That's Fit http://www.thatsfit.com That's Fit http://www.thatsfit.com/media/feedlogo.gif That's Fit http://www.thatsfit.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/The 5 (Fruit and Veggie) and 30 (Minute Exercise) Challengehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/the-5-fruit-and-veggie-and-30-minute-exercise-challenge/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/the-5-fruit-and-veggie-and-30-minute-exercise-challenge/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/the-5-fruit-and-veggie-and-30-minute-exercise-challenge/#commentsFiled under: ,

When it comes to weight loss, there are a lot of gimmicks out there. But That's Fit readers know this: Gimmicks never work, and sometimes they can leave you with more weight to lose than when you started. The other day, however, a friend told me about an idea that sounds gimmick-y, but is actually just a new way of looking at solid, time-tested advice.

It's called the 5 and 30 plan. The idea is easy -- eat a minimum of five fruits and vegetables a day and get 30 minutes of moderate exercise. Essentially, the plan reduces calories, increases fiber, improves nutrition and ensures daily physical activity. But at the same time, it sounds pretty simple.

It's not a diet, it's a way of life. And this week, I'm going to try it on for size.
Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>5-a-dayexercisefitnessfruitsvegetableswalk-the-walkweight-lossBethany Sanders2009-07-03T15:00:00+00:00Lift Weights Like a Girl - Follow These Rules to Burn Bighttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/lift-weights-like-a-girl-follow-these-rules-to-burn-big/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/lift-weights-like-a-girl-follow-these-rules-to-burn-big/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/lift-weights-like-a-girl-follow-these-rules-to-burn-big/#commentsFiled under: ,

Three Questions With...
Cassandra Forsythe-Pribanic, Ph.D., R.D., and co-author of "The New Rules of Lifting for Women"

New Rules of Lifting for Women book cover
Photo: Courtesy of Cassandra Forsythe-Pribanic
That's Fit: Can you explain why "inefficiency" in exercising may help you achieve a leaner body?

Cassandra Forsythe-Pribanic: Think about it in the way gasoline fuels your car: If your car is really efficient, you can go farther on less gas (which is what most of us want for our cars), but if it's inefficient, you burn more fuel faster. In the case of your body, when it's "inefficient," when you start running out of fuel (i.e., food energy), your body will need to tap into other resources to help it perform. This sometimes will be your fat stores because they are the most energy-dense fuel in your body. However, you have to eat fat to help your body burn fat, otherwise it will use other sources in your body such as glycogen (stored carbohydrate) or muscle protein (not desirable when that's what you're trying to maintain or increase). So, try to avoid eating a fat-free, or ultra-low fat diet or your body won't be able to burn the fat within you that you're trying to get rid of.

Continue reading Lift Weights Like a Girl - Follow These Rules to Burn Big

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>3-questions-withlean bodyLeanBodyliftinglifting weightsLiftingWeightstoningweight liftingWeightLiftingweightsMary Kearl2009-07-03T14:00:00+00:00Marathon Jitters? Grab Some Nordic Walking Poles! http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/marathon-jitters-grab-some-nordic-walking-poles/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/marathon-jitters-grab-some-nordic-walking-poles/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/marathon-jitters-grab-some-nordic-walking-poles/#commentsFiled under:

portland marathon
Photo: Portland Marathon
By now, you know I'm a travel hound who will do anything to travel. Even if that means tackling a marathon. Granted, I could do a marathon close to home and spend no time on the road. But half the fun of doing a marathon is escaping to a cool destination. Which is why I decided to tackle the Portland, Ore. marathon two years ago.

Not only is this marathon consistently ranked in the top 10 in the country, Portland is also one of my favorite cities with its tax-free shopping and awesome restaurants. But there's another reason: Portland is the only U.S. marathon to sanction a division in Nordic walking, an activity I'm addicted to. As crazy as it sounds, it's also the Nordic Walking World Championship.

Continue reading Marathon Jitters? Grab Some Nordic Walking Poles!

