Tag Archives: fitness

Easy Ways to Prepare Your Body for Labor

Posted in Birth, Pregnancy by

I’m one of those really crazy, weirdo, crunchy mamas who actually likes giving birth. Sorry, sue me. šŸ˜‰ Birth is a very natural (obviously) thing to have happen, and I know it’s different for everyone, but I really believe there are some things you can do to have a faster, easier labor.

(And I’m not naive, I know there are instances where nothingĀ like these tips will help- but it’s worth it to try!)

Preparing for Labor

#1- Walking, walking, walking! Walking is one of the best things to do to help your body get ready for labor. After 37 weeks, I incorporated lots of hill/incline walking to help encourage labor.

#2- lots of squats! “Squat 300 times a day, youā€™re going to give birth quickly.ā€ – Ina May Gaskin. There are lots of different kinds of squats to do- normal, wide, deep. Do what feels good and mix it up! I definitely believe squats get your body ready for labor.

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#3- red raspberry tea/third trimester tea! I didn’t do this with my first birth, and even though I had a very fast labor, I’ve been drinking tea religiously this pregnancy to see if it will help.

YogaDuringPregnancy

#4- stretching! Stretching feels good on a growing, stretching body, but also helps open up your hips in preparation of your upcoming birth. Check out all the awesome hip opener stretches online!

#5- read & watch positive births! When people want to tell you their “horror birth stories”, just tell them you want to have a positive experience. I watched lots of good homebirths to get my mind ready and to be confidant in my body’s ability of giving birth.

What did you do to help prepare your body for labor?
Sincerely,
Hannah Diane
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Staying Motivated to Workout on Vacation

Posted in Fitness by

Happy Friday! I’ve been out-of-town this week visiting family. It’s been fun and definitely a “growing” experience being a Momma. Traveling with a 9 month old for 8 hours in the car is NOT fun. Ahem.

Workout
One thing I did not want to do is completely go off of Trim Healthy Mama, and not exercise. I definitely feel better, and it keeps my Lyme’s Disease under control when I workout & eat right. In a few weeks I’ll share how to travel doing THM, but today I want to share ways to incorporate physical exercise into your trip or vacation.
1// Go for a walk or hike. This is pretty self-explanatory. Lol. Just get moving!

2// Do quick & effective HIIT or circuit workouts like my 15 Minute WorkoutĀ  or my Legs & Booty workout.Ā These are short & not easy (ha!), so perfect for being on vacation!

3// Find a short YouTubeĀ workout video! Since we don’t have internet at home (yes, no internet!), I love trying out new workouts on YouTubeĀ on a hotel or friend’s wifi!

4// If your days are jammed-packed with fun things to do, get up early, or do a quick workout before bed. Something is better than nothing!

5// Relax and remember to jump back 100% when you get home!

What are your tips to staying active on vacation?

Sincerely,
Hannah Diane
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Postpartum Update & Plank Workout

Posted in Fitness by

Happy Friday! Can you believe we are halfway through 2016? It’s completely insane. So, a loooong time ago I used to do these Fitness Friday posts and I just haven’t done one in forever (actually, June of last year to be exact)! I thought it was time to give a little update- now that I am 9 months postpartum.

Postpartum Journey

There are two months between these two pictures, but it seems like a year! I started going to a local women-only bootcamp twice a week, which has shown me I can push my body harder than I was. Starting next Friday I will start sharing my weekly workouts again, but today I just want to share with you a fun, 15 minute full body (PLANK!) workout.

I came up with this one evening when I was playing on the floor with Caleb. This will make all the muscles in your body work! ha. Enjoy!

Plank Workout

What are you doing this weekend? Any special plans for the 4’th?

Sincerely,
Hannah Diane
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Life Lately

Posted in Life by

Happy Tuesday, y’all! It’ been a while since I’ve given you a little peek into our lives. I’ve missed blogging and really staying connected with the blogging community. My goal is to change that! I love keeping up with all the amazing ladies in the blogging world and sharing my life here in my little corner of the web. Of course, you can always keep up with me over on Instagram!

Family Photo#1- Our little man is growing so quickly! We’ve gotten lots of family photos…that I’ll share later on. šŸ˜‰ Caleb is also sitting up by himself, scooting around the floor, and loves to talk!

