Category: BODY – Fit & Good

Working Out, Staying Fit, Feeling Good

Launching 1:1 Virtual Nutrition Support

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Over the past six months, I have:

Gained about (I don’t own a scale) ten pounds (from overindulging, lack of movement, and seeking comfort in food during quarantine. I was home, with my family, in the cold, rarely leaving the house, eating out of stress and boredom…and actually perfectly okay with it.)

Lost the ten pounds pretty effortlessly (by figuring out a new routine, reducing stress, and re-focusing on my own self-care.)

Gained muscle, strength, endurance, and new peace of mind from prioritizing 15-30 minute workouts and more meditation/journaling most days of the week (95% of the time from home during my kids’ nap.)

This is the ebb and flow of life. Feeling stressed, getting derailed, overeating, skipping workouts, and not feeling our best during a pandemic is not only acceptable, but totally, normal.

It’s when we feel out of control or down on ourselves that it becomes a problem. If you’re in need of some support with the following:

  • laying the foundation for positive change
  • boosting your immune system and keeping your family well
  • feeling more energized and empowered
  • learning more about food and nourishment
  • grasping a sense of balance in this crazy world
  • enjoying whole foods and more creative cooking

Let’s chat. I’m excited and eager to launch virtual nutrition sessions this fall. With a Masters in Social Work, Certification in Nutrition, and as busy mom of two toddlers, I am confident in the practical tools that we will implement together to make you feel better, more balanced, healthier, and happier.

No two people are the same. Therefore, we’ll explore your personal goals (both food and non-food-related) and generate strategies that fit into your life to maximize your wellness. It is when we are able to tune into our individuality, needs, and patterns (both healthy and not, because we all have both) that we can then begin to grow into who we want to be. This takes time, effort, and support, but it’s well worth it. We’ll learn the science behind fueling your body, set you up for success, and welcome long-term transformation. Life should be wholesome and delicious…

…and you deserve to not just survive, but to thrive. Beginning September 15th, I will have space for THREE new virtual clients. If you are interested, please email kiley@onehealthyhamptons.com for more information and to set up a consultation. THANKS & BE WELL!

Cookies for Lactation (and not)

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With a toddler and an infant, I’m pretty much in the thick of it over here. Some days are harder than others. Do you know what always helps? Cookies.

Ok, now that I’ve got your attention, this recipe is actually for “lactation cookies” No, these cookies will not make you lactate if you’re not a nursing mama and they are delicious and healthy for anyone. The ingredients, like oats, almonds, and brewers yeast, are known to enhance lactation. They are also super healthy foods for anyone and will give you a nice dose of healthy carbs, protein, fiber, and B vitamins, so don’t knock ’em til you try ’em!

…and if you are a nursing mama, the good news is that you can eat these cookies and feel GOOD about it! Not that you should ever feel bad about treating yourself to a cookie or two, but these ones make you feel like a superwoman because you’re helping to feed and grow a human being, so therefor you ARE a superhero!

Ingredients: (yields approximately one dozen small cookies)

  • 3/4 c oats
  • 1 heaping tablespoon brewers yeast
  • 1 heaping tablespoon ground flaxseed
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tablespoon maple syrup OR honey (option to sub for unsweetened applesauce to avoid added sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4c dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda (if you have it, I’ve made them a bunch of times without as well)
  • a pinch of sea salt
  • optional: 1/2 mashed banana, 1/4 cup nuts or nut butter of choice, coconut flakes, raisins or other dried fruit

If you’re a baker, you would mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet in another and then combine. If you’re me, you throw everything in the Vitamix (except chocolate chips) because what new mom has time for that? Roll into balls and place on parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Cook at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Let cool and enjoy.

One Healthy Breakdown: just another excuse to eat cookies!

P.S. apologize to the new moms who I promised this recipe months ago. I have no excuse other than motherhood and I think you get it 😉

Baby Sis is Here!

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Baby girl #2 is here! Meet little miss Dakota Rae DeMarco, aka “Baby Sis.”

