Category: Uncategorized

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (GF if needed)
• 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar (or honey, Stevia, agave)
• 2 tbsp. orange juice
• 2 tbsp. hoisin sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp. fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp. sesame seeds

DIRECTIONS:

Add the chicken to the slow cooker.

Mix together the soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, orange juice, hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger.

Cook on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked. Slice or shred.

*Optional: Want a thicker sauce? Add the sauce from the slow cooker to a small pot. Bring to a boil. Meanwhile combine 1 tbsp. of cornstarch and 1 tbsp. cold water. Add to the boiling sauce and stir well. Bring to a boil and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.

Want it crispy? Spread the chicken on a baking sheet covered with foil and broil for 3-4 minutes or until crispy.

Meet Molly!

Molly is a 28-year-old Movin’ Mama living on the South Shore of MA with her husband and brand new, 1-month-old daughter. As a Cosmetologist and Esthetician, it’s not surprising that one of her favorite hobbies includes Fashion…& working out of course when she’s cleared to do so! I asked Molly how she’s Living Well today, and here’s what she shared… 

How do you typically start your day?

My day normally starts out with a snuggle session with my daughter. Our nights have been a struggle so far, we seem to get our best sleep in the early morning so when we get up, we snuggle before we start our day!

What is your typical workout regimen like?

I had an emergency C-section in September, so I am not able to do normal exercise quite yet. However, I am the MOH in my sister-in-law’s wedding in December, so I am motivated to get into that dress I bought at only 3 months pregnant!

I do like to take my little one out for walks if it’s nice outside, and look forward to doing some 5ks this spring with her! I can’t wait to get back to my yoga and spin classes, and to check out Row and Ride in Hanover! I did rowing in high school and absolutely loved it, it’s the best way to get great definition in your arms!

What has been your biggest challenge with wellness since the birth of your baby?

The biggest challenge was having an unexpected C-section because the recovery is intense…Not being able to drive for a few weeks was tough with my husband being back at work! Luckily I have been surrounded by the most loving and supportive family and friends who have helped with meals and food shopping etc.!

What do you do when you want to have “Me time”?

I like to pamper myself by going to my own Allure Med Spa & Salon. We do it all! Also I just recently joined a book club and that has gotten me back into reading, so I will let Dad take over when he gets home from work and sneak off for a few chapters!

INGREDIENTS

Soup:

• 1 Tablespoon EVOO
• 8 Piece Chicken
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 4 Jalapeno Peppers, seeds removed and chopped
• 1 Tablespoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more or less)
• 3 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• juice of 1/2 lime
• 2 32 oz gluten-free chicken broth

Tortilla Strips:

• 3-6 corn tortillas
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• dash of paprika
• dash of cumin
• dash of chili powder
• dash of cayenne pepper
• juice of 1/4 lime

Garnish:

• Pico De Gallo
• Shredded Mexican cheese
• Sour Cream
• Chopped avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Homemade tortilla strips

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Throw in the onions, jalapenos and garlic and cook until the onions are translucent. Mix in paprika, salt, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. The vegetables will be coated with the spices, continue to stir to cook the vegetables until they begin to turn golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Add the two 32 oz. boxes of chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Add 8-piece chicken and simmer for 30 minutes or until chicken is easily removed from the bones. (If it totally creeps you out to add raw chicken, you can bake the chicken first and then add to broth and only cook for 20 minutes.)

Reduce the heat to low. Remove all of the chicken, pull the meat off the bones and shred. Return the shredded chicken to the soup. Add the drained black beans. Add the fresh cilantro, give it a taste and add salt or seasonings as needed; be sure to not under salt it!

Cut the tortillas into uniform strips. Mix tortilla strips and oil in a large mixing bowl. Add spices and lime juice and mix until strips are evenly coated. Spray a cookie sheet with oil and evenly spread the tortilla strips out on the pan making sure they do not overlap. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Turn off the heat and get ready to serve it up. Ladle the soup into a bowl, and let everyone top his or her soup with preferred toppings.

Enjoy!

Meet Christy!

Christy is a 30-year-old Movin’ Mama residing south of Boston with her husband and 4-month-old twins [boy & girl]. She’s just returned to her full-time career in Marketing & Sales, and absolutely loves to cook, despite the challenge of living gluten-free (a cold pumpkin beer occasionally gets the best of her). She’s always looking for ways to make her husband’s favorite meals GF without him knowing.

How do you typically start your day?

Our day typically starts around 6:30/7:00 AM. I feed both kids and then we all get dressed for the day. Depending on the day, we either rush out of the house to get the kids to daycare and I head off to work, or we just hang out and the kids have playtime while I have my morning cup of coffee, or two.

