They Call It Spinning!!!

Well, partly for the reason that I am over 10 pounds heavier than I was this time last year, that cellulite has taken over the lower portion of my body, and just its overall health benefits, I decided that this was the week that I was going to make a change, and get back to the gym.......it's been years, and I mean many years. Now, don't get me wrong......I'm not sedentary, am quite active especially going up and down our many sets of stairs each day, even walk on a kind of semi/sort of regular off and on basis, and also pull out my Fluidity bar at home from time to time to work toward that "dancers" body, that I will never have...but there's always the dream......but I haven't done serious cardio since I lived in Memphis 20 years ago. I started on Monday by taking Emma to the rec center to do some swimming. I did my best to "work it" as well as play with her for an hour or so.....so that was a start. One thing I have found out is that it really makes me work up an appetite, because I put away a serious amount of Mama's Chicken Spaghetti last night. This morning, all the kids were at school, so I geared up to go and make use of my 10 day trial at the fancy "Prairie Life" in Cool Springs. After a brief tour of the facility, I put stuff in my locker, and went to decide on exactly what I was going to do to "work up a sweat"!! I decided to head to a Cycling Class at 12:15, but I had some time to warm up, so I started by walking the track......simple enough, except for some knee pain that is just now a part of my life, I can do the walking thing. Ok, there, enough walking, maybe I'll now try out that elyptical I've heard so much about. They say it is really easy on the knees. I think I've got time for about 5 minutes before I need to go to the class..... "Holy Heck" what is this thing doing to my thighs? This might be the weirdest feeling I've ever had exercising......ouch, I don't like this at all. I don't know about my knees, but my thighs are dying! Am I doing it right? I made if for all of 1 minute and 50 seconds. Now off to......Spinning. I have to tell you that when I heard the word Spin Class years ago, I literally for a long time thought that it was a bunch of adult sized sit and spins in a room, with people spinning in circles. I had no idea it was bikes. I love to bike, though......so this should be fun. 45 minutes....Hmmm, I actually told the teacher that I would be more than likely leaving early. Here we go. Pedal Faster!!! You are in Barcelona Spain, wind in your hair on the winding streets. Feel the Breeze......now stand up. Stand Up? While I'm biking? I don't think so. I'm going to sit my tired buttocks on this bike seat, and do my best to make the wheels spin. Actually all I could think about was going home and heating up some more of Mama's Chicken Spaghetti! I was starving!! I made it for 25 minutes, lowered my heart rate, and quietly exited the classroom, feeling very accomplished actually!!! So, the quest to be in shape begins, but you can darn sure bet that I will reward my efforts with great food......and Mama's Chicken Spaghetti is Great!!! It was one of her specialties, loved by all!!! ENJOY!!! J

Mama's Chicken Spaghetti

1 whole chicken, or 3-5 Split Chicken Breasts
1 stick butter
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup bell pepper, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can tomato soup
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup chicken broth
8 oz thin spaghetti

Boil Chicken with salt, pepper, celery, carrots, onion, to make a good broth. (If time is an issue, you can use a Rotisserie chicken, and boxed broth.) Remove chicken, cool, and pull off meat. Reserve 1 cup broth, and use the rest to boil the noodles. Drain noodles.

While noodles are cooking, saute the veggies in the butter, then add the soups and cheese, stirring until the cheese melts. Next, add the chicken, noodles, and 1 cup broth. Put in a 9x13 casserole, and cover with foil. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes covered, then uncover and cook 10-15 minutes or more until bubbly. Serve with garlic bread, salad, and dessert........of course!! This freezes very well!!!