FitSugar

Diet Tip: Timely Breakfast

FitSugar — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 02:30:00 -0700

By now I hope you all know that breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. However, your early morning meal is like a good joke: timing is everything. It is important to eat breakfast early. Delaying your first meal of the day can begin the slow down process of your metabolism. You need to eat to stoke the fires or your metabolism.

If you tend to skip breakfast or wait until later in the morning to eat it, try setting your alarm 10 minutes earlier. Buy some healthy toaster waffles you can eat on the run. Hard boil some eggs the night before!

Ten extra morning minutes will give you enough time to make toast with almond butter and eat it. Or at least make and eat a bowl of Kashi cereal!

Source

You Asked: Energy Bar For a Meal?

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:00:48 -0800

Dear Fit,
I just got off the phone with a friend and I need some advice. She says for breakfast, she eats one Balance Bar. I know some bars are fortified with vitamins, but this doesn't seem like enough to me - calorie- or nutrition-wise. What do you think? Is it OK to eat an energy bar for a meal?
-Concerned Friend

This is an excellent question because I think many people grab a bar for a quick meal because it's quick, easy, and fairly inexpensive. Is it enough, though? To find out what I think read more.

Replacing a meal with an energy bar is not a good idea. For one, most bars contain only about 200 calories. That calorie amount is suitable for a snack, not a meal. Another reason is that those bars were designed to give someone energy before or after a workout, so they tend to be high in carbs and low in fiber. That translates to quick energy at first, but your friend probably feels tired and hungry soon after. The low fiber issue may also affect regularity. The bottom line is that energy bars are not designed to replace a well-balanced meal, since they won't offer the same kind of nutrition. Even the ones that are fortified with vitamins and minerals only offer about 25 percent of your RDI, which isn't very much.

I think it's best to ask your friend why she's only eating an energy bar for breakfast. Is she short on time? Is she trying to lose weight? Does she think it's healthy? Once you find out her reasoning, you can suggest healthy breakfast ideas that suit her needs. There are plenty of tasty options that are high in protein and fiber to offer sustained energy, are easy to make, and won't break the calorie bank.

Healthy Eating Tip: Don't Eliminate, Elaborate!

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:14 -0800

When approaching health and fitness, many of us have the mentality that less is more. While this may be a healthy perspective to avoid overeating and practice portion control, a restrictive diet can wreak havoc on your mood and leave you wondering whether there’s anything out there you can eat. Instead, alter your state of mind: rather than thinking about what foods to cut out, start to think of your daily menu as a chance to add great-tasting, healthy options. Challenge yourself to make the most of your mealtime and see just how many creative and good-for-you foods you can include in your daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner routine.

To get creative, I like to take a cue from vegan menus. Let me start by saying that I am not vegan. I love poultry and seafood, but each time I decide to dine vegan, I’m always amazed by the variety on the menu. Every item is loaded with healthful, delicious ingredients that remind me to think outside the box the next time I’m planning a meal.

To get creative meal ideas, just read more.

Craving lasagna or a baked potato? Don’t deprive yourself these treats, simply reimagine them and treat yourself to a healthier version. An eggplant stacks is a great alternative to cheesy lasagna, and using fresh herbs, crumbled tofu, and fresh red pepper means it’s loaded with bold flavors and good-for-you ingredients. A baked sweet potato is another great option – and a great way to satisfy your craving for starch. Plus they are one of the healthiest vegetables around, since they contain vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and fewer calories than your regular potatoes. Even small changes like these can be big steps toward a healthier attitude and a healthier you.

To get creative ideas from your fellow FitSugar readers, check out their healthy food swap ideas.

You Asked: Is Morning the Best Time to Do Yoga?

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:30:21 -0800

Dear Fit,
The holidays are fast approaching, and I wish I loved this time of year but I'm already stressed out about hosting Thanksgiving dinner, what to get for my picky in-laws, and dealing with traveling. I've heard yoga can help people relax, so I wanted to give it a try. A friend of mine says that she does a short session in the morning every day, including sun salutations (whatever those are), and a sequence of standing and seated yoga poses. I'm really not a morning person, but if practicing in the a.m. will help me calm down after realizing a flight to my parents house for X-mas is going to cost over $1,000, then I'm ready to set my alarm early. What do you think, is morning yoga more beneficial?
-Aspiring Yogi

I'm really excited for you to try out yoga because personally it's helped me find inner balance, and I always feel calmer and more grounded after my practice. Although yoga can help relieve stress and tension, it's no free ride to tranquility town. What it can do is help clear your mind, so you're better equipped to handle the frustrations the holidays tend to throw our way. To find out if there's a perfect time to get on your mat read more.

