>> announcer: from nbc news, from nbc news, this is "today" with kathie lee gifford and hoda kotb. live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> come on in. come on. >> we tried -- >> thanks a lot. >> while you're there, what's your excuse today? >> she has to go home and marinade a flank steak. >> every day we ask him what his excuse is. sometimes he says, i thought it was 6:00. >> we just love his excuses. it's thirsty thursday, july 24th. we've got a little late start today. but we had a long day yesterday

in -- >> we did. >> -- in the bathroom. meredith vieira has a new show coming up in september. she asked us to come and do a little bit with her. she said meet me in the john. she wanted us to meet her in the bathroom at 30 rock where they shoot something called stall talk. so meredith in one of the stalls. i know. i was in one and kathie lee was in one. i never felt so vulnerable in my life. >> of course, hoda -- >> i liked it. i liked it. >> not only did you like it, you brought beautiful shoes because you're only going to see our feet under there. and guess what happened? >> my flats that i love so much are lost. along with -- i must have left them in the bathroom. so today i came in with socks because i -- you know, those are the most comfortable shoes. when you have a pair you love, they are gonzo. it's a men's room we were in by the way. >> it was upsetting on so many levels.

>> and every five seconds as you get ready to do this shoot, a different guy walks in and adjusts sound. and we're going, this is -- >> and you are sitting on the pot. that's the only seat in the place. >> i don't think there's another person i would have done this for except for more dith. except for maybe a woman i spent the day before with all day long. adriana dregiani. came to my house. had lunch. we did a podcast that airs next week. >> i love that woman. that's going to be next week. she's a thrill. if you guys are into "fifty shades of grey." when i was walking from the gym to the studio, there were all these women outside with books because they are ready for the big show to start. there was an interview on the earlier hours today. but we've got part of the trailer for the -- >> hide the children. >> but we sanitized it and put what we can show you. >> and your dogs.

hide your dogs, too. >> here's a teeny bit of the steamy "fifty shades of grey." >> what do you owe your success? >> i exercise control in all things. >> you must be really boring. ♪ >> i'm capable of leaving you alone. >> then don't. >> i had a rough start in life. you should steer clear of me. i don't do romance. my tastes are very singular. you wouldn't understand.

>> explain to me then. >> uh-oh, uh-oh. >> uh-oh, uh-oh. >> i wonder who wrote that song? >> wow. i think that people are going to go see that movie. >> what's it going to be rated? i haven't read the book. you have. your mother has. >> i know. my mom did read it. i don't know how they'll shoot it because it's such a weird kind of thing. it's going to be difficult to shoot. so that people can go and see it in the theaters. >> you know what i'm tired of? when people don't tell the truth

and they come on shows and go, what was it like to film those steamy sex scenes. and every single one of them goes, it's just not what you think. it's just so, you know, it's just so clinical. >> they are loving it. >> they must be. they must be. anyway, we have the entire clip. we only showed you part of it on klgandhoda.com. anyway, we have to get -- we only showed you part of it. >> that's the whole thing, no? >> there's more. >> there's more of that enchilada. >> hats off to al jankovic. he has been doing it for 30 years. >> number one on billboard album charts. >> jason muraz is second, and -- it shows you how big this is. >> you know, he does some of his own music, but he is really getting famous again for doing these parodies. his latest one we've been showing you them is iggy izalea's "fancy." >> which you love. >> he calls it handy. take a look. ♪ your pipes are antique, your

water pressure is too weak, your attic's full of dry rot, your roof sprung a leak, your fridge is starting to wreak, but don't you worry ♪ ♪ ♪ i'll show you my amazing technique ♪ ♪ let me do that, do that, screw that, screw that ♪ ♪ i can do that. maybe i'll just rewire your house for fun ♪ ♪ i got 99 problems, but a switch ain't one ♪ ♪ i'm so handy, everyone says so ♪ ♪ i'll grout your bathroom, resurface your patio ♪ ♪ i'm so handy, i'm the guy to know ♪ ♪ when your leaf blower doesn't blow ♪ ♪ patch the drywall >> come on. it's so good. >> his record deal is up, so he says that's his last cd. >> why not get a new record deal? come on, he's number one. >> the guy is genius, and he makes those songs hysterical. >> you do have to get permission from the artist before doing the parody. certain people have turned him down through the years. >> paul mccartney did.

