I’ve just finished reading Skinny Bitch, the New York Times bestseller by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin - two straight-talking, sassy Americans who’ve written a "wake-up call and kick in the ass, for savvy girls who want to stop eating crap and start looking fabulous." While I can’t admit to being ready to follow every word of wisdom (baby steps), I have taken the first step of removing meat from my diet by going Pescatarian. It sounds like a religion - and for some probably is - but it’s basically eating veggies and seafood only. I’m not sure how long this new "plan" is going to last, but I am definately feeling much healthier and am steadily losing weight. You’ll have to read it yourself to find out why the authors believe meat is a no-no, but suffice to say there are both nutritional and ethical arguments behind their reasoning. And there are of course nutritional arguments elsewhere for eating meat. It’s different strokes for different folks. My only advice, don’t read the chapter on animal cruelty before going out to dinner. I did and had to turn down my one chance to enjoy a decent bit of lamb - at the Kiwi Ball!

If you prefer to ease your way into a new health regime gently, or have a bad habit - smoking, sugar, alchohol, lethargy - you want help in kicking to the curb, check out BeachFit - a health retreat at a private villa in Koh Samui run by Singapore-based Australian figure athlete, master trainer, nutrition coach and performance nutrition specialist Roz Alexander of Revolution Fitness. BeachFit is offering 10% off its rates for May and June dates, with prices now from USD$1,000 per person twin-share for 3 nights and USD$1,350 for 4 nights,including:

• Return airport transfers
• Fully self-contained ensuite room at luxury villa Ban Suriya
• 6 meals per day - fresh, organic Thai-style food - much of it sourced from the villa’s kitchen garden
• Non-alchoholic drinks and juices
• Daily cardio sessions
• Daily resistance/circuit sessions
• Daily massages
• Daily yoga
• 2 highly-informative seminars on nutrition, exercise and supplements
• Movies under the stars on the lawn by the beachfront
• Evening Thai lantern ceremony on the beach
• 5-star service and fully-staffed villa including 2 pools and a range of villa activities
• Late check-out of 3pm

You can also request foot reflexology, pedicures, muay Thai boxing, one-on-one training sessions - even fireworks on the beach! Whether you’re travelling solo, with a group of girlfriends or trying to encourage your other half to live a healthier lifestyle in fun way, BeachFit is a great way to focus on YOU and start giving your body the love it deserves…click here for upcoming dates and more info!