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>fit-travelmarathonNordic-walkingNordic-walking-polesNordic-walking-world-championshipPortlandPortland-Ore.want-to-tackle-a-marathonKaren Asp2009-07-03T13:00:00+00:00Bocce - Hey, It's Better Than Nothinghttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/bocce-hey-its-better-than-nothing/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/bocce-hey-its-better-than-nothing/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/bocce-hey-its-better-than-nothing/#commentsFiled under:

man bocce
Bocce: Not just for aging Italian men anymore. Photo: Eric Perrone, Flickr
Even those of us with the healthiest habits can get thrown off course on a holiday weekend. Too much eating and drinking paired with a lot of sitting and chatting can totally derail your diet. However, with the slightest amount of planning, you can mitigate the damage (at least a little bit).

Take bocce, for example. The D.C. Bocce League (whose motto is "Our balls are harder") allows people of all ages (yes, young folks play bocce, too) to get together and be, well, somewhat active. Definitely more active than, say sitting in a lawn chair. Or a bar stool. Or the couch.

The game, for those of you who are unfortunate enough to be unfamiliar, is an ancestor of bowling that initially became popular when soldiers in ancient Rome tossed stones to stave off boredom between battles. It now consists of tossing a two-pound ball toward a small white ball across a lawn. No, you're not going to work up a sweat, but it'll burn more calories than the 12-ounce curls you'd planned on.

Continue reading Bocce - Hey, It's Better Than Nothing

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>activeboccegameoutdoorsKristen Seymour2009-07-03T12:00:00+00:00Fit Parents are Natural Cross-Trainershttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/fit-parents-are-natural-cross-trainers/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/fit-parents-are-natural-cross-trainers/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/fit-parents-are-natural-cross-trainers/#commentsFiled under: ,

backpack for kids
Photo: Qole Pejorian, Flickr
The arrival of a screaming baby does not mean triathlon training is over. Parents with infants or young children who continue to stay in shape make cross-training concessions. The best part? Adapting your fitness habits to consistently include your kids will someday deliver a teenage workout partner capable of smoking you in a 5K.

Here are ideas for your next Fit Family Summer Assignment:

  • Consider This Book. "Fit Family: The Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Years" is a recent 2008 release to inspire family fitness during your kids' most formative, needy years, which just happen to be when your fitness habits are most at risk.
  • Now Plan It. Organize family bike rides, hikes and swim adventures. Find family-friendly routes -- the track or a car-free trail are terrific for new bike riders or a jog stroller. A quality baby backpack is a great investment.
  • Invite Them. Whether you're embarking on a walk, jog, hour of yoga, at-home weightlifting session or popping in a fitness DVD, regularly invite your kids to join you. They learn fast, and they want to be with you. Consider family time or one-on-one special time with your kids as a chance to schedule fitness together.
  • Buy the Treadmill. Parents need at-home cardio to fold in fitness. Hauling kids to the gym can be impossible some days, especially during cold/flu season. Besides, they'll actually witness you working out instead of sitting in a sterile room packed with runny noses.
  • The Subtle Invitation. Whether you're jumping on the treadmill, the resistance bench or the yoga mat, have kid-friendly fitness gear scattered around (hula hoop, light weights, ab roller, resistance bands, a second yoga mat).
  • Rely On Friends. Sneak in fitness while friends step up to supervise. Go to the pool with a friend and slice away 30 laps while she watches your kids. Switch.
  • Bird or Owl Training. On the days you must have solo sweat time, work out early with the birds or pump iron late with the owls. Hopefully your kids are typical, diurnal sleepers and you have small windows of time to yourself. Remember, putting your kids on a strict sleep schedule is about your fitness sanity, too.

