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Cari Fit

Cari Fit

Fitness Advice, Workout Tips, and Inspiration

Baby

Hospital Bag Must-Haves; What You Do And Don’t Need For Labor & Delivery

This is another baby related post – but bear with me…the fitness content will be coming soon : ) But, I wanted to share with you guys what I packed in my hospital bag this time around and what I wished I had brought. Since this was baby #3 for me – I already had an idea of what I would need and want but found a few new things that were helpful!

Hospital Bag Must-Haves

First of all, the hospital really does provide you everything you need. However, some of their items are great and some not the best. I think it depends on the hospital too. For my 3rd baby I delivered at Memorial Hermann here in Houston and they were great. They provide you the gown, disposable underwear, pads, band, socks and even a water bottle (I brought mine home and still use it!). But, you may want to pack your own as backups. Here is what I brought:

  • Hospital Bag. I brought a large purse and then this cute bag that’s from Calia by Carrie Underwood and it worked great since it had tons of storage and internal pockets to separate my stuff and baby stuff.
Calia by Carrie Underwood Bag
  • Snacks. Depending on what hospital you go to and your doctor – you may be allowed to eat a little during labor. During my first 2 labors/births they didn’t want me to eat anything but allowed me to have a couple of popsicles. The hospital usually provides these. This time around I even packed a gatorade (to keep me extra hydrated) and some energy gels (the ones I used to use for marathon training). You need to check with your doctor first before eating/drinking anything in case it causes problems with your labor and delivery process. I also packed a few snacks for my husband like protein bars, nuts, etc that he could eat if we were stuck in the room for a long time like with our other 2!
  • Hospital Gown. The ones the hospital gives you aren’t the best, but honestly once you are in labor you probably won’t care! I bought this kit from Frida Mama and brought it with me to the hospital. I didn’t really end up using most of it since it was geared towards vaginal delivery (with cooling pads, etc) and I had a c-section. I did love the soft hospital gown but it was waaaay too big (and I was not small by any means!). I have some nursing tanks and tees from this site and they also make gowns that look comfy.
  • Disposable Underwear. The hospital provides these for you too and I preferred these over the ones that came in the Frida kit that stuck to my skin.
  • Pads. Hospital provides but they are super huge. I used those for the first couple of days in the hospital and then switched to some slightly smaller ones.
  • Belly Band. There are a ton of these out there right now but I honestly preferred the one that they gave me at the hospital (your insurance will most likely cover it too). You don’t want a hard and constricting band. A softer, stretchy one is the best – especially if you have a c-section. I had to sit in a wheelchair every 2-3 hours to go to the nicu to feed my baby and I needed something that made me feel like I had support but that also didn’t cut off my circulation or make me uncomfortable while sitting. Here is a similar one that I ended up buying a few weeks later once the hospital one got too big.
  • Socks. You can use the ones at the hospital or buy your own. I like ones with little grippers on them. Also, you want to get ones that are a little on the big side because most likely your feet and legs will swell (especially if you have a c-section).
  • Water Bottle. I actually loved the one the hospital provided and as tacky as it was – I brought it home and still use it! It’s big and has a handle and a straw. If you have a favorite one from home you could bring that.
  • Phone Charger. Bring an extra long one that will reach the hospital bed.
  • Pack a small makeup bag with a small brush, hair tie, any makeup you want for photos and toothbrush. , Lip moisturizer is a must-have. My lips get so dry in the hospital! I love this coconut balm by Kopari.
  • Nursing Bras. Pack soft ones like these that are easy to use. I liked having the support (and some privacy) under my gown. If you plan to nurse and/or pump – it’s helpful to use the hospital’s pump during the first few days to help your milk “come in” faster. Some women bring their own pumps but I just used the hospital’s one since it’s a nice one. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of the lactation consultant either!
  • Going home outfit for baby. If there is a certain pacifier you want bring that – but I actually prefer the “soothies” ones that they provide at the hospital and all 3 of my babies did too! I also just brought mine home in the cute little hospital hat and t-shirt since they looked so comfy and I knew there would be plenty of time to dress them up later but they probably wouldn’t be wearing their hospital gear again : (
  • Going home outfit for you + shoes for swollen feet. I can’t stress this enough – you will not be as small as you think you’ll be! Most likely you will be about the same size going out as you were going in (due to swelling, etc). I made the mistake of bringing cute new pants, bra and shirt with me to wear after I had my first baby and NOTHING FIT! I was so sad. I ended up wearing the baggy shirt that I wore to the hospital days before. You also want to make sure your pants and underwear fit way above your naval in case you have a c-section. Tennis shoes, boots or anything constraining are also a big no-no. Stick with slip-on shoes that allow for swollen feet.
  • Nursing Pillow (optional). I forgot my Boppy but just used some extra hospital pillows to support my arms and baby while breastfeeding.
1) Energy gel 2) Kopari lip balm 3) Hospital gown 4) Gripper socks 5) Long charger 6) Boppy 7) Belly Band 8) Nursing Bra 9) Going home outfit for baby

