You'll find me being mum

I've been a little quiet on the blog front of late - I think about it and you guys everyday.  My Monday measurements are late but quite frankly this week I haven't taken them - I felt pretty bloated come Monday's weekend comedown from dinners out a few drinks along with allowing a little too much sugar that I just didn't feel like taking them - I will bring them back next week. 

So where have I been and why aren't I talking to you?  I am taking this week to play mum, to work a little but not a lot (so if you don't hear from me this is why), to rest a little, to make Christmas happen, to organise presents and send cards (I was thinking of ditching that custom this year but I'm going to power ahead).  It's family year book making time where I compile all of the years worth of digital photos into a coffee table book that we actually look at rather than them just being on a file in a virtual world.....I enjoy doing this.....normally.....so I am bringing the enjoyment back by giving my self the time to do it.  There is a pile of ironing that needs getting through (I am an ironing freak and I actually enjoy it, good TV show or a movie and it's quite relaxing) so I am making time for that.  My two year old is VERY challenging at the moment so I am taking time to TRY to deal with him and my daughter is giving us challenges of her own (though touch wood she went down for this afternoons nap very easily) so I am giving myself time to relax and enjoy her when I can.  My training has been on track so I am taking time for that and I know Christmas is just around the corner and I am taking time out from work then but I have decided that this week is about me and looking after your inner self is just as important as looking after your outer self so I am looking after the inside......otherwise I might cry.

First week back on the sugar....or not?

So it's been 7 days since December rolled around (only 2 and a bit weeks till Christmas - crazy) and we are now 'allowed' sugar.  I have to say that as December the 1st rolled around I was filled with mixed emotions/thoughts/cravings/not caring......  It's funny though that gradually that switch flips in your mind and does all sorts of crazy things to you.  The first week to two weeks of NOsugarVEMBER were HARD - chocolate was everywhere and it consumed much of my brain time but bit by bit I just didn't care.  The no alcohol was easy for me, although it was also my only slip up for the entire month.... I had a dinner with my mothers group and didn't want to be the trainer in the corner not drinking, talk about giving in to peer pressure and it's interesting that it was within a group that I am still getting to know - had it been people I have know forever I wouldn't have cared and made the announcement that I wasn't drinking (it was also on the 28th November so right at the end).  Don't worry I did many many more than five burpees during the month of November and that's out of choice!

Now my brain is playing tricks on me - I don't really want chocolate (I know we are talking sugar in general but chocolate is mostly my downfall) but I CAN eat it now if I want to - before it just wasn't an option.  I wasn't going to be the one leading this no sugar quest and also the one checking in a confessing to any slip ups.  I had two blocks of organic chocolate in my drawer that sat there for he whole of last month, once I had made the decision I didn't care and wouldn't eat them I even forgot that they were there.  But when the calendar changed to December it's like someone put a huge flashing light and siren on them saying EAT ME EAT ME and so I did - and to be honest I didn't really enjoy them that much, there wasn't an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and I would have enjoyed the natural yogurt and mashed mango I had taken a liking to during November more.  The chocolate tasted REALLY sugary - duh..... and not all that amazing.  I truly believe we hard wire our brains and we just have to keep them on track, keep our blinkers on and stay on the right road.  Otherwise you eat chocolate, ice cream or your sugary treat of choice and your brain says SUGAR GIVE ME MORE so you eat more and more and more and you find yourself depending on the stuff.  Break that hard wiring and it becomes so much easier to stay off it - like I said after week two I just didn't care....that is until an event came around (December) that made me think about it and bring it once again for the front of my mind .  Should I have ignored it?  yes, probably and after the weekend of dinners out I have just had I am now getting back on the wagon to consume VERY minimal sugar.  Special occasions ok, once a week ok, but not everyday or even every weekend day.  I feel the bloating effects immediately and I was feeling so great last week.

Moral of the story - sugar is bad, it makes you fat and it makes women crazy

Our Feel Good Friday winner is Kym

Congratulations to Kym 

you have won won a $40 gift voucher from 

 Please contact me via email jenny@bodybeyondbaby.com.au to claim your prize 

 

Monday Measurements - week 10

Wow - Mondays certainly come around quickly, the weeks are f lying by - I can't believe India is 4 months old and Christmas is only 4 weeks away!  I have been out doing measurements of all of the women who come along to our group sessions over the last week or so and there has been some fantastic improvements and I am very much looking forward to our awards evening and Christmas party this coming Friday - we will be giving prizes for the most improved.  I will also share improvements here on the BBB blog over the next week or so - everyone deserves their recognition and I can't wait to give it - keep up the great work ladies.

