Monday check-in

Slow and steady wins the race.  

I've always been the hare...running, running, running.  Often frantically.  My husband calls it "jazz hands."  But now, I'm trying to slow down.  Thinking about what I put into my body.  Meal planning so I'm not getting something on the go.  Planning time for workouts.  I'm staying veg and fitting tons of fruit, veg & fiber into my everyday eating.  I'm more satisfied.  I'm actually fuller eating about 1/2 the calories I used to.

And I've found that I WANT to be the tortoise.  Because the tortoise is winning.  I am winning.

Since January 1st I'm down 14 lbs and 1 size.  I am sleeping soundly and have energy to spare.  I run around with my son and hold nightly "dance parties" (which is quite interesting with a 1 1/2 year old in case you haven't tried it before.)

Thanks Zenful Mommy for challenging us ALL to be healthier mommies!

You were right

Gawd I hate admitting that. But you said (a collective you) that exercise would give me more energy and help me sleep more deeply at night. I fought you. I bitched about it. I made excuses. And then I did it.

And I must say, you were right. 

I've been getting about 150 minutes/week in via walking and such.  Nothing hard-core.  But today I did 40 mins on the elliptical at the gym (thank you LaGrange YMCA for adding 4 extra machines this summer!), a feat never before attempted because after 15 minutes my thighs were burning and quivering (and not in a good way, wink-wink, nudge-nudge.) But today I felt GREAT, and actually had energy to spare afterwards, which would have translated into time on the weight machines if not for the YMCA babysitting ending at 12 noon (it's a work-at-home day in between a ton of suburban meetings.)

Oh, and I'm sleeping deeper than I have in...well...forever. Now, part of that is the fact that Sam is sleeping, in his own bed, ALL NIGHT LONG. This has been going on for almost 2 weeks now and it is delicious. He does wake at 5:30-6 but he'll go back to sleep for another hour in our bed, which I'll do for the extra sleep. But the hours between 11p-6a are pure and utter bliss. Okay, so Sam may be waking up, but G and I don't know about it because we are sleeping so well. I think we would hear him...

The moral of this story? 2 points for you 0 for me. Maybe I'll be right about something else fitness related in the near future.

Sam's Mom's Monday progress Check-in

Since Zenful Mommy has taken the helm and is checking in on her progress weekly, I figured I should do the same, since we are sisters in this 52 to Fabulous/get healthy/ build a better life endeavor.

I got the the gym 2x and logged a total of 14 miles.  I would have preferred to get in 3-4 times for shorter workouts, but with a toddler I'll take what I can get.  Once the weather clears I'll start walking at 5 am.  Don't particularly trust myself driving to the gym at that time of day.

I kept within my calories all week (currently 1360).  I also kept strict veg.  That's almost 3 weeks now. It helped to have similar meals to my husband & son (ie: when they had burgers I had a soy burger, when they had fatty homemade mac-n-cheese I had polenta w/ a bit of Parmesan...etc.)  I think I did a good job getting enough protein in as well.

I lost a total of 3.5 lbs for the week.  I'm not anticipating that loss every week.  It was a great jump start for me though. 

Total of 8.5 lbs loss in 7 weeks, which is just above 1 lbs a week.  That's a healthy loss so I'm thrilled.

How are you doing on your quest for a better you?

Small Steps to a Better Me

I don’t know about you, but I’m quite inspired by Zenful Mommy’s progress in the past few weeks.  I’m making my own small changes, and having some small success.  I wanted to share some of these things – maybe they’ll work for you.

1.     I resisted pastry/bagel day at work (every Tuesday) by bringing a Kashi GoLean bar to work.  It was super-filling with loads of healthy carbs, fiber & protein.  With coffee, the bar, and a bottle of La Croix, I was too full to even look at the pastry/bagel table in the kitchen. 

2.    I’ve been packing my lunch EVERY DAY.  This has really helped my temptation for fatty lunch foods, as I would feel guilty if I didn't eat what I packed and/or to spent extra money.  The lunches I’ve been taking are planned the night before and are usually left-overs from dinner.


3.     Oh right!, I’ve been planning and making healthy dinners: a grain (Thai red rice, quinoa or brown rice) several sautéed veggies (loving dark leafy greens and cabbage lately), and protein (tofu or egg.)  The grains and veggies are really filling.  On the occasional times I have pasta with my guys, I half a ½ portion and supplement with fresh veggies like carrots, celery, or red pepper strips.


