The Cardiologist's Wife

Pimento Cheese, Not Your Grandma's Spread

Pimento cheese is one of those foods that has been so corrupted by the food industry that it has become synonymous with other crappy foods like Spam. I'm not even certain what store bought pimento cheese might contain, nor do I want to find out. It's a shame because pimento cheese can be a delightful treat, even if it does Read the full post…

Plum Good BBQ Sandwiches

In a few days it will officially be fall but the temperatures are still warm enough for me to continue swimming for a few more days. The breeze was a little cool but that didn't stop me from swimming several laps this morning and I felt great afterwards! Have you exercised lately? With fall's cooler temperatures and fewer insects, you Read the full post…

Shingles Vacine and Treatment

A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with shingles so I felt I should discuss this nasty virus once again. If you ever had chicken pox, you are at risk for getting shingles and believe me, you don't want it. Shingles is a painful rash with blisters that scab over and may take 4 weeks or more to heal. The Read the full post…

Vegetarian Tacos are muy delicioso!

There are times when I think I could easily become a vegetarian, especially when I try a new dish that is as good as the vegetarian tacos I had at Local Lime restaurant in Little Rock and the tofu fried rice at Sai Tai here in Jonesboro. My husband and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary this past weekend by spending Read the full post…

Midyear Health Check

Summer is winding down , the year is more than half way over and our January resolutions are long forgotten. It's time for a health reality check. First of all, how is your health lately? If you have enjoyed good health, are you thankful? Take some time to appreciate how wonderful it feels to be healthy, for your family to Read the full post…

Vacation Lessons For A Healthier Life

I'm back from a lovely beach vacation and I wish I was still there with all my heart. Wouldn't it be nice if our every day life was as nice as a vacation? If we could relax, eat well, sleep and exercise just enough without having to worry about bills, work, illnesses and school, our lives would be perfect. But Read the full post…

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Exercise After The Baby

[ Post by Lisa Tedder ][ Post on June 10, 2013 ][ In For new Mom's ]

Exercising after you’ve had a baby is probably low down on your list of things to do. Sleep is surely number one. But after a few weeks have passed and you have settled in with your newborn, it’s time to think about you. Women have such a bad habit of putting everyone else’s needs ahead of their own but taking time for yourself will truly help you be a better Mom and person. If this is your first child, having some time to yourself is important for your sanity. Taking care of a baby can be overwhelming and you need to remember that your needs are important too. Exercise will help relieve any depression you may feel after giving birth and certainly helps relieve stress. You may be concerned about getting back into your regular clothes and losing that “baby weight” and you should be. Packing on 10 to 20 extra pounds with every child certainly isn’t healthy. The important thing to remember is that it took 9 months to gain the weight so don’t count on it going away in a couple of weeks. Make sure your doctor has given you the go ahead to exercise, particularly if you had a c-section or other complications. Here are a few tips for getting exercise after pregnancy.

1. Enlist your partner’s help. Explain that exercise is important to your health and wellbeing and that he needs time alone to bond with the baby. Establish a schedule that works for both of you. Perhaps you can hit the gym before going to work so he can stay with the baby. Make sure your partner has time to exercise as well.

2. Pick something to do. If you had a workout routine before the baby, you could resume that but maybe you are ready for something different. Whatever you decide, sign up and get moving.

3. Try to schedule workout time with friends. Your time is limited now you have a baby so use your workout to connect with friends. Working out with friends is more fun anyway.

4. Make use of grandparents to get your exercise time.

5. Many women who like to run use running strollers. Personally I would recommend walking with a newborn but there are plenty of websites devoted to runners with tips on both running strollers and how to use them. Just be extra careful of your route so you can avoid cars and high traffic times. Use good form to avoid accidents.

6. You can also exercise at home when the baby is awake. Use a tape or have a fitness trainer design a workout regimen for you. Place your infant in a safe area where you can keep an eye on him. Play some music while you exercise; your infant may enjoy it too.

7. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise three times a week. You’ll find you have more energy to keep up with your children too.

Keep in mind that when children see Mom and Dad exercise, they are learning a life lesson in taking care of themselves so start setting a good example as soon as possible. Don’t be the overweight parent coaching your child from the sidelines who huffs and puffs just walking from the parking lot to the stands. Be the parent still in the game.