Here's my Monday check in for this week

28th November 2010
Weight = 57.3kg
Chest = 91cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 70cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 80cm
Hips = 93.5cm
Right Thigh = 50cm
Left Thigh = 50cm

22nd November 2010
Weight = 57.5kg
Chest = 93cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 71.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 81cm
Hips = 94cm
Right Thigh = 50cm
Left Thigh = 50cm

15th November 2010
Weight = 58kg
Chest = 92.5cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 71.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 82cm
Hips = 94.5cm
Right Thigh = 50.2cm
Left Thigh = 50cm

8th November 2010
Weight = 58.1kg
Chest = 95.5cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 71.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 83cm
Hips = 94.9cm
Right Thigh = 51cm
Left Thigh = 51cm

1st November 2010
Weight = 59.1kg
Chest = 95cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 72cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 83.9cm
Hips = 95.5cm
Right Thigh = 51cm
Left Thigh = 51cm

25th October 2010
Weight = 59.5kg
Chest = 94cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 73.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 84.8cm
Hips = 96cm
Right Thigh = 51cm
Left Thigh = 51.5cm

17th October 2010
Weight = 59.9kg
Chest = 96.4cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 73.8cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 85cm
Hips = 97.2cm
Right Thigh = 51.7cm
Left Thigh = 52.5cm

11th October 2010
Weight = 60.7kg
Chest = 99cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 75.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 86.8cm
Hips = 98cm
Right Thigh = 52cm
Left Thigh = 53cm

4th October 2010
Weight = 62kg ????? - no idea and this is why I am not the hugest fan on the 'at home' scales
Chest = 99.6cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 77cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 88cm
Hips = 99cm
Right Thigh = 53.5cm
Left Thigh = 54.1cm

27th September 2010
Weight = 60.1kg
Chest = 97.8cm
Waist (the smallest part) = 77.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 89.3cm
Hips = 99.2cm
Right Thigh = 54.1cm
Left Thigh = 54.7cm

Your Pelvic Floor

We had our Pelvic Floor and Core workshop today which I always enjoy and love the fact that we can change and better the quality of a woman's day to day life and also her exercise.  Also, I always find it interesting that we can think we are doing one thing with our body but actually we might be doing something else - other muscles might be compensating for the ones that REALLY should be working and until we delve a little bit deeper and use tools such as Real Time Ultrasound (which we do in our workshop) we can never totally know that what we are doing is the right thing.  I have seen a number of women come to these workshops potentially with no 'traditional' pelvic floor weakness symptoms yet they have a weak pelvic floor and the exercise they are doing could potentially be setting them up for other (worse) symptoms down the track.  Really knowing what is going on on the inside is invaluable and what any trainer can do through instruction and touch is limited - if you get the opportunity to come along to one of these workshops or to work with a women's health pysio who uses RTU I would highly recommend it  both for your pelvic floor and transverse abdominal (core) health - they all interlink and play a big part in your overall quality of movement and comfort both in everyday life and in exercise. 

I wrote an article on pelvic floor a little while ago for my newsletter, you can find it by clicking here.
If you are not already on my newsletter mailing list and would like to be you can do that by heading here

Feel Good Friday - product review 'Tiny Tastes'

Do you ever find yourself tearing your hair out, exhausted at the end of the day but with dinner, bath and bed time still looming? As mums we have a responsibility to feed our children healthy and nutritious food, we are the grown up and they trust that what we are putting into their bodies is good for them.  But sometimes wouldn't it be nice to have someone else think about that for you?

Enter Caroline and her business Tiny Tastes - she specialises in cooking up and delivering home made organic baby and toddler food.  As a mum who very much likes to give her children home cooked meals as often as possible but also falling into the category of working, time poor and not the worlds most creative (or willing) cook a service like this is right up my alley.

I was excited to receive my cool box full of tiny meals delivered straight to my fridge on the Thursday afternoon and  we had a toddler lunch date scheduled for the next day.  Because Tiny Taste meals are freshly made they need to be kept cool and put straight into your fridge if you are going to use them within 72hours or just pop them into your freezer for a longer shelf life.  They are completely organic and Caroline has just added wholemeal and gluten free pasta options which I think is fantastic and gets a big tick from me.

Friday lunch time Marley, Hugo and Zac tucked into their Tiny Tastes meals, between them they had Chicken Risotto (which I actually ate for my dinner the night before and thought it was very yummy), Pasta Bolognese which was a HUGE hit and Fusulli with Vegetables and Cheese sauce.  Plates were cleaned and the boys eagerly tucked into their Apple and cinnamon for desert - this was especially delicious and they were lucky the mums didn't eat it first!

We also delivered a few baby meals of Chicken and Lentils to a friend and her young son who couldn't make it and I received a lovely text message back from Lucy saying "Archie really loved his meals they were eaten  in minutes - thank you for introducing us to Tiny Tastes".

I was thinking this afternoon about when and why I would use home delivered children's food and for me, because I know that the ingredients are fresh, organic and the meals are healthy and balanced I would be happy to use Tiny Tastes regularly and often - what stops me is that although I am the first to admit I am time poor and not the world's best cook it is also important for me to cook with Marley and show him how to make good healthy food.  He must also know however that we don't always have the time too cook our own food but that it is important to make a good decision about ready made bought food and that we choose Tiny Tastes because they are healthy and good for us.

And if you are stuck for a gift idea for a mum who has just given birth to their second, third or more child a freezer full of Tiny Tastes meals would go down a treat.  Knowing that your older kids are being well fed when you are exhausted and looking after a newborn is such a weight off your shoulders - I highly recommend this fantastic and practical gift.

