Tips to a Healthy Super Bowl Party

The Super Bowl is just around the corner and you know what that means:

Highly anticipated commercials, alcohol, and FOOD. Oh yeah, and lots of yelling. 

Don't let the Super Bowl throw your diet off of track and temp you, leaving you feeling guilty afterwards!

Here are a few tips to help keep you in the (diet) game.

1. Say NO to cocktails, beer, wine, and liquor. Or if you MUST, then at most, enjoy ONE.
2. Bring your own dish or dishes. This is probably my favorite tip! If you already know that the party will be loaded with chips, cookies, dips, pizza, and barbecue, why not make a healthy fruit salad or a veggie tray for the party to nosh on? Make healthy deviled eggs, a healthier salsa or bean dip for chips, or a low carb pizza. While you are at it, bring your own healthy drink or some bottles of water, too. 
3. Eat a healthy meal before you go to the party. This way, you are not starving to devour everything in sight once you get to festivities. 
4. If you are going to snack, snack right! Start off with any veggies or fruits available and count these as "unlimited." Then move to the tortilla chips, skip the queso, and aim for salsa instead. BEWARE OF THE SWEETS or just have one if you must. I always like to create my own sweets every party we go to.
5. Remember: Moderation is key. 

Last Date Night Before Baby

Last night, my husband and I bought tickets to see one of our favorite comedians-Ralphie May-live in our local town. Since it was most likely our last date night before our little fellow arrives (due date is MONDAY!), we wanted to go all out! 

I purchased the tickets and thought I would "tweet" to Ralphie that I was coming to see him and that he better make me laugh myself into labor!

And to my surprise....

HE RETWEETED IT!

The night was so great. We went to dinner to eat sushi (our favorite) and then headed to the Ralphie May show. I had not laughed so hard in my life! This guy was so funny. We are used to watching his  stand up comedy shows on tv & comedy central, but wow was he great live! We sat in the front and center! 

He did call us out during the show! He told my husband to say goodbye to my boobs for a while after the baby was born. So funny. My big ole belly was obvious, but the fact he remembered my tweet and who I was from earlier-I was so excited and surprised!

Afterwards, we got to meet him and snap a photo. He was such a nice guy! He even gave me a kiss on the cheek and told my husband "Your wife's boobs are the bomb." LOL. Ahhh.. too funny! He told me to tweet to him and keep him updated on the upcoming birth of our baby-which meant a lot! Most comedians (or famous people in general) are not so personable. This guy was like a friend to us.

It was such a great night and one we needed! I even got one last chance to "doll up" during my pregnancy. I laughed so hard during the show that my son had :dropped" significantly into place!

We look forward to this new chapter starting within the next few days. We have a doctor appointment today to find out what the progress is, but we already know, he is making his way to us.

We are blessed.

Foodie Friday: Protein Popsicles

Super Bowl Sunday Workout From Skinny Mom!

http://www.skinnymom.com/

Detox Lemonade

Ingredients:

2 lemons; juiced

2 cups filtered water

Grated ginger.

Sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

Handful of blueberries (for garnish)

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into water. Leave lemon rinds in the water to soak. Grated fresh ginger and add to the water. Sprinkle cayenne and stir. Garnish with blueberries. Refrigerate for 4 hours before consuming.

Featured!

Check out my feature on Michelle Marie Fit this morning on the Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Workout While Pregnant! :)

http://www.michellemariefit.com/10-reasons-to-stay-active-during-pregnancy

CrossFit Paleo Rules

Art of Strength Kettlebell Review

Hi ladies!

Looking for some new home gym equipment? 

Today, I am reviewing Art of Strength; a company devoted to making award winning gym equipment that you can purchase for your home. I am in the process of building my own home gym at the moment and was thrilled to be able to collaborate with this company!

Art of Strength was founded by Anthony DiLuglio, one of America's top trainers! This company sells training ropes, kettlebells, barbells, suspension, workout educational DVDs, and lots more! My first thought was "Wow, this is a CrossFitters heaven!"

I had the chance to review their 16lb punch kettlebell. It's design is certainly sleek and the comfort of the handle is impeccable. It was very easy on my hands! I had a lot of fun with this kettlebell.

Check out this video!

You may be thinking, what makes a kettlebell better than a regular ole dumbbell?
Well, both are used for completely different exercises.

 I personally prefer the kettlebell because:

*Greater range of motion exercises
*Combines strength training & cardio in one workout
*Tones your muscles AND burns calories at the same time
*Not as boring; more of a challenge
*Gives you muscular endurance
*More bang for your buck

My verdict?
Awesome product from an awesome company!

