November's Mom of the Month

Our Mom of the Month program allows us to honor one of our Stroller Strides moms for her efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle while getting to know her better at the same time. November's Mom of the Month is Amanda Falsone (aka Epi & Anna's mama)!

When we first met Amanda (early summer 2010) she was mom to one sweet little baby boy (Epi). Shortly thereafter she became our first pregnant Stroller Strides mom and remained a dedicated Stroller Strides and Fit4Baby participant throughout her pregnancy. In the winter of 2011, Epi became a big brother to baby sister Anna and Amanda moved into the world of double strollers.

Despite having her hands full with two little ones under the age of 2, Amanda makes it out to Stroller Strides class and playgroup activities multiple times/week. She always arrives with smiles and energy to spare and makes it look easy to get to class with two little ones (though she assures us it's not- and we believe her- see below). She also hosts a fabulous Breakfast with Santa and backyard Wet & Wild summer play dates for our playgroup!

We asked Amanda to answer a few questions so that you can get to know her better and this is what she said...

Hometown: Covington, Louisiana
Education: Louisiana State University for Ceramics and NC State for Industrial Design
Stroller Strides Member since: May 2010
Members of your Family: Joseph, Epi (23 months), Anna (8 months) and Scout our Jack Russell mix who's going on 15 years!
Current/previous Career: lately I've been juggling the babies' nap schedules full-time but as a career I taught ceramics and art to adorable students at Explore!
What was your childhood ambition? Being the youngest of 5 I think my ambition was to just be good and stay out of the trouble!
What does motherhood mean to you? What a question! It's given me a better perspective on just what a miracle it is that my husband and I created these little extensions of ourselves. I feel blessed, humble and grateful to have been chosen to be their mother. I'm one happy and lucky mama!

What has Stroller Strides done for you? It has done a lot! The exercises are always challenging, especially the ab work. I really enjoy the social aspect of it for both myself and the babies. Also, being a part of a program was a real test after having a second child to (try) to keep a schedule for myself and get everyone out of the house on time. Lucky for me you guys don't count tardies. One more thing I LOVE.... learning cute songs to sing to my babies!

What is your favorite exercise? Kick backs I think they're called. I love feeling the booty burn.

What is the furthest you have been from home? Venice, Italy for our honeymoon.

What is your proudest moment? There are two-When Epi opened his eyes and looked up at me seconds after delivery and second when I heard the blaring cries of Anna. I was shocked something so tiny could put out such sound!
What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Rollerskating, listening to my mom play piano, making things- be it awesome birthday decor, murals or art with Epi (and soon enough, Anna).
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I have an incredible lucky streak. I once won a 7-day all expense paid trip to Hawaii when I called into a radio station. While on the plane to the island I won the contest the stewardesses announced. It was only 3 cans of macadamia nuts but I felt lucky to have won. I'm currently hoping to win a playhouse I bought raffle tickets for!
If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say?.....coming from my husband's mouth: "It's generic and cliche but I want to say, 'You're a great mom."' pause..."I would also say you're kind."

Feeding the Family: White Bean & Chicken Chorizo Stew

I love when the weather starts to turn chilly and I get to make soups and stews! Last night I tried out a new recipe and Daniel (darling husband) and I loved it! (Monty had a yogurt for dinner- this wasn't really his speed.) It was so tasty, easy, and healthy that I thought I would share it with you!

I initially found this recipe in this month's Real Simple magazine (under "White Bean & Kielbasa Stew") but their recipe called for dried beans and a slow cooker... I didn't do my grocery shopping until mid afternoon so that wasn't really an option for me yesterday.

Ingredients:
2 cans white beans (rinsed and drained)
1 package chicken chorizo sausage (cut into 1" chunks)
4 cups chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes
1 large onion (diced)
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
5 oz baby spinach

Directions:

1. In a large soup pot saute the garlic and onions in 1/4 cup of chicken broth until onions are soft.
   
2. Add in all other ingredients (except spinach) and simmer for 30 minutes or so.
   
3. Stir in the spinach just before serving. (If you want to freeze some of the soup- don't add the spinach to the portion you are going to freeze.)
   

Makes 4 large bowls- 357 calories/serving.