4.     I’ve been packing snacks for work: portioned out dried fruit and nuts.

5.     I’ve been chewing gum.  This really helps in the afternoon when I’m craving an UN-healthy snack.  Its sweet and keeps my jaw moving, which gives me the sensation of eating.

6.     I’m back at the gym.  WOW that feels good to say!

7.     I’m tracking all my progress with a food/calorie diary and exercise diary.  This really helps accountability-wise.

I hope to soon be seeing Zenful Mommy sized results!





What little secrets/tips do you have to stay “on target” with your healthy-living goals?

What Sam's Mom NEEDS

Continuing 52 to Fabulous: What this girl NEEDS:

1. I NEED to organize my weekends. Staying in PJs until 11 sounds delicious, but I feel like I'm getting nothing done. This increases my anxiety and makes me not so fun to be around. I NEED to have my weekends as family time, and to do that, I need to be organized w/ errands and to-do lists. I NEED to get up and get ready, so I'm not using Sam's nap time to shower and get ready for the day.

2. Like Zenful Mommy, I NEED a date w/ my husband. My 80 year old MIL is terrific with Sam, but I don't think a date night is on her agenda.  So I NEED to find a babysitter I trust.  But not a teenager, right? Mission Impossible?? Sounds like it but I'll find a way.

3. I NEED to consistently get into the gym. Not occasionally. No excuses. At least 3x week. I know once I get into the habit it won't be so hard.

What's on your NEED list?

52 to Fabulous: What a girl wants; Sam's Mom's version

What a challenge we have undertaken.  It will be tough, but I anticipate amazing changes for ALL of us!

What THIS girl wants:

1.  To be a happy working mommy

2.  To raise a healthy child

3.  To build a stronger marriage

Happy Working Mommy

I need to find and celebrate balance.  I find myself wishing I were at home during the day...and often desiring more intellectual stimulation during the weekends.  I need to delve deeper into the moment, ie: be "there" at work, and be "there" at home.  I need to find the joy in both halves of my life and find a way to blend them together: for the sake of both my career (sole bread-winner here) and my family.

Healthy Child

Demonstrate by example, example, example.  It is impossible to raise Sam to be a healthy child unless I am healthy.  That means healthy eating choices, portion control, healthy yet plentiful snacks, loads of fresh fruit and veg, and moving & shaking daily (don't think of it as exercise.)  But it also means emotional and intellectual health.  And healthy relationships.  And finding the joy in everyday life.  And sharing and celebrating spirituality.  The WHOLE package.  My son deserves it.

Stronger Marriage

I fear I have put my husband on the back burner for a very long time.  When we were waiting for Sam I was very depressed at times, and turned inward instead of coming to G for support.  Since Sam has been home I've been consumed (we both have) but I haven't made TIME for G.  I am ashamed of that, but it's true...that's what I've done.  Now I feel like the longer we go without time alone, the longer we go without a date, the longer we go without (okay, I'm gonna say it here: SEX)...the harder it is to "get going" again.  I know, it's like a bandaide and I just need to rip it off.  Alone time, conversation, sharing, dates, and intimacy is NECESSARY.  I know that a strong marriage is the backbone of a healthy family for Sam.  I need to not only make an effort, but to actually follow through.  I need to set goals each week to spend X amount of time together and DO IT.  Not let work get in the way, or returning emails/phone calls or anything else.  G deserves it.  I do too.

WOW this is harder than I thought -- just putting this down on paper makes these goals that much more real.

How is your list coming along?

52 To Fabulous

"52 weeks to fabulous...pursuit to a better me"

ENOUGH SAID, I'M IN!!!

Cassie and Linney, 2 fabulous ladies, started a challenge for us all! More than a challenge , its an action plan to make the changes you want in your life. To live your life to its fullest potentional. It's all about you and your journey. Each month will focus on different areas of your life, I will post all information here. Join us in this journey of self reflection and set goals for yourself!

Here is the schedule of Categories for the year by month
January – Fabulous Beginnings
February – Fabulous Organization
March – Fabulous Fitness
April – Fabulous Food
May – Fabulous Style
June – Fabulous Fun
July – Fabulous Hobbies
August – Fabulous Finances
September – Fabulous Family
October – Fabulous Health
November – Fabulous Home
December – Fabulous Blogging

We hope that you will join us! Both of us will be on this journey with you...and be blogging about it here.

