FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

Do You Salt Your Food?

FitSugar — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:30:00 -0700

I love salt, almost as much as I love sweets. For many of my meals, I like to sprinkle a little on my food to add just a hint of flavor. I know it's not healthy to use a lot of salt, especially because high blood pressure runs in my family, but everything's fine in moderation, right? So tell me . . .Source

Do You Salt Your Food?

Always, I'm obsessed with salt.

Sometimes, if my food needs it.

Rarely, since I know it's bad for me.

Never, I'm not a salt lover.

Which Type of Exercise Have You Been Neglecting?

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Moving your body at least three times a week is a wonderful goal to have. It'll help you lose weight or maintain your current weight, it gives you energy, helps you sleep at night, strengthens your immune system, and improves digestion. When you exercise, you want to make sure your weekly routines include three things: cardio for burning calories and working your heart and lungs, stretching to prevent injury and increase flexibility, and strength training to tone your muscles. I know it's tough to include all three all the time, so tell me . . .

Which Type of Exercise Have You Been Neglecting?

Cardio

Flexibility training

Strength training

Have You Ever Lied to Your Doctor?

FitSugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:59:00 -0700

I am wondering if you're guilty of lying to your doc? It happens, consciously or unconsciously. I just want to do an informal and unscientific poll of my own to see how common these lies really are, and which ones we tell the most. So if you have ever lied to your physician tell me which lie below.Source

Have You Ever Lied to Your Doctor?

I am not a big drinker.

I do not smoke.

I am monogamous.

Of course, I floss.

I take medication as directed.

I have told another lie and I will share it below.

I have never lied to my doctor.

Do You Ever Skip Meals?

FitSugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 04:30:00 -0700

When I was in college I would skip a meal (mainly breakfast) here and there to keep the pounds down. Now, I know that this was not an effective tactic as I was just putting my body into starvation mode, leading me to eat more at other times during the day. I never skip meals anymore, but I know a lot of folks still believe in this method in order to lose a few. What about you? Do you ever skip a meal because you don't want the calories?Source

Do You Ever Skip Meals?

Yes, all the time.

Yes, sometimes.

No, never.

Other — Share with us below.

Have You Ever Bought Fitness Equipment From TV?

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Infomercials are hard to miss. Since I'm so obsessed with fitness, I repeatedly get sucked into watching the "one time offer" fitness gear ads. While the ones that promise that you'll "lose 10 pounds in 10 days" are completely ridiculous, but some of these gadgets actually pique my curiosity. And they're always priced just right to be on the outer edge of affordable. Back in high school I convinced my mother we needed this Ab Roller after watching the Infomercial and I still use it. So what about you . . .

Have You Ever Bought Fitness Equipment From TV?

Yes I have — tell me what you bought below.

No I haven't.

I don't watch TV.

Are You Getting a Flu Shot This Year?

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:30:00 -0700

My aching right arm is evidence that I've just gotten my annual flu shot. I've been getting them for years, and I'm a strong believer in the shots but I know many folks are opposed to the vaccination. So I am curious, will you be getting a flu shot this year?Source

Are You Getting a Flu Shot This Year?

Yes — I already got mine.

Yes — I already have my appointment scheduled.

Yes — thanks for the reminder.

Unsure — I'm on the fence.

No — I don't believe in the flu shot.

No — I'm scared of shots.

Other — Share below.

Are the Dark Mornings Affecting Your Exercise Habits?

FitSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 04:30:00 -0700

All Summer long, I ran in the early mornings. It was great to fit in a run before the rest of my household was up. The sun woke me up before 6:00 and I was out the door. Now, the sun isn't up until I have finished my post run shower, if I get up at all. I find it hard to work out in the dark early mornings, how about you . . .Source

Are the Dark Mornings Affecting Your Exercise Habits?

Yes. I've been saving my workout for later in the day.

Yes. I keep hitting snooze and skip exercise altogether.

No. I am a morning person no matter if the sun is up or not.

Other — share with us below.

Sit ups vs. Push-ups?

