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The 10-Minute Upper-Body Boot Camp
Sculpt slim, sexy arms with this quickie upper-body boot camp.
Propped Push-Up
What you’ll need: A 4- to 8-pound medicine ball
Targets: Shoulders, back, chest, triceps, and abs
* Start on all fours (knees under hips, back flat), both palms pressing into ball directly below chest, fingers pointed toward floor. Extend legs behind you and balance on toes so that you form a straight line from head to heels, with feet about 2 feet apart.
* Bend elbows to lower chest toward ball, keeping arms by sides, abs engaged and back flat. Exhale as you push back up, straightening arms.
* Do 8 reps. Rest 60 seconds; repeat.
Smash-Down
Targets: Shoulders, back, triceps, and abs
* Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding ball with both hands in front of thighs, abs engaged.
* Keeping shoulders down, swing ball up and slightly behind head, bending elbows, as you lift heels off floor and stand on tiptoes.
* Forcefully swing ball down toward knees while lowering heels to floor and bending knees in a slight squat.
* Return to stand. Do 15 reps. Rest for 30 seconds; repeat.
Star Pass
Targets: Shoulders, back, abs, obliques, and glutes
* With ball in left hand, extend arms out to sides at shoulder level, palms up.
* Lift right leg straight out to side and lean to left while maintaining balance.
* Lift arms overhead as you lean back to center, pass ball to right hand and switch legs. Lower arms to shoulder level and lean to right for 1 rep.
* Do 10 reps. Rest for 30 seconds; repeat.
Curl and Toss
Targets: Shoulders, back, biceps, triceps, and abs
* Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding ball in right hand, arms by sides.
* Curl ball up to right shoulder, keeping elbow by side.
* Bring left hand to right shoulder and use both hands to lightly toss ball straight up. * Catch ball with both hands and bring it to left shoulder. Holding ball with left hand, return right arm by side.
* Lower left arm. Repeat curl/toss on left for 1 rep.
* Do 12 reps, then repeat, going faster with good form.
Ball Flye
Targets: Shoulders, chest, and obliques
* Holding ball in right hand, lie faceup with legs lifted, knees bent 90 degrees.
* Extend arms straight up, directly over shoulders.
* Pass ball to left hand and slowly lower left arm straight out to left while lowering bent knees and right arm to right.
* As soon as right arm touches floor, bring legs and arms back to center. Pass ball to right hand and repeat on other side for 1 rep.
* Do 10 reps. Rest for 30 seconds; repeat.
7 Moves for a Slimmer Waist
Get an amazing ab rehab stat.
Side Plank-Up
Targets: Rectus and transversus abdominis, obliques, and inner thighs
* Lie on left side on floor with legs stacked and a rolled-up towel between thighs, propping torso on left elbow so that left forearm is perpendicular to torso. Make it easier: Stagger feet so that side of right foot is on floor in front of left foot for a wider base of support.
* Lift hips so that body forms a straight line from head to toe and squeeze towel between thighs. Hold for 1 count, then lower.
* Do 10 reps. Switch sides and repeat. Do 3 sets.
Round Back
Targets: Rectus and transversus abdominis
* Sit on a folded towel on floor with shoulder blades against a wall and knees bent, feet flat; make sure back is rounded. Place hands on floor near hips, fingertips pressed into floor.
* Squeeze abs and lift feet off floor, bring knees toward chest, then straighten legs so toes point toward ceiling. Do 10 pulses: Bring legs 1 inch closer to wall, then move them back 1 inch. Make it easier: Keep left foot on floor and bring extended right leg toward you by grasping right calf with both hands. Hold for 30 seconds; switch legs and repeat.
* Do 3 sets.
Fly Up
Target: Rectus abdominis
* Sit on a folded towel on floor, lean back to rest on elbows and place feet together on a wall in front of you so that knees are bent about 90 degrees.
