Where in the world have my weeks gone?  Look who’s almost 1 month old?

We are in love with this boy!  Things are going well and I am recovering nicely from the c-section.  I have had lingering swelling, but that seems to be on its way out!  I still have to wait a few more weeks until I go back to my workouts–boohoo.  This has given true meaning to 80% diet, 20% workouts. For those of you working out, remember that you cannot out-exercise a bad diet.    Food completely effects energy, weight, and muscle definition.

Over the last year, I have watched and read about  people “prepping” their foods for the week and thought, “how do they make the time for that?”  Well after two weeks of preparing snacks to have on hand, I am a believer that I can’t afford not to.  Instead of grabbing a box on-the-go, I grab veggies, fruits and other yummy items that are good for me.  So worth it!!

To give you some ideas, I found a great article, with 40 clean-eating suggestions, over at Paleo Power Challenge 90.  In offering ideas, I thought I would show you a few of my own.  Starting from the top and going clockwise:

No Bake Energy Bites: Simply the best sweet treat around.

Carrots and Celery -Cut up and washed.  (celery is a great source of Vitamin K, A, and fiber–who knew?!) (And my daughter LOVES Ants on a Log)

Tri Color Bell Peppers -Cut up and washed.

Kale Chips- wash and cut up the kale.  Dust with olive oil and sea sal or garlic salt. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 or until crunchy.

Strawberries- Wash fruit so it is ready to eat.

What works for you?  Any special foods you love?  If you have any snack ideas, leave it in the comments below.  We can all use the encouragement!

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We made it!  39 weeks done and look who made his debut!

Meet Benjamin Martin Mosley – “Ben”

May 24, 2013

7 pounds, 6 ounces

20 inches long

Ben and I have been enjoying a relaxing week at home, recovering from the C-Section and snuggling the hours away.  I am so grateful, to the Lord, for this beautiful gift.  I know our family is now complete…you should see the way our kids love him.  It brings tears to my eyes.

I do plan to get back to Live Fit Daily, but for now, I’m gonna soak up more snuggles.

*****Stay tuned for the journey back to body before baby! 

The post Pregnancy Wrap Up appeared first on Live Fit Daily.

Almost there..37 weeks and 4 days!  I am scheduled for May 24th and counting the hours, days.  This pregnancy has flown and crept by.  I have laughed, cried, contracted, rested, prayed, eaten tons, worked out and mostly enjoyed this adventurous and exciting time.  Along the way,  I have just about heard every ridiculously BAD and GOOD comment that anyone could have possibly thought of.  Know what I mean?  Yes, I am talking about the person that opens their mouth and everyone around them wants to crawl in a hole, pregnant lady included.   I swore, after last week, that I would dedicate a post on what TO say and NOT TO say to soon-to-be-mamas.

Welcome Comments:

• You look radiant!
• You look beautiful!
• You are glowing!
• You are tiny!…best comment ever.
• I’m so excited for you!
• When are you due?

Tolerable Comments:

• You look adorable (after they kind of laugh/snicker as they say it).
• That is a great outfit…(nice, but who really believes maternity clothes are great? )
• How much longer?…(this is borderline, almost implying that we are HUGE).

Never say ANY of these:

• You’re still pregnant?
• Wow, that looks really uncomfortable. (yes, some woman at the grocery store said this to me and I almost punched her.ha!)
• You look really tired. (don’t even get me started on this one..of course I’m tired).
• Must be any day now, right?  (what if it’s not any day?  what if it’s next month?)
• Wow, wonder how big he’ll be. (after they eyeball my belly).
• You’re still here?  (no words for this one).

Please, don’t say anything if you can’t find something ENCOURAGING to say!  I mean, us preggo ladies are emotional enough without adding some lame-o comment about how big we are.  It’s true—People will say anything , won’t they?!  So, go on and grab a “welcome comment” and make some cute pregnant lady feel like a super model!

• What is your favorite line someone said to you, good or bad, during pregnancy?

The post How to talk to a Pregnant Lady…. appeared first on Live Fit Daily.

