What the...

Ever wonder how safe it is to wear jeans more than once w/o washing them? Or why only some farts reak? Or why you get turned on when you're breast feeding? (yeah...I had no idea)"Health Magazine" Medical Editor Dr. Roshini Raj is answering these & other awkward questions in her new book, "What the Yuck?"

To avoid the embarrassment of asking these questions out loud get your copy HERE.

Gluten for punishment

Greetings urbanistas & urbanistos...just wanted to share this interesting article on the harmful effects of gluten. Ch-check it out!

Urbanista Files #103: 8 Foods That Combat Stress

I don't know about you, but I have to do everything I can to keep the stress monster away. If these foods aren't already on your weekly shopping list, make sure to add them immediately:

1. Dark Chocolate

2. Skim Milk

3. Oatmeal

4. Salmon

5. Walnuts

6. Sunflower Seeds

7. Spinach

8. Blueberries

Source

Urbanista D.O.T.D. = Save on Colgate's Wisp Mini Toothbrush

I just think these are the cutest little things! Only 3.5in long, these mini toothbrushes conveniently fit in your clutch, tote, briefcase or even a pocket (just be careful when you sit down - LOL!)The best part is you don't even need H2O to get instant fresh, minty breath. I'm getting a year-supply asap! And here's a coupon for your first Wisp purchase.

Starbucks Calorie Counting

Ok, we're all guilty of it. You drive/walk by a Starbucks (or some other java joint)and before you know it you're ordering some venti-double-shot-non-fat-no-whip-frap concoction. But do you ever stop to think how this impromptu pick-me-up impacts not only your budget but your waistline? Find out how much cardio you're going to have to do in order to work off that frothy treat.
CLICK HERE to see how that grande latte adds up in your daily calorie intake.

Eat This, Not That & Lose Those Extra Pounds w/o DIETING

In this life-changing book you will learn about:

*How choosing one fast-food milkshake over another can save you nearly 2000 calories! (The difference is an entire day's worth of calories! Make that swap just once a month and you'll save 7 pounds of fat in just one year!)

*25 so-called ‘healthy' foods that aren't. (Learn about the supposedly ‘healthy' foods that are secretly packing your body with excess calories, fat, sugar and sodium—and what you should eat instead to lose weight effortlessly!)

*20 foods your cardiologist wouldn't eat.

*The best and worst drive-thru foods

*16 secrets the restaurant industry doesn't want you to know

*The 20 unhealthiest drinks in America. (So you can sip what you want, skip the diet, and still lose lots of weight this year!)

*The best and worst sex foods! (What you eat can boost your sexual health and performance)

*The best and worst restaurants in America.

This is definitely a MUST read, and right now shipping & handling is FREE but only for a limited time. To order CLICK HERE.

Urbanista D.O.T.D. - Free Escada Fragrance

Never underestimate the perks of free samples. It's the best way to get just a taste of something in order to decide if you like it or not w/o buying it. Particularly with beauty products, you can waste a lot of money on trial & error until you find the product(s) that tickle your fancy. Hundreds of brands will mail you FREE samples of some of the best products on the market, which can total GREAT savings for you if you are smart about it. Think about if you signed up for a free sample every week or even every day! You'll have free swag arriving at doorstep daily.



With that said...here's your deal for today... Escada is offering free samples of Escada Marine Groove scent which retails for $52-$70. To get yours CLICK HERE

Burn Baby Burn: Calorie Burn Calculator

Are you curious to know how many calories you'll burn by walking, dancing or even cooking? Check out THIS calorie burn calculator to find out.

The Morning After: How to Cure a Hangover

Happy New Year urbanistas & urbanistos!!! 2010 is here! The number "10" is believed to represent "perfection of divine order." Think about the many references to the number...there are 10 Commandments, normally we have 10 fingers & 10 toes, the original calendar only had 10 months & so on. Whatever you believe the point is that it's time for a new decade...a new era. Old things have passed away. So let's push forward.

I don't know about you but as for me 2009 refused to leave quietly. Now while you were popping bottles and shaking it to the ground at the final hour of '09, I was in bed nursing a flu. But don't cry for me b/c unlike many of you I don't have to pay the cost for over-crunkin' it. Here are a few tips for how to deal with a hangover so you don't have to spend the entire first day of 2010 blaming it on the alcohol:

1.Sleep. Rest is your best friend at this point to give your body a recover. Also try taking a multi-vitamin and drink a lot of water before going to sleep.

