Happy New Year!

I have a feeling that 2009 is going to be a really great year. I've never been out to make resolutions - maybe it's because I know I will always fail so why bother making them? But I do think about what I want to accomplish, change, start, finish each year at least mentally. Maybe this year I should write them down.

Or maybe I shouldn't. Maybe this year is going to be busy enough. I really don't know what to expect.

Jeff and I are pregnant! I'm due July 21st (so just 11 weeks now, even though my doctor kept saying 13 weeks because of my LMP but I knew I conceived late, 4 weeks after my period started!). I had an ultrasound on Dec 31st and the baby was moving around and had a strong heartbeat of 169. I've been super paranoid and nervous the past couple months, but after seeing that ultrasound I feel a huge relief. I know I'm not past the three months yet, but I'm much more relaxed and now super excited after seeing the baby. It's funny, I never had an ultrasound this early with Carson (our first u/s was at 20 weeks) so I've never really seen a baby that small on the ultrasound. The whole body was moving around (and then turned outwards, "looking" right at me with his hands up in the air on either side. I couldn't stop laughing, and told the technician it was a little creepy, skeleton little face).

So far I haven't gained anything (although that most likely changed after last night) and I was checking my blog from when I was pregnant with Carson and I had gained 7 lbs by this point. I'm starting off on the right foot at least!

Perhaps my new year's resolution for the first half of the year would be to keep eating healthy and to not use "I'm pregnant, eating for two (total myth, but I swore by it my first pregnancy)" line. To keep going to the gym (not overdo it, but 4 times a week would be good) and to just be sensible. Follow the Healthy Guidelines, eat a wide variety of foods and keep moving.

Here's to a wonderful 2009!

Today is the greatest...

Ahhh the sun was shining on my way to work, I had the music pumped, thinking of how great life is.... and then Smashing Pumpkins "Today" came on. What perfect timing!

Last night I picked up a carton of So Good vanilla soy milk. I love soy milk in my latte and thought it would be divine in my oatmeal. And am I ever glad I did, it was every bit as delicious as I had hoped.

So besides the taste, I want to know if soy is actually BETTER for me.

I really should become more knowledgeable in nutrition other than what I've learned on WW. I still first glance, always look at calories, fat and fiber. So looking just at that, I'd obviously choose the skim milk. But - can anyone else fill me in on the benefits to soy milk as opposed to skim?

I've also been reading alot about ACAI. I'm trying to incorporate disease fighting, energy giving, good for us, the true meaning of the word "healthy" foods. Not just ones that are low in calories and good according to WW. I read in some magazine about acai/pomegranate/berry yogurt and I looked in my grocery store last night and couldn't find it. I must search my mags at home to see which brand it was.

Why Should I Eat Açaí?

Surprisingly for a fruit, the vast majority of the calories come from fat: A four-ounce serving of pure açaí contains about 100 calories and six grams of fat.However, it is rich in anti- flammatory omega-9 fats and also contains little sugar. Açaí contains essential fatty acids, iron, calcium, fiber, vitamin A, and other antioxidants.

Scientists have discovered that açaí is rich in anthocyanins, a special group of plant chemicals believed to have many health benefits. In fact, açaí contains ten times more anthocyanins than is found in an equal serving of red wine. Anthocyanins in açaí make up only about ten percent of the total antioxidants contained within this amazing little berry.

Açaí also contains phytosterols, a plant component known to reduce cholesterol, treat symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (swollen prostate), and help protect the immune system from physical stress.

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From the same article as the link above: 10 life-saving foods

Blueberries

Acai

Cabbage

Eggs

Flax

Honey

Kale

Pomegranate

Spinach

Walnuts

I can happily say that walnuts, honey, flax, blueberries and sometimes eggs and spinach are part of my regular diet. Pomegranate always seems like too much work to me, kale scares me (I just have to buy it once and try it!), I love cabbage rolls so maybe I should start making them again and I have to find acai!