Commitment

At the beginning of the year, I committed to fully participating in the #NewYearNewMe weight loss challenge, sponsored by Larabar, Yoga Pulse, GoodBelly, Our Love Yoga and The CarbLovers Diet. It’s been nearly 6 weeks since I made that first pledge, and the fact that I’m finding myself tightening my belt and pulling up my pants lately is just one sign that I’ve managed to lose the baby weight successfully.

Maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle another thing, all together.

It would help if I had someone here to hold me accountable for my actions since my newborn baby certainly doesn’t mind when I skip our daily stroll or when I devour an entire box of Girl Scout cookies in a 48-hour period. Ironically, these aren’t included among the food choices in the CalorieStory app.

To say that it doesn’t really affect anyone if I don’t stick to my plan is so not true. It affects my entire family since I’m more cranky and less patient when I don’t stick to healthy meals or if I skip my daily walk.

Where’s my personal trainer when I need him?

Several bloggers around the country also took on this #NewYearNewMe challenge:

• Nina Say @ The One Fantastical
• Gina @ A Wrestling Addicted Mommy
• Crazy Coupon Mommy @ Deals 4 Dummies
• Jen @ Sisterly Savings
• Mary @ Everyday Baby Steps
• Alaina @ Dinker & Giggles
• Stacey @ San Diego Bargain Mama
• Tanya @ Mommy Goggles

I’ll be checking in with them throughout the next few months and asking them to check-in with me, too. Otherwise, I’m afraid I might fall off the wagon again, so to speak. In regards to eating healthy and maintaining a regular exercise routine, I’m really the only one who can hold myself accountable.

One day at a time…

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Reaching my goals

At the beginning of the year I pledged to do the following three things for the #NewYearNewMe weight loss challenge:

1. Exercise for at least 30 minutes three times a week
2. Take the stairs when I can
   
3. Eat a healthy breakfast each morning

I sort of cheated with making that second pledge since our apartment complex is built on a hill. I have to take two flights of stairs just to get from my car to our front door. I do think, however, that setting attainable goals makes much more sense than setting goals that are outside our reach or that we might not be sure about being able to follow through with. This one was easy for me to reach!

Eating a healthy breakfast each morning has been a challenge with a new baby. My morning starts at odd times of the day (or in the middle of the night) since he’s not quite on a regular schedule just yet. Sometimes we wake up at 3:30 am and I fall asleep on the couch, waking up around 6:00 am to quickly make coffee and get my older son out the door in time for school. Somehow I manage to feed him a healthy breakfast each morning.

Being a parent is all about sacrifice. More often than not, I hear from parents – especially moms – about how their needs get put last on the To-Do list and unfortunately, that sometimes includes healthy eating. If I skip a meal (which I have done without realizing it) I also get irritable, which isn’t good for anyone. My new and improved To-Do list now includes a reminder to eat three meals a day, regardless of what time it is when I pour that first cup of coffee.

Exercising three times a week has been the easiest of these three pledges. I drop off my son at school and immediately head to the beach with my baby to stroll along the boardwalk. Who wouldn’t want to add that to their regular routine?

The CalorieStory app on Facebook has been a great tool for helping me keep track of all these goals. Knowing that when I exercise I can consume a few more calories and it’s considered exercise when I go up and down two flights of stairs with my 10 pound baby (and 5 pound car seat) in hand allows me to feel good about getting out of the house  more often (and neglecting the pile of laundry that awaits my return).

Having a new baby brings many challenges to moms, whether we work outside the home or not. My biggest challenge, on top of the three I already mentioned, has been setting aside time to “sleep when the baby sleeps.” Perhaps that should be something I pledge to do more often…

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Carb Lovers Unite

I’ve never owned a scale and have never followed a diet of any kind simply because I love food and don’t typically do well with anything that’s forbidden. If I’m told not to do something, or not to eat something, I tend to want to do it more, or eat more of the said foods.

That’s why the #NewYearNewMe challenge appealed to me. I was eager to lose weight and get back in shape after our baby was born and was even more excited to learn that I didn’t have to follow a strict diet with rules that I would  feel bad about breaking.

The CalorieStory app on Facebook has helped me track my calorie intake and although I haven’t been vigilant about tracking my meals every single day, it has made me more aware of what I’m eating/drinking on a regular basis.

