For some reason this go around I am more aware of the
decisions I have to make about myself and my baby. From doctors, to vaccines,
to baby equipment, to birth plans I couldn’t be more overwhelmed with the
number of things that have to be done, phone calls that have to be made,
decisions that have to be decided. I know I still have at least 16 weeks to go,
but I feel the need to be prepared this go around. And what about baby stuff?
There are so many consignment shops and used goods being sold right now. Do I
buy now or wait? Not sure why I’m so anxious - maybe it’s the perfectionist in
me currently in overdrive - but I am trying my best to just take it slow and
enjoy my pregnancy. After all, I only have 20 weeks max left.
During your pregnancy were you as anxious as I am to be
prepared or did you just go with the flow?
This Week’s Update:
Diet
Breakfast: This week I have been enjoying this awesome new
breakfast parfait by Food Matters. It’s loaded with protein, carbs and healthy
fats to keep anyone happy and satisfied throughout the morning. The bottom half
is a combo of chia seeds, coconut, mixed nuts and seeds and oats soaked overnight
in almond milk and flavored with maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon. It is
topped off with plain greek coconut yogurt, berries and some cacao nibs for a
crunch and served with an extra drizzle of raw honey or maple syrup to give you
a sweet, hearty, creamy breakfast that will you make you crave for more.
Seriously, it’s that good.
High Protein, Superfood Breakfast Parfait
Serves One
- 2 Tbsp whole oats
- 2 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 Tbsp raw nuts and seeds
- ¾ cup almond milk
- Drizzle of maple syrup (about ½ Tbsp), plus more to top
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
- 4 ounces of plain, greek coconut yogurt
- ¼ cup berries or preferred fruit
- Cacao nibs, bee pollen, hemp seeds, goji berries, etc to top (optional)
- In a 16 ounce jar, combine the oats, chia seeds, coconut, nuts and almond milk. Stir well and soak overnight in the fridge.
- The following morning, mix in the maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla.
- Top the chia mix with yogurt, berries and preferred toppings.
- Serve with an extra drizzle of maple syrup or raw honey, to taste.
Lunch/Dinner: Nothing special here. More salads, more
olives, more tahini, more goodness! I’ve been enjoying some delicious grilled
veggies at dinner time. Whatever is in season goes into my belly J
Snacks: Still drowning myself in local kombucha! This week’s
flavor is strawberry mint!! Yummy! I do have to take it easy though. I feel
energized and a bit “buzzy” after having a small glass (even though that’s from
the Vitamin Bs NOT alcohol) and the probiotics, well, seem to be running
through me. That whole constipation when you’re pregnant stuff…yeah, I never have
that issue, especially when drinking kombucha.
Is it safe to drink kombucha while pregnant? Haha that is the number
one question I have been asking for practically everything I consume. From
cacao powder, to maca, to kombucha, to herbal teas, every product purchased or
consumed has been through that question. Is it safe?
I have battled time and time again with this question and I have concluded that
as long as I consume these foods in small amounts or in moderation, then they
are safe to consume as long as my body accepts them. For example, I have
realized I need to slow it down a bit on the kombucha. My portions have been
cut from 8 ounces to 4 ounces in order for my body to adjust. If or when I feel
I’m okay consuming more I will. The same goes for cacao, maca, cilantro, tea,
etc. Now those foods that doctors and nutritionists say avoid, I avoid. I won’t
take the risk if there is one. But I don’t see a huge risk in enjoying
wholesome, raw foods. As long as I research, listen to my body and consume in
moderation, my baby will be just fine.
Other snacks I’ve been munching on include trail mixes, celery
and hummus or nut butter, apples, and nutritional bars from Go Raw, Vega,
etc. Nom nommy!
Exercise
Hahahaha!!!! I have been doing MORE than just sitting on my
tush! I have been exercising! Not just walks or biking either, but yoga! Yep,
free prenatal yoga thanks to YouTube. I’m currently only doing 10-12 minutes a
day in order for my body to adjust. Having not worked out for several weeks
now, my body needs to adjust to the stretching and strength training that comes
with yoga. So far I have been loving it and so has my body. My body doesn’t feel
as sore or as tight, and my back doesn’t hurt as bad. I definitely plan on
continuing yoga throughout the rest of my pregnancy, increasing the time as I
regain my strength and balance. I may throw in some pilates too J
My Pregnancy
 |
| 19 Weeks Wearing Shirt I Bought At Consignment Shop |
This week hasn’t been too eventful. I did have a regular appointment
with my new OBGYN which was fun. I decided to switch from a large practice to a
small practice located in my own county for several reasons. I have to say I am
very proud of my decision to switch. Not only do I feel more important and
cared for at this practice, but the doctors are awesome, and our local hospital
has an amazing birthing center focused around mother-baby connection. They also
seem to have a very natural approach to birthing, seeing as the birth
and stay all takes place in one room. and they have a Jacuzzi tub you can relax
in while laboring. I’m super excited to be birthing at this hospital and I pray
my experience is as good as I’m expecting it to be.
At my appointment I finally learned I have gained some good
weight; five (5lbs) pounds to be exact…in one month! Not a whole lot in terms
of numbers, but my clothes beg to differ. A majority of my clothes are quite
snug and some don’t even fit anymore L
It’s a bit depressing, but every time I look in the mirror I realize I look
pregnant and not just fat anymore!! Wohoo!! I’ll take that! In terms of clothes,
maternity sweaters, yoga pants and dresses have all become my go-to for
pregnancy wardrobe. Whatever makes me feel sexy J
Speaking of clothes, I did hit up a consignment shop this
past weekend and I have to say I am quite obsessed. I have come to realize over
the years that used clothes and items are aye okay. I used to be that shallow,
germaphobic individual who would try her best to purchase everything new, but I
have come to realize used is cheaper and just as good (as long as it doesn’t deal with the continuous contact with any kind of bodily fluids like breast pumps…those I still by new. Still a germaphobe). I bought a few things for my 7-year old as
well a few maternity clothes for me. Unfortunately I bought nothing for the
baby. The moment I stepped in and looked around I became extremely overwhelmed.
What do I buy? Do I really need it? Will this work in our planned nursery? Finally
I called it quits and just searched for goodies for me and my daughter. I came to terms
that now was not the time to buy baby stuff. I am just not ready yet.
As for symptoms, only back pain and TONS of baby movement! I
feel her movements all day long and they are getting stronger as well as
higher. As for the back pain, the pillow in between the knees has really been
helping. I seem to be sleeping better too ever since I started it. Thank
goodness!
This week I have to say has been busy but fabulous. I feel
great, look great and I’m eating great! It’s about time! J
Beth
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