Home Blog

My Pregnancy Skincare Routine

0


When I first got pregnant, I really didn’t have a clue about what types of skincare products were safe to use. Who knew that having a baby would make me so much more passionate and aware of what I’m putting into my body and on my skin? Not trying to be preachy, just hear me out…

I’ve been a natural skincare junkie for a few years now, but the whole pregnancy thing was new to me and the topic of skincare products doesn’t typically come up at your prenatal appointments. Even if you know to ask about skincare products, there’s a good chance your doctor may not know all of the ingredients to avoid. The best doctors to ask about skincare are dermatologists, but as always, don’t be afraid to do your own research!

Even though I choose mostly natural and organic products, that doesn’t mean that they’re necessarily safe during pregnancy. So, I took to the internet to do my own research and make decisions that felt safe for both me and babe. Since I was basically clueless about pregnancy and skincare, I thought I’d share my findings in hopes that it may help you make informed decisions. Here we go!

P.S. Get my FULL list of products in my Beauty Shop Page

monique volz of ambitious kitchen putting pregnancy-safe skincare on her face in a mirror

What products are safe for your skin during pregnancy?

Your skin is one giant organ; everything it comes to contact with gets passed through your bloodstream and therefore down to your baby through the placenta. Babies are very sensitive and studies show that using some anti-aging skin products such as retinol and vitamin A during pregnancy can lead to birth defects, so it’s best to avoid these ingredients. But, the list doesn’t just stop there.

Since I’m not a doctor, I thought I’d share some articles that helped me make informed decisions regarding my skincare routine while pregnant. Remember to do your own research and talk to your doctor, too!

Skincare product ingredients to avoid during pregnancy

Below is a general list of skincare products you should try and avoid during pregnancy. That being said, we can’t all be perfect, but it’s good to pay attention to labels when purchasing soaps, shampoos, conditioners, laundry detergent, hairspray, dish soap, lotions, perfumes, and basically anything that comes into contact with your skin! These are ingredients that are so called no-nos during pregnancy:

  • Aluminum chloride hexahydrate
  • Beta hydroxy acids
  • Chemical sunscreens (instead use mineral sunscreens)
  • Diethanolamine (DEA)
  • Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
  • Formaldehyde
  • Hydroquinone
  • Formaldehyde
  • Benzoyl Peroxide
  • BPA
  • Parabens
  • Phthalates
  • Retinol products (also Vitamin A)
  • Thioglycolic acid
  • Toluene
  • Diazolidinyl Urea
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
  • Botulinum Toxin
  • Stearic Acid

The laundry detergent I use during pregnancy (and when I’m not pregnant)

Most laundry detergents out there contain unnecessary chemicals and synthetic fragrances that are not only harmful to your skin but also to the environment and the air we breathe. Branch Basics has an amazing article to reference that explains why it’s best to switch to a non-toxic laundry soap.

Years ago, I made the transition to non-toxic cleaning products in our home using the Branch Basics starter kit. I now exclusively use Branch Basics products, which are biodegradable, plant-based, non-toxic and yes — actually work! Basically you just mix water with their concentrate based on the bottles they send you in the starter kit. Everything in the kit is plant based, and all ingredients are rated an A or B by the EWG. I also use their laundry detergent and oxygen boost in laundry and LOVE it. It gets all my stains out including wine. Highly recommend. Use the code ‘AMBITIOUSKITCHEN’ for 15% off your first order!

Cleaning products that are safe to use during pregnancy

As mentioned above, I now use all Branch Basics products for cleaning my home, and they’re pregnancy safe. Previously I was using products like Seventh Generation, but found that it didn’t have EWG high rated ingredients. Bummer, but I feel SO much better about using Branch Basics! I’m a super fan, really. I have the starter kit and love it. Use the code ‘AMBITIOUSKITCHEN’ for 15% off your first order!

“Branch Basics is a unique, proprietary blend of plant-derived ingredients that are all natural, fragrance free, non-combustible, non-hazardous, non-fuming, non-toxic, and biodegradable. The ingredients are purified water, coconut oil, fatty acids, minerals and enzymes from edible and seed-bearing plants, sodium bicarbonate.” – the Branch Basics website.

See how I use Branch Basics in my home:

Perfumes and fragrances during pregnancy

In general, I just tried to avoid using perfume and synthetic fragrances during my pregnancy as much as possible. This is just a personal choice, but I felt like it wasn’t necessary for me to wear.

Is it okay to dye your hair while pregnant?

During the first trimester, it’s best to avoid. You also want to make sure you aren’t bleaching your hair at any point during your pregnancy. I went back to doing biolage and made sure that none of the dyes ever touched my roots (which is why my hair is a lot more dark!). Check out this article for more helpful info on dyeing your hair during pregnancy.

Is it safe to get a spray tan while pregnant?

Unless you are sure about the ingredients in your spray tan formula, then it’s best to avoid. Even the self-tanners at home have a lot of unknown chemicals.

Pregnancy safe deodorant

I get a lot of questions about this one on Instagram. I made the switch to more natural deodorants and LOVE them. They’re safe and actually work. Since some conventional deodorants contain aluminum, parabens, and phthalates, you may want to consider the switch, too!

monique volz of ambitious kitchen putting on pregnancy-safe skincaremonique volz of ambitious kitchen putting on pregnancy-safe skincare

Skincare products to use to avoid stretch marks

Surprisingly and lucky me, I haven’t had an issue with stretch marks during pregnancy — that I can see, anyway! Obviously keeping your skin hydrated is essential; not only does that mean drinking plenty of water, but also eating nourishing and hydrating fruits and veggies, and of course, a cream or oil won’t hurt. I highly recommend these products:

My skincare motto during pregnancy

Less is more! You don’t need to spend a ton of money on products to make your skincare routine effective. I’m a skincare junkie so I love buying and testing new products (so I can share them with you!) but frankly keeping it simple is perfectly fine and probably best for a nice, clear complexion that glows.

For your face, I recommend using the following: good facial cleanser, vitamin C serum, a moisturizing cream and a facial oil.

collage of pregnancy-safe skincare productscollage of pregnancy-safe skincare products

My pregnancy skincare routine + product suggestions

Again, while I use all of the products mentioned in this post, it doesn’t mean you need or should go out and buy ALL of them.

  1. Elemis Rose Cleansing Balm
  2. Biossance Vitamin C Oil
  3. Trilogy Night Cream
  4. Youth to the People Face Wash
  5. Osea Body Oil
  6. Osea Body Lotion
  7. Dr. Teal’s Unscented Epsom Salt Soak
  8. Babo Botanicals Body Wash / Bubble Bath
  9. Innersense Natural Shampoo
  10. Innersense Natural Conditioner
  11. Osea Body Butter
  12. Biossance Omega Face Cream
  13. Biossance Firm + Lift Serum
  14. Biossance Eye Cream
  15. Volition Chocolate Macadamia Hydrating Mask
  16. Andalou Pumpkin Honey Mask
  17. Trilogy Vitamin C Microdermabrasion

Are there any pregnancy safe skincare products that you love?!

I hope you found this pregnancy skincare post helpful. Feel free to share it with mamas to be and leave a comment below with your favorites! xo.

Shop my pregnancy favorites & recommendations

Head over to my Beauty Shop Page to see all my other favorite products. 

P.S. Don’t forget to check out our Ambitious Mama category which houses everything pregnancy and baby related including: baby registry, pregnancy books I’m reading and my first trimester, second trimester and third trimester posts (from baby #1) and first trimester and second trimester posts with baby #2. I didn’t do any posts with baby 3 because well… I was tired 🙂

Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor before trying new products.

Weight loss diet chart l वजन कम करने का diet plan l Weight loss

5



#weightloss
#weightlossdietplan
#weightlossdietathome
#dietplan

source

Weekly Meal Plan 10.5.25 – WellPlated.com

0


By utilizing a weekly meal plan, you can ensure you and your family are maintaining healthy eating habits, exploring new recipes, and ultimately — saving time (and money!) in the grocery store and kitchen each week.

Did You Know?

Already registered? Log in

YouTube video

Once you save the collection below, click here to access your saved collections!