Continue reading Fit Parents are Natural Cross-Trainers

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>baby-backpacksBev-Sklarfamily-fitnessfit-familyFit-Family-Summer-AssignmentBev Sklar2009-07-03T11:00:00+00:005 Tips for a Better Bikini Bodyhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/5-tips-for-a-better-bikini-body/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/5-tips-for-a-better-bikini-body/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/5-tips-for-a-better-bikini-body/#commentsFiled under:

woman in bikini
Photo: FranUlloa, Flickr
Getting into a bikini requires a certain amount of confidence -- and a fit body doesn't hurt, either. CafeMom shares five bikini body tips from Declan Condron, the co-creator and exercise physiologist of PumpOne FitnessBuilder.

Work in exercise every day. You don't have to be sweating away for hours upon hours -- just make a commitment to be physically active every day. No excuses!

Forget about spot reduction. Targeting one area of your body for weight loss is a myth. Strength training can target the muscle groups in certain areas, but that has nothing to do with weight loss. A healthy diet and consistent exercise will help your body lose weight (from all over) at a steady pace.

Set milestones. It's great to have a long-term goal such as losing 25 pounds, but if that's all you focus on, it can be demotivating. In addition to your long-term goal, set smaller, achievable milestones.

Stick to water. Frozen margaritas and tasty blended drinks may tempt you when the mercury rises. But those summer treats really pack on the calories. Stick to ice water and avoid all of those liquid calories.

Mix up your workout. Don't get stuck in an exercise rut. Have a well-rounded workout routine that includes cardio, strength training, and flexibility moves.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bikinibikini-bodycafemom-mini-postDeclan-CondronMaggie Vink2009-07-03T10:00:00+00:00Small Weight Loss Increases Fertilityhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/small-weight-loss-increases-fertility/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/small-weight-loss-increases-fertility/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/03/small-weight-loss-increases-fertility/#commentsFiled under:

pregnant woman holding belly
Photo: eric langner, Flickr
Obesity and fertility are closely linked. Not only can obesity cause ovulation problems, it also seems to impair fertility in obese women who ovulate normally. But recent research gives new hope to obese or overweight women who are hoping to get pregnant. Research shows that a small amount of weight loss can increase fertility.

Women in the study had a BMI of nearly 40. They were given medication (orlistat or metformin) to help them shed pounds. After 12 weeks, researchers discovered that even a modest 5 percent drop in weight increased blood flow to the womb, which reduced testosterone levels and triggered the ovaries to function properly.

When you have lots of weight to lose, it can be daunting to look at your long-term weight goal. Particularly so when you have an important goal -- like getting pregnant -- in mind. That's why it's important to set milestones along the way. If you're overweight and trying to to get pregnant, start with the goal of losing just 5 percent of your weight. Then aim for 10 percent. Short-term goals are more attainable and can help keep you motivated.

Most of the women in the study had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) which can make weight loss more difficult. If you have PCOS and have had difficulty losing weight in the past, ask your doctor for advice. But healthy eating and exercise are necessary for everyone who's trying to lose weight, and they're particularly important for women on the verge of getting pregnant. Check out AOL Health for weight loss tips that work.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>infertilityobeseobesityoverweightpregnancypregnantweight-lossMaggie Vink2009-07-03T09:00:00+00:00Chi Runninghttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/chi-running/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/chi-running/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/chi-running/#commentsFiled under:

chi running bookAs an avid runner for many years, I've suffered through the gamut of injuries associated with this high-impact sport -- stress fracture, plantar fasciitis, IT band injuries, knee pain and bursitis. The countless specialists I've seen all seem to agree that this is the price you pay to participate in a dangerous sport.

Danny Dreyer, author of "ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running" paints a different picture. He rejects the idea that running itself causes injuries. Instead, he says, the primary cause of running pain is bad form and poor biomechanics. Dreyer, who has spent years studying the physics of running, argues that by making a shift in your posture and foot-strike, you'll enjoy easier, more efficient and injury-free runs.

Lured in by the promise of pain-free runs, I attended one of Dreyer's Chi Running workshops along with about 30 others in New York City (he holds them around the country), hoping for a total running makeover. Dreyer opened the workshop with this whopper -- "Everything you know about running is wrong," he said.

