Becoming My Own Client

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While pregnant with Edith I developed a sweet tooth and an addiction to bagels with tofutti. Now 4 months postpartum and although I have kicked the two…err sometimes four bagels a week and I am only having coconut ice cream every 4-6 weeks rather than once per week. That being said I’m still far off from where I used to be and after thinking things through I came to an important conclusion.

I need to become my own client.

For the last four months I have been completely focused on E and a little less focused on myself (diet and exercise included). Now that we have a little bit more of a routine (although still ever changing) I am ready to create goals to help improve my diet, fitness and energy levels. A few things I need to consider are making sure I am eating enough calories for nursing and increasing the foods that help my milk production (that’s a whole other blog post).

Okay so first things first I decided to fill out my very own health history just like I would ask prospective clients to do. So lets take a look at the first part.

As you can see my weight is quite a bit higher than I would like and that I put on a good amount of weight while I was pregnant and although I have lost a bit I am far from my pre-pregnancy weight. Goal #1: Lose Weight. I’d like to be back to my pre-pregnancy weight by October 2013.

Another notable thing to point out is that my energy levels are lower than desired.  I know you’re probably saying umm yeah you have four month old of course you are lacking energy and while that is true I know that I could improve upon this. Goal #2: Increase my Energy.

As I noted above I am a bread and sweets addict.  The funny thing is although I have always been a lover of all things bread related I was never a huge sweets fan until my pregnancy.  I too often gave into this craving during pregnancy and it has stuck with me. Goal #3: Break my sugar craving.

May 2011

Okay so lets evaluate the section above, as you can see starting at the top I need to get more sleep.  E who was a good sleeper is suddenly sleeping from about 7pm-10pm, 11pm-1 or 2am, 2:30a-4a and then she wants to be up. Honestly I don’t know where I am going to get more sleep because I usually have dinner around 7/7:30pm and then I don’t want to go to bed immediately after so I usually stay up until 9:15-10pm.  Napping during the day is difficult to do as well so really until we can get E back on a better schedule this is going to be a challenging goal but alas it’s still my Goal #4.

Next lets talk about the gluten sensitivity….yes I am addicted to bread and have a minor gluten sensitivity. I say minor because a small amount doesn’t bother me but there is a fine line between feeling fine and feeling bloated. So Goal #5 eat less gluten.

Goal #6 is to increase the intensity of my workouts. I have actually already started working on this my participating in the Best Body Boot Camp. I have been making an effort to increase the intensity, duration and get back to running. I’ll discuss this goal more as well as my others in follow up posts.

39 Weeks 3 Days (the day I went into labor)

Okay so here we are the last section and my final goal to improve my diet. During my pregnancy I ate really well with the exception of the first trimester when all I wanted were bagels and citrus.  Then the baby arrived and if you’re a new mom you know how challenging it can be to make a good meal when you are home alone with a baby.  I also hate that we end up eating dinner about 2 hours later than we used to because of Neil’s busy work schedule and E’s desire to go to bed at 6:30.  That being said Goal #7 eat more fresh fruits, vegetables and raw meals and make an effort to eat dinner earlier.

3.5 Months Postpartum

Even though I’m a health coach and I know all the things I am “doing wrong” sometimes you just have to sit down and really practice what you preach. I plan to follow this post up with a more in-depth look at my goals and the action steps I need to take to accomplish these goals.

What are your health goals? How do you plan to accomplish them?

Get Out And Vote!

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I don’t discuss politics on the blog for obvious reasons but no matter what your political views are get out there today and vote! Your vote is your voice let it be heard!

I was going to vote this morning but E decided to get up at 4am (I blame daylight savings) so I was more focused on getting a little rest and coffee in me before Neil left. I figured I’d go when Neil got home tonight because we are a one car family and he was taking the car to work.  Then I got to thinking it’s only 3.6 miles round trip to the polling station, maybe I could just walk.  I decided to take the chance that E might fuss the whole way but I was going to go (and good thing I did because Neil’s prospects of arriving home in time for me to vote is looking grim).  So E and I walked…err I walked the 3.6 miles with E in the Ergo.  The walk was amazing! E slept for 70% of it, the sun was shinning and absolutely no fussing!

