PopSugar

Always Wear Sunscreen

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:30:00 -0800

This song made the rounds on the airwaves right before the millennium, and I loved it then and I love it now. After revisiting it today (thanks DearSugar for bringing it back) I realized that there are a lot of basic health tips in here, such as always wearing sunscreen and flossing. More than that, though, it offers basic, simple tips for living your life. The first time I heard it, I laughed and I cried, so enjoy.

Speak Up: What's the Best Health or Fitness Advice You've Ever Heard?

FitSugar — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:00:00 -0700

We go through our days picking up tidbits of advice from friends, family, teachers, the Internet, books, TV, etc. Everyone has his or her two cents. When it comes to achieving a healthy lifestyle, it helps to keep in mind productive tips you've picked up along the way. What's the best health or fitness related advice you've ever heard?

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10 Fit Rules to Live By

FitSugar — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 04:30:00 -0700

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to give myself a break and ask FitSugar readers: what's the best health or fitness advice you've ever heard? As always, I appreciated the thoughtful, thought-provoking, and often amusing responses; it's always great to remind ourselves why and how to live healthy. Here are my 10 favorite pieces of health and fitness advice from Fit readers:

No one has ever regretted working out. - Hippiecowgirl
Don't eat any food that your great grandma wouldn't have recognized. - Spectra
Consistency is key. - Lizkiernan
Work up a sweat and make it an activity you enjoy. - Gothamgal
Crash dieting and restrictive diets rarely work and are difficult to maintain. Make changes that you can see yourself keeping up for life. - Yaliyah

To see the other five, read more.

Eat a rainbow! Eat foods that are the colors of the rainbow every day. - Kate516
Get enough sleep. Without that, all your other good acts start off with a handicap. - Pixelhaze
Exercise is an investment, not a sacrifice. - Zuzanka
Eat when you're hungry, stop when you're content (not full). Food = energy. Fiber is awesome. - Lemuse20
Suck your stomach in when you're waiting in line. It tightens your abs and doesn't take up any time. - GenesisRocks

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Weigh In: My Dieting Co-Worker Is Taking It Out on Me

FitSugar — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 03:00:21 -0700

This FitSugar reader sure could use some advice on her dieting co-worker's behavior.

Dear Fit,
I'm a generally health-minded person. I eat well, exercise regularly, and reap the benefits. I'm happy with my weight, have tons of energy, and hardly ever get sick. I'm friends with one of my co-workers and am happy to say that my healthy lifestyle has rubbed off on her. She works out with me on our lunch break, eats salads for lunch (instead of her usual fast food), and she's even ditched her afternoon soda and cookie habit. I'm really proud of her, but now I'm miserable because she's been really cranky. She jumped into this lifestyle head first, and I think her body isn't used to the lack of sugar and fat. I can tell she's just not happy because of all the junk food she's missing, but I can't stand her quick comments and bitchy attitude. I don't want this healthy diet and exercise routine to ruin our friendship. Any suggestions?
-At the End of My Rope Rose

If you have any experience with this or any suggestions, please share them in the comment section below.

New Moon Star Nikki Reed Says Relationship Keeps Her Slim

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:49 -0800

If Kristen Stewart needs any help kicking her nicotine habit, she can look to her New Moon costar Nikki Reed for advice. In the last few months, Reed has given herself a bit of a lifestyle makeover, thanks in large part, as she told People, to her relationship with Greek shipping heir (and Paris Hilton ex) Paris Latsis.

Reed and Latsis have officially been out as a couple since Summer, which was the perfect time for Latsis to introduce Reed to all the outdoor sports he loves. The pair spent the season hiking, windsurfing, and water skiing, and as a result, Reed says, the pounds started dropping.

Besides having tons of fun, Reed was so inspired by her boyfriend's love of the outdoors that she became motivated to get into better shape. First things first, she quit smoking. Now Reed hits the gym for two hours a day and says that being active has made her "much happier."

Last week I shared with you some ways that your relationship might be making you fat, but keep in mind that as with Reed, relationships can have positive effects on health. I personally am healthier now that I'm with a partner who likes being active as much as I do. He and I love riding bikes, climbing, and going on long hikes together. Do any of you credit your relationship for making you healthier?

What's Your Advice For Getting a Loved One to Shape Up?

FitSugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0700

You guys are full of great advice and I recently received a question that I thought you would be able to help out with. As they say, two heads are better than one. Here's the question:

"I'm a newlywed and I am concerned for my husband's long-term health. I truly love this man and I want him to be around as long as possible, but he eats like crap and doesn't exercise. I want to try and help him eat better and exercise, but I don't want him to think I am criticizing his appearance (he's not overweight at all) or nagging him. How should I handle it? Or should I just keep my mouth shut?"
- Worried Wife

A lot of people face this problem, if not a husband then a best friend, boyfriend, mother, etc. and I think that one of the best things you can do is to make sure that you are acting as a healthy role model for him. Being critical will get you (and him) nowhere, but inviting your hubby to take a "romantic" stroll after dinner could help in more ways than one.

