healthy

GratiTuesday – Healthy and Fit Pregnancy!

Image | | a peaceful diabetic

Can’t we do both?! 😉

Ahhh, gratiTuesday… I’m grateful I’ve been able to stay active during my pregnancy. Not only has this greatly helped keep my sugars {{mostly}} stable, but it’s also gone a long way towards helping me mentally and emotionally, too. I feel my best when I’m moving my body, and I think we all know that when we feel our best, we are much more equipped to handle the many ebbs and flows of life!

While I have definitely slowed down considerably, I’m still focusing on getting 15-20 minutes of movement 4-5 times a week, and I think it’s a good balance for me… plus naps, LOTS of naps.

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Adventures in Wellness – I Missed A Monday!

Image | | a peaceful diabetic

So yesterday I did something extremely rare for me – I missed a Monday!

I still fully believe that you set the tone on Monday, but I was still pretty drained from this past weekend, and it didn’t feel necessary for me to push myself further, rather I felt it best to listen to my body as it let me know it needed some more rest.

I haven’t come all this way having a healthy pregnancy to make dumb decisions NOW!

This is not the same as skipping a Monday because you don’t want to workout, so I’m fine with it. This is what my very pregnant, very drained body needed, and in fact, I’m incredibly proud of how much I have grown on this journey – the Kara of the past definitely would have pushed herself all in the name of ‘never missing a Monday’, but I’ve grown and I have evolved, learning that sometimes rest IS best.

It felt awesome to get back to it today, though!

Monday Mood Boost – Gratitude Never Goes Out Of Style!

Image | | a peaceful diabetic

A while back, I shared my gratitude for my medical team, and mentioned we’ve added some new members…

When I first found out I was pregnant, I was gonna be seeing a high risk ob gyn, in addition to my regular endocrinologist, and he really wanted me to see a nutritionist too – not because my eating habits are poor, but because managing blood sugars with surging pregnancy hormones is VERY complex.

Now if you do some math, that’s a lot of appointments, and while I have some flexibility at work and can make up hours as necessary, that’s still a lot.

When my endo was reviewing my numbers, he felt it best I switch to the services of an ob gyn who specializes in Diabetic pregnancies at Maternal Fetal Medicine, and alongside that, I see two Diabetes specialists who get twice weekly blood sugars reports, and I see them plus my nutritionist every other week.

Yes, it’s a lot… but the beauty of this switch is that it’s become “one stop shopping” – all of these services are located in the same place and all happen at the same appointment, which in addition to being a lot more convenient, SIGNIFICANTLY helps my brain keep track – something I was struggling to do between the sheer number of appointments in varying locations and the very real concept of pregnancy brain (folks, it’s the realest. thing. ever.)

I’m where I need to be, for my health and the health and development of my baby, and while at first I was frustrated at the idea of switching to yet another doctor (I’ve certainly had no shortage of them in my life), I understood WHY the switch was best, and I remained open minded and willing to do what’s best for myself and my baby.

And still, I’m so grateful for this team – they empower me, encourage me, make me feel capable and confident (I had a rough beginning to my pregnancy as we struggled to get my blood sugars under control and that definitely caused some insecure moments…) and I’m just grateful to have such a solid team guiding me through one of the hardest, but also one of the most rewarding things I’ve gone through.

Gratitude never goes out of style 💕

Adventures in Pregnancy – 4 Months!

Image | | a peaceful diabetic

Holy bananas – I’ve passed the 4 months/16 weeks mark, which is CRAZY – that means I’m almost halfway there!

On the one hand I feel like it’s FLYING by, on the other I’m SO ready to meet this little baby that I’m like c’mon, how am I only halfway there?! So weird how something can go so quickly YET so slowly at the same time!

But there’s still so much to do, so you keep growing, little baby, and we will keep preparing for your arrival! 😍

Did you feel like your pregnancy went by super quickly or agonizingly slowly?

Thankful Thursday – Friends

Image | | a peaceful diabetic

Thisssss girl 😍

I have been superduperclose with her for a couple of years now, and I have had the pleasure of seeing her grow/level up, especially recently, and realize her true worth, realize that she doesn’t need to be a catch all for all the issues in the world, realize that as we age a bit, our priorities and our mindsets shift a bit, and so much more…

I coud not be prouder of seeing her rise up! ❤️

Throwing it back to our epic road trip to Indy – I can’t wait for the next time we can photo opp all our crazy shenanigans! 😘

Water Wednesday – Build Your Habit!

Image | | a peaceful diabetic

The truth is no, I didn’t always enjoy water and I definitely didn’t drink enough.

And yeah, it was definitely a slightly challenging habit to get into because I mean, compared to the millions of drinks out there with ‘flavor’, why would I choose water?

BUT… with an open mind, I started staying consistent and allowing my body (and mind, and spirit…) to reap and feel the benefits of being hydrated, and I won’t sit here and list the multitude of benefits, but they are plentiful!

And then it became easier… I found myself craving water. I went from never having water with me to basically always having it with me.

Not all habits come easy – and many never get easier. But you were made to do hard things – the payoff is worth it when it comes to the health and wellness of your body, mind and spirit.

Now go hydrate – start your habit! 😊

Superfood Saturday – Almonds

Image | | a peaceful diabetic

To help satisfy hunger and boost energy between meals, grab some almonds! High in protein and fiber, these little nuts are quite the superfood.

Almonds are the most nutritionally-dense nut, meaning they offer the highest concentration of overall nutrients per calorie and per ounce.

Great to add to things such as oats, yogurt, and they are perfectly tasty on their own!

Do you like almonds?

 

Flex Friday – Back

Image | | a peaceful diabetic

This is an EMOTIONAL flex pic to post…

See, there was a time when not only were my back/shoulders not muscular, but they were in PAIN. Two back to back accidents where I was rear ended had them fragile and weak.

At one point, it was painful to even carry a purse, and I have never been the type to carry a heavy purse loaded with everything but the kitchen sink, but it was painful to even have a small purse with just my wallet and cell phone in it.

And if you have ever had a back/shoulder injury, you know how it affects EVERY part of your body, so all of me was becoming a pile of weak mush. I almost didn’t even accept Rebecca’s invite to her Challenge Group, citing my back injuries and how I was still having pain and spasms, even several years removed from the accidents.

But I said YES. I modified HEAVILY, but I kept going. If something caused actual pain, I eased up a little, but I kept moving on a regular basis.

As I strengthened my CORE, I strengthened EVERYTHING, so my back spasms CEASED, the pain SUBSIDED for the most part (still have the occasional day where my lower back is a little tender), and I got stronger and stronger.

And so here we are today – I regularly complete intense programs with no pain. I have some muscles, and some definition. I feel strong.

And I can truly say, when I was in the throes of feeling weak and in pain, I TRULY never thought the day would come where I not only FEEL strong, but I can SEE evidence of my strength and how far I have come, too.

Don’t let your current circumstances keep you from starting – the name of the game is modifying until you don’t have to anymore. I speak from experience; I am living PROOF.