Health Foods Blog

Submitted by Healthy Foods and Eating Healthy

Which is better butter or margarine? Margarine of course. Without hesitation this is the answer that most people will give because of publicity over the last 10 to 20 years of margarine containing less saturated fat.

Yet public opinion is swinging back towards butter. Why? Because many nutritionists and dieticians are now telling us that butter is better for you. So who do you believe?

Are you on the side of nature, and say butter is better because it’s natural? Or are you on the side of less cholesterol and say margarine is better because it contains about half as much saturating fat?

What is the truth? Butter is high in saturated fats, which of course means an increased risk of heart disease. Butter is a good source of vitamins A and D.

Margarines are made from hydrogenated oils and can contain trans-fatty acids which lower good cholesterol levels, and increase bad cholesterol levels. Margarine can contain as much as three quarters less fat in some cases than butter. An increased asthma risk in children may be linked to polyunsaturates in margarine. Margarines can increase free radicals in your body.

A recent United States Department of agriculture study where a number of men and women that ate controlled amounts of butter or margarine over a period of several months, showed the subjects that ate margarine significantly improved their cholesterol levels against those subjects who ate butter.

Are you beginning to get confused? I certainly am. On one hand butter is bad for you because it’s higher in saturated fat, and on the other margarine is bad for you because it can lower your good cholesterol levels and raise your free radicals.

To answer the question is butter better than margarine requires a bit more research into how margarine is actually made. To make margarine liquid oils are converted into a solid spread by a process which is called hydrogenation. This hardens the oils and changes their chemical structure.

We all know that butter contains mono or polyunsaturated oils. However some of these oils when processed transform into trans-fatty acids which I have already stated raise cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Usually the margarine itself states on the label that contains trans-fats or hydrogenated fats. These are the margarines to avoid, instead choose margarines that are made from rape seed, sunflower, olive, and corn oils.

Also beginning to appear in the market are margarines with added plant sterols that reduce blood cholesterol. Because these compounds are similar to cholesterol, they compete with the bad cholesterol for absorption into the bloodstream during digestion, in effect blocking the bad cholesterol, more of which passes out through the body.

Some margarines are actually fortified with vitamins in A, D and E., However margarines also contain colourings and some other additives. One of the more common colourings is beta-carotene to give margarine a nice golden colour.

Butter and margarines are both high in calories.

Still confused? I still haven’t answered your question have I?

Okay here’s where the rubber hits the road. Butter tastes better in most cases than margarine, however some margarines are better for you than others.

The answer actually is that margarine is healthier for you than butter provided you use the low fat spreads, the very low fat spreads, and the low fat spreads with plant stanols. Why? Because these margarines have optimal cholesterol lowering benefits, and contain 50 to 60% water.

So now you know.

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Submitted by Healthy Foods and Eating Healthy

Which is better butter or margarine? Margarine of course. Without hesitation this is the answer that most people will give because of publicity over the last 10 to 20 years of margarine containing less saturated fat.

Yet public opinion is swinging back towards butter. Why? Because many nutritionists and dieticians are now telling us that butter is better for you. So who do you believe?

Are you on the side of nature, and say butter is better because it’s natural? Or are you on the side of less cholesterol and say margarine is better because it contains about half as much saturating fat?

What is the truth? Butter is high in saturated fats, which of course means an increased risk of heart disease. Butter is a good source of vitamins A and D.

Margarines are made from hydrogenated oils and can contain trans-fatty acids which lower good cholesterol levels, and increase bad cholesterol levels. Margarine can contain as much as three quarters less fat in some cases than butter. An increased asthma risk in children may be linked to polyunsaturates in margarine. Margarines can increase free radicals in your body.

A recent United States Department of agriculture study where a number of men and women that ate controlled amounts of butter or margarine over a period of several months, showed the subjects that ate margarine significantly improved their cholesterol levels against those subjects who ate butter.

Are you beginning to get confused? I certainly am. On one hand butter is bad for you because it’s higher in saturated fat, and on the other margarine is bad for you because it can lower your good cholesterol levels and raise your free radicals.

