New Discovery: La Croix

I love fizzy drinks. Especially the way they tickle your nose. I mean a frosty root beer or diet dr pepper is just the most in my opinion.

But alas I have sworn off sodas off and on for years. I stopped drinking regular soda in high school to get "lose weight." Seriously? I was already skinny! Anyway the switch to diet happened at age 16 (right around when I stopped eating red meat).

Then I nixed any sodas when I was preggo and nursing E. I introduced them back into my diet very moderately afterwards and am now on the no soda bandwagon again with baby #2 cooking away.

The chemicals, aspartame and high fructose corn syrup just have me heading for the hills. Nothing good can come from those ingredients.

Ok, but I still miss a flavor to my drinks and of course the alluring fizz. I drink water like crazy and it gets boring. And there's just too much sugar in juice. So where does that leave me?

This weekend we were in Kansas for my gorgeous niece's christening and my sister-in-law introduced me to La Croix. Have you tried it? It's carbonated water and natural flavor in a soda can. That's it. All natural. No artificial sweeteners. No calories. No sodium. And it actually tastes yummy. It's a subtle flavor, but I get the fizz and it's not so ho-hum.

It comes in oodles of flavors. My favorite is the coconut one! Love, love, love!

Going Bananas!

Ok, so I've seen on Pinterest a couple times (and had a suggestion from my friend Katherine) to try making non-dairy ice cream from bananas. I was like yeah, yeah, I'm sure it just tastes like cold bananas.

Well, my mother-in-law and I had a discussion about going to get ice cream this past Sunday. We opted to save the calories and give this idea a try. We were skeptical to say the least.

All you do is slice a few bananas, freeze the slices and then blend up in a food processor.

And it makes ice cream? Really?

Well I am here to tell you that it is OMG delicious and actually gets the same texture as really thick ice cream! We added about a teaspoon of vanilla and a tablespoon of fat-free milk (just because we needed liquid to get the blender to work!)

You could totally add cocoa powder, strawberries, different types of extracts or even pureed veggies to make this delectable treat even more nutritious.

 

E gobbled it up too. He had no idea that this was not the calorie-ladened kind that he goes nutty for. Ha ha! Momma tricked him again. I'm going to mix up some more tonight for dessert and try adding some sweet potato or carrot to get some more veggies into E.

And did I mention that a bunch of bananas is pretty cheap, too? Love!

This is a MUST try for anyone who has a sweet tooth but doesn't need the calories. And ok, who really NEEDS extra calories from ice cream. Maybe some skinny little celebrity who is gaining weight for a movie role. But whatever.


Stretch on!
M

A worthy cupcake...

...well my dessert strike backfired, darn it. I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and have LOST weight. Seriously? They did a sonogram and baby is tracking with weight and size, so that is good. But bottom line you really shouldn't lose weight unless you are super sick (first trimester nausea) or started overweight (not me). Occasionally people lose weight during the last few weeks because they are too full of baby and just can't eat.

The doctor said to eat more. Sounds like a good problem, right? Well, I sort of felt all stressy about it. I don't want to eat the wrong things. I want to continue to eat healthfully, but I guess my little sweets indulgences aren't all bad.

So, I found a worthy cupcake. Metaphorically anyway. It took the form of a free chocolate chip cookie at Target. E and I both had one.

And onward through the remaining 11 weeks of my pregnancy I go – pausing occasionally for a cupcake along the way.

 

Photo courtesy of Dimples Cupcake Factory in Frisco (Frisco Town Square). My absolute FAVORITE cupcake shop ever! Beats Sprinkles, Cupcakery and the rest. You can check out their website here: http://www.dimplescupcakefactory.com/ Can't go wrong with the cookies and cream or wedding cake flavor. Absolute heaven!

Dessert Strike

When someone tells you (pregnant or not), "wow you are huge!" that can't be well-received. Well, apparently baby girl has had quite a growth spurt over the past week and people have noticed. So, I decided to go on a dessert strike.

