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 yoga, Cize, Diary Of A Fit Mommy's Fit For Two 2nd Trimester and the Beachbody On Demand Active Maternity 2nd Trimester workouts. 

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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.

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Never Miss A Monday

Happy Monday Mamas! I hope all of you had an amazing weekend!!!! Well, I personally take Sat and Sun off from working out. My goal is 5 days a week but still do something active with the family on Saturday. 

Today, is WORKOUT DAY! Here are 4 simple rules to help you stay on track! For me personally, if I don't workout on Monday, I will miss Tuesday, it is always a given and I don't know why, but that is what always happens. So I make it a huge goal to NEVER MISS A MONDAY! And as we know, exercise while pregnant is so important for us and the baby!

• Reduce risk of pregnancy complications: In one 2012 study, women who participated in fitness programs four times a week were less likely to develop gestational diabetes and less likely to have unplanned cesarean sections than those who didn’t exercise.
• Lower odds of delivery complications: In another study on women in Spain, women who exercised three times a week gained less weight during pregnancy and were less likely to have macrosomic babies (or babies weighing more than about nine pounds at birth). Having a heavier baby, in turn, can lead to complications for both mother and baby during delivery. 
• Speed post-delivery recovery: The more you increase your pregnancy fitness, the faster you'll recover physically after childbirth, the more fit you'll be after delivery. In the same 2012 study, women who exercised recovered faster after labor (even after controlling for delivery method), resuming household chores faster than  those who didn’t exercise.
• Boost your mood:  Women are more susceptible than ever to depression during pregnancy, with an estimated one in two of all women reporting increased depression or anxiety while they’re expecting. But research has found that exercise during pregnancy reduces depression, releasing endorphins that help improve mood while diminishing stress and anxiety.
• Lower blood pressure: Blood pressure occasionally does go up during pregnancy, but too much and it can be a warning sign of preeclampsia. Staying active — in one study, simply walking regularly — has been found to keep blood pressure from rising.
• Ease back and pelvic pain: It’s no secret that your growing baby bump puts extra pressure on your lower half, resulting in lower back pain and an achy pelvis. Exercising, however, may result in less lower-back and pelvic pain during late pregnancy.
• Fight fatigue. Low-level tiredness plagues many women during the first trimester, then again late in the third trimester. While it seems paradoxical, sometimes getting too much rest can actually make you feel more pooped. So while you should never push yourself to exhaustion, a little nudge — say, an easy walk or try a prenatal yoga class — can make a big difference in your energy level.
• Improve sleep. While many pregnant women report having a harder time falling asleep, those who exercise consistently (as long as it's not near bedtime, which can be too energizing) say the quality of their sleep is better and that they wake up feeling more rested.
• Relieve constipation. An active body encourages active bowels. Some women swear by a brisk 30-minute walk to keep them regular, while others say even a 10-minute stroll helps get things going.

So....what workout are you doing today?

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My First Pregnancy Stitch Fix Keepers!

Ok! The other day, I got my FIRST PREGNANCY STITCH FIX! I have finally decided and thank so much to my FACEBOOK friends who all helped me realize that I was making the right choice! I am keeping...

What do you think??? Did I make the right choice???

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Amazing Abs in April: Ab Workout Variation

Want to spice up your AMAZING ABS in APRIL ab workout for the month? Check out this 6 move circuit!

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My First Pregnancy Stitch Fix

(Click the image or here to get your first fix!)

Have you heard of Stitch Fix? It is a service where when you sign up, a stylist chooses 5 items of clothing for you, based on your very descriptive profile that you fill out, sends it to you and you have a choice to get any of the items you were sent. From the reviews, sometimes a fix is either on point or they knock it out of the ball park! And on top of that they offer PREGNANCY CLOTHING! 

Ok backing up just a little bit. I have known about Stitch Fix for many years. I have a lot of friends that use the service. But when I first looked into it they only go up to a size 16, and a lot of it was boutique style stuff, so I assumed that the sizes actually ran small. The big word there is ASSUMED! I figured that I was too big to fit any of there stuff, and that I had to lose weight before I even tried their services. While at a party last month. I talked to some ladies and more than half of them were wearing outfits by Stitch Fix. I was like, dude, I have lost weight, and if doesn't work then I am out $20. It's just $20! I can do that. So I filled out my extensive profile, left major notes on my modesty requirements for my religion and that I really only wanted tops and maxi dresses as I already had 2 pairs of modest shorts for the summer. And low and behold. My package arrived YESTERDAY!

