FitSugar

Don't Blow Your Healthy Habits at the Movies This Weekend

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:53 -0800

It's a big movie weekend, for sure. With New Moon finally out, I've already committed myself to spend an afternoon at the theater - the only complication is that I'm not so fond of the movie-theater fare. It's an admittedly challenging place to stick to healthy food choices, since there usually aren't any to begin with. Just in case you don't believe me, recent research is revealing just how unhealthy movie popcorn can be - and it's probably a lot worse than you think.

An article from WebMd highlights the Center for Science in the Public Interest's findings on the state of popcorn, which claims movie theater popcorn is just about as bad for you as "a pound of baby back ribs and a scoop of Haagen-Dazs ice cream or maybe two Big Macs" - and that's before you even add the butter. For the study, researchers sent samples of popcorn and toppings from three different movie theater chains and compared their findings to the chains' own nutritional information. What they found is likely to make you rethink how you view your movie treat.

The study's results show that the calorie count of movie theater popcorn ranges from just about 400 to 1,200 calories, and contains an alarming serving of saturated fat that's equivalent to three days worth of your daily recommended portion, and anywhere from 200 (in the smallest 6-cup size serving) to 1,500 milligrams of sodium. Additionally, the study revealed that both AMC and Regal theaters pop their popcorn in coconut oil, which has a saturated fat content of a whopping 90 percent. Cinemark theaters, which pops their popcorn in canola oil, earns the rep as the healthiest chain, with a significantly lower saturated fat content - ranging from 2 grams in the 420-calorie small size to 5 grams in the 910-calorie large popcorn bucket. But, keep in mind that popcorn is usually just a part of the order - add a soda or your choice of candy, and your order is easily nearing 1,700 calories.

To learn about healthier options at the movies read more.

To avoid a serious caloric overload on your movie outing, the solutions are simple. Opt to share a small, unbuttered popcorn, and request that it be popped without salt (according to the article, these chains will happily oblige), or knosh on something healthy before you head out. If you can, bring a small bag of almonds or a piece of fruit along. Be smart about your choices, and don't let one afternoon at the movies spoil your healthy habits. It's totally fine to indulge every now and then, but a 1,200-calorie serving of popcorn that packs more saturated fat than you need in three days is hardly a treat for your bod or health.

Definition: SPD Cleats

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:30:36 -0800

Biking is a gear heavy sport, all the way down to the shoes. And different types of biking have different styles of shoes and cleats when you're riding clipless pedals. The jargon is odd too, I know, but biking becomes more efficient when you wear a biking shoe that clips into a pedal. This way you can power your pedaling during the full circle of a pedal stroke. One type of cleat/pedal combination is SPD, which stands for Shimano Pedaling Dynamics - Shimano being a manufacturer of bicycle gear. SPD pedals have recessed cleats so you can walk around normally if need be, which is why they are favored by mountain bikers, but many road bikers use them too. When riding in urban areas, SPD cleats work well too, since un-clipping frequently can be necessary with traffic lights. Since the cleat is recessed you actually get traction on the ground, which is handy. However, since the cleat is pretty small, foot pain while biking can be an issue, since you're putting the pressure of your foot repeatedly onto a small surface area.

Gifts For Active Snow Bunnies

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:32 -0800

Although snow may not be falling in your neck of the woods just yet, it's never too early to start thinking about all the people in your life who love playing in that fluffy white stuff.

If you have a friend or family member who's big into hitting the mountain, here are some gift ideas that are sure to keep her warm and happy. Although picking out ski or snowboard equipment is best left up to her, these items are sure to make wintertime even better.

Thanksgiving Portion Primer

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:00:25 -0800

Few of us, if any, sit down to Thanksgiving dinner with a food scale in hand. Nevertheless, portion control on this day of feasting still matters. Using visual cues can certainly help keep your plate from turning into a pyramid of starch and fat.

Turkey: A serving of meat is three ounces and looks like a deck of cards.
Potatoes and stuffing: A typical serving size of a starch is 1/2 a cup. To keep from going overboard, visualize a tennis ball cut in half. Remember, carbs should only take up a quarter of your plate.
Veggies: A serving of veggies is similar to a rounded handful, but veggies should take up at least half of your plate. Load up on green beans, Brussels sprouts, and squash.
Salad: A cup of greens is considered a serving, so about the size of your hands cupped together.
Butter: A teaspoon of butter is about the size of the tip of your thumb.
Gravy: A tablespoon resembles the size of both a woman's thumbs.

Source: Flickr User walkering

Stretch It: Twisting Hip Flexor Stretch

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:22 -0800

A common complaint among runners and cyclists is tight hip flexors, the area in front of the hips above the quads. Here's one of my favorite ways to lengthen that area, while also getting a subtle spinal twist - two great stretches in one!

To learn how to get into this stretch, read more.

Begin in a lunge position with the right knee forward and the left leg extended behind you. The right knee should be directly above the ankle. Place a folded towel underneath your left knee if you feel any discomfort under or around your knee cap.
Rest your left hand on your right knee and bend your back (left) knee. Reach your right arm behind you and clasp the arch of your left foot. Lower your pelvis until you feel a nice stretch in the left hip flexor.
Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, and then switch sides by bringing the left knee forward.