A new week, new menu and doctor's appointment

Good morning all!!

It is another week, another day! Last week I said good-bye to the first trimester. I absolutely have never had a better first trimester.  I have always been pretty blessed and not experienced getting sick in any of my pregnancies.  But the lack of energy was always so draining! This time I experienced none of that.  

13.5 weeks pregnant.  A tiny bump is starting to form! 

Last week I also started the nutrition portion of the 21 Day Fix. Oh my goodness, I love this program! I was seriously so full each day! I mean I got to eat! You saw my menu! 

The hardest part of this program honestly, is getting all my protein.  It keeps me full for so long that sometimes getting in that next snack when I am not feeling hungry is hard.  So I played around with this week's menu, changed some things around to give me protein in different areas.  

Sunday's breakfast--YUM! I don't know what it is about being pregnant but I crave eggs! I mean, I love a good egg who doesn't, but pregnancy has me wanting them all the time! And this little recipe! Delish! Try it! You won't regret it! If you don't have the containers, be generous (like a hand full, then chopped) of spinach, and less is more with the feta.  

Also new this week is another transition week! I am starting week 8 of P90x3 with my challengers! We are almost 2/3 of the way done! Never did I think I could go this far with such an intense program, let alone doing it while pregnant! It just proves how much our bodies are capable of!  Can't wait to share Day 60 progress with you all next week!

And--really exciting! Our second doctor's appointment is today.  I am taking both boys with me.  It should be quick but Hudson has gotten really excited since we told him about the baby.  I think he will enjoy hearing the heartbeat!  I also can't wait to see how I measure on their scale and continue to discuss health and exercise with her! 

Eating for two- JUST TWO!

In the past when I was pregnant, I always would follow up a large meal or indulgence by giving my husband this look and then, "What? I am eating for two!" As if I needed to defend my actions.  Well of course I did!  Mama was acting like she was eating for triplets!

Here is the thing, since announcing my pregnancy I have had a lot of people ask me about what it is I am eating exactly.  

Let's break it down.  A person who began their pregnancy with a normal and healthy BMI doesn't really need to gain all that much weight.  A few pounds more if you were underweight to start, about 10 pounds less if you are overweight when you begin your pregnancy.  Your doctor should be able to discuss with you a healthy range for weight gain.  

With that said, for me I only want to, need to gain, 25-30 pounds. I am really striving on the lower end of that.  My doctor said between 20-25 would be fine.  Always, always talk to your doctor.

So how do I plan to stay within that range? Well, first, I educated myself.  Truthfully, those first 12 weeks aren't the weeks to start packing on the pounds.  Your calorie range doesn't really need to change all the much.  You peanut is growing.  Your nutrition should be nutrient dense, absolutely.  But let's be honest. There are women who LOSE weight the first trimester due to morning sickness.  And they grow beautiful, healthy babies.  

So I did not increase my calories during my first trimester.  I ate according to the calorie range specification with my workout program.  I did not gain or lose any weight those first twelve weeks.  On average, women may gain between 1-4 pounds that first trimester.

Now at 13 weeks, I still have 27 weeks to go! That seems like so many until I get to meet our newest addition.  So my goal is to not gain more than a pound a week, however that would average out.  That would easily put me in the range my doctor specified.  

Now--back to that original question--what am I eating exactly?

I talked on my previous post about using the 21 day fix program.  Obviously that can help you lose weight, but for me it is helping me maintain and gain in a sensible way.  You only need 300 extra calories a day to support a healthy pregnancy.  300! I used to grossly overestimate what 300 calories was.  I would eat my normal meals (which honestly were probably too many calories for me anyway) and then say, "well 300 calories is like a snack so how about a snack size blizzard?" YIKES!!

Now- using the fix to guide me- I am not eating processed foods, really cutting back on dairy, added salt and sugar.  

I eat lots of fresh veggies and fruit, lean protein, and a few carbs.  I also have some healthy fats. Fat is important, especially during pregnancy! 

More specifically, I drink Shakeology daily.  It gives me all the vitamins and minerals my body (and baby!) need.  I still take my prenatal vitamin that I get OTC.  I checked with my OB.  Even though I am taking a vitamin and drinking a vitamin rich shake, there is no way to get too many vitamins.  Your body naturally excretes extra vitamins in your urine. 

