Simple Turkey Chili

November 8th, 2011

A Healthy, Complete Meal!

One of my all time favorites because it is so simple, quick and easy! Not only is it healthy, but also it tastes awesome!! The last time I was in NY, I made it at my mom’s for myself because they were having a dinner that wasn’t the healthiest. I decided to make a pot for myself and my dad actually tried it. Mind you, him and healthy food don’t mix, so he was prepared NOT to like it. BUT, to our surprise, he liked it! Here’s an easy recipe and I bet you have most of these foods in your house anyway, so give it a try.

INGREDIENTS FOR CHILI:

1 lb Extra Lean Hormone Free Ground Turkey

¾ Sweet Onion Diced

1 Can Organic Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz no salt added)

1 Tbsp Dried Oregano

1 Tbsp Cumin

1 Tsp Paprika

2 Tbsp Chili Powder

1 Can Red Kidney Beans (16 oz reduced sodium)

3 Cloves of Garlic

Optional 1 Small 4 oz Can Tomato Sauce depending if you like chili a little more “soupy”

Salt and Pepper to taste

INGREDIENTS FOR TOPPINGS:

Slice of Avocado

Cut Up Scallions

Sprinkle of 2% Cheddar (just a sprinkle)

Dallop of Plain Fat Free Greek Yogurt (acts as sour cream)

 

These healthy toppings REALLY make the chili SOOO YUMMY!

DIRECTIONS:

Sautee Garlic and Onion in non stick pan with a little chicken broth (you don’t want it too watery). Once onions start to turn clear, add in meat and cook until no longer pink. Add in all spices and mix well. Cook for a few minutes then drain any excess fat/broth from pan if there is any. Add in tomatoes and beans. If you want to add in the extra tomato sauce, add in here. Heat until a slight boil then simmer for 20 mins. You can even let simmer less than that, but this lets the spices flavor the chili even more. Add in a dash of salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into bows and top with toppings! Don’t forget the avocado!

ENJOY!

HEALTHY CROCK-POT OPTIONAL COOKING IDEA:

 

I had to walk Blue one night when I planned on making this, and it was already sooo late, so I was like, OK, how can I do this EVEN quicker?? Well, I quickly sautéed the garlic, onion and meat together in a nonstick pan in a little chicken broth and transferred it to a crock-pot. Literally took me 5 minutes total. I cooked the meat separate because I am able to drain the fat this way; otherwise, it sits in the crock-pot and becomes part of your meal—yuck. In the crock-pot, I added everything else (except the toppings of course!) Took me 3 minutes. I turned it to high for an hour (just in case Blue kept me out past the normal 20-30 mins) and bolted out the door. When I got back in, I helped myself to an awesome dinner. It was great because I didn’t have to be around to watch the pot toward the end and I got Blue’s walk done!

COOKED at 37 weeks

November 8th, 2011


9 Months and 1 week, (37 weeks) AKA baby is Cooked, DONE, READY!!!!

Ohhh boy, it’s almost time! If my sister-in-law has it right, I will be giving birth on the 14th instead of the 26th!!! Omigoodness, but there’s still so much left to do, right?? I mean, the tricycle isn’t even put together yet!!! HAHA, noo, I am not THAT crazy… :)

Well here I am 37 weeks! WHOA

                             


WHAT’S NEW?

Well, once I hit month 9, that’s when it started to get a little more uncomfortable. I get this muscle cramp in the upper portion of my right abs, sort of feels like a charlie horse, a pang, a burning and ache that then spreads to the right. Doc said not much I can do-part of pregnancy for me! My baby is really sitting on my right side, so I bet that has a lot to do with it. Some times are worse than others, especially if I am running around doing too much (which is a lot). It taught me to slow down a bit. If I rest in a certain position, it subsides for a little while. A bit of sciatica, little heartburn-but hey, if that’s the worst of it, bring it on! Thankfully I have had an easy pregnancy so far so it’s all good!

