FitSugar

How to Curb Salt - but Not Flavor - in Your Cooking

Susannah Chen — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:39:05 PDT

By now you're probably familiar with MyPlate, the government's new food pyramid replacement; in case you hadn't heard, based on the updated guidelines, Americans are consuming far more sodium than they should. And new research suggests that overconsumption of salt affects cognitive function. High blood pressure, water retention, and stupidity? That's too much to bear. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to cut down on salt in the kitchen without impacting the deliciousness of your dinner. See a few easy steps, when you keep reading.

13 Health Gimmicks You Can Stop Wasting Money On

Business Insider — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:15:21 PDT

Consumers have a tendency of falling for the next big health gimmick. Save your money on health duds with these Business Insider tips.

No matter how many times we're told otherwise, Americans' obsession with get-healthy-quick schemes will likely never die. Too bad most of these fads aren't worth their weight in salt - or your hard-earned dollars. We've put together a list of some of the worst budget-sucking health trends that still persist today.

Coconut Water

Coconut water may be nature's version of Gatorade but some brands have already caught fire for over-hyping its nutrient content. Vita Coco agreed to settle a $10 million class action lawsuit over an independent study that showed the drinks didn't pack near as many electrolytes as advertisements implied. Some coconut waters are also loaded with added sugar, which will do nothing to help your waistline.

Alternative: Pick up your own young green coconuts on the cheap from an Asian produce market. Just crack them open with a cleaver and pop in a straw.

"All-Natural" Foods

30 percent of Americans bought more natural foods in 2011, according to a Rodale study. But what are we really paying more for? There's no clear cut regulation on what makes food "natural," which means just about any company can slap that label on its packages, add a fancy green theme and jack up the price.

Says Andrew Schrage of MoneyCrashers: "Before buying any food that is touted as being 'all natural,' take a look at the ingredient list before you check out. Keep in mind that butter and salt are indeed natural ingredients. So stocking up on natural foods may not achieve anything other than increasing your grocery bill."

Read on for more.

10 Signs of Seasonal Allergies in Pets

PetSugar — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:00:00 PDT

Spring 'tis the season for allergy flare-ups for many humans, but what about pets? My pal Samson suffers from some droopy, goopy eyes and itchy, red paws that clued his owner into their dilemma. If you're not sure whether a pooch has an issue like this, check out 10 signs of skin or allergy problems:

Constant paw licking
Rubbing body against objects/ floor
Excessive scratching or chewing fur
Hair loss
Change in odor
Redness of fur and skin rashes
Flaky or greasy coat
Drippy eyes
Runny nose
Increased sneezing and wheezing

While it's true that a variety of illnesses can cause these symptoms, if you see several of them at the same time, now is a good time to take your pet to the vet to get checked for a clean bill of health!

Source: Flickr User The_Poenisher

5 Harmful Pet Toxins Lurking Around Your House

Sara Yoo — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 04:00:00 PST

Pets face many of the scariest hazards out on the street: speeding cars, aggressive animals, and inconsiderate people are just a few of the terrors that keep us pet parents up at night. But some of the most terrifying dangers come from items lying around our own homes. Last year, the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center fielded over 165,000 phone calls from panicked pet owners worried that their companions had been exposed to toxic substances. Here are the top five things you should lock up tight, and it doesn't hurt to keep the ASPCA's 24-hour hotline (888-426-4435) handy for your own emergencies.

8 Foods to Boost Baby's Brainpower

LilSugar — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:56:00 PST

Expecting mamas have a long list of foods they can't consume, but luckily there is also a whole slew of goodies she can enjoy that may actually help boost her growing baby's wellness after he or she is born. Pregnant women who eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids will not only improve their own health, but they are also helping to support their baby’s brain and eye development and function. The March of Dimes recommends that pregnant women aim to get at least 200 milligrams of DHA every day, so here are eight foods high in omega-3 fatty acids to boost baby's brainpower.

