FitSugar

Annatto: It's in My Food, But What is it?

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 15:13:00 -0800

Since I am a major health nut, I always read labels before I buy food. I often see the ingredient Annatto listed on packages, so what is it?

It's a natural food coloring made from the ground up seed pods of - surprise, surprise - the annatto tree, which grows in Central and South America. It is also called the Achiote tree. After this tree flowers, it produces hairy pods that turn blackish-brown when ripe.

Annatto adds color to cheese, butter, margarine, rice, smoked fish, and microwave popcorn. It is often used as a substitute for the expensive herb saffron.

It also has antioxidants. I guess that doesn't really matter since you only ingest a small amount, but hey, it's better than nothing.

Well now I feel much better knowing Annatto really is an all natural food coloring. Much better than Red 40.

You Asked: Dealing With iPod Case Funk

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:00:14 -0700

Dear Fit,
I love my iPod Nano for running but I really hate the way the armband gets so smelly and sweaty! You can't wash your armband as frequently as your running gear because the thin plastic window gets destroyed. The best compromise I've found is to put some detergent in a bowl, let it soak in hot water, and then I rinse it out by hand and let it air dry overnight.

Do any of you have better ideas for keeping your iPod clean and non-smelly?
- spacekatgal

This question came to us from RunningSugar - FitSugar's online community dedicated to our readers who run. To hear my suggestion on getting rid of iPod funk, read more.

You're so right about iPod armbands getting sweaty and smelly. I spoke to all the runners I know and getting that nasty smell out seems to be a common problem.

Since your iPod armband has a plastic cover, handwashing is the best method to use. Like you pointed out, the plastic cover will end up coming off in your washing machine over time. You can also try washing your armband in the gentle cycle with cold water, but that might not get it clean enough. I'd suggest adding some vinegar to your soaking mix - since armbands trap bacteria, the vinegar will help kill the germs and the smell.

If you're open to a new product, I've been using the iStik for just over a year now and I love it. You put the iPod in a plastic face case, place that on your body wherever you like, and put the magnetic backing on the other side of your clothes in the same spot. I put mine on the waistband of my pants and it works like a charm.

I know it sounds a little iffy, but the magnets are extremely strong, your iPod is protected from sweat, and the case is so easy to clean. When I run, my iPod doesn't move around, and it's easy to change songs because I keep it on the belt area of my pants.

For more tips, advice, and support from fellow FitSugar runners, check out the RunningSugar group!

Marware Takes Care of Your iPod

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 02:04:17 -0800

If you've spent tons of money on your iPod, you want to protect it with a case of some sort, especially if you're working out with it. Marware has got you covered, literally.

They make this really convenient armband for your iPod Shuffle called the Sportsuit Runabout for only $14.95.

And they make tons of cases for the iPod nano. If you prefer holding it in your hand so you can control the buttons easily, you'll love the Sportsuit Sprinter. It's designed with an adjustable hand strap, for only $24.95.

But I don't want to have to worry about holding it (for fear I'll drop it) so I love the Sportsuit Relay. It's a little more expensive, $29.95, but it comes with the iPod nano holder, and a pocket strap that attaches to your shoe to hold your Nike + iPod sensor. You can strap it to your wrist or arm.

Marware makes it easy to workout with your iPod. Want to see what they have to outfit your iPod? Then read more

View 6 Photos ›

Nike + iPod Meets Gym Equipment

FitSugar — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:45:00 -0800

If you're into walking or running, the Nike + iPod Sports Kit is a must. The sensor fits in your shoe and the receiver clicks into your iPod Nano. It keeps track of your distance, speed, and calories burned and stores all your data online with a quick synch. Now I'm happy to announce that Nike and Apple are teaming up with health clubs and fitness equipment brands like Life Fitness, Precor, Star Trac, and Technogym to make their cardio machines Nike + iPod friendly. Pretty cool, huh?

That means now you can step off the treadmill and track your workouts on an elliptical, a stair stepper, or a stationary bike with your Nike + iPod kit. It may take a while for your gym to get up to speed because they'll need to buy all new equipment or upgrade what they already have, but at least the option is coming.

Source

Fit Tip: Time Yourself With Your iPod

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:30:18 -0800

If you're doing stretches to cool down or plank poses for strength training, how long you hold each move is crucial. I like to stay in each stretch for 30 seconds, while I do the plank for different amounts of time depending on how much of a workout I want. But I often find that my perception of 30 seconds is skewed from reality!

Here's a fun trick to try: If you have an iPod with a display, use the song counter to time your moves. Position the iPod on your mat in your line of vision, and watch the numbers tick away. That way, you won't lose count, and you can be sure your 30 seconds is a real 30 seconds.

