Healthy Family Archives - Page 16 of 20

The Selfish Acts of Giving and Gratitude

September 17, 2016 By Lindsay Gee

I like to think that I’m a giver. I give and give and give and I try to not take and take and take. But, I’m a selfish giver. I give to get something for myself. And, the more I give and get for myself, the more gratitude towards others I feel. However, I believe we all give to get, it’s just human nature.

We recently hosted a contest at Hot Mama where we gave away some pretty skookum prizes. The goal was to encourage Mamas to remain active over the summer and if they did, they’d win a great prize! Today we announced the winners and it unraveled this overwhelming desire for me to give and to inspire others to give. It’s the best feeling in the world to surprise someone with a gift. The gratitude is palpable. The energy is amazing.

That’s why I give. I LOVE surprising someone with a gift. I love to see their face light up, tears fill their eyes and I love to feel their gratitude as I’m enveloped in a hug. It’s the best. I’m an energy gal and your energy affects me like nothing else. The energy I feel when I give? It fills me with warmth and pure joy. I give and I give and I give because I need that energy in my life. It soothes my soul. I work tirelessly for Hot Mama and Lindsay Gee and I love it. But oh…the energy from giving that I receive? It’s beyond what words can explain.

I’ve read a lot of business books and a lot of gratitude books and there’s some science behind the act of giving. The hormones that are released, the more you give the more you get and blah, blah, blah…but I like to think of it in the most simple of terms: Do good for others and that good will bounce back to you. Energy out = energy in. I firmly believe that if you’re kind and generous to those around you, if you exude gratitude and positivity…it’ll come right back to you.

I see it over and over in our Hot Mama community. These incredible Mamas give to one another through ways I’m sure they don’t even realize. It’s the smiles, the high fives, the laughter and the sharing of tears. For every person you light up, you’re giving a piece of yourself. I get to do that every day…and that’s amazing.

What I don’t get to do every day is give a prize or a gift you can use or touch. Today I got to do that. And I am buzzing. It was time for me to be selfish and let the feeling of giving run through my body. I’m a gooey puddle of joy today and it’s because I gave something away to deserving people and I know they’ll use it. I (and our beautiful, strong and amazing Hot Mama franchise owners) gave away something that matters to someone. And that…oh baby. That’s an awesome feeling.

If you’re feeling crummy today, I encourage you to go be selfish. Go give of yourself. It doesn’t have to be an expensive give…it may even just be your time and some positive energy…but you’re going to change someone’s day today. Of this I am certain. Be a positive light to someone who needs it today and let their energy flow into your body. Give of yourself and be selfish. Take the energy and swim in it all day.

Go on…give selfishly. I approve.

Postpartum Depression – Why You Should Have Your Thyroid Checked

September 16, 2016 By Lindsay Gee

When I was six months postpartum with my first child I was depressed, at least I thought I was. I didn’t know what postpartum depression was. In fact, it wasn’t really discussed at all 8 years ago. The “Baby Blues” were casually mentioned…you know that hormonal day of crying most of us go through a few days after babe is born? That was discussed, but postpartum depression? No, never.

I’m so happy to see that’s changing. Slowly. But, it’s changing.

But, the Baby Blues confused me because I was told I would experience it days after my little man was born. And I did, I absolutely did. But, at 6-months postpartum? Why was I suffering so far after birth? All I knew was that I was tired, sad, losing my hair and gaining weight. I got into watching “Intervention” and I was certain my 6-month old baby boy was going to end up on the streets as an addict. I’d already failed as a mother in my eyes and I was completely overwhelmed with the responsibility of raising an addict. Hey, no one ever said postpartum depression makes sense.

I went to my doctor and had a good chat. She decided she should run blood tests and she referred me to a postpartum counsellor. I went and saw the counsellor and although I felt a little better after talking, I was still incredibly fatigued, lethargic and emotional. That’s when I got the call to get back to my doctor as soon as possible.

My TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) was at 52. Normal range for this hormone is 0.4 – 4mIU/L. Soooooo…my thyroid (the gland responsible for metabolism) had shut down and I was diagnosed as severely hypothyroid.

