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christian mom Fitness Fitness and Health

Reclaim your Energy: 7 Ways to get your energy back

Did you know that majority of our population feels tired all the time? Fatigue can be a common symptom in a lot of disorders and diseases, but more often than not it’s because of some bad lifestyle habits.  There’s good news and bad news. Good news? It can be easily corrected. Bad news? You’re going to have to change.  If you do want your energy back, I have seven suggestions that can help.

  1. Get up! Most of our jobs require us to sit for hours at a time which is making you tired, and most people claim to be too tired to be active and exercise.  So, what’s the solution? Get up ANYWAYS! I promise you it will boost your energy and the more you do it, the more you have.

    You can make small changes in your sedentary lifestyle to begin steps towards more energy.  Aren’t you tired of being tired? Start standing instead of sitting; stairs instead of elevators (come on you’ve heard it before) the reason is it works! Do better for yourself and get up and start moving.

  2. Stop eating too many refined carbs! I know you heard it before no carbs and that is not what I am saying I am saying no REFINED carbs meaning- stuff that comes in a box or bag that can sit on your shelf for months at a time.  You know shelf-stable goods.  Well, those items that can last a long time on your shelf are zapping your energy and robbing you sending spikes in your blood sugar but then leaving you tired and groggy.

    Carbs are a great source of quick energy, but there are better ways to get them.  There have been researching findings that suggest minimizing sugar and processed carbs at meals and for snacks will give you greater energy levels.

  1. Eat what you need! I am so glad I got out of the train of thought to eat less to lose weight.  Calories are what we use to measure how much energy food provides.  It is what your body needs to operate when you eat fewer calories than your body needs to work your body aka metabolism slows down to preserve energy for really need it, and that slowdown process is making you tired.

    Now there is no set number for calorie intake because everyone is different, but you should be getting more than 1200 calories a day to make sure your body isn’t slowing down.  So, eat up (not too much) but what you need to fuel your day and you will have the energy to perk up.

    Eat more protein!I find that along with the high refined carb diet we tend to not get enough protein. There have been a lot of protein products on the market but if you look carefully the fillers that are put in them make them high in carbs too.  Not getting enough protein can cause lack of energy.  Studies have shown that eating protein increases your metabolic rate more than carbohydrates and fats.  Also, several studies show that people with diets that have adequate or higher protein-rich foods have more self-reported more energy than others who diets had less. I would suggest eating quality protein at every meal to help you boost your energy.

  2. Drink more water! It always comes back to this, but proper hydration will give you the energy you need.  When your body is tired is because it is trying to restore itself making sure that you are properly hydrated will prevent your body from going into restoration mode.

  3. Sleep better! For such a tired nation you think we’d sleep better, but most of us are not getting enough of the quality sleep we need to function at our best; including myself.  It also makes sense why you don’t have the energy you need to go about your daily life and are relying on other sources of energy.  I have stressed the importance of rest many times before and how it is crucial to helping you operate best.

    My suggestions for those who do have trouble sleeping? Do something during the day that is physical for at least 30 minutes a day; it can even resemble exercise.  Working out can help you rest easy at night getting those zzz’s that your body needs! Take shorter naps! So, you did not sleep last night. You get home from work, and you are beyond tired.  Naps, are good right? A quick 3-hour nap will be best? Nope! Another reason your sleep is off is from sleeping at the wrong times.  Quick 20-30 minutes are reenergizing any longer than that needs to wait for the evening.  Sleeping for long stretches during the day is throwing your internal clock off try to wait till evening even if you may need to go to bed a little earlier than usual try to keep long sleep durations to night time.

  1. Stop stressing! Stop stressing and give it to God!  High levels of stress can zap your energy and rob you of a joyful life.  Aren’t you tired of being tired? Stress management is an excellent way to give you the energy you need.

    We often deal with stress by shutting down leaving us tired, cranky and worn.  There is proven release of stress and freedom in prayer, worship and devotion through other ways than sitting in a church service.

