Finding my HAPPY...and how you can too

It's no secret that I am the happiest that I have been in quite some time. Heck, I even changed my Instagram name to happywholeeats.RD because I want everyone to experience the peace, joy, and overall happiness I've felt. I am so thankful to God for this and for His direction and wisdom in this crazy ride called life! I hope this post helps someone out there find their own happy too, and know that I am always here to help!

I don't think people realize how important the foods we eat are, not only to our health but our overall quality of life. This post is about just that. How I've found my happy through the foods I'm eating and choosing, and hopefully, how you can too.

It’s been 1 month since I have gone 100% gluten free. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that my history with eating gluten free has been rocky. And if you just started following along, let me recap you so you are all caught up. It’s storytime, ladies and gentleman!

Back in 2012, I was diagnosed with a severe gluten intolerance after months of bloating, basically looking pregnant, and uncontrollable gas that kept me home most nights instead of out with friends because...embarrassing! Cutting out gluten eased these symptoms almost immediately, and I was grateful to finally find a way of eating that worked and didn't' send me running to the bathroom after each meal like I had done since I was a little girl.

All was fine and well until I started dating my then boyfriend, now hubby, Vasken. I didn’t want to be a high maintenance eater (even though he NEVER made me feel that way and even researched restaurants for gluten free options while planning our dates!) so I decided to slowly start incorporating gluten back into my diet. My stomach issues came back, but I wanted to ignore them, because I had missed all my gluten-containing foods SO much. I lived for bread baskets at restaurants, Panera cookies, and of course, my beloved Wetzel Preztel cinnamon bitz. I kept going back to my gluten free diet when I started feeling sick again, then hated the deprivation and went right back to binging on all of my favorite gluten-containing foods. It was years of this on again, off again routine with me, and I hated the inconsistency and the stomach issues that it was causing. I also wanted to be “free” with my food choices, but now I realized I was wanting this freedom as a way to binge on all of my favorite foods when times got tough, and at the expense of causing severe digestive distress, as well as brain fog, allergy symptoms, dark circles under my eyes, and constant anxiety. This went on for years and years, and the frustration with my health, stomach issues, and binging grew.

During pregnancy, I was also able to eat pretty much whatever I wanted, which I have heard happens with pregnant women and food sensitivities. Your body is so focused on the BABY, so those types of things take a backseat. And once Emma was born, with breastfeeding hunger and the craziness of life with a newborn, I didn’t really worry about what was going into my mouth. But I hated the fact that I had to cut some nursing sessions short because of my urgent need to use the restroom, or that I couldn't console Emma when she woke up because I was yet again, in the bathroom.

On top of that, going back to work was so hard on me, that I basically binged my way through work days on Oreos, crackers, and chips. This added to my stomach issues, stress, anxiety, and my waistline. At the end of October, I found myself 13 lbs heavier from when I had gone back to work back in August.

So, the morning of Emma’s 6 month birthday celebration, 10/29/17, I decided that enough was enough. I decided to start back up on my gluten free diet then and there. I KNEW that I would feel deprived, so I already had a plan of attack: finding the BEST gluten free and paleo recipes (Against all Grain has been my saving grace!) I could find for my favorite treats, so I would never feel deprived again.

And you know what the crazy part is? I saw improvements, not only in my health and weight, but in my anxiety and moods. I’ve been happier, less stressed out, I don’t cry at work anymore, I don’t binge at work anymore, and I have a more even temper (just ask my hubby). Yes, I lost the 13 lbs I gained, but to me, I’ve gained so much more:

• More restful sleep (which is hard with a baby!)
• More energy for my workouts
• Less anxiety/stress
• Less tears going to work
• Clearer skin
• Clearer mind
• A more positive outlook on life as a working mom
• Less urgent trips to the restroom
• Less bloat
• Trying on clothes I would “never” wear and actually feeling GOOD in them
• ...and my jeans fit again!

And yes, not ALL of this may be attributed to cutting out gluten, but I know many people who have experienced similar benefits when they clean up their diet and start avoiding gluten. I know that I like this version of me way more than the anxious, stressed out, and teary one. I am more energetic, I am a happy healthy mama, I am a better wife, and I am enjoying the heck out of the foods I’ve been cooking and baking!

