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?

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.

You stop for a cup of coffee in the morning and walk out with a whipped cream covered concoction. Or you're out for lunch and you order a healthful meal ... and a soda. Those innocent looking drinks can pack a pretty hefty calorie wallop if you're not paying attention.

Liquid calories are not new news. But the lines at coffee houses remain long, and sales for soda and energy drinks don't seem to be hurting. So I wonder ... do you count liquid calories?


Watching your calorie intake is just one part of taking care of your health. Fitness is important, too. Last week, I wondered if you worked out with a trainer.

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We at That's Fit and AOL Health know you've got a lot going on in your lives besides staying in great shape, and we realize that more than just diet and exercise goes into feeling your best every day. That's why we're sharing some of the exciting reporting going on at AOL Health.

Why aren't you outdoors? Maybe you're out of ideas? Our family-friendly summer activity guide is chock-full of suggestions -- and calorie-burning information for summer pastimes you may already love. Putt-putt golf, for one, burns an easy 211 calories per hour. For more summer-on-the-go advice, check out our photo gallery of healthy travel tips.

Now here's a cool, refreshing story -- the best drinks to help you shed down. Our weight-loss expert picked the best in electrolyte replacements, energy boosters, high-in-fiber or protein-filled drinks and reveals how effective they are.

Do you have a few extra pounds? If so, what's to blame? Ice cream? Bread? Too many second helpings? CafeMom reports that liquid calories may be the biggest culprit when it comes to weight gain.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a reduction in liquid calorie consumption can lead to weight loss.

Keep an eye on those sugar-sweetened sodas, whipped cream topped coffees and sugary fruit drinks, because they can add calories you might not realize you're consuming. And don't be fooled by vitamin and antioxidant-enriched drinks -- they can still be high in sugar and calories.

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Personally, I'd rather eat my calories than drink them. FitSugar finds out this is not such a bad idea and reports that cutting out sugar-sweetened beverages, like sodas and bottled iced tea, seems to have a profound effect on weight loss and weight-loss maintenance. Bottom line: Water is best.

If you're concerned with stretching your dollar (while not stretching your waistline), then we at That's Fit suggest you invest in a reusable water bottle -- it costs nothing after the initial purchase, it's calorie free, and it will benefit the environment too.

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As winter finally gives way to spring, I'm guessing the urge to spend your weekends on patios with friends is winning out over the winter tendency to curl up on the couch with a DVD.

Having drinks with friends is a great way to spend the evening, but recent research says you should stop after one to truly have a great night. Why? Apparently, one drink releases feel-good endorphins into your bloodstream, but more than that reverses the effect.

There's another reason to stop after one: Calories. A pint of beer can have upwards of 200 calories, and a margarita can run you around 300. Yeesh. That's not all -- drinking relaxes your inhibitions, meaning you're much more likely to see that 2 a.m. chili cheese dog as a good idea. Plus, who works out when they're feeling hungover?

By all means, do have fun -- just do your best to limit your 'fun' to a waistline-friendly amount.

If you're trying to shave off pounds but the scale's not budging, it might be time to look at what you're drinking.

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Thought peer pressure was just for junior high kids? Dieters face it, too.

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Is weight loss on your list of New Year's resolutions? Try one of these three foods to tip the scales in your favor.

Another season of The Biggest Loser is over. Bev has the wrap-up.

Fitz interviewed Lo Bosworth of The Hills. Find out how she stays fit and trim for reality TV.

Ditch the egg whites once and for all and eat the whole egg. Why? Jonny has a few good reasons.

Here's one more reason to include those healthy carbs in your diet ... low-carb diets cause memory loss.

Want to do a perfect sit-up? Maggie says you just need to learn your alphabet.

Fitz has a two-pound rule when it comes to gaining weight, but she wants to know: What's your weight-gain breaking point?

Looking forward to an upcoming holiday party? Bev shows you how to order drinks that are more nice than naughty.

Water can get boring ... here are five alternate ways to stay hydrated.

Happy holidays, everyone!

Got Thanksgiving plans? Of course, you do. You'll get together with friends, family or both, either at their house or yours. A few people will work feverishly in the kitchen, while the others will gobble up appys and drinks. Finally, everyone will gather together in merriment, and the grand finale will happen: The serving of the prodigal meal. Most will go back for seconds, some will undo the top button on their pants, some will thank their lucky stars they wore fat pants. Then most of us will fall asleep in the living room. Sound familiar?

Thanksgiving -- 'tis the season for over-indulgence. But just how much over-indulgence are we talking here?

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When it's cold outside, who doesn't like to warm up with a nice, hot drink? Problem is, hot drinks are often loaded with calories, sugar and fat.

Want to stay off the 'naughty' list? Head over to Holidash to find out which holiday drinks you should feel guilty about.

Recent research shows that when elementary schools ban soft drinks, the improvement in kids' health is minimal.

Schools who have removed soda vending machines have done so in an effort to improve student health. But research shows that fifth graders who attend schools where soda is banned consume only 4% less than students who have access to soda at school.

As far as I'm concerned, 4% is 4% is 4%. It may be a small improvement, but it's an improvement none-the-less. And since soda bans are relatively recent -- starting in 2003 in California -- I think time will still tell. It takes time to change kids' tastes and preferences. Parents just have to get on board, too, and save soda for the rare treat or avoid it altogether.

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I tell my kids we eat nutritious snacks to keep our bodies healthy. I often neglect to tell them that good-for-you-foods are also key for healthy teeth. We're all about keeping our teeth in tip-top shape here in our house -- we brush lots, floss, and visit our dentist several times per year -- so it seems we need to remember which healthy foods will keep our mouths in fighting shape.

Sticky snacks and sugary drinks are definite no-nos. Fortunately, we steer clear of all juices and try to limit the sticky stuff as much as possible. Tara Gidus, a dentist in Orlando, Florida suggests a snack like a small turkey roll-up with a slice of cheese and a piece of lettuce. The cheese is key -- some studies suggest cheeses like aged cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and processed American (yes, processed), may protect against cavities. It's the calcium, phosphorus, and casein (a protein found in dairy products) that give cheese the power of prevention.

Other great snacks and drinks:

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When my son and I go shopping, we always buy 100% fruit drinks for his school lunches. No matter how many times I insist on the 100% varieties, my son is always drawn to the sugary options. I know why, too. It seems as if the 100% juice products are packaged to attract parents -- with images of fruit and so forth. The sugar-added varieties are packaged to attract kids -- my son is drawn to the pouches that have surfers and skateboarders on their packages. But I insist on 100% juice. After all, fruit juice is sweet enough as it is... why would anyone need added sugar?

Healthcastle recommends the five top drinks to pack in your child's lunch box:

• Milk. If the school provides milk, you may want to send your child with the money to purchase milk there. (If you're opposed to chocolate milk, be sure to educate your child on that.) If you pack milk cartons, use an insulated lunch box and a freezer pack to keep the milk properly chilled.
• Yogurt drinks. Try freezing yogurt drinks before packing in your child's lunch box. By lunch time they'll still be chilly, but thawed enough to drink.
• Water. Always the best option for hydration, fill a reusable water bottle with water and ice each morning.
  
• 100% juice. There's no reason for the added sugar, so if you're going to pack juice make sure to purchase one that's labeled 100%. Keep in mind that 100% juice is still high in sugar, so don't let your child sip on these all day. One at lunch is enough.
  
• Soy drinks. Be sure to pick a soy drink that is calcium-fortified, lightly flavored, and lower in sugar.

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