Being a Mommy... Healthy Wife and Family!

I have found the last year has been a great challenge, I'm married and have twin 4 year olds.. trying to nurture these relationships, do everything we all must do to sustain a household along with keep every one's activities on par... is TIRING! Then I decide to finally work on myself... 1 year later I am still struggling to do all of it.

I have given myself numerous pep talks, allowing myself to understand that this journey to fit and healthy along with fat loss is not going to take one year alone when you have a family.. a busy one at that!

However, one year later I notice the differences in all of my family members. My husband is very supportive and assisting when I need to get to the gym. In fact, today he set up my treadmill while I napped to ensure I got some running in today. ( It is blizzarding here AGAIN!) If I want to get running a 10km, I had better start somewhere since Spring is nowhere to be found. He is also very conscience of what food he brings into the house, what he buys at the store and talking me out of ordering appetizers at midnight when not needed! Its very valuable to have a partner who supports, motivates you and assists you in your change.

My one daughter begged to stay downstairs with me while I ran, she stood close to the treadmill, made sure my water was full and even ran for a sweat towel. I'm battling a cold and was really struggling and was giving up after 10 minutes when I heard from the McQueen Cars tent " Go Mommy Go! Go Mommy Go!" so I battled my way through some more running and walked 25 minutes. I find treadmill running DREADFUL! But I need to get to it. So even 10 minutes of running is a feat for me!

Not long after I was done, I was trying to work out my calorie burnt numbers when my daughters come down to tell me they need to exercise and they have their runners on to go ! Both of my girls hopped on the treadmill and took their turns! Holding on.. walking hard and talking about how exercise is so important! They made my day!!

Here is my youngest twin doing her work out! She did 10 minutes on the treadmill and I had to beg her to take a break! Her and her sister have gotten a Yoga DVD as well and LOVE to work out in the basement to that!

The greatest change over the last year is the view of myself through the eyes of my children! I can do ANYTHING! I may not be able to run 5 kms in 25 minutes.. I may not be able to run 10 kms yet.. however to Hydie and Ainsley I am a marathon runner and off to the Olympics!! Every cheer from my children and Husband allow me to continue. I have went from only being able to run 1 minute at a time.. to constantly run 5 kms. I have went from doing body weight squats to squatting 135 lbs on a barbell, 100 lbs bench presses and deadlifting 115 lbs as well. I have dropped 2 dress sizes and see shape in my body.. and most of all... I have taught my family that having snacks of cheese, fruit and eating salad is our better options. In fact, I tried to give Hydie a treat of chips the other day and she had a meltdown demanding strawberries.

 Ainsley helping me make scrambled eggs!

 

Hydie loves her shakes! And now asks for @EnergyBits to be thrown in!

 

 Ainsley doing her yoga! This kid can pull off a tree pose like no ones business!

 

 

How has your life change included your family?!


Cheers!

Success.. and How I make it Reality!

This journey for me has been a year long so far... I haven't lost a lot of weight ( 16-18 lbs at this point) however I have transformed my body entirely.. From the shape to the fitness! I have lost 16 plus inches on my body, dropped 2 dress sizes and went from not running to being able to complete 5 kms within 40 minutes. ( not fast but COMPLETED!)

I found that tracking my food, first off in a binder than using the www.myfitnesspal.com site has been one of my sources of success...I spend 30 minutes or so on Sunday's making up my "Success Binder" menus for the week. This allows me to truly spend 30 minutes on myself and my family allowing us all to have proper nutrition. It also let's me see what my general intake should be, so if I have a bad day or busy at work day, I generally know what I NEED to fuel my body with.
I have noticed that when I do not plan my menus... I gain weight back and I feel generally like crap. This is a mind set problem.. just because I do not plan my menu doesn't mean the calories I put in my body aren't accounted for and I must be more aware of the amount I am eating.

I also enjoy having a on the go energy and protein packed snack! I found these bad boys through a friend on twitter and have been a fan ever since! In fact, I am such a fan the company made me a Brand Ambassador. So hit me up if you want to get some deals, or samples! These 100% all natural, vegan and organic bits of algae have allowed me to cut back on caffeine, they increase my energy and production in life generally and are a GREAT fuel at the gym!.
www.energybits.com

This is a photo of one of the meals I had this week. It was delicious!

I have never eaten nor cooked kale before, however I found a recipe on pintrest to stir fry up veggies, kale and cooked rice. I added some chili paste and it was amazing! I also get sick of bland boring chicken, so have been cooking it with chunky salsa and adding a little bit of cheese on the top prior to taking it out of the oven. AMAZING!

Pintrest is a wonderful way to keep food fresh, there are TONS of recipes and often you can search "Low sodium" or "low in fat" recipes as well and get numerous ideas. Keeping whats in my menu fresh with some old favorites also allows for success!

