[sidebar] Shiitake Sauté PREP-TO-TABLE TIME: 20 minSERVINGS: 2 3 cloves garlic2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice1 Tbsp reduced-sodium tamari or soy sauce1-2 Tbsp brown sugar1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil4 c sliced shiitake caps1 scallion, chopped Dark sesame oil (optional) CRUSH garlic and let stand 10 minutes.2. MIX next 3 ingredients.3. HEAT olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Cook mushrooms, stirring, until tender, 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute....

Women who ate the most of these good-mood foods were 27 to 36% less likely to feel depressed, while healthy-eating men were an astounding 70% less likely to feel down. On the other hand, diets packed with processed meats, greasy fried food, snacks, and desserts (sigh) raised women’s risk of depression by as much as 59% and men’s by almost the same. Why? Nutrition researcher Bonnie Beezhold, PhD, of Benedictine University, says that red meat and poultry are packed with arachidonic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid, which your body converts into inflammation-raising proteins called cytokines that more and more research is linking to nose-diving moods....

Organic has obviously come a long way since then. Organic food is often better looking, better tasting, and arguably safer than its conventional counterparts, and the USDA Organic seal signifies a gold standard that is consistent from coast to coast. But recent retail program innovations have threatened to leave the popular perception of “organic” rent asunder, creating, in effect, a world in which there is “your organic” and “our organic....

Prevention: Doctors can be intimidating. How did you take charge of your own case? Giuliana Rancic: I was afraid to ask questions. I realized that at the root of that fear was the idea that we look at doctors like they’re God, in a way. I thought, “They’re so busy, they’re doing all these important things, they’re so serious.” You have to get past that. Go in with a list of questions—and ask them no matter what....

When your friends suggest “sharing a bunch of things” at dinner. Nope. That’s a terrible idea. One of two things is about to happen: (1) I can only eat one or two of the things we order, will end up hunrgy and grumpy, and will become even more bitter when some suggests we evenly split the check; or (2) You guys are going to be nice and suggest that we pick only gluten-free items, and then I’m going to feel really guilty as you longing look at other tables’ far more appealing gluten-packed meals....

Even the humor in her best roles is derived, ironically, from those moments when she is completely deflated, because it’s so unexpected: The image of a wet, bedraggled Hawn on the poster for the movie Private Benjamin became a classic; simply looking at her pout cracks us up. Hawn would be the first to agree that she really was born with an abundance of natural optimism, though it’s not present all the time and has always required practice....

You Swoon for Chocolate You Really Smile When You Say “Cheese” You Demand Real Dressing on Your Salad You’re Nuts for Nuts You Long for Real Beef Your Favorite Food Group Is Pizza You’re the Peanut Butter Kid

How? Personal care products like hand sanitizer (as well as things like lotions or soaps) are made to be able to break down the skin’s protective outer layers so the products can be absorbed more effectively. But when it’s easier for hand sanitizer or lotion to penetrate your skin, its also easier for bad stuff—like BPA—to make its way in. A lot easier. When researchers measured levels of BPA (or its equally unsafe alternative, bisphenol-S) in people who had held a paper receipt after using hand sanitizer, they had 185 times more of the chemicals on their hands compared to receipt-holders who hadn’t used hand sanitizer....

Train the perfect pooch The trick? Change your attitude. Hungarian researchers found that a dog’s personality is mostly reflective of the relationship it has with its owner. In other words, if you’re the type to get overly excited, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that your pup pees on the floor the second you walk in the door. Learn three key ways to raise a well-behaved pooch. 5 ways to boost your brainpower Thanks to a new study, we know the old “practice makes perfect” expression doesn’t do us any favors....

What lurks beneath your garden A new government study reveals that lead—the toxin that can cause kidney and arterial disease, along with hypertension and high blood pressure—is in the soil of most city gardens. See our easy-to-follow steps on how to clean up your soil, including laying down an inexpensive protective barrier, just in time to plant your fall garden. Pounds equal pain New research shows that the more you weigh, the more likely you are to be in pain....

Have the best day ever Here’s what to do: volunteer. New research from Duke University and the National University of Singapore found that volunteering only one day a month can give your life a greater sense of purpose and make you feel more connected to your community. Don’t know where to start? Pick one of these five volunteer options tailored to match your personality. The mistake you’re making at work You’ll never guess what it is either....

Lemon Squares WORK TIME: 15 MINUTES / TOTAL TIME: 50 MINUTESSERVINGS: 16 1 c + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour ¾ c granulated sugar ⅛ tsp salt ¼ c butter 1 egg 1 egg white 1 lg lemon ⅛ tsp baking powder 1 tsp confectioners’ sugar HEAT oven to 350°F. Spray 8" x 8" baking pan with oil.2. MIX 1 cup of the flour, ¼ cup of the granulated sugar, and salt in medium bowl until well combined....

This delightful dessert won’t weigh you down. Angel food cake makes a delicate base for layers of smooth custard and sweet berry sauce. To top it off, enjoy a touch of real whipped cream and a sprinkle of flavorful, crunchy almonds! 3 c fat-free milk or fat-free milk “plus” (such as Over the Moon)2 lg eggs1 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch1 1/2 Tbsp granulated sugar1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract9 oz prepared angel food cake, cut into 2" chunks1/3 c brandy or orange juice1 can (14-16 oz) whole-berry cranberry sauce1/2 c heavy cream1 Tbsp confectioners’ sugar (optional)1/4 c sliced almonds, toasted...

It’s OK to replace the chicken wings that have been your holiday party staple, because now you can dish up these creative, irresistible clean snacks that no one will know are a health boon. Sweet Spicy Kale Chips (pictured above)Heat oven to 350°F. Mix 1 Tbsp each safflower oil, maple syrup, and Sriracha sauce in bowl. Add 5 cups packed torn kale and toss until coated. Arrange on sheet pan....

Here are the 5 most common excuses I hear in my practice and how I typically respond. “There’s nothing I can do to lose weight.“The cardiologist says: In my experience, this is true for only 10 to 15% of people. These are the “fat and fit” who truly are limited by genetics. But for the majority of overweight Americans, significant weight loss is possible. Here’s the test: If you’ve lost weight before, even short-term, you can do it again and keep it off....

Scientists at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research reviewed the electronic health records of more than 200,000 patients and found that 12% of adults with low levels of B12 also took proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medications for at least two years. Women taking PPIs were more likely to develop B12 deficiencies than men, and higher doses of the medication were more strongly associated with B12 deficiency than lower doses. PPIs work by suppressing the production of acid in the stomach, but it’s gastric acid that’s responsible for helping vitamin B12 get absorbed into the bloodstream....

After testing more than 500 boomers, researchers from the emergency department at the University of Alabama at Birmingham recently discovered the rate of hepatitis C among patients born between 1945 and 1965 was 13.5%—more than double the 3-5% they expected. The rates were so high that researchers figured their initial results were a fluke. But the numbers were right, which is why the department plans on screening 15,000 more people in the coming year....