That's Fit

Has anyone else noticed a preponderance in the number of TV commercials pushing antioxidants? Every other beauty product is "infused with the power of antioxidants," and every new juice on the market has also harnessed the healing powers. I mean, even if you're not one to jump on the newest health and beauty trends, you've got to be wondering what antioxidants can do for you.

And I've got the answer -- a lot. Dr. Leslie Baumann, a leading global expert in dermatology, wrote in her most recent Skin Type Solutions newsletter that, in addition to preventing "heart disease, liver disease and certain forms of cancer, they may also offer some protection against neuro-degenerative conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. And if these aren't good enough reasons to convince you to start guzzling the pomegranate juice, I can also give you another one: Antioxidants also help prevent wrinkles."

Basically, antioxidants help protect against free radicals, which cause damage inside and out and contribute to premature aging of the skin. (To be clear: While antioxidants can prevent further damage, they won't remove existing wrinkles). But, as Baumann says, there are plenty of ways to get these protective antioxidants, both orally and topically.

Not everyone is concerned about looking pretty while working out, but you know what? Nobody's going to judge you for wanting to cover acne or other imperfections before you hit the gym.

But here's the thing -- you don't want to wear just any foundation when you're working up a sweat. Some makeup can actually create more acne. Dermatologist-recommended cosmetics brand Cover FX offers products that give good coverage (in a wide variety of shades) and, at the same time, they're good for your skin -- even when you sweat.

I had a chance to try out Mineral FX Pure Mineral Foundation with SPF 15 ($37 at Sephora). While I don't really have problem skin (I mean, sure, a zit pops up here and there, but in general, it's pretty clear), I don't always have a chance to remove makeup before I hit the gym or go for a run. I was really curious to see if, for one thing, I would like the coverage of the loose powder mineral makeup (I've always been a pressed powder girl), and second, how it would stand up to a workout. So, I took it out for a test run. Literally.

Time was, when you needed an instant beauty boost, you slapped on a clay mask and a few cucumber slices and hoped for the best. But times have changed, and there's an entire army of products out there that can get your skin glowing in one month, one week or even one day.

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

How do you define a woman? Some in the tennis world are raising a stink about a woman born with male and female genitalia being allowed to compete against other women. Plus, our roundup of tennis players to watch.

Whether you want better skin (fewer wrinkles, reduced redness or a brighter glow) in a day, a week or a month, we'll help you achieve the younger-looking skin you crave.

How did your friend turn into his lover? Learn about the four kinds of "friend" affairs and what signs to look out for if you suspect your partner may be having one.

Welcome to the Good, the Fat and the Hungry. I'm Karla and I have been -- or am -- all those things. Here, I will share with you my lifelong struggle with my weight, and I hope you'll follow along on with my determined attempt to lose nearly 40 pounds. I promise to tell you every win and setback along the way every Tuesday and Friday.

Do you have the right to bare arms if yours are the size OF a bear's? Well, my arms were bear sized but by the time you read this Friday night, they will no longer be. Operation brachioplasty (arm lift) is underway. After losing 200+ pounds, my arms have been a constant source of misery. The excess skin on my arms that hung down several inches has gone bye-bye!

Ever been to New York city in the summertime? Let me tell you that heat in the concrete jungle is HOT. I have suffered through two summers in the heat with long sleeves. The unsightly excess skin on my arms has imposed great limitations. In addition to year-round long sleeves, I've fought with rashes and a host of other skin-related issues. That's not to mention the fabulous clothes I can't wear.

Sometimes the promise of good overall health isn't enough to lure us into eating nutritious foods and exercising our flabby bodies. Most times it takes a guarantee of something very specific and tangible to get us on board. For those who struggle with sleep, eating to achieve deep relaxation might be the draw. For others, fitting into teeny, tiny jeans might justify ditching a few diet derailers. How many of you would eat something healthy to fight wrinkles?

Papayas are your fruit if wrinkles are your curse. Why? Because of vitamin C. Papaya is stocked with the stuff and because getting lots of C means more youthful skin (less thinning and drying too), this fruit is simply fantastic. According to RealAge, a recent study of women over 40 confirms the whole papaya-skin connection.

Other foods that will keep your face fresh include walnuts, whole grains and bunches of fruits and veggies. Go easy on fats and refined carbs -- they are not friends of the face and can make you look a whole lot older than you are.

When's the last time you slathered on the sunscreen before going for a long run, only to end up with it dripping and stinging your eyes, or proving less effective in the areas that really sweat? How about anti-friction products -- it's one thing if you have to reapply on your thighs, or your feet, but what if you really need it for the boob chafing? What are you supposed to do then?

Athletes of all levels run into problems like these, which is exactly why MISSION Product came to be. The entire line was created to meet the needs of athletes in all sports as well as any other active folks, containing vital nutrients and antioxidants, so you can focus on your performance rather than what to use on your skin.

A number of pro athletes are already on board with MISSION, including Carmelo Anthony (who loves the anti-friction cream), Gretchen Bleiler (who digs the Sweet Vanilla Lip Balmer -- and so do I), Mia Hamm (who uses the Daily Offense SPF 30 Stick to keep from getting burned), and Steve Nash (who's a fan of my other favorite product, the Foot Synergy Gel).

Check out the gallery to see a variety of products -- which one can you not possibly live without?

When you're healthy, it shows. However, it's not just your muscles you need to take care of -- what about your skin?

Luckily for all you fabulous 40+ ladies out there, this week's Fit Beauty giveaway is a fabulous assortment of Emerita skin care products, all formulated specifically for your skin. Because, let's face it -- wrinkles aren't the only skin issue women of a certain age face, right?

