FitSugar

Get the Diet: Fergie Ferg

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:30:00 -0700

Whether or not we all agree on liking Fergie, one thing we can all agree on is that the girl is fit. We always see her working out and so it's no secret that she actually works to get those abs and legs. Since we all know that working out is only half of the equation, what about her diet?

Well my friends over at Life & Style got the scoop on her diet from Carrie Watt, Fergie's nutritionist, on what FF eats to complete the equation.

Here are highlights:

BREAKFAST: Fergie begins her day with a protein-packed six-egg-white veggie omelet, seasoned with salsa or hot sauce. A smart start on the go? Pack two slices of 100-percent whole-grain toast with 2 tablespoons of low-fat peanut butter.

MID-A.M. BITE: Top 4 ounces of low-fat or no-fat plain organic yogurt with 2 tablespoons of low-sugar granola (such as Bear Naked). “It’s low in sugar and has protein,” says Wiatt, who suggests pairing it with a bowl of fiber-filled berries. (Cottage cheese makes a great yogurt alternative.)

There's more, including lunch and dinner ideas, so read more

LUNCH: A Fergie fave? Mixed greens, a quarter of an avocado (for healthy fat), 4 ounces of shredded chicken (for protein) and half an antioxidant-rich grapefruit, all tossed with a nonfat dressing. (The same ingredients can be rolled into a 100-percent whole-grain tortilla!)

MIDDAY SNACK: Fergie’s go-to munchie? Light organic cheese (like a mozzarella stick or 1 ounce of Jarlsberg Lite) and rice crackers with flaxseed. (You can eat eight!) She never goes anywhere without first tucking fiber-filled Kashi bars into her purse.

PRE-SUPPER NOSH: Wiatt whips up a pureed vegetable soup - sans cream. At only 50 calories per cup, the small indulgence is super filling. Other lite treats? Carrots dipped in 2 tablespoons of hummus, a cup of air-popped popcorn or almonds!

DINNER: Fergie eats salmon (rich in Omega-3’s, which make hair and skin shiny and prevent bloating) and half a cup of whole-wheat couscous. She piles on 2 cups of veggies and adds 2 tablespoons of chili sauce or honey Dijon mustard for flavor. (Grilled balsamic chicken, brown rice and a side of sautéed spinach is another great dinner option.)

Source

What's the Diff: Omega-3s vs. Omega-6s

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:00:10 -0800

Omegas are all the buzz right now, and it seems like everywhere you turn, new foods are being enhanced with this essential fatty acid, or labeled as an excellent source. What people don't know is that there are different types of omegas, and eating too much of one kind can actually be harmful to your body.

Omega-3s are found in flax seeds, walnuts, cod liver oil, and fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, albacore tuna, and salmon. Fish are the best sources because they are high in two particular fatty acids that are crucial to good health, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).

Then there are omega-6s. These fats are found in eggs, nuts, chicken, and vegetable oils such as corn, soy, safflower, and sunflower oil. Omega-6s are high in LA (linoleic acid), which is converted by the body into GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), and then further broken down to AA (arachidonic acid).

Do you know which type of omega fatty acid we should be eating more of? To find out, keep reading

Heidi Klum's Got a Good Take on Her Post-Baby Bod

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:30:38 -0800

Thanks to a healthy attitude - and a little encouragement from hubby Seal - Heidi Klum is working to get her body back in shape after baby number four. Still, if you're expecting the supermodel to take a turn in the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, you might be surprised to learn that she won't be walking the runway this year, but playing hostess duty instead.

In an interview with US Weekly, it seems this mom is a little more realistic when it comes to shaping up her body after giving birth. Heidi told the magazine:

"I wouldn't say I'm back in the shape yet. But I don't know. Everything changes when you get older. It was different when I was 31 with the first one. Now, being 36 with the fourth one, it's different."

It seems to me the mom is setting a realistic expectation for getting back in shape and going about it the right way. She knows that it takes some work to get the bod you want, saying that, "For me, it always works to get back into it immediately. I think that if you wait too long, it kind of sticks on and it stays there forever. I have to be motivated." Still, she's not gym-crazed or diet-obsessed, adding that she's not exercising too much for now: "I walk on the treadmill a little bit. I walk on the driveway. I'm very active with the children." Sure, she's blessed with some supermodel genes (and possibly a very long driveway), but even still, Heidi's take on weight loss seems surprisingly down-to-earth to me - do you agree?

Healthy Eating Tip: Don't Eliminate, Elaborate!

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:14 -0800

When approaching health and fitness, many of us have the mentality that less is more. While this may be a healthy perspective to avoid overeating and practice portion control, a restrictive diet can wreak havoc on your mood and leave you wondering whether there’s anything out there you can eat. Instead, alter your state of mind: rather than thinking about what foods to cut out, start to think of your daily menu as a chance to add great-tasting, healthy options. Challenge yourself to make the most of your mealtime and see just how many creative and good-for-you foods you can include in your daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner routine.

