FitSugar

Gadgets Galore? Get an Eight Piece Case Set

GeekSugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:00:38 PDT

I'm all about matching bags, but this limited edition mobile device case collection by Claw Money and Boost is a sight for sore eyes if you ask me! And since when was it OK to label bags, especially a regular duffle bag, a device bag?! Is there proper padding in each one? I highly doubt it. If you look closely you'll notice three small cases to the left that are said to fit cell phones or your iPod, but I was so distracted by the other bags, I hardly noticed them! Separately, they may work, but as a set? They are a gadget girl's nightmare!

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Make the Most of Your Metabolism

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 02:00:00 PDT

Most of what controls your metabolism is not under your control, some folks have fast metabolisms and others have slow ones. Also, as we age our metabolism slows down. Scientists have estimated that metabolism slows about 5 percent per decade, beginning at age 40 as we lose muscle mass and increase body fat. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so when you lose muscle mass your caloric needs decrease. Luckily you are not completely at the mercy of your genetics - There are a few things you can do to keep your metabolism up.

Basically, metabolism is the total of all body processes that burn calories - your basal metabolic rate (calories burned by simply being alive) plus your activity factor since we all know that exercise burns calories.

The basal metabolic rate includes the energy we need for body processes, including digestion. About 10 percent of our calories are used to process the food we eat. This phenomenon, known as the thermic effect of food, is influenced by how much, how often and what we eat. In addition, food can directly affect metabolism by altering the way the body functions, which changes the amount of energy it needs.

According to Joy Bauer, nutritionist and author of the book Food Cures, there are ways to maximize your metabolism. Curious to know what they are? Then

Eat at least 1,000 calories per day (I would say 1,200 calories, myself). Although it is generally true that eating a low-calorie diet will help you take off weight, if you eat too few calories, your metabolism will get slower and slower as it tries to conserve energy. As your metabolism crashes, the weight you take off will most likely creep back on over time. Plus, you'll be more likely to binge on junk food if you reduce your calories by too much.
Eat every four to five hours. A regular meal schedule helps keep your body working to digest and absorb foods. Between breakfast and bed, aim to eat a meal or snack every four to five hours. Try to eat breakfast within 90 minutes of rising - People who regularly eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to control their weight. If you wait to eat until you're ravenous, you're more likely to overeat later in the day. Also, breakfast helps fire up your metabolism after a full night on a slow simmer.
Eat protein with every meal. All foods contribute to the thermic effect, which means that all foods – carbohydrates, fats and proteins – help to give metabolism a gentle nudge higher when we eat them, but protein has the greatest thermic effect of all. In addition, protein can increase metabolism by helping to maintain and build muscle mass.

Source

Is It FIT For News?

FitSugar — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 03:00:00 PDT

For some reason this week's news was full of truly bizarre "health" stories. The following stories really caught my eye, piqued my interest or made me squirm (the top headline especially).

Man Eats Live Frogs and Rats for Health - from AOL News

On Yahoo News there is a great article on a man suing Boost Energy Drink maker Novartis AG for long lasting, yet unwanted arousal caused by the energy drink. Seems it gave him an unrelenting boost where it wasn't wanted.

Vancouver doctors report rare finding of man whose blood was green - from Canada.com

If you thought you did some wacky things in your youth to get a tan read these: Tan tales that could make a dermatologist cry on MSNBC.com - they will inspire you to wear lots and lots of sunscreen.

I think this headline understates what is really going on, since death threats were involved: Obesity expert takes heat from Sparks fans - from MSNBC.com

Alexis, Olivia, Jordana, and More Show Off Cool-Girl Summer Style at the Coach Fete - Who's Most Fab?

Marisa Tom — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:24:00 PDT

For a super Summer-inspired fix of flirty frocks, colorful bags, and must-have sandals, look no further than the stylish celebs making the rounds at Coach's cocktail-cum-charity benefit party in LA yesterday evening. Aside from the brand's slick leather-and-tassel satchels providing a cool accessorized boost, we loved the variety of sunny styles - girlie, muted sophistication, and all-out brights - spotted on the likes of Alexis Bledel, Olivia Munn, Jordana Brewster, and Kristen Bell. While Olivia opted for a Naven neon pink miniskirt and Jordana kept it cool in silver-gray tones, Alexis chose a butterfly-printed Tucker dress for the occasion. For a tougher edge, check out Malin Akerman's leather Mandy Coon number, or for a more Parisian-chic vibe, channel Nikki Reed's Finders Keepers shirtdress look. Click through now for a stylish selection of enviable celeb ensembles, then tell us in the comments who gets your best-dressed vote!

What We're Sweet On: Radiance and Clarity, All in 10 Minutes

Jaime Richards — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:09:00 PDT

If you're one who doesn't like to fuss with a lot of products, then you'll love Murad's Intensive - C Radiance Peel ($50), from the brand's new Environmental Shield line. Use it just once or twice a week (at 10 minutes each application), and skin is left with just about every adjective you want it to be: bright, smooth, luminous, and supple.

