Weight Loss

Fit Blogger We Love: One Twenty Five

Written on July 19, 2012 at 3:54 pm , by Samantha Shelton

If you’re looking for someone who lays everything out on the line, regardless of what other people are going to think of her, then you need to immediately click over to One Twenty Five. Liz, the writer behind this weight-loss blog, shares her uncensored thoughts, which is exactly what we love about her. Now if we could just pack up and visit her in Melbourne, life would be pretty swell, don’t you think?

On my fit life list: Drum roll please…an Ironman. I know it sounds ridiculous to say as, um, I’ve never biked more than a 5K or swam more than one kilometer. But (and this is a big but), I once dreamed of doing a full marathon when I was over 200 pounds and the mere thought of a 5K made my heart skip a beat. And guess what? I ran that full marathon. So I know it’s possible to dream big and accomplish something once deemed impossible.

I’m happiest when I’m: doing CrossFit or running. Wait, what? Did you really believe me? Let’s clarify that: I’m happiest when I just finished a CrossFit session or a run. The moment I stop my watch after a run I didn’t want to do, or the moment I fall to the ground to get my breath back after a CrossFit WOD (workout of the day), is always my favorite. They’re my happy, self high-five moments. It’s always a battle to get out there, but always so worth it when I’m done.

Most embarrassing song I’ll admit I work out to is: Are you ready for this? I don’t actually listen to music when I run. Nope, I listen to super-duper-steamy-trashy romance novels. I found out when I get into peak training for a marathon, I can’t download music quick enough, so instead I listen to, “she felt his burning eyes…” They’re entertaining, cheap on iTunes and so silly that it’s easy to distract myself from the pain of a long run.

My “I Did It” moment: Since I decided not to be a couch potato and actually knock off some of my “bucket list” tasks, I have to admit I’ve managed to accomplish some pretty awesome things. Three full marathons, a month-long hike to Mt. Everest’s Base Camp, and a move to Melbourne, Australia, to name a few. But my favorite “I Did It moment” was, without a doubt, when I was running the last 50 meters of the Chicago Marathon. Going from obese to running a full marathon within a year is very emotional, and seeing that finish line was just incredibly overwhelming.

My motivation comes from: Knowing I am capable of more than I’ve done. Which yeah, I know sounds really corny, but I’ve decided I am no better or worse than anyone in this world, so why can’t I do all the awesome things out there? Exactly – I can.

Do you have a favorite fit blogger you want us to highlight? Leave a comment below or email us at blog@fitnessmagazine.com.

#140Wednesdays: Would You Take a Pill to Lose Weight?

Written on July 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm , by FITNESS Intern

Written by Lisa Turner, editorial intern

With a seal of approval from the FDA yesterday, brand new diet drug Qsymia promises to help people shed unwanted pounds. Right now, it’s only approved for people who are not only overweight, but struggle with an accompanying condition such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Taking a pill sounds like an easy solution, but here at FITNESS, we believe in a prescription of exercise and healthy eating habits. We wanted to know if our Twitter followers felt the same way, so we asked them: Would you take a pill to make weight loss easier?

@KateSchlag: Research proves it–there’s no quick fix for weight loss. Not even in a pill.

@redcurlgurl: No. I like to lose weight the old fashioned way with diet and exercise. I want to earn those “You look great!” compliments.

@Trhi10: We need more whole foods and less pills; it’s another Band-aid.

@xtinamcknight: They also approve of highly processed death trap food like McDonald’s. So thanks, but no thanks.

Now tell us: What do you think about the FDA approving Qsymia?

Featured Fitterati: Weight-Loss Blog Runs for Cookies

Written on July 17, 2012 at 6:26 pm , by Samantha Shelton

Each Tuesday, we’re highlighting one category of winners from our Fitterati Blogger Awards! This week we’re focusing on the Best Weight-Loss Blogs!

Katie Foster

• 30, Newport, Michigan

Tired of being overweight, Katie hit the point where she was ready to drop the extra weight – for good. Shedding 125 pounds from her frame through small, realistic changes and blogging about it at Runs for Cookies, her story was even showcased on Dr. Oz! She shared her secrets to success with us, and filled us in on what running time she’s gunning for next.

Fit Wish “I would love to run a half-marathon in under two hours. My current personal record (PR) is 2:02.57, so I’m close. I know that I have a sub-2:00 in me, I just have to work hard to make it happen!”

Life Lesson “Through my journey, I learned that it’s very important not to make any changes you aren’t willing to live with forever. I knew that working out 6 days a week for two hours each time, or living on 1,200 calories a day, wasn’t something I would stick with for life, so I didn’t try to reach my goals that way. I shaped my exercise and diet around my life, rather than shaping my life around them.”

Craving Kick “So I don’t go crazy, I usually eat a portion of whatever it is that I really want. I tend to crave desserts, and I find that eating a sweet treat every day keeps my cravings under control. I plan it out in advance, so I have something to look forward to.

