That's Fit

Best Workouts On The Web: Continued

Gabrielle Linzer — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:26:00 EST

Ascent Cost: $40 If you've got a Mac and a use a GPS receiver when you're riding your bike or embarking on a long run, Ascent will analyze your exercise in ways you never thought possible. Ascent provides calendar information on which days you exercised with your stats for those days, including date, distance, duration and the type of bike you rode, if applicable. With detailed information on heart rate, cadence, gradient and temperature, you'll be on top of your physical standing. An aerial view of your journey provides a bird's eye view of your activity, with a loop you can watch to see specific points where you sped up or slowed down. iPump Pilates Cost: $0.99 If your once-a-week pilates class isn't quite cutting it, hold a own mat sessions in the privacy of your home. iPump Pilates offers three levels of pilates with visual and audio coaching to help you tone your core and build strength and ensure your form in correct. The program will keep track of the levels you complete as you conquer pilates one position at a time and a log allows you to keep track of your reps, sets and weights for each exercise so you can check in on your progress. Fitnio Cost: Free Additional Hardware Required: No A simple, straightforward solution to tracking your workout, Fitnio is a non-intimidating GPS-powered app that can be used to track your walk, run or biking trip. Aside from the basics like time, distance, speed and calories burned, Fitnio has an emergency contact button in case you're injured during your workout and a cool down timer to help you know when to lower the intensity. This easy-to-use app also takes your height, weight and BMI into account in order to personalize your workout. Another big plus is large text that is easy to read as you sweat it out. iSpinning Cost: Free Additional Hardware Required: iMTP's SMHEARTLINK $154.95 Spinning has become a staple in the fitness world, so it only makes sense that the iSpinning app is around to provide a comprehensive overview of your spinning class, mountain or road biking workout. iSpinning teams with a variety of body sensors to receive data straight from your heart in addition to calories burned, cadence, speed, distance and power. Information can be viewed during or after your workout, and won't be lost if you receive a phone call. iSpinning also offers the option of customizing the dashboard, so you can change up the stats based on what you're concerned with during each workout. deftFitness Cost: $0.99 Additional Hardware Required: No If a certain part of your body is starting to jiggle a bit too much, deftFitness can help you target the specific area that needs improvement. With over 30 different exercises in six different muscle groups, you'll be sure to find one that will work out your problem area. Created by self described "average Joe developers," the program offers three levels, Don't Hurt Me, I Can Take It and Bring It On!, so you can decide how hard you want to push yourself during each workout. With full instructions and photos for every exercise, you won't need a personal trainer, a gym membership or any special equipment to get in shape. Gym Buddy Cost: $2.99 Additional Hardware Required: No You know you're becoming fitter, but if you want to see some solid proof, the Gym Buddy app can help track your progress by logging your workouts on a regular basis. Gym Buddy is designed for regular gym-goers who do not need instruction on how to exercise and want to ditch the pen and paper they use to record their stats. Gym buffs can enter their workout routine into Gym Buddy and simply fill in repetitions, weight, time and notes as they exercise. Set a timer for between sets so you'll know when your break is over and compare your stats with past workouts. If you're intent on studying the results from your morning workout, you can open a spreadsheet version in Excel on your or computer in work or at home. Best Workout Websites

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Best Workouts On The Web

Gabrielle Linzer — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:22:00 EST

