A (Safe!) Jump-Start Cleanse

Retrain your diet

This detox plan from Marissa Lippert, RD, is just the thing to trip your body’s fat-burning switch. "It helps get your metabolism moving again," she says.

Just follow this plan for three to seven days.

Do a pantry purge

It’ll be much easier to have a successful reboot if you’re not staring down three bags of cookies. Get rid of all the junk that has crept into the pantry. "Indulgences should be really worthwhile and thoughtful," Lippert notes—not just stuff you mindlessly munch on.

Go whole

To boost your metabolism, focus on eating simple whole food (fresh fruits and veggies, raw salads, lean protein, and nutrient-rich whole grains).

Here’s a sample menu: 1/2 of a grapefruit and 1 cup cooked oatmeal for breakfast, a grilled chicken salad for lunch, poached salmon with 1/2 cup of quinoa and your favorite veggie for dinner, and two snacks of either fresh veggies with hummus or unsalted nuts.

Cut booze

Nix refined sugars and flours, too. The more you take in of these empty calories, the more your body may start to crave them—plus they leave you feeling hungry, encouraging you to eat more.

Bonus: Kicking these to the curb will help detox your system and release excess water weight.
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25 Surprisingly Salty Processed Foods part 2

Heinz Ketchup

Sodium: 190 mg

Serving: 1 tbsp (15 calories)

If you love ketchup on everything from eggs to burgers, be aware that the condiment’s sodium content is not negligible.

Two tablespoons of this ketchup has approximately the same amount of sodium as 2 ounces of salted peanuts or potato chips—roughly 16% of your sodium daily intake.

Kraft Singles

Sodium: 277 mg

Serving: 1 slice (62 calories)

Whip up a grilled cheese sandwich with two Kraft singles and two slices of white bread (Arnold Country White Bread contains 180 milligrams per slice), and you could be consuming close to 1,000 milligrams of sodium.

Pepperidge Farm Pumpernickel Bread

Sodium: 190 mg

Serving: 1 slice (80 calories)

Even if you don’t add any meat, cheese, or condiments, two slices of this pumpernickel bread will cost you 380 milligrams of sodium, or 15% of your daily total.

V8 Spicy Hot Vegetable Juice

Sodium: 480 mg

Serving: 8 ounces (50 calories)

One serving of this juice has more than 100% of your daily vitamin C, and 20% of your daily sodium. Opt for the low-sodium version to get one-third the amount of salt.

Green Giant Canned Mushrooms

Sodium: 440 mg

Serving: 1/2 cup (25 calories)

Vegetables are supposed to be your friends, but with 440 milligrams of sodium per serving, it is best to rethink these canned veggies. Instead, choose fresh or frozen, which contain 30 milligrams or less per serving.

Perdue Short Cuts Carved Chicken Breast, Southwestern Style Cooked Chicken Strips

Sodium: 460 mg

Serving: 1/2 cup (about a third of the box); 90 calories

Four ounces of uncooked chicken breast contains 45 milligrams of sodium, so if you’re craving Southwestern-style chicken, it’s better to make your own than to eat this precooked variety.
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Shape Up Your Brows

Boost your brows

"You can use liner strategically to open up your eyes if they’re small, or to make narrow eyes look wider," says makeup artist Carmindy.

Find the shape most like yours, then try these eye-enhancing tricks!

For almond eyes

Apply liner just along your upper lash line, then wing it out at the side to accentuate the natural lift at the outer corner of your eyes.

For deep-set eyes

Thinly line your top lid—it makes your brow bone appear larger. Avoid lining the bottom, which will sink your eyes in even deeper.

For small eyes

Begin lining along your upper lid from the center of your eye (working outward) to emphasize the outside of your eyes and open them up.

For prominent eyes

Trace the inner rim of your bottom lid to draw big eyes in. Adding definition will make them look a little less round—and a lot more sultry.
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Best and Worst Hot Dogs

A healthier hot dog?

By Anne Harding
With lots of hot dogs out there, it should be easy to choose a relatively healthy one, right?

Not necessarily. Even "healthier" hot dogs may not be better for you, says Carolyn Brown, a registered dietitian and nutritionist at Foodtrainers, in New York City. "It comes down to the quality of the meat, the processing, and the other added ingredients."

Brown recommends hot dogs with less than 150 calories and fewer than 14 grams of fat (with no more than 6 grams saturated). Sodium should not exceed 450 milligrams. Here's our list of the best—and worst—hot dogs.

Best all-beef

Applegate Farms' the Great Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dog meets and beats Brown's criteria, with 110 calories, 8 grams of fat (3 grams saturated), 7 grams of protein, and just 330 milligrams of sodium. It's also made from organic, grass-fed beef.

