Blog
It’s about so much more than the number on the scale… here’s why
The Dreaded Scale That little thing we stand on that tells us how much weight we bear on the earth.. and is somehow (in many of our minds) tied to how well we're doing with health and fitness, or maybe even our self worth! Why has the scale turned into something that...
My top picks for a home workout setup on a budget
In Home Training I've been doing in home personal training for years, and I have worked with next to nothing but a small hallways to deliver a great workout for my clients. Over the years I built up a little toolkit of what I bring to a client's home, but carrying...
Movement for Mamas (and Mamas to be)
Training for (and recovering from) Childbirth Pregnancy and the postpartum period have very specific needs when it comes to movement. It's important that you are doing the right things to prepare for and recover from birth. Pregnancy is about 40 weeks of growing a...
Why All New Moms Should Be Lifting Heavy
Why all new moms should be lifting heavy… or at least working towards doing so. Throughout pregnancy, we are starting to shift our way of thinking when it comes to working out. If you think of traditional thinking, pregnant women were advised to rest and not to lift...
What Every New Mom Needs to Know About Abdominal Separation
Abdominal separation? Diastasis what? Pelvic Floor Physio? Over the years, I have done many talks for new mom groups, and one of the first questions I always ask is, who has abdominal separation? The second question I ask is, who knows what abdominal separation is?...
3 Exercises for Postpartum Fat Loss
As you'll know from my previous posts, there are many priorities for a new mom that take precedence over fat loss, like pelvic floor/deep core muscle recovery, nourishment and stress management. That being said, the changes that pregnancy and childbirth create in your...
How Having Muscle Helps You Lose Fat
Over the years, I have trained many women who are afraid of strength training because they fear getting "too big" or "bulky". Well ladies, have no fear! Women who achieve that big and bulky look are literally training for hours every day in a very specific way, taking...
Natural Remedies for Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression and the Gut postpartum depression is a condition that affects many women. Of course there is a spectrum and some women will only feel some mild issues, and others are quite severe. The good news is, there is a lot we can do to prevent it as well...
3 Exercises to Avoid After Giving Birth
So you just had a baby, and you're not loving the way your body looks (especially in the midsection). The doctor says you are cleared to exercise, but doesn't tell you any more detail than that. So you go online and google the best exercises to lose belly fat, and...
Coconut oil is healthy. It’s always been healthy.
Coconut oil is healthy. It's always been healthy. [bctt tweet="Coconut oil is healthy. It's always been healthy." username="stephsibbio"] As I'm sure you've seen, the American Heart Association (AHA) has made claims that contrary to popular belief, coconut oil...
Whole Grains Daily Linked to Longer Life?
In a recent article published by Live Science, Sara Miller claims that three or more servings of whole grains each day is linked to longer life, and substantially decreased risk of death from heart disease, cancer, and any cause in general. Although I do not...
Natural Remedies for Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression and the Gut postpartum depression is a condition that affects many women. Of course there is a spectrum and some women will only feel some mild issues, and others are quite severe. The good news is, there is a lot we can do to prevent it as well...
Prenatal Multivitamins: A Comprehensive Comparison
Before we get into the nitty gritty, it's important to know that you need more than just a prenatal multivitamin to support a healthy pregnancy. You can download your complete guide to prenatal supplements here. If you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant,...
Holiday Eating Tips
So I know what you're thinking... You think this post is going to be about how to avoid gluten, dairy and sugar throughout the holidays. It's not. If you know me, you'll know that I have struggled with digestive issues for a long time, which is what lead me to...
Why We Need Probiotics
I'm pretty sure most people know what probiotics are. They are the "good guys" when it comes to bacteria in your gut. But it goes far beyond that! Did you know that we are actually made up of more bacterial cells than the cells that make up our body tissues?...
How Sugar Makes You (and keeps you) Fat.
Sweet sweet sugar. As a child, our first taste of sugar is our introduction to addiction. Our mother's milk and/or formula is very sweet, containing large amounts of lactose. We become accustomed to a regular intake of sweetness from day 1. Sugar releases the same...