To answer the question is butter better than margarine requires a bit more research into how margarine is actually made. To make margarine liquid oils are converted into a solid spread by a process which is called hydrogenation. This hardens the oils and changes their chemical structure.

We all know that butter contains mono or polyunsaturated oils. However some of these oils when processed transform into trans-fatty acids which I have already stated raise cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Usually the margarine itself states on the label that contains trans-fats or hydrogenated fats. These are the margarines to avoid, instead choose margarines that are made from rape seed, sunflower, olive, and corn oils.

Also beginning to appear in the market are margarines with added plant sterols that reduce blood cholesterol. Because these compounds are similar to cholesterol, they compete with the bad cholesterol for absorption into the bloodstream during digestion, in effect blocking the bad cholesterol, more of which passes out through the body.

Some margarines are actually fortified with vitamins in A, D and E., However margarines also contain colourings and some other additives. One of the more common colourings is beta-carotene to give margarine a nice golden colour.

Butter and margarines are both high in calories.

Still confused? I still haven’t answered your question have I?

Okay here’s where the rubber hits the road. Butter tastes better in most cases than margarine, however some margarines are better for you than others.

The answer actually is that margarine is healthier for you than butter provided you use the low fat spreads, the very low fat spreads, and the low fat spreads with plant stanols. Why? Because these margarines have optimal cholesterol lowering benefits, and contain 50 to 60% water.

So now you know.

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by The Secret Benefactor in Strawberries

Image via Wikipedia

For hundreds of years across many cultures strawberries have been claimed to have medicinal properties. In Chinese cultures strawberries are claimed to be a good cure for a hangover. They are claimed to help get rid of bad breath and whiten teeth.

There are also claims that strawberries may help joint, kidney, and liver ailments. Surprisingly it may be true. Strawberries have been found to contain an aspirin type compound called salicylate, which may explain the claims made by sufferers of these ailments after eating strawberries.

Unfortunately some people may also be allergic to strawberries as they contain a common allergen.

Naturally strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C. folate and potassium. They also contain anti-cancer bioflavonoids, and their seeds provide an insoluble fibre which helps with constipation.

Strawberries are also a good source of pectin and other soluble fibres which help to lower cholesterol.

You can keep strawberries in the fridge for a few days, but as you’re probably aware once washed they need to be eaten fairly quickly or they will develop mould. If you want to help your children be a little healthier, just pop a few strawberries into their lunchbox. They make a great healthy treat.

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Submitted by Healthy Foods and Eating Healthy

photo credit: markhillary

Water filtering products are becoming more popular because many people ask the question is their tap water is safe? Most people think that bottled water is both healthier and more pure than tap water.

So is there a distinction between water that is healthier and water and that is safer?

Largely the answer to this question depends on what country you live in. In the UK stringent water regulations impose more rigorous standards than those regulations which are applied to many bottled waters. Bottled waters often contain quite high levels of harmless bacteria whereas mains water is treated with chlorine, (a carcinogenic) to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Furthermore many water companies actually add valuable minerals to the water, minerals such as magnesium calcium potassium and iron. However certain pollutants can still get into the water in minute quantities. These include weedkillers, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and fertilisers.

Some bottled waters are high in sodium which contributes to high blood pressure.

I honestly don’t think you can say that tap water is safer than bottled water in general. What is clear is that tap water is much safer than most natural sources of drinking water. Certainly bottled water is definitely safer than tap water when you’re travelling in countries which have many waterborne diseases.

So should you filter your water in some form or another?

By all means. Filtering your water will make it much safer for you to drink regardless whether it is tap water or bottled water. It is important for whatever type of filter system that you choose, you need to make sure that you replace the filter itself regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, otherwise pollutants will start to be released back into the water and bacteria will multiply.

There are generally three types of filter system.

Firstly there are filters which are built into a clear plastic jug and you pour water over them. These are known as activated carbon filters. They are relatively cheap to replace and remove pesticides, some chemicals, and chlorine. They have little effect on fluoride or nitrates. The jugs themselves tend to be on average around the 2 litre size requiring frequent filling and have slow filtering times.

