From the editors of Women's Health Magazine.
Gels with carbs and protein boost endurance and protect muscles better than carb-only gels, reports a study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning. After downing a gel with 40 grams of carbs and 10 grams of protein, research subjects cycled nearly 14 minutes longer than they did after having one with 40 grams of carbs and no protein. Plus, scientists found fewer post-exercise enzymes (an abundance of which would indicate muscle damage) in cyclists' blood after the combo shot. The amino acids in protein may help protect and repair muscle, but it's unclear how protein increases endurance, says co-author Michael J. Saunders, Ph.D. Try Accel Gel; for sustained workouts where it's tough to talk, suck down half a packet every 15 minutes.

Tip: Check out Ride Here, Right Now. Three destinations for on- or off-road cycling. And, to build coordination, strength and speed ... check out Amy Dixon's Agility Workout.

Miracle cures: magic bullets or fool’s gold?

Don’t ask me. I'm a total sucker for the stuff. Drinks that make you thin, soups that banish under-eye circles, vacations where you actually lose weight.

How about a little liquid vitamins that purport to hold the mystic fruit jujube (pronounced joo-joob). So rich in nutrients, high priests called it the "Fruit of Immortality?" Hell, yeah!

Not only that, but this nutrient dense liquid combines all eight "super fruits" in one vitamin and mineral-enriched formula, making it the only drink of it's kind. Think blueberry, pomegranate, goji berry, mangosteen, raspberry, acai berry and seabuckthorn berry!

With a single one-once shot in the morning, Bazi gives you more fruits and antioxidants than most people consume all week -- and over 350 top professional athletes are on the stuff -- so it must be doing something right. Actually, after trying it for about a month, I like the stuff (I've always been a fan of liquid vitamins).

Could Bazi (by XELR8) hold the secret your body has been crying for? That's hard to say, but I'm sold and so is my husband.

The downside: It's mainly offered through an MLM Business Plan (something I'm not a fan of).

The upside: I feel a difference and I'm a sucker for packaging. Not only does this bottle look good, but it comes with a very cool shot glass! Is there any question? I say go for it.

Customized Online Supplement Delivery Service Saves Time, Money and Frustration.

In fact, this site has made taking your daily dose easy peasy. First, surf for more than 2,000 aminos, enzymes, herbs, and multi-v’s from various top brand makers to create your own daily supplement packs. Then decide how many weeks this health kick will last (if you answer forever, tick the automatic refill option), and check out. They’ll be at your door in a few days so now there’s no excuse for skipping your vitamins. It's like walking into a Whole Foods market, picking out the stuff you want to take and having it packaged into daily convenient packs. Vuru replaces that weird plastic box with the M, T, W, etc. on it and saves you a ton of time. It’s like NetFlix in that Vuru sells you the same products you are already using in a way that is much more convenient.

And, for shoppers who know their needs -- but not the appropriate remedies -- you can choose from already suggested packets including Cardio Support, Cold Support, Digestive Health, Hair, Skin & Nails, Weight Management, or the Vegan Veggie Pack and that's just the beginning.

Just imagine... one packet and no bottles.
Finally!
Something easy to swallow.

Advertisement

Go ahead. You know you want to. Then again, don’t do it. There’s nothing in that 1000 calorie filled with fat and sugar milkshake from your favorite fast food restaurant that's even remotely good for you. Plus, you know what they say: Once on the lips, forever on the hips.

Oh, come on. It can’t be that bad you say?

Remember your new skinny jeans? Or how about that bikini you need to fit into this summer? Guys, your not off the hook... I want to see some abs this year.

Before you start to wallow in regret, know this: There’s a way to please both your cravings and your conscience: ProEnergy Protein Powder.

Just like the name implies, each shake is packed with protein — at least 19 grams. Sweetened naturally with stevia leaf extract, this product is low glycemic, perfect for fat loss and promotes stable blood sugar. Basically, these little powerhouses can really flex some muscle. But it’s the scrumptious flavors like Ultimate Vanilla and Chocolate that are the icing on the cake. (So to speak.)

And, since we are working on your self-improvement, let's not stop there. Try trading in your morning cup of java for Greenergy drink. It's a superfood that provides a powerful energy boost with 5 servings of vegetables in every scoop.

Big tubs of protein powder aren't your thing? Both products come in travel packs, so you’ll have no trouble cramming them into your already over-filled bag and taking it with you on the road!

Convenient and healthy, now there’s something to smile about.

Anna Nicole's boobs claims aren't real!
What!
Those "Lose Weight with No Effort" ads aren't true?

Finally the marketers of some popular diet products received some long, overdue fines from the FTC for false advertising on their claims. However, the companies are still allowed to market their products. You laugh, but obviously they are raking in sh--loads of money to pay these kinds of fines, re-package the product, and keep selling. According to USA Today’s Business section, TrimSpa will pay $1.5 million, Xenadrine EFX will pay $8-13 million, CortiSlim and CortiStress will surrender $12 million in assets and BASF will pay $3.2 million for One A Day WeightSmart. BASF’s claim is that they didn’t market it for weight loss, only as a multi-vitamin, but they will settle rather than fight due to legal costs. Hello? BASF you called your product WeightSmart, of course you were marketing it for weight loss.

There are no magic pills out there; unless, of course, you happen to be Jack from Jack and the Bean Stalk (wait, those were beans... like I said there are no magic pills). I joke, but really this is no laughing matter... It means even though I can't find one person who admits to buying these products, that no one is listening (and I'm in the wrong business). Supplements are one thing, but these companies are stealing your money!h

Now... if I could only stop believing those wrinkle cream ads!

Diamonds (ahh). Rubies (ohh). Tinfoil (yum — leftovers).

Now there’s something new to catch your eye: the Sparkle & Shine Sweepstakes, presented by PRIA, the tasty nutrition bars that help women shine and thrive.

One grand prize winner will be the envy of her friends as she brags about the Sparkle & Shine Package — a $1,000 gift certificate towards the personal trainer of her choice, a one-year gym membership to the gym of her choice, a year’s supply of PRIA bars, and a $10,000 gift certificate from Tiffany & Co.

The three first-place winners will score a Complete Fitness Package — a year’s gym membership, an mp3 player, $50 of music downloads, and a $500 gift certificate for fitness apparel. The ten lucky second-place winners get a year’s supply of PRIA bars and a one-year subscription to Women’s Health magazine.

PRIA adds a spark to your day, some glamour to your glow, and, hopefully, a little ice to your jewelry case. For more sparkly goodness, go to powerbarpria.com, where you can enter the sweepstakes.