♥ Let's Talk Diet (Healthy Snacks Haul & Diet Tips) ♥

BONUS DAY: GNC Your Solution Headquarters billboards...

GNC are back to ensure a healthy start to the New Year with a refreshed ad campaign.

These new billboards are more overtly sporty, with gym gear, people stretching, sweating and holding skipping ropes, plus this time they come in colour too.

The billboards still feature fit, young male and female models and all share the 'Live Healthy' slogan, presumably for the diet conscious in the New Year, with the addition of the 'Your Solution Headquarters' tagline.

It's a great campaign as there's not a vitamin or supplement bottle in sight, or an explicit mention of the General Nutrition Center, and yet you still get the health message loud and clear.

If you like these ads, take a look at GNC's Live Well campaign in mono from 2011.

The giant double Live Fit Live Healthy billboards were snapped along Sunset Boulevard at the top of La Cienega Boulevard, whilst the other vibrant creatives were photographed at The Beverly Center, along Hollywood Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue at the beginning of January 2012.

Be sure to stay tuned, as Daily Billboard predicts there will be more creative executions in this ad campaign as this year progresses.

DUO DAY: Jolly GNC Live Well Santa billboards...

Are you feeling festive yet? If not, maybe these jolly GNC billboards will get you in the holiday spirit.

Even though they arrived almost too early at the end of October, these fun creatives can't help but win you over and make you smile.

It's funny, he may be the timely choice, but Santa's hardly the healthiest choice for a wellness brand.

They are certainly a change from the other GNC Live Well billboards that have been gracing the skies of Los Angeles this past year, although they still feel they belong to the same campaign with the black background combined with the red and white copy.

These fun GNC Santa ads were snapped along Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue on October 27.

The larger GNC Santa billboard was snapped on the side of the Beverly Center on October 30, 2011.

WORLD AIDS DAY: AIDS Healthcare Foundation billboards...

In honour of World AIDS Day and in recognition of 30 years of AIDS, Daily Billboard has a special collection of billboards today.

The L.A. based AIDS Healthcare Foundation is a global organization that provides medical care and advocacy to over 100,000 people in 22 countries around the world. In addition to treatment for thousands of people living with HIV and AIDS, this crucial charity continues to raise awareness and ensure prevention in order to save more lives.

Here are just some of varying ad creatives AHF use around the streets of L.A. to help educate the public and draw attention to the important issues. Let's kick off with these retro pop art style 'New love?' billboards, snapped along Sunset Boulevard and Hillhurst Avenue on November 9 and December 1, 2011 respectively.

The billboards encourage sexually active people to go get a free HIV test in a humorous way. This 'Last Test?' creative was snapped along Highland Avenue on August 21, 2011.

This clever 'four cents' billboard captured along Sunset Boulevard on April 30, 2011, shows that the vast majority of funds donated, 96 cents in every dollar, goes towards patient care.

This eye-catching 'Hate to wait?' billboard with its special extension pixelated egg-timer, stands out with its simple message and was photographed along Fairfax Avenue on February 20, 2010.

Next this targeted billboard in the heart of West Hollywood asks 'where have all the condoms gone?' and encourages safe, protected sex to help prevent transmission. This colourful creative was snapped along Santa Monica Boulevard on July 4, 2009.

For more information visit AIDSHealth.org.

Finally here's another public health billboard advocating the importance of HIV testing, snapped above the Santa Palm Car Wash along Santa Monica Boulevard June 12, 2011.

Here's to a cure soon, because 30 years of AIDS is more than enough.

BONUS DAY: GNC Live Well billboards...

Daily Billboard really likes this mono ad campaign for GNC nutritional supplements and vitamins.

They certainly reinforce the promise of living well, whether it be living healthy, ripped, amped or proud.

These GNC billboards have been snapped around the streets of L.A. from March through July 2011 and continue to refresh each month with new creatives.

The only billboard that really doesn't live up to the ad strapline is this Live Radiantly version, where the pouting model looks absolutely miserable rather than radiant, or even happy with life in the slightest.

Fortunately the rest of the musclebound billboards are more pleasing on the eye and look much more enigmatic than that one unhappy specimen.

UPDATED: Here's another iteration of this campaign snapped on September 2, 2011, along Fairfax Avenue in West Hollywood.

UPDATED: Add one more billboard to the campaign with this Live Hot version captured at the Hollywood & Highland Center on October 12, 2011.

UPDATED: If you like these ads, be sure to check out the GNC Live Well ad campaign for 2012.

Keep Your Face Young Looking At Any Age

In your 20's- Wash your face morning and night with a mild cleanser. A hyaluronic acid based serum should be used after cleansing, and a light moisturizer can be applied over the serum if needed. Start as young as possible wearing SPF 30 daily.

At night- be sure to use a Retinol product daily, and exfoliate 3x a week with a scrub. Follow with serum and a rich moisturizer.

Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night to keep your skin hydrated, soft, and smooth.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting plenty of sleep, drinking plenty of water, exercising, and eating a healthy balanced diet. Avoid too much alcohol and smoking.