The second type of filter system and the most expensive are distillation units. These units use a lot of electricity to vaporise and then condense the water leaving the impurities behind. However distilled water has a distinctive taste which many people find unpleasant.

The third system is the second most expensive choice. This is the system which is installed in your home by professionals, or in some cases can be installed by yourself with a little care. These units are known as reverse osmosis systems because they filter water and then force the water through a membrane to remove virtually all chemicals and minerals. Unfortunately this also removes friendly minerals and harmless minerals such as fluoride, or magnesium and calcium which make your water taste better.

The bottom line is filtered water is always safer.

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Submitted by Café Physique

Appetizer
What you wear during a workout can make all the difference.

Main Course
Your clothing has a surprisingly important role in the effectiveness of your workouts. If you aren’t comfortable, you are much less likely to give it your all while exercising. Keep these tips in mind when shopping for your workout outfit:

Choose Breathable Fabrics – If you choose clothing that insulates your body heat, you may find that you have to cut your workout short because of overheating. When doing really intense exercise, your body temperature rises significantly. You want as much of that heat to be released into the air as possible. Breathable materials that also wick sweat are truly the best. They can help keep you comfortable enough to push a little harder during intense workouts while drawing moisture away from your skin.

Sports Bra – For women, good sports bras are a must if you are going to do cardio regularly. Your sports bra should be more snug than a regular bra, but not restrictive. They are typically made of materials that are very elastic and wick away moisture easily. Try and watch out for seams that might rub uncomfortably against your skin during repetitive movements.

Opt for Quality Socks and Shoes - Your socks should be cotton and your shoes should be very comfortable yet snug. If your shoes are too loose fitting, your foot might wind up shifting inside causing a blister.

Dessert
Sometimes the first thing that people do when they decide to start working it is to go shopping for the best, most expensive workout clothes they can find. But really, there is no reason to spend and arm and a leg when you decide to start working out. Discount shoe stores usually have just as good of shoes as shoe stores in high end malls. And you don’t have to buy name brand gear in order to get a complete workout wardrobe that meets your needs. Being a bargain hunter can go hand in hand with staying fit.

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Submitted by A Sizable Apple

Readers-

There comes a time in every health bloggers life where change is necessary. I’ve had a blast blogging about fitness and nutrition but there’s only so much to cover!

I’ll continue to bring you the latest health and fitness news as I come across it, but I’ll also be posting on woman’s issues in the media.

Thanks to all my readers who have stuck with me since the this project was just a seed. I hope the changes will be a welcome addition to life at A Sizable Apple!

As always, email me with tips, questions, ideas, comments and concerns at asizableapple@gmail.com.

If you’re new to A Sizable Apple and like what you see, add your email to the SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL Feedburner box on the right hand side of your screen.

Future changes to come may include give aways for readers who subscribe to ASA via email!

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Submitted by A Sizable Apple

Wheeeew nelly! I found some hot topics for discussion today! With these links, there’s a little something to get everyone’s engines revved up. Let’s give the comment section a good workout today, folks.

Medical wonder? The British Daily Mail posted this little gem that I could not pass up sharing- I’m thrilled my baby survived abortion! Short but quiet interesting story. Your two cents?

Best Fem 2008? Blogger Jezebel recently picked her choice for best modern day feminist. I’ll give you some clues; she’s an activist, has been a staple on television for almost 20 years and rocks the short blond hair better than Ellen DeGeneres. Here’s her choice. Not quite mine, but what do you think? Whose your pick?

Nit picking celeb bods? This one’s an oldie but a goodie. Tyra Banks may have put on a little weight since her supermodeling (ahem airbrushing) days. Last January, she used her television show to address some harsh words and an unflattering photo that popped up in tabloids. Are the bodies of celebrities our business? Check out my previous post on the subject & reader comments and for some more celebrity body shots, check here.
Who cleans?
The New York Times posted an interesting article in light of the legilization of gay marriage in California. Looking at the way homosexual couples vs. heterosexual couples split up tasks like chores around the home, the article brings forth some light to how we interact in relationships. What do you think?
Got a good ASA hot topic? Let me know in comments or by email- asizableapple@gmail.com

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Submitted by A Sizable Apple

A photo on You-are-beautiful.com by Andrew Sears

In my ever going obsession with Leslie’s writing at The Weighting Games, I further surfed to the You Are Beautiful sticker site.

