Tag Archives: Lose Weight

5 Ways Moms Can Fit In A Workout

1. Workout before the kids wake up

As if we aren’t already sleep deprived! But believe me, setting up a new routine to get a workout done first thing in the morning will work wonders for the rest of your day. You will be knocking it out first thing in the morning, eliminating any further procrastination on getting ANY workout done at all.  Once you have your workout completed, you won’t have to worry about it for the rest of the day! Your will be charged with energy, pride and ready to conquer your day!

2. Workout at home!

Why waste time going to the gym? You know you don’t have time to get ready to go to the gym, drive to the gym, wait for others to get off the gym equipment, drive back home, etc.

I used to be a “gym rat” (a frequent gym go-er) and after entering motherhood there was no way that I could possibly fit that back into my lifestyle, especially while nursing. So I turned to workout DVDs. I never had much faith in workout DVDs before, so I went for something intense just to make sure I’m spending money on something that works (Insanity). Now, I’m convinced. Workout DVDs are lifesavers and are now my preferred method to working out (as a mom of 3 kids). Sure, it may not seem as motivating as going to the gym would be, but the key to this is to find a workout buddy, group or coach online that is familiar with the program that you are doing. Commit to reporting online or by text daily. Being able to talk to others that you can relate to or that have had success with the program can be really motivating. Even just looking at transformation photos and articles on a regular basis can help push you to keep going with your workouts.

Overall, utilizing workout DVDs can save you so much time and frustration. Once you find the opportunity to workout, perhaps during an unexpected nap time, just head straight to your TV and pop in a workout DVD. You don’t even have to bother getting on your workout clothes. WHO CARES! Workout in your pajamas, dress, underwear! You won’t be in public, so wear what you would normally wear around the house and sneak in a quick workout without the hassle of getting ready.

3. Let the kids join you

If the kids won’t let you have any “me-time”, let them join you! It can be a fun, learning experience for them. As a parent, you are setting a good example for them. They will be more likely to adopt a healthier lifestyle if they see that it is a part of your routine.

I know, you probably think this is a crazy suggestion. But I’ve done this with all 3 of my kids! They’ve all been distractions, cheerleaders, workout buddies and coaches.

As toddlers, they would usually climb on top of me, crawl through my legs, etc. Rather than classifying them as a distraction, I took it on as an added workout challenge for my benefit. So if they climbed on top of me, that was added weights/resistance. If they climbed through my legs or ran around me in circles, I just had to be more focused in my movements and modify the moves to the space they provided me. Sometimes my kids would serve water to me when they thought I needed it or high-five me when they knew I did a tough exercise. They would surprise me sometimes too by copying the workout moves and ask me if I think they were doing a good job.

When my kids were babies, they watched me in their bouncer, swing, carseat, walker, jumparoo and while they were drinking a bottle. If I had the music from my workout program playing loud, they would usually fall asleep right away. If they cried and giving them a bottle wouldn’t work, I would pick them up and workout with them in my arms (while modifying the moves, of course). The movements would sometimes make them fall asleep too and so I would eventually be able to continue the rest of my workout as normal afterwards. If not, oh well… I tried. That’s better than not trying at all 🙂  The first few times may be difficult, but after some time they will get used to the routine and know that everyone and everything is okay.

4.  Have a dance party!

Who doesn’t love a dance party!? Turn up the music and have some fun with the kids! Get creative. Do some silly moves. Pick them up and spin around. Do the hokey pokey. Jump around. Not only will you be sweating after a few minutes, but you’ll create an awesome bond, create happy moments they’ll remember and earn your “cool mom” points!

5. Set up a moms workout group

Many moms get together for playdates, so why not get together for workout dates? Pitch in for a neighborhood sitter to watch the kids while you all have a workout party at home! I’ve seen many moms workout to DVDs at home together. Either take turns bringing out those DVDs that are just collecting dust or try out the latest workouts that others seem to be talking about.

Spiced Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Save your waistline and skip the typical cranberry sauce recipes that are just loaded with sugar! Trust me, this spiced cranberry sauce recipe tastes so much better anyway!

Spiced Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Total Time: 30 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 20 min.
Preparation Difficulty: Medium
Yield: 16 servings, ¼ cup each

Ingredients:
½ cup fresh orange juice
½ cup 100% apple juice
1 tsp. finely chopped orange peel
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
¼ tsp. ground ginger
1 (12oz.) bag fresh cranberries, rinsed
1 cup chopped raw pecans
½ cup raisins
2/3 cup canned crushed pineapples, packed in juice
2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup

Preparation:
1. Bring orange juice, apple juice, orange peel, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to a boil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add cranberries. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, uncovered, for about 10 to 12 minutes.
3. Add pecans, raisins, and pineapple; cook for 2 minutes or until heated through.
4. Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup.
5. Cool before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 91
Carbohydrate: 12 g
Protein: 1 g
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 2 mg
Sugar: 8 g
Fiber: 2 g

P90X/P90X2 Portions (per serving)
½ fruit
1 condiment

Body Beast Portions (per serving)
1 fruit
1 fat

Congrats 5-Day Fire Starter Challengers!

