Clomid Crazies

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Run For Fun

Ok, so maybe I am not going crazy, just yet, but this title just stuck in my head and I was really excited to use it so there we go Clomid Crazies. A few days ago I was actually debating posting on this because I was starting to get the idea that maybe this is TMI….and maybe it is. However, during the week I got such wonderful emails, and PACKAGES from amazing bloggers and readers that how could I not post. Plus, even more importantly not only am I gaining support, but I feel as if I am also supporting others too. Thus, if all if this is TMI, I am sorry. I promise to come back next week with some fun sweepstakes that I have been meaning to – think iFitness Bondi Bands galore!

look what I came home to last night from Jenny. I swear bloggers are the most amazing people ever, this was a “Cheer Up” package, it did the trick

So back to Clomid Crazies. On Monday, we got the blood tests back and we got good news. Mainly without getting all technical and stuff, the blood tests showed that I may indeed respond to Clomid. No guarantees of course, but potential. On Tuesday, (I like to act fast), we were in the office having an ultrasound to make sure that for some amazing reason that I was not pregnant already, I was not. So we set out making a plan to start Clomid instead.

This is how I understand it (just in case anyone out there is wondering). The goal of Clomid is to make follicles in my ovaries grow. In order to ovulate your follicles need to be at least 22 mm. I have a lot of follicles, but the largest one is only 8 mm. My doctor tells me that the little ladies are really trying and that the weight gain might have helped it some, but we need more help. Thus, I will take Clomid for 5 days. We will start with half a tablet. This may be too much but they don’t want to risk too many follicles growing at once, so they start low (I worry this will just be a repeat of when I was on Provera where we started low, nothing happened, upped the dosage, and still nothing happened – But I am trying to stay hopeful). This coming Wednesday, I go back to the doctor to see if a follicle has grown enough. If it has, they will give me a shot of HCG that is supposed to induce ovulation and then Aaron and I have about 48 hours of potential, what my doctor calls, “baby making time.”

So simple and easy, right? HAH. There are a lot of things that have to fall into line such as my follicle growing, having only one follicle grow (too many and we can’t do it), having the shot work, and then actually conceiving. So yea it is not just that easy but I am trying not to think like that and remain positive and hopeful. I am really excited to be doing something besides just sitting on my butt, literally (I have run 2 miles this) and gaining weight. And if this does not work, we still have other options which are promising as well.

Overall, my thoughts on taking Clomid. I consider this, just based on my own opinion, a hit or miss drug. It seems like for some people it works and for others it does not, unfortunately it seems like for too many it does not work. I have heard potential side effects include bloating, moodiness, and hot flashes, basically a severe form of PMS. I apparently love to hit the bloatiness category and just like with the Provera I feel like a beached whale. I am also a bit concerned, to be completely honest, that this bloating weight will stay with me like the Provera weight did but I am not letting that bother me too much.

This was a very technical, matter of fact blog post, I guess. So maybe just a few other thoughts. Over the past week, I have really tried to relax about this whole experience. Between having an extremely restful and relaxing weekend last weekend and trying the new Clomid and feeling like I am actually doing something, I feel a lot more “chilled out.” I know this is important so I am going to try and continue that pattern this weekend. I am also just working on visualizing what I want and take a lot of time to just be peaceful and mindful, especially while at acupuncture (more on this later).

This is either my relaxed/bloated face or my “I just found out a fro yo place is coming in last than a week to a strip mall across the stress from my office” – you decide

I don’t know if any of this will work. If running 15 v. 15.5 miles a week will help or if eating an extra handful of nuts each day will be the trigger that helps us have a baby. I just don’t know. But I cannot worry about of things that I cannot control any longer. I will do what I can do for right now including Clomid, extra fats and proteins, moderate exercise, and acupuncture and let G-d take it from there. As Debbi reminded us “Que Sera Sera,” ”Whatever Will Be Will Be…”

Happy Friday! Have a wonderful relaxing weekend

Dole’s Healthly Lifestyle Blogger Summit

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Carrots n Cake

3 planes

14.5 hours

3,205 miles

And I’m finally here!

