Best Body Secrets

Fizzy drinks are infused with air, so it makes sense that they have stomach-puffing attributes. The carbon dioxide causes gas and slows down the process of the stomach emptying itself.

While coconut water isn't a low-calorie beverage, it's fat-free and cholesterol-free, plus there's no added sugar. Plus, it has more potassium than two bananas and fifteen times as much as a sports drink. (Replenishing your potassium level is key when exercising.) And, it's packed with electrolytes (5 to be specific), and hydrates faster than water. Yum!

"Although most people have tried crunches at some point to flatten their bellies, proper form often goes by the wayside in favor of repetition volume," says Kate Brown, ISSA CFT for DailyBurn.com. "By performing crunches with correct form, you’ll see results sooner with half the work."

"Squats play a key role in developing both strength and stability in the lower half of the body," says Kate Brown, ISSA CFT for DailyBurn.com. "By performing squats regularly, you'll not only tone your glutes, hamstrings, quads, hips, and calves, but you'll also be performing a functional exercise that will help keep you balanced and confident in this season's hottest stacked heels.

You can get a toned core by eating right, doing cardio, and focusing on ab work. Since the "pooch" is what most women worry about, try doing reverse crunches with a lift. Lie on your back, knees pulled up to chest and hands under your butt to support your lower back. Uncurl legs straight out, keeping them six inches from the floor. (Don't let them touch the ground!) Lift legs straight up so that they're perpendicular to the floor and add a small lift of your butt. Curl legs back into the start position. Do three sets of 10.

You'll benefit from keeping vegetables such as zucchini, yellow squash, and red, green, and orange peppers on hand to make meals more flavorful and filling, with fewer calories. Use them in wraps or to fill out pasta dishes, serve them as a side dish, or keep it simple and pile them high on a plate sprinkled with freshly grated cheese.

Need a nutty chocolate snack? Believe it or not, Peanut M&M's in the Fun Size Pouch are not a bad choice, since the peanuts have protein to pack some nutritional value. (Dark chocolate is even better because of the antioxidant benefits.) Facts: Calories, fats, and sugar: 1 pouch (serving): 90 calories, 5 grams fat, 1.7 grams saturated fat, 9 grams sugar.

Highlights are a quick and easy way to brighten up your skin tone. But unless you're a veteran at-home colorist, they're best left to the pros. Talk to your stylist about the best placement for lighter, face-framing pieces to see if he or she can help bring attention to your favorite features.

When it comes to dressing thinner, Charla Krupp, author of How to Never Look Fat Again, swears by V-neck tops. "The downward diamond shape optically elongates and narrows so you don't have a cutoff point where the actual neck stops, which gives the illusion of extra inches." There's just one caveat to living in V's: You must take care of the skin on your body, especially your neck and chest. Krupp recommends starting in the shower with Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Advanced Anti-Aging Body Wash, which helps improve elasticity, dryness, dullness, and the appearance of fine lines. Follow up by applying an anti-aging body moisturizer such as Olay Regenerist Regenerating Body Lotion.

Ever notice how your coworker in the big corner office never seems like he's about to pull his hair out? The secret to his calm ways could land you your own promotion, or even a raise. Those who have a tendency to stay calm under pressure and not fly off the handle are often the first ones to be brought up when it comes time for a promotion, according to a study conducted for Forbes by Jessica Pryce-Jones, author of Happiness at Work and CEO of iOpener. Stabilize your mood with Yogi Tea's Kava Stress Relief to stay rational and emotion-free at your 9-to-5.

Ball squats will give you sexier, leaner legs. They also work your glutes, quads, and hamstrings all at the same time—all you need is a Swiss ball and your own body weight. Place the ball so that it rests between the wall and your butt. Lean back against the ball to hold it in place, and position your feet slightly in front of you, about shoulder-width apart. Bending your knees, slowly lower yourself into a squat position, letting the ball roll up your back as you sink into your heels. Hold for one count, then slowly return to starting position. Aim for two sets of 15-20 reps, two to three times a week.

Olivia Newton John once told us, "Let's get physical!" According to Sara Haley, Reebok Global Instructor, aerobic exercise is the best activity to get your heart pumping, but that doesn't mean you're required to log six miles on a treadmill every day. "The key is to find something that not only is challenging but fun at the same time," she says. "When doing cardio (like swimming, biking, dancing), ask yourself if it's becoming a little more difficult to breath. If so, your heart is working harder than normal which means you're strengthening it." This is why interval training (short bursts of speed followed by a recovery jogging period) is a great way to work out and get the blood circulating to your heart.

