Thanks,
Wendy

Dear Wendy,

OK, my first thought was there’s no such thing as a bad fruit but then I realized that’s like saying there’s no such thing as a bad boyfriend. And just like boyfriends, there are great fruits, not so great fruits, and fruits that need an extra washing.

That said, what often matters even more than the kind of fruit is the way that you’re eating it — particularly when you are talking about weight loss. Of course you have to remember that whatever fruit you reach for will always be infinitely better than a king size Twix, but check out my fave and not-so-fave fruits below.

Best: Apple
A fab sweet snack on the go, an average apple contains only about 80 calories. Make sure to eat your apple with the skin on — you’ll get 5 grams of fiber that can help reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.

Worst: Dried Fruit
Although dried fruits are super portable, the water has been taken out, concentrating the sugar and calories. For example, a half cup of fresh grapes contains 30 calories while the same serving of raisins contains about 250 calories.

Best: Grapefruit and other Citrus
Loaded with Vitamin C and tons of other nutrients, citrus fruits are said to help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. And a half of a grapefruit contains less than 50 calories!

Worst: Coconut
Often covered in chocolate, this high-cal fruit contains 283 calories and 24g of saturated fat per cup. Instead of the caloric fruit itself, why not go for a low-cal but still delicious glass of coconut water instead! (Bonus: it doubles as a hangover cure!)

Best: Melons
Honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon…they are all healthy and delicious. Melons are low in calories, high in flavor, and are known to prevent kidney disorders, high blood pressure, cataracts, and diabetes.

Worst: Fruit Juice
It seems harmless but many fruit juices are made from concentrate with added refined sugar and calories. Not to mention that you don’t get as much fiber from the juice, which means you don’t get the same kind of fullness that you do with a piece of fruit.


Best: Berries
Berries are amazing! Blueberries are potent health helpers, chock full of antioxidants. Strawberries are high in Vitamin C and folic acid, raspberries are full of fiber, and cranberries can do wonders for a urinary tract infection.

Worst: Canned Fruit
OK, this one seems obvious. Drowning your fruits in sugary syrup isn’t doing anyone’s diet any good! Not to mention, fruit tastes better fresh!

Best: Papaya
Exotic and tasty, papayas are a great choice! Full of vitamins C, B, folate, and fiber, papayas promote cardiovascular health and protect against colon cancer.

Worst: Tomato Sauce and Ketchup
Don’t laugh. In case you didn’t hear, the Department of Agriculture was trying to justify pizza- and French fry-filled school cafeterias by saying tomato sauce is a vegetable (a throwback to the Reagan era, it seems). Crazy, but what’s even crazier…tomato is a fruit!

xx, G

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Yes, all these different platforms can send you into a social media tailspin, but before you chuck it all for a TMZ-free life in Tristan da Cunha, we have to tell you about our ever-growing infatuation with Pinterest.

The photo-tastic virtual pinboard is an amazing way to keep track of and share everything you love online! As the site continues to take the world by storm, we wanted to feature some of our all-time fave pinners. Start following them today!

xx, The FabFitFun Team

After fueling up on Jamba’s steel cut oatmeal, the morning began with one of our local faves – Hoopnotica. Based in Venice Beach, the core-sculpting workout features a weighted hula hoop and burns around 400 calories per hour. As you swivel, sway, walk, and dance with your hoop, the fun-filled workout is sure to make you feel like a kid! A tired, sweaty kid!

Next we went straight into the high-energy Slumdog Millionaire-inspired Bollywood Dance class. Similar in structure to Zumba, but with a fab Indian twist, the moves are easy to follow, the music is infectious, and I couldn’t help but smile throughout the entire routine.

New York’s newest “it” workout SurfSET was up next. Recently featured in FabFitFunNY, the workout takes the intensity of surfing to dry land. Originally created to help pro surfers stay fit off-season, SurfSET features the RipSurfer X, a gnarly surfing simulator that’s half surfboard, half Pilates Reformer, and all fitness. Rumor has it that the bitchin’ workout is set to make waves in Santa Monica soon!

After a strawberry smoothie break from Jamba, I was happy to see some familiar faces. Christina and Kirsten – the rocking duo behind the uh-mazing Pound Rockout Workout were ready to get the group pounded. Armed with Ripstix, we blasted our booties with lunges, squats, and an array of core and arm work! I am still obsessed with this drum-inspired workout.

Another standout had to be Parkour, the crazy but cool workout that can be done almost anywhere. The idea is to quickly and efficiently move around any obstacle. In this case we ran and jumped over foam blocks of different sizes and widths, kinda like an obstacle course. If you wanna perfect your police dog-like chasing skills, then this is definitely the workout for you!

Of course this was only a few of the great workouts we tried. We also got pumped with Jump Rope Cardio, Juicy Athletic Moves, Pop Physique (Ballet Barre), ViPR and Cardio Carnivale! And after all that calorie-burning, the group chowed down on a healthy lunch from The Green Truck. It was a great morning, and the next day my super body was very proud of all the fitness experimentation! My super body also had a very hard time getting out of bed!

Check out the action on ABC News here!

xox,

Katie Kitchens

Aerial or anti-gravity yoga combines traditional yoga poses with movements done on a low-hanging, soft fabric hammock-like trapeze. Holy circus, yep we said trapeze!

The technique helps elongate the spine through the use of gravity, thereby helping to relieve aches and pains in the back and neck, said Michelle Dortignac, the mastermind behind aerial yoga and founder of NYC’s Unnata Aerial Yoga.

“On the physical side, I have personally seen great progress in flexibility for my hips and middle back,” Michelle said. “From my students, I have also seen increasing flexibility, and the elimination of chronic back pain and headaches.” And like traditional yoga, Michelle explains that it can help create peace of mind and contentment.

Class typically starts with students supporting some of their bodyweight in the hammock, using the ground for additional support, said Jordan Anderson, the founder of Aerial Fit in Charleston, SC. As their confidence builds, students eventually support all of their bodyweight, hanging upside down just inches above the floor. Every class includes deep stretching, core and upper body strengthening, suspended inversions, and relaxation.

Jordan, who has practiced aerial yoga for five years, said it has helped her build up the strength to heal old fitness injuries and be able to do pull-ups. “Aerial yoga has been incredibly empowering and therapeutic at the same time. I feel that it has really brought my body into balance.”

She added that all levels of students — from beginner to advanced — are welcome. And with all its benefits, aerial yoga might just be better than a day at the beach!

xx, The FabFitFun Team

xx, The FabFitFun Team

Gretchen Rossi is back in a big way, conquering the business world (you go girl!) with her lines of cosmetics and handbags. And with the seventh season of The Real Housewives of Orange County finally here (we die!), we chatted with Gretchen about everything from her favorite beauty products to her celebrity crush to her fashion secrets.

We are obsessed with your hair! What is your number one tip for gorgeous hair?

Thank you for the compliment! Best tip is to not wash it every day. It helps build up your natural oils which add shine and bounce. Buy dry shampoo if you can’t go two to three days. Also, my best kept secret is HBL products! They are paraben-free which is very healthy for your hair, yet the performance is amazing! They are affordable as well!

Last season, you ended on somewhat of a sour note with Vicki and Tamra. What is your current relationship with them?

Well I can’t give away any secrets of this season, however, the dynamics of the group really change in season seven. I think this is going to be a very exciting and different season for the audience! So many relationships change including the one between Tamra and me. Vicki and I go through a lot this season as well. Honestly, I think it’s going to be our best season yet!

What can we expect to see in the next season of RHOOC?

Well for my story, you will see me continuing to build my fashion and beauty empires! I just love these spaces and my lines continue to grow. You’ll see a little bit more of my music career including working with the Pussycat Dolls. Slade produces and performs in a comedy show and I am asked to host. You will also see a lot of the struggles and issues Slade and I continue to work through as a couple while still keeping the undying and loyal love we have for one another.

Obviously, you have an amazing body. What is your typical workout regimen?

Well again thank you for such a sweet compliment. I travel so much with my companies that I barely get time to work out anymore so I have to improvise. I use my own bodyweight to do floor exercises, I travel with workout rubber bands and use hotel furniture to do my routines. I sometimes use a lamp to do bicep curls! It sounds funny, but it works. I eat pretty well too, which is about 60% of staying in shape if you ask me. I eat everything I want, just little bits of everything and I eat every few hours…literally every two to three hours I will eat a little something. It really has changed my metabolism for the better!

You are known for your “California chic” style. Where are some of your favorite places to shop?

For more everyday, fun, and affordable outfits, I love Bebe! I know it’s trendy but it always has cute and hip clothes! I love boutiques as well, little gems where you can find one-of-a-kinds so not everyone will have them. I love Chagoury Couture for my red carpet and more elegant pieces. I am a simple girl who doesn’t believe you have to be wearing something designer to look like a million bucks. I have paired my Valentino shoes with a dress from Target and everyone still compliments me! It’s all about how confident you are and how you wear it. Make everything you wear your own personal style and add a touch of flair with fun accessories or a great purse (like one from my Gretchen Christine collection hehe) and everyone will look to you as a fashionista!