Technology keeps track of your daily schedule, stores your music collection and keeps you in constant communication with the important people in your life. So when you mount your bike, strap on your running shoes or hit the gym, why should it be any different? A wealth of new interactive websites and iPhone applications are available help fitness buffs revamp their routines and beginners get in shape. We've narrowed down some of the best on the web, so you can find the one that's right for your needs, whether you're looking for motivation, want to customize your run, give a personal trainer a try or track your progress. WeightMirror.com Cost: Free, mobile version costs $2.99 Ever wonder what your "after" picture will look like when you finally achieve diet success? Weight Mirror let's you get a sneak peak at what you'd look like 10, 20, even 50 pounds lighter. Just download a current photo of yourself and the program will morph your figure. Weight Mirror allows you to compare your "before" and "after" photos side by side and calculate your BMI to determine whether you're overweight, underweight or just right. Try the program out for free on the website, or buy a mobile version to refer back to when you're tempted to reach for some extra dessert. FindMyTrainer.com Cost: Use of site is free, Trainers cost $65-$75 per hour Searching for an inspiring personal trainer who specializes in your fitness goals and is available when you need them can be a daunting and costly chore. Instead of scouring the web for potential candidates, FindMyTrainer.com is a no-strings-attached service designed to match you with a certified, insured trainer in your area. FindMyTrainer.com conducts a phone interview with each client before they are matched to get detailed information on their goals and experience. The service offers trainers who specialize in everything from weight loss to injury rehabilitation to endurance. Every trainer on the site has agreed to a $65-$75/hour fee and you're not required to sign a contract, so if the first trainer you meet is a flop, you can move on to somebody who is more your style without paying any penalties. MapMyRun.com Cost: Free, premium membership is $5 per month If you're serious about becoming a better runner, MapMyRun.com is a great resource filled with interactive tools and forums to connect with other runners. Plan out your route, which can be viewed in satellite or 3-D, discover running routes around the world (perfect for when you're traveling), keep track of those you like best and track how many calories each route burns. Connect with other runners by attending marathons posted on the site and joining running groups to discuss workout-related matters. Stay motivated by creating printable training schedules, setting up e-mail reminders and sharing your results with other users on the site. DailyBurn.com Cost: Free If you like keeping a diet journal, you'll love Daily Burn. The site lets you track what you eat, record your workouts and monitor your progress, plus there's a huge library of exercises. Graphs and logs will keep your progress in check, and interactive tools -- like daily challenges -- will keep you motivated and connected with fellow dieters. You can also share your favorite workouts with other site users and participate in discussion on the site's fitness forum. StrengthMill.com Cost: Free Do you learn best by watching? Looking to tone up with a new strength training routine? If so, this YouTube-gone-physical may be your personal treasure chest. StrengthMill.com has a wide selection of videos that are primarily strength-training focused. Sign up to add your own videos or interact with other members through a personal profile. Health and Fitness iPhone Applications

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Sleep Related Eating Disorder

Gabrielle Linzer — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST

The story is common: You're exercising and maintaining a healthy diet but you still can't drop a few pesky pounds. But imagine if instead of plateauing at your current weight, you were mysteriously gaining up to 20 lbs. each month. Anna Ryan, a healthy woman who inexplicably put on 126 lbs. over 20 years discovered that a rare sleeping disorder was causing her to chow down on up to 2,000 calories while she was unconscious each night. The Daily Mail reports that Ryan, who currently weighs 266 lbs., solved the mystery of her weight gain when she awoke to evidence in her bed one morning. "There were broken biscuits in the sheets and all over my face. The kitchen looked like a bomb had hit it and I realized I must have eaten in my sleep. My husband Kenny found it quite funny but I was terrified - I couldn't remember anything!" Ryan promptly visited a sleep specialist, who diagnosed her with Sleep Related Eating Disorder (SRED) and is currently working with her to eliminate her nightly trips to the kitchen. While she worries about how her health is being affected by SRED, she remains hopeful that a new course of medication may suppress further sleep eating related overindulgences.

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Calories In Candy

Gabrielle Linzer — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:09:00 EST

Are You a Connoisseur About Calories in Candy? This candied source of protein (ahem, peanut-butter indulgence) is higher in calories: Butterfinger (whole bar) Reeses (two peanut butter cups) Which of these caramel-chocolate candy combos is higher in calories? Milky Way (whole bar) Riesen (four pieces) During Halloween, every kid's favorite house on the block is the one that invests in full-size candy bars. If your kid scores a full-size Nestlé Crunch bar, they won't be consuming any more calories than if they were scarfing down three mini-Crunch bars. True False Which has more calories, 10 grotesquely festive gummy body parts or two mini-packs of Lifesavers Gummies? Frankford Gummy Body Parts Lifesavers Gummies Which chocolate bar has more calories? Snickers KitKat Neither -- they contain the same number When debating which candy to swipe from your kids' Halloween booty, you choose one serving of the marshmallow pumpkins, because the serving of candy corn has more calories: True False One serving of this chocolate-covered treat has more calories: Raisinets Flipz Milk Chocolate Covered Pretzels This nutty treat is more caloric: Peanut Brittle (one 1.4 oz serving) PayDay (whole bar) Good & Plenty, the sweet, cylindrical licorice candies, look so similar to the fruity Mike and Ike that they must have the same number of calories per serving: True False Which of these after-dinner breath fresheners has more calories? One York Peppermint Patty Junior Mints (16 pieces) Neither -- they contain the same When you're faced with the dilemma of whether to "taste the rainbow" or nibble on bite-sized licorice, which path will lead to consuming more calories? Skittles (whole package) Twizzlers Nibs (whole package) If you're craving a lower-calorie cocoa treat, don't choose this chewy candy: Tootsie Rolls (six pieces) Milk Duds (13 pieces) Which gummy treat has more calories? Gummy Bears (17 pieces) Swedish Fish (seven pieces) Can you guess which of these candies (balls of sugar) has more calories? Smarties (3 rolls) Jelly Bellies (35 Pieces) Eating this pack of candy will pack on the most post-Halloween chub: Starburst (whole pack) Sweet Tarts (whole pack) If you're going to give in to your chocolate craving, this is the selection to avoid if you're counting calories: 3 Musketeers bar Hershey's bar soKe.flace('candy_calories_quiz', '574', '565'); var uid = new Date().getTime(); var flashProxy = new FlashProxy(uid, 'http://www.aolcdn.com/_media/modtools/kit_swfpublisher_javascriptflashgateway.swf'); var flashvars = {}; try { flashvars.lcId = uid; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.targetAds = 'candy_calories_quiz'; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.omniture_tracker = '0'; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.adrefresh_wrapper = '1'; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.config_xml = soKe.fv('http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?id=396499'); } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.display_type = soKe.fv('center'); } catch (Exc) { }; if (typeof(screen_name) != 'undefined') try { flashvars.userName = screen_name; } catch (Exc) { }; var params = {}; try { params.wmode = 'opaque'; } catch (Exc) { }; try { params.quality = 'best'; } catch (Exc) { }; try { params.allowScriptAccess = 'always'; } catch (Exc) { }; var attributes = {}; try { attributes.id = 'outlet'; } catch (Exc) { }; top.exd_space.refresher.ads2Refresh(new Array( 'candy_calories_quiz', new Array('93227653','160','600','0','I','') )); top.exd_space.refresher.mmx('candy_calories_quiz', 'http://www.aolcdn.com/_media/channels/ke_blank.html', ''); swfobject.embedSWF('http://cdn.channel.aol.com/multipliers/quiz_1_1/quiz.swf', 'candy_calories_quiz-swf', '574', '565', '8.0.0', 'http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/swfobject/expressinstall.swf', flashvars, params, attributes);

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Fattening Side Dishes

Gabrielle Linzer — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:44:00 EST

