I am the spoon

Source: iguana_nirvana14 under Creative Commons License

I have been struggling lately. I have been struggling badly.

Everything is a fight. I fight to get out of bed. I fight get through the day. 

I also fight with my husband and 3 year-old. 

I decided enough was enough. I am exhausted from holding onto to this pain. Mostly, I am deathly afraid that I am damaging my kids with my depression and fits of anger. I decided it was time to face my demons. 

 I had my first therapy appointment on Sunday. It was a revelation. She is not a therapist from the school of psychology/psychiatry. She is a spiritual healer, which is a laymen term for allopathic practitioner. She works with the body's energy field to stimulate awareness and promote healing. 

My first session was incredible. I learned so much about why I feel so shitty. In a nutshell, having kids brought up all the negative feelings I had swept under a giant rug. When I gave birth to my children, I also pushed out these suppressed emotions. While this theory was not an epiphany, her approach to addressing my problems was refreshing. I felt understood, safe, un-judged.

I left feeling hopeful that I could reclaim my life. I also left with homework. I like homework because it forces me to practice what I am learning, and what I am learning is that the spoon does not bend, I have to bend. I am the spoon.

One of the assignments is to list 10 things I was to do for myself in the next month and try to do at least one of them each day. So, in an effort to hold myself accountable I am going to write them on my blog and you all can keep tabs on me:

1. Finishing reading a book
2. Go for a walk by myself at least once a week
3. Brush and floss my teeth everyday
4. Drink a cup of tea before bed
5. Buy new clothes so I can discard my maternity clothes
6. Apply for a job and not get disappointed if I'm not contacted for an interview 
7. Plan a girlfriends getaway
8. Get a Mani/Pedi
9. Reinstate spa Friday
10. Pray

Natural Remedies for Healing Baby Eczema

My little man had an eczema flare up recently that was severe enough that I relented to a prescription for hydro-cortisone. Hydro-cortisone only suppresses the eczema, it doesn't cure it. For me, it is only short-term measure to get the eczema under control immediately because the itching was disrupting my baby's sleep, but thankfully his pediatrician believes in the body's ability to heal itself and we are working together toward a long-term natural treatment. I'd like to share what I've learned with all of you.

First of all it is important to understand eczema, which is an inflammatory skin condition that presents as a red, scaly, itchy rash. It is typically an allergic reaction (immune response) to an environmental trigger. These can be irritants that come in contact with skin such as soaps/detergents or a food allergy that triggers the eczema reaction.

Babies have sensitive skin that hasn't fully developed and therefore are more susceptible to dermatitis like eczema. The ideal method of managing eczema in young children would to be to avoid the triggers. It takes some investigative work to identify the root cause of the eczema. If the patches are in the diaper area, that could be a clue that a food allergy is causing the irritation because the remnants of the offending food is in the urine/stool. An elimination diet could pinpoint the food culprit.

William Warby [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

An eczema outbreak makes life very uncomfortable for baby so treating it right away is very important. If you address it at early onset, you can avoid OTC and prescription medications:

• Adding oatmeal the bathwater helps calm and soften the skin. I put 1/2 cup of oatmeal in a coffee grinder and add the powder to a lukewarm water in the sink. I let baby soak for 5 minutes. Pat dry, do not rub the skin. Immediately apply moisturizers to hydrate the skin.
• Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize! When the skin dries out it creates little fissures and makes it is prone to eczema. Maintaining moisture in the skin will help it heal faster. Different skin types respond better to certain moisturizers. Try aloe, pure shea butter, coconut oil (with a few drops of neem oil), and calendula cream until you find the right one.
•  Give baby supplements that support the immune system. Mix baby probiotics into food or drink. Omega 3 in the form of EPA is also important to skin health. Cod Liver Oil is great for babies who can't chew a gummy or swallow a capsule.

