Feeding Kids Tips 1

I have had a few friends request suggestions from me regarding how to feed their children in a healthy way. I will give a few suggestions at a time since I have lots!

First, let me say that I am no expert. These are things that I figured out on my own or read somewhere. These things work for us.

Today I will talk about breakfast smoothies.

I make a double batch each time so I only have to make it every other day and store the extra in the fridge.

I use plain, full-fat yogurt (about 1/2 a cup), whole milk (about 1/2 a cup), half a bag of frozen mixed berries, half a banana, 1/4 cup of spinach, and 1 tbsp. ground flax seed.  If it's too thick to get through a straw, add more milk.

Reid hates milk, so this is an easy way for me to trick him into eating it!  He also isn't a big fan of veggies, so I sneak some spinach in here, too. 

The flax seed is amazing... Read about it here: http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/family-nutrition/flax-seeds-and-flax-oil

 This has made my life a lot easier!  Reid loves drinking every day.  The best things for me is that I don't have to force him to sit in his highchair!

Also, since I only make it every other day, I have it ready the second day and can just grab it!

TMI alert... A side benefit I didn't expect... Reid's poop is so much better now :) 

Try it!  You'll love it!  This week I will try to talk more about sneaky veggies and the best sneaky yogurt ever!

Keys to Organization

Most people who know me called me super-organized.  Some (maybe my husband) call me OCD!  I love having an organized house.  There is nothing better than sitting down on the couch at the end of a long day, when Reid is asleep, and knowing that there is nothing I have to do but relax!

So, here are some of the things that help me stay organized:

1- Find a place for everything

If you don't know where something belongs, how can you put it away?  Whenever you get something new, put it away immediately.  Don't put it on the table and walk away.  Make it a priority to put it away correctly and neatly.

Already have a bunch of stuff you don't know what to do with?  Do you use it?  If not, get rid of it!  Donate it or pack it up in garage sale boxes that stay put away until time for the sale.

Overwhelmed?  Do a room a day until it's clutter free.  It will only take 10-20 mins per room.  Do it first thing in the morning, when you aren't tired.

Once things have a home in your home, always put them away.

All of Reid's toys have a room they belong in and they don't leave that room.  We put them down before moving somewhere else to play.  This keeps the trips back and forth from room to room to a minimum while cleaning.

2- Make a schedule

For me, the key to an organized house is routine.  I have chores assigned to a certain day.  I try to get everything done while Ryan is at work so I can spend our time together.

For example:

Monday- Laundry day.  I do all of the laundry this day and put it away the same day.
Tuesday- Vacuum/Dust
Every other Tuesday- Grocery shop
Wednesday- Clean the kitchen
Thursday- Bathrooms
Friday- Vacuum again





3- Don't Procrastinate!!!!

This is a BIG one!  It happens to be an easy one for me because I can't relax if I have a to do list, but I know I'm not normal!

Never leave dishes in the sink!  Always do them right away whether it be by hand or in a dishwasher.  Always unload the dishwasher ASAP.  Give the baby a snack in the highchair and get it done!  It sets the tone for the day.

Learn to "Powerclean". Whenever you have 5-10 mins, pick something up.  As soon as Reid goes down for a nap, I immediately go and pick up any mess that he made during playtime.  This quick effort goes a long way into keeping things tidy. 

These are just a few things that I do to help keep the house in order.  The way I see it, the house is my office and I would never leave my office, desk, workspace, etc., a mess, so I can't let my house go.

I will do another post on groceries and cooking another day!

Here's are pics of Reidman enjoying our McDonald's ice cream dish :) 

 He ran around the house with it on his face, screaming into it for 10 mins! 

 His eyebrow is bruised... he took a flying leap into the ramp of his racetrack this morning :(

Have a great day!

Tools for Success

Last week I talked about the literal ups and down of my weight loss journey.  Now I'd like to share a few of my favorite things that help me stay motivated and healthy.

In order for me to be successful at being healthy, I pretty much have to inundate myself with "healthy propaganda".  All of these things help me stay on track during the day.


1- Jillian Michaels DVDs, specifically The Biggest Winner

This is my favorite set of workout DVDs ever!  There are 5 discs including 2 backside workouts, 2 frontside workouts, and 1 kickboxing workouts.  I have all of Jillian's DVDs and these never get old!  They are each very difficult and effective.  I love her model of "high intensity interval training" or "HIIT".  She does short burst of exercises moving through a variety of muscle group incorporating strength training and cardio to burn the most calories possible.  I think they are just as challenging as Ripped in 30 and 30 Day Shred.  I like these because she uses reps instead of seconds.  Also, there is a minimal amount of repeat.  Plus, since there are 5 DVDs, I never know what's coming.  I only have a 30 min window everyday and these fit in perfectly! 

2- Magazines

I love reading health magazines.  A lot!  I get six a month (don't worry, I find deals and get them for about $2/year/mag on Tanga.com).  My favs are Shape, Self, and Weight Watchers.  These inspire me because they have real life stories, recipes, and workout tips.  They also have lots of information on free workouts, takeaway cards, and training plans.  I rip out the recipes I like and have a never-ending list of dinner ideas. 



3- Daily Plate on livestrong.com

This website offers a free calorie counter with every food imaginable in it.  You can even create your own recipes.  It allows you to put in your weight loss goals and tells you how many calories to eat.  You can track exercise as well.

4- Jillian Michaels podcast

I am in love with this podcast!  It is not typical, yelling Jillian.  Of course she talks about fitness and diet, but she also talks about health in general.  I have learned a ton about eating organic, mental health, GMO foods, sleep, and even medical rights!  It really is very helpful and informative.  It is a great way to fill a boring car ride or walk.  I look forward to them every week.  These podcasts have really made me think twice about everything I put in my mouth.  I also have a new perspective on exercise and fitness.  I follow Jilliano on Facebook for some extra inspiration. 


5- Roni Noone, ronisweigh.com, greenlitebites.com

I kind of found Roni on accident when I started WeightWatchers a few years ago.  She has a blog, ronisweigh.com, where she shares her weight loss journey of over 80 pounds, six years ago.  It has blossomed into way more than that and is now her job.  She shares her daily battle to eat healthy and exercise and is very inspiring.  I follow her on Facebook more some extra motivation, too.  She also has a great site, greenlitebites.com, that is full of awesome, easy, and delicious recipes, that happen to be healthy.  I steal her ideas on a weekly basis.

These are just a few of my favorites... any other suggestions?