FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

The Lowdown on Detox Products

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:00:00 -0800

Stepping on the heels of yesterday's news that Gwyneth Paltrow is, yet again, doing a New Year's detox, there's a report claiming that products promoted as detoxifying agents lack meaningful evidence. The Oxford English Dictionary defines detox as the removal of toxic substances or qualities, yet none of the 15 products tested by members of the Voice of Young Science network met the requirements of that definition.

The group investigated various products with detox labels, like bottled water, shampoo, detox patches, and vitamins, and challenged the detox claims made by the companies behind these products. According to BBC News, the scientists said, "In the majority of cases, producers and retailers were forced to admit that they had simply renamed processes like cleaning or brushing, as detox."

The researchers identified detox products as a waste of money and said, "Anyone worried about the aftereffects of Christmas overindulgence would get the same benefits from eating healthily and getting plenty of sleep." My thoughts, exactly.

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Speak Up: Do You Have a Cheat Day?

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0800

Everything in moderation, we always say, but some people have a hard time spreading their indulgences throughout the week and choose to save their splurges for a "cheat day." Personally, I like to fit little pleasures into my daily life, whether it be a glass of wine with dinner or a piece of dark chocolate any time of day.

Allowing myself small daily treats makes me happiest, but of course we are all different. Celeb trainer Harley Pasternak has incorporated a cheat day into his 5-Factor Diet that Jessica Simpson and Eva Mendes follow. Do you have cheat days, and are there certain things that you tend to eat on those days?

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Weekend Reading: The Daily Fix by Alexa L. Fishback

FitSugar — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 04:55:49 -0800

Alexa L. Fishback is my kind of nutritionist: one who understands that nutrition isn't always easy for young working women on the go. Her book The Daily Fix: Your Guide to Healthy Habits For Good Nutrition, released last week, acknowledges that work happy hours can tempt us from working out and that lunch meetings are a necessary but often unhealthy obligation.

To these modern-day challenges, The Daily Fix offers all kinds of solutions, depending on your lifestyle. Fishback recommends everything from keeping a food journal to setting BlackBerry reminders for your workouts and healthy snack times. She explains how to deconstruct those catered-lunch sandwiches to make them healthier and explores how one chai latte a day can really add up in terms of calories. For all the tasty details,

Speak Up: How Often Do You Think About Food?

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:00:31 -0800

It's simple: We need food to live. It gives us the energy our body needs to run properly, down to organ functionality and bone health. We're lucky to be able to choose the food we consume most of the time, yet the convenience of unhealthy foods and stress-related emotional overeating have made it easy for many of us to have unhealthy relationships with food.

Because food plays such a big role in our lives, it's on our minds more than we may realize — especially if we're on a diet. Food regularly makes it to the forefront of our thoughts: whenever our stomach grumbles, when we're bored, when we're planning what to make for dinner, or if there's a particular meal we're especially excited for. How often do you think about it?

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Reality Check: Even VS Angels Have to Put in Extra Work

FitSugar — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 04:30:00 -0800

No pain, no gain? This old saying may be true even for the most genetically blessed among us — Victoria's Secret Angels. They may have great genes, but these lingerie models subscribe to the glue that binds goal-oriented women: hard work and discipline. Last night we saw the bombshell VS models rock the runway on television, and it took more than a few workouts for them to look so toned.

Doutzen Kroes recently became an Angel and acknowledged that, while she usually eats what she likes, before a big show she nixes sugar and carbs and dedicates more time to jumping rope. She said, "For other fashion shows you can be skinny, but for Victoria's Secret, you need definition." Another newbie to the Angel crew, Marisa Miller, also understands the VS message and said, "When you're on the runway, you're moving so it's all about toning up." Mission accomplished.

It's encouraging to know that, while these gorgeous models have a genetic edge, they are still human and have to put in extra work to achieve their goals. Next time you're struggling through an intense workout, remind yourself that you're not alone.

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7 Tips For Eating Cheaper From Biggest Loser Nutritionist

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

Money is tight for a lot of people these days, and the majority of you admit to cutting back on buying organic produce to save on the expense. Cheryl Forberg, a nutritionist for The Biggest Loser, is aware that "fresh and healthy" appears to be more expensive than "packaged with preservatives," and shared her tips on how to eat cheaper while staying healthy.

Buy in bulk: You have control when buying from bulk bins and can save on products like whole grains, dried beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, and cereals. Look for spices sold in bulk at health food stores.
Go seasonal: If it's in season, then it's cheaper. Plan your meals in advance and save money by choosing seasonal ingredients.
Shop locally: Healthy bargains can be found at local grocers or farmers markets. Take this a step further by checking for end-of-the-day specials.

To see four more cheaper eating tips,

What Fergie Plans to Eat This Thanksgiving

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:30:00 -0800

Fergie recently traded in her shots of apple cider vinegar for anything with high fat content, all in the name of art. The typically health-conscious star briefly sacrificed her impressive abs for her role in the movie Nine and gained precisely 13 pounds. Now she is determined to lose that baker's dozen by reversing her diet — all she has to do is give up the mostly fried food, like fish and chips, that she ate to gain the weight in the first place. Thanksgiving dinner won't set her back on her trek to her old bod; find out what Fergie will be eating this Nov. 27 when you

Do You Buy 100-Calorie Snack Packs?

