Connect the Dots Ginger | Becky Allen: April 2016

Saturday, April 30, 2016

May 30 Day Squat Challenge

How did your winter treat you? Are you ready to get your body back and in tip top shape for bbq season and swimsuits.? Ready to DROP IT LIKE IT'S HOT??? Summer is around the corner and I want you to be SUMMER STRONG! 

I want to get you swimsuit ready for some beach and pool fun!!! I'm pregnant and I KNOW I can do squats and darn it, I refuse for my butt to get even bigger!!!

I have 2 FREE PLANS for you. Beginning and advanced. You decide. I personally am doing the advanced and in sets of 10, rest for a little bit then keep going. I am so excited to do this with you.

And if you want to kick it up a notch and get even better results, JOIN me and my EXCLUSIVE GROUP!!! On top of the squat challenge you also will get:


 Nutrition assistance
 30 day supply of super food nutrition
 30 Minute Workouts
 Positive Motivation
 Positive Support
 Accountability
 Recipes
 Exclusive access to my private group with the tools I have used to help me lose weight, oh and not gain excessive weight while pregnant! (only up 6 pounds at 19 weeks!)
 One on One Support from me!

Oh, and PRIZES will be given as well!!! Let's work together to rock this summer! EMAIL ME or FILL OUT THIS APPLICATION so we can get you HOOKED UP!

*Must be willing to make a small investment in yourself. Reserved for those not already a Beachbody coach or working with a coach.

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! 

Friday, April 29, 2016

EASY Homemade Freezer Breakfast Burritos

Wanna know one of our favorite easy freezer meals? BREAKFAST BURRITOS! Yep, they are actually really easy, and make A TON! and PERFECT for make ahead meals for when baby arrives! I get 10 of them knocked out in one night, and easy thing is I pop the remaining 8 in the freezer for an easy meal another day! So, so, easy, so tasty and not filled with tons of preservatives like the ones you can get at the store.

Here is my personal recipe to try out! Use what you like though. I stick with bell peppers, green chilis, onion, turkey bacon, eggs, hash browns, and cheese on large flour tortillas. It's not gluten free, I have tried the brown rice tortillas and they don't work well with this. 1 flour tortilla is ok per 21 Day fix!

Easy Homemade Freezer Breakfast Burritos


Ingredients: 

1 bell pepper, diced

1/2 a yellow onion, diced
1 Dozen Eggs, cracked and whisk together
1 4 oz can diced green chilis
salt and pepper to taste
1 package of turkey bacon or sausage
1.5 cups frozen hash browns (or you can make your own from a potato)
1/2 block of cheese, grated
10 large flour tortillas

Directions:

~sauté bell peppers and yellow onion to soften.
~Add whisked eggs to veggies and can of green chilis and make into scrambled eggs. 
~Cook bacon to desired crispiness and let drain on a paper towel. Once cooled crumble into small pieces.
~Add 1 tablespoon to a medium hot pan. Add frozen or fresh hash browns and brown up. Stirring frequently so they don't burn. 
~once eggs are all cooked, bacon is cooled off and crumbled, an hash browns have finished cooking. It is time to assemble. 
~Lay a flour tortilla down, top with a spoonful of eggs and veggies, then add the bacon, then spoon some of the hash browns. Top with a sprinkle of cheese and fold up as a burrito. 
~Wrap in tin foil to serve or to freeze in freezer for later!

To reheat from freezer: 

Defrost overnight in fridge. 
Pre-heat oven to 400 and add burrito still in tin foil. Cook for 15-20 minutes turning at least once. Making sure the middle is warmed. 
or microwave without the tin foil for 2-3 minutes. (oven is way better though as it makes the tortilla crisp up!) I still use this on my 21 Day Fix nutrition. I think it is close enough to being approved. Use turkey bacon instead of sausage though. More veggies the better!

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! 

Thursday, April 28, 2016

runDisney Virtual Races Series

Virtual races are everywhere and are so popular in the running world  since you can participate from anywhere. I have even done one. And runDisney has decided to join the masses and start their own series! "We will look for more opportunities to stay connected with our runners as well as introduce a healthy and active lifestyle to new audiences."

runDisney just announced the Virtual Running Shorts Series. A 3 race 5k series totaling 9.3 miles if you complete all 3 races and each building up the theme. You can do just one of the races or register for all 3. You have the Yellow Shoes, Red Pants, or White gloves race.  If you do all 3 you get a special challenge medal.

Each individual race is $39. If you choose to do all three and register for all 3 at the same time then it is $142.

Completion Timeframe: May 15 and June 30, 2016- But you have to complete each leg of the race by specific dates.


Now you can experience a taste of a runDisney race in your own backyard!
For the first time ever, runDisney is going virtual with the all-new Virtual Running Shorts Series, and the whole family is invited to join the Disney fun. Walk, jog, take a stroll through the neighborhood, or run your race on a treadmill. You choose the course that's right for you! Select from one of three Mickey-themed Disney 5Ks or run all three to complete the Running Shorts Series. Four specially-designed Finisher Medals celebrating Mickey Mouse add even more Disney excitement to this brand new offering!

Oh and it wouldn't be a Disney Race with out helping out an amazing charity: The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The runDisney Virtual Running Shorts Series benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS), an organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancers.

You can read more info about the race HERE AT THE RUNDISNEY EVENT PAGE! Or if you are ready to REGISTER go HERE!

What do you think? Are you going to do this? The cost for all 3 is pretty close to what I paid for to do my Disney Princess half marathon...Is it worth it to you? Right now, I'm thinking, "Just take all my money Disney! I WANT THAT MEDAL!" And if that means it will get my butt out and walking this summer, while pregnant, it might be just the little kick in the butt I need! 

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! 

Bump Update: 19 Weeks


Well, here we are...ALMOST halfway. Poor 19 weeks it is like, yay you had your 18 week ultrasound and no you are just a filler week before you hit the halfway point. I actually can't believe how fast the weeks seem to be going right now. I feel like I just passed 14 weeks and I am now coming up on 20! It is a pretty awesome feeling. 

We haven't really had anything happen...EXCEPT that we found out we are having a GIRL!!! You can see our awesome GENDER REVEAL PHOTOS HERE! That was exciting and almost surreal. In a way it really made everything feel more real. For years I knew we would have a girl at some point and it is actually happening. I have not gone out and gotten any new clothing for her. I am actually going through the boys clothing and sorting it (I can't find any of the 2T stuff for Collin so I have to go through it anyways!) And I am picking out gender neutral stuff for her. Then we will see what we have and go from there. But I do have a good start.


Total Weight Gain: 6 pounds 243.7 pounds.

Symptoms: Nothing, besides just feeling a little tired more than usual. 
Baby’s Size: Tomato/Mango
Maternity Clothes: Yes, bottoms need to wear maternity or stretchy pants. Tops still good to go on regular shirts! 
Stretch Marks: I already have a ton that I got when I gained weight years ago. So nothing new.
Gender: GIRL!!! 
Sleep: I am only waking up once a night to go to the bathroom. But started having some crazy weird dreams! Having some hip and shoulder pain from sleeping on my side. I just hate it. So I am flipping over from one side to the other a lot. 
Miss Anything: Sleeping comfortably flat on my belly or back! Sleeping through the night. 
Cravings: Nothing this week. I did enjoy a great burger grilled by my hubs and wanted more since...so maybe burgers!
Aversions: nothing yet
Excited About: Feeling the baby move a ton! Being half way next week! 
Workouts: Got in my workouts 4 days a this past week, which is awesome! Still getting lots of massages from Matt for that. I have been doing 21 Day FixCizeDiary Of A Fit Mommy's Fit For Two 2nd Trimester and the Beachbody On Demand Active Maternity 2nd Trimester workouts. 

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! 

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

6 Tips To Stay A Fit Momma To Be


This being my third long term pregnancy, (I suffered 3 miscarriages) I have come to realize that it is any of my others!  My 1st pregnancy, no morning sickness. 2nd had it until I was 12 weeks. 3rd pregnancy, had morning sickness until 14 weeks. 1st pregnancy minor fatigue, 2nd MAJOR exhaustion 3rd pregnancy, EXTREME EXHAUSTION and still going strong at 19 weeks. The fatigue plus taking care of my cute little almost 2 year old! So how can I be one fit momma to be?