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=646587&pid=646586&uts=1260819952 http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf By Gabrielle Linzer and Christina Parrella These miniscule eats may seem like insignificant additions to your meal, but hidden in those seemingly innocent fast-food sides are some whopping calorie counts. Sometimes bad things do come in small packages, like these 18 disastrous dishes that go overboard on acceptable daily allowances of calories (2,000), fat (65 g), and sodium content (2,400 mg). *All nutrition information can be found on each restaurant's Web site, where available. As nutrition information is frequently updated we try and keep as current with our information to present these numbers as accurately as possible. Please feel free to send us feedback if you notice any discrepancy. Nathan Ellis Perkel for AOL Getty Images North America Fattening Side Dishes By Gabrielle Linzer and Christina Parrella These miniscule eats may seem like insignificant additions to your meal, but hidden in those seemingly innocent fast-food sides are some whopping calorie counts. Sometimes bad things do come in small packages, like these 18 disastrous dishes that go overboard on acceptable daily allowances of calories (2,000), fat (65 g), and sodium content (2,400 mg). *All nutrition information can be found on each restaurant's Web site, where available. As nutrition information is frequently updated we try and keep as current with our information to present these numbers as accurately as possible. Please feel free to send us feedback if you notice any discrepancy. Nathan Ellis Perkel for AOL Boston Market Creamed Spinach Calories: 280 Fat: 23g Sodium: 580mg Sure this Boston Market signature dish tastes great on the side with your chicken meal but this creamy spinach concoction contains 23 grams of fat, 580 mg of sodium and 280 calories. Is this side dish really worth it? Nathan Ellis Perkel for AOL Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes Calories: 270 Fat: 15g Sodium: 840mg You probably weren't expecting health food when you order potatoes topped with easy cheese, but this side could send the calories in your fiesta over the top. You might want to opt for a few chips dipped in salsa to complement your tacos instead. Nathan Ellis Perkel for AOL Quizno's Snickerdoodle Cookie Calories: 400 Fat: 16g Sodium: 280 mg Eating this sugary, peanuty cookie after your Quizno's sandwich or salad will cost you 20 percent of your daily caloric intake. Nathan Ellis Perkel for AOL McDonald's Cinnamon Melts Calories: 460 Fat: 19g Sodium: 370mg After chomping down on the already high-calorie, high fat burger and fries fare from McDonald's do not go over the top with the Cinnamon Melts. Sure they look good because they're cinammony, sweet, glazed and gooey but they're actually not very healthy. We know it won't surprise you that the 460 calories, 19 grams of fat and 370 grams of sodium aren't exactly good for your diet. Nathan Ellis Perkel for AOL Wendy's Large French Fries Calories: 540 Fat: 26g Sodium: 500mg Fries naturally accompany a burger or chicken nuggets, but you may want to break the habit of supplementing your meal with this ketchup friendly side for your health's sake. Munching on a large side of fries will use up almost of your healthy daily calorie allowance and will prevent you from indulging in other fast food delicacies without overloading on lots of nasty calories. Nathan Ellis Perkel for AOL Starbucks Apple Fritter Calories: 430 Fat: 20g Sodium: 300mg You know when you go into Starbucks for your refreshing frappuccino you're always eyeing up the desert case, staring down the glazed donuts, the rice cakes and the apple fritter. This new side treat which looks like a lumpy, heavier donut is loaded with apples and covered in a heavy sugar glaze that holds 430 calories, 20 grams of fat and 300 mg of sodium. Plus add that on top of the calorie heavy drink you're probably consuming and your daily allowance will skyrocket. Nathan Ellis Perkel for AOL White Castle Fish Nibblers Sack Calories: 1090 Fat: 56g Sodium: 2980mg If the smell doesn't send you running for the hills, the calorie and sodium count should. It's one thing if you delight in White Castle's miniature burgers, but it's another to add on a sack of these deadly bites from the sea. If you're dying for fish, a baked option, or just about any option, would be a better choice. Nathan Ellis Perkel for AOL KFC Biscuit Calories: 180 Fat: 8g Sodium: 530mg This two-bite treat is flaky and delicious, but packs a lot more unhealthy stuff than should be in something so compact. The amount of calories in this miniscule biscuit almost equals that of an entire larger side dish. If you're looking to indulge in evil, this won't be your most fulfilling option. Nathan Ellis Perkel for AOL Au Bon Pain Rosemary Garlic Breadstick Calories: 180 Fat: 5g Sodium: 710mg The Rosemary Garlic breadstick sounds like a good side snack especially if you're eating a big salad or soup, but not only will it give you garlicky breath, it'll wreck your diet, especially because you'll probably munch on more than one. Nathan Ellis Perkel for AOL oKExp.start("thatsfit-fattening_side_dishes2");

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Top Celebrity Yo-Yo Dieters

Gabrielle Linzer — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:29:00 EST