She was born October 15th at 5:15pm; weighing in at 6lbs 11 oz and immediately transformed our family for the better. In honor of her one week birthday, I wanted to share some bits and pieces of my experience this time around. No two pregnancies (or babies) are the same (thankfully, because last time was full of crazy, rare, and pretty traumatizing symptoms, some of which returned and others did not. Thank. Goodness. While this pregnancy was much easier in some ways, it was also much more challenging in other ways…

First and foremost, being pregnant while chasing a toddler is not easy! (hence the lack of posting!) I replaced those glorious warm baths, afternoon naps, prenatal yoga classes, date nights, and other common pregnancy indulgences with the exhausting/hilarious thing called toddlerhood. It was a LOT harder to prioritize self-care throughout the pregnancy and I’m sure it’s about to get even harder…cue the momguilt. Anyone with two kids under age 2 with any words of wisdom, send them my way…please…I need ALL the help I can get!

I must say that (although at times, it felt like I had been pregnant for three years since it wasn’t so long ago with #1) chasing a toddler does make time fly. Ready or not, here she is! Emotionally, it was a little bittersweet for me, to be completely candid. One minute, I’d feel overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement and the next, my heart would break a bit thinking about losing 1-on-1 time with my “big” girl (who really is not so big at nineteen months old.) I worried about how this change would affect her, how she would react to a sibling, and how the heck I would handle two little ones when sometimes one was hard enough. Apparently, I was told by many older, wiser mothers that these feelings are somewhat normal in this situation.

Now that she’s here, (most of) the worries have changed to love and gratitude. I fell in love all over again and already can’t imagine life without baby sis. It’s incredible how you think that your heart has grown to capacity…and then it doubles. Rowan is already the most amazing big sis and I can’t wait to see their bond as sisters and best friends grow. While I realize that it’s going to be tough to balance my time, it’s all worth it in the end. Right now, thanks to help from family (it takes a village, hi mom!) it’s been more doable than I thought and I don’t feel like I’m missing out, rather that I’m incredibly blessed to have two to love.

Thanks for tuning in and thanks for your patience as I learn to navigate life with two (wish me luck!) Thanks for understanding that my family is my #1 priority right now and keeping up with OHH has taken a backseat…hopefully temporarily.

One Healthy Breakdown: twice the babies = twice the love <3

 

 

A Year of Learning & Growth

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Hey, guys! Been a while….sorry (but not actually that sorry.) I’ve been prioritizing my priorities pretty much since becoming a mom (moms, you get it) and writing just hasn’t made the cut. Though I’ve missed this platform, I’ve pretty much always have my hands full these days…

so, I wanted to hop on and share some things I learned and experienced during 2017 as well as some goals for 2018. Let’s get started, shall we? Please enjoy my scattered thoughts, just look at is as a glimpse inside my scattered head (moms, you get it.)

So, I mentioned priorities. My #1 has been this little chickadee. That work, life balance thing, though – not easy. On the one hand, I feel SO lucky to have my own businesses and a flexible schedule, but it is hard, guys. Right after having the baby, I jumped back into Hamptons Wellness Week planning and signed on three new nutrition clients…while adjusting to motherhood…with a newborn…and no sleep. In hindsight, not the best idea, but when it rains, it pours, right?!

I actually started to develop some anxiety, between work that had to be done, no time to do it, and the feeling that time was flying by and baby girl was growing up WAY too fast. If I was working, I felt like I was missing out on her…and if I was with her, I felt like I was slacking on work. I know, if you’re a mom you’re probably thinking “that’s your life forever, get used to it…”

Luckily, it passed, but not without teaching me a huge lesson. After finally giving myself a freaking break, getting some sleep, and getting the baby on somewhat of a schedule (which of course changes as soon as you get used to it!) Lastly, learning to accept that everything is different and that that is ok; the world is not going to end if my to-do list doesn’t get done today. While sometimes I want to rush to get 10 things done in the hour while baby naps, I know that prioritizing and getting one task done at a time is actually far more efficient. Some days, the things that used to be top priorities end up at the bottom of the list…and yes, sometimes that means skipping a workout and putting a meal together in 2 minutes that may not be healthiest.

Once I accepted the fact that I could only do one thing at a time, be one place at a time, and that the world would not come crashing down, a weight lifted. All of that hard work paid off, as our 5th Hamptons Wellness Week last June was a huge success and worth every minute of anxiety and exhaustion!

*photo credit: Satin Sky Photo // shameless plug: Hamptons Wellness Week June 2-9th, 2018!*

I learned that hard work pays off. Hard, honest, passionate work. I learned that good things take time, but it will pay off in the end. And if you’re lucky enough to surround yourself with amazing people, you’ll get there sooner, without a doubt. I could not be more thankful for my incredible business partner, Anastasia, who is doing amazing kick-ass work both for HWW and her charity, Wing It Project, in 2018!

