Simply Lulu & MommyFit (part deux)

December 05, 2012

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Yummm... stay tuned for the recipe... below....

Last week Simply Lulu Style interviewed my trainer, Dani Simonian. Dani is a awesome trainer, so peppy and happy, but will work your BUTT off! Dani and I chatted over lunch at our health club and I asked her some questions about how to be a healthy mom-to-be and mom, every after! Here is part deux of our conversation. Click here to see last week's blog with MommyFit.

Q – During pregnancy what are 3 things women should do for healthy nutrition?

A - BE hydrated! Eat lean protein, salmon, turkey, and low mercury fish are all great. Being pregnant herself, chicken doesn’t sit will with her, so she doesn’t suggest it. Lentils and beans are also a great way to incorporate protein. Lastly, good fats such as avocado, flax (in cereals, oatmeal, and smoothies), & nuts (walnuts, macadamia, cashews).

Q – What’s a little treat you should do for yourself during pregnancy?

A – Dark Chocolate! (70% cocoa at least). A little goes a long way, and it’s got magnesium and antioxidants that makes it a good treat choice for pregnancy.

Q – After nursing, what should women eat to help them lose weight without “dieiting?”

A – Again, HYDRATE! Eat lean protein, good fats & veggies, veggies, veggies (the green leafy kind)! Also your complex carbohydrates before 3 pm. This will help curve your cravings later in the evening. Incorporate as many superfoods into your diet as possible (i.e. avocado, berries, kale, wild salmon, acai, flax/chia seeds).

Q – Why should we stay away from “diet” foods?

A – Anything marked as “diet”, “no sugar”, “fat free” disrupts the chemical balance in your blood and your hormones. Basically, it tells you to want to eat more even though you shouldn't.

Q – What are some general vitamin supplements that can help women remain healthy?

A – A multivitamin/mineral (contains minerals like magnesium). I recommend taking ½ in the beginning to see how your stomach and body react, and then gradually increase to the full dosage if that's what your body needs. A good probiotic will also help you remain healthy.

Q – Being a new mom, or a mom in general is stressful. What are 2 things you recommend to keep stress at bay?

A – Just Breathe. Go to a quiet place (even if it’s the bathroom), breathe in through your nose, and out through your NOSE slowly 10 times. By the 10^th time, you’ll feel better. Exercise! One of the tried and true ways to keep calm, and feel great about yourself.

I am very excited to partner and work with MommyFit. It's an excellent and comprehensive program for mom's before, during and after pregnancy. If you live in the Philadelphia area and would like more information. Please visit their website here!

Chicken & Broccoli Pasta, Super Easy!

Barilla whole grain penne pasta

Chicken breasts (I usually grill this ahead of time)

Broccoli (I use frozen) ** You can use other veggies too. I have used peas & red pepper!

Organic onion (yellow)

Garlic

Salt & pepper (Jane's salt is phenomenal, we use on just about everything)

Red pepper flakes

Parmesan cheese

Good Extra Virgin Olive Oil

**I try to use organic food as much as possible.

**While pasta is cooking, saute the onions, garlic and broccoli in the olive oil. Season well with salt & pepper. Let the broccoli unfreeze and then add the chicken (if it's already cooked). You can saute the chicken as well before sauteing the veggies. Once the pasta is cooked, add it to the sauteed vegetables, add about a tablespoon more of olive oil, sprinkle with red pepper flakes & a touch more salt & pepper (we are all about lots of flavor). Grate fresh Parmesan over the top and serve! It's a super quick and easy dinner for my crazy life!

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chicken recipes chocolate mom fitness mom nutrition MommyFit

Lulu Soler

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