My Birth Story, Plus Tips on Recovering From A C-Section

I’m excited to share that I just welcomed baby #3 into the world about 2 months ago and couldn’t be more in love!

I wanted to share a little bit of my birth story and about having a c-section since I’ve had some requests to share and it’s relevant to my blog (health/fitness). Scroll to the bottom for my Q&A. For those of you who aren’t interested in baby topics – I ask you to just be patient with me because the next few posts may center around that since that’s what is going on in my life and also driving my current fitness routine. I plan to start sharing details of my postpartum workouts once I start working out. Even if you haven’t had a baby – I think they could still be useful.

Overall, my pregnancy this time was similar to my first 2 pregnancies – except that I started out 10lb heavier. During the first and second trimesters, I was still working out at the gym 3x per week doing a mix of cardio (usually 30min of treadmill walking with inclines or boxing intervals) and strength training for about 1 to 1.5 hours each time. For strength training I spent extra focus on my back, glutes and legs to avoid having back pain. I did a lot of deadlifts, seated leg extensions, squats (first trimester) and walking lunges. But, when we got hit with coronavirus – I started a walking routine at home. I tried to go for a walk almost every night for 30-45minutes in my neighborhood and I felt it kept my sanity and I think is helping me recover better. I only did a little strength training in my 3rd trimester and mainly just did walks.

Although I had to have 2 prior c-sections (not by choice) I switched doctors and found one that was willing to let me try for a VBAC this time. I did a lot of research and thought I would still be a good candidate for VBAC despite having 2 prior c-sections and my doctor agreed (see FAQ below). I was nervous to have a 3rd c-section since it’s a major surgery and many things can go wrong. However, they can also go wrong with a VBAC like the slight chance of uterine rupture or other complications. After discussing it with my doctor – we planned on VBAC the entire pregnancy. I only gained about 20lb up until the end when I started getting really big and then gained over 10lb of just fluid! At most of my ultrasound appointments they kept telling me this was a “big baby” but I know that isn’t always the case and not a reason to panic or think you can not have a regular or VBAC delivery. But, as the weeks went on and I got closer to my due date they kept saying my baby was measuring really big and he was 10.3lbs at only 34 weeks! I didn’t have gestational diabetes (a reason why many babies are large) or any other complications. However, near 37 weeks my ultrasound showed that my amniotic fluid levels had increased tremendously and I was at risk for many complications because of this. It’s a condition called polyhydramnios and can cause many problems for mom and baby including placenta separation, bleeding, cord prolapse and many others. The ultrasound doctor explained to me during my visit that at that point (37 weeks) it would actually be less risky to have a c-section and to do it soon, rather than to wait and go into labor on my own. She told me to pack my hospital bags when I went to see my obgyn the next day for my 37 week checkup because she had a feeling my doctor would admit me that day to the hospital. So, Sure enough – my doctor said that is what she recommended. She said it wasn’t safe for me and the baby and she recommended we do a c-section immediately that day. Luckily I had my hospital bag packed and my husband met me in the lobby and we went to the adjacent hospital to check in.

With my first 2 babies – I went into labor on my own and was in labor at the hospital for a very long time (almost 40 hours with my daughter!) and then ultimately had to surrender to c-sections with both. So, for this one pregnancy it was actually less stressful because I wasn’t in pain from labor and my doctor and nurses didn’t have to rush as much to get me ready since it was less of an emergency. I also didn’t have an epidural this time – but a spinal block. Apparently the difference between epidural and spinal block is that the epidural lasts longer but with the spinal block you feel less during the surgery. That was true for me and that made me a lot happier because with the first 2 I felt a lot of the tugging, pulling and what felt like more of the surgery. I never had pain but just felt more of what they were doing when I had an epidural. With the spinal block I didn’t even realize they had started the surgery and then all of a sudden I heard my baby cry! I could’t believe they had already taken him out! I did feel tugging and my body moving back and forth more after he was out when they were finishing the procedure, but it was not painful or uncomfortable at all. So, if I had to have the choice again I would definitely do the spinal block. They both are inserted via catheter into your spine and felt the same way being inserted (you are numbed first). I was still very nervous to have the c-section and not being able to feel my legs gave me anxiety. Luckily the OR nurses were great (thanks Lorena!) and my husband was there to hold my hand. I just kept trying to focus on the baby and breathe to calm my nerves. I did get nauseous and they were able to give me something in my IV and also one of the nurses used an alcohol swab/pad under my nose and it helped a lot – with the nausea and anxiety!

After my baby was born I didn’t get to hold him right away like I had wanted because he had a minor breathing issue due to all the fluid and also since he was born at 37 weeks. Technically that’s full-term but now research shows that it’s better for babies to stay in the womb until 39 weeks if possible. After they got his breathing stabilized they brought him over to me and I was so overwhelmed with emotion! He was the cutest, chubbiest newborn I had ever seen with cute chubby cheeks! I was so happy but also super sad because I knew he was struggling – so I was ok with them taking him to the NICU for observation.

I ended up staying in the hospital 4 nights and I was recovering just fine. The 3rd day was the worst for me but it was for my other 2 c-sections too. It’s when the pain meds start wearing off and you become more active getting up to us the bathroom (no catheter anymore) and holding/feeding your baby. My baby had to stay in the NICU the whole time to monitor his breathing and his blood glucose since it was a little low (it’s common with large babies). So, I had to be wheeled down to the NICU every 3 hours to feed him. I knew I wanted to breastfeed since I did it with my other 2 and was happy he was able to do that. On the 5th day we were both discharged and I was able to bring my healthy baby boy home!

Recovery at home was surprisingly about the same as it was with my other 2, if not slightly better. I think all the walking I did during my pregnancy really helped. Getting in and out of bed was really hard (as was sitting/standing) for the first week. But, overall I wouldn’t say that having a 3rd c-section was any harder or painful that the others. This could also be because I knew what to expect. It was hard not being able to play with my other children – but I knew this was just temporary and I reminded myself not to overdo it or my recovery would take even longer. I had tons of swelling (maybe more this time) in my legs, ankles and feet. It’s normal though and lasts about 2 weeks until your body can gradually get rid of it. It affected my blood pressure though and I actually had to get on medication for about 2 weeks because it was dangerously high at one point. Although I didn’t have it – it’s possible to have postpartum preeclampsia. So, if you think your blood pressure is high or you have any symptoms (headaches, blurred vision, breathing rapidly, etc) check with your doctor right away.

Here are a few FAQ’s I’ve received from DM’s and social media:

Was it hard being pregnant during COVID-19/Coronavirus?

Yes, mainly because I couldn’t take my other 2 kids out to do things and they weren’t in school – which means I got less time to myself. I also wasn’t able to take my husband or kids to any doctor appointments or ultrasound appointment which I wanted to do. This was my 3rd baby – so I wasn’t planning to have a baby shower but feel bad for those expecting mamas that had to miss out on that. But, I am going to plan a virtual “Sip and See” party with friends!

What was your hospital experience like during the pandemic?

Things were a lot more strict. First of all they check your temp and ask you questions before you even go to the labor and delivery department. Once I was admitted they actually tested me for coronavirus which was not fun but I’m glad they did. I was only allowed to have 1 guest with me the whole time (my husband) and no children were allowed at all. If my husband wanted to leave he had to wait until the next day to return. He was allowed to be in the OR with me during delivery thank goodness. I had to wear a mask most of the time I was in the hospital except when we were alone in our room and also during the c-section since I had an oxygen tube under my nose. All of the doctors and nurses wore masks all of the time, as did the other hospital employees.

Is having a third c-section harder than the first or second?

In my experience it was not (see above for details). I was really scared the surgery would be harder or something would go wrong since I figured I had more scare tissue, etc (which my DR said I did) but it still went smoothly. I felt the recovery was about the same as the other 2 as well.

Is it riskier to have a third c-section? Should I try to have a VBAC?

I would talk to your doctor about this because I think it depends on your situation and your body. From what I had researched – it seemed like having a 3rd c-section was more risky than vbac and that’s why I tried really hard to find a good doctor that was open to me trying a vbac or at least “trial of labor after cesarian” (TOLAC). However, when I found out I had polyhydramnios it became more risky for me to do vbac since that would require for me to go into labor on my own (they can’t induce you after you’ve had a c-section). So, ultimately the 3rd c-section was less risky for me but may not be for everyone.

What can I do to recover faster from a c-section?

I would start with what you do during pregnancy. I would try to eat as healthy as you can, only gain the recommended weight and exercise if your doctor says you can. Don’t overdo workouts though. Just focus on your cardiovascular health and any areas you feel are weak. For me, that was my lower back, glutes and hamstrings. Then, after your surgery try to walk (slowly) as soon as your doctor tells you to. I also wore my belly binder that the hospital gave me and that helped a ton. If they don’t give you one you can buy one ahead of time on Amazon like this one or this one (I have both). I tried a bunch of them and they were either too tight, too stiff to sit down in or they rubbed me the wrong way. You can also wear them over your clothes/underwear if your skin is sensitive.

Did you do any core workouts while pregnant? Did they help with diastasis recti?

I did minimal core work with my first 2 pregnancies and never had diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles). This time around I wanted to focus on it a little more. However, what I found out was that more core work was actually starting to cause “coning” in my abdomen. What’s “coning”? It’s when you can notice a cone shape in your ab muscles when you sit or move a certain way that engages them. This can lead to DR (diastasis recti). So, I stopped doing exercises that I felt were making it worse. I know many people recommend planks during pregnancy but I felt they were making this “coning” show up even more. So, I stopped doing them. I also stopped doing the Smith Machine (weighted squats with the bar) because my core was contracting outward sometimes when I was doing the squats. So, instead I just focused on contracting my abdominal muscles for 20 seconds at a time when I did my nightly walks.

Comment below or send me a DM on Instagram (@carifit) if you have any questions for me!

Realistic Baby & Toddler Workouts

Now that my daughter is one – she’s kind of in between ages for “baby workouts” or mommy and me classes where you bring your baby. Most of those are designed for babies that will be super still or sleep in their strollers. But, she’s also too young for “toddler yoga” and some classes where the kids are more active. So, I wanted to share some of my favorite workouts you can do with your baby or toddler if you can’t find a class nearby.

Realistic Mom & Baby Workout Video

I have been meaning to post this video for a LONG time. I filmed it a couple of years ago when my son was about 12 months old and not yet walking. As you can see in the video – it was super hard to get him to cooperate! But, that’s real life! It’s hard to get in a workout with kids and they will cry, want to grab your hair and won’t sit still. Even if you just get in 5-10 minutes it is better than nothing! Just remember that soon enough he/she will be in school full time and you will miss these precious moments to include them in your daily life. The exercises in the video are for babies you can still hold. If you have a bigger toddler, try my sample workout below.

If your baby is a little older – you may not be able to (or want to) hold them for some of the exercises I show in the video. They may be too heavy for you or they may not want to be held. If you can hold them – I recommend that you start with a pair of dumbbells first and then work up to the weight your child is before trying to hold them during squats, etc. – especially if you are just starting out.  Here is another workout that might be a good option for you:

Mom + Toddler Workout

*Be sure to talk to your doctor first before doing this workout or starting any new exercise routine. 

  • Warmup together by dancing around, walking around the block or doing something to get your heart rate up.
  • 20 regular squats (toes pointing out and feet slightly wider than hips) holding baby, or if he/she is bigger see if they can try squats too! They love to copy mommy!
  • Set baby/toddler down and do 15-20 pushups. If they aren’t walking or crawling – you can lay them down under you – they love this (see in my video below)!
  • 20 Plie Squats holding baby (toes point out slightly and feet are slightly wider than hips). Remember – the bigger the baby/toddler the more of a challenge it will be!
  • 15 tricep pushups with baby nearby or underneath you (place wrists under shoulders and hands are more narrow, keep elbows close to your sides). Again, if they are bigger – see if they can hold “plank” or try a pushup.
  • 10 Reverse lunges on each leg holding baby or with them close by.
  • 20 Sets of Mountain Climbers with baby nearby or underneath.
  • 20 Side lunges holding baby (alternate left and right).
  • 20 “suicide planks” starting in a high plank (pushup position) then lower down to forearm plank. Repeat for 20 total and alternate going up and down on the left and right so it’s not all one arm doing the work.
  • 20 Hip Bridges holding baby on top of you on your lower abdomen/hip bones (like in my picture above with my daughter). If you are more advanced, you can do them with your upper back on a bench and hold your baby or toddler on your hips.

Favorites for Your Baby Workouts:

As you can see in my video above…some playmats don’t work very well for workouts and they slide around too much! I am in love with this cute circular playmat I found at The Baby Cubby. It’s so pretty and makes a great space for your baby (and you) to do some yoga, or you can have your baby play on her mat while you workout nearby.

The baby and toddler years go by so fast – so be sure to take pics of you working out together! Get a friend or partner to help. I also think it’s cute if you can find matching yoga gear or workout shorts, shoes or tanks!  My favorite yoga gear for “mommy and me” is by Jill Yoga! They have the cutest outfits (even if you don’t want to match) for infants through girls.

If your toddler is older, he/she may want their own set of weights. I bought a simple set of 2 pound dumbbells at Target that my kids love. Or, if you wan to go all out – you can set them up a little section in your home gym or workout area with this bench and barbell set.

 

For more ideas check out my Fit Mom Favorites. 

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas For the Fit Mom + Fit Baby

Happy Mother’s Day weekend to all the fit Moms out there! If you are looking for a gift for a fit Mom in your life (girlfriend, sister, daughter or your own Mom) check out my favorites below. Or – if you need to send your partner or kids ideas…you may want to share this post on Facebook : )

Fitness Clothes & Gear

Every fit mom likes new workout clothes and workout gear.

For clothes I really like all of Target’s new spring and summer colors. Also, I’ve been getting a lot of my stuff from Nordstrom like these Zella crops (they are also very comfortable). I almost always wear a hat when I workout to keep my hair out of my face. I like this cute “Momlife” hat from Etsy.

I always take my phone with me on runs in case the baby needs me. The phone itself is bulky enough without a bulky arm strap and dangling wires on headphones. So, I use a neoprene armband  (lightweight & flexible) similar to this and love my Apple Wireless Airpods (headphones).

Let’s face it – as moms…we have to squeeze in a workout when we can and sometimes that means at home. I recommend getting a set of Adjustable weights for home workouts so you can keep just the one set in your workout area without taking up too much space. I love Apple TV so I can stream youtube workouts and Instagram live workouts (like the one I’ll be doing on my @Bombshell_Bootcamp Insta soon!).

Spa/Beauty

All moms want to look and feel pretty. If she likes spa days…I recommend Milk + Honey spa in Houston. If she’s been super busy and doesn’t have much time to fix her hair – get her a  giftcard to the Drybar for a blowout or braid that she can show off at her next yoga class. But, if you think she’d like a completely new look or just really awesome highlights – send her to my colorist Sarah at Ceron salon. I’ll be doing a post about her soon because she has a great transformation story! I also love these new hair bands I found at Sephora (another great idea for a gift card!) because they don’t break or damage my hair.

Items For the Fit Baby & Kid

Fit moms are setting a great example for their little ones (and big ones). Most babies and kids try to copy their parents’ behaviors – so if you are a fit parent, they want to workout just like you! Next time you do a home workout or take your kid with you on a run or bike ride – try one of these cute products:

The baby dumbbell rattle is so cute and babies love rattles! I also love this cute Under Armour baby workout outfit (shown in my picture below) for babies. Have a bigger toddler? Check out this toddler weight set with barbell! If you have bigger kids, get them excited about yoga with their own Kids yoga mat and yoga deck cards!

 

Fitness Classes

Fitness classes or gift cards also make great gifts. I personally love the Bombshell Bootcamp Giftcard ; ) but yoga or spin classes make great gifts, or just help her make time for early morning runs by watching the baby or swap carpooling the kids with another fit mom friend! Most cities also have “Mommy and Me” classes for babies and moms under 2 or ask around for baby bootcamps or just see if your favorite bootcamp will allow you to bring a baby in a stroller (mine will).

Healthy Lunch or Dinner Out

Fit moms like to celebrate and go out – but sometimes it can be stressful picking a healthy spot that the rest of the family will enjoy. My new favorite for lunch in Houston is Bebidas. For dinner I always love True Food Kitchen (you HAVE to order the crudites!) and it’s a chain – so if you don’t live in Houston check out their other locations. A few of my other local favorites for healthy (and vegetarian friendly) options are Ruggles Green and Molina’s (grilled chicken or fish platter with veggies) and Escalante’s (grilled fish tacos and their baked tortilla chips).