FitSugar — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0700

We all have exercises we love to hate. When posed with the question of choosing a favorite between the mainstays of calisthenics, Lauren Conrad admitting to hating both sit ups and push-ups. So tell me in a battle for your heart, which exercise do you love more?Source

Sit ups vs. Push-ups?

Sit ups!

Push-ups!

I can't decide — I love them both.

I hate them both.

What's More Important to You: Flat Belly or Toned Tush?

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:30:00 -0700

We all eat right and work out to feel energetic, and to prevent ourselves from getting sick, but let's face it — many of us are conscientious about diet and exercise because we love how it makes us look. Who doesn't want a slim and toned body, right? There's nothing wrong with being proud of your appearance.With that said, everyone has certain parts of their body they love to work on so I'm wondering . . .Source

What's More Important to You: Flat Belly or Toned Tush?

Flat belly.

Toned tush.

They're equally important to me.

A different part — tell me what it is below.

I'm not concerned with how I look, only how I feel.

What Does Temptation Do to You?

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 04:30:00 -0700

One way I keep unhealthy foods from entering my body is to steer clear of them. I like to think the whole "out of sight, out of mind" theory works well for me. As it turns out, Reuters reported on a new study that has found that keeping sweet treats may actually help you stick to your diet. In fact, the study found that challenging yourself to resist temptation may even be more effective than banning all sweets and snack foods from the house. Oh, man. I'm not sure about this. What do you think? Does overcoming temptation make you stronger in your healthy endeavors or does it just make you hungrier?Source

What Does Temptation Do to You?

Stronger. Nothing is better than knowing you are in control!

Hungrier. If it's there, I'll eat it.

Other — share below.

"Unfit Brit" in People Magazine: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0700

In a recent issue of People magazine, I came across an article titled "Britney Spears: Body Makeover." The write-up details Britney's weight-loss methods: returning to her gym-rat ways, giving up fast food, and healthy meals delivered to her door. For the past three months, she has been working with a trainer, doing a lot of cardio as well as lots of dancing. People declares that Brit is "back in the zone."While I think it is great to see press about Britney mending her ways and going healthy, but then there's the caption on the "before" photo? "An Unfit Brit." I wouldn't say she was unfit, just not as fit as before having two kids and a nervous breakdown; to me she this singer looks normal, healthy, and not underweight. Don't get me started about "Britney's New Body Checklist." It's like a grocery list, where they dissect her body into parts. Flat Tummy? Check. Toned Arms? Check. No Double Chin? Check. With articles like this, no wonder so many women have issues with their weight.What do you think? Is it cool to comment on how Britney's looking more fit and toned now? Or is it uncool to comment on how bad she looked before, when she looked normal?

"Unfit Brit" in People Magazine: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not Cool!

Undecided — Please explain below.

How Often Do You Take OTC Pain Meds?

FitSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:30:00 -0700

I consider myself fortunate that my time of the month is not usually accompanied by intense cramps, but when I do experience that gnawing sensation in my pelvis I take whatever over the counter (OTC) pain medicine happens to be in my medicine cabinet. But, other than that I don't take OTC pain meds much more than once a month. What about you though?Source

How Often Do You Take OTC Pain Meds?

Every day.

A few times a week.

A few times a month.

Very rarely.

I don't ever take OTC pain meds.

What Is the Most Expensive Fitness Gadget or Gear That You Own?

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

This weekend, I shopped vicariously through my husband. He bought himself a sweet road bike, after riding on an old (read heavy) mountain bike for years. This new bike cost a pretty penny, but he sold a bunch of old musical equipment to cover the costs. His beautiful bike got me thinking about fitness gear and gadgets; some are quite costly, but seem so helpful. So tell me . . .Source

What Is the Most Expensive Fitness Gadget or Gear That You Own?

My sneakers.

I have an expensive heart rate monitor.

My GPS system rocks and cost me a bundle.

My bike.

I have a treadmill/elliptical/rowing machine.

My iPod.

I splurged on some Stella McCartney fitness fashion.

Other — tell me below.

