Placerville KAIA FIT FITNESS BLOG

Fitness and nutrition impact the health of a baby tremendously! The health, well-being, and happiness of the mother greatly impacts the health of the fetus. The fetus relies on the mother for everything – for nutrients, for safety, and for love. Women that focus on their own fitness and nutrition during pregnancy, not only have healthier babies, but experience a number of added benefitsincluding shorter labors, faster recovery, and mitigation some of the common pregnancy side effects.

            I have found this to be very true of my own pregnancy journey. I am currently 36 weeks pregnant and expecting my first in mid-July! Fortunately, I have been an active person for many years, a coach for the last 6 years, and a holistic nutritionist for the last 2 years. So, I began my pregnancy journey from a very “healthy” standpoint. However, that does not mean that I didn’t deal with some of the most common pitfalls and side effects of pregnancy. Let me share with you some of my experience and how I was able to continue to show up to the gym and in the kitchen while also listening to my body (and my baby!) 

Ok, none of us show up at the gym to look cute.  We’re here to WORK.  We want strong, lean muscles, a healthy body fat percentage, and the ability to keep our bodies mobile and capable for the activities we love – like running around with our kids, paddle boarding, mountain biking, and all the other fun stuff! Buuuuuut, it’s not like we’re opposed to looking cute while we’re doing it.  Keeping your hair out of the way while you’re jumping around, sweating buckets, and burning calories doesn’t have to be boring.  You can be cute AND sweaty with these ideas!  Plus, when your hair isn’t flopping in your face, it’s easier to concentrate on getting the most out of your workout time.

As a runner, it’s very easy to fuel up with processed gels, sugary electrolyte replacements, and carb-heavy snacks. Unfortunately, these types of fuel can be loaded with sugar, additives and hydrogenated fats.

"Part of the joy of eating is the anticipation of seasonal foods. For me, the first asparagus of spring or the first raspberries in the summer are cause for a celebration. Eating with the seasons helps ground us and reminds us of our connections to the earth" -John Ash  

     Summer: a time spent playing outdoors, spending more time with loved ones, and enjoying the bounty of delicious fruits and vegetables in season. Our bodies’ metabolism shifts with the seasons. During spring and summer, the sun's energy warms the body and we have less need to produce internal heat through the digestive system, so our appetite naturally decreases. With this, our bodies don't want or crave the hot and savory foods of winter. Here, I have provided a few summer snacks that not only are in season, but are also quick to make for yourself and your family!

Yep, it’s time to dust off the grill and get ready for the days of backyard barbecues and summer parties. We’re here with delicious, Kaia-approved recipes to make your weekend full of flavor without blowing all your hard work.

Although cookouts are prone to be meat-laden, start a new, all-vegan barbecue tradition and challenge your family, friends, and even neighbors to make savory recipes. Throwing some fresh veggies on the grill is just one way to keep meals exciting. Not to mention, you can really impress company by presenting them veggies in ways that they never thought possible! Finish up your spread with a hydrating, sweet watermelon, berries and coco whip for a light, easy dish everyone will love.

Ah, the age-old topic! Nearly everyone I know has tried one diet or another on their endless journey to permanent weight loss. Stop any stranger on the street and I’d wager they’ve heard of at least a few of the trendy diets that have become such a prevalent part of the health industry: Atkins, South Beach, Keto, Paleo, Zone- to name a few. But I only know a handful that have successfully lost the weight and have kept it off- for good! What’s their secret? Nothing new there either! It’s all about your lifestyle and making those healthy changes to it that will keep the weight off for good and giving you the opportunity to be a healthier and happier you.