Many people believe that yoga must be practiced in the morning, but really whatever time works for you is when you should practice. You should not eat for two hours before doing yoga, so that's why many people choose morning yoga before they've had breakfast. They may also like how it gives them some alone time before their busy day begins, and getting it done first thing ensures that they'll have the energy and time to practice. On the other hand, some people may be too hungry or stiff in the morning, or they may not be able to wake up early enough to fit in a complete practice. They may prefer practicing in the evening because it helps relieve stress from their day, and helps them relax before bed.

So the decision is up to you, and the bottom line isn't what time you practice, it's that you practice period. If you have flexibility (no pun intended) in your schedule, try out a class at different times of the day to discover what you prefer. Keep in mind that certain poses and types of yoga are calming and some are invigorating, so depending on the yoga you choose, you might prefer morning, noon, and night!

All you yogis out there, I'm wondering what time of day do you prefer practicing yoga? Visit the Yoga Stretch and Tell group and share.

Do You Eat Breakfast Every Day?

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:47:26 -0700

It took me a long time to realize that breakfast is one meal not to be compromised. Not only does it give me the energy to start my day, it revs up my metabolism, and keeps my hunger from spiking at lunchtime. If you ask me, those are three solid reasons to always eat breakfast. Eating in the morning doesn't come naturally to some people, so tell me, do you eat breakfast every morning?

How to Get Your Daily Vitamin D

FitSugar — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:00:55 -0700

Sunshine is a great source of vitamin D, but if cooler weather or your busy work or school schedule has you spending less time outside, you'll want to make sure you're getting enough from your diet. An adult woman needs five micrograms or 200 International Units (IU) of vitamin D each day, though it is argued that the RDI for women should be 800 to 1,000 IU. The tolerable upper intake level is 50 mcg or 2,000 IU. If you don't get enough, your risk for osteoporosis increases, since this vitamin helps maintain bone strength.

To see what I ate yesterday to reach my daily vitamin D intake, read more.

Meal	Food	Amount of Vitamin D (IU)
Breakfast	2 eggs	40
	1 ounce cheddar cheese	3.4
	1/2 cup mushrooms	6.3
	1 slice whole wheat bread	0
Lunch	2 cups black bean soup	0
	1 apple	0
Snack	6-ounce container vanilla yogurt	40
Dinner	3 oz. grilled salmon	308
	1 small baked sweet potato	0
	2 cups spinach, sautéed	0
	Total vitamin D intake	397.7

Salmon, mackerel, tuna, and cod liver oil are excellent sources, but if you don't eat fish, opt for dairy products instead and make sure they are fortified with vitamin D. Two cups of milk contain 200 IU of vitamin D, so if you work that into your diet, you're all set. If you're vegan, you'll probably want to take supplements or look for products such as orange juice or cereals that are fortified with vitamin D.

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?

Healthy Dinner Idea: How About Breakfast?

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:30:00 -0700

Sometimes it can be so hard to come up with exciting ideas for dinner, so a couple times a month, my family and I like to have breakfast for dinner - the girls love it. It's not just because we love breakfast foods, but they're also high in fiber and protein, so they're healthy, too. Check out the nutritional info for some simple breakfast meals.

For a quick and satisfying meal, cereal and milk:

Food	Calories	Fat (g)	Chol. (mg)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Sugars (g)	Protein (g)	Calcium (mg)
1 cup skim milk	91	.7	5	130	12.3	0	12.3	8.7	316.2
1 cup Kashi Go Lean cereal	140	1	0	85	30	10	6	13	60
1/4 cup sliced strawberries	13	.1	0	0	3.2	.8	1.9	.3	6.6
Total	244	1.8	5	215	45.5	10.8	20.2	22	382.8

To see the nutritional info for a veggie omelet and berry french toast keep reading

Healthy Eating Tip: Load Pancake Batter With Fruit

FitSugar — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 03:00:00 -0700

Homemade pancakes have become a weekend tradition in my family, but I know that if I eat a stack doused in syrup, I end up feeling tired and hungry within an hour. If this sounds familiar, try this the next time you're making pancakes: add tons of fruit to the batter. I don't mean just a few pieces - really load up the batter. Mix in at least three different kinds such as blueberries, raspberries, or cut up cherries, apples, or bananas.

Not only does this add fiber to your breakfast to satiate your hunger longer, but since fruit is so sweet, I don't even need to add syrup. Serve your pancakes with fresh fruit, and this warm Summer breakfast will satisfy your taste buds and give you energy all morning.

10 Cereals With 8 or More Grams of Fiber

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:50:54 -0700

We all could use a little extra fiber in our diets, since it's recommended that women eat between 25 and 30 grams a day. Not only does fiber keep you regular, but it can also help lower your cholesterol and prevent heart disease and certain cancers. Breakfast is a wonderful time to fill up on fiber-rich foods, so check out which cereals contain eight or more grams of fiber per serving.

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