Post #3 Baby Update

Here I am with just over three weeks left!  I have been doing well, although starting to feel the effects of the pregnancy.  This past week, I had a few rough days with very little energy and breath left.  It is amazing how much a baby can suck out of you.  I am usually full of energy and have found myself just needing to sit down.  I definitely am struggling with what I would like to get done and with what I can actually get done.

37.5 weeks

I am just waiting on some blood work to see my iron levels.  If they are too low we will not be given the option of a home birth which will be disappointing.  Our two girls were hospital births with the midwives but we were hoping to try to stay home this time.  I guess we leave it on God's hands and pray only for a safe delivery.  Thankfully our baby is doing well.  He continually reminds me of his presence and I am anxious to meet him.  He is measuring on track and giving me lots of Braxton Hicks ;)

So what is left to be done around here,...well a nursery for one!  Here it is right now!

Yup it is still Dan's office.  Although here is Dan busy working on his new office in the basement.

What a handsome man!

He assures me that we can set up the nursery next week even if he has to temporarily use the spare room for work.  I really can't complain, he works hard and well a baby doesn't really use a nursery for awhile.  I just need to remind my nesting/organized self to just relax a little.    

In the meantime I have created some diaper cream, sewed a wet diaper bag and organized some clothes.  I am enjoying the change from all the pink and welcoming these blues, reds, greys and browns.

In the meantime, here is our current "baby" who doesn't look much like a puppy anymore but definitely still acts as one.  We read the Bible story the other day of Samson and laughed as it stated, "his wisdom did not match his muscle."  Well that pretty much sums up our dog.  He is mighty and stupid but I love him!  

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Breakfast Cookies (Dairy, Egg, Gluten, Grain and Refined Sugar Free)

I love protein for breakfast and sometimes actually get tired of drinking a protein shake.  These cookies are a great alternative.  They are hearty and give you lots of energy for the day.  Filled with protein, iron, fibre and omegas they will give you the boost you need to get going.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons ground flax 
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 ripe banana
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup if vegan
• 1 teaspoon gluten free vanilla
• 3/4 cup pumpkin seeds ground up
• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 1 1/2 tablespoon psyllium husk
• 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 2 tablespoons coconut flour
• 1/3 cup hemp hearts
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F and prepare cookie sheet.
2. In a small dish combine flax and water.  Set aside.
3. In a large bowl combine all ingredients then add the flax/water.
4. Stir until fully combined.
5. Scoop onto baking sheet.
6. Bake 20-25 minutes until cookies appear set.
7. Let cookies rest on the cookie set for 2 minutes then transfer onto a wire rack.
8. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

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Fitness Takes Discipline

Discipline can feel like a negative word. Remember when we were disciplined as kids? It felt horrible at the time. However, if done out of love, discipline can provide structure and a healthy lifestyle. In fact, I would say I live a pretty disciplined life when it comes to health and fitness. Discipline has helped mold me into the woman I am today.

Discipline has made the ranks of being a positive part of fitness success. It provides the drive to pursue my goals even on days where I don't feel like it. Without discipline, I think my life would be completely different. Without this structure, I wouldn't have the discipline to work out, eat the way I do, or take care of myself overall. 

Discipline includes keeping workout appointments with myself without excuses. Preparing meals ahead of time to stay accountable to eating right also takes discipline. Remaining true to fitness philosophies also takes a disciplined attitude. It could be easy to get off track, but a disciplined mind provides the strength to stay the course. 

Discipline takes on a whole new wow factor of this is a good thing for me. Maintaining fitness is our individual responsibility and the choices we make each day determine how that turns out for us. This is all about the discipline to do it and making fit happen. 

Sometimes there are bumps in the road, but it shouldn't sabotage our goals. It takes discipline to shake it off and get back to fitness business. If you happened to skip your morning workout, just push it to the afternoon or evening for example. Never throw in the towel and forget it. Being disciplined will help you find a way to be successful.  

Enjoy a sample workout video!

