FitSugar

Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Morning Workout

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:50:47 PST

If you work or go to school full time, getting your sweat on in the wee hours of the morn is probably the only time you can fit it in. Kudos to you for resisting the urge to hit the snooze button and skip out. Make setting your alarm and pulling yourself out of bed worth all the effort and avoid these morning exercise mistakes.

Not eating: It's super early, but you need to eat in order to fuel your workout. Munch on something small while you're getting ready, like half a banana or half a piece of toast with a little peanut butter. You'll not only avoid the gnawing hunger pangs, but you'll also have an extra pep in your step to exercise harder or longer than you would on an empty stomach. When you get home, you can enjoy your usual breakfast, which is always something to look forward to.
Loading up on fiber: While it's important to eat a little something, you don't want to load up on bulky fiber that can make you feel too full or upset your stomach.
Not hydrating: Aside from food, you also need water. Definitely don't down half a gallon before you hit the gym because too much water can cause cramping, but make sure you sip a short glass of H2O while enjoying your small snack.
Not laying your outfit out the night before: You don't have oodles of time in the morning, so don't take away from your exercise time by scrambling to find your missing sock. Plan your outfit before you go to bed so you can just slip it on and go.

Keep reading for more morning exercise mistakes to avoid.

Heart-Healthy Valentine's Day Cocktail: Rio Royale

Michele Foley — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:45:14 PST

This Valentine's Day I'll be making Rio Royales: bubbly and pink-hued, this cocktail sets the perfect mood for the heart-filled holiday. What I'm really loving about Rio Royales is that a major component of the drink is antioxidant-rich açaí liquer. The berry-infused liquer gives the drink a subtle taste of chocolate-covered cherries, but its health benefits are even more enticing. Açaí pulp has more antioxidants than you'll find in blueberries, pomegranates, or red grapes, and also contains lots of fiber, amino acids, and heart-healthy fatty acids.

Learn how easy it is to make this recipe after the break!

Get Lady Gaga's Booty With This Simple Workout

Zelana Montminy — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:04:51 PST

Known for her crazy costumes and her cut abs, Lady Gaga also has quite a shapely backside. To get the scoop on her booty moves, we talked to her trainer Harley Pasternak. Here, he shows us three exercises you can do to tone your tush.

10 Sexy, Healthy Foods For Valentine's Day

FitSugar — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:01:18 PST

The search for sexy foods is an ancient pursuit, and aphrodisiacs come in many healthy forms - with skins, peels, and shells. And healthy living and romantic meals aren't mutually exclusive. We've rounded up 10 foods considered sexy for their suggestive shape, texture, or color, and found recipes so you can add them to your romantic Valentine's meal. If you're on the prowl for a healthier love potion, check out these sexy, healthy recipes that might just help you get in the mood.

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Reese Witherspoon Works Out Just to Stay Healthy

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:43:11 PST

At 36, Reese Witherspoon always looks amazing. Strong, sculpted, lean, yet feminine. How does Reese do it? She told Us Weekly:

"I work out all the time anyway just to stay healthy. I don't believe in crash dieting or anything like that."

From yoga sessions to running, this Oscar-winning actress loves to get her sweat on. Regular exercise offers a slew of health benefits, including improved sleep, increased energy and brain function, a happier mood, a stronger immune system, and prevention of health issues like heart disease and diabetes. But not everyone loves exercise, and some just use it as a weight-loss tool. What about you?