Weight management can be tricky, but this strategy here is a bonafide winner when it comes to keeping your weight under control. Knowledge always gives you power!

For a delicious low fat taco recipe, training vidoes for amazing abdominals, yoga advice and more ...

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Feeling stuck about what to buy your sweetie this holiday season? Believe it or not, a fitness gift can be romantic. There's a fine line, however. Guys, if you buy your girlfriend a weight-loss fitness DVD, you are going to have hell to pay. But buy her a romantic weekend away at a ski resort, and you'll get a whole different response.

Fitness can be fun, and it's a great way to spend time together. So think about the different activities you enjoy and find a way you can do them together. Check out the gallery for some ideas.

I asked, you answered. On June 21, I put out a call for help on the school snack front. I wanted healthy snack ideas fit for delivery to my kids' classrooms once per month but was stuck on what exactly I could provide for the two teachers charged with educating my boys. I knew what I didn't want -- cookies, crackers, chips, and otherwise junky treats -- but I wasn't sure what I could offer, short of cutting up fruit for two classrooms full of 20 kids each. Well, you did know. And you did share. And here's what you had to say.

Matt said: "How about granola? There are some good low-sugar brands out there."

Heather said "How about raisins or other dehydrated things? Raisins are great fuel for the body!" Heather suggests nuts, but cautions that there are probably serious allergy issues involved with nuts. She also recommends making crackers in the dehydrator from flaxseed and veggies.

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OK, readers, I need some help. Here's my dilemma: At my kids' elementary school, parents are expected to bring one bulk snack once each month, something that will serve about 20 kids. If every mom or dad complies with this expectation, teachers end up outfitted for mid-day snacks all year round. Simple enough. But I'm concerned with what I should donate each month. Last year, I tried to offer something not so terribly unhealthy -- mini bags of pretzels, for example -- but this coming Fall, I want to do better.

Here's my ideal: Fruit, maybe grapes divvied up into baggies, sliced apples, something whole and fresh and well, healthy. I guess I could plan with my kids' two teachers to pick a day each month where I show up and pass out my wholesome snack -- no way of refrigerating these snacks for later -- but I'm wondering if you have any kid-friendly suggestions I might use for this homework assignment, something I can deliver and leave with the teacher to use when appropriate. Most parents donate bags of chips, crackers, and cookies, but I don't want to succumb to these easy treats. I hate nothing more than seeing my kids walk out of school with Oreo mustaches. Not exactly fuel for the brain, you know. So help me, won't you? Leave a comment below and tell me what to do.

Here's to the good health of kids -- yours and mine.

Traveling is easily one of my favorite activities. Whether it's a short road trip with friends or an across the globe adventure, as long as I can get the time off work and scrape together enough money to go, I'm in. The only thing I don't like, is the dazed and crazed look I often sport after several hours of travel time.

I wrote not so long ago about an article that gave tips on how you can maintain your good looks while on a flight -- drinking lots of water and no alcohol, sleep and movement are all key. This time I've come across an article that will help you prepare beforehand, including advice on what to pack and which beauty treatments to try before you hit the road. Whether you're traveling for business or for pleasure, the advice listed here will make sure that you're looking great as soon as you land.

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While shopping online for friends and family, I found this interesting article about healthy stress-reducing gifts for the holiday season. Some of them are kind of pricey, but the tips also include thrifty alternatives that are still really neat! You never know, you may find one of these ideas perfect for a gift to yourself. Here are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing.

Giving the gift of nutrition can take many forms. Apples in the stocking (just kidding) or that popular waist-management book You: On A Diet make great presents. But what about giving the gift of a registered dietitian? Your loved ones start out by weighing in and getting a full medical history. Body fat percentages and metabolic rates are all tallied. The big payoff is a personalized menu and plan for weight loss that includes realistic targets, gains and goals. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving!

