The Best Video You Will Watch This Week.

This week I saw an interesting video. It's called Hungry For Change. It's not a diet like Atkins and it's not groundbreaking. It's good, honest information about food and nutrition. And it had me nodding along for the full hour and twenty minutes.



The best bit of advice I got from the film? When it comes to changing your diet, don't restrict – add. Add in the good stuff. Get your recommended serves of veggies, fruit and good fats. Eventually it will crowd out the bad stuff, because there simply won't be room for anything else.

Of course, there is heaps more to learn from this video and if you get the chance to sit down and watch, I really recommend it.

So Freaking Excited For The Hunger Games.

And if you're not? Well, frankly, I can't imagine why. It's an awesomely suspenseful story (no wizards, no vamps – just 24 kids who go into an arena where only one can come out alive) and it's got a smoking hot cast... Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, and did I mention Liam Hemsworth? Sigh.

Anyway, it hits cinemas on March 22, which by my calculations leaves you a good five days to read the book before you hit the cinema. And trust me, that won't be a problem because it's a real page-turner. Here's the trailer. Watch it. Then book your tickets to the midnight screening.
 

Oh, and can I just say that Jennifer Lawrence looks phenomenal in this film – svelte but fit as, and it's so refreshing. As the lady herself said, "I play a warrior. I can’t be skinny. You know, Kate Moss running at you with a bow and arrow isn’t scary." True that.

On The Couch: What I Learned From The Biggest Loser This Week.

 Never eat your food from a mixing bowl. Ever.
I'm a big everything-in-moderation girl, but there is nothing moderate about a mixing bowl-sized serve. If anything, try eating your food in smaller bowls and on smaller plates. It will look like more when you fill it up and if you take your time eating it, you won't miss the extra portion.

You might think you're pushing yourself. You're not.
One thing I learned very quickly when I got a trainer was this: what you think is your limit is not even close to your limit. And when you learn to push through that, the real results come.

Talk is cheap. Walk the walk.
It's easy to say "I need to lose weight" or "I need to get fit", but the truth is there's no easy way to get there. You have to do the work and make the changes yourself. Like Michelle said this week, it's up to you to make the time to exercise. And if Barack Obama, the busiest person in the USA, can find a few spare minutes for a workout, we all can.

Make a commitment. Write it down.
Don't be vague with your goals or they'll never happen. If you're serious about making changes to your lifestyle, make a promise to yourself and write it down. Then share it with someone else so you're accountable. Pencil your workouts in your diary and treat them like any other important appointment. No excuses.

Wear a heartrate minotor.
I've written about this before, but wearing a heartrate monitor is a great way of measuring exactly what you're burning. Because knowing how much energy your expending is important, so you can get the weight-loss math right.

One and a half tones of fat is a hellava lot of fat.
And, boy, did it look gross. If that's not enough to put you off a second helping of dinner, I don't know what would be.

On The Couch: Set The TiVo. You Don't Want To Miss These...

Revenge (coming in February to channel seven)
Is there anything better than watching a bunch of spoiled, cashed-up Hamptonites go down one by one as their dark secrets are revealed? Didn't think so. That's exactly what happens in this hot new series about a young woman called Emily Thorne who comes back to her home in the Hamptons to seek vengeance on the people responsible for destroying her family. In a nutshell: It's pure dramatic gold.

Homeland (watch it 8.30pm Sundays on channel ten)
Claire Danes is back. And she's magnificent. Here's the gist – Claire plays Carrie Mathison, a CIA officer who believes an American marine, held captive by Al-Qaeda as a prisoner of war, is now operating as a spy. Yes, it's a thinking show, but it just took home a couple of shiny Golden Globes. Oh, and President Obama is a fan and, well, if that's not enough for you, I don't know what is.

Can These Ads Stop Childhood Obesity?

Almost one million children in Georgia are overweight or obese. One million.

The state has the second highest rate of obesity in the US. Something has to be done and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is hoping this campaign will go some way to opening the eyes of the 75% of parents who don't realise their children are overweight.

The ads are brutally honest – heartbreaking even – and they've come under fire for the way critics say they "shame" overweight kids. But with the health of one million children on the line, Georgia is past pussyfooting around.

What do you think?

On The Couch: If You Hate Cricket And Tennis, Summer TV Sucks.

So here's your chance to invest in a box set and catch up on the shows you might have missed last year...

Cougar Town
Courteney Cox has finally found a new home on the small screen and it's as part of the loveable Cul-de-sac Crew on Cougar Town. While the first season was all about her scouring for younger men, in the much-improved second season, the show finds a new rythym and proves it's got chops as a quality sit-com. Jennifer Aniston's cameo is reason enough to give it a go.

