Is there a better way to kick the old habits and start fresh than with a challenge?!?!  Welcome to the first challenge of 2018!  Whoop!  Check out the details below!  Get excited to feel and look your best in 2018!

Who:  If you want to feel your best in 2018, this program is designed for you.  If you have any special limitations (pregnancy, postpartum, illness, injury- we can adapt!)
What:  The New Year, New You Challenge is just that.  It is a challenge to press restart in all aspects of health and begin working towards a new and improved healthier lifestyle.  Throughout the month, you will earn points for starting and maintaining healthy habits.  At the end of the month, the participant with the most points will win a HEALTHY GIFT BASKET with all kinds of goodies.  The program consists of:

• Start and end body measurement chart
• 5 workouts with written and video instruction each week.
• Healthy meal of the week recipe
• Weekly scorecard to track points for competition
• Access to private Facebook accountability group

Where:  These workouts can be done virtually anywhere.  All you need is a set of dumbbells.  You will be sent an e-mail each week with all the materials you need!
How:   Register using the link below!  Once you are in, you will be added to the FB group!  Materials will hit your inbox bright and early January 1st!  No better way to kick off 2018!!!  Bonus:  For each friend you get to join, you earn extra points!  Grab a buddy and start ahead!

Wow. #momlife is no joke. It’s the hardest, yet most amazing thing I have ever experienced! If you know me, I hate down time and love to work. If being a mom has taught me one thing, it’s that I am literally not in control of anything anymore. I am currently writing this one-handed on my phone, while my precious little sick baby is breaking a fever in my arms. I had to get a sub at work, which always gives me mega anxiety, and canceled my own eye doctor appointment. This guy comes first. This isn’t just today, this is the new everyday. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. This new lifestyle has definitely changed my workout regimen. I used to spend hours upon hours on fitness each week, and now I’m just glad to get my 30 minutes in each day. Here is what I will say, 30 minutes is plenty. Everyone can find 30 minutes (most days at least.....I know we all have bad days). Below is one of my favorites. It’s a huge calorie crusher and heart pumper. It was also one of the featured workouts on the hydeparkmoms.com blog during the Planks Before Giving Thanks plan!

Are 30 minute workouts that could be done anywhere something you want more of in your life? Keep following along or send me an 📧 [email protected]. I’m hoping to get this workout in once my little man is up and feeling better!

Until then, you can find me in this couch...snuggling this sweet, sweaty, stuffy-nosed nugget!

XoXo,
​NaturallyNati

Sometimes I TOTALLY miss college.  Sorority life, date parties, tailgates, Mad Mushroom cheese bread......ahhhh.  In all seriousness, sometimes I do.  I had the chance last Monday to get a taste of college life (walk across campus in the pouring rain included), and had the BEST time.  I worked with the coolest group of girls, and am still green with envy that this organization was not a "thing" when I was a student.  The CHAARG group at the University of Cincinnati is an organization of young women who focus on learning to love fitness and a healthy lifestyle.  They meet weekly as a group to workout together, take classes, and learn about health and wellness and are held accountable via weekly e-mails and social media.  Again...cue jealousy.  It is so cool.  The best part is that this isn't just a group unique to the University of Cincinnati.  There are chapters all across the nation.  

I was truly inspired by each and every girl involved!  I know it is not always easy to manage college life and healthy life...but they are managing to do it so well!  I heard from one of the ladies after the class....and we both decided...WE NEED MORE!  So....if you are interested, join us for a CHALLENGE (You all know I love a good challenge)!

30 workouts, 30 minutes, 30 days, 30 dollars.

• 30 workouts (no equipment needed)
• 3o minutes or less to complete each workout
• Private Facebook group with tips and tricks
• Nutrition guide
• Recipe ideas
• And More!

Interested?
e-mail [email protected] with the subject ucchaarg for details OR sign-up using the link below!

Hope to hear from you soon!

