My Food Roll: 2nd Trimester Meal Fave’s

Tags

cravings, diet, eating, Food, Health, Pregnancy, second trimester

Hey Everyone!

I’ve officially hit my stride at the 6 month mark! Hard to believe I’m already there… My diet has really been crucial the further I get into my pregnancy, as it gets harder to keep up with my old workouts.

Before my pregnancy, and for most of my life, I’ve had a body type that easily gains weight if I don’t manage my diet and workout at least 3 days a week. Luckily, I chose personal training and healthy reading for continued education;)

That being said, I’ve always believed in moderation, especially with this first pregnancy. I’ve seen some moms go and be completely strict with their diets and allowances while pregnant, and others seem to fly off the handle, eating just about everything in sight it seems lol. I’ve tried to be good for the most part, an I think it’s helped save me from getting all those cravings women talk about. I consider “cravings” to be the body’s way of telling itself it needs something. Perfect example: if I crave steak, I’m probably needing some more iron and protein… At least that’s how I like to think of it:)

Keeping the above in mind, I try to be good most of the time, stay active (every other day or more: just do something for at least 30-45 min), eat healthy meals, and indulge when need be. Most of my “cravings” have been fruit, and between weeks 15-18 I was getting a taste for red meat often. Lately, I’m happier having smoothies and steak salads then chocolate, lol. Portions are hard though… It’s easy to over eat, but the tummy aches after stink!!! I’ve attached some photos from the last few weeks, but I post daily to Instagram with lots of food ideas. Here are some of the pics:

I hope the pics offer some inspiration for meal ideas! If you’re on Instagram, please follow along! Just search: @lifeofanewwife and you’ll find me:)!

Lots of love,
Mrs. B

Quick n’ Easy Jalapeno Burgers

Tags

burgers, easy, healthy recipes, jalapeno, quick, stater bros

Hey Everyone!

Hope you all had a great weekend. I posted a photo to my Instagram yesterday about the dinner that Brett and I threw together… It was all so good that I had to share! The first part of this delicious dinner were the super easy to make Jalapeno Burgers. Literally just takes a few ingredients:

• jalapeno burger patties (I just bought the ones in the butchers section at Stater Brothers, they always have them in stock and have a great kick to them.)
• butter lettuce: Also used in the pear salad recipe I’ll post after this…
• honey dijon mustard
• light mayo
• 1 tomato sliced
• sliced provolone cheese
• fresh cracked pepper
• Hawaiian sweet hamburger buns

Again, all items can be picked up at your local Stater Bro’s, or make your own patties using lean ground beef, diced jalapenos, garlic, cracked peppercorn, salt, and chili flakes if you want that extra kick.

Toast the buns, then set aside. Cook the hamburgers on a cook top for approx 3-4 min. per side for medium burgers on high heat. While they’re cooking, add mayo and mustard to the buns, and a layer of lettuce to the bottom bun.

*A tip I learned watching Diners, Drive Ins and Dives: When the burgers are almost done, top with the slice of cheese, pour a splash of water on the patties to create steam, and cover with either an upside down skillet or bowl to trap the steam. It helps melt the cheese quickly, and infuse some extra juice in the burger!

Remove from heat and put a burger on top of the lettuce of each lower patty. Add the tomato and top with the top bun. So easy! Whole process only takes 10-12 minutes and you’re in spicy burger heaven!

Hope you enjoy! Try them with my baked sweet potato fry recipe, and/or the Asian Pear Salad!

Lots of Love,

Mrs. B

Working While Pregnant: How To Pack A Healthy Lunchbox

Tags

clean eating, cooking, Food, fruit, Health, healthy food, Home, instagram, Lunch box, Pregnancy, salad

Hey Everyone,

A few days ago, a follower on my Instagram account asked how I organize my food for work… which inspired me to do this post. I’m currently in my 22nd week of pregnancy, and time is flying by! I have been fortunate so far, and I think a lot of that has to do with diet. Don’t get me wrong, I have a HUGE sweet tooth which I indulge from time to time, but for the most part I try to stick with healthy food.

Pregnancy has brought on a whole new meaning to the word “snacking.” I feel like I constantly need to be putting food in my system. However, not wanting to become a whale this summer, and with a girlfriend’s wedding just 10 weeks after my delivery date approaching, I’m motivated to stay on track and give this little one some really awesome food:)

There are a few things to remember when packing for the office:

1. Timeframe: How long will you be there? How many meals/snacks do you need?
2. Variety: Try to remember your food groups ladies! protein, veggies, fruit, carbs, etc. and make sure you have some of each of the groups
3. Packaging: How will you pack the items so they stay fresh? (i.e. separating sauces and dressings so things don’t get soggy)

Here’s how I organize my time frame: if I’m in the office from 9-5, I usually have breakfast before I leave the house, even if its a protein shake and an apple. Then I know i’ll need something in between that and my lunch, like some fruit to snack on. I’ll need lunch, and probably some more veggies in the later afternoon before leaving to head home.

So… keeping variety in mind, here’s and example of what I’d pack:

• 1 cup of fruit
• 1 cup of veggies (carrots, celery etc.)
• 1 jar or container of salad with at least 3 ingredients for variety
• 1 cup of brown rice
• 1 protein like chicken, and almonds, hummus, or beans

This gives me a little bit of everything I need. There are some good items that you can keep at the office to make life a little easier too:

• salad dressing
• bread (if you like sandwiches)
• plenty of water
• condiments like mustard
• extra fruit (apples, or cuties are great)

I pack the items at night after dinner, or while I’m putting dinner together, so I have them ready to go on the shelf the next morning.

If you want to make a sandwich, just put all the inside ingredients in a tupperware, and assemble at the office so your sandwich is fresh and ready to go!

Here are some photos of my “lunchbox” from the past few weeks. I’ve been doing this more of late, since my schedule has had me coming in 4 days a week instead of 2, and I’m finally feeling like I’ve gotten a system that works and keeps me from getting drained during the day from this “little one” inside me 🙂

 

I hope you all find some useful tips for your lunchbox! Ladies, please remember it’s better to pack extra then not enough, and find ourselves struggling to get through the day! You can never overdo it on the veggies so reach for those more than anything else! We also have to try to keep these babies healthy and growing! 🙂

Lots of Love,

Mrs. B

 

Sweet Treat: Fruit & Angel Food Cake Trifle

Hey Everyone!

Thought I’d share a really easy dessert with you guys that’s perfect for summer! I did a very similar one last summer for Fourth of July… Here’s what you’ll need:
2 lg. packages for strawberries sliced
2 packs of blueberries
1 angel food cake torn to bite sized pieces
2 light cool whip containers
4-5 tbs honey

The serving dish really makes the dessert, so I borrowed my mother in laws since we don’t have one yet. Just add some angel food cake to the bottom, and fill in the layer with cool whip. Then lay out some sliced strawberries and blueberries. Drizzle some honey and repeat 2x until you get to the top. Don’t worry about making things perfect on the lower layers… You won’t see them anyway 😉! It makes a beautiful dessert that won’t put you in a coma! Lol

Enjoy!

Lots of Love,

Mrs. B