FitSugar

5 Ways to Stay Fit While on Vacation

FitSugar — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 08:45:00 PDT

We all know that vacationing can make for a huge set-back on your quest to get fit. I know vacationing is supposed to be a time where you can just feel good and relax, but relaxing can be difficult if you are feeling each pound add up, one by one, day by day....

WebMD, along with Dawn Jackson-Blatner, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, has come up with these five simple ways to stay fit while on vacation:

Plan Ahead to Fit in Fitness: Vacations should be an opportunity to re-energize, refresh, and relax -- not an excuse to take a break from health. When planning your vacation, opt for locations that will allow you to engage in physical activities you enjoy. Keep in mind that physical activity is the ticket to enjoying extra calories without weight gain.
Be Prepared: When you travel, whether by plane, train, or automobile, be prepared with healthy food so you won’t have to eat whatever is available. Start the day with a nutritious breakfast, then pack easy and satisfying snacks or a small meal, such as a turkey sandwich with lettuce and tomato on whole-grain bread, a piece of fruit, and some cut-up veggies with hummus.
Avoid Dining-Out Disasters: Eating out may pose the biggest challenge for avoiding vacation weight gain. "It is easy to control calories if you stay away from fried, crispy, or creamy foods; hold extras such as cheese and mayo; top salads with low-fat dressings; drink water instead of sodas -- simple things that can shave calories and make room for the special treats," says Blatner.
Indulge in Moderation: Deprivation is no fun when you're on vacation. Instead, "the name of the game is moderation when it comes to controlling calories from treats and alcohol," says Blatner. So have one scoop of ice cream instead of the sundae, or split that decadent dessert with a dining companion.
Pare Down Portions: Even when you're on vacation, portions count if you want to avoid weight gain.

To read the full article, check out WebMD.

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Swimmer Dara Torres on the Quest For Her Sixth Olympic Games

espnW — Fri, 11 May 2012 04:12:32 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from espnW here on FitSugar!

By Luke Cyphers

Dara Torres once wrote a book called Age Is Just a Number. Nowadays, though, the feel-good story of the 2008 Olympics admits to, well, feeling her age. Torres won two silver medals as a 41-year-old mother and swimmer in Beijing, but she harbors no illusions about repeating the feat four years later. "You have to be realistic," Torres said. "I am 45 years old. I'm that much closer to being 50, and my body just can't recover the way it used to."

Her goal was gold in 2008. In 2012? "I don't feel like I have anything else to prove going into these Olympic Games," said the 12-time medalist. "It's not about medals. I have enough."

So why does she put herself through grueling training five days a week in the hopes of making her sixth - and she swears last - U.S. Olympic team? Because, at her best, she's still one of the fastest sprinters in the world. She placed second in the 50-meter freestyle (25.24 seconds) at the winter nationals. Last month, she swam a solid 25.36 seconds in the prelims of the Indianapolis Grand Prix, but faded to 25.47 in the final to finish sixth. She'll need to place within the top two at the Olympic trials in Omaha in June to make it to London.

Kim Rhode is not your typical Olympian

Dara Torres says it is harder for her body to recover compared to when she competed in the 2008 Olympics. "If I had to just swim the race once, I don't think it would even be an issue making the team," she said. "But I have to swim it three times, and having my body recover for those three races is my issue."

Torres embraces the actuarial challenge of capping an Olympic career 28 years after it began in 1984, even as her world has changed and her body has creaked. Her longtime coach, Michael Lohberg, died of a rare blood disorder in 2011. One of Lohberg's assistants, Bruno Darzi, now coaches her. Her daughter Tessa is now 6. And her left knee required surgery and more than a year to rehab. Through it all, "I still have a passion for the sport of swimming," she said.

But there's also a sense of obligation to the public following she has built through her success and frequent television appearances. (The former telecommunications major and frequent morning-show guest announced her comeback on "Live with Regis & Kelly.") "I have so many people come up to me and say I'm inspiring them to do things that they thought they couldn't do because they were too old, or that they put off because they couldn't find a balance in their life to do it," Torres said.

