Best. News. Ever. Scientists Create Fruit-Infused Chocolate With Half the Fat

The American Chemical Society's annual meeting is being held this week in New Orleans, with this year's emphasis on energy and food. And the conference kicked off yesterday with this bombshell of an announcement: Scientists at the University of Warwick in the U.K. say they've developed a technology that allows chocolate to be infused with fruit juice (or diet cola or "vitamin C water," whatever that is, or even vodka!) for a total of 50% less fat. Can you believe that?

Chocolate, as we know all too well, can totally be considered a healthy treat...when eaten in "moderation," i.e. kinda-tiny serving sizes that no one actually pays attention to. And sure, low-fat chocolate already exists, the researchers say, but the taste and "mouth feel" leaves much to be desired.

But this is different, they say: Using a technique known as a Pickering emulsion, filler liquid is added to the chocolate in the form of micro-bubbles, which help it retain its lush, velvety texture. Plus, it will also prevent "sugar bloom" -- the unappetizing white film that coats the surface of chocolate that's been on the shelf for a while. Crazy, right?

The researchers first published a paper on this technique back in August, but now they say that the technology is available as soon as food manufacturers decide to take it on. (So far they've experimented with dark, white, and milk chocolate, using apple, cranberry and orange juice.) The chocolate does take on a hint of the fruit's flavor, they say, but honestly, I think it could be pretty freaking tasty. Come on, Godiva, what are you waiting for!?

What kind of juice-infused chocolate would you buy? Tweet us your fantasy flavor combos at @amandaemac and @SELFmagazine.

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Image Credit: University of Warwick


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Unplug Your Hair Dryer and Get Casually Cool Strands

Step away from the [insert your hot tool of choice]: blow-dryer, flatiron, curling iron. We've got smokin' looks that don't require scorching. A few strategic twists and you'll look like you're on a photo shoot at the mercy of a wind machine.

1. Mist clean, damp hair with a salt-based texturizing spray to get that full, rumpled look and to keep strands from falling flat, says Jen Atkin, a stylist for Clear Hair in Los Angeles.

2. Lift top sections, spritzing underneath at the roots. This gives hair "windblown" body without the help of actual wind.


Hair Unplugged

3. Secure hair in two low pigtails. Divide each in half and twist the two pieces around each other, tying ends. Wind; pin twists against head. (Check out this picture at the right -- this is how your mane should look. Tip: Try securing strands with fabric hair bands, which won't leave weird ridges.) When hair's dry, unravel and run fingers through it.

--Nicole Cantanese

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Image Credit: Terry Doyle


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Filling Breakfasts Under 350 Calories

Breakfasts Under 350 Calories

Missed breakfast this morning? You're not alone--turns out up to 60 percent of folks consistently skip it. For shame, people!

We feel you: It's hard to get organized in the a.m. And the idea of yet another dry piece of toast or stale cereal ... Yawn. That's why we've found 10 filling breakfast recipes that'll reignite your interest in the most important meal of the day. Think muffins, yummy oatmeal, and even a breakfast sandwich that'll rival what you could get at the drive-thru.

The best part? Each recipe comes in at under 350 calories. So much better than the office donut, right?

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Our April Flick Picks

April showers bring May flowers... and an excuse to spend the day at the movie theater. Grab some Mike And Ikes and check out one of these must-see films.

THE MOVIE: 42

In theaters April 12

Why You Should Go See It: Springtime means the start of baseball season, so there's no better time for this stirring Jackie Robinson biopic. Plus, we're guessing your guy won't mind sharing popcorn at the theater.

Who We Love In It: Chadwick Boseman--you might not know his name yet, but you won't forget it after you see his powerful portrayal of the famous barrier breaker.

THE MOVIE: The Big Wedding

In theaters April 26

Why You Should Go See It: Your mailbox is overflowing with calligraphy-adorned wedding invites, and you've bought seven toasters. But even if you're dreading wedding season, don't shun this fun family comedy. A divorced couple has to pretend to still be married as theyprepare for their son's wedding--thank god for open bars.

Who We Love In It: The ensemble cast is crazy: Robert De Niro, Amanda Seyfried, Katherine Heigl, Susan Sarandon, Ben Barnes, Diane Keaton, Topher Grace. Now that's a family we'd like to party with.

THE MOVIE: The Reluctant Fundamentalist

In theaters April 26

Why You Should Go See It: Ok, so maybe you haven't gotten around to reading the provocative novel by Mohsin Hamid, but you can still enjoy this intense thriller about the struggles of a young Pakistani man working in the United States. Bring your political junkie friend and prepare for a deep convo over post-movie lattes.

