Best Weight Loss And Healthy Food

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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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Kristen Hager may live among the supernatural in Syfy's Being Human (she plays Nora, a nurse-turned-werewolf), but among her friends she's known as "the baker," who has a special soft spot for brunch food. "My ideal Sunday would definitely start with brunch somewhere with friend, then end with a couple of hours outside," says Hager. The Canadian native is sharing her yummy gluten-free banana bread recipe exclusively with SELF. It's so good you won't even notice the gluten is gone.

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups certified gluten-free oat flour1 tsp baking powder1 tsp baking soda1/2 tsp sea salt (Himalayan) 1 cup dates1/2 cup unsweetened hemp milk (or any soy, almond or plant-based milk)1/2 cup canola oil3 ripe bananas, mashed2 tsp vanilla1 tsp cinnamon1 cup chopped organic walnuts

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a food processor, add the dates, milk, oil and vanilla. Blend until completely smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Add to the blended ingredients, and mix in the mashed bananas and walnuts. Stir well.

Pour the batter into a greased bread loaf pan, and bake until golden brown at 350 degrees (about 50-60 minutes). Test if it's done by sticking a knife in the middle -- if it comes out clean, it's done! Let cool for at least five minutes before cutting.

Serve alone, or with your favorite nut butter spread on top. (Hager loves almond or walnut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon!)

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Image Credit: Angelo Kritikos

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I love good food, and what I love better than just good food is good food that doesn't cost a fortune. So this morning I cooked up three dinners in the TODAY Show kitchen (Watch me after the jump!) to prove that you can eat good, healthy food for less than the price of a fast food value meal. Instead of heading to the drive-thru for the dollar menu this weekend, try some of these tasty, healthy dinners that you can make for less than two bucks a person.

1.Mini-Meatloaves

Lean ground beef goes a long way in these pint-sized meatloaves. I add oats to bulk up the recipe without using too much beef; this combo provides 4 g cholesterol-lowering fiber per 1/2 cup for just 13 cents. To make, mix 1 lb lean ground beef with 1/3 cup rolled oats, 1 beaten egg , 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper, 2 tbsp marinara sauce and a large dash of Worcestershire sauce. Divide the mixture among a 12-cup muffin tin and bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 min or until cooked through. Serve 2 mini-meatloaves per person topped with another 2 tbsp marinara sauce, 1/2 baked potato and one cup frozen steamed veggies on the side.

Total cost for this perfectly-portioned dinner: $1.33 per serving

2. Fish in a Packet

Mild, white fish, like Tilapia, is one of the lowest-calorie sources of protein, so good news that it's cost is low, too. This fish dinner is cooked in a packet with the veggies to retain all the great flavor and moisture. Frozen mixed veggies are a nutritional bargain -- pay just a quarter for a one cup serving that provides 5 to 6 g fiber and up to a whopping 115% of your daily value for vitamin A. To make, cut a large square (1 ft by 1 ft) out of aluminum foil. Place a 6 oz Tilapia fillet in the center of the foil square. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and dried thyme (or whatever dried herb you have on hand) to taste. Top the fish with 1 cup of frozen mixed veggies (Don't let them thaw before!) and a couple of lemon slices. Drizzle with olive oil. Roll foil up to secure packet and bake for 20 minutes at 450 degrees until fish is done and flakes easily with a fork and veggies are crisp-tender. Serve over 1/2 cup cooked whole grain brown rice.

Total cost for this tasty low-calorie meal: $1.45 per serving

3. Chili-Veggie Spaghetti Tower

Skip the meatballs and add flavorful bean chili to your whole-grain spaghetti to save money and calories. For just 24 cents, you'll get 7 g of protein and 6 g of fiber from the pasta. For just 28 cents more, you can add 1/4 cup edamame to provide another 5 g of protein and an additional 4 g of fiber. To make, cook whole-wheat spaghetti according to package directions. Spoon one cup of the pasta on a plate and top with 1 cup of your favorite meatless chili that has been warmed according to directions on can. Then top with 1 cup frozen steamed broccoli, 1/4 cup of cooked frozen shelled edamame and 2 tbsp shredded low-fat cheese.

Total cost for this family-pleasing meal: $1.67 per serving

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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I've been back on campus for a week now and there are three things I'm moderately upset about. One, I once again have to go to bed every night in fear of a silverfish crawling into my mouth. I live in an old apartment. They haunt my dreams. Google image it if you don't know what it is. Two, I forgot that, right before moving to New York to intern at SELF, I broke my bike; my roommate and I were attempting to "ride double." The handlebars came off and we slow motion toppled into a bush in front of a campus tour group. I'll be walking places for a while.

But three, I feel like a freshman again. A freshman at college, again, not just life. And I really don't want to relive that year: the unflattering middle part I tried for a quarter, the school-issued lanyard that never came off, the lessons learned from eating an Oreo milkshake after every lunch and dinner in the dining hall.

I guess what I mean is that I feel a little bit lost. I'm once again like that clueless frosh on move-in day, left sitting on the bed after the parents drove away wondering, 'What in the heck do I do now?'

Let's back up for a sec. All three of my roommates (pictured here, I'm the one in the black top) graduated last quarter. I am now the sole studier of the group. One roommate spent her afternoon coloring outside today. Coloring. In a coloring book. It took everything I had to not snap her crayon on my way to the library to write my first paper.

Ugh. And then there's this thing where people keep throwing around the word "WOB." At first I was like, dude you're pronouncing WOD, Workout of the Day, wrong (I dabbled in CrossFit last summer), and then I found out it meant World of Beer, the brand new "it" bar in town. I don't like beer. Is it socially acceptable to choose WODing over WOBing?

