Sunday 18 November 2012

Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Expecting Mothers *Guest Blog*

Hello everyone! I have the pleasure to introduce Katie Moore. She is doing a guest spotlight blog on Women's health. Please take a moment to read her great blog that she has graciously wrote for my site.



Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Expectant Mothers

The benefits of a healthy pregnancy are widely recognized. Although much information exists on the subjects of health and pregnancy, many women are unsure of how to maintain good health while expecting a child. And while it's true that women may differ in their health goals and needs, all expectant moms can benefit from basic health knowledge. 

Before starting a new health program however, a mother should visit her doctor. A doctor will help decide it a mother is healthy enough to begin a new diet or exercise routine. A doctor is also the best person to ask for advice when it comes to delivery. With so many optional choices to make, circumcision, umbilical cord blood banking and immunizations, a woman should be consulting her doctor every step of the way.

Diet and Exercise
A
healthy, balanced diet should be a priority during pregnancy. Eating the right foods will alleviate many of the negative side effects of pregnancy, such as water retention and constipation, and will also keep blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and weight at healthy levels.

A healthy diet for expectant moms should include lots of fresh produce, lean meats, whole grains and plenty of water. Sugars, fats, complex carbohydrates and processed foods should be kept to a minimum, but giving into pregnancy cravings is okay on occasion. In addition, it's important for expectant moms to eat three meals a day, along with several small snacks, instead of skipping meals. Skipping meals leads to drops in blood sugar levels, which can lead to dizziness, nausea and fainting.

Exercise during pregnancy is a much-debated topic, and there are many opinions on what is safe and what isn't. With all the conflicting information, many women are confused as to which workouts, if any, are right for them. The good news is that, unless a doctor has advised against it, exercise is perfectly healthy for most expectant moms. Regular exercise can improve mood and body function, help maintain a healthy weight and even promote postnatal healing.

Low-impact workouts are recommended during pregnancy, as they aren't as jarring or damaging to the body as high-impact options. A few great exercises for mommies-to-be include walking, prenatal yoga and swimming. Workouts that include a lot of bouncing, twisting or abdominal strain should be avoided, as should heavy lifting and dangerous sports, such as rafting or skiing.

Maintaining Heart Health
 
Since heart disease is a major female health issue, good heart health should be every woman's concern. Since pregnancy causes excess strain on the heart and other organs, maintaining heart health while pregnant should be an even bigger priority. In addition to healthy diet and exercise habits, there are a number of ways expectant moms can keep their hearts in great shape during pregnancy. One way is to avoid stress whenever possible. Stress and anxiety increase blood pressure and heart rate, which make the heart work harder than normally. Expectant moms who suffer from increased stress and anxiety levels can find relief with the help of yoga, meditation or other relaxing activities, such as taking a warm bath or reading a book.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Healthy moms are more likely to have healthy babies. And while some health knowledge is learned, much of it is common sense. Expectant moms should use their best judgment when it comes to
health and lifestyle choices. For example, abstaining from drinking, smoking and other risky behaviors is the obvious choice for moms-to-be, as is eating healthy foods and taking prenatal vitamins. Making healthy choices during pregnancy can lead to a lifetime of better health for both mother and child. 



“Katie Moore has written and submitted this article. Katie is an active blogger who discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter, @moorekm26.”

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Pure Green Coffee Bean Extract


Pure Green Coffee Bean Extract. Lately, you might have heard of this product. It is everywhere, T.V., your local supplement store and even supermarkets. It is being labeled as a weight loss supplement. But what do you really know about it?

What is it? How does it work? Why are TV daytime hosts such as Dr. Oz promoting this supplement? And, what are the side effects?

All very good questions, ones that I’ve asked as well; when my husband brought up this product (after seeing it on the news) and wanted to try it. Here is what I have found:

What is it?
Well, Pure Green Coffee Bean Extract, is just that. Raw beans of the Coffea fruits. Coffee has been attributed for many years for weight loss factors, including studies that suggest coffee may slow down the absorption of fat from foods.

