Mommy and Me

Bond with your baby and get a workout, too!

Sure, it’s important to find time to exercise after the birth of your baby. But it can be hard to tear yourself away from the amazing new being in your life. Mary Beth Knight, creator of the MommyMuscle Restore The Core DVD and a mother of two, designed the following workout so that you don’t have to choose between spending time with your baby and getting rid of that post-baby belly.

“Working out with your baby creates a bonding experience between you and establishes a foundation for lifelong healthy habits,” says Knight. “This workout incorporates learning and stimulation for your baby through ball play, singing and counting, while giving you a challenging workout right at home.” The moves are designed to help get rid of the “pooch” that pregnancy leaves behind by focusing on the deep abdominal muscles.

You can do this workout every other day, but wait six weeks after delivery before starting; if you’ve had a Cesarean section, wait eight weeks or until your incision has completely healed. Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning it or any other exercise program.

The Basics

• Warm up Put on your favorite music, pick up your baby and dance around the room for five minutes. Or, warm up with a walk (see “Baby Steps,”).
• The moves You will need a mat or blanket big enough for you and your baby, as well as a small, soft ball. During the workout, interact with your baby by singing, counting or playing with the ball as you do the moves. Repeat each move 4 times, working up to 10.
• Cool down Lie on your back with your baby at your side. To stretch your lower back, hug your knees into your chest and rock from side to side. Breathe deeply and pause at each side for 10 to 30 seconds. Sit up and take a moment to breathe slowly while holding your baby.

Warm Mushroom Salad Recipe

I haven't tried it, but it looks good to me....

Salad can be prepared with fresh vegetables, canned vegetables, fruits, eggs and seafood. Salads are amongst the many accompaniments that one can find with a meal. Warm Mushroom Salad could be a perfect option if you want to try something different. This salad combines the best of cool lettuces and warm mushrooms. Warm mushroom salad recipe occupies a vital position, when it's about making some yummy mouthwatering salad. Scroll down to know how to make Warm Mushroom Salad.

Ingredients

• 2 bunches Watercress (washed and large stems removed)
• 3 cups White Mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 cup Cremini Mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 cup Mixed Mushrooms (such as Shitake, Portobello, Oyster; sliced)
• 5 tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Red Bell Pepper (cut into long thin strips)
• 1 Yellow or Orange Bell Pepper (cut into long thin strips)
• 1 clove Garlic (crushed)
• 1 tsp Fresh Thyme (chopped)
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Method
1. Heat two tbsps of olive oil over medium heat in a large pan.
2. Add the mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes.
3. Add the bell peppers, garlic, and thyme to the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute.
4. Place watercress in a layer on a large serving plate.
5. In a bowl, mix the mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, black pepper and remaining olive oil.
6. Place the warm mushrooms on top of the watercress.
7. Sprinkle the dressing over the mushrooms and watercress.
8. Warm Mushroom Salad is ready to serve.

Warm Lemon Water Benefits

Warm lemon water serves as the perfect good morning drink, as it aids the digestive system and makes the process of eliminating the waste products from the body easier. It prevents the problem of constipation and diarrhea from taking place, by ensuring smooth bowel functions.

Lemon is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that enhances your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within and thus bringing a glow on your face. One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy. Lemon water flushes out body toxins and thus is extremely beneficial for the body.

Lemon, a fruit popular for its therapeutic properties, helps promote your immune system and thus, protects you from the clutches of most types of infections. It also plays the role of blood purifier. Lemon is a fabulous antiseptic bestowed on us by Mother Nature. Limewater juice works wonders for people having heart problem, owing to its high potassium content. So, make it a part of your daily routine to drink a glass of warm lemon water in the morning and then open your gateway to enjoy its health benefits.