Good morning!
Iām coming to you guys a little later than usual today because I had to be at the gym unexpectedly early when a fellow trainer called to see if I could cover her small group training session at the last minute. Yooou got it!
Breakfast
After working for a few hours, I came home more than ready for breakfast. Well, it was more like my second breakfast of the day, though the first one didnāt really count since I only had time to grab an apple and a portable packet of almond butter as I headed out the door.
Breakfast number two was much more filling and included an egg sandwich made with Canadian bacon and a wedge of creamy Laughing Cow cheese.
About 30 minutes later, I started to feel a little nauseated and since eating always seems to be my cure for any pregnancy-related morning sickness, I made myself a small bowl of oatmeal.
Before digging in, I stirred in a spoonful of peanut butter butter and topped it with a sprinkling of cacao nibs for crunch.
Much better!
After breakfast, I had about 30 minutes to spare before I had to be back at the gym and used my time to fill out a form to request a free breast pump through my insurance company (I chose this one thanks to recommendations from several girlfriends) and send out a few thank you cards to friends and family for thoughtful baby gifts.
The rest of my morning at the gym was spent working on the August group exercise schedule before I took a little break for my own workout.
(Iām pretty sure I snapped that belly pic in 2.5 seconds to avoid embarrassment. I think itās groooowing!)
I spent about 30 minutes total on the stationary bike though I broke it up into three 10 minute segments. In between rounds of biking, I completed two circuits that incorporated upper body and back exercises in a similar format to the gentle prenatal workout I shared earlier this week. I donāt think I can properly put into words what a relief it is not to experience a stabbing pain with every step I take anymore. My pain is only continuing to improve and that makes me so darn happy. Thank goodness!!! Iām still not able to walk as far as Iād like, but Iāll take any improvement right now.
Lunch
Lunchtime brought me back home to let Sadie out and make myself a quick afternoon meal.
I assembled a simple hot ham sandwich on toasted Ezekiel bread with mayo, lettuce and tomato slices and served it with a side of carrot sticks (paired with yogurt ranch dressing for dipping) and dill sauerkraut that my friend Brittany has been raving about for ages. As a big-time sauerkraut lover already, I had a feeling Iād be a fan and I thought it was so tasty! The dill flavor was unique and Iām already planning to use it again tonight since Ryan and I are hoping to cook up some burgers on the grill.
Now my lunch break is over and itās time to head back out. I hope you guys have a great Thursday!
![\"Quantcast\"/](\"//pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-1e3-7hOJ_U8Bg.gif\")
I’m loving your belly bump! That breakfast sandwich looks delicious!!
Sandwich looks PERFECT! I’ve been on a ham kick lately. Publix has a Pesto Parmesan ham that is so good!
I LOVE your gym shoes!!! Where did you get those??
Thanks! They’re Reebok ZQuick — love them! I actually bought them in black/gray earlier this year, too!
Love pickles!!! Must just mix my sauerkraut up with some! yum!
How far is your drive from the gym to your house? Seems like you go back and forth quite a bit.
Less than 2 miles! It’s pretty sweet. š
your bump is so freakin’ adorable! as is your hairstyle– how on earth did you get your hair up like that!? haha
Oh gosh, it’s a bit of a mess!!! Air dried after my shower last night and then piled on the top of my head in a messy bun!
HOORAY FOR THE KRAUT!!! Haha, I love it. I’m so obsessed š
It’s amazing. I want more right now…
You look so cute in your fitted tank! You should totally rock more fitted dresses/tops being pregnant….it’s so cute and you look great!
I love cacao nibs. One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is throwing them on top of a banana with almond butter.
That belly is definitely growing! Hooray! So glad to hear the pain is easing up And good for you for going to physical therapy instead of resorting to bed rest! Inspiring for sure!
Girl you’re killin it in that gym selfie!
Ohh yum, topping a burger with dill sauerkraut sounds delicious!
p.s. cute belly bump pic! š
How did you go about getting your insurance to cover your breast pump? I’m not sure if ours will though I’ve heard many do, and I’m not sure how to approach it. Did you have to call them? Was it listed somewhere in your plan? (thanks for any help!)
I got mine through Target. Look up Target breast pump plan and there is a number you can call. Once you call the number and give them all your information they will contact your insurance and give you your options. If you don’t like Target, go to the Medela website and there is a lot of info on there. My plan covered a basic pump, but I had thr option of upgrading to the super, fancy model for $95 which was totally worth it!
That’s the pump that I used. I really liked it, though I’ve heard that sometimes the ones from the insurance company are not the same quality that the ones you buy in a store are – not sure if you bought it and got reimbursed or if they sent you one.
I attended a breastfeeding support group after my first was born (which I highly recommend if you can find one!) and a lot of the moms who pumped regularly preferred hospital grade pumps. They are much better at milk removal and apparently are a lot more comfortable. Just thought I’d mention it in case you find your pumping output is low when nursing is going well.
