Your Fitness

Too Fat To Work, Yoga Giveaway and More - March 17 to March 23

2009-03-24T13:35:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Food and Nutrition

As fabulous as we at That's Fit think this blog is, the truth is there are hundreds of wonderful blogs on healthy living to be seen all over the blogosphere. So in this feature, Fit Links, we'll introduce you to some that have caught our eye.

Crazy but true -- as "Parentdish" tells us, a British family of four is considered too obese to work and have been living on the taxpayer's dollar for 11 years because of it. Sounds like they could use some help from our own Fitz!

It's neither Christmas nor Thanksgiving, but that doesn't mean you should avoid cranberries. At "Love + Blueberries," they're extolling the virtues of this tiny, nutritious snack.

What do you keep in your gym bag? "Fitsugar" counts down the top items that you absolutely must have in yours.

Speaking of bags, "Green Daily" is giving away a super handy, super stylish yoga bag, so hurry up and enter the draw! Yes, it's the same one we're giving away, but why not double your chances?

What does Joy Bauer, nutritionist for "The Today Show," keep in her pantry? Head over to Slashfood to find out.

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Think Outside the Peanut Butter Box

2009-03-24T13:34:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Food and Nutrition

Peanut butter isn't the only nut butter packed with omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, iron and more. "RealAge" recommends these five other grown-up spoonfuls of spreadable joy, and the best brands to try.

Just beware, nut butters are high in calories and fat (though mostly healthier fats). Spoon just a tablespoon or two in your oatmeal, on your toast or on that crispy apple for a tasty afternoon snack:

Almond butter -- perfect for dipping. Choose a jar with lots of brown flecks (almond skin) and you'll get more vitamin E. Try Whole Foods' house brand, 365 Everyday Smooth Almond Butter at $5.99.
Cashew butter -- not as high in fat as other nut butters. Besides spreading it on a snack, you can stir in soups and sauces. Try Arrowhead Mills Creamy Cashew Butter at $5.99.
Macadamia nut butter -- yikes, at 24 grams of fat per two tablespoons, I'd stick to just one tablespoon of mac butter heaven. Melt and brush on broiled fish or spread on a lightly salted rice cake. MaraNatha Creamy and Roasted Macadamia Nut Butter is $5.99.

Don't miss "RealAge's" full spread on Pecan Butter, Walnut Butter and reader-recommended Sunflower Butter, too.

Get a Good Walk - Take 100 Steps a Minute

2009-03-24T13:33:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

The pedometer tops the list of simple tools that track fitness, and most fitness experts will tell you to rack up 10,000 steps a day on yours. But while a pedometer can tell you how many, what it can't do is tell you if you're stepping fast enough to really do your body any good.

Moderately intensive physical activity -- we know we need to get at least 30 minutes of it a day, but what exactly is it? Researchers at San Diego State University think they know. They put volunteers on treadmills, then used pedometers to count their steps and monitors to track the volunteers' heart rates. The results? 100 steps a minute is the perfect pace for fitness.

"Because health benefits can be achieved with bouts of exercise lasting at least 10 minutes, a useful starting point is to try and accumulate 1,000 steps in 10 minutes, before building up to 3,000 steps in 30 minutes," says lead researcher Dr. Simon J. Marshall in a news release.

Continue reading Get a Good Walk - Take 100 Steps a Minute

Yogoco Yoga Bag Giveaway

2009-03-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fashion and Beauty

Yoga is a beautiful thing, but carrying all your crap? Not so pretty. You almost need both arms for your mat, and then there's your water bottle, towel, keys, extra clothes ... it's easy to either leave something behind or look like a circus act trying to juggle it all. Until Yogoco came along.

The Yogoco yoga bag has a section for your mat, a section for your stuff (yes, all of it -- even shoes), but it's sleek and stylish. Also, it's eco-friendly -- each bag is made from recycled t-shirt scraps. And now, you have not one, not two, but three chances to win the Yogoco bag of your choice!

We're giving a Yogoco bag away to one lucky That's Fit reader, and our girls over at StyleList blog and Green Daily are also giving one away, so you can enter at all three sites! Here's how to enter:

To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us what you are always leaving behind when you go to the gym or yoga class.
The comment must be left before 5pm ET on Friday, March 27, 2009.
You may enter only once at That's Fit, once at Green Daily and once at StyleList blog.
One winner will be selected in a random drawing at each site.
One winner will receive his or her choice of Yogoco bag (valued at approximately $89).
Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.

Click here for complete Official Rules.

Winner is notified by email, so make sure to check next week to find out if you've won!

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Shin Pain - Prevent It or Make it Go Away

2009-03-24T13:32:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

Spring is in the air, and the sidewalks are finally bustling again. Walking and running are perfect activities, but sometimes along with the good, comes the bad. Fitness expert Fitz, of Fitzness.com, explains where shin pain comes from, how to avoid it and how to get rid of it. These simple steps will keep you training productively and out of recovery.

For more innovative training videos, visit Fitzness.com.

Aerobic Exercise - Not just for Weight Loss

2009-03-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

Jonny Bowden, author, nutritionist and weight loss coach cuts through all the misconceptions about diet and fitness to help you transform your body, your health and your life.

OK, I admit it -- I've not been a fan of long mindless aerobic exercise, certainly not when it comes to weight loss. Recently I wrote a piece -- "The Problem with Cardio"-- that might have led you to believe I think cardio is a waste of time. That's not actually true. I think that aerobic exercise is way oversold as a weight-loss strategy, and truth be told, most people could get positive calorie burning effects in a much shorter time with high-intensity interval training. But just because jogging an hour a day may not be the most effective way to lose weight, doesn't mean you should abandon your cardio work.

Not long ago, scientists at McMaster University Department of Medicine, Health Sciences and Rheumatology Division, compared the findings of 17 studies examining the effects of exercise on anti-aging and the immune system. They wanted to answer the following question: What, if any, are the effects of regular aerobic and/ or resistance exercise on the immune system in healthy older adults?

Continue reading Aerobic Exercise - Not just for Weight Loss

Tuna Salad Sandwich - How Many Calories?

2009-03-24T13:31:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Food and Nutrition

When you're picking up lunch in a rush, you know a few rules of the game: One, stay away from fast food restaurants. Two, make sure you get your share of veggies. Three, fresh is best.

It would seem, then, that a tuna salad sandwich is the perfect fix for your mid-day hunger pangs. It's got healthy fish, it's got veggies (hence the word 'salad'), it's typically freshly-prepared and if you get it on brown bread, you've got all your food groups covered in one go.

But is a tuna salad sandwich your best lunchtime bet?

View Poll

Continue reading Tuna Salad Sandwich - How Many Calories?

Best Detoxes, Dieting Duo Successes and Walking Decoded - Links We Love

2009-03-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Diet and Weight Loss

We at "That's Fit" and "AOL Health" know that you've got a lot going on in your lives besides staying in great shape, and we know that a lot more than diet and exercise goes into feeling your best every day. That's why we thought we'd share some of the exciting reporting going on at "AOL Health."

Considering trying a detox diet? "AOL Health" heads to the experts to review Hollywood's hottest cleanses -- judging for safety, effectiveness and cost.

Tired of dieting alone? These Weight Watchers winners reveal why losing weight together leads to double the weight loss success.

Are you a fast walker, a slow walker or a slouch when you stride? Discover what your walk reveals about your personality.

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Optimists are Healthier and Live Longer - The ABC's for Pessimists

2009-03-24T13:30:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Motivation and Inspiration

Every Monday, That's Fit's very own "charged up" wellness guru Laura Lewis presents The Passion Principle, a weekly guide that will help you achieve your greatest potential through words of inspiration, cutting-edge ideas and action tips you can use in your every day life!

I am an admitted member of the optimist club. As a matter of fact, a dear friend of mine claims that I am eternally optimistic. In spite of what appear to be roadblocks or hindrances that occasionally get in my way, I remain optimistic. I always believe in the most positive outcome. I don my rose colored glasses as I rise each morning to meet the day. Some may say I am crazy. Yet, I would rather hang out on the side of being happy, joyous and positive than being in a dark pessimistic space. The good news, according to recent research, is that I'm going to be happier and live a longer life. Alright!

Researchers consistently show proof that optimists do live longer and are healthier. Check out these interesting tidbits they've discovered.

In one review of a Women's Health Initiative study with more than 100,000 participants, researchers found that optimists who expected good things instead of bad things to happen were 14 percent less likely to die than pessimists.
Optimists were 30 percent less likely to die from heart disease, which was discovered during eight years of follow-up to the same study.
Highly mistrustful or "Cynically Hostile" women were 16 percent more likely to die during the study period than those who were much more trusting. And the most alarming point: They had a 23 percent higher likelihood to die from cancer!
Harvard researchers studying positive and negative thinkers tracked students who at age 25 were optimists and found they were healthier at ages 45 and 60 than their pessimist counterparts.
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine researchers found that pessimists were more likely to develop Parkinson's disease and dementia as compared to optimistic thinkers.
Pessimism has been linked with lower incomes, increased risk of disease, suppression of the immune system, higher stress levels and shorter lifespans.

The good news for pessimists: You can defect to our side! Yes, it is possible to change the basic nature of being a pessimist.

Continue reading Optimists are Healthier and Live Longer - The ABC's for Pessimists

5 Minutes to a Fabulous Post-Workout Face

2009-03-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fashion and Beauty

For many, it's not always so hard to find time for a workout -- what's hard is finding time to get ready for something else immediately following a workout. You can certainly work up a sweat in 20 or 30 minutes, but how do you get your face looking fresh and fabulous for work, or for lunch with your friends, in the few minutes remaining after you take a shower? Not to mention the fact that, even after the shower, you're still feeling a little hot and sweaty. Or, at least, I usually am.

