Running Blind

Monday Night... Football Night!! That's right everyone, Monday's just got 100% better because I get to end my evening with the Bears and this guy:

No, he did not buy the hat... yet.

Random update for all of you. Remember last Thursday how I thought I had a sinus infection. Well, I stand corrected. I actually have Iritis in both eyes. Because of this, I am really sensitive to light and have to keep my eyes dilated for at least a week maybe 2!! Needless to say, I spent the weekend inside for the most part and tried to think of different ways to continue my everyday life despite being visually impaired. This involved:

• Running on a treadmill with my head down for the majority of the time to avoid the lights
• Taking Pilates class, but closing my eyes through the majority of it
• Having Kyle cut all of the vegetables for our meals, so I don't sever a finger
• Watching the Lorax with sunglasses on 
• Watching Sunday Night Football with both my sunglasses and glasses on (Yes, I know you need to see how awesome this looks, so I'll provide you with a picture)

Mom, I told you I would make this a fashion trend!

Thankfully I can still see my computer, and managed to get to work this morning without too many problems. Cheers to the next week or so of being partially blind. 

Back at Soldier Field + Stuffed Acorn Squash

I finally made my way back to Soldier Field yesterday for my first game of the season. I have to admit, it was weird sitting in the stands and not working the game, but I enjoyed every minute of it. My wonderful friends at the Bears hooked me up with field access before the game. I stood on field for every game last year, but there was something about yesterday's experience that literally brought me to tears (thank goodness I had sunglasses on, so no one could tell). I can't pinpoint what exactly made me cry, but I know part of it was being humbled by God's gift of letting me work for the Bears. He has let me see some pretty amazing things in only 23 years .

Well, I am done with the sappy part of the weekend. The game was a lot of fun, and it was great to see the Bears win on a beautiful fall day. After the game, Kyle and I hit up Argo Tea for a Low Fat Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte. If you live near an Argo Tea, drop everything you are doing and get one now. They are a little piece of Heaven. If you aren't fortunate to live near one, I'll try to replicate the recipe one of these days, so you guys don't feel left out. 

Finally, we ended the night with one of my favorite fall vegetarian dishes: Stuffed Acorn Squash. This meal is filled with beans, quinoa, spinach, onions, and spices. All in all, it's a perfect protein packed meal that will keep you satisfied for hours. If you aren't into eating vegetarian, give this recipe a try. I promise you won't even miss the meat! Ask my rugby husband, he'll tell you it's true. Give it a try, and let me know what you think. Have a great week!

                                                              Stuffed Acorn Squash

                                                                         Serves 4

Ingredients

2 Acorn Squash, Cut in half and gutted

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Onion, Chopped

2 Cloves of Garlic, Minced

1 Box Frozen Spinach, thawed and drained

1 Can Black Beans, drained and rinsed (I prefer no-salt added)

3 T Cumin

1 1/2 T Chili Powder

Salt and Pepper

3/4 C Quinoa

2 C Water

1/2 C Low Fat Cheddar Cheese

Start Cooking

1. Set your oven to 375 degrees. 

2. Place 2 squash halves in the microwave and heat for 4 minutes. Repeat with the other squash. This will cut down on the cooking time in the oven. 

3. In a medium pot, heat 1 T of Extra Virgin Olive Oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and garlic. Saute until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Be sure to stir them often because you do not want the garlic to burn.

4. Add the beans, spinach, cumin, and chili powder. Mix well. 

5. Add the quinoa and water to the mixture and cover with a lid. Cook this until the quinoa has sprouted. This will take about 10 minutes. Be sure to stir often. Once it is done, add salt and pepper to taste. 

6. Place the squash in a large casserole dish and stuff with the quinoa mixture. 

7. Bake for about 30 minutes. Then add a little cheddar cheese to the top of each one and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Let these cool for about 10 minutes, then dig in! 

Leg Day

It's game day! I have been waiting "patiently" all week to watch the Bears take on the Packers. I rarely go home and watch TV, but tonight I am making an exception. I plan on heating up a bowl of the chili I made last night and cheering on Da Bears to a victory (sorry Packer friends...not really). Chicago- I need you to win tonight because I already picked out my victory outfit for casual Friday. Thanks:)

I slacked last week on giving you guys a new work out. With the holiday week, it kind of slipped my mind to take pictures of my workouts. Well, you don't have to wait any longer. It's time for Side Lunges! This exercise is great for toning the inner and outer thighs, butt, and quads. Also, I add a slight twisting motion to incorporate your whole core. It doesn't get much better than that.

For this exercise, I like to use a kettle bell because they are easy to hold, but you can do it without weight, with a dumbbell, or even a gallon of milk. I'll let you be the judge for what you need to use. Follow my step by step directions below. I recommend starting with 8 reps on each leg for 3 sets, but increase to as many as 20 reps per leg at a time. You will feel a nice burn and stretch, but don't stop! Embrace the burn to see changes.

                                                                Standing Side Lunges

1. Grab your weight in your left hand and stand up straight with your shoulders back and abs pulled in tight. Remember to keep your abs engaged (tightened) throughout the whole workout.

Kyle made me smile for the camera at 5:15 AM. 

2. With your opposite leg (the side that is not holding the weight), step laterally as though you are stretching your groin. Dip down into the stretch until you are a 90 degree angle. Be sure to keep your knee aligned over your ankle, and sit back into the squat to engage the glutes. Also, keep the opposite leg straight and firmly planted on the ground.

 Reach your right hand (or hand holding the weight) to your bent knee to create a mild twist in the torso.

3. Push off of your bent knee to a standing position. I like to keep the knee that was bent off of the ground before continuing into another set. This adds a layer of balance to the equation and works your lower abs. Repeat the same thing on this leg for 8-15 reps before switching legs.

Note: Keep your heels firmly planted on the ground. If you come onto your toes you will feel pain/tension in your knees and potentially injure yourself. Also, if you want to feel this more in the glute (butt), step out further.

Enjoy this leg toning exercise, and remember to cheer on the Bears tonight! Bear down!