Pregnancy
The #1 Food To Eat in Your Third Trimester
One of my best friends is pregnant and our due dates are just one day apart. It has been so fun to be pregnant at the same time as her, even though she lives far, far away in London. We were talking on the phone a few weeks ago and she asked me if I knew anything about the benefits of eating dates during pregnancy.
And honestly, I didn’t know a thing about it! Have you ever heard of this? Since I was driving, I made her read me results from the studies she found online. I was skeptical at first. You hear so many things about what is good and bad in pregnancy that I’m at a point that I question everything.
The research on dates during pregnancy is actually really interesting and compelling! The only drawback is that there is not a TON of evidence. But the evidence that does exist is enough to make me eat dates every day these last few weeks before the baby comes. (more…)
Pregnancy
How to Stock Up on Healthy Freezer Meals and Snacks
My husband loves to tell people the story about the morning I went into labor with our son. My water broke around 8am, but my contractions were several minutes apart. So I didn’t feel any rush to get to the hospital. For some reason, I decided that I HAD to make a lasagna before we went to the hospital. I think I was anxious (I KNOW I was anxious)…and just trying not to think about what was ahead of me that day. So there I was, in my kitchen, making not one, but two, pans of lasagna in between contractions. Oh and I sent my husband to the gym! I said you might as well get in one last workout before our life turns upside down. When he got back home I was still making lasagnas. At that point he decided to pry the kitchen utensils out of my hand saying, “OK Kacie…I think it’s time to go to the hospital now…”
But I’ll tell you, I sure was glad to come home to a lasagna in the fridge a few days later and another one in the freezer. I made a bunch of freezer meals in the final weeks of my pregnancy. I plan to do the same this time! (more…)
Pregnancy
How I Survived First Trimester Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is unavoidable during the first trimester, and it can make those first several weeks of pregnancy feel like a punishment. I have some tricks to get in healthy foods here and there, and it really makes a difference in how you feel!
When I found out I was pregnant with my second baby, I was in the middle of a post-holiday diet reset of sorts. I felt like I overdid it on the treats over Christmas break, like most of us. So in January/February I was really focusing on eating lots of veggies, home cooked meals, and had cut out sugar, alcohol, and refined foods. I was feeling A-MAZ-ING.
So when we got the positive pregnancy test (yay!), I knew it was just a matter of time before I would be too nauseous to stand the sight of a vegetable, let alone put one in my mouth, willingly. (more…)
Fitness
Pregnancy Workout: Second Trimester Resistance Band Circuit
This pregnancy workout is perfect for moms-to-be who want a safe, effective workout that only uses one piece of equipment. It will work your legs, chest, back and arms. You’ll perform all of the exercises while standing, since the last thing you want to do while pregnant is get up and down off the floor!
I just can’t get enough of the resistance band lately! As my belly grows, using dumbbells and barbells feels more and more awkward. I am always looking for new workouts online and got tired of making a ton of modifications to make them pregnancy-friendly. So I decided to stop being lazy and just make up my own – I am a personal trainer after all!
This workout is perfect for all expecting mamas, postpartum mamas, and anyone else looking for a workout that is low-impact and uses just one piece of equipment! (more…)