And the truth of the matter is, gluten is an inflammatory agent. So we know that eating less gluten is healthier for us all in general. Check out this post for more of the science on that.

All this to say, I feel the healthiest and happiest I have felt in a good long while. And I want everyone I know to experience this type of joy when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle! The fact that I have been happier has been more motivating for me to stick to it than anything else. And, these cookies have made it easier as well!

My wish is to work with my clients from now on with a more holistic approach, and really dive into which foods may be helping their health (mind, body, and soul), and which foods may be hurting their health. Not everyone will be sensitive to gluten, because we are all different. My aim is to help you INDIVIDUALLY assess your health and create a plan that works best for YOU.

And what better time than now to start? My 2018 packages are a great and affordable way to get the complete package of working 1:1 with me as your own personal dietitian. These packages will only be available until December 29th, so take advantage of them now!

You only have one life to live on this earth. So why not live it as your happiest, energetic, and most vibrant version of yourself? Make 2018 your BEST year and let’s figure out how you can find your own HAPPY when it comes to eating and living well!

Learning what works for YOU

Warning: I have no idea where I'm going with this post, but I felt the need to write, which is why I started this blog in the first place. I feel like I am in a growing and learning phase of my life lately, and I am kind of LOVING it. And needing to process it. There is a season for everything, right? That's how I feel like life has been like for me the past couple years. You are always learning and growing as a person. I want to constantly be stretched and challenged and matured. Staying stagnant is not exciting, so I have been pushing myself to learn more about myself, what works for me, and how I can better serve others.

This pregnancy has definitely been a time of growth. I am learning how my body works, that my body is pretty awesome for supporting our baby girl, and that there is a fine balance between rest and activity. I have had so much nervous energy as we get closer and closer to Baby Emma's arrival (eeeek I am already 31 weeks today) and it's been hard to slow down. I want to clean the entire house and am constantly looking for things we can just get rid of or donate to relieve some of the clutter. Is this nesting? I don't know, but I feel like I am focusing so much on my surroundings and making them picture perfect for our little princess. Which I know isn't possible, because I'm tired come 4pm and am becoming a little more lax on how spick and span the house should be. And that's ok. 

As a dietitian, I am also constantly growing and stretching in my knowledge. It's hard nowadays, when basically everyone believes they are a nutrition expert and is dishing out nutrition advice for all to follow. But I've learned to keep an open mind towards nutrition, because it is an evolving field governed by science and research, but also about how a client FEELS and what works for them and their body.

That's why I LOVE doing what I do. I get to really KNOW my clients, tailor a plan that works for them, and watch them soar, stumble, learn, grow, and achieve. But what's cool is I get to do this for myself too! Being a nutrition nerd, I am always trying to figure out how to best nourish myself, as well as the clients I serve as a dietitian and as a health & fitness coach. And you know what I am learning more of? People don't need to be told what to eat, they need to understand the WHY behind their food choices. Why is it so important to get enough vegetables in your diet. Why are healthy fats NOT the reason you are getting fat? Why are some people sensitive to foods. Why is it a good decision to restrict yourself sometime, but indulge at other times? 

Asking yourself why is the key, because this question will help you understand what will work for you. Being on a health and fitness journey myself for the past few years, I've learned what works for me and what doesn't. Sometimes, I can indulge in a few fries or a treat and move on. Other times, I have to say no because I know one treat will turn into an all-day binge. I've learned a lot about myself and have become more aware of what works for me and what doesn't, even if those things change and evolve over time. 

Sometimes I can go out for breakfast and have pancakes, enjoy them, and be fine. Other times, I know that sugar rush will send me into a tailspin of other treats and leave me with a head and tummy ache for days. So I opt for yummy eggs and call it a day, because having eggs in that instance are more freeing than indulging in pancakes. 

I learned these things because I got CURIOUS about myself. I wanted to know what made me tick. I wanted to know what worked well for my body. For a while, that was eating mostly plant based foods. Right now, with baby coming, what's working is eating good quality animal proteins, veggies, and healthy carbs. And eating every 2 hours. And avoiding donuts because they give me heartburn. Speaking of which...