How does it work?
Great question! Well, all the research that I have done shows that if you take 2 pills once or twice a day, 30 minutes before you eat WHILE MAINTING A HEALTHY DIET AND EXCERSIE, can help slow down fat absorption so you burn it off faster, than trying to burn stored fat. This is a very new product, and isn’t promoted as a miracle drug, however in a recent study of adults who used the pure extract, lost 10% of their overall body weight and 4.4% overall body fat.

Why is Dr. Oz promoting this?
Good question. I believe (I don’t know since I’m not a personal friend with him) that he believes in this product. Most my information on the extract itself came from his site (link will be posted below). Now, he hasn’t indorsed a brand, just the extract itself. He (along with other doctors and researchers) warns you to READ THE LABEL! Make sure you are getting 100% pure green coffee bean extract (GCA or SVETOL ), don’t be fooled by the word PURE on the name. If the bottle doesn’t list the ingredients or has fillers and artificial ingredients, DON’T BUY IT!

What are the side effects?
Well, there haven’t been any serious side effects linked to the pure green coffee bean extract, because it is in the purest form. Though there is excitability and other effects from the caffeine (think about drinking a few cups of coffee). If you have an intolerance or an allergy to caffeine, are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is in your best interest to not use this product.

 After reading everything, I decided to support my husband and try this product out myself. I have read the labels and made sure we purchased 100% Svetol (a company brand of the extract) and vegetable dissolvable (for the casing of the pills). I am not interested in the Miracle Pill, as I know they do not exist. After reading MANY reviews on this supplement, I have noticed one thing most negative reviews had in common, that they believed that this would make them lose weight without changing what they eat and becoming active. When it didn’t work they blamed the supplement.
What I have noticed from the supplement, is that added energy from the caffeine. I would not advise to take it before dinner, unless you have a hardcore workout planned later in the evening. I usually take it before lunch and the energy lasts (for me) the rest of the day and into my workout (which helps during those long runs and Insanity). As for the weightloss part, well I haven't seen it yet, because I'm only on day three of this. The pills are rather expensive, so if you rather save your money and drink that cup of coffee, I would go for it! Well that is it for my review. If you would like more information on the product you can visit these sites:

Dr. Oz Green Coffee Bean
Dr. Oz Green Coffee Bean Fact Sheet
Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity journal
weightloss coffees
warning for consumers
Yahoo! News on Green Coffee Bean Extract

 

Monday 5 November 2012

Better than Take Out, Pad Thai


I found this recipe on one of my favorite sites, Skinny Ms.Slow Cooker.
If you haven’t checked it out already, I don’t know what you are waiting for, go now!

With that being said, I tried out their Better than Take Out, Pad Thai. I am going to warn you, this meal does take awhile to prepare. You first make the roast the chicken for a good 45 minutes, then (a genius idea, using spaghetti squash for noodle) bake the Spaghetti Squash for 30 minutes.

But this recipe is worth it! My whole family loved it, including my one year old son.


Ingredients
  • 4 bone-in, skin on chicken thighs (skin will be removed later)
  • 1 small spaghetti squash
  • 1/4 cup lite soy sauce, optional Bragg Liquid Aminos or Tamari
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 tbs sucant or honey
  • 1 1/2 tbs corn starch
  • 1/4 cup natural, smooth peanut butter
  • A few dashes hot sauce
  • 1/2 tbs minced garlic
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 2 cups snow peas
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • pea shoots, optional
  • chopped peanuts, optional
Directions
Preheat oven to 350. Spray a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and place chicken thighs skin side up in dish. Roast for 45 minutes or until cooked through. Remove skin and bones from thighs, roughly chop and set aside.
 
Cut spaghetti squash in half and scoop out seeds. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Place spaghetti squash cut side down on baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Scrape out squash with a fork so that it resembles noodles. Combine with chicken in a large bowl.
Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Combine soy sauce, water, sucanat and corn starch until all blended together. Stir in peanut butter until combined. Stir in hot sauce and garlic and reduce heat to low. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes and keep warm.
 
