#NOtivation: 3rd Trimester Tips

I've been wanting to do a post with all of my tips for curing #NOtivation (lack of motivation) in the 3rd trimester.  The truth is that I'm not a pro by any means in this department.  If you have been following my blog throughout my pregnancy, you have probably noticed from my Bumpdates and #NOtivation posts that I've been set on finding what works for me.  The reality is that there is no ONE answer, it's been changing as often as my body has been changing.  There are however 3 tips that I would like to share.  This can apply to any trimester really, but since I didn't start kicking #NOtivation's butt until the third...we will stick to that!  

1.  Ease it up: Stop putting pressure on yourself!  Something as simple as getting up from the couch can seem like a monumental task.  Your lungs are all squished, AND you're carrying extra weight.  Accept the fact that things are different now and it is completely okay to adjust your workouts and expectations accordingly (and you should)!  
2.  Break it up: At my last meeting with my midwife she actually recommended that I break up my workouts into smaller segments.  She suggested I do half in the morning, then the other half at night.  I was pleased with this advice since I had been doing it that way for a few weeks by that point!  My morning workout is as simple as some squats, or calf raises while I'm brushing my teeth or waiting for the shower to get hot.  I work it in when I can!
3.  Switch it up:  For me, this is a surefire way to conquer #NOtivation even before I was pregnant.  Who wants to do the same boring routine day in and day out?  Maybe some people....but not me!  Since things have been changing so drastically week to week I've had no choice but to switch up my workouts anyway.  This works out great because it's been helping to keep things interesting!  I've tried everything from yoga to jogging, and intervals to swimming.  It's been anything but boring!
I hope some of you find these tips helpful!  Be sure to check with your Doctor before trying any new exercises and finding what works for you!!! Linking up...

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#NOtivation: Finding What Works

Instead of sharing the contents of my non-existent gym bag with you all (I literally grab my key card, a bottle of water, and my iPod, then walk over to the gym)...I thought it would be nice to just check in with you all and give you the scoop on where I'm at "NOtivation-wise".  Originally I was going to share this in my next bumpdate (tomorrow), but this seems like a better idea.
 
So here is the deal...at 34 weeks pregnant, I've realized that I need to tone it down a few notches. Running is almost impossible because the minute I get going, Baby shifts onto my bladder!   Let's just say, I need to stop and walk at that point! I completely stopped running about a week ago. Walking is the way to go, so I've been making sure I get it in any chance I can.   My feet are the tiniest bit swollen, and I can't go all out. It's better than nothing, but I still want more!
 
After a bunch of research on different methods of exercise this late in the game, I've tried a few different things. I discovered these Pregnancy Yoga videos, and have been doing a lot of different stretches and poses at night. It's been great because I finally feel like I'm getting stronger.  My arm muscles seem to be coming back....a pregnant version of them, but I'll take it!

Out of everything I've been trying, my absolute favorite has been swimming!  My Doctor recommended it for me about a month ago.  Duh!  Considering I could throw a rock at our beautiful community pool (but I won't), why didn't I think of it myself?  It is the perfect workout, just a little bit goes a LONG way.  I tire out fairly quickly, so I just do a few laps and take a break before I'm ready to do a few more.  Besides the fact that I'm getting in a great workout while staying cool and refreshed, I'm also getting some relaxation time in by lounging in between workouts.  There really isn't a better scenario!  It's pretty ideal! 
 

The only hard part has been finding times where the pool is not too crowded.  Luckily, I've gotten over my fear of swimming by myself when there are strangers in the pool.  There is this very tan guy with bleach-blonde hair that lives in our complex.  We always see him in the morning doing laps.  The other day, he and I did laps together.  We didn't speak, but it was a total bonding moment...he felt it too, I'm sure of it! 

This is what I've found works for me at this point.  Chances are good that my workout could be something entirely different in another week or two.  I guess all that matters is I've been attempting to be active, when all I really want to do is curl up in bed and watch Giuliana and Bill!   Linking up with these ladies...

Stop by tomorrow for the 34 week bumpdate, and don't forget to click HERE to enter to win a custom address stamp courtesy of Storefront Deals and Whitney Rae Paper!

