That's Fit

Hungry at the ball game? Wave down that snack vendor and order peanuts in the shell. It's your healthiest option. The worst? Nachos with cheese. Tummy grumbling while you're stuck in the airport? Pizza, no pepperoni, is your best bet. There's protein in the cheese, and the tomato in the sauce counts as a veggie serving.

According to the Today Show and Real Simple magazine, a small bag of plain pretzels or whole wheat crackers with peanut butter from a vending machine are tops compared to any variety of chips or candy bars. Headed to the movies? Pick a child's size popcorn -- no butter -- and if you must have a sweet something, Junior Mints have less fat than most other sugary options. Two more tips: Avoid all "Jumbo" choices, and definitely don't opt for Milk Duds. A whole box will fill you with more than 500 calories.

Is a stop at a mall food court in your future? How about the mini-mart? Before you head to these locations, be sure to check out this article.

So, most of the time, yoga is a fairly serious practice. There's a lot of concentration and meditation involved -- you breath, you focus, you get more in tune with your body -- and it's wonderful.

However, laughter is good for your body, too, and in honor of Mike Meyer's new flick, The Love Guru, I present to you Mr. Meyers' newest character The Guru Pitka. He has a series of yoga poses that are not for the faint of heart and definitely not for those without a wicked sense of humor.

It's kind of what you'd expect if you were to do a private yoga class with the man behind Austin Powers and Shrek -- asanas like Gassy Cobra and Yank My Doodle, It's a Dandy, and the faces to go with them. Are you going to get a great yoga workout from it? No way. But, you're pretty much guaranteed to laugh, and that's worth something, too.

A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows that fitness goals are more successfully met when they're set in groups.

In accordance with this concept, Women's Health magazine suggests tackling multiple health goals at once, as it will help keep your resolve and resist temptation. Quoting the lead study author, the article states that if you just finished a hard run on the treadmill, you'll be less inclined to reach for an unhealthy treat. As you can see, you've now stuck to your plan of exercising and eating healthy.

The article also suggests making a list of up to three objectives and set daily and weekly mini-goals for each. Every time you reach one of those goals, award yourself with a point (which can be done simply by making a mark on your calender). Once you've reached a pre-determined amount of points -- maybe 20? -- reward yourself with a trip to the movies, a fancy haircut, or anything that makes you feel good. You earned it, so go for it!!

Remember the little girl in the movie Signs who kept saying "It's contaminated," referring to the seemingly fine glasses of water she refused to drink? Well, it turns out she may have been right, only for reasons that have nothing to do with a hostile alien invasion; rather, for reasons related to something designed to help us: Pharmaceutical medications.

A few months ago, a report was released on the status of our drinking water in this country. Specifically, this report highlighted the estimated 20 percent of all prescription medications that are flushed away and, in some cases, make their way into our waterways. Thus far, most damage has been found in fish populations. However, a five-month Associated Press investigation determined that trace amounts of many of the pharmaceuticals are seeping into drinking water supplies, and a growing body of research indicates that this could harm humans.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) suggests crushing meds and dissolving them as completely as possible in a plastic container or bag filled with water. To further breakdown the meds, add coffee grounds, cat litter, and saw dust to the water, and then seal and throw the bag away (away as in into the garbage, not flushed down your toilet).

I love inspirational sports movies, and I'm always excited when I hear a new one is coming out. That being said, I don't think we're in for another Hoosiers or Remember the Titans with Run, Fat Boy, Run, but then again, it's not meant to be that kind of movie.

This movie is about a man who does a horrible thing to his fiance and, years later, decides to run a marathon to prove to her that he's changed. I think we can all agree that this is not the best reason to decide to run 26.2 miles, but hey, that's why it's funny.

And, while I wouldn't opt to run a marathon to impress someone, I can't say that I haven't ever taken part in an athletic event in order to look good in front of a cute boy or impress a friend -- can you?

Run, Fat Boy, Run hits theaters tomorrow. Will you be running out to see it?

Actress Kate Hudson, who says she isn't worried about being totally perfect, has danced her whole life and she works out all the time too. That's why her body is so, well, perfect.

