Boot Camp Starting October 29!

New Boot Camp Sessions! 

2 Day Fitness Boot Camp- 5 Weeks

 Monday & Wednesday 9:20-10:20

Dates: October 29- November 28

Cost: $95.00

 

3 Day Fitness Boot Camp- 5 Weeks

                Tuesday, Thursday; 5:30 a.m. – 6:30 a.m. Saturday’s 6:00 a.m.-7:00 a.m.

                Dates: October 30- December 1

                Cost: $ 110.00

 

2 Day Stroller Camp- Includes 3mile-5mile Run/Walks, Stroller Workout & Abs to finish

                               

                                **Open to those without kids too. Please note: No children on bikes (sorry)

                                                If you want to do your first 5K this is for you!

                                Stroller Camp Will Begin again in April

 

 

Click the PayPal Drop Down for the Boot Camp you wish to Register

 

Italian Night Clean Eats

One of my favorite foods is spaghetti squash and I’ve seen several recipes on Pinterest lately for great spaghetti squash meals.  Yesterday I decided to make my own plus I made my kids a turkey Italian noodle meal that I also made up. 

 

 

Spaghetti Squash Meal:

 

Ingredients

·         Delallo All Natural  - Fat Free  Marinara 4g. of sugar , 1 Cup

·         Delallo Hot Pepper Garlic,   2 Tbsp.

·         DiGiorno Shredded Parmesan Cheese, 1/3 Cup (sprinkle an additional pinch on top)

·         Small Curd Fat Free Cottage Cheese, ½ Cup

·         Hunts Fire Roasted Tomatoes, 1 small can

·         Mrs. Dash Italian Medley, 1 tsp.

·         Onions ¼ cup chopped and cooked

·         1 Medium Spaghetti Squash

 

Instructions:

1.       Pre-heat oven to 400

2.       Cut Spaghetti Squash in half and remove seeds

3.       Sautee onions

4.       Place Squash skin side down onto a baking sheet

5.       Spread Delallo Hot Pepper Garlic, onions, & ½ tsp. of Mrs. Dash Italian Medley between the two halves

6.       Bake for 20 minutes

7.       Mix Fire Roasted tomatoes, marinara sauce, cottage cheese, shredded parmesan and the other ½ of Mrs. Dash Italian Medley.

8.       Pour all ingredients into the spaghetti squash and bake an additional 20 minutes

9.        Once baked let cool then shred the spaghetti squash (careful not to splatter sauce)

10.   Sprinkle with a pinch of shredded parmesan

 

 

Turkey Noodle Italian Meal

 

Ingredients

·         Delallo All Natural  - Fat Free  Marinara 4g. of sugar , 1 ½ Jars

·         DiGiorno Shredded Parmesan Cheese, 1/3 Cup (sprinkle an additional pinch on top)

·         Small Curd Fat Free Cottage Cheese, ½ Cup

·         99/1 JennO Ground Turkey

·         Mrs. Dash Italian Medley, 1 tsp.

·         1 Onions chopped and sautéed

·         Whole Wheat Macaroni Noodles or Noodle of your choice

·         Garlic 1 tsp. minced

·         1 baking pain

 

1.       Preheat oven 350

2.       Brown Turkey

3.       Sautee Onions & Garlic

4.       Cook noodles as directed then drain

5.       Add Marinara to the onions & garlic simmer on low heat

6.       Mix Parmesan & Cottage Cheese with Italian Medley

7.       Once noodles are cooked and turkey is browned spread a layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of the baking dish, layer with noodles, add a layer of cottage cheese & Parmesan, next turkey then repeat.  The final layer should be the marinara sauce then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. 

8.       Cover with Aluminum foil & Bake for 35 minutes or until bubbling

 

 

Food Preparation Is Key To Healthy Living

Wednesday’s are the craziest day of my week.  It’s one of those jam packed days that I don’t have time to breath.  That's why it's important to prepare my meals and plan what my children will eat at dinner.  Here's a glimpse of what my Wednesday's look like each week. 

