HEALTHY LIVING WITH JANICE -- MUFFIN TOPS

Good grief! Bathing suit season is upon us, and my muffin top is showing. Health editor Janice Kerr offers some tips for flattening my tummy and yours. -- AP

Well, Anastasia, we all know Cloris has never baked a muffin (or anything else for that matter,) you could resist. So it’s no wonder you’ve grown your own muffin top. You need to start eating better. Here’s how:

The first step is to start with foods rich in protein. They build muscle. And don’t forget fiber. Eating lots of fruits, veggies, oats, and beans will help shrink that muffin top. Studies have proven it. And walk away from the sugar!

Here’s a helpful tip -- mix a teaspoon or two of flaxseed into your morning yogurt to keep your pipes from clogging up, but don’t forget to drink extra water.

Glute Bridge

And for heaven’s sake, you need to exercise more. Get off your butt and move. Every morning as soon as you get up, begin your day with the Glute Bridge and the Bird Dog, three sets of eight reps each.

No, not that bird dog. This Bird Dog:

Bird Dog

Gee, Janice, I never took you for such a drill sergeant. But she’s right, readers. I need to change my eating habits and exercise more. That muffin top is only going to get bigger and bigger if I don’t. Anyone willing to join me? Maybe by Labor Day we’ll all have bodies we won’t mind showing off in bathing suits. Post a comment to enter the drawing for a book from our guest author on Friday. -- AP

FASHION WITH ERICA -- FASHION FAUX PAS

Assistant fashion editor Erica Milano stops by today to discuss fashion faux pas. I hope none of my favorite clothes made her list because I sure can’t afford a wardrobe make-over any time soon! -- AP

Hi everyone! Erica here, taking over for Marlys -- as usual. Too bad I can’t take over her salary, given that I do all her work.

Anyway, I thought we’d discuss fashion faux pas today. Ever see someone walking down the street and wonder if that person ever looks in a mirror? Admit it. We all have. I’m a plus size woman, so I know that it’s not easy to find flattering clothes, but as my Nona often tells me, “Anything worth having is worth working for.” Of course, Nona is old school (or maybe I should say old world) Italian, and like so many other Italian grandmothers, wears nothing but black dresses.

You don’t have to be a plus size women to fall into the fashion faux pas abyss, though. Here are a few of my pet peeves, no matter your size or gender.

Saggy Pants Syndrome -- I don’t care if you’re looking for street cred or your own plumbing show on HGTV. No one is interested in seeing your underwear or butt crack, guys. It’s so not sexy. As a matter of fact, it’s just the opposite -- a huge turnoff. We all owe an enormous debt of gratitude to American Idol for showcasing that old dude singing his Pants On The Ground song. Right on, Grandpa!

Two Sizes Too Tight Trauma -- This bit of advice is for both guys and gals. News flash: Too tight is so not right. Let’s leave a little bit to the imagination, people. Most of you don’t have the bodies to be showcasing every bulge, anyway. Besides, there are some bulges that really need to be hidden. I’m talking to all of you beer bellies and muffin tops out there.

The Letting-It-All-Hang-Out-Gang -- Again, most people just don’t have the bodies for this. Cover up, ladies. Do the world a favor and spare us your belly fat and tramp stamps.

The Walking Billboard Look -- There’s nothing wrong with T-shirts with saying, but choose those sayings wisely. First impressions are lasting impressions. That pink and rhinestone T with “B*TCH” emblazoned across your boobs may very well be the reason you don’t get that job, raise, or promotion. And I’m not talking about wearing such inappropriate garb to the office. You never know who might see you in the evening or on the weekends. 

Thanks, Erica. Blunt but so right on. Anyone have a favorite fashion peeve to share? Let’s hear from you. Remember, if you post a comment this week, you're entered in the drawing to win a book from our Book Club Friday guest author.-- AP