What an insane day of travel. I’ll spare you the details, but let you know that American Airlines has a lot of broken planes. I’m glad I’m not flying them home!

All of that travel was well worth it though. I arrived safe and sound at the gorgeous Four Seasons in Westlake, California for Dole’s Healthly Lifestyle Blogger Summit. I’m spending the next two days listening to wellness-related presentations, nutrition discussions, and participating in spa (!!!) and fitness activities. Obviously, I am psyched to be here.

I’m also psyched about my hotel room at the Four Seasons. It’s beautiful—and you know how much I love hotels.

TV in the bathroom? I’m pretty sure that means it’s fancy.

Because of my crazy travel adventures, I missed the first 1.5 hours of the Summit’s kick-off event, a cocktail hour followed by a “Healthy Chef’s Challenge,” which was basically an Iron Chef-esque competition to introduce attendees to one another and challenge them to re-create a Thanksgiving meal with a healthy twist.

Groups were formed and then divided into teams where they prepare healthy entrees using a variety of Dole products and then presented their dishes to a panel of judges.

I arrived almost at the end of the competition, so I just watched and drank a glass of wine, which I really needed at that point in the day.

Group pic!

After the cooking competition, we sat down for dinner.

We started with a thick asparagus soup, which I absolutely loved. (I’m working on getting the recipe for it, so don’t you worry!) I’m not generally a huge fan of soup because it doesn’t normally fill me up, but this one was very satisfying—heavy, but not gross heavy, ya know?

The main course was the most amazing buffet—yams with bananas, farro spinach salad, grilled scallops, mint roasted Brussels sprouts, sliced turkey, and spinach salad with figs and goat cheese. So delicious, so nutritious.

For dessert, we enjoyed a slice of pumpkin pie with a ginger snap crust and some berry crisp—also delicious.

After eating all of that food and experiencing some serious jet lag, I was so ready for bed. I snapped a quick photo with Monica, went straight to my hotel room, and face-planted in my bed. I slept great last night.

Busy day ahead! Stay tuned!

Be Thankful Challenge

I’m grateful for blogging and everything that it has afforded me. Who knew a little hobby would become such a huge part of my life?

The Choose Health Challenge Sponsored By BistroMD

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Mommyglow

To say living healthy lifestyle is a challenge is an understatement. As a single working mom, it’s hard to ensure that I’m taking all the necessary steps to live a healthy lifestyle not only for myself, but my daughter as well. We have fallen victim far too many times to grabbing something on the run which is always unhealthy. Committing to living a healthy life is hard, and I have tried a lot of different programs to help me lose weight and tone up. Everyone says that your diet is key, and as I learn more and more about the items I consume, I couldn’t agree more with this statement.

But, I’m glad to say that I have committed to living a healthy lifestyle not only for myself, but for my daughter as well. I have to start practicing what I preach. I make it a priority to ensure that my daughter is eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise, and I need to start applying the same principles to my own life. It’s amazing how one seemingly small change can lead to a lifetime of healthy choices. My small step has been to eat breakfast. I’ve never been a fan before, but I realized by the time lunch came around I was devouring everything! Not good. So usually on Sundays I boil 6-8 eggs to have in the morning along with some almonds and/or baby carrots. I never desire a huge portion, so having a small breakfast really works well for me.

I was excited to hear about BistoMD’s new “Choose Health” challenge. BistroMD delivers meals for a lighter, healthier you. Every meal is hand-prepared by chefs and provides lean adequate protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fat ratios to support healthy weight loss. They use quality, natural ingredients without hormones, added fillers and unnecessary additives or preservatives. This means no MSG, no Trans Fats, just delicious meals that are good for you. I can dig it!!

