That's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.comThat's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.com/media/feedlogo.gifThat's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/First-ever Slow Food Nation in full swinghttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/30/first-ever-slow-food-nation-in-full-swing/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/30/first-ever-slow-food-nation-in-full-swing/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/30/first-ever-slow-food-nation-in-full-swing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As Labor Day weekend platters of hamburgers, hot dogs, bbq'd chicken, corn, chips 'n dip, jell-o molds and brownies are shortly devoured, most will have no clue where the various foods come from. Also, the feast will likely be inhaled quickly so family members can return to the baggo game.

However the 40-50,000 people gathered for Slow Food Nation '08 in San Francisco this Labor Day weekend are doing things quite differently. Slow Food is a non-profit, eco-gastronomic organization founded nearly 20 years ago to combat people's diminishing interest in the food they consume, where the ingredients come from, how food choices impact the globe, and even the disappearance of a slowly eaten, homemade meal around a sociable table.

Slow Food Nation '08 is the first-ever American gathering to support this nation's growing sustainable food movement, fostering the wider public's environmental connection to their food. Taste Pavilions feature food from across the country, leaders of the movement are sparking provocative learning and group discussion throughout the Food for Thought series and the Victory Garden is showcasing how World War II communities throughout America fed and supported themselves. Very cool. Here's the full schedule of eclectic events.

Our family's making a small contribution to the Slow Food movement -- my mom's making pesto right now with basil clipped from her garden as my niece tosses a salad with cherry tomatoes, peppers and green onions from our garden. I hope Michigan corn is on the menu tomorrow. Luckily we have no problem lingering forever tableside for colorful conversation, followed by a rousing game of midnight Monopoly ... after baggo, of course. Wishing you a memorable, perhaps slower Labor Day weekend everybody! Pic from slowfoodnation.org.

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]]>Bev SklarBevSklarlocal foodLocalFoodorganic festivalOrganicFestivalSlow Food movementSlow Food Nation 08SlowFoodMovementSlowFoodNation08sustainable communitysustainable livingSustainableCommunitySustainableLivingBev SklarSat, 30 Aug 2008 18:50:00 ESTFour fitness moves to start your day off righthttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/28/four-fitness-moves-to-start-your-day-off-right/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/28/four-fitness-moves-to-start-your-day-off-right/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/28/four-fitness-moves-to-start-your-day-off-right/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Women's Health magazine just sent me a release with some fun tips entailed, and I thought I'd share this one with you. Four fabulous moves useful for those of you guilty of missing morning workouts to sleep in late, and then missing the gym after work due to fatigue. As your online trainer I want to make this clear to you: skipping your workouts on a regular basis is detrimental to your health!

Of course, early morning workouts can be tough. They're also what keeps you full of the energy you need to get through each day with vigor! Check out this gallery, and next time you go to hit the snooze button ... get your fanny up and do the Cat Cow pose instead. (No moo-ing necessary!) These four easy moves will give you the energy to get to the gym and start your day off right!

Gallery: Morning Moves

Cat Cow PoseSplit SquatSquat ThrustsLeaning Side PlankWomen's Health Magazine

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]]>cat cowCatCowenergyfatiguefitfitzfitznessgymleanmagazinemorningmovesmuscleplankposesnoozesquatstressstretchthrustwomens healthWomensHealthFitz K.Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:54:00 ESTWe Love To Gawk At Fit Celebs: How Gabrielle Anwar got ready for actionhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/26/we-love-to-gawk-at-fit-celebs-how-gabrielle-anwar-got-ready-fo/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/26/we-love-to-gawk-at-fit-celebs-how-gabrielle-anwar-got-ready-fo/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/26/we-love-to-gawk-at-fit-celebs-how-gabrielle-anwar-got-ready-fo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Has anyone else noticed that TV and movies are providing us with more strong, kick-ass female characters? There's Yvonne Strahovski, who plays spy Sarah Walker on Chuck, and we had Angelina Jolie carrying Wanted. And, you might not have seen her yet, but Gabrielle Anwar is just as tough.