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:30:00 -0800

One-hundred calorie snack packs have attracted some fit fans, like Bob from The Biggest Loser, but these prepackaged snacks also have their share of haters. Consumer Reports criticized these low calorie portions in its December issue and concluded there are more reasons to skip these snacks than to scoop them. The argument against 100-cal packs includes gripes like the fact that many of the products barely resemble the product they are supposed to imitate — for example, the Oreo snack packs. There are no creamy middles to be licked and a snacker may feel like the chocolate crackers she consumed wasn't even worth those 100-calories. Consumer Reports does give credit to the Cheez-It Right Bites and Doritos Nacho Cheese Mini Bites, saying those are the only two that are true taste replicas of the original. Do you buy 100-calorie snack packs or do you pass them by?

Do You Buy 100-Calorie Snack Packs?

Yes, I regularly buy packaged 100-calorie snacks.

I have in the past, but they don't make my usual grocery list.

No, I don't buy 100-calorie snack packs.

Gossip Girl's Jessica Szohr Discusses Diet and Fitness

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:30:00 -0800

Jessica Szohr has it going on: Besides working as an actress on Gossip Girl (and snuggling up to Chace Crawford on-screen) and displaying enviable style, it seems she also has a relatable attitude toward health and fitness. PopSugar was lucky to attend the Juicy Couture 5th Avenue flagship store opening in NYC where Jessica spoke about how she stays fit during the holidays.

For me it’s just about balance because I’m not the greatest eater ever. I like my pizza and french fries with ranch sauce. But I also realize if I’m going to eat a lot then I have to work out a little bit. So I try to do yoga a couple times a week. And I’m trying to start to do cardio but it takes me like 30 minutes to run a mile so it’s not working out so well. I have been lately, more than normal, which is probably good because I’m going to eat a ton of cookies and stuff.

See what Jessica said when asked about avoiding temptation when you

The Dollar-a-Day Diet

FitSugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0800

I've heard of the Grapefriut Diet, Carb-Free Diet, and the Morning Banana Diet, but a Dollar-a-Day Diet? This eating plan has nothing to do with weight loss, and everything to do with income. Since the economy has taken a nose dive, many people are living on tight budgets, and opting for junk food since studies show it's cheaper than fruits, veggies, and other nutritious foods. So a young couple in California, Christopher Greenslate and Kerri Leonard, decided to conduct an experiment — to live one month on a diet that costs one dollar a day, and see if it was possible to eat healthy. For details on their One Dollar Diet Project, you can check out their blog. They lived mostly on dried beans, rice, cornmeal, and oatmeal they bought in bulk. They also baked their own bread and made their own tortillas. To find out what they ate

What Dietitians Are Dishing About: Your Food Personality

FitSugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

Being fit has a lot to do with behavior, a point that has been getting more attention from dietitians lately. They're looking for reasons why some have more trouble than others when it comes to losing and keeping off weight, and the idea that personality traits get in the way of health goals is explored in the new book Counseling Overweight Adults: The Lifestyle Pattern Approach and Tool Kit. The text is written for dietitians, but as Web MD points out, the book offers helpful insight even if we're not an audience of professionals.

The book breaks down personality patterns linked to eating, exercise, and stress. Check out the seven eating personalities when you

Want to Lose Weight? Then Eat

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:00:39 -0700

People who are trying to lose weight are bound to have food on their minds. So scientists at the Institute of Food Research in Norwich, England, are going with that urge and working to develop foods that will make you feel full. They're hoping to create foods that will slow down the digestive system in order to naturally trigger the brain to suppress the appetite. From breads to yogurt, they'll be able to create foods that trick the brain into thinking you've eaten a ton when you really haven't. The idea here is to make dieting easier, and modified foods like these could hit the shelves within a few years.

Scientists all over the world are getting on board this appetite-controlling boat, and some are working on injections or implantable devices to help people feel full and lose weight. I'm all for putting an end to the obesity epidemic that continues to rise, but this idea seems a little deceptive. We all know that diets don't work and that healthy lifestyles complete with regular exercise and a nutritious, low-calorie diet are the way to go. If these modified foods switch off people's appetites and encourage them to eat a lot less, then what happens when they lose weight and go back to their regular eating habits? I'm also concerned about regulation of these foods. What if young girls or people suffering from eating disorders get a hold of them? Am I right to be skeptical, or do you think these appetite-suppressing foods are the next best thing for weight loss?

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Don't Let the Weekend Derail Your Health Plans

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Weekends are fabulous because they allow us time to step away from the office and relax (hopefully). Sometimes though, we go all out on the weekend, and it can be a big step backwards in terms of our health goals. If you've found that last weekend did a number on your diet, don't fret over it too much. Instead use these easy steps from Health.com on how to keep moving forward during the weekends rather than falling behind. Here are five of my favorite ideas:

Weigh yourself twice a week — either Friday and Monday a.m. or Thursday and Monday a.m. There’s nothing better to keep you on track than knowing that you have to face the scale come Monday morning.
“Bank” calories: If you know you are going out for dinner and will overeat, cut back even more the day before and after to compensate.
Limit your alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a diet double-whammy; it’s not only rich in calories itself, but it also reduces inhibitions and increases appetite.