5 Minute Post-Workout Beauty from Kristen Seymour on Vimeo.
Because I care about you so very much, I've done a video (on which I appear with absolutely no makeup) to show you how you can go from completely barefaced to fully fabulous in less than five minutes. Aside from the "how-to," I have some tips for streamlining your beauty routine when you're on the go.

Keep everything you need together, and remove everything else. I have tons of "fun" makeup, but all of that stays in a separate makeup bag. I only have a few products I use every day, and all of those products live together in their own makeup bag, so if I have to take it with me to the gym, it's easy.
If you're getting ready somewhere other than your home, avoid bringing more tools than necessary. I have a nice set of makeup brushes, but for my "on the go" beauty routine, I only use products that come with their own applicators so I have less to remember.
Do the maintenance when you have more time. Things like well-groomed eyebrows are important, but try to take care of that at night before bed so you don't have to worry about it when you're rushing. Additionally, do your deep-cleaning routine on days when you have more than five minutes to get out of the house.

Continue reading 5 Minutes to a Fabulous Post-Workout Face

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Diet-Friendly Frozen Meals - Get the Best for Your Buck

2009-03-24T13:29:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Diet and Weight Loss

When you're trying to lose weight, you may rely on frozen meals a little bit. They're certainly convenient -- just pop them in the microwave and you've got a pre-packaged, calorie-controlled meal. And the health value of some of these meals is improving; many are now available in whole grain (goodbye white rice!). However, the meals don't come without some caveats:

Look at more than calories. If it's a diet meal, the calories are probably relatively low. However, be sure to watch for sodium. A lot of frozen meals are ridiculously high in sodium. Also, be sure to check the fat grams as well.
Don't forget to form healthy habits. For weight loss to really stick, you've got to change your lifestyle habits. Almost any diet can help you lose weight -- but if you don't create healthy habits that will last a lifetime, how can you ever expect to keep the weight off? Little, frozen microwaveable meals might be all right for a while, but who would want to eat them for the rest of time?
Watch for cost and taste. When it comes to groceries, you pay a price for convenience. Cost-wise, you're much better off cooking your own meals at home. If you just love having pre-portioned meals you can pop in the microwave, why not cook some light, nutritious dinners over the weekend and freeze individual portions? When you cook at home -- controlling the flavors and ingredients -- you're sure to end up with a more nutritious and tastier meal anyway.

There's nothing wrong with stocking your freezer with a few pre-packaged items for when you're in a rush, though. Just make sure you get the best nutrition and taste for your buck. "AOL Health" has taken the guesswork out of it -- check out this slideshow of diet-friendly frozen meals.

Cheryl Burke Launches Activewear Line

2009-03-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fashion and Beauty

"Dancing With the Stars" mania is in full force. Admit it -- you've found yourself dancing your way around the kitchen more than once since the season started last week. I know I have! Anyway, now, you have the opportunity to look like you belong on the dance floor, even if your two left feet say otherwise.

Cheryl Burke has come out with a line of activewear for Fit Couture. And, as you would expect from a dancer, the pieces are designed to move with you, so whether you're shaking your hips in a salsa class or sweating it up on the Stairmaster, you can expect your shirt to stay put.

Burke told "People" magazine that she'd always wanted to have a clothing line, explaining, "I'm so into being comfortable, and these pieces are just that. I like to wear layers ... when I work out. These pieces move with you. The shirts are extra long so they don't ride up and the pants have a fold-over waistband that feels snug but not restricting."

Continue reading Cheryl Burke Launches Activewear Line

iPosture - Vibrate Your Way Straight

2009-03-24T11:37:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

Slouchers have a new way of standing up straight, no nagging piano teacher required. Adhere the mini iPosture disk to your chest and anytime you vary three degrees or more from vertical, bzzzz, a reminder zap sets you straight.

"FitSugar" has the full scoop on this $65 micro-electric fence to keep looking long, lean and posture-strong. In the meantime, roll those shoulders back, then pull 'em down toward your back pockets -- one of the most effective tips from my physical therapist ever.

Jared Seymour Races with Something Seriously Working Against Him

2009-03-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Motivation and Inspiration

That's Fit Club is our feature devoted to you, the reader. We have all learned so much on our paths to becoming more fit, and now it's time to learn from and inspire each other. That's Fit Club members are constantly working to better themselves. Some are perfect; some are not. But all have health on the mind.

Besides showing you off, we want to reward you for all of your hard work! Adidas is giving gorgeous gym bags to each featured member. To join, please send Fitz your answers to these questions, with a photo of yourself. Time for you to be the motivator!

Name: Jared Seymour

Age: 32

Occupation: National Account Rep for Oakley

What type of exercise do you do? Running, Bike, Swimming, Basketball

What gets you to work out, even when you're feeling lazy? My wife. She is a great motivator when I won't get off the couch.

Continue reading Jared Seymour Races with Something Seriously Working Against Him

Strength Training - Is It a Part of Your Workout?

2009-03-24T11:36:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

Here at That's Fit, we're constantly telling you what we think about things, but sometimes it's nice to know what you think. So from time to time, we'll ask you a question. Don't be afraid to speak up -- we love feedback.

When you think of working out, what does that entail? Going for a run? Visiting the gym? Following along with a fitness DVD? Whatever your favorite activities are, the best workout routines are those that are well-rounded. I know that I love cardio workouts. There's something about huffing and puffing at the end of a routine that makes me feel like I really accomplished something. But I know how important -- and effective -- strength training is for my body. So I wonder ... is strength training a part of your workout?

View Poll

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Too Fat To Work, Yoga Giveaway and More - March 17 to March 23

2009-03-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Food and Nutrition

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Mind Games - Use Them to Make Your Walk More Interesting

2009-03-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

When it comes to exercise, walking is the go-to choice for a simple, accessible, inexpensive yet effective workout. Simply lace up a sturdy pair of shoes and go. But I've discovered that if I forget my music player, walking can get a little ... well ... boring. At least when I'm stuck on a neighborhood route that I've walked 1,000 times.

If you find yourself getting in a walking rut, trying playing games to entertain your brain. You never know -- they just might make you walk a little longer and a little stronger:

I Spy: Find an object that starts with A -- automobile, maybe? -- and work your way to the letter Z. Don't turn for home until you're at least half way through the alphabet.
Interval Challenge: Pick a nearby landmark and run or race-walk to it, walk until you catch your breath, then pick a new landmark and do it again.
Let Chance Plan Your Route: Bring a coin on your walk. At each corner, give it a flip. Heads means go straight, tails means turn.

How do you keep your mind occupied while on a long walk?

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Think Outside the Peanut Butter Box

2009-03-24T11:34:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Food and Nutrition

Almond butter -- perfect for dipping. Choose a jar with lots of brown flecks (almond skin) and you'll get more vitamin E. Try Whole Foods' house brand, 365 Everyday Smooth Almond Butter at $5.99.
Cashew butter -- not as high in fat as other nut butters. Besides spreading it on a snack, you can stir in soups and sauces. Try Arrowhead Mills Creamy Cashew Butter at $5.99.
Macadamia nut butter -- yikes, at 24 grams of fat per two tablespoons, I'd stick to just one tablespoon of mac butter heaven. Melt and brush on broiled fish or spread on a lightly salted rice cake. MaraNatha Creamy and Roasted Macadamia Nut Butter is $5.99.

Don't miss "RealAge's" full spread on Pecan Butter, Walnut Butter and reader-recommended Sunflower Butter, too.

Get a Good Walk - Take 100 Steps a Minute

2009-03-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

Continue reading Get a Good Walk - Take 100 Steps a Minute

Yogoco Yoga Bag Giveaway

2009-03-24T11:33:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fashion and Beauty

To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us what you are always leaving behind when you go to the gym or yoga class.
The comment must be left before 5pm ET on Friday, March 27, 2009.
You may enter only once at That's Fit, once at Green Daily and once at StyleList blog.
One winner will be selected in a random drawing at each site.
One winner will receive his or her choice of Yogoco bag (valued at approximately $89).
Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.

Click here for complete Official Rules.

Winner is notified by email, so make sure to check next week to find out if you've won!

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Shin Pain - Prevent It or Make it Go Away

2009-03-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

For more innovative training videos, visit Fitzness.com.

Aerobic Exercise - Not just for Weight Loss

2009-03-24T11:32:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

Jonny Bowden, author, nutritionist and weight loss coach cuts through all the misconceptions about diet and fitness to help you transform your body, your health and your life.

Continue reading Aerobic Exercise - Not just for Weight Loss

Tuna Salad Sandwich - How Many Calories?

2009-03-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Food and Nutrition

View Poll

Continue reading Tuna Salad Sandwich - How Many Calories?

Best Detoxes, Dieting Duo Successes and Walking Decoded - Links We Love

2009-03-24T11:31:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Diet and Weight Loss

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Optimists are Healthier and Live Longer - The ABC's for Pessimists

2009-03-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Motivation and Inspiration

In one review of a Women's Health Initiative study with more than 100,000 participants, researchers found that optimists who expected good things instead of bad things to happen were 14 percent less likely to die than pessimists.
Optimists were 30 percent less likely to die from heart disease, which was discovered during eight years of follow-up to the same study.
Highly mistrustful or "Cynically Hostile" women were 16 percent more likely to die during the study period than those who were much more trusting. And the most alarming point: They had a 23 percent higher likelihood to die from cancer!
Harvard researchers studying positive and negative thinkers tracked students who at age 25 were optimists and found they were healthier at ages 45 and 60 than their pessimist counterparts.
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine researchers found that pessimists were more likely to develop Parkinson's disease and dementia as compared to optimistic thinkers.
Pessimism has been linked with lower incomes, increased risk of disease, suppression of the immune system, higher stress levels and shorter lifespans.

