The 413 Mom

Four Week Check-in "Always Eat After 7 PM"

 

This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed below are my own.

 

Simple tweaks that add up to lasting change. That’s my summary of the past four weeks throughout which I’ve been lucky enough to try out the diet plan outlined in “Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight” by Joel Marion.

 

The book offers lots of tips for how to rethink much of what we “know” about diets and weight loss. It’s important to read the whole book to see how it all comes together. But I’ve been able to use research shared in the book to make a few simple changes that have added up to better sleep, more energy, and less cravings. You can follow along with my journey in my previous blog posts here, here and here. Most importantly, I feel like I’ll be able to sustain these healthful changes for a long time to come.

 

One of the simplest change I’ve been able to implement is making better food choices later in the evening. No more cookies or ice cream before bed. I’ve learned the importance of eating healthy fats at the end of the day:

 

“In general, healthy fats can also help increase feelings of fullness and satisfaction because they regulate appetite through a number of mechanisms, including the release of appetite hormones. What’s more, combining fat with fiber has been shown to further increase the satiating potential of fat. The satiating power of fats is often one explanation offered to describe why some weight loss trials have shown that low-carbohydrate (and higher-fat) diets tend to lead to greater weight loss than low-fat diets.”

 

I’ve enjoyed a lot of the simple recipes included in the book. They’re simple to make and satisfying.

 

Always Eat After 7 pm is a three-phase program that teaches you how to lose big by strategically eating big when you are naturally hungriest—in the evening. It’s all about making strategic and smart food swaps, and you can still eat your favorite foods. I hope you’ll enjoy learning about it as much as I did.

 

Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight by Joel Marion is now available to purchase. Learn more about the book and how to purchase here.

If you'd like to see the rest of my Always Eat After 7 PM journey, you can find posts here:

 

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

 

This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed are my own.

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Not sleeping well? Learn how diet can help improve sleep...

This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed below are my own.

All the stress of the past few months has left my sleep lacking. I can’t remember the last time I had a restful night. So I was excited to learn how the Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight by Joel Marion plan can help me rehaul my rest.  

Last week I introduced you to the book – you can read all about that here . And while most people might be interested in this plan for specific weight-loss goals, I’m interested to see how I can improve my well being overall. I often wake up at night hungry. So I was interested to learn the following in the book:

 “A research paper published in Sports Medicine in 2014 showed that people who eat the majority of their carbs at dinner actually sleep better. Carb-induced, quality sleep decreases cortisol (a fat-storing hormone) and ramps up the production of your sleep hormones, serotonin and melatonin. Restorative sleep increases fat-burning hormones—the main one being growth hormone—overnight.”

I usually have a snack before bed, but I don’t always make a great choice. The Always Eat After 7 plan includes a lot of great recipes to help you feel full all night long, and even into the next morning.

There’s a lot more to be learned about our so-called late night rules for eating. And author Joel Marion has done the research to help us learn another way to eat at night.

We asked Marion how he came to realize that a lot of what we think we know about dieting should be questioned.

“After authoring six best-selling books it was glaringly obvious there were two huge misconceptions about dieting that needed to be exposed,” Marion said. “The first is that you can't eat late at night or before bed, which science now shows is NOT true. And second, you can't eat large portions that satisfy your natural instinct. This book solves both these problems by providing an evidence-based, enjoyable approach to dieting that can be used by any person to quickly achieve their weight loss goals.”

 And naturally, we’re left wondering: how is this diet different?

“Although many of the concepts are similar, the biggest difference is that you don't have to deprive yourself of your favorite foods,” he said. “You don't have to deal with the burden of eating every few hours. And you don't have to skip the carbs at dinnertime or avoid eating before bed. Always Eat After 7pm works because it caters to our bodies natural instincts.”

Sounds good to me!

Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight by Joel Marion is now available to purchase. Learn more about the book and how to purchase here.

This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed are my own.

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Gotta Visit: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art (Amherst)

If you haven't been to The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in a while, it's time to put it on your Gotta Visit list. This Amherst hot spot has become much more interactive in recent years and is one of the best museums around that is geared toward self-paced discovery for the littlest museum goers.  As the name suggests, this museum celebrates the artwork of famed children's author and illustrator Eric Carle and others like him. There are many hands-on activities for the kids that encourage them to explore the arts (including drawing).

Currently on exhibit through May 31, 2020 is the awesome Under the Sea with Eric Carle exhibit which features a story boat that you can take high seas adventures in, a "shellphone" where you can place important calls, and and under the sea puppet theater where you can act out your favorite stories and of course admire the captivating illustrations from Carle's books. 

Through April 5, 2020 you can enjoy The Pursuit of Everything: Maira Kalman's Books for Children -- an exhibition that allows you to try out different larger-than-life props from her illustrations, and encourages you to create your own sketches.  

My very favorite part of this museum is the art studio -- a beautiful, light-filled classroom where visitors are invited to create a guided art project. During one visit (a special Meet the Very Hungry Caterpillar Day) we were invited to create our own Very Hungry Caterpillar out of a cool array of recycled materials and also to create large, wearable butterfly wings out of craft paper. On our most recent visit we made letter collages out of a variety of materials -- we each picked our first initial and made lovely keepsakes. All ages are welcome in the art studio and support staff is on hand if you need inspiration or guidance for your project. But it's also important to note that nobody hovers -- it's a delightfully welcoming space where anyone can feel encouraged to create. 

The Eric Carle Museum also boasts a beautiful library full of the best picture books available. There are regular storytimes here, free choice worksheets, toys and puzzles for the little ones, and lots of comfy chairs and couches to curl up and enjoy the books. There is also a movie theater where family friendly films are shown. Bring a picnic -- there is a large cafeteria available to visitors, and lots of beautiful lawn space and a patio to enjoy a during the good weather. (If you don't want to pack your own, Atkins Market is right around the corner). The cafeteria also offers complimentary coffee. 

We love to visit the museum during the winter months as a remedy for cabin fever (that sun-filled art studio can warm up the dreariest day). But it is also a fabulous day trip in the warmer months -- there is a huge lawn space where the kids can run and play. The Carle hosts many unique programs throughout the year, some of which require an additional ticket purchase. You can find a calendar of their events here. 

The Carle does a great job of appealing to the whole family. As mentioned, all ages are welcome in the art studio; however, if one member of the family is too young or is just not interested in creating a project there is a corner filled with blocks, picture books and small games. Same with the library, there are plenty of quiet toys to play with if someone is not in the mood to read. Parents can feel safe bringing several children to the museum knowing that everyone can be happily occupied in the same room. Hovering is not required. Another advantage is that the Carle is quiet and relaxing. It is a very peaceful place, which is helpful for children with sensory sensitivities. 

If you love to watch your little one freely explore a safe space, The Carle is for you. If you love to let your teen rekindle their childhood through a creative art project, The Carle is for you. If you love kids' books, The Carle is for you -- afterall, their mission is "to inspire a love of art and reading through picture books."

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is located at 125 West Bay Road in Amherst. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday noon - 5 p.m. During July and August, the museum is open 7 days. Admission is $9/adult, $6/youth (ages 1-18). Admission for a family of four (two adults, two children) is capped at $22.50. 

Book Review: What's Cooking at 10 Garden Street #cookingwithkids

We're in love with the new children's cookbook "What's Cooking at 10 Garden Street" by Felicita Sala (Prestel). I'm actually not a huge cookbook fan personally (I never use the ones I have I usually just look up any recipe I need online) but this book is a wonderful combination of children's storybook and a diverse recipe collection.  It's already had a lot of use in this home on Cooper Street. 

The book contains 15 culturally diverse recipes that are easy for early-readers to make sense of. They're really delicious too! We tried the Banana & Blueberry Bread first and it's quickly become a family favorite. Faith and I have made a pact to try all of the recipes in the book this winter. I'm most excited to try the Guacamole recipe next and Turkey, Zucchini & Feta Meatballs as well. 

Although the recipes are winners, my favorite part of this book is the theme of community. We've read the story a few times now and each time we learn something new. The ending is the best. The illustrations are beautiful. This book has it all.

"What's Cookinig at 10 Garden Street" is available from Prestel. It retails for $14.95. With so many practical life lessons wrapped up in a beautiful package, this book would make a great holiday gift for kids of any age. Highly recommend! #childhoodunplugged #cookingwithkids #raisingreaders

Summer 2019 List 4: Summer Reading Programs #raisingreaders

Summer reading -- Moms love it, lots of kids hate it. It's a great way to battle summer brain drain. It's also a great way to pick a fight with your kids. Fortunately, there are many good and FREE summer reading programs that offer incentives to kids for reading during the non-school months. 

One of the absolute best places to encourage summer reading is your local library. I feel so fortunate to live in a a state where libraries are so well funded and the summer reading programs in the 413 are no exception. This year's program is titled "A Universe of Stories" and is geared toward kids in grades kindergarten through 12th grade; however, preschoolers and even babies are welcome to participate. Many libraries even have adult summer reading programs so we can get in on the fun.

