Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris, Smith

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A Healthy Recipe for You and Your Family

A Healthy Recipe from Our Partners at Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers

Prep: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees

Step One: Cook the Bacon (4 slices)   

Place the bacon strips on a foil-lined baking sheet.  Bake for 10-12 minutes.  When bacon is done, remove from the oven and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb some of the grease.  When cool, break into bite size pieces and set aside.  (If there is bacon fat/grease left on the foil, don’t throw it away, you will add it to the Brussels sprouts).

Step Two: Toast the Pecans (1/2 cup raw pecans–chopped)

While bacon is cooking, add pecans to a small dry skillet and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until toasted and fragrant.  Set aside.

Step Three: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

What you’ll need:

  • 2 lbs brussels sprouts(stem end trimmed, and cut in half)
  • 1/2 cup red onion(chopped, OPTIONAL)
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Add to a large bowl, along with any bacon grease, and toss to combine.  Spread onto a greased baking sheet in a single layer.  Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes so they brown evenly.

Step Four: Finish the Brussels Sprouts

What you’ll need:

  • 2 1/2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup

Add to the pan of Brussels sprouts and onion when you remove them from the oven and toss to evenly coat.  Then add to a serving bowl along with the bacon crumbles and toasted pecans.  

Serve and Enjoy!

NUTRITION INFORMATION FOR ONE SERVING

Calories: 350, Fat: 24 g, Saturated Fat: 3.5 g, Total Carbohydrate: 28 g, Fiber: 10 g, Sugars: 11 g, Protein: 12 g, Sodium: 440 mg

Ring in the New Year with Reasonable and Achievable Fitness Goals

Every year as the clock strikes midnight on December 31, millions of people begin to make their New Year’s resolutions.  Giving yourself too big of a New Year’s resolution can make it tough to stick to your personal goal throughout the year.  With the new year underway, we encourage you to set reasonable goals, which can lead to better end results.

If you are starting to think about your personal goals for the new year, you may want to consider these six manageable fitness resolutions:

Move Your Body Every Day

One attainable goal for 2019 can be to add extra movement into your everyday routine. Whether it’s taking a stroll during your workday or attending a group exercise class, any physical activity is a step in the right direction.

At the Y, you’ll find a wide variety of fitness programs at convenient times for you and your family.  Find a class you enjoy attending—it will keep you motivated and committed to accomplishing your personal goals.

Try a Different Exercise Routine

If you find yourself doing the same exercise routine daily, consider trying something new in 2019.  At the Y, you’ll find several different opportunities to enhance and revitalize your traditional workout routines. Take advantage of our state-of-the-art machines, try a new group exercise class, or take a swim in one of our indoor lap pools.

Take Time to Meditate

Taking time for yourself is important, even if it’s only for a few minutes a day.  Meditation at the end of a stressful day can help you achieve a healthy spirit and body.

Did you know?

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA offers a group exercise class that incorporates meditation?  Mind and Body Healing, which combines yoga and meditation, is held on Tuesday mornings from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA.  This class is free for YMCA Facility Members.

Participate in a Race

Kick-start your January fitness resolutions by signing up for a local race in 2019.  Giving yourself something to look forward to will help to make your trips to the gym easier. And, you may find it fun to register for a race with a friend. Training with a friend will help you stay focused and committed to your goal.  Remember, you can bring your friend along with you to the Y by using your free guest passes.

Did you know?

You can earn a free month of membership when you refer a friend to the Y?  If you know a friend or family member looking to focus on improving their health and well-being in 2019, they can join the Y too!  Throughout the month of January, your friend will pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee when the sign up for a YMCA membership.

Get a Good Amount of Sleep

As you plan your 2019 fitness resolutions, you might not consider getting an appropriate amount of sleep as a goal.  But, getting a good night’s rest is critical for those with an active lifestyle.

Are you thinking of making this your New Year’s resolution?  If so, review your current bedtime routine.  If you find yourself watching TV or browsing social media on your phone before bed, try removing electronics from your routine.  By removing these distractions, you may find it easier to fall asleep, which will help you to get the right amount of shut-eye.

Stay on Track with a Fitness App

Fitness apps are a great way to track your progress.  You can browse through numerous fitness apps in your mobile application store to find one that’s right for you, or you can use the Y’s state-of-the-art exercise machines, which come equipped with the newest technology.  The Y’s interactive exercise machines offer members the latest fitness technology so they can achieve their health and wellness goals all year long.

New Year’s Resolutions Happen at the Y

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA has programs and classes for every member of your family.  Make sure to check out our 2019 winter and spring program guide to see how the Y can help you achieve your fitness goals in the new year.  Registration is currently underway!  Visit www.jolietymca.org, call (815) SAY-YMCA or stop by the Membership Desk during your next visit.

For additional ideas on how to jump-start your fitness goals in 2019, click here.