The good news for pessimists: You can defect to our side! Yes, it is possible to change the basic nature of being a pessimist.

Continue reading Optimists are Healthier and Live Longer - The ABC's for Pessimists

5 Minutes to a Fabulous Post-Workout Face

2009-03-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fashion and Beauty

Keep everything you need together, and remove everything else. I have tons of "fun" makeup, but all of that stays in a separate makeup bag. I only have a few products I use every day, and all of those products live together in their own makeup bag, so if I have to take it with me to the gym, it's easy.
If you're getting ready somewhere other than your home, avoid bringing more tools than necessary. I have a nice set of makeup brushes, but for my "on the go" beauty routine, I only use products that come with their own applicators so I have less to remember.
Do the maintenance when you have more time. Things like well-groomed eyebrows are important, but try to take care of that at night before bed so you don't have to worry about it when you're rushing. Additionally, do your deep-cleaning routine on days when you have more than five minutes to get out of the house.

Continue reading 5 Minutes to a Fabulous Post-Workout Face

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Diet-Friendly Frozen Meals - Get the Best for Your Buck

2009-03-24T11:29:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Diet and Weight Loss

Look at more than calories. If it's a diet meal, the calories are probably relatively low. However, be sure to watch for sodium. A lot of frozen meals are ridiculously high in sodium. Also, be sure to check the fat grams as well.
Don't forget to form healthy habits. For weight loss to really stick, you've got to change your lifestyle habits. Almost any diet can help you lose weight -- but if you don't create healthy habits that will last a lifetime, how can you ever expect to keep the weight off? Little, frozen microwaveable meals might be all right for a while, but who would want to eat them for the rest of time?
Watch for cost and taste. When it comes to groceries, you pay a price for convenience. Cost-wise, you're much better off cooking your own meals at home. If you just love having pre-portioned meals you can pop in the microwave, why not cook some light, nutritious dinners over the weekend and freeze individual portions? When you cook at home -- controlling the flavors and ingredients -- you're sure to end up with a more nutritious and tastier meal anyway.

Cheryl Burke Launches Activewear Line

2009-03-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fashion and Beauty

Continue reading Cheryl Burke Launches Activewear Line

Get Sculpted for Spring

2009-03-24T11:28:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Celebrities and Entertainment

Spring has arrived! Well, maybe it doesn't feel like it where you live right now, but warm weather is right around the corner. And that means that the bulky sweaters will be stored under the bed before you know it, and you'll be busting out the tank tops. And that might make you feel a little nervous if you're not quite ready to show some skin!

Most people's concerns immediately go to the arms, but there's another part that you'll soon be showing that could use a little love -- your back! Celebrities like Halle Berry know that, when you're wearing a strappy tank or a strapless dress, a sculpted back is one of the best ways to show how fit you are, and Halle knows exactly how to get her back ready.

Her trainer, Harley Pasternak shared Halle's back-sculpting secret with "Health" magazine -- dumbbell back rows. According to Pasternak, "This exercise strengthens the rhomboids, the muscles in your upper back that connect your shoulder blades to your spine, giving you a toned back and much better posture."

Continue reading Get Sculpted for Spring

Obesity Can Cut 3-10 Years From Your Life

2009-03-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Diet and Weight Loss

When it comes to eating a healthy diet and staying fit, what's your biggest motivator? Is it feeling good? Staying active? Fitting into your jeans? Maybe it's all of the above. Those are all good reasons for staying fit, but here's maybe the biggest one of all: Being obese could cut your life by 10 years. I don't know about you, but I'm suddenly feeling very motivated.

This finding comes from an analysis of 57 different studies that included almost 900,000 people. The short story is this:

A normal BMI is 18.5 to 24.9.
Death rates were lowest among people with a BMI of 23 to 24.
A BMI of 30 to 35 could potentially take two to four years off life.
Being morbidly obese, or having a BMI of 40 to 45, could shorten life by eight to 10 years.
Being underweight, with a BMI of less than 22.5, was also associated with a shorter lifespan.

Continue reading Obesity Can Cut 3-10 Years From Your Life

Fat is Your Fault, Lil Kim and Healthy Fast Food - Week in Review - March 16 to March 22

2009-03-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Diet and Weight Loss, Celebrities and Entertainment

Meghan McCain is a size 8, and she thinks that in the world of politics, size should be irrelevant. What do you think about Laura Ingraham's plus-sized barb?

Cardio: Are you a compensator or a non-compensator? Knowing the difference might just help you lose weight.

Sweaty active wear can cause your skin to break out. Kristen's got tips to help you say bye bye to bacne for good.

In a poor economy, stress levels are higher than ever. Laura knows your life may be changing in ways you don't like, so she's got some ideas to help you weather the storm in a healthy way.

Lil Kim's strutting her stuff on "Dancing with the Stars," and it's inspiring her to live a healthier lifestyle. Find out what changes Kim is making.

Diet-Blog thinks "The Biggest Loser" is overrated, but Bev disagrees. She says the show's positive focus and fitness tips make it a worthwhile watch. What do you think?

Howard Schneider shares some tough talk, and Bev agrees: If you're overweight, it's nobody's fault but your own.

Fitz talked fitness with American Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson and SATC's naked shower guy Gilles Marini, and they dished about their stint on "Dancing with the Stars."

Healthy fast food -- is it an oxymoron? Not quite, but fast food restaurants have not quite yet perfected the healthy meal either.

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Get Sculpted for Spring

2009-03-22T13:00:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Celebrities and Entertainment

Continue reading Get Sculpted for Spring

Obesity Can Cut 3-10 Years From Your Life

2009-03-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Diet and Weight Loss

A normal BMI is 18.5 to 24.9.
Death rates were lowest among people with a BMI of 23 to 24.
A BMI of 30 to 35 could potentially take two to four years off life.
Being morbidly obese, or having a BMI of 40 to 45, could shorten life by eight to 10 years.
Being underweight, with a BMI of less than 22.5, was also associated with a shorter lifespan.

Continue reading Obesity Can Cut 3-10 Years From Your Life

Fat is Your Fault, Lil Kim and Healthy Fast Food - Week in Review - March 16 to March 22

2009-03-22T12:59:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Diet and Weight Loss, Celebrities and Entertainment

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Weight Loss In A Bottle

2009-03-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Diet and Weight Loss

Liz Neporent is a diet and fitness expert and author of 12 fitness bestsellers. She regularly appears on national TV programs and is the president of Wellness 360, a New-York based wellness provider.

Before I start this post I just want to say: I do not condone excessive drinking. I am not recommending drinking as a health strategy. And I am certainly not telling you to use drinking as a weight loss strategy. I mention the body of research below just to demonstrate, once again, what a complex issue obesity really is.

Some recent studies have been finding some interesting associations between alcohol consumption and body weight. For example, researchers at the National Institutes of Health's National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) found that Body Mass Index (BMI) was associated with the number of drinks individuals consumed on the days they drank. In the study, men and women who drank the smallest quantity of alcohol -- one drink per drinking day -- with the greatest frequency -- three to seven days per week -- had the lowest BMI's, while those who infrequently consumed the greatest quantity had the highest BMIs. The authors suggested several possible reasons for the observed associations of both quantity and frequency of alcohol use with BMI.

Continue reading Weight Loss In A Bottle

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How Much Exercise Do You Really Need?

2009-03-22T12:58:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Diet and Weight Loss

You might be confused about just how much time you need to put in at the gym. Do you really have to log a full hour each day? Or will 30 minutes a few times a week cut it? Part of the confusion stems from the fact that the recommendations vary based on your goals: Maybe you simply want to reap the health benefits of activity, or perhaps you're trying to prevent weight gain. Or -- if you're like many Americans -- you're trying to lose weight. The American College of Sports Medicine just released new exercise guidelines, which are a little more intense than the last batch they put out in 2001, but more clearly outline just how much time you should spend working out.

To Protect Your Health and Prevent Disease: The ACSM recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week to reduce your risk for chronic diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. That's 30 minutes five days a week. And by moderate intensity, they mean your workout should be hard enough that you're breathing deeply and feeling fatigued. You should still be able to talk, though you'd prefer not to, and although you're tired, you feel like you could complete the entire workout at this pace.

To Peel Off Pounds: At least 250 minutes per week provides the most significant weight loss, according to studies. You can spread that out over five days at 50 minutes a session; or you can plan six workout sessions, each about 42 minutes long.

Continue reading How Much Exercise Do You Really Need?

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Tummy Tuck - If Only It Came in a Bottle?

2009-03-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Diet and Weight Loss

You could spend thousands on an abdominoplasty or $130 for a bottle of Rodial tummy tuck cream. "Clinically proven to reduce the abdominal area by up to 2 centimeters in 8 weeks," with no diet and exercise, could this be the product of the century? Or not. Call me jaded, but phrases such as "stomach flattening micro fibers" make me a bit skeptical. "CafeMom" weighs in.

Not willing to shell out $130? Try the tried and true route -- diet and exercise. AOL Health has tips to get you on your way to a flat belly.