I also drink 100+ ounces of water a day.  I find that I have more energy and feel much better when well hydrated. This will also be helpful during the summer months to reduce water retention and swelling.  

I eat about 3-4 large servings of vegetables. Well, what fits in my green containers.  Either fresh or steamed. I eat 3 servings of fresh fruit.  I eat four servings of lean protein (one being my Shakeology).  I eat a serving a healthy fats, usually almonds or avocados. I only eat 1-2 carbs a day.  Although I love my carbs, I know I overate on them during my first pregnancy.  When I watch them my sugar levels are more stable.  It also helps with keeping those levels in check so you don't run the risk of gestational diabetes. I also really limit my dairy.  I get plenty of calcium from my shake, vitamins, and other foods.  I also eat cottage cheese once a day so get some calcium from that.

If you follow a plan with those types of servings, you really can allow yourself to eat all day.  I am eating about every 2-3 hours starting when I wake up.  I also try not to eat after 7.  I used to snack A LOT in the evening in my other two pregnancies.  It really added extra pounds, gave me heartburn...it was no fun.

If you would like to talk more specifically, I would love to chat with you. You can send me a message from this blog or connect with me on Facebook. Link on the side. 

See ya 1st trimester!

I posted here last week about our news.  My hope is to share my journey through this pregnancy focusing on how to be the healthiest I can be and stay fit.  I hope to inspire other women who are pregnant or who want to be pregnant in the future.  If you check out my story I was far from fit or healthy during my first pregnancy and only faired slightly better during my second.

So what am I doing? I am about to begin my 7th week of P90x3.  This program has been wonderful in helping me stay active.  I get to work my entire body in a great workout that is only 30 minutes long.  This was extremely helpful during that first trimester when it is so common to feel exhausted.  We are growing a human being!! Another thing that I have really loved is the mix of workouts.  They are intense and I am always careful to listen to my body but since I was used to working out, continuing to do so has not posed any problems.

Another thing I am doing this pregnancy is drinking Shakeology every day.  I did check with my OB about this. She was amazed at all the nutrition I was going to get.  She looked at the full ingredient list and saw no reason to not do this.  Besides getting all of that nutrition for both myself and the baby, I have noticed one other HUGE benefit.  With both of my boys, the first trimester zapped me.  I napped every day when I was pregnant with Hudson (the perks of being a teacher with summers off) and went to bed super early each night when pregnant with Beau.  This pregnancy I did not have that zap of energy like before.  There were days here and there but overall, I felt normal!! Anyone who has been pregnancy and can recall that exhausting feeling can attest to how awesome that is!

Today I am adding one more component to this journey.  I am starting the 21 Day Fix nutrition plan.  Why this plan? I wrote about it back here in full detail but it is basically a portion control nutrition program that focuses on using whole, clean foods.  There is no measuring or counting required.  It is super simple.  But more than that, I know I can over eat.  I know that I have used the "eating for two" excuse before and in reality ate like I was pregnant with triplets!  

Here is what I am eating this week:

I spoke to my doctor at my first appointment about weight gain and exercise.  Since I was already working out, she felt I could absolutely continue with my current program. We talked about what amount of weight to lift was acceptable and when to stop high impact aerobics to take any stress off my pelvis.  We also talked about what was an acceptable weight gain and when it was necessary to really increase my calorie intake.  You only need 300 extra calories/day when pregnant. 300!!! That is a snack people! 

For me, an acceptable weight gain is between 20-25 pounds. Could I gain more and still be healthy? Sure! Is it necessary for my baby's growth and development? No.  For me personally, gaining in that range is fine.  

I haven't gained weight yet but know that I will gain start to gain soon as my baby develops.  Using the Fix, I hope to gain weight steadily from healthy carbs, fats, and proteins.  That's right! I am not avoiding any food groups! I am eating foods in a balanced plan to fuel my body and nourish it to grow this sweet little one.  

I can't wait to keep you updated these next three weeks as I use the nutrition portion.  I will be starting those workouts post P90x3.  Check back often! And if you have questions send me a message or leave a comment! I would love to hear from you!

**I am not a doctor, dietitian, or fitness expert.  As always, discuss with your doctor before starting a program while pregnant.  All opinions pertain to my own personal journey and experience. 

Fittest in 2014

As the end of 2013 approached, I was reflecting on the past year.  More specifically, the past 5 months.  In the past 5 months my life had drastically changed.  I was  no longer a grade school teacher.  I no  longer lived  five minutes from family and friends.  I was also no longer overweight (for my body) and feeling trapped in clothes that were too tight.  

I had moved our family to support my husband's new career.  I had changed my life with fitness and healthy, clean eating.  And as a result of that, I had changed careers, now devoting my time and passion to helping others find health.  It had been quite a year!

Although I was happy with my weight, I really wanted to focus on adding muscle and definition.  I was talking to others with the same goal for 2014.  I was looking into programs that I would begin that would challenge me and change; researching new recipes to try to clean up our diet more; talking to my team of coaches about their goals and how we were going to reach them.  It was really exciting! I could feel the anticipation of all the new year would  hold.  

I remember posting this picture on my Facebook with the status "Who's with me??"

I had run a 1/2 marathon with plans to run another. I was dedicated.  I was ready! I was excited!! And so many other friends, moms, coaches were (figuratively) standing there with me shouting US TOO!!

But, in the way life goes, you can't always expect things to go as planned.  Andrew and I found out days before Christmas that we were going to be blessed with another little.  Surprise and shock don't begin to describe our reactions! This was not in our plans.  We wanted more children; we were just planning to wait awhile.  And although ecstatic, I also wondered, how am I going to do this? My last two pregnancies didn't really gel with this new lifestyle.  I never worked out and I didn't eat that great.  I didn't want to do that this time.  And that is when I realized--I didn't HAVE to! I am in control of me.  I can still live this lifestyle even if I am pregnant.

  **I am sure there are some of reading this rolling your eyes thinking DUH! I get it.  But if you didn't embrace this lifestyle before during your pregnancies choosing it now is a whole new world. 

And with that my goal completely changed!

I CAN still eat well and exercise and my baby is going to be better off because of these choices.  I will have muscle memory working to get me back in shape but also to help me bounce back after another c-section.  These choices I've made the past 6 months don't just take a back seat because I am pregnant.  

This mentality has completely changed my first trimester.  No weight gain.  No sluggish feeling that normally came with my first trimester.  I seriously would need a nap almost every day with the boys but not this time.  I feel so much better! 

What about you? Are you expecting this year? Would you like some accountability to stick to a healthier diet? Some sensible ways to stay active? I would love to connect with other moms that need some guidance with this or that are doing it too! Let's connect! 

Blessed

Hey everyone! I so meant to post more here last week but it was a little busier than planned and I took that time to unplug a bit.  I actually left Monday night with the boys to head back home to spend the week with family and friends and prepare for our big guy's 3rd birthday party.  (My hubby joined us after work on Friday evening)

We had the best time seeing our family and friends and celebrating not only Hudson, but my mom and brother-in-law, who also had birthdays last week.

As I drove back across the state yesterday I afternoon, I reflected on this past week.  I was at home each day with my boys, creating memories, doing whatever we pleased.  I got to fully engage with them and with our friends that week.  I didn't have to ask for time off.  Leaving Monday instead of Tuesday afternoon to beat the snow didn't affect anyone or my "job".  As I drove, I got a little teary-eyed.  Could this life really be mine? At 26, I am my own boss.  I am in charge of the hours I work, the pay I make, and how my days will be spent.  How many people can say that?

Beachbody has given me so much more than my health.  It has given  me so much more than a smaller pant size.  I had no clue when I had to leave my full time job to make a move for my husband's career what the future held.  I didn't know how we could supplement two incomes on one.  I didn't know if I could find another career I would be passionate about that would provide any kind of substantial income.  But Beachbody has done that.  It has given our family an income; one that is coming close to what I was making full time! It has given me a passion and a purpose. But more than that, it has given me FREEDOM!!.  It has allowed me 

the freedom to provide an income for our family to help

pay off debt AND a freedom to be the mom I always DREAMED of being.  

I don't deserve any of it.  I am no different than you.  I am not the smartest person on this Earth.  And I definitely have a long road on my fitness journey (more on that this week) but I am BLESSED and so grateful for this opportunity; one that allows me to help others all while working towards a brighter future for myself and my family.