Eating Right: Breakfast Strata Primavera Recipe

A healthy recipe from our partners at Presence Health

Prep Time: 8 hours and 15 minutes

Cook Time: 65-75 Minutes

Serving Size: 8

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 bunch asparagus (about 1/2 pound) trimmed and sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup green peas, fresh or frozen
  • 10 large eggs
  • 2 cups nonfat milk
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese lightly packed (3/4 ounce)
  • 2 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (1/2 cup)
  • 1 large carrot, shredded (1 cup)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes, soaked in hot water to rehydrate if very dry
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon leaves or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 cups cubed whole-wheat baguette or other crusty bread (1-inch cubes)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to cook for 1 minute more. Add the asparagus and cook, stirring occasionally, until just beginning to soften, 1 minute. Stir in the peas, remove from the heat and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and mustard together until incorporated. Add the vegetable mixture, both kinds of cheese, the carrot, sun-dried tomatoes, tarragon, pepper and salt, and stir to incorporate. Add the bread and toss to combine.
  3. Spray a 9x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and transfer the mixture to the dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or at least 8 hours.
  4. Remove the strata from the refrigerator, uncover and allow to sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake until set and the top forms a golden brown crust, 65-75 minutes.

Nutrition Facts: Calories: 290, Carbs: 34g, Protein: 17g Fat: 10g, Sat. fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 195mg, Sodium: 530mg, Fiber: 5g

A Workout Playlist Fit for the Holiday Season


The holiday season is underway and we hope you’re finding time to focus on your health and well-being as much as your busy holiday schedule allows.   In the midst of family gatherings and Christmas parties, you may also be planning your fitness goals for the new year or looking to refresh your current exercise routine.  Revitalize your workouts and kick-start your January fitness resolutions with a fun playlist which will help to take your mind off your next set of burpees.

If you’re looking for cheerful jingles to get into the Christmas spirit and power through your next workout, you might consider adding these songs to your playlist for the holiday season:

  1. Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
  2. Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
  3. Naughty Naughty Children (Better Start Actin’ Nice) – Grace Potter
  4. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – The Jackson 5
  5. Little Saint Nick – The Beach Boys
  6. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Leona Lewis
  7. All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
  8. Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon and Yoko Ono
  9. 8 Days of Christmas – Destiny’s Child
  10. Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney
  11. Is This Christmas – The Wombats
  12. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town – Bruce Springsteen
  13. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays – *NSYNC
  14. Last Christmas – Ariana Grande
  15. Drummer Boy – Justin Bieber and Busta Rhymes
  16. It’s Christmas Time Again – Backstreet Boys
  17. Run Rudolph Run – CeeLo Green
  18. Merry Christmas Baby – Hanson

To learn more about refreshing your exercise routine or to jump-start your fitness goals for the new year, be sure to speak with a member of our Wellness team during your next visit.  And, if all you want for Christmas is to listen to this track list today, head over to the full article, courtesy of Fitness Magazine.

Eating Right: Pomegranate Christmas Tree Salad Recipe

A healthy recipe from our partners at Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers

Serves: 4
Ready In: 20 Minutes

Step One:  Make the dressing

  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp ground coriander(or dried cilantro)
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne red pepper
  • 1/8 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp orange zest (grated orange peel)

Step Two: Make the salad

  • 1 bunch swiss chard(or kale, sliced into strips or ribbons)
  • 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds(seeds from one medium    pomegranate – see quick tip)
  • 3/4 cup red seedless grapes(sliced)
  • 2 mandarin oranges(peeled and sliced)
  • 1 small white onion(diced, about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans(or walnuts, toasted if desired)
  • 2 Tbsp dried cranberries(or raisins)
  • 1 apple (chopped)

Place in a bowl or mason jar and stir or shake to combine ingredients.  Set aside.

Step Three: Serve and Enjoy!

Quick Tips

If you have never seeded a pomegranate before, don’t be intimidated!  The easiest way we have found is to first fill a bowl with cool water and then cut the pomegranate in half.  One at a time, place the pomegranate half in the water and pry the seeds out.  The water helps the white pulp float to the top which makes it easier to separate the seeds out.  See our coaching tip for more on pomegranates!  

Toasting nuts can really add tremendous flavor to your salads, and it is so easy!  Add nuts to a small dry skillet over medium heat.  Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until toasted and fragrant.  Then, let cool slightly before adding to the salad.

If you really want to impress your guests you can add a toast star topper on your salad.  Simply toast a piece of whole wheat bread and then use a star cookie cutter to make the festive star shape!

NUTRITION INFORMATION FOR ONE SERVING

Calories: 215, Fat: 10.5 g, Saturated Fat: 0.9 g, Total Carbohydrate: 32 g, Fiber: 6 g, Sugars: 22 g, Protein: 3 g, Sodium: 275 mg

YMCA Staff Pledge 55K For BE THE GOOD Campaign


Greater Joliet Area YMCA staff is giving back in a big way. Together, they’ve pledged more than $55,000 in support of the Y’s 2019 BE THE GOOD Campaign. Campaign funds will be used to provide financial assistance to local individuals and families who are unable to afford YMCA membership dues or program fees.

A mainstay in the community for more than 90 years, the YMCA brings families closer together, encourages good health, and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. At the Y, no one is turned away due to the inability to pay.

YMCA staff has also contributed more than $5,000 in support of the United Way of Will County and the United Way of Grundy County. The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is a United Way partner agency.

If you’re interested in making a year-end contribution to the YMCA, please click here. All gifts are tax-deductible. Those who make a charitable gift of $50 or more by December 31 will have a chance to win a free 6-month membership along with a free 6-month membership they can gift to a friend.

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