My Wednesday

·         4:00 a.m. up and ready

·         5:00 a.m. run 4 miles

·         6:00-6:45 a.m. Kettlebell boot camp

·         7:00 a.m. Starbucks for a cup of coffee

·         7:20 a.m. home; prepare snacks, lunch, and breakfast for everyone

·         8:15 a.m. out the door to drop kids at school

·         9:00 a.m. at the gym to set up for boot camp

·         9:20-10:20 a.m. Boot camp (instruct)

·         10:30 a.m. shower

·         11:00 a.m. out the door for my class at school

·         12:00-1:15 p.m. Class

·         1:15-2:45 free time

·         3:00 pick up kids from school

·         3:25 pick up the baby

·         3:45 p.m. home and completing kids homework, snack time, and preparing for dinner

·         The rest of the evening is spent doing my homework, laundry, baths, getting kids to bed

·         9:00 p.m. all kids to bed

·         9:00-11:00 homework

As you can see it’s very important to be organized and knowing what I’m going to eat during the day or what my family will eat in the evening is important.   Today I stuffed the cooler with raw vegetables, 2 tbsp. of hummus; nitrate free turkey slices and whole wheat bun, protein powder, shaker, low carb and high protein bar, one banana, and vitamins/supplements.   If we don’t organize ourselves then we tend to make very poor choices and eat out.  Eating out every evening took a toll on my family a few years ago and not only did I find myself overweight but my entire family. 

I love having breakfast for dinner and so do my children.  This evening we had breakfast burritos and it was a feeling meal but didn’t require a lot of time or preparation. 

Breakfast Burritos:

Eggs/scrambled

Fresh Salsa

Green peppers

Turkey sausage browned

Whole wheat tortilla

Not a lot of ingredients required and once the eggs and sausage are cooked just add all the ingredients into the tortilla.  Remember keep your meals simple during the week don’t try some new recipe.  Instead save any new recipes you wish to try for the weekend. 

Happy Wednesday!

Doing what I love; Kettlebell Snatch

Don't Compare Yourself & S.M.A.R.T. Goals

I run a boot camp program and I know sometimes it’s hard for others to avoid comparing themselves with people around them.  I hear them say, I’m just not fast enough or strong enough.  The best feeling I get is when I hear them say, I’m not strong enough but I’m getting there. 

Many people beginning an exercise program have a difficult time imagining going to a gym or someplace other than their living room. I understand that all too well because I was one of those people.  When I was overweight I started exercising at home and I was embarrassed to have my own family watch me.  I didn’t know until once I joined a gym that the people around me exercising weren’t focused on me instead they were busy with their own routine.  Many of the people in a gym, including fit people believe others are watching them too and judging.  It’s amazing how we ALL have those feelings. 

Joining an exercise class is one of the best ways to find encouragement and meet people with likeminded goals.  I’ve taught many classes over the past several years and I’ve watched many friendships develop and a lot of pounds dropped.  There have been studies that concluded if your friends are overweight then you are at a greater risk of being overweight too. 

The most important thing to remember is don’t compare yourself to others.  Everyone has their own journey and take their own paths and time to reach their goals.  It’s not a race and the prize is the achievements you reach along the way.  Little goals help you achieve the bigger goal.

Create S.M.A.R.T. Goals

·         Specific- Set a specific goal. 

o   Example: Don’t say my goal is to get into shape.  Instead my goal is to join a boot camp and exercise a minimum of three days a week.

·         Measurable- Establish concrete criteria to reach your goal.

o   How much? How many?

·         Attainable- Identify the goal(s) that are most important to you. 

o   Listing your goals will help increase you self-image and help you begin to reach you goals

·         Realistic- A goal must be something that you are willing and able to work towards.

o   The higher the goal the more likely you are to achieve it. 

·         Timely- A goal must have a timeline. 

o   When I decided to lose weight I wanted to lose 48 pounds.  I set a time frame based on average weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week.  If I lost 2 pounds per week then it would take me 24 weeks.  Instead I lost 60 pounds and it took me 32 weeks!  Don’t say you want to lose 20 pounds in a month! 