Friday Night Lights
This show hasn't been a hit on our screens, but it developed a cult following in the US and it's not hard to see why. Following the lives of players in a small-town football team, this highly addictive drama will have you literally on your feet, cheering for a touchdown. Plus, all five seasons are now available on DVD, so there's plenty to keep you busy in the ratings off-season.

Sons Of Anarchy
If you thought Channel One was all sport, think again. It's home to some fine programs (the US version of The Killing is well worth a watch), but Sons Of Anarchy is one of the best. A little bit of crime, a little bit of action and a whole lot of drama, this series focuses on the lives of a close-knit motorcycle club.

Shameless
Watch the British version or watch the US version – either way, this series about a family living in a housing estate is comedy gold. And when you find you can't get enough? You'll be happy to hear there's seven seasons of the original UK version to enjoy.

Two Movies To See With Your Man (That You'll Actually Enjoy)

I love doing things for other people. But I love doing them even more when there's a little something in it for me, too. Like when you buy your mum the new Adele album because you also wouldn't mind a listen. I mean, I'm only human.

And this week the cinema is making good deeds a cinch with some awesome new flicks hitting the big screen that boys and girls alike can enjoy. So instead of forcing him to sit through Crazy, Stupid, Love (again), be the selfless girlfriend/daughter/bestie and treat that male in your life to one of these... Trust me, it'll be a treat for you as well.

In Time.

The concept? In this world, everyone stops ageing at 25 and starts living on bought or borrowed time – until their clocks run out. It's a system that sees the rich become immortal while the poor are left to die young. Sounds tricky, but it's not too hard to get your head around. This action sci-fi is an entertaining ride from the get-go as Will (Justin Timberlake) and Sylvia (Amanda Seyfried) try to upturn the system and fight for justice. Oh, and did I mention JT takes his shirt off? And more than once.

Drive.

One word: Ryan Gosling. Hollywood's man of the moment is perfection in this thriller about a stunt driver who gets embroiled in a heist gone wrong. Carey Mulligan and Christina Hendricks also star but make no mistake this is Ryan's show and he owns every scene – sometimes without even so much as a word. This movie has everything you'd expect from an action thriller – robberies, car chases, violence and plenty of gore. This is not a film that holds back in that respect. So look away if you must, but don't miss the rest of this incredibly slick and well-executed film.

Contagion.

If you have been secretly wishing for a modern take on Outbreak, consider your prayers answered. This film about the global spread of an uncontainable virus boasts an all-star cast (Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Marion Cotillard, Laurence Fishburn) and they don't disappoint. Well, except maybe Jude – who puts on one of the worst Australian accents I've ever heard (I wasn't even sure what nationality he was supposed to be until he attempted to call someone "mate"). David Stratton gave this four and a half stars and I'm inclined to do the same.

On The Couch: Back On The Box.

Quite a few shows have made a triumphant return to the small screen this week...

United States Of Tara (Tuesdays at 9.35pm on ABC): It's the third and final season for Tara and her host of different personalities. So savour every moment of watching the always adorable John Corbett – seriously, could that man be any more lovable?

 
Glee (Wednesdays at 8.30pm on Ten): The New Directions return for a new season with some shiny new musical numbers. Sadly there's no sign of Sam (Chord Overstreet), but the new addition of Blaine (Darren Criss) as a regular more than makes up for it.

 
Two And A Half Men (Tuesdays at 8.30pm on Nine): Ashton Kutcher steps in – buck naked – to fill Charlie Sheen's famous shoes. So far, the reviews are mixed, but I reckon give the man more than 15 minutes to make his mark.

Beauty And The Geek Australia (Thursdays at 8.30pm on Seven): The ultimate battle of beauty and brains is back – and it's better than ever. Where else would a "geography test" involve sexy chefs outfits, a slip-n-slide and a smörgåsbord of food?

On The Couch: One Day

What's the story? Let me start by saying, if you haven't already read the book, please, please, please go and do it before you watch this movie. It's a beautifully written story by author David Nicholls about two people who meet for the first time on July 15, 1988 and whose lives become intertwined over the next twenty years. The book revisits them on the same day each year and I'll stop short of giving away any actual details – but, suffice to say, it runs the full gamut of emotions.

Why it's worth paying $18 to see... So, how does this cult novel translate on the big screen? Not well, if you agree with the reviewers who gave it just one star. I don't. Aside from the fact that Anne Hathaway has the worst Yorkshire accent ever, I actually think this film is a lovely, funny adaptation of a great book. Things are lost in the film (they always are) but the perfect performance of Jim Sturgess as Dex and the stellar supporting cast certainly makes up for any of Anne's shortcomings. It's not likely to replace The Notebook as the love story of our generation, but it's far from a total disaster. In fact, it's quite easy and enjoyable to watch.

Health Advice, Courtesy Of Eva Mendes.