Featured Fitterati: Weight Loss Blog It Sux to Be Fat

Written on July 17, 2012 at 2:35 pm , by Karla Walsh

Each Tuesday, we’re highlighting one category of winners from our Fitterati Blogger Awards! This week the spotlight is on the Best Weight-Loss Blogs!

Jennifer Swafford

• 34, Marietta, Georgia

One hundred pounds down, elementary school teacher Jennifer is learning to maintain the healthy weight she achieved through Weight Watchers. She started It Sux to Be Fat to stay accountable (Jennifer posts weekly weigh-ins) and share her secrets to success.

Dessert Do “Instead of having the full-fat version of a dessert, I choose a healthier or portion-controlled version like Weight Watchers ice cream bars. That way, I can indulge my sweet tooth and satisfy cravings without overdoing it on calories.”

Motivation Must “My future family inspires me to stay on track with my diet. I want to get pregnant some day soon, and I know that the healthier I am, the easier that process will be!”

Best Breakfasts “Quaker Weight Control Instant Oatmeal is fast, easy and keeps me satisfied for hours. I also love Greek yogurt for the protein punch.”

How Anne Hathaway Got in Catwoman Shape

Written on July 17, 2012 at 1:29 pm , by Marianne Magno

Slipping into the skin-tight leather Catwoman suit is serious business, so to prepare for her role in The Dark Knight Rises, Anne Hathaway kicked up her healthy eating plan with help from Jackie Keller, board certified health coach, nutritionist and founder of Nutrifit, who worked with Hathaway for almost a year while filming the latest Batman movie.

Though the star joked on Chelsea Lately about subsisting on “kale and dust” to fit in the suit, Keller made sure to get adequate protein in Hathaway’s diet to build lean muscle after her intense workouts.”It wasn’t about losing extreme amounts of weight,” says Keller. “You can eat really well and still achieve amazing results if you’re eating the right foods.” Read on to learn more about the Catwoman diet from Keller herself.

What kind of changes from Anne’s vegetarian diet did you have to make for her role as Catwoman?

“We made sure she had adequate protein to get lean. For the Catwoman body, she needed to build more muscle and make sure she didn’t waste away under rigorous training. Her diet consisted of anti-inflammatory foods and components of the Mediterranean diet.”

What was her daily meal plan like?

“Anne ate three meals and three snacks, adding up to about 1500-1800 calories per day. She had about a cup of protein like legumes or pan-fried tofu at every meal.”

Read on for Anne’s meal plan and how you can incorporate this diet into your routine:

Read more

Jackie Warner’s Go-To Protein Shake Recipe

Written on June 28, 2012 at 3:00 pm , by Karla Walsh

When celebrity trainer Jackie Warner recently dropped by the FITNESS offices—she’d dashed in between doing a TV segment and hitting some other morning meetings—she was fresh off the success of her latest book, 10 Pounds in 10 Days, and already on to the next big project. Fans who watched her Bravo TV reality series Thintervention With Jackie Warner will recall scenes where the fitness pro showed up in contestants’ kitchens and taught them to whip up healthy, don’t-blow-your-diet shakes. Turns out, Warner sensed a secret ingredient was missing. “I’d read a lot about protein powders and consumed them myself but I couldn’t find anything with all the all-natural, organic components I thought they needed,” she says. “I wanted whey protein powder with more than protein isolate. So I spent two years developing some myself.”

The resulting product can be found in her just-launched Wellness Collection, which also includes a multivitamin, a combo Omega-3,-6 and –9 supplement, flavored H20 boosters and 150-calorie snack bars. “Plus it tastes great,” adds Warner.

Before her morning workouts, Warner whips up a healthy shake (recipe below) with the vanilla bean protein powder. “It has the perfect combination of carbohydrates, fat and protein to fuel your workout, ” she says.

Jackie Warner’s Pre-Workout Protein Shake

Serves 1

• 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
• 1/2 cup frozen spinach
• 1 tablespoon all-natural peanut butter
• 1 scoop vanilla bean whey isolate protein powder
• 1/4 cup dry oats
• Water, added until shake reaches desired texture

Blend all ingredients, pour in glass and sip on the way to the gym.

More from FITNESS:

• Find Out What It’s Really Like to Work Out With Jackie!
• 6 Smart Snacks For After Your Workout
• Exercise Boosters: Energy and Recovery Supplements
  

Hot Topic Tuesday: Should Gyms Be Allowed to Ban Skinny People?

Written on June 26, 2012 at 3:47 pm , by Samantha Shelton

We’ve heard about the latest trends in the fitness world: bachelorette workout parties, obstacle mud runs and CrossFit, among others. But a new craze has popped up and we’re not quite sure how to feel about it: skinny people being banned from certain gyms.

