That's Fit

Yoga? Or One Too Many Drinks?

Maggie Vink — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST

Photo: Teecycle Tim, Flickr OK. Time to fess up. Have you ever stifled the urge to chuckle while at yoga class? You have to admit that, when you take a sweeping glance around the room, you and your classmates sometimes look less zen and more like twisted pretzels that have gone horribly awry.Yoga is wonderful for strength and flexibility, not to mention what an awesome stress reliever it is. But it does open itself up to a fair share of jokes. If you're looking for a quick laugh, take a look at Fun Tuna's post Drunk People Yoga Positions. Don't worry, yoga, we only poke fun because we love you. And, hey, maybe a few extra drinks is the answer to finally being able to hold Plow Pose.If you're looking for more information about yoga -- sober yoga, that is -- check out yoga on AOL Health.

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Eat Your Hydration

Maggie Vink — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

Photo: kurisurokku, Flickr You've just finished a tough workout. You're hot and sweaty so you reach for ... celery? It's long been known that water-rich fruits and vegetables can contribute to your hydration needs. But recent research shows that beyond contributing to hydration, some fruits and vegetables may hydrate your body twice as effectively as a glass of water.Water is cool, refreshing and calorie-free, but certain types of produce have a leg up on H2O. Why? Because they provide nutrients like mineral salts, amino acids and vitamins as well as hydration. When exercising, your body can lose electrolytes through sweat. Replenishing lost electrolytes is the whole premise behind sports drinks. But certain fresh fruits and veggies can replenish your body, too -- without all the artificial colors and flavors.

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Oatmeal - How Many Calories?

Maggie Vink — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST

A steaming bowl of oatmeal is a great start to your day. Oatmeal is a whole grain so it fills you up, and it's a great source of slow-burning energy that will keep you fueled throughout your morning. What's more, the soluble fiber found in oatmeal helps to reduce low-density lipoproteins (the "bad" cholesterol). And who doesn't like a heart-healthy start to the day?But despite all the health benefits and the low cost (old-fashioned oats cost approximately $0.13 per serving), is oatmeal a calorie-friendly choice for breakfast?

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Obesity Drug Trials Meet Goals

Maggie Vink — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST

Photo: e-magic, Flickr Have the pharmaceutical companies finally found the magic pill for weight loss? While it's not magic, Orexigen Therapeutics Inc. has had positive results in their recent trials for Contrave, a new obesity drug.In one trial, 48 percent of obese participants who took a higher dose of Contrave lost at least 5 percent of their body weight; only 16.4 percent of control participants (who were taking a placebo) lost comparable weight. In a second trial, 56.3 percent of those taking Contrave lost weight compared to 17.1 percent taking a placebo. With a more than 7 percent difference between Contrave takers and placebo takers, the trials were above the FDA guidelines for weight loss drugs. (FDA guidelines state that there must be at least a 5 percentage point difference.) A lower dose of Contrave also showed positive results in trials.Instead of blocking fat absorption like Orlistat (found in the over-the-counter drug Alli) or controlling appetite like Meridia, Contrave tackles weight loss from another direction. Contrave is a combination of Wellbutrin, a common antidepressant, and naltrexone, a medication used to treat addictions.Existing weight loss drugs have some nasty side effects. Fat blockers, for example, can cause diarrhea and/or anal leakage. Orexigen states that Contrave was generally well tolerated by trial participants. However, possible side effects include gall bladder inflammation and seizures.Orexigen plans to seek FDA approval for Contrave next year.

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How Do You Treat Workout Aches and Pains?

Maggie Vink — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST

A little soreness after a good workout is expected. That slow-developing ache that comes knocking a day or two after a good workout is called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. As long as it's just a mild discomfort, it's normal. In fact, you should almost expect it, especially when you're starting a new activity. But sometimes we go a little far and the aches and pains are a bit much. Non-medication treatments like ice packs, hot showers and massages can provide some relief. And medication certainly can help, but NSAIDs (such as Advil and Aleve) can lead to stomach upset and acetaminophen (as found in Tylenol) has been linked to liver damage. Though, as That's Fit recently told you, taking small doses of painkillers for exercise-related pain isn't that harmful.Still I wonder, when you overdo your workout, how do you treat the aches and pains?Remember, mild aches after working out are expected. But if the pain you're experiencing is sharp or severe, it may indicate an injury and you should see your doctor. Speaking of workouts, have you ever considered working out at the beach?