There are other great tips so

You Asked: Is There Anything Wrong With a Fat-Free Diet?

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0700

You're asking and I'm answering . . .

Hey Fit,
I've been trying to lose these 15 pounds I seemed to have put on in the past year. I'm exercising regularly and have ditched all fat from my diet. So no meat, fried foods, nuts, peanut butter, oil, butter, baked goods, hydrogenated oils, and I only eat fat-free dairy products. I seem to be losing weight, which is great, but is there anything wrong with this kind of diet?

—Fat Free Fiona

I'm sure many people have gone on fat-free diets in an effort to lose weight, so you're not alone. I'm glad you're asking about whether it's a healthy way to slim down and the answer is yes and no. The reason is because there are both healthy fats our bodies need and unhealthy fats our bodies can stand to go without. So you don't want to ditch every amount of fat imaginable. To find out which ones to eat and which ones to avoid

Britney Bounces Back, For the Most Part

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0700

I honestly never thought I would write another post about Ms. Britney Spears. The girl was just not the picture of perfect health for a while, and while I am not saying she is now but she certainly seems a lot healthier than over the past few years.

Britney recently told OK magazine what she has been doing to get stage ready (perhaps for her second comeback on the VMAs?). Here are highlights on her new diet, which you'll notice does not include Starbucks:

"I'm the healthiest I've been all my life," Britney, 26, tells OK!. My diet has a lot to do with my getting into shape. I have no sugar. I don't eat fruit or even fruit juice because of the sugar. I eat chicken and salmon and rice. I eat avocados. I'll have egg whites for breakfast and sometimes turkey burgers for lunch. I try to do just 1,200 calories a day. It may sound like it's not much, but it's actually a lot of food if you eat the right things."

Of course, Brit also hits the gym on a regular basis, doing "lots of cardio and weights" five days a week.

I will say that 1,200 calories/day is the lowest most of us should ever really go when trying to lose weight, especially if you're doing lots of cardio and weights most days of the week. To find out the optimal amount of calories you should be eating per day in conjunction with the amount of working out you're doing, check out my Fit Calculator. While I may not be her biggest fan, I am definitely cheering her on to getting even healthier, so here's to hoping she adds quitting smoking to her to-do list.

Speak Up: Has Your Family Ever Pressured You to Diet or Be Thin?

FitSugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0700

We learn a lot about relationships from our immediate family. Not only do we learn how to relate to other people, but also things like money and food. If fact, researchers have found that sitting down to regular family meals can help prevent eating disorders. Ahhh . . . but the home front isn't always so sweet and homey, and negative lessons can be learned in there as well. I think of the painful mother-daughter relationship in Spanglish, where the character played by Tea Leoni buys clothes many sizes too small for her daughter.

How was the family dynamic around food and body image in your house while growing up? Did anyone pressure you to lose weight? If you're a parent, how do you talk about your weight in front of your kids? How do you talk to them about their food choices? For being one of our basic needs, food can be quite an emotionally-loaded subject. Share your stories in the comment section below.

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Which Day Is Hardest For You to Stay on Track?

FitSugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 06:00:00 -0700

The weekend can wreak havoc on a healthy lifestyle. For others, it's a lot harder to keep on track during the week with work dinners, lunches, and no time for anything but fast food. Me, I have the hardest time staying on track on Fridays. I often skip out on going to the gym, and it's always been tradition in my family that we eat pizza and watch a movie.Which day do you find is hardest for you to stay on track?Source

Dieter's Delight: Jean Insurance

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:00:00 -0700

So you're on a diet and exercise plan, with the goal of losing weight. As you begin to melt those pounds away, you realize that your clothes are feeling baggier. You know you could use some new outfits, but you don't want to buy a bunch of things that are just going to be too big again in a matter of time. That's where jean insurance comes in.

The company is called Lose and Win Free Jeans and here's how it works. You go out and buy a new pair of jeans. You send your receipt and 30 percent of the cost of your new denim to Bertie Ranger, the president of the company. After you spend some time eating right and exercising regularly, you're bound to need a smaller size. So you mail your jeans back to the pres., and she'll send you the full amount of what you originally paid for them. Then you can go out and buy a second pair of jeans. If you want, you can insure those, too.

It's a clever concept, huh? Now I bet you wish you thought of it first. Tell me, do you think you'd ever buy jean insurance?

How Do You Describe Your Eating Habits?

FitSugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Good news for you fish eaters out there, pescatarians is now recognized as an official word by Merriam-Webster dictionary. They define a pescatarian as a vegetarian who eats fish as well. There seems to be a growing number of ways to classify eating habits, from flexitarian to (I just saw this diet in Self magazine) "part time vegan." I would like to know . . . Source

Is Hoodia Safe For Appetite Suppressant?

FitSugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0700

When it comes to losing weight, I'm very wary of appetite suppressants. For one, I don't think popping pills instead of eating is healthy whatsoever, and I also worry about the effects of these pills on the body. One such pill, Hoodia gordonii (called hoodia for short), is gaining popularity. It's a cactus-like succulent plant only found in southern Africa, and it's been used for centuries by bushmen who needed to control their hunger on long journeys. South African scientists tested this plant and found it contains a molecule that seems to prevent hunger, which they call P57. The scientists patented this compound to use as a diet aid and licensed it to a British pharmaceutical company, Phytopharm. Scientists from Phytopharm say "P57 acts on the brain in a manner similar to glucose. It tricks the brain into thinking you are full even when you have not eaten. It reduces interest in food, and delays the time before hunger sets in." Interesting.

To find out if it's safe

What's the Deal With the Raw Food Diet

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:00:00 -0700

If I were ever to dabble in eating a raw food diet, I would choose to do so in Summer. There is an abundance of produce in season that is especially uncooked – peaches versus butternut squash. But eating "raw" is about more than just eating salads; it is a complex diet.

The raw food movement stands exactly opposite of processed foods. We know that minimally prepared food is more nutritious, but with the raw diet nothing should be heated over 116 degrees F – the temperature at which important food enzymes are destroyed. Raw foodies argue that these enzymes are not killed by the acidic environment of the stomach, merely deactivated then re-activated once they enter the more alkaline environment of the intestines. Once in the intestines, raw foodists believe these enzymes allow you to fully reap the nutritional benefit from your foods – getting more nutrients from less (processed) food. There are certain movements within the raw food movement that believe you only need to eat raw at least 80 percent of the time to benefit from the diet.

To read about the possible nutritional deficiencies of eating raw and the rules of raw, just

How Many Times a Day Do You Eat?

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:30:00 -0700

I grew up eating three meals a day, but now that I'm much more active, exercising regularly and keeping up with my two girls, I need to refuel more often. So eating four or five smaller meals each day works much better for me. What about you? I'm wondering . . .Source

How Many Times a Day Do You Eat?

Twice

Three times — Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Four times — I eat all three meals, and also have a snack.

Five times — I eat three meals, plus two smaller snacks.

Six or more times — I like to snack all day long.

How Do You Get Your Fiber?

FitSugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

To reap all the great benefits of fiber, you should get about 30 grams a day. You can eat vegetables and fruits that are naturally high in fiber, or look for with fiber-fortified foods like yogurt. Some people even take fiber supplements such as Fiber Choice. What's your strategy?Source

How Do You Get Your Fiber?

I just focus on eating foods that are naturally high in fiber.

I supplement my diet with fiber-fortified foods.

I take fiber supplements.

A combination of one and two.

All of the above.

I don't really think about fiber.

Other — Please share!

Healthy Weight Loss: Shed One Pound Per Week

FitSugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 05:30:00 -0700

If you're working on losing weight, slow and steady wins the race. Losing about one pound, and no more than two pounds, a week is the best way to shed the weight and keep it off. A combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise is the best way to get there. Does that sound familiar?

Since one pound of body fat is equal to about 3,500 calories, you need to focus on eliminating 500 calories a day (500 calories x 7 days = 3,500 calories). Please don't think I mean you should starve yourself and skip eating. Instead do a combination of eating healthier, nutrient dense foods and exercising to burn those 500 calories per day. Include 30 minutes of cardio, which can burn 250 calories, and for the rest, adjust your diet so you are consuming 250 fewer calories. You can do this by including whole grains instead of refined carbs, healthy sources of lean protein instead of ones high in saturated fat, and lots of fresh fruits and veggies. Choose foods that are low in calories and high in fiber, since they'll fill you up, and give you energy to work out without feeling famished. Generally foods that are high in sugar and fat are also higher in calories, so try to limit these foods as well. If you can do this for 7 days, you'll burn one pound a week.

Fit's Tips: Losing more than two pounds a week isn't recommended since it may mean that you're losing water weight or muscle instead of fat. So stick to one to two pounds per week.

Source

Celebrate International No Diet Day!

FitSugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Following a diet is tough. It's enough to make you want to throw in the towel. Today is one day that you can (and should) — hooray!

Celebrate International No Diet Day — an annual celebration of body acceptance and diversity — by declaring a one-day leave of absence from weight obsession. Quit worrying about the enchiladas and margaritas you had yesterday. Enjoy yourself. Love yourself. And above all, keep away from that miserable diet.

Source

South Beach Diet Exercise Program Is Misleading

FitSugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 03:00:00 -0700

The latest in the South Beach Diet craze, The South Beach Diet Supercharged, is getting a lot of heat from top exercise researchers across the country.

The feature under particular scrutiny is an interval walking plan that promises that readers will burn many more calories than moderate walking and keep on burning calories all day. Researchers say no and no. They say, sure, those using the book's interval program may burn a few more calories than if they'd walked at a steady pace, but they won't burn "far more calories," and more importantly they won't burn calories for hours afterward as the book promises.

While I do feel like the South Beach Diet is a relatively good eating plan, I am not a fan of misleading customers to make a buck. So, I'm not saying that you shouldn't follow the book, just be prepared that your results may not be as dramatic as it claims they may be.