She plays the trigger happy ex-girlfriend to the lead character on USA's Burn Notice, and while I wouldn't go so far as to call her character a role model -- she's a little too good at making bombs for that -- she holds her own physically, especially considering she's quite petite. To get ready for her action-packed role, Gabriella adjusted her diet.

She said she cut out "foods with ingredients that I need a dictionary to define. I find that the less animal products I consume the better my general health; the less refined sugars, the less I feel the energy fall out; and the more organic fresh produce I eat, the lighter I feel."

Gallery: 5 Celebs Who Avoid Animal Products

Pamela AndersonWeird AlNatalie PortmanJoaquin PhoenixAlicia Silverstone

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]]>animal productsAnimalProductsburn noticeBurnNoticedietexpire-images2009-8-21foodgabrielle anwarGabrielleAnwarnaturalorganicveganKristen SeymourTue, 26 Aug 2008 10:00:00 ESTHow fit are your purchases? Try the Smart Cart quiz at WorldOfGood.comhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/23/how-fit-are-your-purchases-try-the-smart-cart-quiz-at-worldofgo/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/23/how-fit-are-your-purchases-try-the-smart-cart-quiz-at-worldofgo/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/23/how-fit-are-your-purchases-try-the-smart-cart-quiz-at-worldofgo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fitness isn't just about body fat and muscle mass. For many of us, being fit inside counts, too, which means trying to make the best possible choices from day to day -- best for ourselves, our families, and our planet. And it can get tiring sometimes, trying to determine whether you're better off purchasing sustainable Product X from Company A or slightly-used organic Product Y from Company B, but sustainable shopping just got a bit easier with WorldofGood.com.

WorldOfGood.com is an Ebay community that strives to be "your source for everything People Positive and Eco Positive." They want to provide a place where people can "create positive change through commerce, as part of a global community."

More and more people are interested in the effects their purchases make -- knowing you're buying items that meet your philosophical needs can bring you great peace of mind. If you want to see just how big an impact simple spending habits make on the world at large, check out the Smart Cart quiz. You'll be amazed (and slightly horrified, if you're anything like me!).

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]]>communityebayeco-friendlyenvironmentfair tradeFairTradefitnesshealthyshoppingsustainableworld of goodWorldOfGoodKristen SeymourSat, 23 Aug 2008 13:00:00 ESTMore tricks for buying organic foods wiselyhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/21/more-tricks-for-buying-organic-foods-wisely/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/21/more-tricks-for-buying-organic-foods-wisely/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/21/more-tricks-for-buying-organic-foods-wisely/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

close up of peaches growing on a treeWhat's the lowdown on buying organic? It's pretty hard to tell, with the mixed messages we are getting as consumers these days. The definitive study, though, tells us that not only is organic more nutritious, but it is better for the ground water and soil.

A few facts on organic foods:
  • they contain up to 90% more antioxidants than conventionally grown food
  • they've got higher levels of minerals
  • as cancer-fighters, they win the race

Seems as though we should always buy organic, with those stats. Due to availability -- and our budgets! -- buying everything organic may not be an option, and if we're looking to do a real service to the environment, buying what's available locally is a better choice.

Continue reading More tricks for buying organic foods wisely

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]]>buyenvironmenterosionGMOground-waterorganicpesticidespurchasesoilDebra McDuffeeThu, 21 Aug 2008 13:30:00 ESTCelebrity Fitzness Report: Age-Proof Your Body with Elizabeth Somerhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/21/celebrity-fitzness-report-age-proof-your-body-with-elizabeth-so/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/21/celebrity-fitzness-report-age-proof-your-body-with-elizabeth-so/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/21/celebrity-fitzness-report-age-proof-your-body-with-elizabeth-so/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Curious to know how celebrities squeeze fitness into their daily lives? Want to know the secrets of the stars? Bi-weekly our That's Fit fitness expert Fitz sits down with the celebs we want to know more about, and digs out their great and not-so-great methods to staying healthy.

Nutrition expert, Elizabeth Somer, and I recently sat down in New York City at the Prilosec OTC round table event to chat about aging without feeling or looking OLD! She tosses out tons of great advice about living well, living long and looking hot while doing it. The interview was fun and her books are great!

View Elizabeth's books below:

Continue reading Celebrity Fitzness Report: Age-Proof Your Body with Elizabeth Somer

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]]>ageagingauthoravoidbikebookbotcancercelebritycelebrity-fitzness-reportcheryl laddCherylLadddiabetesdieticiandiseaseelizabethfitzfitznessfruithealthhearthotliftlooknutritionosteoporosisprilosecprilosec otcprilosec otvPrilosecOtcPrilosecOtvregisteredrusmartsomervegetablesweightswrinkleFitz K.Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:10:00 ESTAll natural, homemade insect repellenthttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/07/all-natural-homemade-insect-repellent/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/07/all-natural-homemade-insect-repellent/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/08/07/all-natural-homemade-insect-repellent/#commentsFiled under: ,

As a family, we like to get outdoors and enjoy natural surroundings. But there's one part of nature that we don't enjoy -- bugs. Whether buzzing in your ear or nibbling at your ankles, bugs can quickly ruin an outdoor activity. There are plenty of bug repellents out there -- effective ones at that -- but if spraying yourself or your family down with chemicals isn't your style, consider this homemade insect repellent bar instead.

You'll need to gather a few items, some likely from a health food store, but after that, putting the bar together is fairly quick. I'd make several at once, I think, then store them in handy places like the car, my backpack, the beach bag, etc. Though I'm certain a homemade bar won't repel bugs as well as a chemical spray, the peace of mind you'll get from using something natural and non-toxic might be worth a bite or two.

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]]>bug repellentbug sprayBugRepellentBugSprayDIYhikinghomemadehomemade bug repellentHomemadeBugRepellentmosquitosoutdoorsBethany SandersThu, 07 Aug 2008 09:00:00 ESTHow green is your race event?http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/23/how-green-is-your-race-event/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/23/how-green-is-your-race-event/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/23/how-green-is-your-race-event/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I love participating in races. I love the training (well, most of the time), I love the adrenaline, I love the camaraderie. Probably I'd love winning, if I ever did, but as it is, I just love being a part of the event. However, I don't love the impact these events generally have on the environment.

Think about it -- races create a large amount of trash (paper cups, water bottles), cause large numbers of people to travel, and what do you do with all that swag? Maybe you keep it and use it, but lots of people just throw it away. Races can be really wasteful.

Fortunately, they don't have to be. Event organizers have a couple of options if they're hoping to "greenify" their event. Both Athletes for a Fit Planet and the Council for Responsible Sport have several ways to help organizers make their races more environmentally responsible, plus they provide information to athletes who want to make informed choices about their races.

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]]>eco-friendlyenvironmentenvironmentally responsibleEnvironmentallyResponsibleeventgreenimpactraceraceswasteKristen SeymourWed, 23 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST7 Age Defying Tips from Cheryl Ladd & Elizabeth Somer , R.D.http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/18/7-age-defying-tips-from-cheryl-ladd-and-elizabeth-somer-r-d/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/18/7-age-defying-tips-from-cheryl-ladd-and-elizabeth-somer-r-d/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/18/7-age-defying-tips-from-cheryl-ladd-and-elizabeth-somer-r-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I'm on the plane flying home from the Prilosec OTC Roundtable Discussion with the gorgeous actress, Cheryl Ladd and nutrition expert, Elizabeth Somer, R.D in New York City. They/we discussed the benefits that both a healthy lifestyle and positive attitude can have on today's Baby Boomers. I was happy to see two bright women, both 57 years old, who were able to close in on 60 without being or looking "old". While preserving their appearances and health, they still embrace and enjoy the gifts that come with aging.

