Post-Workout Protein Bars

Going along with my weight loss plan, I've been searching online (mainly Pinterest, my newest addiction!) for weight loss tips and recipes. One of the biggest problems I've had in the past was the almost frantic hunger I felt post-workout. I would get in a great, calorie-busting workout on the elliptical machine for 35 minutes, lift weights for another 25 minutes, then do a cool down. Unfortunately by that point, I was absolutely ravenous and would look for something to eat as quickly as possible before I would develop a throbbing headache. Usually that meant I would run home and eat a cold slice of pizza, run to a place like Panera (healthier than McDonald's, sure, but not exactly low-cal or low fat), or just carb overload. And I wondered why I wasn't losing weight???

This quick recipe looked not only tasty, but realistic after an intense workout. I read that many runners like to carry these snacks along with them, so they can get a protein boost after a long run (Will, who has been a runner for many years, confirmed this). I made these the other day, and I was pleasantly surprised at how good they were! Normally when I think of protein bars I think of that processed cardboard taste, but these treats were a different story altogether. I ate two post-workout last week, and I felt satisfied and didn't feel the urge to snack on unhealthy foods. The only problem is I can NEVER find unsweetened coconut. Ever. I'm convinced it doesn't actually exist, so I just used the standard sweetened coconut you find in the baking aisle at the grocery store.

Source: Popsugar

Ingredients:

1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1/4 cup unsweetened flaky coconut
1/3 cup rolled oats
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup unsweetened frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed

Directions:

1. Combine peanut butter, milk powder, and coconut in a large bowl.

2. Stir in oats, ground cinnamon, wheat germ, and apple juice concentrate until thoroughly combined.

3. Shape the mixture into 16 1-inch balls (I actually stuck the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes before doing this, as it seemed a little too gooey to shape properly).

4. Chill thoroughly before serving, about an hour. Store remaining balls in the refrigerator.

7 Quick Takes-The Shape of Me

1. Yes, I shamelessly borrowed part of a title from a Dr. Seuss book. This should serve to a) give you an idea of how much Dr. Seuss I read to Tony on a regular basis, and b) pave the way for the other six quick takes.

2. Now that I'm completely healed from that simple little task of delivering an almost 9lb baby (gigglesnort) and I'm free to exercise again, I've decided to completely re-vamp my body. What exactly does this mean, you ask? Well, I'm about to do something I've never done and lay out my weight struggles for the whole world to see. I'm overweight. I have been for a very long time; honestly, I can't remember a time (maybe 5th grade?) that I wasn't on the "heavy" end of a reasonable weight for my body frame and height. I'm usually able to hide it pretty well, I dress for my body type, and I really do try to avoid clothes that highlight my problem areas. That being said, there's no denying it. For years, I would describe myself as "curvy" (and to be fair, I am), I have a larger frame, I don't exactly come from a family of tiny, thin people, etc. I'm familiar with pretty much every excuse in the book.

3. What is a healthy weight for me? I'm 5'7", so according to WebMd, a healthy weight for my height would be anywhere from 118lbs (which I definitely think is too thin for me) to 159lbs. I'm aiming for a compromise of 140lbs, and once I get there-not IF I get there-then I will re-assess and determine how I feel, how I look, etc.

4. I am currently 198lbs. Yes, I actually posted my weight online. Why am I doing this? So I can be held accountable for working out, eating right, and losing the weight. I'm going to do a "check in" every two weeks to see where I'm at. One thing I should note is that I'm exclusively breastfeeding Alessandra, and I don't know how (or if) that's going to impact my weight loss. I have to find that line between eating enough calories so she and I both get sustenance, but I drop the pounds at the same time.

5. I do NOT subscribe to any "fad" diets. Not Paleo (yes I consider Paleo a fad diet), not carb free, gluten free, anything like that. To be fair, I don't stuff my face with junk day in and day out. We rarely eat out, due to both health and budget reasons. I cook almost every single meal at home, and I'm very good about balancing each meal with lean meats, veggies, whole grains, etc. My biggest problem is snacking, and sweets. Also indulgences like my beloved margaritas (sorry, guys. You have to go. Far too many calories!). What I'm going to try to do food-wise is count calories, probably using Sparkpeople, and keep healthy snacks in the house so I'm not tempted. I will continue to cook my healthy meals, and have an "indulge" day once a week.

