FitSugar

Wrap Your Way to a Tighter Postpartum Tummy?

LilSugar — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:00:52 PDT

That's a wrap! Amongst the many challenges and concerns that most new mamas face in the aftermath of pregnancy is the universal desire to get their prebaby body back - or as close as possible, anyway. When a new mama is ready to get back in shape (after her doctor gives her the all clear), she has some tools at her disposal in addition to the age-old strategies of eating well and exercising.

Postpartum belly wrapping or girdling isn't a new concept, but the last few years have seen an explosion in the popularity of modern belly wraps like the Belly Bandit and Tauts, created by super hot celeb mama of four Brooke Burke.

Shedding the Prebaby Pounds: 5 Expert Tips For Losing Weight While Pregnant

Heather Maddan — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 17:00:02 PST

Most women pack on the pounds while pregnant, but for health reasons, some moms-to-be need to *take off the weight. Whether it's due to obesity or other health risk, burning calories while with child isn't always easy. We asked Dr. Yvonne Thornton, a Double-Board Certified Specialist in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine and mother of two, for general guidelines on how expectant women can shed the excess weight safely. Here are her tips.

*"Weight loss during pregnancy should be of a concern, unless the patient is very obese. This specific type of pregnant patient (i.e. obese) should be under strict supervision and managed by an obstetrician." - Dr. Yvonne Thornton

A Reader's Advice on Craving Sweets and Healthy Dessert Options

Fit Community — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:00:21 PST

If craving sweets after dinner is an issue for you, here's some advice from the 10 Pounds DOWN! community group.

Q: "What would you recommend as a substitute to someone who always wants something sweet after dinner?" - Laura B.

We know exactly what you mean Laura. It almost never fails, as soon as dinner is over, the urge to wrap it up with a sweet finale takes over. And you aren't alone: according to Psychology Today, 97 percent of us get cravings. So it made us wonder: why?

Apparently, it's a gift that us humans have developed over time (thanks evolution). According to some research, there are a variety of different reasons we may be craving sweets after a meal, including habit or association (i.e. that piece of chocolate makes you feel good and satisfied), and it boosts your mood (like it or not, sugar boosts serotonin, which makes you feel better).

While some people aren't affected by this sweet urge (lucky them!), we're huge dessert fans ourselves, so just the very thought of trying to 'break' this habit puts us in a bad mood.

We asked Registered Dietitian Lauren O'Connor for her expert advice on this subject. "There are a number of healthy options," says O'Connor. "I often recommend, to my clients, fruit-based snacks since fruit is naturally sweet. If they are in season and ripe, you really don't need to add the sugar".

For dessert ideas, keep on reading.

Slim Fast Wedding Cake Topper Ads: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 03:47:21 PDT

Losing weight before a wedding is a big deal for a lot of brides. And judging from these ads, it's something that Slim Fast knows well. With a tagline that reads,"Need to lose a little weight before your wedding?" the three different ads show a cake topper where the bride is in an uncompromising position. In one she's gotten so heavy she's fallen through the cake, and in another we see that she's ripped the backside of her dress. While none of these situations are funny IRL, something about using cake toppers gives it a bit of humor. What do you think . . .

View 2 Photos ›

New brides, pay attention! We'll be bringing you tips on how to prepare your body for the big day, but we want to hear what you've been doing to stay in shape too. Head over to the FitSugar Community and post your wedding workout tips, or, if you're already hitched, how did you get healthy for your big day?

Fat Camps Become Adult Friendly

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:30:03 PDT

Kids aren't the only ones going to "fat camps" these days. Billed in kinder terms as weight loss resorts, spas, or retreats, CNN reports that attendance has taken off amongst overweight and obese adults too. And while it used to be a women's only sort of zone, more men are signing up. In 2007, men made up 30 to 40 percent of customers to these types of facilities.

The article speculates that shows like The Biggest Loser have helped the upward trend of adult weight loss retreats. (Coincidentally, The Biggest Loser has its own adult weight loss resort.) But the help doesn't come cheap. Taking part in one of these programs will cost you $2,000 to $7,000 per week, and while their methods of weight loss may vary - some focus on outdoor activities, while others take a more clinical approach - the underlying idea is the same. The retreats create a controlled environment that centers around "exercise, healthy meals, and lifestyle education" to help adults drop the pounds.

To find out their success rates and locations,

Do You Use Websites and Apps to Get Fit?

