Tag: motherhood

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 😉

10 Things Motherhood Has Taught Me

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There’s nothing like it in the world; motherhood is amazing, eye-opening, challenging, and completely transformational. Here are a few of the many life lessons I’ve learned over the past six months since becoming a mom to this little baby girl.

1.  Moms are BADASS. Besides the whole carrying a baby (which may or may not go smoothly, see here) for plus or minus 40 weeks thing PLUS giving birth (which is NO joke btw) moms can fit a day’s worth of tasks into an hour and an hour’s worth into 10 minutes…because we have to. What can I say, moms are pretty much superhuman.

2.  Time is better than diamonds…and chocolate…and wine. Time is the one thing that moms always want more of and never have enough of. Somehow, six months have passed in the blink of an eye since this little one entered the world. As they say, the days are long, but the years are short. Time, please slow down.

3.  Something’s gotta give. Priorities change and sacrifice is a must. For me, my #1 priority is baby girl and posting here or on social media, going to the gym, cooking dinner, dog walking, housework, and self care sometimes take a back seat. Do what you can, when you can and try to let go of #momguilt. 20 minute at-home workouts and a dinner smoothie have become quite popular around here. It’s just not all possible to fit in to 24 hours, so, cut yourself some slack; you’re keeping a mini human(s) alive and that’s a pretty big deal.

4.  Moms are flexible AF. I mean yogis are flexible, but moms are flexible-er. Go ahead, try to make a plan, schedule, routine around a mini human and their constant plot twists. And, just when you think you have it all down, everything changes…

5.  Moms are some of the most selfless beings on the planet. They live their lives based on the greater good of their children and family. Although I’ve always wanted kids, it wasn’t until the past few years that I really felt ready to put someone else before myself. It’s not about me anymore and although that’s an adjustment, it’s more than ok when looking at this face.

6.  Mom brain is REAL. If you are a mom with mom brain, have a mom with mom brain, or know a mom with mom brain, cut them some slack. Growing up, I remember my friends rolling our eyes when our moms said something a little loopy, but these days, I can barely put a sentence together or do basic math and it’s only the beginning. The struggle is real, folks.

7.  There’s nothing’ more humbling than cleaning up after a full-on diaper explosion; it will challenge you, ground you, test you, lighten the mood, and force you to live in the moment like nothing else can. It’s astounding how someone so tiny can make such a catastrophic mess.

8.  Worrying is the new normal. It does not stop. What if baby learns to crawl while I’m in the shower and crawls to the top of the stairs and then falls down the stairs and I don’t hear her?  Is that her crying? I think I hear her crying...These thoughts cross my mind all day long and I know that they will every single day from now to first steps to teenage years and beyond.

9.  Whatever you do, do NOT Google it. Ok, so that’s virtually impossible, I’ve probably googled random baby/postpartum questions at least once a day everyday since birth. Sometimes it helps, but most of the time it takes #8 (see above) and quadruples it.

10.  Mom life is the best life. There’s no arguing that. It’s just the best. This teeny, tiny growing human fills up your heart every single day and there’s no way I’d trade the mom brain, worrying, sleepless nights, and messy days for anything on earth. Life will never be the same again…and for that I am forever grateful.

One Healthy Breakdown: moms are the most blessed.

Spring into Wellness at Stella & Ruby

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Calling all moms and moms-to-be! You’re invited to a wellness event at Stella & Ruby, Sag Harbor on Saturday, April 9th 12-3pm. One Healthy Hamptons’ BumpEast will provide complimentary wellness consultations and healthy bites to encourage you to spring into spring!

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Meet and greet other moms and moms-to-be and chat all things wellness with Kiley and Erica. Sip on fresh Montauk Juice Factory juice and enjoy 20% off all baby clothing at Stella and Ruby, home of the cutest baby & children’s clothing and accessories in town!

One Healthy Hamptons’ BumpEast brings mothers & mothers-to-be in the Hamptons private, personalized yoga, nutrition, and wellness support. Kiley and Erica have created this unique service to enhance and prepare the mind and body during this amazing stage of life.