(Week 1 for January is "WHAT A GIRL WANTS", this will be in a seperate post)

No matter how large or how small...set some goals !

Feel your boobies!

As you know by now Zenful Mommy & me are walker/participants in this years Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.  We are walking on June 5-6 in Chicago.  It's 26 miles the first day and 13 miles the second day and we are already training and fundraising.  (and might I say, already looking and feeling better!) 

The AWBC is about awareness, it's about hope, it's about funding mammograms and research and A CURE.  It's about survivors and fighters.  It's walked in memory and honor of the women we love and the women we have lost.

But it's also about US.  The young women who don't have cancer now, and are too young for annual mammograms.  It's about SELF-EXAMINATION.  It's about FEELING YOUR BOOBIES. 

This is so important ladies and something each and everyone of us should be doing every single month.  Religiously.

If you don't know how, go here.  There are also several videos on YouTube.

If you do know how and aren't doing it DO IT NOW.  Seriously, stop reading this post and go get in the shower and raise your left arm and feel your boob with your right hand.  NOW.

Why you ask?  Because cancer in younger women is on the rise.  Because younger women tend NOT to complete monthly self-examinations and we don't catch it quick enough.  And because, I love each and everyone of you too much to see that happen.  Hence this PSA. 

Oh, and I'm going to be posting this every single month until the Walk.  So next time, I want to see comments that you are ALL doing it.

Going Veg

I used to be vegetarian.  I kept it up religiously for 8 months once, and then 9 months after a break of about 1 year.  I was good: tofu, eggs, dairy, beans for protein.  But I'd fallen off the wagon for about 1 year again.  Now I'm back on, and really committed. 

You see, for me eating veg is eating healthy.  I don't eat prepared (ie: frozen food section) veg protein patties (high in sat. fats), I don't eat gobs of cheese pizza or grilled cheese sandwiches, or other similarly fatty foods.  When I'm veg I'm hard core.

They say it takes 28 days to make a habit and 90 days to break it.  I've been completely veg (no fish) for 7 days now.  I was semi (just a bit of fish and one meal w/ turkey) for about 28 days prior. The first week is always the toughest and I feel like I'm really on track now.  Hard because my husband is a chef, and makes lovely pork & veal meatloaf, roast chicken and Italian sausage regularly...but after 1 week, I must admit the thought of those foods make my stomach turn.

My fridge is stocked w/ eggs, low-fat dairy, and tofu.  My pantry is stocked with dried and canned beans and quinoa (a grain high in protein.)  I even have veg chili (tofu &  red beans) for lunches.

I must say, I FEEL better when veg.  Not necessarily thinner or anything like that, just better.  Like my insides are getting clean.

I'm pretty proud of myself, making this commitment.  I hope to keep this habit FOR LIFE this time.

Have you recently made any dietary changes that make you feel GOOD on the inside?

Rip it off fast...like a bandage

(for those of you who read my other blog, I apologize for the repeat post, but wanted to reach a larger audience, as I believe ALL moms have had to deal with this issue.)

I was gone from 2 pm on Monday until 5 pm on Tuesday. That included an overnight. I was on a business trip. Away from home. Without Sam. Let me say that again: WITHOUT SAM.

I was 4 1/2 hours away from home. If something were to happen, an emergency of some sort, I would not be able to be there in time to DO something to fix it. Now, intellectually I KNOW that G is home with Sam each and every day, all day long, and they are FINE...but that's intellectually. Last night while having a panic attack in my hotel room I wasn't thinking with my head...just my broken heart.

I called while they were eating dinner. I called during bathtime. I called at bedtime. G put the phone on speaker and set it down on the dresser while he was rocking Sammy. I told him how much I love him, and how proud we are to be his parents. I sang our nighttime prayers. I told him goodnight in an ugly breaking voice. And Sam went to sleep. He was fine. He went to sleep WITHOUT ME.

Since June 23rd, for the past 6 months, I have not be apart from my son. I have not NOT put him to bed. I have not NOT been there in the middle of the night when he wakes. I have not NOT been lying next to him when he wakes in the morning. And last night, I wasn't there. And this morning, I wasn't there. And he was fine.

I know I should be pleased that my boys did so well without me. But all I can focus on is the "without me" part of that sentence.

