Happy Holidays!

Happy holidays to all! I'm taking a little break from the blog – see you in the new year! Keep the faith, stay healthy, watch those cravings and, above all else, be good to yourself.

New research!

If there is one thing current researchers are citing in journals it's this – women, far more than men, want emotional and social support and encouragement from friends and family members when it comes to physical activity. A study cited in a recent issue of The American Journal of Health Promotion says the research is pervasive – emotional support is also a major factor in women (again, much more than men) sticking with the kind of training they are doing. What's fascinating to me is that women seek out magazines – like Oxygen and its specials – for support and that is precisely what we offer. So, think of our Oxygen collector's issues in exactly that way – we are literally packing the pages with the kind of information and encouragement you need for a balanced, well-rounded life. Check it out on December 29th! (And let me know if you look for external support from friends and family...and any obstacles that have come your way – I'll get a bunch together and share them with you!) See you on Friday.

Age is no excuse!

When it comes to fitness or eating clean, you have to listen to others (truly). At least, that's what I learned chatting to veteran bodybuilders Anja Langer and Marjo Selin when I joined the two of them and best-selling author and columnist Tosca Reno for a day this past summer. These three women were so inspiring – each shared how she modified her training and diet as she aged. All were unanimous in one thought – you can't use your age as an excuse to gain weight and get out of shape. And these three formidable women were living examples of exactly that premise. I recalled our conversation this summer when I spoke to Oxygen's Fat Loss special collector's issue cover girl Kim Dolan-Leto on set during her photo shoot. Check out our conversation on my blog over the next couple months. And keep an eye out for the special, on newsstands December 29! p.s. keep training – it'll keep you sane over the holidays!

"Ditch Junk Food" (it's easier than you think)

Ok, so I know what you're thinking: It really isn't as easy as you think it is to stop eating junk food, especially at this time of year. You likely think it's easier for me to do it because I'm fortunate to be surrounded at work with like-minded clean-eating colleagues. But, as we note in our upcoming Oxygen collector's special, Fat Loss, if you approach it one step at a time, getting off the junk food train isn't as overwhelming as it may appear. In the article "Your New Hot Body!" on page 116, you'll get the goods on how exactly you can do it – in five easy steps. Plus, we not only tell you how to do it, but what to do before you even start! I'm really excited about this new issue – join me on Friday and we'll chat a little more about it. In the meantime, let me know how you're doing this time of year and how you stay away from drive-thrus and take out food. Any tips to share? Have your say!

"My weight-loss bible!"

I got a letter a little while ago from a reader who, like you or me, needs a little nudge now and again to stay motivated and on track with the Oxygen lifestyle. I’m hoping that she enjoys our next Oxygen collector’s special, Fat Loss, on newsstands December 29. What a terrific way to start the new year! We’ve packed this issue with lots of great stuff, sure to kickstart your 2010 in the right direction. Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes of our cover shoot with Kim Dolan-Leto – her comeback story is truly inspiring!

I’ll chat with you Monday! And thanks to Sherri for sending me this note….

“I’m 37, with three boys and married for 18 years. I just wanted to say your Off the Couch! issue was great – I actually got off the couch. I felt all the women in this issue were so real and strong – I actually turned this issue into a weight- loss bible complete with notes in the margins.”

Pick up Oxygen's next collectors special, Fat Loss – on newsstands December 29!

Your #1 Fat Loss Secret

I have to share with you what a friend of mine said to me over the weekend. She’s in her 30s, happily married, with a wonderful daughter just about to start school. Her life, as is most of ours, is a rich, busy one, filled with a multitude of events and obligations. Honestly, I don’t think she’d have it any other way. But when it comes to her weight, she’s a totally different person. She is never happy with it, always wanting to lose a few inches or drop another dress size. And now, to my chagrin, she’s extolling the virtues of a wacky diet based on lemons and maple syrup! Yikes! Sugar spikes and serious sags. There is nothing more reasonable – and sustainable – than eating clean. That’s what I tell her and, this past weekend, I’m hoping she listened. If you want to learn about some wacky diets and get a sense of the #1 fat loss secret pick up our next Oxygen Collector’s issue, Fat Loss….you won’t regret it!

p.s. maybe I’ll send it to my friend as an early holiday gift!

Exciting News!

Oxygen's Fat Loss Special Collector's Issue on newsstands soon. Stay tuned!