Get healthy now! Six Threaders give us their diet and fitness tips

We're counting on the coming of spring- and the fact that white lace mini-dresses are apparently the trend of the season- to help us refocus on eating healthy and working out. There are as many different philosophies out there as there are people. I'm a fan of the Zone Diet model. For workouts, I try to get as much cardio and core strength training as I can. Still, despite my best intentions, in this stressed-out, time-challenged world it is easy to let everything go. Sometimes the solution is to simply ask around for new ideas. Start a different program. Get some cute workout gear. Try a new eating plan. With that thought in mind, we asked our Facebook community, affectionately known as "Threaders," to share their favorite tips with us. Check out what six Threaders had to say, and post your thoughts on our Facebook wall. Let's keep the conversation going and motivate each other!

Courtesy of Gwen Meise
Courtesy of Gwen Meise

Gwen Meise, 31, from Marlton, NJ

"Start a Facebook page to motivate yourself and provide support to others to stay healthy and fit. Share experiences, tips, recipes and more. It helps keep you accountable for your actions and keeps your goals in line." Check out Gwen's page for some inspiration: http://www.facebook.com/fitfriends

Courtesy of Natalie Ann Holmes
Courtesy of Natalie Ann Holmes






Natalie Ann Holmes, 23, from Sacramento, CA

"My tried and true method is to find an activity that you enjoy and make it part of your life. For me, it's ballet and I don't claim to be a dancer or even working to be one. But I love that the more I do it, the stronger and more toned I become. With each workout, it looks better and better. I don't have a studio in my house. so I bought a large exercise mat and keep my slippers handy. Bottom line: do something you actually enjoy!"

Courtesy of Kiara Allen
Courtesy of Kiara Allen


Kiara Allen, 27, St. Louis, MO

"You deserve to treat yourself every now and again! When that sweet tooth kicks in, go for frozen yogurt or a protein bar (chocolate, tasty one) and have a "cheat" day versus restricting yourself to avoid a junk food breakdown."





Courtesy of Teresa Ann Wise
Courtesy of Teresa Ann Wise


Teresa Ann Wise, 35, from Poteau, OK

"Eat a little snack every couple of hours and drink a lot of water to keep from getting that 'hungry' feeling. If you stay satisfied all day, you won't have to worry about eating too much at any one meal." (Since starting her new plan, Teresa has lost 104 lbs. to date!)



Courtesy of Ines Rodriguez
Courtesy of Ines Rodriguez




Ines Rodriguez, 27, Queens, NY

"Try high intensity cardio first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Your body has fasted for 6-8 hrs of sleep, so it does not have carbohydrates to use as fuel. Instead, it uses the next best thing, FAT! Plus, it has the added benefit of raising your metabolism for the rest of the day."




Courtesy of Bonita Quick
Courtesy of Bonita Quick

Bonita Quick, 39, Austin, TX

"Choose a body part to work on (abs, buns, etc.) and search "4 weeks to tighter (body part)" or "10 minute toning of _____" on the internet and squeeze in that quick workout every day."








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