FitSugar

What's the Deal With Triclosan?

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:30:50 -0700

Antibacterial products are everywhere right now, thanks to continuing swine-flu fears. But earlier research indicates that antibacterial products containing triclosan aren't any better at killing bacteria than regular soap. Now, the Canadian Medical Association is proposing a ban on antibacterial products on the grounds that they actually promote more bacteria.

The culprit? Triclosan, the active ingredient in many antibacterial products. According to a recent story in Canada's Globe and Mail, triclosan shows up in everything from hand wipes to toothpaste and unfortunately resurfaces in drinking water and breast milk. Its ubiquity is making bacteria more resistant to triclosan and other antibiotics used to treat illness.

Dr. Kapil Khatter, who proposed the Canadian ban, suggests avoiding triclosan and instead using good ol' soap and water to fend off bacteria. He also endorses sanitizing gels, such as Purell, that are alcohol-based. Do you avoid antibacterial products?

What's the Deal With Hypnotherapy?

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:30:00 -0700

Let's face it: It's not easy to lose weight, or quit smoking, or get your stress under control. But if you've ever struggled with any of these health concerns, you know that the best solution is simply the one that works for you! So, why not give hypnotherapy a try?

We've heard that Lily Allen used it for weight loss, and I know several other people who have lost weight through hypnosis. Though it may sound a little new age-y, the method really makes a lot of sense, since it gets to the root of your self-control.

When used for health-related matters like dieting and smoking cessation, hypnosis is usually referred to as suggestion therapy. The therapist uses guided relaxation to put the subject into a sort of trance wherein she is susceptible to suggestion. Far from mind control, the trancelike state simply makes you more responsive to ideas - like the fact that you can live without cigarettes or a second piece of pie- that you might normally reject. To hear more about it, read more.

When you are in a hypnotized state, you will likely feel comfortable and relaxed but not really awake, almost as if you are dreaming. The hypnotherapist then makes suggestions in line with your treatment. If you are trying to lose weight, she might tell you that you should always stop eating when you are full. If you are trying to kick the smoking habit, the therapist could suggest that you think cigarettes taste yucky.

Hypnotherapy can be used to treat addiction, as well as anxiety, phobias, insomnia, and depression. The technique is often used in tandem with standard psychotherapy or, in the case of smoking, along with other cessation programs. Regardless of whether you're using it to lose weight or tackle another problem, make sure you're working with a licensed professional.

Have you tried hypnotherapy, or do you know anyone who has? If so, tell me about it below.

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What's the Deal With Kerri Walsh's Shoulder Tape?

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:30:00 -0700

Watching Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor kick some sand-covered butt has been a highlight of the Summer Olympics so far, and I'd love to see this dynamic duo go home with the gold. Meanwhile, I've been puzzling over the multicolored tape that Walsh has been wearing on her shoulder; sometimes it's black, sometimes it's blue, but clearly it's there for a reason.

I did a little research and discovered that this stuff is called Kinesio Tex Tape, and it's being used by a number of Olympians this year.

The therapeutic tape can be used for many different purposes, compressing muscles while allowing athletes to move freely. It helps relieve pain and also supports muscle and joint stability and performance. There are a number of different ways to apply it and use it, so you should do some research and/or talk to a professional before using Kinesio tape.

If you want to follow in Walsh's footsteps, you can buy a 2” x 16.4' roll of Kinesio Tex Gold Tape for $15. Better yet, until Aug. 31, you can get a deal: When you buy three or more rolls, you get one free - though the website warns that orders may be delayed due to increased demand from the Olympics!

If you've ever tried this stuff, I'd love to hear what you thought, so tell me below.

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What's the Deal With That Asparagus Aroma?

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:00:00 -0700

I love asparagus, and it's incredibly good for you - full of vitamin K, plus A and C and folate. But if you've ever eaten a lot of it, you might have noticed a rather odd side effect. There's really no delicate way to say this, so I'll just come right out with it: Eating asparagus can make your pee smell funny.

It doesn't happen to everyone, but if it happens to you, don't worry: The effect is totally harmless. The odor is merely a byproduct of digesting the veggie. According to WebMD, a compound called mercaptan, present in the green stalks, causes the ammonia- or sulfur-like smell to be released.

