As a fairly new parents, we learn something every day … here are 7 “lessons” we learned this week that can apply to everyone.

1. While finding your own shadow IS really interesting (and super cute to see) for an 8 month old.  She quickly realized you can’t touch it, hit it, or really ever catch it… the moral of the story? Don’t try to chase it – look towards what you want to achieve, but don’t look back. 
2. Millet, while a very healthy whole grain, is kind of bland tasting.  I’ve only ever known it for my pet parakeet when I was little.  But now I got to try some because we introduced it to Ella.  I had never tasted it … Ella was not a fan.   Although it's kind of bland, I'd try it again whole — Kara ground it up and then cooked it.  The moral of that story — try new foods, expand your horizons, and learn what else is out there!
3. Get enough sleep – while Ella takes 3 naps during the day and that might be a bit much, a little “cat nap” for a boost in energy during the day (or at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night) is a great idea.  Just look how happy Ella is immediately when she woke up from her nap today!  Imagine your boost in productivity if you rested for a bit versus having your minding wander because of fatigue and/or boredom.
4. Each meal should be full of colors – Ella’s current favorite is “mommy mashed” organic sweet potatoes (orange), peas (green), and apple (white) all mixed.  More colors than most people eat every day!
5. Single leg training is tough – most of the times Ella falls down when she’s holding on to something with 1 hand, reaching down, and balancing on one foot – as adults, we don’t do much single leg (or upper body) training either.  Add it in to your routine since most of us have imbalances.
6. Move as much as you can – sure, Ella is 8 months old, but when you put her in one place, she crawls across the room as fast as she can.  But then one day we grow up and sit most of the 24 hours in a day.  Move more.  Every single day.   
7. Finishing a meal with something sweet a great idea – but like many European countries (and Ella) that something sweet should be fruit.  Ella prefers mashed bananas.  As grown ups, I suggest whole fruit (unless you actually want to mash it).

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Posted March 6th, 2010 under Nutrition. Tags: nutrition and fat loss
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