FitSugar

What's the Diff: Cholesterol and Saturated Fat

FitSugar — Fri, 04 May 2007 03:30:00 -0700

This whole business with saturated fat and cholesterol is totally confusing, so let me try and clear things up.

Blood cholesterol refers to your cholesterol level - you know - the numbers you get from your doctor when you get your cholesterol checked. Your total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL -- HDL (good) cholesterol level should be 40mg/dL or greater and LDL (bad) cholesterol should be 130 mg/dL or less.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance made by the liver and it's used by the body to make hormones, vitamin D, and other materials. It is essential to your body to function normally, and your body makes enough.

You can also get cholesterol from the food you eat, called dietary cholesterol. It's only found in animal products such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs and dairy. It is especially high in egg yolks and organ meats such as liver, brains and kidneys.

If you get too much dietary cholesterol (over 300mg a day) the extra cholesterol will accumulate in the walls of the blood vessels, making your LDL (bad) blood cholesterol levels rise. Over time, your arteries will become narrower, which can cut off the blood supply to your heart (causing a heart attack), or your brain (causing a stroke).

Saturated Fat is not essential to your body. It is found mainly in animal products such as meat, poultry, and dairy. All of these foods also contain dietary cholesterol. Palm oil, palm kernel oil, and coconut oil also contain saturated fats. Unfortunately, a lot of processed foods like cookies and crackers contain these oils. Saturated fats raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels more than dietary cholesterol itself, so they're the ones to watch out for. The RDI of saturated fat is 20g or less.

Fit's Tips: The amount of cholesterol found in foods is not as important as the amount of saturated fat. So check labels - on the box it may say "No Cholesterol," but if you check the nutritional info, it may still contain saturated fat from those hidden oils. Aren't companies so trustworthy?

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Reality Check: Ashlee Isn't a No Carbs Kind of Girl

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:02 -0800

Even though she lives the So Cal lifestyle, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz told Women's Health that she doesn't starve herself for a Hollywood figure; she simply loves food, and one of her favorite feasts features Mexican fare. Once a week Ashlee and her hubby, Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz, invite family and friends over for taco night. Ashlee told the mag that she's not afraid of cheese, eats cheeseburgers with ranch dressing, and indulges in French fries. But don't spread the rumor that she's eating for two, because she's not, and Ashlee shares that she's even slimmer than ever.

She boasts about devouring whatever she wants, doesn't deprive herself of the foods she craves, and still has such a great figure. To find out what she asys is her secret, read more.

Ashlee's secret weapon is Bronx Pilates! Her 1-year-old son is in her arms all day, and carrying around that extra weight has helped to really tone her arms.

Before she gave birth, Ashlee had gained 50 pounds, and her breasts were up to a size E when she was nursing. So once baby Bronx was two weeks old, she was ready to start losing the extra pounds. A home-delivery meal plan didn't work since she's a big eater. She says, "If I want a grilled cheese sandwich, I'll eat a grilled cheese sandwich." So she turned to exercise, and with the help of a personal trainer, the new mama set up a home gym and started circuit training. Four weeks later, Ashlee had lost half her baby weight. Her diligent workouts have definitely paid off. Of course, this young actress also has her youth and genes to thank. Though she looks amazing now, Ashlee dispels the notion that her bod was a result of Hollywood stress. She says, "I wasn't in a rush to get back to this body for anyone else. It was more like, 'I wanna look good [for me]? I wanna feel good.'"

Ashlee is feeling great and very appreciative of her family and all life has blessed her with. On top of a great career and a healthy son, her hubby is a great source of comfort and support. "Pete isn't worried about stretch marks, " she says, "He always makes me feel sexy."

The way she explains it, she doesn't really do anything currently to maintain her figure. Do you believe it?

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.

Reality Check: Ashlee Simpson Thanks Her Youth and Genes

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:30:41 -0700

From breastfeeding to boot camp, celebrities have countless ways of quickly shedding their baby weight - some of them more believable than others. But Ashlee Simpson-Wentz is refreshingly honest about her method, which isn't as easy to imitate.

Simpson told Celebrity Baby Blog that she credits her youth and genes with her ability to slim down after having Bronx, who is now eight months old. Though she exercised, she confesses that getting back in shape didn't require much effort:

"After I had Bronx I lucked out," she admits. "I mean, I’m 24 years old, [I have] the genes from my mother and I did work out for three months."

As many of us know, age can be a big factor when it comes to gaining and easily losing weight. I've often secretly rolled my eyes when the media marvels at how quickly young starlets like Simpson and Jessica Alba get their bodies back after baby. Do you think that age and genetics are a major factor in someone's ability to lose weight?

Body Acceptance: Are You More Like Kelly or Jessica?

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:30:36 -0700

Both Kelly Clarkson and Jessica Simpson have gotten flack for their fluctuating weight, but the starlets don't let it get to them. Jessica talks about embracing her curves, while Kelly complains about being Photoshopped. Now, both ladies are gracing magazine covers and discussing, among other things, their body acceptance.

