Moms wear many hats throughout the day, and those hats sure can be hard to balance as your life’s activities are flying past you. Salary.com has figured out just how much a stay-at-home mom would make if she were paid for all her services. So take heart mom! You would be bringing home the bacon (if you actually received a paycheck for all that you do!) with a whopping $115,431 a year! Take a look at all the jobs that were considered as they determined your value in the workforce. I, however, know something they don’t- you are priceless! Have a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend- you deserve it!!
All posts by M. Terry
Hey Mom! You’re Worth $115,431 a Year!
Posted by M. Terry on May 7, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/05/07/hey-mom-youre-worth-115431-a-year/
For Moms-to-be and New Moms
As we approach Mother’s Day, I wanted to focus on this wonderful group of women who give 110% of themselves to their families. I remember when I was newly pregnant with Aleyah, I really began to think about what I was eating because I wanted to start her off by giving her all the nutrients she needed to be healthy. Dr. Sears gives 10 reasons why and how a expectant mom’s diet needs to change. BTW- while a pregnant mom is eating for two, she really only requires an extra 300-500 a day. Pregnancy is not an excuse to overindulge- you’ll be sorry for eating all that pizza and ice cream when you begin working off those extra pounds after giving birth.
As a new mom, I felt strongly about the importance of breastfeeding. I was blessed to have a strong support system that allowed me the opportunity to nurse all three of my children for 12+ months. Study after study shows countless benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and child. Dr. Walt Larimore has many blog posts concerning the studies that have been conducted on breastfeeding.
Here are just some of the benefits of a breastfed baby…
-stronger immune system
-lower risk of allergies
-less gastrointestinal infections
-stronger bond with mom
-lower risk of obesity
Benefits for Mom…
-bonding with baby
-lower risk of diabetes
-lower risk of cancer
-lower risk of cardiovascular disease
-loss of postnatal weight
Breastfeeding is the best for mom and baby. I would encourage any new mom to breastfeed if at all possible. While it does require a bit of a sacrifice on mom’s part, its benefits for both mom and baby are so worth it! I’ve never heard a mom say that she regrets nursing her little one!
Posted by M. Terry on May 6, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/05/06/for-moms-to-be-and-new-moms/
Cinco de Mayo Celebration! Steak Fajitas with Chunky Guacamole
I may not be Mexican (although I’ve been asked!), but I’ll take any extra opportunity I can get to feast on a Mexican meal! If you are planning on a Cinco de Mayo dinner tomorrow night, try this…
Steak Fajitas
Grilled Steak Fajitas with Chunky Guacamole
and Roasted Corn on the Cob
Steak Fajitas
Grilled steak, thinly sliced
Sauted green peppers and onions
Flour or corn tortillas (about 8, 6”)
Chunky Guacamole
For the Steak–
1-1.5 lb top sirloin or flank/London broil
1 teaspoon each of sea salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and garlic powder
Rub seasonings onto both sides of steak. Place on grill over medium to medium-high heat. Cook about 10 minutes on first side. Flip once and cook another 8 minutes for medium rare. Take off grill and let rest for at least 5 minutes.
For the onions and peppers–
1 large green pepper
1 large onion
1 Tablespoon olive oil
Place oil into sauté pan. Over medium heat, allow oil to become warm. Thinly slice pepper and onion. Add to pan and allow them to cook until they softened. Keep warm until ready to serve.
For the Chunky Guacamole–
1 avocado
¼ finely diced onion
1/3 cup diced tomatoes
1 Tablespoon lime or lemon juice
S&P to taste
Cut avocado in half. Score the fruit into small sections. Spoon out avocado and place in a medium bowl. Add tomatoes, onion, lemon juice, and salt and pepper and gently stir. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
To serve the Fajitas–
I like to place everything on a large platter so each person can easily serve themselves. Fill a tortilla with steak, onions and peppers, and top with the guacamole. Fiesta!