"Organic meat has never been given antibiotics or hormones, so it's always the way to go if you have the option," she says. "Grass-fed is even better; meat from a grass-fed animal doesn't have as much total or saturated fat as regular grain-fed."

Worst all-beef

Ball Park Franks lead the lineup in sodium, calories, and fat, with 550 milligrams of sodium, 190 calories, 16 grams of fat (7 saturated), and 9 grams of protein.

What's more, they're cured, meaning they have been treated with nitrates and nitrites, which have been linked to cancer and other health problems.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration limits the nitrate and nitrite content of food products, including hot dogs, but there are tasty uncured dogs available.

Best chicken dog

If you like the idea of a low-cal, low-fat hot dog with plenty of protein, chicken dogs can be a great choice.

You won't find any mystery meat in Trader Joe's Uncured Chicken Hot Dogs—just boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs.

These dogs also contain flavorings like garlic, onion, and paprika. Each one has 60 calories, fewer than a medium-size apple. They've got 250 milligrams of sodium, 2.5 grams of fat, less than 1 gram of saturated fat, and 9 grams of protein.

Worst chicken dog

Rocky Dogs' chicken hot dogs contain 10 grams of fat each, including 2.5 grams of saturated fat, and a trim calorie count of 110. But they lose big points in the sodium category, with a hefty 470 milligrams!

U.S. dietary guidelines recommend consuming less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day, and less than 1,500 if you're over 50 or have high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease. One of these hot dogs will eat up one-fifth to one-third of your daily sodium allowance.

Best turkey dog

Applegate also won out for best turkey frank. The company's uncured Organic Turkey Hot Dogs contain 60 calories, 3.5 grams of fat (including 1 gram of saturated fat), 370 milligrams of sodium, and 7 grams of protein.

Worst turkey dog

Oscar Mayer's Classic Turkey Franks are made from mechanically separated meat (MSM)—a paste-like substance made by forcing bones through a sieve at high pressure to remove any remaining meat, according to the USDA. MSM made from beef has been banned in the U.S. since 2004 due to concerns about mad cow disease, although mechanically separated poultry is safe to eat, says the Food and Drug Administration.

These dogs are relatively high in fat and sodium. Each has 100 calories, 8 grams of fat (including 2.5 grams of saturated fat), 510 milligrams of sodium, and 5 grams of protein.

Best veggie dog

Vegetarians can rejoice in Lightlife Foods' fat-free Smart Dogs, with 45 calories each, 310 milligrams of sodium, and 8 grams of protein.

Compared to many other "not dogs" out there, Smart Dogs' list of ingredients is short and doesn't sound too much like a chemistry lab inventory. The main ingredients are water, soy protein isolate, wheat gluten, and evaporated cane juice.

Worst veggie dog

While lower in fat and calories than other types of hot dogs, the Morningstar Farms' Corn Dog has a list of ingredients as long as your arm, including extenders and fillers such as soy, corn flour, and wheat gluten proteins.

These pack 470 milligrams of sodium apiece, 150 calories, and 2.5 grams of fat (including a half gram of saturated fat).

"Most veggie dogs will be high in sodium and have lots of processed ingredients, including processed soy or textured vegetable protein," says Brown. "Sorry, vegetables aren't supposed to taste like hot dogs!"

Best low-fat hot dog

"Reduced-fat hot dogs are not always the best idea if weird ingredients are being added to make up for it; after all, fat provides a lot of the flavor and texture," says Brown. "Ingredients that might be upped are sodium, those chemical 'flavorings' that give the mouth the feel of fat, and other bulking ingredients like modified food starch or cornstarch."

What's more, most of the low-fat dogs out there are cured. Nevertheless, Ball Park does a pretty good job with its Fat Free Beef Franks. They are, indeed, fat free, with 50 calories, 430 milligrams of sodium, and 5 grams of protein.

Worst low-fat hot dog

Don't be fooled by the name—Oscar Mayer's Light Weiners are anything but. While their sodium content is a respectable 380 milligrams, and they're only 90 calories, they contain 6 grams of fat, including 2 grams of saturated fat.

And they're made from turkey (some of it mechanically separated) and pork. Brown advises staying away from hot dogs made from a mix of meats. "They tend to be low quality and super processed," she says.

Best bun

Whole-grain buns are your best health bet, and they can be pretty tasty too. Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Hot Dog Buns are made from sprouted grains, including wheat, barley, millet, lentils, soybeans, and spelt.

These buns have 6 grams of fiber, 9 grams of protein, 1.5 grams of total fat (and no saturated fat), 170 milligrams of sodium, and 170 calories. They won't turn your hot dog into a health food, but they will help.

