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 »

I have struggled with weight loss for years, trying just about any thing there is out there without having to consider any plastic surgery procedures.  My friend Jana told me about a weight loss book she had been reading and suggested I read it; so I did.

The book is called “Why Weight Around” by Dr. Alwin C. Lewis. In the book, Dr. Lewis stresses that a portion controlled diet is the most effective strategy to losing weight.  He developed a two part weight loss program called “The Slimming Station.” 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 »

Exactly one week ago, I hit a milestone birthday…25 years! While many of my friends and colleagues were asking if I was getting sad or depressed, I was actually feeling pretty great about turning the big two-five. My insecure and awkward years are far behind me and I feel like I’ve come into my own; both inside and out.

However, I have to admit that working with some pretty fashionable and makeup savvy ladies has definitely helped! Beauty Chat’s resident fashion guru, Elana, has offered some great tips to wear things that I’m normally afraid of. For example, the bright red tank I donned on my night out to celebrate was something I may have passed up a couple of years ago. 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 »