Friday Health/Fitness Blitz

According to CNN, Americans are working more hours every year. This means desk jockeyettes are sitting longer and exercising less. Even when you log a morning or evening sweat session, the chains that bind you to that secretary spread-inducing seat begin to take their toll. Here are some quick tips to keep fit and healthy even when long hours beckon. Make your healthy lifestyle count!

Got 5 minutes? Burn 10 calories!
According to fitness experts, you should be finding a way to burn atleast 10 extra calories an hour. This is surprisingly simple to accomplish. Try standing for 5 minutes while you're on that long conference call or set an alarm on your Entourage or Outlook to alert you to get up every hour and walk to the front of your office and back. Even small changes like forcing you to get off your tush once an hour can make a big difference in how you look and feel.

Lunch Hour Hints
Nevermind that the term "lunch hour" is fast becoming a laughable notion. Most women report scarfing their lunches and/or not really paying to what they are putting into their bodies. Try these helpful hints:
1. Quit that Clean Plate Club! Order or take the same portions you normally would and then eat only 80% of what is on your plate. And I'm not talking about eating ALL the rice on your plate and leaving some of the veggies behind. Make smart choices. You'll find that you're just as satisfied without swallowing your entire entree.
2. Take your time! That mind/body conundrum is no myth-- it takes your mind and stomach time to connect. Try watching the clock the next time you nosh. You'll notice a big difference in how much your eating and your satisfaction quotient when you take 20 full minutes to munch.
3. Watch out for office pitfalls. I like to keep my desk stocked with healthy choices like those great Quaker Oatmeal Raisin granola bars, dried fruit and unsalted nuts. That way, when hunger strikes, I'm not heading straight for the vending machine or making a beeline for the plate of Friday morning donuts! Set aside a couple of minutes at the beginning of the week to put together a few bags of snacks you enjoy that are healthy for you.

Pencil Someone In...You!
Every woman's body and schedule is a little different but being "busy" is no excuse for skimping on your fitness. Program it into your PDA, write it on the wall calendar in your office or scribble it in your agenda-- however you remind yourself to exercise, just make sure you do so. "Every Sunday night, I map out my workouts for the week. That way, I treat it as a very important part of my schedules and I never break dates with myself!" says a reader. Another reader rewards herself for each week she keeps all of her fitness appointments. "I may be groaning when the alarm goes off, but I know if I don't get myself outta bed and run, I won't have earned my deluxe mani-pedi come Saturday!" Schedule, incentivize and motivate yourself. The payoff? Better health and a svelter, sexier you!

Monday's Health/Nutrition Discussion

Going Organic: Expensive Myth or a Way of Life?

Angelenos are always looking for the latest way to get fit and healthy: home of the Zone diet (delivered to your door, natch), fat flushes, colonics, Yoga Booty Ballet, Pilates, even strip tease workouts-- every other LA business is devoted to health in one way or another!

Meanwhile, there is a growing national concern that the icecaps are melting, our shores are unprotected, the Act has done little to produce the clean air it promised and a little movie fueled by a former VP is garnering support in box offices from coast to coast.

There is one particular place where the quest for health and the crusade for environmental responsibility collide: organic food! As the deba

Now, for most of us, informing the masses or making sweeping changes in public policy isn't an option. However, ALL of us have the ability to make some change, however small, in our corner of the world. Many of the people in my life are constantly searching for the key to health-- the latest data that enlightens us on how to lengthen the lifespan and protect our world. Part of the national environmental dialogue, especially in LA, revolves around the organic vs. non-organic debate. When I began to look into the debate, it made my head spin! Here, we'll dive into a quick tutorial about how food gains the elusive title "USDA Certified Organic", the pros and cons of organic goods and where to find these alleged superfoods!

Getting Certified
According to the USDA, to be considered "certified organic", farms must be observed by a USDA inspector who must then confirm that the farm's practices are in compliance with nationally recognized organic standards. Some of these standards include:
-- The absence of virtually all synthetic pesticides for atleast three years before they are eligible for certification
-- All livestock and poultry must have outdoor pasture access
-- All livestock and poultry must be free of hormones
-- All livestock and poultry must be fed on 100% organic feed
-- Employ soil building and crop rotation processes for sustainable agriculture

Now I know what you're saying. The scientific backup behind organics is all very nice to know but I just want to know how it relates to my health. According to scientist Dr. Christopher, thousands of new chemicals are created each year-- far too many for the USDA or other regulatory agencies to keep up with. She states that chemicals mutate so quickly that it is impossible to keep the list of known carinogens up to date. What's more, in areas where synthetic pesticides are widely used (such as among non-organic farms), instances of deadly cancers skyrocket. The possibility of my genetically altered chicken or pesticide preserved lettuce causing cancer in myself or those I love is enough to make me open to the idea of an organic lifestyle!

Another bonus is that buying organic supports the small, specialized and in most cases, local farmer. This promotes neighborhood sustainability and a greater connection to one's health. As one close friend and organic buyer likes to say, "Going to a farmer's market on the weekend and buying exotic, organic products completely changes your relationship with your food!"