6. Last year I joined the YMCA, and it was one of the best decisions I could have made. Not only do they have free classes, but they have free childcare with WONDERFUL ladies who work in the nursery. It's a win-win situation for both Tony and I. I'm going back to the gym, starting today. I've always wanted to run a marathon...but the problem is I suck at running. Seriously, in high school I was that girl who was panting and gasping for breath after "running" approximately 30 seconds on the track while the athletes flew by me and ran a few extra laps, just for fun. I'm going to try the famous Couch to 5K program, combined with lifting on the weight machines to help build muscle. For me, I have to start out slowly. Not only because I haven't been terribly active these past few months, but also because I have a problem with heat migraines. Anytime I do anything too high-impact, or get overheated, I get an absolutely wretched migraine that stays with me for the rest of the day. It's horrible, and it renders me completely useless. In other words, no Bikram yoga, no Zumba, no Crossfit, probably no spinning class. The elliptical has worked pretty well for me in the past, and I may give that a try again.

7. Why am I posting about this, and more importantly, why did I use an entire 7 Quick Takes entry for it? Because I need to be held accountable. It's very easy for me to say "okay, today is the day I'm going to make a change for good!" You know how many times I've done that? Too many to count. I'm really a very lazy person, and if I don't have someone on my back constantly, I tend to slack off. So that's what I need from you, readers-to force me to stick with it. Don't let up. If you don't see a weight loss post in a while, ask me how it's going. Ask me how I'm doing counting calories, how the running is going, etc. I really need this. I also really appreciate it.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

What WE Wore Sunday

Many of my fellow Catholic bloggers participate in the "What I Wore Sunday" (similar to the 7 Quick Takes in the Catholic blogging community). I've never participated before, mainly because up until very recently-read, last week-my wardrobe consisted of either maternity clothes I had been recycling for the past seven months, or "I'm struggling to find something appropriate for my postpartum butt to wear to Mass that won't fall off every time I stand up or pre-pregnancy clothes I don't have to shoehorn myself into." Well folks, I'm proud to announce that I'm officially back to my pre-pregnancy weight, and even though my body isn't quite where I want it to be, most of my clothes are starting to fit again. I think that calls for a celebration.

However, I still don't think that the general population really cares what I wear to Mass on Sundays. So, to make it a little more interesting, I'll be participating in "What WE Wore Sunday" every week. And by "we" I mean Alessandra and I. I mean, what's the fun in having a baby girl if you can't dress her in ridiculously frilly, beautiful, and over-the-top pink newborn clothes? Plus, I consider this a great way to show off the darling little outfits our bambina has received from family and friends thus far. So, without further ado...

Pants: White House Black Market

Sleeveless top: White House Black Market

Cardigan: White House Black Market (are we noticing a pattern yet?)

Shoes: Purchased about 7 years ago at Boston Store. 

Photobomber: Tony

Outfit: Gift from Nana, purchased about five years ago during a brief stint as a sales associate at Boston Store. Even then, Nana held out hope that we would have a little girl one day!

Flower headband: Gift from Zia Francesca!

Attitude: Herself. Sister is already perfecting her "get this camera outta my face" look.

7 Quick Takes-Summer is Almost Here!

1. Planning for our principessa's baptism is underway! Sadly, Alessandra's lovely godparents won't be able to make it (James is in flight school in the Army, and on a very strict schedule. Certainly understandable, but we will miss them!). We have the date set at our church, a reception site tentatively scheduled, the gown, bonnet, and other fashion essentials, and I'm having way too much fun browsing girl baptism cakes on Pinterest. It's going to be a beautiful day!

2. Will has finals next week, and then this ridiculous semester will have come to a merciful end. Please send him good luck and prayers as he begins the "studying my butt off" weekend.