Sample workout program


Set 1 – demo on video
Negative pull-ups 5 reps x 4 sets
Jump rope interval: 100 reps
Set 2
Low rows 45lbs @ 25 reps
Modified burpees @ 30 reps
Set 3
Leg extensions 35lbs @ 25 reps
Hamstring curls 25lbs @ 25 reps
Lung back kick fronts @ 25 reps
Set 4
Modified french press 10lbs on bar @ 25 reps
Triceps push downs – 20lbs on cable @ 20 reps
Jump rope interval – 50 reps

Sample Meal Plan
Coffee (one cup with vanilla creamer)

Meal 1- Powered up steel cut oats   
Meal 2 – Post workout shake
Meal 3 – Leftover spaghetti squash with lean turkey pasta sauce
Meal 4 – Sweet potato with 2 energy bites
Meal 5 – Grilled shrimp/chicken with steamed green beans/broccoli
Meal 6 –Protein pudding

grilled shrimp

spaghetti squash

pasta sauce

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Be well and Stay Healthy!

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Decadent Chocolate Cake (Dairy, Gluten and Grain Free)

I will definitely not claim that this cake is healthy.  It is a treat, but is one I often make to take somewhere.  It is simple and very rich in flavour.  It will satisfy any chocolate craving.
Merry Christmas!

Ingredients (makes 8 inch cake)

• 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate or 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 3/4 cup palm sugar
• 1/3 cup dark cocoa powder plus some for dusting
• 3 whisked eggs
• 1 teaspoon gluten free vanilla
• icing sugar for dusting (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch round baking pan then dust with cocoa powder. Line bottom with a round of wax paper and butter paper. 
2. In a double boiler melt chocolate with coconut oil stirring, until smooth. 
3. Add sugar and cocoa, stir until blended.
4. Remove top of double boiler from heat and whisk in the eggs until well blended. 
5. Pour batter into pan and bake in middle of oven 30-40 minutes, or until top has formed a thin crust. 
6. Cool cake in pan on a wire rack.
7. Dust with sifted icing sugar if desired.
8. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

2. 1. 
      

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Hemp Heart Energy Cookies (Egg, Dairy, Gluten/Grain Free with Refined Sugar Free Option)

I have two more months to go in this pregnancy and I am starting to feel tired and more hungry.  I am getting a little low in my iron which is not helping.  I have been eating more hemp hearts as they are an excellent source of iron as well as protein, omega fatty acids and fiber.  I have been adding them to my smoothies, cereal and salads as well.  I love these cookies as they give me the energy and nutrients I need for a snack or even breakfast.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon ground chia or ground flax seeds 
• 1/4 cup water
• 3/4 cup nut butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds ground to a powder
• 1/3 cup hemp hearts
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional -omit for refined sugar free option)
• pinch sea salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 
2. Add ground chia/flax seeds to water and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl combine nut butter, honey, coconut, ground pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts, sunflower seeds, chocolate chips, and sea salt.
4. Add flax seeds and water to bowl.
5. Stir to fully combine.
6. Roll dough into 1 inch balls.44
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned on top.
8. Cool on a wire rack.
9. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

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Post #2 -Baby Update

It has been a long time since I have written and especially about the baby.  Life has been busy with homeschool, family, church and just life.

7 months

Our baby seems to be doing very well.  We have given him the nickname of "Walter."  My father in law had a terrible feeling that we were going to name him Howard, after our dog who recently passed.  My husband told him not to worry that the baby's name was Walter and since that time, that is what we have been calling him.  I am a little worried that my second child will be calling him Walter even after birth.

The girls are getting very excited as they see new clothes, furniture and baby paraphernalia come into the home.  Next week begins the process of building my husband's office downstairs so we can create a nursery.  I am starting to get into the nesting phase and my organized personality is beginning to get the better of me.  For the rest, I have been feeling very good.  The only struggle for me is painful hips when sleeping. It is getting harder and harder to get comfortable in bed but this too will pass.

Among the regular chiropractor appointments, I am also seeing my naturopath to get prepared for the birth and the GBS test.  Among the regular list I posted here I have now added or increased:

• 1-2 garlic capsules a day
• Fish Oil 2000mg/day
• Vitamin D 3000 IU/day
• Vitamin C- 1800-2000mg a day

In a few weeks I will be starting a liquid tincture of Cimicifuga and Caulophyllum/Blue Cohosh to help prepare my uterus and pelvic tissue.  

