Weightloss — Moms of Faith

Tuesday’s Mommy Tip: Burn Extra Calories

November 10, 2009 By Faith_Mom Leave a Comment

Do you have a great tip for Moms? They can be about anything (family friendly, of course) that pertains to a Mom’s life, including; beauty, kitchen, health, parenting, and so much more! Click Here to find out how YOU can join Moms of Faith’s Tuesday’s Mommy Tips!

NOTE: PLEASE read the rules. We have a few who are not posting to the ACTUAL TIP post on their blog. I need you to post your link to the actual TIP POST…NOT the main page of your site. THANK YOU!!

OK, on to this week’s Mommy tip…

Burn Extra Calories

With the holidays coming, I thought it would be a perfect time to share what I have been doing…

I have been diligently focusing on weighloss and fitness over the past couple of months. I have dieted on and off throughout the years, however, I never had the results I really wanted. Until now. What am I doing differently? I am focusing on all the different ways I can burn more calories and take less inss. I just got off the scale to discover that I have lost another two pounds. YEAH! I am not at 12 pounds lost. A couple of the things I am doing to burn extra calories are…

Walking: I am not just walking. I am pushing a stroller with a child in it. She is 5 and old enough to walk. However, I let her walk and run for half of our hr walk, then she get pooped and in the stroller while Mommy burns butter. I am also wearing ankle weights for maximum calorie burning. The ankle weights are great for the stroll AND speed walk portion of our daily walk. Yes, daily. I try to walk as much as possible.

Eat Less and More Often. Sounds like an oxymoron. LOL. It’s true though. I have been eating less portions. Lower fat, sugar and bad carbs. I have also gone from eating once or twice a day to 5 times. It has helped speed up my metabolism.

I am feeling better, sleeping better and looking better every day.

Note: Most of what I am learning can be found at my new website, Fat Be Gone Club. I also wrote an ebook filled with great tips and ideas to prepare, motivate and help with any weighloss program. It’s called; So, You Want to Be Thin. A GREAT resource for under ten bucks.

Well, I hope these tips help you as they have helped me. Happy Butter Burning!

A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

Filed Under: Blog, Fitness, Mom Tips Tagged With: fitness, Health & Beauty, Holidays, Nutrition, Tuesday's Mommy Tip, Weightloss

Tuesday’s Mommy Tip – Cutting Unhealthy Calories

October 13, 2009 By Faith_Mom Leave a Comment

OK, on to this week’s Mommy tip…

Quick Tip for Cutting Unhealthy Calories

I have battled weight since the birth of my first child. However, after number two it became a much more prominent problem in my life. I have been on and off diets for years until finally I decided no more diets. Now, I simply make better choices. Diets are great for some people…just not me. I feel so confined. LOL. (you can read more about my battle with weight and my current goals here.)

I thought I would share one of the tips that help me still eat what I like, however, calories are cut and it is a healthier option. It’s simple. Replace ground beef or pork with ground chicken or turkey breast. Trust me, cutting out even one or two meals a week of beef and pork is not only a healthy choice…replacing it with poultry makes it lower in fat and calories as well. It’s a win win situation!

You see, I am not a fan of “low fat.” LOL! It just does not taste good. So, when I want to make tacos, instead of going for icky tasting “low fat” cheeses. I choose to use ground chicken breast and soft tacos instead of the fried hard version. Simple changes can make a WORLD of difference in your weightloss strategy!

What’s your tip?

Filed Under: Blog, Mom Tips, Weightloss Tagged With: Diet, Tuesday's Mommy Tip, Weightloss

Nourshing Your Temple In The Comfort Of Your Home

October 12, 2009 By Chere Williams 1 Comment

Mothers have a tendency of putting everything and everyone before them. Our plates are filled with careers, household and financial responsibilities, taking care of our children, running errands, being involved in church, the list is never ending. We remarkably fit it all in, unfortunately we often do it at the cost of neglecting our own needs. God blessed us with a temple that needs nourishing. When we neglect our temple it eventually begins to fall apart.

