FitSugar

Which Diet Matches Your Personality?

FitSugar — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:00:24 -0700

The same diet or way of eating doesn't work for everyone since we all have such different needs, goals, likes, and dislikes. So if you've struggled with your weight and what eating plan matches your lifestyle, check out which diet fits your personality.

Personality Type	Traits When It Comes to Food	Recommended Diets
The Structured Eater	likes orderliness prefers rules and regulations likes lists, knowing what they can and can't eat likes knowing what amounts are OK to eat pays attention to details	Atkins, South Beach Diet, The Zone

To see the other types of eaters read more.

Personality Type	Traits When It Comes to Food	Recommended Diets
The Flexible Eater	laid back adaptable likes structure but not rigidity flexibility allows them not to feel deprived wants to have freedom to choose; a little "wiggle room"	Weight Watchers, Volumetrics
The Organizational Eater	lack of choice is comforting thrives on long-term plans such as a monthly meal schedule enjoys extreme structure, being told what to do	Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig, HMR
The Social Eater	emotional eater doesn't manage stress well turns to food for comfort loves connecting with other people	All types of diet can work as long as the program offers emotional support either through community boards, support groups, regular one-on-one visits, emails, or encouraging text messages

Which type of eater are you?

Blood Type and Your Personality

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 04:30:00 -0800

We've heard about the school of thought that says blood type should dictate the kinds of foods we should eat, and there's also an idea that blood type defines our personality. A popular presence in Japanese culture, the topic was the subject of four books which were rated among Japan's top 10 bestsellers for the past year.

Much like the way eating for your blood type tells you to eliminate certain foods and eat more of others, the philosophy around blood type and personality says your blood should play a role in the jobs you take and the people you date. Japanese TV offers blood horoscopes, while employers may use blood type in hiring decisions and dating agencies include this information in their profiles.

The Guardian found a few examples of blood type and personality; to find out what your blood type might say about your personality read more.

Type A: Reserved and prone to worry, sensitive perfectionists such as Britney Spears and Adolf Hitler.
Type O: Decisive, self-confident, curious, and ideal for sport, including Elvis Presley and the Queen.
Type B: Cheerful, caring, flamboyant free-thinkers such as Jack Nicholson.
Type AB: High-maintenance, distant, suited to arts, such as Mao Zedong.

What do you think of the idea of blood type affecting personality? Do you buy it?

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Your Favorite Yoga Pose Points to Your Personality

FitSugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Even though you're not supposed to have favorites when it comes to Yoga poses (since all poses are seen as mentally and physically beneficial), I can't help but say a little internal "Yay!" when an instructor does Wheel pose in class. I assume you probably have a favorite pose too. Check out what it says about your personality, according to Gaiam Life.

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B Cup, Type A: Personality and Breast Cancer

FitSugar — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 02:00:00 -0800

In the face of chronic disease, an arm chair analysis of the cause can often lead to a discussion of personality types and statements like, "Her depression lead to her cancer." A new Dutch study indicates that being a type A or type B personality doesn't lead to breast cancer.

This new study followed 9,700 women for thirteen years. The participants, all 43 years or older, were given a personality survey with questions about different traits including anxiety, anger, depression, optimism, and the ability to express emotions.

After 13 years, 271 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. The researchers, however, could find no correlation between personality and disease. So be you type A or type B, or any variation in between, your personality is not a factor in developing breast cancer. Red meat on the other hand, is quite a different story.

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Controlling and Methodical? Weight Loss is in Your Cards

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 02:00:00 -0700

People who have had dramatic weight loss successes are often pursued by researchers so that they can test every corner of their lives to find out what the secret is to losing weight and keeping it off. Is it in their genes? Is it something that happened to them when they were little? As it turns out, it's something far more simple.

Recent reports on the National Weight Control Registry - a project created to find out what makes successful dieters stand out from the rest of us dieters - shows some interesting findings. According to their research, those with the most dramatic weight losses are people who are controlled, methodical and disciplined sticklers for structure and routine (aka "B" quadrant people). Punctual and neat, they always have a plan, timetable and calendar with appointments penciled in.

To me, this makes sense as someone inclined toward plans and routines would be the most comfortable with all the details of calorie counting, portion control and scheduling trips to the gym. In fact, this person may even enjoy having something else to plan out.

Not a "B" thinker? If your loose photos are not arranged neatly in an album (chronologically), don't worry because there is actually a way to trick your brain into thinking more methodically (you can teach your brain new tricks). To learn how, just read more

Organize. Alphabetize your CDs. Then, a few days later, your spices. A few days after that, rearrange your closet, then your tax papers.
Timing. Keep a time log of your daily activities and start being punctual for every appointment.
Plan. It's also helpful to follow a routine like jogging a certain course every other day, balancing your checkbook once a week.
Step-by-step thinking: Cook from a recipe exactly as it's written, knit from a pattern, learn a computer program by following a tutorial or manual.

So get that Daytimer out and start planning your way to amazing weight loss results.

Sleep Position Gives Personality Insight?

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Everyone has a preference about the position they sleep in. Personally, I could never fall asleep on my back.

I just found out that the way you sleep may give insight into your personality (or someone else's if you sneak a peek at them snoozing).

Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the UK Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service analyzed 6 common sleeping positions among 1,000 people, and found that each is linked to personality traits.

Foetus or Fetus: This is the most common sleeping position - 41% of people sleep like this. These people are tough on the outside but sensitive at heart. They may be shy when they first meet somebody, but soon relax and open up. More than twice as many women as men tend to sleep like this.

Log: 15% of people sleep lying on their side with both arms down by their body. These sleepers are easy going, social people who like being part of the in-crowd. They may be trusting of strangers and gullible.

Want to see the others? Then read more

Yearner: 13% of people sleep on their side with both arms out in front. They are described as having an open nature, but can be suspicious and cynical. They can be indecisive, but once they have made a decision, they are unlikely ever to change it.

Soldier: If you sleep on your back, you are among the 8%. People who sleep in this position are generally quiet and reserved. They don't like drama, and set high standards for themselves and others.

Freefall: 7% of people sleep on their belly with their hands around a pillow, and their head turned to one side. Often friendly, warm and self-confident people, they can be nervy and thin-skinned underneath. They don't take criticism very well, and don't like extreme situations.

Starfish: Sleeping on your back with both arms around a pillow is the least popular - only 5% of people choose this position. These sleepers make good friends because they are always ready to listen to others, and offer help when needed. They generally don't like to be the center of attention.

Well there you have it. This info is kind of like reading your horoscope - interesting to hear, possibly true, but should be taken with a grain of salt (or possibly a teaspoon of salt).

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How to Choose a Personal Trainer

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 03:00:00 -0700

If you're in the market for a personal trainer, you may be a bit intimidated by those that you see at the gym. I have seen trainers yelling at their clients, which to some people may be motivating, but to others it's just downright scary. Here are a few tips from the American Council on Exercise on picking the right trainer for you:

Ask for references: Ask the trainer for the names and phone numbers of other clients with goals similar to yours. Call to see if they were pleased with their workouts, if the trainer was punctual and prepared, and if they felt their individual needs were addressed. The best personal trainer to hire is the one others give high marks to.
Make sure the trainer has liability insurance and provides business policies in writing: Many personal trainers operate as independent contractors and are not employees of a fitness facility. You should find out if the trainer you want to hire carries professional liability insurance. A reputable personal trainer should also make sure you understand the cancellation policy and billing procedure. The best way to avoid confusion and to protect your rights is to have those policies in writing.
Look for a trainer who is able to assist you with your special needs: A personal trainer should always have you fill out a health history questionnaire to determine your needs or limitations. If you have a medical condition or a past injury, a personal trainer should design a session that takes these into account. If you're under a doctor's care, a personal trainer should discuss any exercise concerns with your doctor, and should ask for a health screening or release from your doctor.
Find out what the trainer charges: Rates vary, depending on the trainer's experience, and the length and location of the workout session. For example, a personal trainer who works in a fitness club will probably charge less per hour than one who works independently and needs to come to your home or office.
Decide if this is someone you can work with: Some people like to exercise in the morning, some in the evening. Will the personal trainer you're talking to accommodate your schedule? What about the trainer's gender? Some people do better working with a trainer of the same sex; others prefer the opposite sex.

For a few of my own personal tips read more

Shop around: Meet them and see if you bond before setting up sessions. Chances are that if you don't feel the bond, they don't either, and there is no harm done in finding another.
Ask for certification: Certification in the fitness industry is a relatively new thing so some trainers have not been certified. Certified trainers have actually been educated on training, whereas those who aren't may just be going on experience.
Take the freebie: Most gyms offer a free session with one of their trainers when you sign up. Take advantage of this as you may click with that trainer and want to use them in the future.
Be honest: Just as you should be honest with your doctor, you should also be honest with your personal trainer. This is the best way for him/her to help you to the best of their abilities. If they can't (or aren't qualified to) do what you're looking for, they should tell you.

Personal Trainer or Personal Chef?

FitSugar — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 03:30:00 -0800

Celebrities make loads of dough, and keeping up their svelte appearance is part of their job. To help them stay slim and toned, most stars can afford to have live-in chefs prepare healthy meals for them all day, everyday. They can also afford to hire full-time personal trainers who coach them (in their home gyms, I'm sure) and give them advice on how to get the bodies they want. Most of us don't have that luxury, but if you could choose one, which would you rather have?

Personal Trainer and Nutritionist: Just 6.99/Month

FitSugar — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 02:28:14 -0800

Have you always wanted a personal trainer and nutritionist but just can't afford one?

GymAmerica.com offers online personalized workouts and diets -- The artificial intelligence will change your plan based on your progress in relation to your goals. I like this site because it's great for the person who likes to go to the gym but has no idea what to do once they walk through the door. The site also offers many animated exercise demonstrations so you can see how to do certain exercises. The other cool thing is that you can print out shopping lists and recipes as well as see ways to substitute with your current recipes.

This site is not good for you if you are the type that needs a supportive community or if you need someone pushing you every step of the way. It is up to you to log on and fill out the forms so GymAmerica can track your progress.

Right now GymAmerica is offering a free 10 day trial (you do have to give them your credit card info though) so you can try it out with no obligations! Visit GymAmerica for more information.

Personal Trainer for Kids, A Good Idea?

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 07:30:00 -0700

A recent report from Newsweek points to a trend in parents hiring personal trainers for their kids. Some parents do it to help with weight loss, others to give their kid a leg up in sports or simply because they want to instill in their child a love of physical activity, but regardless of the reason, I am curious how you guys feel about it. So do you think it's a good idea for parents to hire a personal trainer for their kids?

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