Weekly Meal Plan

Grocery Costs

  • Buffalo Chicken Chili: $17.25—$4.30 per serving
  • Stuffed Pepper Casserole: $18.15—$3 per serving
  • Air Fryer Steak with Creamed Spinach: $25.45—$12.75 per serving
  • Shrimp Fajitas: $19.85—$4.95 per serving
  • Ground Beef Pasta: $16.65—$4.15 per serving
  • Healthy Pumpkin Muffins: $6.40—$.55 per serving

Please note the grocery costs are only an estimate based on the recipe’s serving size and on ingredient prices of a local grocery store. The generated shopping list above includes items like spices and other pantry staples you most likely have on hand, so we have left them out of the grocery estimate. To keep costs down and streamline groceries, refer to any Meal Plan Suggestions listed in blue above.


All Tutorials

How to Save Recipes | How to Create a Meal Plan | How to Use Shopping Lists | How to Customize Pre-Made Meal Plans

An Easier Way to Save

With our FREE service, you can save recipes, swap out recipes, and customize your meal plan! Register here and get started today, or log in to see your saved recipes. ENJOY!

Weekly Meal Plan Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Sign Up to Receive Weekly Meal Plans?

Click here to sign up to receive our Weekly Meal Plans straight to your inbox each Sunday. You’ll need to create an account to save them to your recipe box.

I Have a Big Family – Can I Adjust How Many People I am Planning For?

Yes! Our Weekly Meal Plans are created with a family of 4 in mind. To adjust this to fit the needs of your family, simply press the “+” or “-” symbols underneath each dish to adjust the servings amounts. Doing this will also automatically update your shopping list. You can also adjust serving amounts in the shopping list. For help with this, click here for tutorials. Still stuck? Reach out to us at hello@wellplated.com.

How Do I Access My Previously-Saved Recipes?

Access your recipes here, or navigate to My Recipes in the site menu bar.

Why Should I Meal Plan?

Do you ever catch yourself asking “what should we have for dinner?” multiple times a week? By utilizing our Healthy Meal Plans – ask no more! Meal planning for yourself and a family can be a burdensome task, so let us help! When you follow a weekly meal plan, you can streamline your groceries, use up leftovers in a timely manner, maintain healthy (but delicious!) eating habits, and save time and money each week.

Join today and start saving your favorite recipes

Create an account to easily save your favorite recipes and access FREE meal plans.

Sign Me Up

Should You Gain Weight Fast? | #shorts 204

41



Should You Gain Weight Fast? | #shorts 204 | right approach for weight gain | gain weight the right way | #short #reels #health #nutrition #food #fit #fitness #musclegain #fatloss #weightgain #weightloss #healthmyths #fitnessbasics #healthbasics #nutritionbasics #musclegrowth #gainweight

Sound credits –
Bloodpixelhero user on freesound.org

General Disclaimer
The information provided on this channel and its videos is for general informational purposes only and based largely on our personal experience and research and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. The use or reliance of any information contained on this channel is solely at your own risk.

All information is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information in this video. Any increase or decrease in sales of certain products we talk about in this video is purely coincidental.

source

Overweight when planning pregnancy – Can you get pregnant

4



When planning pregnancy, the height and the weight of both the mother and father is equally important. Back in those days, only women come to fertility treatments but now even men accompany their wives and come to treatment together which is something I appreciate.

#obesity #shorts #drdeepthijammi

● Dr. Deepthi Jammi is the Director of “Jammi Scans” (Formerly Chennai Women’s Clinic & Scan Center) located in T. Nagar, Chennai.
● She is a Gynaecologist and an expert at performing pregnancy scans.
● She has a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Fetal Medicine. Over a period of 12 years,
she has performed over 100,000 pregnancy ultrasound scans.
● Her core skill set is to help women conceive, have a safe pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby (in collaboration with OB/GYNs).
● At Jammi Scans, we have the facility to perform various scans like Early pregnancy scan, NT scan to detect Down syndrome, Anomaly scans to detect any abnormalities in fetal development.
● Dr.Deepthi has successfully managed many mothers requiring advanced interventional procedures such as Amniocentesis, Fetal Reduction, NIPT, Intrauterine Blood Transfusion (IUT) and Chorionic Villus Sampling.

