I'VE MOVED

Actually, it's more accurate to say I'VE MERGED.

As some of you may know, I've tried to maintain a separate blog called Refrigerator Raid. It's sole purpose was to provide health tips based on current news and research (rather than personal stories).

But with new baby, it's been impossible to maintain both. Moreover, I realized that many of my favorite blogs combine practical advice with personal anecdotes.

So I've decided to do the same. You can now find me at Refrigerator Raid.

www.RefrigeratorRaid.com

Hope to see you there!

Two Pounds!

In two days on the BFL program, I've lost two pounds!

• Yes, I know it's mostly "water weight."
• Yes, I know it's also because I had a baby 8 weeks ago.
• Yes, I know I'd gain it right back if I went out and ate my typical dinner of Papa Johns breadsticks and mushroom pizza.

But I don't care about those little factoids! I'm just happy to see the numbers on the scale move again (in the right direction).

Of course, my motivation for this program has to be something other than external. It's important that I concentrate on how I feel--confident, sexier, more energetic, happier--if I want to maintain this lifestyle for the long haul. External motivational factors like my weight and dress size will only motivate me for a short period of time.

Although I confess, I'm already looking forward to my "free day." (The BFL program allows one
"free day" each week when you can eat whatever you want. The reasoning behind the "free day" is both psychological and physiological.)

New Program

Baby is now about 7 weeks old, and I've decided to start a new exercise/fitness/diet/weight loss program! Based on past experience, I've chosen the Body for Life program. Although I've never achieved the dramatic results of actual BFL winners, I have lost a lot of weight and built a lot of muscle following the plan in the past.

Fortunately, Hubby is on board with the program, too. So we basically take turns watching Baby and exercising. Once my fitness levels increase and I can actually run instead of walk, we all three may be able to go out jogging together.

In terms of my diet... it's probably going to have to be bland and boring since I don't have much time to cook. (Up until this point I've been living on microwave foods, like processed mac and cheese.)

We took our "before" photos, but I'm not quite ready to share them. Maybe I'll take a progress pic in a few weeks and compare them here.

New Baby

My new baby arrived on July 11, 2008!

I am (obviously) still recovering physically... plus I am learning how to be a mommy!

Until things start to heal up, I'll be taking it easy on myself when it comes to diet and exercise. However, I'm hoping to get started on a new program within a month or so. As soon as I get ready to lose the baby weight, I'll be back on this blog.

In the meantime... I'm busy cuddling with a bundle of love!

Still waiting....

I am in total waiting mode. Baby hasn't yet arrived, and I admit that I'm feeling a bit antsy about it.

I really hope she shows up soon!

Done (temporarily) With Exercise

Guess I'm done with exercise for a while. Every time I stand up from a sitting or lying position, I get this pain in my belly. It's usually there whenever I'm on my feet. I don't know if it's pressure from Baby or my belly stretching, but it's extremely uncomfortable. Sometimes I can only hobble to the bathroom.

I could probably get a temporary YMCA membership and try some swimming, but at this point I'm not sure it's worth the effort. Hubby thinks Baby will be arriving in less than 2 weeks. (According to my due date, she's scheduled to arrive in about 3.) Either way, she's coming soon, and I still have lots of stuff on my to-do list.

So I guess I'll just skip workouts until after Baby arrives and I've done a bit of recovering. But I'm still going to try and eat healthy foods.

Healthy Foods Can't Usually Be Frozen

So I've been doing a lot of "freezer" cooking... which means I've been making meals that can be frozen right now and then thawed/cooked after Baby arrives (and life is too hectic for real cooking). It's a technique sometimes referred to as OAMC, although I've adapted it a bit for my needs. Here are a few things in my freezer stash:

• Twice baked potatoes
• French toast sticks
• Whole wheat pizza crusts
• Veggie lasagna
• Mac & Cheese
• Stuffed shells
• Veggie noodle soup

Not necessarily the worst foods in the world... but definitely not the healthiest. And none of them would make the BFL approved foods list. There's nothing really "clean" on that list. At best, most of those meals would be okay for a free or cheat day.

So what's a gal to do? I've been trying to come up with convenient, easy-to-prepare BFL-style meals that I'll be able to grab-and-eat even if this baby turns out to have the worst case of colic ever. So far I've come up with:

• Hard boiled egg whites
• Plain fruit
• Low-fat cottage cheese
• Canned tuna or salmon pouches
• Baked sweet potatoes
• Oatmeal

Not exactly the tastiest menu. But I'm guessing I won't have time to make Tilapia in parchment with zucchini and carrot matchsticks... at least not for a few years. I guess we'll see how it works out.

Soba Noodle Salad

Cold noodle salads are one of my favorite summertime meals. I can make one on Sunday and pretty much eat it all week long for a simple, satisfying lunch. However, I do try to limit the amount of refined grains I eat. So oftentimes I use soba noodles.

Soba noodles are an Asian noodle made from buckwheat. Although they're about the width of regular spaghetti, their texture is a bit softer and lighter (I think). Some soba noodles do include some refined grains, although higher quality versions have mostly buckwheat. A typical Japanese meal would be cooked soba noodles and a dipping sauce, but I like them in this salad:

Soba Noodle Salad

Salad Ingredients
- Soba noodles
- Lightly steamed veggies
- Sliced spring/green onions

Dressing Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Tamari (or soy sauce)
- 1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 1 teaspoon hot chili oil
- Dash white sugar

Cook soba noodles. Rinse with cold water and drain. Toss in lightly steamed veggies. Coat with dressing. Top with onions.

This is a very simple recipe that can be modified to fit whatever veggies you have in the fridge and to suit your tastes. (I like extra veggies with fewer noodles.) I often make it with matchstick carrots, red pepper strips and strips of snow peas. However, I have heard of people using broccoli and squash, too. It's the perfect cool lunch for a hot day, and you could add some cold, peeled shrimp if you wanted some extra protein.

Outdoor Exercise Protection

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Although I live in a relatively safe neighborhood--the biggest crime around here tends to be stolen bicycles--there's always the chance that some crazed, serial-killer-attacker-type will start stalking my streets.