Healthy Fast Food - How Easy Is It?

2009-03-22T12:57:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Food and Nutrition, Diet and Weight Loss

Welcome to Walking the Walk, a feature that takes a deeper look at commonly shared diet and fitness advice. Every other week, I'll choose one piece of advice and practice it for seven days. Then I'll report back on what I discovered about making it work in real life and how it affected my own personal fitness -- and how it ultimately can affect your own efforts.

In the war on obesity, fast food is usually our biggest target. Cheap and convenient, it's a popular choice. But it's fatty, salty menu choices don't make it a healthy choice.

Some people work hard to never step foot in a fast food restaurant, but I don't think that's a realistic goal for the general population; statistics show that half of Americans' meals aren't cooked at home. Though I think we would all be better off reducing our takeout meals, I think it's also important that we educate ourselves on how to eat fast food without downing 1,000 calories in a sitting.

To their credit, fast food restaurants have started offering healthier options to their customers. Long John Silver's is the latest with their Freshside Grille menu. My goal this week is to eat one healthy meal at a fast food restaurant each day this week, to find out exactly how realistic healthy fast food really is.

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Meghan McCain's Not Fat and Daisy Fuentes Isn't Skinny - March 13 to March 19

2009-03-22T12:57:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Celebrities and Entertainment

If you're looking for fitness inspiration, why not look to the stars? Each week, we round up some of the best celebrity fitness stories for you. Many will motivate you to hit the gym and eat healthfully, while some ... well, some can be viewed more as cautionary tales. But no matter what, you're going to be entertained!

Jessicas Weighty Rejection and Isla's Poor Trainer

Jessica Simpson
Oh, the Jessica Simpson weight-loss stories just won't quit. Even though it seems like half of Hollywood is stepping up to defend her, there are others who are finding a different way to "help." Find out which big weight-loss offer she rejected here.

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Katy Perry
She might be active in her shows on stage, and it's got to be hard work getting into some of those costumes, but Katy Perry hates to exercise. However, there is one type of exercise she jumps right into -- Find out what it is here.

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Sienna Miller
Sienna Miller looks great now, sure, but will that always be the case? Doesn't really sound like it -- she's nixing exercise because she compares it to plastic surgery.

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Isla Fisher
Here's another slim starlet who's not willing to hit the gym -- how do we get those genes? Anyway, Isla reportedly was so bad about her diet and exercise routine that she nearly made her trainer cry.

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Bar Refaeli
The Sports Illustrated cover girl has a simply incredible body, no doubt. Want to know how she keeps it looking that way? FitSugar has the scoop.

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Christina Ricci
After battling weight gain and anorexia, Christina Ricci is looking better than ever. And, when we chatted with the stunning starlet, she told us how she keeps herself so slender and healthy.

Getty Images

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NeuroActive Bike - Hop on for a Brainy Body Workout

2009-03-22T12:56:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

Aging is hard enough on memory, let alone your waistline. Suddenly you can't find your car keys, which you so desperately need to get to the gym. But now you can take mind-body training to a new level with NeuroActive's new training bike developed by Brain Centers America (BCA).

Instead of sitting stationary with Sudoku, pedal away while completing up to 22 brain-stimulating exercises that sharpen 16 cognitive functions, more than any brain program on the market. Brain exercises can increase cognitive function by 20 percent and improve processing speed and memory -- rewinding your brain back to its days of peak performance. Right now the bike is only available at select Lady of America health clubs in Florida. Why is a women's health chain the first one to feature this bike? Mommy fog?

Hop on BCA's brain gym and you might stop misplacing your car keys, and build muscle and cardiovascular endurance, too. Beats my brainless treadmill habit of watching "The View." I just wish BCA would develop a NeuroActive spinning bike -- I need that barking spin instructor to get my heart rate sky high.

Travel Active - Staying Fit While On the Go

2009-03-22T12:56:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

Spring break, Memorial Day weekend and summer vacation season are all fast approaching. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, it's important to keep active when you're on the road.

Staying active while traveling not only wards off unwanted road-warrior weight gain, it can help manage the stress you might feel from the change in your routine, it will keep you energized so you can see all the sights (or attend all the business meetings ... blech), it will help you get a good night's sleep and it may even help keep your digestive tract regular while it's managing all those away-from-home meals.

Luckily, staying fit while on the go isn't as difficult as it might seem. Some tips:

Choose your hotel wisely. Call around and pick a hotel that has adequate fitness facilities. A pool and a well-equipped fitness room will make your workouts convenient and easy.
Walk it out. Pack some comfortable clothes and a pair of walking shoes. If the area outside the door of your hotel isn't ideal for walking, just ask the front desk staff for suggestions. They may have great ideas for interesting neighborhoods, parks or rail trails just waiting for you to explore. You can also use "Prevention's" walking tools to map out a route ahead of time.
Pack some portable fitness. There are lots of fitness tools you can pack that don't take up too much room in your suitcase. Try a jump rope, resistance bands, yoga pose flash cards, AquaBells(R) or sliding discs.
Be a day tripper. If your hotel doesn't have a fitness center, call around to area gyms and see if they have a day pass. And many national chain gyms (such as Gold's Gym and Bally's) let members work out at any of their fitness facilities.
Choose active outings. Look for active attractions while you're on the road. Fitz has some great ideas for fit vacations.

What are your tips for staying fit while traveling?

Recession Pounds - Do Men Like Women With a Little Meat?

2009-03-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Diet and Weight Loss

Hey ladies! Are you trying to cut costs at the grocery store by buying low-cost junk like mac and cheese? It's not going to do your health or your hips any favors, but it just might get a date.

A 2005 study found that during times of "resource scarcity," men's preferences for female body types change. So exactly what does that mean? Are recession-weary men drooling over Botticelli-like rounded bellies and ample hips? Nothing quite so drastic. But men in the study did tend to find women who were a few pounds heavier more sexually attractive.

Researchers set up four situations to see what men find hot; two variables made the guys feel financially insecure while the other two variables tested them when they were physically hungry. The men who felt financially insecure chose women who were about two pounds heavier than those chosen by men who felt financially stable. And hungry guys tended to go for women who were about three pounds heavier than those chosen by men who were full.

Continue reading Recession Pounds - Do Men Like Women With a Little Meat?

Yerba Mate - Be Wary of This 'Cleaner' Buzz

2009-03-22T12:54:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Food and Nutrition

I first saw yerba mate tea in 2005 when my South American friends from The University of Florida's married/student graduate housing sipped the tea from tiny straws (bombillas) out of a gourd at poolside. I'd wonder what in the heck they were drinking, it looked more like an exotic drink from a smooth coconut than a favorite tea concoction popular in their native Brazil.

Available in tea bags, loose leaf and even cold, bottled blends, yerba mate tea is becoming more mainstream, touted for its all-natural, jitter-free buzz and high antioxidant content. Yerba mate may be sold as an all-natural stimulant alternative to famed Red Bull, but that doesn't mean it's necessarily any healthier. Researchers caution yerba mate may better be enjoyed in moderation than by the multiple daily gourd-full. Studies are inconclusive as to the health benefits of this tea, which contains twice the caffeine as black tea, but only half that of coffee. In fact, one human study even showed heavy yerba mate tea drinkers had a significantly higher risk of some cancers.

Cleaner buzz? I tried a yerba mate energy drink last year that delivered The Super Jitters, but I'm caffeine-sensitive.

Anyone out there tried yerba mate? Tell us what you think.

Giveaway Reminder - Core Rhythms DVD Set

2009-03-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

The right workout video can make a huge difference in how you spend time in front of your TV. Will you spend this evening mindlessly watching reruns of "Law & Order" while snacking, or will you be working up a sweat?

The Core Rhythms Dance Exercise Program Starter Pack is sure to get you up and moving. Probably laughing, too. And now, you have a chance to win it. You only have until Friday at 5 p.m. ET to enter, so don't waste time. Head on over to the original post now to leave a comment and get a chance to win a set for yourself. We'll be selecting four winners, so your chances of winning are pretty darn good.

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Maximizing Weight Loss and Muscle Gain - The Power of Accountability

2009-03-22T12:53:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Diet and Weight Loss

Tom Venuto, author of "The Body Fat Solution"

That's Fit: What are some toning exercises you think people don't capitalize on nearly enough?

Venuto: It's a misconception that weight training is only for body builders -- it's actually the most important type of training while you're restricting calories for fat loss. The weight training helps you maintain the lean muscle you already have, while stripping off the fat, burning calories and keeping your metabolism elevated.

Some of the best free weight exercises include squats with dumbbells or barbells, lunges or split squats, deadlifts, bench presses, shoulder presses and rows. There are also body weight exercises that can work as the equivalents of the free weight exercises such as chin ups and push ups, but I'd encourage everyone who wants to get leaner to get more serious about weight training.

You can join a gym if you choose, but all it takes to get started is a set of dumbbells and some space in your home. The training program in my book "The Body Fat Solution" can be done without any fancy or expensive equipment at all.

Continue reading Maximizing Weight Loss and Muscle Gain - The Power of Accountability

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Bailing on Workouts - Everyone Does It

2009-03-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

Do you ever bail on your workouts? Come on, you know you do. Even exercise specialist and nutritionist Mark Mancino skips an exercise session now and then. And he says anyone who claims to never ditch is lying. Love and Blueberries tells the whole story.

