FitSugar

Michael Phelps and the Dreaded Post-Olympic Weight Gain

FitSugar — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:00:00 -0800

Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps, has won 14 gold medals in his swimming career, and now he's taking a little break from his rigorous training. Before the Olympics, this athlete could easily suck down 8,000 to 10,000 calories a day and burn it all off because he was exercising so much, but now, he admits he's let himself go. Apparently he's big into junk food like chips, Rice Krispie Treats, and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and he's only been in the pool a few times since wowing us in Beijing. He said, "I'm out of shape right now." Currently he weighs 205 pounds, and he said he's never gone past 200 before.

Is he worried? No way. He's enjoying the well-deserved time off, and has also been promoting his new book No Limits: The Will to Succeed ($20). In January, Michael plans on beginning his training for the 2012 Olympics in London.

Source

30 Min Time Limit: Does That Apply to Me?

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 11:30:00 -0800

The question has been posed if it is OK to ignore the 30-min time limit rule that most gyms impose on their cardio equipment -- Especially, when some of us are training or doing intense cardio workouts and your workout is longer than the allotted 30 minutes.

My thoughts: It is NOT OK to ignore this rule. The rule is there so that every paying customer (yup, you're not the only one shelling out dues) gets a turn. If your cardio program calls for longer than 30 minutes and people are milling around looking for a free machine, get off and find another way to finish your workout. Maybe grab a jump rope or try hopping on the rowing machine.

Now if there is no one waiting and tons of free machines, then I do think it is OK to continue on past the 30 minute rule. Just be aware of those around you and use the good ole' golden rule: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

Turkey Breakdown: Light, Dark, and Tofurky

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:00:29 -0800

The main course for Thanksgiving has traditionally been turkey. This meat can be a great source of lean protein, but some parts of the bird are healthier than others. To see how your turkey choices add up, check out the nutritional info of this meat and also a meat-free option.

Which has more calories, white or dark meat? To find out read more.

Meat Type (4 ounce serving)	Calories	Saturated Fat (g)	Cholesterol (g)	Protein (g)
White meat	158	.4	97	34.1
White meat with skin	185	1.4	107	32.5
Dark meat	183	1.6	127	32.6
Dark meat with skin	206	2.4	132	31.3
Wing (2.1 oz.)	98	.7	61	18.5
Wing with skin (3.2 oz.)	186	2.4	104	24.9
Leg (thigh and drumstick)	180	1.4	134	333
Leg (thigh and drumstick) with skin	192	1.9	79	32.2
Tofurky Feast (1/5 of the roast, 5.2 oz.)	250	6	0	34

While dark meat does contain more calories, fat, and cholesterol, it also contains a considerable amount of iron, so go ahead and eat that drumstick you crave. Keep in mind that the skin contains a ton of calories and fat, so feel free to indulge a little, but don't go overboard. As for the Tofurky, I'm surprised to see that a serving size contains so many calories, but at least it's low in saturated fat and high in protein.

Enjoy whichever main course you choose, but remember that these numbers don't include stuffing, mashed potatoes, or gravy on the side. If you want to save room for a slice of grandma's famous pumpkin pie, limit the turkey fixings.

Trying to Lose Weight? Ask These Questions

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:00:26 -0800

Many of the people reading FitSugar have weight loss on the brain, but are your efforts really necessary? Are those extra pounds putting your health at risk, or are you just carrying around a little harmless fluff? WebMD outlined seven questions you should ask yourself to help decide if you really need to get serious about weight loss.

What is your lifestyle? "Regular physical activity and healthy eating are important," say experts who spoke with WebMD, not just for those trying to budge the scale. If you're not active and eat poorly, you should start making some changes for your overall health, not just because of a weight-loss goal.
What is your family history? If high cholesterol, "high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or another weight-related ailment" runs in your family then Web MD notes that "it's crucial to be mindful of your weight."
What is your weight history? If the pounds have been creeping up on you over the past several years, you need to watch out since "experts say your BMI should not increase dramatically, even as you age. Even moderate weight gain in adulthood can increase your risk of diabetes."

To see the other four questions read more.

How is your weight distributed? WebMD warns that if your body is "the so-called 'apple' shape," it can put your health at risk. So if this sounds like you, aim to whittle away your middle. If your weight is primarily in your thighs and butt, it's not as crucial to drop the pounds.
What is your waist size? The National Institutes of Health say that a "waist circumference of over 35 inches in women signifies a health risk, particularly those people with BMIs of 25 and 34.9 (the overweight category)." If you're not sure what your BMI is, check out Fit's Calculator to find out.
What is your health profile? "If your cholesterol and blood pressure levels are high and your BMI falls into the overweight or obese category, it's important to lose weight," writes WebMD. So make an appointment with your doc to get yours checked.
How do you feel? "If you're overweight and have joint problems, shortness of breath, or other health troubles that limit your day-to-day living," and interfere with being able to work, then experts quoted in the article suggest that melting away pounds would help improve the quality of your life.

Jess Feels the Burn but Goes Back For More

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:00:47 -0800

The media hasn't been kind to Jessica Simpson or her curvier physique, which repeatedly made headlines throughout the year. Still, she's hardly throwing in the towel. Even while a nationwide Sunday NFL spoof, jokingly compared Jessica's physique to that of a "defensive tackle," she's managed to keep a healthy perspective on fitness and surround herself with positive friends and family, like trainer, Mike Alexander.