I also have a gluten sensitivity, which tends to feel like the elephant in the room that I love to ignore, but I realize I should probably acknowledge. So that's been a learning curve for me as well because I know avoiding gluten is better for me and my health, but I am also human and love bread and wetzels pretzels cinnamon sugar bites. And sometimes I avoid gluten-containing foods strictly and sometimes I treat myself and deal with the consequences. And this is NOT ideal because I know I have a sensitivity (and a doctor's note to prove it haha!), and I really want to eat gluten free and take care of me! But I make it into a bigger deal than it is and get all emotional about bread and pizza crust and confuse myself into oblivion. But to be honest, deep down, I just want to go with the flow, while taking care of myself as much as possible, body, mind, and soul. Pregnancy is probably not the time to figure all this out, but I'm working on it daily. It might seem silly to make this issue such a big deal (Tveen, you are sensitive to it, just don't eat it and move on!) but this is me. An overthinking, anxious, bread-lover!

The Trader Joe's gluten free bread is THEEE best! My husband actually prefers it over regular bread!  

And I used to be a gym rat and now I workout at home because I save SOO much time and find that I actually stick to programs better when I can just do them at home. They work for me and make fitness fun and EASY to fit into my life. And with a baby coming, this is the only way I know I'll still get my workouts in! And that makes me happy! 

And I used to be a clean freak but pregnancy has made me a bit more accepting of leaving a few dishes in the sink or not dusting every few days. I'd rather focus on nourishing my body and working on my business. And cleaning once a week instead of daily. Because this is what's working for me right now. 

So I guess the point of all this rambling is to get curious about yourself. Figure out what makes you tick and what works for you. Accept where you struggle and ask for help.

What lifestyle helps you stay calm, work towards your goals, and be the best version of yourself? Then go do those things with all your heart and figure yourself out on this crazy journey called life. It's so freeing instead of trying to mold yourself into what works for others.  

So here I am, pregnant, embracing gluten free bread (the Trader Joe's one is the best actually!!) with 3 loads of laundry waiting for me at home, while I build a business and grow a human. Oh, and I had fries for lunch today. 

Ok, that's enough vulnerability for one day. Have a great Monday everyone! And thanks for reading my crazy pregnancy thoughts! Love you all! :)  

Why I returned to Beachbody Coaching!

I am bursting at the seams (literally since I'm pregnant haha) to share with you all that I am BACK to being a Beachbody coach as of last week!  This decision was a LONG time coming, and I'm so happy I was brave enough to join back into the community that I love so much. 

As many of you know, I became a Beachbody coach back in 2015 and loved it! I was helping people lose weight, get healthy, and find the strength within themselves to finally live the healthy life they've always wanted. But by summer of 2016, I let life and other stresses get in the way. I also wanted to focus more on my private practice as a dietitian (which I'm still doing!) so I decided to step back from Beachbody. Within a month, I immediately regretted that decision! There is just something about the community I am a part of (shout out to Team Inspire Joy!) that I loved and missed. Those ladies strove to be better people, and encouraged me to a be a better person as well. ​We were all still friends outside of coaching, but I missed doing Beachbody life with them (i.e. workouts, shakeology, motivational talks, inspiring books, and business trainings). 

I thought long and hard for MONTHS about joining back, and then got pregnant (wooo!) and has a rough first trimester of pregnancy. My hubby and I made a deal that I'd wait till I was feeling better to make a final decision. And on January 4th, 2017, I rejoined my teamof  Beachbody coaches and am officially ​open for business again! 

Being back in the beach body world has taught me two things: one, that I have so much potential inside me that I should not waste. God has gifted us all with special abilities and I firmly believe that my career as a dietitian plus my passion for health and fitness have brought me to the very place. I won't let fear or anything else hold me back from my bigger purpose! 

Two: being a part of a community of women that are striving to make themselves better physically, spiritually, and emotionally is what I need. I needed that boost of motivation to choose healthier foods for me and my baby, to work hard at my business, and to surround myself with women that I know will empower me to just be BETTER...to be ME. Life is short and we only get one, so why not do the things that make us happy? 

