FitSugar

You Asked: End of Summer Detox?

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 06:00:27 -0700

Dear Fit,
Over the Summer I've definitely been overindulging, chowing down at BBQs, eating tons of ice cream on hot days, and drinking more beer and cocktails in a weekend than I would in an entire month the rest of the year. I know it's not the healthiest, but hey, it's Summer and it only comes once a year. I haven't really gained weight, but I feel pretty disgusting. I'm wondering what you think about doing a detox to celebrate the end of my Summer diet, and the beginning of new healthier changes. I was just going to eat raw fruits and veggies, and drink water for two weeks to cleanse out my system.
- In Need of Detox

Well we've all been there, so you're not alone in taking in the goodness of Summer. While everything is OK in moderation, it's nice that you've recognized that you've crossed over that line. So now what to do? To find out if a detox is the answer, read more.

I cannot say this enough but no, a detox is not what you need. Raw fruits, veggies and water are healthy, yes, but you can't live on those alone for two weeks. You want to make sure you're getting enough protein, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients. If you don't, you'll experience symptoms such as loss of energy, headaches, muscle aches, irritability, and digestive issues.

Instead of a detox, what I do recommend is eating a diet full of all the healthy foods you can find including fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein, lowfat dairy products, and nuts. Omit or limit the foods that are high in saturated fat, sugar, and alcohol, and you'll instantly feel better. There's no need to shock your system and go raw for two weeks. Just make the commitment to eat healthy, but be sure to allow yourself small indulgences every once in a while. If you deny yourself the things you crave completely, it can backfire and set you back to your Summer ways.

What You Need to Know About Lyme Disease

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 03:30:06 -0700

Oh no! Poor Parker Posey has been diagnosed with Lyme disease. Due to her illness, the 40-year-old star of Best in Show is dropping out of her planned off-Broadway play, This. We wish her the best for a speedy recovery.

Posey certainly isn't alone. Lyme disease affects about 20,000 people in the United States each year, versus 10,000 new cases annually in the early '90s. Transmitted by blacklegged ticks, called deer ticks, in the eastern US and western blacklegged ticks on the West Coast, Lyme disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium. Not every tick transmits Lyme disease, just the ones that have fed on infected animals. Learn how to recognize the symptoms and prevent Lyme disease when you read more.

If you are bitten by a tick, you may not feel it. So keep an eye out for these symptoms if you've been outdoors:

A bull's eye-like skin rash, such as the one shown here. It may start as a small spot and expand into a purplish circle over a few days.
Fever
Fatigue
Joint aches

Most cases can be cured quickly with antibiotics, but some patients will later develop neurological complications, such as Bell's palsy. So be sure to protect yourself from ticks whenever you're outdoors by covering your skin with long sleeves and socks, and use plenty of bug spray. Don't forget to have a friend check you for ticks when you get home.

Have you ever had a tick or contracted Lyme disease?

Speak Up: Active Dream Vacation

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:00:04 -0700

I need a vacation as much as the next gal, but I must admit I have a hard time just lying on the beach. Even with a good book, I can only lounge for a day - max. My dream vacation is full of motion, and I have long dreamed about going on women-only surf safari.

After reading about the Women's Quest week-long bike tour of the wine country, which is practically in my backyard, I am thinking this could be my dream vacay. Biking through the rolling hills of Northern California, practicing yoga in the afternoons, and wine tastings for happy hour all sounds super sweet. Both adventure trips sound divine to me. As Summer begins to wind down, tell me your active dream vacation.

Do You Rent Bikes on Vacation?

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:00:07 -0700

It's the peak of tourist season in San Francisco, and the streets are full of adventurous travelers riding around on rented bikes. I admire people who want to stay active on vacation, and bicycling is a great way to explore a new city. Do you ever rent bikes while traveling?

Stay Fit by Packing These 8 Vacation Vitals

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:00:20 -0700

Just because you're traveling this Summer doesn't mean you have to leave your workouts behind. Pack some fitness gear and take it with you. Here are some things I have found that are small and lightweight, and will fit perfectly in your suitcase.