30 weeks

In the meantime, we have added another member  to our family  Samson joined us over a month ago. It was a surprise for me from my husband and yes I did want another dog.  I knew Dan wasn't ready yet after our other boxer had passed so I had kind of dropped the subject.  To my surprise he decided he was ready and found our Samson.  

Life with a puppy is busy!.  A few weeks ago he was driving me crazy.  He was chewing furniture, plants, dirt, the kids feet, not listening, having accidents etc.  Last week however, he definitely showed signs of learning.  He hasn't had an accident in about 5 days, he usually stays out of the bedrooms, and isn't biting at the kids as much.  He usually comes when called, can sit and shake a paw and is chewing on less things.  Although, as I type he is licking pants...we still have a lot to learn.  

Samson our Boxer Puppy

Isn't he cute in a goofy, kind of way?

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Cabbage Soup (Gluten and MSG Free)

Cabbage soup has become one of my favourites.  It can be such a heart soup with lots of flavour.  We just finished getting out the last of the cabbages and carrots from the garden so this has been a great way to enjoy them.


Ingredients

• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 diced onion
• 3 minced garlic
• 1 pound grass fed ground beef
• 4 cups vegetable, beef or even chicken broth*
• 2-3 cups peeled and diced tomatoes
• 4-5 cups diced cabbage
• 2-3 cups diced carrots
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup brussel sprouts (optional)
• cayenne pepper to taste
• ground pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot heat oil.  Fry onion for 5 minutes until soft.  Add garlic and beef.  
2. Cook beef until browned on the outside.
3. Add all remaining ingredients.
4. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
5. Serve.

*check broth ingredients, most store bought broths have MSG hidden in their ingredients

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Coconut Rough (Dairy, Gluten, Grain and Refined Sugar Free)

Yeah a simple chocolate treat!  I love making this recipe.  It takes such little time and can be easily adapted to include other nuts, seeds and flavours.  These are full of good fats which will help your digestion, energy, skin, thyroid, hormones, metabolism, immune system and brain.  Go ahead, enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/3 cup raw cocao or cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 2-3 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (amount depending on desired sweetness)

Directions

1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small pot, on very low heat, melt coconut oil until a liquid.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Add all remaining ingredients and stir until well blended.
5. Pour batter onto prepared cookie sheet.
6. Place in freezer to harden for 45-60 minutes.
7. Remove and break or cut into desired pieces.
8. Store in freezer or fridge to keep pieces hard.

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Banana Nut Granola (Refined Sugar Free)

The girls do love cereal for breakfast.  As much as I like to rotate what we have for breakfast, there are definitely times where cereal can be easy and quick.  Unfortunately, many store bought cereals contain way too much sugar.  So, I have been making some granola at home.  It is not only easy but also a great way to add in your own protein, sweetener, fibre etc.  This is one is definitely a favourite of mine it works great with milk or yogurt.  

 Ingredients

• 3 cups gluten free rolled oats 
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp flaxseed
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, agave or honey
• 1 tablespoon palm or coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 medium ripe banana, mashed 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In a large bowl combine the oats, nuts, cinnamon and flaxseed together.
3. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Add the banana and puree until smooth.
4. Pour over the dry ingredients and mix well.
5. Spread the mixture evenly onto a cookie sheet or 9 x 13 pans.  
6. Bake 25-30 minutes stirring once or twice in between.  If you want a chunkier granola don't over-mix and leave some larger pieces.
7. Once the granola is golden brown, remove from the oven.
8. Once cooled, store in an airtight container.  

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Update: Homeschool, Baby and Travel

It has been a long time since I wrote.  I have wanted to be on here a little more but alas, the start of homeschooling, baby and travel have taken up some time.

We have been homeschooling officially for just over a month.  I thought I would write out the things I love and the challenges.  I know there are many of you who are contemplating homeschooling and want to hear about our experiences...so here it goes.

I love:

• spending so much more time with my children
• knowing what they are learning
• picking what resources I think are best for their learning abilities
• teaching what they are interested in learning
• have most afternoons free
• going on field trips
• getting together with like minded families
• volunteering together as a family
• having weekly lessons with other families
• home school group with friends
• flexibility
• weekly presentations to friends
• during the day gymnastics/extra curricular
• not driving to and from school
• not paying tuition
• I get to learn as well

Challenges:

• spending a bit of time most evenings planning the next day
• teaching French (although it is coming back to me)
• making sure my eager kinder-gardener is playing more than doing table work

First official day of school

A typical day

Learning about the Compass Rose

Bible craft

Joseph's coat

French class with friends

Fall Poetry by my 5 year old

Baby

A third pregnancy is definitely different.  I am not always sure how many weeks I actually am and I have to remind myself to slow down and take a break.  I am however feeling great and am thankful for this healthy little honey.

Stripes make you look bigger right?

22 weeks- I had to take the time to figure that out ;)

We were able to find out as a family about a month ago that we are going to be blessed with a little boy.  We are all excited about this little man and has been fun starting to plan for him already. Yesterday I gifted an awesome start to cloth diapering.  The girls and I were practicing today.  My oldest is now well rehearsed in pre-folds, all in ones, liners and covers :)

Travel

This month, Dan and I were able to take a trip together.  My husband does a fair amount of travel for his work.  On average, he is gone twice month for a few days.   I can't complain for when he is not travelling, he works down the hall ;)  The other bonus I suppose of his travel is that he collects a lot of points which we get to redeem.

Thanks to both of our parents, we were able to use these points and take a trip to Texas.  San Antonio was our home for three days.  We were able to bike the Mission trail, tour some missions, learn about the Alamo, shop and enjoy the River Walk.  

It was so nice to be in the hot weather and to be tourists together.  I love the time to just be together without the outside distractions.  I really felt like my brain was able to take a break and just focus on us, the sites and people around.  It was a blessing.

 Rented bikes for two days

Mission Concepcion  est.1716

 Love this man!

 The Alamo-important part of Texan History

Alamo Gardens-so peaceful

The River Walk

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Canned Salsa (Refined Sugar Free)

It has been a great tomato growing year.  One of the ways we have been preserving this delicious fruit is by canning them into salsa.  This is my go to recipe for regular salsa.  I make it just a mild heat for the girls but you can increase the heat with more hot peppers.

 Ingredients

• 8 cups chopped, peeled tomatoes*
• 2 large minced onions
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 lime juiced
• 1 lemon juiced
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 minced hot peppers (increase for more heat)
• 2  finely chopped green peppers
• 10 drops stevia

Directions

1. In a large stainless steel stockpot, combine all the ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
2. Reduce heat and boil gently until thickened, about 30 minutes. Stir often to prevent burning.
3. Prepare pot for canning, jars, and lids.
4. Ladle hot salsa into hot jars, leaving  1/2-1 inch of space at the top. Wipe rim and attach lids.
5. Place jars in canning pot, covering by at least 1-inch and bring to a boil. Process for 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
6. Remove jars to cool before storing.

*How to Peel Tomatoes

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
• Wash tomatoes
• Make a small x pattern on the bottom of the tomato to help with the peeling.  (Don't cut into the tomato too deep.)
• Place tomatoes in the boiling water for 1 minute.  
• Take tomatoes out, cool or rinse with cold water.
• Peel.

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Tomato, Chickpea, Cucumber, Avocado and Feta Salad with Basil Dressing

It has been a crazy hot labour day weekend here in Kingston.  It is definitely a salad kind of day. With all the tomatoes we have growing in the garden this recipe is a perfect way of enjoying these beautiful fruits.  The protein from the chickpeas and feta make this salad a main dish for dinner, lunch or well even breakfast if you prefer ;)

 Ingredients for Salad (serves 4-6)

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas (see below for soaking and cooking beans/legumes)
• 1 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 2 diced avocados
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh minced parsley

Salad Dressing

• 2 juiced limes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh basil
• 1 clove garlic
• sea salt to taste

Directions

1. Combine all salad ingredients into a bowl.
2. Blend all salad dressing ingredients together with a blender.
3. Pour salad dressing over salad ingredients.  
4. Let sit for about 15-30 minutes.
5. Serve!

