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Thursday, 19 April 2012

Trimester two-three Workout

After uploading glitches; Here is a workout for my glowing, growing mumma's-to-be.

SB pelvic tilt



Chest Press




Lat Pulldown




Row (advanced variation)




Upright Row



Deep Squat



Deep Squat with stretch



Leg Extension



Clam with Extension




Stretch:



Last week I also recieved an inspiring vision board from one of my clients, Cathryn. She has achieved so much in her life and is now working towards a personal training career in pre/post natal health.



Crossfit workouts are being owned by me at last after a brief hiccup and lost direction. Yoga is really taking me to new places spiritually. On monday I'm going to try arial yoga - yoga suspended from the ceiling!!! Which is finally available in melbourne. Ballet is challenging and fun although I need new pointe shoes and am really stressing about buying them as they are made from leather, which is in direct contrast to my vegan lifestyle.
All in all I'm getting a little over hearing people complain about everything in thier lives although the clients I have been seeing lately are taking control, not making excuses anymore and feeling amazing for it. It can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel; trauma and drama happen all the time, but what you make of your life is up to you. You can complain, starve, smoke, drink, take drugs, eat bad food and sit on your arse...or you can get up and change. Pretty sure that you'll complain far less when you realise you are in control of your destiny.
Tomorrow morning's session may elicit a few whiney protests from me though!!

Cheers & Giggles
xx




Friday, 6 April 2012

You have the power to change...

Firstly, forgive me once more for being a sporadic blogger at best. I have lots to share with you all today though :) oh and happy Easter! My first as a vegan - woo!

The title: You have the power to change...

  • your thoughts
  • your intentions
  • your actions
  • your reactions
  • your body
  • your life.
but you also have the power to change someone else's day. If you are positive, encouraging, compassionate and friendly...you never know just how good that can make someone feel. I hope, lovely readers, that you feel amazing after reading my blogs, training with me or just being my friend because you all make me feel like I'm doing something worthwhile, so cheers :)

One of my friends-slash-lovely-client made me the most DELISH vegan protein slice!



Ingredients
1 cup quinoa flakes
1 cup buckwheat puffs
1/3 cup protein powder
1/4 flax seeds
1/2 dried fruit ( any type you like)
1/2 cup nuts ( any type you like)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup almond butter
1/2 cup coconut oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
Small block of dark chocolate Melted

1. In a large bowl mix together dry ingredients.
2. Place almond butter and coconut oil in a small saucepan and heat over a medium heat until melted, add vanilla extract and stir.
3. Pour liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well ( if to dry add a bit more melted almond butter)
4. Line a baking tray with baking paper and spread mixture out evenly. Pour melted chocolate over the top and spread into a thin layer.
5. Place tray in the freezer for 5-10 minutes or until the chocolate has frozen. Cut into squares and store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

I've been eating this for morning tea (after work & workout)...too yummy!

Finally I can upload pictures properly! Here is my "Sanity Stash"



This was essential to have by my bedside in that first month or so of hour-long nurse sessions practically each hour! It contains:

  •  Bamboo washable nursing pads (I had/have an oversupply so had to have at least three of these plus clean tops whenever I went anywhere!)
  • Organic cloth terry squares...for chuck-ups, nappy, instant changing surface, makeshift bib, leaking boob soaker and yes even to wipe my tears. (ecoLinen organic cotton)
  • WATER, all mumma's need to stay hydrated, especially when breastfeeding.
  • healthy snacks (organic where possible) although I admit at one point I had 7 gingerbread men and 4 freddo frogs in my stash!
  • hand sanitiser
  • nipple cream, bottom balm, paw paw and other delicious lip balms
  • books...oh I made the most of it! I simply LOVE putting my feet up and having a great excuse to read.
  • and a notepad to record feedings etc...I was slightly anal about jotting down everything. This lasted a few months and includes notes such as "beautiful bubbah" and "f$%^king over it!"

