The holidays are fast approaching and we've been bringing you all many helpful survival tips to get you through until the New Year. And as we round up the best of the year, there have been plenty of other new happenings to follow, like where to meet a healthy mate. Find out what happened in Fit this week when you start the slideshow.
My friend recently divulged to me that she has downloaded all her Christmas music onto her iPod and has been listening to it at the gym while she works out. She says that it not only gets her into the spirit, but the cheerful tunes also remind her of the good things she is doing for herself in such a busy time. It's a great idea, but I am not sure if I'll be putting holiday songs on my iPod anytime soon. What about you guys . . .
If you're active and into a healthy lifestyle, perusing through health magazines can give you great recipe ideas, interesting facts about ingredients and supplements, and inspirational how-tos to tone your upper body.
When I asked about your Favorite Health Magazine, I'd have to agree with the results. Women's Health is top on your list (and mine), because it's mature and easy to read. Shape and Self were close behind though, because they both motivate you to stay fit and healthy with their challenging workouts and details about new fitness gear. In case you're looking for a quick gift idea, keep in mind that subscriptions to health or fitness mags are always appreciated.
The holidays are all about hanging out with friends and loved ones. I am pleased that I was able to bring friends and former costars Courteney Cox and Jennifer Aniston together again in a FitSugar pop quiz. Have fun taking this little quiz to see how well you have been paying attention this week amid the holiday hubbub.
If you feel like you need a little review, all the answers can be found in this week's posts. Good luck!
'Tis the season for indulgence. The caloric load of champagne toasts and chocolate truffles add up, so it pays to cut calories where you can. An article in Shape reminded me of many simple ways to cut about 100 calories. The simplest one is to steam veggies and not sauté them. Produce like greens, eggplant, and mushrooms soak up the oil they are cooked in, which translates to added calories. To save about 100 calories, toss your veggies in a teaspoon or two of olive oil before serving. Skip the oil altogether and toss your veggies with lemon juice to shave even more calories off your meal.
I learned a new tip, too. Adding 1.5 cups chopped mushrooms to a pound of lean ground beef can lighten a burger by 100 calories. If you are interested in more easy ways to save calories, Shape has many more useful suggestions for shaving off 100, 200, and even 500 calories from dishes and meals.
The FitWit Foundation is focused on combating childhood obesity, but I'm wondering if its methods are both healthy and effective. CNN compares the nonprofit's six-week afterschool boot camp program to the Biggest Loser competition: While Biggest Loser rewards adults with large sums of money for meeting fitness goals, FitWit's competition rewards Atlanta Public School students with prizes like an iPod Nano.
Each week, volunteers lead students (who aren't involved in organized sports) through three 60-minute sessions involving fitness instruction and physical health education, and participants do two at-home workouts between sessions. FitWit instructor Ben Thoele said, "After six weeks, all participants have an increased total fitness ability. We averaged over 40 percent improvement in total fitness in our first program last spring. It's common to have a participant double their fitness ability."
I have no doubt participants leave the program with increased fitness levels, but I'm wondering if a six-week competition with prizes is the best way to influence kids to be healthy in the long-term. What do you think of the way the program is set up for students? Is it cool or not?
We all want to look good when we see our families for the holidays, so some of us shift diets and exercise routines into high gear. Some may think it's a waste of time, with all the delicious beverages, scrumptious comfort foods, and decadent desserts — it's like fighting a losing battle. Others, just hope to maintain their current weight until Jan. 1. So where do you stand? Do you eat right and exercise right before the holidays, or do you give into temptation and start your healthy lifestyle after New Year's?
Woolrich
Cotswold Company
Bottega Veneta