To join in on this amazing challenge visit www.facebook.com/bistromd and tell them how you’ll challenge yourself to start living healthy. If committing to a healthy lifestyle wasn’t enough, you can also win great prizes like a week of healthy weight loss meals, an iPad2, or a $500 shopping spree or cash! So run, don’t walk over to their page!! In addition BistroMD.com is offering FREE Shipping on your first week of meals. Simply Use Discount Code: ChooseHealth at checkout.

Have you committed to living a healthy life? If so, what small steps are you taking to help reach your goals?

Happy Healthy Living!!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post by BistroMD , opinions expressed are the blogger’s own views not influenced by any outside biases.

Healthy Halloween Pre-Trick or Treat Dinner

Posted on October 25, 2011 by SheerBalance

Although Halloween is a holiday geared towards indulging, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. This Halloween, add a healthy pre-Trick or Treat Halloween meal to the “to dos” for your family and you may help them avoid overdoing it.

Before your kids (or you) head out for a night of Halloween trick or treating, feed them a healthy, nutritious dinner. Focus on whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats to fill them up and keep them from getting hungry while going door to door. Watch the segment on (Fox25 Boston) below for some tips and recipes for this ghoul filled holiday.

Jack O’Lantern Quesadillas
Ingredients

16 (8-inch) whole wheat tortillas
8 teaspoons vegetable oil
4 cups grated low-fat cheese (12 oz.)
1 lb. chicken strips
1 Green pepper – chopped fine
1 onion – chopped fine

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake chicken for 20 minutes.
Use a sharp paring knife to trim away some of top of the whole wheat tortillas, leaving a 1-inch “stem” so tortillas are shaped like pumpkins. Repeat with remaining 8 tortillas. Use a knife to cut two triangles for eyes and a crescent for a mouth into 8 tortillas.
Remove chicken from oven when done and set aside.
Set oven to Broil on high and place an oven rack about 5 inches from heat source. Line a baking sheet with foil and mist with nonstick cooking spray.
Warm 1 teaspoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tortilla without eyes and mouth, sprinkle with a scant 1/2 cup cheese, green pepper, and onion. Lay a few thinly sliced chicken strips over the mixture. Cover with cutout tortilla. Cook until underside is golden, 1 to 2 minutes, slide onto baking sheet, and repeat to make three more quesadillas.
Place baking sheet under broiler and broil until tops are golden. Slide onto a serving platter and loosely tent with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining tortillas and cheese. Serve immediately.

Healthy Snack Halloween!

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Eatliveblog

Did you know that Pink Panthers are addicted to Grapes? True story.

Today I have a very special Monday Halloween Edition of Healthy Snack Wednesday! Make sure to read all the way to the bottom for a chance to win your own trick-or-treat stash!

Here is the question. Why does candy rule Halloween? Sure, I love a few bars of chocolate to celebrate, but as a kid didn’t we almost always eat about a third of our stash, go into a sugar coma, and then forget about the rest of the candy until we find it petrified several months later?

Besides the time I was a shrub, this is my most embarrassing costume ever. At least I committed to the whole clown thing…

As an adult we have the chance, dare I say the responsibility, to make Halloween a little less glutinous, and a little more edible. So, I have a couple of suggestions of goodies you may want to opt for when distributing Halloween Booty this year. I would like to mention that the 3 snacks I have listed below were sponsors of the Boston Brunchers Bday Brunch. However, I love all of these products and what they stand for!

Biba

Biba is an all natural blend of essential vitamins, minerals and electrolytes with a crisp, refreshing lime taste. Caffeine free and low in sugar, Biba is a hybrid beverage; the great taste of a sparkling all natural soda loaded with electrolytes and vitamins to keep your body naturally hydrated.

I was super surprised when I tasted Biba. I am not a fan of “diet” drinks, and I am also not a fan of sports drinks. By reading about Biba, I somehow expected it to be in one of these categories. But it wasn’t. It was like a much more refreshing, less sweet lemon-lime soda. You really have to try it to understand. I promise the taste will happily surprise you too!