The CarbLovers Diet book that was sent me for this challenge has helped me out as well. Filled with some amazing recipes and helpful hints, I’ve learned quite a bit about healthy eating and losing weight without having to give up the carbs that I enjoy.

Health magazine editors, Ellen Kunes and Frances Largeman-Roth, RD, are behind this helpful book and inspire readers to be more creative with family meals instead of eliminating certain items from your diet, like so many other weight-loss programs tend to do.

These 4 CarbLovers Rules helped maintain my excitement over this challenge and I hope it encourages you as well.

1. Eat a CarbStar at every meal. Carbohydrate-rich foods contain two types of starch. The one we hear about most often is high-glycemic starch (found in the foods we’ve been told to avoid) which is absorbed quickly and raises blood sugar. It also causes a spike in energy.The other type of starch is called Resistant Starch – a weight-loss powerhouse because it does not get absorbed into the bloodstream or broken down into glucose.CarbStars include oatmeal, bananas, beans and lentils, potatoes, whole-grain pasta, barley, brown rice, peas, rye and pumpernickel bread, polenta and potato chips.
2. Balance your plates. CarbStars should take up around 1/4 of your plate. The rest of your meals will be filled with great weight-loss boosters like lean meats and low-fat dairy products, good fats, and fruits & veggies.
   
3. Never let yourself go hungry. The meals found in the recipe section of this book will leave you feeling fully satisfied. Research shows that when you feel full, you’re much more likely to stick with a new weight-loss plan.
   
4. Enjoy what you love to eat. Most diets out there dictate what we CAN’T eat even though there’s solid research out there that suggests we end up bingeing on the foods that we’re forbidden to eat. On the CarbLovers Diet, you won’t have to give up anything. You can indulge (in moderation) every day.

Other great things to keep in mind about carbs:

• CarbLovers carbs curb hunger better than other types of foods. They’re rich in fiber and low in calories.
• People feel happier when they include carbs in their diets and crankier when they restrict them.
• Carbs prevent fatigue. Resistant Starch carbs help your body burn fat more efficiently so you stay energized longer.

Caribbean Mahi Mahi with Banana Chutney

The list of Resistant Starch foods are some of my favorites so this “diet” is perfect for me. The foods found in the recipe section made my mouth water and I marked at least a dozen that I want to start including in our weekly meal plan. These are healthy meals that support your weight-loss goals and that your entire family will love.

Tell me these recipes don’t sound delicious: Black Bean Tacos, Polenta Fritters with Asparagus & Eggs, Zucchini & Potato Scramble with Bacon, Black Bean & Zucchini Quesadillas, Bistro-Style Sirloin with New Potatoes, Caribbean Mahi Mahi with Banana Chutney. My mouth is watering already.

The book also includes a section on a workout routine that you can easily incorporate along with these yummy recipes. The fact that this weight-loss challenge has me more excited about food is a good sign that it’s a diet that will be much easier for most people to follow than others that “encourage” you to eliminate certain things from your pantry.

If you would like to win a copy of The CarbLovers Diet, there are several ways you can enter. One winner will be randomly chosen on February 1st.

• Leave a comment below stating what CarbLovers recipe you’re most excited to try.
• Leave a comment below listing what you had for breakfast this morning and the number of calories consumed. You can keep track on the CalorieStory Facebook app and monitor your intake as well as taking the challenge (you’re entered to win some great prizes through the sponsors when you do).
• Earn an extra entry by sharing this post on Twitter (leave a separate comment when you do with a link to your mention).
• Earn an additional entry by sharing this post on Facebook (leave a separate comment after you do).

Good luck and Happy Dieting!

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Better Than Pajama Jeans

As part of my #NewYearNewYou challenge, I’ve committed to share my progress on a weekly basis. I encourage you to take the challenge. Thank you for supporting me in reaching my goals.

Our baby is just over 2 weeks old already. The last few weeks have gone by so quickly, having to adjust to less sleep and a new routine of not really having a routine just yet.

It made sense to continue to wear my maternity clothes after the baby was born since I still looked pregnant but it soon became evident that I would have to start wearing my pre-pregnancy fat pants (aka anything with elastic) since I kept having to pull them up. Pajama jeans were sounding pretty ideal but before I had a chance to pick up the phone and order a pair, I did it – I fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans!