The other portion of my success... Keeping it fresh at the gym! I love my weight work outs! But if I decide one day that power cleans just aren't my thing... or I could careless to box jump Ill switch an exercise out from another work out and replace this one. I always make sure to complete all my work outs in a week but sometimes mixing it up is the key!


I also enjoy "treating" myself.. and this usually means new workout clothes! I am getting ready for spring running training and wanted to make sure I had some new duds.. It makes you feel fresh and ready for your activity. I don't like wearing sloppy clothes to the gym... you have mirrors everywhere!! This is the time to watch yourself exercise and see how your body has changed!

I have found that JC Penney and the GAP have wonderful and affordable workout attire, and JC Penney has wonderful sales right now!!

So my success is simply made... like it all should be! Being able to have simple workouts, simple menus and simple treats allow me to continue on. These are things I do not have to stress about.. now I can spend my time on telling myself I am doing awesome and to keep on!


We are all our worst enemy.. so eliminate the things that stress you.. make it easy and focus on changing your negative " I cant do this its to hard" thoughts! This change takes time.. wont happen over night nor over a week. Allow that!



Cheers!

February's Heart Month!

I worked as an Emergency Medical Technician for 8 years and Heart disease/conditions were 75% of what I dealt with. From chest pain to full myocardial infractions to transfers for angioplast appointments. The patients I worked with often had high blood pressure or high cholesterol amongst other conditions of bad diets, unhealthy weights and little to no physical activity. A lot of my father's family has heart conditions of high blood pressure and high cholesterol. So I definitely take such conditions seriously.

The Canadian Heart and Stroke website is full of wonderful information about Heart Disease.

(http://www.heartandstroke.com/site/c.ikIQLcMWJtE/b.3682421/k.48B2/Heart_disease__What_is_heart_disease.htm)

What is heart disease?

It is a group of conditions affecting the structure and functions of the heart and had many root causes. i.e.) plaque (fatty materials, calcium and scar tissue) builds up in the arteries and prevents the heart from getting enough blood.

Prevention includes:

- being smoke free
- eating a healthy low fat diet with many leafy greens (like algae!!! Yes I said it!)
- know and control your blood pressure
-achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- manage your diabetes
- reduce stress
- visit your doctor regularly and follow their advice



How am I keeping heart healthy??

Well this is a constant work for everyone!! I try to eat a diet full of vegetables, fruit, healthy fat proteins and try not to indulge in all the heavy fat foods!

One of the best snacks you can have on you is Energy Bits, 100% spirulina algae grown organically and are an all natural sources of food for your body. There is no sugar, cholesterol, or fat in this product so every bit that you eat..... Is good for your body and therefore a perfect snack for your heart. Eating meats and salads can be quite a hassle at times like when your running between meetings, kids soccer games or during a marathon... so let's keep those to meals not on the go snacks. However Energy Bits is an nitrogen based algae that opens up your blood vessel that allows continual oxygen and nourishment supplied to your body. It also contains 64% protein within its minimum 12 bits of algae. So all in all... Eating Energy Bits on the go not only is way easier than a steak and salad when your in the car... It also has numerous health benefits and is very heart healthy!!!

So in light of February's Heart Month I would like to team up with Energy Bits (www.energybits.com) to give away a free sample of Energy Bits!! All you have to do is follow myself (@adenium11) and EnergyBits (@energybits) on twitter and comment below how you try stay heart healthy!
(Draw will be done February 28)
Also, please give Canada Heart and Stroke a follow on twitter (@TheHSF) great people giving great information!


Cheers!

MPrint Jewellery - Giveway Won!

I check in on a local fashion designers blog http://tiazelinski.blogspot.ca/ from time to time. I am not a fashionista but I find it amazing that here in Regina SK we have such talented artists doing such work here! Tia Zelinski is also partnered to a local icon Chris Getzlaf who plays on our local professional football team. ( Saskatchewan Roughriders)  So as a local it's always intriguing to see these folks doing great things in the community! And these two are always doing something wonderful!!

I saw Tia tweet about a friend of hers launching her own jewellery line and went to read up on it. From my understanding Em Robertson worked up in Regina for a local jewellery company and has went on her own. I love jewellery and as a Mom rarely get to wear really nice stuff.. and when I do I misplace it ( currently looking for my wedding set.. again.. Don't ask my husband about this ) Em started a jewellery company called MPrint (http://www.mprintjewelry.com/)and Tia did a giveaway on her blog... Gorgeous earrings I must say.

