7 Tricks to Look Your Best on Valentine's Day (clothed or, um, not)

Oh… don’t we all just love Valentine’s Day? Yes, once a year -- coupled or not -- we all get to commemorate (or commiserate -- for those not entangled in another) this “day of romance” dedicated to those in love and the celebration of their couplehood. We buy dozens of red roses, dress up in our favorite going-out attire, gorge on heart-shaped red hots and chocolate truffles, and finally slip into something “more comfortable” back at home. It’s right then, after the entire evening of hoopla, that your heart starts racing; but not necessarily because you’re raring for the romp that will likely ensue, but because you’re nervous about it…

Look, we all want to look our best on the all-important V-day regardless of your clothing choice: scantily clad or, um, not at all. And that’s why I spoke with Zen Gray, host of ExerciseTV’s “The Skinny”, to find out what we all can do to boost our confidence and sex appeal quickly (because, let’s face it, we don’t have a whole lot of time to dive into an exercise regimen). For instant tips check out Zen’s “How to Look Good Naked”.

So if you want to look red hot, here are seven tricks that will allow your heart to race for reasons other than insecurity:

Do These Tips NOW:
1. Stay away from salt! Ease up on the popcorn at the movies. Most people can't eat the recommended serving (one cup) and end up ingesting a mound that makes the belly bloat up faster than you can say "constipation." Popcorn also tends to be covered in salt which is a big-time bloater. So, if you can, cut (or at least curb) your salt intake. For a bloat-free flavor-enhancer, try herbs instead like garlic, flat leaf parsley, basil and thyme in either fresh or dried form. If you do accidentally indulge in a salt-laden meal, drink lots and lots of water to flush the stuff out of your system. Studies show that 75 percent of Americans are typically dehydrated, which slows down your metabolism, makes you tired and fogs your thinking. Try to drink half your body weight in ounces DAILY. So for example, if you are 200 pounds, you want to drink about 100 ounces of water every day.

2. Watch the alcohol. Drinking alcohol not only makes you ingest a lot of empty calories, but it often makes you forget to keep your diet under control. Not to mention that the alcohol itself can be a calorie/carb party in your belly. Sure, a margarita, beer or dessert wine may seem appealing, but ask yourself this: Is just one measly drink really worth your entire workout? Yes, the frustrating but true fact is that you could be downing more calories in one drink than in your meal. Just keep in mind that one martini can be equal to 274 calories and 2 carbs, one whiskey sour stacks up at 193 calories and 19 carbs, but that’s nothing compared to one daiquiri that’s loaded with as many as 449 calories and 17 carbs! Still thirsty?

3. Get your beauty sleep. More than just a pretty-making mechanism, sleep is an essential component to staying slim. During those coveted eight hours of shut-eye, your digestive system is pumping hard to process your food, metabolizing carbohydrates and breaking down fats. In fact, some studies have shown that sleep-deprivation may be linked to weight problems due to changes in hormone levels, namely cortisol -- the “belly fat hormone.” Cortisol is responsible for regulating the metabolism of sugar, protein, fat, minerals and water. Because physical or emotional stress raises cortisol levels, a lack of sleep may lead to elevated cortisol levels at certain times of the day. The second culprit is insulin. Insulin controls blood sugar and promotes fat storage. Because sleep-deprivation has been associated with increased levels of insulin, weight loss can be more challenging when you’re not sleeping enough.

4. Be a weekend warrior. If you're used to just doing the same old "cuddle on the couch" thing with your honey, why not try something new together this weekend that gets you both moving? For about the same cost as going to the movies, you can rent some ice skates, try an indoor driving range or test your skill at laser tag. Keep making your weekends more active, and your scale will notice the difference in no time.

