That's Fit

Halloween Candy: How Much Will You Eat?

Martha Edwards — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST

It's that time of year again -- that wonderful Halloween season when gorging on bags and bags of candy is not only rationalized, it's expected.

But those of us who've survived a few Halloweens know that treats can do your diet in if you're not careful. You're surrounded by temptation -- especially if you have young kids -- and it's up to you to make sure you don't overdo it.

So how many goodies will it be for you this year?

Last week, I asked you if you keep a food journal or if you record what you eat some other way. Your response?

33 percent have tried but just can't keep it up.
27 percent definitely can keep it up -- they keep track of everything.
26 percent try their best, but they might miss a day every now and then.
14 percent can't be bothered, it's too much work.

One good reason to keep a food journal? It might be good for your love life.

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Do You Keep A Food Journal?

Martha Edwards — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Your Turn

If losing a few (or a few dozen) pounds is your aim, one of the first things you'll need to do is identify where the bulk of your daily calories are coming from. The best way to do this -- as most trainers, nutritionists and weight-loss professionals will tell you -- is by keeping a food journal and tracking everything you eat. Doing so is relatively easy -- there are plenty of online tools to help you out, or you can do it the old-fashioned way and keep a notebook on hand. It might seem like a bit of a pain, but people who keep a food journal usually say it's really helpful.

So the question is: Do you keep a food journal?

Last week, I wanted to know if you had kicked the soda habit or if you still indulged.

44 percent drink it from time to time as a treat.
29 percent wouldn't touch it.
22 percent drink it regularly, simply because they love it.
5 percent love it so much they hardly drink anything else.

Good news, soda lovers. Coca-Cola's rolling out a new product with dieters in mind.

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Soda: Do You Still Drink It?

Martha Edwards — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Your Turn, Nutrition & Supplements

Soda habits are really not good for you. It adds unnecessary pounds to your waistline, and considering it's been fingered as a major cause of life-threatening obesity, it could even kill you.

Even diet soda is more of an enemy than a friend -- studies show it can make you fat, despite having zero calories. In fact, soda's so bad for you that it's even caught the attention of the government. That's why you should definitely give it up for good.

But have you? Despite all the warnings against it, have you managed to kick the soda habit or are you still indulging on a regular basis?

Last week, inspired by a recent episode of "The Biggest Loser," I asked if you could run a mile. So, can you?

54 percent say yes -- easily.
25 percent struggle but do it anyway.
11 percent don't even want to.
10 percent can -- sometimes.

Someone who's definitely fit enough to run a mile? Jessica Biel -- she's climbing Mount Kilimanjaro!

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Can You Run a Mile?

Martha Edwards — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Your Turn

When you're dedicated to fitness, running a mile can seem like a piece of cake, but as we learned from a recent episode of "The Biggest Loser," a mile can seem like several to someone who's not used to exercise, carrying a fair bit of extra weight or both. In fact, it takes so much extra effort for obese people to run a mile than it does for normal-sized folks that they can end up burning more than twice the calories! That's not to say that obese and overweight people are the only ones who have trouble running -- I know slim people who would struggle. Yet others struggle with conditions like exercise-induced asthma or joint issues, making running more of a monumental challenge than a simple sprint.

So this week, I want to know if you can run a mile, and if you can, are you the type of person who finds it easy? Or is it a challenge?

Last week, I wanted to know how you keep your weight in check -- with diet, exercise or both. Your response?

77 percent chose the smart answer -- they balance both to stay healthy.
12 percent said they prefer exercise -- they work out lots so they can eat what they want.
10 percent aren't crazy about exercise, so they eat well all the time.
1 percent aren't bothered with either -- they aren't worried about their weight.

Here's a good reason to be concerned about your weight -- it really affects your lifespan!

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Diet vs. Exercise - Which Helps You Stay Slim?

Martha Edwards — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Your Turn, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness

When it comes to weight loss, what's more important: Diet or exercise? The answer is both -- exercise alone isn't enough to make you slim, but that doesn't mean you can live the life of a certified couch potato if you watch what you eat.

Most of us favor a balanced approach -- we eat well most of the time and try our best to get at least a few workouts in each week. But not everyone is alike -- some can stay slim without lifting a single dumbbell, and some can eat what they please because they burn it off with intense and frequent exercise. Yet others don't even pay a passing thought to diet or exercise -- they just can't be bothered with either. So I'm wondering, which are you?

