Beware of the holiday party -- it can bring out the pig is all of us. Maybe we grab at goodies because we're nervous. Or we're starving. Or we have a crush on the server mingling with the appetizer tray. Or we're faced with treats that are just too tempting. Divine Caroline to the rescue, with a few tips for helping us survive the seasonal soirée.

• Tell yourself the food isn't that good. It's just filler food drenched in butter. You don't need it.
• Park your patootie at the fruit bowl. If you binge on fruit all night, you'll simply be loading up on nutrients and cleansing your system.
• Nix the creamy, fruity drinks. They're loaded with calories and sugar and will head you straight for a hangover. Wouldn't want them spilling on your spiffy dress either.
• Take three bites -- only. It's all you need to satisfy your craving for sweets.

Some final divine words of wisdom: Dance, chat, drink lots of water, and then go home.

Source

Maggie just told you to head indoors for your winter workouts. I'm with her. But some of you may be dreaming of working out in a winter wonderland. If skiing and snowboarding are in your future, make sure you're in shape before you hit the slopes. Divine Caroline has some training tips you should consider.

• Work your core. Sports like skiing and snowboarding require balance and core strength. Your core comprises your abdominals, obliques, lower back, and hips and helps your body remain stable during a variety of activities.
• Train your strength. You'll need strong muscles and joints in the snow, especially knee and hip joints and everything surrounding them. Work on your upper body strength too -- focus on triceps, shoulders, and your back so you'll be a pro with your poles.
• Flex your body. Skiiers and snowboarders need flexibility. So get stretching, and don't neglect the hamstrings, quads, hips, calves, IT band, piriformis, and lower back. Might as well get the upper back, chest, and shoulders too. Stretch at least three to four times per week after your muscles are warmed up.
• Pump up your cardio. Your heart and lungs need a workout too. Build your endurance with running, swimming, jumping rope (here are five reasons you should be jumping rope) aerobics, sports like soccer, climbing stairs, cycling, kickboxing, and more. Take your pick, and stick with it four to six times per week for 30 to 60 minutes a pop.

Come to think of it, this advice seems good for all-around fitness. No matter what your sport or goals, give these four a go and see how your body transforms. And for guidance on specific exercises to help you capitalize on these training tips, check out Divine Caroline here.

Source

Is it possible to get fit without ever stepping foot in a gym? Heck, yea, it is. I'm kinda fit, and I rarely go to the gym -- even though I should because I have a membership (OK, I'm trying to do better: I've been to two training sessions and have frequented my gym several times in the past two weeks).

The gang over at Divine Caroline says you bethcha -- you can indeed get fit outside the confines of a fitness center. And you should if you fit the following criteria: You are looking for a economical way to exercise, you have a schedule that makes it difficult to get to a gym during regular hours, you don't prefer to leave home to work out, and you feel self-conscious exercising in front of others.

OK, so you've got permission to ditch the gym. So, how about trying a home workout. Don't worry -- you don't have to turn your living room into anything resembling a weight room. Just take a lot of brisk walks, and invest in some of these gadgets: A few light weights, resistance bands, a jump rope, a yoga mat, and some fitness DVDs. On the market are DVDs featuring belly dancing, martial arts, yoga, step aerobics, and so much more. Another fit idea: Join a team or individual sport, get some skates and a bike, and use your feet instead of car whenever possible. Bethany can tell you what it's like to walk the walk.

Source

As we grow older, the slowing of our metabolism literally is a force of nature. Our bodies begin to change; we gain weight, lose muscle mass, and everything begins a gradual descent toward our southern hemisphere. It's a natural and, if left unattended, entirely unavoidable process. Sucks, doesn't it? I agree. Thankfully, all hope is not lost, as there are several ways to keep your body young by boosting your metabolism.

To help your muscle stay and ensure that the fat stays away, try following some of these tips from DivineCaroline.com to supercharge your metabolism:

Eat Protein and Eat Often. The website recommends eating three protein-rich meals and two protein-packed snacks each day. And, never consume less than 1,000 calories per day, as doing so can cause your body to become catabolic (meaning that you'll start to use your hard-earned muscle for energy).

Supercharge with Supplements. Promote fat burning and stabilize blood sugars with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12 and other key supplements. However, be sure to speak with your physician first before rushing out to GNC.

Source

Why is it that the American diet has taken such a nosedive, steering us swiftly into a health crisis characterized by more diabetes, more heart disease, more cancer? Our life expectancies are down, our health costs are up, and we're fatter than ever.

Is it because our lifestyles have become comfort driven -- we'd rather ride than walk, rather carry-out than cook-in -- and crazy fast all at the same time? Could be, says Dorianne Schwaiger at Divine Caroline.

Time management is one key to maintaining a healthy way of life. Try this: Thirty minutes of planned exercise at least three times per week, plan grocery trips and take a list to guide the way, stock your pantry with healthy ingredients, cut out the coffee shop stops where latte and danish live, get outside, and sleep plenty.

Source