Goals for the week

My goals this week are simple, straight forward and hopefully I can reach them all.

1. Stay within calorie range - 1,500 - 1,800
2. Drink 128 oz of water each day
3. Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and veggies each day
4. Fiber intake at least 35 grams a day
5. Protein intake at least 90 grams a day
6. Walk at least 60 mins each day Monday - Friday

3 AM and NO sleep!!

It is 3 AM and my little angel girl is in the middle of one of her exercise routines and I cannot sleep. I am SO tried but she is really moving and grooving in there! I just love feeling her roll around.

My parents and in laws are arriving at around 9:00 am so I am really hoping to get a bit of sleep before then once she finishes her routine! LOL! I remember the doctor talking to us today about the kick count. He was telling us that an active baby is such a good thing and where there is concern is if you do not feel any movement for an extended period of time. At that point they suggest doing a kick count where you lay down and count the kicks. I think you should have something like 10 in an hour. Well Thank the Lord that this NOT a problem here! I think she is kicking 10 times in about a 45 second period of time! She must really be happy in there!

I am so thankful for this tremendous blessing. A healthy baby girl, truly an answered prayer. Ok, I am off to try and get some MUCH needed sleep....IF she will let me!

30 week appointment and new photos....

Everything went extremely well at my doctors apt today. My little girl is healthy, growing strong and still very active. Her HR was 134 and strong. I always love hearing it! It took the nurse awhile to get a reading as she was moving around too much and was kicking back at the doppler once again, she apparently does not like that thing!

The doctor checked out everything and I am perfect for where I need to be at 30 weeks. My girl was head down and wrapping around the right side of my belly with her little bottom at the upper right side of my stomach. So cute!

We discussed my labor for a bit as I am planning a natural birth, no meds. Yes, I know I am crazy but I really want to do this. He told me to keep working out as much as possible and he feels I will do well, however if there is a problem and the labor is too long that I may need one as we do not want to place the baby under too much distress. But that would not be until 8 to 10 hours of labor. I pray it does not last that long! LOL! 8 hours with no meds...OUCH!

In terms of my weight gain, I am still doing well. I weighed in showing a 16.4 pound gain here at the house and a 16 pound gain at the doctors office! For 7.5 months I am totally happy with that! My next apt is at 32 weeks and my goal is to weigh in around 18 pounds.

SO thankful for another good report, it really is such a blessing!

Workout results 1/27 and Goals for today!

I fell just short of a few goals yesterday but overall I did very well. My fiber intake was CRAZY!! I am really focusing on protein and fiber for these last few weeks. First of all protein is SO important during this phase as my baby girl is bulking up and I want her to have strong bones and muscle! I am watching my fiber intake because during the last few weeks I have read that you can have swelling, constipation and other symtoms so an increase of fiber and water is so good for you. I have also taken out a great deal of sodium, which has helped SO MUCH! I can see a difference not only in how I look but in the scale as well. My weight can change from .5 pound to 2 pounds in one day just from eating a great deal of sodium and not drinking my water. I tell you water helps so much! This was true too when I was in weight loss mode prior to my pregnancy. DRINK that water!!!!

I am heading out for our 30 week doctors apt today! Then I have some more errands to run before my parents and in laws come to see us for the weekend. I am cooking today for all of us! Wonderful, healthy meals I promise! I am cooking a Buffalo chili with beans, stoneground cornbread, chicken fajitas with whole grain fiber tortillas, and a BIG pot of Cranberry beans!

Here are my results from yesterday -

1. Drink 128 oz of water - Only drank 120 oz
2. Fiber intake - at least 35 grams - 86 grams of fiber! WOW!
3. Protein intake - at least 90 grams - 114 grams
4. Fitness - walk for at least 45 mins - 42 min walk
5. Stay within calorie range - 1,500 - 1,800 - 1,465 calories consumed

Goals for today - Thursday 1/28

1. Drink 128 oz of water
2. Fiber intake - at least 35 grams
3. Protein intake - at least 90 grams
4. Fitness - no fitness today - but active day running around town and doing stuff around the house.
5. Stay within calorie range - 1,500 - 1,800

Fiber....

Someone today asked me how it is that I get so much fiber in my diet. Here are a few things that I eat that contains high amounts of fiber.