I went to the doctor and I am dilated 1 cm! Last week I was a fingertip, so I am making progress :) Could be any day!!

Drop it Like it’s Hot!!!!

The baby has definitely dropped in the past couple weeks since my shower. Not terribly, but I think it definitely has. Not only do people notice it, but I FEEL it. I even contemplated wearing flip flops to the gym one day because I just didn’t feel like putting my sneakers on!! Haha, don’t worry Billy, I put them on :) Darin has to buckle some of my heels (yes I am “Pregnant in Heels” LOL) and take my boots off for me!

Burning Baby Burn!!!!!

Alright, enough with the corny lyrics, I get it.

Well, aside from getting a stomach virus just as I turned 36 weeks, my heart burn and indigestion kicked in full force! Stomach is getting better and better and heart burn and indigestion are now controllable when I watch what I eat. None of this really bothered me prior, so I was not used to it! Now that I know what to avoid, it’s tolerable and Tums are a wonderful snack and are always in my purse now!

Exercise:

Yes, still going, but I am going to call this my last week of “scheduled exercise”, meaning I will not be on my program and if I get to the gym, I get there if I feel like it. I want to be well rested and I will be doing lots around the house these last 2 weeks, so rest is important to me now!

Interesting Prenatal Supplements

Evening Primrose Oil

Aside from prenatal vitamins, I am now taking Evening Primrose Oil by capsules. I got some advice from my Doula that I will be using to help with labor and she has been great so far. Any questions I have, I just give her a ring! I ask her all the annoying questions that you don’t need to ask your doctor about. It’s wonderful! Anyways, Evening Primrose Oil has a lot of benefits later in your pregnancy, in weeks 36-40.

It is a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid. Fatty acids are important for building prostaglandins, which are necessary for several body processes. In pregnancy and labor, this oil acts as a prostaglandin, which ripens the cervix. This will help soften the cervical tissues and increase flexibility of the pelvic ligaments. This does NOT start labor, just prepares the cervix.

You can take it orally the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. 3 capsules for week 36, and 1-2 per day for the remainder of your pregnancy, weeks 37-40.

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

This helps to strengthen the pelvic and uterine muscles so that once labor does start the muscles will be more efficient. Recommendations are 2 cups per day in the last few weeks of pregnancy.

I am currently doing both evening primrose and raspberry tea (just started). I make it as iced tea :)

How Am I Feeling About Having a BABY!?!?

Well, of course I am SUPER excited about this new chapter in me and Darin’s life. It will be really amazing to finally get to hold this little baby that I have carried inside of me for 9-10 months! On the flip side, it is super scary too! You are now responsible for this human life! I am used to a dog life LOL! I am just hoping for an efficient labor that is not too long! And not too painful :)

I don’t know if this will be the last “update on my pregnancy” blog, but it may be, depending on when I go!!! In the meantime, give me some advice on labor pains, and how you knew you were in labor:

ADVICE FOR THE MOM-TO-BE

If your water didn’t break, how did you know it was “time”?

What did your labor pains feel like?

Did you get an Epidural? Did you have a reaction to it?


Healthy Pancakes!

November 2nd, 2011

Banana and Protein Pancakes!! YUM!

Check this recipe out if you realllly want pancakes, but don’t want to feel bad about it! You can put your choice of fruit in these pancakes, not just banana. See substitutions below! They are underlined.

Enjoy these topped with fresh berries, walnuts and even a piece or 2 or turkey sausage and you have yourself a complete breakfast. Try to avoid syrup and juice as it will save you a LOT of calories.  If it’s a must, make it organic and a small amount.

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/4 Cup of Organic Oatmeal (Quick Oats)

2/3 Cup Vanilla Protein Powder

2 Teaspoons of Baking Powder

1 Teaspoon of Organic Cinnamon (optional)

4 Organic Egg Whites

1 Cup of Unsweetened Organic Almond Milk

2 Ripe Organic Bananas

OR ¾ Cup of Canned Pumpkin (add allspice to batter as well)

OR ¾ Cup Apple Sauce or flavored apple sauce (unsweetened is best)

OR ¾ Cup Pureed Berries or other fruit of choice!