Our son is already 8 pounds and he’s stretching beyond the newborn size clothes. We’re all very happy & healthy over here, getting caught up on sleep and taking advantage of the additional hands that are here to help  us out. My husband is about half way through his paternity leave. I can’t imagine doing this without him…

Breastfeeding has helped me lose the baby weight so quickly and taking walks every other day have also contributed to the rapid weight loss. Only a mile and a half at a time for the last few weeks, but we plan on increasing the length of our treks now that I’m ready to really start exercising and baby is sleeping for longer periods of time between feedings.

This week, I’m venturing out with baby in tow to three events, all of which revolve around food. I’ve been enjoying my husband’s cooking – as usual – but I’m excited to get out and enjoy some girl time with my fellow bloggers and friends.

I swear, the term GNO was originally coined by a mom of only boys. Now that I’m surrounded by three males, I realize how important my girl time really is. Don’t get me wrong, I love being the Queen of the house (with no princesses yet to compete with me), but I’m looking forward to sharing some laughs and sipping on drinks with my girlfriends.

Perhaps one of them has tried a pair of Pajama Jeans and can tell me if they’re better than my pre-pregnancy jeans because right now, I can’t think of anything better to slip into.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Losing the Baby Weight

My baby is a week old already and up until a few days ago, I was feeling good about losing the baby weight one day at a time. Up until my older son told me that I no longer looked pregnant; I look fat. Yeah, at least he’s honest.

Luckily, I have the #NewYearNewMe challenge to look forward to. I feel like I’ve already made progress. The CalorieStory app on Facebook keeps track of my daily calorie budget and with the help of the amazing sponsors of this weight loss / get healthier challenge, I’m excited to share my goals and work toward reaching them.

This year, and this month in particular, I  pledge to exercise for at least 30 minutes three times a week, take the stairs when I can and eat a healthy breakfast each morning.

Take the pledge with me and challenge yourself to a New You this month. It’s a New Year and you deserve the best start possible. Every pledge you make enters you into a drawing to win some great prizes from the following sponsors.

The Carb Lovers Diet is a book filled with recipes that I immediately started to incorporate into my daily routine. Eating oatmeal with bananas, walnuts & cinnamon is a  healthy and delicious breakfast. I’m excited to try out the other recipes that feature the thing that I craved most during my pregnancy: carbs.

I won’t fit into it just yet, but another sponsor, Our Love Yoga, sent a beautiful purple tank top which I plan on using once I reach my weight loss goal.

Yoga Pulse DVDs were also provided for my participation in this month-long challenge and Goodbelly sent a 12-day supply of their Pomegranate Blackberry flavored probiotic drinks. You can take their 12-day challenge as well. They’re so sure Goodbelly will put a smile on your face after 12 short days that they guarantee it, or it’s free!

Larabar, another sponsor, sent a t-shirt and a bag of 100 calorie fruit & nut bars, made of 100% whole food. They come in a variety of flavors and I have yet to find one that I do not like. I threw a few in the diaper bag already and everyone in my house has been enjoying them since they arrived and I intend to refill our supply as soon as we run out.

Head on over to Facebook to make your pledge, invite your friends to support you and your goals for creating a healthier you. You deserve it!

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Good Vibrations

I’m always thrilled when local companies find me – through my site – and want to partner me with me in a way that benefits both of us.

When the husband and wife team from Good Vibrations Family Chiropractic contacted me a few months back, I was thrilled. Here’s a company that is in the health & well-being field and whose primary focus is the family. They work with children and even young infants and toddlers as well as adults here in San Diego. Drs. Stacey and Joe Merlo have one child with a second on the way.

It wasn’t until my son started to visibly show signs of discomfort in his neck that I thought to contact them about being seen as a client. The timing couldn’t have been more appropriate for me either, as my back started to become sore with the extra pregnancy weight around that same time.

We made an appointment and met with Dr. Joe Merlo who is wonderful to work with. What I love most about him and Good Vibrations (after years of experience with different chiropractors in different offices) is that their office feels more like home. It’s very welcoming, the furniture and decor is bright and fun and doesn’t seem sterile or much like a doctor’s office at all. He also approaches his clients with a personal touch, hugging me after each session and leaving me with a question or thought to ponder over after I walk out the door.

