All Columns

This is the most common question I receive. First, keep in mind that fat loss isn’t specific, which means that just because you are doing hundreds of crunches does not mean you are burning the fat surrounding them. Crunches, planks and more are great for sculpting the muscle and strengthening your core, but not for cutting fat. There is a lot of truth to the saying, “Abs are made in the kitchen.” Unfortunately, the idea of dieting really turns people off and can be stressful. Just like anything else, start small and work your way up. 

I won’t mince words: Each day, values that we hold dear — inclusion, tolerance and equality — are in danger like never before. Over the past two weeks, we’ve seen Americans ban together in unprecedented ways, from the Women’s March in Washington, D.C., to a small town in Alaska where 2 feet of snow fell as they marched, to hundreds of international cities around the world and most recently at airports everywhere. It has been inspiring.

With so much happening in our political system at the moment, it can be difficult to keep up with each new development. The fact is that under the new presidential administration, there are many reasons for LGBTQ Americans, and other marginalized communities, to be concerned. This week we’re looking at the Affordable Care Act, and what a repeal of this legislation would actually mean, both in the broader picture and specifically for LGBTQ Americans.

For J. R. Ford, father of a 5-year-old transgender girl, appearing in the upcoming National Geographic documentary “Gender Revolution: A Journey” with Katie Couric was “more than an obligation.” He and his wife Vanessa let Couric into their Washington, D.C., home, hoping that, as Vanessa explained, their family would be “relatable” to those who know little about transgender people — and that other families with transgender children would “know they’re not alone.”

’Tis the season that everyone is winding down from the holidays and thinking about how to get that perfect beach body for this coming summer. Here are some ways to start and stick with your New Year fitness resolutions:

Do you greet the cold and snowy days of the new year with a smile or a frown?

It’s the third week of January. What resolutions did you make this New Year? How many times have you thought about or in some way observed these resolutions in the three weeks since you made them?

We often forget that sports are about more than just competition. For parents of youngsters, sports are a way for diverse personalities to interact in a playful and stimulating setting. It’s also a setting for learning unity, equality, tolerance, diversity and uniqueness. Personal interaction and teamwork are hallmarks of almost every team sport. Even many individual competitions require a fair amount of those skills.

Travel is about discovery. This year, hot destinations Outward Bound will feature include Berlin, Paris, St. Lucia, Cuba, New York City, Ft. Lauderdale, Key West and many other destinations. No matter where you go in 2017, LGBT travel is about being welcomed for who you are and making the best of your trip with tips from a travel expert.

Q: My partner and I were recently married and are beginning to discuss buying our first home in the coming year. What information do we need to know to make this a thoughtful and hopefully enjoyable experience?

A: First, congratulations on your recent marriage and for preparing to take this next exciting step. For many people, buying their first home represents the biggest financial commitment they’ll ever make. Before making such an important decision, you should consider a variety of factors, starting with whether home ownership is right for you.