XoXo,
NaturallyNati

This job just keeps getting cooler and cooler!  This week I had two AMAZING opportunities to work with women from two totally different worlds, and it was awesome.  I think the best part about it is that everyone has the same end goal- to be the best and healthiest version of themselves.  There is nothing better than collaborating with empowering women- and I am lucky enough to have the chance! 

Stay tuned for more details!
#Hydeparkmoms
#CHAARG
#UCCHAARG

XoXo,
​NaturallyNati

 I'm not going to lie....this whole working full-time mom thing is busy.  Busy and I love it.  I am SO blessed to have such a supportive family that allows me to do my 900 jobs and be a dedicated mommy and wife.  But it is BUSY.  And pretty exhausting.  Like coffee at 10:10 PM exhausting.  Hence the fact that I have not posted anything since MATERNITY LEAVE.  That was LAST school year people!  It is ABOUT TIME!  And I promise, there is a lot of exciting stuff to catch you all up on!  First and foremost, we welcomed our AMAZING little boy into our family last April, and life has been nothing but crazy since.  He is the most perfect little specimen, and I could not be more grateful for each and every minute I get to spend with him.  I LOVED pregnancy.  Not all of it.  There were ups and downs of course.  I could have done without the downs.....but being a health educator at heart, I wanted to learn more.  I continued my education this fall and obtained education in pre and post natal fitness.  

So then of course, I had to put that knowledge to use. Right? I was fortunate enough to get a fabulous groups of moms from all different stages of motherhood- 6 weeks postpartum (rockstar....right?) to 6 years postpartum (still rockstar.....right?)-together and workout WITH OUR LITTLE NUGGETS! I can't even begin to tell you how inspiring it was! Seeing all of these fabulous women and children working towards the same goal together---my heart seriously was about to explode. Also so were my legs....holy squats and lunges (add an 18 pound sidekick and it really takes it up a notch). Luckily for me (and all of the moms in attendance) the infamous Kristin Weinberg from www.kristinweinbergphotography.com/ was there to document it all. Kristin is not only an awesome friend, an amazing Jazzercise instructor, but the BEST photographer who captures images using her unique photojournalistic style! Kristin took our newborn photos (a few of my faves seen below), and I could not get enough! She was so fun to work with and made the experience SO laid back and stress free (which speaks volumes...because we all know how intense family photos are!!)

Finally, I had to include the images from our mommy tabata workout at Swaim Park in Montgomery, Ohio.  I seriously CAN'T GET ENOUGH! 

Enjoy!  We hope you take advantage our of Super Sweet Deal!

XoXo, 
​NaturallyNati

Oh my gosh you guys....I could cry! I had no clue how cool this challenge was going to be! We have a group of amazing people from all different walks of life.....coming together and supporting each other on this journey of health. It has been so rewarding getting the chance to peek into each individual's life and see how they plan to accomplish goals. Literally, I am overwhelmed. I hope relationships continue to grow over the next few weeks as we all strive towards healthier and happier lifestyles!!

XoXo,
NaturallyNati

This icky weather makes it hard to believe that the pools open in a little over three weeks!  

I am super excited (well let's be honest...I am not that excited to give up all of my treats and beverages for the next three weeks) to get back on the healthy train! A couple of reminders:
*If I don't have your e-mail address, please either send me an e-mail to [email protected] or send me your e-mail via Facebook so I can send your materials out Saturday!
*Don't forget to invite your friends...if they sign up by Saturday, you get your extra points!
*A few clarifications about beverages and sleep:
-Alcohol and pop (or other sugary drinks) consumed outside of your day off or meal off count as a snack. Deduct 10 points per drink if you break a rule!
-Sleep: If you consistently have trouble sleeping, try to set a realistic goal for yourself to try and meet each night. If you meet that goal, give yourself the sleep points. For example, I am on my little nugget's sleep schedule right now, and I KNOW 7 hours is not realistic for us. But my goal will be to take at least ONE nap when he naps during the day (because I am terrible at resting), and that will be sufficient for my sleep points.

