I knocked the productivity ball out of the park today. I killed my to-do list, despite it being quite the long one.

This morning I had to head to the store to pick up stamps, laundry detergent, and sweet potatoes…because don’t you know it’s impossible to get everything on your first weekly trip? I know it’s not just me. Then, I stopped by the post office to mail something for Peter.

After getting home, I got to work prepping our dinner. Makenzie loved having the chance to help out by tossing sweet potato chunks into the crockpot.

I also knockaed out two loads of laundry and dishes today. Plus, a ton of prep work for the tutoring I did earlier this afternoon. Most importantly, I still managed to fit in moments for myself and those quality moments with little M. During her nap I relaxed with my usual blog reading…and discovered the coffee + hot chocolate mix does NOT suit me. Blech. I was so shocked! Not quite as shocked as what I found when I went upstairs because I could hear little footsteps roaming around.

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At least she sneaks from her nap to read books like her children’s Bible. Although I’m not quite sure on the shedding of the pants? Whatever floats her boat I guess.

But does stripping put you on Santa’s naughty list? I should ask. We’re buddies. I even got him to make a special video message for M.

Click on the image above and check it out (especially any moms who do Santa). It’s SO cute! Look at how excited M was when watching.

I can’t believe how much she is growing. And how cool would it have been to have things like that growing up?

Lastly, I had my 34 weeks (8.5 months) prenatal visit today. I made sure to share once again about all the discomfort, pressure, contractions, etc I have increasingly felt. The midwife I saw today didn’t share the same affinity for the dramatic as the last one I saw. She says to keep doing what I’m doing – resting more, drinking extra fluids when they start, and not to worry. She also told me my belly growth jumped and I am now measuring a week ahead. It sure feels like it!

And I’m all for him making his appearance sometime early January. It can’t get here soon enough!

• Do you enjoy busy and productive days? I think it helped distract me and made for a great day for me!

Okay, all of you who mentioned mixing hot chocolate and coffee together are genius! I will have to try that soon. Sounds delicious.

And, I know you all don’t really care, but I’m too happy to not share – the car is finished and gone! Peter’s friend stopped by last night to pick it up after Peter got everything fixed for him yesterday afternoon. Oh, thank goodness. Now I can hopefully have my husband back in the afternoons and weekends.

Last night, like most Tuesday nights, I participated in the #fitblog chat on Twitter. I really enjoyed last night’s discussion as its something I feel incredibly strong about – Is Diet a 4-Letter Word?

The first prompt for discussion helped me realize something. The word “diet” finally does not bother me. Now, I simply use it as a way to describe my eating habits instead of something I need to “go on” or do to lose weight. I think the difference lies in whether or not we view diet as a noun, aka our dietary style, or as a verb, aka “I’m dieting right now”. In my opinion, the verb dieting is not healthy and implies deprivation or making changes for a set period of time instead of for life.

Something about the chat helped me reaffirm myself. After I give birth, I will work hard to take care of myself so my body can get back to a place where I feel strong and optimal in my health. A “diet” will not be part of that. I will simply return to the ways of eating I know suit me best because it truly is my personal eating style…my lifestyle…my “diet as a noun”. That means the way I currently eat, being okay with pregnancy cravings and all, is still part of that lifestyle and can fit into the big picture just fine. A few months out of my lifetime = a blip on the radar = nothing to worry about. In short, #fitblog chats will really get you thinking. 😉

All of this reminded me of an article a friend recently shared as well – “6 Food Mistakes Even Healthy Eaters Make”. Funnily enough, the list all sounds like actions that go along with being on a diet.

• Eating extra added sugars found in popular “health foods” – Things like yogurts, cereals, bars, or even breads can have way more sugar added than originally thought.
• Not getting enough fat – Our bodies need fats to function properly and they help keep us satiated.
• Eating only egg whites – To me, this ties in with eating fat, but the article also mentioned missing out on other important nutrients of which egg yolks are a quality source.
• Waiting too long to have breakfast – Important to refuel after not eating for an extended period and help keep energy levels stable.
• Missing a post-exercise snack – Helps body with recovery.
• Relying on processed/packaged “diet foods” - Not as many nutrients.

Some of the article shares old-school ways of thinking that I don’t completely agree with, but on the whole I can agree that those types of actions can hinder achieving a balanced eating style suitable for life. I agree that taking steps against each of those could improve my eating habits. Luckily, I have no problems with most of them…with the exception of the added sugars one. I know I don’t pay attention to that and likely consume quite a bit extra sugar because of my lack of awareness. Seems like it basically boils down to eating a variety and abundance of wholesome, natural, un-processed foods. Sounds like duh, but it definitely takes practice. Eventually though, those habits become our diet. And not diet in a 4-letter-word way either.

• Does the word “diet” have a negative connotation for you?
• Do you agree with that list of “healthy eating mistakes”? What would you add, subtract, or sub out on the list? Do you struggle with any of the ones mentioned?