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add snow peas and carrots to skillet and sauté until soft, about 7-8 minutes. Toss vegetables with squash and chicken. Stir in peanut sauce. Serve in shallow bowls and garnish with pea shoots and peanuts if desired.
 
Serves 4-6.

Wednesday 31 October 2012

Insanity: Pure Cardio Review


Going through my past entries, I have realized that I forgot to write one about Insanity’s Pure Cardio.

Now, Insanity, in my humble opinion is intense on a good day (like say Cardio Recovery). To describe Pure Cardio, I believe Shaun T. says it best, “That sh*t is banana’s, yo!” as he is laying on the floor in a pool of his own sweat.

Honestly, I couldn’t say it any better. There are only two designated water breaks through the whole workout. After the warm-up/stretching and after you are done with pure cardio.

Pure Cardio starts you off with Suicide Drills. Where you run side to side and reaching down to the opposite side (run right, take your left arm and cross your body teach the ground near you right foot).

After what feels like forever, you transition into Switch Kick. Jump from one leg to another, and kick out with your opposite leg.

What comes next is my favorite move, Wide Football Stance. You’ll turn right, front left. Then move right left back, set and then sprint it out!

*Remember, there will be no water breaks during these exercises. Please know your limits! This is a perfect time for water*

Next comes Stance Jacks. A lot like power jacks (which you’ll do later), however you reach down to the ground.

Quickly change into Pedal, where you jump into alternating lunges, then sprint it out. Repeat.

*You’ll start to become tired, Power Through!*

Because, you are going into Hooks and Rope. Throw 8 hooks with each arm then high jump (like extreme jump roping) twice. Wash, repeat.

Followed by Power Jacks, then Level 2 Drills.

Level 2 Drills are made up of 8 pushups, run it out to the count of 8, jump up, jump back, 8 pushups, run it out to the count of 8.. get the sequence?

As you may start to feel this is torture, you move into Frog Jumps. Then Power Knees.

After Power Knees, you have Mountain Climbers. Push through, you are almost there! You may feel like the girl in the video that says “I wanna leave” when Shaun T. asks her how she is doing. It is kind of my favorite moment. Good news! 10 minutes left.

Transition into Ski Jumps (another favorite move).

Then Shaun T. says you get a break with the Scissor Runs (feet flat, alternate feet while pumping arms), however he also tired and can’t remember the name of his own move.  

Good News! Only 2 exercises left! Bad news, those would be Suicide Jumps and Pushup Jacks.

Suicide Jumps, goes a little like this: Bend down, plank, jump feet to arms, jump up, bend down, jump into plank, jump back, jump up…… think you get it.

Pushup Jacks, is exactly that. You’re in plank, jump feet apart, do a push up, feet together, repeat.

At the end of this madness, if you are anything like me, you just face plant into the floor, unable to even speak!

Your second designed water break (and a well deserved)then stretching.

Remember! Know your limits, don’t skip the stretching and drink water to rehydrate after that insane cardio!

 

Tuesday 30 October 2012

A New Direction

First, I want to say thank you o everyone for your overwhelming support over my last blog. It just shows me how great of a support system I've been blessed with. I wouldn't be where I am today without every single one of you.

Now, I know there comes a point in everyone's life where you go "So, what now?" I don't mean in the, someone bothering you over and over and just asked you for a favor; I mean more as reaching a goal, finishing a challenge, school or finally being where you always wanted to be. That is where a new direction comes in.

Take the time to celebrate your achievement, you've earned it. You did it! That's awesome, now time for a new challenge and/or goal.

Here is a perfect example:

Me :)
I finally reached my goal of 170lbs (remember, I started at 275lbs). I am thrilled, however far from done. My new direction has taken many forms.

The first one is signing up for both a half and full marathon in 2013.