Roasted Corn on the Cob
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Keep husks on- they have a ton of flavor that seeps into the corn! I trim any excess husk/silk off the top to avoid scorching. Simply place the cobs on a baking sheet and allow them to roast for about 45 min to an hour. To check for doneness, gently squeeze the cobs to see if the kernels are soft. Allow to cool for several minutes before peeling back husks- the corn gets hot! Serve with cilantro butter.
Cilantro Butter- Scoop out the desired amount of Smart Balance spread that will be used for the corn. Allow it to come to room temperature. Finely chopped fresh cilantro and stir it into the softened butter. Place it back into the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Posted by M. Terry on May 4, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/05/04/cinco-de-mayo-celebration-steak-fajitas-with-chunky-guacamole/
The Sabotage of Your Goals
Recently, a friend had made the effort to provide a healthier version of a special treat for her child. Even after seeing him enjoy this treat, a family member gave him the “real” thing. Needless to say, this mom was a bit frustrated. I completely understand that feeling. As a mom who encourages eating whole and clean foods, I have had to take many stands for my decision to keep them away from unhealthy choices, and I can relate to feelings of frustration when I feel undermined. I think the number one reason others seem to interfere with our eating and exercise goals is lack of understanding. However, I also believe that people sabotage these goals because they are unhappy with their own choices when it comes to living a healthier lifestyle. Nutritionist, Cynthia Sass, offers some advice when dealing with people who are non supportive of your eating and exercising habits.
Posted by M. Terry on May 3, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/05/03/the-sabotage-of-your-goals/
Organic Coconut Oil Deal on Amazon
I have been researching coconut oil lately and have found that it has many health benefits. Amazon is offering a deal on Nutiva Extra Virgin Olive Oil. You can get a 2 pack of 15 oz tubs (30 oz total) for just $11.66. Here is how…
1. Sign up for a FREE Amazon Mom account or FREE Amazon Student account. (Just takes a minute) This will get you free shipping!
2. Order the Coconut Oil for $11.66 using the Amazon ‘Subscribe & Save’ (option at the right)
3. After your order has shipped you can cancel the ‘Subscribe & Save’ subscription in your account setting.
Posted by M. Terry on May 2, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/05/02/organic-coconut-oil-deal-on-amazon/
A Great Start to the Week
Start the week off right by fueling your body with some essential nutrient-rich foods. Active.com has listed 15 Foods for a Healthy Diet.
- Yogurt
- Wild Salmon
- Egg Whites
- Leafy Greens
- Blueberries
- Almonds
- Black Beans
- Apples
- Tomatoes
- Orange Juice
- Sweet Potatoes
- Wheat Germ
- Pomegranates
- Hot Peppers
- Oatmeal
Some easy, throw together meal ideas include…
Berry and nut oatmeal
Mix 1 Tablespoon of wheat germ into old-fashioned or steel cut oats and cook according to directions. Drizzle with honey and top with blueberries and sliced almonds.
Sweet Potato and Cinnamon Yogurt
One of my favorites! Top a cooked sweet potato with plain, greek yogurt and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Mexican Salad
Top a bed of greens with black beans, tomatoes, hot peppers, and lean protein. Stir a splash of lemon juice into a 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt. Place the yogurt on top of the salad in place of your typical sour cream.
Wild Salmon with Dilled Yogurt
Mix fresh dill and with plain Greek yogurt and place on top of grilled or broiled salmon.
Posted by M. Terry on May 2, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/05/02/a-great-start-to-the-week/
Saturday Mornings Were Made for Cracker Barrel
My family loves Cracker Barrel! We are creatures of habit so, whenever we go, I know who is going to order what before the menus are even opened (why do we even bother to look?). Morning, afternoon, or evening, my husband and kids will order breakfast- specifically pancakes. I was thrilled to see that their new menu items included mulitgrain pancakes. Scott ordered the stack that actually had granola in them and they were delicious. Pair these pancakes with the turkey sausage, egg whites, or put a dollop of peanut butter on top, and you have a great meal! I e-mailed them to see if I could get the calorie count and/or ingredient list for the pancakes, but they said that, because of various ways of ordering their menu items, they do not give out this information. So, my suggestions to keep the calories down is to eat only half the stack or share with someone, skip the fruit toppings and whipped cream, hold the butter, and just go easy on the syrup (I love that they serve the REAL stuff!).