Last week, I asked you if you preferred group exercise to solo workout sessions. Surprisingly,

56 percent said no -- you prefer to work out alone, without distraction.
24 percent said you like both -- some exercises are better alone, while some are best done with others.
12 said sometimes, depending on the activity.
8 percent always prefer a social workout -- exercising alone can be boring.

But whether you like workouts with others or not, just make sure you get out there and do something, like walking -- it's very effective for weight loss.

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Solo or Social - How Do You Work Out?

Martha Edwards — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Your Turn, Fitness

According to recent studies, working out in a group makes you happier than working out on your own does, and it's not just a state of mind -- your endorphin levels actually rise in a group exercise setting. If you're anything like me, this is big news because let's face it -- I'll do pretty much anything to make the workout less painful.

But not everyone enjoys social sweat sessions -- some prefer to hit the running trail with only an iPod for companionship. Yet others can't live without it -- they need other people around to motivate them to keep going. So I'm wondering, which are you?

Last week, I asked you if liquid calories were a big part of your diet. Want to know the results?

49 percent of you said nu-uh, no way. You stick to no or low-cal drinks only. It's just not worth it.
41 percent said not really. You indulge sometimes, but it's rare.
5 percent often do -- you like to treat yourself.
5 percent said you do all the time -- drinks are what keep you going!

Speaking of drinks, can you guess how many calories comes in a can of Red Bull?

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Liquid Calories - Do They Make Up a Big Part of Your Diet?

Martha Edwards — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Your Turn, Diet & Weight Loss

You can cut out all the fast food, junk and sugar from your diet you want, but if you don't face the facts about the liquid calories you're consuming, losing weight can be a hard battle. That's because so many people underestimate the damage drinks can do. That large juice you had with lunch, the fancy Frappuccino you had this afternoon, the fruity cocktails or beers you're looking forward to after work -- they can all add up, and in some cases, these beverages can cost more calories than a Big Mac!

But if you're careful about your waistline, you're probably already drink-savvy enough to stick to low-cal beverages. Do liquid calories make up a big part of your diet?

Last week, I asked you if you turn to comfort food in times of need. Your answer?

60 percent of you are human -- you try not to, but sometimes you just can't help it.
21 percent of you definitely do -- it's the only thing that helps.
10 percent of you don't give in to your cravings -- you know it won't do you any good in the long run.
9 percent of you don't even think about food when you're stressed. Lucky jerks.

Going back to school? Comfort food will lead to the Freshman 15, but we know how to avoid it.

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Do You Turn to Comfort Food?

Martha Edwards — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Your Turn

It's back-to-school time and whether you're a student, parent or teacher, it's a season of big changes, new routines and lots of adjustments. Heck, even if you're not in any way associated with school, this time of year can be stressful, as the lazy days of summer fade into distant memory and you rev up for real life -- and cold weather -- again.

We all deal with stress differently -- some thrive on it, some hide from it under the duvet with a bag of cookies and some just get on with it. Regardless, most of us notice a change in our eating habits during these times. They may be as small as a craving for an extra slice of bread, or big enough to induce all-out binges. Either way, we usually reach for the foods that comfort us, be it sugary snacks, trustworthy carbs, junk food that we love or dishes that mom made when we were kids.

So what about you? Are you a comfort-food junky in tough times, or can you stick to your regular eating habits?

Last week, I asked if you take the stairs as part of your ongoing effort to stay fit. Here's what you said:

53 percent of you hoof it up the stairs whenever it's humanly possible. Right on! You've made me proud, readers.
37 percent usually do -- but you'll give yourself a break every now and then.
8 percent only do it if they have to.
2 percent wouldn't dream of it. Why bother, when there's an elevator nearby?

Craving comfort food? Our Recipe Rehab expert might just have a healthy version that will satisfy.

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Do You Take the Stairs?

Martha Edwards — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Your Turn, Fitness

There's no need to buy expensive equipment or sign up for fancy gym memberships -- one of the most effective pieces of fitness equipment is already part of your home and office, and it's absolutely free. We're talking about the stairs, of course, and they might be just the thing to get you fit. After all, they're how Beyonce shapes up, so why shouldn't you use them as well?

The thing is, you know all this already, but I'm willing to guess that most of us are still loitering around the lobby waiting for the elevator to take you to the third floor. Do you take the stairs when you can? Or, when it comes to decision time, do you take the easy way up?

Last week, I asked you if your family is competitive or not. Here's what you had to say:

42 percent said absolutely -- you play to win.
24 percent said the only 'game' you played as a family was a race to the last pizza slice.
17 percent are occasionally competitive.
17 percent said you like getting active together, but you don't really compete.

