Healthy Hollywood: Get Movin’ Monday — Hula Hoop For A Killer Upper Body!

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Cameron Diaz arrives at the 84th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, Calif., on February 26, 2012

Healthy Hollywood: Get Movin’ Monday — Hula Hoop For A Killer Upper Body!

February 27, 2012

Healthy Hollywood is always inspired to hit the gym after watching the Oscar’s Red Carpet. Who isn’t? The actresses parade their famously fit form in gorgeous body-skimming gowns.

This year, I was particularly impressed with the ladies who flaunted perfectly sculpted shoulders in their strapless gowns. Cameron Diaz, Natalie Portman, and Michelle Williams all worked the look sensationally.

Healthy Hollywood recently stumbled upon Mini Hoops; it’s a workout that promises to tone and rejuvenate the entire upper half of the body. In as little as two weeks, shoulders become shapelier and arms more lithe, while the upper back and abdomen reveal new definition. Sounds too good to be true!

We recruited Hoopnotica founder, Gabriella Redding to let us in on the secret. “The mini hoops directly target the arms, shoulders, chest, and back. While focusing primarily on the upper body, your core is automatically engaged through gravitational resistance. Just like our traditional Hoopnotica workouts (a fave of Pink & model Marisa Miller), hoop practitioners will benefit from ‘losing themselves’ in their practice, making it easier to get through challenging poses.”

Unlike other hoop workouts, the Minis require no spinning and relies upon the use of two smaller hoops, which are controlled by both of your arms at once.

Gabriella shared with Healthy Hollywood 3 of her favorite Mini Hoops exercises.

Heartbeat:
Our most basic move in the minis program. Heartbeat is the act of moving each hoop around your hand in a controlled, intentional manner. When Heartbeat is practiced correctly, there is no “flopping” around- the movement is rhythmic and graceful.

Steps:
Bring the Mini up and around your hand in a full rotation, push your thumb down into the hoop with a bit more force and turn your palm all the way to the floor. Keep your hand perfectly still, allowing the hoop to trace a path around it, and then close your fingers around the hoop to stop it in its tracks after one revolution. The time to stop the hoop is when you feel it roll into the webbing between your pointer and thumb, or when you see your hand at six o’ clock. Turn your hand into the hoop so your palm is facing down and grab. Repeat this process until it feels comfortable and controlled.

Archer:
Archer develops and tones your shoulders, and adds a simple but striking accent to your dancing.

Front Archer:
From Side Ready Position (hands grasp hoops at 6 o’ clock on each side of body; hoops are vertical and parallel to one another), lift your arms straight in front of you, parallel to the floor. Holding your forearms, arm perfectly still with your elbows locked and strong, initiate a single Forward Heartbeat and then stop the hoop firmly after one rotation. This is a quick, powerful move, so focus on keeping the hoop close to your arm and stopping it with strength and intention.

Try Front archer one arm at a time until you feel comfortable with the movement. When both arms are up to speed, try to perform Front Archer with two hoops.

Side:
Open your primary arm 90 degrees to come into Side Archer position. You will be standing with your arms parallel to the floor, arms 90 degrees from the trunk of your body. In this position, you will be holding the hoops with your hands at 3 and 9 o’ clock, hoops pressed to the outside of your arms against your elbows. Your arms will slice through the center of your mini hoops. Release one hoop at a time into a Forward Heartbeat and stop it cleanly after one rotation. Keep the hoop snug against the back of your arm and try again. Switch sides and, when you’re feeling solid with both arms, put them into play simultaneously. Without breaking the straight line, angle your arms to one side by bending slightly at your waist. Release the hoops for one rotation, and then lean to the other side and try the opposite angle.

For more information on the Mini Hoops workout, check out www.hoopnotica.com.

Terri MacLeod is a Senior Field Producer for “Access Hollywood” and the author of the Healthy Hollywood column.

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Healthy Hollywood: Fab Food Friday – Host An Oscar Party Fit For A Star!

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Access Hollywood Live: MovieMantz Box Office Preivew - ‘Abduction’ Vs. ‘Moneyball’

Healthy Hollywood: Fab Food Friday – Host An Oscar Party Fit For A Star!

