What do kissing, laughing, and talking all have in common? Any takers? Do you remember that little rumor in junior high about how they all burn calories? Although this rumor is borderline old wives tale, it is very true.

Protein, plain and simple, it does a body good. This is not to say that you should skip your lima beans and brussel sprouts, or never eat pasta ever again, but protein is an essential part of every cell in the body. It is a key ingredient for muscles, bones, cartilage, skin and blood. You need protein to make enzymes and hormones, as well as repairing tissue.

The Fourth of July is a day that marks when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. We as a nation mark our independence from overindulgence with food at barbecues, picnics, family reunions, baseball games, carnivals and county fairs.

When I think of organic foods I think of earth-friendly, fewer chemicals, fresher and healthier. As an overall consensus I am a fan. There is nothing better than walking home with a bag full of farmer’s market goodies, or strolling through the lotions and potions in Whole Foods. Organic, what does this mean to you? If you’re list consists of “fewer calories” you may be in for a surprise.

I’m not really sure when it started to become socially acceptable to not brush your teeth, but apparently I missed the memo and will definitely have to sit this one out. When a certain blonde that was once a pop star turned reality star turned entrepreneur admits out loud that she cleans her pearly whites every three days,

The statement, “Go take a hike,” has a very different meaning when living in Los Angeles. It is a pastime that many of us take for granted when residing in a state with eternal sunshine and desirable temperatures year round.

I have the best dermatologist. There is nothing he cannot fix, heal, or solve. When Dr. Stuart Kaplan speaks, I listen and so should you. The topic is sunscreen and his take on the Environmental Working Group’s 2010 Annual Report. The truth is that only eight percent of the products on the market have been awarded the green light by EWG, which are only 39 of 500 beach and sport sunscreens on the market for this season. Pretty scary if you ask me. Here are some other frightening facts:

Monday May 31, 2010 we are free to wear white, catch lightening bugs, slip into our new swimsuit, fire up the grill, and take a drive with the convertible top down because summer is officially here. So grab your summer purse, or if you fancy a murse, and stuff it with these five healthy summer essentials.

Today I am a year older and hopefully a year wiser, but my days of being able to skip the gym are numbered. I am not quite sure if anyone can relate, but this day comes once a year and in the past few years I am inundated with anxiety. Coincidentally the weather Gods must have gotten the memo because May gray