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=746620&pid=746619&uts=1260826089 http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf By Gabrielle Linzer and Allison Bond Photos of a heavy-set Kelly Clarkson taking the stage at KIIS FM's Wango Tango concert this weekend show that she may have backed off of her weight-loss program from earlier this year. In January, Clarkson debuted a slimmer physique in her video for the single, "My Life Would Suck Without You." By working out a few days a week and making diet changes to get in shape for the March 17 release of her new album, Clarkson reportedly lost 20 pounds, according to OK! Magazine. However, noticeable weight gain from a March 11 American Idol performance, coupled with recent concert photos show that Clarkson may have fallen off the wagon. AP Getty Images North America Celebrity Yo-Yo Dieters By Gabrielle Linzer and Allison Bond Photos of a heavy-set Kelly Clarkson taking the stage at KIIS FM's Wango Tango concert this weekend show that she may have backed off of her weight-loss program from earlier this year. In January, Clarkson debuted a slimmer physique in her video for the single, "My Life Would Suck Without You." By working out a few days a week and making diet changes to get in shape for the March 17 release of her new album, Clarkson reportedly lost 20 pounds, according to OK! Magazine. However, noticeable weight gain from a March 11 American Idol performance, coupled with recent concert photos show that Clarkson may have fallen off the wagon. AP To squeeze into those famous Daisy Dukes, Jessica Simpson endured two months of dieting and sweat-dripping workouts, according to People. Hitting the gym with trainer Michael Alexander and sticking to a South Beach-style diet paid off--Simpson looked lean and strong for her acting debut. But the once-slender star was recently seen looking noticeably curvier while performing at a chili cookoff in Florida. Rick Diamond, WireImage.com Sandra Bullock has admitted that obsessing over junk food drove her to overeat and then compensate for it with crash diets when she was younger. After Bullock wed husband Jesse James in July 2006, she gained again, leading to speculation that she was pregnant. Tired of combating baby-bump rumors, Bullock vowed to escape the frustrating cycle of weight gain and dieting. One thing that helped her was changing her meal staples from pizza and Diet Coke to lean meats and veggies. Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images | Rabbani and Solimene Photography, WireImage.com Known for his "Gladiator" physique, Russell Crowe is not your average yo-yo dieter. Despite his reputation, Crowe packed on 63 pounds for his upcoming role in Body of Lies, according to "People." Crowe may be accustomed to looking a bit more toned than the flabby CIA veteran he morphs into for the role, but that isn't to say he didn't enjoy earning his paunch. We hear from PopEater that he joked, ""I'll have that cheeseburger for breakfast, thank you!" No word on how Crowe plans on thinning out yet, but if he plans on redeeming his sex-symbol status, he'll need to cut the burgers and pump some iron. Lucy Nicholson, AFP/Getty Images | Frazer Harrison, Getty Images Early in her career, Jennifer Love Hewitt was known for her curves and slim waist. More recently, however, she filled out due to a lapse in healthy eating and steady exercise, according to iFitandHealthy.com. Overwhelmed with "photographers taking invasive pictures from bad angles," according to ABC News, Hewitt responded to criticism, claiming that she was comfortable in her skin. Soon after, however, ABC News points out that Hewitt dropped almost 20 pounds to "boost her energy." We hear from iFitandHealthy.com that Hewitt adhered to the calorie shifting diet, where you "confuse your metabolism by up-shifting and/or down-shifting into different calorie ranges, which may help your body burn more calories." SGranitz, WireImage | Splash News Although she vehemently denied having an eating disorder, Nicole Richie's weight has fluctuated between thin and absolutely gaunt in recent years. She dropped to 90 pounds in fall 2006, which according to "People," was due to an inability to gain weight. When Richie became pregnant, she apparently focused on gaining weight for her baby, while also maintaining a light gym routine, but her quick transition back into her pre-baby body after she gave birth reportedly left fans worried. In the past Richie has blamed her dramatic weight loss on stress, so maybe that's the reason she lost so easily this time, too. Jean-Paul Aussenard, WireImage | Jeffrey Mayer, WireImage Best known for his role as Chandler on "Friends," Matthew Perry's weight has ballooned and deflated in relation to his reported numerous addictions, including painkillers and alcohol. According to "People," after Season 6 of "Friends" Perry dropped down to 145 pounds during a particularly rough period due to pancreatitis induced by "hard living and drinking hard and eating poorly." This resulted in a rehab stint at L.A.'s Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Since his brief stay, his weight continued to fluctuate. Some of his weight gain can be attributed to recovery from addiction, while his periods of athleticism occurred when the former junior tennis champion "returned to the court and hired a personal trainer," according to "People." When Britney Spears shimmied onto the music scene with her scandalous schoolgirl outfit at age 16, her stomach was flat as a washboard, and the rest of her body was youthfully fit. But after two babies, some said Britney wasn't looking too hot. To undo the toxic effects of hard living, we hear that she enlisted a personal trainer and got back on the dance floor. According to "OK!" Britney was so serious about getting into shape that she even cut back on her beloved Starbucks Frappuccinos! eZuma.com | Kevin Mazur, WireImage.com Far from his fit disco days in Saturday Night Fever, John Travolta's weight has swung up and down in recent years as a result of diverse movie roles and personal habits. According to the BBC, in 2001 Travolta upped his exercise routine to lose 25 pounds for Swordfish. The intense workouts, which included yoga and boxing according to AskMen.com, must not have lasted, as Travolta looked pleasantly plump during a shirtless romp in his 2007 film Wild Hogs. According to reports from the Daily Mail, Travolta claimed that "Life is too short to diet constantly" and declared an intense love of food -- both of which go far in explaining his yo-yoing. AP | Jim Spellman, WireImage Christian Bale worked out like a maniac while doing both intensive cardio and weight-training sessions for his brutal role in 2000's American Psycho. Four years later, he dropped a reported 63 pounds, by eating only an apple and a can of tuna every day, to play a skeletal drug addict in The Machinist. Lions Gate Films | Paramount Classics oKExp.start("thatsfit-celeb_yo_yo_diets");