New Boot Camp Sessions & Stroller Camp

  2 Day Fitness Boot Camp- 5 Weeks

• Monday & Wednesday 9:20-10:20
• Dates: September 24- October 24
• Cost: $95.00

3 Day Fitness Boot Camp- 5 Weeks

• Tuesday, Thursday; 5:30 a.m. – 6:30 a.m. Saturday’s 6:00 a.m.-7:00 a.m.
•  Dates: September 25- October 27
• Cost: $ 110.00

2 Day Stroller Camp- Includes 3mile-5mile Run/Walks, Stroller Workout & Abs to finish
  **Open to those without kids too. Please note: No children on bikes (sorry)
If you want to do your first 5K this is for you!

•   Tuesday, Thursday 9:20-10:20
• Dates: September 24 – October 24
• Cost: $ 95.00

Location: 332 Bluff Road, Greenwood
To Register Contact: Jennifer Skinny Mom Challenge (317) 491-2993
Email: jennifer@skinnymomchallenge.com

Friday Fitspiration

What is Fitspiration?  Fitspiration is something I thought of the other day when I happened to see a picture of Rich Froning posted on Facebook.  If you don’t know who Rich Froning is he is the 2012 CrossFit games men’s division winner.  Amazing!  CrossFit games are for the fittest of the fit. 

 

Yesterday after I posted the picture I thought of another person who I feel is a Fitspiration.  This is a friend of mine who is a very dedicated, upbeat, inspiring, and a great motivator for many.  She is a mom and she trains like crazy.  Lisa also helps others in her town of McKinney, Texas through her business Texas Whoop Fit.  Lisa does endurance coaching and personal fitness training.   Lisa will be competing in her first full IronMan competition this Sunday in Louisville, Kentucky. 

 

 

I just wanted to give a shout out to another great athlete but every day person like you and me who enjoys staying healthy and makes fitness a very important part of her life and her family’s life as well.  If you would like to be featured as the next Fitspiration contact me at Skinny Mom Challenge. 

 

Happy Friday! 

Boot Camp Update!

I wanted to let everyone know there were some changes to boot camp’s pricing and the cost is actually $150 for three days and $120.00 for two days!  The Wright’s Gymnastics AMF  fee will still need to be paid to Wright’s at $35.  The boot camp fee will be paid to Skinny Mom Challenge on the first day of boot camp August 20^th for the Monday & Wednesday Class and August 21^st for the Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday class.  If you paid you will receive a refund for the amount you paid over please contact Casey at Wright’s. 

Boot Camp 10 Weeks!

Monday, Wednesday - 9:20-10:20 a.m. / Begins August 20, 2012

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday – 5:30-6:30 a.m. / Begins August 21, 2012

If you need to mix up your schedule and do one early morning and a later morning that is possible too I just need to know how many total days you plan to attend.  Then we will adjust the price accordingly. 

Currently there isn’t child care. 

You can also find me on Facebook for updates and tips.

Please feel free to pass this information on to your friends and family! Have a great week and I hope to see you Monday or Tuesday!

Thank you!

Boot Camp at Wright’s Gymnastics

Skinny Mom Challenge and Wright’s Gymnastics are hosting a Boot Camp.  First session begins on August 21 and will run for 10 weeks ending October 27^th. 

There are two boot camps available:

Monday and Tuesday- 9:20 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday- 5:30 a.m. – 6:30 a.m.

At this time there isn’t childcare provided.

Cost is $160 for Monday & Wednesday and $210 for Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday (August 21st-October 27th).  You can register at http://www.wrightsgymnastics.com/classes.php

 AUTOpay is available for those wishing to make 2 payments.  

During the boot camp you will complete, strength, endurance, interval, metabolic resistance exercises that will require high reps, less rest and constant action.  You will also be held accountable for setting weight loss and fitness goals.  During the first day of boot camp  weights and measurements will be taken at Wright’s, each additional week you will log onto the Skinny Mom Challenge website where you will enter your weight and measurements.  This information is confidential!  I will keep records and work to help you reach your goals during the 10 weeks.   The last day of boot camp you will again weigh and measure at Wright’s and I will provide a final progress sheet for you.   