Ya’ll, these were too good to not share.  I will also confess that my dear husband made them.  Man, I wish I could take credit.

Here are the details:

• 2 Chicken Breasts (this fed 2 adults and 2 young kiddos)
• Sesame Oil
• Chili powder
• Soy Sauce
• Romaine Lettuce
• Veggies of your choice.  I had Trader Joes asian style vegetables that we prepared.
• Quinoa..again this is of your choice.  You can get a box of flavored or plain.
• Asian Sesame Dressing..optional.

Instructions

• Pan Sear chicken breasts, in a wok, with sesame oil, a splash of chili powder and soy sauce.  This is just enough to flavor the chicken, not soak it.  You can also grill the chicken if you have time.
• When chicken is half way done, add half a bag of Trader Joes frozen Asian veggies or fresh veggies of your choice.
• While cooking chicken, cook quinoa, in a separate pot, according to instructions on box.
• Cook chicken and quinoa until done.  When quinoa is fully cooked, add a little salt and pepper for flavor.
• Remove chicken and slice for the wraps.
• Peel apart romain leaves into long strips.
• Add chicken and veggies to the lettuce.  Top with quinoa.
• If you would like a little more flavor to the wraps, add 1-2 tbsp of Asian Sesame Dressing.

These were SIMPLE and fantastic.  My kiddos ate everything separate, but still ate the same dinner we ate..SCORE!

Now, for an update on me.

Today, I am 35 weeks and 5 days.  Can we just call it 36????  Last Monday, over a week ago, I went to the hospital for 2 hrs of contractions.  Good times, good times.  Thankfully, with the help of IV fluids, all contractions were stopped.  No major dilation progress, just my body getting ready. The doctor asked me to take it easy until 36-37weeks.  No bed rest, just prop those feet up when I can. The contractions continue, but are sporadic.   Looks like I will easily make it to 36 and, I pray, onto 37 or more.  Every day is another day of baby getting stronger and healthy!  The planned c-section is set for Friday, May 24th at 7:30 AM.  Seems like a lifetime away, but 3 weeks will fly, right?

I miss my classes, like crazy, but am enjoying getting things ready AND taking naps when I can

Have a great Wednesday!

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(some of my favorite things from last week)

Now, on to this week.  It’s meal planning time.  If you have not gotten on the “meal planning bandwagon,” I strongly suggest this to make life easier.  On Sunday, I ask my kiddos to pick a “healthy” meal for the week.  We have a big chalkboard in our kitchen and each week I put up the menu.  Gone are the complaints, millions of questions and frowny faces of my sweet children.  Now, they know what to expect and even jump in on food prep!

This week’s menu:

Sunday- Sliders (link will show you grilled chicken sliders as an option).  Grass fed beef and all of the fixins for tonight.  Adults will have lettuce wrapped sliders –delish!

Monday- Veggie Night: Baked potatoes, squash/zucchini mix, black beans,and bell peppers.

Tuesday- Typical Tacos ( soft and hard shell: grass fed ground beef, beans, lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese)

Wednesday- Spaghetti night at church (it’s a fundraiser)

Thursday- Slow Cooker Whole Chicken  and veggies

Friday- Spring Break begins..think we will head out to celebrate!

See?  No complicated recipes.  In fact, much of these nights are just typical kid favorites cooked in a healthier way.

Lastly, I want to share my kids new favorite treat: Chocolate Almond Milk Smoothies.  Easiest after school treat EVER:

• Chocolate almond milk
• Scoop of peanut butter
• Half a banana and
• Blend all in the blender 

The post Meal Planning appeared first on Live Fit Daily.

My sculpt class worked so hard today so I thought I would share our workout with you.  Many of these moves were inspired or taken from Body Building  and Fitness Magazine.  Check out my Pinterest fitness board more inspiring workouts and ideas.

Super Set Wednesday

• Bicep Curls -10 to 12 reps
• Tricep Overhead Extension-10-12 Reps

Repeat 3 times

• Hammer Curls -10 to 12 reps
• Tricep Double Arm Kickbacks -10-12 Reps

Repeat 3 times

• Warrior Lunge (8 reps each leg)
• Squat with leg raise (8 reps each leg): Do one squat and then slowly lift your leg with the resistance band on.

