2011-12-30T08:21:00.000-08:00

People are always asking what they can do at home to help out their stiff necks and shoulders. Since most of us live in a culture where we sit and stare into computer screens for hours at a time, it's no wonder we have tight upper shoulder problems. Even stress can make us crunch up our shoulders around our neck and we don't even know it!

We have some tips we know are very helpful. The idea is to create movement in the area which then lends to better circulation, more oxygen, and nutrients to the muscles. Below are a list of stretches that are simple, but do wonders.

Raise straight arms overhead, interlace fingers, turn palms upward, stretch and hold 5 seconds. Lower arms. Repeat 3 times.

Roll shoulders backwards 5 times, then forwards 5 times. Repeat 3 times total.

Put arms out straight in front, palms together. Pull arms apart horizontally until you make a "T" with your body. Bring arms back in. Repeat 3 times.

Raise right arm overhead, bend torso and arm to the left. Lower arm. Repeat 3 times.

Raise left arm overhead, bend torso and arm to the right. Lower arm. Repeat 3 times.

Take right arm overhead, bend elbow and place right palm over left ear, gently stretch your neck to the right. Hold 5-10 sec. Release. Repeat on other side.

Place your chin to your chest and SLOWLY roll your head to the right, hold 5 sec and then very, very slowly roll to the left, hold 5 sec. Repeat process 3 times.

Remember, the idea is to get blood flow back into the shoulder blades and neck so don't over-do it. By practicing this set of stretches 2-3 times a day, you may save yourself from chronic neck and shoulder pain. Of course, massage is great to. ; )

2011-12-28T08:40:00.000-08:00

While trying to get back on track after all the holiday cookies, sugary sweet potato casseroles, and mom's homemade fudge, I find myself craving healthier foods and something that really FEEDS me and my body.

Below is a butternut squash soup recipe that my family loves. It's perfect because I have a son that is allergic to all dairy and soy products and he can eat this all he wants. Enjoy!

Butternut Squash Soup

1 T. Olive Oil

1 Onion, diced

1 large Butternut Squash, peeled and diced into 1/2" cubes

2 t. cumin powder

2 T. Red Curry Powder

2 C. Vegetable Stock

1 can coconut milk

sunflower seeds (optional)

In a large soup pot, saute onion in the olive oil until soft. Add butternut squash, cumin, and curry powder. Saute for another 5-10 minutes. Add vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer. Simmer until the butternut squash is soft, but not mushy...another 10-15 minutes. Pour in coconut milk. Transfer to a blender and blend 1/2 of the soup. (another option would be to blend all of the soup...I like to leave some chunks of squash in mine). Return to soup pot, blend all together. Sprinkle a few sunflower seeds on top once the soup has been ladled into a bowl.

That's it. I usually like to serve this with a simple mixed greens salad and a hearty bread.

-Jenn

Body & Soul