A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to see Real Housewive’s of New York star Bethenny Frankel speak about her new book, “The Skinny Girl Dish” at Barnes and Noble in Boston.

While many fans were there ranting and raving about meeting a “celebrity,” I went to hear her speak about healthy living. You see, I have been a big fan of Bethenny for more than a year, because her first novel, “Naturally Thin” helped me get over my fear of food, enabling me to look at it as exciting, energizing, fueling and decadent. That’s what Bethenny’s motto is all about: shutting out your negative “food noise” and embracing it, because after all that’s what a naturally thin person does.

Anyway, at her book signing, Bethenny opened up the floor for questions, and I asked her what her biggest guilty pleasure was, expecting her to say something like chocolate cake or greasy pizza. But rather, I was impressed by her response.

“Well, I don’t really have a guilty pleasure, because I feel you can eat whatever you want in moderation. A little of this, a little of that. Although my current obsession is red velvet cake, or even just … Read More!

Every year when Lent comes along, hundreds of people give something up, something they feel life would be a little trickier without. I remember when I was 10 I gave up lollipops, when I didn’t even really like them to try and beat the system. It was my most easy, breazy Lent by far. In high school I gave up bread, which was a little trickier seeing as though I used to be a bread-and-butter fanatic. Then in college I gave up peanut butter for 40 days, my one “guilty pleasure”/addiction which was absolutely miserable. In the end of it all, I had gained about 5 pounds from my lack of a healthy fat in my diet, and had a psychotic peanut butter binge session early Easter morning. I don’t really see how that’s benefiting me, my faith or anyone for that matter. In the movie “40 Days and 40 Nights,” Josh Hartnett gives up sex, which is also stupid because sex is actually healthy for you and that’s not doing anybody any good either.

So, I’ve concluded that this year I will instead do something to better myself, and others around me who I love. I have decided that … Read More!

The other day, a friend of mine asked me how to drop 5 pounds by following a better diet. Among many things including snacking more frequently and adding more whole grains, I suggested she add more protein to her diet. Many young women today simply don’t get enough protein, potentially derailing their overall weight loss efforts. I know so many girls who swear off meat thinking it’s evil, and others who chose to follow a vegetarian diet (which is OK) but aren’t making up for that loss of protein. Then there is a whole other group who take part in the “Special K” diet or fruit and cereal only. Don’t even get me started with them. . .

Adding more lean protein to your diet is known to satisfy your hunger much longer than carbs and other foods can, repair muscles after a long workout, as well as help you shed those last few pounds.

I’m not saying to cut out all other foods groups and go protein-crazy. I’m just saying to be aware of a more balanced diet, getting a good amount of healthy, complex carbohydrates like whole grains and fruits, good fats like Olive Oil, and lean proteins. … Read More!

We all know what it’s like to wake up and talk yourself out of working out. “I don’t have time.” “I’ll work out tomorrow!” “I’m too busy!” Stop right there Healthy Chick, and use these little mind tricks next time you’re faced with this kind of problem!

1. Put your workout clothes on right when you roll out of bed or get home. If you’re at work all day, pack a bag with a change of clothes and sneakers, and store it in your car or a gym locker for the day! If you know you already have everything you need to get your workout started, you’ll be much less likely to talk yourself out of it!

2. Plan a decadent dinner that you can enjoy after your workout! Treat yourself to a trip to your favorite grocery store or market, and buy fresh ingredients for a healthy, filling meal you’ll love! Or pop your favorite dish in the oven or slow cooker before you head to the gym, like a delicious turkey chili or chicken and rice casserole. By the time the buzzer goes off, you’ll be back from a nice sweaty workout sesh and ready to indulge (healthily … Read More!

                        . . from Google Images. . … Read More!