Health & Fitness | Nutrition-supplements

Many new moms tell me they feel they have lost themselves and are no longer pursing their passion or fulfilling their own dreams.  My advice is to be kind to yourself.  It takes a while to adjust to being a mother, and it can be very overwhelming.  The first step to “finding” yourself is to write down what you miss doing, and/or what you would like to do.  Once you understand what it is you want to do, take baby steps towards reaching your goal.  For example, if your goal is to have your own business, your first baby step would be to research online possible business opportunities, or to call a friend who has her own business.  Breaking down your big goal into smaller pieces makes it do-able!  Every baby step you take builds momentum towards your larger goal.

I saw in interesting article today where star of the recent movie Cloverfield, Mike Vogel, and a group of pro cycling legends, veterans advocates and the Pentagon, are working to help wounded military heroes.

Vogel will serve as chairman of the Department of Veterans Affairs' National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans and is participating in a series of "Road 2 Recovery" bike rides across the country to assist wounded veterans as they leave the military and begin rehabilitation.

Vogel's need to help those serving our country comes after the recent death of a relative in Iraq. Vogel solicited the help of his Los Angeles neighbor, John Wordin, who is a former pro cyclist and team owner. Wordin was already working on a plan to help the VA improve its cycling facilities for disabled vets.

I think this is a great way to bring attention to the rising rate of military personnel returning home from Iraq wounded with traumatic brain injuries. You can read more on this story here.

Many pregnant women approach me with concerns about their body fat.  They say they had weight to lose prior to getting pregnant and now they’re pregnant and afraid they’ll get even “fatter”.  My advice is, It’s not to late to start exercising!  As long as your doctor gives you the “ok”, start exercising.  Take up walking.  Walking is something you can do from the beginning of your pregnancy all the way to the end.  Also, try prenatal yoga.  Don’t use the excuse, “but I’m not flexible” because that’s how you get flexible!  The key is to start doing something now!  The sooner you get started, the quicker you’ll tone up.  It IS possible to lose body fat through eating healthy and exercising even while pregnant.  So don’t delay…start today! 

Having trouble losing weight?  Did you know that stress can actually make you fat?  The reason why is because when we’re stressed our bodies crave quick energy.  So the foods we typically turn too for fast energy are high in fat and high in calories.  So what should you do to reduce your stress?  1. Get Your Zzzzzzz’s.  Research shows that when we get don’t get enough zzz’s we crave quick energy foods.  2. Exercise- Exercise produces a natural high from hormones called endorphins 3. Breathe- Deep breathing brings oxygen to your body and naturally reduces stress.  Take up yoga for the ultimate stress reducer! 4. Nourish Your Body- Eat high energy foods such as almonds, and whole grain cereals and breads.

Did you know that by doing yoga it can increase your sex drive?  Several postures increase blood flow to the pelvis, and increased flexibility leads to more creative sexual postioning.  Also through doing yoga you’ll have a greater sense of body awareness and confidence. Try this simple yoga posture, prenant or not to increase your libido and your connection with your partner.

Prenatal Yoga posture to Increase Libido and Connection with your Partner:
Face your partner and sit comfortably (you may place pillow underneath your bottom) with your feet together.  Allow your knees to open to the sides (i.e. butterfly stretch).   Place your right hand on your partner’s heart center, while your partner places his hand on your pregnant belly.  Focus on the love you have for each other and the life you created.

Note: If you’re not pregnant than have your partner place his hand on your heart center as well.