View Slideshow ›

10 Ways to Work Off a Summer Beer

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:50:47 -0700

For many people, kicking back and relaxing means kicking back with a cold one, and a regular 12-ounce beer contains around 150 calories. If you're worried about what that beer will do to your waistline, here are some summery ways to work it off.

All calculations are based on a 130-pound woman.

Jog for 22 minutes.
Swim laps for 19 minutes.
Play golf for 28 minutes, just be sure to carry your own clubs and walk the course.

To find out what else you can do read more.

Go on a 44-minute canoe ride.
Bike for 19 minutes.
Go on a hike for 26 minutes.
Catch some waves surfing for 51 minutes.
Play 22 minutes of tennis.
Go for a casual 44-minute walk.
Join a volleyball game for 51 minutes.

Take a Hike and Take These 10 Things

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 06:00:34 -0700

Hiking is not only a fun way to spend time with friends and family in the Summer, but you'll burn 355 calories each hour. Before you head out on the trail, you'll need some gear, so check out these hiking essentials.

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Recession Proof Your Workout: Inflatable Kayak

FitSugar — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:01:18 -0700

While kayaking will keep you cool in the Summer, buying one of these boats won't exactly help your pocketbook. Kayaks cost anywhere between $400 and $2,000 - not including the paddle. Here's a much cheaper way to paddle along in the water. For $100, you can get this Coleman 2-Person Touring Kayak, and it comes with two aluminum paddles.

Although it's made with durable 26 gauge PVC, I still wouldn't take this kayak over roaring rapids, but it'll do a great job keeping you afloat on a calm lake or river. Paddling will strengthen and tone your upper body and core and will also increase flexibility in your hamstrings. The best part is you can always fall overboard into the crisp water to cool off. Another great feature of an inflatable kayak is it's lightweight and can be deflated, so it's easily packable for camping trips. If you plan on kayaking alone, then go for the 1-Person Kayak ($80) instead.

Drip Tips: Exercising in Summer Rain

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 05:55:00 -0700

For many of us, exercising in the Summer weather is no picnic. The heat and humidity can make it unbearable, not to mention, it can be a health risk. So when the clouds roll in and rain starts to sprinkle from the sky, it can offer relief. What's that? You've never considered exercising in the rain? It's time to give it a try since it be a really exhilarating experience. You just need to arm yourself with these tips.

Check the weather map. A little drizzle is much easier to run in than a full on downpour. Be patient and wait for a bad storm to pass before heading outside.
Just because it's raining, doesn't mean you need to get wet. Wear a lightweight raincoat like this one from REI ($119). It's made of breathable material, so it'll keep you dry on the outside and cool on the inside.
Get a pair of shorts or pants made of waterproof material that will repel water.

For more essential tips keep reading

Walking Barefoot? Make Sure You've Had a Tetanus Shot

FitSugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:00:24 -0700

Nothing beats walking barefoot in the grass - it's the definition of Summer. Most of the time your feet make contact soft, warm, clean grass and soil, but not all the time. A cut or puncture from some sharp object can be extremely painful, but contracting Tetanus from your wound is much worse. Getting pricked by a rusty nail, as most people think, isn't the only way to get this infectious disease. It's happens when a wound becomes infected by bacterial spores that live in soil, dust, and animal waste. That means insect bites, splinters, scrapes, burns, and yes, stepping on a rusty nail are all ways you can get tetanus. The disease causes severe, uncontrollable muscle spasms. The jaw can become locked by muscle spasms, causing this disease to sometimes be called lockjaw. In severe cases, the muscles used to breathe can spasm, causing lack of oxygen to the brain, which can lead to death.

Tetanus is easily prevented though, by arming yourself with a tetanus shot. After you receive the initial series of shots when you're a kid, an adult should get a tetanus shot every 10 years. Are you protected? If you can't remember how many years it's been since you've had this shot, call your doctor.