February 24, 2012

Your Oscar invite didn’t arrive in the mail? No worries! Healthy Hollywood didn’t receive one either. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t roll out the red carpet and get set to be an award-winning Oscar host. There’s no better front seat than in the comfort of your own living room surrounded by good friends.

Healthy Hollywood recruited Tanya Steel, editor-in-chief of the foodie website, Epicurious. “Don’t try to compete with the TV; instead, work with it, planning your evening around the red carpet arrival and the big awards. In other words, don’t expect your guests to go to the buffet when all the big stars arrive or when Billy Crystal opens the show,” advises Tanya.

No matter how fancy or simple your party, Tanya suggests always having drinks ready when your guests arrive. “It’s ok to have people wait a minute or two or even twenty for food, but they should have a drink within moments of arriving. Champagne or another sparkling wine such as Cava or Prosecco is always perfect for the Oscars.”

Upgraded takes on comfort food like mini pizzas, meatballs, pigs in a blanket, and bruschettas are always a hit. But, why not think outside the box and whip up a menu that complements this year’s nominees? “At Epicurious, we love to celebrate the Academy Awards by creating menus inspired by each of the Best Picture nominees,” suggests Tanya. For instance: If you loved “The Help,” go for a menu featuring Southern fare like fried chicken and chocolate pie. Or, if “The Descendents” was more of your thing, try Hawaiian foods, like Kalua pig and a Blue Hawaiian cocktail.

Here’s a sampling of Epicurious’ “Moneyball” menu, which is built around stadium favorites.

Cheddar Dogs with Cider-Braised Leeks and Apples:

Ingredients:
2 tbs. butter
2 cups thinly sliced leeks
1 apple, peeled, cored, diced
½ tsp. caraway seeds
Pinch of allspice
Coarse Kosher salt
1 ½ cups hard apple cider
6 grilled hot dog buns
Dijon mustard
6 grilled all-beef hot dogs
2 ozs. Sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Melt butter in large skillet. Add leeks and apples. Cover; cook until tender, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Mix in caraway and allspice; season with coarse salt and pepper. Add hard cider; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, uncovered, until most of liquid is cooked away, about 16 minutes.

Arrange buns on plates. Spread each with mustard, then top with grilled hot dogs. Sprinkle with cheese and top with leek mixture.

For a more varied Oscar menu, prepare a dish or dessert from a few different Best Picture nominees. For movie-inspired recipes, head over to www.epicurious.com.

Terri MacLeod is a Senior Field Producer for “Access Hollywood” and the author of the Healthy Hollywood column.

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BREAKING NEWS: Rep: Gerard Butler In ‘Good Health’ Following Rehab Stint

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BREAKING NEWS: Rep: Gerard Butler In ‘Good Health’ Following Rehab Stint

Gerard Butler has successfully completed a stint in rehab, a rep for the actor confirmed to Access Hollywood.

“Gerard has completed a successful course of treatment and has returned home in good health,” Butler’s rep said in a statement to Access Hollywood on Friday.

Click here to read the full story

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Healthy Hollywood: Ask Keri Glassman – Can You Ever Get Too Much Omega-3?

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Keri Glassman stops by Access Hollywood Live

Healthy Hollywood: Ask Keri Glassman – Can You Ever Get Too Much Omega-3?

February 23, 2012

Nutritionist Keri Glassman is back with Access’ Healthy Hollywood team. Keri, who regularly shares her expertise on Access Hollywood and Access Hollywood Live, is now answering your nutrition, diet, and health questions.

Want to know which foods to curb sugar craving? Or, what you should eat before a workout? Ask Keri anything!

Keri will choose one great question a week to be answered Thursday in our Healthy Hollywood column.

To submit questions for Keri, click HERE!

This week, Fringe asks: “Is there ever a danger of getting too much Omega-3 in your diet?

Great question! With the onslaught of different daily recommended amounts, percent daily value, and articles outlining FDA regulations and recommendations, it feels like you need a cheat sheet just to grab a handful of nuts for a snack! Let’s take a look:

Omega-3s are fatty acids that actually help our bodies soothe inflammation, boosting heart health and possibly helping to decrease cancer risks. They’ve also been linked to helping our minds, combating both stress and depression. All good things, right?

These fatty acids are grouped into two categories: the alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is found in plant sources like soybeans, canola, and flaxseed, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are found in fatty fish.

