You really can’t make this stuff up. Not too long ago I heard a woman in Whole Foods ask a store clerk which brand of vegan lip moisturizer had more calories. Lucky for her, the employee was super polite and actually stopped to read the tiny print on the two lip-balm labels before shaking his head and apologizing that he couldn’t help her. I can say with certainty that if she had asked me the same question, I would’ve promptly snatched the organic low-carb baguette from her shopping basket and whacked her over the head with it.

Why some women remain obsessed with calories, fat grams, carbs, inches, pounds, and God knows what other measurements we can obsess over, is beyond me. Now there are certain substances we do need to watch, such as our sodium and sugar intake, and foods we need to make sure we’re consuming … //READ MORE

I had been overweight my entire life. But after the birth of my second daughter, things truly got out of control. According to my scale, I was the heaviest I’d ever been. None of my clothes fit. And aside from feeling the typical new-mom exhaustion, I was feeling sloppy and depressed. In an effort to cheer me up, my mother came over with an old video of my first birthday. All of us—my mom, my eldest daughter, my “skinny husband” and me, nursing the baby—sat on the couch to watch. There on the screen we saw a chubby, curly-haired little brunette in a white dress. I thought I looked cute. But Skinny Husband, who I’m sure had no malicious intent, looked from the screen to me, and back to the screen and said, “Oh, look dear. You were fat even then.”

My heart sank and that familiar feeling rumbled in the pit of my stomach. I wasn’t mad, but embarrassed. Like a teenager on a bad date. Like I wanted to crawl under the coffee table and die. But this time something was different. A fire deep inside me had been ignited. That very day, I made a commitment with myself to never feel ashamed again because of my weight. I joined Weight Watchers and lost 64 pounds—almost 37 percent of my body weight—during the next 18 months. More than four years ago, thanks to my weight loss success, I became a Weight Watchers leader and have encountered thousands of women who want to make a similar change. I’ve noticed that sadly, most of those who enroll in the program don’t achieve their goals. But those who do succeed—and the women I know who find success with other health-and-fitness programs—have something in common … //READ MORE

Coconut oil has been a dietary, medicinal and beauty staple for ages. It’s a high-quality fat with a large concentration of lauric acid, a substance with antibacterial properties. It’s easy on your digestive system, provides a great energy boost and may improve the absorption of fat-solutable vitamins. Its natural sweetness and nutty vanilla flavor, plus its ability to withstand high temperatures and keep for as long as a year at room temperature, make it perfect for cooking.

These are just some of the benefits of virgin coconut oil, which has become amazingly popular over the past couple of years. These days you’ll find it not only at every health food store, but at most ordinary grocery stores too. And for good reason. Derived from the kernel of a mature coconut fruit (coconuts are fruits, not tree nuts), this healthy, versatile oil has got it going on. Whether used medicinally, cosmetically or as a household product, it deserves a place in your pantry or medicine cabinet. Here, 10 great uses … //READ MORE

Is running your passion? Do you enjoy the exhilaration of racing competitively? Would you love to get discounts or free samples of products you love? If you said yes to all the above, consider becoming a brand ambassador.

Most female athletes don’t know they’re qualified to get sponsored in their next race. Once upon a time, a runner needed to have an elite status with a “pro card,” or at least qualify with fast times at exclusive races. But over the last decade, the media has completely changed the ways of traditional brand sponsorships. Everyday athletes, even those who aren’t particularly fast, are increasingly getting in on the act. They’re representing prestigious brands and, in turn, receiving valuable perks such as free race entries, product discounts and freebies, and sometimes even cash.

What’s required to be an ambassador? Can you really be a back-of-the-pack  run/walker or even a mud runner? The truth is you can! Here are several ways to put yourself in the running to represent the brand of your choice. … //READ MORE

You may think everyone in your orbit has long been doing it—sun saluting, tree posing and namaste-ing. I say: breathe. Truth is there are plenty of yoga virgins out there. And just like you, they’re probably experiencing some anxiety as they prepare for their first yoga class.

While it has been years since my own personal de-flowering (thanks for a wonderful time, Mindful Body), I vividly remember what it was like. Plus I’m reminded whenever I spot a newbie in class. The giveaways? Fidgety energy, beseeching glances and shiny new yoga mats.

Relax. Ditching the nerves is easy. Just follow these tips for a blissful first class and a lifetime of happy oms. … //READ MORE

When you think of chocolate drinks, what probably comes to mind are powdery instant beverages that are stirred into milk, or else decadent soda-fountain treats. But lately, a new generation of ready-to-serve, cacao-infused concoctions has been popping up in health-food stores. They’re rich, creamy and—most of all—healthy. Low in sugar and fat, high in fiber and protein, and often organic, the neo-chocolate shake is anything but cocoa loco.

Cocoa Metro’s lowfat Belgian Chocolate Drink is a delicious, velvety treat I stumbled upon at Whole Foods Market. Made with all-natural ingredients, including reduced-fat milk and “heaps of Belgian chocolate,” this beverage also gets the award for the cleverest marketing. “You can fire your therapist,” the bottle reads. And, on another part of the package: “9 out of 10 people who wanted to be doctors agree” that the beverage rocks. Who could resist such wise-ass, hipster praise? … //READ MORE