Happy #NOtivation Tuesday!
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Curing #NOtivation - Inspiration

This week I'm talking about what inspires me to kick #NOtivation's butt!  It's difficult impossible to choose just one source of inspiration, so I'll name a few.

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I'm inspired daily by my friends and family.  Their constant encouragement when I really started dropping the pounds three years ago, kept me motivated and let me know it was all worth the effort.  My close friends and I are on the same mission for a healthier lifestyle.  I love that we push each other to keep at it!  It could be something as simple as a "like" on a sweaty selfie, or a runkeeper update! There is a new little lady that will be making her arrival in about 7 weeks that has been one of my greatest sources of inspiration these days!

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I've been thinking a lot about what it means to be a Mother; the things I want to teach her, the values I want to instill in her, and the role model that I want to be.  Of course I want to continue living a healthy lifestyle and taking care of myself so I can be here for Baby Girl for a LONGGGG time.  I'd also like to be sure I am setting a good example for her so she can learn the importance of being healthy (vs. being skinny) and taking pride in herself!  I'm talking WAY deeper than toned abs here...although that would be a nice bonus!   Speaking of a toned and fit bod (which I obviously would like to get back in the near future)...I do it for my husband!  He is super understanding of all the lower calorie meals I often make (and VERY appreciative when I make him his very own steak)!  It doesn't phase him at all when I hop up in the middle of the movie to do squats or calf raises against the wall.  When I officially made the decision to get healthy, he was definitely my biggest fan.  The fact that he was so supportive and encouraging when I started that journey...only strengthened my love for him even more! In a sense I also inspire myself.  Does that sound weird?  To me, there is nothing more inspirational than seeing yourself make progress, having more energy, being happy with the way your clothes fit, and just feeling more comfortable in your own skin.  If I ever need an extra inspirational boost, I hit the pinterest boards for a bit.  Eventually you come across something like this, and then it is time to get moving...   

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Linking up with these awesome ladies again...

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Curing #NOtivation - "Treat Yo Self"

I am a firm believer that in order to successfully meet your fitness goals, you need to reward yourself.  Just like when we were back in elementary school, and you got to proudly stick your gold star up on a chart for the whole class to see...a little incentive goes a long way!

I feel like we are all on a constant quest to figure out what works for us in terms of staying fit.  I've accepted the fact long ago that just because Jessica Alba does it one way, that may not work for me (along with the fact that I'll never look like Jessica Alba).  I've also accepted the fact that as things change, and I get older...I have to adjust my fitness routines, as well as the way I eat.  One thing however that has always remained consistent is the fact that I allow myself a break, an incentive, or some kind of reward.  

Isn't being healthy, and fit enough of a reward?  I would like to say it is...but unfortunately, I need more to keep myself motivated.  Since a ton of pressure is not something I have ever responded well to, here are a few tips...

1.  Set smaller, more realistic goals.  I feel defeated if my end goal is too far out of sight.  Baby steps!

2.  Allow yourself a break every so often.  Listen to your body.  This is something I REALLY have to do now that I am pregnant.  I'm not a fan of the term "cheat" day, but call it whatever you would like.  Your body needs rest, so either set a "rest" day in advance...or decide on taking one if your not feeling so hot.  

3.  Be accountable.  For me, I started noticing I was making the best progress when I really started tracking it.  There IS an app for that...there are a bajillion apps for that!  I use Runkeeper when I am doing cardio.  When I am doing intervals at home, I use the Seconds Pro app.  Both of these link directly to my social media, which for ME helps maintain accountability.  If you aren't a "display my gold stars for the whole class to see" kind of person...then you could always turn that feature off.  It's whatever works for you.  

4.  Treat yo self!!!  This one is my FAVORITE!  I completely agree with Mallory, "You're not a dog"...so rewarding yourself with food isn't the best plan.  It just doesn't make sense to indulge every day JUST because you burned some calories.  There is nothing worse to me than undoing a workout!  However, I do allow myself a treat every once in a while if I've been on a good streak!  Even better than food though, is buying yourself a new workout outfit, running shoes, maybe that fitness watch you have been eyeballing...whatever it may be...Treat Yo Self, you deserve it!

I hope these few tips help!  Linking up with these lovely ladies again this week to help cure #NOtivation!  It's my LAST day off of work, I'm planning on making it a good one!  I'll be treating myself to a pedicure, because I deserve it AND I can't reach my toes!  Happy Tuesday!  

