Stroller Strides® Chicago

Recipe of the Week- Granola Bars

2012-01-16T14:58:00.000-06:00

Last week I went on a wild crazy baking frenzy and posted a picture of everything I baked on Facebook. Everyone asked for my granola bar recipe, so here it is as promised. I used this recipe in my Vitamix blender, but if you don't have a Vitamix, you could just leave the oats whole, and use almond meal instead of whole almonds, just skip the first step where you would grind the oats and nuts in the blender.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (60 g) whole wheat flour

1/4 cup (28 g) wheat germ

1/2 cup (70 g) raw almonds

1 cup (155 g) oats

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoon honey or agave nectar

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1 cup (244 g) unsweetened applesauce

1. Place flour, wheat germ, almonds and oats into the Vitamix dry blade container and secure lid.
2. Select Variable 1.
3. Turn machine on and slowly increase to speed to Variable 10, then to High.
4. Blend for 40 seconds. Turn machine off. Pour out into bowl.
5. Add salt, cinnamon, vanilla, honey, cranberries and applesauce to mixture.
11. Stir by hand until moistened. Spread into greased 8x8 pan.
12. Bake for 25 minutes in a 350F (180C) oven.

Recipe of the Week- Sugar Cookies

2011-12-19T19:26:00.000-06:00

I'm sure that some of you may be surprised to see this post from me- I usually keep the recipes pretty clean and healthy for this blog. But life is all about finding balance, right? I firmly believe that you can give yourself occassional treats if you have earned them. One of the things I will not ever give up is making sugar cookies for Christmas with my girls. My mom made them with me, I make them with my girls, and let's hope someday I can make them with my grandchildren :) I love MAKING them, but try to have a few rules when EATING them. I only eat them when I am sitting down at the table with a glass of milk- not standing in the kitchen, not standing at the table, not walking around the house. So here is my favorite recipe for sugar cookies. Whatever your indulgences may be this holiday season, I hope you enjoy them! And then get your booty to class to work them off.

Sugar Cookies
1 1/2 sticks melted butter
1 c. sugar
1 t. vanilla
2 eggs
1 t. baking powder
2 1/2 c. flour

- Mix sugar, vanilla and eggs. Pour in the butter. Add baking powder and flour and stir until smooth.
- Chill 1 hour, or freeze about 20 minutes.
- Roll out dough until about 1/4 inch thick. Cut with your favorite cookie cutters.
- Bake 6-8 minutes at 400 degrees, until edges just start to brown.

My Body Back Journey by Libby- final installment!

2011-11-28T20:00:00.001-06:00

Before

Wednesday 11/9 10pm

I watched everything I ate today, only healthy things and a lot of water! I wish I did that every day as I felt so much better. I was worried I was going to be disappointed in my weight loss which I was a little, but again I didn’t give this 100% the last few weeks. Although I now fit in my pre-maternity pants which is something in itself! So I know the weight will come in time and wearing my regular clothes will help me get there!

A few weeks ago Jackie asked us to give up a bad habit. My bad habit is drinking soda. I drink about 1 a day. Somehow I stuck to it and kicked the soda everyday and now have about 1 soda a week so that was a big accomplishment for me! I’ve drank more water in the past 8 weeks than I ever have and now it’s a habit to fill my water bottle every morning.

After

The assessment class tonight went a lot better than I expected! I lost a total of 5lbs. As much is this was about weight for me, it was more so about starting new habits and changing my life. I had 10 extra pounds from having 2 kids and I knew this was my chance to get over the hump and once I did, I would be back to an even healthier me.

I can’t do it all in 8 weeks but I feel really good about the path I’m on now. These 8 weeks were about taking time for myself and realizing I needed to make changes in my diet and start exercising on a regular basis even if it was for 15 minutes while my kids played. There is always an excuse, especially with our busy lives and having children but nothing works with an unhappy and unhealthy Mom. I want my children to have healthy lifestyles.

Before

This class taught me a lot. It taught me to start small with exercising, changing what we eat, drinking more water and slowly giving up thinks like sugar and soda of which I love both! I loved the inspiration I got from Jackie and the other Mom’s in class. I think we all need the support in class and outside. I really enjoyed the facebook group as it was encouragement during the week, sometimes when I needed it most.

Sunday 11/13 8pm

Tonight we had a Final results party! It was at the Blue Jean’s Bar. It’s a great store with tons of different types and styles of jeans! A great place to reward yourself for 8 weeks of hard work! It was fun to see everyone in “regular” clothes with makeup on! More importantly it was exciting to see the changes we all made over the past 8 weeks and the support that got us all there! Thanks Jackie and Victoria!

After

Here I am 8 weeks later….I lost 5 pounds. I lost 2 inches in my waist which I am thrilled about as I knew it was something since I am no longer in my maternity pants! Bye-Bye maternity pants, it was fun! I think the best part for me was seeing the before and after pictures. I look so different! My pushup improvements were 60% but to be honest, I only did 6 the first night of class. I am not a fan of pushups. My plan improved 40% and overall I am very happy with where I am 8 weeks later.

I will miss this group as it really did change my life and how I view exercising. I will miss Jackie saying “Belly buttons in”, as I always need the reminder. I might even miss Friday nights and dreading Saturday mornings. But once I was at class on Saturdays I was so glad I made it and left knowing it was the best way to start the weekend and to remind myself of what to do and what not to do! I will miss Jackie’s upbeat music but I know this is a start to a new me and I don’t want to let myself go back to where I was. I’m so glad I took this class for many different reasons! Jackie, I’ve said it before and will say it again, you are a true inspiration!

My Body Back Journey by Libby

2011-11-28T14:09:00.000-06:00

Wednesday 11/2 8pm

I missed class tonight which I was bummed about as it sounded challenging! I guess they did 100 of multiple exercises! I am also missing Saturday’s class so I will have to try and keep myself on track. Tonight I made the Chicken Verde recipe which is one of the recipes in our workout book. I have to say it was super easy to make and delicious and of course healthy! I have a feeling that recipe will be a regular meal in our house.

Sunday 11/6 7pm

We were out of town this weekend so I missed the Saturday class. It’s always difficult when you’re away to watch what you eat especially when you are in the car for a few hours which we were. I felt like I did pretty well and in the back of my mind the reminder of final assessments this week played into helping me control what I ate and drank.

Monday 11/7 9pm

I went to the Monday night class tonight to take “after” pictures. I only see these ladies usually once a week and could tell a difference in each one of them. It gave me motivation for the next two days before it was my turn for assessments, which I was totally dreading! In all honesty, I gave this class about 70%. My 3 month old ended up having surgery in the middle of the 8 weeks and I let things slide a bit.

Recipe of the Week- Sweet Potato and Collard Greens Salad

2011-11-27T19:12:00.000-06:00

You can tell that I am on a fall and winter veggie kick right now :) Here's another yummy way to get in some greens- you could substitute swiss chard, kale or spinach for the collards.

2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 3 cups)
2 T olive oil
1/2 t. sea salt
1/4 t. fresh ground pepper
1 bunch collard greens, chopped (about 4-5 cups)
1/2 c. roasted pumpkin seeds
1/4 dried cherries (I used cranberries)
zest and juice of one lemon
1 T. coarse ground mustard
1 T. pumpkin seed oil or olive oil

Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast on a baking sheet at 375 for 25-30 minutes. Remove from the oven and toss collards with sweet potatoes directly on the hot baking sheet, then return to the oven for another 5 minutes until the greens begin to wilt. Transfer the greens and sweet potatoes to a bowl and mix with pumpkin seeds, dried cherries and lemon zest. In a separate bowl, whisk the lemon juice, mustard and pumpkin seed oil together, then toss with the salad. Enjoy at room temperature or refrigerate and serve chilled.

From Experience Life Magazine, December 2011.

Recipe of the Week- Pumpkin French Toast

2011-11-20T17:28:00.000-06:00

Here's a yummy breakfast for Thanksgiving morning!

4 slices whole wheat bread
2 eggs
2 T. pumpkin puree
1 t. pumpkin pie spice
splash of milk

Heat a large skillet or griddle over med-high heat and spray with cooking spray. Whisk the eggs in a shallow bowl. Add the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, whisking until pumpkin breaks. Add a splash of milk and whisk until smooth. Dip the bread in, turn to coat and set aside- don't let it sit too long or it will get soggy. Place the french toast on the skillet and turn when cooked, about 2-3 minutes. Serve with a sprinkle of fairy dust- also known as powdered sugar. Our favorite dippers are apple sauce or vanilla greek yogurt, but I supposed syrup would do as well- just make sure it's 100% pure maple syrup to avoid icky additives :)

Recipe of the Week- Butternut Squash Soup

2011-11-14T21:18:00.000-06:00

This soup is so simple and delicious! I've been having it as an afternoon snack, drinking it in a mug while chasing the girls around. It would be a great starter to your Thanksgiving meal too.