Why is this a good Halloween Treat? Hopping house to house with copious amounts of sugar can make a kid thirsty. Your trick-or-treaters will be excited to be able to quench their thirst without heading home. The cans are very light weight, and won’t weigh down their stash at all. Plus, you know you will be the only one on your street giving out beverages! Kind of like the one house in the neighborhood that gave away the full-sized candy bars. There was always a line to get to that guys doorbell!

Popchips

Have you tried popchips yet? If not, where the heck have you been?

think popped. never baked. never fried. when they said it couldn’t be done, we raised the snack bar. how do we do it? well, first let’s talk about how we didn’t do it. we never fry our chips. that just puts a lot of stuff in there that we could all do without. we never bake our chips either. that just takes a lot of flavor out, which, as snackers, we simply can’t so without. so we came out with a chip like no snack aisle has ever seen (or taste bud has tasted). thanks to the magic of popping, we found a way to pop all of the flavor in while keeping the fake stuff and more than half the fat of fried chips out.

Why is this a good Halloween Treat? Handing out Popchips for Halloween will instantly up your street cred with the kids. You are giving them a snack that is unlike any other they have tried. Step it up by handing out the new Jalapeno flavor, and instantly your house will be the neighborhood trendsetter!

Pretzel Crisps

Pretzels that you can dip without stuff falling off, and they come in absolutely flavor-bud bursting flavors?! I’m in!

Pretzels Crisps® are a great alternative to potato chips and other snack foods. They contain 110 calories per serving and no fat (10-11 crisps) compared with 150 calories and 10 gram of fat (1 g saturated) per one ounce serving for potato chips.

Why is this a good Halloween Treat? I’m not going to lie, parents will probably steal the Pretzel Crisps out of their kids’ trick-or-treat bags before the last door bell has been rung! They are the perfect snack for entertaining, and the perfect substitute for greasy potato chips! But parents, you don’t have to steal the Pretzel Crisps from your kids, because I am about to make your Halloween!

Pretzel Crisps has generously offered one lucky Eat.Live.Blog reader a case of 150 Halloween sized (.5 oz) bags of Pretzel Crisps for their Halloween trick-or-treaters! All you have to do is comment below with a favorite Halloween memory or snack. If you would like an additional entry, and if you are on twitter, simply tweet “The perfect trick-or-treat snack thanks to @pretzelcrisps & @renh77 http://wp.me/pVsto-yA“. Leave me a comment here to say that you tweeted.

Contest open to residence of the continental US only. You must be at least 18 years old to win. Entries must be received by Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 11:59pm. Winner will have 24 hours to respond to the winner notification email.

So happy trick or treating readers! I look forward to reading what your favorite treat is!

A Day In The Life of Me-Nutrition Series

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Onefitfoodie

I have wanted to do a post sharing a typical day in the life
of ME for a while now, but I hadn’t had a chance to get around to it it—until today!
I just wanted to give you all a little glimpse into a typical Onefitfoodie day
from the standpoint of nutrition, training and health. As some of you can see,
I don’t share too much from my personal life on my blog, and this is just my
decision. I will continue to share valuable information with you all regarding
healthy recipes, exercise tips, workouts and motivation, but putting my
personal life out there in the world wide web is just a personal choice that I do
not feel as comfortable with.

Today this post will focus on the NUTRITION aspect of my day. Stay tuned for training in a later post!

Usually I get to work around 7am
(sometimes earlier)

I have my food packed the night before (or sometimes I will
make a quick protein shake in the morning) This is what I take with me for the
day

Breakfast:

Cooked
oatmeal with cinnamon and nutmeg mixed with 4 eggwhites, ½ of a banana and some
source of healthy fats (spoonful of almond butter or coconut oil)
1 slice Ezekial bread with 1/2 T almond butter, 1/2 banana, 4 egg whites and cinnamon
Large coffee with fat free half and half and stevia

Mid Morning Meal:

Serving of either ground turkey, beef, chicken with green veggie and 1oz cooked
brown rice pasta OR sweet potato. I top this meal with mustard and 1 tsp of
olive oil

Another Mid Morning
Meal Option:

6oz container of plain Greek yogurt. ½ C cooked quinoa OR ¼ C
raw oatmeal. 1 tsp almond butter, snap peas and ½ of an apple

Lunch:

Big salad
with lots of veggies, 1/2 cup cocoa roasted chickpeas, 1 serving of protein
(tuna, chicken, beef or tofu) Dressing made with olive oil and balsamic
vinegar.

