Happy Friday, all! What’s shaking?

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So, what’s shaking?  The same old thing here, but with a little more happy.

If it seems like I’m extra happy right now it’s because I am.  I went to physical therapy as usual on Wednesday and was released as a pt client.  That means I’ve improved enough that I can start the work on my own.  While I plan to stay on as a wellness client (to use that fab Endless Pool), I’m also going to slowly get back to my old activity level.  Part of my ramped up activity includes more low impact bodywork, including PiYo.

piyo 3 day

I’m sure you’ve heard of PiYo by now because it’s the newest Beachbody release from Chalene Johnson – love her!  It’s a home version of the PiYo classes offered in clubs all over the place.  I need low impact workouts like Pilates and yoga so that I don’t hurt myself or slow my recovery.    As much as I love 21-Day Fix, even the modified movements are too much for me right now.  I’ll go back to it when I get the all-clear to do so.

There’s no shame in admitting that you need a change and moving on.  Never feel ashamed or let anyone tell you that you’re lazy because you recognize your limits and are working around them .  Do not ignore them for the sake of proving you’re not lazy.  It’s better to work harder and smarter than to go all out when you’re body is unable.   Trust me, I fell into that trap and did much more harm than good.  

Now back to my regularly scheduled message. 

PiYo has a six days on, one off weekly schedule.  Because I’m going to listen to my body, my plan is to start with three days of PiYo with one day of aquatic therapy each week.  I’ll train for a day and take the following day off.  On my rest days, I’ll still get in my usual five to ten minutes of gentle yoga and walking.   My eating plan will stay about the same for now with one exception.   Gluten has to go, doc’s orders.

So that’s what I’m up to.  If you want to know more about PiYo, my eating plan (regular and cheat day), or how I modify fitness and eating plans to suit my needs, give me a shout.   I’m on Facebook and all over social media.  Just look for Sherrie Thompson or WAHMinSC.  I’d love to hear from you.

 

 

Out of spoons

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Hi, all.  This is me, out of spoons.

I am exhausted,  in pain, uninspired,  and done.  At least right now.  Weeks of running around almost daily is kicking my butt.  I slept past noon and want to go back to bed.  I know I have things to do, but I fracking cannot.  I don’t have the energy to fake it today.   And that’s okay.

Do not forget to take care of yourself.   Sometimes that means taking the time for a nap, sleeping in,  or anime marathon if and when you need it.

So here I am.  Not faking it.  Hope you’re having a better day.

This week so far – not a bad one

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Happy Thursday!  How goes your week so far?  It’s up and down here for sure.  I’m reading as much as I can about Fibromyalgia and, of course, grabbing another cookbook from the library.

unprocessed

I’m also testing products to review.

soulful

Soulful Essence rocks!

While on a three day juice cleanse.

suja lemonade suja green suja nutz

And I was so happy to receive my Beachbody order two days earlier than expected.

piyo 3 day

I cannot wait to be cleared by the physical therapist so I can start!

And then I discovered desktop issues.  So much for my Wednesday afternoon plans.

And today (hopefully) we’ll get by the North Charleston Farmer’s Market.

park circle

How’s your week going?

The Charleston County Library Rocks!

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Do you go to the library often?  I go at least monthly and am amazed by the wealth of goodness every time.  There are movies, music, magazines, art, and of course books of all topics just ready and waiting for me.  I mean, everyone.

I'll hit the library more often than the bookstore for new inspiration.

This is just a sample of the plant-based selection.  If your location doesn’t have what you want, reserve it and have it brought there.

Healthy lifestyle topics are available, too.

Healthy lifestyle topics are available, too.

I’m on my way over now to return and pick up more reading material.   And I’ll drop a few more entries in the Adult Summer Reading Contest.  Maybe I’ll catch you there.  

Reading helps me relax, and relaxation is required on my wellness journey.   Nice, eh?

What are you reading?

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My name is Sherrie and I have a book problem.  Am I the only one?  I can’t be.

Worthy Evans is a College of Charleston alum and brilliant writer.

Worthy Evans is a College of Charleston alum and brilliant writer.

My problem started years ago and only became worse after a few months of library work followed by bookstore work.  I loved every second of shelving and discovering new titles and topics.  I love it when I get lost in a story or can almost taste the recipe by reading the ingredients.   When I drop by the library I can’t seem to help myself.  I walk in to return the stack I spent a month pouring through and leave with more.

Taking time for myself is a necessity.   Reading for pleasure reduces stress and helps me relax.  Even if the story has me wound up and jumping at the slightest sound, I’m more relaxed than if I’m working all day.  Do you take time to read?  What are you reading now?

Raw or cooked, plant-based comfort food rules!

Raw or cooked, plant-based comfort food rules!

This is perfect reading when I need a laugh.

This is perfect reading when I need a laugh.

I’ll catch you later.   It’s time to curl up with a good book.

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie – vegan, gluten-fee, and cheap

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Yeah, it was a win.

I love planned-overs (you know, deliberate leftovers) and prepping ahead for future meals. I’ve learned to cook large batches of beans and freeze some in quart or gallon-sized bags, chop harder veggies and store for snacking and cooking, and generally try too cook extras most nights because of a teen boy and hungry hubby.  Last night I discovered a mash up of leftovers and pre-prepped veggies and decided to go with something different for us – Shepherd’s Pie. The veggie potpie from a few weeks back went over well, so I decided to play with the veggie filling a bit by adding lentils to make a heartier dish. Served with simple mustard greens, dinner was a huge hit.

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

2 cups cooked lentils
1 cup mashed potatoes
2 celery hearts, diced
3 carrots, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup peas
rosemary, thyme, and garlic to taste
TBS soy sauce (gluten-fee, or Tamari. If gluten isn’t an issue, use regular or low sodium soy sauce.)
1/2 TBS nutritional yeast
1/4 cup water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook lentils and set aside. Saute celery, carrots, and onion in water until soft, then add 1/4 cup water. Stir in herbs, soy sauce, and nutritional yeast; simmer until water reduces. Add lentils and peas, and cook until heated through.

Pour veggies into a prepared 8″ or 9″ square dish (or whatever casserole dish you have handy) and top with mashed potatoes. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

In place of the herbs, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, and 1/4 cup water, use 1/4 cup of your favorite broth or stock.

Have you turned your leftovers into something new?

Semi-Wordless Wednesday: Southen Season is a foodie paradise

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Hubby and I finally stopped into Southern Season this past Sunday.  Imagine a cooking school, gourmet grocer, beer and wine shop, coffee shop, kitchenware gift shop, and restaurant under one roof.

So many nut and soy butters, so much time.
Yes, a huge section of just jellies, jams,and preserves.

SC’s own Vegetable Kingdom dressings!

Yes, chocolate pumps!  Several options available.

Retro cookie tins ready for filling.  

We didn’t eat this time, but will check out Southerly from breakfast, lunch, dinner, or bunch sometime.  Gluten-free and vegan options are available at all serving times.

Have you been to Southern Season  yet?