Dance Like the Stars!

Dance Like the Stars!

Kirstie Alley says that dancing around her living room helped her slim down to her new, hot physique. So why not put on your favorite CD or radio station and shake your booty for 30 minutes a day? If you want to go the more formal route, you can try classes in ballroom dancing (or another kind of dance) — they'll rival any gym workout!

Garden work's a workout

Get out in the Garden!

Making your garden beautiful is another good way to be physically active. Weeding, mowing, and gardening for 30 to 45 minutes can burn up to 200 calories. Be sure to stretch your arms, back, and legs beforehand to help you prepare for digging holes with a spade or shovel, planting seeds, or laying sod. Another trick: Get even more exercise by using a push mower to cut your grass.

Yay for Yard Work!

Raking leaves for 30 minutes can really work your upper body. But don't overdo it, especially if you don't exercise frequently — you could injure yourself. To minimize this risk, keep your feet and hips shoulder-width apart and rake by shifting your weight from leg to leg rather than twisting your back. Wear gloves to prevent blisters, and bend at the knees to bag and move piles of leaves.

Walk It Off!

Walk It Off!

Brisk walking is a good way to get around town, boost your heart rate, and stay physically fit. Walking two miles in 30 minutes — or breaking up your route into short but vigorous 10-minute sessions — strengthens your bones and muscles and improves your stamina and your fitness. It doesn't have to be a chore — invite a friend or relative along and use the time to catch up on each other's news!

Hooray for Housework!

Hooray for Housework!

Whether you love or loathe housework, it can help you burn some serious calories and keep you in good shape. For example, when you spend 45 to 60 minutes washing your windows or floors, you're not only giving your house a super cleaning, you're giving your body the benefit of exercise. So grab that mop and go!

Make Healthy Food Swaps

Substitute tomato salsa for fattening condiments like mayo, sour cream, butter, and creamy salad dressings. With less than 20 calories per ¼ cup, salsa makes a terrific, low-cal dip for crunchy veggies like baby carrots, celery sticks, and bell pepper slices.

Slim Your Snacks

Slim Your Snacks

Carrot sticks aren’t the only way to enjoy a satisfying crunch, a texture a lot of dieters crave after giving up potato chips and other snack foods. Try sliced water chestnuts — they’re a low-calorie, non-starchy veggie and you can munch your way through a whole can for just 50 calories. They also make a crisp, refreshing addition to low-fat chicken or tuna salad and a terrific ingredient for stir fries.

Eat More Skinny Foods

Eat More Skinny Foods

What are Skinny Foods? They’re great-tasting, diet-friendly foods that offer phenomenal calorie bargains and other health benefits. Some of my favorites include grape tomatoes, air-popped popcorn, grapefruit, and egg whites. I also love vegetable soup — just think of all the fabulous fresh summer vegetables available now! — and pumpkin, which I buy year-round. A scoop of canned (no-sugar-added) pumpkin added to some nonfat vanilla yogurt makes an easy, yummy snack.