And there are lots of loose dogs around here, too.

So I think it's smart--and practically a necessity--to carry protection during my outdoor runs and walks around town.

Fortunately, websites like LA Police Gear provide lots of equipment and accessories that can be used by the average citizen who wants to protect herself around the neighborhood, such as tactical knives. (Always check the laws in your area about carrying a blade! Many states limit the size of the knife you can legally carry concealed on your person.) For those already equipped with some basic self-defense gear, the website also sells holders for things like expandable batons.

If you're just looking for clothing, the site sells plenty of tactical apparel like 511 Shorts and Under Armour Covert Ops shirts.

Body For Life Comparisons

I finished reading the two different Body for Life books: Body for Life and Body for Life for Women.

Here's my verdict:

BFL Women is definitely more touchy-feely. There's a lot more talk about motivation and "mind." Women who have typical female problems with weight--yo-yo dieting, emotional eating, etc.--may find the text useful. Overall, however, I found it lacked a lot of practicality.

Moreover, neither the eating nor exercise plan is as strict as that found in the regular BFL program. The concept of the "free" day--and the rationale behind it--seems to be missing almost entirely. And the suggested cardio is less intense (and probably less effective) than recommended in the traditional BFL plan.

Women may find BFL Women easier to follow since it's more flexible and less stringent. However, I'd guess that the 12-week results would not be very dramatic. Weight loss could almost definitely be achieved, but it won't be the kind of body transformation that can be seen in the regular BFL plan.

Personally, I'll stick to the original. I want to see serious results, and I'm not afraid of some high intensity cardio or some heavy weight lifting.

Short Walk

Took a short walk today. After 20 minutes, I started having this terrible pain in my lower abdomen. I knew it wasn't contractions since it was a steady pain. But I was practically doubled over! I immediately walked home--slowly--and laid down until the pain passed.

It was a pretty scary experience. From now on, I guess my walks need to be slower (and closer to home). I had been rushing a bit because I knew a storm was coming.

Wish my walk could have been longer and better... but at least I did something. Maybe tomorrow I'll be able to get out and try again. I guess the smartest thing to do now is listen to my body.

Don't Feel Like Exercise

I don't know if it's the weather--hot and muggy--or if it's my expanding tummy (which grows bigger and more uncomfortable each day). But whatever the cause, I just don't feel like exercising. Every morning I set my alarm so I can get up and take a walk. And every morning I turn it off and go back to sleep.

Now that I'm nearing the finish line of pregnancy... about 5 weeks to go... I've been growing more and more uncomfortable. An average day includes:

• Kicks, punches and jabs into my ribs
• Swollen feet and fingers (my joints constantly ache)
• Heartburn and/or nausea
• Tremendous amounts of fatigue
• Shortness of breath

Overall, my physical body does not feel at its peak. I know that exercise might actually help make me feel better, but I'm finding it harder and harder to motivate myself to get out and walk.

Is "Gender Specific" Weight Loss Information Useful?

When I first tried Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength (BFL), the only available "program" was definitely designed with the male body in mind (although many women used it successfully). Later, however, they created a Body for Life for Women: A Woman's Plan for Physical and Mental Transformation program. But do women really need the gender specific advice?

Although I believe that there are natural differences between female and male bodies--especially when it comes to things like muscle mass and body fat percentage--I also tend to think that basic weight loss advice can be applied to both genders.

The basic premise of the "male" BFL program is this:

• Eat frequent, small meals of "clean" foods
• Exercise regularly, including both strength training and cardio components
• Limit "cheat" meals to once a week

In my humble opinion, this should work for both men and women.

I recently purchased a copy of both BFL (for the third time... I always give away my copy) and BFL for Women (thinking about losing that baby weight!). Once I read both, I'll report back here as to the differences between the two programs.

Thinking About The Baby Weight

As birth day approaches--less than 2 months now!--I can't stop thinking about losing the baby weight. As thrilled as I am to become a mother, and as much as I want this child, I can't help feeling as if pregnancy has completely changed my body. Weight has always been an emotional issue for me, and I think it's important for me mentally to do something about my extra padding as soon as possible.

I ordered another copy of Body for Life (both the original and the one for women) since I seemed to have misplaced my copy. I've also been researching healthy recipes that I can make ahead of time and freeze, like protein pancakes and baked oats. And I've been trying to improve my diet right now so I can get used to eating lots of veggies and fruits again.

I've even tried digging up my old bikini so I can take "before" pictures, but I can't seem to find it. I probably won't fit into it after Baby arrives, so I guess I'll order a larger one for the "before" pic. I can't wait to start exercising again!

Happy Memorial Day

Land of the free... because of the brave.

Slowing Down

Finally took a walk today!

Between the lousy weather (wind, rain, chilly) and oversleeping, I haven't walked in about 10 days! But today was beautiful, so I forced myself out of bed. It was worth it!

I have noticed, however, that I am definitely slowing down. It used to take me about 40 minutes to walk my usual route. Today it took closer to 50 minutes. I'm sure the extra 30 lbs I'm carrying has something to do with it.

And my lungs feel like they've been smushed to the size of pancakes, too.

The Weather Cooperates

Because of crappy weather and scheduling issues, I haven't been getting much exercise. But today it's gorgeous outside--sunny and warm! So it's the perfect day for a walk.

Unfortunately, with Baby's due date just a little over two months away, I am pretty much overwhelmed with my "to do" list. But rather than spend the whole day doing chores and other household tasks, I'm going to promise myself a walk outside--even if it's a very short one.

My diet has improved a bit. I am making a more conscious effort to eat veggies and fruits, and I've slowed down my consumption of refined sugars. Sure... I still have a bowl of ice cream occasionally. But at least I'm not eating three or four different treats throughout the day.

Another Walk

It's starting to get hot outside, so today I was sweating during my [amble] walk. Hubby accompanied, which was nice. We spent a bit of time chatting about Baby's upcoming arrival. (Only 9 1/2 weeks to go!)

