As I understand that my weekly missives are not always read I will begin with something I require you to respond to.
As we approach Christmas, can you kindly let me know which of your regular classes you will/won’t be able to attend so that I can schedule accordingly, with the focus being the week of classes commencing 16 December specifically.
I also propose that, if there is sufficient interest, we do the Christmas Cracker Workout on the Monday before Christmas i.e. the 23 December 7-8pm. It’s our DYBO tradition and is a cross training and mixed level class that is suitable for all, with a variety of content that suits my dance fitness, core conditioning and HIIT workout fans. Let me know asap please.
Ok so back to that big river in Egypt, ‘De Nile’ – yes it’s my birthday month and I’m truly thankful that I have made another birthday, whilst others haven’t. I’m also aware that all around me in society, media and communities (apparently especially in the fitness community), I don’t fit with others views of what a lady of my vintage should be doing regarding her mental and physical health, profession and down time. Well “phooey”, I refuse to conform to other people’s ideas of how I live my life. We are constantly told ‘life is too short’ and I intend to take care of myself, my loved ones and the planet via my actions in the way that makes me happy and allies with my values. Cher (aged 73) whilst performing at the O2 in her own sold out show, wearing the body suit that she wore in the video of her 90’s hit “turn back time” asked her audience “what’s your Granny doing tonight?”! Well whilst I don’t share her fashion sense I certainly know which 73 year old I would prefer to be! I see life as a gift and want to live, love and dance mine to the max! BTW The name ‘Nile’ means Champion, I’ll take that!
Go Rachel!!!
Our very own DYBO DIVA Rachel Davies is an inspirational lady (business owner, mother of two and prolific medal winner) in her 40’s and this weekend she added to this years tally of medals and won Gold in the team event and Silver in the Solo event at the Swim England Masters championships
Misinformation – be careful who you listen to and follow…
I’m afraid I had a little rant following seeing a fitness piece on Sunday Brunch where an online fitness ‘influencer’ gave a bunch of ‘Abdominal Exercises’ all of which would spell disaster for many people’s abdominals, backs, hips and pelvic floor! Seriously I could not believe the inappropriate content, lack of instruction and coaching given. Earlier in the week there was a poor fitness piece delivered by Dr Hilary on Breakfast TV, Lord give me strength. Please be careful who you take advice from!
Kick Start Gut Cleanse
If you have read my blogs and articles you know how passionate I am about raising awareness about repairing and balancing our gut health and microbiome. The health of our microbiome is key to preventing major disease, the aging of cells, weight management and minimising inflammation throughout our body. I’m planning a new year Gut Cleanse group commencing 8 January 2020.
If you are interested in joining the group, having a loved one or friend be involved then email me on helen@dybo.co.uk.
Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
Ingredients
It’s always healthier and better for your gut health (therefore health) to eat organic food! This recipe includes lots of gut friendly ingredients and anti-inflammatory ones too.
2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts and/or thighs (I go for tofu or ‘fake chicken)
3/4 cup unsweetened dried apricots, halved
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (2-inch) piece ginger, grated
1 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp allspice
1 tomato, diced, or 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes (no salt added)
1 cup chicken broth, preferably homemade
Himalayan sea salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Melt 1/2 tablespoon of the coconut oil in a pan on medium heat.
- Season the chicken with sea salt and pepper, and add to the pan.
- Brown on both sides for a couple of minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt the remaining coconut oil. Sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent. Stir in the ginger, garlic, cinnamon and allspice.
- Cook and stir for 30–60 seconds.
- Add the tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Cook a few more minutes, until heated through.
- Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and add the dried apricots.
- Place the chicken on top of the mixture and cover.
- Cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and mix together. Serve atop mixed greens, a sweet potato or roasted asparagus spears.
Taken (adapted) from Paleo magazine.
Have a fab week, join me on the River Denial and live your best life!
Love ya,
Helen xxxx
