my life AS is...: What Works For You

Alrighty Spondy Followers, Supporters, and Fighters....

I have decided that I want to share some ideas on how to stay moving, healthy, and give you ideas on how to keep pain at bay. I am going to write some blog posts that share ideas on how to stay active and what tasty starch free meals are available. For anyone reading this that does not have A.S., you may find that these movements and recipes can be beneficial in your own life. Many of us suffer from inflammation, injury, back pain, or arthritis. These posts are for you too. Read them, share them, love them, and find what works for you! I will, of course, continue to update you on my own journey… because it’s me, and Lord knows I love to blab… even via blog. :-D

Movement or Mobility Idea

SWIMMING. Okay, let’s talk swimming. Swimming is one of the best LOW IMPACT exercises out there. It is also great for your cardiovascular system and helps develop muscle. It is one of the most recommended exercises for those with AS, arthritis, or recovering from injury.

Now, I understand that not all of you love swimming or feel that you are “strong” swimmers. That is okay. Swimming is like anything else, you get better by DOING it. For those of you who feel that you are not “strong” swimmers, or that the water makes you uncomfortable, I urge you to reach out to someone you know who loves to swim. Ask them for pointers and tips, or even better… ask them to go with you. If you can manage to buy yourself a swim lesson or two, I think this is a great investment. It is no different than paying for a trainer or class at the gym. DO IT.

I grew up swimming and was on a competitive swim team for 10 years. Since then, I have been a lifeguard, swim and dive coach, and lesson instructor. I am lucky that swimming is such a natural form of movement for me. I hope that swimming becomes a great source of training, recovery, and mobility for all of you.

First, you may need to know some basics. A standard pool is going to be either 25 yards or meters. Ask someone at your gym or on staff at the pool whether your pool is measured in yards or meters. A standard college or Olympic length pool is 50 meters, but you will not see these at a gym that often. A kick board and a pool buoy are good pieces of equipment to have on hand. Most gyms provide this equipment as well. A length means swimming down to the end of the pool. A lap is swimming to the end of pool and back. Most people swim the stroke “freestyle” and it is a good stroke to start with. Your legs should be straight when you are kicking and your hands should be is a somewhat“scoop” shape when you pull. Make sure that you are comfortable putting your face in the water and floating before you work on lap swimming. Knowing how to do a "side breath" will also make lap swimming much easier and efficient for you.The following is a good place to start once you have your basics down.

4X25 yard freestyle SWIM- (warm up) Take it easy and rest on the wall as needed
4X25 yard freestyle KICK- (straight legs, pointed toes) Use a kick board and rest on the wall for 30 seconds in between each length
4X25 yard freestyle STROKE- (just arms) Use a pool buoy. This will go in between your legs and allow you to work on just your stroke. Rest 30 seconds at the wall in between each length.
2X25 yard freestyle SWIM (full stroke)- Think about what you were working on when you isolated the kick and the pull. Rest 10 seconds in between lengths.
2x25 yard freestyle SWIM- (full stroke, sprint) Try to increase your speed and take less breaths. Rest a full minute before swimming the second length.

4X25 yard SWIM- (cool down) Take this nice and easy, breath often. Feel free to do freestyle or breaststroke if you know it. Rest as needed between lengths.

Feel free to modify this as needed. Swimming is a lot like running… Sometimes you start out slow and take a lot rest. You start with low distances and work your way up. Don’t be discouraged.

Okay. Now, LET’s TALK FOOD

Poblano Peppers stuffed with Shrimp, Chorizo, and Bacon!

Ingredients
2 poblano peppers

4 strips thick-cut bacon

1 small sweet onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ lb pound Mexican chorizo

1 cup previously grilled or sauteed shrimp, chopped

Directions
1. Cut the Poblanos in half and deseed them. Lay them on a cookie sheet with the outside or skin of the pepper facing up. Drizzle the peppers with oil. Broil the peppers for a couple minutes on High. Be sure to watch them closely. You want the peppers blistered, but still firm. Set aside to cool.

2. Cook the bacon at medium/low heat until crispy. I like to cook it at that temperature so it slowly releases the grease and cooks more evenly. Remove from pan and let cool and then chop finely.

3. In that same pan, add the onions and garlic. Season lightly with salt and pepper and cook for 6 to 7 minutes. Add the Mexican chorizo and cook for another 6 to 7 minutes, breaking down the chorizo as it cooks. If there is too much grease in the pan, drain it. It’s much easier to work with a filling that is not too wet. Add the bacon and shrimp to the mixture.

4. Turn the peppers over and fill with the mixture. I find it easier to just use my hands to fill and press the filling in gently. Top the peppers and mixture with cheese. Broil the peppers on high just until the cheese is melted.

5. Pull peppers out and let cool for a couple minutes. Then… ENJOY! Here is a picture of the end result. A serving can be ½ a pepper or a whole pepper depending on how hungry you are. I had mine with salsa. J

The meal is loaded with yummy meats, shrimp, and cheese… and it is STARCH FREE! I thought it was fantastic, so I am hopeful you think the same. Let me know your thoughts.

Update....

As for me, I am doing fine. I am staying busy, but trying to keep my stress levels down. I have been experimenting with a low starch diet again, but it is hard to stick to especially when traveling and going out. Speaking of traveling, I have been doing a lot of that. Recently, my boyfriend and I took a trip to some hot springs both in February and March. We went to the Princeton Hot Springs here in Colorado and the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort in Saratoga, Wyoming. The hot springs are filled with mineral waters and they are said to have healing effects. I definitely feel like my body and my AS benefit from soaking in them and have tried to incorporate more hot springs in my life and travel adventure. Other than that, I just started biking again. I have not been on my bike since November and I am feeling a little rusty, but excited for the warmer weather. I am still only taking an anti-inflammatory and using physical therapy and yoga to help myself work through any pain and stay mobile. All and all, this girl is staying on top of her A.S. and enjoying life! Here are some pictures from my hot spring adventures…