1 Teaspoon of Banana Extract

OR Vanilla Extract if using any other fruit!

 

DIRECTIONS:

Mix first 5 ingredients together in a medium bowl. Add in egg whites, almond milk, fruit, and extract. Blend Well. Preheat a large skillet and coat with Pam, wiping off any excess Pam. Pour 1/4 Cup of batter for each pancake. Turn pancakes when bubbles form on top. Cook until golden brown and serve with fresh berries and top with organic walnuts.

Enjoy!

 

5 Weeks Out!!!

October 21st, 2011

35 Weeks-8 months and 3 Weeks…WHOA!

Keep reading to see what’s going on and to get a great pregnancy work out too!


WOW, time is FLYING! I need more time to get everything done!!! I am sure it will all come together in the end though!

How are YOU doin’???

Still feeling great! No crazy cravings! Sorry, I really don’t crave pickles with peanut butter.

I am however starting to feel my pelvic bones shift…WEIRD! It gets achey/sore at times. So strange but it is normal. How else are we supposed to get baby out?

I am getting a little acid reflux every now and again. Mostly when I have spicy foods. Trying to limit that a little bit.

My belly is getting in the way now of putting on shoes and opening doors, leaning over my bathroom sink to do my makeup, etc. Little things that were never difficult now take a little more effort and some creativity to get things done!

I had my FL shower here at Acquolina (YUM) and it was GREAT! My mother in law, sister in law, niece and best friend did an amazing job! It was beautiful! Here are some pics of me and my expanding self, from the shower! Below is Tiffany, Darin and Leigh!

What Else is New?

Well, since my NY shower, not too much has happened-just getting bigger and bigger!  I still feel good, but now as I am well into my 3rd trimester, I am feeling a tad more tired. I notice that when I have a busy busy day, it makes me tired the next!

I am crazy nesting, as not only are we doing the baby’s room, but we are tying up all the lose ends in our house that weren’t done before, decorating and organization-wise. I washed everything, like the sheets, stuffed animals I got, blankets, etc. I am ready to wash some baby clothes to get me started with my soon-to-be newborn baby girl! Her closet is FULL of clothes already and she is going to be just like here mommy as she already has a ton of shoes to get her started! When I hit 8 and a half months, or 34 weeks, I took out EVERYTHING out of ALL of my kitchen cabinets and rearranged it and cleaned it…nuts I know! There’s that nesting…To top it all off I am just about done doing Christmas and Hanukkah shopping!!

I did my maternity pictures at 33 weeks, and they were a LOT of fun! I will post pics up soon! I used a GREAT photographer Sam B. Photography. Lots of fun, girly, sexy, cute and intimate pics of yourself, your belly and your hubby! We even got Blue in a pic with us outside too!!! You know, since he is our “first born” and all. Haha! No, but she was awesome. If you live in the Fort Lauderdale/Weston area, check her out HERE!

What’s Your Weight?

A few weeks back, most of you know I had another sonogram at 31 weeks and they confirmed that it is still a girl so that’s GREAT! At 31 weeks my baby was measuring 4 pounds 4 ounces already! I did a small poll on Facebook and had people guess the baby’s birth weight! You can join in too-just leave a comment on here or on Facebook with your guess! I am currently going on 35 weeks, so do the math and get your guess in! We haven’t thought of a prize yet…nor did we come up with a name for our baby girl yet either…but that’s beside the point! Anyways, I got all kinds of guess-weights from 7 pounds to 16 pounds! We’ll see!! It’s funny what people say to you when they see me prego.,. Some think I am due in a day and some can’t believe how far along I am. Some ask if it’s twins, some SWEAR that it’s a boy and others “just knew” that it was a girl. It is very comical and always makes for an interesting day no matter where I go!