* Extend legs up, keeping feet against wall, then press rounded lower back into floor and squeeze abs as you lift arms to reach toward feet, elbows soft. Make it harder: Press feet into wall as you reach.
* Do 20 pulses: Curl torso up 1 inch, then lower 1 inch.
* Do 3 sets, hugging knees to chest to rest between sets.
Pelvic Scoop
Targets: Lower back, rectus and transversus abdominis, obliques, and butt
* Lie faceup on floor with back resting on folded towel, knees bent and feet flat on floor, arms by sides.
* Cross right ankle onto left thigh just above knee so bent right knee points out to side; flex left foot so only heel rests on floor.
* Rounding lower back and squeezing abs, lift hips off floor so pelvis tilts up toward ribs. Curl pelvis as far as you can without arching back; pull abs in to lift rather than press through left heel. Lower to floor.
* Do 10 reps, holding the lift for 10 seconds on the final one. Switch sides and repeat. Do 3 sets.
C-Curve
Targets: Rectus and transversus abdominis, quads, inner thighs, and calves
* Stand facing a wall with legs together, squeezing rolled-up towel between thighs.
* With knees slightly bent, hinge forward at hips to place palms on wall, arms extended, so that back is nearly parallel to floor.
* Squeeze abs and towel as you rise onto toes, then do 20 pulses: Lower hips 1 inch, then raise them 1 inch. Make it harder: Start with knees bent 90 degrees so that hips are closer to knee level, then pulse.
* Do 3 sets.
Flat Back
Targets: Rectus and transversus abdominis
* Sit on floor with lower back against a wall, knees slightly bent and feet planted wider than shoulder-width apart. Place hands on floor between legs and squeeze abs.
* Press into floor with fingertips and lift feet about 6 inches. Make it easier: Lift and lower left foot; then repeat with right to complete 1 rep.
* Do 3 sets of 20 reps.
Twisted Curl
Targets: Rectus and transversus abdominis and obliques
* Sit on a folded towel on floor with knees bent and feet flat on floor, then lean back to rest on elbows.
* Press rounded lower back into floor, squeeze abs and curl torso up toward left, lifting arms so that both hands grasp outside of left thigh.
* Maintaining curl, release hands so that both hover to outside of thigh and do 20 pulses: Curl torso up toward left by 1 inch, then lower 1 inch. Make it easier: Keep hands on thigh for pulses. Make it harder: Raise arms overhead for pulses.
* Switch sides and repeat. Do 3 sets.
5 Exercises to Look Good in Short-Shorts
Tone your butt, thighs, and calves in just 15 minutes — and show some leg this summer.
90-Degree Lift
What you’ll need: A yoga mat (or a bath towel and a chair)
Targets: Butt, outer and inner thighs
* Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding one end of rolled-up mat (or chair back) in front of you with both hands.
* Bend knees slightly and hinge forward from hips, extending arms to plant vertical mat on floor a few feet in front of left foot so that back is parallel to floor.
* Keep both hands on top of mat for support and extend right leg out to side, toes pointed.
* Keeping abs engaged, back flat, and mat upright, exhale as you lift right leg out to side as high as possible. Hold for 3 seconds, then lower leg.
* Do 10 to 15 reps, holding the last leg lift for 10 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.
Standing Leg Curl
Targets: Hamstrings and calves
* Stand with feet together and place rolled-up mat (or towel) evenly behind right knee so that it’s parallel to floor. Lift right foot behind you with toes pointed, and pull heel toward butt to secure mat behind knee.
* Extend arms at shoulder level in front of you and clasp hands. (Beginners, use chair for balance.)
* Squeezing mat with leg throughout, lean forward slightly, keeping back flat, as you lift right knee behind you about 6 inches; lower.
* Do 20 pulses up and down. Switch legs and repeat.
Heaven and Earth
Targets: Back, abs, butt, and quads
* Stand with feet together, holding one end of rolled-up mat (or towel) in each hand, palms in, arms extended at shoulder level in front of you.