So all in all Tiny Tastes gets a big tick from me and I am very excited about trying some of their new menu which you can see on their website.

To go into the draw to win a $40 voucher to spend on yummy Tiny Tastes Organic Baby food  just head to the Tiny Tastes website, check out their menu and post below which main meal and desert combo you think your little bub would like to try

All entrants must 'like' both the Body Beyond Baby and Tiny Tastes face book pages

Winner will be announced on Thursday 2nd December on the Body Beyond Baby facebook page and blog - Good luck!

*delivery for Tiny Tastes is only available in certain areas of Sydney, please check their map to see if they deliver to you

Monday measurements - week 9

Checking in on my measurements for this week it all seems very uneventful when it is just coming down in tiny increments and sometimes with hardly any movement at all but week to week this is to be expected especially as I get closer to my goals as it's always easier to shift the first bit of weight.  It is probably about time to up the intensity of some of my training - add some intervals to my running and cardio and really start to push some heavier weights.  Finding the time is a challenge but given Ben's stint of being away a lot is kind of coming to and end for a couple of weeks I might be able to get to the gym a little more in the early mornings to get it out of the way before children become a factor - if you have the opportunity to negotiate a morning or two with your partner so that he does the early morning wake ups with the kids while you get out I highly recommend it.

I thought I'd do a quick overview of where I am now compared to where I started so if we look back at the measurements from 27th September these are the changes:

Weight a change of -2.6kg
Chest - we won't worry about for the time being as it is still up and down (can't wait to get back to normal - or a slightly droopier version of normal)
Waist  a change of -6cm
UM a change of -8.3cm
Hips a change of -5.2cm
Right thigh a change of -4.1cm
Left thigh a change of -4.7cm

Looks better when its put like that doesn't it.....

22nd November 2010
Weight = 57.5kg
Chest = 93cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 71.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 81cm
Hips = 94cm
Right Thigh = 50cm
Left Thigh = 50cm

15th November 2010
Weight = 58kg
Chest = 92.5cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 71.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 82cm
Hips = 94.5cm
Right Thigh = 50.2cm
Left Thigh = 50cm

8th November 2010
Weight = 58.1kg
Chest = 95.5cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 71.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 83cm
Hips = 94.9cm
Right Thigh = 51cm
Left Thigh = 51cm

1st November 2010
Weight = 59.1kg
Chest = 95cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 72cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 83.9cm
Hips = 95.5cm
Right Thigh = 51cm
Left Thigh = 51cm

25th October 2010
Weight = 59.5kg
Chest = 94cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 73.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 84.8cm
Hips = 96cm
Right Thigh = 51cm
Left Thigh = 51.5cm

17th October 2010
Weight = 59.9kg
Chest = 96.4cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 73.8cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 85cm
Hips = 97.2cm
Right Thigh = 51.7cm
Left Thigh = 52.5cm

11th October 2010
Weight = 60.7kg
Chest = 99cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 75.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 86.8cm
Hips = 98cm
Right Thigh = 52cm
Left Thigh = 53cm

4th October 2010
Weight = 62kg ????? - no idea and this is why I am not the hugest fan on the 'at home' scales
Chest = 99.6cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 77cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 88cm
Hips = 99cm
Right Thigh = 53.5cm
Left Thigh = 54.1cm

27th September 2010
Weight = 60.1kg
Chest = 97.8cm
Waist (the smallest part) = 77.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 89.3cm
Hips = 99.2cm
Right Thigh = 54.1cm
Left Thigh = 54.7cm

25 alternate words for sugar

We are entering the homeward straight for NOsugarVEMBER but something dawned on me this morning - have we been looking out for all of the clever ways in which sugar is given a shifty disguise under a different and sometimes confusing name?

 Here are 25 different words for sugar and  you should be looking out for and avoiding also:

Brown-rice syrup

Corn sweetener

Corn syrup

Cane Juice

Dextrin

Dextrose

Fructose

Fruit juice concentrate

Glucose

High-fructose corn syrup

Honey

Lactose

Maltodextrin

Malt syrup

Maltose

Mannitol

Maple syrup

Molasses

Rice Syrup

Saccharose

Sorbitol

Sorghum or sorghum syrup

Sucrose

Syrup

Treacle

As a general rule if it ends in 'ose' or 'ol' it is likely to be sugar and if it is listed in one of the first three ingredients it is 'high' in sugar.  Choosing products that have less than 10g per 100g of sugar is a good rule of thumb when reading food labels.

Can you think of any other hidden names for sugar?

Feel Good Friday - The Husband Challenge

As women we have a knack of picking our bodies to pieces and often focusing on the bits that we don't like or that we would like to change.  Today's Feel Good Friday is about showing us that our bodies are beautiful and that we should be proud of our baby making bodies.

So today everyone can win - all you need is the help of your husband, partner or other close friend.  I want you to ask them to list ten things they love about your body in no particular order.  You don't get to question their answers, don't dissect them, just accept and move away from any self doubt or self criticism for a moment.  Your husbands and partners have a way of looking at you in a different light, they love your body wobbly bits and all so relish the moment and feel fantastic about your body.

