Silk Fruit & Protein: A new way to shake up my wake up.

  

Eggs. Yogurt. Grilled chicken breast. 

They were my best friends when I was pregnant. Every day, all the time. All I wanted was a donut, but with gestational diabetes, I had to keep it high-protein, low sugar, and those types of foods really did a great job of keeping my weight gain low, my energy high, and my blood sugar stable. In fact, I was so happy with the effects of my high-protein diet that I decided to continue it after baby, too.

The only problem? I don’t usually include that many animal products in my daily eats. I’m a little afraid of high cholesterol, plus I just don’t like that much animal fat in my life. So, when I was asked to give Silk Fruit & Protein a try, I couldn’t help but go, “Hmm…..”

Silk Fruit & Protein piqued my interest because it contains 5 grams of protein per serving. Protein that comes from soy. I’ll admit that I’m a little torn on the subject of soy, but I like the thought of balancing out my animal protein with a plant source. That, along with the fact that all Silk products carry the Non-GMO Project verified seal (no Franken-soybeans!) convinced me to give it a go. 

I actually thought that Silk Fruit & Protein would be like a smoothie or milk drink. It’s not. Since it comes in tangy fruit juice blends like Mixed Berry, Mango Peach and Strawberry Banana, I decided to use it as a replacement for my morning juice. I’m off caffeine, so the fruit flavor and shot of protein help wake me up and keep me up, which is a feat these days. I’m to the point now where I look forward to a glass the same way I used to look forward to an iced coffee. (Ok, well almost...)

…AND it is an excellent source of the calcium, vitamin D and vitamin C this tandem nursing mom needs. Total gold star for F&P!

The only problem I’m having now is that my husband and son have jumped on board, too, and now I can’t get my hands on it.My son hops out of bed and wants “fruity ‘tuff” right away, but it’s OK because I like knowing he’s getting some protein to start his day. I pack him a balanced, healthy lunch, but who knows how much of it actually gets eaten? It’s the only soy product we use, so I’m comfortable with it as one of his protein sources, and I like knowing that he’s starting off the day with something substantial instead of sugary juice. That boy is a mover and a shaker (it NEVER stops) so he needs the fuel!

Besides drinking it straight up, you can also shake up your wake up by adding Silk Fruit & Protein to your smoothie. I like adding about 1/2 cup to some homemade yogurt and any extra fruit we have. It makes an awesome smoothie that keeps me full well into the morning, and my little boy couldn’t be happier with a cup full in the morning (especially when I add strawberries. I keep telling him he’s going to turn into one, which is still new enough to be really funny to him. :) )

Interested in trying it for yourself? Just print out this Silk Fruit & Protein coupon, then take it to one of the stores that sell Silk in your area. And be sure to like them on Facebook for all the latest news!

What’s your main source of protein? Have you ever tried Silk?

*This blog post is part of a paid SocialMoms and Silk blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own.

 

9 Comments

Filed under Health and Fitness, Parenting & Family, Product & Restaurant Reviews, Uncategorized

Anna Wahlgren: Best-Selling Child Care Author {Live in NYC 4/20, 4/24}

Ever since our second baby was born (about 10 weeks ago) we’ve been experiencing a little behavioral trouble from our son, who is now 3 1/2. I went in thinking I’d know what to do. He is my kid after all. I should know what he needs, right? Um, wrong. I’m a little lost. I’m using my best judgement, but I think I need a little backup. In researching child development and parenting books, I came across a mention of Anna Wahlgren, and I’ve been given the chance to read her books and pass my review on to you. To be clear, I have not read them yet and I’m not being compensated for writing about them here – I’m just really hoping they might help me sort out some parenting struggles, and that I can pass on what I learn. Here’s hoping!

Here’s a little preview Anna provided to get us all started. From this snippet, I get the feeling that her advice is in keeping with our gentle parenting goals. I’m looking forward to reading more!

Advice on Introducing a Sibling

A sister or brother is a life’s asset comparable to nothing. Someone of your own generation is there who shares your background, biological origin and basic experiences in life.

No love is as strong and lifelong as the love between two siblings who are close to each other. As a parent your main task is to prepare your child in the very best way for a life without you. One of the best ways to do that is to give your child a sibling.

