group B-strep test is up next, guys. HEY FIT FOODIES! i'm gonna get in as much last minute preggo blogging as i can these last few weeks (or days, that's cool too). my 8th month has whizzed on by
*bloop*
and i'm knocking on week 36 in like 2 days, praise God!
O_o :P >:( :'( :| #flipacoin
early AM workout classes & breakfast:
so, getting up at 4:15am to teach my classes is only getting rougher. but i'm hanging in there! that's my automatic answer for my gym members every time they ask me how baby and i are doing, lol. that's really all i can say though, seriously. sure i'd rather get those extra hours of sleep but i feel good after i get on up and most days and the urge to workout is still strong.
mmhmmm, don't forget that. aim to move every single day, even if it's just walking around your hood.
i am asked how i am still doing HIIT training this late in the game. modifications! lighter dumbbells, monitoring my heart rate, using my knees instead of toes for pushups...just a few examples. see vid below! plus i'm doing way more coaching/encouraging/motivating and 'working' the group exercise room more. the classes are NOT about me anyway- it's all about the members! i'll do a quick demo of a high intensity/plyometric move though, then quickly modify it just so i can keep moving with the members.
[wpvideo lBg6kZRN]
eating, on the other hand.... i know my appetite is flaky cause baby boy is growing rapidly and fattening up for his grand exit/entrance, but after breakfast and a small lunch (even after working out), i could honestly be done for the day. the rest of my meals are pretty much forced since i'm still very active, so WE need those cals and nutrients to keep coming. and they shall. so i have my pre workout snack (usually banana w/ peanut butter) on the way to the gym, then tackle my real breakfast afterwards as usual.
here are some breakfasts i've been rotating (clockwise starting from the top L):
1. spinach, tomato, and mushroom scramble (1 whole egg, 2 egg whites) with strawberries and blueberries
2. 4 egg whites over a whole wheat english muffin & topped with homemade guacamole w/ blackberries & a halo
3. spinach & mushroom egg scramble taco (La Tortilla Factory 80 cal light low carb, high fiber flour tortilla) w/ shredded part-skim mozzarella & pineapple salsa w/ berries
4. plain greek yogurt with strawberries & blueberries and dribbled with maple syrup (also a great post-workout snack)
individual workouts & lunch/dinner:
i have been enjoying taking classes to the fullest these last few weeks! why?
- i'm not up there teaching so i can stop at any time :P
- i get ideas and inspiration for new moves i can use later in my own classes and just experiencing another instructor's style, music, and motivational sayings
- group fitness is FUN and keeps me motivated! i look forward to it. period.
i do a combo of the following every week:
- TKB - turbo kickboxing
- Zumba
- Barbell Strength (Lifetime Fitness signature formatted class)
- Step (don't knock it lol! keeps my heart rate nice and steady... great cardio workout vs. the boring treadmill and elliptical)
- Weights - since i'm not lifting crazy heavy, i'll do a full body workout in one day most times using basic exercises for each muscle group. 3-4 sets of 12 does the trick. looking forward to getting back to my postpartum 6 Pack USA workouts though.
lunches and dinners (starting clockwise from top L):
- homemade Chipotle inspired salad (i cut the chicken into chunks and marinated it in Weber Kick n' Chicken seasoning blend)
- Kick n' Chicken pan seared chicken breast with pan roasted brussels sprouts and grilled pineapple
- pan seared whiting (cheaper than tilapia at Walmart right now so i gave it a try) grilled squash, and fresh coleslaw
- salmon & avocado deviled eggs sprinkled with sweet & smokey paprika and black pepper with raw sugar snap peas and sliced roma tomatoes on the side.
the bump and i will be walking down the aisle in my brother's wedding this weekend! can't wait to party and celebrate gaining another sister. fun times ahead. and cake.
-----> if you are preggo and need help with staying on track (or starting) a healthier workout and nutrition regiment for you and your little bundle-to-be, please check out www.pregnantnotpowerless.com and sign up! even if you're not preggo but know a woman who is, please tell her about this awesome program created by one of my inspirations and fellow fit mom @babyfatboss on IG. follow herrrrrr! <------
i had every intention to get dolled up for today's appointment buuuut i ended up following Dego's lead. we just want to be comfy. lol. we did wear pants though. seriously, i plan to put more effort into my appearance these last few visits cause it makes me feel darn good when i take the time to do so. i don't shy away from posting on social when i look a hot mess either though...i'm not ashamed of my reality on the other 5-6 days of the week. i use the #RealityIG hashtag often cause perfection is not inspiring to me, authenticity is!
it's weekly appointment visits from here on out yall. already! (i say already like the time has been flying by this trimester, ha). now is also around the time i get the, "your baby is gonna be so tiny!!" comments the most. brang'em on! i know most women mean well (although some directly imply that something is very wrong with me or baby :- | ) , so i always give them the benefit of the doubt. i'm measuring 35 cms for week 34 according to my OB so all is well, praise be to God. sometimes people either forget or can't tell from my pics that i'm 5' 10'', but height is only one of the maaaany factors that contribute to bump size. that's a whole nother blog post tho! the night before my appointment i could totally feel something happening and i got super uncomfy again right before bed... this baby has flipped into a horizontal position again. the nerve!! we've still got time to get it together though. my last ultrasound happens on my next visit; can't wait. 
now i'm gonna go do all the stuff i told my OB i haven't done yet when she asked. you know, re-registering for the hospital, packing my overnight bag, taking maternity pics, dusting off the newborn car seat, naming the baby, etc. mhmm. k. bye. 
