healthy snacks + fit pregnancy | albion fit

I've gotten plenty of questions about staying fit during this pregnancy and to be honest it was something I was most excited about when I started my pregnancy journey.. before I was even pregnant.  I have never been super active during any of the pregnancies (nothing more than just walking and low impact stuff) and after doing bootcamp for several months prior to getting pregnant,  I had a great base to keep going- and I plan to until my body just cant do it any more. my belly is already feeling really heavy and I cant lay or sit certain ways, but I just have to listen to my body and do what I can.

the biggest component to my exercise routine is FOOD. food is SO not fun for me right now, and I generally love food- but now more than ever I need to make sure I am fueling my body with the nutrients it needs both pre-workout and recovery.  early in my pregnancy I was getting really lightheaded any time I tried to run or do the normal workout movements and while this is common for me in my first trimester regardless of working out or not, it was definitely attributed to my food intake on how easily I could recover and keep up with my workout. 

 many people start their early morning workout food-free- and I was totally one of them!  this is a problem because when you sleep at night your body burns through your dinner and night-time snack.  by morning your body needs nutrition to jumpstart metabolism, replace some of the carbohydrate stores used up over night and give your body energy for a workout.  there is myth that you burn all fat, like the fat off the back of your leg, if you workout on an empty stomach.  False.  you burn thought stored carbohydrate in your muscles, a little fat from inside your muscle and likely protein, which is never good.  the idea is to eat a little something carbohydrate rich before a workout.  it will help you feel better and have more energy.  for cardio based workouts an hour or less something like a whole grain granola bar, banana, some dry cereal or even part of a protein bar will work with water.  for me, bootcamp lasts about an hour or a little longer- so if you are working out for longer than an hour or going to be doing something more intense like lifting weights, cross fit or boot camp, I would recommend a little protein in addition to the carbohydrate.

peanut butter + banana 
granola bar
180-200 calorie protein bar
  
if not, your blood sugar can drop leaving you feeling weak, dizzy and light-headed.
all those things I am already feeling while pregnant and now I want to make my body move and be active on top of that!?  if you workout in the afternoon, it is a little easier because you have time to let food digest.  ideally have some whole grain carbs, some protein and veggies at lunch.  then mid-afternoon, an hour or so before your workout, sit for a carbohydrate-protein snack such as:

​​whole grain crackers + string cheese

apple/banana + peanut butter

greek yogurt with whole grain cereal or fruit

hummus + whole grain pita chips

1/2 of a turkey + 2% cheese sandwich on whole grain bread

180-200 calorie protein bar

be sure to pair your pre-workout snack wth 12-16 oz water.  

if you take a longer time to digest things, then maybe eat your snack 1.5 hours before the workout.

mornings are best for me to workout- getting it out of the way first thing.. because if I don't I will have every reason to all myself out of it the rest of the day.

another big thing for me is finding maternity style and comfortable workout clothing to wear.  the weather is changing, so I've been wearing long pants and sweatshirts in the morning at 5am when its still in the low 50's.  I was excited when I got the opportunity to try albion fit on for size. I have seen them all over instagram on my favorite feeds.. I even had someone recognize the logo on my pants while out at bootcamp recently.  there is something to say about that! NOT to mention, they are the most comfortable joggers I think I have ever owned.  does anyone know what I'm talking about with certain styles of jogger pants that just cut into your side?  they fit well everywhere else, but the waist makes you want to suck in the entire time you are wearing them!  

not these.  

very comfortable + adjustable waistband- I sized up in anticipation for growing with this pregnancy and probably didn't have to.  they are 100% true to size. while they are a splurge on lounge clothes, I know- I have spent $50+ on joggers from my favorite online boutiques and those don't even come close to albion fit >> totally my personal opinion from personal experience:)

my favorite post workout breakfast:

greek yogurt (protein) + berries (carbohydrate) + granola (carbohydrate and a little fat)

its Jolie's favorite, too.

not Parker (clearly).  the pickiest eater on the planet.

over greek yogurt and fruit.  silly girl!

OH.. and they have their own line for the kids!  the big girls thought it to be SO fun that we were matching.

I'm so excited for the opportunity to offer one lucky winner $50 shop credit towards anything they wish from albion fit!  I know I'm not the only mama out there that could use $50 to kick their workout (or lounge) gear into shape- not to mention that cooler weather wardrobe for themselves and their babe(s)!  even better, albion fit is offering a generous discount of 15% off your entire purchase using the code: masseya

I'll totally be using my own discount code to get a couple of these amazing sports bras + probably this hoodie. 
probably.

GO!  fall is here!! but don't forget to enter the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 ..and I'll end with Parker puling my hair.  

nut job.

as always, thank you to Brittany for her talent in catching my crazy crew in the best light, and of course to albion fit for sponsoring this post.

mama
tank

cardigan

joggers c/o

toesox c/o

mug c/o

littles

ponchos c/o

mini joggers c/o

snack cups c/o