FitSugar

Body Acceptance: Are You More Like Kelly or Jessica?

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:30:36 -0700

Both Kelly Clarkson and Jessica Simpson have gotten flack for their fluctuating weight, but the starlets don't let it get to them. Jessica talks about embracing her curves, while Kelly complains about being Photoshopped. Now, both ladies are gracing magazine covers and discussing, among other things, their body acceptance.

In the August issue of Glamour, Jessica admits to worrying about her weight from a young age: "I was always disconnected from myself; there was this idea of perfection I couldn't ever get to. But all women struggle with insecurity, and we all have something we don't like about ourselves." Kelly is a bit more laid-back, saying: "My happy weight changes. Sometimes I eat more; sometimes I play more. I'll be different sizes all the time."

While it sounds like both women have a healthy relationship with their bodies, Kelly sounds like she gives it less thought than Jess does. Who are you more like?

What's Your Favorite Health Magazine?

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 03:00:00 -0700

I love reading health magazines. They're perfect for long car rides, flights, or just when I'm sitting on the couch on a Sunday. They've got great tips on new exercises and recipes, and I love the motivational stories that inspire me to keep working out. Everyone has their favorite health mag, so what's yours?

Amanda Peet: So in Love

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:00:17 -0800

Amanda Peet is undoubtedly feeling great. She's starring in the number one film in the country, and in the December issue of Self the actress shares that nothing brings her more joy than hanging at home with her hubby and baby girl. In fact, the actress credits her husband, screenwriter David Benioff, as being her healthiest habit. Oh, true love!

The 37-year-old actress is not without her envies, though - she wants "boobs, a gentle six-pack, and a perky butt." And when it comes down to it, she secretly wishes for a bod like Gisele Bündchen's or Jennifer Aniston's. Outside of a little admiration, especially since Peet strives to live a life full of balance and a lot of laughs.

To hear Peet's take on health, read more.

Amanda is a big fan of moderation:

"To me, staying healthy means doing everything in moderation. Eat a lot of greens, but in moderation. Exercise, but in moderation. Drink wine, but in moderation. Sleep as much as you can. And have people around you who are very funny."

At the end of the day it all comes back to love for Peet, who says that her 2-year-old daughter is the reason why she stays healthy.

"I do feel like it's important for her to have me be as healthy as I can be. So, you know, I don't want her to have horrible eating habits. I don't want her to never exercise. But obviously I'd much rather have her play a sport than have a gym membership before she's 20. I mean there are kids in LA who go to the gym and they have a trainer. I'm like, Play a sport!"

Check out more shots of the hot mama and visit lilsugar to read more about Amanda on mothering. Also, see lots more photos, quotes on Self.com.

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Looking to Move? Try Burlington, VT

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:00:13 -0700

After looking at the 100 largest metropolitan areas in America, Burlington, VT, came out on top as Self magazine's "fittest, healthiest, and happiest" city to live in for women. The magazine studied almost 8,000 different pieces of data in 50 categories and consulted a panel of experts to come up with its rankings. Information factored into the creation of this list includes rates of diseases, air quality, unemployment statistics, and health habits such as exercise and smoking.

The New England city boasts some of the lowest rates of cervical and ovarian cancer deaths in the country, and healthy habits prevail: women walk to work regularly and don't smoke. Where Burlington really shines is in nutrition and food - the city has six times as many food co-ops than the national average, and its farmers markets accept food stamps.

What to see how your hometown fared? Check out the entire ranking here.

New Moon Stars Talk Health

FitSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:50:56 -0700

Dressed in cozy sweaters and warm knits the young stars of New Moon discuss diet and health in the November issue of Self, due on newsstands this week. In the interview Kellan Lutz (Emmett Cullen), Ashley Greene (Alice Cullen) and Rachelle Lefevre (Victoria) also talk about stunt-training, fashion, and even Twitter. Check out E! News's behind the scenes look at the interview as the stars talk about working out and eating right.

Boost Your Self-Esteem With a Bit of Exercise

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0700

Not feeling good about yourself, so skipping the gym seems like a good idea? Wrong. It seems that a little workout, no matter what kind or level of intensity, is the perfect pick-me-up for waning self-esteem. A small, but significant study found that "the simple act of exercise and not fitness itself can convince you that you look better." The physical benefits of exercise have been studied at length, but psychologists are beginning to explore the mental perks of breaking a sweat.

This study found that no matter the fitness level, working out gave a boost to the exerciser's self-image. Be you a marathoner, or new to a walking fitness program, the message is clear: get a move on if you're feeling down about yourself. Not sure where to begin? Check out these cardio routines and these circuit workouts. We want you to feel good about yourself.

Self Breast Exam Reminder

FitSugar — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Many of us do so many things for others that we often forget, neglect or don't make time to do important things for ourselves. One preventative measure that slips through the cracks is monthly self breast exams. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to tell you about an e-mail reminder for your self breast exam offered by iVillage. All you have to do to sign up is give them your e-mail address. On the 15th of every month you will receive a reminder along with health tips and a complete guide to doing self exams! I urge you to sign up today, since we can all use healthy reminders.

Source

Exercise Safety Tip: Take a Self Defense Course

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 10:15:00 -0800

I recently polled you guys about skipping workouts due to not feeling safe, and I've been giving you all sorts of tips on how to make your outdoor exercises safe.

User nikodarling shared her own great safety tip that I wanted to make sure everyone saw:

"Ladies - if you do go out running or walking at night, or even during the day I hope you will take a self defense course. I took one when I was in college at the urging of a friend. I hated feeling like everyone was out to get me when I first took it, but it is really good to know how to handle certain situations. And some of the tips they give you are so obvious and simple, yet we rarely put them into effect in day to day life. Even if you feel like your neighborhood is safe or you know what to - please consider it if you haven't done so."

Great tip, thank you for sharing. Still dragging your feet? Well you'll end up burning a ton of calories while learning the basics of defending yourself. Have you ever taken a self defense course?

Source

Have You Ever Taken A Self Defense Class?

FitSugar — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 03:30:00 -0700

There are many classes out their designed just for women to learn self defense skills. I have even seen boot camps designed especially to train women with defense skills. These classes seem like a good idea and I am wondering if you have ever taken a self defense class.

Source

Self Workout in the Park

FitSugar — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 03:00:00 -0700

I am all about exercising in the great outdoors now that it's Spring. And if you are lucky enough to live in San Diego, Chicago, or NYC, you can work out in a park with Self magazine.

For $15 you can try new fitness classes (like urban rebounding using mini trampolines), meet with beauty and fashion consultants, and receive plenty of nutrition tips, too. You can purchase tickets for Self's Workout in the Park in advance on Self's website, which is advised since these events often sell out. When purchasing a ticket to the event, you will also receive a one-year subscription to Self magazine. That's 12 months of motivation on glossy pages.

To see the dates of the three upcoming events, read more.

April 25 in San Diego, CA, at Mission Bay Park
May 9 in New York, NY, at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
May 16 in Chicago, IL, at Butler Field, Grant Park

Aside from learning new ways to take care of yourself when you participate in the Workout in the Park, you can feel good knowing that 75 percent of the proceeds from each event ticket sold will be divided among three great organizations that support women battling with cancer and the side effects of the disease.

If Self planned a workout in a park in my neck of the woods, I'd be there in a New York minute. A fitness freak can dream, can't she? Have you ever been to one of these events? If so, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.