AND I WON! I rarely win ANYTHING! So I was very pumped when Tia announced my name! I received this package a few weeks later and haven't chose other earrings since. They are simple, very well made and comfy! They also go with just about anything with the dark background and warm bronze colours. Thankfully with my darker hair and light complexion they match my skin well too!

 

These earrings are also very reasonable! $23.00 a pair.. that's quite a steal! MPrint also has other matching accessories that are quite cute and unique as well.


I love handmade and heartfelt designed jewellery and I rarely get to have any! Give Mprint a follow on twitter @Mprintjewelry you can also find Fashion Designer Tia Zelinski on Twitter at @MissZelinski.


Cheers! Thanks again ladies for choosing me have these earrings!






** These opinons are from a happy giveaway winner who recieved a pretty awesome product!**

Winter Blues....

The last few weeks I have felt absolutely blob like.. I just cannot seem to get out of this funk. I want to eat every carbohydrate that's bad in sight.. I do not want to get going in the morning and definitely struggling to work out! I love to work out so I haven't missed many work outs and have kept my eating in check.. However I know that the stress of the winter has taken my body's ability to lose weight at the moment which is definitely depressing in itself.

I read up on Canadian Mental Health Association on the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) :


SAD can be difficult to diagnose, since many of the symptoms are similar to those of other types of depression or bipolar disorder. Even physical conditions, such as thyroid problems, can look like depression. Generally, symptoms that recur for at least 2 consecutive winters, without any other explanation for the changes in mood and behaviour, indicate the presence of SAD. They may include:
change in appetite, in particular a craving for sweet or starchy foods
weight gain
decreased energy
fatigue
tendency to oversleep
difficulty concentrating
irritability
avoidance of social situations
feelings of anxiety and despair
The symptoms of SAD generally disappear when spring arrives. For some people, this happens suddenly with a short time of heightened activity. For others, the effects of SAD gradually dissipate.
(http://www.cmha.ca/mental_health/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/#.UQfUo3y9KSM)


Ok well looking at those symptoms and the gross winter we have had.. I am definitely suffering
from this disorder this winter.
I know that dependent on the weather I usually feel a few of these symptoms..
However this winter I have dealt with them ALL! I know that it is just a winter issue however I
feel really lost and not functioning well.


I cannot wait to get my EnergyBits in the mail! I love how much energy they give me and I feel like a completely
different person. I also am going to check into getting a Vitamin D supplement and see how that assists
my moods. I want to feel lively, be on the go and have people want to be around me ( I know they want to but
I feel to crappy to want to be around them to often. )

Off to the pharmacy I go after one more cup of coffee!! Blinds are open , lights are all on and I am hoping I can
get in some Vitamin D through the clouds.. HA HA or any natural light that comes in!


SAD is not something to be ashamed of, you definitely are NOT alone in this. CMHA states 2-3% of the population suffers from SAD to an extent that is disabling, and that most of the population suffers from symptoms they are able to cope with. Mental Health issues are very common and are definitely a silent disease.. or a disease people refuse to discuss. Some mental illnesses are as deathly as cancer and some are easier to live within. Thankfully SAD is treated with very accessible and cost effective measures and often doesn't need medication. Please understand I am not making light of the disorder but acknowledging that it exists, I am suffering from it ( as I did with Post Partum Depression) and will do what I can to beat it.


Please feel free to talk to me about this.. Sometimes its hard to discuss such issues with friends and family.

Take care!

EnergyBits - Giveaway!!

I grew up on a farm in Rural Saskatchewan.. so lifestyles that include lots of running, gym workouts and "supplements" as some would use is not what I grew up with. However, this is a lifestyle I want to have, am working to having and am mentoring my children to engage as well.

I am learning what is best to eat for my body, not just for weight loss but for fuelling an active body. I have learnt to think that food is more than just to taste well ( even if I still have the occasional Sausage and Egger.. what can I say?!!)  I have seen a lot of people on twitter talking about EnergyBits.. how they are fuelled with EnergyBits, how they rely on them for a natural source of energy to get through their day and their work outs. I struggle with energy and usually chalk it up to not having motivation. I then just make myself conquer it, but this is a tiring way to live most days!

With careers, children, being a wife and trying to be active and work into a new body composition... Energy is Lacking!! I am a late night gal and hate early mornings.. Thanks to some twitter conversations with Dawn (@inkdgirl55) I learnt that I have a way of kicking this issue! She herself is a professional mom and has went through a lifestyle change that includes very high athleticism. So she definitely knows what it takes from being overweight to being an athlete. Dawn linked me into EnergyBits through Twitter and Jonathan was kind enough to send me a sample of their product.

