Health Archives - My Inner Shakti

My Month of No Dessert – All the Details

Ok, if you’re reading the title of this blog post and thinking, “YOU gave up DESSERT? The queen of all things chocolate!,” you are right to be shocked because it’s true. I did in fact give up dessert for the month of February.

Didn’t have any of this in February, but you can bet I did on March 2nd!

But let’s back up a bit first, so I can share some context…

Why did you give up dessert?

As y’all know, I traveled to London at the end of October for my company’s global conference. And even though I was able to squeeze a few workouts in here and there, I didn’t make healthy decisions in the food department. This means I ate A LOT of dessert and drank a lot of wine. Which is fine as an isolated incident, but in my case, it wasn’t.

Then came November and Thanksgiving and more dessert, more wine, and just more regular unhealthy choices.

Then came December. I had my team meeting at the beginning of the month – more dessert and more wine. Then we went home to Atlanta where I didn’t even think twice about what I was eating and drinking. I did manage to workout, so there is that.

When we got back to Chicago, I was flipping through pictures on my phone when I realized that I just didn’t love the way I looked. It wasn’t anything dramatic, but it just didn’t sit right with me. I then happened to step on a scale the next morning and saw a number that I haven’t seen in like 15 years (except when I was pregnant).

I started think about all the decisions I made that led me to this point and came to the conclusion that something needed to be done.

And trust me, it wasn’t the number on the scale that did me in. I know that with better eating habits and some solid weekly workouts, I’ll get back on track. What really opened my eyes was that I was eating things I don’t normally like – like an orange souffle cake (I HATE orange and chocolate together) or a mango flan (umm no!). But I was eating those kinds of things mindlessly.

I was also reaching for something sweet multiple times a day. Chocolate chips here, a piece of chocolate dessert there, etc.

Basically, something needed to change.

Why Give Up Dessert Completely?

In really simple terms, I needed a reset. I needed to give my cravings some space to outgrow themselves. And I figured that after a month, I would be able to come back much stronger to where I could be more selective about what I chose to indulge in and what I chose to skip.

So what did this look like exactly?

Essentially, I gave up desserts. Not sugar but things that would be considered dessert for me – cookies, cakes, brownies, ice cream, chocolate chips, etc. To that end, I also steered clear of muffins and things that could be interpreted as dessert because I truly wanted to decrease my craving.

For the month of February, I avoided these things. I didn’t use other things to dissipate the cravings either. Sometimes, I’d eat fruit or drink a La Croix, but I didn’t use something sweet to combat the desire for what I really wanted.

Did you have any support?

Yes! My little sister joined me on this month long quest because she was kind of in the same boat. She found herself mindlessly eating desserts and wanted to stop that habit.

The rule for the month was if we caved and had something sweet, we owed the other person $5. 🙂

Did you lose weight doing this?

Not a pound, my friends! It took me 3 months to put on the extra pounds, so I know it’s going to take a bit to take it off. Especially because I didn’t really alter my other meals. It’s not like this was a diet or anything like that. I still ate my normal diet (which is still healthy but doesn’t involve any deprivation).

What results did you see?

My cravings have subsided substantially! For example, I no longer look for something sweet after my main meals. Also, on March 1 when I could technically eat whatever I wanted without a $5 penalty, I didn’t have anything sweet. Just didn’t want it.

Essentially, I accomplished what I wanted! This wasn’t about weight loss, it was truly about combating my habits around sweet foods.

Now what?

I’m still going to try and keep my dessert consumption at bay (1-2x a week). I will also try and be much more mindful when eating desserts so that I truly enjoy every bite. And finally, I won’t eat things that I don’t truly love – like orange souffle. Ha!

Look, I definitely think a life of moderation is the best life, and that includes one with chocolate. With that being said, mindfulness will absolutely be key going forward!

Let me know if you have any questions! Happy to share more.

My Postpartum Acne Journey – the Not So Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

written by Parita 1 Comment

The postpartum period is hard. Mentally, physically, emotionally. Along with trying to figure out how to keep your little human alive, you’re faced with so many changes in such a short period of time. Looking back, it all goes by so quickly, but don’t get me wrong, when you’re in the thick of it, the days feel like years. Ha!