"Great!", you may be saying, "Where do I start?" There are some drawbacks to the organic lifestyle, however and it is good to be prepared before you go grocery shopping with your new, organic-devotee mindset. You may have noticed that several celebs are on the organic bandwagon-- it seems as though every new celebrity interview has them waxing poetic about the benefits or organic living in one way or another. This is because they can afford it. The organic lifestye is not cheap nor is it always practical-- organic produce can cost $2 more per pound on average than non-organic foods. Also, because they are free from pesticides and preservatives, fruit and produce browns or wilts more quickly and meats cannot be kept as long. The main operatives of the organic lifestyle are for health and freshness, however, so as far as these cons go, it may be a small price for the organic devotee to pay.

Where to Buy:

-- Whole Foods Market
With locations in over 30 states and an enviable perch atop both the Fortune 100's Fastest Growing and Best Companies to Work For lists, Whole Foods is becoming a national organic buyers haven. The "Whole Philosophy" is built on a "Declaration for Interdependence" which pledges to seek out the highest quality organic products from a trusted network of local farmers. An accessible and national chain, Whole Foods also endeavors to make you feel good about where you shop.
Find a location near you @ www.wholefoods.com

-- Bristol Farms
Angelenos know and love this self-proclaimed "extraordinary foods store" which specializes in high-quality organic and specialty gourmet products. Shopping here is truly a joy and Bristol Farms' relationships with several local organic farms ensures that products are always fresh. Take the virtual tour at www.bristolfarms.com

--Gelson's
Another California health staple, Gelson's is the "Super market" in every sense of the phrase. With an ever-growing stock of locally grown organic produce and certified organic meats and cheeses, Gelson's has everything you need to begin your foray into organic living. Find everything for your organic barbeque at www.gelsons.com

-- Farmer's Markets
I have several friends who won't shop anywhere but at their weekly farmer's market. Angelenos are especially devoted to the local bazaars offering an array of the finest, freshest and most exotic foods and look forward to these weekly trips as an all-day event. Some local favorites include the Hollywood/Ivar Farmer's Market Sundays from 8-1, the Larchmont Blvd. Farmer's Market Sundays 10-2, the West Hollywood Farmer's Market Mondays 10-2, and the Santa Monica Farmer's Market Saturdays 10-1. There is a myriad of options at these open-air delights, and you can be assured of the practices of the farmer because you're buying directly from the man himself! For more information or to find a Farmer's Market in your area, please visit these helpful sites: www.farmernet.com or www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/map.htm

Here's to your health!

Friday's Beauty Tip

SUMMERIZE YOUR SCENT!

Now that the sun is shining, you've stripped down to that sexy bikini AND you've bothered to paint those toes that were in hibernation for the past few months, don't you think it's time you lighten up on your scent, too? The musky eaus of fall and winter, while sexy, can feel heavy in sultry heat. Don't want to part with the essence of your scent? Luckily, many of the top designers have you covered with lighter versions of your favorites. Some to try:

Ralph Lauren spices up his college co-ed beauty staple, Ralph, with a new, summery version, Ralph Hot. With notes of mocha, cinnamon and maple, it's as sensual as a poolside romp and definitely as delightful! Available at Polo.com

One of my fragrance staples, Dior J'adore, goes light with the aptly named Dior J'adore Summer Fragrance. Orchids splashed with Damascus plum and amaranth wood round out this truly sophisticated, feminine scent. Available at Macys.com

Remember that 90's uber-chic, unisex fragrance of choice among supermodels and high school hipsters alike? Well dear girls, cK One has gone beachy-clean with cK One Summer. With a bottle that looks like ocean fading into sunlight and lush notes of pineapple, grapefruit, driftwood and tangerine, this sweet scent is as sparklingly refreshing as they come. Available at Ulta.com

And some other summer favorites:

The utilitarian packaging may throw a girly girl off but a cult following and thousands of celeb fans can't be wrong. Comptoir Sud Pacifique wrote the book on tropical, exotic scents that are light enough for daily wear but sexy enough to stick around come 6PM cocktails. The current favorite of the fashion set is Vanille Citrus-- the flirty notes of Brazilian orange, Tahitian vanilla and pink Hibiscus instantly transport you from desk-side to oceanside. Available at Sephora.com

Fresh has minimalist chic down to a science so it's no surprise that their simple Lemon Sugar parfum with notes of Italian lemon, lychee flower and caramel, leaves you feeling downright pretty. Available at Amazon.com's Beauty Shop

Wanting to ditch your spritz altogether?
Try the Body Shop's Scent-Me bath oil. Not only can you freshen up and fragrance at once, but this line is seriously personalized. Choose any of the Body Shop's trademark perfume oils to sensualize your shower. Available at thebodyshop.com

Want instant gratification? Scope out Nordstrom's serious scent section, drop in to Fred Segal beauty or swing by my personal favorite, Larchmont Beauty boutique in Hancock Park.

Happy sniffing, girls!