Before my initial visit, I was asked to fill out some paperwork. Pretty standard for any first-time health visits. Although the questions asked were a bit different. I was asked to list 5 things or ways in which I would personally start working towards a healthier lifestyle and it was a great reminder about all those New Year’s resolutions we make to ourselves that get forgotten before summer even hits.

Here’s my list, which Dr. Joe now has as well so he can continue to support me and keep me on track for a healthier pregnancy:

1. Walking – As a runner, it’s been hard for me to literally slow down now that I’m pregnant. Each time I get my shoes tied and head out for a 2 mile walk, I get frustrated that I can’t pick up my feet and take off like I used to do. I need to remind myself that this time (during pregnancy) is all about slowing down in many ways and I would love to get out and walk more often, but perhaps at smaller distances (1 mile every other day would be ideal).
2. Meditation - Speaking of slowing down, my mind has been racing with everything that’s going on in my world. I used to meditate often and find myself better able to sleep and function throughout the day when I do. My intention is to meditate for just a few minutes before bed each night and slow down my mind which can get the best of me at times.
3. Yoga - I love yoga. I remember doing yoga poses with my mom in the early 80s and got back into it during my pregnancy with my son nearly seven years ago. It was a great way to keep in shape during my pregnancy but after being away from it for so long, I nearly forgot how beneficial it truly is. Just yesterday, I took my first pre-natal yoga class during this pregnancy and cannot wait to go back again next week.
4. Writing – This is huge for me – and for most of you reading this. There was a time when I was posting something here every single day and lately I haven’t been inspired or motivated or even very enthusiastic about keeping up to date with what’s going on. That has to change. It keeps me sane (somewhat) so expect to hear from me more often. Those of you who know how to reach me should pester me if you don’t.
5. Sleep – We all know that getting a good night’s sleep is great for so many reasons but having a consistent schedule is just as important. With this pregnancy, I have such a varied sleep schedule that I’ll nap during the day and then have a difficult time getting to sleep that night. So then I stay up late and sleep in the next morning only to find that the pattern begins all over again and there’s no routine or hours that I keep that are consistent. This also has changed now that my son has started school. I go to bed when he does, wake up early to get his lunch ready and start my day – pushing away the urge to nap so that I can get to bed at a reasonable time. Coffee helps. Trust me. But implementing the other four things I listed above help just as much.

All five of these are things I should be implementing in my life on a regular basis. I’m just so grateful that Dr. Joe is holding me accountable for them. And now that they’re here, in writing, I encourage you to share 5 things that you can do or plan on doing to optimize your overall health. Please leave a comment here, or link to a blog post that you’ve created with your list.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Newly Published

The first weekly newsletter of 2009 has just been published. Here’s what’s included:’

• Top Ten Brain Foods for Children
• Parenting Resolutions
• Shopping Organic at Costco
• Free Online Courses
• Nutrition Data at Your Fingerprints
• Chasing Vermeer
• Space to Express Grief
• Get Connected

Please let me know what I can do to help support you in 2009!

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

A New Chapter

1. Where did you begin 2008?
I honestly don’t remember. Home with my son?

2. What was your status by Valentine’s Day?
In a relationship with a long-distance love.

3. Were you in school (anytime this year)?
I teach…does that count?

4. Did you have to go to the hospital?
I had to take a co-worker on an out-of-state business trip (what an story that was)!

5. Did you have any encounters with the police?
Yep. I was pulled over for speeding on my way to work one morning.

6. Where did you go on vacation?

I went snowboarding with my man at Keystone in early 2008, met him in Vegas for a weekend rendezvous. (Gosh, when was that?)

7. What did you purchase that was over $500?
Many items that added up (or exceeded) that amount but not any one thing.

8. Did you know anybody who got married?
Yep! I attended two weddings this year and another dear friend just got married in Mexico!

9. Did you know anybody who passed away?
Yes. My grandma died just before Christmas.

10. Did you move anywhere?
Nope.

11. What sporting events did you attend?
None.

12. What concerts/shows did you go to?

I had a date who took me to hear live music and I also took my son to see The Grinch at the Old Globe Theatre.

