Mothers Special Blend

Helps prevent stretch marks

Tasty Lentil Soup Provides Folic Acid

With winter upon us I thought for the next few weeks it might be helpful to post a few recipes that will warm you up and also help you add Folic Acid to your diet naturally. Another way of adding in the vitamins and nutrients you need within your diet is through Brain Supplements. Just like the soup that has little ingredients, but provides a number of benefits to your health, these supplements offer support for the brain. It may be worth a try or at least doing a little research into it.

This week’s recipe includes two of the top 10 foods that provide high levels of Folic Acid.

  • Lentils are one of the most folate-dense foods you can include in your diet, 180 mcg of folate is in every 1/2-cup serving which is close to 50 percent of the folic acid RDI. Some of the other great nutrients lentils provide include; iron, fiber, and slow-burning carbohydrates.
  • Tomatoes or tomato juice can provide around 48mcg of folic acid in a 1 cup serving. Tomato juice is a good low sugar option compared to most morning breakfast juices.

Enjoy warming up with this Tomato & Lentil soup!

Tomato & Lentil Soup

1 Tbsp Olive or Grape-seed Oil

1 onion, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, crushed

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1 lb. fresh tomatoes or 14.5oz canned (seeded and chopped)

3/4 cup split red lentils

5 cups Vegetable or Chicken Stock

salt and pepper to taste

finely chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

*(Do not salt lentils until they are cooked or they can become tough)

Heat oil in a large pan. Sauté onion and cook 5 minutes or until softened.

Stir in garlic, cumin, coriander, tomatoes and lentils, cook and stir constantly for 4 additional minutes. Add vegetable or chicken stock, bring to boil, reduce heat and let simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, until lentils are tender. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Remove pan from heat and let cool slightly, then transfer mixture into blender or food processor and process until smooth. Return the soup to the rinsed-out pan and reheat gently until hot. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

Enjoy!

Why is Folic Acid so important before and during pregnancy? In the fetus, folic acid helps the neural tube, which develops into the brain and spinal cord, grow. In some incidence Folic Acid has shown that it can reduce some types of birth defects by as much as 70%.

For more information regarding Folic Acid and Pregnancy…

http://www.suite101.com/content/pregnancy-and-folic-acid-new-facts-pregnant-women-should-know-a213165

Give “Super Woman” some time off while you are Pregnant

I talk with so many pregnant women who were already trying to fit so much into their busy schedule prior to being pregnant, they are overwhelmed at the thought of trying to find time to get additional rest, eat healthier and prepare for the new baby.  These women are very excited about the baby but a little hesitant about the additional challenges.

If possible I recommend you consider the fact that you are part of a miracle, take the time to really be present and enjoy this time. It is the time to let yourself off the hook and let someone else be Super Woman for a while.  Talk with your family and reassign some tasks for the next few months, discuss meals that will be simple yet fresh and healthy.  Take this time to strengthen your family as a team by letting everyone contribute to you and the baby’s wellbeing. Let someone be your exercise coach, another be in charge of rubbing your feet, reading to the baby, choosing which baby Bach CD to play. Let everyone know what comes next.  Don’t keep “What to Expect When Your Expecting” to your self.  Let this be a family affair.  If it is just you and your partner, enlist a family member or friend to volunteer for an assignment during your pregnancy, you would be surprised how much people want to help.

If everyone is included they can be so much more supportive, you can feel less guilty, and rest easier.  Who knows everyone pitching in a little extra may just become a habit.

Above all do not miss out on enjoying this time, the dusting may just have to wait.

Choosing a name for baby!

babyingreenHow do you choose a name for your baby?  You share the same body,  food, and sleep schedule, but you still haven’t met face to face!

This can be a very fun exercise for you and your partner.  There are so many options to consider.

  • Traditional names.  Certain names are time tested and endure.  Here are a few ideas for Boys and Girls
  • Popular names fit a particular time.  Check out some of the listings of most popular baby names here for Boys and Girls.
  • Family names from grandma and grandpa, mom or dad, uncles or aunts.
  • Unique or new spellings for more common names.

Keep handy a pencil and paper.  As you go about your day, jot down potential names that come to mind.  Have your partner do the same, and compare at the end of a day or week. Keep a journal of potential names.  Someday it could be fun to look back on names you considered and share these with your child.

For some quick name searches, go online.  Or – go to the library and browse name books.  You can even make a date out of the name game and take Dad to a Barnes and Noble, have some tea or hot chocolate, and spend an hour or two looking through names together.

You may choose to get feedback from family and friends.  If you feel that you might get toooooo much feedback, wait until your baby’s birth to share the name.  After baby is born and introduced to the world, everyone will think the name is perfect!

What ever name you decide on, know that the guidance, love, and strength you share with your child will ultimately contribute to their personality and this will be what defines the name you give them.

