Category: Health & Fitness

The average woman will gain up to 35 lbs during pregnancy. Which is why its only natural that your post baby body will look different than your pre-baby body.

This doesn’t mean you can’t learn to love everything that comes with your new mommy body. Here are some of our best tips for being proud of your new physique. 

Give Your Post Baby Body Time

You’ve spent 9 (well, more like 10) months leasing your body out to it’s new “tenant” and now you’re ready to get your body back. However, it may surprise you to find that the day after delivering your baby, you still look at least 7 months pregnant.

First, give yourself some time. Even after giving birth it will still take your uterus weeks to return to its original size, and your body will gradually be releasing water during this time. Have patience

Throw Away the Scale

You may be anxious to get to your “pre-baby weight”, which is a great goal. However, the scale isn’t the greatest way to measure this goal. As we stated, in the beginning, you’ll be retaining lots of water that will be showing up on the scale as well.

Once you are clear to work out, muscle may also play a role in what looks like weight gain or stalled weight loss. To save your sanity, throw away the scale. Instead, take photos and measurements of your body every 1-2 weeks to better track your progress.

Show Your Body Some Gratitude

The best way to gain some new perspective on your post-baby body is by showing it some gratitude. Whether you went through a c-section or vaginal birth, your body has undergone a major feat.

In many countries, women still have a slim likelihood of surviving pregnancy let alone childbirth. Look at your little miracle and show your body some gratitude for getting you through one of the harshest known physical demands.

Ease Back into a Healthy Routine

Sometimes feeling like yourself again can be as simple as taking care of yourself. Once your doctor gives you the go-ahead, start off with a morning walk and ease into workouts.

If you are breastfeeding, it’s not recommended to cut your calories too dramatically as your baby still needs the nutrients. Instead, try to reduce the amount of processed food and your diet and stick to natural and organic choices instead.

Step Away from Social Media

Social media, gossip magazines, and celebrity news are the fastest ways to throw your self-esteem into the trash. It’s hard enough not to compare yourself to other women without being flooded with images of “snap back” moms.

While it’s lovely that a known supermodel was back on the runway weeks after childbirth, it’s important to remember these celebrities also have teams of nutritionist, trainers, and nannies to help them get back in shape in records time. Also, no two bodies are the same so try to avoid the comparison.

Get a Mommy Makeover

Sometimes additional factors, like diastasis recti, can make it virtually impossible to get your body back without some additional help. If you are having difficulty feeling good about your mom-bod, it may be time to turn to the professionals.

A mommy makeover includes plastic surgery methods that focus on the more problematic areas of the “mom bod” such as the breasts and extra stomach skin.

Adjusting to Mommy Life

Learning to love your post baby body is just one of the many ways to adjust and enjoy your new life as a mom. While juggling it all may seem like a handful, the sweet moments with your little one will make it all worthwhile.

For more on living your best mom life, we suggest checking out our blog on Finding Fearless Faith as a Mom. 

In 2018, there were a total of 4.19 billion retail prescriptions filled in the United States. Come 2024, experts forecast this’ll grow to a whopping 4.57 billion.

We (especially our wallets) all feel the impact of this growing need for and cost of prescription meds. Last year, U.S. consumers spent an estimated average of $472 billion buying these drugs.

That doesn’t even include the $$$ we spend on gas or commute to see our doctors to get a written prescription.

Lucky for you, there are now ways on how to get a prescription without a doctor.

You read that right! Today, you can skip the long queues at emergency departments or clinics to see a doctor. But still, secure that prescription.

Ready to learn how? Then let’s get right into it!

Through Telemedicine: Today’s Way of “Visiting the Doctor”

You may have heard of telemedicine as “telehealth” or “digital health”. This medical practice uses telecommunications technology to assess, diagnose, and treat patients. It was born from the need to give patients in remote areas quicker access to medical services.

Today, the global telemedicine technology market is worth $31.8 billion. Experts say this will grow almost 2.5 times to $77.2 billion in 2022.

And for many good reasons. First, it’s the most convenient way for patients to get professional medical help. They can have a doctor give them a “check-up” without them even leaving their homes! This is especially helpful for those with limited mobility or is in isolation.

A Quick Look at How Telemedicine Works

Say you have back pain, the reason behind the loss of 264 million work days every year. You’re in so much pain you can’t move a muscle and get out of bed. If you can’t even stand up, there’s no way you’ll be able to visit the doctor.

But you want to relieve your low back pain ASAP because it’s already meddling with your affairs. OTC pain relievers may not be that much help, so you need something stronger, like NSAIDs. The problem is, these are prescription medications.

