Healthy Wednesday | Juizs 3-day detox

Hello lovelies!

It's been way too long since I last posted a blogpost! I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted something! I'm sorry! 

Anyway, I wanted to write a blogpost about my detox journey. I decided to do a 3 day juice detox from Juizs. It's a Dutch company who serves Cold Pressed juices on your doorstep! Super easy;) 

So I decided to give it a go. I received 21 juices and 3 detox waters to last me 3 days. That means 7 juices a day, which are 4 liquid salads (lots of veggies and a bit of fruit for the taste), 2 veggie soups which you can either take warm or cold and 1 nutmilk to keep your proteins in check. 

So I started on Thursday and ended on a Saturday (not the best timing, but I wanted to do it before starting work and since they deliver on Wednesday evening and I have to go back to work on a Tuesday, there weren't many other options really..) 

I'll let you know how the days went and what it did to me. A little information before:

I do this to loose the last bit of pregnancy weigth, but most of all to kickstart my new sugarfree lifestyle. During my pregnancy I didn't hold on to my sugarfree diet. I was too weak;) So it's time to get back into it and what better way to start than to cleanse the body off all toxins (and sugars!)

Day 1

You start your day with a glass of water with some lemon juice and himalayan salt (I added normal salt because I don't have Himalayan salt). At 9.00am you have your first juice and every two hours after that. 

I started to feel really hungry around 1pm, but that's probably because it's lunchtime. The only moment I really struggled was around 4pm. I was hungry but had just had one of the juices. On top of that, I was making dinner for the hubby. So that didn't help either;) 

After I had my veggiesoup at 6.30pm I was feeling nauseous, so I had half my veggiesoup at 8pm and decided to skip the nutmilk and go to bed. 

Looking back at day 1, I think it went quite allright. The only symptoms I had were a headache and the nausea. So far so good! Let's do day two! 

Day 2
I decided to postpone 'breakfast' as long as possible, so I had my first juice around 10am instead of 9. It went great until my husband decided to order a pizza.. And, weak as I am, I ate dinner. Yep, I know.. not too smart, but I just couldn't take it anymore. I was so hungry and felt 'blaaahh..' (no better word for this feeling;))
After dinner I had only water and decided the next day would be all juicy again..

I still had a headache and was just feeling weak, but the dinner really helped.

Day 3
So, the last day. Boy is this hard! I didn't think I'd struggle this much, but it turns out I really love food (didn't I know that already..)
Today was a Saturday and that is definitely not the best day to do a detox. My husband was at home all day and had a lovely lunch, and a fantastically smelling dinner;) So yes, it was extremely hard to finish, but at some point I thought; get over it, it's only half a day left!
I finished the day without eating and I have to tell you, I am so glad it's done!

Again I had headaches and felt just weak. I am so happy I can eat normal food again. After 3 days of only juices, you just really want to eat (aka chew) something..

Results?
I am never ever doing this again!
Why? Because it was ridiculously hard! I am just not made for not eating I guess.. I really try to watch what I eat and I am not a big eater, but no solid foods for 3 days is just too hard for me. So no, I won't do this again.
But, I do think it was worth it. I don't feel better, nor did I lose a lot of weight, but I know it will have done something good for my overall health. Plus, it's easier to skip the sugars, because I haven't had any sugar for 5 days (including the 2 pre-detox days)
I didn't lose any weight, and that really bothers me. I really felt like I did all the hard work for nothing, but I didn't do it just to lose weight, so I shouldn't complain. I do feel like I am having a flatter belly, but that might just be my imagination.
I hope it will help me with my sugar free journey.

Well, that was that. Glad I did it, but even happier that it's over..

No I'm off to eat cake! (just kidding..)

Love,

X

Mommy Monday | on a Friday..

Our little baby boy! 

So, I thought it was about time to look at my blog again.

My little man is almost 10 weeks, so it's time to show his cute little face around here! May I present to you: 

Josh

Name: Josh

Born: 22nd of Dec 2015

Weight: 3810 gr

Length: 49 cm 

He is doing great! I couldn't be more proud of him. He decided it was time to sleep through the night at only 4 weeks and to roll from his tummy to his back at 6 weeks! We are particularly happy with the sleeping;) 

Mom:

I am doing really good! The birth was hard but I am so happy he is here! I wanted to give birth at home, but when I started pushing my midwife told me he was lying face up (instead of down), so we rushed to hospital (which isn't the best thing when you are in full labor and want to push..)