To get us started I sent my husband a text to share with me ten things he loves about my body - his reply made me question (to myself and just for a moment before putting it aside) then smile and feel warm and happy that my husband loves my body and that I should too.

This was his answer

1. Your shoulders
2. Your hair when its out and messy
3. Your arms
4. Your calves
5. Your boobs (it takes much willpower not to make some smart arsed comment about breastfeeding and socks but I won't - I will accept that my husband loves them no matter what)
6. Your neck when your hair is up
7. Your tummy - even straight after baby (his words)
8. Your bum
9. Your grin
10. And last but not least your sweet little (picture of a flower......we will leave that right there)

And so as simply as that, through a simple exchange with a significant person in your life you can shed a new light on yourself and if you truly accept these compliments we should all be feeling great this Friday.  What are you waiting for text away - if you don't do it now the moment will pass and besides it's a nice text to receive the reply from and you can revisit it whenever you need.

If you're in the mood for sharing please feel free to post your responses in the comments area below.

Enjoy your Friday x

Our Feel Good Friday winners are Cepat, andrewskatee and Amanda L

Congratulations to 'Cepat, andrewskatee & Amanda L' 

you have won 1 of 3 cool bags packed full of goodies from

 

 

 Please contact me via email jenny@bodybeyondbaby.com.au to claim your prize 

We are taking a break from reviews for tomorrow but I will be online with a great Feel Good Friday post that will have you all feel fantastic - I'd love you to join me in the morning!

 

Personal Trainers P*SS ME OFF!!

Okay, so that's not entirely true.  Not all trainers piss me off, some of my really good friends are PT's and there are some really awesome trainers out there BUT on more than one occasion over the last few weeks I have seen various PT's in the parks or in the gym that have just made my blood boil.  Let's give a few nameless PT's a good kick up the backside......

Here are a few guidelines both for Personal Trainers and yourselves in the simple courtesy's that should be maintained during your training session.


1. The damn mobile phone!!! 
 
Trainers:  Don't text/talk/do ANYTHING with your mobile phone (using it as a stop watch is okay) or unless it is an absolute emergency and you have advised your client before hand that you may need to take a call (and got the OK from them).......

Clients:  This is YOUR time, it is not a time for your PT to reschedule other clients / take bookings / arrange to meet their mates at the beach.... it makes me soooooooo angry when I see PT's on the phone completely oblivious to what their client is doing.... if you have a trainer guilty of this I suggest a comment to them wouldn't go astray (you could text it to them ;) )  After all when was the last time you saw your doctor and they were texting away whilst talking to you?

2. You have legs....use them

Trainers: You are supposed to be motivating and encouraging your clients to work hard and move well - sitting on anything in site that might just hold your body weight, chin in hand relaying instructions in a monotone voice DOES NOT HELP.

Clients: You might not have even noticed this especially if it has been the norm since you began training - I challenge you to challenge them..... it's not!

3. Not talking enough

Trainers:  Your clients need your feedback, giving the instruction 'squat' then standing back and counting from 1 to 10 really doesn't cut it - they may as well have grabbed the latest copy of Womens Health from the newsagents for ten bucks rather than paid you to count their reps for them. 

Clients: Ask yourself "What did I learn from my trainer today?", "How else did they add value to my session?" If you're consistently coming up with blanks it might be time to move on.

4. Talking too much

Trainers:  At the end of the day you are there to put your client through their paces, to improve their strength, fitness and to keep them on track to reaching their goals - spending two thirds of their training session gossiping and becoming mates does nothing but work out the jaw.  Don't get me wrong, I know some PT's form great friendships with their clients (and I have made some good friends through training too) but this should be done outside of their training session and not one their $.

Clients: How do you FEEL when you finish up your session?  Has a weight been lifted off your mind or doing you feel like you've been lifting weights?  If its the former you can bet your bottom dollar that it's not going to help shift any weight of the body variety.  Talking is good - we all need a good chat, but how much is that chat costing you?

5.  Eating and drinking

Trainers: A bottle of water is okay and in fact is setting a great example but leave your coffee, V, Red Bull, COKE (what is that about???) for before or after hours - apart from the fact that some of these drinks completely contradict the good practices you should be teaching your clients it doesn't look good.  Get out of bed 10 minutes earlier, schedule yourself 5 or 10minutes between clients to refuel and if you do HAVE to bring that can or coffee cup into the gym or park do us all a favor and put the empty version in the bin!

Clients:  Unless you are the first client of the day and you have a standing arrangement that either yourself or your trainer will rock up with an espresso shot to get you both going (I have seen this done) then you should expect your trainer to be bright eyed and bushy tailed for your session.  Yes trainers work hard and yes they work evenings and early mornings but they also often have time for a nap or rest in the middle of the day (and you work hard at your job too (motherhood included)) so there is no excuse for dragging their heels on this one.  If they can't hack it they need to re asses their schedule.