Adaptogens for Stress Management
Before understanding what adaptogens are, we first have to understand the stress response. But before we get to that, it is important to understand that stress doesn't only consist of the times when you are yelling, and stomping your feet. These are the most common...
5 Tips to Ditch Abdominal Bloating For Good!
Attention: Your belly may smaller than it appears to be! Do you feel like you put on a pound or two after a big meal? Maybe have to unzip your pants? Do you look in the mirror sometimes and think you look pregnant because of how bloated you are? If so.. I have...
Tahini Banana Ice Cream
Ice cream is something most of us can't live without, especially on those hot summer days. This homemade ice cream is not only healthy, but it's SO simple to make and only has 3 ingredients! Tahini (sesame seed paste) which is one of the best sources of bioavailable...
Pretty in Pink Postpartum Smoothie
Postpartum recovery consists of a ton of rest, light movement like walking, and most importantly, a diet that is rich in healing and anti-inflammatory foods. This smoothie is the perfect addition to your postpartum recovery repertoire. We have beet powder which is...
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Now that I'm in the final stretch of my pregnancy, I am craving comfort foods, and what is more comforting than a fresh loaf of banana bread out of the oven? Well, the only thing better is a gluten, dairy and refined sugar free banana bread fresh out of the oven!...
Healthy Energy Drink
Energy drinks can prove to be super useful to help you get through a workout without losing too many electrolytes from the body. Unfortunately most conventional energy drinks have artificial colours and flavours in them that are counteractive to supporting your body...
Chicken Fingers & Plum Sauce: A Match Made in Heaven
There's something so nostalgic for me about chicken fingers and plum sauce. I perfected the chicken fingers long ago, because it's a staple when there are kids around. I have 3 step-sons that have given my chicken fingers the stamp of approval, and they're a staple...
The Amazing Health Benefits of Moringa & How to Use It!
Moringa is something I always saw in health food stores in powder form. All I knew about it was that is was a green powder that was a good source of antioxidants, but had no idea where it came from or what else it was good for. Moringa has so many health benefits!...
Honey Almond Butter Cups
In my previous life, there was nothing more enjoyable than a sweet Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, but the thought of a butane based preservative (TBHQ) going into my body amongst other harmful ingredients... no thanks! I have this conversation a lot with clients. It's...
Banana Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
If you have been following me on Instagram, you'll know that I just finished a gruelling 10 day sugar detox. Naturally, after 10 days without sugar, I had to bake some healthy muffins! It was a risky experiment with lots of delicious whole food ingredients on the...
Homemade Nutella
Did somebody say nutella?!?! Okay so I have a confession. I grew up on nutella.. you did too, right? I used to sit at my desk in study mode during undergrad with my nutella in one hand and a spoon in the other.. seriously. When I started learning more about health...
On Childbirth: Separating Fear from Pain
After talking to hundreds of clients about birth, reading books like Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth and of course, going through my own homebirth, I've come to a realization. We are afraid of pain. No shit, right? Who wants to deal with pain? We should avoid it...
Why it’s Important To See Pelvic Floor Physio During Pregnancy
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy (PFPT) is becoming more mainstream, which is fantastic! Many women are seeking PFPT after having babies to help with their recovery and it can be so helpful in diagnosing and treating postpartum conditions such as...
My Home Birth Adventure
If you know me, you'll know that I did everything humanly possible to set my body up for a home birth from working with a prenatal support team to utilizing my knowledge in fitness and nutrition to prepare for the best outcome. My approach to this birth was that I...
Labour Prep 101
You made it to the final stretch! 37 weeks and beyond! As you come close to the end of pregnancy, you may find yourself eager to meet your little one, or maybe you're having a rough pregnancy and just want it to be over with. Perhaps you just don't want to find...
Maternity Clothing Must Haves
The Maternity Clothing Predicament Maternity clothing is tough to justify buying because you're only pregnant for so long. So how do we choose what we need and what we can do without, without breaking the bank? We want clothing that fits our body and feels...
