photography courtesy of Sunstone Yoga

With 12 studios conveniently located all over the DFW area (and one in Austin), I’m sure you’ve heard of Sunstone Yoga by now. If you haven’t given them a try, I believe it is an experience that everyone should have at least once. After learning that they recently added hot Pilates to their catalog, I hit the Uptown studio to give the new “Metal” class a whirl.

First Five Minutes of Class: With the studio set to 90 degrees and 60 percent humidity hanging in the air, I had the obvious moment of panic when I first entered the room. The instructor talked us through the goal of “Metal” and bestowed a yellow “Focus Wristband” to a student that had reached her 75th class. We began class belly-up for some guided breathing that calmed me down just in time for a hairy, older, shirtless gentleman to spread his mat out inches from mine. My hair stood on end as my personal space issues began to get the better of me.

Middle of Class: We flowed through several circuits of moves that most traditional Pilates mavens would be familiar with. In fact, most of the class seemed to know what was coming before we were instructed to change positions, so I got the feeling that the “Metal” outline doesn’t change often. I transitioned from a ladylike glow to a full on sweat, but I managed to keep up with the crowd. A Chaduranga push-up brought me face-to-foot with the guy front of me and I spent the rest of the series wondering how he could be walking around with a blister that huge.

Class is Over: I took a cue from my classmates and meditated until I felt like I could get up without falling over, then slowly tiptoed down the stairs. As I began to cool off, I realized how great I felt. I drove home with the windows down and the radio up.

Next Day: My core and upper arms felt really tight and moderately sore, which is really all I ask of any workout. I also noticed that my skin felt amazing, but I’m not sure if that was from the cleansing sweat, or the really intense body-scrub I had to use to feel clean again.

What You Love Most: Everyone smiled and chatted away like they were old friends. The lofty studio is uber hip and filled with natural light. The class was challenging, fun, and hit all of my target areas, even if I did have to rub up against strangers to do it.

What You Love Least: After this type of workout I need a shower, or at least somewhere to towel off. This branch has a small room downstairs with one shower, one toilet, one sink and about 15 square feet where everyone tosses their belongings in a pile. If you like your own space, choose another location.

Cost: If you’ve never been to Sunstone, you’re in luck. You can register online and earn a free week of classes with no obligation. Membership varies by location and level (from $29 to $109 monthly) so check out your nearest studio for details and specials.

The Takeaway: A Pilates routine in Sunstone’s heated space really gets your blood pumping so you can pack your Zen, tone, and cardio all in one sweet little 60 minute package. If you have personal space issues (like moi), you probably shouldn’t be working out in Uptown anyway.

Warm weather is here. Yay! Time to bare our thunder thighs. Boo. So, now we’re on the hunt for the ideal fitness program to seatbelt us into the workout wagon and keep us both working hard entertained. If you’re in the same rut, you’re in luck. On top of our last year’s 5 Favorite Workouts in Dallas and Chelsey Plumlee’s Bodybar review, more workout news is coming soon. Next up, a review of Flywheel Sports spin studio. Could the cycling shop be for you? Check out

Flywheel Sports, New York’s stadium cycle studio, has finally made its way to Dallas. Founder and esteemed fitness instructor, Ruth Zuckerman, designed a spin experience that incorporates music, weights, and a custom stationary bike. After hearing rave reviews at the office, I decided to check it out. I talked my bike-loving brother into joining me for some male perspective before signing each of us up for the complimentary intro class that Saturday morning.

The friendly staff helped us check in at the laptop station while we grabbed the provided shoes that were waiting for us in numbered cubbies. We locked our gear in the complimentary lockers then waited anxiously for the previous class to wrap up. The studio doors opened and we both tried to play it cool as Troy Aikman strolled past us.

First Five Minutes of Class: We made our way into the dark, chilly studio and a uniformed gentleman toting an iPad escorted us to our bikes. He assisted us with the settings, told us a little bit about the bikes, and made sure we were comfortable before class began. Our cheerful instructor, Mark Shipman, gave the group a rundown of the class before saying, “Hope you like 80s music!” And we were off.