I definitely will miss being pregnant. I have to say I really got to enjoy it-ALL of it (so far…). I know that it will be a different experience when I am pregnant with a 2nd child, as I will have 1 already to take care of. I also see that no 2 pregnancies are (usually) alike, just as no 2 kids are usually alike! Right now being pregnant is easy and fun and it’s my first so that’s super special (even though 2nd and 3rds are special too…) you know what I mean! Time to enjoy it now, because life changes, as we know it in just a few weeks!!!!!!!!

Exercise

Of course, I am still truckin’ along. I am not gonna lie-I seem to be feeling more lazy (I think it’s the tiredness and me being busy doing a million house things) BUT, NO excuse, I still go 5 days a week and feel GREAT when I am done. I am lightening my load as my pregnancy progresses, but still challenging myself safely and effectively.

Check out what I am doing on my Chest and Back Day: Pregos give it a try!

Your weights now should be lighter, but still challenging by the end of the set.

A1. Decline Chest Press 20x

A2. Wide Grip Lat Pull Down 20x

A3. Decline Chest Flye (standing or seated) 20x

A4. Triangle Lat Pull Down 20x

Rest 60-90s Total 4 Sets


B1. Seated Chest Press 20x

B2. Seated Rope Row 20x

B3. Seated Flye 20x

B4. Dumbbell Upright Row 20x

Rest 60-90s Total 4 Sets

Band Set: 20-30s of each exercise using a resistance band, standing.

GO FAST!

C1. Band Chest Press C2. Band Row C3. Band Flye C4. Band Swimmers (straight arm shoulder extension)

Rest 30-60s Total 2 Sets

Til Next Time!

The “Dirty Dozen” and The “Clean 15″

September 28th, 2011

Which types of produce are the dirtiest, and which have the least amount of pesticides?? Find out what you should be buying organic, and what you can get by with conventional!

Know Your Risk For Pesticide Exposure!

So I know I always say to try to buy organic fruits and veggies, but realistically it is a little more pricey than the conventional. So a lot of people ask:

Which ones are worth buying organic? Then the next question that follows is…

Which ones can I “get away with” buying conventional?

The EWG-Environmental Working Group has released its 7th edition of its Shopper’s Guide to Pesticide in Produce, with information of fruits and veggies and the amounts of pesticides on them. I am sure you have heard of the “Dirty Dozen”. If not, they are the group with the MOST amounts of pesticides on them. Therefore, THESE are the ones you should ALWAYS buy organic.  They also came out with the “Clean 15”, which are the cleanest group in conventional produce. The EWG points out that if consumers chose their recommended five servings of produce per day from the “Clean 15”, they would reduce the amount of pesticides ingested by 92%-without having to spend more money for organics.

2011 “Dirty Dozen” list has THE MOST PESTICIDES.

BUY THESE ORGANIC!!

1.Apples (shocking right? The most common fruit is the dirtiest!)

2.Celery

3.Strawberries

4.Peaches

5.Spinach

6.Nectarines

7.Grapes

8.Sweet Bell Peppers

9.Potatoes

10.Blueberries

11.Lettuce

12.Kale/Collard Greens

2011 “Clean 15” list has the LEAST PESTICIDES.

If you want, you can get these conventional and it will cut down on your intake of pesticides.

1.Onions

2.Sweet Corn

3.Pineapples

4.Avocados

5.Asparagus

6.Sweet Peas

7.Mangoes

8.Eggplant

9.Cantaloupe

10.Kiwi

11.Cabbage

12.Watermelon

13.Sweet Potatoes

14.Grapefruit

15.Mushrooms

Hopefully you will find this as interesting as it is super important!! I do find, however, organic produce is much more tasty than conventional, putting the pesticide issue aside.

Hopefully you will be able to choose your produce more wisely with these lists. I know people who have printed this list up and keep it in their purse when grocery shopping, so they are always making better choices-health and money wise!

Happy and healthy shopping!

Shower Time!