Anyways if E and I can walk 3.6 miles to vote you can get out and vote too!

{Recipe} Smashed Chipotle Chickpea Tacos with Tahini Sauce

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Smashed Chipotle Chickpea Tacos with Tahini Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1-15oz can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed, mashed
  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 1 Anaheim chile, diced
  • 8oz button mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
  • Spice Mix:
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
    • 1 teaspoons smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Heath the oil in a medium saute pan.  Add the peppers and onions to the pan; cook for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the mushrooms and garlic; cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the spice mix to combine. Stir in the chickpeas and vinegar, cover and turn to low; cook 5 minutes. Serve on tortillas or atop a salad with the tahini sauce (recipe below).

Tahini Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • pinch of cayenne

Place everything in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.

{Review} Boba Carrier

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As I was saying yesterday E and I have been babywearing at home more which is really helping me to be more active at home.  Now we have a number of different carriers including slings, wraps and soft-pack carriers and they have all been great at different ages and activities. Currently Neil and I have been wearing the Boba Carrier the most as it is the newest that we have added to our collection and I am really loving it.

As with anything there are pro’s and con’s and the Boba Carrier is no different.

Pro’s

  • I love the pattern of the Boba.  We chose to go with the bird pattern because it seemed fitting with our “Put A Bird On It” theme for E’s nursery (yes that is a Portlandia reference).
  • I love the fit of the Boba and how it wears.  I find that after awhile most carriers start to bother my back (need to work on strengthening my core) and while the Boba does start to bother it after awhile it usually takes longer than other carriers.
  • The bag strap.  This strap holds E’s diaper bag or my purse in place on my shoulder without having to hold it there.
  • Rain/Sun Cover.  This is a must with E because it protects her from both but it also is great when she is tired and needs a nap.  As soon as I see those heavy eyes I put the cover up and she passes right out.
  • The phone holder.  On the front of the Boba Carrier there is a pocket that fits my iPhone perfectly and is great for easy access.

Con’s

  • The length of the straps to tighten the Boba once it’s on are a little short.  I do okay with the length but Neil on the other hand has a different frame and is unable to tighten the straps without my help.
  • Lacking a good sized pocket to hold phone, keys and change purse.  This is a big down for me because when I go out for a walk I often wear leggings and I don’t have a pocket to hold things in.  Like I said above there is a small pocket for a phone and there is a tiny pocket on top that could hold my keys but that’s it.
  • The infant hold.  I don’t love the infant hold which you can see here. I wore E in it for a few times but the fit was just really uncomfortable and frankly an unflattering look on me. I ended up changing it back to the normal fit and I put a blanket at the bottom for E to sit on since she is still too small to wrap her legs around me.

Overall I am a huge fan of my Boba Carrier and I loved my Boba Wrap when E was tiny.

Interested in the Boba Wrap or Carrier? Boba is providing my readers with a coupon code for 10% off  from now until December 1st, just enter NaturallyFamily10 at checkout!

Disclaimer: Boba provided me with their product at no cost. I was under no obligation to review them if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway.

Another Get Off The Couch Update

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I have never spent so much time sitting on my ass in my life it’s crazy.  Having a baby takes up so much of my time and this little girl loves to eat so we spend about 70% of the day on the couch or in bed nursing (also in that 70% is my time sleeping and eating).  So what about the other 30% of the day-and this is all just a guess because I haven’t totally tracked it- maybe I should?

During the 30% of the day that I’m not sleeping or nursing or eating myself I am trying to focus on doing more things that get me moving.  I really hate just sitting on the couch especially when I have to because it’s where E likes to nurse but it’s like quick sand once you sit down you just sink in and it’s really hard to get back up (yes we have tried nursing in the carrier and it’s okay but not my or her favorite place). One of the greatest things I have done for myself is sing up for the Best Body Bootcamp, it’s keeping me motivated to workout and not only am I working out 5 days per week I am also finding myself being more active in other ways.

Not only am I getting consistent workouts in I am also getting out a few days a week with E for playgroup and baby yoga and we get out almost daily for walks. Beyond playgroup, baby yoga and walks I have been spending a lot more time babywearing at home so that I can move around hands free with E and we are spending a lot more time on the floor together working on her rolling and tummy time and more time on my feet dancing with her. It seems to be working out well for both of us because I move more and E naps more because she gets tired out more easily. Now just to figure out how to convince her to sleep somewhere other than in my arms….