I am sure most of these tips you have heard before but don’t know how to apply them to your life, or there are so many things you need to apply you don’t know where to begin.  I may have something that can help? I have my new Bibles and Bootcamps starting in a few weeks.

I created this program to be the basic training you need in your faith and fitness journey.  Walking step-by-step, with you give you action items to help you adopt a healthier lifestyle that helps you to increase your energy, help you lose weight all while you are growing and strengthening your faith.  I would love to help you live the life you deserve and hope that you willJoin us!

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christian mom Faith Journey

Grace in Loss

 

Learning something new

Every time I think that I have this Christian walk thing figured out God gives me another challenge to master. Not that I think that I could be perfect and walk like Jesus, but I make a conscious effort to live and abide in Christ. There are so many challenges that I face in my attempts but this one in particular keeps coming up in many different ways. It’s something that is multi-faceted but people seem to pigeon hole in one or two areas; grace.

My understanding of grace is God showing unmerited favor to us in the form of blessings. A pretty generalized idea that can be applied in many situations right? Yes, so with that interpretation I never realized how much grace God really does show us daily. There are the obvious, and there are the not-so-obvious ones that we take for granted and then there are the really big ones.

graceinloss
Different types of grace

1 Corinthians 15: 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

The obvious graces that I recognize and give praise to God daily for: I woke up this morning, food to eat, clothes to wear, home, healthy family, great husband. There are the ones that we take for granted but still are His grace nonetheless. These are the ones that I never praise Him for nor do I recognize as grace but I should and need to work on. The tedious tiresome task of our everyday life is God’s grace too.  For me being a stay at home mom’s those are the ones that I tend to complain about the most. I am grateful for God’s grace I am able to stay at home. I am grateful that although I complain and behave ungratefully; he still shows me favor. Things like laundry, dishes, bathrooms, and kitchen floors (to name a few). These are the ones that I am still trying to master and he is challenging me with everyday.

Then there are the really big ones, those are monumental moments in my life that I can pinpoint the effect His grace had on me. It was by God’s grace that I married my husband. The house that we live in was definitely through His grace and direction.  One that really stands out in my mind lately and I don’t really think I have thoroughly processed is the birth of my third daughter.

 

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Life changing Grace
My youngest one was what would be refer to as an “accident.” We weren’t intentionally planning to conceive her and I was in complete denial that I was pregnant in the beginning. All the signs were there but I was passing them off as other things. Until, I was unbearably sick for days.  So, took the test, came out positive and headed to the doctor. Went through all the general procedure and had an ultrasound to measure the baby. At the ultra sound found out that “Yay! ( a little sarcasm) not only did we accidentally conceive one child but there were two in there.” Have you ever seen the commercial where the dad passes out over learning of triplets? Imagine my husbands face just before he passed out but didn’t actually fall to the ground. I wasn’t exactly thrilled but I was ready for whatever God had given us.

We continued to live life and scheduled another ultrasound appointment 3 weeks later. Still unbelievably sick to the point I had lost 10 pounds in three weeks. Was very weak, tired and couldn’t get much accomplished. Went in with my little sister and soon to be middle daughter for the ultra-sound excited to see how my two lil ones had progressed in the 3 short weeks.  At 11 weeks, I went in for the next ultrasound; Get in, lathered up, after a few swipes the ultrasound tech brow furrows, a few more swipes and she says, “I will be back I have to go talk to the doctor.” Hind sight, I should have known something was wrong but dealing with a curious 5 year old and chatting with my sister I didn’t pay attention.  The doctor comes in,introduces her self and after few swipes regretfully tells me,”I am sorry but “Baby A” no longer has a heart beat.” Seriously, how do you react to something like that? You only have had 3 weeks to process that everything will be multiplied times two and just as quickly as you come to terms with that; you subtract it back down to one.  I am not a very emotional person and I admittedly can be slow some time so it took me a long time to process that, honestly I still am working on it.