September 22nd, 2011

No, not a REAL shower, my BABY Shower!!!  I am currently 7 Months and 3 weeks (31 Weeks pregnant)

If you remember, a few weeks ago, I told you I will be heading to NY for my NY baby shower, given by my mom and sister there. Well, time flies and I am back already from that trip and it was WONDERFUL! It couldn’t have went better as my family and friends were all there, including my mother in law from Florida and my sister Janine-who was recovering from a major surgery (btw you couldn’t even tell she had JUST gotten out of the hospital). She is a trouper; I would have been a big baby…!

Here is a pic of me from the shower last weekend at 7 and a half months prego!

We got a LOT of beautiful gifts and enough clothes to wear- changing her every 5 minutes! LOL! While we were there, I got to see one of my best friends who is pregnant and due 5 weeks earlier than me! Here we are-it was so much fun seeing her!

We also got to go to dinner at this place called “The Country House” in Stonybrook where Darin and I had our very first date! We were supposed to fly there on our anniversary but IRENE got in the way! So we made it a point to go there on this trip. We hit NYC as well, seeing Spiderman and having dinner with both our parents. Tried to fit it all in as usual. All in all we had a great time, as this was the last time being in NY until after the baby is born!

What ELSE is New?

Well, I passed my glucose test first time around so that’s good-no gestational diabetes. Whew! I am feeling her move a lot more, and she has the hiccups like crazy! It’s so cool; sometimes she gets them like twice a day!

We have a sonogram Monday to check the size and weight and also we want to make sure she is still a girl! Darin and I are hearing too many stories of people thinking they are having a girl and out comes a boy! AHHHH!

I am getting pregnancy pics done in my 33rd week so I am looking forward to them!

Healthy Eating:

What I like to do is make a couple batches of my protein muffins (look under RECIPES on my blog for a few yummy ones) and toss ‘em in the freezer in packs of 2. I will defrost them as needed. I keep them in my purse with an apple and travel almond butter packs when I am out and about. Trust me, this helps like you don’t even know. When I went to NY, I took them with me frozen in a lunch bag and used them all while I was away. This was the first trip to NY where I didn’t gain any more weight then I should have…AND I am pregnant!  So that made me feel good being able to eat well and exercise being away, while being able to enjoy some goodies as well. Don’t deprive yourself, give in sometimes and you will find your cravings will be less as well. But make decent choices when allowing yourself a treat. DON’T get on the McDonald’s Drive Thru…DO enjoy a yummy homemade cookie!

Exercise:

Here is a great Prenatal (or not) Chest, Biceps, and Shoulders Workout:

Try it out!

Chest

A1. Seated Chest Flye 15 reps

A2. Seated Chest Press 15 reps

A3. Push Ups 15 reps

Rest 60-90s 4 Sets

Biceps

B1. Seated Incline Curls 15 reps

B2. Standing Dumbbell Hammer Curls 15 reps

B3. Standing Wide Dumbbell Curls 15 reps

Rest 60-90s 4 Sets

Shoulders

C1. Alternating Dumbbell Shoulder Press 15 reps each

C2. Standing Dumbbell “T” Raises: Forward Raise to Lateral Raise and Down 15 reps

Rest 60-90s 4 Sets

Til next time!

Hearty Maple Walnut Muffins

September 15th, 2011

Ohhh yum! Another great HEALTHY protein muffin recipe! These are hearty Maple Walnut Muffins with cinnamon and raisins in them too! (Add-ins optional of course!) They have healthy fat, slow digesting carbohydrates AND protein in them making them a great complete snack or breakfast. When they are baking your house will fill up with the sweet aroma of Maple! YUM!

Since I am pregnant I use all organic and natural ingredients-meaning no artificial sweeteners (which you shouldn’t be using ANYWAY).

Here’s the recipe and I hope you enjoy these as much as we do!

