FitSugar

Hidden Calories in Your Cup of Joe

FitSugar — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 03:30:00 PDT

Just about everyone I know consumes at least one cup of coffee a day. That roasted rich beverage actually has a lot of health benefits, and an eight ounce cup only contains two calories, so it won't bust your waistline. The thing is, not a lot of people enjoy their coffee black, and all the sweeteners and flavorings people use can add up to some major calories. I'm not saying you should ditch your cup of joe, just be mindful of how many calories your cup contains.

To see how many calories cream, sugar, and the occasional dollop of "whip" add to your coffee,

1 pump of Starbucks Chocolate Mocha Sauce

Food	Calories
1 tbsp cream	52
1 tbsp half and half	20
1 tbsp whole milk	9
1 tbsp 2% milk	7.7
1 tbsp 1% milk	6.6
1 tbsp skim milk	5.7
1 tbsp plain soymilk	6
1 tbsp vanilla soymilk	6
1 tbsp whipped cream	90
1 tbsp flavored plain non-dairy creamer	20
1 tbsp French vanilla flavored non-dairy creamer	35
1 tbsp hazelnut flavored non-dairy creamer	35
1 pump of Starbucks flavored syrup	20
1 pump of Starbucks flavored syrup, sugar-free	0
60
1 tbsp caramel	15
1 tbsp chocolate	18
1 tsp, 1 cube, or 1 packet white sugar	11
1 tsp brown sugar	11
1 tsp or packet Sugar in the Raw	20
1 tsp maple syrup	16.7
1 tsp honey	21.3
1 shot of espresso	5

Source

Coming Down With a Cold? Drink Up

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:00:09 PST

Contracting a cold isn't the worst thing in the world, but it sure isn't pleasant. The sniffling, sneezing, and sore throat make life temporarily uncomfortable, and new research says that easing those symptoms could be as simple as hydrating with hot beverages.

It's hard to believe that it's brand new research, considering generations of caretakers have stood by this advice, but Cardiff University's Common Cold Centre claims it's the first scientific study of its kind. Thirty volunteers were given apple and blackcurrant drinks served at room temperature or hot, and the group experienced immediate relief from coughing, sore throat, chilliness, and tiredness. After 15 minutes, they noticed relief from a running nose and sneezing.

The study noted, "In conclusion, the results support the folklore that a hot tasty drink is a beneficial treatment for relief of most symptoms of common cold and flu." Make your beverages hot the next time you're sniffling your way through a cold - maybe you'll go through fewer tissues!

Source

Dairy-Free Ways to Get Your Chocolate Fix

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:29:20 PDT

If dairy products don't sit well with your belly or you choose to eat a vegan diet, then you can still satisfy your chocolate cravings. Although milk chocolate is made with dairy, many dark chocolate products are not. Just be sure to read the label before indulging in any chocolatey treat. I've done the legwork for you and gathered a list of my favorite dessert products and recipes that don't contain a drop of milk, butter, or cream.

Use vegan chocolate chips and whip up a batch of vegan chocolate mouse made with this simple three-ingredient recipe.
Endangered Species makes a few varieties of dairy-free dark chocolate including Dark Chocolate With Cranberries and Almonds, Dark Chocolate With Mint, Dark Chocolate With Blueberries, and Dark Chocolate With Espresso Beans.
Get baking and prepare these decadent vegan brownies made with a secret ingredient: spinach. Top with fresh fruit puree or enjoy it on its own.
If you prefer a crunchy cookie, then bake up a healthier, vegan version of Thin Mints.

See more dairy-free chocolate ideas after the break!

3 Tips For Germ-Free Travel

Fitness Magazine — Tue, 08 May 2012 04:17:50 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar!

Whether you're going by boat, plane, train, or automobile, travel bugs are bound to greet you. Here, some cringe-worthy stats on germs and traveling - and tips on how you can take a trip unscathed.

Stay Hydrated

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the air inside planes has anywhere from 10 to 20 percent humidity, which can dry out mucous membranes and make people more susceptible to germs. Staying hydrated throughout the trip can prevent nasal passages from being irritated, so load up on water and skip the carbonated beverages and booze. "Alcoholic and caffeinated drinks should be followed with water or fruit juice to rehydrate because they are diuretics and can cause water loss," advise Ray Fillmore Garman, MD, MPH, and Susan Spengler, MD, both associate professors with the Department of Preventive Medicine at the University of Kentucky. Sipping on water assists with immune function - and in some cases even helps with jet lag. For longer, international trips pack electrolyte-friendly snacks like GU Energy Chomps, a banana, nuts, or a small bag of fortified cereal to keep drowsiness at bay.

Keep reading for two more healthy travel tips after the break.

Meet This Year's James Beard Award Winners

Susannah Chen — Mon, 07 May 2012 18:36:10 PDT

The time has finally arrived: the James Beard Awards, or the Oscars of the food world, have just been announced. After months of suspense following the announcement of this year's semifinalists and subsequent finalists, the results were announced at a star-studded gala in New York's Lincoln Center, where a smattering of top talent from Grant Achatz to Top Chef winner Paul Qui walked home with medals.