This anonymous group has been producing these stickers which are mostly found in Europe, promoting the positive message of confidence and beauty. The deal is, you send in a self addressed stamped envelope, and they’ll send you free stickers.

You stick freely and if interested, send them photos of your best sticking and they’ll post them online.

Upon receiving her free stickers, Leslie quickly went to work on placing them all over Chicago (specifically in a locker at her gym). I’m definitely getting involved on this one.

If nothing else, one will for sure be posted promptly next to my bathroom mirror as a daily reminder to love myself beyond the skin that’s staring back at me. I’ll spread the love too and get creative with my sticking as well.

Are you up for it? Let me know if you’re sending away for stickers. I’m considering getting another contest going for photo or story of best stick, are you in? Here’s the address:

You Are Beautiful
PO Box # 220175
Chicago, IL 60622
USA

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Submitted by A Sizable Apple

Congratulations to Laura, a recent college grad from Minnesota, who won the free bike give away contest! She’s graciously allowing me to share her story with you!

Laura played on her school’s rugby team for the past four years, and relied on her school gym for off season workouts. Now a graduate, she’s got to figure out new methods to working out.

Laura (#1) playing on her college rugby team.

“As I graduate, I know that I need to make some life decisions so that I stay healthy and I actually want to get in better shape. I am also used to working out in our campus gym which I am ineligible for now! It’s scary to have to think about what I am going to do on my own.”

- Laura’s email entry

Although I felt all the applicants were deserving of the bike reward, Laura’s situation stood out most. Her current need for something new complied with her prior biking experience made me certain this prize wouldn’t go to waste.

“I love biking but I am using my step-mom’s old bike and it is very uncomfortable and the gears get stuck. I would love to have the new Fuji bike from Lipton. The town I live in has some really great bike trails that I have never felt comfortable checking out.”

Congratulations to Laura on her new bike! Thank you to all who applied for the contest! Please keep reading as more may pop up!
Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by A Sizable Apple

I came across a really interesting article on The Daily Mail, a popular British Newspaper.

The article surrounded the means of British television personality Fern Britton’s major weight loss.

The star had gone under the knife for gastric band surgery two years ago and since then had attributed her weight loss to “healthy eating and sheer hard work”. Britton came clean on the air about her surgery after her agent (who didn’t know about her surgery) called her to notify her the press was about to run a story on her supposed surgery.

After publicly accepting rumors about the band surgery were true, Britton said she didn’t lie, but “there are some things a girl likes to keep to herself”. While Britton was practicing that healthy eating and sheer hard work she also appeared in several advertisements for an English health food cracker. Is anyone reminded of the US equivalent to this story, with the across the pond version of Britton- Star Jones?

PHOTO left: Britton now
right: Britton in 2006

Ok, I get it, you don’t want to come forward and face the assumptions that you’re lazy or can’t do it on your own so you secretly go under the knife. Hey, it is Britton’s body anyway, and therefore shouldn’t be anyone else’s business, right? Well I fully agree with that, but some of her moves just don’t fly with me. She’s a public figure, and looked up to by many in England. When you show up about 40 pounds thinner and make claims that you achieved this au natural, you’re giving false hope to women struggling with weight issues.

We unfortunately have fallen into a horrible habit of comparing our own body to celebrities. Lies about unnatural methods of weight loss can be detrimental to millions who think so highly of these now slim stars. It seems to me that Britton doesn’t hold her status as a role model very seriously. Surgery is nothing to be ashamed of, but a personal choice. I understand she wanted to keep an aspect of her life out of the public eye, but why engage in those advertisements further pushing your new figure and ‘natural weight loss’ out into the mouths of the public?

