I was secretly psyched when I spied oatmeal at my neighborhood Starbucks. Normally, I try to support the cute, cafes near GL HQ. But they are lacking in healthy bfast options. Muffins and bagels just don’t make the cut.
 
The oatmeal at Sbucks comes with 3 possible toppings: nuts, dried fruit or brown sugar. I opted for nuts (omega 3s! good fat!). After I picked my topping, the barista added hot water to a cardboard cup filled with oats. WHATT?
 
The perfect oatmeal, which I whip up in my house a few days a week, is made with skim milk thankyouverymuch. Then, I sprinkle on dried cranberries, slivered almonds and a speck of brown sugar. Yum!
 
So while I (sorta) enjoyed my café oats, I felt I could have done a better job making them myself. But what was I expecting? A grandma behind the counter, slowly stirring the perfect pot of hearty oats? Not so much.
 
At 240 calories (with one topping), the perfect oatmeal is def. a decent choice, if you find yourself at Sbucks and are in desperate need of breakfast. But if you’re just lookin’ for some hot oats, you’re better off stirring it up at home.

By: Katie Abbondanza 

 

The beginning of the school year is always very stressful. When I get home from school, I’m swamped with homework and I never have any time to relax. Of course, everyone has her own way to relieve stress, but what’s mine?
 
For the past few weeks, I have been trying to find new fun ways to get rid of stress. I used to love to go to the gym, but now it’s almost my enemy. Not for long….
 
Recently, I discovered the cardio classes at my gym. I’ve seen the classes in session, but I have always been too nervous to take one. As the minutes on the treadmill kept growing longer and the celebrity gossip wasn’t changing in any of the magazines, I decided to step out and take a class. I am so glad that I did because it was awesome.
 
I tried out three classes, but my fave was Body Attack. Throughout the entire 60 minutes, we are always active, running or doing aerobic exercises. Breaking a sweat is guaranteed because you are constantly on the move. It may sound intimidating at first, but it’s all about the cardio.
 
I took classes at a local gym, but they are offered all over the country (check out lesmills.com for locations). Lotsa health clubs offer a free day pass (or week!) if you ask.
 
Not only are these classes a great workout, they were so much fun! At first I was definitely afraid to get outta my comfort zone, but I am so glad I did. If they are as fun as mine, you won’t ever have to worry about the treadmill again.
 
-Sara Cummings  

 

Watch out, ladies! Hemalayaa, a Los Angeles-based yoga and Indian dance instructor, is back with a new workout that is sure to give your booty a boost. Hemalayaa: Bollywood Booty ($10, amazon.com) is packed with 45 minutes of backside, bun-sculpting dance moves set to bump ‘n’ grindable Bollywood music.
 
I had too much fun firmin’ my flab while learning super-easy and refreshing Indian dance moves. At first I thought, “These moves are way too easy. Not really my type of work out.” Little did I know what I was in for! I was breakin’ a sweat halfway through the first workout! Wooh!
 
Not only is Hemalayaa a gorgeous fitness goddess, she is super-sweet and fun. This ethnic exercise will have your feelin’ great about your booty, girlies! Grab some shorts, a t-shirt and water bottle and be prepped for an energetic dance workout.

<3, Sharon 

 

I’m always on the search for fab yoga pants. Even if ya don’t practice yoga, they’re great for workouts at the gym or just walking around the ‘hood. My perfect pair would be cropped (because I’m super-short and I hate stepping on hems), slightly flared or wide-leg and cute enough to wear in public.

The first pair I checked out was American Apparel’s Fine Jersey Capri Pant. They were def comfy and way easy to move around in. Key when you’re tryin’ to get tangled up in tricky poses! The down (dog) side? Cotton doesn’t wick, so if you’re sweating a lot…it kinda just sticks to ya. But if you’re sticking to low-key postures (like tree, downward dog…or chillin’ on the couch) you’ll be set as they’re a sweet alternative to sweats.