I am not a big fan of peanut butter. I find it sticky and thick and very hard to swallow. It’s really only enjoyable to me encased within the chocolaty confines of a Reese’s cup. My family on the other hand, is a regular consumer. My daughter likes it with bread and jelly. The boys, who are a little less refined, eat it straight from the jar.

A few weeks ago, on the sage advice of my husband’s guru, Tim Ferriss, he brought home almond butter as an alternative to our trusty Creamy Jif. Before this switcheroo I had not given much thought to peanut butter in a health capacity because again, I’m not a fan. After comparing the nutritional value of both, our family’s switch to almond butter has become permanent.

At first glance the nutritional stats of peanut and almond butter may look the same. They both are rich in calories, have about the same grams of protein but what’s inside is very different. For example, almond butter has 25% more vitamin E than peanut butter, 3% more iron and 7% more calcium. It also contains more magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and antioxidants.

As for the fat, almond butter contains 50% more monounsaturated fats and 25% less saturated fats, which certainly makes it healthier. Additionally, almond butter is less toxic and allergenic than peanut butter. But the main reason the switch was made? Peanut butter is considered to be acidic while almond butter is alkaline. Alkaline foods speed up the metabolism, prevent diseases and increase the energy levels.

Now there are 3 of us standing in the kitchen licking spoons of creamy almond butter. Great.

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment

Last Monday I officially started the 3-month Baby Boot Camp MOLO challenge. Day One definitely brought on the first day of school jitters. I only knew the instructor and it seemed like everyone else knew each other. On top of that, it was weigh-in and measurement day. You see, I am a weekend indulger of fine food and cheap wine so I usually avoid the scale until Wednesday. Luckily, it was far removed from the gathering area and I’m pretty sure it was avoided all-together by most of the ladies.

It had been quite some time since I participated in a group exercise class much less group exercise with 30 babies. Because my kiddos are in preschool during class time I was the only mother there without a stroller. It was a bit awkward. But I immediately got over that feeling while watching a toddler have a full-on, need-to-leave-class Level 10 style tantrum. I did bring my 4 year old to the Saturday class which turned out to be a great bonding experience. I will write more on that in my next entry. For now, let me show you what the first month of the challenge entails.

MOLO Month 1 Goal: Increase strength and confidence in our bodies. Hey, that sounded easy enough until I actually had to do the following three exercises to FATIGUE. Ouch.

We start with the wonderful Jump Squat.

I did 26. I thought this was pretty awesome until another mom did 56.

The non-girlie Push-Up.

I did 12. humph.

The Plank.

I held for 45 seconds while the show-off next to me held for 3 minutes. I’m still trying to figure out how she cheated. I honestly thought I was stronger and more conditioned. Clearly, I have a ways to go. Keep tuning in to my progress. I will update in another couple weeks!

*A special thank you to Meghann Ayers Photography. She is a fellow MOLO mom and super-talented photographer who will be photo-documenting my progress. You think I’ll be able to score a fitness modeling contract once this is all over? Eh, probably not.*

Written by Lea Barlow • 5 Comments

January and February is like the fashion graveyard. All the old winter styles are hanging sadly on the racks and new spring styles are barely making an appearance. I have always found shopping in these months to be depressing and frustrating. One bright spot out there right now is the blouse. It is an ideal Spring transition piece. Very flowy and romantic. Here are a few different ways you can wear it…

The Classic Blouse

A slightly tailored white blouse tucked into a perfect pair of jeans is one of my all-time favorite looks. Unfortunately because my torso is 5 feet long, it is also a very difficult look for me to pull off. It takes a higher waisted jean and a very long blouse to make it work for me. But the majority of you are probably not as tall standing as you are sitting so go forth and make this look happen. Do it for those of us who can’t.

The Casual Blouse

This is a perfect everyday look for moms. An ensemble that is sheer, chic and simple to pull together. Pair it with a matching bandeau or cami and head your fabulous self on over to the parent coffee.

The Sexy Blouse

Now this is a look I can totally rock. Let the blouse hang loose over your skinny jeans. Don’t be scared of the slightly oversized fit. It’s sexy. To top the look off, pull your hair back into a ponytail to accentuate your neckline and wear some fierce peep-toe heels. If you have the urge to cinch, don’t use a belt. Instead, tuck into a high-waisted pencil skirt or work trouser.

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment

Name: Catherine McCord

Kids: Kenya, 4,  Chloe, 2

Occupation: Cook

Hometown: Louisville, KY

H&H Interview with Catherine:

1. What are your top 3 go-to recipes for your children?

I make different varieties of pesto weekly because it’s perfect on pasta, fish or chicken. Recipe #1.  We’re big fans of hummus too. Recipe #2. This is my go to breakfast several days a week when I know we’re going to have a busy morning without a lot of time to make breakfast. Recipe #3.

2. What are you currently reading (honestly)?

I read a different magazine every night.  Everything from Good to Parents, to Vogue. I love pop culture, so at night when I finally get to sit down and chill, it’s my guilty pleasure.

3. What do you enjoy doing when you get some highly coveted ‘me’ time?

Pilates or a long walk. I love stretching my body and having time to zone out.

4. What would we be surprised to find in your purse?

There’s not much in there. I get overwhelmed when it’s heavy and cluttered.

5. What is your favorite reality TV show?

Hands down the Bachelor.  I have an open night and finale party with my girlfriends, champagne, dinner, rose and all!

6. What is your cocktail of choice?

A glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc makes me very happy.

7. What is the funniest thing your kids have said or done lately?

Are you kidding me?!  The 2 of them are like their own comedy act.  My husband and I just look at each other all day long and say “did he really just do that” or “did she really just say that”?

8. What is your favorite quotation?

“I’ve been dieting for 2 weeks and the only thing I lost was 2 weeks” – Totie Fields

9. What are you currently working out to on your iPod?

I could listen to the Black Eyed Peas all day.

10. Who is your favorite celebrity mom and why?

I think Jennifer Garner is totally classy, low key and loves to cook with her kids (which of course I think is very cool).

11. What is something most people don’t know about you?

I’m the shortest person in my family (and I’m 5″11).

12. What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?

Being happy.  I try really hard to see the sunshine in every situation and not get bogged down with outside influence.  It’s not always easy but when I just stay in the moment it helps me to stay focused on what’s important in life.

See more fast, easy and nutritious recipes for your entire family at weelicious.com!

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment