FitSugar

Keep It Moving While on the Move

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 02:00:00 -0800

Traveling can be rough on your daily routines, including your bodily functions. Changing times zones or just eating the processed carbs they hand out on planes these days can make it hard to keep your intestines moving. So here are some tips on how to stay "regular" when traveling.

Drink water whenever you can as your choice of beverage. Not only will it keep you hydrated, but it'll also keep things moving.
When traveling, bring your own snacks. Nibble on carrot sticks, apples (with the peel), trail mix with dried fruit, LARABARS, and Go Lean Crunchy! bars. These all have tons of fiber.
During meals, make sure to include fresh salads and fruits, cooked veggie dishes, beans, and whole grains.
Pack some methylcellulose pills, such as Citrucel. They're made of 100 percent soluble fiber, so they'll help you go, and for most people, they don't cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea.

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Running With a Bun in the Oven

FitSugar — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:50:54 -0700

I consider myself a healthy person who takes care of myself by exercising regularly and eating right (I write for FitSugar so I have to toe the line), so when I became pregnant with my first about four months ago, it was important for me to keep up with that healthy lifestyle. Running was always a big part of my exercise routine, so if you were an avid runner who now also has a baby on the way, here are some tips on keeping up with your running routine.

As soon as you find out you're expecting, talk to your OB about continuing with running. Chances are your doc will encourage you to stick with it, but it's always good to be cautious when it comes to your growing baby.
Don't expect to do what you used to do pre-pregnancy. You'll probably need to slow down your pace, take it easy on hills, stick to even terrain to prevent falling, take breaks often, and decrease your distance.
Along the same lines, don't push yourself too hard physically. This is a time to maintain your fitness level, so signing up for your first full marathon isn't the best idea.
Listen to your body from day to day. Throughout your pregnancy, there may be days (or weeks) when you may not be feeling well or energetic enough for a four-mile run, so wogging - doing a combination of jogging and walking - may be a better option. Run (or wog) on days you feel like it, and walk on days you don't.
Your body is going through many changes physically, so while running, stop if you feel a pull, twinge, pain, or cramp.

For more tips on running while pregnant, keep reading.

DrSugar Answers: Petroleum Products Safe Around the Eyes?

DrSugar — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:30:12 -0800

DrSugar is in the house! This week she's answering a question about treating wrinkles.

Dear DrSugar,
I have noticed the fine lines around my eyes becoming not so fine. I know it is just basic aging, but I would like to slow the process down. My sister said to put petroleum jelly (she uses Aquaphor) around my eyes at night. I've never used an eye cream before and am not really a fan of petroleum jelly - it just doesn't seem like a good idea to put a petroleum product on my skin, especially by my eyes. Is it safe? Will my body absorb dangerous chemicals?
- Concerned About Chemicals

I’m going to admit that I had to do some reconnaissance in my local drugstore to research this question. This research involved reading the labels of both regular petroleum jelly and Aquaphor (a Eucerin product). I also did the inevitable Google search for "Aquaphor" and for "fine lines and wrinkles." As a woman in her early 30s, this question interested me a bit personally as, like the reader, I am definitely noticing some little lines and crevices on my face! To learn more about the aging process and if you should be treating it with Vaseline, keep on reading.

Sandra Bullock on Lipo and Burgers

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:51:37 -0800

Sandra Bullock started her 2010 off right by winning the best actress Golden Globe for her performance in The Blind Side. Last night, the humble 45-year-old comedic actress continued her winning streak. Looking stunning in gold, she took home the Oscar for best actress.

Nervous about wearing her form-fitting gown, Sandra joked about readying herself for the big night telling The Today Show, "I do believe some liposuction is in order, a very strict diet regime, and I will acquire a very light English accent." Joking aside, Sandra's hard work paid off: exercising nearly every day, doing Pilates, plyometrics, strength training with weights, and kickboxing, have helped the Academy Award-winning actress stay lean and fit. Coupled with her mostly healthy diet (except for her one cheat day a week), Sandra seems like one of the fittest celebs in Hollywood.