It is estimated that 40 to 50 percent of people experience this effect from asparagus; it's all a matter of genetics. If you've never noticed it, you may be immune, or you may simply be unable to smell it. The odor could appear the next day or in a matter of minutes. But aside from the obvious unpleasantness, the aroma of asparagus is nothing to be concerned about. Now aren't you glad we had this little chat?

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What's the Deal With: Barley Malt

FitSugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Many health food companies try to avoid adding refined sugar to their products, so they use natural sugar substitutes instead. Stevia, brown rice syrup, evaporated cane juice, and agave nectar are a few examples, but I have also seen barley malt in lists of ingredients. It's often used in cereals, granola bars, mixes, sauces, and baked goods.

Barley malt is made from sprouted barley. It's thick, dark, and has a mellow malt flavor. It's a favorite of health food companies because it's considered a slow-digesting sweetener. It also has half the sweetness of refined sugar, so it's great to use in your own kitchen and to make breads, sauces, veggie dishes, and, of course, home-brewed beer. To see how it compares to sugar read more.

When substituting barley malt for refined white or brown sugar, use 1 1/3 cups of barley malt for 1 cup of sugar, and reduce the liquid in the recipe by about 1/4 cup. You can also add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda for each cup of barley malt used in your baked goods to make them less dense.

Honestly though, both sugar and barley malt are high on the glycemic index, meaning they enter and leave your bloodstream quickly, so they're not exactly healthy for you. Even though barley malt is made from a grain, it's still a sweetener and it affects your body in the same way as sugar. Keep this in mind when thinking about this and other sugar substitutes.

Fit's Tips: Since this sweetener is derived from barley, people with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity should avoid it.

	1 tbsp White Sugar	1 tbsp Barley Malt
Calories	46	60
Total Fat	0g	0g
Cholesterol	0mg	0mg
Sodium	0mg	0mg
Carbs	12g	14g
Fiber	0g	0g
Sugar	12g	8g
Protein	0g	1g
Potassium	0mg	65mg

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What's the Deal With Slim Shots?

FitSugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0700

I've received many questions about Slim Shots lately so I thought I'd address the topic. Slim Shots are little vanilla-flavored oil filled (each dose contains oat and palm oil) shots to be taken at breakfast that claim to trigger the body’s natural appetite control mechanism, which is supposed to satisfy shot slingers for longer periods of time. Being satisfied longer ideally means that you would then eat less during the day and lose weight. The shots come in little dairy creamer-looking packages, and you take one or two shots a day, along with a healthy diet and regular exercise program - of course.

Slim Shots, while not my cup of tea, do not seem horrible to me (it's no Pink Patch, that's for sure). The site does not promise outrageous results and there are even some clinical studies to back the product up. It's not approved by the FDA and the other downside is that the shots are not cheap. A one month's supply is $40. While I'm still not 100 percent on how the product works (the explanation is a little vague), I do know that you could basically get the same benefits from foods with other good fats likes avocados and nuts. Me, I'd rather top my salad with avocado than slurp down a shot of oil on the side.

Have you ever tried Slim Shots? Share your experience below.

What's the Deal With Pronation?

FitSugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 03:30:00 -0700

"Pronation" may sound like a country inhabited entirely by paid athletes, but it's actually a concept that all amateur runners need to understand. The word refers to the way your foot rolls as it hits the ground, and understanding your pronation type is crucial when choosing a pair of running shoes.

Are you an overpronator or an underpronator? And why does it matter? To find out, read more.

Everyone pronates, since the term refers to the way your foot progresses during a stride, from heel impact to toe push off. But as your foot rolls forward, it can also roll sideways, and that determines the kind of pronator you are.

Normal pronation occurs when the foot turns inward by about five percent and shock absorption is distributed equally. If you have normal pronation, you are probably not flat-footed or high-arched, and you can buy a neutral running shoe.
Overpronation means that when your foot rolls forward, it turns too far inward. This is common in flatter-footed people, and if you fall into that category, be sure to look for running shoes that offer medium to high stability.
Underpronation refers to a foot that doesn't roll far enough inward - anything less than four percent - and this condition often affects runners with high arches. If you underpronate, be sure to look for flexible shoes with extra cushioning.

Fit's Tip: To determine your pronation type, take a look at your old running shoes; if they slant inward or out, that could be a sign of over- or underpronation. Better yet, when you go to buy running shoes, ask an employee to analyze your running gait and help you determine what type of shoes you need.

