WHAT YOU NEED TO CONCEIVE {07.15.2015}

Due to the fact that I have an overwhelmingly large number of readers who are in the TTC world, I wanted to put this up. Keep in mind that E and I are no longer in the TTC world, we have basically taken one huge leap away from that world for a while, but for my ladies that do read this blog, waiting for the TTC posts, here is one just for you.

 

It is crucial that you are taking the correct vitamins for you and your future embryo. Those little eggies need all the vitamins and supplemental boosts they can get. Here are 10 of vitamins you need to conceive!

 

#1 Zinc
#2 Folic Acid

#3 Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

#4 Omega 3 Free Fatty Acid

#5 Iron

#6 Calcium

#7 Vitamin B6

#8 Vitamin B12

#9 Fish Oil

#10 Prenatal

 

Take this list to your nearest pharmacy and stock up ladies, you are going to want all you can get to make that healthy miracle baby.

 

I also wanted to share some other tips and tricks for conception.

 

Pinapple

Although I am not a doctor, I have heard some amazing things about pineapple. If you eat this magical fruit, mainly the core, after ovulation has been determined, you will have a better chance of implantation. You can thank Brolemain, an enzyme found in pineapples, for the help. How much do I believe this? Well, to be honest I'm not sure. I did eat pineapple core with our second pregnancy, in January, which was successful in landing a BFP but I'm not sure how much this factored in. Worth a try though!

 

Acupuncture

I'm sure you've heard me talk about this before, and with good reason. In addition to the pineapple back in January, I was also seeing an acupuncturist weekly throughout my cycle. Not just for fertility, but for relaxation, Acupuncture is so important for balancing systems throughout your body. During a TTC journey, it's easy to get caught up in the frustration and stress, Acupuncture allows us to breathe and calm our body and minds. After all, the most important thing you can do for your future pregnancy is ensure that you aren't stressed.

 

Weightloss

Now, don't hate me for saying this, but weight plays a very vital roll in fertility. If you are even five pounds over your "normal" body weight, your fertility will be negatively affected. Just like the round in January, I was doing all three of these things. I managed to lose about 30 pounds and, although it wasn't easy, we sure managed to get pregnant first cycle after a whole year break. I'm not saying that it's impossible to get pregnant if you are five pounds overweight, but the healthier you are, the better your chances.

 

SMEP Plan

Just go back and look at anyone of my posts from the last cycle in April or the one in January, and you will see that I am an avid believer in the SMEP Plan. I found this little gem searching the web and it has worked wonders for us. Again, we were successful while using this in January. This plan is crucial and can help you and hubby stay on track. Best part is, this plan keeps the man and woman accountable during the TTC journey. It's important that men build up their swimmers, so waiting at least one day for that to build up is so important. Another thing is, it helps remind us to pay attention to dates and timing so as to not miss our small window of opportunity. Find out more about the SMEP Plan here.

 

 

TUESDAY TREASURES {07.14.2015}

Everyone has heard about the new subscription boxes, but what about for the ladies? Sure, BirchBox has been the number one pick for many, but what other sub boxes are out that you're missing out on? No worries, if you've been thinking about getting a sub box and not sure which one to chose, check out the top six sub boxes below.

 

 

#1 : Beauty Box Five

First off, I love that this box is very similar, in color, to the Tiffany's boxes. Beauty Box Five gives subscribers four to five cosmetic samples to help introduce new and best products for your lifestyle. $12 (source)

 

 #2 Blissmo

This box is for all the ladies that what to find safer, healthier personal care and food products. Usually, each monthly box comes with one food, one beauty/personal care , and one seasonal product. $19.95 (source)

 

#3 Glossybox

This adorable little pink and black box includes five or six deluxe samples or full-sized products. Become a beauty expert while receiving the newest beauty products available. $21 (source)

 

#4 Beauty Fix

Talk about product heaven! Each box carries over $100 worth of beauty products and is put together by an elite team of beauty experts. $24.95 (source)

 

#5 Beauty Army

I really enjoy the look of this box and haven't seen a box that I wouldn't love to have at home. You'll get six samples from amazing, hard-to-find brands. $12 (source)

 

#6 Ispy

For my ladies looking for cosmetic, hair, and skincare products in a reusable make-up bag, Ispy might be for perfect for you. This clutch comes with four or five products. $10 (source)

 

Now I know there are plenty of other boxes out there, but these are some of my favorites. Have you tried a sub box, if so, which one do you prefer?