1 butternut squash
3 T. butter
1 large chopped onion
1 t. dried ginger (or 4 t. fresh)
4 c. low-sodium chicken stock
1/2 c. half and half
salt to taste

1. Preheat oven to 400. Cut the squash in half, remove the seeds and place cut side down in a roasting pan. Cook about 40 minutes, or until squash is cooked.
2. Melt the butter in a large soup pot. Add the onions and ginger and cook 5-8 minutes until tender.
3. Scoop out the inside of the squash and add to onion mixture. Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer, stirring to break apart the squash. Simmer 10 minutes.
4. With an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender or food processor.
5. Stir in the half and half and salt to taste.

Recipe of the Week- Kale, Peppers and Pine Nuts

2011-11-08T14:52:00.000-06:00

Recipe of the Week- Kale with Bell Peppers, Garlic and Pine Nuts

This is a great side, but can be made a main dish also by adding beans- kidney or cannelini work well- after preparing.

1 bunch kale, tough stems removed and coarsely chopped (about 4 cups)
2-4 garlic cloves, minced or sliced
2 T. olive oil
2 T. pine nuts
1 red bell peppers, cut into strips
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Wash the kale and allow water droplets to remain on leaves. In a small dish, add the garlic to the olive oil and allow to sit. Heat a heavy skillet over medium high heat and toast the pine nuts until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly for about 1 minute. Remove the nuts from the pan. Add the garlic and oil to the pan, stirring once to flavor the pan. Add bell pepper strips and season with salt and pepper. Saute peppers for about 2 minutes and add kale. Stir briefly, cover the pan with a lid and turn the heat to low. Cook for about 2 minutes, then stir. Cover again, turn off heat and allow veggies to steam in the pan for 2 minutes.

From Experience Life magazine, Oct. 2011

My Body Back Journey By Libby

2011-11-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

Thursday 10/27 9am

I missed class last night as my daughter was sick and husband was out. I decided to use my class DVD once the kids went to bed. I would have rather been at class but it was a good substitute! Jackie even found time to text me and tell me what to do workout wise since I missed class. Such a big part of this process for me is the little nudge that Jackie gives me.

Friday 10/28 4pm

Today was a good day for me…..my pre-maternity jeans fit! They are snug but I got them on and was able to wear them! My son is about to be 4 months so this was a feel good moment for me. I have lost a few pounds but more importantly some amount off my waist and hips to get my size 8 jeans back on! BIG DAY! I am tired of wearing my maternity jeans. If this isn't motivation, I'm not sure what is!

Saturday 10/29 11 am

This was the hardest class yet! Just when you think it might get easier, it gets even harder. The best part is leaving class feeling an immediate difference! Jackie always has the best music. I always look forward to the Sat morning class as it’s such a good focus for the weekend. I think as Mom’s we have so many things to juggle and it’s easy for things to go by the wayside (especially on the weekends)!

My Body Back Journey by Libby

2011-11-06T14:51:00.000-06:00

Wednesday 10/18 9pm

It felt really good to get back to class tonight after missing last week! I knew the weigh in was going to be bad but it was worse than I thought. I won’t even go there. I know if I am going to get my body back, this is my chance. I need to be pushed. At first I was upset but then decided I really needed to get a move on, the class is half over. Tonight’s workout was really good. Every time I wanted to give up, I remembered my weigh in and that I only had 4 weeks left to give everything I can. I owe this to myself and to my children. If I can just get over this hump of where I seems to be stuck weight and body wise, I can make the change happen. I am determined to do this. I love the motivation I get from the other Mom’s and Jackie. I need them to push me over the hump! This is going to be my breaking week!

Saturday 10/22 11 am

It feels so good to start the day with a good workout. I think it also encourages me to make better food choices on the weekends. It’s too easy to get into a food/drinking slump on the weekends! Jackie is great at pushing you yet encouraging you at the same time. I would not be doing this on my own. Every time I leave her class, I can feel a difference in my body, right away! We also got a second food journal today and I love that it has new recipes.

Sunday 10/23 11 am

It’s was so nice out today we took the kids for a 2 hour walk! My husband commented that I now walk faster. J I think I just have more motivation! It feels good to feel changes taking place and encourages me to keep with it and do a little extra each day!

Trick or Treat Aftermath

2011-11-01T08:02:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year. The day after Halloween and we are left with buckets of candy and temptation at every turn. Before you bite, here are some calories counts of some of your favorite candy's AND the exercises that you would have to do to work those calories OFF. Thank you to our instructor Victoria Slone for this guest blog post!

Snickers (one fun size candy bar) – 72 calories. Running for 8 minutes is your fastest approach. Don’t like running? A 19-minute walk will burn the same number of calories.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Skittles or Twix bar (one fun size) – 80 calories. Riding a bike for 10 minutes will do the trick to get rid of this treat. You’ll need to work equally hard if you eat a fun size Twix bar or a fun size package of Skittles.

Plain Hershey’s Milk Chocolate (one fun size bar) – 70 calories. Eat one and you’ll need to swim for 9 minutes to burn off those calories. 18 minutes if you eat two. (etc.)

Candy corn (11 pieces) – 70 calories. You can almost eat that many in one mouthful. Unfortunately, burning them off isn’t as easy. Don’t despair, 10 minutes of step aerobics will get rid of those candy corn calories.

Twizzlers or Sweet Tarts (treat size pack) or 1 Hershey’s Nugget- 50 calories. The treats are tiny, but the calories are mighty. Good news, there are plenty of ways to burn them off. A 15 minute game of Frisbee or a 5 ½ minute of tennis with a friend will get rid of them.

Tootsie Pop – 60 calories. A harmless lollipop? Not so fast. An innocent looking Tootsie Pop packs in 60 empty calories. Although eating one takes a while and actually burn a few calories, you’ll need to skip rope for 6 minutes to burn it off for good.

Butterfinger or Kit Kat (snack size) – 100 calories. It was yummy but now it’s “Payday”. Just hop on the treadmill for a brisk 15 minute walk to ditch those unwanted calories.

M&M’s (fun size) – 100 calories. Option 1: rake leaves for 20 minutes, or option 2: do 100 pushups to undo the damage from a fun size pack of plain M&M’s. Double that if you eat a pack of fun size Peanut M&M’s (180 calories).

If you did indulge - you now have the tools to help you get back on track.

Our best tip, get the candy out of your house! Have the Great Pumpkin Fairy or Switch Witch come and trade all of the candy for a special present.

My Body Back Journey by Libby

2011-10-09T20:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday 10/1 2pm

I wasn’t at body back today but I knew with it being the weekend I really needed to make sure I got my workout in after the kids Halloween party! My husband worked out with me which always makes it easier and gives me even more motivation! It’s our 6 year anniversary and instead of going out for a heavy meal we are staying in and cooking a healthy one!

Tuesday 10/4 4pm

I am looking forward to class tomorrow night. It’s always a tough workout but I feel so good the following day and feel refueled with energy. We’ve been eating oatmeal at my house for breakfast now that it’s colder out. It’s nice as it’s filling yet healthy! It’s amazing what a difference I feel in my stomach only after 2 weeks of exercising and eating right. It makes it so worth it when I haven’t even done that much yet!

Thursday 10/6 10 am

You know you’ve had a great workout when your nursing pads are falling out of your sports bra and your eyelids are stuck from all the sweat! That was me last night. What I really liked about the workout is that it was nothing like last weeks. I think it’s easy to get bored with workouts and last night was a totally new challenge. I lost 1.5 lbs this week. I thought it might be a little more but was pleased. It’s a good start for the first official week. I make much better snack choices and overall eating choices when I work out. I worked too hard last night to eat shamefully today!

My Body Back Journey by Libby

2011-10-05T20:00:00.001-05:00

Monday 9/26/11 9pm

I took Victoria’s class tonight since I can’t make class on Saturday and it was tough! I didn’t think I would be able to finish the class and I was out of water 20 minutes after the class started! She is very motivational! I was so happy to get home/shower/go to bed that I didn’t even pull the car all the way in the garage! The garage door wouldn’t close and I couldn’t figure out why. I was so proud of myself and clearly anxious to shower and go to bed.

Wednesday 9/28 9pm

Tonight’s class was just as hard as Monday’s and we did very different things. My husband told me I looked “wet” when I got home and I was. I felt like I could bust out a couple hours of cleaning I was so energized! My son is only 10 weeks so I usually nap when he and my daughter do but for the past week I haven’t napped and feel so good. I love the new recipes. They are easy but healthy and you feel so good eating them. I stocked up on a bunch of fresh things, not sugar. So now when I snack I feel good not guilty. My husband is totally on board with all the new recipes too. It’s been 1 week since I started this class. I have lost 3 pounds, feel so much stronger mentally and physically and am full of energy. It’s a happy place to be. Thanks Jackie! I so needed this!

My Body Back Journey by Libby

2011-10-04T20:00:00.003-05:00

Saturday 9/24 4pm

Today was the first workout and it was difficult but felt so good! It was nice to be outside on the lakefront. I am not a runner so running from station to station was another challenge for me but I did 90% of it and was really proud of myself! I honestly wasn’t sure I would make it through the class but when I did, I realized I could do this and really needed too. I have already started incorporating some of the new recipes in my diet. I was exhausted all day but a good exhausted! I can already tell a difference from the 2 classes I took. Bring on some more!

