Happy Sunday! Who’s watching the Super Bowl later? We’re watching, but mostly for the commercials. And I guess we’re cheering for the Seahawks since we have family in Seattle. Plus, I’m a much bigger fan of Russell Wilson than I am Tom Brady!

Check out our Seahawks socks that were kindly mailed to us!

In addition to commercial watching, I’ll be stuffing my face with some homemade nachos. Yum!

After driving over to Fairhope yesterday (Baby M’s first trip downtown and to the pier!) for some lunch at Panini Pete’s and quality time outdoors in the sun, I’m perfectly happy to spend today indoors, especially since it’s kind of rainy and nasty out.

Go figure when Baby M finally looks somewhat toward the camera I look stupid!

Enjoy your Sunday afternoon and check out the reads and recipes below. 🙂

.Recipes.

Pistachio Arugula Sweet Pea Pesto via Peas and Crayons

This looks so fresh and makes me long for spring!

Winter Chopped Salad with Roasted Sweet Potato and Blood Orange Vinaigrette via How Sweet It Is

Gorgeous! I love beautiful food, and this is no exception. I also need to take advantage of fresh citrus before winter disappears.

Winter Vegetable + Gorgonzola Galette via Happyolks

This looks incredible! And calling it a galette makes it sounds even more mouthwatering.

Grilled Shrimp and Guacamole Tostones via Wicked Spatula

I can’t get enough guacamole lately, and shrimp are always a winner.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs via Skinnytaste

These would be perfect for game day!

.Food & Nutrition.

Would Kids Eat More Veggies If They Had Recess Before Lunch? via NPR

This doesn’t surprise me—seeing how I’m usually insatiable after a good workout. I think kids would benefit from having lunch after recess (a good recess where they’re actually active), but with schools already trying to cram so much into limited hours (my mother-in-law is a teacher, so I know from her stories how jam-packed the schedule is!), it’s just not always possible.

Carbs are Not the Enemy via Bagels to Broccoli

I hate seeing entire food groups being vilified. Unless you have a serious health condition (celiac, diabetes, etc.), refined carbs are fine in moderation. Do I often choose whole grain bread over white or a salad over pasta? Sure, but it’s mostly due to my tastes or cravings at that moment. It’s all about balance.

Calorie Counting: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly via The Real Life RD

I’ve never counted calories, although part of me wonders if I’m eating enough (or too much?) for my activity level/breastfeeding Baby M. For now, I’ll continue to trust my body; it will let me know—through weight gain,, low energy, etc.—if something isn’t right, rather than some arbitrary number on the internet.

.Fitness & Body Image.

Why I Don’t Want Six Pack Abs via Coconuts and Kettlebells

A-freaking-men. While I miss the bit of abs definition I did have pre-pregnancy, I’ve never had a 6-pack. Even during the height of my gymnastics “career,” my body composition said “no.” I hate how certain physical attributes = “good health” to our body-conscious society. Find your own healthy and stick to it. Do it because it makes you feel good—physically and mentally—not because of some sick #fitspo picture you found on Pinterest.

Finding Your Fitspiration via The Bikini Experiment

I know my fitspiration—it’s feeling good, physically and mentally—but I’m having trouble grasping onto it since Baby M was born. Part of me says “sit on your butt and hold that sweet baby all evening” because I know this period is temporary, but the other part of me says “make it work—you’ll feel better!” I just need to manage my time in the evenings and on the weekends better!

.Parenting.

If any of you mention oils, I will punch you in the face via Coffee + Crumbs

This literally made me LOL (although I am on the verge of investing in some essential oils).