****Pre Workout:

1 rice cake with ½ T almond butter, 10 banana slices

Mid Afternoon meal
(post workout)

Protein shake such as

Dinner (dinner varies depending on where I am, if I am dining out, what is on hand) Last night I had:

4oz grilled salmon (marinated in zest of 1/2 orange and juice, soy sauce
small green salad with cucumbers, red peppers, 2 T dried cranberries, balsamic vinegar
1/2 C cooked butternut squash topped with cinnamon

Other dinner recipes I love:
Rosemary Balsamic Chicken Breast
Cheese stuffed chicken breast with sweet potato and broccoli
Coconut Lime shrimp
Terrific Turkey Meatloaf
Blueberry Balsamic Turkey Burgers
Lentil Falafel Patties

Before Bed (I choose 1)

1/2 C cottage cheese with 1 T nut butter
Greek Yogurt mixed with almond slivers and cinnamon
1 scoop pea protein (made into ‘fudge’) mixed with caramel flax oil and nut butter
Mama Pea’s Protein Truffles
Protein Pancake (1/2 scoop pea protein, 2 egg whites, 2 T pumpkin, cinnmon. Mix in magic bullet and cook for a few minutes on each side. I top it with 1 T almond or peanut butter)

As you can see, I really try to eat whole, unprocessed foods and focus on fruits and vegetables and plenty of protein and healthy fats! Lately I have been loving beans as a source of carbs and protein. I love them topped on my salads and even alone before a workout! They give me great energy and they are so cheap and versatile.

Keep in mind, this is just a typical day. It is not everyday and sometimes I eat more sometimes less. This is what works for me! I do not want anyone taking what I just wrote and try to mimic it to a “T” thinking it will magically transform them. This is just what I enjoy and what works for ME.

I never eat the same exact thing day after day for a few reasons. First of all I get so bored! I don’t know how some people can eat the same exact thing at the same exact times everyday and enjoy it! Sure, I love certain foods and maybe do have them once a day (such as oats or nut butter) but I try to vary up the way I use the ingredients, when and with what other foods. Part of the enjoyment of eating is just that; enjoying it. Don’t try to force yourself to eat foods you don’t like just because ‘you think you need to’ There is no magic formula! Try different fats, proteins, carbs, veggies and fruits!

I also eat some unpictured food throughout the day if I am hungry such as

Raw almonds
Rice cakes w/ nut butter
Extra piece of fruit
Extra protein
I also drink tea!

Tips:

Focused on whole, unprocessed foods
Eat every 2-3 hours
Eat something about 1 hour BEFORE (carbs,fats and protein) and within 45 minutes AFTER a workout (combination of carbs protein)
Get creative! Try out a new dish with new spices to change things up!
Make ahead of time. I always try to make food in bulk so I have it in my fridge for the week. It makes healthy and quick eating so much easier!
Drink H20! I try to drink 1 gallon of water a day. It gives me energy and ensures that I am staying hydrated
If you are hungry, eat! If you are not hungry, stop! Its so simple. If you are full but still have food on your plate, just take a break or save the rest for later. On the other end of the spectrum, if you are hungry after you finish eating, have a little something else–this could be a sign that you did not eat enough throughout the day!

Check out my post on my personal:

Fat Burning Food staples

Fat loss tips (<— packed with recipes!)

Questions:
Do you eat the same things everyday or do you try to change it up?
What is your favorite meal of the day right now and what is it?