Ingredients:

1 Cup of Apple Sauce

1 1/4 Cup Egg Whites

1 Whole Egg

1 Tbsp Maple Agave

1 Tsp Maple Extract

½ Cup Quick Oats

¼ Cup Ground Flaxseed

¼ Cup Almond Meal

½ Cup Healthy Flour (I use ¼ Buckwheat Flour and ¼ Cup Brown Rice Flour)

¾ Cup Vanilla or Plain Protein Powder

¼ Cup Chopped Walnuts

½ Cup Raisins

2 Tbsp Cinnamon

2 Tsp Baking Powder

12 Jumbo Foil Muffin Tray Liners

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350*.

Place foil liners in muffin tray.

Mix wet ingredients together and dry ingredients separately. Mix the 2 together.

Add in walnuts and raisins and mix well.

Spoon equal amount in each muffin tin and bake for approximately 28 minutes.

Check with a toothpick and make sure tops of muffins are cooked before removing from the oven.

Let cool for 15 minutes then peel off liners and place on a cooing rack.

Eat fresh or freeze. Either way, store in the refrigerator to keep freshness!

Big Mama!

September 7th, 2011

7 Months

Here I am, 7 months pregnant. Definitely getting bigger by the week! In my 3rd Trimester already!

What’s New?

Pretty much status quo with the Dr. I have my glucose test this week, and in a couple of weeks I will be getting another sonogram because I want one! Everyone is telling us stories that they know of someone who thought they were having a girl and it came out a boy!!! Hopefully on the next one they can check again to make sure she is still a girl! Ha-ha! Our luck if it’s not!!

Once in a blue I experience some sciatica on my right side, but nothing too crazy. It goes away and won’t return for a couple weeks, so that’s good.

I have been feeling hiccups in my belly!!!! It’s the craziest thing, it’s so rhythmic, and steady it feels like a heartbeat, but it’s not. They are hiccups! I felt them about 4 or 5 times this week! It’s really neat to feel! If you’re pregnant, hopefully you were aware of them and got to feel them.

Labor Day weekend, we did a Childbirth Class over at Memorial West (the hospital we will be delivering at). Some people feel it is unnecessary to go to them, but I disagree! For people who haven’t a clue about what to expect, it is super informative. We learned a lot and the instructor had a dry sense of humor so she made it bearable since we did the class all in 1 day, from 9-5! We went over what to expect on the day you give birth, breathing techniques, different comfort positions, etc.

My NY Shower is coming up on September 18th!! That will be my last time I will be home until the baby comes! I will be up there for 9 days so it will give me plenty of time to see my family and friends without running around like a crazy person, like I usually do! I am also super excited for my FL shower too!!! I am a lucky girl to have 2! My mom and sister give the NY one, and my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and best friend gives the FL one! It’s so great that I get to celebrate with my family and friends at home and in FL!!!

Health

I have been getting overfull!!! I am not eating any more as far as portion, but my stomach is smushed so it gets fuller quicker! I find if I split my meals up even more, it works out better. I had a good appetite in my 2nd trimester and was able to satisfy it. Lately, I am splitting up meals like dinner and eating smaller snacks and lunches as well. I am trying not to have anything that will over fill me before I know it, like too much bread, brown rice pasta, rice, etc. I am trying to have more fruits and veggies in my dinner, while still enjoying a little of my yummy carbs. I like adding the fruits to my protein and veggies because it adds great flavor and sweetness as well. A few of my favorite things to do are add pineapple and cashews to chicken, dried fruits to salads and avocado in chillis!

I won’t lie, I have been craving sugar!!! AHHHH!!! Yes, I do have dessert at times, but I try not to make it a habit.  What also works great for me is after dinner just having a decaf coffee spiced up with cinnamon and nutmeg. Yuuuuum! Sometimes I will pair it with a protein muffin and that makes a good enough dessert for those nights where I don’t want to over do it with the “real” stuff!

Exercise

Going a little lighter this month, as you will feel a good burn during the main sets of the work-out. Next month we will add in deadlifts again. Taking a break and being kind to my back with all the housework I have been doing! Here is what I am doing for my 7th Month Leg Day in my Prenatal
Exercise Program! Soup to nuts, warm up to cool down you will be done in under an hour!