he wanted to do a parody of "live and let die." he was going to change it to -- >> "chicken pot pie." >> paul mccartney says because he is a vegetarian, he didn't want it, and then he said maybe i could change it to -- >> "tofu pot pie." >> but it didn't work. anyway, other people have done it. we told you about the new besties that have been besties for a while, but we're just learning about them. >> it's a slow news week except for the hard news. we're two days on lea and j. lo. as besties. sad. >> we want to see the friendship evolve. here's another clip we got because leah is posting them trying to get j. lo to go horseback riding. let's take a look. ♪ about to do a little horseback riding ♪ ♪ are you going to do it >> no. >> dam damn it, jen! >> no. >> you have to. >> no, but the kids are going to do it. >> no. >> yeah, yeah, yeah. >> thank you, joanne.

[ laughter ] >> she said, oh, it's fabulous. you're going to love it. >> okay. all right. joanne wanted to be in the car with them. if you are mark ruffalo -- >> you're a happy guy today. >> you certainly are. he left his wallet, like a lot of people do, in a cab in a chicago cab. he left it, and i guess he thought it was gone forever. well, a fan tweeted the actor to let him know he found it. twitter has its uses. >> yes, it does. >> they exchanged direct messages and stuff. >> he didn't even know he was a famous guy. just doing the right thing. god bless him. >> that's why we wanted to point it out. there are still good people out there that still do the right thing. >> all right. >> now, there's -- stop that, please. is that jimmy back there? >> yes. there's a great little girl -- what? what was he doing? >> he is back there. i'm trying to look into the camera. he is behind the camera, and he is a mountain of a man too. i want you to show jimmy what you are doing while i'm trying to be serious.

jimmy is going like this. just stretching up a storm. just go for it. why don't we get our exercise class done before we start the show? >> jimmy, we love you. [ laughter ] >> do it. do it again. take your time doing it next time. >> we're going to let you dance to this next song. >> no. hoda! this is an i-hoda that is going to be big! >> okay. there are two young country girl singers named maddy and tae. they are so tired of the way that country girls are portrayed. >> you were telling me about these girls. >> they are changing. it is called girl in a country song. ♪ never made me a dime ♪ and there ain't no sugar for you in this shaker of mine ♪ >> whoa. ♪ tell me one more time you got to get me some of that slide on over but you're going to get slapped ♪ ♪ these days it ain't easy being -- ♪

>> break it down. ♪ girls in a country song ♪ where did it go so wrong ♪ looking good for you and your friends on the weekend ♪ ♪ nothing more ♪ we used to get a little respect ♪ ♪ now we're lucky if we even get to climb up in your truck, keep my mouth shut and ride along ♪ ♪ ♪ being a girl in a country song ♪ >> maddy and tae. i'm telling you, they're two adorable girls. they're both 18. they're new on the country scene. >> they're tired of being -- >> they're just tired of being objectified, and they are having a blast. >> me too. i'm so upset about what craig ferguson said about me, i couldn't sleep last night. >> you keep talking about it. you like it. all right. you guys, just a shout out to sirius radio. if you do want to listen to us -- >> why would you? >> i don't know. go to sirius channel 108, and sometime during the course of the day, you will find us. >> all day long, and it's -- and why? >> is it okay or not okay to

bejewel your pups? bejewel your pups. here's what we had to say about it. >> as long as the pooches are comfortable with it, i'm comfortable with it, hoda. if they're struggling with getting it off, then get it off. >> here's the answer to this. no, it's not okay. a dog is a perfect being. why are you trying to improve on perfection? why? >> there's only one bambino, and he is the only perfect dog. >> and one blake. blake. >> sorry. i haven't heard of him. >> okay. he came up north for one thing. they wanted ambush makeovers. we'll check out their results later. >> you have guy trouble? we answer your questions when we get the other view. matthew, yeah. >> of course, he is. >> yep, yep, yep. be right back after this. and now he's here to explain one product that does two things.