As the doctors say, if you have been doing exercise before you got pregnant it is safe to continue your exercise regime with possibly a few modifications the further along you go. (As always talk to your doctor prior to exercise to make sure it is safe for you.) So here are a few ideas on how to keep your bod looking great and avoiding the excessive weight gain that can happen while pregnant. (positive side affect to continue exercise, it can help you get through labor easier because your muscles are in shape and you have more endurance to last through difficult things. I find this to be true as my labor with #1 was less than 4 hours, unmedicated and the doc was impressed with my "pushing skills".)

1. Walking
Walking is great. Pregnant or not. It is easy to do and doesn't require a ton of effort. Seriously. Just walk a little faster than a casual stroll around the mall. When you go to the mall to do your Christmas shopping, park FAR, Far away from the entrance, even you ladies that are soon to be due. The walk is good for you! At the end of my 1st pregnancy I was walking 3 miles a day 3-4 days a week at my gym.

(39 weeks pregnant with #2 and still walking and some jogging, to get the baby out!) 
2. Running/Jogging
Keep this up as long as you can but as you are approaching your due date you will probably have to scale back on the mileage due to hip pain or other pregnancy related ailments. Ladies trying to conceive or newly pregnant keep running in the 1st trimester! I will be hard, and you might have to puke in a bush on the side of the road but push through it. You can do it because once you hit second trimester and the morning sickness is gone you will be running like a champ and so thankful you continued. This was my current state when I was pregnant with #2, Collin. I signed up for a 10k just days before I found out I was pregnant with and the 10k would be at 10 weeks pregnant. It was awful training for it. I got sick on the treadmill all the time. I was sick as a dog. But I ran in the 10k, never lost my lunch, and finished strong and faster than I expected. 2nd trimester running is really fun and empowering!

3. Prenatal Yoga/Pilates
Oh, I love my yoga class! It is so relaxing and fun. It is not as vigorous as regular yoga. Focus more on internalizing and connecting with the baby to help prepare for labor and birthing. Plus work on strengthening your core, legs and arms through modified yoga positions. I did yoga during my pregnancy with number 2 and loved it! Can't make it to a class, Pilates DVD to do 1 time a week. It helps strengthen your core and keeps you flexible. I have the 10 minute Solution Prenatal Pilates by Lizbeth Garcia.
4. Water classes
There is a difference in buoyancy in your belly then there was before you got pregnant and it feels really cool, and it takes the pressure off your back which as you get further in your pregnancy will begin hurt more. Check out the swimming classes at your gym or YMCA. Sometimes there are expecting mom classes sometimes not. But any of the classes are great! If there are no swimming classes but there is a lap pool, do some laps! It is so good for you as you get a whole body work out. And switch it up by using a boggy board to just target your legs, or try not to kick so that you target your arms. WATER FEELS SO GOOD while pregnant.

5. Meditation
Meditation is actually very soothing and can help you mentally prepare for labor. Every Wednesday night I use this time to listen to my hypno-birthing CD's. I know it sounds weird, but it gives you a chance to bond with your baby before you meet them and helps you to learn how to focus your mind to help get you through labor and delivery. You don't have to do hypno-birthing to mediate while pregnant. Just take 5-10 minutes out of your day, place your hands on your belly and think about what kind of baby you are going to have. How you are going to play with it. Cuddle and kiss it. What clothing you are going to dress them in. Think positive thoughts about your new baby. Or think about your body and how amazing it is that it is making a baby. You are healthy. Can still exercise. Thank your body for what it is doing. For being strong. It is amazing what positive affirmations can do for your mind set. For reading about hypnobirthing I suggest the Mongan Method and there are CD's you can get with it too.


6. Heathy Eating

I know we don't want to hear about this being right in the middle of the holidays but seriously excessive eating while pregnant can cause excessive weight gain. I know this to be true. I gained 55 lbs with my first. I had lost 35 lbs just before I got pregnant with Mason and could not continue my diet I was on (Slimfast) while pregnant. So I had to start eating, again. I hadn't learned yet how to eat for my body. (Since I had Mason I have worked with a professional nutritionist on how my body should receive food.) So I packed on weight pretty fast with Mason because I ate bread, and junk. This time around, I'm following the 21 Day Fix program and nutrition and have only gained 6 pounds this whole pregnancy. For more on eating healthy read my CLEAN EATING for a fit and healthy pregnancy. Oh and cravings, give in to them but IN MODERATION. Craving ice cream, don't buy a carton of it go get a cone at a local shop, that is all. Don't do it everyday though. Be smart, eat smart.