Piggy on the Homestead

#2- Ā Our homestead is expanding! We have gotten ourselves a piggy! She’s going to be good ham and bacon come fall. Yum!

Working Out

#3-Ā I am still busy working out! Stay tuned for some tips on postpartum working out, working out with a DR, and more.

Young Living Oils

#4-Ā Detox soaks! Seriously…I don’t think I could live without my twice a week detox soak!

What have you been up to lately? Anything exciting? Share below!

Sincerely,
Hannah Diane
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Why I Love Doing the THM Plan

Posted in Pregnancy, Trim Healthy Mama by

Happy Tuesday, everyone! I am officially ready for our little Caleb to come! It feels like I have absolutely no room left! I’ve been having lots of really hard, strong contractions….so hopefully he’s going to want to come out soon! Ha!

THM Plan While Pregnant

Today I am super excited to share with you why I love the THM plan….and why it’s the perfect plan for a pregnant woman, too.

First, a little about my pregnancy so far….

*When I got pregnant I was a little “fluffy”- not skinny any more, but not chunky yet. I could still fit into some of my 4’s, but I was wearing mostly 6’s by that point. (My lowest was a 0/2). Ā Here’s a picture of me at 12 weeks…..

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At 14 weeks I got hit with a terrible bout of morning sickness….that lasted until 20ish weeks. I couldn’t keep anything in me, so I just started eating….well, anything that would stay in me. That led to a weight gain of ~16lbs by week 28. That’s not terrible, I know, but I’m 5’1″ and have a thick build- that extra weight was not exactly in my stomach.

So, I started the THM plan. It basically has you eating carbs and fats…separately. An “E-nergizing” meal has protein and carbs, and a “S-atisfying” meal has fat and proteins. There are also “Fuel Pull” meals that focus on just protein and low carbs & fats or there are “Cross-over” meals that have both good carbs and fats together.

From weeks 28 to 36, I was eating either “S” or “E” meals, with a “FP” snack every hour. That kept me full without gaining extra (un-needed) weight. SinceĀ 36 weeks I can’t keep a lot of food down, or eat a lot at one time, so I’ve been eating all “CO”s to help keep me full. At 38 weeks and 2 days, I have only gained 17lbs this whole pregnancy and feel SO good.

By eating more “Cross-over” meals for pregnant/nursing mothers, it helps keep (or give) you more energy to get through the day….and we all know we can always use more energy!

Being pregnant in the South….in the Summer….has had it’s difficulties, but having lots of smoothies and swimming a lot has helped keep me in shape, cooled off, and feeling good this whole time. Here are two of my favorite smoothie recipes:

Berry Spinach SmoothieTHM Mock Mocha ShakeĀ What else has helped me feeling good is working out….even if it’s just for a short time, or just stretching. It feels so good on my growing body, and it’s helping me stay trim and in shape for after Caleb comes! (I wrote some blog posts on just that: 5 Favorite Pregnancy Workout DVDs and Favorite Workout DVDs for the Third Trimester).

The Trim Healthy Mama plan is definitely not just for women! My husband does it with me, even though he doesn’t have an ounce of fat on his body. I give him just cross-over meals….but he says he has a lot more energy and feels better over-all eating this way.

My “little” brother and also my brother in law are semi-doing this plan along with exercising (they’re both seniors in HS), and my brother has lost around 20lbs and my brother in law has lost over 35lbs. I’m so proud of them both!

If you are thinking about trying out the plan, I would suggest reading the book- at least twice! Then join some of the official Facebook groups for accountability and tons of recipe ideas.

Have you tried the Trim Healthy Mama plan? Did you follow any plan while you were pregnant?

Sincerely,
Hannah Diane
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My Best Friends for Working Out

Posted in Fitness by

Happy Friday, everyone! It’s been a while since I posted a Fitness Friday post, but I thought I would change it up a bit. Today, I want to share with you two must-haves when it comes to working out. Even though I am into my third trimester, I’m still trying to work out at least a couple times a week.