BumpEast offers single sessions and weekly packages specially designed for each client at every stage of pregnancy and post-delivery. Whether you seek relaxation for the body and mind during pregnancy or getting back in shape post-delivery, BumpEast is the program for you.

One Healthy Breakdown: Spring is a time for growth, nurturing, and flourishing. Join us to celebrate motherhood in the healthiest way!

One Healthy Mom

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Enjoy this refreshingly honest and inspirational interview with local family life teacher, parenting coach, and amazing mother of five, Anastasia Gavalas!

meee1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a mom, family life teacher, author of WING IT: 6 Simple Steps to Succeed as a Modern Day Parent, and founder of the WING IT PROJECT. I live in Bridgehampton with my husband and five children (ages 15, 13, 11, 9, & 7.) Helping parents make life with children easier is such gratifying work and making a difference in the world through the WING IT PROJECT is something I’ve always dreamed of doing. I live my life in a wholehearted way where I am happy with myself and confident with the choices I make.

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2. How did ‘life as you know it’ come to be?

After I had my 2nd child I felt exhausted and couldn’t get out of bed. I was quickly diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, an autoimmune disease, that had been manifesting in my body for years. I took the prescribed medicine and it just didn’t help much. I kept plugging along but felt overwhelmed and emotionally drained. In 2003, we decided to move to the Hamptons and found out we were expecting baby #4… surprise! With all that was going on, on top of not having family or friends around for support, I quickly learned that I needed to change. I began searching for alternative methods that would support what I knew in my heart was best. I tried acupuncture, homeopathic remedies, and a new overall wellness approach for my health and for my family. It was out of necessity that I found a more organic way of living life. This included making my well-being a priority as well as teaching my children to be more independent.

3. What’s something you overcame and how?

My need to do everything perfectly and my fear-based reactions. Once I was able to recognize that the display of the “perfect” children or my role as the “perfect” mother was wearing me out and preventing me from living authentically, I let those ideas go. Perfection is based on other people’s judgements. I made a decision to separate myself from the concept of perfection to be happy. I practiced meditation starting ten minutes a day, carved out me-time every single day, and (just like I explain in the chapter, “Build Your Village” in WING IT) I began to surround myself with more supportive people who encourage my growth.

4. What is your favorite workout? Favorite family activity?

Dancing is one of my favorite things to do and I mix it with a brisk walk a few times a week. I get bored easily with exercising so I need to change my workout routine up all the time. As far as a family we like to swim (although 2 out of 5 kids hate the beach – not sure how that happened?!?) take bike rides, and go skiing. I have high-energy kids who are constantly moving and ready for adventure at all times so, we’re always moving & grooving.

5. As a career woman, mother, and wife, and how do you maintain balance in your life?

First, I redefined the concept of balance. Standing upright at all times isn’t realistic or worth the effort. But, remaining focused on a goal with a trusting, more joyful attitude will help balance appear in the most challenging of roles. I believe balance is about remaining flexible and knowing that, just as the mightiest of trees will bend and sway with the winds of world, so will mothers who strive for balance. At the end of the day, people just have to appreciate the flexibility and positions experienced.

5. Any great healthy tips for busy moms?

Yes, take time for yourself: get enough sleep, eat good food, sit down and take time to meditate so you can be the woman you were meant to be and the best mom for your children.

6. What food items do you always keep in the house?

Fresh vegetables and fruits – organic as much as possible, olive oil, different cheeses, good meats, gluten-free foods, and always a bottle of chilled champagne for those special occasions…because moms are people too!

7. What is your favorite indulgence?

Drinking tea in the morning, sleeping in (that’s happened maybe three times in the past 10 years… but, a girl can dream!) and long hot showers (alone.)

8. How do you make health a priority in your family without going overboard?

Practicing being healthy is a lifestyle choice. We spend a lot of time outdoors. I talk to my kids about nutritional balance. Four of my children are responsible for cooking one night per week. So, every night, we have a really good, balanced, colorful meal. Children learn by what they observe and I try to demonstrate a healthy lifestyle with the choices I make instead of badgering them with health talks.