Hey MOMMAS! Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! 

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Fit and Healthy Plus Size Pregnancy: Clean Eating


You have heard me talk about it so many times. I eat clean healthy balanced meals and lifestyle. Because I am trying to CONTROL THE WEIGHT GAIN DURING MY PREGNANCY (click to read more on how I am doing it!) ! And it really does make a difference, what you eat to how much, especially while pregnant, determines how much you gain. But what does it really mean?


What Is Clean Eating?
  1. Eat plenty of whole fruits and vegetables, both raw and cooked.
  2. Eat unprocessed lean meats that have not had anything added. This includes fresh chicken and fish and even lean, humanely raised beef and game. (which actually taste different and AMAZING! I splurge and get grass fed beef on occasion)
  3. Enjoy whole grains instead of the processed or refined variety.
  4. Eat smaller, more frequent meals about every 3 hours.
  5. Follow an 80/20 healthy eating.
There really is not wrong way to eat clean! It wasn't until I started following the 21 Day Fix program that I started to see real and true results in my own body. My skin is brighter and glowing (and it isn't just a pregnancy glow!) I feel better, have more energy and I do not deprive myself of things that I want! I personally use the 21 Day Fix Nutrition approach when I go shopping. I try to stick with my container approved foods as much as possible. If you are ready to start trying 21 Day Fix Program and change how you see foods, GO HERE! And let's get started! 
How to Start Eating Clean:
Start with a slow and steady approach. Instead of throwing out everything that you have in your kitchen right now, just start replacing items when you run out of them. Making it a transition. It will be easier on you and your family and your budget! So if you need bread this, look directly at the ingredients and select the breads that have ingredients you know what they are and can pronounce.  (100% whole grain, no added sugar and identifiable ingredients such as whole wheat flour, salt and yeast). Or if you ran out of white rice, pick up a package of brown rice this week (I love brown basmati rice).  Another easy switch is from instant oat meal to old fashioned or steel cut oats. It doesn’t have to be difficult to make the transition to clean foods. 

Clean Eating for Beginners Tips:
  • Start slow and within your budget. Don’t worry about drastic changes or being “perfect.”
  • Teach yourself to properly read labels. Focus on the ingredient list. Select foods with fewer ingredients—and ingredients that you recognize as real food.
  • You do not have to buy all organic foods! See above!
  • Understand that you will make mistakes. The important thing is not giving up.
  • Don’t stress over minor things. Keep the bigger concepts in mind and always work to improve. It’s about choosing the healthiest choice—not depriving yourself.
  • If you do have something that doesn’t mean your definition of “clean,” don’t throw in the towel. Make your next meal clean. That’s the difference between a diet and a lifestyle change.
  • Live 80/20. Meaning 80% of the time you are eating as clean as possible and that allows you to have a 20% indulgent meal. This is what is meant to be a healthy lifestyle! Go on a great date. Have a comfort meal one week. The goal is to do the best that you can! 
Hey MOMMAS! Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! 

Monday, April 25, 2016

Listen To Your Body

You know what, MAKING A BABY IS HARD WORK! This weekend I was totally toast. I was burnt out. And I finally listened to my body and slept a lot of yesterday away. And it is exactly what my body needs.

When you fill your body with good whole foods, your body will thank you with being regular. When you exercise, your body will thank you with feeling stronger, and having energy. When your body is tired, it will tell you, and it is your job to listen to it.

Even if you aren't pregnant. The number one rule is to LISTEN TO YOUR BODY NOT YOUR MIND! Have a workout where you don't think you can do one more rep but you end up having the strength for 2 more, yep, your body will always be right. Your mind is what is the liar! Don't listen to your mind, listen to your body.

Having a healthy and fit lifestyle means appreciating your body enough to take care of it and that also means listening to it. Your body is amazing. It can do amazing things. Respect it and it will take care of you in return!

Hey MOMMAS! Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! 

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Our Gender Reveal!!!

Yesterday it was confirmed that we are having...


...


....


A GIRL!!! 

Here are our reveals that we did! We did 3 different ones, why not HAVE SOME FUN! Check them out and let us know what you think! 












(Kids Gender Reveal)

Hey MOMMAS! Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! 