Hydration during Pregnancy

Hydration is so important during your pregnancy and postpartum.

The daily recommendation is 8-12 glasses of water not including other beverages. Why, here are just a few reasons:

  • Helps with constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Supports Liver and Kidney functions
  • Helps to hydrate dry skin and helps to prevent stretch marks
  • Water intake can contribute toward having a normal amount of amniotic fluid around the baby
  • Water helps with the blood flow, and it improves uterine profusion, meaning that it optimizes blood flow to the uterus.

While the daily recommendation before you were pregnant was 8 glasses that recommendation goes to 8-12 glasses during pregnancy.  Water helps with constipation, fatigue; it helps to support the liver and kidney functions.  Your skin gets dry during pregnancy, especially around your belly so drink plenty of water and use high quality body lotions or oils such as Mothers Special Blend Skin Toning Oil. By keeping your skin hydrated you will be more comfortable and also help to prevent stretch marks while your belly expands.  When you start to expand you also have a tendency to want to drink less just because you are tired of the trips to the restroom since the baby adds pressure to your bladder.  Buy yourself a pretty glass that makes the water look enticing, fill up a pitcher in the morning that holds the 12 glasses worth of water and make sure it is close to empty at night, this way you will know you have gotten all your water in for the day.  Try adding a few slices of lemon, orange or cucumber to your pitcher of water, it will make it more refreshing and interesting.

For more information regarding hydration during pregnancy and other helpful information to support you during your pregnancy check out  The American Pregnancy Association Website

Have a great day and remember to drink your water :)

Summer and Pregnancy

Summer is such a great time, especially for those of us who live in an area that is cold in the winter and the vegetation goes into hibernation. Summer is warm, green and a time to celebrate the outdoors. With that celebration comes more time outside which means more time in the sun and heat. And the need to keep your indoor space as cool as possible could become even more important. By making sure that your air conditioning is working, or that any maintenance has been completed by services similar to this Boulden Brothers ac replacement, can help to make sure that you have the ability to cool down whenever you feel the need to. The precautions we should all take when it comes to the sun are the same when you are pregnant only now you need to me vigilant about those precautions.

Sensitivity to high temperatures, and sun exposure during pregnancy increase and can cause you to feel nauseas and sometimes faint. You may experience increased swelling of the feet, and become dehydrated more easily.

Overheating during pregnancy especially in the first trimester has been linked to problems with spinal development as well as minor changes to birth weight. You should not spend too much time sitting or lying in direct sunlight when outside try to stay in the shade as much as possible during peak sunlight hours (10 – 4pm).

Skin changes during pregnancy and becomes more sensitive; this is a side effect of the hormonal changes your body is going through. This increased sensitivity also extends to sun exposure. The additional estrogen in your body can increase the risk of dark spots usually on the forehead or across the nose when exposed to the sun. Sunscreen is a must, no less than SPF15.

Hydration during pregnancy is so important, if you are going to be in the heat for any length of time you should make a special effort to drink lots of liquids – preferably water. This will help to keep you cool and reduce swelling and water retention

Vitamin D is essential in helping our bodies absorb calcium for strong bone development, so everyone benefits from some sun exposure. Studies show we need about 15-20 minutes of direct sunlight each day, Don’t be afraid to get some sun just take a few sensible precautions on a daily basis and enjoy the benefits of the sun safely during your pregnancy.

Shoes with support! When you are pregnant and it’s hot out you will be tempted to throw on a pair of flip-flops, no ties, and no boundaries for those swollen feet. Take the time to invest in a cool and comfortable pair of shoes for the summer that provide you with good support, your body will thank you. There are a few new options out there if you can’t give up your flip-flops; Ohana Flip Flop By Olukai Inc is one, which offers some good support.

Sun Pregnancy Tool Kit should include:

  • Sunscreen
  • Water, lots of it
  • Umbrella
  • Chair or Blanket
  • Fan
  • Cool Comfortable Shoes, with good Support

Have fun; buy your self a parasol and a pretty fan, to help you conquer the summer heat. Enjoy your summer, relax read a book, enjoy this incredible journey.

All About Exercise …

pregnancyexerciseOver the past few years, many women have asked me about exercise during pregnancy. There are so many fun activities and exercises that you can do during pregnancy. Not only is exercise healthy for you and baby, but it can also be a fun part of your day. It can serve as a social hour if you go to the gym with friends. It can be a meditative escape if you choose to go for a quiet walk by yourself.

