One Mama Gets Fit

"It's from overuse.  You need to rest your foot." Two different doctors told me this statement after examining my foot - all swollen and bruised.  Tendonitis.  All you can do is rest it and ice it, ibuprofen, wrap it, etc, etc. Never in my life has someone told me I need to rest from certain exercises from overuse. It's always been the complete opposite - "you could do more exercise"! In a way, it's kind of a compliment - means that I've been moving in the right direction and working hard. And…also…I'll be honest it just plain stinks. I've cried.  And cried.  And cried again.  (thank you to some sweet friends that have listened to me as I have cried!) It's hard resting and not running (trying to avoid high impact exercises). Where is my outlet? Exercise has been my healthy outlet for all things this past year.  Not to mention my alone time, my prayer time, and numerous other things. With prepping to leave for the State...

It's up and going!   I've been so excited to get this off the ground….to get "running".   Over the past year we have started in on a new healthy lifestyle…our whole extended family.  It's been so exciting to share this journey with them all.   Each week 5 of us in the family write emails on our week was - what did we get a chance to do exercise wise and how did our eating go.  It's been amazing accountability.   It's all been so positive and encouraging.  Even if one of us had a "less than stellar" week - everyone has always been so encouraging to them and focusing on the positives.   I think that has kept me going.  There's been no negative talk this past year.  Only encouragement.   My family is pretty amazing.   So when Kyle and I started planning for our time Stateside for the 2nd half of this year - obviously, we wanted to do some new physical challenges.  I wanted to get in several ...

Yea.  Weird title for sure. Those 3 things don't really go together. But, I haven't updated for a bit over a week so wanted to play catch up a bit. School.  I have decided that I would like to head back to school and pursue a career in nutrition!! (And because I know this question will be asked)   Wait, Sarah.  What about Kenya? Love things happening here in Kenya.  We are still here!  I would just like to extend my knowledge in this area - an area that I've fallen in love with and would love to use to help other folks. I've been talking with my "go-to" gal, Stephanie, and she has recommended several options ranging from becoming a health coach to a RDN (registered dietitian nutritionist). So right now, just researching all kinds of things - what field, schools, programs, etc. It's an exciting time for sure!  I'll be sure to let you know when I've decided which route I'll go to. Goals. 11 weeks to go (as of today) till we ...

Or rather the title could be "things that motivate". Not working out. Restaurants that don't have healthy options. Not being able to run with my husband. Loose skin. I could go on but I won't. I've discovered during this journey to a healthy lifestyle that the things I don't like…they don't get me down anymore…rather they MOTIVATE me for change. Kyle says I'm a fighter.  A beast. (I love my shirt that says "mom in beast mode".  It's pretty accurate.) I make time to work out.  It's a priority for me…for us…6 days a week. Recently, I didn't get a chance to get my whole workout in (hello life!).  I was frustrated for a moment and then I turned it to motivation to up my game rest of the week. So, I didn't get to complete a day's workout or have time one day to workout?  No problem - I'll just turn up the heat on other days. Restaurants can serve whatever they want and I don't have to go to a ...

It was said by my 3 year old son this morning. We're in the kitchen making breakfast…whipping up some smoothies (a family favorite). He looks up at me and says "Mama, you are a workout lady!" *Big, huge grin on my face* Oh yea, buddy? Yea!  And your stomach is hard! (And he feels it to make sure that it's true.) (I'll note that it's not hard…but def getting flatter!) I'm pretty sure no one can beat that compliment :) He made my day.  Literally. Working out is paying off.  It's so sweet to hear words like that from my son. Our kids are watching what we do, friends.  They watch everything. (Even when we think they aren't.)

I won't lie. This dish has become one of my absolute favorites. It will require control not to eat the whole thing.  I'm serious.  :) That's just how amazing it is.  (Plus, it has zucchini hidden in it - bonus for parents trying to get their kids to eat more veggies.) Here's the LINK for the recipe….or read below. We pair it with some quinoa and another steamed veggie.  Makes for a great meal. Let me know if you try it! THAI TURKEY ZUCCHINI MEATBALLS For the meatballs… 2 lbs ground turkey, extra lean 1 cup zucchini, shredded & liquid squeezed out 1 tbsp fish sauce 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped 2 tbsp basil, finely chopped 2 tsp ginger, grated 2 garlic cloves, grated 1 tsp red curry paste 2 tbsp coconut milk, light (canned) 1/8 tsp hot pepper chill flakes For the sauce… 1 + 1/2 cup coconut milk, light (canned) 3 tbsp tomato paste 1 tsp red curry paste 1 tsp fish sauce 1/8 tsp hot pepper chili flakes, or to taste 5-6 ka...

I completed my very first 10k today. And to boot…here in Kenya. Kenya is for runners. And because of that, it completely baffles me that I just ran a 10k here!  What?!?! And, I decided to run it last night. Yea, the night before. Nuts. Oh and push the kids in the stroller.  That's 2 kids.  Plus a heavy book bag. What!?  50 pounds easy. Up an down hills. Hello arm workout.  Trying to keep that stroller in line really worked my arms.  Moms and dads that push their kids in races are TOUGH.  They have strength, friends.  That was no joke. I was totally encouraged though by everyone around me.  I had so many people come up beside me and run with me and ask about the kids and ask "how in the world are you doing this?" I'm tough.  :) But really, so many people blessed my socks off during the race - speaking encouragement and I heard a lot of "go, mama!"  One woman was so lovely to me that she came running up to me...