 | 75 | 27 | 27 | 5 |
Don't see your favorite flavor? Keep reading to find out the calorie amounts of other ice cream flavors as well as gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt.
Why Even a Slight Sunburn Is Bad
If it's been a while since you've been sun-kissed, you probably can't wait to jump into a bikini and soak up the warmth. You know it'll be quite a shock to your skin, but you think, "Hey, what's the harm in a little sunburn?" Well, unfortunately sunburns are like cigarettes — just one can increase your risk of cancer. The red, irritated, and painful skin may seem temporary, but even a slight sunburn can cause long-lasting damage. Every single sunburn you have experienced — from that excruciatingly tender burn you got visiting the Jersey Shore as a kid to the lobster-like face you got at your sister's wedding in Mexico last year — increases your risk of skin cancer down the road. In fact if you've had five sunburns in your life, your risk for melanoma doubles.

Persons with fair skin don't have much UV-protecting melatonin in their skin, so they burn easily, rarely tan, and are at a greater risk of skin cancer since they're more susceptible to severe, blistering burns. But those with dark skin can also develop skin cancer on paler areas of their body such as the palms of their hands, fingers, and feet.
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, and the best way to reduce your risk is to never get a sunburn. Do that by seeking shade during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and when you're in the sun, wear lightweight layers and a hat to protect your skin. Apply two tablespoons of broad spectrum (UVA and UVB protecting) sunscreen 30 minutes before heading outdoors, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Aside from reduced risk of skin cancer, you'll also have fewer wrinkles and age spots.
Once a month inspect your skin, paying close attention to skin-cancer prone areas such as your nose, cheeks, ears, neck, and shoulders so you'll be able to notice any changes or abnormal discolorations. See a dermatologist once a year to be fully checked and don't wait to make an appointment if you notice something suspicious. Skin cancer can be fatal, but if you take precautions, you can enjoy the Summer sun without having to worry.
Upside-Down Ab Work: Headstand Crunches
Inversions already work your core, since the ab and back muscles are what help to hold the lower body steady and balanced. To work your core even more, here's a strength-training yoga move that will tone your entire torso as well as your upper body — you just might give up traditional crunches forever! You'll need to have a strong Headstand, so if you haven't quite mastered this inversion, then work on this Headstand Sequence before attempting these Headstand Crunches.

- Begin on your hands and knees. Lower your elbows to the floor and interlace your fingers, bringing your lowest pinkie in front of the other pinkie, forming a semicircle with your hands.
- Place the back of your head against your palms, and the top of your head on the mat, so your skull is vertical with the floor. Once your head and forearms feel stable, straighten both legs and walk you feet toward your face as far as you can.
- Shift your hips over your shoulders, and keep your elbows planted firmly on the mat. Lift both legs into the air, coming into Bound Headstand.

- Stay in Headstand for five breaths, relaxing the jaw as well as the shoulders away from the ears. Take a breath in, and as you exhale, slowly lower both feet toward the mat so they are parallel with the floor. Hold here for another five breaths.
- Inhale and then exhale to raise the legs back up into Headstand. Repeat four more times.
Up for a bigger challenge? See an advanced variation after the break!
The Top 10 High-Fibre Foods to Eat Every Week
If losing weight, staying regular, and reducing your risk of certain cancers is on your mind, then fibre should be too. Getting your fill — 25 to 30 grams a day — is proven to keep you feeling fuller longer so you eat fewer calories. Roughage is also important for keeping your digestive system happy, and more importantly, fibre has also been shown to reduce the risk of breast and colon cancers. Keep reading to learn which foods are the highest sources so you can start including them in your diet.
The Top 10 High-Fiber Foods to Eat Every Week
If losing weight, staying regular, and reducing your risk of certain cancers is on your mind, then fiber should be too. Getting your fill — 25 to 30 grams a day — is proven to keep you feeling fuller longer so you eat fewer calories. Roughage is also important for keeping your digestive system happy, and more importantly, fiber has also been shown to reduce the risk of breast and colon cancers. Keep reading to learn which foods are the highest sources so you can start including them in your diet.
Nighty Night: Soothing Summer Sleep Tips
You go to bed exhausted with the sweet scent of sunscreen after a long day in the sun, but all you can do is toss and turn. Here are some things to try before bed to ensure a well-rested Summer's night of sleep.

- Eat at your normal time: Even though it stays lighter much later, it doesn't mean you should push dinnertime to 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. Eating a heavy meal too close to bedtime can cause digestive upset and heartburn, making you too uncomfortable to fall asleep. If hot weather makes you crave ice cream after dinner, be sure to enjoy it at least an hour or two before hitting the hay so the sugar doesn't pep you up.
- Kick back with a refreshing iced herbal tea: There's something about Summer weather that makes us want to reach for a cold beer or margarita, but drinking too much alcohol at night can cause fragmented sleep. Enjoy one alcoholic beverage to satisfy your craving, and if you still need to quench your thirst, go for seltzer with fruit slices or iced chamomile tea.
- Water before bed: Dehydration is more common in the Summer because the heat makes us lose more water. Not getting enough H2O can make you feel tired all day so ensure you're getting your fill of nature's beverage by sipping some 30 minutes or so before bed (not too close to bedtime or too much that you have to pee in the middle of the night). It can help move things along digestively as well, preventing constipation in the morning.
- Go for AC for allergy relief: Warmer weather means you can finally open the windows. The sweet sound of crickets chirping or the pelting of light Summer rain can help lull you to sleep, but if you suffer from seasonal allergies, pollen will blow right in, causing sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes to keep you up. Use a small fan on your dresser or air-conditioning to keep you cool and you'll soon love the gentle whirring white noise.
Keep reading for more tips on getting a restful night of sleep tonight.
A Toned Backside and 4 Other Benefits of Trail Running
It's tough to keep dragging yourself to the gym's treadmill when the sun is shining so warmly outside. Before lacing up your sneaks to hit the open road, here are some reasons you might want to spray on a little bug spray and find some woodsy trails instead of pavement.