Lean Out and Tone Up 24 Day Challenge Even

THE 24 DAY CHALLENGE -  is a revolutionary program to help individuals lean out and tone up. If your goal is to preserve lean muscle and burn body fat, this simple program is for you. The Trim Challenge is an innovative 24 day program to help you with healthy, sustainable weight management. It features several of AdvoCare's carefully formulated nutritional products. There are no complicated meal plans and this is not a "fad diet". You will see positive results when you follow the simple directions. Inbox me for detail or go to my website www.advocare.com/11118654

Share Your Story

Skinny Mom Challenge wants to hear from you.  If you are in the process of changing your families eating and lifestyle or if you have changed your family’s lifestyle I would like to hear your story.  I will feature stories that are sent to me from everyday busy parents who are making healthy living an important part of daily living.  Share how you started, positives, negatives, tips you found to be helpful for you and your family.  I will feature your story on the Skinny Mom Challenge blog at www.skinnymomchallenge.blogspot.com email your story to jennifer@skinnymomchallenge.com

The Possibilities are Endless

My husband and I with our oldest daughter 

As a mom or dad it’s difficult to manage running children to and from school, practices and whatever else they may have going on.  Then we are required to be the cook, housekeeper, landscaper and lover.  Fortunately for me my son gets to handle the landscaping.  I enjoy being home with my children but I’m also running a small business while my husband works 80 hours a week.  Things get crazy at times and we don’t know which end is up but I still try to manage to keep everyone eating healthy and active. 

Here in my area I run a boot camp three days a week that begins at 5:30 a.m.   I also work with women and men coaching them to successfully lose weight and learn to manage their eating and exercise while having a chaotic life.  This wasn’t always the case for me, because almost five years ago I let life take over and I gained a lot of weight and since then I have lost close to 60 pounds.  Friends and family asked me how I did it and a business of helping others grew. 

I conditioned myself to start exercising.  I started small by committing to a video by Jillian Michaels.  It was a 20 minute workout and I kept telling myself I have twenty minutes.  I would go to work as a project manager assistant, and then pick up my children from the sitter, help with homework while fixing dinner and once dinner was completed I would exercise.   Sometimes I didn’t get to exercise until 8:00 p.m.   There were evenings my children were in the living room with me and sometimes they would jump in and try to complete the exercises being demonstrated on the video.  There were days I couldn’t stand the thought of exercising but I had written a goal and committed to exercising six nights a week.  When I commit to something I go all in or nothing.  This can be dangerous I will admit.  I eventually felt confident enough to leave my home and I signed up to do Muay Thai Kickboxing.  I know right…..crazy!!!   While doing the kickboxing I began to lose a lot more weight.  I became disciplined especially with my exercise and eating and my confidence began to grow.  I read every book imaginable about eating healthy and I always had an Oxygen Magazine in my hand.  I slowly returned to the old me. 

 I lost my job and decided to return to school full-time and because of that kickboxing took a back seat. I joined a local gym at a much cheaper price and started waking at 4:30 a.m. to be in the gym by 5:00 a.m.  I gained a passion for weight lifting and my body really began to transform into something I never imagined possible.  I know getting up early seems crazier then kickboxing.  Actually, I can’t imagine myself getting up later than 3:50 or 4:00 in the morning.  My day is more productive, I don’t have mommy guilt for leaving to go exercise and I get time to myself.  There isn’t anything greater than sitting in a quiet house before the hustle and bustle of the day begins.   Another advantage of early morning workouts for me is Mother Nature; shooting stars, snowflakes falling on a morning run and it’s so quiet I can almost hear them hit the ground, and sunrises.  It’s the time of day that I can actually see God’s work.

 I have committed myself today to helping people who are just like me busy with life; children, spouses, and work.  These people have somehow lost their way and become overweight, out of shape, or unhealthy.  I enjoy helping them find a balance and begin to enjoy life again.   If you are looking for a way to find that person you know is inside waiting to become healthy again then please contact me or follow me on Facebook or Twitter.  I would love to help you! 