Q: New moms how do you get off the couch?

Q: Are you participating in BBB? What is your favorite move?

5 Things: Snacking

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1. Simple Square


I know it seems crazy sage plus nuts and honey, but it is delicious! I am also loving the cinnamon clove and the rosemary. These squares are a great combination of salty and sweet and the best part are wheat, gluten, soy and dairy free! Since sometimes putting a full lunch together is a challenge these have been great to grab and eat while I hunker down on the couch and nurse for hours (and hours). I am currently all out of them and just searched their site to see where I could find them locally because I need to restock!

2. Coconut Cream Delights

These Kur Coconut Cream Delights are so delicious! These are just like one of Neil and my favorite snacks, coconut rolled dates, except these have a bonus – the addition of cashew butter (another thing I love).  Kur also has a brownie flavor and mint which are okay but the coconut flavor stands out and has been a tasty snack that Neil and I have been enjoying around here.

3. Go Raw Super Chips and Cookies

I have been loving Go Raw Super Chips and Cookies especially when I am craving chocolate or chips (or chocolate chips). Right now I am loving the chocolate  and lemon super cookies and the pizza super chips (yes they totally taste like pizza).  However, I can’t name a favorite yet because I have a few more flavors to try however I think carrot cake might be a contender for favorite if it’s as good as it sounds. I do however love the spirulina super chips and have bought these time and time again because they are so good.

3. Homemade Kombucha

Who knew that brewing your own kombucha could be so easy! It takes patience but the end result is worth it.  I really love our the blueberry black tea Oregon Kombucha my only gripe is that it’s a little bit too sweet. Neil and I both agreed that we are going to use less sugar in our next batch.  Now we are trying to figure out which flavor we will brew next- any suggestions?

5. Autumn Tea

Often I find myself wanting something sweet or warm but not hungry so I have been turning to tea to appease my craving. I am usually a black or chai tea lover, and of course I still am, but lately I have been enjoying the Cranberry Autumn and African Autumn teas that Harney Tea sent me to try.  I also bought a tin of my favorite Harney Tea Hot Cinnamon Spice tea which is amazing when you want something super warming and lightly sweet.

Disclaimer: Simple Bars, Kur, Go Raw, Oregon Kombucha and Harney Tea provided me with their product at no cost. I also purchased Go Raw and Harney products to review with my own money. I was under no obligation to review them if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a giveaway. All opinions are my own.

Catching Up With Naturally Family

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Happy Halloween!  I have had a busy week but I wanted to stop in and let you know about some really great posts that are up on Naturally Family .  First off for those of you who are new to RWT Naturally Family is a blog that both my husband, Neil, and I created just before E arrived.  We feature baby updates, new parent topics and lifestyle posts.  Last week we featured a few really good posts that I think might interest some of you and one tasty recipe that you all should make.

Baby Gear 0-3 Months: Clothes, Sleeping, Nursery & Diapering: I thought I might do a follow up to my Most Used Registry Items post over on the Ergo Baby Blog. In this post I go beyond the registry and talk about the things that we felt we really needed, the items that we liked but were necessities (take it or leave it) and the things that were unnecessary for us. Since I have so much to say this is going to be (at least) a two part post.  In this first post we will discuss clothes, sleeping, the nursery and diapering.

Breastfeeding In Public: A reader commented a few weeks back regarding a post on breastfeeding in public:

You don’t have to answer this or write a post on it if you don’t feel comfortable but just wondering… how do you feel about breastfeeding in public. I stopped breastfeeding when my baby was about 1 month old…

The other day in our play group we got to talking about nursing in public. For some women it was no big deal, others tried to avoid it if possible and then others commented that their spouses were the uncomfortable ones.

 

 

Chocolate Coconut Lactation Oatmeal Cookies: Our pediatrician suggested that I eat oats daily to help increase my milk supply. As much as I enjoy a bowl of oatmeal some days it’s just not what I’m in the mood for so I have been working on new recipes that include oats.  These cookies are delicious and although I call them lactation cookies there is no need to be breastfeeding to enjoy them!