The SparkPeople Blog http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/ The SparkPeople Blog 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.sparkpeople.com/ 9 Ways to Use Chia Seeds http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=9_ways_to_use_chia_seeds In honor of Heart Awareness Month, I've gathered up recipes that contain the superfood chia seeds. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST Bone Health for Kids http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=bone_health_for_kids Here’s how to make the most of your tween’s or teen’s key bone-building years. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST The 10 Biggest Food Label Lies http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=the_10_biggest_food_label_lies Learn which popular nutrition claims aren't as healthy as they sound Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST 10 Fun Ways to Burn Calories at the Beach http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=10_fun_ways_to_burn_calories_at_the_beach A relaxing day at the beach can also be an active one! Here are plenty of ways you can rack up those fitness minutes (and have fun doing it). Mon, 17 Jun 2013 06:00:00 EST Father's Day Success Story: 'I Want to Be There for My 3 Kids' http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=fathers_day_success_story_i_want_to_be_there_for_my_3_kids On Father's Day, we're sharing the story of Brad, who once weighed in at more than 500 pounds. Find out how this 6'7" single dad of three lost almost 200 pounds! Sun, 16 Jun 2013 06:00:00 EST In the News: The Fastest Way to Improve Your Diet http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=in_the_news_the_fastest_way_to_improve_your_diet In this week's news roundup, find out how to improve your diet quickly, plus learn how low blood sugar in those with diabetes has been linked to dementia. Sat, 15 Jun 2013 06:00:00 EST Poll: One Exercise You'd Never Do in Public? http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=poll_one_exercise_youd_never_do_in_public Are there any exercises you really don't like to do when other people might see you?<br /> Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST Beat the Heat During Your Summer Workouts http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=beat_the_heat_during_your_summer_workouts With summer almost here and the temperature rising, now is the time to remind ourselves about the safety measures we need to take when it comes to exercising in the summer heat. Fri, 14 Jun 2013 06:00:00 EST 13 Easy, Tasty Ways to Eat Brown Rice http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=13_easy_tasty_ways_to_eat_brown_rice Brown rice is a whole grain staple, but it has a rep for being a bit bland and boring on its own. We've rounded up 13 fast, flavorful ways to revamp this super side dish. Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST Food Showdown: How Do Sorbet and Sherbet Compare? http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=food_showdown_how_do_sorbet_and_sherbet_compare For a healthier summer treat, should you choose sorbet or sherbet? Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST The 'Lose Your Love Handles' Workout http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=the_lose_your_love_handles_workout Fall in love with your waistline? Yes, it's possible. Kiss your love handles goodbye with this simple workout plan that includes fat-burning cardio and targeted toning. Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST The Top 20 SparkRecipes on Pinterest http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=the_top_20_sparkrecipes_on_pinterest We've put together a list of our most popular recipes on Pinterest! Wed, 12 Jun 2013 06:00:00 EST 7 Better Turkey Burger Recipes http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=7_better_turkey_burger_recipes Instead of consuming that full-fat 500 calorie beef burger, opt for one of these juicy turkey burger recipes.<br /> Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST How to Detect, Treat and Prevent Skin Cancer http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=how_to_detect_treat_and_prevent_skin_cancer What it’s like to find, fight and recover from a malignancy. Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST 7 Good Reasons to Try a Trail Workout http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=7_good_reasons_to_try_a_trail_workout There are major physical and mental benefits to transplanting your run or walk from the sidewalk to the trail--and spring is the perfect time to make the leap! Tue, 11 Jun 2013 06:00:00 EST Get LIVE Canyon Ranch Online Coaching for FREE! http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=get_live_canyon_ranch_online_coaching_for_free Fill out this survey to be entered to participate in an online coaching program from the experts at Canyon Ranch. If you're chosen, you could win a trip to their Arizona resort. Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST Join 'The Spark Solution' Summer Challenge and Win Prizes While You Lose Weight http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=join_the_spark_solution_summer_challenge_and_win_prizes_while_you_lose_weight Get your copy of 'The Spark Solution' today and join our Summer Challenge, which starts June 21. Lose weight, get support and be entered to win prizes (like a $250 Visa gift card). Mon, 10 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST Surprising Ways to Lose Weight and Feel Great http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=surprising_ways_to_lose_weight_and_feel_great Look your best by tapping into the health perks of your hormones. Mon, 10 Jun 2013 06:00:00 EST Success Story: 'It Was a Really Dark Place for Me' http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=success_story_it_was_a_really_dark_place_for_me Meet Chrissy Kellem-Silvas (CHRISSY-50)! Losing 55 pounds helped Chrissy turn her life around and discover her inner cyclist along the way! Sun, 9 Jun 2013 06:00:00 EST In the News: This Is Your Brain on Coffee http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=in_the_news_this_is_your_brain_on_coffee Java drinkers toasted this week's news about coffee and health. Plus, learn whether daily sunscreen use is helpful (spoiler: it is!) and the "secret" healthier fast-food menus. Sat, 8 Jun 2013 06:00:00 EST Want the Body of a Fitness Model? Find Out What it Really Takes http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=want_the_body_of_a_fitness_model_find_out_what_it_really_takes A figure competitor dishes about the restrictive diet and intense workout routines that helped her get ripped arms, toned legs and defined abs in a matter of months. Fri, 7 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST 10 Warm-Weather Activities for People with Limited Mobility http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=10_fun_active_things_to_do_this_spring_and_summer_even_if_you_have_mobility Summer is a great time to be active, but don't let mobility issues stand in your way of getting the most out of your workouts. Fri, 7 Jun 2013 06:00:00 EST How to Conquer Your Snack Attack http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=how_to_conquer_your_snack_attack Find out Dietitian Becky's solution for beating those sneaky snack attacks! Thu, 6 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST The Healthiest Leafy Green--and How to Eat It http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=the_healthiest_leafy_greenand_how_to_eat_it Which leafy green is the biggest nutritional powerhouse? Thu, 6 Jun 2013 09:00:00 EST At First, They'll Ask You... http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=motivation_monday_at_first_theyll_ask_you At first, they'll ask you WHY you're doing it. Later, they'll ask you HOW you did it. Wed, 5 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST The 100 Best Workout Songs from the '80s http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=the_100_best_workout_songs_from_the_80s We asked and you voted! Enjoy a blast from the past during your next workout with these music ideas. We're ranking the best '80s songs on one comprehensive list. Can you guess #1? Wed, 5 Jun 2013 06:00:00 EST Learn Lisa's Secret to Weight-Loss Success http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=learn_lisas_secret_to_weightloss_success Today, Lisa is 100 pounds lighter, and she's sharing her story on Huffington Post Healthy Living. Check it out! Tue, 4 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST 23 Ways to Top Your Popcorn (for Under 150 Calories) http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=23_ways_to_top_your_popcorn_for_under_150_calories We love this whole-grain snack. For under 150 calories, you can flavor your popcorn in plenty of ways. Salty or sweet, spicy or savory--it's up to you. Let's get popping! Tue, 4 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST The Ultimate Summer Skin Guide http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=the_ultimate_summer_skin_guide Get gorgeous skin from head to toe, with beat-the-heat advice Tue, 4 Jun 2013 06:00:00 EST 8 Easy Fitness Trade-Ups That Boost Results http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=8_easy_fitness_tradeups_that_boost_results Discover the best exercises and tools to lose weight, lower your injury risk and more. Mon, 3 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST Your Excuse-Proof Workout Plan http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=your_excuseproof_workout_plan Don't let a busy schedule keep you from reaching your goals. Stay on track all season long with this simple fitness plan! Mon, 3 Jun 2013 06:00:00 EST Success Story: 'I Wanted to Be a Better Role Model' http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=success_story_i_wanted_to_be_a_better_role_model Meet Roxanne Carrier (ROX5CAR), a New York health teacher who has taken control of her own health! Sun, 2 Jun 2013 06:00:00 EST How Does Your Hometown Stack Up Among Fittest Cities? http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=how_does_your_hometown_stack_up_among_fittest_cities In this week's healthy news round-up, we count down the healthiest (and unhealthiest) cities. Sat, 