FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

Does Cold Water Quench Your Thirst Better?

FitSugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 05:00:46 -0700

I've heard some people claim that hot water actually quenches your thirst better than cold water, but that seems counterintuitive. Cold water certainly feels more refreshing, but really, isn't water just water regardless of the temperature? Take your best guess below and tell me what you think the truth is.

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You Asked: Drinking Water While Running

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 05:36:41 -0700

A while back I wrote a post about the Nathan Speed 4 Water Holder. I thought this nifty gadget was great for long-distance runners, since it holds a total of 40 ounces of water. After reading the post, a user had a great comment.

How much/often should you drink while running?
— bicyclebeth

I'm sure many of you are wondering the same thing. To find out what I think,

I Don't Buy It: H2Om

FitSugar — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 03:00:00 -0700

I'm all for promoting peace and positive energy, but this world's going to need a whole lot more than these H2Om water bottles. Fusing the chemical symbol for water, H2O, with the sound of the universe, "om," makes for a pretty catchy product name. And this is water with intention —not water infused with fruit juice, vitamins, electrolytes, or anything else you'd expect to pay extra for. And no, it won't help you with your yoga or meditation practice. H2Om is all about the idea that if a person thinks positive thoughts, then drinks this water that the vibrations of their thoughts will spread through the universe and make the world a better place. Hmm.

To hear more about this water

Healthy Eating Tip: Drink Water First

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:00:00 -0700

How much water have you had today? The eight glasses a day theory has come under scrutiny, but we still need to stay hydrated, especially if we exercise and/or live in a hot, dry climate.

But there's another reason you want to keep hydrated; studies have found that folks who stay on top of their water intake actually consume fewer calories. This could be because sometimes we can confuse the feeling of dehydration with the feeling of hunger. So, in an effort to stay hydrated and keep your calories down, think about drinking a glass of water before your meals. You may find that you feel fuller faster, and if nothing else, it's a good way to guarantee you'll be drinking a few glasses of water a day.

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What's the Deal With Function Water?

FitSugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:00:00 -0700

It amazes me how many different variations there are on the water theme. There's tap water, filtered water, bottled water, sparkling water, Vitaminwater, Fruitwater, Fruit2O, and now Function Water. The bottle says it's "vapor distilled water + electrolytes." Vapor distilling removes all impurities, so supposedly it makes this water taste better than ordinary water (my mouth couldn't tell the difference). Then they add electrolytes to keep your cells operating well. Where have I heard this before? Oh, right. This is the exact same thing a bottle of Smartwater says. This Function Water even attempts a similar quirky sense of humor: They compare the impulses in your body's cells to impulse-buying that "sale-rack polyester jumpsuit you'll never wear but had to have." It makes it difficult for me to take this water seriously.

Fit's Tips: You should know that your body doesn't need to replenish lost electrolytes after a normal 30-minute workout, but it does need to hydrate. Regular water will do the trick after a half hour of exercise. If you're training for a race or sport and are exercising a ton, then this electrolyte-infused water may be worth the extra dough. At least it isn't infused with sugar.

Quiz: Water Works

FitSugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Water is considered essential for all areas of life, and staying hydrated when exercising is important especially in this Summer heat. How much do you know about the water you drink? Take this quiz and see.

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Healthy Tip: Wear Bracelets to Help You Drink Your Daily Water

FitSugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Recent research may say that there is no proven benefit to drinking eight glasses of water a day, but I for one feel better when I stay hydrated. Especially if you're sweating on a regular basis you're going to want to keep the water coming. Water is also my beverage of choice over high calorie sodas. Occasionally, I have a hard time remembering to keep drinking a glass of H20 every hour or so, and if you have the same problem here's a fashionable tip. Buy a set of eight bangle bracelets. Wear them on your right hand and every time you finish a glass of water, move a bracelet over to your left wrist. It'll help you keep track of your water intake, and you'll look stylish doing it.

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Weekend Well-being: Don't Drink the Pool Water

FitSugar — Sat, 24 May 2008 03:00:00 -0700

I know it seems like common sense, but don't drink pool water. Chlorine doesn't kill germs and bacteria instantaneously, and there are chlorine resistant parasites that could be hanging out in the water. The number of cases of Crypto, one of those chlorine resistant parasites, has tripled in the last three years.

Children and pregnant women are especially susceptible. Remember to shower with soap before and after swimming. If you cool off in a pool with your kids, definitely add, "Don't drink the pool water," to the pool rules you review before jumping in.

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Fit Tip: Hydrate Before Exercise

FitSugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:00:00 -0700

At my gym, you are required to bring water to a spin class, because an hour of profuse sweating means you are going to have to sip regularly to stay hydrated. But here's a thought: Make sure you start you workout well hydrated. This will seriously improve your performance and help your precious bottle of water last a little longer during your workout.

To do this you need to stay hydrated during the nonexercise times of your day, and if you exercise daily you will be drinking more than the average sedentary Joe or Jane. Lance Armstrong's coach Chris Carmichael recommends drinking around a gallon of water a day – that's 128 ounces – not including the fluids you drink while exercising. If you are planning on sweating later, go ahead and drink up now.

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Watered Down: Benefits of Eight Glasses a Day?

FitSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 02:00:00 -0700

I drink lots of water daily and the new report on the health benefits of water being oversold will probably not sway me to stop sipping it hourly. The study found that there really are no health benefits to drinking the often recommended eight glasses of water a day; there is no evidence to the lack of benefits either. Interestingly enough, the researchers could not pin point the origin of the recommendation to drinking 64 ounces of water a day. It seems to be a benign urban health myth.

