Blog Posts by FitSugar

Source: Before Making That Call: 14 Takeout Tips to Always Remember


When you're feeling exhausted with no time to cook, takeout happens. Even if you're in a bind for time, there's no reason to let all your healthy day's work go to the wind with one bad binge. Here are 14 takeout tips to always keep in mind - regardless of what kind of cuisine you'll be enjoying!

• Think first: Don't call your takeout spot in a frenzied state. Come up with a well-thought order, and stick to the plan when the time comes to talk. This way you won't have buyer's remorse after ordering a huge pizza with all the fatty fixings.
• Pass on the fried stuff: The rest of your meal will be delicious and filling; there's no need to overload on unhealthy starters. Crispy Chinese egg rolls and fried Indian samosas filled with veggies are fresh on their own, but all that oil changes the equation.
• Order broth-based: Soups can be a healthy addition to your takeout night, but you've got to look at more than the

POPSUGAR FoodSource: 6 Guilt-Free Alternatives to French Fries!

If you're addicted to the hot, crunchy, saltiness of french fries, then you may find it hard to resist the guilty pleasure. But there are some healthier ways to satisfy your craving. Baking instead of frying or swapping potatoes for veggies like kale or rutabaga are just a few of the fit changes you can make. Try any one of these six healthy alternatives, and see for yourself!

• Parsnip Fries: A cross between carrots and potatoes, parsnips are high in folic acid, vitamin K, and fiber. For a unique but tasty alternative to french fries, try these parsnip fries, complete with a curry dipping sauce.
• Kale Chips: Rather than reaching for greasy french fries, bake up a serving of greens using this three-ingredient kale chip recipe.
• Rutabaga Fries: A cross between a cabbage and a turnip, rutabaga is a great source of potassium and vitamin C. The next time you go to cook up an all-American meal, try these rutabaga fries

Source: 4 Ways to Ensure Weekend Workouts Happen

You have a weekday schedule set up for your workouts, so when the lazy weekend rolls around, it's tempting to skip out on the sweat sessions and just relax on the couch. Taking a little time off is a must, but if you know that forgoing workouts on Saturday and Sunday can turn into an even lazier Monday, here are four ways to stay on track.

• Try something new: Motivating for the same old date with the treadmill can seem harder when you're cozy at home. So make a point to try out a different type of workout that you don't usually get to do during the week, maybe an early morning swim or that Detox Flow yoga class you've been hearing so much about.
• Plan a long workout: Take advantage of the free time you have and exercise longer. Take a day hike or bike ride, do a mini triathlon at the gym, sign up for a bootcamp workshop, or double up on Zumba classes. It's exciting to have something to look forward to, and it'll help burn

Source: 10 Reasons to Start Swimming Now!

Speed up the process to that Summer tan and bikini body by jumping into the pool. Yes, the treadmill is fun, and so are those dumbbells, but they only offer a portion of what a swim workout does. From toning your core to speeding up your metabolism, there are several reasons why you should consider swimming your new go-to. Grab a suit and find out the 10 reasons why you should start swimming!

• It's a total-body workout: Swimming tackles everything from sculpting your back to toning your arms - all without having to pick up a weight. Rather than needing a plan to work specific muscles, all four strokes work to strengthen your entire body.
• It's joint-friendly: If you're recovering from an injury and are eager to build strength, then look into starting a swimming routine to stay fit. If running is your passion, then swimming is a great way to work out on recovery days, allowing knees a rest from the pavement.
• It's

Source: The No-Diet Bikini Secret

Good posture not only makes you look confident, but it can also make you look up to 10 pounds thinner. No matter how toned those abs might be, slouching curves the spine forward, creating rolls on the belly. It can also make you appear inches shorter than you truly are. From my time in the Pilates studio, I can tell you the majority of my clients tuck the pelvis under and let the ribs fall behind their center, allowing the shoulders to round forward. This makes a giant C-cure out of the spine. And this is definitely not good posture.

The solution to the droopy spine and tucked pelvis is pretty simple:

• Stick out your booty: You need to correct the pelvis before you can affect the rest of the torso. To untuck your pelvis, you need the pubic bone and the two bones at the top of the pelvis (known as ASIS) to form a triangle perpendicular to the ground. To find your ASIS, put your hands on your hips just like the gal in the photo.
• Move ribs

Source: 5 Tips on Eating Meat and Still Staying Healthy

When it comes to meat, making the healthiest choice can often be confusing. These five tips will allow you to enjoy the foods you love - only with a healthier perspective!

• Always go lean: When you're cooking at home, choose a lean option, and think of fattier meats as an occasional indulgence. The leanest poultry pick is white meat with no skin, while the best cuts of beef include round, chuck, sirloin, or tenderloin. Choose beef cuts labeled "choice" or "select" rather than "prime" since "prime" usually has more fat. Learn what the leanest cuts of veal, lamb, and pork are here.
• Get smart with ground: Ground meat options can be laden with fat, and poultry is no exception to the rule since it often includes dark meat and skin. Look for lean chicken or turkey when buying ground poultry meat. When it comes to beef, most grocery stores offer several different types with varying percentages of fat; don't assume it's a

Source: Dos and Don'ts of Pre-Workout Snacks

While preparing a luscious fruit salad for a friend's potluck, I noshed on a bunch of diced melon and then decided to go for a run. Five minutes into my workout, I experienced one of the worst cramps in my belly. I tried everything to make it go away: massaging it, slowing down my pace, and raising my arms in the air, but walking was the only thing that helped. I cursed that stupid cantaloupe and watermelon for ruining my run. Learn from my mistakes, and choose an appropriate pre-workout snack.

• Fiber is not your friend: All that bulk that gets things moving in your system is bound to prevent you from moving when you exercise, since it can cause gas pains and may even necessitate a trip to the ladies' room.
• Go for a combo of protein and carbs: Carbs rather than protein offer your body fuel, so make sure your snack has an emphasis on carbs. Simple carbs are best, since they digest more easily than complex ones.
• Avoid

Source: Spring Clean Your System: 9 Quick Tips to Detox This Weekend

Imagine heading into Monday morning refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle a tough week. You might not be able to commit to a full weekend cleanse to reboot your system, but it's easy to incorporate a few of these tips before Monday morning hits. Offer your body detox power it deserves.

• Drink lots of water: Staying hydrated is essential to keep your body functioning at its highest potential. Take things up a notch and spike your water with some fresh produce known for their detoxing powers. Lemon, cucumber, mint, or ginger can all do wonders.
• Try some chia: Chock-full of omega-3s and fiber, tiny superfood chia seeds have been revered since ancient Aztec times. Celebrity trainer Valerie Waters swears by her chia seed drink that helps clients debloat.
• Cook at home: Every meal out on the town might sound like your idea of a great weekend, but try to cook healthy, fiber-fueled meals at home.