Registered children receive a reading log where parents sign off confirming that the child has read a certain number of minutes per day. (Reading to your child also counts). Then the kids are eligible for certificates, small rewards, and prizes throughout the summer. The libraries also offer many enriching activities throughout the summer including animal visits, performances, crafts, scavenger hunts, game nights, story times, and more. 

• You can find a link to your local library here. Then contact the children's department for summer reading program registration. The program begins the last week of June and runs through early August. 
• Barnes and Noble stores' summer reading program has already begun. Children in grades 1-6 need to fill out this reading journal answering some questions about 8 books they've read. In August, they can redeem the journal for one FREE book from the summer reading list (they have some really great picks this year!). 

• Scholastic's online Read-a-Palooza Summer Reading Challenge has also begun. Although kids do not receive tangible prizes (the prizes are all digital), they can register and log their reading minutes to compete with other schools across the country and work collectively to help get books donated to kids in need. I really appreciate that this site has great reading list suggestions for all ages.  

• Chuck E Cheese's Reading Rewards Calendar may be completed at any time of the year. Read 10 books, get free 10 game tokens. (This link offers a bunch of CEC reward calendars for all kinds of habits you'd like to instill in the kiddos).

• TD Bank is offering a $10 deposit into a new or existing Young Savers Account for readers in grades K-5. Just fill out this reading log confirming 10 books were read. Through August 31. 

• I adore The Measured Mom's Summer Reading Challenge: Read in 100 Places checklist. You can print out and offer incentives with your own prizes. 

Good Luck with encouraging the summer reading. We'll see you at the library! 

*Photograph by Live, Laugh, Photograph Studios (Chicopee, MA) 

How do you encourage kiddos to avoid the summer slide?

Do you insist on summer enrichment? When Eden was younger, we'd always do a workbook over the summer to help avoid the summer slide. But now that she's headed into junior high I let her choose what she wanted to do. Loving these journals from Jess Volinski (known for the Notebook Doodles brand -- you'll recognize her work. Her illustrations can be found just about anywhere). She created the writing prompts and illustrations inside to help girls develop their self confidence through building their inner voice. I'm partial to the "Always be Yourself" journal as I tell her this mantra daily. What are your kiddos working on this summer?

P.S. Set a tent up in the yard to encourage some reflective time. It's like magic. 

Summer Bucket Lists 2018

Happy First Day of Summer!

I've compiled all 10 of our Summer To Do Lists on one easy to find page on The413Mom.com.

I hope you'll use it often to help plan the best summer ever with your family! Hope to see you at the playground/spray park/library/hiking trail/park/craft program. That's where we'll be. #bestsummerever 

413Mom of the Week: Local Author Natasha Lowe! (Enter to win her latest book here) #raisingreaders

I'm so excited to introduce you to our 413Mom of the Week: Natasha Lowe of Deerfield. Natasha is a local author and her latest book just hit the shelves: Lucy Castor Finds Her Sparkle.

Lucy Castor is a perfect read for middle grade girls  -- it has a wonderful message about being true to yourself. I think this book would be a great comfort to any girl struggling with the race to grow up (or without giving up too much of the plot...maybe any girl about to become a big sister). My favorite line from the book, "The nice thing is once you figure out all you've got to be is yourself, life is going to get a whole lot easier..."

I love, love, love to read local stories, and Lucy Castor does not disappoint. There are lots of local delights to recognize in Lucy's town of "Hawthorne" Massachusetts. Some other favorites: a strong magical theme, a realistic teenage heroine, a strong message to just be yourself, and a blue vomit bucket named "Mildred" (full disclaimer: I'm a little biased here. My family also has a blue vomit bucket that makes an appearance anytime someone has a stomach bug.)  

Read on to discover all of Lowe's suggestions for her favorite spots in #the413 and to find out how to win a copy of the book! 

Name: Natasha Lowe

Town: Deerfield

Occupation: Author of middle grade novels

Spouse: Jon Lowe

Kids’ Stats: Sebastian, 25, Oliver, 23, Ben, 19, and Juliette, 14.

Pets: A not very well behaved but totally adorable yellow lab called Penny!

Do you belong to any civic groups: I volunteer weekly at our local food pantry and help out with community meals. 

Hobbies: I love to bake. This is my number one way of de-stressing, and it usually involves making teatime treats from my childhood. Lemon cake, shortbread cookies, coffee and walnut layer cake are a few family favorites.  I also love to hike, read and knit, although I have to admit it has been a while since I actually completed a knitting project!

