FitSugar

thinkOrganic Bars

FitSugar — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 08:45:00 -0700

I was in the airport recently and I stopped at one of those little stores to get some snacks for the trip. Among all the candy bars and gum, I saw thinkOrganic bars. When I looked at the ingredients, and saw dates and nuts, I had to give them a try.

As I was eating the Cashew Pecan bar, it reminded me a lot of LARABARS. While they taste pretty similar, the difference is that these thinkOrganic bars contain a few extra ingredients - pectin, and ascorbic acid - which I wasn't that psyched about.

I did like that the cashew and pecan pieces are a little bit bigger, but it made the date taste a little bit more prevalent. Eating these thinkOganic bars were just like taking a handful of nuts and a date and popping them in your mouth. The LARABARS, on the other hand, have a more unique flavor.

Want to see what they really look like? Then read more

Serving Size	1 Cashew Pecan thinkOrganic Bar (1.4 oz)	1 Cashew Cookie LARABAR (1.8 oz)
Calories	150	210
Total Fat	7g	12g
Saturated Fat	1g	2g
Cholesterol	0mg	0mg
Sodium	0mg	0mg
Potassium	260mg	320mg
Carbs	23g	23g
Fiber	2g	3g
Sugar	17g	14g
Protein	3g	6g
Ingredients	organic dates, organic cashews, pectin, organic pecans, organic lemon juice concentrate, ascorbic acid	cashews, dates

I compared the ThinkOrganic bars to LARABARS, just so you can see how they match up nutritionally. Make sure you note that even though a serving size is 1 bar, the LARABARS are a little bit bigger, so that's why they have more calories and fat. Also remember that the fat content in both bars comes from the nuts, which are a healthy fat your body needs.

Since LARABARS are bigger, I thought they'd have more grams of sugar, but they actually have 3g less than the thinkOrganic bars. Hmm, it must be from the lemon juice concentrate, or maybe thinkOrganic bars are made with more dates and fewer nuts. I honestly didn't notice that one bar was sweeter than the other.

Even though the thinkOrganic bars are made with organic ingredients, I'm more of a fan of the fact that LARABARS contain minimal ingredients. As far as taste goes, I did like them both, but LARABARS have so many more flavors to choose from, so I think it makes them more exciting. It's good to know that both bars are vegan, gluten free, soy free, and dairy free.

Try them both and see for yourself. Let me know which ones you like better.

More LARABAR Love

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:30:00 -0700

You know what a huge fan I am of LARABARs. I love how they taste, but most importantly, I love that the ingredients are just fruit and nuts.

Another thing I love is that there are so many different flavors to choose from like Cashew Cookie and Chocolate. I recently tried Banana Cookie. Want to take a peek at the nutritional info? Then read more

Serving Size	1 bar
Calories	220
Total Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	0mg
Potassium	460mg
Carbs	28g
Fiber	5g
Sugar	17g
Protein	6g
Ingredients	almonds dates unsweetened bananas

They could not have come up with a better name for this bar - it seriously tastes just like a homemade banana cookie. It's the perfect blend of chewiness from the dates and bananas, and a slight crunchiness from the almonds. This could be my new favorite flavor. Did you see there are only three, that's 3 ingredients listed. Which gives me peace of mind that there are no hidden ingredients.

Fit's Tips: I know it may seem like the fat content in this bar is high, but the fat comes from nuts, which are healthy fats your body needs. If you want to see how a LARABAR compares to other energy bars, then check out this post.

LARABAR: Cashew Cookie

FitSugar — Thu, 10 May 2007 14:30:00 -0700

At my yoga studio yesterday, they were giving away free samples of LARABARs. Of course I had to try them and report back to my fellow health nuts.

I've told you about them before, but I thought you might like a little bit more info considering there are so many energy and granola bars out there - it's hard to keep them straight and know which ones are good.

I tried Cashew Cookie and it was delicious. The thing that is so great about LARABARs is that they're made with real food and each bar contains no more than 6 ingredients. There were only 2 ingredients in the one I tried: Cashews and Dates. That's it.

