Overcoming Fear

Yesterday morning I woke up with so much apprehension about my upcoming trip. Seriously, real fear. I had to talk to Matt for 30 minutes to calm me down. "What if they don't like me" "what if I get super shy" "what if I don't fit in" among other concerns. I felt like I was back in high school going back into my shell to protect myself. But Matt, he always says the right things. I love him for that!

We will all face moments in our lives where we have to trust who we are and just be us because you are amazing. You are remarkable! You make a difference! No matter what your old self says. Ignore it and be better than how you used to be. Shine on my sisters!

Friday's 5 Pregnancy Favorites

1) MAXI DRESSES: Strapless (but straps can included) Babydoll Maternity Maxi Dress. I don't know why but I am definitely becoming quite the girly girl! And dresses are all I really want to wear right now and I think are going to be my staple for this hot, hot, hot summer! I already have 2 maxi dresses! (Testing them out while in Miami this weekend!) 

2) COMFY PJ'S: Embraceable Cool Night Crop Bottoms from Soma. I get so hot when I sleep and I need comfy pj's! These amazing embraceable cool night crops keep me cool, almost feels like I am not wearing anything, because they are so comfy! I love Soma and have many items from them, including my nursing bras which are AMAZING! Check them out!

3) CALMING BATHS: Peace and Calm Young Living Essential Oil. Wednesday nights is my calming night where I light some tea candles around my huge bathtub, add in some peace and calm essential oil to the hot water and listen to my hypnobirthing CD's. I often fall asleep because I get so relaxed but always wake up 1 minute to the end. It is pretty amazing!

4) FUN PREGNANCY PICTURES: Photofy App pregnancy stickers. I am getting asked EVERY SINGLE WEEK on Instagram and Facebook where I got the pregnancy tracking stickers for my photos. PHOTFY app on my phone! Super easy to use, super fun stickers, like stickers for everything! And super cute! Great way to help family and friends know how far along you are and what size the baby actually is!

5) FUN PREGNANCY WORKOUT SHIRTS: For Two Fitness. Who doesn't love cute tops, but tops that are just for pregnancy are so much fun! They are everywhere, but I love For Two Fitness. They are long, they are comfy and they grow with your belly! Here is me at 14 weeks in this pregnancy and 39 weeks with Collin. See how much they expand! LOVE THEM!

What are your favorite finds right now? Comment below! I would love to hear from ya! 

(Pin for later!) 

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! 

8 Tips To A Healthy and FIT Plus Size Pregnancy

Have you been trying to lose weight and then BAM!!!! You find out you are PREGNANT! First of all, CONGRATS! Getting pregnant is an amazing miracle each and every time. First, or sixth pregnancy, it is a miracle and a blessing. 

I was right in the middle of losing weight. I lost 20 pounds in 5 months (gained a couple back with the holidays) all thanks to finally getting my own coy of 21 Day Fix and following the nutrition plan! Then in January, we found out I was pregnant. At 237 pounds. I was so scared, because I worked so hard to lose the weight in the first place, but I did not want to gain all of it back in one month! And I am terrified of gaining too much weight while pregnant. I had to come up with a plan to keep my weight gain slow and steady so that I can have a healthy pregnancy and labor for both me and the baby. 

If you're overweight, pregnancy can be challenging because you're prone to complications such as gestational diabetes -- especially if you gain too much, have more aches and pains, and that desire to get up and exercise just is on the back burner. But don't fear! Here are simple and easy ideas to help keep you on track and have a healthy and fit plus size pregnancy. I am currently 16 weeks pregnant and have only gained 4 pounds. And you guys, I EAT! I eat all day long. I am just sticking with what I learned in the 21 Day Fix Program, my soulmate program, and following all these tips to keep me as healthy and fit as possible.

1) Eat Regular Meals

Stick to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks. Erratic eating habits or over eating often contribute to weight gain. Gone are the days of eating for two, sorry, but if you listen to that old adage then you will gain way too much while pregnant. Eating healthy, well balanced meals in the right portions is your best bet to keep a steady weight gain during your 9 months! For more you can check out HOW TO CONTROL WEIGHT GAIN WHILE PREGNANT! 

2) Keep a Food Diary

If you are having a hard time with what to eat, or how much you have been eating, keep a food diary to keep track. You can consult the diary, along with your doctor or nutritionist, to see what modifications to make (such as reducing portion size) if you're gaining too much or not gaining enough. This works best so you can actually see what you are eating. Every little nibble or bite, write it down, and be honest about it.

3) Avoid Juices & Sweet Beverages

These are packed with calories and often times will even taste too sweet while pregnant. (thank you hormones!) You really only need water. I love fruit infused water to keep things interesting. You can drink a glass of milk daily too. But just cut out pop and other over sugared beverages. Save them for date nights, or special occasions. 