We’ve gotta ask: What is your and Slade’s status? Will we see a wedding soon?

Slade and I are great! I have found the love of my life and know we are meant to be together forever. I look forward to all the chapters of our lives that will continue to unfold. However, if that involves marriage, well…you will just have to watch and see what happens.

Speaking of Slade, we know that his son, Grayson, has a rare form of brain cancer. How is he doing?

Thank you for asking. Grayson’s battle is an ongoing daily fight that is not getting any easier, but he is a fighter like no one I have seen before. He is OK but not great, as can be expected. Slade is so proud of him and all he has had to endure. Grayson teaches us the significance of life and love every day and we feel so blessed to have that.

You also have your own beauty and handbag line. How do you juggle your career with your personal life?

Sometimes it can be challenging because I have so much going on, but I always find time for what is important at the end of the day. I am lucky because I am following my passion within the beauty and fashion spaces and am happy to get up and go to work every day!

Do you foresee other business ventures in your future? Have you considered doing a clothing line?

I am always open to new business ventures! Actually, the whole idea behind my Gretchen Christine collection was for it to eventually be a collection of all things one could find in a closet. I wanted to start with accessories, like handbags and hats, to shoes and belts, then expand into a full clothing line of everyday wear, dresses, jeans, coats, workout clothes, etc. I have been offered an opportunity with a renowned designer to do a line of everyday Gretchen Christine dresses to complement his couture line, and we are currently talking through the details. So I am looking forward to opportunities such as these in the future.

Any advice for women who want to start their own business?

Yes! Go for it! Life is too short to have any regrets. There are loans and many free business seminars to help you get educated and started. You have to first create a sound business plan with a clear direction of your goals and plans. Remember to always have good people around you who you can trust when involving them in your business dealings.

What’s your go-to healthy snack?

Celery and peanut butter.

What is one food you wish had zero calories?

Doughnuts.

What’s the one beauty product you can’t live without?

My Gretchen Christine tanning solution! A tan always makes me feel pretty (even if I don’t have makeup on).

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Buying purses and shoes! Or Oreos and ice cream!

Who is your celebrity crush (we won’t tell…OK we will…but tell us anyway)?

Slade Smiley! Heh heh, OK, Johnny Depp too!

What’s your favorite way to relieve stress?

Taking baths and drinking wine.

Who do you most look up to and why? How has this person inspired you?

My parents because they have always shown me what the true meaning of unconditional love is. They built and created an amazing empire together as young entrepreneurs from nothing. They raised us three kids to be ethical, good, and society-contributing individuals, with meaning and purpose to our lives. I admire and love them for their tenacity, loyalty, and support in all I do. I feel beyond blessed to have them as my parents and now as my best friends!

xx, The FabFitFun Team

 But this week – I got to go to an ah-mazing MAGIC show that was far more magical than any top hat, bunny or wand!

I’m talking about the MAGIC Tradeshow in Vegas and if you’re in the fashion industry, you gotta do it. Picture row after row of gorgeous dresses, sweaters, jeans, lingerie, purses, and shoes (soooooo many beautiful shoes) courtesy of some of the best designers in the country! And yes, it is completely ginormous and overwhelming but all that dizziness is worth the fashion fun.

The FN platform is total shoe porn. Filled with every wedge, stiletto, and boot that you could possibly imagine, it is a shoe fetish fantasy come to life! Loved seeing the new lines from designers like Jeffrey Campbell, Stuart Weitzman, Jessica Simpson, Cole Haan, House of Harlow and more.

Of course that’s just a tiny portion of the show. There were spring and fall collections from tons of major designers like BCBG, Max and Cleo, Free People, Betsey Johnson, Laundry, Black Halo, C & C, and Rebecca Minkoff. Loved seeing the heavy retro vibe! There were so many great mod-inspired 20s style dresses. Love!

I moderated a panel on fashion and technology with the fabulous and super adorable creators of Fashism.com, Brooke and Ashley, Buddy Media’s sales director David Klinghoffer, and Lizzie Parker aka the upcoming Fashion Star on NBC. I also spoke on panels that covered trend spotting, fashion forecasting and how to influence the influencer with great bloggers like Fashion Indie’s Samantha Lim, Buzznet’s Style Editor Audrey Kitching, Buzznet’s Fashion Director Yasi Salek, Fashion As Identity’s Wendy Bendoni, Style and Beauty Doctor’s Danielle Gray, and The Style Line’s Rachel Schwartzmann. It was a great group of writers and I was thrilled to be a part of it. And I’m also delighted that I didn’t make a complete fool of myself (yes, completely neurotic at age 32).