LARABARs have no added sugar, they're raw, unprocessed, non GMO, gluten free, dairy free, soy free, vegan, and kosher. If you check out all the other exciting flavors, all you'll find are unsweetened fruits, nuts, and spices. It's energy in its purest form.

These are great to have in your purse, in the car, in your desk drawer and in your gym bag. They are all natural, wholesome, and simply scrumptious.

Want to see what they really look like? Then read more

View 6 Photos ›

The Ultimate Date: Indoor Rock Climbing

Fit Community — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:00:32 -0800

Women That Rock (Climb) community members Spacekatgal and her husband Spacekatdude give you their take on why indoor rock climbing makes a perfect fitness-inspired date.

Spacekatdude and I are married, so we're always looking for fun new things to do. Recently, we decided to give indoor rock climbing a shot! We totally loved it! We wanted to post a bit about it for newbies.

We each signed up for a $160 class, which included gym membership for two weeks. We got free equipment rental and a really great instructor named Nate that taught us the basics, focusing on safety. We were taught to tie our own knots and how to "belay" your partner safely, meaning how to catch them if they fall off the wall.

I will be honest and say it's a real trust building exercise. I love my husband dearly, but I also know it's in his nature to be distracted. It was a little hard for me to put my life into his hands and trust him to catch me if I fell. Throwing myself off the wall for the first time was very scary - but I quickly learned that I could count on him for this. Working as a team to guide the other person up the wall is both fun and good for your relationship!

It's also a great workout. Within a few weeks of rock climbing, I've greatly increased my upper body strength. If you have moxie, I would definitely say it's a sport you should try!

To hear Spacekatdude's perspective, read more.

A guy's perspective - Spacekatdude here. Rock climbing is awesome. It's not just a physical thing - it's very mental, as you try to figure out set paths up the wall, only being allowed to touch rock outcroppings of a particular color - very challenging. Whenever we go to the gym there are a lot of women there, and it's great to watch those who love the challenge and love to push themselves, I think that's awesome. Our instructor Nate also told us that it was great for kids - one of the best rock climbers he knew was an eight-year-old girl, who showed him some excellent routes during an outdoor climb.

I mentioned that climbing is a mental exercise. This is because you have to constantly concentrate on what you're doing. If you go in mentally weak or lazy, bad things can happen: I read of some climbers who went to Half Dome at Yosemite, all ready to hammer in their own ropes to descend from the top. But there were ropes already there, embedded in the rock, and they just used those. As they climbed down, the ropes gave way, and they fell to their deaths. So laziness has no place in rock climbing.

Also, as you climb, it's important to remember to use your feet for power, and not to try to pull yourself up by your arms. So the mental challenge is to keep concentrating the entire time you're roping yourself in, climbing, and belaying.

Share your climbing tales in the Women That Rock (Climb) group and spread the love! Not a climber? Be sure to take a look at our other community groups - there's something for everyone!

Source: Flickr User Charlie Brewer

Do You Eat Foods Past Their Expiration Date?

FitSugar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0700

With different foods being recalled almost every other month, food-borne illnesses are on everyone's mind a bit more. We use those expiration dates stamped on boxes, cans, and containers as guidance of what to toss and what is safe to eat. Since money is tight, folks are relying on the sniff test more than the printed "sell-by" date. Regardless, it is estimated that on average, a family of four throws out 120 pounds of food in one month. Both Prevention and Real Simple have tips on how long many foods really last past their use-by date. Yogurt, for example, is generally OK to eat for 10 to 14 days past its expiration date, and eggs last for up to a month past their sell-by date. That is as long as they are kept in a refrigerator set to 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

So what about you . . .

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Dieting and Dating: Finding a Fit

FitSugar — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 11:45:00 -0700

Dating, whether you are single or in a relationship, can be a serious diet killer. Dating can be stressful enough as it is, so the added distraction of worrying about what to eat while dating is something you just don't need right now.