In fact, US Weekly reports that Jessica is hitting the gym hard and sticking with it - even when the training gets tough. Training with Alexander is what helped the star to achieve her famous Dukes of Hazzard bod, so it's no surprise that the training's intense, prompting Jess to Twitter, "Why am I still hurting from our workout earlier? I'm getting old! See you tomorrow with a pouty face and sore buns." Alexander responded, "Probably because you're a badass, and your efforts know no limitations." I'm inclined to agree - despite media taunting, she continues to show how she's rising above it - staying happy and fit.

Kristen Wants to Quit Smoking, Do It Too!

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:30:06 -0800

Kristen Stewart made the first step in kicking her cigarette habit - admitting to Entertainment Weekly that she's ready to give it up, saying, "I'm going to stop smoking. I'm not such a good smoker, anyway. It's not in my bones. I'm gonna drop it." More power to the gorgeous Twilight star, and here's hoping she sticks with it. Now, if you're out to ditch your own smoking habit, read on to kick-start your plan to quit.

Get Support - If you're ready to quit, whether or not you have friends that are smokers, make your decision known. Spreading the word that you're quitting will let your friends and family know that you'll need support. If you're having a tough day, reach out to friends. Instead of caving for a cigarette break, invite a friend for a long walk, a movie, or a workout class. Having the support of your loved ones who back your decision to quit will help give you a united front against your bad habit.

Don't Underestimate the Power of the Patch (or Gum) - Forms of nicotine replacement therapy have been shown to double your chances of quitting smoking, and can help you fight the urge to light up when you're facing nicotine withdrawal, reducing your feelings of depression and restlessness.

For more ways to help you quit, read more.

Find Another Way to Relieve Stress - Since smoking can often be a way to unwind, you'll have to find a healthier outlet to relieve stress. Combat stress with an alternative that's good for the body like a yoga class, soothing massage, or aromatherapy. Natural herbal supplements like lavender, valerian, and passionflower can aid with feelings of anxiousness and help ease tension. Short bouts of exercise can help relieve cravings, too.

Don't Drink - Alcohol and smoking are social activities that seem to go hand in hand. Plus, since alcohol naturally lowers our inhibitions, it can be harder to resist the temptation of a smoke when you're out drinking. So, when you're trying to quit, it's probably best to avoid the bar scene altogether.

Get Your Fill of Fruits and Veggies - Since many smokers fear gaining weight when they quit, many choose to diet while they're trying to give it up. But it's not a great idea to limit your food intake or choices, which can leave you feeling even more irritable while you're working to quit. Instead, think of quitting in a healthier way - focus on how eliminating the toxins from cigarettes will help to purify your body, and choose healthy fruits and veggies to fill you up. You might even try juicing your servings of fruit and vegetables. The nutrient-rich juice can help to curb cravings and can even help flush toxins from the body.

Motivation: TV as a Reward

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Sometimes I think if we followed the same rules about food, TV and video games that we set for our children, we would be healthier adults.
Many kids, mine included, have a time limit on the amount of screen (TV, computer games, video games) time they are allowed daily. I call it a "media diet." I wonder what our lives, and diets, would be like if we limited our screen time too. Better yet, with the advent of TiVo and DVR, you can use TV as a reward since you can "tape" your favorite show. Why not make a rule that you cannot watch TV unless you have worked out for 30 minutes. Or what about watching TV for only as long as you have worked out that day? Make watching TV the exception rather than the norm.

I don't think working out with a DVD counts against your TV time, so Rock Your Body with Jamie King then laugh your socks off with Jon Stewart.

Source

Have You Had Luck Getting a Swine Flu Shot?

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:00:12 -0800

I don't have to read about the shortage of swine flu vaccine, I'm living it. Everywhere I go to get vaccinated it's the same - there are not enough shots to go around. Supplies are extremely limited, and a recent poll conducted by Harvard University School of Public Health says that 70 percent of adults and 66 percent of children who tried to get vaccinated couldn’t.

On Friday the National Center For Immunization and Respiratory Diseases said that the high demand is outweighing the supply, but that more doses would be available in the coming weeks. I've heard this every week and no matter where I go, I leave without getting a shot. I'm starting to get frustrated but I want to protect myself.

Have any of you had better luck than I have?

Campbell's Chicken Noodle BPA-Leaching Soup

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:00:23 -0800

It's uncertain how risky bisphenol A (BPA) is to humans, but I figure better safe than sorry. I threw out my potentially risky water bottles and containers but now a new study from Consumer Reports says there's BPA in my canned goods, too. Metal cans are often lined with plastic that contains BPA to protect the food.

The magazine tested 19 canned food products, finding levels of BPA in each product, including cans labeled "BPA free." The biggest culprits were Progresso Vegetable Soup, Campbell's Condensed Chicken Noodle Soup, and Annie's Home Grown Organic Cheesy Ravioli. Though the FDA has said in the past that BPA is safe in food contact materials, it's now revisiting the issue to see if BPA exposure limits should be revised.

If you are concerned about the effects of BPA, try limiting or cutting out canned goods from your diet. Also, look for foods packaged in glass, paper, or freezer bags.

Pass Gym Time With Healthy Competition

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:30:59 -0800

Watching TV, listening to music, and perusing magazines are all great ways to pass the time when you're on a cardio machine, but even those can get boring. They also require a bit of attention, compromising a good workout - you can't turn pages while doing sprint intervals. When you need a little motivation, utilize your fellow gym-goers and compete with a stranger. While on the treadmill, look for someone near you who is clearly working it, and try to run a little faster or stay on the machine a little longer than that unsuspecting runner. When they end their run and you're still going, get ready for the sweet taste of victory. This works on a bike, elliptical, or in the pool. While it's helpful to use someone else's drive to push yourself, just make sure you also listen to your body and don't exceed your personal limits.