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Lose Weight to be Good to Your Knees

Maggie Vink — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST

Photo: j.fralin, Flickr Poor knees. They carry around our full weight every day. And knees that are attached to an overweight body are working overtime.In addition to heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions, obesity can put you at risk for knee injury and conditions like osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative musculoskeletal disorder that usually develops slowly, but obesity can cause rapid deterioration of the cartilage in the knee. Once you develop osteoarthritis, there's not much doctors can do; treatments revolve around managing the pain, and severe cases may require knee replacement surgery.Over 300 patients who were at risk for osteoarthritis participated in a recent study. Weight proved to be a big factor in tissue decline; for every one unit increase in body mass index, the chance for cartilage loss jumped by 11 percent.

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Renee Zellweger Packs on Bridget Jones Pounds Again

Maggie Vink — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

Photo: Stephen Lovekin, Getty Images Odds are, if you've had to lose weight in the past, some of those lost pounds have crept back on at one time or another. That yo-yo cycle of dieting is never fun. Can you imagine if your job actually required you to gain and lose pounds? Many of the Hollywood set have had to adjust their weight for a role, but Renee Zellweger just might be the queen of the doughnut. With the third installment of the Bridget Jones's Diary series in the works, Renee Zellweger is gaining once again.Zellweger gained roughly 28 pounds for each of the first two movies. Certainly not enough to make her tiny frame overweight by any standards -- in fact, she looks downright cute as Bridget Jones. But gaining 28 pounds probably isn't as fun as it seems. "I had a panic attack with all the specialists talking about how bad this is for you long-term, putting on that much weight in short periods of time," Zellweger told the Daily Mail. In fact, Zellweger has described her body as "whacked" after putting it through the Bridget Jones weight gain. "It doesn't know what has happened because it thinks there's supposed to be a baby and there's no christening," joked Zellweger.For the first Bridget Jones movie, Zellweger gained the weight by eating as many doughnuts and cheese pizzas as her body could take. Not surprisingly, the junk food and lack of exercise made her feel sluggish. For the second movie, she hired a nutritionist and gained the weight with a controlled, but high-calorie, diet. Losing the weight again was no bed of roses, either. Zellweger said that she felt like she had a toddler strapped to her back while running around the track. Obviously, Zellweger has the funds for trainers and the expensive Ashram Spa in Calabasas, Calif., but the hard work required to lose the pounds was all hers. If you could earn a Zellweger-like salary, would you be willing to gain and lose weight repeatedly for work?

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Use Fresh Herbs for Safe Grilling

Maggie Vink — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST

Photo: woodleywonderworks, Flickr Grilled food is simply delicious and compared to other cooking methods like frying, it's generally healthier. But grilled food is not without a caveat. When the high heat from the grill hits the meat, cancer-causing compounds called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are formed. According to a post at CafeMom, a tasty trick can minimize the chances of HCAs forming. Just use antioxidant-rich herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage or oregano in your marinade before grilling. Besides adding a layer of safety, marinading your meat makes it tastier. In addition to the fresh herbs, other healthful ingredients for your marinades include olive oil, fresh citrus and balsamic vinaigrette.Remember, meat isn't your only option for the grill -- try grilling an all veg dinner or try some of these creative grilling ideas. AOL Health has more tips for safe, healthful and tasty grilling.

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Khloe Kardashian Shares Weight Loss Tips

Maggie Vink — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST

Khloe Kardashian after her 20-pound weight loss. Photo: Charley Gallay, Getty It's not surprising that fans might label the Kardashian sisters in order to tell them apart. After all, they all have "K" names (Kim, Khloe and Kourtney), they all have gorgeous dark hair, they all appear on E!s "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" and they all have attitude. But when fans would stop Khloe Kardashian, they'd say, "Oh, you're the fat, funny one," Khloe recently told Life & Style magazine. Not exactly a label Khloe was looking for. Weight struggles aren't new to Khloe. After her parents' divorce, emotional eating caused her to gain weight. "You just don't understand stress like that when you're younger," she says. As a teen, Khloe's unhealthy relationship with food went to the other extreme. "I was anorexic when I was 15 -- I'd be obsessed with working out, and I'd never eat," Khloe says in Life & Style. As an adult, emotional eating after her father's death caused her to gain weight once again. Khloe started working out with her sister, Kim, and they'd work together to keep their snacking habits in check. Recently, Khloe Kardashian lost weight by exercising 45 minutes five days a week and eating healthfully. It sounds like a healthy and balanced approach to weight loss. However, Khloe claims that she lost 20 pounds in four weeks, and that's a bit hard to believe. Check out pictures of Khloe Kardashian's new figure on PopEater.

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Hard-Boiled Egg - How Many Calories?

Maggie Vink — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST

Eggs are rich in protein, nutritional powerhouses and considered superfood. While relatively high in cholesterol (about 212 mg in a hard-boiled egg), in moderation, they won't do any harm. In fact, research has shown that eating up to seven eggs in a week doesn't increase your risk for heart disease. A hard-boiled egg is a convenient and energy-boosting snack. But how many calories are in a hard-boiled egg?

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Energy Shots - How Safe Are They?

Maggie Vink — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy Visit nearly any convenience store and you'll find energy shots on the check-out counter. A subtle hint, perhaps? Maybe they're hoping that anyone who feels a bit run down will grab a few ounces of "energy" in a bottle. Energy shots were a natural follow-up to the energy drink craze. After all, why not get your boost from 2 ounces instead of 8? The first energy shot showed up on the market in 2004; within the next year, sales of these shots are expected to reach $700 million. But what you find in these drinks isn't really energy at all. While the ingredients vary, most include some combination of amino acids, vitamins and caffeine -- with caffeine being the ingredient that really gives you that sudden jolt. Unfortunately, too much caffeine can also make you feel anxious or jittery, and it can lead to insomnia. And when used with other stimulants (such as prescription medication for ADHD) or alcohol, these shots can be downright dangerous.If you're feeling run down, a quick boost from a stimulant isn't the answer. You're better off getting your nutrition and long-lasting energy from healthful foods and a consistent exercise routine.

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Is Obesity Passed Down From Parents?

Maggie Vink — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

Photo: donjd2, Flickr So you have your mother's eyes and your father's nose -- but could your extra pounds be attributed to a parent, too? Recent research has found a link between obesity and parents. Specifically, obese mothers were 10 times more likely to have obese daughters; similarly, obese fathers were six times more likely to have obese sons. But, like hair color, eyes and height, is obesity passed down through genes? Researchers think that's highly unlikely. Instead, they feel children are more likely to follow the behavior of their parent of the same sex. You know how your kids are -- very little escapes their attention. Kids pick up on cues from their parents and, often, they glom on to the less-than-desirable habits. Most parents can recall a time when they let a swear word slip and the next thing they know, their toddler is repeating that word all over town. The same holds true for eating and exercise habits. When you develop an active lifestyle that includes family-based exercise time, as well as solo exercise time (that your kids are aware of), you're setting a positive example for a lifetime of physical activity. Serving healthful meals and selecting nutritious snacks for yourself goes a long way, too. Not only are you giving your kids healthy foods -- they see that your personal choices are nutritious as well.

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Yoga Schools Facing Regulation

Maggie Vink — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST

Photo: natalielucier, Flickr So you signed up for a yoga class -- good for you! But exactly how qualified is your instructor to lead the class? As yoga's popularity started to climb, a voluntary registry was created by Yoga Alliance to ensure that schools met certain standards for training instructors. The list was certainly a good idea; a way to make sure instructors were properly trained and could conduct classes effectively and safely. The registry eventually listed nearly 1,000 schools across the U.S.That voluntary list, however, is now being used as a target for government regulation of yoga schools. Some states, including New York, Virginia and Michigan, have made strides towards requiring schools on the list to become certified by the state. Those that do not become state-certified will have to pay hefty fines or cease operation.

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Get Moving - Study Finds What Really Works

Maggie Vink — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

Photo: mulatsherm, Flickr Move more. It's a simple measure that leads to a healthier and more energetic life. Yet, despite knowing all the benefits of an active lifestyle, many Americans don't even meet the recommended minimum exercise level (30 minutes a day at least five days per week). North America isn't the only continent that's spending far too much time parked in front of the TV. Australian researchers recently aimed to discover what health promotion tools would be the most effective (and cost effective) in getting their population moving. The study included six different health interventions, all of which have proven to inspire lifestyle change to some degree. The interventions included TravelSmart (a program that details walking paths and so forth), exercise prescriptions from doctors, doctor referrals to exercise physiologists, Internet advice, a mass media campaign and the use of pedometers.

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Are You a Beach Bum or a Beach Body?

Maggie Vink — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST

A day at the beach just might be the quintessential summer activity. But when you head to the sandy shores, how do you spend your day? Do you lounge about, soaking up rays (while hopefully wearing sunblock), sipping on icy drinks and reading a book? Or do you use the opportunity to be active? The beach is bursting with options for exercise. Beyond the obvious choice of swimming, you can toss a Frisbee, get a game of volleyball going, play paddleball or just go for a run or a walk along the shoreline. So tell us, when it comes to a day on the sand, are you a beach bum or a beach body? Remember to pack healthy snacks for your beach trip -- then you won't have to contend with any "timely" cravings like those I asked about last week.