For the first time ever, there was an Outstanding Bar Program award, and it went to Jim Meehan, owner and bar manager at PDT in New York City. Other highlights? Eleven Madison Park's Daniel Humm nabbed top prize for Outstanding Chef; Wolfgang Puck spoke at length as he accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Christina Tosi of Momofuku Milk Bar fame took home title of Rising Star Chef; the pastry wunderkind declared that if she could cook anything for James Beard, it would be turkey pot pie. Read ahead to see the full list of 2012 James Beard Award winners.

Simple Tips on How to Stay Healthy All Day Long

Lizzie Fuhr — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:18:51 PDT

When striving to be healthy, a few everyday changes can make a world of difference to your body. Maybe you're just focused on a morning workout or staying away from the wrong activities before bed, but if you want to reboot your lifestyle for the long haul, you've got to commit to a healthy lifestyle all day long. Interested in what I mean? Read through these tips to help you keep your healthy living on track whether it's morning, noon, or night.

Morning

If a morning gym session fits your schedule best, then our early morning exercise tips are a must read. From laying out an outfit the night before to scheduling a session with a trainer, these tips can help kick off your day with an energetic bang.

We know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Whatever your dietary needs or time restrictions, we've got you covered. Start the morning with healthy whole-grain hot cereal recipes or low-sugar breakfast ideas or save some time in the morning with a healthy breakfast made the night before.

Think outside the box and mix up your standard morning beverage routine. Take your pick of these inventive drinks to boost your energy to get your head right for your commute and commitments.

Keep reading for tips to stay healthy during the afternoon and evening.

Website of the Day: Is It Iced Coffee Weather?

Kristy Korcz — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 06:21:02 PDT

I don't know about you, but Spring really arrives when I start ordering iced coffee instead of hot. If you are looking forward to the days of ice cubes and cool cups, check out this site: Is It Iced Coffee Weather? How does it work? Type in your zip code, and Is It Iced Coffee Weather? tells you if it's warm enough to have a cool beverage. Simple. Straightforward. Amazing. You know, if you can't decide for yourself.

Try This Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe at Home

Susannah Chen — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:31:42 PDT

Even though warmer weather is on the horizon, we're still faced with chilly Spring mornings. What better way to warm up than with a comforting spiced coffee drink? You'd be surprised to find out just how simple the hot beverage is to prepare at home. Watch the video to find out how to make it!

Happy 26th Birthday Lady Gaga - How the Singer Keeps Healthy

Michele Foley — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:07:53 PDT

Lady Gaga turns 26 today, and to celebrate, we're taking a look at how the singer stays fit - I mean, look at those abs! - while living such a demanding lifestyle. While Gaga isn't without controversy (she's admitted to occasional drug and alcohol use), she remains extremely focused when it comes to her diet and fitness regimen.

She keeps a consistent workout schedule: Without fail, Gaga maintains the fitness regimen created for her by trainer Harley Pasternak. Even while touring, she works out five times a week for at least 25 minutes each day. The secret to Lady Gaga's killer abs? Lots of crunches. Harley starts her on a basic crunch and modifies that into reverse crunches, ending with a double crunch. If you want to get abs like the birthday girl, check out Lady Gaga's favorite ab exercises. When you've finished the ab routine, watch this video of Harley as he takes you through Gaga's butt workout.
She keeps a healthy diet: Besides following Harley's fitness routine, Gaga also subscribes to his 5 Factor Diet, which says to eat five times a day (two meals and three snacks) of foods falling into these five categories: lean protein, low-glycemic carbs, healthy fats, fiber, and a sugar-free beverage. The diet also allows for one cheat day a week. Some of Gaga's favorite foods to munch on are salsa with grain chips, tofu, turkey slices, hummus, and coconut water. Tonight, make yourself a Gaga-approved meal: check out Harley's recipe for five-spice halibut.
She believes in the healing power of yoga: A longtime yogini, Gaga even makes a habit to practice at local studios wherever her travels take her (Bikram and hot power yoga are her styles of choice). She has said, "Yoga makes me feel like I can do anything," and has called her longtime NYC-based teacher Tricia Donegan an inspiration, saying " . . . yoga heals me and so do you."

Source: Terry Richardson, Getty, Twitter

Warm Up With This Hot Beverage Breakdown

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:19:10 PST

With old man Winter blowing in, get in from the cold and warm up with a steamy cup of something delicious. Check out the nutritional breakdown for some of your favorites hot drinks.

Drink	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Carbs(g)	Sugar (g)	Protein (g)
8 oz. hot chocolate, skim milk, no whipped cream	128	1.2	25.2	21.2	7.2
8 oz. hot chocolate, 2 percent milk, no whipped cream	156	4.4	24.8	20.8	6.8
8 oz. hot chocolate, whole milk, whipped cream	230	12	28	24	7
8 oz. hot chocolate, soy milk, no whipped cream	150	3.5	28	23	6

Don't see your favorite? Keep reading to see the calories in other hot beverages.