To know more details about Jammi Scans
English Website – https://www.jammiscans.com/
Tamil Website – https://www.jammiscans.in/

Address
“Jammi Scans” (Formerly Chennai Women’s Clinic & Scan Center)
16, Vaidhyaraman Street, Parthasarathy Puram, T.Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017
Opposite BJP Office, First Right Opposite Hindi Prachar Sabha.

Phone: 7338771733 / 7904513421 / 044-43594620

Mail: management@jammiscans.com

DISCLAIMER

All the information provided by Jammi Scans (Formerly Chennai Women’s Clinic and Scan Center) and/or Dr.Deepthi Jammi (henceforth called the CREATORS) through its video, blog series is strictly for informational purposes only, and all content, including text, graphics, video, images, and information, contained on or available through its digital platforms are only general information about gynecology, obstetric ultrasound scan services, practices, and standards, and the same is intended for information purposes only.

Any video, audio, or text content is not intended or implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided by the CREATORS should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers on any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of some information/inference you may have gathered from any video, audio, or text content published by the CREATORS.

The medical information, on any platform (digital or print), published by the CREATORS is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied. The CREATORS shall not be responsible or liable for the use of any advice or information that you may obtain through this website as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

source

How to Brew a Balanced Plate 🧙‍♀️

0


Halloween is just around the corner, and while I won’t be handing out any spell books, I will share a little witchcraft for building meals that actually work in real life. 🪄

One of my clients was struggling recently. Between long workdays and late nights caring for her sick pup, she didn’t have the time or brainpower to cook elaborate meals. She wanted something simple:

✅ Quick to put together

✅ Made with ingredients she already had on hand

✅ Actually filling and nutritious

We pulled out the Nerd Fitness Balanced Plate guide, which is a great framework, but when you’re brand new, it can still feel like staring into a bubbling cauldron wondering what do I add next?

So let’s break it down like a proper witch’s brew…err, meal. 🧹

Step 1: Protein (the potion’s core)

Start with your anchor: chicken, lentils, eggs, Greek yogurt, beans, etc.

We start with protein because:

A) most people we work with are on the low-end of protein requirements,

B) it’s filling and helps with recovery/muscle-building 💪 .

Step 2: Fruits & Veggies (the color + texture)

Next, it’s time to add fruits and veggies to the brew.

Generally, I try to pair this with whatever protein I picked in step one, but use whatever you have available.

Hamburger? Add pickles, lettuce, tomato, fruit on the side, etc.

Fajita chicken? Pile on salsa, lettuce, peppers, onions, etc.

Lentils & beans? Roast a tray of veggies to go alongside.

And this doesn’t have to be fresh, either!

Frozen and canned fruits and veggies are great options, especially in a pinch when you are throwing a meal together!

We always have a few cans of green beans, frozen veggie mixes, and frozen fruit (wild blueberries are our favorite) on hand at our home.

Step 3: Starchy Carbs (the structure of the spell)

The potion really starts to come together when we add in the starchy carbs!

Pasta, rice, potatoes, bread, tortillas, etc.

A portion-size about ¼ to ⅓ of a dinner plate is the sweet spot for most people.

Note: I consider myself a connoisseur of microwave baked potatoes. 😂 My wife can hand me a potato and just by the feel of it, I can tell her how long to microwave it for.

8-minutes is the general starting point for a medium-large potato.

If it’s smaller, start with 6 ½ to 7 minutes, and for GIANT ones, you may need to go all the way up to 10 minutes!

I’m available to rent for parties where lots of microwave potatoes are to be had! 😜

Step 4: Fats & Flavor (the finishing spark)

And finally, the finishing touches: sauce, cheese, avocado, dressing, oil, nuts or seeds, etc.

This is the dollop that ties it together. That’s usually 1-2 Tablespoons of oil/butter, a small palmful of nuts or seeds, or about ½-1 full avocado, etc.

Note: You can find conversion charts for portion sizes of common ingredients HERE.

