Body After Baby eight weeks

Source: leahremilletblog.com via Laurel on Pinterest

So my not so little man turned 2 months old yesterday and is a full blown baby - not a newborn any more.  When I made public my fitness journey here, I was more than apprehensive about making this so public.  I didn't want people to see me eating and think "isn't she supposed to be losing weight?"  What I have found is that people have been more than supportive.  So, I made a goal!  I'd like to be pre-baby weight when J. hits six months.  How does that sound?  

Isn't my little scot a cutie patootie?

Like I said before, I'm working with moms into fitness.  To be more specific - I am smack dab in the middle of their post natal boot camp.  What I've noticed, more than my body changing, is that my body is craving this!  These are quick and I've starting paying my 10 year old to watch the baby so I can get this in.  I'm making it a priority and have only missed one day in the past three weeks!

I told my husband that a sweaty mommy is a happier mommy.  So true!

Here We Go Again

How do I start?  I'm a bit intimidated to be making this so public.  But I love the support here and I think I'm going to need this.
I am 6 weeks post partum - which is when the doctor finally gives the OK to start exercising.  My body is looking . . . . weird.  I don't want to hear that I should love my body for being able to carry and birth babies.  I do love that it is capable of that, but the fact is that I'm not very comfortable in my skin right now.  I have got to get my body back.  This is my fourth time and I am too aware of the road ahead of me, and it ain't pretty! Some women bounce back effortlessly and I envy those.  For me, it takes sweat and tears!   I also am well aware that this takes some time, but to me it is so worth it.
Being healthy is an important aspect of my life and I make it a priority.  I'm not a personal trainer, a dietitian, or anything like that.  I have no expertise in this area.  What I am is a busy mom -seriously busy - trying to live a balanced life!

I am working with moms into fitness to get my body back!  I'm pretty excited to try this out.  Lindsay Brin , the founder of moms into fitness, takes photographs and videos of herself doing the same thing that I am doing.  It is pretty inspiring.  The program is set up for busy moms - a kid friendly diet plan and quick work outs, and nursing tips.  Everything can be  downloaded, which makes it even more convenient.  No DVDs to work with.

Now, you won't see pictures of my stomach or really any pictures showing my body - I'm not that brave!  This was right before I walked the kiddos to school.  It is my "before" shot.  I should have taken a side shot.  I will be sharing this "journey" with you a couple times a month.  I'm going to be very honest, even though I am completely insecure about this!  I have 19 pounds to lose to get to my pre-pregnancy weight and I'm hoping I'll get there by the time J. is six months old.

Wish me luck!

If you are curious - Lindsay Brin and Moms into Fitness has four workouts that you can download for free Go to www.momsintofitness.com.  On the homepage  just enter your name and email and will be emailed 4 free workouts (1 per week).The workouts are customized to fit them whether they are pregnant, a new mom, want to lose 10+ lbs or want to take it up a notch to super fit.

Ode to Oats

The other day, my friend told me that she could never get her kids to eat oats?  WHAT?  We eat some type of oatmeal at least 2 times a week sometimes more!  I've never heard my kiddos complain and they often choose it over a cold cereal.  I think of oatmeal as a neutral flavor - how can you not like it?  Then I remember when I was a kid.  I was served oatmeal with milk and brown sugar.  That was the only way we ever had it.  My sister HATED it!  I loaded up the brown sugar, of course, and tolerated it.  There was really nothing to love or hate.  Fast forward to my sister's baby shower about 5 years ago.  There was a catered breakfast and part of it was an oatmeal bar.  "Weird," I thought, "who would choose oatmeal over pancakes, doughnuts, eggs . . . "  Then I looked at what they had to offer, tried it, and oatmeal became a different experience.  It wasn't something to be tolerated - you could enjoy it.  There were so many toppings and I had never even thought of having different toppings - peanut butter, coconut, granola, all fruits, nuts, etc. etc.  YUMMY!

I have my 3 favorite ways to eat oatmeal, but there are oh so many more.  The beauty of oats is that they are so versatile and you can change it to fit what you and your family love.


Baked Oatmeal - G. usually claps when I make this.  It is like a warm oatmeal raisin cookie.  I usually use Our Best Bites recipe - but use way less butter and sugar.  Skinny taste just posted a recipe for Baked Oatmeal with blueberries and bananas that I can't wait to try.

Overnight Oats - yum yum yum!  I use equal parts yogurt, milk, and oats (usually 1/3 cup each per person).  Mix them up at night and put them in the refrigerator.  In the pictures below, I used plain yogurt and chocolate mint soy milk.  My favorite is with vanilla almond milk.  Soaking it overnight makes the oats creamy like a pudding!  In the morning, I stir it up and top it with fruit

We usually don't eat this much in the winter - but it is perfect for the summer!

Create your own Oatmeal Bar - every Sunday, my kids ask for oatmeal and they all have their ways that they like it.  Just boil up a pot of oats (please don't insult your family by using flavored instant oats) and top it with their favorite toppings.  I. likes it with peanut butter, coconut, and brown sugar.  G. likes it with raisins and peanut butter and banana.  M. likes it with almond butter, craisins, brown sugar, and coconut.  My favorite way is apple sauce, peanut butter, and chia seeds.

Oats really "stick to my ribs."  They fill me up and help me go hours without going hungry.  I try to always add a protein and a fruit to mine.  You can google health benefits of oats and learn all about how awesome they are for you!

We like them creamy, cold, crunchy, hot, topped with our favorite fruits, or mixed with yogurt, etc. etc.  I think if you don't like them, or your kids don't like them, you aren't really giving them a chance.  Tom's parents called them (and still do) "mush" and I'm not sure I could ever like something called mush and I for sure couldn't convince my kids to eat mush!  That might be a reason to call off oats, but I'm not really sure even that would count - try them, eat them, get them in your diet!!

What is your favorite way to eat oats?

Tom's Favorite Salsa

I'm guest posting at Ruby Jean's today and sharing Tom's favorite salsa recipe!  Please, come find me over there!

Interview with Food Network's Claire Robinson

Do you make resolutions every January that are forgotten by February?  All of us do!  Sometimes I think we just get so excited to make changes that our goals set us up for failure.  Celebrity chef and Food Network star Claire Robinson offers tips to bloggers on how to make resolutions that you actually want to keep.  She will provide information on everything from how to make healthier eating choices to tips on establishing what matters most for your upcoming year. 

Luckily, I got to be one of the bloggers to interview her.  The following is a clip of her and I talking.  I'm on the phone, she's on camera.

Direct Link:  http://bcove.me/8om597ij

In case you don't feel like watching, here are some of Claire's suggestions for keeping your 2012 resolutions:


GET EDUCATED TO MAKE HEALTHIER EATING CHOICES-  A common mistake is that people make drastic decisions (such as instantly turning vegan) that are difficult to keep.  In order to make healthy choices last for the long-term, you must make taste a priority. 
GET INVOLVED - Make a commitment to give back to your community, focusing on an organization or project that you feel passionate about to kick off the new year.   
CREATE A BUILT-IN REWARD SYSTEM - To reinforce your long-term health goals, you should implement a built-in reward system that allows you to celebrate the small victories and keeps you motivated.  


She has great ideas - including portioning out your snacks (which I've already posted about!)  This interview was sponsored by Dove Chocolate which is hosting a fantastic giveaway that should be up tomorrow!

Favorites of 2011

As we are nearing the end of this year, it's kind of fun to see how the year went.  I am amazed at the growth of this little hobby of mine.  Thank you so much for spending a little bit of my life with me!  I looked through the archives and pulled out some favorites from the past year.  These aren't necessarily the ones with the  most hits or the most comments.  Just ones I like, a lot.


Dishtowel into Pillow  - I bought a dishtowel of Colorado, but didn't want it to get dirty.  I sewed it into a pillow and it sits on a bench in our foyer. 

 Bench Makeover - I bought a bench for cheap and gave it a makeover.  I painted the legs, added more padding, covered the buttons and tufted this.  It sits at the end of our bed and we love it.

Green Smoothie - we drink these several times a week.  In fact, after all the Christmas goodies that have been coming into our home, this smoothie is the perfect way to bounce back!

Source: themacdougallfamily.blogspot.com via Laurel on Pinterest

Arts and Crafts Thursday with kiddos series - every Thursday, when my kiddos are out of school, we try to do some art project.  I loved looking back at all the things we've made together.  It's become one of our favorite things to do together.

Source: themacdougallfamily.blogspot.com via Laurel on Pinterest

Ruffle Bag Tutorial - such a pretty bag.

Source: themacdougallfamily.blogspot.com via Laurel on Pinterest

Allowance with our kids - this is the way our family does allowance.  It isn't complicated, it works, and I really think it is teaching them some basics of money.  All kids spent their own money on Christmas presents for each other this year!

