Fast forward to 2010 when my infant daughter, who was born at a healthy 7+ pounds, stopped gaining weight.  Because my son spit up a ton as a baby but never struggled with weight gain, I assumed that this was also the case with my daughter. Not so! After numerous visits with our Pediatrician, our community Lactation Consultant, and even a Chiropractor, both my daughter and I began probiotics and an elimination diet as part of her management plan.

My four year old son won’t be retested for allergies until he’s five, but he hasn’t had a major reaction in a very long time. My 1 1/2 year old daughter is a healthy, thriving, active little girl who’s gaining weight and catching up.  While my son remains on probiotics, I’ve slacked a bit on continuing them with my daughter. It’s difficult for her to take powders, liquids or pills so I admittedly gave up.  But my son loves his probiotic drink and will remind me when I’ve forgotten to give him his morning dose.

When my daughter stopped spitting up and started gaining weight, I began re-introducing dairy and eggs and stopped taking the probiotics. But I have to admit that I felt really good when I was on the probiotics and elimination diet. While I don’t struggle with food allergies apart from pineapples (strange right?), I do suffer from lactose intolerance so my tummy issues were few and far between while on those probiotics. Which is why I decided to restart them again.

What are probiotics?

I asked this question initially so I thought I’d share some information I learned.  In essence, probiotics are bacteria that help support a healthy digestive and immune system.

Why should I take probiotics?

Whether you suffer from digestive issues or simply want to live healthier, probiotics can help support both your immune and digestive system.

I recently began taking Member’s Mark 4X Probiotic, currently available at Sam’s Club. This particular probiotic contains 4 strains of natural bacteria and unlike other brands I’ve tried in the past, I only need to take one.  With cold and flu season around the corner, I’m hoping that this will help me get through it painlessly (last year was ROUGH!).

A 3-month supply of Member’s Mark 4X Probiotic retails for less than $30 (which is like less than $10 a month).

For more information, visit Digestive Health For Me.  Tomorrow, we’ll also be talking about Digestive Health just in time for the school season. You can follow along (and maybe even win a Sam’s Club Gift Card) on Twitter at #DigestiveHealth

Details for tomorrow’s Twitter party can be found on their site.

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias.  The opinions expressed above are solely that of the author and not intended to replace medical advice.

I’m less than ten pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight (as in before my 4 year old son was born) and while I’m so proud to have gotten this far, I’ve definitely hit a plateau.  And, of course, my body does not resemble it’s former 20-something self.  I’m not always as consistent with my workout schedule and while I work very hard to eat fresh, natural, healthful foods, I can stray when I’m out, traveling, or simply just busy.

Thanks to Kristen Horler, founder of Baby Boot Camp, I have some tips to share with you on slimming down after baby.

1. Check in!  Be sure you’ve been cleared for physical activity from your physician before beginning any work out program.  While you may be cleared 6-8 weeks postpartum, allow your body time to heal and recover.

2. Breast is best! Just for doing what your body is supposed to, you’ll burn up to 30o-500 calories a day.

3.  Start now! Post-pregnancy weight gain has been linked to obesity.

4. Say “no” to dieting! Rather than “diet” strive to create lifelong, healthy eating habits by consuming well-balanced meals.

5. Get on a routine! New moms may get into the habit of eating erratically, particularly when the baby is up at 3 am. If you wouldn’t eat that bowl of ice cream at 3 am before motherhood, curb the craving.

6. Snack sensibly! Rather than snacking on your toddler’s crackers or your prechooler’s chips, opt for fruits and veggies (and while you’re at it, swap them out for your child as well).

7. Schedule your workouts! Busy schedules make it easy to forego exercise.  Even 15 minute mini-workouts can help improve your mood, help you manage weight, promote sleep, and boost your energy level.

8.  Consume nutrient dense foods! Lean proteins like legumes can help with muscle repair and recovery post workout, calcium keeps bones strong, complex carbohydrates provided extended energy, and Omega-3 fatty acids support a healthy heart and nervous system.

