Mommapreneur Life

White rice vs Brown rice

2014-11-05T09:00:00.000-06:00

White rice verses brown rice; so many different points of views and opinions. These two are from the same place but both have different outcomes! I personally love brown rice but there are times with certain foods such as red beans and rice (LOL) that I prefer white rice.

Here are some facts about white rice and brown rice.

White can be used to help rid diarrhea where as brown rice can be used for constipation.

The key difference between the two is white rice stripped of nutrients creating it to be a pure carb there is only .6 g per cup of dietary fiber in white rice where as brown rice has 3.5 g per cup. Brown rice is a whole grain not being stripped of its nutrients.

So in conclusion white rice may have a better taste at times brown rice is more nutritional when it comes to fiber intake and it's so important to consume fiber! Click here to learn more about fiber

EAT MORE BROWN RICE! :)

Why it's important to have a coach

2013-12-11T10:01:00.001-06:00

Why it's important to have a coach. I was in the gym this morning working out with my friend and trainer whom competes professionally and we were discussing her next competition and how she has a coach. I asked her "Is it really that important to have a coach" she pointed out to me that her coach would be able to see things on her body and know how to tweek them better then she could on her self.

It was at that moment I finally realized that in all aspects of life if you want to be the best at what you do or what field you're in having a mentor, coach or trainer is key to success. To have some one an expert notice things about your figure, your business, your goals that need to be tweaked to make you better.

Today's tip get a coach! I am blessed to have a few coach in my life that guide me to be the best and do better then I'm currently doing on my own.

Why it's so important to have a coach? Now you know! It's key to your success!

xoxo smooches -mommapreneur

The challenge is...

2013-11-20T07:57:00.001-06:00

The challenge is about truly setting health goals and accomplishing your goals. Joining together to fight obesity starting with our self. The 90 day challenge will empower you and then you can help others reach their goals. Its a community of people coming together to put en end to the obesity epidemic!

Did you know every state in the usa had an obesity 20% or higher. This is a serious problem.

The 90 day challenge holds you accountable to make a change in your life. Its truly challenges you to hold your word and actually achieve the goal you set!!

So together lets fight obesity!

#vilife #vimom #viexperts #90daychallenge #mommapreneur #healthcoach #mickigram

Calorie Comparison! What are you eating?!

2013-10-30T12:46:00.002-05:00

Sometimes we don't think about how many calories are a few oreos!!!! Yes they might taste good but they are NOT good for you!!! Check out this chart that compares various food items! Look at all that food for the same amount of calories as 1lb of Oreos WOW! This calorie comparison just gives an idea of the amount of junk we eat and don't think about it!!

Micki's #mealprepmondays 90 day challenge day 60!!

2013-09-17T15:54:00.001-05:00

When it comes to meal prepping you have to measure out your food in portions; prepare quality foods and know what time of the day you will be eating. Here is what I prepped for the next few days; I only prep for about 3-4 days at a time since food doesn't last for ever you need to be aware how long what you're cooking will last don't wanna get sick!

My days 1-3 meal plan (day 4 is a carb day)
Workout (5am)

M1 (7am) 1/2 cup oatmeal & hard boiled egg or 2 strips of turkey bacon
M2 (10am) Vi Shake w/ fruit
M3 (1pm) 4 oz chicken, 2 cup veggie; 1/2 cup carb (brown rice, sweet potato or quinoa)
M4 (4pm) Avocado and hard boiled egg whites (snack)
M5 (7pm) Vi shake w/ pb2

It's pretty simple to follow I've lost 14 lbs in 55 days. Check out my before and after photo... I'm half way through my 90 day challenge and I feel amazing!!

My 90 day weightloss challenge!

2013-07-30T18:06:00.002-05:00

I have decided to commit to a 90 day challenge to lost 30 lbs! I am so excited to get started!! I weight 204 today and I'm giving my self 90 days to lose this weight. I'll be doing a clean eating diet with two shakes per day and 3-4 meals that include protein, veggies and brown rice or quinoa as the carb.

I am excited to get started on this journey and to finally get back to my pre baby weight of 170! I believe it will work and through support and dedication I know it will happen!!!

If you were to start a 90 day challenge to change something in your life what would it be?!?! Join me on my journey to lose 30 lbs!