The Biggest Loser - Half Marathon Homecoming

2009-03-22T12:52:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Motivation and Inspiration, Diet and Weight Loss

Week 11 over at "The Biggest Loser Couples" was full of pizza n' sugar cookie temptations tempered by family love and an at-home challenge to remember. Contestants who could barely walk two miles per hour on a treadmill nearly three months ago are now jogging multiple miles as the fat continued to melt away for all but one. Read on about an episode that had me researching Spring 5K runs in my area.

Biggest Losers Head Home -- Screaming homecomings awaited contestants from Boise to Phoenix to Detroit to Long Island to Miami. Initially excited to see their families, contestants worried their week away from the ranch would ultimately damage their progress on the scale. The numbers were kind for some, but not all. In one unforgettable moment, Ron's morbidly obese son Max was overcome with raw emotion upon seeing his thinner dad and brother standing before him. Makes me wish he could have gone to the ranch, too. But his former eating allies will be home for good in a few weeks, modeling just the behaviors Max will need to join a healthier world.

Continue reading The Biggest Loser - Half Marathon Homecoming

Warm Weather Gets You Moving

2009-03-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

Gyms are open all year and there's never a weather-related excuse that will keep you from workout DVDs, but there's just something motivating about being outdoors. I know spring fever has hit me hard and I'm enjoying being outside more (although I could do without all the raking, thank you very much). Recently, I wondered how the warmer weather affects your workout. Here's what you had to say:

59 percent of you are more active when you can be outdoors. It's important to be active during those bitter, cold months, but it's understandable why the warm weather inspires more activity. You can be outside running, walking, biking and participating in team sports, like softball or volleyball. Enjoy the warmer weather, but be sure to have a fitness plan next year when the snow starts to fly again.
28 percent of you are active all year long, but enjoy different activities in warmer weather. Changing your activity from season to season is a great idea; it keeps things interesting and throws your muscles a curve ball. Want some ideas? Check out these great warm-weather workouts on AOL Health.
10 percent of you can be found in the gym whether it's warm or cold. Well, there's certainly something to be said for consistency. But get outside and enjoy some of the nice weather, too!

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BMI or Body Fat Scale?

2009-03-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

I don't really trust BMI. Convenient, I know, since mine is always high -- I'm tall, I'm big-boned (no, really, I am), and I have more muscle than most women, so even at my absolute fittest, I weigh more than I should by BMI standards. I'm far more interested in how much body fat I have, and I know I'm not the only one. But, like many of you, I don't want to go to my local health club and be poked and prodded so someone can determine my body fat percentage. Fortunately, that's not necessary.

LongLifeClub reviewed the Tanita Body Fat Scale, which sounds like a great gadget to have around the house. Body fat scales measure the amount of fat in your body by sending an electrical current through your body (you don't even feel it, but it's not for use by those with any type of surgically-implanted medical device, like a pacemaker). It takes into account your height, weight, age and gender as well.

The one reviewed was just $79.95, but you can spend up to almost $300 on a Tanita scale if you opt for the Tanita Ironman Segmental and Full Body Composition Monitor. But, once you get the scale, how do you know what your body fat percentage should be?

Continue reading BMI or Body Fat Scale?

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Get Sculpted for Spring

2009-03-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Celebrities and Entertainment

Continue reading Get Sculpted for Spring

Obesity Can Cut 3-10 Years From Your Life

2009-03-22T11:13:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Diet and Weight Loss

A normal BMI is 18.5 to 24.9.
Death rates were lowest among people with a BMI of 23 to 24.
A BMI of 30 to 35 could potentially take two to four years off life.
Being morbidly obese, or having a BMI of 40 to 45, could shorten life by eight to 10 years.
Being underweight, with a BMI of less than 22.5, was also associated with a shorter lifespan.

Continue reading Obesity Can Cut 3-10 Years From Your Life

Fat is Your Fault, Lil Kim and Healthy Fast Food - Week in Review - March 16 to March 22

2009-03-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Diet and Weight Loss, Celebrities and Entertainment

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Weight Loss In A Bottle

2009-03-22T11:12:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Diet and Weight Loss

Continue reading Weight Loss In A Bottle

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How Much Exercise Do You Really Need?

2009-03-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Diet and Weight Loss

Continue reading How Much Exercise Do You Really Need?

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Tummy Tuck - If Only It Came in a Bottle?

2009-03-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Diet and Weight Loss

Healthy Fast Food - How Easy Is It?

2009-03-22T11:10:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Food and Nutrition, Diet and Weight Loss

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Meghan McCain's Not Fat and Daisy Fuentes Isn't Skinny - March 13 to March 19

2009-03-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Celebrities and Entertainment

Jessicas Weighty Rejection and Isla's Poor Trainer

Getty Images

Sienna Miller
Sienna Miller looks great now, sure, but will that always be the case? Doesn't really sound like it -- she's nixing exercise because she compares it to plastic surgery.

Getty Images

Bar Refaeli
The Sports Illustrated cover girl has a simply incredible body, no doubt. Want to know how she keeps it looking that way? FitSugar has the scoop.

Getty Images

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NeuroActive Bike - Hop on for a Brainy Body Workout

2009-03-22T11:09:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

Travel Active - Staying Fit While On the Go

2009-03-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

Choose your hotel wisely. Call around and pick a hotel that has adequate fitness facilities. A pool and a well-equipped fitness room will make your workouts convenient and easy.
Walk it out. Pack some comfortable clothes and a pair of walking shoes. If the area outside the door of your hotel isn't ideal for walking, just ask the front desk staff for suggestions. They may have great ideas for interesting neighborhoods, parks or rail trails just waiting for you to explore. You can also use "Prevention's" walking tools to map out a route ahead of time.
Pack some portable fitness. There are lots of fitness tools you can pack that don't take up too much room in your suitcase. Try a jump rope, resistance bands, yoga pose flash cards, AquaBells(R) or sliding discs.
Be a day tripper. If your hotel doesn't have a fitness center, call around to area gyms and see if they have a day pass. And many national chain gyms (such as Gold's Gym and Bally's) let members work out at any of their fitness facilities.
Choose active outings. Look for active attractions while you're on the road. Fitz has some great ideas for fit vacations.

What are your tips for staying fit while traveling?

Recession Pounds - Do Men Like Women With a Little Meat?

2009-03-22T11:08:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Diet and Weight Loss

Continue reading Recession Pounds - Do Men Like Women With a Little Meat?

Yerba Mate - Be Wary of This 'Cleaner' Buzz

2009-03-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Food and Nutrition

Giveaway Reminder - Core Rhythms DVD Set

2009-03-22T11:07:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

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Maximizing Weight Loss and Muscle Gain - The Power of Accountability

2009-03-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Diet and Weight Loss

Tom Venuto, author of "The Body Fat Solution"

Continue reading Maximizing Weight Loss and Muscle Gain - The Power of Accountability

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Bailing on Workouts - Everyone Does It

2009-03-22T11:06:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

The Biggest Loser - Half Marathon Homecoming

2009-03-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Motivation and Inspiration, Diet and Weight Loss

Continue reading The Biggest Loser - Half Marathon Homecoming

Warm Weather Gets You Moving

2009-03-22T11:05:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

59 percent of you are more active when you can be outdoors. It's important to be active during those bitter, cold months, but it's understandable why the warm weather inspires more activity. You can be outside running, walking, biking and participating in team sports, like softball or volleyball. Enjoy the warmer weather, but be sure to have a fitness plan next year when the snow starts to fly again.
28 percent of you are active all year long, but enjoy different activities in warmer weather. Changing your activity from season to season is a great idea; it keeps things interesting and throws your muscles a curve ball. Want some ideas? Check out these great warm-weather workouts on AOL Health.
10 percent of you can be found in the gym whether it's warm or cold. Well, there's certainly something to be said for consistency. But get outside and enjoy some of the nice weather, too!

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BMI or Body Fat Scale?

2009-03-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

Continue reading BMI or Body Fat Scale?

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Fitness After 50

2009-03-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

Hey baby boomers, here's some good news for you (or bad news, depending on your perspective): It's never too late to get your butt off the couch and develop a regular fitness routine. But there's a catch -- you have to keep it up for 10 years for it to make a difference in your lifespan. Don't let that put you off, though -- it won't take you long to figure out that it's totally worth it.

If you're well into middle age and thinking of getting fit, don't sign up for a full marathon right off the bat -- it takes time to get into fitness. Start slow with a gentle activity, like:

Walking. Go a bit faster and further each time, and enjoy the time to yourself.
Swimming. Start with just a few laps and increase that once you feel up to it.
Yoga. Just remember to go into child's pose when your arms start shaking.
Wii Fit. Hey -- no one said you had to join a gym to get fit!

Aim for two or three days a week -- and enjoy it!

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Meghan McCain - Size 8 Is Not Fat

2009-03-16T21:04:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Diet and Weight Loss, Celebrities and Entertainment

Meghan McCain is not fat. The 24-year-old daughter of Senator John McCain is a size 8. And while she admits to fluctuating up to a size 10 during her dad's presidential campaign, she is not overweight. I'm sure conservative political pundit Laura Ingraham knows this deep down. Still, Ingraham threw out the weight card recently, pegging McCain as a heavy girl.

Here's how the fat hit the fan: McCain blogged in her column at "The Daily Beast" and a spoke in an interview with talk show host Rachel Maddow about Republican pundit Ann Coulter's too-extreme views. Ingraham got mad and responded by mocking McCain in a "Valley girl" voice and implying she's too plus-sized to get a role on MTV's "The Real World." Now, McCain is talking back.

