Check out our Diet Reviews on AOL Health!

Kristi Anderson

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Take your wheels to work

Fitness

We all know sitting at a desk all day doesn't burn up the calories. You already take the stairs and may even do squats in the stall, but here's an idea that allows for maximum efficiency. Burn calories and create a spreadsheet at the same time? Gotta love that. Multi-tasking at its finest!

America Takes It Off: FINAL Weekly Weight-Loss Results

Throughout May, we hooked up with our channel partner AOL Body to challenge you to slim down with us. Because here's the newsflash: Summer may officially begin on June 21, but a quick glance at store inventories (the shorts! the sundresses!) and the rising temperatures across the nation remind us that summer is here. Like, last week here. And we -- being the nice bloggers that we are -- wanted to help you get ready.

As part of our America Takes It Off: Summer Quick Fix Challenge, we issued motivating Monday challenges, invited you to weigh in with us each Wednesday (yeah, not the most pleasant task, but there's power in solidarity ... and anonymity!), and revealed the results each Friday. And here we are again, at our final results reveal.

We honestly didn't know what kind of reader participation or weight loss to expect, but we were pleasantly surprised to find that there was a core group who loyally braved the scale with us each week. This past week, you all recorded a solid weight loss of 40 pounds, bringing our total weight loss for the month to 231 pounds! Great job, everyone!



We hope it doesn't end here for you. It's certainly not for this writer. I've lost 12 pounds of post-baby weight so far, and I feel like it's really only the beginning of a new eating and exercise lifestyle for me.

We'll continue to partner with AOL Body in June to highlight more America Takes It Off content. And, next Tuesday, June 3, we'll publish our Summer Slimdown Guide, full of tips and galleries covering such topics like flattering swimsuits for your body type, instant self-confidence boosters, and even a couple of galleries inspired by your reponses to our Monday challenges.

Thanks again to everyone who participated. Let us know if you'd like to see more supportive weight loss tracking content in the future. Meanwhile, have a great, healthy, slimming summer!



America Takes It Off: FINAL Wednesday Weigh-In!

Today is Day 28 of our "Summer Quick Fix Challenge" with AOL Body, and we're nearing the end of our month-long collaboration to bring you tips for feeling and looking your best this summer. For those of you participating in our weight-loss challenge this month, how have you done?

I started my weight-loss plan a couple of months ago and was able to maintain a steady 1.5-lb-per-week weight loss, bringing my total weight loss so far to 12 pounds. Even though I've slipped up here and there, a recent trip to the mall to buy summer clothes only boosted my willpower to keep going. Funny how flourescent lighting and dressing room mirrors do that!

So, the time has come for our final weigh-in of the challenge. Are you ready? How many pounds have you lost this week? Weigh in and let us know in the comments section how this month has gone for you. We'll reveal both our weekly and total monthly weight loss on Friday.

Together, we've lost 191 pounds so far this month. Can we hit 250?

How much weight did you lose this week?



Poll will be open until midnight EST Thursday, May 29. Results will be revealed Friday, May 30 here.




America Takes It Off: Weekly Weight Loss Results #3

Happy Friday! I'm writing this from Boston, where I'm celebrating Memorial Day Weekend. There are so many great culinary treats here to indulge in, but I'm trying my best to maintain my 10-lb. weight loss.

Our Wednesday Weigh-In results are in, and I'm happy to report that we lost a steady 36 pounds this week -- bringing our total weight loss to 191 pounds! Tremendous work, all.





As I mentioned earlier, Memorial Day Weekend is upon us, and this is just a reminder that it's okay to indulge a little. Just be smart about it. If you're looking for some great-tasting, good-for-you recipes to fix for your family or take to the neighborhood picnic, check out these "America Takes It Off" recipes from our friends at AOL Food and Prevention. I'm thinking I might have to make the Chocolate Strawberry Pound Cake.

Have a great weekend, and I'll see you back here on Monday for our final weekly challenge, and keep our next (and last) Wednesday Weigh-In in your sights!

America Takes It Off: Wednesday Weigh-In #3

Today is Day 21 in our May "America Takes It Off: Summer Quick Fix" Challenge with AOL Body, and it's that time again -- to weigh in! Last week, we lost a collective 73 pounds, bringing our total May weight loss to 155 pounds. Way to go!

This writer hates to admit that dinner last night consisted of cereal, then ice cream with chocolate syrup (it's easier to admit this by referring to myself in the third person). This was a very non-nutritious speed bump in an otherwise successful diet plan, so I'm not too enthused to step on the scale today. But, I will because I know that it was just one slip-up, and I'm already back on the healthy-eating wagon.

Admittedly, Week 3 can be a hard little window in the diet process for me. I start out gung-ho, then when I lose a few pounds, I "reward" myself with a treat -- basically undoing all the good I've achieved. No need to sign me up for Self-Sabotage 101; I could teach the course!

