OK Magazine, Page 90, Eva’s Body

Hooray, I give my clients the same kind of medicine ball woodchop squats Eva Longoria’s trainer makes her do. Maybe I should up my fees? Interesting article about someone who has a great body, but really seems to work for it. It’s always hard to tell what really goes on, but if you train three times a week and have a sensible diet, then you’re on the right track. Patrick Murphy and I also both like to say that cardio, nutrition and weight training are three key elements to looking great, but I like my version better where I make a triangle with my hands … Good article, good advice, and best of all, no mention of low-carbs! ☆☆☆☆

NW, Fighting Fat, page 64

If you want to freak yourself out a bit, check out this article which gives you a rundown of how much fat is in a few commonly eaten foods. It’s disappointing that one of the alternatives given is a frozen meal, when it’s much easier to lower your fat intake if you cook things yourself. It doesn’t have to be hard or time consuming either. Check out this week’s Top Five newsletter for an easy to make, low fat pizza which tastes fantastic. Over the page there’s three good afternoon snack ideas, and a lower kilojoule alternative to 2 minute noodles. Again, it’s basically a chocolate bar, and if you really want to lower kJs, eat a sandwich, or some almonds and dried apricots, which are the basis of this bar and forget the chocolate and other things it’s got in it. I give this article ☆☆☆

Who, Page 60 - Britney Bounces Back

Britney Spears had a baby five weeks ago, and is now in top shape again. Uh huh, that’s got to have been a safe exercise and diet plan she was following, when you see the photos of her in August. If you want to see a great, sensible plan, check out last weeks Weekly Review on Princess Mary’s regime. Again, the low carb diet rears it’s ugly head, and there’s vague information about cardio every day. Sure, the cardio part works, but I bet it’s way easier to hammer yourself when you’ve got a nanny to take care of your kids. If you’re a normal woman, don’t try and lose 18kg in five weeks. ☆☆

Britney’s story is followed by four pages of other celebrities and their post-baby bodies, with various means of losing weight. Gwyneth Paltrow has gone for a six week detox program with Nish Joshi (colonics, anyone?), and Katie Holmes “bounced right back”. Angelina Jolie wants other women to realise “they’re beautiful at any size”, kind of easy to say when you look like an ethereal goddess. Personally, it took me about two years to lose the thirty kilos I put on when I was pregnant with Miss M, and I’m happier with my body now than I ever was before. But the reality is, unless you’re some kind of genetic freak, you cannot lose the weight quickly without sacrificing your health, or gaining it back again later. Don’t believe the hype.

New Idea, page 56 - The Housework Workout

Man, if any workout ever struck a chord with me, this is it. Disappointingly, there’s not much detail. But, I know vaccuuming is hard work, dusting works your triceps, and cleaning the oven - well, you get my drift. If it works for you, go for it! ☆☆

On the opposite page, there’s another article about exchanging one food for a lower kJ one. Happily, one of the things exchanged is a piece of fruit. One out of six. It also gives you a rundown on how long it will take you housework wise to burn off said item. Don’t rely on pushing a trolley to burn off too many kJ’s! ☆☆

Woman’s Day - page 74, The Carb Lover’s Diet

Basically a promo for Bakers Delight’s new online menu planning tool, but I’m wrapt because there’s carbs a plenty here. Good ones too, not the bad kind. There’s also an interview with the Biggest Loser’s new female trainer, Kim, and a couple of other little snippets of info. Yay to the dietary advice.☆☆☆