Pregnanancy and eating out....conveniance over smart choices

It seems like since Easter weekend I've wanted to devour anything and everything.  Between all the traveling and Easter my food intake has been less than impressive.   I must say, I'm actually sick of eating out.  Even though we tried to go to healthier places, subway or sit down joints, I'm still over it.  But now that I'm not eating it as much I do miss the convenience.  Lets face it, most people eat out because they don't want to cook themselves.   That was hard to get over when I got back.  I don't want to deal with meal planning and cooking dinner.  However, I don't want to deal with gaining 70 lbs during this pregnancy either.  
Don't think I came home and started eating fresh fruits and veggies while singing Kum by Ya at the dinner table.  I came home to no food and decided to eat out for two days before we actually made it to the grocery store.  Even though I was sick of take away foods, I did enjoy the convenience.   But that must change.

I have been eating at home now.  Getting back to our regular schedule.  It's crazy to see how the food changed my son.  He constantly asks for cereal or mac n cheese.  While we do occasionally eat those, it's time for a break.  The other day I made rice and beans with green beans.  It was very good.  Felt good to have REAL home cooked food in my body again.  I noticed results almost immediately.  I felt good, more energy and realized (once again) how important it is as to how food effects our bodies. 

Anyways- for the update.  I went to my doc last week.  I'm happy to say that I've only gained 10 lbs!!!!  By this time with my first I had already gained 35 lbs!  I'm glad I made the choices I made while on vacation.  Even though I ate out, I still made good choices.  No soda, only water.  Baked not fried.  Limit desserts.  There was a time when i would have gained 10 lbs on a vacation alone!   My plan until delivery is to continue to work out, eat healthy and focus on a HEALTHY pregnancy!  :)  

Disney Success Club Trip With a Toddler....

It was amazing.   Since joining Beachbody in October of 2011, I have come so far.  I've done other network marketing companies but haven't felt that special something.   In January of 2012 Beachbody announced that they were going to Disney World for their annual success club trip.  I knew I was going.  One way or another, I was going to go!   What I learned over this past year was amazing.  :)  I really enjoyed meeting new coaches and learning new things.  I set goals, tried, and conquered.  I qualified for the trip and I went!  BEST DECISION EVER! 

I arrived a day early and got to relax with my son at the resort.   We ended up eating at Trex in down town Disney.  That was ok, overpriced but now I can say we went.   Day 1 we went to Hollywood Studios.  My son (2 years old) enjoyed many of the shows - including the Buzz Light year one!  Tip:  Get a fast pass for that first thing!  I waited less than 10 minutes while the stand by wait was over an hour!  His favorite by far was the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground.  He didn't really explore much, just wanted to climb the net tower over and over again!  This was a fairly low key park and good for starting off. 

Day 2 was a short day as we had a reception party to attend that evening.   We went to the Polynesian for breakfast with Lilo and Stitch then hit Animal Kingdom.  We were only there about 5 hours but hit all the main things.  Rod really loved the Jungle Cruise, train to Rafiki's, and Nemo show.  We would have stayed a bit longer but had to get ready.  The reception was great.  So kid friendly!   Also - the invitation said Beachbody would provide "lite fare."  Apparently, that meant Mahi Mahi, shrimp skewers, boca burgers, burrito's, salad, dessert, and even a special kids menu that included Mickey Mouse shaped macaroni!  It was very family themed, characters, music, balloon animals....all very appreciative since I brought my son!  

My son and I with Donald and Goofy

My best friend Alison and I at the reception

Day 4 we did not go to any park.  We had a conference all day.   I teamed up with a few other coaches and used a Disney baby sitter.  She was awesome.  So was the conference.  I think my new favorite speaker is Chris Widener.  He is so funny.  It was a relief to hear some comedy along with some insightful advice!  I recommend looking him up on Youtube.  Smart, smart man!    After our conference we had a few hours before we went to our team cocktail party.   There is something special about getting together with your team mates!   Each one of us is a piece to a successful puzzle.  I know I can count on these people for help and advice.    So glad to be on a team with these amazing people!

Days 5 and 6 were my favorite.  We spent those two days at Magic Kingdom!  Not only did my son have the time of his life, but I got to see his eyes light up and watch him have fun! Watching him was so amazing.  We also ate at Chef Mickey's.  This was so fun.  It was nice that the monorail stopped here so that we were able to leave the park, eat, and go back all by monorail.  The service was good, it was buffet style and over all, just a great time.   I'm also glad to say that my son has my passion for Disney.  he did not want to leave.  He enjoyed every minute of it as much as I did.  :) 

There is a part of me that still can't believe I earned that trip.   It was important for me to involve my family in the rewards.  I am so thankful that Beachbody puts together events like this.  I always learn new things, meet new people, and end up happy that I am happy to be working with this company.   It truly is a company whose heart is in the right place. 

