Food Prep

Happy Monday!

Where in the world have my weeks gone?  Look who’s almost 1 month old?

ben

 

 

We are in love with this boy!  Things are going well and I am recovering nicely from the c-section.  I have had lingering swelling, but that seems to be on its way out!  I still have to wait a few more weeks until I go back to my workouts–boohoo.  This has given true meaning to 80% diet, 20% workouts. For those of you working out, remember that you cannot out-exercise a bad diet.    Food completely effects energy, weight, and muscle definition.

Over the last year, I have watched and read about  people “prepping” their foods for the week and thought, “how do they make the time for that?”  Well after two weeks of preparing snacks to have on hand, I am a believer that I can’t afford not to.  Instead of grabbing a box on-the-go, I grab veggies, fruits and other yummy items that are good for me.  So worth it!!

 

snack

 

To give you some ideas, I found a great article, with 40 clean-eating suggestions, over at Paleo Power Challenge 90.  In offering ideas, I thought I would show you a few of my own.  Starting from the top and going clockwise:

No Bake Energy Bites: Simply the best sweet treat around.

Carrots and Celery -Cut up and washed.  (celery is a great source of Vitamin K, A, and fiber–who knew?!) (And my daughter LOVES Ants on a Log)

Tri Color Bell Peppers -Cut up and washed.

Kale Chips- wash and cut up the kale.  Dust with olive oil and sea sal or garlic salt. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 or until crunchy.

Strawberries- Wash fruit so it is ready to eat.

What works for you?  Any special foods you love?  If you have any snack ideas, leave it in the comments below.  We can all use the encouragement!

 

 

How to talk to a Pregnant Lady….

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Almost there..37 weeks and 4 days!  I am scheduled for May 24th and counting the hours, days.  This pregnancy has flown and crept by.  I have laughed, cried, contracted, rested, prayed, eaten tons, worked out and mostly enjoyed this adventurous and exciting time.  Along the way,  I have just about heard every ridiculously BAD and GOOD comment that anyone could have possibly thought of.  Know what I mean?  Yes, I am talking about the person that opens their mouth and everyone around them wants to crawl in a hole, pregnant lady included.   I swore, after last week, that I would dedicate a post on what TO say and NOT TO say to soon-to-be-mamas.

Welcome Comments:

  • You look radiant!
  • You look beautiful!
  • You are glowing!
  • You are tiny!…best comment ever.
  • I’m so excited for you!
  • When are you due?

Tolerable Comments:

  • You look adorable (after they kind of laugh/snicker as they say it).
  • That is a great outfit…(nice, but who really believes maternity clothes are great? :) )
  • How much longer?…(this is borderline, almost implying that we are HUGE).

Never say ANY of these:

  • You’re still pregnant?
  • Wow, that looks really uncomfortable. (yes, some woman at the grocery store said this to me and I almost punched her.ha!)
  • You look really tired. (don’t even get me started on this one..of course I’m tired).
  • Must be any day now, right?  (what if it’s not any day?  what if it’s next month?)
  • Wow, wonder how big he’ll be. (after they eyeball my belly).
  • You’re still here?  (no words for this one).

Please, don’t say anything if you can’t find something ENCOURAGING to say!  I mean, us preggo ladies are emotional enough without adding some lame-o comment about how big we are.  It’s true—People will say anything , won’t they?!  So, go on and grab a “welcome comment” and make some cute pregnant lady feel like a super model!

 

  • What is your favorite line someone said to you, good or bad, during pregnancy?

 

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

lettuce wraps

 

Ya’ll, these were too good to not share.  I will also confess that my dear husband made them.  Man, I wish I could take credit.

Here are the details:

  • 2 Chicken Breasts (this fed 2 adults and 2 young kiddos)
  • Sesame Oil
  • Chili powder
  • Soy Sauce
  • Romaine Lettuce
  • Veggies of your choice.  I had Trader Joes asian style vegetables that we prepared.
  • Quinoa..again this is of your choice.  You can get a box of flavored or plain.
  • Asian Sesame Dressing..optional.

Instructions

  • Pan Sear chicken breasts, in a wok, with sesame oil, a splash of chili powder and soy sauce.  This is just enough to flavor the chicken, not soak it.  You can also grill the chicken if you have time.
  • When chicken is half way done, add half a bag of Trader Joes frozen Asian veggies or fresh veggies of your choice.
  • While cooking chicken, cook quinoa, in a separate pot, according to instructions on box.
  • Cook chicken and quinoa until done.  When quinoa is fully cooked, add a little salt and pepper for flavor.
  • Remove chicken and slice for the wraps.
  • Peel apart romain leaves into long strips.
  • Add chicken and veggies to the lettuce.  Top with quinoa.
  • If you would like a little more flavor to the wraps, add 1-2 tbsp of Asian Sesame Dressing.

These were SIMPLE and fantastic.  My kiddos ate everything separate, but still ate the same dinner we ate..SCORE!

Now, for an update on me.

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Today, I am 35 weeks and 5 days.  Can we just call it 36????  Last Monday, over a week ago, I went to the hospital for 2 hrs of contractions.  Good times, good times.  Thankfully, with the help of IV fluids, all contractions were stopped.  No major dilation progress, just my body getting ready. The doctor asked me to take it easy until 36-37weeks.  No bed rest, just prop those feet up when I can. The contractions continue, but are sporadic.   Looks like I will easily make it to 36 and, I pray, onto 37 or more.  Every day is another day of baby getting stronger and healthy!  The planned c-section is set for Friday, May 24th at 7:30 AM.  Seems like a lifetime away, but 3 weeks will fly, right?

I miss my classes, like crazy, but am enjoying getting things ready AND taking naps when I can :)

Have a great Wednesday!

 

Meal Planning

What an incredible week!  I am so grateful for such a supportive community.  Kind words, surprise shower, gifts, love, lunch dates, baby luncheon….thank you to all!!  Even though our family is far, we sure appreciate the relationships we have established up here.

PicMonkey Collage

 

(some of my favorite things from last week)

Now, on to this week.  It’s meal planning time.  If you have not gotten on the “meal planning bandwagon,” I strongly suggest this to make life easier.  On Sunday, I ask my kiddos to pick a “healthy” meal for the week.  We have a big chalkboard in our kitchen and each week I put up the menu.  Gone are the complaints, millions of questions and frowny faces of my sweet children.  Now, they know what to expect and even jump in on food prep!

This week’s menu:

Sunday- Sliders (link will show you grilled chicken sliders as an option).  Grass fed beef and all of the fixins for tonight.  Adults will have lettuce wrapped sliders –delish!

Monday- Veggie Night: Baked potatoes, squash/zucchini mix, black beans,and bell peppers.

Tuesday- Typical Tacos ( soft and hard shell: grass fed ground beef, beans, lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese)

Wednesday- Spaghetti night at church (it’s a fundraiser) :)

Thursday- Slow Cooker Whole Chicken  and veggies

Friday- Spring Break begins..think we will head out to celebrate!

See?  No complicated recipes.  In fact, much of these nights are just typical kid favorites cooked in a healthier way.

Lastly, I want to share my kids new favorite treat: Chocolate Almond Milk Smoothies.  Easiest after school treat EVER:

  • Chocolate almond milk
  • Scoop of peanut butter
  • Half a banana and
  • Blend all in the blender 

 

Supersets

Ever get lost in the gym?  You know where the treadmills are and you have memorized the group fitness schedule.  What do people do in the weight room?  It can be intimidating, but you always hear how great lifting weights can be.  HELP!

My sculpt class worked so hard today so I thought I would share our workout with you.  Many of these moves were inspired or taken from Body Building  and Fitness Magazine.  Check out my Pinterest fitness board more inspiring workouts and ideas.

