So once you understand your body’s hunger cues (see previous post), listen to your body and eat healthy snacks.  When you keep your body “fueled” you’ll stay energized and your mood will be stable, and ultimately you’ll be more productive. 
My personal favorite healthy snacks are:

1. Almonds–High in protien and fiber, and unsaturated fat (good fat) to keep you satisfied.  Take along 2-3 handfuls in a plastic baggie
2. Bite Sized Carrots–Low calorie snack food. As my 5 yr. old says, “And great for your eye site!”
3.  Hi Fiber Cereal- Kashi Go Lean Crunch (available in large box at Costco) is high in protien and fiber plus low in fat and great in taste!

Continuing from yesterday’s post- I did a speech yesterday for LPL Financial called “Get Fit, Be Productive”.  As I stated yesterday it’s important to keep your energy up by listening to your body and fuel it when it’s hungry!  If you don’t you’ll wind up eating too much at lunch and will feel lethargic plus pack on unwanted pounds from consuming too many calories.  An important step towards fueling your body is to learn your body’s hunger cues.  What does it feel like when you’re hungry? 1. stomach growls 2. low energy 3. irritability 4. headaches.  As soon as you feel a hunger sign reach for a healthy snack.  Learn about my favorite healthy snacks on my next post!

Today I presented a workshop for LPL Financial on the topic of “Get Fit, Be Productive!”  I covered the 3 most important ways to be productive.  1. Fuel Your body 2. Get Moving 3. Reduce Stress.

Tip 1 under Fuel Your Body–
Don’t wait for the clock to strike noon…fuel your body!  I know we get busy w/ projects, but it’s so important to eat when your body is telling you too.  Eating when you are hungry will keep you energized, and you’ll avoid the post lunch “slump” which happens after consuming too big a meal at lunch.  Instead chose to eat healthy snacks prior to noon.  More to come…

Have you had a long day at work and/or with the kids?  Are your shoulders up to your ears?  Your back and neck in knots?  If you answered yes to any of these questions it’s time to try yoga.  Yoga is so great for stress relief.  The deep inhale and exhales of the yoga breath will create a feeling of calm, combined with postures that lengthen muscles and release tension.  Try this simple yoga move to release tension in your shoulders and neck.

Shoulder Rolls: Standing or seated inhale and roll your shoulders up towards your ears.  As you exhale roll your shoulders down and away from your ears.  As you roll them away squeeze your shoulder blades together.  Repeat for several breaths.

Do you love fruit?  Fruit can be an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, however it can leave you feeling hungry because it consists of sugar known as fructose.  The trick to curb your appetite is to combine fruit w/a protien.  You’ll love the taste and feel satisfied.  My personal favorite combos are a banana w/ peanut butter or an apple w/ low-fat mozerella cheese.

Many new mommas are eager to lose the baby weight shortly after baby is born and want to know, “When is it safe to workout?”  Doctors recommend waiting until after your first postpartum appointment which is 4-6 weeks after birth.  I recommend that you listen to your body.  If you’re feeling good, had minimal blood loss and tearing, you may feel up for a walk.  On the other hand some women may feel really low energy, and or experienced excessive blood loss and tearing and should wait even longer to exercise.  The key again is to listen to your body, and regardless of your experience start off slow–like with a low-moderate pace walk, then work your way back to where you left off.

Yesterday FOX 5 News came to my studio at 5 a.m. which meant I woke up at 4 to get ready.  They stayed until 8:30 a.m..  I was so tired and hungry!  During the segment I had orange juice and a bagel w/ light cream cheese, and fruit.  Normally I have Kashi Go Lean Crunch and Kashi Autumn Wheat w/ lowfat milk.  Both cereals are high in protein and fiber and keep me satisfied for several hours, but w/ the bagel I wasn’t satisfied.  After the segments were over I ate some protien (chicken breast and veggies) and still didn’t feel satisfied.  Finally I realized that I was so tired that my body was wanting some form of energy to stay awake and I was chosing food.  Once I had the realization I chose to take a nap!  Afterwards I felt so much better and my body was back on track.

Check out one of the clips from FOX 5 (fitness programs helping moms get fit pregnant and beyond).  This one even has my two boys! http://www.fox5sandiego.com/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=3750732

When people want to get in shape the first thing they typically do is focus on losing weight.  Focusing on the number on the scale can be overwhelming and often discouraging.  Instead of focusing on losing weight focus on being healthy.  Ask yourself, “Why is it important for me to be healthy?” ”What actions will I do in order to be healthy? Write it down.  Then take small steps such as walking for 5-10 min. and or eating more fruit and less candy.  Keep the reason behind “why” you want to be healthy.  The “why” behind being healthy will keep you motivated.

Sometimes when we wait too long to eat we get really hungry and think we’re still hungry even though our bellies may be full.  After your first portion drink a whole glass of water and then ask yourself, “Am I really hungry or am I wanting more because it tastes good?”  If you really aren’t hungry ask yourself, “Is it really worth the extra calories my body doesn’t need?”  Asking yourself questions will help you stay on track with your weight loss goals.

Have you had one of those days were nothing seems to go your way?  Instead of reaching for some chocolate, go outside and go for a walk.  The simple act of  moving your body will release stress and leave you feeling refreshed and mentally balanced to tackle the rest of your day.  The added benefit- increased cardio = increase in weight loss!