Moms were given the wonderful gift of being a nurturer and most of us wouldn’t trade that trait for anything. However, why not give yourself the same gift you give others and take the time to nurture yourselves. There are a number of ways to relax in your own home that can provide the rest and rejuvenation you so desperately need. Taking care of our temple requires us to feed ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Ways to nourish your temple in the comfort of your own home

Nurturing the Body

I have always enjoyed a retreat to the spa and believe the money spent is well worth it, however with everyone tightening their belts and trying to save money, spas just aren’t affordable for many moms. If you can’t go to the spa then bring the spa home to you!

Choose a day when you can spare a few hours and have some alone time. Create a spa like environment in your own bathroom. Start by making sure the bathroom is clean and clear of clutter like toys or wet towels. Light soothing candles, play music you find relaxing, grab some reading material, fill the tub, add some bath salts, and soak your troubles away. Afterward wrap yourself in a comfy robe take a nap, watch your favorite television program, or drink some tea and relish in your, “me time”.

Here are some suggestions for your spa day:

Facial masks are an inexpensive way to make you feel refreshed and have clean skin. Look for homemade recipes with ingredients from your kitchen. Try an avocado mask they are extremely hydrating.
Find a moisturizer that hydrates your skin especially since colder weather is on the rise. Oils are great for dry skin.
Give yourself a pedicure. Purchase an inexpensive foot spa, or soak your feet in a basin with Epson salt.
Exfoliate your skin with this homemade tip. Mix 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 cup of oatmeal, and 1 cup of olive oil, then rub it in circular motions on your body. For soft skin cut a piece of lemon and rub your elbows and knees to soften your skin.

Another way to nurture your temple is through eating and exercise. I mentioned in a previous article the benefits of creating your own home gym. Exercise gives you the energy you need to be the nurturer you are. Don’t forget to squeeze in exercise at least three times a week.

Food is our energy source. Whatever, we put in our body is what we will get out of it. Make your kitchen a place that is conducive to nurturing your temple. Instead of high sugary snacks stack your cabinets and fridge with fruits, almonds, and healthy snacks. Buy a cookbook with healthy recipes, gather the kids and make some nourishing meals together.

Staying Mentally Healthy

If you are always running around putting fires out it can become exhausting. Your mind needs a break from your hectic schedule. When we are mentally drained it manifests itself in a number of ways. Keeping your mind healthy is of the utmost importance for yourself and your family. Most of us wouldn’t mind hoping on a plan and taking a trip to the Bahamas, but again we are in a recession.

So find some peace right at home by trying these suggestions:

Take a few minutes to sit on your porch. Nothing clears your mind like fresh crisp air.
Have a space in your home that is created for you. I wrote about creating a prayer room in an earlier article. Having an extra room to go to when you need to get away from the bustle of the family is beneficial for everyone.
Naps aren’t only for your toddler. Take a 20 minute nap to clear your mind and keep exhaustion at bay.
Keep your mind alert is by doing crossword puzzles. Curl up in your favorite chair, pull out a crossword puzzle and put your brain to work. Take the time to read a good book that is inspiring and uplifting, watch your whole mood change.

Staying Spiritually Fit

Christians know that nurturing our spiritual life and strengthening our intimate relationship with the Lord is essential to our well being. Our family and home are our priorities, but always remember that our first priority is God. For the six days you aren’t in church don’t skimp on staying spiritually fit, keep the momentum going at home.

Try these tips:

Create your personal prayer space, and try to spend at least 15 minutes to half an hour praying and studying scripture daily.
Have a group of friends come over to your home once a week for bible study.
Keep a prayer journal.
Memorize a scripture for the day or week and take time to reflect upon it.

There are so many ways to nourish our temple in our own home. Stay fit physically, mentally and spiritually in the comfort of your own home. By taking care of yourself you are giving the best gift to your family, the gift of a healthy mother, wife, and woman that honors the temple that God gave her.

