How to meditate your way to beauty, plus other beauty tips

For my article today I’d like to answer some questions that my readers have e-mailed to me.

Emily tells me that she loves drinking a latté, a large one at that almost everyday. She was wondering how many calories it has. She fears she might put on weight and so she wants my advice.

According to what I have researched, a large latté can be loaded with 250 to 570 calories.

Emily, you may still enjoy your latté, but I suggest you try a smaller size, either eight or 12 ounces.

•Have your coffee with fat-free milk instead of whole milk.

• Instead of white sugar, use brown.

• Try doing away with whipped cream, flavored syrup, or chocolate because they are loaded with calories.

Amanda asks me about crackers. She loves eating them, but would like to try something that has less calories.

I suggest looking for whole grains, whole wheat or whole rye. Choose brands that have at least three grams of fiber and less than four grams of fat per ounce.

Rico asks how much water one should take everyday.

According to studies made at St. Louie Community College, it depends on how much one weighs.

If you weigh 160 pounds, you should drink eight glasses daily. And for each 25 pounds over that, you’ll need an extra glass.

Plain water is the best choice, but you also get fluids from many fruits and vegetables. Celery is 95 percent water, broccoli, 91 percent and watermelon, 92 percent.

Rina asks for some tips on how to meditate. Fortunately, my trainer, Louie meditates and so I asked him to help me on this one.

• First, focus on your breathing. Breathe in and out through your nose while paying attention to some aspect of your breathing like the pause between breaths.

• Focus on a word, phrase or prayer while you meditate.

• Focus on the moment by becoming aware of sounds and thoughts. Allow them to pass through your mind without getting involved with them.

• Try to meditate everyday. Aim for at least 20 minutes. Return to your focus – a word phrase or prayer every time your mind starts to wonder.

Allan asks what are some good sources of soy protein.

There are soy-based beverages like soy milk, tofu, soy-based meat substitutes and soy protein powders that may be added to drinks and oatmeal.

Mayette asks what core strength exercises are because she would like to try them.

Core strength exercises work out the body’s core or the essentials – muscles of the hip and torso that stabilize the spine and pelvis, and provide the foundation for safe and efficient movement of the extremities.

Core strength programs achieve these through stability balls, foam rollers and balance boards.

Thank you to those of you who have e-mailed me. Keep on doing so. I love hearing from you.

I would also like to thank those who have gotten copies of my first workout video. It is doing well. Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy working out with me and my friends.

(E-mail me at babyjackster@hotmail.com)