Moms it's ok to take time for you!

I used to live with the thought that I needed to take care of my family but in the end would neglect me.  Bad idea!  I realized the more I neglected me the "worse" I became as a mom, wife, sister, friend.  It is not selfish to take time to care for you and I think too many moms feel this way.

Moms think so much of their family that they forget about their own well being. They do not see themselves as a prime aspect. They think of the family; as long as everyone else is happy, then they are happy. This is selfless, but it is not surprising since it is has always defined the quintessential female parent. After a long day of work, she will go back home to take care the kids and fuss over her husband. As a mom, this is noble and oh so endearing. However, you need to remember that in the grand scheme of this, you matter. You therefore need to think of yourself more, because surely you deserve that, at least.

Health and fitness and moms are three things that remain irrevocably tied. Think about all the days that you spend working, in the office and at home. The level of stress it can cause is incredible. However, there is an advantage in finding a way to unwind, and this has nothing to do with a glass of wine or even the television set. You need something more intensive to relax your muscles and relieve tension that has been building up for seemingly ages. A little exercise goes a long way in helping you face each arduous task with joy.

Your ultimate goal is to be a better mom, friend and wife. Concentrating on your health and fitness gives you the motivation to keep at it. Studies show that exercising, resting enough and eating right, not only boosts your health but also improves your moods. In addition, if you are a new mom, exercises will help you avoid the attendant increase in weight and the baby fat that comes along with it.

There is nothing to lose and a lot to gain from thinking of your own self. You deserve it. Your family deserves it too. Think of it this way, if you are unhappy, they become unhappy.

Szechwan Stirfry with Brown Rice:

serves 4

Ingredients

1lb  beef, flank steak, extra lean, raw 
2 TBSP reduced sodium soy sauce 
1 teaspoon honey
2 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, ground
4 teaspoon garlic, chopped
4 teaspoon ginger root, fresh
1 1/2 cup red bell pepper, cut in strips
1cup snow pea pods, fresh or frozen
2 cup instant brown rice, uncooked

Preparation:
** Prepare rice per package directions.

- Cut beef across the grain into 1/8 inch thick strips and place in a shallow dish.
-- Combine soy sauce and honey in a bowl and pour over meat strips, tossing to coat.

-- Heat oil in a wok or heavy nonstick skillet over high heat. Add cayenne pepper, garlic and ginger and sauteé for 30 seconds. Add bell pepper and snow peas and stir fry 3 minutes; remove vegetables from pan. Stir fry beef strips 2-3 minutes, until cooked throughout. Return vegetables to pan and continue to cook until heated through

-- place rice on plate and top with stir fry

Why runners need to add strength training

Why Runners Need To Add Weight Training To Their Fitness Regime

As a runner who has had her far share of injuries I felt the need to address the importance if adding in weight training to your running regimen.

Today, runners need to do more than just their run. They need to be athletic and strong. If they are not, they can easily get injured even if they practice good running form. Some injury statistics out the annual injury rate for runners as high as 66%. This is much higher than professional football.

However this rate can easily be decreased by one simple step- Adding Weight Training.  Running and weight training go hand in hand. Whether the goal is simply to run easier or to get faster in the next race, adding a few weight training sessions to the fitness regime can be very helpful for runners.

 Here are some of its benefits.

•  Drop In Hazardous Injuries: The best and easiest way known to the minds of mankind to strengthen and build the body is by weight raining. While doing so, the body will work not just the muscles, but ligaments, tissues and tendons that can help mitigate the chances of injuries. 

• Better Bone Density: Weight lifting also helps to alleviate the chances of acquiring fractures or osteoporosis in bones. While running is a good way to keep bone density high, weight training is the overall better option. This is because running breaks down the muscles in the body, while weight training is the way to build body tissues. 

• Muscles Burn More Calories: Weight training helps the body burn more calories. It improves the overall metabolic rate, making the body feel light. The body burns more fat during rest and activity, making it more efficient on the road.

•  Increases Endurance And Overall Performance: It helps the body of the runners, marathoners and sprinters better deal with the stress of running. It enables the muscles to perform better and for a longer period of time before getting tired, which in turn helps to maintain the proper running form. Turn weaknesses into strengths- add weight training to the fitness regime!

Taco salad- 21 Day FIx Approved

I love Mexican food and while doing the fix knew I needed to hit the spot so I made this delicious recipe.  

 
21 day fix taco salad:

Ingredients:

2 green — A mixture of lettuce, onions & tomatoes
1 Red — Lean ground turkey (with taco seasoning- see below)
1/2 Red- non fat plain greek yogurt in lieu of sour cream (optional)
1 Blue — Low fat cheese
1/2 PURPLE — all natural Salsa or pico de gallo
Taco seasoning
1 Tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp sea salt

Mix all the ingredients together.  Enjoy!  Serves 1