3. So, I'm back at my pre-pregnancy weight, which I don't think is too bad considering Alessandra isn't even a month old. However, I started my pregnancy fairly overweight, and I'm determined to keep on dropping the pounds. In a safe, healthy way of course, especially since I'm exclusively breastfeeding and need the nutrients so baby girl continues to thrive. (Oh, in case you're wondering, we're good on the "thriving" end. She now weighs 10lbs4oz!). So. I began the task of preparing healthy, nutritious meals all the while being cognizant of Alessandra's super sensitive tummy. It's been a challenge, to say the least. I will do it, though...my goal is to be able to wear shorts this summer. In case you're wondering, I've looked pretty terrible in shorts for the past four years. Makes summers in the South pretty miserable.

4. To go along with #3, I'm looking forward to being able to work out again. I've been slowly gearing myself up (taking walks around our neighborhood with Murphy, took Tony to the YMCA one day so he could play in the nursery and I walked on the treadmill). I've decided I need a few new "workout" songs on my iPod. Pump me up, readers. Just do me a solid and don't recommend that obnoxious "Moves Like Jagger" song.

5. Alessandra has her newborn hearing test with the audiologist on Tuesday. Fingers crossed that everything will go well.

6. Will and I were talking last night about our duty station "wish list," i.e the places where we would be happy (or at least content) to live once Will receives his commission. We would LOVE to go overseas again, but we're also wondering if that would be the best option for us right now. As far as stateside bases, we're interested in Fort Sam Houston (San Antonio), Fort Benning, GA, Fort Lewis, WA, and Fort Belvoir, VA. Any other military readers have suggestions for us? Places you've lived that you really enjoyed, or places you've heard good things about?

7. A trip to the library is in order this afternoon. I need some new reading material, and I've got my eye on that new Jodi Picoult book. I realize this is a lame way to end my Quick Takes post, but it's all I got at the moment.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes-Our Life Thus Far

1. I won't lie, I've had a hard time adjusting to the whole "being a mother of two little ones" thing. Keep in mind, I've had a ridiculous amount of help, too. My mom was here for two weeks, and my sister in-law and mother in-law showed up within hours of the other one leaving to give me a hand (I fully realize this is a testament to how lazy I am). So yeah. Happy, but overwhelmed and exhausted. That's pretty much where I'm at right now.

2. Rachel's wedding is less than a month away, and I'm looking forward to her beachy celebration with the whole family . I still haven't tried on the bridesmaid dress. I have to work up the courage for that one.

3. I need some healthy dinner recipes that will provide me with some much-needed nutrition but won't make Alessandra gassy and cranky. Any suggestions?

4. Nursing mothers, Pinterest is a godsend during those middle of the night feedings. Just sayin'.

5. I can't describe how grateful I am that I didn't experience the same problem I had (uterine infection) after Tony was born. Will and I were both very nervous and constantly on the lookout for any warning signs, but we are past the danger zone and so relieved.

6. I just realized I've had the first disc of season one for Call the Midwife sitting on top of our DVD player for the past two months. I should probably get around to watching that, hmmm?

7. I just love this little face.

And these little faces together.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes-Help Has Arrived!

1. After a couple of mama meltdowns this past week, my in-laws immediately jumped on the "let's go to Shreveport before Marisa dyes her hair fire engine red or something equally drastic" ship. (That's the best I could come up with. I haven't had my coffee yet). My sister in-law and my youngest nephew arrived yesterday afternoon, and I already feel light years better. Tony has a playmate for a few days so he's not acting out, Aimee gives Will and I a break from walking a million paces around the living room with Alessandra, and Murphy O'Dwyer has been getting some much-needed attention. I'm feeling better already, and I'm so grateful to have such an awesome family.

2. It appears as though a 5-year old ballet class exploded in our home. There's pink EVERYWHERE. It's cool and a little scary at the same time. We have a daughter. Wow. 