— Want to try this? Next time you eat one of your go-to meals, pause and run it through the potion steps:

And because I know real life is messy (kids, work, exhaustion, you name it), here are a few go-to “potions” from my own family when time and energy are at zero:

  • Rotisserie chicken + baked potato (microwave ~8 min, trust me) + green beans or steamable broccoli with butter on top.
  • Eggs + fresh berries + sautéed frozen spinach + toast + sprinkle of cheese.
  • Ground beef or turkey tacos + bagged salad mix + tortillas + salsa + shredded cheese.
  • Whole wheat pasta + jarred marinara + frozen meatballs + side of roasted veggies.
  • Pre-cooked grilled chicken strips + bagged salad kit + slice of sourdough + olive oil drizzle.

No magic required. Just a simple formula you can cast again and again.

You’ve got this!

-Matt

P.S. I’ve started collecting photos of meals that fit the “balanced plate” concept. Send me yours and I’ll put them all together in a package for everyone to share. 💪

P.P.S. The video link in last week’s email was broken 😱 . Here’s a fixed one.

The Latest Side Dish Comin' in Hot (and Cheesy)

0


Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Delicate slices of golden potatoes are layered with gooey cheddar cheese, creamy sauce, cubed ham, and sautéed garlic and onion in this Scalloped Potatoes and Ham casserole.

the best creamy scalloped potatoes and ham

Cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham are a classic combination!

cookbook author erin clarke of well plated

Scalloped potatoes and ham are two holiday favorites. So why not put them together in ONE fantastic casserole?!

  • Whether it’s Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, Scalloped Potatoes with Goat Cheese, or Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes, scalloped potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser!
  • Many scalloped potato recipes have you make a separate béchamel sauce, but that’s somewhat of a pain. To keep it quick and easy, I toss thinly-sliced potatoes in flour, then layer with cheese and a broth-milk-garlic-onion sauce. The white sauce melds and thickens while it cooks in the oven.
  • Have leftover holiday ham? This recipe is also a great way to put it to use in a brand new way for a delicious weeknight dinner!

5 Star Review

“These are awesome!! My neighbors absolutely LOVE them and so do I.”

— Debbie —

a dish of quick and easy scalloped potatoes and ham

Key Ingredients

You’ll find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below, but here are some notes to keep in mind.

  • Potato. I recommend Yukon gold potatoes over russet for scalloped potatoes, as they have a naturally buttery flavor, making the dish more rich. You can swap russets if you prefer.
  • Ham. Use diced, cooked ham. This recipe is perfect for using leftover Crockpot Ham, Baked Ham, or you can pick up precooked, thick-cut ham from the deli counter.
  • Cheese. Sharp cheddar cheese is the classic choice to layer with scalloped potatoes, but other melty cheeses such as gruyere would be divine. Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on the top for a final cheesy, salty finish.
  • Milk. This recipe uses milk instead of heavy cream, but still leaves the scalloped potatoes plenty creamy.
  • Broth. Using broth for part of the sauce, rather than cream or more milk, balances the richness of the ham and cheddar cheese.
  • Onion. Mix in the milk and broth sauce to layer in flavor.
  • Garlic. An essential ingredient when there are potatoes involved (like these Garlic Mashed Potatoes).
  • Fresh Herbs. Fresh chives, thyme, or parsley make a pretty final garnish.

Dietary Note

To make these scalloped potatoes gluten free, you would need to substitute the all-purpose flour 1:1 for gluten-free flour. Flour is needed to thicken the sauce.

How to Make Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Soften the Aromatics. Cook onion and garlic in butter. Turn off the heat and stir in the milk, broth, salt and pepper.

Slice the Potatoes. Use a mandoline to make it EASY. Toss the peeled and sliced potatoes in flour.

Assemble. Spread one-third of the potatoes in a casserole dish. Layer milk-broth mixture, followed by ham, and cheddar cheese. Repeat and end with cheddar.

Bake. Bake scalloped potatoes and ham, covered, at 375 degrees F for 35 minutes, then uncover and bake 25 minutes more. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and then broil until golden and bubbly. Let stand. ENJOY!

creamy ham and scalloped potaoes recipe on a plate

What to Serve with Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

  • Soup. Asparagus Soup for spring and Spicy Butternut Squash Soup for fall.
  • Salad. 7 Layer Salad is beautiful, Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing is always fresh, and Arugula Salad is my go-to staple.
  • Additional Casseroles. Because you can’t have too much cheese during the holidays (or ever), make some Corn Casserole or Cauliflower Casserole.

