Your Body May Need a Break, Here’s Why

When it comes to exercising, there’s a difference between pushing yourself to your limits and overexerting yourself. Oftentimes, this difference is very small, which is why it’s so important to know when your body needs a break:

1. You’re always tired. If you’re constantly fatigued, even after getting enough sleep, chances you’re working your body too hard.
2. You’re always sore. A little bit of muscle soreness that occurs 24-48 hours after your workout isn’t necessarily a bad thing—it means your workout was effective. However, extensive or prolonged soreness means you’re overtraining your body.
3. You’re feeling stiff. Doing the same exercises, particularly running on hard surfaces, can wreak havoc on your joints. This is especially true if you don’t give yourself enough time to recover. That’s why having a rest day is so important.

For more information, talk to your doctor.

• 6 ounces rice noodles
• 4 tsp. oil
• 1 onion (medium, finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
• 1 cup carrot (grated)
• 2 tsp. chicken bouillon
• 1 tsp. hot pepper sauce
• 1 cup broccoli (cut into small pieces)
• 1 cup celery (chopped)
• 1 cup bell pepper (finely chopped)
• 4 tsp. soy sauce

1. Prepare noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté onion and garlic with oil in a skillet for 1 minute over medium/high heat.
3. Add carrot, chicken bouillon and pepper sauce. Stir.
4. Add broccoli, celery and bell pepper and continue to stir.
5. Reduce heat to low, and add noodles and soy sauce. Mix well over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Makes: 6 servings