Preparation

Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

It's the truth. When I take the time to meal prep it makes it a WHOLE lot easier to eat healthy and stick with clean eating. Even just having a plan of what you're going to eat helps tremendously.

One of my favorite blogs for recipes and tips is heandsheeatclean.com

My two go to super easy recipes that I like to make from their are:

Salsa Chicken and Power Meatballs

First of all the salsa chicken requires pretty much no effort. It is so easy. I make it and then put individual servings in zip lock baggies then put those baggies into a freezer bag and freeze it. The night before I just pull one of those out of the freezer and put some brown rice in a tupperware (or I use the minute brown rice cups you microwave) and I have my lunch for work. I also freeze the power meatballs as well. I use brown rice pasta and the Ragu LIGHT marinara sauce and throw those bad boys on top for a healthy lunch or dinner. Have any of you used the dreamfields low carb pasta before? I made some the other day and it was amazing! I just picked it up at walmart its about $1 more expensive than regular pasta. I may start using that instead of brown rice pasta or mix them.

 

Another idea for the salsa chicken is to put it over a salad. In this picture its over one of those Kale Salad Kits from Costco (don't use the high cal poppyseed dressing that comes with it). I just put a little balsalmic vinegar over the top.

 

I will post more of my recipes and food ideas throughout the next few weeks. TOMORROW is weigh day! I am pretty excited I think it will be a good one! Have a great Tuesday!

 

 

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Post Weekend...and I look pregnant.

Ahh it's Monday morning and I overslept (big surprise). So this is quick post I'm writing while I pump!

I stated pretty much on track this weekend except for dinner Saturday night. The hubs made feta and bacon stuffed steaks with baked potatoes and salad...um yum. But I've found that making healthier choices is not that hard when you take before pictures of yourself for the #jmdvdchallenge and a dietbet that make you feel like your 22 weeks pregnant all over again. Yeah I said it I look like I'm pregnant...but I'm not.....when I looked at those pictures I knew something has got to change. Am I going to post the pictures? You betcha! Just not today...

This weekend was pretty relaxing and my baby boy had sweet potatoes for the first time!

He barely had any on his face after because he loved them so much. I gave half of the little container and when it was gone he started crying so I gave him the rest of it! I've got a big eater on my hands. We are introducing solids pretty slow since I believe "food is fun until one" (thanks to my online Mommy group)! We're doing purees now and when he is able to start grabbing chunks of food and eating it (around 6.5 or 7 months) we will do more of a baby led weaning approach where they have pieces of actual food instead of purees.

And to go back to a more fitness related topic...I started running this weekend again! So I will be doing my Jillian workouts as well as running. Let me tell ya I prefer running well over Jillian Michaels but I am doing the JM dvd challenge so I will stick with my nemesis Jillian for a while.

I also dun dun dun....

SIGNED UP FOR MY FIRST HALF MARATHON!!! YES I'm that excited I had to put it in all caps! It's on May 17th so I have a while to train. But I am PUMPED and scared...but since I've signed up it will scare me into keeping up with training. Does anyone have any good half training plans??

I hope everyone had an awesome weekend! Lets stay motivated!

 

 

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The muffin band wagon...and Weigh in!

So I have been seeing everyone post about these delicious looking egg muffins for the past year or so but I have always been too nervous to try them. Mainly because they are one of those make ahead recipes and I have never re heated cooked eggs before. So of course I fear change and never tried them. Well today I bit the bullet and made some and I'm happy to say they were amazing!

How I did it:

8 eggs

lots of chopped veggies (I just used what I had red pepper, sunburst tomatoes and fresh green beans)

Jimmy Dean's pre cooked crumbled turkey sausage (chopped ham or even chicken would be super yummy too)

1/3 cup shredded cheese

 

I sprayed my muffin tin and then put a little bit of the shredded cheese in each one. I then beat all the eggs and added the veggies and meat in.

I used a ladle poured the mixture into the muffin tin and it overfilled 10 cups (see picture below).

I popped them into a 350 degree oven and baked for about 20 minutes.

 

Haha they are beautiful right??? Nope...but they were delish! And they are only 81 calories each according to MFP (I don't count the veggie calories).

