Rainy Saturday

Well, as you know, I have a little neck injury.  I woke up this morning, early as always, but decided to lay in bed and listen to the rain and relax.  I did not feel guilty at all, mainly because I was in pain.   Finally I got up, ate breakfast, and popped a couple of Advil, hoping for relief.  By noon, I was ready for class.  I talked to the trainers and physical therapist (PT) in my class and they all agreed that I should put ice on it today, and follow with heat compresses tomorrow.   They were very helpful.  My team member, Julia, the physical therapist gave me a massage and showed me some gentle neck exercises.  I really appreciate her help!   After class, Julia, Charles and Kim stayed a little longer to discuss food and challenges.  We were all very encouraging to each other.  We are really becoming more cohesive  as team, looking out for one another.

Now today, I will share my pizza recipe.  Sorry I am a little late posting it.  I had to take a nap after an hour class and additional 1 hour on the elliptical.  My nap was a power hour.  Love it in the rain.

I showed this recipe to the nutritionist and got the ok.......My last one, the turkey chili, I might mention that you need to watch the sodium content in that recipe.  I use everything low sodium, even the chili mix.  We really watch our sodium intake because, as you know, it causes water retention.

You can vary this to your taste..... I use the following for making my favorite - pizza:

• You start off with Multi-Grain Sandwich Thins.  I use the ones made by Arnold Select (no high fructose corn syrup) and found them in the bakery section at Harris Teeter.  They are like a thin, flat mini-bun.  The whole bun is only a 100 calories.
• Then I add Bruschetta to the Sandwich Thins as a sauce.  I just use the store-brand, HT Traders Bruschetta.  Low in sodium and it has chunks of tomatoes (good antioxidants).  Less than 1g of sugar and only 25 calories
• Saute your veggies.  Green and red bell peppers, onions, garlic, and spinach in a tablespoon of olive oil.
• Brown some ground turkey.  Season to taste.  Be careful because the the veggies and olive oil give a lot of flavor
• Top it off with shredded mozzarella, made with skim milk 2%.  You may want to wait till the end to add your cheese.  I put more cheese for hubby (put less than the photo for less calories).  I used a very small amount of cheese on mine.
• Layer sauce, then meat, all of the veggies and bake in a 400 degree oven until the bread is crunchy (use a thin layer of sauce or it will make bread mushy).

Yummy!! Add a spinach salad and you got a meal.

Total calories: 300 according to sparkpeople.com calorie tracker.


Have a good weekend!!  I've got to go relax my neck, study, and get ready for tomorrow.  Aleve, anyone?

Keep Moving!

Today I woke up with a sore neck.  Not too good of a feeling.  I am going to have to have to get a free massage from Ben, but don't tell he is really bad at massages.  (I am laughing because he knew I would say that, I am sure he is reading this.)  I will have to check the gym and make an appointment for a real massage, which is avalible for all HCC members at a small fee.  I think I strained my neck doing sit-ups.  I may not have been breathing properly.  Hopefully this goes away soon.  As the night goes on, it seem to be getting better. 

Well my story tonight is about my friend Cynthia.  We grew up together on the same street since grade school, so we have been friends for 45 years.  She brought back some fine memories sending me a message on my blog.        ...A group of us in the neighborhood walked to a local swimming pool -- maybe a little over a mile away, one way.  We walked everyday, unless it was pouring down rain.  We would swim and play at least 4 hours, and then come home for dinner.  We were always greeted with good old homemade meals.  My mom had a vegetable garden in the back yard.  We also have grape vines, fruit trees and even rootbar.  We ate healthy and played outside from morning to dawn.  Those were the days when electronics and technology would not keep you in the house.  (Try telling these kids today to go outside and play.)  We were the total opposites of kids today.  We stomped and pouted when we had to come inside.  My friends it was the days of the Beatles, rock and roll, peace and love.  (We were young hippies without the drugs.)  I had a yellow bikini  that I loved.  In fact, I prided myself by keeping it and wearing it after having my children. 

It's good to look back and reflect on the good old days and try to bring some of those days back.  I am learning from our class on Thursday at HCC that we are made to keep moving.  Inactivity has been a major cause of many of our weight gains.  We stopped playing outside.  My goal is to think of a reason to do an outside, fun activity each week.  Walking to the gym at the Wellness Center or walking at a one of Charleston's beautiful parks or on the bridge.  It will be a my Zumba class this week.  I would love to take ballroom dancing once I can fit in my dresses.   I also would love to plant a little garden of veggies this spring.  Thank you Cynthia for reminding me about the good times (maybe not in a string bikini, though!) 

Tomorrow I'll be going to the Wellness Center in the afternoon for a class. (It's suppose to rain, so we are not walking the bridge this week.)  Hey want to have a healthy pizza tomorrow with me?  I have to share this recipe with you that I made up using the skills that I am learning...    ...so stay tuned.  I even took photo's of it.  I think I just realized that I'm a Rachel Ray wannabe.