Building Your Prenatal Support Team
As I write this, I’m 27 weeks pregnant and feeling very lucky to be feeling as great as I do at this point in my pregnancy. I’ve got a fair amount of energy, and aches and pains are minimal, with nothing chronically bothering me. My wonder is... how much does luck...
Movement for Mamas (and Mamas to be)
Training for (and recovering from) Childbirth Pregnancy and the postpartum period have very specific needs when it comes to movement. It's important that you are doing the right things to prepare for and recover from birth. Pregnancy is about 40 weeks of growing a...
What Pregnancy Has Taught Me So Far
As I write this, I'm 18 weeks pregnant and can't believe I'm almost halfway there. over the last 4 months, my body has changed a bit, my mood changes constantly, but what has changed the most is my ability to recognize what I need, when I need it, and advocate for...
6 Fertility Tips To Help You Conceive
Over the last couple months I have dove into all the information I could find on fertility and natural ways to improve chances of conception. I have always been proactive with my health, and I'm approaching fertility in much the same way. so here are my top 6...
The Truth About Sit-ups Post Baby
Are crunches and sit-ups safe post-baby? One of the most common questions I get from postpartum clients is, when is it okay to do sit-ups and crunches again post baby? The recommendations have evolved over the years. The dated recommendation: Crunches and sit-ups are...
Must Haves for New Mamas
It all starts when you have to create a registry and you realize... HOLY SH!T there are so many thingggggs!!! Of course you register for all of it, and then learn quickly that a lot of things are unnecessary. I didn't experience too much of that, because I work with...
The Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation
The Placenta The placenta is the magical organ that women create as we build a human in our bodies (no big deal). This organ attaches to our uterine wall, and then connects to the baby via the umbilical cord. The amniotic sac is attached to the placenta, and...
Movement for Mamas (and Mamas to be)
Training for (and recovering from) Childbirth Pregnancy and the postpartum period have very specific needs when it comes to movement. It's important that you are doing the right things to prepare for and recover from birth. Pregnancy is about 40 weeks of growing a...
Why All New Moms Should Be Lifting Heavy
Why all new moms should be lifting heavy… or at least working towards doing so. Throughout pregnancy, we are starting to shift our way of thinking when it comes to working out. If you think of traditional thinking, pregnant women were advised to rest and not to lift...
What Every New Mom Needs to Know About Abdominal Separation
Abdominal separation? Diastasis what? Pelvic Floor Physio? Over the years, I have done many talks for new mom groups, and one of the first questions I always ask is, who has abdominal separation? The second question I ask is, who knows what abdominal separation is?...
3 Exercises for Postpartum Fat Loss
As you'll know from my previous posts, there are many priorities for a new mom that take precedence over fat loss, like pelvic floor/deep core muscle recovery, nourishment and stress management. That being said, the changes that pregnancy and childbirth create in your...
How to Eliminate the Post-Baby Pooch
Pregnancy and childbirth take the ultimate toll on your body. Over the course of 10 months, you are growing a human and your body is adapting accordingly. Before we learn how to undo what pregnancy does to the body, it is important to understand how complex these...
Natural Remedies for Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression and the Gut postpartum depression is a condition that affects many women. Of course there is a spectrum and some women will only feel some mild issues, and others are quite severe. The good news is, there is a lot we can do to prevent it as well...
A Comprehensive Guide to Starting Solids
Starting solids Starting solids can be a fun experience for you and your baby. It can also be overwhelming and scary, but with the right steps, you can set your baby up for a lifetime of optimal health! You may have heard the phrase "food before one is just for fun."...
Healthy Chocolate Pudding for Kids
There are a few ways to make a really delicious and healthy chocolate pudding for kids. I work with a lot of new moms who struggle with finding ways to get good foods into their kids, because they are so picky! There are a few ways you can make this pudding. One way...
ADHD or Blood Sugar Imbalance?
I want to take a second to talk about BLOOD SUGAR and how important it is to balance, especially in children who suffer with issues regarding behaviour problems, ADD, ADHD and anxiety. I'm sure you have heard the word homeostasis. What it means is that your body...
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steph@glowingmama.com