Time Warp

I am finding that mommy hood brings this weird time warp phenomenon. Does this ever happen to you: you look at your schedule and see that you have a “light” week [either work wise, appointment wise etc.] and you are all excited. You begin to think of all of the things you can either do or get done [read: clean the house]. But by some weird magic, you find yourself on a Sunday not able to remember what you did the past week?

Now I do remember this happening pre-child, however it was more a of conscious thought back then. Now I make a “to accomplish list” [sounds better than a to do list- right?] and I am lucky if I am able to cross of one task.

Like many new mothers, I was initially very hard on myself when I was “home” all day and I was unable to complete a load of laundry or prepare dinner. In the past year I have let go of those feelings [most days].  I take one look at my daughter and am brought back into mommy bliss. She will only be 13 months and 1 day today, and I will never get this time back. So dinner and the laundry will have to wait.

MommyOm made this beautiful little quote that I feel is important to remember on days when you are feeling frazzled:

With that being said, here are some of my tips to accomplish some of the items on your to do list:

Make a ball pit:

While researching very important home tips and tricks on Pinterest, I stumbled across this gem: A ball pit.  Super easy to make: take your pack –n-play and put plastic balls in it. Depending on the child, this could safely entertain them for 10 minutes to an hour! [read: able to at least switch the laundry]

Mini-Chef

Remember that children do not need to be constantly entertained one-on-one style. If you are in the kitchen, bring your little one along with you. Depending on the age here are my suggestions:

1.     Use a baby carrier to wear your child so that you are connected, yet have your hands free (extra tip: make simple dinners involving minimal time at the stove)

2.     Place a blanket on the floor for some tummy time for your little one while you prepare dinner. This will give them an extra reason to life that head to watch you move around the kitchen (developmental bonus!)

3.     Place a blanket on the floor and offer your child (safe) measuring cups/spoons and containers to explore with.

4.     As your child becomes older, start to utilize their help in the kitchen. Allow them to stir ingredients together, mix pizza dough with their hands etc. This offers a great bonding time, while also working the muscles in their hands (developmental bonus!)

Ask for help

It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help. We as women have this unnatural idea that we should be able to “do it all”. We are not built that way. We are social creatures that require the connection of others. This is true in raising a child as well. In the years past, women turned to family members to help in the care of their children and home. With families being spread across large areas now, it is not always easy to lean on your family. That does not mean that you cannot ask for assistance from non-family members. You can hire a caregiver to assist with watching your child while you do tasks around your home. This is also a great opportunity to “trial” a babysitter, as you can watch how they interact with your child while you are home.

What tips do you have to keep your sanity as a mom?

Weekend Recap

So this past weekend was the most beautiful weather we have had in a while. While I love the heat and tend not to complain about things such as the sweat dripping off my body, or the fact that my car never really cools between seeing my kiddos for work, I do enjoy that “perfect” summer day of low 80’s, low humidity, and not a cloud in the sky.  And this weekend was most certainty that.

I also did some experimenting in the kitchen. I have a serious sweet tooth, and I am always on the lookout for something healthy that will ease my cravings. My first trial was a success- raw chocolate. My second concoction (chia pudding) still requires some tweaking for my personal taste {I found the Kefir to be a little too tangy for my taste. Next time I will try with milk or almond milk}. I also made some (healthy) Jello for my daughter. Check

Coconut chocolate

I modified the recipe from here:

½ cup (organic) coconut oil (melted)

½ cup raw cacao powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (or more to taste)

Combine all in ingredients in bowl using whisk or hand mixer. Pour into candy molds or on freezer paper and place in freezer for 15-30 minutes.  Break apart and enjoy!

*Note keep in refrigerator/freezer until ready to eat as they will melt on the counter

Chia Seed Pudding

I modified the recipe from here

1 cup (organic) unsweetened plain Kefir

2 Tablespoons chia seeds

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Place in fridge for approx 1 hour for chia seeds to soften. Top with fresh fruit/cinnamon.

Healthy Jello

2 cups not-from-concentrate juice

1 packet unflavored gelatin

Bring ½ cup of juice to low boil in pan on stove. Stir in gelatin until dissolved. Combine with the remaining 1 ½ cups of juice and place in glass bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight until jelled. Enjoy!

Beets, they're what's for dinner

Do you visit your local Farmer’s Market with an adventurous attitude, or with a list of safe items? I challenge you to strike up a conversation with a farmer and ask them what they are offering, and how they would prepare it. You made be surprised to learn that you like that green vegetable!