You have a special 9 months to offer very direct influence to the health of your baby, and good exercise is just one more way that you can help ensure your baby is born as healthy and strong. A little exercise can provide fantastic benefits for your health during pregnancy. (Remember, always keep your doctor informed of your exercise activities.) Exercise does the following:

  • Makes you feel good and helps lessen nauseous feelings during the first few months while your body is naturally cleansing itself. It boosts your energy and raises your serotonin levels (serotonin is the feel good chemical that is released in your brain when you move a lot).
  • Improves circulation so that your body and baby receives more oxygen and helps speed up your metabolism so you can eat more healthy whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Helps prevent cellulite formation and keeps you toned and strong as you are gaining about 3-5 pounds a month.
  • Strengthens your body so you will be in good shape when your delivery day. Delivery can be easier if you are in shape.

Need I say more … Just taking time for yourself 15-30 minutes a day will give you the feel-good energy you need. If you have never exercised very much, just start out slowly and be careful not to overdo it. Listen to your body. Do not exercise to the point of exhaustion and breathlessness. Always wear comfortable shoes that give you strong ankle and arch support. And always bring water with you. Just keep moving by staying active and alert.

Remember to Have fun! When your baby is born just bring him or her along. Your baby likes to keep moving too and there are many places that offer exercise classes for moms and newborns.

Here are some fun exercise suggestions:

  • Walking 15 minutes in the morning and afternoon
  • Yoga for pregnant women (Look for classes in your area)
  • Dance classes
  • Biking on moderate trails
  • Hiking
  • Weight training with light weights to improve muscle strength and tone

Things to avoid:

  • Extremely hot weather
  • Rocky uneven terrain when you are hiking or walking
  • Contact sports (soccer, basketball, football …)
  • Sky diving, parasailing, frisbee, scuba diving and racecar driving

Are you a particularly sporty mother to be? It is important to remember that although during your pregnancy you should avoid contact sports such as soccer, basketball, and football, that is not to say that you cannot follow along with all your favorite games from behind a TV screen in the comfort of your own home! Lots of pregnant women even find sports betting websites such as FanDuel to be a useful resource when it comes to keeping up with all the latest sporting action. Who knows, you might even land yourself a prize that can be put towards purchasing something for your new arrival! Just remember to always gamble responsibly.

So, go on, get out and make exercise a fun part of your day. Get into a routine and you’ll find yourself looking forward to your exercise time!

Increasingly, mothers want to learn about diastasis recti exercises which can help the body return to normal once the pregnancy is complete which you can learn more about over at Our Fit Family Life.

Tips and Tricks for Healthy Eating all Week Long

groceryshoppingForget that busy schedule – healthy, tasty meals are still an option for everyone.  Here are a few tips and tricks to make eating healthy easy for you.

  • Plan a week’s worth of meals in advance.  Think of how to creatively use left-over’s.
  • Keep a grocery list.  Store the list somewhere easily accessible so that you’ll update it whenever you notice that an item needs restocked.
  • Save Sunday’s paper and find a moment to clip coupons.
  • Buy fresh foods from the grocery store every 3-4 days.  These include vegetables, fruits and fresh breads.
  • Get into a routine for certain meals.  Eating similar things at each meal makes shopping easier.  Introduce some variety to keep it interesting.  (e.x., oatmeal for breakfast, salad for lunch, etc.)
  • Purchase meats and fish in larger quantities and freeze extra.  Upon return from the grocery store, separate meats and fish into portions for immediate consumption and for freezing. Package portions for freezing separately for convenient defrosting and use later.
  • Prepare several portions of salad all at once.  Slice vegetables and lettuce.  Package a portion of vegetables all together in one zip lock back.  Put lettuce in another.  When ready to use, simply mix together with a little salad dressing.  Portions of salad can be prepared 2-3 days in advance.
  • If you anticipate a busy week, prepare something over the weekend that can serve for several dinners or lunches.  Consider a chicken or lasagna recipe.  If not planning to eat left-over’s immediately, freeze in individual portions.  These make great “fast food” meals to pull out on a busy day.

Have fun with your meal planning!  Remember that sharing a meal with your significant other or a friend can make the meal that much more enjoyable.  It’s a simple pleasure that adds joy to the day.

Things to Consider Before You Deliver: Part 1 – Bring a Girlfriend

As you plan for your baby’s due date, consider having a girlfriend or close female relative join you for the delivery.  If you have a friend that has already had a baby, even better – she will know exactly what you are going through and will be able to provide extra TLC.

If you have concerns about this additional attendee, think of the following, and do give some serious consideration to bringing a girlfriend.

Concern:  Having too many people at the birth will take away from my privacy.

Consideration: Depending on the length of your labor you may be attended to by multiple nurses and the doctor.  Being in the maternity unit is not an entirely “private” experience.

Concern: This should be a special moment for my husband and I to share.