On today's "The View," McCain said she can't possibly understand why a woman would comment on another woman's weight. "Why are we so obsessed with weight, why?" she asked. It's bad form, no matter how you look at it. When McCain writes about politics and the reaction is "she's fat," it implies she's not fit to write. And what kind of message does that send to her young readers? A bad one.

Continue reading Meghan McCain - Size 8 Is Not Fat

Core Rhythms DVD Set Giveaway

2009-03-16T21:04:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

We all want a strong, slim, sexy stomach, but seriously, I don't know anyone who really enjoys getting on the floor and doing a zillion crunches. The results are great, of course, but there are other ways -- more enjoyable ways -- to get a fabulous core. Like, say, with the Core Rhythms DVDs. I mean, dancing seems to work on the contestants of "Dancing With the Stars," so why wouldn't it work for you, right?

I've talked about this at-home workout before -- I really enjoyed it. It makes me feel sexy and gets me sweaty, both of which get major points for a dance-based workout in my book. Some of the moves are tough, but there are lots of help options, so anyone can do it. And now, you get your chance -- four lucky That's Fit readers have a chance to win the Core Rhythms Dance Exercise Program Starter Pack, which consists of four discs: Full Workout, Quick Workout, Latin Dance Made Easy and Kick Start.

Entering is easy -- here's how:

To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us about your favorite song to dance to.
The comment must be left before 5pm ET on Friday, March 20, 2009.
You may enter only once.
Four winners will be selected in a random drawing.
Four winners will receive the Core Rhythms Dance Exercise Program Starter Pack ( valued at $39.99).
Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.

Click here for complete Official Rules.

Winners will be notified by email, so make sure to check next week to find out if you've won!

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Get Pushy - Train Your Chest Anywhere in the World

2009-03-16T21:03:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Fit Kicks Videos

You should be able to work out anywhere in the world at any time of the day. You don't need a massive gym full of equipment (although that can be nice), and you don't need a full hour to get something accomplished. In this video, our fitness expert Fitz explains the function of the chest muscles and offers a variety of methods for training, using equipment, partners or nothing at all.

To view more innovative training videos, visit Fitzness.com.

The fitness equipment Fitz uses in the video can be found at Power-Systems.com

The Problem With Cardio

2009-03-16T21:03:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

Jonny Bowden, author, nutritionist and weight loss coach cuts through all the misconceptions about diet and fitness to help you transform your body, your health and your life.

We all know cardio training is great for the heart. But for weight loss? Maybe not so much.

As my friend Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS says, "Cardio exercise is such a strange thing. In theory, it should work perfectly well for all men and women, but as anyone who has tried it knows, the practicality of it just doesn't add up." A recent study in the "International Journal of Obesity" illustrates the point perfectly.

Researchers had people exercise five times a week for three months. The average weight loss was a respectable 8.2 pounds. So far, so good. But when the researchers looked at the actual individuals in the study, a different picture emerged.

Continue reading The Problem With Cardio

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Starbucks Muffin - How Many Calories?

2009-03-16T21:02:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Food and Nutrition

I don't know about you, but more often than not, my mornings are spent rushing around -- to the train, the coffee shop and eventually work. I always seem to be a few minutes later than I should be, and though I usually manage to bolt into the office doors on time, I usually do so in a frazzled fashion, having run all the way across London Bridge to make my start time.

I usually try to grab a healthy breakfast before I leave the house, but you know as well as I do that sometimes, there's just not enough time. So I'm faced with choices -- a donut, a bagel or a muffin. Usually, I go for the muffin -- it seems to be the healthiest of the lot. You too?

But is a muffin really the best on-the-run morning meal?

View Poll

Continue reading Starbucks Muffin - How Many Calories?

Toxic Beauty, Heartbreak Cures and Memory Snatchers - Links We Love on AOL Health

2009-03-16T21:01:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Diet and Weight Loss, Fashion and Beauty

We at "That's Fit" and "AOL Health" know that you've got a lot going on in your lives besides staying in great shape, and we know that a lot more than diet and exercise goes into feeling your best every day. That's why we thought we'd share some of the exciting reporting going on at "AOL Health."

For your love life, soap opera star and author Catherine Hickland shares insight on how to deal with getting dumped and finding love again in her "30-Day Heartbreak Cure."

For your your best beauty routine, "AOL Health" turned to Julie Gabriel, author of "The Green Beauty Guide" for her savvy shopping tips. (Bonus: Discover a danger lurking in your deodorant.)

And if you're feeling more forgetful, scattered and mentally taxed than ever, check out this photo gallery of surprising memory-stealing culprits. (Tip: Your diet and cell phone could be to blame.)

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Surviving Change 101 - 8 Ways to Be Happier & Healthier

2009-03-16T21:01:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Motivation and Inspiration

Every Monday, That's Fit's very own "charged up" wellness guru Laura Lewis presents The Passion Principle, a weekly guide that will help you achieve your greatest potential through words of inspiration, cutting-edge ideas and action tips you can use in your every day life!

Change happens. I always wanted to create a bumper sticker with this reference to "change" to replace the one that says "@$!%& Happens!" Indeed, change does happen. To live is to experience change. Being classified as a "Change Expert," I find myself coaching and speaking about how to deal with change healthfully. I have had my fair share of dramatic "out of the blue" change and have come out on the other side wiser, happier and healthier in many ways. But the ride? Whew. At times, the discomfort of change can feel unbearable.

Discomfort and resistance to change go hand in hand. Resisting change may cause one to become unhealthy, both in mind and body, due to an elevation of stress. And as a result, not going with the flow may even cause folks to dive off their health and fitness tracks, to gain weight, to experience lowered self-esteem, to become more stressed out about relationships -- thus the spiral begins.

Continue reading Surviving Change 101 - 8 Ways to Be Happier & Healthier

Bye Bye, Blemishes and Bacne

2009-03-16T21:00:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fashion and Beauty

Acne is a problem, and not just for teenagers. And it doesn't just happen to our faces, either. Form-fitting activewear like sports bras and cotton shirts that stick to your skin when you sweat can cause breakouts all over your chest and back. And then, there are the clogged pores that show up on your arms ... before you know it, you need to wear a turtleneck to cover all your problem areas!

Don't worry -- you don't need to use your fancy-schmancy face wash as a new shower gel to clear up the bacne -- Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Skin Care makes a Blemish Buffing Beads Body Wash ($36 for 18.5 oz) specifically designed to battle acne all over your body. No gym bag shower kit should be without it!

Use on face and body -- it's super gentle, but effective. According to the website: "Salicylic acid clears up acne blemishes while a glycolic acid complex and oil absorbing ingredients help produce flawless, clear skin. Soft, ultra-fine jojoba beads ... help exfoliate surface dead skin cells without irritation, then ... help open clogged pores and emulsify the sebum that contributes to blackheads and whiteheads." Plus, it's smells awesome -- botanical, without being girly. But this isn't the only thing that will help you clear up your skin.

Continue reading Bye Bye, Blemishes and Bacne

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Weight Loss - 5 Tips From an Expert

2009-03-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Diet and Weight Loss

Are you trying to take off some stubborn pounds? Take a few tips from Dr. Jana Klauer, a weight-control specialist:

Get moving in the morning. A good aerobic workout in the morning really sets the right tone for your day. Right away, you feel energized and know that you accomplished something. When you start your day off on the right foot, you're more likely to stick to your weight-loss efforts throughout the day.
Concentrate on protein. High-quality, low-fat protein is a great choice when you're trying to lose weight. It can help keep you feeling full. Include a small portion of protein -- such as eggs, low-fat dairy, chicken or fish -- at each meal.
Don't skip meals. You may think you're cutting calories by skipping meals, but you're really not doing yourself any favors. Odds are, you'll feel ridiculously hungry later and then be more tempted to overeat or snack on something unhealthy. Eat reasonably-portioned meals and have small, healthful snacks as well.
Curb your cravings. We all have foods we crave. To curb cravings, try Dr. Klauer's stopwatch method.
Get plenty of water. Fresh, refreshing and zero calories -- water is a great choice for hydration.

Athleticism - Is It in Our Genes?

2009-03-16T20:59:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

If you have kids, you know all about the nature versus nurture debate. Some parents are paying to find out if their babies have all the right genetic stuff of an athlete. So what do you think? Were you born to be an athlete? Or did practice and hard work make you skilled at your favorite sports?

There's no doubt that certain body types have advantages in certain activities. Height is practically a requirement for elite basketball players, serious runners tend to be long and lean and would Nastia Liukin have been able to flip so elegantly if she were 5'9'" and heavyset? There are three extremes for body types:

Endomorphs are pear-shaped with wide hips and shoulders.
Mesomorphs have broad shoulders and narrow hips.
Ectomorphs are tall and thin with a narrow body.

Continue reading Athleticism - Is It in Our Genes?

Iron for Exercisers - Are You Getting Enough?

2009-03-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Food and Nutrition

You may be an ironman or ironwoman in the gym, but how are your iron stores? I was cluelessly iron-deficient one winter, and it was no fun. I'd try and eat perfectly, but after only a few hours of cross-country skiing or cardio anything, I felt like I was lacing up iron boots. Chronically zapped for weeks, I finally took a blood test and was diagnosed with iron-deficient anemia.

Repeated, intense training can compromise your iron levels to the point of iron-deficient anemia, as athletes can use and/or lose more iron than they're consuming. Here's an interesting tidbit: Even with a solid supply, iron absorption is lower in athletes than non-athletes -- possibly due to food passing faster through an athlete's digestive tract. Strenuous, daily exercisers can lose iron through sweat, lower intestinal absorption and even by taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs, which reduce the body's ability to soak up this essential mineral.