Leftover Ideas

Turn leftover scalloped potatoes and ham into breakfast! Serve a fried egg on the side or right on top.

the best creamy scalloped potatoes and ham

Print
Add to Collection Go to Collections

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * fill: #343434; #wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33); #wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50); #wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66); linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33 stop stop-color: #343434; linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50 stop stop-color: #343434; linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66 stop stop-color: #343434; #wprm-recipe-user-rating-0.wprm-user-rating-allowed.wprm-user-rating-not-voted:not(.wprm-user-rating-voting) svg * fill-opacity: 0.3;

Classic sliced potatoes get an upgrade with diced ham and melty cheddar cheese. A stellar, easy side for any occasion!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 12 (1, 9×13-inch casserole dish)
Calories 202kcal
Author Erin Clarke / Well Plated

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion 1/4-inch diced
  • 6 garlic cloves minced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt divided
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes about 6 to 8 medium potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups ¼ to ½-inch diced cooked ham
  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded (about 1 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh chives thyme, or parsley, optional for serving

Instructions

  • Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Coat a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
  • In a medium pot or skillet with high sides, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the onion. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until translucent. Adjust the heat as needed so the onion softens but does not brown. Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
    onions for healthy scalloped potatoes and ham
  • Turn off the heat. Stir in the milk, broth, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and the black pepper. Set aside.
    adding milk to a pan of sauteed onions for cheesy scalloped potatoes
  • Peel the potatoes. With a mandoline slicer (this is the easiest!) or a sharp chef’s knife, carefully cut the potatoes into VERY thin slices (about 1/8-inch thick; don’t cut larger or they may not cook through). Place the potato slices in a large bowl and sprinkle with the flour and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. With your hands, toss to combine
    scalloped potatoes in mixing bowl
  • Spread one-third of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared dish. Spoon 1 cup of the milk-broth mixture over the top and sprinkle with 2/3 cup of the ham and one-third of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat layers twice more, so you have 3 layers each of potato, milk-broth, ham, and cheddar (you’ll end with the cheddar).
    cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham in baking dish
  • Lightly mist a large piece of aluminum foil with nonstick spray. Cover the dish with the foil, placing it spray-side down, and bake for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake for 25 additional minutes.
  • Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Turn the oven to broil. Return the pan to the oven and let broil until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, about 1 to 3 minutes (keep an eye on it!).
  • Sprinkle with the herbs. Allow the dish to stand at room temperature for 20 to 25 minutes to allow the milk mixture to set and thicken. Enjoy hot, with additional salt and pepper to taste (the amount of salt you need will vary based on the saltiness of your ham and broth).

Video

Notes

  • TO STORE: Store leftovers in an airtight container after cooled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • TO REHEAT: You can make these potatoes ahead and reheat them. Gently reheat leftovers in an oven-safe baking dish covered with foil in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, adding additional splashes of milk as needed. You can also reheat this dish in the microwave until hot, though I recommend the oven for the best texture.
  • TO FREEZE: Store cooked and cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Note that potatoes do tend to become mealy when frozen, so only freeze as a last resort, or if you don’t mind a less than optimal texture.
  • MAKE-AHEAD: If you know you’re going to freeze your potatoes, I recommend not cooking them all the way. The potatoes will hold up better in the freezer, and you will finish the baking process when you’re ready to reheat them.

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 12 | Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Potassium: 605mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 196IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 1mg

More Potato Recipes

a bowl of crispy red potatoes seasoned

Roasted Red Potatoes

Save Recipe Saved
creamy potato leek soup

Potato Leek Soup

Save Recipe Saved
baked potatoes on plate with toppings

Baked Potato

Save Recipe Saved

A 5-minute daily mobility routine to keep your joints buttery

0


I got a great follow-up question to my recent newsletter about “What does enough fitness look like?” 🧐 And I thought it may help you, too.

…in the email, you recommended a 5-minute daily flexibility check-in to check-in with how your body is feeling, and you mentioned a few exercises. Could you speak on that more?”