What is your favorite workout right now, and why?

KFit Bootcamp! I started KFit Bootcamp in Weymouth, MA two years ago when I needed a reboot because I was bored with the average aerobic class and running on the treadmill every day. My sister and I found a deal on Living Social and decided to give it a try together. KFit is a bootcamp program that is designed for all women of any age and all fitness levels. The coaches are dedicated to helping you achieve your own fitness goals and motivating you to set new and challenging ones. The best part about KFit is all of the amazing women I have met that keep me motivated enough to get to the gym at least 3 days week. After the twins were born, I couldn’t wait to get back to the gym and finally felt comfortable starting again when they were 3 months old.

What crossed your mind when you found out that you were expecting twins?

I knew it was twins right away, I just had a feeling…my husband was a little more surprised. I was really tired and sick, and told him before the ultrasound to not be surprised if it was twins and he told me that I was just exaggerating…It was twins!

What has been your biggest challenge with wellness since the birth of your twins and how are you overcoming it?

My biggest challenge started with 12 weeks of bed-rest, as I lost all of my endurance and then had C-section, which has made it even more difficult getting back into shape.

I had to start really slow. After 6 weeks postpartum, I walked a quarter of a mile, and my legs were on fire and I was very winded. It took me two months to build up to walking 3 miles. After 3 months postpartum, I started back at the gym but everyday is still challenging. I am more often than not the last person to finish the workout but at least I’m there and finishing it!

What do you love most about being a new mom so far?

I love everything about being a new mom but the unconditional love is by far the best part.

What is your best practice for stress-relief?

Definitely exercise! If I miss the gym, I put the kids in the stroller and we head out for a long walk. There are so many great paved parks to walk at on the South Shore, I have to mix it up so I don’t get bored. If that fails…. a glass of red wine!

What are some things you’re doing to achieve balance at home?

I plan for the week ahead on Sunday including my work schedule, what days I will go to the gym and what days my husband will go to the gym, and I meal prep for at least 3 meals. Setting a schedule helps to keep us “on-track” because it is so easy to say, “I’m just too busy.”

Meal prepping ensures we have several healthy meals at home for dinner when we are running around like crazy and healthy snacks I can just grab instead of grabbing any junk food in sight!

*Check out one of Christy’s favorites, Tortilla Soup, here on our Mama-Friendly Menu!

What do you do when you want to have “ME” time?

Right now, I would say going to the gym or getting a pedicure, even when I don’t need one!

What is one piece of candid advice you’d like to share with other new moms who are expecting twins?

Staying organized and sticking to a schedule definitely helps but sometimes you just have to throw all of that out the window and just go with the flow to make it to bedtime.

Also, no matter how hard you try, you’re just going to be late to any scheduled events for a little while and when you’re on time, you should totally celebrate!

Meet Jodi!

 Jodi Hogan is our own Ms. Massachusetts 2015 & Personal Trainer & Owner of ThinkFitPT who currently resides south of Boston. When she’s not working it out with clients or fundraising for the Make-A-Wish foundation, she loves Soccer, Basketball, Dancing, Cooking and Reading. I am beyond PUMPED to have Jodi lead the fitness component of our very first Women’s Wellness Workshop on October 24th, and we look forward to seeing you all there! Here’s a sneak peek at our trainer…

Firstly, Congrats on being named Ms. Massachusetts! When and what inspired you to go after the title?

Representing Massachusetts at a National pageant has always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. When people think about pageants, they usually only see the bad things–like YouTube videos of girls tripping while answering a question on stage, or in the news for something they did wrong.

What most people don’t see is all the great things that they do as well. Some of the smartest, most selfless and well-spoken girls I know are from the pageant world. Since I was crowned Ms. Massachusetts USA, I have had the opportunity to do many events for all different organizations throughout the state. I also have personally raised over $3,000 for the Make-A-Wish foundation and hope to reach my goal of $7,000.

Why did you decide to pursue Personal Training as your career path?

I have always been an athlete and am constantly on-the-go. In college, I played basketball and also was on the competitive dance team. After graduation, I worked for a company in Boston and really enjoyed the Health/Fitness lifestyle aspect of the organization. After almost 3 years of corporate work, I decided I wanted to focus more on the fitness side of things.

I fell in love with weight training when I started training for my first Bikini competition and decided to pursue personal training. I also love that training has so many different outlets and you can try new things. I am getting Barre-certified this month and hope to get my certification in Pilates as well. I am currently teaching a kickboxing conditioning class Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays at Southshore Sports Fighting in Norwell, MA. I really love the variety!