Group 1: Warm Up Sets

Elliptical for 3-5 mins then move onto:

1.Lateral Band Walks 10ea side

2.Single Leg Squats to bench 5ea side

3.Stability Ball Hamstring Curls 15

Rest 60s Repeat to total 2 sets

Group 2

Knee Extension 15x

(This is done first to pre-exhaust the muscle. You actually may need to go a little heavier here since you are starting out with this, where in other programs you may end with it)

Dumbbell Walking Lunges with a pulse at bottom 15ea (30 total)

Squat Isometric Hold 30s

Rest 90s Repeat to total 4 sets and feel the burn!

Group 3

Single Leg Stability Ball Hamstring Curl 12ea

Single Leg Stability Ball Hip Extension 12 ea

Rest 60s Repeat to total 3 sets

Advice For The Mom-to-Be!

Have you felt hiccups in your tummy? How did it make you feel?

Did you go to any parenting classes? Did you find them useful?

7 Deadly “Zins” When Pregnant

August 31st, 2011

And no, not talking about the red wine…I wish! But I bet this did get your attention!

This post is about the top 7 foods that can be “deadly” if consumed when pregnant. So listen up!

A lot of people want to know what they should avoid eating when pregnant? Well, unfortunately there are lots of things to avoid or have in moderation, but I am going to name the top 7 I feel are super important to avoid, aside from the obvious as stated in the title (alcohol).

So here are your 7 Deadly Zins:

  1. Caffeine. Especially in the 1st trimester-avoid it at all costs as it may be linked to miscarriage. Women who drank more than 200 mg/day were double the risk opposed to those who did not. It also may reduce blood flow to the placenta, a it constricts your blood vessels. I didn’t even want coffee until I was in my 4th or 5th month, and still, I have decaf.
  2. Un-pasteurized (soft) Cheese. Most cheese is pasteurized in the U.S., but always ask to make sure. I avoided all soft cheeses, including feta cheese for the first trimester, and then as I learned that they are pasteurized (once I asked the restaurant or read labels), I brought it back in my diet. I do, however avoid any fresh Cheese (like Mozzerella) at restaurants when served, as it may be imported, and super soft/moist. Just to be safe, I don’t eat it. Listeria is something caused by the bacteria in foods and can infect the placenta, the amniotic fluid, and the baby. This can lead to, miscarriage or stillbirth. Infected babies who survive are likely to be born prematurely. Many will be born severely ill or get sick soon after birth, with problems that can include blood infection, difficulty breathing, fever, skin sores, lesions on multiple organs, and central nervous system infections such as meningitis.
  3. Deli Meat. Especially with Labor Day coming, do NOT eat the sub, sandwiches, or hero! Chances are it has been sitting out at the store, at the person’s house before it has been served, and then sitting outside just collecting bacteria. You can get develop Listeria from this as well.
  4. Fish. Consuming Methylmercury (found in fish) when pregnant can lead to developmental delays and brain damage. Exposure to high concentrations of methylmercury during pregnancy can impair a baby’s growing brain and nervous system. Fish with the highest levels include Shark, Swordfish, King Mackeral, and Tilefish. It’s okay to eat up to 12 ounces (two servings) a week of any fish and shellfish, other than the four mentioned above. Canned Tuna is lower in mercury than regular tuna, but still should be eaten in moderation. Some experts do believe you should also avoid eating fresh or frozen tuna, striped bass, bluefish, Chilean sea bass, golden snapper, marlin, orange roughy, amberjack, Crevalle jack and Spanish mackerel from the Gulf of Mexico. I actually do not like fish, so it works out well, but I do supplement my diet with a pure fish oil supplement.
  5. Artificial Sweeteners. “Baby Center” claims if used in moderation, it may be OK, but why take that chance? The more I read on artificial sweeteners, they are saying it may be related to cancer. Even if it isn’t, for there to be reason enough to suspect, that’s good enough for me to eliminate it from my diet pregnant or not. Stick with natural sugar all the way! Plus, it tastes so much better!! Check this article out HERE.
  6. High Sugar Drinks. Not only are sugar highs not good foryou, but it’s definitely not good for baby! Make sure to keep your blood sugar even throughout the day by eating small meals, and avoid high sugar foods and drinks. Keep in mind gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy when your body can’t meet the extra insulin demands.
  7. Smoked and Cured Meats. These contain nitrates that are harmful to fetal development. You can also get Listeria from these as well as the meats may have a lot of bacteria on them. Unless they are piping hot, don’t eat them. Some natural brands make nitrate free foods. Try to read the labels and make the best choice for you and baby!