Speaking of nutrition, I have to admit that all too often I’ll pop into my favorite coffeehouse for an energy boost and order a blended drink that’s both filling and calorie-laden.  During the webinar, I was introduced to CalNatural Svelte, a line of all-natural protein shakes which contain 16 grams protein from organic soy milk and 20% of the recommended daily value for fiber.  These naturally-sweetened shakes are dairy, lactose, and gluten-free and can provide sustained energy throughout the day. They’re available in French Vanilla, Chocolate, Spiced Chai, and Cappuccino. Blend it with some ice and you’ve got a smoothie that packs more nutrition than that ice blended drink I’m craving right now.

As I’m learning, it takes time to lose the weight. But I have to be persistent about doing my part.  My daughter is 20 months old and there is no reason why I can’t lose those last 10 pounds.  As a mom, I know that taking care of myself is as important as taking care of my children…for them…for myself.

How have you succeeded with your weight management and fitness goals this year?  I’d love to hear your ideas and tips.

Win It! One of you will win a Post-Pregnancy Slim Down Gift Pack (ARV $500) which will include the following:

1 Wahoo Fitness Run Pack
1 Pair of FILA Toning Pants
1 Case of CalNaturale Svelte shakes
1 CalNaturale Svelte Gym Tote
1 Copy of Kristen Horler’s Book
1 First Baby Boot Camp Class Free Coupon
Goody Workout Headbands

Simply leave your answer to my question above in a comment and you’re entered to win.  Comments will close on August 27th at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post. I attended a webinar hosted by CalNaturale and Baby Boot Camp and received information and a gift pack.

Photo Credit: johnnyberg

Despite the fact that Southern California has been experiencing a rather mild winter, illness is still rampant.  One of the things I don’t like about winter is the prevalence of viruses and bacteria that cause everything from the common cold and flu to ear infections and strep throat.

So how do we stay well during this time?  Here are some of my best tips:

1. Know when to wash your hands.  I know it sounds too easy. But handwashing is the number one way to prevent the spread of germs. So why does illness still abound in the winter?  People are simply not cognizant of when they should wash their hands.  If you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, you should wash your hands.  Before you eat and after you use the restroom are appropriate times to wash your hands.  When you’re ill, you should be extremely vigilant about handwashing after sneezing and blowing your nose.

2.  When you can’t wash your hands, antibac!  A waterless antibacterial is very beneficial, particularly with children.  Clean’s Anti-bacterial Moisturizing Hand Cream kills 99.9% of germs for up to 4 hours.  The cream is moisturizing, rather than drying and suspends germs using it’s Safety-Derm technology.   It’s available in Original, Ultimate, Shower Fresh, and Unscented varieties and free from alcohol, and triclosan.

3.  Get enough R & R: It is during relaxation and sleep that our bodies rejuvenate. Our immune system, in particular, needs this time of rest to repair itself so that it can fight off illness.

4.  Become a pro on probiotics: Whether you get them through yogurt or via supplements, probiotics can decrease the number of illnesses you get and their severity.  We like GoodBelly because it’s dairy free and helps with my son’s GI issues.

5.  Get a breath of fresh air:  One of the reasons illness is so prevalent during the winter months is that everyone congregates inside due to the weather.  This is the time when we avoid crowded, indoor spaces and opt for the outdoors.

What are your best tips for staying healthy this winter?

No compensation was received for this post

Photo Credit: davidlat.  All rights reserved.

In the fall, crocs released their new line of shoes designed to give you the benefit of toning while retaining the comfort you expect from the brand.  The innovation behind the creation of the shoe lies in the sole. The outsole is sculpted to create a rocker effect while walking, the sole itself includes a toning ring to provide stability and support, and the lightweight croslite footbed with circulation nubs offers comfort.

crocs tone is offered in four fashionable styles, including the skylar flat style which I received to try out.  The shoe is lightweight, comfortable, breathable and fashionable. While I do find the shoe to be supportive, I don’t notice a significant amount of toning.  This might be due to the fact that I’m accustomed to wearing 1-2 inches shaping tennis shoes.  Of the four styles, I find the skylar flats to be the most versatile and attractive. I’ve worn them on casual playdates with my son and with summer dresses on “real” dates with my husband.

crocs tone’s four styles retail for $44.99 to $54.99 and are available online and at retailers nationwide.