Congratulations to the following November 11-15, 2013 participants of the 5-Day Fire Starter Challenge for sticking to the provided meal plan, staying accountable and for hanging in there for ALL 5 DAYS! I hope you all continue to adopt healthier eating habits beyond this challenge! Mama is proud of you all! 🙂

Araceli CovarrubiasAraceli Covarrubias - Fire Starter Challenge Graduate

Jasmin FlaminiaJasmin Flaminia  - Fire Starter Challenge Graduate

Katherine Torres-Hertz
Katherine Torres-Hertz  - Fire Starter Challenge Graduate

Nancy Gallegos
Nancy Gallegos  - Fire Starter Challenge Graduate

Sean Reed
Sean Reed - Fire Starter Challenge Graduate

Veronica Pulido
Veronica Pulido - Fire Starter Challenge Graduate

Pomegranate Salad with Walnuts & Cabbage

pomegranate-saladTotal Time: 35 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 20 min.
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. raw honey
1 dash sea salt
½ medium head cabbage, finely shredded (about 5 cups)
2 medium carrots, finely shredded
½ cup pomegranate seeds
¼ cup chopped raw walnuts
2 green onions, sliced thin
12 fresh cilantro sprigs, finely chopped

Preparation:
1. Combine oil, vinegar, honey, and salt in a small bowl; whisk to blend. Set aside.
2. Combine cabbage, carrots, pomegranate, walnuts, green onions, and cilantro in a large bowl; mix well.
3. Drizzle cabbage mixture with dressing; toss gently to blend.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 176
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 115 mg
Carbohydrate: 16 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 10 g
Protein: 3 g

Pumpkin Spiced Latte (PSL) – The Healthy Version

If you’re like me, the fall season means the return of the popular Starbucks Pumpkin Spice

Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte

Latte. Or if you’re a frequent Pumpkin Spice Latte drinker, then you probably refer to it as PSL. By far, I would say it is my favorite drink of all time from Starbucks and so the return of the PSL every fall has me suckered in. I used to stop in every day to treat myself to the irresistible drink, even though I knew it was just adding inches to my thighs, but now there’s no need to!

Pumpkins are definitely great for you and some of their health benefits include:

  • beta-carotene for eye health
  • 1 cup of canned pumpkin has 7g of fiber and 3g of protein
  • it’s packed with vitamins and provides over 50% of your daily dose of vitamin K

For the sake of your waist-line, your health and your sugar-levels, and to get a natural boost of energy, I highly recommend you indulge in this healthy version of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte. Your body will thank you everyday  and you won’t have to feel guilty any more!

Yield: serves 1
Prep time: 5 minutes

 Ingredients
  • 1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
  • 1/2 cup canned pure pumpkin (not pie filling)
  • 1 shot espresso
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • dash of cinnamon and nutmeg (or pumpkin pie spice)
  • 1 cup ice

Instructions

Blend all ingredients together in a blender and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Cal: 196
Fat: 4g
Carbs: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fiber: 8g
Sodium: 299mg

Weight Watchers Points+: 5

Insanity Workout Accountability with 54 Days Left Until Summer

Insanity Cardio Power & Resistance Workout Accountability It was a Saturday morning (yesterday) and I encountered a rare moment of “No Excuses”. As a mom of 3, this is very rare. Usually I have at least my 1 year old clinging on to me all day, the other two kids wanting me to read books or do some kind of craft and of course quality time with my husband too. Well, I realized I had this “No Excuses” moment after 30 minutes of my youngest sleeping, my husband glued to the Bulls game and my other two kids too busy playing to even realize I was in the room. Why did it take me so long to realize I had this perfect moment to fit in a workout? I could’ve been halfway through a workout if I had realized it the first minute. I guess I’m just used to putting it off for later in the evening or early in the morning to avoid any interruptions.

Now with 54 days left until summer, I’m on a mission. I want to lose a bit more weight and get toned up as I have always promised myself I would by summer of 2013. Last year I was still wearing a one piece and a tankini to the beach… but I seriously have this goal of getting into a one-piece this time. And it’s not like I’m trying to impress anyone, but it’s more about the satisfaction of actually meeting my goals and getting into the shape I promised myself to be in this summer. And you know what??? With 54 days left, it’s NOT too late 🙂 If I managed to workout with full commitment to the Insanity calendar and lose 6 dress sizes before one round was even completed before, then I have no excuses in terms of meeting my goals again this time. So there it is… I’ve just broadcasted my goal and I need you to help me stay accountable to that. 🙂

Anyway, back to my Insanity workout yesterday, it was absolutely a good burn! I haven’t done Insanity Cardio Power & Resistance in so long, I completely forgot how much sweat drips off of me when I do it… and even within just 10 minutes of doing the workout! And of course, with my other son still awake, he came in to the living room to keep me company. It’s a joy to have him around while working out because while I’m focused in the workout with a serious or struggling face, his presence makes me smile. And believe it or not, smiling while working out makes the exercise feel so much easier!

While Insanity is a tough workout, I wouldn’t say that was the most difficult part of getting it done at all. Yesterday, my hair piece was constantly falling off AND so were my yoga pants! With Insanity, there are a lot of jumps during the workout and trying to tie the top of my pants or fold them over just wasn’t working at all. BUT I wasn’t frustrated about that, it’s a good problem to have, right? I’ll welcome any sign of progress and just go shopping for a few new pants and shorts for working out.

Are you working out to Insanity too?? Let me know, I’d love to hear how it’s going for you!

Getting Fit Tip:
If you don’t have a workout scheduled into your day, utilize the first moment that you get to getting that workout done! But certainly, don’t go to bed until it’s done 🙂

If you don’t have the Insanity workout program yet, get it here: