How I Completely Potty Trained (diaper free) my 2 year old

Potty training. Ah.  Just saying those words brings anxiety, stress, and terror, right?!?!?! If you are like me,  I admit that potty training was my most feared/dreaded task as a mother. I was so scared that Natalia was going to be 5 years old and still not trained. I was worried about the "right" way to potty train, and having her potty trained early enough.  I was so not looking forward to the huge job, and time consuming task. I researched and read books, articles, anything I could get my hands on about potty training. I was determined to have Natalia potty trained by the time she turned 2. I had many attempts at potty training, but it wasn't until a few weeks before Natalia turned 2 that she was ready. So many failed attempts, but through it all, I learned alot. And now my girl has been completely diaper free, completely potty trained for 4 months, at 26 months old.
The Process:

Before Natalia turned 1, around 10 months, I started putting Natalia on the potty, after her naps, after she ate, etc. I was thrilled when she started going pee! I couldn't believe it. But that lasted maybe 2 weeks, before I grew exhausted of having to put her on the potty constantly, and her still waking up with a wet or poppy diaper. I realized I was training myself more than Natalia, and that she was too young and didn't even understand the concept of going pee. So I let that go and waited until Natalia turned 1 1/2.  I had read a book on how to train your child in 3 days. The book suggested letting your kid run around naked, and put her on the potty every 15 minutes. And stay home for 3 solid days, and just focus on the potty. I did three days of this, and I was wiped. Natalia did well the first day, but then the second day hit and she would scream in outrage at having to be put on the potty. I realized that she just wasn't quite ready. I still continued to put her on the potty, but only when she showed interest. I always had her little potty out in whatever room we were in, and Natalia started to want to go on the potty a little bit.

This continued for a few more months, until a few weeks before her 2nd birthday. That's when I started noticing Natalia going to the potty and saying "pee", and she would go sometimes. She was really excited to go on the potty, and was asking to go. That's when I knew she was ready and I jumped on the opportunity. I then started letting Natalia run around with no bottoms, and I brought her potty everywhere with her, whatever room we were in, the potty was close by. And I would watch her face for when she had to go. As soon as I saw her looking like she had to go pee, or if I saw her starting to go pee, I would run her to the potty. I never got mad at her, just exclaimed, "pee goes in the potty!" and I would praise and praise her if she got pee in the potty, even if it was just a tiny amount. Natalia loved the praise. Two weeks of this and I couldn't believe how fast she had caught on! I would let her run around with no bottoms, and only put pullups on her if we were going out (I would always get her to go before we went anywhere), and a pullup for when she slept. We were pretty much housebound for a month, only going out if we had to. After a month straight, I was considering Natalia potty trained. And she had just turned 2! 

A few more weeks of this and then I realized she was waking up dry from her naps and also when we would go out. I realized she didn't need to wear pullups when we went out anymore or for her naps. I also just had to accept that she might have accidents, and that's okay.

By January, Natalia was completely pullup free. It kind of happened by fluke. Her dad had her over night and forgot to put a pullup on her for the night. She woke up dry. He told me this, and I was really surprised. So I thought, "well, I might as well see if she wakes up dry tonight too." And she hasn't had an accident since (and it's been 4 months), and she hasn't worn a pull up since.

What an amazing accomplishment/relief/excitement it is to have Natalia potty trained!! For her, and for me. Haha.

I wanted to share my story, to give any mom's out there hope that potty training is possible, and don't be too hard on your self. Here's a few tips and things I've learned through the whole process:

1. Each kid is different. Age 2 might work for some, while others might be ready later, or earlier. Don't stress about the age. Don't compare your kid to others. I know I did, and that just puts unnecessary stress on both of you. Only start when your kid is ready. Your kid will sense your stress.
2. Make it as fun as possible. Read books on the potty. Exclaim with excitement over her achievements!  Your kid will love the attention and feel so proud.
3. Once  you start, stay consistent, and don't quit. Yes, it's a LOT of work, but being consistent will pay off.
4. Commit to staying home, and not going out much, for the first month or two. Really let your kid get a hang of going on the potty before trying to always go out. I felt housebound for a good month, but it was so worth it.
5. Let your kid run around with no bottoms. It's soooo much easier than having to constantly change wet pants. Plus saves on the laundry. Have cleaning supplies, rags close by so you can wipe up any messes
6. Have a few potties. One on each level of the house is what I did. Also have a few potty rings for the big toilets. I had Natalia go on both. I found it easier at first for her to use the little potties, but now she only uses the big potty.
7. Once your kiddo gets a hang of running around naked, start putting underwear on them and letting them run around just in their undies. Then quickly pull them down when they have to go pee. Then they willl slowly be able to wear underwear and pants.
8. Purchase a travel potty. Keep it in your trunk! It is a life saver, and Natalia still uses it. If we are out and about, or driving somewhere far, if she has to go pee, I just pull over and she can go in the potty. 

