Baby Got Back!

As expected, my body has gone through an enormous amount of changes over the last 26 weeks. It started with me ripping the back seam of a dress because my boobs had grown out of control! It then moved to my stomach as my little bundle of joy started to grow, and now, as I peer over my shoulder at the giant planet behind me, I realize another wonderful change in my ass! Josh isn't complaining of course, what more could he ask for? Baby's got back and rack now!

I was expecting my hips to expand, by stomach to protrude, and my boobs to grow, but I was not ready for all the other changes. Like pre-maternity shirts fitting tighter around my armpits and back because of my big breasts, pants fitting tighter around my thighs because of growing hips, and the newly discovered music video sized butt I now carry around. 

Everyone keeps telling me, "don't worry it will all go back to normal after the baby comes". Well let's hope so! In the mean time I am doing everything in my own power to keep this newly enlarged derriere of mine in check! Here is one of my most recent leg workouts that is sure to keep my booty, and thighs looking their best!

SQUATS: Feet should be shoulder width apart. As you squat make sure your knees do not fall in front of your ankles and keep your chest up. Squat to a 90 degree angle and rise to starting position. If it is too difficult to keep the proper positioning while holding a bar or weights, then complete this exercise without weight. Repeat 3 sets of 15 reps.

 

Squeeze your butt and make sure your heels stay flat on the ground.

STEP UP WITH WEIGHTS:  These can be done using a step bench, stable chair, or even your stairs, if you are doing these at home. Holding a weight plate or dumbbell in each hand, place one foot in the middle of the bench. Placing all the weight on your foot resting on the bench, step up and bring your back leg to a 90 degree angle in front. Step back down, but place only the toes of your back foot on the floor and repeat the step up on the same leg. Repeat 10x on one leg and then switch and repeat on the opposite leg. Try for 3 sets of 10 on each side. 

 

WALL SITS:  Align knees so that they are in a straight line with your ankles and lower your rear until your knees are at 90 degree angle and squeeze your rear. If you feel you are in fairly good shape try to hold for a full minute. If that seems too difficult than hold for 30 seconds.  Repeat 3 times.

I'm going to call myself out here. My feet should be a little farther back so that my ankles and knees are aligned.

  WALKING LUNGES: Holding a dumbbell or weight plate in each hand lung with your right leg forward, and then bring your left forward into a lung. Your knees should NEVER touch the ground. Make sure your chest stays up and your front knee does not move over your front toe. Complete 3 sets of 20 lunges.

notice both legs are at a 90 degree angle.

HAMSTRING AND GLUTES WITH RESISTANCE BANDS: 

This exercise really works your buttocks but it gets your hamstrings as well. Position your self on all fours with the middle of resistance band positioned in the middle of your foot and the handles of resistance band in your hands. Slowly extend your leg back and up slightly. Repeat 3 sets of 15 reps on each leg.

My most recent craving has been pimento cheese! While browsing through my sister's Pinterest page a few weeks ago  I found this skinny pimento cheese recipe from http://www.theskinnyfork.com/blog/2013/3/11/skinny-pimento-cheese  and decided to give it a whirl. YUM!! Super easy and super delicious! Pair with low-fat wheat thins, a piece of whole wheat toast, or celery sticks and you have a great snack!

Ingredients:

4 oz of sharp cheddar, shredded
4 oz of fat free cheddar,shredded
1 chive, diced
3 oz of fat free cream cheese
1/4 cup plain fat free greek yogurt
4 oz jar of pimentos, drained
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp Worcestershire
1/8 tsp cayenne
salt and pepper to taste

Method:
Mix all ingredients together in a medium sized bowl and chill in an air tight container until ready to serve.

*****Side Notes*****
I don't like using fat free cheese because it tastes horrible and has a TON of chemicals and preservatives in it. I used 1 -8 oz block of sharp cheddar instead and shredded it in my food processor. I followed the recipe minus the salt, and next time I might omit the cream cheese and just add a little more greek yogurt. I don't feel the cream cheese added much to the recipe and again I don't like all the chemicals in the fat free cream cheese.

WORK HARD BEFORE YOU PLAY HARD THIS WEEKEND! 

HAPPY FRIDAY!