Charlie Brooks Loses 30 Pounds

Charlie Brooks is a famous actress in the UK. In 2004, after having a baby, she weighed 168 at her height of 5'5". In 2005 she decided to hire a personal trainer and do 'a before and after workout' video. Over the next month, as she worked out two or three times a week, she lost about 14 pounds. By the end of the video she had lost about 30 pounds.

She says her workout DVD is different because it is not some famous star doing a workout video where they start out super slim and finish super slim. In her video you actually see the weight loss transformation take place.

Unfortunately, her video, which is quite popular in the UK, (and on Amazon.co.uk) is not available on Amazon.com, although you can find about 1,900 other workout videos there.

45 Pounds Lighter Without the Soda

John used to drink a lot of soda. He decided to give it up. This was the key change that helped him lose 45 pounds in nine months. He now weighs 190 and feels great. Although it took him several weeks to beat the soda cravings he's sure now he wouldn't touch the stuff again. See his quitting soda story here.

How to Eat More Fruit: Try Fruit Treats

Here's a fruit that I've maybe only bought once in my life. It's the pomegranate (also known as Chinese apple). Inside are hundreds of pretty kernels, each with a tiny seed surrounded by ruby red pulp. These kernels can be eaten, seeds and all, and they're great sprinkled in salads. You can also press the kernels for juice and strain out the seeds. Wear an apron when working with pomegranates; the juice can stain your clothes.

The pomegranate is not in season now, but check out the beautiful tropical fruits page at the Cook's Thesaurus for more great ideas to diversify away from the more boring apples and bananas.