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Back to Basics: Sun Salutation A

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:30:00 -0800

In honor of the Winter Solstice, I thought we could use a little light from the yoga world. So take a few minutes to pay attention to your breath and follow this Sun Salutation A sequence. The Sanskrit word for Sun Salutation is Surya Namaskar. Surya means "Sun," and "Namaskar" is a greeting of honor and respect to the divinity present in each one of us. In yoga studios across the world, many celebrate the Winter Solstice by performing 108 Sun Salutations, a practice called Mala. So welcome Winter and say hello to the sun with Sun Salutation A.

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Do the Short Days of Winter Keep You From Working Out?

FitSugar — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 02:30:00 -0800

Today is Winter Solstice, and it is officially the shortest day of the year. Starting tomorrow the days will start being just a wee bit longer and I, for one, welcome a little more daylight. Regardless if I set my alarm for an earlier time, I really don't get out of bed until my youngest wakes up. She wakes with the sun, so each day it has been just a little bit later. My inability to rise before the sun is up is dramatically affecting my ability to fit exercise into my daily life.

On this shortest day of the year, I am looking to see if I am alone this dilemma. So tell me . . .

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Winter Solstice

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 17:25:00 -0800

Today marks the official start of winter - it's the solstice. Good news for all of you winter sports fanatics since there are so many fun things to do in the snow. I can't wait to hit the slopes.

Today is also the shortest day of the year. If you are like me and want the sun to rise before you do, this is good news since the days will slowly start getting longer. Plus this is great for all of you folks that like to exercise outside since there will be just a little more daylight soon.

Tonight though, I say let the darkness be outside and get cozy inside. Light lots of candles, make a fire, make a pot of tea or a nice mug of hot cocoa. Now just relax - you deserve it.

What's Your Favorite Season?

FitSugar — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Season come and seasons go, and some of them we wait for with much anticipation. Summer is really just around the corner - solstice is on the 21st. Do you look forward to a certain season for season specific activities?

Maybe you love spring because the wind means it is time to fly a kite. Or maybe for the asparagus and fresh green peas.

Summer might be your favorite because you love the hot weather so you can swim, sail, and eat fresh berries while relaxing on the beach.

Do you love autumn best because you love watching the leaves change color? It's great to go for a walk, hike, or run because the cooler air keeps you from overheating.

Or is winter your thing because there are so many fun sports to do like ski, snowboard, ice skate, or snowshoe? The surf also rocks in winter.

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Sweet Tooth(paste)

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:00:00 -0800

Picking out a toothpaste can be more than a little confusing because there are so many choices. One freshens breath. One is good for sensitive teeth. One whitens. One brightens. One removes tartar. One prevents gum disease. Ahhhh??!!??

So how do you choose?

The popular brands, like Crest and Colgate, all contain pretty much the same ingredients - abrasives, detergent, binding agents and humectants (to keep it moist and together), flavoring (mostly sugar), preservatives, fluoride, and water. Yum.

You should try to pick one that contains fluoride, but whichever one you choose, they all pretty much do the same thing. It's the actual act of brushing that helps to remove tartar, plaque, and food.

Use a soft bristle toothbrush, and replace it every 3 months. I change mine with the seasons and always put new toothbrushes in my family's stockings (Christmas is so close to Winter Solstice). Brush along your gum line in a circular motion, making sure to clean every inch of tooth. End with a couple of brushes on the surface of your tongue to get rid of the bacteria that causes bad breath.

Fit's Tip: If you're looking for a natural toothpaste that doesn't contain artificial ingredients or dyes, think about switching to Tom's of Maine toothpaste. It's flavored with natural oils instead of sugar.