Valerie Bertinelli is Bikini Ready After Losing 50 Pounds

Valerie Bertinelli looks as hot on the cover of the April 6th edition of People magazine as that jalapeno popper she says she isn't going to eat. This child star is now pushing, ahem, 50 (she'll be 49 on April 23rd) and she's never looked better.

Galina Espinoza, senior editor at People Magazine, reported to "Extra" that Bertinelli's photos required very little airbrushing. While it is well known that Valerie Bertinelli is a spokesperson for Jenny Craig, Espinoza reports that Bertinelli also walked 5 miles a day while she was losing the weight. In the final weeks before the photo was taken, Valerie Bertinelli reportedly cut out salt and champagne, then dropped her daily caloric intake to 1200 calories - down from 1800 calories. This was the extra push she needed to bring her weight loss to 50 pounds and her bod to bikini-ready.

Valerie Bertinelli Exercises On Her Own to Lose Weight - and You Can, Too

Bertinelli trimmed her weight down from 172lbs. by watching her diet and walking 5 miles a day. It wasn't until she decided on the "bikini challenge" that she hired a trainer to get her into photo-ready shape.

What a relief and what an opportunity for all of us regular women in the real world! Here's "cover-girl" proof that you don't need a fancy gym or a high-paid trainer to lose weight like the stars. It's just like the doctors and health magazines have been telling us; you've just got to put one foot in front of the other.

I've been in Valerie's shoes and I have to agree with her. The simple ways to lose weight are the best. Here are the 4 ways I whittle my waistline.

Walk that 10K a Day - Call it 5 miles or 10K, it still equals weight loss. Get a pedometer and go for it. You'll find that 3K to 7K steps will be easy. It's getting that last 3K steps that are difficult. Park farther away in the parking lot, walk around the block, go out and play fetch with the dog or frisbee with the kids.

Pilates - If you can take a class at the health club, try Pilates. I find it less intimidating that yoga; you don't have to be as flexible to start. And, it whittles your middle - fast.

Dancing - If you want a fun exercise try dancing. In Georgia and South Carolina shag dancing is popular. Or be more exotic and try belly dancing. Belly dancing classes and belly dancing beginner dvds are available everywhere. Or go for something a little more formal like ballroom dancing. Do anything you like that you will continue for 30 minutes or so and gets your heart pumping and feet moving.

Eat Light at Night - Oprah Winfrey sold me on this tip and I agree. When I don't eat after 7 p.m. I find that I lose weight faster. Also, I try to eat my healthiest meal (salad, grilled fish or chicken) at night. I also find when I eat less at night, I actually am less hungry the next morning.

Kudos to Valerie Bertinelli for making all of us feel like we can lose weight and look great in our 40's and beyond.

Sources:
Valerie Bertinelli's Age, Celebritorium.com
Elizabeth Leonard, Valerie Bertinelli is Back in Bikini for 49th Birthday, People.com
Extra TV Staff, Bikini Babe, ExtraTV.com