Exercise Video of the Week -- Pussycat Dolls Workout DVD

How many of you have taped a photo of Gisele Bundchen or any other super-fit celeb to your fridge as a weight loss motivator? If you have, you're not alone because this is a very common practice and it explains why celebrity workout videos tend to do so well. This is one of the main reasons why I've decided to do an exercise video of the week. I figure that by introducing you to some fun and unique exercise styles, your weight loss journey will be more fun than grueling.



This week's inaugural exercise video of the week is the Pussycat Dolls workout DVD. The Pussycat Dolls are great fitness role models because the members are all lean without being freakishly skinny. They promote sexiness from within and if you notice their posters, none of them are a size 0.

The PCD workout video is also dance-oriented which is great because it doesn't feel like you're even exercising. You'll just dance the morning away and watch the fat disappear before your eyes! You'll see my point about PCD fitness when Nicole Scherzinger makes her Dancing With the Stars premiere this Monday.

Healthy Restaurant Food Choices

• When ordering drinks, it is always better to ask for water, unsweetened tea or coffee, lemonade, or diet soda. Stay away from regular soft drinks and alcoholic beverages because they are loaded with empty calories.

• During appetizer time, stick to either broth-based soup, or salad with no croutons and dressing on the side.

• The entree is typically where you will find the most calories of a meal, so this is where attention to detail is important. For example, if you want to order chicken, fish, or seafood, remember to request that they steam, broil, grill, bake, sautee, or poach the food instead of frying it.

• If it's meat that you want, order leaner alternatives such as turkey burgers, beef sirloin, skinless chicken breasts, or pork loin.

• For pasta dishes, remember that water-based pasta is always healthier than cream-based pasta because the cream is extremely high in fat and calories. Try to avoid foods such as chicken or fettuccini alfredo and opt for spaghetti or linguine with marinara sauce instead.

• An excellent tip is to look for food items that are cooked with herbs and spices because not only do they brighten up the food's flavor, but they are low in fat, calories, and sodium content.

• Another good idea would be to order something that is high in whole grains such as whole-wheat bread, pasta, tortillas, or brown rice.

• With side dishes, choose low calorie options such as baked potato or steamed vegetables rather than french fries because they are prepared in a healthier way.

• If you're in the mood for a sandwich, the condiments can make or break you. Stick to ketchup or mustard instead of mayonnaise or "special sauce" because ketchup and mustard are very low in calories and high in flavor. You should also use whole wheat buns and avoid the cheese. Topping your sandwich with vegetables instead of bacon and fried onions would also be a better alternative.

• When dessert time rolls around, don't panic. You can still have dessert without feeling guilty as long as you make smart choices. For example, stick to foods such as sorbet and parfait that use fruit as a key ingredient because fruits are much better for you than sugar and fat. A great trick is to share your dessert with your dinner date so that way, you only have half of the calories that you would normally consume.

• Another tip is to only eat half of your food at the restaurant and take the rest home in a doggie bag so you can finish it the next day as lunch.

Is It Possible To Eat Healthy In Restaurants?

When you are trying to lose weight by following a diet plan, dining out can be an extremely difficult task because whether it's the menu, your friends, or your fellow diners, you're basically surrounded by unhealthy and tempting foods. This can lead you to give in to cravings and order beer and hot wings instead of a chicken salad.

My first suggestion is to do your research before going to a restaurant. These days, most places have their menus listed on their website, so go online beforehand and look up the food choices that can fit into your daily diet. It is a lot easier to make a smart choice when you're outside of the sights and smells of a restaurant, so try to do this as often as possible.

If you cannot look up the menu before going to the restaurant, it is still a good idea to talk to your waiter or even one of the chefs about healthier menu options.

A really helpful trend that I've noticed in restaurants is that the menus have a special low calorie section which has healthy and low-fat options. If you find yourself looking through a menu, search for this section first.

Also, talk to your waiter about healthier food preparation methods such as using olive oil instead of fat and grease, margarine instead of butter, etc.

The Best Way to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Permanently

When dealing with the issue making stretch marks disappear, it is important to remain patient because they will not go away overnight.

• My first tip is to eat foods high in vitamin E, A, and C because they increase the collagen production of your skin, and collagen reduces stretch marks.

• Second, eat foods that are high in zinc and silica because these minerals increase collagen production, but they also help to form the skin's supportive fibers.

• Third, brush your skin with a loofah or something similar in order to increase circulation to your skin. Microdermabrasion is also excellent for this purpose.

• Fourth, apply cocoa butter lotion in order to prevent the formation of the stretch marks.