Source: themacdougallfamily.blogspot.com via Laurel on Pinterest

Our office - this year, we got moulding up around the room, put in an executive desk, started filling up the bookshelves, and sewed some drapes.  We still have to get a light fixture, something on the walls, replace the office chair and cozy this room up.

Source: themacdougallfamily.blogspot.com via Laurel on Pinterest

Our Baby - yep, we've got #4 on the way.  I'm not sure if projects are going to slow down as I get bigger or speed up as I anticipate no spare time once this little duckling arrives. 

Again, thank you!  You have made our year such an awesome year!  We are very excited for the year 2012 and anticipate another fantastic year!

Also linking to:  Serenity Now, Someday Crafts

Favorite Things: Fitness Edition

These are a few of my favorite things!  320 Sycamore is having a favorite things party and what a fun party it is!  I've tweaked it a little and only included a few of my favorite fitness things.  I am, by no means, a hard core exercise buff or health nut. It is important for me to live a healthy life and I try to make decisions based around that belief.  I try to be balanced and really don't spend too much time on one thing, including exercise.  That being said, here are some things that I LOVE that help me in my quest for fitness:

My Sole treadmill - we've had ours for four years now and have shopped around a lot.  This baby gets plenty of miles on it each week and needed to stand up to some actual running.  I love it!  My husband leaves very early in the morning and I love not having to go to a gym, or run outside.  This baby has made me one happy mommy!

When I do run outside, I use Nike + iPod.  I put the little transmitter in my shoe and run.  It keeps track of mileage, miles per hour, and can even program songs to pump me up!

I have about 5-6 pairs of shoes that I rotate.  I've tried all brands and like many brands, but my FAVORITES are saucony. 

I drink water all day long - about a gallon a day.  These Contigo water bottles are my favorite.  They do not leak, they hold plenty and are easy to transport.  Drink your water :)

I've been using the Physique 57 DVDs for several years now and they do not get old!  I don't like wimpy DVDs - I like them to push me and these do, even after all these years. 

Cooking Light is my very favorite recipe magazine.  I like the recipes, my kids eat the recipes and I end up always cooking the way they do.

What are your favorite things?  Looking for ideas - go check out the party!

Grateful Sunday

Source: getfitgetlimitless.tumblr.com via Laurel on Pinterest

In November, I reached my goal of running 600 miles this year!  What a huge accomplishment and I am about to toot my horn.  I have every reason to stop running - foremost being I am 24 weeks pregnant, but I believe in finishing.  And guess what - it is TOTALLY worth it!  I am grateful for my healthy body and that the efforts I put into it pay off and hopefully continue to pay off when I'm on the other end of this pregnancy.  That's all.

Mini Bobbles - Getting Kids to Drink Water

So it is a week after Halloween and we haven't made a dent in all the candy that we got.  To combat all the consumption of candy corn, chocolate, caramel apples and gummy snacks this Halloween season, I have been strongly encouraging drinking water.  You know how I feel about drinking water when I wrote about it here.

Bobble gave me the opportunity to try their mini Bobbles to help encourage these healthy habits.  My kids are having a great time with them - they are called the "watter bobbles" at our home.  I like the size - easy to throw in my purse and easy to grab.  If the bottles get too big, my kids don't like to carry them!  I also really like that these filter as you drink!  No more standing by the refrigerator waiting for the water to come out!  Bobble filters should be replaced after 40 gallons, or 150 liters, of water passes through them. This typically equates to two or three months’ use per filter. Users fill bobble with municipal tap water; schoolchildren can easily refill it from hallway water fountains or from their home’s kitchen sink. Bobble’s filter makes that water taste better by removing chlorine and organic contaminants from it. Chlorine is common to tap water and tends to impart a slightly sour aftertaste. Bobble eliminates that aftertaste. Bobble water instantly tastes cleaner and more refreshing.

Its smaller size, design by Karim Rashid and multicolored scheme were created to make water consumption more attractive – to encourage kids to prefer water to sugary sodas and other unhealthy drinks – which is imperative during this unhealthy holiday! Bobble is a vehicle to better health habits for children of all ages.  My kids love them.  I didn't think it would be a big deal because they drink so much water anyways, but they really do love them - and that is all ages of my kids that like them!


This post was sponsored by bobble which gave me an opportunity to try their products.

Healthy Habits: Drink Your Water!!

Really, can a drink define you?  I've been with groups of different women where we tell things about ourselves.  I'm always surprised how many people mention a drink - usually a diet soda!  Have you read anything about the sugars they use in soda?  Is it really OK to replace calories with chemicals?  Not in my body!  After reading and researching, my take on diet caffeinated drinks is saved for another post.