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Tasty Tuesday: Grilled Shrimp Avocado Fennel & Orange Salad

2013-04-07T21:29:00.002-05:00

Grilled Shrimp with Fennel, Avocado, and Orange Salad
Skinnytaste.com
Servings: 4 • Size: 1/4 • Old Points: 6 • Weight Watcher Points+: 7 pt
Calories: 283.5 • Fat: 12 g • Carb: 19 g • Fiber: 6 g • Protein: 26 g • Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 196 mg (without salt) • Cholest: 172.3mg

Ingredients:

2 navel oranges, peeled and sliced
1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (weight after peeled)
4 cups fresh arugula or baby greens
1 cup (1⁄2 small bulb) fresh fennel, thinly sliced or shaved w/ mandoline
1 medium-size ripe Hass avocado, sliced thin

For the vinaigrette:

1 large navel orange, peeled and squeezed
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
3 tbsp minced shallots
kosher salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

For the vinaigrette:

Combine the orange juice from one of the oranges, lemon juice, olive oil, shallots, kosher salt and pepper in a container with a tight-fitting lid and shake it vigorously to combine.

Reserve 1⁄2 cup of the vinaigrette for dressing the salad and pour the remaining vinaigrette into a medium nonreactive bowl. Put the shrimp in the bowl, season with salt and pepper and toss; let it sit for about 30 minutes.

Information gathered from skinnygirl.com

Did you know? Health Tip

2013-04-07T21:25:00.001-05:00

Did you know that it takes about 6 hours of cardio to burn a number one

the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.

"MOM + ENTREPRENEUR = MOMMAPRENEUR"

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Art Wall of Fame

2013-02-04T22:38:00.001-06:00

My two year old LOVES art; she loves to paint, color, and take photos.. So each year I hang all her art work and variou photos or keeps sake for the year on her "Art Wall of Fame" all I did was get a few screw in hooks and some string also some paper clips to hang the art; you can also use clothes pins or whatever works best for you! At the end of the year I take it all down and put in a file for my daughter so when she gets old she can see all the awesome art work she did as a kit!

Dr. Seuss!

2013-02-04T22:33:00.002-06:00

Who remembers Dr. Seuss's books?!?

Miss Gia got a hand full of books from her awesome uncle Dre today! Can't wait to read them at bed time!

What was your favorite child hood book or bed time story?! Mine was lady and the tramp :)

Gia started soccer!

2013-02-03T22:25:00.001-06:00

Gia went to a demo class and had a blast so we decided to join!! Its so important to get your child active early and in activities that engage them with other kids to learn.

Beauty and the Beast

2013-02-02T11:33:00.001-06:00

Don't you love Disney classics!! Seems like the cartoons out these days are a bit to adult friendly... My daughter and I spent the day watching Disney classics:)

Doc K Rocks!

2013-01-22T20:25:00.001-06:00

Gia had a check up at Doc K's "The Pediatric Center of Round Rock" Best in town! Gina's love it here

MLNY Gear

2013-01-22T20:18:00.001-06:00

#mlnystyle #mlny

Ditch the chips

2013-01-22T19:01:00.001-06:00

I have a bad habit of grabbing chips or fries when I get a sandwich for lunch... I challenged my self to ditch the chips and fries!! Today it was a banana! I not only felt full and satisfied but proud how easy it is to make the change!

Mommapreneur
Xoxo

Family Link Foster Care

2013-01-18T22:14:00.000-06:00

First thought that came to my mind when I visited "Family Link Foster Care" was WOW. As I drove down the long rocky road I was thinking to my self what a cool place! I pulled up to the building where the office was and could hear kids laughing and playing it gave me a good feeling right away...

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WARNING Grocery Shopping!

2013-01-18T22:10:00.000-06:00

Do you ever wonder why a grocery store is laid out the way it is?

As I was walking through my local grocery store the other day I noticed that grocery stores are SO big! I started to wonder why were there so many options of isle after isle of possessed foods and why is the store laid out the way it is? I then noticed that I rarely go up and down any of the isles because I usually shop around the edge of the store and wanted to share with you why I shop this way and why it's a helpful tip to create a healthy lifestyle.

The Facts

Most grocery stores are arranged with produce on the left or right side of the store, with frozen foods on the other side. Chilled products are at the back of the store and meats are usually near the produce. Everything is designed to force you to walk around the store to buy most of your staples because that forces you to look at more displays and to impulse shop more. Store managers know that the more time you spend in the store, the more money you usually will spend in the store.