Daily Mail

Finally, a celeb that loves bread and pasta! But Eva admits, "I mostly stick to wholemeal, though. When in doubt, go dark with the food – so I stay away from white pasta, white rice and white bread and that keeps things simple for me." As for fitness, the actress (and face of Reebok EasyTone) says she sticks to a mixture of cardio, weights and yoga for flexibility... 

"I hit the gym three to four times a week to do light weights – not too many repetitions – which target my whole body, and some serious cardio – normally sprinting and interval running... The minimum I do cardio for is 35 minutes, but you can get a lot done in that time if you use it wisely. And then I spend about an hour on the weight training. I also do yoga twice a week. It’s mostly astanga, but my yoga instructor creates a programme for me based around what I need – so if my muscles are tight from running, we’ll do poses to open everything up."

On The Couch: Do We Really Need Another Reality TV Series?

If that series is The Voice, then yes... yes, we do. And I'm not just saying that because I have an epic crush on Adam Levine – although, seriously, could that man get any more divine?

I think The Voice takes the best bits from Idol (the amazing singers and public voting) and The X-Factor (the four uber-competitive judges) and combines them for a really entertaining ride. Chuck in CeeLo Green, Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton and Adam Levine and it's a recipe for fabulousness.

Here's how it goes: The four judges listen to the contestants sing (and here's the clincher – they do it with their backs turned, so it's all about "the voice", geddit?) and when they decide they want to recruit the contestant for their team, they press a button and their chairs swing around. If that doesn't sound exciting, trust me – it is. And if more than one judge presses their button, the singer gets to choose who they work with. Cue: cattiness as each judge tries to secure their favourite star-in-the-making.

Then once the judges have eight singers a piece, they train them up and battle them off against each other until only four remain on each team. After that, it's over to the viewers. And you can bet there'll be tough choices to be made because of some of these singers are the creme de la creme. Bring it, I say.

Watch The Voice at 7.30pm on Tuesdays on Go!

On The Couch: Do Yourself A Favour, Watch Damages.

In case you're not already familiar, it's a very clever show starring the divine Glenn Close and my current girl crush Rose Byrne (if you haven't seen her in Bridesmaids yet, get to a cinema stat). It's a legal drama and a phychological head-fuck, but I guarantee that from the first five minutes, you'll be hooked. So grab the DVDs and be prepared to put all eating, sleeping, working plans on hold...

On The Couch: Three Movies I'm Itching To See...

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes.

Two words: James Franco. I would watch anything with him in it. (even a movie about a mountain climber who cuts off his arm with a pocket knife – ahem, 127 Hours.) But throw in a bunch of crazy apes on a rampage and it's on like Donkey Kong.

In cinemas August 4.



Crazy, Stupid, Love.

This movie looks divine. It has the most perfect cast (Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone and the gorgeous Ryan Gosling) and the trailer is equal parts raw emotion and laugh-out-loud funny. I already want to order the DVD and I haven't even seen it yet.

In cinemas September 29.



Green Lantern.

I wasn't sold on this movie – until I saw the trailer in 3D. Then I was all kinds of excited. I think that battle between good and evil fought in a galactic world really lends itself to an extra dimension. So don't skrimp, pay an extra buck for the glasses.

In cinemas August 11.

Here's A Hardcore Gym Junkie.

And boarder-line nutcase. He was lifting weights when the recent bomb went off in Norway. Everyone was fleeing. But not this guy. "I was on my eighth repetition of a 165-kilogram benchpress... that's quite a lot of weight," he says. "Naturally, I finished my set."

Well, naturally.

I Miss Modern Family.

It's really the only show that my whole family can sit down and watch and everyone enjoys it. The only time we fight about Modern Family is when we can't agree on whether Phil or Cam is the funniest. Me, I love Gloria. She's hilarious. And it doesn't hurt that she's played by the smoking hot Sofia Vergara. I mean, how does she look like that?

Apparently, the secret is "Not too much food, not too much exercise, not too much anything." Sofia advises, "Everything in moderation. And of course, wearing sun block." That's my kind of girl.

When Two Of My Interests Collide: Health And TV.

I get really excited. Like you know how pumped the guy on the Shamwow ad is? I get that excited. So I was pretty stoked to find out that one of my favourite bloggers Sarah Wilson has a new show in the works. It's called Eat Yourself Sexy and you can get all the deets here. Don't mind if I do...

On The Couch: Bye For Now, Offspring.

It's the Offspring season finale tonight (Channel 10, 9pm) and I have to admit I'm a teensy bit sad that it's all over for another season. You see, I love Nina Proudman. And it's not just her amazing owl-filled apartment and her sometimes very original wardrobe choices, I love Nina because she makes me (and every other slightly neurotic woman out there) seem somehow less crazy, more normal.

