Thursday, June 21, 2012

Real Moms Love to Eat Review and Giveaway


Real Moms Love to Eat..that is an understatement!  I eat on the go, when I am bored, and especially when I am stressed out.  Although I didn't gain as much weight with my second pregnancy, I seem to be having a harder time losing the baby weight.  Granted, I am breastfeeding and I am 3 years older, so that all comes into play.  But, I also know that I am eating not as well as I should.  I feed Mason fruits, veggies, healthy grains, etc., but my meal plan seems to be lacking.  I eat whatever is easy for me to grab and go..and that isn't always the healthiest choice.

I need something that is easy to follow.  Something that I can incorporate into my everyday without making a total lifestyle change cold turkey.  I am all about making changes, by taking baby steps.  It seems easier to me that way. 

Real Moms Love to Eat by Beth Aldrich takes this exact approach that I am looking for.  This is not your typical diet book.  Ms. Aldrich has brilliantly encompassed and written exactly what I am thinking and feeling, as I am sure many of you will agree.  For example, she understands what it is like to be a busy Mom, that food is for enjoyment as well as nourishment, that we get cravings...and that's not a bad thing.  She acknowledges the importance of chocolate in a woman's life, provides simple, healthy recipes that anyone can make, and will enjoy eating.

The Real Moms Love to Eat plan is simple.  For 10 weeks, you make "fun little pleasure-invoking changes in your life".  Each week, there are 5 "assignments" for you to do each day.  These assignments are about making long term changes in your life that will help to "kick-start you from stressed to sensational".  And, at the end, Ms. Aldrich even provides a 21 day meal plan that is designed to get you going and satisfy you at the same time.  So, for example, Week 1 starts with 5 changes, including:
  1. Start each day with a green smoothie (recipe included in book for you!)
  2. Eat one ounce of dark chocolate every day (YUM!)
  3. Drink 4 glasses of fresh, pure water everyday.
  4. For dinner every night, make sure your meal contains two naturally green things, one naturally red thing, and one naturally yellow thing.
  5. Each day, eat one portion of something you really desire, no matter what it is (Whew!  Dessert, here I come!)
So, I am trying it.  So far, I have done all the assignments in Week 1.  It has been super easy and I can see myself keeping up with these simple assignments.  The book walks you through each assignment, explaining the importance and relevance to the plan.  It makes complete sense and Ms. Aldrichs' sense of humor makes this a great read!

As the weeks go on, the assignments will change, but I am hoping that most of these changes will help me to live a healthier lifestyle...including losing some of the baby weight! 

I already feel better.  Could it be the extra water I am drinking, the chocolate I get to enjoy each day, or the fact that I have begun to take charge of what I eat?  I don't know...but I plan on continuing for the next 9 weeks to finish the plan and find out.

Do you want your own free autographed copy of Real Moms Love to Eat??  Head on over to Mama Cheaps and ENTER to win your own copy.


Chasing Tiny Feet

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Homemade Sunscreen

It's gonna get HOT this week!  In case you haven't stocked up on sunscreen yet, here is an easy, inexpensive and effective recipe for some homemade sunscreen in a pinch.

Zinc Oxide has been proven effective time and time again when used properly...thick and full strength.  It can help to protect the skin from UVB and UVA rays.   Homemade sunscreen made with zinc oxide has long been regarded as a superior broad spectrum sun-blocking substance.

You and you child can easily whip up a batch as needed.  Best part about this is that there are no harsh chemicals and you know exactly what you are applying on your family's skin.

Ingredients:
  • 1 teaspoon zinc oxide (available online or at your pharmacy)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:
  1. Measure the zinc oxide and olive oil in a bowl. 
  2. Use a fork to mix the ingredients together completely.
  3. Before sun exposure, apply a generous amount of the sunscreen to exposed areas.
  4. Reapply often, especially after play in water.
This is enough for approximately one small application to the face and arms, but the recipe may be doubled or tripled for a larger batch if necessary. Make enough for immediate use only, as the solution should not be stored. Once this has been mixed; the ingredients lose potency after a couple of hours.

Remember, you will have to apply this sunscreen more often that commercial sunscreen.  Because the mixture isn't waterproof, you'll need to reapply frequently if going in and out of the water.

Also, keep in mind that this homemade sunscreen will be visible on the skin after application.


  Chasing Tiny Feet