Friday love: Pop up edition

Workout: 45 minutes (or half) of P90X yoga

Holy heck, Natalie Portman has popped!

And I have, a little bit more … I guess.

 

I’m 16 weeks on the left and 17 weeks on the right. I took the most recent one at work - ignore the ugly bathroom – right after lunch so I have a real baby and a food baby!

My belly is definitely much smaller in the morning and I seem to get more pregnant as the day goes by. Heck, I didn’t even really notice that much this morning when I was doing 501 chaturangas with the P90X yoga. I had wanted to do Jackie Warner this morning but seeing as this was the first morning since Tuesday that I could sit on the toilet without plopping, I thought I’d wait a day.

As far as forgoing both and going for a run, it was 3 degrees at 7:30 a.m. I’m getting a weekly pass to the college next week because one week of not running is about all I can handle.

But let’s not worry about that right now. It’s time for Friday love!

Food. I am about to make myself sound like a giant nerd but I’m not a big fan of sushi. Well, I’m not a big fan of the idea of eating raw fish. I am, however, a fan of California rolls – the wimp version of sushi. And for lunch next week, I’m going to make myself California roll-inspired wraps. I use this recipe as a base but swap out imitation crab for the lump crab meat – partly for economical reasons and, partly, because I’m weird and like the flavor. These usually make it in my lunch every two months, and I love them!

Fitness. It hasn’t been a great week for exercise. You know, the blizzard and all. It actually shut down many of the fitness centers so even if I had a membership, it would have done me no good. Thank goodness for shoveling! I actually don’t mind shoveling snow (as long as my hands are warm), and it’s great exercise. You burn upwards of 400 calories an hour and I swear I feel Wednesday’s effort in my abs.

Life. I’m not gonna lie – there’s been some disappointment this week. My grandma and fave uncle were going to come visit tomorrow. We were going to hang out, eat at the Irish pub and I was going to make rice pudding. But life comes at you, throws things in your way, and my uncle is no longer able to make the trip. I’m a big girl and understand but it still sucks. I haven’t seen them since Thanksgiving! However, we dp have a big Sunday to keep me occupied: yoga, more houses and Super Bowl with my in-laws, including my seester (OK, Mark’s sister) who will be in from Boulder. And … and I’m making Chubby Hubby Cupcakes for the celebration.

What are you doing this weekend that has you excited?

Three Things Thursday: Food Week edition

There was "Top Chef" this morning. And there was an over-medium egg on grits this morning. And there was some cleaning. But there was no workout and definitely no run. We were a blustery 7 degrees here and, uncertain what walks were clear, I wasn't about to brave the streets. I'll save my workout for tonight's yoga class.

But anyways ... I have been reading some blogs, and something I've noticed lately is that people are looking for ways to bump up fruit and veggie intake. I might not be the Queen of the Garden but I do always get in my 5 to 9 servings.

So here are a few tips for you:

1. Incorporate fruits and veggies into breakfast. If I'm making oatmeal, I always add a sliced banana to the pot for texture. Boom one serving there. Add some peaches as a topper, like my parfait, and you got two already. If you are not really an oaty person, try egg whites. I will saute add spinach, mushrooms and green peppers to egg whites for a sandwich or fill an egg white omelet with them. When in season, I like to serve sliced tomatoes as a side to eggs. Hate tomatoes? Try 1 cup pumpkin puree with Truvia, pumpkin pie spice and a splash of almond milk, topped with some granola for crunch, to supplement your eggs.

2. No, you don't have to eat a salad. Veggie-hummus wraps are one of my favorite lunches ever. You can throw in whatever you have on hand into a tortilla with some roasted red pepper hummus, and you'll get a good two servings there. Serve it with veggie soup and you got a serve. Looking for something different? Try topping a baked potato with sauteed spinach, tomato, mushrooms and mozzarella for a Florentine style or sauteed green peppers, onions, mushrooms and provolone for a Philly style.

3. Snack, snack, snack. My afternoon snacks - which are many - are often plant based. A cup of grapes, which is 2 servings, or cut vegetables with salsa. At night, make yourself some kale chips or have a dessert of pineapple with coconut cream. And, along that note, don't let yourself have a treat unless you've eaten your fruits and veggies!

What are your tips for getting in the good stuff?