In your 30's- Follow the same basic steps as in your 20's, but invest in monthly facials. Ask your facialist to perform microdermabrasion treatments and chemical peels on your skin. Consider light botox in your 30's if you start to notice deeper lines

In your 40's- Follow the same basic steps as in your 20's and 30's, but consider adding additional treatments every six to twelve months. There are many new lasers available to resurface the skin. Ask your local skin clinic or plastic surgeon if they offer lasers like "Laser Genesis," or "Pearl Laser." These lasers offer deeper exfoliation than microdermabrasion or chemical peels. You can also consider various fillers and continued the use of botox to soften fine and wrinkles.

In your 50's and 60's+ - Maintain proper care of your skin and consider treatments like "Titan," or "Thermage" if you notice slightly sagging skin. These treatments can give you face lift like results for a fraction of the cost and down time.

Image courtesy of: Handbag.com

DUO DAY: Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Healthcare tribute billboard...

Even though the Hollywood screen legend sadly passed away on March 23, 2011, Elizabeth Taylor still continues to be a wonderful ambassador for the amazing work the AIDS Healthcare Foundation does.

So quite appropriately with the Hollywood Hills in the background, here are some of the billboards currently to be found around L.A. as a tribute to the Oscar-winning actress and groundbreaking AIDS activist.

Even after her death the Hollywood icon is still able to raise awareness for a cause dear to her heart, due to the death of her friend and co-star Rock Hudson, as she's honoured by the charity that she helped champion for many years when others didn't.

These billboard tributes were snapped along Sunset Boulevard and above Fairfax Avenue on April 10, 2011

Daily Billboard also couldn't help but share this other AIDS Healthcare billboard, featuring another enigmatic lady in a clever take on the infamous Mona Lisa painting.

This arresting visual certainly gets your attention and was snapped along La Brea Avenue on March 28, 2011.

5 Habits To Break Today, To Be Healthier

1. Soda- Soda can be very satisfying, but it's filled with sugar and empty calories. Try Zevia instead (available at Whole Foods). This "natural soda" has no calories and is sweetened with a natural plant based sweetener called Stevia. This is a much healthier alternative, and won't add extra calories to your diet.

2. Bland Food- Feel free to add flavor to your food, with various herbs and spices. These spicy wonders are not only tasty, but can actually make you healthier. Many herbs and spices boast benefits like lowering blood sugar levels (Cinnamon), and improving circulation (Cayenne Pepper.)

3. Getting Angry At Traffic- Reduce your stress levels during traffic by playing soothing music during a stressful drive. Try to focus on how the music makes you feel, and not the other drivers.

4. Avoiding The Doctor And Dentist- We all do it, but avoiding your health specialist is dangerous to your health. Seeing a doctor and dentist regularly is essential to your overall health. Schedule any appointments today! Don't hesitate any longer!

5. Staying Cooped Up- For many of us, work is very important. Staying cooped up, however, for days on end is just not good for your health. Enjoy your friends and loved ones, and take a moment to be thankful for them. You will be adding years to your life by doing so!!

Image Courtesy Of: rechargelounge.com.au

My 5 Must-Have Healthy Snacks

Snacking is tough for a lot of people. I have 5 must- have snacks that I keep around the house. When the clock strikes 12, and I am hungry, I know there are healthy options awaiting. Frozen Grapes- I am absolutely addicted to these. Great summer, healthy snack. Larabar Apple Pie- Fruit and nuts. No sugar, No sweeteners. Quaker- Chocolate Rice Cakes. A little naughty, a lot nice. Whole Grain, 60 calories.

Zevia- Sugar Free, Calorie Free, and made with Stevia (a natural plant based sweetener.) Tastes like diet coke, and makes me a very happy and healthy girl.

Extra-Watermelon Flavored Gum Satisfies my sweet tooth.

CHECK IN THE KITCHEN- under 200 calorie meals

Dish #1- Bibb Lettuce Tuna Fish Sandwich Two pieces of bibb lettuce Tuna Mix- 2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise 1 tablespoon yellow mustard 2 Tablespoon sliced onion 2 Tablespoons of diced celery Drizzle of olive oil Option: 1 Tablespoon fresh tarragon and picked parsley Dish #2- Tomato salad 2-3 Medium organic tomatoes Multi grain croutons 15 leaves of basil 2 ounces of goat cheese Drizzle olive oil Drizzle red whine vinegar 1 tablespoon sliced onion Dash of salt and pepper

Should I Stick To One Skincare Line?

Have you ever been told you must stick with one skincare line at a time, and not mix and match? I was pretty much raised on that thought process, however, being in the industry I am in, it's hard to stick with just one.

Typically the ingredients in a skincare line are developed to work synergistically. This is so that you avoid any possible side effects, and maximise the effects of the product line. There is careful consideration when developing a skincare line. It is very important that certain ingredients do not mix. It's especially important to be careful with retinols, AHA's(alpha hydroxy acids), hydroquinone, and salicylic acid, because the skin will become overstimulated if these ingredients are used together.

The bottom line is, if you use more than just a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, you should stick to one line. If not, feel free to mix it up!