Another yummy muffin recipe I'm going to try is this one from Emily Bites. It looks so yummy I love bananas and chocolate so you can't lose with this one!

FINALLY, I weighed in this morning. I was so freakin nervous to but I bit the bullet and did it. I cheated a few times this past week or forgot to record calories some days. But the past few days I have been doing well again. Anyways I lost 1.1 lbs putting my total weight loss to 33 lbs since having baby Jack! Since Jack got his shots this week I will start taking him to the day care 3 days a week for about an hour and a half so I can run. It will be good for him and Hunter will love playing with his friends again. Plus this mommy needs some major me time!

Now for some cuteness!

future Husker?!

 

he made himself a green marker mustache

 

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That Feeling...

You know that feeling when you DON'T feel um how do I say this "fat" or "bloated?" Well thats how I've felt the past week since I've been eating healthiER and working out. My face doesn't feel bloated and I just feel better about myself. I highly doubt any of my work is showing yet but just knowing I'm leading a healthier lifestyle has this mama feeling dang good.

Now Friday was a rough day. Little Jack was fussy and didn't want to be put down he just wanted to nurse then cat nap OVER and OVER and OVER again. I tried to do my T25 workout THREE separate times and finally it was time to get ready for a birthday party that evening so I had to call it a day. I felt defeated, but then I thought to myself "hey you've worked out and ate healthy the past three days you're doing great, don't get pissed off quite yet." Well then I went to the party and ate some cake..shit. But today I still feel great. I'm not going to deprive myself of everything...I'm not going to have cake at my house...but at a party I will have a piece.

I got back into my workouts and felt better. With a newborn some days are just not going to work to work out. He is more important. Most days will work great but on those fussy days I will try but not get mad if it doesn't work.

 

 

 

Being a mom of two is tough cookies but I love my boys. They are my first priority but I can always find ways to squeeze my workout in on most days. Thats part of keeping that feeling, finding ways to fit in your workout at least MOST of the time. Plus eating healthy. And on days I miss my workout I better make damn sure I don't shove cake in my mouth. :)

 

 

 

Now onto the cuteness:

 

 

 

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Back on the Saddle

It feels so good to be working out and eating healthy again. This week I started Shaun T's T25 workout program and it is insane! I hate it and love it at the same time. This week and next week I'm doing the modified versions of most things and then after that I'm full on. But even with doing the modifications it is really hard! I am SO sweaty afterwards. Luckily its only 25 minutes so I have plenty of time to shower after I do it while the boys are napping.

I've also done really well with my eating the past two days. I am going to lose at LEAST 4% for Skinny Meg's diet bet this month but I'm going to raise my goal to 10 lbs by October 1st I should be able to do it with the combination of eating healthy, working out and breast feeding.

Mel got me on the 30 day plank challenge band wagon...and let me tell ya just holding it for 20 seconds was hard for me...ughhhh I hate being out of shape. BUT that is changing by the end of this month I will be a whole new woman. I mean I will have a long way to go but it will be a great start!

Goals for September:

• Lose at LEAST 4% for SM's diet bet...but hoping to lose more than that (10lbs).
• Continue with T25 this month and next.
• Finish that tortorous plank challenge.
• Keep eating healthy (planning meals etc)...

And now for some cute pictures of my munchkins!

 

I hope everyone has a great Thursday!!

 

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Dear Post Baby Self...

When I first started my blog I shared my story of being a new Mom. A new stressed out Mom. I had Post Partum Depression but didn't know how to handle it (more on that in a future post). I know here in blog land we write a lot of letters to "past selves" but I am writing this today to my future self, my 2 -3 weeks from now self.

Dear New Mom of TWO,

First of all wow, I can't believe you're a mom of two precious boys! Your world is changing by the second but it'll slow down. For now enjoy the chaos and the few moments of peace. Remember that you only get this time with them once and soon they will be wanting to leave and do things on their own. Although it is hard work being a mom it is just a tiny, amazing and gratifying time in life. When you want to pull your hair out (and you will) think about how much these boys need you and count on you and most importantly look up to you. Count to ten before losing patience with your two year old...just breath. Read stories to him while your nursing the new baby, have Hunter bring you diapers and wipes, plan out time for just you and him daily.