Continue reading Chi Running

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>chi-runningrunningJennifer Fields2009-07-02T16:00:00+00:00Which is Better -- Exercising in Hot Weather or Cold? - Twitter Fit Tipshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/which-is-better-exercising-in-hot-weather-or-cold-twitter/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/which-is-better-exercising-in-hot-weather-or-cold-twitter/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/which-is-better-exercising-in-hot-weather-or-cold-twitter/#commentsFiled under: ,

woman lifting weights at the gym
Getty Images
Welcome to Twitter Fit Tips. Keep track of the latest diet and fitness Twitter trends and opinions with this weekly post. Each week AOL Health's Twitter alias Healthpop and That's Fit will post fitness-related questions and the best tweet responses will get posted here. Start following Healthpop and That's Fit today.

This past week we asked, "Which do you like better -- exercising in hot, humid weather, or icy, windy?"

Here's what our fellow getting-fit Twitterers had to say:

boschae@HealthPop I have my treadmill on the deck in the shade for summer. Can't stand really hot weather but like the view! lol

LouLou197533@HealthPop Somewhere in between is probably ideal but if I had to pick one it'd be icy cold. Bring on the brr, brr, brr.

RemoveMyFatSuit@HealthPop hot, & humid =D I hate the COLD!!

choose2befit@HealthPop Hmmm...that's a toss up. Hate exercising when cold, but don't care to be TOO hot either. My vote is hot over cold.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>exerciseexercisingtwittertwitter-fit-tipsworking outWorkingOutMary Kearl2009-07-02T15:00:00+00:00This Week on AOL Health - Speed Up Your Metabolismhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/this-week-on-aol-health-speed-up-your-metabolism/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/this-week-on-aol-health-speed-up-your-metabolism/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/this-week-on-aol-health-speed-up-your-metabolism/#commentsFiled under:

woman smiling
jupiterimages
Before you hit the 4th of July picnics and get tempted by all things patriotic and delicious (think coleslaw, potato salad, pie, burgers and more), do your body a favor and get your metabolism in gear. Turbocharging your body's personal calorie-burning system can not only help you lose pounds but can also be as simple as catching a little shut-eye or sipping a cold drink. For 15 ways to speed up your metabolism, click here.
Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>metabolismspeed-up-metabolismweight-lossAshley Neglia2009-07-02T14:00:00+00:00Blueberry-Peach Crisphttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/blueberry-peach-crisp/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/blueberry-peach-crisp/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/blueberry-peach-crisp/#commentsFiled under:

Celebrity dietitian and motivational life coach Tanya Zuckerbrot, author of www.ffactordiet.com and founder of www.skinnyandthecity.com, has helped thousands of people lose weight and keep it off with her program. Her philosophy? Tanya believes you should never sacrifice taste, even when you're eating healthy foods. Send us an email to reciperehab [AT] thatsfit [DOT] com to submit a recipe for a makeover!
blueberry peach crisp
Recipe may vary from photograph.
Photo: Mark Thomas, jupiterimage


One of my favorite desserts is fruit crisps, especially during the summer months. I love going to the farmers market, where the freshest seasonal fruits are at their peak. Fruit crisps usually contain a variety of fruits blending sweet and tart flavors. Unfortunately most crisps usually contain close to 400 calories and well over 10 grams of fat, so although it's my favorite dessert, it's an infrequent indulgence.

I was determined to create a healthy alternative. It tastes decadent, but is surprisingly low in calories and fat. Plus, it packs a nutrition punch: Blueberries contain the highest amounts of antioxidants of any food, which has been shown to help fight cancer and cardiovascular diseases. They also contain high amounts of vitamin E and C. In a study published in the American Journal of Nutrition, vitamin C was associated with fewer wrinkles, which are frequently caused by soaking up too much summer sun. This recipe can be used with both fresh or frozen fruits,making this summer time favorite a year-long one!