Here is a short list of things drinking eight glasses of water will not do for you:

It does not help remove toxins from the kidneys.
It doesn't help improve skin tone.
It doesn't ward of headaches.
It will no improve organ function.
Lastly, water doesn't necessarily lead to weight loss. Since water contains no calories, it is more of a weight loss strategy for keeping your mouth busy than for filling you up. Sometimes the body mistakes hunger and thirst cues, so drinking adequate water can help stave off this bodily confusion.

The take home message – drink when you are thirsty. Everyone's need for water differs. If you exercise and sweat you will need to replenish your lost fluids and if you live in a dry, hot climate you will need more water as well. Listen to your body!

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Spring Fit Tip: Bring Enough Water

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Spring is here and you know what that means? It's time to bring your workouts outdoors! If you're going to be embarking on any hiking or biking then be sure you bring along enough water.

A good rule of thumb is to have 16 ounces for every hour you anticipate to be gone. I know it may seem like a lot but nothing is worse than finding yourself two hours away from home on a lovely bike trip as you realize you've just finished your last drop of water. If you're going to be doing a bit of day trippin' than you may even want to invest in a hydration pack.

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Diet Tip: Drink More Water, Eat Fewer Calories

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:30:00 -0700

If you're not one to drink water throughout the day then you may be missing out on some major calorie-cutting benefits. USA Weekend reported on research that found that those who drank around seven cups of water a day ate, on average, 200 fewer calories than those who don't. This could be because your body can mix up the feelings of thirst and hunger, which means you may think you're hungry when you're really just thirsty. So keep a cup nearby and remember to drink up, you just may end up eating less calories that way.

Fit's Tip: If you don't like plain old water, there are tons and tons of low- (or no-) calorie flavored waters out there for you to try. A lemon or lime slice popped in my glass does it for me.

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Don't Drink Too Much Water When Running

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:30:00 -0800

It is important to keep hydrated when running a marathon but did you know that too much water can be a bad thing?

A good rule of thumb is to drink about one cup of fluid every 20 minutes during a marathon, anything more than that could be dangerous and could cause hyponatremia — when you have low amounts of sodium in your body. It can be fatal if not treated immediately. To prevent it, be sure to drink sports drinks during training and, as long as you don't have high blood pressure, increase your salt intake a few days before the race.

For symptoms of hyponatremia just

Formula For Drinking Water

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:00:00 -0800

Trying to figure out how much water you should be drinking daily can be a bit confusing. We all hold onto the figure of 64 ounces of water a day as the optimal amount, but this is really just a generic figure that has gained mythical status. Here is a little weight based formula to help you to figure out how much water you should be drinking daily.

Take your current weight and divide by two.
Take that number and drink that many ounces of water a day.
So if you weigh 130 pounds you should drink 65 ounces of water a day. Pretty close to the mythical figure of 64 ounces, huh?

If you exercise for under an hour an extra glass or two of water should do the trick of replenishing fluids lost though sweating, but if you are exercising for over 60 minutes you will need more. Plus if you are pregnant or breastfeeding you need more water as well. Pregnant women should drink at least 10 eight-ounce glasses of water daily, and breastfeeding moms need between 12 and 13 eight-ounce glasses of water a day.

Fit's Tip: An easy way to make sure you are drinking enough water is the color of your urine. Your pee should be very pale yellow, if not you need to increase your consumption of water.

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Get in Gear: Camp Inn Hydr8r on Sale

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 03:30:00 -0800

As the weather has gotten a bit chillier I have started wearing thin gloves during my runs after work with my husband. It's been great except that the gloves have made it hard to keep a grip on my water bottle, and last night I dropped it about four times. So today I have decided I need a hydration pack, especially since I am the type of runner that needs to stay constantly hydrated while running.

On my hunt for a hydration pack, I came across the Camp Inn Hydr8r Hydration Pack, which to my delight was on sale for $9.93! I am thrilled because I am not yet sure how much I am going to love running with something on my back so I don't want to invest a lot of money on a product that may not be the right solution for me. This particular hydration pack holds 100 ounces (or just under three liters), which means it won't be too heavy when it's full. I love that it comes in a bunch of fun colors, which means now my only issue is deciding which color I want.

Cool Healthy Gadget: Vitapur Breast Cancer Awareness Water Pitcher

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Since FitSugar is devoted to your health and this month is devoted to Breast Cancer Awareness, it is fitting to get yourself one of these Vitapur Breast Cancer Awareness Water Pitchers ($24.99, a portion of the proceeds go to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation). A filtered water pitcher is a great way to be able to drink filtered water from the tap. What's more? You won't be going through tons of plastic bottles that are bad for the environment. Buy it from Amazon.com.

Gaining Weight? Blame It on Your Co-Workers

FitSugar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:30:00 -0700

We spend a lot of time at work, and if you're anything like me, when other people are snacking, it's hard to resist the urge not to snack too. It seems like it's always someone's birthday, or someone's mother made homemade cookies, or someone ordered afternoon pizza.

Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and fight the urge to over-eat...

