Shocking the System

I was searching for yoga images when I came across this gem. It's simply titled "Yoga Grandma." At first I laughed... come on, it's a little shocking to see. But then I was really impressed. If I can do this at her age, I'll be doing pretty good, I think.

Last night I took a yoga class taught by our very talented friend, Anga. I was feeling as though my body was needing a break from my every day work outs and needing something different; a little TLC, if you will. Yoga has always been something I've enjoyed, there is absolutely nothing like it. Mentally it transports you to another place, and physically it does so much good for your body, I can't even list it all. Sadly, it had been about a year and a half since the last time I "practiced" in a studio (check out me using the yogi lingo!!).

Now, I'm not saying yoga is for everyone, but I truly believe you have to shock your system, once in awhile. Our bodies are very adaptive. If we do the same things over and over, it's going to get used to it. When our bodies become used to something, our muscles and progress hit somewhat of a plateau.

That's why I try very hard to keep my workout routine, far from that - a routine. We need to spice things up and continue to challenge ourselves by trying new things. I'm not saying runners should stop running, or swimmers stop swimming. I'm just saying that running is great, but maybe try a kickboxing class once in awhile to hit that core and upper body you may be lacking.

Also, change is fun! The last thing we want is for exercise to feel boring, mundane, or "same ol'." After last night I realize that a year and a half was far too long of a break from yoga. I'm looking forward to adding in a class or two every couple of weeks.. I mean, why not, really?

One more for the road. The same "Grandma" doing crow pose. Pretty inspiring.


Images are product of Barcoft Media

Leftovers Advocate!

Truth be told, I used to HATE leftovers. Boy was I ignorant! Luckily, I am now older and wiser (well, at least about leftovers, anyway). Here is the glory of leftovers:

- They are ready to eat. I love heating up a full, balanced meal in 2 mins or less.
- It cuts down on your having to prepare one more healthy meal. You make one deliciously healthy dinner and you don't have to think about your next two lunches.
- When I have something healthy ready to eat, my hunger doesn't drive me to make poor eating decisions.
- It's a money-saver! Less money spent on food, means more money to spend on other things (Can you say iPad 2?!!)
- It's a time-saver! This kind of goes with the first bullet, but I can't tell you how nice it is being a mommy and being able to just pop something in the microwave. Leaves time for chasing around a rolling baby who likes to play with anything that he shouldn't :)

So, what can I say? I am a full-blown leftovers advocate. I don't see a downside to leftovers, at all. In general, they just make being healthy easy. And when healthy options are available and easy, we are more like to choose them :) Happy eating!

Spotlight: Spaghetti Squash

So some of you might be thinking, "What the heck is that yellow pumpkin-looking thingy?" Well, folks, THAT is a spaghetti squash. My newest healthy love. Now I don't get to eat it all the time (Nate thinks that a meal without meat, is not a meal at all, so I only eat it when he is out of town), but when I do... deeeeeeee-lish! It's nice to mix things up and I was introduced to this veggie so late in my life (yes, my whole 28 years), so it's like a treat! I know there are probably a dozen different ways to eat it, but I thought I would let you know how I've been eating (and re-eating) it. If you've never tried it out, give it a try! So here it is:

Nikki's Spaghetti Squash

1 Spaghetti squash
1 cup spaghetti sauce of your choosing
1/4 parmesan (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup or so part skim mozzarella

Put whole Squash in microwave for 6-7 minutes to soften skin. Cut lengthwise and remove seeds. Put skin-side up on baking sheet and bake at 350 for 45 minutes (or until tender), rotating once or twice. Remove and fork out spaghetti strands into a baking dish. Add salt, pepper, parmesan, and sauce, and mix together. Sprinkle mozzarella over the top and bake until cheese looks like melty, partly golden deliciousness.

Hope you likey!

A Simple Lesson of Cause and Effect

Wikipedia (I know, not the trustiest of sources) states that cause and effect is when "an action or event will produce a certain response to the action in the form of another event." It's a simple concept really. One that my 5 month old is already learning himself, as he pushes buttons on his toys to hear music or cries to be fed. But for this blog, I want to look at a particular cause/effect I see taking place in my life.

Cause: Exercise
Effect: Eating healthy

And really, these two could be swapped around, as well. There is something about working out that then makes me want to eat healthy. It's as if my body becomes a machine and food the fuel. I want to eat the right things so this machine keeps running smoothly (and without the feeling of a gut bomb, that the unhealthy foods leave me with). The more I work out the healthier I eat the better I feel. When I say that I "feel better," I mean both mentally and physically.

I'm loving how my life has become even more wrapped around health and fitness thanks to Stroller Strides. Honestly, who would have thought that I would be the healthiest I've ever been after having a kid? Not me. But BOY does it feel good :)

Feelin' Good

I thought it was time to update on not just what I'm doing, but also my state of health. The answer: great! I'm feeling better than ever in terms of my working out and eating. With the help of soccer, Stroller Strides, and running with my Husbo, I'm working out about 5 times a week. BUT believe me, I'm making sure not to overdo it. If I feel like I'm exhausted and need a day off, I take it. Part of being healthy is knowing when to rest, and so I do.

In case you are wondering, I have been pre-prego weight for a few weeks now... but here's the thing. I kind of realized (through the help of SS training) that I was a little too focused on losing the pregnancy weight. It's all about "patience and perseverance." It's easy to be get focused on weight, I needed a reminder that health is a state of being and not a number.

I took this pic on my way to SS last Friday. Working out just makes me FEEL better.. and I think it shows.

It's Official...

I'm attending the training this weekend to become a certified Stroller Strides trainer. I can't say that it does not scare me a little bit. I've always been interested in becoming a trainer, but now that it's really happening, I kind of feel like "Yikes! Am I ready?" Well, ready or not here I go. I'm really looking forward to learning more about what's best for our bodies and I know that nothing but good can come out of this.

As soon as I finish training this weekend, I immediately begin team-teaching the following 4 weeks. I'm gonna be one busy mama! Wish me luck, and keep your fingers crossed I don't absolutely suck at this ;)

Taking the Next Step

I've talked a little bit about my Mommy workout group, Stroller Strides, but I thought I would add this link to a quick blurp CNN did on a nearby group. The one featured is not the exact group I attend, but it will give you a little idea of what I'm up to 3-4 mornings a week. Click here to see.

I've just returned from my work out and I have to say, I feel great. It gives me a sense of pride and, as mentioned in the video, it gives me a little community that acts as a support group as I go through the trials of motherhood. I know not everyone is a mommy out there, but as I've said before, it's always easier to get out and exercise when you have a partner or group to get you motivated. So get out there and find one!

I may be jumping the gun by mentioning this, but I'm actually taking the first steps to becoming a Stroller Strides instructor. I'm looking forward to going through the training and learning even more about how our bodies work. I will definitely keep you posted!