I really don't eat a bunch of junk food ever, but when preggo I let myself indulge a bit more in sweets. Well, to combat these comments (and my lowered self-esteem) in a constructive fashion I've decided to go on a sweets strike. Yes. Me, sweet tooth extraordinaire is avoiding sweets. I just have to do something that makes me feel in control of my increasing size, increasing discomfort and DECREASING self-image. So I am on day 7 of no sweets. The only thing I have had that might classify in that category is organic hazelnut granola with bits of dark chocolate. But I hardly consider that a dessert.

I am not decreasing calories, so don't worry. I am eating very healthfully - fruits, veggies, lean proteins, legumes and whole grains. Baby girl is getting everything she needs. What she doesn't need is unnecessary sugar.

How long will I carry on this little charade? Not sure. I suppose until a really worthy cupcake comes along.

I'll keep you posted.

Maternity Fitness clothes

When my workout clothes became a bit snug....ok a lot snug a month or so ago, I started to panic. For some reason I was able to wear almost all my stretchy workout clothes until month 9 when I was pregnant with E, but this little Vixen is making me large and in charge in lots of areas. Darn it.

Ok, so I love any good excuse to shop but I hated to spend money on maternity fitness-wear that I would only wear for 3 months or so. First of all, it's hard to find, and secondly it's expensive. Boo [insert sad face].

So, I started to get creative and came across some must-haves for pregnancy exercise:

Long and lean tank tops from Target
Love these! These little gems are only $7 at Target and come in lots of colors. They can work with a stretchy skirt or maternity jeans with fun accessories for outside of the gym to a lovely little workout top. And yes, I bought like 5. The bonus is that you can wear these after baby arrives, too. Hooray for multi-purpose tops! You can buy these tops here.

Nike Pro Fitness pants
The waistband is very forgiving for these pants. I actually had two pairs from pre-pregnancy that still fit! Plus I bought two more in a larger size for a little bit of extra comfort. They are designed to go underneath shorts or sweats, but I like them just as my single layer pants. And again, they will transition back with your body after baby is born.

Super supportive sports bra
This goes without saying. I blog about this here. But find a sports bra that will hold your ample girls tightly. Nothing is more uncomfortable than the boob bounce. Ugh. Fortunately I've been able to make most of my sports bras work. I have purchased a couple extra that I'll be able to use while nursing.

Hubby's shirts
Creativity and an empty wallet got the better of me. I decided it wasn't to my benefit to buy too much, so I re-purposed some items. I'm so green.

Ad man has some really cool dry-fit Nike shirts that I have now made mine for the duration of my pregnancy. Thanks Ad man!

Hubby's long shorts
And, he has some relatively cool athletic shorts that have made their way to cover my large derriere. Pair them with one of those long and lean tanks and a funky hat and you are one stylin' preggo lady!

Stretch on.
M

Swimming and Pregnancy

Yep, I'm in my third trimester and really starting to feel heavy and achy. And I tend to moan and groan on occasion. This whole carrying a baby thing is a bit harder the second time around when you are running around after a toddler. And not to mention I'm three years older than the last time...

But I'm keeping as active as possible – still teaching 5 classes a week (modifying the intense bits) and trying to move as much as possible each day.

This weekend we traveled with Ad Man to lovely Tulsa. Yes, Tulsa. Ad Man had a work obligation and we just went along for the ride since he has been traveling quite a bit lately. I had no interest in spending another weekend by ourselves.

Well, it was not the beach vacay I've been dreaming of, but we managed to have a good time. The best part was the indoor hotel pool. E and I had quite a fun time swimming and splashing. And it was awesome for my big, preggo self. I felt less swollen, less puffy and generally rejuvenated from the swim. I of course played with E and then while he was bobbing around with his floaties, I did kicks along the side, ran from one end of the pool to the other ("chasing" E) and bounced around. The water made my belly feel so much lighter.

I didn't take any pics to share of me in my oh-so-flattering maternity swimsuit. Darn it. Sorry.

But I will be swimming as much as possible for the next 2 1/2 months, I think. Entertainment for E and relief for me. 

Stretch on.

M

10 Things Every Woman Needs in Her Closet

There are some key pieces that every woman should have in her closet, and I'm not talking about that little black dress. I'm talking about the most critical elements to your fitness wardrobe.

As a Mom, you sometimes find that you have only 30 minutes to do an in-home workout while the kiddos are napping. Or Grandma swings by for a visit and you have a few hours to go to the gym and the grocery store (what a treat!) I find that I need the right things on hand so that my workouts are as successful as possible.