Eat a delicious and wholesome breakfast before you get to work. That way if someone is going for a Dunkin Donuts run, you won't be tempted to get something unhealthy.
You don't have to skip going out to lunch all the time. Denying yourself is no good. Instead designate 1 day out of the week for eating out. Try to find a place that serves nutritious soups, sandwiches, or salads. If you know a portion is huge, share it with a friend, or save the other half for tomorrow's lunch.
Pack your own lunch the other days. That way you know you'll like it and you'll know it's good for you. Plus it'll save you time if you're too busy to pick up lunch.
Try to take at least 20 minutes away from work to eat. Get outside, eat at a park, or go to your break room. We tend to eat too fast and overeat when we are mindlessly shoveling food in our mouth. So concentrate on just eating, so you can really enjoy your food slowly. It's a great time to catch up with a co-worker and give your mind a break too.

Want to hear the other tips? Then

Get the Snack: Cameron Diaz

FitSugar — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 23:30:00 -0700

Cameron Diaz has been looking very healthy and fit these days. We've seen her hit the gym and the beach for workouts lately and it sure is paying off.

Cameron's known for eating a bunch of small meals throughout the day, so it's no wonder that she was spotted toting around a very healthy snack recently. Honestly, it looks like a snack I could get into, so here's what she's eating:

Blue Corn Chips: They're great because they're made with organic corn, no hydrogenated oils, no artificial flavors or colors, no preservatives, no trans fat, made with expelled pressed oil, Kosher certified and cooked in filtered water.
GT's Organic Raw Kombucha: It's got probiotics, live active enzymes, L-Theanine (an amino acid), organic acids and Polyphenols (antioxidants). The taste is an acquired one, one that you love or hate.
Water. I'm actually surprised that Cameron is not drinking out of a reusable water bottle, like a Sigg, but water is important to drink through out the day. Here she's opted for a 1.5 liter bottle of Poland Spring.

It also looks like she has some healthy leftovers too, which she does have in a reusable container. I'd also be willing to bet there is some protein in there too.

There are more pics of Cammie and her healthy snack, not to mention her cute (and simple) headbands, so

Ashtanga Yoga: Why Avoid Drinking Water?

FitSugar — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 09:30:00 -0700

If you've ever walked into an Ashtanga Yoga class, I'm sure you've noticed that it's warm in the room, but not even close to as hot as Bikram. The warmth helps your muscles to loosen up slightly, but the quick-paced and strength building vinyasas between poses is what really heats up your body. Think of it as creating an inner fire that heats your body from the inside out, which helps you loosen up tight muscles. It also makes you sweat a lot, which helps in detoxification.

Drinking water during the practice prevents that heat and puts that internal fire out. Not only that, but if you stop every 10 minutes to take a sip of water, you interrupt your breathing and the flow of the sequence, which in turn will disrupt the moving meditation you've got going on.

It is very important to drink 10-12 glasses of water throughout the day so that you are well hydrated by the time you arrive at class. If you've been drinking all day, you shouldn't need to drink during class, however, if you are feeling nauseous, overheated, or dizzy - definitely listen to your body and drink water if necessary.

Fit's Tips: Depending on the class you go to, some Ashtanga Yoga instructors are very strict about this, which I personally don't agree with. As an instructor myself, I trust that my students are better able to make decisions about their own bodies. If an instructor you take class from makes you feel uncomfortable about your need for water (or anything else for that matter), talk to them after class about it. I'm sure they'd want to know how you feel.

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Stay Hydrated With Platypus

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:30:00 -0700

Since we all know how bad disposable water bottles are for the environment (since most of them end up in landfills because they don't get recycled), it's a great idea to use a reusable water bottle. Both Nalgene and SIGG bottles are great, but if your goal is to stay hydrated during some kind of strenuous activity, lugging around a hard bottle can be kind of annoying.

Check out these bottles made by a company called Platypus®. Their water bottles and carriers come in a range of sizes and shapes, and they're all collapsible, "taste-free," lightweight, easy to fill, and rugged enough to handle temperatures from freezing to boiling.

Want to know what else? Then

Three Ways to Stay Hydrated at Work

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Hydrating at work is just as important as hydrating while exercising. Office environments are notorious for being some of the driest places on earth, particularly with air-conditioning and heat going at full blast. Hydration is simple to do, but if left undone can leave you feeling less than stellar. So stick to this 3-point plan to focus on hydration from RealBuzz.com:

Limit caffeine intake. Caffeinated drinks including cola, tea and coffee, all dehydrate your body. This can result in headaches, dry and sore throats, and lethargy.
Don’t lose your bottle. Always keep a bottle of water at arms reach. Take frequent swigs and you’ll keep your fluid levels topped up.
Don’t neglect activity. However, just because you have water close at hand and don’t need to move away from your desk for a drink, still make sure that you take regular exercise and mobility breaks.

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What's the Deal With: Hyponatremia

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 08:45:00 -0700

While it seems like most of us have a hard time staying hydrated, there are serious, even fatal, side affects to drinking too much water. The condition is called hyponatremia

Also known as water intoxication, hyponatremia occurs when the sodium in your blood is diluted by excess water. The body's balance of electrolytes is pushed outside of safe limits, disrupting normal brain function. If water enters the body more quickly than it can be removed after intense sweating and sodium loss, body fluids are diluted and this can be a problem for marathoners. Because endurance runners lose sodium through sweat, drinking too much water during endurance activities, such as marathons and triathlons, can dilute the sodium content of your blood.

Some things to note:

Hyponatremia also occurs more often in women than in men.
Not being acclimated to hot weather can increase the amount of sodium you lose through sweating during exercise.
The symptoms of hyponatremia can mimic the symptoms of dehydration. Pay attention to a headache that won’t go away, vomiting and confusion. Seek help from a doctor.
To confirm low blood sodium, laboratory tests — including blood tests and possibly urine tests — are necessary.

