Hi Cecily,

My name is Cecily also. I’m an actress and I live in Reseda, Ca.  I am a fan of the valley-wood fits girls club and was really inspired by everything you and your friends stand for. I wanted to know if you have any tips or guidance for someone who has the talent and is now trying to fit the profile. I love my body but have tried to motivate myself for a long time to tone up and I feel kinda stuck. Anything would help.

Ces

Hi Ces, (feels funny calling someone else that lol). Thanks for the note. I am not a fitness trainer, so I can’t recommend a workout plan for you. My biggest advice would be to start slow. Drastic changes rarely work. Start with a program mixed with cardiovascular and some weight training and change your diet. Exercise is only half the battle, but nutrition is key.

There’s so much advice out there it’s daunting…I found the best way to get the answers you want is to experiment with yourself.You have to find out what diet choices are working against you. All of us are different. I am a sucker for carbs, but I gain crazy weight when I consume too much of them. I know if I want to lose massive weight I have to low carb, add protein powder and use weights, while Tanjareen just works out and maintains a veggie diet…Claudia eats high protein and occasional sweets and Bernie just seems blessed, but never misses a workout session.

If you are looking for additional support, Sparkpeople.com has an awesome community and meal tracker and other tools.

Best of luck!

Cecily

Dear Vita-Searcher,

Good for you for combining diet & exercise to reach your weight loss goals!  As far as vitamins go, there aren’t any that I specifically recommend.  Most bottled vitamins are not as good for us as they appear.  (Refer to my article on this site: “VEGGIE VIXEN VISION: Supplement Schmupplement” for more details.)  As the vegetarian VFG of the bunch, my advice is to eat a variety of fruits & veggies to ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs.  The great thing about produce is, we can eat as much of it as we like & still lose weight! (As long as we don’t beer-batter it & smother it in cheese)

Please keep us posted on your progress,
VFG Tanjareen
“Too Vain To Gain”

Hi Tanjareen,

A long time ago, L. Marie had shared that U got facials @ Burke Williams to maintain your beautiful skin and facial complexion.
At times, I have minor acne breakouts. What treatment(s) do you get @ Burke Williams or have U moved on to a another place that gives awesome facials to maintain great skin?
Congrats on being able to help the sisters with their diet regiment and being a role model!  All the best on your endeavors!!!

Happy Wednesday!
-Seeking Skincare

Dear Seeking,

Awww, how sweet of u to compliment my skin. I have skin challenges too. I haven’t gotten a facial at Burke in a while. But when I did, I got the organic enzyme one. Now I usually go to Simply Nature Day Spa on Riverside Dr in Toluca Lake. The owner (Denuta) does an amazing facial with with natural products & she does extractions. Love her!
I also use Derma Doctor’s Ain’t Misbehaving cleanser,  Dermalogica’s Multivitamin Thermafoliant & organic natural soap bars from a health grocer.  (I probably shouldn’t mention actual brand names since they’re not sponsoring us, but hey maybe they will soon!)  I also do microdermabrasion at home from time to time.  Keep in mind that I’m not a professional, so please consult a dermatologist to be sure you’re making the best decisions for your skin.

Hope this helps.
VFG Tanjareen

Good Morning VFGC!
I like what you are going and you give me hope. I am currently 80 pounds over weight. I have been battling bulimia most of my life. I am African American. I know that eating disorder have only been viewed as a white problem, but it is very much a black problem as well. I want to get healthy the right way and if you could give tips that would be helpful. I have been saying for years I am going to get my weight together. I am 36 yrs old going to school to be a nurse practitioner( i should know better right!). I have a very large hiatel hernia and endometriosis and I know my weight is why the pain has become worse. I am tired of pain killers and I am tired of being the odd ball in my family. My husband is 30 yrs old and athletic and my son is 16 and slim and athletic. I now I have a 2yr old daughter that i can’t keep up with and would like to. I just want to know the exercises you have been doing. I know what I need to eat.

Thank You,
Battling Bulimia

Dear Battling Bulimia,
We sympathize with your condition. You’re right, Bulimia is often ASSUMED to be something that isn’t a “black thing” which must make it more difficult to speak out about it so kudos to you for your bravery. Now first we have to suggest that you speak with your physician to see if you are healthy enough to work out and what level you can start at. I’m pretty sure at the very least you can start incorporating more walking into your daily routine. There are simple things you can do like take the stairs instead of the elevator (within reason of course). Also lunges and the scanners we demonstrated on the Valleywood page. You can start with those until you find out if you are ready for some light jogging. But the ValleyWood girls CANNOT stress enough you need to speak to your doctor first since you do have some medical conditions. And as far as your bulimia is concerned I would suggest getting into a support group with others that share your plight. I think talking about it and sharing your experiences with others that can relate to you will help you start your healing process. Thank you for opening up to us and for getting on board the “BETTER LIVING” bandwagon. You can do it!

VFG Gal Claudia