Make sure you are eating properly (last time it would be 2 in the afternoon sometimes before you would remember to eat.) Take time to nourish yourself with healthy meals so you can turn around a give your baby the nutrition he needs. It's okay if he cries for a minute when you're getting your meal ready he will be fine.

Don't overdo it. If the house is messier than normal oh well. Try to do one thing each day not ten things half assed. it will make you feel better.

Get "semi" ready. In the first weeks enjoy lounging around. Wear what you want those around you are ones who have seen you at your worst so who cares?! After that slowly start getting back into getting ready, now you don't need all your make up. But sometimes doing your hair, some mascara and pants that don't have an elastic waist band are all you need.

Think about yourself positively. Don't hate your body it has put in a lot of work the past 9 months. Unfortunately we are not all Giselle or Heidi Klum and do not bounce back in 4.5 days. Everything shrinks back when you treat your body right.

Ask for help. If you are desperately tired one day let Hunter go to "school" and play with his friends while you and baby nap. It'll do you good. Don't take on too many activities that you can't handle.

Make time for the hubs (this should be a lot further up on the list). He is a great Dad and helps so much. You both need your alone time and time to just be together. Put away your phone and talk. Set aside being a Mom for that time.

Don't stress about working out. Whether you deliver "normally" or c section your body will recover and you will workout again. Start with nourishing your body healthfully and then start your workout routine when you are completely healed.

Sit. Just sit. And if all else fails lock yourself in the bathroom!

Enjoy some wine. One glass of wine won't ruin your milk and remember you can always pump and dump. :) Just don't get too crazy with the margaritas!

I know you are stressing but don't! Find sanity in the chaos and enjoy the noise. Soon things will be too quiet and you will want all of the commotion back (just not the spit up and poopy diapers!)

 

 

 

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The 'F' Word

Why are we so hard on ourselves? I don't understand it. I read this article the other day: When Your Mother Says She Fat It was a HUGE wake up call. I am the worst at tearing myself down. For seeing myself as double my size in the mirror. It's stopping now. No more picking at flaws while I'm getting ready in the morning. It's time to look at the positives.

I never want my boys to look at their Mom and see a negative person, to see someone that doesn't have self respect or self confidence. I want them to be proud of me, to look at me and think wow she takes care of herself and my mom can do anything! It's true our children think we are amazing that we can walk on water, until they start noticing what we REALLY think about ourselves. How do they know what fat is until we introduce them to it? I mean obviously they will learn on their own eventually but I don't want their first introduction to the dreaded 'f' word from me...

I was sitting here tonight staring at my 36 week pregnant belly and thinking damn I am not looking forward to what this looks like after. But you know what? I'm totally looking forward to it. I will know that my body went through alot to bring the most beautiful miracle in the world; a new life a precious baby. Yes my skin will be loose and I won't feel the best, but I'm going to stay positive. Remember that it's temporary and enjoy the newborn stage instead of worrying about my body.

I think we all can be our own worst critic, lets try to change that.

But you better believe that sooner rather than later this mama is getting her ass back to the gym and on my fitness pal and getting her body back and better than it has been in years! ;) I know it won't be easy but it will be worth it.

 

 

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and another one bites the dust...

26...it was a great year! I started my weight loss and running journey and did things I never thought that I could. Then end of November I found out I was expecting again and here in a few short weeks I will have another beautiful baby boy in my arms. If you can't tell I'm really excited! I know it will be hard and I've talked about how stressed I am about having two kiddos but seriously it is such an amazing blessing and the lack of sleep won't last too long. Only like 15 more years until I get a full nights sleep right? ;)

 

Anyway, another year has "bit the dust" and although it was a good year I am so ready for the big 2-7. I have a lot of goals and I thought I would share them here.

