What Kind of Metabolism Do You Have?

I have girlfriends who can regularly devour three slices of pizza, a Caesar salad, and a slice of cheesecake and not worry about gaining a single ounce. Then some of my other friends can’t eat more than a piece of grilled fish with steamed broccoli, or they’ll end up going up a dress size. Our metabolism determines how our bodies break down the food we eat into energy; for some of us it’s fast, and for some of us it’s slow . Tell me . . . What Kind of Metabolism Do You Have? Fast - I can eat as much as I want and never gain weight. Slow - I have to watch every bite I eat or I’ll end up gaining weight. Average - I have to watch what I eat, but don’t have to be strict about it.

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What Kind of Metabolism Do You Have?

How Often Do You Use Fitness DVDs?

Being as this week’s challenge for the Get Fit For 2010 giveaway is to review your favorite workout DVD , I was wondering . . . How Often Do You Use Fitness DVDs? Most days of the week. A few times a month. A few times a year. I never use fitness DVDs.

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How Often Do You Use Fitness DVDs?

Double-Check Nutrition Labels, Packaging May Be Deceiving

Earlier this week the FDA issued warnings to several food companies over their potentially deceiving product labels. One of the chief label issues: prominently indicating that the products are trans-fat free even though they still contain high levels of saturated and unsaturated fats. Products accused of this violation include salad dressing, ice cream, shortening, and even frozen fish. Obviously, a product containing no trans-fats is laudable, but savvy label-readers know that doesn’t necessarily equal a healthy food. And there is, of course, no major indication on the package that these products contain high amounts of other fats. I’ve said it before and will say it again: be sure to check a product’s nutrition label thoroughly! Food companies aren’t in the business of keeping you healthy, they’re in the business of selling food. (Remember the Fruit Loops “Smart Choice” debacle ?) Moral of this story: don’t let flashy packaging undermine your food choices. While I’d hope the majority of health-conscious consumers would read past such claims on, say, a package of shortening, when you’re in a hurry to finish your shopping it’s easy to grab a product that looks healthy enough. For more ways to outsmart the manufacturer’s packaging tricks, check out how to read between the lines on food labels.

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Double-Check Nutrition Labels, Packaging May Be Deceiving

Are You Running in a Race This Year?

Marathon season is officially under way, woo-hoo! I have to admit I love hearing that so many of you are in training or have completed a race . It motivates me to lace up and hit the pavement even more. Heck, even some of my own friends  have finished running in their first long-distance races this year. Kudos! Since so many of you wrote that running in longer races was one of your fitness goals in our Get Fit For 2010 community group and contest , I’m wondering how many of you signed up to compete. I’m hoping that you’re all taking the leap and that your training is going well. I especially hope that you’re staying injury-free. If this is your first race and your nerves are starting to set in, don’t worry - you will be able to tackle your first marathon with ease, I know it. If you’re still looking for a race, head on over to Active.com ; they have a complete listing of all kinds of events. Tell me . . . Are You Running in a Race This Year? Yes - I’m running a marathon. Yes - I’m running a half-marathon. Yes - I’m running a 10K. Yes - I’m running a 5K. No long races for me this season.

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Are You Running in a Race This Year?

How Much Time Do You Spend at the Gym?

Fitting in a lunchtime workout is always nice, but honestly, I like a longer workout. An hour just isn’t enough. I prefer to do at least 45 minutes of cardio, and follow it up with 30 minutes or more of strength training mixed with stretching. Then I like to treat myself to a little sauna time. What about you? How Much Time Do You Spend at the Gym? Less than 30 minutes. 30 to 60 minutes. 60 to 90 minutes. Two hours. Over two hours. I don’t go to the gym.

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How Much Time Do You Spend at the Gym?

Have You Had Trouble Sleeping in the Last 30 Days?

A recent health survey took a snapshot of our national health and found that in the past month, 30 percent of Americans have had difficulty sleeping. I am not sure if the figure seems high or low to me. So I thought I would do some independent research and post the question to you. Me? I’ve had my bouts with insomnia, but nothing has kept me from sleeping in the last month. Have You Had Trouble Sleeping in the Last 30 Days? Yes I have. No I haven’t.

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Have You Had Trouble Sleeping in the Last 30 Days?