I am still obsessing about losing the baby weight after Baby arrives... and I've been polling every mom I know about it. "How long did you have your jiggly stomach?" "How long until you lost the baby weight?" Most of them tell me that it's at least 8 weeks--usually more--before they get rid of their extra tummy... and then another couple of months to actually get back to their previous size.

They do say "Nine months on... nine months off" when it comes to dropping baby weight. But I am determined to be the exception to the rule. Mostly I want to lose the weight because at this point I hope to get pregnant again in the not-so-distant future, and I really want all the weight off before we start trying to have another baby.

Healthy, Fast Meals

With Baby on the way--and thoughts of losing baby weight on my mind--I've been thinking about ways to prep healthy meals quickly after we have a newborn in the house. If all the baby books and my friends-with-kids are correct, I'll have almost no time (or energy) to cook during the first few months.

I may be able to put some of the cooking responsibility in Hubby's hands. In truth, he's actually a better cook than me. But he's more of a homestyle cooking guy... his idea of a meal is fried catfish, mashed potatoes and some lima beans. Not the worst food in the world, but definitely not conducive to weight loss.

I've been checking out the whole Once A Month Cooking (OAMC) philosophy. It basically means spending a 24-48 hour period shopping, prepping and cooking enough meals to last for an entire month. These meals are then frozen and pulled out as needed. There are variations on this theme, including cutting it back to a 2-week cooking session or gradually stocking a freezer by doubling or tripling recipes whenever you cook a meal.

I've been hounding Hubby to buy a deep freeze. As soon as I get it in my house, I'm going to try the "gradual stock" method. Whenever I cook something relatively healthy that freezes well--like marinara sauce, salmon cakes, veggie soup or black beans & rice--I'm going to prep a double-batch and then freeze the extra. With any luck, by the time Baby arrives I'll have 20 or so frozen meals that will be quick and healthy during hectic days.

Why do casseroles sound gross?

Hubby has leftover chicken and rice from dinner last night, and I am trying to put together a casserole to take to my dad. I've been browsing for recipes online, including my favorite site www.allrecipes.com. You'd think there'd be hundreds of chicken and rice casseroles. And, indeed, there are. Unfortunately, they all sound gross to me.

Maybe it's pregnant-lady tastes. Or perhaps it's because I haven't eaten a chicken and rice casserole in years. But every single recipe looks disgusting. Most include some type of "cream of" soup... such as cream of celery or cream of chicken. Frankly, the idea of eating "cream of" and rice just kind of nauseates me.

It must be pregnant-lady syndrome, right?

Either way, maybe I'll just turn the chicken into a nice potpie and eat the rice myself over the next few days. That may be the best way to use both ingredients with little waste, and avoid making Dad anything with "cream of" in the ingredients.

Unless someone here has a great chicken and rice casserole recipe?

Feeling Blue

I think I may be feeling a bit depressed. I don't know if it's because:

• I'm not getting enough exercise.
• My hormones are kicking into overdrive.
• I'm stressed about the upcoming changes in my life.
• I miss my mother terribly.

It's probably a combination of all those things. I know that eating right and exercising will help me combat some of this sadness--and might even give me a burst of energy. But I just can't seem to get my tush out of my chair today.

I'm definitely going to make an effort to take a nice brisk walk tomorrow. But for today, I think I'll just plop on the couch and watch some TV. Not surprisingly, that sounds like a really appealing activity.

Passed The Sugar Test

Whew! Just got the news that I passed my 3-hour glucose tolerance test. That means I don't have gestational diabetes. It's a huge relief, since I was really worried about it.

However, I probably should take my moderately-high results from the 1-hour test as a warning. It's time to cut back on the sugar! (It just sucks, 'cause I am totally craving candy bars and ice cream.)

I'm not a total sugar-aholic. A 1-pint container of Ben & Jerry's will last me for four snack sessions... that's basically 1/2 cup serving of ice cream each time I eat it. That's probably not too bad (especially since Hubby can eat the entire pint in one sitting!).

Nonetheless, I do need to try limiting my sugar to just one sweet snack per day... plus cut back on those starchy carbs and add some more veggies to my diet.

Another Walk

I've been averaging about two 30-40 minute walks each week. Hardly enough to maintain any kind of cardiovascular fitness. But, in truth, it's all I've been able to accomplish lately.

I'm going to seriously commit to increasing the number of walks I take. I'd love to be walking five or six days a week. Funny... my belly's going to keep getting bigger (and heavier), and now's the time I'm going to try and increase my exercise.

I did manage a 40-minute walk today with Hubby. It was such a beautiful day! We took the dogs with us--and they thoroughly enjoyed it!--and just ambled around the neighborhood. I wish every day could be this gorgeous!

Failed The "Sugar" Test

My OB just called and told me that I failed the 1-hour glucose test, which means there's a chance I have gestational diabetes. To double-check, I am supposed to have a 3-hour glucose test tomorrow. I admit that the news has left me a bit shaken.

In recent years, I've prided myself on being a relatively healthy person. I made pretty good food choices and exercised more than the average American. Pregnancy has kind of sent all my good habits out the window. I've barely been exercising, and I've been eating sweets and starchy carbs like they're about to be banned. So really, this news about the 1-hour glucose test shouldn't be a surprise to me. But it is. A very unpleasant surprise.

All that's required is a 12-hour fast for the 3-hour test, but I'm going to pay attention to my diet today anyway. Maybe I'll be lucky and I'll pass the 3-hour. Maybe this is the "scare" I need to get my diet and exercise back on track.

Keeping my fingers crossed that I'll pass the 3-hour with flying colors...

Short Break

Due to my mother's passing, I'll be taking a short break from blogging. I'll probably be back in a week or so.

Sugar... Sugar... Sugar

Originally, my OB/Gyn warned me to avoid too much sugar during the pregnancy. "Sugar is fertilizer for babies," he said. "Whenever you want to eat sugar, imagine a 10 pound baby crowning."