13. Where do you live now?
San Diego

14. What’s the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2008?
Have to start looking for another job.

15. What has/have been your favorite moment(s)?
Laughing with my son, attending my friend’s weddings, working with amazing families and spending time with loved ones.

16. What’s something you learned about yourself?

I’m stronger than I knew, happier than I thought I could be, and I’m a damn good mom.

17. Any new additions to your family?
Yes, my nephew was born in late June.

18. What was your best month?

The last two months since I didn’t have to travel or be away from my son for an extended period of time.

19. What music will you remember 2008 by?
That silly Madagascar song that my son sings while shaking his booty.

20. Made new friends?

Yes, there are a lot of great parents and people that work at my son’s school that I’m glad to know, along with many great online contacts I’ve made – all of whom continue to inspire me and help me grow.

21. Favorite Night[s] out?

I dressed up for Halloween for the first time in my adult life. That was fun and I hope to do it again!

22. Any regrets?
No.

23. What do you want to change in 2009?
To take my son on a real vacation and get my butt back in shape!

24. Overall, how would you rate this year on a scale of 1-10?
I’d have to say 9…2009 will be a definite 10!

25. What would you change about 2008?
Not a thing.

26. Other than home, where did you spend most of your time?
On an airplane, hotel room, or in my car!

26. Have any life changes in 2008?
Nothing drastic in my life, although the Presidential campaign rocked my world and moved me in ways that I never expected.

27. Change your hairstyle?
No, but I’m thinking I need to!

28. Get a new job?
No, but am starting to look.

29. Do you have a New Year’s resolution?
To get in shape and take my son on a real vacation.

30. Did anything embarrassing?
No…it takes a lot for me to get embarrassed.

31. Buy anything new from eBay?
No, I don’t shop on eBay.

32. What was/were your favorite purchase?
My new jeans.

33. Get married or divorced?
No.

34. Get arrested?
Riiiight.

35. Be honest – did you watch American Idol?
Never seen it!

36. Did you get sick this year?
I had a 24-hour flu but nothing major (knocking on wood).

37. Start a new hobby?
No, but I’m training for a new certification.

38. Been snowboarding?
Earlier in the year, not since this last snowfall.

39. Are you happy to see 2008 go?
No.

40. Drank Starbucks in 2008?
Who didn’t?

I hope everyone has a Happy Healthy Hip New Year!

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

How Diet, Exercise and Weight Control Affect Fertility

In early December, Newsweek published a surprising article on fertility and how it is affected (among men and women) by diet, exercise and weight control.

Since I often think about having another child – someday – I’m highly in tune to the latest research that’s out there regarding conception and the challenges that often inhibit couples from making their family complete.

My friends (and I) are in our thirties and it’s startling to me how many of them are seeking fertility counseling and are on their second or third installment of in vitro or other interventions to help them conceive.

No matter what the reason may be, maintaining a well-balanced diet and exercising often is important to emotional, physical, and psychological health. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to be more active and to be more conscious of what I eat. And if increases my chances of being able to conceive again – eventually – then you bet it’ll be worth every step.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Resolutions for Raising a Reader

Elizabeth Kennedy of About.com: Children’s Books reminds us how important it is for us as parents to set a good example in order to help our children to become lifelong learners and lovers of literature.

Her resolutions can be found in full detail in her latest posting, but here is a quick outline of what she recommends for ways to get ready for a New Year of reading with our young ones:

1. Read aloud to your children every day.
2. Get a library card.
3. Take your children to the library once a week.
4. Discuss children’s books with your children.
5. Take your children to story times, author visits, and other public programs.
6. Buy books that you know will interest your child.
7. Create a comfortable reading space for your child.
8. Visit the websites of favorite authors and illustrators.
9. Once a week, cook together using a children’s cookbook.
10. Buy your children a good dictionary and use it regularly.

These are all fabulous ideas and ones that I plan to incorporate in our weekly routine. Spending time reading together is a great way to bond. My son once told me that he liked it when I read to him because I kiss the top of his head.

Today’s his birthday. I have two new books to read with him and I can’t wait for our trip to the library later this week so he can bring home his own discoveries from the library.

Thanks to Elizabeth for this wonderful reminder.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home