So what ​does life look like right now for me? Well; I am still taking private clients through my practice as a dietitian (see above for more info!) BUT I will also be starting up my free accountability groups and longer challenge groups (my bootcamps!) that I ranmonthly  as a Beachbody coach! To kick off my business, I am hosting a FREE 5 day healthy eating challenge staring next Monday, the 16th! This is what it entails and all you will receive, for free! 

If you are interested in joining; or have any questions on how you can work with me, fill out the form below and I'll get back to you! I'm planning on making 2017 an amazing year and I'm hoping you will do the same! Don't sell yourself short on what you are capable of or what you are worth! Fill out the form below and we can start brainstorming ways to help you reach your goals and get healthier and happier! 

Daily Manna: belly is growing!

Hello friends! Hope everyone is having a wonderful week. Yesterday was my last day at work at my old job, and on Monday I start a new job which I'm so excited about! As many of you already know, I'm a dietitian and have been working at a dialysis unit for about 1.5 years. I just got a job at Davita, which is still in dialysis but just a bigger company! I'm excited for the new challenges and work environment and so grateful for this blessing! 

My last day at my old job was yesterday, so I have two days to chill and relax, which will probably consist of shopping, wrapping presents, cleaning, and doing some work for my private clients! I'm definitely looking forward to it! 

Let's rewind to yesterday...breakfast! I've been on an egg kick lately, which is much better than the eggo frozen waffles that got me through for my entire first trimester! I made a big dish of potatoes earlier this week which complimented my eggs nicely and made this breakfast so convenient and fast to whip up! 

It was a busy day at work trying to finish up projects and say bye to patients, so snacks consisted of a string cheese (no picture!), carrots, and a banana with a Larabar.  

My sweet coworkers planned two going away parties for me for Tuesday and Wednesday, so yesterday's meal was Panera!  

I am trying to eat less quanties more often during this pregnancy. I'm finding that if I let myself get too hungry and eat too big of a portion of any food, I'm getting nauseous after...so the half sandwich was plenty and I even did get some nausea after that :( oh pregnancy! 

We had plans to take dinner to my hubby's family tonight, so I whipped up some treats to take! I made regular Rice Krispie treats but also made some S'mores treats with Golden Grahams and chocolate chips! They were delicious (I had to taste test obvious). 

For an afternoon snack I had an apple with peanut butter which was a much better choice than Tuesday's afternoon snack! On Tuesday, I let myself get way too hungry and had two huge bowls of pub mix, which is basically like a Chex mix from Costco. I felt terrible afterwards and so uncomfortably full. I realized I had to stock up the house with healthier options, so hubby took me to the grocery store at 8:30 PM on Tuesday so we could get some fruits and veggies...thanks babe! 

I also feel like this week, my belly got bigger! It's so strange because I've just felt bloated for most of the pregnancy but now I feel like the bump is popping out! Woo!  

Dinner was pizza with salad, and then about an hour later another slice of pizza because I was still hungry! Finished the meal off with a Rice Krispie and s'mores treat! I'd say it was a successful day of balancing nourishing foods and having treats! 

I hope everyone has had a wonderful week so far! I'm off to get my morning started with some breakfast and Bible study! Happy Thursday all!  

Pregnancy: Weeks 13-16

How far along are you?

16 weeks and 2 days

Gender:

We will find out for sure on December 27th!  

How big is the baby?

This week, the baby is the size of a pickle! So cool to see how fast this baby is growing week by week. It really is amazing!

Total weight gain:

Initially, I lost 7 lbs in the first trimester, and so far I have gained back 2. Hopefully I will get back up to my pre-pregnancy weight soon and go on from there! My doctor wants me to gain 25 lbs by the end the pregnancy, so that is my goal as well. Healthy weight gain is so important in pregnancy!

How am I feeling?

I'm feeling a little better since the first trimester! The nausea comes and goes instead of being an all-day affair, which is a relief! I'm still pretty exhausted but my sleep has been terrible so that is probably why. I'd say the biggest change I've seen in the past few weeks is that I am getting massive migraines. The only thing that seems to help is about 1/2-1 cup of coffee/day. So that's what I've been doing!

Maternity clothes?