Sunday 9/25/11

I woke up feeling like a new person today. Granted I went to bed at 7:30 right after I put my daughter to bed but I feel amazing! I haven’t felt like this in months. It’s amazing how watching what you eat and a little exercise can do. I can tell a difference in my energy. If I can continue this for the next 7 weeks, I can only imagine where I’ll be at the end. It feels really good…

My Body Back Journey by Libby

2011-10-03T08:00:00.002-05:00

Thur 9/22 11 am

Wow, I knew I was out of shape but that was embarrassing! We only did assessments and my body feels like I did a full on workout. I couldn’t do more than 6 push-ups. I sat there laughing but inside I wanted to cry inside. I dropped out of high-knees after 27 seconds…kind of pathetic!

One of my favorite things about Motherhood is my Mom friends. There is nothing better than talking to them whether you know them or not and knowing someone is living the same thing you are or already has. We started the night sharing why we were there, what our goals were and how we were going to overcome our obstacles. It felt good to be honest and throw it all out on the table. I know I am only going to benefit from these 8 weeks both mentally and physically.

I knew eating was a big part of my problem. I snack a lot and eat way too much sugar! I’m thrilled that the workout/eating journal that Jackie gave us comes with healthy and super easy recipes!

My Body Back journey by Libby

2011-10-02T20:00:00.001-05:00

Wed 9/21 11am

My name is Libby and I’m 33 and a mother of two! I met Jackie (the Body Back instructor) last week at our Mom’s in business group. She told the group she was looking for someone to take her class and blog about it. I thought to myself, this is my opportunity to get back in shape and change my lifestyle! Talk about being in the right place at the right time.

I have a 2.5 yr old daughter and a 10 week old son. I need the structure and discipline to get my body back to what it was or even better. I need the strength! I’m excited to start the class tonight yet nervous at the same time as I am so out of shape and not happy with how I look. I’m not excited about how tight my workout clothes are that I am wearing to class tonight. It’s not going to be pretty, that’s for sure!

I think as Mom’s we get so caught up in our busy schedules and we don’t always take the time for ourselves. I’m excited to have these 2 hours blocked off on my calendar each week. It’s a great start to making a change. I don’t exercise other than walking a few miles a week and I definitely need to have better eating habits. Sugar and I like each other way too much! I’m thrilled about this opportunity and to see where I am at the end of the 8 week class! I’m starting this adventure at 149 lbs.

Let's try this again!

2011-09-30T13:53:00.000-05:00

For some reason this blog is always hard for me to post on. Of all of the things on my to-do list, this always gets moved to the bottom. I don't know why, because I always have so much to share! I've got fun recipes, new exercise ideas and am surrounded by phenomenal women with a long list of amazing topics to write on. So, here we go again- I am commiting to making this blog a source of information for my Stroller Strides mamas and all the other people out there who want to tune in.

So coming this fall, here's what you have to look forward to:

Exercise of the Week posts
Recipe of the Week posts
Monthly tips from your Stroller Strides instructors
Posts from Libby who is embarking on her journey to get her Body Back
Guest blogs

Do you have any requests for us? Please share what you want to hear!

Exercise of the Week- Advanced Variation of a Lunge

2011-07-12T14:28:00.002-05:00

Exercise of the Week- Diagonal Stroller Lunge

2011-06-02T13:50:00.001-05:00

Watch for the Diagonal Stroller Lunge in Stroller Strides class this week!

How Do You Get Motivated to Workout?

2011-05-26T14:59:00.000-05:00

Ever asked yourself, "How do I get motivated to workout?" Check out this article by our Guest Blogger, Victoria Slone who teaches our Tuesday/Thursday 9:30 Stroller Strides Class!

“How do you get motivated to workout?” or “How do you STAY motivated to exercise?” This is a question I’m asked frequently about my own personal journey & while training clients. You don’t need to be convinced that exercise is good for you. You know it is. What you need is a reason to choose exercise over some of the other options you have in your life. The dishes will be there when you get home. The laundry can wait. But can you afford to put off an opportunity to do something for yourself and get a workout in?

Goal setting is a simple way to motivate you to exercise, but some goals are more effective than others. Physical activity is a healthy habit that makes you feel good, not a chore to be endured. Here are some tips on establishing a goal that will help you enjoy the many benefits of fitness:

1. Challenge yourself. Set a personal goal detailing an amount of exercise to do in a set amount of time. Make sure that your goal is realistic for you, but challenging at the same time. Your goal should be hard enough that achieving it will significantly improve your fitness. My first goal was finishing a 5K. You can start off small and as you increase your fitness, set your goals higher J This is still the #1 way I stay on track & keep moving towards my goal. If your goal is a race, find one & sign up for it! It will make you accountable…..put your $$ where your mouth is! You can join the new FIT MOMS ROCK 5K & HALF MARATHON Training Group to get started!

2. Give your goal an end date. There is a problem with challenging yourself to workout for 30 minutes 3 times a week. The first week that you don’t exercise 3 times, you may be hard on yourself and look at that as a failure. A much better challenge would be to exercise 30 minutes an average of 3 times a week for the next 10 weeks. This way your goal is to do 30 workouts in 10 weeks. If you are sick one week and only get to workout once, you have not failed. You just need to make up those missed workouts before the end of your challenge. You are still in the game.

3. Track your progress. Of course, you will want to keep track of your workouts as you strive to reach your goal. There is something very satisfying about dragging your sweaty self over to your calendar or computer and logging the workout you just completed.

4. Allow cross training. Notice in the example above that the requirement is to exercise for 30 minutes. It doesn’t say walk or run or do an elliptical trainer for 30 minutes. By limiting yourself to a single mode of exercise you are setting yourself up for failure (e.g. your elliptical trainer breaks down), overuse injury from the repetitive motion, and insanity (I would go crazy if I had to do the same workout day after day). The wonderful thing about Stroller Strides is that no two classes are the same. You will get a variety of cross training exercises at every class for every level of fitness.

5. Reward yourself. Fitness is its own reward, but it doesn’t hurt to add to the motivation value of your personal goal by dangling a carrot at the finish line. Perhaps the prospect of a manicure or a massage would get you off the couch those times when you just don’t feel like exercising.

If you are just starting an exercise program, you should see your doctor to make sure you are able to do any particular method of exercise – especially if you’re just 6 weeks postpartum. Once you are cleared, set yourself a challenging, but realistic goal and start noticing the differences in your life when regular exercise is a part of it. Good luck & hope to see you at a Stroller Strides class!

Recipe of the Week- Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

2011-05-24T15:45:00.000-05:00

I adapted this recipe from the Quaker Oat's Favorite Recipe Collection cookbook. I'm always on the hunt for healthy homemade snacks for my girls and these muffins are super easy and yummy. Whenever I follow a muffin or bread recipe, I automatically cut the sugar in half and it always tastes fine- sadly, doesn't work as well for cookies :)

Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins
1 1/2 c. old fashioned oats
1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 c. ground almond meal (found by the nuts at Trader Joes- if you don't have it or are worried about allergies, just use 1/2 c. additional flour)
1/4 c. ground flax seed
1/4 c. wheat germ
1 T. baking powder
1/4 c. agave nectar
1 c. skim milk
2 egg whites
2 T. applesauce
1 t. grated lemon zest
1 t. vanilla
1 c. fresh or frozen blueberries

Preheat oven to 400 and prepare muffin cups.

In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, almond meal, flax seed, wheat germ and baking powder. Mix well.

In a small bowl, combine agave, milk, egg whites, applesauce, lemon zest and vanilla. Blend well.

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir just until dry ingredients are moistened- do not overmix.

Gently fold in blueberries.

Fill muffin cups almost full. Bake 20-25 minutes until light golden brown.

Exercise of the Week- Advanced Plank Combo

2011-05-18T15:35:00.000-05:00

LUNAFEST- A Great Success!

2011-04-27T16:23:00.001-05:00

Well, it's been awhile since my last blog post. But I have a great excuse! I've been working very hard on planning our first LUNAFEST event presented by the LUNA Mom's Club and Stroller Strides Chicago. LUNAFEST was held on Tuesday April 12th at the Music Box Theatre and it was a huge success! It was a night to celebrate women, and a celebration we did have!

At the welcome reception we enjoyed some beautiful appetizers prepared by Devon Seafood. After everyone took their seats, Kristen Conn from mightynest.com joined us to speak a little bit more about the Breast Cancer Fund and the preventable causes of breast cancer. Do you want to find out more yourself? Visit http://www.pureprevenion.org/ to learn about 5 steps that you can take to decrease your risk. After Kristen spoke, we began the film screening. All of the films were short films by, for and about women: "The Translator"; "Getting a Grip";"Mother of Many" to name a few. We laughed, we cried, it was incredible. The films were very diverse- from animation to documentary- and we enjoyed them all.

After the screening we hosted an after-party at Blue Bayou and a silent auction. Everyone mingled and enjoyed a cocktail with their friends, some sweet treats from Sensational Bites and discussed the films among other things :) People shopped the silent auction- a few favorite items were Cubs Tickets, private Pilates classes, a Photography gift certificate and many many more.

