Skip to main content

Breakfast Rice Cakes: A Fun & Protein-Packed Morning Treat

Does leftover rice go to your refrigerator to die?  I always have good intentions to use it up the next day and never do...until I found this recipe! If you're looking for a new, delicious way to use up leftover rice, these breakfast rice cakes are the perfect solution! Lightly sweet, crispy on the outside, and packed with flavor, they’ve become a staple in my house—especially because my 8-year-old loves them. You can mix in any fruit you have on hand or pile on your favorite toppings for an extra boost! Why You’ll Love These Breakfast Rice Cakes ✔ Uses Leftover Rice – A great way to get that leftover rice out of your fridge and transform yesterday’s grains into something delicious.  ✔ Kid-Approved – Slightly crunchy, naturally sweet, and customizable with fruit and fun toppings.  ✔ Protein-Packed – Thanks to the eggs and my homemade protein powder, these keep you full and fueled for the day.  ✔ Quick & Easy – A simple batter, a quick fry, and breakfast is served...

3 Beneficial Pregnancy Stretches

 


Pregnancy is an incredible journey that brings about numerous physical changes.  With these changes often come discomforts and challenges. Thankfully, incorporating gentle stretches into your daily routine can provide immense relief. 

Let's dive in and discover how a few strategic stretches can help you find comfort, relaxation, and a deeper connection with your changing body.

Stretch #1: Cat-Cow:  During pregnancy, the spine undergoes significant changes to accommodate your growing baby. The Cat-Cow Stretch is a gentle flowing movement that helps release low back tension, promotes flexibility and helps you increase mobility in your lumbo pelvic region which is also prone to take on extra strain and postural changes during pregnancy.  It can provide a gentle massage to the abdominal area, stimulating blood circulation and promoting digestion and can also help alleviate discomfort caused by gas and bloating.

As you move through the Cat-Cow Stretch, focus on syncing your breath with the movement. This mindful connection between breath and body can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

Stretch #2: Pigeon Pose:  As your pregnancy progresses, you may experience tightness and discomfort in the hips and glutes. Pigeon Pose gently stretches the hips and glute muscles, helping to release tension and improve flexibility in these areas. This can provide relief from hip pain and sciatic nerve discomfort often associated with pregnancy.  During pregnancy, you may find that you need to support this position with yoga blocks or pillows.  Pad it up as much as you need in order to be able to relax into it and receive the full benefits.


Child's Pose:  It's important to prioritize moments of rest and relaxation. Child's Pose offers a safe and comfortable position to unwind while it gently stretches the spine and provides a release of tension in the lower back. It can help alleviate discomfort caused by the added weight and pressure on the spine during pregnancy.

By bringing the forehead to the mat or a cushion, Child's Pose encourages a sense of surrender and relaxation. This pose can help reduce stress, calm the mind, and restore energy.


Incorporating these three gentle stretches, Cat-Cow Stretch, Pigeon Pose, and Child's Pose, into your daily routine during pregnancy can offer a multitude of benefits. 

From spinal flexibility and hip relief to relaxation and enhanced mind-body connection, these stretches can help you find comfort and embrace the changes happening within your body. Remember to listen to your body, modify as needed, and embrace the power of these stretches as they guide you towards a more comfortable and enjoyable pregnancy journey.

 

Have questions about stretches during pregnancy? Check out Transformation Nation On-Demand or book a no cost consultation with Coach Joanie HERE!


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

10 Terms Every Pregnant Fitness Enthusiast Should Know

As a fitness enthusiast, your commitment to staying active during pregnancy is probably non negotiable.  I know it was for me!  The problem is that there is a plethora of information out there which can cause a lot of confusion when it comes to the do's and don'ts of getting a safe and effective workout.   I'm here to help you clear up the questions and get back to moving your body with confidence.  Understanding a few key terms related to pregnancy and postpartum fitness will ensure that you are getting your brain and body exactly what it needs. So here you go: The 10 essential terms every pregnant fitness enthusiast should know , along with their significance in helping you achieve a healthy and balanced pregnancy and postpartum journey. 1. Corrective Exercise: Corrective exercises (CE) is the study of how your brain is sending signals to your muscles.  A customized CE plan is will packed with specialized movements that address your personal imbalances, w...

5 Ways to Physically Prepare Yourself for Pregnancy

If you've made the decision to embark on the journey of pregnancy, you probably have a million questions and concerns running through your head as you move into this phase of planning and trying. And as a busy, parent-to-be who values fitness and well-being, you may be wondering about how this is all going to affect and change you body.  I know for me, personally, it was the reason I got into this work. I spent 10 years in NYC as a professional modern dancer and the changes my body was going to go through during pregnancy was a big concern. That may sound vain, but my body was my business. I had spent my entire life training and strengthening it to be able to rehearse and perform. I wasn’t willing to risk injury or not being able to return to dancing in postpartum.  And here’s the most important thing I learned: PREVENTION IS KEY.   If you are thinking of becoming pregnant or already trying, now is the time to start taking some proactive steps to physically prepare y...

Pregnancy and Postpartum Life Hacks: Simplifying Nutrition, Movement, and Mental Health

Being a busy career professional and mom during pregnancy and postpartum can be overwhelming. We have been conditioned by society to think we “can have it all”.  I’m not here to burst your bubble but I often find that “having it all” means that our personal health and wellness tends to suffer.  To the world, we look like we are all put together but secretly suffering inside.  Juggling multiple responsibilities often leaves little time for self-care and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I don’t have a magic fix for you, but I do have a few #lifehacks that my clients and I have picked up along the way. To simply sum it up, it’s all about simplifying your daily routine and reducing stress (note the bold highlight on that one).  Let’s start with one of my favs… NUTRITION Nutrition Tip #1: Plan 5 meals I know what you are thinking, “Joanie, please don’t tell me I have to make a meal plan.”  I’m sorry to say it, but streamlining your grocery shopping and meal prep by ...