Beat Belly Bloat!

We all want to lose that last little bit of water weight or the bloat before a big event such as a wedding, vacation, party, etc. Since summer is right around the corner - which usually means beach and/or lake trips - we are here to share with you some foods that may cause bloating. Of course, we should all start with living a healthy lifestyle (which includes a healthy diet). So if you haven't already, try to get rid of all the processed foods in your diet (Need help getting started? We have an eBook for that!)! Stick to lean protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and lots of water!

It takes a while (sometimes years) to learn your body and what makes you look and feel your best but these will give you a starting point on things that you might want to cut out of your diet before that big event!

Steer Clear of these Foods that Commonly Bloat:

• Processed Foods
• Carbonated Beverages
• Artificial Sugars
• Protein Powders/Bars
• Gum
• Dairy
• Gluten
• Eggs
• Certain Veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, etc)

There are more foods that can cause bloating but these are the ones that we have experienced personally.

If you want to reduce bloating and/or drop water weight we suggest cutting these out of your diet for 1-2 weeks prior to the event. In order to look and feel your best you should also avoid added salt (which usually means cooking your own food) and alcohol. Here are more tips on how to slim down for your next big event!

Looking for a workout plan to get you started? Try one of our popular transformation plans!

Choosing the Right Sports Bra for You

We have all seen those cute little sports bras that look more like something you may want to sleep in vs. something you could actually break a sweat in. They look adorable and for a moment, you may consider them, but will they really give you the support you need to really kick your workout up a notch?

Cup Size REALLY does matter! (Okay, only in the world of buying bras people!) Take this guide along next time you go shopping for a sports bra.

How to Choose the Right Sports Bra

A-B Cups

Smaller chested women can really wear any sports bra, however, the activity type will be one of the most important factors here. Compression-type sports bras are ideal for women with A or B cups - either scoop back or racer back. Bear in mind that you will have more support with a racer back and thicker straps. So if you are running, you may opt for a racer back with larger straps vs. a cute thin-strapped scoop back bra for Pilates or barre class.

Compression Scoop Back Sports Bras
Compression Racer Back Sports Bras

C-D Cups

Ladies that are a little bustier than their A-B friends, will need to pay more attention to the coverage area that their sports bra provides. Women that are a little bustier may benefit from a combination compression and encapsulation sports bra. Again, function is everything when you are thinking about sports bras - wear your most movement minimizing bra for higher impact workouts like HIIT or step aerobics. Keep the lower-coverage bras for lifting weights or yoga.

Compression/Encapsulation Combination Sports Bras

 DD+ Cups

If you are bustier, you may have a hard time finding a bra that actually minimizes your movement no matter what activity you are participating in. For women with larger D or DD and larger cup sizes, the key to your sports bra is encapsulation! You need a sports bra in a high performance fabric that's actually made similarly to your everyday bras - with two molded cups and thick, dependable straps.

Encapsulation Sports Bras

Need a little extra help with incorporating strength training with your runs? Don't want to think about your workouts? Let us be your personal trainers with our She Sweats 12-week Run Builder and increase your mile time. It guides your workout each day and has everything you need! Find out more!

7 Tips for Choosing the Right Jogging Stroller

We don't do very many posts dealing with babies and toddlers, but since I have a baby, I wanted to share with you some tips to find the right jogging stroller for you. I read TONS of articles and reviews, as well as, "test drove" several before making my final decision. After all, if you are like me, you will use your jogging stroller at least 3-4 times per week for cardio and maybe even for the occasional jaunt at a local festival or fair.

This is a guest post written by Tiffany.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won't cost you any extra money, they will help us keep this site up and running. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support! 

Check out these additional mom resources, also written by Tiffany!

• 5 Tips for Busy Moms to Squeeze in Exercise
• How to Occupy Children During Runs
• 7 Tips for Choosing the Right Jogging Stroller

7 Things to Consider When Shopping for a Jogging Stroller

1. Determine Your Strollers Function - What will you be using the stroller for? Is it strictly for running or will you need something to attach to your bike or even cross-country ski with?