How about you? How has your week gone? Are you sticking to your diet and exercise plan, or are you dealing with any struggles? To stay in motivation mode, check out these inspiring success stories and get a quick refresher in the basics.

Okay. So, who's ready to step on the scale with me? Let's do it together -- maybe we can break 225 pounds this week!



Poll will be open until 12am EST Thursday, May 22. Results will be revealed on Friday, May 23 here.


America Takes It Off: Weekly Weight Loss Results #2

The midpoint can be an interesting place. Halfway through a project, do you abandon it, or does seeing some progress motivate you to complete the job? We're just over halfway through our May "America Takes It Off: Summer Quick Fix Challenge," and it's clear that those of you participating are not abandoning the effort.

Your Wednesday Weigh-In results are in, and we're happy to report that you all lost another whopping 73 pounds this week -- bringing our total weight loss to 155 pounds! You're still averaging an estimated 2 pound-per-week weight loss ... so, you're proving that steady, consistent, small weekly weight loss is the key to success.





To keep moving forward, we've got some great motivating videos from "Biggest Loser" trainer Jillian Michaels:

Weighing Yourself
Weight-Loss Plateaus

And, if you sneak in an extra hot dog or indulge in ice cream at the weekend BBQ, there's always this!

Good job, all! See you back here on Monday for our next weekly challenge, and keep our next Wednesday Weigh-In in your sights! Let's try to get that 155-pound number up to 250 next week.

America Takes It Off: Wedneday Weigh-In #2

Today is Day 14 of our May "America Takes It Off" campaign in conjunction with AOL Body. Throughout May, we're issuing challenges and providing tips to get you swimsuit-ready by summer. What are you doing to get ready?

Part of our May campaign is a weekly weigh-in initiative, and last week, 41 of you weighed in to lose a total of 82 pounds. Not bad! That's an average two-pound loss per person ... right on target with healthy weight loss recommendations.

So, are you ready to weigh in this week? If you're just joining us, the more the merrier. Just take off your shoes, your jewelry, whatever else you think will weigh you down, and then jump on the collective weight loss scale with us. Don't worry, we'll wait for you!

Okay, ready? What did you lose this week?

How much weight have you lost this week?

Poll is open until midnight EST Thursday, May 15. We'll reveal aggregate weekly weight loss results on Friday.

America Takes It Off: Weekly Weight-Loss Results #1

Hi That's Fitter's!

On Wednesday we asked you to join us in a reader weigh-in and report the weight you lost. Forty-one of you took the challenge, stepped on the scale and revealed your weight loss.

So, how much weight do you think we lost last week?



How much weight do you think we lost this week?

America Takes It Off: Wednesday Weigh-In #1

Today is Day 6 of the America Takes It Off Challenge. How has it gone this week for you? Tempted by that appetizer at happy hour? Fitting in exercise? Drinking your water?

Whether this past week has been a success or you inhaled that entire bag of chips in one sitting leaves room for improvement, we've pointed you to helpful tips and resources to build a summer slim down plan. Have hope; there's still time!

We've also issued our first challenge question, which ties in with AOL Body's Diet Food Imposters feature. (We'd still love to hear from you! We hope to reveal your answers in an upcoming gallery feature.)

Now comes the moment of truth: Our first weekly weigh-in! Hey, what better way to chart your weight loss than anonymously? And, as part of a group? With just a simple click of the poll below, you can bypass public scrutiny. No "Biggest Loser"-style public weighing in here!

Things are always easier to accomplish in groups. So, join us for the next four weeks as we weigh in together. The poll is open until midnight EST Thursday. Each Friday, we'll reveal aggregate weight loss results in a nifty graphic. Aren't you curious to see what other That's Fit readers are losing?

C'mon! You know you want to. Let's take the month of May to start shedding that weight, just in time for summer. If you've already gotten started, let us know about it in the below poll. If you haven't, then join us next Wednesday for Weigh-In #2!

Meet the Bloggers: Introducing Laura Lewis!

Please welcome "Life Fit" expert for That's Fit, Laura Lewis. As a television host, book author, nutritionist, ACE-certified instructor, media host, book author and former fitness gym owner, Laura brings her expertise to That's Fit with several weekly offerings. Be sure to check out her weekly features, Life Fit with Laura Lewis on Tuesdays, Ask Laura on Fridays, and her voice on the feature That's Fit Weekly Podcasts. She also contributes with her Life Fit Chat and The Daily Turn On! posts.

1. Who are you?
I am a person who is passionate about spreading the word on how to live a great life, no matter what! I am also known as the "Life Fit Expert" for That'sFit.com. Actually, I have been involved in the health, fitness and wellness field for over two decades. Just a multi-media "chick" with a Bachelor of Science degree in food and nutrition and becoming a certified clinical nutritionist through IAACN, who ended up "accidentally" becoming an ACE certified fitness expert, radio talk show host, published author, speaker, television personality and producer. Whew! And I'm a single mom of three, ages 9 to 19! I am really just this high energy, upbeat person who has "been there, done that" in all sorts of life scenarios. And the best part? I adore inspiring others to live a fantastic life no matter what. Being fit, healthy and happy are essential elements to achieving and actually living life to its fullest. You could say that I am on a mission to touch many people's lives in the most positive way.

