FitSugar

Where's the Muscle?

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 07:30:00 -0800

So you've been doing tons of crunches to get rid of your gut, and you feel the difference. But you've got to press through a layer of flab to feel it. What gives?

Even if you do your ab work out every day, you're strengthening your belly, but not doing anything about the layer of fat above your washboard stomach.

The answer? To lose the fat you have to combine all those abdominal crunches with some cardio. Do 30-45 minutes at 70-80% of your maximum heart rate 3 times a week. Curious to know what your maximum heart rate is? Check out Fit's Calculator for the answer.

Burning calories, doing your crunches, and eating a sensible diet will have you seeing your fabulous abs in no time.

6 Burger King Menu Items Under 300 Calories

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:52:32 -0700

When traveling on the road this Summer, grabbing a quick meal is sometimes unavoidable. So if you find yourself having to stop into a fast food chain, you'll need to know about some low-calorie options. I already told you about McDonalds menu items under 300 calories, but if you find yourself at a Burger King, here are five menu options that are also under 300 calories. I'm not saying they're super healthy or anything (many are high in sodium and fat), I'm just saying they won't break the calorie bank.

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Dealing With Allergies' Side Effects: Dark Circles Under the Eyes

FitSugar — Tue, 05 May 2009 10:00:00 -0700

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, sneezing and a stuffy nose might not be the only side effects you have to suffer through. For some people, nasal congestion can cause blood flow to back up under the eyes, and this causes an allergy shiner. The skin under the eyes is thin and the congested veins in the area can give the appearance of dark circles. Some sufferers may also notice puffiness, because allergies are nature's gift that keep on giving.

To decrease the appearance of the circles, you need get your allergies under control as much as possible. If you know what you're allergic to, avoid it. If that's not a possibility, try allergy medication, which should prevent congestion in your nose and sinuses. If you still notice a dark shadow or swelling under your eyes, I will share my favorite natural remedy when you read more.

Dip a washcloth in cold water, and then ring it out. Hold this cold compress over your closed eyes for about five minutes. You can also use sliced cucumbers instead. Repeat this a few times a day. The cold temperature will help constrict your blood vessels, minimizing darkness, and it will also help minimize tissue swelling.

Also be sure to apply facial sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or 30 under the eyes every day since sun exposure can darken skin even more.

Source

5 McDonald's Menu Items Under 300 Calories

FitSugar — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 06:00:00 -0700

When on the road or in a rush, grabbing a quick meal is sometimes unavoidable. So if you find yourself having to stop into a McDonald's, here are five menu options under 300 calories.

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Gear Review: Revenant Running Shoe by Under Armour

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:00:00 -0800

Known for its sturdy workout wear, Under Armour is adding shoes to its repertoire. I just took the stability sneaker, UA Revenant ($120), out for a couple of test runs, and I mean that literally. After wearing them around the house for some light cleaning, I wore them for a long jog on the road. They felt great. Supportive and well cushioned, the Revenant is designed to prevent overpronation, rolling too far to the inside of the foot, something I am prone to doing. I felt as if I could feel the shoes steering me toward the outside of the foot and I appreciated the help.

I also tested them on the treadmill and again they felt great. They fit really well, felt cushioned in all the right places, and my feet didn't overheat as they sometimes can when running indoors. Never having worn sneakers with pink on them, I will admit I like the feminine hot pink accents. The mesh fabric is gray, or as Under Armour refers to it, "smoked pearl," so the shoes are not glaring white.

You can purchase these running shoes directly from Under Armour. They run true to size. Or if you want to try them on, which I recommend when shopping for a new running shoe, check out the store locator.

Green Fashion: Soy Fabric from Under the Canopy

FitSugar — Wed, 23 May 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Want to look hot when it's hot? Searching for a tank that is cool? Interested in reducing your personal dependence on foreign oil? I can get that all for you in one fashionable top by Under the Canopy. Talk about one stop shopping.