The grocery store is laid out so that it forces you to browse items you are not there to buy. Common items such as milk and dairy are at the back of most stores forcing you to walk through several isles of junk to temp you to buy more then you came to buy. Studies show that 70 percent of purchases are unplanned and usually occur the longer a shopper lingers in the store. Stay focused as much as you can when going through the store and follow the following tips to avoid over spending, buying junk food, and impulse buying.

Tips I have gathered to help me grocery shop
Make a list of items you need STICK TO YOUR LIST
Creating a list can be a challenge if you don't know what you want to eat for the week and this is where "Meal Planning" comes in! If you are serious about creating a healthy lifestyle and saving some money I strongly suggest taking a day or two out of your busy schedule and plan out your meals so that you can create a shopping list!

Shop at the same grocery
The reason I suggest this is so you know where everything is in the store and the "pretty colors" and "nice music" don't distract you. I know what items I need on certain isles and this helps keep me from buying random junk and items you really don't need.

Shop alone
I know it may be a challenge at first to go to the store with out your children but I promise it will save you time, money and stress. I hear this term the other day "pester power," which is a marketing term that relates to the power of kids influencing purchase decisions.

Benefits of shopping the perimeter

Saves you money by cutting back on "impulse buying"

Helps to create a healthy lifestyle
Rids the risk of buying to much junk/processed foods

Next time you're in the grocery store think about it; keep an eye out for how certain items are placed and be careful not to buy extra junk that's not on your list!

Filming at Posh!

2013-01-18T09:00:00.000-06:00

Today I went down to Posh and did some video testimonials! It was so great and once again I met some one new!! I freaking love this place; I needed a videographer and actually had a real business and not just a "camera" claiming they did video work. So now that I have met the T.Slankproductions team I can get this video done! YAHOO.. I also met a wonderful lady that does Mary Kay (Lillie) and we start chatting about health and fitness right away it was so awesome we are going to do some networking together! :)

Life is all about building relationships. Period there is nothing else to learn. lol lesson of the day! BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

I'm telling you; you have to come check out this co working space! I highly recommend it to everyone; Blossom the owner of Posh has a wealth of knowledge and is such an amazing women to be around! Check out what we did today :) lol I'm trying to "embrace" the camera since I want to do video blogs

Posh Co Working!!

2013-01-17T11:21:00.003-06:00

Today I have spent some time at Posh Co Working this is the coolest places to come run your business vs at home meeting clients. It's a co working spot you can rent conference rooms, they have a class room, and great space for networking. You will feel right at home when you come here to work and you can meet some great people here to build your business, learn a lot about your self and tips on your business.

They even offer classes about various marketing tips, social media and writers class! It's WAY better then going to some random coffee shop and not knowing the environment before you get there; where as at Posh you know it will be quite and reliable!

I attended the "Writers Lounge" this past week and it has made a major difference in my writing and I got an awesome "Blog Editorial Calendar" that gives you a schedule to make sure you're getting your writing done in a timely manner with deadlines to keep you on track. I feel so much more confident in my writing now that I have attended this class and I would highly recommend it to anyone in the Austin area to come check it out. It's every other Wed @ 1 pm CT

Join the community at Posh and grow your business!!

Here are some photos of what Posh looks like; I personally LOVE IT!! I feel so professional where I'm here and bring my clients!

Tasty Tuesday: Shrimp Grits

2013-01-15T12:04:00.000-06:00

Makes: 4 servings

Prep 15 mins Cook 15 mins

View Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

1 cup quick-cooking grits

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 yellow onion, diced

4 thin slices prosciutto, cut into thin strips

6 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup canned diced tomatoes with juice

2 tablespoons dried oregano

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed

2 cups loosely packed arugula

Cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

1. Bring 4 1/2 cups of salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Whisk in the grits; reduce heat to medium low. Cook, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, onion, prosciutto and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes, oregano and shrimp. Cook until shrimp are opaque, about 4 minutes. Add the arugula; cook 1 minute.
3. Place grits on plates; top with shrimp mixture. Sprinkle with cayenne pepper if using.

I love this meal!!! It's so good :)

NOTE: This recipe and photo was taken from FitnessMagazine.com

Weigh Less Live More

2013-01-09T15:49:00.003-06:00

Join me tomorrow January 10, 2013 @ 7 pm CDT

Discover a safe way to drop pounds and feel fully satisfied.
Explore weight loss problems in America.

