MissFit

Get This.

Missfit — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:31:51 GMT

According to the CDC, the average American woman is 5'4" and 163 lbs.; however, ideal weight for a woman that size is 111 to 146 lbs., depending on her frame.

Food & Bev.

Missfit — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:25:36 GMT

I've found Act II's 100-calorie Kettle Corn popcorn to be the perfect midnight snack. The flavor is great and the portion size is just right for a quick before bed treat.

8 Minute (Insert Body Part Here): So 1994, So Good

Missfit — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:08:25 GMT

There are approximately 428,392 fitness DVDs on the market today, and I often wonder if any of them live up to their somewhat lofty promises. I had a short-lived stint with Hip Hop Abs, but abruptly quit when I realized I had to have the dancing capacity of Janet Jackson ("Miss Jackson if you're nasty") to actually get anything out of it. I've also wondered about the Yoga Booty Ballet DVD, but making such a purchase would go against my unwritten vow to never ever buy anything with the word "booty" in the title. One of the great classics of the cheesy workout genre is the 8 Minute* series. Lucky for us, most workouts in the series can be found on YouTube. I tested the Abs, Buns and Legs editions earlier today and concluded the following: If you can get past the super enthusiastic (and super spandex-y) host, these workouts actually work. Each workout is segmented into a series of simple, easy-to-do movements -- and they all go by pretty fast. The best part for me was that I actually felt them working the specific muscle groups. Try it out! I've provided the YouTube links below:

*The 8 Minute series is a product of United American Video.

Burnin' Rubber -- Quite Literally

Missfit — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:27:32 GMT

So, my running shoes are officially shot. They are a lot like those lovely blue Asics above, except mine look like they've been through some form of trench warfare and/or run over by an 18-wheeler a few times. Most experts advise runners to change up their sneaks about every 350-400 miles, depending on the terrain. If you do a lot of trail running you can probably get away with 500, but push it too much further and you could risk injury. Shoe purchases can sure add up (especially when training for longer races), but I always look forward to picking out new kicks. In this sense, I am very anti-elitist. I rarely get the same shoes twice and I always buy them on clearance from Eastbay or FinishLine.com. One of the reasons I can do this is because I am lucky enough to have a "regular" arch and gait. New Balance explains gait as the "unique set of actions and reactions that your foot performs while in motion to support, cushion, and balance your body." Some runners tend to overpronate, which means their feet roll inward as they go. Under-pronaters roll less inward as they run. If you're not sure where you fall, a lot of running stores have specialized treadmills that will track your foot movements to determine which type of gait you have.

Anyway, these are my new shoes. I basically bought them because they were a) 50% off and b) obnoxiously pink. I'm really not sure how much they weigh or even if they are a good running shoe, but I'm rarely disappointed with such hasty purchases. I'd venture that about 90 percent of serious runners would be absolutely apalled at my method, or lack thereof, of selecting shoes. Even I would not recommend it to the masses, but it's hard to fight my affinity for all things neon pink. We'll see how it goes.

Get the Look.

Missfit — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:33:54 GMT

You can tote your sweaty gym clothes in style with this swank bag by Mossimo (Target.com, $16.99). Not bad for under $20!

A Philosophical Detour of Sorts

Missfit — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:57:07 GMT

I am a big proponent of doing what I want to do, when I want to do it - that is, within reason. That might sound strange coming from someone who runs a fitness and nutrition blog, but hear me out. I love running more than any other activity (I log about 40 to 50 miles a week), but some days I simply do not want to lace up my Asics and hit the pavement. Sometimes it's lethargy, other times mere laziness. But one personal rule I have - one I never, ever break - is the following: If I don't want to run, I don't. Now admittedly these days come rather infrequently, but they are substantial nonetheless. The day I go for a run and derive no happiness from it is the day my passion will fade to a chore. So many things in the realm of general health seem to be about restricting yourself from things you want and forcing yourself to do the things you "must." Perhaps the secret to being healthy is leading a particular lifestyle not out of obligation, but rather out of a simple desire to live better.

(Photo: "Forrest Gump," Paramount Pictures).

Burn Calories Baling Hay

Missfit — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:05:29 GMT

Yeeeeeehaw! A 130 lb. person can burn about 236 calories in 30 minutes baling hay.

(Source: Calories Per Hour Activity Calculator)

Get the Look.

Missfit — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:52:04 GMT

Celebrate one of America's greatest running legends -- Steve Prefontaine -- with this classic T-shirt ($15.95, StevePre.com).