Hello, weight gain! Hi there, fatigue! Well hey there, emotions!

What does being hypothyroid mean? With my high TSH levels, for me, it meant that my thyroid was not functioning, not even in the smallest way. For some reason during my pregnancy, my thyroid was attacked by my own body. You’re a real jerk, body. Some days you’re a real jerk.

For me, knowing that the way I was feeling was a medical condition was a relief. Synthroid is now my best friend and I will be on it for the rest of my life. Apparently, and this was only diagnosed after my first pregnancy, we discovered I have Hashimoto’s Disease. This is an autoimmune disease where your body attacks the thyroid.

What’s the point of this post? It’s to let all you postpartum Mamas know that if you’re feeling sad, blue, fatigued, etc., if you’re gaining weight, the first step you need to take is to get to your doctor for bloodwork to check your thyroid. And hey…also get that referral for counselling because Motherhood is HARD and it’s always a good idea to have someone to talk to.

The crazy part? This is an issue that 7% of women have. Now, I realize 7% doesn’t sound like a lot, but that’s 1 out of every 14 women who suffer from this. It’s called postpartum thyroiditis. It even has a cool name. 1 out of every 14 of your Mama friends is going to suffer from this and have no idea. Until now. Go us!

Signs & Symptoms of Postpartum Hypothyroiditis:

Fatigue
Depression
Weight gain
Feeling cold
Dry skin
Hair loss (ugh)

Hypothyroidism Risk Factors:

Family history of autoimmune disease
Type 1 diabetes
Radiation treatment
Past thyroid surgery
Presence of thyroid antibodies (often caused by Hashimoto’s disease…that’s what I have)
Goiter
Current treatment for an already non-functioning thyroid

The best part (lol, as if there’s the best part!) about postpartum thyroiditis is that most Mamas get through it within their first postpartum year. It usually corrects itself within those first 12 months. UNLESS you have an underlying disease like Hashimoto’s. Then, Mama, it’s me and you swallowing Synthroid for the rest of our lives. It’s a cheap medication, so don’t let it stress you out.

Listen up! If you’re feeling at all blue, at all sad…it’s time to reach out. Get your thyroid checked. If that comes back normal, great! There are a lot of other postpartum support groups you can join. You’ll be okay as long as you reach out and ask for some help. Motherhood is hard. Reaching out for help isn’t a weakness, it’s strength, Mama. It takes a village.

Also, because I’m a fitness gal, I truly believe in the power of exercise to help combat postpartum depression, well any depression really is ridiculously strong. There have been numerous studies about weight training and the positive effects it has on helping Mamas get through postpartum depression. I tell ya, postpartum fitness programs are the bomb.

This issue is incredibly near and dear to my heart and I want to help as much as possible. We started a Postpartum Initiative at Hot Mama that allows women between 8-16 weeks postpartum to come and participate at class for FREE for 4 weeks. No hook. No gimmick. We just want to see you get out of your house, meet like-minded women and get the support you need. Oh…and also participate in safe and effective postpartum fitness classes!

All of this to say: if you’re feeling blue…go talk to your doctor. He or she should send you for bloodwork to check your thyroid and you should ask for a referral to talk with someone. Trust me…the talking part is critical.

Breathe, Mama. You got this. Also…get your thyroid check…stat!

Healthy Fudge Recipe to Help Curb Your Sweet Tooth

September 15, 2016 By Lindsay Gee

Oh yeah…I said it. Today I present to you my healthy fudge recipe that will help curb the sweetest of sweet teeth. Trust me…it takes one to know one.

Can I get a woop, woop! Now, let me be quite clear about why I mean when I say “healthy”. It’s not like you’re about to eat a bag of carrots with hummus or an apple with natural peanut butter. No, I’m not a wizard. But, this is a fudge you can make that has no artificial sweeteners and no added sugar (other than what’s in the dried fruit). It’s also made with coconut oil, so you’re getting some “good fats” added to your diet, as well. So YAY…win!