No compensation was received for this post. A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.

Flu shots are relatively inexpensive and readily available.  They’re safe, mostly painless, and effective at preventing flu epidemics.  As a mom, it’s important for me to get a flu shot so that I’m healthy for my children.  As a nurse, it’s important for me to get a flu shot to keep the babies I’m taking care of safe.

For more information on staying healthy this flu season, just visit Walgreens.

This is part of a compensated campaign with Walgreens and The Motherhood.  Gift cards for giveaway were supplied by Walgreens.

I have heard a lot about Murad’s skin care products and even have samples at home. However, I’ve never actually spent time researching the company or the founder and it would be very easy to assume that Murad was “just another skin-care line.”

I had an opportunity to experience Murad first hand with a visit to their Inclusive Health Spa in the South Bay.  The company was founded by Howard Murad, one of the world’s foremost authorities on skin health and aims to “create topical skin-care products, dietary supplements, and signature skin and body care services that transform lives.”  One of the things that makes Murad vastly different from other skin-care companies is his inclusive health approach to skin care.  Dr. Murad practices under the belief that “the ability of cell membranes to hold water within the cells is the fundamental marker of youthful health.” In other words, the way my skin looks and feels is directly related to the health of my body as a whole and is not limited to the skin.  Dr. Murad’s inclusive health approach “looks at all systems in the body as integrated and strives to optimize health globally by maximizing cellular strength and integrity.”  This holistic approach to skin care is one I’ve not encountered and I was eager to learn more.  Here is a quick video that talks about Inclusive Health:

The visit began with a tour of the spa and then proceeded into the inclusive health consultation. During that hour, I received a wellness assessment of my skin health, my sense of self, and my cellular health.  The practitioner conducted a skin analysis and showed me what my skin would look like several years down the road if I were to continue with my same regimen.  The analysis included the number of age spots, blemishes and areas of pigmentation, redness, wrinkles (ack!), smoothness, and pores.  Let’s just say I was ready for a new skin care regimen after seeing those results!  Next, the practitioner performed a series of physical health measurements to determine my cellular health and I completed a questionnaire so that the practitioner could get a sense of my emotional health.

The practitioner then took the results and came up with my overall Murad Inclusive Health Index.  This is used to create a 10 week Inclusive Prescription for Health.  One of the things I like about “my” prescription was that the practitioner empowered me to take control of my own health and wellness.  She armed me with lots of information and products to achieve a healthier me!  So what was my personalized prescription for wellness?

Some of my main skin concerns are cellulite and stretch marks.  Since we can never get rid of cellulite completely, Dr. Murad developed internal and topical products to reduce the appearance of cellulite.  Murad offers a Firm and Tone Dietary Supplement Pack which was formulated to support skin strength.  After taking the supplements for eight weeks, skin should look firmer and the visual texture of stretch marks should be improved.  I was also given the Body Firming Cream and the Firm and Tone Serum to improve skin resiliency and tone.  It took me some time to get into the habit of taking the supplements every day because there are a total of 11 pills (6 in the morning, 5 in the evening).  However, after the first week or so, it becomes a habit and you don’t really think much about it.

To address the age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles on my face, I was given the Sun Undone package which includes a cleanser, serum, lightening gel, and moisturizer. Because I live in Southern California, my skin is exposed to the sun most days out of the year.  This line is wonderful for addressing sun damage.

Additionally, the practitioner suggested that I eat based on Dr. Murad’s Pitcher of Health.  I’m hearing more and more about the benefits of eating raw foods and raw fruits and veggies can help increase our cellular water (rather than just drinking plain water).

One of the most beneficial parts of my visit to the spa was my conversation with Dr. Murad.  Dr. Murad didn’t make a special trip for me…he actually still practices, which I found quite impressive!  Dr. Murad sat down with me and we talked about everything from my stretch marks to the time (or lack of) with my husband.  He suggested that I ask for help (which I have a hard time doing), steel moments of sleep (even just catnaps), take aromatherapy baths, and have “safe time” talks with my husband.  I was honored that he spent time talking to me…it was invaluable!

I took away so much from Dr. Murad and my Inclusive Health Consultation.  I learned about the importance of self-care and holistic wellness.  I have changed some of my habits including how I eat and how I treat my skin.  I’m still working on getting more sleep and more time with the hubby.  This is definitely a process, but one I can take ownership of.

Dr. Murad recently released The Water Secret: The Cellular Breakthrough To Look and Feel 10 Years Younger.

From Amazon.com:

The Water Secret will:

• Reveal groundbreaking secrets to help you take years off your looks, feel better and healthier
• Debunk health myths through cutting-edge research and tell the truth about how inflammation, hydration, and other factors really affect your health
• Explain how damaged cells that leak water can sabotage your looks
• Introduces an integrated, multidisciplinary “Inclusive Health” approach to help optimize cellular strength
• Give you a complete 10-step action plan with recipes and meal plans to start you on the path to clear skin, fewer wrinkles, more energy, and better overall health

I haven’t read the book, but I’m excited to learn more about improving my emotional, physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

An Inclusive Health Consultation is just the beginning of a 10 week program to take control of your health and the aging process.  The body replaces most of it’s cells on a 10-week cycle and the programs Dr. Murad developed are based on that physiology.  Choose from their anti-aging, skin restoration, acne, weight management and cellulite solution and total transformation packages.

For more information, just visit their website.

No compensation was received for this post.  A consultation and products were provided which helped facilitate this review.

I don’t often blog about fitness because I feel like I should set an example if I’m going to pretend to be an expert impart my expert opinion.  I am actually extremely passionate about health, wellness, and fitness and am hoping that will transfer into measurable weight loss!

Beth at Role Mommy offered me the opportunity to review Slendertone’s EnerVive Muscle Conditioner. Having had some experience with EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) I was very interested to see how effective a consumer version could be.  The basic premise behind EMS is that an electric impulse delivered to the muscles elicits a muscle contraction.  EMS has been approved by the FDA and is used to rehabilitate and strengthen muscles.  It is also used as a complement to sport training because of it’s ability to enhance muscle performance by increasing strength, improving endurance, and speeding up recovery.

When I was in high school, I sustained a back injury after a horse decided that I was weighing him down.  I primarily sustained muscular injuries and was sent to physical therapy to assist in my recovery.  The therapist utilized EMS to help my muscles heal and return to normal functioning.

The hands-free EnerVive unit allows you to select from six different muscle conditioning programs including excercise preparation, endurance and strength building, and exercise recovery. Despite it’s initial appearance, it was actually really easy to set-up.  You insert the battery, apply the pads to one of seven different targeted muscle areas, and select your program (you may need some help placing the pads on your back).  You can manually control the intensity of the contractions with the unit.  You also have the option of varying the pre-set contraction-relaxation cycle via the Trigger mode.  When utilized, you’ll be able to control the length of the contraction.

I’ve been using the EnerVive unit for about a week for exercise recovery after walking/running.  I have to say that my muscles have not really been sore after working out which is most likely due to the system (and good stretching!).  I’m actually going to start using it on my abs in hopes that I can do something to tone this baby belly!  I’ve been trying to think about how to describe the way EnerVive feels…it’s almost like a sustained muscle twitch (but that’s not entirely accurate because it actually feels relaxing, not annoying like a muscle twitch).

In summary, I’ve compiled a list of the pros and cons.

Pros:

1.  The unit is approved by the FDA

2. The unit is very easy to use

3.  The unit allows for numerous variations in settings

4.  It is effective for relaxation and muscle recovery

5.  EnerVive is a high-quality, professionally designed unit

Cons:

1.  At $179.99, it’s definitely a luxury

2.  When you open the manual, you’ll find four pages of warnings, contraindications, and precautions which can be a little

3. Pads will need to be replaced after 20-30 sessions (a set of three retails for $49.99)

For more information on EnerVive and all of the products offered by Slendertone, visit their website!