Image Courtesy Of: LasPlash.com

Breakout Mystery

Have you ever wondered why you breakout? We all have wondered this at some point or another, however, there are so many possibilities when it comes to how and why we breakout. It can be very hard to find the source, but here are some posibilities to consider.


1. Hormones: Ancient chinese medicine has linked breakouts around the mouth and jawline with hormones. If you notice cystic acne in this area, perhaps your hormones are out of balance. You can speak with your doctor about testing your hormone levels and birth control options to regulate your personal levels. You can also try natural approaches including reducing stress, getting plenty of sleep, and taking evening primrose oil.

2. Allergies: Typically when breakouts resemble very tiny bumps all over the face it can be an allergy to food or makeup. You can have your doctor check your blood for an intolerance to foods like gluten or dairy. You can also test food allergies by eliminating the food of question and bringing it slowly back into your diet. If you see a change in your skin during the elimination period, you may have solved the mystery. Keep your makeup very natural. Ingredients like talc can often cause problems to the skin. Try Jane Iredale, Stript, BareMinerals, or GloMinerals for the most natural makeup on the market.

3. Excess Sebum: Sebum is an oily substance secreted from the skin to protect and keep the skin hydrated. When you have excess sebum, you will most likely experience acne. Your doctor can prescribe you Retin-A to allow the skin to properly slough off dead skin cells and keep sebum levels regulated.

Always remember to keep your hands away from your face, keep the hair around your face clean, disinfect your cellphone, and clean your pillowcases regularly. Check if your shampoo or conditioner might be the problem by changing it and taking note if your skin improves. Always use good quality skin and hair products. They tend to have less fillers, and in my opinion are better for you overall.

Image Courtesy Of: http://www.squidoo.com/pimple-products

Get Sexy Legs By Summer

If you want to look hot it your bathing suit, and short shorts this summer, now is the time to start working on it. Here are a few tips to get those sexy summer legs:

1. Running- Running at a small incline, while focusing on the legs will really shape and tone your legs. Be sure you are doing this consistently. Focus on heel to toe movements. Keep in mind that running is not for everyone!

2. Stair Master- Ten minutes on this often dreaded machine, and you will feel those legs working. If you spend a short amount of time on a stair master consistently, you will be sure to feel that tush firm up in no time. If you don't go to a gym, always take the stairs instead of the elevator for a spontaneous workout.

3. Lunges- With two small weights in each hand, you can do regular lunges or alternating lunges. This exercise in particular yields great results when conducted consistently. Try walking lunges, for even more of a challenge!

If you haven't already, please check out CheckInTheMirrors' video on 'How To Reduce Cellulite By Summer" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSxy5Z_CUlE

Image Courtesy Of: freestockphotos.biz

Can Love Make You Younger?

Studies have shown that living a stressful lifestyle can age your body and skin. On the other end of the spectrum, managing stress in your life can significantly reduce aging. If you are in a meaningful relationship it can actually keep you younger! Now, if you don't have a love interest in your life, DON'T PANIC. Having good friends in your life is equally influential in keeping you young. The idea is to manage stress with deep, meaningful relationships and friendships. Sure, according to some studies a long term relationship is ideal in overall health, but don't stress out about it. Stressing out ages you!
Try nuturing your relationship or friendship this Valentines Day, it might just help you look younger!!



Image Courtesy Of: maniactive.com

1000 Year Old Diet ™

I was talking with a friend about diets the other day, and I told her "if we all only ate foods that were on the planet a thousand years ago, we would be so much healthier." Thus, the 1000 year old diet plan was born!! It's simple, and it cuts out virtually everything that is processed, preserved, and toxic for the body!! Here are some tips to follow my 1000 year old diet plan!! =)

1. Was It On The Planet 1000 Years Ago?- Obviously we have come along way in 1000 years, BUT, in regards to foods, studies are finding that we should stick with foods that are natural and whole. This is how I came up with the 1000 year old diet. Foods that were available 1000 years ago, were natural, whole and not processed. Obviously meats, veggies, fruit, seeds, nuts, grains etc. were all available. So in essence, this diet, or lifestyle change, is not much different than any of the other whole food diet/lifestyle change plans on the market. When grocery shopping or choosing to eat a food, ask yourself "Was this on the planet 1000 years ago?" If the answer is no, avoid it! SIMPLE!

2. 80/20- Obviously, in moderation, foods that weren't around 1000 years ago can be consumed. You just don't want to eat them regularly. Follow the 1000 year old diet 80% of the time, and eat more modern foods %20 or less of the time.

3. Shop Right- Shop at stores that have foods from the earth, and not overly processed and packaged quick munchies. Whole Foods is ideal, but Trader Joe's carries many whole foods also.

Image Courtesy Of: nutrition.preschoolrock.com

©2011 All Rights Reserved

Get Fit And Lose Weight For Summer 2011!

Check out SPARKPEOPLE.COM

It tracks your calories and exercise while also keeping track of your health and fitness goals. Best of all, IT'S FREE!! Start now to accomplish your goals by summer!!

Image Courtesy Of: marieclaire.co.uk