Both Cheryl and Elizabeth personify the woman I hope to be when I am of similar age. Not only because they are gorgeous women who have defied the years physically though. Their healthy eating choices, chronic exercise habits, and joyous perspectives on life offer proof that with decent effort one can earn a long, productive, enjoyable life.

Gallery: Defy Aging

Doctor BondingEat healthy!Exercise FrequentlyKeep Your Brain BuzzingBe Happy!

Continue reading 7 Age Defying Tips from Cheryl Ladd & Elizabeth Somer , R.D.

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]]>ageauthorcharlies angelsCharliesAngelscheryldefyeatelizabeth somerElizabethSomerexerciseexpertfitnessfitzfitznessfruithealthyladdmenopausenutritionoldvicewomanyoungyouthfulFitz K.Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:00:00 ESTDecoding some shady green-speakhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/14/decoding-some-shady-green-speak/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/14/decoding-some-shady-green-speak/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/07/14/decoding-some-shady-green-speak/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Everyone wants to be green these days, which of course is a good thing. But unfortunately for the unsuspecting consumer, green is being used somewhat duplictiously as a means of putting more green of a different kind into corporate coffers.

Men's Health takes a closer look at what some of the green language on packaging really means. Here's what they found...

CFC-FREE: Sometimes still found on bug spray, shaving creams, oven cleaners, and many other spray products, this claim is completely pointless -- CFCs have been banned from aerosols since 1978.

ALL NATURAL: Perhaps one of the most ambiguous phrases used in green-speak. As the article states, whatever it actually means, it definitely doesn't guarantee that it's safe.

Continue reading Decoding some shady green-speak

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]]>CFCChris SparlingChrisSparlingenvironmenthealthmens health magazineMensHealthMagazineorganicChris SparlingMon, 14 Jul 2008 23:29:00 ESTFreeCycle your unwanted items and help the environment http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/30/freecycle-your-unwanted-items-and-help-the-environment/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/30/freecycle-your-unwanted-items-and-help-the-environment/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/06/30/freecycle-your-unwanted-items-and-help-the-environment/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I am currently looking to get rid of an old sofa I have, as I think I'm well overdue for a new one. However, I've been struggling with how to get it out of my house. Not how to physically remove it (trust me, by this point I'm amenable to the idea of just dropping it out my damn window), but what to do with it once it's out. I want the thing out of my house, but I don't want to add unnecessary waste to the local landfill.

I'm trying to make an eco-friendly decision. The way I see it, throwing away my sofa requires fueling a truck, emitting carbon dioxide while driving that truck, and then adding to the collection of waste at the landfill. But what else am I supposed to do? And it was while trying to work out a solution to this quandary that I came upon FreeCycle.org, a network of five million Americans who have joined community groups around the globe to give and get free stuff from neighbors. Freeclycling -- which is sometimes also referred to as freesharing -- helps keep unwanted items out of landfills, helping the environment and confirming the validity of the "One man's trash ..." saying in the process.

So, if you happen to have some items you are looking to unload -- and would like to mitigate the affect their disposal has on the environment -- maybe FreeCycle is right for you, too.

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]]>Chris SparlingChrisSparlingeco-friendlyenviroronmentfreecyclehealthlandfillChris SparlingMon, 30 Jun 2008 13:26:00 ESTFlowers in a food gardenhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/05/30/flowers-in-a-food-garden/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/05/30/flowers-in-a-food-garden/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/05/30/flowers-in-a-food-garden/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I'm trying, along with two of my friends and neighbors, to grow an organic food garden. Until we can harvest, I buy mostly organic produce to avoid residual pesticides and GMOs harm the environment and could be compromising to human health as well. And I've been researching the methods behind the concept.