My transformation....before pregnancy

When I started with Beachbody, I was the highest I had been.  My self esteem was shot, I was negative and I quit caring.  I guess thats not completely true, if I had quit caring I would have joined a challenge group.  That's beside the point.  I had forgotten about where I had been until I came across this transformation picture.  

 

It made me realize how far I had come!  As I sit here typing this I realize that my pregnant belly is expanding.  To date, I've gained just 8 lbs.  I had requested my documents from my first pregnancy and by this time I had put on nearly 30 lbs.   It baffled me.  I really did take "eating for two" to heart.  In all honesty, I had not lost all the weight from my first.  My plan was to have it all gone and be bikini ready by June.   I did not think I'd be pregnant mid transformation!  Maybe it's a good thing?  I'm striving to not put on the same amount of weight I did with my first.   I'm paying closer attention to what I eat and making myself exercise.  Even when I'm completely exhausted and want to do nothing but put my feet up and relax!  
Working out has changed a bit.    I modify burpees, push ups, and other things.  but I get them done.  One thing I find very difficult to do is mountain climbers.   My darn belly gets in the way.  But more importantly, I'm getting it done.  It's not an option.  I need to be healthy for not only myself but for my children.  They deserve a happy mom. 
I consider myself blessed to be able to work out while pregnant.  To have the support and encouragement from my team to  keep going and never giving up.  I cannot wait to see my transformation after I deliver this baby.  I have am at a better position in my life.  I understand more about myself and about my body.  I understand how foods effect me.  I understand what I want.  This all gives me the drive to keep going.    I plan on working out the rest of my pregnancy, drinking my shakeology, and being an example to other moms out there who don't think they have it in them.  It certainly isn't easy, but it can be done.  :)

Hip Hop Abs on sale, Before and After pictures

Hip Hop Abs is a fantastic program that incorporates dancing and weight loss!  The music is fun and so is the dancing!   Want it cheaper?  It's currently on sale!  Right now, you can get Hip Hop Abs for $19.95.  Want the Delux edition?  You can get that for $39.90.  The best deal is the Hip Hop Abs challenge pack.  These NEVER go on sale!  For $140 you will get the entire Hip Hop Abs program, nutrition guide, personalized nutrition meal, a bag of shakeology, FREE shipping, incredible support and a spot in my upcoming challenge group! Challenge groups are the KEY to success.  Support, encouragement, accountability and success!
This is for a LIMITED time only - so don't miss out!  :)  Get it while you can!

Daya lost 30 lbs in just 2 months using Hip Hop Abs!

Here are Dixon's results!
"With Hip Hop Abs I've lost 58 pounds, over 13 inches on my waist. I went from a size 46 to a size 34. I'm down to 12 percent body fat."

This is a great deal - and if you enjoy dancing and want to get in shape, you do NOT want to miss this!  March 4th is the start date of my challenge group!  If your ready for success - don't hesitate to contact me TODAY!

Trials of Working Out With a Toddler

    I'm in my third week of Les Mills Combat and already I've learned a few things.   When I started, I had decided to work out first thing in the morning.   Now, the easy thing to do would be to wake up before my son and get it done right?  Well, my son typically gets up between 5:30 and 6:30 in the morning.  And we co sleep.  So, even if I wanted to set my alarm earlier, it would be pointless as he would wake up too.  It hasn't been as hard as I expected.
     My plan is to continue working out in the morning.  That way he knows, we work out first.   But plans change.  He was starting to act up.  Get fussy and want me to stop.  I always fed him breakfast and worked out while I ate.  Last week I finally realized what he wanted was me to eat breakfast with him.  What a HUGE difference that makes.  Typically I would grab an apple and eat that as I was getting ready.   Now, I make sure we eat together, even if he's eating a full meal and I'm eating a pre workout snack.  He's happier and I get my work out in.
     I also want to keep him entertained.  I know watching me isn't the most fun thing in the world.  So in my room, I will have on The Disney channel or PBS.   He rarely watches it though.  He usually watches whatever show is on for a few minutes and then comes into the living room with me.  Turns out, I make a great bridge!   During hovers or side hovers he will crawl under me with his trucks.  Or climb on my back and say "WOOOOAAAAH!  RIDE!"   By the way, I get mad props for doing the hover with an extra 23 lbs on my back.  :)   I was impressed.  :)
    So whats my point in all this?  Be flexible.  Sometimes a kid needs a little extra time - and that just might mean breakfast with you!   You will have to stop mid work out to kiss a boo boo, redirect attention, get milk, or change a diaper.  IT'S OK - quickly resolve the situation and get back to your work out.   If your child is climbing on you while your working out - LET THEM!  It gets them involved and allows you fun interaction with your child.  Let them be involved.  Have them do push ups, throw punches, or do squats.  YOU are the biggest example in your child's life.  Give them a good start and show them that exercising is fun.  Make your work outs a family affair! And most of all - HAVE FUN!  Having fun during exercise is just as important to you, as it is to your child.  Keep up the great work - YOU CAN DO THIS! <3
   

