FitSugar

Matthew Knows the Power of the Vest

FitSugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 02:00:00 PDT

Matthew McConaughey is at it again running about town, but this time he is not bare chested and he is actually bearing extra weight.

Wearing a weighted vest like Matthew while running or walking is another way to increase your workload and by doing so you will burn more calories. Plus it is safer than carrying hand weights or strapping weights around your ankles, since the extra weight is distributed through your shoulders and torso. Wearing a weighted vest is also a speed training method; you train with the vest and when you run without it you are faster.

If you should decide to take on the weighted vest challenge, start out light and gradually add weight – no more than two percent a week. Eventually you want to max out at twenty percent of your body weight. So, if you weigh 135 pounds, you want to eventually wear a 27 pound vest.

Me? I find running challenging enough. What about you? Tell me in the comments section below if you run or walk with a weighted vest.

Source

A Doctor Dishes: Which "Superfoods" Are Worth the Cost?

LearnVest — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:15:00 PST

We're thrilled to present this smart LearnVest story here on Savvy!

Most people you speak to these days are trying to stretch every dollar as far as possible - even the ones they spend buying apples and oranges.

Food prices are expected to increase yet again this year, and food manufacturers are making portions smaller without reducing prices. Not surprisingly, a recent Rasmussen poll found that 93 percent of adults report paying more for groceries now than they did a year ago.

So how can we supercharge our grocery dollars and get them to do overtime for us?

Yes, some foods are obviously a better nutritional deal than others (think apples vs. potato chips), but there’s another class of foods that blows the rest of the field away in terms of nutrients and health-protecting qualities: superfoods.

Superfoods can help prevent diabetes and heart disease, repair damage to your body’s cells, and more. But before you go piling them into your cart, know that some superfoods are better nutritional bargains than others. As a doctor and a mom, I’ve sleuthed out which ones are worth the extra cost in terms of their long-term health benefits. Below is the scoop on which ones may help you age better, ward off cancer, and more.

What to Know Before Buying Superfoods

Before we dive into what to buy, there are a few important things to remember about consuming these foods:

Eating foods fresh and in their natural state, especially fruits and vegetables (rather than in pill or powder supplement form), usually allows us to absorb the greatest amount of their nutrients. The way a superfood is processed or cooked can significantly lower its antioxidant content.
If the superfood can’t be eaten fresh, look for easy and appetizing recipes containing it. No matter how “super” a superfood may be, if you don’t know how to cook it, you’ll probably let it go to waste.

Are Superfoods "Good Buys" If I’m Shopping on a Budget?

Read on to find out.

What the Rise in IRS Audits Means For You

LearnVest — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:30:24 PST

We're thrilled to present this smart LearnVest story here on Savvy!

It’s the word that strikes fear into people everywhere: audit.

And audits are up . . . well, at least for some prominent groups of people.

In 2011, one in eight of the country’s millionaires were audited, a rate not seen since 2004. Similarly, audits were up for those making $200,000 a year or more - one in 25 of whom were audited in 2011. According to CNN Money, it was the third year in a row the IRS increased its efforts to uncover tax fraud.

As you might guess, the chances that the IRS will audit someone making less than $200,000 is a lot lower.

Audits Get a Bad Rap

Before we go any further, we should clarify for those less familiar with the workings of the tax system that a tax audit isn’t a condemnation. It just means that the IRS conducts an official investigation into the finances of a business or individual in order to detect any foul play or accidental oversights in their taxes.

Audits are dreaded by honest folk (not to mention those deliberately operating outside the law) because of the hassle involved in dredging up past paperwork and because of the fear that the IRS will uncover a mistake that necessitates immediate payment to the government.

Why Now?

What with the perspective induced by the realization that Americans make up an entire half of the global one percent, "millionaire" holds even more weight. But it's nothing compared to "offshore accounts," which set our imaginations aflame.

We mention it because the IRS is taking particular in interest in offshore accounts, which are disproportionately held by wealthy people looking for tax shelters. This new focus might contribute to the increase in millionaires being investigated. In fact, the IRS is being rather generous in that it's offering reduced penalties and no jail time to taxpayers who confess to having offshore accounts. (The offer stands for a limited time only.)

But if one in eight millionaires were audited last year, should nonmillionaires start gathering their files? Perhaps not: in 2011, only one in 98 taxpayers earning less than $200,000 per year was audited.