Curing #NOtivation - Fabulous Fitness Survey

In an effort to help cure #NOtivation (a lack of motivation), I am linking up with Mallory, Hallie and Nikki and answering this FABULOUS fitness survey!

1. What did you eat for breakfast?
I've been having a two part breakfast every day.  So far today (about an hour ago), I had a granola bar and a banana.  At around 10:00 I will have a greek yogurt and a slice of ezekiel toast with almond butter.  Spacing my meals apart in smaller portions has been helping ever since I've been pregnant.  This especially has been helping because I am ALWAYS hungry, and I fill up pretty quickly.  I know "they" say you should eat smaller portions, more frequently throughout the day.  I may try to continue this after Baby gets here.... there may be no choice in the matter anyway from what everyone is telling me!

2. How much water do you drink a day?  
Usually I try to have about 4 or 5 bottles of water each day.

3. What is your current favorite workout?
Right now I am limited, so I've been sticking with yoga, walking, and very low intensity interval training.

4. How many calories do you eat a day?
Wow, I have no idea...I tend not to measure my calories.  This tends to drive me insane, and has never worked for me in the past.  I'm not really trying to lose weight, so I'm just making sure that I am eating nutritious foods in reasonable portions and drinking lots of water.

5. What are your favorite healthy snacks?
Fruit...especially ice cold cantaloupe and watermelon!  I also love veggies with hummus!

6. What do you usually eat for lunch?
Lately, I've been mixing it up with lots of different salads.  My current favorite has been spring mix with golden raisins, berries, nuts, and a homemade raspberry vinaigrette.  I also like Morningstar Veggie Burgers.  I don't need a bun, but sometimes I put it on a whole wheat sandwich thin.

7. What is your favorite body part to strength train?
It used to be my abs, but now it's been my arms and butt.  In a few months I will be back at it in the ab department I'm sure!

8. What is your least favorite body part to strength train?
Legs -for some reason I tend to neglect them.  My thinking is that once I started running, legs were automatically covered!  Now that I'm only walking, they are being neglected again.

9. What are your “bad” food cravings?
Cheese, and usually anything salty!  Chips and salsa, which doesn't have to be unhealthy if I could control myself...but since I don't know when to quit, it is usually a problem!

10. Do you take vitamins or supplements?
Pre-natal vitamins for me!

11. How often do you eat out?
Hmmm.... I'd say on average once a week.

12. Do you eat fast food?
Not typically - but I have had my moments.  When I first got pregnant I suppose I was "craving" fast food, and went through a phase where I was having it about 3 times per week!  I also felt disgusting, and knew I was making poor choices so eventually I snapped out of it.  This isn't to say that I NEVER have it.  I do try to avoid it whenever possible.  I could definitely live without it, however my one weakness is Taco Bell.

13. Who is your biggest supporter?
My hubs is so supportive, and encouraging!  He never complains about having the healthy stuff in the house, or about the super low calorie dishes that I sometimes end up making for dinner.  He knows the deal.  It is not unusual for us to be watching a movie, and me suddenly get up and start lifting weights or doing wall push ups out of the blue.  It doesn't phase him anymore (when we first moved in together he would laugh).

14. Do you have a gym membership?
No, my apartment complex has a gym...it's dinky but gets the job done!

15. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
When I am working, I get about 7...but since I'm on summer vacay it's been about 8-9.

16. Do you have a “cheat” day?
I do have cheat days, but I don't set out to say "this is my cheat day".  Usually on the weekends I am just a little more lax.

17. Do you drink alcohol?
Used to...I miss a nice glass of wine on a Sunday while cooking dinner the most!

18. Do you have a workout buddy?
Nope, it's just me.  I like it better that way anyway.  No one lives by me anyway, so IF someone did it would be nice...but I'm fine with just blasting my music and doing my own thing.

19. What is the best thing that has changed about your life since committing to a healthy lifestyle?
Obviously it was nice having my clothes fit me better, and feel more comfortable about my body.  Increased energy, and far less stomach aches have been a major bonus as well!

20. What was the last healthy thing you did?
Last night, I stretched for about 20 minutes before bed.  This has been helping me fall asleep faster, have less cramping in my legs, and ease my aches and pains.  It's not a magical cure, but it sure does help!

