Lizzie Fuhr
Assistant Editor, Fitness
workouts

Keep Up the Good Work! 10 Ways to Reward Yourself For $10

Celebrate your healthy accomplishments with a healthy (and cheap!) treat for $10 or less.

Celebrate your healthy accomplishments with a healthy (and cheap!) treat for $10 or less. Instead of breaking the bank, overindulging, or hindering your healthy progress, each of these ideas supports your new balanced lifestyle.

  1. Dig into a new book: Even if you have the best intentions to read regularly, work and other obligations manage to get in the way. Schedule out a block of time to read a few chapters of a book you've been wanting to check out for a long time. If you're not a huge reader, buying a physical (or virtual) stack of fresh magazines is another welcome luxury with little cost!
  2. Make your own face mask: You might not want to shell out a ton of cash for a professional facial, but with just four common ingredients (most of which you already have in your kitchen!), you can DIY your own peel-off face mask with this tutorial from POPSUGAR Beauty.
  3. Download new music: Nothing motivates like a quality workout playlist. Either download a handful of new songs you love on iTunes, or buy a month of Spotify Premium for $10. This way, you can have all of our workout playlists with you on all your devices with no commercials whatsoever.
  4. Buy a bauble on Etsy: Sure, Etsy has some high-end expensive jewelry, but there are plenty of stylish options for under $10! This neon bib necklace will help you make a statement this Summer, but this running bracelet might remind you to stick with the program.
  5. Sleep in late: Instead of waking up early to make time for a Sunday morning workout, give yourself permission to sleep in and lounge around as late as you want. Beyond being free, taking time to rest is necessary for a healthy lifestyle.

Keep reading for five more ways to treat yourself for $10 or less.

4 Easy Tips to Burn More Fat Today

While the concept of burning fat might feel elusive, reaching your goals might be easier than you think.

While the concept of burning fat might feel elusive, reaching your goals might be easier than you think. Boosting your metabolism plays an essential role in the process, and these techniques are all specifically linked to burning fat. Take these four tips to heart to see big results. 


Go for the big burn: When it comes to the workout that truly blasts the most fat, Len Kravitz, Ph.D., puts it simply: "to burn more fat, burn more calories." Your lengthy leisurely walk or restorative yoga class is a great start, but they're not necessarily going to help you take off weight. If you're not sure where to start, then try this ten minute exercise to get you going.

Drink green tea: Green tea does more than calm you down and prevent sickness. According to a study from American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, drinking tea may have fat-fighting effects. The combination of green tea's high content of caffeine and catechins stops the body from absorbing carbohydrates and helps burn more fat. Drink it with meals, enjoy it before a workout, and basically do whatever you can to take teatime regularly. Keep reading for two more ways you can burn more fat.

healthy eating tips

Not So Sweet: 5 Foods That Are Surprisingly High in Sugar

Even if you're not a dessert junkie, you might be shocked at some of the everyday foods that pile on the sugar.


Even if you're not a dessert junkie, you might be shocked at some of the everyday foods that pile on the sugar. According to the American Heart Association, most women should be consuming no more than 100 calories from added sugars per day, or about 24 grams (six teaspoons of sugar). Added sugars come from sugars or syrups and are cooked into foods or sprinkled on at the table. While you should be concerned about all the sugar you're eating, generally speaking, naturally occurring sugars are less detrimental to your health — especially when they come in the form of a piece of fruit. The following list offers a mix of the two, but learning about all high-sugar foods will help you make smarter decisions in the future.

Spaghetti sauce: One cup of jarred marinara sauce from the store contains 14.5 grams of sugar, much of it from added sugar. Instead of buying the store-bought stuff, up the nutritional value and lower the sugar content naturally with this light and tasty raw tomato basil sauce, perfect for a refreshing Spring supper.

Juice: Robert Lustig, a pediatrician at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital has said "juice is just like soda . . . there is no difference." It's not surprising that fruit juice is filled with sugar, but even a glass of V8 vegetable juice has eight grams of sugar per serving, and some store-bought green juices contain a large amount of apple juice. Grab your blender or juicer and go for a leafy green smoothie instead of a sugar-laden beverage. There's no need to drink all your sugar and calories for the day in one sitting.

Bread: Bread may seem like a strange place to find sugar, but two slices of whole wheat bread have four grams of sugar. Opt for stuffing all your sandwich fillings into a large whole wheat pita that only has 0.5 grams of sugar.

Keep reading for two more surprising foods loaded with sugar.

Weight Loss

4 Easy Tips to Burn More Fat Today

While the concept of burning fat might feel elusive, reaching your goals might be easier than you think.

While the concept of burning fat might feel elusive, reaching your goals might be easier than you think. Boosting your metabolism plays an essential role in the process, and these techniques are all specifically linked to burning fat. Take these four tips to heart to see big results.

Go for the big burn: When it comes to the workout that truly blasts the most fat, Len Kravitz, Ph.D., puts it simply: "to burn more fat, burn more calories." Your lengthy leisurely walk or restorative yoga class is a great start, but they're not necessarily going to help you take off weight. If you're not sure where to start, then check out these exercises that burn the most calories in 15 minutes to have an idea of what you should be looking for when choosing a new workout.

