My Nursing Snack Essentials

Did you know that breastfeeding burns 600-800 calories per day!? Which has made this mama hungry like no other! Pregnancy was nothing compared to the hunger I am experiencing now! It was so easy the first few weeks to lean on bread and cheese wraps, cookies, and quick foods to help me fuel up for my nursing sessions. But now that Emma is almost 5 weeks old (!!!), I feel like I've gotten a firmer grasp on which foods will fill me up and nourish me, while still enjoying the foods I'm eating! If there are other nursing mamas out there, comment below and let me know what your go-to snacks are too! I'd love to hear! 

One of the best snacks for me have been fruits and vegetables! I love having apples with peanut butter (bring on the healthy fats!) because it keeps me full and tastes ahhhh-mazing! 

EGGS! I love scrambling eggs with veggies (this is with arugula) because eggs taste delicious and they are full of good protein and fats. Good for me and good for baby! I also love boiling a bunch of eggs at the beginning of the week as a quick snack! 

Oatmeal! Oatmeal is a milk booster and makes for cozy and delicious breakfasts! I top mine with bananas and peanut butter because that's the best combo in my opinion and again, it is so important to get a good amount of healthy fats in your diet!  

I loveeee my shakeology! Bu since it's been hard to blend it up and actually drink it cold and not melted, these brownie superfood bites have been my life saver! And they are full of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, immune boosters, and they taste like fudge brownies...nuff said! Here's the recipe! 

1 cup oats

3 scoops shakeology

1/4 cup peanut butter (melted)

2 T coconut oil (melted)

1/4 cup water  

Combine, roll into balls, freeze for 2 hours, then store in the fridge! Easy peasy!  

Not gonna lie, it's been TOUGH to stay on track and eat healthfully while trying to also honor my raging hunger. But tracking my colors with my meal plan and making sure I'm eating a balance of all the food groups has helped me a ton! (want to follow the same plan as me? Message me!)

I've also found that the key to making this easy is having healthy foods on hand and ready to eat! If I have to think about it for too long, I dive head first into the unhealthy options! It can be hard to choose healthfully when we are oh so hungry, but the rewards are well worth it...feeling nourished, more energized, and less fluffy! This way, we enjoy the freedom in nourishing ourselves wholly so that we CAN enjoy the treats from time to time. And that, my friends, is BALANCE! 

Hope you all enjoy this beautiful weekend and kick off summer in a fun way!!  

Emma's Birth Story: April 29, 2017

Hello world! Please excuse my absence this past month, as I've been a little preoccupied with our little pink bundle of joy! Baby Emma was born Saturday, April 29th at 3:04pm, and both her daddy and I are completely in love with her! 

I still can't believe how it all happened, and it took me a while to process everything since it all happened so fast! I know that I enjoyed reading birth stories during my pregnancy, and wanted to chronicle ours so I can look back and remember :) I'll try to keep it brief, but here it goes! 

I had my (little did I know), last check up on Friday, April 28th with the doctor. 3 days prior, I had a check up that showed that Baby Emma was about 1 month behind in her measurements. My doctor expressed his concern, and stated that on Friday, we would make a decision about whether or not to induce the following week. 

When I went in on Friday, the baby's stress test was still normal, and they did a check to see how "ready" I was for labor. To my surprise (and the doctor's surprise!) I was already 3 cm dilated and 70% effaced. After a few phone calls, the doctor got me in that evening at 10pm to be induced at the hospital! I called my husband, and we prepared ourselves to head to the hospital that very evening to get induced! I couldn't believe it was all happening so fast, and I was scared but also excited to see how it all would unfold, and to finally meet and hold our sweet baby! 

We got our things ready and were at the hospital by 10pm. They checked me again, and I was 4 cm dilated by this point, 80% effaced, but still not "in labor." The doctor was surprised that labor hadn't started on it's own considering how ready I was! They started me on a pitocin drip at 11:30pm, and I felt minor contractions all night, but nothing too crazy. By 5:30am, my doctor came in and broke my water. Then, it was a WHOLE different story. 

The contractions were SO painful. I originally wanted to do labor naturally, without an epidural. But my doctor warned me that induced labor is more painful than going into labor on your own, and to show myself some grace. I endured the contractions for a few hours, but by 9am I was crying and asked for the epidural. I am SO happy with this decision! The epidural only kicked in on my left side for some reason, but it still took the edge off my pain and I was able to sleep for a few hours! At 1pm, the nurse woke me up to check me and stated I was 10 cm and 100% effaced, and that I was ready to push! I was SO ready to meet my girl! 

