Getting better

how do you know if you’re progressing? It doesn’t matter what you’re talking about; running, weight loss, or making an action a habit. The answer is simple…you notice change.

Last night I was running on the treadmill (yes I love it because I can watch tv while I run), and hadn’t planned on running too fast.  400m slow run, 400m fast x 5 or 6 times. I’ve done this speed work before and usually my slow is walking and my fast is 6/6.5.  Well, what do you know…I’m getting faster. My slow was actually a slow run (5mph) instead of a walk and my fast was 8 instead of 6.5. I’m definitely getting faster and my training is paying off. The little revelation was unexpected but much appreciated. I’m currently training for a half marathon and the long runs on the treadmill are getting a little boring. But, knowing that I’m getting faster is helping me endure the runs because I know they can be run a little faster. 

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New Years resolutions

This post is coming a bit late, but it’s not your traditional resolution post. 

When we start making resolutions we sometimes start thinking about what we should change. For example…I should probably save money this year, I should lose weight, I should go to the gym more, etc. BUT what if you don’t want to? What if you’re healthy but your BMI is 26? What if you are financially stable and you love spending money on yourself, family, or friends? What if you HATE going to the gym but like exercising at home? Should you make the resolutions that you know you won’t keep? Of course not. Decide what you want, what is realistic, and what has meaning to you. Resolutions are about personal growth and betterment. If you don’t like a frugal you and can afford to spend money then spend within your means. If you exercise at home and spend more time with your family, embrace it! If you are healthy and your BMI is slightly over 25 then exercise for your health. Stop focusing on what others say you should be doing and start focusing on yourself 🙂

Omega 3s

I’m not a huge fan of chia seeds but came across this yogurt at the store last week.  

 
I actually bought it for my middle kiddo because he loves blood oranges, but he didn’t want it. It’s very tasty, sweet, full of protein and omega 3s, and pretty satisfying. The flavor isn’t overwhelming but very delicious. 

So, if you’re looking to mix up your yogurt and throw some omegas around, try it out! 

The road to veganism

im not a huge fan of meat even though it offers a plethora of vitamins and minerals that are good for our bodies. You can get most everything from plants. 

Our little guy is now 8 months and my husband wasn’t very happy that I didn’t want to eat meat during the pregnancy. So, we compromised and I ate meat once a day. I’ve done this throughout the pregnancy and the duration of my breastfeeding which is still going. I’m happy with my decision and plan to go vegetarian and eventually vegan. Although the hubby isn’t happy with it he’s supportive. He and my kiddos still eat meat daily and that’s ok with me. It’s their decision. My 4.5 year old asked why we have to kill animals to eat yesterday and I took the opportunity to talk about different diets and how we can choose to eat meat or choose not to. He knows where his food comes from and I’m happy. 

My dinner today consisted of a hummus, grilled pineapple, and kale sandwich while the kiddos and hubby had BBQ beef and pork.  

 
The kids may see the hubby’s meaty diet and follow, but they also see mine full of vegetables!

Baby food prep

I saw a post on Facebook about freezing little pieces of puréed baby food to help with self feeding. Well, it works! Below I have puréed peas, curtesy of my ninja and steamer. 

  
I took a baby spoon and dropped little morsels of peas on parchment paper and then popped them into the freezer. It’s also really easy to transfer these into a jar and keep in the freezer u till you’re ready to use. 

Weight loss while breastfeeding

many patients come in post baby because they can’t lose weight. Some even take drastic measures to get to the weight they want.  However, there is no need to. Embrace breastfeeding and being able to eat a little bit more to keep your supply up. You can burn up to an extra 500 calories a day by breastfeeding. This doesn’t mean that you can eat tons of calories…just eat a bit more to continue breastfeeding. If you’re trying to cut some calories to promote weight loss while nursing consume no less than 1500 calories a day or your supply may suffer.  Don’t forget to continue your prenatal vitamins, calcium supplements, and some omega-3s. 
Another weight to get some calories burning is by doing physical activity. I love doing things that involve the kiddos like running, hiking, and walking 🙂

Opadipity! I’m very impressed with this yogurt dip. It’s creamy and a bit spicy. I’ve tried with tortillas, crackers, veggies, and even as a salad dressing. It’s a bit pricy ($3+) for 12 oz and is found in the produce refrigerated section. The only downside for me (and probably not for others) is that it contains eggs. I’m not a huge egg fan but you can’t taste them in the dip. 

Weight loss

It is simple…eat a little less than you burn…exercise a little bit more. 

I’ve been seeing a lot of Facebook posts here lately about quick and easy weight loss. There is no secrect and surely no quick and easy magic fix. Eat sensibly and get moving.  It doesn’t cost any more money than what you’re spending now, perhaps even less. 

We usually overestimate how much we exercise and underestimate how much we eat. Start tracking your diet (via sparkpeople or myfitnesspal) and analyze your lifestyle. If you’re honest and make some adjustments you’ll see results. 

Silk almond creamer

I wanted to try something different in lieu of my normal coffee creamer so I picked up a container of silk.  

 
It’s not bad at all. It definitely doesn’t change the color of my coffee like my normal creamer so I need to remember to not add until the color is just right. I was hoping it had a little bit of protein but nope. Regular cow’s milk or soy milk would be a better option for protein, but I’ll enjoy my creamer while I’m drinking my coffee! 

Working out with kids

It can be rather difficult especially with young children. Working around nap times and getting a sitter if you can or going to a gym with childcare. Just when you get into a routine nap times change!  So what do you do? Make adjustments. Perhaps you dust off the jogging stroller and take the kids with you. If you have older kids they can ride their bikes while you run. You can also do some activity that the family can do together. 

You still have to work around the same issues but your body and your health will thank you. Keep your health a priority and your children will see how important it is too.