The reasons? Glycolic acid helps to exfoliate, while vitamin C and Indian fig free help protect the complexion from free radicals. And thanks to the addition of collagen-boosting myrtle extract, skin gets a surge of rejuvenation. The peel smells amazing, too, like an orange and grapefruit stand on a warm, sunny day. Don't be frightened by the tingling sensation that occurs almost immediately after application, though. It's just the ingredients doing what they're supposed to be doing. How's that for a little clarity?

How to Curb Salt - but Not Flavor - in Your Cooking

Susannah Chen — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:39:05 PDT

By now you're probably familiar with MyPlate, the government's new food pyramid replacement; in case you hadn't heard, based on the updated guidelines, Americans are consuming far more sodium than they should. And new research suggests that overconsumption of salt affects cognitive function. High blood pressure, water retention, and stupidity? That's too much to bear. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to cut down on salt in the kitchen without impacting the deliciousness of your dinner. See a few easy steps, when you keep reading.

Say Goodbye to the Bloat With These Healthy Asparagus Recipes

Michele Foley — Mon, 21 May 2012 02:19:20 PDT

If you're getting in shape for a big event like a wedding, or want to look your best for bikini season, what you eat makes all the difference. Besides helping with weight loss, the right foods can also minimize bloating. Here's where asparagus comes in: this Spring veggie encourages colon health and also stimulates the growth of probiotics in the body. From breakfast to dinner, help give your digestive system a little support with these healthy asparagus recipes.

Spring Veggie Frittata
Start your morning off with a asparagus-filled frittata. What's great is that you can make this recipe on a Sunday and portion it out to enjoy over the course of the week. Omit the cheese to keep the recipe flat-belly-friendly.

Marinated Mushroom and Asparagus Salad
Vegan and gluten-free, this salad puts you in asparagus heaven. Earthy enough to stand up on its own, it's also great when paired with tofu, fish, or chicken.

See what's for dinner after the break!

How to Give Your Vitamin D Levels a Boost

Heather Dale — Thu, 12 May 2011 10:53:02 PDT

The vitamin that seems to get the most press as of late is vitamin D. If we aren't hearing about how we're deficient in vitamin D, we're reading about the role vitamin D plays in cancer prevention. How much do you know about vitamin D? Could you ace our quiz about this miracle vitamin?

There are various forms of vitamin D, but the two that are most important are vitamin D2 and D3. Vitamin D2 is synthesized by plants, while vitamin D3 is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays from the sun. Vitamin D is crucial in maintaining normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus and helping to prevent ailments such as osteoporosis, heart disease, breast cancer, and diabetes. Because it's a vital vitamin, here's how to make sure you are getting enough of it.

Healthy Dose Link Time: How to Take Care of Your Body When You Overindulge

Michele Foley — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:16:05 PDT

Go a little crazy with the cookie jar? Tips for everyday indulging - Real Simple
Check out what the first lady grooves to while working out - HuffPost Healthy Living
Have your cake and eat it too! Strange diet methods that really work - Shape
Cool down this weekend with these immune-boosting healthy smoothies - Prevention
From Rihanna to Jennifer Lawrence, see how the stars get in action-hero shape - Self
6 wonderful reasons to challenge yourself with ashtanga yoga - Mind Body Green
Get crackin'! 5 ways to eat with egg whites - Fit Bottomed Girls
A CrossFit-inspired workout you can do just about anywhere - Peanut Butter Fingers

Make a Japanese-Inspired Salad, Live Longer in the Process

Michele Foley — Wed, 16 May 2012 01:32:16 PDT

Japanese woman live to be almost 90 years old, which is a record high the world over. And while a lot of factors contribute to a long life, diet is certainly one of them. A bowl of udon or a plate of sushi might not appeal to you every night, but there are a few simple ways to tweak your salad using elements of this heart-healthy cuisine.

Soba noodles
In Japan, soba noodles are served either hot or cold, on their own or in light broth. Not just for soups, they're also a tasty addition to any salad - and a healthy one too. Made from buckwheat flour, soba noodles are full of fiber, protein, iron, and amino acids. And those living with celiac disease should know that 100 percent buckwheat soba noodles are gluten-free. I'm a fan of adding soba noodles to a salad of mixed greens, mango, edamame, red pepper, and cucumber. Toss lightly with a miso or sesame dressing for a satisfying lunch!

Seafood
When it comes to a protein staple, fish rules the day in Japan. What you won't find on a day-to-day basis is an overabundance of beef or dairy. The diet is rich in variety, from common varieties like salmon and tuna to the more exotic uni. Seafood is an easy way to give salad the protein boost that is often missing; it also adds omega-3s, iron, and calcium. Try some seared tuna on your next salad creation.

See more ways to make your salad Japanese after the break!