When I came home Sam was VERY pleased to see me. I got loads of hugs, back rubs and smooches. He hugged me extra hard when I put him down for bed tonight.  In the middle of the night, when he comes into bed, I will inhale the scent of his hair, hold him close, and send a prayer of thanks that I'm with him. I am the luckiest woman in the world: I get to be his mom forever.

And I promise I won't go on another overnight business trip until at least February. I promise baby boy.

Self confidence courtesy of Old Navy

This weekend I went shopping for a new pair of jeans.  I had lost 4 lbs in December, but then gained it back over the holidays.  (boo-hiss!) But my old jeans were looking really frumpy.  You know, when the gut of the jeans is too baggy and makes your pooch look even bigger than it is?  Like that.  I tried on some of my smaller jeans (I have about 4 different sizes in my closet), but they were a tad snug.  So I went out looking for a slimmer cut of the same size.

Now, I would love to report that I found I could wear a smaller size at Old Navy.  But I cannot.  Instead, I can report that I found a pair in a much slimmer cut: not the forgiving "trouser" jean style I had been wearing. They are definitely smaller in the thigh (circumference) and I believe smaller waist and seat, if only slightly.

I feel more confident in these jeans.  I felt like my old pair were a bit of a cop-out. These jeans are more flattering BECAUSE THEY ACTUALLY FIT.  I have a tendency to wear too-big clothing but I know that's not the most flattering.  Clothing that fits is always more flattering. I love these jeans.

These jeans also make me feel like the food and exercise changes I'm making are paying off.  Even if not on the scale (yet) I think I'm losing centimeters (I wouldn't say inches yet.)

Do you have a special piece of clothing that makes you feel more confident, no matter your dress size?

New Years' resolutions a bit early.

My gift to myself this ME Monday is forgiveness. I’ve been working hard to change my eating habits the past several weeks, and it has paid off: I’ve lost 3 lbs. Or rather, I HAD lost 3 lbs.
Last week, Christmas week, I gained those 3 lbs back. It was shocking to step on the scale this morning and learn that. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised; I ate like a PIG Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It was disgusting. I literally gave myself a stomach ache several times over.
But as the song goes, I’ll pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again.
I also know that I DO NOT want those fatty, sugary foods inside my body any more. I felt sick all weekend: so what’s the point? Sure a cookie here and there is FINE, but not to the extent I took it.


I will do better this week, and I’ve learned a valuable lesson about the foods I want to put into my body. So, here’s to new beginnings a bit before the New Year.

Hair loss after delivery

Hair Loss....hmmm where do I begin? About 2 weeks ago I got my hair colored and she couldn't even get her fingers thru my hair when applying the color. Granted I have curly hair but this was ridiculous and PAINFUL!!! We literally had to tear thru my hair.

Flash forward to hair washing....I lose enough hair to make a small animal...I would say a cat at the very least. My husband said" stop pulling your hair back all the time..." Like this would make me lose enough hair to need therapy, I mean EVERY woman has a ponytail day at least once a week ..c'mon. I remembered my cousin saying that she lost hair after having her daughter and that it had something to do with hormones or something. I have 3 kids and lost absolutely NO HAIR with the 1st two so didn't feel like I fell into the "after baby hair loss" category...

So I researched and called my Doctor and consulted with friends (after all they are the most knowledgable) and low and behold I fall into the after baby hormone crazy category. Normally, women lose about 100 hairs a day with normal hair loss, in about the 3rd or 4th month after delivery women can lose about 500 hairs a day(this is where I am!) and this CAN occur for a few months until the hormones are back in check!I get teary eyed when I wash my hair or even comb it as it is truly hard to have handfuls of hair in my hand. On the flip side , I have a healthy baby boy that makes those tears go away with his toothless smile.

So with all of the other wonderful things that we as women go thru, losing our hair can also be one of them. Who knew?

Any of you out there experieced this? Can you help me out here...

