Overfed and Undernourished?

Simple foods to add to your diet-- In other words...

Get away from being overfed and undernourished!

A few options to you to choose from. Below are my current favorites...

Broccoli: Some may like their broccoli cooked or raw, and broccoli is yum yum yummy (especially with coconut oil)! Plus, FIBER! This will not only make you feel full, but clean you out too. On top of that, the mineral, chromium, stabilizes blood sugar levels. WINNING! I have broccoli every morning--don't resist, just try it. I did, and I have totally changed my opinion on this tiny green tree.

Dark Chocolate: I love dark chocolate; the more cocoa included the better. I have currently been eating Ghiradeli's 86% cocoa dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains healthy fats, lowers blood pressure, prevents cardiovascular disease, boosts insulin resistance, and prevents UV damage. I don't think I need to continue to convince you to try or continue to eat healthy dark chocolate "treats".

Eggs: I add eggs to my broccoli and coconut oil each morning. This provides me with protein that helps me feel full. The high selenium in eggs is also believed to prevent certain cancers. In addition, the choline in eggs is great for your brain.

Spring Mix: Think iron and energy. Some studies indicate the iron can actually bring happiness into your life. I believe this holds true for me. I eat salad all day long, and I never get tired of it. So good!

Salsa: Low in calories and high in vitamins. Great addition to any meal or snack.

Kidney & Black Beans: Fiber and protein-- need I say more? I think that beans are just plain yummy.

Tuna & Turkey: Omega 3's may help with controlling mood swings, and turkey is an excellent lean protein option.

xo-Jamie

Workout Alternatives for Sliders

Have you guys seen the paper plates on carpet video for working out?? Well we have all hard surfaced floors in the house so I needed something that would work on those. I was giving Sam a bath the other day when I noticed the padding from my swim suit on the floor that I had taken out. I thought, wow those would work as sliders because they are small and would glide nice. Then I saw a diaper and thought the same thing and voila, they worked like a charm!!!


xoxo

Battle Hymn of a Semi-Wannabe Tiger Mother

Lately, I have gotten into audio books. I have NEVER been a reader. I'll flip through a magazine, but I rarely grab a book. Books are one of the rare categories in my life that I don't care if I finish them or not. This includes food, movies, songs, and shows. Alex is the opposite; he has to finish everything. I don't understand it, but I do appreciate his drive for commitment with life.

The first audio book, that I picked up was "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" by Amy Chua. I will admit that I LOVED IT! It was a six hour audio book that took me less than a week to complete. I could not turn this off! It was amazing, and it taught me a lot about balancing the different stages of motherhood.

I don't want to say that I won't be a "helicopter mom". I really have no idea what type of mother I am yet. I do want to learn as much as possible, and I have started educating myself on how to push Nick to do his personal best. Did I cheer on Chua as she read through her book- oh ya, but I also reflected on how I can learn from her "mistakes".

After listening to the book, I contemplated my competitive positions for myself and Nicholas. Like most mothers, I want the ultimate best for Nick, and I will do anything to make sure he gets there. I want to spend every second with Nicholas as he grows and learns, while also preparing him to jump the nest when the time arrives.

One of the most important things I can do for Nick is make the "best" decisions for him. The nutrients that I provide for Nick are crucial for his life. I want his brain and body to be top notch, and Alex and I are responsible for getting him there.

I have a feeling that I may struggle with pushing Nicholas, as well as, myself. I don't want to break Nick down; I do want him to trust that I believe in him and know he is capable of amazing things. I am nervous and excited to see how I can get him there...time will tell.

It is also important to be an example for Nicholas. Nick already follows by Alex's and my examples. I have to pretend to eat certain foods, so Nick will be fooled to eat whatever I am offering him. Personally, I have made a huge effort to show Nick that I am willing to give 100%- cooking (food choices), cleaning, fitness, and in life in general. This has actually surprised me in regards to what I can do! I had no idea that I could some of the activities that I have done lately-- For example, I walked the entire zoo with Nick in the backpack. My goal was to walk half of the zoo with Nick on my back (around 30ish pounds-- Nick + backpack supplies = 25% my body weight!), but I got to the halfway mark and wanted to keep going! At over 3.5 miles, I felt accomplished and ready to take on more!

Anyway, has anyone else read/listened to this book?? What are your thoughts on "Tiger Moms"?

I tried Jenny McCartney's "Stirring the Pot" audio book- fail. Currently, I am reading Cameron Diaz's "The Body Book". I am hoping to learn more about my nutritional and physical choices. Happy reading and/or listening, fitness friends!

Jamie's Quick Abs

Quick Fast Blasting/Metabolism Boosting Tips &Tricks