Organizing is a lot like weightloss

I am not a neat person.  I am a messy.  I am unorganized.   I am a pack rat.  But I am working on changing because it has simply gotten to be to overwhelming.  I don't want to raise my son in an unorganized home.  Nor do I want him to be as  unorganized as I am.   When I signed up for Chalene Johnsons 30 Day Push Challenge, one of my goals was to have a clean room.  It's where I lay my head.  The first room I see when I wake up.  It was important to me to have an organized space.  It has gotten a little crazy as my growing belly grows and my non maternity shirts no longer fit.  I had a lot to do.  

On day one I realized just how much organization was like weight loss.  It's not something that happens over night.  Like the pounds that pile on slowly, so does the junk accumulate in your house.  And that got me thinking....could my lack of organization skills be holding me back?  

The answer is simple.  Yes. For whatever reason, I have an attachment to stuff.  While cleaning I found tickets to an event from my trip to Beachbody's Summit from last June.  As if that wasn't bad enough, I found some ticket stubs to an event I went to while in Hawaii - March of 2010!  Why do I feel the need to keep these things?  I've got pictures!  So I got rid of it.  I was holding onto clothes that didn't fit, clothes that were not my style any more, and clothes....just because.  So - I got rid of them.  Still getting rid of them - as I fold I either put them in a non maternity bin, put them in a drawer/hang up, or donate. It's exhilerating.

But I also realized my attachment to food.  For some reason I put my emotions around food.  Doesn't matter if it's good, bad, sad, bored, lonely....there's a food for that.  Now that I'm done with the Ultimate Reset, I've done better with avoiding those foods. When I do indulge, I notice that I eat them expecting the feelings of what I surround the food with mentally. 

So as I work with my weight loss, I've hit my first experience with the emotional side.  As I continue to eat healthy, work out and treating myself right, I'm finding that I need more.  I'm wanting to have a nicer house.  One that is less cluttered.  As I feel better about myself, I have a desire to feel better about my home.  I've done one room so far.  Getting rid of crap and donating items I know long use is exhilarating.  It feels like a weight is lifted off my shoulders.  I'm sitting in my room as I type this and realize that I am feeling like I can breath again.  My room closet and dresser are organized.  The dressers are dusted and under the bed is clean.   It's been a good day.  And the three days of organizing, totally worth it.  

Exercising While Pregnant!

    Before my first pregnancy I was training for a half marathon.   Then about 6 weeks - I discovered I was pregnant.  And I STOPPED!  I had been working out with my good friend Melissa for weeks.  We would run after work or meet up for local races.   Until I found out I was pregnant.  I was afraid I would hurt the baby.   I started doing a slow elliptical....but that lasted maybe a day and a half.  Walking was sporadic as was yoga or anything else. 
    I could have won any food eating contest, beating out even the most well seasoned of eaters.  I would work all day only to come home and sit on my rear end doing nothing but watching whatever was saved up on my DVR.  Think I couldn't save up enough shows?  HA!  I watched plenty of tv, ate plenty of food, and had no exercise.  This time, it's different.
    Recently, I've been doing Les Mills Combat.  It is completely different!  I can't believe how winded I get.   I do take a few breaks, drink extra water, and don't do any crazy jumps.  I can still do burpees though!  Albeit, a bit slower than normal but I'm doing them nonetheless.  I feel so proud of myself.   Me....pregnant...and doing burpees!!!  Besides the burpees, I'm doing some awesome combat type kicks and punches.  My kicks, I'm sure, look a bit funny with my growing belly!
    Truth of the matter, being pregnant is NOT an excuse to sit around eating bon bons all day.  If you have received the ok to exercise while pregnant from your doctor - why would you not do it!  What are the benefits?

• improved mood
• helps control weight gain
• improves circulation
• Increases chances of having easier, shorter, and less complicated birth
• Helps with the exchange of oxygen to the placenta
• Better sleep
• Increases self image

    So don't makes excuses like I did my first round.  Gaining 70 pounds is NOT fun, especially while pregnant.   It made my pregnancy harder and made getting the weight off more difficult than I could even imagine.  So even though exercising while pregnant is hard, being three months pregnant and 70 pounds heavier is even hard.  So go me.  I've got wonderful support from my friends and family.  I've gotten up every day this week to start my new program.  I feel good, and I know that I'm improving my life and the life of my baby by taking care of myself.  :)

***Before starting any workout regime, pregnant or not, it's important to consult your doctor. ***