Hudson, starring with Matthew McConaughey in the movie Fool's Gold, primed her body and prepped for her role by getting certified for scuba on the Great Barrier Reef. It took her a couple of weeks to accomplish this feat. It took McConaughey five seconds, she says.

Yep, those Fool's Gold diving scenes are the real deal. So is Hudson's physique.

Hi ... my name's Chris ... and I'm a salt addict.

I sometimes put salt on food before tasting if it needs it. I've, on more than one occasion, actually taken a swig or two from the pickle jar because the juice tastes so nice and salty. And, if I go to the movies and order a popcorn, I sometimes swipe the salt shaker from the counter and bring it into the theater with me to keep my popcorn seasoned until the very last kernel (just for the record, I always put it back on the counter when the movie ends).

My health is extremely important to me, which is why my salt issue is so anomalous. Work out? Yup, 5 days per week. Eat clean? Except for the salt, extremely so. Get enough sleep? At least 7 hours. Stressed? Not at all. Smoke? Nope. Drink alcohol excessively? Not since college, really. Have a family history of medical conditions? Fortunately, no.

It's just the salt.

That's why I found a recent study, on adapting to a low-salt diet , to be so interesting. Apparently, study participants who switched to a low-sodium diet were amenable to continuing to eat in that manner after they realized that food can still be tasty without so much of it. If you're just as interested in reading more about this study, follow this link and read on.

People Magazine's 2007 Sexiest Man Alive Matt Damon has big plans for 2008 when he pushes his body to new limits.

It all starts with trainer Robert Severiano who will help mold Damon into lean, mean proportions for his role in the movie Imperial Life in Emerald City, which begins filming in early 2008. Then Damon will purposely plump up for a part in The Informant. He'll play a heavy-set guy in this film so he plans to stop training midway through the first movie so he's out of shape for the second.

I'm not sure I'd want a job that required regular body morphing. Even though the stars who succumb to this job requirement receive a hefty paycheck in exchange for their yo-yo endeavors, it seems a pretty unhealthy practice. And a difficult one too. I have a hard enough time maintaining one weight all the time. To jump up and down and all around in body weight is more of a challenge than I'm willing to accept. How about you? For a pretty penny, would you allow your weight to bounce around?

A few months ago, I wrote a post describing the workout completed by the cast of the epic action film "300." Based on the information I obtained (sourced from a myriad of reputable publications, including Men's Health magazine), I explained the exercise regimen supposedly followed by the actors. But, it turns out that information was somewhat inaccurate.

Since then, and after investigating further, I've discovered that the so-called "300 Workout" was actually designed to be a challenge to the actors, a test of their willpower and strength once they reached the apogee of physical fintess. Their workouts consisted of hours upon hours of greuling training at the Gym Jones training facility in Utah, incorporating a wide variety of functional training movements (you can watch videos of many of the workouts on the gymjones.com website). With regard to the aformentioned "300 Challenge," this was attempted only by some of the actors and successfully completed by even less. However, in order to even be deemed worthy of taking the 300 Workout test, the actors had to first complete the two other tests that led up it

The first test was referred to as The Barbarian Horde Workout. It was a circuit routine that was completed two times, resting one minute between exercises. It consisted of the same exercises as the "300 Challenge," but was much less intense in terms of number of reps and rest time. If this test was passed, the actor was then permitted to move onto the next test, which was known as The Greek Hoplite Workout. This workout/test again consisted of the same exercises, but unlike the first test, rest time was reduced to thirty seconds between exercises (the circuit was still completed twice). If this test was passed, then and only then could the actor attempt to pass the "300 Challenge."

For a video demonstration of the exercises used in all three test levels, click here.

For me, and for many I imagine, the holiday season is also movie season. It's one of the only times of the year when I take time off for myself, and taking in a show is a great way to enjoy my time off when it's cold outside. I'm a sucker for that movie popcorn, though. Even thinking about it makes me drool. Since I only seem to go to the movies once or twice a year, it's not a big deal for me to indulge, but if you're a regular movie-goer, you'll need to re-vamp your list of treats -- eating the popcorn every week can add up fast.