My Best Friends for Working Out

Deep Relief– anyone who has tried this oil loves it. It was formulated to use for massage after activity. Peppermint, Wintergreen, Copaiba, Helichrysum, Dorado Azul, and other essential oils each play an integral role in this blend. Deep Relief Roll-On has an invigorating and energizing scent, and offers a convenient method of application for forehead, temples, and neck anytime, anywhere itā€™s needed.

Fitness by Oola– this blend has been specially formulated to uplift, energize, and give you the inspiration to set and achieve your strength and fitness goals. I love putting it on before I work out- I just apply it to my wrists and start working out!

Do you have any must-haves for working out?

Sincerely,
Hannah Diane
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Favorite Workout DVDs for the Third Trimester

Posted in Pregnancy by

A couple of months ago I shared some of my favorite DVDs for pregnancy. They are still some of my favorite workouts! But, sometimes you are just a little more tired and winded when working out in your third trimester. I did fine with all those other DVDs for the first month of the third trimester, but now I’m really enjoying these slighty easier DVDs mixed in with my walking and swimming. šŸ™‚

Third Trimester

-Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred- this is a much easier version of the Ripped in 30 I was doing. I still have to modify some things– no jumping, but it’s definitely easier on this growing belly!

-T-Tapp Total Workout at Beginner Level- don’t let the “beginner” part of the name run you off. I was (and am) still in good shape, and it definitely challenges me. There is no modifications needed for this workout, and it’s amazing for helping to keep your back in place and good posture!

-Summer Sanders’ Prenatal Workout- so, I totally love this workout!! I’m still doing the second trimester workout, but it works up quite a sweat, and again, there’s no modifications to have to worry about….just pop it in and get your sweat on!

-10 Minute Solution Prenatal Pilates- yes, this was on my last list, too. I love it! This is good on those days I don’t have a lot of energy, I’m sore, or just kind of ache-y. Such a good workout for toning and breathing. šŸ™‚

What are your favorite workout DVDs for pregnancy? Did you workout while you were pregnant?

Sincerely,
Hannah Diane
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Full Body Pregnancy Workout

Posted in Fitness by

Happy Friday, everyone! Who is excited for the weekend? Sometimes it feels like I live for the weekend, when I can actually spend some time with my sweet husband. Ha!

Today for Fitness Friday, I want to share with you a total-body workout I do if I’m crunched for time but want to work my muscles. It’s great for anyone– but perfectly safe for pregnancy. I’m 30 weeks and doing it all! šŸ™‚

Full Body Pregnancy Workout

What do you like to do for a quick workout?

Sincerely,
Hannah Diane
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5 Favorite Pregnancy Workout DVDs

Posted in Fitness, Pregnancy by

Happy Wednesday! I know I’ve kinda been MIA lately….I’ve just been keeping busy with normal life. šŸ™‚ You can always follow along on Instagram.

5 Workout DVDs for PregnancyJillian Micheal’s Ripped in 30- there are definitely some things you will have to modify for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, but for the most part, keep on ripping it!

Tone It Up’s Love Your Body DVD- these are great, shorter workouts. Again, modify where you have to, but I find these workouts a little less intense than the Ripped in 30.

Jillian Micheal’s Kickbox FastFix- I love, love, love this! It’s great cardio with minimum impact. I hold 5lbs weights for everything, with using 8lbs for the strength part.

10 Minute Solutions Prenatal Pilates- wonderful for pregnancy, obviously. Ha! I usually do the flexibility circuit every morning and it helps me feel SO much better!

Beachbody’s Slim in 6- I thought this would be an ‘easy’ workout. If you think ‘low impact’ is easy, okay…..but this still gets you sweaty and your heart-rate up!

Pregnancy Workout DVDsWhat’s your favorite workouts?

Sincerely,
Hannah Diane
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3 Toning Workouts

Posted in Fitness by

Happy Monday, everyone! Today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite workouts since I’ve been pregnant. Now, if you’re not pregnant, don’t run off. Most of these are not “prenatal” workouts. They’re just really good at toning and strengthening!

Pregnancy Workouts

#1- I do this kettlebell routine almost every day! Love, love, love it!

#2- I love Blogilates and I always love doing this workout! A good core workout, even for pregnant women!

#3- This arm workout isĀ killer!Ā Seriously, try it!

What are you favorite workouts?

Sincerely,
Hannah Diane