Start healthy habits when kids are young. Credit: hoyasmeg

This post on the topic of talking about weight with kids was part of our first Active Kids Week on Fit Bottomed Mamas. For all of the special content, click here! 

All parents want happy, healthy kids. But with childhood obesity at high levels, odds are that not every kiddo is as healthy as possible. So how can you go about helping your child lose weight if it’s truly necessary? How can you be supportive? And how can you broach this sensitive subject with a kid? Today, nutrition and weight management expert Dr. David Katz shares his top tips for talking about weight with children.

8 Tips for Talking About Weight

1. Put the focus squarely on health and off weight. Whether by default or by design, each family has a health and wellness “culture.” This includes the types of food that are kept in the house, how heavily physical activity is emphasized, what sleep patterns are encouraged, how much health information is available and more. As a parent, you should emphasize each aspect of this health culture, not just your child’s weight. Remember, healthy weight follows good lifestyle behaviors, but good lifestyle behaviors typically don’t follow weight-loss diets.

2. Recognize that you spend too much time focusing on weight. Most people don’t realize how much they use weight as a way to measure their overall quality of life as well as their worth. For example, how many times have you asked about a piece of clothing, “Does this make me look fat?”—with the understanding that if the answer is “yes,” you’ve somehow failed? That’s why, when broaching the subject of weight with your child (and in your own life), it’s important to stop talking about weight—and even, to some extent, appearance—and emphasize other characteristics. For example, talk about how an unhealthy lifestyle influences your child’s self-esteem and thus demeanor, as well as how he expresses himself and the impression he makes on other people.

Want all eight tips? Click here to read more about talking about weight with kids! —Erin

With so many workout DVDs on the market, it’s easy to occasionally get hoodwinked by one or two. You think a dance workout will be totally fun and easy, yet the moves are so complicated it would take you years to master. Or you go to do a simple yoga DVD and end up needing everything but the kitchen sink. Or, worst of all, you spend three easy payments of $19.95 for a set of workout DVDs you end up never using because they’re just too darn hard. Sound familiar? Yeah, we’ve all made a workout-DVD mistake or two. But no longer!

Here on FBG, we review workout DVDs almost weekly, so we’re kind of like experts when it comes to separating the good workout DVDs from the not-so-good ones. And what makes a really good workout DVD for one person does not mean that it’ll be a fit for someone else. So with all of that in mind, we’ve put together a video with five tips to help you buy a good workout DVD for you.

Can’t see the video? Click here for tips to buy a good workout DVD.

Would you add any tips to ours? Have you ever bought a workout DVD that just wasn’t a fit? Or a really good workout DVD that seemed like it was made just for you? Tell us all about it, chicas! —Jenn

Hey, that's FBG Tish!

Tish loves technology. Like loves it. She’s addicted to her iPod, iPad and iPhone, and she’s constantly hipping me to some new app, be it for photography, food or fitness. Now her love for the tech world has been shared with more than just me and the FBG readers (remember her recent review of fit apps?)—she’s had the chance to share her faves with AT&T!

In the below AT&T Appetizers video, Tish highlights three of her favorite apps: SparkRecipes for health-conscious recipes, Fooducate to help you choose the healthiest food options, and MyFitnessPal for knowing how many calories are in that latte. Watch her in action!

Can’t see the poll? Click here to watch Tish’s AT&T Appetizer video. 

Do you use these apps? If you were doing an AT&T Appetizer video, which three fitness apps would make your top three list? Tell us in the comments, ladies! —Jenn

Not sure how to become a runner? We can help! Credit: lululemon athletica

Most runners I know have said, at some point in their life, something along the lines of, “Running is stupid and only for crazy people.” Shoot, I’ve said it myself. Sometimes I say it in the middle of a run. But you know what? Over the past decade, I’ve slowly (very slowly) but surely learned how to become a runner. And I’m damn proud.

Now, before I started running, I was athletic, but for many runners I know, that was not the case—they were couch potatoes who preferred Doritos and beer to bananas and Gatorade. (Most of them still do, for that matter.) But, little by little, they built up their mileage, learned how to become a runner and in many cases have completed half-marathons, marathons and more!

If you find yourself becoming increasingly jealous of your friends’ Facebook posts about how they had already completed a 10k before you even got out of bed, or even if you’re just looking for an easy way to burn some extra calories, believe me when I say you can do it. Or don’t believe me—I’ve brought in an expert to talk about how beginners (like you!) can start running.

In addition to being one of my favorite people on Twitter, Susan Lacke does 5Ks, Ironman Triathlons and everything in between to justify her love for cupcakes (yes, she eats that many). In spite of her extensive writing on running and triathlon (Competitor and No Meat Athlete, for starters), she is still unable to use the words “chafing” or “fartlek” in a sentence without giggling, which makes her a perfect fit for FBG, don’t you think?