I've been having fun buying a few outfits from Pink Blush Maternity, I absolutely love their clothes! I also got maternity leggings which are life savers, and a few flowy tops! 

Favorite workouts:

I'm sticking to walking for now; my doctor told me to put my feet up frequently and take it easy. So that's what I'm doing! This baby is worth it :) 

Stretch marks:

None and I hope it stays that way! I’ve been using bio oil and a “bump cream” I found on Amazon. Hopefully they help! 

Cravings:

BROWNIES, cinnamon rolls, and all kinds of beans. I have been craving brownies like crazy lately. I finally got my craving fulfilled last week, and I thought the cravings would have disappeared, but they came back a few days later so off I went to bake another batch, just in time for my Gilmore Girls party! Luckily, I've been able to just have a square and stop. Moderation has been easier during pregnancy than before pregnancy, which is weird! Another craving I've had are Cinnabon cinnamon rolls...yummy! And the beans...I don't even know where this craving is coming from but all I want are bean soups and stews and beans and rice! My hubby is joking that it is the 1/4 Mexican in him coming out! Our baby is going to love beans!

Food aversions:

I still have an aversion to Mexican food (minus beans), tomato-y things, meats. I am trying to force myself to eat more vegetables lately. I'm definitely doing better than a few weeks ago, so it can only go up from here!

Sleep:

No change here! Still sleeping terribly and tossing and turning. My OB says this is normal, so I guess I’ll just have to deal! 

What I miss: 

Energy, working out 100%, more than 1 cup of coffee, and my clear skin. The acne has been crazy and really getting to my self-esteem, but thank God for make up! 

What I am looking forward to:

I live for ultrasounds and  being able to see our sweet baby! Also can't wait till my bump gets bigger, I'm so curious as to what it will look like since this is my first pregnancy!

That's all for now! We had our 16 weeks check up yesterday and baby is moving and kicking like crazy! We love our little pickle already!  

Daily Manna & why I'm back to blogging HERE

Well, what can I say, I'm a woman and I'm pregnant so I guess indeciveness comes with the package? I've decided to switch back to this blog with my name. Let me give a little background:  

I started blogging at thejoyfulharvest.com almost 5 years ago. I wanted to hide under that name so people wouldn't know who I was. I was embarrassed and shy about blogging, but I had a yearning to write and share my story. Then, I got the courage to start a website with my real name (this one!) and ran with it. Blame it on hormones, but I felt nostalgic last month and wanted to go back to my old site (the joyful harvest). But now, I know that, as great as that site was, this site is more ME. I mean it has my name after all, and there is no reason to hide anymore. I love what I do as an RD, and I want to share it with the world. When God places a passion on your heart, don't hide from it. Embrace it head-on and trust that He will be there for you every step of the way. 

Ok, enough about that! I thought I'd do a daily eats post since I AM pregnant and my eats have shifted throughout the last couple months. Nausea had gripped me from weeks 5-12 but now at week 14 I am doing SO much, with just a few nauseous moments here and there instead of them being all-day affairs. Hallelujah!  My appetite has grown and expanded...I'm trying to still stick to healthy, whole foods because I want a healthy pregnancy and baby! But I am also listening to my body and cravings and showing myself some grace! Which we should all do, by the way ;) 

So on this particular day, I was planning a morning workout and woke up at 4:30. After some quiet time, I did my second trimester maternity workout from Beachbody on demand. It's 25 mins and hits every major muscle, which I loved!  

After my workout and a nice relaxing shower, I ate something. I have to make sure I eat something after working out because then the nausea will hit again! I had a couple of my banana nut muffins smeared with peanut butter and they hit the spot! These muffins were made with spelt flour, one of my favorite high protein, lower in gluten, whole grain flours! 

I had a hard time figuring out what to wear. It's getting colder here in Cali (finally!!) so I wanted to bundle up, but my sweaters are a bit tight on my little bump. I feel like I'm at the "is she pregnant or is she fat" stage. Guess I have to go shopping soon! :)

Work was crazy today, and I went from meeting to meeting and then ran errands for the thanksgiving meal we are providing for our patients! In the morning, I snacked on an apple and some crackers but since I was in a meeting, I couldn't snap a pic! 