* Lower into a squat, then exhale slowly as you fold upper body over thighs, forming a ball: Tuck chin and bend elbows to pull mat to knees.
* Maintaining squat, uncurl upper body as you extend arms diagonally overhead.
* Return to tucked ball position. Do 15 reps.
Open and Shut
Targets: Shoulders, back, abs, and quads
* Stand with feet together, toes pointed out to sides, holding rolled-up mat (or towel) near ends in front of thighs with both hands.
* Extend right leg in front of you, toes on floor. Reach arms overhead, leaning back to form a diagonal line from right hand to right toes.
* Bring mat to shoulder level while lifting right leg to hip level in front of you. Hold for one breath; lower leg and lift arms.
* Do 10 reps. Switch legs and repeat.
Inverted Butterfly Leaps
Targets: Shoulders, back, arms, abs, inner thighs, and calves
* Stand with feet hip-width apart, straddling rolled-up mat (or towel).
* Bend over and place palms shoulder-width apart on floor so that body forms an inverted V.
* Bend knees slightly and lift heels off floor (onto tiptoes). Jump feet up about 12 inches and bring legs in, tapping feet together in midair (above mat), then landing back in an inverted V.
* Do 20 reps.
Get Fit Fast: 10-Minute Cardio and Toning
Get your cardio and your power sculpting done in one fierce, fast workout.
Jack and Tire Run Combo
What You’ll Need: a pair of 5-pound dumbbells
Targets: Shoulders, back, abs, butt, and legs
* Stand with feet hip-width apart, arms by sides. Do 4 jumping jacks.
* Immediately afterward, do a high-knee run in place. Bring left knee up and bent right elbow forward, then right knee up and left elbow forward. Repeat high knees 3 more times.
* Alternate between jacks and high knees for 30 seconds. Do 3 sets.
Squat Pop
Targets: Abs, butt, and legs
* Stand with feet together, arms by sides. Bend elbows, bringing hands in front of shoulders. Step right foot out to side and lower into a squat, knees bent 90 degrees.
* Jump straight up, bringing legs together and extending arms slightly behind you. Quickly step left foot out to side and lower into squat, bending elbows to bring hands in front of shoulders to complete 1 rep.
* Continue briskly alternating slides for 30 seconds. Do 3 sets.
Piston
Targets: Arms, abs, butt, and legs
* Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand, arms by sides, palms facing in. Lunge back with right leg, bending both knees 90 degrees.
* Keeping feet planted, straighten both legs as you bend elbows to curl dumbbells to shoulders, palms facing each other. Immediately return to lunge position, lowering weights by sides.
* Do 10 reps. Switch sides and repeat. Do 3 sets.
Plank Lunge Row
Targets: Shoulders, back, abs, butt, and legs
* A dumbbell in each hand, get into full push-up position; place dumbbells on the floor so that palms face each other.
* Lunge left leg forward so that foot lands outside of left hand, knee bent 90 degrees; return to push-up.
* Instantly drive bent left elbow behind you, bringing dumbbell up to rib cage; return to push-up.
* Do 5 to 10 reps. Switch sides and repeat. Do 3 sets.
Double-Time Wood Chop
Targets: Shoulders, arms, abs, obliques, butt, and legs
* Standing with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, cross dumbbells over each other and hold both with clasped hands in front of hips. (Beginners, use one dumbbell.) Bend elbows to bring weights above right shoulder.
* Pivot to the left, lifting right heel off floor and bending both knees 90 degrees as you lower dumbbells diagonally to outer left calf. Reverse motion back to standing position.
* Do 10 reps. Switch sides and repeat. Do 3 sets.
Weekend Slim Down: The 48-Hour Workout
If your workweek kept you from working out, this 48-hour fix will put you back on the fit track — fast!
