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Are You On the Twilight Diet?

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:00:27 -0700

Have you heard about the Twilight diet? At first I thought it was a term Twilighters - aka die-hard Twilight fans - used to describe their voracious appetites for all things Edward and Bella - books, movies, pictures, life-size Robert Pattinson cutouts - but it's actually related to food. Twilight vernacular is everywhere, even in the world of health and fitness.

I've written a little about Taylor Lautner's quest to bulk up for New Moon. In order to be a believable Jacob the werewolf, the young star was in the gym every day for two hours to put on the needed 30 pounds of muscle. "I had to eat every two hours," says Lautner. "At one point, my trainer said, 'Put anything in your mouth. Go to McDonalds get the biggest shake possible. I just need to get calories in you.' Because my body fat at the time was only, like, 7.5 percent"

Lautner's fitness routine is what the urban dictionary calls the Twilight diet:

Person A: Yo man, I wanna get ripped.
Person B: Yeah man, follow the Twilight diet!

I wonder what Michael Phelps and Venus Williams would think if they knew they were on the Twilight diet while training, and didn't even know it?

To hear about the "other" Twilight diet read more.

I was curious if the Twilight diet was actually being followed, and not only did I find out that it is, I also discovered that there is another diet with the same name - and it seemed to be at odds with the already mentioned Twilight diet! What's a fan to do?

In the first movie we are introduced to the Cullens, a family of vampires who resist their natural desire to feed on humans. This desire becomes even more exasperated when Edward Cullen falls in love with Bella, a human. Some Twilighters are using this narrative as a model of self-control in their own lives. If Edward and the rest of the Cullens can resist eating humans then they, the fans, can resist eating chocolate cake.

There are tons of posts on Twilight boards and blogs affirming that Twilight has been a catalyst for lifestyle changes. Apparently fans are so busy consuming everything Twilight, they have less time to eat. On top of this they are also adopting the Cullen's method of self-control. This combo has led to some serious weight loss - some fans have lost six pounds, while others claim 25.

I admit that the Twilight diet is an easy target, but you can also look at it as inspiration coming in many different forms. For some it's a vampire series that spawns a lifestyle change. Odd? Perhaps. But it's great to see people making choices for the better, whatever the reason.

Have you ever found inspiration from an unlikely source?

Couples Retreat: Not Exactly a Relaxing Getaway

BuzzSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:30:11 -0700

Everyone loves a vacation, right? Beautiful scenery, tropical drinks, fun in the sun. Add a few of your closest friends and you could have the trip of a lifetime - or a romantic getaway gone horribly awry.

To be fair, the four pairs in Couples Retreat don't realize what they're agreeing to when they head to Eden East, a swanky resort on a remote island. But once the relationship boot camp begins, the friendships quickly break down, and it's often more depressing than hilarious. To see what I mean, just read more.

The movie's couplings range in age, family size, and personality, with Vince Vaughn and Malin Akerman at the epicenter. As Dave and Ronnie, they are perhaps the most "normal" of the bunch. Between Dave's demanding job making video games (hello, Guitar Hero product placement) and raising two young sons, Dave and Ronnie don't even realize their problems until they are forced into couples skill-building. Vaughn is his typical wise-cracking character, but a touch of sweetness makes his on-screen relationship with Akerman the most enjoyable to watch. You can actually believe that they love each other and aren't using the trip as a band-aid for a bullet hole.

Jason and Cynthia (played by Jason Bateman and Kristen Bell), on the other hand, are a lot harder to relate to as two type-A personalities with an undying love for organization and PowerPoint presentations. Jason and Cynthia present the idea of the group vacation to their friends as a last-ditch effort to save their marriage (promising that the therapy sessions are optional, of course). Bell is her typical adorable self, but Bateman is insufferable. His character is painfully meticulous and overbearing, making the audience feel just as suffocated as Cynthia does.

Joey (Jon Favreau) and Lucy (Kristin Davis) represent the worst of the worst: the couple that's been together so long that they don't even notice each other anymore. The high school sweethearts take the trip not as an opportunity to re-kindle the flame, but to chase skirts (or in this case, bikini bottoms) and muscular yoga instructors. Favreau gets a few laughs with his quest to get to Eden West, the "singles" side of the island, but age-wise, Davis doesn't quite fit in with Bell and Ackerman. It's also hard to laugh at characters that embody one of the biggest fears for young couples, and their ice-cold relationship is almost too realistic to scoff at.