Looking back, I'm happy that the epidural only kicked in 50% because I was still able to control my pushes and feel our baby come out. But, pushing was pretty traumatic. Things started to get a little risky, because with every contraction and every push, the baby's heart rate was dropping dangerously low. They put me on oxygen and had to remind me to breathe so that the oxygen would reach the baby. I also had to push lying on my right side (my doctor said he was so happy I worked out during my pregnancy because he was amazed at how I could hold that position!) because her heart rate wasn't dropping as much when I was on my ride side. After 2 hours of pushing, the doctor said the baby's heart was still dropping too low and we would have to do an emergency c-section or use a suction vacuum to get her out. We decided to go with the suction vacuum, and with one push from me and pull from the doctor, Baby Emma was born! 

And then I burst into big ugly tears. I guess it was the rush of the baby coming out, exhaustion, and relief. But I was so happy she was here! The NICU team was in the room to check her real quick, but after a few minutes they said she was healthy and placed her on my chest. There are no words to describe how we felt at that moment. We were so happy and thankful to God that she was here and healthy and in our arms. 

The rest of our hospital stay was a whirlwind of visitors, eating (I was HUNGRY), and learning how to breastfeed. As a certified lactation educator, I was the most excited about being able to breastfeed my daughter. Breastfeeding has been challenging, amazing, and rewarding all at the same time. We are in the processes of weaning off our pesky nipple shield, but Emma is eating like a champ and I love the moments we spend together while she is feeding. She lost a little too much weight in the hospital so we had to supplement with formula for 24 hours at the hospital until my milk came in, but once it came in, we stopped the formula and thank God I've been able to exclusively breastfeed her ever since! My goal is to breastfeed her for at least one year. It is an amazing feeling to be able to nourish your baby, and I am so thankful that God created our bodies the way He did. Ladies, we are pretty amazing! 

Being a mommy has been incredible, challenging, exhausting, and pure JOY all at the same time. All my life, I wanted to be a mommy (probably because I have an amazing mommy myself!) and I feel so thankful to God that He blessed us with sweet Emma. She makes silly faces, loves to stretch before waking up, and hates getting her diaper changed. She loves hearing her Daddy's voice and calms down when she ears the water running for her baths. She hates being swaddled and is always trying to get her hands free to sleep with them raised up. She is absolutely adorable and has stolen our hearts. 

**I just wanted to say thank you to ALL of you who prayed and showed us amazing love and support throughout this pregnancy. It was tough not knowing what would happen with our baby and the risks we had with our umbilical cord, but the comments and emails I received filled me with such gratitude and joy! Thank you all for praying, and praise the Lord that Emma is here! 

As I finish typing this, Emma is stretching and getting ready to wake up, so I should go! I hope you all have an amazing Tuesday, and thanks for reading!

Friday Favorites

Is it weird that I am still SO happy it's Friday, even though I've been home all week? There is just something about the energy on Friday that makes me so excited for the weekend! Tonight, we have youth group, and then NOTHING ELSE planned except for church on Sunday morning. Ohhhhh glorious....

Tomorrow, hubby and I are planning on working a bit more on the baby's room (just a few more finishing touches!) and then I really want to go to a local salsa night, but I'm not sure how conducive my 36 weeks pregnant bump will be to salsa dancing. We might just enjoy a quiet night in or a movie! Either way, I'm super excited for the weekend. 

I had so many favorite moments this week, it's hard to pick just a few! 

1. Childbirth classes. One highlight of this week was attending our first of two childbirth classes! We went to our local hospital for the classes since the hospital we are delivering at was already full. But the class was so great and full of amazing info for both hubby and I! 

2. Our 2 year anniversary! We celebrated our two year wedding anniversary on Wednesday, April 19th. I can't believe it's been 2 years since we got married! My husband took the day off and we went to our prenatal check up, then went to Huntington Gardens and frolicked in the pretty flowers! Followed by an awesome dinner at a restaurant by our house that we've been dying to try. 

But the highlight of the anniversary was definitely the surprise Vasken planned for me. I woke up to petals of roses leading me downstairs to the kitchen. By each petal there was an index card of qualities he loves about me (my top love language is word of affirmation, so this made my heart explode), and the final card was a picture of eggs and bacon (we are true foodies). He also cooked me a pancake breakfast before our prenatal appointment. I've got a keeper, folks!

3. Strawberries. I have been all about the strawberries this week. Pretty sure I've gone through 4 cartons by myself. I really should just go get a big flat of them from the local farmer's stand we have. That's going on my to-do list for the weekend. 

4. Resting. Ok even though this isn't necessarily a favorite of mine this week, it is a concept that is growing on me. At our prenatal check up, Baby Emma was measuring a bit smaller than what my OB was comfortable with. She had caught up with her growth a few weeks ago, but is falling behind again, especially in the belly. So I am now going in for NST tests 2x/week (non stress tests for the baby) on top of weekly ultrasounds to check on her growth. My doctor also recommended that I take it easy and lay down more often throughout the day on my left side. He said walking is fine, but he definitely wants me to rest. So I have embraced some new Netflix/Amazon prime shows (thankful to friends for the suggestions!) and have parked myself on the couch for most of my days. I'm not on strict bedrest or anything, but I know that I have to slow down on my movements (our 3 story townhouse is activity enough, those stairs are getting tougher and tougher!) I plan on going on walks to enjoy the weather and resting; a balance that is OB-approved! :) 

For now, I am finishing up an episode of the Royals while sipping on some coffee, then am headed to my first NST appointment! The rest of the day may consist of a mani/pedi, getting some work done at a Starbucks for my private clients, and of course, resting on the couch! I hope you all have a fabulous Friday! Share some of your favorite moments from the week in the comments below, I'd love to hear! 

Maternity Leave: Day 1!

Yesterday was my first day of maternity leave, and to say that it was busy is a definite understatement! My husband has demanded me to nap every day until the baby comes, but I'm starting to think that may not happen considering all that needs to get done before she arrives! I'm definitely in "nesting" mode and wanting to do "all the things" around the house (cleaning, decluttering, washing all the baby clothes, reorganizing her room over and over again, etc). It's so hard to just relax. I am SUCH a planner and the fact that I can't write on my planner "Baby Emma is born" on any day in the next few weeks kind of terrifies me. God is definitely teaching me how to let go of my plans and let Him take control. This is something I 100% canNOT plan, so I am definitely having to roll with the punches and give over every anxiety and worry to Him!

But, needless to say, there are still things that need to get done, and yesterday my lovely mama and grandma came over and helped me a ton! But first, I made a quick trip to the new Sprouts by our house. I usually don't shop at Sprouts because $$$, and our bill definitely was higher than usual, but I loved perusing around the new store and buying some goodies for our meals this week!

It felt so good to get fresh produce! I got zucchini and bell peppers to make a beef stew for dinner tonight, plus some gluten free products that I can't really find anywhere else. I usually stay away from gluten free processed foods (a cracker is a cracker, a cookie is a cookie, etc) but I wanted some quick things I can grab and go at home when hunger strikes! I got two kinds of crackers and some waffles for easy breakfasts. I also got some fruit, larabars, and nuts from their bulk bins! Overall, I spent $85, and I usually spend $50-$60 per week. So even though Sprouts won't be my go-to grocery store, I defintiely will visit it from time to time! 

I made a quick breakfast when I got home of 3 scrambled eggs with some coffee! I haven't had much protein the last few days, and knew I need a good dose. These eggs hit the spot!

Around 11am, my mom came over and we washed some baby clothes, picked up my grandma, and headed out! We went to Babies R Us and Hobby Lobby for some baby stuff, and I found this super cute sign that made me cry. I didn't get it though, because I think that it might me too mushy for my husband haha but I just cried in the aisle for a little bit, then walked away. Ohhhh hormones....

We got a ton of shopping done, then headed to Souplanation for lunch (MY FAV!) I wanted to go back for seconds, but got nauseous just after this much food as my belly is slowly running out of space. I'm having to eat less and less food, but more often throughout the day I am also kind of sick of eating and have way less of an appetite than before, but I read that's totally normal. We go for our next ultrasound tomorrow and I hope baby girl is still growing strong! This mommy is trying to eat eat eat! :) 

We came back home after lunch, packed up the hospital bag a bit more, and then I hopped into the shower to get ready (finally...it was 2pm at this point). My belly felt so big yesterday! 

After this point in the day, I totally spaced and forgot to take pictures! BUT, I went to the mall with my mom in the afternoon, had dinner with my parents and my aunt, uncle and cousin (I split a pasta and chicken dish with my mom), then went to the hospital I am delivering at with my husband for an orientation/tour in the evening! It was nice seeing to see the hospital and hear what to expect when we check in, how labor and delivery looks, and where we will be staying once our baby is born. It is feeling more and more real as the days go on! We are so excited! 

I'd say maternity leave is off to a great, yet busy start. I'm hoping to incorporate more rest and relaxation in the days ahead! I am SUCH a busy body sometimes, and now with all this nervous and anxious energy, it's even worse! 

Today has been great so far though! Did my workout, finished up a meal plan for my client, and now about to fold some laundry and head to Target to print some Easter pictures! I am hoping a nap happens in the afternoon (right, Vasken?)

I hope you all are having a great start to your week. If anyone has tips on keeping anxiety at bay while you get closer to your due date...I AM ALL EARS! :) 

Why I'm a Beachbody Coach as a Dietitian

I became a dietitian on December 2nd, 2013. After 5 years of undergrad, and 2 years completing my Masters in Public Health in conjunction with my dietetic internship, I felt so accomplished that day as I walked out of the testing room. I am so giddy about being an RD. I can't believe I get to talk about food all day with people and get excited talking about how different foods effect our moods, our weight, and our overall health. I feel lucky to be able to do something that I love as my full time job...many people don't get that pleasure, and I know it's something I will never take for granted.

My dream job as an RD has always been to work one-on-one with clients. I love seeing the progress someone makes as they reach for better health, more confidence, and vibrant energy that the right foods can give. I started my private practice shortly after passing my RD exam, and it's been a steady source of joy for me to see the clients that I get to work with.

However, amidst my career as an RD, I still struggled with my own health and eating habits. Many of us become RDs because we struggle ourselves! We want to help others reach health because we know what it's like to be struggling with our food choices. Well, as an RD, I was still struggling and wanted to find motivation and accountability to treat my body well and honor the health that God had given me. It was 2 months before my wedding and I wanted to not only look great (let's be honest, we all want to look amazing on our wedding day!) but I wanted to FEEL great. I wanted to feel confident and vibrant on that day and for the rest of my life.

Enter: Beachbody

I started the PiYo program exactly 9 weeks before my wedding. I loved the results I was seeing and was telling everyone about this program. Little did I know that I could become a Beacbody coach and my job would basically be sharing with people what I am doing for my own health and fitness and inviting others to follow along with me. I signed up to coach at the end of February 2015 with Team Inspire Joy, and since then I have been sharing my journey with others in the hopes of showing them what has worked for me in my own life.

My results from PiYo! I had never had abs before, or felt as strong or capable. It was the first program I finished from start to end which was pretty amazing to me!

I became a Beachbody coach because I love the Beachbody programs, meal plans, and Shakeology. As a dietitian, I am very skeptical of EVERYTHING on the market, and actually became a coach not planning on drinking Shakeology. But after giving it a try and doing extensive research on the ingredients, I haven't found a better, more wholesome, or more nutritious shake out there. Plus, it's delicious and serves as a quick breakfast option, so that's a win-win in my book! Here are some more detailed thoughts on Shakeology from a dietitian's perspective!

So simply put, I became a Beachbody coach as a dietitian because I love the company, the products, the workout programs, and the overall team culture of the team that I joined! I wanted to have a space to share what's working for me in my own journey. I love running both businesses: as a dietitian and as a Beachbody coach, because I feel doubly blessed in how God has equipped me to serve others!

Lately, I've had some confusion on what I "do" as my business. Do I coach? See clients one-on-one? Create programs as a dietitian? And honestly, I do it all! I see one-on-one clients through my private practice, creating my own programs and meal plans for my clients, and I also do group coaching as a Beachbody coach with Beachbody workouts, meal plans, and Shakeology. Each client that comes to me is different, and based on what they need, we assess which route would be best for them!

So, IF you've been wanting to work with me (which I hope you do, because it's so fun!) here's what I offer:

Nutrition counseling: my nutrition counseling services would best fit your needs if

• you struggle with knowing what is "healthy" and what kind of eating plan would best suit you
• you want a customized, easy to follow meal plan specific to YOU
• you want to work one-on-one on your personal health and nutrition needs
• you want a health routine/plan created by me, the dietitian, and focused on you, my rockstar client!

My nutrition counseling services would be perfect for you and help you feel confident, guided, and supported throughout your health journey! Click here to learn more and to schedule your first session with me!

Group coaching: my group coaching services would best fit your needs if

• you struggle with follow through and chronically start and stop programs and diets
• you struggle with portion control and could use some tools to help you keep yourself in check!
• you want to be in a community with others that are also striving for health and wellness
• you want a fitness program designed for your activity levels and focused on your goals 
• you are independent and just need someone to guide you through a program and motivate you to press play! 
• you are curious about what I do as a coach and want in on Team Inspire Joy!