Friday, April 22, 2016

Gender Reveal Ideas

Today is the day that we find out if we are expecting a little boy or a little girl into our family. I am really hoping for a girl, because well, my mom is so excited to make cute little girl clothing, but after 2 boys, I am ready for a girl! And of course Matt is hoping to make it a trio of boys! The more men the better he says! But we shall see today. I'm looking and looking at all the ideas on cute gender reveal ideas and here are a few of my favorites I found over at PINTEREST!




HERE'S WHAT WE WENT WITH! 




Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! 

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Summer Activities for Kids

After going through Spring break and honestly, surviving. I am already starting to look at some fun summer activities for kids that won't break the bank! Check out this link fun activity ideas! Oh this is just the beginning of summer fun for us in the Allen house!


Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! 

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Bump Update: 18 Weeks

I can't believe that I am already almost half way! I thought in the beginning how slowly this pregnancy was going and then BAM! It's almost the end of April and I am almost half way. Happy day! 

I am seriously so excited for FRIDAY! We get to find out the gender of this baby and I get to share it with you all (hoping that the baby is willing to show us! I will be downing an Icee before we go!) This past week went pretty well. We had some great family time over the weekend. And both Mason and Collin love saying "Hi" to the baby. Mason loves talking to the baby all the time! My weight is starting to go up, I gained 2 pounds in the last month, so half a pound a week, for a plus size girl that is pretty AMAZING! I am loving this healthy and fit pregnancy. It is totally different than when I was pregnant with Collin. I had the exercise down but not the eating. Now combining the two I am having the healthiest pregnancy yet! LOVING IT! 


Total Weight Gain: 5.5 pounds 243.1 pounds.

Symptoms: Headaches/migraines. I had a bad one on Monday and couldn't eat anything. Made me sick to my stomach. My appetite hasn't really been good since. But still eating healthy when I can!  
Baby’s Size: Sweet Potato/Artichoke
Maternity Clothes: Yes, bottoms need to wear maternity or stretchy pants. Tops still good to go on regular shirts! 
Stretch Marks: I already have a ton that I got when I gained weight years ago. So nothing new.
Gender: ??? FRIDAY! We find out! 
Sleep: I am only waking up once a night to go to the bathroom. But started having some crazy weird dreams!  
Miss Anything: Sleeping comfortably flat on my belly or back! Sleeping through the night. 
Cravings: Peanuts. Like trail mix. Yeah, totally loving on that stuff. I do pre-portion it out though so I don't eat the whole bag in one sitting cause that would not be good! 
Aversions: nothing yet
Excited About: Feeling the baby move a ton! Finding out the gender on FRIDAY! YAY! 
Workouts: Getting in my workouts 5 days a week, which is awesome! Still getting lots of massages from Matt for that. I have been doing 21 Day Fix yogaCizeDiary Of A Fit Mommy's Fit For Two 2nd Trimester and the Beachbody On Demand Active Maternity 2nd Trimester workouts. 

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! 

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

How To Add Healthy Carbs To Your Everyday Life

This week in my ongoing group we are having our educational theme week! KICK THE CARBS! It is all about learning why bad carbs are bad and how to add more healthy ones to your diet. Todays post is on healthy ways to add carbs to your everyday life! Try these tips for adding healthy carbohydrates to your diet:

1. Start the day with whole grains.
Try a hot cereal, like steel cut or old fashioned oats (not instant oatmeal), or a cold cereal that lists a whole grain first on the ingredient list and is low in sugar. A good rule of thumb: Choose a cereal that has at least 4 grams of fiber and less than 8 grams of sugar per serving.


2. Use whole grain breads for lunch or snacks.
Confused about how to find a whole-grain bread? Look for bread that lists as the first ingredient whole wheat, whole rye, or some other whole grain —and even better, one that is made with only whole grains, such as 100 percent whole wheat bread.
3. Also look beyond the bread aisle.
Whole wheat bread is often made with finely ground flour, and bread products are often high in sodium. Instead of bread, try a whole grain in salad form such as brown rice or quinoa.

4. Choose whole fruit instead of juice.
An orange has two times as much fiber and half as much sugar as a 12-ounce glass of orange juice.
5. Pass on potatoes, and instead bring on the beans.
Rather than fill up on potatoes – which have been found to promote weight gain – choose beans for an excellent source of slowly digested carbohydrates. Beans and other legumes such as chickpeas also provide a healthy dose of protein.


Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! 
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