Do we want to fit into slim cigarette pants? Yes, and this means we need to treat our bodies right to look stylin’. Our beautification process doesn’t stop with makeup and hair, although don’t discount these. Daily exercise is essential for body and spirit, but we need to eat in ways that transform the inside of our bodies so that we are lean, mean, sexy machines. To look good, do not stuff thy face. Eat the right foods at the right times and in thr right quantities. Envision your plate being divided into three parts with one quarter protein, one quarter complex carbs, and the other half steamed vegetables and/or salad. Now imagine the proportions. A protein portion is a deck of cards. Or, think of the size of the palm of your hand. Chug eight glasses of water per day, eat fiber, avoid sugar, be party smart, and steer clear of faux health foods. Health food does not guarantee waistline whittling. A single serving of dried fruit can pack up to sixteen grams of fat. Banana chips pack as much fat as a quarter pounder. Kiss the bread basket buh-bye. Try not to eat after 8 p.m.
Chatting with Kathleen Rowland 
Kathleen, I can get inspired at work– I purchased GOLD STANDARD OF THIN, and it sits on my desktop. When I feel a craving coming on, I read those seven secrets. I know that one ounce of cheese is the size of a thumb, from the first nuckle to the end. At a party, I carry a lutch and a glass of water or diet soda. With my hands filled, I focus on conversation because it really would take some acrobatics to get food. Usually the food is pretty fatty.
I too keep GOOD STANDARD OF THIN with me on my Kindle. Last week I was trying to help a young model understand why she bruised often and had nails splitting. Even her hair was brittle. I asked her what she had eaten that day. It was 4 in the afternoon, and she told me she’d only eaten a banana. I told her a banana is good but not enough and showed her the book. She confessed that in the evening she binged on chocolate cake and cookies, and then starved all day.
Reba, that’s good you spoke to that young model. With bruising and nails that split, it sounds like she’s lacking in nutrition and vitamins. When nails and hair are dry, chocolate cake doesn’t contain the B vitamins– like salmon, eggs, good grains, and leafy greens. She should also take a megavitamin pill.
I agree with taking a vitamin, at least every other day, even when we think we are eating right. The best time to take one is in the morning and then drink water. When our digestion is most active (in the a.m.) there is opportunity for max absorption.
I take a vitamin every day, Mary Alice and Melinda. Something these very young models do is take laxatives. There’s some kind of tea called Smooth Move. They wouldn’t be constipated if they ate salad, veggies, and good grains. Personally I think there’s too much press about benefits of chocolate and wine. There aren’t really many benefits.
True, Reba, and I think food needs to be exciting. We love eating and need food that is enticing. Just like with exercise, we need to mix up our menu. Wouldn’t it be boring to only use the StairMaster every single day? I swim every day, but I mix up strokes and where I swim. We have 35 pools where I live in Woodbridge Village in Irvine, California. I socialize a bit also.
Probably a StairMaster every single day would be boring, but I do love my stationary elliptical and get cerebral variety because it is right in front of the flatscreen!
Reba, I know your pet peeve is your husband throwing his jacket on it instead of hanging it up in the closet.
That is right, Mary Alice!
Reba, you’re a top legs model in L.A. and your husband loves to treat you like a princess, always opening doors for you. He must respect the elliptical!
Absolutely. Hey, before I shove off I want to offer some advice to those who want to look hot in front of the camera. For starters don’t wear sheer fabrics in light colors. Under bright lights and a bright lens, they draw attention to body imperfections. Tans, creams, whites and patterns have a widening effect if not paired with slimmer dark colored pants or skirts.
Reba, I think body language is important, too. Do not put your hands on your hips. Instead, keep arms loose and try to angle yourself to the camera just a little by easing one shoulder toward the photographer.
That’s right, and while angling that shoulder, bring your chin around that shoulder. Also keep one leg a little in front of the other to elongate your bod. Bring your hip around the point with that same favored toe. I used to practice in front of a mirror. Ladies, do your crunches. But if you have a bit of a belly, hold your purse or shawl in front as a camouflage.
Lastly, tuck in your butt and throw your shoulders back. Smile!
Here’s a tip for a good facial photo, but you have to pick your poison– holding your head down makes your eyes look bigger, your jaw smaller, and your eyebrows darker. But your nose will look bigger. Keeping your head up makes your eyes look smaller but has a slimming effect on noses. I’m black and have a rather small but wide nose. My snoz photographs nicely at a slight angle with my head up. Oh, the lessons we teach ourselves!
You’re cagy in many ways, Mary Alice. You have a sweetheart face with a darling chin.