2.Replenish your body with fruit juice and water. Drink orange juice for Vitamin C. Drink a sports drink like Gatorade or Powerade for nutrients.

3.Avoid caffeine. A weak cup of coffee may be okay but a lot of caffeine will continue to dehydrate you, the opposite of what you want right now.

4.Eat mineral rich food like pickles or canned fish.

5.Drink a Bloody Mary. While your blood is dealing with the new alcohol it is ignoring the old and in the mean time tomato juice and celery are full of vitamins. If you drank the last of the vodka make a Virgin Mary. Another spicy morning after drink option is Hair of the Dog, in which gin and hot sauce are sure to bite your hangover back.

6. Take a shower, switching between cold and hot water.

7. Try Alka Seltzer Morning Relief. Results have been proven.

8.Get some exercise & drink lots of water.

Lastly, do NOT...I repeat do NOT pop a bunch of pills. The side effects of aspirin, Tylenol and ibuprofen can be magnified when alcohol is in your system, so it is best to avoid them to kill the hangover pain. Aspirin is a blood thinner, just like alcohol, and can intensify its effects and Tylenol (or acetaminophen) can cause more damage to your liver. Ibuprofen can also cause stomach bleeding. So be cautious when going for the quick relief.

source

FREE & the City (Chi-town): Flirty Girl Fitness Presents Beach Booty Beat

Wherever you live I'm sure you've seen the FLIRTY GIRL FITNESS commercials. FGF offers fun, sexy workouts such as lap dancing & "doggie style yoga". And if you live in the Chicago area you can experience FGF's "Beach Booty Beat" for FREE!!! every Saturday throughout the month of August. For more details regarding the class click the flyer above. Or to learn more about FGF peep the following vid:

Anti-Aging Checklist

Here's a quick daily reference for Dr. Oz's anti-aging plan. I've posted copies on my fridge & in my office...



(Click on the image to make it bigger...thanks Maryanna!)

10 Mins of Sun a Day Keeps the Doc Away...

I'm soooo tired of hearing my fellow urbanistas of color say that they avoid being in the sun like the plague b/c they fear they might "get too dark" or "don't like to sweat." The reality is that direct sunlight can improve your health & extend your life. The incomparable Dr. Oz shared the importance of getting 10 mins. of direct sunlight each day on Oprah. According to Dr. Oz, the sun is an excellent source of Vitamin D. And here's why Vitamin D is SO important...

"Vitamin D is critically important for preventing cancer and critically important for reducing heart problems. It's linked to multiple sclerosis, to juvenile diabetes. It's one of the best ways of reducing infection rates. It's got a ton of things that it does for you to make your immune system function the way you want it to function."
- Dr. Oz

If you can't get sunlight b/c you live in Alaska or have to survive bitter Chicago winters like myself then you can take 1,000 units of a Vitamin D supplement.


SOURCE

Step #5: Tea Baggin'

Urbanistas it's time to focus on the next step in the 12-Step Urban Addiction Recovery Program...tea baggin'. No it's not what you're thinking. Tea baggin' is a sweet little trick one of my L.A. actress friends taught me. It's very simple actually. The secret - keep a tea bag with you at ALL times! Sound strange? Well believe it or not this little tea bag can have a big impact & here's how:

1. Whenever you get the munchies or that late-afternoon hunger attack, whip out your tea bag for an instant treat that you won't feel guilty about later. Tea can curb hunger cravings, which can help keep you slim & trim. Tea is the 2nd most popular drink worldwide & has almost no calories at all (that is as long as you don't load in tons of sugar, honey or whatever else people are trying to pass off as natural sweetener). All you need is hot water & your trusty tea bag. Try different teas until you find one that you like. The leaves already have natural flavoring so there's no need to add to perfection.

2. At any restaurant of your choice, request a glass of hot water & BAM!...whip out your tea bag to avoid spending $5-$20 on a watered down cocktail or sugary soda you know you don't need. Next time you dine out take a look at your bill to see just how much your Diet Coke cost you. You probably could get a six-pack or two for that one glass you sipped had with your meal.

3. If you partied like it was 1999 last night, but it was only a Tuesday, then a cup of tea will get you back to running in your heels in no time! Caffeine is a natural component in tea, which is perfectly healthy when used in moderation.