Continue reading Blueberry-Peach Crisp

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>blueberrycrumbledessertsfruit crispFruitCrisppeachessummertanya-zuckerbrotTanya Zuckerbrot2009-07-02T13:00:00+00:00Chubby Celebrities - Do They Make Us Fat?http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/chubby-celebrities-do-they-make-us-fat/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/chubby-celebrities-do-they-make-us-fat/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/chubby-celebrities-do-they-make-us-fat/#commentsFiled under:

woman reading a magazine
Photo: slava/Flickr
Super-skinny models and celebrities have long taken some of the blame for eating disorders. When inundated with image after image of rail-thin waifs, it's human nature to compare your own body to those you see in magazines or on the screen. But does the flip side of that coin hold true? Do overweight celebrities give us the green light to be overweight too?

Obesity expert Michael McMahon thinks so. "The increasing profile of larger celebrities means that being overweight is now perceived as being 'normal' in the eyes of the public," McMahon told the Daily Mail. "We talk about the dangers of skinny media images, but the problem actually swings both ways."

We're drawn to celebrities, particularly when there's something about them that we find relatable. But what we see on glossy magazine pages isn't always the full truth. Super-thin celebrities are often airbrushed to portray a level of perfection even they can't achieve. What's more, like Natasha Henstridge recently admitted, the measures that celebrities take to stay skinny are often damaging to their health. And overweight celebrities have their fair share of issues, too. Nia Vardalos had blood sugar issues and Kevin Smith had a wake-up call when his doctor told him he was morbidly obese.

Our interest in celebrities should be just that -- an interest, but certainly not a lifestyle guide. When it comes to your weight, decisions should be made solely for the sake of your health. We each have to be responsible for our own health -- seeking advice from real medical experts, and not someone from Seattle Grace.

Do images of celebrities inspire you to lose/gain weight?
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>celebritiescelebrityeating-disordersoverweightweightMaggie Vink2009-07-02T12:00:00+00:00BBQ Chicken - How Many Calories?http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/bbq-chicken-how-many-calories/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/bbq-chicken-how-many-calories/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/bbq-chicken-how-many-calories/#commentsFiled under:

Are you gearing up for a 4th of July celebration this weekend? The holiday is a perfect opportunity to gather family and friends together for a barbecue. Hopefully, after your holiday feast, you'll be able to catch an awesome fireworks display, too.

But you don't want your 4th of July food to blow up your healthy eating goals, do you? One of the more popular items on the menu for the weekend is probably BBQ chicken. But how many calories does that sweet, tangy, falling-off-the-bone barbecue favorite pack?

View Poll

Continue reading BBQ Chicken - How Many Calories?

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>4th-of-julybarbequeBBQchickenfourth-of-julyhow-many-caloriesMaggie Vink2009-07-02T11:00:00+00:00Fit in Fitness Late at Nighthttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/fit-in-fitness-late-at-night/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/fit-in-fitness-late-at-night/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/fit-in-fitness-late-at-night/#commentsFiled under:

woman exercising
Photo: Rance Costa/Flickr
Morning workouts are pretty ideal for most people -- you've got plenty of energy first thing, you get to check something of your to-do list right away and what a great way to start the day. But what if you just can't fit fitness in right after you wake up, or at lunch, or right after work? Sometimes, the only free hours you have for exercise are late at night. And that's OK (unless you have trouble sleeping, and then exercising at night might not be a wise move). FitSugar shares tips for moving your body long after your work day ends, and in the privacy of your own home.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>fitsugarfitsugar-mini-postjacki-donaldsonlate-night-workoutsJacki Donaldson2009-07-02T10:00:00+00:00Fit (and Delicious) Foods For the 4th of Julyhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/fit-and-delicious-foods-for-the-4th-of-july/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/fit-and-delicious-foods-for-the-4th-of-july/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/02/fit-and-delicious-foods-for-the-4th-of-july/#commentsFiled under:

Photo: franssenph/Flickr

Whether this weekend has you heading out or hosting your own celebration, you'll want to ring in the 4th of July with foods fit for good health and a stable scale. Here are some diet-safe and tasty dishes you might want to try.