Energy Bites

Warning * these are addicting! I treat these like a healthy dessert! Another tip I like to do is freeze them, and eat them frozen. I actually find they hold together better, and also take me longer to eat. Not everyone may like them that way, but I'm weird like that ;). It's  perfect afternoon pick me up if  I'm dieing for something sweet!

Energy Bites:

2 balls = 1 yellow and 1 blue on the 21 Day Fix. (64 calories each, if it makes 40).

Ingredients:

2 cups of quick oats

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

2/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

3/4 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, chocolate chips, and coconut.

2. Add the peanut butter, honey, vanilla, salt. Mix well until evenly combined.

3. Chill mixture in the refrigerator for an hour, then roll out balls about an inch in diameter.

4. Store in an airtight container

Slow Cooker Chinese Beef & Broccoli

Ahhh my mouth is watering just posting this. This is SO good! Another one of my favourites. I think I say that about every recipe on here...haha, but then again I only post the BEST of my recipes! I love that this tastes like takeout, but it's clean eating, and 21 Day fix Approved!

Chinese Beef & Broccoli (Slow-cooker)

*21 day fix portions per serving: 1 red, 1 green, 1 yellow, 1 tsp

Ingredients:

2 lb beef, thinly sliced (flank steak is ideal)

1 cup beef broth

½ cup soya sauce

1/3 cup maple syrup

2 cloves of garlic

1 tablespoon sesame oil

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1 bag of frozen broccoli (or 2 cups of fresh broccoli)

2 cups of brown rice

Directions:

1. Put the sliced beef in the bottom of the crock pot.  Mix together the broth, soy sauce, syrup, garlic, and sesame oil.  Pour over the beef.  Cook on low for 5-6 hours.
2. Remove ¼ cup of the sauce from the slow cooker and mix with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch.  Stir back into the crockpot.  Add the broccoli, stir again, and cook for another half an hour (on high).
3. In the mean time cook the rice.  Serve the beef and broccoli over rice. 

Brocoli Stuffed Chicken

This is one of my most favourite chicken recipes ever! The chicken is SOOOOOOOOO moist and the flavor of broccoli and cheese is so good. It actually tastes like the chicken is battered, but it's not! Definetly one of my GO to recipes for chicken, and it's SO easy to make!

Broccoli Stuffed Chicken

21 Day  Fix portions (per one chicken): 1 red container, 1 blue container and 1 green container

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts, very thin

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup chopped frozen broccoli

1 tsp Sea salt

1 tsp Pepper 

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tbsp olive oil

Toothpicks

Instructions

Preheat over to 350 degrees. If you're chicken breasts are not already thin, pound them with a mallet until thin. This makes the chicken easier to fold in half. Place them in a baking dish.

Coat chicken with sea salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika.

Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly on top of the chicken breasts. Save a little bit to add to the top after you fold them.

Sprinkle chopped broccoli evenly on top of the cheese. The smaller you chop your broccoli, the easier it stays on when you fold it.

Fold your chicken breasts in half and secure with 2-3 toothpicks each.

Brush the tops of the chicken breasts with olive oil.

Cover baking dish with tin foil and place in the over. Cook for about 30-40 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.

Remove tin foil and sprinkle chicken with the remaining cheese.

Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

 

Chicken Souvlaki Salad

This is one of my most favourite salads!! It’s such a great twist on the classic Greek Salad. The dressing seriously makes the salad. So creamy and yummy!!!! You definitely

should try it out!!!!!!

 

Chicken Souvlaki Salad:

 

21 Day Fix portions (per serving): 2 red, 2 green, 1 blue

 

Ingredients:

 

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp olive oil

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

5 boneless skinless chicken breasts

3 cups peeled cucumbers, cubed (about 2 large)

1/2 cup red onion, sliced vertically

3/4 cup Feta Cheese

2 peppers, sliced and cubed

3 ripe tomatoes, cored & cubed (1 inch pieces)

1 cup plain, low fat Greek Yogurt

1 tsp garlic powder

½ tsp dill

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

 

Instructions:

 

Place chicken in gallon size bag with the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, sea salt and pepper. Seal and mix. Place in fridge to marinate for a few hours. (not too long because the lemon juice will start breaking down the chicken!)

Peel the cucumbers, quarter and slice them. Place in a large bowl. Slice your onion and cube your tomatoes and peppers - place in the bowl with the cucumbers. Add Feta.

