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Want to get rid of the excess baggage you carry with you which infact you hate the most? Read on…

1. The Diet

A bestseller in Australia, the Total Wellbeing Diet (TWD) is the result of studies carried out at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, the country& government research laboratory. This eating plan is less contentious than Atkins, simpler to follow than the GI diet and combines the best elements of the two. More important, it promises to help even the most reluctant dieter to shed a stone and a half in 12 weeks. You don’t risk the side effects of energy slumps, headaches, constipation and bad breath, but neither do you go hungry. Experts from the British Dietetic Association give it the thumbs up. The Total Wellbeing Diet by Manny Noakes (Penguin £9.99)

2. The Spa

Clinique La Prairie in Montreux, Switzerland, is best known for its revitalizing technologies (such as injecting clients with live sheep-embryo cells to boost the immune system), but is equally famous for its two-week weight-loss programme. With a private hospital and resident doctors, Clinique La Prairie is consistently voted the world’s best medical spa, but at £8,200 for 13 nights full-board, it is not cheap. However, with the assistance of a personal trainer, a counselor to get you emotionally primed for a thinner body, lymphatic drainage and anticellulite treatments, inch loss is virtually guaranteed. Best of all, you won’t starve there are no drastic detox diets and the low-fat menu is one you will want to continue when you get home. www.laprairie.ch

3. The Drink

Victoria Beckham, Joss Stone and Jerry Hall are said to be among the fans of Pu-erh tea, an ancient Chinese drink first used 1,700 years ago and renowned for its fat-busting properties. Clinical trials in China have shown that three cups a day for a month can lower blood fats by up to 30%. For weight loss, it is recommended that you drink three cups a day for three months, then a cup a day for weight maintenance. From £37, from Harvey Nichols or www.eternalspring.org.uk

4. The Wonder Drug

Satiatrim, a drink that originated in the United States, is now available in the UK. According to Dr Tanya Little, a researcher at the University of Manchester who has conducted several clinical trials on the supplement, it slows the movement of food through the stomach. The result, she says, is that you feel full more quickly, which, in turn, reduces the amount of food consumed in a subsequent meal. A week’s supply of the ready-made drink version costs £35.95 (plus p&p), from www.victoriahealth.com

5. The Holistic Guru

At his London clinic in Wimpole Street, Nish Joshi has used a fusion of ayurvedic principles and orthodox medicine to help the likes of Sadie Frost, Kate Moss and Patsy Kensit to hone their bodies. Last month, he opened his latest venture, the Joshi Clinic Wellness Centre, in Marylebone, for those seeking the ultimate overhaul. Sign up for a weight-loss programme, and you will undergo a detailed tongue and dietary analysis to check for inadequacies in your current diet, prior to being given a tailored schedule of exercise, nutrition and treatments. Further wellness centers are planned in the UK, as well as New York and Dubai. Membership costs from £95 per month. For details, call 020 7723 2444 or visit www.thejoshiclinic.com

6. The Exercise

Interval training is an exercise technique that gym-goers have used for years to improve cardiovascular fitness. But this summer, researchers at the University of Guelph, in Canada, proved that one hour of interval training (that alternating fast-paced running, swimming or cycling with a slower-paced activity) at least once a week increased fat burning by 36%. If you want something more cutting edge, try lifting Russian kettle bells. Geri Halliwell got rid of her mummy tummy by working out with these cannonballs with handles, which range in size from 8kg to 40kg. Swing and lift them in a variety of ways to use every muscle in the body; the manufacturers claim you can burn up to 1,500 calories an hour. Trainers recommend working with them for one hour, three times a week. Kettle bells cost from £35, from www.optimallifefitness.com

7. The Fashionist Diet Doctor

8. The Diet Book

Jessica Simpson, Eva Mendes and Alicia Keys are among the celebrities who currently have their noses buried in The 5- Factor Diet, a book by the personal trainer Harley Pasternak. The five comes not only from the number of food types each meal should include protein, complex carbs, fiber, fat and fluids but also from the five meals a day she recommends you eat, using recipes containing no more than five ingredients, which take no more than five minutes to prepare and five minutes to cook. There is also a five-day exercise plan consisting of  guess what? five exercises you perform for five minutes each. It sounds faddy, but independent nutritionists from the American Dietetic Association have given it their approval. The 5-Factor Diet (Meredith Books £12.19). For more information and to buy the book, visit www.5factordiet.com

9. The Treatment

There are few spa treatments that will dramatically whittle away pounds from your waistline and hips, but the Elemis Body Sculpting Cellulite and Colon Therapy comes close. If you are hoping to look a little slimmer by next month, then this detoxifying fennel-and-birch peel-off body mask, combined with specialist massage techniques that encourage blood flow and help break down fat cells, could shave off a couple of inches. In independent tests, 96% of women experienced significant improvements on the tape-measure front, having undergone the recommended twice-weekly sessions over four weeks. The treatment costs £90 an hour; www.timetospa.co.uk