Worst bun

"Skip the white, squishy breads," says Brown. "While breads sans sugar might be next to impossible to find, you can still skip the ones with high-fructose corn syrup."

Stay away from Sara Lee Gourmet White Hot Dog Buns, which are full of additives and preservatives, including a hefty dose of high-fructose corn syrup. Each bun has just 1 gram of fiber, while its sodium content is relatively high, at 220 milligrams.

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The Best and Worst Burgers part B

Best meatless drive-through burger

Burger King's BK Veggie Burger

Even vegetarians can have it their way with Burger King's Morningstar Farms Garden Veggie patty on a sesame-seed bun with lettuce, tomato, ketchup, and mayo. Order it without mayo and it's only 320 calories, 7 grams of fat (1 gram saturated), and 960 milligrams of sodium.

Brooking says high amounts of sodium are difficult to avoid in fast-food burgers. The current recommendation for most people is no more than 2,300 milligrams a day (about a teaspoon of table salt), because high-sodium diets can raise blood pressure and contribute to heart disease.

Best restaurant veggie burger

Denny's Veggie Burger

"America's diner" is known for its hearty breakfasts and fat-filled meals, but they get points in our burger book for offering an Amy's Veggie Burger made from organic grains, vegetables, and protein-rich soy.

Order it off the menu and it'll come with melted pepper Jack cheese, spinach, tomato, and grilled mushrooms on a wheat bun, with a side of balsamic vinaigrette and fresh veggies—all for 540 calories, 13 grams of fat (5 grams saturated), and 1,340 milligrams of sodium.

Best portobello burger

Cheeburger Cheeburger's Grilled Mushroom Portobello Sandwich

Cheeburger Cheeburger's portobello mushroom sandwich doesn't have any beef, but it's the same meaty texture and has much less saturated fat.

A plain portobello sandwich, served on a kaiser roll, will run you 476 calories, 24 grams of fat (5 grams saturated), and 1,415 milligrams of sodium. You can also get it on a platter, served with fries or onion rings and a side salad or coleslaw. Go easy on the signature sauces, which are notorious everywhere for corrupting even the healthiest of meal choices.

Best turkey burger

Hardee's and Carl's Jr.'s Charbroiled Turkey Burger

"In general, ground turkey has less saturated fat than ground beef," says Brooking, "but at a restaurant, you can never be sure whether one turkey burger is better for you than another beef burger." And we found plenty of turkey burgers covered in cheese, bacon, and even fried onion rings.

So we were delighted by the options at Hardee's and Carl's Jr. They teamed up with an editor from Men's Health to offer five turkey burgers under 500 calories: Plain, BBQ Ranch, or Mushroom & Swiss (at Hardee's) and Plain, Guacamole, and Teriyaki (at Carl's Jr.).

Worst "cheeseburger"

Friendly's Grilled Cheese Burger

You've seen the best—now here's the worst! Friendly's has combined the burger with another greasy-gooey comfort food: the grilled cheese sandwich.

Not one grilled cheese sandwich, either. This monster "Big Beef burger" comes nestled between two grilled cheese sandwiches (four slices of bread!) layered with lettuce, tomato, and mayo, and will run you 1,540 calories, 92 grams of fat (35 grams saturated), and 2,490 milligrams of sodium. This is essentially three sandwiches masquerading as one!

Worst double cheeseburger

Denny's Double Cheeseburger

When it comes to burgers, you could assume double-anything probably isn't the healthiest of options, which is why this Denny's burger made our worst list. Unlike many of the concoctions on our worst list, this double cheeseburger doesn't come with a ton of toppings or sugary sauces. It's essentially just the basics—cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and red onions—and two beef patties.

This unassuming burger clocks in at 1,400 calories, 87 grams of fat (41 grams saturated), and 2,680 milligrams of sodium. We're begging you: Please don't add bacon!

Worst drive-in burger

Sonic's Ring Leader Loaded Burger

For the most part, fast-food restaurants fared pretty well on our best and worst lists; their patties tend to be smaller and not as juicy (read: less fatty) than a lot of the diner or bar-and-grill chains. But, of course, there are exceptions.

With just one patty—plus bacon, cheese, a fried onion ring, and mayo—Sonic's Ring Leader Loaded Burger manages to pack in 1,230 calories, 86 grams of fat (28 grams saturated), and 1,230 milligrams of sodium. What's even worse? You can also order it as a double.
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29 Days to a Healthier Relationship Part A

Where is the love?

You’ve tamed the laundry, hit a home run at work, and dished up a family dinner. Forget anything? Oh, right—your partner!

It’s easy to simply co-exist with the person next to you in bed. But a rise in "gray" divorce (couples over 50 calling it quits) suggests that neglecting your relationship is a bad idea.

Isn't it time to add a little love to your to-do list? Try these 29 libido-boosting ideas.