Drink green tea: Green tea does more than calm you down and prevent sickness. According to a study from American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, drinking tea may have fat-fighting effects. The combination of green tea's high content of caffeine and catechins stops the body from absorbing carbohydrates and helps burn more fat. Drink it with meals, enjoy it before a workout, and basically do whatever you can to take teatime regularly.

Keep reading for two more ways you can burn more fat.

workouts

8 Summer Yoga Festivals We'd Love to Attend in 2013

Planning a healthy Summer getaway?

Planning a healthy Summer getaway? Consider one of these yoga festivals that aim to bring like-minded yogis together through music and yoga flow. Each of these festivals offers an experience that will leave you rested, refreshed, and heading back to the "real" world with a positive attitude. Click through to learn about the festivals we'd love to attend before you book your next adventure.

Source: Ali Kaukas

Soba Good: Noodle Salad With Ginger Peanut Dressing

If you haven't worked with soba yet, it's time to acquaint yourself these protein- and fibre-filled, gluten-free buckwheat noodles.

If you haven't worked with soba yet, it's time to acquaint yourself these protein- and fibre-filled, gluten-free buckwheat noodles. They help bulk up many salad and soup recipes, but they also stand strong on their own. Smooth and tangy ginger peanut dressing complements the chewy noodles and crisp veggies. This is one recipe you'll love having for leftovers the next day, since the flavours develop with time. Keep reading for this quick and satisfying gluten-free recipe.

Bikini

Sexy and Sporty: 7 Trendy Bikini Tops

Lounging all day at the beach might be your speed, but anyone who's fallen out of a bikini can tell you, they wish they'd thought their top choice through.

Lounging all day at the beach might be your speed, but anyone who's fallen out of a bikini can tell you, they wish they'd thought their top choice through. If you're going to be active at the beach this Summer, click through the following trendy picks to inspire smart swimwear beyond the standard triangle top.

Source: Thinkstock
healthy recipes

Soba Good: Noodle Salad With Ginger Peanut Dressing

If you haven't worked with soba yet, it's time to acquaint yourself these protein- and fiber-filled, gluten-free buckwheat noodles.

If you haven't worked with soba yet, it's time to acquaint yourself these protein- and fiber-filled, gluten-free buckwheat noodles. They help bulk up many salad and soup recipes, but they also stand strong on their own. Treat your taste buds to this Thai-inspired salad, perfect for warmer weather. Smooth and tangy ginger peanut dressing complements the chewy noodles and crisp veggies. This is one recipe you'll love having for leftovers the next day, since the flavors develop with time. Keep reading for this quick and satisfying gluten-free recipe.

Spring

8 Creative Sides For a Late-Spring BBQ

It's still technically Spring, but given how April showers have quickly passed into sunny May days, now's the perfect time to head to the outdoors and fire up the grates for a pre-Summer cookout.

It's still technically Spring, but given how April showers have quickly passed into sunny May days, now's the perfect time to head to the outdoors and fire up the grates for a pre-Summer cookout.

You could go for the classic sides — or just grab bags of your favorite chips — but putting in some extra effort won't go unnoticed by all your guests who are looking forward to what you'll be heating up on the grill! Click through to check out eight less-conventional sides that will have everyone impressed.

Weight Loss

6 Foods to Avoid Before You Hit the Beach

We know you're spending plenty of time getting your body bikini ready with healthy food and fun workouts.

We know you're spending plenty of time getting your body bikini ready with healthy food and fun workouts. While taking note of these tips to make bathing suit shopping easier is a great start, being equipped with as many tools as possible will help you feel confident before running around on the beach. In case you're concerned about unnecessary extra bloat before you rock your bikini, here are six foods to avoid right before you hit the beach.

Carbonated drinks: While you've hopefully taken the initiative to say goodbye to soda for good, sparkling water can be a decent substitute if you can't get enough of those bubbles. With that said, it's best to avoid any carbonated drinks before you hit the beach to steer clear of unnecessary belly bulge or gas.

Salt: Supersalty foods or added salt don't necessarily make you gassy, but they definitely make you retain water. Even though those cantina chips and salsa may seem like the ideal prebeach grub, opt for something with lower levels of sodium to help you feel your best before you head to the ocean.

Cruciferous veggies: They're great foods for long-term weight loss, but if there's one time not to chow down on a heaping helping of broccoli, cabbage, or kale, it's right before you hit the beach! These veggies contain a complex sugar called raffinose that's known to cause some lovely bloat.

Keep reading for three more foods to avoid before the beach.

Paleo Perfect: Cauliflower "Rice" Stir-Fry

Paleo dieters craving a big bowl of stir-fry will find delicious comfort in this fresh, bright, and satisfying cauliflower "rice" recipe.

Paleo dieters craving a big bowl of stir-fry will find delicious comfort in this fresh, bright, and satisfying cauliflower "rice" recipe. Beyond being a Paleo-friendly offering, this grain-free stir-fry has zero cholesterol, is low in sodium, and offers your entire daily recommended intake of vitamin A and vitamin C in just one meal. While this recipe requires a decent amount of chopping in the kitchen, once the prep is done, the cook time is under 15 minutes — just trust me on this one, the healthy result is well worth the effort.

Keep reading for your new favourite Paleo recipe.

healthy living

Paleo Perfect: Cauliflower "Rice" Stir-Fry

Paleo dieters craving a big bowl of stir-fry will find delicious comfort in this fresh, bright, and satisfying cauliflower "rice" recipe.

Paleo dieters craving a big bowl of stir-fry will find delicious comfort in this fresh, bright, and satisfying cauliflower "rice" recipe. Beyond being a Paleo-friendly offering, this grain-free stir-fry has zero cholesterol, is low in sodium, and offers your entire daily recommended intake of vitamin A and vitamin C in just one meal. While this recipe requires a decent amount of chopping in the kitchen, once the prep is done, the cook time is under 15 minutes — just trust me on this one, the healthy result is well worth the effort.

Keep reading for your new favorite Paleo recipe.

workouts

Your 5K Playlist: 10.5-Minute Mile

Anyone who runs a 10.5-minute mile needs to listen to this new 5K playlist on her next run.

Anyone who runs a 10.5-minute mile needs to listen to this new 5K playlist on her next run. There's a little something for every runner's needs in this perfect blend of rock, pop, and soul. Subscribe to the Spotify playlist, then keep reading for the full list of songs.

workouts

Stand Up Tall: 31 Essential Yoga Poses

Standing poses might not be as glamorous as the big arm balances, but their benefits are plenty.
Warrior Eagle

Standing poses might not be as glamorous as the big arm balances, but their benefits are plenty. They can open up your chest and shoulders and help you build long, lean, and strong arms and legs. The following 31 standing poses vary from beginner to advanced, so try out those that only serve you right now. Instead of feeling discouraged about those you can't do yet, look forward to what you'll be able to do a few months down the line!

Photo: Jenny Sugar
healthy living

Your Healthy Monday Mantra

If you feel like you're falling off the fit wagon, look to this quote for inspiration.

If you feel like you're falling off the fit wagon, look to this quote for inspiration. Remember that consistency is your key to success.

Vegan

Hit the Grill With These Vegan-Friendly Burgers

There's nothing better than some grilled goodness for Memorial Day weekend.

There's nothing better than some grilled goodness for Memorial Day weekend. If you've taken on a vegan or vegetarian diet and you're tired of those prepackaged burgers, you're in luck. There's something to tempt vegans regardless of their preferences, from white bean to black bean to portobello — no one-size-fits-all here! Click through to get inspired for your start-of-Summer backyard BBQ bliss or a weeknight supper.

Not in the Mood? How to Trick Yourself Into a Workout

You know it's the right thing to do, but every once in a while, getting to a workout can feel close to impossible.

You know it's the right thing to do, but every once in a while, getting to a workout can feel close to impossible. A late night or a tough day can leave you wanting to cancel your fitness plans and have a date with your book.  During these times, making time to exercise is even more essential, since it can restore endorphins, clear your head, and leave you with a sense of calm. If making moves to the gym is feeling difficult, then try one of these low-key ideas that start slow but might turn into a more intense workout session.

Go out for a walk: Start off on a leisurely walk, plug into your favourite inspiring workout playlist, and see what happens. Once you warm up a bit, you might find yourself on a brisk jog or alternating between a fast-paced walk and sprints.

Stretch on your mat: Rolling out that yoga mat might be the only motivation you need. Once you move through a series of relaxing and restorative poses, your body might be feeling so great that you start moving through a few series of Sun Salutations to get your heart rate rising.

Start slow on a machine: Hop on the elliptical or a stationary bike, and start at a slow and steady pace as you catch up on your favourite show or magazines. Once you start to get into the groove, you might find yourself moving through your own short interval workout, alternating between periods of pushing your body of the max and rest periods.

How do you trick yourself into a workout? Tell us below!

Paleo Pasta Alternative: Zucchini Noodles

A grain-free life does not have to be free of comfort food!

A grain-free life does not have to be free of comfort food! When you're craving a big bowl of garlicky pasta, cook up these zucchini noodles aglio et olio (garlic and oil) instead. The real comfort here, other than that fragrant garlic, comes from "breadcrumbs" created from toasted almond meal; I was truly surprised by how much I enjoyed their flavour and texture.

Keep reading for this protein-packed, Paleo-friendly recipe for pasta.

healthy recipes

Paleo Pasta Alternative: Zucchini Noodles

A grain-free life does not have to be free of comfort food!

A grain-free life does not have to be free of comfort food! When you're craving a big bowl of garlicky pasta, cook up these zucchini noodles aglio et olio (garlic and oil) instead. The real comfort here, other than that fragrant garlic, comes from "breadcrumbs" created from toasted almond meal; I was truly surprised by how much I enjoyed their flavor and texture.

Keep reading for this protein-packed, Paleo-friendly recipe for pasta.