Repeat 3 times

• Chest-Open Fly (10-12 reps can be done on stability ball or bench)
• Rear Deltoid Raise (10-12 reps)

Repeat 3 times

 In the first set, make sure to start with a heavier weight.  Often times, we settle for our comfort zone and don’t realize how strong we really are.  By the third set, you should find it challenging to complete the reps.  Your option is to lower your weight or to push through..you CAN do it!  Remember that lifting weights will cause your metabolism to burn for up to two hours after your workout is complete.  To find out about other benefits of lifting weights, read this article.

***How many times a week do you lift weights?

***Do you take a class or work out on your own?

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I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I had a blast teaching a Zumba class with my teaching buddy Michelle.  She is 3 preggo weeks behind me, so we thought it would be fun to waddle across the floor together.  39 fantastic ladies showed up and danced their behinds off with us.  Thank you to all who came and thanks to Michelle for inviting me!

As I enter week 33, I have to tell you that my body is starting to hurt.  Back pain, bottom pain, leg pain…nothing serious, but just uncomfortable.  Shortness of breath is taking over, as I walk up 3 stairs, and sleep is a long lost friend.  These remaining 6 weeks seem to drag, BUT  the end result is pure joy.  (Dear family, please remind me of this as I voice my complaints more and more often).  As timing would have it, my husband sent me an article (not directed at me of course), on what people who choose happiness do differently.  I thought it was a great way to start the week and had to share it with you all.

This article comes from The Corporate Athlete Institute newsletter.  The following are highlights to inspire you this week.

• Don’t hold grudges.
• Treat everyone with kindness.
• See problems as challenges.
• Express gratitude for what they already have.
• Dream big.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff.
• Never make excuses.
• Wake up at the same time every morning.
• Avoid social comparison.
• Choose friends wisely.
• Never seek approval from others.
• Take the time to listen.
• Nurture social relationships.
• Meditate.
• Exercise.
• Live minimally.
• Tell the truth.
• Establish personal control.
• Accept what cannot be changed.

I love this inspiring list.  Don’t we all need a reminder that we need to CHOOSE joy even when life seems a little bumpy?  This week, I am going to focus on: not sweating the small stuff, avoiding comparison, and living minimally.

******What are several things, from this list, that you can focus on to improve your outlook on life?

The post Choose Joy appeared first on Live Fit Daily.

It’s happening!  9 weeks until my scheduled C-Section on May 24th.  Am I ready?  Yes and no.  Yes, I am ready to meet him and ready to get rid of this large basketball!   AND no, we are not ready with his room and or with getting all of our baby “equipment.”  Still collecting a few odds and ends and putting together furniture.  This is all still so surreal.  Excited, nervous, anxious, thrilled…bring on #3!

So, the number ONE question I am getting is, “You are still teaching?  How much longer are you gonna keep on?”

Yes, I am still teaching.  Teaching 4 classes, in fact: BodyPUMP, 2 Zumba classes and a Sculpt class.  I am really grateful for these classes because they have allowed me to feel so good throughout the pregnancy.  Even during the first trimester, when I was seriously ill, I out- exercised the nausea.  I would go into class feeling horribly sick and come out feeling rejuvenated.

As far as how long I will teach?  I think I will finish teaching BodyPUMP in the next few weeks, simply because of the logistics. Getting up and down, and talking throughout the class causes my heart rate to fluctuate quite a bit.  It honestly leaves me a bit light-headed.  I have loved every week, but I think my time, of letting go, is drawing near.  As far as the other 3 classes, I believe I will make it through the end of April.  Fingers CROSSED.

Here’s what I have DEFINITELY decided: I will continue to teach as long as I feel good.  I will not feel competitive with myself or allow myself to push because of pride.  Okay, so that’s more of a promise to me.