Overall, LUNAFEST was a HUGE success! We raised $1792! We couldn't be more pleased with our first event. The Breast Cancer Fund will receive $388 and our local non-profit, Neighborhood Parents Network will receive $1404.

A great big thank you to our event sponosors- Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Kickin' active boutique for moms-to-be and babes! And we could not have planned this event without our amazing volunteers- you know who you are, thank you thank you! And of course, thank you to everyone who attended LUNAFEST! Your support is truly appreciated and we hope that you enjoyed the event.

Stay tuned for a save the date for our LUNAFEST next year!

Exercise of the Week- Floating Hip Bridge

2011-02-22T15:14:00.000-06:00

Recipe of the Week- Frittata Muffins

2011-01-27T09:00:00.000-06:00

I've been making omelette's for myself a lot lately in order to try to get more veggies in to my diet. My only complaint? It's time consuming on our busy mornings. So I thought I'd try coming up with something quick that I could make ahead of time and just heat up quickly. Here's what I came up with- also a side note, I used spinach and red pepper, but you can use any of your favorite omelette fillers for this recipe.

Frittata Muffins- makes 6 muffins- serving size 2 or 3 muffins, depending on your appetite :)

2 eggs
4 egg whites
1 c. chopped spinach
1/2 c. chopped red pepper
1/4 c. cheese made with 2% milk
salt and pepper to taste
LOTS of cooking spray or foil baking cups

Preheat oven to 350. Combine the eggs, egg whites, chopped spinach, red pepper, cheese and salt and pepper. Line your muffin pan with foil baking cups, or a lot of cooking spray (these really stick!) Fill muffins 3/4 of the way full with egg mixture. Bake for 30 minutes, or until firm. Cool slightly and remove from pan. Enjoy right away, or put them in the refrigerator and microwave in the morning for a quick breakfast.

Exercise of the Week- V Sit Ball Pass through

2011-01-26T14:38:00.001-06:00

Check out the exercise of the week. I know the Body Back ladies are going to rock this tonight in class! You can use any ball, or even your water bottle to give this one a shot at home!

Recipe of the Week- PB&J Oatmeal

2011-01-18T22:38:00.000-06:00

Do your kiddo's love PB&J sandwiches? I tried this breakfast version of the famous sandwich, made with oatmeal instead, and my kid's gobbled it up. It's perfect for these winter mornings! Yummy, melty, comfort food, and good for them.

1 serving oatmeal- prepared however you like
1 T. peanut butter- or your favorite nut butter
1 T. jam

Mix all together and enjoy! I sprinkled some ground flaxseed and wheat germ in too, just to add some extra nutrition. Mmmmm good.

Luna Mom's Club Q1 Mission

2011-01-17T17:29:00.000-06:00

Only 1 out of 10 women who have breast cancer have a genetic history of the disease, what we put on and in our bodies can make the difference. The objective of this “Moms with a Mission” quarter is to educate our LUNA Moms Club members and others in our community about the environmental and other preventable causes of breast cancer. Our 12 Weekly Tips this quarter will focus on breast cancer awareness. Here are the weekly tips for 2011 thus far!

Week #1: Less than 10% of breast cancers occur in women with a genetic predisposition to the disease. Visit www.breastcancerfund.org to learn more.

Week #2: http://www.pureprevention.org/.
The Pure Prevention Campaign is a collaborative effort between LUNA and the Breast Cancer Fund (BCF). The initiative aims to raise awareness about the environmental causes of breast cancer and empower women to live actively, healthy and well. Considering 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and only 10% of the causes of breast cancer are genetic this is a very important message to get across! By learning the facts, we can make smart choices about the products we use every day.
Pure Prevention focuses on 5 Tips for easy, everyday actions to help reduce the risk of breast cancer:
Tip#1 Make your home a chemical-free sanctuary.

Week #3: www.pureprevention.org. Tip#2 Buy organic and local when possible. Be wary of pesticides.

Green Your Fitness Routine in 2011

2011-01-04T09:00:00.002-06:00

Guest Blogger: Victoria Slone, Stroller Strides Chicago Instructor

According to an article in the New York Times, the average person gains 7 to 10 pounds during the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. That's a lot of extra "holiday cheer" for a person to gain in a one month period!!! Yikes!

Now that the holiday season is over, how about a fresh start to the new year by adding some "green" into your workout routine? By taking an environmental initiative and giving your health and the environment a clean start for 2011, you can begin the new year in a positive way that will benefit yourself, others around you, and the earth.

1. Exercise outside.
It may be tricky right now since the weather is so cold, but by hitting the great outdoors, you'll soak in the vitamin D benefit of sunshine and save on the energy used to run on the treadmill. Besides jogging and hiking, hit a Stroller Strides class!!! Not only are you using your own body weight for most of the exercises, but you're interacting with your child and connecting with other Moms which is good for the mind and body. Also, head outside with the kiddos and take advantage of calorie-burning winter activities such as sledding, shoveling or building a snowman. If the rain/snow & cold weather keeps you in, rent or borrow an exercise DVD from the library or buy a used one at a garage sale or search on Craigslist.

2. Buy an eco friendly yoga mat.
Yoga mats are made of materials such as natural rubber, plastic, PVC or latex, and most yoga mats are recyclable. Only use your mat for Stroller Strides classes or are you an at-home yoga practitioner looking to get rid of your existing mat? Recycle Your Mat has mail-in programs for all types of mats as well. After you've donated/recycled yours and are in the market for a new mat, look for mats made of biodegradable and recyclable materials. Sunshine Yoga has a great list of eco-friendly mats at affordable prices.

3. Go with organic workout attire.
Organic cotton uses agricultural methods designed to help sustain the land it grows on and the people who harvest it, helping to reduce the toxic pesticides used to make conventional cotton. Gaiam Fitness Wear is one option for finding organic workout clothes that are comfy, sustainable, functional and lets not forget........cute! You might pay a little more for organic items but saving mother earth will be worth your efforts. When you are done with your clothes why not recycle them by donating to a thrift store, shelter or church rummage sale. You can also check out the Stroller Strides shop for organic and sustainable gear as well!

4. Buy a reusable water bottle.
Americans buy an estimated 29.8 billion plastic water bottles every year, and nearly eight out of every 10 bottles will end up in a landfill. Try toting along a reusable bottle to your next workout session. Refilling the bottle with water will save tons of money and waste. Also, make sure the bottle you are using is BPA FREE! If you occasionally forget your reusable bottle and have to purchase a plastic bottle, make sure you recycle it. There is an amazing documentary entitled, "Tapped," that was incredibly informative and really opened my eyes to the bottled water industry. Interested? Check it out here: Tapped the Movie

5. Eco-Friendly Running Shoes
Today, even big name fitness companies are getting the message that staying fit is part of an overall lifestyle. It's a lifestyle that takes into account, not only physical health, but the overall health of the environment. There are several companies jumping on board and now making sneakers with post-consumer recycled materials, bamboo shank, cork mid-sole, bamboo/canvas uppers, and crepe toe guard, and 40% post consumer recycled rubber out-sole. You can find recycled gym shoes at Zappos. You can even recycle your old running shoes at Recycled Runners and Run The Planet.

6. Eat Organic
It's best to eat organically grown food, whether or not you're a vegan/vegetarian, and it's worth going to some trouble to get it. Organic food tastes better, is generally more nutritious, & protects the environment! Get an energy boost with organic cereal/granola bars, or try a homemade smoothie by mixing organic yogurt, orange juice and fruit together in a blender.

7.Try Natural Deodorants
Many deodorants contain harmful ingredients such as aluminum and formaldehyde, so freshen up after your workout by using deodorants made from all natural plant-based ingredients. And don't worry, you're not alone if you sweat while wearing an all natural deodorant. That's supposed to happen! Sweating is our bodies natural way of getting rid of the toxins in it. If you block the sweat glands from doing their job, where do the toxins go? Right back in your body :( My company, Lotions & Potions, has two types of natural deodorant available, Rosemary Mint or Tea Tree that are great at combating odor. They are free of aluminum, formaldehyde, parabens & bactericides which have all been linked to the increase in breast cancer rates. Whichever brand you decide to go with, make sure that the product is organic and certified "cruelty-free" to prove that it has not been tested on animals.
You may not think that a few simple actions can help you lose weight, stay fit andreduce your carbon footprint at the same time, but if you follow these tips you'll be well on your way to a green exercise routine!! Here's to a green 2011!!

Exercise of the Week: Flower picking lunge with row

2010-12-28T14:57:00.001-06:00

Are you feeling a little extra bulge after the holidays? Target your glutes and work off some of those Christmas cookies with this move.

Luna Mom's Club Tip of the Week

2010-12-27T17:00:00.000-06:00

Need to find homes for some of those holiday gifts you may get that aren’t quite your style or duplicates of things you already have? Organize a neighborhood pick-up from a local charity just after the holidays. Rally your neighbors to pitch in too so all those unwanted gifts can go to good homes. Happy holidays!