Soaking and Cooking Beans 

Option 1-Pre-soak with Boiling

1. In a large pot add dry beans, rinse with water and remove any poor looking beans.  Add enough water to full over the beans plus another 1-2 inches.
2. Let soak for 6-8 hours on counter.
3. Rinse beans and place in a large pot.  Add enough fresh water to cover the beans and simmer them for 30 minutes and then check to see if they are tender but still firm. If cooking kidney beans to let them boil for 10 minutes and then simmer (to reduce the Phytohaemagglutini) 
4. Once cooked either use right away or rinse with cold water and place in freezer safe containers.

Option 2-Quicker-Doubled Boiled 

1. In a large pot dry beans, rinse with water and remove any poor looking beans. 
2. Add enough fresh water to completely cover the beans plus another 1-2 inches.  Bring pot to a boil and turn off and let sit for 1 hour. If cooking kidney beans to let them boil for 10 minutes and then simmer (to reduce the Phytohaemagglutini) 
3. Rinse beans again and add enough fresh water to completely cover the beans plus another 1-2 inches to the pot and bring to a boil.  Tilting the lid a little let the beans simmer for 1 -2 hours depending on the bean.  Check frequently to ensure they are tender but still firm.  You don't want to over cook your beans.
4. Once cooked either use right away or rinse with cold water and place in freezer safe containers.

_______________________________________________________________________________

*Beans that don't require soaking, just cook for approximately 30 minutes

• Black beans
• Black-Eyed Peas
• Lentils

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Stress Can Be a Fitness Killer

I am not a fan of stress and how it can make me feel.  Unfortunately, stress is part of the life package deal with no opting out button.  Stress can become a chronic ugly thing with negative physical and emotional side effects.  Studies are also linking stress to hypertension, heart disease, and weight gain.  Who the heck wants a whole bunch of extra fat with the heart attack waiting to happen sign sitting on our stressed out shoulders?

So many of us are living in a constant state of stress whether from family problems, illness, financial strain, or unhappy marriages and are accepting it as our normal way of life.  Stress places wear and tear on our body as cortisol is leaking out of the adrenal glands in abundance and causing increased blood pressure and waistlines. Stress, straight up is a fitness killer.  I for one refuse to live in a constant state of stress and do implement healthy strategies to eliminate it from my life.

The way stress is handled is the answer to maintaining our health and fitness.  Some use stressful situations to make excuses to eat crappy, give up on themselves, and have a bitter resentful attitude about life.  This of course leads to all that "comfort food" over-eating, no exercise, and blaming everyone for self-induced problems.  Chronic stress behaviors like this lead to the ultimate fitness killer and eventual body riddled with illness and unhappiness. Stress can be either out of our control which we need to learn to let go, or fixable.

"Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we respond to it." I love this true statement and live this philosophy to reduce stress and maintain my fit and healthy life.  Learning to let go and remove stresses not within our control is important to healthy boundaries and improving the quality of our life.  Also, reviewing our priorities and eliminating things creating a "too busy" life will make for a happier, healthier you. Focusing on how to become a better you is the only thing that falls under the "fixable stress" category.  We tend to put undue stress on ourselves and from un-meaningful things in life.  Who cares what others are thinking, saying or even doing that may be about you?   Learning to let go, walk away from unimportant things, and picking up positive growth from the stresses in life will create a stronger, healthier person.

I enjoy a great workout when I feel stressed or anxious and use it as "cheap man's" therapy for self improvement.  God and I have pretty good talks during that time as well and usually within that sweaty hour, I have put the stress behind me and ready to move on with a positive day.  I also do not reach for  "junk" food to comfort me or fill some sort of empty void during times of stress.  I am a mindful eater and think before throwing just anything in my face.  My body, mind, and spirit are worthy of more than trash in the form of food or a bitter attitude.  I also like to deep breathe during my stretch time and contemplate everything about life.  I choose to be happy and healthy and that calls for action and choices to respond to stress in a healthy way.

Read my recent article "Is Stress and Cortisol Making You Fat"  on the about.com network for great information on how stress contributes to increased fat.

IS STRESS MAKING ME FAT?

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Stay Healthy!

Darla

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