How This Workout Works
Finally there’s a routine to help you make up for a Monday through Friday that was more stress than sweat. “These moves, including my signature you’ll-thank-me-later tush-toning trio, firm from head to toe while burning lots of fat,” says trainer Andrea Orbeck, founder of Prehab Health & Fitness studio in Los Angeles. Orbeck put together this plan exclusively for FITNESS, using the same training secrets that keep Heidi Klum lingerie-ready. Do the Saturday and Sunday exercises, adding 90 seconds of cardio — step-ups, jumping jacks, jumping rope, or your pick of the “Out-of-the-Box Cardio” — between moves as noted. Complete each day’s circuit twice to burn about 256 calories per 30-minute session.
What you’ll need: A set of 3- to 5-pound dumbbells, a step (optional)
Out-of-the-Box Cardio
Jogging in place (yawn) can make a workout feel like medicine. If you’re ready to take the fat-melting up a notch, make those 90-second bursts fly with these cardio options from Orbeck.
Run-Up: Stand in front of a low step, holding a dumbbell in each hand, elbows by sides and bent 90 degrees, palms facing each other. Quickly place left foot, then right foot, on step as you pump arms (as if running); quickly step left foot, then right foot, back to floor to complete 1 rep. Do 25 to 30 reps, alternating starting feet.
Iron Plie: Stand with heels together, toes slightly turned out and knees slightly bent, holding a dumbbell in each hand, elbows bent so that dumbbells are in front of shoulders, palms facing each other. Jump feet out to sides, landing with feet wider than shoulder-width apart, knees soft. Jump back to start. Do 25 to 30 reps.
Weighted Jacks: Stand with feet together, holding a dumbbell in each hand, elbows bent so weights are in front of shoulders, palms facing each other. Jump feet out to sides, landing with feet wider than shoulder-width apart, as you press dumbbells overhead (directly above shoulders). Lower weights as you jump back to start. Do 25 to 30 reps.
Sleeker Saturday Workout Routine
This routine will tone your shoulders, chest, triceps, and abs.
Lunge, Lift, and Press
Targets: Shoulders, abs, hips, and legs
* First, do 90 seconds of cardio.
* Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand, elbows bent so that weights are directly in front of shoulders, palms facing each other.
* Lunge backward with right leg, bending both knees 90 degrees.
* Press through left heel to come up to standing on left leg as you bring right leg directly out to side as high as you can and press left hand overhead, palm facing forward. Step back with right leg to return to lunge position, lowering dumbbell to left shoulder.
* Do 10 to 15 reps. Switch sides, repeat.
Shoulder Pendulum
Targets: Shoulders, triceps, abs, butt, and legs
* First, do 90 seconds of cardio.
* Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand in front of hips, palms facing in.
* Squat, bending knees 90 degrees, as you raise extended arms directly in front of you to shoulder level, palms facing down.
* Stand up, lowering arms and bringing them behind you as far as possible, palms facing backward. Return directly to squat position.
* Do 10 to 15 reps
Boxer’s Curl
Targets: Shoulders, chest, and abs
* Lie faceup on floor with knees bent and feet flat, holding a dumbbell in each hand and bending elbows by sides so that weights are hovering above chest, palms facing in.
* Curl shoulder blades off floor, rotating to the right as you extend left arm across body until left hand is near right thigh, palm facing down.
* Rotate back to center, and without resting shoulders on floor, immediately rotate to the left, bringing right arm across body to complete 1 rep.
* Do 10 to 15 reps.
Walk-Out
Targets: Chest and abs
* First, do 90 seconds of cardio.
* Start on floor in full push-up position: balancing on hands and toes, arms extended, with hands directly below shoulders.
* MAKE IT EASIER: Stay in modified push-up position, on knees.
* Walk right hand forward about 1 foot, then walk left hand forward 1 foot.
* Walk right hand, then left hand, back to full push-up to complete 1 rep.
* Do 8 to 10 reps.