Ok, so here's the list:

1)     Two pairs of training shoes – Training shoes can easily and comfortably take you from the lateral movements and athletic bursts of boot camp (like Nike Training Club) to the twists and shimmies of Zumba. They are light-weight, have great traction on the bottom and are designed for multiple fitness formats. Plus they are just cute. My favorites right now are the Nike Free TR Twist shoes.

 

They are just beyond in my opinion. You can buy them here.

Ok and why two pairs? Well, shoes get sweaty. And it's best to let them breathe in between workouts. If you alternate pairs, they won't wear out as quickly and won't be stinky. Ugh. Nothing is worse than stinky gym shoes. And why men like to leave their gym shoes IN the gym bag IN the car so that it stinks to high heaven, I will never know.

2) Hand weights
I talk extensively about the importance of adding resistance workouts to your routine. The more muscle you have, the more efficiently you burn fat. And having these little fitness gems on hand at all times makes working in the workout much easier. Hmmm...I like that. Work in the Workout. Ok, anyway. I have light and medium hand weights under my bed (5 pounds and 8 pounds sets). If they are in your house, there is no excuse to take 30 minutes before bed or first thing in the morning to do some reps of curls, squats, overhead presses, lunges, etc. You can buy some cute ones here.

3) Yoga mat
Whether you are a Yogi or not, a Yoga mat is a must. Roll it out and do abs exercises at home. I have loads of awesome exercises on a previous post here about ab exercises. Take it to the gym and use it instead of the...ahem...well-loved mats. Plus it sort of makes you cooler to have a Yoga mat. You never know when you might decide to take a Bikram yoga class. I haven't ever taken one, but hear they are amazing. It's on my fitness bucket list. After baby arrives, I might have to give it a go. You can buy a super cute yoga mat here.

4) Flattering workout pants
You gotta find pants that hold it in and make you feel confident when you hit the gym. The Nike Legend pants are probably the BEST pants that have ever covered my (now amply pregnant bottom). They make your butt look cute with this V-shaped stitching,  plus they don't push up your love handles. I mean not that you have any... They come in various lengths and colors. You can buy them here.

5) A super supportive sports bra
I talk about sports bras in a previous post. Check it out here. I'm normally not a girl who has large boobs to hold tight, but pregnancy (and then nursing) makes them large. Your workout will be more comfortable (and thus you'll be more successful at reaching your goals) if the girls are held tightly!

6) Black and white ankle socks
Now this is just a fashion must! Most importantly ankle socks are the ONLY way to go at the gym. The only exception is if you are wearing funky tall socks (up to your knees). I've been known to wear cool striped socks or retro tall gym socks (circa 1970). But the 1980's mid-calf slouch socks are O-U-T! Please don't wear them. If you could see me, I'm making a grimace and have my hands on my hips.

Ok, now that this point is clear, match your socks to your shoe color. If your shoes are black (which are wildly cool, here's a pic of some of my black shoes)

then your socks should be black.

If they are mostly colored or white-based

then white socks are appropriate.

7) A few funky accessories
You dress the part when it comes to the gym. If you dress in old, grubby T-shirts with holes or dirty, grass-stained kicks, then you certainly can't feel like the amazing, fit, hot athlete that you are! I love to have a few funky, fun accessories to spruce up any workout outfit. My faves include a funky hat like this one (P.S. I'm 5 months preggo here)...

Fun socks

Crazy gel bracelets

Belly chain (ahem…definitely sported this pre-baby #2)

Grafitti top (courtesy of Feelgoodstyle.com)

You get the idea. It makes you feel all fashion-ey even at the gym.

8) Various solid colored workout tops
I love to wear all black because of it’s obvious slimming effect, but I also love bright bold colors to keep me upbeat and rockin’ my workout.

9) A heart rate monitor/calorie counter
You can’t know how many calories you burn unless they are accurately tracked via a heart rate monitor. The machines at the gym are far from accurate and they don’t take into account your individual stats and heart rate. I talk about this more in this blog post, click here. Or here. I SO want a Nike+ FuelBand (hint hint Nike!)