Once baby's skin is healed, here are some steps to take to prevent further eczema flare ups:

• Give baby a bath daily. This is the new recommendation to help the skin regenerate by removing the dry, dead skin cells. Avoid soap, but if you must use one I suggest Dr. Bronner's Mild Baby Castille Soap or Olive Oil Soap. Remember to pat dry, never rub the skin, and apply a moisturizer right away.
• Create a moisture barrier for baby's delicate skin. I triple moisturize twice a day. First with a layer of a rich emollient (California Baby Calendula Cream), then a layer of restorative oils (I like Seaweed Bath Co. Body Butter because it  is a blend of many healing oils, plus it comes in a roll-on for easy application), then a layer of Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly to seal it all in.
• De-tox. Eczema can be a signal of toxic build-up in baby's system. Make sure baby is getting enough water to flush out toxins, especially in the winter when heaters dry out the air. A hazelwood necklace can also help by absorbing the extra acidity when PH levels get out of balance. 

Do you have expercience with childhood eczema? What natural remedies did you try? Also, I am hosting a GIVEAWAY for a child's hazelwood necklace from The Eczema Company, open worldwide!

My Kids Are Making Me FAT*

*If you are a regular reader then you are familiar with my tongue-in-cheek writing style. If you are new, please turn on your sense of humor and then read this starting with the title. 

Jastrow (2005),
via Wikimedia Commons

So I am trying to get back in shape after gaining 50 lbs during my last pregnancy. Six-months postpartum, I still have 25 pounds to subtract. I am trying to do this the "right" way with exercise and good eating habits. I am not fasting, fad dieting or getting anything stapled, tucked, or sucked. 

A couple of months ago I signed up for a marathon training program for walkers. It's been going great. I am feeling good and my clothes are fitting better, but when I step on the scale the number is the same (no, I will not disclose that figure). 

Yes, I know I am building muscles and that it weighs more than fat. Yes, I know that I should be paying more attention to how my clothes are fitting than to the scale. But something about hitting a plateau this soon was bugging me. It kept nagging at my brain until I had a eureka moment one day last week...MY KIDS ARE MAKING ME FAT! 

Before you burn me at the stake for speaking blasphemy, let's take a look at the evidence: 

1. Stress. Raising kids is a joy and it's also stressful. Stress releases a hormone in your body called cortisol. Cortisol causes your body to go into survival mode which can manifest in increased abdominal fat. I definitely look like I am smuggling a life-preserver under my t-shirts. It's not cute. Time to step up the yoga so my body feels relaxed even if my nerves are shot.


2. Snacking: Kids grow at a rapid rate and eat constantly. I realized I was eating constantly too even though my caloric needs are about half of what my active 3 year-old needs. If she asks for a almond butter and jelly or grilled cheese sandwich, I'd fix one too when I don't need to eat and should be avoiding breads and dairy. I'd also find myself finishing her leftovers. Her fuel is my fat.
   


3. The eating for two myth: I indulged in too much with this last pregnancy. I was always hungry for some reason (I am told it was because the baby was a boy, but I am not sure how much truth there is to this old wives tale). Now I am breastfeeding and I have to consume enough good fats (think avocados and nuts) to plump up my little guy. The reality is that I only need about 200 more calories to do this. I need to say no to second helpings!

Clearly my kids aren't making me fat. They are not tying me to a chair and shoveling food and desserts down my throat against my will. Will is the operative word here. I have the will power over what I eat. If I am going to drop 15 lbs on the next 6 weeks, I am going to have to buckle down and pay attention to what I chew. Otherwise, I am sabotaging all the walking I am doing. Sure, I am not gaining any weight, but I am not losing any either.

Fall into Fitness with 15% Off Ultimate Yogi DVD Set

Click on image to buy. Use coupon code: october15. Expires: October 31, 2012

Review: The Ultimate Yogi

I think I've mentioned that I am training to walk the Oakland Marathon in March. I'm doing it in part to lose the pregnancy weight, but also to cross an item off my bucket list (complete a marathon). 

I am quickly learning that training to walk a long distance race is just as challenging as training to run it. I have already suffered two minor injuries (a sprain in my lower back and a hamstring pull). I saw a massage therapist who diagnosed the problem as a lack of proper stretching. My husband Damon suggested that I do yoga for the pain and to prevent future problems. In the back of my mind I knew he was right, but I resisted because with the little time I have to train I felt I should be doing Insanity or P90X to build strength and endurance.