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Ephesians 2:8  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—.

We left and I had the mommy task of answering lots of questions that I couldn’t answer myself. Got seen by my doctor the next day and she explained to me that it was probably the best thing that “Baby A” didn’t make it. It probably had some “cell abnormalities, defects, they were fraternal so that should have no effect on Baby B, blah blah blah,” doctor talk. The gist is that then I was on bed rest for 6 weeks, lots of doctors appointments to make sure that “Baby B” would be okay. Fast forward 6 months and I had a wonderful, natural delivery of a 7 lb 8 oz. healthy little girl who was perfect in every way. Her name is Milah and she is my happiest child, super intelligent and a weird and funny fact was born with four nipples. We jokingly say in remembrance of her twin but there might be some truth to that we have yet to find out. (Insert twilight zone music now). Through God’s grace he had spared her from her siblings fate and she is now our little happy survivor. Her middle name is Taryn-Grace and every day I am reminded of God’s unmerited favor of  not taking both babies but sparing me one. There are days that I look at her and think, “What if there had been two?” and there are others day that I look at her and think, “What would have I done with two?”

graceinloss

 

Depths of His Grace

Just as God is infinite with His love for us, I find He is even more so with His grace. Every day at every moment we are walking, talking, breathing and basking in His grace. The birth of my daughter was death of me relying on the world, it strengthened my faith and made me the strong Christian woman I am today. That in itself if you knew the path I was on is God’s grace. Seeing this perfect little person that from the very beginning before she even came to us God showed favor. That was more than enough proof that my God is an awesome God.  Every day when I sit and reflect on the grace that He shows me in the obvious, the routine and the really big ones. (Not every day but some days there are those neon light big moments) Where not only He show me faith but glimpse of the immensity of His love for me through His grace.

How has God showed you grace today? Yesterday? In a big way?

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Battle of Motherhood christian mom christianity Faith Journey Family raising family

Breaking up with Busyness

Breaking up with busyness

September is National Self-Care month. Self-care is not about massages and manicures but about doing the things that help you operate at your best self. For me, that means breaking up with busyness. For the last several months, I have been busy with no results. The things that I invest time in has not brought fulfillment. The things that my busyness is taking away from is falling by the wayside. This month I decided to self-care I need to stop being busy and do the things that are going to bring fulfillment.

Psalm 62:1 (NIV) Truly, my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.

What I knew

I was taught, “idle hands are the devils’ playground.” It has stuck with me throughout my life. Still busying myself with a task, some meaningful and some meaningless.  Then, I became a mother and applied that to my children. Signing them up for classes, keeping their weekly calendar full with outings, play dates and activities.  Teaching them that they should always have something to do and not allowing them to have the time of rest or leisure. After rereading the story of Mary and Martha I came to an epiphanie- “I need to break up with busyness.”

Luke 10:41-42 (NIV) “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” 

For the first time in my adult life, I wanted to be a “Mary.” Previously, I took pride in the fact that I was an exceptional multitasker and exemplary at time management.  I realized slowing down and taking time to “be still” was an admirable trait.

Why is Busyness Applauded?

Many people are always on the go until they reach exhaustion.  Busyness is considered tremendous, and stillness is deemed to be lazy.  When we are still, we can hear God, be closer to Him, and use His guidance.

Mark 6:31-32 (NIV)
31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

Are we valuing our relationships?

Being busy also keeps us from having meaningful relationships with others.  We are so wrapped up in the go-go; we aren’t fostering our communities and fellowship, which is very important.

Hebrews 10:24–25

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and ball the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Are we meaningful and present in our significant relationships, like our spouse or children? Are we filling our time and presence with stuff and activities? Is it worth the stress and isolation to be task-oriented?