Consideration:  Yes, having your baby should be a special moment for the two of you to share.  Being in labor can take many hours.  If you have a girlfriend with you, your husband may be able to sneak off for some much needed coffee or a snack.  Husband and girlfriend will probably be more cheery and supportive to you if they can each take an occasional break.  When your baby is finally being born, you can choose to have everyone additional step out of the room so that you are sharing the special moment just with your husband.

Concern:  Having an extra person at the birth will be more work for me to coordinate.

Consideration:  Any girlfriend or family member that you invite should be a person very close to you.  Talk to them about this idea months in advance.  Discuss how she might best help you.  Perhaps she could give you a foot or hand massage as you have contractions.  Maybe she could think of nice stories to share to help pass the time.  When you go into labor, let your friend shine and help you in any way she thinks of.

Ultimately, having babies is something that only women do.  Having a girlfriend with you during the birth of your baby could give you that needed extra support, and will provide additional love as you bring your baby into the world.

Energy High – Cravings Low

What?  You say this sweet tooth and craving for salty snacks can be kept at bay?  Even while pregnant?

The answer is Yes!  Even though you may be eating for you and baby, keep it healthy.  You’ll feel better, think more clearly and continue to stay fit.  Baby will have the benefit of growing and developing with rich nutrients.  You’ll have more energy to continue doing all those things you love to do on any normal week.  Your friends, husband and baby will all thank you!  Here’s how:

Eat more often.  That’s right – if you find that your energy levels are spiking and dropping, have smaller meals interspersed with a few snacks.  Try a moderate breakfast about 20 minutes after you wake up, followed by a mid morning snack.  Eat a healthy, lighter lunch, continue with a small mid-afternoon snack and finish off with dinner.

Eat foods that offer sustained energy.  Loose the fast burning foods that are rich in simple sugars. Here are a couple ideas:

  • Breakfast – oatmeal, or a few eggs and a slice of whole grain toast, granola with yogurt and some fresh berries
  • Morning snack – a handful of almonds or mixed nuts, a banana
  • Lunch – fresh salad with greens a few veggies of your choice and grilled salmon or chicken (if pressed for time, tunafish with salad is quick, easy and tasty
  • Afternoon snack – a granola bar and apple, cut vegetables
  • Dinner – lentil soup, chicken with brown rice and mixed veggies

You may miss those unhealthy snacks at first – but – rather quickly you will notice just how good you feel and those cravings will subside.

Expand your palate with some of these resources that offer great tips for healthy mouth watering recipes:

Buen Provecho!

8 Tips to Keep Comfy on Car Rides

car-road-tripWhether its a car ride to see relatives or a fun weekend getaway, make sure you’re prepared to enjoy the whole weekend including the car trip. Car rides can be the perfect excuse to spend some quality time chatting, or just zone out to good tunes while enjoying the scenery. If you’re planning a road trip, it goes without saying that the main thing you’ll need is a car. However, you could opt for something else like an RV Rental Denver which would give you far more space for you and your family to spread out in and would allow you to explore the country in luxury.

Road trips are usually quite long, so your car needs to be able to travel long distances without breaking down. If you’re unsure whether your car is fit for driving a long way, you might want to consider purchasing a second-hand car instead. Some people like to use Autozin to find a selection of vehicles, however, picking the right car will depend on a number of factors. It depends how many people you’re taking and how much you’re taking with you. Choosing a spacious car might be a good idea, especially if you’re going to be in it for a while.

You could also consider renting a car purely for the purpose of your road trip. This can be particularly useful if you are heading overseas. Not sure where to start? There are some fantastic car rental companies out there online nowadays so do not be afraid to shop around online to find the best deal ahead of your road trip. For example, if you are looking for a car rental in iceland it is well worth doing some research into Icelandic car hire companies in advance of your visit so that you already have an idea in mind of the type of vehicle that you would like to rent.

There are no doubts about it, sitting for too long can be uncomfortable for anyone. As you get along in months in your pregnancy, make sure that you are ready to enjoy a good road trip! As mentioned above, if you don’t think the car you own is comfortable enough for a long car journey, look into Family Car Hire so the car is a bit more spacious and considerate to the needs of your growing family.

  • Check with your OB to make sure travel is a good idea.
  • Keep a couple water bottles handy in the trunk. Rehydrating boosts energy levels.
  • Also keep a couple snacks ready in your car in case you are feeling hungry. Granola bars or apples are quick, store well and create hardly a mess.
  • Take an extra jacket or shirt for layering options.
  • For longer road trips, travel with someone else – especially as you are further along in your pregnancy.
  • Wear your seatbelt low and snug around your hips.
  • If your traveling during your third trimester, take along a copy of your prenatal records.
  • Get out of the car frequently for “scenic” breaks and to walk around and stretch.

Prepare in advance and consider avoiding travels to places that go to places too remote. If you’re sharing the ride with someone else, take a pillow and catch a short nap. Enjoy these pre-baby travels!