FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

Do You Eat in Front of the TV?

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:30:00 -0700

A lot of us take our dinner right in front of the TV. Seems relaxing enough, but if your aim is weight loss then you may want to think about moving away from the TV.New research has found that kids who watched TV while eating lunch ate a whopping 228 extra calories than those who ate without the television on. While the study was done only with kids, I am a firm believer that this also holds true for adults. I'm a fan of TV just as much as the next girl, but it can be a mindless activity, which leads to mindless eating and unnecessary calories. So do yourself and your kids a favor and turn off the tube. Maybe you're already eating without the TV on, so I'm curious . . . Source

Do You Eat in Front of the TV?

Yes, always

Yes, sometimes

No, never

Other — share below

5 Surprising Reasons You May Be Gaining, Not Losing

FitSugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:30:00 -0700

So you've really been trying hard to get in daily exercise and eat as healthy as possible but yet you're still not losing weight like you thought you would be. Don't give up, your new routine may not be at fault. WebMD outlined some interesting (and lesser known) reasons you may be gaining and not losing weight, and they may surprise you. Here are highlights:

You Might Be Gaining Weight Because of Lack of Sleep: The body functions best when well rested. "When you don't get enough sleep, your body experiences physiological stress and, biochemically, you store fat more efficiently," says Michelle May, MD, author of Am I Hungry? What to Do When Diets Don't Work.
You May Be Gaining Weight Because of Stress: "Stress response, whether it is 'fight-or-flight,' juggling too many responsibilities, or coping with financial pressures, triggers a biochemical process where our bodies go into survival mode," explains May. "Our bodies store fuel, slow down metabolism, and dump out chemicals [cortisol, leptin, and other hormones] which are more likely to cause . . . obesity in the abdominal region."

There's three more reasons so

Beat Job-Related Weight Gain

FitSugar — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:15:00 -0800

In a study of 5,600 workers worldwide, 28 percent report they have gained more than 10 lbs. and 13 percent say they have gained more than 20 lbs., while in their present positions. Comparing genders, more women (52 percent) than men (46 percent) say they have gained weight at their current jobs — yikes. If you fall into that category or if you've just started a new job then I've found some great tips for avoiding the inevitable weight gain so

When You Put on Weight, Is There an Area of Your Body Where It All Seems to Go?

FitSugar — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:30:00 -0800

Maybe you baked a lot over the holidays and are still dealing with the consequences of having so many yummy treats around. Or the lack of physical exercise due to icky weather combined with yummy treats lead to a little weight gain. So, what I am wondering is . . .Source

When You Put on Weight, Is There an Area of Your Body Where It All Seems to Go?

My tummy!

Thighs!

Booty!

All over!

I don't really tend to gain weight.

Other – share the details in comments section below!

What's the Deal With: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

FitSugar — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 11:45:00 -0700

I first read about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in You On A Diet and have been learning more about the condition as I meet more women living with it. There are many factors and medical conditions that can affect our appearance, weigh and fertility; Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of them. Although it is a relatively common condition, an estimated 1 in 10 women of childbearing years have it, PCOS is relatively unknown.

PCOS is complicated and affects a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, circulatory system, and appearance. Although the medical community has been aware of the condition for 75 years, the cause of the condition is still unknown. It Is treatable, but not curable, by medications, changes in diet and exercise.

Curious about what the symptoms are? Then

Tips for Stretch Mark Prevention

FitSugar — Mon, 14 May 2007 08:45:00 -0700

Stretch marks. Say it with me now, "UGH!" No one likes stretch marks but everyone seems to get them at some point or another.

Women get them especially during pregnancy, as teens going through puberty (where the skin stretches as breasts and hips grow in), or during excessive weight gain or weight loss. Stretch marks in men, apart from rapid weight gain or weight loss, can occur as a result of disease, the over use of steroid hormones and sometimes when suffering from diabetes. These tips below for stretch mark prevention in pregnant women from Medical News Today can also be applied to anyone feeling like you've got stretch marks coming on:

Limit your weight gain to no more than 25 to 35 pounds and this gain should be made gradually. A controlled weight gain without any sudden upward swings will let your skin stretch at a steady rate.
Use a brush or washcloth to massage the areas where you have noticed stretch marks or want to prevent stretch marks from occurring. This will increase circulation to that area.
Try to eat lots of those foods rich in zinc such as nuts and fish, rich in vitamins A, C & D such as carrots, citrus fruits and milk and those foods rich in protein.

There are more tips, so

You Asked: Thyroid Problems and Weight Gain

FitSugar — Mon, 07 May 2007 03:00:00 -0700

While weight gain can most often be attributed to eating more calories than you are expending, there can also be some kind of hormonal imbalance at play. Recently a reader asked if thyroid problems can cause weight gain, and while the short answer is yes I have done a bit of research to provide a little more information on a rather complicated system (human biology is pretty amazing!!!).

Hormones produced by the thyroid influence how quickly or slowly you burn energy, aka your metabolism. If you don't produce enough hormones you have what is known as hypothyroidism and your metabolism slows way down. This condition can also cause lethargy, reduced appetite and brittle nails. While hypothyroidism is rarely the only culprit in weight gain it can be a contributing factor.

Having your thyroid hormone levels checked is relatively easy and merely requires a blood test - and you don't even need to fast before having your blood drawn. The test measures the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in your blood. If the level is above 5 IU/liter, your body is trying to stimulate an under-performing thyroid.

If you think you are experiencing thyroid problems make an appointment to discuss the issue with your primary care physician.

Source

PMS: Oh, it's Real !!!

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 11:00:00 -0700

When I was growing up, I remember being in a bad mood and some stupid boy saying, "Oh, you must be on the rag!" That really pissed me off. Just because I'm not happy does not necessarily mean I have or am getting my period!!

Although the truth is, right before my period, I really do feel crappy and not myself. It's not just a dumb joke between guys - it's completely REAL, but why does it happen?

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) happens because your body goes through a series of hormonal changes in the 2 weeks leading up to your period. The female hormone estrogen starts to rise after menstruation and peaks around mid-cycle (ovulation). It then rapidly drops only to slowly rise and then fall again in the time before you finally get your period. These crazy changes can trigger disruptive symptoms that affect you both emotionally and physically.

PMS affects women differently, and its effects can also vary from month to month. For most women, symptoms include mood swings (1 minute you're happy, 1 minute you're mad), uncontrollable crying, feeling depressed or anxious, and feeling "out-of-control."

Want to know what else PMS causes? Then

Late Night Snacking

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 07:30:00 -0700

It is National Nutrition Month, so here is a question for you to answer about late night snacking and weight gain.

Tyra Banks and Her New BMI

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 03:30:00 -0800

Models have been in the news a lot lately. From fashion models starving themselves to ex-model Tyra Banks and her weight gain.

Regardless of what you think of her...I know some folks got turned off by her Geraldo journalistic expose, dressing up in a fat suit to prove how mean Americans are to the overweight. Seems a little ironic now. Tyra is taking this moment of criticism to demystify the manufactured beauty of print media. I find it more than refreshing to see a beautiful woman, clad in only a swim suit, point out her cellulite on untouched photographs. Watch the clip from her recent show until the end if you can (it is 8 minutes long...sorry, but it is NOT boring) for her emotional conclusion. She may seem a little self obsessed, but haven't we all been that way about our cellulite, or thighs, or belly at some point in our lives. We were lucky enough to do it in the privacy of our own homes.

FYI: Being 5'10" and weighing 160, Tyra's BMI is 23. That is in the optimal zone. If you are curious about your BMI, check out your sugar stats with the Fit Calculator.