proper weight loss

Question
I've been working out at the gym. But I want to ask what will be the ideal work out to have a "slim/model-type" kind of body?(yoga doesn't work for me) The model-type body I'm refering to is like Natalie Portman's or Nicole Scherzinger's or Jessica Alba's body. I'm a bit fat and I want to eliminate my excess body fat but I don't want to have a "muscular-type" kind of body. I don't want my muscles bulging. I just want a very feminine and slim kind of body. Can you also suggest a sort of plan about the proper food intake I should observe to support my plan on having a model-type body?(south beach diet doesn't fit my life style) Thank you very much!:)

Answer
Yuka,
Congratulations on taking the first step to healthy weight loss!   You have identified that you are overweight, and have set a goal for yourself (that you would like to have a model-type body).  One thing to keep in mind, is that the physiques that you are describing have a genetic propensity to be on the slim side.  I don't know what your body type is (fat is not a good descriptive, since everyone has body fat), so it's really hard to determine if you will look just like Jessica Alba or Natalie Portman once you have shed most of your fat.   Goals are good to have, but I discourage selecting a specific body type (unless you know that at one time you actually looked like that, and know you have that body type), because it will lead to failure.   Why?   Because if you don't have the genetics to be a "thin build", you will never achieve this, unless you take unhealthy measures (eating disorders, etc).   And that is NOT what you want!   Rather, I would suggest that you get your body in as healthy shape as possible for YOUR body type.   The funny thing is, I will give you the SAME recommendations to get your body in model-shape OR muscular build......healthy diet, cardio and weights.   Your body type will dictate the rest.   I can show you 2 people who will do the EXACT same workout, diet, etc...and 1 will be thin/waif like, and the other will be muscular.    That is because genetics play a huge role in determining what your body will be like after engaging in a workout program.     Yes, you can manipulate the size of someone's muscles by lifting to failure (complete muscle fatigue) and lifting moderately heavy weights, BUT I still give moderately heavy weight workouts to girls who want a "model body", because it will still raise their metabolism considerably.   It will get rid of that "flabby" body, even if it's "thin/skinny".   Now, if you want a "thin/skinny" body that is mushy and soft, that is very easy to attain...just cut all your calories in half, and don't do anything (no exercise).    That is what we call "skinny-fat"....you appear skinny, but are very flabby and soft.   If you want a nice lean body, then you need to do weights, cardio and appropriate diet.  How you will end up looking after a period of a few months will be determined by your genetics.   Some of the girls you mentioned above may not even work out, which again is due to their genetics.   However, it doesn't mean they are healthy!!  Even thin, lean people should be doing daily exercise to prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, etc.
So with that being said, please go to www.oxygenmag.com and read the articles about how important diet, weights and cardio are to maintaining a nice lean physique.   Believe me, it is very hard to achieve a lean, muscular look, even for those who have the genetics...it takes a LOT of hard consistent work.    It is a misconception that someone just has to pick up some weights and voila, instant muscle!   It doesn't work that way, and if developing nice muscles were that easy, then that means that EVERY SINGLE person who goes to a  gym and lifts a weight would be super-muscular.     Since you know that isn't true (in any gym, there are probably only about 3-5 people who are actually very muscular, lean and symmetrical), it takes a lot more than just picking up a weight to develop a "muscular body".   So don't worry, you are not going to sprout "instant muscles" just because you pick up a weight.    I can compare this to sitting down at a piano for the first time in your life and saying, "I don't want to be a virtuoso composer and musician", I just want to play a few songs..........as you can see, just sitting down and plinking a few keys on the piano is not going to turn you into a virtuoso overnight, just as picking up some weights is not going to automatically develop a  muscular body.    The site I recommended is for women of all fitness levels, from beginner to advanced, so it can definitely help you achieve your goals.  Have fun with it, and all the best to you!
Crystal

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