FitSugar

You Asked: Burning Lungs From Running in the Cold

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:50:49 -0800

Hi Fit,
I recently started running outdoors and am really enjoying it. It's started to cool off, and breathing in the cold air really burns my throat and lungs when I jog. Is there anything that can be done to prevent this?
- Winter Runner

Ahhh, the cold weather is moving in, and I give you credit for continuing your outdoor runs even though the temps have dropped. Running in the crisp air can be so exhilarating to your body and your mind, but your lungs are another story. I have some ideas about how to make your respiratory system happier, though, so continue reading

You Asked: Energy Bar For a Meal?

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:00:48 -0800

Dear Fit,
I just got off the phone with a friend and I need some advice. She says for breakfast, she eats one Balance Bar. I know some bars are fortified with vitamins, but this doesn't seem like enough to me - calorie- or nutrition-wise. What do you think? Is it OK to eat an energy bar for a meal?
-Concerned Friend

This is an excellent question because I think many people grab a bar for a quick meal because it's quick, easy, and fairly inexpensive. Is it enough, though? To find out what I think read more.

Replacing a meal with an energy bar is not a good idea. For one, most bars contain only about 200 calories. That calorie amount is suitable for a snack, not a meal. Another reason is that those bars were designed to give someone energy before or after a workout, so they tend to be high in carbs and low in fiber. That translates to quick energy at first, but your friend probably feels tired and hungry soon after. The low fiber issue may also affect regularity. The bottom line is that energy bars are not designed to replace a well-balanced meal, since they won't offer the same kind of nutrition. Even the ones that are fortified with vitamins and minerals only offer about 25 percent of your RDI, which isn't very much.

I think it's best to ask your friend why she's only eating an energy bar for breakfast. Is she short on time? Is she trying to lose weight? Does she think it's healthy? Once you find out her reasoning, you can suggest healthy breakfast ideas that suit her needs. There are plenty of tasty options that are high in protein and fiber to offer sustained energy, are easy to make, and won't break the calorie bank.

Weigh In: Flirtatious Guy at the Gym

FitSugar — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:00:02 -0800

This FitSugar reader needs some advice about an overly friendly guy at her gym.

Dear Fit,
I joined a gym last Winter because my New Year's resolution was to lose 40 pounds. I'm halfway to my goal, and am really proud of myself. I definitely notice a big change when I try on clothes or look in the mirror, and it seems there's a guy at my gym who has noticed too. I've been heading to the gym after work three times a week for the past 10 months, and recently this guy I've seen ever since I joined has been approaching me. He compliments me, saying things like, "looking good today," or "your arms look really ripped in that tank top." Don't get me wrong - the attention is actually really nice since I never had anything like that when I was heavier, but it's a little creepy. I'm not attracted to this guy at all, and it kind of pisses me off that as soon as I lose weight, I'm worth the friendly smiles and sweet words. Really, I'm at the gym for one purpose only, so how can I get this guy off my back without seeming like a total bitch?
-Annoyed Annie

If you have any experience with this or any suggestions, please share them below.

Weigh In: My Dieting Co-Worker Is Taking It Out on Me

FitSugar — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 03:00:21 -0700

This FitSugar reader sure could use some advice on her dieting co-worker's behavior.

Dear Fit,
I'm a generally health-minded person. I eat well, exercise regularly, and reap the benefits. I'm happy with my weight, have tons of energy, and hardly ever get sick. I'm friends with one of my co-workers and am happy to say that my healthy lifestyle has rubbed off on her. She works out with me on our lunch break, eats salads for lunch (instead of her usual fast food), and she's even ditched her afternoon soda and cookie habit. I'm really proud of her, but now I'm miserable because she's been really cranky. She jumped into this lifestyle head first, and I think her body isn't used to the lack of sugar and fat. I can tell she's just not happy because of all the junk food she's missing, but I can't stand her quick comments and bitchy attitude. I don't want this healthy diet and exercise routine to ruin our friendship. Any suggestions?
-At the End of My Rope Rose

If you have any experience with this or any suggestions, please share them in the comment section below.

Weigh In: My Husband Is Gaining Weight

FitSugar — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 03:30:00 -0700

Help a fellow FitSugar reader out. Her hubby used to be active, but now, not so much.

Dear Fit,
Before we got married, my husband and I used to exercise together all the time. We belonged to the same gym, played tennis on the weekends, hiked with our dogs, and were even on a co-ed volleyball team. Our wedding was almost a year ago, and since then, his exercise schedule is just about non-existent. When I ask him to join me on a run or walk or anything physical, he just says he doesn't feel like it. I thought it was just a phase, but it's been almost a year and I'm noticing he's gained a slight tire around his middle. I want us to live a long, healthy life together, so how can I get him back on the workout bandwagon without seeming pushy?
-Worried Wife

If you have any experience with this, or any suggestions, please share them in the comment section below.

Weigh In: I Don't Want Her as a Running Buddy

FitSugar — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 03:30:00 -0700

OK FitSugar users, this fellow reader needs your advice with a sticky exercise situation.