Nonetheless, sugar has been the one thing I've been craving during this pregnancy. It's strange, since I've never before had a sweet tooth. Yesterday's sugar binge included a Snickers bar and 3 TastyKakes! It wasn't one of my finest moments.

Fortunately, those types of binges are becoming fewer. Most days I limit my sugar intake to just a cookie or two... or maybe a slice of pie. Sure, it would be better to avoid it all together. But at least I'm trying to keep my portions fairly moderate.

As a result, my weight gain has finally stabilized! I was starting to worry. But I've only gained about 2 pounds over the last 4 weeks, which is what my OB/Gyn suggested at my last doctor's visit. So I'm back on track, and I'm happy about that.

Walking Weather

Today was the perfect weather for a nice, brisk walk. Well... so it's more like a waddle. But it still counts as exercise!

The air was crisp and cool, but not so cold that I needed gloves. I just wore a light jacket to keep of the chill of the wind, plus a pair of sweatpants. The sun was shining brightly, and a lot of folks around the neighborhood were working in their garages.

Spring is definitely in the air! I'm really looking forward to ditching my baggy sweatpants, however. I bought them two sizes too large so I could fit into them during pregnancy, but they make me feel fat all over (instead of just fat in the tummy).

Swollen

Cut today's walk down to 35 minutes, and felt pretty good afterwards. So far, no signs of pains or aches. I do have some seriously swollen feet, however.

Other than that, though, spent most of the day sitting in a chair. Most of the time spent with my mother is spent sitting by her bed, holding her hand, etc. I don't get a lot of activity when I'm at my parents' house.

As for my diet, it was pretty decent today. I resisted the urge to eat a mini lemon pie, a slice of coconut cake, and a huge container of French fries. And I'm planning a meal of stir-fry veggies, tofu and brown rice for later this evening. So overall, my diet is going ok today.

Sore!

Ok... I guess I am still in the "athlete" mindset instead of the "pregnant" mindset. I went for a walk yesterday--a slow ambling stroll, really--and felt pretty good. So I kept walking for longer than usual. My total time was about an hour, which is still less than I used to do back during my "fit" days.

The result? My legs were sore, my ankles were swollen, and my feet hurt! I keep forgetting that I'm out of shape and carrying an extra 20+ pounds! Not to mention I'm walking funny these days--it's more of a waddle--so my weight is distributed differently on my hips, legs, knees and feet.

Speaking of knees... I've been having some serious knee pain lately. I've had knee pain in the past--usually when I've been running too much. I assume this new pain is a result of my extra weight and strange gait. I just hope it doesn't affect my future fitness activities (post-baby).

Ready To Walk

I visit my sick mother every day. She spends some days mostly sleeping or napping--or with other visitors--but at least I'm there to give Dad a helping hand. However, because these visits are time-consuming, it's not always easy to find time to exercise.

Then I had a revelation! Why not take a walk while Mom naps?

My parents live on a great road for walking. Although there are no sidewalks, the road is rural, safe, and relatively flat (so I can see oncoming cars).

So I packed up a bag with a pair of capris (good for warmer and cooler days), a tee-shirt, a sports bra, my old running shoes, some athletic socks, and a sweatshirt. They're my most basic pieces--nothing fancy or moisture-wicking--but they'll get the job done in a pinch. I keep the bag in my car all the time so it's ready to grab whenever I have a free hour.

The only thing I'm missing is my iPod. But maybe that's a good thing. Since the road is fairly rural, it's probably a good idea for me to keep my ears open (for dogs, animals, cars, etc.). And this will give me a chance to really enjoy nature, especially during this beautiful Spring season. Perhaps it will help clear my mind and lower my stress levels.

Sleep!

Many experts agree that adequate sleep is important for maintaining our health. Unfortunately, my sleep has been both sporadic and restless. I chalk it up to a few different reasons:

Pregnancy: It's harder for me to find a comfortable position these days. I prop myself up with lots of pillows (right now Hubby and I have ten on our bed!), but sometimes I just can't get comfortable! Moreover, I find myself waking every hour to use the bathroom. My bladder has become the size of a peanut, I think.

My mother: Her terminal illness and daily care is starting to take an emotional toll on me. I tend to have a crying jag most nights--usually shortly after I get into bed, perhaps because my mind is clear to think about her. And I also dream about her a lot, too, which interferes with my rest.

Reading: Around the time my mom took a turn for the worst, I started reading books in bed before turning in for the night. Big mistake. I've always wrestled with insomnia, and for many years followed the standard sleeping rule: Use the bed for sleeping only. As soon as I started reading in bed, I found it much harder to fall asleep at night, which means I get fewer hours of rest.

I've been trying to follow Steve Pavlina's guidelines for How to Become an Early Riser, but I just don't have the discipline to do it. Nonetheless, I'm going to keep trying. I need to do something to get my sleeping schedule back on track.

A Second Mortgage

Hubby and I currently have a mortgage on our home. With Baby on the way, we've been seriously considering another home purchase. We need something bigger, with more rooms and more space.

However, rather than selling our current home and buying the next one, we're thinking about keeping our current home and renting it to tenants. This means we'd need a second mortgage.

Home Mortgage is one of the better loans from a financial perspective. The interest is tax-deductible, and it tends to be low (compared to, say, auto loans or personal loans). Getting a second mortgage won't necessarily be easy, however, and it will certainly put a strain on our budget.

So far we haven't yet found the "right" house. But if (when) we do, we're going to need to seriously consider applying for a second mortgage.

Join a Gym?

Since Hubby and I have a decent home gym set-up, we've never really considered joining an actual fitness facility. However, this pregnancy has made me reconsider a gym membership. Specifically, I am considering the YMCA.

Here are the pros and cons:

PROS

• Extra facilities that I could use right now, such as a swimming pool
• Extra facilities and services that we might use in the future, such as racquetball courts and babysitting
• Special events--such as Mom's Day--that may help me connect with other mothers
  

CONS

• Cost is $600+ annual fee, plus $100 sign-up fee
• The nearest YMCA facility is a 15-20 minute drive... just far enough away to be inconvenient
  

At one time swimming was my main source of exercise, and I really enjoyed it. I found it to be almost meditative in nature. But at that time, the pool was conveniently located close to my job. I'm not sure that I'll make a special trip into town just to swim.