10. The Pre-Diet Detox

When Madonna and Beyoncé want to lose a few extra pounds or kick-start a diet, they reportedly embark on the lemon detox, which involves knocking back glassfuls of Madal Bal natural tree syrup. It is formulated from four different Asian palm syrups that are rich in essential minerals; you mix it with the juice of freshly squeezed lemons and a pinch of cayenne pepper. During the five- to 10-day fast, it is recommended that no food is consumed, although those who find it too tough can have one meal a day. Expect to lose up to 2lb a day (Beyoncé reportedly lost 22lb in 10 days), some of which may be regained when you embark on a healthy diet. Nutritionist Amanda Griggs, of the fashionable Balance clinic on the King’s Road in London, and Dr Elizabeth Adalian, lecturer at the Centre for Homeopathic Education in London, are among the experts who support the plan. More than half a million liters of the syrup is sold across 33 countries every year. One litre costs £39.99. For information and stockists, visit www.lemondetox.com, or call 0845 370 1012 for mail order.

Always consult your GP before embarking on a new diet

The photographer’s worst nightmare: being hauled out from behind the lens and forced to stand in front of a camera.

Why must people photograph us? Yes, photographers are adorable, and yes, we have unparalleled style. But we are shy, and we prefer to hide behind our cameras like frightened woodland creatures behind large trees.

Still, people do insist on taking our pictures. So, what to do when you can’t avoid being photographed? Stand tall and follow our tips for instant photogenicity.

There are approximately gazillion tricks, tips and gimmicks that are supposed to make you look great when the shutter clicks. Having combed through most of those, we’ve condensed it to the ones that actually work.

“In my young mind, I saw the human body as a kind of billboard that transmitted (advertised) what a person was thinking via gestures, facial expressions, and physical movements that I could read.” ~Joe Navarro

Social media is, in one sense, bringing us closer together – but it also promotes communication without any kind of physical interaction.  While the business world is catching up with the digital times, there will never, and I repeat never, be any social medium to take the place of face to face meetings (video-conferencing not included – but even those aren’t the same).

So how do we make sure we’re developing our non-verbal communication skills just as much as we are our twitter following or Facebook friends?

Here we go…10 simple & effective ways to improve our body language:

1. Be a movie star

Gotta be aware of your body language first.  Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing – one of the best ways I’ve found to be aware of my body language (as well as my thought patterns) – is to imagine that I’m being filmed in a blockbuster movie and watching myself.  See yourself from a bird’s eye view, and think about what message the character (you) is portraying through his or her body language.  If it’s not what you’d like it to be, fix it – think about what you would like to be portraying and do that.  Now repeat, and practice daily to improve.

2. It’s all in the eyes

It has been said that the eyes are the windows to our soul.  Mr. Navarro attests that it is almost impossible to hide our emotions through our eyes (as opposed to other muscles involved in facial expressions).  Therefore, eye-contact remains one of the telling signs of a person’s level of confidence and self-worth. Maintain eye-contact with people that engage you – but don’t stare too long (kinda creepy).  Read the other person’s comfort level with you to distinguish if you’re coming on too strong – or lacking enough confidence to make yourself interesting.

3. Say cheese

Smiling is one of the easiest ways to make other people feel more comfortable around us (nervous smiling not included).  The more you smile and laugh in conversation the more at ease others will feel around you – but you must be genuine.  An authentic smile involve ’smiles that “crest” or change rapidly from a small facial movement to a broad open expression’ according to Navarro.

4. Posture up

Anybody with any sense of swagger has a certain walk to them, sometimes taken as too conceited.  We should challenge that notion – everyone should walk with too much confidence (without, of course, actually being a narcissist).  Hating on people for being too confident in their walk is like telling someone you have no right to feel good about yourself.  So walk with some swagger – more than you think you should.  You’d be surprised at how much better it makes you feel.  Shoulders back, back straight – but relaxed.  People want to be around other people (and do business with people) that exude confidence.  Slouching shoulders and a timid walk (often a result of too much computer time and not enough physical socializing) need to be adjusted.

5. Be a presence – take some space

Don’t close yourself in.  Whether you’re on a couch, at a party or at your desk – let your body take up some space.  If you cross your legs, cross them, but maintain an open chest and comfortable posture.  Don’t be afraid to make some room.

6. Use your hands

A difficult skill to develop, especially if you’re not used to it.  The more nervous and uncomfortable we are the less far away our hands move from our bodies.  Hands should be used to assist in emphasizing your verbal communication.  Offer a hand shake in a palm up, upright and vertical fashion.  Wide, open gestures during conversation are the most effective and show you care about what you are talking about.  Crossing your arms is a no-no (unless it’s deserved), and non-verbally signals from other people feelings of disapproval.

7. The head tilt

The angle of your head on your neck also says a lot about your demeanor.  Think about it, if someone is listening to you and they tilt their head just a little – it signals you really have captured their attention.  Conversely, if someone is scolding you their head position is very straight, and often tilted slightly down.

8. Distance yourself

While the ‘comfort-zone’ of people varies depending upon the culture you are raised in, it is important not to get all up in someone’s space (another ‘master of the obvious’, I know).  It always amazes me that some people don’t understand this – but for some reason they think it’s OK to be 2 inches away from you while they talk to you.  Not too close, but not so far that you can’t comfortably have a conversation with the person.  Studies show people that invade other people’s personal space are less popular and rejected by others.