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Kathy Ireland: Back to Her Bikini Body

Gabrielle Linzer — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:25:00 EST

Gracing the cover of the "Sports Illustrated" swimsuit issue is no simple feat; your body must epitomize flawlessness. Though former supermodel Kathy Ireland has embodied this ideal in the past, switching gears to motherhood took a toll on her perfect form. After seeing a photograph of herself looking unhappy and overweight, Ireland told PEOPLE she realized that she needed to take the time to care for herself and her body. Click the arrows in the gallery below to see more of Kathy Ireland. Story continues below the gallery. http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=805421&pid=805420&uts=1261603758 http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swf Kathy Ireland Back to Bikini Body After seeing a photograph of herself looking unhappy and overweight, Kathy Ireland took charge of her life, increased exercise sessions, cut snacks and ate healthier. As a result, she told PEOPLE that she has dropped nearly 25 pounds and is almost back to the body that used to make "Sports Illustrated" readers swoon. People.com oKExp.start("thatsfit-ke_kathy_ireland"); How Kathy Ireland Regained Her Sports Illustrated Body "I didn't recognize the person I saw. I saw someone who looked overwhelmed, overstressed, overweight, over-everything." Ireland took charge, increasing exercise sessions, cutting snacks and eating healthier. As a result, she has dropped nearly 25 pounds, and is almost back to the body that used to make "Sports Illustrated" readers swoon. Click the arrows in the gallery below to see more hot celebrities over 40. http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=805346&pid=805345&uts=1261604077 http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swf Hottest Celebrities Over 40 By AOL Health EditorsLisa RinnaRinna turned heads and stole the headlines for posing for the May 2009 "Playboy" cover at age 45. In an interview with That's Fit, she explains how she stays in shape after having kids. While she's always been a fan of exercise, being on "Dancing With the Stars" has changed her entire workout philosophy. "Dance is such an overall workout...that also makes you really, really happy... what's more fun than dancing?" PLAYBOY Magazine oKExp.start("thatsfit-ke_hottest_celebrities_over_40");

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American Idol Body Transformations