On another note, we lost two people in our family this past year. We experienced new grief and were reminded that life is so impermanent. Every single day is a gift and the moments that really matter are those spent with the ones you love. I’ve been reminded to savor it all – both the everyday grind as well as the more special times, like holidays, family gatherings, and celebrations. You truly only get one chance on this world, so enjoy it more, live more, love more, and try, try, try to to live in the moment. Before we know it, the moments pass us by.

I believe I’ve become better at enjoying the moment, especially the simplest ones. My favorite moments in time are actually the moments between the moments – that first morning hug before starting the day or last kiss before bed, watching baby girl learn something new, burst out in laughter, or just smile at one of us. It’s all so precious I want to bottle every moment up and save it forever..if only…

On another note, (related but unrelated – I did warn you this would be scattered, no?) I had the best intentions of envisioning one word to manifest in the new year, truth is, I just couldn’t settle for one. So, I made a whole list of words. Some of my favorites are: savor, grounded, trust, limitless, simplify, play, love, create, ease…etc. Whether one word resonates with you or you want to make a list, I highly suggest writing down your 2018 word(s) and keeping them somewhere visible. Mine are right on my desk, so that every time I sit down to work, I see them. At any given time, one of the words totally resonates with me. And with that, I conclude this random post. Next one will be more succinct, promise 😉

One Healthy Breakdown: welcoming 2018 with open arms…and a little more organization here!

Stay Healthy This Season!

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While the holiday season brings much joy to people, it can unfortunately bring stress and sickness, too. Stay healthy this season with these tips from The Ed & Phyllis Davis Wellness Institute at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital.

Get Outside Often. It’s easy to avoid going outside in winter. A covered garage can mean going from car to office to car and back home without ever feeling that icy sharpness on your face. Staying inside for days on end can cause people to get sick. Get outside on days when the sky is clear and the temperature isn’t too frigid. Dress warmly, head out, and feel that winter sunshine. Admire how beautiful and clean your world looks when there is snow on the ground. You’ll feel much better after some fresh air…and even better, a good walk!

Keep Up the Exercise.Thumbs up if you have a goal to exercise more! Don’t begrudge yourself if things haven’t exactly gone as planned. We know that it can be harder to stay motivated when it’s cold outside and the days are shorter. Make the most of a beautiful sunny day by bundling up and going for a walk or run. If you prefer to stay inside, head to a local gym or fitness class!

Make the Most of Nutritious Winter Fruits and Vegetables: Eating during winter doesn’t have to be boring or vitamin deficient. Keep carbohydrate-laden foods such as white bread and pasta to a minimum and fill your plate with dark leafy greens, winter squash, citrus and pomegranate, all of which thrive in the chill of winter. These fruits and vegetables are laden with nutrients, antioxidants and fiber, which increase your energy, help keep that winter weight at bay, and help fight cancer, too. For more on eating for the winter season, click here.

Protect Your Skin From the Inside-Out and Outside-In: Cold, dry air quickly sucks moisture from your skin. Combine that with a blasting of hot air from a heating unit and some scratchy winter fabric and your skin can end up being one dry, itchy, scaly mess. Keep moisture locked into your skin with a moisturizer. Lather it on every time you bath or shower, or whenever your skin feels dry. Drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated and eat foods like berries, which are high in antioxidants and lots of omega-3s (also found in salmon, walnuts, or omega-3 supplements), and consider using a humidifier to help add moisture to the air in a dry room.

Stop a Cold or Flu In Its Tracks: Maybe your throat has become a bit sore or scratchy. Perhaps your nose or eyes are starting to feel a bit congested. If you can feel a change in your health, but it’s still in the early stages, keep some natural remedies on hand to take at the first sign of a cold or flu. Olive leaf, garlic, echinacea, elderberry, vitamin C, and zinc may help boost your immunity and increase your resistance to those nasty winter viruses. For some more natural immune boosters and remedies, click here.

One Healthy Breakdown: don’t let winter get ya down!

*content provided by The Ed & Phyllis Davis Wellness Institute at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital.

Basil Guacamole Dip and Sweet Potato Chips

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Since it’s been a hot minute (ok, a loooong while…blame it on my need to soak up every single waking second with baby girl…and the fact that she lets me get very little else done!) since I’ve posted a recipe, the big come back better be double good…and it is!