• Fifth, use vitamin E oil or cream in order to boost collagen production.

If all of these treatment ideas fail, then you can consult your doctor about laser therapy to help take care of the situation. Laser therapy can be a bit risky, so make sure this is your absolute last option before committing to it.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are literally small scars that form on your skin after you gain or lose weight. They occur because as your skin stretches out, small tears occur within the skin. When these tears heal they end up leaving behind scars. Although they aren't risky to your health, stretch marks are very unsightly and nobody likes having them on their body. They are very frustrating because of how difficult it can be to get rid of them. However, with the right products and methods, you can make them disappear in no time.

How You Can Lose Pregnancy Pounds In a Fast & Healthy Way

A pregnancy is nature's miracle and it is an event that should be enjoyed as much as possible. After the baby is born however, things can become stressful because of the need to lose the pregnancy weight. Post-partum weight loss may seem overwhelming at first, but if you stay patient and focused, the extra pounds will melt off before you know it.

The only occasion in life when it is okay to rapidly gain 80 lbs. is when you are pregnant. In fact, if you don't gain at least 30 extra pounds, it could be harmful to your baby. Therefore, it's okay to let yourself go while you're expecting because there are more important things that you should be focused on rather than weight.

Despite the fact that weight gain should not be your main concern during those 9 months, it's a pretty hard thing to ignore. One of the greatest tips I ever heard about pregnancy weight was to eat healthy, but just eat healthy food for two. In other words, it is better to have an abnormally large chicken salad than a pint of ice cream. After all, everything you eat goes to the baby, so eating as many nutritious foods as possible is definitely the way to go.

If you're wondering how celebrities manage to deliver twins and be back to a size zero in just a couple of months, you should know that their secret is to exercise during pregnancy. You shouldn't do anything too exhausting that will make you short of breath, but maintaining a relaxing workout routine such as yoga or pilates will make a huge difference after you have the baby and you're trying to get back into shape.

How to Lose Back Fat and Keep It Off

Back fat is unsightly, unflattering, and undesired. It's something that nobody wants, and everyone who has it wants to get rid of it quickly. The main problem is that back fat is a tricky issue because it's not always easy to make it disappear. With proper guidance however, you can be steered in the right direction and the desired results will become much easier to achieve.

The most straightforward method to general weight loss is improvement of your diet. You would be surprised at how much damage just one donut can do, let alone a whole day's worth of junk food. Without a doubt, the first step that you should take if you want to lose back fat is to eat healthier.

The great thing is that these days, you are still able to indulge in your favorite foods while remaining within a reasonable daily caloric intake level because there are healthy varieties to almost any food out there. For example, you can buy 100 calorie packs of Oreo's and Chips Ahoy cookies and eat them without feeling guilty.

Exercise is another way to burn back fat and keep it off permanently because exercise builds lean muscle. Anybody who is trying to lose weight should look at lean muscle as your new best friend because it actually burns calories for you even when you're being sedentary.

The best way to build lean muscles is by doing cardiovascular activities such as biking, running, or swimming. If you're not the treadmill or swimming pool type, then joining an aerobics class is also great way to burn a ton of calories and make some new friends who are also on the weight loss mission.

Lose Weight & Go Green At the Same Time

It is easy to go green and lose weight at the same time because environmentally safe foods tend to be fruits, vegetables, organic foods, and unprocessed foods that are good for your body and good for Mother Nature. Not to mention, an eco friendly diet also helps you save energy and save money.
A really great way to make your diet more eco friendly is by buying locally grown food products instead of processed foods from the grocery store. The process of producing and delivering food nationwide and worldwide is incredibly energy inefficient, and delivery trucks are responsible for a lot of the pollution and emissions that have been negatively affecting the environment. Locally grown foods are also healthier for you because they are natural and unprocessed, which means that they will be helpful along your quest to lose weight.

You can also green up your diet by eating organic foods more often. The term "organic" is designated for foods that are produced and harvested without the use of pesticides. Pesticides are another culprit in the damage that has been done to the environment because the chemicals that are used become airborne and result in global warming and the greenhouse effect.

Organic foods are beneficial for weight loss because the nutritional value of such foods is much higher than traditional alternatives. It goes without saying that the best way to get healthier is by improving the quality of your diet because healthy foods make your body system operate more efficiently, which in turn causes you to burn more calories and have a higher metabolism.

How to Get Rid of Love Handles

As previously mentioned, genetics plays a large role in any form of weight loss, so it's important to understand that not every method will work equally well for everyone who tries it. Patience is really important in this situation because no matter what I suggest, it is completely up to you to stick with it and see it all the way through.