What has been your biggest challenge in getting your own business started?

The biggest challenge is Advertising! Building a client database has been a struggle so far because I did not grow up in the area and I am just starting out. The personal training business is also hard because most people want to work out on their own or don’t think they can afford a trainer. My philosophy is that your health is an investment in yourself. There are plenty of ways that you can save money each month to really focus on yourself and to reach your goals.

What would you say are the top health benefits of personal training for new mothers in particular?

As a fitness professional, I believe that the most important thing women can do postpartum is to remember to take care of themselves physically and emotionally, as well as their children and family at large. Tough one for Mama’s I realize, but personal training can help create accountability to exercise with an actual schedule (with flexibility of course) to stay on track as best you can. Proper nutrition, hydration, and ample activity can work wonders during a sleep-deprived fog.

Another huge benefit is that many new Mamas want to get their pre-baby body back but do not know where to start. The great thing about a trainer is that he or she can design a customized program that will be challenging per individual but not to a level where it is unsafe.

Who do you personally lean on for Wellness inspiration?

Social media has been a huge help for me and can be a huge help for new moms. There is a YouTube video for everything out there. If a client asks me about a certain exercise that I’ve never heard of before, I YouTube it!

The internet is filled with free recipes, workouts and tons of wellness tips like you’ll find here at What Makes You Move, Mama?.

I also love Instagram and follow a lot of fitness gurus and trainers. They post links to other people’s pages and you can get tons of free, credible information!

Meet Dom!

Dominique is a 30-year-old, Stay-At-Home Movin’ Mama residing south of Boston with her husband and three kiddos [2 girls @ 8 & 4; 1 boy @ 22 months). Outside of being on nonstop Mama-Duty, Dom loves to play soccer, cook and do crafty projects at home. We asked her how she’s Living Well today, and here’s what she shared…

How do you typically start your day?

I typically start my day when my alarm clock AKA my son cries until I wake up and nurse him. Then, I immediately make coffee and we’ll hang out and watch some of his favorite TV shows or read books that he likes.

If the girls don’t wake up on their own, we go upstairs and my littlest jumps on them until they finally get out of bed. I fight with them both usually to pick out their outfits for the day, which ends up in piles of clothes everywhere…because they think they are teenagers already. Then after I finally get everyone ready, I make them a nice, quick breakfast, and we’re out the door to bring my oldest daughter to school.

What’s your most effective workout been since you’ve had children?

Definitely running with my double stroller. My kids enjoy it, and I enjoy it. Some days when I’m more energetic, I’ll try to sing funny songs or make it extra entertaining for them so it’s fun for them, too. We also have been “racing” where I try to do some sprints and they chase me at our local field, then we all do planks together. I want my kids to see that working out is an important part of life to stay healthy.

What are your top must-have wellness & beauty products right now?

I invested in a Nutribullet RX, which is awesome for juicing or blending smoothies for not only me, but the kids as well!

As for beauty products, my regimen is few and far between these days (what are these beauty products you speak of?). The other day I actually attempted to look like a human being for once, and my two youngest children were trying to do the same, and my makeup ended up everywhere. But, I absolutely LOVE:

• Trilogy Rose hip oil on my face
• Clarisonic facial brush
• Josie maran exfoliating cleansing powder
• Origins charcoal mask

Can you share a few best practices for healthy eating as a new mama?

I honestly can’t share too much here, because I love food way too much…I of course try my best to eat healthy but I never deprive myself, you only live once!

Some of my healthier choices lately include:

• Hard boiled eggs for a quick snack
• Trader Joe’s Almonds
• Almond butter on banana or apples (or a spoon)
• Cauliflower recipes, especially for pizza!

Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?

I’d like to thank my mom for helping me get through parenthood so far. She’s always given me the best advice on all things relative to being a mom.

Has losing the baby weight been harder or easier this time around than before?

I have never found it easy to lose the baby weight! Some people say breastfeeding helps you drop pounds fast. I found that it made me a bottomless pit and constantly hungry. Of course, now having 3 kids it’s even more difficult. Finding time for myself to get in a good workout or actually even just sit down to eat a meal is much more difficult, plus the extra chicken nuggets and cheezits are always calling my name!

What is the one thing you never had that you want for your kids?

When I was little I always wanted a tree house. I’m sure if we had a place to put one, my dad would have built it. My parents always did what they could to make our childhood awesome and I’m forever grateful for that.

Finish this sentence: Being a Mom has made me…

REALIZE WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT!

When Cory posted her food porn masterpiece of a shrimp dish to her Facebook wall, I naturally stalked her for the recipe to share with all the Mama’s out there. I mean who doesn’t want to throw together a spicy shrimp quinoa bowl like this? I sure do.