Diet Tip: Don't Eat in the Car

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:00:00 -0800

If you have a long commute to and from work, you may be tempted to eat in the car. Mindless eating can really lead to overeating but especially if you're eating in the car. If you typically stop at fast-food places and scarf it down on the way home, wait until you get home to eat or, better yet, don't stop at all and cook for yourself at home. Before you know it, you'll break the habit of eating in the car and be able to enjoy your calories elsewhere (hopefully at a dinner table).

Fit's Tip: To avoid the tempting glow of the fast-food signs, keep a healthy snack in your glove compartment for when your tummy starts to rumble.

Want more? Be sure to check out all my great diet tips.

Source

Speak Up: What's the Most Ridiculous Diet You've Tried?

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:30:00 -0800

We've all tried a crazy diet at one point or another. My most ridiculous diet moment was when I decided to do the Cabbage Soup Diet in prep for a pal's wedding. I lasted up until banana and skim milk day, day four, where I could only consume bananas, skim milk and cabbage soup during the day. This was the last straw. I know I'm not the only fool who went on a ridiculous diet in search of the magic bullet. So speak up and share the most ridiculous diet (self created, mainstream, or otherwise) you've ever tried in the comments section below.

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Jessica Alba's Fresh Attitude

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 23:30:00 -0800

We've been seeing pregnant Jessica Alba head to the gym quite a bit after we found out the big news. However, in her recent interview with CosmoGirl!, she attributes her prebaby figure to her diet, not her workout. She says she just eats right, giving up processed foods loaded with salt and preservatives — well, unless it's cheese. Here's more:

"I try to work out as much as I can. But the biggest change in my body came when I stopped eating processed food. I don't eat fast food or anything that's packaged or loaded with salt and preservatives. I eat as many organic and fresh foods as possible. I don't cut out cheese, I don't cut out carbs, I just eat fresh foods. It's made a huge difference in how I look and how I feel."

As a mother of two girls, I was especially pleased with this quote:

"Girls need to know that they can be sexy without showing skin. It's all about how your work it and how you carry yourself."

We all have weaknesses for certain foods, but if she really eats as well as she says she does and her only vice is cheese, well then you go girl. Though I do hope she enjoys her pregnancy and gives into cravings every once in a while.

Pacific Coast News

A Week in Review: FitSugar Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 04:00:00 -0700

In case you missed it, here's what we've been talking about...

Anthony Bourdain and Rachael Ray are in a spat over donuts. Whose side are you on?

Be sure to check this great jumping through with blocks yoga video that should help strengthen your core and improve your technique.

John Mayer makes his body a wonderland by running stairs, now you can too.

Mayer is not the only one getting fit, Sarah Jessica Parker spills her get slim secrets.

What's the connection between women's hips and breast cancer?

While we're on the topic of breast cancer, check out my inspiring and moving interview with a gal who battled breast cancer with cupcakes (of all things).

Celebs love Starbucks, but who's making healthy choices and who's not?

Love miso? Test your smarts with this quiz about miso.

Need a new diet tip? Eat at least one fruit and one veggie with every meal.

I'm curious, how often do you eat fish?

Speaking of dieting, here are 100 calorie snack ideas.

Back to basics everyone — learn how to properly blow your nose.

Here is a great elliptical interval exercise program - try it out!

Speak your mind about why you don't like exercising. Now check out ideas to turn that hate into love when it comes to exercising.

Speaking of exercise, check out the most active (and inactive) states in America.

Have You Ever Seen a Dietician?

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Eating healthy is no small feat, especially if you are on the run, have special dietary needs, or are trying to lose weight. In all these scenarios, meeting with a dietitian can help. I think it is a great idea to have an educated eye sizing up your nutrition, which is why I've included having a session with a dietitian as a must have for October. A dietitian will asses your diet and then provide advice and recommendations on how to improve your eating habits to help you reach your goals. I was wondering if any of you have ever seen a dietitian, and what your experience was like. Were they helpful? Did you learn any valuable info or tips?

Have You Ever Seen a Dietician?

Yes, I have

Nope, I haven't

I haven't yet, but I've always wanted to

Use It at Home: Dr. Andrew Weil's Guide to Eating Well DVD

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Soy is good for you. No soy is bad for you. OK, a little bit of soy is good for you, but don't overdo it. Ahhhh... We are constantly getting conflicting statements from experts about what we should eat and what we should avoid. I don't know about you, but I just don't know what to believe anymore.

Dr. Andrew Weil through his DVD Guide to Eating Well is here to help. He says nutritional experts really do agree on the optimum diet for long life. He describes that perfect diet, how to shop for high quality foods, and how to be a smart label reader. He also gives you some valuable tips on how to eat right when you eat out (like ordering one dessert for the table to share - not one dessert for each person).

You'll also get an overview of the basics of nutrition, so if you're confused about which foods are good for you, how much you should be eating of them, and why they're good for you in the first place, this DVD will help to clear up your questions.

I was happy to hear that much of Dr. Weil's info is what FitSugar preaches already. He focuses on eating foods with wholesome ingredients (that you can pronounce), and steering clear of processed foods and anything with hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup. He's also into eating a varied diet filled with lots of fruits and veggies, and limited foods that are high in saturated fat. I'm glad he talked about enjoyment over deprivation. You can still eat the foods you love, but moderation is key. This is the kind of DVD you learn from, and pass on to your friends and family. Order it from Acacia for $14.99.