Reach-Through
Targets: Shoulders, abs, and obliques
* Holding a dumbbell in right hand, start on floor in plank position: balancing on forearms and toes.
* MAKE IT EASIER: Do exercise without dumbbell.
* Lift right arm off floor as you rotate into a side plank: Turn torso to the right so that right shoulder points up, and pivot on toes so that sides of feet rest on floor, right foot in front of left (hips stacked).
* Extend right arm directly up, then lower dumbbell and rotate torso to left, tucking right arm under torso so that dumbbell extends past left side of rib cage. Return to side plank, extending right arm overhead.
* Do 8 reps. Switch sides, repeat.
Slimmer Sunday Workout Routine
These flab fighters work your back, biceps, butt, and legs.
Row with Arabesque
Targets: Shoulders, upper back, and butt
* First, do 90 seconds of cardio.
* Stand on right leg with left toes on floor slightly behind you, holding a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing fronts of thighs.
* Lifting left leg behind you and hinging slightly at hips, bend elbows as you bring them out to sides at shoulder level so that forearms point forward, palms face down.
* Lower arms and left leg to start position.
* Do 10 to 15 reps. (Switch legs for this move when you repeat the routine.)
Plie Biceps Curl
Targets: Biceps, butt, and inner thighs
* First, do 90 seconds of cardio.
* Stand with heels together, toes turned out slightly and knees slightly bent, holding a dumbbell in each hand in front of hips, palms facing forward.
* Lower into a demi-plie, knees bent out to sides up to 90 degrees.
* Straighten legs to standing as you curl dumbbells to shoulders.
* Lower arms as you return to demi-plie.
* Do 10 to 15 reps.
Single-Leg Deadlift
Targets: Back, butt, and hamstrings
* Stand on right leg, knee slightly bent, with toes of left foot on floor slightly behind you, holding a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing fronts of thighs.
* Keeping back flat, bend forward at hips until back is parallel to floor and dumbbells hang directly below shoulders, extending left leg behind you to hip level. Do 10 reps. Switch sides, repeat.
Table Tuck
Targets: Shoulders, back, abs, and butt
* First, do 90 seconds of cardio.
* Start on floor on all fours (hands under shoulders, knees under hips), holding a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing each other.
* MAKE IT EASIER: Do move without dumbbells.
* Bring right elbow and left knee toward each other underneath belly.
* Quickly extend right arm forward and left leg directly behind you so that they are parallel to floor.
* Bring right elbow to left knee to continue.
* Do 10 to 15 reps. Switch sides, repeat.
Tush-Toning Trio
Targets: Butt, hips, and thighs
* Lie on left side, head resting on upper left arm, right hand on hip, legs stacked and slightly in front of you; bend knees 90 degrees. (This is start position.)
* Maintaining knee bend, lift shins so that left knee remains on floor and heels are higher than hips.
* Keeping heels together, lift right knee so it points up. Lower right knee to complete 1 rep. Do 10 reps.
* From start position, lift bent right leg until it forms a 45-degree angle with floor, then extend it. Bend right knee, then lower to complete 1 rep. Do 10 reps.
* From start position, again lift bent right leg to 45 degrees, then press heel back about 12 inches. Lower leg to return to start. Do 10 reps. Switch sides and repeat trio.
Workout Playlist
For motivation to move every muscle, the right music goes a long way. “This playlist has fun beats to rock the circuits I created,” says Orbeck, whose clients have been known to bust out dancing mid-rep.