Then I saw an opportunity to try The Ultimate Yogi and signed up for the both of us since he is really into yoga. Developed by yoga teacher Travis Eliot, The Ulitmate Yogi is a 108-day whole-lifestyle transformation. Everything you need is contained in a boxed DVD set that includes 12 yoga classes on discs, a training guide, a program calendar, nutrition plan and a short instructional video that demonstrates several key poses. You will have purchase some accessories like a yoga mat, block, and rug if you don't already have these.

For a busy mom like me it's important that I know how long any exercise class is so I can budget that time and plan accordingly. It was weird not to find this information written anywhere on The Ultimate Yogi DVDs or in the program guide. Maybe this part of the plan to free the mind, but I don't have a lot of free time and this information would be helpful. That being said, the program is feasible for moms (and dads). I schedule my workouts during nap time.

CrossTrain is the first workout in the program (it is around 1 hour and 5 minutes long, plus of 18 minutes of HardCORE and 10 minutes of meditation=roughly 1.5 hours total workout time for Day 1). I must say Travis is an excellent teacher (and easy on the eyes). Instead of showing off his skills he uses his reassuring voice to walk you through each pose and he paces the classroom correcting students so that you can learn proper form. 

About 15 minutes in we started to feel the burn, sweat, and breath harder. Damon and I disagree on whether you  need prior yoga experience to do this workout. I say you should be able to pick it up relatively quickly, but always consult a doctor before starting a new exercise regimen. We both agreed that it is an ultimate workout. I will be ready to power walk that marathon after using The Ulimtate Yogi!

What I really like about The Ultimate Yogi is that it combines the gentle elements of traditional yoga like deep stretching, breathing, and meditation with the physical intensity of a beach body workout. Each day of the program is designed to put your mind, body and spirit through boot camp. This is not your mother's yoga!


Buy It: Click the Banner Ad above to purchase The Ultimate Yogi  for $108 (plus tax and $14.99 S&H) and get started on transforming you! Use coupon code "LaborDay" for 20% off. Expires September 24.

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Desmond's Birth Story

They say each childbirth is different for a mom. So true. Marlie's birth was stressful thanks to a cold midwife and last minute transport from the birthing center to the hospital. I still delivered her naturally, but the labor was traumatic in many ways I wouldn't process until later. I didn't know what to expect with my second as I prepared for the challenge of having a natural childbirth in a hospital again. It could not have gone more beautifully if I had scripted it myself. I'm thinking of writing a separate post on how I achieved a drug-free birth in a hospital, but for now, I'll focus on his birth story. I want to thank my birth coaches (Damon, Jenni, and Val) for their support and filling in the blanks...

It all started at 1:48 am on Sunday, April 1st. I was awakened by a contraction and immediately knew it wasn't of the Braxton Hicks variety. It wasn't painful, but it was definitely more than just pressure. I laid in bed to see what would happen. Two more contractions followed within the hour. I tapped Damon's shoulder and let him know that this could be it. He asked me what we should do. I told him we should probably go back to sleep because it could be awhile before things pick up. But I couldn't go back to sleep, so I went downstairs and watched TV while timing the contractions. By 5:00 am they were closer, about 10 minutes apart, but only lasting for 20 seconds. Marlie woke up to use the bathroom around this time, and I went up to help her then put her back to bed. She came downstairs an hour later and we snuggled on the couch. The contractions stopped. Just like that. I must have unconsciously sent a signal to my body that I had to take care of my little girl first.

Damon joined us downstairs shortly thereafter and started working on breakfast. I decided to go for a walk to see if I could get things moving. I wasn't crazy about the idea of delivering on April Fool's Day, but I knew better than to waste precious contractions. I didn't want to be in labor for days! I grabbed my iPod and headed out the door. On the way back I ran into my natural childbirth counselor. I told her I started having contractions earlier that morning, but they had stopped and I was trying to kick-start them again. She commented on how beautiful I looked walking. I really did feel beautiful and peaceful and confident, like I knew everything was going to work out. I arrived back home around 8:00 am, had breakfast and then this sudden urge to clean. I stripped the beds and washed the linens. I cleaned the bathroom. By noon the contractions started again. They were about 30 minutes apart and didn't interfere with my activities. They started getting closer around three in the afternoon, but weren't longer than 15-20 seconds. I remember getting annoyed at this point. I tried to take a nap, but was too riled up. As dinnertime approached, they started to feel more intense, closer, longer. I was sure we were cooking this time! I called my volunteer birth coaches Jenni and Val and told them to be on standby. Damon began getting Marlie ready for bed. I tried to remain calm and time the contractions. I willed each one to come quicker and last longer than 30 seconds. Jenni called around 8:00 pm to see what was going on. I was so disappointed to tell her that they were holding steady at 15 minutes apart and 30 seconds long and not going anywhere. She asked if I wanted them to come over and go for a walk. I declined. I was tired and fed up. I told her we should all go to bed and see if anything happened in the night.