Middle of Class: I was totally regretting my Friday night happy hour with the girls, and my hypercompetitive brother was only making things worse. As I struggled to keep my legs spinning, he shot me a sarcastic smirk before cranking up the resistance on his “Torqboard” and leaving me in the dust. As Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” started to play, I found my second wind and pushed through the last few hills and even some unexpected weight training.

Class is Over: We unlocked our shoes from the pedals and slowly made our way off of the bikes for some much-needed stretching. We were both a bit wobbly, but totally exhilarated and starving for lunch.

Next Day: Our legs and arms weren’t as sore as we expected them to be, but we still felt that we had done some major calorie-burning. There was also some discussion about wearing padded shorts or buying padded seats for future classes. Consider your bum warned.

What I Love Most: The high-tech space keeps things clean and simple. I appreciated the way every moment of class flowed with the great music. My brother raved about the bike and the instructor’s killer attitude. (Our instructor, Mark, had taught the class before ours and, as we left, we overheard him talking about teaching the next one!)

What I Love Least: The Dallas studio is located off of Oak Lawn at The Shops of Highland Park so busy nights and weekends could create a parking challenge. The locker area is just a big common space outside the studio so if you need to change you will have to wait for a shower or restroom stall.

Cost: Flywheel falls comfortably in the middle when compared to other local studios. Both locations are offering 30-day month-to-month memberships for $180 without a sign-up fee or commitment.

The Takeaway: This concept takes all of the work out of working out so you can relax and focus on the experience. The shoes, water, towels, locker, and equipment are all there waiting for you when you arrive and the “Torqboard” records your progress for online review. We will be back for more.

If you read about the new local juice delivery company, Vim + Vigor, on CultureMap last week, you, like us, have probably been wondering how it compares to the competition (Roots Juices, The Gem, Le Jus, etc.). Carol and I had the opportunity to sit down with owners (and cousins) Annie Portman and Liz Black yesterday to chat about their mission and sample a few juices. Vim + Vigor, named for an expression that refers to health and vitality, energy and strength, aims to be a healthy lifestyle company rather than just a spot on the trendy juice bar map. Portman and Black cite education as a leading factor in this mission. The two, who partnered with a nutritionist to create the recipes for each juice (15 total) and cleanse kit (three available–beginner, intermediate, and expert), want to offer all the information necessary for clients to understand how to cleanse and make it through each day.

The beginner cleanse is particularly interesting. For newbies to the juice detox world, this first-level set offers a few unique twists. Each day is made up of four vegetable-only juices and dinner options. (Yes, food.) Recipes for the three-day ($100) and five-day ($170) version are available online. Fruit is eliminated because, “The sugar in fruit feeds yeast in the body causing lethargy and other symptoms often referred to as “detox effects.” Along with a sleek, apothecary-inspired design and recyclable containers, Portman and Black strive for tasty juices with “multidimensional taste” and “layered flavors.” “We want it to be enjoyable, not something you just choke down,” Black says. Carol and I invited Charlotte to join us for a mini roundtable juice tasting of the No. 02, No. 04, and No. 10.

No. 02 (carrot, beet, apple)
Charlotte: “Surprisingly okay. I wouldn’t mind drinking this on a daily basis.”
Carol: “I loved how viscous this juice turned out. You can taste every single ingredient inside the juice with perfect clarity.”
Me: “Not bad for beet juice. Definitely one of the best beet juices I’ve had.”

No. 04 (pineapple, pear, apple, romaine, mint)
Charlotte: “Love this. Reminds me of something I’d use to mix a cocktail.”
Carol: “The mint and pear combination is lovely and refreshing. I could have one of these every day.”
Me: “Delicious. Totally and completely delicious. I could live on this. Has to be high in sugar, though.”

No. 10 (romaine, carrot)
Charlotte: “This tastes like drinking grass.”
Carol: “This juice leaves a very, very bitter aftertaste lingering in your mouth. It’s not something I would be craving to drink again.”
Me: “Nope. I do not like carrot juice.”

Vim + Vigor is currently delivery only. Choose a cleanse kit or custom pack. Prices vary, but typically run between $55 and $250.

photography courtesy of KaMIT

New year = getting healthy = more workouts = shopping for new workout gear. Check this out: KaMIT Sport is a local sportswear line packing comfortable athletic-meets-lifestyle wear that is fashioned to slenderize.