Finding the ME in this holiday season

I'm sure the title of this post sounds odd, especially in light of this recent post.  But work with me a little and you'll see the message I'm trying to convey.
The holidays are stressful and I personally think they are MOST stressful on moms.  We try to make everything perfect for everyone in our lives.  Getting that PERFECT gift, decorating the house JUST SO (and I seriously have trouble keeping my house clean enough to avoid a DCFS investigation...), extra amounts of cooking/baking, finding cute-as-a-button outfits for the kids, trying to ensure those velvet dress pants from last year still fit after Thanksgiving, spending extra time with in-laws and extended family (which is ALWAYS stressful, let alone with this added pressure), and the list goes on and on and on. 
I remember as a child, my mom hid/kept all gifts in the basement.  We had an old (150 yr+ farm house with an unfinished (ie: cinderblock w/ dirt floor) basement.  It was cold and damp.  Mom MADE the majority of our gifts (sewing), but made sure we had a couple store bought ones as well.  Even back then, poor as we were, she went over-board with gifts.  Because my dad ran the farm and routinely worked 18 hour days, it was up to mom to get Christmas organized.  On the evenings leading up to Christmas she would spend hours in the basement at night after we went to bed.  Then Christmas Eve she's spend hours baking: cookies, cakes, sweet rolls, etc.  Come Christmas morning I cannot fathom how exhausted she must have been.  She did EVERYTHING for everyone else, and never took time for herself.  I often wonder if she enjoyed the holidays herself.
As a new mom, I'm committed to find some time for myself this season.  Otherwise, I fear, the stress would prove overwhelming and I wouldn't enjoy the holidays at all.  So what am I doing?  I'm making all gifts.  The time I spend on these gifts is actually ME TIME.  I ENJOY making things for others, but even more, I LOVE the satisfaction of homemade projects and the solitude it takes to complete the projects (usually in the basement where my sewing machine and craft cabinet are.)  It's a peaceful time for me.  I play Christmas music and reflect.  I emerge from the basement renewed and frankly, more sane.

What are you doing to take care of yourself this season?

Twihard with a vengence

We traded off last week: G had a night with the guys at his Alfa Romeo club meeting on Thursday, and I went out to see New Moon on Friday.  G didn't want to go see it with me, which was fine.  I actually went with his best friend because we are now officially "movie buddies" which means that I get a night out once a month to see whatever movie I want to see (G and I don't have the same movie taste.)  And yes, we are working on the whole "date night" G & me thing as well.  Although my MIL is moving to California soon, we have several recommendations locally and one is actually a preschool teacher so I'd have no reservations leaving Sammy with her, assuming he likes her.  Chances are, we'll do a 7:30pm date, so I'll put Sam down to bed before we leave.
But back to ME TIME.
Did I love the film?  No.  Did I like it? YES.  The action was great, the scenery was great, and they did a really nice job taking a very long book and fitting it into a 90 min movie.  YES they had to cut some scenes but I think the scene selection was the best they could have done.  Oh, and let's not forget the miriads of EYE CANDY on the screen.
All-in-all I had a great time, and strengthened my relationship with G's BFF, who has been in our lives since we met (G and Q have been friends for over 20 years and he was the best man at our wedding.)  It was nice to have an evening out, and believe it or not, I was 100% okay leaving both Sam and G.  G and I then spent some QT together on Saturday night, and I actually stayed up until (gasp) 11 pm, so we could have real time together, no just 1 hour after dinner.
We also had fantastic weekend weather, so I got a 6 mile walk in on Sunday, which was fantastic ME TIME.  Sam is a super-duper stroller baby and just sits back and relaxes.  I played some of my favorite music on my phone (without headphones so I could hear my baby) and that really motivated me: on the faster songs I picked up the pace and at one point was even jogging!
I'm really working on this balance thing and think I'm getting the hang of it.  Next up: DATE NIGHTS.
How are you taking time for yourself?

Guilty pleasures

Guilty pleasures...we all have them.  Those little things that we don't tell many people about.   The safe secrets that aren't harmful but we're a bit embarrassed about.  I personally think guilty pleasures are healthy...its good to have that not-so-typical part of yourself.  It helps balance your life.  My guilty pleasure?  It's not really a secret.  It's more of an obsession.  It's 7 days and 14 hours away.  You guessed it!  Twilight.