So right now it's still a possible consideration. But as my pregnant belly gets bigger, I have a feeling that a nice, soothing swim will sound like a great way to stay fit.

Inexpensive Glasses

(Sponsored Post)

I started wearing glasses when I was about thirteen years old. I don't need them desperately. (Strangely enough, the first time I took my driver's license eye exam I failed without my glasses. When I went to get my license renewed, I passed.) However, I do wear them when I'm driving in unfamiliar cities or late at night, since they do improve my vision. I also sometimes wear them when watching TV.

I'd probably wear them more often if I could find a pair that really looked good on my face. I have a twofold problem: My face is very round (so round glasses only make it look rounder) and my nose is pretty much typical-Asian flat (so I have to have little nose-pieces to keep them up). On top of that, I tend to be rough on glasses, and wire frames are often too delicate for me. Believe me, finding plastic frames with nose-pieces can be difficult--and pricey.

I hate the expense of glasses. The last time I went for an exam plus two pairs, it cost me a whopping $500! That's ridiculous! However, I just discovered http://www.ZenniOptical.com, which sells prescription eyeglasses at a discount rate. In fact, they sell single lens glasses for just $8! The frames aren't designer, but they are solid and basic, which is the only thing I need.

So check out the $ 8 Zenni Optical Rx Eyeglasses if you're looking for a great bargain on glasses!

Spring In My Step!

Okay... so Spring isn't here quite yet. But the recent weather makes it feel like it is! And that means it's a great time to get out and walk.

After my most recent walk, I experienced some calf and heel pain. I suppose it's partially due to the fact that I haven't been doing any exercise lately, so all my muscles are tight and sore from underuse. Some of the pain may also be because I'm carrying an extra 20 pounds on my body... it's my heaviest weight ever, and I'm starting to feel it in my muscles and joints.

For my walk today, I took it easy and stuck with a "strolling" pace. It's hard for a Type A personality such as myself to deliberately slow my steps, but I kept reminding myself that it was for the best. I also made a conscious effort to stretch both before and after my walk.

I'm really enjoying this great weather! I hope it lasts, since I dread the idea of bringing my walks to the treadmill.

Reviews For Gamblers

In the past, Hubby and I have enjoyed relaxing with a few buddies over a friendly poker table. The evenings typically include a deck of cards, a box of poker chips, some snacks, and plenty of beer. And although we've never been anything other than casual players, we do enjoy a good card game.

Admittedly, most of our poker games are more about socializing and less about gambling. Our interest in cards hasn't yet caused us to spend time at an online casino. But if we were to explore this option for poker, we'd probably first want to read reviews about various casino websites.

Fortunately, sites like Online Casino List offer lots of information about online casinos, including a list of best online casinos and casinos with the best bonuses.

Hubby's always been a bit of a gambler. He spent a few hours in the casino when we went on our cruise. But, so far, he hasn't yet explored the world of online casinos. If he ever does, I certainly hope he takes the time to review some of the websites first.

Too Much Weight

I had a doctor's appointment today. They weighed me, checked Baby, checked my blood pressure, etc. I knew I'd packed on a few pounds since my last visit, so I asked the doc about my weight gain.

He told me the straight-up truth. According to him, I've gained more weight than they like to see at this stage. Ugh! Talk about bad news!

Of course, I didn't really need him to tell me this. All I had to do was look at my puffy face and expanding rear-end to know that my weight gain was getting out of control. But it was still kind of hard news to hear.

So, obviously, I need to do something about this. I need to cut-up my "license to eat sugar" and return to healthier eating habits. It won't be easy, but it's definitely something I need to do.

On the plus side, eating healthy now will make it easier to lose weight after Baby arrives.

Puffy Face

So I admit it. I've been slacking a bit on my nutrition since becoming pregnant. Through the nausea of the first trimester, I could only stomach "white" foods like breads and rice and cereals. In the second trimester, I've found myself craving sweets--doughnuts and ice cream and cookies. These are foods I (usually) rarely eat.

Today I peered at my reflection in the mirror, and saw a big, puffy face staring back at me. I almost didn't recognize myself! I've definitely packed on some extra pounds.

Since I want this pregnancy to be as healthy as possible, I know I must commit to returning to my normally healthy diet. I have to say "no" to the cookies and "yes" to the veggies. It won't be easy--I've grown fond of my midnight snacks of Oreos and ice cream bars--but it's something I need to do.

Ease Your Money Stress

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These days, I try to be a good steward of my money. But in the not-so-distant past, I was drowning in a pool of debt. Unable to make even the minimum payments, I wasn't sure how I was ever going to be able to pay my creditors.

Fortunately, my boss offered me a raise and my (financially responsible) fiancé gave me a loan. Between those two fortuitous events, I was able to pay off my creditors and get my finances back on track.

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Exercise!

Thank goodness! For the first time in weeks--or has it been months?--I finally took a walk! I feel great!

It was a sunny but cold day today... but I didn't mind. I just bundled up, strapped on my iPod and went traipsing through my neighborhood. It felt great to get out and breathe some fresh air, even if my walk was fairly short (compared to pre-pregnancy exercise sessions).

I'd been taking it easy because of a minor pregnancy complication. But I hadn't seen any signs of the complication, and my body was feeling pretty good. Plus, my doc hadn't suggested bed rest, so I figured a short walk would be okay.

One reason I was anxious to walk is because a vicious bout of the flu is being passed around my family right now. Hubby was down with it a few days ago. The last thing I want to do is get sick, and I know exercise can help give my immune system a boost.

I'm so glad I got some exercise today! As long as everything stays okay with my pregnancy, I'm going to try and ease into an every-other-day habit. Now's a great time, too, since Spring is on the way!

Finding Insurance

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In the past, Hubby and I kept our insurance levels at the bare minimum. Essentially, we purchased just enough to cover our belongings, and we generally chose higher deductibles so we could lower our premiums. It seemed to be the wisest financial choice, since both of us are skilled professionals with income.