I had brought lunch from home to eat, but there was a pot luck and someone had made homemade chicken curry which I could NOT pass up! So I'm saving my packed lunch for tomorrow! 

And then there was cake, and I just had to have a sliver...full disclosure over here!  

The funny thing about sugar though, is that it doesn't really satisfy you. I still felt hungry an hour later, so I snacked on some carrots. They are full of fiber, nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants! I felt such a difference between snacking on a sweet vs. snacking on food that sustains! 

After work, I stopped by Trader Joe's to pick up a couple boxes of cornbread mix. My husband and I absolutely adore their mix and they always run out this time of year! One day, I want to experiment with a recipe from scratch. But for now, TJ's to the rescue! 

After grabbing the cornbread, I made it to my long overdue mani/pedi appointment! It had been so long since I'd gotten my nails done and it felt amazing!!! Self care is awesome, folks. Try it sometime! 

The night ended with a fun and delicious dinner with my friend Hanna! We went to our favorite Thai spot and both ordered drunken noodles with chicken. The chicken was meh but the noodles were AMAZING and totally hit the spot! Baby liked this dish too! ;)  

And now I'm at Panera, typing this up and waiting for traffic to die down before heading home! I have another early day tomorrow so I'm excited to get home and rest!  

Being pregnant has changed the way I eat in many ways...unfortunately I'm getting way less vegetables than I want to be getting into my diet! But I'm hopeful that as the weeks pass, my taste buds will like my salads and veggies again and I can give this baby a healthy and strong mama :) I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday night, cheers to it being almost the weekend!! 

Pregnancy: Weeks 6-9

By now, we would have probably announced that we are pregnant! My hubby and I are so excited to be welcoming little Baby Verano in May 2017! We can’t wait for our little addition and for the new adventure of parenthood!

I wanted to start blogging my way through the pregnancy but made these posts private at first. But now that the cat is out of the bag, here they are! I plan on blogging throughout the pregnancy on the same questions (found these on another Mama blog and loved them!) to see all the changes! This is my first pregnancy and I am excited/nervous for what is to come!

How far along are you?

I am 9 weeks and 2 days today!

Gender:

Don’t know yet…not sure if we will find out but we are leaning towards yes!

How big is the baby?

According to my trusty app, the baby is the size of a pecan this week

Total weight gain:

I have actually lost 6 lbs since my pre-pregnancy weight. Hating food can do that to you…

How am I feeling?

SO nauseous. The nausea started at the end of week 5 and is only getting worse by the day. I never want to eat, and even talking about food makes me want to gag. I haven’t actually thrown up yet (thank God) and I hope it stays that way! But food is definitely not my friend right now, and eating has become a chore.

Maternity clothes?

Yep! I know it is still SUPER early, but no one ever tells you about how BLOATED you are during the first trimester. I know my “bump” is mostly bloat, but it was enough to make regular clothes very uncomfortable for me. So this week I started wearing my new maternity black pants to work! WOOO!

Favorite workouts:

We found out very early on that we were expecting, so those first couple weeks before morning sickness (more like all day sickness) hit, I was doing some circuit training and light weight lifting. But ever since the nausea has started I have only been able to go on one walk and on gym session on the elliptical. I always saw myself as having a very active pregnancy, but between the fatigue and nausea, I have only been wanting to rest. I am hoping to get back into a regular workout routine soon!

Stretch marks:

None and I hope it stays that way!

Cravings:

Nothing, absolutely nothing. OR I will have a fleeting craving (biscuits, Armenian cheese, Chinese food) and then have an aversion to it by the time my husband orders it or I make the food I was craving. It’s quite sad.

Food aversions:

Basically everything, especially raw vegetables (salads…blegh) and meat/animal protein.

Sleep:

I am sleeping pretty terribly actually. I am tossing and turning all night, and I don’t even have a belly yet. Hopefully I can get some rest soon!

What I miss:

Working out 100%, eating healthier (why is it that junk food is the only thing that helps with nausea?) and COFFEE, even though the doctor did clear me for one caffeinated beverage per day. I have only been having coffee or tea once a week since we found out.

What I am looking forward to:

Seeing the baby at our ultrasounds, getting bigger and watching my body change, and feeling the baby move!