Three Ways I plan to break up with Busyness

  1. Say “No” more. I often say, “yes” before even thinking of how it will add or take away value from my life.  I plan on saying, “Not Yet” and “No” more and see if the situation or task will take away from my life.
  2. Get over FOMO. I often say, “Yes” because I don’t want to miss out on anything. I have always been like that but I am starting to realize that I don’t have to be part of everything and that is okay. Age brings you the wisdom I guess.
  3. Knowing my Why.  If I stayed focused on the “why” I am doing something than “what” I am doing will either have more or less meaning. Being rooted in my “why” will help me discern of the things that are meant for me.

My “Aha” Moment

The story of Mary and Martha was an epiphany for me. I discovered I wanted to fellowship, devote more time to God and my family and friends.  Have a more meaningful and present relationship with the people in my life.  It gave me permission that I needed to slow down and reduce so that I could be more like Mary. When I am planning for my children now, it’s memorable experiences versus expertise in activities. I spend quality time in the Word, with my husband daily, my family, my dog and my stress level are low.  I am living the “Mary” lifestyle and enjoying the moments instead of calculating my time. So, the last part of the year I am going to be doing less and enjoying more. This life was not meant to cram as much as we can into every hour but to enjoy every hour that we have. That’s the plan let’s see if I stick with it.

Does busy equal important? Which would you prefer the “Mary” or “Martha” lifestyle?

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Battle of Motherhood Children christian mom

Workbooks help avoid Summer Slump with TinkerActive Workbooks

This post is sponsored by TinkerActive Workbooks, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. My full Disclosure Policy

TinkerActive Workbooks are a fun way to avoid the summer slump

There are those last days of summer when the kids are bored of being home, and the school has not yet begun.  Its the perfect time to refresh on skills to get ready for back to school with some engaging interactive workbooks.  I have three children for the first time going back to school, and my kindergartner is beyond excited.  She can’t wait to ride the school bus that she has watched her sisters get on for many years.

Ready for Back to School

We are ready to begin school all we need is for it to open. So, while we wait, I thought it would be a great time to explore TinkerActive Workbooks.   These workbooks are comprehensive, curriculum-based workbooks.  Each lesson has an interactive “tinkering,” creating and engineering project connected.  These activities improve your child’s ability to reinforce the skill learned in the experience.  The lessons are also very simple and don’t always involve lots of materials you don’t already own.   We had fun, refreshing math and science skills that she will expand in kindergarten this year.

Interactive Learning

Introducing these tinkering activities was a great way to pass the time until kindergarten began.  It also increased her excitement to learn new things and skills.  I am so impressed with the TInkerActive Workbooks. We are exploring foundational skills in STEM, Common Core. The lessons in the workbook for math covered themes like classifying and sorting, counting and quantities, counting by 100 by tens, measurement, 2D & 3D shapes and basics like addition, subtraction, and place value.

 

Built-In Motivation

Every child wants recognition, and for Mimi, it’s a great motivator.  In the TinkerActive Workbook, it includes progress recognition stickers and a Final “Secret Magnetic Merit Badge” for your child once they complete the book. It was fun to find the “hidden treasure” as a reward for completing the workbook. Mimi told everyone who would listen about her “hidden treasure.”  What a fun way to reward all her explorative work.

Sending my Baby off to School

The activities were just as fun for me as it was for Mimi and an excellent way for us to bond before school begins.  My last baby is leaving the house, and I know the time will fly.  I also have a tenth grader starting school this year, and I remember the days of teaching her to read and write.  It’s bittersweet preparing my baby for school, but I know that she is going thrive this year.  Exploring with our hands and minds is fun with TinkerActive Workbook.  We just began the science workbook, and we both are excited to complete it in the afternoons after morning Kindergarten.

TinkerActive Workbooks are great education Support

If you’re looking for an activity workbook for your kindergartner, I highly recommend you check these workbooks out. It’s an excellent opportunity to engage with your child through learning and a great supplement or support for school or to avoid the summer slump. TinkerActive Workbooks can be purchased wherever books are sold. If they decide to purchase on Amazon, share your thoughts, and submit a review for TinkerActive Workbooks. 