Today I am also going to include an update about where DS, master Rivvy, is at. He is 10months old and I believe quite on par in terms of crawling (so fast), surfing furniture, standing alone for brief periods, pushing and walking behind things, bashing everything, pointing at everything and saying "mummummum" "da da da da" "bah bah bah" etc.
It is interesting that he is fed on demand (apparently not the "normal way" according to my friend :P) so probably still has 8-10 feeds in any 24hours. I try to feed him immediately before offering any solids as per the BLW guidelines and he eats breakfast of coconut yogurt, blueberries, sometimes quinoa fingers or wheat free toast with nut butter. Lunch is generally cucumber, tomato, carrot (salad type food) and tofu, dinner is varied but usually legumes and veggies are the main component. If I feel he needs snacks he has wheat free crackers with hummus or fruit. So he has a vegan and wheat free  diet (as do I currently) and is thriving. People always comment on how chubby he is!
In terms of EC (Elimination Communication), he wees on the potty each night before our shower/bath. We usually have a good two hours of nappy free time although since Fiji DS has had some tummy trouble and we havent been able to do this indoors. I'm sure he associates the potty with wee's (occasionally poos) and there is no pressure on him so I am confident of our small success. I even purchased his first pair of undies!
Sleeping, ah that old chestnut! Well Riv has finally managed to cut down to two sleeps daily...when they are varies but it seems to be in the morning and early afternoon. He feeds to sleep or falls asleep in the car and can usually be transferred into bed. Since Fiji we have been only co-sleeping as this is the easier option for me when DH is away at work. We will start placing him back in his cot when our schedule become a little more consistent. He wakes 2-5 times a night and can often be cuddled back to sleep or he feeds...to be honest I dont always fully wake up and have little memory of it in the morning. Many of you would be aghast at this sleeping pattern, but as I always say, this suits us at this time so it's not anyone elses place to judge :)
That about raps up my River update!

Training...


Well, I am still loving CrossFit

Over the last few weeks I have had some ripper kickstarts come in, I'm looking forward to taking on some new clients. Some have really challenged me to do homework, others have just been so enjoyable to share my passion with. It's always nice because I tell you what I quite often doubt myself...sometimes I dont even know what I bring to the table. It's hard in an industry where you have the people that come in, can sell PT and not necessarily know anything about training or the lifestyle in encompasses and then the people (like me) that arent natural sales people, dont do this for the money, genuinely want to help people but often times give too much. Unfortunately I am very dependent on validation from others which means I can easily get cut down, spiral into self-doubt and want to give up. But I've also had the pleasure of being complimented on my physique after baby, my honesty and commitment, and I've watched my clients achieve amazing things, feeling and looking better than ever with my help.
Challenge of the week strrrrrrrettttttcccccchhhhhhhh. Go on do it, get off to yoga class, go see a PT, do some stretching with your partner or a girlfriend. Oh, and dont eat too many Easter eggs!!

Cheers & Giggles
xx

Tuesday, 20 March 2012

back to the daily grind

Please excuse my sporadic attempts to keep my blog updated...I am back in Australia although I left my soul on a sandy tropical island in Fiji.



Upon my return (to work and to uni) I have faced a few "spanners" which a few years ago would have sent me in a spiral of negativity and woe-is-me behaviour. Thank goodness for the good things in life! So unfortunately I cannot complete my final year of university off campus...this is rather inconvenient as uni is a half hour trek in good traffic and the parking costs are rather heavy. More over, I need to rely on someone else to mind my gorgeous boy 3-6 extra hours a week which we all know I dont really enjoy. On top of this a few work issues have seen me battle "the man" which could have back fired drastically although I believe things have been resolved.

All I can say is that there is a reason I'm doing this. I work to put food on the table...good, wholesome, organic, vegan food. I study so that my knowledge can help my clients, empower people from Aus to Canada and Belfast (come on guys I know you must check out the blog sometimes!), and lead me to a profession that combines my passions and has further reaching positive effects.
On with the show.

Thanks to my holiday I have decided to decrease my "screen time", not an easy feat when you blog, attend university and are slightly addicted to social media. Whilst you are surfing the net check out www.mobilitywod.com  http://www.yogaindailylife.org.au/ and http://www.crossfit.com/ my latest interests, and http://www.gefreeaustralia.org/images/PCALL.pdf to make a small difference.

A few other things to jot down today include the sadness in Jimmy Stynes passing. What a gun that man was. May your thoughts be with his friends and family.
On a lighter note, my baby sister turns 21 this week, she had her braces removed today and looks stunning. She is another person that really makes an impact on almost everyone she meets, I am very lucky to have her in my life.

My homework for you all today is inspired by a conversation this morning. I would like you to take a moment to think about WHAT YOU WANT. In life, in health, in your day...what do you want to achieve by 7pm this evening, by this time next week, next year? Today I want to read topic 1&2 with accompanying quizzes, inspire my little movers at tonight's dance class, dance beautifully at ballet and be patient with my husband and son. We all just have to realise that "the difference between a dream and a goal is a plan".

