Beautiful After the Belly

Diastasis Recti, Hernias, C-section and Ab Scarring, Belly Button, Pelvic Floor

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April 7, 2009

DIASTASIS RESULTS – what can 6 weeks do?

So I measure the diastasis of the women I teach on the 1st day of class, and 6 weeks later, on the last day. I give them each “homework” to do for the class.

They have to do 5 sets of 100 Seated Tuplers PER DAY to keep up with the progression of the class and to get results.

They are required to avoid ALL JACKNIFING, especially in and out of bed.

Many of them purchase “splints” to approximate their recti, which they wear at all times, but ESPECIALLY when they are lifting things, or exercising. This is diferent than those wide belt-like things they give you at the hospital, which rest on bones – pelvis and ribs. A SPLINT goes IN BETWEEN your ribs and pelvis to bring them closer together. This is a MUST for women who are over a 3 fingerwidth diastasis.

So, just a couple of results from 6 week class that just ended:

Virginia had a 4 fingerwidth diastasis in ALL THREE PLACES YOU MEASURE (3 inches ABOVE the belly button, AT the belly button, and 3 inches BELOW the bellybutton). When I went to remeasure her, she said “I think I forgot how to measure myself.” I measured her and she had COMPLETELY closed the diastasis in ALL THREE PLACES. No wonder she thought she FORGOT how to measure – she couldn’t find it anymore!

Jennifer is 6 months PREGNANT. She measure a 2 on top, 3 in the middle, and 2 on the bottom. Even though her belly is rapidly EXPANDING (constant forward force which creates or enlarges a diastasis) she CLOSED her diastasis on the top AND the bottom.

Normally I don’t measure after 1 week, unless I have been specifically asked. PATTY, a girl in a different class, asked me last night to measure her after 1 week. She was a 5 FINGERWIDTH DIASTASIS in ALL THREE PLACES. She had gone to a 2 3/4 on top, 3 in the middle, and 3 on the bottom, in ONE WEEK. That is SPACTACULAR and QUICK results.

A girl I am doing private training width, has a 5 fingerwidth diastasis all the way down. A SURGEON told her the ONLY way she can get it back together is with SURGERY. Well, with all due respect to his training, that is ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE!!!!!!!!!!

March 31, 2009

Is this causing your "mummy tummy"

So I realized that in all of my blog posting I have never posted REALLY about

THE MUMMY TUMMY

which is what I specifically do my training, classes and seminars about. I found out about it when I was pregnant with my 2nd child. I didn’t think I had “split stomach muscles.” But when I was getting up from laying on my back, I saw this really weird (to me ALIEN-LIKE) ridge that was protruding from my belly. I was TOTALLY grossed out by myself.

So I purchased the book that Tami, my sister, had been telling me about called “Lose Your Mummy Tummy” by Julie Tupler. She had learned about the split stomach muscles called “diastasis recti” in Physical Therapy school.

So we got the book, and the video and started encorporating the exercises into classes we were teaching.

After I had Tyler it took me 5 months to CLOSE my diastasis. I was VERY diligent with the exercises. I did have a setback at about the 3 month mark because I was doing them WRONG and closing the BOTTOM part of my diastasis but enlarging the upper portion of my diastasis. However, after babies # 2 and #3, I was able to go from a 32 inch waist to a 25 1/2 inch waist. (I will say after #3, it only took me 11 weeks, because I was doing the exercises TOTALLY correct.)

Then one fateful day I contacted Julie Tupler by email and told her I thought her work was brilliant and did she have any training programs. Well, I didn’t expect an email back in all honesty, but not only did she respond, she said – after many phone conversations – that she could train us and come an do a presentation and meet us in person.

So now (rigorous training programs later) my sister and I are the only ones in the midwest certified to do “Maternal Fitness” registered classes.

But the greatest part for me is that I can help women bring their diastasis together. They FEEL so much better about themselves, not to mention they LOOK better.

I had one girl in one of my classes close her diastasis from a 5 fingerwidth diastasis, to a 2 1/2 fingerwidth diastasis in ONE WEEK, which was STUNNING!

I will post more about the exercises but I think EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS. Your OB-GYN can tell you that you HAVE a diastasis, but are not trained to tell you how to BRING IT TOGETHER!!

One woman I taught last night was MAD. She told me, I have been doing CRUNCHES all these years (HORRIBLE HORRIBLE FOR PREGNANT AND POST-PARTUM WOMEN!!!!!) only to find out that THEY WERE MAKING THINGS WORSE!!”

She told me she would do CRUNCHES and actually get like a charley horse/spasm type of thing happen. I have had many women tell me this. In this woman’s case, she had a 5 fingerwidth diastasis. When she would do crunches, her abdomen would come forcefully forward, and it was not her muscles doing this – since she had a separation, but her INTENSTINES bulging forcefully forward. AND THIS IS VERY COMMON!! ( Its only a thin piece of connective tissue holding all your intestines in if you have a diastasis.) I told her to take that anger and to tell all the women that she knows!!!
It is HARD information to find and EVERY WOMAN needs to know about it!

March 30, 2009

THIS IS SCARY: Antibiotics given during labor cause CEREBRAL PALSY

So, I got this latest study by email, and YIKES!!! I thought this one was important to pass on. If you are planning to have more kids or are pregnant, or have friends that are pregnant, this is important to pass on so people can make informed decisions!!!

The use of antibiotics during premature labor may increase an infant’s risk of developing cerebral palsy, according to a study conducted by researchers from Oxford University.

“This highlights the importance of fully understanding both the immediate and long-term impact of the care and treatment that both mother and baby receive at this crucial time,” said a spokesperson for the infant care nonprofit Bliss.

In 2001, the largest study of premature labor in history (known as ORACLE) concluded that the antibiotics erythromycin and co-amoxiclav could reduce negative infant outcomes in some cases of premature labor – namely, cases in which the mother’s water had already broken.In the new study, researchers followed up on the children from the ORACLE study at the age of seven and examined their rates of cerebral palsy and related problems.

Cerebral palsy refers to a variety of physical disabilities caused by damage to the brain during early development. Up to 50 percent of cerebral palsy cases arrive in premature infants (those delivered before 37 weeks of gestation).The researchers found no negative effects among children of women who had been given antibiotics after their waters had broken.

But among the rest of the children, use of either antibiotic significantly increased the risk of physical or mental impairment, and more than doubled the risk of cerebral palsy.

While only 2 percent of premature infants whose mothers had not been given antibiotics developed cerebral palsy, 5 percent of those whose mothers were given both antibiotics did.

The researchers said that antibiotics probably do not damage the infant directly, but may contribute to the risk of cerebral palsy by artificially extending gestation.”We have a suspicion that infection is implicated in premature labor,” researcher Peter Brocklehurst said. “Antibiotics may merely suppress levels of infection to stop preterm labor, but the baby remains in a hostile environment.”

Health professionals emphasized that the study findings should not make pregnant women with severe infections afraid to use antibiotics, as such infections can also severely harm an unborn child.

March 24, 2009

100 CALORIE PACK PET PEEVE!!!!!

This is a RANT post about the DIABOLICAL marketing pracitices of companies like “Keebler” “Nabisco” etc.

100 CALORIE packs are, for the most part, the BIGGEST JOKE to all mankind.

It doesn’t matter if you are just getting “100 calories” of JUNK, its STILL JUNK.

Oreos that are 100 calories will STILL elevate your insulin levels, and will STILL cause Love handles, Spare tires, Thick Waists.

It might SOUND really good to think you are just getting 100 calories, but it is STILL CHANGING the chemistry of your body with most of it being trans-fat/sugar treats.

If they were called “100 calorie Sugary TransFats” would they sell???

Just another ploy to make people think they are making a healthy decision, when in fact, its a very unhealthy decision.

ANYONE else want to vent about these?!?!?!? Do you get annoyed with these companies that try to make you think you are being healthy?!?!? “ERRRRGGGG!!”

March 24, 2009

Quinoa part of "TOP TEN BEST FOODS EVER"

I was first introduced to QUINOA by Suzanne Sommers cook books, which pretty much taught me how to cook, really understand and see through labels, and use vegetables, herbs and spices in a way I never knew you could.

ANYWAY, Quinoa was one of the best things I learned how to use and utilize and WHY!! If you are TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT, you MUST replace it with your starchier grains like WHEAT, POTATOES and CORN with QUINOA. MUCH easier to lose weight by cooking with it partly because it carries the most protein of any grain. And you need PROTEIN to feed your muscles, which burn the most fat for you without you even doing anything. SO….

HAVE YOU EVER COOKED WITH IT? WHAT RECIPES DO YOU MAKE WITH IT? SHARE WITH US!!!

I will say your best bet is to buy it from a health food store or online. The best deal I have found for it is $2.15/lb at a health food store. Trader Joes and Whole Foods now charge $3.99/lb (BOO!)

Here is a little about it:

Pronounced (keen-wah), David Zinczenko, author of The Abs Diet Ultimate Nutrition Handbook, lists quinoa–a grain, as #7 on his ranking of the 100 Best Foods Ever.

(The top ten: Berries, Eggs, Yogurt, Black Beans, Kiwifruit, Almonds, Quinoa, Salmon, Oats, Spinach/Kale, Mango, Tomatoes.)

Although still relatively unknown or unused in the majority of the world, with the exception of health food enthusiasts, quinoa has been prolifically grown throughout the mountains of South America since 3,000 B.C. Growing easily at higher altitudes and in cold dry climates, the grain assisted in the development of great cultures. The Incas considered it to be the bread of life.
Quinoa is a single species of the Chenopodium genus–it’s not in the grass family like wheat or barley. A perennial, salt-tolerant plant, growing from 1.5–6 feet tall, it bears red, black, or white small flat seeds known as quinoa. The seed itself is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids 8.75%, protein 16.2%, and starch 65.2%. Rich in calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc, it is also a good source of the B vitamins. Its composition of amino acids is balanced (lysine, methionine, cystine), from which quinoa receives the “perfect food” title. A half cup has 374 calories, 13 grams of protein, and 6 grams of fat– less than 1g saturated.

Today quinoa can be steamed and ready, replacing any grain, in 15 minutes. For the kid in all of us, pasta versions are available as well, most always gluten and wheat free.

HAVE YOU EVER TRIED IT?!?!?

March 19, 2009

Is your head protruding forward from bad posture????

This becomes common in moms, nurses, computer workers, architects – any occupation where your job causes you to look down quite a bit (changing diapers, cooking dinner, dressing kids, nursing – ALL COUNT!!!)

So what do you do so you dont end up like those old ladies whose heads are permanently damaged from doing this?

Simple exercise – move your head back in its place by pretending like a wall is coming towards it, then relax in the “back” position. Do this at LEAST three times a day.

SAVE YOURSELF from a very uncomfortable head posture and all its ramifications (vertebrae out of place, etc)

Its also looks much more ATTRACTIVE!!

March 18, 2009

Intermission in NO SUGAR…YES….

So I had a brief intermission after 4 1/2 weeks of no sugar. It was lamentable, yes. But part of me figured – well – its the halfway point between when I started and when I am ending..in may. So I thought to myself, we are allowed to have a brief intermission or two – it just has to really be worth it. I think the next time will be on April 12th, which is Easter. And yesterday being a holiday as well – St. Pattty’s Day – well, I see a trend.
So, if you haven’t started eating NO SUGAR TIL MAY yet, there is no better time than NOW – after the intermission! JUMP ON BOARD!! You can take an intermission at Easter – just don’t go crazy.

That’s acceptable, I believe!!!

March 14, 2009

Regrowing hair after losing post-baby hair

So my sister and I have been discussing this topic at length. We both experience more hair loss about 6 to 7 months PP, than we did the prior babies. Did you lose more hair after a subsequent baby? Did your hair grow back quickly or is it different in terms of texture or thickness? My sister and I were annoyed at just letting nature take its course, as is evident by the amount of hair in our hairbrushed. So, naturally (pun intented) we were looking to find ways to promote hair growth after the hair loss.

Here is what we found:

A normal healthy hair growth cycle will last between 2-6 years. On average, a healthy person’s hair will grow at a rate of 1cm each month. As we grow older or suffer serious illness it will grow at a relatively slower rate. The hair on our head does not all grow at the same time. Only around 80 percent of hair follicles are growing in unison. During this growth period, the remaining 20 percent is resting. After a couple of months the resting hair falls out and new hair will grow in its place. We all lose hair every day; an average of 50-100 hairs is lost. Excessive hair loss can have a number of causes including stress, hormone imbalances, illness or major surgery, childbirth and some medications. In these cases hair loss is usually temporary and using herbs and/or vitamin supplements can reduce hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.

How to Use Herbs for Hair Loss
Step 1 Use horsetail to promote hair growth and strengthen hair. Horsetail is a good source of silica which keeps hair strong and shiny looking. Horsetail also promotes blood circulation to the scalp and help nutrients get to the hair follicle more easily. Horsetail should not be taken directly as it can be toxic if taken in ground or tablet form. You can obtain horsetail in an aqueous solution to be used as a shampoo or conditioner from many health stores.

Step 2 Apply herbal tinctures such as birch and nettle directly to your scalp. They are gentle and will not harm your skin. Massaging these herbs regularly into your hair will keep your hair clean and shiny, prevent scaly skin and dandruff and promote healthy hair growth.
Step3Use shampoos containing rosemary and sage as theses stimulate scalp circulation and hair growth. You can also make a rinse using 15 drops of essential oil of either or both combined in a pint of water.

Step 4 Pygeum bark is derived from an African evergreen; it inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase- which reduces DHT-, and is used widely throughout Europe to treat male-pattern baldness.

Step 5 Take vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which is vital for healthy hair, and a deficiency can lead to or increase hair loss. A daily dose of 5,000IU will promote healthy hair growth. Food sources include citrus fruits, strawberries, pineapple, green peppers and cruciferous vegetables.

