DailySpark Blog http://www.dailyspark.com/ The DailySpark is a blog brought to you by SparkPeople.com. Topics included in the blog include the latest news in nutrition, fitness, and health, food features, and more. DailySpark.com http://www.dailyspark.com/images/dsp_logo.jpg http://www.dailyspark.com/ Win a Sony Camcorder Package http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=win_a_sony_camcorder_package The Holiday Giveaway was extended by one week! Enter to win a Sony Ultimate Handycam Camcorder Package! Tue, 6 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST Steal Kate Winslet's Low-Cost Workout Secret! http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=steal_kate_winslets_lowcost_workout_secret This fitness routine really works--plus it's convenient, affordable and accessible to everyone! Tue, 6 Jan 2009 10:17:23 EST 10 Tips for Maintaining Your Motivation, #2: The One Thing You Should NEVER, EVER Do. http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=10_tips_for_maintaining_your_motivation_2_the_one_thing_you_should_never_ever_do If you want to stay motivated when things get tough, here's one thing you should NEVER do. Tue, 6 Jan 2009 06:14:29 EST The 11 Worst Foods of 2008 http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=the_11_worst_foods_of_2008 Just when you think food can't get any unhealthier, restaurants concoct a new high-fat, calorie-laden monstrosity. We've rounded up 11 of the worst foods of 2008. Mon, 5 Jan 2009 22:28:01 EST Third-Hand Smoke: Another Reason to Quit http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=thirdhand_smoke_another_reason_to_quit Need another reason to quit smoking this year? Here's a shocking one: Even if you smoke when you're alone, far away from other people, you could still be harming their health. Mon, 5 Jan 2009 13:15:09 EST One Simple Rule Could Lead to Success http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=one_simple_rule_could_lead_to_success The New Year is here and you have started your resolutions. How are you doing? Perhaps this one simple rule will help.<br> Mon, 5 Jan 2009 06:06:40 EST Quick Links: New Year News Roundup http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=quick_links_new_year_news_roundup The latest headlines: Drug Makers Volunteer to Stop Freebies for Doctors, Gene Linked to High Blood Pressure Discovered, and Dr. 90210 Powers SUV with Liposuctioned Human Fat! Sun, 4 Jan 2009 10:15:50 EST 10 Ways to Make 2009 a Friendship-Filled Year http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=10_ways_to_make_2009_a_friendshipfilled_year As you consider your 2009 New Year’s resolutions, think about these ideas for making 2009 healthy, happy and filled with friends. Sat, 3 Jan 2009 10:47:31 EST 5 Winter Weather Risks to Avoid http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=5_winter_weather_risks_to_avoid With many parts of the country experiencing harsh winter weather conditions so early in the season, take time to read how to protect yourself from the elements. Sat, 3 Jan 2009 06:00:04 EST Dietgirl Shares Her 20 Best Weight-Loss Secrets http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=dietgirl_shares_her_20_best_weightloss_secrets Shauna Reid, aka Dietgirl, shares 20 great tips that helped her lose 175 pounds--and keep it off. Fri, 2 Jan 2009 14:08:37 EST Who Won the Holiday Giveaway Grand Prize? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=who_won_the_holiday_giveaway_grand_prize Who won the Wii and Wii Fit grand prize of the dailySpark Holiday Giveaway? Fri, 2 Jan 2009 10:18:41 EST 500 Reasons to Join the New YOU Bootcamp Today http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=500_reasons_to_join_the_new_you_bootcamp_today With a $500 grand prize on the line, it's like getting paid to work out! Fri, 2 Jan 2009 06:45:51 EST Do You Take Inventory of Your Life? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=do_you_take_inventory_of_your_life At the end of the year, I reflect on life, take inventory of my accomplishments, setbacks and goals, and then I assign myself tasks for the coming year. Do you? <br> Thu, 1 Jan 2009 16:08:05 EST 10 Tips for Staying Motivated All Year Long: Tip No. 1 http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=10_tips_for_staying_motivated_all_year_long_tip_no_1 Ask any veteran of the weight loss wars. Success depends on exercising your mind as well as exercising your body and changing your diet.<br><br>Read Tip No. 1 now... <br> Thu, 1 Jan 2009 08:00:54 EST What Challenges Will You Take on in 2009? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=what_challenges_will_you_take_on_in_2009 Challenges, many times, are what define us. Who we are, what we are made of, and how we can change the path which we are on. What challenges will you tackle in 2009? Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:56:20 EST 10 Light Beers to Toast with This New Year's Eve http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=10_light_beers_to_toast_with_this_new_years_eve Tonight, when you toast the new year, pick a drink that 's not going to weigh you down. Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:02:50 EST Exercise: The New Quit-Smoking Prescription http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=exercise_the_new_quitsmoking_prescription Are you resolving to give up cigarettes <i>and</i> get fit in 2009? Combining these two goals could actually increase your chances of success! Wed, 31 Dec 2008 07:37:15 EST 5 Fun Fitness Goals for the New Year http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=5_fun_fitness_goals_for_the_new_year Are you dreading your New Year's resolutions? Set a fun fitness goal instead! Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:04:20 EST Do Your New Year's Resolutions Produce Results? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=do_your_new_years_resolutions_produce_results I've never had much luck turning my New Year's resolutions into long-term results. But I think I know why... Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:26:40 EST A Minute with…Dietgirl Blogger & Author Shauna Reid http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=a_minute_withdietgirl_blogger_author_shauna_reid Recently I chatted with a talented young writer named Shauna Reid, better known as Dietgirl. Seven years ago, Shauna weighed 351 pounds. Now she's a happy, healthy 175 pounds. Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:36:23 EST A Prince's New Year's Eve Party on a Pauper's Budget http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=a_princes_new_years_eve_party_on_a_paupers_budget Think you can't afford to throw a New Year's Eve party? Think again. Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:01:14 EST List 3 Wishes and Resolve to Make Them Come True http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=list_3_wishes_and_resolve_to_make_them_come_true Baby New Year is almost here. Will you make resolutions this year or continue to only make wishes that don't come true? Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST Contest Closed: 1 Lucky Person Won a Wii and Wii Fit! http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=holiday_giveaway_grand_prize_1_lucky_person_will_win_a_wii_and_wii_fit The grand prize for the dailySpark Holiday Giveaway is... a Wii and a Wii Fit! Mon, 29 Dec 2008 06:00:00 EST Check Out My Podcast! http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=check_out_my_podcast Did you miss the interview with Stepfanie? Check out the podcast and learn all about entertaining and healthy baking! Sun, 28 Dec 2008 10:45:06 EST 10 Lessons Learned in My 3-Year SparkPeople Journey http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=lessons_i_have_learned_on_my_three_year_journey_what_have_you_learned On 12/26/05, my life was transformed when I took the leap to join SparkPeople. Since then my life has never been the same and what a journey it has been! Sat, 27 Dec 2008 06:01:32 EST Poll: Are You Afraid of Bulking Up? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=poll_are_you_afraid_of_bulking_up Coach Nicole wants to know: Do you fear muscle? Do you steer clear of heavy weights? Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:28:31 EST Who Won the Nintendo DS and Fitness Games? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=who_won_the_nintendo_ds_and_fitness_games Find out who won the Nintendo DS and fitness games in this week's dailySpark Holiday Giveaway! Fri, 26 Dec 2008 09:06:46 EST Alone for the Holidays? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=alone_for_the_holiday I’m going to be spending Christmas day alone, for the first time in quite a while. But this year I'm not dreading it.<br><br>What about you? Thu, 25 Dec 2008 06:12:50 EST In the News: Eat in Moderation, Even during Holidays http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=in_the_news_eat_in_moderation_even_during_holidays A reminder that we should all eat in moderation, even during the holidays. Wed, 24 Dec 2008 15:24:04 EST Coach Nicole's Fitness Starter Kit DVD Now Available! http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=coach_nicoles_fitness_starter_kit_dvd_now_available Gift yourself with Coach Nicole's first workout DVD (only $10)! Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:38:41 EST Happy Eggnog Day! http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=happy_eggnog_day Today is Eggnog Day! Creamy, sweet and delicious, homemade eggnog is a real treat at the holidays. Wed, 24 Dec 2008 06:31:03 EST We Tried It: 3 Reasons We Like the Perfect Pushup http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=we_tried_it_3_reasons_we_like_the_perfect_pushup What's the deal with those Perfect Pushup handles? Do they really work? Find out! Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:07:01 EST 11 Healthy Party Appetizers http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=11_healthy_party_appetizers Did you know that overindulging on the weekends can lead to weight gain of nine pounds a year? <br>To stay on track and still have fun, serve some of these healthier party foods. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:14:31 EST Happy Hanukkah! http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=happy_hanukkah Happy Hanukkah, dailySpark readers! Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:10:33 EST 9 Ways to Save when Dining Out http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=recession_eating_9_money_saving_tips_to_stretch_your_dining_out_dollar We all enjoy eating out from time to time. Use these 9 tips to help you save money. Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:20:00 EST Contest Closed: 2 Won a Nintendo DS, Plus Pilates and Yoga Games http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=holiday_giveaway_2_will_win_a_nintendo_ds_plus_pilates_and_yoga_games Tell us how you feel when you work out, and you could win a Nintendo DS, plus a Pilates and a yoga game! Mon, 22 Dec 2008 06:00:00 EST Cyberchondria: Is it all in your Head? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=cyberchondria_is_it_all_in_your_head Learn how many of us are finding access to information regarding our health right at our finger tips and why this isn't always a good thing. Sat, 20 Dec 2008 12:04:09 EST Quick Links: Useless Gadgets for Junk Food http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=quick_links_useless_gadgets_for_junk_food What is the goofiest kitchen gadget you own? Have you ever noticed most single-use gadgets are for junk food? Sat, 20 Dec 2008 08:41:02 EST Should We Impose an "Obesity Tax" on Soft Drinks? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=should_we_impose_an_obesity_tax_on_soft_drinks The N.Y. governor wants to institute an obesity tax--a 15% tax on soda and sugary drinks. What do you think about that? It could cost families an extra $75 a year. Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:43:23 EST Habits of Fit People: Work Out When You Travel http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=habits_of_fit_people_work_out_when_you_travel Coach Nicole shares one of the tricks she uses to make exercise a habit. Follow this advice if you plan to travel this holiday season! Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:51:52 EST Who Won the iPods and iTunes Gift Cards? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=who_won_the_ipods_and_itunes_gift_cards Find out who won this week's dailySpark Holiday Giveaway! Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:34:31 EST Does it Really? The Truth about A&ccedil;a&iacute; http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=does_it_really_the_truth_about_accedilaiacute Does a&ccedil;a&iacute;, a berry native to Central and South America, hold the key to weight loss? Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:15:03 EST Poll: Do You Like Your Info Sugar-Coated or Plain? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=poll_do_you_like_your_info_sugarcoated_or_plain I collect news items and research reports on fitness, weight loss, and motivation as part of my job. <br><br>But sometimes I have to wonder whether you really want to know... Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:54:11 EST Would You Take Drugs to Be Smarter? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=would_you_take_a_drug_just_to_enhance_your_cognitive_ability There is a trend taking place in schools, on college campuses, and possibly in your work place. Read more about how people are resorting to controlled substances to get ahead. Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:01:41 EST Poll: Are You Feeling the Holiday Stress Yet? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=poll_are_you_feeling_the_holiday_stress_yet Are you calm and serene this holiday season, or are you a frazzled, stressed-out mess? Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:58:05 EST Holiday Party Tip: Slim Down Your Dips http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=holiday_party_tip_slim_down_your_dips Dips are easy and affordable party fare, and they can be healthy, too. As you're preparing for a Hanukkah, Christmas or New Year's Eve party, keep these tips in mind. Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:04:51 EST Improve Your Mood with This 2-Minute Exercise http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=improve_your_mood_with_this_2minute_exercise Would you be willing to spend two minutes doing a special exercise that could improve your mood and make your life easier? <br><br>Check this out... Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:09:25 EST What Does it Take to Burn 5 Billion Calories? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=what_does_it_take_to_burn_5_billion_calories Find out how much walking, running and cycling it would take to burn the amount of calories SparkPeople members have logged to date! Tue, 16 Dec 2008 07:22:59 EST Healthy, Homemade Gifts: Solid Perfume http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=healthy_homemade_gifts_solid_perfume Solid perfume is a great gift for the fit gal on the go. It travels easily, and it fits in any gym bag! Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:11:37 EST Recession Eating: How You Could Save $180 a Month in Groceries http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=recession_eating_save_money_while_maintaining_a_nutrient_rich_pantry You CAN save money AND buy nutritious foods by following a few basic strategies. Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:23:27 EST