Dietitian vs. Nutritionist

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 09:30:00 -0700

A dietitian is an expert in food and nutrition. They give dietary advice, help promote healthy eating habits, develop specific diets for people, and participate in nutrition research. In the U.S., nutrition professionals include the registered dietitian (RD), and the dietetic technician, registered (DTR). They are regulated by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). They must meet strict educational and professional prerequisites and pass a national exam before they are registered dietitians.

Nutritionists are health specialists who are interested in food and nutritional science, preventative nutrition, diseases related to nutrient deficiencies, and the use of food and nutrients to cure disease and ailments.

They also are not regulated. They have varying degrees of education in nutrition – some have very little and some have a masters or phD. Since the term "nutritionist" isn't regulated, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist and dispense nutritional information without having any education whatsoever — they even write books.

Fit's Tips: If you want advice on your diet, food, or nutrition, I'd see a dietitian unless a nutritionist could prove to you how much education they've had.

Source

Flashback: Susan Powter in "Stop The Insanity!"

FitSugar — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:05:15 -0700

Susan Powter rose to fame in the early 90's by raging against the diet industry, shouting at the top of her lungs, and sporting a platinum blonde crew cut. As the the wikipedia entry notes, "Though no longer in the limelight as she once was, she continues to write and motivate." She does indeed.

Diet Tip: Lite N' Up Summer Desserts

FitSugar — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:30:00 -0700

Are you taking advantage of the abundance of fresh produce summer has to offer? Maybe you are making a bunch of fruit pies, crisps and crumbles? If you are making a lot of summer desserts here are a few ways to make them a bit more "lite."

You can usually use less sugar in the fruit portion than the recipe says. Start by using 1/4 or 1/3 cup less per cup of sugar the recipe calls for.
If a recipe calls for both white sugar and brown sugar, cut back on the white sugar first. The brown sugar usually adds extra color and flavor to the dessert.
Replace half the white flour called for with whole-wheat flour. Whether you’re making a pie crust or biscuits, this 50/50 rule of thumb usually works.
The fat ingredient can usually be cut back by 1/4 to 1/3. You can substitute another, less fatty ingredients, to make up the difference in moisture. Try light cream cheese, low-fat buttermilk, or fat-free sour cream.
If the recipe calls for melted butter or shortening, you can often switch to canola oil instead, and use a little less than called for.
Start collecting recipes for summer desserts, like pie crust, that call for canola oil or vegetable oil instead of shortening or butter.
If you’re serving a summer dessert a la mode, try to find a light ice cream that still tastes great but has less fat and calories per serving than most. You can usually find a wonderful light vanilla ice cream with 100 calories and 3 or 4 grams of fat per half-cup serving.

Bon appétit!

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Your Lungs: Cigarettes, Marijuana & Office Equipment and More

FitSugar — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Although it is illicit, stoners for decades have touted their drug of choice as a healthy alternative to cigarettes. An interesting myth created under a purple haze if you ask me. New research proves that cannabis is hard on the lungs, but how hard?

Actually, lung health has been a hot topic in the news recently and when something is bad for the lungs cigarettes are brought out as the measuring stick for damage.

So believe it or not - this is the first cigarette themed quiz here on FitSugar.

5 Reasons to Eat Breakfast

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Here are 5 reasons why:

People who eat breakfast consume more vitamins and minerals over the course of a day, and they eat less fat and cholesterol as well. The reason for this remains unclear, but one study claims that the frequency of daily eating is associated with consuming more favorable nutrients and fewer less favorable nutrients, such as dietary cholesterol.
Breakfast eaters have better concentration and are more productive throughout the morning. Researchers believe this is due to replenishing glucose, the brain's main energy source.
Want to see other reasons? Then I suggest you

read more

Maple Flakes by Equinox

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Sometimes I see a new product and I think "What a great idea! Why didn't I think of that. I can't wait to try it." Other products I just question and wonder if there really is a need for it. When I saw the Maple Flakes made by Equinox, my reaction was mixed. It seemed like a cool concept - dehydrated maple syrup, but was there a sweetener void in my life?

Then I sprinkled them on top of the yogurt I had and spread on my favorite toaster waffle, and I was delighted by the concept and the taste, not to mention a serious decrease in the sticky factor. Not only are these little flakes tidier than liquid maple syrup, one teaspoon of flakes has only 7.5 calories compared to maple syrup's 17 calories
per teaspoon. Plus they are organic.

These flakes are also great sprinkled on plain oatmeal, so you can skip the already flavored and sweetened maple, brown sugar flavors. Use it on plain yogurt so you can skip the added sugar in flavored yogurt, which i find excessive. You can use the flakes the next time you make a teriyaki dish.

Buy them from igourmet.com for $5.99 for a 4 ounce package, and that package will last you a long time since the flavor is so concentrated a little pinch packs a tasty punch of maple flavor.

Diet vs. Lifestyle Change

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:15:00 -0700

Since most diets are difficult to follow and stick to and because weight loss is difficult to maintain, it is no surprise that "diet" is considered a four-letter word. I have heard people complain that they "practically live on a diet," and with that mindset, how could the "dieter" not feel deprived? The reality of the situation is that very few people can eat everything they want, not exercise, and not gain weight. Everyone's metabolism slows down at 40, really it does.