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:47:55 PST

Owning an iPhone is pretty cool - in large part because there really is an "app for that," especially in the health and fitness category. There are apps that count calories, motivate you to do push-ups, map your runs, and provide yoga sequences. I dare you to think of anything fitness related and not find an app for it. Personally, using the fitness apps on the iPhone is sort of like having a scaled down personal trainer. I can develop personalized workouts and meal plans while also tracking my progress, but I don't have to shell out a bunch of money to do so. (That is, if you factor out the initial cost of the phone . . .)

Besides iPhone apps, websites are becoming another great way to monitor and track fitness goals. Sites like the DailyBurn, FitDay, and SparkPeople help you track weight loss, manage your diet, and also provide a community of support amongst their users. Technology has really changed the way people approach and reach their fitness goals.

You Asked: Losing Weight and Losing My Chest Too

FitSugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:30:17 PDT

Dear Fit,
I've been on a health kick for about three months. I'm exercising four times a week, eating well, and am proud to say that I've been dropping pounds and am halfway to my goal weight. My only complaint is that I've also dropped a cup size, and am worried my chest will get even smaller. My chest was the one part of my body I actually really liked! Is there any way to lose weight but not lose my boobs?
- Missing My Girls

First of all, congrats on losing weight. It must be exciting to see all your hard work pay off when you step on the scale. I can also understand your frustration at seeing your chest size shrink. To find out what you can do,

read more. The only thing you can do is embrace your less curvaceous self. Unfortunately, just like you can't spot-reduce areas of your body, you can't spot-save, either. In other words, the body doesn't let you pick and choose which parts you lose the fat from. In fact, genetics play a huge role in where your body chooses to draw fat from for fuel. While you can't keep the pounds from shedding off your chest, you can keep it looking toned by adding a few strength moves into your gym routine. Include push-ups, plank variations, and chest presses to work your pecs.

You Asked: Why Can't I Lose Weight?

DearSugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 07:30:42 PST

Dear Sugar,
I am 22 years old and am a healthy girl. I don't eat junk food or sweets and I hate chocolate. I pretty much live on my greens. I'm not fat and I'm not skinny. I exercise every day and I'm generally a very active person but I just can't seem to lose weight! I don't want to lose a lot; I just want to get back into the shape I was in a few years ago. I've been on every diet possible and I've even been to the doctor about it, yet nothing has worked. I even went to the extreme of starving myself for days, and even that didn't work.

I'm completely stuck of what to do! I recently got fired from my job too, and my love life has been nonexistent for the past year and half, my sex drive is completely gone, and I'm becoming resistant to even leave the house. Please offer some advice.
- Really Trying Regina

To see DearSugar's answer

read more Dear Really Trying Regina, Trying to take off those last few pounds can be the most frustrating task on earth, I know, but it sounds like you are doing everything you should be doing to get your desired results. Since you're going through an emotional time right now, the stress could be making it harder for the weight to come off. Also, I happen to think that overthinking weight loss has the opposite effect - it seems like when I don't put so much thought into it, it's easier for me to lose weight. As we all know, fad diets do not work - sticking to a healthy diet and getting your heart rate up does. Avoid eating late at night and keep the drinking to a minimum. E. Jean said it best: Everything in moderation. Keep exercising, keep eating healthy, and try not to obsess too much on the number on the scale; rather pay more attention to how you feel inside. If the weather is cooperating, take walks outside with friends so your exercise won't seem like such a chore. If you're feeling depressed, use your friends and family for support as keeping your feelings bottled up inside won't make them go away. Losing weight doesn't happen over night so stay patient and keep your spirits high. Good luck. Source

What's Your Advice For Losing For an Upcoming Wedding?

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:15:00 PST

Recently user lovesarbaby posted a question in Fit's Dieters Support Group and I know you guys will have a lot of fabulous advice and support for her. So here is her question:

"I'm in a wedding this coming June...I really want to look my best. Any ideas how to lose 20 to 25 lbs by then? Has anyone tried Weight Watchers online? I like working out and enjoy healthy food, but I have no willpower, ha! Any ideas? Thanks!!"

So give her your best advice for losing some weight by June in the comments section below.

Source

Are You Waiting For January 1st?

FitSugar — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 14:30:00 PST

2008 Is just around the corner. Can you believe it? While we all have various resolutions for the new year, none tops the list more than losing a few unwanted pounds. I'm curious though - have you already started working on it or are you waiting until Jan. 1 to start losing weight?

Source