CE-Yo Gary Hirshberg and the Stonyfield Moms are super enthusiastic about organic! Check it out and then join in the re-mix by uploading your own shout out at www.justeatorganic.com

Over the past 8-9 months my weight has been fairly stable. In fact my weight stabilized between 165-169 lbs for 5 months. However around the holidays in late 2010 I bounced back above the 170 mark for the first time since July.

Not overly concerned, and I was able to shake off the holiday excess by the end of December. Steady as it goes through this week…then booyah…172, 173, 174…..175!!!! The last time I saw 175 was in June 2010. The number itself isn’t really scary…all my clothes still fit, and I don’t think I show any of the added weight. However I need to nip this thing before its another 10 lbs next month, and we’re looking at a new Spacemyself 2011 project.

My resolutions involved prepping for the Pat Tillman race in April (umm), climbing Camelback Mountain (err) ,working out more (uhh), eating more greens (check!!), and drinking more water (FAIL). I’m 1 for 5 on the goals so far this year. The race is April 16, whether I like it or not…so I need to get moving, STAT. Camelback will happen soon after, working out has to happen for 1 and 2, and more water is necessary.

I am going to track what I eat again. The problems have not stemmed around my meals…I eat healthy main courses, balanced and of good ingredients. The problem has been occasional slip-ups. Pizza is back, but not the kind I make. I’m talking Barro’s black olive goodness. Even though its once a week, its adding up. The other issue has been the snacking. Not horrible snacks, but the added calories have been adding up. This all stops today. I’m grabbing the bullshit by the horns and will not allow the scale to show above 175. See ya in a month!

I have three children, ages 4, 2, and 3 months. The 3 month old is set, getting the best food that nature offers…but what about the persnickety toddlers? Meal planning for toddlers can be almost impossible. Ok they love chicken and fries…check! And pizza, and chocolate, and fruit…but how do you get them excited about broccoli, spinach, asparagus, or other iron rich greens essential to good growth, health, and well-being? You trick them of course!

Jessica Seinfeld wrote a book about it, moms have been doing it for years. Its the culinary version of the “trojan horse”…work with a foundation they love, but figure out how to implement the healthy options. My gift to you… The Spacemyself Super Smoothie!

Spacemyself Super Smoothie – Kid Approved!

• 1 Cup Blueberries (frozen)
• 1 Cup Mango (frozen)
• 1 Cup Vanilla Soy
• 1 Cup Apple Juice
• 1 Cup Fresh Baby Spinach Leaves (whole)

Add above to blender and blend until smooth

Some basic facts about dieting and exercise from one of my favorite sites, Active.com.

• Low-Carb Diets Rule
  • If you want to lose weight and keep it off, you need to cut out refined starches
  • What works best for keeping the weight off is a high-protein, low glycemic index (GI) diet
• The Treadmill vs. the Common Cold
  • Do exercise moderately if your cold symptoms are confined to your head. If you’re dealing with a runny nose or sore throat, moderate exercise is permissible. Intense exercise can be resumed a few days after symptoms subside.
  • Don’t “sweat out” your illness. This is a potentially dangerous myth, and there is no proof to support that exercise during an illness helps cure it.
  • Do stay in bed if your illness has spread beyond your head. Respiratory infections, fever, swollen glands and extreme aches and pains all indicate that you should rest up, not work out.
  • Don’t jump back in too soon. If you’re recovering from a more serious bout of cold or flu, gradually ease back into exercise after at least two weeks of rest.
    In general, if your symptoms are from the neck up, go ahead and take a walk, but if you have a fever or general aches and pains, rest up.
• Did You Ruin Your Child’s Eating Habits?
  • Parents don’t have as much influence as previously thought
  • Children’s eating habits are influenced by many factors, including schools, local food environment, government guidelines that regulate school meals “and the broader food environment that is influenced by food production, distribution and advertising.”
• Eat Your Way to A Good Tan
  • Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables gives you a healthier glow
  • The study found that, when given a choice, people preferred those with a skin tone caused by carotenoids to those who were suntanned.

Read the full article here:

http://www.active.com/nutrition/Articles/The-Diet-Detective-4-Health-and-Fitness-Facts.htm?cmp=17-2-122

There are so many people out there that have gluten based allergies, so here is a list of great restaurants in the Phoenix area that offer Gluten-Free menus (thanks Arizona Foothills Magazine)!

http://arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/dining/restaurants/1684-gluten-free-dining-spots-in-phoenix.html