Luna Mom's Club Tip of the Week

2010-12-20T17:00:00.002-06:00

Luna Mom's Club Tip of the Week

2010-12-13T17:00:00.001-06:00

12 Weekly Educational Tips- Quarter 4 Mission- Taking time to give during the holiday season.
These weekly tips will hopefully inspire you to give back during these few months. Whether you’re giving to a non profit organization, your friends and neighbors, or to the environment, even the smallest actions make a big difference.

The average consumer wraps 20 gifts during the holidays. If just three of those gifts were wrapped in reused paper or a paper alternative, the paper saved could cover 45,000 football fields!

• Use decorative newspaper ads, colorful pages from magazines, old book pages, music sheets, old maps, calendars, or Sunday comics to wrap with.
• Chances are that if you have a child, you have heaps of drawings and paintings that you are constitutionally unable to throw away. Use that old art for wrapping paper.
• Cut wrapping paper or children’s art to fit the top and bottom of a gift box and permanently attach it—that way the box can be reused without having the paper ripped to open it.
• Reuse old ribbons and wrapping paper (if wrinkled, press with a warm iron).
• Use flowers, evergreen sprigs, rosemary sprigs (yum!), pinecones, yarn, or reusable hair ribbons instead of plastic bows.
• Use the fronts of old holiday cards as name tags for this year’s gifts.
• Create a scavenger hunt in your home by hiding unwrapped gifts and giving each of your family members clues to find them.

A Season of Giving

2010-12-07T09:00:00.001-06:00

The focus of our Mom's With A Mission this quarter is about taking the time to give during the holiday season. Our Luna Mom's Club weekly tips will hopefully inspire you to give back this month. At Stroller Strides we have organized two different ways for you to give back to our local community.

Our 4th Annual Toy Drive for Children's Memorial Hospital is off to a great start! We hosted a Discovery Toy party in November where we earned almost $200 in free toys for the hospital- thank you for everyone who was a part of that night! If you missed the get together, we are still collecting toys for the hospital. New, unwrapped toys are being collected in class until Wednesday, December 22nd. According to Children's website: "Many of the donations we receive are for school-age children, but as many as half of the patients at Children's Memorial are infants or toddlers, and 10 percent are teenagers. Both groups are often overlooked and would benefit from toys, books and games appropriate for their age level."

And secondly, we have put together a Luna Mom's Club and Stroller Strides Chicago Cookbook to benefit the Bundle of Joy Diaper Bank. Bundle of Joy is a not-for-profit Diaper Bank serving families in Chicago’s most economically depressed neighborhoods. Their mission is to ensure that every parent in Chicago has access to a supply of clean diapers for his or her child. More details about the Cookbook are below, as well as a sample recipe. $10 from the sale of each book goes directly to Bundle of Joy.

No matter how you choose to give this holiday season, whether you’re giving to a non profit organization, your friends and neighbors, or to the environment, even the smallest actions make a big difference.

Luna Mom's Club Tip of the Week

2010-12-06T17:00:00.001-06:00

10 Ways to Go Green This Holiday Season

2010-12-06T08:00:00.011-06:00

10 ways to go GREEN for the holiday shopping season- courtesy of Lotions and Potions. Whatever your agenda is for this holiday season, you can use these ideas to reduce your carbon footprint while you grab gifts for your loved ones. Have a safe & wonderful holiday and happy shopping!

1. Grab the Reusable Shopping Bags
Instead of taking your newly bought items home in a paper or plastic bag, bring your own reusable shopping bags to cut down on waste. You can purchase these bags from almost any grocery store, or you can check out the web for 100% Recycled Enviro-Tote Bags and order them online. You can even make your own Crochet Plastic Bag Tote.

2. Dress the Part
For people in the Midwest or on the East Coast, weather is usually pretty cold, so it's wise to dress warmly to endure the chilly shopping conditions. Layering your clothes will help you reduce the amount of heat you use in your car. Plus, you can always take your jacket or sweater off when you get inside the store. Once you dress the part you can shop the part by purchasing green clothes like T-Shirts Made from 100% Recycled Bottles, Recycled London Bus Seat Shoes or Clothing Made from Coffee.

3. Idle Cars Create CO2 Emissions
Let's say that you've pulled up to the store parking lot and the line wraps around the building. You can either brave the chilly weather and face the sleep-deprived shoppers by standing in line, or you can wait inside your car until the line shortens. If you decide to wait in your car don't let it run idle with the heat blasting and radio turned up loud. That uses a lot of extra gas, and thus creates more CO2 emissions. Instead, bring an extra blanket or jacket if it's cold, and then talk about how many people have crazy looks in their eyes. The time will definitely fly by!

4. Pay in a Green Way
You know that you're probably going to be spending a pretty penny this season, so if you have one you should definitely use a green credit card. Some green credit cards are made from recycled plastic, and others donate portions of your purchases to great non-profit and environmental organizations, so when you spend your money you won't feel completely horrible about the bill that you'll be getting. Also, if you like to write checks, think about carrying them in a recycled checkbook cover.

5. Buy Energy-Efficient Electronics
There's no doubt that many holiday shoppers will be looking for deals on electronics. If your goal is to buy a new TV, try to purchase one that is energy efficient and has an Energy Star Label on it. You'll save 40% more energy and have a great looking TV! The same goes for purchasing computers with an Energy Star label on them. They'll save you about 30% more energy.

6. Get Cookin' with Eco-Friendly Cookware
Along with deals on electronics, the holidays offer deals on home goods and cookware. These are the crock pots, coffeemakers, dish sets and pans that always make perfect Christmas gifts. Try to stray off the traditional gift-giving track by buying eco-friendly cookware. These products will not only help you to make great food, but they'll also protect the planet. Some examples are a solar cooker or a non-stick cooking cast iron skillet.

7. Have a Seat with Recycled Furniture
You can be green and extra hip if you purchase furniture that's made from recycled materials. Instead of buying that brand new Lazy Boy recliner or Broyhill sofa, how about recycled wood furniture, 100% recycled plastic furniture, FAS Concepts recycle furniture, or recycled skateboard furniture.

8. Get Recycled Jewelry
The holidays is a great time to pick up that perfect piece of jewelry. Instead of spending thousands of dollars you can be sincere and sustainable with recycled jewelry pieces. Some great ideas are recycled glass bottle earrings, recycled comic book bracelets, recycled aluminum can necklaces and discarded ocean plastic jewelry.

9. Recycle Waste
One of the most important green things to remember during this time of year is to recycle waste before, during and after your shopping extravaganzas. Lend a helping hand to the store cleaners by picking up trash while you sift through sweaters or DVD players. When you buy any food during the day make sure to recycle drink bottles or soda cans. If you bring the food home try to compost any leftovers. Go through your paper receipts and recycle the ones that you don't need. In other words, recycle what you can.

10. Eat Organic!!!
It's best to eat organically grown food, whether or not you're a vegan/vegetarian, and it's worth going to some trouble to get it. Organic food tastes better, is generally more nutritious, & protects the environment.

Winter Weather Reminders

2010-12-05T13:54:00.001-06:00

It's official! We've had our first snow fall of the season. Here are some reminders to help get us through the winter at Stroller Strides!

In an effort to keep the floor as dry as possible, if snow is on the ground, please bring a large towel to park your stroller on while the snow melts.
We highly recommend wearing snow boots and changing in to your gym shoes once you are inside
Don't leave your tubes in the car! Extreme temperature changes can cause your tubes to become brittle and snap. Toss your tubes in your diaper bag instead of your stroller. And remember, tubes aren't toys! Keep them safely away from your little ones when they are in your house.
ALLOW EXTRA TIME! It takes extra time to get settled with all of the layers. Be sure to allow yourself at least 5 extra minutes of "settle" time when you get to class- in colder temperatures in particular, the warmup is a crucial part of your workout and we'd hate for you to be running behind and miss it.
Class Cancellations- we will only cancel class in the event of EXTREME weather conditions- if in question, call the weather hotline 800.337.0826 an hour before class time for an update, or check our Facebook page.

Exercise of the Week- Wall Sit with Rear Fly

2010-12-03T13:51:00.001-06:00

The Body Back mamas loved/hated this one on Wednesday night!

Cookbook for a Cause

2010-11-30T21:29:00.000-06:00

Announcing the Stroller Strides and Luna Mom's Club Chicago Cookbook! The Cookbook is on sale now! We collected recipes from mom's in class and compiled them in to one book and it's ready for you to enjoy.

Healthy Everyday Recipes

by Luna Mom's Club and

Stroller Strides Chicago

$40

100% of the proceeds from the sale of the Cookbook will benefit Bundle of Joy Diaper Bank- just over $10 per book will go directly to Bundle of Joy! Bundle of Joy is a not-for-profit Diaper Bank serving families in Chicago’s most economically depressed neighborhoods. Their mission is to ensure that every parent in Chicago has access to a supply of clean diapers for his or her child. For more information, visit: http://www.bundleofjoydiaperbank.org/.

Recipes Include:

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos, from the kitchen of Victoria Slone

Chicken Tortilla Soup, from the kitchen of Jackie Dorris

Zucchini Pizza Bites, from the kitchen of Cheryl Hover

And many many more! There are 100 recipes in the book.