That was fun!  Now I guess this is the part where I get out of bed, and work on my fitness?!?  I'm on it! 

Curing #NOtivation: Getting Started AGAIN

It's "Curing #NOtivation Tuesday", and I just have to link up with my girl Mal and join in on all of the fun!  

Most of you probably do not know this, but in the past 4 years I have lost a BUNCH of weight.  It was so gradual because it really was an entire lifestyle change.  I feel that whole journey is a story that I would love to share with you all in another post, but for today....I'd like to focus on what it is like getting motivated with a bun in the oven.

Needless to say, I've gained a lot of the weight back I've lost over the years since I am now pregnant.  This is obviously to be expected.  (No really...it's in the "What To Expect" book...it's a thing I swear!)

I really struggled with this, and it wasn't because I gave up OR that I was dead set on not "getting fat".  It was tough finding a new balance of nutrition, and exercise while things were changing so rapidly!  How do you change and adjust to an entirely new lifestyle when your body is literally changing by the second?  Trust me, that is how it feels!

After adapting to a new lifestyle, where I FINALLY figured out what worked for me...it was time to adapt to a brand new one.  Where do I even begin?  With all of the queasiness and exhaustion during that first (and a good part of the second) trimester, I could barely get myself going.

I'm not making excuses, I will flat out admit I made a ton of mistakes - especially in the beginning.  Never in a million years did I think I would fall prey to the "I'm eating for two" mentality.   I had my moments, believe me.  There was an entire week of eating fast food, specifically McDonalds cheeseburgers!  Let's also not forget about all of those spoonfuls of Nutella (it's what heaven is like, I'm convinced).  When people would ask me what I was craving, I wouldn't really have an answer because the truth was that deep inside I knew I was just using pregnancy as an excuse.  Trust me, I wanted those cheeseburgers...I just didn't HAVE to have them.  

As far as exercise goes, I went from working out and running at least 4-5 times per week to barely doing anything.  I would lift light weights every so often, and try out some prenatal yoga here and there.  I ran a 5K in March, somehow that was supposed to sustain me the rest of the pregnancy?  "It's ok...I ran a 5k months ago!"  There was just no structure, or routine...it all finally started to drive me crazy.

The real rude awakening came after a visit to the doctor where *according to his scale* I had gained 8 lbs. since the last visit.  Now, my scale didn't reflect anything that extreme...and I still say the nurse is a little quick when she is charting my info...BUT regardless of all of my excuses, he seemed a little concerned that I was going off track.  That combined with the possibility for gestational diabetes (turns out I'm fine), was just the fire under my butt that I needed! 

Bit by bit, I started changing my mindset.  I can't just throw in the towel, I need to get back into things and be healthy for me AND of course Baby Girl!  I plan on being a fit mom, so why would I stop now?  As the school year started coming to an end, my brain started to clear.  It was time to finally find my new balance and get back into a healthier lifestyle!  I've been reading up a lot on prenatal fitness, as well as nutrition.  My trips to the gym are MUCH more frequent.  I've been walking a lot with the incline up, jogging just a little bit, using the elliptical, and doing intervals at home that I've modified to be less intense.  Just like anything else, getting started is the hardest part.

Now in the nutrition department I still have my slip ups every so often, but I'm trying to be more mindful and make better choices.  The problem is that I'm hungry ALL the time, that sure requires a lot of willpower!  Every morning I start off with a good breakfast, those bowls of frosted flakes are MUCH fewer and far between, trust me!  I've also been working on portion control, and snacking healthy throughout the day.  For dinner, I've been working healthier meals back into the menu...baby steps!  

Obviously, I am feeling SO much better!  Don't get me wrong, I was by no means depressed or miserable at any point.   I'm sure if you know me, or have been following my blog it is apparent that I've been enjoying this time, and soaking up every second!   In terms of total weight gain,  I've remained fairly "textbook" as my doctor likes to tell me (besides the 8 lb. incident).  The point is that deep down inside, I knew that I wasn't making the best choices for me!  It is still a work in progress, but it feels good to be on the right track!  Wish me luck, I'll be keeping you all posted!  If you have any tips on how you managed balancing a new healthy lifestyle while pregnant, please let me know!
XO!