Yes, I too am one of those middle aged moms obsessed with the books and movies.  I too fantasize that both Edward and Jacob are in love with little 'ole plain-Jane me.  Why you ask?  Why would an educated working mom be interested in "young adult" novels about vampires? 
Let me explain: I grew up in a painfully small farming and factory town.  Our consolidated high school had less than 400 students TOTAL.  I graduated with 87 others and very few ever left said painfully small town.  I knew from a very young age that reading was my favorite form of escapism and that an education would get ME out of said painfully small town.  So I devoured books.  I spent an unhealthy amount of time at the library.  I wasn't pretty or popular.  I was a geek in the truest sense of the word.  I never took a study hall.  I completed 6 years of math and science.  I had a near perfect GPA.  I took college courses in HS.   I was, GASP! in band on top of all this.  So, needless to say, the boy didn't run to my doorstep.  They didn't even notice me.  Sure, I had boys who were friends, but I don't think they even thought of me as female, let alone desirable.
I have never lost my lust for reading or knowledge.  I usually read about 1-2 books a week.  And one day, I found the Twilight series.  And I once again escaped my normal benign existance and was magically transported back to HS.  But this was a much better experience, because I was Bella Swan.  I was just a typical girl, yet the most beautiful, intelligent and sensitive boy in the school wanted ME.  And the next year, my best friend turned into 6'5" of muscled hotness and wanted ME too.  And I had adventure (be it dangerous and oft-time life-threatening) and mystery and excitement.  Everything I DID NOT have in my own HS experience.
So, I love Twilight.  I've re-read the books too many times.  I bought advanced tickets for New Moon (opens Nov 20th.) 

This is MY guilty pleasure.  What's yours?

Inner HOTmama Pledge

If you read this blog, than you are interested in becoming an InnerHOTmama, or already consider yourself one.  Me, I'm a work in progress.  But I think we ALL need to make some commitments to ourselves, if we are going to continue on this journey together, finding the balance between motherhood and self-identity.  Let's call it the InnerHOTmama pledge.  It will start small, and as more of you contribute ideas, it will grow.
Can you take the pledge with me?

INNER HOTMAMA PLEDGE
I vow:

1.  To love myself for who I am today.
2.  To take some time for myself every day. 
3.  To NOT take the kids to school while wearing PJs. 
4.  To be a good example for my children regarding healthy eating and exercise.
5.  To celebrate my accomplishments as much as I celebrate the accomplishments of my children.
6.  To focus on today, instead of beating myself up for mistakes made yesterday.
7.  To work on my self-confidence/self-esteem.
8.  To have a hobby just for me.

Do you have an idea to add to our pledge?  Can you make these commitments to yourself?

The Chopping Block

For todays "ME Monday" I thought I'd tell you about how my girlfriend and I took a little time out for ourselves last Friday. A month or so ago we booked a Bread Making class for ourselves in Chicago during the day while our children are at school. Little did we know that a field trip was scheduled for this same day to the Pumpkin Patch for our 4 year olds. Here comes the GUILT. We both felt quite a bit guilty for not volunteering to chaperone but also wanted to take some time for ourselves.

Friday was a rainy cold day and when we dropped the kids off at school we found out at the Field Trip was cancelled, WHEW..guilt be gone. Our cooking class was at The Chopping Block in Lincoln Square. There where only 5 of us in the class plus our instructor. We made wonderful poppyseed and sesame seed bagels, Focaccia Bread with with Rosemary, Goat Cheese and Sundried Tomatoes, and Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls....all with our hands and all from scratch. First I must say, that their kitchen setup is AMAZING as well as all of their gadgets. Our class was scheduled for 10-12:30 and I think we finished up at about 1:00. We learned alot about making breads and the science behind it but more than anything we were in the MOMENT. It was such an enjoyable experience: the feel of the dough between your fingers, the smell of the breads baking, seeing the finished products...a very peaceful experience. Oh, and did I mention that you get to bring everything you made HOME!!! YUM....

Our children didn't even know that we took time for ourselves and the laundry and everything else was still waiting when we got home!

If you enjoy cooking, take a class!Freshen up on your skills or learn new ones, take the time for yourself!

What are you doing for yourself on this ME Monday?

The best medicine

When was the last time you laughed?  I mean real, true, hardcore belly laugh, tears streaming down your face, about to fall off your chair and pee yourself laugh?  Chances are you don't do it often enough. 

Studies have shown 2 things about laughter recently:  it IS truly contagious, and it has amazing health benefits.


Laughter is contagious
According to a 2006 study the brain responds to the sound of laughter and preps the muscles in the face to join in the mirth. One of the researches who spear-headed this project, Dr. Sophie Scott, a neuroscientist at the University College London: "We've known for some time that when we are talking to someone, we often mirror their behavior, copying the words they use and mimicking their gestures. Now we've shown that the same appears to apply to laughter, too--at least at the level of the brain."