2. Age you tell people you are:
The calendar says forty something and I am a host of a new television series that is geared toward empty-nesters. HMMM. Reality check! But often I feel ageless. But does it really matter?

3. Where you're from and where you live now:
Originally I am from the North Eastern United States, I landed in the Dallas, Texas area in my early teens due to my Dad's transfer with work. I love Texas. Big dreams are common here. And I am most certainly a big dreamer, a visionary.

4. Do you have a personal blog?
www.lauralewis.com is my website. http://lauralewis.wordpress.com is my personal blog. Be kind as I'm still figuring out formatting.

5. What is your day job, or rather, what do you do when you're not fitness blogging?
My day job now is as host of a national TV show. We are in production for the Fall Season so I am very busy shooting 26 episodes! I also am president of my company, Laura Lewis Enterprises, LLC. I am also a Mother, a job I take really seriously. I love my kids very much and I know I am their guide in the beginning of their journeys out into the world. It is my ultimate desire that all three contribute to society in the most positive way yet follow their hearts.

6. Do you have a specific fitness background or are you a mere mortal who's just passionate about being healthy and fit -- and living to write about it?
I started teaching "Aerobics" in the mid 80's (now I date myself!) and was a "gold" certified instructor through the International Dance Exercise Association, which later became "ACE" certification. I also taught at various IDEA conferences, teaching other instructors my style. In Dallas, under my direction, Goodbody's became the number one aerobic studio to work out in, and the local news touted our classes as the "toughest workout in town." Let's just say I had a blast kicking "butt" during that time! I created and taught the very first "low impact" aerobics class in Dallas, ever! I went on to run two more fitness studios, a destination spa and then a husband and babies came along! Fast forward and I became a local media personality with a radio talk show called "BodyTalk." I had a wonderful time interviewing brilliant people in the realms of health, wellness, alternative medicine, fitness and more. I continued on to do a few more radio and TV shows in the health arena. I "lived" in this world for many years. I still love it ... but what is really important to me now is really feeling my best mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

7. What's the worst fitness or diet idea you fell for?
Atkins diet, no doubt. Come on folks ... it's simply not a long term fix!

8. What motivates you to exercise and stay healthy?
I want to be strong, flexible, healthy and happy for as long as I can. I know working out is essential for my living a long and wonderful life in addition to having a positive attitude. I want to feel good in my clothes, be confident and physically strong as well as feel good about myself in all aspects of my life. I have been working out for so many years that it plays an integral part of who I am. I also like to keep in shape for my kids so I won't be left in the dust biking, hiking, dancing, you name it!

9. Who's your favorite fitness role model?
All women who are sexy, fit and confident.

10. What's your exercise "M.O." -- Gym workouts or outdoor endeavors; team or solitary sports?
My exercise routine is fairly simple. Having taught fitness for so many years, which I do not currently, I do my own thing. I get up each morning during the week, throw my athletic shoes on, grab a leash and walk my tall 115lb Golden Retriever named "Tucker." I walk and run for about 30 to 45 minutes, return home, and use my free weights for arms, back and chest, and ab "roller" (I love that thing ... protects my neck!) where you can do sit ups supported. I also do about 50 squats, back lunges on each leg, "curtsey lunges." I make it to the gym two to three times per week and on those days I forgo my "home" routine. I LOVE the "lat pull down" machine, treadmill ... and leg press! I "rest" on weekends unless the mood strikes me to workout.

11. Choice of fitness gear: Baggy sweats or sultry spandex?
Baggy on my walks. A bit more "slick" in the gym. Hey, a girl can't give up some habits!

12. What's your favorite fitness activity?
I love walking outside. Looking up at the sky, the clouds, birds, listening to the sounds. I am lucky enough to live in an area where nature is present. "Eco-exercise" is most certainly my thing. Being outside in nature.

13. Do you have any non-fitness-related, non-blogging hobbies?
Reading. I love books. If I were to be stranded on a desert island, food, drink and books ... that would just about do it. But wait a minute ... my kids ... and my soul mate ... and ....;-)

14. Confession time! What nonhealthy food do you eat -- or what unhealthy habit do you indulge in -- that would get you banned from That's Fit? What's your excuse for doing so?
Okay, Okay, I admit it. I love frozen custard! I only have it once every few weeks, with a few almonds thrown on there. Umm, and whipped cream. Perfect! It is quite decadent. And I must say a good glass of cabernet hits the spot on ocassion too ... not together of course! Hey, it's life in the balance isn't it?

 

Energy levels low? What you eat can make a difference. ...

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