1 Jun 2013 06:00:00 EST The Towel Workout Makes Toning Easy! http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=the_towel_workout_makes_toning_easy You don't need fancy equipment or a pricey gym membership to target your muscles. You can get a great workout at home, in a hotel--or anywhere with a towel. Here's how. Fri, 31 May 2013 12:00:00 EST 13 Ways to Get Moving at Work http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=13_ways_to_get_moving_at_work As a writer, I spend hours a day sitting in front of the computer. Learn how I ward off back pain and avoid staleness of mind and stiffness of body. Fri, 31 May 2013 06:00:00 EST Weekly Menu: Gluten-Free Dinners http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=weekly_menu_glutenfree_dinners Each week, we share a calendar with seven days of healthy recipes around a theme. This week's menu is gluten-free! Thu, 30 May 2013 12:00:00 EST To Beef or Not to Beef? http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=to_beef_or_not_to_beef Red meat gets a bad rap sometimes, but not all steaks are created equal! Here are some helpful tips on how to choose the leanest cuts. Thu, 30 May 2013 10:00:00 EST Motivation Boost: Make Your Life! http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=motivation_monday_make_your_life You are entirely up to you. Make your body. Make your life. Wed, 29 May 2013 12:00:00 EST 50 Good Reasons to Run http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=50_good_reasons_to_run National Running Day is one week away! To celebrate, Coach Nicole shares 50 reasons she puts on her running shoes day after day, mile after mile. Wed, 29 May 2013 06:00:00 EST How to Protect Yourself from Arthritis http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=how_to_protect_yourself_from_arthritis Nearly 30 million women are touched by arthritis. And that number is on the rise. But you don’t have to be held prisoner to the stiffness or suffer any longer. Tue, 28 May 2013 06:00:00 EST 6 Surprising Causes of Common Health Symptoms http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=6_surprising_causes_of_common_health_symptoms Feel better faster with these solutions to the most annoying issues. Mon, 27 May 2013 12:00:00 EST 6 Kettlebell Workout Routines http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=6_kettlebell_workout_routines Kettlebell classes are all the rage in gyms across the country, not only for their great aerobic workout, but for the strength, flexibility and balance they offer as well. Mon, 27 May 2013 06:00:00 EST Success Story: 'I Feel So Much Better Now!' http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=success_story_i_feel_so_much_better_now Meet Michelle Howard (MOMMYOF2RN), a SparkPeople member who lost 135 pounds. This former fast food lover is a gym junkie! Sun, 26 May 2013 06:00:00 EST Nutrition Group Says Chocolate Milk Is OK, No Need For Aspartame http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=nutrition_group_says_chocolate_milk_is_ok_no_need_for_aspartame In this week's news roundup, find out why dietitians are telling the FDA chocolate milk is not a villain, plus learn pull-up alternatives and get the scoop on shaping up in midlife Sat, 25 May 2013 12:00:00 EST Clover Lost 128 Pounds—and Gained Boundless Energy http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=clover_lost_128_poundsand_gained_boundless_energy SparkPeople member Clover (CLOVERROSE) lost 128 pounds—and now she’s featured on Huffington Post Canada. Find out how this mother did it! Sat, 25 May 2013 06:00:00 EST What is Your True Size? http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=what_is_your_true_size Do find it more frustrating to go clothes shopping today than it was just a few short years ago? Does a size on the tag determine how much you are willing to spend for an item? Fri, 24 May 2013 12:00:00 EST The 4-Minute Miracle Workout (That Really Works) http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=the_4minute_miracle_workout_that_really_works Could a workout that lasts less than five minutes actually be effective? This smart technique has major benefits--and doesn't require any special equipment. Believe it! Fri, 24 May 2013 06:00:00 EST 83 Cheap, Healthy Foods for Meals in Minutes http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=83_cheap_healthy_foods_for_meals_in_minutes You can lose weight and get healthy as a family while sticking to a budget. Becky's list of cheap and healthy grocery staples proves just that. Don't miss this blog! Thu, 23 May 2013 18:00:00 EST Most Americans Think Their Diets are Healthy http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=most_americans_think_their_diets_are_healthy A new survey that says most Americans consider their diets to be at least "somewhat" healthy. Surprised? I'm not. Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:00 EST All You Need Is Love…Toughlove, that is. http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=all_you_need_is_lovetoughlove_that_is Have you mastered the art of giving yourself a good, swift kick when you need it? Wed, 22 May 2013 12:00:00 EST