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

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

Lift my head? Seriously?

Happy Fit Bottomed Dude’s Week, everyone! In keeping with the theme of the week, I thought I’d talk this week about the littlest dude I know: my son! Not even a month old, this small fry has already inspired me to take my fitness to the next level. Which won’t be hard considering that during my pregnancy, my fitness was at about a level 0.

The minute the little guy came flying into the world, my pregnancy symptoms began dropping out of my life. All of the pain in my bones? Gone. All of my crazy need for comfort foods? Gone. All of that mind-numbing fatigue? Gone. Granted, I’m tired. But it’s a tired that gets better with a little sleep; not the bone-deep fatigue of pregnancy that made me feel like I was stuck in mud.

The best thing? I have my energy back. I feel normal again. I can bend at the waist, easily pick up scattered toys, chase my toddler around. It’s fabulous to feel fabulous! The little guy may have sucked out all of my energy during pregnancy, but he’s given me a renewed purpose now that he’s here. Now I’ve got yet another reason why I need to be a healthy, strong mom. I’ve got to be a good example for two now. I can’t wait to take both kiddos out when the weather gets warm; can’t wait to load up the stroller and get walking. Can’t wait to use the little guy as added resistance for squats while he’s small. Can’t wait to see him become a Fit Bottomed Dude himself. (He’s got a ways to go; guy can barely do a push-up and seriously has NO bottom.)

What dudes inspire you to be your very best self? —Erin

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Credit: AForestFrolic

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! While we’re off attending parades, drinking green beer in moderation and noshing on these healthy St. Patrick’s Day foods, we think you should check out these great reads from Fit Bottomed Mamas! So before you put your green on and get all leprechaun-ed up (okay, now that sounded dirty), check them out!

How to push through mommy workout setbacks.

It’s about time those mamas-to-be got some real research on intense workouts during pregnancy!

Seven tips on how to be a healthy mom, from a healthy mom.

Before you hit the g-store, read this!

Bee-lieve us. This stuff is good.

The best seven kids’ books out there. At least in our opinion.

Have a great St. Patty’s Day, ladies! —Jenn

Celebrate National Nutrition Month the healthy way! Credit: thebittenword.com

Need a reason to eat healthier? How about to celebrate National Nutrition Month, which is March? Party, party, we say! We recently snagged these great tips from Blendr who shared some great ideas on how to celebrate National Nutrition Month over on Fit Bottomed Mamas earlier this week. Whether you celebrate on your own, with your  friends or with your family, eat up the healthy food. Yum, yum, yum!

Ideas to Celebrate National Nutrition Month

1. Eat local, taste fresh. Eating a wide array of fruits and vegetables gives the body essential vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and fiber—all ingredients that are important to maintaining a healthy diet. Find and explore your local farmers’ market for the season’s freshest (read: healthiest) fruits and vegetables and check-in on Blendr to find out who else is there. You just might meet another like-minded buddy!

2. Start your day the fresh-pressed way. Juicing fresh vegetables and fruits is a healthier alternative to drinking soft drinks and fruit juices that have added sugar content. So the next time you want a soda, sip on fresh veggie juice instead. Please, juicing is fun!

Continue reading for more National Nutrition Month ideas!

Will you celebrate National Nutrition Month? How? We’d love to know! —Jenn