Dorris Bogus, the brand’s designer, ACE-certified group fitness trainer, and finalist in 2011′s Texas Next Top Designer competition, uses eco-friendly fabrics (like organic cotton and bamboo) that wick away moisture along with slimming details like dark panels and feel-good roominess for hiding muffin tops and other embarrassing lumps, bumps, and unsightly spots. Highlights of the collection include sexy open-back tees, waist-producing tanks, tribal-trimmed pants, and yoga wraps so buttery soft you’ll want to wear them everywhere. I had the good fortune to be sent a handful of samples, which I dispersed among a few family members for the full perpective of all ages. Though a couple designs have superfluous details like belled, fitted sleeves and cowl collars (which my mom loved), I can fully vouch for the slimming, comfy-coziness of Bogus’ KaMIT collection. I’m also a firm believer that a good workout outfit can inspire you to kick-off your best fitness regimen yet. It always works for me. Shop the collection online.

Downsize Fitness is a Dallas gym that caters to those 50 pounds or more overweight until they ‘graduate’ to a goal weight of 220 lbs. It is a revolutionary concept that is capturing local and national attention… Each Downsize Fitness member has a coach that helps them each step of the way, with exercises and nutrition programs geared towards their members.

I don’t mean to sound out of the fitness loop–okay, I’m out of the fitness loop–but, I didn’t know this existed. I know there are gyms exclusively for ladies, but overweight-only fitness studios are news to me. I like the concept. The Dallas location of Downsize Fitness on Inwood Road is one of three, and it emphasizes three components: fitness, nutrition, and support. I wish more gyms offered a comprehensive program. (Having a juice bar doesn’t count.)

Roots Juices Detox & Cleanse kit

I’d been wanting to do a quick detox when I discovered local juice line, Roots Juices, had a five-day, pre-packaged detox kit. I wasn’t looking for weight loss results, but a full-body cleanse that would flush me of all the garbage I’d be eating, let me reset my appetite, and help kick-start some better habits. I’ve done the Master Cleanse before, and in comparison, with it’s no-prep setup and nutritious ingredients (versus the Master Cleanse’s lemon, cayenne, and syrup concoction), the Roots Juices detox seemed like a more manageable alternative. Except for the cost.

Each day of the detox kit includes six juices and two waters and costs $50. That’s $250 for five days worth of product. Courtesy of Roots’ public relations teams, I was offered a three-day trial, free of charge. At first, I hesitated, especially in light of all the recent freebie talk. Then I checked my rear in the mirror. It needed a detox, and I’m a broke editor. I covered the last two days out of pocket, and having experienced the entire shebang now, I will probably shell out for the whole thing again in the future. After calculating the cost of the usual weekly expenses (one grocery store trip, one happy hour, one dinner out, multiple work lunches), it rounds out to nearly the price of this detox. Plus, after comparing it to the well known BluePrint Cleanse, a similar pre-packaged juice kit, Roots is a steal. BluePrint comes with six juices (no waters) and rings up at $325.

Overall, I’d say the cleanse was relativity easy. Although exercise was out of the question for me, I didn’t feel hungry, I did feel mostly energized throughout, and I absolutely took away from it what I wanted: I’m eating better, exercising steadily, and, as a bonus, a few pounds down. Below is my diary.

The juices were delivered the Sunday before I began my detox. You can get up to three days’ worth of product at a time, but some juices will last a little longer. They sure did look pretty, and I was feeling pretty stoked about getting started. But, of course, I had one more glass of wine.

The juice order goes like this:

Wake Up (carrot, apple, ginger, watermelon)
Refresh (cucumber, lime, mint, apple, ginger)
Lean & Fit (grapefruit, mint)
Go Green (kale, spinach, romaine, cucumber, lemon)
Restore (beets, carrots, apple, aloe, ginger)
Health Nut Almond Milk (almonds, dates, vanilla bean, sea salt, filtered water)
Aloe Vera H2O (aloe vera, water)
Chlorophyll H20 (chlorophyll, filtered water)

It’s recommended that you drink them every 2-3 hours.

I had a surprising number of people ask me, “Can you drink alcohol?” Brace yourself for the answer. No. You can’t detox if you’re putting poison back in.

