healthy living

Why Does Coffee Make You Have to "Go"?

Updated 01/29/12 12:13 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 15 comments

Sipping on a hot cup of coffee in the morning is one of my simple pleasures. Not only does it offer some "me time," but I love the rich flavor, and the fact that it gives me an extra pep in my step. Millions of people drink coffee for the exact same reasons, but what they may not know is that drinking joe helps relieve muscle pain as well as improves memory and that it may help prevent skin cancer while also decreasing the risk of liver cancer.

These are all great reasons to enjoy a daily cup of java, but many people also love coffee because it makes them "go," and by that I mean more than an energy rush. Keep reading to see why a java jolt helps the final stages of the digestion process.

Source: Thinkstock
healthy living

Tools of the Trade: Gear For Healthy Living

Updated 01/28/12 7:50 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 0 comments

Smart tools and sweet gear help keep the pieces of a healthy lifestyle intact. From what you put on your plate to the quality of your sleep, we've rounded up our favorite things that help staying on the healthy path more manageable. Plus new gadgets always inspire! If you're feeling your healthy resolve waning as January winds to a close, take a look and see what little things might help you keep on keeping on!

There are only a few days left to enter our Get Fit For 2012 giveaways with prizes to jump-start your January: a year's worth of sneakers from Asics, a $500 gift card for Under Armour, a new food processor from Magimix, and KIND snacks for a year!

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community

Reader Recipe: Healthy Layered Greek Yogurt Dip

Updated 02/01/12 4:21 PM · Posted by Fit Community · 0 comments

Super Bowl snacks don't need to be unhealthy! Take this recipe for a Greek yogurt layered dip from FitSugar reader NicoleCulver. She posted it in our Healthy Recipe community group. Don't forget to post your own recipes in the community; they may wind up here on our homepage!

Mini-Layered Dip

  • Small clear cups
  • 3 avocados, mashed with a touch of salt and pepper
  • 2 large tomatoes, diced
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed well
  • 1 can refried beans
  • shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese
  • 0% plain Chobani Greek yogurt

Layer the ingredients in the cup as desired. Enjoy with chips or with a fork!

For more information on this dip check out Making Good Choices!

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healthy living

Would You Rather Catch Up on Sleep or Exercise?

Updated 01/30/12 7:27 AM · Posted by · 2 comments

There may be fewer cases of the flu than normal this year, but that doesn't mean that a lot of us aren't getting sick. And feeling run-down can throw a wrench in our workout plans, not to mention keep you up all night.

If you've been battling sickness, feeling exhausted, or just too busy, your sleep and exercise routines have both probably taken a beating. And while having a regular workout routine is important if you are trying to lose weight or stay healthy, so is getting enough sleep — lack of sleep can lead to weight gain and lead to a never-ending cycle of exhaustion. So when the weekend rolls around and you haven't been your usual well-rested, productive self, what's your priority: sleep or exercise?

Source: Thinkstock
cookies

If You're Craving Girl Scout Cookies, Try These Instead

Updated 01/31/12 2:37 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 18 comments

It's Girl Scout Cookie time! Noshing on these fund-raising treats seems like an American pastime, but it can be challenging to keep a snack session of these seasonal sweets in check. If you can enjoy your cookies in a reasonable manner, then good for you! But if you're looking for a way to scratch that sugary itch without killing your healthy eating agenda, here are some healthier alternatives.

Do-Si-Dos
Two-cookie serving: 120 calories, five grams of fat, seven grams of sugar

Quick Fix: The Larabar Peanut Butter Cookie is a perfect substitute since it's so filling — I usually only eat half of a bar at a time. One bar contains 220 calories, seven grams of protein, and four grams of fiber. Made out of dried dates, one bar equals one half serving of fruit. There are 18 grams of sugar in this bar, but the sugar content is not added; it naturally occurs in the dates. The other two ingredients in this bar are peanuts and salt.

DIY Fix: Make your own tasty peanut butter treat! Blend a little peanut butter, apple sauce, and raisins for a sweet, satisfying, and nutritious homemade spread. Two tablespoons of this peanut butter raisin spread offers almost five grams of protein and two grams of fiber.

Don't see your fave cookie? Keep on reading!

Food

10 Cereals With 8 or More Grams of Fiber

Updated 01/27/12 7:15 PM · Posted by · 16 comments

We all could use a little extra fiber in our diets, since it's recommended that women eat between 25 and 30 grams a day. Not only does fiber keep you regular, but it can also help lower your cholesterol and prevent heart disease and certain cancers. Breakfast is a wonderful time to fill up on fiber-rich foods, so check out which cereals contain eight or more grams of fiber per serving.

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