10) A really awesome exercise DVD
There are oodles and oodles of these from Turbo Jam to P90X. It’s like having a trainer in your home. If you find yourself in a pinch and unable to get to the gym, pop in a DVD and get rockin’. Plus the kids will think it’s fun to watch you wiggle around.

If you don't have these items in your closet (or drawer or cabinets), then you must run out and purchase them immediately. Your fitness success depends on it! Plus it's a great excuse to go shopping.

Nakedly Yours,
M

Stretch Naked has a new look!

So I've been wanting to up the aesthetic ante on this blog. My design skills are limited to PowerPoint and Keynote. But my wonderful friend Gabby offered to make me a new header and now the blog looks fab! Thank you so much!

If you are interested in Gabby's mad design skills, you can check out her portfolio on http://gabrielatorres.carbonmade.com/

She is an awesome dancer, too. She shakes her cute booty in Zumba classes on a regular basis.

Thanks again Gabby! You rock!

Nike Fuel band...why aren't you mine? A desperate plea to Nike

You all know that I totally geek-out over all things Nike. I have countless pairs of kicks, oodles of clothing and now my current obsession is the can't-find-it-anywhere Nike+ FuelBand.

They sell out online just as quickly as they are put on Nike.com. My Nike connections don't even have any. And when I see someone post something on Facebook about fuel points or their new band, I sort of tear up {sigh}...

Ok so what is it?

Nike+ FuelBand is a fitness tracker that tracks your daily activity and converts it to "fuel points." Many activities are tracked and converted to points. Run, walk, dance, train, clean your house - and you earn points. It's a fun way to move more and work to reach a movement goal.

It also tracks time, calories and steps.

You link it in to your phone or computer and it tracks progress. And of course, there is a free app for the iPhone.

You can learn more here. But right at this moment you cannot buy it anywhere! I feel very tortured when I can't find something that I desperately want. I wanted to get two actually, one for me and one for Ad Man for his upcoming birthday {I mean but really more for me, I'm the one who is fitness obsessed}.

So what do you say Nike? You want to send me one to test drive and I'll write a review? I gotta have it! Furthermore, there are lots of reasons I need one:

1) I teach Nike Training Club
2) I almost exclusively wear Nike clothing to the gym (and often around the house, to the grocery store, etc.) It would match my fitness fashion
3) I'm pregnant and still rockin' my workouts (Preggo-athlete-style)
4) I would blog about it extensively and how it will help me lose weight after sweet baby girl is born
5) I REALLY REALLY REALLY want one!

Plus I'll make this very, very sad face if I don't get one.

And, yes, I'm blogging from my car. I am not driving, though. Don't worry.

Well, friends, if you and your shopping-savvy-self can find one, grab one for me. I'll pay with cash (of course), hugs, kisses and a special Nike Training Club drill named after you. Seriously.

Nakedly yours,
M

Need some design talent! You up to the challenge?

I really want to re-vamp the header for my blog. Looking for something clean and fresh. Fun and vibrant. Any designers out there want to take a crack at it? Cool font, deep colors (magenta, plum, turquoise) are my faves.

Would love for the title "Stretch Naked" with a little tagline - "a health and fitness blog" as a little signature.

I can only do so much with my mad PPT and Keynote skills. I need a photoshopper extraordinaire!

Any takers? I would sing your praises on my blog and give you a kiss – virtually that is :)

It's ok to brag...

Facebook is like the cost of entry into the social media world, right? I mean, you have to have a page. And you absolutely must waste an ample amount of time each week stalking old friends (to see if they got fat) or to check out people's party pics (living vicariously through them). Right?

Well as you are checking out a random friend's cousin's bachelorette party (of which you know no one in the pictures), you are bound to come across the very cocky post every now and again. Many are related to working out:

"I just killed it at the gym. #irock!"

"Got up at 4:30am to get my 15 mile run in this morning!"

"Yay for me. I took 7 aerobics classes today and then went for a 10-mile bike ride. Feeling sort of tired now. LOL!"

Or the endless check-ins from people at 24 Hour Fitness.

Brag, brag, brag.