I offer group coaching via my Free Fit Club and my paid Joyfully Fit Bootcamps. Both offer the motivational community and accountability that will help you gain confidence, get in shape, and finally finish what you started! Join my next group my contacting me and discovering which group would work best for you!

As a dietitian, I am proud to be a Beachbody coach because I have seen a transformation in my life since becoming a coach and doing these programs. I can't help but share what I do with others! My heart's desire is to serve others in the ways that God has placed on my heart: by sharing the message of living a joyfully healthy life.

If you are wanting some more support in your own health and fitness journey, please reach out to me! We can start figuring out which of my services best fits your needs, and we can begin transforming your health and your life from the inside out!

Snacking to Good Health

Snacking can get a bad reputation for a variety of reasons, the main one being the typical grocery store "snack" isle. Usually, when we think of snacks, we think of chips, crackers, cookies, and other "junk food" items. However, snacking should not be shamed, because snacks can actually lead us to better health, better blood sugar balance, and more control over our food cravings.

How many times have you let ravenous hunger dictate your food choices? Been there, done that. Back in my dieting days, I'd try to go for as long as possible without eating, because that was success right? Eating less equaled weight loss in my brain, so I went hours without food, only to feel dizzy, lethargic, and reaching for the nearest food that would give me the fastest sugar rush. It really wasn't my fault, because our body will physiologically crave a quick sugar source when we let ourselves get that hungry and that low blood sugar, which is typically candy or a sweet/carbohydrate that is probably not the healthiest option. After years of frustration and the up and down cycle of dieting (so NOT the way to live, my friends), I've learned how to tame that sugar beast before it gets out of hand...and a big part of that taming process has been smart snacking!

The best foods to snack on are fruits and vegetables, because not only do they have tons of fiber to keep us full, they contain a bounty of antioxidants, vitamins, and micronutrients, that will satisfy us. Calories are not everything, because if we eat foods that are void of MICROnutrients, they won't satisfy us and we will still be left with hunger. But eating plant-foods, such as fruits and vegetables, will satisfy our micronutrient (vitamin and mineral) needs, and help us feel satisfied AND full. Win-win!

Another great option for snacking is a food that contains healthy fats...such as nuts. Nuts are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids which not only help us keep full, but are also great for our brains. Omega-3's have also been seen to fight anxiety and depression, so why not grab these at 3pm when work stress is at an all high and you need a boost of energy?

My favorite nuts to reach for are almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, and more recently during this pregnancy, pistachios. And please, don't be afraid of the fat in nuts. It would make my dietitian-heart very sad. Fat does not make us fat! On the contrary, healthy fats help balance our blood sugars and keep us full, and are so beneficial to our health. If you get anything out of this blog post it's this: don't fear the fat!

And then sometimes, these types of snacks happen too, and that's totally ok. Of course, I would recommend keeping these snacks as "sometimes" snacks vs. "everyday" snacks, but sometimes, you gotta have the cookie, guilt free, and then move on with your day and not let that one cookie turn into a full-out binge fest. This took me years to master, and actually I'm not even a master at it yet, because I still overeat from time to time and then think back and say "hmm, lesson learned, I'll listen to my hunger better next time." Each set back along this journey is a learning lesson in my opinion, so instead of beating yourself up, think about what you can LEARN from a situation, even snacking-gone-bad, and build on that experience.

So go on and have a snack today, and see how much better and more energized you'll feel between your meals. And as always, reach out to me if you need additional support or have any questions!

A Rough Week of Eats!

What a week, you guys! This week went by so fast but was also super draining and hard for me. Between work stress and life stress, plus you know, being pregnant, things felt super emotional and out of hand at times. But, thank God, He turns everything around, and what started as a rough week has ended as a pretty smooth week for me!

Eats were all over the place this week, as I started the week off with terrible nausea and heartburn after a weekend of celebrating my husband's 30th birthday! We had a big party for him Saturday, celebrated again on Sunday with family, and then celebrated with just me and him on Monday night. Needless to say, lots of food was consumed, and lots of swelling was experienced by this pregnant mama. I've realized that my body is not responding well to the junky foods (no duh) and I feel so much better during this pregnancy eating more wholesome foods. Which I started doing once the celebrations ended, and it definitely turned the week around!

The week started out with eating a whole lotta Ritz crackers. Which helped my nausea a ton, but also got to be too much at one point. Why is it that our body can only handle carbs when we are nauseous? Ritz seem to settle me well, but I also got some gluten free pretzels from Trader Joe's this week per my friend Michelle's suggestion, and they tasted great too! Even though I am not strictly being gluten free yet (I am waiting for this pregnancy to pass), I am trying to find alternatives if a gluten free option is available.