Jumping jacks are the perfect choice for a quick and easy cardio move if you're working out somewhere without much open space or snazzy gym gear (say, your living room during Grey's Anatomy commercials). Do these heart healthy moves as a standalone exercise, or pair them with weight lifting sets at the gym to keep your pulse up and burn extra calories.

Foods heavy in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, herring, and trout play a key role in keeping our skin smooth, says Lisa Drayer, MA, RD, nutritionist and author of The Beauty Diet: Looking Great Has Never Been So Delicious (McGraw-Hill, 2008). They provide our skin with oils that lubricate and reduce inflammation, which often leads to redness, acne, and scaly skin.

A bowl of oatmeal in the morning will stock you up on omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and potassium. It's also proven to keep your arteries clear and lower your cholesterol.

Push-ups are your best bet for toning your entire upper body: chest, forearms, biceps, triceps, shoulders, and upper and lower back. When executed in good form, they'll challenge your entire core and legs too. Not to mention the pushing action of the push-up will strengthen your arms and heart, making you stronger in both areas.

Raspberries are a great pick for an easy, on-the-go snack, plus the antioxidants and fiber keep you satisfied so you won't want to reach for a candy bar.

There's no question Cameron Diaz puts in some serious time at the gym to get her arms in G.I. Jane shape. Try push-ups and tripcep dips to be one step closer to a sculpted pair of your very own.

The best way to prevent future cellulite is to eat foods lower in fat and calories that don't contain chemical preservatives. "Foods high in lecithin including tomatoes, cauliflower, oranges, spinach, apples, and iceberg lettuce are great for your dermal cells and reducing the appearance of cellulite," says Cynthia Pasquella, CCN and co-founder of SoCal Cleanse.

One way to get a happy, healthy heart is to get in touch with someone who always lifts your spirits. It can be a phone call, an email, or even logging onto Facebook and sending a message. A few quick words can change your entire outlook on a situation or problem.

The more sodium in your diet, the more bloating in your belly. The American Heart Association estimates that you can cut your sodium intake by 30 percent simply by putting your saltshaker out of reach. Worried that your food will taste bland? Garnish with herbs, spices, and citrus juices instead. (source: GoodHousekeeping.com)

While yogurt is packed with bone-benefitting calcium, that yummy Key Lime Pie flavor is packed with sugar, and sometimes, high-fructose corn syrup. Be sure to check the container's label before buying.

When starting a new fitness regimen, half the battle is finding the time and energy to get to the gym. The other part is making your workout worth it, and that doesn't consist of just spending a half hour on the elliptical during Wheel of Fortune. Brett Hoebel, founder of Hoebel Fitness, key philosophy consists of "anaerobic exercises," which translates to "without air exercises," meaning you don't have to have a super cardio system to do these moves. The beauty of anaerobics is that they still get your heart pumping so you'll break a sweat.

The secret to maintaining weight is to not look at the number of pounds but instead at the percentage of body fat. Make sure you are eating quality calories (like quinoa, brown rice, lean proteins, etc.). Working out and building lean muscle will help you maintain the weight loss as your muscle will be burning calories.

In your thirties you should focus on your butt. Since women in their 30s tend to spend more time at a desk than at the gym, this sedentary lifestyle starts to show," says Valerie Orsoni, founder of LeBootCamp.com. "The glutes are the biggest and most powerful muscle in the body," says Coopersmith. "Working on this part now and keeping it going will keep your body looking young and sexy as you move on through the decades.

Caffeine is a major culprit when it comes to dry skin. Avoid the magnification of wrinkles and instead, quench skin by drinking lots of H2O. To make sipping on water more enticing, add fruit slices like orange or lemon to enhance the flavor.

The lower back is part of the core too, says Kate Brown, ISSA CFT for DailyBurn.com. "Don't get so concerned with having flat abs that you forget about working on your back side as well." To get a strong lower back, use a piece of equipment in your gym that allows you to secure your feet while bending forward at a 90 degree angle. Most gyms have at least one of these. "The back extension is a great exercise to strengthen the lower back. This exercise is performed either just by using body weight, or you can add weights to increase resistance," says Brown.

"A toned core will help your body age well in the decades to come, so it's crucial to build a strong one early on," says Valerie Orsoni, founder of LeBootCamp.com.