Dark green veggies, such as broccoli and baby spinach
Protein, flaxseed peanut butter
Brown rice
Beans of all kinds but I love cranberry beans, black beans and lentils the best
Bob's Red Mill High Fiber Cereal - 10 grams of fiber for only 1/4 cup!!
Ground flaxseeds
Ezekiel bread products
La Tortilla Smart Wraps - 13 grams of fiber
Lots of apples
Double fiber natures own bread
Natures Grain high protein, fiber bagels - 19 grams for one bagel

So for example today here is what I ate.....

Fiber bread with natural flaxseed peanut butter with skim milk
Fiber protein bagel with fat free cream cheese
Egg whites scrambled with brown rice and 2 cups of baby spinach
Greek yogurt with apple and ground flaxseeds

Hope this helps give you some ideas on how to add fiber into your diet from various soruces.

Goals for today....

I am heading out this morning to start another busy day. In order for me to make sure I reach all my goals I am posting what I am aiming for today so that I may be accountable to you all and GET IT DONE!!!!

1. Drink 128 oz of water
2. Fiber intake - at least 35 grams
3. Protein intake - at least 90 grams
4. Fitness - walk for at least 45 mins
5. Stay within calorie range - 1,500 - 1,800

Workout results 1/26

WOW! I just realized it has been awhile since I have posted a workout results blog! BAD JEN!!

All is well with my pregnancy, just taking is easy these days. I am staying VERY active but my walks are short and not as fast as they once were. Thanks to eating well my weight has not been affected though I am gaining each week of course! Today was a busy day. I was out shopping all day then I came home to walk for 55 mins. Now I am officially zapped! But as much as I would like to lay down the laundry is calling me and I must be a good wife and answer the call.

I am still hungry ALL THE TIME it seems! I have been logging my calories and I am doing well but my appetite is growing big time. I guess this is normal but I really want to stay away from all these crazy cravings I am having. It will pay off! I am going to treat myself after my doctors apt on Thursday.

My parents and my in laws are coming to see us on Friday!!! So I have a busy week and weekend ahead of me. We are going to try and finish painting the upstairs of our house and spend time together working on the nursery, which will be fun!

Off to do my laundry now! Blessings!

55 min walk - 3.06 miles
Water - 74 oz so far.....goal by tonight - 128 oz
Calories consumed - 1,638
Fiber - 43 grams
Protein - 133 grams

Shake, Rattle and Roll...

I did not get much sleep last night but for a very good reason! My husband is away on a business trip and I have decided that my little girl is the smartest baby ever! You see, she was moving and kicking ALL NIGHT keeping me company knowing how my husband was away. She did not want me to be lonely and so I did not sleep much.

It all started when I was taking a bath before bed and all of the sudden the right side of my belly just started raising up and if she was stretching out of me! It was wonderful but so strange to see at first. Then she literally started moving and grooving all around both sides of my belly. She calmed down for awhile and after about 10 mins of being in bed it started again. I was rubbing my hands over my stomach and right above my belly button I felt for the first time a knob about the size of a quater. It was raised up and it freaked me out a bit a first then it occurred to me it was probably her knee or elbow. WOW! I was in shock! I just felt a part of my baby! I turned on the light and continued to watch her move around until the wee hours of the morning. Then around 4 am it started again. I did not mind though as it was so comforting to feel and see her move so much! I NEVER want to forget these moments. I only have a couple of months now to enjoy this and I want to take in everything that I can.

Someday I am looking forward to reading these blogs and remembering all the memories from this pregnancy. I remember the first kick at about 18 weeks while in the garage with my Mom getting some trees ready for the front porch. I called my husband over to feel it but he could not feel anything and he was so sad! Then there was the day over the Thanksgiving weekend while we were at Babies RUS and she really kicked hard for the first time.

I will NEVER forget the day we were laying in bed and my husband was talking to her and she kicked for him the first time, the look in his eyes was priceless. And then there was the first time I saw my belly really move, with tears streaming down my face it hit me the miracle I was carrying. I am so happy I have recorded the progression of this pregnancy and I hope she can look back someday and know just how much I have treasured this journey. It has been a blessing. I love you my little gift from God.....

7 month doctors apt! The 3rd Trimester is here!!

I cannot believe I am writing this blog! I just seems like yesterday that I just announced I was pregnant and now I am officially in the 3rd trimester!