Then there's Shane (Faizon Love), who's newly separated from the wife he still loves, but brings along his 20-year-old girlfriend for the ride instead. As Trudy, Kali Hawk steals a lot of the laughs as she yearns to drink and party all night long while her boyfriend would rather take a nap. One joke that never gets old: Trudy's insistence on calling Shane "Daddy" throughout the entire film.

With such a strong headline cast, it's disappointing that the supporting actors steal the show. I laughed the hardest at Dave and Ronnie's adorable boys (who get very little screen time) and at the motley crew of therapists and other wacky workers at the resort dedicated to making this the trip from hell.

At the end of it all, you'll get a few laughs along with some very beautiful imagery, but you might just want to put your money toward your own vacation instead.

Photos courtesy of Universal Pictures

You Asked: My Vegetarian Diet Is Making Me Gassy

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:47:51 -0700

Dear Fit,
I am trying the vegetarian lifestyle and have finally given up bacon and hamburgers and went meat-free. I have a family history of obesity, heart disease, and cancer, and have read that a diet rich in fruits and veggies can play a huge role in prevention. I've been loading up on the green veggies, beans, fruits, and tofu. My taste buds don't really miss meat, but it hasn't even been a week and I'm having some, well, unpleasant side effects. I'm unbelievably bloated and gassy all the time, and am close to giving up on my veggie quest. Is it possible that my body is trying to tell me that a vegetarian diet isn't right for me, or is there a way to go about this so that I'm not feeling so inflated?
- Puffed Up

First of all, I applaud you for taking your health into your own hands and going meat-free. Your body is greatly benefiting from consuming less saturated fat and more plant-based proteins. I'm actually not surprised that you're experiencing such embarrassing and uncomfortable side effects, but that doesn't mean you can't become a vegetarian. To hear my suggestions read more.

From your diet description, you're doing everything right with your food choices, but there's such a thing as too much, too soon. Vegetarian foods are very high in fiber, and if your digestive system isn't used to that, it translates to gas and maybe even diarrhea. So my advice is to slowly ease into this diet. Be a flexitarian for a while. Consume your old diet that includes meat, and gradually increase your fruit, vegetable, legume, and whole grain intake as you fade out the meat. At first, eat small portions of foods that are especially gas-producing such as broccoli, beans, green peppers, apples, and high fiber cereals. Slowly increase the portion size over time and the gassiness should begin to dissipate. Making the switch to a vegetarian lifestyle overnight is a shock to your system, so all you need to do is move forward slowly, listen to your body, and you'll be meat-free (and less bloated) within a few weeks.

The Invention of Lying: Sweet, but Unsteady

BuzzSugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:45:37 -0700

In his Hollywood directorial debut, Ricky Gervais takes us to an alternate universe where honesty makes the world go round. It's not just that lie-telling is an impossibility; everyone can't help but speak their minds at all times, no matter how personal, embarrassing, or brutal their innermost thoughts may be. The premise of The Invention of Lying is rife for comedy, but the film is also a commentary on religion and has its sad moments as well.

The film tells the story of Mark Bellison, an average joe who just can't seem to get ahead in a world where his mediocrity is ridiculed day after day. His co-workers can't stand him and women reject him based on his looks alone. When he loses his job as a screenwriter, Mark is ready to give up - until he mysteriously becomes the world's first liar.

To see what else I thought of the film, just read more.

Ricky Gervais stars as Mark, living in a world that's mostly free of flair, frills, and aesthetics. Mark's house and office are plain and boring, complementing his every-day appearance. Those who stand out are the people who are naturally attractive, like the object of Mark's affections, Anna (Jennifer Garner) and his snarky co-worker Brad (Rob Lowe). Anna can't help but show her shallow side on her first date with Mark. She immediately rejects him on the basis that she doesn't want to have "fat, snub-nosed" children someday and must find a "better genetic match." Once Mark starts to stretch his newfound talent though, he decides he can have whatever he wants - and begins a quest to win Anna's affections.