“Whatcha Say” - Jason Derulo Jason Derulo - Whatcha Say - Single - Whatcha Say
“Obsessed” - Mariah Carey Mariah Carey - Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel - Obsessed
“Strict Machine” - Goldfrapp Goldfrapp - Black Cherry - Strict Machine
“Sex on Fire” - Kings of Leon Kings of Leon - Only By the Night (Deluxe Version) - Sex On Fire
“Shove It” - Santigold, featuring Spank Rock Santigold - Santigold - Shove It (feat. Spank Rock)
“Sexy Chick” - David Guetta, featuring Akon David Guetta - One Love - Sexy Chick (feat. Akon)
“Electric Feel” - MGMT MGMT - Oracular Spectacular - Electric Feel
“Run This Town” - Jay-Z, featuring Rihanna and Kanye West Jay-Z - Run This Town (feat. Rihanna & Kanye West) - Single - Run This Town (feat. Rihanna & Kanye West)
“Mercy” - Duffy, featuring The Game Duffy - Rockferry - Mercy
“Can’t Stop” - Maroon 5 Maroon 5 - It Won’t Be Soon Before Long - Can’t Stop
Total time: 36:45
10 Foods to Eat for Flat Abs
Try these ab-flattening foods to boost your abs routine’s effectiveness, control belly bloat, and maintain a healthy metabolism. Here, the top 10 foods for flat abs.
Almonds
These delicious and versatile nuts contain filling protein and fiber, not to mention vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. They’re also a good source of magnesium, a mineral your body must have in order to produce energy, build and maintain muscle tissue, and regulate blood sugar. “A stable blood-sugar level helps prevent cravings that can lead to overeating and weight gain,” says David Katz, MD, a professor at the Yale University School of Medicine. But what makes almonds most interesting is their ability to block calories. Research indicates that the composition of their cell walls may help reduce the absorption of all of their fat, making them an extra-lean nut.
Try for: An ounce a day (about 23 almonds), with approximately 160 calories. An empty Altoids tin will hold your daily dose perfectly.
Eggs
You won’t find a more perfect protein source. Eggs are highly respected by dietitians because of their balance of essential amino acids (protein building blocks used by your body to manufacture everything from muscle fibers to brain chemicals). We like them because they keep our hands out of the cookie jar. Researchers at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center found that when people ate eggs in the morning, they felt less hungry throughout the day than when breakfast consisted of complex carbohydrates like bagels. “The protein and fat in the egg may be contributing to the feeling of satiety,” says lead researcher Nikhil V. Dhurandhar, PhD.
Try for: One egg a day, unless you have high blood cholesterol, in which case you should check with your doctor first. (One egg packs about 213 milligrams of cholesterol.)
Soy
Soybeans are a great source of antioxidants, fiber, and protein. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. Snack on dry-roasted soybeans, toss shelled edamame into soups, and slip a spoonful of silken tofu into your morning smoothie. Liquid soy also makes a good meal replacement: A study from the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that overweight subjects who drank a soy milk-based meal replacement lost more weight than those who consumed a traditional dairy-based diet drink.
Try for: Twenty-five grams of whole (not isolated) soy protein daily. A half cup of steamed edamame contains about 130 calories and 11 grams of protein. Four ounces of tofu (94 calories) contain 10 grams. Choose whole soy foods over products packed with “isolated soy protein” — the latter may not provide all the benefits of whole soybeans.
Apples
A 2003 study in the journal Nutrition found that overweight women who consumed three apples or pears a day for three months lost more weight than their counterparts who were fed a similar diet with oat cookies instead of fruits. “A large apple has 5 grams of fiber, but it’s also nearly 85 percent water, which helps you feel full,” explains Elisa Zied, RD, author of So What Can I Eat?! (Wiley, 2006). Apples also contain quercetin, a compound shown to help fight certain cancers, reduce cholesterol damage, and promote healthy lungs.
Try for: An apple (or two) a day. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that the Red Delicious, Cortland, and Northern Spy varieties had the highest antioxidant activity.
Berries
Most are loaded with fiber, every dieter’s best friend. The more fiber you eat — experts say that it’s best to get between 25 and 35 grams every day — the fewer calories you absorb from all the other stuff you put in your mouth. That’s because fiber traps food particles and shuttles them out of your system before they’re fully digested. Berries (and other fruits) are also high in antioxidants, which not only help protect you from chronic diseases like cancer but may also help you get more results from your workouts. “Antioxidants help improve blood flow, which can help muscles contract more efficiently,” says Dr. Katz.