beroccaaaaaaaaaaaaa! fla-pow... mental sharpness support... fla-pow... physical energy support... ...together and only brock spedwell can explain it. beroccaaaaaaaaaaaaa! beroccaaaaaaaaaaaaa! cereal and milk ♪ ♪ milk and cereal ♪ cereal and milk ♪ k -- e -- double -- l -- o-- double good ♪ ♪ protein to help you rebuild like you should ♪ ♪ great tasting grains to help you recharge ♪ ♪ put a spring in your step ♪ so you keep livin' large ♪ milk and cereal ♪ cereal cereal ♪ milk and cereal cereal cereal .... make your morning shine with delicious kellogg's cereal and milk. it has protein to help you rebuild, and grains to help you recharge.

kellogg's cereal and milk. see you at breakfast. hey, let's talk probiotics. for digestive health? yeah. and did you know trubiotics is a daily probiotic that helps in two ways? it supports digestive and immune health, by working in your gut where 70% of your immune system lives. hmm. try trubiotics today. you fifteen percent or more on huh, fiftcar insurance.uld save everybody knows that. well, did you know words really can hurt you? what...? jesse don't go! jesse...no! i'm sorry daisy, but i'm a loner. and a loner gotta be alone. heee yawww! geico. fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more. jesse? >> time for the other view. >> whether you are married or dating, dealing with the opposite sex can sometimes be confusing.

>> here with all the answers to your relationship questions is expert and the host of i heart radio's "love life with math yu hussey." today contributor math your -- matthew husy. >> you two are confusing? >> what do you mean? >> you're the opposite sex, and you're confusing. it's a double whammy. i love you. [ laughter ] >> i like your outfit. you are showing a little chest hair. i have never seen you do that. >> it's a tease. i just came up with that. that's how witty i am. >> you are witty. >> we brought people in our studio. let's hear our first question. >> i'm yoli from fort worth, texas, and my question is how to get back on the dating market after being single for 17 years. >> single for 17 years. how do you get back? >> it makes no difference. are you a mom? have you been married? what's your situation? >> i've been widowed 17 years ago, and raising a teenage daughter. >> any kids or no kids? >> one daughter. she's off to college. so --

>> so am i right in saying would you identify with being a mom? >> yes. that would be fair. >> see, right now what i want you to do is come back into a different identity. you're always going to be a mom, and that's always going to be a part of you, but you are also a single woman, and you are also a sexy woman. you're also a beautiful woman. >> yeah. hello. >> uh-huh. >> go out there and start actually engaging in activities again. you're never going to meet anyone at home, but you have to actually start engaging with the world. by the way, too many people focus on where am i going to go and meet great men? the starting point actually is meeting great women because if you can go and meet other single women who are having fun, who -- they don't have to be young, but they have to be youthful. if you can find women like that, then you're going to have women who you can go out with and have fun with. what you don't want is the woman who when you are out and about, you go and talk to a guy, and you come back, and she goes what was that? that was weird. why would you go and talk to someone you don't even know. you want the friend who when it goes wrong, you come back and she says, all right, next. >> you also want women that are