Filed Under: Articles and Such, Beauty Bar, Blog, Columns, Fitness, Health & Beauty, In the Word Tagged With: Beauty Bar, Columns, fitness, Health & Beauty, In the Word, Mom's Kitchen

Save Money, Skip the Gym & Work Out at Home

August 3, 2009 By Chere Williams 7 Comments

Working out and staying fit has number of physical and mental benefits. When you exercise you generally have more energy, you sleep better, and your eating habits improve. As busy moms, we are juggling a million items are on our to do list every day, which makes it difficult to run to the gym and get forty-five minutes of cardio in on the treadmill. If you have little children, you may have to find a sitter or a gym with child care. In these economic times gym memberships seem to be more of a luxury than a necessity. But, don’t make this an excuse to skip your work out. If you can’t afford to go to the gym or you simply don’t have the time, create your own home gym. Working out in the comfort of your own home can be both affordable and convenient.

First, pick a space in your home that has an adequate amount of room for you to exercise and put your equipment in. This can be spare room, a family room, the basement, or even a covered garage. Any place in your home that is comfortable and cool will make a great place to work out.

Your work out regime will determine the equipment you will need. If you thrive on cardio you may want to invest in a treadmill or an elliptical machine. Check out Craig’s List or your local newspaper for deals on exercise machines. Invest in some weights I suggest 3-5 pounds, you’ll be surprised at how defined your arms can get just by lifting three pound weights 3-4 days a week. Stock your fitness room with mats, fitness magazines, resistance bands, a balance ball, a television and a dvd player to watch workout DVDs, a cd player or an iPod if music inspires you. Also have plenty of water on hand, if you have one of those miniature refrigerators this would be a great place to put it to use.

I find the best way to stay consistent with a workout routine is to record your progress. Hang a chart on the wall to monitor how often you are working out, your weight loss or gain, goals, etc. Keep in mind we are constantly burning calories just by running after our kids, doing housework, running errands, and doing yard work. A great calorie buster is running up and down the stairs, you can do this instead of the stairmaster, it is a great form of cardio. Have an exercise plan before you begin to maximize your time and to get the best results.

Try fitting in at least 2-3 workouts a week, think of it as your, “me time.” When you workout you feel stronger, think clearer, and are overall healthier. You don’t have to spend $80.00 a month on a gym membership, or a ton of money on a personal trainer, make your work out feasible for your lifestyle. Your workout room can be a place where the whole family can go to get healthy. With autumn around the corner and the weather getting cooler this is a perfect time to create a space in your home to help you stay fit.

When your kids see you working out and being active they are more likely to take care of themselves. Having a workout room in your home will not only benefit you, but everyone else. I still urge you to get outdoors and go for a run or walk for as long as the weather allows, but keep in mind that you can bring the gym to you. Honor your God-given temple by exercising regularly, eating fresh nutritious food, and getting plenty of rest. Remember it isn’t just about fitting into those skinny jeans it is about having a strong body so that you can be your best for yourself and your family.

Filed Under: Blog, Columns, Fitness, Frugal Living, Life as a Woman Tagged With: Columns, fitness, Frugal, Health & Beauty, Woman Stuff

Teach Children to Nourish Their Temple

May 4, 2009 By Chere Williams Leave a Comment

Children are remarkable imitators. They are constantly observing and absorbing our every move. Christian Parents have a huge responsibility to be good role models in their children’s lives. They will pick up both our good and bad habits. One of the most important life lessons that you can teach your child is how to take care of themselves physically.

The obesity rate for children in the United States is rising at an alarming rate. According to a study published in the March 2009, issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 17% of US children between the age of 2 and 19 are classified as obese. The study also indicates that parents are not recognizing the risk factors. One reason given is the parents of overweight children may be overweight themselves, therefore they misperceive the weight gain.

Weight can be a sensitive subject whether you are thirteen or thirty-three. Our culture gives such mixed messages about what is beautiful and acceptable, that it is no surprise that eating disorders are so prevalent in today’s society. There are other factors, such as time constraints to make proper meals, and the rising cost of food. It is sad when goldfish crackers are $1.39 and grapes are $2.99 or more a pound. However, parents can’t place all the blame on media and the cost of food, we must make responsible choices for our children.