To check out their selection of workout equipment, visit:

Art of Strength Main Site

Art of Strength Facebook

Art of Strength Twitter

Art of Strength YouTube


Disclaimer: I was given a kettlebell to test, at no cost. All opinions are my own.

Workout Wednesday: Squat Front Press

The Squat Front Press!

A.) Start in a squatting position. Keep your wrists stacked above your elbows, palms facing your body and your knees aligned over your ankles as you squat. Hold for 3 seconds.

B.) Lift up slowly and steadily from the squat and reach above lifting both dumbbells to the sky.

Repeat.

Foodie Friday: Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Ingredients:

• 4 oz semisweet chocolate • 1 Tbsp virgin coconut oil • 2 avocados • 2 Tbsp cocoa • 1/4 cup agave syrup, maple syrup, or honey 

Process all ingredients together in a blender or food processor.

Enjoy!

Try It Tuesday: Best Tasting Protein Powder

Good morning, ladies.

This morning, I bring you one of my favorite protein powders of all time: Platinum Hydrowhey by Optimum Nutrition. My personal favorite flavor is Turbo Chocolate. You can buy this protein online or from your local GNC. It is a little pricier than some protein powders-just a heads up. But it is certainly worth the price you pay.

The whey is hydrolyzed meaning that the protein is broken down into smaller pieces. This results in a super fast acting protein that enters your system rapidly, enabling your muscles to get the recovery you need at a faster pace. This protein also has a little extra added fun: BCAAs (branched chain amino acids) which aid in muscle growth & repair. This protein also contains digestive enzymes! So you really end up getting a few products in one, here.

If you are looking for a well rounded protein, this is your sure bet!

How to Wake Up Early to Workout

Craving Ice Cream?

Here is a fun snack when you are craving ice cream!

Freeze vanilla yogurt, scoop into a waffle cone, & top with fresh fruit!

Milan Maternity Review

Hello ladies!

Today, I am doing a maternity review from Milan Maternity. This will be my LAST maternity review as I am officially 39 weeks TODAY! Holy cow! The time has flown by, hasn't it?

Milan Maternity is a cute, trendy, and affordable online & in store maternity boutique. 

I had the chance to review the Gia dress. 

This dress features an empire style waist (my favorite) which showcases your bump beautifully. This dress also doubles as a nursing dress (my favorite kinda maternity wear!) that you can wear after birth. I would never buy a maternity piece that could not be worn afterwards because to me, that would be a waste! The dress is also very modest and does not feature a low cut (nice when you need support!). I also love the stripes!!

To shop Milan Maternity's collection, visit:

Milan Maternity Main Site

Milan Maternity Blog

Milan Maternity Twitter

Milan Maternity Facebook

Milan Maternity Pinterest

Disclaimer: I was given a dress to test, at no cost. All opinions are my own.

Bottle Band Review

Hi ladies!

For today's product review, I am reviewing Bottle Band. 

Bottle Band is a unique company that has created a silicone band to go around your water bottle to make it friendlier to carry. I can't tell you how many times I have dropped my bottle at the gym! It fits any size bottle and costs around $6!

The cool thing about this product is that you can customize what you want on the band. So if there is a benefit walk or charity, or even a sports team event, you can have your team's logo placed on the band.

Bottle Band comes in a variety of colors and sayings that you can view here. As you can see, I chose the pink Bottle Band with the saying Sore > Sorry! Too cute.

 Another benefit I have noticed from using this product is that it can hang on any machine if there's a knob. Some machines-especially weights-do not come with cup holders and this is another way that Bottle Band can be useful!

To learn more about Bottle Band or to browse their selection, visit:

Bottle Band Main Site

Bottle Band Facebook

Bottle Band Pinterest

Bottle Band Instagram

Disclaimer: I was given a Bottle Band to test, at no cost. All opinions are my own.

Keep Up The Good Work, Ladies!

Just a small reminder that it takes time for change! Don't get discouraged-it will happen if you stay true!

Been so busy the last few days-trying to catch up on sleep as my due date approaches and been cleaning like a madwoman! I will update you guys as soon as I get more news.

XOXO.

Rev Your Metabolism!

Love this infographic and article from Skinny Mom on how to Rev Your Metabolism! Read it here:

http://www.skinnymom.com/2014/01/22/infographic-rev-your-metabolism-for-weight-loss/

Baby Update!

Hi guys! I am so sorry that I have been MIA recently! It has been a very fun and busy last few days. 

Yesterday, we went for our checkup and found out that  I am 75% effaced and 1cm dilated already! My due date is just 9 days away, but I have a feeling that he may come beforehand :)

My husband and I hardly got any sleep last night due to all the excitement that he could come at any time. Our bags are packed away and we are on call!