The half marathon is known as The Colorado Marathon. It takes place in May of 2013 in Ft. Collins, CO. It is one of the fastest courses around (and a Boston qualifier), as you are running down hil during the whole race. It is known for its breath taking (pun intended) views and scenery, fast pace, and all around fun run. I have set my goal of a finish time of 2 hours. Here comes some serious training! If you would like more information on the Colorado Marathon, visit www.ftcollinsmarathon.com


The full marathon is probably one of the most known marathons around, The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon It takes place in October 2013, in the heart of Denver. Ever since I started my adventure in running, I've wanted to do a Rock 'n' Roll. What more would one ask for than a course filled with live music?! I mean, if your going to be running 26.2 miles, you would want all the entertainment you can get. Another great thing about the Rock 'n' Roll is the huge concert at he finish line If you would like more information about doing The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in the Mile High City, you can go to runrocknroll.competitor.com/denver. No goal time as of yet, I will update as it gets closer.

The next direction I have decided to go, comes in the form of school and a business opportunity.

For school, I have decided to apply to ASU (Arizona State University) for a BS in Health Science, with an interest in Healthy Lifestyle Coaching.

After I finish that up, I want to apply to CU for my MPT (Master of Physical Therapy). A very long term goal, however I am very happy that I finally found the path for me.

As for the business opportunity, looks like I will become part of the Beachbody family. If you recall, I was doing Insanity, and I'm currently doing it again (I will start blogs for Insanity Month 2 Max soon). I love their products and workouts they offer. After being approached by a few Beachbody coaches, I decided this would be a great opportunity. I have never done anything like this before, however this is something I am passionate about and it is a product I can stand for. I tested a few of their other workouts (I did the Brazil Butt Lift last night) and found them very fun and entertaining as well as a great workout (the have so much more to offer than just hardcore workouts like P90X and Insanity). So here I go, into this new venture.


So in a very large nutshell, those are my changing goals and challenges. I believe we should always push ourselves further and further. It is ok to change your goals as your limits change. It is the best way to keep motivated and keep disappointment, disinterest or from burning out. And as always, if you ever need a cheer leader in your corner, I'm there! You can do anything if you put your mind to it. And I turely believe that, or I wouldn't be where I am today.










Also, I want to hear what you've accomplished and what new goals and challenges you have set for yourself. 


Thursday 25 October 2012

A little bit Personal

I'm taking a different tone tonight in this post. I have something a little more personal that I really want, or I should say, NEED, to talk about. Now my blog's name is Amy's MAMA Mania. Because well, that's my name, I'm a mom and life is manic. What I want to talk about is my own mother.


I feel like I'm my mom in a lot of ways. Not meaning the, “Oh gawd, I’m just like my mother” kind of way. More like the fact that we both had two children, one boy and one girl. We also struggled with weight and both lost the weight on our own terms.

We have similar features (dark hair, large almond shape eyes though different colors, same nose and mouth), however other than that I am unsure where our similarities end. I know to most that may sound odd. However, those who know me know that I lost my mom to leukemia when I was just 14 years old.

Now, I want to go back a little further to give some background information.

 My parents divorced when I was young. I know they stayed together for as long as they did for me. I know I’m not the root cause of their divorce (unlike what I thought when I was 7 or so). I had to find out later one that it isn’t normal for your parents to constantly fight or that one parent always slept on the couch instead of their room. Also my brother and I have different fathers, and he did not live with us (his dad was from my mom’s previous marriage). After the divorce, I lived with mom and spent every other weekend with my dad.

Our last picture of us being a family.

My mom and I were very close. She was my best friend, as we moved a lot and I always relied on her being there for me. We would go rollerblading together, then walk to dinner and grab a movie to watch almost every weekend. We would have drama queen competitions to see who could the biggest drama queen. We had E.R. Marathons, dinner of queso and tortillas, and we would talk about everything, as she never talked down to me for being a child. I’m not saying I never got in trouble, because I did, a lot. Usually for leaving a messy room while I was at my grandma’s or dad’s house (what Savannah gets in trouble for).

My mom, my best friend.
All of that changed however, when my dad came over one night, and they both sat me down to tell me that my mom had been diagnosed that morning with the blood cancer, Leukemia, and she would be starting Chemo treatments the next day.