 

Super Set Wednesday

  • Bicep Curls -10 to 12 reps
  • Tricep Overhead Extension-10-12 Reps

 

Repeat 3 times

bicep curltripep

 

  • Hammer Curls -10 to 12 reps
  • Tricep Double Arm Kickbacks -10-12 Reps

Repeat 3 times

hammer-curltriceps-kickback

  • Warrior Lunge (8 reps each leg)
  • Squat with leg raise (8 reps each leg): Do one squat and then slowly lift your leg with the resistance band on.

Repeat 3 times

warriorsquat

 

  • Chest-Open Fly (10-12 reps can be done on stability ball or bench)
  • Rear Deltoid Raise (10-12 reps)

Repeat 3 times

chestD-db-rear-delt-fly

 

 In the first set, make sure to start with a heavier weight.  Often times, we settle for our comfort zone and don’t realize how strong we really are.  By the third set, you should find it challenging to complete the reps.  Your option is to lower your weight or to push through..you CAN do it!  Remember that lifting weights will cause your metabolism to burn for up to two hours after your workout is complete.  To find out about other benefits of lifting weights, read this article.

 

***How many times a week do you lift weights?

***Do you take a class or work out on your own?

Choose Joy

Happy Monday Friends!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I had a blast teaching a Zumba class with my teaching buddy Michelle.  She is 3 preggo weeks behind me, so we thought it would be fun to waddle across the floor together.  39 fantastic ladies showed up and danced their behinds off with us.  Thank you to all who came and thanks to Michelle for inviting me!

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As I enter week 33, I have to tell you that my body is starting to hurt.  Back pain, bottom pain, leg pain…nothing serious, but just uncomfortable.  Shortness of breath is taking over, as I walk up 3 stairs, and sleep is a long lost friend.  These remaining 6 weeks seem to drag, BUT  the end result is pure joy.  (Dear family, please remind me of this as I voice my complaints more and more often).  As timing would have it, my husband sent me an article (not directed at me :) of course), on what people who choose happiness do differently.  I thought it was a great way to start the week and had to share it with you all.

This article comes from The Corporate Athlete Institute newsletter.  The following are highlights to inspire you this week.

  • Don’t hold grudges.
  • Treat everyone with kindness.
  • See problems as challenges.
  • Express gratitude for what they already have.
  • Dream big.
  • Don’t sweat the small stuff.
  • Never make excuses.
  • Wake up at the same time every morning.
  • Avoid social comparison.
  • Choose friends wisely.
  • Never seek approval from others.
  • Take the time to listen.
  • Nurture social relationships.
  • Meditate.
  • Exercise.
  • Live minimally.
  • Tell the truth.
  • Establish personal control.
  • Accept what cannot be changed.

DSC01247

I love this inspiring list.  Don’t we all need a reminder that we need to CHOOSE joy even when life seems a little bumpy?  This week, I am going to focus on: not sweating the small stuff, avoiding comparison, and living minimally.

******What are several things, from this list, that you can focus on to improve your outlook on life?

 

 

Fit Pregnancy

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It’s happening!  9 weeks until my scheduled C-Section on May 24th.  Am I ready?  Yes and no.  Yes, I am ready to meet him and ready to get rid of this large basketball!   AND no, we are not ready with his room and or with getting all of our baby “equipment.”  Still collecting a few odds and ends and putting together furniture.  This is all still so surreal.  Excited, nervous, anxious, thrilled…bring on #3!

So, the number ONE question I am getting is, “You are still teaching?  How much longer are you gonna keep on?”

Yes, I am still teaching.  Teaching 4 classes, in fact: BodyPUMP, 2 Zumba classes and a Sculpt class.  I am really grateful for these classes because they have allowed me to feel so good throughout the pregnancy.  Even during the first trimester, when I was seriously ill, I out- exercised the nausea.  I would go into class feeling horribly sick and come out feeling rejuvenated.

