Staying active and healthy during pregnancy

Pregnant or not, staying active and eating healthy foods are an important part of my daily life.  

Everyone knows the benefits of regular exercise and healthy eating.  But how much is too much for someone who is pregnant?  Of course, it all depends on your fitness level before you were pregnant and, most importantly, your doctor's recommendations.

For me, my previous pregnancy experience shaped my views on how hard I push my currently 23-week-pregnant self.  

When I was pregnant with Leila, my 5'1" frame gained 50 pounds.  Not only was that way over the recommended weight gain, it was a pain, literally, to carry around all that extra weight.  I hated how I looked in my third trimester and even worse, hated how I looked and felt after having Leila.  I promised myself (and my sisters) I would NEVER repeat my biggest rookie mistake again.

Currently, staying active and healthy during pregnancy is on the top of my to-do list.  I've been approved by my doctor to run (alright, it's more of a jog these days) and lift light, five pound weights.

My weekly exercise goals have been:

• Run 2-3 miles, three days a week.  Most days I push a beast of a stroller, but one day a week I request a time to run all by myself.  It's amazing the difference it makes being able to use both hands for momentum while running.
• Walk, one day a week.  We walk to the local Farmers' Market one afternoon a week.  
• Lift weights, using my favorite DVD (Bob Harper's Biggest Loser Boot Camp), two days a week.  Of course I have to make modification due to my belly getting in the way!  My sister Valerie is the best motivator and we found time to workout together each week.  My other weight workout is completed during Leila's nap time. 

That's a total of six workouts a week!  It's been easy to fit exercise into my pregnant life, because I was already committed to my fitness before I got pregnant.

This week was special!  I was able to fit in a bonus workout with Jeremy Jackson and DJ Pickel, represented by Look Better Naked Health Management.  Also, thanks to San Diego Mom's Night Out and FITzee Foods for spreading the word on this event.

This fun and active event was right up my alley!  We met at FITzee Foods for an introduction...

Fitzee Foods creates freshly made, pre-portioned meals designed to keep their customers healthy, balanced, and totally in control of their nutrition. Their meals are prepared daily with fresh, organic, and all-natural ingredients.  FITzee also offers a variety quick snacks and meal replacement bars to keep you fueled and focused on the go. All products are available in three specifically portioned sizes to fit each client’s unique lifestyle. All you need to do is heat, eat, and taste the FITzee difference!

Then we headed to a local park, complete with a DJ, for our workout with Jeremy Jackson.  Let me just say, this workout was no joke!  I figured since this event was open to the public, the workout had to be mainstream-appropriate.  I definitely had to modify his exercises and learned a few killer new ones in the process.  (On a side note, Jeremy was full of energy, very personable, and nice to look at.)

Sweaty and giddy after our hour long workout. (Please excuse the poor phone camera quality.)

Once we completed our sweat-session, we headed back to FITzee Foods for food samples, fresh juice, and our swag bag.  

I totally fell in love with their Chewy Chocolate Chip FITzee bar.  You can see a random customer felt exactly the same way I did about the FITzee bar.

  

I loved this event!  My competitive side really came out and I rocked the workout, belly and all.  I have the sore arms, upper back, butt, core, AND hamstrings to prove it.  That didn't stop me from running three miles the next day though.  I do have Thanksgiving Day 5K coming up...

How much do (or did) you push yourself to stay active and healthy during your pregnancy?

August Weight-loss Challenge {Giveaway!}

The August Weight-loss Challenge Giveaway features an Ozeri Digital Scale AND a Meet Me At The Dinner Table meal planning guide to help get your family on the track to a healthier life!

Read more about the Ozeri Digital Scale here.

Read more about Meet Me At The Dinner Table here.

Come back next month for a new weight-loss giveaway!

Weight-loss challenge {Month 2}

Last month was a tough one for me.  I spent twenty-three days in my hometown near Chicago with my family and friends.  Ever been to Chicago?  In my opinion, the city is know for it's delicious food.  I was not going to miss my yearly opportunity to indulge!

My goal for July was to not gain any weight (I lost 5 pounds in June!) and to enjoy my vacation.  Well, I certainly enjoyed my vacation!  One out of two isn't so bad, right?