If a drink does define you - choose water!  Drink water and LOTS of it.  As you begin to live a healthy lifestyle, make this a habit!  Every day, I drink a gallon of water, easily.  I also exercise daily, which makes drinking water easier.  Water can suppress your diet like no other.  I start off the day with a full glass of water.  If I am kind of hungry and I know I just ate an hour ago, I drink water.  More often than not, I'm not that hungry.  Being dehydrated can make you tired and zap your energy - who needs that?  Water clears up your skin!  As a middle aged woman who gets acne AND wrinkles, I need all the help I can get!  It also helps with cleanse your body and flush out toxins. That's just a few of the benefits.

I have a water bottle within my reach 90% of the day and am constantly filling it up.  Actually, I usually have one filled upstairs and one downstairs.  I have them in my car.  I smuggled them into the movies today.  My kiddos start out their mornings with water bottles, too.  I don't put any fruit in them - I do love the taste, but it is too much work!  We drink our water straight up!  I think one of the best things you can do for your body is to drink your water in.  Spend a day tracking how much water you drink!  A gallon a day - I'm interested to hear if any of you drink that much and what difference do you see?

Healthy Habits: Getting Kids to Eat Veggies

I've been doing some thinking, spurred by this interview.  What's the secret to getting your kids to eat vegetables?

Do my kids love vegetables?  I'm sure the word love would be stretch.  Do they eat their vegetables?  Yessiree!!

First of all, I don't think there is a secret - otherwise someone would be a multi-billionaire and it wouldn't be so hard.  I think it takes work and consistency.
I think you need to be an example.  I make myself a salad almost every day with tons of veggies.  When I make a sandwich, I load on the veggies.  I always offer it to them, even though they usually so no thanks.  At least I offered.

I explain the benefits of most food I put in front of them.  We talk about how carrots help your eyesight, how peppers are a good source of vitamin C and what vitamin C does for you, how broccoli is a "super veggie."  Then, my kiddos know the reason it is so important for them to eat them.

We garden and grow our own and get them involved in this.  It helps, but I wouldn't call it the magic key.

They have their favorites and that is what I try to pick out.  G. loves asparagus and broccoli and beets.  M. loves cucumbers and carrots.  I'm not sure I. really loves a vegetable, but she will eat peas, salad, and peppers.

Lastly, keep offering over and over.  There are vegetables served at lunch and dinner.  When they asked to be excused, I usually have to tell them to eat their vegetables first.  I'm OK to tell them over and over.  At least we are at the point where they don't cry at the table. 

What's your magic key?

Tom and I are pretty passionate about living healthy lives and since that is such a huge part of our lives, these "habits" are going to pop up on this blog.  Probably regularly.

The Green Smoothie Recipe

After posting my breakfasts, I received many many emails about our Green Smoothie.  These are super simple, filling, healthy, and yummy.  My kiddos have no problem drinking it, although I did have to bribe I. with a quarter to get her to even try.  Now, it's a normal thing and the green color doesn't bother us at all.  Better get a pen and write this one down, it's a tricky one . . .

If you are a beginner at the Green Smoothie - this is a really simple and really yummy one.  I use a huge handful of spinach (yes, we really get through that entire Costco size of spinach. I eat spinach every day), 1 banana, about 1 c. vanilla almond milk (make sure it's vanilla - the plain just doesn't cut it),  1 scoop of protein powder (again, I usually use vanilla), and 1 T. flax.

Stick it in the blender and let it go. I do add crushed ice because I like it cold.   It takes mine a couple of minutes to get it good and smooth.  See, I don't have a fancy blender (although I would LOVE one), but I've had this for years and it has worked just fine.  Seriously.  Nice and beautiful and green.

Now, that wasn't too hard.  This makes about 2 servings.  I drink one and divide the other serving between my kiddos.  A lot of times, I have to make another one. I should just make a larger one, but I always forget.   In the picture below, I added strawberries and you can see a little red.  As you add other fruit, the sweetness does go away.  Our family has been drinking these for a LONG time, so the sweetness factor doesn't bother me - but if you are new, beware.  It's not as sweet.

There are a lot of variation recipes here.  I love starting my morning out this way.  I feel full, but not stuffed full.  I know that I've started my day out right - which helps me to continue the day in the same way.  I have energy and just feel good.  We probably drink these about 4 times a week - sometimes for breakfast, sometimes for after school snack.