Category Archives: Moms

Workout clothes

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Isn’t it crazy how new workout clothes make you feel like you get a better workout? I swear if I could get a new outfit every day I’d have the best workouts! Ok maybe not literally but I’d feel great about how I looked. Positivity in yourself definitely benefits you in so many ways. I used laugh (internally) at people who bought cute or matchy little outfits for the gym. I thought it was so ridiculous to spend a lot of money on something that’s just going to get sweaty and gross. But I understand it now. Those outfits made them feel good about themselves which in turn made them feel like they could do a better workout! Did the outfit change their workout? Maybe a little. They might have been more comfortable and able to move better. But it didn’t help them lift heavier weights or do more reps. It’s all about the mental game. When you feel good about yourself and what you’re wearing, that positivity boosts your mood. A positive mood can give you more energy therefore fueling your workout!

If you’re someone who feels better about themselves when they get a new workout outfit, then treat yourself every so often and get a new one! Make it a reward when you hit certain milestones! It might actually make you work harder and push towards that goal!

Treat yourself

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I always tell people, never go to the grocery store hungry. Guess what I did yesterday………I went to the grocery store hungry. 🤦🏼‍♀️ I got everything on my list plus two little treats. I’m sure some people are looking at these and saying “but they’re organic” or “it’s better than candy.” Not always! They are still high in sugar and fat! In moderation things like this can be a little better than eating a bag of candy. Fruit sugars are definitely better than refined sugars. However both are processed in the body the same.

Always watch your portion sizes. I make sure to portion things like this out into sandwich baggies when I get home. When I want a “treat” I grab a perfectly portioned baggie! This is to assure I don’t over eat. Because honestly if you leave the bag in front of me I’ll eat the whole thing! 😂 Treat yourself and don’t feel guilty about it. But do it in moderation! And don’t go to the grocery store hungry!!

Leg day exercises

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Yesterday was leg day. My favorite day! When I tell people that most of them look at me like I’m crazy. 😂 I don’t know why but I’ve always loved leg day.

I typically change up my workout routine every 6 weeks. If I was able to get to the gym more I would probably change it up every 4 weeks. But 6 is good for someone like me who can only get there a couple times a week. When I change my routine, I rotate in and out different exercises and change the sets of weights I do with them. You never want to do the same workout for too long because your body adjusts and gets used to it. When your body adapts to an exercise it will burn fewer calories because it’s not working as hard. Changing up your workout routine “shocks” your body. It has to work harder therefore you will burn more calories and avoid a fitness rut.

These are 3 of my favorite leg day exercises that I have in my leg day workout routine for the next 6 weeks. None of them is to difficult but they will definitely get your butt and thighs burning!

Collagen peptides

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Recently I’ve seen people get into this collagen peptide phase. I took collagen for years but stopped for a bit and now I’m back on it. To be honest I think I got lazy and just didn’t reorder it and then ended up forgetting about it.

Lately my hips have been aching (thank you child birth) and my knees hurt in the evening (thank you cheerleading). I started taking collagen to help lessen the night pain by reducing inflammation. If you’re unfamiliar with collagen peptides here’s a short explanation:

Collagen peptides supply amino acids to the body which help it build new collagen. They are high in an amino acid called Glycine which is needed to build new collagen. Consuming collagen peptides helps your body to stimulate certain cells to produce new collagen. Collagen is the main structural protein found in the skin and other connective tissues. One of the major components of cartilage is collagen! Cartilage covers the ends of “connecting” bones to keep them from rubbing together.

Benefits of collagen peptides:

1. Collagen can help improve digestion by protecting the mucosal lining of the stomach.

2. Collagen strengthens the hair skin and nails. A lot of people think their hair will automatically look healthier. This is incorrect. Your hair will begin to grow healthier from the root. What has already grown (that’s visible) is dead.

3. Collagen is rich in amino acids which helps the liver against damage.

4. Collagen can reduce aches and pains by reducing inflammation and addressing hormone imbalances.

5. It’s claimed collagen can help build muscle and aids in the conversion of essential nutrients.

Collagen in your body naturally decreases with age. A few ways to slow down its breakdown is to:

1. Avoid sugars

2. Be mindful of the sun

3. Avoid smoke or places where people smoke

4. Keep a strong immune system

There’s a ton of different collagen peptide options out there. I get mine from the Vitamin Shoppe because they have a decent rewards program. But I know you can get them at any Whole Foods or nutrition store!

Summer salads

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I’m not a huge fan of vegetables. I’d rather have a burger. But let’s be honest, my health would suffer quite a bit if I ate a burger every day instead of vegetables.

During the summer when it’s really hot here in Texas I crave salads. I don’t like that heavy full feeling when it’s hot out. I love topping salads with grilled shrimp because it’s protein rich and high in water content. Not to mention they are quick and easy to cook!

