How many times have you bypassed the stairs for the elevator? Little did you know, you've had one of the most effective workout regimens right at your feet. Scour most gyms and you'll find a few stairstepper machines -- and there's a reason for that. Climbing the stairs is great exercise for improving cardio health and building muscles. Stairclimbing targets the glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps and calves and is a low impact on feet and knees. A study conducted in England and Northern Ireland found that sedentary women who took the stairs up to six times a day increased their fitness level, lowered their cholesterol and decreased their risk of cardiovascular disease over a two-month period. An additional study found that men who climbed at least 100 steps a day cut back their risk of death by 20 percent.

Hangover Helper: 4 Tips for Recovery
Ease the morning-after-the-night-before pain, without resorting to a big, greasy breakfast.
Article By: Susie Rowe

A pounding head, churning stomach and a mouth drier than the Sahara — what were you thinking last night?

You were having fun, not thinking, and now you're paying for it. It's bad enough waking up and cringing as you recall drunkenly belting out "Material Girl" at the karaoke bar — but having to cope with a horrific hangover as well is enough to send even the bravest of souls back under the duvet.

There are no miracle cures for the after-effects of alcohol, but don't despair — there are a few things you can do to get on the path to recovery. And the good news for those watching their weight is that all of them are low in calories. Check out this morning-after action plan.

1. Drink lots of water
When you wake up feeling parched after a drinking session, follow that instinct to gulp lots of water. It will help rehydrate your body. Juice will do this even faster, but go easy on it if you're concerned about calories. Forget "hair of the dog" tactics — more booze will just make things worse (nd chip away at your DPT). Try an over-the-counter pain medication to help ease your headache. (Choose wisely: Most physicians advise against products that contain acetaminophen.)

2. Forget the pizza
Dieters take note: Contrary to popular opinion, there's absolutely no proof that wolfing down half a greasy pizza will cure a hangover. A little food can help refuel your body, however, and food containing fat can soothe your stomach — which is why egg yolks, bouillon and milk are common ingredients in many folk remedies for hangovers. But go easy on solid foods until you feel a bit better.

3. Go for a walk
Any form of exercise will probably sound about as appealing as letting someone jump up and down on your head. But while no one is suggesting a full-on aerobics session, a gentle walk might be just what the doctor ordered.

As Frankie Robinson, RD, explains: "Strenuous exercise isn't a good idea because it will add to feelings of dehydration. But a walk is a good way of getting some fresh air and gentle exercise."


4. Stay in bed
One of the best hangover remedies is to crawl back into bed for a couple of extra hours' sleep. Ultimately, only time will "cure" your hangover, but rest can help!

Beef Crostini

Weight Watchers Recipe

Ratings (41)
3PointsPlus Value
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 10 min
Other time: 0 min
Serves: 8
The classic combo of beef with horseradish sauce is always a crowd pleaser. Sliced deli roast beef makes it a breeze to prepare.
Ingredients
3 spray(s) olive oil cooking spray  
6 oz French bread, about an 8-inch long thin loaf, cut into 16 slices  
1/3 cup(s) reduced-fat sour cream  
      3 Tbsp uncooked red onion(s), diced  
1 Tbsp store-bought horseradish  
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground (plus extra for garnish)  
      2 cup(s) arugula, baby leaves  
8 oz deli-style roast beef slice(s), thickly cut into 8 pieces and then each piece cut in half to yield 16 pieces total  
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325ºF. Coat a cookie sheet with cooking spray.

Place bread on prepared cookie sheet and lightly coat with cooking spray. Bake until lightly browned and crisp, about 10 minutes; let cool.

In a small bowl, combine sour cream, onion, horseradish and pepper.

To assemble crostini, top each piece of toasted bread with 1 slice beef, 1 teaspoon horseradish sauce, a grind of black pepper and a few arugula leaves. Yields 2 crostini per serving.

Reason to BELIEVE #359: Because even Santa could use a little motivation to get moving!