Keep reading for more on Dara Torres' Olympic past and present.

A Cancer Survivor's Goal: 50 Triathlons by Her 50th Birthday

espnW — Fri, 04 May 2012 04:26:06 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from espnW here on FitSugar!

By Julia Savacool

It's a good thing Jenn Sommermann discovered triathlons when she did. "I was turning 40 years old, and my friend and I were looking for a way to commemorate the occasion," Sommermann said. "We decided to train for a triathlon." Because Sommermann was on the East Coast and her friend was on the West, the two trained together virtually, exchanging workout notes and messages of encouragement. Several months later, they competed in the Danskin Women's Tri in Seattle.

"That was it, I was in love with triathlons," Sommermann said. Little did she know, two years later the fitness she gained through the sport would help her win a battle against ovarian cancer.

It was December 2006 when Sommermann received her diagnosis. She'd been feeling out of sorts for months, but had been reluctant to see her doctor.

The symptoms for ovarian cancer are subtle: Bloating, weight gain, fatigue and indigestion are all indicators for the disease, but they are also common symptoms for many women during their monthly cycle. The main difference with ovarian cancer, explained Sommermann, is the symptoms don't go away.

It was by chance she discovered the cancer - she was pressing on her stomach one night and came across a hard lump. "I called my husband over, and he felt it, too," she said. "I knew this wasn't good." She went to see her physician immediately, and an ultrasound revealed a tumor about the size of an eggplant. "I had Stage 3 ovarian cancer," said Sommermann. "I was in shock. The disease is 94 percent curable if you catch it by Stage 2. But after that, the numbers are not in your favor."

Surfing gets Anastasia Ashley through tough times

Read more about Jen's inspiring story after the break.

3 Reasons to Work Your Back in Time For Summer

Leta Shy — Wed, 02 May 2012 01:17:24 PDT

When it comes to looking your best on the beach, it's not all about how to build a six-pack or which exercises make your backside look the best in a bikini. In fact, having a healthy and strong back can make you feel your best on the beach in more ways than one. Here are some essential back exercises and why they will help you rock a swimsuit with confidence.

Stand tall and slim: Wanna look five or 10 pounds lighter without dropping a number on the scale? Stand correctly! Having bad posture pushes out your belly and rounds out your shoulders, making you look shorter and fatter in an instant, so it's important to add posture-building workouts to your bikini-ready routine. Stand tall with this standing reverse fly exercise and these eight back and shoulder exercises and stretches to combat any workday slouching.

Help banish the muffin top: While all the spot-training in the world won't melt away your muffin top, doing specific workouts that target your torso and upper back will create a slimmer, more toned look. If you're dreading showing off any of the extra padding you've accumulated around your waistline, try a few of our back-strengthening exercises to help you tone, like this video of how to do the Superman exercise and these exercises that will help you get rid of your muffin top.

Stay injury-free: A strong back helps keep you injury-free by preventing imbalances and unnecessary strain. If you're looking forward to an active Summer burning calories outdoors, start working on your back muscles to make sure an injury doesn't sideline your fitness fun. Get more bang for your buck with this butt-lifting, back-strengthening single leg dumbbell row or try these four spine- and torso-stabilizing exercises to keep your back healthy and strong.

Beyoncé's Fit Philosophy

Leta Shy — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:05:51 PDT

How does someone become crowned People magazine's World's Most Beautiful Woman? Genetics, of course, play a major part, but so does having a healthy and happy lifestyle. Here's how 2012's winner Beyoncé has stayed fit throughout the years.

She's realistic: "I can't eat what I want, and I can't not go to the gym," Beyoncé told Self. She also has the right outlook; she knows that there isn't a quick fix when it comes to a healthy lifestyle. "The truth is, it's a lot of sacrifice. It's more about your mental strength than physical strength. You have to push yourself. It doesn't matter what trainer you have. And it doesn't matter what program you're on. You have to be healthy and make the right choices," she said.

