These fit bottoms are fake. There is a surprising lack of butt art out there. Credit: bradleygee

I can’t believe it’s been four years of Fit Bottomed Girls. In some ways it seems like just yesterday that Jenn and I were on the phone, excitedly hashing out ideas for the site and what we wanted to cover. But then I realize that in the four years since, I’ve moved cross country, bought a house, had two kids. I also lost my full-time job and gained a full time-plus job with the kids, plus still working on FBG and dedicating most of my time to Fit Bottomed Mamas.

It hasn’t been easy. First, balancing a full-time job with this labor of love at night and over weekends. Then balancing the demands of family (slave drivers, the under-two set!) and still having the energy at nights or on the weekends to crank out a post or two—and a BOOK. And although it’s a challenge to “do it all,” I’m in too deep now to walk away. I love this job.

There is no doubt that I’m a healthier and more well-rounded person because of this site. Fit Bottomed Girls has brought super-fun fitness experiences my way, from visiting Nike HQ to pushing me to try new and different classes to taste-testing (and loving) various new healthy foods. I love the positivity of our readers; you gals are really inspiring to us as well. Thanks for helping to make FBG what it is today, and thanks for making it such a great place to come to work.

Cheers to many, many more FBG birthdays! —Erin

Give me a walkable neighborhood, and I'm happy! Credit: Cubosh

This week FBG is celebrating its four-year birthday! Dang, we’re old. To help with the festivities, this week each FBG is focusing on the number “four” by answering the question: What four things could you not live (and be healthy) without?

Like Jenn said, you can just assume that my favorite healthy foods go without saying. I’m not givin’ those suckers up! In addition to those? Well, here you go!

4 Things I Couldn’t Be Healthy Without

1. Workout DVDs. I’ve already professed my love for the workout DVD. They’re just so convenient, versatile and you can get any type of workout you want. It helps that we get so many DVDs to review, but I had a growing collection even before this site came into existence!

2. Zumba. I love my Zumba. I love most group exercises classes, really, but Zumba has proven to be the most fun for me.

3. My family. What’s more motivating than trying to be healthy for your kids? And what’s more fun than going to the park together or running around the backyard? Or having your toddler request more broccoli? Seriously.

4. My walkable neighborhood. Sure, I could be healthy without my neighborhood, but it sure helps! I love being able to walk to run almost all of my errands and pack the kiddos up for strolls around the neighborhood. Pretty houses, a cute downtown, parks within walking distance. Ahhh…

What healthy items could you not give up? —Erin

Start that workout spiral ,and you'll be doing crazy yoga poses before you know it. Credit: lululemon athletica

Ever noticed how easy it is to get off track? Unfortunately, it’s also easy to stay off track. A missed workout here, extra desserts there and before you know it, you’re in a spiral of unhealthy proportions (and likely, portions).

The good news is that spirals go both ways when it comes to your health. During my pregnancy, workouts were all but eliminated due to pain. And I gave into cravings all too frequently. I still ate copious mounts of kale and broccoli and berries, but unfortunately I added in way too much banana bread and Oreos. While it’s easy to maintain the veggie intake, I find that its not as easy to curb the sweets.

But that spiral? Works to my advantage. Once I started working out again, it was natural to curb my less-than-healthy sweet treats. Sure, I still indulge, but it’s been a much more moderate indulgence rather than a twice-daily deal. Likewise, once you start those workouts back up, it’s easier to continue. I’ve found that you’ve gotta hit a solid two weeks of workouts to get back in a groove and make it a habit again. Because once you get those couple of weeks in, you start seeing progress, and you know results are just around the corner. You’re invested; you don’t want those first painful workouts to be for nothing!

Do you find the health spiral works both ways, too? —Erin

Is there anything more delicious? I think not. Credit: La Grande Farmers' Market

We’re hungry! And talking about food for this round of Question of the Week, which asks each FBG, “What are your three favorite healthy foods?” These are the hard questions, folks…

While kale is a new favorite of mine, I thought I’d go with the favorites I’ve loved for years now. The oldies but goodies. Besides, Jenn already stole kale!

My 3 Favorite Healthy Foods

1. Brussels sprouts. It’s only been over the last couple of years that I was introduced to the B-sprouts. I made them for the first time on the stovetop, but once I started roasting them, I was sold. Now they’re almost always in my crisper, just waiting to become an easy side dish. I simply toss them with olive oil, salt and pepper and throw them in the oven. I love the taste, the texture…yum!

2. Tofu. I was never afraid to eat tofu, but I was afraid to cook with it. Luckily I realized you can’t really screw it up. My hubby loves it, too, so it’s a great meat substitute in stir fry. Whether I’m eating it at home or out, I do love me the tofu.

3. Cherries. Like Tish, cherries are one of my very faves. If I could live on one food, cherries would be the top contender. I could eat them all day, every day (if they were always in season and not so expensive!).