Gabrielle Linzer — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=646755&pid=646754&uts=1260825168 http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf By Gabrielle Linzer 'Shape Magazine' reported that Grammy-winning vegetarian Carrie Underwood has dropped between 15 and 20 pounds since her Idol days by hitting the treadmill, swimming and sticking to healthy eats. Although she admits to a weakness for cheese, Underwood prevents herself from overindulging by keeping a food diary and carrying around whole grain Kashi bars wherever she goes. Stephen Shugerman, Getty Images Getty Images North America American Idol Body Transformations By Gabrielle Linzer 'Shape Magazine' reported that Grammy-winning vegetarian Carrie Underwood has dropped between 15 and 20 pounds since her Idol days by hitting the treadmill, swimming and sticking to healthy eats. Although she admits to a weakness for cheese, Underwood prevents herself from overindulging by keeping a food diary and carrying around whole grain Kashi bars wherever she goes. Stephen Shugerman, Getty Images Though he has dropped almost 100 pounds, American Idol (AI) season 2 victor Ruben Studdard, is as cuddly as ever. According to MSNBC, Studdard kicked his weight loss into high gear in order to avoid being struck by one of numerous diseases that run in his family including diabetes and high blood pressure. By attending a weight management center at Duke University, he was able to learn how to make healthier choices and upon leaving, adopted a vegetarian diet. Katy Winn, Getty Images Kelly Clarkson, the original queen of AI, reportedly does not believe in diets. However, we hear that since AI, she has refined her eating habits (focusing on portion control) and amping up her fitness routine instead of following any particular diet plan. Clarkson told 'Us Weekly' that she indulges in her penchant for chocolate, but only to a certain point. and sprints around concert arenas work best for this belting beauty. Getty Images Along with his daily 45 minute runs and energetic stage performances, 'People Magazine' reports Taylor Hicks was able to drop 22 pounds, which we think has helped given him an uncanny resemblance to George Clooney. Plus, cutting back on his beloved Southern fried foods and upping his intake of brown rice, salad, chicken soup couldn't have hurt. Mark Mainz, Getty Images After a five-year battle with bulimia, AI season 5 runner-up Katherine McPhee managed to drop 30 pounds the healthy way by sticking to the Intuitive eating plan. She told Shape Magazine that the plan worked because she can munch on anything she pleases, but when she's full, she stops. Exercise-wise McPhee tones her muscles with weight training and likes to walk on the treadmill for 45 minutes four to five days a week. Steve Granitz, WireImage.com Oscar-winning Dreamgirl Jennifer Hudson knows how to have a good time, but don't ask her to stay out late partying: It's been reported by 'Us Weekly' that J-Hud wakes up before dawn for her daily run, followed by squats, push-ups and sit-ups. This AI Season 3 finalist dropped 60 pounds through her rigorous workout routine and a healthy diet that included staple items such as salads, grilled chicken and cranberry juice. When she needs an energy boost, Hudson turns to a stash of diet-smart snacks: almonds, cashews, and raisins. Frazer Harrison, Getty Images AI season 2 finalist Kimberley Locke reportedly lost about 25 pounds weight with the help of a stint on 'Celebrity Fit Club.' But when she wanted to drop another 40, she called Jenny Craig. Along with the help of her "Jenny" diet, Locke began jumping rope for exercise. Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images 'US Weekly' dubbed Kellie Pickler "the next Jessica Simpson," and like her blond counterpart, the AI season 5 finalist also got serious about shaping up. Pickler gained nearly 20 pounds munching on candy backstage during her time on the show. But by taking simple measures, such as replacing offstage sweets with vegetables, she eliminated almost all junk food from her diet. Pickler stays fit by playing football with band members and with a killer ab routine, in which she does 100 crunches a day on her tour bus. Gregg DeGuire, WireImage.com oKExp.start("thatsfit-thats_fit_american_idol_body_transformation_2");

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Are Smoker's Rights Going Up in Smoke?

Gabrielle Linzer — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:53:00 EST

The government has been cracking down on the tobacco industry for quite some time, and it doesn't look like the full-fledged war against smoking will be letting up any time soon. In many states, it's illegal to light up in any restaurant or bar. No need to ask for a seat in the smoking section, it simply does not exist. States that haven't jumped on the anti-smoking bandwagon are expected to follow suit in the coming years. Smokers are being hit hard with cigarette taxes to the dismay of those who puff a pack or more per day.The movie industry has begun to strictly regulate when and where smoking can appear in films, deeming it dangerous and unfit for young audiences.We all know how the powers that be feel about smoking, but how do you feel about being hit hard in the pocket when you want to pick up a pack and being banned from smoking your pricey cigarettes in public places? We want to know! Take AOL Health's "How is Smoking Affecting You?" Quiz and let your voice be heard!

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