Our appointment was wonderful. I came to my doctor with a long list of concerns as my cramping and pains having increased quite a bit. He was so understanding and explained to my husband and I what was going on. He said the back pain was due to a spasm and pain from the weight of the baby and there was no need to be too concerned about it. The pain in my belly that I like to describe as the accordion pain because it feels like my stomach is clinching down like an accordion is nothing more than Braxton Hicks contractions, again totally normal, no worries there. This we expected and knew already but it was good to hear. The sharp pains that are low he said are my pelvic bones getting ready and spreading, again totally normal. He said these can be quite painful so I am fine. He said it was good for me to keep walking as it is so wonderful me. Ok, maybe not my 30 miles a week I was doing but a good 3 or 4 mile walk a day is fine for me. I just need to watch my HR and keep it steady and low. We are just so grateful that everything is ok and our little girl was fine! Her heart beat was steady at 152 and STRONG! So blessed to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy little girl getting ready to come and meet us! I feel MUCH better after talking with him about our concerns and know now what I need to do. Exercise moderately and rest when the pain gets to be too much.

I am showing a gain of 14 pounds, that is slightly lower than when I weighed in this morning when I first got up and my home scale was showing 16 pounds. Whether it is 14 or 16, I am doing well, although I like the 14 number better! LOL!! It felt good to know that I have worked hard to stay on track and it is paying off. With a one pound a week from here on out would still put me at an overall gain of 24 - 26 pounds, well within my range of 25 - 35 pounds. Most important, I just want my little girl to be healthy. I did think my weight was going to be higher because I felt so distended as of late. It is probably all the water and fiber I have been eating making me feel bigger than I am! LOL

My next appointment is January 28th, From now until 36 weeks I will be seeing the doctor every two weeks and then once a week until my due date.

Workout results 1/11 - 1/12

I have been resting and taking things light until my doctors apt on Thursday. After I discuss my workouts with him I can hopefully get back on a schedule. The cramping started again last night and we just want to be sure that I am not pushing it too hard. So my goals for the next few days are based around food and water intake in the mean time.

I am doing all I can to keep my calories down but I feel SO hungry as of late! I have seen a HUGE increase in the scale despite my best efforts. I will be SO happy if I can keep my weight gain under 18 pounds on Thursday for my 7 month appointment. In the mean time, I have to stay on track and keep eating nutritious foods for myself and my baby. As far as my water intake I am drinking so much it literally makes me so bloated sometimes I do not know how on earth I can even move. I have had 132 oz of water so far today and it is still early, but water is supposed to help with the contractions so I am hoping it will pay off.

My little angel is still squirming and kicking like crazy! We are excited as we are registered for our infant care class this Saturday! We were watching Bringing home baby last night and it really hit home that soon, we will be bringing home our princess!

All I want is for her to be healthy. That is my prayer everyday. I hope she can look back at these blogs someday and know that her Mommy tried to give her the very best nutrition I could! I love her so much already, I cannot describe it into words.

Results from 1/11 -
1. 150 oz of water - DONE
2. 5 servings of fruits and veggies - DONE
3. 44 grams of fiber and 143 grams of protein consumed - DONE
4. 1,605 calories consumed - DONE

Results from 1/12 -
1. 164 oz of water consumed so far - DONE
2. 8 servings of fruits and veggies - DONE
3. 60 grams of fiber and 89 grams of protein - DONE
4. 1,468 calories consumed - DONE
5. 62 mins of light exercise - DONE

Motivation....

I wanted to post some of my favorite quotes. Even if you have seen these before, take a moment to let them soak in this morning. Do not just scan through but insted focus on the message and try to apply it to your life today!!!!

"Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough. " Og Mandino

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars. " ~Les Brown

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." ~T.S. Eliot

"It is never too late to be who you might have been." ~George Eliot

"I shall shape my future. Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man's doing but my own. I am the force; I can clear any ... Win or lose, only I hold the key to my destiny." Og Mandino

"We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations." Charles Swindoll

"This I do know beyond any reasonable doubt. Regardless of what you are doing, if you pump long enough, hard enough and enthusiastically enough, sooner or later the effort will bring forth the reward." Zig Ziglar

"I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply ALL my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy." Og Mandino

"How am I going to live today in order to create the tomorrow I'm committed to? " ~Anthony Robbins

"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." ~Beverly Sills

"From this moment I am prepared to control whatever personality awakes in me each day. Today I control my destiny. I will become master of myself. I will become great." Og Mandino

Workout results 1/8 and Goals for today

Weekly Totals -
Time - 356 mins
Calories Burned - 2292
Miles - 21.82

89 days to go with my pregnancy! Yesterday was another strong day of reaching my goals though I had to cut my walk short on the treadmill at the gym due to some slight cramping similar to what I experienced Monday. I still managed to get in a good workout and I did relatively well with my calories, just going slightly over the range I am trying to stay in each day.

Goals reached for 1/8 -
1. 15 mins of Yoga - Did not do
2. 3 mile walk - 2.2 miles - DONE!
3. 5 mile easy bike ride at the gym - DONE!
4. Consume at least 90 grams of protein - 88 grams
5. Consume at least 35 grams of fiber - 38 grams
6. Eat 5 servings of fruits and veggies - 3 servings
7. Drink 128 oz of water - DONE!
8. Stay between 1500 - 1700 calories - 1,763 calories consumed
9. Light ST arms and lower body - DONE!

Workout for 1/8 - 2.2 miles on TM with interval of 15% incline walk and 5 mile bike at gym
Time - 54 mins
Calories burned - 514

Goals for today - 1/9
1. 15 mins of Yoga
2. 3 mile walk
3. Consume at least 90 grams of protein
4. Consume at least 35 grams of fiber
5. Eat 5 servings of fruits and veggies
6. Drink 164 oz of water
7. Stay between 1500 - 1700 calories

Workout results 1/7 and Goals for today!

Totals for this week so far -
Time - 302 mins
Calories burned - 1,778
Miles - 14.62

Workout results from 1/7 -
1. 15 mins of Yoga - did not do
2. 3 mile walk - did not do - only walked 1 mile on the TM at the gym
3. Ride bike at the gym - 5 mile easy bike ride - DONE!
4. Consume at least 90 grams of protein - 111 grams
5. Consume at least 35 grams of fiber - 39 grams
6. Eat 6 servings of fruits and veggies - 4 servings
7. Drink 128 oz of water - DONE!
8. Stay between 1500 - 1700 calories - 1,575 calories consumed

I did well yesterday but did not meet all my goals. I felt wonderful yesterday but still kept things light. Things are going well and we are looking forward to our big doctors apt next week! I am trying to read all my baby books and it feels that the end of the pregnancy is near. I know I still have time but there is just so much I want to know before hand. Yes, I guess I will be a book Mom! I just want to be prepared as much as possible. So if all you Moms out there have any tips for me, PLEASE feel free to share!

It's Friday! I am really looking forward to this weekend! Relaxing with my husband at home fixing up our daughters room. I love how that sounds.....our daughter. I am still in shock sometimes! I am really going to be a MOM!

End this week strong. Watch snacking, drink your water, log your foods and have a plan for this weekend so you can stay on track with your goals! Remember taking your journey day by day is so important! Small victories each day...that is the goal, and in the end, you will WIN!

Goals for today 1/8 -

1. 15 mins of Yoga
2. 3 mile walk
3. 5 mile easy bike ride at the gym
4. Consume at least 90 grams of protein
5. Consume at least 35 grams of fiber
6. Eat 5 servings of fruits and veggies
7. Drink 128 oz of water -
8. Stay between 1500 - 1700 calories
9. Light ST arms and lower body

Workout results 1/4 - 1/6

I am 27 weeks pregnant today! This week has been lighter as I have had to slow things down a bit. My energy is lower this week and my back has been bothering me, a clear sign to slow down. I am still doing well just easing back a bit this week and taking things day by day. Some days I may be able to do more than others. Yesterday was good, I did well so I am hoping today will be the same. She was kicking and moving around so hard this morning around 2 am, a feeling I will never forget. She woke me up squirming around like crazy! I just love it!

