Blog Posts by DietsInReview

By Mathue Johnson - DietsInReview.com

Summer is lurking just around the corner, and that means swimsuit season is, too. If you haven't already, now is the time to kick your workouts in to gear. Especially if you're after those bikini abs.

A common misconception is that doing endless crunches will yield a flat, sexy stomach. However, this can be filed under fitness myths because it's not true. Crunches shouldn't be discounted, though, as they build core endurance and will obviously help with the defining of those ab muscles. To get the bikini belly you seek, you'll need to burn both fat tissue and muscle tissue.

It might be a surprise, but diet and cardio are the most important ingredients in the weight loss and muscle-toning recipe. Add to that a third ingredient of weight training and you've got the combination for success.

The diet is the most important area to focus on in the coming weeks.

• Reduce calories, carbohydrates, fat, and sodium
• Don't skip meals
• Control portion

By Brandi Koskie - Senior Editor for DietsInReview.com

Whether hitting the road, rails or skies this summer, traveling can be a some-what overwhelming venture for some. Planning, budgeting, shopping, packing and even arranging a caretaker for the dog can really make you feel like you need a vacation, as if you didn't already feel that way. Well, to add one more thing to your frantic pre-trip to-do list, don't forget to keep your health in mind.

Odds are you've spent the better part of this first half of the year burning winter weight and keeping your sights set on that hot new bikini so that you could take this trip and enjoy every minute without worrying about that love handle or this arm jiggle. So don't hang up your hat now. Taking your diet and fitness habits on the trip with you is as good idea as packing your passport and SPF 50.

So how do you balance the carefree days of vacation with not falling off the wagon? You do just that - balance. Whether at home, the beach or

By Heather Ashare - DietsInReview.com

Spring is finally upon us and that means you've shed your bulky winter clothes and have reintroduced yourself to your warm-weather wardrobe. Does it fit the same as last year? Is it more snug in spots than you would like? If not, you might already be having that hesitation to embrace the upcoming bikini season. Fear not! Coming out of our winter hibernation usually leaves a few extra pounds in a few unwanted areas, but it's nothing you can't work off.

You can start working on a fit and toned tummy for summer now, and it can be as simple as one yoga move: Navasana, or Boat Pose.

Not only do fit and trim abs look great in a bikini, but studies show that keeping these muscles in shape improves posture and reduces lower back pain. A well-maintained and strong core improves the stability of your torso, which in turn prevents your back from common aches and pains. While a regular cardio routine, a healthy, balanced diet and even a little weight work

By Brandi Koskie and Mathue Johnson - DietsInReview.com

If you find yourself traveling this spring or summer, whether for business or pleasure, take in the sights by foot. Just because you're traveling doesn't mean you have to leave your fitness regimen at home. Swap a pair of heels for a pair of sneakers in your bag and you're set!

Going for a walk, jog or run while you're visiting a new place is a great way to see parts of the city you would have otherwise missed. This is especially true for those in-and-out business travelers; wake a little earlier and get in a run before the big meeting and you'll be able to report back that you saw this park or that building, instead of just the inside of the airport and your hotel room. Not only that, you'll awaken your metabolism and be more alert.

For vacationers, taking this daily jaunt is a great way to burn a few extra calories that inevitably get consumed while traveling. New restaurants, indulgent desserts and plenty of lounging at the

By Rebecca Scritchfield, RD - DietsInReview.com

Go ahead and fess up if your eating habits cash in vacation time right along with you when you head out of town, and upon returning home you find yourself feeling heavy, sick, and maybe even a little depressed. Think about it for a second. It sounds totally absurd to throw all your handwork out the window just because you're not at home. Vacations are supposed to be relaxing and rejuvenating. If you come home feeling guilty and stressed, then the vacation didn't do its job, which means you didn't either. But don't fret, we've got some tips that will help you avoid a nutrition vacation and have you return home feeling happy and healthy and ready to just continue making smart choices!

Embrace Portion Control! With portion size in mind, you can truly have whatever you want. Just not too much. By making fresh fruits and vegetables the priority on your plate, you'll fill up on nutrients and fiber but not on calories and fat. So it's OK to

By Dina Skulte of Fit for Kids Sake for DietsInReview.com

The rising obesity epidemic is no secret. And frankly, the stats are pretty frightening. I applaud first lady Michelle Obama for taking this issue head on by creating the Let's Move! campaign and Jamie Oliver for creating the Food Revolution campaign.

However, if America is serious about fixing this ever-growing problem, it's up to each one of us to make it happen. It's up to the parents of America's youth to become accountable for the health of our children. We need to be role models for our children, even when it comes to what we put in our mouths and how we treat our bodies.

Put to action these ten ways parents can help their children fight childhood obesity and raise a healthier generation.

1. Make it a family goal. Decide that making healthy choices is a priority of the entire family, and make it your mission.

2. Know the facts. Read books, health magazines, expert articles and blogs. Your body needs protein, carbs and

By Mandi Reading of TrainerMomma for DietsInReview.com

When I workout, I am often asked, "What are you training for?".

The only answer I can honestly give is, "motherhood."

I work with a lot of women who often joke that after having their children their bodies take a nose dive and they are stuck in an endless downward spiral. I disagree. Having children doesn't mean a life sentence of love handles. Our children can play a central role help us get and stay in shape.

I think there are three reasons to be a healthy mom that are beneficial for you and the kids!

1. They're Watching
While strapping my kids in their car seats one day, joking with them and laughing. My daughter asked, "Mom, why are you in such a good mood?".

Before I could come up with a good response she answered her own question, "Oh, I know. You worked out this morning."

These little people are watching our every move. They know which foods we're eating and if activity is a regular part of our schedule. Even if they

By Carmen Staicer - Chief Mom at DietsInReview.com

Easter is a highly anticipated holiday for kids. After going through Lent with out any treats, Easter would deliver a basket of goodies and a sugar high that caused a crash reminiscent of the 1929 stock market disaster. When I became a mom, I realized the calories in those Easter treats were not worth the gym time to work them off. I also learned that I could create a basket for my kids that would be well received, and also better for them.

The calorie counts in some of the most popular Easter basket treats should require sign-up in a spin class immediately following that last tasty bite. A Cadbury Cream Egg has 170 calories, in one egg! A four-pack of marshmallow peeps have 130 calories. And the Easter basket staple, a seven ounce hollow chocolate bunny has half a day's worth of calories at 1,050!

Instead, try these lower calorie candy alternatives, because we all know an Easter basket wouldn't be the same without them.

• 10 Jelly