So if you think about dieting as making a lifestyle change, it truly makes living the healthy life easier. It also helps keep the pounds off. So if you think lifestyle change is just a euphemism for "diet," I beg to differ. If becoming healthy is your end goal (and losing weight is often part of that goal) then your end goal really has no end. It is the life you are now living. You have to keep exercising and watching what you eat because that is what a healthy person does.

So replace the word "diet" with "nutrition," as in "I am eating for nutrition." While you are at it, think not about "losing weight" but "losing body fat", since that is what you want to lose. The scale might not change as your body changes if you are replacing fat with muscle. A pound of muscle takes up a lot less room than a pound of fat.

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Organize Your Health

FitSugar — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:30:00 -0700

On the road to becoming the healthy, happy you, it pays to be organized. Keeping a mental list of all your various projects can be overwhelming. There is just no way to remember all those things you need and want to do.

Many of us use day planners for work, so why not use a planner as a tool for your personal life as well? I came across these from lobotoMe.com. Talk about organization! They make notepads for everything.

My favorite is the Feed ME meal planning to do list. It's a pad of 50 sheets ($ and helps you plan out your meals for an entire week. On the right-hand side, there is a preprinted grocery list so you can keep track of all of the ingredients you need so you are organized when you go to the grocery store. This way you don't wander into the cookie and chip aisle, and hopefully the organized list keeps you from having to make multiple trips back to the store for forgotten ingredients.

I also like the organizeME Weekly Planner ($16 per pad of 60). It's a way to organize all the chores and errands you need to get done in each day, and a way to remember to take care of yourself too. It has a spot to write down what healthy dinner, exercise, and "me time" you have planned Monday through Sunday. It even has a little spot on the bottom to check off when you've had your 8 glasses of water a day. These sheets can tear off and fold to fit in most daily planners.

Taking care of yourself is something you need to do everyday, and sometimes you need to plan for it in advance. I'm all for anything that can make eating healthy, getting exercise, and staying stress-free easier. There's a lot to keep track of, and these day planners can help keep you on track.

Dieting: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

FitSugar — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 11:45:00 -0700

It is summer time and while the warm weather and sunshine may bring smiles to our faces, some folks may be fretting about how they look in a swimsuit. Often out of desperation, people try crazy fad diets to quickly shed a few pounds prior to hitting the beach. Well, I am here to caution you about dropping the pounds too quickly, and here's why: Rapid weight loss is often followed shortly by rapid weight gain.

The slower you lose the weight the better your chances for keeping the pounds off. You should aim to lose no more than two pounds a week. If you are losing more than that, the pounds lost most likely come from loss of water weight and lean muscle tissue - not fat. You don't want to lose muscle tissue since one pound of muscle burns 50 calories a day, while a pound of fat only burns 2 calories a day. Muscle mass is a friend to your metabolism.

Fit's Tip: If you are looking to lose weight, try to change your lifestyle with a healthy Mediterranean style diet and adding a daily dose of exercise into your plan. Make a lifestyle change and you will lose the weight and you have a much better chance of keeping the weight off.

Easy Diet Tips

FitSugar — Fri, 25 May 2007 09:00:00 -0700

There are times in our lives when we are looking to cut back on the calories. Call it dieting, call it eating healthy, call it making a lifestyle change. No matter what you call it here are some easy tips to help you keep your caloric intake in check.

Never, ever Super Size an order. Just don't.Condiment wise - stick to mustard since it is so low in calories. Avoid the honey mustard varieties since they have added sugar.
Eat fruit instead of drinking fruit juice, but if you must drink juice water it down. Why not make a spritzer with your favorite juice and some sparkling water?
Don't stand by the buffet table at BBQs or parties. I know this one seems obvious, but it is always good to reiterate the importance of location.
Close your kitchen at 7:30 PM. Finish dinner, clean up, and stop the late night snacking. If your sweet tooth is calling or your mouth is bored, brew yourself a cup of naturally sweet herbal tea like Chamomile or Rooibos.

Have a great dieting tip you want to share, tell us about it in the comment section below.

A Dog-Gone Good Diet: The Dog Diet

FitSugar — Thu, 10 May 2007 10:15:00 -0700

There are a lot of diets out there that I just don't truly trust, but this diet is one that I think I can really sink my teeth into.
The Dog Diet: What My Dog Taught Me About Shedding Pounds, Licking Stress and Getting a New Leash on Life ($12.71) is not a new fat diet that tells you to eat hot dogs, and only hot dogs, but rather a book that explains how one lonely woman adopted a puppy and as a positive result, ends up losing weight. The book, while being funny and cute, shows us simple and natural methods for shedding unwanted pounds without the usual stress and disappointments that go along with typical dieting regimens. Some practical dog diet tips that you'll find in the book are:

When it comes to snacking, if your dog likes it, it's probably not something you should be eating (think pizza and steak) -- Eat quiet foods that don't emit enticing aromas - they're good for you and won't arouse the beggar in your dog!
Learn Dogersize because sure you can walk your dog, but a traditional work out can be adapted to include your dog you burn more calories. Plus it's a lot more fun for both of you!
Look at life through the eyes of your dog: Learn how to live in the moment and don't hold grudges. (Though I am pretty sure it is not yet acceptable to sniff other people's butts.)

