In a bad mood? Turn it around with yoga. Regular practice boosts levels of a neurotransmitter that helps ward off depression, research from the Boston University School of Medicine reveals. After an hour session, yogis had a 27 percent uptick in gammamniobutryic acid (a deficit is associated with the blues) compared with those who read quietly. Do a Downward Dog next time your spirits need a lift.

• Instead of a donut....try a whole-wheat English muffin with peanut butter.


• Instead of pasta alfredo....try pasta with vegetables, a little protein of your choice, olive oil, and marinara.


• Instead of takeout pizza....try Kashi's Mediterranean Pizza.


• Instead of potato chips....try soy crisps, baked potato chips, or air-popped popcorn.

"...Who would've thought I'd be in the best shape of my life at 40? As I don't exercise much, my doctor told me my saving grace is that I don't eat meat. I promise you, fatty burgers and chicken legs will go right to your thighs. So I eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, whole grains, seeds and soy; plant-based foods low in fat and high in complex carbs."

Fruit and oatmeal for breakfast, a ginger smoothie midmorning, a salad and veggie burger for lunch and pasta or veggie sushi at dinner.

"Depending on your level and how serious you want to be, try to eat every three hours, keep it real small meals, make your first meal at seven in the morning and your last meal at seven at night. Don't eat past twelve hours. Keep it light. Keep the carbs before three o'clock. Try to break a sweat every day. You don't have to do the same thing. Keep your muscles guessing."

"I made a shake with peanut butter, granola, strawberries and bananas."