Learn why diets don’t work.

Please join Micki Gram: Health Coach
for a free tele-seminar on
Thursday, January 10, 2013
7-8 p.m. CT

Click here to register

For details, please call (512) 788-2266
or email micki@mickigram.com

Here comes 2013!

2012-12-31T07:33:00.002-06:00

As we head into a new year many people are thinking about all the great new things they are going to do and I love everyone's motivation but I often wonder what is the difference between Dec 31 and Jan 1.... why do we wait last min to make "resolutions" vs goals?

This year lets do things a bit different... lets come up with short term goals that will keep us motivated year round instead of the first three months of the year...

Here are mine to name a few.

1) Take bigger action towards my dreams
2) Add one more day to my work out routine
3) Do a health workshop for a school

There are just a few of my goals for 2013 what are you goals? Where do you see your self at the end of 2013?

LETS KICK 2013'S BUTT!!

Your health is your wealth!

Gia turned 2!

2012-12-18T14:45:00.001-06:00

Gia isn't a baby anymore :( she is officially a toddler... terrible twos?? YIKES

When I picked her up from school we had a blast going to Gatti Land!! This place is so cool; from 3-6 pm they have "happy hour" so it's half off everyone and free for children under 3! Gia and her friend got to eat for free! It was so awesome and for adults it's only $7.99 so it was half off that... HELLO; what a deal! Gia even got a $5 dollar play card because it was her birthday! We had so much fun Gia and her BFF Cora got to run around like crazy kids and play all the games. It was so much fun. I would recommend this place to anyone. Here are some photos from Gatti land.

I am such a strict mom about what my child eats and I thought I would let her make it and give her some ice cream. I took her to the grocery store and let her pick out her own ice cream! She picked some weird ice cream "Krazy Kookie Dough" was the flavor. Lord knows I was sick to my stomach watching her eat this but I figure she will only live once and it was her day!

Happy Birthday My Sweet Baby Girl!!!

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"MOM + ENTREPRENEUR = MOMMAPRENEUR"

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Christmas at the North Pole Flyer 2012 at Cedar Park, TX

2012-12-16T22:22:00.001-06:00

Christmas at the North Pole Flyer 2012 at Cedar Park, TX

By Austin Guest Blogger, Momma’s Bacon

The North Pole Flyer Train Returns Bringing the Train’s Own Christmas Story to Young and Old Alike!

The North Pole Flyer train is back again for the month of December for the Austin-area’s own train Christmas Story for the whole family to enjoy. If you are familiar with my blog, you know our family is a little obsessive about trains and Christmas. Trains hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of my dad’s father who spent his entire career (besides a stint of being drafted in the Army) working on the railroad. He started working for the B&O Railroad (the first passenger hauling railroad in the United States) out of the Newark, Ohio, division in 1950 and retired there in 1989. I have lots of train products and for our eight year wedding anniversary last year, Bob and I spent part of the day going to Cedar Park, TX (1/2 hour from our home) for an anniversary date on the Bertam Flyer passenger train. The fun thing about the Bertram Flyer train (the same one used for the North Pole Flyer) is that each passenger car is from a different era with its own history. I’m adding some info at the end about the Santa Fe car. It was a treat! We got some amazing seats in the Santa Fe car and from start to finish you got a ‘feel’ for how those passenger trains really worked. It is also an operation of love since most of the players at the Austin Steam Train association are volunteers, so their passion for trains is quite sincere and their special events throughout the year like the Mystery Theater and the Christmas North Pole Flyer are not only a huge hit in the area, they are also a whole lot of fun for the whole family – and a way to meet both Mr. and Mrs. Claus! We decided since this is Brooke’s first real excitement for Santa and Christmas, this year would be the perfect time to take our preschooler to the North Pole Flyer and see what happens.