Breakfasts got a little more exciting as the week progressed and I started feeling better! Mostly eggs wrapped in a gluten free tortilla, and I also treated my hubby and I to some gluten free French toast this morning! Super simple recipe for these:

4 slices gluten free bread (Trader joe's is my favorite!!!)

1 egg

3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk

Dash of cinnamon

1 packet stevia

a dab of coconut oil for each toast

Whisk the egg, almond milk, cinnamon, and stevia in a shallow bowl. Then start heating up the coconut oil in a skillet. Drench each piece of bread into the egg mixture, then place on skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side on medium-low heat! I had mine with a drizzle of maple syrup. hubby went nuts over them, and it was a very happy Friday morning in the Verano household!

Lunches were a little sporadic, and I've been totally slacking on the picture taking...sorry! But my work has been providing lunch a lot lately. This week was Juan Pollo (I ate chicken rice, tortillas...it was a nausea day), and pick up stix, which actually ended up grossing me out. Then I got chipotle one day, and brought lunch with me the rest of the days (dinner leftovers are awesome!)

I had dinner with a dear friend on Wednesday night at Wood Ranch! I got the BBQ chicken plate and ate half, then saved the rest for leftovers! It hit the spot and was so delicious!

Snack wise, most days were ritz crackers, but I was able to handle baby carrots, fruit, and larabars towards the end of the week! This flavor tastes like a straight-up candy bar...so delish!

Overall, even though the start to the week was rough, I'm happy that my body has recovered from all the eating out and salty foods! It's crazy how much those foods can affect our health, especially when we avoid them for a while and then have them a few days back to back...whoa!

It just goes to show how important it is to care for ourselves. Self care isn't just getting pedicures and massages, which is awesome too! But it starts with taking care of ourselves on the inside, because we only get one body, and it's our vessel to do life in. And as always, I'm here to support and encourage you as you make changes towards a healthier and happier lifestyle! Contact me for support/if you have any questions!

Pregnancy Update! Weeks 31-33

I can't believe we are in the 30s as far as my weeks of pregnancy! This whole shabang FLEW by and we are getting so close to meeting our baby girl! Here's the latest update and how Mama and Emma are doing!  

Our baby shower was last week and we got the cutest clothes and blankets! It was so fun washing everything and getting ready for our baby girl!

 How far along are you?

33 weeks and 4 days!

Gender:

GIRL!!

How big is the baby?

She is a cauliflower blossom this week! 

Total weight gain:

I am 12 lbs up from my pre-pregnancy weight! I'm finally gaining and as weird as it is to see the scale go up, I know it's for the best reason ever! 

How am I feeling?

I am feeling a little more tired lately, but still have pretty good energy considering! Sleep has been so-so, heartburn has kept me up most nights but that is getting better too as baby is slowly dropping!

Maternity clothes?

All day every day! I am loving all the stretchy pants and leggings, it's going to be so hard to go back to real clothes!

Favorite workouts:

I have been doing Core de Force, which is Beachbody's MMA fighting/kickboxing program. I am loving it! I am going to start incorporating more walks and get back to my Country Heat workouts too. My type A personality loves following programs from beginning to end, and you best believe I will be doing that post baby (I already have the programs I want to do lined up once I am cleared!) But for now, I am so thankful I have access to all the Beachbody on Demand workouts and can jump back and forth with what my body feels best doing!

Stretch marks:

None and I hope it stays that way! I’ve been using bio oil and some Cocoa butter too! My belly is itchy so I just keep moisturizing!

Cravings:

PIZZA. Lately, all I want is pizza. I could eat it for each meal. Actually I just realized I had some last night, and have leftovers today for lunch, and will be having some tonight at church. Oops. Oh well! I am balancing out all the pizza with lots of vegetables and fruits and healthy fats! Oh and protein, which the doctors want me to focus on to support Emma's growth!

Sleep:

Not too great with all the heartburn and now frequent trips to the bathroom. But oh well, I am used to having sleep problems (I didn't sleep through the night till 4th grade apparently) so it's not a big deal to me.

What I miss:

Working out as intensely as I used to. With all the anxiety that comes along with pregnancy, I miss my intense workouts and my runs. But I know I will get back to those things eventually! For now, I am just grateful that I am still able to be active in some capacity! I also miss having more than 1 cup of coffee a day, even though I only used to drink one, it would be nice to have the option of two...or three...