FROM HER KITCHEN TO YOURS – ENJOY!

INGREDIENTS:

4 TBS greek yogurt
1 TBS sweet chilli sauce
1-2 TSP sriracha (your preference)
Salt & Pepper
Tri-colored Quinoa
1 Bag of Baby Spinach
1 can of mini white beans
2 eggs

DIRECTIONS:

Start by marinating 1 lb. of shrimp for 30 minutes in the following:
greek yogurt
sweet chilli sauce
sriracha (your preference)
Add Salt & pepper to taste
Then, Cook 1.5 cups of tri-colored quinoa in 3 cups vegetable broth.
Sauté a bag of baby spinach with garlic oil salt and pepper.
Once everything is finished, Mix your Quinoa, shrimp, sautéed spinach together and add about 1 cup of mini white beans.
Top each bowl with a fried egg.

Wellness is generally the state or condition of being in good physical and mental health, including  things like a balanced diet, exercise regimen and, for many new Mamas, a good ole’ fashioned break. But as we all know, focus on our own personal health can often fall by the wayside as we divert 100% of our attention (and concern) to our family.

Our bodies change after having a baby, thus it’s important to stay well-informed following your own unique pregnancy experiences. While I was not personally diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes (GDM), I know many women who have been (and the numbers are rising), so below are some useful tips on how to manage postpartum, from a Registered Nurse & Certified Diabetes Educator, Jessica Grady.

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before, but who have high blood glucose (sugar) levels during pregnancy are said to have gestational diabetes (GDM). According to a 2014 analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of GDM is as high as 9.2%. We don’t know exactly what causes GDM, but we have some clues. The placenta supports the baby as it grows. Hormones from the placenta help the baby develop. BUT these hormones also block the action of the mother’s insulin in her body. This problem is called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance makes it hard for the mother’s body to use insulin. She may need up to THREE times as much insulin!

Gestational diabetes starts when your body is not able to make and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy (usually in late pregnancy). Without enough insulin, glucose cannot leave the blood and be changed to energy, so glucose builds up in the blood to high levels. While gestational diabetes can have negative effects on both you and your baby, these can be prevented with diet, exercise and sometimes insulin. After you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you are at increased risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes down the road.

Postpartum To Do’s: Preventing Type 2 Diabetes after GDM

• Reach and maintain a healthy weight. According to the Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes, this means maintaining a BMI <25 or <23 if you are Asian American. Don’t know your BMI? Use the CDC’s free BMI calculator here. Try to reach your pre-pregnancy weight 6 to 12 months after your baby is born. Then, if you still have more to lose, work to drop at least 5 to 7% of your body weight and keep it off. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, losing 10 to 14 pounds can greatly reduce your chance of getting Type 2 diabetes later on.

• Get Movin’ Mama! According to The Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults need at least 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) every week and muscle strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms). The best and most sustainable exercise goals are ones that are realistic and attainable. So try to make this something you ENJOY and that works with your schedule, so you can stick to it. As always, consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.

• Eat your veggies!…well sort of. During an age when there are more diets and information about food available than ever, believe it or not, the jury is still out on which is truly the best in preventing diabetes. Research has shown that a variety of eating patterns can accomplish this. So whether it’s plant-based (vegan or vegetarian), Mediterranean-style, gluten-free, paleo or some mix of all of these, pick one that works for you. Just make sure whatever you pick your body is getting the amount of calories it needs to gain, lose or maintain your weight (depending on your goals) and all the key nutrients, vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy and strong for you!

Meet Jennifer!

Jennifer is a 31-year-old Movin’ Mama, living outside of Boston with her husband and two boys [ages 5 & 8]…and is expecting her third little guy in just ONE week! Jen is a hair stylist who loves to read or bake sweet treats for her family in her (limited!) down-time. We asked her how she’s Living Well today amidst the end of her 3rd pregnancy, and here’s what she said…

How do you typically start your day?

When I first wake up, I like to have a hot cup of coffee, make breakfast for my boys, and get them ready to head off to school. After that, I typically run errands and walk my 4th child, our dog Sampson (yes, also a boy!).

What was your exercise regimen like before you were pregnant this time around and how has it changed?

Before this pregnancy, I participated in competitive powerlifting. My training program was written by a certified lifting coach, Mark at Strength First Boston, which included 3-4 days of high intensity weight training per week.

Throughout my pregnancy, I have continued doing some safe, light weight training coupled with lots of swimming, up until recently as I’ve become too uncomfortable to do pretty much anything, let alone exercise. I thought I was going to be able to work out until the very end, but I’ve officially run out of energy!