Christmas at the North Pole Flyer is through the Austin Steam Train Association which is a mostly volunteer organization from people who LOVE trains. Their Christmas Flyer has been a popular staple outside of Austin in Cedar Park for several years and there are many reasons why. First, your child gets to see both Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus on board the train! That’s exciting enough for a little child who just started to appreciate Christmas so meeting the Claus family was quite the event. Plus each child has an opportunity for snacks (including cookies from Mrs. Claus), a special holiday story time and a special gift (Brooke got a neat train whistle from Santa) which is a wonderful way for kids to remember this special ride. The ride is approximately two hours and is non-stop (yes, there are bathrooms although slightly crowded for any diaper-changing parents) train that boards and de-boards at the same ‘train station’ location in Cedar Park. Be sure to show up at least a half hour early and there is a few shops and restaurants (including a nice diner) right in the train station area. I did get a tip that a past rider said the trip went over the two hour mark, so pack some extra toys if you have real little ones. The older ones should stay pretty entertained. Oh, and there is a (small) gift shop (yes, it does take cards!), a giveaway and they honestly take your ticket and stamp it. Heaven. We all wore comfortable clothes (Brooke had on her reindeer jammies) and had an awesome time. Highly recommended although it was a special treat since it is a little on the expensive side. We had a blast with lots of great memories, which is what counts to us.

2012 North Pole Flyer Prices (Note: Child is Age 2+):

Adult Child Senior

Excursion Coach $30 $30 $30

First Class Coach $35 $35 $35

First Class Lounge $40 $40 $40

Austin Steam Train Association Information:

401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Suite A-103, Cedar Park, TX, 78613

(512) 477-8468 x2

reservations@austinsteamtrain.org

www.austinstreamtrain.org

Tip! If you want to purchase your own compartment (for a more expensive price) or have any special requests, please call their Austin Steam Train office to reserve!

SOLD OUT FOR 2012! All 15 dates in December have already sold out (oh no!), so remember you have to get your tickets early for next season!

About the Santa Fe Car (just one of the passenger cars on the Betram Flyer):

This car originally housed a barbershop, shower, passenger lounge and crew dormitory on the Santa Fe’s famous Super Chief train, which operated between Chicago and Los Angeles. It was built by Pullman-Standard in November 1950 as one of six identical cars. The 1343 later became part of Amtrak’s fleet during the 1970s, and was purchased by Charles and Lowell Turner in 1982. Today the car contains a popular party room for up to 10 passengers, a kitchen and lounge area for passenger seating. The car is fully climate controlled.

Guest Blog Author Bio:

I am a local working Austin Momma, with a SAHD hubby and a preschooler, who writes a blog under the moniker ‘Momma’s Bacon’ as an un-paid hobby. I write kid’s product reviews with a focus on empowerment as a passion!

"MOM + ENTREPRENEUR = MOMMAPRENEUR"

CLICK HERE TO JOIN MY MONTHLY HEALTH NEWS

Giving up on your dreams to raise your child?!?

2012-12-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

I have noticed over the past few months hearing various peoples stories saying "I gave up on my dreams to raise my child" this just kills me!! WHY would you give up on your dreams like your life is over when you have a child?!? My daughter is my reason WHY I strive every day to fulfill my dreams. I believe in leading by example and what kind of example are you leading by "giving up on your dreams to raise your child" I think it's a lame excuse to quit! Every day is a new day and even more reason to focus on your dreams; push to be better; and strive for the best! It may not happen over night but in due time if you don't quit your dreams are going to come true period.

The old saying is "if there is a will there is a way" I live in the USA and we are one of the freest countries in the world so how dare parents give up on their dreams. I feel personally you can do it and have it ALL! It's not easy that's for damn sure but it's worth it! I teach my daughter to never quit; try and try again! The only way to fail in life is to quit. Instead of looking at something not working look at it as a lesson learned....

You may not be an over night success but if you complete one task a day, form marketing habits, schedule one networking even a week or month if a week is to much and set goals over time all your late nights early mornings blood sweat and tears WILL PAY OFF; I promise!! I'm a single mother and trust me there are days when I'm like forget it! What do I do? Go work out; relax do something that changes my thinking so when I come back to business I'm focused again instead of dwelling on the issue at hand.

So next time you hear some one say "I gave up on my dreams to raise my child" SLAP THEM lol no really ask them why would you do that? Why would you teach your children that? WHY would you put that burden on them like they were such a challenge that you couldn't fulfill your dream/ destiny?? I mean COME ON you get up and go to work daily to run a business that is some one else dream; don't you? What's the difference between getting up going to work and staying up late to work on your dream?!?!

DON'T YOU DARE GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS TO RAISE YOUR CHILD!!!

Let your dreams be your why and get your ass up every day and push push push to be great!

You can achieve your dreams or make excuses. PERIOD.

Click here to learn the simple steps you can take daily towards your dreams!