Well, that’s all for now! Stay tuned for more updates! :)

Pregnancy: Weeks 10-12

Week 10-12 have flown by, and I can’t believe I am almost to my second trimester! Being a first time mama, everything about this pregnancy has been so new and unexpected! I can’t wait to see what the second trimester brings! 

How far along are you?

12 weeks and 4 days today! 

Gender:

Don’t know yet…not sure if we will find out but we are leaning towards yes!

How big is the baby?

The baby is the size of a tangerine or a large apricot! Using a variety of apps now ;) love seeing how much Baby V is growing each week! 

Total weight gain:

I still haven’t been able to gain weight and am down 6 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight. Everyone is saying this will get better soon, so I’m trying not to worry! 

How am I feeling?

The nausea eased up a little at the end of week 11, then came back full force the beginning of week 12. I’m feeling a bit better today which is a good sign. I’m hoping for more good days than bad days in the coming weeks, especially with Thanksgiving coming! 

Maternity clothes?

Still just my pair of work pants. I’m lucky that the styles this season are a lot of loose and long sweaters so I’ve been able to wear those over leggings. It’s also been quite warm this week so I was able to wear some dresses too. This one made my bump very noticeable! 

Favorite workouts:

I am loving at-home workouts lately. I spent some time as a Beachbody coach last year and have accumulated a ton of workouts, plus have access to some maternity workouts as well. Most of them have been 30-35 mins long and included light weight lifting. I want to start walking regularly too, but it has been so easy to just workout at home especially when I’m not 100% well in the morning with nausea. Hopefully I’ll be able to add some walking in soon! 

Stretch marks:

None and I hope it stays that way! I’ve been using bio oil and a “bump cream” I found on Amazon. Hopefully they help! 

Cravings:

The only craving I’ve had is our family’s yogurt soup recipe! I craved it late one night and after talking to my mom, my aunts, and my grandma, I made the recipe and it was delicious! Sadly, that has been my own craving…

Food aversions:

Basically everything, especially raw vegetables (salads…blegh) and meat/animal protein. If it is just put in front of me, I can usually stomach it. Unless it is a salad or Mexican food (my nemesis right now). But if I think about what I want to eat, I get grossed out even more and have a harder time choosing. 

Sleep:

No change here! Still sleeping terribly and tossing and turning. My OB says this is normal, so I guess I’ll just have to deal! 

What I miss: 

Same as before…working out 100%, eating healthier (why is it that junk food is the only thing that helps with nausea?) and COFFEE, even though the doctor did clear me for one caffeinated beverage per day. I have only been having coffee or tea once a week since we found out. I also miss my clear skin. My face has been exploding with break outs and it is really getting to me. I used to use retin-A but since that’s a big no-no (it can cause birth defects), I’m just tying to keep my face clean, use minimal make-up, and not stress too much about it. 

What I am looking forward to:

Same as before! Seeing the baby at our ultrasounds, getting bigger and watching my body change, and feeling the baby move!

Well, that’s all for now! Stay tuned for more updates! :)

Healthy & Filling Snacks

You know the feeling…hunger striking in the middle of the day. It isn’t necessarily meal time, but you know you can’t make it till the next meal without a little something. I’ve been there, I’ve suffered through the hunger, and lemme tell ya…it’s not a good idea! When we are hungry, our bodies are asking us to PLEASE eat something so we can refuel and go on with our day. Enter: the trusty snack.

Snacking has gotten such a bad reputation over the years. And if your snack of choice is typically junk food, then that’s understandable. But there are many healthy and filling snack options that are easy to take with you to work or when you are out and about. They will curb your hunger and make sure that you make it till your next meal without an extra large fries from the drive through or a bakery muffin. Been there, done that.

Planning is everything when trying to make healthy food choices. But I’ve made it easy for you! Here are some quick and easy snack ideas for you to use when you are in a bind and need a quick fix. Carry these around with you when you know you will be out for a while, and you will be sure to stick to your healthy eating goals!

Banana + nut butter packets: this is always a great and delicious combination! Justins makes nut butter packets which I love, and they are so easy to carry around! I also just keep a jar of nut butter at work so that when the time come, my banana has the perfect topping so that this fruit + healthy fat snack keeps me full!

