Dear Friends,
This week there will not be LG Boot Camp. I will be in San Diego at a small group fitness workshop led by one of the top 10 trainers in the country. I’m excited! The next LG Boot Camp session begins Monday October 14th. There won’t be any other breaks until the week of December 25th. I have a lot in store for you!
I just returned home from a weekend enjoying some wonderful family time visiting my son Stevie, a college freshman. He doesn’t seem all that homesick, but I know that’s a good thing. 🙂 Santa Barbara has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I think he was ready for me to leave. I was not ready to go. Also a good thing.
I am always struck by unexpected special moments that touch or inspire me. This morning we attended a local church service. What I love about this particular community is the age diversity of its members. It’s great to see the very young and the very old sharing in something that is meaningful to them. What struck me was a moment I’ll remember for a long time, at least I hope I do. As I was walking slowly up to the front, I felt someone grab my hand. It was a very tiny, very old woman. She had the sweetest smile and kindest eyes and she wished me good morning. Her hand was so soft and warm, I wanted to just sit and talk to her. Then I watched as she touched every single person who walked by with a greeting and smile. She was genuinely happy to see them. I loved the reactions of all the different people she reached out to say hello to. A very tall college boy gently bent over and gave her a hug, and a young mom kissed her on her cheek. She initiated community and kindness and it was returned. She made my day, and I’m she sure made the day a little more special and meaningful for many others. “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Leo Buscaglia
Have a great week, I’ll be in touch soon!
Love,
Lori
Food for Thought:
Apple Butternut Squash Soup with Goat Cheese (4 servings)
BodyRock.tv
Make a big batch of this nutrient packed soup to eat at your leisure. Bonus: Top with 1 teaspoon of goat cheese for a kick of flavor.
Ingredients:
1 butternut squash, peeled, chopped, seedless. 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 stalks of celery. 1 peeled tart green apple
1 tablespoon olive oil. 3 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth. 1 cup water. 1/4 tablespoon nutmeg. 1/4 tablespoon cinnamon. 1/4 tablespoon dried cayenne pepper. salt to taste pepper to taste. 1 teaspoon goat cheese
Directions:
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions, celery and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes. Turn heat down if vegetables start to brown.
Add apple, squash, broth and water to the saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, cover and turn the heat down to a simmer for about 30 minutes or until the squash and carrots become soft. Puree the mixture either with a hand blender or in a free standing blender and then put the mixture back into a clean pot. Add the spices and salt and pepper to taste and let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
Top with 1 teaspoon goat cheese.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 265 Fat: 8 grams Carbs: 40 grams Protein: 7 grams