4. The most beneficial factor is that tea baggin' can improve your health. Specifically, if you opt for green tea bags then you'll have a source of good antioxidants which will enhance your overall health by boosting your immune system, protecting your heart, fighting cancer cells & keeping your mind sharp & focused for life's daily challenges.

For more about the multi-goodness of tea, please CLICK HERE. From now on you can boldly & proudly say that you are a TEA BAGGER!

A Bit of Motivation for Bikini Season

Ok Urbanistas, bikini season is almost in full swing! If you're like me, you are trying to shed those final few pounds before braving the crowded beach/poolside in all your swimsuit glory. Many of us get too busy to hit the gym every single day. Peep the US WEEKLY vid below of Alison Sweeney giving workout tips you can do at home or even in your hotel room if you have vacay plans.



And to get those fierce abs check out the Self Mag ab workout vid below...



And if that's not motivation enough to get your mojo in gear then just ask yourself...


A. "What Would Mel B. Eat?"



B. "What Would the Kardashians Do?"


C. "What Would Jamie Pressly Say?"

Kim K. @ Kitson in L.A. TODAY!!!

If you're in LaLa land, swing by KITSON to meet Kim Kardashian. "The Tush" will be there promoting her new workout DVD.

Kim K. Shows Us How to "Fit in Your Jeans by Friday"

Hate if you want on Kim Kardashian but you can't deny her fab flawless style OR her extra serious hustle! I mean who can go from being a no-name to climbing the A-list faster than Paris Hilton in less than 5 years? There isn't a person who hasn't heard of the most famous Kardashian a.k.a. "the tush" AND she has one of the finest men in the world on her arm...I ain't even mad. Well Kim K. stopped by "The View" today to pub her new workout video, "Fit in Your Jeans by Friday." She demonstrated some of her workout moves in what appeared to be 5-in kick-ass stilettos. I will say that if I was going to try a workout video it would be this one b/c even though I'm extra crunk about being fit I want to keep my curves & if anyone knows how to do this it's Kim K. Peep the trailer below & CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON HOW TO GET IT:


Kim Kardashian "Fit In Your Jeans By Friday" Trailer from Watch It Now Entertainment on Vimeo.

Another Reason to Hate Carbs

According to famed dermatologist Dr. Nicholas Perricone, eating foods heavy in sugar and/or carbs can cause you to have a "doughy" appearance & who wants to look like the Marshmallow Man. So if you want your skin to look taut & chiseled then put down the bread & pastries.

SOURCE

Veggie in a Bottle...

A day or so ago I was reading the latest issue of SELF MAG while burning some major calories on the treadmill. (BTW - Anna Faris, who I have a major girl crush on, is on the cover looking wunderbar!) Anywho, I came across an ad for HEALTHY TO GO'S "GO GREENS." I had a life-changing moment! Each packet contains 15 organic fruits & veggies equal to the antioxidant powder of 6 servings of fruits & vegetables!!! That's not all - it ACTUALLY TASTES GOOD! So you can get your daily does of veggies quick & easy no matter where life takes you! I'm stocking up TODAY! For more info on where to buy this & all the other FAB Healthy TO GO products CLICK HERE!

For BHS w/ the cover girl check out the clip below:

Nutty Buddy

So sometimes you feel like a nut, but you really should all the time! Research shows that nuts have lots of goodness that keeps on giving. Did you know that eating 1 cup (approx 5 handfuls) of nuts each day can benefit you in the following ways:

*Reduce your risk of heart disease.

*Prevent weight gain & promote weight loss! (happy, happy...joy, joy!)

*Reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes.

And if you're still not impressed keep in mind that nuts are high in protein but have no cholesterol & are very low in sodium as long as they are unsalted.

Sprinkle some nuts into your daily diet in the following foods:

* Salads
* Yogurt
* Cereal
* Pasta
* Cooked vegetables
* Muffins and pancakes (toss a handful or two into your batter)

For more what nuts are best for your nutritional needs CLICK HERE. Now GO NUTS!!!

Pharrell Goes (B)APE Sh*t for a Happy Meal?

At least Pharrell will be relieved to hear that McDonalds actually got a decent grade when it comes to America's healthy vs. unhealthy restaurants. I personally still refuse to touch the stuff! Although that $1 menu is awfully tempting during this recession-depression. You know there are whole families surviving off that stuff right about now.