Discussion: What are you doing to gear up for Halloween?

Are you going to dress up for Halloween this year? It seems like every year the costumes get more scandelous and revealing. Don't hide behind a huge costume like spongebob or a giant apple. Find a costume that flaunts what you got and makes you feel sexy!

Some of us may still be a bit nervous to wear those short skirts and shoes since we've slowed down on the gym time and increased our eating post-summer.

We want to know--what ideas do you have to tone up by Halloween?

*Photo credit: SHAPE magazine

Stop Whining and Start Losing

I recently came upon a well-timed article in Fitness Magazine (September 2010) focused on all the excuses we ladies use to go for that second cupcake, that second plate of mac and cheese, or the blueberry scone at Starbucks. I'm definitely one who always finds an excuse to indulge, hence my issue with weight-loss lately. They have some great suggestions and I wanted to share them with you:

• PMS: According to the article, those who are prone to PMS expierence a drop in the brain chemical serotonin, and that can cause a spike in appetite--especially cravings for carbs. How to take control? Track your cycle using mymonthlycycles.com or the iPeriod app. In the week before and during your period reach for healthy, high-fiber snacks every few hours and choose those that provide a steady release of energy and satisfy your sweet or salty tooth. For example, strawberries and melted dark chocoloate or three cups of air-popped popcorned sprinkled with Parmesean.




• Stress: Whether your planning a wedding or under a tight-deadline, when you're in stress-mode your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, prompting temporary spikes in energy, metabolism, and blood surgar. How to take control? Make a list of calorie-free stress busters which might include taking a walk around the block or listening to relaxing music. You can also opt for healthy protien like lean turkey or low-fat cottage cheese.




• You've been good all week (this one hit the target for me): People in the U.S. consume an average of 115 calories more per day on the weekend. This adds up to an extra five pounds a year and jeans that are too tight. How to take control? Spread out your rewards...a glass of wine one day, a frozen yogurt the next. Schedule a pre-dinner visit to the gym or go for a walk.

So tell us, do you have any "take control" tips to share? I think I've used every excuse in the article but you can read all the advice here.

We Put a Cleansing System to the Test: Dr. Natura's Colonix System

I have to admit, I was a bit nervous to start this cleansing program. Why? Well for one, when i think of cleansing, I think of the need to use the ladies room every 30 minutes. That doesn't seem job-friendly, especially when I teach my BodyPump class! And second, when I read that I have to do something in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening...I thought, well this ain't for me! I'm not one to stick to any sort of program. For example, I'm a huge fan of WeightWatchers, always will be, but my lifestyle doesn't allow me to stick to any system when it comes to eating or working out. I do what I can do, when I can do it!

Since Dr. Natura was so kind enough to give us a free sample to share our honest feedback with our fellow goddesses, I decided to give it a try. We love our readers, so it was an easy decision. After a nudge, I've finally started the program. I don't feel much of a change...I'm not going to the ladies room every 30 minutes, so that's a relief! There's a tea that you drink in the evening. I do like tea, and it helps me unwind from a hectic day.

So keep visiting because I'll be giving another update next week! In the meantime, have you tried Dr. Natura's cleasing system? What about another cleansing system? What works for you? Why do you not want to do a cleansing system? Tell us!

Breast Cancer Awareness: What can you do to beat the odds?

Beyond the fact that we as black women already have issues with our hair, fighting against our genes, etc. we also have to worry about breast cancer. Last year, National Public Radio (NPR), reported that African American women ages 35 to 44 have a death rate from breast cancer twice that of white women the same age. In fact, find out where YOU stand by taking the National Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Risk Assessment tool: http://www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/

So what can we do to reduce our risk? Here are some quick and easy tips that we gathered to keep the 'ladies' in check:

• Regular exercise. Just 45 minutes to an hour of cardio a day can help. Need more proof? A recent University study showed that black women who exercise drop their risk of breast cancer by 65%!


• Cut back on the alcohol. Instead that vino afterwork, snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa.


• Eat less red meat. Who doesn't love chicken?


• Increase your calcium.


• Reduce your fat intake and increase your veggies.


• Know your family history. The more you know if you breast cancer runs in your family, the more you and your doctor can work together to keep your breasts healthy.


• Be sure your doctor does an exam at least once every 3 years. And do a yearly self breast exam.

Need more? We found SELF magazine's(co-founder of the PINK ribbon) Women's (UnScary) Cancer Handbook Resource Guide.

*Photo Credit: Essence.com