*All opinions on the products and companies are my own.

Workouts FOR Your Baby

Most new moms tend to focus a lot (A LOT) on getting their pre-baby body back after pregnancy. So, we try to spend as much time in between feedings, sleep (or lack there of) and baby activities focusing on our own fitness. But, what about your baby? Should your baby be getting some exercise too? During your baby’s first few months of life – they don’t need too much to do and it’s all about eating,sleeping and growing. But, after about 3 months, when they start to move more (and you aren’t as afraid to take them out in public) it can be good for them to get in their own “baby workout”!

Yoga

With my first baby I tried baby yoga at a local studio and loved it. Then, I also came up with our own baby workouts and have some sample routines that you can do with your baby here. Yoga is great for babies because it stretches them, relaxes them and helps them be more aware of their newfound hands, feet and bodies. Baby yoga is great to do at home, or check for local “mommy and me” yoga classes in your city.

Swimming and Floating

The other week I took my new baby to Float Baby in Houston and loved it! I had seen an a video online and knew we had to check it out! My baby just loved being in the water and loved splashing all around. The facility was super nice and clean and each baby gets their own giant tub. Then, after we were taught how to massage our babies by the owner Kristi. My baby was super relaxed and slept very well the next few days. I would highly recommend Float Baby if you live in the Houston area. If you can’t take this class – swimming classes are great to start at a young age. Many babies love “swimming” and being in the water. Check with your local gym, YMCA or swim club.

Bouncing

For this exercise – I recommend that your baby is at least 6 months old so that they have stable head control. Obviously you also don’t want to bounce your baby too much and you want them to be safe and comfortable. But, babies (especially older babies) love to bounce and it can be great exercise for them! They love to move their legs and bouncing helps their legs get stronger and prepare for walking. I like the old fashioned Johnny Jump Up (doorway bouncer) and I also have used the Exersaucer Bouncer with both of my kids. You just don’t want to leave them alone or have them bounce for too long or they will get frustrated and not like it anymore.

 

*Please check with your baby’s pediatrician before beginning any exercises with your baby and make sure they are old enough.

 

 

My Healthy Morning Routine With My Dog Smudge

Starting a healthy morning routine is important  – not just for yourself but your family and your dog! If you have kids – this is a great time of year to get into a healthy routine so it sets the tone for the school year. But, don’t just think about your “back to school” routine for your 2-legged family members! It’s important to include your dog in your morning routine as well! Did you know according to the “Milk-Bone Human-Canine Health Study” — a survey of 3,000 U.S. dog parents conducted by Milk-Bone brand dog treats — pet parents who include their dogs in family health routines lead healthier lives themselves.

I take my basset hound Smudge with me almost every morning for a walk and that way if I’m too busy the rest of the day – at least he’s fit in his workout in the morning! Did you know he also has his own workout video?!

My healthy morning routine:

  • I usually go for a run in the mornings, but my baby still isn’t sleeping through the night (sigh)…so if I don’t get much sleep I will just go for a walk or do some yoga. But, before I leave I have a quick snack like a piece of toast or half of a plain english muffin.
  • Then, after my run I come home and have a light breakfast with protein (I like eggs and toast or a whey protein shake with spinach and banana) and some coffee. Then I feed the kids and give Smudge his breakfast and it’s time to head to the park!  I put the kids in my double jogging stroller and leash up Smudge and we are ready to go. Once we are there – I sometimes do walking lunges around the park while Smudge sniffs around or I squeeze in some pushups on the playground while my kids play.
  • Once we are home I give Smudge a couple of Milk-Bone Good Morning Daily Vitamin Treats (which provide beneficial nutrients not found in most dog foods). He loves having treats after his workout and I like to give him a little healthy reward!

More healthy morning tips:

  1. Always eat breakfast. If you aren’t hungry – try just a half of a banana, some green juice or a few almonds. You never want to exercise on an empty stomach or you won’t be able to last long.
  2. Try to hold off on emails or social media until after your workout or breakfast. Take some time in the morning just for you and unplug!
  3. Try to fit in some activity in the morning – even if it’s just going for a walk with your dog.
  4. Take some time to breathe and relax before you start your day. Doing a quick at-home yoga routine is a great way to de-stress before you head out the door.

 

This has been a sponsored post by MilkBone – although all opinions are my own.

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