More From LearnVest

Less is . . . less. Lackluster spending at the end of 2011 indicates a similar pattern for 2012.
We have a simple tool to change your spending habits. Get it for free.
Moms mother for 1,150 hours per year. Find out how to get some free time.

The Complete Guide to Body Language

LearnVest — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 03:16:43 PST

We're thrilled to present this smart LearnVest story here on Savvy!

Studies show that people size you up within two seconds.

Consciously or unconsciously, they'll take in how you establish eye contact, the strength of your handshake and the way you hold yourself. Even when you're talking to someone you know, your message consists of more than just the words you say: It also includes the visual and vocal cues you send.

Whether you're reviewing your salary with your boss or negotiating with the cable guy, it's important to be aware of your body language, so you accomplish your aims instead of unconsciously turning people off or giving them the impression that you're a pushover.

These body language tips will help you appear more confident and professional. Read the suggestions below to start making a better impression . . . instantly.

Head: People will take you more seriously if you stand tall, which conveys confidence and status. You don't need to be physically long and lean, but take care to stand erect and keep your shoulders back. It will make you seem taller and more sure of yourself.

Eyes: When talking to someone, make eye contact in order to establish your trustworthiness, sincerity and confidence - but only hold their gaze directly for a few seconds at a time, which is as long as is comfortable for most people. The only exception? When you enter a room and want to make an impression. In that case, hold each onlooker's gaze for a beat longer than is comfortable, then look away. This move conveys that you're confident and interested in meeting others. When you're speaking to a group of people, switch your gaze from one person to another every so often.

Read on for more body language tips.

Reasons to Keep Running in the Cold

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:33:17 PST

If chilly weather has moved into your neck of the woods, it can be downright uninspiring to keep up with your running routine. Here are three compelling reasons you should keep running in the cold weather.

Cold and Flu Prevention
Huffing and puffing regularly gets your heart pumping, which transfers oxygen to your blood and increases your body's natural virus-killing cells. Plus, getting fresh air not only gives you a break from the cold-causing germs found indoors, but it can also strengthen your immune system.

Cheaper Than a Gym Membership
Many people trade in outdoor runs for a membership to their local gym. You'll spend about $30 to $60 a month (or more!) to use the treadmills or ellipticals. Save some dough by using the free roads and trails in your neighborhood. Aside from not costing you a dime, you'll also avoid germs found at the gym and in the locker room.

Continue reading to find out why running in the cold is perfect for this time of year.

7 Ways to Tone Your Muscles Without Even Trying

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:58:37 PDT

I'm always looking for ways to squeeze bits of exercise into my busy day. Even if doing push-ups on the bathroom counter after brushing my teeth only takes a couple minutes, it still takes some effort. Here are some ways you can tone up without even trying.

Take the stairs every time and skip the elevators since stepping up strengthens your lower body.
When walking or running on the treadmill, increase the incline slightly to tone your quads, glutes, and calves.
Carry a basket at the grocery store instead of pushing a cart to work your upper body.
If you have a desk job, sit on an exercise ball instead of a regular chair and you'll really feel it in your entire core.
Walk on your toes when getting ready for work to target your calves.
Use a baby carrier instead of a stroller when with your infant or toddler. A Moby wrap can comfortably hold up to 35 pounds, and wearing your baby is like wearing a weighted vest!
Don't just sit on the couch when chatting with your mom or best friend. Whether on the phone or in person, walk while talking to tone your legs.

13 Signs You’re Too Busy

LearnVest — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:15:38 PDT

We're thrilled to present this smart LearnVest story here on Savvy!

There’s busy.

Then there’s too busy.

Busy is running from one appointment to the next. Too busy is running over someone on your way to the next appointment (physically, vehicularly, whatever). Busy is leaving your cell phone behind at the grocery store. Too busy is leaving your kid behind at the grocery store.

And then there’s the biggest of all ironies-we want to cut back, but frankly, we just don’t have the time to figure out how to do it.

Sound familiar? Well, we’re here to do an intervention-a time intervention. Today, we’ll help you figure out if your life is starting to burst at the seams when it comes to your time. If it is, you need a wake-up call to reset priorities, because there is no shakier foundation for healthy, balanced living (and healthy, balanced money management) than not having the space and breathing room that time provides in our lives.