Try for: At least half a cup daily, or about 30 calories’ worth. Don’t limit yourself to the usual suspects, like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. If you can find them, add boysenberries, gooseberries, and black currants to the mix for excitement.
Leafy Greens
Their cancer-preventing carotenoids won’t help shrink your waistline, but their low calorie count definitely will. One cup of spinach contains only about 40 calories, while a cup of broccoli has 55 calories and satisfies 20 percent of your day’s fiber requirement. Most leafy greens are also a good source of calcium, an essential ingredient for muscle contraction. In other words, they help fuel your workouts.
Try for: Three servings daily. Keep a bag of prewashed baby spinach in your fridge and toss a handful into soups, salads, pasta dishes, stir-fries, and sandwiches. When you get sick of spinach, reach for a bunch of arugula, broccoli rabe, or broccolini, a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale.
Yogurt
People who get their calcium from yogurt rather than from other sources may lose more weight around their midsection, according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity. The probiotic bacteria in most yogurts help keep your digestive system healthy, which translates into a lower incidence of gas, bloating, and constipation, which can keep your tummy looking flat.
Try for: One to three cups a day of low-fat or fat-free yogurt. Choose unsweetened yogurt that contains live active cultures. Add a handful of fresh chopped fruit for flavor and extra fiber.
Veggie Soup
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University found that people who ate broth-based (or low-fat cream-based) soups two times a day were more successful in losing weight than those who ate the same amount of calories in snack food. Soup eaters also maintained, on average, a total weight loss of 16 pounds after one year. “Plus, it’s a simple way to get your vegetables,” says Susan Kleiner, PhD, RD, author of Power Eating (Human Kinetics, 2001).
Try for: At least one cup of low-calorie, low-sodium vegetable soup every day.
Salmon
Seafood, especially fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel, is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. These uber-healthy fats may help promote fat burning by making your metabolism more efficient, according to Kleiner. An Australian study showed that overweight people who ate fish daily improved their glucose-insulin response. Translated, this means that seafood may help slow digestion and prevent cravings. If that doesn’t hook you, consider this: Seafood is an excellent source of ab-friendly protein.
Try for: Two four-ounce servings per week. Wild salmon, though pricey, contains more omega-3 fatty acids than farm-raised. (If it doesn’t say wild, it’s farm-raised.) If seafood’s not your thing, you can get your omega-3’s from flaxseed (grind and sprinkle on your cereal) or walnuts.
Quinoa
Never heard of it? Pronounced KEEN-wah, this whole grain contains 5 grams of fiber and 11 grams of protein per half cup. Cook it as you would any other grain (although some brands require rinsing). Quinoa’s nutty flavor and crunchy-yet-chewy texture are like a cross between whole wheat couscous and short-grain brown rice.
Try for: At least one half-cup serving (a third of your whole-grain requirements) per day. Try substituting AltiPlano Gold brand instant quinoa hot cereal (160 to 210 calories per packet), in Chai Almond and Spiced Apple Raisin, for oatmeal. Look for it in health-food stores.
At a recent retreat I gave, when the women talked about how much they hated themselves and what they looked like, and told me that they refused to be kind and say nice things to themselves until they lost weight, I gave them this picture of their inner child. I told them to sit quietly and think of themselves at that young age, and think of who said those mean and cruel words to them and how it felt. Look at this innocent child who did nothing wrong. The tears came pouring down their faces as they realized that little girl was still inside of them, and how hurtful those words still feel today. If you want to stop binge eating food, start bingeing on words. Words of love and praise go a long way in helping build self-esteem. Even if you think yours is broken, it can be repaired. Not by continuing the hatred, but by nurturing the wounds. Binge on your kind words, they are non caloric and they don’t cost anything!