So there's my little rant for today - please feel free to pull up your PT on any of the above points (I am happy for you to blame me) or add your own comments below if you think I have missed anything and give us all license to rectify some wrongs and improve the quality of workouts you are receiving.

Monday Measurements - week 8

Down we go.....

15th November 2010
Weight = 58kg
Chest = 92.5cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 71.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 82cm
Hips = 94.5cm
Right Thigh = 50.2cm
Left Thigh = 50cm

8th November 2010
Weight = 58.1kg
Chest = 95.5cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 71.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 83cm
Hips = 94.9cm
Right Thigh = 51cm
Left Thigh = 51cm

1st November 2010
Weight = 59.1kg
Chest = 95cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 72cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 83.9cm
Hips = 95.5cm
Right Thigh = 51cm
Left Thigh = 51cm

25th October 2010
Weight = 59.5kg
Chest = 94cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 73.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 84.8cm
Hips = 96cm
Right Thigh = 51cm
Left Thigh = 51.5cm

17th October 2010
Weight = 59.9kg
Chest = 96.4cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 73.8cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 85cm
Hips = 97.2cm
Right Thigh = 51.7cm
Left Thigh = 52.5cm

11th October 2010
Weight = 60.7kg
Chest = 99cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 75.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 86.8cm
Hips = 98cm
Right Thigh = 52cm
Left Thigh = 53cm

4th October 2010
Weight = 62kg ????? - no idea and this is why I am not the hugest fan on the 'at home' scales
Chest = 99.6cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 77cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 88cm
Hips = 99cm
Right Thigh = 53.5cm
Left Thigh = 54.1cm

27th September 2010
Weight = 60.1kg
Chest = 97.8cm
Waist (the smallest part) = 77.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 89.3cm
Hips = 99.2cm
Right Thigh = 54.1cm
Left Thigh = 54.7cm

Is it a sell out?

I went along to the Sydney Bloggers Festival last week - leaving India at home with a babysitter for the first time - of course despite my slight anxiousness she was fine.  I had a great day learning and chatting to other 'bloggers' and 'mummy bloggers' and I relished the ease of which I hoped into a cab (albeit late after having to feed at the last minute - but seriously when do I ever get anywhere early these days so that was nothing new), I did find myself hiding away expressing in the disabled loos a couple of times - not quite somewhere I had ever envisaged myself hanging out, but we do what we must.

One of the 'hot topics' of the day was 'for love or money' and when does it appear that someone who writes their own blog has sold out?  You have to remember that some bloggers just blog - and when I say 'just blog' I don't actually mean 'just blog' as there are many hours of time, energy and much love that has gone into creating their virtual home.  It got me thinking about some of the posts or more specifically reviews that I have been doing of late on here - is that a sell out?  Is it the right thing to do? I pretty swiftly started to doubt my decision or my quest to invite others to share this space with me.  I have thought about this a lot over the last few days and spent time thinking about whether it was, in fact, the best thing to do.  I understand that I don't have to explain myself to anybody but on this occasion I felt compelled to broach the subject and to clarify why I wanted to include other people and other brands on my blog.

From the word go I have not hidden the fact that I am reviewing products - their logos and branding have been clear for everyone to see and I am glad you have.  My search to partner up with other like minded individuals and businesses comes from a desire to build my own network of trusted and reliable businesses. I also have a desire to bring these businesses and people to you.  I will only ever partner with a business that either aligns with what I do and how I feel in a moral and ethical sense or that I believe will make your life as a mum easier - after all I am a mum and in general mums like to help other mums, myself included.  The reviews will all be favorable towards the brands and businesses I work with as I am not in the market of putting down or badmouthing anyone and I wouldn't have chosen to bring them to you if I hadn't strongly considered as to whether they were a good fit for myself, for you and for Body Beyond Baby.

The other thing I asked of these businesses was to give something back to you guys - yes, I receive a product or service to review BUT you are also given the opportunity to sample their goods also by getting on board and entering our giveaways so it's a win win all round.

At the end of the day, myself and many those featured on my blog are small businesses, many of them mums and many of them working at home and I truly believe that there is nothing bad to come of introducing you to these fantastic brands and showing you what else is out there that might just help you get through your day a little more easily or efficiently.  And who needs to go searching for something you need?  A referral is so much better and less time consuming.  We are all supporting each other and I hope to continue to support both yourselves and many other brands that align well with myself and Body Beyond Baby down the track.

For the record, no money has exchanged hands during this review process to date, but hey, if a blogger was given the opportunity to endorse or promote a brand that aligned well with them personally and/or in a business sense for a monetary or other gain I say go for it - after all many of us spend many hours writing and typing and it is OK to know that your time, creativity, knowledge and experiences are valuable and perhaps to even want to make a living out of it.  As for me, you will know I have sold out when I bring you good reviews on fast food chains and soft drink ;)

Feel Good Friday - product review 'Organic Bubs'

So I am one of those anal mums who never (very rarely) feeds their child anything that I haven't personally made.  I am not super woman and I often don't find time in my day to cook a fresh meal every evening but I do have a well stocked freezer full of nutritious and healthy meals that I have either made myself or my wonderful domesticated husband has made for Marley.  I would love to be one of those mums that finds time to cook a new and wonderful evening meal every day but I very much doubt it is going to happen anytime soon.