A creamy, zesty, bbq-friendly but good enough for a dinner party too chips and dip. If you can’t decide between pesto and guacamole, this recipe is going to be your best friend. Not that we’re into labels or anything, but it also happens to be diary and gluten free and vegan too.

The icing on the cake? The perfectly roasted crunchy sweet potato chips so good that they put sweet potato fries to shame. Not that you’re not already salivating, but allow me to also mention the fact that this is super simple and easy to whip up. In fact, I did it before baby girl’s attention span ran out…which is pretty damn quick! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
  • 1 handful arugula
  • 1 small or 1/2 large avocado
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

Blend everything together in a high powered blender or food processor (I use a Vitamix) until it’s thick and creamy. That’s it!

For the chips, take 1-2 sweet potatoes (I used one large) and cut into thin round discs. Roast in olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper at 400 degrees until crispy (about 45 minutes at 400 degrees.) Let cool and arrange around your dip.

One Healthy Breakdown: good luck making this one last more than a few minutes!

 

Baby Strength Training

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Tuning in today with sore legs and triceps from Baby Strength Training! That’s right, it’s a thing. New moms, dads, grandparents, caretakers, and anyone else with a baby, this class is for you!

This class is fun, cute, and challenging…and, yes, you use your babe as your weight, workout buddy, and motivation. Taught by Rachel Feldman, Baby Strength Training is new to Nomad Fitness in East Hampton (460 Pantigo Road) and it’s all the rage among the Hamptons babies.

From lunges to crunches, planks to pulsing, every class is different, but you can count on a great full-body workout every single time…and it’s only $20 a class! More relaxed than your typical group fitness class, (due to the fun unpredictability that is babies) there’s no judgement when a baby falls asleep, needs a diaper change, wanders off, or lets out a shriek.

Just bring a baby carrier and you’re good to go. No need for weights or kettlebells when you’re carrying baby weight, but in case your baby does fall asleep or isn’t feelin’ it, they’ve got ’em.

Just as important as the exercises is stretching, which Rachel incorporates throughout the class. You won’t be tight, but you definitely may be sore after Baby Strength Training!

One Healthy Breakdown: somethin’ about working out with babies makes a tough workout cute.

Hamptons Wellness Week 2017

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Hamptons Wellness Week 2017, June 10-18th, was by far the biggest and best event to date! The premiere wellness event in the Hamptons returned with multiple complimentary events, a wide variety of deals and discounts, unforgettable gift bags, and so much more!

From meditation to manicures, fitness to food, and lots more, we had a blast kicking off the summer celebrating wellness in the Hamptons on June 10th at Topping Rose House in collaboration with Hamptons Magazine, Beach Magazine, UnitedHealthcare, Tesla Motors, BUILDTHEORY, and many more wellness-conscious brands! Check out some of the highlights:

We kicked off our kick-off with a group meditation lead by Kadampa Meditation Center.

The founders of HWW with the managing partners of BUILDTHEORY at the kick-off event.

Complimentary fitness classes like LIFTED with Holly Rilinger and Bareless Barre with exhale.

SUP Yoga demonstrations with Paddle Diva and BOGO Fit Mat.

Non-toxic manicures with Dr. Dana and Manicare.

Tesla demonstrations throughout the week.

Awesome raffle prizes and donations to the Wing It Project.

Top fitness classes in the studio.

Including a live DJ yoga class with Electric Love for the whole family.

People of all ages came out to celebrate wellness!

One Healthy Breakdown: what a week of wellness, can’t wait for HWW 2018!

*Huge thanks to our amazing photographer, Satin Sky Photo.

 

Hamptons Wellness Week 2017 is Coming!

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The 5th annual Hamptons Wellness Week returns June 11-18th, with a complimentary wellness kick-off at Topping Rose House on June 10th and continues all week long with specials for the mind, body, and soul! Hamptons Wellness Week proudly partnered with UnitedHealthcare, BUILDTHEORY, Rejuvalift, Hamptons Magazine, and more wellness- conscious names for the biggest and best event yet …because your wellness routine should be anything but routine!

Amp it up by taking advantage of the wide variety of deals and discounts throughout the week at tons of local health and wellness businesses, Westhampton to Montauk. It’s the perfect excuse to try something new and be in the know about the hottest in wellness this season. As always, it’s ONE week with endless possibilities!

