“Wow, are you sure your not having twins??” “You are HUGE” “I wouldn’t be surprised if you POP right here.” “You don’t look like your dropping, is the baby okay?” “Your not gaining much weight, hope your baby is okay.” “You look a little small for having a baby.” “Are you taking care of yourself, your face is looking a little puffy.” These are all comments pregnant women of the world are very, VERY familiar with. If you are already a Mama, I am sure you know what I am talking about. The endless body picking remarks that are thrown at you throughout all stages of your pregnancy. Have you ever wondered why on earth it is socially acceptable to make comments on a pregnant woman’s body, but not a non-pregnant woman? We have absolutely seen a rise in body acceptance and trying to put an end to body shaming, but what about pregnancy body shaming?? Despite popular belief… Pregnant mamas do not have a sign stuck to their foreheads reading, “Opinions Are Welcome.” Tell me, why oh why is it okay to walk up to a pregnant woman and tell her how “big” and uncomfortable she looks, but it isn’t okay to walk up to another lady and comment on her size and her appearance? I mean seriously, can you imagine ever walking up to a complete stranger and body shamming her??? For some reason, once you conceive a child everyone around you now assumes that they have complete permission to point out the parts of your hormonal-ever-changing body to you, like you don’t already know?! The truth is Mamas; pregnancy is a beautiful process that most women are fortunate enough to experience. Not only is it life changing, but it also is the hardest, physical challenge that we will ever experience. Some of our bodies will change forever, and some of us may have a hard time and struggle with their post-baby bodies. It is so important to remember how beautiful this process is.
Personally, I thought the journey of pregnancy and watching my body change would be very difficult for me because I am someone who works so hard at my physique and I have struggled with body image issues in my past. Surprisingly, I was completely wrong. This journey of pregnancy has only helped me to deepen my relationship with my body and truly fall in love with my body. Yes, I have completely fallen in love with my body over the last eight months. My wider hips, my thick waist, this growing bump and the extra weight I have put on around my thighs… every “extra” inch of me has brought me closer and closer to loving the body I am in and really appreciate the capabilities of my body to grow a human being. A being that is going to bless my life and bring so much joy and love to my life forever. Luckily, I am not affected by the unsolicited comments and opinions of strangers about my body, but I have received so many of them over the last eight months and it has made me concerned about those women that are affected by them. I understand that most of these comments are really meant to be harmless and have no bad intentions attached to them, but put yourself in their shoes… They may have already had five other strangers make remarks on their size that week and that morning she woke up to put on one of her favorite pairs of leggings to find out that they no longer fit. She could be really struggling. We have no idea how she is dealing with her pregnancy and what body-image issues she may be dealing with. Plus, lets not forget that she is hormonal and probably a bit more sensitive! So next time you are talking with a woman who is expecting, why don’t you tell her how beautiful she looks and that she is glowing, and leave the comments about her growing ass to yourself. :-) Love, Pregnant Mamas of The World. xoxo
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"You are rooted deep within my soul. A part of me forever. In the deepest parts of my heart, there you are." I can't believe we have 5 shorts weeks til we meet our son. This journey has been so incredible and I feel so fortunate for all of the love and support we have received. Here is our Bump Update at 35 weeks and I have a lot to share with you guys! Size: We went for an ultrasound this week and they gave us an estimated current weight of 6 lbs. 7oz. His little feet measured at 3.5 inches! He has big paddles like his mama HAHA! Weight Gain: As little man is putting on the pounds, mama is steadily gaining weight too. Up 15 pounds since conception! Hoping he is less than 10 pounds! Symptoms: Besides hobbling around and having a difficult time getting comfortable, I have been feeling pretty great! I have moments where the reflux is pretty bad but I can deal with it, nothing a few Tums can’t handle. I can’t wait to see the head of hair on this little man! Favorite Wardrobe piece to wear right now: I am living in joggers right now! They are the perfect pants because I can wear them comfortably now and also post partum when I am running around after my two little guys. You can find my favorite joggers here. They are so soft and on sale for 50% off! I am also IN LOVE with Barefoot Dreams and found this awesome poncho on sale a few weeks ago on the QVC. It is awesome because I will be able to wear it now and post partum and it will be great for nursing! There stuff is so versatile and soft. Nursery Update: We are almost there! Waiting on a few more items to arrive and I need to keep putting some things away, but we are practically ready. Will share some updates soon, I promise! Pregnancy/Baby Related item I have loved this week: With our baby boy arriving just in time to celebrate Easter with us, I couldn't help but to buy him his first Easter outfit. This mint green jumper with white bunnies all over it is just adorable. Oldnavy is currently offering 20% off your order and this jumper is only $12! The sweatshirt was just an add on item that was also on sale for $12 here. One moment I loved about this past week: Valentines Day with my love. I drove up to Boston and stayed the night with Tim because he is up there this week working the New England Boat Show. We went out to Strega Waterfront, which was near our hotel, and it was amazing! The atmosphere was lively and romantic, the food was excellent and our server, John, was so nice. I have always loved Valentines Day, single, dating or married, its just such an awesome excuse to spread some love to others! A second moment