 

Bonus Box: Mantry

Don't you love food? Everyone does! Well, Mantry is for the food-eaters of the world. Although some say this box is for "man" only but I disagree, I have seen some delicious things that women would love! Mantry offers six full sized artisan food products in a handmade wooden crate, which can later be used for some fun DIY décor project. $75 (source)

 

WEEK 1 = HELL WEEK {07.12.2015}

Tomorrow it starts! Hell Week!!! Here is the eating and workout plan. Keep in mind, this plan is to help you eat similar to Paleo. Let's start with the "what you CAN eat." Keep in mind that we are only talking about week 1. So you will only follow this for one week and then you will be done. Seven days, you can do it!!!



(source)

 What you CAN'T eat: No Sugar (including fruit), No Dairy, Legumes, Alcohol, Artifical Sweeteners (stevia, honey, agave, ect.), No FRUIT!!!

 

In addition to the eating, be sure that you are drinking (1) gallon of water a day.

 

Here's a sample on my menu for the week:

Breakfast: Eggs & Spinach

Snack 1: Celery or Carrots (alternate) & Sunflower Seeds

Lunch: Chicken w/ Broccoli & Almonds

Snack 2: Celery Carrots (alternate from snack 1) & Pumpkin Seeds

Dinner: Beef, Chicken, or Tilapia w/ Spinach & Broccoli & (2) tbsp. of Almonds

Snack 3: Almonds

 

 

I know, sounds so basic right? But that's the point of Paleo and I love it. Very simple.

Now, let's talk workout plan. Did I mention High Intensity? Well, that's what the goal of this plan is. Work hard, earn your body. Push yourself even further than you thought possible.

 

Monday: Back and Abs

-Cable Row - 15, 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (5 sets total)

-Barbell Row - 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (4 sets total)

-Wide Grip Lat Pull Down - 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (4 sets total)

-Back Extensions - 15, 12, 10, 8 reps (4 sets total)

-Stability Ball Crunch - 15-20 reps (3 sets total)

-One Legged V Sit - 30 reps (3 sets total)

-Lying Leg Raises - 15 reps (3 sets total)

 

Tuesday: Legs and Calves

-Alternating Reverse Lunges - 15, 12, 10, 10 reps (4 sets total)

-Smith Wide Squat - 20, 15, 10, 10 reps (4 sets total)

-Step Ups - 15, 12, 10 reps (3 sets total)

-Lying Leg Curl - 20, 15, 10 reps (3 sets total)

- Standing Calf Raise - 20, 15, 10, 8, 15 reps (5 sets total)

 

Wednesday: Rest

-45 minute cardio in the morning

 

Thursday: Chest, Biceps, and Abs

-Incline Smith Bench Press - 15, 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (5 sets total)

-Pushup With Feet on Stability Ball - 10-15 reps (3 sets total)

-Incline Flye - 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (4 sets total)

-Incline DB Alternating Curl - 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (4 sets total)

-EZ Bar Curl - 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (4 sets total)

-Reverse Crunch - 20 reps (3 sets total)

-Hanging Straight Leg Raise - 15 reps (3 sets total)

-Scissor Kicks - 35-40 reps (3 sets total)

 

Friday: Rest

-45 minute cardio in the morning

 

Saturday: Should and Triceps

-Arnold Press - 15, 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (5 sets total)

-Standing Bent Over DB Lateral Raise - 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (4 sets total)

-One Arm Cable Lateral Raise - 12, 10, 8, 6 reps (4 sets total)

-Rope Press Downs - 15, 12, 10, 8 reps (4 sets total)

-Dips - 10-15 reps (3 sets total)

-Bicycle - 30 reps (3 sets total)

-Straight Leg Crunch - 25 reps (3 sets total)

-Lying Leg Raise - 15 reps (3 sets total)

 

Sunday: Total Rest

-tune back in to prepare for week 2 and get the information for your week 2 eating/workout plan

 

So there is week one for you. Just think, it's only seven days. I will be doing daily weigh-ins as well as daily measurements. Good luck and remember in seven days, you'll feel better, look better, and you'll be ready to push for another week. One week and one pound at a time to get to the goal!!!