Stay Healthy, Stay Thin

The number one New Year’s resolution for most people is losing weight. The only problem is that we tend to set our goals too high, and when they are not attained, we get discouraged. We all know the best way to keep the pounds off is to work out and eat healthy. But, somehow these two things seem so hard to accomplish. The former can be achieved in several ways. Instead of promising yourself hours in the gym every day, try setting goals that are more reasonable. Remember, when you’re taking out the trash, walking the dog, or shopping, you’re exercising. So, think about it next time you cringe at the idea of household chores. Try combining working out with your daily activities; For example, instead of walking from the kitchen to living room, try lunging. Lunges are a great exercise because they work one of the largest muscle groups in our body and burn a lot of fat. If you are too tired to hit the gym after work every day, try bringing the gym to work. Men, put a set of 5-pound dumbbells in your drawer at the office. Before you go out to lunch, do three sets of five basic bicep curls. Bulging biceps are always in style. Ladies love the guns, fellas. Ladies, we are always worried about our legs and thighs. Tone them while you’re on a call using a Lex Loops exercise band that is designed specifically for leg extensions. Do one set of 10 extensions per call for three calls a day. You’ll have Gisele legs in no time. The band fits in your handbag and is very light. Some other great, easy exercises that you can do anywhere are sit-ups and push-ups and they are great for both men and women. Ladies, if you need to do the half push-ups on your knees, that’s ok too. If you can’t stand exercising at home and need extra motivation, sign up for classes at your local gym. Exercise can actually be fun. Spinning, yoga and salsa dance are terrific exercise and a good way to meet new people. DON’T get discouraged if you still haven’t gotten used to the Cabbage Soup Diet. Remember, the most important thing is to listen to your own body. Are you really hungry, or are you overeating? When eating a meal, slow it down. The slower you eat, the less you eat. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to realize it is full. Also, be aware of what you are eating. Don’t go crazy calculating calories, but do realize that cheese and chocolate have far more fat calories than a big green salad. Another easy way to keep weight off is to get rid of sugar. Replace sodas and juice with water and low calorie ice-tea mixes. Water has 0 calories and also flushes out your system to keep your body healthy and clean. Water is good for hydration, skin quality, and digestion. If you drink enough water, you feel full. Drinking alcohol doesn’t help control weight either. Alcohol contains empty calories. One martini, for example, has approximately 300 calories! That’s the same as a Snickers bar! Indulge yourself occasionally so you can keep motivated, but don’t go overboard. Lastly, and most importantly, REMEMBER your goals. Be reasonable. Don’t lose sight of what you want, but also realize that you won’t go from a size 10 to 2 in a couple months. Half the battle of losing weight is knowing where you want to go but also having some patience getting there.

Happy New Year!

Hey guys,
I can't believe it's already 2010! The years are just flying by so quickly. I have so much that I am involved in this year and I can't wait to share it with everybody. For daily updated information, please follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nicola_mar.
Talk soon!
xo

Tips for staying SLIM during the holidays

Hey guys,
I have put together some tips and ideas to keep your body looking it's best during the holiday season. Of course we all want to east excessively and be couch potatoes, but come January, you will be sorry if you chose that route. Check out my easy tips you can practice every day in your own home!

1. Don't overeat. It's expected to eat a lot of the holidays, but never over-indulge. Have goals. "I will allow myself a little piece of chocolate every couple days." or "I will allow myself to eat carbs, but I will skip dessert." Goals go a long way and help keep you balanced. Eating whatever you want for 2 months and saying you will deal with it later could be a disaster.

2. Try to exercise daily. When I say exercise, it could be as little as taking a walk, or
doing 20 sit-ups in your house. Many of us skip the long workout sessions or gym runs during the holidays. That's ok! But don't completely forget about getting some exercise. Not only will you keep those couple pounds off, but you will also save yourself the headache when it's time to start working out regularly again.

3. Drink water. In the summertime, we drink plenty of water because we are hot and
sweating and our bodies are calling for more hydration. In the winter, we often forget to drink water. However, during the colder months, skin becomes very dry and flaky and actually needs more hydration. Drinking water can cure some of the uncomfortable lip chapping and dry skin. Water also always helps to flush out toxins and waste and keep you slim and trim. Drinking water is always a good idea!

4. Keep future goals in mind. The holiday season doesn't mean forget about everything else in the future and become a couch potato that easts anything, anytime, anywhere! Think of events to come. Do you want to look good for that wedding in February? What about graduation in June? Bikini season in May? These events will be here before you know it. Try to remain focused on your goals of looking and feeling your best at all times. As far as you know, sometime may even pop up around the holiday time that calls for you to look fabulous!

New Magazine Cover

I was just back home in St. Maarten shooting for a magazine, and I managed to pick up some copies of my new magazine cover that just came out. It is called Pure Lifestyle - the July/Aug 2009 issue. Check it out in the picture below. I will post some pages from the inside in the next blog!

Fox News

I was recently on Fox News modeling and talking about the latest swimwear trends. Check out these pics!

www.FoxNews.com

I have a popular article on FoxNews.com about me and my take on this summer's trendiest swimsuits. Check out the article:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,525544,00.html
I will always be appearing on Fox News this Wednesday June 17th at 1 PM modeling the season's hottest suits. This segment will be an hour long, also featuring Joanna Krupa. Stay tuned to your TV, or watch it on Youtube on my channel: http://www.youtube.com/nicolamartv


Cheers!

New Sites

As some of you know, I have been working on my first novel. It's coming along great, and I hope to get it published sometime next year. I have created a link on my website for all of you to get updates on its progress. Check out the new website here: www.nicolamarbooks.com. You can always access it through my regular website: www.nicolamar.com.
Another thing I have been working on is creating some food products. I'm not sure when these will be released yet, but you can also check out www.nicolamarfood.com if you are interested. Eventually there will be an order form where you can purchase some of the foods I have been creating. Stay tuned and let me know what you think!

XO