FIT FEELS GOOD AT 35 WEEKS LARGE

Sitting here at 35 weeks pregnant with a total of 23 pounds gained as of today, I am feeling great! I have had a really smooth 35 past weeks- I don't know if I am blessed but I think it is because I was fit before getting pregnant and I really treated my body with a high level of TLC. I mean it is doing a huge job and I like to feel good- so I wanted to share some ways that I keep weight gain to a minimal and stayed feeling super! 

1. (MOST IMPORTANT) do not get the "i'm pregnant - I can eat whatever I want now" mentality! Avoid this thought entirely and stay away from it for all nine months
2. Be sensible with your diet. of course munch out sometimes (slushies are my weakness - I loved them before being pregnant ) but don't eat crap for every meal- you and your baby deserve better!
3. Keep it colorful! Eat fruits & Veggies all day everyday- with the seasons changing during pregnancy you can switch it up to whatever is in season and keep it interesting
4. Drink tons of water!!! Hydration is super important & drinking a boat load of H20 can help steer clear of the stretch marks! Which also I suggest using BIO OIL! This stuff isn't the cheapest thing but it is worth the investment
5. Get active with your baby! Ill list my favorite activities  below that helped me stay fit & have fun with my baby belly:
   1. swimming- I was working at a gym that had an indoor pool so that was clutch. Being in contained water is so good for us preggo ladies. For starters - it leaves you feeling weightless woo! It is also easy on the joints and you can do toning movements in the pool- grab a noodle float and do some dance moves with it against the water;)
   2. bicep curls- I have 3-5 lb hand weights all over our apartment. My boyfriend trips on them often ... I should be more careful but! Anytime of day- if I cant sleep and I am staying up late watching tv just pump them out! You instantly get in the mood to do more then too=)
   3. leg lifts- holding onto a counter top and doing different angles to shape your lower area!
   4. plie squats while embracing the belly =) Do plie squats and hold your belly- talk to your baby while doing them! it is fun and a great strengthening exercise for the legs
   5. walking out doors and catching as many hills as possible- lift the booty! Put on your favorite jams, walk, and day dream about your new life while enjoying the great outdoors!
   6. Yoga! Soo good for your body and mind! I just do my own sequence in the morning that I make up depending on what I feel like that day. ( familiarize yourself with pregnancy safe poses and make up your own routine to start or end your day with! )

SO ladies! Stay active, eat healthy ( most of the time  hehe ) and try and keep your life as much about you as it was pre pregnancy. Pamper yourself!!! I'm going to also list below my favorite ways to do an at home pampering session for cheap- cause um treat yo self! 

1. face mask- about $1 at drug stores and you can usually get 2-4 uses out of them ( depending which brand and which mask ) 
2. bubble bath- soak with your favorite scented bubbles and light some candles. I always try to bring my fashions magazines in with me to read but always I mean every time I try I can't keep them dry and stay situated - maybe you can be successful at this though!
3. Foot bath- get a large water basin - fill it with warm water and use epsom salts to relive your tootsies! Big bag of salts - you can find at wally mart for under $7
4. exfoliate your skin - get some scrub for in the shower- tj maxx has the cheapest ones with the best scents! This is also said to help avoid the stretch marks- I have just started doing this in the last month but I think it can only help!
5. Slide into a nice luxurious pair of pj's that are super comfy and feel great and put on a little eye mask ( eco tools organic eye cover found at wally mart also for $3)  and fall into a deep relaxing sleep! Dream of your precious baby who is about to change your life and all the exciting things you want to teach & show him!

You can do all of this for under $20 & have the goodies left over to keep doing it! Grab some nail polish a gossip magazine and veg out - gotta enjoy this "ME" time while we can=)

What are your favorite pampering and healthy pregnancy tips?! Any questions or comments?! Leave them below- thanks for checking in and I hope you all are feeling happy & bright!