Do you have any postpartum wellness goals planned ahead?

My #1 personal fitness goal is to compete at the RPS powerlifting meet in October 2016, where I will strive to perform a 300 lb. deadlift and a 225 lb. squat, which I have done in the gym, but never live in a competition.

I first have to get back into regular conditioning shape before I can start powerlifting again, so it won’t be until 3-4 months postpartum that I start training hard again. At 6 weeks postpartum, once I am cleared to work out by my doctor, I will start my initial conditioning work, which will include a lot of cardio mixed with weight training (burpees, pull ups, etc.).

Quite frankly, I’m not really sure exactly how I’m going to find time to reach these goals…with a newborn/third baby–it will be a miracle! But it’s something to work towards.

What do you do when you want to have “Me time”?

I’ve always considered exercise my special time, specifically my 60-90 minute powerlifting training I mentioned that is typically 3-4 times per week. When I can’t get to the gym, I like to read at night when the kids are asleep to unwind. A glass of wine also helps to relax of course (that is, when I’m not expecting).

How are preparing your two boys for the arrival of your third baby?

I have found that letting my boys ask the questions about the baby is best because so many other people ask them about it already.

But, we’ve told them that their brother will be giving them each a special “gift” for being his new Big Brothers, so we try to make it fun by brainstorming ideas of what their presents will be like so they will look forward to his birth.

What is one of your recent go-to healthy weeknight dinners?

Turkey Tacos, always. They’re so quick and easy, and we love using ground turkey breast.

SIDE NOTE: Check out this delish turkey taco recipe from abigmouthful.com that you can try at home!

Who do you lean on the most for your own emotional & physical well-being?

I lean on my husband and a close group of girlfriends. I mean honestly, who else would let me complain all the time?!

What is one piece of candid advice you’d like to share with other new moms regarding general wellness?

My candid advice would be that a Mama should always remember to take care of herself. If you’re not caring for yourself, it will be impossible to properly take care of your new baby and entire family.

It seems that many women feel guilty and completely put themselves on the back burner, which does nothing for their family. I am guilty of this too sometimes like everyone else, and remember that I need to take my own advice and take a break when needed!

Finish this sentence: Being a Mom has made me….

This is the hardest question you’ve asked me so far! Being a mom has made me STRONGER. HAPPIER. A better person overall, who has become more aware of things I never cared about before, like the quality of our local institutions and politics.

Meet Dave!

Dave is the Founder and Director of The Green Light juice shop, based in various locations across the South Shore of MA. Dave currently resides in Duxbury with his wife, Rosangela and 23-year-old daughter, Mikaela. Outside of being an amazing Raw Food Chef, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, growing wheatgrass, and playing cribbage.

For those who are unfamiliar, what exactly is The Green Light?

The Green Light is a Nutrition and Wellness company that provides the roadmap to optimal health for people looking to improve their current state of health through juices, smoothies, cleanses and educational classes. We are dedicated to providing the best in human nutrition to all who choose to visit us.

When and what inspired you to start your business?

It all started 10 years ago when my father was diagnosed with cancer, and I saw first-hand what conventional “medicine” had to offer. I felt that everything that they had done to “treat” him was wrong. It didn’t end well for my father. I then spent 8 years traveling the country learning from the best in human nutrition, and am convinced that nutrition is the best way to heal yourself and prevent all these so-called diseases from ever manifesting in the first place.

Since I changed my own life through nutrition 10 years ago, I now live in physical bliss every single second of every day, in a pain-free body. It’s amazing how I feel. I am now 50 years old and have never been healthier, and I have my blood work to prove it.

What would you say are the top health benefits of juicing for new mothers in particular?

The top health benefit of juicing for new moms (and for everyone) is that it will help to deliver oxygen to the human cell. The most important nutrient in the human body is oxygen; every cell in the human body is always seeking it. The more oxygen present in your blood, the more energy you will have. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I have lots of energy!

Which juice combo is your personal favorite right now?

My favorite juice combo right now is a 2 oz shot of wheatgrass, followed by a 2 oz shot of ginger, and then a 24 oz “Green Light” specialty. The Green Light consists of spinach, kale, celery, cucumber, apple, cilantro, lemon and lots of ginger. It is delicious and it’s a great way to start my day. My body looks forward to it every morning!

Where can we find The Green Light shops today?

The Green Light is located in Massachusetts, in Cohasset, Duxbury, Hingham, Marshfield and Pembroke.

Huge thanks to The Green Light for sponsoring our upcoming Wellness Workshop on October 24th where juice samples will be provided to participants as a pre-workout treat!