This time will be different....

        Here we are nearing the beginning of a new year.  I had made a goal for weight loss but there is a bump in the road.  A baby bump that is.   :)  I've been debating on writing about my pregnancy for weeks now and have finally decided to do it.  I also want the accountability.  My first pregnancy was so different from what I'm going through now.  To understand where I'm coming from, I wanted to tell you about my first pregnancy. 
       When I found out I was pregnant the first time I was so excited and ready to show.  I annoyed all my co workers by constantly asking "Am I showing yet?"  on a daily basis - while I was 8 weeks pregnant.  Then I started going down hill with my food intake - almost immediatly.  I told people "I'm eating for two" card ate for four.   I started my mornings with ice cream sandwiches at 8:00 a.m.   I worked at a pre school and parents were always bringing in goodies.  Lunch would often consist of Fries and a Shake from the local Runza.   I tried to keep this "meal" at one time a week but that quickly climbed to two or three because it's all I wanted.  I also ate those little life saver mints constantly.   Dinner was usually carb loaded.  Sometimes it would be cereal.  Other times it would be mashed potatos, dinner roll, and some sort of meat.  Or Noodles.  I LOVED noodles.  I would throw in the occasional fruit and veggie...but really - not enough.  
        As you can see, my diet then was quite unhealthy.   I watched the numbers on the scale rise quickly with every appointment.  I quit weighing myself at home so didn't know how much I had gained until the next appointment.   With every appointment I was more and more discouraged.  Disappointed would also be a good word.  I was crushed when I surpassed 40 lbs.  Devestated when I realized I had gained over 70.  Granted, I was retaining at least 30 lbs of water but still....no excuse for a poor diet and lack of exercise.
       Exercise at first was decent.  I went to the gym and did the treadmill, water aerobics, and walked when it was nice.  Then I got a little bigger, a little more tired, a little more lazy and a little more in denial.  Unfortunately, I believe my drastic weight gain  played a huge role in me having a tough delivery.  24 hours, emergency c section, infected c section and return stay in the hospital - In a nutshell.  This time around, I plan on having a VBAC.  I am using the same Midwife I used before.  She is amazing.   With her continued help I'm sure I can do it!
       I also want to add - that despite the weight gain - I had never felt so good about myself. I LOVED being pregnant.  Every little minute of it.  But I didn't take care of myself.  This go round, I will do it better.  Nearly half way through and I've only gained 4 lbs.  Considering I did that through the holidays I'm pretty happy with that.   I will be following the eating plan of the Ultimate Reset again.  I did indulge a bit over Christmas and this will give me 21 days of HEALTHY eating.  I WILL NOT be doing the detox at all.  Just the meal plan.    Following that I'll be doing Les Mills Combat.  My goal during this pregnancy is to remain active and follow a healthy diet. 
And there you have it - my first pregnancy and what I'm doing differently with this one.   I'm not going to give up all the hard work I've done!  Here's to a healthy pregnancy!

Strawberry Banana Ice Cream

Yes I know it's winter but I love ice cream.  I could eat whether it's 90 degrees or - 9 degrees outside.  I love the stuff.  I don't eat it nearly as much as I did before, but lately,  I've been wanting some so bad!   Not wanting to crash my diet, I went with a healthier option!   Want the recipe?  I thought so!   It is so easy - took me about 15 minutes!

First, you'll want about 2 cups in frozen strawberries and 1 frozen banana.

 Add those to a blender or food processor and add 1 package of Tropical Strawberry Shakeology

 If you like your ice cream super thick, this may be enough, however, I found it to be too thick so I added 1/2 a cup of Almond milk. 

Mix well! and enjoy!

  

I had quite a bit left over so I decided to make popsicles for my son.  I did add more almond milk until it reached the desired consistency. 

Now I have some on hand and ready!  :)  This was a hit at our house.  A healthy, fun treat without the calories and added sugar! 

If you make this, or another variation - I would LOVE to hear it!  

Les Mills Combat - What is it?

 

What is Les Mills Combat?

As you may have heard, Les Mills Combat is one of the newest and most anticipated programs Beachbody has produced.   But what exactly is it?   Les Mills Combat is a 60 day program that combines MMA inspired work outs and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training).  This program synthesizes explosive moves from six martial arts disciplines to trigger lean muscle and burn fat.  They use moves from  

• Boxing
• Muay Thai
• Kickboxing
• Tae Kwon Do
• Karate
• Jiu Jitsu

The secret to this programs results is fast twitch integration training.  This means that the moves work fast twitch muscle fibers, which have the greatest capasity for change.  Les Mills Combat is designed to burn massive amounts of calories and maximize lean muscle definition in a short amount of time.