Tips on How to Become a Runner from Susan Lacke, Running Expert

What’s the first thing someone should do if they want to learn how to become a runner? Are there things they need to buy or a plan they should make? The wonderful thing about running is that it really doesn’t require much to get started: A good pair of shoes, a set of running clothes and a sense of adventure. There’s no need for pricey gym memberships, confusing electronic devices and overly perky personal trainers. (Let’s be honest—you want to punch those folks in the mouth, don’t you?)

In the initial stages, a runner should outline how she’s committed to making this happen. Make a list of reasons why you want to run, identify some sort of structure (“I will run X minutes, X days a week,” or “I will follow this training plan”), and line up resources to keep you happy and healthy while you run.

Most importantly—tell someone, like a friend or family member who will be supportive of your running. If that person’s a runner, she’ll answer all sorts of newbie questions (trust me—you’ll have them!) and give you inspirations and tips. If she’s not a runner, who knows—you may inspire her to start running with you, too!

If your New Year’s goals have already slipped, here’s a quick workout to ramp you up again! Sara Haley (who previously shared her top belly-blasting moves with us), Global Reebok Master Trainer and creator of the upcoming Daily Sweat Pregnancy Program: Expecting More prenatal fitness DVD, has come up with 12 moves for 2012 that are sure to get you sweating!

If you’ve gotten bored with your old workout favorites like lunges and push-ups, use this guide to spice up your workout. You only need one set of 12-pound free weights (although feel free to bump it down if you’re a beginner, and always be sure to work to your comfort level). Begin with the 2012 Hustle to warm up, and then throw the other exercises into a hat. Pull them out one by one to set the order of your workout for the day. Perform each exercise 20 times, taking breaks as needed. You may have to work up to 20 reps, as well as work up to finishing the program in less than 20 minutes. Use the modifications as needed, but don’t be afraid to challenge yourself when you’re ready! Happy sweating!

Continue reading to try these 12 Moves in 20 Minutes for 2012! —Erin

Just in case your iPod's running playlist could use a few new tunes, we have 'em! Credit: Perfecto Insecto

We’ve already done a whole songs-about-running workout playlist, but we thought it was high time we put together a list of new tunes to help you power through those runs both long and short. Partially inspired by this little device that helps you to determine your “Fit Song” and partially needed by me as my running playlist is getting S-T-A-L-E, we recently tapped the music-loving brains of our pals on Facebook and Twitter for their fave tracks from their running playlists. And, guys, they did not disappoint. High-energy, fun and slightly off-the-beaten path, if you know all of these songs, you’re certainly cooler than me.

10 New Songs to Reinvigorate Your Running Playlist

1. (4:48) T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever), will.i.am: If you need a rap beat to get your run going, this song is it. Good call, Melissa!
2. (3:44) Drumming Song, Florence + The Machine: If you like your running playlist with a side of dark and mysterious, download this Florence + Machine track. Caitlin swears by it!
3. (3:44) Go, Common: Like @lizyandall says, it’s hard not to go when Common is telling you to in this song!
4. (3:17) Watch Me Shine, Joanna Pacitti: Found on the Legally Blonde soundtrack, Janine can’t get enough of this song during runs. Believe us, if you like Britney, you’ll dig this one.
5. (2:57) Egg Man, The Beastie Boys: Boyz, it just don’t get much funkier than this song, which is a favorite of @katiechalmers1. Jam to it during your next run!
6. (3:19) Levels, Avicii: If techno is more of your running playlist speed, try this one from Avicii. @UrbanFitClubs calls it “bouncy, happy music!”
7. (3:44) End of Time, Beyonce: This song gets Renisha really pumped. And you know what? It gets us pumped to run, too!
8. (4:22) Party Rock Anthem, LMFAO: Yes, this song is everywhere lately, but it really is good for getting your legs to run faster, Tina says. When they say “shake that” just pretend they’re saying “sprint that!”
9. (2:49) Lobsterdust–Roll It (Salt-N-Pepa vs. Yeah Yeah Yeahs vs. A-Trak), Best of Bootie 2011: You know we had to include a mash-up—and a booty one at that, right? And Emily had a great one for running. In fact, go ahead and just get the whole dang album. It’s just that good.
10. (6:19) Monster, Kanye West: So glad I’m not the only one running her little heart out to this track recently. Courtney is, too!

What new songs are on your running playlist? Which ones really pump you up? —Jenn

Yep, we can help you to set and reach your fitness goals in the New Year! Credit: Drew Ertle Photography

This how-to-set-fitness-goals post is a part of our second-annual New Year, New Rear Week to help you to be fitter, healthier and a touch (okay, a lot!) more awesome in 2012. Read all New Year, New Rear posts here!

If you’re like most people, you probably have set a resolution/goal or two or three for the New Year. But did you know that exactly how you frame and set your fitness goals plays a role in whether you meet them or not? True story, ladies. Simply put, some goals are just better than others.