Yes, you heard that right. More gyms are catering to plus-sized people and screening applicants before allowing entry. When do you get turned away? If your weight or BMI doesn’t qualify as “plus-sized.”

On one hand, this tactic makes sense because it creates a safe space for heavier people to work out without being worried about the super-fit person next to them judging their every move. Let’s admit it: many turn treadmill running into a competition with the person next to them. Some call that motivation, but others might feel like the constant sideways glances are discouraging.

But on the other hand, is this fair to those who have worked hard to maintain their fitness? Should they feel the sting of rejection from an establishment just because they’re already at a healthy body weight and want to work to stay that way? We think banning them from the gym may be a little harsh, and a happy medium may be reached if it’s instead marketed in a way that makes it clear that the fitness center caters toward those who struggle with their weight.

Finally, it begs the question of what happens to those who sign up for the gym membership initially overweight, but then drop the weight (hooray!). Do they lose their membership? This, again, may be unfair because a gym environment can foster relationships and friendships between members, and ripping them away from that after reaching a successful milestone may put their journey in jeopardy.

Now tell us: What do you think? Should gyms be allowed to ban skinny people?

Featured Fitterati: Healthy Eating Blog Skinny Taste

Written on June 26, 2012 at 2:18 pm , by Karla Walsh

In case you missed it, each Tuesday for the next six weeks, we’re highlighting one category of winners from our Fitterati Blogger Awards! This week, grab your aprons because we’re talking healthy eating blogs.

Gina Homolka

• 42, Oceanside, New York

For the past four years on her blog, Skinnytaste, Gina has been testing and tasting healthy recipes. To keep things fresh, she doesn’t just focus on dinner. Gina shares slimmed-down options for every occasion (you’re covered at the Fourth of July barbecue, holiday cocktail party and Valentine’s Day date) or time of day. Readers can’t get enough of her recipes—check out Pinterest for proof.

Portion control trick “I fill my plate with a salad, which leaves less room for more calorie-dense protein and carbohydrates. My plate never looks empty, so I never feel deprived.”

My healthy indulgence “Plain baked or grilled bananas taste just like bananas foster without all of the butter! For a treat, serve them with a scoop of frozen yogurt.”

Favorite fat-cutting tip “Greek yogurt makes a great swap for mayonnaise in salad dressings, spreads and dips. Try it in my lightened-up tzatziki.”

4 Summer Pitfalls That Lead to Weight Gain

Written on June 19, 2012 at 7:00 am , by fitsugar

Spending time outside this summer is sure to boost your mood, but don’t let the choices you make affect your waistline. Prevent weight gain this season by avoiding these common pitfalls.

Cooling Off With a Frozen Treat
Issue: Ice cream is definitely one way to celebrate summer, but since this treat packs tons of calories in a tiny serving, hitting your local ice cream parlor too often can also pack on the pounds. Frozen yogurt may be a healthier option since it’s lower in fat and calories, but it still contains calories, especially if you load up on tons of toppings and go a little crazy with portions at self-serve shops.

Solution: It’s OK to indulge in ice cream every so often, just be sure it’s a reasonable portion and not an entire pint. And if you go for lower-cal fro yo, don’t choose larger servings just because you think it’s good for you — you could end up downing the same amount of calories you would have if you chose a real ice cream cone instead! Be mindful of the toppings you choose and how many, knowing nuts, chocolate, and candies add on the most calories. If you’re really watching your weight, skip the creamy treats and whip up these refreshing and healthy homemade frozen treats.

Swapping Intensity For Scenery
Issue: Warmer weather inspires many of us to slip on lightweight tanks and take our workouts outside, but this can sometimes mean a more leisurely, gawk-at-the-gorgeous-scenery walk rather than the intense, kick-your-butt routine.

Solution: If you prefer exercising in the fresh air during the warmer months, just be sure your workouts maintain the same intensity as the ones you do at the gym. If you normally take a 400-calorie-burning indoor cycling class, when you hop on your bike outside, incorporate hills and intervals, and be sure your pace and the duration of your workout are comparable to the one you’re used to inside.

Continue reading for other summer mistakes that can lead to weight gain.

More From FitSugar:

Noon Just Got Sweeter: 10 Summer Strawberry Lunches
What Not to Do When Getting Your Om On Outside
Drop the Weight With Our Beginner’s Workout Schedule

Get Fit in 100 Seconds and More Fast Health Tips From the QuickieChick

Written on May 22, 2012 at 10:21 am , by Karla Walsh

Healthy living doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Laurel House, AKA the QuickieChick, is out to prove just that in her new book out today QuickieChick’s Cheat Sheet to Life, Love, Food, Fitness, Fashion and Finance on a Less Than Fabulous Budget. We started off 2012 with some simple health upgrades from House, and now we have three more smart steps from her to help take your nutrition, fitness and motivation to the next level.