Options for pest control include physical barriers such as netting as well as natural concoctions to replace chemical pesticides. These options aren't very glamorous or aesthetically pleasing. I realize we're growing food, but I'm a sucker for eye-pleasing landscapes. That's why I was thrilled to learn that incorporating flowers into our food garden could be an effective method for pest control.

Marigolds and lavender are among a long list of components that can be used as part of companion planting, which, as it turns out, has been a standard method used by organic gardeners for some time. Other bloggers over at Green Daily have covered it as well. It's too soon to tell if it's working in our garden, but it sure looks pretty. And that works for me. For now.



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]]>companion plantingCompanionPlantingflowersfoodgardenlavendermarigoldsorganicpest controlPestControlDeanna GlickFri, 30 May 2008 13:30:00 ESTCelebrity Fitzness Report: Heisman Trophy Winner & Super Bowl MVP Desmond Howardhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/05/29/celebrity-fitzness-report-heisman-trophy-winner-and-super-bowl-mv/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/05/29/celebrity-fitzness-report-heisman-trophy-winner-and-super-bowl-mv/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/05/29/celebrity-fitzness-report-heisman-trophy-winner-and-super-bowl-mv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Curious to know how celebrities squeeze fitness into their daily lives? Want to know the secrets of the stars? Bi-weekly, our That's Fit fitness expert Fitz sits down with the celebs we want to know more about, and digs out their great and not-so-great methods to staying healthy.

My guest this week is one of those people who really puts me in awe. Desmond Howard has scooped up two of the most impressive and revered awards in the entire sport of football, a Heisman Trophy and a Super Bowl MVP. As I sat with Desmond on a sunny and breezy day in the University of Florida football stadium, The Swamp, I wondered what if felt like to achieve such greatness. Most boys feel lucky to make their high school JV football team. To play in college is an honor. To do what Desmond's done ... indescribable.

I love talking to professional athletes because they have had access to the best of the best opportunities in fitness. They have been trained for perfection and have proven to have mastered the art of discipline. Surely, they have something to share!

ince retiring from playing football, Desmond now works as a color analyst for ESPN's College GameDay. He doesn't have the luxury of an aggressive coach barking at him each day to maximize his potential. He trains because he loves being fit, and just like you and me, he has had to find creative ways to work it into his schedule.

On a personal note ... for someone with so much success in one of the most testosterone-driven sports in the world, Desmond was one of the most down-to-earth non-egotistical men I've ever met. He maintained a gigantic smile (with ridiculously perfect white teeth) throughout our entire conversation and was just a pleasure to spend time with. He's smart, funny, and everything I would want my son to become if he followed in a similar athletic path. Plus he praised his Mom, and of course, I want my baby to do that too. If you haven't been able to keep up with Desmond's success in sports, but would like to achieve great fitness as an adult ... read on.

Fitz: You've retired as one of the most successful football players in both the NFL and NCAA. What do you do now to stay fit?

Desmond: I usually try to work out four-five times a week, but it's kind of difficult when I travel a lot. When we do a lot of college football games, I'll ask the Sports Information Director of the university where we'll be if we can use their weight room. Sometimes the hotels we stay in have pretty nice weight rooms too. We really don't need a lot. I try to do cardio. I like the elliptical machine a lot, because it's low impact on my knees. If they don't have that I'll do the stationary bike. I always get in at least 35-40 minutes of hard cardio, work my core, and then work some other muscle group.

Continue reading Celebrity Fitzness Report: Heisman Trophy Winner & Super Bowl MVP Desmond Howard

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]]>analystbowlcelebrity-fitzness-reportchriscollegecolorcorsodesmondespmfloridafootballfowlerheismanherbstreithistorichowardkirkleemichiganmvpsaturdaysportsundaysuperthe catchTheCatchtrophyuniversityweekendFitz K.Thu, 29 May 2008 09:30:00 ESTOprah's 21-day vegan cleansehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/05/22/oprahs-21-day-vegan-cleanse/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/05/22/oprahs-21-day-vegan-cleanse/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/05/22/oprahs-21-day-vegan-cleanse/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Conscious eater -- these two words from Kathy Freston's new book Quantum Wellness piqued Oprah's curiosity and has her jumping into a 21-day vegan cleanse. If Oprah's on board, Preston is about to sell a whole lot of books. The Cattlemen and Dairymen must not be pleased.