  • Kick off your event with Sun Dried Tomato Breadsticks. Just 67 calories and 1 gram of fat per serving.
  • Need a super side? Our own Tanya Zuckerbrot offers this non-fattening Asian Slaw recipe, and one serving comes with only 51 calories and 1 gram of fat. Goes great with Tanya's Ahi Tuna Burgers, I bet.
  • For a main meal, mix some lean meat with some antioxidant-rich fruit, whole wheat pasta, olive oil and a little lime zest, and you've got yourself a Chicken and Blueberry Pasta Salad. Stick with just one serving, and you'll use up just 315 calories.
  • Every party needs a grand finale, and what's better than a red, white and blue dessert? Add a handful of blueberries and raspberries to a small bowl of low-fat, low-sugar vanilla frozen yogurt and watch the sparks fly. Or try this dessert that Jonny recommends: Eat blueberries right out of the freezer (mixed with frozen cherries), add some FAGE 2 percent yogurt, sprinkle with slivered almonds, flaked unsweetened coconut and some probiotic powder.

If you'd like more tips for slimming down your backyard BBQ, Kristen's got you covered.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>4th-of-julyBBQjacki-donaldsonJacki Donaldson2009-07-02T09:00:00+00:00Cankle Awareness Month?http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/01/cankle-awareness-month/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/01/cankle-awareness-month/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/01/cankle-awareness-month/#commentsFiled under:

Photo: Mychele Daniau, AFP / Getty Images
Apparently July is Cankle Awareness Month. Or, at least it is at Gold's Gym (it's also National Ice Cream Month, by the way). Hoping that everyone is more interested in the former rather than the latter, Gold's Gym has launched a very tongue-in-cheek campaign to encourage people to hit the gym for a 'cankle-busting workout.'

It's all pretty ridiculous, mostly because as Gold's Gym celebrity trainer Ramona Braganza acknowledged, "Cankles are just like anything else -- you can't spot reduce."

Since spot reduction is a myth, pray tell, what are you meant to do if your calves blend right into your ankles? Plenty of people were cursed with unshapely legs from their gene pool, so there isn't much that can be changed through exercise. But just like muffin tops, cankles are often due to extra weight. Lose the extra pounds, and you're going to lose fat everywhere, including your ankles.

And who, exactly, is clamoring for cankle-reduction? Braganza also admits she has never had a client specifically asked to get rid of cankles, but she swears it's a common concern.

Continue reading Cankle Awareness Month?

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>cankle-awareness-monthcanklesexpire-images:2010-7-1golds-gymplyometricsKatherine Tweed2009-07-01T17:00:00+00:00World's Best Diet Secretshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/01/worlds-best-diet-secrets/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/01/worlds-best-diet-secrets/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/01/worlds-best-diet-secrets/#commentsFiled under:

globe
Photo: sxc.hu
If America could choose a diet, what do you think it would be? Low-carb? Low GI? High protein? Or maybe just fast food and soda. Americans might not have a traditional diet to fall back on, but other cultures rely on time-tested foods and patterns of eating that not only keep their weight in check, but appear to prevent disease as well. Forbes as a few examples:

  • Okinawa, Japan: In Okinawa, people don't stuff themselves. Instead, they practice portion control and load up on seasonal vegetables, tofu, fish and green tea. Breast and prostate cancer levels are significantly lower in Okinawa.
  • Cameroon, West Africa: Eating a mostly vegetarian diet that's rich in fiber and includes fermented foods -- like pickles and yogurt -- means Cameroon has a lower colon cancer rate.
  • Iceland: Icelanders, naturally, dine on plenty of fish, but also grass-fed lamb and wild game. These types of meat are rich in omega-3s, which might be why Icelanders -- despite their long winters -- are protected from Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression.
  • Crete, Greece: Here's the classic Mediterranean diet -- legumes, nuts, olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. They make for a heart-healthy diet, which is probably why heart disease is so low in Crete.

