baby weight loss first week | My Favorite All Natural Peanut Butter

baby weight loss first week

All my life I was a JIF peanut butter girl.  I bought the low-fat kind and ate it by the jarful.  I love peanut butter on almost everything- apples, celery, PB&J, chocolate, even on my pancakes.

A couple years ago, in an effort to eat less processed food, I switched to all natural peanut butter.  Ive tried all kinds of brands and even almond butter and keep coming back to my all-time favorite, Laura Scudders, because it tastes so good.  You do have to stir it some, but oil separation is normal in all-natural peanut butter.  Im currently loving the nutty one, but they also make it in smooth.  I can find it at my local grocery store.

So good on protein pancakes!  I recently tweaked that recipe- I now add a little milk to the batter too- it makes them less dense.  

Are you eating all-natural peanut butter?  What brand do you like?

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baby weight loss after birth calculation | Whats Next The Post Bikini Competition Plan

baby weight loss after birth calculation

A surprising thing about post-competition is that Im not all that anxious to eat all of the food thats been off limits during contest prep.  Youd think Id want to eat everything in sight, but that hasnt been the case.  In fact, the thought of a big, juicy cheeseburger and fries (something I love to indulge in once in a while before) doesnt really sound good to me right now.  I think it feels so good having worked so hard to get in shape, I dont want to "blow it" by eating bad.  It doesnt feel worth it.  

FOOD

The night the competition ended, we found a nice steak restaurant that was open and ate a late dinner there.  I had baked brie (a favorite of mine!) with dry toasts, filet minion, twice baked potato and iced-tea.  I only finished half of the steak and potatoes and I really wasnt ready for any alcohol.  The next morning, I indulged in Starbucks banana bread for breakfast before we got on the road to come home.

After driving nearly four hours home, we stopped at Chipotle for lunch and I always get a bowl with rice, chicken and pico.  Back at home, I got back on my regular (contest prep) meals with the exception of the ice cream I had been craving.  I wanted Gelato (it has less fat) but they were out the kind I like (Sea Salt Caramel), so I got regular Carmel Cone ice cream.  I ate the whole pint.  It was GOOD going down!  

But, of course, my stomach really hurt the next morning.  Thankfully, my abs were still there! :)  Although a cheeseburger doesnt sound good, I could keep eating ice-cream every once in a while (just not a whole pint in one sitting!).

My trainer texted me the next morning telling me I should get back to Phase 1 of my diet.  And its crazy that I was actually looking forward to it!  I really like my protein pancakes with all-natural fruit spread.  Meal 2 is usually fish, potato, and green beans.  Meal 3 is a grilled chicken salad with fat free dressing.  Meal 4 is chicken, potato or rice, and veggies.  Meal 5 is a cup or so of Muscle Egg.  Sometimes, Ill eat another pancake too in between Meal 4 and 5.  I typically eat at 9am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, and 9pm.  

On Tuesday night, my girlfriend invited me out for a drink and I went, but ordered tea. Wednesday night, I went to dinner with two friends at a new restaurant and I was excited to have something different.  I ate tuna tartare and a mini steak skewer.  

At the weekend blog conference I went to, I ate as best I could (even brought and drank 3 protein shakes while I was there).  We were fortunate that the conference had a fresh, healthy salad bar selection with fish and chicken.

BUT, I did indulge in THREE small desserts on Saturday (chocolate popsicle, shared milkshake at dinner, and scoop of ice cream at the late-night party).  Back at home on Sunday, I was back to my meals- and ready to be! 

I do want to find new healthy meals that I can feel good about eating that are different from my usual.  Its just nice to have a little variety.  And Im sure my husband would appreciate it too.  

WORKOUTS

As for the workouts, my trainer recommended that I do only 30 minutes of cardio and no weights for about a week to give my body a rest and just recoup from the competition.  Whats crazy is that just doing 30 minutes of cardio now feels very minimal.  I havent even bothered to go to the gym for it (it would take longer to drive there and back) opting instead to just run out my door around my neighborhood with my iPod. 

I had a great run on my trip out of town too.  I knew Id want to run at least one day, so I packed running clothes and my iPod.  Right outside our hotel was a beautiful bike trail filled with tall, lush trees.  I even found the cutest Startbucks ever and popped in after my run for an oatmeal and black iced-tea.  It felt so good to start the day this way.

Before I started training for this contest, if youd have told me Id be doing 30-45 minutes of cardio 4-5 times a week in addition to my one hour workout, Id think you were crazy.  I didnt think I was physically capable of doing that, but my body surprised me.  Yours can too. 

via

Im not training with my trainer right now, opting to spend more time with my son and just workout at the gym thats closer to my house.  When my son goes back to school, Ill reconsider.  I got spoiled training with him - not because its any easier - in fact its physically harder.  But, he kept me accountable and pushed me to my limit.  I just did what he said.  I didnt have to think about whats next, what exercise to do, what weight to lift, how many reps.  So many times Id say to him, "Id never workout this hard on my own." 