The only risk of experiencing too much of a good thing is that the omega-3 sources are largely from fats. Albeit they are all good-for-you fats that you need to get from your diet, you want to be careful of layering on these good fats too thick. While there is no such thing as an omega-3 overdose from food, there is such a thing as gaining weight from eating too much!

That being said, omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats you want to be eating. As long as you’re keeping your portions in check, you shouldn’t have any problems associated with incorporating walnut oils and nuts into your daily diet. Go for it!

To meet your omega-3 needs, try choosing two food items per day that are good sources. Some of my favorites include:

1. Salmon – this pink fish is definitely one of my favorite omega-3 sources. Salmon gives you about 1.48 grams of omega-3s per 3 ounce serving, and contains EPA and DHA omega-3s that improve our blood flow and helps cut down on inflammation around our joints.

2. Flaxseed oil – If fish just isn’t your thing, try flaxseeds. The oil is very high in omega-3s, and is a great source of the fatty acids. Try drizzling the oil on your salads to add a nutty flavor.

3. Chia seeds – these little seeds pack in omega-3s, and are
a fun new ingredient to try mixed into your morning oatmeal or sprinkled on your salad at lunch. And don’t worry – a chia pet won’t start growing in your stomach!

4. Walnuts – Walnuts are a great midday snack, when you want just a little something to tide you over until dinner. The omega-3s associated with walnuts have even been shown to be protective against memory loss – keeping you sharp through the afternoon slump. Try a small handful, about 7 halves, for your 3 PM snack.

5. Canned Tuna – This is probably one of the least expensive ways to sneak in some omega-3s. The fish source provides EPA, the fatty acids that help prevent cardiovascular diseases, and is super easy to pack for lunch in a sandwich or on a salad!

Terri MacLeod is a Senior Field Producer for “Access Hollywood” and the author of the Healthy Hollywood column.

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Healthy Hollywood: Wellness Wednesday – Kick The Winter Blues!

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Rosie O’Donnell speaks during the “The Rosie Show” panel during the OWN portion of the 2011 Summer TCA Tour held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, on July 28, 2011

Healthy Hollywood: Wellness Wednesday – Kick The Winter Blues!

February 22, 2012

Feeling a bit down or low on energy? You might be feeling a case of the winter blues or seasonal affective disorder (aka SAD).

“The seasonal blues are a feeling of mild depression that coincides with the seasons that are typically shorter on light and sunshine,” states Aubrey Marcus, CEO of Onnit Labs, a natural supplements maker.

Even famous folks get SAD—singer Natalie Imbruglia and Rosie O’Donnell are two celebs who have been diagnosed with the seasonal disorder. Rosie even shared with her fans how she’s been known to hang upside down for 15 to 30 minutes to relieve the blues.

So, what causes our moods to swing when the days get darker? Nutritionists say it is a diminished amount of vitamin D that people are getting from a limited amount of sunshine. Another factor is people’s exercise levels drop. Also, winter weight gain can cause a shift in hormones, which leads to feeling down in the dumps.

Onnit shares 4 great tips for feeling more sunshine on a dreary winter day.

1. Make sure you are getting adequate amounts of vitamin D. Take your opportunities while the sun is shining, even if it is partly cloudy, to spend some time outside. While artificial tanning has its drawbacks to skin health, if done sparingly during the winter can also help the body with natural vitamin D production. Lastly, take a good vitamin D supplement or a natural serotonin booster. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter responsible for positive mood, and the formula New Mood by Onnit Labs contains both vitamin D and the two direct precursors to serotonin production.

2. Make sure to exercise. The exercise will keep your hormones in balance and endorphins flowing, which are two key aspects to maintaining a positive outlook. For help with motivation in the gym, try Onnit Labs’ ShroomTech Sport, which provides cellular ATP energy through the gold medal tested mushroom cordyceps sinensis.

3. Have plenty of (safe) sex. Sex releases positive endorphins and is one of the best stress relievers in existence. Just make sure it’s done safely and with a good partner because, if not, there will be another reason to have the blues besides the season!

4. Stay healthy. Eat plenty of green vegetables, fresh fruit, and lean protein. Wash your hands often and use a saline nasal spray at night after travel or close proximity to large groups of people. And for an additional boost, look into Onnit Labs’ ShroomTech Immune formula which stimulates the body’s natural production of immune cells built to fight off immune challenges.