One of the things I dealt with almost immediately was postpartum acne. While my skin remained fairly clear during pregnancy, specifically during my second and third trimesters, as soon as Kaiden was born, things went haywire. Because of how everything went down, I wasn’t immediately able to give my skin the attention it deserved. Or at least the wash it deserved, so maybe I have a part to play in the initial flareups, but what came days and months later definitely felt more hormonal.

In the days that followed, my stress levels ebbed and flowed, my emotions were a bit all over the place, etc. Combine that with my newfound pumping hobby, and you have a hormonal hot mess new mom who’s face looked like it did about 20 years prior.

I won’t go into every detail, but trust me when I say, my skin went from not so good, to bad, to ugly. So much so that I refused to be in pictures with Kaiden. I’d always want to stay behind the camera.

I tried lots of different things to control my breakouts – topical medicines/creams, dietary changes, LOTS and LOTS of water, etc. Nothing seemed to work. In fact, it just kept getting worse.

Me. Everyday for about seven months.

Fast forward to the end of this past January. Vishnu sat me down (probably after I cried to him about how ugly I felt) and made me see the light – I needed to see a dermatologist. I was so resistant to this idea because I didn’t want to be on the ‘typical’ acne drugs again. And given that I had a horrible experience with a dermatologist in Miami, I was scared a visit (and the subsequent ‘treatment plan’) would end up making things worse.

I somewhat hesitantly made the appointment. I wish I could say that the doctor I saw solved all my problems. She didn’t. She wanted me to use a cream that would cost us $500 a month along with an oral medication. Although, she did confirm that my acne was hormonal.

I then decided to make an appointment with a NP I absolutely love at my gynecologist’s office. We talked about my options, and after lots of discussion (with her, Vishnu, my sister, my mom, friends, etc.), I decided to go back on birth control and use OTC Differin as well.

This was not an easy decision for me by any means. In fact, the last thing I wanted to do was go back on birth control. What I wanted was to be able to control my hormonal acne in a more natural way.

With all of that being said, I will say that the birth control has helped immensely. My skin, while not perfect by any means, looks 110% better. The painful flareups are no longer present, and the overall condition of my skin is also slowly improving. I used the Differin for about three weeks and am now only using Drunk Elephant (DE) products as my topical agents if you will.

You guys, I LOVE DE. I’m hoping one day I can transition off of birth control and continue just with DE and have clear skin for life (a girl can dream, right!?). But honestly, it’s a brand I’m 100% behind and can’t wait to share more in my next post.

Stay tuned…

Cookbook Review | The Truly Healthy Vegetarian Cookbook

written by Parita Leave a Comment

As a vegetarian, Liz’s blog is a constant source of inspiration. She makes good-for-you vegetarian food that not only tastes delicious but is also easy to make. She takes the guesswork out of vegetarian dishes even carnivores will enjoy!

Before I tell you all about her new cookbook, let’s take a BIG step back. Like seven years big. That’s how long I’ve ‘known’ Liz! We met through our blogs and have stayed connected ever since. Personally, I was drawn to her truly down to earth approach to healthy living and life in general. Like her food, she makes it all look easy. I still smile every time I read about Liz’s fun adventures!

Ok, so now about her cookbook, The Truly Healthy Vegetarian Cookbook. If you classify yourself as a vegetarian or are trying to incorporate more meat-free dishes into your life, this is the cookbook for you. Liz is a certified health coach who’s created step-by-step recipes that anyone can make. No matter what kinds of foods you naturally gravitate towards, you’ll find something to devour. Between the pages of this book, you’ll find everything from a spicy peanut sauce to spicy enchilada soup to eggplant ricotta roll ups to chocolate chip chickpea cookies.

Mouth watering yet?

Hold your taste buds for 10 more seconds.

Liz graciously agreed to let me share a recipe from The Truly Healthy Vegetarian Cookbook with all of you. After considering multiple options, I decided to make her Coconut-Mango Smoothie. I know, right? Every sip took me straight to a little cabana on the beach. This smoothie is creamy, tropical, and filling. You better believe I’ll be making this weekly once Spring decides to show up!

Enough from me. Here’s the recipe so you can enjoy alongside me!

Coconut-Mango Smoothie
Serves 2
Prep time: 5 minutes

1 cup ice cubes
1 cup frozen mango chunks
1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes
1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

Blend the ice, mango, pineapple, and coconut milk or almond milk in a blender until smooth.
Divide between two glasses and sprinkle with the coconut flakes and chia seeds (if using).

Yes! It’s that easy.