Get Your Food Minus the Chemicals

Last year I told you about a Consumer Reports study , which detected bisphenol A (BPA) in the inner lining of most canned goods. And while the FDA has yet to ban the use of BPA in food packaging, it did announce earlier this year that the industrial chemical may pose some concern . As a result, the government agency is investing $30 million into a more comprehensive study on the effects BPA has on infants and adults. In the meantime, those of you who are worried about your exposure should make sure your to-go containers and water bottles are BPA-free. Unfortunately, most canned goods are still made using BPA. In these instances it might be best to seek out foods packaged in glass, paper, or freezer bags. As I said earlier, most canned goods are made with BPA, but not all of them! The eco-conscious folks at Treehugger were kind enough to round up a list of seven companies making BPA-free canned goods. Eden Organic canned beans, grains, and chilis Vital Choice Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) cerified salmon, albacore tuna, sardines, and mackerel Oregon’s Choice MSC certified albacore Eco Fish albacore tuna Wild Planet skipjack and albacore tunas Trader Joe’s canned corn, canned beans, canned fish, canned poultry, and canned beef Edward & Sons Native Forest and Nature Factor goods of fruits, vegetables, chutneys, and coconut milk

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Get Your Food Minus the Chemicals

Smoker’s Dying Wish Granted: Morbid or Heroic?

Albert “Dick” Whittamore started smoking when he was young, and before he died from battling cigarette-induced emphysema at age 85, he had one dying wish . He asked that the words “Smoking Killed Me” be placed on his grave and his hearse. This was his last-ditch effort to warn others of the dangers of cigarettes, so they could avoid the unnecessary suffering he went through from the illness that was caused by this unhealthy habit. I was a little shocked to read about this at first, so tell me what do you think? Is Albert’s request morbid or heroic? Smoker's Dying Wish Granted: Morbid or Heroic? Morbid. It’s sad to think about why he died. Heroic. It’s great that he wants to help other people. Neither. I’ll tell you what I think below.

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Smoker’s Dying Wish Granted: Morbid or Heroic?

Gear Review: Perfect Core Tank by Lucy

The Pilates instructor in me knows that we can all use a little help remembering to keep our abs engaged. I was intrigued by the technology behind the new Perfect Core Racerback ($64) by Lucy, so I asked them to send me one to test out. First off, I know that $64 is a bit steep for a workout shirt. However, this is the only top with a built in bra that I have tried in recent history that actually provided enough support for all my cardio action minus running. I like a lot of support for those long runs. The built in bra is made with separate molded cups, adding a little extra oomph to the chest and keeping all things nipple from showing. The front of the shirt is lined with supportive mesh material Lucy calls xBAR technology (eXtreme Body Reforming & Alignment). It is certainly flattering; it pulls the tummy in just a bit. It’s also supportive, partially because it is tight in an oddly pleasant compressive way, and it did remind me to keep core engaged. I was worried it might feel a bit like a corset when working out, but it didn’t. Although the Perfect Core Tank will definitely make it into my rotation of fave fitness wear, I do have a couple of problems with the top. To learn them, read more. One problem I have with the top is that although the shirt fit well in my ribs, the cut didn’t accommodate the curve of my hips. Meaning I had to pull it down often. However, this happened more when I was sitting around in the shirt (I put on my workout clothes as a means of motivation - I am dressed for working out, so I might as well go to the gym). The shirt works better in action and during my 45 minute cardio / strength training sessions, I only had to pull it down once. The second problem is taking the shirt off. It is fitted and snug, which is great support, but this shirt is difficult to take off especially when sweaty. Possibly, I need a larger size, but in Lucy gear I tend to wear a small, although in most workout gear I consider myself a classic size medium. The tank comes in a cobalt blue. Check out photos below for images of the inside of the shirt, since the internal construction is where the support comes from. View 3 Photos ›

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Gear Review: Perfect Core Tank by Lucy

What’s Your Favorite Feature in Healthy Living Magazines?

I have at least five subscriptions to different health and fitness magazines. They’re chock full of so many great features: fitness tips, reviews of gear, nutritional info about food, and healthy recipes. My favorite feature, though, has to be all the strength training exercises and workout routines. It’s great to be able to try out new moves the next time I work out, which not only makes me stronger, but also keeps me motivated to exercise. What about you? What's Your Favorite Feature in Healthy Living Magazines? Healthy recipes. Health and fitness tips. Strength training exercises and workout routines. Real-life stores about people trying to lose weight. Reviews of gear. Nutritional info about food. Latest studies on health and fitness. Interviews with celebs about how they stay in shape. Other - I’ll tell you below.

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What’s Your Favorite Feature in Healthy Living Magazines?

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