Need a fitness plan that's less hectic? Click here to find out why yoga is good for weight loss.

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Is Your Family Competitive?

Martha Edwards — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Your Turn, Fitness

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A family that plays together stays together -- well, in a sense, as Katherine pointed out in her account of the annual tennis tournament that brings her extended family together once a year by dividing them in fierce competition. Athletic competition among families can no doubt get a little out of hand (as evidenced by an entire year of trash talking that takes place over e-mail) but ultimately, it's healthy -- it gets people moving and teaches them important lessons about training, fairness and how to take both glory and disappointment with the grace of a true winner. Well, we hope anyway.

But not all families have this sporty competitive streak -- mine, for instance, ends scrabble games with weeks of silent indignance and pouting, so I can't imagine what would happen if our clumsy bunch tried to get it together for a tennis game. So I'm wondering: What's the norm? Do most families use sports as a way to bond, or can they not take the pressure? What about yours?

Last week, we asked if you eat more when you're working out more. Your response?

37 percent of you listen to your body -- you eat when you're hungry.
32 percent of you said definitely -- you need more calories.
25 percent of you said no -- you make sure to keep your calorie intake about the same.
6 percent of you said yes -- because you deserve a treat after all your hard work.

Whether you're sporty or not, there's one exercise you absolutely need to to do. Click here to find out what it is and why.

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Do You Eat More When You Work Out?

Martha Edwards — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Your Turn, Fitness

When you burn a bunch of calories during a good workout, it's only natural for your body to want to compensate by consuming more, which is why many of us celebrate a good session with a hearty meal. Well, either that or we're using our hard work as an excuse to treat ourselves.

Either way, bad behavior can catch up with you even if you're keeping up a regular fitness regime, as Jennifer pointed out when she asked the question, "Is marathon training making you fat?"

What about you? Do you tend to eat more when you're working out regularly? If so, do you do it because you're physically hungrier or because you feel like you're "allowed" to? Is it keeping you from losing weight?

Last week, we asked you if you work out in the rain. Here's what you had to say:

32 percent said yes -- you're too determined to let a bit of rain stop you.
30 percent said there's no reason to -- your gym is indoors.
22 percent said maybe, as long as it was safe and comfortable
16 percent said no way -- it's just not worth it.

Are potbellies in style this summer? You be the judge.

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Do You Work Out In The Rain?

Martha Edwards — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Your Turn, Fitness

A rainy day is no excuse to miss your workout -- at least, that's what Jacki told us recently. Sure, you'll want to stay indoors if there's thunder or lightening, but a light drizzle shouldn't keep you from your morning run. Just make sure you take a few precautionary steps -- wear a light, breathable rain jacket and make sure your footwear is water repellent. Also make sure to protect your gadgets -- you wouldn't want to soak your trusty iPod!

So are you willing to work out in the rain?

Last week, we asked you if you exercise backwards, despite our fitness expert advising against it. Here's what you had to say:

34 percent said no -- why bother going in reverse?
30 percent said yes -- you like to switch things up.
20 percent said definitely -- it gives you a better workout.
16 percent said sometimes.

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Do You Exercise Backwards?

Katherine Tweed — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Your Turn, Fitness

Walk in to nearly any gym and you'll probably see someone going in reverse on an elliptical trainer. Why not? It goes in two directions. However, diet and fitness expert Liz Neporent found that exercising backwards isn't giving your glutes a better workout, and there's really no reason for it.

Some folks just like the change of pace, and going backwards definitely mixes things up. But the risks on machines outweigh the benefits, according to Liz. Spinning bike manufacturers tell trainers not to include any retro-cycling in classes because of the chance for injury, and even elliptical makers say the reverse motion wasn't intended for workouts. As for calorie burn, there is some evidence there is a higher calorie burn in walking backwards, but the evidence is minimal. Despite the lack of evidence, are you still moving in reverse?

Last week we asked people how high-tech their workouts were, and the responses were mixed.

35 percent said all you need are a decent pair of sneakers and some basic athletic equipment. Summer is the perfect excuse to unplug. Try tennis, basketball, Frisbee, beach paddleball or even bocce to get moving while having fun.
33 percent said you're using the machines at the gym, but that's about it. You're not super high-tech, but your fitness routine definitely involves a power outlet.
31 percent said you're completely plugged in. Not only are you uploading your playlist on your iPod, you've got a heart rate monitor strapped on, and when you get back home you're logging your trek online.