Try something new together

Climbing out of a dating rut can be difficult. But couples who participate in exciting activities get a big boost in relationship satisfaction, according to a study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. So grab your significant other and get ready for a good—but different—time.

Laugh it up: Crack up at a comedy club with your sweetie.
Get comfy in the kitchen: Take a cooking class (bonus points for learning a foreign cuisine).
Hit the road: Rent a fun car—a Prius, a Volkswagen Beetle, a Smart Car, a Mustang—and go for a mini–road trip.

See more of our favorite new date-night ideas here.

Gossip

It’s tempting—and often prudent—to keep couple conversations behind closed doors, but you may actually benefit from blabbing to a close friend.

“Many couples live very privately and discuss these issues with the shades down, but relationship issues like this can often benefit from hearing how people that you trust dealt with a similar situation," says Ken Robbins, MD, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Whether it’s hearing how a friend dealt with her husband’s infidelity or other big hurdles, a little empathy can put things in perspective.

Tweak your diet

Eat up! Almonds, avocados, and arugula can boost your sex drive and improve fertility.

Be open about your spending

Nearly 40% of married people admit to lying to their spouse about a purchase, according to a 2004 poll, and money is the number-one reason couples fight.

Don’t fret if you’re a spendthrift and your partner pinches pennies. “It’s probably not a good thing to have the exact same philosophy about money,” says Dr. Robbins. You don't have to be a financial martyr, but don't hide your spending habits, either.

Slip on something red

Research shows that men find women who wear red sexier than those who wear “cool” colors such as blue and green. Any doubts as to what you should wear for date night?

Assess your sex drive

If you're not interested in sex—but you would like to be —there might be a medical explanation.

Reduced blood flow: Diabetes and high blood pressure are among the health problems that can restrict genital blood flow.
Hormonal issues: Menopause, breast-feeding, birth control pills, and thyroid problems can dampen sexual desire.
Medication side effects: Antidepressants and chemotherapy agents such as tamoxifen are frequently to blame.

Make an appointment with your primary care doctor if you've noticed an unwanted decrease in your libido.

Hit the gym

If you want to be "hot-blooded," then improve your circulation. Physical fitness can increase blood flow, which in theory can make sex more pleasurable, since sexual arousal for both men and women involves increased blood flow to the genital area. And that can increase desire itself—if it feels great, you tend to want to do it more.

Make your bedroom tech-free

We hear it over and over again: The bed should be used for sex and sleep only. But still our beds are cluttered with laptops, Blackberries, and Netflix rentals. How can you cuddle up to your partner when you're stuck in extension cords?

This month, try clearing all your gadgets from your bedroom and explore each other instead of the Internet.

Help your partner quit smoking

Erectile dysfunction, a yellow grin and loads of wrinkles, stained wallpaper, increased risk of balding—can you name one good reason why you shouldn't help your partner quit?

Of course quitting isn't easy, but smokers who have support are more likely not to light up. Recognize and congratulate small milestones, and realize that your partner may be crankier than usual. Sometimes the best thing you can be is a sounding board, or even an emotional punching bag, for whenever a bad craving strikes.

Keep things hot when you're apart

Sure, it sounds a little intimidating at first, but phone sex is a great way for couples to bond when one of you is on the road.

First, dim the lights and slip into something sexy. Start by telling your husband what you’re wearing, where you are, etc. Talk about the last time you had sex or what you would be doing to him if you were home. If the goal is an orgasm, describe what you’re doing to yourself, and ask him to do the same. Just relax and have fun!

Turn up the heat

Dig into a dish made with chiles—they contain capsaicin, a substance that stimulates nerve endings, triggers the release of endorphins, and ramps up heart rate. Next date night, try these chile-infused Salmon and Scallop Skewers.

Give your bedroom routine a boost

Think of ways to pique his interest outside the bedroom. Next time you take a shower, wear just the towel around for a while. Titillation will spur him to be more spontaneous.

To explore new territory, write down your fantasies and put them in a “fantasy jar.” Then take turns picking out of the jar and act out the fantasies. This can build intimacy, trust, and great sex.

Embrace the quickie

Few of us can afford the luxury of leisurely sex, says Jennifer Berman, MD, the director of the Berman Women’s Wellness Center and author of For Women Only. And holding out for the perfect moment can lead to infrequent sex. The solution? Embrace the quickie.

For extra excitement, break out of the bedroom: Five-minute romps are perfect for unusual locations, even if that just means your shower or sofa.

Eat an elegant meal—for less!

Need a little extra something to put the sizzle back into your Valentine’s Day? Skip the overcrowded, overpriced restaurants and cook something special for your partner. Or, for extra relationship points, start chopping away together.
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