Enjoy your Saturday morning without overindulging whether you go out for pancakes or make your own whole grain pancakes.
Posted by M. Terry on April 30, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/04/30/saturday-mornings-were-made-for-cracker-barrel/
For the Love of Running
Fridays have recently be reserved for a long run with my SIL. Just last week, she injured her back pretty badly, so our runs are on hold for at least a month. On our runs, we have discussed the importance of running in our own lives. I am a runner, but not much of a writer, so when I began Kristin Armstrong’s Mile Markers, her intro included two paragraphs about her relationship with running. As I read this, it was as though she had put into words what I could not have expressed. So the answer I now have for why I love to run will be answered with this…
So to understand me and what’s behind the pages of this book, first of all you have to understand why I run. That’s the hardest and easiest question. It’s like asking why we love who we love. We love them because of all the precious moments we have spent together, because of all the intimate ways they understand us, the subtle acts of kindness and grace they offer us, the way they accept us- good and bad- the way they offer us insight when we are stuck in a bad place, the way they keep us humble and make us feel great all at the same time, the way their presence is our insurance that we will never be numb…because we are at ease in their company, because we love them even when we don’t like them, because we like ourselves better when we’re with them, because they lead us to our truest selves. Because we can’t imagine not.
If running were a person, that paragraph would be my love letter. Running has taken me in and continues to comfort, heal, and challenge me in all kinds of magical ways. I am not a good runner because I am me; I am a good me because I am a runner. There is nothing impersonal about anything when I relate it to running. Running is connected to my family, my parenting, my spiritual life, my fitness, my friendships, my health, my sanity, my peace. I can clear my head and solve problems when I run, or make peace with not knowing. I can find beauty, or at least redemption, no matter what. (from the chapter titled “Warm Up” in Mile Markers, by Kristin Armstrong)
Posted by M. Terry on April 29, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/04/29/for-the-love-of-running/
Fresh and Minty Cantaloupe and Tomato Salad
Minty Cantaloupe and Tomato Salad
Welcome to spring time in Florida- 70s in the morning and a projected high of 91 for the afternoon. It’s actually the start of summer here, and there is nothing as wonderful as a cool and refreshing treat on such a day as today. So, I have the perfect snack for this warm day.
I know what you were thinking as you looked at the title of this post- “Cantaloupe and tomatoes? That’s a weird combo!” I thought that too and maybe even made a funny face. However, I trusted my best friend, Heather, when she passed the recipe along. So thank you Heather for convincing me to try this when I would have otherwise passed it by!
Minty Cantaloupe and Tomato Salad
1 Cantaloupe-cut into bite sized pieces
1 pint of cherry tomatoes cut in half
handful of chopped mint
sprinkle of kosher salt
2 tbsp of rice vinegar
2 tbsp of olive oil
Place all ingredients into a bowl and gently mix. Let it stand for a bit in order for the flavors to marry. Enjoy!
Check out my SIL’s summer time salad recipe- Green Bean Caprese Salad.
Posted by M. Terry on April 27, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/04/27/fresh-and-minty-cantaloupe-and-tomato-salad/
Bob Harper’s Workout #4
Here is the fourth workout from Bob Harper and Shape magazine. This is another circuit routine that involves doing each exercise and moving onto the next without resting. You tone and get cardio all in one workout! Try this just twice a week and add in some other cardio and you will see results.
Posted by M. Terry on April 26, 2011
https://wholetothecore.com/2011/04/26/bob-harpers-workout-4/
Proverbs 31 Devotionals
Whole to the Core Blog 