Momma Meg Loves: Healthy Essentials

Wanted to share some of the essentials that keep me on track with a health(ier) lifestyle. What do you consider essential to your healthy well-being?

Garden of Life Raw Prenatal Vitamins

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 Garden of Life Raw Prenatal Vitamin – I started taking these when I found out that my New Chapter Organics Prenatal Vitamin was no longer independently produced. In fact, New Chapter Organics is now owned and produced under the Proctor & Gamble umbrella. I’ve had great success with these. Definitely have a “RAW” smell… Luckily, no funky after-taste or burps. Usually somewhere in the neighborhood of $60/6-month supply although occasionally on sale at Sprouts. I’ve continued taking these while I’m nursing but will eventually be looking for a daily women’s supplement.

Green Vibrance

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Green Vibrance – A concentrated superfood, nutritional powerhouse, loaded with all kinds of wonderful vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Supports healthy digestion, immunity, and circulation while fortifying your body against stress. I use this as a supplement to my daily vitamins. It tastes SO much better than other “Green Drinks.” Even my husband will drink it mixed with juice. (We use Simply Apple as a mixer – it’s REALLY sweet so you honestly can’t taste the “GREEN” at all) Occasionally, I’ll use in smoothies too! Blend 1 Frozen Banana, 1 TBSP Green Vibrance with 1 1/2 Cups Apple or Orange Juice and 1/2 Cup Crushed Ice. Delicious!

Monkey Picked Oolong Tea

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Monkey Picked Oolong Tea – “As legend has it, Buddhist monks formulated this ancient top ten treasure. The monks trained monkeys to gather the youngest leaves from the tip-top of wild tea trees for this special Imperial Reserve blend. The secret lives on with the deft hand plucking of the unbroken, evenly sized leaves that unfurl to create the most complex yet light orchid aroma and highest grade of oolong in the world. IMPERIAL RESERVE.” Teavana claims that this tea tastes “Smooth and bright, (with) orchid aromas throughout with clean refreshing finish” But really… it tastes like grass. My dad has become quite the tea connoisseur and gifted us a huge canister one year for Christmas. He swears by the healthy effects, drinks at least 2 cups a day instead of coffee. I usually follow his suggestion and cut it with something mint flavored – Starbucks Tazo Refresh works well.

Gyokuro Imperial Green Tea

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Gyokuro Imperial Green Tea – “The finest of Japanese teas, Gyokuro bushes are covered in shade two weeks before harvesting which creates a light but very complex blend and a luscious deep dark green color. The shading retains chlorophyll, which concentrates both green tea taste and nutrients, making this a healthy, tasty favorite. IMPERIAL RESERVE .” Teavana claims, “Light smooth vegetal green tea taste with a sweet ending, complex layersrise up throughout.” Again… this is not a for taste tea. Add to Monkey Picked Oolong & Refresh concoction for cancer prevention attribute and overall wellness.

Lululemon “The Mat” Yoga Mat

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Lululemon “The Mat” Yoga Mat – This one has been on my wish list for some time now. (I hate that my cheapie mat slips and slides all over the place!) I’m totally a wannabe believer in the cult-following of Lululemon Athletica. I finally made the $100 splurge on my first pair of Lulu yoga pants (with some gifted Birthday $$$) and will NEVER go back. I finally get it! These pants are awesome! Making my craving for this yoga mat all the stronger.

Reflections: Tea & Gratitude

Last week, for whatever reason, was REALLY long. I don’t know if it was the few nights that Daniel worked late or the 100+ degree heat 7 days in a row, or what , but I was ready for the weekend! Friday night, Daniel was working late and I had ambitious plans to get some packing and cleaning done after the baby went down. Sitting in the cool, dark nursery, rocking and singing to the baby is the surest way to kill any plans I have to be productive. Naturally, I was in no mood to clean or pack but nowhere close to being ready for bed at 7:15. Instead, I put the tea kettle on to make a cup of “Mother’s Milk Tea” (I’ve been drinking obsessively for the past few months to promote healthy lactation) and kinda zoned in front of the TV for a bit. (Something I NEVER  RARELY do!) As I finished my last sip of tea (more like… gulp. Mother’s Milk Tea –  is not delicious sipping tea) I noticed that the tag (tab?) had the following quote printed on it: 

“An attitude of gratitude brings opportunities.”

This quote reminded me of how thankful I am that we can afford for me to stay home and care for our sweet baby girl. I’ve mentioned before that it’s been an adjustment financially; requiring us to change our spending habits and reorganize our priorities. If I’m totally 100% honest, I don’t miss much at all about that pre-baby life at all. Especially when I consider what those changes mean. Sometimes it’s easy to loose track of the things we are thankful for; we take for granted some of the most important gifts. I joke about being “young and broke” but shouldn’t because we are rich in so many ways. Happiness is not found in having or doing, but in being. I need to remember to give thanks, in all seasons.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you – Thessalonians 5:18 

Tonight… I am most thankful for:

  • Our healthy and happy daughter whom I cannot imagine life without
  • My dear husband who makes the coffee every morning and loves me even when I’m cranky.
  • Our amazing families who love and support us in every way imaginable.
  • The “vintage” roof over our heads, A/C that works in 108 degree heat, and  our loyal guard Dog Durch
  • Being able to stay home with Olivia – watching her grow and learn every day.

 

Just in case you nursing mommas were wondering… Yogi makes an alternative to the popular “Organic Mother’s Milk Tea” that’s a little bit cheaper! At the recommended 3-5 cups a day, that stuff gets expensive!

Yogi Woman’s Nursing Support Tea

On Sale (right now) at Whole Foods $2.99!