going to say have i got a guy for you, a guy for you? they can introduce you. >> thank you so much, hon. we have another question from right across the studio. yes. >> hi, i'm ellen from florida. as a mother of four children, i have two of the dating age and one about to date, and i was wondering i need some advice on the differences between my daughter dating and my son dating. >> daughter dating and son dating. two different animals. >> we do have double standards in this world. >> we sort of do, which makes this question a little tricky to answer. my immediate response, which i think is somewhat hypocritical which is to say your son needs to be taught how to respect women, and your daughter needs to be taught how to respect herself. the reason i say that is because so often it's boys who are leading girls to a place that maybe they're not ready for, but boys have been taught they need to rush through every stage in order to be cool, so they're trying to rush your daughter to a place that she may not want to go so quickly. that being said, everyone knows

a young woman who could be a bad influence on a guy, so it's not like your son is completely off the hook. ultimately you've got to teach both of them to have that jewel skill of both being able to go after what they want and have fun and flirt, but also being able to respect themselves and their own standards and learning that it's not cool to move as quickly as possible. actually, one of the things that will make them unique is if they don't give into peer pressure that everyone else is facing. >> yeah. be different. >> smart, good advice. >> thank you. >> i think we even have somebody else standing over there. >> yes, we do. >> hi. >> hi. i'm edza from toronto, canada, and i was wondering how you get the sizzle back into your relationship when you have teenage kids in the house. >> she's got a good point. a lot of people are looking to reignite. >> teenagers are the worst for that because they're also a terribly embarrassed at the same time as being terribly intrusive. with teenagers around, look, i think of it like this. when you are at school, you

weren't supposed to flirt and be naughty around boys, but you still did. you still managed to have fun. you snuck in five minutes when you could. there's no difference when you are at home with teenagers or the very worst, send them out. get them out with their friends. that's where they want to be anyways. take those opportunities to be fun, to be sexy with your guy and don't worry. it can't always be perfect. there's a great phrase from i think volt air, who said don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. don't keep waiting for the perfect romantic or sexual moment. take what you can get in the time. >> we are going to end with a young man. a 15-year-old. his mother is off camera, so we didn't just put him out in front of the camera. what's your question, hon? >> i'm gabe from connecticut, and i was wondering how to start an interesting conversation with somebody that you're interested in. >> how do you start the interesting convo? that's a great question. >> great question. when i was your age, i was the worst guy i knew at this. i was terrible at talking to women.

the key for this is don't overthink it. one of the little challenges i used to set myself is when i go into a room, make three observations about what's going on in that room. is there -- you know, if you are in a coffee shop, is there a nice coffee smell. is it busy? is one wearing a loud, bright jacket you can comment on? make three observations. it will eliminate that part of your thinking which thinks how do i find the perfect thing to say because you always have three observations to talk about, and lastly, don't ever be afraid to compliment a girl. okay? not only will they like it, because you're clearly a lovely gentleman and charming, so you're not going to come across as sleazy doing it, but at the same time they're interested in seeing the guy who can give them a compliment without an agenda. don't always compliment the girl you like. compliment everybody. >> all right. be that guy. >> thank you. >> thank you. all righty. stop packing on the pounds as you age.

>> madeleine with the foods to choose and the ones to avoid. >> and two moms surprise their kids with brand new looks. >> we're going to check out their ambush makeovers coming up after these messages. the summer of this. the summer that summers from here on will be compared to. where memories will be forged into the sand. and then hung on a wall for years to come. get out there, with over 50,000 hotels at $150 dollars or less. expedia. find yours. [ male announcer ] there's a simpler way to fluffier eggs. i can't believe it's not butter! the simpler way to delicious fluffy eggs. believe. the simpler way to delicious fluffy eggs. so factors like diet can negatively impact good bacteria? even if you're healthy and active. phillips digestive health support is a duo-probiotic

that helps supplement good bacteria found in two parts of your digestive tract. i'm doubly impressed! phillips' digestive health. a daily probiotic.

>> want to see madeline and you can swap foods to fend off the pounds as we age. >> they are ladies in waiting. waiting to see the results of their ambush makeover. >> awesome. >> all coming up after your local news.

we're back on this thirsty thursday which means it's time for ambush makeovers. >> that's when our resident

makeover team contributor and stylist to the stars. ♪ louis vicari, la, la, la, la, la ♪ >> i love when our people are watching are singing along with us. >> and today contributor and author jill martin sweep two ladies off the plaza for new looks. >> how was it? >> it was great. perfect day. it was supposed to rain, and it didn't. the gods are with us. beyond perfect. >> our first lucky lady is ellen. she's 44 years old from potomac falls, virginia. she has come here in hopes that she would be picked for ambush. >> so many signs on the plaza today, but when we picked you, you were flipping out. >> yeah. >> why is it so important? >> i have had the same look for a decade, and i am ready for a change. >> your sister says the same thing about you. >> yeah. she's been talking about getting ambushed for quite some time. she tried last year, and it

didn't work out, and she has been letting her hair grow i would say for the past four or five months just for this day. >> you have -- la la la la la down. >> yes, big fans. >> all right. here we go for three hours. >> i'm ready. >> we heard them singing. there they are. there's mary, her son andrew, and mary's son, will. please keep your blind folds on for just a second. here is ellen before. all right, ellen, let's see the new you. ♪ >> oh, my gosh. >> all right, guys. you ready? take off your blind folds. >> wow. >> wow. >> what a transformation. >> are you ready to see yourself? >> spin right here. >> oh, my goodness. >> you look like emma stone. you look adorable. >> emma stone. yeah. >> look right here at camera 12. gorgeous. tell us about the hair.

>> we were trying to figure out who she looked like, and you were right, emma stone. oh, my gosh. >> yes. >> still on the light side even though it's red hair. we had vanessa do the haircut. look at this beautiful hair cut. the wave is still there, but a more appropriate length that works with your face shape. we have beautiful length. >> family. >> looks very, very -- >> totally different, which is what she was looking for. >> oh, my gosh. >> are you freaking out? yes. >> jill, that dress is so cute, and it's adorable. >> it's flirty. we picked this together. it's laundry by shelly seagull. look at the great statement ring. >> gorgeous. >> shop.com. >> round of applause for ellen. >> go to your family right over there. >> our second lady is beth leech she's 47 from collieville, texas. she's had the same exact haircut since junior high so, she begged us to give her a brand new style. let's listen to her story.

>> wonder how we noticed these two? first of all, the sign, and john is videoing every single moment, so we won't talk to you, but i know you really want this. >> oh, my gosh. i'm so excited. i can't stand it. i used to get dolled up all the time, and then i stay home with my kids, and then this is what happened, and now my kids are old, so i need to, like -- i need to get back to -- >> boy, i love you. i can't wait to do this. >> john, say something to yourself here. >> i think she looks great already, but i know you guys do great work. i've seen your show before. i'm looking forward to it. i can't wait. >> how cute is he? >> what a cute family. she's here with her husband, john, you just saw him. they're celebrating the happy 20th anniversary. big guy. their son drake. look at the one time before, and bring out the new beth leech. ♪ >> oh, my gosh. >> wow. >> amazing transformations. guys, take off your blindfolds. >> oh, my gosh. >> i have had the same hair for 40 years.

>> you look awesome. >> ready to look? >> oh, gosh. >> you look so -- >> i look like my daughter. >> really? >> yes. i look like my daughter. >> beautiful. >> amazing. >> she has brown hair. >> she's as beautiful as you are. that's fantastic! what do you think, john? >> i kept on -- >> i'm speechless. >> i felt like a jerk, because i thought the chances were so slim, i was like, mom, there's no way you're going to make it, because i thought she looked so pretty before. >> oh, that's so nice. >> wow. >> wow. >> it's our 20-year anniversary. i didn't know you could improve on something that was already great and beautiful, and you did. this is amazing. >> i can't believe it. >> try to top that. >> you guys are amazing. >> that's the perfect family. >> yes. >> bottle that and you could make millions.