Don’t worry, I got you! 🙌 Let’s lay a couple of quick ground rules:

1) This isn’t an exhaustive list for mobility or flexibility. And depending on your specifics needs, you may need a more personalized program or some additional flexibility work. (For example, recreational golfers I work with often need a LOT more internal hip rotation, whereas nursing moms need help with thoracic spine mobility, etc.)

2) There isn’t a “magic” formula. These exercises DO, however, cover a lot of ground in 5 minutes. This small daily habit can help you catch problems before they turn into bigger ones. If you know your hip feels wonky one day when it didn’t the day before, you can be more aware of that as you go through your workout, etc.

3) If something feels sketchy, it is sketchy. Since I’m not there in your body right now, please know that I give this advice to ALL my clients. If something doesn’t feel right or produces pain, stop. Trust your instincts on what feels good to you. You may need a different set of exercises, or some additional help. ❤️ With that out of the way, let’s dig into the exercises themselves! Oh, and I shot a follow-along video going through these in detail. I’ve found watching an exercise to be way easier than reading about how to do one. 😅 (Though I’ve left notes on each one for easy reference as well!)

Exercise #1: Shoulder Rotations

Perform 5 to 10 repetitions.

Points of performance:

  • Reach in the biggest circle you can, while keeping your ribcage anchored down
  • Bring your arms up as high as you can in front of you, palms up.
  • When you can’t lift higher, rotate your palms to the side an sweep in a wide circle back behind you.
  • Reverse and come back the other direction.
  • If you feel limited or any “pinching” in the shoulder, start with a smaller range of motion and build up over time.

Exercise #2: Cat/Camel

Perform 10 to 20 repetitions.

Points of performance:

  • Set up with your knees under hips, hands under shoulders
  • Slowly, creating a little bit of tension in your core, round your back up into a big rainbow.
  • Then, arch your back down.
  • Move back and forth slowly, within whatever range of motion feels good to you.
  • If this bothers your knees, you can try doing it from a standing position with your arms places on a desk or sturdy countertop for support.

Exercise #3: T-Spine Extension and Rotations

Perform 10 to 20 repetitions each side

Points of performance:

  • Set up with your knees under hips, hands under shoulders
  • Grab your opposite rib cage to help assist the movement.
  • Aim the front your shoulder down towards your opposite hip (flexing + rotating at the same time).
  • Then, reverse the motion and reach the back of your shoulder to your opposite back pocket (extending + rotating at the same time.)

Exercise #4: Rockbacks

Perform 20 to 40 repetitions

Points of performance:

  • Set up with your knees under hips, hands under shoulders
  • Eyes on the horizon in front of you
  • Slowly sit your hips back towards your heels
  • Then, reverse the motion and lean forward, shifting your weight into your hands

Exercise #5: Side-Lying Hip Rotations

Perform 5 to 10 repetitions each side

Points of performance:

  • Lie on your side with your head supported
  • Reach your bottom arm forward, and grab it with your opposite hand. Brace against yourself to create a little bit of tension and stability.
  • Lift your top knee to your chest.
  • Open up your hip to the side until you “hit a wall” and can’t move further.
  • Rotate your ankle out to the side (you’ll find this opens up your hip).
  • Sweep your knee back in the biggest circle you can.
  • Reverse direction and repeat.

And there you have it! In these quick 5 movements, we cover:

  • Shoulder extension, flexion and rotation
  • Spinal flexion, extension and rotation
  • Hip flexion, extension, and rotation
  • Gentle wrist and ankle warm up

That’s pretty darn good if I say so myself! 🔥

But, we can do even better.

So I filmed two bonus movements to help my desk warriors out there combat sitting in a chair all day as well. 😃

One final thought: don’t discount the impact of 5 minutes of daily movement. All too often, I see people saying something to the effect of: “But I was ONLY able to do XYZ.” Not only. You did the thing. Every action adds up.

Hope this helps give you some ideas and get you moving! 🙌

– Coach Matt

P.S. Looking for a more personalized mobility and flexibility program written by one of our world-class Nerd Fitness Coaches? Book a call this week and mention “Rebellion” for $50 off your first month of coaching. We have no contracts, no hidden fees, and you can cancel at any time. We only want you to stay if it’s ACTUALLY working for you!