It's not cheap though. The initial consultation could run you up $125 an hour. A less-expensive alternative, however, could be even more personalized if you put effort into it. Why not create a custom healthy cookbook? I can speak from experience, because sites like Lulu.com help by putting together and publishing a really professional-looking product. You could include some of your own healthy recipes or find new ones off the Internet. Be creative!

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I'm an early bird when it comes to shopping for holiday gifts. And while I don't actually have much in the way of purchased presents right now, I do have a list that spells out exactly what I'm giving to my loved ones this year. It's nothing too extensive, and my plan follows a bit of simple logic. I'm buying only what (1) is consumable or (2) is long-lasting. Another condition: both options must support the pursuit of health and happiness. Here are some of my ideas.

I've already got the gift bags -- plain old brown bags with handles, perfect for dressing up with fancy ribbons and tags -- and these bags will be filled with apples, oranges, bananas, and maybe some kiwi. My message to the recipients of these goody bags will be something to the effect of, "Have a happy, healthy holiday!" Obviously, this gift is of the consumable nature and will surely deliver a dose of health and happiness -- hey, free fruit makes my wish list any day.

An idea I've got for my little boys: sports equipment -- bunches of it. Balls, jump ropes, soccer gear, maybe even a punching bag top this list of long-lasting items that will bring happiness to both my boys and me -- busy, tired boys always make me happy. It will also, of course, engage their bodies in lots of physical activity.

I'm also investing in cutesy note pads -- great for jotting down diet and fitness plans -- and well, I can't reveal any more. Some of my readers are on my gift list, and I don't want them to "peek" at their presents.

In the spirit of health and happiness, I offer you this link, chock-full of healthy holiday gift ideas.

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You might think your exercise program is for you and only you. But it can be good for the environment too, according to the website Green Living Ideas. By incorporating a few simple green practices into your fitness routine, you can fine-tune your body while helping to sustain the planet at the same time. Want to see how easy it is to accomplish both tasks at the same time? Read on.

The easiest way to turn exercise into an environmental act is to move your workout outside. Besides connecting with nature and connecting with your community, you'll cut your electricity bill by turning off the treadmill and exerting yourself outside. You can also replace your conventional workout routine with conservation activities such as gardening, hiking, or trail building. Check into volunteer opportunities at public parks too.

Heard of the "green gym" experience? What started in Europe is now spreading across the globe -- some are popping up on the United States East Coast. Slightly structured and costing nothing, these programs consist of people who meet a few times per week to get active and have fun while contributing to the wellness of the planet.
Think composting, reforestation, and recycling programs, and you've got the right idea. Gyms associated with this effort might include water-conserving shower heads and low-wattage light bulbs. If you spot any TV sets, they're likely programmed to turn off when not in use. They might feature biodegradable and natural cleaning products in the locker rooms and showers, and guests may be required to wear clothing made with organic cotton and other natural fibers.

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Of any of the many food-focused holidays coming up over the next few months, I find Halloween is the most dangerous when it comes to packing on the pounds. All of those chocolates and candies are delicious, but they're not exactly healthy. Sure a few are OK, but Halloween treats tend to be consumed in large quantities.

If you're throwing a Halloween party for your kids and their friends and want to offer some healthy food alternatives, or if you're just looking to find some non-candy food ideas, take a look at some of the simple snacks offered here. The page includes recipes for healthy treats like Spooky Honey Popcorn Balls, Spicy Pretzels, Caramel Honey Apples and Spicy Roasted Soybeans.

The kids will have plenty of opportunities to chow down on mini-candy bars and other sweets this Halloween, so it's not a bad idea to make sure they get something nutritious too.

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Hate to exercise? It happens to the best of us! Just because it's something everybody should be doing doesn't mean it's something everybody likes doing. But hating exercise makes it pretty tough to live a healthy lifestyle, so if you or someone you know is struggling with this issue try these 5 tips for exercise haters:

• Use technology to get yourself motivated. Either put on music that you love to get you in the mood, or try an audio training program -- they're available now for everything from cardio and calisthenics to pilates and yoga.
• Try bellydancing! Or any other interesting "outside of the box" class you may find that sparks your interest.
  