And to celebrate her first Oscar, Sandra told reporters in the press room after the show, "I just want a burger and I just want some food. I want to sit down, take the shoes off. I want to eat and not sweat it and not worry the dress will bust open. I just want to relax and . . . I’d like a nap, too." I bet nerves coupled with the desire to look amazing in her gown made it difficult to eat a regular diet, so now that the pressure's off, she definitely deserves to indulge a little. Tell me what's your indulgence? Is it a burger and fries?

DrSugar on Irritable Bowel Syndrome

DrSugar — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:00:57 -0800

DrSugar is in the house! This week she's teaching us about digestive issues.

In last week’s column, I answered a great question from a reader who was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by her physician. I addressed her question regarding Candida infection of the gastrointestinal system but felt that a separate column on IBS was warranted, given its common prevalence and media attention. As many as one in five adult Americans have symptoms of IBS, making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. It occurs more often in women than men; the onset of the symptoms occurs before the age of 35 in over half of people with IBS.

To learn more continue reading.

How to Beat a Stomach Bug

FitSugar — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:00:35 -0800

When I recently asked which is worst: pink eye, stomach bug, or the flu, over half of you voted that a stomach bug is the absolute worst. And I must agree. This awful illness is responsible for all the worst symptoms: nausea accompanied by vomiting, abdominal cramps, the runs, headaches, and a fever. Ugh, I feel sick just thinking about it.

Although the actual getting sick in the bathroom part usually only lasts a day, but sometimes up to three, when you have a stomach virus you can end up feeling tired, achy, and with tummy troubles for up to 10 days after. A stomach bug really wrecks a person, and I know the last time I had one, it took me almost a week until I could go back to eating my normal diet. If you're unlucky enough to contract a stomach bug, you'll want to know how to feel better as soon as possible so read more.

I hate to say it, but the best thing you can do is let nature take its course and let your body do what it needs to do. You probably won't feel much like eating, so stick to clear fluids such as ginger ale, ginger tea, water, and ice chips. If you do feel like munching a little, stick to bland foods such as bread, crackers, broth, or white rice. Avoid dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol, since they'll just aggravate your tummy. Rest as much as you can (between visits to the bathroom), and if you're really feeling awful, taking some Pepto Bismol, Tums, or other over-the-counter stomach-easing remedies may help.

What you do need to watch out for is dehydration caused by losing too much fluid. Not only will this make you feel worse with symptoms including dizziness, dry mouth, and fatigue, but it could also lead to seizures or permanent brain damage if left untreated. So be sure to drink those clear fluids often. Sip small amounts, so they're more likely to stay down. And just keep in mind that with time, you'll be back to your old self.

Once you experience a stomach virus, you want to do everything in your power to prevent it from happening again. Since it's highly contagious, wash your hands often, especially when you're touching public items such as door handles and elevator buttons. Also, keeping up with your healthy diet and regular exercise routine will strengthen your immune system, so if you come in contact with a bug, your body can fight it off.

Tell me, what makes you feel better when you have a stomach bug?

Strike a Yoga Pose: Camel

FitSugar — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:00:41 -0800

After hunching forward blogging all day my body craves backbends. Luckily for me, Camel pose is a staple in a yoga practice. Do this pose regularly to increase flexibility in your lower back, shoulders, and hip flexors but to also strengthen your quads and abs.

Sanskrit Name: Ustrasasana
English Translation: Camel Pose

Curious to know how to get into this pose? Then read more.

Kneel at the front of your mat, keeping your knees under your hips. Look back and make sure your shins, ankles, and feet are parallel to each other.
Put both hands on your hips, and gently arch back, just beginning to warm up your lower back and quads.
When you're ready, reach your right hand back toward your right heel, and then your left toward your left heel. Your hands are there for balancing support, so don't lean all your weight into them. Try to shift weight forward into your knees, which will also increase the stretch you feel in your belly and chest.
Lower your head behind you and stay here for five breaths.
Come up slowly and sit on your heels. Lean forward, releasing your lower back into Child's Pose.

Do you love talking about all things yoga? Then you'll definitely want to check out the Yoga Stretch and Tell group.