Do These Tips Day Off:
5. Walk tall and carry a big ... attitude. Sometimes even more than having a “perfect” body, confidence can be your most beautiful asset. Good posture and confidence go a long way. If you simply embrace your body for what it is you will not only feel sexy, but look sexy too. Want to look sexy in front of someone else? Own that room! Make eye contact in order to draw your partner’s eyes up to your most entrancing and attractive feature- your soul. Sounds cheesy, sure, but if you ooze sexy from your insides, you can’t help but be sexy on the outside too- believe me. Here’s the thing: Even the most “perfect” bodies are a turn-off when they are topped off with hunched insecure shoulders and shut down eyes. Come on now, chin up, shoulders out, belly in, little devilish smile on your face, and eyes connected!

6. Pushups. No, not the bra, the exercise (though the bra works too). Push-ups are the perfect last minute exercise to pumps up the arms and give you that healthy glow in just a few moments. Do them daily before the big night, plus during your V-day evening prep for immediate beautiful-arms gratification. For Push Ups help watch ExerciseTV trainer Kendell Hogan’s 100 Push Up Challenge.

7. Deep breathing. Borrow this pilates move and engage those deep ab muscles. Breathe in deep and suck in your belly. Now breathe out while sucking it in again. Do that three times. Be careful not to release the abs at all and blow out as much as you can on the last one. That quick little move will help flatten the belly a bit.

I know, I know ... on Valentine’s Day it’s tradition to put your significant other first, buying gifts, getting all gussied up, and doing all you can to make him feel loved! But this Valentine’s Day, put yourself first. Believe me, the better you feel about you, the better you will be able to show how you feel about him. Start your day focused on you, before you get distracted by email or the kids; get in your "me" time first thing in the a.m. “Me time” can mean anything, as long as it feels good to you -- it could be a quick workout, meditation or writing in a journal. You'll have more to give others if you start your day strong and centered ... and less frazzled is always more sexy.

Target Tone to Look and Feel Sexy Long-Term
Beyond Valentine’s Day, I know you want to tuck that tummy (without surgery), tone that tush, and tighten those triceps for the long-term; and the best way to do that is through exercise!

To look and feel sexy, focus on the spots that are most focused on both when standing up and (ahem) laying down: tummy, booty, thighs and chest. Try ExerciseTV trainer Lia Montelongo’s Target Tone: Body Workout mini-workout to get started on your sexyness now!

To target tone your tummy, booty, thighs and chest all at once, Lia suggests the classic forearm hold ... with a twist. Here’s how:

1. Start lying on your stomach with arms bent at elbows even with the chest.

2. Activate from your feet by pressing toes into the floor and lift your hips so that you are in a pushup position but staying on your forearms to hold.

3. Hold this position by squeezing your booty tightly and engaging your inner thighs as if there is a quarter between your legs that you must not drop and finally pull your tummy into your spine straight as a surf board.

4. Hold for three to five counts. Rest on your knees for one count. Repeat 10 to 15 times. Doing the movement repetitively allows your muscle to constantly reengage instead of just holding for several counts.

Another favorite to target the backside -- the Hip Lift. And since we are focusing on feeling sexy naked ... um now, Lia of course adds a twist -- a one leg to lift. Here’s how:

1. Start by lying on your back with feet flat on the floor. Hands next to the hips, palms down and active into the ground. Pull your heels as close to your booty as possible and then take a half step back out.

2. Lift your hips up toward the ceiling as if a harness is wrapped around your waist pulling you up. Press your shoulders and hands firmly into the ground. Hold. Now raise one leg (with a pointed foot) straight toward the ceiling.

3. Lift the pointed toe toward the ceiling a little higher and gently lower down just to hover over the ground. Lift again. Repeat 10 times. Repeat on the other side.

Combining these two movements together for a total of four sets each starting with the forearm hold for a set of 10 to 15 repetitions and then going right into the one leg hip lifts for a set of 10 to 15 repetitions and then repeating the cycle three more times will be sure to give you a total body lift anywhere, anytime!

Now go on and get ‘em gorgeous!

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