Gervais surprised me with his performance because he finally takes a break from his typical British dry humor. As affable, down-on-his-luck Mark, Gervais proves that he doesn't need his signature sarcasm to be witty. The most important scene of the movie requires a lot of raw emotion from Gervais, and he absolutely nails it, showcasing a sweet side that we rarely see from the actor.

There are two major aspects of the movie that wore me down: the cameos and the product placement. I love a good celebrity appearance, but after Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ed Norton, and Jason Bateman pop in, it starts to feel like Gervais is trying to use his comical buddies to keep the storyline afloat when it starts to lose focus. Seeing a familiar face is always fun, but this isn't a Judd Apatow movie.

The product placement is funny and fitting at first; there's not much room for advertising in a world of stark truth. With only a reputation to rely on, Coke and Pepsi are left with the slogans "It's very famous" and "When they don't have Coke," respectively. The film goes way overboard from there though, and suddenly Mark is surrounded by Budweiser bottles at all times and at the film's climax he's standing in front of a group clutching a pair of cardboard Pizza Hut boxes.

The movie's biggest problem is that it tries to appeal to too many genres. It's packaged as a comedy, but Mark becomes a god-like character once the world gets wind of his lies. His peers literally take everything he says as gospel, and Mark becomes a blatant modern-day Moses (complete with long hair and beard). Just as the audience begins to wonder where it's all going, the movie quickly ditches the religious aspect and finishes up as a love story. The ending is satisfactory, but what's the point of satirizing religion when it doesn't hold much water for the overall message of the movie?

Like I said, the premise is rife for comedy and starts us down a path that's packed with laughs - I just wish Invention of Lying didn't wander off before finding its way back home.

Photos courtesy of Warner Bros.

Lifting Tip: Mix the Order of Strength Training Exercises

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 03:30:00 -0800

Getting into a consistent fitness schedule is essential if you're on a quest to be fit and healthy. I know for my busy life, if I map out what days of the week I plan to work out, it helps me stick to it. While a regular exercise plan is beneficial, you still want to make sure you're mixing up your routine, especially when it comes to strength training.

You may have learned a certain group of exercises, and have gotten into the habit of doing them in the same sequence every time so you don't leave one out. If you're constantly doing your exercises in the same order, your muscles will become efficient at doing them, and you'll be more likely to reach a plateau. You'll get more out of your strength training sessions if you mix your exercises up, because it'll fatigue your muscles in a different order, which will be more challenging. Not only that, but varying your routine will also keep you from getting bored.

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Have You Tuned In to Toddlers & Tiaras?

LilSugar — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0800

Every week I turn to TLC for my Jon and Kate Plus 8 fix, but after a recommendation from BellaSugar I dedicated an evening to Toddlers & Tiaras. The documentary series follows different families on the quest for beauty pageant crowns and glory and sheds some bright lights on the realities of pageant life: rigorous training, painful hair and beauty regimens, and plenty of positive affirmations. It's sort of a modern day, reality TV influenced Living Dolls. While BellaSugar was shocked to see a 7-year-old be fitted for fake teeth and a little girl sob as she gets her first spray tan, I was more aghast by the parents' expectations and outlandish remarks. You can watch the series in parts on YouTube or tune in on Tuesdays at 10 p.m.
Photos courtesy of TLC

My 10 Favorite Charging Stations

GeekSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:00:13 -0800

For the past several months, I've been on a mission to keep my cords neat, and my gadgets charged. Although my quest for the ultimate charging station may never end (which may lead to my white flag of surrender, and leave me embracing the visible cord way of living), you may find a charging station in this slideshow that completely fits your needs. Check out some of my favorite charging stations ever in this slideshow. Did I mention that a charging station would make an awesome gift? I'm sure I did.

View Slideshow ›

Product Review: Butter London HRH Nail Polish

BellaSugarUK — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:00:00 -0800

Butter London is one of those beauty brands that is fast becoming cult property. Although the company is actually based in Seattle, it offers a thoroughly British experience with quirky names such as Old Blighty and Chimney Sweep. Their creative director, Nonie Creme has worked on numerous A-list nails, including Kate Moss, as well as creating looks on campaigns for Vogue, H&M, and Jimmy Choo. This is one nail polish brand with serious fashion credentials.