On a side note – one of my favorite things for lactating are these cookies! They are pricey (I’ve seen them cheaper at a baby boutique) but they are so good for increasing milk supply!
http://www.amazon.com/Milkmakers-Oatmeal-Chocolate-Lactation-Cookies/dp/B00A3J1RB4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437071354&sr=8-1&keywords=lactation+cookies
Your sandwich looks so yummy!!!
Where do you find dill sauerkraut or are you just add dill pickles to regular sauerkraut! You are glowing and looking wonderfully preggars!
buy it! I bought this one at fresh market but i’ve also see it at whole foods!
That egg sandwich looks tasty!! I actually received that same breastpump from my insurance company and I’ve been pretty happy with it!
Your bumpness is so adorable, especially in that tight shirt!
Ps. Loving the messy bun. You are absolutely glowing! š
Is the dill sauerkraut something I could purchase or is there a recipe?
you can buy it! i’ve seen it for sale at fresh market and whole foods!
One of the only things I craved during my pregnancy was kimchee. We didn’t know what we were having, but when I delivered a baby boy it all made sense!!
no shame in taking a bump pic at the gym š
Nothing beats a good breakfast sandwich! You may have an easy commute to work, but it always iimpresses me how much you manage to get done. š
Carrots and ranch dressing is always a great combination.
Hi Julie, not to be a nag, but I’ve seen you eat deli meats a few times. I always thought they are unsafe for pregnant women because of nitrates and other stuff. I am sure you made sure that they are safe? (organic, nitrate-free, and thoroughly heated?)
http://www.babycenter.com/404_is-it-safe-to-eat-deli-meats-when-im-pregnant_1246923.bc
This also sparked my interest. Could you do a post on your pregnancy diet vs normal diet and any changes you made or didn’t make? I know everyone has different opinions on things like caffeine and deli meat and seafood or wine etc, and a lot depends on your doctor too. It sounds so overwhelming all the dos and don’ts of pregnancy, would be curious to know what your take was on these “rules.”
The biggest concern is for pregnant women is the risk of Listeria, hence why they recommend the heating.
I think that’s why she said “hot ham” sandwich…just as your article noted: “It’s not safe for pregnant women to eat deli meats (such as ham, turkey, salami, and bologna) or hot dogs unless the food has been THOROUGHLY HEATED.” She heated the deli meat.
I have been buying Applegate Farms deli meats (nitrate free!) and heating them! š
Food was always the answer to my pregnancy nausea as well!
I use those same thank-you cards and I looove them! Target makes the best cards. Also, please tell me the dill sauerkraut you had was Farmhouse Culture’s kraut. Theirs is my absolute favorite!! I used to be a little skeptical about sauerkraut, but Farmhouse Culture turned me into a full-on kraut lover.
Love your blog but seriously over the sneaky affiliate links. You really didn’t need to affiliate link a free breast pump. It’s super frustrating.
I’m sorry this bothers you, Jenn. I’ve been linking out to stuff I use/buy on this blog for years. Since my blog is my primary source of income, it’s a big part of the way I’m able to make money from blogging. I have a disclaimer stating affiliate links are featured on the blog featured permanently on my homepage and also under my About page as well. As I’m sure you’re aware, you definitely don’t have to click anything that’s hyperlinked on my blog! I just figured that if certain things don’t interest people, they don’t click them and it’s no big deal, whereas if it’s something of interest, they can click away and find more info, etc. Thank you for voicing your frustrations and providing feedback!
You are looking so great, Julie! And that breakfast sandwich looks quite delicious….I have been on such an egg kick lately
i can’t decide which cuter, your pregnant belly in gym clothes or that lunch.
Sorry you are having so much pain, but you’re looking adorable! Hopefully the pain relief continues!!!
I’m really curious about snapping pictures at the gym. My gym has a sign posted in the locker room that says to please limit cell phone use and that anyone taking photos will forfeit their membership, but it doesn’t say if that applies only to the locker room (!) or to the gym as a whole, like the weight training room where there are mirrors. I haven’t asked because I don’t want to take photos of my sweaty self, but I know fitness bloggers often take selfies at the gym to use on their blogs. Does the gym where you work have a policy about photos? Do people ever wonder why you’re snapping photos of yourself or of the spin bikes that you’ve posted photos of before?
My gym doesn’t really have a policy on this at all or any signage posted. The spin photos I’ve shared are generally snapped before or after the class once the room is empty. I also just try to make sure other people aren’t clearly visible in my pics!
That oatmeal looks soooo good:D
Not sure if that pump set comes with one, but having a hand pump for when you don’t have time (or the hands!) to set up the electric pump can be a life saver, especially when your milk first comes in and your uncomfortably full with a little one waiting to feed.
I’ve used my Medela hand pump more than my electric just from ease of use and less cleaning! My hospital gave it to me and I’m so glad,