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Is Your Workout High-Tech?

Katherine Tweed — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Your Turn, Fitness

Whether you hit the gym or the great outdoors to work up a sweat, there's plenty of opportunity to incorporate technology into your exercise routine. But while some people can't live without GPS and Nike+ sneakers, others find a soccer ball or pair of dance shoes is all they need to stay in shape.

Then there's exercise that's totally dependent on technology, like the Wii Fit, or I would even argue, workout DVDs. There are advantages to knowing stats on your own fitness, but are some people a little too obsessed? Are you hooked on technology for your workout?

Last week we asked how you manage your aches and pains from working out. Here's how you responded:

More than 60 percent said that you expect some discomfort. so you tough it out instead of turning to medication.

Twenty percent said you take advantage of massage or ice packs, and 16 percent said you do turn to pain relievers, but only if you really need them.

Just three percent said you take preventative pain relievers, which is a good thing, because overuse can cause other problems as well as mask a more serious injury that needs medical attention.

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How Do You Treat Workout Aches and Pains?

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

Filed under: Your Turn, Fitness

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?

Continue reading How Do You Treat Workout Aches and Pains?

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Are You a Beach Bum or a Beach Body?

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

Filed under: Your Turn, Fitness

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.

Continue reading Are You a Beach Bum or a Beach Body?

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Do You Work Out With Your Dog?

Maggie Vink — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Your Turn, Fitness

Is your best friend of the furry variety? Those playful pals can actually be a great boon to your workout. But, as Liz Neporent told us, more than 50 percent of the 60 million dogs in the U.S. are considered overweight. With that statistic, it seems like our bad habits are rubbing off on our dogs more than their active natures are rubbing off on us.

If you have a dog or two, don't train them to be couch potatoes. Not only will a sedentary lifestyle affect their health (and ultimately, your vet bills), but you're also missing out on a chance for the best exercise partner. Most dog breeds have unflagging energy and will be right by your side while running, biking, or just going for a walk.

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Besides, if you've got a little pooch around your belly, your pooch might be able to help you work that off.

Continue reading Do You Work Out With Your Dog?

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How Big is Your Belly?

Maggie Vink — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Your Turn, Fitness

All fat is not created equal. Fat that gathers around your butt and thighs is called subcutaneous fat, but belly fat is called visceral fat. Visceral fat is a good indicator of how much fat is around your organs. That's why people with large waistlines have an increased risk for conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

You can do all the crunches in the world, and it's not going to get rid of belly fat. To keep your waistline slim, you need to eat a lean, healthy diet and burn excess calories through exercise. When it comes to the battle of the belly bulge, where are you?

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Tip! Jonny tells us that blueberries can help banish belly fat. The high antioxidants in blueberries might make them especially beneficial for your belly, but all fruits and vegetables are friendly for a lean belly. Last week I wondered if you grew any of your own produce.

Continue reading How Big is Your Belly?

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Do You Have a Green Thumb?

Maggie Vink — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Your Turn, Nutrition & Supplements

Whether the motivation is the economy or the environment, backyard gardens are popping up all over the country. Perhaps most famously, a garden was even planted at the White House. Regardless of the reasons for planting a garden, there are undeniable health perks to growing your own produce.

Produce that is freshly picked (or dug as the case may be) hasn't had time to lose any nutrients. What's more, the fresher the produce, the better it seems to taste. And, as you grow different varieties of produce and have them right on hand, you're more likely to find ways to prepare and enjoy them. And increasing your fruit and vegetable intake is a good thing.

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You can never have too many fruits and vegetables, but there are other, less healthful, foods that can send you into a flurry of overeating.

Continue reading Do You Have a Green Thumb?

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Do You Have a Trigger Food?

Maggie Vink — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Your Turn, Nutrition & Supplements

Jacki recently wrote about trigger foods -- those certain items that, once we eat a little bit, send us into a flurry of overeating. According to Weight Watchers, the most common triggers are sugary/fatty foods such as ice cream and/or salty/fatty foods such as chips.

It's important to know your trigger foods, as they can really send your eating out of control. Weight Watchers recommends avoiding your trigger foods altogether for a while, then trying a small portion once you have control of your eating habits. If the food still causes you to binge, then you need to shelve it for a while longer.

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Trigger foods may have a negative impact on your eating, but there's one activity that can have a positive impact on your physical activity.

Continue reading Do You Have a Trigger Food?

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