If you need a little vegetarian inspiration in the kitchen and are looking for a cookbook to introduce you to new recipes that are good for you, this is the one! I mean, did you read what I wrote – CHOCOLATE CHIP CHICKPEA COOKIES. Cookies made from beans that can probably be eaten for breakfast! Wins all around!

Your turn – what’s your favorite cookbook?

P.S. Visit my Instagram page for a chance to win your very own copy of The Truly Healthy Vegetarian Cookbook!

My Journey – Postpartum Food and Fitness

written by Parita 1 Comment

I refused to title this post ‘My Postpartum Body’ or ‘Body After Baby.” Phrasing it that way really irritates me. Pregnancy is such a beautiful and miraculous experience, but for some reason, women oftentimes forget about everything their body did for them over the course of nine months and instead focus on reaching postpartum or ‘body after baby’ milestones. Personally, I refuse to subject myself to that kind of mindset. My body is still my body.

Before I share my journey and experience, I want to state that it’s just that. MY journey and experience. I’m not going to share pictures of myself or anything like that because 1. are you kidding me (shudder!)!? and 2. as I quickly learned, it’s not just about what your body looks like after nine months. There’s so much more to this whole thing.

With that, here we go…

BACKGROUND

Let’s start with pregnancy. It’s insane…in so many different ways…most of which are wonderful. I remember being in awe of my growing belly and thanking my lucky stars for the opportunity to create life. It was and always will be the best thing I ever did. However, it comes with some side effects. Those weren’t always so fun, especially the swollen legs, feet, and ankles. But I got through it, and my body didn’t fail me. Instead it enabled me with my long walks to and from work, my early morning workout sessions, etc. Never have I been so thankful for the body I have!

Then came the actual delivery. If you read my post about Kaiden’s birth story, you know it didn’t go according to plan. But I do attribute (at least partially) the positive ending to the hours of exercise and movement I racked up over the course of the nine months. It really does make a difference!

Then came a five night hospital stay because of all the complications. Because of all the fluids they had to give me + the antibiotics, my body was SWOLLEN. I mean, I looked in the mirror on day two, and immediately called out to my sister because what I saw freaked me out! Everything from my waist down was inflated. Vishnu said my legs felt like plastic, and even my mom was freaked out (although she kept telling me I looked great). It took 2-3 weeks for the swelling to go away completely. I never thought the day would come.

PRESENT DAY

Since that time, my body has continued to change. It’s slowly normalizing (whatever that means!). I will say though…I don’t think it will ever go back to the way it looked pre-Kaiden, especially in the belly area. And you know what, I’m 100% okay with that. I mean, I housed my child inside of me. That was his home for nine months. It’s totally ok if that special part of me looks a little different. And truth be told, I’ve never had a super flat belly, so how can I realistically expect to have one now.

With all of that being said, I am trying to be mindful of what I eat and reminding myself to move whenever possible. Not because I want my body ‘back,’ but because I want to feel my absolute best for me and my family. They really need me! Ha!

Before I share a little more on my habits and the tools I’m using to help me along the way, there are a few things all mamas should be aware of before starting on their own journeys. It goes without saying, but any and all decisions should be discussed with your doctor. He/she really does know best!

If you’re breastfeeding or pumping, you want to ensure you’re taking in an adequate amount of calories. This is not the time to start a restrictive diet (there’s never a good time for that but that’s a different topic for a different day). Your body needs fuel to keep up with all the milk your producing, so if anything, eat more! I’ve read more than one account of mamas restricting calories and losing their supply.

The same mantra goes for exercise. If you want to keep your supply up, don’t aggressively exercise. And more than anything, go with what your doctor says with regards to movement. If you’re told to wait eight weeks (like me), wait eight weeks. Instead of thinking about missed gym time, enjoy your baby. It’s worth it!

And my final observation pertains to the number on the scale. The number has never meant less to me than it does now. Pregnancy has showed me that the number on the scale and what you see in the mirror don’t always correlate. You can weigh what you did pre-baby and still not look the same, and on the flip side, you can weigh a little more and look better than expected. My advice to all new moms is to remember that the scale is one small slice of a very larger pie. Personally, I’m using my pants to measure progress. Thankfully, most of my pants/jeans fit now but not as comfortably as they did before, so my goal is to get to the point where I truly feel like myself in my pants. Ha! And to be completely honest, I’m using my clothes because I don’t want to spend money on new pants/jeans. Basically, I’m cheap!