Runners up? Avocado (like Kristen). Fresh homegrown tomatoes. Cuties (they’re not just for kids!). Mmm…I’m getting hungry!

Are any of these on your favorite healthy foods list? —Erin

How I feel when I Zumba. It doesn't matter if I really look like Elaine from Seinfeld. Credit: kelsey_lovefusionphoto

Workouts are back on, baby! Zumba started, so I am now getting my uncoordinated groove on and working up a sweat. I had such a good time in the first class, although no instructor can compete with the one FBG Jenn and I had in Lawrence, Kansas, where my love of Zumba began.

I was slightly surprised at how hard it was to do 45 minutes of dance cardio. I don’t know why it surprised me, as I’ve mentioned that I feel like I’m back to beginner status. But my cheeks were flushed, and my thighs and calves were a-burnin’.

I was mostly reminded of how fun workouts can be—and how fun workouts should be! Seriously, when I do Zumba or any similarly fun group exercise class, there is not a shred of dread that I have to get in my workout. If I know I have to go running, it’s just me trying to get it over with. But with group exercise, the time absolutely flies by even if I’m begging for mercy. I think everyone has their Zumba. For some people, it’s running. For some it’s swimming or biking or sports. But for me, Zumba is one workout I’m always excited for. I’m a firm believer in finding a workout you love and sticking with it. If you dread workouts, it’s because you haven’t found your Zumba equivalent yet.

Have you found an activity that doesn’t feel like work? Or are you still looking? —Erin

When slimming down for the big day, avoid crash diets. Especially the feeding tube diet. Credit: Dianna Williams

Just when we thought we’d heard it all when it comes to extreme dieting, a new trend emerges that has us shaking our heads. I recently came across an article that discussed the latest trend among brides-to-be: the feeding tube diet.

This diet is employed both by those who have lots to lose or just a few pounds—like brides slimming down before a big event. The fun on this diet begins when you have a feeding tube inserted in your nose. The fun continues when you get only 800 calories a day—no carbs, of course.

Unlike, say, the cabbage soup diet, the feeding tube diet actually carries with it real medical risks when implemented, such as aspiration, lung infection, kidney failure and tissue erosion of the nose and throat. Not to mention the side effect of LOOKING CRAZY for having a medically unnecessary feeding tube down your nose.

It makes me sad that the need to drop any amount of weight would lead to a trend like this. It makes me sad that doctors are willing to do this for patients when they could instead be taking the time to explain what a healthy diet and exercise plan look like.

So whether you’ve got a lot to lose or just a few before the big day, we’ll always maintain that a sensible diet and exercise plan will be your ticket to success—not the latest craze, especially when the latest craze is crazy. Besides, what bride wants to starve to lose a few pounds just to pack it right back on during the honeymoon?

Have you heard of the feeding tube diet? Think it’s insane-o in the brain-o too? —Erin

Having three neighborhood parks makes for green fun! Credit: terren in Virginia

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

I live in New Jersey. More than likely, it’s probably not at the top of your list when you think green. Sure, it’s the Garden State, but in most minds, green ends there. Especially if you only see the area of Jersey around the airport. It’s quite gray in those parts.

But a lot of NJ is shockingly pretty—fall is amazing here—and green. And I’m lucky that the neighborhood I live in affords me the opportunity to green-up my daily life. Not only do they come pick up recycling for free at the curb twice monthly, but I can also walk to almost everything I need. My walkable neighborhood includes:

• Dentist (must keep those whites pearly!)
• Eye doctor (must see)
• Primary care doctor
• Hair salon (for my not-frequent-enough highlights)
• Tailor/dry cleaner
• Pharmacy
• Post office (frequent mailing of FBG giveaways!)
• Bank (for my big bills)
• Insurance agent (getting life insurance makes you feel like such an adult)
• Accountant
• Two Chinese food options (all things in moderation!)
• Two pizza options
• A bar and grill and a new Irish pub on the way
• Ice cream
• Meat market
• Liquor store
• Library
• Three parks (for play!)

Man, if there was a grocery store, a Target and a Chipotle, I’d never leave this five-block radius! It’s nice to be able to walk to run errands. It means that I get more exercise, and I save on gas while helping the environment. Plus, it’s easier to stroll with the kids rather than loading and unloading them from the car repeatedly. And you guys: I signed up for a Zumba class at a nearby park location, but realized there is a new Zumba and kickboxing studio in my downtown area. Two Zumba options?! I’m going to dance my heart back into fit!

Do you live in a walkable neighborhood? What do you wish you could walk to? —Erin

Hit up Spa Week. You won't regret it! Credit: Dennis Wong

I’ve never been a spa kind of gal. Sure, I love a good massage. But I’m not a manicure/pedicure/waxing kind of girl. I’m lucky to get my hair highlighted twice a year. And that is no joke.