My first suggestion is to stay away from foods that are high in sugar and fat content and remember that when trying to lose weight, keeping track of calories is also very important. If you consume too many calories then you won't lose weight, and to few calories will slow your metabolism down. Finding that perfect balance is key.

The best way to find that balance is to use a BMR (basal metabolic rate) calculator which calculates exactly how many calories you should consume daily in order to lose weight. If you don't have one of these, then a nutrition scale is another excellent idea because it allows you to figure out the exact calorie count of every meal you consume.

As with any weight loss program, exercise will also be very important in your quest to lose love handles. Some recommended workouts are side bends and oblique sit-ups. Since lean muscle can burn calories on its own, getting fit and toned is vital if you want to get healthy.

What Causes Love Handles?

Love handles are caused when excess body fat builds up around the stomach area. The reason why they are shaped like muffin tops is purely scientific because gravity causes the fat from the belly area to gather around in a tire shape. Another common cause is genetics. It is really unfair and unfortunate, but if your family members are prone to getting love handles, then you will too if you're not careful.

Love handles are something that nobody wants, nobody likes to look at, and everyone wants to lose as quickly as possible. The most frustrating thing about love handles is that they can be very tricky to get rid of, especially if genetics play a factor. The key is finding that perfect balance between fitness and diet, and then actually sticking to the plan.

Weight Loss on a Budget in 2010

An excellent idea if you want to lose weight and stick to a budget is to buy frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones because the frozen variety is a lot more affordable. Frozen veggies keep for much longer so you can stockpile them in the freezer. This way, they will always be readily available to you during meals.

A local farmer's market is a great place to find plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables at low prices. Check around to see if you have one of these nearby.


There are also a lot of grocery stores that sell their items in bulk and at wholesale prices. Shopping at one of these stores would be a particularly good idea if your entire family is trying to lose weight and save money.

My final bit of advice is to consider growing a garden in your backyard. Grocery items such as herbs and fresh produce can really break the budget because they are sold for high prices and in small portions. You can also sell your home-grown fruits and vegetables at a farmer's market and make a little money on the side.

A Quick Cellulite Prevention Tip

One of the best ways to prevent cellulite formation is to reduce the amount of daily stress that you face. Stress is a two-headed monster because it creates an unhealthy hormonal imbalance in your body, and it causes you to pick up harmful habits such as smoking, drinking, or eating poorly.

Therefore, relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation are tremendously helpful.
Again, healthy, balanced diet and exercise are always important when discussing weight or body issues because they are fundamental.

How to Lose Weight and Get Healthy as a College Student

The university experience is famous for its frat parties, late night cram sessions, and of course... the freshman 15. Almost everyone gains at least a few pounds when they go off to college because without the benefits of a home-cooked meal every night, we all tend to get a little bit lazy and eat too much unhealthy food.

Despite all of this, it is actually possible to go to college and still remain healthy and fit. All that is required is a basic knowledge of what foods to stay away from and the unhealthy habits that should be avoided.

One way to remain healthy as a university student is by stocking your dorm or apartment with healthy foods so that you're not tempted to binge on junk food. Healthy foods are also better for your brain power because fatty and sugary products are just empty calories that don't help your body's daily functioning.

Most dorms have cafeterias that are open to residents and usually, they offer buffets for every meal. This is where you really need to be careful because if you continuously go straight to the dessert bar, you'll find yourself 10 pounds heavier in no time.

You can also get healthy and lose weight in college by being as active as possible. This means walking to and from classes when you can instead of getting a ride, and using any exercise facilities that are available to you. An excellent idea would be to create a fitness group with your friends and roommates so that you can encourage each other to remain fit and work out regularly.

How to Lose Weight on the Green Tea Diet

Green tea has been harvested and used in the Asian culture for centuries, and its healthy properties are finally being taken advantage of in the western culture. Aside from its countless health benefits, it also makes you lose weight in a natural way and keep it off for good.

The active ingredient in greeen tea is EGCG, which stands for epigallocatechin gallate. EGCG is a polyphenol which works by increasing thermogenesis (heat production) in your body. This heat production isn't the type that makes you feel hot and sweaty, but rather it increases the amount of calories that your body burns. This is how a diet high in this ingredient is able to successfully make you lose weight.

The good thing about green tea is that because it is a natural product, you can safely drink it everyday in order to lose weight and keep it off. Compare this to those diet pills that only make you lose weight temporarily, and then ultimately get you addicted.