Ok so here’s my postpartum food and fitness non-plan plan… 🙂

Overall, my mantra is to take it one day at a time. Life with a baby requires you to make plans and adjust as you go. My vision of how I think our day will unfold rarely matches what actually happens. And that’s ok. Hey, if this type-A maniac can learn to roll with it, anyone can!

FOOD

When it comes food, the D word is a major no no. As boring as it may sound, my philosophy is to keep it simple, fresh, and delicious. The sugar monster inside of me wants all the goodies I can find, but I’m trying to lower my sugar intake as much as possible (re: not eliminate it because what’s the fun in that!). I’ve also increased my water intake because the more water the better, especially for breast milk production. I haven’t jumped back on the alcohol train just yet, aside from one beer and one glass of wine. I’d like to keep it infrequent going forward…at least for now! As far as eating out is concerned, I try to make the best choice I can in the moment. We eat pretty healthy at home, so I don’t mind ‘splurging’ if you will every now and then. Again, what’s the fun in always picking the healthy option!

I have a post in the works about meal prepping to avoid eating (crap) on the go. Lots of thoughts on that now that time is a rare commodity! Coming soon.

FITNESS

I have even less of a plan when it comes to exercise. Ha! My philosophy is to move as much as possible whenever possible. Sometimes that looks like designated gym time, sometimes that looks like a Barre3 online workout at home, and sometimes that looks like a long walk with my boys. If possible, I’m trying to exercise intentionally 4-5 times a week for 30-40 minutes. Key word is trying. But really, it’s all about building up daily activity at this point in time. One thing that’s super helpful with regards to working out is having a supportive partner. Vishnu encourages me to do what I need to do for my self-care. Have I mentioned that I love him because I do!

So that’s where I am at almost three months out! Can you believe it? Three months!

Hoping to fit in a 40 minute Barre3 workout tonight…or a nap. We’ll see how I feel. Agility at it’s best!

Peanut Butter Banana Oat ‘Cereal’

written by Parita 4 Comments

Peanut Butter Banana Oat ‘Cereal’ is a delicious, easy to make, and filling concoction that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

What was your absolute favorite food growing up? Pizza? Hot dogs? Mac n’ cheese? Cookies?

Me? None of the above. My favorite food was cereal. Yes, you read that correctly. I loved the ritual of pouring myself a big bowl of cereal (anything from Kix to Lucky Charms to Corn Flakes) and milk and digging in.

My love affair with cereal continued well into adulthood. In college, my roommate Roshni and I were known for coming home from class, sitting down at our dining table with a half gallon of milk and a box of cereal, and going to town.

Don’t get me wrong, I still love cereal. In fact, during my last trip to the grocery store, I strongly considered buying a box of Banana Nut Crunch (my favorite as an adult). But knowing one bowl at a time would never be enough, I chose not to go down that path. Also, while most cereals aren’t the worst choice from a nutritional perspective, they’re certainly not the best. Especially when you can never stop at one bowl.

What’s a cereal loving girl to do? Make her own version using simple and healthy ingredients. Duh!

You guys! I eat this ‘cereal’* at least 1-2 times a week and usually for dinner. It’s super filling and so delicious. Personally, I enjoy the texture a lot – the perfect balance of creamy from the peanut butter and chewy from the oats. The flavor is also on point – the nuttiness from the peanut butter, the sweetness from the banana, and the slight spice from the cinnamon. And of course, you can’t forget the cold almond milk bringing everything together. LOVE!

Pre-banana and almond milk

YUM!

I’ll stop rambling about cereal now and share my recipe. I highly recommend you give it a try ASAP. You won’t regret it!

Peanut Butter Banana Oat ‘Cereal’
Serves 1

1/3 cup raw instant oats
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon (or more!) peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
1 banana, diced
almond milk, to taste
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In a cereal bowl, mix together the oats, salt, and cinnamon.
2. Add the peanut butter and work into the oats mixture until small ‘clumps’ form
3. Add the banana to the PB + oats mixture
4. Top off with almond milk (I prefer lots of milk!)
5. Add vanilla extract and mix everything together
6. ENJOY!

*I know this doesn’t fit the traditional definition of cereal, but this is my blog, so I’ll define it however I want!

Your turn – are you/were you a cereal person? Favorite kind?