what we did here is i made her obviously browner. she overstreaked her hair. it was fried and white. it was white instead of a gold, and she's a young woman. you know -- it made her look older. >> i was going to say. >> that's a good sign when she's doing that at the end. >> great vanessa haircut. and a little bit of lipstick. >> sexy. sexy dress. >> tell us about the dress, jill. >> isn't the dress just fabulous. i love just a little cut-out. she has such a beautiful bustline. this is new by shawnee, and then soma intimates underneath. >> look at this gorgeous body. >> thanks. >> ellen, step right out. big round of applause. >> congratulations. >> thanks, louis and jill. >> the foods to choose and the foods to avoid in the battle of the bulge, everybody. >> thank you. >> everybody clawing away at the dinner table when you learn how to make these lobster quesadillas. we'll be right back.

that it's given me time toabout reflect on some of life'seen biggest questions. like, if you could save hundreds on car insurance by making one simple call, why wouldn't you make that call? see, the only thing i can think of is that you can't get any... bars. ah, that's better. it's a beautiful view. i wonder if i can see mt. rushmore from here. geico. fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more on car insurance. jim's hair is perfect. so's his serve. but like up to 90% of us, jim falls short in getting important nutrients from food alone. jim, here's $2 off one a day multivitamins to get key nutrients you may need. go to oneaday.com for savings. is the natually refreshing liway to enjoy your meals.ea it's the flavour we all savour, does any food a favour. gotta be more tea! tea-riffic liption. be more tea. muppets most wanted, on blu-ray and digital august 12th.

yyyup. with xfinity internet soyour family can use all their devices at once. works anywhere in the house. even in the garage. max what's going on? we're doing a tech startup. we're going public! [cheering] the fastest in-home wifi for your entire family. only from xfinity.

all right. it is time to take you into today's kitchen for fresh seafood, and it doesn't get better than lobster straight from maine. >> we are so excited. here with some classic and new recipes, cousins jim and sabine. from cousins made lobster food trucks in california. >> how much fun are these two? >> we're a lot of fun. can we dance? ♪ >> let's eat! >> what are you making? >> we have our rolls right here. you going to eat them? >> please pass one down. >> what's in this? lobster? >> these it is taily things. >> i'm going to get -- okay. >> what's on here? nothing?

just lobster and a piece of bread? >> naked lobster. you have butter and maine lobster meat and mayonnaise and maine lobster meat. >> should we switch? >> no. >> let's do quesadilla. >> we're doing it in our trucks in los angeles. our mother always made these. >> i never got any. >> so we started making lobster quesadillas in los angeles. they're a hit. >> we're going to throw it on here and let it sit, and then -- >> why don't we put some cheese on it? >> we're not there yet. >> both cousins. >> well, no. we're from maine, so that's all i'm saying. >> we do a pico de gallo. a fancy way to say salso. >> what's going on with the pico? >> tomatoes, nee seeds in the middle. white onions.

jalapenos, no seeds in the jalapenos. you guys get your hands dirty. come on. >> no sleeves. roll them up. >> oh, boy. >> that's enough. >> i don't know if that was the right ratio, but you got to dance when you make pico. >> what's the pico song? >> we're going to come up with a new one after. >> now what? >> all right. it's made. >> you never put any cheese on there. >> let's do cheese on half of the tortilla. right there. nice job on the placement. the lobster meat on top. >> yes. >> lots of lobster. >> looks like you have done this before. she's generous. >> wow. fold it over. we're going to let it sit for about three, four -- >> don't burn yourself. >> let it sit for three or four minutes? >> did you ever see the movie "chef?" >> oh, yeah. food truck is in that movie. >> what! >> stop it, that's a great movie! >> then what happens? >> talk to her about the -- >> i'm going to switch sides. just to be closer to you now.