I loved this week was taking advantage of the hotel pool and going for a dip! OMG this was amazing. Seriously, it felt amazing to just swim and float in the pool and feel so light. It completely relieved my lower back strain from my growing belly and shifting pelvis. One thing I plan to do for myself this week: Take sometime this weekend to just relax, quietly and curl up on the couch with a book I am reading right now. I have been feeling lately like each day is just packed with so many tasks for work that by the time I am done I have about an hour to veg out before bed. I want to intentionally relax this weekend! Food cravings: A blueberry muffin! Something about blueberries this pregnancy… I met a dear friend of mine for breakfast at a local hot spot and ordered a grilled blueberry muffin; it was amazing and totally hit the spot! Currently working on: Finishing up the nursery, packing my hospital bag and getting some things for business in order before maternity leave. Stay tuned to hear what has made it into my hospital bag and updates on our nursery! xo Check out my previous Bump Updates below: Categories All Happy Valentines Day!Valentines Day is one of my favorites! I just love an excuse to tell others how much I love them and spread a little chocolate indulgence. A little chocolate never hurt anyone right?! Good news, studies have now indicated that a little chocolate does the mind, body and soul some good. Here is why…
Chocolate, such a decadent and indulgent treat, contains plant-based chemicals known as flavonoids that produce positive health benefits. Yup, that’s right! I just said chocolate was good for you. In moderation of course… Cacao trees, which thrive in tropical regions, produce cocoa beans that are used to make chocolate. Cocoa beans contain antioxidants, mostly in the form of epicatechin. Epicatechin has actually been linked to improving memory function and learning. So what are those flavonoid things? Well, flavonoids are a group of phytonutrients that occur naturally in fruits and vegetables and have been shown to have various anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits. I am sure you have read a headline on a magazine article or have seen an ad stating, “Eat these 12 Superfoods” or something along those lines in your past. All of those Super foods you often hear mentioned are “super” because of their flavonoid content. Some of the most common foods rich in flavonoids are kale, berries, green tea and onions, and one of the most recently studied flavonoids have been found in the cocoa bean. Here are the Facts on Chocolate
The Take Away Eat a little chocolate, indulge, share with a loved one, but be aware that all chocolate is not created equal. Before you run to the store to grab your favorite candy bar, NOT all chocolate contains high levels of the beneficial flavanols. You want to aim to eat chocolate that is made with 60% or higher of cocoa and low in sugar and fat. The higher the percentage of cocoa, the more benefit! And remember, moderation is key! Obviously consuming large amounts of chocolate will contribute to unwanted weight gain, so use it as a treat. Here is one of my favorite dark chocolate treats, Avacado Chocolate Mousse What are some of your favorite ways to indulge in chocolate? Do you have little traditions that make your valentines day sweet? I would love to hear in a comment below. Have an awesome day and spread some love. xoxoxo Super Bowl Menu
Throwing a Super Bowl party doesn’t have to mean that you sabotage all of your efforts at trying to live a healthier lifestyle this year. I have made a menu of delicious recipes that you can try for your Super Bowl shenanigans that wont have you feeling guilty come Monday morning! Southwestern Layered Bean Dip Ingredients: 1 16-ounce can nonfat refried beans, preferably “spicy” (i.e. try Amy's Kitchen Organic Refried Beans) 1 15-ounce bpa free organic can black beans, rinsed 4 scallions, sliced 1/2 cup prepared salsa 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 cup jalapeño slices, chopped 1 cup shredded organic Monterey Jack, or Cheddar cheese, or vegan cheese 1/2 cup organic sour cream, vegan sour cream 1 1/2 cups chopped romaine lettuce 1 medium tomato, chopped 1 medium avocado, chopped 1/4 cup canned sliced black olives, (optional) Directions: 1. Combine refried beans, black beans, scallions, salsa, cumin, chili powder and jalapeños in a medium bowl. Transfer to a shallow 2-quart, oven safe dish, sprinkle with cheese. 2. Cook in oven on 250 degrees until cheese melted and beans are hot, for about 6-8 minutes. 3. Spread sour cream evenly over the hot bean mixture, then scatter with lettuce, tomato, avocado and olives (if using). Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 1, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. To serve, continue with Steps 2 & 3. Baked Sweet Potato Chips Ingredients:
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. On 2 baking sheets, toss sweet potato slices with olive oil and season with cumin, paprika and sea salt. Arrange in a single layer and bake, halfway through cook time be sure to flip slices over and cook til crisp and golden. 20-25 minutes Notes: The only hard part to making this snack is slicing the main ingredient. To save some time (and make your life a whole lot easier) use a mandoline to slice the sweet potatoes. The snack is full of orange-hued carotenoids, necessary for the body to absorb Vitamin A. Worlds Greatest Guacamole Dip Ingredients:
Directions
Notes: Add the pit of an avocado to the serving dish with the guacamole. This will help prevent the dip from turning brown. You can store this dip in the fridge for 3-5 days, be sure to wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders with Blue Cheese Ingredients:
Notes: Use a blue cheese sauce of your choice. And of course I have to include some of my favorite mocktails for those of us who are not drinking booze during the Super Bowl… Moscow Mule Mocktail You will need:
If you want a real Moscow Mule, you can replace the club soda with some vodka. The Perfect Bloody Mary Mix (Makes about 4 drinks) You will need:
Directions
There you have it football fans! A guilt free, delicious menu of snacks for you to enjoy during the Super Bowl this year. GO PATRIOTS! |
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