lisa chapman fitness

My family loves this meal!

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, small dice
• 4 medium garlic cloves, small dice
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 pound butternut squash (about 1/2 of medium sized squash), large dice
• 1 large red potato, diced
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
• Pinch of saffron threads (optional)
• Steamed whole wheat couscous, for serving
• Toasted slivered almonds, for garnish
• 1 tbls plain greek yogurt, for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a 3-4 quart dutch over or heavy-bottomed saucepan with a tight fitting lid over medium heat. When oil simmers, add onion, garlic, and cinnamon, and season with freshly ground pepper to taste. Cook, stirring oaccasionally, until spices are aromatic and oions are soft and translucent, about 5 mins.

2. Add squash and potatoes, season with freshly ground pepper, stir to coat, and cook until just tender, about 10-15 mins. Add broth, chickpeas, tomatoes, and their juices and saffron. bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until squash is fork tender, about 10 mins.

3. Remove from heat and serve over couscous garnished with toasted almond and  yogurt.

I LOVE THIS!

My dear friend and yoga teacher, Julie G introduced me to this great site!

It’s called YogaGlo … online yoga classes! I have to admit, I was more than a little skeptical about the quality of classes that would be available on line, but I am really impressed with this website.  You can stream the classes on your computer or tv.  YogaGlo offers the perfect solution for busy moms that want to get a quick workout in, or practice meditation,  but don’t have the luxury of going out to a class.

I love that there are varied levels, styles, and teachers.  There is also an extensive library of guided meditations.  You can choose a 5 minute class or a 60 minute class.  It IS subscription-based … they charge $18/month, but they also offer a 15-day trial period to check the website out.

If  you are trying to figure out how to fit a yoga practice into your busy schedule, check YogaGlo out.

I love combining strength , balance and core work all in one exercise!  Here is a killer squat exercise that works the legs and the core.  The trick with this exercise is to keep the arms very straight throughout the movement.  When the ball is lifted above the head, pull the biceps back firmly to your ears.  This will engage the important postural muscles of the upper middle back.  Use a 10-20 pound medicine ball.  This ball has handles that allows for an easy grip.

Filmed by Jillian Livingston   aspenreallife.com

Filmed at Phoenix Fitness, my favorite gym in Basalt.

Yours in Health, Lisa