I became in touch with Organic Bubs and their new range of baby food products which they offered to send a selection from their menu of easily taken anywhere, fully organic baby food so I thought I'd check it out and tell you all what I thought.  I also enlisted the help of a few of the mums (and bubs - in fact more the bubs) and held an Organic Bubs picnic to do a little taste test for me as my two children are slightly outside of the age range for this product.

I did however come up with a few convenient uses for the organic bubs meals and snacks for Marley.  I like the fact that they are totally organic and that they have no nasties, sugar or anything bad added - this is a topic that is close to my heart especially when it comes to children as they trust is to nourish them and feed them good stuff.  We need to teach them good habits from the start and how to make good educated choices on the foods that we eat and is available to them at any one time.

I am also excited about having found an easily accessible food product that I would be comfortable to give to Marley in certain situations.  He is growing up and becoming more and more aware of food around him both good and bad - we can only shelter our little pure (not corrupted with sugar) soul for so long.  Summer time brings hot weather and I know I love enjoying and cold icy block on a hot summers day - downside is most of these ice blocks are little sugar sticks that I would rather not give to my son.  Instead I threw a yummy Mango, Peach and Banana puree into the freezer as Marley's  little treat.

The savory Organic Bubs products look appealing  especially as the quantity of juice in these ones is considerably less than some others on the market and they have interesting recipes like 'sweetcorn, pumpkin & chia', 'super vegetable rice congee' and 'banana and apricot power porridge'.  As India gets older I will cook for her as I do for Marley but it is great to know that there is a brand of baby food that I can find in my local shop or supermarket that if I find myself in need I can grab a good quality meal on the run.  And I will definitely be getting a few of the fruit variety to pop in the freezer to get us through the summer ahead.

Here are some comments from the mums of our little tasters

"Zara loved them.  I am not a fan of packaged baby food as it is easy to make it yourself but since they are all natural and organic I would definitely buy them.  Zara thinks they are great."
Alison Phllips & Zara

"It's great to have a healthy baby food on the go....or for those moments when there's no time or energy left to cook.  My only tip: don;t let your baby take charge of the feeding and squeezing!"
Elizabeth Lopez-Lightfoot & Alex

"My twin girls had their little mouths open eagerly awaiting more.  I also tasted them and the flavors were really good - you could taste how wholesome they were."
                                                      Suzanne Toogood & Chole & Saskia

To go into the draw to win 1 of 3 cool bags full of yummy Organic Bubs pouches just head to the organic bubs website, check out their flavors and post below which one you think your little bub would like to try

All entrants must 'like' both the Body Beyond Baby and Organic Bubs face book pages

Winner will be announced on Thursday 18th of November on the Body Beyond Baby facebook page and blog - Good luck!

Our Feel Good Friday winners are Amanda and Bec Cal Callaghan

Congratulations to 'Amanda & Bec Cal Callaghan' 

you have won 1 of 2 boutique baba slings from

 

Please contact me via email jenny@bodybeyondbaby.com.au to claim your prize 
 

Don't forget to check in tomorrow when our next review goes live - I am very excited about introducing you to

Technique Tuesday - Lunge

I love a good lunge, great for toning and building your bum IF done correctly.  I see many a person lunging incorrectly, knee going way over their front toe, most of their body weight being forced into the knee of their front leg and if you ask them where they can feel it you are more often than not going to get 'thighs' as the answer - learn to do it right and you will get a great workout for both your thighs AND bum.  Our bum gets lazy and our bodies are smart in that they will move in the easiest way possible sometimes even bypassing the muscles that we really want to get going so we have to 'think' about the muscles we want to fire until they automatically come to the party on their own.  Lunges can be a hard exercise to perfect when you are starting out but get it right and they are great!

Muscles worked: Glutes & Quads

There are many variations of lunges that you can use to challenge your body as you get fitter and stronger - let's start with a regular one and then we can look at the more difficult versions afterward.

• Start with your feet just wider than hip width on what I like to call 'train racks' this will give you a good stable base.  If your feet are positioned as if on a tightrope you are likely to wobble and fall off

• Chest up, shoulders down and an awareness through your TVA/core

• Staying on those train tracks take a nice big step forwards and transfer most of your weight into the heel of your front foot

• Bend at both knees and slowly lower down so that you back knee is hovering just off the ground

• You are looking for about a 90degree angle at both knees and ensuring your front knee doesn't go way over your toes

From here drive through your heels (if you wiggle your toes your weight will shift    out of the toes and back into the heels)

• Push through the heel - ACTIVATE THE GLUTES to bring you back to your start position

Lunges can be done by staying in the split stance position and moving slowly up and down or like in our photo's you can see that Amy is doing an alternate lunge where she will step back to the starting point in between each lunge and then step forwards with her opposite leg.

And if you want to get a little bit fruity and challenge yourself some more once you have mastered these lunges you could try introducing and elastic for resistance hooking it round your front leg (seen in the picture below) or you could try a box lunge as Mel is demonstrating in the pictures to the right.  There are also things like jumping lunges which can also increase intensity and challenge your body to move to the next level (remember not to jump if your pelvic floor isn't the best).

You should however be a little careful with lunges if you have suffered any kind of pelvic instability or pain throughout your pregnancy and/or afterward.  The hormone relaxin does exactly that - it relaxes the muscles and joints in your body, especially the pelvis, so that you can give birth more easily.  But this can lead to pain and instability in everyday life and during exercise also.  Performing an exercise such as a lunge which uses that split stance can challenge and put added pressure on an already unstable pelvis so it would be best to build up your core muscles to begin with and perform exercises such as squats which enable your weight to be distributed more evenly.

Thank you to this weeks wonderful models Amy and Mel

Monday measurements - week 7

 Hmmm..... one week of NOsugarVEMBER down and it certainly has been a challenge at times - sugar is all around us and in so many of the things we consume on a daily basis without even thinking.  When I've done no sugar in the past it's more just been no lollies, chocolate, ice cream, cakes etc - but this is much more.  It is very interesting and I feel like there is almost no reason to add sugar to many of these everyday foods - it's crazy!  So a much better approach is to eat foods as close to their original form as possible...... ditch the processed (not really sure what's in it) crap and switch to the good delicious fresh stuff and start appreciating what food should REALLY taste like.  Tomato sauce is one of my weaknesses but enjoying my eggs on toast without it makes me appreciated the eggs and really enjoy them rather than overpowering them with the ketchup.

So this weeks check in - I thought things might have moved a little faster given I have quit the chocolate indulgence of the weekend but they haven't shifted all that much in terms of weight (another good reason to not focus solely on weight) I did drop into the 58kg range mind you.... and my measurements are coming down.....plus I fit into a different (smaller) pair of jeans today,yay!......all going in the right direction.  And I feel good too - exercise is pretty much on track, I am training 4-5 days per week which helps me to feel good and my energy levels aren't too bad either :)

8th November 2010
Weight = 58.1kg
Chest = 95.5cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 71.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 83cm
Hips = 94.9cm
Right Thigh = 51cm
Left Thigh = 51cm

1st November 2010
Weight = 59.1kg
Chest = 95cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 72cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 83.9cm
Hips = 95.5cm
Right Thigh = 51cm
Left Thigh = 51cm

25th October 2010
Weight = 59.5kg
Chest = 94cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 73.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 84.8cm
Hips = 96cm
Right Thigh = 51cm
Left Thigh = 51.5cm

17th October 2010
Weight = 59.9kg
Chest = 96.4cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 73.8cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 85cm
Hips = 97.2cm
Right Thigh = 51.7cm
Left Thigh = 52.5cm

11th October 2010
Weight = 60.7kg
Chest = 99cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 75.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 86.8cm
Hips = 98cm
Right Thigh = 52cm
Left Thigh = 53cm

4th October 2010
Weight = 62kg ????? - no idea and this is why I am not the hugest fan on the 'at home' scales
Chest = 99.6cm - this will go up and down given I am breastfeeding
Waist (the smallest part) = 77cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 88cm
Hips = 99cm
Right Thigh = 53.5cm
Left Thigh = 54.1cm

27th September 2010
Weight = 60.1kg
Chest = 97.8cm
Waist (the smallest part) = 77.3cm
UM (the bit around the belly button and where we store lots of fat) = 89.3cm
Hips = 99.2cm
Right Thigh = 54.1cm
Left Thigh = 54.7cm

NOsugarVEMBER recipie - Oats Cookies

Oats Cookies - these are yummy, I make a version for Marley and a version for me that contains protein powder but you can leave that out if you want to.  They are sweetened only with bananas and a little (unsweetened) apple sauce, which you can buy from the health food store - do make sure you check the ingredients to ensure no sugar has been added, alternatively  you could just make it yourself, baby food style
.
They aren't cookies that will keep for too long so I wouldn't recommend doubling the mixture as they need to be eaten within a couple of days.  They are chewy and only a little bit sweet but yummy all the same.  By using fully ripened bananas you can help them become that bit sweeter.

2 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2-1tsp cinnamon
1/4cup walnut or macadamia oil
3/4cup chopped walnuts (you can exchange these for sultanas for little people but not for you during NOsugarVEMBER)
1 tbsp ground flax seed
2 tbsp unsweetened apple sauce
2 1/4cup mashed bananas
1 scoop protein powder (optional) - I use pea protein - see here

 Preheat oven to 180 degrees
Combine rolled oats, cinnamon and flax seed (and protein powder if using)
Add oil and toss to coat - put to one side
Mash bananas
Add applesauce, nuts and sultanas (if using)
Add the two mixtures together and combine well
Use a 1/4 cup to scoop mixture onto a baking tray covered in baking paper
Flatten cookies a little with a fork or spoon
Bake on a high rack for 10 minutes then remove from the oven and flatten each cookie a little more - return cookies to the oven for another 8-10mins or until slightly browned
Eat and enjoy : )