• Instead of trying to walk or jog for 30 minutes at once try doing 15 before work and the other 15 at lunch or right after work. The smaller timeframe may make it seem like less of a chore.
• Try Leslie Sanson's Walk Away the Pounds video program -- it's converted many an exercise hater.
• Find a fitness class that has a mind/body fitness approach. There are traditional options like yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi, plus more modern ideas like yoga/Pilates combination classes.

These ideas from eDiets sound pretty good, but it seems finding a way around "hating to exercise" is more complicated than any 5 tips can solve. What do you do to make exercising fun, interesting, or at least tolerable?

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If you're a parent at home trying to entertain your kids while giving them the opportunity to get fit and burn off some steam, here are some simple, fun and inexpensive ideas to help.

Paper plate hop scotch: Take five to ten paper plates and print large numbers on them. Place them on carpeted floor or grass in a straight line, or scatter them out in random order. Have kids jump from plate to plate in numeric order. If your child can not count yet, forget the numbers and simply have them jump from plate to plate

Plastic cup relay races: Place five cups at the edge of your largest room several inches apart from each other. Start your child at the opposite side of the room. Have her race to get each cup individually and place them on her starting side of the room. For a greater workout, use more cups!

Are you a trendsetter or a trend-follower? Or maybe you're the type that goes opposite of the trend, just on principle. Either way, it's good to know what the trends are, or might be. Forbes.com has compiled a list, in their handy "in pictures" format (well I think it's fun, anyway) with expert's opinions on what the biggest health and fitness trends will be in 2007.

Most of them are things I might have guessed, like organic products continuing to be popular and restaurants offering more low-fat items on their menus. But some others were interesting, like a growing number of employers offering health coaches as a benefit to employees. Really? I've never heard of that kind of benefit before, but I know I need it!

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Being the month of new resolutions, you'd think willpower and motivation wouldn't be a problem in January. But actually, it might be more important now than ever to find ways to keep yourself going strong. After all, if you develop good habits and coping strategies now for those tough times when you're "just not feeling it," that new goal you set for yourself will have a much better shot at becoming a reality and lasting long term.

Here are 7 tips to keep you on track this month and this year:

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There's a reason there are so many lists of gift ideas available this time of year -- although shopping is generally a good time, it suddenly turns stressful when you have difficult people to shop for. And men are notoriously difficult, yet every year we've all got at least a few of them on our gift list. It just can't be avoided!

So, if you've spent the last many years giving out socks, ties, and new gloves maybe it's time to think outside the box a little and surprise that special someone with something enjoyably unexpected. Most women don't realize that more and more men are coming to appreciate being pampered, or at least are more aware of their appearance and more interested in things like anti-aging products and finding ways to relax. eDiets.com has compiled a list of gifts ideas for the pampered man that really does have something for everyone, no matter how "macho" that man on your shopping list might be.

There are 10 ideas on the list total, ranging from cologne to a luxury shaving kit to a self-tanner designed specifically for men. No socks from me this year!

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Everybody needs new ideas now and then for either getting in shape or staying in shape. Even the fittest and healthiest people need to switch up their routines now and then, to avoid boredom and reenergize their motivation levels. Here are some ideas for trying something new, from old "tried and trues" to the latest in DVD home workouts:

• Dance! Research has shown that moving your body to music, or dancing, makes the time go by faster and can be great exercise. Need some specific direction? The Samba is a fun and upbeat option, either through lessons or an at home DVD in your living room.
• Jumping rope burns as much as 400 calories for every 30 minutes! And if you want to go at an easier pace, especially if you're just getting started, you can still burn 200 calories in 20 minutes by jumping a little slower. Not to mention it does a great job at toning and shaping your legs and midsection.
• Get in shape for a special occasion with a specially designed DVD called Women's Health: The Wedding Workout DVD. Even though the title says it's for weddings, apparently it's great for any special occasion -- like a vacation or family reunion.

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