But the highlight was probably the totally ridiculous but equally entertaining blogger style off. We had to run around to different booths and borrow different pieces to create a complete look. Luckily my part time assistant (aka husband) was on hand to help take apart the tricky mannequins. I don’t know if I was inspired by the stark white ambiance, but I went with a minimalist springtime evening look. I found an amazing dress from Laundry that featured a flowy white tank and killer sequined mini. I paired the dress with a great Gunas clutch, a fab necklace from in2 design, a gorgeous silvery grey cut out scarf form JK Jean, and a must – have turquoise Dimacci bracelet to add a pop of color.

What do you think of the outfit?? If you like the look – let MAGIC know that @FabFitFun’s @KatieAnnRo should win the blogger style off challenge by tweeting them today – @MAGIClasvegas!! Seriously do it!!

Oh and check out this ah-mazing bracelet I made at the MAGIC D-I-Y Booth! It was simple, fast and looks totally sophisticated…and this is coming from the least crafty girl in the world! All credit for the bracelets total fabulosity goes to the super talented team of DIY bloggers: Jenni Radosevich @ISpyDIY, Alicia DiRago @aliciadirago and Kristen Turner @Glitter_N_Glue!

All in all, it was a great event! And a big thanks to Social Radius for hosting!

Xoxo,

Katie Ann Rosen Kitchens

But we here at FFF are always looking out for you and to help kickstart your weight loss (and overall health). So we have an out of the box tip for you: Start cooking with coconut oil!

We know what you’re thinking: “Oil for weight loss?! It’s official, FFF has gone crazy!” But coconut oil (available at any health food store) is actually known to help with weight loss.

Dr. David Brownstein from the Center for Holistic Medicine in West Bloomfield, MI said, “Studies have found an increased metabolic rate with coconut oil. I have used it as part of a weight loss program; it works.”

Here’s how: Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids. MCFAs, unlike other fats, are digested and used differently. They do not circulate in the bloodstream like other fats, but are sent directly to the liver where they are immediately converted into energy, just like a carbohydrate. So when you eat coconut oil, your body uses it immediately to make energy rather than store it as body fat. And as if that’s not enough, Dr. Brownstein said the MCFAs found in this miracle oil have three “A”s we all want to get on board with: “It has antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant effects.”

It also has healthy saturated fats that help our cell walls remain strong and it helps improve insulin sensitivity and can help lower blood sugar. And did we mention that it actually helps your body’s metabolism? We did? OK, good.

Dr. Brownstein suggested that we use 1-2 tablespoons of this oil daily. He said to “Avoid partially hydrogenated vegetable oils at all costs. They are toxic to the cells. Use coconut or palm oil for high heat cooking and olive oil for low heat cooking.”

So try it out! Coconut oil is also great for boosting your immune system and helping your skin. Dr. Brownstein said he uses it on patients with eczema and touts its benefits for cracked heels and dry skin (for topical use, use only virgin coconut oil).

We’re sorry to say this to you, Hanukkah…your eight days of burning oil was great and all, but we think you’ve been replaced by a brand-new miracle oil.

Try these easy suggestions to incorporate coconut oil into your diet:

- Use it to fry, stir fry, or sauté veggies, eggs, poultry, or fish (Dr. Brownstein suggests using it with shrimp).

- Toss some coconut oil into your smoothies or juiced drinks for a burst of lauric acid.

- Try it on popcorn instead of butter. “If you haven’t had it, it is awesome,” Dr. Brownstein said.

- Make chocolate bark: take one cup of coconut oil, one cup of cocoa powder, eight packets of Truvia (or another natural sweetener), and a few tablespoons of agave. Mix in a bowl and pour into an ice cube tray or cupcake holder and freeze. Add nuts or shredded coconut and you’ve got yourself a healthy chocolate.

xx, The FabFitFun Team

What are you doing to celebrate with your sweetie today? Sharing dinner? Sharing chocolates? Sharing kisses? Well, why not get your heartbeat going even more by sharing a workout?

As you may know, we are all about dating away the pounds at FabFitFun. Whether you’re skiing, apple picking, surfing, or doing downward dogs, working out together is a great way to boost endorphins and burn off calories on a date.

Of course working out with that special someone is often easier said than done. Between differing schedules and competitive partners, feeling the fitness with your significant other can be harder than Matthew McConaughey’s abs.

With that in mind, we chatted with two of our fave fitness lovebirds Andrew Kalley, personal trainer and triathlon coach, and Kelly Dooley, owner of BodyRock Sport. Check out how the engaged twosome stays fit together:

Why do you think working out together is so important?