Aside from weight loss, this diet plan is also good for your general health and wellness. It functions as an antioxidant, increases mental alertness, lowers cholesterol, lowers the risk of certain diseases, strengthens the immune system, and prevents tooth decay.

Another useful aspect of green tea is that it is very accessible and affordable. You can literally get it anywhere from the dollar store to Starbucks. It should be noted that because it is a tea product it has caffeine, but its caffeine content is nothing compared to coffee or Red Bull.

How to Lose Belly Fat in 2010

As I just mentioned, stress is a big factor in weight gain so if you can, try to limit the amount of stress in your life and spend more time relaxing. Another important thing to keep in mind is proper diet and nutrition. A balanced diet that is high in protein will help you lose tummy fat because protein is essential in building lean muscle. If you are trying to get a flat stomach and six-pack abs, developing lean muscle will be crucial because lean muscles burn fat for you. This is why people who are lean and fit can get away with eating whatever they want. Their muscles burn their extra calories for them!

What Causes Excess Belly Fat?

Belly fat is very frustrating because not only is it really easy to get, but it is very difficult to get rid of. It seems like it only takes a couple of weeks to gain weight in the stomach area, but months and months are required to make it disappear. The good news is that with the proper balance of diet and exercise, tummy fat can melt away in a matter of days instead of months.

The buildup of excess fat around the stomach can be blamed on a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone which is released during the body's stress response. Cortisol is actually very helpful during a fight-or-flight situation, but the problems begin after the emergency is over. The cortisol just lingers in your body even though it is no longer needed, and it ends up causing your appetite to increase, and it makes your body to hold onto carbohydrates and fats. This is why people who live stressful lives tend to gain weight and have a difficult time losing it.

Lose Weight Fast in 2010 with Colon Cleanse

Colon cleanse is an excellent method for detoxifying your body of the harmful waste that builds up in your colon and intestines. Whether it's pollution, poor diet , smoking, or alcohol, we all expose ourselves to harmful toxins on a daily basis. Our bodies are incapable of regularly disposing of all of these substances, so they just end up accumulating over time.

These chemicals and toxins can build up in tissue, blood, organs, and body cells (usually fat cells). Therefore, colon cleanse is an excellent way to lose weight fast because the fat cells would be drained of the toxins that fill them up. I've actually heard of people losing over 50 pounds after they began a regular colon cleansing regimen!

Not only does colon cleanse detoxify your body and cause you to lose weight, it also:

• Increases your overall energy

• Alleviates constipation, bloating, and excess gas

• Improves skin problems

• Relieves recurring headaches

• Reduces food cravings

• Decreases mood swings

• Gets rid of bad breath

Acai Berry Scams

Throughout the internet and in other media forms, there are people constantly trying to take advantage of the known benefits of the acai, and using this information to scam innocent people. I've seen this happen when people offer to sell acai berry powders, supplements, or extracts, and that is not at all what they are selling.

I want to make sure that this doesn't happen to you, and knowledge is the best defense against scam artists. Hopefully, my writings will make you feel at ease with the fact that I am not trying to scam you and in fact, I only want to help.

Weight Loss Benefits of the Acai Berry Diet

The acai (pronounced: uh-SI-ee) berry has been receiving tons of publicity lately because not only is it the newest superfood, but it has the Oprah Winfrey and Rachael Ray stamp of approval.

Some of its health benefits are that it:

• Is an antioxidant

• Boosts energy levels

• Makes skin look younger and healthier

• Improves digestive function

• Strengthens the immune system

• Improves sleep patterns

• Provides relief from minor aches and pains

• Increases strength and stamina

• Alleviates symptoms of depression and

• INCREASES FAT LOSS

That's right, little acai berries (as seen below) have the ability to do many incredible things for your body, including helping you lose weight.



The acai berry diet works because of the natural composition of the pure berry. The acai is made up of essential fatty acids, amino acids, phytosterols, and fiber, which work together to make your body burn fat more efficiently.

When your body works in an efficient manner, it doesn't waste a lot of energy so you don't end up getting tired in the middle of the day. This is also why the diet can do so many other good things for you besides causing you to lose weight.

Perhaps the best part about this diet is that all you have to do is eat the berries, drink the juice, or take the supplements, and your energy levels will increase as your appetite decreases. No liposuction, bypass, or other types of surgery are required. The acai berry begins to work for you right away, so you can expect to see results in as little as a couple of days. In my opinion, the acai berry has clearly earned its title of "superfood."