8:00 am Wakeup carrot juice is first. I like carrots. I’ll probably like carrot juice.
8:15 am I do not like carrot juice.
8:30 am I’m a little nauseous. I’m not used to putting dense, liquified nutrients in my body right when I get up. Not finishing this last swig.
10:30 am Refresh is decent. Clean and light. I can do this.
12:00 pm The Lean & Fit grapefruit juice is delicious. I’m at Pot Belly watching coworkers eat sandwiches, and, surprisingly, I don’t feel hungry. I feel empowered.
2:00 pm The Go Green is a delightful surprise. It’s not thick or chunky and tastes like drinking celery.
3:00 pm A headache has arrived. No pain killers. Defeats the purpose of detoxing.
4:00 pm I’m drinking the beet juice. I’m used to my mom’s, which is sweetened with more apple, but this is doable. I’m thinking about food now. I’m not hungry. Just thinking about food.
6:00 pm I haven’t been drinking much water in between. I’m just not thirsty.
6:30 pm Next up, Health Nut Almond Milk. (sip) Wait. Is this real? (sip) This is dessert. Better than dessert. This is creamy, nutty, delicious sweet heaven in a bottle.
7:30 pm I’m squeezing in the last two bottles quickly so I can stop peeing so much and get some sleep. The aloe water tastes like… water.
8:30 pm The chlorophyll water tastes like water.
9:30 pm I can’t stop peeing.

8:00 am I am a little loopy this morning. In fact, my vision is a bit off.
8:15 am The carrot juice isn’t as bad.
8:20 am Okay. It’s still pretty bad. I’m leaving a sip behind.
11:17 am Amazingly, I’m still not hungry.
1:00 pm Everyone’s eating Chinese delivery for lunch, but I can totally handle it.
3:15pm I finished the Go Green 45 minutes ago, but I’ll admit, this Chinese food in here smells good.
4:00 pm The beet juice makes my nose flare. It’s not that I don’t like it. Just makes my nose flare.
5:30 pm I have the hiccups. Again.
8:45 pm I’m having food cravings, but I’m not necessarily hungry. My teeth are coated in a film. Ew.

8:00 am This carrot juice gets easier every day. It’s like my body wants it. I drank the whole thing.
10:15 am The Refresh went down easy as pie. Yum. Pie.
12:00 pm I recognize that the kitchen smells good, but I’m still not hungry. The grapefruit juice is quite a delight. And I don’t even really like grapefruit juice. I’m using a straw now to avoid tooth slime.
1:30 pm I’ve got a headache that just won’t quit.
4:15 pm My muscles are crampy.
4:45 pm This headache stinks. I’m feeling antsy to eat. I think I’m just bored. Ready for the almond milk.
5:15 pm I’m feeling a little weak between the headache and muscle aches. This must be the detox.
6:00 pm I love you, sweet almond milk.
6:30 pm The headache from hell continues. Is it bedtime yet?
8:30 pm Boyfriend is making tacos in the kitchen. I’m going to kill him.

8:00 am Phew. Headache’s gone.
3:00 pm Woah. The day has flown by. What am I going to eat when this is over?
7:00 pm It’s a tiny bit challenging knowing there are tubs of Tex Mex in the fridge. (Hello, queso!) Not sure I would really eat it if I was given permission, though. I feel too… clean.

8:57 am I slept in. Feelin’ good. One juice halfway down. Seven bottles to go.
12:30 pm I’ve been looking at raw and vegan recipes all day. I can’t wait to eat, but it’s out of excitement for the new foods I’m going to choose to eat, not hunger.
2:30 pm After bookmarking a handful of raw pesto and veggie recipes, the green drink isn’t as exciting, but it’s going down smoothly.
5:45 pm Aw, Health Nut Milk. I’m gonna miss you, friend.
9:30 pm Last water finished. Wait. The detox is over already?

Post Cleanse Diet
Roots Juices recommends following up your cleanse with three days of raw food eating to “slowly wake up your digestive system.” I did not do that exactly. I was too excited to get back in the kitchen.

