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Looking to Move? Try Burlington, VT

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:00:13 -0700

After looking at the 100 largest metropolitan areas in America, Burlington, VT, came out on top as Self magazine's "fittest, healthiest, and happiest" city to live in for women. The magazine studied almost 8,000 different pieces of data in 50 categories and consulted a panel of experts to come up with its rankings. Information factored into the creation of this list includes rates of diseases, air quality, unemployment statistics, and health habits such as exercise and smoking.

The New England city boasts some of the lowest rates of cervical and ovarian cancer deaths in the country, and healthy habits prevail: women walk to work regularly and don't smoke. Where Burlington really shines is in nutrition and food - the city has six times as many food co-ops than the national average, and its farmers markets accept food stamps.

What to see how your hometown fared? Check out the entire ranking here.

5 Foods That Fight Stress

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:00:04 -0800

With the holiday season in full swing - presents to buy, meals to prepare, hardly a moment to hit the gym - it's easy to quickly become stressed out. And stress can trigger a load of other health issues, so it's best to keep our stress levels in check. While we're inclined to choose a not-so-healthy snack to put our stress at ease, there's a better solution in the way of food. Just read on to find out which healthy foods Self magazine suggests can help conquer stress and boost your mood.

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People's Choice Nominee Taylor Gets Physical in Men's Health

PopSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:30:11 -0800

Taylor Lautner kept his shirt on for the cover of December's Men's Health, but his muscles were still a hot topic. Inside the magazine, Taylor's trainer Jordan Yuam opened up about their exercise regimen that created the New Moon star's amazing abs. Taylor and his costars are currently off doing press for their film in Paris, but back home in the US the Twilight gang led the pack at the People's Choice Awards nominations that came out today. He earned a spot in the Best Breakout Actor category as well as best ensemble - check out the whole list here!

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To see behind the scenes video from Taylor's Men's Health shoot just read more.

Favorite Health Magazine

FitSugar — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 03:00:00 -0800

If you're active and into a healthy lifestyle, perusing through health magazines can give you great recipe ideas, interesting facts about ingredients and supplements, and inspirational how-tos to tone your upper body.

When I asked about your Favorite Health Magazine, I'd have to agree with the results. Women's Health is top on your list (and mine), because it's mature and easy to read. Shape and Self were close behind though, because they both motivate you to stay fit and healthy with their challenging workouts and details about new fitness gear. In case you're looking for a quick gift idea, keep in mind that subscriptions to health or fitness mags are always appreciated.

What's Your Favorite Health Magazine?

FitSugar — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 03:00:00 -0800

I have a few subscriptions to health magazines, and I get so excited when they arrive each month. Not only do they give me helpful tips, new fitness routines, and ideas for healthy meals, but what I love most about them is they encourage me to continue my healthy lifestyle. Everyone has a favorite mag so tell me . . .

Why We Overeat: We Crave Fattening Foods

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:00:38 -0700

Juicy hamburgers, crispy French fries smothered in cheese, brownie sundaes topped with ice cream - why can't we say no to these fattening foods? We can't help it, according to Health magazine. Dr. David A. Kessler, author of The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite says, "We’re hardwired to hunger for fatty, sugary, salty foods because, back when our ancestors were foraging for every meal, palatable eats meant extra energy and a leg-up on survival."

Well thank you Mr. Caveman for my desire for greasy pizza and cheesecake. Not only do high-fat foods taste great, but when you devour them, a signal is sent to your brain that you're satisfied and happy. Your brain also forms long-term feel-good memories of the experience, which makes you crave it again and again. Even seeing or smelling certain fattening foods can spur pleasant thoughts that make us crave it. Well I guess old habits die hard. It does make me feel better to know that my brain's hunger for triple chocolate mousse pie is a force stronger than my willpower.

How can you combat this hardwired desire? Find out when you read more.

The best thing you can do is know which high-fat foods are triggers for you. Dr. Kessler says since certain moods, times of day, or places can spark our need for our favorite treats, avoid giving into your cravings. This will prevent the link from forming between foods and their triggers. Also set yourself up for success by avoiding foods that you can't say no to. That means you might want to find a different route to work that doesn't take you past a chocolate shop.

What Is the Best Health Magazine of 2007?

FitSugar — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 02:00:00 -0800

There are tons of magazines out there, but only a few fitness ones that most of us actually read. Since we are asking you to rate the best of 2007, I am curious about which is your favorite, so . . .

Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:00:49 -0700

Women's Health magazine workouts now for iPhone - Women's Health
Dakota Fanning jogs with her dad. How cute is that? - FitCeleb
Protect your knees. Land like a dancer - Social Workout
Pole dancing and the Olympics - Never Say Diet
Learn why feta is the best cheese for weight loss - Vitamin G
Whip your arms into shape with these move - Shape
The set of Julie & Julia was all about eating - That's Fit
Will vitamin D help you beat swine flu? - Daily Spark
A brief history of fitness equipment - Fresh Fitness Tips

And the Healthiest City For Women Is . . .

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:06:30 -0800

Although Burlington, VT, was recently named the healthiest city by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Self magazine determined that Bethesda, MD, scores highest when it comes to women's health, the lists don't end there. Now Men's Health and Women's Health magazines have come up with their own versions. The duo rated 100 of the largest US cities and ranked them from best to worst. Top on their list for women is Salt Lake City, UT. For men, the healthiest place to live is Madison, WI.

Curious to know which cities are worst according to these magazines? Then read more.

Unfortunately, Bakersfield, CA, was ranked the unhealthiest city for women to live. As for men, Charleston, WV, was last on the list. To create the rankings, the magazines looked at factors including cancer rates, air quality, and the number of gym memberships held by the community. To see the complete list and find out how your city ranked, check out the Women's Health website.

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Dara Torres Talks About Staying Fit and Not Acting Your Age

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Dara Torres, the amazing Olympian, swimmer, and mom who made headlines at Beijing when she swam for a comeback at age 41. She won three silver medals and also won me over.

Not only did Torres give me lots of great advice on health, training, and fitness, but she also shared some insight on how she balances intense training with a (relatively) normal personal life. She was funny and refreshingly honest. Better yet, I've got a video excerpt of our interview! Check it out below.

To read some more of my favorite excerpts from the interview, read more.

FitSugar: Tell us about your memoir, Age Is Just a Number:
Dara Torres: "It was really a lot of fun to write. I got that title because I really realized you don't put an age limit on your dreams. And a lot of people put elite athletes on pedestals and forget that we're human and that we make mistakes and we have our ups and downs and our trials and tribulations, and I really wanted that to get across. I wanted the everyday person to relate to my book."

FS: What are some of those trials and tribulations you discuss in the book?
DT: "I talk about just getting back into my comeback and my father passes away from colon cancer. I deal with the pressures of trying to make an Olympic team when so many eyes are on me and so many middle-aged people are counting on me. I talk about my coach, who ended up having a rare blood disorder right after I made the Olympic team. There were a lot of things I had to deal with."

FS: And you also, throughout all this, have been raising a daughter? How old is she now?
DT: "My daughter is 3, and it's really been such a fun time in my life. I really looked towards role models like working parents to figure out how I can balance my life to be the best mom that I can be and also be able to do what I love to do. Just normal people who work 9-to-5 jobs and are still awesome parents. It's a tough thing to try to figure out how to balance, but I'm lucky I found a balance that works really well for both my daughter and myself."

FS: And does she like swimming?
"She loves swimming. I've had her in the pool since she was about 3 months old. Some of my teammates who are so young tease me and say 'you guys'll be swimming in the same meet coming up soon,' so I get teased a lot."

FS: What is your precompetition ritual in terms of what you eat or what you do?
DT: "I'll drink some type of shake with milk before I swim, and that's really all I need. I don't like to eat a lot before I'm in a big race because I'm already nervous as it is and the last thing I need to do is get sick to my stomach. Maybe have a little cereal with milk. Just very minimal what I eat before I train."

FS: In a recent interview with More magazine, you mentioned that you had some eating disorder issues when you were in college and went "cold turkey." What tips could you offer to other women who are struggling with this?
DT: "It's not easy to get over it on your own. What I did was set a goal. And at that point in time I had not been swimming for a while, and my goal was to try and make a third Olympic team. The minute I had that goal in my head, it was like, you know what, I can't have this eating disorder anymore or else I'm not going to reach my goals. And so I was lucky to have swimming as an outlet. The biggest thing you need to do is be able to talk to someone about it. It's not like if you talk to them you’re going to get over it right away but at least you can communicate and let someone know and hopefully they can help you get help."

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