Diet or Exercise? What's More Effective When It Comes to Weight Loss?

Should I diet or exercise to lose weight?  Which one is more effective?

It's a constant discussion whether either you're trying to drop just a few pounds or 30.  Ultimately, it's a combination of the two that work.

But when trying to drop a large amount of weight the challenge can be daunting.  It's usually a basic premise of move more, eat less crap and more of the good, real stuff that works.

I am a big believer that 30 minutes of exercise a day will change your life.  Dramatically.  I also subscribe to the Mediterranean diet philosophy that focuses on produce, olive oil, fish and wine.   I lost 50+ pounds more than a decade ago and have kept it off even after having a baby.


Yet you see studies and those motivational pictures on Instagram that scream "A FLAT STOMACH STARTS IN THE KITCHEN" or "YOU CAN'T OUT-EXERCISE A BAD DIET."

All of that is true but nothing gives you the immediate satisfaction and endorphin rush of a nice, 30-minute workout to get the blood flowing.

A new study proves that.

It's a big, scientific-jargon-filled piece outlined in the October's Annals of Behavioral Medicine but the results are clear: it's best to diet and exercise at the same time but you might see results if you start with exercise first.  Once you see the benefit of a few weeks at the gym and you start seeing changes in your body, improving your diet might be the next natural step.

Just try moving for 30 minutes.  It will make you feel like a new person.  Promise.

Looking for some great exercise options?  Here are a few of my favorites:

• Walking or running - being outside in the fresh air does WONDERS
• Pilates - great for the core
• A workout from the Nike Training Club app - they don't pay me to endorse it....it's just that awesome
• Hula hooping - it's like a natural corset for your core
• My full-body toning routine that can be done anywhere and requires no equipment.  Perfect for the gym-averse.

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How to Hula Hoop Your Way to a Tighter Core (Video)

Hula hooping has changed my stomach.  It's like a corset for your core.

I blogged about how to get started with your hula hoop but you have emailed and told me that you still can't quite get the hang of it.   Hopefully this "tutorial" Tracy Kornet & I have produced will help.

I use a weighted hula hoop at home.  Any hoop will do.  Tracy & I broke out the sparkle pink, non-weighted version for this video.

How to exercise with a hula hoop.

Can find a weighted hoop?  Buy one here: 

How to Determine If Your Clutch Will Be Allowed into AT&T Stadium for Cowboys Games

Still confused by the NFL's bag and purse policy?

Tracy Kornet & I have the absolute perfect guideline for determining if your clutch bag will be allowed in AT&T Stadium for Cowboys games.  Here's a hint: all it takes is a piece of paper.

We also tackle the question: "Is the NFL's purse and policy anti-woman?"

What do you think?

Tracy & Gina Dish On New NFL Bag Policy 

L'Oreal RevitaLift Miracle Blur Review - A Makeup Bag Must

I'm in love with  L'Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur Instant Skin Smoother Finishing Cream, SPF 30.  It's a year or so old but is worth revisiting.  It provides a smooth foundation for your makeup, a real life photoshop effect and an SPF of 30.

In short: LOVE it.

Courtesy L'Oreal

We do our own makeup before we hit the air on CBS11 & TXA21 and are always looking for something that makes us look ready for high definition TV.  This stuff is a great asset to any makeup bag - whether you're on TV or not.

Tracy Kornet and I reviewed it for CBSDFW.com, which you can find below.  L'Oreal suggests using it with its entire suite of their products.

I don't and it still works great.

What to Wear to Sunday's Cowboys/Giants Season Opener

As the NFL regular season opener between the Cowboys and Giants approaches, stylists across Dallas/Fort Worth are being approached by women wondering:

"What should I wear to the game?"

Guys may scoff but any football-loving fashionistas know that looking the part while taking in the game is almost as important as how the team looks on the field.  (I'm saying the Cowboys will go 10-6 this year, btw).

Let's examine some designer looks that would work for Sunday night's game at AT&T Stadium.  This is one venue, along with New York's MetLife, in which you can't overdress.  You will see designer couture worthy of New York Fashion Week at both stadiums.

My Cowboys game uniform: a sheath dress & heels

Unless you're working the game, like I always am, forgo a dress.  These casual yet stylish looks can serve as inspiration for what to wear to Sunday's game:

Five Purses That Work Within the NFL's New Bag/Purse Policy

The NFL's new handbag and purse policy is a bitch.  It limits what anyone can bring into any NFL stadium for a game.

