As we approach the three month mark of 2011, many of you have probably already fallen off of the new years resolution wagon.  You hit the gym and ate right for the first part of January, but then the motivation and drive you felt after the first of the year quickly dwindled and now you’re left wondering where to go next.  If you need a motivator, Carole Carson’s new book “From Fat To Fit” may be the answer.

“From Fat To Fit” chronicles the story of how author Carole Carson exceeded her goal of losing 40 pounds by her 60th birthday. Whether you’re in our 20s or well into our 50s, it’s never too early or too late to take better care of our heart and body.  In honor of American Heart Month and as a way to help motivate you to kick your fitness routine back in high gear, our sister site iEnhance.com is giving away Carole Carson’s “From Fat To Fit” to one lucky winner.

How To Win

There are 3 methods for entering, and the more things you do the more chances you have to win.

• Visit the From Fat To Fit Giveaway page and comment telling us why YOU want to get fit.
• Like iEnhance on Facebook (While you’re at it be sure to “Like” Beauty Chat as well)
• Follow iEnhance on Twitter and retweet the following: RT @ienhance #Giveaway Carole Carson’s new book “From Fat To Fit”! Ends Feb. 27. http://bit.ly/fz8ZqG  (Can be retweeted once a day for an additional entry)

So get out there, get fit, and good luck!

Last week, MSN released a list of the “20 Best Celebrity Rumps” with none other than Kim Kardashian coming in at number one. Not long ago, women all over the country were doing all that they could to minimize this particular feature – diet, exercise, and even surgery. Now, with the likes of Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Shakira being so comfortable in their curvy figures, it seems that many women’s views have shifted. More »

The warm weather is here, bikinis have been on the racks for a few weeks now, and tanning salons are getting booked. Summer is approaching and we’re ready to rock the beach! Or at least almost ready to rock…we just need to lose those last five to 10 pounds. But we’ve all got so much going on that it’s become nearly impossible to hit the gym on a regular basis.

What are we to do? Aside from undergoing a cosmetic procedure – liposuction or tummy tuck surgery – there are many diets that we could try, including the “Five Bite Diet” that Dre and Jana are currently doing, but there are also other ways to lose the weight: diet pills. Or as some companies like to call them “dietary supplements.” More »

When I was diagnosed with a Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), the name alone scared me to bits. What really freaked me out, though, were the limitations I was given by my doctor. First, I was put on a permanent medication called Atenolol, which basically lightens the load on my heart by slowing it down a bit, but makes me feel even more tired than usual.

Next I was given what I call the “No-No List” which basically said no hardcore cardio exercise – no running, no excessive use of stairs; the list went on and on. Being that I was never what you would consider a “gym enthusiast,” I didn’t really have a problem with the rules at the time, but quickly found out that just about every type of exercise that I was actually interested in was considered a No-No for me. This left me with a problem: How in the world was I supposed to keep myself from getting massively overweight if I was tired all the time and couldn’t do any real cardio? More »

I have to admit that I am not the most ecologically friendly person; even with all this talk of going green, the most I have done is recycle my cans and bottles. But since today is Earth Day, it got me thinking – I really need to start caring about the environment.

In honor of this revolutionary day, I have come up with a list of actions to take to be a little more eco-friendly.

Walk more, drive less: Instead of driving short trips around the corner, such as to pick up milk and bread, take a stroll instead. Not only are you saving on gas and not polluting the environment, you’re also getting a mini work-out in the course of it. A few days ago, my roommate and I had to return a movie to the video store and we walked there instead – it only took us 20 minutes and it felt great to get some fresh air. More »

Okay, I know I am a bit behind the craze, but Nintendo ® Wii ™ is amazing and I am addicted! I recently tried out the game, Boogie SuperStar and all I can say is, I must be out of shape!  I started to break a sweat after only 20 minutes of playing. It is fun and I actually feel like I am getting a work-out, or am I?

There have been a lot of arguments for and against Wii and the fitness benefits that it entails. This is what I get from the whole phenomenon – it may not be an option for a hardcore cardiovascular work-out (such as running or kick-boxing), but it definitely does get an individual motivated and work off his/her booty! (Which is an improvement for the inactive population). On top of that, Wii challenges its players, as you get better at a particular skill, the game is designed to make the activity more difficult.

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I know the poor economy has caused a lot of us to cut back on certain pleasures in our life. Most people are staying home and watching television instead of going out to the movies. Others are carpooling to fight the fluctuating gas prices.

On the other hand, some people are taking a lack of concern in their health and refraining from purchasing prescription medications, which is a necessity for many .

According to the Center for Studying Health System Change in Washington, D.C., due to the increase in prescription cost, most of those who have chronic conditions (making it crucial to continue their meds) are not purchasing them because they simply cannot afford to do so. More »

That’s right, everyone, Beauty Chat is happy to announce that we will be starting a new, weekly post featuring your questions!

Want to know how to get your eyebrows perfectly shaped? Or, where to go for the perfect top to wear on a special night? Send in your questions and we’ll help you get through your beauty dilemma.

We have a wide range of specialties within our “Beauty Chatters,” which means we’re sure to have an answer to your questions. So let’s get started!

Question: I’m really into punk rock, and I really want to look cool and edgy BUT still feel feminine and sexy. What do you suggest? More »

The case will always rest, exercise is good for you. I know, big shocker! Even simple exercises such as walking or jogging can bring you a step (no pun intended) closer to becoming a healthier, new you.

It has been proven several times over that those who exercise regularly tend to live longer, but why? I think we need to examine the effects of lack of exercise and what it does to the body. I know I am experiencing these symptoms myself: increase in weight, fatigue, loss of flexibility, increase in laziness, inability to do simple tasks, decrease in self-esteem, knee pain, lack of mobility, increase in risk of injuries, and depression.

In essence, lack of exercise is a probable cause of the never-ending “tired” look we all have developed some time in our lives. You all know what I’m talking about- dark circles under the eyes, paleness in the face, and bloodshot eyes; in other words, you aren’t alert and living to your full potential. More »

A new year is just around the corner. At the start of the New Year, I always find myself saying, “This year is going to be different,” and I set the infamous New Year’s Resolution of losing weight.  Do I ever stick by it? Of course not! Who does? But this New Year I really want to try. So, since I know most of you would like to know the secrets of sticking by your resolutions and/or 2009 goals, here are some ideas that may help.

As every year turns around the corner, the top New Year’s Resolutions are generally the same: quit smoking, get out of debt, find a new job, and my personal favorite, get into shape and lose weight .

Whether you would like to lose weight or just span out into a healthier new you for 2009, here are some tips that might help you actually stick to your healthy resolutions. More »