Good Mood Foods

Take charge of the day with these foods :

For a Tough Workout:
Studies show that a jolt of java an hour or so before exercise increases endurance. Low-fat chocolate milk, meanwhile, makes for an excellent post-workout recovery drink: Its protein-to-carb ratio is ideal for repairing and strengthening muscles.

Before a Presentation:
Settle your nerves with oatmeal, which will keep your blood sugar stable. Still feeling frazzled? The vitamin C in oranges reduces the stress hormone cortisol.

To Get in the Mood:
Forget oysters. Red-hot chili peppers stimulate your libido on two fronts: They fool the body into thinking it’s in pain, flooding the brain with endorphins as well as speeding up blood flow (enhancing pleasure).

Before Bed:
Anyone who has feasted for Thanksgiving knows turkey can induce some serious sleepiness, but bananascontain the same snooze-chemical, tryptophan.

Photos: Getty Images

Youthful Skin Tips: Best Anti Aging Advice on ELLE.com

I came across this great 21 day challenge on ELLE.com. We can use all the anti-aging products we can buy, but staying young is a matter of the soul, body and mind. Today I will start this challenge, couldn't hurt to try!

Day 1: Pick Up a Jump Rope

Remember how fun it was in elementary school, jumping rope during recess? Though it might be tough to find willing double-dutch participants, going solo can still be a blast. It’s also a major toning exercise and calorie-burner, if you take the right steps. To engage all your muscles, including the smaller stabilizer ones, fitness guru Tracy Anderson says footwork is important: “Jump on one foot, jump side to side, jump with both feet, jump in a running pattern—the key is changing up the motion while keeping the heart rate pumping.”