Who We Love In It: Kate Hudson, who proves that she can do way more than rom-coms (although hey, we love her in those, too).

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Image Credit: Courtesy of Warner Brothers


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We've Got Your Spring Beauty Splurge

Honestly, I have a hard time justifying $30 on a lip gloss but I found one so amazing that I would probably pay double. (Well, maybe. I am in grad school after all.) Anyway, meet my new obsession: Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Gloss.

The gloss, which gives lips the most perfect rosy glow regardless of skin tone (just like this balm, which I'm obsessed with), has some pretty fancy technology behind it.

Dior's gloss reacts to the humidity on your lips to adjust colors, so you get super subtle color every time you swipe. Plus, it's got major hydrators to smooth and protect. Oh, and it's totally not sticky or goopy, which is a major must for anything that lands on my lips. It's genius!

Whether you wear it alone or use it as a booster for your fave lipstick, you'll be good to glow. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

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Image Credit: Courtesy of Christian Dior


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The Top 3 Tips for Ordering Meatless at Any Restaurant

We've all been there -- you sit down to eat at that hip new spot everyone's raving about and there just happens to be nothing you like on the menu. This is even more so of a problem for those of us going meatless, vegetarian or vegan. But restaurants are becoming increasingly accommodating to dietary restrictions, often allowing you to play around with a dish. Even if there aren't a bunch of meatless options wherever you're ordering, you'll be GTG with a few tricks and tips.

Spruce up you salad. You don't need to be served a bed of lettuce cause you don't eat meat, ladies! Give your salad a boost by adding unique flavor and texture with extras like nuts, hard-boiled eggs, edamame, hummus, cubed tofu or chickpeas. And don't be afraid to order a couple veggie sides, too. Menus often have delicious sides that can easily amp up your meal, like roasted asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes, which can both be delicious when mixed in with your greens.

Pick other proteins. Instead of chicken, steak or fish, look for high-protein menu options that'll keep you satisfied all evening, like beans, lentils, whole-grains or tofu. Restaurants often offer meatless chili that loaded with beans (that means fiber, too!), bean burgers, lentil soup, egg-based dishes or substituting a traditional protein with tofu or tempeh. You may be surprised to find that whole-wheat pasta with tomato sauce and parm packs quite the protein punch, too.

Get creative. Sometimes it may be as simple as just omitting the meat to make your perfect meatless meal. Don't be afraid to politely ask your waiter if he can turn that pasta with grilled chicken and peas into a vegetarian version for you. Think about basic foods that nearly all restaurant keep on hand, like potatoes. How about a baked potato loaded with fresh veggies, a scoop of beans and some cheddar cheese? Or veggie sushi with avocado? Restaurants want to make their customers happy, so don't be afraid to think outside the box and speak up!

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Image Credit: Kenneth Kochey


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The Morning Scoop: The 2013 ACM Winners, Tracy Anderson's New LA Studio and More!

Singer Miranda Lambert picked up the most hardware at last night's Academy of Country Music Awards, with three wins, including Female Vocalist of the Year. There were performances by Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks and many other country stars. Get the full rundown here. [HuffPost]

Margaret Thatcher, Great Britain's first female prime minister, passed away from a stroke this morning. The Iron Lady was 87 years old. [CNN]

Did you guys watch the season premiere of Mad Men last night? Check out these 15 GIFs of our favorite Mad lady, Peggy Olson, "leaning in hard." [The Cut]

Looking for that perfect summer nude nail polish? Find your skintone's exact match. [YouBeauty]

Halle Berry and fashion designer Michael Kors have teamed up to fight hunger worldwide by raising awareness and funds for the World Food Programme. We love us some fashionable charity! [WWD]

Image Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images


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Help! My Hair Always Looks a Little Sad by Happy Hour

One product, two minutes: That's all it takes to revive end-of-day hair.

If Your Hair Is Straight: Flip your part to the opposite side for instant volume (you'll get used to it, swear) and mist roots with hairspray, says Gwynne Mims, lead hairstylist for Ojon in New York City. Then spray a brush and run it through hair to tame flyaways.

If Your Hair is Wavy: Coat hands with wave spray. Twist 2-inch sections of hair around fingers, using them like a curling iron. For more lift, pull hair up and away from your head as you wind.

If Your Hair is Curly: Rub a leave-in curl enhancer between palms, then rake fingers from roots to ends to depoof and define curls. Twirl hairline pieces with fingers; they lose shape fastest.

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Image Credit: Catherine Wessel


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