My children and I on vacation 2012 

Fitness Goals

The past few weeks I’ve been trying to reevaluate my goals.   It’s important to always set new goals in all aspects of your life; financial, spiritual, physical, etc.  I have been reading a lot about CrossFit and I want to try CrossFit and see if it’s something I might enjoy.  Everyone I know will tell you I am a fitness junkie and I’m willing to try just about anything.   

Next summer my friend Erin and I are going to compete in the Tough Mudder.  I’m nervous yet really excited to try this very challenging run/physically challenging race.  I’ve heard this race is not only physically challenging but mentally challenging.  I guess I’m going to see just how strong I’ve become over these past four years. 

To help me with reach my two goals the Tough Mudder and CrossFit I’ve been training very hard at kettlebells.  I’m working on increasing my strength, endurance and mental toughness.  I have a great workout partner who pushes me when I want to stop and keeps me motivated. I have fantastic friends who are also encouraging. 

I’ve always told my clients to find something they love and don’t look at exercise as something to hate but instead something you LOVE.  Find a workout partner or several and push!  Don’t listen to the voice in your head telling you that you can’t do something. Also don’t listen to those around you when they say negative things.  Remember Philippians 4:13! 

Creative With Shakes but Need A Name....

New Protein Shake Needs a Name

When I returned from my boot camp I instruct, I decided I wanted a good post workout/breakfast drink.  I was craving a peanut butter shake and also a banana but I’m out of bananas.  I need to add that to my list.  I remembered I just purchased these new Chobani Champions Honey-Nana Greek yogurts and I had a creative urge.    One of my favorite protein powders is Syntha 6 in Vanilla by BSN and I love to add PB2 and Unsweetened Almond Milk to my shakes.  I didn’t add ice like I normally do and this shake had a thicker but smoother texture to it almost like a chocolate mousse.  I have to say it was a great shake but it needs a name.  This isn’t a shake I would recommend having often especially if you do not burn a lot of calories during your workout. 

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop Syntha 6 Vanilla
• 1 Tbsp. PB2 Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter
• 8oz.  Unsweetened Almond Milk by Almond Breeze
• 1 Container- Chobani Champions Honey-Nana Greek yogurt

Directions: add all ingredients to a blender and blend without ice. 

Nutritional Facts:  

353 Calories

31 g Carbohydrates

13 g fat

33 g protein

What do you think I should call this shake? 

Lazy Day and A New Marinade

It's been very hot here in Indiana and the kids and I was afraid it would be another hot day. I figured today is a great day to catch up on housework and laundry. My youngest son wanted to declare today another pajama day; everyday would be pajama day if I left it up to him. For dinner I decided to defrost some chicken and make my own marinade. The marinade ingredients included:
 • Fresh squeezed orange juice (1)
• Fresh squeezed lime juice (1)
 • Sea Salt pinch
• Chili powder
 • pepper
• Onion powder

I marinated the chicken for several hours and grilled them. I also made a fresh romaine salad with cherry tomatoes and bell peppers and I tried a new product by Roland Black Bean Quinoa. It was a pretty summer time meal that was quick and easy to make with leftovers for my lunch. What is one of your favorite marinades to make?

Not in The Mood

There are some days when I go workout that I just don't feel like it.  Today wasn't one of those days until I arrived.  I ended up in this horrible funk and couldn't shake it and it started with the sleds being brought out.  What are sleds? Below you will see a sled and for me it's the devil because I am healing from a cracked disc in my neck and a bulging disc.  I knew at once I needed to modify my workout. Then during the workout I felt tired and broke two nails.  I was wasting time trying to rip them completely off while cussing.  I thought the workout was going to be an entire waste of my time but maybe the stress of being so mad and not in the mood actually helped. I ended up burning 545 calories during that 45 minute workout.  


Even if you're not in the mood to workout push yourself because after it's all over you will feel great and it does awesome things for your mood.  Keep pushing!  

Convenience Items

I’m all about things that make my life simple and ZipLoc has my new favorite convenience item.  I purchased the new Perfect Portions bags and let me say I love these things. 