Feeding the Family: Butternut Squash Muffins

I'm always looking for a way to get more vegetables (or any vegetables for that matter) into my 2 1/2 yr old. So, I was elated to find another veggie muffin recipe in the September 2011 issue of Parenting Magazine and just had to give it a try. The original recipe was a bit bland so I've changed a few things to make them more flavorful. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
7 oz. of peeled, seeded and roughly chopped butternut squash (about 1/2 a medium sized squash)
1 cup light brown sugar
2 eggs
1/8 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
6 Tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 cup dried cranberries (aka Craisins)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a muffin pan with 12 cupcake liners.
2. In a food processor, finely chop the butternut squash. Add sugar and eggs and whiz to combine.
3. Add salt, flour, baking powder, cinnamon and oil and whiz until combined.
4. Stir in Craisins with a wooden spoon- reserving a few for the top of each muffin if you wish.
5. Evenly distribute the batter among the muffin cups and top with remaining Craisins.
6. Bake 20-25 minutes or until a wooden skewer or knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
7. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Enjoy!

For more fruit and vegetable muffin/bread recipes check out some of our older posts under the heading "Feeding the Family" and "Recipes".

Instructor Spotlight: Meet Colleen!

Usually at the beginning of every month we take a moment to honor one of our Stroller Strides moms as "Mom of the Month" for her efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle. We're taking a break this month to formally introduce you to our newest Instructor with a post we're calling "Instructor Spotlight"!

Meet Colleen Gould (aka Alex's mom)! Colleen moved to Raleigh from Los Angeles, CA in the late Spring and began attending classes and substituting during Instructor vacations. Fun fact: she used to teach Stroller Strides on the beach in Los Angeles! This Fall she'll be teaching our Monday and Wednesday 9am Stroller Strides classes at the North Hills Mall.

If you've ever taken one of Colleen's classes you know that she is a seasoned and very knowledgeable Instructor. An advanced degree in Exercise Physiology and certifications in Personal Training, Group Exercise and Pilates and her sweet and welcoming personality make for fun and challenging Stroller Strides classes with a little something for every-mom!

We wanted to give you a chance to get to know Colleen a little better so we asked her our standard "Mom of the Month" questions and this is what she said:

Hometown: Mobile, Alabama
Education: BA from Loyola University New Orleans in Print Journalism, minor from Tulane University in Sports Science; MS from Middle Tennessee State in Exercise Physiology
Stroller Strides Member Since: May 2010 (in LA) and April 2011 here in Raleigh
Members of your family? My amazing husband is Andrew and y'all know Alexander (16 mo)
Current/Previous Career: Up until I had Alex I worked as an Exercise Physiologist at a Physical Therapy practice. Since Alex... I'm full-time mom with the exception of teaching Stroller Strides :-)
What was your childhood ambition? As a little girl I wanted to be a cheerleader, then a grade school teacher and then an interior designer but deep down I always knew I wanted to be a mom.
What does motherhood mean to you? Motherhood is complex! I am embracing being a mom and everything that comes with it. I love Alex's sweet demeanor, how he is passionate about bananas, and how much he loves dancing. I never expected some days to be so long, but also never expected some days to be so very cool as I watch him grow and learn new things with curiosity and amazement.
Where is the furthest you've been from home? I studied abroad in Dublin between Junior and Senior year of college.... it was like my home away from home, love it there!
What has Stroller Strides done for you? Stroller Strides has done so much for me! As a new mom looking to get back in shape and make some new mom friends, it was the perfect answer. Now as an Instructor, I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for exercise with other moms and babes. Being outside, exercising, keeping the babies entertained... it just make sense!
What is your favorite exercise? I'm sure y'all will be shocked to read this but I've gotta go with any kind of ab work, especially after doing cardio and resistance for an hour- it's just so effective!
What is your proudest moment? Right after Alex was born, watching Andrew looking at him for the first time and feeling so blessed.
What are your three favorite things (besides your family)? Ribbons, ruffles & consignment shopping.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or that makes you unique. I have never in my life had a sip of coffee.
If we asked your spouse what he thinks your best qualities are, what would he say? Trustworthy and sweet, but goofy!

Come try one of Colleen's classes at the North Hills Mall and introduce yourself! Your first class is always free- you can register with this link: click HERE.

The Best Workout for Every Age

In your 30's:
Maybe you used to stay slim doing sporadic workouts, but now it's time to establish a regular routine to fend off loss of bone density and flexibility.