For more information on ONNIT’s natural supplements, check out www.onnit.com.

Terri MacLeod is a Senior Field Producer for “Access Hollywood” and the author of the Healthy Hollywood column.

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Adventures in Grave Hunting by Lisa Burks

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Adventures in Grave Hunting by Lisa Burks

Public Access to Whitney Houston's Grave Curtailed

Posted: 21 Feb 2012 07:51 AM PST

NBC New York was on scene at Fairview Cemetery yesteday and shot this b-roll of Whitney Houston's grave site, one day after she was buried there.

The news station also reported that fans began arriving to pay respects first thing yesterday morning. As the throngs grew, the cemetery closed off access due to concerns about the soft ground around the grave as well as the size of the crowds.

It looks like the cemetery is really working to try to accomodate the public, while taking necessary precautions as well as assuring that families of other interees get access to their loved ones' graves at this time. Not a small job. Kudos to them and Whitney's family for allowing this first attempt.

Descriptions state she was laid to rest next to her father, John Russell Houston, Jr., but it appears that she's actually one off, a space between them that is presumably reserved for Mr. Houston's widow, Whitney's stepmother. Here are before and after pictures (credit Rex Features and Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images respectively):

Unable to visit the Westfield, N.J., cemetery anytime in the near future? You can leave Whitney a virtual flower and note at her memorial page on Findagrave.com in the meantime.

Healthy Hollywood: Get Movin’ Monday – SI Swimsuit Models’ Shape-Up Secrets!

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Kate Upton on the cover of the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

Healthy Hollywood: Get Movin’ Monday – SI Swimsuit Models’ Shape-Up Secrets!

February 20, 2012

“I think that’s what Sports Illustrated is all about is feeling confident in your body and I love it,” declares SI cover gal, Kate Upton. I guess it’s easy to feel body-confident - even in the teeniest of bikinis - when you have a body like Kate. WOW!

Healthy Hollywood hit the red carpet to celebrate Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue. There I was surrounded by a parade of never-ending legs and womanly curves – talk about feeling like you struck out in the gene lottery. Enough with the pity – Healthy Hollywood used this moment to be inspired to hit the gym and get tips from some of the world’s most gorgeous gals.

Now, I can pass on their bikini-body ready advice to you! Best news, these lovely ladies do work out hard to look that good. Phew – feeling a little bit better about my future in a bikini – ha!

Bar Refaeli:
“With this (Sports Illustrated) I was a little worried so I worked out a lot. I did TRX (a high intensity full body work out), which is a crazy workout and my body was in the best shape it’s ever been in my life. I was very proud to come on the photo shoot…and I’m like, ‘I’ve got a six pack too.’”

Kate Upton:
“I’m a full-time model. Modeling is my career, so I’m always trying to keep a healthy lifestyle and I have great personal trainer. My trainer, he always switches it up, and makes it interesting. I go back almost everyday.”

Anne V:
“I do yoga. I run a lot. I do different kinds of fun exercises. For me, it’s not in the genes. You’ve got to work. You know what? The way I look at it is that this is one job that we have. If you’re going to do it good, be in the best shape that you possibly can so you inspire people.”

Chrissy Teigen:
“I drink wine and I cook. That’s all I want to do pretty much forever. So to balance that out, I do have to work out. My thing is all or nothing. I could consistently work out all year – maybe three days a week or I can work out for two months nonstop. I’d rather do the two months nonstop. I am doing the Pilates reformer. I don’t want to lose weight; I just want get stronger.”

Irina Shayk:
“I eat healthy and working out is basically a part of my life. I have my personal trainer and I do a little bit of everything. I box, do Pilates, a little bit of weights and of course, healthy eating. I’m never on a diet. Sports Illustrated models are never on diet – everyone has to know that. We eat everything.”

Jessica Gomes:
“I do aerobics. I dance in a hot room, which is great for a workout. If I have a week off, I’ll train everyday. I train as much as I can.”

Check out all 18 of the super sexy swimsuit models in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 2012 on newsstands now.

Terri MacLeod is a Senior Field Producer for “Access Hollywood” and the author of the Healthy Hollywood column.