See the World Unite Against AIDS

Annie Scudder — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:15:49 PST

Every year on Dec. 1, people worldwide unite to commemorate people who have died from HIV/AIDS, who support those living with the disease and bring awareness for prevention. The first event was held in 1988, but the cause is just as urgent today - 33.3 million people around the world are living with the disease. During his remarks today, President Obama took a hopeful tone, saying "We are going to win this fight." Take a look at how people lent their support to that effort around the world now.

To the Rescue: How to Check Your Pet's Temperature

PetSugar — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:19:58 PST

OK, now that you're aware of how to check your dog's pulse, let's move on to temperature taking. The easiest way to do this is with an ear thermometer like the Pet-Temp Instant Ear Thermometer ($40). It measures the infrared heat waves coming from the ear drum. Pet-specific versions are best because they have a long probe that can fit deeply in the ear canal.

The other option is to use a rectal thermometer like this Vet-Temp Rapid Digital Thermometer for Pets ($15). Coat it with a water-based lubricant, insert about one inch, and wait for the finishing beep. While it's a cheaper option, if your pet dislikes this process, you will need to have someone else hold him and distract him while you measure the temperature. See the normal ranges for both cats and dogs when you

For dogs, the normal ear temperature is between 100 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
For dogs, the normal rectal temperature is between 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
For cats, the normal ear temperature is between 100 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
For cats, the normal rectal temperature is between 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Source: Flickr User Max Wolfe

The Next Nine Months: Postpartum Exercise Time Line

LilSugar — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 07:03:10 PDT

It's no secret that pregnant women easily put on a few pounds each month until their bundle of joy arrives -unfortunately getting rid of that weight is not so effortless. Along with eating right, exercise is a sure way to getting your body back to the way it was pre-baby. Our basic postpartum exercise time line helps you determine how and when to slowly add exercise so that you can watch the number on the scale drop as your baby grows.

Watch Giuliana Rancic Open Up About Breast Cancer

Annie Scudder — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:45:23 PDT

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Giuliana Rancic announced she has breast cancer this morning on Today. The 37-year-old E! host and her husband Bill Rancic, the first Apprentice winner, are used to sharing their lives on TV, and today she shared this very personal news. On the final episode of the latest season of their reality show, Giuliana and Bill, the couple decided to try again to have a baby via in-vitro fertilization. But as Giuliana recounted, she discovered she had breast cancer during a mammogram her doctor suggested she have before beginning IVF. Watch Giuliana open up about the importance of mammograms, how supportive her husband has been, and hear her explain that she still wants to have a child "because this baby has saved my life."

Sarah Michelle Gellar Chats Charlie, Marriage, and More in Health

Lauren Turner — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:09:09 PDT

Sarah Michelle Gellar struck a smiley pose on the cover of Health's October issue. She's promoting her new series Ringer, which premiered last week. SMG chatted about staying in great shape, her family, and work in between scenes on the new drama. The actress also opened up about her pregnancy and her and husband Freddie Prinze, Jr's daughter Charlie, who just visited the LA Ringer set on Monday. SMG said:

On her happiest place: "Snuggling with my daughter. Doesn’t matter where. I could be on a subway. I don’t care."
On being in her best shape: "Probably before I got pregnant - I was in really, really good shape. I think when I was doing Buffy I was a little bit thin, actually, because even though I was working out constantly, it was just the time and the age. But I was happy being pregnant, too. I’m not as critical as I used to be about my body."
On going into labor during Pilates: "And it was funny, too, because I was getting cranky, and I said to my trainer, "I’m just cranky today." She was like, "Maybe it’s because you’re going to give birth!" And I was like, "Nah, not yet." It turned out I was in labor, I didn’t realize."
On the secret to her happy marriage: "We communicate. That’s my secret. It’s not a secret, but it’s how I handle all my good relationships, whether they’re male-female or not. If you bottle things up, it explodes on you."