But that is just my two cents. I am sure you guys have great advice on how to help. Share your advice in the comments section below.

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Savvy Links: Advice From Glamour's Women of the Year

SavvySugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:00:50 -0800

Advice from Glamour's Women of the Year: Work hard at your job, but work harder at your life. - Glamour
Could the recession jump-start your health? - Walletpop
ICYMI, Google is making holiday travel more tolerable with free WiFi - GeekSugar
How to establish credit history without losing your shirt. - Get Rich Slowly
Spend less, live more. - Bankrate
How nagging texts can make you healthier and richer. - Slate
Reader shares about her lack of communication with her husband after his layoff - TrèsSugar

What's Your Advice For Handling an Unsupportive Partner?

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0700

You guys are always giving great advice to fellow users and this time we've got another question that could use everyone's help.

Hey Fit,
I've recently decided that I want to lose a few pounds by joining a gym and cutting out unhealthy foods, but the problem is that my boyfriend is being not being supportive at all. Every time I say I am going to the gym he says, "Come on, let's just hang out and watch TV." Or when we're going out to eat and I suggest a healthy restaurant he says he wants a real meal. He is always telling me that he likes me the way I am, which is nice, but I'd like a little support here. How can I get him to see my side? Or better yet, get healthy with me?
-Boyfriended Brandy

When my husband tries to pull stunts like that I say, "Honey, you can either join me or fight me, but you're not going to change my mind." Then he usually just feels bad, throws on his sneakers, and we head out for a run. Maybe you've been in a similar situation with a boyfriend, best friend, or husband? Even if not, let's hear all your great advice for a fellow user on the quest for health (and love) in the comments section below.

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A Little Yoga Insight You May Not Learn From Your Instructor

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:00:10 -0800

Sure, practicing yoga is all about health and wellness, but Smart Money knows that it is also booming business. There are some aspects of yoga class that may not be in keeping with the healthy lifestyle you seek - just don't expect your yoga instructor to let you in on them. Here are a few pointers for staying healthy while practicing yoga, and remember that even when taking a fitness class led by an instructor, it's best to think for yourself to figure out what feels right and what practices work best for you.

Your Instructor May Be New to Yoga Too - With all of the various certification programs around, there's a range of skill that's being taught to instructors. "The problem is that there’s no real standard for how much teacher training is required of instructors, so almost anyone can lead a yoga class," writes Smart Money. It's best to try out a class before you commit, and learn where the instructor trained.
Yoga Mats Aren't Just For the Die-Hard Yogi - Bringing your own mat to class doesn't mean you can do full lotus. It's simply good hygiene. Yoga studio owner Ann Merlo told Smart Money, "One of the key elements of yoga is cleanliness." Sure, many studios hose down the mats after a few sessions, but there's no guarantee they do. With all the contagions flying around this flu season, it just might be worth it to spring for your own mat and avoid catching a bug.

To learn more about how to make the most of your yoga time, read more.

It's OK If You Don't Want to Be Touched - Yoga tends to cultivate a very intimate atmosphere in the studio, and many members of the class may feel totally at ease with the instructor helping them into a pose (which is fairly common), but that doesn't mean that you do. "A thoughtful teacher should always tell you that he’s going to touch you," writes Smart Money, and all adjustments should be done with professionalism. However, if you'd prefer not to be touched at all, don't be shy about speaking up and making your preference clear.
The Advanced Class May Not Be For You - While yoga instructors may ask some general questions about your level of experience before a class begins, no one is likely to turn you away from a session that may be too advanced for you. Yoga requires serious strength and flexibility. The article suggests calling the studio beforehand to find a class appropriate for your ability.

To find out exactly what else your yoga instructor may not be telling you, get up to speed with all of SmartMoney's tips, and be sure to check out our Yoga Stretch and Tell Group to connect with fellow yogis and share your questions, stories, and advice.

How Did You Choose Your Pet's Veterinarian?

PetSugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:35 -0700

Choosing a veterinarian can be a big task for a first timer, or if you just relocated to a new city. Just like when you choose your own doctor, you want your pet's to be the best you can find . . . to make office visits as stress-free as possible. It's always nice if you find someone great that makes both you and your furry friend feel comfortable.

When I first moved to San Francisco, I took my time selecting North's vet – even though I had a fab reference from my friend's mom who had a pup with many health problems. In addition to considering her advice, I asked other pals where they took their pets and checked around at the day care and the dog park before settling on one that I thought would be the right fit for both of us. Even though some owners choose solely on location, others may assume that the most expensive means they are the best. How did you choose your vet? Did you utilize online review forums like Yelp or did you stick with friendly recommendations? Tell me your story in the comments below!

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