Do You Work Out to Eat More?

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:00:00 -0700

Recently I was talking with DearSugar about how some people only work out just so they can eat whatever they want — kind of like what Gwyneth Paltrow says about her exercise routine. The whole idea got me wondering how many other people only work out just so they can eat whatever they want, whenever they want, and not pack on the pounds. So what about you? Do you work out just so you can eat more?
Source

Do You Work Out to Eat More?

Yes! Working out allows me to eat whatever I want.

No! I have to work out and eat right.

No. I don't work out, I just watch what I eat.

Other — share with us below.

Which Is More Embarrassing to Buy?

FitSugar — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 03:30:00 -0700

Grocery shopping is usually an uneventful experience, except for the few times when life calls for a unique addition to my list. I'm grateful that I can buy such necessities at most stores, but sometimes the items I need to purchase are a little more telling than others. During times when I don't feel like broadcasting my business, I head to the self checkout. I'm sure you can relate so tell me . . .

Which Is More Embarrassing to Buy?

Condoms

Yeast infection medicine

Lice treatment

Which Label Buzz Phrase Appeals to You the Most?

FitSugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Is it me, or are packages becoming more and more like tiny billboards? Companies place popular buzz phrases, like "fat free" and "low in calories," all over their boxes to reel you in and convince you to buy their products. I hate to admit it, but I totally fall for their ploys. "Organic" and "trans fat free" are a few of my faves. So tell me . . .

Do You "Cram" Before Going to the Dentist?

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Dental hygiene is really an everyday kind of activity. Or rather, a twice a day activity when it comes to brushing. Flossing, on the other hand, can sometimes be difficult to fit into the daily routine.When you slack on taking care of your gums regularly, your dentist will certainly scold you. Mine did many years ago and her cautionary tale inspired me to floss regularly. However, I have noticed that my husband "crams" before going to the dentist, just like we both did before college exams. About two weeks before his dental appointment, he suddenly begins flossing twice a day and using special mouthwash. After he's seen the dentist, his avid flossing goes out the window for another five and a half months. What about you . . .Source

Do You "Cram" Before Going to the Dentist?

Yes. I only floss regularly before going to the dentist.

No. I take care of my teeth and gums 365 days a year.

No and my dentist scolds me.

Other — tell me more in the comments section below.

Fruit or Veggies: Which Is Harder to Include in Your Diet?

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Fruits and veggies are equally important. They're a great source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein (well not, much but every little bit helps). They're low in calories, fat, cholesterol, and sodium, and they're perfect to snack on or include with your meals. You're supposed to eat five fruits and veggies a day, so I was wondering . . . Source

Fruit or Veggies: Which Is Harder to Include in Your Diet?

Fruits

Veggies

I need to work on eating both.

I don't have a problem eating either.

Cool or Not: French Warnings on Junk-Food Ads?

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0700

French women have long been admired for their ability to eat the rich, high-calorie foods of their cuisine without becoming overweight. They have inspired diet tips and books. This moderate food culture might have more to do with the government than we thought because the French Parliament seems to be legislating the two extremes of current weight issues. Recently, they outlawed images of extreme thinness and they are considering taxing fattening foods like ~~french fries~~ pommes frites and hamburgers. A friend of mine recently visited France and saw health warnings scrolling on the bottom of television ads for junk food, and took a photo of her hotel TV, knowing I'd want to see. The text translates roughly to: "For your health, eat at least five fruits and veggies a day." These warnings are not just limited to TV ads; they can be heard on the radio and seen in print ads as well. The warning reminds me a bit of the warning labels on cigarettes. While I appreciate those labels, I am not quite sure they keep people from lighting up, but hopefully they get smokers thinking.So what do you think about these warning messages. Do you think they could help solve the obesity problem? Should we imitate our Gallic friends? Are these warnings . . .

Cool or Not: French Warnings on Junk-Food Ads?

Cool!

Not Cool!

Undecided — Please explain!

How Often Do You Eat Meat?

