pro advice for moms-to-be

Whether you're a veteran mom or still have your training wheels on, every gal can benefit from a little pro advice when she is expecting.

I know, I know -- NOT MORE ADVICE! Advice seems to be like conversational currency when you're sporting a baby bump. Everyone from your great aunt Martha's bff with 12 kids, to the lady standing behind you at Target, to the co-worker who wants to chat about 'how his wife dealt with sciatica' wants to weigh in.

Today's pro advice comes from, well, professionals. Who just happen to be moms as well. Like your margarita mocktail (and all advice for that matter), this mom advises you to take it with a grain of salt.

mama wants her body back: fitness mini-session giveaway

The holidays are here. That means lots of running around, shopping, parties, family get-togethers, baking, turkey roasting, card writing, wrapping, lists... prime time for forgetting (or avoiding) taking time for yourself.

Then January 1st comes around and smacks you. It's time to think about you. You make a resolution. Thinking about the sugar cookies you OD'd on, you vow to fit in fitness and improve your health.

4 weeks later: What resolution?

The wonderful moms behind Body Back Baltimore want to help moms take care of yourself this holiday season, and get a jump on that new years resolution. They've introduced a 4 week fitness mini-session that launches after Thanksgiving and wraps up just before Christmas (November 29th - December 22nd). Perfect for helping you fit comfortably into that little black dress hanging at the back of your closet on New Year's Eve. Or heck, give you the perfect excuse to go buy a new one.

this week's plum deals from plum district

Just had to share. Plum District has a great little black bag on sale today.

For $10, you can score this tres chic travel bag designed to hold every emergency medicine item you or your tot could ever need. It's your medicine cabinet on-the-go, brought to you by Mommy's Medicine Cabinet. Note that supplies are sold separately. So buy your necessities from Mommy's Medicine Cabinet or stock the bag with your own supply. It'll look great at soccer practice or your fall hike excursion and picnic.

Plus, Plum District wants to buy you lunch. Seriously. Spend $20 or more on their site right now and you can get a $5 Subway Gift Card if you enter the PLUMGIFT code at check out. {{Is the $5 Foot Long song swimming through your head now, too?}}. That covers a six inch sub and a drink. Score.

Want the deal? And a free lunch? Head over to Plum District Baltimore.

mommy sanity savers & healthy tips from mindful nutrition

When talking about nutrition and self care, this is the time that most of my mommy clients fall off the wagon. It’s the crazy time when camp is over and yet there is still a week or two to go before school time. It’s “showtime” and the moms need to be “on.”

The mommies are too busy to cook, care for themselves or go to the grocery store. We are grabbing anything to eat, while on the run, and are just feeling bogged down and lousy. What’s worse is that they want more sugar. They can’t stay on a healthy plan. What to do?!

Here are a few simple steps that will help with cravings, and will hopefully support your sanity.

• Get enough water and sleep. Most know that, but few can do it! With more sleep and water, you are better able to meet the other challenges. It’s true!! You totally have more will power and can say no to the chocolate marshmallow covered snowball when you have slept a full 8 hours and are not parched. Believe me!!
• Do a protein shake every morning! Want energy fast and easy? Get a boost from these easily made and deliciously cool concoctions. Have one in the morning for a great balance of protein, fats and carbohydrates, or do it in the afternoon during the 3pm “dwindles.” These are great for kids too. Make a blender full and share it. Call it a “milkshake” and watch them guzzle it down.
• Green lemonade. It is a filling and detoxifying drink. Put some lemons, cucumbers, mint and a bit of stevia into your blender. Blend and serve over ice. Sip in the morning and after lunch for an amazing pick me up. This will help make you more alkaline, help with weight loss, and sugar cravings.
• Take your snacks with you everywhere. Whether you think you are going home or not! Getting caught unawares without something to eat is when you have to pull over and get a donut!! Travel with protein bars, cherries, apples and raw nuts.
• Get protein at breakfast and lunch. In my practice, this is where I see most women get tripped up. Women stay “in control” for some of the day, but when 3pm comes, or after dinner, they get waves of sweet and carbohydrate cravings. This is happens when meals aren’t balanced enough. Go ahead and eat the bigger breakfast and lunch. You will see that the cravings are diminished.
• Detox! Do a week or a month detox of protein shakes and light meals. This is a great jump start to any wellness program.
  

Try a couple or all of these things to get ahead of the busiest weeks of summer. Do a little self care in the morning and enjoy huge payoffs.

Ana Goldseker is a certified nutrition consultant and owner of Mindful Nutrition, located Cockeysville. If you have any questions, or would like to mommy (or family nutrition) consultation, please contact her via email or visit Mindful Nutrition online. Like the Mindful Nutrition facebook page for great tips and treats!

image credit: enlightened cooking