Veggies: any kind of vegetable that you can crunch on is a great snack. Try carrots, broccoli, celery, or bell pepper strips. If you have room to bring a dip along, even better. Hummus or guacamole are great dips for veggies. But even just raw veggies are a great option because they are full of fiber and take a while to chew, which helps our brains get the full signal and satisfies our hunger. Plus they are chock-full of vitamins and antioxidants, so it’s a win-win!

Fruits: along the same line as vegetables, fruits are great snacks! You can carry around some apple slices with you or some grapes, or really any fruit you love! They are refreshing and filling, and full of vitamin C and immune boosting properties, which we could all use this time of year…so enjoy!

Trail mix: just like nut butters, trail mix is usually full of different kinds of nutritious nuts. But be careful to pick trail mixes that are made up of mostly nuts and just a few dried fruits and/or chocolate pieces. I’ve gotten a trail mix once that was basically a deconstructed snickers bar…so be sure to read the ingredients and find a trail mix that is lower in sugar and higher in those healthy fats! I also love making my own nut mix (almonds, macadamia nuts, cashews, and just a few dark chocolate covered almonds…YUM!)

Larabars: there are a great option if you DO find yourself out and about without a snack on hand. They are sold at most grocery stores and even at CVS/Rite aid. Larabars are fruit and nut bars made from minimal ingredients and all whole-foods based! There is always a healthy option (even in a packaged form) when you find yourself in a bind.

And there you have it! I hope this list gives you some ideas on how to have healthy and filling snacks on the go! Make it a great week, folks!

May Goals & Motivation

Happy May everyone! (and May the 4th be with you...sorry had to)! This year has been buzzing by, and I can't believe summer is upon us! April felt like a blur as my hubby and I traipsed around France for two weeks. Then we came home, blinked, and BOOM it's May! I love the freshness of a new month and a new season, and I'm so excited to see what this summer has in store! I'm ready for sunny days, beach trips, shorts, and iced tea. Ya feel me?  

Since it's the beginning of the month, and I'm OCD like that, I'd love to share what my goals are for this current month! I loveeee setting goals and intentions, and actually writing them down, because it increases the chances that I will actually follow through and accomplish what I have set out to do! So here it goes!

1. Complete 21 day fix extreme with my Joyfully Fit Bootcamp group! My May bootcamp starts on Monday, May 9th, and I will be doing the 21 day fix extreme along with them! I absolutely love this program, and after 2 months of on-and-off weight training while training for my half marathon, I am so ready to get my muscle tone back and build up my strength again with this program! It's not too late to join in on this accountability group, so be sure to contact me for more info!

2. Spend time with Jesus daily. I think with the busyness of life, I can often wake up with every intention to spend time in the Word, then quickly get sidetracked into emptying the dishwasher or starting laundry at 5am. Quiet times are what I am craving lately, and I know that is just the longing in my heart for Jesus. I want to get back to having that time in the morning and really quieting my spirit before the Lord before the day gets away from me!

3. Containers containers containers! I am going to do my best to stick to the container meal plan system from 21 day fix because it WORKS and makes life so easy. My intentions are to feel vibrant, nourished, and free with my food choices, and this meal plan balancing all 3 of those beautifully. If you have no idea what plan I'm talking about, reach out and I'd love to chat with you about it! 

4. Artist time. I am an artist, and I think I've lost sight of that over the years as a medical/health professional. I want to get back in touch with my artist roots, and I think our time in Paris and Montmartre especially, sparked up my passion again! I want to spend more time sketching and painting and writing and really getting back in touch with the creative little girl I used to be! 

5. De-clutter my life! Whether that's clothes (I have stuff from high school!), papers that have piled up, or mail I need to sort through, I know that I function better in a tidy environment. I'm planning on some spring cleaning this month to declutter my environment as well as my mind!  

So so excited to attack these goals and get started on this month! What are some of your goals, hopes, and dreams? I'd love to provide you with support and encouragement to reach them! Always feel free to contact me through the link above and we can start chatting and seeing if working with me is a good fit for you! 

Have a great Wednesday everyone!