However, now that we have Baby on the way, we've had to rethink our position on insurance. Since this is our first child, we really have no idea what type of financial impact this "new addition" will have on our life. As a result, we both want to make sure that we have adequate insurance coverage in the event of an emergency, disaster or other damaging event.

And we're not the type of folks to blindly go with the first insurance company that offers us their business. Instead, we prefer to browse around and shop for price quotes to ensure that we get a good deal. Fortunately, there are plenty of insurance websites that can help us find the right coverage for the right price. Car Insurance, life insurance, homeowners insurance and health insurance are just a few of the different types of insurance that can be researched online.

Hubby and I haven't yet made any final decisions about the new insurance coverage we will need. But by researching different types of insurance with online insurance websites, we're confident that we'll be able to choose an insurance plan that meets our new and growing needs.

Fighting Disease With Diet

My mom's long and painful struggle with cancer has really made me take a long, hard look at my own life.

We've all heard stories of people who "pointlessly" lived the "perfect" healthy life. They ate healthy foods, exercised regularly, didn't smoke, didn't drink excessively, and didn't do drugs. Yet they still ended up with fill-in-the-disease-here and died too young.

And we've also heard stories about very old people who lived extremely unhealthy lives. They ate nothing but potato chips and candy bars, they were sedentary couch potatoes, and they smoked 2 packs of cigs a day. And they also lived to be 90+ years old without a single major illness.

But health experts say that those people are the exception, not the rule.

So what's the truth? Is it all just a game of chance? Does living healthy really make a difference in the final outcome?

I've always believed that life is pretty much a craps shoot. But I've also believed that it's important to play the odds. By this I mean that healthy living doesn't guarantee a healthy life... but it does put the odds in your favor.

And to a certain extent... it's all about achieving some kind of balance between the "ideal" and the "realistic."

Or am I just deluding myself... and it's all just a matter of spinning the roulette wheel and hoping for the lucky number?

Seafood Awareness

What did one oyster say to another?

We're still friends, even if you are a little cracked.

I know… I know… terrible joke. I never claimed to be the next Steven Wright.

But ever since I've started eating seafood again, I've been focusing more on the quality of my seafood. Although I think this type of food is generally healthy, there are some warnings associated with many different types of seafood.

Fortunately, websites like BeOysterAware.com help me learn more about the issues surrounding seafood, such as the risks and cautions associated with eating oysters.

BeOysterAware.com is a great place to learn about Gulf oysters as well as find new recipes for preparing and serving these mollusks. So check it out if you're looking for loads of information about oysters.

Potato Chips

As many of you know, my mom is very ill. As a result, I've kind of been grabbing meals whenever and however I can. Many times this is a standard sandwich, since it's easy and simple.

Unfortunately, I have a horrible habit of eating potato chips with sandwiches. I like the contrasting texture of the potato chip's crunch. I also feel the need to have "just a little something" with a sandwich, and chips just seem to be the perfect accompaniment. (Why else would they always come with sandwiches in most restaurants and delis?)

I've been trying to come up with a healthier substitution for potato chips as a sandwich side dish. Pretzels and corn chips really aren't a better solution. Baby carrots or cucumber slices provide a crunch, but they're not really satisfying when it comes to taste. Anyone have a better suggestion?

No Exercise!

Because of a (hopefully) minor complication, my doc told me to avoid exercise for a while. So what have I been doing in the meantime?

Well... my mom has been terribly sick, so I've been spending plenty of time with her. When I'm not at my parents' house, I'm usually:

• Napping
• Reading
• Eating
• Watching TV

It's a far cry from the healthy, active gal I used to be. But I console myself by planning my post-pregnancy diet and exercise plan. If everything goes well, I'll be prepared to shed the baby weight!

Homestyle Restaurants

Depending on where you live, you may be familiar with "homestyle restaurants." The meals are supposed to mimic "homecooking," and generally include classic favorites like mashed potatoes, meatloaf, fried chicken and hamburgers.

In my part of the world, we have a homestyle restaurant on every neighborhood block. Quality differs, and in some cases may be just a step above the typical diner or "greasy spoon." Other homestyle restaurants, however, may actually come close to imitating the type of meals Grandma used to put on the table.

Choosing a healthy homestyle restaurant meal isn't always easy. Around here, butter is added to every vegetable. (Except green beans, which are cooked in ham broth.) Many dishes are fried, and the "wheat" bread is rarely 100% whole grain. Salads in homestyle restaurants are typically nothing more than some iceberg lettuce with a tomato slice and a couple of carrot shreds.

As a result, we try to avoid homestyle restaurants as much as possible. When forced to eat at one, however, I usually stick to these menu items:

• Baked potato
• Vegetable or seafood soups
• Broiled fish

Not the healthiest of all meals--and I admit to sometimes indulging in a side of French fries--but better than most homestyle fare.

Valentine's Day Dinner

My previous Valentine's Day would have included:

• Expensive restaurant meal with wine... including dessert.
• Wine at home

Total calorie consumption would have probably been 3,000 just for dinner and drinks (not including breakfast and lunch).

Today, however, Hubby and I dropped things back a notch. No wine (since it's not good for Baby), and lunch out instead of dinner. My lunch wasn't the greatest--crab cake sandwich and onion rings. But hey... that's what the Baby wanted!

By the time the day is through, I'll probably have consumed a total of 2,200 calories. Much less than previous Valentine Day celebrations... and almost right on target for a pregnant lady needs.

The biggest saving grace is the lack of wine... since a bottle can easily have 1,000 calories (and it wasn't unusual for me to drink a bottle on my own during "special" occasions). Whew! It's always hard to believe how many calories I was really consuming during the days I was still drinking.

Domain Registration

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I own a few different blogs, but most of them rely on the blogger platform domain name. However, I've been thinking about using a domain registration service for some of the more popular ones.

Registering a domain name would give my visitors an easy-to-remember website URL for my blogs. If I want to increase traffic and boost my blog's performance, a domain name is practically essential.

