Smarter Snacking: Cut Candy to Cut Calories


Updated 05/12/11 9:40 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 1 comment

Cutting Candy and Snacks Helps You Eat Fewer Calories

I am a fan of snacking but also know that mindless snacking is enemy number one when trying to drop pounds or maintain a healthy weight. There are many tricks to keeping your munchies confined to reasonable portions: not eating chips directly out of the bag, not snacking while watching TV, setting snack times, etc. Here's a new trick to add to your arsenal for fighting unwanted calories: cut your Read more

DrSugar Answers: 1,200 Calories a Day For Dieting?


Updated 01/19/12 10:02 AM · Posted by DrSugar · 5 comments

Why Is 1200 Calories a Day Important When Dieting

DrSugar is in the house! And she's answering your health-related questions. Dear Doc Sugar, I decided this is the year I will lose that 25 pounds I gained after college. I am dieting and counting calories. I heard that you shouldn’t eat fewer than 1,200 calories a day, and I am wondering why? Can you please explain, because I thought I should eat as little as possible. — Dieting For Real Read more

Going to a Party? Go in With a Plan


Updated 12/24/10 1:47 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 5 comments

Going to a Party? Go in With a Plan

The holidays offer plenty of opportunities for indulgence, which can be both a blessing and a curse for some of us. There's no need to deprive yourself during the festivities, but there's a way to enjoy the great food without going totally overboard. Create a plan of attack before attending parties or big dinners so you don't eat everything in sight. There are two ways to approach your plan. Read more

Smarter Eats: Soak Up the Soup


Updated 02/22/11 2:06 PM · Posted by · 2 comments

Dieting Tip: Order Soup Before Main Course

If you're not a soup lover already, I've got yet one more reason to become one. Aside from all the flavorful Fall options served up during the harvest time of year, they can actually help you as a dieting tactic. When ordered before a main dish, tasty broths are shown to keep calories down. Julie Flood of Penn State said: Consuming a first-course of low-calorie soup, in a variety of forms, can Read more

Halloween Survival Guide: Hand Out Candy You Hate


Updated 10/27/10 11:40 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 9 comments

Halloween Diet Tip: Hand Out Candy You Hate

Last week, I warned you all to postpone buying your Halloween handouts to avoid having the fun-sized temptations close at hand. With the Oct. 31 less than a week away, you might want to cross this item off your to-do list and get ready for the big day, so here's some handy advice that FitSugar reader nicole121482 posted in the comments section: Another good tip is to buy candy that you don't Read more

Tame Your Sweet Tooth With These Tips to Cut Back on Sugar


Updated 10/14/11 11:50 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 8 comments

Tips For Cutting Back on Sugar

I know that eating too much refined sugar increases my risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke, but it's so hard to resist sweet treats. If you have a hard time saying no to all things sugar-sweetened and chocolate-covered, here are some ways you can cut down on the white stuff. Don't go cold turkey. This plan usually backfires and you end up missing the sweet Read more

Do You Measure Your Portions?


Updated 10/14/11 11:50 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 20 comments

Measuring Food For Weight Loss

If losing pounds is on your mind, counting calories and keeping a food journal are great ways to stay on track and see results. In order to figure out how much you're eating, it helps to measure your food rather than eyeball amounts. I know I used to pour "one cup of cereal" into my bowl in the morning, but one day I measured and realized I was eating almost twice that amount. If weight loss is Read more

To Eat Less, Keep the Serving Dish Off the Table


Updated 04/30/10 3:06 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 1 comment

Keep Serving Plates Off the Table to Eat Fewer Calories

If portion control is the key to weight loss, then the location of your food matters as well. A new study reveals that diners ate significantly fewer calories when serving dishes were not left on the dinner table. The old adage "out of sight, out of mind" rings true! If you're trying to help your man drop some pounds, this practice of plating up food at the counter before sitting down to the Read more

Bye-Bye Crackers, Hello Sliced Fruit and Veggies


Updated 10/14/11 11:50 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 8 comments

Low-Calorie Appetizer Idea: Sliced Fruit and Veggies Instead of Crackers

Crackers and cheese are popular party platter foods, but I find that I end up filling up on crackers and spoil my appetite for dinner. Here's a healthier option for finger food that's lower in calories, but will offer the same firmness as a cracker. Forgo those salty rectangles and use sliced veggies and fruits as your vehicles for cheeses, dips, and spreads instead. Here are some ideas: Pear Read more

Not Hungry? Then Why Are You Eating?


Updated 09/01/11 1:15 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 3 comments

Reasons You Eat When You're Not Hungry

I'm a snacker by nature. I usually eat when I'm hungry, but must admit I also eat when I'm not. One reason is that seeing someone else noshing on tasty foods gives me the munchies too. To learn a handful of other reasons why you may be eating when you're not hungry, keep reading. Source: Jupiter Images Read more