Pregnancy

I've read so many mommy blogs, advice blogs, pregnancy blogs, what-your-baby-looks-like blogs. I've read "what to expect" and "symtoms" that you "may or may not" have. I've read this that and the other thing. But when it comes right down to it, pregnancy number one is full of surprises. There's nothing particularly "normal" feeling about it. Your body changes in ways you'd rather it didn't, your moods may or may not be affected (although mine have been DRAMATICALLY affected...just ask my husband), and then there's food. My mom used to say "kids! You can't live with 'em and you can't live without 'em!" in a joking way. I would say (in all seriousness, no joke intended) that exact same thing about food right now. One minute, all I want is protein. So I plan it for dinner because heaven forbid I cook TWICE in one day! (Cooking is NOT my thing right now. Something about the smell and the look of food being cooked just makes me want to...well...not eat it anyway) By the time my husband comes home, the food is on the stove, things are ready to go, and then...I tell my husband "you know, I don't think I can eat that. I'm just going to have a peanut butter sandwhich." So, I carefully get my sandwhich ready and he mercifully serves himself food. I read about food aversions on the internet and start crying because I'm so TIRED of them. Husband gives me a loving, gentle hug, wipes away the tears, we turn on Masterchef and eat our respective dinners. THEN! wouldn't you know, I look and the food and think to myself, you know, maybe that wouldn't be so bad! So I try a bite and love it and eat two pieces of chicken.

Grrrrrrr...welcome to the health and life of a pregnant woman. I know there are an abundance of articles on this topic, but since everyone's experiences are a little different and I'm always looking for the one that has a story like mine, I thought it might be useful to document my pregnancy. Oh, and did I mention? They say that food aversions and cravings are normal in the 1st trimester. That was true for me. Then at about 12 weeks, they eased off. And at 14 weeks (beginning of 2nd trimester) they came back in full force. Now, at 15 weeks and counting, I'm HOPING things take a turn for the better soon!

Blessings to all you moms! I had NO idea you went through all this just to have a kid. And lest I leave the guys out, WAY TO GO for those of you who patiently love and serve your wives even when their acting crazy because they're pregnant! And a HUGE shout out to my own hubby who has looked out for me better than I could have ever imagined during this time.

More to come...

How Much is Too Much?

As this has come up recently in my life, I wanted to discuss a topic that is rarely discussed regarding health and exercise...how much is too much? It's a good thing to want to stay in shape. It's a good thing to want to eat healthy. It's a good thing to want to keep a healthy schedule and life-style. But how much is too much? Or is there such a thing? In the US, there is a concept that ''if some is good, more is better.'' But is that always true? When I was in high school I bought 4 king sized Butterfingers candy bars...and I ate 3 in a sitting. That was a bit much. Not only does it sound like too much hearing it...I KNOW it was too much because I felt sick afterwards and, furthermore, have never liked Butterfingers since. We hear of those who are always at the gym or who won't even come close to eating certain foods for the sole reason that they have decided it will keep them skinny not to eat it. To be honest with you, I've been that person...and still am at times. I've been the guest who refuses what is offered in someones home because I am THAT set on having a good figure. Or I've been the one pushing myself to workout even when it's hurting my body...because I'm THAT set on being skinny. OK, so it's good to be healthy. Let me be the first to say it's admirable to have standards. Maybe, for example, you decide not to keep soda in the house except on special occasions. Or you decide to exercise 5 times per week for 1/2 hour. Good...that's all very good. But how much is too much?

For everyone, too much or too little might be a bit different. However here are a few guidelines that I've found helpful in figuring it out for myself.

1) Priorities...yup, make a list. Staying healthy is a good thing. But if it jumps above relationships, above caring for others, above every other thing in your life, maybe it's off balance. Exercise is good...but if it is higher on the priority list than, for example, letting an injury heal, maybe it's gotten out of control.

2) Is my ''healthy'' lifestyle my way of controlling my life? If so, why? If so, how can I get things back into balance so I can live my life, not as a control addict, but as a health conscious person who has their priorities straight and doesn't make health a god?

3) Is my healthy lifestyle being used as a way to love others, or as a hindrance from loving them? If my friend makes brownies just for me on my birthday and she offers me a piece, what is the most loving thing to do? Do I need to eat the whole pan? No. But, usually, it shows her far more love if I eat a (properly portioned) piece, than to turn it back into her face and say I don't eat that sort of thing (Please note, this is NOT a discussion about allergies, but preferences. If it's a true allergy, rejecting the food graciously may be the best decision).

Hope that's helpful. Until next time...

A bit on Exercise

Yup, I love to exercise. Why? It releases endorphins which support my mood, it keeps me active and ready to do what needs done, it keeps everything in balance, between what I eat and everything else, and it gives me some sort of a schedule. As a side note, please be aware that anything can be over done or under done. In the case of exercise, we normally hear about the under done cases...those who never get off their couch or who would never be caught dead walking anywhere. But let's not forget, it's possible to over-due it, a fact which I'm constantly reminded of...today in particular. Sometimes you need to take a rest day. If, during your exercise, or just throughout life, you get hurt, you've got to rest. If you don't, the chances of you getting MORE hurt increases. That being said, please take a look at the following resources for staying in shape. I personally like to run every now and again. But currently that is not a safe option to do by myself due to my physical location. So there are other options as well.

Yup, I often do workout videos...some of my favorite are through Jillian Michaels, Biggest Loser, and FitnessBlender. Some workouts can be found free online. I would encourage you to utilize these, as long as they are legal copies. Here is a short list. As a side note, please be aware that, while I love the workouts presented, I am not endorsing any of the trainers' personal lives or anything like that. We're talking about exercise, and these are people who are good at what they do in that area, for which I respect their work. As another side note, if it's online and it's legal, use it. But if it's not a legal copy, it's worth spending the extra money to buy the product so that everyone gets paid correctly. If you're paycheck was low because someone was stealing your work, you'd get mad, too, so give them a fair shake even though it's not the easiest option all the time.

The list:
BeFIT channel on Youtube (they have several Jillian Michaels workouts which can be found if you sort videos by most popular).
ReFitRev channel on Youtube (These are short videos, but strung together they can make a good, fun workout).
FitnessBlender website.

I'm sure there are more good, legal places to find high quality workouts, but there is a start.

If you need weights but don't have money to buy them (yes, they're expensive), consider using heavy books, plastic water bottles filled with sand/rice/beans, or rocks. You may be able to find weights at your local thrift store as well.

Enjoy!

A Welcome Note

''Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls,'' welcome to a new blog, and an attempt at sharing some of the things I value. Things that help you stay as healthy as possible for the time we're here. I hope you've enjoyed my other blog, Hope Through the Rain, but I also hope that you enjoy this change of pase as well. Here we will still be dealing with ''issues,'' but they will not be quite so heavy reading. Hopefully you will find them just as helpful, however.