I'm also pleased to note that it's not all about image. Butter London has a strong commitment to making non-toxic polishes. All of the polishes are free of the "big three" - toluene, DBP, and formaldehyde. It's a relief to know you needn't worry about toxicity in the quest to be beautiful.

In terms of colours, these are bang on-trend. After checking out my girl Bella US's favourite shades, I found it very hard to choose between Butter London's gothic glam black, patriotically called Union Jack Black and the royal looking HRH. I plumped for HRH, which is a rich purple that has a fantastic sheen. For how the varnish stood the test of time, just read more.

Firstly I have a confession, I'm actually rubbish at applying my own nail colour. Sometimes I feel more akin to a child playing with a paintbox than a wannabe makeup artist. I found the oblong shaped lid quite tricky to use as a brush, being used to a round-lid applicator. The brush itself is good though and again it does seem worth splashing out for more pricey polishes as cheaper ones often have brushes with loose bristles that get stuck in your artwork.

I was blown away by the colour; bright, glossy and with a depth that made it look as though I had amethysts for nails. Although purple nails certainly turns heads, the shade was sophisticated enough for work and a meeting with my bank manager. Plus it seemed to go with all my clothes, from a black lace cocktail dress to a red and grey striped top with jeans or a classic taupe-coloured coat. After five days of washing up, typing, pumping up the tyre on my Vespa and opening post there wasn't a chip in sight. Definitely fit for Her Royal Highness.

You Asked: Did I Destroy Our Friendship?

DearSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 06:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

I have been broken up with my ex girlfriend for three months - we had been together for more than four years. After the breakup we talked occasionally and our friendship was pretty solid. She recently flew to another city for a job interview and we got into a fight. I had finally expressed my feelings to her for the first time so I had a lot of built up frustration. I did say things out of anger, but they were not insults, I simply told her that I felt she no longer took my needs into consideration. She became infuriated and told me she doesn't want to be friends anymore. I have called her multiple times asking her to listen to my explanation - that I was scared of losing her to a job faraway, but my attempts have been unsuccessful. I don't know how to keep the friendship together and although I am still in love with her, I am willing to just be friends so I don't lose her from my life altogether. I have told her that I will give her space, but I am scared that the space will make her forget about my great qualities and the good times we've had. Do you have any advice for how to keep the friendship together? - Holding on Henry

To see DearSugar's answer, read more.

Dear Holding on Henry,

You say you're concerned with keeping your friendship with your ex, but it's pretty clear that you are still in love with her, so this quest could be a difficult one for many reasons. I don't know the details of your breakup, but if you're interested in pursuing a romantic relationship with her, I'd be honest and tell her how you feel, as it's obviously affecting your current rapport.

Since you feel the need to explain yourself, try writing her an email. Let her know where your angry words came from and tell her exactly what you've told me. If it's space that she wants, you don't have much of a choice but to give it to her, but at least you'll know that she knows where you stand. Hopefully after she gets the breathing room she needs, you can work out your relationship and figure out where you fit into each other's lives. Good luck.

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Healthy Dose Link Time!!!

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:45:00 -0800

You thought it was just for spaghetti sauce, but here's ten healthy and healing uses for the herb oregano - Mark's Daily Apple

When it comes to weight-loss plateaus there are a few questions you really should ask yourself - Fitness Fixation

Get moving with Trance Action a free music mix for you to download - fitPod

Although she's been a vegetarian since she was 13, Carrie Underwood dropped 20 pounds by cutting back on junk food - iFit&Healthy

How do you work your wild thing when you don't fit into your skinny jeans - Back in Skinny Jeans

With the super bug MRSA flying around, now might be a good time to invest in your own yoga mat - About: Yoga

In your quest for fitness you can always walk it out - That's Fit

Brighten up your side dishes with Carrot Cranberry Gratin - YumSugar

Yawn much? Here are some facts you should know about the simple act of yawning - HealthBolt

How does she do it? Jessica Alba says it is not by dieting - The Skinny Website

Here's some tips on how to celebrate the beauty of BOSU - Vital Juice Daily

I am loving this lentil soup with caramelized onions - Elastic Waist

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