Enter telemedicine, your virtual doctor’s visit.

The doctor, through a video call, will assess your condition. But first, they’ll check your family and medical history and ask for your vitals. From there, you should share all the details about your back pain, like when it started and your symptoms.

After evaluating you, the doctor can then determine if you need stronger medications. If so, then you get a prescription written online. The doctor can send this through various ways, from emailing it to you or sending it via the video platform.

Note that telemedicine doctors provide urgent care health services. Meaning, they can treat all common, but non-life-threatening conditions and injuries. If you need to, you can get a prescription online from these virtual doctor’s visits.

You can even set an appointment with an online dermatologist for your skin issues! That way, you won’t put your skin at even more risk by exposing it to pollution or the sun’s harmful rays.

If you think you have an emergency health condition, dial 911! Especially if you’re experiencing symptoms associated with heart attacks or strokes. Telemedicine is convenient, but it can only help with urgent and not emergency care.

How to Get a Prescription Without a Doctor: Online Pharmacies Can Help

There are many health problems we’d like to keep between ourselves and our doctors. Sexual dysfunction in women is one such problem many feel embarrassed to talk about. If you’re one of the 40% of U.S. women who suffer from SD, you likely don’t want to get your meds from your local pharmacy.

You can turn to legitimate online pharmacies in such cases. But they still need to see your prescription, which a U.S.-based and -licensed doctor should have issued. If you can’t give them a copy right away, then all you need is to leave your doctor’s contact info with them.

They’ll be the one to ring up your doctor to request for the copy of your prescription. Your doctor can then email or fax the prescription to the pharmacy. Once the pharmacy has it, they can start processing your order and have it delivered to your doorstep.

To save even more money, consider working with a reputable canadian pharmacy. The best Canadian e-pharmacies offer huge discounts, which can save you 50% to 80% on your drugs! They can issue up to 90-days’ worth of supply, so best to take advantage of that to pay only one shipping fee.

Prescription Refills Over the Phone

In the U.S., doctors can refill most prescriptions for drugs without having to see their patients. They can do this over the phone, which means you don’t have to go see your doctor in person!

There are some drugs that they can’t refill over a phone call though, so make sure yours aren’t one of them.

Electronic Prescriptions

Electronic prescriptions, such as those produced by computer, are also legal. You don’t have to go on an actual doctor’s visit, but the physician should hand sign the prescription. Or, they can affix an electronic signature on the document.

So, if you’re wondering how to get amoxicillin without seeing a doctor, this is one way to do it. You can also have your doctor fax it to your pharmacy of choice and then have the pharmacy ship it to you.

Ordering Prescription Drugs Now Made Simpler

Thanks to technology, you now have several ways on how to get a prescription without a doctor. You no longer have to spend an average of two hours in the ED in the hopes of getting a prescription. You also don’t have to force your sick and tired body to visit your doctor in person.

So, the next time you need a prescription but can’t see your doctor, follow our tips above! They’re the fastest (and safest) way to getting the medicines you need to get back on your feet.

Looking for more time- and money-tips to keep your health in check? Then check out this guide we have on making healthy, money-saving choices!

When you think about eating a healthy diet, your first thought is probably your thighs or stomach. Ironically, many people will ignore their own brains. 

Did you know the foods you eat have a profound impact on your neurological functions? It’s true! 

You may have heard parents and teachers talk about brain food, but you may have wondered what that meant.

Do you want to improve your mental clarity? Do you want to avoid neurodegenerative diseases later in life? Start thinking about the foods you eat every day.

Continue reading below to find out about the best foods for brain health. 

1. Nuts and Seeds 

You can eat your nuts and seeds raw or unroasted. In either form, they offer a source of vitamin E to add to your diet. 

Vitamin E is known to reduce your chances of neurological decline in the future. Some nuts, like walnuts and almonds, are expensive, so you may wish to choose different types of nuts or seeds. 

As an alternative, choose peanuts, natural peanut butter, or sunflower seeds. Your choices are nearly endless, and you can always look for the best deals. 

2. Oranges and Other Citrus Fruits 

A medium orange contains enough vitamin C to satisfy your daily needs. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, meaning it fights off free radicals. 

Free radicals in your body can destroy healthy cells, including brain cells. If you want to combat the process, you need a diet rich in antioxidants, like vitamin C. 

Other foods rich in vitamin C include tomatoes, kiwis, and strawberries. 

3. Eggs 

What better food to help start your day than an egg, right? Eggs contain several important compounds linked to improved brain health. These include vitamins B6 and B12, choline, and folate. 