The Dog Diet is a great, light read for anyone who loves dogs and is currently struggling (or has ever struggled) with weight loss. Want it, then buy it at Amazon.com.

Where Are You at With That New Year's Resolution?

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 08:45:00 -0700

OK, so it's April. How are you doing with that New Year's resolution to get fit? A good majority of people who create resolutions have given them up by April.

If you let your resolution slide by, think about these tips from Harvard Medical School on how to get back on track without beating yourself up over failure:

Imagine yourself exercising. Recall the aspects of exercise you enjoy most.
Come up with a tantalizing reward to give yourself when you meet your first goal after resuming your program. (Shoe Diet anyone?)
Line up walking partners for your next few outings.
If completing your whole exercise routine seems overwhelming, mentally divide it into smaller chunks, and give yourself the option of stopping at the end of each one. However, when you reach a checkpoint, encourage yourself to move on to the next one instead of quitting.
Rather than focus on why you don't want to exercise, concentrate on how good you feel when you've finished a workout.

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Courtney Love Denies Gastric Band Surgery

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Courtney Love, former singer in the band Hole, has lost a ton of weight in a short amount of time. She says that she owes it all to Yoga and her macrobiotic diet filled with whole grains and fish, but a friend recently admitted that:

"She's telling people she got the gastric band surgery. She even said she had to sleep with a towel by her because the surgery makes her [vomit] all the time and is worried she won't be able to make out with anyone because of her breath."

A representative for Love says that it's not true - she never got the surgery, but she lost 44 pounds in just 4 months - that sounds an awful lot like surgery.

Want to know more? Then

Wedges: Not a Dieter's Friend

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 17:00:00 -0700

Recent research from The University of Tennessee has found that people have a hard time estimating the portion sizes of wedge-shaped foods like pizza, pie and cake. Even when given a special wedge measuring device, the people in the study still had a hard time estimating the size.

In light of this, it would seem wise to stick to non-wedge shaped foods or ask that your pizza be cut into squares instead of wedges. Make cupcakes and mini pastries instead of cakes and pies. I can't believe I am even saying this but cut cheeses and quiches into squares. I know it seems odd but it's still the same food, no matter how it's cut. This way you'll be a lot more apt to be able to judge the portion size of what you're eating.

Don't Let Stress Overcome You: Reese Witherspoon

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 16:30:03 -0800

Reese was looking dazzling at The Oscars in her gown, but many were speculating if she was a bit too thin. In this week of NEDAW, we need to be careful of who we're pointing fingers at...

In the Feb. 19th 2007 issue, Us Weekly reported that after pulling herself together post split with Ryan Philippe, Reese has since fine tuned her diet and workouts.

On her diet: The mom of two “didn’t eat a lot the first few weeks” after the stressful split, says a friend, but she typically eats a high-fiber muffin at breakfast, chicken salad for lunch and salmon and vegetables for dinner.

On her workout: “Reese used working out to help with postsplit anxiety,” says the pal. Witherspoon starts every day with a three-mile run and often hits classes at YogaHop in Santa Monica, California, as well as Burn 60 in L.A.’s Brentwood area. “She’s so dedicated that even when she does yoga or a class, she runs afterward!” “Running is her therapy and a big part of her life,” says a source close to Witherspoon.

So, give the girl a break already, she has gone through a very traumatic (and very public) split. There is a difference between having an eating disorder and having a rough patch. Anyone in her situation can experience (and probably does) an odd change in your relationship with food and exercise. I am just glad that Reese looks so happy and has gotten a handle on it.

What's the Deal with The 100-Mile Diet?

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 10:55:00 -0800

Another day, another diet. Or so it seems, but I actually like the idea of this new so-called diet.

The 100-Mile Diet is a meal plan that encourages you to eat only foods grown, raised or crafted within a 100-mile radius of your home. In a nut shell, even though it is called a diet, the goal is not losing weight, but I can imagine you'll end up eating way healthier because most of us will be missing a lot of highly processed foods (unless the Lay's Potato Chip factory is in your neighborhood). The mission of the diet: Local eating equals global change for a lifestyle that promotes sustainable agriculture where you live, while cutting down on the amount of energy and resources it takes to get food to the table.

I gotta say, this diet is great in theory, but it can get pretty tough and expensive. For example if you live in the Ocean State, I am pretty sure that Rhode Island's cattle market is not so booming, but boy you'll be loving life if you're into lobsters. Or what about the abundance of veggies (or lack of) during the winter in North Dakota? I know it may sound a little crazy but think about it...before highways, airports and the internet, it was a normal way of life. (Though the inequality of women was normal too and I'm not sure I want to go back there, but ah, I digress.)

Interested? Check out the 100 mile diet site to learn more and find what 100 miles means for you.

Fit's Tip: Things to think about -- Vermont maple syrup, Maine lobsters, Iowa corn, Idaho potatoes, California raisins, Wisconsin cheese...Try doing one meal first, then consider the diet.