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Saturday, June 2, 2012

On My Plate - After Run Snack

This is one of my favourite snacks after my morning workout.  It includes Mary's Gluten-free and Wheat-free crackers with cucumbers and hummus.  I usually always go for seconds!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

New Fitness App from Moms In Motion

Have you checked out the new Moms In Motion Base App?  I have just downloaded it to my iPhone and I am excited to start using it in addition to my running workouts.  It is important to have an well-balanced fitness regimen that includes a warm-up, cardio, strength and stretching exercises.  I am a huge cardio buff and my number one activity is running.  However, it is important for me to add in strength and stretching exercises throughout the week to prevent injuries and to help run more efficiently.
The app designed by Moms In Motion can help those, especially moms, achieve a total body workout right from home.  As a mother, I know how hard it can be to fit in exercise into your daily routine.  Downloading the app to your iPhone is easy to take it with you anywhere (even when doing the laundry).  The running season has now arrived so I will be tuning in to this app to complement my cardio routines. 
Great job Moms In Motion!!

A Moms's Life - My Chaos Theory

CHAOS

A condition or place of great disorder or confusion


Does the definition of chaos resonate with some of you parents out there?  Since I became a mom, I am surrounded by chaos.  My house is in great disorder about 90% of time!  There are so many chores to be done, laundry to be folded, and dishes to be washed.  I have a long list household to-do's, but I never put an unrealistic timeline on them.  Instead there is no timeline because I believe they will be done sometime in my lifetime!
In addition, there is the chaos that comes from parenting your children.  The other day my husband was going to be at work until late, so it was just me and my three children for the day.  Well, there was plenty of disorder and confusion.  I had to deal with nose bleeds, injuries, temper tantrums, sibling disagreements, picky eating, nap failures - all in one day!!  Of course, this all had to happen while I was on my own.  However I realized that this is probably how it is most days because with my husband around to help out, it seems a little more balanced.
I don't think there is any denying that chaos is a part of our family life.  I feel like I am constantly running around between my children, business, and housework.  There are days that I feel that the chaos has taken over my day.  But then I wake up the next morning to my baby boy's cheeful cooing and my daughters' loving smiles as we snuggle in bed.  It is then I realize that the chaos is all worth it to have moments like these!  Now I must leave because my son has just hit is head on the floor.  Let the chaos begin!

Monday, April 16, 2012

On My Plate - Fiesta Ground Turkey

Fiesta Ground Turkey

  • Low-carb
  • High Protein
  • Low-fat
This is a great low-carb meal that I have, particularly after a weekend of parties and treats.  The siesta seasoning adds a little spice to this meal.

Lean ground turkey meat
Low-sodium Burrito Fiesta Seasoning Package
1 cup of peppers (red and yellow)
1 onion
1 garlic

Brown ground turkey meat.  Cook onions, peppers and garlic.  Add to meat fixture.  Sprinkle with Burrito Fiesta Seasoning Package and 3/4 cup of water.  Simmer until sauce thickens.  You can add corn chips or hard taco shells for a little more variety.

The Healthy Benefits of Coconut Oil

Lately, I have been reading quite a bit about Coconut Oil and its many health benefits.  Since I have been suffering with thyroiditis ever since the birth of my third child, I have been looking for some natural ways to heal my thyroid.  Coconut oil (100% extra-virgin) seems to be a great option for others with mild to moderate thyroid issues.  Though I have heard of other individuals with severe thyroid diseases that are now off their medication because of supplementing with coconut oil.  However, I am not endorsing this so I suggest everyone talks to their health professional before going off medications.
In addition, I have heard that it may be a great weight loss supplement; though, there has not been extensive research on the matter. I have been reading through the website The Coconut Diet that has some interesting information.  Again, I am well aware that it has not been well-researched as of yet.  But for some of us who have been suffering from chronic diseases, with no relief from medications, this website may be worth a read.
For myself, I have been suffering a variety of thyroid symptoms since the birth of my son.  My blood levels and ultrasound are normal so I have been looking for some other treatment options.  My natuorpath had recommended Coconut Oil, so I will be giving it a try to see if my symptoms improve.  I will keep you posted!
I just came across this video about Coconut Oil and Thyroid Benefits that I found very interesting!!