Cheers & Giggles
xx

Tuesday, 6 March 2012

Beach Workout YES!

Bula again everyone :)
Confession time...I am utterly homesick! And completely unhappy about my holiday body. River has had a rough 24hrs with his second toothy peg trying its hardest to race the first one, which has resulted in a weepy frustrated mumma bear just wanting a good cuddle with her dog (who never had teething nor sleeping issues!). It is getting harder to smile when strangers are kissing & cuddling my little man...is this normal mother behaviour?!
Anyway, yesterday's workout at sunrise on the shore:

4 sets of:
Wide "warrior" squats


Tricep Dips (Advanced: one leg off ground)




Squat Jumps

 (there was a photo of me jumping...it was hideous...please jump after the squat!)


Plank & Plank with twist



This workout was fun and the beach setting was perfect!
University started yesterday for me & I am hoping to get my placement sorted as soon as I get home. Neverending is it?!
Also I felt I should clarify, last blog I mentioned how someone asked if I would like a bottle of formula for River, at the time I was breastfeeding which is why I was so appalled! More on this matter, www.thebirthingsite.com posted a facebook question about formula feeding support groups and I was really moved by Deb London who responded
"Well as some of you may know I am quite the BF advocate. But honestly formula moms need more support they we do. Seriously, has anyone noticed how hard of a time they have with their babies digestion and bowel movements? Changing formulas constantly and colic. Getting up at all hours to warm bottles. Oh man. It's awful! I feel terrible for my friends who go through this. Plus the guilt of quitting breast feeding. Seriously, it's not a pretty road. Have mercy. They need support in a whole different light!"
As a breastfeeding advocate myself, this message is hopeful. Just because I dont use formula does not mean I condemn mothers who do, and I feel like I would be just as helpful to breastfeeding and formula feeding mothers. My reason for promoting breastfeeding is because formula is NOT equal to breastmilk and I think mothers are led to believe that it is. I am interested in the health and wellbeing of everyone, including future clients. This is not to say that if you formula feed your child WILL become sick or overweight, just as breastfeeding doesnt mean your child WONT ever be ill, have allergies or struggle with thier weight. I believe in empowering women to make the most informed decision and that is why I am honest (blunt?!) about these facts. It saddens me that I feel akward here breastfeeding in Fiji because everyone else has bottles & dummies ready to go. It saddens me that tiny little babies are being bottle fed or fed hot chips smothered in sauce because they do not have a choice about what goes into their precious system...we as mothers have that choice about what to feed our babies, and I am proud that my son at 9months has had nothing but the very best nutrition.

Cheers & Giggles
xx

Saturday, 3 March 2012

Bula!!!

For those of you reading this for fitness inspiration: my challenge to you today is to PUSH yourselves. Yesterday I confused my workout...I thought that 200m was equal to 2km...and my Xfit workout from Eric was 200m sprint, 20 squats, 10 pushups, 5 rounds. And as I started to run my 2km, I thought there is NO WAY I can do that...so I ran 1km each time and completed 4 rounds in 30mins. Ladies & gents, I am NOT a runner so for me that is an amazing feat! So, calculate incorrectly, go further than you planned, give it everything you've got and I promise you will feel awesome. I also tried to do some headstands on the uphill part of the sandy beach, it ended like this:


with alot of sand in my hair!

So for those of you wanting to know about my honeymoon, Fiji is brilliant although not 100% what I expected. It is extremely difficult to be a vegan here which surprised me, there isn't as much fruit & veg as I thought would be available. So I have relaxed my diet abit and definitely can tell :s
The poverty here is also really bad. We went into town today to Sigatoka and were really confronted by the lack of resources and the amount of people, I actually think that the villages might be better off without any "western" influences. The Fijian people seem to be very friendly while the Indian people seem to be slightly less tolerant/accommodating to travellers. It must be hard and I can see why people would resent tourists. We got stuck at the worst restaurant where River kicked up an absolute stink (he must have felt the creepy vibes too) and I was positively appalled at the host when he suggested that he could give River a bottle of formula so I could get a massage. Um...no effing way.

Which leads me to my next point. While Fiji is touted as a family friendly destination, I have only run into ONE other breastfeeding mum. It seems more like "here babysit my kids while I get pissed" than "welcome parents who want to holiday WITH your children". It is for this reason I can see myself coming back here when my kids are in primary school *wink, wink!

Anyway I'm off for a snorkel and a sunbathe.

