(I participated in "The 30 Day Mushroom Makeover Challenge" a campaign on behalf of mamavation for Mushroominfo.com. I received compensation as a thank you for participating) 

Here are the 4 mushroom makeover meals I made this week. I’ll post the basic recipes for them later in the post, but first I wasn’t to talk about the other aspect of the 30 Weight Loss Mushroom Makeover Challenge. First I want to talk about the assignment given by our awesome nutritionist Corrine. This week I was asked to focus being more aware of my body. What does this mean?

-Pay attention to when I am hungry (and then eat.) and know when I am satisfied (and then stop eating). 

-Savor my meals, and pay attention to how I feel after each one. 

Wow was this assignment revelatory. Last week I learned the importance of eating at regular intervals. But it was still more of a set my clock thing vrs a be aware of my body sort of thing. So this week I tried to listen to myself more. Guess what my body was better than a clock! Who knew that our bodies were so smart? I have found that stopping to savor my meals, to pay attention to the taste, texture, and experience of eating these healthy foods. Doing this really took my meals enjoyment to a new level. Additionally I have noticed that while after eating certain foods (like meals made of mostly vegetables, and lean meats) I feel light and full of energy, while on the other hand when I eat other favorite foods (like meals heavy on the carbs like bread or pasta) I feel heavy, slightly sick, and sluggish.) 

As for working out: since the weather has improved I have switched using my elliptical to walking outside with my kids. When you factor in all the hills, the distance I am going, the quick pace, and the fact that I am pushing a 2 and 4 year old in a double stroller…Yeah I am getting a decent cardio to team up with the weight training. I have been loving it! I am sore but I feel great! 

As for the mushroom makeover meals…I am loving them. I have found myself checking out the Mushroom Council’s Website and Pinterest site for ideas which I then customize to meet my taste and needs. This week I made:

Mushroom Veggie Stir Fry: Stir fry over rice is a favorite in our house. Usually I make it with chicken and veggies, but this time I switched the chicken with chopped mushrooms.

Ingredients:

1 cup baby bella mushrooms

1/2 cup red bell peppers

1 cup onions

1 cup celery

1 cup carrots

1 1/2 cup broccoli

1-2 tsp coconut oil

2 eggs

2-3 tsp soy sauce

I cooked up the mushrooms in a bit of coconut oil with red peppers, onions, carrots, celery, and broccoli. Then I moved the veggies and cooked up 2 eggs. After I mixed it all together I added a bit of soy sauce let it simmer for 2 minutes and poured it over rice. 

Mushroom Spaghetti: My family was requesting spaghetti for dinner, so I decided to switch things up and instead of using ground beef or chicken like I usually do, I used mushrooms sautéed up in coconut oil with onions, tomatoes, red bell peppers and green onions.  I mixed this in with our favorite spaghetti sauce and poured that over angel hair pasta. 

Mushroom Veggie Soup: I was feeling a bit under the weather yesterday so I decided soup was in order. I chopped up mushrooms, tomatoes, celery, onions, and carrots. I added them to the pot of water with my favorite (non msg) beef Bouillon. I let this simmer for an hour and it was perfect.  

Mushroom Hash with Green Onion Omelet: This morning I wanted something hearty so I made mushroom hash and a omelet. For the hash I just chopped up mushrooms and onions and sautéed them in coconut oil then added the shoestring potatoes with seasoned salt and let them cook for 5 minutes together. Then I served it beside a green onion omelet cooked with a small amount of coconut oil. 

(I participated in "The 30 Day Mushroom Makeover Challenge" a campaign on behalf of mamavation for Mushroominfo.com. I received compensation as a thank you for participating) 

I am writing this post at the end of my first week participating in the Mushroom Makeover 30 Day Challenge. While other's taking this challenge are doing to with the goal of loosing weight and getting fit, since I am almost 24 weeks pregnant, I am focusing more on weight management and overall health. As part of the challenge I have been able to utilize the expertise of a personal trainer and nutritionist. 

To be really healthy it is important to not only eat well, but also be physically active. (i.e. working out) Since I have already been active in working out the biggest part of this challenge for me is the eating portion. Here are a 3 things that I have learned from our amazing nutritionist Corrine that have had the biggest impact on helping me create healthy eating habits: 

1- Always eat breakfast within an hour of waking up and within 30 minutes of working out in the morning.

2- Eat regularly, like every 3-4 hours 

3- Drink enough water. (like 2-3 liters a day)

It has taken conscious effort to apply these 3 rules into my daily life this week, but as I have done so, I have noticed a marked difference. I have more energy and generally feel better both It has taken conscious effort to apply these 3 rules into my daily life this week, but as I have done so, I have noticed a marked difference. I have more energy and generally feel better both physically and mentally.