As a bonus, eggs don’t cost very much compared to other kitchen staple items. You can save more on eggs when you buy from discount stores or in bulk. 

Just remember to store them properly. 

4. Green Tea 

As an alternative to coffee, you may choose to drink green tea. Green tea is high in a compound known as L-theanine, which increases the activity of a neurotransmitter GABA. 

L-theanine counteracts the stimulating effects of caffeine when you drink green tea. It also increases alpha waves in your brain, leading to relaxation and less fatigue. 

If you’re looking for a source of caffeine that makes you feel better, green tea is a great solution for neuronutrition, neurofatigue, and more.  

Foods for Brain Health and Thrifty Moms 

When you think about eating healthy foods, you may find yourself concerned with cost. Taking care of your health doesn’t have to put your financial health at risk. You just need to know where to look. 

You can find the above foods for brain health at reasonable prices in most grocery stores. From here, there’s so much more to learn about frugal living and finding the best deals. 

Do you want to learn more about finding great deals every day for the thrifty mom? Check out the cooking section of our blog. 

It’s a discouraging fact for moms to face: most women who have given birth never return to their pre-pregnancy weight.

It’s easy to understand how this happens when moms are simply too busy to squeeze a workout into their hectic schedule. Your child’s needs come first and you may find yourself too pooped towards the end of the day to exercise.

However, with a little planning, it’s possible for even the busiest moms to sneak in ways of getting fit after childbirth. Here are some tips on weight loss for moms.

Walk or Run With a Stroller

There’s a reason why jogging strollers are a popular baby shower registry gift. They give a chance for busy parents to burn some calories while also taking the baby for a walk or run.

Jogging strollers are built to glide easily over bumpy surfaces versus a traditional stroller. They also make the ride more comfortable for your baby.

Keep in mind that physicians advise against taking a baby out in a jogging stroller until they’re at least eight months old. Their neck is still getting strong enough to support their head when they’re younger.

Work Out While You Wait

The luxury of having a solid half hour or hour to yourself devoted to exercise goes out the window when you become a mom. Let go of the idea that all physical activity must be done in so many minutes to be effective.

Instead, take advantage of daily moments where you can squeeze in bursts of exercise. When the baby is secure in their highchair and you’re waiting for their food to heat up, do several jumping jacks in the kitchen. Or squeeze in some squats while you brush your teeth at the end of the day.

They may seem like small actions, but they still contribute towards cardio health and working your muscles. When your kids are older and in school, you may find you have time again for a full workout.

Work Out With the Kids

Once your kids have learned to walk and run, you can squeeze in exercise by chasing them around the yard and playing simple physical games with them.

If your kids are older, consider taking up a physical activity you can share with them such as martial arts. Many schools offer classes both parents and children to take together, helping you get the heart pumping while spending quality time with your kids.

Bike riding, hiking, and roller skating are also fun activities to try out with your kids once they’re old enough.

If you’re trying to maintain a fitness routine when the kids are younger, then you may want to consider hiring a babysitter. Moms shouldn’t feel ashamed to hire help around the house to free up more time for themselves.

Resist Finishing Your Kids’ Meals

One of the sneaky ways weight can creep up is when moms finish their kids’ meals, particularly if their children are picky eaters. While this helps save food waste, it, unfortunately, creates mindless eating and putting food in our mouths when we’re not even hungry.

It’s important to stick to full, healthy meals regardless of how much food children leave behind to lose weight.

Stock Up On Healthy Snacks

Resist grabbing chips, cupcakes, and other calorie bombs by storing plenty of healthy snacks in case you get hungry in between meals. Eating healthy food sets a positive example for your kids as well.

Choose protein and fiber packed snacks low in sugar as these will satisfy you and help you maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Roasted chickpeas, nuts, cheese, jerky, peanut butter, and unsweetened oatmeal are all great options.

Get Enough Sleep

We know this one is tough, especially for new moms. How can anyone get enough sleep when there’s a newborn in the home?

But studies show there’s a connection between weight gain and sleep deprivation. Not getting enough sleep increases a hormone that causes food cravings. We also get hungry when we don’t sleep enough because our body is looking for an energy source.

This creates an unhealthy cycle where we may resort to coffee and other caffeine-fueled drinks to keep awake. If it’s possible to take advantage of your child’s nap time to grab a few zzzz’s yourself, then do so.

If your toddler or young child refuses to settle down at bedtime, it may be necessary to create a nighttime routine and enforce rules with them so you can get to sleep as well.