If this intrigues you at all; if this speaks to you and you want to learn more, please contact me! There is a place on the side to leave your information! Or find me on Facebook.  If it wasn't for a friend encouraging me, INVITING me to take this step, I don't think I would have.  I would not be living this dream life, one that I know will get even better if I work towards it! This is me, a friend, inviting YOU! 

P90x3 30 days

A few posts back (here) I gave my personal review on P90x3 so far.  Well this week finishes up block one.  

Before starting a new block, you have transition week.  It is a mix of different workouts and I have LOVED this week.  Lots of stretching and holding, moves that are firing up my core.  This week's schedule looked like this:

Block One, Transition Week (Classic)

Monday- Isometric

Tuesday- Dynamix

Wednesday- Accelerator

Thursday- Pilates

Friday- CVX

Saturday- X3 Yoga

Sunday- Rest or Dynamix

Such a great mix for a different challenge every day! It was so much different than the previous three weeks that I felt muscles getting pushed in a new way.  I loved that different sore feeling I had each day. The fact that this program continually changes your routine is what aids in getting such great results.

This past week has also been interesting because I had a HUGE fail! I normally always have a reserve bag of shakeology at my house.  My husband and I drink it daily. (He just became a DAILY drinker since starting this program) and I had several people desiring to purchase samples before they bought the product.  Between those two things, my reserve bag ran out before my next shipment arrived.  I EVEN MOVED UP THE SHIP DATE! So I have been going all week with no Shakeology. I have noticed a huge difference in my energy, my hunger levels.  It stinks y'all!! I am pushing through but think this week has set me back a bit in results.  

My focus has changed a little bit in that what I originally wanted from this program has shifted.  *Stay tuned for why that is* But what I do notice is that, even with the setbacks, this program is continually working my whole body, getting my heart rate up, challenging me in my flexibility and strength.  

My husband is also doing this program with me. His results blew me away.  I am beyond excited for him and I know that the progress he has made has really sparked him to kick it up a notch MORE to get the best results possible at the end of these 90 days.

We started January 6th after the holiday indulgence had set in.  We've had a very busy month with lots of things going on for our family.  But what kept us going, was the fact that we could do our workout in 30 minutes! Such a game changer! 

Here is how I have changed in the first 30 days:

My weight- the same! I have went up and down about three pounds the entire 30 days
Chest- same
Waist (natural) -.5"
Waist (belly button or as I like to refer to it-- mama's trouble spot) -1.5"
Hips: -.5"
Thighs: -.5" each
Arms- same

I could have felt really discouraged if I went solely on the scale.  This is why I am such a believer in taking measurements and photos.  I notice huge changes when I look at those things.  All that bloat is gone and I am seeing my core muscles really start to pop through.  My booty is tighter again.  In 30 days y'all!

Now check out my sweet husband, Andrew's changes in the first 30 days:

Weight: -8 pounds

Waist (natural): -3"

And that was as far as I got with measurements because he was just too busy! Ha! 

His front photo impressed me because I see his once six pack wanting to pop through.  But his side photo, that gave me chills.  His gut is gone! He has obliques and his chest is more prominent! 

I am beyond excited for what this program is doing! And it can do the same for you too! This program is helping us! And we aren't the only ones. My challenge group had 30 day photos that blew me away too! I would love to help you too! I coach for free so let's get started!

Meals On Monday- 3

Another Monday is here!  This Monday has me absolutely ecstatic for lots of reasons.  One, my boys and I are leaving later today to head back home for the week.  Our doctors and dentists are still back home so we have some appointments.  That is really all that fun.  The fun part is seeing our friends for some play dates, sharing in my mom's birthday and celebrating Hudson's birthday Saturday at his party!! 

And two, the 21 Day Fix is released today!!! I talked about this program back here and I think this program is going to be such a game changer for SO many! I already placed  my order and can't wait!

With that, it's a new week and we all need to eat! Like I said, we will be back home this week but I still have to stay on track.  We have a few more meals out than normal but I can absolutely keep myself in check with portion control.  At least I will try, right?! And I don't know what it's like where you are but we are supposed to get some snow dumped on us.  That makes me want to cuddle in some blankets for the better part of the day so I opted for leftovers a few nights.  If you have a family that doesn't typically have enough leftover for night two, double the recipe! 

Have a fabulous week everyone! And check back Wednesday to see my 30 day progress photos from P90x3!