I am still working out faithfully. Yesterday, I had an amazing 90 minute workout including elliptical, stair climbing, and body weight exercises-I did 100 squats!

I am feeling pretty great and cannot wait to share my little joy with you all.

The journey is soon to begin!

Foodie Friday: Fruit Leather

General recipe for fruit leather:

1. Peel, core, and chop fruit. Taste the fruit and note its sweetness. If it's a little tart, you may add some sugar in the next step.
2. Place fruit in a large saucepan. For every 4 cups of chopped fruit, add a half a cup of water. Bring to a simmer and cover. Let cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, until fruit is cooked through. Uncover and stir.
3. Mash up the fruit in the pan. Taste and deter what and how much sugar, lemon juice, or spices to add.
4. Continue to simmer and stir until any added sugar is completely dissolved and the fruit purée has thickened. This should take 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Put the purée through a food processor or a food mill (this may have to be altered) and taste again to adjust sugar/lemon/spices as needed. The purée should be very smooth.
6. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, and pour in the mixture about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
7. Place baking sheet in oven heated 140 degrees overnight, or about 8-12 hours. You will know the fruit leather is ready when it isn't sticky, but has a smooth surface.

Strong Is the New Skinny

plus-size

adjective

1. 1.

   (of clothing or people) of a size larger than the normal range.

   
   
2. When I first saw this, I had to do a double take. 
3. I am sure you have heard of a plus size model before and we all have our own idea of what plus size is. Never did I imagine that plus size would be the word to describe the model above.
4. 
   

I personally see a healthy woman; filled out in all the right places. A woman who takes care of herself. Maybe even an athletic build.

 

How on earth is this plus sized?

Our world is so screwed up because of the media. It constantly tells us how to wear our hair, what clothes to wear, and what our bodies should look like. It took me a long time to realize that skinny was did not mean beautiful. My focus was always on how skinny I could get or those size 0 jeans. Nowadays, strong is the sexiest thing in the world to me and that is exactly how I want to be-regardless of what size I wear, as long as I am healthy, working out, and eating a clean diet-I am happy.

I am ashamed of Cosmo for their poor choice of words.

Sure, this may be a plus sized model to them. In their world, anyways. 

All this talk of thigh gaps, collar bones, or bikini bridges makes me sick.

This is what our young girls read and look at and aspire to be.

The whole #thinspo movement has got to stop.

These are all the wrong messages and sadly the internet is floating with these memes and quotes.

Sometimes, I look back and cannot believe I used to think that this was sexy.

Wanna know what's really sexy? 

A woman who eats and eats right.

A woman who exercises to strengthen her body.

A woman who takes care of herself.

A secure woman.

A strong woman.

If plus size is now defined as anyone sized 0 or less, then by God, I am plus sized and PROUD. I have been a size 0 and never do I strive to be a zero again. I cant wait to get back into shape after baby and I am so excited that you have chosen to follow my journey and watch me do it. 

Hope this lifts all of you up and helps get rid of all of the unrealistic expectations that the media puts on us women. 

We are all beautiful.

We are all REAL women.

Remember this.

1. 
   

12 Days Left to Go!

UPDATE: My husband and I went for a little check up yesterday and learned that I am 1cm (barely lol) dilated. Our son is doing well and tried kicking the monitors off of my belly quite a few times! I cannot believe this pregnancy is almost over; I feel like I just announced it yesterday! He is still pretty high and has not dropped very much at all. We think he likes it in there and does not want to vacate! Haha. I thought my water had broken yesterday while I was running on the treadmill, but it turns out, our son is a prime soccer player because he likes to kick mom's bladder around! Ah! The joys of pregnancy.

Though, we are 12 days away from our due date, I would like for him to come on his own. I do not want to be induced. I am hoping for a 100% natural drug free labor and birth. Yes, no epidural or IV meds. No c-section. I realize things sometimes do not always go according to plan, but I am so happy to have my great husband by my side.

Upper Body Kettlebell Workout

If you know me personally, you KNOW I love my Kettlebells.

Here is a nice little Kettlebell workout from Pumps & Iron that I wanted to share with you guys.

This is similar to what I like doing, however, I use a much larger weight ;)

Source: http://pumpsandiron.com/2013/10/10/upper-body-kettlebell-workout/

Thirsty Thursday: Healthy Mocha Coffee Smoothie

1 frozen banana, 1 cup milk, 1 scoop chocolate protein powder, 1 packet instant coffee, 1 spoonful peanut butter, 1 large spoonful cocoa powder, Large handful fresh spinach, Large handful ice cubes