As far as how long I will teach?  I think I will finish teaching BodyPUMP in the next few weeks, simply because of the logistics. Getting up and down, and talking throughout the class causes my heart rate to fluctuate quite a bit.  It honestly leaves me a bit light-headed.  I have loved every week, but I think my time, of letting go, is drawing near.  As far as the other 3 classes, I believe I will make it through the end of April.  Fingers CROSSED.

Here’s what I have DEFINITELY decided: I will continue to teach as long as I feel good.  I will not feel competitive with myself or allow myself to push because of pride.  Okay, so that’s more of a promise to me. :)

Now, back to the main reason of writing this post.  I cannot believe how differently I have felt in this pregnancy compared with the first two.  Exercise has made all of the difference in helping me feel strong, energetic and motivated.  Here are a few reasons to keep your routine going:

Exercise Benefits During Pregnancy

  1. Increased level of energy.
  2. Increased blood flow.
  3. Reduces stress.
  4. Increases strength.
  5. Childbirth preparation.
  6. Helps work muscles that would otherwise stiffen up.
  7. Could and should help you get pre-preggo body back.

There are also a few ways to take precaution while exercising:

  1. Stay hydrated.
  2. Watch your heart rate.
  3. Do not push yourself.  It is always best to go lighter than heavier.
  4. Lightly stretch afterwards.
  5. Check with your doctor before you start exercising during the pregnancy.
  6. Do not add a new type of exercise that you didn’t do before the pregnancy.  Example: Run a half marathon if you were only running 5Ks.
  7. Stop if anything hurts or is uncomfortable.

I am so grateful that my classes have kept me going for 7.5 months.  Bottom Line: Get up and move.  Walk, lift weights, take classes and be good to your body.  Your body and your baby will thank you.

 

Question: What type of exercise did you do or are you doing during pregnancy?

 

Women’s Health Workouts: Weights

Happy March 8th and it’s SNOWING!

snow

Honestly, it has put me in the crabbiest mood, just ask my family.  I think I have the winter blues, BUT I know Spring is coming.  Just praying for sooner rather than later.

In my moping, sad, pregnancy hormone state, I decided to work on a few new workout ideas for my sculpt classes.  Shall we go over the benefits of weights?

  • Your metabolism burns for up to 2 hours after your workout (that means calories are burning away!)
  • Stronger bones.
  • Lean muscle wins over fat.
  • Cardiovascular improvement.
  • Tight arms in time for summer!

And those are just a few reasons to get your head in the game!

Some of my favorite moves come from Women’s Health Magazine, because they are geared specifically towards women.  I have been pinning away this morning, if you are a pinterest junkie.  Often times women use the excuse of, “I don’t want to bulk up” or “weights are boring.”  Your weight workouts do not have to be either: bulky or boring!

Here are a few workouts from Women’s Health that use lighter weights and higher repetitions, which tend to tone our flabby areas:

Bye Bye Arm Jiggle

Last Minute Beach Body Workout

Flatten your Belly

I love seeing new and fresh ideas to spice up a routine.  If you are intimidated to do this on your own, check out a sculpt or weight class at your local gym.  There is always power in numbers as everyone works for a common goal.

 

 

Meal Planning

Happy late Monday!  Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  We sure enjoyed ourselves as we got another 6-8″ of snow.

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At this point, I think I am a professional at surviving winter in New England.  Driving?  No problem.  Warm Clothes?  For sure!  Shoveling?  Gives me more muscles.  However, I am ready for Spring.  Bring on March or April.  It’s time to see some GREEN!

Winter Break, this week, brings many evenings at home, so I decided to get a meal plan in place.  Planning always saves us money and keeps my family on track with healthier eating.  I usually recruit my kids to help at the grocery store.  They have fun searching for the items we need and help me find the prettiest fruits and veggies.   Cooking in, planning menus, buying ahead: all so worth it!