Be safe when you run in the heat!!! Experiment with all those different sports drinks out there to find one that suits your needs.

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There's Water and Then There's Contrex

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 14:30:00 -0700

Wish your water did more than just hydrate you? Look no more.

Contrex is the latest and greatest in water in the U.S. It is a natural mineral water that has zero calories and one eight ounce serving of Contrex delivers 11.5% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for Calcium and 5% of the RDI for magnesium. The French have been drinking Contrex for years -- Perhaps criticizing a healthy activity was just a cover to hide how healthy they really are.

Contrex contains a natural blend of minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, and potassium, to name just a few -- All of these minerals are what gives Contrex a kind of unique taste. According to the website, the minerals found in Contrex are derived from the earth and there are no added ingredients.
Want to try it out for yourself? Visit Contrex.com to see where you can buy it near you.

P.L.O.W. - Tunes about Water

FitSugar — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 03:00:00 -0700

I usually listen to my iPod to get pumped up for a run, but sometimes I don't feel like huffing and puffing and getting all sweaty. Plus it takes a lot of energy to fully exert my body like that, so when my energy is low, I like to take my time and go for a nice long walk along the water. Not only is it great exercise, but it gives me a chance to be alone with my thoughts and really appreciate the gorgeous surroundings.

Since I love to walk along the beach or lakeside, this playlist is a tribute to everything water - rivers, streams and even rain. After all, we wouldn't be here if it weren't for crisp, refreshing, glorious water.

Want to see it? Then

Signs of Dehydration

FitSugar — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 15:45:00 -0700

It's summer and it's hot out. Your body produces sweat to cool you off, so in order to make up for that lost fluid, you should be drinking more water. If you don't, you could be at risk for dehydration.

Our bodies are 2/3 water, so if a person gets dehydrated, it means the amount of water in her body has dropped below the level needed for normal body functioning. You can get dehydrated from a bad stomach bug (you lose a lot of fluid when you're constantly visiting the bathroom). Athletes and people who do a ton of physical exercise can risk dehydration if they sweat a lot and don't drink enough water as they workout. Being out in hot summer heat can also put you at risk.

Here are the signs of dehydration:

feeling dizzy or lightheaded
having a dry or sticky mouth and throat
producing less urine, or dark-colored urine

If you are suffering from these symptoms, drink water! When I say water, I don't mean sport drinks, Vitamin Water, soda, or juice. Your body is screaming for some good old H20. Dehydration can usually be treated by giving your body the water it needs. How much water do you need? Check out Fit's calculator to find out.

To prevent dehydration in the first place, drink water throughout your day. If you are planning on exercising, drink 8 oz 20-30 minutes beforehand.

Fit's Tips: Be weary of diets that encourage you to limit your fluid intake - if you don't drink anything, you'll be losing water weight, not body weight. That means when you go to drink a glass of water that your body needs, you'll "gain" that weight right back.

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What to Pack for a Day Hike

FitSugar — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:01:18 -0700

I love to get an early start in the morning when I am planning an all day hike up and down a mountain. The air is cooler in the morning and there are less people on the trail. Since I plan to be out for at least 4 hours, maybe even 8 hours if I am feeling really ambitious, I need more than just water in my day pack.

I made this widget - it's a list of day hike essentials. Check it out.

You can create your own Fit List and then Build Your Own Widget to share on TeamSugar.

Fit's Tips: I always pack my lunch and snacks in a plastic grocery bag and when I'm done, I use the bag for my trash and any I find on the trail.

10 Tips to Keep Moving When it's Hot Outside

FitSugar — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Summer can be the rise or the fall of your exercise routine. To keep you going strong this summer, eDiets has 10 great tips on how to stay fit for summer without giving up anything you love.

Drink as much water as possible: Don't get caught up on soda, juice or flavored coffee trap. During warm weather your body needs extra hydration, be sure it's calorie-free. Water is a natural appetite suppressant, and most times your “hunger” is your body asking for water -- not food.
Eat light: This one's a no brainer. Hot temps can significantly reduce your appetite. Be sure to eat light but well-rounded meals throughout the day, and don't make a habit of chowing down on heavy, high-fat foods (burgers and fries).
Play for exercise: Make some of your summer fun active fun. You might consider joining a volleyball league or going hiking. And of course swimming is great exercise. You could also get into your kids' activities, such as helping out with coaching their soccer team.
Walk, don't ride: As long as the mercury hasn't climbed to dangerous levels (above 90 degrees), make a habit of leaving the car at home whenever possible. The extra caloric output will be much more than you can generate strictly through exercise.
Fire the lawn guy: Don't underestimate the amount of physical exertion it takes to landscape. Mowing the lawn, raking leaves, and planting flowers are great exercise if approached with the right mindset. Keep your pace brisk while moving around and you'll be sure to work up a good sweat.

There are five more, so

Burn Calories without Burning Up in the Heat

FitSugar — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Things are heating up weather wise, but if you still want to keep your workout outside (say while doing my beach body beach workout) use these tips from the American Council on Exercise on burning calories without burning up in the heat:

Hydration: Fluid replenishment before, during and after exercise is essential to avoid progressive dehydration. Always consume more fluids than you think you need before and after exercise, and strive to drink six to eight ounces of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes during exercise.
Exercise Intensity: You should probably reduce the intensity of your workout, particularly the first few times you are exposed to higher temperatures.
Temperature: Use the heat stress index table (at the right) to determine the risk of exercising at various combinations of temperature and humidity. While a 90° F outdoor temp is relatively safe at 10 percent humidity, the heat stress of 90° F at 50 percent humidity is the equivalent of 96° F. When the heat stress index rises above 90° F, you may want to consider postponing your exercise session until later in the day. Or, plan ahead, and beat the day's heat by working out early in the morning.