We will have samples of the Cookbook available to view in class within the next few days. We will be taking orders via email or in class- if you are interested, please order by Wednesday, December 8th so that we can be sure to have everything here in time for the holidays!

Get one for your mom, your brother, your best friend and yourself of course! It's really a beautiful book and for a wonderful cause.

To Order:
Contact Jackie Dorris
Email: jackied@strollerstrides.net
Phone: 773.593.3915

What Is Your Indulgence?

2010-11-30T08:00:00.002-06:00

Guest Blogger: Courtney Sigmund, Stroller Strides Instructor

I asked a question last week in class that has kept me thinking- "What is your biggest indulgence as a Mom?" Of course, my favorite answer was "coming to Stroller Strides", but a lot of you had great ideas. For sure, hands down, my biggest indulgence is getting my house cleaned. Can I do it on my own? Yes. Can I make time? Yes. Would I rather spend that extra time playing with my 2 year old daughter and my 4 month old son? Absolutely.

It has taken a while to accept the help and not feel guilty. A lot of you seemed to feel that way too. As Moms, we are always thinking about eveyone else first and it is so easy to put our own needs on the back burner. It is so important that we step back and think of ourselves too. So, although your indulgence isn't going to soften the blow of those sleepless nights or make a toddler tantrum any less stressful, it is still important to check in with yourself once in a while and go off duty for a time "indulging" yourself in something that makes you happy.

Whether it be your twice monthly mani-pedi, a long phone-call with your best friend, your nap on the weekends, your spa day, your hour of exercise, your babysitter, your gossip magazine, a hot latte, your long bath, your date night with your husband, a nice glass of wine, or that regular girls night out, give yourself an indulgence and enjoy doing so! We deserve it! No guilt, no strings attached. Just you taking care of yourself, so that you can take better care of those most special little ones

Exercise of the Week: Resisted V Sit

2010-11-23T14:24:00.000-06:00

Look for this one in Body Back tonight ladies!

Vendor of the Month- What is it?

2010-11-21T19:40:00.000-06:00

We have recently brought back our Vendor of the Month (VOM) program, and I am so excited to have our November VOM join us for our mom's group tomorrow. So what exactly is a Vendor of the Month? As a mom-business owner myself, I like to help spread the word about other mom's who are out there working at making their own business a successs. The VOM highlights other mom-owned businesses, with special offers for Striders. Each VOM kindly donates a raffle prize for their month, and each time you attend Stroller Strides class during the given month, you are automatically entered in to a drawing for the prize. All you have to do is come to class and you could win! How great is that? And each VOM also has a special offer, exclusively for Stroller Striders, during their featured month.

This month, Stella and Dot is our VOM. Kick off the holiday-shopping season with fabulous jewelry from Stella & Dot! Stella & Dot is a fun, fresh and modern jewelry line that is not available in stores. The celebrity-coveted styles have been featured in Lucky, In Style, and Cosmopolitan magazines. There are trend-setting pieces for every personality and price point…over half of the items are under $50! Treat your friends and family…and yourself, of course to stylish gifts they will truly love this holiday! Throughout November, Stroller Strides moms will receive free shipping on orders over $60. Book an in-home trunk show and receive a $25 gift certificate in addition to the generous hostess rewards (FREE jewelry)! To place an order or schedule a trunk show, please contact Amanda at 773.697.8814 or amandamanczak@yahoo.com. Check out her website at http://www.stelladot.com/sites/amandamanczak

Amanda will be joining our Luna Mom's Club tomorrow, November 22nd, at 12:00 pm in the Skybox room of the Fieldhouse. Come meet Amanda and check out the fun Stella and Dot styles, they are perfect for the holidays!

And, as a special incentive for getting your workout in this week- each time you attend Stroller Strides this week, you will get TWO entries in to the VOM drawing.

Do you know someone who would be a good fit for the Vendor of the Month? Contact me for more details!

Exercise of the Week! Lat Pull Down with Reverse Lunge

2010-11-17T15:01:00.000-06:00

Luna Mom's Club Tip of the Week

2010-11-16T08:00:00.004-06:00

Everyone loves the smell of a fire during the holiday season. But wood burning fireplaces introduce unique hazards, including the possible emission of toxic chemicals. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identifies some of these toxic chemicals as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dioxin and inhalable particulate matter. These air pollutants can cause a wide range of health problems such as burning eyes, coughing, headaches and bronchitis.
To minimize the emission of toxic chemicals with a wood-burning fire:
• Only burn dry seasoned hardwoods like oak, hickory and ash
• Avoid burning soft woods like pine and cedar
• Avoid burning wet wood and wood treated in any way (like painted wood, plywood, etc.)
• Never burn plastics, cardboard, garbage, gift wrapping, magazines, etc.

If you want the beauty of a fire without the big environmental impact, light soy or beeswax candles. Get several large pillar candles or varying heights and place them on a flat surface in your fireplace. They are cleaner and gentler on the environment, but are every bit as beautiful and fragrant. Plus they last longer!

Mom's Night Out- Shop for a Cause!

2010-11-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

Join us for a Discovery Toy party! Do some holiday shopping from the comfort of my sofa with a glass of wine (or mocktail..) in hand! Discovery Toys has been helping parents to "Teach. Play. Inspire." with high-quality educational toys, books, games and music for over three decades. Check out their website at http://www.discoverytoys.com/

We earn free toys for hosting the party, which will be donated to Children's Memorial Hospital as part of our Toy Drive for the holidays.

Come shop for yourself, your family or for toys to donate. Or just join us for a night out and some adult conversation- no pressure to buy :)

Contact me for details! It's at 7:30 at my place. I hope you can join us!

Canned Food Drive This Week!

2010-11-14T14:32:00.001-06:00

Canned Food Drive- All This Week at Stroller Strides!

We will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Lakeview Pantry all this week at class. We have so much to be thankful for, let's kick off the holiday season with a fun specialty class! Join us for a Canned Food Specialty class on Monday the 16th at 11:00 and Thursday the 18th at 9:30, at the Windy City Fieldhouse!

IMPORTANT!!! PLEASE BRING TWO CANNED FOOD ITEMS to the Canned Food Classes! WE WILL BE USING THE CANS DURING OUR WORKOUT!! Afterwards, we will be collecting all items to be donated to the Lakeview Pantry.

Can't make it to class on Monday or Thursday? No problem! Instructor's will be collecting food all week long at Stroller Strides class.

On Monday, stick around for the Mom's Group afterwards where we will make Turkey Hand decorations! A perfect keepsake for the scrapbook or baby book.

10,000 Stride Challenge- Are You In?

2010-11-11T08:00:00.018-06:00

Are you wondering how you will stay motivated to exercise during the busy holiday season?

Do you feel like a little friendly competition?

Introducing the 10,000 Strides Challenge!

GOAL: To walk 10,000 steps per day for 6 weeks over the Thanksgiving through New Year’s holiday.

As moms, we know how busy the holiday season can get. It is so easy to veer off track of your fitness program and begin making excuses. At Stroller Strides, we have created a fun team challenge to help you stay active through the crazy holiday season.
Wearing a pedometer, you will track how many steps you take each day. This will be a team competition- teams of 3 will be organized. Think 10,000 steps sounds like a lot? I bet you would be surprised how many steps you walk a day just being a mom. You will wear the pedometer from the time you get up in the morning, until you go to bed at night- including Stroller Strides class! Traveling a lot during the holidays? Don't worry! All you have to do is email/text your total strides to your team captain once a week. The great thing about this Challenge is that you can walk anywhere, not just at Stroller Strides class.

The Challenge will begin on Monday, November 22nd and end on Sunday, January 2nd.

Registration is due by Monday, November 15th!

Print your 10,000 Stride Challenge Registration Form and sign up now to start the holiday's off on the right foot!
COST: $10 (which covers the cost of your pedometer)
PRIZE: Knowing that you got through the holiday season being healthier and more active!
The winning team will also win Team Stroller Strides jerseys.

Weekly Recipe- Sweet Potato and Split Pea Soup

2010-11-10T09:00:00.002-06:00

This soup is perfect for a cool fall day!
From the Whole Foods website

Serves 8

Ingredients
8 1/2 cups water
1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 cups dried yellow split peas
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

Bring 1/2 cup water to simmer in a large saucepot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook about 5 minutes or until translucent. Stir in ginger and cook 1 minute, stirring. Add remaining 8 cups water, peas and sweet potato cubes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and simmer for 1 hour.

Uncover and continue to simmer 15 minutes. Carefully purée soup with a hand held immersion blender or in batches in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Garnish with pumpkin seeds.

Nutrition
Per serving (about 14oz/387g-wt.): 290 calories (50 from fat), 6g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 44g total carbohydrate (2g dietary fiber, 5g sugar), 18g protein

Stroller Strides on Good Morning America

2010-11-09T18:04:00.000-06:00

Check out Stroller Strides founder Lisa Druxman on GMA this morning!

Mommy and Me Workout

Luna Mom's Club tip of the week

2010-11-09T09:00:00.001-06:00

This quarter, the focus of our Luna Mom's Club is taking the time to give during the holiday season. Our weekly tips will hopefully inspire you to give back during these few months. Whether you’re giving to a non profit organization, your friends and neighbors, or to the environment, even the smallest actions make a big difference.