I know his routine pretty well now though.  We would do 3 exercises in a row, not too heavy, but a weight I could get 15-20 reps.  One of the exercises might be something without weights, just to keep my heart rate up, like Burpees. Wed do the round 3-4 times, then start again with 3 different exercises.  We did this for one hour, sometimes stopping with 10 minutes to spare so I could finish with abs.

It will be interesting to see if I can keep it up on my own.  Im going to try! 

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pregnancy weight loss plateau | 5 Month Post Bikini Contest Check In

pregnancy weight loss plateau

It's been a little more than five months since I competed in my first NPC bikini competition and I wanted to share what life's been like since then and where I am now with my (lifelong) fitness journey.  I say lifelong journey because as long as I'm alive, I want to take care of myself and never take my health for granted.  With my Dad's illness, I've painfully watched his physical ability diminish to the point where he cannot walk, so I'm always mindful of how grateful I am to be able to move and exercise.  

the beginning

Almost one year ago, I had gotten out of shape and was ready for a big change.  I couldn't fit comfortably into my clothes, felt sluggish and missed feeling good about myself.  I started working out and eating better in February 2014 on my own, and began working with my trainer (3-4 days a week) at the end of March 2014.  We trained together for 15 weeks and I competed in the bikini contest on July 4, 2014.  I went from 112 pounds and 25% body fat (Feb 2014) to 100 pounds (July 2014).  We didn't test my contest body fat because I was supposed to go the BodPod for a very accurate reading, but the facility cancelled my appointment because they machine wasn't working.  My trainer guesstimated I competed at about 15% body fat.  

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baby weight loss first days | Workout Binder Workouts Post 12 Week Program

baby weight loss first days

Now that Ive completed the Jamie Eason 12-Week Training Program, I needed to figure out what to do next.  The last couple of weeks I slacked off on my workouts, so time to get back to it!  I want to continue the strength training (especially on my legs/glutes) and picked a few of my favorite workouts from the Jamie Eason program and will continue to do those to build muscle.  I think they are all from Week 7 of the program.  Im also looking forward to trying the spin classes at my gym, and now that the weather is warming up here, Im going to start jogging outside again.

I went ahead and printed the workouts (Arms, Back, Shoulders, and two Leg workouts), wrote in the weight I typically lift for easy reference, them laminated them so I can use them while I work out.  I could commit them to memory, but this is easy and mindless so I dont have to think about what comes next.  

I have printed out all of the workouts from the 12-week program and keep them in a binder, along with my measurements so I can track my progress.  The binder is just an inexpensive 1-inch white three-ring binder with a plastic cover, so I inserted something to motivate me on the front. 

I love the shot of this strong woman climber and the quote that accompanies it.  

And on the back, I included a shot of a muscular and feminine physique I admire.  That booty- dang! 

Those pages are from Oxygen magazine.  The binder lives in my workout bag along with my mini i-Pod, workout gloves, and water bottle.  

How do you keep track of your workouts?

* * * * * 

spin class

running

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baby weight loss first few days | The Yummy Mummy Kitchen Cookbook

baby weight loss first few days

A HUGE congratulations goes out to my beautiful and talented friend Marina Delio, of the blog Yummy Mummy Kitchen on her published cookbook The Yummy Mummy Kitchen.  She was kind enough to send me a copy of the glorious, kid-friendly cookbook filled with tons of her beautiful food photography.  Her philosophy is all about eating well with all-natural, non-processed ingredients and doing it with style.

Ive been savoring this cookbook and really enjoying all of the stories and insights from Marina about how to live and eat well with family and friends.  This is more than a cookbook, its a "lifestyle" book.   I have to admit, I feel like a big failure when it comes to my 3 year-old sons diet, but seeing how Marinas girls chow down on her simple meals gives me encouragement to keep trying.  I love how gorgeous and colorful her plates are.  

Her book has over 100 recipes, many with just a few ingredients.  Heres just a peek at whats got my mouth watering.  

*All photos via Marina.  So proud of you girl!

Are you drooling yet?!  You can order Marinas cookbook, The Yummy Mummy Kitchen HERE.

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weight loss rate after pregnancy | Life Lessons from Wilderness Trek

weight loss rate after pregnancy

Twenty-three years ago I climbed Mt. Elbert in Colorado.

View from top of Mt. Elbert, summer 1992

Its kind of weird that I now have enough life experiences to state that something occurred twenty-plus years ago.

