Fat loss tip extraordinaire or some old-school reverse psychology? Don’t worry, I had the same reaction when I first discovered eating fat was necessary for losing weight.

Too often we hear confusing messages about dietary fats and what it really does to your body like:

1. Fats make you gain body fat.

2. Fats lead to heart attacks.

3. Fats are evil and should be avoided at all costs.

To put it bluntly, the three points above are FALSE .

We’ve been completely misled when it comes to fats.

Fats are essential for our body’s hormone production, skin health, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and even burning body fat.

Studies have been conducted to attempt to elevate cholesterol levels using high-fat diets. Most all of them have back

Flipping through my local newspaper last Saturday, I came across the above title minus the question mark. (Bonus points for anyone who can name my local paper in the comments section. Here’s a HINT)

I’m definitely uneasy about using descriptive words like “the best” or “#1″ when talking about any health related matter, especially exercise movements for fat loss, because we should all know by now that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to losing fat and staying fit.

[Now if these girls told me this exercise was #1, I just might have to listen!]

Think about it: If we all lose fat or build muscle the same way, then there would only be a need for one book or

Everyone can do it, but so few people know how to do it well. Breathing is something we just do!

It’s not something talked about in great lengths in main stream media or print but if you’re into activities like Yoga or meditation (which I’m starting to take a liking too) then you can appreciate the many benefits of breathing better and taking note of your improved physical and mental well-being.

[Found this pic along with a bunch of other cool underwater shots at H2o Photography . I always wondered what it would be like to breathe underwater and the possibilities of possessing this super power. I'm such a

Happy belated Canada Day to my fellow Canucks and salutations to my friends south of the border who celebrated Independence Day. Chances are we all attended or hosted at least one BBQ or cookout this past week and why not?

It’s the summer time season and there’s nothing more enjoyable then spending time with family and friends while enjoying food over an open fire.

But it’s also crucial your preparing healthy and safe BBQ meals by keeping the grill clean, washing your hands and following other BBQ tips for an enjoyable cookout.

[How many people tried to cook a deep fried turkey this past weekend? I tried it once and never again! Haven't done a beach

The time, or rest between sets, (a series of exercises done consecutively i.e. he did 4 sets of 10 reps on the bench press) is an important factor in your ability to complete a workout.

Very often the question raised on the gym floor is, how long should I wait after completing a set to start another set?

The answer is: It depends on your goals.

[Do you frequently spend your rest periods looking at yourself in the mirror or at the hottie on the treadmill? Stop! Focus on the time between your sets and you'll get more done (fat loss and muscle building) in less time!]

More Rest For More Strength

For example, when I’m training with Vince DelMonte’s

Right next to the male enhancement products and the heartfelt letters from my Nigerian friends, are offers for magical weight loss supplements that claim to have the ability to evaporate my fat on contact!

There’s a lot of buzz, especially on the Internet, about all these outrageous fat loss products, especially teas that will help you lose weight: green tea with hoodia, green tea plus, wu yi green tea. You name the teas, and of course it’s going to magically help you lose weight.

[There are a ton of great pics on the web like this one that show the beauty of a green tea field. Supposedly, this is a shot from one such field near Mt. Fugi in Japan. Absolutely stunning! ]

Green Tea and

Yes, the economy is in the toilet, but that’s not an excuse to lie down on your couch with your favorite cheap comfort food and justify your actions as trying to save some money.

Burning calories doesn’t require large amounts of cash.

Here are some frugal fat loss tips that’ll keep you striving for your fitness goals:

1. Shoe Leather Express

Don’t spend your cash on gas, parking, or car insurance.

Try walking, cycling or running to your destination. The only equipment required for walking and running is a comfortable pair of shoes.

Or pump up the tires on mountain bike sitting in your garage, grab a helmet, and some reflective clothing, and bike to work a couple of times a week.

If your commute to work is too far for this kind for these primitive

Now wait a minute…. I’m not suggesting you go start sucking down tubes of toothpaste just yet. There’s another way to put that minty fresh paste to good use. This all stems from reading an interview in Men’s Fitness… wait, or was it Men’s Health?… about how Pamela Anderson fights the urge to snack by brushing her teeth. If snacking or satisfying your cravings before, after or between meals is your dieting downfall, and you find yourself struggling to stop this habit, try brushing your teeth with toothpaste. It will help signal the end of your meal. And if you’re tempted to take another bite, you’ll be quickly reminded that most food doesn’t taste very good when your tastebuds are overwhelmed with cool mint, cinnamon, lavender, pine, or whatever other flavor you may fancy.

WARNING: Useless Information

Heading outside for exercise in the cold weather can certainly be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be a chore to be prepared! Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Head into the wind.

Choose the route of your walk by the direction of the wind. You’ll be less likely to get chilled on the way back if you end your workout — when you may be sweaty — with the wind at your back.

2. Drink plenty of fluids.

Drink water or sports drinks before, during and after your workout — even if you’re not thirsty. Cold air has a drying effect, which can increase the risk of dehydration. In turn, dehydration increases the risk of frostbite.

3. Pay attention to wind chill.

The wind can penetrate your clothes and remove the insulating layer of

Rushing to the mall for last minute Christmas gifts, attending parties or functions, cooking holiday dinner are just some of the things that keep us busy and feeling stressed out during the holiday season. It doesn’t sound like much of a holiday does it? Frankly, for most it’s just a continuation of the rest of the year on a schedule that leaves us mentally drained. Remember, the MIND is as important as the BODY so here are five ways to keep holiday stress to a minimum so that you enjoy and get into the holiday spirit:

1. Leave work at work! Last day at the office so why are you bringing your work home with you? It will still be there when you come back so why