While Americans might find it easy to adopt some of these eating practices, researchers say that we're unlikely to see the benefits unless we understand the diet and stick to it. For that reason, most diet experts recommend the Mediterranean diet, which is most familiar to Westerners.

Even if you don't eat like an Okinawan, you can still practice their portion control strategy of only eating until you're 80 percent full!
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>culturesdietmediterraneanmediterranean-dietokinawaweight-lossworldBethany Sanders2009-07-01T16:00:00+00:00Makeup to Beat the Heathttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/01/makeup-to-beat-the-heat/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/01/makeup-to-beat-the-heat/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/01/makeup-to-beat-the-heat/#commentsFiled under:

clear prep fx primer
Sephora.com
It's summertime, and you're active. And you know what that means -- makeup melt. You covered up that blemish and added a perfect amount of blush to the apples of your cheeks, but the moment you stepped out into the sweltering heat, you felt like all your hard work was just running down your face. Now, you're just hoping that your sweaty cheeks didn't cause your mascara to run all over.

While I can't guarantee you can keep a perfectly made-up face through a big workout, there are products available to help you look fresh and put together when the heat is on.

  • Face. Start with a foundation primer. For starters, it will give your skin a nice, smooth finish so your foundation will go on flawlessly. More important right now, though, it gives your foundation a bit of "stick" -- it's designed to outlast heat and a bit of sweat with ease. I've had good luck with Peter Thomas Roth Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel, $35, but for acne-prone skin, your best bet is probably Clear Prep FX Matte Foundation Primer and Anti-Acne Treatment, $39, which is designed to give you that smooth finish while treating blemishes.

Continue reading Makeup to Beat the Heat

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>clear-prepcovergirldaracfit-beautyheatmakeuppeter-thomas-rothprimerstilasummer-beautysweattartetoo-facedurban-decayKristen Seymour2009-07-01T15:00:00+00:00Does Limiting Sugar Melt Belly Fat?http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/01/does-limiting-sugar-melt-belly-fat/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/01/does-limiting-sugar-melt-belly-fat/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/01/does-limiting-sugar-melt-belly-fat/#commentsFiled under:

Liz Neporent is a diet and fitness expert and author of 12 fitness bestsellers. She regularly appears on national TV programs and is the president of Wellness 360, a New-York based wellness provider. You can also follow her on Twitter @LizNeporent.
tape measure
Photo: D Sharon Pruitt/Flickr
Limiting sugar and carbs will help me drop belly fat - Fit or Fiction?

In his new diet book, "The Belly Fat Cure," Jorge Cruise reveals the No. 1 one secret to getting healthy - fast! "It all comes down to knowing how to eat the correct amount of sugar and carbs -- what I call the S/C Value. Without this ratio, you will fail to produce the hormone leptin, and you will store belly fat," Cruise tells readers. A client of his who went on the diet lost an unprecedented 13 pounds in one week as a result of eating chocolate, Dortitos and ice cream.

Continue reading Does Limiting Sugar Melt Belly Fat?

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>carbsfit-or-fictionjennifer-galardiJorge-cruiseSC-valuessugarLiz Neporent2009-07-01T14:00:00+00:00Slim Down Your BBQhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/01/slim-down-your-bbq/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/01/slim-down-your-bbq/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/01/slim-down-your-bbq/#commentsFiled under: ,

So, have you done your grocery shopping for the big cookout this weekend? Before you do, think about how comfortable you really are with blowing several days' worth of calories in one big, fatty meal. Since you're here, chances are good you'd rather keep the damage to a minimum. And no, lightening up your Fourth of July spread of food doesn't make you any less patriotic.

Want to cut some calories without sacrificing flavor? The video below has some great tips. We want to hear from you, too. Share your top tips for a slimmed-down barbecue in the comments!

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>barbecuebbqcaloriescookoutfourth-of-julyvideoKristen Seymour2009-07-01T13:00:00+00:00