- Sticks, boulders, and streams: With the unpredictable surface, trail running is like doing a natural obstacle course — you can't just run in a straight line. Varying your steps prevents overuse injury and tones your lower body more effectively, and because you have to stay more alert, it also prevents boredom.
- Shady trees: When it's hot, going outside for a run feels like you're baking in an oven. Tall trees found in the woods make for a cool, shady run that can be 10 or more degrees cooler than the open road. Without your energy feeling zapped from the oppressive heat, you'll be able to cover a longer distance and run more intensely while also preventing heat exhaustion.
- Ahh, the fresh air: When you're huffing and puffing during a run, the last thing you want to do is inhale car fumes. There's no pollution in the woods — all you have to breathe is the fresh oxygen given off by the trees and plants. There's also no noise pollution or the danger of getting hit by a car, so you'll feel less stressed while running in nature.
- Soft earth: Going from the more-forgiving surface of the treadmill belt to the hard, dense pavement can be so jarring on your joints that pain prevents you from being able to run at all. Well-loved trails offer a much softer surface that absorbs shock with each step, which means less impact on your joints.
- Hills: Woodsy trails are often naturally hilly, and although you may loathe inclines, you'll love the way they make you work harder and end up toning your legs, tush, and core, as well as your arms. Stronger muscles not only make you feel more confident in your bathing suit, but they'll also help you build speed and endurance.
5 Reasons You've Hit the Dreaded Weight-Loss Plateau
You were happily losing weight eating right and exercising, but with four more kilos left to go, the scale stopped budging. Find out what can cause weight loss to hit a wall and what you can do about it.
- I'm all about breakfast, lunch, and dinner: When counting and restricting your calorie intake, it makes sense to eat fewer times a day. The problem with this is it can make blood sugar levels rise and fall like a roller coaster, which slows down metabolism. Keep that metabolism going strong by eating throughout the day, every few hours. Keep those three meals, but sprinkle 150-calorie snacks in between.
- I'll just have a salad: Just as eating too many calories can cause you to hit a weight-loss wall (or even gain weight), not eating enough calories can also prevent you from slimming down. If your body senses that it's not getting enough, your metabolism will slow down and hold onto fat. So be sure not to skip meals or go below 1,200 calories a day. Keep reading!
5 Reasons You've Hit the Dreaded Weight-Loss Plateau
You were happily losing weight eating right and exercising, but with five more pounds left to go, the scale stopped budging. Find out what can cause weight loss to hit a wall and what you can do about it.

- I'm all about breakfast, lunch, and dinner: When counting and restricting your calorie intake, it makes sense to eat fewer times a day. The problem with this is it can make blood sugar levels rise and fall like a roller coaster, which slows down metabolism. Keep that metabolism going strong by eating throughout the day, every few hours. Keep those three meals, but sprinkle 150-calorie snacks in between.
- I'll just have a salad: Just as eating too many calories can cause you to hit a weight-loss wall (or even gain weight), not eating enough calories can also prevent you from slimming down. If your body senses that it's not getting enough, your metabolism will slow down and hold onto fat. So be sure not to skip meals or go below 1,200 calories a day.
- I eat 1,200 calories a day, I think: If you've figured out a set number of daily calories with a nutritionist, you're one step closer to dropping pounds. It's easy to underestimate calorie amounts, or forget about those handfuls of M&M's you innocently grab off your co-worker's desk, both of which can contribute to going over your daily calorie limit without you even realizing it. Keep yourself honest by writing everything down in a food journal. We're talking every single sip, lick, and nibble you take. If you have a hard time not cheating, share your food journal with a friend.
- Oh, let's try that new restaurant: Eating out while trying to lose weight is possible, but it's much harder. Since you're not preparing the food yourself, you really have no idea how many calories you're consuming, plus you tend to eat more than you would in your own kitchen. So keep the meals eaten out to a minimum of once a week, and follow these tips to save calories when you do dine out.
- I'm heading out for another run: Yes, running is a wonderful workout that burns calories and strengthens your muscles, but doing the same exact workout every single time you exercise is a surefire way to hit a weight-loss plateau. Your muscles need to constantly be challenged in order to keep your metabolism from slowing down. You can keep running, just beef up the intensity and mix it up with hills and sprinting intervals. Also include other forms of cardio such as biking and swimming to work other parts of your body. It's also important to include strength training three times a week since lean muscle burns more calories than fat.
Yoga Sequence to Say Goodbye to Love Handles, Saddlebags, and Arm Flab
This series of yoga poses was designed with your bikini, strapless dress, and short skirt in mind. Aimed to tone the thighs, tush, and core, as well as the upper body, doing this sequence daily will help diminish love handles, saddlebags, and that lovely arm flab that jiggles when you wave. This total-body toning sequence will have you feeling long and strong, just in time for baring your bod this Summer.
What 100 Calories Look Like: Frozen Treats
Go ahead and hail down the ice cream truck! You've gotta stay cool on a hot, Summer day somehow, right? Before you wolf down a Dove Bar, Strawberry Shortcake, and Fudgsicle all at once, you might want to know how many calories those cool desserts are costing you. We're in no way trying to rain on your ice cream sandwich parade — you deserve to indulge every so often — but these photos will help give a visual to those trying to count ice cream calories.




