Weight-loss strategies and recipes from Today Show nutritionist Joy Bauer

To help, she has a new exercise DVD, "Joy Bauer’s Slimdown Workout" ($11), and a recently published cookbook, "Slim & Scrumptious" (William Morrow, $25). Both follow the same philosophy that guides Bauer’s "Today" show nutrition and weight-loss segments. She’s known for the inspirational Joy Fit Club, which features people who have lost and kept off 100 pounds or more through diet and exercise, as well as Joy’s Diet S.O.S., during which she answers viewer questions.

Bauer remains consistent in encouraging physical activity for health, mood and weight management. Because her expertise is nutrition, however, she called in Lisa Wheeler, a professional trainer who helps guide the DVD’s two 20-minute routines for cardiovascular fitness and strength training. As a bonus, the DVD includes Bauer’s diet tips and a few quick recipes.

"Slim & Scrumptious" cookbook by Joy Bauer The cookbook, Bauer’s fourth book, offers recipes for every meal, including desserts and snacks. Nutrition information is given for each recipe. Among options are such reduced-fat indulgences as double chocolate pancakes with strawberry sauce, Buffalo chicken chili with whipped blue cheese, bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts and guacamole. Portion control will be a must with these recipes, which aren’t always low-fat, low-carb or strictly low in calories. However, most have fewer than 350 calories per serving thanks to healthier cooking strategies such as substituting non-fat dairy or using turkey in place of fattier meats.

At 5-feet tall, the hugely popular Bauer is a tiny dynamo. Her DVD’s theme song "Time for Joy in My Life" could be considered a not-so-subtle marketing message for her numerous endeavors. In addition to TV appearances and best-selling books, the registered dietician delivers solid and prolific advice in columns for Women’s Day, Parade and other publications. She has been featured in Working Mother and Jewish Woman magazines, while also increasing her web presence. Bauer is the nutrition expert at yahoo.com, and her web site joybauer.com is home to her $5-a-week weight-loss program as well as being a portal to all things Joy.

We connected with Bauer, a wife and mother of four, about working out at home. She sent tips via e-mail for exercising at home and keeping those weight-loss resolutions. She also shared two recipes from her cookbook, chocolate pancakes and vegetarian lentil burgers. Find them posted below.