Take a break with these links, which include fun girl's day out ideas! Credit: Fing'rs

Hey, mamas and mamas to be! We have links! Awesome links from Fit Bottomed Mamas just for youuu!

You’re just a sniff away from getting more energy, finding balance and more awesomeness.

Fun and unique ideas for the perfect girls’ day out!

Coming out of the postpartum depression cloud.

Simple swaps for a healthier breakfast.

Be wary of this when weaning…

Being in the NICU isn’t easy to say the least. Tips to get through it.

Enjoy your weekend, ladies! And remember to take time for you! —Jenn

Fancy up the grill with these unique burger ideas! Credit: Girl Interrupted Eating

Before you fire up the grill for the family on this beautiful spring weekend, set your sights on these great reads from Fit Bottomed Mamas!

Erin’s post-baby belly progress, part deux!

Now this is an unusual—yet awesome!—workout motivator.

Bored with burgers? Spice them up healthfully with these ideas!

And you thought you were busy? She’s an Olympian!

Tips to be a good sports parent. Not that “other” kind.

What you need to know about fertility, PCOS and endometriosis.

Have a friend struggling to get pregnant? Here are eight things to avoid saying. (And what to say.)

Enjoy your Saturday, ladies! —Jenn

Alison Sweeney snacking on the go!

We obviously love Alison Sweeney. Heck, we named her Fit Bottomed Mama of 2011 we think so much of her! A mom of two who is committed to a healthy lifestyle (um, she just ran a marathon in 4.5 hours!) and is a rockstar at her career—host of The Biggest Loser, Sami on Days and now Hollywood Girls Night on the TV Guide Network—she pretty much embodies what being an FBG is. So when we had the chance to chat with her about her recent partnership with Yoplait Light to spread the message that making small changes in a person’s everyday life can make a big difference, we gobbled it right up. Just like we do Yoplait Light’s Black Forest Cake flavor. Um, yum…

Interview with Alison Sweeney

• FBG: You’re a busy mom and actor. How do you make time for workouts?
• AS: It’s all about planning ahead. I look at my schedule for the next day and figure out when I can fit in a workout, and then I put it in my calendar, and pack my gym bag so that I’m ready to go. I take it seriously, and have it in my priorities just like any other meeting or appointment.
• FBG: What are a few of your favorite healthy swaps for not-so-healthy foods?
• AS: Well for me, the perfect example is my weakness in the bakery aisle—Red Velvet cake. My mom’s is the best, but I am always tempted…the Red Velvet Cake Yoplait Light is so delicious, it totally satisfies that craving for me, and saves me 300 calories while I’m at it!
• FBG: What’s your favorite Yoplait flavor?
• AS: Raspberry Lemonade. Refreshing and tasty.
• FBG: Tell us about Hollywood Girls Night. How did it come about and what has the experience of filming it been like?
• AS: Well, Ali Landry and I really loved our Supper Club night with our celeb friends. We have so much fun, and it’s such a nice way to get to know each other better. The more we thought about it, the clearer it was, especially the reaction we were getting from our friends on Twitter, wanting to do their own girls nights, etc. We thought the show would really appeal to other women. So we included the prep—tips on us getting the meals ready, our themes, etc.—and we’ve had such a positive response from all the women who’ve been a part of our evenings. We loved the filming…it was such fun. Everyone’s laughing, having fun and really connecting. We loved shooting it.
• FBG: In Hollywood, everyone seems to be thin, fit and gorgeous. How do you deal with the pressure?
• AS: It does seem that way, doesn’t it? I guess I don’t really think about it. I know that’s like a cop out. I focus on the ideals of our show, and the lifestyle we support at The Biggest Loser and work hard to incorporate that into my own life. I think ultimately, those are the important values—balance, health, fitness…taking care of ourselves so we can be around with our loved ones!
• FBG: You recently trained and completed a marathon. (Go you!) First, why? And second, how did you find the time? Any tips you can share?
• AS: I ran in the Honda LA Marathon this year, and let me say, I am so proud to have finished. Wow—it was even more difficult than I thought it would be. I literally pushed myself to the limit with that one. I loved the training (even though those extended runs can get a little…boring), and I did it for the accomplishment. I was inspired by all the BLers who have run the BL marathon…it is such an achievement, and I have seen them cross that finish line with such pride…I thought…I should do this. So, the changes in my body were really a side effect. I was psyched, don’t get me wrong, but that wasn’t why I did it, if that makes sense.