It’s a healthy activity we can enjoy together. It’s much easier and more fun to exercise with a partner, so being able to work out with each other is a no-brainer since we both lead such active lifestyles. The day we met, we determined that we both had a race scheduled for the same day!

How can working out as a couple improve your relationship?

Well, let’s be honest. Exercise is known to boost endorphins and thus increase sex drive, which is definitely a significant aspect of every intimate relationship. On top of that, exercising helps maintain the attractive bodies that you fell in love with to begin with. It’s important to take care of yourself not only for your own confidence but also to ensure that you are still attracted to each other both physically and mentally. It is also a great way to motivate each other and keep each other in check.

Any suggestions for couples who have had issues working out in the past?

You can’t boss each other around too much. Absolutely do not criticize or make each other feel insecure or inadequate. It is also important to choose activities that interest both of you, whether that means rock climbing, running, swimming, or yoga. We’ve had issues in previous relationships because we didn’t see eye to eye with that partner about our active lifestyles.

How do you deal with a more competitive partner?

You just have to accept them for who they are and be as supportive as possible. We are both naturally competitive, but Andrew is definitely more competitive and that’s OK. We still support each other in all of our endeavors. We also think it’s important to feed the more competitive person’s ego a bit. If you’re not his/her biggest cheerleader, who will be?

Are there specific workout moves that you can recommend for partners that are fun and challenging?

Medicine ball tosses, strength training, running, stability exercises on Bosu balls, hot yoga, mud races, triathlons, running races, and relays.

Are there specific types of exercise that can be better for partners?

Cycling, running (less boring), boxing, and weight training.

What if one partner is drastically more fit and active than the other?

You don’t have to do every workout together, and the person who is more fit can bring it down a notch when you’re working as a team. Andrew, for example, runs a 5-minute mile. I am more comfortable around a 7-minute pace. So, when we run together, he will run slower and take it easy, and if it’s time for him to speed up, I totally understand. We will set a meeting place if we are running outside together. It’s just really important to be on the same page and to not criticize each other or undermine each other’s physical abilities. That will lead absolutely nowhere.

How can you spruce up your outfits to remain sexy while at the gym?

Well, since you are asking us, it’s a very easy question to answer. Take the Sophie Bra from The Zip ’em Up Collection of BodyRock Sport, for example. This floral print sports bra with a metallic gold zipper is available with or without Swarovski crystals and studs. Because the bra is high impact, you can wear it for many purposes, whether it be boxing, running, yoga, kickboxing, jump rope or any other physical activity. The best part about this bra is that it’s so versatile. When I am not working out, I love to combine the Sophie Bra with a pair of jeans or The Jessica Moto Leggings with a pair of booties or stilettos and a leather motorcycle jacket. So, my point: it’s really important to find pieces that make you look and feel beautiful, and it doesn’t hurt if they are also super versatile. I feel beautiful in all of my gym clothes — they are all flattering and sexy without being over the top or trashy looking. Some extra effort can go a long way. I hate when girls say, “Oh, well, I am just going to the gym so it doesn’t matter what I look like.” Oh yes, it does matter! When you look and feel hot at the gym, you have the best workouts imaginable and your energy will be contagious. This will also turn on your man and/or potential suitors if you are single.

Is it important to provide suggestions to your spouse while working out or simply be together?

We think it is helpful but not if you are being passive aggressive. You must be helpful and constructive. Simply being together is fine, but it’s much more motivating and fun if you engage each other in a productive way, just like anything else in life.

What do you suggest as an after workout routine? Snack?

Stretching, hot tub (if applicable — we work out at Chelsea Piers in New York City, so this is a good option for us). We also like to grab a healthy bite to eat, like omelets if we work out in the morning. We also love going home to take a shower together. Our philosophy is “if you work out together and shower together, you stay together.”

What would you plan for each other as an all-day fitness-based V-Day?

We would wake up, make breakfast, take a yoga class, and go for a long walk. If you live in a city, just a walk or a nice hike, find another place to grab lunch, take your favorite group fitness class (like spin class), do a little ab work, finish off the day with a massage, dinner, and some intimate time.

How do you suggest making a routine of working out if two people work opposite schedules?

You don’t have to work out together every time but you can follow the same plan and at least use each other to be accountable. You should just make it a point to get at least one or two sessions in a week just for fun and to keep each other motivated.

Any other tips to help make working out fun as a couple for Valentine’s Day?

It would be fun to take dance lessons together, like salsa or ballroom dancing. Other fun activities that come to mind are rollerblading, biking, and flirty pillow fights.

xx, The FabFitFun Team