Week #6: Do another round of cleaning out all the closets in your house and donate them to a local charity. With the holidays coming up, there are plenty of organizations who need gently used items like clothing, books and toys.

Aaaaand We're Back!

2010-11-08T19:32:00.004-06:00

Halloween Bash 2010
Originally uploaded by dorris.jackie

I am so excited to relaunch our Stroller Strides Chicago Blog. It's been awhile since my last entry, but I can't wait to start connecting with everyone again.

I thought the best way to get things started was to share the photos from our 3rd Annual Halloween Bash on Friday, October 29th. Here is the link to the photos on flickr. A great big "thank you!" to Michelle Freeman Photography who captured all of the fun and excitement on film. The flickr photos are just a selection, you can view all of the photos on Michelle's website www.michellefreemanphotography.com, under client proofing, password Stroller Strides.

This is my favorite shot of all of the instructor's with their kiddo's. Doing a wall sit of course. LOVE IT! And at this point, Mr. Bones is definitely part of the Stroller Strides family :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/55689505@N02/sets/72157625218813589/

Stroller Strides Get Fit Challenge!

2009-01-29T14:48:00.003-06:00

Do you have some personal fitness goals for 2009? ~ Do you need a little 'extra' motivation/incentive? ~ Would you like a little (healthy) competition?

Join Stroller Strides®’ National "Get Fit Challenge"!

This will be a 3 month long FREE challenge February 15th - May 16th to see what changes you can make in your life to create a healthier, stronger, leaner you! Just think, you've already got the exercise part down (you may just need to step it up a notch or two at class) so now you just need to add in the proper eating habits. The best part is that you will have your fellow Stroller Striders encouraging you along the way so you are sure to succeed! The person who loses the most % of body fat points will be our "Get Fit Challenge Winner".

Are you up for it?

DETAILS
Email Jackie Dorris NO LATER than Friday, February 6th at jackied@strollerstrides.net to sign up. Once we have a final count of participants, we will send out a sign-up for the Hydrostatic testing. Testing will be done on Thursday, February 12th beginning at 10:30 am at the Windy City Fieldhouse.

What is Hydrostatic body fat testing? (“Dunking”)
Hydrostatic body fat testing is the most accurate and reliable method of determining your body composition. By weighing you on the scale and underwater while taking your height, age, bone structure, gender and the water temperature into account we can accurately determine your percentage of body fat and lean mass. This degree of accuracy will give you the best and most complete information regarding your body and what it requires to lose fat and/or build muscle.

SUPPORT IS PARAMOUNT! Start telling your family and friends that this is something you are doing and that you need their support. Maybe your husband even wants to jump aboard the healthy lifestyle train with you? Make your health a priority…your family is counting on you!

SET UP AND VERBALIZE REALISTIC GOALS: Where would you like to see yourself in 3 months? This goal is different for everyone. We all have very different body types and everyone has a comfortable zone that they should be at. Know what that is for you and make it a healthy, reachable goal.

THE WINNERS will be the persons who lose the most % of body fat points. This makes it fair for ALL body types, sizes and shapes to compete against each other in this challenge. PLEASE make sure you understand this.

EXAMPLE -
Person 1 starts out at 40% fat, and drops down to 30%, they've lost 10% fat,
but only 25% of their total body fat percentage.
This is how it is figured..... (.10 divided by .40 = .25)

Person 2 starts out at 20% fat, and drops down to 10%, they've lost 10% fat,
BUT 50% of their total body fat percentage
This is how it is figured..... (.10 divided by .20 = .50)
Person 2 would be the winner.

THE COST for the challenge is $60.00 total per person (paid to Body Fat Test) for 2 body composition tests (one before the challenge & one after). Everything else is completely FREE!

SELF MOTIVATION: We will take care of giving you fantastic workouts at your Stroller Strides classes but the self motivating part comes with your eating. You are on your own here because we are all so different and our likes and dislikes vary, you need to know what works best for you. We will give you healthy recipe ideas and suggestions every week for the duration of the challenge. Remember, this is NOT A DIET but a lifestyle change that you commit to making to see results.

YOU AND STROLLER STRIDES AS A TEAM: You may NOT hire a trainer to help you during this challenge. You can attend Stroller Strides classes as much as you want and work out on your own as much as you want aside from classes at home or at a gym if you wish. You must be a current Stroller Strides member, instructor or playgroup captain to enter the challenge.

*NOTE: Before embarking on any fitness program, it is strongly recommended that you consult with your physician. Stroller Strides does not guarantee any specific results with this challenge. You must be at least 6 weeks postpartum to participate in the Challenge. Pregnant moms are not able to participate.

If you are interested, please email Jackie Dorris at jackied@strollerstrides.net for a registration form. Registration is due on Friday, February 6th.

Weekly Tip- Fish, Pregnancy & DHA

2008-12-01T22:56:00.002-06:00

Many pregnant and nursing women become fearful of fish & shellfish because some types contain high levels of mercury. Mercury is a metal that can harm the brain of your unborn baby - even before it is conceived. Fish however is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. DHA is a fatty acid important to your baby's developing brain. Fish is one of the best sources of DHA. So don't cut fish out all together. Eat low mercury fish 2-3 times per week up to 12 oz total for the week. You may also want to consider taking an omega-3 fatty acid supplement that has been third party tested not to contain mercury (Nordic Naturals is a trusted brand). So how can you reap the benefits of eating fish without the dangers of mercury? Follow these tips.

Don't Eat: - Swordfish - Tilefish - King mackerel - Shark - Raw or uncooked fish or shellfish (e.g. clams, oysters, scallops). - Refrigerated uncooked smoked fish (labeled Nova-style, lox, kippered or jerky)

Eat Up to 1 Serving (6 ounces) per Week: - Tuna Steaks - Canned albacore or chunk white tuna - Halibut - Snapper

Eat Up to 2 Servings (12 ounces) Per Week: - Shrimp, crab, clams, oysters, scallops - Canned Light Tuna - Salmon - Mahi Mahi - Pollock - Catfish - Cod

Check before Eating Fish caught in Local Waters- State health departments have guidelines on fish from local waters. Or get local fish advisories at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Web Site. - If you're unsure about the safety of a fish from local waters, only eat 6 ounces per week and don't eat any other fish that week. Eat a variety of small, young non-fatty fish.

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition

Fitness Tip: Chart your fitness progress as a family and set goals. Post a chart in a common area, and give each other stickers for reaching goals.

Weekly Tip

2008-11-11T20:47:00.001-06:00

Drink More Water!
When pregnant and breast feeding you need 60+ ounces of liquid a day. You will hear this so much that water will begin to not sound good anymore. Try making yourself a spritzer when you have had enough of the plain tap version. Add a splash of juice to sparkling water for a refreshing, hydrating change.

Always carry water with you when you are on-the-go so you can sip throughout the day (using an aluminum or stainless steel reusable water bottle is best for your health and that of the environment – brands such as SIGG or Klean Kanteen are great options).

Fitness Tip: Train for a "child friendly race/walk" with your child. Set periodic, attainable, goals (distance, time, exploring new terrain like a hilly park) to keep it interesting and challenging.

10,000 Strides Challenge

2008-11-09T19:36:00.003-06:00

As moms, we know how busy the holiday season can get. It is so easy to veer off track of your fitness program and begin making excuses. This year at Stroller Strides, we have created a fun team challenge to help you stay active through the crazy holiday season.

Introducing the 10,000 Strides Challenge!
GOAL: To walk 10,000 steps per day for 6 weeks over the Thanksgiving through New Year’s holiday.
COST: $5 (which covers the cost of your pedometer)
PRIZE: Knowing that you got through the holiday season being healthier and more active! The winning team will also win Team Stroller Strides jerseys.

Wearing a pedometer, you will track how many steps you take each day. This will be a team competition- teams of 3 will be organized and each team will select a team captain and team name. The team captain will be responsible for keeping track of each team member’s results and emailing the total steps walked by the team each week to Jackie.

Think 10,000 steps sounds like a lot? I bet you would be surprised how many steps you walk a day just being a mom. You will wear the pedometer from the time you get up in the morning, until you go to bed at night- including Stroller Strides class! If you take part in other physical activity where you can not wear your pedometer, you can visit the website http://walking.about.com/od/measure/a/stepequivalents.htm to calculate your steps.

The Challenge will begin on Monday, November 24th and end on Sunday, January 4th.

Getting started:
-If you would like to sign up for the 10,000 Strides Challenge, complete a registration form and return to Jackie no later than Friday, November 14th.
-Select your team- if you need help finding a team, just let us know!
-Get to know your team mates and select a team captain.
-Create a fun team name.
-Email Team Name and Team Members to Jackie at jackied@strollerstrides.net by Friday, November 21st.
-Talk with your team mates and set some goals (ex. Everyone walks at least 10,000 steps each day), discuss your other fitness goals and be prepared to encourage each other along the way!