Now, back to the main reason of writing this post.  I cannot believe how differently I have felt in this pregnancy compared with the first two.  Exercise has made all of the difference in helping me feel strong, energetic and motivated.  Here are a few reasons to keep your routine going:

Exercise Benefits During Pregnancy

1. Increased level of energy.
2. Increased blood flow.
3. Reduces stress.
4. Increases strength.
5. Childbirth preparation.
6. Helps work muscles that would otherwise stiffen up.
7. Could and should help you get pre-preggo body back.

There are also a few ways to take precaution while exercising:

1. Stay hydrated.
2. Watch your heart rate.
3. Do not push yourself.  It is always best to go lighter than heavier.
4. Lightly stretch afterwards.
5. Check with your doctor before you start exercising during the pregnancy.
6. Do not add a new type of exercise that you didn’t do before the pregnancy.  Example: Run a half marathon if you were only running 5Ks.
7. Stop if anything hurts or is uncomfortable.

I am so grateful that my classes have kept me going for 7.5 months.  Bottom Line: Get up and move.  Walk, lift weights, take classes and be good to your body.  Your body and your baby will thank you.

Question: What type of exercise did you do or are you doing during pregnancy?

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Honestly, it has put me in the crabbiest mood, just ask my family.  I think I have the winter blues, BUT I know Spring is coming.  Just praying for sooner rather than later.

In my moping, sad, pregnancy hormone state, I decided to work on a few new workout ideas for my sculpt classes.  Shall we go over the benefits of weights?

• Your metabolism burns for up to 2 hours after your workout (that means calories are burning away!)
• Stronger bones.
• Lean muscle wins over fat.
• Cardiovascular improvement.
• Tight arms in time for summer!

And those are just a few reasons to get your head in the game!

Some of my favorite moves come from Women’s Health Magazine, because they are geared specifically towards women.  I have been pinning away this morning, if you are a pinterest junkie.  Often times women use the excuse of, “I don’t want to bulk up” or “weights are boring.”  Your weight workouts do not have to be either: bulky or boring!

Here are a few workouts from Women’s Health that use lighter weights and higher repetitions, which tend to tone our flabby areas:

Bye Bye Arm Jiggle

Last Minute Beach Body Workout

Flatten your Belly

I love seeing new and fresh ideas to spice up a routine.  If you are intimidated to do this on your own, check out a sculpt or weight class at your local gym.  There is always power in numbers as everyone works for a common goal.

The post Women’s Health Workouts: Weights appeared first on Live Fit Daily.

As a Zumba instructor, I am always on the hunt shoes that are not only “hip” but also comfortable and functional.   Over the years I have tried many different brands and have yet to fall “in love.”  Guess what?  I am in love!

Last week, Reebok sent me their newest dance shoe, Dance UR Lead Mid.  I opened the box and was immediately ecstatic over the fashionable design! However, I have purchased plenty of stylish shoes and been seriously disappointed by the comfort level.  Reebok’s description was quickly reassuring that these shoes would not disappoint: “A sassy mid cut shoe that features 3D UltraLite tooling for lightweight cushioning as well as Pivot Point and Turn Zone for control in turns in spins. This shoe is perfect for any dance fitness exercise.”  I couldn’t wait to give these babies a try, in my Zumba classes.

Um yes, my kids thought I was the coolest thing ever walking out the door….

First thought when I put them on: LIGHT!  Seriously light, which makes “bouncing” a lot easier.  Other words coming to mind: flexible and supportive.  Love the flexibility as the shoe moved with my foot.  I definitely felt a moderate support underneath my arch, which is a MIRACLE for a dance shoe!!  On Saturday, I taught a double (2 classes) and my feet felt great.  This is especially important being 27 weeks preggo!  My favorite feature of the shoe is the ankle support.  When I get to moving in other shoes, I will stumble and feel my foot roll.  The mid rise kept my foot and ankle in place even as I “shook my groove thang” all morning.

Big thumbs up on this product!  HUGE score for Reebok and a HUGE score for me getting to try this fantastic shoe.  If you are a dance instructor or loyal dance participant, this will be a great investment.  Your feet will thank you (and you’ll be rocking some awesome kicks, too!)

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