To make sure you are still following an exercise program, check out what I am doing for my Chest and Arm Day as I finish up my 6th month this week! Try it out, pregnant or not!

Chest

10 Seated Incline Press

10 Decline Seated Press

30 Band Chest Press (fast)

4 sets 90s rest

Biceps

10 Bicep Burls

10 EZ Bar Curls

30 Cable Rope Curls

4 sets 90s rest

Triceps

10 Tricep Dips

10 Underhand Tricep Extensions

30 Cable Rope Extensions

4 sets 90s rest

 Til next time :)

“Peanut Butter” Frozen Banana Pops

August 25th, 2011

Do you want a healthy snack that’s YUMMY and takes literally 2 minutes to make??? Thought so!

Try these “Peanut Butter” Frozen Banana Pops! EVERYONE who had them LOVED them, so I guarantee you will too! I got the initial idea from BB3 and fell in love with it. It’s a great treat at times when you are looking for that “something else” after dinner lol!

Here’s whatcha do!

1. Take 1 REALLY ripe banana and cut it inhalf width wise-this will make for 2 treats!

2. Cut banana in half-length wise-like a sandwich.

3. Take SUNBUTTER and spread desired amount onto one side of the banana.

4. Take a popsicle stick or something of the sort (I used plastic drink stirrirs as pictured) and put it on top like so.

5. Top banana with other half, and carefully, but tightly roll in foil. Try not to put too much Sunbutter on as it will smush out the sides :)

6. Freeze until frozen and ENJOY! Now  you have a treat for you and a friend :)

7. Read below as to WHY these are OK for you!

Why are these OK to eat?

Simple. Bananas are a little high on the Glycemic Index-meaning the sugar absorbs kind of quickly into the blood stream raising blood sugar. In turn-bananas are also a higher carbohydrate fruit. This is why this snack is so great because it allows you to still enjoy these types of fruits! The sunbutter is a healthy fat that will slow down the absorption of sugar into the blood stream. AND, you are only having half a banana, so it will be half the sugar. It’s easy to eat a whole banana no problem, but when a half one is made up like this and frozen, it will be MORE satisfying, and take longer to enjoy. This is a complete package!

Why not Peanut Butter, and WHY Sunbutter?

Compared to peanut butter nutrition levels, Sunbutter products are definitely a healthy alternative to peanut butter. Now WHY?

First: Peanuts are not nuts. While “nut” is in their name, peanuts are actually legumes. Peanuts actually grow underground, as opposed to nuts like walnuts, almonds, etc. that grow on trees.

Second: Sunbutter is a great tasting alternative to peanut butter. A seed butter that is made in the USA from specially roasted sunflower seeds, Sunbutter is peanut-free, tree-nut free, and gluten-free. The sunflower seed spread products are all processed in a peanut-free and tree-nut free facility, making them an excellent choice for people with peanut allergies or gluten intolerance.

Lastly: With one-third less saturated fat and 27 percent of a day’s recommended allowance of vitamin E in one serving, this fit well into a healthy lifestyle and diet. Plus, Sunbutter has a much higher iron and fiber content than peanut butter and are a great source of HEALTHY fats and protein.

Studies show time and time again that individuals who eat organic or unprocesssed nut butters are less likely to gain weight and more likely to burn fat.