Healthy Living

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

5 Fads Not to Follow

Checkout these 5 Bad Fads Not to Follow (plus 5 Good Fad-Free Tips to Try Instead)

By Laurel House

Open any tabloid and you’re sure to find some crazy fad diet that promises a quick fat-loss fix. And what pudding proves it works? Celebrities of course! That’s not to say that all starlets are fond of fads, just those who swear by weigh-less waters or ice cream diets as their secret slimming trick. Let me tell you something: Fads are called “fads” because their popularity quickly fizzles. If it was something that actually worked, it would last and therefore wouldn’t be called a fad.  

Zen Gray, an ExerciseTV trainer, targets 5 particularly offensive fads on “Fads Not to Follow,” an episode of her show “The Skinny.” From diet pills to laxatives- which she calls “bulimia from the back end,” even the master cleanse- a starvation-ish detox with a cult-like following, Zen isn’t afraid to give it to you straight with a distinct edge. Refreshing. “You know, crack heads are pretty skinny... but I wouldn't want to be one. Skeletons just don't turn me on and I like my teeth, thanks. And staying alive is a bonus, too.” We like her!


Watch the episode below!



So if you can’t depend on fads to melt fat off, and you aren’t into getting fit the old fashioned way (that would be diet and exercise), what are instant gratification junkies supposed to do? While, the only real way to trim down long term is, yes, a healthy diet and exercise, Zen does have a few tricks up her sleeve.


Here are 5 fad-free tips to help make you look and even feel leaner now!

1. Drink LOTS of Water- Drink half your body weight in ounces in water every day. Not diet soda, not some powered up drink with a toxic glow... just water. Most of us walk around dehydrated. If your urine has ANY color to it, you are slightly dehydrated. Watch the pounds melt off. Seriously, it works.


2. Stop Stressing- Stress can make you hold onto belly fat. So I tell people to relax and get as much sleep as they possibly can... on top of making healthier food choices and fitting in daily exercise.


3. Slather on the Tanner- Firming moisturizers and self-tanning products can actually make you appear to be slimmer than you are by smoothing the texture of the skin (ahem… cellulite) and enhancing contours and muscle tone.


4. Get a Killer Outfit with Sexy Shoes- I don't care if I've put on a few pounds, when I get out mysexy dress and diva shoes... I am looking and feeling good! 


5. Act Confident- Walk into a room with your head held high, chest out and a big smile on your face. Nothing is more sexy than confidence (or the illusion of it!) And if you don't feel confident? Fake it 'till you make it, baby. Studies prove that motion creates emotion. So if you ACT like you're hot stuff, pretty soon you'll believe it, too.



***Just don’t forget that while tricks may appear to be quick fixes, real fat loss comes from a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Try switching your chair at work for this STABILITY BALL and you'll see a defined, slimmer core in just a week!

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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 18
  • Lauren's Avatar
    Posted by Lauren Wed Aug 12, 2009 3:38pm PDT

    Seriously a hot pair of shoes can make me feel amazing every time I slip them on...sometimes when my boyfriend isn't home I'll put on my sexy shoes and just walk around our place in them. It's like an instant confidence boost when I'm feeling a little insecure.

    Report Abuse
  • ENELES's Avatar
    Posted by ENELES Fri Oct 16, 2009 7:25am PDT

    yap water is life guys.lets just drink and drink it

    Report Abuse
  • Angel's Avatar
    Posted by Angel Thu Oct 29, 2009 1:04pm PDT

    I love Zen!! I remember her from the first season of Workout... She was my favorite!!

    Report Abuse
  • MissK's Avatar
    Posted by MissK Thu Oct 29, 2009 1:33pm PDT

    Oh, I knew I knew her from somewhere. She looks GOOD - much better than she did on the show. Is this really true about sitting on the ball instead of a chair??? I will totally do this.

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  • Mary's Avatar
    Posted by Mary Thu Oct 29, 2009 2:30pm PDT

    Ex-Lax is a laxative, not a diuretic.

    Report Abuse
  • S's Avatar
    Posted by S Mon Nov 2, 2009 7:35am PST

    Nice post and really interesting.

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  • Maria's Avatar
    Posted by Maria Mon Nov 2, 2009 9:39am PST

    I actually used the QuickTrim and it worked for me, I still ate healthy I just needed to get rid of the stomach bloating and it made my jeans feel looser. Worked for me,

    Report Abuse
  • vixenvena's Avatar
    Posted by vixenvena Mon Nov 2, 2009 9:51am PST

    Where's the space helmet? I always feel sexy in my space helmet.

    Report Abuse
  • ^v^ Prsclla ^v^'s Avatar
    Posted by ^v^ Prsclla ^v^ Mon Nov 2, 2009 10:04am PST

    ha that ladys funny

    Report Abuse
  • Kitten's Avatar
    Posted by Kitten Mon Nov 2, 2009 11:43am PST

    What about those of us who always have a tan? I always look and feel 100% better when my confidence is up and my heels are high.

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-10 of 18

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