 I remember trying so hard not to cry, as I didn’t want my mom to see me upset. I felt she needed my strength. I told her she would beat this, because she used to say she was going to live forever. I reminded her that she will see her grandchildren who one day will call her “grandma”, the name she dreaded hearing (she said she would always be too young to ever be called that). We laughed that night when I told her that when she’s in her 90s that I would drop her off at Home Depot to wonder around all day till I came to pick her up.

 I then went up to bed and cried the whole night.

 Two weeks later, as I was finishing up freshman band (my first class of the day) my dad picked up from school. My heart sank, because I knew something had happened.

 My mom was in the hospital under observation from her first round of Chemo treatments. We went up to visit her the night before, I told her how much I loved her and that to stay strong, and she would be home soon.



My brother, mother and myself
After my dad signed me out of school we walked to his car in silence. I saw my stepmom waiting in the front seat. I climbed in the back and we drove in total silence. Finally my dad stopped at local convenience store to grab something to drink.  That is when my dad turned around and told me that my mom was in a coma. Sitting there in the back seat of my dad’s car in front of a gas station, my world crumbled. I don’t remember the drive to the hospital. All I do remember is entering the ICU and the doctor sitting us down to tell us she had a brain aneurism and she had been declared brain dead. Also, it was only a matter of time till her heart gave out. When I finally saw her, hooked up to life support, I just lost everything I had left and let out the most heart breaking sob. I held her hand and wouldn’t leave other than to pick up my older brother from the airport. I would pray that she could hold on till the whole family could fly into town, because I knew it was useless to ask for my mother back. We would hold our breaths when her heart rate slowed down. I remember refusing to eat and finally being asked if at 14, I wanted to make the decision to take my mother off life support.


To this day, I am still haunted by that decision. I went ahead and said yes, to end this for everyone. I watched my mom almost die twice in front of us and I didn’t know how much more I could take. Everyone was finally in from out of town and had their own personal time to say goodbye.


When they made us leave so they could take her off life support, I could hear her mother screaming down the hall (we are not close with her family, which is for another time). I will never forget seeing her body just laying there while I grabbed onto my dad for dear life. I kept getting asked to hug her one last time, and I would scream no, that is no longer my mom. I would look up to see my dad crying and hugging me back, as we comforted each at that moment.


My beautiful Mother, Sept 22, 2001





 Now, I believe 14 is a hard age for anyone. Factor in the loss of a parent and moving homes, I was downright lost but refused to show it. Again, I was being a teenager. I’m not saying that my dad didn’t try to get me help after everything, because he did. I just didn’t need the places I went.



Christmas at my Grandma's house
I became angry and bitter inside. I was so mad at my mom for leaving me like she did. I even went so far to think terrible things about my only living parent, which made me feel even worse, because he was my dad and he was doing the best that he could do.



It wasn’t that long ago that I realized I was still holding on to that anger, I just didn’t know it. I was miserable, overweight, and angry at the world.  My children would never meet their Grandma, I could never ask her advice for things that where life changing decisions. She missed my prom, graduation, my marriage, my children being born, buying our first house; the milestones you are suppose to have your mother there for.


I finally let go of the anger along with the weight. Now, I want to let go of this sadness that creeps up on me at random times. It’s a heartbreaking sadness that will knock the air out of me and I can’t see right. It will hit me when I try to remember her laugh and I can’t. Or the smell of her perfume but I can’t. I can’t remember her voice or her presences. And I have to realize, that’s alright I can’t remember, that this happens with time.


I am going to focus on the fact that I had her in my life. That I got to spend the best 14 years with her, that she is the most amazing mother I was ever blessed to have.


This is my goodbye to this pain. I wrote all my pain out in this blog, so I can finally stop carrying it around in my heart.

Monday 27 August 2012

Update on Insanity and stuff

So sorry for my lack of posts.

I finished week one and week 2 (YAY!). I even added extra work outs during week 2.

If I'm honest, week 2 was harder than the first week. I believe it was due to the fact that I knew what was coming and I really had to commit to something that wasn't new and shiny.

But I felt accomplished, even if I was a pool of sweat laying on the floor.