In your 40's:
Ramp up cardio to tackle the creep of belly fat that starts this decade.

In your 50's & beyond:
It's important to dd strength training to your cardio routine to fight the dreaded "flat butt" and keep muscles firm.

(excerpted from the September 2011 issue of Health Magazine)

Why not make Stroller Strides classes or our 5K Training Program part of your routine? And bring your mom so she can avoid getting the dreaded "flat butt" :) !

"Midtown Moms on the Run" 5K Training

Announcing

Stroller Strides of Midtown Raleigh's

"Midtown Moms on the Run"

5K Training Program!

October 4th-November 29th, 2011

Tuesdays & Saturdays @ 8:30am

Program culminates with the December 3rd Jingle Bell Run 5K

Weekday & Weekend options- accommodates both working and stay-at-home moms! Beginners and experienced runners (and everyone in between) welcome!

To all local moms of any age or fitness level:

Have you ever dreamed of making it through the finish line but don't know how to get started? Have you run in the past and would like to get back into it? Are you looking for some extra cardio and the motivation to stick with it? If you answered "Yes!" to any of those questions then this program is for you!

Our training program includes:

• 9 weeks of regular group training runs
• Weekly training program & guidance (1-2 additional runs/week completed on your own).
• Training run locations in the Midtown Raleigh area including Shelley Lake & various Greenway Trails
• Education on running form, injury prevention, increasing speed & distance and choosing the right running shoes.
• Supportive atmosphere with other moms working towards the same goal!

Strollers are welcome (but optional) during our training runs. Dads are welcome too. Please contact us about a discounted couples rate if Dad would like to participate throughout the program. missycurrin@strollerstrides.net

Enroll Now!

Fees: $70 for entire program. ($50 for active Stroller Strides Members or Class Pass holders). Optional Team jersey, $20. Race fees not included.

"Midtown Moms on the Run" 5K Training Program

SS Member/Pass Holder (without Team jersey) $50.00 SS Member/Pass Holder WITH Team jersey $70.00 Non-SS Member/Pass Holder (without Team jersey) $70.00 Non-SS Member/Pass Holder WITH Team jersey $90.00

For more information please contact: Missy Currin at missycurrin@strollerstrides.net or 888.760.0142 ext 1.

Understanding Artificial Sweeteners

It’s understandable that you might be drawn to diet foods or artificial sweeteners when trying to keep your weight down. Unfortunately, those foods may be doing you more harm than good.

Most of these are chemicals that replace the sweetness of sugar without the calories. Think about this: with real foods when you eat something that’s very sweet it’s also usually high in calories. Your brain knows this and does its best to use those calories efficiently. When you eat something that is sweet and does not have calories, your brain is confused and your body will not metabolize those calories as it should. Basically, if you eat something that tastes like it should have calories and doesn’t, it will have a negative impact on your body!

TIPS

1. “Sugar Free” does not always mean low in calories.
2. Recent studies have shown artificial sweeteners can actually increase your appetite.
3. Artificial sweeteners can still spike your blood sugar and lead to additional cravings

Just because it’s on the market does not mean it’s safe. Saccharin has been linked to cancer. Sucralose (also known as Splenda) is associated with both liver and kidney enlargement. It can also cause skin rashes, headaches and stomach pains. Aspartame (also known as NutraSweet, Equal and others) has been associated with everything from hallucinations to brain tumors.

Turn to natural sweeteners when you need something sweet. This can be honey, maple syrup and date sugar. As with any sugar, keep it in moderation as it has no health benefit. Sugar is sugar, regardless of color.

Natural Minimally Refined Sweeteners (the best for you)

•Fruit juice

•Unrefined maple syrup

•Raw honey

•Date sugar

•Molasses (blackstrap or barbados)

•Sucanat

•Brown rice syrup

•Barley malt

Refined Sweeteners (second best)

•White sugar

•Brown sugar

•Refined maple syrup

•Corn syrup

•Fructose

•Glucose

•Dextrin

•Dextrose

•Processed honey

•Maltodextrin

Artificial Sweeteners (avoid!)

•Aspartame (a.k.a. NutraSweet)

•Saccharin

•Mannitol

•Sorbitol

•Xylitol

(Originally posted on www.strollerstrides.com by Lisa Druxman 7/2011)