Love her take on Hollywood, and we have to check out her new show. Just another reason why she’s our home-girl! Any other Ali Sweeney fans out there? Let’s hear why you love her! —Jenn

Babies are not necessarily "green." Credit: sabianmaggy

Why are all of the FBGs discussing green fitness stuff this week? Because it’s Fit Bottomed Earth Week, silly!

I’ve always been fairly environmentally conscious. I recycle as much as I can. I try to walk to run errands whenever possible. I conserve electricity and gas to help both the earth and my budget. And when my daughter arrived, I had the best of intentions to cloth diaper. I really did.

As you might have guessed, it didn’t work out. I totally blame my husband. He was against it and quite vocal about his opposition even as I plowed ahead, buying cloth diapers and wipes. He was more concerned about adding to my laundry workload than saving the environment; he didn’t think I’d have the time, energy or desire to do extra loads of laundry. I used the cloth diapers for a couple of months—while my husband faithfully used disposables—until my daughter outgrew the sizes I had. Then, I just didn’t buy the next size. And so my short affair with cloth diapering ended.

Read on for more on my cloth-diapering fail and how I swear I’m making up for my environmental misdeeds. —Erin

Like this bowl of healthy goodies, we think these links are worth digesting! Credit: matryosha

Before sitting down for that healthy and leisurely breakfast with the family, feed your brain with these great recent links from Fit Bottomed Mamas!

It’s a bracelet! It’s a hair tie! It’s both!

Three tips to empower your kids without “hovering.”

Signs of bullying that every parent should be aware of.

A hilarious interview with a toddler.

Ten tips from a nutritionist!

The high of giving birth.

Have a fab and healthy day, mamas and mamas-to-be! —Jenn

While you're working on your fitness, don't forget your dog! Credit: joshme17

Fit Bottomed Mamas has outdone itself lately. Whether you’re interested in a new healthy snack, pet fitness tips or what a real woman looks like after having a baby (not those dramatic celeb stories), check these links out!

Erin’s birth story! (And an awesome reference to “Charlie Bit My Finger.”)

Pregnancy brain claims yet another victim.

Hungry like the Mama Wolf after childbirth.

Snack bars to put in your purse. Like now.

Clomid side effects are like going on an emotional roller coaster. Whee! Or not.

Forget the dramatic celeb stories. This is what it really looks like after you have a baby.

You make sure you and your family are healthy, but what about your pooch? Get fitness tips for Fido!

Enjoy the reads, mamas and mamas-to-be! —Jenn

A big thumbs up to all of our Fit Bottomed Dudes' guest writers! Credit: MissMessie

Another year, another successful Fit Bottomed Dudes’ Week. While all of them have been good, we think our guys did extra awesome this go ’round. Not to mention that we upped the number of manly posts, so check out the links below to make sure you didn’t miss a single FBD post!

Welcome to Third-Annual Fit Bottomed Dudes’ Week!

All Is Fair in Love and Workouts

A Message From Men to Women: You Are Perfect As You Are

Hey, Dude! That’s a Clean Shave!

My Little Fit Bottomed Dude

Brett Hoebel Dishes on Biggest Loser, Fat Chef and Boxers vs. Briefs

Fit Bottomed Dude Jared Share His Fitness Challenges and Tricks

Living With a Fit Bottomed Dude

Please, Don’t Smudge My Puma

Advice From a Fit Bottomed Dude: Embrace Change

FitLinks: Fit Bottomed Dudes’ Week Edition

Trying Bob Harper’s Gym, Brick CrossFit

Fit Bottomed Dudes Help Make Me an Athlete

4 Reasons Why Golf Is a Great Workout

Men and Pilates: 3 Moves to Make Any Fit Bottomed Dude’s Core Stronger

Beachbody Insanity: Let’s See How Insane It Really Is!

Tips for Fit Bottomed Dudes to Take Care of Themselves at Every Age

Who’s Your Favorite Fit Bottomed Dude?