Having said that, if you're simply going to any game (NFL, NBA, MLB, etc.) and not bringing a gaggle of kids, I ALWAYS suggest a small cross body bag.  These allow you to keep your hands free to clap, cheer, drink, flirt, text and more.  It's just easier.

AT&T Stadium's policy dictates that bags be no bigger than 5.5" high and 8.5" wide which is slightly larger than what the NFL rules allow. 

"The goal is to operate within reason," according to Cowboys corporate communications spokesman Brett Daniels.


Here are some cute purses that all fit within AT&T Stadium's policy:

Coach Madison Cross Body Bag.  This is a great bag that costs $198 and comes in four colors.

It's professional enough for work and perfect for the game.  You can keep this forever.

Kate Spade New York Brightspot Avenue Sally Crossbody Peony Pink for $158.00.  Tiny but packs an adorable punch.

Target has a stylish selection of cross body bags and clutches but the sizes are deceiving.  Make sure the bag fits within the 5.5 x 8.5 restrictions.   This Limited Edition Small Saddle Bag with Studs is biker-cool and perfect for a Cowboys game.  A steal at $22.99.

Looking for something a little more luxe to fit the scene at AT&T Stadium?  My friends at Bella Bag, an online luxury consignment reseller, have an entire blog dedicated to helping you find something that works.

I love any and all forms of a Chanel Wallet on a Chain bag.  This is a true investment purchase at $1589. 

How To Rent A Great Apartment In Paris

Image via Guest Apartment Servies

Renting an apartment in Paris is a smart if you will be there for an extended period of time or want the flexibility of cooking your own meals and doing laundry. You can usually get more space for a better price than you would pay for a hotel room.

Finding a vacation rental apartment in Paris is not easy. I have stayed in gorgeous ones and ones that are great in photos, awful in person. Here are a few questions you should ask an apartment service before committing to a rental:

• What is your cancellation policy?
• Do you charge for electricity? 
• Do you offer maid services? 
• Do you have air conditioning?  Many don't.  If it's a hot summer, you will suffer.
• What time can I get into the apartment?
• What happens if I lose the keys? 
• Do you have an emergency service if something breaks?
• Do you allow children?  Some don't.
• Will you offer an apartment walk thru to show me how to use the unfamiliar Parisian appliances?
• Will you provide concierge services: help with side trips, reservations, etc?
• Are the photos online a fair representation of the apartment? (During our November 2014 stay the photos did not accurately represent the apartment. It was awful).
• When were the photos taken. 

We decided to go the rental route for our 10-day Paris trip in June 2013.  I am an avowed hotel lover.  I love the romance, nostalgia and luxury of a classic hotel.  That luxury doesn't come cheaply, particularly in Paris, so we opted for the space and practicality of an apartment.

I ask friends who had rented apartments in Paris.  They suggested all the usual suspects: VRBO, AirBNB, Homeaway, Haven in Paris, etc.  I consulted Travel and Leisure magazine's awards issue and saw they suggested Guest Apartment Services for Paris apartments.

After much research, wrangling and debate, we decided to go with Guest Apartment Services. I like the gorgeous and hip options Haven in Paris offered but Guest Apartment Services fit our location and pricing needs better.

We settled on their Narcisse apartment, a classic 700-square foot beauty on the Ile St. Louis. A great location, a gorgeous space at about $250, give or take, a night for a 10-day trip.  Done!

Approximately two weeks before our trip, we received an email from Christophe, one of Guest Apartment Services owners, who informed us that there would be renovation work on the building during our stay.  There would be scaffolding surrounding the structure and noise from 8am until 5pm every day.  Not great if you have a baby.

View of Snowdrops entry and dining room. It REALLY does look like this!/Image via Guest Apartment Services

He offered us an "upgrade" to Snowdrop, a sleek, contemporary 754-square foot unit right across from Notre Dame, located in an apartment building at 19 Quai de Montebello. We hemmed and hawed.  We didn't know the neighborhood as well and, according to the map, it looked to be right on a busy street overlooking the Seine River.  We worried about the noise keeping us awake at night.

We stuck with it because, as I learned, summertime apartments in Paris are a tough get.

So how was it?

Wondering about day trips from Paris? How does Champagne sound? Here's how to get to Champagne.