The food temptations and vacation vibe (aka lots of drinking, to help me relax of course) got the best of me.  I have gained 1.5 pounds since my July weigh-in.  That leaves me 3.5 pounds from my goal weight.  I'm so close I can taste it!

I'm cutting myself some slack for last month's gain.  Vacations are something everyone looks forward too.  It's a change from the norm, a time to let go, a step away from everyday life.  I'm sure I'm not alone here, right?  Losing weight on vacation is difficult.  I am glad I had fun and tried not to worry too much about my vacation bloat.

I am a brave woman for posting this picture of me in my bathing suit!

Luckily this is a new month and I have a chance to try again!

My goal for August:
I can tell by photos that I lost what little definition I had in my arms.  I want it back!

My plan:
My plan is to work out with weights three days a week to get that definition back in addition to running 2-3 days a week.  (You can read about what I do with weights here.) 

Anyone else coming back from vacation with the dreaded vacation bloat?  What's your plan to get back into shape?

I'm losin' it {Weight-loss update}

After committing to finally losing all this "toddler" weight for once and for all, I've been on my best behavior all month. I am excited to announce that I have lost 5 pounds.

Could that be a little muscle tone in my arm or strategic posing? 

My plan worked!

My plan for the first month was to write down everything I ate and continue my current 5 day a week exercise routine.

Each day I kept a running total on how many calories I consumed, aiming for 1200-1500 per day.  (Honestly, some days were easier than others.)  Recording everything I put in my mouth helped me make better food choices throughout the day, cut out my nightly sweet treat, and drink less wine.

Luckily for me, choosing the "right" foods wasn't difficult. This is at least the fourth time I have counted calories to lose weight, which practically makes me a pro!

Aside from the occasional pizza night, I have been making healthy dinners for as long as I can remember. I cook with extra lean ground turkey, make meatless meals, and have a good sense of portion size.  Now that I am not rushed out the door to work in the morning, I have time to sit down and eat a "real" breakfast. Eggs are my top pick! They keep me feeling full until lunch so I'm not tempted to nibble from Leila's snacks.  Also, I do not like having junk food in the house, especially sweets.  I have quite the sweet tooth!  

Here's a few of my favorite healthy snacks:

apple with 1oz cheese or 1T of peanut butter

carrots and hummus

hard boiled egg

sweet baby peppers

greek yogurt

string cheese

popcorn

edamame

My exercise routine consisted of high and low intensity workouts five days a week.  I was already doing these workouts before I started counting calories so it was easy to continue.

To stay motivated I like to change up my workouts often!  I do not belong to a gym, because for me it's an unnecessary expense.

This is what I'm doing these days: 

• I have a couple of the Biggest Loser DVDs and Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred.  I fit those in during nap time on days that I don't run in the morning.  
• I also have an old school Denise Austin Pilates DVD that really works my abs.  It's my go-to workout when I am not motivated to work too hard.  
• Some days I simply I go for a walk or bike ride with Leila.  
• Just recently I started working out with my sister again one evening a week.  We're perfecting a routine we can do outside with Leila.  (I'll share when we get it just right!)

I am very impressed with my results! Although five pounds may not seem like a lot to some people, it is a lot to me. I am only 2 pounds from my goal!

Hahaha! This is my new favorite family photo.  

I know that July will be more challenging than this past month. I'm back home visiting family and friends in Chicago and plan to eat all my favorite foods at least twice. (Giordano's, Rosati's, Portillo's, and Jimmy John's here I come!)

My goal for July:  Don't gain any weight!

My plan:  Enjoy my vacation!  
I will be counting calories when possible and watching my portion sizes.  
I brought home five workout DVDs to do in my parents' basement since it's too hot here to run, even first thing in the morning.


Wish me luck!  


Don't forget to enter this month's Weight-loss Challenge giveaway to win some great pampering products from Basq! 

Weight-loss Challenge {Giveaway}

After my daily workout I feel amazing! I feel energized and proud of myself for working hard towards my goal. I definitely could use a little pampering after my sweat session.

This month the Simmworks Family Blog Weight-Loss Challenge coordinated a promotion and giveaway to help you pamper yourself.