As you can see by the picture I had field day preparing my week’s worth of meats for my lunches and dinners.  I am all about planning ahead and this allows me the convenience of pulling out two servings of meat; one for lunch and one for dinner already weighed for perfection.  

When you’re trying to maintain clean eating habits items like the Perfect Portions makes life so much easier.  I’m a mom of four and I need simple!   I also use a scale to weigh all my meat portions because today the chicken breasts gigantic.   I weighed one chicken breast and it was over six ounces which is more than my required portion. 

Be sure to always weigh or measure your foods this is a great way to control your portions and lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. 

A Pictures Worth a Thousand Words

I have been missing in action for a week due to our family vacation.  The kids and I traveled to Outer Banks, North Carolina or OBX for those of you who are familiar.  This is our family vacation with my parents that we take each summer.  I did manage to get in some running several days and one day of kettlebells; which I will say wasn’t enough considering the butt kicking I got to day when I returned. 

During vacation I was able to plan workouts for my boot camp that begins tomorrow and take lots of photos.  They say pictures are worth a thousand words and this vacation my daughter managed to catch some photos of me with my mom and they caused a stir on my mom’s Facebook page.  My mom started her first 24 Day Challenge on March 24 check out her before photo. 

Since then my mom is down 25 pounds!  She received so many positive comments on her Facebook page after her friends and family saw these photos.  One of the comments someone said, “you look like you’re in your twenties”!  WOW now that was cool!  Everyday my mom is working 12 hour days as a nurse practitioner then she comes home and hits the pavement running.  She eats clean each week and you can find her planning and preparing her meals on Sunday’s for the next week.  She has found a balance and the proof is in the pictures!

Don’t get discouraged and think you cannot accomplish your goals because it’s too hard instead let me help you and join the many others who take my challenge and let them be your support and your encouragement. 

Fit People with Similar Stories

Have you ever seen someone really fit and felt intimidated? You imagine this person has looked like this all of their life. You think to yourself there isn't anyway he/she could have possibly been overweight or unhealthy.

I have many friends who just like me lost a lot of weight and now they are very fit. I met them at the gym and heard their stories and the bounds were formed. One of my friends I met through a running group; at the time I met her she was trying to lose weight and just started running. Now she is a trainer, she has ran half-marathons and soon she will run a marathon. She is just like me a busy mom, wife, and trainer; she gained weight because of pregnancy but one day a little spark was ignited. Between the two of us we lost over a hundred pounds and when we taught classes people would assume we were always super fit.

Don’t be intimidated by fit people. Many of these people have gone through the same things you are going through. As moms I know many of us at some point suffer from some sort of depression. We tend to shut down and stop taking care of ourself and we become the mom we saw in the mall and think, I’m never going to look like that after I have children. Well shame on you and me but I think we ALL end up being that mom at some point.

Never fear because it’s not too late to get in shape. I love seeing people of all ages exercising and taking care of their health. We only have one body and it’s important to take care of it. Start small learn how to read food labels. Always look at the fat and sugar content and read the ingredients.

Hidden Sugar; if you see one of these ingredients in the first five it is one of the highest contents in that product.

• sucrose
• high fructose corn syrup
• molasses
• dextrose
• honey

Read, read, read it’s important to read and I know it’s hard to know what exactly is the best reads to learn how to eat healthy. Eat Clean Diet is one of the best books out there. In the beginning of my weight loss journey I used these books like they were my bible. You can get them on the internet, at the library, and I’m sure most Kindles. You can check out my Success Story here.

Keep pushing and every little step is one step closer to your healthy goals.