More to come soon!
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XoXo,
NaturallyNati

Baby Brady is officially 4 weeks old, which seems unbelievable!!!!  I am definitely out of shape and out of routine, but excited to get back at it!  While I am still a few weeks from being cleared to workout fully again, I'd love to invite you to play a little game to kick start summer....the Makeover Before Memorial Day Challenge!  The 3 week game/challenge is a lifestyle competition  based on eating choices, exercise and healthy habits. 

If you choose to play, I will send you a score sheet where you will earn daily points for completing specified tasks, such as getting 20 minutes of exercise, eating 5 small (healthy) meals, drinking enough water etc.  You will also be sent two workouts and a recipe per week. I have attached the official game rules below, so you can see what you are getting yourself into!  Finally, I will invite you to the challenge's closed Facebook group, so we can collaborate (and earn bonus points) by connecting there (don't worry, if you don't have Facebook  you can collaborate via e-mail)! 

We will start Monday, May 8th and finish the challenge Sunday, May 28th.  The winner will receive a Starbucks gift card AND a free in-home personal training session to be redeemed this summer!

So...if you want to play, please let me know by shooting me an e-mail to [email protected], and register using the link below.  The cost per player is $15.  That will include all of your workouts and materials you need to participate.  Feel free to invite anyone to join!  Since we are working virtually, ANYONE can play!    It is always great to have a little extra accountability...so inviting a buddy will definitely be a benefit to you....PLUS you earn bonus points for the game!

Game boards and materials will be delivered to your inbox on SATURDAY, so don't forget to register!!!

XoXo,
​NaturallyNati

Oh my gosh.  How has it been 3 months since I have been on here?!?!  Yikes!  That is what a crazy start to the school year will do to you!  Luckily, we have moved into second quarter....and I have a semi-grasp on my crazy life.  That being said, fall is in full effect.....and my obsession with everything fall has begun.  We have successfully eaten chili almost every night for the past 3 weeks, had overnight pumpkin oats each morning, and doused our house in pumpkin spice fragrances.  While of course I love everything pumpkin....I can't neglect my other favorite gourd......the spaghetti squash.  

First of all, they are just as cute as a pumpkin....so leaving them lay around the house until you are ready to cook makes for perfect fall decor.  You can dress them up however you like....but my newest obsession is buffalo bowl style.  

Part 1 Directions:
The hardest part of cooking these suckers is cutting them open. For this recipe, because you will use the shell as the bowl for the final product, I cut them straight down the middle.  Spray a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes.  At this point I gently scrape out and get rid of the seeds.  Once the squash has cooled, you will scoop out the insides....which will come out looking just like little noodles, and set them aside.  

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​Ingredients:

• 1 spaghetti squash
• 2/3 cup nonfat, plain greek yogurt
• 1 1/2 cup cooked quinoa OR cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheese + enough to sprinkle for topping
• 1/3-1 cup hot sauce (I use Frank's....and the amount will totally depend on how spicy you like your food)
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes

Part 2 Directions: 

1. In a large bowl, mix yogurt, quinoa or chicken, cheese, hot sauce and red pepper flakes with the shredded spaghetti squash (from part 1).
2. Fill the spaghetti squash shells with this mixture.
3. Sprinkle the tops of each "bowl" with shredded cheese.
4. Bake bowls at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes (until center of the mixture feels warm and cheese on top bubbles).
5. Enjoy!

**Bonus:  You eat right from the squash shell....so clean up is minimal!

Dinner pictured above:  Grilled chicken spinach salad topped with quinoa, avocado, tomato and goat cheese.  Grilled with lemon and olive oil.  YUM.

Hope this helps, or at least gets you excited for back-to-school supply shopping!

XoXo,
NaturallyNati
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