Bronson and I road tested these 10 recipes all year, and they all pretty much rock. Plus, a hot recipe from “Biggest Loser” chef Devin Alexander.

Throughout my Mom’s battle with cancer, I downed more comfort food and bottles of wine than I care to admit. Take my 35th birthday for example: dad grilled steaks and mom arranged for the most amazing cupcakes. Bronson and I went out later for margaritas. And boy, did I ever feel the full brunt of it: the acid reflux dragon reared its angry ANGRY head. I told mom about it the next day. “You’ve got to eat right, son.” she warned me matter-of-factly.

It would be one of her last admonishments.

It wasn’t the first time the reflux beast had gripped me. Five years ago, (on my 30th) we gathered at El Coyote Mexican Cafe with the same gruesome result. Back then, I didn’t know tacos and tequila were GERD’s best friend, but in the wake of Mom’s warning this year, I knew something had to change.

Tart cherry juice may treat pain and inflammation caused by exercise, say researchers at Oregon Health & Science University. These findings, while highly preliminary, concur with a U.K. study of British marathoners who drank tart cherry juice. Experts say it could even be useful for treating arthritis or reducing the amount of pain medication needed post-surgery.  Trader Joe’s carries a reconstituted concentrate version for $2.99/bottle.

I ran across this article by Martha Beck (O Magazine, June ’09) while waiting in the hospital with my mom.

It’s by far the most helpful, accurate article on losing weight I’ve read in 5 years as a trainer.

I’ve personally seen clients do these things, so I know they work.

p.s.  Beck also has a book: The Four Day Win, which I’m ordering from Flashlight Worthy asap.

When Jerry O’Connell finally “arrived” in Hollywood, his life wasn’t the only thing that had changed—his body did, too.

Today Jerry looks great. He works hard in the gym, I’ve spotted him at Equinox and Crunch. But he’s also developed discipline around his eating habits. Instead of ordering a pizza after a long day of work, now he has a salad with fat free dressing.

Another secret to his hard body? He dropped all junk food, and — additives.

“‘Additives are bad. I found that just by cutting out booze, salt, and dressings, the fat just drips off you.’”

Photos by Men’s Fitness