What I am looking forward to:

I am looking forward to packing our hospital bag (gotta get on that soon) and being on MATERNITY LEAVE! I am ready to just be home and prepare for our baby! The doctor wants me off work between 35 and 36 weeks, and that is so soon!

Thank you all for your prayers as we move along in this pregnancy. We appreciate it more than you know! We feel very loved and I know Baby Emma feels loved too!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Pregnancy and Body Image

It is freaking crazy to me how big my belly is getting. Being 32 weeks pregnant, it literally feels like there is a basketball in there. It makes me SO happy because it reassures me that baby girl is growing, and feeling her little kicks and rolls excite me every single time.

But a fresh outlook on body image is needed in pregnancy. I always knew that I'd be okay with the weight gain that comes along with pregnancy (and thank GOODNESS that I am finally gaining weight now; didn't start till the third trimester!) but even when you know you are gaining weight for the right reasons, it is hard sometimes to get used to your growing body and the escalating numbers on the scale.

I love my growing baby bump, it's my favorite part of pregnancy! I love that people notice and ask me about my baby, and I loveeeeeeeee the sweet lady at Panera who gave me free coffee and a cookie the other day in the name of "feeding the baby!" It's so fun to be growing and feeling the baby move. But it can also be taxing on your body image, especially if you are a gal like me who has struggled with body image and weight her whole life.

Pregnancy is such a delicate time when you are gaining weight and WANTING to gain weight. My doctors (both my OB and my high risk perinatologist) both want me eating lots of proteins and nourishing foods to support Baby Emma's growth. So that's what I've been doing! I am always one to listen to my doctors (expect when my doc diagnoses me with a gluten allergy and I still eat gluten....but that's another story for another time. Still working on that one!).

But I won't lie and say that I am totally cool with not being able to flip around in bed easily, go on a run when I'm stressed, being told how "huge" I am, and seeing those numbers creep on the scale. On top of that, with my history of binge eating, a LOT of my pregnancy symptoms are similar to my post-binge episodes such as heartburn, nausea, burping, and indigestion. It is so hard for me to experience the symptoms of a binge, but know deep down that I haven't binged! By the grace of God I have been binge-free throughout the pregnancy, but these symptoms can mess with your head! When I look down and see a big belly and am struggling with heartburn and nausea, I can't help but feel "guilty" even though I've done nothing wrong.

And isn't that just the way of the devil? To get us living in regret and guilt even when God has purified us and made us whole? It's terrible and I hate it. I am praying for God to renew my mind and take ownership of my thoughts. Because all I can say is pregnancy does funky things to your thoughts and moods.

All I know is that I am proud of every pound I've gained because I know these pounds are nourishing my sweet baby girl. And the heartburn and nausea and ickiness will pass, it's temporary and oh-so worth it. And I am excited to be looking pregnant because hellooo I get free cookies! And I know that I am doing my best to nourish my baby while giving myself grace for the occasional sweets and treats. I appreciate my body and love that God has given us women this gift of growing a child inside of us. I mean if you stop and think about it, it's pretty crazy! And no bad thoughts or negative body image can take that crazy miracle away from me. I have 8 more weeks (or maybe less depending on when she makes her debut!) of being THIS close to my baby girl and sharing my body with her. And I'm going to enjoy it!

My body has gone through many changes over the years, but hands down, this is the best change of all.

Daily Manna: Baby Emma updates and eats

Hey there everyone! I hope you all are having a fantastic week. Can you believe we are already in mid-March? Baby girl is due in exactly 2 months, and time is flying by! I am so excited to meet her! She's been kicking like crazy lately, and is also preventing mommy from eating too much at one time. Which is why meals have been often and small. I've been getting crazy amounts of indigestion that have kept me up at night and leave me waking up extremely nauseous. Since my weight gain is below where my doctors want it to be, I am determined to still fuel my body properly by eating smaller, nutrient-dense meals throughout the day! I thought I'd write up what a typical day has looked like for me lately!

4:30/5am: I usually wake up between 4:30 and 5am naturally every day. I love early mornings and am quite motivated to workout, have quiet time with Jesus, pack a healthy lunch, and work on my business before heading off to my day job. Not everyone is a morning person, but I LOVE mornings and have decided that in order to be more productive, mornings are my most prized time of day.

Gluten free toast with some jam before my workout

I seriously throw a party for myself every time I finish a morning workout...I feel so accomplished at 31 weeks pregnant!!