Speaking of exploring new vegetables, I am enjoying exposing my daughter to a whole world of foods that I have been intimidated by. I am working hard to incorporate more fruits and vegetables to my diet. One food that I attempted again this week was beets. I understand the amazing health benefits, however I have been intimidated by them. After a breakfast with a friend who offered tips on preparation, I attempted them one more time. And the verdict… I like them! I am not going to lie; the texture is not my favorite, however the sweet earthy flavor that they offer is wonderful. I mixed the roasted beets with fresh mango at dinner and what a wonderful combination that was!

 

Here is my preparation suggestion if you are a newbie to beets:

·      Cut off tops, and rise/wash

·      Cut in half/quarters depending on the size

·      Spray lightly with Olive Oil

·      Wrap in parchment paper

·      Place in oven preheated at 425

·      Roast for 45min- 1 hour until fork tender

·      Let cool slightly, then remove skin

·      Enjoy!

***Warning, roasted beets are full of staining red juice, use caution when pealing and eating :)***

Suggested serving tips:

Chop roasted beets and add to your salad

Serve roasted beets with fruit and top with plain, unsweetened yogurt

Roasted beets pair nicely with goat cheese

What's for Breakfast?

What does the word breakfast really mean? For most of us, the time between supper and morning is a time for fasting. When we sleep, we are recharging our bodies. Each morning is a perfect opportunity to set the stage for the day.

How will you begin your day? Many studies suggest that those that take the time to eat breakfast are more successful in maintaining a healthy weight. Why is this? Many people think that by skipping breakfast you are able to cut calories. The problem lies when mid morning/lunch time sneaks up on you. When your body is starving, you are less likely to make healthy eating decisions, rather grabbing for a quick fix to end your hunger pains. This in turn starts the sugar crashing cycle for the afternoon (you know that cycle when you continue to reach for the quick “fix” of junk food).

So take the time to prepare a healthy breakfast to start your day off right! Breakfast does not have to be complicated in order to be healthy. A bowl of oatmeal paired with fruit and maybe a side of nuts is light enough to feel healthy, but packed with protein, to keep you full and energized until lunch.

My newest favorite breakfast is muesli, I love that I can start it in the evening and it is ready when I wake up. Here is my version:

·      1 cup (organic) rolled oats

·      2 cups (organic) plain yogurt

·      ¼ cup ground flax seeds

·      ~ 1/8 cup maple syrup to taste (or sweeter of choice)

o   Makes 3-4 servings.

Mix ingredients together in bowl and place in refrigerator overnight. In the morning you may have to add additional yogurt/milk to get a consistency you like. Add fresh fruit (bananas and strawberries are my favorite) and enjoy!

Stress Free Traveling?

Is it possible to take a family vacation that is stress free? Probably not, but this weekend I am attempting to take a decreased stress trip with the family. Here are my strategies:

1. Pack/prepare as much as you can the night before.  This should help lessen the running around in the morning in a scattered manner
2. Make a list as you go of things you do not want to forget (i.e. camera, power cords, sunscreen)
• Check off the list as you pack items
3. Set an estimated departure time in pencil
• Traveling with children is full of the unknown, make sure to leave ample wiggle time
4. Bring healthy snacks for the car ride to prevent stops at McDonalds
• We packed a cooler of healthy snacks including organic string cheese, almonds, fresh fruit, and plenty of water to sip on.
5. Cross your fingers and hope that your child cooperates in the car
6. Lastly, remember that you are on vacation, which means to take your time and relax. If you are taking a long car ride, make sure to look out the windows and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Choosing a diet plan.

It seems like there is a new diet in the news each day. Each diet boasts theories on why it is the only plan that every one must follow to ensure their health. Lately the trend is moving away from fad quick diets to more lifestyle diets. (Think low-carb, vegetarian, And Gluten-free). Again, each claims to be the best in guaranteeing weight loss and disease prevention. So how do you choose what lifestyle is best for you?

One way is to try out a diet and see how your body reacts. Remember that each person is unique, in that what works for one person may not work for another. For example, my husband functions better on a more protein based diet, where as I require more carbs than protein.

Use a food journal to experiment with a diet. Remember to give yourself ample time on a diet to fully explore how it works for you. Take note of things such as mood, energy levels, digestion, and even skin conditions.

No matter what dietary plan you choose to follow, always stick to these basic principles:

1.     Eat whole food in it’s most natural state

2.     Limit processed/packaged food

3.     Limit white sugar

4.     Eat free-range, grass fed meats when possible

5.     Eat whole grains

6.      If you do not know what it is, do not eat it (applies only to packaged food, not fruits/vegetables!)

A Holistic Health Coach can be a valuable guide for assisting you with identifying a lifestyle that works best for you. If you are interested in learning more about finding your best health for life, contact me today!