4) Target Your Weight Gain Accordingly

Keep in mind that weight gain doesn't have to start until the second trimester. Then you should gain only two to three pounds a month -- 15 to 20 pounds total. While it is possible to lose weight while pregnant (especially if you have adopted a healthier diet) it is not recommended that you actually "diet" while pregnant. Your body, and baby need the calories to help each other. So no skipping meals or using any diet pills. Always consult your doctor with any supplements you want to add. 

5) Get Some Exercise

Even just walking, for at least 15 minutes a day, can make a difference. Aim for at least 30 minutes to keep your heart rate up and into the aerobic activity. The key is just to MOVE! You don't have to do crazy things to stay fit like hours and hours of cardio. You can still lift weights, do Zumba or even 21 Day Fix, but listen to your body and get the all clear from your doc first! For great pregnancy workout videos check out Diary Of A Fit Mommy over on YouTube 

6) Avoid Simple Sugars

Choose complex carbohydrates, such as whole-grain breads and cereals, fruits, and vegetables. Just ditch the fast food, and junk food as much as you can. Go for what you know you should be eating no necessary what you want to be eating. In MODERATION you can enjoy sweets and treats but save them for special occasions or date night! 

7) Drink half Your Body Weight in Water Daily

Staying hydrated will curb your appetite and help you eat less. Plus it will help you stay healthy. It is so easy, especially over summer months, to get dehydrated. Which can bring on contractions and even early labor. The biggest key is to carry a water bottle around with you wherever you go. If you are out and about, have it with you. Around the house, keep a full cup of water ready for you to drink.

8) Don't Forget To Eat Your Veggies! 

Eat veggies! Lots of veggies have calcium and even fiber and minerals in them. And it will help to keep your plumbing working best so that you can avoid constipation. Best to keep half your plate full of veggies to make sure you are getting enough. In general, we are not eating enough veggies, raw veggies, or lightly sautéed veggies. A ton of the veggies the US consumes is in the form of fried or just not at all. Chicken and veggie stir-fry is AMAZING and will fill you up. It is one of my pregnancy go to dinner nights! 

BONUS! 
Remember that your body is going to go through changes. As long as you are eating right and exercising your body will do what it needs to do. Remember to LOVE YOUR BODY, or you can click here to  learn to love your body. Which can be difficult at times when you see the scale going up. You are doing this for you and your baby. It is worth it! Congrats momma! 

(always talk with your doctor first and foremost about your concerns during pregnancy. They will be able to best direct you to your individual health needs!)

----Do you have your Glucose Tolerance Test coming up? Check out my Plus Size Pregnancy Guide To Surviving The Glucose Tolerance Test! 

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: 16 Weeks

Not much has really happened this past week. I have been on Spring break for a week now, so I have just been working and updating some things with my Beachbody business! I do have my energy back and I am getting in my workouts now which has been amazing. So thankful for the second trimester! 

Total Weight Gain: 4 pounds. Lost .5 pounds this week. Back at my 241.

Symptoms: Morning sickness is gone! ENERGY is BACK! YAY! Starting to get lower back pain at the end of the night.

Baby’s Size: Avocado

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: ??? It was too hard to tell. Hoping at my next ultrasound in 2 weeks we will be able to see! 

Sleep: I am only waking up once a night to go to the bathroom. 

Miss Anything: Sleeping comfortably flat on my belly or back! Sleeping through the night.

Cravings: Veggies and egg salad sandwiches

Aversions: nothing yet

Excited About: Feeling the baby move a ton! My upcoming trip to Miami is THIS WEEKEND! I am so excited! 

Workouts: Graduated to the 2nd trimester workouts with Fit for Two and the Active Maternity! Kicking my butt but loving it! I'm getting out of breath so easily. I will be adding in some PiYo to help alleviate some lower back pain that I am starting to feel at the end of the night.

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! 

21 Day Fix Approved Spinach and Tomato Frittata

Who likes BREAKFAST FOR DINNER??? I do, check out this 21 Day fix approved Spinach Tomato Frittata!

21 Day Fix Approved Spinach and Tomato Frittata

Ingredients:
12 large egg whites (1 1/3 cups)
6 large eggs
Sea salt and ground black pepper (to taste; optional)
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 Tbsp. coconut oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups chopped Swiss chard
Nonstick cooking spray (for the pan, again I use coconut oil spray)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350° F.

Combine egg whites, eggs, salt (if desired), pepper (if desired), and nutmeg in a medium bowl; whisk to blend. Set aside.

Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and chard; cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until tender. Turn off heat.

Lightly coat sides of skillet with spray.

Add tomatoes and egg mixture to skillet.

Place skillet in oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until puffy and set.

Cut into 8 even pieces (like a pizza)

*Tip: You can use swiss chard, kale, or other favorite greens instead of the spinach You can also mix the greens for a total of 2 cups.

Serving size: 1 slice

21 Day Fix Containers: 1 1/2 Green, 1 Red, 1 teaspoon if using coconut oil

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!