The other part of the 30 day mushroom makeover challenge is to incorporate mushrooms into my diet. I am required to make over at least 4 meals a week with mushrooms (either replacing or supplementing meat).  Though I grew up in a house where mushrooms were never on the menu, I have discovered how delicious they can be. I have loved the meals I have made using mushrooms so much I find myself finding ways to incorporate them into more. In addition to the recipes I share with you in this and the next 3 posts I will write as I take this challenge, you can find some awesome recipes at mushroominfo.com.  Read Full Post...

When I was asked to try out the Squatty Potty, I must admit my eyebrow quirked a bit. I won’t tell you the images that instantly popped into my head. Probably in response to the look on my face, my friend showed me this video explaining what the Squatty Potty was all about. 

Come to think of it, I had learned years ago that it is better to squat then sit upright when going to the bathroom. However, since I live in America and have a standard toilet I had pushed the information aside since there wasn’t anything I could do about it. After watching that short video and seeing how simple the solution was, I became intrigued at the why's behind the product and agreed to try it out.

When the Squatty Potty (which is basically a special stool that you use while going to the bathroom to allow you to obtain that more natural squatting position on your toilet) arrived I was happy to note the simple and non obtrusive design and coloring of the stool. It was light weight, yet sturdy and stored easily against the toilet. Inside the packaging was a easy to follow instruction pamphlet with the hows and whys to use the Squatty Potty.

When I first tried it out I noted that the difference in sitting position though obvious was not uncomfortable at all. In fact with the extra support it was a lot more comfortable. I am happy to say that the first time I used it that it did what it said it would. Though I don't generally have problems going to the bathroom, it did make my whole going to the bathroom experience quicker and easier. What’s better it was just as easy for my 3 year old daughter to use as it was for me. I may just have to get one for every bathroom now.  

For those who want to learn more about the Squatty Potties like I did before using it, on their site they have some great informative Medical Cases, Doctors Endorsements, and other Success Stories.

 (I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom It Forward Blogger Network for Marpac. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating)

I have to admit that sleep is something I have always taken for granted. At least until it became on short supply. I know that you are warned that sleep deprivation goes hand and hand with parenthood, but really who could have imagined that it would be THIS BAD?!? 

Sleep deprivation for short periods of time isn’t too bed, but when it lasts for years, that is sooo not good. I know that in order to be the kind of parent I want to be, that sleep is a necessary ingredient. Yet everything I have tried hasn’t worked on my kids. And believe me I have tried a lot of things.  

Then one day a friend asked me, “Have you ever tried using a white noise machine?” I had to admit, that no I hadn’t. She told me about how well it had worked for her little ones and at this point I was willing to try anything. Especially, since it is my favorite time of year and I wanted to enjoy it instead of walking around in a sleep deprivation induced haze. 

After some research I learned about Dohmie the serious sleep baby bundle by Marpac that you can get right now at Toys-r-Us. After reading more about it, I just had to try it out myself. 

When my Dohmie sleep baby bundle arrived I couldn’t wait to open it up. Inside was the Dohmie sleep machine along with instruction for its use (which couldn’t be easier. It's basically a plug in and turn on unit), the cutest little baby book entitled “Buddy the Bee finds his Zs”, and a informational sleep publication that I found informative on tips for a better night sleep. 

Since my baby sleeps in a co-sleeper bed next to our bed, I plugged in our Dohmie in the master bedroom. As I did so I wondered, “Will it work?” “Will my children sleep better?” ‘Will I sleep better?” I am happy to share that the answer was YES! That night and each night since, my children have slept deeper and longer than ever before! 

So how does it work? Well according to Marpac’s website (they are the creators of the Dohm Sleep machines) “It creates the soothing sound of rushing air, also known as "white noise," which has been proven to effectively block noises at a broad range of frequencies. A uniform blanket of smooth sound masks disruptive noises.”

As a side not, the instructions warned that it can take a few days for adults to adjust to the white noise background if you aren’t used to sound while sleeping. It took about 2 nights for me, and now it doesn't bother me at all. As a plus now even my husband and I are sleeping better with it on!

I love how it is so simple to use. I just plug it in and choose which of the two speeds to turn on. That’s it! I am so thankful for my friend sharing this amazing product with me. I guess I know what I’ll be getting as Christmas presents for my two sister-in-laws who recently both had their first child! What better Christmas gift could I give a new parent than a good night’s sleep?

You can go to Marpac's Website as well as follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to learn more about their amazing sleep machines!

We've all felt it... a tickle in your throat, an achy body. Yep, you’re coming down with something. But you don’t have to surrender.

Here’s how to stop a cold before it takes hold — and feel better fast.

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