BODY > BEAUTIFUL ON THE OUTSIDE.

FAST FITNESS

Do you get bored while exercising? Then maybe Jorge Cruise's new book is just what you need. In "The 12 Second Sequence," Cruise -- diet coach at AOL.com -- shows readers how to use certain controlled tension techniques to be more effective and efficient with their workouts. Cruise, a frequent guest fitness expert on TV talk and news shows, will be promoting his book from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Jan. 21 at Barnes & Noble Booksellers on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. The book is available at bookstores and through online book-sellers for a suggested retail price of $25.95.

>LEO SMITH 

GOOD CALORIES?

We've long been taught that fat is bad for us, carbohydrates better, and that the key to a healthy weight is eating less and exercising more. Yet despite more people acting on this advice, obesity and diabetes are on the rise. In his new book, "Good Calories, Bad Calories: Challenging the Conventional Wisdom on Diet, Weight Control and Disease" (Alfred A. Knopf), science writer Gary Taubes argues that the problem lies in refined carbohydrates (white flour, sugar and easily digested starches) and their dramatic effect on insulin. Since insulin regulates fat accumulation, he says, the key to good health is the kind of calories we take in, not the number. Taubes also makes a compelling case that saturated fats and cholesterol cause heart disease, that salt causes high blood pressure and that fiber is a necessary part of a healthy diet. "Good Calories, Bad Calories" is available in bookstores and through online booksellers for a suggested retail price of $18.45.

>VIRGINIA PARESA

3 MONTHS TO HEALTH

Twelve weeks. That's the time you'll need if you begin -- and stick with -- the program presented in "The All-New Atkins Advantage" (St. Martin's Press). "The All-New Atkins Advantage" is the first book with a 12-week program that explains how to combine exercise with the Atkins low-carb eating plan. It also allows readers to individualize a plan to suit their specific needs and tastes. It's based on nutrition and regular exercise, helping participants with weight management and improved health. The book is available at bookstores and through online booksellers for a suggested retail price of $25.95.

>V.P.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Believe it or not, it's almost time to start thinking about Valentine's Day. That's a scary thought for many guys. Chocolate? Beauty products? What to do? With Jaqua Girls Buttercream Frosting Guilt-Free Body Treats ($32.95), you can get a bit of both -- and without the fat and calories. A kit that includes an 8-ounce tube of Pink Buttercream Frosting Shower Creme, a 2-ounce tube of Pink Buttercream Frosting Hand Creme, and a 2-ounce jar of Buttercream Frosting Body Butter is available for around $30 at www.jaqua.com and www.sleepyheads.com. Jaqua products also are available at Bath & Body Works, Fred Segal, Burke Williams and other boutiques and specialty stores.

>L.S.

BEAUTY BOUNTY

Malibu-based celebrity makeup artist Tricia Sawyer has come out with her picks for the top five beauty products every woman needs for 2008 -- not surprisingly, some are products that have her name on them. The list includes Japonesque Artisan Slant Tweezers ($20); Tricia Sawyer Pressed Powder Blush ($14.50); Comodynes Oats Makeup Remover Towelettes ($6.50); and her Full Potential Foundation ($38). Sawyer advises women to start with healthy, properly cleansed skin and recommends her own oil-free Beauty's Skin Balancing Water Primer ($34). All products are available at www.qvc.com and www.drugstore.com. For more information on Sawyer and her products, go to www.triciasawyer.com.

>V.P.

CAPTION(S):

5 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) no caption (book: "The 12 Second Sequence")

(2 -- color) no caption (book: "Good Calories, Bad Calories: Challenging the Conventional Wisdom on Diet, Weight Control and Disease")

(3 -- color) no caption (book: "The All-New Atkins Advantage")

(4 -- color) no caption (Jaqua Girls lotion)

(5 -- color) no caption (makeup)