As a 50 year old woman, I would hope she would have a higher sense of self confidence and if not come forward with her choice, at least keep her statements and advertising choices realistic. What do you think? What are your feelings on stars getting surgery- should we have the right to know, or are their claims about eating well and working hard alright to spread across magazines and television?

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Submitted by A Sizable Apple

I recently got the chance to speak with a local doctor about skin care and sun protection for this summer. While some of her responses were the tried and true things we know about sun protection but don’t always practice, a few things she said were new news to me!

First off, you’re putting on a much lower SPF than your bottle brags. The dermatologist I spoke to said even though you’re lathering up with SPF 30, if you’re not putting on enough, you’re protection is actually much less.

Even more shocking was the amount of lotion she recommended using. The amount of lotion in a full shot glass will suffice for covering a full body, and that amount should be re-applied every few hours. (I’m not sure what seems stranger, slathering on that much lotion or the idea of someone measuring out their coverage in a shot glass at the beach!)

How do you stay protected from the sun? What are your sun screen tips?

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Submitted by A Sizable Apple

If you’re starting a new fitness routine or just looking to spice up your gym wardrobe, this post is for you.

Feeling good (and looking appropriate) while you’re working out is important! One of my favorite bloggers recently posted a what-not-to-wear gym edition you can find here. (Check out my post on gym etiquette as well.

Treat yourself to some new duds that won’t drain your wallet. Here are some of my favorites for all less than $15.

Kohl’s has a great selection of apparel online, and allows you to sort by items less than $20. Among some of my favorite finds:

The blue-T and stretch capris are great options for any exercise. The jacket, skirt and pink-T are a little more fashionable items, and can be doubled as errand running outfits if you’re on the go between workouts.

Old Navy has some great new options for active wear as well. Their online specials are offered in a variety of colors.

The terry shorts and running shorts are a find at $10 each, and the terry Bermudas are also a cool $10 for a little more cover up.

Target sale options for active wear were also great. Mesh shorts, cheer gym shorts and athletic v-tanks were all under $10.

If you’re thinking of going for new fitness gear, consider shopping online. Often more sales are offered online than in stores. When you do shop, take your patients with you. What might be a great sale rack at one store, may not be the same at another. More so, don’t be afraid to be picky! There’s no need to invest in too many expensive pieces you’re going to sweat in.

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Submitted by A Sizable Apple

While I’m off still recovering from the long ride and trying to make up for a missed weekend at home, check out some of my favorite links!

Map my run & map my bike
Two of my favorite sites that are tremendously helpful for anyone exercising outdoors this season. Both sites work like mapquest, to help you plan your route and determine the mile amount.

Hungry Girl!
I must say, I’m pretty creative in the kitchen, but I know cooking is a strong or favorite point for everyone. Near the top of struggles for getting in shape is what to eat, and what new recipes to try. Hungry girl is a great site that give you the low down on fabulous recipes and reviews hundreds of pre-packaged products as well.

Weight Training for Women
A great article exposing the benefits of weight training. Trainers weigh in on training successfully without bulking up.

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by A Sizable Apple

Whew!  What a weekend!

Thanks for hanging in there while I took a mini vacation and went off on my bike ride!  We had gorgeous weather and it was an absolute fabulous experience!  However, with anything new, comes a learning experience.  Here are the top 5 things I know now:

1. How to train-

To be honest my training fell short 3 weeks before the ride.  Had I prepared better, I still don’t think I would have felt confident with the hills on the course.  My tip:  train for the worst.  Get your body ready for 10 miles more than you have to, 5 times the amount of incline you’ll think there will be.

2. Preparing for the outdoors-

Considering there were talks of mid-40 degree rainy weather, (and we rode in clear skies!) we lucked out with the weather.  There was some rain at the end of the ride, which made me glad I had my rain coat just in case.  You may feel stupid lugging around a big backpack, but I was glad I had the extra water bottles, rain coat, camera and everything else.