Weekly Menu: 

  • Monday- Dinner with friends.
  • Tuesday:  Veggie Night- each person, in the family, gets to pick their favorite veggie.  (Baked potatoes, broccoli, green beans, bell peppers and tomatoes are the choices this week.)
  • Wednesday: Lighter Chicken Tetrazzini- Can’t wait to try this for the first time.
  • Thursday: Momma gets a night out with the girls!  Family is having soup and sandwiches.
  • Friday- Grilled chicken and veggies
  • Saturday- Cheesy Italian Stuffed Peppers from Fitness Magazine- another first time recipe.

Bonus: For a fun breakfast, this morning, IR and I made Healthier Blueberry Muffins.  I wrote this recipe post last year and still flip back to it.   This breakfast delight is not as sweet as a store bought muffin, but we all love them. If you haven’t tried these, add them to your breakfast menu.

Have a great week!

Supplement Education

Supplements?  I know what you are thinking.  Supplements are like steroids, only for crazy bodybuilders.

I used to think the same thing, but after a year of reading and researching, I have found that supplements can be really helpful and healthy for our bodies.   Extra protein, vitamins and natural nutrients can enhance our diets and fuel the body.  You see, years ago, food was probably enough of a resource to give us all we need.  However, foods are now minimized, processed, and chemically treated to the point that they are not enough.

Another reason to try supplements is for those that need a “jump start or “restart” on the way they are eating.   I have known so many who are at a loss and need a cleansing.  Skipping protein, they crave carbs, fats, and sugars.  Cleaning out their systems and rebuilding with the proper nutrition can be a lifesaver.

Brandon and I fall into the first scenario.  Eating the best we can, we still fall short on protein.  We could really use amino acids to aid in muscle repair.  After talking with Brandon, and looking into our fitness goals, we decided to finally pull the trigger on purchasing supplements, specifically Advocare products.

My college roomie, her husband, and her sister have had major success with Advocare .  I have had the pleasure of following their journeys over the last year and have done my own research on the products.  Advocare products are formulated with “the highest quality ingredients and standardized herbal extracts for best absorption, well balanced nutrition and consistent results.”  It is not just for weight loss, but for those seeking nutrition.  Key word for me: Nutrition.  Other reasons that I am giving these products a try is because of who endorses this company: Drew Brees, Colt McCoy, President George W. Bush, Andy Andrews and Michael W. Smith to name a few.

 

Take a look at Amy’s (college roomie) journey…….
amy2

Over the next few weeks, I am going to highlight some of the products that Brandon is consistently trying.  I am taking a few of the pregnancy-safe options, but will kick off my bigger journey post-baby.

The first product spot-light is the 24 day Challenge.  I have known around 10 or more people(within the last 6 months) to take this challenge and all of them have had amazing results.  The challenge starts with a 10 day cleanse to clean out your intestinal track  and prepare it for the proper nutrition.  The cleanse is all natural and endorsed by a medical advisory board.  After cleansing, you fill your system with extra proteins, essential fatty acids, and CLEAN foods.  One of my favorite parts of the challenge is the education.  You are given ideas for grocery lists and meals and foods to avoid.  It does not require a trip to the most expensive grocery store, but it does require you to keep away from sugars and boxed foods!  Let me reiterate: you do not pop a pill and expect results.  You must eat lean and clean and partner with the products!  Also, keeping up your exercise is key.

NBC News endorses the cleanse here: Cleanse Video

Are you in a rut?  Have you plateaued?  Is your energy at a loss?  Do you need a restart or a jump start on the way you feed your body?  Are you exercising but can’t quite get a handle on the food piece?  If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, let me introduce you to a new way of looking at nutrition.  Email me with any questions you might have or leave a comment below.  

Question: Are you familiar with the Advocare products?  Which products do you use?