Want a workout that’s easy, effective and empowers you? This one-stop-shop is all that (and more) and has a 25 year success record.

Thank you Curves® International for sponsoring this post and getting me to get moving for me!

I love to work out. 

Well let me rephrase…I love how I feel and how I look AFTER I have worked out. 

It’s getting the energy to do it that’s hard. 

And considering time is something I don’t have a lot of, working out is often what gets put on the bottom of the to-do list right there with kid-free time with my friends. 

I’m sad to say that both of these often get the shaft even though we all know they are necessary for a healthy well-being! 

So in efforts to keep 2017 a year for healthy change, Girl Time (which included a lot of wineing) would turn intoCurves® Time by working out with my girls. 

The idea was supposed to be something all of us would be comfortable doing and easy for us to catch up while we got in our workout time! 

On our first trip, we received a warm welcome from our coaches and in no time went to work! 

And thankfully there wasn’t a lot of confusing exercises or instructions – you just listed to the music and gave it your best shot for two rounds of interval cardio and machine work. We finished up with a series of stretches – and man, you needed those. 

Ironically, it didn’t feel like work but I could tell from the heavy breathing (and a pulse check – part of the workout), I was making a difference all while hanging with my friends. #multitasking

That day we committed to a month-long promise to keep each other accountable to working out together as a team. And keep us moving when we wanted to skip out when it seemed like there were too many other things to do. 

There was sign on the wall that I always look at that makes so much sense. 

And all it takes is 30 MINUTES! 

So many of us put ourselves on the bottom of the list. Ironically, not doing something for yourself, especially when it comes to your health is how you become better for everyone else. 

Make FALL into a good habit this season and make time for you and if you want, your friends too. Now’s a perfect time to sign up for Curves® since they’re celebrating 25 years of making a difference! 

And make sure to keep following me on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) to see me check-in my progress. And because I did a health assessment when I began my Curves Journey (it’s part of their process too!), I’ll reveal what happened to me after 30 days! 

About Curves

Curves® is a one-stop-shop for every woman’s fitness needs. By enrolling in the Curves Fitness® Program, women are able to participate in a 30 minute, total-body workout on strength training machines. These circuit classes are designed to burn fat, increase strength, and kick start weight loss. Curves® members not only work every core muscle group in just 30 minutes, but they also become a part of a supportive group of empowered women.

Are you ready to get #CurvesStrong?

This post was sponsored by Curves International but the content and opinions expressed here are all my own. 

Thinking about a tummy tuck but don’t know how to deal with all the postsurgical stuff? New technology is making it a little easier to get back your even better mom bod.

Thanks to TissuGlu^® for sharing this medical advancement and the Mom It Forward Influencer Network sponsorship of mamachallenge.com.

Whether you were blessed with a small waist or are still battling your baby weight (and your kids well past being a baby like mine) most of us have a little extra something around our midsection we’d like to get rid of. I’ve been working hard like many moms to shape up and be healthy, but just like both my OB and my trainer said, “some parts will never go back.”

Well $#*! (Insert your hissy fit here.)

For some of us, God blessed you and everything goes back and you look great. For those of us that don’t have Heidi Klum’s body, we suck it up (literally) and deal with it. And for other moms, a tummy tuck is their next step.

I’ve known many moms that have gone through a tummy tuck and look great. I know many more moms who have thought about it, but haven’t done it due to all the recovery time and the mess (i.e., drains) that come with it. (Who’s got time for that!)

However, a new technology is making the process a little easier to deal with. It’s called TissuGlu^® Surgical Adhesive. TissuGlu is the first surgical adhesive of its kind, making a drain-free tummy tuck possible.

[clickToTweet tweet=”Drains are patients’ #1 tummy tuck complaint. NEW TissuGlu® makes a #drainfreetummytuck possible. ” quote=”Drains are patients’ #1 tummy tuck complaint. NEW TissuGlu® makes a drain-free tummy tuck possible. “]

Most patients find drains to be complicated when emptying and measuring the fluid and painful when they are removed. Drains require maintenance for 1-3 weeks after surgery and sometimes cause additional scarring. TissuGlu forms a strong bond between tissue layers, reducing spaces where fluid may collect, allowing your body to resorb fluid.  This way the healing process is more natural without drains.