Who is Les Mills Combat For?
Les Mills Combat is for anyone!  It will help those with beginning fitness levels looking for fun, to burn fat and add lean muscle.   People of moderate athletic abilities can use this to take their bodies to the next level.   For those who are extremely fit, this is great to burn away the last few pounds and reach a higher potential.   Included with the program are three calenders to help with each group.  The basic Les Mills Combat calender will be good for those who are new to fitness or at a moderate level.  The Supreme Warrior would be good for those who already work out on a regular basis.  Would be especially good if you have done Insanity or P90X.    The final calender is the Ultimate Warrior calender.  It follows the Ultimate Warrior Kit. Modifications are also shown for all work outs.

What's in the kit?

Basic kit includes:

• 7 work outs on 5 DVD's
• Calender
• Fitness and Nutrition guides
• BONUS: Bonus DVD and Free shipping when you order through me!

Supreme Warrior Kit:
 
 

• Everything from the Basic kit is included
• Gloves
• Free Bonus DVD and Free shipping when you order through me

Ultimate Warrior Kit:

• Everything from the Basic kit
• Gloves
• 2 extra DVD's with 4 additional work outs
• Bonus DVD and Free shipping when you order through me

Why Pre-order?
When you pre-order, you will get the free shipping and bonus DVD.  This offer is ONLY available when you order through your favorite Beachbody coach!   When you pre-order by December 3rd, you will receive this before Christmas.  There is no guarantee that if you don't pre-order you will receive it before Christmas.   One more bonus - You do not pay until it ships!  Pre-order now, pay later!  :)

How can I get it?
EASY!  Click on the photo below!  Looking forward to pushing play with you!

Exercise and Mommy Guilt

Working out in itself is hard.  Working out with a toddler - well that becomes a great big challenge some times.   Like last week when I was trying to do Les Mills Pump.  My son would not let go of the bar and screamed "No! Mine! No! Mine!"  while gripping the bar with a strong enough grip I could lift him.   

Then there is today.  Today was one full of mommy guilt over exercising.  How does one continue working out when their child wants attention?   It was hard.  Today I did Rockin' Body.  I wanted to see if it would be a good work out to use while on vacation.  The program I did today was approximately 40 minutes so not too long.   It was apparently too long for my son.   At first he did great.  He was even "working out" with me. Then he moved onto toys and doing his own thing.   His time limit expired when I had 5 minutes and 38 second left.   He was done.   Trying to climb on me, crying at my feet, and obviously not wanting me to finish.  But I had too.

My son had been fed, had a clean diaper, and had plenty of toys in his room and the living room to play with.  Even still, I felt guilty for putting my exercise ahead of him.  Even if it was just 5 minutes remaining.  My son is my inspiration.   I want to show him that I am a fit, healthy mom and one he can look up too.  So for today, my desire to be healthy took over my role as a mom.  I'm still feeling a little guilty for it.  But as I told my son, now we have the entire day to play and hang out - I just needed a work out.

I think finding time to work out and be a mom can be hard.  It's all about balance.  It isn't always easy.  But I can rest easy knowing that my son is seeing me be a fit and healthy mom.   Despite days like today, working out with him awake is usually a bonus.  I get my work out in early and he watches me do something healthy.   So moms (and dads!),  that one hour work out may make you feel a little guilty, but think of the benefit you are giving yourself and your family!  Have a great week and keep working out! 

SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, currently affects 6% of people residing in the United States alone.  I am one of those people.  As soon as daylight savings starts it's like a switch.  My depression (which I have been battling for a while now) gets worse and my anxiety goes through the roof.  This year I decided to do a little research.  

SAD occurs around the same time every year, usually in fall and winter.  In rare cases it occurs in spring and summer months.  It affects more women than men.  In fact, 3 out of 4 women between the ages of 18 - 30 are typically affected.   Those affected commonly live in the Northern and Southern hemispheres.    If you already suffer from depression and anxiety, SAD my worsen it. 

If you experience these symptoms the same time every year, you may be one of the 6% - and you should seek advice from your doctor.

• Weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating at school or work
• Craving foods high in carbs, like breads and pasta
• Low energy, tired
• Social withdraw
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Hopelesness

The causes of SAD are currently unknown.  However, some scientists believe it has to do with the short day light hours and lack of vitamin D.   So what can you do about it?

First, if you think you suffer from SAD, you should seek medical help.  There are several options your doctor may suggest.   