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

I am a carnivore working to eat lower on the food chain. The United Nations estimates that 18 percent of green house gasses come from the production of meat. Due to this, the UN is asking the citizens of the world to eat more vegetarian meals. In fact, they suggest eating vegetarian one day a week. Eating less meat means eating more veggies, which is good for your health. So for the health of the planet and the health of my family, I am thinking about bringing Meatless Mondays back to my weekly meal plan. But what I want to know is . . .Source

How Often Do You Eat Meat?

I eat meat about once a week.

I eat meat two to four times a week.

I eat meat about five to ten times a week.

I eat meat at least once a day.

I never eat meat.

Other – tell me below.

Would You Consider Back Fat Surgery?

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

We all have those little areas on our bodies that we'd like to change. Some people turn to dieting, some people exercise, and others consider plastic surgery. If back fat is your enemy, there's a new surgery known as the bra-line back lift designed to get rid of those bumps and rolls of skin on your back, sort of like a face lift or tummy tuck. Go in with rolls and leave with smoother, even skin. It's not so much designed for slightly overweight people who carry their fat on their backs; it's more for people who've lost an extreme amount of weight or who have saggy skin from aging or too much sun exposure. After the surgery, you're left with a scar that a bra or bathing suit would hide. The procedure will run you from $7,500 to $10,000, so a flat back doesn't come cheap. Tell me . . . Source

Would You Consider Back Fat Surgery?

Yes, definitely.

Um, maybe. I'd definitely meet with a plastic surgeon to get more info.

No way — I'm not into surgery.

No, because I don't worry about that area.

Would You Rather Swim, Bike or Run?

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Everyone is doing triathlons these days. Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey just did one last weekend. Felicity Huffman did a triathlon last year. Even the ladies at Elastic Waist have created the Lazy Waister's Triathlon, spreading the mileage out over the course of five weeks. Another way to approach the triathlon is to enter as a team and split up the different legs of the race with two other friends. It is a great way to try a tri and is much less daunting than doing the entire race yourself. So if you were to make a team with your friends . . .Source

Would You Rather Swim, Bike or Run?

Swim

Bike

Run

None of the above!

Are You a Healthy or Unhealthy Snacker?

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

MSNBC recently reported on a new study that found when faced with the choice of eating a healthy or unhealthy snack, most people choose the unhealthy snack. The study highlighted the gap between our intentions and actions; it's one of the biggest problems with snacking. So while you may think you are above the fray, it would be wise to avoid the unhealthy temptations altogether by not keeping them in your home, car, or office and steering clear of places where you know you'll be tempted (fast food joints, bakeries, vending machines, etc.). I know that if I had to pick between homemade cookies or an energy bar, it'd be nearly impossible to go with the healthy item. What about you? Do you find that you're a healthy or unhealthy snacker?Source

Are You a Healthy or Unhealthy Snacker?

I usually pick healthy snacks.

I usually pick unhealthy snacks, I can't help myself.

Other — share below.

Gwyneth Doesn't Diet, Do You Believe Her?

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0700

I really love Gwyneth Paltrow. I love that she's gone from always being in the spotlight to focusing on being a mom. She's on The Oprah Winfrey Show talking about her diet today, and here's what she says . . .

Get Flash to see this player.

I was skeptical about her not dieting (didn't she follow a serious macrobiotic diet?), but back in 2006 she basically said the same thing. So it's not like she is flip-flopping her story too much. Regardless, what do you guys think? Are you buying into her saying that she doesn't diet at all, or do you think there is no way she gets her figure from working her butt off at the gym?

Gwyneth Doesn't Diet, Do You Believe Her?

Yes, why would she lie?

No, she's always talking about her strict diet.

Other — share below.

Have You Dealt With Head Lice?

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:30:00 -0700

School is in session, and kids can bring home things other than homework. I am talking about the unfortunate and in itch inducing subject of lice.I just read reports of a strain of super lice that are immune to over-the-counter lice treatments. While my girls have managed to stay lice free, I know lilsugar hasn't been so lucky and she says payback is an itch. So, I am freaking out a little because I know the chances of our household staying lucky and lice free until the girls go to college are slim. I even know a few folks who had lice in college when this disgusting parasite invaded their dorms. So I was wondering . . .Source

Have You Dealt With Head Lice?