Saturday following the cleanse, I ate a banana for breakfast, raw salad (with spinach, grapes, red onion, and olive oil and vinegar) for lunch, and a vegan dinner of black beans, lettuce, salsa, and avocado. Sunday I made a banana, almond milk, and cocoa powder smoothie for breakfast, a black bean salad for lunch, and added a tortilla to the salad for dinner. I even went nuts and added a tablespoon of Greek yogurt. (It tastes identical to sour cream to me.)

It’s been more than a week since I finished the cleanse, and I feel great. The cleanse gave me the opportunity to take a break from eating, reevaluate what I wanted my diet to look like, and gave me the time to plan some changes. The few pounds lost (four on Sunday, once I got back to eating) have given me the motivation to keep it up. Now, I’m eating mostly vegan with cheese used as a treat rather than a standard ingredient in every meal. (I’ve dropped an extra couple pounds from that, making me feel cleaner and leaner than I have in a while.)

A few pointers from yours truly:

1. Carry a toothbrush and toothpaste. A gooey layer around your teeth might make itself at home from all the swigging.

2. Drink through a straw. To prevent tooth slime, try sipping a few juices down with a straw.

3. Map out your strategy. The juices are meant to be consumed every 2-3 hours. Plan ahead by penciling in times you want to drink each juice. This way, you get them all in without having to cram at the end of the day.

4. Get an extra pen. You will be crossing a lot of things off your to-do list. It’s amazing how much extra time you have when you’re not thinking about/preparing/inhaling meals.

5. Grocery shop the day before you’re planning to begin eating again. You don’t want to wake up ready for your first meal only to realize you don’t have appropriate foods to eat. Take a couple hours on the last day of your cleanse to meal-plan for the week. Nothing ruins a diet fast than not having access to healthy foods when you’re hungry.

Feel free to ask me anything–I’ll be honest–and if you’re interested in doing a cleanse yourself, you can order online. It’s pretty simple. To sample a few juices individually, you can shop the selection at Beyond Pilates, Greenz at Equinox, Innergy Fitness, and a couple other places.

Update: I’ve already had a few questions, so I’m answering them here.

Q: Were you, um, running to bathroom all the time?
A: To relieve my bladder, yes. Otherwise, no.

Q: How were you not starving all the time?
A: After calculating the content of each juice, I discovered you’re still getting about 926 calories per day. I think the fact that you’re still ingesting nutrients, and often, alleviates that problem.

photography by Elizabeth Lavin

I’ve been doing Camp Gladiator boot camp for about two years now. It has helped me reach fitness goals I never thought I could, been the reason I was able to shave off 8 pounds and keep it off, and given me an place to let off steam and walk away feeling good. They’re consistently winning Readers’ Choice awards during the Best of Big D because camp attendees can’t get enough. It’s physically addicting. The only downfall, like gym memberships, yoga studio fees, and other fitness programs, is the cost. If you sign up for six consecutive months, it’s only $69; if you sign up for one camp (four weeks), it’s a whopping $170.

Not this afternoon. It’s Camp Gladiator’s 4th birthday celebration.

Sign up between 12:44 pm and 4:44 pm TODAY, and you can register for the October 15-November 10 session for $4. No strings attached. Head to campgladiator.com to sign up.

I need a need a new workout class for summer. Bored of the gym, but gotta get rid of these not-so-lovely love handles. I know you try out different classes. What are your favorites? –Candace

I won’t lie. A perk of the job is “testing” different fitness programs around town. Most are good. Some, meh, but then there are the greats. Five of those, coming up. (Warning: You will not find yoga on this list.)

Class: Beyond Pedaling
What It Is: An indoor cycling studio in Snider Plaza. We love the Barre Blast + Bike class, a combination of 25 minutes of spin class and 25 minutes of ballet-inspired barre work that equals 50 minutes of pure, head-to-toe toning.
Why We Like It: The classroom is hip, lit up like a nightclub with colorful LED lights. A big screen at the front of the room plays music videos (nothing makes me pedal faster than Christina Aguilera’s “Fighter”), and instructors are all sorts of energetic. The time flies by (as it does when you’re having fun) and our bodies were sore for days in all the right places. (Buns, abs, shoulders, and thighs.)
Cost: $15 for your first ever class, followed by $3o a pop in singles, and packages ranging from $80-$300
Schedule: Click here.