I also love that she is played by one of my absolute favourite Australian actresses Asher Keddie. Loved her in Paper Giants. Loved her in Underbelly. Love, love, loved her in Love My Way. In fact, not long after Love My Way wrapped on TV, I saw Asher in a make-up store on Oxford Street. I was there on official magazine business so I had to reign in the crazy fan part of me that wanted to run over and scream, "Ohmygodyou'reAsherKeddie! Iloveyou!"

Instead I just silently stalked her around the store, trying to think of something cool and ot even slightly obsessive to say, until my online editor told me it was time to roll. And I like to think that's exacty what Nina would have done.

So if you've been living a rock and haven't yet caught Nina Fever, do yourself a favour and get thee to the DVD store, stat. Already a fan and not sure what you're going to do with yourself post-Offspring? You might start with one of these Nina-inpired owl buys...

Owl box, $24, Have You Met Miss Jones.

Wall hanging, from $135, Bride & Wolfe.

Tea towel, $16.95, Annabel Trends @ Funk Mebourne.

Planters, US$39.99 each, Fruitflypie @ Etsy.

White owl, $19.95, Hart & Heim.

On The Couch: Goodbye Harry. It's Been A Blast

Tonight I'm going to see the final Harry Potter film. I've had the tickets booked for weeks and, like a kid before Christmas, the excitement is borderline unbearable (so apparently is my constant chatter about it). But this time, the thrill is bittersweet because it's The Last Time. Spanning more than a decade, my relationship with Harry Potter has far outlasted any of my actual relationships, so I thought on the eve of this final chapter in our 13-year history, I'd celebrate some of the magic Harry has brought into my life...

When we met... I was at high school and my favourite English teacher Mrs Matthews told us about a new book we simply had to read. It was about a wizard. It wasn't in the curriculum, but she'd ordered 25 copies for the library. "Just get through the first few chapters and I guarantee you'll love it," she assured us. She needn't have worried. I loved it from the first word.

When the last book came out... My sister and I lined up outside K-mart before it opened and bought one copy each. Both hardback. (Mum nearly had a fit about the price.) Then we read them together, checking in to ensure one wasn't further ahead than the other. Then I stopped to do something and my sister "accidentally" blurted out who died. I spent the rest of the day reading, taking a brief break every now and then to shoot my sister a death glare. Good one, Lucy.

I went to uni... And found possibly the only other crazy Harry fans at the University of Technology, Sydney to form a friendship with. While other uni students drank beer and debated politics, we got drunk and quizzed each other on the books' most intricate details. They really were the best of times.

One birthday... I asked (no, begged) my parents for the Harry Potter Lego castle. It was $110. Dad told me to grow up. Lucky Lucy knew exactly how much I wanted it (and maybe still felt guilty about the whole telling-me-who-died thing) and she coughed up the cash. I spent all morning putting it together and... It. Was. Awesome.  There was even little Lego characters and a detachable shark head so I could relive all the action of the Tri-Wizard Cup. Like I said, totally awesome.

My 21st birthday... It was a Potter Party and I went as the very loveable Luna, complete with radish earings. There were snitches and wands and Griffindor flags –and, best of all, there was a carefully crafted Sorting Hat cake made by my dad, and it blew all those Women's Weekly cakes out of the water.

What are your favourite Harry Potter memories? Did you ever lay in bed at night hoping a bearded giant would break into your room and say, "You're a wizard, Alice." (Or maybe that was just me...)

On The Couch: Trasformers – Dark Of The Moon.

What's the story? After a rocky start in the first two Transformers flicks, the Autobots have found a peaceful new home on planet Earth, and Sam (Shia LaBeouf) has found himself a smoking new girlfriend in Carly (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley). But when the Decepticons return for a secret weapon found on the moon in the '60s space race, all hell breaks loose.

Why it's worth paying $20.50 to see in 3D... I'm a sucker for any movie where pimped-up cars turn into robots (I don't think the novelty of watching that will ever wear off), but this is the first time I've seen it in 3D and, well, it's awesome squared. Sure, the script is a little clunky, but the action sequences are slick and cool as hell. Making her leap from the Victoria's Secret runway to the big screen, poor Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has copped some flack for her acting skills (one reviewer said her acting makes former Transformers star Megan Fox's acting look as good as Kate Winslet's), but let's face it – with that hair and those legs, who really cares. There were moments I caught myself ignoring the robot war and just thinking, "Are those lips for real?" She's got the looks and that's really all a Transformers leading lady requires. Josh Duhamel adds some extra eye candy.

On The Couch: Holy Macaroon! It's Ginny Weasley.

Daily Mail

 

There'll be a line of boys stretching down the street to buy her a butterbeer. Yes, this really is 20-year-old Bonnie Wright, who plays Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter films on the cover of Haute Muse magazine. And I have to say, she looks positively spellbinding.