To get creative, I like to take a cue from vegan menus. Let me start by saying that I am not vegan. I love poultry and seafood, but each time I decide to dine vegan, I’m always amazed by the variety on the menu. Every item is loaded with healthful, delicious ingredients that remind me to think outside the box the next time I’m planning a meal.

To get creative meal ideas, just read more.

Craving lasagna or a baked potato? Don’t deprive yourself these treats, simply reimagine them and treat yourself to a healthier version. An eggplant stacks is a great alternative to cheesy lasagna, and using fresh herbs, crumbled tofu, and fresh red pepper means it’s loaded with bold flavors and good-for-you ingredients. A baked sweet potato is another great option – and a great way to satisfy your craving for starch. Plus they are one of the healthiest vegetables around, since they contain vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and fewer calories than your regular potatoes. Even small changes like these can be big steps toward a healthier attitude and a healthier you.

To get creative ideas from your fellow FitSugar readers, check out their healthy food swap ideas.

Mariah Looks Great, but Her Diet is "Bleak"

FitSugar — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 10:15:00 -0700

Dressed in a fabulous purple body-conscious gown, Mariah Carey showed off her newly defined curves at VH1's Save the Music gala. She has slimmed down for the upcoming release of her new album, and it looks like she has been working hard on her "look" as well as her "sound."

She recently discussed her dieting tactics with People. Here are a few details on her diet and exercise regimen:

Diet: Mariah describes her diet as "bleak" and I must say I appreciate her honesty. She limits her food intake mostly to soup and fish prepared "really blandly." Well, she is getting her lean protein, but I don't think a diet of boring food is something anyone can stick to in the long term.

Exercise: Loyal to her trainer Patricia, who lives in St. Barts, Mariah flies her trainer up to NYC for their workouts. Mostly they do water aerobics, which seems somehow appropriate for a trainer that lives in the Caribbean.

There is no chance that Mariah will lose her lovely curves. She told people that she has no desire to be a size zero or a stick figure. I just hope she adds some spice to her diet, because "bleak" is no way to eat.

Source

Kristen Wants to Quit Smoking, Do It Too!

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:30:06 -0800

Kristen Stewart made the first step in kicking her cigarette habit - admitting to Entertainment Weekly that she's ready to give it up, saying, "I'm going to stop smoking. I'm not such a good smoker, anyway. It's not in my bones. I'm gonna drop it." More power to the gorgeous Twilight star, and here's hoping she sticks with it. Now, if you're out to ditch your own smoking habit, read on to kick-start your plan to quit.

Get Support - If you're ready to quit, whether or not you have friends that are smokers, make your decision known. Spreading the word that you're quitting will let your friends and family know that you'll need support. If you're having a tough day, reach out to friends. Instead of caving for a cigarette break, invite a friend for a long walk, a movie, or a workout class. Having the support of your loved ones who back your decision to quit will help give you a united front against your bad habit.

Don't Underestimate the Power of the Patch (or Gum) - Forms of nicotine replacement therapy have been shown to double your chances of quitting smoking, and can help you fight the urge to light up when you're facing nicotine withdrawal, reducing your feelings of depression and restlessness.

For more ways to help you quit, read more.

Find Another Way to Relieve Stress - Since smoking can often be a way to unwind, you'll have to find a healthier outlet to relieve stress. Combat stress with an alternative that's good for the body like a yoga class, soothing massage, or aromatherapy. Natural herbal supplements like lavender, valerian, and passionflower can aid with feelings of anxiousness and help ease tension. Short bouts of exercise can help relieve cravings, too.

Don't Drink - Alcohol and smoking are social activities that seem to go hand in hand. Plus, since alcohol naturally lowers our inhibitions, it can be harder to resist the temptation of a smoke when you're out drinking. So, when you're trying to quit, it's probably best to avoid the bar scene altogether.

Get Your Fill of Fruits and Veggies - Since many smokers fear gaining weight when they quit, many choose to diet while they're trying to give it up. But it's not a great idea to limit your food intake or choices, which can leave you feeling even more irritable while you're working to quit. Instead, think of quitting in a healthier way - focus on how eliminating the toxins from cigarettes will help to purify your body, and choose healthy fruits and veggies to fill you up. You might even try juicing your servings of fruit and vegetables. The nutrient-rich juice can help to curb cravings and can even help flush toxins from the body.

Smarter Eats: Gwyneth Reminds Us to Get a Healthy Dose of D

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:30:31 -0800

Gwyneth Paltrow's dishing out some healthy advice on GOOP this week - get your daily dose of vitamin D. The super-fit star points to Dr. Frank Lipman's healthy tips for getting our fair share of the vital D, who reminds us that, especially this time of year -when we head into the colder season and see less sunlight - it's even more important to supplement our diets with the vitamin, and avoid a vitamin D deficiency.

If you're wondering why it's so important, just remember that vitamin D was first recognized for its importance in maintaining healthy calcium levels for our bones. According to Dr. Lipman, it's now becoming increasingly apparent that we've underestimated the value of the vitamin, and a lack of it has been associated with obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and breast cancer - to name a few.