TissuGlu may reduce the need for drains after surgery. By using TissuGlu instead of drains, you may:

• Return to normal activities more quickly
• Experience less discomfort and pain than when drains are used
• Have fewer invasive treatments for fluid management.

I’m not saying let’s all go out and get a tummy tuck. For some of us, exercise might do the trick. But for those mamas that have done the work and still have an area that doesn’t make them happy, then a tummy tuck might be an option for you. And thankfully, TissuGlu is making it a little less difficult to find your best self in your own body.

If you’re considering abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), ask your doctor if a drain-free tummy tuck with TissuGlu is right for you.

Get more information about TissuGlu by going to their website: www.tissuglu.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrainFreeTummyTucks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drainfreetummytucks

Important TissuGlu^® Surgical Adhesive Safety Information:

Indication

TissuGlu^® Surgical Adhesive is indicated for the approximation of tissue layers where subcutaneous dead space exists between the tissue planes in abdominoplasty.

Contraindications

Do not use in patients with known or suspected allergies to urethane-based or isocyanate-containing products.

Warnings

• Do not use TissuGlu^® Surgical Adhesive in patients who have had prior exposure to TissuGlu^®. Immunological response associated with repeat TissuGlu^® exposure has not been studied.
• The effectiveness for the treatment of patients with BMI > 28 has not been established. Higher BMI patients have a propensity for fluid accumulation and may have an increased risk of seroma formation.
• Effectiveness was not observed in weight loss patients undergoing abdominoplasty. Weight loss patients have a propensity for fluid accumulation and may have an increased risk of seroma formation and aspiration.

Benefits

TissuGlu^® may reduce the need for drains after surgery. By using TissuGlu^® instead of drains, you may:

• Return to normal activities more quickly
• Experience less discomfort and pain than when drains are used
• Have fewer invasive treatments for fluid management. The results showed that 73% of TissuGlu^® patients had no treatments after surgery. However, some patients did require additional invasive treatments including reinsertion of drains.

Risks

Clinical studies were performed using TissuGlu^®. There were no increased safety risks with the use of TissuGlu^® than when drains were used. Potential complications associated with the use of the device and the tummy tuck procedures include seroma (fluid) formation. These complications may require treatments such as drain placement and/or fluid removal by needle, which may be performed in the operating room. Additional potential complications include wound healing issues, rash/redness, surgical site or incision infection, scarring, hematoma (bruise or swelling), incision separation, and immunological reaction.

Safety Information:

For full safety information please visit http://tissuglu.com, contact your doctor, or call Cohera Customer Support at 1-800-641-7458.

Disclaimer:

TissuGlu^® Surgical Adhesive is currently approved for sale in the United States for the approximation of tissue layers where subcutaneous dead space exists between the tissue planes in abdominoplasty. TissuGlu^® Surgical Adhesive received European CE Mark in 2011, where it is approved for large flap surgical procedures such as abdominoplasty. TissuGlu^® Surgical Adhesive is not approved for sale in any other region. Any questions related to the indication for use should be directed to your Cohera Medical Account Manager or to Cohera Medical Corporate Clinical Affairs. Refer to the complete TissuGlu^® Surgical Adhesive Directions for Use for prescribing and usage information.

When you’re young they say those hormones are ragin’, but midlife yours really can go crazy. We’re breaking down PMS and how your hormones affect you now especially when it comes to PMS even at the midlife mark. 

Thank you Douglas Laboratories for this post. I was selected for this opportunity by Douglas Laboratories and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

So many “fun” things happen when you’re older.

I won’t even begin to start the list, but your hormones definitely take a leading role on how your body works as you hit those milestone years (30s, 40s, and the rest of your years.)

While I’m sure you wish that you could just PAUSE all the talk about menopause, it’s a fact of life, just like the first time you heard the word period.

(Hey, it could be worse, we could be like ants. Now that’s crossing the line.)