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I've registered domain names in the past, and the process is always very simple and easy. If you're hoping to boost traffic and develop a popular blog, a domain name is an inexpensive way to create a memorable blog URL.

Taking It Easy

So because of a minor pregnancy complication, my doc advised that I "take it easy" for a little while. This means I've been spending the last couple of days on the couch. I am the quintessential couch potato. I'm surprised that the TV remote control hasn't become permanently embedded in the palm of my hand.

Another downside to "taking it easy" is that I'm trying to spend very little time on my feet, which means I am eating meals that require very little kitchen prep. My typical daily menu includes a few frozen dinners and the occasional delivery pizza or Chinese. Not exactly the healthiest foods.

Fortunately, Hubby is off work for a few days... so he can cook for me and pamper me! We just loaded up on a bunch of groceries, so he has plenty of ingredients for healthy meals. Now I only need to convince him that salad is a better dinner choice than fish 'n' chips!

Kustom Fitness Website

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The web can be a great tool for anyone looking to get fit, lose weight or become healthy. And it doesn't have to cost a lot of money! Kustom Fitness is a free website that allows you to plan your diet, track your goals, schedule workouts and more!

Kustom Fitness is also a great social networking website. You'll be able to meet friends and workout partners who share the same interest in fitness and weight loss. By joining a group of likeminded folks, you'll be more likely to stick to your healthy lifestyle since you'll have support and encouragement from others.

The website even offers Kustom Fitness Mobile, which allows you to stay connected through your cell phone!

And though there are a few additional services that require payment, most of these tools are absolutely free!

Maternity Exercise Gear

At this point, I can still squeeze into some of the larger exercise sweatpants and shirts that I purchased after finding out about my pregnancy. But in a very short period of time--probably just another few weeks--I'm going to have trouble fitting into my workout clothing. As a result, I've been doing some browsing for maternity exercise clothes.

The results? In the secondhand market (eBay, thrift stores, etc.), there's almost no maternity exercise clothing. The same is true of discount stores (like Wal-Mart). There are some very pricey specialty stores that sell maternity workout gear, but the cost is crazy! A 3-piece yoga suit like this one costs $118! That's way ridiculous!

Since I'm not running or doing anything super strenuous, I don't really need fancy moisture wicking fabrics. I'll probably be ok in just plain cotton tees and shorts this summer. It's not the best choice, but it's certainly the most economical.

Get Paid To Blog

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If you're an opinionated person and you like to share your thoughts, Smorty is a great way to get paid to blog. Personally, the idea of getting paid for blogging appeals to both the frugal and practical aspects of my personality.

The process is simple! Sign up, wait for your blog to be approved, and then accept opportunities as they arise. Opportunities do go quickly, but plenty are available for even small bloggers. In no time at all I had gotten this blog approved and was writing my first post for money.

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Sushi Without The Fish

Ok... they may not be the healthiest meal in the world. But they're terribly tasty and relatively easy to make, plus Hubby enjoys the leftovers in his lunchbox. They're basically a very plain sushi roll.

I simply make up a batch of sushi rice with my trusty rice cooker. (Don't waste your time or money on a cheap-o rice cooker. Spend the cash and buy a Zojirushi Rice Cooker and Warmer. It's totally worth the money.)

Then I take a sheet of toasted nori (sometimes I cut the sheet in half) and slather on the rice until it forms a thin layer. Sometimes I add veggies (like avocado) on top, other times I just leave it plain. I roll it up as I would a roll of sushi, then cut into pieces. That's it! Sometimes I cut one roll into two pieces and just eat it in bites like a hotdog.

(Here's a link to simple instructions that illustrate the steps I take: http://sushifan.com/make_sushi.html)

I could make it healthier with short grain brown rice instead of white sushi rice... and sometimes I do. Nori is pretty healthy--it's a sea veggie--so I feel I'm at least getting my vegetables when I eat this snack. And if I use a filling like avocado or asparagus, I get a little nutritional boost, too.

Slacking on exercise...

It seems like everything is conspiring against me... or, at least, my ability to exercise.

My mom's been very sick, so I've been spending a lot of afternoons with her. Hubby's been working a lot (and I prefer to exercise with him). The weather's been super cold and windy, so outdoor walks don't really work right now. And I've been incredibly tired (probably a combination of physical and emotional exhaustion).

Sounds like a bunch of excuses, right?

I guess that's really all it is. I'm making a bunch of lame-0 excuses to justify my lack of exercise. Looking over my workout journal, I've been averaging one short walk per week.

That's hardly acceptable.

If I don't exercise during this pregnancy, I'll probably continue to feel tired and exhausted. Which means I'll be a tired and exhausted "new mom." Which means it'll take me even longer to lose the baby weight.

The smartest thing I can do right now is stay active throughout this pregnancy. Regular workouts now--even if they're just brisk walks--will help me lose the weight once the baby is born. So I gotta get motivated to do it, even if I don't feel like it.

Frozen Meals

I've become a frozen meal junkie.

I've always stayed away from frozen meals--except the occasional Amy's Organic Meal--because they're loaded with chemicals, preservatives and sodium. The only benefit to these meals at all is that they're calorie-controlled. Most "healthy" versions contain around 300 calories. Add an extra dish of veggies, and it's a pretty decent sized meal for very little calories.

Hubby works past dinner time a lot of evenings, which means I have to fend for myself. In the past, I might have made myself a healthy stir-fry or nibbled on a bowl of soup. These days, however, I just don't have the energy or motivation to cook.

The result? I am eating frozen meals all the time. I mostly stick with vegetarian versions, like beans/rice or spaghetti marinara. Nonetheless, these aren't exactly well-rounded meals. (In truth, I don't make that extra side of veggies like I should.)

I'm going to have to start thinking of some options for quick and easy healthy meals that require very little cooking.

Human Touch Massage Chairs

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During this pregnancy, I have experienced most of the typical pregnancy side effects and symptoms… including back pain. I've been longing for a quality massage that can help ease some of the discomfort I'm feeling through my shoulders and back.

