FitSugar

Health Foods That Aren't So Healthy

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 03:00:00 -0800

It seems like every food company is getting on the health kick these days. They're advertising products that are "made with whole grains," or "low in sugar," or "fat-free." It's easy to believe the printing on the packages, but I'm sorry to tell you that food companies are using all their marketing resources to sway you to buy their product.

Here's a list of some popular foods that sound healthy, but could be the total opposite:

Granola and granola bars - Whole grain oats are packed with fiber, but watch out. Some bars and cereals may include these nutritious oats in a sea of high fructose corn syrup and refined sugar.

Baked beans - Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber, but many pre-made cans of baked beans are loaded with sugar. 1 cup of baked beans can contain up to 24g of sugar (that's about the same amount in an 8 oz. can of soda). Add plain canned beans to salads and soups instead.

Reduced fat peanut butter - Real peanut butter that's made with plain old peanuts is high in protein and also high in fat, but they're the healthy fats your body needs. When companies make reduced fat varieties, they basically take a small amount of real peanut butter and mix it up with fillers like sugar. Stick to actual peanut butter that's made with only peanuts.

Pretzels - Sure they may be a low fat snack, but many are made with corn syrup and enriched white flour (the kind that's refined and stripped of nutrition). So when you eat them, it gets converted into sugar quickly and makes your blood sugar spike up, leaving you tired, cranky and probably hungry soon after. Go for whole grain crackers instead if you're looking to satisfy your crunchy cravings.

English Muffins - Same as pretzels, these are mostly made with refined white flour which is completely devoid of fiber, protein, or vitamins. Look for 100% whole grain English muffins, or shoot for whole grain bread instead.

Fruit cocktail or applesauce - These may seem like an easy way to get your daily fruit, but many are made with added sugar and heavy syrups. Fruit is sweet enough on its own, so eat fresh fruit instead, and eat the skins whenever possible (it's packed with fiber).

Fit's Tip: Be sure to read all labels, even from foods you buy at health foods stores. Just because they seem healthy, doesn't mean they really are.

Source

Huge Fan of the Pretzel Chips

FitSugar — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 09:15:00 -0800

I recently became Kettle Brand Pretzel Chips' biggest fan. If you crave crunchy and salty foods, these are the chips for you. Plus, they're much healthier than greasy potato chips because they are baked.

They come in 3 delicious flavors - Original, Honey Dijon, and my fave, Fully Loaded - covered with sesame, poppy, and caraway seeds, with a hint of onion and garlic.

Another plus? The first ingredient is "Organic wheat flour," so you're not getting the enriched white garbage so many other pretzels are made with. And the rest of the ingredients are all things you've heard of and can pronounce.

Fit's Tips: These chips are sturdy and the perfect size for dipping. I especially love the combination of pretzel chips and hummus - a great idea for a healthy Super Bowl snack.

Get Lifted: Pretzel Lift

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:00:00 -0800

If you're looking for an effective exercise that works your booty, quads, and core, give this pretzel lift a go. You'll need a small exercise ball for this move. If you don't have one, just ball up a pair of thick socks, but make sure they're clean first.

For details on this exercise, read more.

Lie on the floor on the left side of your body with your knee directly in front of your hip. Prop yourself up on your left forearm.
Using your right hand, place the small ball behind your right knee and bring your right hand to your hip.
Once you feel stable, lift your right leg up as high as you can, squeezing your lower leg toward your bum to keep the ball in place. Then lower your leg to the starting position.
Do two sets of 15-20 reps each. Then roll over and do the other side.

Be sure to do the figure four stretch for your bum after doing this exercise.

Newman's Own Organics

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 10:15:00 -0700

What doesn't Newman's Own Organics make? I swear, every time I go to the grocery store, I see a new product. Of course I have to try it because everything they make is so darn delicious.

Not only are these products organic, benefiting you and the environment, but Paul Newman and the Newman's Own Foundation donate all profits and royalties, after taxes, to educational and charitable purposes. They have donated over $200 million to thousands of charities worldwide since l982.

So let's get to the food. There is a special place in my stomach for their Bavarian pretzels. I love they're Salt and Pepper Pretzels too. They're baked, not fried, so they make a great snack, especially dunked in hummus. Plus they make Spelt Pretzels that are really high in fiber.

I also love their Ginger O's. They remind me of the Oreos I used to devour as a kid, but they're made with ginger cookies instead of chocolate. Not only that, they contain no hydrogenated oils, trans fat, or cholesterol. Not into this flavor? They make other flavors like Chocolate filled with chocolate creme, and Hint O' Mint.

Speaking of chocolate, I love theirs. They make bars of Sweet Dark, Butter Toffee Crunch, and Milk Chocolate with Crisp Rice which are all delicious. They also make a line of chocolate cups filled with peanut butter, caramel, and mint.

Newman's Own Organics also makes popcorn, coffee, dried fruit, Alphabet cookies, Fig Newmans (cute little pun, huh?), fresh produce and even pet food.

As you can see, they make just about everything. If you haven't tried any of their wonderful organic products yet, you simply must. I'm a HUGE fan. I do want to point out though, that even though these products are organic they are still snacks and they still have lots of calories, so enjoy them in moderation (just like you would do with Oreos).

Should Yoga Be an Olympic Sport?

FitSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:30:06 -0700

When I first started practicing yoga, my teachers made it clear that it wasn't a competition. So what if Peggy Pretzel over there could do Handstand Scorpion in her very first class? It's not your ability to do the poses that's important, but rather your intentions and emotions while on the mat. I can certainly om to that. But wait, what's this? Last weekend was the seventh Annual Asana Yoga Competition in New York City. Yoga competition? Sounds crazy, I know, but it's real. See for yourself in the video below.

Competitions like these are part of the movement pushing to have yoga included as an Olympic event by the year 2020. Yogis would be judged on their body proportions, grace, composure, and execution of postures. People will either see this as a brilliant idea to encourage men and women to get serious about their yoga practices, or as an oxymoron. So what's your opinion of competitive yoga and the notion of it becoming an Olympic event?

Stretch It: Shoulder Releasing Spinal Twist

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:00:58 -0700

Tense shoulders are a symptom of stress and working at a computer all day, so take a break, get on the floor, and give this relaxing stretch a try. It's a variation of the chest opening spinal twist, and it'll not only relieve tension in your shoulders, but you'll also get a nice stretch in your lower back.

To learn how to get into this pretzel of a stretch, read more.

Begin on your hands and knees in a tabletop position.
Lower your left shoulder to the floor as close to your right hand as possible, while keeping your hips stacked over your knees (they like to sway to the right).
Extend your left arm straight out and hold your wrist with your right hand. Gently pull your left hand away from you, feeling the stretch in your shoulder. Actively press your hips to the left to increase the spinal twist.
Stay like this for 30 seconds then come back to your hands and knees. Repeat this stretch on the other side.

10 Eating Tips For Avoiding the Freshman 15

FitSugar — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 05:50:12 -0700

The dorm dining hall can be dangerous - like a giant, all-you-can-eat buffet available all day, every day. It's no wonder most of us gain some weight when going off to college, though the infamous "freshman 15" is really more like 10 pounds.

Whether you're eating in a dining hall or cooking for yourself in your first apartment, a few simple strategies can help you avoid that first-year college weight gain. Here are my tips for eating healthy at the university level.

Don't skip meals, especially breakfast. Starting with a filling breakfast helps steady your metabolism throughout the day. Here are five ideas for quick but healthy starts.
Drink lots of water. At the dining hall, during lectures, throughout cram sessions, whenever! Skip the soda and carry a water bottle that you can refill throughout the day to prevent constipation and bloating.
Include at least three food groups in every meal. When choosing from the endless dining hall bounty, make an effort to get plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, lean protein, and calcium - not just pizza and chicken fingers.

For the rest of my top 10 healthy eating tips, read more.

Control your portions. Just because you can fill your plate every time doesn't mean you should. Familiarize yourself with what proper portions look like and stick to them.
Treat yourself once a day. From sundae bars to fresh baked cookies, desserts abound at the dining hall. Go ahead and indulge, but limit yourself to one treat a day. If you have a cookie after lunch, skip the ice cream after dinner.
Avoid a fourth meal. In my dorm-room days, there were always late-night pizzas being delivered or roommates making mac and cheese at midnight. It's OK to fortify yourself with the occasional snack while studying, but make sure it's actually a snack, not the equivalent of a second dinner or dessert.
Stock healthy snacks. For those late-night study sessions when you do get hungry, keep your dorm room full of healthy snacks, like nuts, pretzels, fruit, popcorn, and nutrition bars.
Pick your liquor carefully. Freshman aren't supposed to drink! But chances are, you will anyway. Remember: alcoholic beverages are full of empty calories, and sugary cocktails are the worst for both calories and hangovers.
Shop smart. If you live in an apartment, learn to shop for one person by choosing healthy foods that won't go bad before you can finish them: frozen vegetables and fruit, yogurt, low-fat string cheese, and healthy frozen meals are all great options.
Exercise! OK, this isn't really a healthy eating tip, but it's an essential part of keeping the pounds off in college. Walk or bike to class, frequent the school gym, or join an intramural team and get moving!

What are your tips for incoming freshmen looking to avoid the traditional weight gain?

Strike a Yoga Pose: Tortoise

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:50:53 -0700

Some yoga poses look more pretzel-y than others, and this one for sure makes the list. All you runners and bikers out there - this pose is a must-do because it'll increase flexibility in your tight hamstrings, and stretch the muscles in your lower back.

Sanskrit Name: Kurmasana
English Translation: Tortoise Pose
Also Called: Turtle

So hop on your mat and read more.

Begin in a Seated Straddle position, with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders.
Bend both knees and slide your arms underneath your knees. Straighten your arms behind you, and place your palms on the floor.
Now work on straightening your legs as much as you can, pressing your upper arms toward the floor with your legs.
Lengthen through your spine by reaching the crown of your head away from your pelvis. Open your chest and if you can, and rest your chin on the mat.
Stay here for five deep breaths. Then release by bending your knees and sitting up.

Say Om Not Ow: Injury-Free Yoga Tips

FitSugar — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:00:36 -0700

The main reason many of us practice yoga is to increase our flexibility, and the last thing you'd expect is to pull a muscle. Unfortunately yoga injuries can and do happen just as easily as they do in other types of workouts, so keep these tips in mind to prevent yourself from getting hurt.

Spy before you try. Check out the class the week before you take it to make sure the level is right for your ability and needs.
Drop the ego. Don't compare yourself to Polly Pretzel or 17-year-old Sally over there. Everyone's body is different, and you don't want to attempt advanced poses if you're not ready. Nobody's watching you anyway, so who are you trying to impress?
Don't compare yourself to yourself either. Your body changes every day. Maybe last week you pressed all the way up into full backbend, but this week, your back may not be thinking that's such a good idea. Concentrate on how your body feels at that moment.
Move slowly and with complete awareness. Every time you move any part of your body, do it calmly and with intention. Be aware of where your body is and what it's doing at all times.
Learn to use and love props. Blocks, straps, bolsters, and even walls are great support tools to help you modify poses so you don't strain your muscles.

Want to see the other tips? Then read more

Don't push yourself too hard. Yoga is supposed to feel good. It should never hurt or cause strain, so don't force your muscles to stretch to the point of agony, since this is a great way to pull a muscle.
Listen to your body. Sometimes the order or types of poses an instructor is doing won't fit with what your body needs. If your tight hips need to do Pigeon and the entire class is doing handstands, well, then do Pigeon. Also be sure to rest your body when you need to - child's pose is a wonderful thing.
Don't slip. Heated rooms may help keep your muscles warm, but they can also make you sweat, making your mat really slick. Use a regular towel or a Yogitoes Skidless Yoga Mat to absorb any puddles.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're not sure how to get into a pose, don't be afraid to ask the teacher. Sometimes the format of classes makes it feel awkward to talk or ask questions, so if that's the case, just skip the pose and ask the teacher about it after class.

Summer Fair Food Breakdown

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:00:57 -0700

When Summer rolls around, we always make it to the fair so my girls can ride the ferris wheel, win a stuffed animal, and of course, eat some cotton candy. Food at the fair is not the healthiest, but in case you were wondering just how unhealthy, check out this nutritional breakdown.

	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Sugars (g)	Protein (g)
Funnel cake with powdered sugar	356	16	40	300	49	25	5
Medium candy apple	280	0	0	102	60	49.5	2.2

To see the rest of these tasty items keep reading