Totals for this week so far -
Time - 266 mins
Calories burned - 1,376
Miles - 8.62

Goals for today - 1/7
1. 15 mins of Yoga
2. 3 mile walk
3. 5 mile bike ride at gym
4. Consume at least 90 grams of protein
5. Consume at least 35 grams of fiber
6. Eat 6 servings of fruits and veggies
7. Drink 128 oz of water
8. Stay between 1500 - 1700 calories
9. Reach out to someone in need
10. Complete my daily devotion

Results from 1/6 -
3.02 mile walk
5 mile bike ride at gym
Yoga and light ST
Calories consumed - 1,567
Fiber - 40 grams
Protein - 131 grams
Water - 128 oz


Results from 1/5 -

Light walk with my dog and yoga
Calories consumed - 1,472
Fiber - 43 grams
Protein - 113 grams
Water - 164 oz

Results from 1/4 -

Morning walk and yoga
Calories consumed - 1,751
Fiber - 43
Protein - 114
Water - 128 oz

Monday Morning Motivation and Goals for today...

Goals for Monday -

1. Reach out an inspire another in need
2. Consume at least 128 oz of water
3. Consume at least 35 grams of fiber
4. Consume at least 90 grams of protein
5. Walk 5 miles - Morning walk, Post lunch and Evening walk
6. Stay with in 1,500 - 1,900 calories
7. Do at least 15 mins of stretching and yoga
8. Take time to do my daily devotion
9. Plan out dinners for the week
10. Eat at least 5 fruits and veggies today

I have posted this before, last year but I find this highly motivating and thought reading this was the perfect way to start off another great week and this new year!

Hope you will find this as enriching as I have.

Change Begins With Choice
Jim Rohn

Any day we wish; we can discipline ourselves to change it all. Any day we wish; we can open the book that will open our mind to new knowledge. Any day we wish; we can start a new activity. Any day we wish; we can start the process of life change. We can do it immediately, or next week, or next month, or next year.

We can also do nothing. We can pretend rather than perform. And if the idea of having to change ourselves makes us uncomfortable, we can remain as we are. We can choose rest over labor, entertainment over education, delusion over truth, and doubt over confidence. The choices are ours to make. But while we curse the effect, we continue to nourish the cause. As Shakespeare uniquely observed, "The fault is not in the stars, but in ourselves." We created our circumstances by our past choices. We have both the ability and the responsibility to make better choices beginning today. Those who are in search of the good life do not need more answers or more time to think things over to reach better conclusions. They need the truth. They need the whole truth. And they need nothing but the truth.

We cannot allow our errors in judgment, repeated every day, to lead us down the wrong path. We must keep coming back to those basics that make the biggest difference in how our life works out. And then we must make the very choices that will bring life, happiness and joy into our daily lives.

And if I may be so bold to offer my last piece of advice for someone seeking and needing to make changes in their life - If you don't like how things are, change it! You're not a tree. You have the ability to totally transform every area in your life - and it all begins with your very own power of choice.

To Your Success, Jim Rohn

Goals for the week -

What a wonderful weekend this was! We found more items for our little girls nursery and now the room is really coming together. I think it will be done by the date of my shower which is the end of February. I have tried to do as much research as possible on everything from swings, bouncers, cribs and so on. It is amazing the amount of stuff that is out there. It can be overwhelming as there are so many brands to choose from. But with a little patience and a TON of reading on the internet, we have bought most of the big items. It is a good feeling to know that her room will be done before hand and we can rest and much as possible before the big day!

I am excited about another week to work hard and reach some goals!! I want to start 2010 off STRONG! I am still feeling good but I am lowering my miles somewhat this week as I have had some increased heaviness in my abdomen and I just want to be careful not to overdo things. 25 miles is plenty for right now. I am also go to try and add some stationary biking and swimming in this week. I need to get a new suit because my racing one from this summer will split in two if I try to wear that now! LOL!

Hope everyone has a blessed week!

Results from last week -
Miles - 18.24 miles
Time - 371 mins
Calories burned - 1,881

New Goals for this week -
1. Drink no less than 128 oz of water each day, but aim for 160 oz
2. Stay within calorie range - (1,500 - 1,900) and log all foods
3. Walk 25 miles for the week
4. Consume at least 90 grams of protein each day
5. Consume 35 grams of fiber each day
6. Burn 2,000 calories for the week

Fitness Plan for the week -

Sunday - 2 miles slow - Active rest day
Monday - 5 mile walk
Tuesday - 3 mile walk
Wednesday - 5 mile walk
Thursday - 3 mile walk
Friday - 5 mile walk
Saturday - 2 mile walk