WOW!!!!

Diary of a Fit Mommy has OFFICIALLY hit ONE MILLION views!!

Thank you ALL for keeping up with the blog :)

It makes me so happy to see my readers coming back for more and enjoying the posts. I look forward to spending the New Year with you guys and sharing this new chapter of my life with you all! If there's anything you would like to see more of, please don't hesitate to let me know! :) 

Xoxo.

Sia

6 Ways to Induce Labor Naturally

• Have sex. Yes! Old fashioned and the most popular given tip because sex releases the hormone like medications that are often given to induce labor. The semen also contains prostaglandins which stimulate the cervix, possibly leading to the start of contractions! Why not try this one??
• Dance! Dancing encourages your baby's descent by slowly easing him into a better position meant for labor. It also helps you to relax. If you are not a dancer, do not worry. Try rocking or doing hip circles on a birthing ball. These movements also encourage the head down position.
• Pineapple. They say that the enzyme Bromelain softens the cervix as a ripening agent that stimulates prostaglandins. There is not much known about this method, but if you are a fruit lover, it does not hurt.
• Raspberry Leaf Tea. This method has been around for years. When I worked at nutrition store, I had a ton of women swearing by it. This tea is known to tone the uterus and get it ready for those contractions! This is more of a method that should be started a few weeks prior.
• Accupressure. This 
• Nipple Stimulation. This method is supposed to encourage the beginning of contractions because the thought is that oxytocin is released through gentle rubbing or rolling of the nipples when the breasts are stimulated. Sort of like when your baby breastfeeds, ocytoxin is released then as well.

Insomnia During Pregnancy: How to Deal

Insomnia.

Who would have thought that pregnancy would have brought along this terrible symptom? Before I became pregnant, I would have never guessed that insomnia would be a part of pregnant life. After all, it is the hormone Progesterone that causes it, mixed with many discomforts.

With much trial, error, and sleepless nights, I decided to put some solutions to the test. Here is what worked for me!

A Pregnancy Pillow

YES! Please invest in one of these. The GOOD kind, do not skimp on price because it will matter. If you were a tummy sleeper like I was, this comes in handy. I like to lay semi-sideways with my leg propped up on the pillow with a pillow behind my back, and a pillow beneath my head.

Tea

Chamomile tea helps soothe your nerves, leaving you feeling calm. My favorite night time tea is called Sleep Time from Celestial Seasonings. You can buy this at any drug store or Walmart. It has a slight minty flavor to it and actually tastes pretty good. I make a small cup so I wont have to add another bathroom trip to my nightly routine.

Bath

A warm bath helps me unwind. I add bubbles to take my bath from ordinary to downright fun. I lay back, play a little soothing classical music, and turn my mind off. I use a lavender bath soap which has soothing properties and that usually does the trick.

Back Rub

When all else fails, my sweet husband gives me a back rub to ease the tension and pains. Do not be afraid to ask your partner for one. If you are alone, try laying in bed and rubbing your forehead or the sides of your temples. 

Disconnecting from Media

Yes. This is a biggie. 

My job as a blogger keeps me glued to my laptop and cell phone almost 24/7. At times I must remind myself to TURN OFF! I have to tell myself that it can all wait tomorrow. I tend to be one of those stay up making the next day's to do list types-very type A personality.

Yoga/Meditation

This is my favorite. I do a yoga sleep sequence and stretch my muscles very well. This keeps me from feeling tight from the pains at night. During pregnancy, you will feel stiff as a board! Meditate or pray. Breathe. Silence... I could fall asleep now!

These are just a few ways to help cure insomnia that growing a baby will cause. I hope this will help each and every one of you!

Lifting While Pregnant: So What's Safe?

Lifting while pregnant. What a controversy, right!

We have come a long way since the ole rule of not lifting any heavy boxes or anything over 15-25lbs. It seems that the fit mommy revolution has begun and everyone is in a frenzy; especially since Lea-Ann Ellison (my role model! she is so sweet) broke out the weights for a CrossFit style shoot at 35 weeks pregnant that had every news media outlet talking.

So, what IS safe lifting while pregnant?

My advice is anything you were lifting BEFORE you became pregnant. There is NO set number. Start off slow. Listen to your body! Your body will tell you what your limits are. Pregnancy is not an excuse or handicap, guys. Our bodies as women were made to grow a baby. Our bodies are STRONG!

However, I would not suggest starting a weight lifting program during pregnancy if it is your first time lifting. I have been lifting weights since high school and I know my body and my limits so I am not new to this game.

 However, this is my first pregnancy so I started small and then worked my way up to more weights gradually. With much care and knowledge, you CAN lift weights during pregnancy. You may also consult with your doctor to see what he/she thinks. My doctor gave me the green lights.

In these photos, I am using a 25lb Kettlebell. Sometimes I will have one in each hand to equal 50lbs and I will squat with them on each side of me. When I do my weighted barbell squats, I typically squat around 75lbs at the most-the bar itself is usually 45-55lbs (depending on the brand of the weight set) and I will put tens on each side. I have certainly cut down my weights because I am pregnant, but that does not mean I had to stop the weights.

I credit continued lifting during pregnancy for keeping me fit and my weight gain steady & slow. It has decreased my back pain, sciatic pain, and insomnia. I recommend it for anyone!

Diary of a Fit Mommy's Healthy Grocery Shopping List