Feeling bloated? Fatigued? I was. Did you eat too many cookies this winter? I did.

A few weeks ago I was feeling bad enough to follow the herd and research the health fad I’d been hearing so much about: the cleanse. I went straight to the source – a trusted colleague that I knew had done at least one before. With much enthusiasm she recommended the Blueprint Cleanse.

Her endorsement was clear: “the juice tastes great and you don’t feel hungry.” Thankfully, she was right. I started my 3-day cleanse last Monday and by Thursday morning my bloat was gone and I felt lighter and more energetic. Consisting entirely of fresh squeezed juices, your diet for the duration of your cleanse is only liquid which allows your digestive system to rest and your body to heal itself.

The juice, as promised, was delicious and tasted very fresh. As for being hungry, well I can’t say that I wasn’t but my stomach did not feel empty and I certainly was not starving. Depending on your current nutritional lifestyle, there are varying levels of intensity and length available. I chose the 3-day Foundation Cleanse because I already lead a somewhat healthy lifestyle and wanted to commit to a multiple-day regime but wasn’t sure I could last five (or more) full days without solid food.

Even my husband, who is normally a hungry guy, cleansed for two days. He liked the juice and never complained of intolerable hunger. The program is not cheap but it’s so simple and convenient that you will forget about the cost and focus on what you’re doing for your body. I am not a joiner and certainly don’t do fad diets but I give this my full endorsement. With little effort and minimal inconvenience, I felt refreshed and, yes, even cleansed.

After last week’s bathing suit post, I thought I’d suggest a new way to whip your “assets” into shape! I recently discovered Piloxing and its sassy Swedish creator, Viveca Jensen, while scouring one of the many, many magazines I devour each week. Viveca is, apparently, the newest celebrity fitness guru to hit Hollywood and after trying her workout DVD at home this week I understand why. Piloxing is a high energy fusion of boxing, Pilates and dance that works every part of your body while keeping your heart rate up and pumping.

My personal exercise routine normally consists of Pilates (both mat and machine) and intermittent cardio workouts on the elliptical machine. I have tried lots of different exercise classes and videos but this is the first that combines both cardio and strength training in a fun and challenging workout. It helps that Viveca is the opposite of your typical robotic fitness instructor. She is literally a powerhouse of energy and makes the routine super-fun (and sometimes just plain funny) with her quirky comments and silly, exuberant squeaks.

The routine is made even more challenging by use of one pound Piloxing Gloves (they come in half pound versions as well). These are currently on back order so my first go at Piloxing was sans gloves but, as a testament to its intensity, I am still sore three days later. I am going to start making this DVD part of my weekly workout regime and cannot wait to receive my one pound gloves! So give it a try and you too will feel, as Viveca says, “sleek, sexy and powerful!”

Get a preview on youtube.com.