FitSugar

Have You Lost Your Reusable Water Bottle?

FitSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:30:00 -0700

I am on my fifth reusable water bottle. From leaving them at the gym and on the bus, I've managed to work my way through water bottles. I can't help but think I'm being counter productive here and they're not cheap either, Sigg and Klean Kanteen both start at around $20 a bottle. I'm curious, as we're all trying to keep hydrated while doing our part to stop using plastic water bottles and start using reusable water bottles, have you ever lost your reusable water bottle?

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Gear Review: Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottle

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0700

I'm sure you've heard the bad news. Polycarbonate water bottles that contain the chemical Bisphenol A, like the ever popular ones made by Nalgene, are probably bad for you. Studies show that hard, clear plastics might possibly cause cancerous tumors, urinary tract problems, and early puberty. With news like that, you're probably in the market for a new, safer water bottle. Enter Klean Kanteen!

This Klean Kanteen water bottle ($16.95) is made of stainless steel (SIGG bottles are made of aluminum). It holds 27 ounces of water, is toxin free and can be cleaned in the dishwasher, which I love. The mouth of the bottle is wide enough to handle ice cubs, and the polypropylene screw cap is easy to grip and seals tight to prevent leakage. The bottle is skinny so I can slip it into my backpack easily or in the cage on my bike. If you are super outdoorsy, you can use a spare carabiner to attach the bottle to the outside of your backpack with the handy loop on the bottle lid.These are a little cheaper than SIGG bottles (a 20-oz. bottle is about $20), so if you're trying to save some dough, I'd definitely pick one of these up. You can buy one here.

Biggest Headline of 2008: Nalgene and BPA

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:03:15 -0800

For fitness fanatics and nature lovers, owning a Nalgene water bottle was as essential as a sports bra - a must-have to stay hydrated and reduce your plastic footprint. For years it seemed like there was a Nalgene bottle next to every machine at the gym. Then the scare hit.

The chemical known as bisphenol A (BPA) used to make these polycarbonate bottles was found to possibly cause cancer, UTIs, and early puberty in preliminary animal studies. Other research showed that exposure to BPA was also linked to diabetes and heart disease. Women were worried because it was suspected to affect fertility and the development of babies.

Many people stopped using their Nalgenes immediately, replacing them with stainless steel (Klean Kanteen), aluminum (Sigg), or BPA-free water bottles. Folks who felt bad about adding to landfills found new uses for their bottles as lanterns.

So what did Nalgene do? To find out read more.

Even though Nalgene refuted that its products were harmful to humans, the company reacted quickly by designing a BPA-free water bottle. BPA is still found in some plastic baby bottles and the lining of cans, although many government agencies feel the risk is nothing to worry about. Many experts believe that the amount of BPA humans are exposed to is too small to cause any harm, and further evaluation is necessary.

I agree with Tufts professor and researcher Dr. Ana Soto, who says, "We cannot wait that long to discover whether this chemical is harming human reproduction and development." If there is even a slight chance BPA could negatively affect humans, why take the risk? Do you agree, or will you continue to use BPA products until scientists declare this chemical a definite risk?

Ho Ho Ho! Healthy Stocking Stuffers

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:00:13 -0800

Since the holidays are a time for giving, why not give something healthy to your friends and family? Seriously, health is the gift that keeps on giving. Here are 14 great ideas for stocking stuffers that encourage a healthy lifestyle.

A BPA-free water bottle from Sigg, Nalgene, or Klean Kanteen.
A collapsible travel hula hoop.
A year's subscription to Women's Health, Cooking Light, or other healthy magazine. Just slip the gift card in the stocking.
Larabars or other energy bars.

To check out my other stocking stuffer ideas, read more.

Wicking socks from Darn Tough for runners, hikers, skiers, and riders.
Gift cards to gear shops or health-food stores.
A handful of Emergen-C packets.
A lightweight merino wool or Capilene shirt for cold weather.
A session with a personal trainer, private chef, or dietitian.
Winter running gloves.
Homemade trail mix with cashews, almonds, dried blueberries, and dried mangoes.
Fitness DVDs or a copy of your favorite workout mix.
Resistance bands or Thera-bands.
A one-month pass to a gym or studio.

For more stocking stuffer ideas, check out all of our gift guides.

Gear Review: Intak BPA Free Water Bottle

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0800

While I'm a fan of reusable bottles made by Sigg, Klean Kanteen, and Nalgene, they all requite two hands to open them, which can be annoying at times. If you can relate, then check out the Intak BPA Free Hydration Bottle with Meter ($11) made by Thermos.

To see how it works read more.

Unlike other water bottles, this one has a pop top. You just lower the metal ring to unlock it, and press the gray triangular button. The clear top pops off but remains attached since it's on a hinge. You can't loosen it - yay! It reveals a small opening that makes it easy to sip out of without pouring water all over your face. Once the top is locked, it's leak proof. I love the slender body that's easy to grip, and it holds 24 ounces of water. There's even a little rotating meter so you can monitor how much water you've had. One of the best features is that the black top unscrews so it's easy to clean the inside of the bottle. It's also dishwasher safe. If you're interested, this Intak bottle comes in green, blue, red, and purple and you can buy one directly from Thermos.

More About Plastic Water Bottles

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:00:00 -0700

I don't know about you, but those warnings about the BPA in plastic water bottles possibly causing cancer and urinary tract problems really didn't sit well with me. So my old Nalgene is now a lantern, and I now use my Sigg or Klean Kanteen bottle instead. I'm really glad I've made the switch since a new study has linked BPA to even more health risks. This is just a preliminary study, but it shows that the BPA used in plastic water bottles, baby bottles, and the lining of some cans could possibly also cause heart disease and diabetes. This chemical has been used in these types of products for years, but recent studies with animals suggest that it can also affect hormones, fertility, and can cause developmental problems in the brain.

In this recent study, researchers examined results of a survey of 1,455 American adults who gave urine samples in 2003-04. Each person reported what health problems they were experiencing, if any. Of all the samples, 90 percent had detectable BPA in their urine. Those with the most BPA also suffered from heart disease and diabetes. Coincidence? It seems further testing needs to be conducted to see if there really is a connection between BPA use and health issues. I'm still not taking any chances though. What about you?

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