http://tips.fitconnect.com FitConnect.com -- It's OK To Brag! Copyright 2007-2008 FitConnect LLC jillybean on 6/2/2008 (4 comments)

Snacking during the day can mean the end of a diet, so to help curb your hunger between meals try some of these healthier snack ideas:

-Trail mix: Mix raisins, sunflower seeds, and dried fruit. Pop in the freezer or fridge to keep fresh, and grab when you’re on the go.

-Fruit, veggies and dip: Mix a bit of cinnamon into low-fat vanilla yogurt and dip fruit into it. Another dip idea: mix low-fat plain yogurt with a bit of regular ranch dressing for lots of flavor without a lot of fat. ...]]> Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:09:12 GMT jillybean on 4/12/2008 (0 comments)

1. Quinoa
The Power: A half cup of cooked quinoa has 5 grams of protein, more than any other grain, plus iron, riboflavin and magnesium. A half-cup has 318 calories, 5 grams of fat and 5 grams of fiber. Add to soup for a protein boost.

2. Wheat Germ
The Power: A tablespoon gives you about 7 percent of your daily magnesium, which helps prevent muscle cramps; it is also a good source of vitamin E. One tablespoon has 27 calories, 1 gram of fat and 1 gram of fiber. Sprinkle some over yogurt, ...]]> Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:10:14 GMT jillybean on 4/12/2008 (1 comments)

1. Onions
The Power: Quercetin is one of the most powerful flavonoids (natural plant antioxidants). Studies show it helps protect against cancer. A cup (chopped) has 61 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber.

2. Artichokes
The Power: These odd-looking vegetables contain silymarin, an antioxidant that helps prevent skin cancer, plus fiber to help control cholesterol. One medium artichoke has 60 calories, 0 fat and 7 grams of fiber.

3. Ginger
The Power: Gingerols may help reduce queasin...]]> Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:04:30 GMT jillybean on 2/4/2008 (8 comments)

I recently read about the best foods for your body. Here are the top twenty everyone should try to include into their diets:
Salmon, Blueberries, Oatmeal, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Spinach, Yogurt, Almonds, Whole-Wheat Bread, Beef, Soy, Sweet Potatoes, Water, Milk, Eggs, Green Tea, Black Beans, Quinoa (this is a whole grain), Olive Oil, Turkey Breast.]]> Mon, 04 Feb 2008 23:30:48 GMT jillybean on 5/19/2008 (6 comments)

I wasn't sure of this, so I looked it up and found the following:

Glycogen stores are stores of energy that your body uses during weight training and cardiovascular exercise. During weight training, glycogen stores are the only energy source used. Therefore, completing your cardiovascular routine before weight training will substantially deplete your energy (glycogen) stores needed to complete a proper weight training program. Also, completing your weight training before your cardiovascula...]]> Mon, 19 May 2008 19:46:46 GMT jillybean on 4/8/2008 (6 comments)

Did you know....
>A turkey burger from Ruby Tuesday packs a whopping 1,145 calories (And yes, that's before a side of fries).
>Chicken Selects Premium Breast Strips from McDonald's (5 pieces) are 830 calories.
>One chocolate smoothie from Jamba Juice is 900 calories.
>A Classic Italian sub from Quiznos (large) is 1,490 calories.
>A Grande Taco Salad with Taco Beef is 1,450 calories (A salad!!)
>A Lonestar 20 oz T-bone is 1,540 calories.
>P.F. Chang's Pork Lo Mein is 1...]]> Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:21:01 GMT jillybean on 4/7/2008 (5 comments)

* Replace your sneakers often. At least after every 250 - 500 miles of walking/running.
* Stair climbing is a low-impact alternative to running.
* Choose exercises that you enjoy doing. You'll be more inclined to stick with a fitness regimen when it includes things you like to do.
* Change your fitness routine every 4-6 weeks to prevent a workout plateau.
* Strive to include total body workouts. These include: cardiovascular exercises, strength training (both upper and lower body), core tra...]]> Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:08:50 GMT jillybean on 5/22/2008 (3 comments)

Here are some great exercises to work out and firm your lower half:
1- Squats- One of the best exercises you can do for your hips, butt and thighs. There are many different types of squats, one is the chair squat. Stand with feet hip-width apart and squat, keeping back straight, abs in and knees behind your toes. Let your butt lightly touch chair and squeeze butt to stand up. Repeat for 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps and add weights for more intensity.

2- Lunges- They are a challenging exercise be...]]> Thu, 22 May 2008 15:00:28 GMT jillybean on 3/19/2008 (4 comments)

The food and lifestyle choices you make are quite important. Listed below are some tips to avoid <a href="http://www.doctorq.ca/Heart-Disease.html">heart disease</a>.

*Eat Fruits & Vegetables- not only are fruits and vegetables high in vitamins, minerals and fiber, they're also very low in calories and high in antioxidants, which can help prevent chronic disease.

*Focus on Fiber- this refers to the indigestible carbohydrates we eat. It is found in fruits, veget...]]> Wed, 19 Mar 2008 05:12:40 GMT jillybean on 1/22/2008 (3 comments)

I found an article explaining the top ten mistakes people make at the gym and found it to be very true.

