Fit With Forester: Finishing Strong

And it's back to freezing cold and rainy...got to love Vermont. It's days like these that make me want to pull on a thick sweater and curl up under a warm comforter with some hot tea and a movie. Sounds a bit like hibernating but if it keeps me warm and cozy then I don't really care. Maybe it's just a strong case of senioritis (even though I'm not a senior). Any chance you're all feeling about the same? Well it'll take some willpower to pull yourself from your bed but if you can manage doing that this issue of the column may be able to help you beat the senioritis/ hibernating syndrome and finish out strong.

Recipe of the Week: Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

3 large bell peppers

Jimmy Dean fully cooked turkey sausage

Uncle Ben's 90 second brown rice 

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can or jar of tomato sauce (depending on how much sauce you like)

1 bag Steam Fresh veggies of your choice.

Directions:

Heat sausage, rice and veggies according to their respective directions. When all are done heating, cut the sausage into small pieces (you may want to do this for the veggies too) and combine everything together with the can of diced tomatoes in a medium sized bowl. Cut the tops off the peppers and clean out the seeds. Then stuff the peppers with the stuffing mixture in the bowl. Place the peppers in the crock pot and cover them with tomato sauce so that the entire bottom of the pot is covered. You may add more or less according to your tastes. Cook on high for 2-3 hours.

Exercise of the Week: Butt Kicks

Simple movement but it will get your blood flowing and will keep you warm.

Begin by standing with your feet apart, knees slightly bent. Begin to jog in place. As you do this bring your heel up to touch your rear and continue doing so alternating legs. Like high knees, it is the goal to get a large movement but instead of bringing your knees to your chest you are bringing your heels your glutes. Do this for a minute to get your blood flowing. It also can be used in between other exercises.

Activity of the Week: Get Cozy

Have some free time? Use it to bundle yourself up, get comfortable and veg out with a good book or movie, maybe some tea or hot chocolate too. You can do this solo or cuddle up with someone special. The point is to take some time for you when you have free time so you won't be tempted to do so when you have to get to class or do homework. Use cozy time as a reward for getting all of your work done, or for going to the gym, that way you know you have been at least a little productive with your day.