The week launches with a FREE event 10am – 1pm at Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton on the 10th. Get excited about getting healthy this summer with master fitness classes, luxurious spa experiences, product sampling, healthy eats, and some surprises. There’s something for everyone and so much more. Get a free non-toxic manicure, mini massage, refreshing facial, anti-aging hand treatment, test drive in a Tesla, and try healthy local eats from Topping Rose House, Hampton Coffee, Harvest Food Box, and Opa on the Go. Did we mention it’s all free of charge?! Don’t miss it! Save your spot by RSVP’ing here.

In addition to all the week’s fabulous deals and discounts, UnitedHealthcare is sponsoring two special events not to be missed. Hampton Coffee Company in Water Mill is hosting a free yoga class in their garden on Sunday, June 11th. Come at 9:30 for a beautiful outdoor flow and nama-stay for complimentary iced tea to follow. Old Stove Pub in Sagaponack invites you to a live DJ yoga class with  to wrap-up the week, 11am on Saturday, June 17th, followed by sips and snacks in the sun! Just bring a mat to both special events and be sure to tag #hamptonswellnessweek throughout your week’s adventures!

Hamptons Wellness Week is all about creating a balanced lifestyle in which you’re able to indulge, enjoy, and integrate well-being into real life. Sprouted from an idea to create an accessible, affordable, enticing way for all members of the community to experience the unique array of wellness opportunities offered on the East End, this week-long event has transpired into a platform for connection in the wellness world and beyond. Whether a year-round resident or weekend guest, new to wellness or a seasoned pro, the common thread of striving for a well-balanced life during an all-inclusive event connects the community in a whole new way.

Hamptons Wellness Week invites you to take a week for your wellbeing before the craze of the summer season hits. Find all of the deals and discounts on hamptonswellnessweek.com and we’ll see you June 10th at Topping Rose House!

One Healthy Breakdown: there’s nothing better than feeling your best at the beach!

 

Hampton Doula to the Rescue

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Truth be told, for the majority of my pregnancy, I was in complete denial that I was actually going to have to give birth. Though I was pretty content living in this state of mind, I knew that I would have to accept the fact that I was going to have to physically deliver a baby…that and the fact that I needed some serious guidance, education, and support…aka HELP!

Enter, Hampton Doula, Monica Kadash, to the rescue! I met Monica early in my second trimester when I started to attend her prenatal yoga class at Ananda in Southampton. I instantly gravitated towards Monica’s welcoming personality, calm demeanor, and lighthearted sense of humor. I loved the class and attended weekly, right up until days before I gave birth. Monica incorporates lots of stretching and relaxation to get centered as well as some challenging poses to prepare the mind and body for birth.

When I was considering hiring a doula, I knew that I wanted someone who would bring out the best in me, ideally someone spiritual, but not too spiritual that I couldn’t relate. Monica is exactly that;  straightforward and realistic, yet very warm and tranquil.

The day that I gave birth was a long, uneventful one until my water broke around 2pm, when suddenly, baby came fast and furiously. When it got down to the hard labor (the part I was dreading) I was thanking my lucky stars for Monica’s presence. As a doula, Monica provides support (both prenatal and postnatal) and advocacy alongside the medical staff. (Doulas are commonly confused with midwives, who are medically qualified to deliver babies.)

“Statistically, with the help of Doulas there are less interventions,  fewer C-sections, shorter labor and reduced postpartum depression. This results in a fulfilling and satisfying birthing experiences, in short, many more happy moms!

My mission is to honor, protect and guide you, so that you feel empowered to birth fearlessly and joyfully, thus starting your journey into motherhood with confidence.” ~ Monica

Monica did just that for us; I was able to stay (somewhat) strong through the worst contractions, push with sheer determination and confidence, and instantly connect with our baby girl. In the moment, all of my fears of needles, blood, and pain were overcome by sheer empowerment.

Throughout this unique process, Monica helped in every way promised. She provided literature on the birthing process and came to our house twice to get to know our family and educate us on the whole process. She prepared us with facts, stories, strategies, and support we needed to feel ready. Does that mean that everything was smooth sailing? Of course not! But when it came down to it, everything that Monica had prepared us for unraveled pretty much as predicted. It’s already becoming a slight blur (isn’t that how women keep doing it??) but I know that I would have been far less prepared, confident, and comfortable without Monica the Doula.

Here’s Monica, baby Rowan, and I at our postnatal home visit about a week after birth 🙂               If you’re interested in learning more about Monica, visit hamptondoula.com.

One Healthy Breakdown: Happy, healthy, and empowered, thanks to Hampton Doula!