View of valley while hiking up Mt. Sherman, summer of 1994

Anyway, that particular trip was my first true backpacking experience, but certainly not the last. I have written about Wilderness Trek before, and it truly was one of the most influential experiences of my life.

Hiking up Mt. Sherman, summer of 1994
 

At the ripe age of twelve-and-a-half, I was exposed to grandeur beyond my comprehension and the principle that when life is difficult, it is always best to reach out and encourage, or help someone else.

Mt. Antero, summer of 1996

On Wilderness Trek every person carries not only their own essentials for a five-day trek into the wilderness, but also various items for the crew you are assigned to. Everyone is carrying weight beyond what you might think you can endure (35-50 lbs), and regardless of your fitness level, it is a tough trip. Obviously the more fit you are, the easier it is, but it isnt easy. 

Rapelling on the Mt. Antero trip, summer 1996

The thing that made the experience of climbing a mountain more bearable (besides the amazing views) was to try to motivate someone else who was struggling to keep moving.

My sister, Angela, and I on the Mt. Antero trip, summer 1996

When I could dig down deep and encourage another to keep plodding along, one foot in front of the other, it allowed me to forget my own difficult journey. If I could take a moment to encourage others to look up from staring at the ground and breathe in the beauty that we were all enveloped in, it allowed me to take in the moment myself.

 On the trail. Mt. Antero, summer 1996

Last week I was reminded of that principle. I was in a funk, in the midst of my very own pity party, focused on myself and some of my own frustrations. It was all I could think about as I drove to the Y for a midday pick-me-up.

 On the trail. Mt. Antero, summer 1996

Working out helped to lift my spirits and clear my mind. I felt less alone as I let the endorphins take away my frustrations. But it was after my workout that I was reminded of this lesson from my youth. 

Summit Day, Mt. Antero, summer 1996

As I spoke with a friend, I learned that another mom with a newborn was walking through a difficult valley right now. The cliff notes of the situation broke my heart and I felt ashamed of my pity party.

My sister on our "summit". We had to turn around before the actual 

summit because a storm was moving in. Mt. Antero, summer 1996

At that moment I shifted gears because I really believe that when we slow down, and move our focus from ourselves to how we can support others, it changes us for the better. It makes us better humans.

The girls on our "summit" as a storm moved in. Mt. Antero, summer 1996

I learned so much from Wilderness Trek, and even 23 years later I find that I am still applying those lessons to my life.

 Angela and I on our "summit" as a storm moved in. Mt. Antero, summer 1996

This is just one of the many lessons and experiences I had on Wilderness Trek. Those trips had a profound impact on me and I hope that someday my boys can have similar experiences.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 
Philippians 2:4  
...You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.
Luke 10:27

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pregnancy weight loss success | Chattanooga Duck Tours

pregnancy weight loss success

We are lucky to live in a tourist town. While most of the time we stick to local activities, sometimes it is nice to play tourist and learn a little more about the city we live in.

This past week a Groupon popped up for the Chattanooga Duck Tours and we decided to go with some of our friends.

Jack was very excited because as he said, it was his first time riding a bus AND riding on a boat. Not to mention that this vehicle was BOTH. (He may have forgotten, but he has been on a boat before here and here).

This excursion lasts about an hour but was enjoyable for all of us (well, Isaac didnt really care). Jack loved being on the water and all of the kids were given an opportunity to drive the boat.

When Jack got back in his seat with me, he proudly told me that he was a captain now.

I really enjoyed the history of Chattanooga that our captain shared with us. We learned that the Indian word "Chattanooga" meant "Rock Point." Literally where two mountains point at each other across the Tennessee River. 

We learned about how the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge was saved and how the downtown area was restored from 100+factories to what it is today. 

We discovered that the river used to routinely flood and that the city had to be raised because streets had been flooded up to the 3rd floor of buildings.

We learned about how Maclellan Island was purchased by the Maclellan family and used to raise cows (until a flood swept many of the cows away).

And how the carousel at Coolidge Park was given to the original artist, Bud Ellis, who is a master wood carver who continues to carve carousel animals at his studio, Horsing Around.

Our captain also told us his top recommendations for things to do in Chattanooga:

1. The Bluffs View Bed and Breakfast which is expensive, but if you dont have time or money to do this, go to Tonys Pasta Shop & Trattoria and Rembrandts Coffee (both of these are favorites of ours).
2. Maclellans Island – free but you have to have a way to get yourself there. Either kayak, paddle board or boat.
3. Coolidge Park – the fountain and carousel are a local favorite.

The Captain also let us know that the Hunter Museum of Art is open for FREE to families on the first Sunday of every month. We will have to check it out some time. We learned so much more that I cant even remember, but it was all fascinating.

Overall it was a fun and informative trip and we hope to go back when Daniel has time to go, maybe when Isaac is old enough to enjoy the experience as well.

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