Eat Better, Feel Better

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my husband and I began changing our poor and unhealthy eating habits to more of a whole foods based diet.  I realize that "whole foods" means different things to different people, but for us, it means eating as healthy as possible and reducing if not eliminating all processed foods.  We cannot afford to eat strictly organic for everything, but we do for a lot of things. Today is Day 11. I am happy to say that it has been a success so far.

There are 2 main reasons why we chose to do this. 
#1 - We want to set a good example for our son (and future children).  I believe that if he is raised early on to crave the right kind of foods, he will be healthier, happier, and have more energy to do whatever he sets his mind on.

#2 - We need to lose weight.  Both of us are "stocky" by nature, and I battle with Hypothroidism (slow to non-existant metabolism).  Plus, we both love, and I mean LOVE, desserts.  I know for me, mentally, my desire for sugary things was getting out of control.  I can't do the things that I want to do if I'm sucking all my energy out of my body with processed sugar.  Eating the right things (lean protein, low GI fruits and veggies, salads, and Greek yogurt) has given me more energy and actually makes me happier.

May = CRAZY!

I haven't posted anything since last week because the end of April and May are absolutely crazy for me.  Why? It's the end of the school year, and everything seems to happen at the end of the school year. But here is an update on what has been keeping me so busy!

March Fitness #6: Perseverance

Several weeks ago, I was listening to a speach entitled "Throw and Go." She reminded me of the scripture in Hebrews : "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (12:1)

March Fitness #5: Random Calorie Burn

I don't know about you, but there are some days that I cannot get myself to do anything "fitness-y".  Like today...

I'm tired. I need a nap. And I have a headache. HOWEVER..... if I don't do anything then I will give myself grief later. 

Thinking about how I just want to go home and nap, I remembered that "household" activities also count as exercise and burn just as many calories.  It's just over a longer time period...

I found these examples from About.com.  Calories Burned with Home Activities (it lists a good amount of home activities including "child care-grooming, bathing, etc.".... how cool!)

March Fitness #4: Knee Injury Prevention and Care

We all inherit something from our family.  I got lucky and inherited my dad’s bad knees.  Yea, me!  About two weeks ago, I was holding my son while he slept at a baby shower, and I had my left leg crossed over my right…with knee bent….for an hour.  Needless to say, my knee tightened up and actually became bruised.  Walking anywhere was a huge task, especially going up and down the stairs at home.   During the day, the school where I work has a huge campus, and I average walking about 2.5 miles a day.  It took me FOREVER to get from one end to the next in time to start class. 

March Fitness #3: I need ENERGY!!!

 
Awake since 5:00 a.m.  Check!

Baby taken to family care at 7:00 a.m. Check!

Work till 3:30 p.m. Check!

Pick up baby at 4:00 p.m. Check!

Make dinner…..clean up dinner…..change diaper…..carry baby on hip because he’s in a clingy phase…..laundry….play with dogs…..feed dogs…… clean-up toys…….check! Check! CHeck! CHECK!!!!

March Fitness #2 - Workout with Baby

Not only do my husband, Jared, and I want to look and be our best, but we also want to set a good example for our son.  He’s 6 months old, so, why not start early? I am a firm believer in children mimicking their parents or caregivers.  If Cayden is raised with parents who eat junk food and watch TV as soon as they walk through the door, who’s to say that he won’t do the same?  We would basically be supporting an unhealthy lifestyle. I want to live a long life, and I want my family to as well.

March Fitness #1 - Daily Workouts

As I was going through my new favorite website, Pinterest, I found many people had pinned daily workouts. When I went to find the source, it sent me somewhere else. I had to rely on photo only for the work-out routine. So, I have recreated it in easy printable .pdf file for you to print and use. Also, just make sure it is cool with your doc for you to be working out….

March = Fitness

Its March….already!! And “Spring Forward” is this weekend.  Everyone will be out in their yards planting pretty things, and all the moms will be dusting off their jogging strollers, strapping in their babies, and going for a run.  I hope to be doing both of those.  Spring weather, to me, is equivalent to being outside and getting fit for the summer (You know? Bathing suit season?)

For the month of March, I am going to share with you any and all FITNESS tips that I have found.  They might not all work for you, but I will give them a test drive and let you know.