Oprah describes in her blog how she always thought being a conscious eater meant not eating to ease an anxiety-ridden day, chewing slowly, picking a healthier alternative instead of a handful of chocolate-covered raisins. I know the unconscious eating Oprah is referring to -- if there's a box of Mike And Ikes lying around during a high-stress moment, I've been known to grab handfuls. But Freston's consciousness is framed differently -- it speaks to "spiritual integrity" -- she says eating most meat sold in this country means eating meat from animals that have been treated inhumanely. Also, raising animals for slaughter carries a serious environmental toll.

Veganism is a mysterious word to most people, but it shouldn't be and it won't be for millions after Oprah is through with her cleanse. Hanging out with vegans and vegetarians opens your palate to a host of new flavors and healthy, wholesome foods. Oprah fans will learn all about dishes 'those strange vegans' enjoy. More people will be trying chunky mushroom soup with wild rice and pecans -- Oprah had that for lunch last Sunday. In the spirit of Oprah's vegan cleanse, here is a gallery of vegan dishes to try, compliments of the popular vegan recipe section at VegWeb.

Gallery: Vegan dishes to try

Mock Tuna SaladBlueberry Muffins with Crumb ToppingVegan French ToastGarbanzo TacosVegan Fried Chicken

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]]>Bev SklarBevSklarconscious eaterconscious eatingConsciousEaterConsciousEatingKathy FrestonKathyFrestonMike And IkeMikeAndIkeOprahOprahs vegan cleanseOprahsVeganCleanseQuantum WellnessQuantumWellnessveganvegan cleansevegan recipesVeganCleanseveganismVeganRecipesVegWebBev SklarThu, 22 May 2008 14:39:00 ESTGoing green is in the baghttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/05/13/paper-or-plastic-no-thanks/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/05/13/paper-or-plastic-no-thanks/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/05/13/paper-or-plastic-no-thanks/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Today, I made the change. I said "no, thanks" to my grocery store bagger when he offered me paper or plastic and instead allowed my new green totes to shimmy up to my cashier where she promptly handed them over to Mr. Bagger -- who then shared with me a few facts about my eco-bags.

Bagger Boy told me the tote trend makes life a bit hard for baggers because they hold so much darn food. Typically, like foods are stashed together and with plastic, this works well. The bags are small and it's not a big deal to use a pretty good stack of them if necessary (well, it is a big deal, environmentally speaking). But the roomier alternatives often lead to food cramming. Un-like foods sometimes end up together -- think bread with eggs with cereal boxes -- and this is well, problematic, said the guy strategically placing my kids' popsicles with my few crates of strawberries.

Bagger Boy also told me these planet-safe bags aren't doing customers any favors. With the high cost of everything nowadays, people like to believe they're getting a lot for their money. You get a lot with plastic. Not so much with totes -- I have six, for example, and will rarely use that many -- so buyers feel they're getting less for more.

Continue reading Going green is in the bag

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]]>bagbaggerconservationpaperplanetplasticPublixreusabletoteJacki DonaldsonTue, 13 May 2008 08:00:00 ESTAre you killing coral reefs with your sunblock?http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/04/28/are-you-killing-coral-reefs-with-your-sunblock/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/04/28/are-you-killing-coral-reefs-with-your-sunblock/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/04/28/are-you-killing-coral-reefs-with-your-sunblock/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Environmental Health Perspectives journal recently published a paper claiming that certain ingredients in sunscreen are killing coral reefs. National Geographic, among others, picked up on it, and now beach-goers the world over are worried that the sunscreen they use to protect their skin is damaging coral reefs.