Watch Your Sugar Intake

Cutting added sugar from your diet helps stabilize your blood sugar and energy levels, and it eliminates empty calories. Adding a teaspoon of the sweet stuff to your morning cup of Joe won’t do much harm, but pay attention to food labels. A lot of packaged and processed food including yogurt and ketchup can hide excess amounts of sugar.

This doesn’t mean you should eliminate desserts and other treats from your diet. You should, however, watch your portion sizes and how much sugar you’re consuming the rest of the day.

Swap soda and other sweetened beverages for water. Dehydration can make you feel hungry when what you really need is refreshment.

If drinking plain water is a turn-off, add sliced citrus fruit, cucumber, and mint to your water to create a mocktail. You can also get a water bottle with a built-in fruit infuser to give your water flavor.

Try Condensed Workouts

Not every workout routine is an hour long. Many fitness instructors have created 10, 15, and 20 minute long workouts for anyone pressed for time and space who still wants to get into shape. A search on YouTube will turn up several mini workouts that you can try.

Many online body transformation programs recognize that moms are pressed for time and stressed out. Here’s more information from a body transformation coach on how to lose weight after pregnancy.

Weight Loss For Moms Takes Time and Discipline

Above all, don’t get down on yourself if you can’t stick to these weight loss and exercise tips every day. Weight loss for moms takes time, patience, and discipline. Stick with it and over time you should see the pounds begin to drop away.

Here at Thrifty Momma Ramblings, we love helping moms make the most of their busy lives while saving money at the same time. Read our other health and fitness posts for more tips on maintaining a healthy weight.

Are you tired?

Statistics show that 1 in 5 employees are at risk of burnout. 

In today’s world, pushing yourself to get more and more done in a day has become a part of normal life.

Maybe you’ve been working extra hours or carting your kids around to all their games and dance classes. It’s exhausting trying to keep everyone happy and your home life in order.

If you’re not setting aside time for yourself, you’re missing out on a well-deserved spa day experience.

Think about it.

If you’re not setting aside pamper days, then eventually you’re going to burn out — if you haven’t already. Studies show that burn out is on the rise, and this can lead to all kinds of health problems. 

And if you’re not performing at your best, how will you be able to help the ones you love?

So take the time you need to rest and reset with a special day just for you. Or invite someone special too!

Here’s a list of the best ways to plan your absolutely unforgettable therapeutic spa day for yourself.

Where Will Your Spa Day Take You?

If you’re not financially in a place where you can take a vacation or even schedule a visit to your local spa, then you can still create one in the comfort of your own home.

Set aside time where you can focus on self-care.

You can set aside time to be alone, or plan the spa day with someone you love. To make it special, you can purchase soft robes and towels, light candles for ambiance, and purchase special bath salts or a luxury bath bomb to add to your evening.

If you’re ready to truly unplug, then maybe it’s time for a weekend getaway to a hotel and spa.

Spa Day Ideas and Tips

Whether you’re planning a spa day in your town or a getaway on a vacation, take advantage of coupons or buy one, get one free deals. These are common offers in the spa world.

If you’re taking the time and money to get away, then why not make it special? You’ll probably want to plan multiple spa activities throughout your day to get the complete experience.

These spa day activities could include a mani/pedi, facial, massage, body treatment, or even reflexology for your feet. 

Some spas will offer other beauty services such as waxing or lash extensions. 

Keep in mind, the order counts! It’s best to schedule your massage or anything that is relaxing towards the end of your spa day. This is because you prefer to rest afterward.

It is also recommended to have a facial after a massage, because of the oils typically used during the massage. Usually, the spa’s employees can offer recommendations for the perfect schedule.

This page can help you start the process.

Avoid Work and Social Media

To really make this day worthwhile, try to leave your phone on silent during your schedule. You don’t want outside stresses to ruin all the great relaxation you’re gaining.

Also, try not to schedule anything stressful too close after your spa day. You’ll want to ease back into your regular life after allowing yourself to unwind.

Plus, don’t forget to keep the pampering going strong with a healthy, light breakfast and maybe some chocolate and wine waiting for you in the hotel room. Or bring a book to read that you’ve been dying to catch up on!

Don’t Forget to Schedule More Pamper Days

Make it a routine to schedule spa days as often as you can! Sometimes we get so caught up in our daily routine, that we forget we need days off too.

Not just from work, but from the hustle and bustle of life.

So take that spa day and make it special! You deserve it.

Looking for more getaway opportunities? We’ve got the best options for your needs in one place. Plus new ways to pamper yourself in the new year.