Although there is an increasing concern about children becoming overweight, I think we should concentrate on being healthy and the weight will fall in place. I suggest focusing on three areas, nutrition, fitness, and preventive care.

Children’s Nutrition

If we eat junk we feel like junk, if we eat healthy meals, we feel healthy. Try some of these tips.

Visit your local farmer’s market and co-ops, the food will usually be fresher and cheaper. Buy organically if possible.
Make breakfast a priority. Get rid of the pop tarts and sugary cereal. Instead serve oatmeal or try a banana and a piece of whole wheat toast with peanut butter. Also try preparing your child’s lunch you will have more control of what they are putting in their mouth when you aren’t around.
Take your kids grocery shopping with you, and educate them about healthy choices. It is okay to get chips, but look for a healthy version of your favorite snack foods.
Eat more raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean protein, and fresh fish. Substitute olive oil instead of butter. Drink lots of water and cut out sugar filled drinks. Don’t be afraid to prepare a meal that you have never tried.
Dessert doesn’t have to be cookies and ice cream, try mixing fresh fruit in season with a good sherbet.
Aim for a home cooked meal at least a few times a week. Try eliminating fast food, if you do eat fast food try to get the healthier items.
Balance your meals and incorporate a salad with all your family meals, this is a great way for your family to get their recommended nutrients.
Plant your own garden. Your kids will be more likely to eat something they planted.

Children’s Fitness

Exercise is one of the best things we can do. It keeps us healthy physically and mentally. Get your kids and get moving!

Take long walks after dinner. You may even want to ask another neighborhood family to join. This is a good way to get in family time and the great outdoors is free!
Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise four to five times a week.
Join a gym. There are now gyms children can attend even when they are toddlers.
Have your children participate in an activity, such as soccer, dance, softball, etc. If you are unable to afford the fees, start a neighborhood activity, like kickball!
Make the summer an active time. Go hiking, biking, or swimming.
Limit television and video game playing time.

Preventive Care

Preventive care is essential to the whole family. The best way to avoid an illness is to have periodic and consistent doctor visits, for your whole family. Make it a point to schedule doctor, dental, eye, and specialist visits every year. Most of us would never skip our children’s visits, but we often neglect ourselves. Go to the doctor, so that you can be around as long as possible for your family. If one of your family members are at the beginning stages of a health problem it is best if they are treated early enough to correct the problem.

The relationship with our bodies should not be tumultuous, but should be one of love and respect. God gave us our body as a temple, it is our home while we are here on earth. He wants us to take care of it. When we honor our bodies we are honoring God. We are all busy, however, as Christian Moms, we need to make our family’s health a priority.

Filed Under: Blog, Columns, Fitness, Healthy Kids, Parenting, Teenagers, Toddlers, Tweens Tagged With: children, Columns, Diet, Family, fitness, Health & Beauty, Healthy Kids, Moms, Nutrition, Parenting, Teenagers

The Ultimate Energy Booster

April 23, 2009 By Faith_Mom Leave a Comment

Are you feeling tired, lately? Just can’t seem to wake up in the morning? Feel the need for an afternoon nap? Instead of drinking coffee or soda, try a work out instead. Studies have shown exercise to be a better energizer than even prescription stimulants. Many cases of fatigue are caused by inactivity. So if you’ve been feeling run down and need a jump start, try adding exercise to your daily routine.

Many people start an exercise regime and expect to feel wonderfully energized and alive the same day. Those people are sadly disappointed when they find themselves sore and dragging. After a week or two with no results, many people give up and assume it just won’t work for them. Studies have repeatedly shown that exercise boosts energy levels in a majority of people; the key is to be persistent. The first few weeks your body is just adjusting to the extra stress of working out. Once your body is used to the additional work, you’ll begin to feel the energizing effects of a good workout.