>> the sauce. we have plain yogurt. we have mayo. >> they're getting very touchy over there. >> am i chopped liver over here? >> put it all together, blend it up, you come up with our wonderful cousins quesadilla sauce. then we have our finished products. >> you got to try this. >> i'm getting it. thank you. >> i'll just worry about this one over here. don't worry. >> if there's a fire, it will be your fault. >> just going to flip it. >> thank you. thank you. this is such an easy recipe. i can't believe. >> it's perfect for the summertime. >> where are your trucks? they're all over? >> los angeles. we have four food trucks in los angeles. voted the number one food truck in l.a. for three years in a row. >> i see why. this is sensational. >> congratulations, guys. >> thank you. >> thank you so much. thank you. we are cooking up a wonderful webtastic video to show you. >> to break up the salsa. looking for foods to choose and foods to avoid to stop the middle age spread. i think this might be one of them. >> i think so. >> waback after this.

♪ you help me pour. the simple grains of rice krispies®. oooo! good. help me. they're made with rice. they're popping! where'd the sound go? is it in your tummy? a gentle grain that's easy for little tummies to digest and fun to eat. kellogg's rice krispies®. ♪ now what if i told youok a hotel you can save up to 60%,me first. but you couldn't know the name until after you book? did i say never? i didn't mean it. ♪ hey, let's talk probiotics. for digestive health? yeah. and did you know trubiotics is a daily probiotic that helps in two ways? it supports digestive and immune health, by working in your gut where 70% of your immune system lives. hmm. try trubiotics today.

it is time for boomtastic. hoda down to 16 days before she turns 50. today we bring you simple diet changes to help you lose that womanly waistline because it's happening because you sometimes eat these things. >> while some forces biology are out of our control, our food choices can make a huge difference in how and where we gain weight. here is nbc news health and diet editor madeline burgstrom. where does this go on the list? >> the lobster roll for you is a smart indulgence. it's not about deprivation. you want to have it, and there's verye ma littlnnaise. that's a little bit. >> i could have another bite and call it a day. >> tell us about what's happening. >> in midlife it's not your imagination that you put on weight more easily because two things happen. first is your metabolism slows. that means the same calories you ate at age 30 to maintain your weight you need about 200

calories fewer at age 50 to maintain that weight. it becomes harder. secondly, we all know that dropping estrogen is an issue in midlife where it changes the cascade of all the hormones make it easier to get that fat in the middle when you eat more calories. the best way to combat that is to make some smart choices. you don't have to gain that weight. >> back in the day when we were younger, we liked mashed potatoes and pasta. but there are good alternatives to that? >> who doesn't love a nice starchy. it gives that you mouth feel. you can swap out a few things. first you can use spaghetti squash. >> which i love spaghetti squash. angel hair pasta or zuchini linguini. or cauliflower or parsnips. that gives you the same mashed potato feel. >> i'm still eating my lobster roll. >> it's really good. both of them are going to be really great. it gives you that texture of having a starch. >> it tastes buttery.

but not butter in them. >> condiments is my shortfall. >> sneaky condiments. even a table spoon of barbecue sauce can have 30 calories or so. even ketchup. we just slosh this on. regular mayonnaise will be a high calor choice. try to swap out salsa or mustard. very low in calories for a little spice sriracha or even hot sauce. don't go fat free with things like mayonnaise because there's no flavor. you'll add more, and it doesn't do anything. reduced fat gives you that mouth feel effect and that mouth feel is so important because you can't be deprived or it's not -- >> i tried to switch the mustard because i love ketchup and mayo and all those creamy things. >> dips and dressings that we all use really every day. even with a big salad. you know, one no-brainer is to use greek yogurt instead of sour cream. when you follow a recipe for oil and vinegar, if you don't want to use this balsamic, do things like just reverse it. instead of two-thirds oil, just dump this in, just use one part oil and two parts vinegar. or just use all vinegar if you