9. Stop fidgeting

This can include your legs, feet, or hands.  Fidgeting while giving a public presentation, meeting someone or at a job interview all show signs of nervousness and discomfort.  It’s hard to stop once started – and can only be remedied through awareness of it and by feeling comfortable in your given situation.  How do you feel comfortable in situations you aren’t comfortable in?  Practice them and force yourself to do them until they become second nature – soon you will find your fears diminished and your confidence soaring. Simply reminding yourself to slow down and relax has been found to help as well (use tip #1 to aid in this).

10. Use the mirror technique

Last but not least is the mirror technique.  Very similar to the movie star technique – you mirror image the body language of whoever it is you are talking to.  This makes them unconsciously feel more comfortable and also allows you to be aware of and practice on improving your skills – real time.  Also to be used in mimicking a person whose body language we would like to imitate.

All of these tips will do nothing for us if we don’t practice them on a daily basis. Focus on one per week, and when you feel comfortable in that area move on to the next.  Every day we are given the opportunity should be a progression towards mastering non-verbal communication.

What make’s some body boarders look better than others? In most cases it’s simply a matter of style. A body boarder who is good to watch is regarded as having a good style. So what does it take to achieve good style?

1. Body positioning

such as hand placement, leg back and head position will determine your style. While riding concentrate on what your body is doing and work out how a few minor
adjustments might make a difference to your style.

2. Smooth, fluid moves

instead of rough jerky movements will improve your style. Flow with the waver rather than fight it

3. Take time to study someone

who has a good style, they try to apply their good point to your own riding.

4. When performing a maneuver

if it feels good more times than not it will look good. If it feels bad, you can imagine how it must look to others.

5. Learn to ride the whole wave

by using it to its maximum potential. Make the most of what you have. Learn to link up maneuvers so that every inch of the wave is made useful.

6. Perform major maneuvers

in critical sections rather than perform belly spins on wave faces.

7. Power moves

that create a lot of spray have much more style appeal than a basic contest trick.

8. Keep up

with current maneuver trends. Stay progressive.

9. Your equipment will also determine your style

Find a body board that suits your best according to your weight and height.

10. Your style is your trademark

and, despite what others say or think, as long as you’re having fun riding waves the way you do, nothing else really matters. But as your body boarding ability improves, so will your style. Practice makes perfect.

The photographer’s worst nightmare: being hauled out from behind the lens and forced to stand in front of a camera.

Why must people photograph us? Yes, photographers are adorable, and yes, we have unparalleled style. But we are shy, and we prefer to hide behind our cameras like frightened woodland creatures behind large trees.

Still, people do insist on taking our pictures. So, what to do when you can’t avoid being photographed? Stand tall and follow our tips for instant photogenicity.

There are approximately gazillion tricks, tips and gimmicks that are supposed to make you look great when the shutter clicks. Having combed through most of those, we’ve condensed it to the ones that actually work.

1. Dress Nice

If you know you’re going to be photographed, don’t wear horizontal stripes or crazy patterns. Opt for neutral colors over bright ones unless you are one hundred percent certain that color looks great on you.

2. Check the Mirror

Do a last-minute check of your face: cover up any pimples, put drops in your eyes if they’re red, and make sure you don’t have food in your teeth.

3. Don’t Shine

If you’ve been sweating or if your face is greasy, make sure to wipe your face. Use oil-blotting papers if you wear makeup, or blot with a slightly damp paper towel.

In a pinch, wipe your face with your sleeve before venturing in front of the camera.

4. Stand Up Right

Slouching makes you look nonchalant, but it also makes you look short and/or dumpy.

Place one foot behind the other and lean back just a little bit. You’ll still look relaxed, but you’ll also look tall.

5. Twist It Up

Stand facing slightly away from the camera, and then twist at the waist to face the camera. Make it subtle- if you overdo it you’ll look like a stray from a beauty pageant.

6. Stretch Your Neck

Turn your head slightly away from the camera, extend your neck, then tilt your head down. Your face will look thinner and you won’t have a double chin.

7. Flee the Flash

Avoid the unforgiving bare flash at all costs. If you can’t get around it, search your pockets for a translucent candy or gum wrapper and put it over the flash to diffuse it.

8. Choose Your Light

If you can choose when and where you’ll be photographed, pick an outdoor shoot in the morning or late afternoon. The light is more flattering at those times.

If you have to be photographed in the middle of the day, stand in the shade.

9. Watch Where You Stand

An interesting background will make you look more interesting too. Choose a pretty outdoor scene to stand in front of, or look for a wall with interesting texture or colors. Avoid standing in front of plain or drab backgrounds.

Of course, if you can’t find a pretty location, you can always stand next to someone ugly. You’ll look great by comparison. (Just kidding. Or are we?)

10. Meditate for a Moment

Ask the photographer to count to three before taking the picture. Close your eyes and breathe in. Then, just before the shutter clicks, breathe out, open your eyes and smile. Your face will look relaxed and your smile will be real.