3. Go with a group-

Although I was in a group of 6, we estimated about 2,000 participants on the ride this year.  The group dynamic was a big hit.  I made flags, armbands and noisemakers for us to take along the ride to set our team apart from the masses.  Not only did it make it much easier to find our bikes with the bright red flags during the lunch rush, but it brought a feeling of unity to our small group.

Hope everyone had a great and active weekend.  Check back tomorrow for more information on the ride and possibly pictures!

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Submitted by A Sizable Apple

Life has gotten hectic around my side of town!  Bare with me while I take a week off from blogging to get some of my other summer projects going.  Thursday I’ll be off with my family for the Zoo-de-Mack bike race I updated about here, complete with training diaries here.

Check back Tuesday for a recap of the race and new ASA posts!  Until then, check out some of my favorite health bloggers: The ELFF Diet, Miz Fit, The Weighting Game and Cranky Fitness.

Consider this break from checking ASA daily a great time to get in your submissions for my free bike give-away!

Have a great week!

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by A Sizable Apple

How much will you pay to get healthy? A study I posted about in January found over a lifetime, women will spend close to $300,000 on weight loss products. Between pills, promising lotions, books, DVDs, apparel and all the accessories you can imagine, keeping up in the weight loss world means dishing out, big time. And with new enticing products coming out every day, more money slurping temptations are coming out.

A new breed of help has been gaining popularity in the fitness world. Personalized help from trainers, motivators, coaches and therapists have gained the popularity from celebrities to the normal person in need. This New York Times article takes a look into the inside of personal coaches.

Figuring out where you stand in the battle is half the solution. Some people flourish with the help of assistants, coaches and trainers. After leaving the world of competitive swimming, I realize how much I accomplished because of the coach figure putting me to work. The power of an authoritative like figure in the gym pushes some farther than they are able to go alone.

However, all this help comes at a price. Going about fitness alone is a perfectly respectable way that can lead to just as positive results. Strengthening your inner drive with working out and eating well will benefit you in other aspects of your life as well.

If you are interested in finding a personal trainer, check out my favorite links post with a link to guidelines to finding a good trainer. It is possible to find a trainer if you’re on a budget as well. Skip the big gyms and look at smaller facilities for starters. Also finding someone who trains independently will save you money although might not be as reliable.

Ask your trainer what you can be doing on your own outside of sessions. Encourage them to give you advice when you’re working out solo so you can minimize the meetings with them. If motivation is an issue, come to your training sessions a half hour earlier or stay later!

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Submitted by A Sizable Apple

I recently raided my mom’s magazine rack, looking through all the goodies her favorite health magazines had to offer. Here are my favorite highlights from the assortment of articles I’ve found.

Dr. Andrew Weil in the December 2007 issue of Cooking Light says he loves chocolate, and it’s keeping him healthy. “In general, the more cocoa (in the chocolate), the more bitter the chocolate will taste. And the more bitter, the more heart-healthy flavonols you’re consuming,” said Weil.

If you’re looking to make soup, don’t leave out these seven great ingredients, Natural Health Magazine posted in their winter 2009 issue that beans, cabbage, carrots, leafy greens, onions, potatoes and turnips make up “The Magnificent Seven” ingredients to boost nutrition value in soups.

Confused about constant news with contradicting diet studies? Experience Life’s December 2007 issue confronted the misleading information. Rule #1 says look for randomized-controlled studies over correlation and cohort studies. Rule #2 is to scrutinize the source of the article. Be critical about the information and who is producing it and where their loyalties may lie. The article also advises to ask “how much do you resemble the people in the study?”, “was the change in the outcome important?”, “What’s the tone?”, and “What’s the sacrifice?”

Beat stress with these healthy alternatives, the December 2007 issue of Women’s Health promises. Nuts like almonds, pistachios and walnuts will boost your immune system, the smooth texture of avocados will reduce frantic feelings and calcium in skim milk will reduce muscle spasms and soothe tension. Among some of the other stress fighters are oatmeal, oranges, salmon and spinach.

Health magazine’s November 2007 edition gives tips to curb hunger quick. Eat some potatoes, they help you feel full longer, include smoothies in your diet, use temping smells to lure your hunger away and best of all, fix yourself a healthy snack you can feel confident about.

