With the start of the new year my health was at the top of my mind.  I have been so busy taking care of my family, work and all the other activities that us moms find ourselves filled to the brim with each week that I realized that I wasn’t taking very good care of my health.  You know how it is, we tell ourselves that we just don’t have the time to exercise regularly and will sometimes grab a snack or meal that we don’t normally include in our diet.  I know with all the events I attend with work we are constantly enticed with delicious yet fattening foods.  But I wanted to be an active participant in my health again and make this a priority.  These are the steps I took to start feeling better.  Always speak to your doctor before you start a new exercise program and/or diet change.

Some steps I have taken to become more involved in my overall health:

 

Visit to my general doctor

I asked my doctor for a complete blood panel to check to see if anything might be off.  I explained to him that I haven’t been feeling that great since I had to take steroids and painkillers for my neck injury last January, and since I was gaining weight – especially around my middle – I thought something must be off as I wasn’t (really) eating to gain weight this fast.  Always trust your own gut friends.   We are waiting on those test results.

SureTouch:

Another step I took was to take advantage of a special procedure offered at The Breast Cancer Center of OC.  Using the technology SureTouch that looked at every organ in my body much like an ultrasound. It took less than an hour and was super affordable.  This technology was designed by a Harvard Doctor who wanted to created a machine that could painlessly and quickly check your internal organs.  It provides a starting point to bring up to your regular doctor if something comes up.

We were able to assess that my liver isn’t functioning well (at all) which could explain some of the weight gain and general malaise. It basically looks like I have a drinking problem (a fatty liver) but since I don’t drink it is probably connected to the steroids and/or some other hereditary cholesterol issues.  I would never have thought to ask my doctor to check my liver so this came as quite the surprise – but one I am glad I know now.  Knowledge really is power – especially when it comes to one’s health.

Visit to a Nutritionist:

I then took this information and visited a local nutritionist that I have known for almost 15 years now.  We have a game plan now to help get my liver detoxed and get my health back on track.

Making it a priority to incorporate more exercise in my daily life

 

Joined a Gym:

I was so anxious about reinjuring my neck that I wasn’t doing much exercise this past year except walking my dog.  Though walking is wonderful and an exercise you can do throughout your life, I needed to jumpstart my metabolism and start making exercise a priority in my life so I joined a local gym.  I enjoy taking Body Sculpting classes as they do weight training as well as squats and some cardio in the class. Find something that you enjoy doing and make it a priority in your busy schedule.  Whether it be skiing at your local resort, laps in the pool or walks with your family, make time to get more activity in your life.

Eat Well:

Our family is making a real effort to make more home-cooked meals which even includes bringing our own lunch to work or school.  One of the most important meals of the day is breakfast – truly – and eating a protein-rich breakfast will give you a leg up on your day.  I recently was introduced to Purely Inspired organic protein powders that are free of harmful fillers and chemicals.  These powders are 100% plant-based, organic, gluten-free, Non GMO and Vegan.  They are also dairy, soy and cholesterol free.  The main source of protein comes from pea protein and brown rice protein.  This is great as many of the protein powders on the market tend to be soy-based and I find that soy just isn’t working for me anymore. Also many kids and adults find they are lactose sensitive so this is a great way to add some healthy protein in your diet free of dairy and soy!

 

Both the vanilla and chocolate flavors very satisfying and rich.  It definitely fills me up in the morning!  Below you will find one of my favorite recipes that you can try out.  Our whole family will make one large drink in our blender and split it between all three of us.  My husband runs out the door with his to-go cup in his hand and my daughter and I drink ours before I drop her off at school.  It’s a great way to include some healthy greens and antioxidants into your diet as well.

 

Healthy On-The-Go High Protein Snack:

Their Mission1™ protein bars are a great snack mid-day.  You know that time of day when you find yourself ready to take a nap?  I find if I drink a big glass of water and some protein I have the energy to get through the rest of my day.  You can find the Mission1™ protein bars and Purely Inspired® protein powder at your local Walmart.  They come in a variety of delicious flavors though my daughter likes the Cookies & Cream ones best (of course).

These bars offer 17 g of Fiber, 4 g of Net Carbs and 1 g of sugar and 21 g of protein.  I asked one of the employees at the new gym I joined about how long before I won’t be so sore after a workout.  I could barely move people! She thought that was pretty funny since it will probably take me awhile to not feel sore but she mentioned how important it is to eat protein after a workout to help repair torn muscles.  I guess that is why I saw the Mission1™ protein bars in their juice and snack section!  I took her advice after my second workout and I have to say that I am barely sore today!  Good advice – if you are working out hard be sure to eat some protein afterwards to help with recovery.

 

 

 

Here is one of our favorite recipes:

You will need:

 

Handful of spinach

5 to 6 strawberries

half to one whole banana

Acai packet (I used about half)

1 Tablespoon Flax Seed Powder

2 Tablespoons Vanilla Purely Inspired Organic Protein

1/2 cup water

couple ice cubes if the fruit isn’t frozen

 

Mix them all together in the blender.

 

Voila!  A quick and nutritious meal on the go or to be enjoyed at your leisure. You can read more about these supplements and protein bar at www.mission1bar.com.

 

Let’s make 2016 about taking care of ourselves.  I think we owe it to our family but most importantly to ourselves to take the best care we can of our well-being.

 

 

What are some of your health goals this year?

 

More Product Information:

Purely Inspired® protein powder in Walmart:

• 100% Plant-Based
• The ONLY truly organic USDA approved plant-based protein powder
• Available for only $19.97 (1.5 lbs) – this will last you a good month or so!No artificial colors/flavoring
• Vegan plant protein
  • Great for Baking (protein brownies/muffins), smoothies, etc.

• Mission1™ bars:
  • Clean
  • Convenient
  • 20-21 g of Isolate protein
  • No artificial ingredients
  • Flavors: Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Brownie
  • You can buy a box – 4 pack ($6.94) OR can buy an individual bar ($1.84)
  • URL: www.mission1bar.com

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