And while you’re at it, why not forward this post on to all the guys in your life? Remember, just like Fit Bottomed Girls, Fit Bottomed Dudes come in all shapes and sizes, so let’s show them some love! —Jenn

Bob Harper is definitely a Fit Bottomed Dude we like to flex our muscles with. (And, yes, that's FBG Tish.)

If we’ve learned anything this week, in which we’ve done nothing but write for Fit Bottomed Dudes, it’s that we love men. They’re funny, encouraging, witty, dedicated, sweet, inspirational, hard-core and everything in between. Just like FBGs, Fit Bottomed Dudes come in all shapes and sizes, and we love ‘em all. That said, we thought it might be fun to put it to a poll. Who is your favorite FBD of all? (And these were just the first fit trainers/experts that came to our mind…)

Can’t see the poll? Click  here to tell us about your favorite Fit Bottomed Dude. 

I chose the last answer as I’m partial to my husband—especially after he wrote this last year. But, please, elaborate on your answer or write-in candidate in the comments below! Tell us why you love Fit Bottomed Dudes, too! —Jenn 

Running is an easy way to get the heart a pumpin'! Credit: chefranden

Why are you reading about dude-related stuff? Because it’s Fit Bottomed Dudes’ Week, that’s why! Click here for all the special posts, and please share with the guys in your life!

Are you one of those guys who hates going to the doctor or dentist? Does your girlfriend nag you about going but you keep making excuses? Well, stop that! Those appointments—annoying as they are—are a huge asset to your health. Check out these tips from Dr. Oz from a recent issue of Men’s Fitness to help you live into really old age. Because don’t you want to see yourself super old, gray and healthy? (And, ladies, use this info to convince him to not cancel that appointment!)

Guys in Their 20s

Twentysomethings’ testosterone levels are high, so they have a big desire to be sexually intimate and a need to build muscle mass. Place more emphasis on muscle-building activities. They should be working out every other day, building up their core, arms and legs. The one activity they should definitely be doing is pull-ups. You know you’re fit if you can lift your own body weight at least 10 times—that’s the bare minimum.

Check Yourself
No. of push-ups he should be able to do: More than 35
No. of sit-ups he should be able to do: More than 45

Health screenings he should be getting:

• Tetanus vaccine (every 10 years)
• Influenza vaccine (every year)
• Height, weight, waist and BMI (every year)
• Blood pressure (every year)
• Oral exam (every year)
• HPV vaccine (before 26)

Read on for tips for maintaining health and wellness in Fit Bottomed Dudes over the age of 29… —Erin

The Pilates studio is for the men, too, you know! Credit: giena.lt

Why are you reading about dude-related stuff? Because it’s Fit Bottomed Dudes’ Week, that’s why! Click here for all the special posts, and please share with the guys in your life! This post on men and Pilates is written by Sean Vigue, a yoga and Pilates instructor living in Celebration, Fla. Vigue is the owner of Sean Vigue Fitness,  in addition to a full line of dynamic workout DVDs, downloads and YouTube videos. His Pilates for Men DVD was recently named “Best Workout DVD for the Guys of 2011” by Pilates Style Magazine.

Since beginning my fitness classes, I’ve noticed that the majority of my clients were women. However, men are equally in need of the intense core-building, strengthening and toning Pilates offers. Think Pilates is just for women? Wrong—invented by a man, Pilates has been a training method for elite athletes and couch potatoes alike since its inception.

While most men’s workouts emphasize a part-by-part approach to muscle building (e.g., weightlifting), Pilates emphasizes moving from the center of the body outward, by developing core strength in the powerhouse of the body.

So, you or the man in your life won’t be caught dead in a Pilates class? What’s a shy guy or a Fit Bottomed girlfriend to do? One of the best things about Pilates is you can do it anywhere, on your own time. Whether you pop in a DVD, search on YouTube or even do a few poses on your own, all you need is a mat and a few minutes a day to build that beautiful, lean, flexible and powerful body!

Pilates turns average guys into champions of any sport, activity or exercise. It gets better—you can see and feel results after only a few sessions. How’s that for immediate gratification? So, grab your mat (and your guy if you’re a girl) and practice these three basic Pilates moves that are guaranteed to whip any Fit Bottomed Dude into shape!