  1. Make it clear to the older siblings that “we belong together” and “we need each other.” We all count on each other and we wouldn’t manage as well without each other.
  2. The more clearly and reliably the belonging is confirmed among family members, the more strong and intense they will experience their togetherness, and the more positive their community will be.
  3. During your pregnancy, when your child asks you questions about the baby and its arrival, answer the questions but don’t expound on things the child doesn’t seem curious about. Your goal is to provide guidance.
  4. When you are introducing the baby to its older siblings, do so in a quiet environment. This is a sacred moment and nothing should disturb it. This is the time for the child to touch and examine the new baby and become familiar with the baby.
  5. If you have recently had your second child, you might not always be able to call on another adult to help you with your first. Necessity is the mother of invention, and inventiveness (along with a certain knack for bribery) is a quality that you will definitely need. Sometimes the older child will have to wait, and sometimes the baby will. You will learn to tend to the baby’s needs and the needs of your older child simultaneously. Your arms will extend, and you will grow an eye in the back of your head.

It is important to try to rise above the chaos, stand by your older child and maintain your bond.  It should be emphasized that the whole flock should be looking after the new arrival.

About the Author

Anna Wahlgren is a renowned Swedish author and journalist.  She is the mother of nine children and grandmother to sixteen.  Hundreds of thousands of parents have relied on her books, For The Love of Children and A Good Night’s Sleep.  They are among Europe’s best read guides to raising children.  Her books are available online at www.amazon.com.

LOCATED IN NYC?

Anna Wahlgren will be at the IKEA in Brooklyn on April 20th at noon and at the Brooklyn Library on April 24th from 10:30-noon. Stop in and meet her! If you do, please tell her I said “Hi!” :D

Have you read any of Anna’s books?  Do you ever read parenting books, or do you just follow your instincts?

*Disclosure: I will receive one of Anna’s book for review purposes. I received no other compensation for this post.

5 Comments

Filed under Parenting & Family

Disney, I owe you one.

Dear Disney,

On behalf of moms, wives and girlfriends everywhere, I thank you.

Because I will be asked to watch these movies.

And when I act like I’m doing my husband a favor by sitting through them, I’ll be earning points to cash in later.

Little does he know… #swoon #leadingmen

Thanks for providing exciting entertainment for the whole family! ;)

 Catch Iron Man 3 in theaters on May 3.

The Lone Ranger rides into theaters on July 3.

Who are you most excited to see? Robert Downey, Jr or Johnny Depp? Can you guess who my biggest crush is?

*I received no compensation for this post. 

8 Comments

Filed under Family Fun, Wordless Wednesday

Grab a FREE Conscious Box!

Who likes pure, natural, sustainable products? 

You do!

Who likes supporting ethical, purpose-driven businesses of all sizes? 

You do!

Who likes FREE STUFF?

YOU DO!

…and I do, too! That’s why I’m stoked to announce that Conscious Box is offering a promo code for a FREE monthly subscription box (for a limited time.) I’ve been told that I am at liberty to share it with all my readers, so here goes:

Use code SECRETCODE during checkout on any “Monthly” subscription, and all you’ll need to pay is shipping. (Repeat: You DO have to pay shipping!) The box itself is free, courtesy of the folks at Conscious Box. It’s their way of saying “Thanks!” for the success they’ve seen over the past year, and it’s just in time for Earth Day!

If you’re not yet familiar with the best way to find carefully curated natural and sustainable products, check out my Conscious Box review. Then go get yourself a box, on them!

1 Comment

Filed under Green Living

Celebrating Earth Day with Bamboobies: Review and Giveaway {Ends 5/10}

I have a riddle for you!

What’s shaped like a heart and fabulous enough that I keep it close to my heart all day, every day?

Yup! You got it! These days, I’m never found without my BAMBOOBIES! 

Do you know about Bamboobies? They are, without a doubt, the best washable nursing pads on the market. Besides being a single-use product that ends up in the garbage, disposable pads are filled with a nasty gel (like disposable diapers) that bursts out when it gets too full. One night, I found it on my skin and my son nearly ingested it. From that day forward, I have only used washable fabric pads. I have tried so many, and mark my words: I will never use another brand. My heart belongs to Bamboobies! Continue reading

182 Comments

Filed under Baby Guide, Breastfeeding, giveaways, Green Living, Product & Restaurant Reviews