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Exercise - Works Your Mind, Not Just Your Body

Maggie Vink — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST

Photo: Rob Inh00d, Flickr In this hectic world, there's nothing better than taking care of two things at one time. Physical exercise will reward you with greater energy, overall health and a fit body -- but did you know that exercise also helps you develop a fit mind? It's true! When you work out your body, you also work out your mind. In addition to cognitive challenges (such as taking a class, learning a new skill or even just doing some brain teasers), several studies concur that physical activity helps keep your mind sharp. Moderate activity has a positive impact on mental acuity, but cardio workouts that really get your heart pumping seem to have the greatest effect. What's more, an active lifestyle will have a long-lasting impact on your mental fitness.The mind and the body are closely connected. One study found that even short bouts of physical activity in previously-sedentary seniors restored some of the brain loss that's associated with aging. Exercise is also a great stress reliever. As you're running or biking (or whatever else gets your heart pumping), you'll have time to sort through your thoughts and process your emotions. If you want to really give your brain a good workout, look for a new sport to try or set up a challenging obstacle course -- the combination of physical and mental stimulation will do you good.

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Picnic Foods That Won't Pack on Pounds

Maggie Vink — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

Photo: langalex, Flickr When the weather is beautiful, why not escape to the outdoors? Enjoy lunch at a local park, bring along a picnic spread on your next bike ride, hike along a trail until you find the perfect spot or just enjoy your meal in your own backyard. There are plenty of options for picnic foods that won't pack on pounds: Veggie wrap. Load a whole-grain tortilla with a little cheese and as many veggies as you can fit. Try a mix of sprouts, tomato, cucumber and shredded carrot. Dress it up with mustard and some freshly ground pepper and then roll it up. It's a healthful and easy to eat sandwich. Hard-boiled eggs. Perfect for packing, hard-boiled eggs come in their own container. That means less waste to take home with you. Plus, they're tasty and high in protein -- energy for the bike ride, hike or walk back home. Your choice of dip. Salsa and hummus are both healthful alternatives to dip. You can bring some baked chips or, better yet, dip strips of bell pepper and cucumber instead. A better slaw salad. Tanya Zuckerbrot's take on an Asian Slaw Salad isn't just a lighter alternative to this favorite, it's also picnic friendly. Fruit. Convenient and easy to pack, fruit is a sweet ending for your meal. Sweeter yet. Does your summer meal feel incomplete without a brownie-like treat? Modify a favorite recipe to make it a bit healthier. For example, you can try zucchini brownies or you can make Toll House pan cookies but use whole-wheat flour instead of white and applesauce instead of the butter/oil. For more ideas, check out these eight picnic treats under 80 calories.

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Hot Weather Workouts

Maggie Vink — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST

Photo: wwfcanada, Flickr The summer sun is a wonderful thing. But going for a run in the sweltering heat? That's not always so pleasant. If you're going to exercise when the temperature is high, remember to keep safety in mind. Try working out in the early morning or late evening, dress appropriately and drink plenty of fluids. But if you're looking to escape the heat altogether, CafeMom has some indoor workout suggestions: At home exercise. Work out in the convenience of your own air-conditioned living room. To keep things interesting, try swapping workout DVDs with a friend or renting new ones.Dive right in. Swimming may be the best hot weather workout there is. You can visit a local community center's indoor pool. Video games. Try out Wii Fit. Who ever said video games weren't good for you? Climb the stairs. If you live in an apartment building or there are multiple floors in your workplace, you've got free fitness gear at your disposal. What's your favorite workout when it's hot outside?

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How Fat is Your State?

Maggie Vink — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST

Photo: Lee Carson, Flickr By now, you've probably heard that Mississippi is (once again) the fattest state -- for five years running. And Colorado is holding tight to its status as the leanest state. But where does your state rank? Odds are, your state's obesity rate is climbing -- all in all, 23 states got fatter this year. Some more facts to consider: Four states have over 30 percent obesity. Mississippi tops the charts with 32.5 percent. But Alabama, West Virginia and Tennessee follow close behind with 31.2 percent, 31.1 percent and 30.2 percent, respectively. Baby boomers in Alabama are the heaviest for their demographic, but Michigan boomers are close runners-up. While only four states have adult obesity rates over 30 percent, 21 states have childhood obesity rates over 30 percent. Considering that not one state reported an improvement in obesity rates, it's not surprising that this year's report by the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation was titled F as in Fat. The report states that the economic crunch we're experiencing could make obesity rates even worse. It's all kind of depressing actually. But That's Fit readers know that while the government types sort out any policies that can be put in place to help this growing obesity crisis, we can all take responsibility for our own health. After all, you are the biggest influence in your own health. Start taking steps to achieve a healthy weight today.

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Slurpee - How Many Calories?

Maggie Vink — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST

Hot summer days may make you crave a cool treat. One of the quintessential treats of summer is the 7-Eleven Slurpee. Sweet and satisfying, a Slurpee can really hit the spot during this sweltering season. But we all know that liquid calories can sometimes be a shocker. So how many calories do you think an 8-ounce, Coke-flavored Slurpee is going to set you back?

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