Cheers & Giggles
xx

Monday, 20 February 2012

I'm still here....just!! Haha :)

Today I was told TWICE "you really dont do things by halves, do you?!"
I have an exam tonight at 6pm, what a horrendous time for a mother to have an exam.
Then, on Friday, I get to walk down an isle of sand and stand next to my partner, making vows to stand together always, oh goody!!
Invites have been sent
Favours have been made


Veganism adhered to

And all is looking well.
So I have been asked to send an email containing some essential lists for mumma-to-be's, and instead I thought I would blog it....

Best Resources:
  • thebirthingsite.com
  • Surtout Chiropractic
  • Hypnotherapy/Calm birth
  • Ina May Gaskin books
  • Dr Sears
  • ABA
  • breathemovenourish.com & Fresh Fitness :P
For Labour:
  • look into a homoeopathic birthing kit
  • suss out a doula or birth support person
  • I loved having a birthing outfit (bather top & maxi dress) although around 40hrs in all dignity went out the door...
  • water, water, water
  • birthing plan
  • delayed cord clamping
  • natural placenta delivery
  • the "breast crawl" & skin to skin contact immediately after birth
For the new mummy:
  • vitamin C - bioceuticals rocked my socks...I also became addicted to drinking it from a straw...
  • a swiss ball to practise your pelvic floor exercises after birth & to sit on whilst soothing bub
  • a baby carrier, we used a cotton sling for the first 4months then upgraded to an Ergo Carrier
  • breastfeeding covers & pillows are a waste of money!
  • ABA become a member, this may help you on your breastfeeding journey!
  • find some great books, put your feet up. Nurse on demand even if its hours on end in the first few weeks. Try not to introduce a pacifier or bottle within the first 6weeks.
For the new Baby:
  • the best toy your baby can have is YOU! Sing, dance and interact with your bub.
  • decrease the plastic crap
  • nattursutten rubber pacifier, although these are rarely needed if you nurse on demand.
  • cloth nappies?? We found hippybottomus the best for the first two months (cheap too) then green kids & bum cheeks have been amazing. Mandy mac with a mother ease cover for nighttimes.
  • the more natural you parent, the more dollars you will save :)
  • tetra tea tree bedding
  • organic mattress protectors
  • baby's crib in same room for first 3months decreases SIDS, co-sleeping?
So wish me luck in my exam...

Cheers & Giggles
xx

Monday, 30 January 2012

Breathe.

Once again I am reminded to do this.



It seems to me that I'm constantly working, that I'm never able to just "be". And I know that it is my own doing, I am addicted to being busy and I love my work, but sometimes it would be nice not to have to schedule a day where I "relax at least for one hour" and to just relax!
It was a stinking hot night and far too sticky to sleep, we have one fan and for DS first sleep both it and he are in their own room. So I began to fret about all the upcoming events. Thinking it a good idea I broke the upcoming months into sections:

The next 4weeks entail: work, study, training and dance with Sunday's off to plan wedding things.
The wedding & honeymoon comprise the following two weeks, then three weeks back into the swing of things before a two week break from dance. When it came to looking at the ten week period between April 16th-29th June, I just about had a cow! Somewhere during that time I am meant to organise a first birthday party, and continue to work, run a dance school, dance, complete my last year of uni and write, while being an attached mummy!! The worst part is that is only halfway through the year.

SO. How do we do it? How do we achieve the perfect balance, is there such a thing? Unfortunately I am one of those people who feel guilty when they stop doing things. I feel like I need to keep working on and improving my life, making other people feel good about themselves, sharing my knowledge, empowering people to be their best...I do all this because I know the rewards are great. My life is good because it is FULL of good things, knowledge from studying, friendships, health, activity and achievement. When a client feels more confident in themselves, that is a job well done. When a student can not stop practicing the steps, that is a job well done. When my friends know they can call me because I will listen and care, that is a job well done. And when my son has grown healthy, strong, secure and happy, that is my job well done.

It is impossible to live without making mistakes, and feeling like crap. Some days I am a horrid nasty swamp creature who hates everything and blames everyone else for everything wrong in my life. But these days are rare. If we think positive, it attracts positive. My challenge to you all today is too try to be grateful for the things in your life, to try to see things with your optimistic glasses on, to forgive yourself and LEARN from your stuff ups, and to CHANGE whatyou need to.

Cheers & Giggles
xx

"I do not wish to treat friendships daintily, but with the roughest courage. When they are real, they are not glass threads or frost-work, but the solidest thing we know." Ralph Waldo Emerson