Most of your life you’ve heard all kinds of excuses why hormones are messing with you – from your insatiable desire for chocolate during PMS to your complete lack of passion for sex – your hormones played a part.

But it’s not just below the belt where hormones affect you, it’s everywhere.

Our brain, bones, heart, skin and muscles all depend on healthy levels of sex hormones, thyroid hormones and adrenal hormones to function properly. These hormones work in synergy to support our mood, motivation and drive. Hormones allow us to adapt to the demands and stressors of life. Maintaining healthy and appropriately balanced hormones supports healthy aging, quality of life and helps make an active lifestyle easier to maintain. Healthy hormone levels also support healthy sexual function, body weight, sleep and blood sugar levels.

So yes, those pesky little hormones control most everything about you – from the way you act, the way you feel, the way you look and the way your body is performing.

However, that doesn’t mean once you hit your 40s, it’s done. Even though when I was 12 I felt that my world had come crashing down when I found out I had “become a woman,” I learned with a little knowledge and a few tools, life wasn’t just worth living, it was pretty damn good, if I want it to be.

Now I hit 36 (yes, I said it), I thought that menopause was just around the corner. But not so fast. PMS is still alive and well.

DID YOU KNOW?

Florida Hospital Medical Center states that almost 85% of American women experience PMS and symptoms can sometimes get worse as patients age and approach menopause.

What Causes PMS

In my younger years, I knew PMS had hit about the time I felt like someone was beating on my nether regions, rolled up with a heating pad, ready to toss my cookies most of the day, and stuffing my face with chocolate and popcorn. The older I got the more it’s changed, but not without me learning it was a little more than a five-day hindrance. PMS, or pre-menstrual syndrome, symptoms fluctuate with a lot of things including:

• Nutrient deficiencies particularly with calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, E and B6
• Excess estrogen obtained from environmental factors like plastics and other chemical exposures
• Stress
• Blood sugar dysregulation
• Level of thyroid hormones

But with a good diet, exercise and a little help on what your body is missing, you change a lot of those crazy things your body does right before Aunt Flow comes to visit.  

Making PMS Better

Eating a plant-based diet including broccoli, cabbage or brussels sprouts help support healthy detoxification. DIM, an important metabolite of indole-3-carbinol, promotes healthy estrogen metabolism and cell cycle activity.

So put down the chocolate – or at least eat one just bite, not the whole bar.

• There is also scientific evidence that adding Vitamin D and Magnesium can support your cycle up and downs during the menstrual cycle that may help explain some features of PMS like cramping and bloating. 
• Trials also support that Vitamin B, especially Vitamin B-6 can help to get your mood in check.
• And Iron has also been linked to PMS as it supports the maintenance of healthy iron storage your cycling body needs (and I don’t mean SoulCycle)

Taking birth control? PMS symptoms can also get out of whack due to folate interactions happening in your body, so getting just the right amount of this water-soluble B vitamin will help things out, as long as you don’t get too much (which can cause a whole new set of problems.)Folate is one of those really important things your body needs to help prevent birth defects, anemia, and keep your brain moving right along.  

So are you wonder how you’re going to get all those vitamins and minerals in to make PMS more tolerable?

In addition to diet (and exercise), Douglas Laboratories PMS Support can provide a combination of specific nutrients, including BioResponse DIM®, chasteberry extract, magnesium and B vitamins, specially formulated for support of normal premenstrual symptoms in healthy women. That chasteberry extract is pretty powerful stuff as it helps to balance out those crazy estrogen hormones over progesterone.

Basically, this stuff helps you to get your vitamins, minerals and other stuff your body needs to put your hormones in check and get Aunt Flow moving right along – without all the mess and mayhem she brings.

So as I hit my 36-year milestone, I’m figuring out the end as I know it isn’t just around the corner. This is where life gets good.

You just need a little boost.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The key to losing weight may not be what you’re eating or your amount of exercise. Sleep and breast milk shows they play a much bigger part in the weight rollercoaster. Check out The Sleep Diet. 