If the stroller is strictly for running, proceed with a jogging stroller like the BOB Revolution or the Baby Jogger FIT.

If you need your stroller to function in multiple ways, perhaps a jogger/bike trailer is more appropriate for you. Consider brands like the Allen Sports Premiere or the Aosom Elite.

2. Fixed Wheel vs. Swivel Wheel -  This is your number one concern when determining which stroller you will buy. NEVER run with a stroller that does not have a fixed wheel or a mechanism so that the wheel can be locked in the fixed position. This is VERY dangerous and could harm your child. Strollers with swivel wheels are made for walking and strolling.

3. Frequency of Use - How often you will use your jogging stroller really will determine the quality you will need to purchase (and most likely, the money you will spend on the jogger). If you are a marathon runner and plan to take your child on long-distance jogs, you will need a more durable stroller designed specifically for this purpose. Strollers like the Mountain Buggy Terrain may be more appropriate for you. On the flip side, if you are planning to use your stroller on days that you can't get to the gym to do your cardio, you can go with a more fitness oriented model, such as the Kolcraft Sprint Pro Jogging Stroller.

4. Storage Space - If you are tight on space in your home or plan to transport the stroller in a smaller vehicle, you will want to ensure your stroller folds down. If it doesn't, you will need to find a place to keep it fully assembled in your home and have a vehicle such as an SUV to transport the stroller.

5. Handlebar Height - Since I am short (5'2''), I really pay attention to this one! My husband is on the taller side (6'2''), so if he and I are both using the stroller, we either have to find a comfortable height for both of us or find a stroller with an adjustable handle.

6. Child Positioning - This is something you really can't afford NOT to look at! First off, think about your child. Do they like to take naps in the car or stroller? Will jogging be any different? Do they need a cup holder or a belly bar to hold on to so they can comfortably look out the stroller? Finding a stroller that offers a range of positions from upright to reclining may be your best bet. If you plan to use the stroller to walk prior to your child's 6 month birthday, I suggest looking for a system that also allows you to clip an infant seat into the stroller. Just remember: You shouldn't jog with an infant seat attached!

7. Brake vs. No Brake - Do you like in a hilly area like me? Your stroller should have a tether strap that you will wear, but if somewhere along your normal route, you encounter lots of downhills, I would suggest a brake. Momentum can be fierce, especially when you are pushing 50+ pounds of jogging stroller and child!

REMEMBER: Most pediatricians, as well as jogging stroller manufacturers, recommend that you do NOT jog with your child until 6 months of age.

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Review of Baby Jogger FIT

The Baby Jogger FIT.

(Update: 2/2/18) Here is a link to the newer version.

From the moment I received the stroller, I knew I was going to like it! It was very easy to put together - no help from the hubby required! The best part - I could use it right away. I didn't have to go to a bike shop to have the front wheel inflated. 

To test it out, Bryce and I went on a short run - a 2.5-mile jaunt in the nature preserve in our neighborhood! I have to admit, I have a snazzy Britax stroller system for everyday use and was a little anxious to try the fixed wheel of the jogger. I had visions of not being able to turn and potentially tipping Bryce over in the stroller. NOT the case at all! The fixed wheel of the Baby Jogger FIT seems to have a little give in it. I did have to rear back on the handlebar to turn, but much less than I expected! Speaking of the handlebar, it doesn't adjust but it is comfortable for myself and also for my husband. 

At 7 months and 20lbs, Bryce seemed comfortable in the stroller and has tons of room to grow. The stroller adapts to a reclining position and has a nice angle for its upright position.  The sunshade is adjustable and quite substantial. It did wonders for keeping the wind off of his face since we did a later afternoon run. The stroller seemed to effortlessly glide along our jogging path, with little disturbance at a bump or crack in the path. It was challenging pushing it up our monstrous hills in the neighborhood but nothing I couldn't handle. The brake was a MUST for the downhills of the same size - it provided some much needed reassurance that I wouldn't lose control.

Do you have a jogging stroller? If so, which did you choose and why? What types of activities do you do with your stroller?