Dear Fit,
I recently moved from the city to a new house in the suburbs, and was excited to run in my calm, safe neighborhood. There are tons of quiet streets, hills, and even woodsy trails, so I never get bored. I made friends with someone on my street, and it turns out, she likes to run too. We made plans to run last weekend together, and it was fun having a partner to chat with, but I realized I prefer running by myself. Not only does it give me some much needed time to think and be alone, but my new friend and I are on different fitness levels. She has a hurt knee, so she takes it easy, runs slower and for less time, and can't do hills. At the end of our run, I was annoyed that we hardly broke a sweat, but she was really excited and said we should run together all the time. I really like having her as a friend, but not as a running buddy. How can I say no without hurting her feelings?
-Running Solo

Can you help a fellow FitSugar reader out? What advice would you give her?

Weigh In: My Fiancé Won't Quit Smoking

FitSugar — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 03:00:00 -0700

A fellow FitSugar reader is in need of your sensible, yet sensitive advice. She told me about her sticky situation, so let her know what you'd do.

Dear Fit,
I've been with the same guy for over five years, and we have a wedding planned for late this Summer. When we first met we were both smokers, but I'm pleased to say I finally quit a couple years ago. He has definitely cut back tremendously, from two packs a day to one cigarette a day, but hasn't quit entirely. I'm proud of him for having the amazing willpower to smoke fewer cigarettes, but I really just want him to quit altogether. He keeps saying that one a day won't kill him, but he doesn't know that. I obviously love him and still want to marry him, but how can I get him to ditch the nicotine habit? I want us to live a long, healthy life together.
-Tired of Tobacco

Can you help a fellow FitSugar reader out? Share your advice below.

Source

Get Over Your Fear of the Weight Room

FitSugar — Thu, 28 May 2009 04:30:00 -0700

When I asked what fitness equipment intimidates you at the gym, many of you said "the weight machines." One reason is that big, strong, sweaty guys hang out there, and as FitSugar reader AZDaisy put it, it's "Man Land." I can relate to what laellavita said - "I would feel like a wimpy little girl amid all of the testosterone." Also, tlsgirl understandably doesn't like it when guys stare at women when they use the weights.

So how can you move past feeling intimidated? Reader Jabbadoo has some great advice. She says, "I'm not intimidated by anything . . . because my trainer helped me become strong and smart about it all! Seriously, if you feel intimidated, work with a trainer a few times and ask a ton of questions. Then you will be completely confident on your own!"

For more advice from FitSugar gym-goers, read more.

A wise plumeria9 says, "Come on girls! Don't let the men take over the entire weight room. Most guys are not there for the entertainment . . . If there is a piece of equipment that I am interested in using, I will watch people use it and see how they do it, then I try it and see if it's for me." Yes, you can learn a lot by watching others at the gym. Just make sure they know what they're doing, and use proper form.

I agree with what kclulu says as well: "Everyone looks dumb at some point at the gym if they are challenging themselves and trying new things. If you want to try a certain lift or exercise look it up on Google; they have a video of just about everything you can think of. That way you can learn the right form and for certain exercises you can practice a little at home, so you feel more confident busting it out in front of people at the gym."

As for those sweaty guys staring at you, syako says, "it's easy to ignore them." But if you can't, Lauren3185 suggests finding a gym that has a separate weight room for women. That way you'll feel more comfortable using the equipment knowing you're not being ogled.

Source

Weigh In: Visiting a Food-Loving Family

FitSugar — Sat, 23 May 2009 03:00:00 -0700

All you FitSugar readers are always there to offer helpful yet sensitive advice. I recently got a question from one reader that I thought you guys would have some great suggestions for. Here's the question:

Hi FitSugar,
I need some advice. I've lost over 17 pounds in the past few months. I still have 10 to go to meet my goal weight. This weekend I'm heading to my boyfriend's parents' house. I love his parents, but his Mom is notorious for cooking delicious, but very unhealthy foods. She has food laid out at every hour of the day (cookies, breads, chips, cheese and crackers, you name it, and I guarantee it's within arm's reach), which is dangerous because I'm a grazer. How can I enjoy my weekend, not insult her cooking, and not blow my diet all at the same time?
-Stuck Between a Cracker and a Cookie

Can you help a fellow FitSugar reader out? Share your advice below.

Source

10 Fit Rules to Live By

FitSugar — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 04:30:00 -0700

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to give myself a break and ask FitSugar readers: what's the best health or fitness advice you've ever heard? As always, I appreciated the thoughtful, thought-provoking, and often amusing responses; it's always great to remind ourselves why and how to live healthy. Here are my 10 favorite pieces of health and fitness advice from Fit readers:

No one has ever regretted working out. - Hippiecowgirl
Don't eat any food that your great grandma wouldn't have recognized. - Spectra
Consistency is key. - Lizkiernan
Work up a sweat and make it an activity you enjoy. - Gothamgal
Crash dieting and restrictive diets rarely work and are difficult to maintain. Make changes that you can see yourself keeping up for life. - Yaliyah

To see the other five, read more.

Eat a rainbow! Eat foods that are the colors of the rainbow every day. - Kate516
Get enough sleep. Without that, all your other good acts start off with a handicap. - Pixelhaze
Exercise is an investment, not a sacrifice. - Zuzanka
Eat when you're hungry, stop when you're content (not full). Food = energy. Fiber is awesome. - Lemuse20
Suck your stomach in when you're waiting in line. It tightens your abs and doesn't take up any time. - GenesisRocks

Source