The Beauty Brains were asked about this last week, and they broke the issue down into an easy-to-understand format, explaining exactly what the concern was (certain chemicals found in sunscreen can cause bleaching in the reefs). The fact is that, yes, there are chemicals found in sunscreens that are detrimental to the environment, but the quantities listed in the paper failed to take a number of factors into account, such as those same chemicals being present in pollution as well as in sunscreen.

Their final opinion was that sunscreen use is not likely as big a culprit in the death of coral reefs as the paper indicates. However, if you're concerned because you swim near reefs (or just because you don't want to use sunscreen that could be damaging to the environment), you can look for natural sunscreens, or look out for the ingredients The Beauty Brains list as problematic.

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]]>bleachingchemicalscoral reefsCoralReefsdeathdyingenvironmental health perspectivesEnvironmentalHealthPerspectiveskillnational geographicNationalGeographicoceanreefsunblocksunscreenswimmingthe beauty brainsTheBeautyBrainstoxicKristen SeymourMon, 28 Apr 2008 15:00:00 ESTFit Beauty: Beauty can be cruelty-freehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/04/24/fit-beauty-beauty-can-be-cruelty-free/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/04/24/fit-beauty-beauty-can-be-cruelty-free/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/04/24/fit-beauty-beauty-can-be-cruelty-free/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We talk a lot about reading labels here at That's Fit, like how whole wheat bread isn't always whole wheat, and "natural" and "organic" can mean several things. However, more than just your food is labeled -- so are your cosmetics.

In honor of Earth Day this past Tuesday, I wanted to tell you a bit about how you can find cosmetics and beauty products that are truly cruelty-free. After all, causing pain for an animal just isn't pretty.

Companies use several different types of wording to make the extent of their animal testing ambiguous. For example, if the label says Final product not tested on animals, that means that while that particular lip gloss might not have been put on an animal, the ingredients going into it might have. Or, if it says This brand does not test on animals, it could mean that a supplier or lab that brand works with tests on animals.

Gallery: Cruelty-free products

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Bronzing PearlsKiss My Face Miss Treated Shampoo Organic Hair CareBare Escentuals Buxom Big and Healthy Lip PolishLa Source Extreme Foot Therapy CreamMAC Dual Edge Eye Pencil

Continue reading Fit Beauty: Beauty can be cruelty-free

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]]>animal crueltyanimal productsanimal testingAnimalCrueltyAnimalProductsanimalsAnimalTestingbeauty productsBeautyProductscosmeticscruelty freecruelty-freeCrueltyFreeingredientslabelsmakeuppetaKristen SeymourThu, 24 Apr 2008 10:00:00 ESTReal ways to go greenhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/04/22/real-ways-to-go-green/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/04/22/real-ways-to-go-green/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/04/22/real-ways-to-go-green/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Think you're making a pretty good attempt at going green? You might want to think again. Sunday's Parade Magazine tells readers that just because something is marketed as green doesn't mean it actually is. Take paper shopping bags. Pick them over plastic and you're doing a great thing, right? Not exactly. They are biodegradable but it still takes four times more energy to manufacture paper than plastic, leading to even more air and water pollution. Oops. Opt for sturdy, reusable totes and you'll be doing the planet a favor.

Have you been picking up organic processed snacks at the store lately? If so, then stop. These processed treats require hugs amounts of energy to produce, pack, and ship. Snacking on whole foods that are locally or organically grown is so much better.

Are you a fan of recycling your plastic water bottles. Good for you, if you are. But even better than using these bottles in the first place is to sip tap water from a safe reusable metal bottle. Why? Because we dispose of about 70 million plastic bottles every day. Fewer than 15 percent are recycled.