Weekly Tip- Eat a Rainbow of Foods

2008-11-03T20:03:00.001-06:00

A general rule when it comes to food is the brighter the better because the color pigments of foods are where all the vitamins and phytonutrients are found. Potatoes and jicama are some of the few natural white foods. Most often, if a food is white, it has been processed in some way, i.e. white bread & sugar. White is not a color of the rainbow, so eating a rainbow of foods will help you increase fruits and vegetables in your diet and reduce the processed foods in you diet. What foods make up the rainbow?

Red: tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, beets, red peppers, radishes, pomegranate
Orange: oranges, persimmons, yams, butternut squash, carrots, apricots
Yellow: onions, yellow peppers, Yukon potatoes, spaghetti squash, sweet potatoes, bananas
Green: kale, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, lettuce, green peppers, herbs, peas, green beans, kiwi
Blue: blueberries, blackberries, blue potatoes, acai berry
Purple: eggplant, grapes, figs, plums

Challenge your kids to find the rainbow on their plate!

Fitness Tip: Take the family dog out for a walk together, or if your child is old enough, give him this daily task (or more than once a day - even better for both child and dog!). If you don’t have a dog, help your child arrange to walk a neighbor's dog

Sneaky Tip: Think your little one won't eat Kale? I mix a handful of fresh kale in with a strawberry banana smoothie- put it in a colored sippy cup with straw and they will never know! You can't even taste it. Do this with your own smoothie's to up your veggie intake. Here's my recipe: 1 c. milk, 1/2 c. frozen strawberries, 1/2 frozen banana, 1 c. fresh kale, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 2 T flax meal. Blend and enjoy.

Weekly Tip

2008-10-24T13:25:00.002-05:00

Healthy snacking is a great way to maintain energy levels throughout the day and decrease the chance of “binge eating” at the next meal (snacking is “good” not “bad” activity – as long as it is done in a healthy manner). Keep a variety of bite-sized munchies available at all times for quick on-the-go snacks for the whole family. One thing to keep in mind is a combination of protein and a small amount of carbohydrate help balance hunger and keeps blood sugar steady. Here are some snack ideas which meet this criterion:

· Hard boiled eggs & whole wheat toast
· Pear and string cheese
· Smoothies (choose small size)
· Mixed nuts and dried fruit
· Chips & salsa
· Soup and crackers
· Carrots and hummus
· Toast with almond butter
· Instant oatmeal with added flaxseed, raisins, walnuts
· Apple and peanut butter
· Whole wheat crackers and cheese
· Non-fat yogurt with granola
· Low-fat chocolate milk and graham crackers with peanut butter
· LUNA or LUNA Sunrise bars for mom
· Clif Kid ZBaRs or Twisted Fruit for the kids

As moms know all too well, kids love to interact with their food! So, give them some dipping options like cherry tomatoes or carrot sticks in hummus, celery sticks in peanut butter. They’ll have fun and eat at healthy snack at the same time!

Fitness Tip: Go for a family walk/stroll after dinner.

Mom's With a Mission

2008-10-22T21:27:00.004-05:00

What is “Moms with a Mission”?
Women, especially moms, are invaluable change agents. LUNA Moms Club, powered by Stroller Strides, harnesses this power through its “Moms with a Mission” mantra. Our goal is to provide a platform for you to help better the community where you live and play through organizing and inspiring your LUNA Moms Club members to share information and to participate in activities focused on giving back to children, families and the environment. Not only will you be making a huge impact in your community but through your actions you will be teaching and inspiring the next generation to do so as well.

Quarter 4 Mission: Family Nutrition and Fitness
Without immediate intervention, this generation of children stands to be the first in history to have a shorter life span than that of its parents. Mothers are the primary decision makers when it comes to providing healthy foods, snacks and encouraging adequate exercise for their families. LUNA and Stroller Strides are passionate about educating our moms (and dads!) to make informed choices and model the behaviors that will help their children develop life-long habits. This Mom’s with a Mission initiative is about empowering mom with resources and knowledge about nutrition and healthy eating, while bringing awareness to the issue of inactivity and obesity in our youth. We believe these changes begin at home with mom. Through the choices parents make, they can inspire a generation towards health and fitness.

Did you know?
-That this is the first time in history when a generation is expected to live shorter lives than their parents
- One of every three kids is at risk of becoming overweight
- 92% of elementary schools in America do not offer physical education
- Eating the 12 most contaminated (non organic) fruits and vegetables each day, on average, exposes you to 20 pesticides each day
- Organic frozen vegetables are just as good for you as fresh
- Women who choose organic meat and dairy have more nutrients in their breast milk

Replenish the Well

2008-09-23T14:21:00.004-05:00

Today I was reading through an email I got from one of our partners Luna Bar about postpartum depression. There were some great suggestions for taking care of yourself during the postpartum period. I thought the tips could easily relate to the everyday life of a mom, not just those who are recently postpartum, so I wanted to share with you all.

Suggestions for taking care of yourself during the postpartum period

· Even if you are unable to sleep, try to rest when the baby sleeps. Your body has worked hard to create the baby you delivered, and your body needs to recover.
· Eat healthfully. Avoid ‘junk food’ and try to eat recommended servings of fruits, vegetables and grains daily. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks, opting for water instead.
· Try to exercise regularly. Physical activity releases endorphins in the brain, resulting in a ‘natural high’.
· Ask for and accept help. Realize that there are no perfect mothers, and that everyone needs help from time to time. Also remember that others are unable to read your mind, but are often willing to help in any way possible. Concrete suggestions (“please wash and put away the baby’s laundry”) will ensure that you are getting the help you want the most.
· Avoid stress when possible. For example, if you know the news broadcast on the radio will upset you, put in some favorite music or change the station. Take time for your relationship. Try doing things you enjoyed doing ‘pre-baby’ together. Make regular ‘dates’ with yourself. Schedule time for you to go to the park, get your nails done, take a walk, or whatever it is that soothes you. As a mother you give of yourself seemingly constantly. You need time to ‘replenish the well’ so that you can feel healthy and more relaxed

Stroller Strides on You Tube

2008-09-05T19:49:00.005-05:00

Check out this Stroller Strides video on You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itqXxt9Fxqk

This one features Farel, our fabulous Stroller Strides National Fitness Director who some of you met last April when she came to our Chicago class. There are a couple other videos too- enjoy!

Busy weekend!

2008-08-25T21:23:00.005-05:00

We had a very busy weekend at Stroller Strides. It all began on Friday with a Closing Ceremony Celebration. All month long we have had an Olympic Theme at Stroller Strides classes and we had the "Closing Ceremonies" at My Gym. The ever creative My Gym instructors put together an entire program of Olympic themed activities for the little ones- including a balance beam, floor exercise and a medal ceremony at the end (it was the cutest ever!). Not to be forgotten, our Olympian moms got to show off their stuff with a push-up contest and plank-off (holding the plank position as long as possible). A fun time was had by all and I guarantee that everyone slept well that night!

On Sunday, several of us participated in the WTTW Fun and Run, a fundraising run for our local PBS station. There was a 5k run and a 3k family walk. All of the favorite PBS characters were in attendance- Elmo, Cookie Monster, Curious George, Clifford... the list goes on. A few of the dad's and grandma's came out and gave the moms a break from the strollers for the run- thanks guys! Anyone else feel weird without the stroller? I just love activities that get the entire family involved in fitness together. After the race there were photo ops for the kids and giant bouncy slides and obstacle coarses- although I think they had the most fun chasing eachother around before the race.

Here we go!

2008-08-20T20:05:00.010-05:00

Ok, so I've decided to give this whole blogging thing a shot. I am now officially a blogger! I created this blog to help spread the word about Stroller Strides, a fitness programs for moms that has absolutely changed my life. I am always asked in class how I got started, so here's my story:

I had my daughter M in September 2006. I returned to work after 8 weeks maternity leave to find that my entire mindset had changed. I just couldn't bear leaving her at home with someone else, while I went to work and counted the hours down until I got home. So I began looking in to other options. I had seen the Stroller Strides on the Today show years ago, before I'd had children, and it seemed like such a great program! Mom's could get a great workout, meet other moms and do it all with their baby. I looked up Stroller Strides online to see if there were any classes in the area. When I found out that there was no location in the City yet, something clicked. One thing led to another, and I decided to take a leap of faith and start Stroller Strides Chicago.

I became a Certified Group Fitness Instructor through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and Stroller Strides Certified in pre and post natal fitness. We started offering classes in July of last year, and have been going strong ever since.

So what is it I LOVE about Stroller Strides? Everything! Not only is Stroller Strides an excellent workout, but it's fun. We keep things fresh and change things up as much as possible so there is no getting bored with your workout. It's not like you dread going to Stroller Strides like you may dread going to the gym to squeeze in that workout. You get to stay with your little one, get to see your friends in class and get a great workout- what more could you ask for? More? Ok, well not only do we have 7 classes a week to choose from, but we have playgroups 2 times a week, Mom's Night's Out at least once a month, and special afternoon playtimes. Stroller Strides is as much a social and support network of moms as it is an exercise class.

Want to check out our current schedule? Visit Stroller Strides Chicago for more information. Your first class is always FREE! You can sign up for a FREE preview online.