Under The Canopy has developed a soy fabric made from a by-product of soybean oil production. Not only is the fabric a sustainable textile fiber made from renewable and biodegradable resources, it also provides consumers with an option to move away from petrochemical textile products. Yep, someone's waste byproduct can now be someone else's tee shirt. How cool is that?

The Devotion top comes in two colors: Goddess (pictured here) or Shea Butter (a soothing beige neutral). Buy one directly from Under the Canopy for $90.00.

Gear Review: Under Armour Tank Prevents Chafing

FitSugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Now that it so unbelievably gorgeous outside, I'm inspired to run for longer periods of time. The problem is my normal tank tops have seams that irritate the inside of my arms. If you have that problem too, check out the Under Armour HeatGear Movement Tank ($45).

You can see in the photo that the seams are moved to the back and the front, so even on an hour long run, I didn't have to worry about anything rubbing my skin. I also love the wide straps, since thinner straps tend to dig into my shoulders and leave marks. I also really appreciate the built-in sports bra and that the higher neckline kept my cleavage covered. Also the racerback style let me move my arms easily in all directions without any sense of constriction. Another great thing about this tank is that it wicked away my sweat, so even though my face was dripping, my shirt stayed dry and comfy. As if I didn't already love this tank enough, the name of this color is Pink Sugar. How cool is that? It also comes in Black, Clover (green), and Salsa (red). If you are interested in buying your own wicking sugar tank, you can find one here.

M&M's To Stop Targeting Kids Under 12

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 02:00:00 -0800

It is being reported that confectionery giant Masterfoods, which makes Milky Way and Snickers candy bars as well as M&M candies, will stop marketing its core products to children under the age of 12 by the end of the year. The new policy will cover all aspects of their advertising efforts.

This comes after the European union authority DG Sanco, (similar to the FDA here in the U.S.), sent an inquiry to Masterfoods several months ago about the company's marketing and advertising of its products targeting children. In response, Masterfoods sent a letter to DG Sanco on Friday saying that they will not be advertising these products to children under 12 years of age. This includes their products such as Snickers, M&M's, Twix, Skittles, Starburst and Milky Way.

I like this a lot Masterfoods! Now maybe, just maybe, our kids will stop begging for candy they never knew they loved. What's more? Masterfoods seems to be setting a trend that targeting kids for junk food sales is not helping combat childhood obesity. Many say it could be as bad as targeting cigarette ads at kids.

Stretch It: Twisting Hip Flexor Stretch

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:22 -0800

A common complaint among runners and cyclists is tight hip flexors, the area in front of the hips above the quads. Here's one of my favorite ways to lengthen that area, while also getting a subtle spinal twist - two great stretches in one!

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

Begin in a lunge position with the right knee forward and the left leg extended behind you. The right knee should be directly above the ankle. Place a folded towel underneath your left knee if you feel any discomfort under or around your knee cap.
Rest your left hand on your right knee and bend your back (left) knee. Reach your right arm behind you and clasp the arch of your left foot. Lower your pelvis until you feel a nice stretch in the left hip flexor.
Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, and then switch sides by bringing the left knee forward.

What's the Deal With: Dark Circles Under My Eyes

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 10:45:00 -0800

I have always blamed the dark circles under my eyes on my children, since my dear ones wake me up during the night and very early in the morning. Thanks to the Mayo Clinic, my girls are off the hook.

It seems that those dark circles are most commonly caused by nasal congestion - who knew? When your nose is congested, veins that usually drain from your eyes into your nose become widened (dilated) and therefore darker.

Dark circles can also be caused by sleep - how ironic. Eyelids can swell while sleeping, since you are lying down, gravity can cause fluid to collect in your lower eyelids. This swelling may add to the appearance of shadows below your eyes. Unfortunately, there also seems to be a genetic component since they run in families.

So I guess using a neti pot might help more than my sinuses. It might also help with those darn dark circles.