To help explain the difference between a “smart” goal and a-not-so-smart goal, we’ve put together the below video. In it, we share the five qualities that any fitness goal should have. So watch on for how to set fitness goals that set you up for success in 2012 and beyond! (And don’t be bothered by my wonky face in the preview. I really, really wish YouTube gave you a few more still options to choose from…)

Can’t see the video? Click here to learn how to set fitness goals.

Do your fitness goals meet our “smart” criteria? How could you tweak them to be just a bit better? Share! —Jenn

Not sure how to lose weight? We have steps to get you to a healthy reading on that scale (without being obsessive)! Credit: Camera Eye Photography

This post on how to lose weight is a part of our second-annual New Year, New Rear Week to help you to be fitter, healthier and a touch (okay, a lot!) more awesome in 2012. Read all New Year, New Rear posts here!

This time of year, almost everyone is looking to lose a few pounds. Whether it’s the couple of extra holiday cookies you nibbled on or the workouts you missed for those fun Christmas parties, most of us have a few extra pounds that weren’t there at the start of the holiday season. But whether you’ve set a New Year’s resolution to lose 5 pounds or 50, we can help.

See, for most, this time of year is about getting back on track and taking things away rather than how we like to see it—adding more awesome to your life. With that in mind, we’ve put together five easy steps that will help you lose the weight for good without losing your mind.

How to Lose Weight Easily

1. Weigh yourself, and then give up the obsession. The scale can be a great weight-loss tool, but it can also be a huge self-esteem crusher when you don’t see your changes reflected on the scale as quickly as you’d like. We’re firm believers that the number on the scale should never determine your self worth, so this New Year, weigh yourself once to get a starting weight, and then put the darn thing in the closet for at least a week, maybe two or three. Invest in a body tape measuring tool, too, so that you can take measurements every other week to see how much your body is really changing. Ya’ll know the scale isn’t the whole story, as it can greatly fluctuate based on what foods you eaten, sodium intake and how hydrated you are.

There are skills. And then there are skills. And this woman at Planet Fitness? Well, just see for yourself… (Oh, and the “commentary” has quite a few curse words in it, so put your earbuds on if you’re watching at work!)

Can’t see the video? Click here to see the treadmill dancing queen!

Talk about a treadmill dancing queen! This woman is our shero. Have you ever busted a groove on the treadmill? Tell us about it! —Jenn

Introducing the best workout songs of 2011! Credit: Rob Ellis'

Oh, girlies, it was a great year for workout music. From hip-hop tracks to pop to some—let’s be honest—hilarity (I’m talking about you, LMFAO), along with your suggestions from Facebook and Twitter, we’ve rounded up a playlist of the best workout songs of 2011. Running about 40 minutes long, it’s perfect for just about any workout you love. Will 2012 stack up? We certainly hope so!

Best Workout Songs of 2011

1. (2:50) Who’s that Chick, David Guetta featuring Rihanna: Start your workout off with a dance beat in this fun track that’s sure to get you warmed up and fired up! Who’s that chick? You’re that chick!
2. (3:21) Moves Like Jagger, Maroon Five featuring Christina Aguilera: We’ve been obsessed with this song since it came out in 2011. It’s just the right mix of fun, funky and sexy.
3. (4:44) On the Floor, Jennifer Lopez featuring Pitbull: Oh, J-Lo we’re so happy you’re back on the workout-music block! And “On the Floor”? Seriously, one of your finest. Makes us want to get on the floor—the workout floor that is!
4. (3:23) Dynamite, Taio Cruz: Yeah, we throw our hands up in the air sometimes, too! This song truly is—wait for it—dynamite for workouts. Upbeat with a nice message to celebrate life, it’s one that will help you to pick up the pace!
5. (3:50) E.T., Katy Perry featuring Kanye West: Time to go to outer space! This extra-terrestrial song is extra good for workouts, making it one of the best songs of 2011!
6. (3:19) Super Bass, Nicki Minaj: If you need to slow things down a bit, but not too much, this song is perfect. Whether it’s for a walk, recovery during interval work or even some upbeat yoga, Nicki Minaj knows what’s up. We expect more great workout songs from her in 2012!
7. (4:20) Born This Way, Lady Gaga: The anthem of monsters everywhere, this Gaga track is Madonna’s “Express Yourself” for 2011. We love. Work out the way you were born to—like a Fit Bottomed Girl!
8. (3:35) We Found Love, Rihanna: This workout song may start out slow, but don’t let it fool you. With a techno thumpin’ beat, it’s great for lifting weights or as a recovery song during intervals.
9. (3:58) Till the World Ends, Britney Spears: Oh, Brit, Brit! How we love thee. And while you may dance till the world ends, we’ll be working out till the world ends with this one!
10. (3:19) Sexy and I Know It, LMFAO: You all knew we had to include “Sexy and I Know It,” right? It’s so obvious. And oh-so hilarious. Sure to pump up any workout!
11. (4:27) Love on Top, Beyoncé: Cool it on down with this 2011 Beyoncé track that feels a bit like a throwback to Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston. You know, also known as “awesome.”

What do you think was the best workout song of 2011? Tell us in the comments! —Jenn