She saves time: Beyoncé is a fan of celebrity trainer Marco Borges, who trains her using his signature Power Moves philosophy. This system helps Beyoncé save time since it relies on exercises that work several muscle groups at once. She also saves time by interval training, alternating between sprinting and running while on the treadmill, to burn more calories in a shorter amount of time.

Learn more about Beyoncé's diet and fitness routine after the break!

5 Ways to Spring Clean Your Dating Style

Laura Marie Given — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 04:00:00 PDT

You're busy with all kinds of Spring cleaning, so why not spruce up your dating approach, too? From new hobbies to a fresh, self-loving attitude, a little bit of change can go a long way - both for your confidence and for your dating habits. Love is in the air this season, so boost your odds of meeting someone by following these five simple tips:

Sign up for a class. You're not going to meet someone if you're sitting around all day, so take the initiative and join a class of some kind. Whether it's a fitness class or a cooking workshop, you're bound to meet new people - and the more people you know, the more likely it is that you'll find a connection, so boost your odds by getting out there.
Stick to smaller groups. A giant crowd of females can be more than a little intimidating, so ease up on the estrogen and go out with just a few close pals instead. Smaller numbers mean less pressure, making it much easier for guys to approach you.
Host a get-together. Take matters into your own hands by throwing a casual party for your pals. Encourage them to bring other friends to help you expand your social circle. Keep things low-key - think wine and games, not extra loud dance music - to promote plenty of conversation.

Read on for more tips to help you meet someone.

5 Tips to Feel Slimmer by Tomorrow

Laura Marie Given — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 01:19:29 PDT

Sometimes - especially during bikini season - plans come up at the last minute, and you wish you could feel thinner in a snap. While there aren't any instant fixes, there are definitely a few ways to feel leaner fast. If you're hoping to get slim quickly, follow these five steps to feel better by tomorrow:

Skip the salt: Avoid that puffy, bloated feeling by steering clear of the saltshaker. Feel like you're retaining water? Try these tips to cut down on salt and choose seasonal Spring foods that naturally detox. That swollen sensation will be gone in no time.
Catch plenty of z's: If you're tired and dragging, you won't have the drive to exercise. Sleep deprivation also stimulates the appetite - ever noticed that you eat more when you're worn out? Avoid an unnecessary binge and stay energized by crawling into bed a bit earlier and getting a good night's rest. To help you have a restful night, check out these tips for getting quality sleep.
Get moving: A good sweat session can definitely help your body detox, but on top of the physical benefits, there's the immediate post-workout confidence boost. Whether it's a quick walk or long jog, fitting in some exercise is a surefire way to feel leaner.
Sip some H2O: Water does wonders to beat belly bloat, so swap out sodas and sports drinks for a tall glass of H20. Looking for some extra flavor? Toss in some sliced fruit or fresh mint to give your slim-down drink better taste without too many calories.
Cook at home: When you dine out, it's tough to know exactly what's on your plate - not to mention the heaping portion sizes. Do your body a favor by stepping into your kitchen for a home-cooked meal. That way, you're sure of which ingredients are used, and it's easier to stick to smaller portions.

3 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint With Your Workout

Leta Shy — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 03:05:46 PDT

Now that it's April, we're thinking about Earth Day, when we celebrate our continuing commitment to reduce waste and do our part for the planet. Calculating and reducing your carbon footprint, the amount of environment-unfriendly emissions it takes to make it through your day, is one important way to go eco. So how does your workout factor in? Here are three ways to reduce your carbon footprint while you exercise.

