Denise's Daily Dozen (10 page)

5. Waist Twist

This cures a multitude of aches, from your back to your shoulders.

Sitting up tall, twist your body to the right and place both hands on the back of your chair or armrest. Use your hands to help twist your upper body to the right even more. Switch sides and repeat.

6. Neck and Shoulder Relaxer

Do this anywhere to release tension.

Sitting up tall, bend your elbows and place your hands behind your head. Gently press your head forward and feel a stretch along the back of the neck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q
:
I see that the Daily Dozen Plan starts on a Monday. But what if I start reading your book on a Thursday or other day of the week?

A
: First of all, congratulations on picking up this book and taking the first step to a healthier, better-looking body. I believe that there’s no time like the present to get started, so I don’t want you to wait another minute to do so. Instead, open the book to the day of the week you’re on—in this case, Thursday—and follow the week one workout and eating plan for that day. Continue doing this until Monday comes. At that point, start with Monday’s week one workout and eating plan and follow along from there. This way you’ve simply given yourself a few bonus days to get fit and eat right. The results will be worth it. I promise!

Q
:
Can I drink alcohol on the Daily Dozen Plan?

A
: I love a good glass of red wine once in a while myself. Not only because it tastes good but also because it’s got lots of phytonutrients and potent antioxidants like resveratrol, which are good for your heart. However, for the first week of the Daily Dozen plan, you shouldn’t have any alcohol and should stick closely to the food plans for each day. This helps you clean out your body and get on the right track. In week two, you can add a glass of wine if you’d like. Just skip your morning or afternoon snack and save those calories for a glass of wine in the evening. But only
one
drink, because drinking your calories away isn’t as filling as eating them. Also, alcohol tends to lower your inhibitions; if you drink too much, you may also find yourself eating too much or eating the wrong foods.

Q
:
Can I drink coffee and tea on the Daily Dozen Plan?

A
: Again, it’s all things in moderation. Tea is fine and calorie-free as long as you don’t load it up with lots of milk and sugar or use artificial sweeteners, which studies have shown can actually make you gain weight. In fact, I love tea with lemon in the late afternoon when a craving strikes or as something soothing (decaf) to sip before bed. Green tea is fabulous because it’s loaded with nutrients, and research suggests that it has amazing health benefits. That said, any kind of tea can be a satisfying treat, and there are so many flavors from fruity to spicy that your options are endless. I actually go in seasons and have a soothing cup of hot tea when it’s cold out and a refreshing glass of iced tea in warmer months. If you like coffee, you can have one cup a day. Just make sure to limit what you put in it because, again, calories from milk, sugar, and creamers can add up quickly. I have one cup of coffee in the morning and just add a splash of skim milk. And definitely steer clear of those calorie-rich drinks available at most coffee bars. These drinks are more like a dessert. All that syrup, whipped cream, and sugar means some of them weigh in at an astonishing four to five hundred calories, or more!

Q
:
What do I do if I am allergic to or don’t like one of the foods on the plan? For example, one day you have fish, and I can’t stand fish.

A
: Naturally, you shouldn’t eat anything that will adversely affect your health. I also believe food is something you should enjoy, so I’d be the last person to tell you to eat something you didn’t like just to lose weight. If the plan calls for something you can’t eat or just can’t stand, simply replace that meal with another meal that’s similar. For example, if it’s a protein-based dinner of fish that you don’t like, look for a dinner within the same week that’s also protein-based, like a chicken or bean dish. This way you’re probably getting the same items from your Daily Dozen Food list and keeping the calories close to where they should be for that week.

Q
:
After years of being inactive, I’m trying your Daily Dozen Plan. After a short time, I’m hooked! But how do I get my family moving, too?

A
: Congratulations! Realizing the importance of exercise is one thing, but actually making the commitment to get fit—and healthy—is truly commendable! And it’s fantastic that you’d like to encourage your family to exercise as well! Don’t worry, getting your family fit shouldn’t require begging or bribes. Here are some ideas:

 Check out my fitness DVDs that everyone can do together. You can even pick out something that taps into their interests. For example, if your husband is a golfer, he might like a sport-specific DVD that features stretches and workouts that’ll help improve his swing. Or maybe my
Best Belly Fat-Blaster
s DVD that my husband uses. And if your daughter likes to dance, there are plenty of kids’ DVDs she can try.

 Turn on your kids’ favorite radio station or make a mix of tunes with a good beat and turn your living room into a disco.

 Engage in some friendly competition. Go to the park and see who can speed walk or run the fastest from point A to point B, or play a game of volleyball at the beach or pool.