This salad is a spring mix with strawberries, mango and pineapple topped with grilled shrimp. Sometimes I’ll add a little slivered almonds to my salads as well for a little more texture. One is my favorite salads is a chicken salad with hard boiled egg white, dried cranberries and slivered almonds (homemade of course). 😍

I’ve seen a few premade salads at Sprouts recently that are high in protein, low in calorie and low in fat. They actually look pretty good. If you’re someone who doesn’t like to make your own salads, these might be a good option for you! I know other grocery stores like Tom Thumb and Trader Joe’s carry them too!

Natural detox

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Did you know you can detox your body without buying expensive teas, pills, powders, etc? Don’t believe those ads that tell you you HAVE to use their product in order to properly detox. That’s a lie. You use the food you eat! Or aren’t eating in some people’s cases! 😂 Adding certain foods to your diet and eliminating others can help your body ramp itself up and get your organs naturally detoxing itself. Here are a few foods to help naturally detox:

1. Leafy greens like kale, spinach, wheatgrass, etc: these greens give your digestive tract a detoxifying boost of chlorophyll

2. Lemons: lemon juice supports the liver and kidneys

3. Garlic: helps filter toxins from your digestive system

4. Green tea: increases liver function

5. Omega 3 oils: absorbs toxins and eliminates them from the body

6. Turmeric: helps to detoxify the liver

7. Nuts and seeds (not including peanuts): high in omega 3 which promotes liver function. Also contains vitamin E which protects the body against oxidative stress.

8. Ginger: helps with liver function and boost your immune system

9. Grapefruit: packed with antioxidants and fiber

10. Artichokes: increase bile in the liver. Bile is responsible for the breakdown of foods, helping the body process nutrients efficiently.

11. Beets: these are an anti inflammatory. They also help your body to digest better neutralizing toxins forcing them to exit through urination

12. Watercress: helps your body release enzymes to clean it out and rid it of toxic buildup

13. Herbs: Dandelion root, burdock root and cardamom. These herbs support the liver and aid in kidney function. I found a “detox” tea that’s cheap and has all 3!

Things to avoid while naturally detoxing:

1. sugar

2. Alcohol

3. Processed foods

4. High fat foods

5. Fried foods

6. Starchy white foods

7. Soda and juices

Skip the expensive teas, pills, etc that claim a quick fix. Go with a more natural, less expensive route that will actually fuel your body in the process! Happy detoxing!

Progress

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I’ve pushed hard at workouts these last few weeks and I’m finally feeling like myself again! My muscles are rebuilding, I feel stronger and I’m more energetic. I’ve been detoxing and clean eating this week so that’s definitely made a big difference! I swear my body is just all around happier!

Looking back at pictures of myself over the years from when I was competing and “ripped” or when I was living at the gym eating minimal and skinny as a rail, I see what look I like best in pictures. I like a balance. Muscle with a little softness. That’s my look. It’s fitting to my height and frame but also decently easy for a busy mom like me to maintain. There are always going to be challenges like how and when to get to the gym. I have a little one and a husband that works a lot. So I have to be creative with my workouts. Sometimes I can get to the gym, other times I’m up in our guest bedroom squeezing in a quick at home workout while Ryder naps. As for diet, that isn’t always the easiest either. I LOVE food. So for me, I refuse to deprive myself just to have a “good body.” I prefer to reward myself. Eat clean during the week, then on the weekend I’m a little more flexible. It’s all about finding your balance (and happiness). Do what’s best for you not what everyone else is claiming you should do. Listen to your body. It talks to you! Maybe not in a verbal way, but your body gives you cues telling you what it needs (rest, fuel, movement, etc). You’re only given one body in this lifetime. Enjoy it, love it, and fuel it!

Group classes

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Yesterday I went with a friend to try out SoulCycle. I am one of those people who HATES group classes. I am extremely competitive by nature so I am always internally competing with everyone around me in the class. While this sounds like it might be a good thing, it’s not. I’m so focused on pushing harder or doing better than the others that I lose sight of the actual workout. I end up being more stressed during the workout than when I actually came in!

Surprisingly this wasn’t the case at SoulCycle! I LOVE how the room is kept very dark. You can just make out figures of people so it can be kind of hard to see how fast or slow others are petaling. This was great for me because not being able to see everyone else forced me to focus on myself! I had a blast! The workout was intense but not draining. I don’t know that I’ve ever sweated that much in my life! I was honestly impressed with myself for keeping up as well as I did. I seriously can’t wait to go back! It’s actually got me wondering if other cycle classes are similar and if I’d like them to! I’m still not into the idea of group classes (due to my own competitiveness) but this style I may stick with! 😉😂

If you’ve never tried SoulCycle, it is a little pricey compared to other cycle classes. It’s because you’re paying for a class and the shower facility. If you use the showers and all the fancy soaps, razors, etc that they have available you are definitely getting your money’s worth. If you just go for the class and leave then yes it’s a bit over priced. I won’t go multiple times a week but a few times a month I would totally do!