This really is a fantastic prize, valued at about $280. Even if it's not something you need for yourself, I bet you have a mom, aunt, neighbor, or someone else who would just love to find these products under her tree. Am I right? So head on over and enter -- it's super easy, and it just might be your lucky day!

For many, winter is in full swing. The question is, have you taken care of your hair and skin as the weather changed? Temperatures dropped and with the heater going and everything, your house has probably gotten a little drier, meaning you need to take some extra precautions in order to stay your beautiful self!

For winter-friendly hair care, think about adding a weekly deep conditioning treatment, like Biolage's Ultra-Hydrating Balm. It smells yummy and helps get your hair back in shape. And, on a daily basis, think about a leave-in conditioner or detangler, like Healthy Sexy Hair's Soy Tri-Wheat Conditioner -- I swear, my hair has never been as soft as when I've used that.

As far as skin goes, different products should be used for different parts. Of course, you should always use a lotion with SPF 15 or so, just for daily sun exposure, but you should also consider treating your face with something soothing -- after all, your skin is dealing with a lot of changes with winter weather. Renee Rouleau offers a lightweight Stress Recovery Lotion that works for all skin types, ridding you of redness and uneven color. VedaMama has a fabulous Scrumptious body cream that's ultra moisturizing (and all natural) for the rest of your body, but if you're looking to save some cash, I've always had good luck with Eucerin's line of products.

You know good nutrition leads to better health. But did you know it can lead to a more beautiful you?

Over at Fit Celeb, they're talking about Hills star Heidi Montag. Apparently, Ms. Montag feels a lot more confident about her figure since having a boob job a few years ago. If that's what she needed to feel good about herself, then good for her, I guess. What about you?

If you're not convinced a healthy diet is the way to go, consider this: The better you eat, the better your skin looks. I don't know about you, but I sure don't like a compromised complexion. If you don't either, try incorporating these healthy goods into your diet -- they'll work from the inside out and are as good for your skin as any cream you can slap on it, says Cheryl Forberg, author of Positively Ageless and contributor for Prevention.com.

• Omega-3-rich fish, such as salmon, anchovies, and sardines. Flax seed counts too. Full of wonderful oils for the skin, omega-3s promote softness and minimize fine lines.
• Lean dairy products, such as yogurt and kefir. These contain loads of calcium and protein and work to repair cells and promote the growth of collagen.
• Healthy fats, such as olive oil and nuts. Get your vitamin E and more omega-3s here if you want softer skin.
  
• Fruits and vegetables, especially berries, like blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries. Can't go wrong with these picks -- they'll secure the integrity of your skin.

The almighty apple is always named as a great anywhere, anytime snack. Low in calories and high in fiber, you just can't go wrong with apples, say the nutrition experts at RealAge, especially if you want to lose weight.

Get your apple slicer ready -- you'll want to prepare a plate full of apple slices before your meals as you battle the bulge. Eating a bit of high-fiber food -- aha, the apple -- before each meal is a sure weight loss booster. That's what researchers say. In a study of women who ate fruit before meals and women who didn't, the fruit group lost more weight, even when following the same reduced-calorie diet as their non-fruit counterparts. Make sure you choose a fruit high in water content for best results -- like, yes, the apple.

And as you grab for that slicer, leave your peeler tucked away. If you skin your apple, you'll be losing some pretty good stuff, like cancer-fighting compounds called triterpenoids.

Because of possible food allergies, it's usually recommended to not feed babies common food allergens such as peanuts, eggs, wheat, dairy, and seafood until they're at least one. Waiting until they're three is even better. What's more, certain varieties of fish have high levels of mercury which children shouldn't be exposed to.

New research is challenging those old beliefs. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently revised their recommendations and now states that children as young as 4-6 months could have certain foods including fish. Further research shows that babies who eat fish before reaching 9 months have a reduced risk of eczema.

So what are new parents to do? As always, it's important to introduce new foods slowly. And speak to your child's doctor before introducing any of the foods that were previously off-limits for babies. When it comes to your child's health, it's better to be cautious.

I am so excited to tell you about something new for Fit Beauty -- every other week or so, Fit Beauty will be hosting a giveaway. I have beauty, hair, and skincare products for you, gym totes, and other assorted goodies to help you look and feel your best!

I'm starting things off with a bang -- this week, our giveaway will have five lucky winners! We have five AloSun Travel and Trial Collections, each with five different products. Each pack is different, including five of the following products:

• Skin Buff Face & Body Polish
• Moisture-Lock Organic Body Oil
• Body Bare Penetrating Emollient
• Clarifying Hair & Body Shampoo
• Hydrating Hair Mask
• Lemon Lights
• Sea Salt Tress Texturizer
• Swimsuit Saver Shampoo
• After Sun Restorative Creme-Gel

I know, a lot of these products are geared more toward summer, but these are the perfect size to take traveling (all under 3 oz.), and you know you're going to want to take a trip somewhere sunny in just a couple of months, right? Or, save them for the first days of summer to give yourself a real treat!

• To enter, leave a confirmed comment below saying why you deserve to be pampered.
  
• The comment must be left before 5pm ET on Wednesday, October 1, 2008
  
• You may enter only once.
• One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
  
• One winner will receive one AloSun Travel & Trial Collection (valued at $15).
• Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia who are 18 or older.

Click here for complete Official Rules.

Winners are notified by email, so make sure to check next week to find out if you're the winner!