I watched some TV, then headed upstairs. I took a shower and climbed into bed. The second I put my head to the pillow...BAM! The most powerful contraction I felt all day hit me. I told Damon to start timing and twelve minutes later another intense one. I told him I was going to call Jenni and Val if I had two more just like those and, sure enough, they came on strong at 30 seconds long about seven minutes apart. I placed the call to my birth coaches. They rushed over. I was bouncing on my birth ball watching Family Guy when they arrived. They immediately took charge. We sent Damon back to sleep and they got me started on walking laps around the ground floor, squatting through each contraction to open up my pelvic floor, breathing deeply and staying hydrated. The next two hours seemed to sweep by. Thanks to the workout, my contractions leaped forward. I was at 4-1-1 (contractions four minutes apart, lasting one minute each for at least an hour) in the blink of an eye. I said it was time to grab my birth bag and head out. We woke up Damon and I threw some last minute items into my bag. I called my OB who thankfully was on-call at Dallas Methodist Medical Center and said she'd meet me there. Jenni was staying to watch Marlie while Val followed behind our car. The drive over was less than five minutes, we arrived 10-15 minutes before midnight. I had two more contractions on the way to labor and delivery, one in the car and one on the elevator. I was taken from admitting by a sweet nurse who examined me (Damon and Val had to wait in the admitting area). I was 5 centimeters dilated and 80% effaced with a bulging bag! She said she had read my birth plan and was impressed. She also said she thought it was a great idea to labor at home as long as I did so I wouldn't be twiddling my thumbs at the hospital. I thanked her for being so supportive.

Damon and Val rejoined me, and I was transferred to a room in the Labor and Delivery wing. My labor nurse was equally kind and had also read my birth plan. She recited the top three: informed consent to all procedures, absolutely no drugs, and immediate skin-to-skin contact and nursing after my baby is born. It was my turn to be impressed! She said I had to take a shower with Hibiclens. I was not prepared for this. What is it with hospitals wanting to kill off all the germs? Some germs are good! I started to argue that I had already taken a shower than evening, but decided that some hot water on my back would actually feel nice. I jumped in the shower and used one of the packets of antibacterial soap to wash my body and nether regions being careful not to use too much to protect some of the flora. Then I removed the shower head and let the jet stream soothe my lower back. Suddenly, I felt a pop. I turned off the water, toweled off and stood still. Yep, my water broke and I was leaking. I quickly put on the hospital gown and came out of the bathroom announcing that my water broke. The nurse helped me into bed where I was nearly knocked over by a contraction. I could see the immediacy in her eyes. She grabbed her clipboard and started quizzing me on my medical history while another nurse ran my IV. At this point, the contractions are on top of each other and they want to know if I have diabetes?! Don't they have my records from my OB on file? Thankfully, my OB appeared at that moment. After some quick introductions and greetings, she checks me and I am 7 centimeters. Everyone continues to prep like it's going to be a little while longer, but the next contraction tells me otherwise. I could feel the baby drop into the birth canal. I tell all in the room that I am going to have to push soon, but my OB replies that I'm not even crowning yet. The next contraction sends me up on my hands and knees yelling, "I have to push!" I felt this urge to go to the bathroom. I tell them I have to make a bowel movement (what happens next is TMI so I'll move on). The next thing that happens is my OB gets behind me and exclaims that I am fully dilated (I had jumped from 7  to 10 cm in under five minutes). She asks if I am comfortable pushing in my current position and I shake my head yes. I stretch out like a cat and give one good push, then I collect my breath and push again. I hear my OB say, "the head is already out." That's my cue. I felt the "ring of fire" and pushed one more time. I felt a big release!