9. What is your FAVORITE thing about living in the Hamptons?

The ease of living out here. There is an organic way to life. I love the diversity of people and the experiences it provides. It is a really special place to live with the most amazingly kind people. It’s a great place to raise children because you can be as tuned-in to what’s happening or tuned-out of the busyness of life as much as you want to be.

1094944_578046278901282_1736507745_nOne Healthy Breakdown: Love, laugh, play, learn, and live your life for YOU.

Pre and Post-Natal Training and Dancin’ with Michelle!

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Intro from Kiley: I recently got to chat with local baby mama, lifelong dancer, health coach, and fitness pro, Michelle Weber, who splits her time between NYC & The Hamptons, teaching, coaching and providing pre and post-natal training. I was so captivated with her work and approach to fitness, birth, and life, that I just had to share with you. Since I have yet to step into the world of motherhood myself, I asked Michelle to write an article about what it is she does. Read all about her work here and be sure to check out her Integrated Fusion Fun & GYROKINESIS® classes at DanceHampton this summer! Learn more about Michelle and sign up for classes via her Facebook page or email: Michelle@MichelleWeber.com. Classes cost $35 each but YOU get $10 off your first class when you email her – see you there!!

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Pre-natal Training is such an inspiring and wonderful time. I begin working with moms-to-be (planning to get pregnant) and newly pregnant moms all the time and am so inspired to help guide these women through their pregnancies feeling strong, active and ready for the finish line….birth! From the moment you actually become pregnant, everything begins to change. Your muscle tone changes, your pelvic cavity reacts differently, and so on.

It is sometimes an odd time for the mom-to-be, to know what is “good” to do, and what is not. There is a lot of conflicting information out in the world about how to safely prepare for birthing while training your body. That is the way I look at it, “safely preparing the body to give birth.” Through each stage, I cater the session and progression to the woman in front of me and how she is feeling in her pregnancy. Each trimester brings about new changes. Strength, length, and support are key to feeling great, as well as helping to create space in the body for both mom and baby to feel comfortable. The goal is to maintain a level of fitness, but also to prepare mom’s body, mind, and emotions to do what is most important…give birth. I love being able to exercise with my moms and help them to feel confident that what they are doing is really benefiting the journey they are about to embark upon. It is proven that performing an intelligent exercise regime during pregnancy can also help the body to begin to heal faster once that beautiful baby is born.

Post-Natal Training. Let me begin with my definition of what a “post-natal” client is…any woman who has ever given birth! Sometimes I meet women that have children that are a little bit older, and they assume that they wouldn’t be considered “post-natal”. Not in my book! If you have had children, one year, two years, 10 years ago…you are post-natal, especially if you have not taken the time to address the internal changes that occurred in your body following the birthing process.

As a woman who has experienced pregnancy, birth, and motherhood, I absolutely adore the process of healing and strengthening women’s bodies from the ‘Inside Out.=,’ my specialty for the past seven years. It is a special process that coincides with one of the greatest life changes we will ever make. It is my goal to guide women back to a place where their bodies heal and function fully. We begin with deep core training to reprogram the muscles of the pelvis, spine, core, and diaphragm. I specialize in pelvic floor training and also the closing of a split of the Diastasis (rectus). The earlier I begin to work with a post-natal client, the easier it is to heal and repair, but it can be done at any stage.

It takes a lot of strength and stamina to be a mom, so endurance training comes next, but no matter what, we start by finding the foundation to create movement for endurance training. The more powerful and comfortable a woman feels in her body, the better she can function in life! We are not re-creating your pre-pregnancy body, you are a whole new woman now. We are creating a newer, upgraded version that now embodies all that you are. Harnessing the power to create life gives that core even more power!

I love teaching women to really move to continue their training as they get stronger. My integration of dance in my work and my classes creates a sense of ownership, freedom, and femininity. Dance allows for a fun way to get the cardio in that doesn’t feel like work. It is not easy, but when done right…it is quality over quantity for sure!!!

We all know that a mom’s time is limited and quite valuable! Use your time to harness that greatness inside; your Dream Body!

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One Healthy Breakdown: is it weird that Michelle makes me want to have a baby just to work with her?! I’ll just stick with her fitness classes for now…but one day…!