The winter months are coming to an end, and for most high school and college students this is what’s next… spring break! So after months of comfort foods, partying, and maybe not working out like one should, spring break is the start to what’s coming. After spring break, you know that Memorial Day is soon on the way, and then summer time! So how do you get your body in the shape that you’d want it?
First of all, watch what you eat. It’s time to clean up your diet. Get rid of all junk foods, fried foods, fatty foods, sodas, and alcohol. Incorporate healthy fat in to your diet; in example, small portions of olive oil or avocado. Eat 5-6 small meals a day to help increase your metabolism and also help you avoid cravings by keeping you full throughout the day. Also, drink plenty of water to help flush out any toxins in your body.

Hollywood stars are gorgeous and fit and seemingly fabulous in every way. Yeah, yeah, yeah. No matter how much we hate them for it, we’re still constantly curious about how exactly they go back getting “those arms” or “that butt.”
A few darlings of the Hollywood set have opened up about using star fitness trainer Tracy Anderson to whip them in to shape. Via Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP newsletter, a long-time follower of Anderson’s workout method, Kristin Davis, co-starring in May 28’s “Sex and the City 2,” Courtney Cox, of ABC’s “Cougar Town,” and fashion designer and philanthropist Donna Karan explain why the Tracy Anderson Method works for them.
The best news? With her DVD series, which the stars use too, you can work on your Hollywood body at home.

Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross, mom to three-year-old twins, has teamed up in conjunction with Mott’s to work with Kaboom.org, a charity that helps to encourage kids to spend more time outdoors. Kaboom!, whose vision is to have a playground within walking distance of every child in America, donates funds to help make this dream possible for communities.
Founded in 1995, the organization works with communities to create safe playgrounds, skate parks, ice rinks and even to renovate aging athletic fields. Community members create videos explaining the need for a playground and can be awarded up to $5,000 in funding. In addition, the Kaboom! website offers knowledge and experience to anyone interested through online toolkits, training and technical assistance.

I rarely travel with my children, but when I do, I’m often left looking for something for them to “do,” an activity to allow them to get moving and be active, a way to enjoy some exercise and fitness and avoiding sitting in the room watching cruddy television. When I travel, I always find the gym and take advantage of all the activities, so why shouldn’t my kids have the same options?
If I was lucky enough to be able to stay at Trump Towers New York, I think I’d be one of the first to take advantage of their newest exercise program geared toward kids ages six and up. After all, getting kids moving should be a primary focus for all of us, for creating good habits that will last a life time.

Guest blogger Yishane Lee is the author of “The Athlete’s Palate: Renowned Chefs, Delicious Dishes, and the Art of Fueling Up While Eating Well” (Rodale), a cookbook for the gourmet endurance athlete.
Most athletes know that carbohydrates and protein are critical to fuel a workout and aid recovery after exercise. But beyond those nutrients, there are five essential nutrients to incorporate into your diet in order to make sure your body operates at its peak.
1. Anthocyanins
This antioxidant gives red, blue, and purple fruits and vegetables their color. It reduces inflammation and counteracts muscle damage that can be caused by working out and also improves cardiovascular function. Blueberries, strawberries, cherries, blood oranges, eggplant, and red grapes are all good sources of anthocyanins. Even the cocoa in dark chocolate contains this antioxidant.

February 21st, 2010
by GuestBlogger
Tags: anthocyanins, choline, Fitness, Guest Blog, omega 3 fatty acids, potassium, the athlete's palate, vitamin d, yishane lee
Posted in Fitness, Nutrition & Health