The next thing I hear is mewing. It was not like the great wails that Marlie cried. Then my baby is in my arms. "Here is your son," my OB says. It's 12: 47 am. Everything else fades to gray. It's just me and him. I am told later that there was lots of suctioning and massaging because he was a little limp. I don't remember that part. I just remember holding him to my bosom and getting him to latch. I was also told later that the umbilical cord was wrapped around my left leg and the nurse had to untangle it. I don't remember this either. The next thing I remember is my OB announcing that the cord had stopped pulsating and she clamped it and asked Damon if he wanted to cut it. He did. After that, my OB examined me. The placenta was sitting there, so I had to push it out. I also had a tear (again!) that needed repairing.  I refused Pitocin in my IV to help stop the bleeding so there was lots of uterine massaging and fundal pressure applied. I had to let go of Desmond so all this could get done. He went across the room to get measured and weighed (6 lbs and 11 oz, 20 inches. Bigger than Marlie, but not the 8-pounder I was anticipating). I sat in stirrups to get stitched up and drank some Red Raspberry Leaf Tea to help staunch the bleeding. My doctor gets paged for another delivery. I hug and thank her before she goes. After a couple of hours we are moved to a private room on the maternity ward.

The super awesome volunteer birth coaches.

Val had gone home by this time and it was just me, Damon and Desmond, for like a minute, then the endless parade of hospital staff started marching in. The nurse tells me that she will check on me and Desmond every two hours. She didn't say anything about the people in between...the lactation consultant, the photographer, the patient tech, housekeeping, food service, other administrative staff dropping off paperwork. They were all lovely people and very professional, but the interruptions were driving me batty. I wanted some sleep! So I started working on getting released that day. I was asked why the rush multiple times. Did I really have to explain the constant intrusions and no rest? After much lobbying and a sworn vow to the pediatrician that I would bring Desmond in first thing in the morning, we left the hospital that night and slept fitfully in our own beds.

Monday Morning Parenting: How to make eco-eggs

Non-stick cookware made with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is no-good. The chemical PFOA, used to make the coating in non-stick pots and pans like the brand Teflon, has been shown to emit toxic fumes that leech into food during preparation. The EPA even got involved after the science community labeled PFOA a likely carcinogen and recommended a voluntary phaseout program. Every PFOA manufacturer agreed to cease the production of PFOA by 2015. No word on what DuPont will use to replace PFOA.

I'm not waiting until 2015 to get rid of my chemical-coated, non-stick cookware. Until we can afford a set of eco-cookware like Chantal or Green Pan, I insist that we use only our stainless steel pots and pans. Things can get messy when cooking with stainless steel if you're not careful. Take eggs for instance. No one wants to scrap the egg remnants from a pan after breakfast. So follow these tips for making eco-friendly eggs in a stainless steel pan that won't stick:

1. When eggs taken directly from the cold refrigerator hit a hot pan, they stick. So bring eggs up to room temperature before cooking them by placing them in a bowl of hot tap water for 5 minutes.


2. Warm up the pan on medium-low heat before adding oil.

 
Now your eggs won't stick! I was going to make a demo video, but my flip camera is full and I was too lazy to go through the video library to make space. So you'll have to take my word on the eggs!

New FDA Rules for Sunscreen Products Shines Spotlight on Skin Health

We are all educated about the harmful effects of prolonged sun exposure on our skin and the delicate skin of our children. Gone are the days of oiling up and laying out to soak up the sun. Skin cancer is real and deadly.

So we've become accustomed to wearing hats and sunglasses and slathering on the sunscreen, especially on the little ones. Just when you thought you and your kids were covered, the FDA is making changes to how sunscreens are marketed in the United States as part of the Agency's ongoing efforts to ensure that sunscreens meet modern-day standards for safety and effectiveness and to help consumers have the information they need so they can choose the right sun protection for themselves and their families.

