FitSugar

Speak Up: What's Your Trouble Area?

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:30:00 -0800

Carrie Underwood boldly shared in Us Weekly that her trouble area is her tummy. She said, "It may take me the rest of my life, but if I'm 80 and I have abs, I'll be happy."

Now it's your turn to share which part of your body you work the hardest to tone up, shrink down, and sculpt. Tell me, what's your trouble area?

Speak Up: What Are Your PMS Food Cravings?

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:30:00 -0800

I try hard to eat healthy most of the time, but when PMS strikes, it's hard for me to stay on track. I end up craving everything sweet and salty like ice cream and mozzarella cheese-covered french fries. What about you? What are your fattening, greasy, creamy, fried, sugar-coated, chocolate-covered PMS cravings?

Speak Up: What Are Your Gym Pet Peeves?

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:00:20 -0800

There are so many things I love about the gym. It's always perfect weather inside, there are so many challenging fitness classes to choose from, and of course, the pool is a huge plus. There are also some things I don't love, number one being that I can't stand it when impatient gym-goers stand near you like vultures, waiting for you to be done with equipment. How rude.

The complain department is open for business, so tell me, what things annoy you about the gym?

Speak Up: Your Favorite Healthy Food Swaps

FitSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:10 -0800

Great tasting foods such as creamy soups, baked treats, and fried foods tend to be high in calories. So if you can make simple food swaps that reduce calories, but still satisfy your taste buds, you can drop pesky pounds or prevent weight gain.

When making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, I skip the sugar-based jelly and substitute real fruit instead. And when I crave ice cream, I opt for a little bowl of vanilla Greek yogurt with maple syrup since it has less fat and fewer calories, but contains more protein. What about you? Share some of your simple food swaps that make your daily diet healthier and lower in calories.

Speak Up: What Are Your Pre-Workout Rituals?

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:00:07 -0700

Athletes do some kooky things before a big game: former Red Sox player Wade Boggs would eat chicken before every game, and during the 1998 World Cup, Laurent Blanc would kiss the head of his goalkeeper before each kickoff.

I might not be a professional athlete but I have my own little rituals before heading out on a big hike or climb. I fill up at least three water bottles and make a small tower of rocks at the beginning of my trail. Building a little rock tower is something I did when hiking with my family and I've just continued on the tradition.

Do any of you have rituals or superstitions you subscribe to before a big race or challenging exercise? Do you do them out of habit or does it calm your jitters? Let's hear from you!

Speak Up: What Gear Would Make the Perfect Home Gym?

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:30:19 -0700

Now that colder weather is moving in, exercising outdoors may not be that appealing. Working out at the gym is great, but all those people sharing equipment means germ central. Plus, wouldn't it be nice to have your own home gym you could use whenever you wanted, and not have to drive to?

If there was no limit on the amount of money you could spend, what equipment would you buy to make your ideal home gym?

Speak Up: What's in Your Lunchbox?

FitSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:30:56 -0700

I'm in a lunch rut. For the last week I've been eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and an apple. I usually make a big dinner the night before so I can bring the extras with me to work but I've been having a lot of guests over, which equals no leftovers.

I'm in desperate need of some lunch ideas and would love to hear what you take with you to work. What healthy lunches do you pack?

Speak Up: What Healthy Habits Come Easy to You?

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:00:27 -0700

I love the way exercise makes my body and mind feel, so I crave it. I can't go two days without itching to move, and I feel lucky that exercising is second nature to me. Broccoli also happens to be one of my favorite foods, and I secretly love to floss. How about you? What healthy practices are easy for you to maintain?

Speak Up: Do You Fit the Physical Stereotype of Your Nationality?

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:00:27 -0700

In my yoga class last week, I asked one of my students if she was Italian, and she answered, "Yes, did you know because of my big butt?" I was stunned. I said, "No because of your last name. And first of all your booty is far from big, and second of all, I've never heard that Italians are known for their big bums."

I'm definitely not one to promote insensitive, big blanket statements about stereotypes, but some folks identify them and other just plain don't. I am wondering about you. Do you fit the bill when it comes to physical features commonly associated with your ethnic background or not?

Speak Up: What's Your Fall Fitness Goal?

FitSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:00:56 -0700

Now that it's officially Fall, students are back in school, and the warmer air is being replaced with a crisp breeze. The changing of the seasons often inspires healthy changes and fitness goals. I am wondering if you've signed up for a race, just bought a bike and are training for a century ride, or maybe your goal is to start exercising more after chilling out all Summer. Share your goals in the comment section below and studies show, if you write it down or share it with others, it's more likely to happen.