There's more so

The Blue Planet Run

FitSugar — Wed, 23 May 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Running for a cause: Safe and clean water

The Blue Planet Run will cover 15,200 miles, across 16 countries and 4 continents, 24 hours a day for 95 days to deliver an urgent and important message: We can and must begin to alleviate the catastrophic burden placed on over a billion people who, every day, must drink unsafe local water, or travel long distances on foot to search for safe water for themselves and their families. Water is a basic necessity!!!

The run starts in New York City on June 1, 2007, when a team of 20 ordinary male and female athletes will run around the clock along a route that includes the U.S., Ireland, the U.K., France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Belarus, Russia, Mongolia, China, Japan and Canada. Each runner will sprint 10 miles a day. Batons will be passed at over 1,500 exchange points. The Run will end right where is started, back in New York City, on September 4, 2007.

The event will be completely Earth - and people - friendly, imagine an event that becomes known as "The Race without a Trace." Visit BluePlanetRun.com to find out how you can get involved and to donate money for these efforts (100% of all financial contributions to the Blue Planet Run go directly into funding safe water projects).

Beach Body Beach Workout

FitSugar — Mon, 21 May 2007 04:00:00 -0700

So you've been hitting the gym a lot to get into that bikini and now that you've arrived, try and keep it that way with this beach body beach workout:

Warm-Up: Tread water for 5 minutes.
Cardio: Jog in the sand for at least 30 minutes. For an added challenge, run in ankle high water.
Walking Lunges: Walking lunges are a great variation to regular lunges. Plus doing them in the sand adds a whole new variation. Try doing 20 forward and 20 backward. For an added challenge, hold two water bottles down at your sides.
Mountain Climbers: Do 3 one minute intervals. (Hands in sand with shoulders over hands. One leg tucked, one leg extended. As quickly as possible "climb" alternating legs back and forth.) Word to the wise: You may want to close your eyes as you'll probably be kicking up a lot of sand.
Push-Ups: Do 3 sets of 10 push-ups on the sand. For an added challenge, make sure your head is at a slightly lower level than your feet.
Crab Walk: (Reverse push-up position: belly facing up, abs tight, legs out in front of you, arms extended below your shoulders, spine straight) Walk forward for 25 steps and then backward 25 steps. Repeat. For an added challenge, soak a towel and rest it on your belly for some added weight.
Crunches: Do 2 sets of 25 basic crunches in the sand -- For an added challenge position yourself so that your head is at a slightly lower level than your feet.
Cool-Down: Walk around in the sand for 5 minutes and follow with 15 high kicks.

Fit's Tip: Be sure to use a waterproof/sweatproof sunscreen and I prefer to wear sneakers (except when swimming) for support of my ankles despite the sand.

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Vita Splash: Add a Lil' Something Extra to Your Water

FitSugar — Thu, 10 May 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Sick of drinking plain ol' water?

Vita Splash is a Sugar Free water enhancer. They are low in calories and come in small, individual serving packets which can fit in a purse, backpack pouch, desk drawer, gym bag or even in your pocket. They can go anywhere and can be consumed anytime. If you're not getting enough water because you just don't like the taste, then this may be the answer for you. I'm not kidding when I say, there are TONS of flavors in each of the five categories: Calcium, Joint Support, Multi-Vitamin, Fiber Infusion and Immune-Boost. I am drinking the Grape Immune-Boost right now (I kind of feel a cold coming on) and I've got to say, it's quite tasty.

I will say, however, that they are all very sweet (they use Sucralose so they're all still sugar free) so you may want to add more water than the recommended amount -- Plus then you end up drinking more water! If you have an aversion to Sucralose, then you're not going to be a fan.

You can find Vita Splash near you at Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Brookshire Grocery, Hannaford Brothers, Pathmark, HyVee, Spartan Stores and JH Harvey. Or you can buy it online at discountcoffee.com for $4.99 (for a pack of 8 packets).

I've got a whole stash in my drawer for when I am not feeling like another cup of water... If you try it, let me know what you think.

You Asked: How to Survive Finals

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 14:30:00 -0700

It is finals season and surviving the crazy and rigorous study and exam schedule can be beyond difficult.

Here are a few suggestions and tips for you as you enter survival / study mode.

Routine: Stick to your normal sleeping, eating and exercising schedule as much as possible. This means don't suddenly up your caffeine intake, since it can interfere with your ability to sleep.
Take Breaks: Put your study materials down every two hours and relax. Let your eyes, brain and body take a rest. This will help you study for longer - I swear.
Exercise: Partake in some mellow form of exercise daily. Take a walk or a bike ride and let your mind wander, you might figure out a new argument to that 50 point essay question.
Eat Well: Eat balanced meals every day, and healthy snacks too. Don't short change yourself nutritionally, you are under serious stress and your body and brain need nutritious foods - not bags of Doritos balanced out by a cup of green tea.
Avoid the Munchies: If you are staying up way past your usual bedtime, chances are you will crave sugary, carbohydrate snacks since your brain needs carbs to function. Avoid the powdered sugar donuts from the vending machine and eat some complex carbs that you have prepared ahead of time (brown rice, quinoa) or eat some healthy whole grain cereal like Kashi. Who doesn't love a bowl of cereal at 1 a.m.?
Attitude: Keep a positive attitude. You are almost done and summer is almost here, and avoid the "nervous nellies" since anxiety can be contagious.

