Saturday, January 5, 2013

Saturday...

Taking a rest day away from major fitness and the gym is a definite MUST and something that is very challenging for me. But because I know that giving the body a break is not only ok, it's actually incredibly important, I gave myself this Saturday to just chill out ... 

The morning started off slow. 1030am wake up ( hours later than normal ), a leisurely walk across the street for an Americano, followed by a really yummy breakfast: Peanut Butter Banana Oats.

After some major house organization I met up with Lauren for a Hot Class at YYoga... it was packed, sweaty and felt amazing. 

What is your favourite thing to do on a Saturday?

Peanut Butter Banana Oats 

Ingredients:
  • 1 large very ripe banana, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 tsp coconut oil
  • 1/2 tbsp natural peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2-1 tsp chia seed (or ground flax)
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8-1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • toppings: So many options: heaping 1/2 tbsp peanut butter, nuts, cinnamon, pure maple syrup, honey, yogurt 


1. In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, cook the banana and non-dairy butter or oil for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Stir in 1/2 tbsp peanut butter, and add the oats, chia, milk, spices, and a pinch of salt. Whisk well until combined.
3. Bring to a low boil and then reduce heat to a simmer, stirring often for 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
4. Scoop into a bowl and top!





Thursday, December 27, 2012

Urdhva Dhanurasana





1- Lie supine on the floor. Bend your knees and set your feet on the floor, heels as close to the sitting bones as possible. Bend your elbows and spread your palms on the floor beside your head, forearms relatively perpendicular to the floor, fingers pointing toward your shoulders.

2- Pressing your inner feet actively into the floor, exhale and push your tailbone up toward the pubis, firming (but not hardening) the buttocks, and lift the buttocks off the floor. Keep your thighs and inner feet parallel. Take 2 or 3 breaths. Then firmly press the inner hands into the floor and your shoulder blades against the back and lift up onto the crown of your head. Keep your arms parallel. Take 2 or 3 breaths.

3-Press your feet and hands into the floor, tailbone and shoulder blades against your back, and with an exhalation, lift your head off the floor and straighten your arms. Turn the upper thighs slightly inward and firm the outer thighs. Narrow the hip points and lengthen the tailbone toward the backs of the knees, lifting the pubis toward the navel.

4-Turn the upper arms outward but keep the weight on the bases of the index fingers. Spread the shoulder blades across the back and let the head hang, or lift it slightly to look down at the floor.

BENEFITS: Stretches chest and lungs/ Strengthens arms, wrists, legs, buttocks, abdomen and spine/ Stimulates thyroid and pituitary/ Increases energy and counteracts depression/ Therapeutic for asthma, back pain, infertility and osteoporosis 

No Excuses


Friday, December 14, 2012

Juice Junkie

Juicing is one of the best things I do for my health. Since making it a part of my routine, not only does my skin feel brighter and healthier, my nails are stronger and my energy levels in the morning are wayyyy up! 
When I down that glass of this green goodness I literally feel  my cells start to buzz... below is just one example of the stuff I will throw into the juicer- it's really hard to go wrong and I have yet to find a combination of veg and fruit that doesn't taste AMAZING together. 


Need more inspiration to get your a glass of this flowing...??

Here are some more juicy benefits:
- Cellular detox
- Less inflammation (see acne, rosacea and other skin conditions)
- Boosted immunity
- Mental Clarity
- Leaner body
- More restful sleep
- Better digestion
... the list goes on and on and on...


Thursday, December 13, 2012

...yoga

"all the powers in the universe are already ours. it is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark" 


Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Challenge: 6 Minute Plank


30 Seconds Forearm Plank 
30 Seconds Straight Arm Plank 
(Repeat 2x) 
60 Seconds Right Side Plank 
60 Seconds Left Side Plank 
30 Seconds Hip Drops 
30 Seconds Knee Drops 
(Repeat 2x)