Iron-deficient or anemic athletes ultimately receive less oxygen to their muscles and generate more lactic acid during a workout. Other signs include muscle burning, shortness of breath during workouts, nausea, frequent infections, respiratory illness and a pale complexion. The National Anemia Action Council (NAAC) identifies these athletes as most at risk:

Female athletes
Male endurance athletes
Runners

Vegetarian athletes are also at risk since iron is absorbed poorly from veggies.

Continue reading Iron for Exercisers - Are You Getting Enough?

See Yourself Slim - The Fitting Room Diet

2009-03-16T20:58:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Diet and Weight Loss

When I look at myself in a fitting room mirror, I rarely think I look hot. Dismal and dumpy is more like it. Now I know some people get pretty good glimpses of themselves in those elongated mirrors, shrouded in foggy lighting and ambiance. But mostly, I just don't look that great. I show much better at home, in the light of my own bathroom.

It's no secret that lighting is key in fitting rooms, but never has it been more apparent than now, when the economy is swirling down the toilet and retailers are scrambling to make a buck. Dressing rooms are where the sale is made, say experts, and those trying to score some funds might be capitalizing on making that little black dress look better than average. All it takes is something simple, like nixing the overhead lighting and adding some illumination alongside the mirrors.

A recent University of Florida study reveals that female shoppers, ages 18 to 35, have a preference for side lighting. Overhead lighting is just not flattering, says Anne Baumstarck, who did the research for her master's degree in interior design at UF. When a customers' surroundings register as negative, it distracts them from paying attention to the merchandise. "You never want a consumer to be thinking 'I hate this lighting' instead of 'I like this dress,'" she said. And while this study didn't touch on the topic, I'm thinking that when a reflection of someone's body in the mirror registers as negative, it also distracts from the purchase. When I don't like what I see, I don't buy. Make me look better (and by better, I mean lighter, thinner and more fit) and I'm more likely to fork over the green.

Continue reading See Yourself Slim - The Fitting Room Diet

Enviga, Fitting Rooms and Healthy Fast Food - Week in Review - March 9 to March 15

2009-03-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness, Diet and Weight Loss

Calorie-burning drink Enviga got burned this week when makers Coca-Cola and Nestle settled out of court for false advertising claims. Now Enviga will carry the very obvious claim that even if you drink it, you still have to diet and exercise to lose weight.

We all know belly fat is unhealthy, but do you know what your waist size should be? See how you size up with some famous celebs, and find out if your waist is stretching the healthy limit.

Squeezing that workout into a busy schedule? Try Oscar Blandi's new dry shampoo -- tried and true by Kristen -- when you just don't have time to primp after a workout.

Water and weight loss -- can it really help? Jonny thinks so. A recent study found that drinking 16 oz. of water before breakfast can cut down on calorie consumption.

Clothing stores use all kinds of tricks to make us feel fit and firm in their fitting rooms. With swimsuit season on the way, they're going to need all the help they can get.

Looking for a long-term fitness goal? Try a half-marathon. It's the fastest-growing road race right now.

Think diet fads are bad today? How about smoking yourself thin or that terrible cabbage soup diet? Maggie shares crazy diet trends through the decades.

Fast food -- is it getting healthier? If it is, I'd say it's about time. Bev dishes on the fish on Long John Silver's new Freshside Grille menu.

"Change your mind before you change your matter," says Laura. Reaching your goals requires the right mindset, so discover the seven secrets of champions.

It's hard to believe, but even super-fit celebs with great genes have trouble squeezing into their jeans some days. Charlize Theron admits that she has "fat days" when her pants just won't fit.

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Secrets From the REAL Biggest Losers

2009-03-16T20:57:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Diet and Weight Loss

Last week I blogged about a study comparing bariatric surgery to lifestyle changes as a means to weight loss. The recent study, performed at the Miriam Hospital's Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine in Rhode Island, found that both methods worked about the same, though it took more commitment to drop poundage without undergoing the knife. Several of you wrote in to tell me what you had done to both lose and keep off a considerable amount of weight and as I read your comments, I was struck by how similar they sounded to the findings of the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR).

For those of you who don't know about the NWCR, it's a project run by Brown Medical School and the University of Colorado and has tracked more than 5,000 successful losers, e.g., people who have lost an average of 66 pounds and kept it off for more than five and a half years. People who sign up for the registry are asked all sorts of questions about their health habits, like what they've done to lose weight and what strategies they've used to keep it off. Their answers will be surprising to the many Americans who are looking for that secret formula to help them magically shed pounds.

Continue reading Secrets From the REAL Biggest Losers

Fitness Vanity and Toxic Orange Tans

2009-03-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

Erin from "Fit Bottomed Girls" works out for several reasons. She wants to be strong. She wants to fit into her jeans. And yes, she wants to look good too. Nothing wrong with a little fitness vanity. I mean, we all want to look good, right?

Find out what else Erin has to say right here. She's dishes on why she doesn't like to shop and tells us what she really thinks about toxic orange tans.

Lean Mommy - How You Can Become One

2009-03-16T20:56:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Fitness

Anyone who possess kids and a desire to work out knows the two don't always go hand in hand. Little ones don't always cooperate with our fitness plans, which means we've got to be creative.

CafeMom gets crafty with a jog stroller and shows us how to capitalize on the moment. Got a kiddo strapped in for a walk? Then try this Stroller Push-Up and this Stroller Reverse Curl. Your sagging boobs and mommy tummy will thank you.

Transform Your Body (in 2 Weeks) - This Week on AOL Health

2009-03-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

Filed under: Food and Nutrition, Diet and Weight Loss

Looking for a few ways to shake up your weight-loss routine, or do you maybe have a big event you're slimming down for? Head to AOL Health for diet-guru and anti-aging expert Dr. Oz Garcia's best shape-shifting tips. His two-week program promises to help beat bloat, reduce wrinkles and shed pounds. It's not going to be easy. You'll have to give up sugar, exercise every day and cut back on artificially-sweetened and salty foods. Read more about his body-transformation tips on AOL Health.

Charlize Feels Fat and Marcia Needs More Time - March 6 to March 12

2009-03-16T20:55:00.001-07:00

Filed under: Celebrities and Entertainment

Jessicas Weighty Rejection and Isla's Poor Trainer

Getty Images

Sienna Miller
Sienna Miller looks great now, sure, but will that always be the case? Doesn't really sound like it -- she's nixing exercise because she compares it to plastic surgery.

Getty Images

Bar Refaeli
The Sports Illustrated cover girl has a simply incredible body, no doubt. Want to know how she keeps it looking that way? FitSugar has the scoop.

Getty Images

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The 10 healthiest jobs

2007-12-15T12:33:00.002-08:00

Filed under: Healthy Habits, Work/Home Balance

Is your job healthy? For me, it's a tough answer -- on one hand, I get to read and writer about healthy living during the day, but on the other, I am stuck at the computer and the only part of me that is getting any sort of physical activity is my fingers.

Why do I ask? eDiets recently came out with a list of the healthiest jobs -- that is, careers that provide a balanced, wholesome working environment that hopefully will translate into real life. Here's what made the life (professional athletes were excluded):

1. Activity Specialist
2. Chiropractor
3. Choreographer
4. Florist
5. Massage Therapist
6. Nutritionist
7. Personal Trainer
8. Professor
9. Running Coach
10. Yoga Instructor

What do you think of the list?

[via] That's Fit

Are cold showers good for your health, or bad?

2007-12-15T12:33:00.001-08:00

Filed under: Fitness, General Health

I love hot showers -- probably a little hotter than is good for me actually. I don't know that I have taken an actual cold shower ever, although often in the summer months I'll take what I'd call "cool" ones. But aside from all the jokes that guys make about 'needing a cold shower,' have you ever thought of taking one for your health? Or how about instead of a cold shower a cold foot soak? This interesting article over at Natural Health suggests that alternating cold and warm foot soaks is like a mini strength-training session for your insides. The cold water (around 70º) constricts and tightens vessels, while the warm water (around 100º) loosens and expands them. Asking them to adjust quickly makes them stronger.

I'm guessing alternating cool and warm showers would do the same thing, but obviously that's not so easy. So are you buying this? The science seems sound enough to me, but then it also strikes me as more than a little unnatural.

[via] That's Fit

Automated reminder calls get people exercising more

2007-12-15T12:33:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Fitness

It's amazing that something as low-tech as a daily automated telephone call could be one of the best exercise motivators, but that is just what a new study out of Stanford University is suggesting.

The study looked at the effectiveness of a telephone call to get sedentary adults off their duffs and engaged in some type of exercise. The study took a year and 218 adults aged 55 and over participated.

But, an automated telephone call was not the total saving grace, either. It tied with phone calls from human beings (health educators) for effectiveness. Perhaps just a reminder nudge is all most people need to recognize they need some some of daily exercise? This study sure alludes to that. Would either type of telephone call work for you?

[via] That's Fit

What's the most prevalent eating disorder? Binge-eating disorder

2007-12-15T12:32:00.003-08:00

Filed under: Emotional Health, General Health

When we think of eating disorders, the image we conjure is of stick-thin anorexics and bulimics. But the most prevalent eating disorder isn't anorexia or bulimia -- it's Binge-eating disorder. Does it affect you?