Good luck!!!!

Avoid the Lead: Cook with Cold Water

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 12:30:00 -0700

All these years I have been cooking with cold water because I was under the impression (damn you, 5th grade science teacher) that cold water boiled faster than hot water. I have no idea why I was told that, or why I believed it for that matter but I did. The truth is, cold water does not boil faster than warm water, but that is beside the point.

So should we all be cooking with warm water to speed up the process? Think again. Never cook with or consume water from the hot-water tap. This is because hot water dissolves more lead more quickly than cold water, which means you may be consuming more lead than you should be. Houses built before 1986 are the most likely to have lead parts, however even plumbing legally considered lead-free today may contain up to 8 percent lead. While copper pipes replaced lead ones decades ago, fusing pipes with lead was legal until 1991.

Why does it matter? Well, too much lead in the body can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system and red blood cells (it's especially bad for pregnant women and children). So the EPA recommends that you do not use water taken from the hot tap for cooking or drinking, and especially not for making baby formula. If you need hot water, draw water from the cold tap and heat it on the stove. Anytime a faucet hasn't been used for at least six hours, "flush" all the water that has been sitting in the pipes. This could take anywhere from 5 seconds to 2 minutes. When the water stops getting colder, it is "flushed."

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Get in Gear: Ultimate Direction Access 2x

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

Especially now that the weather is getting warmer, it is really important to keep hydrated on long walks, runs or hikes. The problem is, most of us don't want to deal with carrying the water in our hands and a backpack does not always make for a comfortable outing.

The Ultimate Direction Access 2x ($27.95) water bottle carry features two
insulted bottle holsters and 20 oz. bottles, an ultra wicking hydrophilic interlock back panel for maximum ventilation with anti-microbial finish against skin and a zippered storage pocket. Which means you can bring a snack or pick me up (such as Sport Beans) along too. The pack is much less bulky than a lot of water bottle holsters out there, which means you'll be able to really go the distance.

Want it? Then buy it from RunningWarehouse.com. How much water should you be drinking anyway? Find out with the Fit Calculator.

Waterproof MP3 Player

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Do you miss your music when you're exercising in water? Do you still crave the bass line beat even though you’re submerged? Well, Freestyle Audio has created an MP3 player that can follow you into the pool, crossing aquatic boundaries that the delicate iPod nano wouldn't dare dream of.

Although I have always found the quiet of swimming laps relaxing and almost meditative, Freestyle Audio’s Waterproof and Shockproof DMP MP3 player still impresses me. Freestyle Audio makes action sports audio technology for water, snow and other extreme environments that are "not friendly to lesser consumer electronics." WOW!!!! Freestyle sounds so extreme. This waterproof MP3 player holds up to 160 songs and can play for up 15 hours. The accompanying earbuds are waterproof as well - designed to keep the "sound in and the water out." Keep your hands free by wearing the waterproof player in their Neoprene arm band.

Prices range from $139 to $199 depending on the amount of memory. Buy one from Freestyle directly.
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How Much Should You Drink? Beverage Guidance System

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 04:00:00 -0700

I am sure you know about the Food Pyramid, but did you know that there is a similar pyramid for beverages?

Well there is. The Beverage Guidance Panel (I know, there is a panel for everything) has developed guidelines for beverage classification and how much you should drink in a day. For individuals older than 6 years, the Panel recommends the following ranges of intake for beverages:

Level 1: (water), 20 to 50 fl oz/day
Level 2: (unsweetened tea and coffee), 0 to 40 fl oz/day (may replace water, but caffeine is a limiting factor, up to 400 mg/day, or ~32 fl oz coffee/day)
Level 3: (low-fat and skim milk and soy beverages), 0 to 16 fl oz/day
Level 4: (noncalorically sweetened beverages), 0 to 32 fl oz/day (may substitute for tea and coffee with the same limitations as for caffeine)
Level 5: (caloric beverages with some nutrients), 0 to 8 fl oz of 100% fruit juices/day, 0 to 1 alcoholic drink/day for women and 0 to 2 alcoholic drinks/day for men (one drink is ~12 fl oz of beer, 5 fl oz of wine, or 1.5 fl oz of distilled spirits) and 0 fl oz of whole milk/day
Level 6: (calorically sweetened beverages), 0 to 8 fl oz/day

Water Knowledge

FitSugar — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 08:00:00 -0700

It is getting warmer out there (at least in some parts of the world), so hopefully you are taking advantage of the weather. Make sure to stay hydrated while you play outdoors. Take this quiz to learn if you are a heavy drinker...of water.

Smart to Drink smartwater?

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 10:49:40 -0800

Water to make you smarter? Could it be that Jennifer Aniston is auditioning for a new brainy role? Not quite.

Glacéau's (the folks who bring us VitaminWater and FruitWater) smartwater is vapor distilled electrolyte enhanced water or quite simply: Water with electrolytes. This means it feels like you are drinking regular bottled water but you're actually getting the added benefit of electrolytes (helps prevent dehydration), without getting the added intense flavors and calories of other sports drinks like Gatorade.