And of course I couldn't find the new entrance to our gym and subsequently, couldn't find my way back out. Or that time my friend told me to meet her by the egg chairs in our student center. (I've worked at our student center for four years. There ain't no egg chairs.) There's now egg chairs. They're ugly, and I hate them. Keep in mind that I was only gone a few months. What the hell happened?

By the way, my roommate just said our apartment now has cockroaches. Cockroaches and silverfish, perfect. Wait, now I kind of wish I was back in my freshman dorm.

Do you ever feel like a freshman? How do you handle it? Tweet to me @hmils and @SELFMagazine!

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I'm sure you've all hear the buzz, but Coachella is coming up fast and furious -- and with three weekends of festivities (pun intended), a girl's gotta look good. And although I can't head out to Cali myself this year, I have been to a festival or two (my editor has been to too many) and I know what you need to have on hand when you spend 4 days in the sun but still want to look hot -- and not in that sweaty way. Check out these five must-have products you should seriously have with you before you start rocking out.

BB CREAM: We love this staple for many reasons, but we're particularly obsessed with some of the new formulas on the market. Aveeno Clear Complexion BB Cream, $17, is oil-free (so no breakouts while you sweat in the sun), has a solid SPF of 30 and gives just enough color to smooth out your skin tone without making you look like that girl who put on way too much makeup for Coachella. If you've got super-oily skin to begin with, try Dr. Brandt BB Matte, $39, which instantly erases any greasy sheen from your mug.HAIR PERFUME: A ponytail can hide greasy roots, but unfortch standing in the sun for four days without washing your hair may require more than an elastic band can provide. Oribe Cote d'Azur Hair Refresher, $22, is a yummy-smelling spray that cuts odor and static without caking up like dry shampoo can. Or you can get totally fancy (like my editor totally would) and rock Viktor & Rolf Flower Bombilicious Hair Mist, $45, which smells just like its namesake perfume, but is free of the drying chemicals found in traditional fragrances. HYDRATING LIP TINT: Clinique Black Honey Lip Duo , $21 -- a double-sided lip duo with a sheer lipstick and SPF 15 long lasting lip gloss on -- is a must. Whether you are wearing the gloss during the day or rocking a little lipstick at a late-night VIP party, it's instant hotness. Plus, Black Honey looks good on legit everyone. And, if you're really into a wild look, swipe on a layer of SPF on your lips after applying one of the electric-hued lipsticks from Ofra Cosmetics, $13, which contain Vitamin E to help soothe your pout while depositing a serious amount of pigment, to boot. SUNSCREEN: I am the palest person on the planet, but even if you're not, MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40, $20, should be the headliner of your beauty bag. You can't carry this on to a flight, but I would totally check my bag for it: Plenty of SPF, super quick drying, water resistant for 80 minutes (that's a full Father John Misty set, right?) and sprayable from any angle. Plus, spritz a little on your part and you'll prevent that ouch-tastic scalp burn that inevitably happens at festivals. Need something non-aerosol? Try Yes to Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 Stick, $9, which makes covering all your skin's nooks and crannies a non-issue and smells remarkably fresh. NAIL ART: Awesome nails are basically a prerequisite for Coachella, but who has time to go sit in a nail salon for hours in the name of festival prep? Instead, pick up Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips, $8.50. They are super cute, cost less than a mani and you can totally do them on the road (as long as you not driving, obvs). They also come in this awesome tie-dye print, too. What's more music festival than that?

What are your festival musts? Tweet us @AESam and @SELFMagazine.

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Country crooner Kimberly Perry has got an exciting weekend ahead: She'll get to strut her way down the red carpet at the 48th annual Academy of Country Music Awards knowing she and bros Reid and Neil of The Band Perry have earned a pretty-big-deal nomination for Vocal Group of the Year. If we were her, though, we might slow-mo that strut down to a sexy sashay in order to show off how hard she's worked to earn her amazing arms. (Wait, it's not all that guitar strumming?)

You'll never guess her secret weapon -- check out the cute guy behind her on drums, Boone Daughdrill. That's the dude cracking the workout whip on the Perry clan, whether they're in a gym or a green room at a hockey arena. "Kimberly's pretty strong, and she has tons of willpower," he says. "By the end of the workout, she's sweating and calling me choice names!"

To work those triceps, Daughdrill loves prescribing Bench Dips. Exercising that muscle "allows you to have more of a cut arm and takes away from that 'bye-bye wave,'" he says. (Um, you know, when the flab waves back.) No worries; Kimberly's sure to get a big HELLO from the crowd while workin' that stage on Sunday!

Bench Dip / Tricep Dip

Sit on a bench (gym, park or otherwise) or sturdy chair. Place the palms of your hands by your sides and grip the edge of the bench. Slide off the bench and support your weight with your hands. Straighten legs and brace heels against the ground. Lower your body towards the floor a few inches, keeping your elbows back and tucked in. Be sure to never lower your shoulders below the height of your elbow. Push your body back up until your arms are straight. Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps. If you are a beginner, complete the exercise with feet flat on the floor, both legs slightly bent.

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It doesn't get much SELFier than giving back, and Clarins is getting in on the action. The beauty brand is doing its part to feed hungry children around the world with its Gift With Purpose program, which includes an exciting new partnership with Macy's and FEED.

When you buy two Clarins products (including one skin care product, their Double Serum is to. Die. For.), Clarins will donate ten balanced school meals to hungry children. You'll also get a 6-piece beauty gift and an exclusive FEED 10 pouch. Clarins and FEED have already donated 1.5 million school meals, and Gift With Purpose will add at least one million more in 2013.

Want to help? Head to the Clarins counter at a Macy's near you or check out macys.com from April 10-April 20 and score some free swag, just by buying some sweet beauty booty.

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Image Credit: Courtesy of Clarins

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