like. or all vinegar if you like. >> some of you use bottle dressings. take something like ranch dressing, and just add some buttermilk. >> buttermilk. >> that's what ranch is based. instead of having a big fatty dressing, can you create your own lower fat version. >> doesn't buttermilk have a lot of fat? >> it's low fat. >> i didn't realize that. >> the buttermilk is not fatty. it's a strange term for something that's low in fat. >> what about drinks? >> drinks are a big calorie sink whether it's nonalcoholic juices or sodas or a fruity alcoholic cocktail. what you want to do is swap out for something that you like. some sparkling wine. you can have club soda and dump frozen fruit right into that, or just have a splash of juice into your sparkling water. just downsize your drink. avoid the things that have no limit. even a 12 ounce bottle of regular beer, 150 calories is good. it's all -- >> it just adds up. >> it adds up, and you won't really feel that you have having calories. >> the salty snacks. >> salty snacks. salt and crunch is really

important. when you think about any of these fried things, you want to get away from that and think about how to bulk up your taste with air and fiber and water. something like popcorn will be good. even some vegetables that you have some low fat dip is going to be good, or make your own whole grain pitas without all the fat. so you get the crunch. >> make it instead of -- >> you can bake it instead of fried. even mix and match. >> just quickly, the last thing. >> who wouldn't like frozen desserts? to avoid some of these things, get something that's calorie controlled. frozen yogurt on a stick or make your own, and fruit that has just a drop of chocolate on it is really satisfying and -- >> bananas with chocolate. >> oh, that's good. >> bananas are so satisfying. this really helps. grapes right out of the freezer. >> that's the best thing to do. >> grapes and cherries are really good to do. >> awesome. >> thanks, darling. happy summer. >> surprise, we have a webtastic video that will bring tears of joy to you. >> first this is "today" on nbc.

so factors like diet can negatively impact good bacteria? even if you're healthy and active. phillips digestive health support is a duo-probiotic that helps supplement good bacteria found in two parts of your digestive tract. i'm doubly impressed! phillips' digestive health. a daily probiotic. you fifteen percent or more on huh, fiftcar insurance.uld save everybody knows that. well, did you know words really can hurt you? what...? jesse don't go! jesse...no!

i'm sorry daisy, but i'm a loner. and a loner gotta be alone. heee yawww! geico. fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more. jesse? he has been called energizing, electrifying and unaware of personal boundaries. and now he's here to explain one product that does two things. beroccaaaaaaaaaaaaa! fla-pow... mental sharpness support... fla-pow... physical energy support... ...together and only brock spedwell can explain it. beroccaaaaaaaaaaaaa! beroccaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

it is time for webtastic when we dig up the video that will sure put a smile on your face. >> emma kate tucker was celebrating her first double digit birthday, the big 1-0. her mom wanted to surprise her with an extra special gift. >> emma kate asked for a cell phone, video game, or puppy. she had no idea what was inside the birthday box. >> let's take a look as she opens her birthday surprise with little sister addison cheering her on. >> just do it. >> i'm too scared. >> is it in there? what's in there? >> a dog. [ giggling ] >> oh, oh. >> oh. [ giggling ] >> oh, it's so --

>> her name is cleo. >> those are tears of joy. oh, you're so cute. oh. [ crying ] >> i love that. >> emma kate's mom said her daughter cried tears of joy for a good 15 minutes after getting her puppy who she named chloe. >> again, the puppy could breathe fine in the box. lots of holes. look how happy. happy birthday to emma kate. >> i think addison is just as happy as her sister. >> she is. all right. coming up -- >> i miss my puppy. >> i love your puppy. tomorrow -- >> i love you, puppy. >> the growing trend in family vacations that will have you doing more than laying on the beach. >> and how one bag of cookies can go a long way.

>> you know what we have to say to you at home. have a great thirsty thursday >> i'm here to help. you and i will get through this together. ♪