Since we rely on the sun to generate the most reliable way of getting vitamin D, it's a good idea to up your intake of foods that can naturally deliver the goods - try fortified milk in your cereal, dried shitake mushrooms with your stir fry or salad, and wild fatty fish, like salmon and halibut. Just be aware that only 10 percent of your vitamin D intake can come from food, so to really eat smarter and healthier, it might just be a good idea to supplement with the active form of the vitamin, D3. Be sure to read all of Dr. Lipman's great tips, and until we see some sunlight this Spring, make sure you're getting your daily dose with fortified foods.

Get the Bod: Katherine Heigl

FitSugar — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 13:30:00 -0700

Now that "Grey's Anatomy" is on break, we're getting our fix of the doctors in other ways. Katherine Heigl (aka Izzie Stevenson) has been promoting her new flick Knocked Up and apparently a rather revealing love scene was just the motivation Heigl needed to hit the gym (not that she really needed to, aesthetically).

People.com got the scoop from her trainer, Harley Pasternak, on what she did (and still does) to tone up her bod.

Heigl, 28, met with him for cardio and circuit-training sessions of 25 to 50 minutes, up to five times a week for six weeks prior to shooting. On-set, she'd jump rope or lift dumbbells outside her trailer. All the while, she ate Pasternak's 5-Factor Diet, which delivered five high-protein, high-fiber meals a day.

Even with a scheduled weekly "cheat day," says Pasternak, Heigl soon looked "tighter and more toned."

As for the former gym-hater, Heigl says now, a year after filming, she still works out regularly. "I used to have back pain. Suddenly, my body is supporting itself the way it's supposed to," Heigl says. "I wake up and I go, 'My god, I can't believe this is my body!' "

Want to see a sample of her typical workout and diet? Then read more
Typical Workout for Heigl:

5 minutes of jump-roping, jogging, or stair-climbing for a cardio warm-up.
A circuit of 4 sets each of the following:
- 25 dumbbell flies
- 25 lunges
- 25 low-body crunches
Followed by:
- 5-25 minutes of cardio running, elliptical training, stair-climbing or biking, with the last five minutes working as a cool-down period.

Sample Day's Meals:
Breakfast: French toast with ricotta pillows
Mid-morning snack: A mixed-berry shake
Lunch: TexMex salad with chicken and black beans
Afternoon snack: Hummus crudite
Dinner: Sea Bass with brown rice and edamame

Source

Where Are You at With That New Year's Resolution?

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 08:45:00 -0700

OK, so it's April. How are you doing with that New Year's resolution to get fit? A good majority of people who create resolutions have given them up by April.

If you let your resolution slide by, think about these tips from Harvard Medical School on how to get back on track without beating yourself up over failure:

Imagine yourself exercising. Recall the aspects of exercise you enjoy most.
Come up with a tantalizing reward to give yourself when you meet your first goal after resuming your program. (Shoe Diet anyone?)
Line up walking partners for your next few outings.
If completing your whole exercise routine seems overwhelming, mentally divide it into smaller chunks, and give yourself the option of stopping at the end of each one. However, when you reach a checkpoint, encourage yourself to move on to the next one instead of quitting.
Rather than focus on why you don't want to exercise, concentrate on how good you feel when you've finished a workout.

Source

Get the Bod: Jessica Simpson

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 11:45:00 -0700

Jessica is hard at work on getting in shape for her upcoming role in Major Movie Star. She has joined the 5-Factor the diet / workout plan that is ever so popular in Hollywood these days. Folks are saying she has lost about 20 pounds in a month - which seems like a lot to lose in a month from her tiny frame (she is only 5'3").

We have seen her running with 5 Factor creator Harley Pasternak, tall knee socks and all. Pasternak says "We're making Jessica taut and toned without taking away her femininity." It looks like the plan is working she is still curvy but buff as well.

Want to know a little more about the plan? Then, read more

The 5-Factor Diet is a fairly uncomplicated regimen of 3 meals and 2 snacks daily, consisting of: low-fat protein, fiber, healthy carbs and fats, and a sugar-free drink with every meal (yep, that could be a diet soda or my beverage of choice - water). ET Online is reporting that Jessica is having 1300 calorie meals delivered to her home through the 5-Factor website. I was curious as to the cost of the service and after spending considerable time on the website couldn't find any information on that. She is a star so it seems she is getting star treatment.

The 5-Factor Plan is not just about dieting, the workout is an integral part of the plan to take the weight off and keep it off. It is reasonable, combining both strength and cardio in each session of only 25 minutes exercise, 5 days a week. The entire plan seems pretty doable to me, since there is one diet "cheat day" a week and two days off from exercise. I'm sure it helps to have those meals delivered to your door too.

Check out some 5-Factor Diet healthy trades - recipes and all from Us Magazine. The 5-Factor website is full of information too.

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