Well This wee is week 3. HOWEVER, I have been so sick I could hardly breath. I looked up Shaun T.s recommendation on this, and he says if you are ill, to please take it easy and get back to the work out when you are 100%. Case in point, today I am still sick but feeling better. I felt like a fatty for taking three days off due to a sever sinus infection (which are no fun). I tried to do pure cardio, got not even ten minutes into it before I was coughing so hard I almost threw up.

I might have set myself back in becoming healthy. So please take Shaun Ts advice and TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! If you can't breath standing still, there is no way you can during the craziness that is Insanity.

I also wanted to another update:

I got a job!

YAY!

That is another reason for the lack of posts. Again I am sorry, I will start up again as soon as I am 100%. 

Tuesday 14 August 2012

Day 3: Recovery what?

Well, I was looking forward to today? You know why? Because I was told I was only going to be doing a 30 minute, low intensity Cardio Recovery.

With a cover like this..

Well...

Someone lied to me! Yes, it is true I wasn't jumping all over the place and it is the lowest intensity workout in Insanity. However, I had to hold the pose longer than humanly possible.

What do I mean by that?

Full body butt lifts

I mean that by slowing down the movements, and focusing on the resistance of your own body, that you are working harder. I still was covered in sweat by the end of this 49 minute workout with few breaks (usually just going into child's pose to help stretch out).


Side Obliques

Every pose, works your core as you keep it engaged through out the each set. Lifting your leg up while in plank works your side obliques. You are working every target area and doing it slowly. Which can be painful when you just want to lay down after four days of high pace Insanity.

This turned into torture.

 You do each set on each side, going from 16, to 8 to 4 to 2 sets each. I am definitely feeling it today. And up tomorrow? Pure Cardio! Wish me luck =)

Day 2 and HRM

I know I didn't post yesterday, however I did do my second (or third if you count the fit test, I'm not) day of Insanity®.

I never thought I would say this, however, if I had to do one more squat yesterday I was going to go down swinging (at the person making me do them)! I believe yesterdays Cardio Power and Resistance was easier than the Ploy Cardio Circuit.


That being said, V push ups, traveling push ups and power jacks are not my best friend.


 V push ups

I have learned how uncoordinated I am.Though I had TONS of energy left over yesterday, so we (the family) went for a walk!


After day 2, shirt is soaked!

 I finally received my new heart rate monitor! YAY! I does have a chest strap, so I am hoping it is more accurate and I can get a good grasp on how much I am burning while working out. You can find different formulas, Livestrong offers this:

Women use the following formula: Calories Burned = [(Age x 0.074) -- (Weight x 0.05741) + (Heart Rate x 0.4472) -- 20.4022] x Time / 4.184.

It is also a good idea to keep a check on your heart rate during high intensity work outs.


Today's agenda: Cardio Recovery. BRING IT! I am ready =)

Sunday 12 August 2012

Insanity!

Well, It is official, I am insane. Yes, you heard me right, so much so that I have started the 60 day program of Insanity®.

If you haven't heard of Insanity®, or have been living under a rock for the past few years, here is a
run down. (click link).


I am going to be tracking my progress. I have taken my before picture and I am hoping for positive results. I love the concept of "you get as much out of it as you put into it".


Before



Meaning, if you slack off or don't try your hardest, you won't get the results. I know how to push myself to the brink. I love the feeling of accomplishment and lets face it, I love being covered in sweat!And oh boy, did I sweat!

Finished Day 1 

Today I started the first round. I did the fit test which tracks your progress (should get easier the longer you do the program).  Your first work out is called Ploymetric Cardio Circuit, or Hell.


 Which ever you wish to call it. About half way through, you get to this amazing basketball circuit. Sounds fun right? Well. How would you like to squat then jump up like you are shooting a basketball? then go into actual squat jumps; THEN go down, do four push ups, stay in plank, run it out for 8, jump your feet to your chest, stand up and do it all over and over and over again?

Yep, now do 3 sets of those! If you are so inclined to, watch during the water break when the amazing Shaun T. says "One more set!", you can see a girl mouth the F bomb. My feelings exactly.