MSNBC.com along with Shazia Paroo, a personal trainer in Canada, has created these possible dieting scenario threats while dating (and breaking up) and offers ways to keep them under control:

Dating Stage: Drive-thru, anyone?
Pitfall: Your Friday night action is the girl who answers the phone at your favorite pizza joint. At the grocery store, you find yourself hoping that cute but confused-looking guy will ask your advice on frozen dinners. Cooking for one is depressing, but eating one more piece of your mom's lasagna can't hurt (it's comfort food, after all). It's easy to fall into the self-pity mode when you're going through a dry spell -- then, the temptation to Jabba the Hut yourself to the couch can be overwhelming.

Antidote: "Set a goal and visualize where you want to be and how you want to look," says Paroo. Buy a juicer, find some recipes that don't involve pasta and parmesan, and consider blueberries as something other than a topping for cheesecake. Having the luxury of all that non-relationship free time is also an ideal opportunity for combining socializing and health -- join a gym or a baseball team, take up fencing, cycle naked to protest rising gas prices.

Taking care of your body and appearance will affect your confidence, too. Paroo mentions a client who went down in size "four belt loops. He would go out to a bar and just sit by himself with his head down," she says. "Now he talks to everyone."

Need dieting tips for dieting on a first date? Or what about sticking to a diet during a breakup? Then read more

Dating Stage: Reservations at 8
Pitfall: You can hardly believe your luck -- there's someone else out there who thinks Tiny Tim is an under-appreciated genius. You both hated the sound your exes made when they breathed. In other words, love is in the air -- and that means dessert with dinner and chocolate croissants in the morning. Eating out, ordering in and trying to impress each other with tasty cream sauces are also on the menu.

Antidote: When it comes to the hormonal honeymoon stage, there are two extremes, says Paroo. "You get comfortable and you gain weight, or you get in shape for your partner." Now is the time to be ultra-aware not just of over-indulging, but of losing your motivation. Try adding an extra lap around the track or adding a game of tennis to your schedule. Better, involve your date -- you can both sign up for those yogalates classes.
Dating Stage: Should we just order in?
Pitfall: Congratulations! You've made it into the land of the duos. You've met the parents, confirmed your partner's lack of a criminal record, and even (temporarily) altered him or her to better suit your ideal of someone you'd actually like to be with. Staying fit? That's for single, desperate schmucks who don't have a quality pair of expandable sweat pants. Well, don't get too cocky -- this might be the most dangerous stage as the comfort level rises and the desire to look desirable drops.

Antidote: "People in relationships come to me after a year," says Paroo. "And they've become too comfortable watching movies and eating out a lot. They're drinking a lot, they're not eating well, and they're eating at the wrong time. If you're in a relationship you'll eat late at night, guaranteed." You're biggest enemy at this stage is yourself. Complacency and bliss have dulled your edge and every time you think of working out it's with a twinge of guilt. Get over it -- there are no guarantees in this life, and you'll feel better about yourself if you maintain some semblance of your former shape.
Dating Stage: Pass the Chunky Monkey
Pitfall: It's over but the eating, and all you have to show for your efforts are a food processor you'll never use again, a taste for pancetta and a few extra pounds of relationship fat. You're depressed and anxious, and you're going through the ever-popular grieving process -- sadness, fridge, anger, fridge, bitterness, fridge.

Antidote: Breakups are stressful -- wondering where your next foot-rub is coming from can take a lot out of a person. Fear not -- the answer is as close as the nearest elliptical trainer. Even though lifting weights or running around a track might be the last thing you feel like doing, follow the slogan and "just do it." Guaranteed you'll feel better -- not just from the release of endorphins but just knowing you're still among the living. This might also be the best time to hire a professional. "Let us kick your butt," says Paroo. "You'll get your self-confidence back. And no matter how hard people find it to work out, it's the best stress relief ever." And never discount the motive of revenge when it comes to getting in fighting form, says the trainer: "People want to show the ex how hot they can look."