5:30-6am: Workout! I am doing the 21 day fix program right now mixed in with some kickboxing and other maternity workouts. I am loving moving my body and keeping myself health and (hopefully) in shape for labor! Sometimes, I have a quick toast before my workout if I'm feeling hungry! 

6-6:45am: shower and then head down to make breakfast while packing our lunches! Sometimes, I have a Face time date with afellow coach from our team and we chat and have some tea while we get our day started! It's crazy how quickly you can connect and become such close friends with people you have met on social media! I absolutely love it!

Superfood shakes are LIFE

6:45-7:15am: get dressed, hair, make up. I've been trying to spend more time in this department lately...I'm usually a super low maintenance gal, but trying to up my game a bit (I'm 28 years old, it's time lol).

7:30am: head off to work! I usually blend up my shakeo superfoods deliciousness at this point and take it with me to work! Helps start my day with a boost of nutrition, and chocolate! The best of both worlds. 

8-4:30pm: work! I'm a renal dietitian at Davita, so work is full of educating patients, meetings with coworkers, and lots of charting! Today, I was at a new facility so I spent some time getting to know the staff and patients and getting used to the place! I also went on a short walk to get outside and get some sun. I try to go on walks on most days to keep myself a bit active. It's so easy to be glued to your chair at work, isn't it??

I also pack a ton of snacks and food with me at work to keep myself eating every 1.5-2 hours. At 31 weeks pregnant, I have been getting nausea and heartburn and find that if I eat smaller meals more often, my tummy is more settled!  

On this particular morning, snacks included hard boiled eggs and strawbs, followed by carrots, and then polished off by oatmeal bites! Shortly after these (I'm telling you, I'm eating almost every hour! ) I had lunch! Dolma is one of m favorite meals! Stuffed zucchini with beef, rice, and spices! 

More afternoon snackage included an rx bar (recycled picture because I forgot to snap one!) and some nuts that I also forgot to snap a picture of. Sorry about that, friends!

4:30pm: When I got home from work, I was pretty tired but also felt like baking something delicious. I have been SO frugal with our grocery budget, but I was able to whip up this delicious chocolate chip oat bread! That I cut into bars, so I guess they are chocolate chip oat bars! Recipe coming soon! They were DELICIOUS, they are gluten free, and totally a healthy treat! 

5:30pm: I had a busy rest of the evening, with a team video call with our coaching team, then heading off to a Mommy group I was invited too! I had a small dinner during our team call, which was rice, ground beef, and veggies that my grandma cooked up! Grandma to the rescue!

6:30-8pm: Soon after the video meeting, I headed off to the Mommy group. Can I be honest? Being a mommy excites me, but also scares me like no other! I want to make sure I do everything I can to make Emma feel loved and safe. It makes me cry just thinking about it. Going to the mommy group tonight was such a God-thing! They had a speaker come in who discussed everything from parenting to discipline to not passing down your own baggage to your child. It was great! There was also a legit dinner, since the dinner I had at home left me a bit hungry. SO I definitely didn't stick to my gluten free diet and indulged in pasta, a roll, veggies, salad, pound cake (MY FAV) and strawberries! Feeding baby is priority right now!

Speaking of which, Baby Emma and I are doing well! She is a "small baby" according to our high risk doctor, measuring JUST below average but still not too far off! Our doctor did say that could just be because my husband and I are not big burly people, because the nutrition going from the placenta through the cord to the baby is still strong (they measure the strength of the blood flow, so crazy and cool!) 

The doctor DOES want me to eat more protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Basically more of everything! Even though I feel like I've been eating SO much food, I am trying to shove a little more in here and there, even with the nausea and heartburn that has come on the past couple weeks! He specifically said not to fill up on junk, because we want GOOD nutrition to go to the baby! So I'm trying to feed myself good, wholesome food, while indulging a bit here and there if a craving hits. I am up 9 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight, which is behind schedule, but I'm trying! Our next appointment is next week to check on her growth progress...prayers would be appreciated! 

8:30-9pm: After the mommy group, I headed home to see my husband and prepared some ground turkey for us for the rest of the week. What a guy! He headed off to the gym and I cleaned up the kitchen a bit and packed my lunch for tomorrow. Packing my lunch took about 5 minutes, but now I'm prepared for tomorrow since I have to be at work crazy early tomorrow! Now, I'm just finishing up typing this post, then headed to bed for some reading, then sleep! Today was such a blessed day filled with a good day at work, good wholesome meals, and meeting a bunch of new, lovely people at the mommy group! I definitely collected on God's manna and blessings! Hope you all have a wonderful night too and get a chance to reflect on your blessings today!