Pulse Pumpin' Playlist

Missfit — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:26:48 GMT

1) When I Grow Up, Pussycat Dolls
2) Viva La Vida, Coldplay
3) Sweetest Girl, Wyclef Jean
4) What You Got, Colby O'Donis feat. Akon
5) Burnin' Up, Jonas Brothers
6) Should've Said No, Taylor Swift
7) Ooh Ahh, Grits
8) Let It Happen, Jimmy Eat World
9) Roun' the Globe, Nappy Roots
1o) Layla, Derek and the Dominoes

All songs are available for download on iTunes.

How to Get Abs of the Stars.

Missfit — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:27:03 GMT

Shape.com's Janet Lee shares an easy modification to the conventional crunch that will have your abs beach-ready in no time. Says Lee, "When you do regular crunches, you feel them mostly in the upper part of your midsection (near the bottom of your sternum), but you'll feel this whittler below your belly button."

Lie on the floor, face up. Make sure there is some sort of an "anchor" nearby -- a pole, furniture leg, or other sturdy object, she says.
Bring legs up directly over your hips at a 90-degree angle to the floor.
Lift your hips slowly, bringing your toes toward the ceiling. Slowly lower your hips.
For best results, Lee says, complete 3 sets of 15 reps. See Shape.com for in-depth instructions, including a diagram.

Can't get enough? Check out Self.com's easy to follow moves for "Flat abs fast!"

Get the Look.

Missfit — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 06:56:19 GMT

Who says you can't add a little color to your workout? Spruce up your sneaks with these hot pink shoe laces ($1.49, Converse.com).

MYTH: All Iced Coffee is Created Equal.

Missfit — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 05:23:52 GMT

With summer in full swing, you might be tempted to enjoy a refreshing java boost in the form of iced coffee -- but caffeine addicts beware: Iced coffee isn't always an innocuous, low-cal choice. In fact, many times these delicious drinks are chock-full of empty calories. Here's the nutritional information* for some of America's most popular brands:

Dunkin Donuts Regular Iced Coffee with Cream and Sugar (24 oz.) -- 240 calories, 32g of carbs
McDonald's Medium Caramel, Hazelnut, and Vanilla Iced Coffee (22 oz.) -- 190 calories, 29+g of carbs
McDonald's Medium Regular Iced Coffee (22 oz.) -- 200 calories, 30g of carbs
Burger King Mocha BK Joe Iced Coffee (16 oz.) -- 360 calories, 66g of carbs
7 Eleven Mocha Cafe Cooler (16 oz.) -- 467 calories, 84g of carbs
7 Eleven French Vanilla Cafe Cooler (16 oz.) -- 507 calories, 38g carbs

Remember, if it tastes too good to be true, it probably is. For an easy fix, opt for a non-flavored version with skim milk and Splenda.

*(According to DunkinDonuts.com, McDonalds.com, BurgerKing.com, and CalorieKing.com.)

Who is Your Favorite Fit Star?

Missfit — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 04:52:53 GMT

I think Kelly Ripa (co-host of Live with Regis and Kelly on ABC) is in fantastic shape, though a bit on the skinny side. I'm not sure where she finds the time to train with her hectic schedule and three -- yes, THREE -- children, but you have to hand it to the woman. Very impressive if you ask me.

Which fit celeb do you admire?

Food & Bev.

Missfit — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:14:41 GMT

I'm a huge fan of Fuze, especially the Tropical Fruit flavor in the Slenderize series. Guzzle a volumious 16-ounce bottle for about 10 calories. Other flavors include Strawberry Melon, Tangerine Grapefruit, Cranberry Raspberry, Blueberry Raspberry, and Dragonfruit Lime (all 5 to 10 calories per serving).

Welcome to MissFit.

Missfit — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 05:58:30 GMT

Hi there!

My name is Kate and this is my blog. I'm a fitness and nutrition junkie dedicated to bringing you the tips and tricks you need to lead a healthy, active lifestyle.

Here are some topics you can expect me to cover here at MissFit:

Nutrition. Recipes for low-cal meals, 100-calorie snack ideas, restaurant dishes that will kill your appetite, and more.
Fitness. Quick and easy tone-up moves, cardio tips, gym etiquette, injury prevention/recovery, training programs, and a look at some of the coolest races in America.
Gear. What to buy and where to buy it, the best deals on the Internet, and the latest gadgets.
Music. A new playlist suggestion every week to keep you workout fresh and fun.
By the Numbers. Health, fitness, and nutrition stats that might surprise you.
Surf's Up. I'll scour the web and provide links to the best sites to help you achieve your goals.
YOU. Above all else, I want MissFit to be a community. Got a question? E-mail me and I will track down the answer. Need to rant? Leave a comment. Chances are other readers feel the same. Don't be shy; make your voice heard.

Special thanks to PNN.com for the blog space -- and don't forget to bookmark MissFit, http://missfit.pnn.com.

Stay fit,
Kate :)