You also shouldn’t judge how much energy you have right after a workout. Most people feel fatigued right after they’re done, but feel more energized a little later. Your muscles need time to recover from the workload. If you feel extremely fatigued, or you don’t get and energy burst within an hour of working out, you’re probably pushing yourself too hard. Try doing a little less and building up to a greater workload.

Many people decide to start a workout routine, but are too tired to actually get too the gym or go for a run. If this is the case for you, monitor your energy level throughout the day. Pick a time when you generally feel most awake and try to schedule your workouts. After a few weeks, you should feel energetic enough to move your workout to a more convenient time.

If you still need convincing to go out and exercise, remember that a good workout can help improve the quality of your sleep. That will make you more rested and even more energetic the next day. So, if you’re feeling sluggish, get up and get moving. You’ll be feeling better in no time.

Filed Under: Fitness Tagged With: fitness, Health & Beauty

The Perfect Combination

April 23, 2009 By Faith_Mom Leave a Comment

Diet and exercise.

We hear it on TV, in magazines, from friends, family, and our doctor. We hear it all the time.

If you want to lose weight or just lead a healthy life, you need to combine diet and exercise. Well, the reason we hear it all the time is because it’s true! It’s important to do a lot of things to stay healthy, but the most important steps for good healthy weight loss are diet and exercise.

Why do we need diet AND exercise? Think about it this way…What would happen if a boxer went into the ring with one hand tied behind his back? If he’s really good, he may still win, but he’s definitely at a disadvantage. Most of us aren’t pro’s at dieting or exercising. We should take all the steps possible to give yourself the best chance at success.

If your goal is weight loss, you’d have to cut out 3,500 calories from your diet to lose one pound. That’s 500 calories per day. That doesn’t seem like a lot, but when you actually put it into practice, it’s harder than you think. Plus, eating less can make some people’s metabolism slow down so they still don’t lose weight. In comparison, jogging at a moderate pace can burn 740 calories per hour! Working out builds muscle mass and burns up more calories while you’re just sitting around.

If exercise is so effective, why not just work out and skip the dieting? Well, dieting isn’t just about eating less food; it’s also about eating the right foods. If you get the proper nutrients, your body will work better and your exercising will be more efficient. You’ll feel stronger, and be able to work out longer.

When starting a diet and exercise plan, remember to start with small steps. Tell yourself that you’ll work out 3 days a week, or eat fruit instead of a fatty snack once a day. Be sure to concentrate on what you are accomplishing and not focus so much on what you’re not. If you do more gradually, you’re sure to be lean and healthy in no time.

Filed Under: Health & Beauty, Weightloss Tagged With: Diet, fitness, Health & Beauty

Running and Weightloss

April 23, 2009 By Faith_Mom Leave a Comment

Did you know that running at 10 mph can burn almost 1000 calories per hour? That makes running one of the most efficient ways to rid yourself of excess calories. Before you get started you must remember that if you’re serious about starting a running program, you need to do it right.

Running to Lose Weight

Instead of cutting calories, adjust what kind of calories you eat. Your body needs fuel. If you don’t eat enough, your body will not only cut into your fat reserves, but your muscle mass as well. Try to get about half your calories from carbohydrates; including fresh fruits and whole grains. Try to make protein about a third of your diet. You can do this by mixing fresh nuts in with your meals. You should also get an adequate supply of good fat. Your body can feed of your reserves but it still needs a fresh supply to function properly.

When you’re ready to run, be sure to warm up. You should not only stretch, but also walk some before you start your run. This loosens your muscles and reduces the chances of an injury. The same goes for a cool down and stretching after your run. If you do get an injury, remember to take it easy. You may be tempted to run through the pain, but pain is our body’s way of telling us something is wrong. Some soreness is normal when you first start running, but if you have an actual injury, you should take it easy for a few days and allow yourself to heal.

If you’re just starting a running program, or you’ve been inactive for a long period of time, you should gradually ease yourself into running. Start slow; eventually, you can build up to running longer distances at faster speeds. You’ll eventually want to run as fast and as far as you can to burn the largest amount of fat, but you should never run farther of faster than you’re comfortable doing.