Surprising stuff? There's more right here -- like how to redecorate your house in the greenest way possible, how to buy the best green car, and what eco-friendly duds to wear.


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]]>bottlesEarthDaygreenJacki DonalsonJackiDonalsonMagazineorganicpaperParadeplasticwaterJacki DonaldsonTue, 22 Apr 2008 09:00:00 ESTTo clean with steamhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/04/21/to-clean-with-steam/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/04/21/to-clean-with-steam/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/04/21/to-clean-with-steam/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I was in the checkout line at Target the other day and spotted a steam mop on the conveyor belt behind my stuff. I asked the woman behind me about it. She was trying it for the first time. At $40, she figured she couldn't lose. Well, anything but $40. But anyway, it piqued my curiosity. Turns out, it's the hot new trend in cleaning supplies.

A recent Washington Post article on the subject offers a pretty nice overview of the method. As for effectiveness and the potential to provide relief for allergy sufferers, steam cleaners seem promising. They are not a "magic wand," but myriad types of steam cleaners can apparently clean things from floors to outdoor grills pretty well. And because hot steam is touted for its ability to kill dust mites, mold and other allergens, they appeal to allergy sufferers.

Another lure is that the method offers a healthier alternative to chemical cleaners and is therefore kinder to the environment, especially waste water. But as with many eco-friendly efforts, there's an "inevitable weighing of pros and cons." Steam cleaners require electricity to use and energy for production and transport and will eventually add to solid waste in landfills.

Gallery: Steam cleaners

Shark Ultra Steam BlasterBissel Flip-EaseBissell Steam MopBlack and Decker Power MopLysol Steam Mop

Continue reading To clean with steam

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]]>allergensallergyalternativechemicalscleaningdust mitesDustMiteseco-friendlyelectricityfloorshousemoldsteamsteam cleanSteamCleanWashington PostWashingtonPostwaterDeanna GlickMon, 21 Apr 2008 16:00:00 ESTHelp the environment by reducing junk mailhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2008/04/12/help-the-environment-by-reducing-junk-mail/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/04/12/help-the-environment-by-reducing-junk-mail/http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/04/12/help-the-environment-by-reducing-junk-mail/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Two quick questions for you ...

1) Would you like to help the environment by having someone plant five to ten trees on your behalf?

2 Would you like to stop receiving 90 percent of the junk mail you receive?

If you answered Yes to both of those questions, you should definitely look into GreenDimes.com, an eco-conscious company that was formed to help put an end to the resource-wasting practice of sending worthless paper mail advertisements to homes across the country. For only $20, GreenMail.com will remove your name from mailing lists and make sure, through a monthly monitoring system, that the pile of junk mail you receive is reduced by 90 percent. Plus, as stated before, by signing up to GreenDimes.com, they will plant five to ten trees on your behalf.

Also, in case you don't feel like shelling out the $20 bucks right now, you can also join GreenDimes.com for free and still help remove your name from junk mailing lists.

And lastly, just to put the true wastefulness of junk mail into perspective, here are some facts sourced from the Native Forest Network:

  • The average person gets only 1.5 personal letters each week, compared to 10.8 pieces of junk mail.
  • Each person will receive almost 560 pieces of junk mail this year.
  • That's 4.5 million tons of junk mail produced each year!
  • 44% of all junk mail is thrown in the trash, unopened and unread.
  • Approximately 40% of the solid mass that makes up our landfills is paper and paperboard waste.
  • By the year 2010, it is predicted to make up about 48%.
  • 100 million trees are ground up each year to produce junk mail.
  • Lists of names and addresses used in bulk mailings are in mass data-collection networks, compiled from phone books, warranty cards, and charity donations (to name a few).
  • Your name is typically worth 3 to 20 cents each time it is sold.

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]]>Chris SparlingChrisSparlingenvironmntgreen dimesGreenDimeshealthjunk mailJunkMailtreesChris SparlingSat, 12 Apr 2008 10:04:00 EST