Let's be clear here -- everyone overdoes it on occasion, eating more than is comfortable and feeling bad about it. But there's a difference between going back for thirds at the all-you-can-eat buffet and suffering from binge-eating disorder. It's a serious problem. Symptoms include food hoarding, eating to the point of pain or discomfort, regular dieting without weight loss and depression or anxiety over eating habits.

The May Clinic has some great resources on this disorder -- click here to find out more, and of course, see your doctor if you suspect with might have this disorder. And for a first-hand account of the disorder, head over to the fabulous Sunny's Shape-up Blog.

[via] That's Fit

Scientists find out how to switch off internal body clock

2007-12-15T12:32:00.002-08:00

Filed under: Health and Technology

University of California researchers said this week that they have identified a 'genetic switch' that regulates the human body's internal clock. You know -- that one that gets many of us up every morning in lieu of an alarm clock?

The discovery could lead to newer sleep disorder drugs and associated problems, according to the researchers.

In the research, changing a single amino acid in the BMAL1 protein was found to activate certain processes involved with circadian rhythms, otherwise known as the body's internal clock.

[via] That's Fit

Weight watchers coming to a 7-11 near you!

2007-12-15T12:32:00.001-08:00

Filed under: Health in the Media

Annoyed at the lack of healthy fare at convenience stores? Yeah, me too. When it comes to snacking, convenience stores don't offer a whole lot -- there might be a battered piece of fruit, some nuts and maybe a selection of questionable sushi, but other than that, it's all slurpees and fake cheese and sugar and fat. Bleh.

But there's good news on the horizon -- As our friends over at Fitsugar pointed out, 7-11 stores will now start offering Weight Watchers snacks at their stores. In particular, expect to see selection of bakes goods that, until now, were only available at national grocery store chains.

[via] That's Fit

Bush vetoes children's health bill a second time

2007-12-15T12:32:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Healthy Kids

For the second time this year, U.S. President George Bush took a health bill related to increasing health insurance for needy U.S. children and vetoed it.

Although Bush declared the bill would have overstepped the bounds of helping poor children who needed health care and into a social state of organized medicine, where is the line drawn when it comes to the health of kids who otherwise could not access such care?

Most Democrats and many Republicans supported the bill, but under a Republican administration, any bill that looks like government-sponsored health care is surely to be axed. But then, I ask again -- does it matter when it comes to the health care of kids? Regardless of your political affiliation, what are your thoughts on this?

[via] That's Fit

It's true, we really do crave carbs in winter

2007-12-15T12:31:00.002-08:00

Filed under: Food and Nutrition

Find yourself craving a big bowl of spaghetti once the first snow flies? I know I do -- something about the cold weather makes me want to hole up with my comfort foods -- mac n' cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, pasta and so on. And I'm not alone.

Winter controls the appetites of many, according to this article from WebMD, and those extra pounds can really add up. So what's causing this? Is it a side affect of SAD (Seasonal affective disorder)? Maybe, but it's more likely that it's evolutionary -- we're programmed to store more fat in the winter in case of a food shortage.

Want to know more about your winter cravings? Click here.

[via] That's Fit

Survive the mall food court with healthy options

2007-12-15T12:31:00.001-08:00

Filed under: Diet and Weight Loss

Many of you will be visiting a shopping mall this holiday season to snatch up some gifts for friends and loved ones. Do yourself a favor, though -- bypass the (fast) food court while at that mall and opt for something more nutritious.

It's tempting to bypass the wafting smell of pizza and cheeseburgers from that shopping mall food court, but in December, even a loaded hot chocolate or candied pretzel can load up more calories than a cheese steak sandwich. What do you do?

Don't blow your calorie budget while shopping at the mall by using these planning tips to help you resist that 15-minute session that could pack 1,000 calories or more:

Eat breakfast
Drink plenty of fluids
Bring some munchies
Be choosy at the food court

[via] That's Fit

Holiday party strategies

2007-12-15T12:31:00.000-08:00

Filed under: Healthy Habits, Healthy Events

If you've been pretty good about diet and exercise for the past few months, it would be a shame to blow it over the holidays with all those parties. The Sun's Fit Squad recently discussed holiday party eating and drinking strategies that won't de-rail all your hard work:

Eat a healthy meal before you party to minimize your nibbling.
If you do eat at the party, avoid salty snacks -- they'll just make you thirsty for more alcohol.
But do nibble on healthy things -- berries are a great option.
Instead of taking a taxi, why not walk to your event? That is, provided it's a reasonable distance and decent weather ....
Stick to wine or clear alcohol with a no-calories mixer. Sparkling wine is a great choice because the bubbles fill you up.

How do you navigate the holiday party scene without packing on unnecessary calories?

[via] That's Fit

FitSpirit: Does surgery do the spirit good?

2007-12-15T12:30:00.003-08:00

Filed under: Fitness, Women's Health, Diet and Weight Loss, FitSpirit

FitSpirit explores the mind-body connection and the intangible benefits we gain from our efforts to stay physically fit.

So I've got this loose skin on my tummy. I thank my little boys for this curse I can't seem to whittle away. My two whopper guys barreled into the world weighing 10 pounds, nine ounces and 10 pounds, two ounces and no matter how hard I work out or how well I eat, this baby fat just hangs on tight. It's gotten better over the years -- all four and a half of them -- but still, sometimes I wish just a little bit for a tummy tuck to erase my bothersome birthing battle scar.

Would I really follow through with a tummy tuck if money were no object? I'm not sure. That's why I asked my doctor today for his opinion on this surgery. "I think it's a bad idea," he told me. Sure, it's an option, he said. And it would probably clean up my problem pretty neatly. But it's surgery. And while tummy tucks have gotten less and less invasive -- they can be performed in a doctor's office without general anesthesia -- the procedure requires an incision from hip to hip to ensure a tidy final product. And any surgery can cause problems. Infection, mistakes, difficult recoveries, and scarring are just a few worst-case scenarios. These are the very things that cause me to stray from such a seductive surgery.

A flat tummy would undoubtedly lift my spirits. But a surgery-gone-wrong could permanently crush them. So I think I'll rely on good old-fashioned hard work as I try to fix my flab. What would you do?

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[via] That's Fit

Happy stressful holidays

2007-12-15T12:30:00.002-08:00

Filed under: Emotional Health, Fitness, Food and Nutrition, General Health

Are your holidays off to a merry start? If not, you're in good company. Respondents in a recent Mental Health America study indicated this cheery season is downright stressful.

Forty percent of survey participants said finances cause them too much worry, and 34 percent feel they have too many competing seasonal activities in their lives. Time with family, either too much or not enough, is stressing 17 percent. And 28 percent have anxiety about overindulgence or lack of exercise.

Never fear. Here are some stress busters intended to help you steal back some of your sanity.

To ease money woes, sell some of your rarely used holiday gifts from last year on eBay or scale back on the number of gifts you buy. To minimize time commitments, kindly say "no thanks" to some parties and events or drop by for a short bit and then go hang out with family. To combat cookie guilt, vow to walk 30 minutes for every treat you eat. And for the family members who drive you nutty, focus on the positive traits each person in your clan has to offer. Surely, there's something redeeming about those aunts and uncles you so rarely see.

[via] That's Fit

Fertility hampered by obesity

2007-12-15T12:30:00.001-08:00

Filed under: General Health, Women's Health

Fertility was a chameleon cloud over my adult life. When I was single and not in the baby-seeking department, I hardly thought about it. As I reached my late 20s and nearly all my friends were married, I shot worried glances up at that fertility cloud, wondering if I'd ever meet Mr. Right and try for a baby someday. When I hit 30 still single, the cloud turned into an ominous thunderhead -- my eggs were drying up -- motherhood would never be. By the time I married at 32, the cloud was not as dark, but it did shoot a lightning bolt which screamed "Get pregnant now!" Two kids later, I'm not craning my neck as often anymore.

I know, I know ... dramatic, right? But seriously, a woman's fertility is no guarantee. It's this big unknown. Infertility and miscarriage are terribly painful. Women are also often marrying later in life, which can make it increasingly difficult for some to conceive. Now a major new study found an overweight woman's chance of conceiving falls steadily as her weight creeps upward.

Researchers at the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam followed 3,000 women trying for a baby to examine the direct impact of body mass index on conception. All participants were ovulating normally, seeking assistance from fertility doctors for "unexplained fertility." For every BMI point between 30 and 35, there was a four percent drop in conception rates compared to women with a BMI between 21 and 29. A BMI of 25 is considered overweight. Severely obese women with a BMI over 35 were 26 percent to 49 percent less likely to conceive.

Last month, the British Fertility Society issued guidelines to its membership requesting fertility treatment be witheld from obese women until they shed weight. Obesity rates are rising. The cloud thickens.

[via] That's Fit

Chemotherapy not for all breast cancer patients

2007-12-15T12:30:00.000-08:00

Filed under: General Health, Vitamins and Supplements, Women's Health

Good news on the breast cancer front: Doctors revealed Thursday at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium that they are backing off on chemotherapy for breast cancer patients. And when the drug therapy must be used, new research reveals there are gentler drug versions that can spare women the toxicity that results from standard drugs like Adriamycin, a mainstay of treatment for decades.

Even better news: Avoiding chemotherapy for some patients -- namely those who qualify for gene tests to predict prognosis -- doesn't adversely affect the odds for relapse and survival. Where was this news three years ago when Adriamycin was blasting through my veins?

These great new findings are sure to speed the growing trend away from chemotherapy and more precisely target the small groups of women who truly need the treatment.

Yes, chemotherapy is not necessary for all breast patients. Such good news, isn't it?

[via] That's Fit