Light therapy for one, may be an option.  Light therapy, or phototherapy, is a light box that mimics natural light.  This may change brain chemicals to enhance your mood.   It may even start working in 2 -4 days.

Antidepressants may be option for some, especially if your suffering is extreme.  

Talk therapy may help as well.  You may learn to change your negative thoughts, learn healthy ways to cope with SAD and manage stress.  

In addition, you may also try some home remedies.   Open blinds during the day.  Sit near bright windows.  Get outside.  Go for a walk, take your kids to the park or just sit on a park bench.  This is especially affective within two hours of waking up.   

Exercise regularly and eat healthy.  Studies show that a healthy diet and regular exercise will reduce stress and anxiety.

Some homeopathic options may be acupuncture, yoga, meditation or massage. 

I hope this provides you with some useful information.  If you suffer from this, I would love to hear from you.  How you deal with it, what works, what didn't, your experience over all.   Once again, if you suspect that you may be suffering from depression, anxiety, or SAD, please contact your doctor for proper treatment. 

References: 

http://www.webmd.com/depression/tc/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-topic-overview?page=2

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195

First race post reset...

I did my first race since the Ultimate Reset.  I was very nervous because the race wasn't too long after the reset ended.    I did the Mud Factor at Vala's Pumpkin Patch.  I did so much better than I thought I would.  I was able to run nearly the whole time.  I got held up at the obstacles because there were so many people.  But I took that as a welcomed break.    The race wasn't officially timed but my husband said it took me about an hour and 15 -20 minutes.  I'll take that!  The hardest part I think was the mud.  We basically went through a small creek.   There was not much water and mainly mud.  Thick, deep, lose your shoes mud.  I fell several times and did a belly flop with a group of strangers.  After getting my feet stuck in shoes several times I decided they had to go.  I finished the creek carrying those heavy, wet, and muddy shoes!  Unfortunately the muddy creek contained lots of rocks.  Fortunately I only managed a small cut that I just now noticed. 
The only obstacle I did not enjoy was the slope.  It was steep, wood, and slippery from previous runners.   There were no ropes so we had to depend on each other.   But it took a long time  to get everyone through.   I was also disappointed to see so many people cheating. There were lots of people cutting corners and taking short cuts.  I don't know why.  The event wasn't timed.  It was a challenge against yourself and your own capabilities.  They way I saw it, they were only hurting themselves.  
I had a lot of fun.  he weather  could not have been more perfect.  The mud was a bit chilly but at least I wasn't sweltering before I was done!  If you have a mud run near you, do it.  I really enjoy them.  They make running so much more fun!  This week - get out and do something! 

Ultimate Reset Results!

Today was my first day after the reset.  I surprised myself.  I did not grab everything I could get my hands on.  In fact, I wasn't even tempted.  Ok, maybe a little.  But not enough to do any damage.  Breakfast was a big bowl of fruit.  I couldn't resist.  Lunch was peanut butter shakeology.  It was fantastic.  And dinner was at my parents house.  They had corn bread and ham and bean soup.  I am not quite ready to add in a lot of ham so instead I had two small pieces of corn bread.  I did add a little butter.  I also had a carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper when I got home.  Oh - and my mom made a cake with peanut butter frosting.  It smelled amazing. But you know what?  I did not try this hard to rid my body of toxins just to fill it up again.  I'm sure I will eat sweets again - but not quite yet.  I still need a little anti - sweets time!  Also kept out dairy today.  I'll slowly start adding that back in.  Now....what else was I going to talk about?  Oh yes - results!

I love the sleep I'm getting.  I feel so amazing.  It's so deep and truly restful.   My over all mood has improved.  I'm happier and feel more positive.  My skin is clearer and softer.   I have more energy and am loving the amazing food (most of it) that I have been eating.  I truly love that I learned to listen to my body and  can tell the difference between being hungry, thirsty, bored, or pissed off.  Apparently I eat when I'm mad.  Every time I got mad I thought about some sort of junk food.  Strange.  The best and most important thing that this reset did, was teach me that although my son is young, he is watching what I eat.  This reset allowed both of us to try new foods and I am so proud that he was learning to eat more foods.  And healthier foods.  This was the best thing for me to see.  I also lost weight.  18 lbs.  I'm happy about it.  Still seems like a shock.  But here is the picture

Day 1

Day 21 

Day 1

Day 21

Still embarrassing to post these but I needed too.   Now - should I do P90X or Les Mills Pump?  I just don't know!

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me or click here.