Vacation and Keeping Up

This week I'm preparing for vacation and it's exceptionally hard coming off of a holiday weekend. I don't know about you but the last thing I want to do on a holiday weekend is pack and shop. I've been making my "To Do" list and of course tomorrow I will start the hustle and bustle; kids haircuts, grocery shopping, last minute clients and of course kettlebells and running. The last two are very important for me to keep my sanity during all of this craziness. We have a two day car ride to Outerbanks, North Carolina with five kids and a caravan with my parents and sister. Packing for vacation includes clothing, beach items but most importantly healthy snacks and foods for lunch and dinner. When I go on vacation I always pack the essentials; apples, protein shakes, chicken, whole grain tortillas, water bottles for the kids and gallon jugs of water for me. It's been a lifesyle change for all of us and I'm really excited because my mom, sister, and brother-in-law have all changed their lifestyle. My family completed the 24 Day Challenge and have had major success. They want to maintain their routine and their success and inorder to do this we are only being conscious about the foods we pack and meals we plan to make. I plan to pack the 24 Day Challenge cookbook and make Pineapple Burgers and Mango Salsa Chicken. The best thing about vacation in Outerbanks is the lack of fast food restaurants and the grocery store is approximately 45 minutes away from our house. This keeps us from jumping into the car and heading to the closest fast food restaurant to get a quick fix. No matter what vacation or at home I make it a point to keep up with my eating habits and most importantly my workouts. The kettlebells are packed and I'm ready to go...

Be Prepared

Its summer time and time to hit the pool go boating and enjoy many activities outside. Today my kids and I spent the day swimming at a friend’s. Before I left the house I prepared food, gathered snacks and packed a lot of water. I am normally a one to one and half gallon of water a day kind of girl but during the warmer months I drink a minimum of two gallons. It’s very important to stay well hydrated in the summer. One of my favorite drinks to add is https://www.advocare.com/11118654/Store/ItemDetail.aspx?itemCode=A2414&id=E&flavor=K&size=C Rehydrate; it replaces the electrolytes that are lost during the hot days. It’s very important to replenish your body with electrolytes, amino acids and carbohydrates all of these will keep your muscles from cramping and keep your kidneys functioning properly during extreme conditions. Today I loaded the cooler with; • Natural Peanut Butter • Apple • Nitrate Free Ham • Pineapples, strawberries and blackberries • Hummus • Corn tortillas (small) • Broccoli and Cauliflower (raw) • Water- an extra gallon and several bottles for the kids • Protein shake Why should you be prepared? It’s important to keep your insulin levels in check especially while out in hot weather. It’s difficult to get the kids out of the pool to snack or to even drink water and once we arrived home they couldn’t get enough to eat from all the energy they burned while swimming. Four hours of swimming for a child is a lot of calories burned. My daughter had part of a strawberry protein shake and a ham sandwich and my son had a ham sandwich too. Poor baby is fast asleep on the couch. Remember keep you and your family fed and hydrated this summer to avoid over eating and most importantly to avoid dehydration.

Part of Me...

I think Katie Perry said it best, "This is a part of me that you're never, ever gonna take away from me." Everyone has that feeling as they age that a part of them is lost. Now that we are parents and spouses we have to be responsible and we begin to somehow lose a part of ourselves. You wake up and look in the mirror and realize your life now revolves around responsibilities like; children, jobs, parents, and bills. I know as a mom I lost myself; I realized four years ago I was a mom and a wife but that seemed to be all I could say about myself. I didn't have hobbies and I rarely spent time with friends. Four years ago I didn't know who I was anymore. I stared at myself in a dressing room mirror almost seventy pounds overweight. It's important as parents or individuals to have something for you. Don't get lost and feel like you’re only existence is for taking care of your children and your spouse and neglecting yourself along the way. It's important to find some sort of healthy balance. I have changed my lifestyle and lost 68 pounds. I did that because I made it priority to take care of myself. I know it's hard to take care of you because I have four children, a husband that works 80 hours a week, I'm trying to manage going to school and my own business. I still fly by the seat of my pants but I wouldn't be able to do any of it without support from my husband, friends, and exercising six days a week. I did lose a huge part of me when I had my last two children because I suffered from depression but exercise and changing my diet got me out of my depression. Remember there are a part of the old you inside waiting to come out. I really encourage you to try taking small steps to get back to the person you were before; the person who had more energy and was much happier. Don't let life run you over and realize when you hit 50 you have so many health problems that you should have done something. Don't have regrets and most importantly don't let someone take that one part of you away.