Get the Bod: Brooklyn Decker

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:00:39 -0800

If you don't know who Brooklyn Decker is, you will soon. Brooklyn landed the coveted Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover this year - she's also married to tennis hottie Andy Roddick. The pics of the 22-year-old fashion model are downright smokin', but looking that good takes some work for the 5-foot-9 svelte beauty, as she shared recently with Us Magazine: "I would be lying if I said genes didn’t have a large part to do with my size and shape, but I have to really work at it."

To stay in shape, Brooklyn defers to one of the 25-minute workouts she learned while filming the Elle Make Better fitness DVD collection. The collection contains three separate workouts - high-intensity cardio, yoga, and body sculpting - that feature Brooklyn alongside celebrity trainers. Brooklyn does at least one of the fitness routines three times a week - I'm thinking a 25-minute session is pretty manageable for even the busiest gals out there! As for which workout she loves best, Brooklyn says it has to be yoga.

To find out the details of Brooklyn's workout and see her swimsuit pics, read more.

"Yoga's probably the thing I held onto most because I noticed it really enhanced my other workouts because I work out like an athlete. I go for long runs or spin classes and I do weights, which I think a lot of women are scared of. I think it’s so important to do weights, because they don’t make you bigger, they make you more lean and toned and all that good stuff."

I love that even if she's too busy for a full workout, Brooklyn says she will take five minutes of her day to just get some squats in. It's a good reminder that every little bit counts and that a few sets of squats are better than no squats at all!

When it comes to chow time, she's definitely keeping it healthy. Instead of a diet that focuses on what she can't have, Brooklyn told MindBodyGreen that she makes a point to eat good tasting foods that are also nutrient rich for her like yogurt, berries, and nuts.

"Nutrition is an amazing thing, and to learn about foods that not only taste good and are full of nutrients for your body, but that also directly affect things like the clarity of your skin, or the texture of your hair- that is something that all women need to know about!"

For breakfast she might have an egg white omelet and dinner might be a big salad with tuna. A regular afternoon snack for Brooklyn is fresh veggies with hummus, which is one of my favorite things to make in the kitchen.

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Push-Up Variation: Diamond Push-Ups

FitSugar — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:28 -0800

I am all about push-ups lately, especially since I got that new iPhone app PushupFu that counts my reps. Regular push-ups can get a little boring, so I like to mix it up with Elevated Push-Ups, the challenging Wide Arm Push-Ups, and the core building Spiderman Push-ups. If you want to add a little bling to your push-up routine, consider this diamond variation.

Although common to military workouts, us civvies can still reap the benefits and target our triceps with Diamond Push-Ups. For details on the move just read more.

Start in plank position with your hands under your shoulders, and your body in one straight line. If you can't do a push-up this way, just lower your knees to the floor.
If your knees aren't on the floor, separate your feet so they're about shoulder-width apart to help you stay balanced throughout the exercise.
Place your hands together, directly under your sternum, with the tips of your index fingers and thumbs touching. Your fingers and thumbs should form a diamond or triangle shape.
As you inhale, bend your elbows out to the sides, and lower your chest toward the floor. Then exhale to straighten your arms. This counts as one push-up. Complete as many as you can with proper form.

Share your fave push-up variation in the comments section below.

Why That Cup of Joe Does Your Body Good

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:00:27 -0800

It seems most FitSugar readers are into drinking coffee, and aside from the rich flavor and its ability to prevent you from falling asleep at your desk, there are actually many health benefits to your cup of joe.

Eases muscle pain: Whether you're a seasoned coffee drinker or not, drinking coffee before a workout can prevent post-workout soreness.
Improves memory: New research shows that caffeine in coffee has a positive effect on memory and thought processes.
Keeps you regular: Coffee may help you "go" for a few reasons. Drinking warm liquids gets things moving, and just the fact that it's a liquid helps as well, since staying hydrated is one way to prevent constipation. And coffee itself is a powerful stimulant that encourages muscle contractions in the digestive tract.
Reduces risk of disease: The antioxidants in coffee have been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, gallstones, and Parkinson’s. Coffee may even help relieve asthma and prevent cavities.

Although coffee has many health benefits, it isn't a miracle beverage by any means. Drinking too much can contribute to high blood pressure, sleep issues, headaches, and digestive problems. But there's no need to give up on your java habit entirely. Just stick to 300 milligrams or less of caffeinated beverages a day.