The Top Ten Mistakes People Make in the Gym:
1. Not stretching enough
2. Lifting too much weight
3. Not warming up prior to activity
4. Not cooling down after any type of workout
5. Exercising too intensely
6. Not drinking enough water
7. Leaning heavily on a stairstepper
8. Not exercising intensely enough
9. Jerking while lifting weights
10. Consuming ...]]> Tue, 22 Jan 2008 04:42:11 GMT jillybean on 5/15/2008 (8 comments)

More than 40 scientific studies show that eating oatmeal can help lower blood cholesterol levels.
Benefits are greatest for those who have high cholesterol levels.
Experts believe it's the soluble fiber found in oats that helps reduce blood cholesterol levels.

How?
Oat soluble fiber (beta glucan) helps control blood cholesterol by binding some of the cholesterol in your digestive tract. This cholesterol is "trapped" and removed from your body naturally.

Think of each roll...]]> Thu, 15 May 2008 13:49:05 GMT jillybean on 6/11/2008 (6 comments)

It's summer and the last thing you want is for your stomach to be bloated when you slip on that teeny bikini or bathing suit. So, here are some tips to prevent that from happening....

Avoid these foods before you plan on taking off any clothes that will be showing your bod:

* Broccoli
* Baked beans
* Cabbage
* Carbonated drinks
* Cauliflower
* Chewing gum
* Hard candy

To prevent your Abdominal muscles from distention:

* Tighten your abs by pull...]]> Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:32:07 GMT jillybean on 1/10/2008 (8 comments)

Although it is not a proven fact, it has been suggested that it is not good to drink soda while in training. It is said that carbonated drinks can have an adverse effect on bone strength in girls. This has been said about diet sodas as well. Many people consume a significant amount of calories from soft drinks on a daily basis. Consequently, this takes the place of a nutritional diet. Cutting out soda from your diet altogether is unnecessary, but like everything else, moderation is key.]]> Thu, 10 Jan 2008 05:05:51 GMT jillybean on 5/19/2008 (2 comments)

This is more like a milk shake than a cup of coffee.

One cup contains:

710 calories
26 grams of fat (19 of them saturated)
This is equal to "drinking" two Mcdonald's Quarter Pounders.]]> Mon, 19 May 2008 19:42:28 GMT jillybean on 5/19/2008 (6 comments)

An order of king fries has 600 calories and 30 grams of fat, 16 of them saturated plus trans fats.

Remember: Fries may look like a side dish. But when it comes to calories and saturated fat, they are morel like burgers in disguise. At McDonald's, a medium fries is the equivalent of a Quarter Pounder. A super size is equal to a Big Mac.

(The king fries at Burger King have five to eight grams more bad fat than those burgers)]]> Mon, 19 May 2008 19:39:50 GMT jillybean on 4/2/2008 (10 comments)

Does anyone have any tips on what to do for sore muscles? I worked out a few days ago, (with a pretty crazy trainer) and I have had trouble walking ever since. So if anyone has any suggestions to make this pain go away I would love it!]]> Wed, 02 Apr 2008 03:23:01 GMT jillybean on 1/10/2008 (3 comments)

After a workout it is important to take a few minutes to cool down gradually. You should never stop exercising abruptly. Cooling down helps to redistribute blood in your body after a workout. This will help to prevent muscle stiffness the next day. So after a run, walk around for a few extra minutes instead of sitting down or stopping.]]> Thu, 10 Jan 2008 05:12:48 GMT jillybean on 5/19/2008 (3 comments)

Newman's Own Popcorn with Natural Butter Flavor has no butter. Its fat comes from organic palm oil, which is almost as saturated as butter. Each serving actually has 4-1/2 grams of saturated fat. That is nearly a quarter of a day's worth -- not good for what should be a fat free snack.

Jolly Time Butter-Licious, in contrast looks much healthier. It has only 1-1/2 grams of saturated fat in each serving. However, what the label does not tell you is that Jolly Time also has three grams of ...]]> Mon, 19 May 2008 19:38:13 GMT jillybean on 6/9/2008 (4 comments)

1. Eat cereal every day for breakfast. Ideally, aim for a whole grain cereal with at least 4 grams of fiber a serving. Healthy, high-fiber cereals you might want to consider include Kellogg's All-Bran Original, Kashi GOLEAN, and Kellogg's Raisin Bran.
2. Eat two apples every day. Not just to keep the doctor away, but because apples are a good source of soluble fiber.
3. Make a yogurt mix once a week for breakfast. Take a container of yogurt and mix in 1/3 cup All-Bran cereal, 1 tablespoon gro...]]> Mon, 09 Jun 2008 02:46:05 GMT jillybean on 4/7/2008 (8 comments)

* Exercise is not enough. You must also include healthy eating habits.
* Make a list of all the benefits regular exercise provides you. Everything from feeling healthier, sleeping better, preventing depression, feeling stronger, etc. Post this list somewhere that you will easily see it everyday so that it can serve as a reminder why you should workout.
* Eat breakfast every day. People who eat breakfast consume fewer total calories during the day then those that don't.
* Don't waste your cal...]]> Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:11:00 GMT