Mamavation Monday - Is it Summer, Yet?

We are ready in Oregon for some sunshine...

Yesterday we hit th e 80's, but the day was still overcast and dreary down in the Southern half of the state.  So, when will the sun be shining down on us? We still don't know.

We did (finally)  find a few red strawberries in the field, but without a few hot and sunny days, they don't have the sugar content to really shine in sweet, juicy goodness. So, I wait... and hope the continued wet weather doesn't just rot them there in the mud.

Other areas around the farm are also coming to life...

The apple tree has small apples, little peaches are showing, and my simple garden vegetables are taking off. This weather is more suited to the cold weather crops though.

What does this have to do with Mamavation? Well, as we get ready to listen to Alysa (@InspiredRD) about nutrition on Mamavation TV tonight, I am thinking all about food and my family's nutrition. I strive to eat both in season and local whenever possible. Usually this is easy, but right now we struggle to keep enough fruit and fresh vegetables on the table. The next best alternative is frozen and canned. Since we can and freeze a lot of our own produce, in year's like this where the fruit and vegetables in the fields are behind we tend to run out of our own canned goods in the panty.

This week's question fits in nicely:

What gaps in your nutrition knowledge do you want to fill?

First off, I would love an explanation of the new "My Plate" nutritional guidelines. What has changed exactly?

I also want healthy options available that will not break the bank and are readily available in the "off" season. I don't usually have trouble feeding my family when the veggies and fruit are ready in our fields, but currently we are past Winter veggies, and our Spring and Summer fruit isn't ready. That is my big nutritional gap.

Our family tries to be both healthy and frugal. Buying out of season can make this tough. I like to keep things like frozen edamame on hand for snacking and for salads and meals. These are the Japanese equivalent of "beer nuts", but because soy can have so many great health benefits, I have elevated them to a bigger role in our meals.

I just recently bought a big bag from Costco and the pouches take just 3 minutes to boil. So they are fast and easy to serve up. Just pop the soybeans from their pod and enjoy warm or cold.

For fresh crunchy greens all-year-long I started sprouting my own Mung Bean Sprouts. They are larger than alfalfa sprouts, used for sandwiches, and are a great addition to stir frys.

They only take 3-5 days to sprout and are fresh and ready to go. It is just a fraction of the cost to buy the seeds and I sprout them in a canning jar with cheese cloth covering the mouth. Super Easy!

The other big go-to I have are dried beans. I don't think it gets much cheaper than these babies. Buy in bulk, store in an air-tight container, soak the night before and either cook low in the crock pot or simmer on the stove for a while to soften.

Once cooked, beans freeze nicely, or last 2-3 days in the fridge.

As for fruit and veggies? Well, we have a bowl of bananas, apples and oranges at the ready, but I am looking forward to berries, melons and peaches! I can't wait to hear what nuggets of wisdom Alysa has for us. I hope to see you all there tonight.


MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Omron Healthcare. Two blogging carnival participants will receive an Omron Go Smart Pedometer. To be eligible answer the following blogging carnival question in your weekly Mamavation blog post and mention Omron Healthcare with a link back to their site. Link up your post here.

As for my weight? Well, up, from Mamavation, but down from last week. I have been dealing with health challenges for my daughter's diet and that took precedents over everything. I am still working on my healthy habits and goals and hope to find my stride soon.

Happy to say my Supreme 90 Day DVD set arrived and my shoulders are already sore! I also have a few other DVDs coming to help mix things up. I am really looking for a great Pilates DVD and would love suggestions. I have a few older ones already, but not one I love.

My workout schedule - Daily:  Stephanie's circuits and a walk/jog with my kids in the double stroller.
I also want to restart the challenges... pushups (http://hundredpushups.com), situps (http://www.twohundredsitups.com/) and lunges.

M- Supreme 90 Day

Tu- Abs/ Pilates or Yoga
W- Top Trainers
Th - Supreme 90 Day

Fr- Abs/Pilates or Yoga
Sat- Supreme 90 Day 

Sun- Rest Day

I decided against doing the Supreme 90 Day on consecutive days. I don't think I am at that level yet. I finished day 1 with the arm and back workout and was so sore! I will try the complete system in a month or so once I have built up more strength. I worry that jumping in too deep will lead to an injury.

As for meal planning this week? Here is my upcoming meal plan:

M- Flank Steak (3 oz.), Trader Joe's Harvest Grain Mix, Mixed Salad, Mangos & Strawberries
Tu- Homemade Spaghetti & meatballs, steamed vegetable and fruit
W- Japanese Gyoza, Miso Soup, Rice and fruit salad
Th - Stir Fry with tofu, brown rice, apple slices
Fr- Sweet Potato Gnocchi, salad and frozen berries with cinnamon
Sat- Greek Spanikopita (spinach tart), hummus, flatbread, chopped salad
Sun- Family Dinner

Don't forget, Leah is currently taking applications for the next Mamavation Mom campaign. I can't wait to help out as a mentor with the next group! Applications are being accepted all month, but Leah loves early birds. So get your applications and videos in. Take a peak at the current ladies applying HERE. And if you are interested - Apply to be a Mamavation Mom yourself!


*Disclaimer - This post is sponsored by Omron Healthcare and I’m writing this to be entered into a Omron Go Smart Pedometer giveaway hosted by Mamavation .