Step
6 Biotin is a member of the vitamin B family. It stimulates the production of keratin and may help reduce hair loss and premature greying. The daily recommended dose is 150-300 mcg. Food sources include Brewer’s yeast, egg yolk, milk and liver.

Tips & Warnings
Drink plenty of water. Each strand of your hair is made up of almost one fourth water. Drinking water regularly will keep your hair rehydrated, supple and flexible. Don’t be tempted to wait until you are feeling thirsty, by then you are already beginning to dehydrate. Drink between 8-10 glasses of water each day.

Iron helps to transport oxygen to your hair. Oxygen starved hair will be weak at the root as well as along the length of the strand. You can increase your iron intake by eating lean red meat and dark green vegetables. You may also take iron supplements.

If you are losing your hair:
Don’t shampoo more than once each day.

Don’t use strong chemicals on your hair such as dyes.

Use a very mild shampoo.

Don’t rub your hair too vigorously with a towel.

March 11, 2009

Acupressure for the entire face – Can’t WAIT to try it!

I LOVED , Absolutely LOVED, the other acupressure techniques I included several posts back on helping the eye area. They have really helped I feel with dark circles, and that furrow I get in my brow. I noticed that I have little knots in my brow muscles right about where the arch is. I have been working on getting those knots out and the acupressure has been helping. So I am continously sore right there as well as sore on the inner bridge of my nose on both sides. This has been eye opening to me realized those places are NOT supposed to be sore. LET GIVE THESE NEXT ONES A TRY!! I would love to know what YOU NOTICE!!!

Big Washing Face Exercise

We credit this technique to Yen Wei Choog, an acupuncturist in Northern California. This facial acupressure technique will tone, stimulate your face, and clear your complexion while also preventing wrinkles.

First make sure you wash and dry your hands so they are clean. Then charge your palms by placing them together and briskly rub them back and forth. An optimal number of times to charge your palms is thirty-six back and forth movements. You will feel warmth in your palms as Chi energy forms.

Now place both of your energized hands on your face with your little fingers along side your nose. Move your hands in a circular motion by moving upward. As you move your hands upward your finger tips will cross your forehead and then move downward and your thumbs actually pass over your ears. Again, begin at chin and move along side the nose, over the eyes to forehead, along hairline, over ear, and then back to the chin again. Do this sweeping motion lightly across your face thirty-six times.

As you incorporate this technique into your daily skin care procedure the Chi energy will harmonize in your face protecting your skin from the effects of aging. Any form of natural anti-aging skin care when combined with these Chinese acupressure techniques for the face will really get a boost in its effectiveness.

Full Pressure Point Facial Exercise
You may also want to consider twice a week adding a full pressure point acupressure facial to your routine. You can easily follow this map of acupressure points at the left noting the points on the face. This is an optimal exercise for creating a natural facelift alternative. Again, use the balls of the fingertips and apply bi-lateral pressure. There are only two points, on the forehead and one at the crease of the skin that are single points.

Everyone has a unique facial signature of muscle development, formed by the way that the features are animated and interact to produce facial expressions. Your facial signature plays a large part in how your face looks and the way it ages. Maintaining and developing your facial signature is the secret to staying sensual, sexy and young looking, but there are many factors in life that erode the stay-young potential in your facial signature, and these can take their toll by dulling your natural attractiveness and making you look older.

Acupressure is More than Just a Natural Facelift
We all know that cosmetic surgery costs is expensive and also has some risks. The use of Electro stimulation devices do not invite Chi into the face nor do they address the muscle’s needs to actually revitalize and bring back your youthful facial signature. The benefits of these acupressure facelift techniques keep your facial skin from growing a little older each day. You will gradually see a difference as your skin becomes smoother and more radiant. If you are interested in reversing facial aging practice this routine for a month, and notice the difference. You will be pleasantly surprised and most likely will incorporate these exercises into your daily skin care routine

March 9, 2009

Tricky Marketing – WHEAT

I think it is very important to recognize that there are some BRILLIANT people in the label and marketing industry that are SO good at what they do, they confuse consumers into thinking they are healthy. Most people who THINK they are buying WHOLE GRAIN are really buying something with just the tiniest, if any, smidgeon of whole grain. Its NUTS.

The following are REFINED GRAINS (which causes WEIGHT GAIN!!) You will see these in ingredient labels:

Durum Semolina Flour
-Semolina Flour
-Unbleached Durum Semolina Flour
-Enriched Flour
-Unbleached Wheat Flour
-Wheat Flour
-Unbleached Flour
-Corn Flour
-Rice Flour
– Made with whole grain
(usually means a very small amount)

Some of those may be surprising -but STAY away if you are trying to trim down your WAISTLINE!!!!!

Have any of these false claims been frustrating to you? Do any seem like false advertising to you? Do you get frustrated by labeling tactics?