Lesson learned! Do not let your fears hold you back because you never know what might be waiting for you on the other side. And you might even be a little pleasantly surprised by the outcome! Have faith and believe in yourself!

So...I need your help! I have 3 days to get back to them and return any items I do not want to keep. Which items do you like best? Can you help me??? COMMENT BELOW WITH YOUR TOP PICKS! 

Item A: Stripped top with blue lace on the shoulders. It is a thin material and would still work in the summertime. Plenty of room for the belly to grow! 

Item B: Love the teal color on this henley. Super thin and comfy material. However the shoulder area, is crochet and shows my undergarments that I need to cover up.

Item C: Navy blue maxi dress with a beautiful crochet back on it.

Item D: Floral crossover shirt with tons of room for the belly to go. Super thin and comfy material! 

Are you ready for your first fix? CLICK HERE to get scheduled today! 

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Is It Safe To Do Planks While Pregnant

I have been getting asked this question A LOT lately! Is it safe to do Planks or ab work while pregnant? Yes, but you have to listen to your body and be very careful! During pregnancy you are more prone to develop diastasis recti, which is a separation of the abdominal muscles. Diastasis recti results from the growing uterus pushing against the abdominal wall, which is susceptible to separating because of a hormonally-induced softening of the fibrous band that connects the recti muscles. 

You are more prone to diastasis recti if you are over 35, have poor abdominal muscle tone, have had multiple pregnancies, delivered a baby with a high birth weight, and engaging in aggressive abdominal exercises, especially crunches, during pregnancy. 

Be sure to talk with your doctor first and ask him how to monitor your belly for the signs of diastasis recti. I personally do not do any standard crunches or standard planks during pregnancy for this very reason. I modify them and really listen to my body.

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: 17 Weeks

 This week has been amazing. I seriously feel like a totally different person now that I have my energy back! And on top of that I had an amazing weekend with my gals down in MIAMI for the 2016 Pure Synergy Diamond Retreat! Such great memories and friendship were made there. You can read more about it HERE!

Also this week, yesterday, I got my first STITCH FIX EVER! And it was with PREGNANCY CLOTHING! YAY! Oh and I fit in all of them! For a long time I put off doing Stitch Fix because I didn't think I would fit in anything, but I did and DO! YAY for hard work to change my lifestyle and make healthy choices so that I can naturally lose weight!

Matt has said he wanted me to show off my belly and wants to get me cute pregnancy clothing. So why not have a stylists pick something for me. I really love all the pieces. She did a great job, but I think for practicality we are only going to keep 1 or two of the pieces. I will have a post up about it before I send anything back! But the stylist totally listened to my requests and only sent me shirts, a cardigan and a maxi skirt (THAT I LOVE!)

Total Weight Gain: 4-5 pounds. 242-243. Yesterday I was at 242 and today I was at 243. I am still trying to regulate after my amazing weekend! 

Symptoms: None. Full of energy! 

Baby’s Size: Onion/Pomegranate/Turnip

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. But started having some crazy weird dreams!  

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

Cravings: MEAT. On my weekend away we ate mostly vegan, as more than half of us were vegan. I had 1 meal with meat in it. So since being home I have been like, "MEAT! GIVE ME MEAT!" 

Aversions: nothing yet

Excited About: Feeling the baby move a ton! Getting to hear the baby's heartbeat tomorrow at my monthly check up. And getting my first Stitch Fix pregnancy clothing! 

Workouts: Getting in my workouts 5 days a week, which is awesome! My right shoulder has been hurting me, no idea why but getting lots of massages from Matt for that. I have been doing 21 Day Fix yoga, Cize, Diary 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! 

When Is It Ok to Ask If A Woman Is Pregnant

As a plus size lady, many people really don't know/can't tell that I am pregnant. It is the whole "Is she pregnant or fat and getting fatter?" mindset. Which really sucks. Because honestly I really want to scream it from the rooftop that "HEY, I'M PREGNANT! YAY! Celebrate with me people!" (And I personally don't think I am fat at all. I am fit and healthy and doing what I need to do to keep my weight gain in check! I am proudly showing off my bump with form fitting tops!)

But there is a rule of thumb. Honestly, there is! I am hosting a FREE Healthy and Fit Mama's group and many of the ladies, haven't said one peep about being pregnant. (I don't know how they do that because I can not keep a secret like this quiet for long!)