The FDA is now requiring sunscreens to indicate whether they protect against UVB and UVA rays. If you see "Broad Spectrum SPF" on the label, that means the product has cleared the agency's bar for protecting against both types of ultraviolet radiation. And the SPF value will indicate the degree of that protection.

Only broad spectrum-designated sunscreens with SPF values of 15 and higher can claim to reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature aging (if used as directed and along with other protection measures). Sunscreens that don't carry the broad spectrum label or that do, but have an SPF of between 2 and 14, can claim only that they help prevent sunburn, the FDA says. SPF levels will be capped at 50 since the agency says there's not enough data that higher SPF levels provide significantly more protection.

In addition, sunscreens will no longer be labeled as waterproof or sweatproof, nor can they be called sunblocks. "These claims overstate their effectiveness," the FDA says. Sunscreens labeled as water-resistant are permitted, but the product label has to indicate whether it will be effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating.

The final rule will take effect by the summer of 2012, but consumers may begin to see changes to sunscreen labels before the effective date. 

The takeaways: You might be buying a false sense of security with some sunscreens. Read the label. Check expiration dates. Reapply sunscreen every couple of hours and immediately after swimming or showering. Protect the skin you're in!

photo by HB Art on Flickr

My Juice Cleansing Journal

Disclaimer: This is not meant to be an instructional guide on how to perform a detox cleanse. I am not a dietitian or physician. I am simply sharing my experience with cleansing detox regimes. Consult a trained health professional before starting a cleansing regimen.

After my alternative health makeover in 2006 and before I had Marlie, I would regularly go on a cleansing regimen every 3-4 months. Sometimes I did 10 days, sometimes on 3 days depending how "junky" I felt inside. One of the greatest lessons you will learn from cleansing your system is how your body should feel...light and energetic (body), relaxed and clear (mind), peaceful and free (spirit). It is about connecting with your body.

Unfortunately, cleansing has become very popular on the crash diet circuit. I personally don't recommend using it as a weight loss solution. Yes, you will lose weight but most of that will be water weight that your body has been retaining in an attempt to flush out toxins. Your system will let the water go with the help of a internal cleanse as it naturally detoxes. You will also lose the built up waste that your body was storing (that can be a significant amount in people who have diets high in processed foods). While a cleanse is not meant to be a magic diet pill, it is effective as a jumping off point in a long-term weight loss program (lifestyle change) that includes good diet and exercise.

For me, cleansing is about giving my digestive system a break, ridding my body of toxins and other nasty stuff, and resetting my immune system. I immediately notice the difference in my skin, which is your body's largest organ and main filter. Pimples and other skin conditions can be signs that an internal cleanse is needed.

I do several things when I am on a cleansing regimen:

• I ease into it. I eat lightly a couple of days before I start so I don't shock my system by suddenly taking in only liquids. I avoid foods that tax the digestive system like starches, simple carbohydrates, refined sugars, and fatty meats.
  
• I write out my regimen on a calendar so I can stick with it. I also plan my cleansing around my social calendar so I am not tempted to eat at parties, weddings, etc...
• I take it easy. The 800-1200 calories/day I get from drinking liquid fruits and vegetables is enough to fuel me, but not to run a marathon. I do not exercise while I am cleansing.
  
• I gently break the fast. I don't go gobble a hamburger and milkshake the day after the cleansing period is over. I slowly incorporate solids back into my diet starting with fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, dairy, then finally meat.
  
• I take probiotics afterward to restore the balance of good bacteria in my digestive system.

This round of cleansing lasted three days. As usual, I was very hungry the first day. I had to keep telling myself that it's all in my head. I drink water when the hunger intensifies. The first night, I literally dream about food. I read somewhere that this is common. I feel better the next morning. The second day is hard only because I still have to make regular meals for Marlie, and I have to stop myself from licking the almond butter from my fingers out of habit. The upside is that Marlie is loving the juices we make and drinks it up and asks for more. Love her! Some of my favorite juice combos are: apple-beet-carrot-orange, sweet potato-celery-ginger-orange, and pineapple-lemon-beet. By day 3 I am feeling sublime...hunger has dissipated, energy is up, and my stomach has shrunk. I know if I want this feeling to last, that I have to eat wholesome foods. I'm not perfect though. I am going to eat pizza and cupcakes occasionally, and when I overdo it I can always cleanse.

photo credit: Chelle's View
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License.