So I got my sample filled with information! There is nothing better than a company who provides detailed information about all of the products they sell. The tin held 3.5 or so days of algae bits. I got the EnergyBits product ( there is 4 types EnergyBits, RecoveryBits, VitalityBits, SkinnyBits)

Now I once again am a carnivore trying to find more plant based foods to increase my diet.. and Algae definitely is a stretch for me. The information recommended to take 20-30 bits a day minimum and it is to increase your energy, make you feel full longer and generally make you feel better. ( this is just a minor glimpse of the benefits of EnergyBits please find more here www.energybits.com) Well I opened up the tin.. and thought instantly.. what the heck am I doing! These algae bits have a slight smell.. so I thought ok.. Ill pop one in my mouth and chew away. ( READ INSTRUCTIONS!! Its best to swallow these little guys.. ) Yes chewing this algae bit was definitely not the best moment of the day. So I read a little more.. and I am to swallow them because they do have a distinct taste. ( I learnt the hard way)

So 20 bits in.. its about 4 pm and I should have had a snack by now.. But I'm full. I just took 20 calories of algae that hosts 60% ( give or take) protein. I have filled myself up on 20 calories.. AMAZING! I hit the gym that night and was able to get through my whole workout without dropping the kettle bell at the end in my swings. ( by this time of my work out I have lifted so much weight I want to sleep not swing more!) I was up till 1130 pm that night not an ounce of exhaustion!

In 3 days, yes only 3 days.. I found my increased energy had me going going going! I could get up refreshed in the morning, didn't need pots of coffee! Made it through workouts harder than the week before with less exhaustion and when I slept.. I was rested! I also didn't over eat... in fact I had to make myself eat my fuel to get to my caloric intake!

I was very skeptical about eating algae.. However, I feel like a blob now that my sample has been ingested and am patiently ( not at all actually) waiting for my EnergyBits to arrive!





Jonathan and EnergyBits were so kind to give me a sample and we would like to share such a great product with someone else! If anyone was a skeptic it was me.. and now I sit at my desk with my 3rd cup of coffee.. out of EnergyBits and jonesing for them!

All you have to do to enter into this giveaway is to follow @Energybits and myself  (@adenium11) on twitter and tweet us! Send us a tweet saying you are interested in the giveaway and I will randomly draw someone. You MUST be from North America.

Winner will be announced on Twitter January 31st!

1st Ever Vegetarian Meal

I have decided that with my change in lifestyle sometimes we need to change more then just our food and diet.. Our thinking! SURPRISE! I read the book "Skinny Bitch" by Rory Freedman & Kim Barnouin (http://www.skinnybitch.net/) and started to rethink some of the foods we put into our bodies.

As I grew up on a farm I knew where the beef were raised, how we fed them, what we vaccinated them with and how they were slaughtered. We don't have those options anymore and being ignorant to all of the chemicals and hormones put into stockyards isn't good for our bodies nor our children's! This goes with milk, chicken, eggs and pork. We need to be more aware of the environments our foods being grown and produced in.

I  have decided that I am going to cut back on my dairy and meat intake, and start purchasing local farm raised cuts of meat as well. I have also decided to cut out any type of pop and really pay attention to the sugars I put into my body ( as I sit here drinking my favorite Tim Horton's coffee with half hot chocolate... its a vice I cant give it all up ;) )

Last night I made a Meatless Taco salad ( inspired by @inkdgirl55 on twitter and you can find her blog here http://shrinkinginkdgirl.com/ - she's living in a plant based very athletic lifestyle after a struggle with her weight)

So here is the very first Veggie Ground Round I have ever eaten... 

 

 

 

 

I sauteed up some onions and green peppers along with some garlic to add into the ground.

 

 

 

 

Once the veggies were soft I added 1/2 of the veggie ground and 3 tsps of taco spices. It cooks up really quick which is great for a quick salad when you are short on time but want to eat healthy.

 

 

 

 

The choices at Safeway for All Natural or organic salad dressing is quite slim. I used to eat all the "low fat - no sugar" types but once I realized what aspartame did to a body... That's no longer something I would enjoy putting into my mouth. This dressing was quite tangy but very full of flavour which when eating such types of food... I know we assume it won't taste like anything.

 

 

FINISHED MEAL

 

 

 

I threw on some yellow corn taco chips along with some cheddar cheese. Topped with some dressing and meal was complete!

 

All in all the taste was good.. texture wasn't to different from ground beef itself. There is a bit of a "beany" taste to the ground, obviously its from soy beans but you do notice it. I think when I use the rest of the product I will put it in a dish that simmers longer.

 

 

 

 

I would give this taco salad a 7 out of 10. I LOVE Taco Salads and I could eat this more often than I did before. I think next time I will marinate the Veggie ground with the spices longer and add some flavoured taco chips or pita chips like Stacy's!

 

 

 

Hope the New Year is so far wonderful for you !