Happy Running!

Filed Under: Fitness Tagged With: fitness, Health & Beauty, Weightloss

Recipe – Quick Chili Shrimp Pasta

April 23, 2009 By Faith_Mom Leave a Comment

Healthy Recipe

This healthy quick pasta recipe is low fat and low GI.

2 cups of cooked, peeled, and ready to eat shrimp
1 clove garlic crushed
1 Tbsp de-seeded and chopped chili
1 Tbsp olive oil
Juice of one lemon
Fresh chopped parsley to garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
Whole wheat spaghetti for four

Cook and drain the spaghetti according to package instructions and set aside.

Heat the olive oil in a non stick pan and add the garlic and chili, stir over low heat for approximately 1 minute. Add the lemon juice and shrimp and heat through for a minute or so. Toss the mixture and spaghetti together, add salt and pepper to taste and garnish with a little parsley and serve.

* Low GI, low fat

Filed Under: Healthy Recipes, Weightloss Tagged With: Healthy Recipes, Mom's Kitchen, Recipes, Weightloss

Recipe – Orange Creamed Carrot Soup

April 23, 2009 By Faith_Mom Leave a Comment

Healthy Recipe

This healthy and delicious soup recipe is low fat.

2 tablespoons of olive oil
3 leeks washed and sliced
1 lb carrots, washed, peeled and sliced
5 cups of vegetable stock
Juice of two oranges
Finely grated rind of two oranges
2/3 cup of plain low fat yogurt
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped flat leaf cilantro to garnish

Place the olive oil in a pan and add the leeks and carrots, stir well until coated with oil. Cover, and cook over low heat for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften (don’t let them discolor). Pour the vegetable stock, orange juice, and orange rind over the veggies. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cover. Simmer for approximately 40 minute or until the veggies are fork tender. Let the soup cool a little then transfer to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Return soup to pan and add 2 tablespoons of the yogurt. Reheat gently taking care not to let soup boil.

Serve the soup in warm bowls and place a swirl of yogurt and garnish of fresh, flat leaf cilantro leaves and swirled orange peel slivers on the center of each bowl.

* low fat

Filed Under: Healthy Recipes, Weightloss Tagged With: Healthy Recipes, Mom's Kitchen, Recipes, Weightloss

Moms of Faith

Tuesday’s Mommy Tip: Burn Extra Calories

Burn Extra Calories

Tuesday’s Mommy Tip – Cutting Unhealthy Calories

Quick Tip for Cutting Unhealthy Calories

Nourshing Your Temple In The Comfort Of Your Home

Ways to nourish your temple in the comfort of your own home

Nurturing the Body

Staying Mentally Healthy

Staying Spiritually Fit

Save Money, Skip the Gym & Work Out at Home

Teach Children to Nourish Their Temple

Children’s Nutrition

Children’s Fitness

Preventive Care

The Ultimate Energy Booster

The Perfect Combination

Diet and exercise.

Running and Weightloss

Running to Lose Weight

Happy Running!

Recipe – Quick Chili Shrimp Pasta

Recipe – Orange Creamed Carrot Soup

Latest Features…

Recent Columns

What Have I Learned in 20 Years??

Week Four and Five

Moms of Faith Topics

MOF Sponsors

Blogroll

WAHM Links

Sponsor Links

Reader Comments

MOF Partners

Search Moms of Faith

Recent Tweets

Meta

Subscribe to Moms of Faith Newsletter

Burn Extra Calories

Quick Tip for Cutting Unhealthy Calories

Ways to nourish your temple in the comfort of your own home

Nurturing the Body

Staying Mentally Healthy

Staying Spiritually Fit

Children’s Nutrition

Children’s Fitness

Preventive Care

Diet and exercise.

Running to Lose Weight

Happy Running!

Latest Features…

Recent Columns

Moms of Faith Topics

MOF Sponsors

Blogroll

WAHM Links

Sponsor Links

Reader Comments

MOF Partners

Search Moms of Faith

Popular Tags

Recent Tweets

Meta