In the August issue of Glamour, Jessica admits to worrying about her weight from a young age: "I was always disconnected from myself; there was this idea of perfection I couldn't ever get to. But all women struggle with insecurity, and we all have something we don't like about ourselves." Kelly is a bit more laid-back, saying: "My happy weight changes. Sometimes I eat more; sometimes I play more. I'll be different sizes all the time."

While it sounds like both women have a healthy relationship with their bodies, Kelly sounds like she gives it less thought than Jess does. Who are you more like?

FitSugar Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:50:03 -0800

You can go easy on the butter in your mashed potatoes when you use Yukon Gold spuds.
New Moon star Nikki Reed says hiking with her boyfriend is her fitness secret.
How well do you know the calorie counts of Starbucks's holiday drinks?
Worried about falling off the healthy wagon? Here are eight ways to get back on track.
I'm curious to know how many days a week you work out.
Ashlee Simpson-Wentz firmly believes in taco night and baby weights.
If you're starting to strength train, check out this guide to beginning weights for lifting.
Learn just how long you need to exercise in order to burn off a slice of T-day pumpkin pie.
I have some great gift ideas for the healthy cook in your life.
Learn a bit more about the fat-burning zone.

Have You Ever Been on a Revenge Diet?

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 04:30:00 -0800

After enduring harsh criticism from the media about her curvier than usual figure, Jessica Simpson appeared on the cover of OK! magazine with the headline "I Will Lose 20 Lbs in 8 Weeks!" The mag is calling it her "revenge diet" against her body critics and sources said that it will be easier for Jessica to achieve her goal when her stressful tour has ended.

It's important for us to feel good about ourselves no matter what other people are saying, but I can understand how tough criticism would get under someone's skin to the point of wanting some kind of "revenge." Hopefully, Jessica's motivation is something more than wanting to slim down for critics. I have heard of revenge diets, but generally the goal is to get revenge on an ex-boyfriend rather than the media at large. I have seen video chronicling muscular abs inspired by a bad breakup, so I am wondering . . .

Jessica Simpson Can Teach Us a Thing or Two

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:00:00 -0800

Jessica Simpson is latest celebrity to be scrutinized for gaining weight, and while the singer has confidence in her own curves, the public criticism probably doesn't feel so great. Regardless of any weight fluctuation, hopefully she's fueling her body with healthy food and fitting exercise into her schedule - it's not all about appearance.

It's easier to stand up for yourself and face harsh remarks when you have a positive support system, and it seems like Jessica's friends and family have her back. Her sister, Ashlee, posted a response on her blog in defense of Jessica and wrote, "All women come in different shapes, sizes, and forms and just because you're a celebrity, there shouldn't be a different standard." Jessica's former trainer, Harley Pasternak chimed in when Extra approached him for a comment and said, "She has curves where a woman needs to have curves. We all go a little bit up and a little bit down. But she's healthy."

Take a note from Jessica's book and surround yourself with positive people. Whether you're perfectly happy with your body or trying to make a change, it's important to have friends and family who will support you in a healthy way, through any weight ups and downs.

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Jessica Simpson Embracing Her Curves

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Even through all her weight ups and downs, Jessica Simpson continues to be one gorgeous and talented lady. What I love about Jessica is her attitude that if she gains a few pounds, it doesn't concern her. Recently, Jessica's figure has become a little fuller and she tells Us Weekly, "Curves are better. I don't get the whole rail thing. It's not good for your heart, it's not good for your mind; it's emotionally destructive, it really is."

Isn't that attitude refreshing? It's great when a celeb speaks out about weight and lets everyone know that she's not going to starve herself in an unhealthy way, just so she can fit the mold that the media says she should.

Jessica showed off her new curves while performing songs from her country album Do You Know at a concert over the weekend. Then on Sunday, she hopped on stage at the KISS Country Chili Cookout in Pembroke Pines, FL. While those high-waisted jeans aren't exactly accentuating her womanly figure, I am deeply impressed with her healthy body image.

Source

Jessica Simpson Talks Shop, Body Shop That Is

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:00:00 -0700

We've all been watching as Jessica Simpson tones up using the 5 Factor and she looks great!

We're used to Jessica saying some off the wall things (chicken of the sea anyone?), People.com got the scoop on her recent interview with Harper's Bazaar where she seems to be making perfect sense:

On her butt: One thing that has changed is her body, as she prepares to join the Marines in her upcoming movie, Major Movie Star. "I've started with a trainer, Harley Pasternak," she says. "He's given me a butt, because I have white-girl syndrome. I have to do as many squats as I can to get a little booty. ... I have to be [diligent]. I'm a curvy girl. You don't want to see me not working out."

On her curves: But she's fine with her curves – and she thinks guys are too. She recalls attending a recent fashion party with her friend and hairstylist Ken Pavés and asking him, "Do you think the guys in here are all really looking at all those skinny girls and thinking, Wow, I want to get with her? Or are they looking at the girls with the curves and thinking, Yeah, I want to get with her!"

Simpson, for one, knows where she stands. "Curves are better," she says. "I don't get the whole rail thing. It's not good for your heart, it's not good for your mind; it's emotionally destructive, it really is."

Nice Jessica! I am very impressed with such positive body image messages coming from her. There are more pics of Jess looking fitter than ever at the airport, so read more

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