Thursday, February 9, 2012

On My Plate: Healthy Granola for Low Sugar Diets


For someone like me who needs to be on a restrictive diet, I find granola to be a perfect meal or snack idea.  It is packed with calories and essential fatty acids from the nuts, seeds and coconut.  If you are on a Candida diet or eliminating sugar from your meals, you do not have to add any extra sugar to enjoy!  For those who do not have any restrictions, dried fruit and yogurt can be great additions.


Healthy Granola Recipe
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup of vegetable oil or coconut oil (coconut oil has very strong anti-fungal properties)
Additions:
1/2 cup of honey or syrup (reduce the vegetable/coconut oil to 2 Tbsp.)
Dried fruit (raisins)

Combine all ingredients.  Cook for 35 minutes at 325 farenheit in the oven.  Stir half way through.

Serve yogurt, almond milk or soy milk.


Friday, February 3, 2012

When All Health Fails - Surviving Motherhood


When I think of motherhood, I think of a roller coaster.  I'm sure many moms would agree with me that there are definite highs and lows in regards to our children as well as our health.  I never realized that neglecting to take care of myself since having kids could have such as huge impact on my health.  These past few months have proven to be the worst.  I have had (and still) dealing with a systemic yeast infection that has caused me many problems such as hypothyroidism, painful breastfeeding and muscle weakness.  I have had to make drastic changes to my diet and lifestyle.  But I keep wondering how I got myself to this point?
After I had my first child, getting back to my healthy, fit self was a breeze.  I felt very confident in my abilities as a mother.  I had great balance in my life.  Then things turned around after my second child was born.  After her birth, which ended up to be my second c-section, I went into a bit of post-partum depression.  I felt like I was a failure for not birthing her naturally.  She also had some health issues in her first year, that made me drop into a further depression.  I felt so guilty that I didn't know how to help her.  I didn't feel like exercising and ate to make myself feel better.  I couldn't recognize who I was anymore.  I was over-weight and couldn't find the motivation to get out of my "funk".
After some consideration, we decided to have our 3rd baby via c-section.  Surprisingly the pregnancy and postpartum were easier this time around.  I thought I was doing pretty good, until I had a major change in my health.  I had a fierce yeast infection that affected many parts of my body, including my thyroid.  I was experiencing hypothyroid symptoms as well as the unpleasant effects of the yeast.  It has really challenged me to look at my lifestyle. 
I felt compelled to share my story because I hate how society only addresses the joys of motherhood and disregards its challenges.  Most of us have had challenges adjusting to motherhood, but don't know where they find others like them.  Postpartum depression needs to be more accepted in our culture because it is prevalent.  Many of us who have it should not be ashamed!  In my case, postpartum depression can affect your health in many aspects.  In addition, pregnancy and postpartum recovery can be hard on your body!!  I realize now that I should have taken better care of myself and that is my message to all mothers.  I want my children to see me as a happy, healthy women who knows her limits and takes care of herself.
In achieving happiness for myself, is getting back to the things I love, like blogging.  It is time to get my dirty old runners out of the closet and go for a run (probably walk).  It is time to say no to commitments that take too much time away from taking care of myself.  It is time to be open and receptive to lifestyle changes for better health.  It is time to take risks that help me grow as a person.  It is time to be all I can for my children.
I believe that our bodies will tell us when things are out of balance.  We need to listen to our bodies and adjust our lifestyle accordingly to achieve ultimate health!  I wish this for everyone who reads my blog.  Please listen to your body!  Know your limits!  Take care of yourself!
Namaste

Monday, June 6, 2011

Our Little Man Has Arrived!


Our Baby Boy

A little early...but our little boy has arrived! Bryson Lloyd Jutras was born on May 30, at 33 weeks! He is doing very well in the Neonatal Intensive Care and should hopefully be home by the end of the week! Our older girls are so excited to have a baby brother. I will not be posting for some time, but will be posting occasionally throughout the summer. ~ Roz Jutras