So...have you ever asked a lady if she was pregnant? Then found out that she wasn't. (she is probably feeling pretty hurt and you are equally embarrassed!) I have a pretty good pregnant eye, and can spot when someone is, but I have learned my lesson to not ask that dreaded question. You never know what someone is going through.

So here is the rule of thumb:

DON'T ASK!

Most women are very insecure about their weight when it comes to being pregnant due to the rapid weight gain and their changing body. Some find themselves in a state of shock or panic to see the numbers rise and their midsection growing, so always be aware and sensitive to this fact.

When a woman is pregnant and is ready to tell you, she will. But don't go asking.

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! 

Find Your Tribe

Talk about a fun and exciting weekend away! So for those of you not following me on FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM, I had the amazing opportunity to go to Miami for the weekend with 17 other fabulous ladies in our Pure Synergy Team. 16 of us qualified for the Synergy Diamond Retreat to be spoiled rotten by our amazing leaders Julie and Tatiana. That means out of 1700+ coaches, we were the the top 16 coaches by the end of 2015. All through first working on our selves with betting our health and fitness, then by sharing our stories and experiences with others who decided they wanted to do the same.

(Tatiana & Julie)

I arrived Friday afternoon. We stayed in a gorgeous house in Miami Beach with plenty of room and beds for all of us! We spent the afternoon talking and getting to know each other. That night we all joined in the living room and shared our story about what got us to where we are now. And it was quite an amazing experience because each of the stories all had a common theme. We never quite felt like we fit in growing up. Outsiders in a way. Struggling to find our way. We all went through some of the same trough stuff too growing up. But in the end. We found a healthy way to work on ourselves. To learn how to fit in healthy eating and an active fitness routine. Which led us to where we were.

During the night we heard some devastating news about a fellow coach who would have been there with us but she had just had her baby.  Her baby was born with a heart condition and had surgery that day, but sadly the procedure they had to do to help fix his heart wasn't able to work and the baby passed away. It was the most emotional thing, all 18 of us sobbing together. We wanted to just give our friend a hug and hold on to her tightly. But what we learned that night is how much of a community we are together. That this "coaching thing" is not just about us, or those we help, but we are here together. We have a community of support and love and friendships to lean on and what a beautiful blessing that is. I am no longer feeling alone. I have a community of people who have my back and it is an amazing feeling.

Saturday we gathered together for some training to better ourselves and in turn to help better the people that we work with. It was amazing hearing from our leaders and getting their help and advice. After training we all got ready to go to the BEACH. So you all know me, I BURN SO EASILY! I was terrified to go to the beach and honestly I thought that I would go for a bit then go back to the house. But I didn't need to. We got chairs, beds and umbrellas and I got the full shade package basically. I had quite the little shady retreat! I did go out in the water and sun for a bit and still got a little burn, but not as bad as I had in the past. Just a little color!

After the beach we all went back to the house to get ready for our PHOTO SHOOT! Wow, how awesome is that. Then went back down to the beach area and had an amazing time getting amazing pictures taken.

After the photo shoot we went back and decided to go out and get some dinner. I went to my first all vegan restaurant and enjoyed it. Apparently it is on the 25 MUST eat at vegan restaurants before you die list. I definitely got all my veggies in for the day, plus about 2 extra cups. I ate a lot of veggies! We didn't get home from dinner until 1am (it was a full dining experience) Some of the gals went out to go to local clubs and some of us went home. I was exhausted. Well past my bedtime.

Yesterday morning I had to pack and say my goodbyes because it was time to go before I knew it. What an amazing inspiring and motivating weekend. Not only do I believe in more in what I am doing, because I see how helping others has helped so many, but I love the ladies I met and am so excited to see them again! I still can't believe that I got to go on this amazing trip. When I first started coaching I thought only special and lucky people got to go on these trips. But all it takes is for you to believe in yourself. If you believe it can happen, it will. But you just have to work for it and do it!

I'd love for you to have this kind of love and support. Come join my team and become a part of our family. We are ready to welcome you with open arms, EMAIL ME today or COMMENT BELOW!!!

(To make Beachbody happy) Beachbody does not guarantee any level of success or income from the Team Beachbody Coach Opportunity. Each Coach’s income depends on his or her own efforts, diligence, and skill.

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!