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Submitted by A Sizable Apple

A Sizable Apple readers are of all different ages, and I recently found a great article to celebrate my range of readers. “Good health at any age”, an article from Weight Watchers.com had a great summary of what to keep up with for women and men at each stage in their life. Here are some highlights from the article (full text can be found here).

All the time:

1. Fuel your body with a wide range of foods, focusing on fruits and veggies.
2. Buy whole grains over processed, and steer clear of foods with added sugars.
3. Pick fish and lean meats over high-fat alternatives
4. Clock in your 30 minutes or more of moderate activity 4-5 times a week.

In your 30’s:

Weight tends to creep up as women start to settle down. Look for alternatives for more exercise, take the stairs, walk whenever you can, ect. Up your folate intake if you’re looking to conceive. Keep up with your calcium to protect your bones!

In your 40’s:Metabolism starts to slow, so cut back your calorie intake or increase your fitness routines. The weight watchers article suggests starting weight training to increase endurance as well, twice a week. Women in their 40’s should also be getting annual mammograms, clinical breast exams and doing a self breast exam monthly.

In your 50’s:

Risks for heart disease, diabetes and many cancers can be fought off with a solid health and fitness routine. Talk to your doctor about scheduling screenings for colon and breast cancers and osteoporosis. Keep up with your blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well. Menopause can cause women to gain about 5-7 pounds.

For more information on age related check-ups, contact your doctor.

Check my earlier entry here on how to win a free bike!
Contest open from now until June 5.

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Submitted by A Sizable Apple

I was pretty jealous that Cranky Fitness got to give away a bike on her blog, until I was also contacted by the Lipton White Tea folks!

I’m not a big iced tea drinker myself, but I think it’s fabulous that Lipton is working to promote their product in such a healthy way. Their white teas (full of antioxidants!) are made from young tea buds, hence the “Free Your Y” campaign, aimed at tapping into your “inner youthful spirit and highlighting those things we do every day to make us feel young again.”

So, no matter your age, tap into that pool of youth and get riding! Yes, that yellow beauty above can be yours for all of your summer workout endeavors. The Crosstown 2.0 bike is retailed at $399. Contest winnings also include 5 coupons for Lipton White Iced Tea and a $75 check for professional bike assembly.

Lipton Disclaimer:
The Pepsi/Lipton Partnership will provide a check for $75.00 to be used for professional assembly of all Lipton Fuji bicycles awarded. Neither Pepsi Co. nor Unilever is liable for any injuries, damages or accidents that may result from the receipt, assembly or use of this bicycle.

For more information on the bike itself, visit this Fuji Bike page.

A Sizable Apple Contest Rules for the Lipton Bike!

The Lipton folks gave me free range on managing this contest, which means you’re gonna have to work for it a little.

 

Email me your submissions with your name and age to asizableapple@gmail.com subject line ASA BIKE CONTEST. Unfortunately, only US residents are eligible to win. The contest is open from now until June 5!

Send me a photo (1 or more!) that demonstrates (1 or more!) of the following:

* Why getting healthy is important to you.
* Show your dedication to healthy living.
* Express health/fitness ideas in a creative light.

For those old school lacking photo skills, tell me what keeps you motivated to stay (or become) healthy? Share a few short and long term plans you have to get in shape!

Creativity is key, people! This is a great opportunity to cash in on a big prize that will lend a huge hand in your fitness goals! Don’t forget deadline June 5!

If you’re really in the contest mode, check out Lipton’s “Free Your Y” YouTube submission contest. Upload a video here of two minutes or less showing your youthful spirit to win as much as $25,000. You’ll have to act quick- submissions are due May 11! Voting will run from May 11-30 and the winner will be announced on June 2.

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Submitted by A Sizable Apple

I ran across the debate on Leslie’s blog, The Weighing Game at ivillage.com. These images, part of an advertising campaign by what I believe is a student, has sparked up controversy.

Can you really compare obesity to such a serious topic as suicide?