All Leilaland readers can use the code "RuralMoms" at basqnyc.com and www.basqitsasmallworld.com for 20% off your purchase for the entire month of July!

Three lucky winners will win these products from Basq.  All you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter entry form below and the winner could be you!

The GRAND PRIZE giveaway is a 

Basq Soothing Foot Relief Spa Set and is valued at $60

Two runner ups will receive a 

Basq Energizing Lotion valued at $22

For once and for all

I chose not to make a resolution this year. Instead I decided to challenge myself one small goal at a time with one ultimate goal in mind:

Lose this baby weight.

I no longer have a baby, but I still have the weight. Leila is a twenty month old toddler and these last seven pounds have been around long enough!

Seven pounds seems like nothing after losing 43 of the 50 pounds I gained during pregnancy. But these seven pounds don't belong on my body.

I'm not ready to accept them. I don't want them anymore.



I have been consistently working out for over a year and my weight hasn't budged.

I can still wear the same summer clothes I bought last summer that were suppose to be "transition" clothes. They were suppose to be too big on me now.

What's my problem?
I eat just about whatever I want. Basically I workout so that I can eat.

What's my plan?
For once and for all, I will lose this toddler weight.

Writing down and accounting for everything I eat is the ONLY way I've been able to lose weight in the past. It works for me, but it takes time and dedication.

I'm worth it!

This first month I plan to eat from 1200-1500 calories a day while I continue my current exercise routine of running, circuit training DVDs, walking, yoga, and Pilates.

That's it. One small goal at a time.

I'd love your support!

Do you want to join the Simmworks Weight-Loss Challenge?  
There's a spot waiting for you! It doesn't matter if you have 7 or 50 pounds to lose. This is about YOU feeling good about your weight for once and for all.   Read all the detail about joining here.



Already feel good about your weight?
Lucky! I admire you and am jealous of you at the same time.  Enter our giveaways anyway, you never know!

Crazy Push-up Challenge {check in}

It is week three of the crazy push-up challenge. After completing just two weeks I already feel stronger and am able to do more push-ups each day.

Before starting week three it's recommend to check your progress with an exhaustion test. Guess how many push-ups I did?


TWENTY!

Yep! That's double the amount of push-ups I could do when I started this crazy challenge.

How are your 2012 fitness goals going? We can do this!

Crazy Push-up Challenge

My friend Betsy came across this website claiming that after completing their six week training program you will be able to do one hundred push-ups. You? Yes! You, me, your mom, and maybe even the kid down the block.

Naturally I was inclined to say, "Hells yeah! Let's do it!" Whereas Betsy and the rest of my crazy friends said, "Duh!" The first challenge of the year is ON! One hundred push-ups in a row on February 12th!

The initial challenge is to do as many push-ups as you can so that you can begin training at your appropriate level. I did ten and am nervous to report that I am already sore.

Tomorrow marks my first official training day. I'll keep you posted.


Anyone crazy enough to join me?

New Year, New Plan

This is not your typical New Year's Resolution post. I cannot wrap my head around what life will bring this next year.

To make a goal or resolution for an entire year seems foolish and is a waste of my time (and yours too!) This year I am going to challenge myself one small goal at a time.

I started the holiday season with one simple goal: To maintain my weight during the season of over-indulgence. 
To reach my goal, I challenged myself to cut out alcohol (yes, that means wine too) during the week. I am thrilled to report that I weighed myself today and...SUCCESS!  I didn't gain a pound over the holidays!

So, that's how I plan to roll all year long.
One challenge at a time. 
One success leading to another. 
One ultimate goal: Lose this baby weight.

Life will bring me challenges everyday but this is about ME. I will be challenging myself to ensure this is a year to remember!





Happy New Year!

Project ME

I am determined not to gain weight this holiday season! Actually, I would love to lose weight, but I'm trying to be realistic here. It's no secret around here that these last 7 pregnancy pounds (alright, 10) have been hanging out on my body for way too long. Even though I workout an average of six days a week, I eat and drink enough to average it all out.



Challenge #1: No drinking during the week. Sounds simple enough to me.

(I am in charge, so I can make and break the rules. I WILL be drinking at all weekday holiday events! We all need some carefree fun once in a while!)

Let the challenge begin! Who's with me?