Commute as workout: The average commute takes about 15 miles each way, which can translate into over a ton of carbon dioxide emissions per year. If possible, try biking to work once or twice a week: it can help save you time, since you won't have to worry about fitting in a workout that day, and cutting out drive time just a few times a month will cut your carbon footprint. Never biked to work before? Here are some tips for how to bike to work safely.
Skip the gym: It's not just driving to work that can add up in emissions. Driving to the gym can also rack up carbon emissions, as can all the energy and resources it takes to keep you cool and comfortable once you get there. Running, biking, even strength training outside can be more convenient and more fun than trekking to the gym every day. Plus, working out at home can cut down on a lot on resources, like all those extra towels or the energy it takes to power a treadmill.
Heat up naturally: Hot temps may be on the horizon, but Spring days and nights can still be chilly. That can mean turning up the heat on the thermostat to stay comfortable or opting for a comfortable car ride over a walk to the store. Wherever you are, raising your heartbeat for just a few minutes can make things comfortably warm. If you're taking a walk, increase your pace or do a few minutes of lunges first. If you're cold at your desk, do these five discreet strength-training moves at your desk. You'll be burning calories and raising your body temperature without having to turn up the heat - keeping your thermostat down by two degrees can save you one ton in carbon emissions if you do it throughout the year (along with raising the temperature of your air conditioner in the Summer).

Turns out, your workout can really help your eco-friendly ventures! If you need more ideas to help offset your carbon footprint, here are more ways to green your fitness.

5 Tips on Cooking Healthy For One

Lizzie Fuhr — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 05:31:32 PDT

After YumSugar reader Dreamalittledream asked for some advice on cooking healthy for one, we got to thinking. It's definitely easier to stay committed to healthy cooking when you've got people to share it with - or a few mouths to feed! - but cooking for yourself need not be a lonely or trying experience. In need of some inspiration? Look no further. We've got you covered with five helpful tips:

Get that pantry stocked with good stuff. While your pantry can hold plenty of chips, cookies, and candy, it's time to make space for the new kids in town. Say good-bye to just sugar and white flour, and make new friends with ancient grains, dried beans, and delicious nuts. If you keep a solid assortment of these things you like, you'll never be in a bind for healthful and delicious choices.
Leftovers can be your friend, not your foe. I too know the hardships of looking at old leftovers in my fridge and doing my best to make them look delicious. Instead of just heating them up, think outside the box! If you have half of a chicken sandwich on bread or salad that's too soggy for your taste, heat up the chicken with some rice and vegetables. I typically make a big pot of soup at the beginning of the week that I enjoy all week long.

Want to learn more? Just keep reading.

5 Habits of the Always-Fit

Leta Shy — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:48:23 PDT

Some people make it look so easy - they bounce out of bed in the morning, sprinkle their Greek yogurt with berries, and hop outside for their daily run. A green smoothie and a few post-workout stretches later, they're well on their way to having yet another healthy day.

For others, sticking with a healthy lifestyle isn't always so simple. Staying fit and healthy can be a struggle, since sticking to a workout and diet (aka not diving into a pint of ice cream every night) can test anyone's willpower. But the good news is that practice makes perfect, and becoming one of those enviably fit and healthy people can be just a few simple lifestyle changes away. Read on for five habits to borrow from the always-fit.

Make it a no-brainer: It can be hard to start an exercise routine, but it can be even harder to stick with it. But keeping with a regular exercise schedule gets easier the more you do it - that is, until you stop. Those enviably fit people have a secret: think of exercise as a daily must-do. You'll avoid getting into a rut, and you'll start to consider a workout as part of your everyday routine. Not only that, getting into an exercise routine makes skipping out that much harder; many people say that if they go without exercise for a few days, they start to feel anxious.

Take control of your food choices: It's an easy excuse to fall for: you can't eat right because you're surrounded by fast-food options, or you just don't have time to prep a healthy meal. People who are fit and healthy anticipate their hunger so they're not caught off guard with a grumbling stomach at the mall food court. Prepping meals and bringing your own snacks may take a little more time, but spending a few extra minutes to make meals and pack snacks will help you stay away from a fast-food fix. Stock your pantry with these healthy staples (think canned tuna, frozen veggies, and energy bars in bulk) that'll make throwing together a meal or to-go snack a breeze.

Read on for more healthy habits.