Personally, while I understand the underlying message, I don’t think of suicide and obesity in the same boat. Obesity is a slow killer, more comparable to smoking in my mind.

Suicide is a serious issue, and while obesity is too, I don’t agree with the comparison being made in the ads. The ads are shocking, creative, edgy, but in my opinion, slightly distasteful.

The mental illness associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors is too distantly disconnected from the mental and emotional connections to overeating.

More so, I disagree with the cause behind the campaign promoting this message. Tiny print at the bottom of the ads reviles that this is for the Northern Bariatric Surgery Institute. Bariatric surgery is an option for obese individuals, but it’s not the only way to ‘save’ oneself from ‘suicide’.

What do you think about the ads? Is a message this sensitive necessary?

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Submitted by A Sizable Apple

The dietary supplement world is a billion dollar market. As the world slowly starts to become more health conscious, increasing sales in the supplement world follow. But what do you really need to stay healthy?

There’s a great video on the ABCNews.com health section this morning, analyzing the benefit of vitamins.

From multivitamins, fish oil, calcium, to B vitamins, so many people are under the assumption that more is better, and attempt to protect themselves from illness in the future. However, supplements are expensive, and furthermore, the ABCNews video said manufacturers don’t have to prove to consumers that their products work.

“Last year Americans spent $22.5 billion on dietary supplements hoping to buy into protection of a whole range of illnesses.”
- ABCNews.com

A Harvard school of public health representative told ABCNews that a multivitamin should be enough for most people, and suggested only pairing that with a vitamin D supplement.

Cutting back on unnecessary supplements could save you around $1,000 a year, depending. With such a drastic swing of money back into your wallet, is splurging for unneeded vitamins necessary?

If you feel the need to go over and beyond a multi-vitamin, consult your doctor. One trip there to clear things up can put you on the right track to taking what you need, and put your wallet at ease.

What vitamins do you regularly take, and why?

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Submitted by A Sizable Apple

While doing homework and thinking up new blog posts, I mindlessly had the tv on in the background. I couldn’t help but be interested in TLC’s new show- “I can make you thin”.

The premise is that if you tune in weekly and listen to a slim man with an English accent help talk your weight down. Paul McKenna promises his 4 rules will help you loose all the weight you want.

He says by eating when you’re hungry, eating what you want, eating consciously and knowing when you’re full, you can reach success.

McKenna has a point- eating has become something we unconsciously do, like breathing and blinking. Paying more attention to how you’re cooking, and how you’re eating can definitely yield results.

While I applaud him for an approach unlike restrictive diets that often fail, I see some major flaws in his system. For one, in his first show, he mentions nothing about exercise. Eating well is one thing, but even those with the best nutritional habits, are unhealthy without making fitness a habit.

As I mentioned here, lack of physical activity proves to be more life threatening than obesity.

The idea behind McKenna’s show is equally as disappointing. As proven in the title, the program continues to put the emphasis on size, and getting thin, than it does being healthy. With so many media outlets circulating around slender women, McKenna’s approach seems to start off on the wrong foot by promoting an unhealthy outlook from the beginning.

Weight loss methods that focus their results around size and focus ideals around the body shapes of others are poor methods to make changes upon. I think it’s great McKenna can engage viewers and get them excited about weight loss with his charismatic approach, however I’m not sold.

What do you think? If you’ve seen the show, comment and share your thoughts. It’ll be interesting to see what else he preaches in the weeks ahead.
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Submitted by A Sizable Apple

A Sizable Apple has been up and running for 6 months now! I’d like to extend a huge thank you to all readers. You’ve kept this site up and your comments and suggestions continue to keep me on my toes!I encourage all regular readers to sign up for the Feed Burner email subscription on the right hand side of the screen. Ensure you never miss a post as they are dropped directly in your inbox!

Looking ahead into the future of ASA, I’d love for this site to grow in quality of information and readership. Please share this site with your family and friends, and spread the word!

As always, PLEASE email me with any questions, concerns or suggestions at asizableapple@gmail.com

THANK YOU!!
- Dana

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