Fitness Test!
My friend Stacy Fowler, "Proud Coach," is a monthly guest on the TV show I co-host on 9 News, "Colorado & Company." She provides viewers with information about improving their health and well being. Here's a great test with valuable information that we recently did on the show.

Coach Stacy's Best Bets

Little decisions that you make each day can change your overall health. Take this pop quiz to see how well you stack up in Coach Stacy's Best Bets.

1. I am at Sbarro's (Presley's mall favorite). Should I have?
A. Stuffed broccoli and Spinach Pizza
B. Cheese Pizza
Best Bet: B - Cheese Pizza has 460 calories and 13 grams of fat, while Stuffed Broccoli and Spinach Pizza has 790 calories and 34 grams of fat!

2. I am at a cocktail party and want a drink but trying to watch my calories. Should I have?
A. Wine
B. Margarita
Best Bet: A - Wine has about 100 calories vs. 270 in a 4-ounce margarita. Want to cut more calories? Try a wine spritzer.

3. I am training for a road race. What time of day should I get my workout in?
A. Morning
B. Evening
Best Bet: B - For a performance workout the evening is when your body temperature is at its daily high and when your flexibility, reaction time, muscle strength, heart and lung function are at their peak.

4. I am a stay at home Mother with 2 little ones and little time for myself. I need to lose some weight. Should I?
A. Exercise at home
B. Join a gym
Best Bet: A - Research shows that women who exercise at home lose more weight than those who join a gym. Joining a gym is an obstacle when kids are sick and in childcare in general. The convenience of doing a program on your own time gives you a better shot at fitting it any.

5. If the weather is permitting, is it better to exercise
A. Indoors
B. Outdoors
Best Bet: B - Outdoor weather permitting, your body works harder outside while battling the conditions and terrain. You burn more calories plus the scenery and fresh air are good for you.

6. Grandma makes some killer pies. How do I choose the best bet?
A. Pumpkin pie
B. Apple Pie
Best Bet: A - The winner is the pumpkin pie, with 376 calories and 14 grams of fat versus the apple pie with 411 and 19 grams of fat.

7. The only choice I have sometimes at breakfast meetings is a doughnut. Should I
A. Eat the doughnut
B. Skip eating
Best Bet: A - It is actually best to eat something to keep your blood sugar up so you can focus. In the future, try to remember to pack some nuts or an energy bar in your bag to have on hand in an energy emergency.

8. What is the best bet for me to fit in my exercise during the week?
A. 30 minutes, 3 times a week
B. 2 hour hike on the weekend
Best Bet: A - Regular exercise reaps many benefits during a stress filled week. It helps to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and metabolism. The weekend warrior approach puts you at a higher risk for injuries. Spread it out to reap the best health effects.

9. I have to have my morning coffee fix at Starbucks. My choices are:
A. Tall Café au Lait with nonfat milk
B. Grande Carmel Mocha with whole milk and whipped cream
Best Bet: A - The Tal Café au Lait has 60 calories, 0 fat. The Grande Caramel Mocha has a whopping 470 calories and 21 grams of fat.

10. I have limited time to work out, but still try to squeeze both my aerobic and strength training into one workout. Should I start with
A. Aerobic training
B. Strength training
Best Bet: A - Cardio should come before strength if you're combining them into one session. Cardio feels harder after a weight workout. If you do cardio first, you burn more calories post-workout.

11. I love going to the movies but cannot resist the temptation of the concession stand. Should I have
A. A soft pretzel, plain, no salt
B. Cheese nachos
C. Small popcorn with butter
Best Bet: A - The pretzel has 280 calories and 1 gram of fat, whereas the nachos have 346 calories with 19 grams of fat and the popcorn (7 cups) has 630 calories with 50 grams of fat.