Photo: Lifetime

Recently, I caught a couple of episodes of Lifetime's new show "Drop Dead Diva." It's about a young, gorgeous, self-centered aspiring model (Deb) who dies in an accident, but comes back in a different body (Jane). A bigger, smarter, kinder (but still totally gorgeous) body. And so, as the Web site says, "Now, by a twist of fate and a bolt of divine intervention, Deb must come to terms with inhabiting Jane's plus-size frame and learn to reconcile her beauty queen ways with her brilliant new mind."

Now, I'm not plus-size, but I'm probably closer to that than I am to that elusive size 2 that many actresses wear, so I immediately feel the need to give props to Lifetime for creating a show that features a lady who doesn't wear sample sizes. And the show is cute, fun and mostly lighthearted -- not a bad way to spend part of an evening.

However, although I know it's not the intent of the show, by showing the brilliant, plus-size attorney next to her thin, blonde, ditzy best friend, it almost makes it seem like you have to choose one or the other -- would you rather be thin or smart? And we all know that's not the truth. "Drop Dead Diva" is definitely showing that having the brains is a far better bet, although having the looks makes plenty of things in life much, much easier.

Standing in front of the mirror this morning, just out of the shower, naked -- too much information? -- I coincidentally happened to hear from my living room TV Carson Kressley of Lifetime's' How To Look Good Naked as he spouted off this trick for really looking good naked: moisturize.

A moisturized naked body is a beautiful naked body, said Kressley, who happens to believe -- or so he says -- that any naked body can be beautiful, no matter the size, shape, or physical condition. All it takes is a little mental exercise in feeling good about your body -- and apparently, some good moisturizing too. Kressley, as host of the naked show, also teaches women how to dress in ways that flatter their assets.

I'm all moisturized now. And ready for the Season Two premiere of How to Look Good Naked on Tuesday, July 22 at 10 PM on Lifetime. Hoping to pick up some more great tips.

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No cable television flickers in our home, but that'll change soon as our oldest, a kindergartener, is seriously protesting the lack of Disney and Nickelodeon. When we do splurge on cable, I will definitely enjoy more home workouts thanks to a wide variety of available fitness programming.

If your gym membership card gathered dust over the holidays, how about giving cable TV fitness programs a chance to jumpstart your return to regular exercise? Record the shows and fast forward commercial breaks. If that's not an option, use the commercials to down some water, make a pot of coffee or jog in place for an even bigger calorie burn. You might want to try:

• Denise Austin on Lifetime and ESPN Classic. She combines aerobics, weights and yoga in two 30-minute episodes. You'll need hand weights and a mat, and you might enjoy her Trainer's Tip at the end of the Lifetime show.
• Total Body Sculpt With Gilad on FitTV features 30 minutes of strength training with trainer Gilad Janklowicz.
• Inhale on Oxygen will have yoga lovers rolling out of bed and stretching for an hour with Steve Ross.
• In Shape With Sharon Mann on FitTV is a 30-minute cardio bonanza working in pilates, kickboxing, tai chi and other trendy moves. You will need some equipment -- a stability ball, mat, hand weights, body bar, tubing and aerobics step. If you're short pieces, adaptations are offered.

Picture from www.bodiesinmotionwithgilad.com

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Did anyone watch the premiere of the new reality show How to Look Good Naked on Lifetime? I didn't, but after reading this article, I'm intrigued. Rather than focusing on diet and exercise, as one might expect, the show narrows in on the negative feelings women have surrounding their body and works to reverse them. In the end, participants in the show aren't a bit lighter or fitter, but hopefully have learned to appreciate themselves in a different light.

Though I know a healthy diet and regular fitness routine are important for good health, I think a little dose of self-esteem is never a bad thing. I may have to tune in next week, just to see what it's all about. What do you think?

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Actress Nikki Blonsky, best known for her co-starring role alongside John Travolta in the movie Hairspray, is up for more nods come next year when her theatrical release Harold debuts. She's also finishing work on Lifetime's movie Queen Sized, premiering January 12 at 9:00 PM (ET/PT).

In Queen Sized, Blonsky brings to life character Maggie Baker, an overweight, outcast teen nominated for homecoming queen by girls plotting to humiliate her. The story ends happily, with Maggie overcoming adversity. Wouldn't it be nice if all such weighty issues had happy endings? Wouldn't it be grand if weight wasn't even a basis for pranks and jokes? OK, I'm dreaming.

Blonsky, 19, says this movie beautifully captures the essence of queen-sized issues.

"It's an amazing story of coming into your own, acceptance and believing in yourself," she says.

I plan to tune in -- how about you?

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If there's one crummy disease that flies in the face of good health, it's cancer. Stupid Cancer is what Matthew Zachary calls it.

Cancer-surviving Zachary, founder and executive director of I'm Too Young For This -- a rockin' place for young adults with cancer -- does all he can to support those under 40 trying to reclaim their health. You name it, he does it. Advocacy? Yep. Excursions, camps, and retreats? You bet. Scholarships and financial aid? Right on the money. This guy hosts his own streaming live Stupid Cancer Show on Monday nights, serves on the Google Health Advisory Council, sports a website TIME calls one of its Top 50, and now this inspiring cancer guru is making a splash in Hollywood.

Zachary will appear in an episode of Lifetime's Side Order of Life on Sunday, September 30 at 9:00 PM (ET/PT). In this episode, Vivy Porter (Diana Maria Riva) is dealing with cancer treatment and looking for the right kind of support. She finds it, at the hippest support group in town: a Stupid Cancer Happy Hour! Enter Zachary, who is there to greet Vivy when she arrives.

Check out this ground-breaking episode, won't you? Zachary promises you'll witness an accurate and hip portrayal of young adult cancer survivors. And I promise you'll love this guy, who is doing so much for so many. Like me.

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