Class: Camp Gladiator
What It Is: An outdoor, four-week bootcamp which locations all over DFW and beyond.
Why We Like It: Along with hundreds of others (CG has won Readers’ Choice awards for Best Fitness Program two years in a row), we, too, are hooked on the whole package: the group camaraderie, positive energy of instructors and fellow campers, friendliness of the trainers, and intensity of the one-hour workout. Every class in the four-week series is made up of different set of exercises, but each one utilizes dumbbells, mats, plenty of open space for cardio, and every. single. drop. of the hour.
Cost: $170 for one camp, $240 for two, three for $299, or, the best deal, $69 per camp for six months on auto-renew
Schedule and locations: Click here.

Class: Tread Fitness
What It Is: A boutique treadmill studio with one-hour interval classes that switch between treadmill cardio and floor work.
Why We Like It: Classes are broken down into either quarters (15 minutes on the treadmill, 15 on the floor, repeat) or nine six-minute circuit stations, so you’re never in one place long enough to get bored or overworked. Treadmill time is broken down into one-minute bursts, so it’s manageable to tackle steep, inclined walks and heart-thumping sprints. Energizing soundtracks help you get through floor work made up of resistance bands, dumbbells, and lots of ab work for toning and tightening.
Cost: Packages range from one class for $20 to 50 for $600, and monthly memberships run from $160 for one month to $140 on auto-renew
Schedule: Click here.

Class: Fitness With Insight
What It Is: A small TRX suspension training studio with 30-minute resistance training classes.
Why We Like It: It’s nice to give up standard workout tools to put to use these straps hanging from the ceiling. These, plus your own weight are all you need to get a complete workout. Adjusting the position of your body allows you to change the resistance and tailor your workout to a desired level of intensity. (But trainers will push you to your maximum potential.) Classes are small allowing for one-on-one moments with the instructors, and did we mention classes are only 30 minutes?
Cost: A trial session is free then $25 for 1 class, $95 for 5, $175 for 10, and $195 per month of unlimited access
Schedule: Click here.

Class: Pure Barre
What It Is: A hybrid mix of Pilates, ballet, and classic aerobics.
Why We Like It: Each class thoroughly tones from head to toe. (Especially the soft spots–buns, bellies, and thighs.) The class begins with aerobics-inspired warm-up moves, followed by slow but deliberate movements that target one body part at a time and deliver a burn so intense you’ll swear you must be in shape after just one class. Time flies by as you complete each section and the barre is fun. Relevés and arabesques make you feel graceful and a bit of hip wiggling to pop music makes you feel like a backup dancer.
Cost: $20 for 1 class, $175 for 10, and a variety of other packages, like $275 for unlimited summer months, $100 for an unlimited month for new clients
Schedule: Click here for Dallas and here for SouthLake.

all photography courtesy of fitness studios

photography courtesy of Roots Juices

Most of us have heard the juicing hype. Maybe you’ve even bought a juicer of your own. However, if you’re anything like me, getting a juicer and actually using it are two totally different things.(Mine’s been sitting on the counter collecting dust for six months.)

When it comes to the juice-craze, it seems like the majority of us have good intentions but are too busy to take action. Thankfully, Roots Juices, a Dallas-based juice company, has just launched online. Log on, order fresh-pressed goodness, and it’ll arrive at your doorstep. Plus, Roots uses fruits and vegetables from local farmers.

When it takes about three pounds of the stuff to create one juice, it’s a relief to forgo the shopping and horrible clean-up and to take Roots up on its offer. In addition to a variety of nutritious concoctions, Roots supplies specialty juice kits. These range from their 5-day Detox and Cleanse Kit (a smart way to jumpstart a diet) to their Rehab Hangover Recovery Kit (perfect after a wild night out). Interested? Get all the details here.

Kelly Belter is a shopping intern.

For many women, mammograms are an uncomfortable experience. However, at Methodist Dallas, breast care specialists ensure that women feel relaxed, comfortable, and pampered while they take care of their health. At Monday Night Mammos, women will receive the five-star treatment, beginning the moment they arrive with free valet parking. Soothing aromatherapy, a relaxing chair massage, and a gentle hand rub are next, followed by delicious, light spa cuisine. When it comes time for their mammograms, women are given a soft, warm MammoPad® breast cushion to ensure their comfort. Expert radiologists read the results with the added benefit of Digital ImageChecker® computer aided detection technology which improves early detection. Women receive their results within 24 hours.

