Hey ladies! Are you trying to cut costs at the grocery store by buying low-cost junk like mac and cheese? It's not going to do your health or your hips any favors, but it just might get a date.

A 2005 study found that during times of "resource scarcity," men's preferences for female body types change. So exactly what does that mean? Are recession-weary men drooling over Botticelli-like rounded bellies and ample hips? Nothing quite so drastic. But men in the study did tend to find women who were a few pounds heavier more sexually attractive.

Researchers set up four situations to see what men find hot; two variables made the guys feel financially insecure while the other two variables tested them when they were physically hungry. The men who felt financially insecure chose women who were about two pounds heavier than those chosen by men who felt financially stable. And hungry guys tended to go for women who were about three pounds heavier than those chosen by men who were full.

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Pop quiz: On a scale of one to 10, how attractive would you rate yourself? Got a number in your head? Ok, now take that number and add 2. That's how attractive you are to others.

No, seriously! Research out of the UK has shown that on average, others see you as 20% more attractive than you see yourself. Why? Well, it's no secret that many of us are our own worst enemies. But there's another reason: When you look in the mirror, all you see is your looks. When others look at you, they see your personality shine through. Think about it this way: When you look at a photo, you only see a person's physical features. But when you meet them in real life, they're much more dynamic and that ultimately affects how you view them.

How attractive you appear is largely based on your confidence. Take this as a mini ego-boost and hold your head a little bit higher today.

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I think it's safe to say that men and women are a bit of mystery to each other. I'm single, but even my married friends often puzzle over things their spouses have said or done. The Kinsey Institute conducted a study that sheds some light on what turns men on.

The research team set up six focus groups with men ranging from age 18 to 70. The one thing they found is that what turns one man on may not turn on another. As a woman, I'm glad to hear that. It's nice to know that all men aren't looking for that stereotypical "beautiful" girl.

Some turn ons included women who were confident and felt good about themselves. Not surprisingly a good body and a pretty face were listed as turn ons, but so was intelligence. Feeling emotionally connected to a woman is also a turn on for many men, as is a woman's scent.

Want to learn more about sexual health? AOL Body has resources for both men and women.

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The world is hard on people who are overweight. For every supportive, kind person, there seems to be 12 who are more than willing to stare you down or make some snide remark about you not missing many meals. So it's only natural assume that you'd be more attractive to the opposite sex if you weighed less. eDiets recently addressed this issue. Their verdict? Thin is still in but there are more attractive qualities out there.

I couldn't agree more--I know it sounds cliche, but confidence is more attractive than thin, and having bones stick out never looks good. Voluptuous Catherine Zeta Jones beats out skeletal Angelina Jolie any day in my books.

What is it about the opposite sex that attracts you? Is 'thin' in?

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Have you ever wondered just what it is that attracts you to someone? Do you think a person is hot because of the way you're wired or because of what your culture has taught you is appealing? According to the studies reported on in this article, the answer is that both culture and genetics play a part in determining what people find sexy.

One study found that some traits were almost universally attractive. For example, women with baby faces -- features like large eyes, little chins and round cheeks -- were voted as the most attractive by study participants. The researchers believe that this may be because youthfulness is perceived to be linked to fertility. In other words, our predecessors would mate with youthful women as the odds of having lots of healthy offspring was greater.

On the other hand, as a professor points out in the article, culture plays a part too. Why else, for instance, would so many beautiful supermodels be married to shaggy rock stars? In our culture, rock 'n' roll is a sexy thing, so if you're the lead singer of a successful band, your chances of finding a good-looking partner are pretty high no matter what you look like. Of course, humans also look for other things like a good personality, honesty and humor when choosing a mate, but there is always something about that initial attraction. So what do you think? What is it about your significant other that caught your eye?

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Good news! A new study shows that when men tell their sweetie they will still love them even if they gain weight they are most likely telling the truth. That's not to say we thought they were lying this whole time, but there's always that doubt in the back of our minds wondering if they really really mean it, and apparently they do!

Three groups of men shown pictures of women of varying weights were asked to rate their appearance. One group was given positive traits about the women, one negative, and one no list of traits at all. The group given the positive list of traits was much more 'forgiving' and chose a greater range of body types as "attractive."

So somebody who genuinely likes you as a person really can overlook imperfect outward appearances. Yay! *Sigh of relief*

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