FitSugar

The Up-and-Coming Summer Movie Stars We Want to Get to Know

Shannon Vestal — Sun, 27 May 2012 12:38:23 PDT

We're excited about all the Summer movies coming out in the next few months, and it's not just so we can see all our crushes on the big screen. There are lots of movies featuring faces that are currently on the rise, and I have my eye on them - from actors who have recently started making a splash to those I've been rooting for for a while. Here's your guide to the Summer movie stars you need to know.

How to Solve 3 Common Beach Photography Problems

Anna Monette Roberts — Sun, 27 May 2012 07:12:12 PDT

A day at the beach is the perfect chance to capture carefree memories, but the brightness of the sun reflecting off the sand and water doesn't often yield the best photographic results. Before you start snapping away, take a look at three common beach photography problems and simple ways you can avoid them.

The photos are overexposed: Auto mode can overexpose photos, making them appear washed out. Experiment with the camera's manual setting. First set the camera's ISO (the setting that controls the camera's sensitivity to light) to a low number, like 100. A low ISO setting is best for bright lighting. Set it to a higher number, like 400, when shooting moving objects. Next, change the white balance, and set it to daylight, shade, or cloudy-twilight-sunset, depending on the weather.

The pics are boring: Transform a shot of the sea by finding a point of interest to focus on, whether it's a rock, crashing wave, setting sun, or flying bird. The object breaks up an otherwise basic-looking landscape. Frame the pic using the rule of thirds, and include the horizon of the beach in the background to give the photo depth.

The pics have a weird bluish lighting: Try attaching a few filters to the camera. A UV filter will remove the fog effect that is caused from UV rays, and it helps protect the lens from sun damage. Experiment with a polarizing filter to reduce the glare from water and to darken the bright blue hues of the sky. It can be used occasionally, depending on the effect you are hoping to achieve.

Why You Should Marinate Your Meat

Leta Shy — Sat, 26 May 2012 19:29:02 PDT

Barbecue season is upon us, so let's celebrate by grilling, since it's an easy and low-fat way to cook. If you're grilling, protect your health by marinating your meat. Here's why marinating is good for your health and tips on how to keep it safe.

Marinating meat, fish, and poultry significantly decreases the amount of carcinogenic heterocyclic amines (HCAs) produced when the meat is cooked at high temperatures, like in grilling. Marinades can reduce HCAs by as much as 99 percent. Adding rosemary to the marinade may even up the anticancer potential of your marinade even more. While research is unclear why marinades protect meat so much, the belief is that they act as a barrier against the high heat, or may reduce chemical precursors of carcinogens from the meat.
The acid in marinades may slow the growth of harmful bacteria, like listeria.

Learn a few more tips about marinades after the break.

Surfing Safari! 9 Pairs of Boardshorts For Your Little Boy (Surfboard Optional)

Lisa Horten — Sat, 26 May 2012 07:27:14 PDT

While your toddler may be a little young to start his surfing career, there's no reason he shouldn't look the part. These nine pairs of stylin' shorts should have him saying "hang ten!" in no time. Click through to find your favorite style.

Do You Pack Healthy Snacks For Your Road Trips?

Leta Shy — Sat, 26 May 2012 03:44:05 PDT

It's finally here - the weekend where you pack up, suit up, or eat up to celebrate the start of warmer weather. For many, that also means packing up the car and heading somewhere to celebrate Memorial Day.

Staying healthy on vacation, no matter how short, can be difficult, especially when you're on the road. It's so easy to pull over and grab fast food or gas station fare instead of searching out healthier options, and sometimes packing your own snacks can take too much time to prepare.

If you're taking a road trip this weekend, will you be bringing healthier options with you, or will you be stopping for fast food? (If you need quick snack ideas, then check out these 150-calorie travel snack packs you can make fast!)

Campfire Tales: 10 Movies Set at Summer Camp

Shannon Vestal — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:28:36 PDT

This weekend, Wes Anderson is taking us to Summer camp with his new release, Moonrise Kingdom. Before we visit Anderson's vintage-hued view of cabins and camp counselors, let's go back and remember a few other memorable movies that took us to Summer camp, whether the trip was sweet, sweaty, or even scary.

Because You Do More Than Bronze: Sporty and Stylish Swimsuits

Michele Foley — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:01:23 PDT

There's something to be said about lounging poolside, margarita in hand, but you can't sit around all Summer, right? Between surfing, swimming, and paddleboarding, there's just too much fun to be had in the water. For times like those, you'll need a suit that does more than just look good on you. Check out these bikinis and one-pieces that are made for action, from helping you swim faster to not slipping off when you dive into the water!

4 Time-Saving Tips For a Healthy Lifestyle

Leta Shy — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:18:40 PDT

Summers can be incredibly busy - between shuttling kids to and from activities to planning and going on vacation, all the activities that come along with the season can leave you pressed for time. Luckily, we've got a few suggestions for how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, even if you've only got minutes to spare.

Total-body in 20: Breaking up your workout in just 10- or 20-minute increments ensures that you'll break a sweat and burn calories without having to devote too much time out of your day. Even more efficient is making sure that your workouts target all areas of your body. For short workouts that you can do anywhere, check out our fast full-body workouts.

Home cooking: It's easier to cook healthily if you've already done the legwork. Shop for produce and other groceries at the beginning of the week so you can plan every night's dinners - check out one of our healthy dinner plans for the week here. You can also store individual servings of smoothies or sauces (using an ice-cube tray!) in your freezer to have at hand while whipping up a meal.

Read on for more time-saving tips!

13 Chic Tunics For Your Little Girl's Day at the Beach

Lisa Horten — Thu, 24 May 2012 03:16:43 PDT

Any little girl hitting the beach for a day of fun in the sun wants to be comfy, look cute, and be able to easily transition from water to land as she pleases. The best way to accommodate all her needs? An easy, breezy, one-piece tunic to wear with her swimsuit. We've found 13 of our faves, most of which are so chic that we'd be happy to wear them ourselves!

6 Beach Workouts For a Sunny Memorial Day Weekend

Leta Shy — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:52:50 PDT

Hopefully this weekend will involve some fun in the sun, but that doesn't have to be limited to sipping a frozen cocktail on a deck chair. To get you inspired for an outdoor sweat session, we've rounded up some fun fitness routines for the beach - check off your daily workout for the day while enjoying the sun!

Fit and fast: Got 12 minutes? Do this simple CrossFit circuit workout as hard as you can. Bonus: after the intense session, all you have to do is take a dip in the sea!
Leg up: Want to tone legs and thighs? This leg workout from a FitSugar reader helps save your knees from too many squats - and you can do the moves while laying out in the sun.
On the ball: If you happen to have an exercise ball handy, this Kerri Walsh-approved full-body workout will get you in pro-athlete shape.

More beach workouts to inspire you after the break!