Weight Loss Pills

Tired of the same old weight loss pill that never works and want to find the reason why it never kept the promise of rapid weight loss? How long have you been swallowing the same pill in the hope of losing weight? I know there are thousands upon millions of diet pills that promise to suck the fat right out of you, but do you believe them?


I have tried all kinds of pills and none worked until I had a revelation. I realized that I had to do more than just swallow the pill. Remember for diets to work you have to:

1. Change your mindset
2. Change your relationship with food
3. Change your lifestyle (exercise regularly)
4. Stay motivated and committed

Are fast weight loss pills even safe? That is a tough question because it depends on individuals and their situations. Remember your doctor knows best since they know your other underlying problems, so seeing the doctor first is a rule of thumb. I personally think the best "weight loss pill" is changing your mindset and lifestyle. You may just need to exercise more to lose weight quickly.

Say goodbye to your weight -Start walking today!

Weight Loss Management

Losing weight can be difficult because it requires self-discipline. Once you have achieved your healthy weight, your next challenge will be to keep the weight off for good by keeping up with the weight loss program that helped you get there. Weight management might sound like a lot of work at first but once you have a routine in place it will be as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Healthy eating should be number one objective in your life, so always keep healthy snacks around in case you are tempted to eat junk food. Fruits and raw vegetables are another way to keep you occupied with healthy choices. If you like to sit in front of the television, then have baby carrots on the table with light dressing so you can nibble on them instead of potato chips.


There are crucial weight loss tips that everyone should follow in order to stay healthy. For example, always stock healthy food in your fridge and pantry. Avoid processed foods and TV dinners because they are not good for you due to their contents. Form healthy eating habits and you will be successful without a doubt.

I personally like the Special K diet for breakfast because it provides all of the necessary nutrients early in the morning, and later on I either get Tropicana 100% orange juice or some red grapes. For lunch I go for a vegetarian diet and then for dinner, salmon or skinless chicken with a variety of vegetables.

Remember all of this can be attained even you eat in restaurants all the time. Instead of going for burgers and fries everytime, instead order based on what works for you. Remember that it is always very important to pay close attention to calories.

Remember there are quick diets that can also work depending on your health and body type, and there are those that do not work. That is why when you hear about diets such as the Acai Berry Diet, you are better off using the free samples first.

Here are some examples of healthy diets that have been very successful. Do not forget to also look up low fat recipes and as always, talk to your doctor about your weight issues before starting a diet plan.

• Vegetarian diet

• Mediterranean diet

• Liquid diet

• Cabbage soup diet

• Detox diet

• Diabetic diet

• Green tea diet

How to Lose Weight and Burn Fat Fast

Fat is actually a good thing for your health and wellness, but problems arise whenever your body has too much fat. What is fat? Fat is the body mass that is not part of lean muscle, water, bones or vital organs. Furthermore, body composition is defined as the ratio of lean body mass to fat body mass.

Too much fat can lead to health problems like heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and other serious conditions. Therefore if you keep your body fat within a reasonable level, you will be healthier and of course, slimmer. So how can you burn fat quickly without wasting time and money?

Starting running/jogging everyday because running puts demand on the body and that results in fat loss.

Start lifting weights (you can do this at home or in a gym), or join a club which provides access to physically demanding sports or games.

Do physically demanding chores like lifting boxes.

Play with your children, especially outside.

Start going for regular walks either with a friend or spouse (make it a routine).

These are just a few examples of the different ways you can burn fat fast. You can also feel free to get creative and make your own list. For me the fastest way to burn fat is gardening and cleaning my house for example. I've also tried the Acai Berry Diet, Green Tea Diet, and Colon Cleanse.

Fat reduction can be a great challenge but with motivation, you will be able to attain the goal of a slimmer you.

Quick & Safe Weight Loss Solutions

There are numerous diet plans that can tell you how to lose weight fast. Some work better than others, some are easier to stick to than others are, and some are less expensive than others are. Consider this fast and safe weight loss plan.

Steps to Quick and Safe Weight Loss:

• Step 1 Start and immediate exercise routine either at the gym or at home

• Step 2 Drink at least eight glasses of pure water a day (no soda)

• Step 3 Consider fat burning supplements

• Step 4 Walk everywhere and instead of the elevator use the stairs. Don't email your Workmate next door, but walk to their office

• Step 5 Start a diet consisting of lean proteins (skinless chicken) green vegetables, healthy nuts (almonds), and healthy fats (salmon-Omega 3, olive oil, flax seed)

• Step 6 Get a friend to help you with your diet plan