Upcoming dates include June 25, July 30, August 27, and September 24. Cost is $266.70. For more information or to RSVP for an upcoming Monday Night Mammos event, head to www.methodisthealthsystem.org/mondaymammos or call 214-947-3441, option 1.

Granola Cranberry with Chia (gorgeous cookie photography courtesy of Biosanes)

When boxes of new Biosanes Magic Cookies hit the desks of D, at first, I pushed them aside. I wasn’t interested in another weight loss product. Then, one day I forgot my breakfast. I opened a Magic Cookie packet and inhaled the patty of grainy granola goodness suffused with crunchy chia seeds and sticky dried cranberries. Not bad. So I checked the label: 190 calories? Okay. Gluten free? Sweet. Five grams of fiber? I’ll take it. Then I checked the press release. To my surprise, the company’s head honchos are Nanci Masso, one of 2009′s 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas, and daughter Faryn Clark, owner of Facelogic spa. Claims are, these cookies will stave off hunger, boost immunity, and provide lots of nutrients. To that, I shrug my shoulders. (I’m a believer in simple clean eating as the key to weight loss and wellness.) But I’d definitely add the Granola Cranberry with Chia cookies to my snack and on-the-go munchies regimen. (Not so much the Natural Oatmeal Raisin.) Available in single, 7, and 14-count packs for $3.25 to $40.

Now, Women’s Wear Daily reports that Conde Nast’s Vogue publications are going to start promoting “healthier” body image with a new, so-called “Health Initiative.” Wait. Hold the phone. That’s problem number one, since they won’t agree to simply promote healthy body image. Just healthier. According to WWD.com, the six-point agreement signed by Vogue’s 19 worldwide editions includes the following:

Among the points that form the pact are that the editors will not knowingly work with models under 16 or who appear to have an eating disorder; that they will ask casting directors not to knowingly send underage models to their magazines; they will help structure mentoring programs so that more mature models can advise their younger counterparts; they will encourage designers to “consider the consequences of unrealistically small sample sizes,” and that they will encourage show producers to create healthy backstage working environments for models.

More -ier language. They won’t stop working with underage models, but they won’t do it knowingly. They still won’t I.D. models and turn down the ones under 16, but they’ll ask casting directors not to send them. They’re not going to set up mentoring programs; they are just going to help structure them. They won’t demand larger sample sizes from designers, but they will encourage them to consider the consequences.

I think that one of two things should happen. One, fashion magazines should stand up say, “Look, clothing looks better on skinny b*tches. We are not responsible for people getting the wrong idea.” I mean, I get it. These out-of-grasp body shapes and obscenely priced garments keep the high fashion world feeling exclusive and inspirational. Plus, fashion is about the clothing, not necessarily the model. Or, two, if they’re really committed to healthy body image (not healthier, but healthy) go ahead and commit 100 percent to changing the image currently promoted (from stick thin young things to womanly shapes) and move forward.

Think you’ll die without your golden bronze this summer? Get an airbrush tan. Continue reading for our very favorite sunless tans in Dallas.

These golden glows get gold stars:

Bronze & Beautiful (read the review) *mobile
The Beauti Studio (formerly Studio Cava – read the review)
The Spa at the Crescent (read the review)
The Tan Bar
Luxury on Lovers
Spa Nordstrom
Riviera Spa
B Tan
Equinox
Haus of Beauté (read the review)

Merge is unpacking and hanging up new spring merchandise everyday, so feel free to stop in more than once.

(from top) Locally designed python wallets and iPad cases, pastel skinny leg jeans, a sale rack of denim from white to dark wash, more python iPad cases and clutches, House of Harlow 1960 black resin necklace ($145),  Bella Dahl white blouse ($97), Ttee taupe jacket ($142), and Jamison sweater ($148), House of Harlow 1960 studded bangles ($138).

*If you deal with shin splints, your workout life isn’t over. I see Dr. Jason Rowenhorst at Premier Sports Chiropractic, and I’m healing. I can actually hit the treadmill again. (For, like, a minute before I’m out of breath.)