I have never sweat so hard, my muscles where shaking, as he worked every muscle in my body. And you know what is sad?

I'm looking forward to the torture tomorrow!




Thursday 29 March 2012

"I'm eating for two!"



I recently had a baby (my little blue bundle of joy) and this topic is very important to me. I gained over 70lbs with my daughter because I believed I COULD eat whatever I wanted, I was pregnant. I was told “Oh you are eating for two” or I would say “I’m craving ice cream” and it would be ok if I ate a pint of ice cream. Why do we think that once we are pregnant with a baby our nutrition changes? It doesn’t change, yes we will have to eat more but you will be surprised at exactly how little you have to add to your diet once you get that double line, pregnant read out or a positive on your blood test.

It is time to stop using “I’m eating for two” excuse to eat whatever we want!

First, when pregnant you only need 300 extra calories a day when pregnant. That is not eating for two, infact it is only for one and one fifth. Think about how little babies eat when they are born (an ounce or two), they aren’t eating a big ol’ 10oz steak.

As far as meats, you should only be eating 5 ½ to 6 ½ oz A DAY.

Grains you should be at 6 to 8 oz A DAY.

Fruits 2 cups A DAY.

Vegetables 2 ½ to 3 cups A DAY.

Dairy 3 cups A DAY.

Oils 6 to 8 TEASPOONS A DAY.

That is not a huge change from an already healthy lifestyle. I know we want the best for our children. We get them the best cribs, swings, carseats, ext; we should also be giving them the best nutritional start.

Babycenter is a huge sorce of information. They have menu planned out by trimester and examples how much food is in each food group.

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/nutrition/meal-planners-by-trimester/

http://www.babycenter.com/0_meal-planning-duri

ng-pregnancy_1352495.bc?page=3

Another thing that gets us is cravings. We like to put a food with the craving. For example; if you are craving something sweet you would say “I’m craving ice cream”. There are so many more nutritional foods we could eat that are sweet that is NOT Ice cream.


Yogurt covered banana chips where a life saver for those sweet cravings. Also red grapes, pink lady apples, bananas and rice yogurt are all sweet bu

t good for you alternatives to candy, chocolate or ice cream.

A great website for cravings and what they mean is:

http://www.the-parenting-magazine.com/tag/pregnan

cy-cravings/

And finally, exercise!

Yes, it is true you shouldn’t go out and do Insanity or marathons once you find out you are pregnant. However, exercise is very important dur

ing pregnancy. Not only can keeping in shape been shown to help with labor, it can help with the recovery process, give you more energy and fight off excess weight gain.

I believe walking the gold star of exercising. You don’t need training as you have been doing it for most of your life. It is free as you only need to go outside and find a sidewalk. It is low impact and won’t hurt you or the baby.

Swimming can work wonders for those with hip or back problems during pregnancy. The water makes you weightless, swimming works your whole body and is refreshing no matter what time of the year it is (as long as your indoors during the colder months).

If you are already active you can still jog or run. But you need to listen to your body, now is not to time to add on extra miles.

I found yoga a blessing during my last pregnancy. It is gentle stretching that works on breathing and your core. Just remember your around your pelvic area are looser (getting ready to birth a baby).

You can also do dance to get your heart rate going,

Pilates which has a lot of techniques of yoga and low impact aerobics. More and more places are offering prenatal workouts, just keep your eye out for them!

If that is not your cup of tea, there are tons of at home DVDs for prenatal exercises.

But as always, keep yourself hydrated! Listen to your body, if you are getting over heated take a breather and sit down and cool off. Replace those calories, smartly. And did I mention, keep yourself hydrated?! If not, water is your bestfriend! It does wonders for that “pregnancy glow”, keeps your body clear of toxins, and the baby loves it.

I hope those that are pregnant or are thinking about it finds this helpful. I wish someone would have smacked that ice cream out of my hand when I was pregnant with Savannah. It took me YEARS to get that weight off, and all because I fell into the “you are eating for two” trap. With my son, I gained 18lbs total. It can be done.