Health benefits
Laughter has been shown to reduce pain, anxiety and depression.  It triggers endorphines in the brain, which are the "pleasure" drugs our brain produces.  Large scale studies have been completed on "entertainment" therapy finding that patients undergoing painful treatments report less pain and side effects when watching funny TV/videos and laughing out loud in response to the comedy seen.  These studies have been particularly helpful in understanding and lessening painful treatments and side effects in children undergoing cancer treatment.  Additional studies have shown that laughter can be almost as effective in treating depression as many typical and "standard" treatment medications, because of the endorphines and dopamine released in the brain.

As busy HOTmamas, we are stressed out and likely aren't taking time for ourselves as far as our health (ie: diet and exercise.)  We are taking care of EVERYONE ELSE in our lives: husbands, children, parents, friends.  But there is something small we can do for ourselves each and every day: we can laugh, outloud and with gusto and reap the health benefits WE DESERVE!

So, when was the last time you belly laughed?  What prompted this?

Wellness Wednesday Guest Blogger: The Exercise Game

Today's Wellness post is from Guest Blogger Marathon Mama. I met Marathon Mama in Ethiopia this summer.  Her dedication to herself and her family really impressed me.  She has, over the years FOUND that balance between her family and herself.  She is a HOTmama for herself, and her family. 
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Yes, You Do Have Time to Exercise!
Some of us love to exercise, some of us hate it, and some of us are just happy to get it done because we're supposed to. All of us are busy moms who are going to have to sacrifice/juggle/struggle to find time to take care of ourselves. I'm not going to spout statistics, but I think we all know (deep down, even if we don't want to admit it) that exercising will keep us alive and energetic longer than not exercising, and there are people counting on our energy for the long haul. Day to day, feeling stronger, more alert, and more energetic can only help.
My personal routine is a little crazy. I've been an avid distance runner for about 7 years. No, I'm not good--I just love doing it. My favorite races are road marathons, but I've also done some trail running and some shorter races. While I'm running, I meditate, decompress ,and problem-solve. It's become a very necessary part of my life... Which is why I wake up at 4 AM EVERY MORNING. Yes, even on the weekends. On 3 days during the week, I have a little breakfast, warm up, run for an hour, come home, get ready for work, spend some time with my men, and I'm at work by 7:30 so I can get my (13-month-old) son from school before 4. (My husband and I shift our work schedules to keep M in school less than 8 hours a day.) The 2 days I don't run during the week, I'll do calisthenics or cross-training during that early-morning hour. On the weekends, my husband and I alternate our long run days. On his long run day, I spend an hour doing strength work before waking M and spending quality time with him that includes an hour run in the jogging stroller. On my long run day, I leave right around when M wakes up, and the men have bonding time until I get home a few hours later. Sometimes my work requires me to work crazy hours, and then we have to juggle, but for the most part, this is how we do it.
Yes, I'm blessed with a supportive spouse. Yes, I'm probably harming my health somewhat by only sleeping 5-6 hours a night. And yes, I've been an athlete my whole life (gymnast for 20 years). So, for those of us who are just beginning a program, who really can't leave their children with someone else for any period of time, or who just aren't crazy about exercise, I offer...
The Exercise Game
Think of it like a drinking game. Every time you finish changing a diaper, drop and do 20 push-ups. You can start out with "little boy" push-ups with your knees down, but try to build up to the "womanly" version with flat back and head forward. Every time you feed a kid, do 25 sit-ups. Get the older kids to hold your feet (and/or sit on your chest to make it harder--hee hee). Every time you get a kid dressed, do 25 squats or 10 lunges on each side. You get the idea. Make up your own rules, mix it up, and have fun with it. If you're worried about bulking up, trust me: you won't. Most women do not do enough strength training because they are concerned about this. You will only firm up doing body-weight-type exercises. (Bulk only comes with lifting massive amounts of weight and/or taking extra testosterone.) For cardio, get the family out for a 30-45 minute walk 4-5 times a week. Walk to help digest your dinner or to go to a park for some fun. If you work, and you have a lunch hour, consider an extra walk then. To make sure you are exerting enough effort, keep in mind that you should just barely be able to carry on a conversation while walking.
Make sure you're stretching and drinking plenty of fluids. And, as always, be sure to consult a physician before beginning a new exercise program. If anyone tries this, keep me posted on your progress, and let me know how you change things up--I'm always looking for new ideas... Happy moving!
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I'm very inspired by Marathon Mama, and I'm going to try to get up at 5 am, 3 times a week to walk outside for 1 hour before work.
Has Marathon Mama inspired you?  Are you going to commit to taking time for exercise?  How?