Not having problems dieting and dating, but just dating in general? Then check out what E. Jean has to say about dating on DearSugar.com.

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Dating Diet Tip: Share an Entrée, but Get Two Plates

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:30:00 -0700

My friend DearSugar offered some great tips on keeping your diet in check while dating, and here's another one. When dining out with your significant other, a great way to prevent consuming a day's worth of calories in one sitting is to order one entrée and share it. But before your meal arrives, ask your server for two separate plates.

Just like it's a bad idea to eat straight out of the bag of tortilla chips, you don't want to eat right off the big plate of food. Scoop out a portion for yourself before you begin eating to help you keep tabs on exactly how much you're consuming. Do this every time you dine in or out together, and it'll help prevent weight gain while dating.

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Is Dating or Marriage Worse For Your Waistline?

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:30:33 -0700

Dating can be tough for many reasons, but especially if you're trying to watch your weight. The calories from all those drinks and dinners out can add up, and on top of that, dates can seriously cut into your gym time. But according to a recent story in Shape, living together or getting married may be even harder on the love handles.

Citing a recent study by the Obesity Society, Shape writes:

Women who were dating put on an average of 15 pounds over five years, those who were living with a romantic partner gained 18 pounds and the newly married packed on 24 pounds. You spend the most time with your loved one, so you're bound to be influenced by his eating habits, says Lauren Antonucci, M.S., R.D., director of New York City-based Nutrition Energy. This can lead to weight gain since women generally don't need as many calories as men.

I was initially surprised by this statistic, but now that I think about it, it makes sense. It's hard not to be influenced by your significant other. At least when you are dating, you have time alone to stick to your usual eating habits. Whether you're single or attached, Shape also has some great tips on controlling your eating habits while in a relationship, so check it out.

What about you? Do you think dating or coupledom is worse for your waistline?

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Make Your Next Date a Fitness Date

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 14:30:00 -0700

Dating can definitely put a damper on your healthy lifestyle. All those drinks, popcorn at the movies, decadent dinners out, and late-night talks over gelato are bound to mess up your healthy routine.

I'm not saying you should forgo all that delicious food and never eat out, but why not throw some active dates in there as well? Here are some ideas:

Meet at your gym (he can use your guest pass) and you guys can work out before heading to dinner.
You could sit and talk at a coffee shop, or you can walk and talk instead.
Plan an afternoon hike on the weekend.
Go horseback riding. You can take a lesson together.
Take dance lessons together, or just go dancing.
Visit an indoor rock climbing gym.
Take a partner yoga class or other fitness class together.
Go ice skating at an indoor rink. Many arenas offer times for public skating, so call ahead to find out what times are available.
Rent bikes together and take a tour of the town you live in.
Play a game of tennis, golf (with no cart), football, baseball, or whatever. If you're not into playing a whole game, just play catch, go to the batting cages, or hit golf balls at the driving range.

If you have any other ideas for fitness dates, be sure to share them below.

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Make It a Summer Date: Batting Cages

FitSugar — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:00:00 -0700

Cycling and hiking are awesome Summer activities to do with your honey, but they're not the only ones. Do something different on your next fitness date and pay a visit to your local batting cages. Even if you were the kid picking grass in right field during middle school during baseball games, I promise you'll have a blast when you're swinging bats in the sunshine.

You don't need to bring your own equipment to the cages; just wear comfortable clothes and sneakers and bring a little cash to pay for your time. Most places have a selection of cages with multiple options - soft-pitch softball or baseball, medium- or fast-pitch baseball, etc.

Expect to be a little sore after hitting a bunch of balls. Your upper body will get a great strengthening workout, particularly your back, shoulders, forearms, and core. My obliques were still noticeably sore a few days after my most recent trip to the batting cages!

Fit Tip: You may consider taking along a pair of batting gloves if you plan on swinging at 20 or more pitches. Your hands can easily tear after so much use, and you don't want a little injury to cut your afternoon short.