The only time I would not recommend this water is while running (unless you pour it into a different bottle) because the clean, smooth bottles are hard to get a good grip on (especially if your hands sweat excessively). However, it's great for the gym or during any other activity where you won't be clutching your water the entire time. I'd even recommend it if you had a big night out, and you're feeling a bit hung over. Buy it from Dr. Soda Company online for $1.29-$2.19 (depending on size).

Fit's Tip: Just so you know, it's really not necessary to replace lost electrolytes during normal exercise (say 30 mins of cardio) since it is unlikely that you may experience a significant depletion in those that your body normally stores, but it definitely won't hurt to ensure hydration. If you're training for a race of some sort (or just exercising a lot) then it's a great idea to consider drinks, like smartwater, with electrolytes.

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Class Act: Splash Athlete

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 08:40:00 -0800

Sick of your regular step aerobics class yet? The good news is that group classes are so big in the fitness world right now that you can always find something new.

Splash Athlete is a great class that cross trains while building strength and stamina with cardio as well as muscular conditioning drills and exercises in the water. The class uses special water dumbbells, flotation belts, noodles and other water-workout equipment. The class is currently a Sports Club/LA specialty so if you're not lucky enough to be a member of Sports Club/LA then look for similar classes at gyms or recreation centers near you.

Can you sweat in water? Well, it's time to find out!

Clean Your Cans

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 17:25:00 -0800

Before opening canned beans, meats, fruits, or veggies have you ever thought about the top of the can? Just close your eyes and try to picture the life of the can in your hand. It went from factory to truck to store, and was probably touched by at least 3 different people before making it to the shelf. I don't even want to think about how many customers picked up that same can too. Maybe the can dropped on the floor and a kid picked his nose and then put it back on the shelf.

As if that isn't gross enough, who knows how long that can has been sitting there, just collecting dust and germs. And when you go to open the can, the top always slides into the food, so all that nasty junk becomes part of your dinner.

Here's an idea. Always wash and wipe off the top of your can before you open it. You'll have piece of mind knowing you got rid of all the dirt, and your food will be spared bits of dust and bacteria.

The same goes for soda cans and pet food. They can get just as grimy.

Is it Bad to Freeze Disposable Water Bottles?

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 03:00:17 -0800

There has been much buzz about the chemicals in plastic water bottles. I've heard that freezing a disposable water bottle can be bad for you.

If you're worried about chemicals like dioxins seeping out of the plastic and corrupting your water, have NO fear. This is just an urban legend, a bad rumor, and not at all true.

Actually, freezing your water bottle will work against the releasing of chemicals, which do not diffuse very well in cold temperatures, like in your freezer.

Another fact to set your mind at ease: Most plastic water bottles, and microwave containers do NOT contain the chemicals that form dioxins. Also, in order to form dioxins, those chemicals need to be at extremely high temperatures (above 700 degrees).

Still not convinced? The FDA said "With regard to dioxins, we have seen no evidence that plastic containers or films contain dioxins and know of no reason why they would.”

So freeze and microwave your little heart out. The only thing I'd worry about is using that disposable water bottle over and over again - there's no way to clean it or get rid of bacteria.

Chrysanthemum Tea

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 02:04:17 -0800

So I just told you about some houseplants that could be toxic to some people and animals. Chrysanthemum was on the list, but someone asked, "What about Chrysanthemum Tea?"

Allow me to clear this up. The reason it was on the list is because some people can have a reaction to the plant. It produces mild to moderate stomach upset or dermatitis. The juice, sap, or thorns may cause a skin rash or irritation.

Traditionally and medicinally used in China for tea only the yellow or white flowers are boiled down to make this sweet drink. The tea is prescribed in Chinese medicine for influenza, and it has a cooling effect on the body, so it is used for treating heatstroke.

Chrysanthemum tea also detoxifies the blood; helps with sinus congestion, high blood pressure, and can also calm the nerves. Chrysanthemum Tea can also be used to sharpen vision and hearing, and clear the brain.

So while touching the actual plant's juices may give you a rash, sipping hot tea made from Chrysanthemum flowers has many health benefits.

The Skinny on: Colonics and the Red Carpet

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 17:00:00 -0800

There are many celebrity secrets to looking gorgeous on the red carpet and one of those dirty little secrets is colonics. Yes they are as unglamorous as they sound. Contrary to popular belief, colonics do not help you lose weight, since the large intestines/lower intestines/colon does not metabolize food, just water. However, a colonic does wash away anything that is hanging out in your lower intestines. For the red carpet walk, a colonic can decrease bloating and thereby flatten a belly. Some even claim that colonics can plump up the skin too. Increasing the amount of water you drink, even doubling the recommended 8 servings of 8 ounces of water a day, for 5 days before a big event can produce the same desired effect and that just sounds a lot more appealing to me. You all know how much I love water.

Healthy Dose Link Time!!!!!!!

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 11:27:17 -0800

Here's a few tips and news items I though you all might find helpful, interesting and healthful. Yep, another healthy dose of the web.

Complete Running explores the ups and downs of cardio equipment.

vitabeat reports that NYC handed out condoms for Valentine's Day. My question is why didn't more cities celebrate National Condom Day too?

Healthbolt provides some excellent information on water - one of my favorite subjects.

Fitness Fixation has the skinny on the fitness wheel.

About:yoga teaches you how to do Pyramid pose.

diet-blog reveals that fashion models are not so happy.

NetSweat reports that dieting may increase your cravings for chocolate.

fitPod has a new, free workout mix for you to download.