If you’ve crossed over the line into too busy, you’ll need to reset your foundation: Maybe it means taking a day off from work to reassess your life priorities. Maybe it means evaluating what your time is worth and outsourcing chores like housekeeping or laundry. Maybe it means taking a break from social engagements for a little while to focus on building the right foundation.

Here are 13 signs that you might need a time overhaul in your life-and easy tips on how to get started, today.

You Spend a Good Amount of Time Worrying About Your Time

If your time is preoccupied with, well, your time, you might be: endlessly cycling through your to-do list in your head, spending a lot of time arranging and rearranging your schedule, or wishing throughout the day that you had more time.

If you've worried about your schedule or wished you had more time more than three times a day, you need a break from time itself as a stressor in your life.

Try this: Take a mental break. Remove one thing from your schedule for today that is the least important-it might be putting off doing the laundry or postponing a work call. Spend that time instead totally luxuriating in something in the present moment (like eating a macaron or listening to your favorite song) and not thinking about your schedule, or future plans, at all.

Read on for more.

5 Ways to Make Budgeting (and Willpower) Fun!

Emily Co — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:15:31 PDT

Willpower is the poor schmuck that gets blamed every time we take a bite of that donut or regret that shopping spree. Maybe it is willpower's fault, maybe it isn't, but there is plenty of research that offers new solutions to improve your self-discipline, reports the New York Times. For example, if you see withholding your willpower as a fun task rather than work, you're more likely to stick with it. This means that if you're setting fun budgeting goals, you'll have higher chances of achieving them. Here is a list of some ways you can make budgeting fun.

Put your plans to paper: Writing out your budgeting goals and how you want to reach them can be fun and will give you a sense of achievement. Remember to add include rewards along with the goals, so you'll have something to look forward to!
Read personal finance blogs: I'm a personal finance blog junkie because I think that these blogs are providing a great public service by dishing up savvy advice in an easy-to-understand way. Other than SavvySugar, I love sites like LearnVest and Wise Bread because they talk about issues that resonate with us and word them in language everyone can understand.
Attend support groups or talks: I've attended personal finance classes that feel like parties. We played games, talked about how we're personally dealing with budgeting, and shared our hopes of where we see ourselves. It's nice to hear that you're not alone and great to learn tried and true tips from other people. If you don't have time to go to these, maybe you can join online communities like our How Do You Save group.

For other tips, read on.

Giambattista Valli Spring 2012

Chi Diem Chau — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:16:59 PDT

For Spring '12, Giambattista Valli showcased a collection fit for parties and red carpet appearances. Fancy sheath dresses were the focal point in his collection, adorned with metallic embroidery and jeweled details. Texture also came into play via white fringe - made to look almost like fur, but without the weight - churned into chic bohemian vests and embellished on dresses. The same technique was utilized in splashy zebra prints and a colorful pink and red jacket. For accessories, Valli topped off his looks with stacked arm bracelets, lace-up pumps, and gorgeous chain embellished ankle-wrap sandals. More details below.

Trends: Sheath minidresses, fringe details.
Colors: White, lavender, brown, yellow, pink.
Key Look: The sheaths and jewels embellished dresses.
Accessories: Chain-wrap sandals, lace-up pumps, arm bracelets, cuffs.
Who Would Wear It: Girls who crave polished looks with a fun twist.

Don’t Miss Open Enrollment!

LearnVest — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:15:57 PDT

We're thrilled to present this smart LearnVest story here on Savvy!

Never has there been a more dreaded phrase than “out-of-network.”

Well, maybe. But anyone who’s ever had health insurance knows the headache that is copayments, referrals and reimbursements.

Given that, staying on top of the maze of paperwork can sound about as appealing as a lobotomy. But this is the season for open enrollment, the one time of year (often no more than two weeks long) when many employers let their employees make changes to their insurance policies.

For the most part, you can’t change your health care choices at any other time of year, unless you’ve had a major life change like getting married or having a baby. That’s why it’s time to act now.

From getting your paperwork under control to getting money back by negotiating your bills, we bring you the ultimate guide to turning health insurance into a (healthy, brisk) walk in the park:

Figure Out Your Window

Call your HR representative to find out exactly when your open enrollment period begins and ends. The specific dates vary from company to company; if you miss your window, you’ll still receive the same medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage as the year before, but you won’t be able to make changes to your accounts or sign up for a flexible spending account, for which you need to re-enroll each year.

LearnVest tip: Make a calendar reminder for yourself so you won’t forget to talk to HR.

Read on for more tips on open enrollment.