Mojitos are generally less in calories than a margarita, says Holly Moiser, author of Stress Less, Weigh Less and creator of the yoga DVD 10-Minute Yoga with Holly Mosier. That's because mojitos use plain club soda (which is a big zero on the calorie scale), while margarita mix is about 100 calories for four ounces. "If you really want a skinny drink, order a mojito, skip the sugar and use a zero calorie sugar substitute instead," recommends Mosier. Also add lots of ice—it cuts the calories and sugar while also causing you to sip your drink a little slower.

The one thing every woman can do right now to look thinner in her clothes is to buy a new bra, says Charla Krupp, author of How to Never Look Fat Again. "Eighty-five percent of women are walking around in the wrong bra, and it makes their breasts look lower than they should be." The goal is to create as much space as possible between your waist and chest so your torso appears longer and leaner, she advises. The trick is to have an expert measure you instead of automatically buying the same size you always do. Head to the lingerie department at a fine department store or a specialty shop like the Intimacy boutique to get hooked up (no pun intended).

A good ab workout doesn't need to take long. "I trained Jennifer Aniston about three days a week, and we did no more than five minutes of abs each time, says Kathy Kaehler, trainer and author of Kathy Kaehler's Celebrity Workouts. "Check your form, don't use momentum, and focus on quality rather than quantity." (source: MarieClaire.com)

Guacamole, anyone? According to Paula Simpson, BASc, RNCP, the oil found in avocados works to toughen your skin while also hydrating it. Another perk? "Avocados are full of monounsaturated fatty acids," says Robyn Flipse, MS, RD. "This is the healthiest type of fat for the cardiovascular system because it doesn't promote inflammation."

Pick a hamburger over a hotdog at your next summer BBQ. "Hamburgers have fewer additives, and they are lower in fat than hot dogs if you skip the cheese and mayo," says Holly Moiser, author of Stress Less, Weigh Less and creator of the yoga DVD 10-Minute Yoga with Holly Mosier. "Here's a trick: I always eat under the top layer of the bun—I peel it back when I go in for a bite, but keep it in place so I have something to hold onto while I'm eating it. This way, I've skipped eating half the bun by the time I've finished."

Try a barre class. Barre workouts are what ballerinas do to slim and tone their bodies. In order to change your body, you have to continue to alter your workout so you don't plateau!

Boogie Box (BBX) is a great alternative to regular cardio strength training. Plus, it requires no equipment. Everything is done using the technique of applied-muscle resistance (AMR) and works every single part of your body: Arms, legs, back, shoulders, glutes, and most importantly, core. AMR is when you create tension in your muscles (which act as weights), while executing movements (which act as resistance). (Think about when someone tells you to "make a muscle"—that tension that you feel is AMR.) By using applied muscle resistance and exaggerated, overemphasized movements that don't keep you confined in a repetitive lateral pattern, you are able to continually push your body further, avoid those dreaded plateaus, burn more calories, and sculpt lean muscle.

This is a classic move that works your hamstrings, quads, and glutes, so in addition to sexier stems, you'll get a perkier behind, too! Lunges emphasize a stepping movement, which allows you to sink lower to the floor, challenging your leg muscles further than you would be able to during other leg exercises like squats.

Although overdoing it with alcohol can be age-accelerating, one glass of red wine a day is good for your health—and your skin. The chemical resveratrol, found in red grapes, is one of the most powerful anti-oxidants and curbs signs of aging by repairing cell health.

If you want to cover your tummy, don't fall prey to throwing on a shapeless t-shirt after a dip to cover your stomach. A loose tunic with a higher hemline will show off your gams, and vibrant colors or patterns will help draw attention to your overall shape, not slight bulges.

"Side leg lifts can be done anywhere, which makes them the perfect exercise to squeeze in before bed or while you are waiting for the laundry to dry,"" says Kate Brown, ISSA CFT for DailyBurn.com. This go-to move targets multiple body parts, ""The side leg lift specifically targets the outer thighs, glutes, lower abs, and obliques,"" says Brown. ""This supplemental leg exercise, when practiced regularly in conjunction with a healthy diet, will tone your hips and increase hip flexibility."

"Try frozen grapes when you're having a cookie craving. Not only will this icy treat boost your skin with antioxidants, Tabor says they are also perfect for staying cool in the summer heat. Plus, each frozen grape is only three calories, so you can munch away without guilt."

Start the day off right with a workout. Set your alarm a half hour earlier than usual, and get your workout in first thing in the morning. This will jump start your metabolism for the rest of your day.