Here are some tips for eating well at the movies:

-Instead of a candy bar, go for Glossett Raisins. They have less calories and just as much flavour. Or, instead of chocolate, go for licorice. It has less fat. Or, go for those all-fruit gummy bears for an even healthier choice.
-Instead of regular chips, by some baked chips. Your theatre might not have them so bring a large purse or backpack and smuggle them in.
-Instead of movie popcorn, make your own at home. You can opt for the microwave variety, or make your own on the stove. Again, pack it in the big purse/backpack.
-If you need some sort of sweet drink, choose Gatorade over pop -- it has less sugar and more nutrients. Or, if you want to be even healthier, opt for water.

Unless she's purposely packing on pounds for a movie role -- think Bridget Jones's Diary -- actress Renée Zellweger always looks fit and trim. No wonder she had crowds buzzing at the London premiere of Jerry Seinfeld's animated Bee Movie. Zellwood is the voice of character Vanessa, a quirky New York City Florist.

How does the 38-year-old stay so slim?

"I have a lifestyle," she says. "It involves keeping my sanity by going to the gym."

Zellweger reports that she doesn't miss her Bridget Jones curves, but she does have this to say: "I don't think my curves are absent. I think I'm doing alright, thank you very much."

The Business of Being Born is about just that. But it's just as much a statement that the Feminist Movement is far from finished and many women aren't informed enough to continue the plight. The film itself could change that as it offers viewers a vast education on why the treatment of pregnant women during childbirth isn't just sexist, but costly and dangerous for them and their children all in the name of doctors keeping their jobs and covering their back sides.

I caught a screening of the Ricki Lake production last night. It was one of several that are part of an Oscar qualifying run in advance of a planned January theatrical run in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The movie reflects the ignorance of many American women regarding childbirth and chronicles how informed mothers' desires and questions are systematically ignored, ridiculed and at times downright demeaned before they are given a series of unnecessary medical procedures and drugs in the name of the supposed safety of their babies. Specifically, the film examines normal, healthy women undergoing traditional hospital birth amid a rising Cesarean section rate in the Unites States versus at home with a midwife's assistance.

While doing my indoor exercise routine yesterday morning -- my outdoor running and walking is on hiatus while my shin splints heal -- I tuned in to a little Live with Regis & Kelly. Survivor host Jeff Probst was sitting in for Regis, and he and Kelly happily welcomed Janet Jackson for her very fist visit to the show. The spunky threesome talked about Jackson's new movie -- Why Did I Get Married? -- and her new diet and weight loss book. They even discussed a little fitness trivia.

Ripa was thrilled to announce this fitness flash: Rhythm Nation, one of Jackson's smash hits, is reportedly the most listened-to song by those who rock while working out. This information comes courtesy of Fitness Magazine, said Ripa, who happens to have this very song on her iPod. When no one is watching her on the treadmill, she told her audience, she breaks into a total Rhythm Nation dance routine. On the treadmill? Yep, that's what she said.

What's your favorite workout song? And tell us -- do you bust a few moves when no one is looking?

The Skinny Website recently published some photos of Renee Zellweger alongside the words 'skeleton', and I have to admit, despite the baggy dress she's wearing, she does look quite skinny. But if you comb the archives for pictures of her a few years ago, around the time when Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason was coming out, she looked quite healthy -- not obese or overweight, mind you.

What do you think? Do you prefer a bony Renee, or did you fancy her with a little bit of extra padding? I'm a fan of Bridget Renee, quite frankly, but maybe that's because the character seems more vibrant and fun than the actress -- according to her pictures, at least.

I've always thought how great it would be to have a job that naturally keeps you in shape, and of the jobs in the world that do that being a celebrity is at the top of the list. Starring in an action movie often means months of vigorous training and workouts before filming even begins, and a star like Matt Damon would know that better than anybody with his third Jason Bourne movie, The Bourne Ultimatum, out this summer.

Damon, who's 36 years old, has been in famously good shape to play the ex-hitman character over the years, but this time was different: he has a family now. Damon was quoted as saying of his life before "I really used to have no life outside movies. I'd work all day, go to the gym and go to sleep." But then he married his wife Luciana back in 2005 and they now have a 1 year old daughter together, Isabella, both which give him a reason to come home after work instead of always working out. And despite the film being shot in a total of 8 different locations the family was only separated once.