If it's a day that you slept through your alarm, ate a donut for breakfast, then accidentally had three cocktails for dinner, those kinds of post make you feel sort of...well...guilty. I mean the only sweat you worked up today was the nervous kind when your boss asked you about a presentation that is dangerously past it's deadline. You think, that person is such a bragger!

Well, change your mind on that one, please. Pretty please. I give you permission to brag when it comes to taking care of yourself. Document your workouts! It will keep you and other motivated. When I see posts like that, I try to think GOOD FOR THEM! Then I think, what else I can do to be kind to myself in the health department - an extra few push-ups, a couple jacks, some yoga, a bowl of fruit. You get it.

So, now, Naked Stretchers. Whenever you finish a workout - large, small, intense or moderate, post about it on Facebook, or this blog, or on Twitter or on LinkedIn - whichever site is your social media poison of choice. And tag me! I will say something awesome like "you hot, fit thing, you!" or "you are fabulous." Or something equally as charming :)

Brag away, please!

Nakedly yours,
M

Healthy, Iron-Rich Salad

Ok, so Pinterest is my new obsession for all things health, fitness, food, kids and baby. I could literally spend hours trolling people's boards and pin myself into oblivion. It's actually quite a good way to keep yourself from actually shopping. It's like shopping without the dollar signs and argument with the hub. So, when I stumbled upon this salad recipe, I had to give it a go. And boy howdy, this preggo lady was in heaven.

It's healthy, it's rich in iron, it's raw, fresh and clean. All the things that add up to a good meal for baby girl (and her large and in charge Momma). Did I mention I've gained 18 pounds so far? Yep. 13 more weeks to go...what will the total be? Ugh. I can't bear to think. Anyway, that's another post for another day...

Now back to my green, red and brown heaven in a bowl... I saw this picture with ingredients listed on Pinterest, but there was no recipe attached. So I just created my own version...

What you'll need:
1 avocado
2 big handfuls of cherry tomatoes
1 cucumber
a bunch of cilantro
1 can of organic black beans
3-4 generous handfuls of fresh baby spinach
olive oil
lime juice
salt and pepper to taste

So easy. Dice up the avocado, tomatoes and cucumber. Dump into a largish bowl. Wash and add the baby spinach. Rinse black beans, pat dry and add to your bowl. Tear up the cilantro and let it join the party. Drizzle olive oil sparingly and shake on the lime juice like it's Cristal and you are some hot, rich celebrity. Stay with me here. Add salt and pepper to taste. I'm quite heavy-handed with black pepper. And toss it all up, you healthy thing, you.

Let it sit in the fridge to let the flavors marry or just serve it up immediately. I served my salad over plain brown rice to add a little carb action. You remember my immutable law of staying full, right? Carbs plus protein.

Anyway, it was delish! And instead of that full, nauseated, why-did-I-eat-that feeling you sometimes get after dinner (I mean not that you ever have that, but you know, imagine others who might feel that way), you will feel GOOD about what you just devoured.

Now, it is not a kid-friendly meal. I gave E a bowl with rice and everything sans the fresh spinach and he looked at me like I was an alien. Maybe that's actually what I look like to him. At any rate, he ended up eating PB&J, yogurt and strawberries for dinner.

But for you and the other adults in your household this is the salad of all salads!

Give this a go for din or as a cute little look-at-me-and-how-healthy-I-am lunch at work. People will look at you with jealousy as they heat up their sad little Lean Cuisine or drag in their greasy bag-o-burgers. Score for you. And all the more reason to stretch naked, my friend.

Nakedly yours,
M

Credits: Photo courtesy of Pinterest

The Dallas Morning News!

The Dallas Morning News wants to do a fitness profile on little ol' me!!! I am so excited! They are going take pics during my class this Saturday at 24 Hour Fitness Valley Ranch, 11:30.

The focus of the story is about continuing to exercise while pregnant, which I am clearly (and some days painfully) doing :)

I'm pretty sure I know what to say, but the big question is WHAT THE HECK AM I GOING TO WEAR??? I have to look super cute, trendy and Sretch Nakedy. Natch!

I want all my Naked Stretchers to come take my class! I promise it will be one of the best you've ever taken!!!! And I'll add one more exclamation point to that!

And if you are curious about the growing bump, I will post a pic-y soon :)