But when I got the opportunity to try a spa treatment to preview National Spa Week? Well, you could say I jumped at the chance. My mom happened to be in town, so I was able to sneak away from the kids to get my relaxation on. And I don’t know if it’s just because I’ve had so little me time since kiddo No. 2 came along or if facials are usually this amazing, but I was SOLD on this pampering experience.

If you are looking for fun new ways to reward yourself for a goal well met, read on for more details about my spa experience—plus how you can hook yourself up with spa treatments for just $50. So worth it, people! —Erin

Zumba will be the workout highlight of my week! Credit: Cimm

You’ve seen our gym bags, fridges and pantries. So for this round of Question of the Week, we’re talking about what our weekly workout routine is like!

I’ve been pretty candid here and over at Fit Bottomed Mamas about the fact that I didn’t have the most active pregnancy. Or rather, it was active, but it wasn’t filled with traditional workouts. Between the pain, the fatigue and the toddler-chasing, there was just no energy left for getting sweaty. I’m not at all riddled with guilt about taking it easy; I know when I’m being lazy versus when my body needs the break. But now, over a month postpartum, I’m feeling AMAZING. I’ve been approved to resume my normal activities, so I can’t wait to get a routine going. Here’s what I’d love to see happen…

Erin’s Weekly Workout Routine

Monday: Containing the kids lets me get a little exercise—and lets the kids get some fresh air. The big one in the stroller and the little one strapped to me both adds resistance to my walks and lets me have 30 minutes of cardio time walking. Ideally, I’d also throw in 15 minutes of strength during playtime in my new workout space.

Tuesday: I signed up for a 10-week Zumba class, which will start here in a couple of weeks. It’s also within walking distance, so that’ll add a good 15 to 20 extra cardio minutes!

Wednesday: A short walk or park trip with the kiddos; fit in some strength work thanks to a workout DVD or some free weights while the toddler is occupied and the baby hangs out in the swing or bouncer.

Thursday: Maybe some cardio, thanks to dancing, running around the yard, going to the park or a workout DVD. I’d like to try to get some HIIT in my life, too, so maybe some jump rope? Step-ups?

Friday: I’ll try to fill in whatever I didn’t hit during the week. I’ve got some serious Gilad ab DVDs to try and a boatload of untouched DVDs calling my name. And you know how I feel about DVDs…

Saturday: A longer workout in the morning while the hubby watches the kiddos. Maybe a jog? Or mowing the lawn. I’m a weirdo who doesn’t mind push-mowing the lawn because it’s great exercise!

Sunday: Rest day. Something active with the fam. Some strength work thanks to laundry.

I know I’ll need lots of flexibility in this schedule because the best laid plans go awry quickly when kids are involved. Workouts get interrupted five minutes in, and I know there will be those sleepless nights that make daytime workouts impossible. But the best thing is that for the first time in MONTHS, I’m excited about exercise. Woot woot!

Do you allow for serious flexibility in your weekly routine? Cobble together workouts in 5-minute chunks? —Erin

It's going to be awhile before lunges feel natural again! Credit: lululemon athletica

After a workout hiatus, it’s always a little hard to get back into the swing of things. At least for me, even if I’m more than ready to get moving again. Taking that first step is sometimes the hardest. Progress takes time, so those first few workouts seem a bit anti-climactic. Where are my results, darnit!

But you have to start somewhere, right? So today, my husband took my daughter out to run errands, leaving me with the little guy. I thought about popping in a workout DVD and trying to fit in my First Workout In Forever. The baby was sleeping, so surely I’d have a moment to work out, right?

So wrong. The moment the kiddo senses the absence of a warm body, he freaketh out. Putting him down for more than two minutes was out of the question. So I did what I had to do. I strapped him to me and proceeded to do a few workout moves I could do with a sleeping newborn strapped to me: lunges, squats and leg lifts. The squats were fine. Challenging, and I definitely felt the burn after my three sets of 20. The leg lifts? Seemed abnormally challenging. Like my legs weighed about twice as much as usual. And the lunges? Let’s talk about the lunges. Or let’s not because I’d rather forget how foreign they felt to my legs. How my legs felt like lead. How it took everything I had to push back up to standing. I wish I could blame my added resistance-baby, but he’s only like 8 or 9 pounds and that shouldn’t make lunges that difficult!

So, weirdly, I’m trying to embrace my status as a “fitness newbie.” A beginner, for now. It’s weird because in my head I can still do all those crazy hard workouts my old trainer put me through, and I can still do crow pose. But in reality, lunges are freaking hard for me, and my lungs burn five minutes into a brisk walk. I’ll get back to my fit status, I’m sure, but for now I’m going to have to remind my brain to take it slow while my body catches up.

Have you ever had to “start over” with your fitness journey? —Erin