Day 9

I found myself smiling a lot today.  My workout hit the spot and gave me loads of energy.  Challenging things were easily managed and there was no urge to eat to deal.   Food is for the nourishment of my body not for the detriment of it.   I am determined to live my life to the fullest as God intended it to be!

Stephanie

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us      Ephesians 3:20 KJV

There’s nothing like the joy of expecting a new baby—and nothing like the nausea it can cause!

I’m not sure why it’s called Morning Sickness—cause I often had it all day and all night for 40 weeks of pregnancy THREE times!   As pathetic as it sounds, once I even had it during delivery!

However, it did seem to let up some around the 5th month and pick back up again in the 8th’; but at times it was so constant and intense it was like I felt nauseous even in my veins!

Of course, certain odors could kick-it off; but for me, the most offending thing was MUSIC.  Really!  Certain songs would come on the radio, and it was like instant nausea.  So weird.  Even to this day, I can’t listen to those songs.

SO WHAT WORKED?  WHAT DIDN’T?

Most likely the culprit is hormones—increased levels of estrogen and hGC throwing the balance off and a side-effect is nausea.  We can’t stop the hormones- we need those to do their work; but how can we minimize the effects?

For me, help came through starchy but high protein foods… hello bean burrito at Taco Bell!!   Even burgers seemed to help—maybe it was the salt, for sure the starches, that calmed the queasiness in the early months.

However, I am a pretty healthy eater- mostly organic- and I rarely trek to fast-food, but those just seemed to help at a time when I didn’t feel like eating- much less cooking- anything.

Another thing that seemed to help was—uh oh, Coke ICEEs! I guess it was the cold, slightly crunchy texture, along with the coke syrup that brought some calmness to my summer pregnancy.  You can also buy straight coke syrup (a little bottle with no carbonation) from most pharmacies. It is often used as an anti-nausea medicine.

I know—Icees are not something we want to live on; but when I was really feeling yucky, I could always seem to get a few ounces of that down.   That, and Gummy Bears.  Boy, this sounds like a junk-food diet!  But, I have to stress these were not daily offerings; but  they are what I defaulted to when nothing else was going to stay down.

But for the most part, the main thing I found helped was to stay hydrated.  Sipping water or Gatorade constantly seemed to ‘head off’ the really bad bouts.

Another thing that helped was chewing peppermint gum- that brought some freshness and seemed to relieve the symptoms a bit.  Herbalists say peppermint is a natural relief for various types of nausea. They seem to be right.

I wasn’t always motivated to stay moving; but I did find with the 3rd pregnancy light exercise did seem to help.  Maybe it was the endorphins?  But, just getting out and walking around the mall when I felt the nausea creeping on, seemed to stall it out and got me feeling normal again quicker than when I just sat on the couch in misery.

So for those of you who want to do better than I did—maybe you can find similar alternatives to Taco Bell and Coke Icees.

ANNIE’S has some organic bean burritos in the frozen aisle; and you could mix up your own coke syrup concoction or try HANSENS organic soda over ice.   You can even get organic gummy bears now!  There’s lots of  frozen organic beef patty options.  Plus that’s all easier to find in restaurants now than it was 8 years ago.

WHAT DIDN’T WORK?

I tried the Red Clover Tea, didn’t work for me.  I had a prescription for Emerol, but it was liquid and there was no way I was getting that down- and I just couldn’t do the saltine thing before I got out of bed.

PLEASE POST HERE WHAT WORKED FOR YOU!

Share with others and let’s get thru the baby-making process together.  While you’re at it, check out our new PRENATAL/POSTNATAL workout dvd.   SMART MOVES MOMMA! It’s awesome!!  (and way better for you than gummy bears.)

-Raven

Day 8

Today was the start of week 2.  Time to weigh and measure myself.  Drum roll please……I have lost 4lbs and a total of 4 1/2 inches!  Praise The Lord!  I am so grateful.  To celebrate I enjoyed a 1 mile bike ride this morning and a 1 mile bike ride this evening.

Stephanie

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  Philippians 4:13 KJV

Day 7

Ah, Sunday!   I woke up extra early for my daily time with the Lord and to have time to workout before church.  When I finished I felt such a sense of accomplishment!  And I was on time to church!  Attending and singing in two services and cooking Sunday dinner I knew of any day this would be the day that my  diligence would really be tested.  I did it!  Praise The Lord!

Stephanie

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.  Psalm 37:23

Day 6

Worked out this morning… was still sweating for what seemed like an hour after I was done!  And I almost got both legs lifted at the same time.  I am determined!  I went to the store today to purchase a baby shower gift and decided..well I have a little time, let me look at clothes while I’m here.  I looked at several items that I really liked and then I noticed something…everything I liked was smaller than I am now.  And then it happened.  I felt defeated.   Thoughts of why bother…eat some chocolate it’ll make you feel better.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME!  Eating a piece of chocolate to enjoy  is one thing…but to sooth feelings of defeat and be controlled by it..NO.  Heading to my truck I was encouraged by one of my Spirit focuses from earlier in the week  “focus on the thing you are becoming”.  I will.  Celebrated today’s victory with a 1 mile walk.  You go girl!

Stephanie

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virture, and if there be any praise, think on these things.   Philippians 4:8 KJV

Day 5

I  was so eager to workout this morning!  My fingertips are touching the floor and my head is moving closer to my knees…lol  I took my kids to the movies  today and as we waited  in the concession/lobby area I felt bombarded with thoughts like….. “you’re at the movies popcorn is OK”…”get some candy you’re at the movies”…”ooh, maybe some ice cream”.   I paused looked around and told the kids “let’s sit outside in the shade”.    I didn’t want those things… I had already had my snack and I was going to eat dinner after the movie!  To celebrate my victory I did a 3 mile bike ride this evening.  Sweet!

Stephanie

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.  I Corinthians 10:13

Day 4

Hair drenched, t-shirt stinky I’m on a roll!!!  lol  Noticing a lot of changes in me;  my grocery shopping,  not eating after a certain time, and my posture.  Last night the taste of a certain candy… which will remain nameless..lol..came across my taste buds.  Oh no you don’t… back from whence you came! lol  You know  I use to get angry at people that sound like I do right now.  But now I see the anger was because I was not willing to do what was necessary to be fit.  It’s almost like I thought there was some shortcut or it was just going to happen differently for me.  Oh sure…I have lost weight time and time again but didn’t keep if off.   Discipline, diligence, and determination is required in every area of my life including staying fit.  I believe I value myself for the first time..hmm..that’s heavy.  Working out is spilling over into other areas of my life.  Another layer gone!

Stephanie

Who can find a virtuous woman?  for her price is far above rubies.  Proverbs 31:10