How long have you lived in the 413: A long time – about 27 years and I absolutely love it!! Couldn’t go back to city living after being in the Pioneer Valley.              

Favorite Park: Look Park  (Northampton)

Favorite Hiking Spot: That would have to be hiking up to “the Rock” in Deerfield.  It’s a spectacular viewing point on the Pocumtuck Ridge trail and I love being able to see our little village and the whole valley spread out below us.  

Favorite Museum: The Eric Carle Museum (Amherst). As well as the fabulous exhibits, they often have great speakers and book events. 

Favorite Library: Tilton Library (South Deerfield) – because it’s my local!

Favorite Swimming Hole: Definitely the Deerfield River.  I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a summer afternoon, jumping in up river and floating down. 

Favorite date night locale: Bistro Les Gras (Northampton). My husband and I adore this place. It has delicious food, a cozy atmosphere, and the best skinny frites outside of Paris! 

Favorite family restaurant: Oriental Flavor (Amherst).  There is something for everyone here, and the scallion pancakes are insanely delicious. 

Favorite family volunteer opportunity: The community meal which Green Fields Market sponsors on the fourth Wednesday of every month.  This is something all my children have participated in and it’s a great way to volunteer and give back to the community.

Favorite 413 town or city to visit: Northampton is our favorite town to wander around.  There are lots of fun shops and it’s where we always go to satisfy our ice-cream cravings. Nothing beats a Herrell’s hot fudge sundae!

Favorite New England beach: Crescent beach in Owls Head, Maine.   

Best place to save on groceries: Become a working member of Green Fields Market. If you volunteer eight hours a month you save 15 percent on groceries. 

Best place to save on kids’ clothes: If you have teenagers The Cancer Connection Thrift Shop in Northampton has fabulous clothes at amazingly low prices.  One of my daughter’s favorite sweaters came from here – and it was a bargain at 5 dollars!     

One tip to save on pet care:  Don’t leave socks lying around the house if you have a yellow lab. They are liable to eat them and will need expensive surgery like ours did!

One simple Green tip:  Reuse plastic containers with lids (yogurt, ricotta cheese, sour cream etc) to freeze extra portions of soups and stews in. 

Your favorite Mom treat: Taking a long hot bubble bath with a good book.

Favorite thing about being a Mom: Watching my kids find and follow their own passions. 

What is your go-to weeknight family meal that everyone will actually eat: Definitely lasagna! It has always been a family favorite. Everyone loves it.  I use my mum’s recipe and there is never any left.

What else would you like to share with readers of The413Mom: Reading with your kids is a great way to spend time with them, and help them nurture a love of good books. I will be having a book launch celebration at The World Eye Bookshop, 134 Main Street, Greenfield on Saturday February 24th from 1 - 3 pm with readings at 1 and 2 pm. There will be sparkle cakes in honor of Lucy and other home baked goodies

You can purchase Lowe's books at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target or independent bookstores anywhere. And...you can win a copy of Lucy Castor Finds her Sparkle right here! Just use the comments field below to share what your child is reading over this February vacation. One winner will be chosen at random from all entries received. Contest ends Sunday, February 25, 2018 at 6 p.m.

Follow Natasha Lowe at her website: natashalowe.com or on Facebook. #livelocal #readlocal #raisingreaders #the413

DIY holiday storage (elf on the bookshelf...literally)

Our holiday book collection is a a bit out of control (shocker) and every year I struggle with how to keep the books accessible and organized. Can't believe I didn't think of this until today so I'm sharing here in case this not-so-genius-solution-right-under-my-nose is helpful to someone else.

Gather together your out of control holiday collection (AKA that pile of Santa hats and reindeer antlers, holiday stuffed animals or those seasonal Little People or Plamobil sets). 

Find yourself a sturdy lidded box. Wrap the box in some lovely festive wrapping paper. 

Corral collection inside lovely wrapped box and voila: instant, festive storage! (Elf butt on top is optional). Now we can find our holiday faves whenever the mood strikes but they're not scattered all over the living room. And the book collection is ready to go back into storage when the holidays are over. Easy peasy! #raisingreaders #stayorganized #upcycle

 

Comics for Sneaky Learning! #nationalcomicbookday

Today on the Better Western Mass show, in honor of National Comic Book Day, we discussed the many benefits of sneaky learning provided by comic books. Comic books can be a great way to encourage a reluctant reader and provide creative inspiration to kids of all ages. Check out the segment here.  #raisingreaders #nationalcomicbookday