HOWEVER…portion control is essential. And by portion I’m talking about a 2″ x 2″ block of this stuff PER DAY, so be wise when you eat it. Slow down. Enjoy it. Mmmmmmmm.

Okay, now that I’ve laid the groundwork for you…THIS FUDGE IS AMAZING.

When I am on programs that limit sugar intake such as IGNITE or Hot Mama’s Body Smarts program, my sweet tooth goes INSANE. I’m a peanut butter cup fiend, so when my sugar is limited, I get a little cranky. My husband knows I’m about to get serious when he sees my healthy fudge recipe come out! He often backs away slowly away and leaves me alone for 4 or 5 days.

Sugar. It’s a real problem for me. So, I make this fudge recipe. The small block of fudge I get to savour is enough to tide me over so I don’t attack the Costco-sized back of Chipits (those are the devil) I hid in the back of my baking cupboard.

Alright…ready for the magic? Of course you are!

Healthy Fudge Recipe

Ingredients:

12 dates, softened
1 ripened banana
1 tsp vanilla (or mint extract!)
1/2 cup coconut oil
2/3 cup cocoa powder

Instructions:

Soften dates by putting them in a bowl, covering them with water, then microwave them for about 1 minutes.
Throw the softened dates and ripened banana in a food processor.
On the stovetop melt the coconut oil in a pan on medium heat.
Whisk in cocoa powder.
Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the food processor.
Mix until smooth.
Add any nuts or dried fruit you like.
Place the fudge in the fridge or freezer to cool.
Enjoy (that’s the best part!)

I highly recommend you cut your fudge up into proper portions and store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. This fudge cannot be left on the counter because 1) you’ll eat it all and 2) it will melt.

NOMNOMNOM!!!!

Sunday Nights Are For Snuggles

September 11, 2016 By Lindsay Gee

I always find it odd when I see people posting about dreading Sunday night. I for one, love, love, love LOVE Sunday nights. I always have this feeling of excited anticipation on Sundays.

It could have something to do with the fact that I love my work. Most of you have a job, a vocation…but me, I can’t call what I do a “job”. I mean, it’s my own company and I certainly don’t look at what I do with Hot Mama as my job. It’s work I do to grow my dream. How could I not love that?

I also love knowing that everyone will be back to work on Monday and will be focused on growing our company. I love looking at my calendar for the week and I get excited to see meetings, interviews and classes scheduled. It’s so fun. So super fun. But, I’m a bit of a nerd…so…um yeah.

But the best part of Sunday nights? Sunday night snuggles. It’s always the snuggles.

We usually have dinner as a family, then we throw the kids in the bath where they fight and bicker about not having any room (they’re getting a bit big now). But the best, best, BEST part? Snuggles on the couch with my kiddos. They’re warm and toasty from their bath, they wear their pj’s and housecoats and they smell like little kid shampoo. We sit together under a blanket on the couch and I breathe in their youth and excitement for the coming week and I…relax.

It’s usually the one or two hours per week that I really slow down and enjoy. I energize for my week in those few hours with my arms around my kiddos and my heart filled with love. It seems like the Sunday night snuggles are my reset button.

Maybe we should all start our week like that ? With excited anticipation. With love and warmth. Not with dread and angst. Find something that calms and soothes you. Find something that allows you to gather the energy you’re going to need to get through your week. If you don’t have a routine like I have, I encourage you to find something that helps your ground yourself on your Sunday evenings. It’s so very important.

Do you have a part of your week that you know energizes you? That sets you up for success for the week? I sure hope so. So for me…Sundays are snuggles…so I can go kick a** for the rest of the week.

BAM! #hotmamastrong

8 Things Every Newbie Kindergarten Parent Needs to Know

September 7, 2016 By Lindsay Gee

Alright newbies, listen up! Your little one is going to kindergarten and that is AMAZING. Whether you’re overjoyed and excited or nervous and sad, there are a number of things you need to know as a parent with a child now in full-time school.

And me, I’m just the gal to tell you about it! I am in no way trying to dampen your excitement of smother your emotions, these are just things I wish I had known as a newbie kindy parent.