Alexandra Powe Allred secured a position on the U.S. Bobsledding Team while 4 months pregnant. She felt both elated and uncertain about mixing athletics with pregnancy. How much exercise would benefit both Allred and her baby and what type of diet would be healthy for an active woman? Further, after having a baby, how soon can women get back into shape and are athletics and breastfeeding compatible? Experts disagreed when answering these questions, and this frustrated Allred. She researched pregnancy, exercise, diet and motherhood, ending up with an honest, fact-filled book Entering The Mother Zone -- Balancing Self, Health & Family that reads like an intimate locker room support group for moms and moms-to-be.

Allred mixes advice, humor and tears with facts, citing true motherhood stories from celebrities, Olympic athletes and everyday moms. I stopped envying Demi Moore's perfect body after reading about her intense workouts and no-nonsense eating habits. I cried when learning how ice skating helped World Champion pair skater Barbara Underhill survive the heart wrenching loss of one of her baby twins.

Entering the Mother Zone isn’t just for female athletes. Allred’s book speaks to any woman who has suffered guilt or unhappiness from trying to balance career, motherhood, mental and physical health. Along with celebrity tips and advice (like Madonna’s sample meals and the celebrity secret for losing and controlling weight), there are plenty of stories of non-famous moms coping with the life changes brought about by having children.

You’ll identify with the mothers in this book and come away with good advice and the motivation to select a type of exercise that interests you. After reading inspiring stories like Underhill’s you’ll want to "just do it," whatever it is, creating a healthier lifestyle for yourself and for your family.

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