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What's the Deal With Cornhole?

FitSugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 12:00:00 -0700

You may have noticed it at the beach, your cousin's barbecue, or the graduation party you went to last weekend. It may just look like adults playing bean bag toss, but it's more than that: It's cornhole.

Cornhole has been, dare I say, sweeping the nation, and it makes a great Memorial Day activity because it's generally pretty portable and basically anyone can play. A cornhole set consists of two boards with a hole in them, placed about 30 feet apart, and eight bags filled with corn kernels. The basic object of the game is to get a bag into the hole, though points are awarded for just getting a bag on top of the board. You can buy cornhole sets at most major sporting goods stores or online (the one pictured is pricey at $200, but you can get them for less). It's not the most active of all backyard games, but it does get you up and moving.

Yes, I agree, it sounds a lot like bean bag toss for adults, but I know from personal experience that calling it bean bag toss does not sit well with serious cornhole players. For simple steps on how to play, just read more.
Here's how to play:

You'll need 2 teams of 2 people each. (Or two teams with one person on each team.)
Set up the cornhole boards 27ft / 9yds from front to front.
You need a total of 8 bags. 4 bags for each team.
It doesn't really matter which side you or your teammate stand, as long as you're throwing to different boards.
Flip a coin to determine which team goes first.
Start throwing one bag at a time. Opponents alternate throws each time.
The team that collects the most points after each round, throws first next round. If the score is tied or there is no score after the round, then the throw alternates teams from the previous round.
Scoring:
Each bag on the board's surface counts as one point.
Each bag in the board's hole counts as three points.
After each round, subtract the number of points from the team with the fewest points from the score of the team with the most points. The resulting number is the score that goes to the tally.
The game is over when the first team's tally reaches 21 points. You do not have to win by any number of points, nor does it matter if you go over 21.
11-0 is a skunk.

So get a set and start practicing for this year's barbecue. Are you already a cornhole fan? Tell us below.

What's the Deal With Heart Rate Recovery?

FitSugar — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 08:45:00 -0800

What does Heart Rate Recovery mean and should I be testing myself?

The time it takes for the heart rate to return to normal after exercise is called Heart Rate Recovery and studies have found that this number can help determine your risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease. Simply put: the healthier a person's heart is, the quicker it returns to its normal beat - the less healthy the heart is, the longer it takes it to return to its normal beat. People with an abnormal heart rate recovery, which consists of a score – or decrease – of 12 or less beats per minute, were at a greater risk for death from heart disease than those with normal heart rate recovery, which is a decrease of 15 to 25 beats per minute. A really fit person would experience a decrease of 25 or more.

To get an idea of your own heart rate recovery you simply subtract your heart rate at two minutes after stopping exercise from your heart rate at the very end of exercise. It's always a good idea to have a doctor check you out when exercising, but especially if you think your heart rate recovery is in a dangerous zone.

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What's the Deal With: Geocaching

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 11:45:00 -0700

Some people use their Global Positioning System (GPS) when they are lost, and some people use it for fun. Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting game in which the participants use a GPS or other navigational techniques to hide and also seek out containers (called "geocaches" or "caches") anywhere in the world.

Here's how it works: individuals and organizations set up caches anywhere they want (usually on hiking trails) and then they share the locations of these caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the latitude and longitude coordinates to find the caches. They can be found tied up in the branches of trees, in a field of grass, just off a path, or anywhere else along a trail. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is to leave something in the cache container if they take something.

What do you find in a cache? To find out read more

One of the things you'll usually find in a cache is a logbook. Everyone who has found that particular cache will write down their name, the date, the time they arrived, and any other info they'd like to share (great sites to see in the surrounding area or coordinates to other caches nearby).

What else can be found in a cache? Maps, books, software, hardware, CDs, DVDs, pictures, money, jewelry, tickets, antiques, tools, art, games - anything and everything (it just has to fit in the container). It's recommended that items in a cache be individually packaged in a clear zipped plastic bag to protect them. What shouldn't be in a cache? Food (wild animals, though cute, are not invited to play in this game), weapons, drugs, alcohol, or anything illegal are not cache-worthy.

Want to play? Check out this website, type in where you live (or where you're planning on going) and find the coordinates of a cache. Strap on your hiking boots, and have some fun while you get a great workout.

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