Blog Posts by Liz Vaccariello, Editor-in-Chief, PREVENTION

One of the things that makes this plan work so well, so fast is weight training. It's soooo essential to weight loss because it boosts your metabolism, builds lean muscle that not only looks great but helps you power through everything you do, so you burn more calories just living. Here are a few tips to make sure you're getting the most out of every lunge, pushup and curl:

Follow the "6-second rule": When our pros designed this workout they combed through the research and found what may be a magic number when it comes to maximizing your resistance training: with every move take 2 counts to lift, 4 counts to lower. The slower lowering phase is called "eccentric" and it helps you get results faster because you're working your muscles harder.

Use controlled movements: If you follow the 6-second rule you'll do this automatically, but using slow, controlled movements is key to preventing one of the biggest "cheats" in weigh training: letting momentum do the work for you. Keep

I know, I know, the first day of the workweek is tough enough but stay with me on this. Loads of studies show that Monday is really the best time to kick off any get-healthy regimen for this simple reason: it represents a clean slate, which is vital when it comes to embracing a smarter lifestyle plus there's always another one right around the corner. Not convinced? Here are a few more reasons Monday is the greatest day when it comes to your health:

It's a fresh start

Just like Friday always begs the question: what will I do this weekend? (i.e., eat, drink and be merry), Monday just naturally lends itself to a more practical point of view-it's the day you assess your workload, appointments, grocery shopping. Take stock of the week ahead with your new healthy habits in mind and plan accordingly.

The secret to loving your workout

It's a 'trigger' day

Studies actually show that when it comes to embarking on any healthy activity, if you have a so-called trigger day-a

CAN YOU LOSE UP TO 12 POUNDS IN 14 DAYS?

Yes! The problem is most women don't know where to start. That's why I'll be blogging every day for the next two weeks to give you the tips, tricks and ideas you need to slim down-fast. Meet me here everyday for the next two weeks and let's get slim and strong together. It takes some commitment and work but trust me, it's worth it! Here's 7 easy but super effective diet and exercise moves to jump start your week. See you tomorrow!

Start today! Get your free daily plan here.

Day 1: Start Shrinking Your Belly

Workout tip: Tone your belly before you even get out of bed! You can burn 20 calories in less than 5 minutes just by drawing your knees to your chest 25-50 times.

Day 2: Boost Protein

Meal idea: Protein helps muscle recovery and keeps you feeling satisfied. For a meat-free, protein-packed dinner, try the Tofu-Vegetable Marinara with Parmesan. Zucchini, tofu, and mushrooms add texture and flavor to this basic

You probably have lots of questions about President Obama's ambitious goal to provide quality health care coverage for all Americans. But like anything that promises such sweeping reforms, it's complex. So I reached out to a few experts to help break down what this may mean for women (there are bills in the works in the Senate and the House). Should they pass, here's what you can likely expect:

1. You'll have health insurance-no matter what. One of the hallmark promises of this plan is that all Americans will have quality health insurance. So if you're among the 21 million women/girls who goes without insurance, or among the 14 million who has to buy it on the individual market, you'll have affordable options.

This is especially important for women, who are less likely to obtain employer-based insurance (which often provides better, cheaper coverage than plans on the individual market). That's because we're less likely to be employed full-time, making us less likely to be

Trying to lose a few pounds? Start by readjusting your "portion perception," thinking that you have to eat a certain amount to feel full and satisfied. In reality, you can eat a lot less and still feel like you've had a complete meal. I love how so many restaurants are posting calorie info these days, because it really puts things in perspective-but since there are also plenty of places that don't (and adding them up yourself can be tricky), here's a sample of what I call a perfect weight loss day (about 1,600 calories). We count the calories-so you don't have to!

BREAKFAST: Hearty Egg Sandwich (397 calories)

1. Scramble 1 whole egg with 1 egg white in a skillet coated with cooking spray

2. Place on toasted whole wheat English muffin spread with 1/4 c mashed Hass avocado

3. Top with 1 slice reduced-fat Cheddar cheese and tomato slices

LUNCH: Tarragon chicken salad (408 calories)

Upgrade a plain chicken salad sandwich by instead mixing with fresh tarragon, low-fat

What I love: Kicking back with a refreshing libation after a long, hard week.

More Ways to Have a Healthy Summer:

20 Finger-Licking BBQ Recipes

6 Easy Ways to Prevent Sunburn

10 Weird Things that Make You a Germ Magnet

Spring and warmer weather are here! Jump start your winter weight loss with Liz and 2-Week Turnaround!






Having trouble slimming down? Sugar could be your problem. Find a new approach with The DTOUR Diet book -- Free for 21 days!

Hot dogs were a summertime favorite of mine until I read these three not-so-magic words: Mechanically Separated Turkey. What is it? You can find out below, but it's definitely not something I want smeared with mustard and sauerkraut and wedged in a bun. In fact, your average tube steak has a few more dubious ingredients you may want to take note of before this weekend's BBQ. (Hot dog mavens don't despair: There are healthy brands that taste great.)

Other common health mistakes women make

BEEF AND PORK:

Both are high in protein-and in unhealthy saturated fat and cholesterol; the meat could come from pig and cow skeletal muscle and by-products.

MECHANICALLY SEPARATED TURKEY:

A paste-like substance produced when tissue is removed from bones through a high-pressure sieve. This product is versatile and cheap-and not just for turkey dogs.

SODIUM NITRITE:

Helps preserve the red tint of cured meat. Studies have shown that consuming sodium nitrite may increase

True story: A coworker of mine had a bad ankle injury that kept her off her feet for months. When she finally got the go-ahead to exercise, she went at it like gangbusters, working out 2 hours at a time and taking ultratough classes, including one that required participants to sprint out of the gym and through Grand Central station - literally. Three years later? Her knees still hurt. Morale of the story: Too much of a good thing is often not a good thing at all. Besides, with summer right around the corner, the last thing you want is to get sidelined. Here are five signs you should dial down gym time:

•You're having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Healthy levels of exercise should help you sleep, not keep you awake.

Stop tossing and turning-tonight! Discover simple remedies to get your best rest ever.

•Your heart is racing. Overtraining can cause your heart rate to be elevated, even when you first wake up in the morning. Regularly checking your heart rate can