Fit with Forester: Just Breathe

Maybe I'm just in a funk, but lately there have been lots of small things that seem to get under my skin in a big way. I let these things get the best of me and usually this ruins my day. I have decided this low mood of mine needs to stop, so I am breathing it out.

 I began taking yoga classes this week. It was awkward at first. I didn't know anyone or the majority of the poses, but as the class went on I let that fear and anxiety of making a mistake go. I took deeper breaths and just relaxed. It felt amazing to focus on nothing but the stretch or pose I was doing, and my breathing; myself. It may sound selfish, saying that you are only focusing on yourself, but sometimes it's a necessary thing. Perhaps if we all spent a little more time with ourselves we could all be a little more patient with the world, with others, and how it all affects us. Namaste.

Exercise of the Week: Plank

Plank is a basic exercise position. High plank is also known as push-up position while low plank (resting on the elbows) is what most people think of when told to get into a plank position. The challenge this week is to see how many ways you can use plank. Do a plank hold in both high and low plank for 30 seconds each. See what happens if you lift a leg or an arm. Alternate between high and low planks and see how fast you can move between the two. If you're strong enough, try an elevated plank resting your feet on the edge of your bedframe instead of the floor. Whatever you choose, get planking.

Recipe of the Week: Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

It may not be the healthiest of foods but it is a comforting, "good for the soul" kind of food. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 chicken breast halves, skinless and boneless

1 Tbsp. butter

1 small can condensed cream of chicken soup

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1 (10 ounce) pre-made/refrigerated biscuit dough like Pillsbury Buttermilk biscuits

Directions:

1. Put chicken, soup, onions and butter into the crockpot.
2. Add enough water to cover the ingredients then cover and cook on High for 4-5 hours.
3. 30 minutes before serving tear up the biscuit dough into small pieces and add to the crock pot.
4. Continue cooking until the dough pieces are cooked all the way through (about 30 mins)

Health Tip: Get some frozen veggies in a steamer bag. Cook them a few minutes before serving the chicken and dumplings and add the veggies to your plate. It's a simple way to get your veggies in and becomes part of the dish if you mix the two.

Activity of the Week: Become a Yogi

No, I don't mean become a cartoon bear! Try out some yoga and/or deep breathing and see if it makes a difference for you the way it has for me. There is a free class being offered this Sunday, March 11, 4:30 p.m. at Satyaloka studio in Lyndonville. The studio is above The Grindstone Café. They may be tight for space but if you can get in take advantage of it. There is also Heart Space Yoga Studio in Saint Johnsbury. They offer classes at a variety of times for 13 dollars per drop-in class. If you don't have the money, stay in and look up classes on YouTube. There are plenty of online instructions. And, when all else fails…just breathe.