So I was amazed and delighted to discover Human Touch Massage Chairs, which have advanced computer controls. These chairs are designed to relieve pain and alleviate stress with massage technology that replicates the feel of a real massage! They're customizable so you can create an experience almost identical to the one you'd receive from a human massage professional.

One of the favorite features of this product is that it gives you a full body massage--shoulders, back and legs. I'm currently experiencing some pain in those areas, and I know a chair like this would help me find some relief.

Food Diary

Even though I am currently pregnant, I still keep a food diary. When I'm trying to lose weight, cut fat or build muscle mass, a food diary helps me track my diet to ensure that I'm getting the proper nutrition for my goals. I figured it could do the same for me during pregnancy.

But keeping my food diary, I help ensure that both me and the baby are getting plenty of nutrients. I can quickly glance at a week's worth of entries to find out if I'm short on veggies, fruit or whole grains. I can also find out if I've been having too many treats of ice cream and brownies.

I've been keeping this food diary for years. Simplicity is one of the reasons I've been able to maintain it. I don't track macronutrients, and in some cases I don't even track portion sizes. A typical entry might look like this:

10:00 AM: 3 scrambled egg whites, 1 slice whole wheat toast, 1/2 apple

Although it's not incredibly detailed, it's just enough info to help me stay on track.

Auto Warranties

This is a sponsored post

Although I consider myself a "green" environmentalist, Hubby and I own a gas-guzzling SUV. The reason? We fancy ourselves to be outdoor enthusiasts, and I love to exercise outside. So we wanted a vehicle that would hold our bikes and provide the 4-wheel drive we'd need to go up a mountain.

As a result, our SUV takes a beating. At one point, we considered purchasing an Auto Warranty. Auto warranties generally cover more than the factory warranty, and they're a great choice for car owners who tend to be a little rough on their vehicles. They may also be useful for folks who want a little extra protection and peace of mind.

To learn more about auto warranties, check out the personal finance website FinanceGenius.com. It's full of information about all things related to money, including insurance, auto warranties, student loans, mortgages and more.

Slowing down...

Since it was cold today, I decided to hop on the treadmill. Imagine my surprise to discover that I'm walking at about half the speed of my pre-pregnancy walks. It was a huge shock to me. I knew that I had slowed down... but I had no idea how much I had slowed.

I did some very light upper body stuff today. And, again, I cut back the weight about 50%. It was a dramatic change.

I figure this change in the feel of my workouts is for a few different reasons:

• My changing body: I'm carrying more weight, and my lungs are starting to get smushed by my insides. (I've even noticed that I get short of breath more easily just doing basic housework.) This means less endurance, less energy, etc.
• I'm less fit: If truth is to be told, I'm simply less fit. I barely moved during the "queasy" phase of my first trimester. And I dialed everything back a notch so I didn't do anything risky during those early days. Since it's been months and months since I've gone on a real run or done any real weight lifting, I've clearly lost some of both my aerobic and strength capacities.
• I'm nervous: Even though I'm in the "safer" zone of the second trimester, I'm still worried about straining my body too hard. If I weren't pregnant, I would be physically capable of pushing myself harder and accomplishing more on the treadmill. But I don't want to do any single thing that might cause problems for me and the baby.
  

So... until this pregnancy is over, I guess I'll just do my best to stay fit with my lighter workouts. It's been hard for me to mentally accept, but I don't really have a choice.

Veggies

I've been trying to find a way to eat more veggies.

Normally, I am a total veg-head. But ever since this pregnancy, I've kind of lost my taste for them. So now I'm trying to "trick" myself into eating more. Here are a few things I've been doing:

• Snacking on veggies and dip
• Mixing broccoli and cheese (and serving over a baked potato)
• Adding chopped veggies to omelettes
  
• Cooking pots of veggie soup (and adding extra cabbage)
• Mixing veggies into ramen noodles
• Adding extra veggies to sandwiches

It's still not as good as eating things like veggie stir-fry, but at least it's a start. Hopefully, in the near future, I'll re-develop my taste for vegetables. A small part of me does miss meals like veggie casseroles.

On the plus side, I've really been enjoying fruit. In the past, I always had to force myself to eat it. Now, in a strange twist of fate, I can't seem to get enough bananas, blueberries and clementines. (Although I still hate apples.)

Walking

Went for a 30 minute walk today. I'm having some leg/hip pain, so it's not exactly a speed walk. But at least it's something.

DH has been great about coming along with me. Many times we bring the dogs, too, so they get a chance to exercise. It's a nice way for the whole family to get some "bonding" time together... and I'm hoping he keeps walking with me for a while.

I have to go out and get some new sports bras soon. My boobs have gotten bigger and they no longer fit into my old bras. And even though I'm not doing any high-impact exercise, the girls still need a little support!

Back to Basics

My morning sickness has finally subsided, and veggies are starting to sound good again. (Well, at least as good as veggies can get.) I am trying to eat at least a few servings a day, but it's not always easy (unless you count the tomato sauce on my pizza).

One good thing about pregnancy is that I am enjoying sweeter foods... which means I've actually developed a taste for fruit! In the past, I avoided fruit as "too sweet." But now I find myself craving things like bananas and berries. (On the downside, I am also craving pudding and cookies.)

I'm also craving white, starchy carbs... things like potatoes, rice and pasta. Can't seem to get enough of it! And, unfortunately, I'm not doing enough exercise to justify the large portions I'm eating.

But as I enter the second trimester... hopefully I'll get a handle on my cravings.

My Health "Condition"

So... as many of you know, I've been changing my eating habits and limiting my exercise because of a health condition. Well... it's time to break the news:

My "condition" is a bun in the oven!

Hubby and I are pregnant with our first child... a big thrill for both of us.

I will continue posting here, as I want to keep my diet as nutritious as possible throughout this pregnancy. (Though I haven't been doing such a great job so far.) Also, I am going to keep walking as long as this pregnancy permits, since staying fit will help me bounce back after the baby is born.

In the meantime, I am also keeping a pregnancy blog here: http://bitsofpieces.wordpress.com/