Yes, I've unfortunately had lice a few times, and it was NOT fun.

Yes, I had it once.

Nope, I've never had it.

This topic makes my skin crawl.

Cool or Not: Fatguy Shirts

FitSugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0700

As the name suggests, Fatguy Shirts are mostly aimed at men, but some of these designs (and there are many) clearly have women in mind. On the one hand, I'm all for embracing a healthy body image, but most of these tees just seem mean. What do you think? Would you be proud to wear any of these? Do you find them refreshing or irresponsible?

Cool or Not: Fatguy Shirts

Cool!

Not cool!

Undecided — Please explain!

When Was the Last Time You Were Stung by a Bee?

FitSugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Picnicking on the beach after an open water swim, I was stung by a bee and it still smarts. The bees were interested in our food and a little aggressive. Flowers, bees typical food source, disappear as the seasons change and bees become more daring in their search for sustenance. Most often, bee stings just cause swelling and irritation, but they can be deadly in the case of an allergic reaction. Yikes.I hadn't been stung in years, and needed a little refresher course in how to treat the sting. Things like using tweezers to remove a stinger can cause more venom to be released. I was wondering about you all . . .Source

When Was the Last Time You Were Stung by a Bee?

Never. I must be lucky.

I haven't been stung since I was a kid.

It has been a while, but I can remember the swelling.

Within the last year.

I am allergic, so thankfully it has been years.

Other — share the detail below.

What Does Monday Morning Generally Mean to You?

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Monday morning, the alarm clock rings and what does that mean for you? A workout to jump start your healthy week or hitting the snooze button to get a little more recovery sleep after a crazy weekend? I am curious so tell me . . .

Source

What Does Monday Morning Generally Mean to You?

A workout to jump start my week.

After a long run on Sunday, Monday is my dedicated rest day.

I hit the snooze button and sleep as long as I can.

I slowly wake up, but know that I have a workout at the end of the day.

Other — I'll explain below.

Do You Have to Eat Something Sweet After Dinner?

FitSugar — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

I'm the first to admit that I have an enormous sweet tooth. Sometimes, a meal just isn't complete until I follow it with a little something sweet (usually a piece of dark chocolate does the trick). How about you . . .Source

Do You Have to Eat Something Sweet After Dinner?

Yes — Dessert after dinner is a must!

Sometimes — It depends on my mood.

Rarely — Dessert is a special treat for special occasions.

Never — I don't have much of a sweet tooth.

Is Taking Pictures of Your Food a Realistic Diet Plan?

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0700

A new study has been floating around the health airways that claims taking pictures of everything you eat can aid in weight loss. I can't but help but think, "That's great, but who can realistically do that?" I guess with all the cell phone cameras out there these days it's not too much of a burden, but I am never one to promote diet ideas that are not something we can easily adapt into our lifestyles. A food journal uses the same principals, recording evidence of meals hold us accountable, but does not require us to photograph our food. I'm sticking with my picture-free journals for now, but what do you think? Do you think that taking pictures of your food would be a realistic way for you to lose weight?Source

Is Taking Pictures of Your Food a Realistic Diet Plan?

Yes, I am going to try it!

Maybe, for a little while.

No, it's not a realistic diet plan for me.

When It Comes to Exercise, Do You Ignore Your Pain?

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Exercising is supposed to make you feel good, but sometimes while you're in the middle of a workout, you can experience discomfort or full-on pain. Achy knees, a stitch in your side, sore ankles, blisters, burning quads, and tight lungs are just a few I'm sure you can relate to. I was wondering though, do you push through the pain and keep going?

Source

When It Comes to Exercise, Do You Ignore Your Pain?

Yes, I ignore a little discomfort. No pain, no gain, right?

It depends on how bad the pain is.

No, I always listen to my body and slow down or stop.

I don't exercise.