• STOP STRESSING - This is a biggie. I am such an OCD/Control Freak if one little thing doesn't go according to plan I am a full on nut case. I really feel bad for the hubs some days. Especially when I have baby # 2 I need to just relax and realize the house IS NOT going to be clean and we will eat off paper plates and maybe not get dressed some days...k? K!
• Love myself more - This is a hard one. I am so hard on myself its ridiculous. I need to be more positive about my appearance instead of bashing the skin I'm in. I'm creating a life of course I'm going to gain weight. My body is going to be flabby after but look at what we've made? This baby is more than worth it. And I will put in the work to get my body back. (Another post on self image on a later date).
• Breastfeed for 6 months (or more) - Whether its nursing or pumping this little one is getting natures finest. I gave up too easily last time and I regret it.
• Hunter/Mommy time- Make sure Hunter gets alone time with his Mommy every single day, (I think I need this more than him haha).
• Run not one but TWO half marathons- pretty self explanatory
• Lift HEAVY - Put my muscles to the test and lift those bitches weights.
• Treat my body with respect and stop eating all this bad stuff I've been enjoying my last month of pregnancy - lay off the ice cream/blizzards/chocolate covered cinnamon bears!
• Be amazingly in shape for my ten year renunion next summer (2014) - I can't wait.
• Go SKY DIVING for my 28th birthday. - one of my friends did it this year and I was so jealous I couldn't partake *cough*Julia*cough*
• Show before after pictures on this blog (2 days after birth then 6 weeks then go increments of 10-15 lbs lost)- Yes I know your excited!

These are all going to take a lot of will power. But I proved to myself this past year that I have the dedication to do it. I am so thankful I have all of you to share this new and upcoming journey with me and make my 27th a crazy/fabulous year!

 

 

yeah i'm never going to stop planning...

 

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34 Weeks Pregasaurus/My fears/Potty Training

I'm a little over 34 weeks knocked up y'all! Time is flying and my anxiety levels are UP. I am so nervous/scared to be a mom of two. Mainly because I don't want Hunter to think I don't have time for him. But that is another post for another day.

So far I have had a pretty uneventful pregnancy. Until last week when my damn blood pressure was high. So I had to go back a few days later so they could make sure I was still doing okay. Well my blood pressure was still high. As of now I'm just going to be monitoring it at home, and watching for other symptoms of preeclampsia (i had this last pregnancy). Unfortunately, I will have to go into the dr more and will be having my cervix checked earlier now (boo!) because they think I may go into labor earlier.

I was doing fine on weight gain until the past few weeks where I have gained 7 lbs. Putting me at 23 gained :( oh well. At this point I'm not worried I am really motivated to shed this weight after baby, and I will.

This was about a week ago..

 

Hunter has been such a crazy kid lately. I seriously love him so much but he does drive me crazy at (many) certain points throughout the day! He is the biggest goof ball and sooooo active. I don't know where he gets his energy. He is doing pretty good potty training. He just figured out how to pee standing up and always says "I pee standing up like Mommy and Papa" I still haven't told him I can't pee standing up (wouldn't that be the greatest though.) Plus he always watches me in the bathroom so I don't know where he gets that from. I still have to take him like every 45 min to an hour to the pot if he hasn't told me himself he has to go, so he is not fully trained yet. But it's a good start!!

 

Big boy undies!!

 

Pretty sure I will be needing to do this to my toilets at my house soon!!

How were all of your potty training experiences? Anyone else balls deep in it? Any mom advice for having a second kid??

 

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A Big Decision.

A few months ago I decided not to work after this school year ended. It was a hard decision because I really do enjoy my work, but the money I would bring home after day care expenses isn't worth It. Im pretty worried about not working and not having extra funds when needed. I have been researching different ways to save money and still live without worrying too much! I'm going to share with you all soon how I'm going to handle the finances now because you know this mama likes to shop!

I realize this decision isn't for everyone. Being a working mom and a stay at home mom both have their own challenges. Most of the time I would prefer to work but with having two kids day care costs would be pretty expensive and I have been having a hard enough time getting to work on time with one crazy kid. A lot of people say that they would go crazy staying at home, but really i'm already at least half way to the looney bin. Plus i have other plans to keep me sane:

In January I'm going back to school so i can make mo' money when I do go back to work.

And

I'm going to be working out/running/lifting like its my job about 4-6 weeks after I pop this little one out. This mama is getting her booty back quick y'all. ;)

 

I can't wait to snuggle one of these again!

So now I need advice from those who are or have been stay at home mamas. How did you keep your sanity? Also, how do I entertain my almost 3 year old while taking care of a baby? I'm sensing some huge tantrums in my near future when my big man isn't getting all the attention (and from my son too lol)!

 

 

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