 

How do you bridge the gap in the summer?  Does your child learn better with play-based curriculums and tinkering?

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Battle of Motherhood christian mom Faith & Self Care

#OwnYourBodBabe on May 13

I am participating in this years #OwnYourBod on May 13th and I want you to join me. There is something that has been irking me since my birthday and today I’m going to tell you what and why?

So, on your Birthday Facebook lets your social media know it’s your big day and people comment, post pictures, videos. It’s awesome you feel celebrated and loved. Well, I try to give people the same respect as they give me and respond to each and every comment I receive. (I know crazy) Anyways, I read every comment.

Well, my last birthday there was a comment that hit me in the gut.  Now, maybe I was taking it wrong but it went a little something like this:

“Happy Birthday to someone who has worked so hard to make their body look good!”

Did you feel the blow to the throat?

The greater hurt was that I see this person every Sunday when I go to Church. Alright, now you are feeling me?

 

My Intended Message

In the last four years, it has never been my intention to promote a perfect body. I have admitted that I am vain and that my weight loss journey began because I wanted to get skinny. But, that changed during the process and it became an authentic passion to help other people honor their temple and transition into a healthy lifestyle.  

The results of moving your body and fueling it properly is that not only you look good but you feel good. That is what I have worked so hard on is showing others that a healthy lifestyle is possible and the results are that I look good.  

I also have become more confident and aware of who I am and proud of the achievement that I have made and my goal is no longer to be skinny but I really wouldn’t mind being the strongest woman in the world.

Owning my Body

So, today I chose to Own this strong body and say, “Yes, I look good and I have worked hard.” If that inspires someone to respect their body and treat it the way God intended then I’ll take that throat punch of others passive aggressive opinion.  I am on a mission to serve others by helping them find and live a healthier lifestyle. Earlier this month, a Facebook Memory popped up that I did a year ago with ReadersDigest.com. Sharing the message that EVERYbody is a bikini body.  

We really need to stop comparing ourselves to filters and being the best of who we can be.  Again, I am being bold and stepping up I am also joining an inspiring Influencer that I met last year at the life-changing Well Summit.  I have grown so much from the things I learned at the Well Summit as well as the connections that I made. Amanda from  Prim and Propah

 

#OwnYourBodBabe Vision

Amanda invited me to share this message today.  Amanda shared the vision also came from her own vain reasons:

“I started #OwnYourBodBabe because simply put, I wanted to wear a shirt that was cropped. Pretty superficial, right? But as I started coming to terms with the ingrained yuck surrounding my own self-image, I began to realize that this sh!t was going to take some work. I plan to talk about the hard work it takes to really commit to self-love/appreciation/acceptance and some days just dealing with the funk.”

“OwnYourBodBabe intent is to open up a conversation “ to encourage ourselves and others to appreciate and love our bodies, not to be dragged down by ugly societal pressures and the urge to try to be something we are not.”

Sports Bra & Capri Leggings gifted from Handful Bra

 

Share the Message

Today on Facebook, Twitter and specifically Instagram join us in by following the hashtag  #OwnYourBodBabe and be inspired and encouraged by other women to love your body. Then other people’s opinion won’t matter.  Now if you aren’t comfortable posting which is understandable there is another way that you can participate. Amanda created these questions for you to take some time today to ask yourself:

  • “Why do I give myself a hard time?”
  • “What causes me to feel self-conscious?”
  • “Why do I hate my ‘insert perceived flaw here’?”

Answering these questions can help you to start discovering and appreciating your body for how amazing it is versus your physical appearance.  That is the beginning of transformation and that is exactly what I have worked so hard for and hope I impress on others to achieve.

Conquer you #OwnYourBodBabe Monday, Beauties!

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