After arriving in hospital they hooked me up to all kinds of machines and an hour later our little man arrived. 

I was so happy! I felt all kinds of emotions at the same time. But he was here! 

And now, we are 10 weeks in and still going strong. He is such a happy, cute little baby. I am in love! 

Well, that's all I had to say for now. 

Stay tuned for a blogpost about my detox-journey this Sunday! 

Love,

X

Mommy Monday | Why we found out the gender after all..

So, as the title suggest, we found out what we are having! I'll tell you in a minute, but first I'd like to explain how the process to this ultrasound and gender reveal went.

Ever since I can remember I have been telling myself (and the husband as soon as he came into the picture) that I would never want to find out the gender if I'd ever get pregnant. So when we found out we were pregnant, that was the first thing we said to each other, because the Mister felt the same. We were pretty convinced and told everyone we were not going to find out the gender until the little one was born.

But during the fourth month I started to get curious. Friends of ours are also expecting and both of the girls (and boys obviously) know what they are having. I kind of liked that idea and it's easier to shop;) That was the first time I started to doubt our decision. I let it rest and stuck to our first decision not to find out.

Whenever I would talk to friends and family, they told me they were so curious and, more importantly, how hard it was to find gender neutral clothes. Especially clothes that they'd think I would like. Which is something I had experienced myself already, because for some reason the 'gender neutral market' is close to nothing.

When we had our ultrasound at 18 weeks I was already doubting, but the husband said he really didn't want to know, so we said no when she asked us if we wanted to know. The ultrasound went great and we didn't see a thing. (Maybe that means we are having a girl??!)

But the last 2.5 weeks were crazy! I kept thinking about what the gender would be. And everybody we asked would say; I think it's a girl. That did the trick for me. I was too curious to find out whether they were right or not?!

So, combine all these things to my unbelievable lack of patience and curiosity and you can guess what happened. The evening before our ultrasound, I told the husband I really wanted to know the gender. I had told him before, but now I was pretty determined. He asked me if I was very sure. I was. And so he said what a great husband would say: ' If it's really important for you, than it's fine with me'. He also added: 'But you have to tell everyone it was YOUR decision, not mine!' Haha.

So, when we went for our 20 week ultrasound I told her WE wanted to know. And so we did (and do)! And let me tell you this, it was so much fun to find out everyone was wrong! Haha!

We are having a little BOY! Yay!!

We told our family and friends on Sunday because everyone was at our place, since it was my birthday. Perfect timing! They all loved it and are looking forward to it! Just like us!

Luckily, everything is fine with our little baby and he is growing well. Which was great to hear, because that is what you came for after all.

So now you all know:)

Lots of love,
X

Healthy Wednesday | Sugarfree Lunch

So this week I decided to show two of my lunches this week, which were amazing!

Sunday I made a 'Poweromelet' from the latest book of Rens Kroes The book is in Dutch, but she has some of her recipes online or on Instagram. 

The omelet is just an egg with some herbs and a little bit of Almond Milk. But the trick is the toppings. You have to add a handful of Spinach, an avocado, goat cheese and walnuts. And let me tell you, it's amazing! My husband was totally in love and asked me to do this every Sunday afternoon!

I didn't take a really good picture, so I used the one my husband took. Obviously the beer was not mine, and I had the omelet without the bread. 

Last Monday I had another good lunch, which is a little 'easier'. I love avocado and I love to create this. It's really easy!

You just mash up an avocado with a bit of lime juice, salt and pepper. You put this on your sandwich and add slices of tomato. I like salt, so I always add some salt on top of the sandwich as well. I ate an orange on the side and had a glass of Coconut Water. Ok, not really. I had one sip of the coconut water and hated it so much, that I threw it out and had just plain water. Haha!

Maybe you can try one of these recipes as well! I really like both of them. 

I find it difficult sometimes to find a nice lunch recipe, so these are definitely two of my go to recipes from now on.

Lots of love,

X

Mommy Monday | 20 weeks pregnant

So today is a special day (or actually tomorrow..) because we reach 20 weeks! I love to know we are half way! I can't wait to meet this little one:)

So one of the milestones of this week is, I felt him/her kick! It's so special to feel this! I can't believe there is an actual baby in my belly! I wish my hubby could feel it too, but he'll have to wait a little longer I'm afraid.

What can I tell from my first half of pregnancy?

Well, I have to say it was much easier than I thought. But I guess I am just lucky (at least this time.. who knows with number two). I haven't had any serious symptoms. Just a little dizzy every now and then, and when I start singing in church I start to feel a little funny. Maybe that's just because baby doesn't like to hear me sing;)

So far, I've gained 1 kg! I know, that's crazy! I have been trying to eat more, but I just can't. But apparently it's not a big deal, so I just think I need to be lucky I didn't gain a huge amount which I have to love afterwards..

I really hope the next 20 weeks will be good! I am looking forward to it! I can't wait to meet this little one, so every week closer is a milestone.

Lots of love,

X

Mommy Monday | Maternity clothes

Today I want to talk about maternity fashion. I am a huge lover of fashion and clothes, but not much of all the prices attached to it. This is why I always buy clothes on sale or just very cheap. I wanted to do the same for maternity clothes, so that's what I did. 

Some of my favorite websites are:
- Pinterest: This is the best website there is at the moment. I just love to look at all the inspirational photos and websites accompanying the photos. I did the same for maternity fashion. I just pinned everything I like and try to find things I have in my closet. The easiest way to get the lovely looks for a pregnant belly, which doesn't cost a lot. 
- H&M I am not a super fan of H&M for my 'normal' clothes. I find the quality not always as good as I would want to. Plus, I sometimes see something fun and see my students wear it the next day. So normally this is a no-go for me. But my students aren't pregnant, so I don't have to worry about them wearing the same things now, and it doesn't have to last forever! I got most of my basics at H&M. 
I noticed a difference in collections, so I can't really show you everything because most of you won't be able to get it anyway. But these are two of the items I got. Just a few jeans and some simple t-shirts I liked.

- Mama licious This is for only a few of you, because they don't have an American or Australian website. So only my European friends will be able to order here. They have amazing dresses and they aren't too expensive, especially since I bought all of mine in sale!
- For Australian websites, go check out hiplittleone. She is a friend of mine with an amazing blog! She shares maternity clothes on Monday, but also shares other essentials on her blog. She posts everyday and has lots of giveaways! So Aussies, check it out!


The best tip I can give you to buy maternity clothes is to stay yourself. I always wear jeans with a t-shirt, sweater or cardigan and I am still doing this. I sometimes wear dresses, so I also got a few dresses, especially because it's summer over here. But don't go overboard. Just buy the things you would always buy and stick to your style. 

Just wear you clothes with pride ladies! You can be proud of that growing belly, so show it! That's what I do;)


Lots of love,

X

Healthy Wednesday | Being pregnant and having the flu.

The last two week were tough for me (and the husband). 
It was really warm in the Netherlands, at over 30 degrees Celsius for a week we had a 'heatwave'. us Dutchies are not used to warm weather so a few days over 30 C are a heatwave over here.. Anyway, normally I love it when it starts to warm up for Summerdays, but this time it was different. I had the flu at the same time as the start of the heatwave. I've been in bed for 4 days with a temperature. After that we just tried to get back on track as soon as possible, but it took me a while.

What did I do?
Well, first of all, I didn't do anything other than sleeping for two days. After the first two days I was finally able to eat something (just a little though, I think about 2-3 crackers a day).
I figured the best remedy was to sleep. I have slept a lot! I didn't want to do anything else. I started to feel better after this, and continued to sleep and rest often. It took me two weeks to get better though!

Best ways to stay healthy and fit
After these two weeks I am determined to not become ill anytime soon. So I figured I would work on the following things:

- Eat properly This is where my sugar free 'diet' comes in. I am going to try and eat as healthy as possible, which means no processed foods! I eat more vegetables, and fruit. I even decided to drink fresh orange juice a couple days a week.

- Try to workout a little more I am going to try to work out a little more. I am not talking about two hours in the gym every evening, but trying to exercise during the day. I want to ride my bike more often, go to pregnancy swimming classes and just get up from the couch a little more often..

- Take (pregnancy) vitamins I never really take pills, because I am a believer of eating the fruit  or vegetable instead of a pill. But with this pregnancy you just need a little more vitamins than you can take. So I am trying to take my pills everyday, even though I am horrible at remembering to take them. (I'd like to blame pregnancy for this, but I'm afraid that's just who I am.. )

- Listen to my body This is probably the best tip. I am going to do what my body tells me. I want to make sure my baby is as safe as possible, so I am going to bed when I feel really tired for example.

Are there any tips you could give me to stay healthy and flu-free?

Lots of love,

X