Let the Insanity Begin! Final Results

We did it!

We completed the Insanity 60-day workout program! Just in time too because I wrenched my left knee when I landed wrong during a power jump. Hopefully, it will be fine in a few days.

We did the final Fit Test yesterday. I cannot believe how far we've come!

I am proud of myself for sticking with it. I feel great and I look better than I have in months. I am stronger and firmer as in my inner thighs no longer slap together when I do a jumping jack. I still see more work to be done, but that's not me nitpicking. I won't stop until my abs are back to their original flatness.

I did this for me, but also for my daughter. One of my motivations is to model the importance of fitness for her. She is a fast learner, too. She loves to exercise and say "dig deep!"

Tomorrow we start our 3-day juicing cleanse. I will post about that too with before and after pictures.

Thanks to everyone who has followed my Insanity blog posts and cheered me on!

Let the Insanity Begin! Week Seven Results

I cannot believe we have only one week left in this round of Insanity. Yes, I said "this round" because we are going to keep working out. The question is what we should next: Power 90, which I bought years ago; another round of Insanity; or get the CharLEAN DVDs. I know I am not ready to graduate to Asylum, the new Shaun T. program. We definitely want to focus on muscle building. For me, it's all about strengthening my upper body and core. I want to be able to lift and hold up my body weight.

But first we are going to do a 3-day detox before we jump back into another grueling exercise program. I wish we had done this before Insanity, it would have been a nice way to kick start our weight loss by ridding our bodies of water weight, built up toxins, and undissolved waste.

I was planning to have us do the Shakeology detox, but at $120 per kit that is way too expensive. I think a better investment is to buy a juicer. I used to detox regularly as part of my health regime so I know what to do. We are researching juicers and I found several juice cleansing recipes online. The first step is to ease into it by eating light a couple of days before the juice fast (no simple carbs, no meat, no fatty foods or refined sugars...nothing that the digestive system has to work hard to metabolize). Then 3 days of juice, juice, juice! Then we break the fast slowly by incorporating solids back into our diet starting with fruits/veggies, whole grains and leaving meat and dairy for last.

That's the plan!

Easy Organic Living Challenge #3: Give a Meal a Makeover

Your family’s food should be safe and nutritious because what’s more important than the health of your child? Choosing certified organic food is a simple way to help promote health. You can do it by taking small steps that have a big impact.

Your challenge: This week, prepare a meal for your family that includes at least one organic ingredient.

Directions:

1. Choose one of your favorite family meals to adapt.
2. Identify at least one ingredient from that meal to buy organic.
3. Enjoy making food! Savor the sights, smells, and textures and encourage children too, as well.
   

Tips:

• Wondering which organic ingredients to start with? Try those that your family eats the most — milk, meats, yogurt, fruits, vegetables.
• Find deals and discounts on organic foods by using this guide.
• Use one of the following tools to learn about risky chemicals in specific foods:
  

What’s on My Food
Brain Food Selector

• There’s an app for that! Check out this app: iScan My Food - This iPhone app allows you to scan food ingredients and contains information on harmful food additives, toxic ingredients in food and genetically modified foods.

Remember to register at Baby Center to join the Easy Organic Living Group. Share your meal makeover in the comments on the Challenge Post.

Enter my Easy Organic Challenge Gift Bag Giveaway, ends April 30th!

Insanity Fit Test Tracker

Thanks to Kim at What's That Smell, better known as Shaun T's Twitter BFF, I have a table to track my progress on the Insanity Fit Test:

	Fit Test 1	Fit Test 2	Fit Test 3	Fit Test 4	Fit Test 5
1. Switch Kicks	36	43	80	90	92
2. Power Jacks	44	50	66	60	62
3. Power Knees	73	85	95	99	108
4. Power jumps	30	35	38	48	55
5. Globe Jumps	7	10	10	10	10
6. Suicide Jumps	10	12	16	17	13
7. Push-Up Jacks	12	12	16	17	18
8. Low Plank Oblique	33	36	30	40	48