New iPod Nano Has Built-In Pedometer

FitSugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:30:40 -0700

The iPod Nano makes it easy to pump up your workouts with music, and now a new version just came out that wants to encourage you to move even more. It has a built-in pedometer! Pretty sweet, huh? As you walk or jog, it counts your steps and tells you how many calories you've burned. Talk about motivation. You'll want to park at the far end of the parking lot just to increase the number of your daily steps. The screen is slightly larger than the older version (2.2 inches), making it easier to see and scroll through your music playlists when on the move. There's also a microphone, so you can record a grocery or to-do list while sweating it out.

Not only that, this new Nano also has an FM radio, so if you prefer listening to your favorite station while exercising, you can. I love that it has a built-in video camera too, so if you see a snake while trail running, you can prove it to your pals. It comes in nine bright colors to suit your taste and it's pretty reasonably priced - 8GB for $149 and 16GB for $179.

If you must have this new iPod Nano, you're in luck. It's available in stores now or you can order one online. I want one, do you?

Fit Tip: Attach Your Workout to Your iPod

FitSugar — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:45:48 -0700

Are you hooked on my printable workouts yet? If so, make sure you keep up with them using this simple trick. If you keep your iPod with you at the gym, just tape your printout to the music player. If it's an interval program for the elliptical or treadmill, just cut out the workout you want and tape it to the back. Then, you can balance the iPod on your reading rack so it's easy to follow.

Or if you've got a longer regimen, like my all abs workout, fold it up and tuck it under the clip you use to affix the iPod to your waistband until you're ready to use it. That way the workout will move with you around the gym.

Review: iStik iPod Holder

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Having not upgraded my armband iPod holder when I upgraded my iPod, my workout wear has been limited to pants, shorts and running skirts with pockets to hold my beloved music player. Heading out for a run shouldn't be a fashion dilemma, so I tried the new iStik ($27). Using powerful magnets embedded in a hard plastic face plate, you can put your music wherever you want it. I found the best spot for the iStik to be on the top of my pants, but you can really stick your iPod anywhere with this simple product.

The iStik is made of three pieces: a clear face plate and a backing with magnets, these two pieces encase your generation two or generation three iPod, and a magnetic fastener. All you do is place your encased iPod where you want it, and put the magnetic backing on the other side of your clothes at the same spot. Voila, your iPod is stuck in place by the magnets. Work out hands free, and the magnets don't interfere with the function of the iPod. You can purchase an iStik directly from the iStik website.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Mari Dade iPod clothes

FitSugar — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 02:30:00 -0800

I have to listen to my iPod when I am working out but it gets annoying holding it. I have experimented with all sorts of gadgets, but it always ends up in my hand.

My new favorite gear is Mari Dade because not only are the work out clothes super cute (which is hard to find) they also have specially fitted pockets for your beloved iPod.

The iPod Bootleg Pant ($82) is a lower rise and elastic waist. I would wear these to take the dog on a long walk. Buy them here.

There's more, so read more

The iPod Capri ($76) is a cute fit and a great bet for anyone looking for new work out gear.
Buy them here.

The iPod Short ($64) is a great bet for those of you who would rather hit the gym in shorts. Buy them here.

The iPod Tank ($60) is a great addition to anyone's work out gear... you can always use a new tank top! Buy one here.

The iPod Jacket is a great piece to throw over any of your current work out gear. Great for anyone who likes to work out outdoors! Buy one here.

Fit's Tip: If you have one of those bigger (and heavier) iPods, make sure you get the pants in a snug fit. Nothing is more annoying than your pants nearly falling down with every step you take.

Forget the Scale, How About a Bod Pod?

FitSugar — Tue, 22 May 2007 14:30:00 -0700

If you have a hard time stepping onto the scale, imagine stepping into the Bod Pod...

The Bod Pod is the latest in measuring body composition. Instead of underwater weighing, skin fold and circumference measuring or even a scale, your doctor (or personal trainer) may ask you to step inside the Bod Pod. This futuristic contraption will measure your body composition (fat mass and lean mass) in about 5 minutes flat.

There is something about this that totally reminds me of that look into the future ride at Epcot circa 20 years ago and I can't stop saying the name, Bod Pod, Bod Pod... However, this is actually a great device for fitness professionals. Don't be replacing your bathroom scale/body fat measurer just yet, because aside from the fact that it is absolutely huge, the Bod Pod is a bit on the pricey side. About $42,000 on the pricey side. Yikes -- I'll be sticking to the old fashioned ways myself, but you can check it out at BodPod.com.