Blog Posts by FitSugar

FitSugarSource: Commitment Issues? Help Weight-Loss Resolutions Stick

Going with the flow can be healthy in many circumstances, but it's not always the best bet when it comes to a weight-loss routine. To see the results you want on the scale and in your clothes, committing to a healthy diet and exercise plan is a must. And with these tips in mind, it's not as hard as you think.

• Pencil it in: Keeping a food journal is a helpful technique to achieve your healthy goals. One study found that the women who were the most successful at losing weight monitored their food intake by keeping a journal. In addition, whether you have to jot it down in a calendar, send a series of email reminders, or pay for classes ahead of time, schedule workouts in advance.
• Stay positive: Beating yourself up does more harm than good when it comes to weight loss, and anxiety and negativity aren't helping you achieve your goals at all. Focus on keeping a positive attitude and celebrating healthy

Source: No Juicer, No Problem: 4 Healthy Drink Ideas

While juicing is a great way to get the vital nutrients the body needs, it's a big investment. For a smart sip that won't break the bank, try these healthy drinks that require no equipment to make.

• Green tea: There are plenty of good reasons that green tea goes hand in hand with a healthy Winter plan. It helps increase metabolism, aids in flu prevention, and calms nerves. It's also an ideal replacement for coffee if you're trying to lower your caffeine intake.
• Apple cider vinegar: If you can handle the tangy flavor, apple cider vinegar deserves a home in your cabinet. It's been shown to boost the immune system and energy levels, which is a huge help if you feel like you're coming down with a nasty bug. If you're already in the thick of a sinus infection, try this apple cider vinegar brew to soothe your symptoms.
• Almond milk: Whether you purchase it at the store or make your own homemade almond milk, it's a healthy and

Source: Healthy Eating Habits That Make Dropping Pounds Easier

As you slowly rid your diet of junk and sweets, you'll notice a change: you actually start craving those healthy foods that you once shunned. And as you start fueling your body with nutrients and noticing how much better you feel, there's a good chance you'll lose weight, too. Here's how your new healthy eating habits are helping you drop pounds.

• Drinking water: Finally decided to swap those Diet Cokes for water? It's a good decision: drinking more water helps keep your skin and other cells healthy and functioning properly, and drinking enough water keeps you from feeling lethargic and fatigued from dehydration. Your new water habit is great for your waistline as well: drinking water helps prevent overeating and helps you debloat.
• Eat more fruits and veggies: Your new weekend's to-do list that includes a trip to the farmers market to stock up on veggies for the week isn't just helping you eat more disease-fighting

Source: Portion Control: One Step Closer to Significant Weight Loss

At its most basic, weight loss is a simple equation of calories in and calories out, which makes keeping track of what you're eating that much more important. "But what's the point," you ask, "when I'm already sticking to a healthy diet?" While we'd never tell you to stop eating avocados, nuts, or whole-wheat pasta, these foods (and others) are notoriously calorie-dense. If you're on the path to weight loss, it's no easy journey, but some simple reminders about portion control will ensure your healthy snack of nut butter and fruit doesn't become the calorie equivalent of an entire meal.

• Start with the basics: Before you can even begin to know what your meal plan will break down to, you first need to learn what your daily calorie requirements are. Keep in mind that the daily requirement is different for everyone based on certain factors like activity level, age, and gender. Use this handy calorie calculator to

Source: Why Having a Fitness Partner in Crime Works

When it comes to healthy weight-loss and fitness goals, teaming up with a partner on a similar path is a huge help. You can't expect to lose weight if your boyfriend, roommate, or closest friend constantly suggests indulging in unhealthy foods or encourages you to head to happy hour instead of hitting the gym. Having a partner in crime when it comes to healthy living can make the whole process far less painful - maybe even enjoyable! Here are a few reason to buddy up.

• Stay accountable: Bailing on a workout or putting fitness on hold are easy traps to fall into, unless you're not the only one these actions affect. When you're working with someone on a similarly fit track, you'll be less likely to cancel healthy plans like cooking at home or hitting up a new workout class.
• Build healthy competition: While pushing each other too hard could strain your relationship, there's nothing wrong with a little competition to keep things

FitSugarSource: Creative Ways to Double Up Your Weekend Workout

Cut the time it takes to work out by squeezing more into your session by combining cardio and strength training into one. There are tons of fun ways to double up on your exercise regimen, and here are five to get you started!

• Run first, om later: Take a run and then head to yoga, or reverse the order. Yoga can balance your mind and tone your body, but it doesn't always provide the cardio that we need. If your studio is close to where you live, even better. You can run there to get your heart rate up right before class.
• Sweat from the bike straight into the pool: If you have a gym membership, there are many amenities open to you. You can spin at the gym and then swim in the pool after class. Not only will these different forms of exercise complement one another, but the refreshing pool will also feel great after sweating it out on a bike.
• Dance off the flab before you tone your abs: Zumba is a fun way to squeeze in

FitSugarSource: Your Next Workout Begins at Your Desk!

Start your workout well before you hit the gym tonight, beginning at your desk! In a matter of minutes, a few simple changes will keep you healthy, increase your productivity, and even contribute to abs of steel. Not only will these changes go into effect immediately - think instantly improved posture - but they will also contribute to your overall health for years to come. Consider these tips and make the change; this might be what your next workout needs to go from good to great.

• Keep Healthy Snacks : Instead of reaching for the vending machine or mindlessly grabbing from the candy bowl, keep healthy snacks at your desk to avoid temptation. Homemade trail mix or simple 100-calorie snacks will curb afternoon hunger without dooming your diet.
• Rearrange Your Desk : Simple changes to your desk will help you sit up straighter and avoid neck, wrist, and back strain. Sitting ergonomically, adjusting your keyboard, and repositioning

Source: 4 Tips That Turn a Morning From Stressful to Peaceful

The pace of your morning can have an enormous impact on the rest of the day. If 2013 will be the year of making your morning count, then each of these easy tips will help alleviate that dreaded a.m. struggle and allow you to rise and shine for real.

• Stop the snooze: Hitting the snooze button over and over is only putting off an inevitable start. Those last 20 minutes won't help your quality of sleep but will instead take a toll on your morning. Rushing to throw yourself together, a skipped shower, or eating a subpar breakfast are simply not worth those extra few minutes in bed.
• Take time to yourself: Whether it's a quick moment of silence, a calming cup of tea, or writing down your initial thoughts in a journal, take a little time to allow your body to get acclimated to the morning. Instead of feeling jolted to begin all your chores and obligations, just a few minutes of relaxing "me" time will help slow your