3. Only two more weeks of Will's @&#*@&@ semester, and then some of this craziness will end. Temporarily, anyway. LDAC this summer (yes, Army terms, I'm not going to bother to explain all of it), then one more semester, then it's back to the Army we go. 

4. I am now a card-carrying member of the "my maternity clothes are huge but my pre-pregnancy clothes are a little tighter than I care to admit" club. I've pretty much been living in yoga pants and nursing tanks, and with the exception of church and a few grocery store runs, I haven't ventured out of the house too often. Probably a good thing, as no one wants to see a postpartum lady struggling to hike up her maternity jeans every time she bends over to pick up something.

5. After much deliberation, we purchased a (certified pre-owned) vehicle last week! It's an SUV, and I have to admit, I feel pretty badass driving that sucker around town. I'm still in awe of all the trunk space, and even though it's not a NEW car, it's new to us and we're enjoying it. 

6. My best friend is getting married in five weeks in Florida and I'm a bridesmaid. As in, I have to fit in the bridesmaid dress by then. I'm really trying not to panic, and I'm just grateful I had the presence of mind to order the dress several sizes too large so it can be taken in if (hopefully) necessary. I learned my lesson the hard way in a previous wedding when I had to alter a dress that was too small.

7. Big boy school is officially over for Tony, and I'm sad. He loved his Tuesday and Thursday morning classes, and I won't lie, grocery shopping by myself was a very special outing for this mama. The center is going to evaluate his progress and let me know (by snail mail, naturally) if they are going to recommend him for another session in a few months. Here's hoping. Tony has made a lot of progress with his speech, but he still has a long way to go.

For more Quick Takes, visit Camp Patton!

7 Quick Takes Friday-New Family of Four

Kisses from big brother. Doesn't she look thrilled???

1. This is my first official 7 Quick Takes as a mama of two, and I have to say...I'm stunned I managed to pull it off. This blog post, that is. Lately I consider myself pretty lucky if I manage to grab a shower that's longer than two minutes (and mind you, my mom is here until tomorrow helping us out. It's going to get ugly, and probably smelly around here after she leaves).

2. Baby Alessandra is healthy, happy and nursing like a champ. Unfortunately, she appears to have a "lazy latch," so not only does that mean my nipples are killing me (I know absolutely everyone needed to know that), but I'm pretty sure I will be attending a La Leche League meeting in the Shreveport/Bossier area tomorrow for some assistance. I didn't have this problem with Tony, so it's been a new and painful experience for me.

3. I won't lie, that first post-birth drive thru margarita was heavenly. 

4. Poor Will had to go from celebrating the birth of his new daughter last weekend to a jam-packed, busy week of school, and three midterms to boot. Fortunately his professors took pity on him and two of them allowed him to postpone the midterms, but man. He is one exhausted papa right now.

5. My mom and I may have gone on a pink-crazy shopping binge yesterday. Don't get me wrong, Will and I would have been absolutely thrilled if we had had another beautiful little boy, but it's just kind of hard to get excited about shopping for boy clothes. Mothers with sons, you know what I'm talking about. Walk into pretty much any department story in the country and head to the baby section. You'll see rows upon rows of gorgeous pink attire, and maybe (if you're lucky) two or three racks of white and light blue. So yeah. After buying countless sports, dogs and truck clothing for the past two years, it's fun to indulge a bit in some pretty, delicate girly clothes.

6. My awesome sister in-law has a neighbor/friend who runs a lactation cookie business, and I am the very happy recipient of a package of boob cookies (yes, I'm calling them boob cookies). They are delicious, and I'm able to happily indulge without guilt. Four cookies yesterday? Don't judge me, man! They're helping with my milk supply! So yeah. Thanks Aimee! :)

7. Jennifer from Conversion Diary gave birth to her baby boy last week, too! Unfortunately her poor little guy is still in the NICU, and I know she would appreciate the extra prayers. Grace from Camp Patton is hosting 7 Quick Takes today, so visit her blog for more posts!

Happy weekend everyone, and thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the love, prayers and support we received after Alessandra's birth last weekend.