Fitness explains cardiovascular health.

i Fit & Healthy wonders is Angelina Jolie anorexic. In my experience appetite loss often accompanies grieving.

Relax Already: Get a Fish Tank

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 17:30:00 -0800

I love all animals, and when I was in college, my tiny apartment would only allow fish. So, I took what I could get, and I've had a fish tank ever since.

Originally, I got fish for some company, but I realized that having them around is really relaxing. I love to hear the gentle bubbling of the filter and watch the graceful movements of the fish's shimmering fins. It has a wonderful calming effect on my mood.

Want to know how you can set-up your own peaceful community tank? Then

Big Ballers Drink Hi-Ball

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 09:30:00 -0800

Wanna be a baller? I recently came across this new energy sparkling water called Hi-Ball because rumor has is that A-listers like Lindsay Lohan and Mischa Barton drink it as a healthier alternative to the other energy drinks, which are often loaded with sugar. So I'm intrigued.

You guys probably already know how I feel about energy drinks, but I was intrigued with the no sugar, no carbs, no artificial additives or sweeteners and only 10 calories per bottle claim. The energy in Hi-Ball comes from a strong cocktail of: caffeine 75mg, guarana 32mg, ginseng 32mg, 1250mg of taurine and B-vitamins.

In case you're wondering, guarana, the ingredient found in most Brazilian soft drinks, promotes health and weight loss. What about taurine? Well, interestingly enough, high intake of alcohol may cause the body not to be able to use taurine fully but in Asia, they use taurine for the prevention of the side effects from excess alcohol consumption. I think I know why LL has been sipping Hi-Ball. When it comes to energy drinks, Hi-Ball sits high on my list, Red Bull being at the bottom, in terms of the ingredients and how I feel after drinking it.

Again, if you're feeling low in energy I think you should re-evaluate why you're feeling so tired all of the time before turning to energy drinks. Visit hiballer.com to find out where to buy it and Yum did a great post about all of the different waters and energy waters out there so you should check it out if you're interested.

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Chai Tea - Raise a Cup to Your Health

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 02:30:00 -0800

What is not to like about tea? Tea and especially chai tea help prevent and fight many different kinds of cancer, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and may reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

The fact is - every ingredient in chai tea is good for you, and when you put them all together they pack a powerful punch for your immune system.

Chai is a great alternative to your morning cup of coffee - a 5 ounce cup of coffee contains 200 mg of caffeine and black tea contains half that.

In the winter, after a long day of playing out in the snow, it's nice to come home, take a hot shower and curl up on the couch with a steaming cup of chai tea. Of course you can buy chai tea packets, but nothing compares to making it yourself.

Want to see my recipe? Then

Aqua2Go Back on Ellen!

FitSugar — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 03:00:00 -0800

You guys were loving Aqua2go, the great new water in a juice box and so I wanted to let you know that the creator, Stacey, is going to be on The Ellen Show again this Wednesday! How cool is that?

Water in a juice box is such a great concept, I can't help telling everyone I know about it. What's more? Aqua2go in the Tetra Brik Aseptic package has been selected to be among the beverages sampled in the Melanie Segal Platinum Luxury V.I.P. Gifting Suite in Celebration of the Oscars! And who happens to be the host of the show? You've guessed it, Ellen. Visit the Aqua2go site to find out where you can buy the famous water in a box.

How much water, in a box or not, should you be drinking? Not sure, then check out the Fit Calculator to find out. With the calculator you can also find out how many calories you should be eating in day, what your target heart rate is and where your Body Mass Index (BMI) is.

Are You Drinking Enough Water?

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 16:05:00 -0800

How much water am I supposed to drink in a day? I've heard 8 glasses, 6 glasses, 10 glasses - but how do I know what's right for my own body?

Take the pee test. Sounds classy, I know. But it can be quite informative.

After you pee in the toilet, take a look. Really. I'm serious. What color do you see? Is it dark yellow, light yellow, or does it look clear?

The color of pee is caused by bile, the chemical your liver produces to break up fat. When our bodies break down bile, the pigment urochrome turns pee yellow. The lighter the color, the more it's watered down.

Here's the deal. If you are drinking enough water for your body, your urine will be as clear as water. If your pee is - then you passed the test.

Also, your water needs can change from day to day, so monitor it by checking your pee. If it's clear, you're all good. You can also check out Fit's Calculator to see how much water you should be drinking daily.

Water in a Box: Aqua 2 Go

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 17:30:00 -0800

Once a mere figment of my imagination, a drink box filled with water for adults, is now a reality.

OK, so I just heard about this new water on Ellen today and it is a fabulous idea! Thanks to the aseptic packaging and reverse osmosis purification, AQUA2GO ($3.89 per 8 pack) is pure, safe and great-tasting water. The water is purified and packaged to a US Coast Guard Standard and has a five-year shelf life. Unlike bottled water, AQUA2GO requires no special storage, is lightweight and can easily be flattened after use.

The best part? Everyone loves drinking from a juice box and water is way less in calories than juice (especially the juices in juice boxes). What's more? The packaging is convenient enough to take around with you everywhere and much less bulky than bottle water. Look for it at your local grocery store.

Ellen took it upon herself to create a commercial for this great new product, and it happens to be a rather hilarious spoof on the famous Justin Timberlake "...in a box" SNL appearance. So I thought I'd share it with you. Enjoy!

Fit's Tip: Are you involved? AQUA2GO sells water boxes below wholesale cost to fundraisers geared toward recovery of New Orleans (schools, hospitals, churches, rebuilding homes, etc.).