NOsugarVEMBER added challenge

It's Friday and this is my challenging day - normally I get through most of the week with no chocolate and treats and then come Friday its on - I head up to Bondi Junction to the Chocolate shop and treat myself to some of their yummy selection.  I get about 5 or 6 then pop them in the fridge ready for my enjoyment that evening.....not today!  I have a feeling there is going to be something missing when I sit down to relax this evening.  But seriously, how many of you now realise just how much of our food contains sugar?  From tomato sauce and baked beans to muesli and rice crackers!  It's insane and can't be doing us good.... a friend recently sent me this link to Gwyneth Paltrow's blog and her most recent post on sugar and sugar addiction......

http://goop.com/newsletter/103/en/

And here's an added challenge for you........as part of my own training some of you may be aware that I head to a rather large set of steps (216 in all) on Sunday mornings.  I am often joined by one or two others and we train hard for 30mins or sometimes even less!  The original goal was to see how many lots of steps we could do in 30mins and most of us averaged 5 lots in that 30mins to begin with.  Now we are getting fitter and faster our times are improving and we are now getting closer to 20mins for 5 lots....almost time to add another lot making it 6 in 30mins.

If you live in Sydney and can make it to Coogee I challenge you to come and join us.  This is part of my own training so although I will be there to spur you on I won't be 'training you' and therefore there is no cost to join me.  You will be training alongside me and it is always great to have a training partner or ten!  What I would ask is that you purchase one of my latest T-shirts or singlets (available very soon and will feature the slogan 'I am proud of my Body Beyond Baby' - place your order now) and wear it to the training session.  It would be awesome to get a big group of mums (and friends and partners) all doing Sunday morning steps, all trying to better our last and best time each weekend.

Remember it is important to keep challenging yourself to see results - training in a group and setting mini goals like this is a great way of maintaining intensity and not falling into the daily grind of the same old exercise routine.  If you're not in Sydney or can't join us set your own Sunday morning challenge, find some steps, do some beach sprints, bike ride, whatever you want to do to get you moving and get you working hard and that you can keep challenging yourself with.  THEN grab a T-shirt and a friend and get cracking.... don't forget to send me a photo..... I would love to see what your Sunday morning challenge entails and to see you proudly wearing your Body Beyond Baby top.

I'll leave you with a couple of very glamorous pics from one of my recent
workouts for a little inspiration (and a giggle)

Feel Good Friday - product review 'baba sling'

When I was asked if I would like to review the baba sling it was a no brainer - this is a product I had already used with my son Marley and knew I would use it again with India.  To the extent of which I would use it this time around was not yet known to me, however in the early weeks of India's life I found her to be constantly attached to me so that I could just get on with things.  As a second time mum I just didn't have the time or the energy to spend settling her and would often just carry her instead as she was easily settled and quiet!!

Before arriving at the baba sling we purchased another brand which ended up being unusable for myself - I purchased a specific size whilst pregnant (the wrong size) and therefore couldn't use it at all.  It was great for my husband who is taller than me but who wants to buy the same product in two different sizes for each parent?  The baba sling has two adjustable straps which can be changed depending upon who is using it and also the position of your baby and whether you need the top or bottom looser or tighter (and you can move them whilst wearing the sling).  The shoulder strap is padded too which is really important as babies no matter how small get heavy after a while.

The baba sling is made from 100% cotton and has a buckle which you can easily undo if your bub falls asleep and you want to put them down - undoing a buckle is much easier than trying to squirm your way out of a tight space.

Apparently you can use your baba sling whilst breastfeeding and also as a hammock in the cot - neither of these I have tried but it sounds pretty impressive to me... let me know how you go!

I used the baba sling most with Marley when he was a toddler and we were out and about, when I wanted him to spend sometime walking rather than being in the pram but I knew he wouldn't last the distance.  It was so easy to just throw it over my shoulder and then when he became tired (or I didn't want him to try to escape) I could carry him on my hip with the aid of the baba sling which in turn kept my hands free.  Some of my favorite times were us walking to the shops with him at my height so I could talk to him about the things we saw on the way.  I am sure (when I find time) I will do the same with India.

As with any baby carrier it's important to change it up from time to time (and put them down) as you will get repetitive wear and tear on the same part area of your body with long term use.  Make sure you are doing your strengthening exercises in order to keep you nice and strong to carry your growing baby.

To go into the draw to win one of the two pictured boutique baba slings just post below what situation you would use the baba sling in and how it would help to make your life easier.

All entrants must 'like' both the Body Beyond Baby and baba sling facebook pages 

Winner will be announced on Thursday 11th of November on the Body Beyond Baby facebook page and blog - Good luck!

Our Feel Good Friday winners are 'Pregfit, Sallyann & xo Michelle xo

Congratulations to 'Pregfit, Sallyann and xo Michelle xo' 

you have won 1 of 3 lunch packs from

 

Please contact me via email jenny@bodybeyondbaby.com.au to claim your prize 
 

Don't forget to check in tomorrow when our next review goes live - I am very excited about introducing you to