Just to vent...

It took my husband and I 1 full year of trying before we were able to have a baby. I finally tried a low-dose fertility drug (Clomid) and luckily was able to get pregnant that first month.
This time around, after hearing from everyone that we wouldnt have any problems because its SO MUCH EASIER the second time and not to worry, I cant help but be upset that its not happening again.
Its frustrating and dissapointing when it seems like everyone around you is getting pregnant with no effort or on accident.
I actually found out last night about another close friend who is pregnant for the 2nd time. She told me she was afraid to tell me her great news because she didnt want to hurt my feelings.
And it did. Alot. And I was jealous. And upset (which of course I put on a brave, happy face with her and said congratulations but then as soon as I was alone I cried :(
When did I become that person?

I try to reason it away...It will happen when its supposed to...we're not even trying that hard...I must not be ready yet...I'm not sure whats happening with work/job/house/etc.
Its just so frustrating when your body isnt working right.
My last pregnancy took forever to concieve, and then I was sick for 22 weeks (throwing up almost every day) then, at 27 weeks I started with the pre-term labor, and was on medicine daily with sometimes twice-weekly visits to the hospital to stop labor.
I had a beautiful, healthy, amazing little boy (who finally had enough and decided to arrive 4 weeks early) and I am insanely grateful. All of the stress and worrying was totally worth it.

I just wish it didnt have to be so hard. Its heartbreaking when all the wishing and planning can't get you anywhere.

Breakfast Snacks?

Every weekday morning for breakfast I have the exact same thing. A pre-mixed protein shake. I am usually up between 6-7am and this holds me over through a morning workout until "real" breakfast at 9am or so.
My favorite is:

This one tastes the best- it also has 110 calories and 17 grams of protein! A great, filing combo and really is all I need to get through the first 2-3 hours of the morning and a great workout.
After the snack I have a "real" breakfast which varies, but if I know i have to run errands directly from the gym, or have a meeting etc, I pack either a mini, 100calorie Lara Bar or a piece of fruit.

Cheat Day

I usually plan cheat day in advance- Usually we have a night we are going out to dinner, or hanging out with friends. Since my "diet" (really just eating healthy) goes for 6 days a week, with occasional cheats like a drink or chips and salsa, I look forward to a full, non-guilt inducing, cheat day. I used to let drinking count as a cheat day but that really led to me feeling deprived during the week. After all, a beer is not a good substitute for a brownie :) I have to be good, and eat healthy and if a drink fits into my calorie/workout schedule that that is the only way I should have it (obviously, I don't always follow my own rules...)

This weekend though, my cheat day was unplanned- it happened a little more on accident and I have to say it was far less satisfying that way.

Breakfast was 2 pieces of bacon (free range-organic of course :) and French toast.
Lunch was Psgettis. Garlic bread and pasta with meat sauce and some iceberg salad. And since i was eating with my in-laws; a glass of wine :)
dinner was 2 pieces cheese pizza and dessert was birthday cake.
Snack later was homemade popcorn and another glass of red wine.

The day was not a good one at all- first of all, not a single fruit or veggie! (no, iceberg does not count) More importantly though, I don't think I even enjoyed the cheat day, which is worse then not having one at all!

Lunch was eaten with Collin - my 15 month old - on my lap.
For me this is the hardest situation to eat well in. I am distracted and it is nearly impossible for me to monitor what goes in, how full I am and to make good decisions while I am also feeding my son at the very same time. It makes it especially difficult when I didn't cook or know what really went into my meal.

This has lead to the decision that from now on, I will FORCE myself to pay attention to what I am doing at each meal. If I anticipate being too busy/distracted to do so, I will at the very least prepare. I will prepare by figuring out how hungry I really am, and if I know I will be distracted at the meal, I will have a healthy snack before I eat. Even just a big glass of water will help me slow down and really monitor what I am eating each meal. I will also only make cheat meals/days, ones that I can really enjoy. So no more eating while feeding my kid on my lap while sitting on white carpet. Because thats not fun for anyone :)

The whole idea of a cheat day is to REALLY enjoy it, because that is what helps motivate for the upcoming week. So, lesson learned. I havent decided if this week's cheat day will be on Tuesday or Saturday, but I will be sure to write about it!

Here's to having an amazing week!
Mimi

Craving Chocolate?

Some good, healthy choices for when your craving chocolate and nothing else will do!

One of my favorites is Peanut Butter and Co's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter.

I LOVE the Dark Chocolate Flavor! With 6 grams of Protien and 170 calories in a 2 tablespoon serving it hits the spot. Its best on fruit like bananas, strawberries or on apple slices or mixed into vanilla yogurt since its so filling that way. But, its also great to dip pretzels in or spread on graham crackers




I also love Fiber One Oats and Chocolate Bars. 140 calories and 2 grams protein




Vita Top Deep Chocolate Muffin Tops 100 calories and 3 grams protein





But these are my absolute favorite:


Cookie Dough Balance bars! I think they are too sweet for mornings, but they solve my craving for both cookies AND chocolate AND fill me up each and every time. 200 calories and 15 grams of protein. I absolutly LOVE them!!

Each of these snacks are portable and I actually keep both Balance Bars and Fiber One bars in my glove box just in case!

Home-made BBQ!

I love bbq, and I REALLY love bbq sauce. It makes any meal that much better, and home made is really the way to go. I've made some different variations and this is by far my favorite. Its easy, healthy and delicious! The recipe makes alot, but that's even better because you can store it in the refrigerator and use it on anything!

1 tbl butter
1.5 cup diced onion (more or less depending on how strong your onion is)
1 cup Apple Cider vinegar (any vinegar other then WHITE DISTILLED will work!)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cup ketchup
1 cup Maple Syrup
1/2 cup Crown Royal - which is what I have used each time I make the recipe, but I imagine that any bourbon or whiskey would work!
1 cup apple juice (or water if you dont have apple juice)
1 container baby prunes - gerber, etc. and yes, you read that right!
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

saute the onion in the butter until they are soft and slightly brown. add in the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. reduce the heat and simmer the mixture for about 30 minutes to an hour.
then- you blend it all! this gets out the chunks of onion and makes it thicker and smooth. if it becomes too thick, just add some water to get it to the consistiency you like
I use the Cuisinart Immersion Blender

I bought it from Costco for about $25. It has come in handy so often - making smoothies, baby food, soup, anything you need blended, and its SO easy to clean!

I like this particular sauce on pork (free range, organic of course ;) but it is also great on Chicken, beef and someone suggested grilled tofu!

enjoy!

Ok- I'll do it!

SO, after an amazing fun weekend, a few friends talked me into really having a blog. I've always wanted to, but not been completly sure of what to include. I mean, what do I do that is interesting enough to share?

They suggested an easy, healthy eating blog. (and some things that are maybe not so healthy, but are a good way to cut calories to make a dish or drink better for you)

This is something that I am totally into. I love to cook. I love to eat. I love to work out (weird, I know) but I really, really love to feel good.

As a working mother, I understand the priority for making all of the above passions fit into my life. I have found short cuts, making a healthy lifestyle sustainable and have created delicious healthy recipes and tips- I'd love to share!

YUM!

Great deal on Vitatops! Just until midnight tonight, you buy 12 and get 12 muffins for free. I love the chocolate flavor and the Cranberry as well. its a great on the go breakfast, and since they're sweet its a treat when I Get to eat them!

100 calories, tons of fiber and good for you!