Blog Posts by FitSugar

Source: Dispel These Common Complaints and Start a Love Affair With Running

You want to love running, you do, but every time you head out for a run, you end up hating it even more. Check out some of the most common complaints below, and find out how you can turn your relationship with running around for the better.

"My Knee, My Back, My Feet - Everything Hurts" Pounding the pavement is not easy on the body, and one reason for aches and pains is poor running form. Here's a body checklist to make sure you're running properly and efficiently. Sneakers that are old or unsupportive can also lead to joint pain, so here are tips to help you find the perfect pair of running shoes. Be sure to replace shoes every few hundred miles or every few months (whichever comes first). Also, don't run every day - including other types of exercise is a must in preventing repetitive stress injuries.

"It's Boring" Running is the definition of repetition, so if you're on a treadmill, make it more exciting

FitSugarSource: 26.2 Miles Later: 7 Women Share Their Tips For Marathon Success

Running a marathon may be on your bucket list of things to do. However, since finishing 26.2 miles still seems daunting, you've put off registering for a race. To help inspire you, we talked to seven everyday - but in no way, ordinary - women who were running in this year's Boston Marathon. From a first-timer to a woman who has completed a whopping 24 marathons, keep reading to see how each of these fit females train, what they eat on race day, and their tips for marathon-day success. Also, make sure to check out our one-stop training destination for everything from a 5K to a marathon.

• Jules Fick, 20:
  FitSugar: How many marathons have you been in?
  Jules Fick: This is my first marathon! I'm running through Boston College, so we're charity running as bandits.
  FS: What did your training entail for the Boston Marathon?
  JF: Well, I went on a regimen in January, but I've been consciously running

Source: Don't Drink Bacteria: How to Disinfect Your Reusable Bottle

The beauty of the reusable water bottle is that it's just that - reusable. You can repeatedly head to the water cooler or faucet to fill 'er up, but when your bottle continually stays wet, you know what that means? Yep, bacteria loves a moist, dark environment. Along with your dinner dishes, it's good to get in the habit of cleaning your bottle every night, or at least every few days. Here are some ways you can get rid of the germies and grime.

Throw it in the dishwasher: Some bottles are dishwasher-safe, so check the bottom of your bottle or the brand's website to make sure. Kleen Kanteen Classic stainless steel bottles are dishwasher safe, as well as some products from Nalgene, although it's recommended to clean SIGG water bottles by hand.

Wash it with warm soapy water: Pour out any leftover liquid, add a few drops of dishwashing soap and some warm water, screw on the top and shake for a minute or so. It's smart

Source: Don't Skimp on the Cost of These Basics

When it comes to your exercise clothes, there are ways to splurge and ways to save. But even if you don't have unlimited funds to spend on an outfit you just use to sweat in, spend wisely and strategically by at least investing extra money in these three pieces.

Your sports bra: Besides the discomfort of having a bra that doesn't fit or support you, regularly exercising in the wrong sports bra can lead to breast damage (they're moving in a figure-eight pattern, after all!), so make sure your bra is getting the job done by finding a brand and style that gives you ample coverage and support, especially during high-impact exercises. Here's how to pick the right sports bra for you, whether you're small-chested or well-endowed.

Your shoes: Your feet are doing a lot of work while you exercise, especially if you run, so make sure you are getting the right pair to support your arches and ankles and giving your toes enough room to move. It's

FitSugarSource: Warm Up Breakfast With These Whole-Grain Hot Cereal Recipes

Sometimes a bowl of cereal from the box just doesn't do it - you need something warm to jump-start your day. If you're over eggs, and don't have time in the morning for an elaborately cooked breakfast, reach for a bowl of whole-grain hot cereal. Most recipes are easy to prep ahead of time, while others cook up in less than 10 minutes. By morning's end, you will have enjoyed a breakfast filled with fiber, iron, manganese, and zinc. (And, depending on the grain or mix-in, you may have gotten yourself a big protein boost, too!)

Related Content:

6 Gluten-Free Breakfast Ideas With 10 Grams of Fiber

A Healthier Bowl: Cereals High in Fiber and Protein

For a Fresh Start, Reach For These Greek Yogurt Mix-Ins

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FitSugarSource: 10 Weight-Loss Rules That Work

There's so much out there when it comes to weight-loss tips, and it can be hard to separate what works from what's just a fad. But when we asked you on Facebook to tell us the best strategy that helped you shed pounds, you were quick to answer! Read on for the 10 most popular weight-loss rules that have been proven to work.

• Your Diet Counts: No matter how hard you exercise, it's true: it can be hard to lose weight if you're not changing your diet. "You can't exercise enough to overcome a poor diet," says Facebook fan Brittany. "The diet part has to come first." If your weight isn't budging, regardless of how much you're working out, take a look at your current eating habits to see if you are eating the right amount of calories for your body and your goals.
• Eat Frequently: Everyone's meal strategy differs, but one thing's clear: eating small meals throughout the day can keep you from being hungry and making a not-so-healthy

Source: 3 Unexpected Ways to Improve Your Workout

Your workout can be affected by your mood, what you ate during the day, and your energy levels, among other factors. But there are also simple, unexpected ways you can ensure you're at your best before, during, and after your exercise. Find out what they are below!

Before: You know that coffee energizes you, so it may not seem so odd that this beverage can help you when you're working out. But the reason why coffee works for your workout isn't only because it makes you wired and ready to go. Caffeine actually increases your endurance by affecting how your muscles use energy in your body while you work out. Studies have shown that caffeine mobilizes fat in your body so your muscles use it as fuel, instead of glycogen in your body. That allows you to exercise longer, since your body doesn't use the carbs you ate before your workout until later. Caffeine has also been shown to help reduce postworkout DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness),