A great way to energize yourself before a work out is coffee.  Coffee is a much better alternative then diet pills, energy pills or even energy drinks.  The key to making this work is drinking the right amount of coffee with enough time to work out before you start coming off your buzz.  This could mean that Starbuck’s is your new favorite work out buddy.

Want better, more hydrated skin? Well you may have to kick a few habits. Reducing the amount of caffeine you drink can help your skin dramatically. Jolt-causing beverages like soda, energy drinks, and coffee constrict your blood vessels, so less fluid flows through your skin — hence, dehydration. I’m not saying you have to turn to a caffeine free diet, but limiting your intake will make a dramatic difference. You will have clearer, glowing skin… and less jitters.

This summer, just like every Sacramento summer, is going to be insanely hot!

And there is nothing worse than wearing a skirt and you’re sweating to the point that your thighs rub together and it starts to hurt.

Come on… just admit it, it happens.

So try Lanacane Anti-Chafing Gel. I can’t believe it took so long for this product to come out. It starts out as a gel then feels like a powder on your skin.

You can get it at almost any drug store. Get it and you’ll feel breezy all summer long.

If you are into Yoga but not into being shoeless at the gym, because it gives you the heebie jeebies, I found a pair of sandals designed just for Yoga that are eco friendly, and pretty inexpensive.

They are adjustable flip flops that have flexible toe separators that give you a comfortable fit and don’t come off when you are in downward dog or any other Yoga pose I could never do.

You can find them at Gaiam.com and they are only like $30 bucks!

It’s time to let your inner Zen diva shine and this is just one item that will help you get there.

I’ve got another little tip that will make a big difference in the weight loss department.  We all know cardio is crucial in shedding pouns, but if you aren’t doing weight training you are doing yourself a disservice.  Light weight training, even once a week, will increase your metabolism in a big way.  You don’t have to do an insane amount of weight or worry that you are going to get huge.  In fact, you don’t even have to belong to a gym.  Walk around the block with 3 pound weights.  Or you could try using exercise bands for resistance.  For some motivation and ideas you can go to Sparkpeople.com.  It’s a great first step to reaching you weight loss goals.

In my quest to be thinner I have found a great way to increase my metabolism, and it will work for you too. When you hit the treadmill, instead of just walking or running do both! Run three minutes, and walk three minutes. Do that on and off for about 30 minutes. You will be shocked at how quickly you will start shedding inches in your middle and around your hips. This hip tip will get you that much closer to your perfect bathing suit bod.

We are all in pursuit of a better butt, right? Well if you have been wondering if those new Reebok Easytones actually help your booty and legs, they totally do! They are a little pricey. For most styles, you should expect to pay around $100 but you can’t put a price on a better butt, can you? So wear those short shorts this summer and before you know it, you will be known for your super cute, super toned derriere.

Trying to beat the hunger pains that arrive at 10 in the morning and two in the afternoon? Try cinnamon! Yep this sweet spice actually helps to regulate your blood sugar levels. Sprinkle some into your hot chocolate or tea, or mix it into plain yogurt or applesauce. The results are you won’t feel in a slump because you’re hungry and you won’t be adding tons of extra calories to your meals either!

People who regularly pile their plates with fruits, veggies, nuts, whole grains, and fish are 30 percent less likely to become depressed than those who don’t eat this kind of diet. The omegas in these foods improve blood vessel function and heighten mood. Not to mention they aren’t high in trans fat so with a diet like this you will not only feel better but look better too!

When it comes to working out there is some etiquette involved, like the 30 minute rule. BUT what if you are training for something and need more than 30 minutes?

Avoid going at off peak times like early morning or after work. If you are training for a race try 30 minutes on a tread mill and spend your time other places like the elliptical or bike. And if you are the one that needs the equipment then you could try to tell the person you are waiting but the safer bet is to tell the person at the front desk and let them enforce the rules.