We are snowed in today—again! Western Kentucky got five inches of snow yesterday and we’re expecting more today.
Our country roads are really bad and everything is closed—schools, stores and businesses, even the fitness center where I teach. My driveway is plowed in but I’ll let my sons and husband tackle that. Although snow shoveling is great cardio and strength training, I don’t want to chance hurting my low back since I have some bulging discs in my lumbar spine.
When I’m snowed in, I relish the day off. I take a welcome day of rest from teaching, driving my sons to school and sports, and being on the go.
I’m going to make Mexican Soup—it’s one of my favorite winter meals; low on fat and high in protein. Then, I’m going to do some Pilates stretches in my home office. This room is my personal space and it has a large window from floor to ceiling with a breathtaking view of the winter scene outside.
Stretches are gentle movements that extend our limbs and muscles and help our body rest. Below is one of my favorites that feels so good. I also demonstrate a seated version of this movement on my website, ShapedbyFaith.com, as well as thigh, hamstring, and back stretches. Check it out—you can join me in my home and we’ll stretch together.
Hip/Glute Stretch
This stretch releases tight hip flexors that cause pain in the hips, back, hamstrings and knees.
Begin by lying on the floor with both knees bent. Cross your right foot over your left knee. Place your hands behind your left thigh. Exhale and gently pull your leg in toward you while keeping your upper body relaxed. Hold this for 15–30 seconds. Repeat this stretch on the opposite leg.
Snow days can be inconvenient but I am thankful for the time, peace and healing they bring.
Mexican Soup Recipe
Ingredients
2 lbs. ground lean turkey
1 onion chopped
1-oz package of Ranch style dressing mix
2 packages of Taco (McCormick) season mix
16-oz can black beans, undrained
16-oz can kidney beans, undrained
16-oz can pinto beans, undrained
16-oz can diced tomato with chilies
16-oz can tomato wedges (or diced), undrained
2 cans white corn (or mixed corn)
2 cups water
Preparation
1. Cook turkey meat and onions till brown.
2. Mix all ingredients together in a large pot and simmer for 2 hours.
3. Add low-fat Mexican cheese, low-fat sour cream and light tortilla chips on top of soup if desired.
Blessings,
Theresa
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Get more advice from Theresa!
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Theresa is a former model and nationally certified fitness professional who teaches people to use their faith to inspire fitness and their fitness to strengthen their faith. She is the author of Shaped by Faith: 10 Secrets to Strengthening your Body & Soul, and two exercise DVDS: Pilates for the Soul
She and her husband, Robin, have seven children and live in Calhoun, Kentucky.