Thank you Douglas Laboratories for sponsoring this post. I was selected for this opportunity by Douglas Laboratories and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Ever heard something so many times, but it didn’t make a difference in anything you did? You know – like that moment you tell your kid something and he runs off in the total different direction after you just said don’t?

But then one day, it hits you like a ton of bricks? 

News alert: Sleep is important. 

Shocker, right?!? (Read the sarcasm here.) 

While we all might know it, goodness knows I’ve preached it: from how sleep affects our parenting skills as well as our health. I even went on TV to share tips on how to find the best mattress. While I knew that sleep was important, I wasn’t doing much to get more. Ironically I was working on those posts on about three hours of sleep. 

Then I was asked to join a special luncheon presentation by Dr. Penny Kendall-Reed recently in Dallas. She was speaking before several practitioners about “A Neuroendocrine Approach to Metabolic Balance” during the annual American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) Symposium.

Dr. Kendall-Reed is a specialist in metabolic and neuro-endocrine health, and author of the best-selling “The New Naturopathic Diet” and many other works. She travels throughout Canada and the United States lecturing on metabolic and endocrine function, holds health retreats, and appears regularly on television, magazine and radio. Presently, Dr. Kendall-Reed is the director of natural therapies at the Urban Wellness Clinic in Toronto and acts as a Medical Advisor to Douglas Laboratories.

While normally this isn’t type of event I’m known to attend, I was so interested to hear not just the importance of sleep, but the impact it makes in regards to STRESS and WEIGHT. 

If there were two words that I know a lot about (like many middle-aged parents), it’s stress and weight.

It’s no secret that I’ve had an ongoing battle to find a healthy weight balance. I’ve tried lots of things and some have been successful for me too. However, after awhile, I’m back to my old routine – not so much eating poorly as much as back to the grind of working non-stop, no exercise, no sleep and basically no routine. 

As for sleep in general, I’ve always treated it as a luxury. Something that people did who didn’t have enough to do. Who weren’t working hard enough. And now with my stress load, taking 8 hours in my day to sleep just gets in the way of me getting everything done. 

While the title of the presentation may have been a little overwhelming, the facts in Dr. Kendall-Reed’s presentation were clear. 

1 hour less of sleep a night reduces melatonin (the hormone that helps regulate our natural clock) and stimulates cortisol (the “stress hormone” that monitors the body’s way of handling fear/stress.)

When you don’t sleep, your leptin levels (the hormone that tells your brain when you’re full and you have enough energy) decrease, making your body THINK, you need more food to get moving. 

When you’re tired, you feel hungry because gherlin (a hormone that is released in the stomach that increases your appetite) is released making you feel like you’re hungry even if you don’t.) 

So basically, when you don’t sleep, your body can’t do what it’s meant to do: that 7-8 hours your body needs sleep to complete the restorative cycles necessary for good health.  And when you don’t sleep, you’re actually forcing your body to work against its own functions, causing you to gain weight. 

Great…All this time I thought if I was running myself ragged it meant that I was getting more done…was a total lie. 

Of course, there was a lot of information shared by Dr. Kendall-Reed that was fascinating – not just the facts, but also countless case studies. Research she shared showed that increasing sleep with a small modification in diet and the use of nutritional supplements (not prescriptions), were creating positive effects (like weight loss), in people in less than 30 days. 

Yep, sleep was helping people to lose weight. 

Now I was motivated to get moving on this “sleep diet.

One of the main nutritional supplements used with the “sleep diet,” Sereniten Plus, contains a special blend including Lactium®, an ingredient of natural origin made from milk proteins, first found in breast milk as researchers observed the calming effect on babies who were breastfed. (Once again the power of the female breast prevails!)

With a daily Sereniten Plus, 7-8 hours of sleep, and some slight changes like monitoring wine consumption to one a night, can actually make the LBS come off?

We’ll just have to see. Everyone’s different and of course, that whole sleeping thing is the other part of the equation to making those stress AND weight level decrease.

Bottom line: sleep isn’t something you get to do…it’s something you have to do. And with the help of Sereniten Plus, you might actually relearn the joys of healthy living.

Now this is a diet we all need to jump on. 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.