Cut up chicken into bite size pieces.  Grill or broil chicken, until cooked through.

In a small bowl, combine yogurt and remaining ingredients and mix for your sauce. Pour the sauce over the veggies and chicken, mix well and enjoy!

 

Philly Stuffed Peppers

I have always been fascinated seeing stuffed peppers, but never took the leap of faith to make them until recently! And boy am I ever glad I tried them! They are absolutely delicious!!! And all honesty, I don’t even miss the bread one bit!

 

Philly Stuffed Peppers

*21 Day Fix portions: 1 stuffed pepper half | 1 Green, 1 Red, 1 Blue, 1 tsp

Ingredients

1.    2 large green bell peppers

2.    2 T olive oil

3.    3 cloves garlic, minced

4.    4 oz mushrooms, sliced

5.    1/2 red bell pepper, diced

6.    1/4 tsp black pepper

7.    1/4 tsp sea salt

8.    1 medium yellow onion, chopped

9.    1lb flank steak or flat iron steak, thinly sliced

10.  1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

11.  4 slices Provolone or Swiss cheese (I used swiss!)

Instructions

1.    Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray an 8x8 baking dish with olive oil, set aside

2.    Bring a pot of water to a boil.

3.    Slice green peppers in half, remove seeds and ribs and place them int he boiling water for 3-5 minutes until they are tender. Remove peppers from the water (be careful!!) Place cut side down on a towel and let water drain.

4.    In a 12" skillet, heat olive oil on medium. Add garlic, onion, mushrooms, red bell pepper, sea salt & pepper. Saute 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent.

5.    Add steak slices and Worcestershire sauce and cook until meat is cooked to your liking

6.    Place green peppers open side up in your baking dish. Fill each pepper with half a slice of chesse, then meat mixture until they are overflowing. Top with the other half of the slice of cheese.

7.    Bake in oven for 10 minutes until cheese is golden brown. Serve hot!

8.    I topped mine with some leftover sauteed onions

Notes

1.    Cut the cheese slice in half and line the bottom of the pepper with half, fill with meat mixture and then top with the other half.

2.    If you are needing to get another starch, serve with some brown rice OR add some brown rice to your pepper!

 

Shakeology!

Shakeology!!!

So I am sure a lot of you have heard about Shakeology. You are probably wondering what in the world is this Shakeology?? Is it just another protein drink? What’s different about it? It’s too expensive! I will admit when I first heard of Shakeology, I was super skeptical and had all those questions.  Infact, when I heard the word protein drink, I wouldn’t have anything to do with it. I had tried protein drinks in the past and thought they were disgusting. I also was terrified that if I drank protein drinks, I would get bulky and manly. Haha, yes, that’s how afraid I was of it! But I kept hearing such amazing things about Shakeology, and how tasty they are, and how incredibly healthy!! I was having a hard time controlling my portions at lunch time, I wanted something simple, tasty, and easy to make for lunch, without eating too much. So I thought, why not try this Shakeology out?? I actually became a coach and ordered my Challenge pack which included my fitness program, and 30 days of Shakeology, without even having tried shakeolgoy yet! Crazy, I know!!! I was crossing my fingers that I would like it as much as I hoped to!!

Well, let me tell you, Shakeology went ABOVE and BEYOND my expectations! I can’t even get over how much I love Shakeolgoy! It tastes soooooooooooo good! I honestly am hooked. If I go a day without, I miss it!! I love how versatile Shakeolgoy is too. I never get sick of it because there’s so many different flavors to try, and so many different recipes!! MY favorite I will say is chocolate. I love chocolate, with unsweetened almond milk, and half a banana. Soooooooooooo goooooooooooood!

Aside from how tasty it is….the health benefits are OUT OF this world!!!!!! Shakeology has helped me:

Increase my energy

Curb my sweet tooth!

Lose weight

 Improve digestion

Combined with Shakeology, and 21dfx workouts, I have lost 9 pounds!! And my journey is still going. And not only is it helping me lose weight, but I FEEL so much better! I feel healthier and more energetic!!

Shakeology is made from globally harvested superfoods. It provides you with the supernutrients you need: phytonutrients, antioxidants, enzymes, pre- and probiotices, fiber, abaptogens, vitamins, and minerals. I am blown away by what ONE drink has!!!  Shakeology is equivalent to 6 salads in one meal!! Now that’s just pure amazing!

I could go on and on about this. Seriously amazing! If you have more questions for me, or want to order, contact me, or head over to my website: http://www.shakeology.com/en_CA/?sn=alannacooper