FitSugar

Love and Hearts in Headlines

FitSugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:00:00 PST

It is Valentine's Day (as if you didn't already know that after the barrage of hearts and flowers), but it is also heart-health month. The confluence of these two events has lead to many health headlines containing hearts and love. So check these stories for your V-day health news hit.

I love you, but you eat meat - The New York Times
Can a carnivore and a vegan find and sustain love? Opposites attract but since sharing meals is a significant part of the dating ritual all bets are off.

Heart attacks drop after Italy's smoking ban: study – Reuters
In 2005, Italy banned smoking in public places. A recent study found a sharp decline in heart attacks. Nice to see a public-health measure making a significant difference.

Cleveland gorillas have heart disease - Associated Press
It is not just the human heart that suffers, gorillas can develop heart disease, too. Who knew? Could it be all that beating on their chests? Just kidding.

Surprising reasons you're not having sex - CNN
It is said that today's woman is having less sex than her 1950s counterpart. If you find that a little surprising, then the reasons you're not getting might surprise you, too.

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Which Kind of Chocolate Do You Prefer?

FitSugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:00:00 PST

In my house Valentine's Day is all about chocolate. If you're trying to eat healthy you may only stick to eating an ounce or so of dark chocolate a day for the benefits. Others don't like the taste of dark chocolate and only eat milk chocolate, even if it's known to be less healthy. Since it's Valentine's Day, and we've all got chocolate on the mind, which do you prefer . . .

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Candy, Chocolate, and Sweets Oh My!

FitSugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 03:30:00 PST

Since Valentine's Day is a day of indulging in chocolate truffles, candy hearts, and all kinds of sweets, I thought it'd be fun to test your nutritional knowledge of so many of our favorite treats. Find out if the candy you love contains trans fat or more calories than you ever imagined.

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The Caloric Burn of Getting It On: Quiz

FitSugar — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 03:30:00 PST

I have heard many people equate sex with exercise – the two words even share the same sound in their first syllables! Since February is heart health month I thought I should quiz you on how sex affects your ticker.

So take this short but fun quiz and see just how much exercise you are really getting when getting it on.

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Kiss and Tell: The Physiology of Smooching

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 02:30:00 PST

The simple act of kissing is loaded, not only on the emotional front but physiologically as well. I didn't expect to find information about kissing in the usually unsexy Scientific American, but I learned some interesting things about kissing and just needed to share. Especially since Valentine's Day is only two days away.

Here are some new things I learned about the ancient art of kissing:

The uber romantic act of kissing may have evolved from the unappetizing practice of pre-chewing food for babies. Primate mothers chew food for their offspring and then feed them from their mouths.
If kissing makes you feel thin skinned, it could be because our lips have the thinnest layer of skin in the entire human body. Yet, lips are densely packed with sensory neurons that quickly send impulses to the brain.
Kissing may reduces stress chemicals in the body. So you might want to experiment with kissing the stress away.
Kissing couples tilt their heads to the right twice as often as they tilt to the left, and this tendency doesn't seem to be related to being right or left handed.
A Gallup survey revealed that out of 58 men, 59 percent of them lost their romantic interest in their kissing partner after a "bad" first kiss. Women seem to be a little more discerning as 66 percent out of 122 women dropped a potential love interest after a first kiss didn't pass muster.

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Fruits and Veggies to Get You in the Mood

FitSugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:30:00 PST

Being romantic doesn't have to mean being unhealthy. My pals at FruitandVeggieGuru.com have created a great list of food that will help you get in the mood for love. And yes, they are all fruits and veggies! So if you’re on the prowl for a healthier love potion this Valentine’s Day, you might want to try some of these foodstuffs, with their suggestive shape or color.

P.L.O.W. – Get Your Heart Rate Up

FitSugar — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 04:00:00 PST

Most love songs have a slow groove and inspire slow dancing and swaying to the music. It is, however,
heart health month. To celebrate the health of your heart as well as matters of the heart, I made a Valentine's playlist to help you get it up . . .your heart rate that is. I found songs about love, and songs with the word heart, or by the band Heart to make a well rounded music mix to inspire some heart pumping cardio.

To see what made the list just

The mix is about 40 minutes long and the first song is great for warming up and the last song is perfect for cooling down. If I missed your favorite exercise inspired love song, please let me know in the comments section below.

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Healthy Gift Ideas for Valentine's Day

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 02:00:00 PST

Valentine's Day is coming up, a day to celebrate your love for your friends and family. Why not show how you care with gifts that encourage a healthy and fit lifestyle?

Here are some ideas:

Go away for a weekend of skiing.
Get a bottle of red or white wine, since it's beneficial to your health.
Take a winter hike and pack a picnic.
Hire a personal chef to make you a healthy meal.
Plan a fitness related getaway, or sign up for an all day workshop.
Give blood together. Helping others is a great way to share your love.
Sign up for a private Couples Yoga session or buy a Lovers' Yoga book.

Want to see the rest? Then

Give organic flowers.
Or some yummy Dagoba Organic Chocolates. Not only is it delicious, but chocolate can help reduce coughs and soothe sore throats, increases blood flow, and lowers blood pressure.
How about red or pink fitness gear, dumbbells, or a gym bag?
Give a beautiful mug and some damiana tea -it's considered an aphrodisiac.
Treat both of you to a copy of the Dance of the Kama Sutra fitness DVD that is all about putting you in touch with your body and heart.

Have any other healthy ideas? Then please share them below.

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Get Physical: Valentine's Day Roundup

FitSugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:30:00 PST

Since Valentine's Day is approaching, why not try and get moving with someone special? My husband and I have had some fabulous talks on Saturday morning runs, and we've never laughed so hard as when we took a bikram yoga class together. Spice things up by getting physical with the love of your life in the bedroom and out. I already have many ways to get moving together so check out my Get Physical Roundup for new ideas to burn a few extra calories this Valentine's Day and beyond.

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Fit Valentine's Day: Weekend Getaways

FitSugar — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:15:00 PST

Instead of doing the same old Valentine's celebration, which for my husband and I, consists of stuffing ourselves with food and wine and eating our chocolate hearts and passing out on the couch, this year we're aiming for a healthier Valentine's Day celebration away from the kids. We don't have the cash or the time to get on a plane and fly somewhere exotic so we've opted to do a one night yoga retreat close by. There are plenty of hotels offering wellness retreats this season but check out my top fit picks this Valentine's Day.

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