9 Common Sense Tips for How to Stay Healthy with an 8-5

written by Parita 4 Comments

Having a [sometimes demanding] career and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be tricky. Trust me, I’ve been navigating the path for just about four months now.

Let me back up for a minute. I’ve actually had an 8-5ish job for 10 years now…that’s nothing new. However, the part that’s new to me is having a job where I have to commute to an office that’s also home to more than one other coworker. In a foodie city (Chicago donuts are no joke) at that! I haven’t done that in years.

So imagine my surprise when a few unhealthy habits turned into feeling sluggish and a bit more puffy than preferred. I quickly realized that in order to make this new (can I still call it that?!) routine work, I needed to go back to the basics. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not complicated. It’s actually very simple. The hard part is sticking to it and making it a way of life. At the end of the day, it’s all about balance and figuring out what works for you.

African Peanut Stew + black bean brownies at work!

With that, here are the 9 common sense tips for how to stay healthy with an 8-5 that resonate with me a lot. These are all things I’m starting to do on a more regular basis to feel healthy and energized (most of the time).

Get your butt out of bed in the morning and exercise. There’s no way to get around this one. I know it’s easier said than done, but don’t leave your workout to the evening. Find what works for you and get it out of the way in the AM. This post includes some helpful tips!
Strive to get steps whenever possible. Personally, I walk to the train in the morning. When possible, I walk home in the evening. I walk as much as possible while at work (my #1 tip is to take the long route to the restroom). Even if you drive to work, park far away, take the stairs, etc. It’s not always easy to rack up lots of steps throughout the day, but with some intentional effort, you’ll be at 10,000 steps no time.
If possible, stand and work. Or at the very least, stand up every now and then and stretch.
Bring your lunch whenever possible. This one is a no brainer. It’s good for your belly and good for your wallet. Win, win! Also, pack it the night before to avoid the morning madness. This will also ensure you have zero excuses to eat out for lunch.
Pack healthy snacks. Grapes, apples, Larabars, popcorn, carrots, homemade goodies! Having healthy snacks on hand and ready to munch on will keep your hand out of the candy jar.
Drink a A LOT of water. We have an awesome water fountain at work that dispenses both regular and sparkling water. I love it so much! H2o = hydration + steps (to the rest room). WIN!
Tell your coworkers about the healthy habits you’re trying to build. Not everyone wants to hear about your healthy lifestyle…that’s fair. Instead, win them over to the lite side (haha!) by bringing in healthy goodies. For example, I baked black bean brownies the other day and brought some in for everyone to try. They were a huge hit!
When you do eat out for lunch, choose wisely. Try to take a peak at the menu ahead of time and/or share a meal with a coworker. Don’t feel like you have to ban the restaurant life in exchange for a healthy lifestyle! Just go in a little more prepared and make good choices.
Cut yourself some slack every now and then and enjoy the donut!

Your turn – what are your healthy living tips? If you work an 8-5, what’s your #1 tip for staying healthy on a day-to-day basis?

A Breathing Technique to Help You Fall Asleep Faster

written by Parita 8 Comments

How many times do you head to bed physically exhausted but mentally wide awake? If you’re like me, it probably happens more often than you’d like to admit. And when it does, it’s not a fun feeling. Tossing and turning and willing yourself to just. fall. asleep. Like most people, I prefer the “head hits pillow, eyes close, sleep ensues” kind of routine.

What if I told you that going from wide awake to sound asleep is only a few deep breaths away? You probably wouldn’t believe me at first, but after trying my breathing technique, it’d become a part of your bedtime routine. Trust me!

True story – I was in bed the other night playing on my iPhone (I know, I know…), when I happened to look at my alarm clock. It was closing in on 11 pm (waaaay past my bed time). I put my phone away, closed my eyes, and waited for deep sleep to hit. Annnnd…nothing. The worst part? Vishnu was passed out. And that’s when I started breathing deeply in the following way…

Breathe in deeply through your nose to a mental count of four (and by deeply I mean a belly breath).
Pause for a count of two.
Release the breath through your mouth to a mental count of four.
Pause for a count of two.
Repeat for as long as needed and eventually you will be sleeping like a baby!

I swear I was asleep in a matter of minutes. Works every time!

The next time your body is ready to sleep but your mind isn’t, give this technique a try. And be patient. Sleep will come, I promise!

Are you an instant sleeper or does it take you a while to fall asleep?